Broken-hearted team say goodbye to beloved donkeys
Bransby Horses has announced the sad news that two of their most popular and well-loved donkeys, Nero and his half-brother Domino, have been put to sleep.
Unfortunately the two donkeys’ ongoing health issues had become unmanageable.
Both had been struggling for a few weeks and the charity’s veterinary team felt it the right thing to do.
Both Nero and Domino were loved by just about everyone who works at Bransby Horses as well as their supporters.
Domino was one of Bransby Horses’ most popular Sponsorship Stars, as was Nero before he retired.
Both donkeys had been with Bransby Horses for decades and will be sorely missed by all the team who take comfort in knowing they had a wonderful life with them and lived to a very good age.
Police investigating after vehicle thefts in Sleaford area
Lincolnshire Police are investigating following four vehicle thefts in Sleaford and the surrounding villages in the past few days.
The latest incident relates to a report that a white Ford Transit van was stolen from West Road in Ruskington at around 3am on Monday 5 September. The registration of the vehicle which was stolen is OV59 FTT.
In a separate incident, a black Audi A4 with the registration FT61 VXZ, was reported stolen from the car park of The Red Lion in Newton at around 8.55pm on Sunday 4 September.
Lincolnshire Police also received a report that two vehicles had been stolen from an address in Boston Road in Sleaford on 2 September. The vehicles were a grey Mercedes BlueTEC with the registration number FY15 LHX, and a grey Vauxhall Vivaro, registration number LR18 KNO. They were stolen at some point between 25 August and 2 September.
At this point the police say they are keeping an open mind about the circumstances and those responsible.
Lincolnshire Police added: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any of the thefts taking place, or may have information which could help our investigation, or could share CCTV or dashcam of the incidents.
“We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicles, or may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area in the days leading up to the thefts.
“We are also reminding people to keep their vehicles secure, take their valuables with them, and keep keys in a safe place.”
Tree planting to be fast-tracked as council set to join Humber Forest partnership
People across North Lincolnshire will see even more trees planted across the area as the council joins a pan-Humber organisation delivering the Government’s ambitious Northern Forest scheme.
Already more than 90,000 trees have been planted towards the aim of 172,000 – one for every resident in the area.
The council, communities, businesses and residents have backed the project launched two years ago with dozens of areas enhanced in communities across Ashby, Barton, Brigg, Scunthorpe and the Isle of Axholme.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are committed to making North Lincolnshire a cleaner, even greener area for people to live, work and visit.
“Now with access to additional Government cash through the Humber Forest, we can move these plans forward at an even faster pace.
“People and businesses have really got behind the tree planting scheme and it is incredible to think that 90,000 more trees have been planted in the last two years since the very first one on the Queensway with Scunthorpe’s MP Holly Mumby-Croft.”
The council has been a steering group member of Humber Forest, co-developing several schemes which have seen 25,000 trees planted in North Lincolnshire.
As a fully-fledged member, with membership due to be completed in the coming days, the council and community groups will be able to access more Government cash and deliver more schemes.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We have partnered with the team at the Humber Forest and the relationship has been really positive, working together to make sure we can meet our commitment to make North Lincolnshire a better place now and in the future.
“This next stage will really help us all push forward with our plans and reach the target of 172,000 trees – it will make a lasting, positive impact on the environment and the lives of thousands of people across the area for generations to come.
“Anyone who wants to get involved, either suggesting bits of land or getting out their shovels and gardening gloves to help dig in new trees is most welcome.”
The project is ultimately part of the Northern Forest scheme, which is the Government’s 25-year vision to plant 50 million trees across the north of England, from Merseyside to the Lincolnshire coast.
The staff at the Humber Forest help communities, farmers, landowners, and businesses plant trees in the easiest and most effective way possible, providing free advice and guidance, project support and importantly cash for urban and parkland tree planting, tree shelter belts, hedgerows and shrub belts, enhancing existing woodlands and creating entirely new ones.
Available cash covers large and small projects and all agreed costs of tree planting, hedgerow creation, and maintenance for up to five years – it can also include support for tree protection, fences, gates and more.
Council has £4.5m to share amongst businesses as part of Covid Relief Fund
North East Lincolnshire Council is to share £4.5m amongst almost 800 eligible businesses as part of the Government’s Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund.
Cabinet members meet on Thursday this week to discuss a report about the fund and how it will be distributed. If approved, the Council will distribute the money in the form of business rate relief refunds for the tax year 2021/22. The relief will be paid to businesses outside the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors (who have already benefited from other types of relief).
Guidance from the Government sets the criteria the Council must follow when allocating the fund. Councils must:
- Provide direct support to business ratepayers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to the impact.
- not award relief to ratepayers eligible for other certain reliefs
- not award to unoccupied properties (unless temporarily closed due to Covid).
Green Light for Campus for Future Living at Mablethorpe
Councillors have approved planning consent for the Campus for Future Living, which is set to put Mablethorpe at the forefront of medical technology and innovation.
The Campus, which will also be a centre for health and care related teaching and research, will see the construction of a faculty building housing laboratories, consultation spaces, lecture facilities, and ancillary facilities.
The Campus, which is benefitting from £8.5m in Town Deal funding through Connected Coast Town Deal, will also offer accommodation and a café, as well as parking facilities.
Led by a coalition of local, regional, and national partners, the Campus for Future Living will put Mablethorpe at the heart of the provision of health and care related jobs and businesses.
As well as providing a base for the development and testing of medi-tech applications, it will also enable the continued professional development of clinicians, and will provide support and training for people working in care.
Cllr William Gray, the political lead at East Lindsey District Council for the Campus for Future Living project, said: “This is a fantastic development which will transform Mablethorpe and put it on the map for the national significance it will play in developing new medical technology and innovation.
“Not only will it help create jobs, it will bring new opportunities for the people who live and work in Mablethorpe. By working with our local health partners, the University of Lincoln through the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, it means we have been able to put a pioneering scheme together which will attract more healthcare professionals to East Lindsey.
“I am pleased the council’s Planning Committee have given its approval and I look forward to seeing this project, supported by the Towns Deal, come to fruition.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: “Through the Campus for Future Living, we have a unique opportunity for Mablethorpe to become a nationally-recognised leader in medical technology and innovation. Now, with planning consent, we can work towards translating the exciting vision for this project into reality, and bring far-reaching benefits for our communities, and beyond.
“The Campus for Future Living is set to bring a national exemplar in its field to Mablethorpe, bringing jobs, investments and opportunities.”
Julian Free CBE, deputy vice chancellor, University of Lincoln, said: “The Campus will provide the resources for research and innovation alongside facilities for medical and social care delivery creating the synergy to accelerate improvement in health outcomes, which will also be exported beyond the region.”
The Campus is also set to be a national centre for piloting best practice in rural settings, particularly focused on e-medicine.
County council steps in to continue ‘Spalding Into Town’ bus service
Improvements to the ‘Spalding Into Town’ bus service will enable passengers to travel further, later and more frequently.
Lincolnshire County Council has stepped in to keep the ‘Spalding Into Town’ bus service running, following the previous operator submitting a notice of cancellation.
The service will now be financially-supported by the county council, along with funding from a local developer. Buses will run from 7am until 5:25pm, Monday to Saturday.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “Unfortunately, the previous operator was no longer able to run the ‘Spalding Into Town’ bus service as a commercial route, so we’ve stepped in to fill the gap for our residents. After putting the contract out for tender, Black Cat Travel are the new operator for the next two and a half years.
“The improved service will benefit more residents and businesses in and around Spalding. Not only will it run longer hours, with buses operating from 7:30am Monday to Saturday – more than an hour earlier than before – but it will also service more locations, including Holland Park, Johnson Hospital and Springfields Retail Centre.
“Improving connectivity throughout the county is a key priority for us because reliable, good-quality bus services are key to keeping people in the county moving and also reducing the number of cars on the road.”
Cllr Davies added: “The public transport network is facing significant challenges, primarily passenger numbers not returning to pre-Covid levels. That’s why we’re working in partnership with the county’s bus operators to create routes that meet residents’ needs while also being financially-viable for bus operators to run.
“We recognise the importance of the county’s bus services and are working in partnership with the county’s bus operators to ensure the financial support we can offer is enabling the most important services to continue running.
“We also offer a dedicated transport helpline to assist passengers in finding the best travel solution for them, with our CallConnect service working alongside bus services to meet residents’ needs.”
Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials returns as one of the most popular sporting events in the UK
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, one of the most popular sporting events in the UK, took place last week (from Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 September) at Burghley House.
Acknowledged globally by leading riders as their ultimate competitive goal, the equestrian event attracts fantastic crowds from across the country.
Exhilarating equestrian action took place alongside shopping avenues, specialist food stalls, and a plethora of other attractions and activities on offer.
Martyn Johnson, new director of Land Rover Burghley, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Burghley back after the two years lost to the Covid pandemic.”
There was no shortage of prizes handed out at the end of Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, including:
Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded to the winning owner. A miniature replica will also be awarded to the owner and the rider of the winning horse: Trevor Dickens
Burghley Challenge Cup, awarded to the winning rider: Piggy March
Henry Tate Challenge Cup, awarded to the owners of the second horse: Sarah Webb, Patricia Davenport & Millie Simmie
Sugden Challenge Trophy, awarded to the rider of the second horse: Tom Jackson
Stamford Challenge Cup, awarded to the owners of the third horse: Joe & Alex Giannamore
Silver photo frame, awarded by Dawson of Stamford Ltd to the rider of the third horse: Tim Price
Miniature of the Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded to the highest placed first-timer: Tom Jackson & Capels Hollow Drift
Plaques, awarded to all owners whose horses complete the competition, and to any athlete completing who is not the owner of the horse.
Richard Matson Memorial Trophy, and £1,000, will be presented by the British Horse Foundation to the breeder of the highest placed British bred horse, provided it finishes in the top 20: Elaine Hepworth for Classic Moet
Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain Bronze, awarded to the owner of the highest placed horse sired by an SHB(GB) Graded Stallion or HIS Premium Stallion, provided it finishes in the top 12: Trisha Rickards, Sophie Rickards and the rider
Scholarship for two embryos, awarded by Twemlows Stud farm to the owner of the highest placed British domiciled mare to finish in the top 20: Trevor Dickens for Vanir Kamira
The Avebury Trophy, presented by Mark and Rosemary Barlow in memory of their three-times Burghley winner, to the rider of the best cross-country round as judged by Captain Mark Phillips: Jonelle Price for Classic Moet
Peden Bloodstock Horse Care Prize, to the grooms of the best-cared-for horses, in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Winner: Fraser Kirby for his care of Helen Wilson’s My Ernie Runner up: Sarah Charnley for her care of Ros Canter’s Pencos Crown Jewel
The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best Shod Horse Award, judged by Chris McCabe: Stephen Hill for Angus Smales’ ESI Pheonix
Unsung Hero Award, in memory of Justin Llewellyn: Sue Browne. Sue has been involved with horse trials for as long as anyone can remember. She was extremely influential in the creation of the Burghley Young Event Horse series alongside Bill Henson, and has been on the Burghley organising committee for years.
Vice-Presidencies: Captain Mark Phillips and Jane Holderness-Roddam
Picture: © Peter Nixon / Nixonphoto
Bransby Horses host free equine worming information evening
Lincolnshire-based equine welfare charity Bransby Horses are inviting horse and land owners to a free worming seminar on Thursday 8th September.
Worming practices have changed considerably over the past decade and with a wealth of information out there, what’s best for your equine may not be entirely clear.
The ‘Make A Difference: Think Twice Before Using Wormers’ event will explain the most up to date veterinary guidelines for anyone in search of more clarity on how best to treat their animals.
Along with Clare Shand from Westgate Labs, the Bransby Horses’ equine welfare team will be on hand to answer any questions and help anyone looking after equines gain a better understanding of what is required to keep an animal healthy.
Bransby Horses’ welfare manager, Rachel Jenkinson, said: “It will also be a good opportunity to hear about our work in general and to ask questions. An effective worming program is an essential part of looking after any horse, pony, donkey or mule, but people may not be aware of the most effective way to do this.
“It’s also a good opportunity to learn how to tighten up your worming program as this could also potentially save you money, at a time when every penny counts.”
The event is free but booking is essential, as places are limited.
To secure your seat on Thursday, September 8 at 6.30pm – 9pm, call Bransby Horses on 01427 788 464 or register online.
Refreshments will be provided.
Football wish comes true for Ray at Neale Court Care Home
Staff at Neale Court Care Home in North Hykeham arranged for 82-year-old Lincoln City fan Ray Inman to attend a league match against Fleetwood on Saturday 27th August at home.
The outing was arranged as part of Country Court’s Make a Wish initiative. Residents are given the opportunity to tell staff about somewhere they have always wanted to go or a special activity they always wanted to do.
Ray’s passion for football started at a young age and he has lots of fond memories of watching Lincoln City. He would regularly go to his Grandparent’s house, and they would all watch the game together or listen in on the radio. He would often shout “COME ON RED IMPS!” These days Ray usually watches sports on TV, but the staff at Neale Court were keen to make his wish to see them play happen for him.
“Ray loves his football and is a huge Lincoln City fan,” said wellbeing coordinator Becky Bourke. “He loves reminiscing and telling us all about when Bill Anderson was the Manager and Andy Graver all-time best goal scorer. His day was made very special as his daughter Karen and his son-in-law Matthew and grandchildren Jack, Lewis and Amelia joined him to watch the match. Ray was in his element. We would like to thank the team at Lincoln City who helped to arrange tickets.”
Ray was born on 22nd January 1940 and loves to talk about his childhood, particularly his school days which he loved. After he finished school, he became an engineer and worked at Ruston and Hornby, a well-known manufacturer of narrow and standard gauge diesel locomotives. Later, he had a change of career, spending seventeen years working for the Royal Mail. Every day he would get up at 4 am to deliver mail in Branston, cycling back to Lincoln post office at the end of his rounds.
Ray is married and has a daughter and five grandchildren, all of whom are very important to him. He has lived at Neale Court Care Home since 2020, he enjoys regular visits from his wife Pat. The staff team at Neale Court love to listen to them reminisce and talk about the past, especially dancing at Park Street every Friday.
To find out more about life at Neale Court please get in touch with home manager Kayleigh Moss on 01522 682 201 or email nealecourt@countrycourtcare.com.
Go-ahead for new leisure and learning hub in Mablethorpe
Councillors have approved planning consent for a new purpose-built leisure centre and digital learning complex for Mablethorpe.
The new 3,000m² hub will be built on the site of the current Station Sports Centre in Mablethorpe and will increase and improve opportunities for leisure and learning in the town.
With £7.4m in Towns Funding through the Connected Coast Town Deal, the development will offer a new swimming pool and changing village, as well as studios and a fitness suite.
There will also be commercial space within the hub and the design of the site will include meeting places and recreational facilities, including an adventure play area.
The development will provide a digital inclusion learning centre to enable local learners of all ages to access distance learning courses and gain new skills that can improve their career prospects.
The development of the hub is being led by East Lindsey District Council. Cllr Richard Fry, the political lead for the Leisure and Learning Hub Towns Deal project, said: “This scheme will help improve the health and wellbeing of residents in Mablethorpe for years to come as well as providing new opportunities for learning in the town.
“It’s no secret that a swimming pool has been a desire of many residents in Mablethorpe over the years. This scheme, thanks to the Towns Deal funding, now makes that possible. I am delighted the Planning Committee approved the application and I look forward to seeing the benefits the scheme will bring to Mablethorpe.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: “With planning consent approved, we can now move forward with developing the hub which will significantly enhance the opportunities for leisure and learning for Mablethorpe.
“This is an important development and one that will play a crucial role in supporting health and wellbeing as well as enabling people to gain skills that can lead to jobs and business opportunities.
“This is a significant milestone for the project and we now look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming years.”
The new hub will also provide new jobs and business opportunities in the town, and as it is located on a key gateway close to the high street, it will also help to improve people’s overall experience of the town centre.
