countynews
AUTUMN 2015
CHEERS FOR VOLUNTEERS!
New era for libraries – page 8
TOUGH CHOICES AHEAD
Balancing the budget
FOCUS ON
WEST LINDSEY
starts on page 21
YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR
A complete A-Z guide by area
contents
countynews
autumn 2015
Leader ’s welcome...
The start of autumn always feels like a big
change – and not just because of the shorter
days and cooler weather.
It’s also a time when many of us are back at school,
college or work after the holidays, aiming for success in
new projects.
At Lincolnshire County Council, we’re busy all year
round, providing services for the county’s 731,000
residents, young and old. In fact, almost everyone in
Lincolnshire probably benefits in some way from what
we do – for example, at school, on the roads or through
social care.
For me as council leader, that’s a real privilege. At
a time of greatly reduced budgets, it’s also a huge
challenge. Over the past few years, we’ve been finding
innovative ways of making every pound of taxpayers’
money go further. That’s enabled us to protect vital
services like safeguarding, highways maintenance,
winter gritting, and fire and rescue.
However, we’re having to look carefully at other
areas, making difficult choices about what we may
have to stop. In some cases, we’re doing things very
differently, often in partnership with Lincolnshire’s
thriving voluntary sector.
Take libraries, for instance, which are entering a new
chapter in their history, as we explain in our feature on
page 8. We’ll continue to provide 15 major centres,
along with online services and specialist support.
Elsewhere across Lincolnshire, we’re working
with local groups to create and support around 30
community hubs, including library services. That will
not only save the council money – something we need
to do – it will also give local people more control of
their services.
Besides libraries, this County News covers a range
of important issues – winter gritting, business growth,
superfast broadband and meningitis vaccinations, to
name just four. We also include contact details for our
77 county councillors, so you can get in touch with us
whenever you need to.
And don’t miss our Out and About guide covering
Halloween, Bonfire Night and the run-up to Christmas –
all so much part of the changing autumn scene.
We’ll be back in late December/early January with
the winter 2016 County News. Best wishes to all our
readers until then.
Cllr Martin Hill OBE
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council
3 News in brief
Four pages of stories from across Lincolnshire
7 Tough choices ahead
Balancing the budget books
8 Special feature: Libraries
Volunteers launch new era
10 Warming up for winter
8
Our gritting teams get ready
11 Growing your business
Free advice from the experts
12 Playing safe with toys
10
How to avoid dangerous items
16 Your county councillor
A complete A-Z guide by area
18 Saving young lives
21
New vaccinations against meningitis
11
West Lindsey News
Eight fabulous pages of district news
30 Out and about
Your essential guide to autumn events
32 Contact us
Web, email, phone or post – you choose!
18
Contact information
EDITORIAL
Lincolnshire County Council
Tel: 01522 782060
Email: [email protected]
By post: County News, Lincolnshire County
Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln,
LN1 1YL
Online: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
Editor: David Harding, communications officer
Managing editor: Karen Spencer,
communications manager
West Lindsey News: Communications team,
01427 676512, [email protected]
Design: Neil Lamont and Associates
FRONT COVER
Scotter Library volunteers, from left, Jan
Gregory, Sue Mumby and Julie Hinman.
MORE INFORMATION
Printing: Polestar Bicester Limited
Distribution: County News is published by Lincolnshire
County Council. Each edition is delivered to about
334,000 homes and businesses by Royal Mail.
Next edition: The winter 2016 edition of the magazine
will be distributed in late December 2015.
Audio versions: County News is available to download
in audio format at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
or as a tape or CD on request from Listening Lincs on
01522 782010.
Sustainability: County News is printed on paper from
responsible or well-managed sources. Please recycle the
magazine when you have finished with it.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Lincolnshire news round-up
Lancastria remembered
A wartime tragedy shrouded in secrecy for decades has been
commemorated by Lincolnshire County Council’s chairman.
Cllr William Webb visited RAF Digby to mark the 75th anniversary of
the sinking of the liner Lancastria in June 1940.
The disaster claimed more than 4,000 lives, including 37 members of
73 Squadron, based at Digby.
Cllr Webb’s father-in-law, Royal Engineer Alec Cuthbert, was also on
board, although he survived.
Such was the loss of life that Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered
a press blackout on the figures.
Speaking at RAF Digby, Cllr Webb, accompanied by wife Jane, said:
“It’s very important for posterity that we remember what happened.
“The tragic events were kept secret at the time because of the likely
impact on morale, but the circumstances are now widely known and we
can fully commemorate this part of our history.”
73 Squadron had been heavily involved in fighting in France following
the German invasion in 1940, but finally got the order to evacuate.
Its ground crew boarded the Lancastria, moored in the Loire estuary.
They were joined by several thousand other troops and civilians,
including sapper Alec. The Lancastria sailed on 17 June, and at 3.45pm
was attacked by German aircraft, suffering three direct hits.
She sank within
just 20 minutes, with
appalling loss of life.
It remains the worst
single disaster in British
Photograph cou
maritime history.
rtesy of the Lancas
tria Association of
Scotland
To
see
video
interviews with Cllr
and Mrs Webb from the commemorative event, visit
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews/lancastria.
The Digby Museum
The RAF Digby Lima Sector Museum includes a display of artefacts from
the Lancastria, together with a framed memorial. Guided tours of the
museum are available on Sunday mornings between the first Sunday in
May through to the first Sunday in October. The last one this year is 4
October, at 11am.
Parking is available at the Sports Ground Car Park, opposite the main
gate. Additionally, private tours for groups can be arranged on special
request.
For more information, phone 01526 327272.
Relief over Grantham road
Construction of the Grantham Southern Relief Road started last
month (September).
Contractors Fitzgerald Civil Engineering, working for Lincolnshire County
Council, have begun the King31 section, off Tollemache Road. It will see
the creation of a roundabout off the B1174 and a new stretch of road
westwards towards the A1, with a second roundabout.
A further two phases will take place later, with the relief road expected
to be operational by 2019.
The project will improve Grantham’s infrastructure, support economic
growth, and provide access to two proposed developments – one for 4,000
homes, the other for a commercial warehouse.
The project has been subject to legal challenges by a local developer, the
latest of which was rejected by an appeal court in July.
The Witham Valley before construction.
How the new bridge will look.
New dementia support
A new council-funded Dementia Family Support Service is
available from this month (October).
It will be provided by Alzheimer’s Society and aims to help residents and
their families after diagnosis.
In particular, the service will offer friendly and personalised support to
people to manage their needs and stay independent.
It will also help residents find answers to their questions about dementia,
and about health and care services generally.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for adult care, says: “We
want people with dementia and their families to know they’re not alone.
“This service will point them in the right direction, providing the advice
and information they need.
“I hope this will help people with dementia, and their relatives and
friends, to have a good quality of life, with support behind them.”
For more information, call Alzheimer’s Society on 01522 692681.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
3
NEWS IN BRIEF
Talking about abuse
Click for road check
Residents are being encouraged to get online to
check roadworks across the county.
Roadworks.org provides the latest information about current
and planned activity by local authorities, utility companies and
other organisations.
As well as real-time information, you can:
• Search for work taking place up to 12 months ahead.
• Register to receive regular email updates about your area.
• Get information on road closures for local events and markets.
Executive member for highways Cllr Richard Davies said: “Roadworks
are unavoidable, but this website can help you find out if they are going
to be undertaken on a route which may affect your journey.
“You can also check how long they will take, and which organisation
is carrying them out. The advance warning can be extremely useful in
helping you plan extra time or an alternative route, if needed.”
Going to
school for
the first time
Was your child born
between 1 September 2011
and 31 August 2012? If so,
they can start school from 5
September 2016.
Before then, you’ll need to
apply for a place, which you
can do from 16 November until
the deadline of noon on 15
January 2016. There are two
ways of applying, either:
• Online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
• By phone on 01522 782030.
There’s more information about Lincolnshire schools and the
admissions process at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
Schools also publish free booklets, available on request. For further
advice, email [email protected] or ask your local
primary school headteacher.
4
countynews
summer2015
2013• www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
countynews|autumn
“Would you know what to say?”
That’s the name of a new campaign encouraging people to offer support
to a friend, family member or colleague who may be a victim of abuse. It
asks people to consider how they would respond to someone who confided
in them.
Karen Shooter, county domestic abuse manager at Lincolnshire County
Council, said: “Based on survivor feedback, we know people don’t always
want to speak to the authorities, and are much more likely to talk to someone
they know.
“We want to make sure that when a victim decides to open up, people
know how to respond in an appropriate way.
“Those suffering abuse just want to be listened to and believed. They
don’t want to be judged or told what to do, so it’s really important that those
they are most likely to open up to are prepared.
“Ask yourself the question – would you know what to say?”
For further advice, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/domesticabuse.
Fighting fraud
Fraud cost councils across the country an estimated
£2 billion every year – money that could be spent
on services.
Now local authorities in Lincolnshire have teamed up
to launch a joint crackdown, starting with fraudulent
applications for council tax discount or support.
The Lincolnshire Counter Fraud Partnership is made up of
the county council and all seven districts. They take the issue
very seriously, and have come together to raise awareness,
share resources and expertise, and pool intelligence.
Fraud against councils includes false claims for
housing, council tax discounts and Blue Badges. Financial
mismanagement of grants and contracts will also come
under the spotlight.
If you suspect fraud against a Lincolnshire council, please
report it to the confidential hotline on 0800 0853716 or email
[email protected]. For more information visit
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fraud.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Adopt a future
HOME, SWEET HOME?
Making a flood plan could help protect
your family and home from flooding
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lrf
Floodline 0345 988 1188 / 0845 988 1188
Are you prepared for
flooding?
16/10/2014 15:19
floods-destroy-posters.indd 1
As the winter months approach, it makes sense to be ready –
just in case.
The Environment Agency Floodline can tell you if you live in an at-risk
area and give advice on what to do in the event of a flood.
Just call 0345 988 1188 or look online at www.gov.uk/prepare-for-aflood. The website can also give you:
• Live flood warning information.
• Guidance on preparing for a flood, and getting help during and after it.
• Advice on putting together a simple flood plan.
•Information on useful products such as sandbag alternatives and
flood gates.
For more advice, visit the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum at www.lincolnshire.
gov.uk/lincolnshire-prepared/.
If you’re in danger from flooding, call 999. To report flooding and
get support, call Lincolnshire County Council on 01522 782070
during normal office hours, or 01522 782082 at all other times.
Go smoke-free
for ‘Stoptober’!
Smokers ready to kick the habit can
get the support they need during this
year’s Stoptober Challenge.
Nationwide, smokers are being
encouraged to quit throughout October,
because if you can stop for 28 days, you are
five times more likely to give up for good.
This year’s campaign, beginning on 1
October, also coincides with new legislation
making it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with someone under the age of
18 present.
The new law is designed to protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Both the driver and the smoker can be fined £50 if anyone
smokes in the vehicle.
If you think it’s time to quit, visit http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree for
support. For more information on the new law, see www.lincolnshire.gov.
uk/smokefree.
It’s National Adoption Week from 19 to 25 October, and
Lincolnshire Adoption Service is highlighting the need for
loving homes.
In the county, there’s a particular need for adopters of:
• Children aged four and above.
• Those with additional needs and disabilities.
• Brothers and sisters who need to be kept together.
Older children often have brothers and sisters, or additional needs.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of adoptive parents coming forward for
them, and they can end up waiting the longest to find a home.
Now the service is holding a special event – An Evening with Lincolnshire’s
Adopters – at which the public can find out more.
It takes place on Tuesday 20 October at The Guildhall in Grantham and
on Thursday 22 October at The Showroom in Lincoln. Both events run from
7pm to 9pm.
For more information or to book, call 01522 554114.
Wheels 2 Work
Is lack of transport making it
difficult for you to get to work,
education or training?
Or are you an employer wanting to
help staff with early starts, late finishes
or shift patterns?
If you live or work in Lincolnshire,
Wheels 2 Work may be able to help
with a practical, environmentally
friendly solution.
It has 50 or 110cc mopeds for hire for as little as £30 per week, including
servicing, repairs, insurance and MOT.
Safety equipment is also available at a reduced rate, and training can be
provided for those who haven’t passed their tests.
For details, visit www.wheels2worklincs.co.uk or call 01507 526778.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
5
NEWS IN BRIEF
Have your say on growth
New housing, jobs and roads will be needed in North
Kesteven, West Lindsey and the City of Lincoln over the
next 20 years. But where should they go? And what form
should they take?
The Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee is
consulting on its draft local plan for 2012-2036.
The plan will guide the development needed for an increasing
population and changes in lifestyles.
It will also ensure that roads, schools, shops and other necessary
amenities are planned for.
At the same time, it aims to preserve and enhance what is
special about the three areas, with recommended growth centred
on Lincoln, Sleaford and Gainsborough.
Although the local plan is based on evidence showing how
Central Lincolnshire will need to grow, it is still essential that
communities have their say.
For further details and to have your say,
visit www.central-lincs.org.uk.
Change clocks,
check alarm
The clock change weekend in late October is being used
as a reminder for another small job – one that could
save your life.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are encouraging residents to test
their smoke alarms when the clocks go back on 25 October.
It only takes a moment, and a push of the alarm button will
test both the power supply and the smoke detection mechanism.
Community fire safety manager Shona Wright said: “You’re at
least four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a
working smoke alarm, so taking the time to test yours could be a
truly life-saving decision.
“Also, we know older people are more at risk, so as well as
testing your own alarms, please help by checking theirs.”
If you know someone who may be vulnerable or at risk of a fire,
call 01522 580397.
6
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
Support with self-harm
Two new groups have been launched for Lincolnshire people
who self-harm, as well as those who look after them.
The Cushion Club will provide a safe place where they can support
each other. The launch was announced by Shine, the award-winning
mental health network.
Meetings take place at Involve in Mint Lane, Lincoln, on the first
Wednesday of every month, from 2pm to 4pm.
Shine director Charles Cooke said: “This new facility will act as a
social and conversation club. Anyone who feels they may benefit can
become a member.
“We know that the Cushion Club cannot be the solution to everyone’s
problems. It will not offer treatment or therapy, but will hopefully
provide valuable support.”
In the south of the county, Spalding Self-Harm Self-Support meets on
the first Wednesday of each month, from 2pm to 3.30pm, at Johnson
Community Hospital.
For the Cushion Club, please contact Charles Cooke on 07969
875464 or email [email protected]. To find out about the
Spalding group, call 07708 441958.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
nance
Road mainte
Social care
ue
Fire and resc
Tough choices ahead
The council is working hard on a greatly reduced budget to balance
the books – but services will have to change
Over the next three years, Lincolnshire County Council has to
“Once we’ve allocated the money to those areas, we’re looking at an
reduce its annual spending by £130m – on top of the massive
overall cut of about 40% for everything else to balance the budget,” says
savings already achieved.
Cllr Jones.
“That’s a huge challenge,” says executive member for finance Cllr Marc
He and senior colleagues are now considering how best to deliver
Jones, “and it means we face some incredibly difficult decisions.”
services within the projected smaller budget. If more protection is given to
He describes the savings figure as “more than the entire budget of all
key services, then others would face larger cuts.
Lincolnshire’s seven district councils combined”.
Cllr Jones explains: “We’ve already reduced our annual spending by
Against that background, many services to local people will have to be
£129m since 2011, so there’s little or no room left for efficiency savings.
provided differently or stopped altogether.
“Instead, we’ll consider giving indirect support to some services rather
“There’s no doubt that, in a few years, this
than providing them ourselves. Others may
council will be a radically different organisation,
have their funding withdrawn altogether.”
providing fewer services directly,” states Cllr
The council is also arguing for a fairer
We’ve already reduced our
Jones.
deal for Lincolnshire, which gets far less
budget by £129m since 2011,
Hard work has been underway for months to
Government funding than urban authorities.
decide how best to cope with huge reductions
The council even loses out to other shire
so there’s little or no room
in Government funding.
counties, which have an average £39m more
left for efficiency savings
The council is also facing a big rise in the
to spend on services this year.
cost of providing adult care to the county’s
Besides lobbying for better funding, the
growing population of older people. The new
council is working with other public sector
“living wage” alone is expected to add over £30m a year to the adult care
organisations in Lincolnshire, including health and the police.
bill by 2020.
They have submitted a joint bid to the Government for greater local
As it balances the books for next year, the council will give priority to its
powers over spending and decision-making.
most vital services, many of which it has a legal duty to provide.
More devolution would cut red tape and increase flexibility in how services
They include not just adult care but also children’s services, highways, and
are provided, ensuring every pound of taxpayers’ money goes further.
fire and rescue.
“
”
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
7
SPECIAL FEATURE
New era for
libraries
Volunteers are now at the
heart of Lincolnshire’s library
service, giving communities
the chance to do things their
own way
EXCITED: Scotter volunteers helping customers
are: (main image) Sue Mumby with Maggie
Stothard; (right) Julie Hinman with Peter Mumby;
and (far right) Jan Gregory with Brenda Mumby
and Evelyn Upton.
8
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
LIBRARIES
C
ounty libraries have entered an exciting era as plans for
a new-look service become reality.
Under this model, the council will still provide 15 major libraries,
plus online facilities.
There’s also specialist support for those unable to reach their nearest
library because of, for example, disability, age or ill-health.
In addition, the county will now have about 30 community hubs, offering
library and other services under one roof. The hubs have been developed in
partnership with local groups and organisations, giving communities more
control over services.
All the groups receive ongoing professional support and over £5,000
a year towards running costs. One-off grants of up to £15,000 are also
available for changes to buildings or equipment.
Cllr Nick Worth, executive member for libraries, said: “The way our
libraries are used has changed over the years, and it was important they
adapted.
“The council’s significantly reduced budget also made it necessary to
find a new way of doing things.
“I’m confident the model we’ve chosen is right for library users, right for
taxpayers and right for local communities.
“I’m particularly excited about the potential benefits of the new
community hubs, which will ensure local people are at the heart of local
services.
“Lincolnshire has a strong volunteering tradition, and residents have
been making a valuable contribution to the library service for some years.
“I look forward to building on that foundation with the groups, creating
an even better service that the county can be proud of.”
Although the council continues to run some “core” library services at
the moment, that could change following an approach by a third-sector
organisation. That has required us to put those services – including
supporting the hubs – out to competitive procurement, meaning an
external organisation could take them over.
A final decision on who will run the core service – whether the council
or an outside body – is expected at the end of the year.
For more information on local library services, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.
uk/libraries.
Leading the way
The first of the new facilities was Sutton on Sea Library and Community
Hub, which opened its doors in July.
Thanks to the work of local volunteers, the hub offers the same
services and opening hours as the former council-run library.
Chairman Paul Espin said: “Initially, our efforts will be focused on
library services and maintaining the high standards the council has set.
However, as time progresses, we’ll also start to develop a further range
of services within the hub.
“It’s been a lot of work, but things are going well so far, and I’d like
to thank the local community as a whole for their ongoing support.”
Pictured at the launch are town council vice-chairman Cllr Joyce
Taylor and county council executive support Cllr Bill Aron.
Taking Scotter Forward
Scotter Library was another facility to make the change early on. The
library was already part of a multi-use centre, acting as a community
hub for the village, and is now run by local group Scotter Forward.
Sue Mumby, who leads the group, said: “The volunteers are very
excited – a little apprehensive, but ready to learn the ropes and put
into practice the council training.
“Our plans are to bring more people into the hub by working with
local partners like the Scotter Forward Volunteer Car Scheme and the
Eau Community Centre.
“We want to help reduce isolation in the village and surrounding
areas, creating an atmosphere where all ages can meet up, read books,
do jigsaws, have refreshments and enjoy themselves.”
New ventures include a Man’s Shed, Knit and Natter sessions, and a
Dementia Activity Group, adding to those already on offer.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
9
WINTER DRIVING
Warming up for winter!
How Lincolnshire’s road gritters gear up for bad weather
– plus top tips for drivers
As winter draws near, Lincolnshire’s gritting
team has alarm clocks and thermos flasks
permanently at the ready!
If severe weather is imminent, drivers can
be called out at just a few hours’ notice – but
preparations are anything but last-minute.
Highways engineer Richard Fenwick, who
oversees the operation, explains: “We start
planning early in the year, stocking our depots
with about 35,000 tonnes of salt.
“Unless the winter is particularly long and
harsh, that should be plenty to see us through.
We also make sure our fleet of 43 gritters is in
good working order.”
The council makes use of nine weather stations
across the county, which monitor the temperature
of the roads and the wind speed.
That information is transmitted to the Met
Office’s HQ in Exeter and forms the basis of a
detailed forecast for the county.
The team then has to decide whether to send
the gritters out, with safety as the top priority.
Richard says: “Each run costs about £30,000,
but the overriding factor is always ensuring roads
are not icy and dangerous.
“We can use the gritters at any time of day or
night, and our drivers are trained to work in even
the most treacherous conditions.”
Salt is spread on every A and B road in the
county – about 2,000 miles, or one third of
the network.
However, Richard advises: “Even on treated
roads it’s important to drive to the conditions, so
please follow our top tips and stay safe.”
For more information, visit www.
lincolnshire.gov.uk/winterweather, or
follow us on Twitter@LincsCC_roads.
TOP WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Before you set off:
• Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
winterweather for the latest
gritting information.
• Check the local and national news
for severe weather reports.
• Clear snow or ice off your vehicle.
• Make sure the lights on your car
are working.
• Check the tread on your tyres – at
least 3mm is recommended for
winter (certainly no less than
2mm). Also, check the pressures
are correct.
• Put bright, warm clothes in your
vehicle in case you get stuck.
Once you’re moving:
• Drive slowly and in the highest
gear possible.
• Take extra care at junctions –
it can take longer to stop or
move off.
• Use dipped headlights when it’s
snowing or foggy.
• Keep extra space between you
and other vehicles.
If you get in trouble:
• Make sure your vehicle isn’t
blocking access for emergency
vehicles or gritters.
• If you can, stay with your vehicle
until help arrives.
• If you have to get out and walk,
wear bright clothing so you can
be easily seen.
• Leave a contact number on the
inside of the windscreen.
10
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
GROWTH HUB
Growing your business
Want to expand your venture but not sure how? Free advice is now
available from a team of experts
New businesses are being launched in the county all the time –
and many soon want to grow.
However, that isn’t always easy without help, which is why the Business
Lincolnshire Growth Hub was set up in June.
It aims to become a “front door for business support”, says Cllr Colin
Davie, the county council’s executive member for economic development.
The authority set up the Growth Hub with the Greater Lincolnshire Local
Enterprise Partnership, which he serves as board member.
Cllr Davie predicts: “This project will stimulate growth and job creation,
and improve the local economy.
“By providing free support with the help of experienced advisers, we can
achieve great results and create a thriving business community.”
The Growth Hub is a single-access advice service covering the whole area
of Lincolnshire.
Its dedicated advisers work with businesses to draw up expansion plans
and put them into action.
The team is led by Noreen Read, who says: “I’m extremely excited to be
part of such an innovative project.
“Together, we have over 50 years’ experience helping Lincolnshire
businesses expand.
“With our expertise, impartiality and Growth Hub connections, we can
help you access the support you need.”
Businesses can also make use of an online portal, offering free information
on issues such as finance and grants, events and networks, and staff training.
To find out more, please visit www.businesslincolnshire.com or fill in a
form at www.businesslincolnshire.com/contact-us.
Floppy Chicken
One venture already benefiting from the Growth Hub is Floppy
Chicken, based in Crowland.
It was set up in 2013 by Stephen and Barbara Vanstone (pictured above),
and sells wholly hand-boned chickens (“galantines”) stuffed with meat and
other fillings.
The chickens are tied into an oven-ready joint before going into an
American-style barbecue pit smoker. They are later sold at farmers’ markets,
but demand is already outstripping supply, and the business has to find ways
to grow.
In particular, the couple want to invest in additional smoking capacity,
and the Growth Hub advisers have helped them seek external support,
especially with funding. With improved facilities, Floppy Chicken could move
into wholesale supply and, in the long term, perhaps even franchise the
barbecue element.
Stephen says: “It’s great to have the support of experienced advisers
helping us through the process and guiding us to all the information on offer.
“I would definitely recommend Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub to
anyone wanting to expand.”
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
11
TRADING STANDARDS
MAKING SURE: Salina West, from Nettleham, checks a toy box,
while husband Nigel plays with children Cameron and Freya.
Playing safe with toys
If you’re buying for youngsters in the run-up to Christmas, make sure
you get toys that won’t put them at risk
As well as keeping children entertained, toys help them learn new
skills and make friends.
But there are dangerous items out there – particularly on the internet –
and playing safe is always the best approach.
Senior trading standards officer Alexandra Connell says: “Most toys
sold in the UK and Europe are very safe because of laws regulating their
manufacture.
“However, cheap, illegal imports are sold widely on the internet and social
media shopping sites. You can also sometimes get caught out at places like
local markets, temporary shops and car boot sales.”
Some basic tips
•Always head for reputable retailers – whether on the High Street or
online. They will be careful what products they stock, and you should be
able to return something if there is a fault.
• Beware of counterfeit goods. They may have low prices but they are illegal
and often not made to proper standards. Internet auction sites can be
particularly prone to counterfeit items.
• Be wary of a “too good to be true” deal. A rule of thumb is: if something
costs less than half the normal price, it’s likely to be fake.
• Make sure toys are appropriate for the child’s age. In particular, remember
that babies and toddlers can choke on small or loose parts.
•Think about other possible hazards – for example, does a toy gun have
the potential to cause an eye injury?
12
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
Before you buy
Always check for the following:
1.Name and address of the manufacturer or importer – this information is
a legal requirement. Unless both the name and EU address/postcode are
present – DO NOT BUY
2.Type, batch, serial or model number – these must be present – if they
aren’t – DO NOT BUY
3.CE Mark – if only the CE Mark is present but not the above information –
DO NOT BUY
4.Age range of the product – toys that might be dangerous for children
under three must say so and state the risks, for example: WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD
More information
Lincolnshire Trading Standards work closely with traders across the county to
try and ensure the products they make or import are safe. We also take items
to be checked by safety experts.
This year, we’ve seized thousands of toys from markets across the East
Coast, including unlicensed and unsafe “Despicable Me” Minions.
Follow us on Twitter @lincsts for updates on our unsafe toy crackdown, as
well as details of national product recalls.
You can find more information at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
tradingstandards.
FACE TO FACE
Always delivering!
“
Retired postman Cllr David Brailsford still goes the extra mile
for local people
It may sound a cliché, but I became involved in local politics
because I wanted to make a difference.
I moved to Stamford in 1996 and took a temporary job as a Royal
Mail postman – I retired 16 years later! I really enjoyed working on
delivery rounds because it enabled me to get to know the town and
its residents.
In 2003, I was elected onto the town council and quickly found it
involves so much more than meetings – it’s about tackling issues that
really matter to people. I became town mayor in 2010.
From 2005 – 2007 I sat on South Kesteven District Council where
I became heavily involved in the Friends of Stamford Recreation
Ground, initiating a successful project to build a £120,000 play area.
I became a county councillor in 2009. In Stamford, we’ve
always had a problem with on-street parking, and I’ve backed
both civil parking enforcement and residents’ parking in
the town centre in support of local people. While the
schemes haven’t solved all the problems, they’ve made
a great difference.
Road safety is also one of my main priorities, which
is why I supported the successful campaign for a new
crossing patrol outside Malcolm Sargent School.
The council’s Big Society Fund enables members to
give small grants directly to local causes, and I’ve been
able to back organisations that help all ages.
At the younger end, I donated to the football
development centre associated with Stamford
Town Football Club, which encourages children
into the sport.
I also donated to the setting-up of the Evergreen Care Trust’s Angel
Service, which gives vulnerable adults peace of mind and helps them
continue living independently.
I’m the support councillor for our Children’s Services portfolio
holder, Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell. As part of this role, I serve as
chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel.
This involves working with young people in local authority care to
ensure their voices are heard and they enjoy the same opportunities
as their peers. In particular, we want them to achieve their full health,
education and career potential.
”
Cllr David Brailsford is the Conservative councillor for the Stamford
West division on Lincolnshire County Council.
He is a committee member for Highways and Transport Scrutiny
and Planning and Regulation. He also serves on the Lincolnshire
Health and Wellbeing Board, the Definitive Map and Statement of
Public Rights of Way Sub-Committee, and South Lincolnshire and
Rutland Local Access Forum.
To contact Cllr Brailsford – who lives with partner Jen and has
two grown-up daughters – phone 07904 018747 or email
[email protected].
“
I feel passionately about
helping families, particularly
those in need…
”
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
13
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Homes for locals
Help is at hand for Lincolnshire communities wanting to develop more
affordable housing and other facilities
Communities across Lincolnshire are being supported to create
affordable housing for local people.
Three years ago, the council provided start-up funding of almost £100,000
for an independent body that could help make things happen.
Since then, the Lincolnshire Community Land Trust, based in Spilsby, has
been advising on projects across the county.
And, earlier this year, two of those opened their doors, with 14 new homes
available for Pinchbeck residents and 10 in Wilsford.
In both areas, priority has been given to local families, and the properties
are let at affordable rents.
The official opening of the Wilsford scheme was attended by council leader
Cllr Martin Hill, who said the authority had been delighted to play its part.
“Local families often want to stay in the communities where they have
their roots, but that can be difficult if rents are high.
“That’s why the council was keen to fund the creation of a county land
trust, similar to those in other parts of the country.
“We’re now seeing the benefits of that investment – and the real winners
are local families and their communities.”
In Wilsford, the council also helped by selling the community two areas of
land – including the village hall – suitable for the development.
Cllr Hill said: “In this case, the council owned the site, so we could help
with that side of things as well, releasing the land at a reasonable price.”
Making it happen
The Lincolnshire Community Land Trust is an independent, non-profit
organisation, run by a voluntary board of directors. It supports communities
to set up their own land trusts and create affordable housing and other
facilities for local people.
Work is currently underway with groups in Lincoln, Bradwell,
Grimoldby and Manby, plus Lincolnshire Methodist District and West Lindsey
District Council.
For more information, call John Mather on 01790 756794, email johnm@
lclt.co.uk or visit www.lclt.co.uk.
The Wilsford scheme
To get things started, a Community Land Trust for Wilsford was set up. The
scheme was then progressed in partnership with Lincolnshire Rural
Housing Association and Westleigh Homes.
Funding came from the Homes and Communities Agency,
as well as North Kesteven District Council.
Back to the future
14
The new tenants include Dean Rear, whose family links with
Wilsford go back to his grandfather in the 1950s.
Dean grew up in the village but later settled in Sleaford, where
he was living until recently with partner Stacey Burley.
After she became pregnant with their third child, they inquired
about a bigger property for the family, which also includes
Ashleigh, five, and Ryley, one.
They moved into Wilsford’s Blackberry Way three months
before baby Jaden was born in June – the first new arrival on
the development.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
BROADBAND
Join the superfast lane
With broadband speeds across Lincolnshire soaring, residents are
being urged not to miss out
Everyone benefits from faster connections – residents, businesses,
and school and college students.
Now over 115,000 county homes and businesses have access to better
broadband, thanks to improvements by the “onlincolnshire” partnership.
The multi-million pound initiative by Lincolnshire councils and BT has
recently made superfast services available in Torksey, North Thoresby,
Hemswell and Marshchapel.
But people still need to sign up to get the most out of new
technology, says Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for IT at Lincolnshire
County Council.
“Nowadays, good broadband is almost as important as good roads, so it’s
vital we get the right infrastructure in place.
“We’re now bringing faster broadband to more than 1,000 Lincolnshire
properties a week, which is a fantastic achievement.
“And we’re starting to see a real increase in the number of people signing
up for superfast services.
“Those that do will be able to watch HD TV and movies online, share
photos with family and friends in seconds, and much, much more.
“Superfast speeds can also give our small local businesses an added edge,
helping them break into new markets across the globe and develop better
connections with customers. The possibilities are virtually endless.”
To find out if you’re in a superfast area, visit the www.onlincolnshire.
org website (details may be subject to change). You can then upgrade
your package through your internet service provider.
Benefits of fibre broadband
• Faster download and upload speeds.
• Internet access via multiple devices
without a slow connection.
• Faster downloads of films and
music.
• A better online gaming
experience.
• Improved file sharing for
businesses.
• Being able to work more flexibly.
About onlincolnshire
•Helped by additional funding from the Government and
European Regional Development Fund, onlincolnshire is building on
private sector infrastructure.
•It aims to extend superfast broadband coverage to at least 89% of
Lincolnshire by April 2016.
• Additionally, for the first time ever, standard broadband of at least 2Mbps
should be available everywhere in the county.
•A planned second phase of improvements aims to extend superfast
coverage to 95% by the end of 2017.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
15
Your county councillor
Find your elected representative using this guide showing all 77 listed alphabetically by their areas
35
Conservative
12
UK Independence Party
12
Labour
8
Lincolnshire Independents
4
Liberal Democrat
3
Independents
3
Independence from Europe
Alford & Sutton
Boston Fishtoft
Bracebridge Heath & Waddington
Gainsborough Rural South
Heighington & Washingborough
Stephen Palmer
01507 440194
cllrs.palmer@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Miss Lizzie
Ransome
01205 311373
cllre.ransome@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Christine
Talbot
01522 790691
cllrc.talbot@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Stuart Kinch
01427 717431
cllrs.kinch@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Ron Oxby
01522 826706
cllrr.oxby@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Ancholme Cliff
Boston North West
Branston & Navenby
Gainsborough Trent
Holbeach
Lewis Strange
01652 628448
cllrc.strange@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Ms Tiggs KeywoodWainwright
07533 351444
cllrt.keywoodwainwright@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Marianne
Overton
01400 273323
cllrm.overton@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Pat O’Connor
01427 615625
cllrp.oconnor@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Nick Worth
01406 701420
cllrn.worth@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Bardney & Cherry Willingham
Boston Rural
Colsterworth Rural
Grantham Barrowby
Holbeach Rural
Ian Fleetwood
01526 397925
cllri.fleetwood@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Michael Brookes
01205 820616
cllrm.brookes@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Bob Adams
01476 530329
cllrb.adams@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mark Whittington
07982 128185
cllrm.whittington@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
William Webb
01406 363673
cllrw.webb@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Bassingham Rural
Boston South
Crowland & Whaplode
Grantham East
Horncastle & Tetford
Ray Phillips
01522 686432
cllrr.phillips@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Alison Austin
01205 368351
cllra.austin@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Nigel Pepper
07760 162066
cllrn.pepper@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Linda Wootten
01476 400183
cllrl.wootten@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Bill Aron
01507 526951
cllrb.aron@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Billinghay & Metheringham
Boston West
Deeping St James
Grantham North
Hough
Mrs Patricia
Bradwell
01526 352842
cllrp.bradwell@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Bob McAuley
07761 160595
cllrb.mcauley@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Phil Dilks
07786 862320
cllrp.dilks@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Ray Wootten
01476 400183
cllrr.wootten@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Paul Wood
01400 282223
cllrp.wood@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Boston Coastal
Bourne Abbey
Donington Rural
Grantham North West
Hykeham Forum
Miss Felicity
Ransome
01205 311373
cllrf.ransome@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Sue Woolley
01778 571153
cllrs.woolley@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Susan Wray
01775 821505
cllrs.wray@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Richard Davies
07789 397068
cllrr.davies@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
John Marriott
01522 687965
cllrj.marriott@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Boston East
Bourne Castle
Gainsborough Hill
Grantham South
Ingoldmells Rural
Mrs Sue Ransome
01205 311373
cllrs.ransome@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Helen Powell
01778 421042
cllrh.powell@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
John Beaver
01427 677228
cllrj.beaver@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Charmaine Morgan
01476 574748
cllrc.morgan@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Colin Davie
01754 810433
cllrc.davie@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
16
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
Folkingham Rural
Martin Hill OBE
Leader of Lincolns
hire
County Council
01778 440733
cllrm.hill@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Louth Wolds
Skegness South
Spilsby Fen
Hugo Marfleet
01673 838385
cllrh.marfleet@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Robin
Hunter-Clarke
01754 764246
cllrr.hunter-clarke@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Victoria
Ayling
07764 536867
cllrv.ayling@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mablethorpe
Skellingthorpe & Hykeham South
Stamford North
Mrs Anne
Reynolds
01507 442598
cllra.reynolds@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Reg Shore
07951 944486
cllrr.shore@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Robert Foulkes
01780 757120
cllrr.foulkes@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincoln Birchwood
Lincoln North
Market Deeping, Langtoft & West Deeping
Sleaford
Stamford Rural
Rosie Kirk
01522 684990
cllrr.kirk@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Judy
Renshaw
01522 823730
cllrj.renshaw@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Peter Robinson
01778 343383
cllrp.robinson@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mark Allan
07956 847925
cllrm.allan@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Martin TrollopeBellew
01778 560634
cllrt.trollopebellew@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincoln Boultham
Lincoln Park
Market Rasen Wolds
Sleaford Rural South
Stamford West
Kev Clarke
07969 471191
cllrk.clarke@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Nev Jackson
01522 534073
cllrn.jackson@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Burt Keimach
01673 849895
cllrb.keimach@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Barry Young
01526 352707
cllrb.young@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
David Brailsford
01778 341021
cllrd.brailsford@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincoln Bracebridge
Lincoln West
Nettleham & Saxilby
Sleaford West & Leasingham
Sutton Elloe
Marc Jones
07818 508106
cllrm.jones@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Robert Parker
01522 535086
cllrr.parker@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Jacqueline
Brockway
07881 935447
cllrj.brockway@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Andrew Hagues
07885 135311
cllra.hagues@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Chris Brewis
07951 365831
cllrc.brewis@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincoln East
Louth Marsh
North Wolds
Spalding East & Moulton
Tattershall Castle
Robin Renshaw
01522 823730
cllrr.renshaw@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Daniel McNally
07810 304434
cllrd.mcnally@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Tony Turner
MBE JP
01472 371382
cllra.turner@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Richard Fairman
01406 380575
cllrr.fairman@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Colin Mair
01526 344495
cllrc.mair@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincoln Glebe
Louth North
Ruskington & Cranwell
Spalding Elloe
Wainfleet & Burgh
Neil Murray
01522 546065
cllrn.murray@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Sarah Dodds
07845 703542
cllrs.dodds@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Stuart Tweedale
07732 300006
cllrs.tweedale@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Elizabeth
Sneath
01775 640309
cllre.sneath@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Chris Pain
07876 505055
cllrc.pain@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincoln Hartsholme
Louth Rural North
Scotter Rural
Spalding South
Welton Rural
Mrs Jane Smith
01522 820424
cllrj.smith@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Tony Bridges
01472 812345
cllrt.bridges@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Lesley
Rollings
07877 381653
cllrl.rollings@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Alan Jesson
07921 436914
cllra.jesson@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Sue Rawlins
01673 885545
cllrs.rawlins@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincoln Moorland
Louth South
Skegness North
Spalding West
Woodhall Spa & Wragby
Geoff Ellis
01522 683620
cllrg.ellis@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
John Hough
01507 358650
cllrj.hough@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Dean HunterClarke
01754 764246
cllrd.hunter-clarke@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mrs Angela
Newton
01775 762210
cllra.newton@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
Denis Hoyes MBE
01526 352292
cllrd.hoyes@
lincolnshire.gov.uk
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
17
PUBLIC HEALTH
Saving young lives
New vaccinations for babies and teenagers offer greater protection
against potentially deadly meningitis – the disease every parent dreads
Young children and teenagers are the age groups most at risk
of contracting the infection that can cause meningitis and
septicaemia.
Thankfully, routine vaccinations can help prevent it – and new ones for
these age groups are now available.
You should be contacted by your GP or child’s school about the vaccination.
Please make sure your child has it – it could literally save their life.
It’s also a really good idea to know the symptoms of meningitis and
septicaemia so you can get medical help immediately.
Although not very common, the disease can start quickly and kills around
1 in 10 people who get it. It can also cause serious long-term problems.
For babies
Meningococcal infection can affect all age groups, but is most common in
young children. There are 12 different types, including Men B, which accounts
for more than 90% of cases in children and young people.
The new Men B vaccine will be included in the routine schedule for
children. That means your GP surgery will contact you as follows:
• Babies born after 1 July 2015 will be offered the vaccine at 2, 4 and 12
months.
• Babies born in May and June 2015 will be offered the vaccine as part of
a catch-up programme.
For young people
Older teenagers and young adults – particularly those aged between 15 and
19 – are also especially at risk.
In this age group, it’s likely to be from a type called Men W, which is on the
rise. Again, though, a vaccination is available, guarding against four types of
meningitis (A, C, W and Y).
From last month (September), this is being offered to years 9 and 10 at
school. There’s also a catch-up programme from years 10 to 13, and for firsttime university students.
Meningitis symptoms
• Diagnosing meningitis can be difficult because the usual first symptoms –
fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell – are also common in more
minor illnesses.
• Symptoms more specific to meningitis and septicaemia include limb/joint/
muscle pain, cold hands and feet, shivering, rash, neck stiffness, dislike of
bright lights (less common in young children) and confusion.
Not everyone gets all the symptoms and they can appear in any order. Trust
your instincts.
Meningitis can also lead to septicaemia – blood poisoning – and people
can become very unwell very quickly, so it’s vital to get
medical help immediately.
Please remember – the best way to
prevent meningitis is by ensuring
vaccinations are up-to-date.
More information
To find out more about the new
vaccinations, please contact
your GP.
For information about
meningitis visit www.
nhs.uk/conditions/
Meningitis.
18
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
ADVOCAcy
Speaking up
for you
A free, confidential service ensures your voice is heard when it matters
In a potentially difficult situation, we may need someone on our
side – an advocate – to speak up for us.
That’s particularly true for children and young people, or vulnerable adults,
making choices about the services they get.
In the past, there were various sources of specialist help, depending on
your age. However, that could mean a child having to switch when they
got older.
Now a single service – funded by Lincolnshire County Council – has
been created to bring children’s and adults’ advocacy together. The new
“hub” is run by Total Voice Lincolnshire – a partnership led by VoiceAbility,
with Barnado’s, Age UK Lincoln and Lincs2Advice. It will ensure you
have a champion alongside you to ask for the right information and explore
the options.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services and
adult care, said: “Helping people have a voice is an important way to make
sure they get the right services for them, at the right time.
“An advocate helps you stay at the heart of decision-making about your
future – which is exactly as it should be.”
Total Voice Lincolnshire, based at Lincs2Advice’s offices in Sleaford, is
available to residents across Lincolnshire.
To find out if you are eligible for free and confidential support, call
01529 400479, or visit www.totalvoicelincolnshire.org.
“Very rewarding job”
Chris Buckley (pictured right) has been an advocate with
VoiceAbility since January this year. She said: “The person comes
to us and instructs us on what they want.
“Hopefully as we work with them they will become more independent and
more able to challenge things for themselves.
“A person might have five or six issues they’re looking for help with. We
work together to resolve what we can through advocacy. If there’s something
the person needs help with that isn’t strictly advocacy, Lincs2Advice have an
up-to-date list of services to signpost people towards.
“Having this at our fingertips helps us to make the best use of what’s
available in Lincolnshire. There are so many organisations doing great work
around the county, playing to their own strengths.”
Patryk Kosmala (left) is a managing advocate with VoiceAbility. He said:
“The advocate’s job starts with getting to know the person, speaking to
them about their needs and acting from there.
“The people I advocate for are obviously emotionally connected to their
own situation – I can take some of the burden away and sort things out.
“As an advocate, you take someone through a process and empower
them. It’s a very rewarding job. Now that we have a hub with a single point
of contact, this should be even easier for people looking for help.”
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
19
COMMUNITY SAFETY AWARDS
Ready for action!
An initiative backed by Prince Charles is ensuring Lincolnshire’s
young people can make a difference in a crisis
It’s never too early to learn about emergencies – and 150
Lincolnshire children and young people have done just that!
They took part in the Duke of Cornwall Community Safety Awards scheme
– a national accolade inspired by HRH Prince Charles. Following all their
hard work, they were invited to spend a day at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s
Waddington training centre. The young people, aged from five to 18, then
received their awards from the Lord Lieutenant for Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis.
They also took part in an exciting series of age-related activities, alongside
county police and firefighters. Designed to be both fun and informative, they
included finding their way through a derailed train, escaping from a smokedamaged house and investigating a crime scene. The youngsters also tried
target practice with a hose reel, as well as a “hide and seek challenge” with
Alfie the rescue dog.
Leanne Hunt, emergency planning officer, said: “We had a fantastic
response to the first ever Community Safety Awards in Lincolnshire, with 15
youth groups taking part. We then celebrated the hard work of these young
people with an award ceremony and some useful yet fun activities.
“They had the chance to experience some of the tasks that police officers
and firefighters would carry out in a real emergency – but in a safe and
controlled environment.”
The award scheme was launched nationally after Prince Charles saw at
first hand the aftermath of devastating flooding in Cornwall in 2010. He then
called for young people to be trained to help before, during and after a crisis,
such as severe weather, a flu pandemic or a long-term power cut. The aim
is to teach them to protect themselves, as well as helping their families and
vulnerable people in their communities.
20
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
About the awards
At the end of the activities, the young people received one of the
following awards:
• The Home Award (ages 5 to 10) – learning the basics of how to be
prepared at home.
• The Neighbourhood Award (ages 10 to 14) – how to assist in the
community by checking on neighbours and vulnerable residents.
• The Community Award (ages 14 to 18) – how to evacuate residents in
an emergency.
Groups taking part
Lincoln Scothern Scouts, Wellingore Scout Troop, Horncastle Scouts, Brant
Broughton Brownies, Washingborough Rainbows, Sleaford Kestrel Cubs,
Sleaford Beavers, Ruskington Cubs, Boston RAF Cadets, Lincoln RAF Cadets,
Boston Police Cadets, Grantham Police Cadets, Nomad Explorer Scouts,
North Scarle Guides and North Scarle Senior Section.
More information
For more information about the award scheme, please visit http://csa.aspier.
co.uk/wordpress.
If you’re involved with a youth group and would like to find out more about
taking part, email [email protected] or call 01522 582286.
West Lindsey News
Eight fabulous pages of district news
Stunning straw sculptures!
STRAW-STRUCK: West Lindsey District
Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan, artist
Ruth Piggott, Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop
manager Emma Wood, farm manager
Ed Westgate and council events coordinator Andrew Deighton launch
the trail.
Leader’s welcome
It’s really important that people living in
West Lindsey have a say in what happens
in their district.
On page 22 of this edition you can read all
about how residents are getting more involved
with initiatives such as Neighbourhood Plans and
the Community Right to Bid.
We will soon be asking you to take part in the
next Central Lincolnshire Local Plan consultation.
We invite you to study the second draft before
the consultation period in October. You can view
the plans and ask questions at special events, see
www.central-lincs.org.uk for more details.
You can also find out about the location of
proposed development across West Lindsey,
Lincoln and North Kesteven with the opportunity
to examine an Infrastructure Plan. This will identify
how roads, medical and education provision will
be provided to support all future growth.
This is a key priority which we hope will attract
inward investment to create jobs for our residents.
With this in mind you can find out on page 23
how we are working with education and
employers to ensure we have a skilled workforce
to meet our aspirations.
Looking to the future, we will be working
closely with neighbouring councils and other
partners to explore gaining devolved powers from
central government with an ambition to provide
improved local services at potentially lower costs.
At the heart of any changes it is important for us
to remember why we are here and make sure we
understand your needs.
In other news, an Independent Remuneration
Panel has made changes to the way allowances
are paid to councillors. Check out: www.westlindsey.gov.uk/your-council/your-councillors/
members-allowances/
I am very proud to be leading the council
through these exciting times.
Jeff Summers
Leader of West Lindsey District Council
Giant-sized straw sculptures will appear
across West Lindsey’s landscape during
the autumn in a unique celebration of
our local heritage.
Our eye-catching countryside trail will
feature 15 mammoth creations including trains,
trees and tractors on farms and agricultural
land around the district from Saturday 17
October to Sunday 1 November.
Local artists will be showcasing their
talents by working with our rural communities
to create ‘AgriSculptures’ that reflect the
landscape.
You will be able to find your own way
around the trail either on foot, for those that
are close together, or by other transport for
those that are in more remote locations.
All of the sites are free of charge and
accessible with easy parking and refreshments.
Prosperous
communities
committee,
chairman Cllr Owen Bierley said: “The
sculptures will be on display across the district
from Blyton and Cabourne Parva east of
Caistor to other diverse locations including the
Lincolnshire Showground.
“At each site there will be an information
point explaining where the materials have
come from and where they will go next, so
visitors will know the story of how each
sculpture was made.”
The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society,
Lincolnshire Young Farmers, The National
Farmers Union and the Lincolnshire Wolds
Countryside Service have given help and
advice on the trail.
West Lindsey events co-ordinator Andy
Deighton said: “We are really excited about
our AgriSculpture project.
“It’s going to be a fantastic way to discover
West Lindsey and we’re hoping our artistic
efforts will attract residents and visitors to
explore some of Lincolnshire’s hidden gems
while at the same time learning about our
farming industry and heritage.”
Full details with a list of sites will
be available on West Lindsey District Council’s
website, by emailing andrew.deighton@
west-lindsey.gov.uk or phoning Andy on
01427 675136.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
21
West Lindsey News
Shape the future of YOUR area!
ALL SMILES: Nettleham parish councillors from left, Joseph Siddall, John Evans and Terry Williams proudly hand in
their Neighbourhood Plan to West Lindsey District councillors Steve England and Giles McNeill.
West Lindsey District Council is
encouraging people to come together as a
neighbourhood or parish group and create
Neighbourhood Plans.
These can identify suitable locations for future
developments and the different types of support
services that are important to local people. They
can also set design policies for any new buildings
and ensure important local spaces are protected
for future generations.
Cllr Steve England helped oversee two
steering groups that have come up with separate
Neighbourhood Plans for Welton and Nettleham.
The plan for Nettleham was a success thanks
to its pioneering use of environmental specialists.
These helped to identify certain areas of the
village suitable for development that would have
the least impact on the surrounding countryside.
He said: “Neighbourhood Planning groups are
made up of local people, often working alongside
town and parish councils, to prepare a statutory
plan for their area.
“Anyone thinking of taking part should get
in touch with our dedicated Neighbourhood
Planning Officer Luke Brown. He can help groups
gain funding from central government for research
and professional guidance.”
Once adopted, a plan is used to help determine
and control planning applications and will make
more funding available to improve and build new
community facilities and support services.
Luke explained: “West Lindsey has 13
neighbourhood plans in place, and many others
in the pipeline. These enable people to have a say
on the nature and impact of new developments,
particularly large housing schemes. Communities
that do not have one may find that they have
less opportunity to directly influence local
development in future, so it really is an important
and useful thing to do.”
Visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk and search
for Neighbourhood Plans to find out more,
or email [email protected].
Defending our facilities
Organisations and groups are being
urged to take action to protect land and
buildings that are precious to their areas.
This has been made possible through
the Community Right To Bid, part of the
Localism Act 2011.
It involves registering ‘assets of community
value’ with West Lindsey District Council.
Among the 14 assets that have been formally
logged are The Market Place, Market Rasen;
Cherry Willingham Library and the Old School
at Keelby.
The aim is to prevent land and buildings from
being sold off without informing the community.
The Cherry Tree Pub in Cherry Willingham was
registered last year.
Vice-chair of Cherry Willingham Parish Council,
Cllr Anne Welburn, said: “We have registered
footpaths, a library, a community pub and some
allotments. I am a big believer that if you don’t
do something you won’t be able to have a say in
22
protecting them for future use. It is
important that communities start
to realise how much influence
they can have in what happens in
their area.”
Assets are registered for an
initial period of five years and
can be re-registered when this
expires. Nothing happens unless
the owner decides to dispose of it.
Grant White, West Lindsey
District Council’s lead officer
SAFEGUARDING OUR AREA: Cherry Willingham Parish Council vicefor enterprising communities,
chairman Cllr Anne Welburn outside the village’s community pub.
explained: “The Community
Right to Bid is a great way for
communities to safeguard assets of value that months to develop a bid to buy the asset on the
open market themselves.”
mean something to them.
“It doesn’t automatically mean the sale will
To find out more about the list of assets
be stopped or that development will not take
registered to the council visit www.westplace. It is, however, a way of pausing the sale
lindsey.gov.uk/RightToBid.
of buildings or land, giving communities up to six
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
Creating a
harvest of jobs!
Food Enterprise Zone launched to
boost local economy
E
xciting plans that will establish West Lindsey at the heart
expanding local agri-food businesses and inward investors. It will deliver
of a new Food Enterprise Zone are set to create 550 new
a high quality business environment to compliment the neighbouring
jobs across the county.
internationally acclaimed antiques centre and nearby village.
Lincolnshire will host a network of specialist hubs to boost our food
Greater Lincolnshire LEP board member Mark Tinsley said: “Our strategy
processing and farming industry.
is to double the value of our food and farming industry in Lincolnshire
Working alongside the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership,
by 2030.
the district council is overseeing the Central
“To achieve that we not only need to help our
Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ). This will
existing businesses in the food sector, we also
become a focal point for research and business
need to encourage new business. The hubs are
development at the heart of the UK’s largest
“Our strategy is to double strategically located to allow that expansion.”
agricultural county.
The council’s newly-appointed strategic lead
the value of our food
It is one of 17 new schemes in the UK which
for economic development and neighbourhoods
aim to help drive up tourism, attract investment
Eve Fawcett-Moralee said: “The Central
and farming industry in
and add millions of pounds to the rural
Lincolnshire Food Local Development OrderLincolnshire by 2030.”
economy. It will be split across two sites
enabling development to take place within
situated along the A15, the Lincolnshire
certain conditions - and Enterprise Zone, should
Showground at Grange-de-Lings and Hemswell
see around 20 hectares of land used to generate
Cliff Business Park.
many jobs over the next 15 years.
The showground, which is home to the new state-of-the-art Riseholme
“This will be of major benefit to the local economy as well as our area’s
Agricultural College, will support learning, training, high quality applied
residents and businesses.”
research and technology transfer. The site will also provide start-up space for
For more information contact Marina Di Salvatore on 01427 676635
new food and farming enterprises.
or email [email protected].
The business park will offer flexible and cost-effective premises for both
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
23
West Lindsey News
Helping you prepare
for Universal Credit
Budget now to make sure you spend your money the right way –
that’s the message from one district resident who will be affected by
benefit changes.
Jobseeker, Richard Thompson, 52, of Lea Road, Gainsborough, is just one of
many who will be affected by Universal Credit when it comes into force in West
Lindsey on 30 November this year.
This will be a single, monthly payment for people who are either unemployed or
working on a low income.
The change will initially affect single people who would have otherwise been
making a new claim for Jobseekers Allowance. Other customer groups – such as
families – are likely to follow soon after.
Richard, who has previously held a number of jobs including a ranger, gardener
and a doorman, said while he searches for employment he is prepared for the
changes ahead.
He explained: “To me, this payment is in line with what I’ve done before when
I’ve been in work, you economise so that you have enough money to pay all
your bills.
“This might encourage people to start budgeting, not spending
their money right away and making sure that they do not get
into debt.”
Working with North Kesteven District Council and the City of Lincoln
Council, we have launched the ‘UCan’ campaign to raise awareness of
the imminent changes to benefit payments.
With the launch date getting closer it’s vital customers act now if
the changes are going to affect them, and we’re on hand to tell
people what ‘UCan’ do – including what help is available.
Universal Credit will replace the following benefits for workingage people (pensioners are not affected):
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
“To me, this payment is in line
with what I’ve done before when
I’ve been in work, you economise
so that you have enough money
to pay all your bills.”
PEACE OF MIND: Richard Thompson is confident he is doing all
he can to prepare for Housing Benefit changes.
24
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
It will be paid monthly in arrears directly into the customer’s bank account,
building society or Credit Union account, in the same way a monthly salary would
be paid.
One of the biggest changes will be that tenants will be personally responsible for
arranging to pay their rent. This is different to the current situation where, in many
cases, rent is currently being paid by Housing Benefit directly to landlords. We are
speaking to landlords to try to ensure they are aware of how this might affect them.
We have also:
• Set up a Universal Credit Champions group, including housing, and revenues and
benefits colleagues from all three authorities
Crackdown
on benefit
fraud
• Organised a Landlord Forum specifically to inform landlords of how Universal
Credit could affect them
• Visited tenant and resident groups to tell them more and answer questions
We are continuing to work with a variety of organisations, including Citizens Advice
and Lincolnshire Credit Union to spread the word to help people prepare.
“This might encourage people to start
budgeting, not spending their money right
away and making sure that they do not
get into debt.”
What can people do?
The UCan campaign encompasses three strands – using the internet, seeking
financial advice and helping people to find work. We are advising and helping
customers to:
• Set up a direct debit or standing order to their landlord to help them budget their
money and make sure their rent is paid
• Consider joining Lincolnshire Credit Union to help them find the right type of
account for accepting Universal Credit and paying their bills
• Find out where they can access a computer and what help is available to make
their claim – which they will be expected to do online. An online interactive map
showing locations of free computer access is on the Lincs2Advice website: www.
lincs2advice.org.uk/free-computer-access
• Find out much more at www.gov.uk/uc including a benefit calculator and
personal preparation planner
• Call Customer Services for advice on 01427 676676.
Housing Benefit claimants are being encouraged to
‘Tell Us’ if their circumstances change.
This is part of a campaign launched by local councils to
combat fraud and error.
Housing Benefit in Lincolnshire costs £160m for around
52,500 households each year.
Important changes that should be reported to us include:
•Money coming into the home; such as pensions, wages,
other benefits or tax credits
• People who live in your home
• Savings and investments
Councils will be checking residents’ Housing Benefit
claims and will initially focus on those considered a high
risk of not having updated their details. This means they
may have received too much Housing Benefit, which will
have to be paid back.
Now is the time to notify the council of a change before
fraud investigators take more serious action which can
include prosecution.
West Lindsey District Council’s Prosperous Communities
Committee chairman Cllr Owen Bierley said: “If you claim
Housing Benefit you should let us know if there are any
changes in your situation. It could mean that you are
receiving the wrong amount and would have to refund it.
“Most residents will be claiming the correct amount, and
therefore do not need to worry. However, it is an offence not
to declare changes in circumstances.
“‘Tell Us’ - we want to help claimants avoid getting into
trouble.” The campaign runs until March 2016.
To report a change in your circumstances,
please contact West Lindsey District Council on
01427 676565.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
25
West Lindsey News
Waste and recycling service now available for businesses!
Schools, pubs, shops and many other businesses across the district are switching
to the council’s commercial waste collection service
We already collect more than 39,000
tonnes of waste and recycling material
from all 41,580 homes in the district.
Now businesses can benefit from the same
service at competitive prices and there’s no
VAT to pay! Using council knowledge and our
experienced staff we are offering services to
businesses at competitive prices.
Mark Harrison, head chef at Blyton’s Black
Horse Pub (pictured left), switched effortlessly.
He said: “We’re really pleased with the trade
waste service provided by West Lindsey District
Council, which was a seamless transition from
our old service provider.
“We have excellent customer service and
prompt, reliable collections. If anyone is thinking
of changing from one service to another, we’d
recommend West Lindsey’s commercial waste
Keeping informed
on the move!
West Lindsey District Council is making it much easier to check
out planning applications and other statutory notices.
If you have a smartphone, simply download a QR scanner – a kind
of barcode reader – and scan the black and white image with this
article. It will take you direct to our website, where you can type in a
postcode to check out the latest public notices for your area.
The council is working alongside the Lincolnshire Echo as one
of 23 pilot areas across the country to be commissioned by the
Department for Communities and Local Government to find new
ways of publicising this kind of information.
West Lindsey District Council’s deputy leader Cllr Anne Welburn
said: “We have a legal duty to issue public notices in newspapers to
inform communities and provide opportunities to have their say on
proposals affecting them.
“This pilot is an exciting opportunity to explore new ways of
reaching more people using technology. In addition to all notices
now available on the Lincolnshire Echo website, you can now search
for statutory notices by postcode.”
Those who don’t have a smartphone can check out the same
information at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/keepmeposted.
26
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
service absolutely.”
Prosperous
Communities
Committee
chairman Cllr Owen Bierley, said: “We are
committed to providing a high quality service to
all households in West Lindsey.
“It seemed appropriate to offer a professional
service to our local businesses as we have the
means to deliver it. We are starting to get
some big contracts and we are getting more
customers that are coming on board as their
existing contracts come to an end.”
To find out more about your local
waste partner call Steve Leary or
Elaine Bilton on 01427 675124 email
commercialwastesolutions@west-lindsey.
gov.uk or visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/
commercialwastesolutions.
Renovating your home?
If you’re planning to renovate your home this autumn – make sure
you are on top of the building and planning regulations.
Whether you are looking to increase the size of your kitchen, add a
conservatory or expand your home, West Lindsey Building Control is here
to protect you.
Council senior building control surveyor, Trevor Durant explained that
homeowners are required by law to have any work inspected to make sure
it complies with building regulations.
He said: “Our experienced staff are available to guide you through the
process from start to finish to make sure your home is a safe and healthy
place to live in.”
The team recently worked
with a Middle Rasen home
owner who converted a
derelict mill building into a
luxury family home (right).
Before
starting
work,
please get advice from West
Lindsey’s Building Control by
calling 01427 676672 for a
quote on any work. You can
also request a free Lincolnshire guide to renovating
your home.
LOTTERY WIN: Newtoft Community Centre
treasurer Judy Howard, joint secretary Steph
Orr, vice-chairman Rob Nelson and chairman
Don Pavia with his wife Jackie, celebrate their
lottery grant for a new building and facilities.
You did it - well done!
Residents living at former Ministry of Defence sites
have pulled together to provide much-needed
community facilities for their areas.
Toft Newton, which was one of the
first MOD sites in West Lindsey to be
decommissioned 25 years ago, was left
with no shop, pub, or post office.
After eight years of planning and fundraising
the area has been awarded one of the largest Big
Lottery Funds Reaching Communities grants of
£793,362 to help build a community hall which
will also be used by surrounding villages.
Toft Newton Village Hall Committee chairman
Don Pavia said: “This facility will have many
purposes including a polling station, youth club
and meeting place for a whole variety of groups.
“West Lindsey District Council helped point us
in the right direction but the hard work has been
done by the community through our fundraising
and ideas.”
West Lindsey District Council leader Cllr Jeff
Summers commented: “The council’s Localism
Team was set up to help groups like this help
themselves. Together with Community Lincs, we
have advised on funding, planning applications
and consultations. Although we have pledged
£85,000 funding to support them, these people
have had to work extremely hard to prove to the
lottery the need for money to build this hall.
“It has not been a quick process but the group
did not waiver. This achievement shows what
the power of people working together to help
themselves can do. They are the real heroes.”
This community strength has been replicated
in Hemswell Cliff, Brookenby and RAF Scampton
who are working hard to improve facilities.
At Hemswell Cliff, financial support was gained
for a new ball park.
CommunityLincs community development
worker Anne Cater said: “This ball park means
everything to the people of Hemswell Cliff. The
land it is on was actually locked up for years,
meaning children had to play on the area around
it. The local schools which have helped design the
park and picked the colour scheme are already
using it a lot.
“As soon as the grant became available the
residents moved things on very quickly and the
results are fantastic.”
CLIMBING HIGH: Hemswell Cliff
Primary School pupils Holly (8) and
Jayden (7) at the new climbing wall.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
27
West Lindsey News
Trinity Arts Centre
To be or not
to be…
…part of Trinity Arts Centre’s audience this
season! Shakespeare’s Hamlet, starring Benedict
Cumberbatch broadcast as it happens from the
National Theatre, is among our wide-ranging
programme of top quality live performances. Shows
include classic and comedy theatre, ballet from
Moscow, popular opera, wrestling, music acts and
films. We promise something for all ages with a
pantomime and children’s shows.
PAST MASTERS:
LET’S ROCK THE JUKEBOX
3 October, 7.30pm – Tickets £15
TOP QUALITY: Live streamed performances of
Hamlet, Jewels (top) and Of Mice and Men.
BOOKENDS
7 November, 7.30pm – Tickets £14/£12
Back by popular demand.
One of the most authentic Simon and Garfunkel
tribute bands.
SUPERSONIC 70’s
BOLSHOI BALLET: JEWELS
A celebration of the golden age of pop.
Celebrating cities and dance schools each bound
to its own precious stone.
10 October, 7.30pm – Tickets £15
BOLSHOI BALLET: GISELLE
11 October, 4pm – Tickets £15/£13
One of the oldest and greatest classical ballets.
8 November, 3pm – Tickets £15/£13
EMMA
14 November, 7.30pm – Tickets £12/£10
Jane Austen’s popular novel brought to life.
NATIONAL THEATRE: HAMLET
NATIONAL THEATRE: OF MICE AND MEN
Benedict Cumberbatch takes the leading role.
A powerful portrait of the American spirit and a
testament to the bonds of friendship.
15 October, 7pm – Tickets £12/£10
WHOLE LOTTA LED
16 October, 7.30pm – Tickets £15
A fantastic tribute to Led Zeppelin.
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA:
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
19 October, 7.30pm – Tickets £15/£13
Fun and farce in this sunny adventure.
19 November, 7pm – Tickets £12/£10
GARRICK THEATRE: THE WINTER’S TALE
26 November, 7pm – Tickets £12/£10
Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy of obsession
and redemption stars Judi Dench and Kenneth
Branagh.
DICKENS ABRIDGED
29 November, 7.30pm – Tickets £15
JOHNNY CASH REVISITED
A fast-paced musical comedy with an absurdly
talented cast!
With all his classic songs and biggest hits.
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA: THE MIKADO
24 October, 7.30pm – Tickets £15
PETER PAN - THE MUSICAL
27 October, 2pm – Tickets £7/Family of 4 £26
A spectacular musical adaptation of a timeless
tale.
MEGASLAM WRESTLING
31 October, 7.30pm – Tickets £13/£11/
Family £39
This is live action-packed, one of a kind, family fun
spectacular!
28
3 December, 7.30pm – Tickets £15/£13
CINDERELLA
9-13 December, 7pm & 2pm –
Tickets £10/£8
Ready for the pantomime? Oh yes we are!
EYMS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
19 December, 7.30pm – Tickets £9
One of the top brass bands celebrates Christmas.
BOLSHOI BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER
20 December, 3pm – Tickets £15/£13
This beloved holiday classic will enchant the
whole family.
SANTA IN LOVE
21 December, 1.30pm – Tickets £8.50
(including present)
A family musical complete with games and your
favourite Christmas songs.
Contact us
Trinity Arts Centre, Trinity Street, Gainsborough,
Lincolnshire, DN21 2AL
Book online at www.trinityarts.co.uk
www.facebook.cm/trinityartscentre
Gilbert and Sullivan’s best comic opera.
@trinityartscent
BUDDY HOLLY/ELVIS CHRISTMAS
Phone 01427 676655
4 December, 7.30pm – Tickets £16
Will Rock ‘n’ Roll ever die? That’ll be the day!
NATIONAL THEATRE: JANE EYRE
8 December, 7pm – Tickets £12/£10
Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Brontë’s story is
as inspiring as ever.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
Free secure parking monitored by CCTV is available
behind the centre, accessible from Sandsfield
Lane. For more information about any of our events
please check out our website or pick up the latest
brochure on your next visit.
Tickets: £6 and
£5 in advance
(under 16’s go free)
28th & 29th November 2015
10am - 4pm
Food, Gifts, Crafts, Cookery Demonstrations and
all things Christmas under one roof.
The Food & Gift Fair is fast becoming a recognised
date in the Lincolnshire festive calendar.
Ticket Office: 01749 814087
www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, LN2 2NA
2015 Media Partner
Spires and Stee
runners
WHAT'S ON
The essential guide to what’s on in Lincolnshire for autumn 2015
BBMF VISITOR CENTRE
LINCOLN BOOK FESTIVAL
RSPB WASH CRUISES
Based at RAF Coningsby, Dogdyke Road,
Coningsby, LN4 4SY. View the aircraft of
the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight,
including Spitfires, Hurricanes and a worldfamous Lancaster. For admission charges
and opening times, visit www.lincolnshire.
gov.uk/bbmf or call 01522 782040.
Hosted by The Collection, Danes Terrace,
Lincoln, LN2 1LP. The region’s leading
literary arts festival, with six evenings
of engaging talks by top authors. www.
thecollectionmuseum.com / 01522 782040.
RSPB Local Group charter “Boston Belle”
for bird-watching trips into The Wash,
an extremely valuable wildlife habitat.
Trips last 4-5 hours, and 50-60 species can
usually be seen. Online bookings at www.
southhollandcentre.co.uk. Call 01775
764777 for info.
Various
GREAT WAR REMEMBERED: 1915, A
DIFFICULT YEAR FOR LINCOLNSHIRE
19 Sept – 17 Jan, 10am – 4pm
(last entry 3.30pm)
Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Burton Road,
Lincoln, LN1 3LY. WW1 exhibition focusing
on 1915 – Lincolnshire fighting men in
battles on land and sea, plus the impact on
towns and cities. With artefacts, personal
stories and photos. Free. www.lincolnshire.
gov.uk/museumoflincolnshirelife / 01522
782040.
SOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE WALKING
FESTIVAL
25 Sept – 31 Oct
Explore history, roam with ramblers, take
your children on adventure walks, enjoy the
natural world or get fit. With over 70 walks
to choose from, of varying distances, there’s
something for everyone. All led by local
volunteers. www.southlincswalking.com /
Heritage Lincolnshire on 01529 461499.
WORK HARD PLAY HARD
26 Sept – 7 Nov
Gainsborough Heritage Centre, Old Post
Office, 12 North Street, DN21 2HS.
Exhibition exploring sports played by local
people, including teams from the Marshalls
and Roses factories – spot a relative!
Sat 9am – 3pm; 2nd and 4th Sun of the
month 11am – 4pm; Tues 10am – 3pm.
Non-members £1.50, members free. www.
gainsboroughheritage.com / 01427 610526.
28 Sept – 3 Oct, doors 6pm
LOUTH BEER FESTIVAL
1 – 4 Oct
King’s Head Hotel, Mercer Row, LN11 9JQ.
Over 20 real ales, ciders and perries. Food
also available. www.louthcamra.org.uk.
Twitter @LouthBeerFest.
BEA’S VINTAGE EXTRAVAGANZA
3 Oct, 10am – 4pm
Grantham College, Stonebridge Road, NG31
9AP. 40+ vintage stalls selling clothing,
jewellery, homeware and memorabilia from
the 40s to 80s. Vintage tea room, live music
and dancing, classic cars and children’s
traditional fair rides. Plus, have your photo
taken and transformed into a 40s/50s film
star! Entrance 50p, children free.
STURTON AND STOW ANNUAL SHOW
3 Oct, 1.30 – 4.30pm
Primary School, School Lane, LN1
2BY. 127th Show of Agricultural and
Horticultural Association. Traditional/new
classes of produce with auction after prizegiving. Plus classic vehicles, archery, birds
of prey, craft stalls, exhibits, refreshments.
Admission 50p min. donation, 30p for
children. http://sturtonandstowshow.
wordpress.com / 01427 717711.
ANNUAL EXHIBITION AND SALE
3 – 4 Oct, 10am – 4pm
Scopwick Village Hall. With Millennium
Art Group. Refreshments, free parking,
disabled access. £1 entrance, accompanied
under-16s free.
6 and 21 Oct
TRANSPORTED IN TIME
Natural World Centre, Whisby Nature Park,
Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, LN6 9BW.
Exhibition looking at development of
transport through records and images from
Lincolnshire Archives, plus today’s transport
interpreted by Lincoln photographic
group Shutter Imps. Free. www.
naturalworldcentre.co.uk / 01522 688868.
EMPIRE AT THE COLLECTION
10 – 11 Oct, 10am – 4pm
The Collection, Danes Terrace, Lincoln, LN2
1LP. Sci-fi themed family fun weekend
with craft activities, guest talks and film
screenings. www.thecollectionmuseum.
com / 01522 782040.
MILLING DAYS
11 Oct, 8 Nov and 13 Dec,
11am – 4pm
Cogglesford Watermill is holding special
milling days – see it operating as it did 200
years ago. Free. www.cogglesfordwatermill.
co.uk / 01529 413671.
PRACTICE TO DECEIVE
12 –17 Oct, 7.30pm
Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre, Victoria
Road, Louth, presents this thriller by
Norman Robbins. Tickets £8 (Theatrecard
£7). Box office 01507 600350 / www.
louthplaygoers.com.
15 – 17 Oct
Gainsborough Old Hall, Parnell Street,
DN21 2NB. Traditional ales, ciders and
perries in the Great Hall. With live music
and fires lit in the Medieval Kitchen. www.
gainsborougholdhall.com / 01522 782040.
Photo: Electric Egg
18 Oct
From Lincoln or Metheringham to Sleaford.
26 or 13-mile charity walk/run in aid of
Wheel Appeal, which provides sports
support to disabled people, and discover
NK’s artistic / historical treasures on the
way. To enter or help as a volunteer, phone
01522 694353, email eventsofficer@1life or
visit www.spiresandsteeples.com.
7 – 30 Oct, 10am – 4pm
CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL
Lincoln Christmas Market
8th SPIRES AND STEEPLES
CHALLENGE
HARDY PLANT SOCIETY
24 Oct, 2pm
William Farr CE School, Lincoln Road,
Welton, LN2 3JB. Lincolnshire HPS Group
host gardening writer Geoff Hodges on
“Beating the Winter Blues”. Also – 28 Nov:
“Virgin Gardens” with David Lewis, head
gardener at The Kensington Roof Gardens,
plus craft fair. Tickets (members £2.50,
non-members £4, incl. refreshments) from
01427 668412 or www.lincshps.org.uk.
PUMPKIN TRAIL
24 – 30 Oct
Gainsborough Old Hall, Parnell Street, DN21
2NB. Pumpkins line the trail for families to
find and count. Watch out for low-flying
witches and solve the clues. Free entry for
child in costume (with paying adult). www.
gainsborougholdhall.com / 01522 782040.
HAUNTED MUSEUM
27 Oct, 10am – 4pm (last entry
3.45pm)
The Collection, Danes Terrace, Lincoln,
LN2 1LP. Spooky family fun day. Free, with
optional crafts £1 a go. Also, free film. www.
thecollectionmuseum.com / 01522 782040.
MEDIEVAL HALLOWEEN FUN
29 – 30 Oct, 10.30am – 3.30pm
(last entry 3pm)
Guildhall Museum, Boston. With the Knights
of Skirbeck. Free.
ART EXHIBITION
30 Oct – 1 Nov
Maxey Village Hall, Cambs, PE6 9EJ (just
off A15, south of Market Deeping). Maxey
Art Group and Deepings Art Club joint
exhibition. Fri 10am – 8pm, Sat 10am –
5pm, Sun 10am – 2pm. Paintings/cards
for sale. Free entry, refreshments available.
Disabled parking etc.
The information on these pages is correct at the time of going to press. However, you may wish to confirm details with event organisers before
30
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
eples
WHAT'S ON
HALLOWEEN AT TERRIFYING
TEMPLAR TOWER
31 Oct, 11am – 4pm
Temple Bruer Tower, Temple Farm, Temple
Road, Lincoln, LN5 0DG. With Heritage
Lincolnshire – no need to book. www.
heritagelincolnshire.org / 01529 461499.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
31 Oct, 4 – 7pm
10th MARIE CURIE CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR
11 – 12 Nov (Wed 1 – 7pm, Thurs
10am – 4pm)
Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa. In aid of
Marie Curie. 50+ stalls selling paintings,
jewellery, festive foods, beauty essentials,
and more. Tickets £4, incl. tea/coffee. Info
from 01332 204 221.
Captainkids Adventureworld, Skegness
Pier, Grand Parade, PE25 2UE. Kids buffet,
ball hunt, apple bobbing, face painting,
mystery dip, fancy dress. £5.99 per child.
www.skegnesspier.co.uk / 01754 760600.
Also – 20 Dec (3 - 6pm), Kids Christmas
Party.
CRAFTS IN MOULTON
MUSEUMS AT NIGHT
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
31 Oct, until late
The Collection, Danes Terrace, Lincoln, LN2
1LP. Part of national Museums at Night
event with museums and heritage sites
across UK. www.thecollectionmuseum.
com / 01522 782040.
21st CRAFT & GIFT FAIR
7 Nov, 10.30am – 3.30pm
St Mary’s Church, Frampton, near Boston.
25+ craft / gift stalls for all ages. Also,
grand raffle, tombola, cakes, children’s
hook-a-duck (prize every time) and
refreshments incl. homemade cakes.
Entrance free, donations to local charity.
CAISTOR & DISTRICT LIONS
ANNUAL BONFIRE & FIREWORKS
7 Nov, 6pm
South Street Park, Caistor, LN7 6UB. Best
guy competition, hot dogs/soup, kids no
bang display, huge bonfire and firework
display. Free but donations welcome.
01472 852006 / Facebook: Caistor Area
Diary / http://community.lincolnshire.gov.
uk/CaistorAreaDiary/index.asp.
NETTLEHAM ART & CRAFT SALE
7 Nov, 10am – 3pm
Old School, Nettleham (nr. church),
LN2 2PE. Art Group’s annual sale, with
paintings, prints, cards, crafts, art
books and materials. Free admission.
Refreshments served. Disabled parking
etc. Donations to Lincs Group, Motor
Neurone Disease Association. 01522
753558.
DAD’S ARMY
9 – 14 Nov, 7.30pm
Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre,
Victoria Road, Louth, presents this
enduring favourite by Jimmy Perry and
David Croft. Tickets £8 (Theatrecard
£7). Box office 01507 600350 / www.
louthplaygoers.com.
20 – 21 Nov (Fri 6.30 – 9pm, Sat
10am – 4.30pm)
Moulton Methodist Church, near Spalding,
PE12 6PQ. Artists and craftspeople selling
unique specialist gifts in aid of Macmillan
Nurses.
21 Nov, 10am – 2pm
St Mary’s Church, Hogsthorpe (on A52).
Refreshments, craft stalls selling special
presents, raffle, tombola, cake stall,
pictures with Santa.
EMMA
21 Nov, 7.30pm
aromatherapy products, gifts, books, brica-brac, mulled wine and refreshments.
Admission free. To donate quality items
for church bric-a-brac stall, phone 01427
788725. For info / stalls, email alan@
marshalltoys.fsnet.co.uk or call 01427
788787.
Caistor Market Place, LN7 6TU. Market
and switch-on of lights on 50-ft tree, the
region’s biggest! Free. Town clerk on 01472
851679 / Facebook: Caistor Area Diary /
http://community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
CaistorAreaDiary/index.asp.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
29 – 30 Nov
Gainsborough Old Hall, Parnell Street,
DN21 2NB. Visit the hall in its festive glory,
with Victorian characters, plus beautiful
gifts to buy. www.gainsborougholdhall.
com / 01522 782040.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Blackfriars Theatre, Boston. With Boston
Art Group, who are donating 25% of sales
to theatre funds.
3 – 6 Dec (Thurs noon – 9pm;
Fri/Sat 10am – 9pm: Sun 10am
– 7pm)
Castle Hill and surrounding area.
Traditional, high-quality event for all the
family. www.lincoln-christmasmarket.
co.uk / 01522 881188.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Alvingham Village Hall. Craft stalls and
refreshments, incl. homemade cakes.
Parish Church of St James, Louth. 2015
marks the 500th anniversary of the
building’s completion. For services and
celebrations, visit www.inspire500.com.
MINE’S A PINT EXHIBITION
28 Nov – 16 Jan
Gainsborough Heritage Centre, Old Post
Office, 12 North Street, DN21 2HS. Join
a pub crawl through the past, learning
about pubs that dominated the town
and sports such as darts and dominoes.
Sat 9am – 3pm; 2nd and 4th Sun of the
month 11am – 4pm; Tues 10am – 3pm.
Non-members £1.50, members free.
www.gainsboroughheritage.com / 01427
610526.
STOW CHRISTMAS MARKET
28 Nov, 12.30 – 3.30pm
Historic Minster Church of St Mary’s,
LN1 2DD. Jewellery, crafts, cakes,
Caistor Christmas
1 Dec – 9 Jan
CHRISTMAS FAIR
22 Nov, 10am – 3pm
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre will be
helping Santa find his reindeer to make
sure they’re ready for Christmas Eve! Plus,
free festive refreshments. Free. www.
cranwellaviation.co.uk / 01529 488490.
28 Nov, market from 2pm,
switch-on at dusk
EXHIBITION/SALE OF PAINTINGS
Moulton Windmill, High Street, Moulton,
PE12 6QB. Stalls selling handcrafted items.
Free entry/parking. Refreshments in
Granary Tea Room. Tours of mill until 3pm.
www.moultonwindmill.co.uk / 01406
373237.
12, 13 and 19, 20 Dec,
10am to 4pm
CHRISTMAS MARKET AND TREE
LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Riverhead Theatre, Victoria Road, Louth,
hosts the Jane Austen classic, presented
by Hotbuckle Productions. Tickets £10
(Theatrecard £9). Box office 01507 600350
/ www.louthplaygoers.com.
22 Nov, 10am – 4pm
CHRISTMAS AT CRANWELL
4 – 6 Dec
STAMFORD HANDMADE
6 Dec, 10am – 4pm
Stamford Arts Centre. Christmas arts and
crafts event with quality products by local
crafters – chance to buy a distinctive gift.
Free admission. www.stamfordhandmade.
myfreesites.net / 07854 637810.
THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY
7 – 12 Dec, 7.30 pm
Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre,
Victoria Road, Louth, presents this
school comedy by Tim Firth. Tickets £8
(Theatrecard £7). Box office 01507 600350
/ www.louthplaygoers.com.
EVENT PUBLICITY
To submit details of an event for
a future edition, please email
[email protected] at
least three months before it takes
place. Due to the volume of requests,
we cannot guarantee inclusion,
so please make other publicity
arrangements.
You can also publicise events on
Lincolnshire County Council’s website.
Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/whatson
or call 01522 552868.
MORE INFORMATION
Whatever you like to do, there
is something for everyone in
Lincolnshire. For information, including
details of beaches, walks and council
heritage sites such as Lincoln Castle,
Gainsborough Old Hall and The
Collection, go to www.lincolnshire.gov.
uk/visiting. Visitor information is also
available at www.visitlincolnshire.com.
Lincolnshire Rural & Community
Touring brings professional theatre,
dance and music to village halls
from September to June each year. A
brochure is available from libraries and
other community outlets, or at www.
lincsruraltouring.co.uk.
starting your journey.
countynews autumn 2015 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews
31
Contact us
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service you need
Our Customer Service Centre can answer your calls on weekdays (except public holidays) from
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Full details are available at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/contactthecouncil
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To apply for free school meals, contact your child’s school
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including Household Waste Recycling Centres
Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/highways or call 01522 782070 – for out
of hours highways emergencies, please call 101
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Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lifelonglearning or call 01522 782011
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Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/registration or call 01522 782244
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Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schools or call 01522 782020
SOCIAL CARE
• Children – visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/caringforchildren
or call 01522 782111
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or call 01522 782155
• Carers Team – visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/carers
or call 01522 782224
• Emergency out of office hours – call 01522 782333
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for Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards or call 03454 040 506
WELLBEING SERVICE
helping people aged 18 and above to live independently
Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/wellbeingservice
or call 01522 782140
PHONE
If the service you need isn’t
listed opposite, or you’re unsure
which number to call, please
phone 01522 552222
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contactthecouncil for a full list of our
numbers or, to access our online services,
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/doitonline
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Lincolnshire County Council, Thomas Parker House, 13/14
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Contacting your county councillor
Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/localdemocracy or call
01522 782060
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To find your parish or town council, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.
uk/localdemocracy or call the Lincolnshire Association of Local
Councils on 01673 866596/863417