Fairfield Academy principal, Katie McGuire, said: “The David Ross Education Trust is delighted to be partnering with the local authority to provide bespoke provision for children that need something additional to the mainstream offer for education.
“We are looking forward to transitioning our new pupils into Fairfield Academy; we feel strongly that all children should have the opportunity to come to a setting that fully meets their needs.”
Emerald Hub lead, teacher and SENCO, Lucianna Ashton-Smith, added: “We know that there is a need in our local community for resource-based provision and the Emerald Hub will meet this need, enabling many pupils to attend a school in their community and still have their needs met. It’s a great privilege to lead on this new venture.”
The work on site is being carried out by Topcon Building Ltd, working with North East Lincolnshire Council.
Grimsby school expands to offer specialist support
A Grimsby school is set for expansion, with a new area dedicated to supporting children with communication and interaction needs.
Work has started at Fairfield Academy to transform part of the school to deliver specialist support to children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
The project – called the Emerald Hub – is being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, and is part of wider plans to create more than 100-new places for children with additional needs in the area over the coming years.
Due to open later in the autumn term, the Emerald Hub will eventually cater for 18 students who each have an EHCP and a primary need of communication and interaction.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see these plans coming into fruition, and contractors starting on site. These places are desperately needed, and it’s vitally important that all children get the support they need to be able to learn and thrive.”
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Ryhall Road to undergo full rebuild this September
A major resurfacing project is set to begin on Ryhall Road in Stamford, with works scheduled to start on Monday 8 September and continue for up to six weeks.
The scheme will see almost half a mile of carriageway reconstructed, stretching from the Uffington Road Roundabout to Regency Crescent. Upgrades will also be made to two pedestrian crossings, located near Melbourne Road and St George’s Avenue.
To allow the works to progress, night-time closures will be in place between 8pm and 6am on weekdays, while temporary traffic signals will operate during the day. A 25-mile diversion route will direct vehicles via the A6121, Raymond Mays Way, A15 and A1175.
Access for residents and businesses along Ryhall Road will remain available throughout the works.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County CouncilDiscover your dream wedding venue at Kelham Hall’s 2025 Wedding Fayre
Unlock the door to your dream wedding at the Renaissance at Kelham Hall, where history, elegance and inspiration come together under one breathtaking roof.
Step inside the Traditional Wedding Fayre on Tuesday 23 September, from 3pm and discover a world of timeless romance, dazzling ideas, and everything you need to bring your perfect day to life.
Whether you’re newly engaged or in the final stages of planning, the upcoming Wedding Fayre is the perfect place to gather ideas, meet talented suppliers, and picture your big day at Kelham Hall. From florists to photographers and all the essentials in between, everything you need for your special day will be right there, ready to explore.
What to expect on the day:
- Explore the venue: Wander through the beautifully decorated ceremony rooms, reception spaces and breathtaking grounds, each dressed to perfection by talented suppliers.
- Prosecco reception: Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival, setting the tone for a day of celebration.
- Miniature food samples: Sample miniature dishes, prepared by an award-winning catering team.
- Hand-picked suppliers: Meet a selection of recommended suppliers, including musicians, entertainers, and décor specialists.
- Bridal catwalk: Be inspired by a showcase of stunning gowns, suits, and Mother of the Bride hats presented by Prestige Bridal.
- Bar open: Explore signature drinks and cocktails that could be the perfect addition to your wedding package.
- Live entertainment: Enjoy live performances from talented musicians.
- Fireworks finale: End your visit with a bang thanks to a spectacular fireworks display (weather permitted).
Grimsby market brings local food, crafts, and gifts to Riverhead Square
Grimsby’s monthly Farmers’ and Craft Market returns today in Riverhead Square, running from 9am to 3pm. The open-air event, held on the third Friday of each month, showcases a mix of local produce, handmade goods, and artisan treats.
Visitors can browse stalls offering pork from Redhill Farm, cakes and savoury bakes from Sticky Fingers, cheeses from The Cheese Den, and crumbles and cakes from Campbells Cakery. Fresh flowers, plants, and bulbs are available from Daryls Shed, while handmade gifts come from traders including LittleInferno Co, Juliet’s Legacy, and The Start of Lemuria.
Other stalls feature vegan home fragrances from Waft n Whiff, handmade scented products from Nutured by Nature, sweet treats from Rushby’s, and ethically sourced crystals and jewellery.
The market is also encouraging new vendors to join. First-time traders can access an introductory offer that halves stall costs for their first eight months, with a gazebo and table included.
The next market will take place in four weeks, continuing its role as a regular stop for seasonal produce, craft goods, and unique finds in the heart of Grimsby.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilGet ready for the ultimate tribute experience at Rewired Festival 2025!
The weather looks fantastic for the Rewired Festival, which is set to light up Grimsthorpe Castle THIS SATURDAY, bringing an electrifying lineup of the UK’s best tribute acts to the iconic venue.
Prepare to be blown away by SEVEN incredible Tribute Bands – live on stage! Each act delivers an electrifying set packed with the biggest anthems from rock and pop history, complete with powerhouse sound and stunning lighting effects. If you love live music, this is unmissable.
Fans can expect unforgettable performances from Oasis Forever, Planet ABBA, Pure Queen, Gladness, Blurz, Steptastic, and Mardy Bums, delivering all the hits from legendary bands like Oasis, ABBA, Queen, Madness, Blur, Steps, and Arctic Monkeys.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill pub tributes – they’re genuine fakes! With every look, move, and note perfected, they bring the spirit of the original legends to life in jaw-dropping style.
Masters of their craft, these performers will have you singing your heart out, throwing your hands in the air and dancing with your mates all night long. Get ready for the ultimate tribute experience!
This is your last chance to book in advance and enjoy the best rates, book today on www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk and get ready to sing your heart out all day long!
Winterton to gain new pump track for all ages
A purpose-built pump track is set to be installed in Winterton following £120,804 in funding through North Lincolnshire Council. Led by Winterton Town Council, the facility will be built on land behind the Winterton Community Pavilion on Newport Drive.
Designed for cycling and scootering, the track will cater to all ages and abilities, with aims to encourage outdoor activity, improve fitness, and provide a safe space for recreation. It will also feature extended CCTV coverage and a Biodiversity Gain Plan to enhance the surrounding environment.
The project responds to strong local support for more inclusive, outdoor spaces and addresses the current shortage of recreational facilities in the town. By revitalising an underused site, it also aims to help reduce anti-social behaviour.
Funding comes via North Lincolnshire Council’s management of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilRoyal Navy veteran’s memories captured as part of local Victory over Japan commemorations
A Royal Navy veteran’s memories of Far East service in 1945 have been captured on film as part of the local 80th anniversary commemorations of Victory over Japan.
Peter Foxon, 102, lives in Deeping St James and spent the war as a wireless telegraphist.
The video – Peter’s War – has been filmed by South Kesteven District Council and added to the Council’s YouTube library in honour of Peter’s service.
His time at sea included Atlantic convoy protection, launching British troops towards the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and action against the Japanese in the Pacific.
Peter defied pressure to join the Army when he got his call up papers – thanks to his mother’s advice to wear his Merchant Navy uniform.
“I always wanted to go into the Navy ever since I was a boy,” Peter said. “I had already qualified as a radio officer in the Merchant Marine but I got called up before I even got to a merchant ship.
“What it did mean was that I had a Merchant Navy uniform, so I wore it for the interview, gained release from the Army and went straight off to the Royal Navy recruiting centre. The uniform did the trick.”
Early in 1943 Peter joined HMS Richmond on convoy duties to protect Allied ships carrying vital supplies between Britain and America.
As well as enemy fire, 20-foot waves and the danger of submarines, Peter recalls a remarkable story of a dog rescue.
“We had a ship’s dog, a little terrier called Timo, who loved to race across the deck chasing waves. One day, after the deck had been freshly oiled with linseed, he slipped and went straight over the side.
“Against regulations we turned the ship around and searched until we found him, weakly paddling away. We stopped engines and got him back on board, with a tot of rum.”
In 1944, Peter’s ship, HMS Nith, successfully launched soldiers of the Highland Division towards Gold Beach on D Day.
Tragedy struck when the Nith was stationed off the French coast three weeks later. The ship took a direct hit from a German ‘Mistel’ aircraft drone packed with explosives. It killed Peter’s best friend, along with nine others
“I volunteered to help recover the dead and we buried them at sea,” said Peter. The badly damaged ship had to be towed back to England
By 1945 Peter was in the Far East as part of the British Pacific Fleet. With the Allied Invasion of Rangoon only days away, his ship, HMS Roebuck, encountered a Japanese convoy trying to escape. It was here that Peter witnessed first-hand the Japanese refusal to surrender.
“We sank several Japanese boats one night and the next morning sighted one of the vessels with half a dozen Japanese clinging to it. Just as our sailors were pushing off in a lifeboat to rescue them, they blew themselves up, preferring to die rather than suffer the disgrace of being taken prisoner.”
Cllr Phil Dilks, SKDC cabinet member for Armed Forces who helped Peter get his lifetime membership of the Royal British Legion, is featured on the video.
“Not many people are left who fought for our freedom 80 years ago and more. We have to thank men like Peter for their service, and never forget the sacrifices made.”
Survey reveals training and job priorities in North East Lincolnshire
More than 1,200 residents have shared their views on skills, training, and employment in North East Lincolnshire, helping to guide the borough’s future skills strategy.
The consultation, run by the Council’s Economy and Growth team with local training providers, explored how people discover learning opportunities, which communication channels they trust, and the barriers they face.
Most respondents preferred to learn online from home. Limited awareness of local courses, health conditions, disabilities, and low confidence were common challenges to both training and employment.
The results will inform an updated Skills Strategy due next year. Existing initiatives such as the Adult Careers Team’s careerShift programme aim to address these barriers by connecting participants with employers, offering personal wellbeing support, and providing tools for self-reflection and financial management.
The feedback will also shape opportunities in growing sectors across the Humber, including renewables and engineering.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilBaby bank launches to support families and cut waste
A new baby bank has opened in Lincolnshire to provide essential items for children aged up to three while encouraging the reuse of quality goods.
Run by Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire with support from Lincolnshire County Council, the Baby Bliss Baby Bank serves families in Boston, Sleaford and surrounding areas. It offers donated prams, clothing, toys, highchairs, baby baths, Moses baskets without mattresses, baby walkers, books and other items.
Donations in clean, good condition can be dropped at Tattershall Household Waste Recycling Centre from Friday to Tuesday between 9am and 3.50pm. The scheme aims to address local demand, with over 1,200 families seeking children’s support last year.
By rehoming unwanted items, the project reduces waste that would otherwise be incinerated. Families using the service can also access wider help from Citizens Advice, including guidance on benefits, debt and grants.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County CouncilRelief helicopter lands at Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance base
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has welcomed a relief helicopter to its operation as its iconic AW169 aircraft departs for a scheduled major service in Emden, Germany.
The charity’s flagship AW169 will undergo it’s four-year annual maintenance inspection at HeliService headquarters in Emden.
LNAA’s Chief Pilot, Llewis Ingamells said: “The service includes a complete strip-down of the aircraft to ensure every component is thoroughly inspected, operational, and safe. This work ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.”
To maintain uninterrupted service during this period, LNAA will operate an AW109 Grand New relief helicopter. Slightly smaller, the AW109 is a capable and reliable aircraft. It will enable the charity to continue delivering critical care to patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The relief helicopter is similar in design and performance to the new model (AW109 Grand New) LNAA plans to introduce in 2027. This provides LNAA’s pilots with a valuable opportunity to gain additional flight hours in an equivalent aircraft, supporting future readiness and operational continuity.
Before the relief helicopter begins active duty, LNAA’s crew will conduct detailed loading exercises and weigh all onboard medical equipment to ensure the aircraft is fully prepared for frontline missions.
The AW169 is expected to return from Germany in the coming months, fully serviced and ready to resume its vital role in saving lives.
