Take the Dragon Trail at Bransby Horses this Spring
Brave boys and girls can burn off some energy and enjoy a day outdoors when they take part in the ‘Train Your Dragon’ activity now running until April 30 at Bransby Horses, just north of Lincoln.
With clues hidden along the visitor walkways, which are pushchair and wheelchair friendly, they can joust their way along this magical trail to collect courage and train their dragon.
Entry to the equine welfare charity, based just outside of Lincoln, is free and there is no need to book, simply ask in the Gift Shop on arrival.
Activities are £3.50 per child which includes a prize at the end.
Why Not Make a Day of It
After all that running around families can warm-up in the Bransby Horses Café which serves refreshments to eat in or takeaway including English breakfast, afternoon teas and plenty of delicious cake choices.
The cafe is open 10am – 4pm. Hot food is served until 2.45pm and hot drinks and cake are served until 3.45pm.
Charity Shop
The Donated Goods and Tack Shop are also open and filled with pre-loved bargains. Bransby Horses is always happy to take donations for the shop from which every penny of profit made goes directly back to paying for the charity’s equine rescue and welfare work.
Bransby Horses is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm and during school holidays it is open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
Find all this and more at Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH.
Happy jubilee birthday to you, Lincolnshire Wolds
This year the Lincolnshire Wolds marks its 50th anniversary as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – an ideal opportunity to discover more about this protected, living, working and thriving landscape!
The 50th Anniversary is a chance to celebrate all that has been achieved in working to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds, it’s habitats and physical features, it’s heritage, culture, communities and management.
The Lincolnshire Wolds Chair – Councillor Richard Avison says: “The beauty of our landscape has brought a real joy throughout recent trying times for everyone and reinvigorated the nation’s interest in our countryside. Harnessing that interest along with Government initiatives will provide an ideal opportunity to promote and celebrate our Lincolnshire Wolds AONB 50th anniversary. We look forward to seeing you at the forthcoming events, come along and enjoy a part of the countryside which we proudly represent.”
The care of the AONB has been entrusted to the local authorities, organisations, community groups and those who live and work in the area. Much of the Wolds is in private ownership, with few publicly owned and managed sites. Partners, communities and individual landowners, particularly farmers and land managers, have a crucial role to play in continuing to safeguard this unique landscape.
In recognition of the jubilee, the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, the Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Project and the AONB Farming in Protected Landscapes network have worked with partners to coordinate a series of 50 events from April to October to showcase, promote and engage with people who live, work and visit the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Excitement over Lusso Homes flagship launch in the Lincolnshire Wolds
Lusso Homes’ flagship residential site, Tye’s Close, Ludford is gearing up to host their first Open Day.
As Lusso has already sold some of the homes and has had a great amount of interest, they would like to invite those thinking of downsizing to come and view the homes to see what makes a Lusso Home different from traditional park home style properties.
With only 9 homes planned on the site, each resident can benefit from an upgraded lifestyle while downsizing their existing home.
All of the homes are either on site already or due to be delivered this year (2023). Lusso offer a variety of choices, including the traditional layouts of the Prestige Residence and Majestic or the more contemporary open-plan living of the Bella Vista and other models from the Prestige collection – all situated in large private landscaped gardens.
You are invited to come and see the exclusive luxury park, improving the standard of retirement, with homes ranging from £255k to £295k and immediately available.
All homes can be tailored to your lifestyle and personal taste. With the option of having additional garages, decking, further landscaping patios and more you can truly create your dream retirement property.
The first residents, who will be in their home very shortly, said: “Lusso’s attention to detail has blown us away, the views and careful thought about creating quality gardens to maximise privacy and sunlight certainly make them exclusive luxury we’re looking forward to enjoying!”
Lusso has also partnered with Quickmove Properties for those wanting to move quickly but who haven’t sold their property. They aim to help people move within around 4 weeks, often something which is vital for those needing to downsize.
To book an appointment for the Open Day on the 11th & 12th March from 10am to 4pm or to arrange a private viewing and get in early to avoid disappointment, call 01673 847743 or email sales@lussohomes.co.uk.
The first residents, who will be in their home very shortly, said: “Lusso’s attention to detail has blown us away, the views and careful thought about creating quality gardens to maximise privacy and sunlight certainly make them exclusive luxury we’re looking forward to enjoying!”
Lusso has also partnered with Quickmove Properties for those wanting to move quickly but who haven’t sold their property. They aim to help people move within around 4 weeks, often something which is vital for those needing to downsize.
To book an appointment for the Open Day on the 11th & 12th March from 10am to 4pm or to arrange a private viewing and get in early to avoid disappointment, call 01673 847743 or email sales@lussohomes.co.uk. Making the most of your home: innovative improvement tips for every homeowner
Home improvement is a topic that every homeowner should consider. Making the most of your living space makes your home more comfortable and can increase its value.
Home improvement doesn’t always have to mean significant renovations and costly upgrades. Simple changes can make a big impact, from adding a fresh coat of paint to rearranging your furniture.
Making the most of your home can also positively impact your mental and emotional well-being. A comfortable and functional living space can improve your mood and overall quality of life. So, whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned pro, it’s never too late to explore innovative improvement tips for your home. Below are tips for taking your living space to the next level.
Maximising Space
Living in a small space can be challenging, especially regarding storage and functionality. However, with creative thinking and strategic planning, homeowners can make the most of their limited space. One way to maximise space is by installing built-in storage. This can include custom-made cabinets, bookshelves, and even under-stair storage solutions. Homeowners can reduce clutter and make their living areas more spacious by using every available space.
Another tip for making the most of limited space is to use multi-functional furniture. A storage ottoman can provide extra seating while also serving as a place to store blankets, pillows, and other items. When choosing furniture, look for pieces that serve multiple purposes and can be easily stored away when not in use.
Other ideas for making the most of limited space include utilising wall space for storage, or using curtains or room dividers to create separate areas. You could even maximise natural light to create the illusion of a larger space. With some creativity and practical solutions, homeowners can transform even the smallest of spaces into functional and stylish living areas.
Upgrading Technology
By installing energy-efficient appliances and a smart home system, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption and save money on monthly utility bills. In addition to cost savings, upgrading technology can also increase the convenience and comfort of living in the home. For example, a smart home system can allow homeowners to control lighting, heating, and cooling systems from their smartphones, making it easy to adjust settings from anywhere in the home. This can also lead to more efficient energy use, as homeowners can adjust based on their daily habits and routines.
Another benefit of upgrading home technology is the potential for increased home security. With smart home systems, homeowners can install security cameras, motion sensors, and door locks that can be controlled remotely. This can give homeowners peace of mind, especially when they are away from home for extended periods.
Furthermore, improving the technology in your home can increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers if the homeowner decides to sell in the future.
DIY Projects
Improving your home doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of budget-friendly DIY projects that can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your living space. Repainting cabinets, creating a feature wall, and adding new hardware to doors and cabinets are just a few ideas that can transform a room. If you need more information about designing and building a project, you can check out 24Housing.
Another budget-friendly option is to upcycle furniture. You can turn an old piece of furniture into something new and stylish with some creativity and some paint. For example, you could transform an old dresser into a statement piece by painting it a bold colour or adding new hardware.
If you want to improve your home’s functionality, consider simple DIY projects like installing shelving or adding organisers to your closet. You don’t need to break the bank when building a contemporary home interior. The truth is that even minor adjustments can make all the difference.
Green Home Improvements
Eco-friendly home improvements have become increasingly important in recent years. People are now more conscious of the impact of their daily activities on the environment. By making simple home changes, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Installing solar panels is a good option for homeowners looking to cut their energy bills. Solar panels harness the power of the sun to generate electricity. This can help reduce or eliminate the need for traditional energy sources like fossil fuels. Other ways to reduce energy usage include installing energy-efficient appliances and upgrading home insulation.
Eco-friendly home improvements are a smart investment for homeowners—especially those looking to reduce their environmental impact and save money on energy and water bills. By reducing energy and water usage, homeowners can make a big difference in the world around them.
Adding Personal Touches
Making a house feel like a home often involves adding personal touches that reflect the homeowner’s personality and style. Adding personal touches creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, making the home unique and memorable. Incorporating personal style into home decor can be done in many ways, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Creating a gallery wall is one way to add a personal touch to the home. A gallery wall is a great way to display family photos, artwork, and other sentimental items. Homeowners can mix and match different frame styles and sizes to create a visually exciting display.
Another way to incorporate personal style is to repurpose and upcycle old furniture or decor items. With a little creativity, old items can be given a new life and add character to the home. For example, an old ladder can be repurposed as a bookshelf, or a vintage suitcase can be turned into a side table.
Also, incorporating family heirlooms into home decor can add a sense of history and tradition to the home. Displaying antique family photos or using a family quilt as a throw blanket can add warmth and charm to any room.
Incorporating personal style into home decor makes the home feel more personal and welcoming. Most of all, it can bring homeowners joy and happiness every time they walk through the door.
Refurbished St Mary’s Guildhall is ready to take its place in the community again
The half-million pound refurbishment of City of Lincoln Council’s St Mary’s Guildhall are now complete.
A total of £502,980 from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone Regional Repair Grand and Regional Repair Enhancement scheme has seen works completed, which include emergency structural works and the following:
- Full re-roofing of the Norman House
- Restructuring roof of Northern Range, and structural works including buttressing
- Timber repairs
- Repairs to lead gutters
- Local reconstruction of first floor chimney
- Quarterly monitoring of the elevation
- Feasibility works including business plan, community engagement plan and governance review
City highlights good design in awards ceremony
City of Lincoln Council hosted the Lincoln Good Design Awards 2023 to celebrate the city’s developments and praise the best designs.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at Bishop Grosseteste University and presented by Chair of the City of Lincoln Council Planning Committee Cllr Naomi Tweddle.
Schemes were drawn up by the planning team at City of Lincoln Council and were selected from developments within the council’s Administrative Boundary.
The final shortlist was narrowed down to 15, with the winners announced at the event:
- Residential (Minor) winner: 1 Eastgate Close designed by Heronswood Design
- Residential (Major) winner: Chad Varah designed by Jonathan Hendry Architects
- Commercial winner: Alchemy and Gravity Building designed by Core Architects
- Heritage Led winner: 38-44 Sincil Street designed by Clarity and Framework Architects
- Student Accommodation: St. Marks Court design by Corstorphine & Wright Architects
- Outstanding Project winner: 38-44 Sincil Street designed by Clarity and Framework Architects
Purchaser sought as administrators appointed to Lincoln wood pellet business
3F Pellets, based in Saxilby, Lincoln, has entered administration.
Established in 2015, the manufacturer and supplier of wood-based pellet products such as cat litter, horse bedding and biomass heating pellets, recently invested heavily in machinery and equipment with a view to further expanding into the Biomass industry, but had unfortunately struggled to break into the market leading to financial difficulties.
Restructuring and recovery specialists Andy Pear and Milan Vuceljic of Moorfields Advisory were appointed joint administrators of the business on 22 February 2023.
Moorfields are now marketing the business and its assets for sale.
Andy Pear, partner at Moorfields, said: “3F Pellets has a good customer base and the right location and equipment but similar to many companies has struggled with new market entry. We hope to find a suitable purchaser for the business and assets who will be able to expand the business as intended.”
Independent ladies store SHE Boutique opens new store in Woodhall Spa
SHE Boutique, the independent lady’s store in Boston and Woodhall Spa, has today opened a new store named Intimates @ SHE Boutique, which will take over the former Glenn James lingerie shop.
Located on Tattershall Road, Intimates @ SHE Boutique will stock the same great makes and lingerie but will be adding both nightwear and swimwear to their selection, creating the perfectly intimate shopping experience.
SHE Boutique has made waves in Boston and Woodhall Spa as a small but unique independent that stocks some truly incredible brands such as Soya Concept, Taifun, and Sandwich for clothing, and Empreinte and Fantasie among its lingerie range, and many more lingerie brands to come.
The range of unique and stylish clothes ensures any customer will stand out from the crowd, and the new store will be no different in that regard.
Visit the new store at Albany House, Tattershall Road, where the new selections of lingerie are guaranteed to make you feel good on the inside and look great on the outside.
New Armed Forces Hub in Scunthorpe launches vital support groups
Two new support groups for military men and women will launch in Scunthorpe next week.
The groups have been set up by veterans’ charity Hull 4 Heroes to help ex or serving personnel with their mental health and provide a place to talk.
GEO and LISA carry the names of two local former soldiers who sadly took their own lives at a young age.
The LISA group, for women, will begin on Monday 6 March and the GEO group, for men, on Wednesday 8 March.
Both groups will take place from 6pm to 8pm at the brand-new Armed Forces Hub in Scunthorpe which is located at 186 on the High Street. There is no need to book, just turn up.
Paul Matson, founder of Hull 4 Heroes, said: ”The GEO and LISA groups, named after George Ellis and Lisa Bateman, are designed to bring together serving and former military men and women so they can talk among people who understand them.
“Both groups have been running in Hull and Barton for the last 12 months and we have been working with the family of George and Lisa to help them to continue to grow. They are both immensely proud that their children’s names are hopefully helping to save the lives of other military men and women.”
George’s father Adrian previously said last year: “I don’t know why George took his life. I know that he was really upset by his friend’s death.
“He was in tears and couldn’t believe that one of his friends had taken his own life. “I think it must have been some sort of tragic accident, almost like a spur of the moment event. “It is so important for people to talk about their problems. Too many young soldiers and veterans are taking their own lives and we must do something to stop this. “Military people are quite adamant they can’t share their experiences with civilians because they just don’t know what it is like; they need to open up to like-minded people who have been there.” Paul Matson added: “We have been planning to expand the talking groups for a while but have been looking for the right venues. When we were offered to use the space at the new Armed Forces Hub in Scunthorpe it couldn’t have been a more perfect time or setting. “These groups have already saved lives and we hope that Scunthorpe will be the first of many new groups across the region and the country.” The support groups are also gaining the support from celebrities such as Nick Knowles and retired Rugby League international Keith Senior. Nick Knowles tweeted: “George ‘GEO’ Ellis and Lisa Bateman both took their own lives with no warning, now more than ever this is urgently needed, get this in every city.” Retired Rugby League international Keith Senior also added his support on Twitter and said: “Outstanding from Hull 4 Heroes, the more platforms available to help people, the better. If you are in the military in the Scunthorpe area, then get along to this and help it grow.”Six-year sentence for Grimsby man after subjecting victims to “terrifying ordeal”
A man who subjected to his victims to a “terrifying ordeal” has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of an aggravated burglary in Grimsby in 2020.
Kristaps Sarovs, 33, of Crowle Drive, Grimsby, was found guilty by a jury at Grimsby Crown Court on Thursday (23 February), having pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.
Sarovs was found to have entered a property on Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, on Thursday 26 March 2020 with another man who has not yet been identified. Sarovs and the other man threatened the occupants of the property. One occupant was struck with an imitation firearm as the men demanded money. The men left the property with mobile phones and money.
Sarovs was arrested later that day and an imitation firearm was recovered.
Officer in the case Detective Sergeant Chris Clarke said: “Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the victims for their patience. This has been a long journey to justice for them and the resilience and strength they have shown throughout the lengthy process has been incredible.
“Any intrusion into your property is bound to be a terrifying ordeal, but the involvement of a weapon has understandably left the victims shaken and frightened even in their own home.
“Whilst I am keen to stress the weapon used was an imitation firearm, the victims would not have known that when they saw it.
“Whilst the use of firearms in Humberside is thankfully rare, I would like to stress that weapons of any kind have no place in our area and will not be tolerated.
“I hope the sentence handed out to Sarovs will give him time to reflect on the impact of his actions. Whilst he is in prison now, I am aware that his accomplice is not, and I would ask anyone who knows who it may have been to get in contact with us. It was nearly three years ago, but I am sure that someone knows something and they haven’t come forward.
“If you do have information, you can contact us on 101 quoting reference 20900347858. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers independently on 0800 555 111.”
