Top Lincolnshire attractions earn global travel recognition

April Lara
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Top Lincolnshire attractions earn global travel recognition

Three of Lincolnshire’s best-known attractions have been ranked among the top 10 per cent of visitor destinations worldwide after earning Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Lincoln Castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre received the accolade following a year of consistently high visitor reviews.

The recognition highlights the county’s cultural offer. Lincoln Castle is home to the medieval wall walk, a Victorian prison experience, and one of the surviving copies of Magna Carta. Close by, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life explores local history from 1750 to the present day through an extensive collection of objects.

At RAF Coningsby, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre gives guests the chance to see historic aircraft up close and learn about the pilots and crews who flew them during the Second World War.

The awards celebrate the work of staff and volunteers who keep these attractions open to the public throughout the year.

Details on opening times and tickets can be found on the official websites for Lincoln Castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre.

Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Tallington Lodge brings local professionals together for its first Business and Brunch event

Tess Egginton
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Tallington Lodge brings local professionals together for its first Business and Brunch event
Tallington Lodge Care Home, located in the village of Tallington, near Stamford, recently brought together healthcare professionals and local business owners for its first-ever Business and Brunch networking event, following the successful launch of the initiative at sister home Castor Lodge Care Home. Hosted in the home’s very own Railway Inn pub, the morning was designed to create a welcoming space for meaningful conversations between professionals working across the area. Guests included representatives from PJ Care, Devika Day Centre, G&T Wills, My Care Coordinator and Liberty Partnership – all united by a shared commitment to supporting older people and strengthening local community links. Over fresh coffee and a selection of pastries, attendees shared insights into the projects they’re working on, discussed shared challenges, and made valuable new connections in a relaxed and friendly environment. There was also a celebratory moment as Daniella from PJ Care was the lucky winner of a bottle of Prosecco in the event’s prize draw. Guests also had the opportunity to sample the Country Court Mocktail of the Year – the Golden Russian – a refreshing drink created by Rebecca, Customer Service Manager at Fairfield Manor Care & Nursing Home. The mocktail was the winning entry in Country Court’s annual competition and is now enjoyed by residents and visitors across all homes in the group. Morgan Hicks, Senior Customer Relations Manager at Tallington Lodge, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many people through our doors for the first event of its kind here. We’re passionate about building strong relationships with those who share our goal of providing great care and support in the local area. We’re looking forward to making Business and Brunch a regular part of life at Tallington Lodge.” Tallington Lodge Care Home is part of the Country Court family of care homes, providing residential care, specialist dementia care, and short-term respite care for people in the Stamford and Tallington area. Designed with comfort and independence in mind, the home is purpose-built and features a range of thoughtfully designed spaces for residents to enjoy – including a hair salon, beautifully landscaped gardens, and the popular Railway Inn pub. At Tallington Lodge, the dedicated care team work hard to create a truly home-from-home environment, where residents feel valued, supported and part of a vibrant and inclusive community. Every day is shaped around residents’ interests, preferences and wellbeing, with meaningful activities, delicious home-cooked meals, and individualised support at the heart of life at the home. For more information about life at Tallington Lodge Care Home, please contact Morgan Hicks on 01780 740 314 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.

Free blood pressure checks launched across North Lincolnshire

April Lara
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Free blood pressure checks launched across North Lincolnshire

A new health drive in North Lincolnshire is focusing on the early detection of high blood pressure, a condition that affects around one in three adults in the UK but often goes unnoticed.

The programme is run by North Lincolnshire Council in partnership with the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, local GPs and healthcare teams. It offers free blood pressure checks for residents, with more than 750 people already taking part since the launch. Many of those screened have been given advice, lifestyle guidance and, where necessary, referrals for further care.

High blood pressure, sometimes called the silent killer, is linked to serious health risks including heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. By setting up checks in local communities, the scheme aims to spot problems early, particularly among people over 40.

The council is also encouraging local businesses and community groups to get involved. Free training and equipment are available for those who want to become blood pressure ambassadors and help deliver checks in their area.

Information on how to register and take part is available on the LiveWell North Lincolnshire website.

Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Freshney Place plans free summer fun for families

April Lara
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Freshney Place plans free summer fun for families

Freshney Place in Grimsby has set out a programme of free events for families throughout the school summer holidays.

From 2 August, the shopping centre will host themed activities every Saturday, ranging from circus skills to fairground-style games and a dinosaur-themed day. A summer sticker quest will also run during the holidays, giving children a chance to collect stickers and earn a prize.

A covered sandpit will be open daily from 11am to 3pm, offering a seaside-style play space for younger visitors.

The events aim to provide a mix of entertainment for local families during the school break.

Image courtesy of Google Maps

The magic of outdoor theatre comes to Lincolnshire Showground with beloved classic

Tess Egginton
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The magic of outdoor theatre comes to Lincolnshire Showground with beloved classic
The magic of outdoor theatre is coming to the Lincolnshire Showground as the multiple award-winning Illyria Theatre Company celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure: The Wind in the Willows. Taking place on Saturday 2 August 2025, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM, join Mole, Ratty, Badger and  Toad for an evening of laughter, adventure and heartwarming friendship. This beloved classic comes to life under the open sky of the Lincolnshire Showground in a vibrant, family-friendly production. Perfect for all ages, tickets start from just £10. Bring low-backed chairs or blankets, a picnic and enjoy the show alfresco! To book tickets click here.   Image courtesy of Lincolnshire Showground

Usher Gallery opens refreshed spaces with local art focus

April Lara
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Usher Gallery opens refreshed spaces with local art focus

Lincoln’s Usher Gallery has reopened two redesigned rooms as part of the first phase of its Arts Council England-funded rehang.

The new display, called Stories from the Stores, draws on public feedback gathered last year, when more than 400 visitors suggested the works they wanted to see from the gallery’s 1,000-piece collection.

The exhibition focuses on art inspired by Lincolnshire’s coastline, skies and countryside. Highlights include Short Seaplane by John Hassall, the illustrator behind Skegness’s famous Jolly Fisherman poster, and paintings by 19th-century artist Peter De Wint.

The selection also brings lesser-known names into view, including Phyllis Shafto, a Skegness-born artist and war painter whose career was cut short at 40.

A new drawing, Oracle of our Forebears by Charmaine Watkiss, marks the first in a series of rotating displays of recent acquisitions and loans.

Alongside traditional works, the neighbouring Heslam Room features abstract pieces with an animated digital installation created by Pickle Studios.

The Usher Gallery, located on Danes Terrace, is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Lincolnshire County Council collaborates with Version 1 for long-term IT overhaul

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire County Council collaborates with Version 1 for long-term IT overhaul

Lincolnshire County Council has secured a significant partnership with technology consultancy Version 1, aimed at reshaping its IT landscape. The six-year contract, valued at £193 million with the option for two additional years, focuses on delivering a range of critical IT services designed to streamline operations and support future growth.

Under this collaboration, Version 1 will assist the council in managing and maintaining key IT functions, from device lifecycle management and user support to Microsoft 365 administration. The scope also includes cloud optimisation, cybersecurity, and the management of business applications, whether hosted on-site or via Software-as-a-Service solutions.

A major focus of the contract is developing an adaptable IT infrastructure that will evolve with changing technological, legislative, and budgetary demands. The goal is to ensure that the council’s IT systems remain secure, relevant, and responsive to new challenges and opportunities as they arise. This partnership will also allow for the continuous evolution of services to meet best practices and anticipate future business needs.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/fizkes

Coastal businesses face challenges as visitor numbers drop

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Coastal businesses face challenges as visitor numbers drop

Coastal businesses in Skegness and Mablethorpe are experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers compared to last year. Economic uncertainty is leading many families to reduce or cancel holiday plans, impacting businesses that rely heavily on tourism.

Councillor Courtney Robinson, representing Mablethorpe, highlighted the struggles faced by local businesses. Many regular visitors are cutting down their trips, with some making just one visit per year instead of several. This has left businesses depending on the summer holiday period for survival. Coastal communities, already economically disadvantaged, are particularly vulnerable when tourism drops.

Mary Powell, the council’s tourism manager, noted that all seaside resorts are facing similar downturns. She explained that when finances are tight, holidays are often the first expense families cut, leading to shorter stays and last-minute bookings that are harder for businesses to manage. The council is ramping up efforts to promote the coast during the summer and autumn months, though the current national mood presents additional challenges.

There is also a push to attract a younger demographic to coastal areas, traditionally favoured by older generations. Local leaders believe that re-engaging with younger visitors could be crucial in sustaining the local tourism economy, which contributes £3bn annually to Lincolnshire’s economy, though still below pre-pandemic levels.

  Image shows Skegness. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Duncan

Free green bowling taster opens up new ways to get active

April Lara
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Free green bowling taster opens up new ways to get active

Residents over 55 are being encouraged to try green bowling in Holbeach this summer as part of a free community event aimed at promoting health and social connection.

The session takes place on Monday 4 August at 6pm at Carter’s Park Bowls Club on Park Lane. It forms part of the First Time for Everything programme, an initiative led by the Royal Voluntary Service to give people opportunities to try new activities, meet others and keep active.

Supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the session includes light refreshments and is open to complete beginners. Places can be booked in advance, but walk-ins will be welcome on the evening. Those who prefer not to play can still join in for a chat over a cup of tea.

For anyone unable to attend in person, the Royal Voluntary Service runs a Virtual Village Hall, offering free daily online classes ranging from exercise and dance to cooking, crafts and creative writing. More than 2,500 recorded sessions are available on YouTube.

Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Eileen

Lincolnshire council plans £16m property sell-off

April Lara
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Lincolnshire council plans £16m property sell-off

Lincolnshire County Council is preparing to sell 76 sites over the next three years, aiming to raise £16 million and cut annual running costs by £1.6 million.

The properties include council offices, travellers’ sites, council-owned farms and former school land. The move follows a previous four-year programme that sold 81 properties and brought in £19 million.

The council says it is reviewing how services can be combined into shared hubs as part of the wider asset review. Community groups and trusts are being considered among potential buyers, though officials emphasise that all sales will be scrutinised to avoid poor value deals.

Opposition members secured an agreement that future sales may return to committee for debate, with some councillors stressing the need to vet buyers carefully.

The planned disposals come as the authority works through a wider reorganisation of its buildings and services.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanya
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