Victorian explorers are coming to East Lindsey markets

The Earth Bound Misfits, an entertainment company with a team of over 40 years’ experience, perform a wide range of acts including the Victorian Explorers, who will be coming to East Lindsey markets during the half-term break.

Through the perspective of a Victorian mind, the Victorian Explorers are adventurers visiting the modern world who will provide visitors with humour and fun. Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market and the rural economy, said: “Our markets are so important to our district, so we hope that these special events will provide our markets with more vibrancy for our residents and visitors to enjoy, and encourage more families into our town centres during the school holidays to enjoy what’s on offer.” They will be visiting a number of places around East Lindsey between 10am and 2pm, using the following schedule:
  • Louth, 22 October 2022
  • Spilsby, 24 October 2022
  • Alford, 25 October 2022
  • Horncastle, 27 October 2022
  • Wainfleet, 28 October 2022
Come and see the Victorian Explorers in action this half-term for all the family to enjoy.

Lincoln Cathedral chapel dedicated to the emergency services and NHS

0
In the first of its kind in the country, a chapel within Lincoln Cathedral has been dedicated for members of the emergency services and the NHS. This unique space is one of a kind and offers a place where family and friends can gather, reflect and pause with quiet contemplation on the lives of those who have served with Ambulance, Police, Fire and Rescue, and the National Health Service. The chapel itself includes four commissioned gilded panels by the Cathedral Illuminator displaying each service’s crest, which are placed in the four arches of the chapel, and a beautiful hand embroidered altar cloth by the Cathedral Embroiders’ Guild. A book of remembrance has also been hand crafted to reflect the sacrifice made by members of the four services. Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward said: “It is a great privilege to have the chapel dedicated for Emergency Service personnel who have given their lives to service. We are especially grateful to Lincoln Cathedral for setting this space aside within such a majestic and beautiful building. “For the families and friends who have lost someone, it will mean a lot to be able to attend the chapel for those moments of quiet pause and reflection. It is a fitting tribute and an honour to be here with all our colleagues and friends across the emergency services.”

Bid to be submitted to officially recognise Isle of Axholme for its outstanding natural beauty

0
A move to have the Isle of Axholme recognised for its outstanding natural beauty will be made by North Lincolnshire Council. The council will work with Natural England to protect areas from across Crowle, through Belton and Epworth and surrounding towns and villages through an official designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The area is home to many rare and valuable ecological and cultural landscapes, including England’s largest areas of lowland raised mire, some of the most extensive surviving medieval strip field systems in the country, and the first landscapes in Britain to be drained by Dutch engineer Cornelius Vermuyden in the 1620s. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The unique landscape across the Isle of Axholme should be protected now and into the future – it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and we will now press ahead to ensure it is properly recognised as such. “We are already working to ensure an extension to the Lincolnshire Wolds and this next development will form part of a broader commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural environment for generations to come.” The council is working with Natural England which is currently creating a new assessment and national map which will identify nature conservation and enhancement needs across England, including any remaining places suitable for future National Park or AONB designations. This latest bid comes after the council previously submitted plans to extend the boundary of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) across the area. The proposed variation is to have the existing boundary extended to include Kirton-in-Lindsey on the southern border of North Lincolnshire through to the banks of the River Trent taking in Normanby, Burton-upon-Stather and Alkborough. It would then extend east taking in Barton-upon-Humber and across to New Holland before sweeping back around picking up Ulceby, Kirmington and parts of Brigg. Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We have made a very serious commitment through our Green Futures strategy to ensure the many beautiful places across North Lincolnshire are protected and enhanced. “Alongside the preservation of this natural beauty is the protection of the natural habitats for a huge range of wildlife. “We will now be working with communities across the Isle of Axholme to make sure we can make this vision a reality.”

Nine years and six months for knife and hammer attacker

0
A man who attacked a woman in her 50s with a knife and hammer and threw scalding water over a man in his 20s has been jailed for nine years and six months. The assault by Mark Hough, 55, previously of Manchester Way, Grantham, left the woman with multiple puncture wounds and the man with burns to his body. Lincoln Crown Court heard how officers were called to reports of an assault involving three people in Manchester Way, Grantham at 9.51pm on Wednesday 27 October 2021. Hough had been in the property with the younger victim when they began to argue, and a short while later, he threw scalding water from a pan over the victim. Fifteen minutes after that assault, the woman arrived at the property and an argument broke out, after which Hough picked up a knife and proceeded to stab her multiple times before striking her with a hammer. She managed to escape to a neighbour’s property before calling police. Thanks to a swift response by officers, Hough was arrested near to the scene a short time later. He was initially charged with attempted murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), which he pleaded not guilty to. He later admitted responsibility for grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, as well the ABH charge. Lead officer in the investigation with Grantham Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Detective Constable Lee Papworth, said the successful court result was down to a thorough investigation involving officers and staff from the CID, forensics, response officers, and PCSOs, as well as CPS. He said: “This was a sustained attack on two individuals who, after healing from their physical wounds, will now forever live with the emotional scars of being on the receiving end of such as vicious assault. “I would like to thank the victims for their cooperation with our investigation, and I hope that the sentence Hough has been handed will now enable to them to move forward. “I would also like to thank everyone involved in the investigation, from witnesses to the officers and staff and officers conducting enquiries at the scene and in the months after. “This case highlights the horrific impact using a weapon can have, and as a Force we will continue to tackle the issue of knife crime in the county through Operation Raptor.” Hough appeared at Lincoln Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 30 September. He was jailed for eight years for causing GBH with intent in relation to the knife and hammer attack, and received a further 18 month consecutive jail term for ABH in relation to the scalding water incident. He was also given a restraining order against the female until further notice. A deprivation order for a knife and a hammer was also ordered, and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190. He has been remanded into custody since being charged, and has now begun his sentence.

International Bomber Command Centre unveils Falkland Islands tribute

0
The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), Lincoln has unveiled a new installation paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1982 war on The Falkland Islands with Argentina. On display at the IBCC until January 2023, the remembrance installation has been created by Standing with Giants, a voluntary community project set up by founder Dan Barton, and is identical to another currently in The Falkland Islands. The poignant display represents 255 silhouetted life-size figures of Seafarers, Royal Marines, Army, and Airmen and three civilians who lost their lives during the 1982 war on The Falkland Islands with Argentina. It commemorates the 40th anniversary of liberation on June 14th, 2022. The silhouettes are framed by poppy wreaths marking the installation’s purpose – recognition and remembrance. IBCC’s CEO, Nicky van der Drift, says: “The IBCC’s focus has always been on honouring those who served and remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is a huge honour for us to be able to pay tribute to the fallen of the Falkland’s War with this powerful and emotive installation. To have it here over the Remembrance week will bring additional poignancy for visitors.”

Plans underway for next year after successful first Grim FalFest

0

More than 22,000 people visited Grimsby town centre to enjoy the town’s first Viking festival according to official footfall figures.

The night sky was lit up on the evening of Friday 23 September as Grim the Viking, the legendary Norse merchant, sailed up the River Haven in his two longships kickstarting a packed weekend featuring re-enactment camps, battles, expert talks, parades, entertainment and markets.

Grim the Viking’s legendary tale was brought to life in front of a crowd of thousands who lined the waterfront outside the Fishing Heritage Centre where a beacon was lit before Grim was warmly welcomed ashore from his longships the Valhalla and Heron, as part of the event which was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Families enjoyed dancing to a traditional Ceilidh band in Riverhead Square, took part in traditional crafts and enjoyed local artisan food and drink in the lively market square.

Julia Thompson, chair of VESR CIC, said: “We’re delighted this first event went so well and I hope everyone who came along enjoyed meeting Grim and his Vikings. It was great to see the town centre, Minster Square and People’s Park packed with families and visitors all having fun and finding out about the Vikings.”

Feedback from the public was overwhelmingly positive with many already looking ahead to the return of the festival in 2023. Visitor comments included calling Grim FalFest “the best I’ve ever seen in our town” while a second said “the event made me proud to be from Grimsby.” A third said: “It was a really great event, please come back. It was really interesting and educational but fun at the same time.”

Hannah Thompson, business manager at Heritage Lincolnshire, said: “On behalf of Heritage Lincolnshire, it has been incredible to see the impact that this event has made on Grimsby and the way everyone young and old enjoyed reconnecting with the history of their town. We are so proud to have been a part of that and we hope that journey continues on the lead up to the 2023 event.”

Organisers thanked everyone involved including local traders who took a chance on the first event and reported bumper sales over the weekend. Local businesses created special products from Riverhead Coffee’s Viking biscuits, Curious Cat’s cocktail, Docks Beer’s Grim Brew and a stunning silver bracelet by Silver Boo Jewellery.

Students from the Grimsby Institute gave performances of Scandinavian inspired songs to entertain the audience and volunteer ambassadors from the local community joined event stewards handing out free goody bags to children by local arts organisation Our Big Picture.

Details of next year’s event will be released in due course.

The Lincolnshire County Wedding Show – an ultimate day of wedding planning!

Join us at the Lincolnshire County Wedding Show for an ultimate day of wedding planning! Taking place Sunday 20th November at The Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln (11.00am- 3.00pm), see the region’s greatest wedding suppliers display their products and services! Whether you have just started planning your wedding or you have just a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need to plan your special day at this spectacular event. You will find plenty of wedding inspiration- see décor experts, incredible cake specialists, wedding ring boutiques, formal attire professionals, leaders in wedding entertainment, trusted photographers, incredible bridal hair specialists, luxury vehicle hire and much, much more! Get wedding gown inspired by watching the fashion shows at 12.00pm and 1.45pm whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbly. To ensure you get the most out of your day…
  • Visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com and download your complimentary tickets!
  • Bring labels with your name and address printed on them. Many exhibitors will ask for your details usually to send your further information and offers after the event. If you already have these printed it will save you a lot of time on the day!
  • You could create a temporary wedding email address to pass on to suppliers. Many people do not like passing on their personal email address – this way suppliers can still send you information and offers after the show.
  • Bring money for a deposit. Many suppliers offer a discount for the show day only – don’t miss securing a service because you couldn’t give a deposit
  • Bring swatches of material or ribbon in your chosen colour scheme to help when talking to exhibitors (for example florists could recommend certain flowers in season the date of your wedding which will match your chosen colours)
  • Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple…and most of all – enjoy your day!
If you are a wedding supplier and would like to join us to showcase your wedding services please get in touch ASAP! Email cupidsweddings@gmail.com or visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com for further information.

Bird of prey poisoned in Horncastle

0
Lincolnshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) are investigating the suspected poisoning of three birds of prey in the Belchford area of Horncastle. On 4 October, the team conducted multi agency searches in the area along with officers from the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), the RSPB and Natural England. During the searches they recovered various items which are believed to be linked to the offences under investigation. The offences include the suspected poisoning of three birds, two Buzzards and one Red Kite. Inspector Jason Baxter, from Lincolnshire Special Operations Unit, said: “Lincolnshire police will not tolerate the persecution of our wildlife and any offences reported to us will be thoroughly and expeditiously investigated and offenders will be dealt with robustly.” Investigations are ongoing and one male suspect has been identified who will be interviewed in due course. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Aaron Flint said: “A number of Birds of Prey appear to have been poisoned in the Horncastle area. We would appeal for anyone with any information to contact us.” If any members of the public have information that could assist with the investigation please call 101 or email force.control@lincs.police.uk. Please remember to quote incident number 22000367672.

Customers to get their money back after Lincoln caravan hire company found guilty of fraud

0
Suntime Caravan Hire owner, Clive Denton, was found guilty of eight counts of fraud at Lincoln Magistrates Court on 3 October 2022.
The case against Denton, 75, of Millfield Avenue, Saxilby, was brought by Lincolnshire Trading Standards after receiving an influx of complaints about his company Suntime Caravan Hire. Between August 2018 and November 2018, Mr Denton took bookings and payments to supply caravans to customers attending the ‘New Wine’ festival being held in Peterborough in 2019. Lincolnshire Trading Standards began receiving complaints in July 2019 as Suntime’s customers were unable to get in touch with them prior to the event. When the festival came, six of the customers who had booked and paid for caravans with Suntime never received them, and they were left out of pocket when they had to make alternative arrangements at the last minute. One customer did receive their caravan from Suntime, but it was in an unfit and potentially unsafe condition – far from the conditions described by the company when they hired it. The stabilisers were not put down, and the caravan subsequently tipped, and the door fell off. After taking statements from customers, Trading Standards then invited Clive Denton to give his account to officers. He failed to attend the interview. At Lincoln Magistrates Court on 3 October, Clive Denton pleaded not guilty to eight counts of fraud for failing to provide the caravans and for providing one caravan that did not match the description. Mr Denton tried to claim a friend was running the business for him during this time, and that that friend had been a fraudster who ran off with his money. This contradicted with the customers’ witness accounts, as they had spoken with Mr Denton directly. The court found Clive Denton guilty of all eight charges and ordered him to pay full compensation of £2,888.54, plus £800 costs. He was also handed a conditional discharge for 24 months. Senior Trading Standards officer, Kirsty Toyne, investigated the case. She said: “These customers did not get what they paid for, at all, and I’m glad that they now have justice and will be getting their money back. “Our role as Trading Standards is to work with businesses, to help them make sure they’re following all the relevant legislation and being fair to their customers. We’re also here to protect consumers against unscrupulous businesses like this one from taking their money and not delivering on their promises.”

£540,460 rural investment plan announced for South Kesteven

Rural areas of South Kesteven are to benefit from an extra £540,460 of Government funding to help meet their specific needs and challenges. The Rural England Prosperity Fund, known as the Rural Fund, is in addition to the £3.9m already allocated to South Kesteven through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Government’s Levelling Up commitment. The Rural Fund provides capital funding to support:
  • new and existing rural businesses to develop products and facilities which benefit the wider local economy
  • new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses
South Kesteven District Council Leader Cllr Kelham Cooke said: “I am delighted by the Government’s recognition of the challenges we face in our rural areas – and it is now SKDC’s responsibility to put this money to work for the district. “This is a fantastic opportunity to help South Kesteven to grow. A growing population and a growing economy creates jobs, secures infrastructure and attracts further investment across our district, helping to create a thriving area for us all to enjoy.” Grantham & Stamford MP Gareth Davies said: “I am pleased that our area has received further Government funding to support our rural economy. There are undoubtedly a number of challenges facing our area of which some of these issues can be met through the Rural Prosperity Fund. “This will be a very welcome boost supporting our local businesses and I look forward to working with South Kesteven District Council in ensuring this allocation of funding helps those who most need our support.” South Kesteven District Council’s economic development team, InvestSK, will now seek opinions from rural partners and businesses to help refine its spending plan. The Council has until the end of November to submit specific projects to the Government for endorsement. Among businesses that may be eligible for grants under the scheme are farms looking to diversify by opening a farm shop, wedding venue or tourism facilities. Rural areas covered under the funding initiative are towns, villages and hamlets with populations below 10,000 and their wider countryside, as well as market/hub towns with populations of up to 30,000 that serve their surrounding rural areas as centres of employment and service provision. The funding is available from April 2023 to March 2025.