Usher Gallery opens refreshed spaces with local art focus

April Lara
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Usher Gallery opens refreshed spaces with local art focus

Lincoln’s Usher Gallery has reopened two redesigned rooms as part of the first phase of its Arts Council England-funded rehang.

The new display, called Stories from the Stores, draws on public feedback gathered last year, when more than 400 visitors suggested the works they wanted to see from the gallery’s 1,000-piece collection.

The exhibition focuses on art inspired by Lincolnshire’s coastline, skies and countryside. Highlights include Short Seaplane by John Hassall, the illustrator behind Skegness’s famous Jolly Fisherman poster, and paintings by 19th-century artist Peter De Wint.

The selection also brings lesser-known names into view, including Phyllis Shafto, a Skegness-born artist and war painter whose career was cut short at 40.

A new drawing, Oracle of our Forebears by Charmaine Watkiss, marks the first in a series of rotating displays of recent acquisitions and loans.

Alongside traditional works, the neighbouring Heslam Room features abstract pieces with an animated digital installation created by Pickle Studios.

The Usher Gallery, located on Danes Terrace, is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Lincolnshire County Council collaborates with Version 1 for long-term IT overhaul

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire County Council collaborates with Version 1 for long-term IT overhaul

Lincolnshire County Council has secured a significant partnership with technology consultancy Version 1, aimed at reshaping its IT landscape. The six-year contract, valued at £193 million with the option for two additional years, focuses on delivering a range of critical IT services designed to streamline operations and support future growth.

Under this collaboration, Version 1 will assist the council in managing and maintaining key IT functions, from device lifecycle management and user support to Microsoft 365 administration. The scope also includes cloud optimisation, cybersecurity, and the management of business applications, whether hosted on-site or via Software-as-a-Service solutions.

A major focus of the contract is developing an adaptable IT infrastructure that will evolve with changing technological, legislative, and budgetary demands. The goal is to ensure that the council’s IT systems remain secure, relevant, and responsive to new challenges and opportunities as they arise. This partnership will also allow for the continuous evolution of services to meet best practices and anticipate future business needs.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/fizkes

Coastal businesses face challenges as visitor numbers drop

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Coastal businesses face challenges as visitor numbers drop

Coastal businesses in Skegness and Mablethorpe are experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers compared to last year. Economic uncertainty is leading many families to reduce or cancel holiday plans, impacting businesses that rely heavily on tourism.

Councillor Courtney Robinson, representing Mablethorpe, highlighted the struggles faced by local businesses. Many regular visitors are cutting down their trips, with some making just one visit per year instead of several. This has left businesses depending on the summer holiday period for survival. Coastal communities, already economically disadvantaged, are particularly vulnerable when tourism drops.

Mary Powell, the council’s tourism manager, noted that all seaside resorts are facing similar downturns. She explained that when finances are tight, holidays are often the first expense families cut, leading to shorter stays and last-minute bookings that are harder for businesses to manage. The council is ramping up efforts to promote the coast during the summer and autumn months, though the current national mood presents additional challenges.

There is also a push to attract a younger demographic to coastal areas, traditionally favoured by older generations. Local leaders believe that re-engaging with younger visitors could be crucial in sustaining the local tourism economy, which contributes £3bn annually to Lincolnshire’s economy, though still below pre-pandemic levels.

  Image shows Skegness. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Duncan

Free green bowling taster opens up new ways to get active

April Lara
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Free green bowling taster opens up new ways to get active

Residents over 55 are being encouraged to try green bowling in Holbeach this summer as part of a free community event aimed at promoting health and social connection.

The session takes place on Monday 4 August at 6pm at Carter’s Park Bowls Club on Park Lane. It forms part of the First Time for Everything programme, an initiative led by the Royal Voluntary Service to give people opportunities to try new activities, meet others and keep active.

Supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the session includes light refreshments and is open to complete beginners. Places can be booked in advance, but walk-ins will be welcome on the evening. Those who prefer not to play can still join in for a chat over a cup of tea.

For anyone unable to attend in person, the Royal Voluntary Service runs a Virtual Village Hall, offering free daily online classes ranging from exercise and dance to cooking, crafts and creative writing. More than 2,500 recorded sessions are available on YouTube.

Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Eileen

Lincolnshire council plans £16m property sell-off

April Lara
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Lincolnshire council plans £16m property sell-off

Lincolnshire County Council is preparing to sell 76 sites over the next three years, aiming to raise £16 million and cut annual running costs by £1.6 million.

The properties include council offices, travellers’ sites, council-owned farms and former school land. The move follows a previous four-year programme that sold 81 properties and brought in £19 million.

The council says it is reviewing how services can be combined into shared hubs as part of the wider asset review. Community groups and trusts are being considered among potential buyers, though officials emphasise that all sales will be scrutinised to avoid poor value deals.

Opposition members secured an agreement that future sales may return to committee for debate, with some councillors stressing the need to vet buyers carefully.

The planned disposals come as the authority works through a wider reorganisation of its buildings and services.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanya

Caistor’s hidden gem opens to the public for the first time in decades

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Caistor’s hidden gem opens to the public for the first time in decades
For the first time since restoration work began, the doors of one of Caistor’s most iconic collections of historic buildings will open to visitors this September. 2–4 Market Place – a major heritage regeneration project underway in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds – will open its doors to the public on Saturday 13th September 2025 as part of the Heritage Open Days national festival. This exclusive opportunity will give residents and heritage enthusiasts a first glimpse inside the transformation of five interconnected grade-listed buildings, which are being sensitively restored into a new hub for community and commerce. Free hard hat tours will begin at 1pm, on 13th September, running on the hour (the last one beginning at 4pm), offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the project in progress. Visitors will explore a warren of characterful spaces, from what will soon house new business tenants to the floors above that comprise holiday lets and community areas — including a peek inside The Old Granary. In addition to these four public tours, two special business-focused tours will take place on Sunday 14th September at 10.30am and 11.30am, aimed at local businesses and interested parties looking to find out more about the commercial spaces available to rent within the development. These informal tours will offer a guided walkthrough of the units, giving potential tenants the opportunity to visualise the space and ask questions about the plans — no formal talk will be given. Thanks to support from local sponsor 1st Select, every attendee on the public tours will receive a £5 voucher to spend at participating Caistor cafés and eateries on the day, encouraging exploration and support for the town’s thriving independent scene. “Heritage Open Days is the perfect moment to begin welcoming people into 2–4 Market Place,” said Neil Castle, one of the directors at 2–4 Market Place, Caistor. “It’s about more than looking back – it’s about opening up the doors to this stunning collection of buildings to look ahead at the town’s future. These tours offer the first step on that journey.” Tours are free to attend, but spaces are limited and booking is essential. PPE (hard hat and high-vis vest) will be provided, and safety guidelines must be followed at all times, as the site remains under active construction. Visitors must wear suitable clothing (no loose or floaty items) and sturdy footwear (no open-toed shoes). The site includes uneven floors, low beams, loose boards, scaffold, and stairs — please be aware of these risks. Accessibility is limited in some areas; visitors with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the team in advance to discuss whether this event is suitable. To book your place on one of the tours, visit: Public tours: https://www.2-4marketplacecaistor.co.uk/2025/07/28/celebrate-heritage-open-days-2025-at-2-4-market-place-be-the-first-to-step-inside/ Business-focused tours: https://www.2-4marketplacecaistor.co.uk/2025/07/28/a-first-look-for-future-tenants-and-local-businesses-as-2-4-market-place-celebrates-heritage-open-days-2025/

Lincoln lit up with Ibiza Anthems!

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Lincoln lit up with Ibiza Anthems!
Last Saturday saw the Ministry of Sound bringing the balearic beats to Lincoln Castle, with the greatest dance hits brought directly from the party island of Ibiza. K-Klass got the party underway with an epic DJ set to get everyone on their feet, then as the sun came down the lights went up and Ellie Sax put on an unforgettable performance with the Ministry of Sound crew. The crowd got to sing and dance the night away to hits from Faithless, Eric Prydz, Becky Hill, The Shapeshifters, Daft Punk, Robin S, Fisher and many more. The night was a blast and the energy was electric. Live Promotions Events will be putting on another incredible summer concert next month, with SEVEN incredible Tribute Bands – live on stage at Grimsthorpe Castle! The Rewired Festival on Saturday 16th August will see unforgettable tribute performances from legendary bands like Oasis, ABBA, Queen, Madness, Blur, Steps, and Arctic Monkeys. Learn more and save money in advance on www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk.

Bike night back in Grantham

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Bike night back in Grantham
A popular event is returning to Grantham with a resurrected and turbo-charged Bike Night scheduled for next month.
The event, on Wednesday 27th August, is back in the area by popular demand and boasts free live music from local bands, bikes on display, food and drink. There’s also a special showcase of Ducati and Kawasaki models from Chris Walker Motorcycles, supported by the man himself – British Superbike and MotoGP racer Chris ‘The Stalker’ Walker. It’s open to bikers and bike enthusiasts from the local area and beyond. South Kesteven District Council deputy leader, cllr Paul Stokes said: “I remember events we’ve had in the past; this is our first shot at recreating the atmosphere and fun of those memorable evenings in Grantham. “We expect it to attract bike enthusiasts from across the region as well as bikers. “Bars in the area will be opening early to be part of this event and we’re especially looking forward to experiencing the local bands performing on the night – plus the specialist input from our friend Chris Walker, the former star of British Superbike racing. “Grantham Bike Night is a free event for all ages and a great way for visitors to enjoy our town centre in a new and exciting way. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.”
  Image shows Chris Walker

Free swimming returns to Crowle and Epworth for the summer holidays

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Free swimming returns to Crowle and Epworth for the summer holidays
North Lincolnshire council is continuing to invest in free swimming as part of the range of activities for young people through the summer holidays. Children aged 16 and under across the Isle of Axholme will be able to access the Summer Daze free swimming sessions at Axholme North Leisure Centre and Epworth Pool. The Summer Daze programme runs until the beginning of September, with all children under 16 able to swim for free during the special sessions. Children aged between 8 and 16 attending the Summer Daze sessions will need to book their places in advance online. Parents bringing younger children to the free sessions will be able to just turn up and book at reception. The Summer Daze family sessions can also be booked in advance on the website, and in the specific family sessions the whole family can attend for free, not just the children. Epworth Daze sessions are 12pm to 1pm, Monday to Friday and they can be booked on the Epworth Pool website. Last year, North Lincolnshire Council’s investment in the Summer Daze free swimming programme saw around 1,100 free swims in Crowle and Epworth. Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, leader of the Council, said: “I am proud we are keeping our promise to provide families and children across the Isle  with this support through the summer holidays. We know the cost of the living crisis is a real challenge for many local working families and free swimming provides a healthy activity whilst also improving physical activity. “This investment is about more than just fun – it’s about supporting families, encouraging healthy lifestyles and making sure every child has access to safe, active opportunities during the school holidays.” Cllr Julie Reed, ward member for Axholme North and cabinet member for independent families: children, said: “Our parents can relax, safe in the knowledge their child is in a lifeguard supervised swimming pool, rather than children swimming in open waters, which we again wish to highlight just how dangerous this can be. Our sessions are free to attend, removing any barriers that our children may face in accessing safe, fun swimming during the holidays. “Last year’s turnout was incredible, and we are proud to continue investing in opportunities that promote wellbeing, community, and active lifestyles. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these sessions and make the most of what our local leisure centres have to offer.”   Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Lincoln leisure centres set to reopen after upgrade

April Lara
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Lincoln leisure centres set to reopen after upgrade

Leisure facilities in Lincoln are set to reopen this week following a major programme of investment by the City of Lincoln Council.

Birchwood Leisure Centre will welcome visitors back on 31 July, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available from that date. Yarborough Leisure Centre will reopen its outdoor facilities the same day, followed by its swimming pool and ground floor on 7 August. The gym and studios at Yarborough are scheduled to return to use from 14 August.

The council appointed Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to manage the centres after Active Nation ceased trading in April. GLL, a charitable social enterprise that operates more than 200 leisure sites across the UK, will manage the Lincoln centres for the next two years while the council reviews the long-term future of leisure services.

Work at both sites has focused on modernising facilities and improving standards, with some final decorative tasks to be completed in the coming weeks.

This rapid turnaround means the centres will reopen just four months after closing, far quicker than the typical year-long process for such venues.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Kalpana
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