- 15 – 17 August, “Digging Market Garden” archaeological excavation: Fulbeck Manor, between 10am – 4pm.
- 16 August, “By Air to Battle: South Kesteven’s Airborne Heritage”; illustrated talk, Fulbeck Village Hall at 7pm.
- 17 August, Military memorabilia exhibition and finds from the excavations, Fulbeck Village Hall between 10am – 4pm.
Carenza Lewis leads hunt for Fulbeck’s role in Operation Market Garden
Time Team presenter Professor Carenza Lewis from the University of Lincoln will co-direct a dig to uncover traces of Lincolnshire’s part in Operation Market Garden, one of the largest Allied airborne landings in history.
Taking place between 15 and 17 August, “Digging Market Garden” will celebrate South Kesteven District Council’s 80th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Arnhem, as a project collaboration between the Universities of Lincoln and Oxford, Wings to the Past, and the Ministry of Defences’ Operation Nightingale.
The dig will explore the daily routines of the 1st Airborne Division servicemen stationed at Fulbeck Manor near Grantham during the conflict, with veterans and service personnel from the Royal Air Force and British Army, and local communities all taking part in the field work.
Professor Lewis said: “Digging Market Garden is a brilliant opportunity to explore some of the ghost archaeology of World War Two, while also helping people from today’s armed forces. 80 years ago, Britain was carpeted with wartime infrastructure, including at Fulbeck where maps show a massive airbase from which ill-fated ‘Operation Market Garden’ was launched in 1944.
“Fulbeck’s wartime structures are mostly now long-gone, but childhood memories still preserve mysteries. One of these is a Nissen hut adjacent to Fulbeck Manor House, which resident Julian Fines remembers clearly, but the 1940s maps don’t extend this far so its function is unknown.
“In 2024, excavations with armed service personnel and families will hunt for clues in the beautiful Manor gardens that can tell us more about this chapter of history that is rapidly slipping beyond living memory, while simultaneously offering a positive community experience that will benefit participants’ wellbeing.
“I’m delighted to be working on this with Wings to the Past, as a follow-up to the University’s 2019 excavations at Riseholme, regaining momentum lost during the pandemic in our efforts to support military families through archaeology.”
Despite the many news reports, war diaries, and historical accounts of Market Garden, little is known about the preparations and build-up to the deployment, and the dig in August will offer a vital opportunity to investigate, record, and commemorate the airborne heritage of South Lincolnshire.
All events are free to attend and open to the public:
Great Coates reaches national final of Britain in Bloom contest
Great Coates has reached the national Britain In Bloom final, showcasing its impressive floral displays and community work throughout the North East Lincolnshire village.
The annual Britain In Bloom awards, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, celebrate villages, towns and cities that have gone the extra mile to beautify their area.
Having won the East Midlands in Bloom category, they were put forward to the national judging in the large village category. Great Coates is one of eight in the category including the likes of Floral Forest in Guernsey and Saundersfoot in Bloom in Wales.
Royal Horticultural Society Judges Roger Burnett and Ian Beaney visited the village to compare its displays to the other competitors before an overall winner is declared late this year.
For founders and long time residents Mike and Dawn Stewart, it’s an honour to even be nominated. Dawn said: “We started the group five years ago after myself and Mike wanted to make the area near the war memorial look more appealing.
“After that, two of our friends decided they wanted to help us do more to the village in general and it went from there.”
To start with, Dawn and Mike spent four hours a day taking milk bottles full of water around the village for the flowers they’d planted. Now, the 16 strong volunteers take it in turn watering the 160 displays, taking two hours at a time.
“I’ve lived here 65 years now and we just want to bring it back to it’s former glory and hopefully put North East Lincolnshire on the map,” said Dawn.
Clerk of the village council, Carl Thomas, is also part of the volunteer group and says that there is more to their efforts than just flowers. “We litter pick, commemorate significant events and look after the train station after becoming adopters on behalf of East Midlands Railway and work with local community groups to teach them about gardening.”
“After that, two of our friends decided they wanted to help us do more to the village in general and it went from there.”
To start with, Dawn and Mike spent four hours a day taking milk bottles full of water around the village for the flowers they’d planted. Now, the 16 strong volunteers take it in turn watering the 160 displays, taking two hours at a time.
“I’ve lived here 65 years now and we just want to bring it back to it’s former glory and hopefully put North East Lincolnshire on the map,” said Dawn.
Clerk of the village council, Carl Thomas, is also part of the volunteer group and says that there is more to their efforts than just flowers. “We litter pick, commemorate significant events and look after the train station after becoming adopters on behalf of East Midlands Railway and work with local community groups to teach them about gardening.” Project to support hospital patients with sensory needs needing emergency care
A new project is launching to support hospital patients with sensory needs who are in need of emergency care.
Sensory friendly resource bags are being made available at Lincoln, Boston and Grantham hospitals.
Patients with sensory needs often find Emergency Department environments overwhelming, due to all of the noises and activity.
To support patients with autism or learning disabilities, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is introducing the bags which include items such as noise-cancelling headphones, an eye mask, stress ball, a sensory chew bracelet and a colouring book with pencils. Each bag also contains an easy-read patient information leaflet and a feedback form to gather insights for continuous improvement.
Specialist Safeguarding Learning Disability Nurse Kerry Poberezniuk, Safeguarding and Vulnerabilities Nurse Specialist for Dementia Zoe Chapman and Patient Experience Manager Sharon Kidd came up with the idea.
They also had support from Lincolnshire patients who are experts by experience. One such expert by experience is David. He said: “These bags are really great and helpful. I wish they had been around the last time I came to A&E as they really would have helped me. At least I know to ask for one if I ever need to attend in the future.”
Kerry said: “Our new sensory friendly bags are designed to help create a calm and safe space when senses become overwhelmed and there is a need to get away from the outside world, ultimately giving our patients a better experience whilst waiting to be seen and cared for.
“The feedback from staff has been incredible. It’s truly inspiring to see how such a simple idea can have a huge positive impact on someone’s healthcare experience. The bags are especially useful for patients who arrive unexpectedly and do not have their own coping items.”
Staff can also update a patient’s records to help improve communication during their stay and also identify any additional support they might need during future visits.
The bags have been funded by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “Nobody ever wants to visit an Emergency Department, but it is even more daunting and overwhelming for people with learning disabilities. As a charity we fund the extras not covered by the NHS and our proud to be supporting these bags.”
Kerry added: “Together, we can make a real difference to the hospital experience for patients with sensory needs.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/smolaw11
The Grove Care Home host open day to showcase luxury refurbishment
The Grove Care Home in Waltham is excited to welcome visitors to an open day on Wednesday, 21st August, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Everyone is invited to tour the newly extended and refurbished facilities, meet the friendly staff, and enjoy complimentary food and refreshments. The residential care home now features 19 additional en-suite bedrooms, revamped lounge and dining areas, a coffee club café, and an elegance hair salon. The Grove provides residential, dementia, and respite care, ensuring full support for all residents.
Kelly Loft, Home Manager, said: “As a family-run company, we provide the type of care we’d want for our own loved ones. I am very proud of our dedicated team at The Grove Care Home, whose commitment truly enhances our residents’ lives.”
Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells added: “Our goal is to create a ‘home from home’ atmosphere at The Grove, and the refurbishment has greatly contributed to this. Our rooms and communal areas are clean, bright, airy, and uplifting, helping our residents settle in quickly and feel at home.”
The interior design has been thoughtfully chosen to encourage reminiscing and conversation, featuring calming themes like the seaside with imagery, books, and other items to explore.
“Our residents love the new spaces and enjoy stopping to look at the themed pictures on the walls,” Ros Wells explained. “These areas have sparked more sharing about their lives and backgrounds.”
If you would like to experience the warmth and care of The Grove Care Home firsthand, please contact Ros Wells, Customer Relations Manager, at 01472 821 127 or via email at ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com.
Kelly Loft, Home Manager, said: “As a family-run company, we provide the type of care we’d want for our own loved ones. I am very proud of our dedicated team at The Grove Care Home, whose commitment truly enhances our residents’ lives.”
Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells added: “Our goal is to create a ‘home from home’ atmosphere at The Grove, and the refurbishment has greatly contributed to this. Our rooms and communal areas are clean, bright, airy, and uplifting, helping our residents settle in quickly and feel at home.”
The interior design has been thoughtfully chosen to encourage reminiscing and conversation, featuring calming themes like the seaside with imagery, books, and other items to explore.
“Our residents love the new spaces and enjoy stopping to look at the themed pictures on the walls,” Ros Wells explained. “These areas have sparked more sharing about their lives and backgrounds.”
If you would like to experience the warmth and care of The Grove Care Home firsthand, please contact Ros Wells, Customer Relations Manager, at 01472 821 127 or via email at ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com. Tickets go on sale for Belton House’s magical new Christmas lights trail this winter
Tickets to Christmas at the National Trust’s beautiful Belton House in Lincolnshire are now on sale for its spectacular seasonal trail.
Open to visitors from Friday, November 22 to Wednesday, January 1, the immersive experience includes thousands of twinkling lights, colourful trees and larger-than-life illuminations.
Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We were thrilled with the fantastic response from visitors who enjoyed the trail last Christmas and our planning and preparation for 2024 is already well underway. Look out for some sparkling new innovations and installations this year.”
Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Belton has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
Discover a meadow of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life neon string flowers, candles floating high into the sky and battens of light that change colour in time to music.
Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special.
Your very merriest Christmas starts here. Limited capacity with timed entry. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.
*separate charges apply
Christmas at Belton is brought to you by Sony Music Limited in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative.
What: Christmas at Belton – The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens
When: From 22 November to 1 January. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm.
Why Visit: Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Belton House.
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised.
Off-peak: Adult £15, Child £10, Family £47 (2 adults & 2 children). Standard: Adult £22.50, Child £16, Family £74. Peak: Adult £24, Child £18, Family £81. Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.
Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.
Website: Christmas at Belton tickets | Tours and Events | Ticketek UK
Address: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW
Image: Christmas Cathedral by Mandylights. My Christmas Trails 2023. Photo by Sony Music
ABP seeks Listed Building Consent for Grimsby’s unique Dock Tower
Listed Building Consent has been sought for conservation works on Grimsby’s iconic Dock Tower landmark, the only one of its kind in the country.
Owners ABP wants to embark on key structural repairs on the parapets, building of a new staircase, and drainage. If approved by North East Lincolnshire Council, work could start on the historical structure later this year in the hope it can reopen to the public.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “It was during some routine maintenance work that it was picked up some of the further works that needed to be done to ensure the tower remains safe and accessible for the future.
“The Dock Tower is the jewel in the Port of Grimsby. It has been a beacon to so many over the years and for Grimbarians it is a symbol of home. As its custodians we have over the years spent time and money maintaining it, as it has such architectural historic value, and will be here for many more years to come once these essential works are carried out.”
Jenny Bulmer, Conservation Engineer of Alan Wood & Partners said: “Opportunities to work on such a unique and historically significant building as this come about rarely. Being able to discover some of the building archaeology and the history of its use throughout the process is a real privilege. Getting to see the tower brought back to life with a renewed purpose is something we can all look forward to.”
Standing 309 feet (94.2m) tall to the top of the lantern, the tower was finished on 27 March 1852 to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks. Its height was to achieve the sufficient pressure needed to operate the machines.
It was built by James Meadows Rendel, the civil engineer who constructed the docks at Grimsby between 1844 and 1853 and opened by Queen Victoria when she visited the port in October 1854. The designer was James William Wild, an architect born in Lincoln.
The current plans submitted include:
- Insertion of a new staircase
- Installation of internal lighting
- Brickwork repairs
- Metalwork repairs
- Paintwork
- Roofing
- Floor repairs
- Drainage
- Interpretation panels
Archaeological dig at historic Fulbeck Manor hoping to unearth military heritage
An archaeological dig at historic Fulbeck Manor is hoping to unearth airborne forces military heritage at a key WW2 location.
The Digging Market Garden project (15-17 August) is part of South Kesteven District Council’s 80th anniversary commemorations of the battle of Arnhem – Operation Market Garden – the largest airborne landing in history.
There is also a talk on British, American and Polish paratroopers’ presence in South Kesteven in the village hall at 7pm on Friday (16 August) by military heritage specialist Brian Riley. By Air to Battle: South Kesteven’s Airborne Heritage is free to attend with tickets bookable via Ticket Tailor https://bit.ly/skdc-byairtobattle
The village hall will stage a military heritage exhibition on Saturday (17 August) between 10am and 4pm.
The dig is a partnership between the Council and Oxford University, the University of Lincoln, Wings to the Past and Operation Nightingale, assisting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans through involvement in archaeological investigations.
Maj General Roy Urquhart, Commander of the British First Airborne Division, was billeted in the Manor in the 1944 build up to battle with engineering units in the stables – now Fulbeck Craft Centre.
Maj Urquhart’s daughter Judy Urquhart is making a special visit to Fulbeck where she will be introducing Brian Riley’s talk.
Archaeologists, serving and forces veteran dig volunteers will be on site between 10am – 4pm, looking at the sites of former Nissen huts with the public invited to observe.
Cllr Richard Dixon Warren, SKDC Armed Forces champion, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about Fulbeck’s very special backstory linked to the British First Airborne Division. We are very much hoping that the dig will act as a springboard to more archaeological explorations.”
Tim Clack, the Chingiz Gutseriev Associate Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Oxford, said: “Operation Market Garden is one of the most controversial episodes of the Second World War
“Our Digging Market Garden project offers a unique opportunity to unearth some of the hidden heritage and backstory of the operation.
“Starting in the grounds of the picturesque Fulbeck Manor, the project aims to tell a previously untold part of Market Garden. This is the story of the daily routine, preparations, training, and life amidst the local community of airborne forces prior to their departure for combat.
“It is incredibly fitting that in bringing this past to life, the project team comprises archaeologists and historians with strong links to the local area as well as veterans and service personnel. To be able to start this project in the 80th anniversary year of the Operation Market Garden makes it especially poignant.
“As an Allied offensive, Market Garden aimed to circumvent the strongest of the German defences, avoid the casualties of a broad front approach, and held the prospect of accelerating the defeat of Hitler’s regime.
“The operation involved the largest airborne landing in history, courageous and daring assaults and heroic defences, but, ultimately, a series of strategic mistakes ensured its failure.”
Fulbeck Arnhem Event:
15-17 August. Digging Market Garden archaeological excavation: Fulbeck Manor. 10am-4pm.
16 August. By Air to Battle: South Kesteven’s Airborne Heritage; Illustrated talk. Fulbeck Village Hall. 7pm.
17 August. Military memorabilia exhibition. Fulbeck Village Hall. 10am-4pm. Free entry.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mariana Rusanovschi
Husband and wife make £10,000 donation to thank hospital team
Robert and Maureen Macdonald have donated £10,000 to purchase lifesaving equipment to say thank you to the hospital team who resuscitated her.
Maureen suffers from atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. As a result she has had several visits to the Emergency Department at Pilgrim hospital and to the Acute Cardiac Unit.
Maureen said: “I have AF and I cannot control it. I have also had a pacemaker and four stents fitted. Sometimes my heart rhythm just flips out and there is nothing I can do. It is just so exhausting and makes me so tired.
“I have had several trips to the hospital and stays on the Acute Cardiac Unit. I can honestly say they are the most amazing team. I owe them my life, without them I would not be here today.”
On Friday 5 April, Maureen’s heart stopped while she was in hospital. Staff on the unit were joined by the Critical Care Outreach team who all worked together to perform CPR and successfully resuscitated Maureen.
Maureen said: “The only thing I can remember is that as I came back, Deputy Sister Molly Parker was holding my hand and telling me that everything was going to be OK.
“Thanks to all of their efforts and care I was then able to attend my daughter Zoe’s wedding just a couple of months later. They gave me the gift of life and time. How can you put a price on that? Thank you just didn’t seem enough.”
Towards the end of April staff at the hospital held a 12 hour CPR-a-thon to raise funds to purchase a machine that performs mechanical chest compressions if a person has a cardiac arrest and CPR is prolonged.
The hospital already had a LUCAS CPR Chest Compression System machine within the Emergency Department to help to resuscitate patients, however on occasions this had not been available for use in other parts of the hospital. So the team organised the event which saw members of the Critical Care Outreach Team, the Hospital Out of Hours Team, the Acute Cardiac Unit Team and the Intensive Care Unit Team performing CPR for 12 hours non-stop on a mannequin.
Maureen heard about the event and had a chat with Robert.
She said: “I asked him what price he would put on my life? And when I suggested £10,000 he completely agreed that we would fund the device and donate the money.”
Robert added: “They have given us everything. As the saying goes ‘you cannot take it with you when you go’ and so we didn’t think twice. We just hope that it helps this amazing team to save even more lives, just like they did with Maureen.”
The Holbeach couple are both aged 82 and have been married for 62 years. They met at school and have two children and two grandchildren. Their daughter Zoe joined them on the visit to the hospital.
Acute Cardiac Unit Sister, Chelsea Spencer, said: “I am the proudest sister in the whole hospital. It is so special to see Maureen well today and not needing our care. We are all so moved and grateful for this amazing donation from the Macdonalds. But the best gift of all is getting to see Maureen as a visitor and not as a patient.”
Critical Care Outreach Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Hayley Head, organised the CPR-a-thon. She said: “Robert and Maureen’s support will help us to save lives. We couldn’t believe it when we heard all of the money had been raised. It was so emotional for all of us and when we realised it had come from the Macdonalds we were all so moved. They are an amazing couple and we have named this device ‘the Macs’ in recognition of their amazing generosity.”
The couple donated the money to the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity who then used the funds to purchase the device.
Fundraiser Gary Burr said: “Robert and Maureen are an amazing couple. In life you meet certain people who leave an imprint on your heart and they have certainly done that on the unit and within our charity team. They are like a ray of sunshine who bring joy and laughter wherever they go. We will never be able to thank them enough for their amazing generosity.”
A couple of days after the visit, ‘the Macs’ was used for the first time and helped to save a patient’s life.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
Police called in to probe ashes irregularities at Lincoln Crematorium
City of Lincoln Council has called in the Police to look into suggestions that staff at Lincoln Crematorium have not dealt with the burial of ashes in accordance with the wishes of the families of the deceased.
An investigation into one of six alleged cases has begun, and he council has commissioned an urgent inspection of the facility by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities.
Angela Andrews, Chief Executive of City of Lincoln Council, said: “I am shocked and distraught to confirm that a small number of families did not receive the level of care and service they and their loved ones deserved, and rightly expected, in relation to the burial of their loved ones’ ashes.
“They were let down at a time when they needed the high level of dedication and professionalism that our crematorium team has always been proud to provide.
“I have personally visited or spoken to the six families identified as being directly affected by this situation, to work out how we can best help them through this difficult time and to offer our deepest apologies.
“I have been humbled by the responses I received from these families, and we are working with them to agree on lasting tributes to their loved ones.
“We have brought in experienced industry professionals to support the operation of Lincoln Crematorium and ensure we can continue to deliver a committed and professional service. I can reassure anyone using this service that the high standards required are being met.
“I would like to reassure those who have previously used the crematorium that there is no evidence of any other families being affected, other than those we have already been in contact with.
“This situation came to light thanks to concerns raised by council staff. We have launched a thorough internal investigation into what happened, and how it happened, and our initial findings have been shared with Lincolnshire Police who are now investigating one of the incidents.
“While a police investigation is ongoing, it is not possible for me to say any more. We will also be conducting a full internal review into the crematorium’s processes and procedures and will provide a further update on this in due course.
“I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry I am to all those affected by what has happened.”
Grantham runner steps out in aid of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is saying a big thank you to a Grantham runner who has raised over £3,000 for the charity’s life-saving work and is already planning her next race.
Since her first run in 2021, Rachel has taken part in two Great North Runs and last year’s London Landmarks half Marathon. She is currently training for her third Great North Run with her daughter, Jess, which is taking place on 8 September in Newcastle.
Rachel Hamilton has run numerous races in support of LNAA over the years. She said: “As a family we have needed the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance not once but twice. I ran the Great North Run in 2022 in memory of my dear dad who we sadly lost eight years ago and for my aunty, Jane Gosbee, when she was involved in a road traffic incident in 2021. Without the help of the crew she may not be here today.”
Georgia Watson, Events Manager, has full admiration for Rachel for her fundraising efforts. She said: “It is fantastic, what Rachel has achieved in the last few years. As a charity, Lincs & Notts relies on its supporters like Rachel to raise the £13million needed to keep our Air Ambulance and fleet of Critical Care Cars operational.”
