Lincoln’s Bomber Command Centre in for two Tourism Excellence Awards
Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) has been shortlisted for two Tourism Excellence Awards.
The centre has been nominated for its accessible and inclusive tourism approach, and in the ethical, responsible, and sustainable tourism category in the regional awards run by Destination Lincolnshire and Discover Rutland.
The IBCC has welcomed more than 550,000 visitors from more than 54 countries since opening in 2018, despite COVID closures, contributing an economic impact locally of over £30 million.
Visitors to its iconic memorial Spire and surrounding ‘Walls of Names’ can learn more about the hidden history of Bomber Command. The walls are etched with the names of the nearly 58,000 men and women who tragically died while serving or supporting Bomber Command during WWII.
The centre’s dedicated team offers guided tours and visitors can explore the exhibitions and gardens as well as stopping off at its locally sourced café.
Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for these awards and placed in such great company. It’s a testament to the hard work of the team of staff and volunteers bringing such enthusiasm to each day, determined to make everyone’s experience as enjoyable as possible during their time at the IBCC.
“History is for everyone, and so we pride ourselves on being as accessible as possible for everyone who wants to learn about the fascinating and sometimes controversial legacy of Bomber Command.
“Whether this is through our education offerings for families and children, or making sure our team is equipped to look after visitors with accessibility needs, our commitment to ensuring an interesting and rewarding time is what makes a trip here so special.
“We’ve got lots in store for 2025 already as we continue expanding and improving our offering. Winning these awards would be such an important accolade.”
The IBCC has an impressive collection of awards, including VisitEngland’s Gold International Tourism Award and Gold Accolade Award and TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards every year for four years, among many others for tourism, heritage, interpretation and education.
Additionally, in 2023 the centre won the VisitEngland Large Visitor Attraction Bronze Award, making it the third best in the country behind only Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, and Blenheim Palace.
Charlotte Goy, chief executive of Destination Lincolnshire, said: “Created to shine a light on businesses across the county, The Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate every aspect of the visitor economy – I’m thrilled to see so many fantastic businesses from across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland shortlisted in this year’s celebration of tourism.
“Seeing applications come in from all areas of our LVEP region, and in numbers which have exceeded our previous years, I know the judging panel had their work cut out for them when it came to marking each submission. A heartfelt congratulations to everyone who made it onto the shortlist.
“I truly hope to see more of our incredible Lincolnshire businesses represented on the national stage at 2025’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.”
The award ceremony will take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on Friday, February 28th 2025, the winners of which will feed directly into the national Visit England Awards for Excellence.
New code system lets anyone report full or damaged bins
About three quarters of litter and dog bins in West Lindsey have now been fitted with QR codes to make it easier for people to report when they’re full or damaged.
The QR codes are on stickers and when fitted can be scanned directly from any mobile phone, allowing people to report directly back to the council.
Work started on fitting the QR codes to bins in July, and now 1,200 of the 1,950 have the stickers ready for scanning.
Councillor Ian Fleetwood, who originally raised the QR code idea at Full Council last year, said the scheme had proved popular among residents: “People have been very positive, and not just residents in my ward, but across the district. The responses have shown the QR codes are really making a difference.
“We are the authority responsible for waste and recycling across West Lindsey and any scheme like this only serves to make what the council does even more efficient.
“What’s so good about the scheme is that a resident can report a problem with a bin 24 hours a day, which helps make the whole process very efficient.”
Plans submitted for new mixed-use development in Boston
Boston Borough Council has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the Crown House site on the Rosegarth Square regeneration scheme.
Within these proposals the Council has also taken the opportunity to provide new public toilet facilities and to relocate the existing Changing Places facility. In addition, the council has also submitted demolition notices for both Crown House and the former B&M buildings, marking an important milestone in transforming this area of the town centre.
These plans follow in the footsteps of the recently approved planning consent for the proposed public realm works, which features new artwork, external social spaces, and a new entrance/drop-off area for the Len Medlock Centre. It will also include a sensory garden designed for quiet contemplation and reflection, as well as an amphitheatre-style seating area.
The Crown House proposal, subject to planning consent, would see a new mixed-use building featuring retail units on the ground floor and apartments on the remaining two storeys above. The scheme will also be enhanced with landscaping, parking and cycle storage to complement the overall Rosegarth Square masterplan.
The scheme aims to transform Rosegarth Square as a thriving community space. It will provide the opportunity for the retail units to offer outside dining as well as the wider area being used by family and friends to meet up and enjoy this part of the town.
The changes to the area will also enable quick and easy access to both the bus and train stations and become the gateway to the heart of Boston.
Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “The submission of the planning application is another major milestone in transforming this run-down part of town into an exciting new space for everyone.
“By integrating with the wider Rosegarth Square redevelopment, the proposal is expected to bring lasting benefits to Boston, improving the area’s visual appearance, accessibility, and community potential.
“It’s been a long-held aim of mine to be able to respond to resident’s concerns regarding the provision of public toilets so I am delighted that we are able to offer these improved facilities much nearer to the town centre.
“The plans reflect our commitment to bring a brighter future for our town and a place where Boston people, businesses and visitors can all be proud of.”
Investment in Australia and America sees international growth for Grimsby kids swimwear brand
Children’s swimwear brand Splash About has seen international growth in both Australia and the USA. The company, which is headquartered in Grimsby, has acquired its distribution partner Little Toggs in New South Wales, rebranding the business Splash About Australia Pty Limited, and for the first time the business has hired a team in the USA.
The move into both continents will accelerate relationships with infant swim schools, retailers and facilitate distribution as demand for product increases.
Commenting on the Australian acquisition, Lesley Beach, Joint Managing Director of Splash About International Ltd, said: “The potential for growth in Australia is huge with over 1.8 million children currently learning to swim. We had a strong presence in the market working closely with Little Toggs, but the infant swimwear and accessories market has grown exponentially.”
Lesley continued: “Demand for our Happy Nappy swim nappy has soared due to its technical design which prevents faecal leaks. Unwelcome leaks are bad for business; pools need to close for cleaning and lessons must be cancelled, which results in unnecessary and avoidable expense.
“Insisting on a reusable Happy Nappy to prevent these accidents is a simple, proven cost-effective option, saving operational costs and in turn increasing revenues.”
To facilitate demand, Splash About has invested in state-of-the-art warehouse facilities to quickly fulfil orders and maintain a high level of customer service. In Australia the business is based in New South Wales and will be spearheaded by Little Toggs founder Kylie Hadid and in America, Damien McDonnell is heading up business development in Texas.
In addition to swimwear and swim accessories, Splash About has devised a range of flexible Partnership Programmes to work with swim schools globally regardless of their size, which are aimed at helping them drive revenue, operate efficiently, and decrease costs without increasing prices.
New extension to special school brings additional places for Lincoln pupils
Pupils, staff and partners are celebrating the official opening of a new extension to St Christopher’s Special School in Lincoln.
The new block provides additional teaching spaces including eight classrooms, a food technology and social skills room, a hall and kitchen, small group rooms and calming spaces. There’s also a medical inspection room, hygiene facilities, and staff and meeting rooms.
In addition, the existing school has undergone remodelling work to provide two further classrooms and therapy spaces, such as sensory and physiotherapy. Outside, the school now has improved playing areas, a horticulture area and sensory garden.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “Combined with the new site for St Christopher’s primary-aged pupils, which opened last year, this project has created over 100 extra special school places for the city and surrounding area.
“Moving forward, the Hykeham Road site will now cater to St Christopher’s secondary-aged pupils. Staff and pupils have been in the new-and-improved school since the start of term, and the feedback has been very positive so far.
“This is the latest success resulting from our special school improvement project, which has seen over £100m invested to improve facilities and create over 500 additional places across the county. We’re now planning a second phase of improvements to build on that good work.”
Niall McCordick, head of school, added: “With an ever-growing demand for special need places, St Christopher’s are very excited about the opportunities the new build offers our students and the wider community.
“It is essential for both our families and young people to create opportunities which enable them to access high-quality, special education close to home.
“The excellent work being carried out across Lincolnshire special schools will enhance the future prospects of our children and young people, and we are very proud to be a part of this journey.
“LCC have been so supportive, and we have worked collaboratively with outside contractors to develop this very special resource which will serve the local community for years to come. We look forward to a brighter future!”
The new extension was a design and build contract carried out by Wates, using architecture services from Kier Design.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com Scout Group awarded £30,000 to renovate outdoor activity area
Andy Oliver from Goxhill and Barrow Scout Group, said: “Here at 1st Goxhill and Barrow Scout Group we give young people aged between 6 and 18 years, from all over the Ferry Ward of North Lincolnshire, the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities that engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to their communities and society.
“The funding grant from North Lincolnshire Council will allow us to improve our outdoor activity area, which is an important building block in the redevelopment of our HQ facilities, helping to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
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
