“Children’s theatre doesn’t come much better than this” – The Stage
Craig Morrow, theatre manager for The Drill, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tall Stories’ energetic and fun-filled adaptation of this timeless children’s story to Lincoln for what’s set to be four powerhouse performances. “If your little ones enjoy fantasy, magic and puppets on errant adventures, they’ll simply love this immersive take on one of the UK’s best-loved children’s classics. “We have a range of performances suited to busy families, ranging from mid-morning to midday and matinee performances, so no matter what your childcare or work schedule, we hope you’ll hop on board and join us next week!” The plot for this immersive adaptation follows a friendly witch and her cat, who are travelling via broomstick when they pick up some unlikely hitch-hikers: a bounding dog, a shrieking green bird and a dripping wet frog. However, they soon discover that the broomstick is not meant for five… Families from across Lincoln and the surrounding areas are invited to find out in person next week for a performance which Time Out hails as “undeniably charming. [With] winning performances, jaunty songs and some delightful puppetry… [it’s] a sweet little enchantment.” North West End UK added: “The show [is] bewitching and fast-paced throughout, which ensure[s] there [is] never a dull moment, alongside the perfectly struck balance between action and song. Room on the Broom [is] children’s theatre at its finest as it takes a special show to keep an auditorium full of very young children captivated.” Suitable for children ages 3 and up, the 55-minute show kicks off on Wednesday 5th October at 1:30pm, with a further performance at 4:30pm. On Thursday 6th October, showings commence at 10:30am, with a further performance at 1:30pm. Tickets start from just £13 and the show has no intervals, allowing the little ones to become fully immersed in this fantastic adventure. To purchase tickets, or to see the full schedule of all upcoming shows at the revamped community hub and entertainment venue, visit https://www.lincolndrill.co.uk/whats-on/ or download the full brochure.Local families urged to secure tickets for “bewitching” children’s show
The Drill will host the Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the best-selling picture book ‘Room on the Broom’ next week for four spellbinding performances.
Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic illustrated story, the performances promise to conjure a quirky and fun-filled experience for kids of all ages.
Engineering company hit with fine after man installing bird deterrent spikes fell from roof
An engineering company has been fined after one of its employees fell through a roof while installing bird deterrent spikes.
On 13 May 2020, a man working for Craven and Nicholas (Engineering) Ltd on St John’s Road in Boston, stepped onto a fragile roof surface and fell six metres through it – suffering serious injuries to his head and left arm.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that this task was not part of the normal work for employees of the company and they had not properly risk assessed and planned the work at height.
The lack of planning meant that reasonably practicable and recognised control measures that could have prevented the man falling from height, such as the use of purpose designed access equipment and over-boarding of fragile roof surfaces, had not been implemented.
At Lincoln Magistrates Court on Wednesday 21 September, Craven and Nicholas (Engineering) Ltd of St Johns Road in Boston pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(c) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. They were fined £14,000 and also ordered to pay £6,541.80 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Tim Nicholson said: “Where work at height cannot be avoided, it should be properly planned, adequately supervised and carried out in a safe manner using appropriate equipment.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.
“There is a significant amount of guidance available to help companies protect employees when working at height on the HSE website.”
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
