Bra banks launched in Lincolnshire libraries to support breast cancer research

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Bra banks launched in Lincolnshire libraries to support breast cancer research

Bra banks have arrived at Lincolnshire’s libraries to encourage members of the public to donate bras that they no longer need to raise vital funds for breast cancer research.

The bra banks have been installed in partnership with breast cancer charity, Against Breast Cancer. You can find bra banks at:
  • Boston Library
  • Gainsborough Library
  • Grantham Library
  • Horncastle Library
  • Keelby Library
  • Lincoln Central Library
  • Long Sutton Library
  • Mablethorpe Library
  • Skegness Library
  • Sleaford Library
  • Spalding Library
  • Stamford Library
Donated bras are sent for textile recovery, giving them a new lease of life and raising money for Against Breast Cancer, which they use to fund research. Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Now, thanks to this scheme, when your old bra is done supporting you, it can go on to support vital research. “It’s nice to know that not only will your old bra be recycled, it’s making a difference for people living with breast cancer. And by having them in our libraries it gives people the opportunity to donate their bras to the scheme really easily.” Nicola Rogers, Lincolnshire Libraries partnership manager at GLL, said: “We’re really proud to be able to introduce this initiative in our county’s libraries and support this good cause. “As a charitable social enterprise, one of our core values is to respect the planet. To be able to recycle fabric, along with raising funds for and awareness of Against Breast Cancer is a ‘win, win’. “This is an initiative we are delighted to be supporting, and we hope to see lots of our residents use these bra banks while visiting us.”
  Picture shows Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, at Lincoln Central Library’s bra bank. Credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Daughter takes on marathon to thank rehabilitation ward

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Daughter takes on marathon to thank rehabilitation ward
A daughter of a committed runner will be lacing up her own running trainers to fundraise for a ward which helped with her dad’s recovery after life-changing surgery. Stewart Bibby, from Market Rasen, was admitted to Ashby Ward at Lincoln County Hospital after receiving major surgery to stop a bleed on the brain. When Stewart (58) arrived on the ward, he couldn’t walk or communicate, other than through facial expressions. The team supported Stewart with his recovery through physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Stewart said: “The team have been such a crucial part of my recovery and I cannot thank the team enough for the care and support they have given me. Not only have they helped me become myself again, they have also become my friends. “I must admit when I first arrived on the ward, I wasn’t the most well-behaved patient! I was placed under observation because I kept climbing out of bed and constantly falling over. For me, this was my turning point as I knew that something needed to change. I knuckled down, listened to the advice and focused on getting better. “Thanks to the team, I was discharged at the start of January and I am now back home with my family.” Ashby Ward provides rehabilitation to people with long-term neurological conditions, as well as those who have traumatic/acquired brain injuries and need complex rehabilitation. Patients, their families and carers are critical to the rehabilitation process and are heavily involved in contributing to the programme. To thank the ward for the support given to her dad, Stewart’s daughter, Nancy Bibby, will be running the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025 to raise money for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. The charity provides patients and staff with the extra items not funded through the NHS but which often make a massive difference. Nancy said: “My dad has always been into his running which is why I’ve chosen to raise money for the ward. The whole team have been incredible in helping my dad with this recovery. We’re so thankful that he has fully recovered and is back home with his family.” Ben Petts, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, said: “We are so pleased that Stewart has recovered and returned home with his family. Thank you to Nancy for choosing to raise money for our charity which makes such a difference for our patients, visitors and hardworking colleagues in the NHS.” Ben added: “We’d like to wish Nancy all the best for the marathon!” To contribute to Nancy’s fundraiser, please visit the fundraising page.   Image credit: Google maps

North East Lincolnshire Council awarded £400,000 to get active

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North East Lincolnshire Council awarded £400,000 to get active
North East Lincolnshire Council have been awarded over £400,000 to help North East Lincolnshire get more active. Sport England announced the £401,159 grant for North East Lincolnshire as part of their £250 million round of funding for 53 areas across England. This investment will build upon the foundations across the borough that are essential in ensuring everyone can be physically active. It will support the delivery of the Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, supporting residents to lead more physically active lives. The strategy was developed to align with Sport England’s wider national strategy “Uniting the Movement” that recognises the need to focus investment and resources on the communities that need it most. Specifically, this is about building the movement from the ground up by working with organisations and communities to understand the issues and barriers facing people to get active, and working together to develop local solutions. This will include:
  • Supporting work around sport and physical activity in North East Lincolnshire
  • Providing capacity to develop a larger funding application to Sport England in 2026/27
  • Funding for a range of collaborative and partnership work within the local sector
Sport and physical activity is also essential for a healthy lifestyle in children and young people. This investment aims to support, increase opportunities and reduce barriers for children and young people locally to be active in North East Lincolnshire. Additionally, this grant enables the Council to explore local initiatives to encourage more sustainable ways of travel that benefit people’s physical health as well as the wider environment. Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage, and the Visitor Economy, said: “This is great news for our residents and the borough in general. “We’re dedicated to providing a borough that has both the means and the drive to help people be more physically active. “We’re looking forward to working with various community groups to see how the funding can be best used and watching the area develop as we progress.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Yuri Hoyda

Opportunities abound at Lincoln College’s Your Future Careers Expo

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Opportunities abound at Lincoln College’s Your Future Careers Expo
Lincoln College hosted a day of networking, opportunities and provided a link between employers and students today. Your Future Careers Expo is now an annual event that brings more than 50 employers together so that the current cohort of Lincoln College, Newark College and Air & Space Institute (Newark) students can strike up conversations, showcase their CVs or even interview for work experience, placements or apprenticeships. Mark Locking, Principal and CEO, said: “It has been really inspiring to see, once more, how engaged our students were with employers who had very kindly given their time to come and discuss and present the opportunities available. I’m certain several of the discussions had today will lead to a future career for many of our students.” Former Lincoln College student, Jack Fairweather, currently working at the Environment Agency as a Project Management Apprentice, attended today’s event to speak with current students about progression opportunities. Jack began his journey studying at the School of Food & Hospitality at Lincoln College for two years, before progressing onto the Level 3 Business course. While studying business, he undertook a 9-month industry placement, which helped him advance to the specialist Level 4 Apprenticeship. Jack says: “During my time at Lincoln College, my studies significantly boosted my confidence, especially when paired with my placement. The financial aspect of the course content in business was particularly beneficial and helped build the skillset I now have for my current role. “In my apprenticeship role, I support the delivery of our flood and coastal risk management programme, which includes tasks such as repairing flood walls, sluice gates, and locks. This includes anything related to main rivers. I have also had experience handling some of the financial reporting and organising team events.” Grantham-based BGB Innovation were on the lookout for 3 Mechanical Engineering apprentices – a fantastic opportunity for students, who were prompt and ready with their CVs. Elsewhere, construction experts Galliford Try were on hand to speak to anyone interested in the wide and varied roles that the company offers. Communities and Social Impact Manager, Joanne Scialo, said: “We are here seeking those enthusiastic about construction and are offering opportunities for work experience, placement opportunities and the chance to start an apprenticeship with us. “We have specialities both on the professional side as well as the more site-based positions. This ranges from civil engineering to marketing and everything in between. We’re here to break down stereotypes that people might have that are related to construction, it’s a wide-ranging industry.” Josh Cooke, a Mechanical Design Engineer from HGL Dynamics, a data management system specialist, said: “We’re here today not only to get our name out there, but to really show that careers within specialist engineering are available. We supply components to the aerospace industry, so hearing from students currently studying relevant subjects is really valuable for us.” Social Impact Business Partner at Graham, a civil engineering firm, Lynsey Harris, said: “We are a Northern Ireland-based civil engineering firm, but we are currently overseeing the transformation of the road and bridge at Tritton Road in Lincoln. “We’re here to highlight the opportunities that we have at Graham and to talk about the Graham Academy, where we manage our work experience, work placement and apprenticeships. We also provide a graduate programme, so we’re always keen to speak to people, no matter what level they are at. “Those interested today could have long-term careers with companies like us. Some of our Academy candidates have gone on to spend almost a decade with us now, so the opportunities are there!”

Sleaford’s cinema development fund swells to £5m

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Sleaford’s cinema development fund swells to £5m
An additional £2.2m has been put aside by North Kesteven District Council to fulfil its aspirations to deliver a cinema in Sleaford. By dedicating this new allocation within its £310m 10-year capital programme for targeted investments in projects District-wide, and adding to the £2.8m already earmarked, the Council has built a total fund of £5m. This ensures that it can move forward as swiftly as possible when ongoing discussions with a potential operator are concluded. Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said: “We remain fully committed to our intention to deliver a new cinema for the area. Currently there are complex legal discussions underway with a potential operator to bring forward a fresh proposal that sits within a broader vision of regeneration. “I am optimistic that we are not too far away now from concluding what are called Heads of Terms and so it is essential to have the funds committed and put aside for as soon as they are needed.” In the five years since the Council outlined its previous proposals – put to an end by the Covid pandemic – the economic position of such a project has changed enormously, said Cllr Wright, but the Council’s position in seeing it as a significant benefit to the cultural and economic profile of the town has not. “The realisation of a cinema remains a key objective within both the Sleaford Masterplan and the Council’s investment aspirations. Given the enthusiasm that is continually expressed for a cinema to be included within our regeneration vision, I am reassured that we continue to be doing the right thing by exploring opportunities to bring one to fruition,” he said.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mr. Music

Schoolchildren to create food larder for village residents

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Schoolchildren to create food larder for village residents
Sharing their community spirit, children from Newton on Trent Church of England Primary School are looking to establish a food larder in the village. The initiative follows the closure of the village’s only shop, following the owners’ retirement. The food larder will provide a lifeline for the community by offering vital supplies in an easily accessible location. This effort not only ensures that residents will have access to necessities but also strengthens the bonds between generations within the village. It will include food and personal hygiene items, a library and seasonal goods such as warm blankets in the winter and occasional treats baked by the children. The intention is that the children of the school will be responsible for the maintenance and care of the larder, and residents will donate items when and if they are able to. The children are trying to raise £1,000 to get the scheme off the ground. They are already more than halfway to achieving their total, thanks to six West Lindsey District Councillors, who have donated £600 from their Councillor Initiative Fund. Cllr Lynda Mullally was approached by the headteacher of the school, Mrs Aimee Riley, and asked for other councillors to support the initiative. She said: “This project is a shining example of how our community comes together in challenging times. Supporting the younger generation to help their neighbours is inspiring and demonstrates the kindness and resilience of Newton on Trent’s residents. “We are a small village with some elderly people who cannot get out and about. We do have a bus service, which was recently reinstated, but it only runs twice a day and returns once a day. “We are proud to support this effort and ensure no one is left without access to essential items. I would like to say a huge thank you to the other five councillors who each donated £100 to this fantastic project.” The councillors are, Cllr Lynda Mullally, Cllr Lesley Rollings, Cllr Karen Carless, Cllr Liz Clews, Cllr Emma Bailey, and Cllr Mandy Snee, who all contributed £100 each from their Councillor Initiative Fund. Headteacher Mrs Aimee Riley welcomed the funding, which has helped give the project a boost. She said: “As a school, we are continually looking for ways for our pupils to support our local community and add to the wonderful social outreach work carried out by many of its residents. We ran a survey of our school community last year and were saddened to see just how much the current cost of living crisis was impacting families in our village. “As a result, we have opened our gates several times to the community with initiatives such as a free winter meal, seasonal celebrations, community breakfasts and more. We have recently appointed a Community Lead within the school, to ensure that this hard work continues into the future. “This larder is the first step in bringing about long-term change within the village and is only the beginning of what we hope to achieve. “It is important to us to teach our children that, in order for your community to thrive, you need to actively contribute. They are as excited as we are to get this project off the ground and children of all ages, from 2 to 11, will have a part to play in its future success.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/JenkoAtaman

Trekkers invited to Wolds Walk in aid of hospital charity

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Trekkers invited to Wolds Walk in aid of hospital charity
Ramblers, trekkers and anyone who fancies a walk across the Lincolnshire Wolds are invited to put on their hiking boots in aid of a local hospital charity. United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has teamed up with Richard Fish Outdoor Adventures to organise the fundraising Wolds Walk for the second year running, taking place on Saturday 17 May from 10am. It will cover an eight mile circuit this year starting at The Viking Way Garden Café and Gift Shop, taking in some of the best views of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Registration is £20 for adults and £15 for children, which includes a charity T-shirt. Those taking part are also asked to raise a minimum of £20.25 in sponsorship. United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “We are asking for £20.25 to represent the fact the walk is taking place in 2025. On the day you will be supported by the charity and Richard Fish Outdoor Adventure staff and volunteers. “Every step you take will enable us to support United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust patients and staff with those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS. “Children can join the walk as long as they are comfortable with the distance and are accompanied by an adult at all times. Dogs are also welcome to join us for a donation of £2 as long as they are capable of the distance, are well-behaved, on leads at all times and that owners are responsible for any waste and ensuring they are okay with any livestock we may come across.” The route this year will be marshalled and will not be a guided walk. Instructions will be provided and Richard’s team will be at key points along the route to direct.   Image: some of those who took part in last year’s Wolds Walk. Credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Grimsby secures £20m to build stronger communities

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Grimsby secures £20m to build stronger communities
The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, has welcomed news of a funding boost of up to £20 million for Grimsby, saying it will support the authority’s ambition to build a stronger economy and stronger communities. The Government has announced that Yorkshire and the Humber will receive a £180 million share of a total of £1.5 billion which will be invested across the UK to ‘foster stronger, better connected and healthier communities’. The money will support its new ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’ with 75 communities selected to bring residents and businesses together to decide how best to spend the money in their areas. Grimsby is one of the nine towns selected across Yorkshire and the Humber, getting up to £20 million. Cllr Philip Jackson said: “This is great news and we warmly welcome this funding as we look to deliver our ambition across North East Lincolnshire of building a stronger economy and stronger communities. “As we say in our new Council Plan, we cannot effect positive change alone but working with our partners we can move forward to improve lives for children, adults and families. Our ambition in this respect reflects the aims set out in this new Plan for Neighbourhoods and we look forward to working together with others in the coming months to look at the very best investment for this extra funding in Grimsby.” Once established, individual neighbourhood boards in each of the areas will decide how to use the funding and support – they can choose from options ranging from repairs to pavements and high streets, to setting up low-cost community grocers providing low-cost alternatives when shopping for essentials, as well as co-operatives or even neighbourhood watches. Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner MP said: “Communities across the UK have so much to offer – rich cultural capital, unique heritage but most of all, an understanding of their own neighbourhood. “Our fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods puts local people in the driving seat of their potential, having control of where the Whitehall cash goes – what issues they want to tackle, where they want to regenerate and what growth they want to turbocharge.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Business hub to be created at Grantham Library

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Business hub to be created at Grantham Library

Grantham is set to benefit from a new business hub, which will bring flexible workspaces with modern technology to the library.

The transformation will see a new IT suite equipped with business software added, as well as drop-in working zones kitted out with acoustic booths and ‘bubbles’. Facilities have been designed with flexibility in mind, meaning the spaces can be used as additional study space for library users, as well as by local education providers, community groups, and more. Visitors can also look forward to a refreshed and redecorated library, with new carpets fitted throughout. Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “With more than 10,000 registered users, and a packed programme of events offering everything from coding clubs to crocheting, Grantham is already one of our most popular libraries. “Now we want to further develop the range of services on offer to help local people. That’s why we’re investing in a suite of new facilities to support the town’s small businesses, providing three new flexible working areas to meet their needs. “By listening to residents and businesses and implementing creative solutions like business hubs, we can continue to ensure that Lincolnshire’s libraries remain the beating heart of community life.” Grantham is the third library in Lincolnshire to benefit from the addition of business hubs, following Lincoln and Spalding libraries, and work is expected to start later this summer.
  Image: Cllr Richard Davies, county councillor for Grantham West, studies plans for Grantham Library with Boglarka David, Cultural Services Advisor. Picture credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Subaru Forester

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Subaru Forester

An unrivalled combination of safety, capability and reliability

Since its launch in 1997, the Subaru Forester has been a mainstay of the motoring world, with more than five million vehicles sold globally and over 400,000 cars shifted in Europe alone. The 2025 iteration keeps momentum by mixing refinement with ruggedness to become the perfect companion for adventure.

The new Forester has been redesigned to express its all-weather performance with cleaner, simpler, and more subtle styling. The vehicle offers improved drivability and increased on and off-road capability over the earlier model.

It matches Subaru’s iconic symmetrical, always-on, all-wheel drive system to an enhanced edition of the company’s renowned e-Boxer mild-hybrid power unit. It also boasts an improved X-mode terrain selection system and class-leading 220mm ground clearance.

The Forester offers three trim levels: Limited, Field, and Touring. The test subject here is the £42,995 top-of-the-line Touring model, which is attractive with its glossy blacked-out exterior trim and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Indeed, the Subaru impresses with its new looks at first glance. The front grille adds a sense of width and solidity, capped by slender signature lights and blackout headlamps that give it a contemporary feel. Fresh LED cornering lights also increase night-time visibility by lighting up the front of the vehicle while turning, helping you spot potential obstructions sooner.

The side is defined by sleek lines interrupted only by pleasingly sculpted wheel arches that accommodate attractive alloy wheels, contributing to the Forester’s robust appearance.

The large-opening tailgate provides a spacious cargo area, which we’ll discuss further in a bit. Plus, details, such as a hummingbird design on the windscreen and paw prints on the door trim, contribute to the Subaru’s lively personality.

The new Forester comes with an 11.6-inch Full HD infotainment touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1080 to improve the usability of its features and controls. The system has increased connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and improved navigation compatible with what3words.

The Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine delivers smooth acceleration and has gained more torque –  182Nm @ 4000 RPM. The X-mode is ideal for going off the tarmac – and has settings for stuff like mud and snow. And you’ll be glad that the front seats are designed to minimise fatigue and maximise comfort during long drives. The cabin also offers class-leading quietness thanks to active acoustic engineering. This serves to create a serene environment.

Functionally, the 2025 Forester boasts an impressive 508 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,720 litres when needed. Features like the hands-free powered tailgate with a kick sensor simplify loading and unloading.

The redesigned Forester’s permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive and specially engineered e-Boxer mild-hybrid powertrain manage the power split between the electric motor and engine through seamless switching between three driving modes: Engine, EV, and Motor Assist. This versatility enhances fuel efficiency according to driving conditions.

All Subaru Foresters have a factory warranty of three years or 60,000 miles. The traction battery has an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Maintenance intervals are every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.

Although it sells well globally, this model isn’t considered especially common in the UK compared with other vehicles, which adds to its appeal by ensuring you’ll stand out. Only time will reveal whether this sixth-generation Forester becomes the best-selling version to date.

Fast Facts

New 2025 Subaru Forester:

    • Max speed: 117 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 12.2 secs
    • Fuel economy: 34.9 mpg
    • Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
    • Max. power (BHP): 134
    • CO2: 183 g/km
    • Price from: £42,995 – as tested (Touring model).

Available at RICHTOY, 1-2 King Street, Winterton, North Lincolnshire DN15 9RN. Tel: 01724 735282. www.richtoy.co.uk

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