The BIG Lincolnshire County Wedding Show returns to the Lincolnshire Showground this Sunday
The BIG Lincolnshire County Wedding Show is back at the Lincolnshire Showground THIS SUNDAY 24th November 11.00am-3.00pm with all the wedding inspiration you have ever dreamed of!
Bring your bride squad for the ultimate day of wedding planning; see premier wedding gown boutiques, award winning photographers, luxury wedding venues, formal wear to wow, mother of the bride and guest attire, wedding cakes that are works of art, and much much more!
Meet over 65 of the region’s greatest wedding suppliers and enjoy Fashion Shows at 12.00pm & 1.45pm, lots of goodies for couples, and free parking. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of Lincolnshire Today’s Wedding Guide! The event is the perfect day out for anyone in the midst of wedding planning.
Whether you have just started your wedding planning or only have a few things left to organise you can rest assured you are in the hands of experts as you will only see trusted wedding suppliers dedicated to doing what they do best. Your dream wedding can become reality!
Limited FREE tickets are available online at www.cupidsweddingshows.com – or £4 on the day with no pre booked ticket.
Wrestling raises over £2,000 for Lincolnshire hospitals charity
The Fight Factory Wrestling UK visited the Oncology Department at Lincoln County Hospital to present a cheque for £2,185, raised through their Bodyslams to Cancer event.
The live professional wrestling event took place in October in North Hykeham and marked the 11th consecutive year that the Fight Factory UK team has fundraised for Lincolnshire causes. This year, they raised over £4,000, which was split between Sophie’s Journey and United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Bodyslams to Cancer has a long-standing tradition of supporting cancer charities that aid the people of Lincolnshire. The event is always held in October to align with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s show featured several title bouts and a 30-person rumble at the end of the show.
The annual charity show began as a heartfelt memorial to Dee Mansell, who sadly passed away after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Dee was the mother of Hayden Loeve, one of the dedicated wrestlers involved in Bodyslams. Unfortunately, she never got to see her son wrestle. Dee was due to attend an event while undergoing chemotherapy, but the disease took her away before the wrestling event took place.
Over the years, Bodyslams to Cancer has grown in both size and impact, consistently raising funds and awareness for cancer-related causes.
Hayden and his wife Rebecca, owners of The Fight Factory Wrestling UK, met the oncology team and United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity team at Lincoln County Hospital to present the cheque. Rebecca said: “It really means a lot to us that the memory of Hayden’s mum continues and every year it helps us to raise vital funding for Lincolnshire charities supporting people living with cancer and their families.
“Many of the wrestlers taking part in Bodyslams have their own personal reasons for competing, honouring their loved ones who are affected by cancer or who sadly passed away. Because all wrestlers and crew kindly donate their wages to the cause, it helps us to raise as much money as possible for our chosen charities each year.”
Gary Burr, Charity Fundraiser, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, said: “We are immensely grateful to Rebecca and Hayden for choosing to donate half of the proceeds from this year’s event to the Lincoln Oncology Department. It’s thanks to their dedication that Bodyslams to Cancer has been such a success, and the money our charity receives will make a real difference to patients undergoing treatment for cancer and their carers.”
Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
West Lindsey firms encouraged to apply for training grants
Businesses throughout the West Lindsey area of Lincolnshire are being encouraged to apply for Workforce Development Grants to help upskill employees.
In a scheme due to end on 31st December, eligible organisations can apply for up to 100% towards full cost technical and vocational training courses which improve skills and help boost productivity.
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, has urged employers not to miss out on the funding.
He said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the life blood of the district and provide a lot of local employment. Upskilling will help organisations strengthen their existing workforce, fill new positions, and enable them to remain competitive.”
Plum Products Ltd, a family-owned, Queen’s Award-winning business, are among those to have benefitted from the Workforce Development Grant.
Based at Ingham near Lincoln, they are a supplier of quality active play equipment that is sold in 60 different countries.
MD Paul Schaffer said: “Our success is a combination of building a strong product brand and investing in the skills of our workforce. The grant has helped us develop staff that are critical to the growth plans for our business.”
Amanda Bouttell, who administers the scheme for the Council, said help and support is available for organisations that wish to apply. “In the first instance, organisations need to check if they’re eligible. There is then a simple application process and the team are on hand, ready to help with advice and guidance on how to complete this. We have several organisations that have successfully received this funding.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
Fire crews to hold festive fundraising events
Fire crews across Lincolnshire will be holding a whole host of Christmas events in their communities.
Raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity and other good causes, the events are often a highlight of the festive season for many towns and villages.
Many crews will be taking Santa on the road with a sleigh tour around the local area, while other fire stations will be opening the doors to locals with a warm festive welcome.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Our fire crews are an important part of their local community and Christmas events offer a great way to engage with people and spread the Christmas cheer.
“Last year was a record-breaking fundraising year for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue with more than £88,000 raised for the Fire Fighters Charity- smashing the £80,000 target. This wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing generosity of Lincolnshire residents and our crews going over and above their day jobs.”
Some of the events being held in Lincolnshire are:
Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council - 3, 10 and 17 December – Skegness fire station sleigh parade from 4pm
- 5 December – Christmas carol service at Waddington fire station with the LFR Band from 7.30pm
- 7 December – Brew with the Crew at Bourne fire station from 11am until 4pm
- 7 and 14 December – Christmas Grotto at Skegness fire station 4pm until 8pm
- 14 and 15 December – Saxilby Christmas street collection from 4.30pm
- 14 December – Billinghay Santa Sleigh visits Martin, Timberland and Walcott from 4.30pm
- 15 December – Billinghay Santa Sleigh visits Billinghay Co-Op at 5pm
- 16 December – Billinghay Santa Sleigh visits Tattershall Bridge, South Kyme and North Kyme from 5pm
- 18 December – Santa’s Grotto at Market Deeping fire station
New farming forum elects chair
The county’s new agriculture and horticulture forum has now elected a chair – Crowland-based farmer and farm consultant, Matt Riddington.
The group’s first meeting since its formation decided on the group’s priorities for the first year, and discussed national and local emerging issues in the sector.
Matt Riddington, said: “The forum will be crucial in providing a collective regional voice from local farming and rural stakeholders, feeding into the national Rural and Farming Network. We will be identifying issues, concerns, and good practice we want to promote to government.
“Farming is facing multiple challenges but is also adapting and innovating to address these. The forum is a place to look at what is being done, and what needs to be done, in Greater Lincolnshire. We need to have a sustainable and profitable industry that inspires young people to want to be part of, into the future.”
The Greater Lincolnshire Forum For Agriculture and Horticulture (GLFFAH) is comprised of a diverse range of members with representatives from farms of all sizes, sector bodies, training organisations and support services.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, environment and planning at the county council, said: “This forum provides a vital mouthpiece for our agriculture and horticulture industries in raising county issues at a national level and in supporting the sector with recommendations and action.
“The county council is committed to supporting those in the farming sector, who are facing ongoing battles as well as new pressures.”
The priorities for the forum in the short term are to look at issues around:
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Springfield Gallery - skills, workforce and training
- planning and land use – conflicts and demands
- succession in farming businesses
- soils and water management
- environment and carbon credits uncertainty
- regulations and tax
What has the National Lottery ever done for us…?
In the 30 years since the launch of the National Lottery more than 100 creative projects have been funded across North East Lincolnshire because of funding from Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Since the middle of last year, when Create North East Lincolnshire picked up the reins from the original Grimsby Creates project, more than half a million pounds, funded partly through National Lottery players, has been spent on creative projects in the area.
Projects funded through the National Lottery include:
- Edible Grimsby
- Festival of the Sea
- Our Future Starts Here
- Our Big Picture
- the Seagull trail in Cleethorpes
- poetry nights,
- live music, artistic classes and workshops
- More than 90 other exhibitions, craft days, short films
The Grove Care Home hosts Oktoberfest celebration in Waltham for residents and local community
The Grove Care Home in Waltham recently welcomed residents, families, and the local community to enjoy an autumn-inspired Oktoberfest celebration. Inspired by the care home’s picturesque surroundings of trees and greenery, the event celebrated all things autumn, bringing a festive atmosphere to The Grove Care Home.
“Our Oktoberfest featured local stalls, a fun raffle and tombola, beer tasting, a pumpkin carving station, live entertainment, and so much more for everyone to enjoy,” said Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells.
“The local community’s generous support helped us raise £359, which will go towards extra special activities, entertainment, and future events for our residents,” shared Wellbeing Coordinator Michelle Bloy. “The turnout and enthusiasm from everyone involved made the day extra special.”
One guest commended Oktoberfest, saying: “Well done to everyone involved” and “I’ve enjoyed getting out and seeing you all and browsing the stalls.”
Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells shared: “Hosting such a large community event at The Grove Care Home was truly meaningful, as it has allowed us to showcase our newly extended and refurbished spaces. This extension unlocks exciting possibilities for future events and helps us warmly connect the local community with our residents.”
Home Manager Cheryl Shorter commented: “Thank you to everyone who supported us. We look forward to making Oktoberfest an annual event for residents, families, and the Community in Waltham, offering a taste of autumn and to showcase our wonderful facilities and dedicated staff team here at The Grove Care Home.”
To arrange a tour of The Grove Care Home or for more information, please contact Ros Wells, Customer Relations Manager, at 01472 821127 or via email at ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com.
Classic Ibiza to bring birthday celebrations to Burghley House next summer
Classic Ibiza returns to Burghley House on Saturday 26 July 2025, promising an extra-special concert to mark the show’s 10th year. To celebrate, Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra will be performing more tracks than ever before, in a “best-of” set crammed full of firm Classic Ibiza favourites.
Known for collaborating with the likes of Groove Armada and Robert Miles, they’ll be joined by DJ Goldierocks and some very special guests, reimagining house music’s most legendary anthems. Former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis, will also be there, with the second half of the show once again being accompanied by a spectacular laser and light show.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “I genuinely can’t wait for next summer’s show at Burghley House. We’ll be majoring on those ‘hands in the air’ moments from our 10 year history, with USO’s performance being more like a DJ set, packing in even more anthemic tracks than ever before.
“They’ll also be joined on stage by some very special guests, bringing a whole new dynamic to what will be a night to remember. Watch this space for details!”
As part of the show’s 10th year celebrations, Classic Ibiza has also confirmed Adnams Ghost Ship as its new headline sponsor.
Jenny Hanlon, CEO of Adnams, says: “We’re excited to bring something new to Classic Ibiza, and simply can’t wait for the summer and the opportunity to add our own unique touch to these well-loved events.
“At Adnams, we’re all about making great memories and Classic Ibiza does that so well, mixing nostalgic, soul-stirring anthems with spirit-raising experiences. When combined with our best-selling beers, Ghost Ship 4.5% and Ghost Ship 0.5% Pale Ale at some of the country’s most inspiring locations, we’re all set to give music fans goosebumps.”
To help concertgoers budget more effectively, the show’s organisers have also introduced a new staggered payment system, providing the option to pay for tickets in three separate instalments.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward explains: “Classic Ibiza has always been an experience best enjoyed with your family and friends. This creates a truly magical atmosphere and is what makes our show so unique. It’s therefore down to us to make it as affordable as possible for everyone to attend. Whether it’s our new staggered payment system, free parking or allowing people to bring their own picnics – it’s all part of the mix.”
Ticket sales are strong again for the show’s tour of our country’s best-loved stately homes next summer, with some venues already approaching 50% capacity. For further information, visit: classicibiza.co.uk
Image credit: David Evans Photography
Charity ball aims to raise £10,000 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Two Lincolnshire businesses have joined forces to raise £10,000 for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance by organising a charity ball.
WCF Chandlers and Belton Woods Hotel are showing their support for the life-saving charity by hosting the glitzy Valentine’s themed event in February.
The Valentine’s Ball will take place at Belton Woods Hotel at Grantham on February 15, 2025. The black-tie event will feature music, dancing, entertainment and a three-course meal.
Local businesses are being invited to take tables at the event or donate prizes for the auction on the night in support of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) which marks its 30th anniversary in 2024.
Charlotte Carratt, from WCF Chandlers, said the Grantham-headquartered home heating oil and commercial fuels firm was a long-standing supporter of the LNAA and wanted to take its support to the next level.
She said: “The LNAA provides a vital, life-saving service to this area and it’s a cause close to the hearts of many of our customers who live and work in our rural communities.
“As a company, we have supported the LNAA for several years through fundraising as a team, but we felt the time was right to take the next step and organise a major fundraising event with the aim of raising £10,000.
“We were delighted to be able to join forces with the team at Belton Woods, who have chosen the LNAA as their charity of the year, to make it an event to remember.”
The LNAA covers a 3,500 square-mile region across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and responded to 1,771 incidents in 2023. The service needs to raise £13 million this year and relies on donations to remain operational.
Joe Harper, Corporate Partnerships Manager at the LNAA, said: “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary and reflect on reaching the incredible milestone of 30,000 life-saving missions, we’re incredibly grateful to WCF Chandlers and Belton Woods Hotel for hosting the Valentine’s Ball in support of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
“Our dedicated crew carries out critical interventions, often in the most challenging of circumstances. We receive no government funding, and it’s only thanks to the generous support of the people and businesses across our region that we can continue to provide this essential service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. On behalf of everyone at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, thank you for your continued support.”
Tickets cost £75 per person. Sponsorship packages are available for individuals and businesses from £150. To find out more or to book your place at the Valentine’s Ball email events@beltonwoods.co.uk or call 01476 514379.
Image: Staff members from Belton Woods Hotel and WCF Chandlers with Joe Harper from the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance outside the Belton Woods Hotel at Grantham.
Works start on Lincolnshire charity’s new HQ project
Works have now started on new premises for charity Naomi’s Garden following a team of construction partners coming together to offer free labour and materials at cost price.
Louth-based Naomi’s Garden provides conductive education to families who have loved ones with movement disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Dyspraxia and Motor Delay, as well as conditions including Autism, ADHD, sensory processing and genetic disorders and Long Covid.
Having outgrown its current centre – which limited the number of families it could support – the small team of therapists at the charity raised enough funds to secure a new building, however funds are still needed to complete the purchase and to renovate it to make it fit for purpose.
Landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, stepped in to support Naomi’s Garden by bringing together construction and professional services partners to move the project forward.
Internal works have now officially begun by Lincolnshire firm GBM Demolition, who are stripping out and widening door frames.
As previously reported, East Midlands-based construction partners who have committed to providing services are Influence, contractor G F Tomlinson, project manager and quantity surveyor Gleeds, solicitor Knights, and A + G Architects.
New to the project are commercial fit-out company APSS, glazer Tradeglaze, GRS Electrical, retailer B&Q Louth, and West Lindsey Landscapes. The charity is still hoping to find a drainage, heating, and M&E partner.
The new centre, located on Manby Park in Louth, was previously a motorcycle shop and needs extensive internal and external works to make it suitable for the charity to deliver its life changing services.
The construction partners will be working together to completely transform the building, with works including internal strip out, raising floors, installing ramps, new windows and doors, complete interior decoration, and landscaping to the exterior.
If enough money is raised, which is approximately £150,000, Naomi’s Garden’s new centre should be complete at the end of this year and welcoming families in early 2025.
When complete, the new centre will enable the charity to extend its working hours, provide group sessions and create a dynamic learning environment for all – no matter what their disability, resulting in supporting many more adults and children each year.
Managing director of Influence Landscape Planning and Design, Sara Boland, who lives in Louth, contacted Naomi’s Garden during the pandemic after having read about its plight and initially offered to help by providing landscaping services. That conversation continued to Sara offering to bring together a team of willing partners to deliver the works.
Sara said: “It’s been a real journey to get to this stage. This small charity worked incredibly hard to get to this position and through sheer grit and determination, the new centre they so desperately need is now in sight.
“A really big thank you to the companies which have supported us to date. What we are creating will positively impact so many lives and with these sort of services limited across the country, will offer more Lincolnshire and East Midlands-based families hope.
“Fundraising continues while the construction team and I focus on finding new partners and getting the work done. Any offers of help toward the project, no matter the size, are always welcome.”
Sarah-Jayne Walker, lead conductor at Naomi’s Garden, said: “As a small charity, we are overwhelmed by the kindness of local businesses who have come alongside us to help create Naomi’s Garden’s permanent home.
“Teamed with the fundraising efforts of our community we have started to see the transformation take place. We, as trustees, are beyond grateful as we continue to build on Naomi’s Legacy. Here’s to the next stages!”
Retailer B&Q at Louth recently chose the charity for its volunteering community day. At the end of October volunteers from the store spent a day creating some of the outside spaces, which included planting hedging, bulbs, hanging baskets, raised beds and clearing pathways. The retailer also donated £1,000 worth of B&Q materials which were needed for the day.
West Lindsey Landscapes were also present, preparing and digging the ground for the hedging which they kindly donated. B&Q and West Lindsey Landscapes have transformed the external areas of the new centre.
Naomi’s Garden has a SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) specialist who works with the needs of children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing issues, and with the help of Lincolnshire County Council, also provides free school holiday provision services including free healthy meals and enriching activities.
To make a donation towards Naomi’s Garden’s new centre, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naomis-gardens-big-move?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
