£64,000 investment made in eco-friendly street cleaning machines for Boston

Tess Egginton
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£64,000 investment made in eco-friendly street cleaning machines for Boston
Boston Borough Council has invested in three new electric “Green Machines” to help keep both the town and the surrounding villages looking their best. The council has purchased one industrial sweeper machine and two industrial compact vacuums, manufactured by Green Machines, costing £64,000. Funding for the investment came from the Towns Deal award for Boston, via a £100,000 contribution from the Healing the High Street project to improve public spaces and buildings in the town centre. The council is currently exploring options for how to utilise the remaining funding. The machines will be used across Boston town centre, villages, and parishes, helping the Council’s Environmental team clean public areas and council-owned land more efficiently and sustainably. The new green machines bring versatility to the fleet, with the sweeper able to brush and collect debris right up to shop fronts and walls, reducing the need for prolonged manual sweeping, while also gathering bottles, cans, cigarette ends, and leaves. The smaller vacuums are lightweight and agile, for reaching confined spaces and removing litter and detritus that are difficult to access by hand. Both models are fully electric and zero-emission, contributing to a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable town centre. Councillor Mike Gilbert, deputy leader and portfolio holder for town centre development, said: “We are really pleased to have received the funds from Boston Town Board which have enabled us to buy these new machines. “2030 sees the 400th anniversary of the founding of Boston Massachusetts, an event we want to celebrate here and in the US. Boston needs to ensure it is a town clean, tidy and fit to host a series of national and international events. These machines will help us to achieve that vision.” Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services at Boston Borough Council, said: “These new machines are a fantastic addition to our street cleansing fleet. “They not only make the job easier for our operatives but also demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and cleaner, greener streets. “We hope that residents and visitors alike will notice the difference these machines will bring and give credit to the amazing work our operatives do to make Boston and its surrounding villages shine.” Claire Foster, interim chair of Boston Town Board, said: “We know from the consultation that we’ve carried out that the appearance and cleanliness of Boston really matters to local people. “We’re pleased to be able to make this investment which reflects what we’ve heard from the public, and we look forward to seeing the impact the machines will make in the town.”
  Image credit: Boston Borough Council

Cash still rules when it comes to tipping in Britain

April Lara
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Cash still rules when it comes to tipping in Britain

Despite the rise of contactless payments, most Britons still prefer to leave a tip the old-fashioned way. A nationwide study of 2,000 adults found that 58% tip in cash, while only 15% use a card.

Nearly four in ten say they’re more generous when tipping with coins or notes, and one in five admits they only tip if they have cash on hand. The decline of physical money has had an effect, too; 17% said they now tip less often simply because they carry less cash.

Personal connection remains a key reason. More than half of respondents said handing over money feels more meaningful, while many worry that digital tips don’t always reach the right person. Others prefer the control of deciding the exact amount themselves.

The cost-of-living crisis is also reshaping habits. Almost a quarter say they’re tipping less overall, and over half feel pressured by preset card machine suggestions. Even so, 60% still carry cash specifically for tipping.

Restaurants top the list of places most likely to receive a tip, followed by taxis and hairdressers. Interestingly, a fifth of people say they tip more when trying to make a good impression — proof that generosity, at least for now, is still best expressed in notes and coins.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Why your garden feels quieter this November

April Lara
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Why your garden feels quieter this November

Across Britain, many gardens fall strangely silent at this time of year. The familiar morning chatter fades, and birds like robins and blackbirds seem to have disappeared. But while the skies may look empty, most birds are still close by, simply keeping a lower profile.

As autumn deepens, birds enter a demanding phase known as moulting, replacing their worn summer feathers with new ones for winter. The process leaves them tired and more vulnerable, prompting them to stay hidden among hedges and shrubs. With natural food sources like berries, seeds, and insects still abundant, they also spend less time at feeders.

Young birds from the spring are beginning to explore new territories, which adds to the sense that regular garden visitors have vanished. Migration plays a part too, as some species head to warmer climates.

Wildlife organisations advise continuing to offer food and water throughout the colder months. High-energy options such as suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms are vital for building strength before winter. Clean bird baths, fresh water, and a bit of untidiness can turn gardens into vital shelters when natural supplies begin to thin later in the season.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony Baggett

Bungalows approved to help meet needs of ageing population

Tess Egginton
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Bungalows approved to help meet needs of ageing population
A planning application has been approved for new bungalows to help meet the needs of South Kesteven’s ageing population. The bungalows will help to meet the requirements of a growing number of residents on the Housing Register who need adapted properties. South Kesteven District Council’s Planning Committee has given the green light for the demolition of a former community building in Toller Court, Horbling, that has been repeatedly vandalised since closing five years ago. Demolition of the building will allow construction of three bungalows on the site and a neighbouring grass area. Toller Court is already a bungalow housing scheme as it was previously sheltered accommodation. The building that will be demolished is the former resident lounge and community hall. The new proposal is for a one-bed, two-person bungalow and two, two-bedroom bungalows for three people all with rear gardens. Five parking spaces will be provided for the development. They will be affordable housing properties owned and operated by South Kesteven District Council. Cllr Virginia Moran, South Kesteven District Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The building which is being demolished was never a building for the use of the village and has been repeatedly vandalised since Toiler Court ceased to be a sheltered housing complex. “Knocking it down makes good use of the land in providing a type of accommodation that we badly need in South Kesteven for our ageing population and builds on our promise to provide high-quality affordable housing for our residents.” A footpath popular with dog walkers, which is not a public right of way, will be re-routed rather than being lost, and no trees or hedgerows will be removed. Previous planning permission for two two-bedroom bungalows was approved in 2020 but lapsed.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanya

Spalding residents invited to mark Remembrance Sunday

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Spalding residents invited to mark Remembrance Sunday
Spalding residents and visitors have been invited to come together on Sunday 9 November to pay tribute to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in our Armed Forces. Organised by South Holland District Council’s Communities and Events team in partnership with the Spalding branch of the Royal British Legion and other partner organisations, this year’s remembrance service will take place at Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens. The morning will begin with parade participants assembling in the Market Place before processing towards Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens, accompanied by music from a band and supported by local youth and community groups. Members of the public are encouraged to line the route to show their support as the parade passes. Veterans, cadets, uniformed groups, and civic representatives will then all join members of the public to observe the traditional Act of Remembrance, including the two-minute silence and wreath laying outside the recently restored Lutyens Memorial at 11am. Councillor Jan Whitbourn, chairlady of South Holland District Council, said: “Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important and unifying moments in Spalding’s calendar. “While the format of the event has been adjusted slightly this year, with the parade culminating in Ayscoughfee Gardens rather than marching back to the town centre after the service, the heart of the day remains the same as ever. “The roads around Ayscoughfee Gardens will have been reopened by the time the service has concluded so please be mindful when crossing from that point on. “This is time for our community to come together in gratitude, reflection and respect for those who served and sacrificed. I hope residents of all ages will join us once again to honour their memory.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

Grant scheme launched to strengthen North Lincolnshire businesses

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Grant scheme launched to strengthen North Lincolnshire businesses

Small and medium-sized enterprises in North Lincolnshire can now access new funding designed to drive investment, boost efficiency, and create local jobs.

The latest business grant scheme aims to support companies that have been trading for more than a year, helping them modernise operations and remain competitive in a challenging market. Eligible projects include equipment upgrades, technology adoption, diversification into new products or services, and energy-saving measures such as solar panels or heat pumps.

Grants range from £2,500 to £5,000, and applicants must match the funding on a 50:50 basis. Projects must begin immediately upon approval and be completed within 30 working days. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all allocations are made.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Strong businesses, new jobs and a thriving local economy – these things really matter for residents and communities.

“This fund gives local firms the chance to invest with confidence, modernise their operations and build for the future – these grants are a practical way to give firms the tools they need to succeed.”

A previous round of funding supported Bennett Potatoes in Scawby, which invested £4.5 million in advanced processing and packaging facilities. The grant contributed to the completion of an automated production line, improving product quality, reducing waste, and creating local employment.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Inflatable monsters bring a burst of colour to Lincoln’s skyline

April Lara
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Inflatable monsters bring a burst of colour to Lincoln’s skyline

Lincoln’s rooftops have taken on a playful new look this Halloween as nine giant inflatable monsters appear across the city. Created by UK design studio Designs in Air, the installations can be seen towering above buildings during the day and glowing after dark.

The creatures have been placed in fresh locations for this year’s display, giving residents and visitors a new reason to explore Lincoln’s streets. From shopfronts to historic landmarks, each monster adds a touch of humour and colour to the autumn landscape.

The installations will remain on view until Sunday, marking another seasonal celebration that blends local character with a touch of the extraordinary.

 

Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Oksana

Broughton celebrates new floodlit community pitch

April Lara
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Broughton celebrates new floodlit community pitch

Broughton’s long-awaited 4G floodlit football pitch has officially opened, offering a major boost for local sport and recreation.

Located on Scawby Road, the modern AstroTurf facility now serves as home to Broughton Ravers, one of North Lincolnshire’s largest junior football clubs. The project took over a decade of planning and was made possible through North Lincolnshire Council funding, donations, and community fundraising efforts.

The new installation features a floodlit 4G surface designed for year-round use, creating more opportunities for youth teams and community groups to train and play regardless of weather conditions. Alongside the pitch, the site has been upgraded with new trees and hedges, secure fencing, and a community noticeboard, making it a welcoming and safe space for families and visitors.

The development marks an important step in expanding access to sport across the region, supporting active lifestyles and strengthening community connections. After years of collaboration and persistence, Broughton now has a modern sporting hub set to serve residents for generations to come.

  Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Black History Month remembers Black and Caribbean airborne soldiers in local project

Tess Egginton
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Black History Month remembers Black and Caribbean airborne soldiers in local project
Black and Caribbean paratroopers who fought on D-Day and at Arnhem in 1944 have been remembered as part of October’s Black History Month.
Their little-known exploits have been celebrated by South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC’s) Soldiers from the Sky Airborne Heritage project. Sergeant Sidney Cornell was the son of African American circus performer, Charles Cornell. Sidney parachuted into France on D-Day with the 7th Parachute Battalion near Pegasus Bridge. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery in action, carrying vital messages under fire. For all ranks below commissioned officer, this is the second highest award for gallantry in action after the Victoria Cross. Sidney’s citation includes the passage: “His courage and many wounds have made him a well-known and admired character throughout not only his own battalion but also the whole brigade. Space does not permit a record of all his feats as he distinguished himself in practically every action and fighting took place daily.” Sadly, Sidney was killed along with 21 other British troops in the Netherlands in 1945 trying to defuse bridge explosives as part of Operation Varsity. Trooper Charles Cecil Bolton was a Liverpudlian of Trinidadian descent and served with the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron. He was a crack shot and his conduct during the battle for the main road bridge at Arnhem – famously ‘a bridge too far’ – earned him a recommendation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was instead awarded the Dutch Bronze Cross – the second-highest Dutch military award for bravery – in an agreement with the United States and the Dutch Government to commemorate soldiers with foreign awards. Charles survived the battle and became a Prisoner of War. Sidney and Charles were among several Black and Caribbean soldiers who served with the British 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions. South Kesteven District Council’s ‘Soldiers from the Sky’ project tells their stories along with the American and Polish forces who gathered in South Kesteven in 1944. Private Kenneth Roberts served as a Bren gunner with 1 Platoon of 21st Independent Parachute Company (Pathfinders), so one of the very first paras to hit the ground at Arnhem on 17 September 1944. His father, from Sierra Leone, settled in England after serving with the British Army in World War I, and his mother was from Staffordshire. On 25 September, Kenneth swam across the Rhine river during the 1st Airborne Division’s evacuation but was hit by machine-gun fire and died from wounds on 29 September. He is buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery in the Netherlands. Corporal Roland James West was the son of Jock and Margaret West of India, enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment and then volunteered for Airborne Forces. He successfully completed his parachute training, probably in India as a member of 156 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, and took part in Operation MARKET GARDEN (Arnhem). He flew to the Netherlands from RAF Saltby on 18 September 1944 but was killed on 20 September, aged 22. He has no known grave but is listed on the Groesbeek memorial in the Netherlands. Private Jospeh Dixon served with the Intelligence Section, 3rd Parachute Battalion, and took off from Saltby airfield on Sunday 17 September 1944 aboard a C-47 of the US 314th Troop Carrier Group, bound for Arnhem during Operation MARKET GARDEN. Moving towards the Arnhem road bridge, his battalion was involved in fierce fighting in western Oosterbeek and Private Dixon was captured on 18 September. SKDC Armed Forces Champion Cllr Bridget Ley said: “Without our Soldiers from the Sky project these incredible stories would pass from memory. “Thanks to Lottery funding we have been able to research and gather an incredible resource of not only the presence here in 1944 of soldiers of three nations dedicated to the fight for freedom but of the sacrifices they made.” Black History Month has a theme of Standing Firm in Power and Pride this year.
  Image: Sergeant Sidney Cornell DCM, B Company, 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion. (Paradata/Airborne Assault Museum)

Tickets go on sale for Classic Ibiza’s return to Burghley House

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Tickets go on sale for Classic Ibiza’s return to Burghley House
Classic Ibiza, sponsored by Adnams, will be returning to the stunning grounds of Lincolnshire’s Burghley House on Saturday 25 July and is promising to take the family-friendly concert to even greater heights. Tickets go on general release today and following the resounding success of the show’s 10th anniversary tour this summer are expected to be in high demand. To illustrate this, the team behind Classic Ibiza conducted an audience survey this autumn, with 70% of the 663 respondents rating the show 10/10, with an average overall rating of 9.1. Commenting on this summer’s sold-out show at Burghley House, one audience member said: “The music was amazing! Such talent. Knew every tune and was a great atmosphere. We had such a fab time.” Known for collaborating with the likes of Groove Armada and Robert Miles, Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra will be leading proceedings once more with party-starter extraordinaire DJ Goldierocks. They’ll be taking the Burghley House audience on a high-octane journey through the biggest anthems in dance music history, all accompanied by a spectacular laser and light show. Other artists appearing in the line-up will be announced over the coming months. Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward said: “We know how much our amazing Burghley House audience loved USO’s fast-paced set of house classics this summer, so we’re planning to turn up the dial even more. Watch this space for other things we’ve got up our sleeve – all I can say at this stage is that it’s gonna be one helluva ride!” Concertgoers are able to bring their own food and drink to the show or visit the Adnams bar and on-site catering village. Car-parking is free, and attendees can also take advantage of a staggered payment system, where tickets can be purchased in three separate instalments. For further information and tickets, visit: classicibiza.co.uk/burghley   Image credit: David Evans Photography
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