A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – after-dark festive fun for everyone
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 at Belton House, by Culture Creative My Christmas Trails 2023. Photo by Sony Music
Costa Coffee donates £1,000 to Grimsby Wolves
Costa Coffee has donated £1,000 to Grimsby Wolves, as part of its Community Grants programme.
Grimsby Wolves are the only female ice hockey team in the Lincolnshire area, with players travelling from across the country to play at the community-funded ice rink in Grimsby. They have an inclusive team, with players ranging from age 13 to 50.
With the £1,000 Community Grant from Costa Coffee, the Grimsby Wolves have used it to fund two beginner sessions – which resulted in several new players joining the team.
Nikki Burnett, Treasurer at the Grimsby Wolves, says: “The donation from Costa Coffee has been gratefully received by our team, and will help us to promote ice hockey – encouraging girls and women to join us.
“As we rebuild our team and recruit new players, our aim is to promote health, fitness and wellbeing, by providing an opportunity for ladies to become part of an inclusive team in a fast-paced, exciting sport.
“The funds have already helped our team grow, and we plan to organise further sessions to fine-tune our players’ skating skills, ensuring we give everyone the confidence to success.”
Jo Jennings, Community Co-Ordinator at Costa Coffee, says: “We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the incredible work being done by the Grimsby Wolves. At Costa Coffee, we recognise the dedication and passion that sports clubs bring to their local areas, and we are proud to be extending a helping hand to sporting groups across the nation through our Community Grants programme.”
Free face-to-face clinics for families affected by dementia in Lincoln during World Alzheimer’s Month
Nationwide and Dementia UK are bringing free face-to-face specialist dementia care to Lincoln during World Alzheimer’s Month in September.
The clinics will be hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses to support anyone impacted by dementia in Nationwide’s branch in Lincoln, offering life-changing support to families and individuals living with dementia in the area.
Support includes practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia – from worries about memory problems and understanding a diagnosis and how the condition can progress to help with financial and legal issues. Appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website here.
As part of the partnership, Nationwide will host 200 pop-up clinics in branches around the UK, and fund 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurse posts through Dementia UK.
The clinics form part of Nationwide’s new social impact programme, Fairer Futures, which addresses three of the UK’s biggest social issues through charity partnerships – dementia (Dementia UK), youth homelessness (Centrepoint) and family poverty (Action for Children).
Sarah Priestley, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing specialist face-to-face support for people affected by dementia to Lincoln. By partnering with Nationwide, we are able to provide a safe space in towns across the county to ensure our Admiral Nurses are able to reach as many people affected by the condition as possible.
“Dementia is a huge and growing health crisis – someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes and the condition is the leading cause of death in England and Wales. It’s more important than ever that we reach families and individuals affected by dementia and offer one-on-one support from our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.”
Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide, said: “Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible. By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we’re helping to tackle the country’s leading cause of death. As a mutual, we work for the good of society as well as our members. We believe this and Nationwide Fairer Futures will change hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”
The pop-up clinics will visit Nationwide, High Street, Lincoln on 3rd, 4th and 5th September.
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance doctor in all-female team for Great North Run
A Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) doctor is joining an all-female team of air ambulance staff taking part in the AJ Bell Great North Run in September.
Dr Isla Wormald is part of the 20-strong group from 13 air ambulance charities across the UK who are tackling the race to increase the profile of air ambulance services nationwide and to inspire other women to pursue roles within Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).
Isla said: “Gender should not be a barrier yet within the UK HEMS, only 20% of doctors & 24% of paramedics are women. We are keen to raise awareness of the challenges facing women in this workplace and empower others to consider a career in HEMS.
“I am proud to be employed by LNAA as a HEMS doctor and to have the knowledge and skills to be able to provide pre-hospital emergency care for critically ill and injured patients.
“I am running this iconic race on 8 September which happens to be during Air Ambulance Week, to raise funds to enable our crews continue to provide such a service for residents and visitors to Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire.”
LNAA is one of the UK’s leading (HEMS) charities, funded purely by the generosity of people and businesses in Lincs & Notts. It is not part of the NHS and therefore not Government funded. With each mission costing an average of £4,000, the charity needs to raise £13 million this year to be by the side of patients in their time of greatest need.
The crew of doctors, paramedics & pilots transport the equivalent of a hospital emergency department to people suffering from the most serious of illnesses & devastating injuries, providing the best possible treatment as quickly as possible. When every second counts, the arrival of LNAA’s critical care cars and the iconic yellow helicopter really can mean the difference between life & death.
Find out how you can support Isla on her Great North Run Challenge here.
Main contractors asked to give views on Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens scheme
The next step towards the transformation of Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens is underway, as main contractors are asked to give their views on the scheme.
Called ‘Preliminary Market Consultation’, this is normal practice for public sector organisations and is part of the process ahead of full tenders being released for large contracts.
It allows for interested businesses to look at the detail of the project and comment and takes the form of online questionnaires and a physical event, which will be held on Thursday 12 September from 1pm at The Knoll in Cleethorpes.
Following this, officers will look at the responses, opinions and views before finalising details and releasing the main tender for the work of principal contractor, which is expected to be done later this year.
The scheme for Pier Gardens is supported by £18.4m, which was awarded to Cleethorpes from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
The designs were finalised after the views of hundreds of people were gathered during public events, meetings and consultations. This feedback supported more modern and wildlife friendly planting schemes, along with areas for children’s and adults’ social activities, and an area that could enable pop up events, performances and group exercise. Additionally, people wanted to make sure that the gardens had improved lighting, sympathetic to the surroundings.
As a result, specific zoned areas have been designed by landscape architects, WSP, that feature water play, terraced play features, play structures for both junior and older children, along with a flexible event space towards the Sea Road end and a quieter area for reflective contemplation at the Memorial Gate end.
Welcoming this next step in Pier Gardens’ development journey, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, said: “Cleethorpes has been evolving and improving over the years and this a further step in growing our resort, which is fast becoming a jewel in the crown of our country’s East coast.
“This transformation of Pier Gardens is going to create wonderful spaces for both visitors and local people to visit and enjoy – spending time together as families and we all look forward to this work starting, and more importantly completing.”
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
South Holland District Council to tackle graffiti in Spalding by offering £500 reward
South Holland District Council have announced that they will offer a reward of £500 for information which leads to the successful prosecution of the culprit responsible for the rampant increase in graffiti in Spalding.
In a joint venture between the Council and Lincolnshire Police, the aim is to encourage residents to come forward and help narrow down the search for the individual responsible for a host of graffiti which has been springing up in Spalding over the last few months.
The Council’s Community Safety team, alongside the Police have been investigating the incidents as part of their zero-tolerance approach to graffiti and believe the similar sign/tag could be the result of a single individual.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to identify a suspect as yet, and as a result the Council is now looking to enlist the help of residents to help track down the individual responsible.
Councillor Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “I fully support this new initiative to help both our Community Safety team and our colleagues at Lincolnshire Police in gather vital information which will help us find the person responsible.
“As a Council we have a zero-tolerance approach to graffiti which degrades our towns and villages across the District. Our Officers work hard to get it cleaned up wherever possible, but this reward will help us catch one of the most prolific offenders in the local area and send a clear message – we won’t stand for graffiti here in South Holland.”
Sergeant Corder from the South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Team states: “We welcome any information about those responsible for localised graffiti.
“We recognise that graffiti is impacting the wider community and as part of the South Holland Policing Plan our aim is to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“We will continue to work alongside our partners at South Holland District Council to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Lincolnshire Police are taking this seriously and will pursue all lines of enquiry.”
A resident who provides information that results in a successful prosecution of the culprit will receive a £500 reward.
To provide information which may assist the enquiry, please contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.
Image credit: South Holland District Council
Heritage group volunteers honoured with King’s Award for Voluntary Service
RAF Ingham Heritage Group, this week, have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which recognises the outstanding work by local volunteer groups that benefit their communities.
The group is managed and run entirely by a community team of 25 British and Polish volunteers, who have developed and built a brand-new heritage centre dedicated to remembering and celebrating the remarkable lives of the men and women of the Polish Air Force Bomber Squadrons, flying alongside the RAF during WW2. The centre is the first of its kind in the world.
The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre at RAF Ingham formally opened earlier this year after a fourteen year long project to bring the centre to life.
The group received recognition in November 2023 and has now been honoured with a crystal award that was presented to the team of volunteers on Wednesday 28th August by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis.
Chairman of the heritage group, Geoff Burton is proud of the team and to receive this prestigious award. He said: “Two factors make a project like ours work. One is funding and the other more important one is volunteers. One cannot work without the other, but the volunteers are certainly the most important.
“Our team are our greatest asset, that’s what makes our organisation and this place tick. They are the lifeblood of our project, it is their enthusiasm, energy and passion that keeps them engaged and keep coming back week in week out.
“We have the most incredible group of people you could ever wish to know and work with. We are extremely honoured and delighted to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service which highlights and recognises the incredible hard work, dedication and commitment of our amazing team of volunteers here at RAF Ingham.
“It is their enthusiasm, energy and friendship which has made the group and this project the enduring success it is today. I am so proud of the entire team who have worked so hard and given so much to create this wonderful heritage centre to ensure this inspirational part of the joint Polish British history is there for future generations.”
The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre at RAF Ingham is open to the public on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 3pm. The Main Exhibition Centre comprises of two wings, covering over 4602m of exhibition space, an atmospheric Polish Families Nissen Hut, mini-cinema, Memorial Garden and Remembrance Garden, plus a shop, cafe and toilets.
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
Ribbon to be cut at Clee fields with family fun day
A state-of-the-art football facility in Grimsby is set to open officially this weekend with a family fun day, and a ribbon cutting ceremony involving the Mayor.
Clee Fields, situated off Ladysmith Road in Grimsby, recently underwent a refurbishment part-funded by a £1.5m grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, along with money from North East Lincolnshire Council’s capital budget.
Following a tender process, YMCA Humber have been announced as the new operators of the site for the next five years (to 2029), supporting grassroots football in the local community.
In July, YMCA Humber opened Clee Fields to partner and community clubs, and are looking forward to working with organisations, local football teams and clubs, providing a first-class football facility.
The official opening of the site will take place on Saturday 31st August 2024 from 10:30am to 1pm.
The day will include games and competitions, a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Steve Beasant, face-painting, an ice cream van and a BBQ.
The site is located at 140 Ladysmith Rd, Grimsby DN32 9SW – head to the large car park from Ladysmith Road.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Get ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning on Sunday 15th September!
Ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning? Join us Sunday 15th September at Springfield’s Exhibition Centre Spalding for the region’s BIGGEST Wedding Show!
Every bride dreams of their special wedding day but to make that dream come true takes a lot of planning and organisation.
Whether you have just started your wedding planning, or only have a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need at the Cupids Autumn Wedding Show.
With over 65 stands, fashion shows and goodies for the first 250 brides, this event remains the biggest Wedding Show in the region. Experts in the wedding industry will display their products and services, giving you an idea of their work and price ranges which will assist you in establishing a budget for your special day.
You will be inspired by the ideas and options available and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss your own unique and personal requirements.
The exhibitors are the best at what they do, meaning they have tons of ideas and want to work with you – cake specialists can find a cake recipe to meet any special diet requirements, venue dressers will be able to turn any venue into a magical wonderland for your wedding day, jewellers will be able to design the perfect ring for you, bridal gown experts will help you find THE perfect dress, and photographers will help you capture the most important day of your life to treasure forever.
Find everything you need to plan your special day – FREE tickets available at www.cupidsweddingshows.com in advance or £4 on the day!
Knockout success of first challenge in aid of hospitals charity
More than £7,500 has been raised for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity by local businesses, hospital staff and members of the public who took part in an It’s A Knockout challenge.
The winning team were the Lost Toys who were made up of hospital staff and their families. Members of the Clinical Education Team swapped the wards of Lincoln and Grantham hospitals to dress up as their favourite Toy Story characters.
Team Leader and Clinical Education Nurse, Jo Atterbury, said: “We had everything from Barbie and Ken, to Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Woody and Jessie, Slinky, Buzz Light Year, Pizza Planet Alien and I was Little Bo Peep and my dog Winnie made a guest appearance as one of the sheep.
“It was an amazing day, we smiled and laughed from start to finish. I cannot believe how competitive we all became. It was great to have so much fun together as a team, and at the same time raise money for such a brilliant cause that supports our patients and our colleagues. Well done to everyone involved… we are already planning our costumes for next year! Bring on the challenge, we have a title to defend.”
The competition has something for everyone, from fun quizzes, to obstacle courses, dance-offs and so much more. If you think you are up for the challenge, the date has now been released for 2025 – Sunday 29 June.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Fundraiser, Gary Burr, said: “It was an amazing and action-packed day. The atmosphere was amazing and it was wonderful to see so many teams and their loved ones supporting our charity.
“Every penny raised will be used to help the charity support United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust patients and staff with those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS. So we would like to thank every participant and let them know that every obstacle you overcome really will help us to make a difference.
“If any local businesses or teams are interested in helping us to make It’s A Knockout 2025 bigger and better, please get in touch. Anyone can enter as a team and there are lots of other ways in which you can support this brilliant event.”
Image shows the winning team at work. Credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
