A four week programme of refurbishment and resurfacing work at Spalding bus station is due to get underway next week, as part of around £100,000 of investment in the site by South Holland District Council.
The works, which are due to start on Monday (26 September), will include resurfacing across the station, as well as curbing replacement, deep cleaning of shelters and repairs to fencing around the site.
During the refurbishment, which will take place in two phases, the bus station will remain open and operational with services running as normal, although there will be some temporary relocations to allow work to take place.
During the first phase, taking place from Monday 26 September until approximately Friday 7 October, bus services will be relocated to near the existing taxi rank, with five designated bays operational whilst the original bus lanes are resurfaced.
For phase two, which should take place from around Monday 10 until Tuesday 18 October, bus services will return to their usual locations, with the car park and taxi area closed to the public whilst resurfacing takes place. During both phases cars and taxis will temporarily be asked to use the parking area at the other end of the site, near the King’s Road junction.
Councillor Rodney Grocock, South Holland District Council portfolio holder for assets and planning, said: “I am delighted that we are able to make this significant investment in the bus station, helping to make the site a simpler, more attractive and safer place for residents and visitors to use.
“It is vital that we do what we can to ensure that public transport in South Holland is both accessible and desirable for people to use, and that the station is a welcoming place to arrive in the town whether it’s for work, school, or to enjoy some of our fantastic local shops and businesses.”
Signage will be in place throughout the works to help visitors navigate the temporary changes.
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance say’s ‘Thanks to ride of thanks’
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are saying a big thank you to the hundreds of motorcyclists from across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire who took to the streets on the 4th September for their annual Ride of Thanks ride-out.
Approximately 280 bikers created an eye-catching procession as they wound their way round the 62-mile circular route taking in some of the most glorious countryside and villages across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Several trikes and 3 wheelers also joined in on the action. The event raised a total of £3,264 which will be split between LNAA, the Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service and Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes. Both blood bike groups provide a free service to the LNAA ensuring that life-saving blood and plasma are delivered on board 24/7.
Chris Bailey, Operations Manager for LNAA said: “Thank you to the organisers of the Ride of Thanks for the very generous donation of £1088. The money raised will help keep our helicopter airborne and Critical Care Cars operational across both counties. Events like this raise awareness of not only LNAA, but also those other Charities that support us, such as the Blood Bikers. Without their support it would be challenging to provide the advanced level of service we provide, which has seen over 100 units of blood products transfused on scene this year; the highest in any year for LNAA”
The LNAA is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS) Charities. The enhanced level of pre-hospital critical care delivered to patients at the scene, gives people with the most severe injuries and medical conditions the very best chance of survival when minutes matter. And with the crews are on call 24 hours of the day, 365 days of the year, the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and pilots are there to help people in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, involved in life-threatening incidents every single day.
Roland Johns, volunteer and joint organiser of the event said: “On-line registration was slow to start with but increased nearer the event and even a few bikers turned up on the day and donated the £10 requested to take part. As part of the preparation, we contacted all the 26 villages on the route and encouraged residents to come out and give us a wave as we passed by. I am pleased to say that we received great support and it was lovely to be greeted at all the villages that we passed through.”
The Ride of Thanks was such a success due to the hard work and commitment from all committee members, sponsors Robin Hood Harley Davidson, the volunteers that marshalled the route, the people in the communities that cheered the bikers along the route and of course all the bikers who took part.
Plans are already underway to make the Ride to Save Lives 2023 even bigger and better so even more money can be raised to support these three life-saving charities.”
Television stars set to appear in Grimsby Auditorium’s Sleeping Beauty and the Whinging Wicked Witch
Chris Moreno and Grimsby Auditorium have announced Sleeping Beauty and the Whinging Wicked Witch as this year’s panto, running from Saturday 10 – Friday 30 December 2022.
With the cast now revealed, Coronation Street legend KEN MORLEY will play King Reginald, TV personality MARTIN DANIELS will be Magic Muddles, and with 1 million Tik Tok followers KITTY HARRIS will play Princess Beauty, while IAN NORTON is Nurse Loosie Laxative, ROSANNE PRIEST is Queen Malcontent & DINO SAWASS The Forest Dinosaur.
The stars will be backed by terrific supporting artistes and the ‘Panto Warriors’ dancers and singers.
Will Beauty’s father succeed in keeping her away from the only spindle left in the Kingdom or will the prophecy of the Whinging Witch come true?
From the producer of last year’s spectacular Cinderella and the Lost Slipper, enjoy another unforgettable pantomime with television stars, laughter and surprises, stunning scenery, dazzling special effects and discover if dreams really do come true!
Lincolnshire Day arrives at the Showground!
Schools from across Lincolnshire will join the county-wide celebrations of Lincolnshire Day, during an action-packed event at the Lincolnshire Showground. The Showground will host an array of Lincolnshire-derived learning activities and experiences over the 3rd and 4th October.
The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society’s Education team have brought together the finest of the county’s food, farming, craft, aviation, heritage and sport for KS2 students to enjoy, getting hands-on whilst learning all about the county’s traditions.
Students have been invited to the Showground to enjoy a full day of activities celebrating everything that’s great about the county – from sausage-making, to exploring Lincolnshire soils to floristry and sustainable sewing. The county’s sporting and aviation links will provide opportunities for the students to experience first-hand taster sessions.
Students will have the opportunity to become an astronaut for the day and encounter rocket flying with the Royal Air Force, bake ‘Lincolnshire Plumbread’ inspired cupcakes, and have a go at making cheese with Cote Hill Cheese. There is fabulous support from almost 30 exhibitors, dedicating their time and skills across the days. For a full list of exhibitors and activities please visit Lincolnshire Day | Mon 3 – Tue 4 Oct (lincolnshireshowground.co.uk).
Education development manager, Rosie Crust, said: “As the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, we are passionate about Lincolnshire and want to celebrate everything that’s great about our county – from local aviation, its agricultural roots, to delicious local produce.
“By inviting school students to join us for our own celebration of Lincolnshire Day we hope to impart a little seed of this enthusiasm and love for our county onto the younger generation, along with enhancing their knowledge and understanding of Lincolnshire’s traditions, history and culture”.
Stay up to date with the celebration of Lincolnshire Day on Twitter @lincsshowground, @LASEducation, Instagram @lincsshowground and Facebook, facebook.com/LincolnshireShowground – get involved using the hashtag #LincsDay22
For more information about year-round programme of educational events, call Rosie Crust on 01522 585521 or email rcrust@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
Pony rescued from hell finds little piece of heaven
A pony rescued from one of the worst cruelty cases Bransby Horses has ever seen, is settling into her new home.
Of the 27 horses taken in by the charity, Limpopo is one of the lucky ones.
It took 18 months of veterinary care and rehabilitation to get the seven year old mare to a point where she could be rehomed and she is now living with a family who truly love her.
Bransby Horses’ Executive Director of External Welfare, Emma Carter said: “Thankfully Limpopo’s story has a happy ending, which was not possible for all. But, for all of the animals we’ve helped, we will remember each and every one.
“It’s a hard realisation to think what would happen to these animals if our supporters were not behind us to tackle cruelty like this.”
Sadly, many of the 200 animals released at the time of Limpopo’s rescue either had to be put down or had such complex medical needs, they must remain in sanctuary care for the remainder of their lives.
In August this year a woman was found guilty of failing to meet the needs of 131 equines by failing to provide a suitable environment, a water supply, adequate nutrition, routine dental or farrier care, or adequate parasitic treatment or control and treatment for prevention of illness and disease.
She was also convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a number of other horses, dogs and goats.
Bransby Horses worked alongside the RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, The Donkey Sanctuary, The Horse Trust and Redwings to rescue and rehabilitate those that could be saved.
Limpopo arrived at the Bransby Horses along with 27 others in January 2019 after teams worked night and day to secure the safe release of all the animals from their suffering.
She was scared and unused to humans, shaking in fear and trying to run away when approached.
As a result, Bransby Horses had to work gently and patiently with her to understand her health issues; she was underweight, her eyes were dull and she was so itchy, she had sores all over her body where she had bitten herself until she bled.
Despite her past interactions and understanding of humans leading to nothing but suffering, Limpopo had a very sweet and quiet nature from the start and it didn’t take long for her to become a firm favourite with the charity.
Limpopo lived on the charity’s Visitor Centre Yard where her handlers took her out for walks and gradually introduced elements such as pole work and lunging to help build up strength, fitness and manage her weight.
Rebecca, Team Leader on the Visitor Centre Yard said: “She was a pleasure to do everything with and seemed to really enjoy her in-hand exercise.”
The team on Main Yard continued with a handling programme until she was considered suitable to join the charity’s Perfect Partner rehoming scheme.
It didn’t take long for the beautiful and calm pony to find her Perfect Partner in the form of Bransby Horses’ supporter, Mel.
Limpopo has now joined Mel and her family who have spoilt her rotten ever since her arrival – giving her the love, care and attention she always deserved.
Mel said: “I approached Bransby Horses as my retired loan pony had to be put to sleep leaving my other pony, Emily, on her own.
“Having a pony that can’t be ridden has opened our eyes to lots of new and exciting activities that we hadn’t considered before.
“Limpopo is now one of the family and it warms our hearts when she calls to us as she sees us approaching. She’s even started whinnying when I open my shed door as she knows I am getting feeds ready.”
It took 18 months to rehabilitate Limpopo to the point where she could be rehomed – a process taken at the horse’s pace and only made possible thanks to kind donations Bransby Horses receive from the public.
Her story underlines the hard-work and dedication required to rehabilitate equines rescued from challenging circumstances and the very real need for specialist charities like Bransby Horses.
Steve Hackett to mark 50th anniversary of legendary Genesis album with Grimsby gig
Hot on the heels of his most successful solo tour ever, Steve Hackett will bring the Genesis Revisited – Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights tour to Grimsby Auditorium on Tuesday 27 September.
The tour marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis album Foxtrot which, in 1972, was pivotal in establishing the band as a major force in British rock.
Guitarist Steve Hackett joined Genesis in 1971, making his band debut on the Nursery Cryme album which enjoyed a greater commercial success in Europe than the UK. After extensive touring, the band were encouraged, by audience reactions, to further experiment with ever longer compositions and develop their ability to incorporate strong narratives. This, in turn, allowed frontman Peter Gabriel more opportunity to indulge in the theatrics which helped to raise the band’s profile.
“I think Foxtrot was a terrific achievement for Genesis at that time,” says Steve Hackett. “I think there is not one weak track on the album, they all have their strong points and I’m really looking forward to doing the whole album live.”
Foxtrot was critically acclaimed and became the first Genesis album to make the UK album charts. The first track, the sci-fi influenced Watcher of the Skies became a fan favourite and perennial live set opener while Get ‘Em Out By Friday was a cutting slice of social comment about concrete tower blocks replacing aging slums, driven not by concern for communities but by the greed of developers.
Hackett was the lead writer of Can-Utility and the Coastliners, featuring some particularly strong musical ideas, and also contributed his classically-inspired solo piece Horizons. “The original version was a rough mix but there was something about it. A rough monitor mix can have things that something more considered won’t necessarily possess. I liked the sound of the rough mix, so we went with that.”
The album’s highlight was the 23-minute epic Supper’s Ready which remains a concert favourite and featured on Hackett’s recent Second’s Out tour. “’Supper’s Ready’ was a sojourn, an odyssey and something that goes down very, very well with audiences now,” Hackett adds. “As part of ‘Second’s Out’ I’ve been playing the whole of that again, it really has stood the test of time.
“We were a young, struggling band at that time. By the time we were doing ‘Foxtrot’, the band was becoming more ambitious. ‘Foxtrot’ is a must for fans of the early Genesis work. Fifty years ago? It doesn’t feel like those ideas are fifty years old because it was genre defining, rather than following trends. It still sounds current, now.”
The Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited – Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights tour also promises more Genesis favourites and highlights from Hackett’s extensive solo catalogue.
Steve Hackett and his touring line-up of Roger King (keyboards), Jonas Reingold (bass, backing vocals), Nad Sylvan (vocals), Rob Townsend (saxophone, flutes, additional keyboards) and Craig Blundell (drums) have recently completed the 31-date Genesis Revisited Seconds Out +More UK tour plus additional European dates. Hackett’s most successful ever solo tour, this tour sold out most of the dates and received stunning reviews:
“raising the audience fever to near delirium… celebrating what has been an imperious performance… We’re a lucky bunch of fans to have Steve Hackett on this form.” Prog Magazine
“Hackett has certainly pulled together a world class ensemble of musicians befitting a guitarist of his stature… Breathtaking stuff”. MetalExpressRadio.com
“this is definitely your ‘go-to-gig’ of 2021” ***** MMH Radio
“What a fantastic performance and night’s entertainment” Brighton and Hove News
“When the sun sets on 2021… this show will be right at the top of the list” 10/10 Maximum Volume Music
“Pure class from start to finish” Yorkshire Times
Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited – Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights 2022 tour will visit Grimsby Auditorium on Tuesday 27 September.
Government outlines plans to help cut energy bills for UK businesses
New support for businesses facing rising energy bills has been unveiled by Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg today (Wednesday 21 September), to support growth, prevent insolvencies and protect jobs.
Through a new Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the Government says it will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals) whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices. This support will be equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee put in place for households.
It will apply to fixed contracts agreed on or after 1 April 2022, as well as to deemed, variable and flexible tariffs and contracts. It will apply to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, running for an initial six-month period for all non-domestic energy users. The savings will be first seen in October bills, which are typically received in November.
As with the Energy Price Guarantee for households, customers do not need to take action or apply to the scheme to access the support. Support (in the form of a p/kWh discount) will automatically be applied to bills.
To administer support, the Government has set a Supported Wholesale Price – expected to be £211 per MWh for electricity and £75 per MWh for gas, less than half the wholesale prices anticipated this winter – which is a discounted price per unit of gas and electricity. This is equivalent to the wholesale element of the Energy Price Guarantee for households. It includes the removal of green levies paid by non-domestic customers who receive support under the scheme.
The level of price reduction for each business will vary depending on their contract type and circumstances:
- Non-domestic customers on existing fixed price contracts will be eligible for support as long as the contract was agreed on or after 1 April 2022. Provided that the wholesale element of the price the customer is paying is above the Government Supported Price, their per unit energy costs will automatically be reduced by the relevant p/kWh for the duration of the Scheme. Customers entering new fixed price contracts after 1 October will receive support on the same basis.
- Those on default, deemed or variable tariffs will receive a per-unit discount on energy costs, up to a maximum of the difference between the Supported Price and the average expected wholesale price over the period of the Scheme. The amount of this Maximum Discount is likely to be around £405/MWh for electricity and £115/MWh for gas, subject to wholesale market developments. Non-domestic customers on default or variable tariffs will therefore pay reduced bills, but these will still change over time and may still be subject to price increases. This is why the Government says it is working with suppliers to ensure all their customers in England, Scotland and Wales are given the opportunity to switch to a fixed contract/tariff for the duration of the scheme if they wish, underpinned by the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme support.
- For businesses on flexible purchase contracts, typically some of the largest energy-using businesses, the level of reduction offered will be calculated by suppliers according to the specifics of that company’s contract and will also be subject to the Maximum Discount.
Lincoln construction recruitment specialist set to grow following £2.5m funding package
Lincoln-based business Clements Young, which offers recruitment services for the construction and M&E sectors, has secured a £2.5m finance deal with NatWest.
The investment deal will enable Clements Young to explore opportunities to grow the business, including recruiting a number of new internal staff and expanding into regional locations across the UK.
Founded in 2018, Clements Young has supported more than 130 customers within the construction and building services industry, working closely with clients and candidates to build relationships, understand the business need and ensure a beneficial employment outcome for both parties.
Matthew Jones, Managing Director at Clements Young, said: “As the business grew organically over the last few years, it became increasingly important that we secured a new finance solution that matched our needs and future ambitions. This new funding line gives us the flexibility and freedom to explore new opportunities, which really puts us in control of our own destiny.
“The team at NatWest have been invaluable in terms of their advice and support in terms of helping us move from a previous provider. Throughout, I’ve been able to pick up the phone and speak to the team, so it’s felt like a seamless transition for us and this personal touch has been an added bonus to the deal.”
Ken Feast, business development director, Invoice Finance, at NatWest, said: “As well as flexible financing solutions, we work hard to remove barriers to enterprise, so that businesses can thrive.
“It’s been fantastic to work closely with Matthew and his team to not only provide them with an invoice finance package that suits their needs but also support them with the wider aspects of taking a business on to the next stage of their growth journey. I’m really excited to see what’s next for them.”
Invoice financing is a flexible way for businesses to borrow money against payments due from customers. This frees up finances and can help businesses reinvest in growth at an earlier stage.
Broker Fundinground Ltd advised on the deal, supported by NatWest broker relationship manager Ben Davey.
Lucy Painter, director at Fundinground Ltd, said: “The range of finance products and lenders for businesses is vast, and we find that clients can’t always identify or directly access the best product for their circumstances.
“Invoice finance is of huge benefit to a broad spectrum of business to support their cashflow requirements, particularly bearing in mind the economic environment we are currently in. However, identifying the right product and lender is critical to its success, and it’s more than just price. The service aspect delivered by the lender is crucial due to the longevity and closeness of the client/lender relationship, and we know how Ken and the wider invoice finance team at NatWest recognise and value this.
“We are delighted to have brokered this introduction and know that Clements Young are in excellent hands as they embark on the next stage of their growth.”
Images shows Matthew Jones, MD, Clements Young
Doncaster to host Rugby League World Cup 2021
Doncaster is set to host three fixtures of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and bring top class international rugby league to South Yorkshire. The tournament was postponed in 2021 due to Covid-19 and will now be held between Saturday 15 October and Saturday 19 November 2022.
Doncaster’s three fixtures and revised dates are confirmed as:
- France vs Greece (men’s)– 17th October 2022
- Samoa vs Greece (men’s)– 23rd October 2022
- Papua New Guinea vs Wales (men’s)– 31st October 2022
What’s more, Doncaster will be hosting the Samoan team during the tournament!
Set to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history, the inspirational moments of England 2021 will capture the imagination of all. The Rugby League World Cup has been the pinnacle of International Rugby League since 1954. Now contested every four years, with a series of qualification tournaments leading up to it, the RLWC is open to all full and affiliate members of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF). The RLWC2021 tournament, for the first time, will see the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions staged in a single, celebratory event, culminating in an epic Finals Weekend to crown the champions of each. The host country is England and Doncaster will host three group stage matches at the home of Doncaster Rugby League Club – The Eco-Power Stadium. More teams than ever will compete to be crowned Rugby League World Cup Champions with four pools of four nations competing in up to 14 stadia.Head to Rugby League World Cup 2021 to find out the latest news and ticket information.
Two arrested for racially aggravated assault
Two people have been arrested in connection with a racially aggravated assault, following an incident in Scartho on Saturday (17 September).
Officers were initially called to reports of an alleged attempted abduction of a child at a play area on Louth Road, Scartho, at around 6:00pm on Saturday 17 September. It was reported that a man had attempted to remove a child from a swing, and the man was arrested by officers at 6:10pm.
On investigation, it appeared the man was attempting to help the child get on a swing after the child asked him for assistance. This was further corroborated by the child’s parent, and witnesses in the area. The man has since been released with no further action.
After assisting the child, the man was subject to a racially aggravated assault. Two people have been arrested in connection with this and remain in custody.
Humberside Police said: “We are aware that this incident has attracted a lot of speculation online. We ask people to refrain from posting, reposting or commenting on material that may not reflect the facts, which will be determined as a result of our ongoing investigations. If you witnessed this incident, or have any further information, we would ask that you contact us on 101, quoting log 410 of 17 September.”
