Lincolnshire fat-fighting footballers raise funds for charity
Men in Scunthorpe and Boston participating in an FA-accredited football-based weight loss programme have continued their charitable fundraising efforts by raising £2,000 between them to support charities close their clubs.
The men at the MAN v FAT Scunthorpe club staged an eleven-a-side match to raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Association, an illness that has affected a close family member of fellow player Matthew Gibson.
Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. The charity offers support and advice to those with Huntington’s disease as well as their families, carers, and healthcare professionals.
This was the sixth or seventh match organised by the club in the last 15 months, during which time the players have raised close to £7,000 for various good causes, both local and national.
“Gibbo, as we know him, asked if we could arrange a game to raise some money as this is so personal to him,” explains Jamie Hannath, coach of the MAN v FAT Scunthorpe club.
“We have managed to grow our 11-a-side team and we now also have a development team. We had about 20 players per team, which means everybody gets a run out. We ask each to donate a minimum of £5 or as much as they wish, we had a local FA referee who gave his time for nothing and so, once we’ve paid for the pitch, the rest is for the charity.
“We also do a raffle for some hampers and similar and that raises an extra few hundred pounds. The fact that it is one of our guys whose family is dealing with this goes right to the heart of the community aspect of MAN v FAT.”
The men at the MAN v FAT Boston club staged an eleven-a-side match to raise money for Coningsby Helping Hands, a charity that supports disabled, sick and elderly people in Coningsby and Tattershall. The charity’s chair, Debbie Money, is the mother of MAN v FAT Boston coach, Chris Money.
The club organised an 11-a-side match, in which nearly 40 players took part, with each asked to make a small donation to the charity.
“As a club we try to do a lot of different things for different charities. Each year, we pick a charity to support, and they become the focus of our fundraising efforts. We’re in the process of planning a 24-hour Darts Challenge as our next event.”
MAN v FAT Football currently has 8,200 players taking part in more than 150 leagues across the UK. The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at more than 650,000 pounds. It is aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5.
Before matches, the players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.
And the MAN v FAT clubs in both Scunthorpe and Boston continue to grow.
“Every member of every MAN v FAT club up and down the country will say they’ve got a special bond with their lads, and we’re just the same. We have just gone from six teams to eight teams in the club and have about 80 lads registered with us. We have a great little community and excellent rapport with other local MAN v FAT clubs, like those in Lincoln, Boston and Hull,” says Jamie Hannath from Scunthorpe.
And the commitment to good causes goes on: “We’re hopefully going to run an eight team seven-a-side tournament with the Hull MAN v FAT club to raise money to support our head coach Dave Bell and his nephews, who will be climbing Ben Nevis to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Hospital following the death of Dave’s sister earlier this year. It gives everybody a sense of purpose, and everybody loves to do something good.”
“The Boston club is also going from strength to strength,” continues Chris Money from Boston. “We started with just one team and have grown from there. We also started a social team to give everybody the chance to play 11-a-side football again, whether you’ve not played for 20 or 30 years, we’re giving people the confidence to kick a football again. It doesn’t matter about ability. It just gets out of the house, to forget about what’s going on off the pitch and have 90 minutes enjoying what people enjoy.”
The Boston club meets on Friday evenings at The Jakemans Community Stadium on Pilgrim Way. The Scunthorpe club meets on Tuesday evenings at Frederick Gough School on Grange Lane.
Council remains committed to exploring cinema for Sleaford
North Kesteven District Council is continuing to explore opportunities to invest in a refreshed vision for the Heart of Sleaford, centred on renewed aspirations to deliver a new cinema in the town.
Options are currently under consideration as it continues to engage in discussions around the potential for a cinema to sit within a broader vision of regeneration.
Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said the economic position of such a project had changed enormously over the five years since the previous £4m proposals were outlined, but which the Covid pandemic put an end to.
“The realisation of a cinema remains a key objective within both the Sleaford Masterplan and the Council’s investment aspirations. Given the volume and nature of many public comments regretting – as I do – that it has not happened yet, but still calling for a cinema to be a part of that vision, I am reassured that we continue to be doing the right thing by exploring opportunities to bring one to fruition,” he said.
Options for the Heart of Sleaford, with proposals, will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders and the community, building on extensive engagement to date in the progressive development of masterplan options.
“I hope that we will be able to advance these during the current financial year,” said Cllr Wright.
“While I realise many people are frustrated that we’ve not used any of the recent £3.2m Government funding for Sleaford and the wider District to bring a cinema forward, we did explore it and included its feasibility in our initial proposals. But it proved impossible given the time constraints on spending the money by March 2025 and the negotiation needed to ensure everything is in place to secure the best solution for the town.
“Even if timings weren’t an issue, the nature of the funding meant that very little of it could have been spent on an actual building in this case but, as I say, our enthusiasm to bring a solution forward is unchanged.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mr. Music
World’s smallest heart pump to help to save Lincolnshire lives
The Lincolnshire Heart Centre is among the first non-surgical centres in the country to use a new life-saving device to assist with the heart function during complex procedures to treat narrowings in the arteries of the heart.
The Impella device is the world’s smallest heart pump that allows the heart to rest and recover by temporarily assisting the pumping function of the heart to efficiently deliver blood and oxygen to the entire body during procedures.
The device has been used in some cardiac surgical centres around the country, but the centre at Lincoln County Hospital is among the first non-surgical heart centres to start using the device.
The first procedure was performed by the team in one of the high-tech cath labs at Lincoln County Hospital on Wednesday 19 June. They were supported by Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Dr Sohail Q Khan from University Hospitals Birmingham, who has fitted the device before, and Ollie Goss, who provided technical support from Abiomed – the company that have created the device.
83-year-old Dennis Hauton from North Somercotes says he feels privileged to be the first patient to receive the device and believes his procedure will give him a new lease of life.
Mr Hauton needed to have percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as a coronary angioplasty or stent. This is a procedure used to treat the narrowed or obstructed coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary heart disease that can cause angina or heart attacks. Without the use of the Impella device this procedure would have been too high a risk to be performed.
Mr Hauton, a retired continental coach driver, said: “18 months ago I went for a routine check-up and mentioned that I occasionally get out of breath. After lots of tests I knew that I needed to have the procedure, but I also knew that I needed an extra piece of kit to be available for it to happen.
“The whole team have been absolutely brilliant. I feel privileged and proud to be the first patient at the heart centre to use one of the new devices.”
Mr Hauton says he is looking forward to being able to be a bit more active. He said: “I used to walk up to the village shop every day to get my newspaper, but noticed that it was getting harder and harder to do. Eventually I had to start driving up, but now I will be able to run to the shop or at least a brisk walk.
“This will give me a new lease of life and I will always be so grateful to the team for all they have done for me.”
Consultant Cardiologist Vinod Venugopal and Consultant Cardiologist Juan Fernandez are part of the Lincolnshire Heart Centre Team and worked together to perform the procedure.
Dr Fernandez said: “Today is a momentous day. We have wanted to offer these procedures to our patients from across the county with complex conditions for some time.
“An enormous amount of work has taken place behind the scenes to make today possible. There has been a real buzz in the centre and we had more colleagues in the cath lab during the procedure as it is also a brilliant training opportunity.
“Most patients having a coronary angioplasty will not need an Impella device, but for more serious and complex cases it really will help us to save lives.”
Dr Venugopal added: “Mr Hauton’s procedure lasted around three hours and the device did take over the function of the heart for a period of time.
“The device did exactly what we needed it to. It took the pressure off of his heart during the procedure which meant we were able to complete everything that we needed to in a thorough manner and will really help with his ongoing recovery.
“The most rewarding part for everyone involved is seeing Mr Hauton sitting up, smiling and chatting with the team.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/smolaw11
From bricks to clicks – transitioning East Midlands businesses online
The business scene in the East Midlands is vibrant and diverse, with a rich history of traditional shops and local enterprises. However, the rise of e-commerce has created a new frontier for these businesses. Transitioning from physical stores to online platforms presents both challenges and opportunities.
Keen to make the shift? Here’s a guide to help East Midlands businesses make this shift successfully.
Recognising the Need for Change
The transition to online shopping is undeniable. Consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of their homes.
For businesses in the East Midlands, embracing this change is crucial to staying competitive. The first step is recognising the importance of an online presence. It’s not just about having a website; it’s about creating an engaging and user-friendly experience that reflects the unique character of your business.
Building a User-Friendly Website
A website serves as the digital storefront. It should be attractive, easy to navigate, and reflective of your brand’s identity. Here are some key elements to consider:
Design and Navigation
The design should be clean and intuitive. Users should be able to find what they’re looking for without frustration. Simple menus, clear categories, and a search function can significantly enhance the user experience.
Mobile Optimisation
More people are shopping on their phones than ever before. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. This means it should look and function well on smaller screens, with buttons that are easy to click and text that’s readable without zooming in.
Speed and Performance
A slow website can deter potential customers. Invest in good hosting services and optimise images and other media to ensure your site loads quickly.
Creating Quality Content
Content reigns supreme in the digital realm. High-quality, relevant content can attract visitors and keep them engaged. Here are some different types of content to consider:
- Product Descriptions – Detailed and engaging product descriptions help customers understand what they’re buying. Include all necessary information, such as dimensions, materials, and care instructions, and try to capture the essence of your products in a way that resonates with your target audience.
- Blog Posts – A blog can be a powerful tool to connect with customers. Share stories about your business, industry news, and tips related to your products. This not only builds a connection with your audience but also helps with search engine optimisation (SEO).
- Visual Content – High-quality images and videos can significantly enhance your website. Show your products from multiple angles, and consider using videos to demonstrate their features and benefits.
- Keywords – Identify keywords that are relevant to your business and incorporate them naturally into your content. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms related to your products.
- Meta Descriptions – Write compelling meta descriptions for each page on your website. These short descriptions appear in search results and can influence whether someone clicks on your link.
- Backlinks – Earn backlinks from reputable websites to boost your site’s authority. This can be achieved through guest blogging, partnerships, and high-quality content that others want to share.
- Consistency – Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. Consistency helps build a loyal following and keeps your brand top of mind.
- Engagement – Respond to comments and messages promptly. Show your customers that you value their input and are willing to engage in conversations.
- Advertising – Social media platforms offer targeted advertising options that can help you reach a broader audience. Even a small budget can make a significant impact if used wisely.
West Lindsey launches crimefighters campaign in Gainsborough
Crimestoppers and West Lindsey District Council have launched a new campaign in Gainsborough appealing for communities to unite in taking a stand against crime by speaking up anonymously.
Information given to Crimestoppers about crime across Lincolnshire has increased by 12% over the last year. This shows more people are putting trust in our charity.
The charity, which is independent of the police, is working with West Lindsey District Council to make local people aware of our promise of 100% anonymity when taking and passing on crime information.
Over the coming weeks, the focus will be on specific areas of the town. Additional lamp post signs are being placed in prominent areas and there will also be an extensive social media campaign targeting various age groups.
Crimestoppers can be contacted in over 140 different languages via our website, and for those that call us, if required, a translator can be on the other end of the line within a couple of minutes. This service is a key factor for the residents of Gainsborough, as the most common languages spoken in the area after English are Eastern European.
Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers East Midlands Regional Manager, said: “I feel it’s important that the people of Gainsborough know they have a voice to be able to speak up completely anonymously about their concerns on crime in their community.
“Some people know about crime but feel they don’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to. Please remember that the charity Crimestoppers is here to help. We do not judge or take any personal details from those that contact us. All we want is the information you have. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always.
“Since the charity began in the 1980s, we have always kept our promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us.”
West Lindsey District Councillor Jeanette McGhee, a ward member on the South West ward of Gainsborough, said: “As councillors, we often hear people say that crime is taking place, but they have not reported it because they are worried they will be identified and targeted.
“To make a real difference to the places where we live and work, we need to take action now and that is why I am pleased to see the launch of the Gainsborough Crimestoppers campaign.
“It is important that we make reporting crime as simple and easy for everyone to do and making that completely anonymous is crucial if we want to get a real understanding of the issues in the area. It will also help us to liaise with partners and help us find solutions to some of the problems that specific areas are facing.
“Our campaign will also target young people aged 13-17, encouraging them to report crime in the town over the coming months.”
Scunthorpe to welcome Wonderful Wednesdays
Summer activities for families will be taking place every Wednesday in Scunthorpe town centre throughout the holidays.
Each week has a different theme, and starts off with a free breakfast at Scunthorpe Central library between 9.30am and 11am with the Breakfast and Books session, where you can join in with the Summer Reading Challenge – Marvellous Makers.
Outdoor performances will be taking place in the town centre from 1pm – 4pm, weather permitting.
Wilderness Week (24 July 2024), will see the Dancing Tiger Scrap Store building cardboard tents for youngsters to decorate and create their own dens and shelters.
Rhubarb Theatre will also be diving into a dustbin that refuses rubbish and discovering that one person’s rubbish is another person’s treasure.
The council’s youth engagement bus will be around the High Street, with casual drop in sessions of games and activities for children and teens.
Further sessions include:
- Sports & Health – 31 July 2024
- Art and Play – 7 August 2024
- Theatre – 14 August 2024
- Staying Safe – 21 August 2024
- World Music and Dance – 28 August 2024
New Chair for Boston Town Board
Joanna Brigham has been announced as the new Chair of Boston Town Board.
Joanna, a highly experienced senior leader who has held Chief Executive and Director roles within a broad range of organisations, assumes the role after former Chair Neil Kempster decided to step down.
Joanna’s appointment comes as the Boston Town Board begins a new phase in its existence having been repurposed to oversee the delivery of £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding awarded to Boston.
This additional funding complements the £21.9m Town Deal funding which is being invested in Boston through a number of transformational projects, including the new Mayflower learning centre at Boston College and improvements to the Geoff Moulder Centre.
Joanna, who was also most recently Chief Executive of UK Shared Business Services Ltd and previously CEO for the Scottish Police Services Authority, and Director of Strategy and Marketing for the Royal Parks said: “I am so pleased to have been appointed to lead Boston Town Board through its next chapter, when we will build on the successful and significant progress to date and look to the future by creating and overseeing the implementation of a long term plan for Boston.
“I would like to thank my predecessor Neil who has held the position of chair almost from the very beginning. I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the board members as we bring together our shared skills, commitment, and ambition for Boston to make a difference for the town.”
Neil, who is Land and Development Director of Chestnut Homes was an inaugural member of the Board and has been Chair of the Boston Town Board since June 2020. During his four years at the helm, the Board’s role expanded after further funding including Levelling Up and more recently Long Term Plan for Towns investment was awarded to Boston.
Neil said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for the Boston Town Board, and to be involved in shaping the town investment plan and projects ever since the announcement of the funding.
“Following the establishment of the Boston Town Board in 2020, which enabled the Boston Town Deal investment of £21.9 million, we have supported significant further funding and investment into Boston.
“This has included Levelling Up and Levelling Up Partnership, match funding for the Town Deal, UK Shared Prosperity Funding, High Street Task Force support and most recently the Long Term Plan for Towns funding.
“Now, with the changes in the board’s role, it feels like the right time for me to step down. I am looking forward to remaining as a board member, and continuing to work with Jo and the other board members. I wish Jo all the very best in her role as Chair.”
Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “I think I speak for all the partner organisations who are represented on the Town Board when I say that Neil’s chairmanship over the last four years has given a steady and stable influence, giving oversight to the important major projects of the Town Deal.
“I am delighted that he has chosen to stay on as a board member and is willing to offer his vast wealth of experience as we move forward with the Long Term Plan for Towns.”
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Sutton Bridge ‘Perch Here’ trail launches
A new trail has been unveiled as a celebration of community, art, and local heritage in Sutton Bridge.
The project has been devised to improve the links between the riverside, bridge, moorings, and the village centre. An unveiling event has been held where residents and visitors could see the series of carved features, proudly revealed by some of the community members involved in their creation.
Pedestrian improvements in Sutton Bridge have been funded by Lincolnshire County Council, to better link the village to surrounding areas. The ‘Perch Here’ trail has been delivered by the University of Lincoln’s ‘Transported’ programme using a Coastal Communities Fund grant also secured by the county council.
Councillor Tom Dyer, executive support councillor for economy, environment and planning welcomed everyone to the event on behalf of the county council.
He said: “This is a great new development for Sutton Bridge which is the gateway to Lincolnshire! There has been so much community involvement in the project and the installations already look at home here. It’s a real celebration of the area, its history and its future.
“The riverside trail is on the route of the new King Charles III England Coast Path, and we’re keen that local businesses use the opportunities that new visitors will bring.”
For the installations, a series of creative community workshops were held which led to the commissioning of Boston-born master craftsman and artist Peter Tree. Working alongside Peter were the Boston and South Holland Woodcarvers and volunteers and staff at Long Sutton Youth shed, with 260 participants from The Suttons villages sharing their ideas and enthusiasm during the process.
At the launch, a musical procession saw Peter’s whimsical and anecdotal designs for the trail features revealed.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council More than 200 head-turning vehicles flock to ‘Meet the Freemasons’ event at Doddington Hall
More than 200 cars, vans, and motorbikes flocked to Doddington Hall for the now-annual Masons & Motors event staged by Lincolnshire Freemasons.
From near-extinct ‘home grown’ family saloons like the Morris 1800 ‘Landcrab’ and a Maestro (remember those?), to American muscle cars the length of baby battleships, they were all there, with fanciful other vehicle in between.
There was also a BMW-powered motorcycle that younger visitors speculated might be a helicopter, or custom vans, classic British sportscars, and even a Tuk-Tuk, in leopard-print bodywork and driven all the way from Stamford.
The event is the brainchild of Scunthorpe Freemason Dave Gibson, who said: “Thanks to everyone for attending and those who acted as stewards to make it all run smoothly. We had at least 180 vehicles, which made for a great day in great weather.” He was also grateful for the team at Doddington Hall, who’d allowed us to use their venue. Said Dave: “It’s a great central location for the Province, and I’d like to thank the Doddington Hall team for providing a backdrop for what’s now become an annual event.”
The Freemasons Communications Officer Stuart Pearcey said: “Events like this are the perfect way for members of the public to meet the Freemasons and find out what a friendly bunch we are. Not only that, but it may spark an interest in Freemasonry, with people finding common ground to make new friendships, and find out what they can achieve through the benefits of membership – all of which information is on the Lincolnshire Freemasons web page.”
NEXT YEAR’S EVENT is already booked: July 20th, 2025, at Doddington Hall.
RHS judges visit Gainsborough for East Midlands in Bloom contest
Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society have visited Gainsborough as part of the East Midlands in Bloom, casting their eyes over The Old Hall Garden, Pitt Hill Wood and Meadow, John Coupland Hospital Garden, Marshall’s Yard, Carnegie Library and the Guildhall Site.
Each year, Gainsborough in Bloom enters the town into the regional competition in a bid to gain one of the coveted awards. In previous years, the committee managed to achieve a Silver Award in both years and are striving to build towards Silver Gilt.
The judges assess the town over three categories; Horticulture Achievement, Environment Responsibility and Community Participation.
The aim of the competition is to encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment.
West Lindsey District Council Chairman Stephen Bunney said: “The volunteers involved with Gainsborough in Bloom are dedicated to the project and work tirelessly throughout the year to put on an outstanding floral display every year. On behalf of West Lindsey District Council and The Residents of Gainsborough I hope that their efforts are recognised by at least a Silver Gilt award – one better than last year’s silver. They certainly deserve it!”
The event is run by a handful of dedicated volunteers who raise various funds from various grants sources including; Self-funding, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Local Councillor Initiative. Last year they secured a National Lottery Grant for £2000 to help towards the cost of flowers, insurances and more.
During 2023, they appointed John Lynden as Chairman of the group. John set up Greener Gainsborough, which has charitable status.
In Autumn of 2023 Greener Gainsborough planted 900 bulbs around the library. Gainsborough Library also had their front garden at the entrance re-transformed. Greener Gainsborough worked with Hastings Day Centre to breathe new life into the gardens. Following the success of the project, Greener Gainsborough is hoping to continue their work around the town centre, with the aim to enhance green spaces for the local community.
In spring 2024 The Gainsborough in Bloom committee worked on the beds at Morton Corner and planted wildflower seeds. They planted 17 planters around the town in early June with a good volunteer turnout of 16 helpers.
They have also helped Gainsborough Litter Pickers clean up the Thorndyke Conservation Site, Park Springs Road and more.
The future plans are to create a biodiversity corridor from Thorndyke Way to the Cemetery which involves several organisations. They also intend to build on their restart and carry on with the wildflower theme next year, liaising with community groups, schools and Greener Gainsborough.
The East Midlands in Bloom results will be announced at a ceremony in September.
