Home energy efficiency upgrades: how to get started

Tess Egginton
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Home energy efficiency upgrades: how to get started

With energy prices remaining a concern for many households, finding ways to reduce energy consumption and costs has never been more critical. In Lincolnshire, where green energy initiatives are growing, there is an increasing push to make homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Whether you’re looking for simple DIY improvements or considering major home upgrades, taking the proper steps can help you reduce energy bills while contributing to sustainability.

1. Assess your home’s energy efficiency

Before making any changes, it’s essential to understand where and how your home is losing energy. Conducting an energy audit—either through a professional service or a DIY inspection—can help identify inefficiencies such as poor insulation, air leaks, or outdated heating systems. Key areas to check include loft insulation, gaps around windows and doors, and the efficiency of your central heating system.

Many Lincolnshire homeowners may also qualify for financial assistance to make energy-saving improvements. Resources like the Grant Advice Helpline can provide information on grants and funding options for insulation, heating upgrades, or renewable energy installations. Checking with local councils and green energy providers may also reveal additional incentives to support home energy efficiency improvements.

2. Improve insulation and seal air leaks

Poor insulation is one of the biggest culprits of energy loss in UK homes. Heat can escape through walls, lofts, and floors, forcing your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Ensuring your home is properly insulated is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heat loss.

  • Loft insulation – Adding or upgrading insulation in your loft can significantly reduce heat loss, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
  • Wall insulation – Depending on your home’s construction, cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation can significantly improve energy efficiency.
  • Floor insulation – Sealing gaps in floorboards and insulating under floors (especially in older homes) helps retain warmth.
  • Sealing air leaks – Draught-proofing windows, doors, and other openings with weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam can prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.

Investing in insulation improvements can pay off quickly through reduced heating and energy costs, particularly in Lincolnshire’s colder months.

3. Upgrade windows and doors

Older homes with single-glazed windows or poorly insulated doors can lose significant heat. Replacing these with double or triple-glazed windows and insulated doors can make a noticeable difference. For those on a budget, options like thermal curtains or draft excluders can also provide effective, low-cost solutions.

4. Optimize your heating system

Heating accounts for a significant portion of energy bills in UK homes, so optimizing your system can lead to big savings. In Lincolnshire, where winters can be frigid, ensuring your heating system runs efficiently is crucial.

  • Boiler upgrades – If your boiler is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy efficient condensing boiler can significantly reduce energy consumption. Look for models with high energy ratings to maximize efficiency.
  • Smart thermostats – These devices allow you to control heating remotely and optimize temperature settings based on your daily schedule, preventing unnecessary heating when no one is home.
  • Underfloor heating – While more expensive to install, underfloor heating can be a highly efficient way to heat your home, especially when paired with renewable energy sources.

5. Switch to energy-efficient lighting and appliances

Replacing traditional light bulbs with LEDs is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy usage. Similarly, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings recognized in the UK when upgrading appliances. Investing in energy-efficient fridges, washing machines, or dishwashers can lead to long-term savings on your energy bills.

6. Explore renewable energy options

Lincolnshire is becoming a leader in renewable energy, with large-scale wind farms and solar energy projects gaining momentum. Homeowners can use this growing sector by integrating renewable energy solutions into their homes.

  • Solar panels – Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can generate electricity for your home and reduce reliance on the national grid.
  • Heat pumps – Air source and ground source heat pumps offer energy-efficient alternatives to traditional heating systems by extracting heat from the air or ground.
  • Wind turbines – While less common for residential properties, small-scale wind turbines can be effective for homes in rural Lincolnshire with ample wind exposure.

Renewable energy solutions require an initial investment but can offer long-term savings and environmental benefits.

7. Embrace smart home technology

Smart home devices can help optimize energy usage, providing both convenience and cost savings.

  • Smart thermostats – Devices like Nest or Hive can learn your heating preferences and adjust settings automatically to reduce waste.
  • Smart lighting – Motion-sensing or scheduled lighting ensures that lights are only on when needed.
  • Energy monitoring systems – These devices track electricity usage in real-time, helping you identify which appliances consume the most energy.

Using smart home technology can help you make minor but effective adjustments that add up to significant savings over time.

8. Leverage local incentives and grants

Lincolnshire residents may qualify for energy-saving grants or incentives to help with home upgrades. Programs such as the Green Homes Grant or local council schemes are designed to assist homeowners in improving insulation, installing renewable energy systems, and reducing overall energy use. Always explore these options before undertaking costly projects.

Conclusion

Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By starting with these key steps, you can begin to see real savings on your energy bills and make a positive impact on the environment. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference. So, take that first step today and enjoy a more comfortable and sustainable home.

Lincolnshire Showground to hold Tractor Run in aid of LIVES and Lincolnshire Agricultural Society

Tess Egginton
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0
Lincolnshire Showground to hold Tractor Run in aid of LIVES and Lincolnshire Agricultural Society
Exciting plans are underway as Lincolnshire Showground, home of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS), prepares to kick off its 140th Show celebrations with a spectacular Tractor Run in aid of LIVES and the LAS. The event will take place on Sunday, 23rd February 2025, bringing together tractor enthusiasts and the local community for a fantastic cause. Tractor owners are invited to take part in the run, with entry only costing £15 per tractor and an additional £5 per passenger. To secure a spot and be part of this historic event, participants are encouraged to book early. Members of the public are warmly invited to watch the run kick off at The Showground and wave the tractors on as they pass through their villages. The route will pass through scenic locations (in order of run), including:
  • Sturton By Stow
  • Stow
  • Normandy By Stow
  • Willingham by Stow
  • Kexby
  • Upton
  • Heapham
  • Springthorpe
  • Harpswell
  • Glentworth
  • Fillingham (Edge)
  • Ingham (Edge)
  • Cammeringham
  • Brattleby
  • Aisthorpe
  • Scampton
The fun begins at 10:00 AM with tractor arrivals, followed by the run commencing approximately 60-90 minutes later. During this time, attendees can enjoy a Stop the Bleed demonstration provided by LIVES. In addition to fundraising for LIVES and LAS, the event will also include a food bank collection for Lincoln Central Mosque, which provides essential support to the wider Birchwood community. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to contribute to this worthy cause. For members of the public attending the event, free parking will be available at the EPIC Centre car park, ensuring a convenient and accessible experience for all. So, come along for a morning of community spirit, heritage, and fundraising as we celebrate 140 years of the Lincolnshire Show while supporting LIVES’ lifesaving work and the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society who as a charity promote food, farming and the Countryside. For more information or to book your tractor space, please visit: https://www.lives.org.uk/support-us/events/lincolnshire-showground-tractor-run-in-aid-of-lives-and-lincolnshire-agricultural-society-las/

Explore steps into Further Education careers at Lincoln College event

Tess Egginton
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Explore steps into Further Education careers at Lincoln College event
Ever wanted to get your foot in the door with Further Education? Lincoln College is holding an event on Wednesday 26th February at The Drill, open to anyone interested in a career within further education. The College is actively recruiting for a variety of full-time positions, as well as cover (bank staff), in both curriculum-facing and support/commercial roles. They are particularly seeking individuals with industry experience in Adult Care, Automotive, Brickwork, English, Maths, Aviation, and Engineering. Anyone with relevant skills is encouraged to visit and learn more about these opportunities. Assistant Principal in HEART, Health & Care at Lincoln College, Steve Horsfield, said: “Working for Lincoln College has been a lifelong journey for me. From being a student here in 2002 after leaving sixth form, I’ve gone on to be a sports coach here, a lecturer and I’ve looked after a whole variety of departments. I am now an Assistant Principal, which means I not only look at things from an education perspective, but a strategic one too. “I would urge anyone interested in a career in further education to attend, ask some questions and really consider the breadth of opportunities available. The big thing for me is the part you play in a young person’s development and future, why wouldn’t you want to be part of that?” Nicola Jepson, who recently celebrated 10 years at the College, shared her journey: “I started here as an apprentice in 2014. At the time, many job vacancies required numerous qualifications, even for entry-level roles. “By beginning my career at Lincoln College as an apprentice, I was able to gain experience, qualifications, and supported to develop. “My first role was as an HR Clerical Apprentice, but I soon completed my Level 3 qualification in Business Administration and from there I was able to work up to gaining a position as a People Services Officer in the People Services department. “I now hold a Level 3 qualification, and last year, I was supported to complete my Level 5 CIPD qualification. “I feel like I’ve been supported every part of the way, I was reflecting when I got my ten-year award that it really does feel like joining a family. If you are going to spend all your time at work, it’s important to have a good relationship with those around you.” New recruit and Operations Lead, Katie Raithby-Veall, said: “Starting to work at Lincoln College has probably been the easiest and most reassuringly swept up recruitment process I have been through. “From initially submitting my application on the online recruitment portal and arranging my interview in just a few clicks, through to arriving on my first day to a reserved parking space, new laptop and a great box of freebies after my mandatory training. “It can take time to feel welcomed and settled in a new organisation, but Lincoln College Group has genuinely made my start feel extremely welcoming and like I can succeed here. “The Further Education sector is a great place to use your experience from the public or private sectors to make a huge difference to young people as they prepare for the world of work. “Helping them explore their options and realise their potential is hugely rewarding, so too engaging with employers to understand their current challenges and what they need from talent entering the workforce. Personally, I feel a real energy from working at the Lincoln College campus – it’s full of vibrancy and optimism and that rubs off on me too!” The event runs from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at The Drill on Free School Lane. For more information, call 01522 876245 or email hrrecruitment@lincolncollege.ac.uk

National Grid keeps Council in the dark over pylon network option costs

Stuart Pearcey
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National Grid keeps Council in the dark over pylon network option costs
Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill says it’s outrageous that National Grid won’t share cost comparisons about its plans to run chains of pylons through the Lincolnshire countryside. He says requests from the Council have been blocked with a response which claims there is ‘very little benefit to be gained’ from sharing this information. He said: “I think it’s outrageous that National Grid still refuses to present us with their workings and is hiding from a legitimate – and very reasonable – request for facts and figures. In their letter back to the council, they said they believe there is ‘very little benefit to be gained’ from sharing this information. I wholeheartedly disagree.” He says the company is hiding detailed costings on cabling, and is demanding to know details about the planned Grimsby to Walpole pylon route to make sure that the other options – including placing cables on the seabed – had been properly considered. National Grid has told the Council it doesn’t hold a central database of all the information, that it would take too long to pull the information together, and has labelled the request as unreasonable. Councillor Hill added: “We’re not talking about a small proposal – these pylon plans will have a major impact on the east coast of Lincolnshire and we want to make sure these costs have been properly worked through. “Residents have told us that they are concerned about Nationally Significant Infrastructure proposals like these, and believe that these pylons specifically will have negative impacts on our environment, tourism and the landscape. We have a duty to these residents to make sure we do what we can to protect their homes and livelihoods. “We don’t deny that connectivity is important, but the infrastructure needs to be upgraded properly, and all views considered. We’re not going to give up on this; we’re going to keep trying to get some honesty and transparency. The campaign continues.” Lincolnshire County Council will now look to revise and resubmit further questions to National Grid. In a conducted by the county council 84% of residents said they were ‘concerned’ or ‘very concerned’ about the impact on the county caused by Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

North East Lincolnshire workers to be supported into clean power jobs

Tess Egginton
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North East Lincolnshire workers to be supported into clean power jobs
Government-backed training programmes are to help North East Lincolnshire residents benefit from new job opportunities in the clean energy sector, as part of the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission. Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire (to specifically include North East Lincolnshire) and Pembrokeshire have all been identified as key growth regions for clean energy, with flourishing offshore wind, nuclear, and solar industries. Local partners will receive funding to identify the skills support that is needed in their area to deliver clean power by 2030 – which will protect households and businesses from unstable fossil fuel markets for good. Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers – supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction. Alongside this, the government has delivered on a longstanding campaign to help oil and gas workers access opportunities in clean energy jobs by launching a ‘skills passport’, in collaboration with industry and Scottish Government. Oil and gas workers will be able to access the skills passport online, which will initially help them identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance. These initiatives will help build the pipeline of skilled workers needed to deliver clean power by 2030, which will unlock £40 billion of investment a year and reindustrialise Britain with thousands of good jobs across the country. Many of the skills required for the transition already exist, with research from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have skills that are relevant to the clean energy transition. From 22 January, workers will be able to create an account to access the four career pathways currently available, helping them identify where their existing qualifications are recognised. Led by Renewable UK and Offshore Energies UK, and supported by the UK and funding from Scottish Government, the tool will be expanded over the coming year to recognise other pathways from oil and gas into the renewable sector. Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Empowering our residents to unlock their potential and achieve their goals is critical to the future of our borough – if we are to improve health and prosperity within our communities, we must work together to ensure our people are able to take the opportunities that exist here.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/New Africa

Public invited to free RAF event in Grimsby

Stuart Pearcey
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Public invited to free RAF event in Grimsby
The public are invited to a Civic Reception for the Royal Air Force, followed by a short concert performance from members of the Royal Air Force Band. The RAF Engagement event at Grimsby Town Hall on Thursday 6 February, is open to the public and is free to attend. North East Lincolnshire Mayor Steve Beasant, said: “It’s promising to be a fantastic evening of music and of engagement with representatives of the Royal Air Force. “Lincolnshire has a strong affiliation with the junior service, having hosted numerous Royal Air Force stations during the Second World War and through the Cold War, so I am expecting it to be very well attended. The engagement session will explore the capability of the Royal Air Force, outlining how the service operates today and how it contributes to the security of the country. There will also be an exploration of what a career in the RAF might look like, followed by a short concert by members of the Royal Air Force band.

£5m grant brings new Professor to University of Lincoln

Stuart Pearcey
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£5m grant brings new Professor to University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln is one of only six UK universities to be awarded a £5m Leverhulme International Professorship grant, which makes it possible to have Professor Len Barbour take up the post of Leverhulme International Professor of Materials Insight and Innovation. The grant will be delivered over five years, and will allow Professor Barbour to identify new materials which could be used across a range of industries to support their low-carbon efforts. A key research strand for the University is energy and net zero; making meaningful contributions to reduce carbon emissions and the appointment of Professor Barbour will support this endeavour and enhance the institution’s research excellence.  Joining from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, Professor Barbour obtained his PhD from the University of Cape Town. He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the University of Lincoln to assemble a new and fast-moving and topical research group which will focus on facilitating advances in the fundamental understanding and design of materials which have so far been unimaginable – opening up new avenues for materials research. A particular aim of the research will be to develop new materials with innovative and potentially useful properties, shedding light on their structure-property relationship at the molecular level.”  

Gareth Gates brings love songs to Grimsby Auditorium

Tess Egginton
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0
Gareth Gates brings love songs to Grimsby Auditorium
Renowned singer and entertainer Gareth Gates is set to captivate audiences with his latest show, Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies, coming to the Grimsby Auditorium on Thursday 27 March 2025. This one-night-only performance self-produced by Gareth himself, will take you on a heartfelt journey through some of the most iconic love songs ever featured in cinema. From the timeless Unchained Melody to the sizzling up tempo hits of Dirty Dancing, Gareth Gates reinterprets these beloved classics, offering a fresh and emotional experience. Each song is carefully chosen to transport the audience into the unforgettable love stories that have shaped generations. With the support of a dynamic live band, West End singers, and stunning visuals, this show promises an evening brimming with emotion, nostalgia, and the magic of the movies. It’s an experience designed to touch the heart and ignite a romantic spark in everyone who attends. At 40, Gareth Gates continues to inspire with his talent and tenacity. Recently, he wowed audiences with his resilience on SAS: Who Dares Wins Celebrity in November 2023, showcasing both his physical and mental strength. His openness about the severe bullying he endured due to his stammer added a profound layer to his victory, resonating deeply with viewers. In an exciting new direction, Gareth is also making his mark in musical theatre writing. He is currently developing a new musical, slated to debut in 2025, which explores the challenges faced by a young man with a stammer—a deeply personal project for Gareth. This upcoming musical has already attracted the attention of a leading West End producer, creating significant buzz in the industry. Tickets for Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies are available now, and are expected to sell out quickly. Fans are encouraged to purchase early to secure their seats for what promises to be a magical evening of music, romance, and cinematic nostalgia. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Grimsby Auditorium’s official website at grimsbyauditorium.org.uk or contact the box office directly.

Blankney Golf Day success for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Tess Egginton
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Blankney Golf Day success for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are giving a huge thanks to the team at Blankney Golf Club for arranging such a fabulous Golf Day last year and raising an incredible £12,100. This generosity will fund three life-saving missions using the charity’s iconic yellow helicopter. LNAA’s Community Fundraising Officer, Jac Sutherland said: “It was lovely to give members a behind the scenes tour to meet the crew and learn more about what we do. “This year LNAA needs £13million to keep its helicopter in the air and fleet of critical care cars on the road, 24/7, seven days-a-week and it is only with the generosity of the public that our crews are able to be by the side of critically ill and injured patients when they need us most.”

Returning student opens college’s media lounge

Tess Egginton
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0
Returning student opens college’s media lounge
Film making, animation, podcasting and all things creative were on show this week as Newark College’s media lounge was officially opened. Part of the College’s wider offering, the Media Lounge offers students the chance to explore creative and innovative approaches to the profession on its Creative Media Course. To open the facility, the Media team welcomed back a former student, Josh Rai, who first attended the College back in 1996. Now part of Met Film, the largest provider of filmmaking courses in Europe, Josh helps deliver university degree programmes. Josh studied at Newark College 25 years ago and is now a course leader at Met Film as well as the owner of his own production company. His journey began with a Creative Media course at Newark College, where he gained valuable paid work experience that sparked his passion for filmmaking. This foundation led Josh to study filmmaking, honing his skills with film stock and camera development techniques. He later progressed to the University of Derby before taking on several roles in London to gain on-set experience. During this time, Josh worked on high-profile music videos and adverts for artists such as Billie Piper and Robbie Williams. In 2008, Josh transitioned into education, using his skills to support young people in community projects through filmmaking. In 2021, he attended the National Film and Television School, focusing on narrative-based projects. Today, Josh is actively pitching ideas to BBC Three and Channel 4 while continuing his role as a course leader. Josh had a tour of the new facility, as well as giving a speech to current learners and providing an interactive workshop on camera blocking. The students were invited to share their favourite film scenes to discuss, before being given a practical task, setting up and filming some set scripts. Josh said: “It’s amazing to be back at the College after 25 years and I really do have unbelievable memories of being here. Reflecting, it’s great to think about my lecturers from the time, which includes Justin Day, who was one of my tutors at the time. Him and others really helped me develop my vocabulary and theoretical knowledge and therefore were instrumental in me finding my creative spark.” Lecturer in Media, Justin Day, said: “It’s great to have our facility fully open and to have an alumni student attending is special. Josh was on our BTEC National Diploma back in the late 90s and to see how far he has come is inspirational for us all. As Josh has said, it’s great to have things come full circle sometimes. “The suite we have up here is special. Students on the Creative Media course are encouraged to treat this like a workplace, we have them clock in, knowing what they are working on and what they are aiming for. “In their first year here, they can focus on experimenting with different media platforms and then in the second year they specialise in a project. We have students here that are creative and keen and are exploring some really varied topics. “For example, we have one student who is recording podcasts and broadcast audio, whereas alongside that, we have students working on graphic novels, animation, making films and working on photography projects. The pathways to careers or further studies is very much open to students and we’re here to guide them.” In addition to the creative course options on offer, students are also able to contribute to Radio Newark, a local station that is now broadcasting live from the Media Lounge’s studio. Radio Newark’s Chairman, Tony Roberts, said: “We have a great relationship with Newark College and it’s amazing to see how far the organisation has come over the years, this is an excellent facility.” Newark College Head of Campus, Penny Taylor MBE, said: “These facilities are really setting our students up for the future. The opportunities we are able to offer might mean that like Josh, our students might be able to return and tell us all about what they have gone on to achive.”
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