New waste collection lorry to raise prostate cancer awareness
South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC) latest addition to its fleet has been unveiled to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Prominent health adverts on each side of the eye-catching blue vehicle highlight the fact that one in eight men will suffer from prostate cancer. Latest figures suggest that 144 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day.
The lorry carries the Prostate Cancer UK 30-second risk check message that can save lives, along with a link to the charity website for more information.
It will operate alongside a bright pink freighter launched last year to spread awareness of breast cancer.
The risk of prostate cancer made headlines this year following King Charles III’s treatment for an enlarged prostate, prompting a surge in checks for the condition.
Cllr Paul Wood, who represents the Viking ward on SKDC, discovered that he had prostate cancer through a routine PSA test – despite having no symptoms.
An MRI scan showed there was a 50% chance he had prostate cancer and a subsequent biopsy confirmed that he did.
Cllr Wood said: “I chose surgery to remove the prostate, had the operation in June 2023 and further tests confirmed that the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate.
“I was very lucky, and I would encourage every man to take the risk of prostate cancer seriously, even if they have no symptoms.”
Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of SKDC, said: “We are proud to be using a refuse freighter to deliver a vitally important new health message across the district. Our new freighter is eye-catching, not least for its colour but for the information which can literally save lives.”
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Laura Kerby said: “We’re so grateful for the brilliant support of South Kesteven District Council raising vital risk awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
“This brilliantly-branded truck puts us and our messaging at the heart of the local community and could be a gamechanger for those men and their loved ones affected by prostate cancer – a disease which affects 1 in 8 men in the UK.
“An early diagnosis can save your life, so it is vital that men know their risk. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. Anyone with concerns should visit the charity’s online risk checker.
“This innovative incentive will help drive home the dangers of this disease and help us save and enrich the lives of men with prostate cancer. We can’t thank everyone involved enough.”
Jaspal Phull, Urology consultant at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust and Clinical Director for Surgery, said: “Understanding whether you may have prostate cancer starts with a discussion and in most cases a simple blood test. Some men will need specialist testing to see whether they have early prostate cancer.
“In the UK 144 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day. Age, ethnicity and family history play a significant part in this. Learn more about your prostate and beat this treatable cancer with early risk assessment and blood test detection.”
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Summer of fun at Rutland Farm Park
Rutland Farm Park is preparing for a summer of fun, with numerous family events throughout August.
It begins on Saturday 3rd August with a charity fun day in memory of Les Large, a beloved member of the farm family. Taking place from 11.30 – 4.30, the event, supporting St Barnabas Hospice, will feature a bouncy castle, hook a duck, welly wanging, cake stall (donations welcome), wine or water (donations of wine welcome), and tombola, alongside food, ice cream and lots more. Business stands are also welcome with a pitch fee of £15 for the charity (to book email admin@rutlandfarmpark.co.uk).
Meanwhile, on Monday 12th August, keep an eye out for Alice in Wonderland. And on August Bank Holiday Weekend enjoy princesses and pirates and themed activities, with children in costume receiving a free bag or bucket of animal feed to enjoy a hands-on experience with friendly farm animals (book online).
SK Charity Cup football tournament gets ready for kick off
The draw has been made and fixtures confirmed for this year’s South Kesteven Charity Cup tournament.
Organised by football fan Cllr Ian Selby, the tournament was first held in 2019 as a way of bringing communities together through sport.
Now in its fourth year – the 2022 tournament did not take place due to Covid – the event has cemented its place in the South Kesteven sporting calendar.
This year it will once again be providing competitive pre-season games for local sides – and raising money for local charities at the same time. Taking part will be the defending champions Sleaford Town, along with Grantham Town, Harrowby United and Deeping Rangers.
Each club has nominated a charity to benefit from the fund-raising. They are:
- Sleaford Town – Rainbow Stars
- Grantham Town – Grantham Disabled Children’s Society
- Harrowby United – Grantham Autistic Information Network
- Deeping Rangers – Dementia Support South Lincs
Boston Borough Council adopts new Street Art Policy
A new Street Art Policy was adopted with full support by Boston Borough Council’s Cabinet at their last meeting. This policy aims to enable the development of street art in the borough, aligning with the Boston Town Centre Strategy & Action Plan 2023-2027.
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
The policy provides a safe space for local artists to create and develop street art while empowering the Council to remove art that does not meet the required standards. It is based on best practices from across the country and internationally.
Cllr Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Culture, said: “It is our intention to work with communities to ensure any proposed street art is suitable and representative of the place, creating a sense of ownership and enhancement to the space.”
She added: “The policy also enables the potential for using street art to engage with young people and provides the opportunity to work with artists, developing their creativity in dedicated spaces rather than going down the route of illegal graffiti.”
The policy will be tested with a pilot project involving the community and artists. Central Park has been identified as a potential location for this project, which is part of the effort to gain Green Flag Status.
Grimsby In Bloom to expand community facilities
Grimsby In Bloom committee members and volunteers have revealed their plans for an extra piece of land which is in the process of being granted to them on a 99-year lease at the Duke of York Gardens.
A Community Asset Transfer approved by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet means the group will be able expand into the large piece of land alongside their current Pavilion base, off Corporation Road, where they already provide a café, a garden room for community hire, a woodwork workshop and a small vegetable garden.
The group welcomed Cllr Stephen Harness, North East Lincolnshire Council Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets, along to the site to see what they have planned.
The extra land, which is 51m x 34m, will allow the group to provide a flower and vegetable garden and a tree nursery, expanding their horticultural and environmental initiatives, and to build a small office for administration. The terms of the lease mean that they will be responsible for the maintenance of the site and will also be able to attract outside investment.
Grimsby in Bloom is a community-focused initiative dedicated to enhancing the local environment, fostering community engagement and addressing societal changes in Grimsby.
The group is keen to address community issues, such as social isolation, by providing a safe space for individuals to connect. They also offer mental health support through confidential counselling sessions, and youth engagement by providing practical workshops for children and scout/cubs groups. They provide environmental education by promoting gardening and horticultural activities to enhance the local environment.
The group held a lease on part of the land between 2015 and 2020, but this asset transfer, at a peppercorn rent, will give them the opportunity to manage this larger site well into the future.
North East Lincolnshire Council approved the transfer of the land at its Cabinet meeting in June following an extensive business case put forward by the group. The council considers proposals for Asset Transfer where certain organisations or groups can demonstrate they contribute significant social, economic or environmental benefits to the community. These benefits can be taken in lieu of monetary value demonstrated in rent.
Councillors agreed that the proposal “provides a social return on investment at a far out-weighted monetary equivalent to otherwise proposed rent.” The lease will now be progressed.
Grimsby in Bloom currently has 20-plus volunteers and a nine-strong management team. Chair Elaine Atkinson said the new lease and extra piece of land will allow the group to expand its facilities and also to incorporate a tranquility/friendship garden for older residents.
“We are thrilled that we will now have more space to do what we want to do,” she said. “This extra space will allow us to show the community that we are not just about plants.
“Gardening and horticultural activities are very much a part of what we do but we are here for wider community enhancement to provide a place where local people can come and join in or simply sit and feel comfortable, perhaps learn a new skill, and have some company if they want it.
“The extra land will mean a lot to our volunteers as at present we only have a small strip down the side to grow things, but this will allow us to have a proper vegetable and fruit garden with polytunnels, and we also plan to create a dipping pond, a nature area and a wormery,” she said.
Grimsby In Bloom also works closely with the DWP offering local people a chance to gain skills for employment.
“We had two volunteers who we put through the food hygiene qualifications and they have now gone on to new jobs,” said Elaine. “We had another lady who was just walking through the park and now volunteers for us twice a week. We are always looking for more volunteers and we really welcome people from ethnic minority groups who can teach us about growing a greater variety of fruit and vegetables,” she said.
One service user, Claire, said the group is providing a safe haven for her home-educated 13-year-old daughter to socialise and take part in activities which are helping to build her confidence.
She said: “It helps me enormously to see my daughter progressing and just to know that she has people here that she can talk to.”
Cllr Harness said: “Grimsby in Bloom has provided a comprehensive business case showing that they are community-focused and that they align with the Royal Horticultural Society’s principles to form a strong foundation as a vibrant hub, offering a range of activities, support, and events for the local community.
“Moreover, their planned expansion illustrates a commitment to enhance and broaden the initiatives, fostering a sustainable impact on the local environment and community engagement.
“We are very happy to grant them this lease, and they will now have full autonomy to concentrate on improving the sustainable provision of leisure and recreational use of the site, and to enhance the biodiversity of the area and make investment in the security of the site to deter anti-social behaviour.”
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Councillor to take leap of faith for men’s mental health
A district councillor is preparing to face his fears in a 10,000ft tandem skydive to raise funds for a men’s mental health charity.
South Kesteven District Councillor Elvis Stooke’s leap of faith is taking place in aid of the Grantham Bhive Place2Bee club.
It provides somewhere to meet for people to discuss their issues in confidence with volunteer staff members and with each other, as well as helping them take positive steps in day-to-day living.
Cllr Stooke, who represents Belmont Ward in Grantham, said: “I’ll be dealing with just one hour of fear – and believe me, heights is one of my biggest fears. But this pales into insignificance compared with what some people face every day to simply lead what we might call a normal life.
“It’s been double the fear in some respects as, after a big build-up, my original date was cancelled on the morning of the jump due to bad weather – so I have to go through it all again now.
“When I was elected in 2023 I vowed to support a local charity. We don’t have many services that support men with mental health, so I was particularly struck by the Bhive group, which is a wonderful cause that helps men from such diverse backgrounds as foster care to the military.
“I support this group with a regular donation from my councillor allowance payment, and will continue to do so for my full term.
“I would ask anyone who can afford it to help me get closer to my £5,000 target. If these men can get through each day with their issues, I’m sure I can parachute out of a plane for their future.”
The event, at Sibson Aerodrome, is scheduled for Friday, 19th July, at 2.30pm.
Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/f/bhive-place2bee-mens-club-grantham
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Joggie Botma
Rutland resort welcomes new Executive Head Chef, and Restaurant & Bar Manager
July brings fresh, new talent to Rutland Hall Hotel in the guise of Christian Koroma and Michael Crompton.
Christian joins the 4-star lakeside resort as Executive Head Chef while Michael joins the hotel as Restaurant & Bar Manager.
The duo have worked together in previous roles for over five years, and between them have clocked up several decades of hospitality experience which they will put to good use at this prime Rutland resort.
With Christian firmly at the helm of all kitchen operations across the resort, which includes Blossoms restaurant, corporate and event functions in the Lakeside Suite and Pavilion Venue, and the forthcoming Four Roots Wellness space, the menus are all being reviewed and refreshed to reflect the new chef’s passion for using fresh, local and seasonal produce.
“I like everything to be made in house and will be revising all the menus, including introducing a new terrace dining option, expanding the afternoon tea offering and more,” explains Christian.
“I’m keen for us to use local growers and to pick our own produce where possible,” he adds.
The new Restaurant & Bar Manager, Michael, is keen to express his drive and commitment towards customer satisfaction.
“I am absolutely passionate about our guests and creating happy and memorable experiences every time they visit. I am looking to deliver the wow factor here at Blossoms; ensuring that the great food and great service we provide gives all our guests a first-rate experience.”
The owners of Rutland Hall are committed to the ongoing development of the resort. Following the opening of the grand Pavilion Venue earlier this year which seats up to 450 guests and is the largest of its kind in the county, the resort is also opening a new wellness centre, called Four Roots, later this summer.
An exciting calendar of new events and menus will be announced over the coming weeks.
Celebrating the life-saving difference of LNAA’s paramedics
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is joining hundreds of other organisations and celebrating International Paramedic Day, paying tribute to their team of Helicopter Emergency Medicine (HEMS) paramedics and their role in delivering life-saving treatment to people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
Hosted by the UK’s College of Paramedics, the day highlights the profound impact paramedics make every single day around the world. From emergencies to the quieter moments of care, paramedics embody a commitment to making a difference to people’s lives in almost every imaginable situation.
Paramedic Matt Burns started his paramedic career working with the London Ambulance, first on the ambulances and then moving onto their fleet of fast response vehicles before joining LNAA 4 years ago. He is one of 19 paramedics at LNAA who work alongside a dedicated team of doctors and pilots, to bring the equivalent of a hospital emergency department direct to patient at their time of need.
He said: “When I left school, I was interested in medicine, but I knew I didn’t want to work in a hospital, I wanted to be out and about, working in unpredictable and challenging settings.
“The majority of incidents we attend are cardiac arrests and road traffic incidents, sometimes involving multiple vehicles. The environment we work in is often challenging due to location, bad weather or the time of day and this is when paramedics can have a big impact. Using their extensive knowledge, they are able to manage these scenes, many which involve numerous emergency organisations and involve multiple patients.
“But there are great rewards with the job, and I particularly enjoy meeting patients when they have recovered from their injuries and are well enough to visit HQ with their families.
“I would say to anyone wishing to become a paramedic, ‘go for it’! But I would advise people to get some life experience before starting their career. If you can think on your feet, are compassionate and calm and if you are wishing to work in different and challenging locations every day then this may just be the role for you.”
International Paramedics Day takes place on the 8th July every year, as this marks the anniversary of the birth of Dominique-Jean Larrey, the man often referred to as the ‘father of modern-day ambulance services’.
Image of the LNAA by Electric Egg
Designs for key Cleethorpes projects head into the democratic process
The ‘Stage 3’ concept designs for two key projects in Cleethorpes, Market Place and Pier Gardens, are heading into the democratic process, being scrutinised by panel members on 15 July, and then Cabinet after that.
The outline concepts were originally developed in the Cleethorpes Masterplan, which had responses from thousands of people, saying what they wanted to see in the spaces in the future.
Since then, there have been detailed discussions with local businesses, drop-in sessions and online engagement for anyone to give their views, as well as group sessions with creative people, young people and other potential users of the spaces.
Pier Gardens
The new design harks back to the historic use of space, where people went to spend time. The new vision brings people of all ages and abilities together, and creates a more family orientated area, alongside areas for quiet reflection and education, whilst also increasing biodiversity in the resort.
The design proposes a ‘zoning’ system to provide this mix of uses, which will provide a mixture of uses across the park with a consistent theme throughout.
- arrival space at Sea Road/Alexandra Road junction, creating a welcoming space to the gardens;
- events zone to support a mixture of activities/events that could take place;
- play/recreation zone which would consist of a larger central space and provide a mixture of activities for young and older children alike;
- reflection zone at the Sea View Street end of the gardens supporting the existing armed forces memorials that are situated there.
Revesby Country Fair brings daredevil delight to Lincolnshire with brand new attraction
Organisers have announced a new main ring attraction, as well as a new activity for families to enjoy on 4th August
Revesby Country Fair, a popular Lincolnshire family day out, will wow audiences with a brand new attraction at this year’s show.
Dangerous Steve has been announced as a new main ring attraction for 2024, offering a fast-moving performance featuring quad bike and motorbike tricks, as well as breathtaking chainsaw stunts.
Visitors will also be able to marvel at Steve’s one-of-a-kind “roll over” stunt on his motorised monocycle – a unique and daring stunt that no one else in the world has performed on a genuine monocycle.
For those who fancy something a bit slower paced, Nunny’s Farm has been announced as a new activity, offering animal handling and up close encounters with a variety of farm animals.
Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences with all their favourite animals, from ponies and donkeys to rabbits and guinea pigs – as well as a few other surprise farmyard friends.
John Roe, Chairman of Revesby Country Fair, said: “We’re excited to announce Dangerous Steve as one of our new main ring attractions this year. With his performance and daredevil stunts, including a blindfolded motorbike jump, he’s a real crowd pleaser.
“We’ll also have the much-loved Nunny’s Farm at the show who will be bringing along a variety of furry friends – we’re looking forward to welcoming them for the first time.
“Tickets are available online now and are cheaper if you buy in advance, so we’d encourage everyone to secure their tickets to ensure they don’t miss out. Plus, you’ll also be able to skip the queues on the day, so it pays to plan ahead!”
As well as the brand new attractions, visitors to this year’s show will be able to enjoy traditional favourites including classic cars, vintage tractors, shire horses, show jumping and mounted fancy dress. Atkinson Action Horses will also be performing in the main ring with a show that promises to “thrill, excite and astonish.”
What’s more, the event promises its annual cooking, growing and flower competitions, plus live music, ‘have a go’ hobbies and the iconic ‘Revesby style’ terrier racing.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online in advance, priced at £15 for adults, £5 for children (aged 5-16) and £35 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children).
On-the-day tickets will be priced at £16 for adults, £6 for children (aged 5-16) and £37.50 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children).
To find out more about Revesby Country Fair, or to book tickets, please visit revesbycountryfair.co.uk.
For the latest news and information about Revesby Country Fair, follow @RevesbyCountryFair on Facebook, @RevesbyFair on X, and @revesbycountryfair on Instagram.
