NewsNK Spring 2011

newsnk

May 5 is election day for choosing your District and parish councillors

The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents

Council Tax frozen for 2011 Residents welcome NKDC's tax freeze and spending plans as ‘about right’ There will be no increase in the Council Tax charged by North Kesteven District Council for the year starting on April 1.

The Council has agreed to freeze its demand on Council Tax at the same level as last year, giving a zero increase .

This maintains the NKDC charge for a Band D home at £135.09 for the year, reduced to £90.06 or £105.07 for the smaller Band B and C houses most people occupy.

It is a position supported by a representative sample of District residents who responded through a Viewpoint Panel consultation.

When asked their views on NKDC's Council Tax freeze for this year and a possible 2% increase in the next two years, 70% of the 122 respondents said this was 'about right' while 11% said they were happy to pay more.

The Viewpoint responses also showed that residents rate the quality of Council services highly, think it performs well financially and has identified the right priorities for targeting services towards stronger communities, better homes and a more robust economy.

Although most taxpayers will see absolutely no change in the amount they are charged in the final bill, some will see increases or even decreases - by a few pence because of the amounts parish councils are calling for.

Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police Authority are also freezing their parts of the bill.

Forty two of North Kesteven's parish councils have also adopted

Nathan Walker (left) and George Young were among those who contributed to the budget consultation, both feeling that the Council had got its sums ‘about right’.

The 12-year-olds both attend Branston Community College and were unanimous in their appreciation of the Council asking their opinions and taking them onboard.

“It’s great that the Council feels that what we say counts,” said George, while Nathan said, “I think they’ve done a really good job to find all of those savings whilst keeping all the right bits in all the right areas and not asking for more in Council Tax.” zero increases, while eight have decreased their charges. Twenty two have put theirs up by varying sums between less than one % and almost 46%.

Although it is NKDC which collects all of the Council Tax, it keeps less than a tenth for the delivery of its services locally, passing around 74 pence in every pound to the county council, 12 pence to the police authority and a variable amount which averages out at 4.5 pence to parish councils.

Full details of what you will be paying where you live, broken

Our Homes – page 7

down by property bandings, are included in the Council Tax Booklet being sent out during March.

The freeze has been made possible by the Government giving each major authority a one-off increase in funding equivalent to a 2.5% Council Tax rise for the coming year. For NKDC this is worth £127,800.

At the same time, changes in the way councils are financed has led to North Kesteven receiving 20% less from the Government.

This means that £1,077,000 has had to be saved from the budget

this coming year to achieve a balanced spending programme of £12,046,000.

It is expected that a further £2,046,000 needs to be saved for 2012/13 which will be consulted on over the coming year.

Ian Fytche, NKDC’s Chief Executive, said the coming years’ budgets were the most challenging the Council had faced in a generation, but it did not want to add to residents’ financial burden at a time of spending restraint.

See page two for details of the budget-balancing measures.

Our Communities – pages 10 & 11

 01529 414155 / 01522 699699  info@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Spring 2011

Most homes will pay just £7.50 a month Most households in North Kesteven will be charged £90.06 for District Council services in the year from April - just £7.50 a month.

These are the 12,587 homes designated in band A. The sums being charged at band B and C - the next most common homes in the District - are £105.07 and £120.08 rates of £8.75 and £10 a month.

Band D homes will pay £135.09 - £11.25 monthly For this you receive: >> Weekly refuse and recycling clearance >> Street cleaning >> Planning control >> Public health, restaurant, pub and take-away food hygiene inspections >> CCTV in Sleaford and North Hykeham >> Action on Community Safety >> Economic promotion and support for regeneration >> Grants for repairs, insulation and energy efficiency >> Licensing of entertainment and alcohol provision >> Leisure and sports outreach >> Visitor attractions and countryside protection >> Advice on housing and homelessness >> Administration of council tax and housing benefits >> Organisation of elections >> Rate relief to organisations and businesses >> Community access points >> Health Trainers to advise on fitness, diet and lifestyles >> Advice on sustainability and energy efficiency >> Much, much more.

Our Economy – pages 12 & 13

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Managing Change

newsnk

is your newspaper

The newspaper is edited by the Communications Team at North Kesteven District Council.

Each issue costs approximately 8p to produce.

Editorial Phone: 01529 308116 Email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk Address: North Kesteven District Council District Council Offices, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EF Council Enquiries Phone: 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 if calling from a Lincoln number Minicom: 01529 308088 Emergency: 01529 308308 or 01522 699650 Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk Email: customer_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk Lincolnshire County Council: 01522 552222 INFO-LINKS North Hykeham North Kesteven Centre, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9AX INFO-LINKS Metheringham 15a High Street, Metheringham, Lincoln, LN4 3DZ

inside Count me in Completing the Census on March 27 will help boost the financing anddelivery oflocal services 4

Sow Grow Cook New project helps communities discover the delights of home-grown, home-cooked food 8 & 9

Sporting start Four District residents win county sports awards 5

Broad delight The country’s fastest broadband access brings Ashby alive 10

Home sweet home Council investment in new homes brings joy for families 7

Masterplanning The Sleaford Masterplan maps out the town’s future direction 12

Careful cost cutting balances the budget High-quality services are maintained at a low cost for resident's benefit Scores of budget-balancing measures have been identified by the Council to ensure minimum impact on service delivery whilst making £3m of cuts for the next two years.

A cut of one-third in Government support for local service delivery has left the Council needing to shave £1,077,000 off its budget for 2011/12 and to build those savings to £2,046,000 the following year.

In the main this has been done by trimming away at internal corporate costs, through closer partnerships with other authorities, reduced training, extended refuse vehicle lease and similar back-office measures which collectively account for around three-quarters of the total savings for 2011/12.

Small increases in some parking and bulky

The Viewpoint Panel was set up to be representative of the District’s demographic spread, with around 1,300 members invited to consultation events to have their say on the Council’s spending plans, budget cuts and priorities before they were set.

Of the 122 respondents at sessions in Sleaford, North Hykeham and Harmston, 78% rated the quality of the Council’s services as good and just 2% saw them as poor.

Three in four (75%) thought the Council’s performance with money was good, with just 5% thinking it poor.

Eleven per cent were prepared to pay more

Branston Connect Branston Community Library, Station Road, Branston, LN4 1LH Heckington Parish Office Eastgate, Heckington, NG34 9RB Navenby Village Office 19 High Street, Navenby, Lincoln, LN5 0EN Osbournby Village Hall London Road, Osbournby, Sleaford, NG34 0DG

The Witham Office 16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9HF Waddington Parish Council High Street, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9RF Washingborough Civic Office Fen Road, Washingborough, Lincoln, LN4 1AB

This document is available in large print, Braille, audio, electronic formats such as CD, or in a different language.

Printed on Recycled Paper

2 newsnk Spring 2011

waste collection fees and a new planning advice charge bring in limited extra income.

Frontline service cuts have been kept to a minimum, with Local Access Points opening for a few fewer hours and travel tokens, subsidy for pest control and support for community policing removed from the budget.

The Council had anticipated having to make cuts of this level, but has to accelerate its cost cutting plan over two years instead of the four year plan it had projected for.

Chief Executive Ian Fytche said, “Difficult decisions have had to be taken in order to ensure a balanced financial plan for the next two years, given the finite resources available at a time of significant financial challenges and a freeze in Council Tax. “A tremendous amount of effort has gone

into identifying the savings which are now agreed following consultation.

“Every area of Council business was looked into. Despite already being a lean organisation, delivering excellent value for money and high-quality services at low cost, we have identified a number of areas where, through stronger partnership working, closer attention on costs, service reviews and limited increases in fees, we can achieve these savings without compromising direct service delivery.

“Members and officers have worked hard to achieve a budget plan which maintains a commitment to our priorities, achieves our vision for North Kesteven and continues to deliver high quality services whilst minimising the impact of cuts on the front line.”

Resident satisfaction with NKDC's money handling and service delivery

Billinghay Cottage & Parish Office The Old Vicarage Cottage, Church Street, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4HN

Skellingthorpe Village Office Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe Community Centre, Lincoln, LN6 5UT

8&9

Council Tax than proposed, 70% said the plan was ‘about right’ and 19% thought it too high.

In total, 67% agreed that the Council’s priorities for the coming year were the right ones, 10% didn’t and 24% expressed no strong opinion either way.

These ratings are consistent with last year when 78% thought the spending plans were about right and 84% had high regard for both money handling and delivery of services.

The Viewpoint Panel is being refreshed to ensure it remains representative. If you want to volunteer, contact the Research team on 01529 308237.

Happy, hail and hearty at 100 Arthur Scott, the Council’s oldest tenant, approached his 100th birthday celebrations with the same can-do approach he applies to every aspect of his daily life.

In just the same way as he still cooks for himself, manages his own medication, keeps a tidy house, takes a daily walk, carries out his weekly shopping and juggles a hectic social life of coffee mornings, fellowship groups and pub lunches, Arthur organised his own party without any fuss or recourse for help or assistance.

Arthur has lived in one of NKDC’s bungalows in Swinderby since 1979, enjoying the benefits of a warm, secure and spacious home and appreciating the help and care arranged through the Council‘s housing support services.

“We were lucky to get this place, moving in a year after it was built,” he said. “It suits me just fine and the Council’s always been good to me.”

Despite being widowed from his 95-yearold wife Jenny six weeks before his big day and enduring the coldest winter of his lifetime, he continues in high-sprits, with a sharp mind, keen wit, sparkling eyes, cheery smile and good humour.

After retiring from 34 years on Lincolnshire Roadcar buses at the age of 65, Arthur carried on as a driver for Wright and Sons.

“People keep asking me what the recipe to a long life is and all I can say is good food, clean living and plenty of exercise. Meeting people, keeping busy and keeping on the move haven’t done me any harm,” he said.

Arthur at home in Swinderby

News Focus

Championing NK's waste collection

The waste collection and recycling service appreciated

by North Kesteven residents is being held up as an example of good practice and efficiency.

The Improvement and Efficiency Partnership case study on NKDC describes it as ‘one of the best performing councils in the country for recycling and minimising levels of waste produced by households’.

North Kesteven is in twelfth place nationally for recycling and scores an impressive 83% satisfaction rating with residents.

NKDC was among the best for maintaining services in December's bad weather – prioritising efforts on household and recycling collections, cancelling on only three days and

keeping residents informed.

Head of Environmental Services Mark Taylor, said, “We are very proud of the achievements of our refuse team on many levels, especially so during the snow and ice when service was maintained as much as possible and all lost days were quickly caught up.

“We believe the NK way is the best way to deliver a comprehensive waste collection service and high levels of recycling at low cost. This is borne out by the East Midlands IEP’s confidence in celebrating our successful, imaginative and innovative approach,” he said.

North Kesteven was one of the first to adopt wheeled bins and alternate weekly collections which

other councils now seek to copy.

The study says NKDC has kept a high level of performance over several years, has built on performance year-on-year and maintained high efficiency, all at a low cost per household. It says this has been achieved by: >> Matching operations to the needs of the local area – with three wheeled bins, alternate week collections, flexible crew sizes and reducing garden waste rounds in winter >> A culture of continuous improvement – increasing the range of recyclables, route optimisation and developing staff >> Targeting householder education where it is needed most and

maximising contract value.

The study says ‘There are various initiatives North Kesteven has worked on that could be considered by any waste collection service, in-house or outsourced, urban or rural’.

These include the review which achieved 15% of the Council’s efficiency savings last year by redesigning routes; flexibility of using smaller crews where appropriate; high customer service leading to high customer satisfaction; and high staff productivity.

It describes a collection service that offers good value for money, performs well at low cost, has often been in the top 10 for recycling and sends low amounts to landfill.filow.

Active play close to home Housing Benefit changes Fun and activities are back on the road as North Kesteven’s new play scheme reaches every corner of the District.

The Pod is travelling around the District running activity sessions for children and young people aged up to 16 in rural communities.

Every six to eight weeks The Pod has a new timetable of afternoon and evening stopping off points Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday bookings.

The distinctive black and orange vehicle is being operated by NKDC’s leisure service provider Leisure Connection through a £200,000 grant from the BIG Lottery Fund.

With a mixture of active sports and gaming options, music making, and computers on board, there’s something for all interests from the tiniest tots up to 16-year-olds in different sessions.

To find out where The Pod is calling in next, pick up a timetable from your local Community Access Point or parish office.

Leah Stainsby (four) and brother Benjamin (six) got crafty on The Pod in Billinghay. Mum Bronwen said it was especially valued where there weren't any after school clubs and wished it could stay longer Find The Pod on www.facebook. com/thepodnk. or contact NK Outreach on 01522 870252 or playNK@leisureconnection.co.uk.

Changes to Housing Benefit from the start of April have now been confirmed by Government, for tenants renting from a private landlord. The changes are >> Housing Benefit (HB) will not be more than the rent. Anyone getting a top up of upto £15 a week will lose this from April 1. >> The maximum bedrooms paid for

by HB is cut from five to four. >> For all new claims, the Local Housing Allowance rates will be set at a lower level. Those already claiming will continue on the higher rates until 2012 unless they have a break in their claim, change address or the number

of bedrooms they need changes.

HB could be about £11 a week less for a typical family requiring a one, two or three bed property. >> HB may be made payable to landlords where it helps secure a tenancy, such as where a landlord agrees to reduce the rent. >> There will also be additional bedroom allowed for outside carers who need an overnight room to look after a claimant.

Further information from our Customer Services on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 and online at www.directgov.uk

Darters play is extended The Little Darters Wildlife Adventure Area at the Whisby Natural World Centre has been made even better.

An extended sandpit allows children to excavate sand using in-built ‘heavy plant’ and even

discover dinosaur fossils. Like the other Little Darters attractions it is free to use, accessible to children up to 16 and helps to educate about wildlife habitats and origins.

It is open at Whisby 10am to 5pm daily.

Election Countdown There are elections on May 5 to elect all members to North Kesteven District Council for the next four years, and a referendum on parliamentary voting reform.

Anyone wanting to stand for the NKDC elections must do so before noon on April 5, with nominations opening on March 21.

Deadline to register or amend postal voting requirements is April 15 and changes affecting proxy votes must be made by April 26, with medical emergencies taken up to 5pm on polling day.

Anyone interested in knowing about the election process, rules and procedures associated with being a parish or district councillor, nominations and agents can find out more at a briefing workshop.

They start at 6pm at the NKDC offices in Sleaford on March 14 and Terry O’Toole Theatre, North Hykeham on March 15.

Details from Cliff Robinson on 01529 308245.

Voting is made easier New polling locations will be opened within North Kesteven on May 5 to make voting easier.

A review of polling districts, places and stations carried out in consultation with disability groups, parish councils and others has resulted in a few minor changes to electoral arrangements.

These will take effect at the District and Parish Council elections on May 5, when there will also be a national referendum on parliamentary voting reform.

In most cases, only minor changes have been made, such as moving ballot boxes to a larger room, as at Helpringham Village Hall, to allow more space.

Security, safety and space constraints are also behind the use of Ruskington’s Village Hall instead of the Winchelsea Hall.

Voters will no longer use Thurlby Church but join the Bassingham electors at The Hammond Hall and due to low voter numbers, accessibility and the relative ease of using Wilsford Village Hall instead, Culverthorpe Hall will no longer be a polling station.

Witham St Hugh's village hall replaces the school, and there is a change from the Cadet Hall in Sleaford.

Spring 2011 newsnk 3

News Focus

What will you be doing on Sunday March 27?

What's in it for me?

If you are keen to ensure local services like housing, education, healthcare and transport are adequately funded, you would do well to take a few minutes out to fill in the 2011 Census.

A census is a count of the population and Census Day is on March 27, so you need to complete your questionnaire on or around this date to give an accurate snapshot of the whole country’s population on one day.

You will be able to complete your questionnaire before, on, or soon after Census Day – online or on paper – from March 4, making sure your answers are about the people living or staying overnight

in your household on that day.

There is a census every ten years in the UK to find out more about who we are as a nation and by you telling a little about yourself, your work, health and so on, you can help to ensure accurate statistics form the basis of planning, funding and delivering the everyday services we all need – like those provided by NKDC.

Census forms will be sent in the post with a code to use if you want to complete it online at any time up to May 6 or a pre-paid envelope to send it back in. Most questions need only a tick response.

If you need help filling the form in, you can get guidance at www.census.gov.uk or on the helpline detailed on the form.

Youth and Community awards Benefits cheat The North Kesteven Youth and Community Awards are being revamped and revised to be of wider appeal across the District.

When they are launched in late spring there will be more categories through which you can nominate unsung heroes in your community and people who you

feel deserve recognition for their community spiritedness, business acumen and voluntary endeavour.

There will be awards for inspiring youngsters and exceptional adults so do start thinking now of who you could nominate and look out for publicity of the process in local media and at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

State-of-the-art play facilities swing into action at Martin New state-of-the-art play facilities will be swinging into action in Martin at the end of March.

Using funds from various sources around £170,000 is being invested to reflect the desires of village youngsters.

In addition to an extensive range of climbing facilities, humps, bumps and solutions to promote creative play – funded with £58,000 from the national Play Builder programme – a football field is being created by building up and levelling an area of adjacent land at Linwood Road.

A further £10,000 is being put in through NKDC’s Community Improvement Scheme after Martin’s tenant representative made a strong bid for provision of more traditional play equipment for younger children.

4 newsnk Spring 2011

Martin Parish Council is also seeking £48,000 which, if successful, would pay for a second phase of play development later in the year.

The Play Builder fund has allocated money to every council in the country to invest in top quality play facilities which promote imagination, creativity and adventure.

NKDC used previous Play Builder funds to build the successful Little Darters facility at the Whisby Natural World Centre and identified a further need in Martin, due to a lack of local play facilities for young people.

While the project is aimed at 8-13 year olds, older teenagers and parents were also involved in designing the scheme during consultation in the summer where they let their imagination run wild.

A man who won £180,000 on the National Lottery has been jailed for six months after claiming more than £20,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

A joint prosecution brought by North Kesteven District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions culminated in Reginald Dyke, 59, of Almond Walk, Sleaford pleading guilty to dishonesty charged.

He admitted wilfully receiving Council Tax Benefit and Income Support with his partner, having declared on several occasions that he only had £1,200 in savings.

Based on an anonymous allegation, a joint investigation revealed he had won around £180,000 in 2001 and he still had about £52,000 left in various accounts.

Dyke admitted he had not declared the savings as he knew it would affect his entitlement to benefits, which were paid between May 2003 and November 2009.

He will have to repay the full £20,191.12, which he received in overpayments.

The judge at Lincoln Crown Court said Dyke was motivated by greed and had had ample opportunity to notify the authorities of his financial situation, but failed to do so.

He recommended that Dyke serve at least half of the six month term imposed because of the scale and prolonged nature of the fraud.

The census is all about analysing trends which give a powerful insight into the lifestyles and needs of all of us: as individuals, families, students and workers.

So when your Census questionnaire arrives, think what it could mean to you.

Child friendly The Census could help satisfy your need for nursery places, after-school clubs, play schemes, parks, buses and in planning appropriate schooling for your children, right through to 18.

Transport options The Census can highlight trends in journey times and destinations, identifying areas where roads and public transport could be improved or new local transport links set up to give you an easy walk or ride to work.

Trades and professions Census statistics help councils like NKDC attract inward investment to support skills training, boost employment or help you set up in business on your own.

Access to healthcare Census data helps local government and health services ensure there are enough doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists near you.

New to the UK The Census can help identify groups and areas where there is a demand for language skills and specialist support.

Sharing the care Census information can inform levels of

care, respite and wider support for all people in need.

Accommodating homes The Census can help identify where there aren’t enough houses of the right kind to meet local need so that councils like NKDC can plan the right mix of accommodation.

Rural reliability If you live out of town, the Census can help with provision of essential, on-call services, like police and ambulances, and voluntary support.

Whoever and wherever you are The Census provides localised population statistics which can help organisations like NKDC, make sure there are enough of the right people around to help you – from pool lifeguards and youth workers to refuse collectors, paramedics, teachers, bus drivers and more.

If businesses better understand the make-up of the local population, it could even bring in things like smarter designer labels and affordable high-street fashion, health spas, mobility specialists, out of town hypermarkets or corner shops.

And for the Council, it’s an essential way of making sure we get enough government funding to serve you and your community.

A few households short and someone, somewhere will lose out.

The census needs to include everyone, everywhere – and that’s why everyone has to take part and fill it in.

News Focus

Big increase in adults playing sport locally As a number of participation programmes reach their goals in North Kesteven, more adults are being active through sport right across the District The Lincolnshire Sports Partnership sees a rise of 4.4% in adult sports participation over the last four years as a ‘significant increase’.

With 26% of adults aged over 16 engaging in sport and physical activity three or more times a week, North Kesteven is ranked 26th in the country, an improvement of 135 places on the 2006 figure of 21.6%.

The results come from Sport England's Active People Survey.

NKDC has been working closely with sports partnerships, county council and local sports clubs and coaches to increase and sustain participation in sport.

Projects like Sport Unlimited which invested £15,239 in clubs and schemes across the District last year alone, has contributed

hugely to these figures, drawing in 1,003 new participants to sport and physical activity alone.

Ten new Over 45’s physical activity groups reached 132 participants each week and over £100,000 has been invested into schemes such as Exercise Referral, Fit Kids, Health Walks, the Inclusive Fitness Initiative and Free Swimming to encourage people in

Award winners, from left: Richard Sargent, Jack Harvey, Holly Crosby and Andrew Skinner

Four of the 16 sports people, volunteers, coaches and individuals awarded with Lincolnshire Sports Awards in 2010 were from North Kesteven Jack Harvey from Bassingham was named Young Sportsman of the Year after finishing second in the Formula BMW Championship with 13 podium finishes from a possible 16 - claiming 7 outright wins and 8 pole positions. He now competes in Formula 3.

Welbourn’s Holly Crosby was Young Sportswoman of the Year.

She was called up for the U15 England football squad aged 12, and the U17 England squad aged 14. She has represented England in many international friendlies and was selected for the England U17 Squad for the UEFA European

Championships.

Wheelchair basketball player Richard Sargent from North Hykeham was judged Young Disabled Sportsperson of the Year. He is a key player with Great Britain’s U23 squad, winning two silver medals in the last six months. He won the Super League with his team Wolverhampton Rhinos and hopes to play for the Full National team very soon.

Andrew Skinner from Skellingthorpe is Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, having represented Great Britain at the Sitting Volleyball World Championships and World Cup.

He has also been to the 2012 Paralympic training camp and climbed Kilimanjaro for Limbpower.

In addition runners up included Andy Fisher from North Hykeham for contribution to physical activity; Jon Foot at Branston Community College as sports educator of the year and Mark Fell from the Lincolnshire County Cricket Club as coach of the year The Lincolnshire Sports Partnership awards to recognise sports people, coaches, volunteers and individuals involved in sport and physical activity from across the county. They were presented by BBC broadcaster John Inverdale.

Our Community: Our Plan - your say A plan has been drawn up outlining a partnership approach to the main challenges facing the District in the next decade.

Our Community: Our Plan has been written in consultation with residents, businesses and other agencies which are key to achieving improved quality of life, economic performance and environmental stability within North Kesteven.

It details how PartnershipNK will meet the Council’s new priorities on

Our Economy, Our Homes and Our Communities through practical and decisive action.

PartnershipNK is made up of representatives from councils, police, community and voluntary groups and private business to coordinate joint action on tackling the identified challenges.

Its predecessor the Local Strategic Partnership’s achievements include establishing ExtremeNK, supporting the formation of the Spires and

Steeples long distance footpath, junior rangers project and support for carers with Carers Connect..

The new plan describes how PartnershipNK intends to deliver social, economic and environmental well-being by tackling 17 defined challenges in sustainable and accessible ways.

Our Community: Our Plan can be seen in full at www.n-kesteven. gov/ lsp or call Luisa McIntosh on 01529 308196.

to sport and physical activity.

Mike Lock co-ordinates the partnership between NKDC and sports and leisure operations. He said, “Adult sports is regarded as a high priority within the area and the District Council has worked hard with its partners over the years on a range of initiatives to encourage active involvement.

“There are many sporting facilities and opportunities available for free, or low cost, within the District, either provided by or supported by NKDC to suit all abilities and aptitudes, ranging from the Stepping Out countryside walks to the new climbing wall, at the NK Centre. We hope to continue with this year-on-year success and work with adults to become more active for the future.”

Overall in Lincolnshire, adult participation rose by 3.9% as 22,479 more people adopted sport or physical activity, lifting the county from bottom ranking to tenth of 29 and the region's highest performer.

Audio newsnk hits Hykeham Following the successful launch of an audio version of newsnk in January, the provision is expanding to ensure even more residents get access to the news, advice and essential information which help you make the most of your District.

Last December articles and features were recorded with the help of Sleaford and District Talking Newspaper so that the blind and partially sighted had better access to the information.

It is also available to download and listen to at the Council’s website as a digital MP3.

Now the Lincoln Talking Newspaper is able to take the material which means that 51 subscribers who live within North Kesteven – a third of its listeners – will be able to listen to newsnk from this edition.

If you would like more details on accessing the Talking Newspapers call Barbara Roberts on 01529 488488 for Sleaford’s and Richard Treasure on 01522 820728 for Lincoln’s.

Brainboxes of the District unite...

A charity quiz will allow you to pit your wits and raise funds for good causes.

The Brains of Kesteven challenge will be held on Friday, April 8, in support of NKDC Chairman Cllr Sue Howe’s charities, Diabetes UK and Candles, a local cause in support of breast cancer patients.

Teams of up to six are welcome

in the NKDC Civic Suite, Sleaford, at £6 per head including supper.

Bar available. Starts 7.30pm.

For tickets, contact Pauline Collett on 01529 414155 or the Info Links in Metheringham and North Hykeham, detailed on page 2.

So far £1,200 has been raised in this Civic Year towards the Chairman’s chosen charities.

Are you ready for the switch?

North Kesteven will have its analogue TV signals switched to digital in March, April and August.

Those parts receiving Central region coverage will see BBC 2 switch on March 30, followed by all other channels on April 13.

Other areas receive Yorkshire region coverage. Here BBC 2 is programmed to be changed on August 3, with all the remaining channels on August 17.

From these dates, only TV sets with built-in digital capacity or a separate ‘Digibox’ will receive signals.

Help is available from the Switchover Help Scheme.

For £40 people aged over 75, eligible for certain disability benefits, registered blind or partially sighted or living in care homes, will be offered practical help to switch over one TV set to digital.

This will be free for those on income related benefits.

Details on 0800 4085 900 or www.helpscheme.co.uk/en/contact

Spring 2011 newsnk 5

Community Safety

To promote the wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s 100 Flourishing Communities

Priorities for community action Making sure people feel safe within their homes and communities is at the heart of the North Kesteven Community Safety Partnership’s new priorities Four key areas for focussed attention have been set as priorities for the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) for 2011.

They have been set after much consultation with the residents and representative groups like the NK Seniors, NK Youth Council and council tenants. Another key influencer is localised crime data which helps the partnership come to an informed decision.

The new priorities are: >> Anti Social Behaviour was constantly raised as an issue by residents. ASB is reasonably low but can be reduced even more with partnership action. >> Theft from Shops is an

Safe NK

A new website is being created as a one-stop point for advice to promote community safety.

The Safe NK web page pulls together all of NKDC's activities to help residents feel safer.

Although currently under construction, keep a look out for up to date crime advice, information on campaigns and projects to make you safer, joining Neighbourhood Watch and a really simply way to report ASB online quickly and effectively. www.n-kestven.gov.uk/safenk/

Most People stay free from crime by adopting simple and sensible precautions, like those promoted through this copy of newsnk.

By taking these measures, like Most People, you can stay safe and enjoy North Kesteven's low crime status.

important priority. The low crime in North Kesteven means that residents can enjoy shopping in a safe environment. We will be working to make this environment even safer. >> Substance misuse is an area where the CSP would like to make a real impact as drugs and alcohol can ruin lives. It will be working to raise awareness of the harms substances can have and the treatments that are readily available. >> Domestic abuse is very much a hidden crime, the CSPs main focus is to encourage people to seek help if they are in an abusive relationship. There is

a very good support network in Lincolnshire that can help anyone suffering domestic abuse and a strategy was recently agreed which will help inform action by the District Council and partners.

Bringing together agencies like NKDC, the police, fire service, Probation Service, Criminal Justice Board, county council and health trusts, the CSP is focussed on making North Kesteven a safer place to live work and visit.

A strong emphasis is on reflecting residents’ views and in working with residents to take positive action to prevent crime in the first place, to feel safe and work on community-based solutions.

Going for it in Sleaford

The Joint Action Group is the body which delivers the direction and priorities of the Community Safety Partnership. Made up of representatives of the bodies which form the CSP each person brings their own skills and ideas into the mix.

The Community Safety Partnership is a group of local organisations committed to making North Kesteven a safe place to live, work and visit.

Partners include NKDC, the police, fire, health and probation services.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s rep on the NKDC JAG is Noel Chapman, station manager of Sleaford Fire Station (pictured).

“Working in partnership with the other members of the CSP and JAG, my aims are to reduce arson and accidental house fires.

“Through partnership working we have succeeded in reducing

arson and house fires and I think we have all benefitted. It has also increased the number of convictions for arson in the area.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue provide free home fire safety checks to all residents in the area.

For details call 01522 582222.

Stand Up and Stay Safe The Community Safety Partnership went for it in the half term holidays with a repeat of the successful Go For It activities programme.

Throughout the week at Northgate Sports Centre and Carre’s Grammar School in Sleaford, 11 to 19 year olds were kept busy with football, dance, road safety vehicle, skate park, parkour, DJ decks, games consoles, arts, crafts and cooking.

This programme which has become part of the half-term holiday scene is put together by the School Sports Partnership working with Childrens Services, Extreme NK

and Lincolnshire Police.

Such diversionary activities are renowned as the best way and the most positive way of reducing anti social behaviour on a local level and during the corresponding week last year the CSP saw a 46 per cent drop in anti-social activity compared to usual level, which was a reduction of 33 incidents.

North Kesteven’s Community Safety Manager Heidi Ryder said the Go For It programmes also encourages young people into sport, promote interaction between young people and most importantly, is fun.

North Kesteven District Council’s Community Safety Partnership is once again asking its younger residents to Stand Up and Stay Safe.

Building on the success of last spring’s courses, the 2011 Stand Up and Stay Safe project has already engaged girls aged 10 and 11 in learning simple self defence techniques and boys of the same age are taking part in March and April.

The programme is completely free for 10-11 year olds moving up to secondary school to learn some simple self defence techniques from world class kick boxer, Louise

Most people don't expect to get burgled in North Kesteven ... but still lock their doors and windows when they go out

Are you most people?

6 newsnk Spring 2011

North Kesteven Community Safety Partnership

Nelson. These help boost self esteem and self awareness and build-up confidence ahead of the big move.

Parents don’t miss out either as whilst their children learn the benefits of self defence, retired policeman Andy Ross is on hand to teach them more about the dangers of alcohol, drugs, bullying, internet safety and other concerns appropriate to their age.

The latest sessions have been in Sleaford and North Hykeham.

To learn more about Stand Up and Stay Safe ahead of the next programme, call Matthew Holden on 01529 414155 ext 28273.

To develop plans for the future growth of North Kesteven, including the provision of new communities, affordable housing and community infrastructure

New houses satisfy local demand This spring 17 of the Council’s newly built houses become homes for families Local homes in areas of local need has been the motivation behind the 35 new homes being built by the Council in communities across the District.

And that could not have been achieved any better than in Wellingore where Stephanie and Tim Sims are settling in to one of the first council houses built for a generation.

The three houses in Cumberland Avenue and two at nearby Grayson Green are built in direct response to need and have been an aspiration of the Council’s long before a funding mechanism to meet half of the costs helped to bring them to reality.

Likewise, the two straw houses already built at Waddington, the two being built at Martin and the other homes which will be tenanted this spring at North Hykeham, Ruskington and Sleaford – plus the 16 following on in Sleaford, Ruskington and Branston – are all located to meet local shortages.

In total the Council is investing £1,823,982 in the projects, which is match-funded by the Homes &

Stephanie, Tim and Joshua are delighted with their new house in Wellingore Communities Agency.

For Stephanie and Tim it’s a dream come true.

Stephanie (20) went on the waiting list two years ago, expressly hoping for a house in Wellingore. With such limited supply she feared a long wait, but thanks to the new builds she is able to live in the same street she has lived in since she was three months old.

“This is now the third house I’ve lived in on the Avenue and I can’t believe we’ve got it. Because I’ve always lived here and Tim lived next-door-but-one to me for 11 years, it’s like a dream that we can set up our first home together on the same street,” she said.

“When they said they were going to build new houses here I had my fingers, my toes and everything crossed. Even watching them being

built, I never dared hope we’d get one of them.”

Their good fortune falls in line with son Joshua’s first birthday and their marriage this spring and means that they can remain central to all of their friends and family.

“The fact that we can all live together now and be a proper family is great, and to do that in a house that’s really spacious, warm and just where we want it, is perfect,” said Tim (25).

All of the new houses are built with air source heating and solar thermal water that delivers hot water through the taps in two seconds, with thicker than usual insulation and under-floor heating.

This is a higher than usual standard which means tenants can benefit from cheaper heating bills and fewer environmental side effects.

Head of Communities at the Council, Phil Roberts said, “Stories like Stephanie and Tim’s reassure us that we are right to prioritise the building of new homes and promote housing, to strengthen and build strong communities and support the welfare of our residents.”

First demotion of tenancy for District Council

A better future for Central Lincolnshire

North Kesteven District Council has successfully downgraded a tenant’s right to a secure tenancy as a consequence of neighbourly nuisance.

The tenant from Branston received the alteration to her tenancy after her son was convicted of committing five burglaries in the village, along with other anti-social behaviour acts.

Talks between the tenant’s solicitor and NKDC resulted in a

In the summer a further draft of the Central Lincolnshire plan will be put out for consultation.

A draft has been based on the public's preferences and desires which emerged from the 467 responses given during a six week airing of the blueprint for development in the North Kesteven, Lincoln and West Lindsey areas over the next 15 to 20 years.

For now go to www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/ldf for more detail.

demotion of tenancy being agreed, with the tenant waiving her rights to a secure tenancy.

Having been fully cooperative, the tenant understands that if she or a member of her family cause any further problems or become a nuisance during this year, the case will be heard again in court and the Council will re-gain ownership of the property.

The Council's Head of Communities Phil Roberts, whose

remit includes housing,said this course of action illustrated the Council’s commitment to protecting its tenants whilst acting against anti-social behaviour.

“Although we have not had to use this form of penalty before, it has been in place for the past three years and is a good way to warn tenants that we are willing to take such action where necessary without first giving a chance for improved conduct,” he said.

Domestic Abuse Strategy adopted by NKDC Domestic abuse in the District will be tackled head on through a new Domestic Abuse Strategy.

This provides a local response to issues surrounding domestic abuse, setting out how the council will proceed in safeguarding those who are subject to or in fear of domestic abuse.

The Community Safety Partnership has highlighted domestic abuse as a major concern and through the strategy the Council has laid out how it can work more effectively to ease the

situation locally, especially through the provision of housing.

It is hoped that this will help reduce both the incidence and the acceptability of domestic abuse, promote faster and clearer reporting of problems and ensure high quality support and protection service to those experiencing and witnessing domestic abuse.

Services the Council offers pro-actively include a sanctuary scheme to help the victim remain at home is safe and possible, emergency alarms, rent advance

and deposit guarantees to ease speedy removal from danger and housing support workers.

It is projected that by the end of March the police will have had 674 domestic abuse crimes reported to them within North Kesteven, up from the 631 reported last year when the Council’s homeless advice service supported 26 clients as a result of domestic abuse.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Council if they have witnessed or are experiencing some form of domestic abuse.

Our Homes

Praise for Tenants Tenants of homes provided by North Kesteven District Council are among the best in the country for paying rent on time.

A report detailing various aspects of housing provision by – or on behalf of – local authorities, puts NKDC in the top 10%.

Where rent arrears are concerned it’s the second best achiever among councils with direct operation of their housing stock.

At March 31 last year, there was only 0.69% of the year's total outstanding in rent arrears £80,117 from a rent roll of £11.5m.

This was an improvement on the previous year when the annual arrears at the end of the financial year in March was 0.92% and continued an improving trend over recent years.

The analysis of English local authority housing management also highlights NKDC’s performance in carrying out urgent repairs – completing 99% on time – and the average time between lettings, which was 22 days on the last year.

These criteria of re-let interval, urgent repairs and rent arrears place NK eighth out of all those English authorities which have retained management of their housing stock.

During the last year North Kesteven tenants were found to have the highest level of tenant satisfaction within the East Midlands, with nine out of ten (87.7%) general needs tenants satisfied with the overall performance provided by the Council as landlord.

Fewer than one in twenty (4.6%) expressed dissatisfaction with the Council's performance as a landlord.

Putting life back into empty homes Is there a house near you that’s been empty for six months or more?

If you are concerned about it and think it has potential for helping others to find a home, NKDC can help.

The Council is part of a partnership helping to bring empty homes back into use and good repair.

You can report your concern through the Lincolnshire Empty Homes Projects website www.lincsemptyhomes.org.uk. Or call Luke Taylor, Empty Homes Project Officer, on 01529 308297.

Spring 2011 newsnk 7

Our Communities

To promote the wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s 100 Flourish Communities

Sow, Grow Cook for a healthier more sust The seeds are about to be sown on two new initiatives which will work together in helping communities across the District learn more about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles The old adage that you reap what you sow is the basis to the Sow Grow Cook project getting underway within North Kesteven during March.

Using £60,000 which has been successfully drawn into North Kesteven District Council from a health and wellbeing fund for delivering Food 4 Life projects, the seeds will be sown for community growing schemes like allotments and community orchards and a mobile kitchen for cookery demonstrations.

This will help those who adopt a grow your own approach to make the most of the fruits of their labours and encourage hundreds of others to be more resourceful in the way they source and use local, seasonal food without being wasteful.

The sowing and growing aspects form the core to one part of the programme, while the main focus of the cooking initiative is to have a mobile kitchen demonstrating quick and easy recipes and cooking techniques at school gates and community venues; spreading the word on healthy and affordable eating options.

Potential growing sites have been identified in Sleaford at The Foyer and Lollycocks Field, Grinter House in North Hykeham, Ringmoor House in Billinghay, allotments behind West Grove in Martin and at Rowston.

These open spaces, parcels of land alongside sheltered housing schemes and community spaces are all ripe as growing and planting areas, but in all cases consultation needs to be carried out before final decisions are taken.

An aspiration for Lollycocks Field is to establish a small community orchard of fruit trees and soft-fruit bushes which the adjacent William

Alvey School could adopt in a caretaker role.

At Grinter House the produce may end up in shared feasts prepared by residents and in other cases be distributed to the wider community through schemes like the Sleaford Community Larder whilst in Martin the allotment scheme would fulfil local demand by preparing the ground for growth.

This will all be achieved with support from community volunteers, the Council’s SustainNK team, Community Lincs, the Volunteer Services Centre and the Council’s countryside management partners Hill Holt Wood.

Community Partnerships Manager Luisa McIntosh said there had been early enthusiasm for the growing projects as a response to local, affordable, sustainably produced food.

“There are so many benefits to be gleaned from working in this way across communities, as participants will not only be encouraged to grow their own food and discover healthier eating options and lifestyles but community cohesion will grow and health inequalities within the District diminish,” she said.

Training, tools, seeds, support and guidance on design and establishment are provided.

Volunteers are needed to play a key role in both getting dug in and looking after the growing sites and in the distribution of produce.

The Council has a pledge to extend its support to those who choose to continue the management, growing and distribution beyond the two year programme.

If you're interested, get in touch with Luisa, on 01529 414155 or email luisa_mcIntosh@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Having sown and grown, participants would then benefit from the second part of the Food 4 Life bid, the food education programme led by North Kesteven’s Environmental Health team.

The cookery part of Sow Grow Cook will be spread much wider than the community growing schemes, helping more than 1,000 young parents to discover healthier eating and cooking methods by raising skills, knowledge and access to healthier locally-sourced food options.

The programme is chiefly targeted in Billinghay and the Sleaford wards of Castle and Navigation which are areas which could reap greatest benefit – including the Kymes, Martin, Anwick, Dogdyke, Chapel Hill, Tattershall Bridge and parts

of Holdingham. It would then be rolled out wider within the District as resources allow.

The main emphasis will be half hour sessions at school gates to capture parents picking up children, starting in April. In addition six cookery courses of three sessions each will run annually to complement the school gate taster sessions.

As well as promoting basic cookery skills and awareness of affordable, locally sourced or homegrown food, quick and easy menu choices and good kitchen hygiene will be promoted.

Those who attend the cookery demonstrations will receive recipe cards and samples of spices and ingredients to encourage different cooking techniques at home.

Spring into et a action to g ed bargain-pric compost bin A special offer is available on composters, water butts and accessories, so act now to get yours. > Composting’s an inexpensive natural process that turns kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and useful food for your garden. > Through an offer promoted by the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, you can buy a compost bin for £13.50 or £16.50* and get a second for half price. Waterbutt kits with everything you need to save 190 litres of rainwater are also available at discounted prices.

To order go to www.lincscc.getcomposting.com or call 0845 130 6090 and quote LCC01L

*Prices correct at time of printing.

Putting the goodness from your bin back into the soil Do you ever wonder what happens to the contents of your brown wheelie bin after it’s wheeled away every fortnight?

And have you ever thought that you could use some of the compost that emerges from your compostables?

Well you can, and through this newsnk you can get 15 per cent off a purchase.

Just refer to this article when you call in at MEC Recycling, Ansons Farm, Swinderby, LN6 9HS, or when you call on 01522 868602 to order some.

All of the waste North Kesteven collects in its brown bins - the clippings, leaves, clean straw and flowers and plants - gets taken to MEC Recycling at Swinderby or Caythorpe to be composted.

After being hand-picked to make sure it’s clean, it’s put through a shredder and then piled into massive heaps for six weeks where optimum temperature and moisture are maintained for efficient composting. Temperatures of 70c sterilises the compost and weekly turning allows essential oxygen in.

After six weeks the compost is stored for a further six weeks to ‘mature’, then graded, bagged and sold. All of MEC’s compost is routinely sampled, tested and PAS100 & QP quality assured and each batch is traceable from start to finish.

Most people dont experience anti-social behaviour in North Kesteven ...

those who do call 01529 308100 Are you most people?

8 newsnk Spring 2011

Principal Environmental Health Officer John Gibson said, “Eighteen schools will each receive two sessions three-weeks apart, where we would hope to attract 30 or so people who would each become more confident in cooking healthy meals for their families, aware of healthy options and increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables.

“A further benefit will be improved food hygiene and food safety at home, which is where the majority of food poisoning cases occur.

“The two projects are both innovative and exciting and are mutually supportive in promoting sustainable sourcing and grow your own, alongside messages of healthy eating and affordability. “ Call 01529 414155 for dates.

To promote the wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s 100 Flourish Communities

tainable lifestyle

What’s in season in Lincolnshire…

Fresh, local and seasonal produce has a special place on people’s plates and in their hearts, and it's worth around £1 billion to the county economy.

From beef and beer to cheese, cauliflowers, sweets and sausages, it’s all here on our doorsteps. >> Lincolnshire produces around onefifth of all Britain’s food. >> Lincolnshire is the largest UK producer of potatoes, wheat poultry and cereals, the second largest producer of sugar beet and fifth for pigs.

Buying Lincolnshire, buying local enables you to support local farmers, bag the freshest produce available and significantly cut down on food miles.

Mixing up memories of yesteryear An intergenerational project revolving around food has cooked up a fabulous online archive of old recipes.

Food Glorious Food gives a taste of the recipes of yesteryear and the flavours important in people’s lives.

It came about as a result of parish partnership work in Branston, Washingborough, Heighington and Canwick which identified that older people wanted to mix more with the younger generations in their parishes.

While discussing ways to develop

The Select Lincolnshire logo clearly identifies quality Lincolnshire produce, and the Tastes of Lincolnshire logo identifies businesses using and selling it.

joint social opportunities, artsNK cooked up the ideas for a project around food, exploring through reminiscence and art the significance food plays in shaping our lives, our communities and the places we live.

The result is a booklet that contains recipes and reminisces – for jam roly poly, plum bread and treacle among others.

With only a limited availability of printed copies from artsNK on 01529 410595, it can be viewed online at http://www.myebook.com/index.

available from the SustainNK team.

The chart can also be viewed online at the sustainNK webpages www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/sustainnk .

Call SustainNK on 01529 414155 about anything on these pages.

Every month there’s something fresh in season to make the most of while you can. Here are some flavours for the months ahead.

March

Beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, mint, parsley, broccoli, radishes and rhubarb

April

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, radishes, rhubarb, carrots, wild garlic, kale, spinach, watercress and spring lamb

May

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, gooseberries, parsley, mint, broad beans, rhubarb, new carrots and asparagus

June

Carrots, cherries, artichokes, lettuce, strawberries, peppers, asparagus, redcurrants, peas, rhubarb, gooseberries, tay berries, tomatoes, broad beans, courgettes and samphire

With all this delicious food around us, we need to know how to get it into our kitchens.

Farmers Markets There are Farmers markets on the first Saturday of the month at Sleaford, 9am to 2pm and the fourth Friday at the Ark car park, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, 9am3pm.

where all of your fresh produce has come from and you can talk direct to the supplier.

Many are detailed in the Seasonal Food section of the SustainNK website, www.nkesteven.gov.uk/sustainnk

Farm Shops There are many quality farm shops offering not only fine fruit and veg at its seasonal best, but often gifts, plants crafts and a cuppa on the side. Visit www.n-kesteven.gov. uk/sustainnk for a list of some.

Supermarket shopping In supermarkets you can easily identify what comes from where by checking the label for its origin.

Lincolnshire Co-op stores are even clearer through their Local Choice labelling and use of the ‘Hungry Stockman’ logo on meat, which is a guarantee that it comes from a county farmer as part of the Lincolnshire Quality Beef, Lamb and Pork scheme.

Box deliveries in North Kesteven Ordering fruit and vegetables through a local box delivery scheme ensures that you know

Locavores set seasonality in motion SustainNK's Locavores project encourages residents to source local, seasonal produce and reduce food miles.

Limited numbers of easy reference wheel-charts which show what foods are in season each month are

Our Communities

NKDC is working in partnership with all Lincolnshire councils to show people how they can save

money and waste less food by making tasty meals from leftovers, getting portion sizes right and understanding food storage.

Every year in the UK we throw away 8.3m tonnes of waste – much of which is food that could have been eaten. That's an average of £50 of food being thrown away per household.

If it had all been eaten it would

have saved £12bn and had the same positive environmental impact as taking one in four cars off the road.

Free recipe books featuring some of these themes are now available from the Sustainability Team at the Council's Kesteven Street offices in Sleaford and at Local Access Points.

All the information is available at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com or call the Sustainability Team.

Easter Baskets In the latest in a series helping you to make the most of your newsnk – whilst also bringing environmental and cost savings – here’s a crafty idea for an eggscellent Easter gift.

With this new edition now with you, why not recycle the last one into an eco-friendly and economic nest for your chocolate eggs. >> Take one sheet from NewsNK and, with the help of an adult, cut

it width ways into 13 equal strips. >> Line 6 strips alongside each other.

Take another strip and weave it over and under the six strips – follow this process until you have woven six strips with the others.

>> Tape each end to its woven partner >> Pinch two corners together and bend round each to create an edge. Tape these together and do the same with the other two corners.

>> Find the centre of the basket and use the last strip to form your handle. Tape or staple this inside your basket. >> Fill with shredded paper and pop in your eggs.

Spring 2011 newsnk 9

Our Communities

To promote the wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s 100 Flourish Communities

Ashby has fastest links A new way of accessing broadband has brought the broadest of smiles to a tiny District village which has switched from being an internet not-spot to having the fastest connectivity in the country Up to the end of last year Ashby de la Launde was typical of so many North Kesteven communities where vast swathes of the District, entire villages or, curiously, single streets, had little or no connectivity to the internet and little hope of achieving it against the competing demands of larger and more vocal areas.

But through a unique solution, the whole village now has access to a broadband system with both upload and download speeds of 100mb, which qualifies as the best connectivity in the country.

Furthermore, the Ashby solution has also helped nearby Digby access a workable broadband connection and villagers are happy to share their experience with other communities in need of a quick fix.

With no hope of an exchange upgrade and satellite link-up not a feasible option, Ashby was introduced to the company NextGenUs which used the village’s unique position as a small linear settlement surrounded by land in single ownership to come up with the solution of a fibre optic ring.

With the land owner in desperate need of reliable broadband himself he gave access for a fibre optic

cable to be laid behind every house and individuals then dug their own channel for private connection at a cost of £150 per house with a £30 monthly charge. Even those who didn’t want immediate connection have the cable linked to their house ready for future switch-on.

Things even worked in Ashby’s favour when it came to digging two channels to cross the road as that was due for resurfacing at the same time .

All of this has helped Digby too, which has a wireless system linked to Ashby’s.

Resident and parish clerk Val Smith (pictured) said many other internet not-spots across the District, like Scopwick, Leasingham and Rowston had shown an interest in following Ashby’s lead.

“The only internet we could get was through mobile dongles and even those didn’t work everywhere; where they did it was always poor, always cutting out and never more than 2mb. It wa dreadful,” she said.

“Now we have a family regularly Skype-ing their son in Australia where before they had to go to Heckington to get through and a lady in her 80s who’s probably the most excited person in the village because she’s got instant

connection with her sister in America. It’s really changed people's lives; they’re all so excited, they can’t contain it.

“What we have is reasonably expensive, but the service we get is absolutely fantastic and there was no way we’d have ever got broadband any other way, so we’re all really pleased with it. You forget sometimes just how fast the connection is and amaze yourself.”

A side benefit is the way the initiative has brought the community even closer, initially in campaigning for it, unifying behind this unique system and then digging the connection channels for those who couldn’t; Val’s husband Colin digging five alone.

From a business perspective farmers find it easier to file their essential forms and documents than with slow and temperamental dial-up and school children are no longer disadvantaged by not being able to research online.

Picking up the pieces If, like the Council, you are appalled at the sight of litter and want to do your bit, then help is at hand.

Up and down the District, scores of individuals and community groups are carrying out local litter picks which successively beat the blight and build neighbourly spirit.

Linda and Bob Rhodes are typical of many people throughout North Kesteven who care so much about their community that they willingly tidy it up on a daily basis.

Whilst walking their dogs, popping to the Post Office or on a definite and determined mission, these Wombles of Willoughby are often seen lifting litter.

Quick to stress there are many like-minded, community-minded people in Silk Willoughby picking up the pieces, Linda says the combined effort is good for village morale.

“There’s quite an army of pickers out there, all doing their bit.”

“I think everyone’s very conscious of litter and having won the Best Kept Village award in 2008 most villagers try to keep that up,” said Linda.

Wombles of Willoughby, Linda and Bob Rhodes In Silk Willoughby most of the litter is made up of cigarette packets, crisp bags, drinks cans and take-away wrappers, principally generated by motorists and blowing across from the A15 bypass.

Every time she goes out Linda manages to collect at least a fistful of litter and more often than not it’s a bagful. When multiplied across all of the community litter-pickers it’s clear why Silk Willoughby’s so spick and span.

The Council will provide individuals, groups, parish picking teams or anyone keen to keep their neighbourhood clean with a pack of bags, pickers, fluorescent vests, disposable gloves, a box for discarded needles and even advice on promoting your endeavour.

To ask for a pack so that you can pick up the pieces, or to report a litter problem in your area contact Jenny Bailey on 01529 414155.

Are you digitally connected?

New way to apply for bus passes

If you are suffering from poor mobile phone or broadband connections where you live, the Council is keen to help.

The Council knows there are a number of broadband ‘not spots’ in the District and wants to work with communities and businesses on initiatives to improve digital connectivity.

To do this, we need to hear from residents in those areas affected by poor or no broadband

New ways to renew or claim your concessionary bus pass come into effect on April 1.

When Lincolnshire County Council takes them on, the passes can only be applied for by post, or through a single face-to-face contact at Lincoln City Hall, as they can no longer be processed at the District Council's access points.

connection, and also poor mobile phone coverage. Building on the example of Ashby and Digby working together to resolve their connectivity issues, the Council wants to encourage more communities to come forward.

Survey forms can be completed at District Council offices, Local Access Points or email research_team@n-kesteven.gov.uk for a copy.

Most people in North Kesteven always hide their valuables and lock their cars ...

it makes them feel safer Are you most people?

10 newsnk Spring 2011

Existing cards displaying the NKDC logo remain valid until their expiry date, but all renewals and new claims must be made to the County Council in the new way.

The concessionary options for taxi and rail travel have ended.

Details from the Concessionary Fares Office on 01522 782070 or at City Hall in Lincoln.

To promote the wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s 100 Flourish Communities

Transport solutions

Back to school for elderly A new project being pioneered in North Hykeham is ensuring vulnerable older people receive nourishment of body, mind and spirit.

The Hot Meals in Schools initiative is bringing small groups of older people to the table with pupils at the Robert Pattinson and NK schools, to not only bridge the generation gap but to share in meals and conversation which are both hearty and healthy.

The project is being lead by the town’s Lions group with support from NKDC, the police, and local church and volunteer communities.

A pilot exercise gets underway this spring for between 16 and 20 older people identified as most likely to benefit from increased interaction with neighbours and school pupils over a hot lunchtime

meal in the school dining room.

Once the meal is over, the diners are then treated to a range of activities and talks on aspects or personal safety, crime prevention or being safe in the home.

The project is being championed as a local solution to the Excellent Ageing community challenge shared by partners across the county to inspire more interaction and health benefit for older residents and to bridge the generation gap.

Sharon Bark, NKDC’s Community Initiatives Manager said there were key benefits for all involved including opportunity for the diners to get out more often, eat healthier, meet and chat with younger people and break down perceptions and barriers.

“It’s also seen as a positive exercise for the young people to

engage with and support older people, to gain an appreciation of their attitudes and perceptions, to hear their first hand accounts of specific situations.”

“There’s evidence from similar situation where generational interaction has helped foster mutual respect and understanding and reduce perception of anti-social behaviour or crime.”

Hykeham Lions President Ken Burton added, "We are delighted to be organising the pilot of this exciting new initiative; our main function being to meet, greet and transport the residents."

If successful the project may be rolled out to the other secondary schools and other county areas.

If you are interested in promoting a similar project in your area, call Sharon Bark on 01529 414155.

Projects keep older people active A number of community activities are going from strength to strength after being pioneered through a successful project to engage the over 45s in more sport and physical activity.

Social dancing groups, health walks, new age bowls and kurling continue in communities within North Kesteven.

In total 14 new groups were set up through the two year Over 45s project, most of which have become self-sustaining and continue to carry on their activities.

The project exceeded all of its targets in North Kesteven where 394 participants aged over 45 took part in physical activity.

The Lincolnshire Active Over

45’s Project aimed to increase participation in sport and physical activity and raise awareness about the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle, in part through partnership Vitality (Extend) and Age UK to offer suitable classes.

The opportunities offered through CountrysideNK for easy, free outdoor walks, guided walks and activities and the health walks programme offer further ongoing scope for active lifestyles.

With five NK Social Strollers walk programmes each week there have been 205 individual walks enjoyed by 168 registered walkers in a total attendance of 1,733; these are fantastic figures for such a rural district.

For details, call Donna Lill on 01522 870252 or email NKHealthandSports@ leisureconnection.co.uk.

Following on from the over 45’s project, the Natural World Centre at Whisby hosts an Older People’s Festival through to April 16.

A unique variety of exhibitions, activities, talks and cookery demonstrations has been lined up alongside a four metre climbing wall and a singing coach.

There’s also African drumming, book readings, lathe turning and potting demonstrations, all for free but call to book your activities.

Details from the Natural World Centre on 01522 688868

Transport solutions for young people have emerged from a ground breaking conference pioneered by one District teenager on behalf of all Joseph Hayat took a lead from the NK Youth Council to press for more affordable, more reliable and more regular public transport options particularly for young people but with wider community benefit in mind.

Joseph, aged 17, is the area’s representative on the UK Youth Parliament and made a pledge in a House of Commons debate to pursue options that would make it easier for teenagers to access work and training opportunities at a distance.

With the backing of the NK Youth Council – which also has affordable transport as one of its priorities – Joseph brought together senior figures in local transport for an inaugural Get Onboard transport solutions conference at North Kesteven District Council.

He is pictured above with representatives of transport firms at the conference.

At the end of a two hour meeting he had agreement to move forward on a number of issues: >> Universal threshold of age 16 for the charging of adult fares >> Creation of an on-demand community bus scheme for young people >> Improved detailed public

A year on - NK Youth Council proves to be a force for change A selection of young people is ensuring that the views of teenagers from all across North Kesteven are heard at the highest level among District decision-makers.

In its first year the NK Youth Council has had a say on important matters ranging from the regeneration of Sleaford and the roll-out of play facilities into rural areas through to setting the Council’s budget and priorities for the year ahead and promoting better transport provision for all.

The Youth Council is made up of sixteen 11 to 18-year-olds, with scope for more to be nominated

by schools, youth groups or themselves, meeting quarterly with extra special project teams.

Their four priorities are to push for improved affordable and accessible transport; promoting a positive image of young people; increase volunteering and apprenticeship opportunities; and increase the range and spread of activities within rural communities.

Achievements include production of the inaugural and well-received TeenTalk magazine conceived, designed and written chiefly by a Youth Council team; involvement with the concept, delivery and route of the Pod

play bus; input into the transport solutions conference (reported above), the Sleaford Masterplan a community safety consultation and a budget consultation, with senior Council officers and members commenting on how well they grasped the realities of balancing the books.

Children’s services officer Jade Warren said the Youth Council’s first year had proved what an effective group it had quickly established itself to be.

“The way they engaged in the budget consultation is typical of the way they have done everything, with great maturity and

Our Communities

transport information online through Facebook and social networking. >> Ongoing success of the Max Respect campaign to improve behaviour on buses >> A long term target for schools and colleges to stagger their start and finish times which would allow for more buses, at better times and lower fares.

This would compensate for the loss of post-16 educational travel allowance and could also reduce congestion near schools. >> Further thought will be given to using ‘dead miles’ in returning taxi cars.

“My aim, and that of the young people I represent and campaign for, is to have better access to transport that’s affordable and offers a route to lasting employment, training and education,” said Joseph.

“By working together in partnership like this we can find solutions and achieve solid aims without the need for Government subsidy; we can make things happen at a time of reduced cash.”

“We want Lincolnshire to be seen to be leading the way and to be a case study for the rest of the country, just as it has with the Wheels2Work scheme.”

TeenTalk has proved to be a popular read

concern for the wider implications.

“The aim is for the Youth Council to be an ever changing and ever growing group giving young people a voice, which is heard and acted upon, and an opportunity to affect change.”

As the NK Youth Council moves in to its second year there are plans for a body image campaign with Miss Lincolnshire, a community safety campaign, to direct the Council’s policy on interaction and participation with young people, more magazines and to maintain a presence on the Sleaford regeneration group which is steering the town's future.

Spring 2011 newsnk 11

Our Economy

To encourage economic development, support business growth and develop tourism

Town Masterplan moves forward Massive consultation events in the autumn have helped shape a blueprint for Sleaford’s regeneration over the next 25 years. The Masterplan is now being drawn up into a final form to set out the strategic direction for the town and enable fulfilment of the plan The Sleaford Masterplan has emerged from wide involvement of people who work, live and spend time and money in the town, spelling out community desires for development and change.

The plan has cost £120,000 to draw up, funded by the district and county councils and the Homes & Communities Agency, but through the consultation it has been shaped by – and is now owned by – the community it affects.

It ensures Sleaford expands in a way that’s sustainable and develops a strong central core which caters for the needs of townsfolk and those living nearby, with improved transport arrangements, improving shopping and protected heritage and By outlining development aspirations, it makes it easier to attract inward private investment to fulfil the vast majority of the aims, and to steer the use of public sector cash as a catalyst to unlocking significant private sector leverage Canon John Patrick, Vicar of St Denys’ in Sleaford and Chairman of the regeneration group which gave a representative voice for the town through the masterplan process,

Visions of Sleaford's Market Place and Money's Yard as seen through the Masterplan said the conclusions were ‘ambitious, appropriate and achievable’.

“By being mentioned in the Masterplan, it doesn’t mean that something is definitely going to happen, or that it will happen soon, but that it’s part of the broader vision to help Sleaford fulfil its potential for homes, jobs and services for the next generation,” he said.

“As an overall strategy for the town, we hope this package delivers a series of improvements to Sleaford as a place to live and work, to shop and to visit, ensures adequate service provision locally and

LincUp to the Lincolnshire Credit Union Joining up to LincUp, the county’s credit union savings and loans co-operative, could not be easier for residents of North Kesteven.

Customer service staff at NKDC’s Info-Links offices in Sleaford, North Hykeham and Metheringham are now trained up to enroll new Credit Union members to access ethical savings accounts, small affordable loans and budgeting advice.

And it couldn’t be easier. Just go along to one of the offices to learn more, or with some ID to start saving. Both the members’ account and Christmas Club attract a dividend of 1.25 % and open the door to low-cost loans Lincolnshire Credit Union (LincUp) is regulated by the FSA and open to anyone who lives or works within Lincolnshire.

Contact: 01522 528886/ 845100 or visit www.lincscreditunion.org.uk

reduces the need for cars centrally.

Implementing the Masterplan will require co-ordinated activity by public sector partners, private landlords, property owners and developers over the next 25 years, with certain work being essential in order to achieve the agreed aims.

Initial elements to be started in the next couple of years could include planning and providing the perimeter parking, dealing with the new and old Tesco sites, the Market Place, Corn Exchange and public realm improvements.

North Kesteven District Council’s Building Control Unit is second to none By choosing to use the Council’s services you can be assured of • Exceptional expert advice • Same day inspections ensuring no wasted time on site • Professional officers based locally • Personal service in your offices, our offices or on site • Continuity from submission checking through to site inspection • Free pre-submission advice • Access to further training courses, specialist services and awards • Competitive and cost-effective charges • Quality assurance (BS EN ISO 9001) To make an appointment or find out more call NKDC’s Building Control unit on 01529 308158 or 308136, 07824 599635 Building_control@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Most people keep their valuables safe while shopping in North Kesteven... that’s why theft is so low

Are you most people?

12 newsnk Spring 2011

Headline conclusions from the Masterplan >> Open-up retail development opportunities such as the southern end of Southgate, Money’s Yard and the Northgate area, with shops of the right size and quality to meet modern retailers’ needs >> Deal with town centre congestion and accessibility by closing central car parks and shifting them to the edge of the town centre, restricting on-street parking and promoting bus, train, cycling and walking options >> Relocation of the three secondary schools will also be explored, with sites identified at the Maltings, western and southern housing growth areas >> Housing development to accommodate 4,000 new homes over 25 years, principally in the northwest and south of the town >> Retain existing allocations for employment land plus sites to the north, west southwest and in the centre of the town >> Potential to extend the link road from Boston Road to Eastgate to reduce traffic volumes centrally >> Change the one-way system to allow more efficient traffic movement and reduce journey times, returning two way traffic to Eastgate, Boston Road and Southgate and switching the flow on Carre Street >> Partial pedestrianisation of the town centre restricting traffic 10am to 4pm ad a stronger focus on pedestrian priority >> Redevelopment of the Market Place with improved market, cafes, shops and enhanced Corn Exchange as a town focal point >> Creation of a new public space at Money’s Yard, removing parking and focussing on retail and leisure use >> Expansion of leisure provision, with cinema, cafes and restaurants and better promotion of existing assets. >> Enhanced environment, with accessible green wedges, improved pavement materials, street furniture and public art and an inner ring of sustainable routes. >> Improved bus services which are more reliable, direct and efficient, and have priority over private vehicles.

To encourage economic development, support business growth and develop tourism

Our Economy

Supporting small businesses How do you prefer Supporting small businesses and start-up enterprise is at the forefront of NKDC’s economic priorities for the District In doing so the Council has ensured there’s are sufficient premises to rent across the District, with 66 small workshops already available and another eight coming on track through refurbishment at Sleaford Railway Station.

Fourteen of the stock are specifically rented for craft purposes at Sleaford’s Navigation Yard and St John’s, Bracebridge Heath.

Ranging in size from 100 sq feet to 2000 sq feet, they are offered on an easy-out option lease, providing businesses with an opportunity to ‘test the water’ in their particular field.

Economic Development Manager Alan Gray said, “By continuing to encourage business growth and economic wellbeing we have a 90% occupancy rate within our workshops, and continue to direct all our efforts to economic development within the District”.

In addition to the craft bases, there are six small business units in Aubourn, 17 at Metheringham, five at Billinghay, five at The Drove in Sleaford and 19 at the Reedspire Industrial Units, Sleaford. >> A further eight start-up units at Sleaford station are due to be tenanted between April and May and further opportunities are being sought in the north of the District. >> The station units have been developed by NKDC, in partnership with Network Rail and East Midlands Trains, at a cost of £100,000 part-funded by the county council. >> Over the course of the 15-year lease it is hoped to create up to 25 jobs and support up to 15 new businesses. >> Hodgson Elkington is managing the units on behalf of NKDC. For letting details, call Marie Gutteridge 01522 698888.

Hykeham business park set to expand More room is to be created for expansion of a business park close to North Hykeham.

Planning consent from NKDC will allow more room for business growth at the Lincoln Enterprise Park, off the A46.

Work to create four additional office units and three industrial units in phase four of the five acre site’s development got underway early this year, providing an extra 4,388 square feet of industrial space.

The park is privately owned and in the perfect location for both new and established businesses, having become a leading commercial base in its first three years with all units sold or occupied.

Nearby Teal Park, another business growth area enabled by the Council, will bring further skills and prosperity to the District.

Highfields Retreat

Rate relief helps small businesses

One of the area’s most popular holiday parks is building on an award for its efforts and dedication towards conservation, wildlife and the environment.

In advance of this year’s season, Highfields Fishing Retreat at Mareham Lane, Sleaford, has been given a second gold in Professor David Bellamy’s conservation award scheme for UK holiday parks.

Highfields took its first gold in its first year of trading whilst others can take years to obtain such status and then this last year was again told that it not only had another gold but had secured Professor Bellamy’s Special Distinction Award for 2010.

Only a very small handful of parks receive this special award in recognition of truly innovative environmental work and dedication.

“I chose Highfields Retreat for the development work they have done on the grassland and woodland areas around the park, the investment they have made in habitat retention and especially for the new wildlife hide in the woodland,” said Prof Bellamy.

He said that the aim of his award was 'to give these dedicated parks

Small firms are urged to step forward for a rate relief top-up worth an extra £350 on average.

NKDC has already granted small business relief to more than 1,000 businesses to help them through these difficult economic times.

This is delivering a benefit totalling £357,000 on top of the standard relief it offers.

But other small businesses may benefit from the relief top-up and wants owners who feel they may be eligible to come forward.

Qualification criteria

and their staff a big pat on the back and to motivate them to come up with even more good ideas."

Set in 120 acres of countryside near Sleaford, Highfields Fishing Retreat provides luxury holiday homes for hire and sale, and has facilities for day-ticket fishing.

It is recognised as a wonderful ever-improving natural haven for fallow deer, barn owls, buzzards, kestrels, sparrow hawks, a host of wild birds and aquatic wildlife, flora and fauna.

In addition to the wildlife habitats, great care is taken with water conservation, energy saving and involvement in the local community.

Highfields Director Chris Ashley said “Encouraging wildlife and embracing conservation is at the heart of everything we do at our two parks within north Kesteven.

"We are very proud of the parklands we manage and the new initiatives we introduce to enhance them. To be recognised for our efforts at Highfields Retreat in this way is simply amazing.”

Highfields' sister site Lowfields has earned Prof Bellamy's Gold award over a number of years.

>> Your business occupies one property with a rateable value below £12,000. >> The total rateable value of business properties is below £18,000. >> With a rateable value below £6,000, you will temporarily get 100% relief. >> Rates are slightly reduced for properties between £12,000 and £18,000.

Find out more about Small Business Rate Relief and your entitlement by calling the Council on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699

your potatoes Roast, mashed, boiled, chipped or turned into electricity? That’s a question which has been energising the UK’s leading potato supplier Businesses across the country are being inspired by the sustainable approach taken by Branston Ltd to the rising costs of energy and water.

Branston is one of the District’s most vibrant companies; relying on nature and committed to working in harmony with nature.

That commitment has been extended in the last year with the latest in a series of green technological developments – an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant which turns waste potatoes into electricity, water and fertiliser.

Having invested £2m into the joint new AD and water management operation, the firm has cut its electricity requirement by 40 per cent and its water intake by two-thirds, with scope for more.

Branston is renowned for its environmental management systems which help to reduce the environmental impacts of operations where possible, earning the ISO 14001 accreditation as an endorsement of its efforts.

Its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint whilst continuing to grow earned Branston the country’s first Carbon Trust Standard award for a company in the food and agricultural sector and now it has sought to further future-proof its operations against rising utility charges by generating its own.

Harnessing home-grown energy, Branston’s innovative operation produces a steady 200kW of electricity – with scope for 400kW. This is done by taking outgrade potatoes and peelings, chopping them up and macerating them in a massive tank for up to two months, from which biogases are captured

for burning to create electricity.

The potato waste is then dealt with to extract the water content – potatoes being 80 per cent water – and that water solution is then filtered and cleaned to be recycled for potato washing. The residual nutrient-rich solids are returned to the land as soil improver and when not being used at the factory excess electricity feeds back into the National Grid.

As well as being safe, quiet, ordourless and incredibly efficient the whole process is inconspicuous and has further benefits of improved effluent leaving the site and around two fewer lorry loads of potato waste on local roads daily.

Branston projects director Vee Gururajan said there were many benefits associated with the scheme, key amongst them being a vast reduction in the volume of waste transported off site.

“We are always continuing to seek ways to further develop our low carbon, low cost approach to sustainability,” he said.

In addition, the new prepared foods factory, complete with biomass boiler fuelled by waste pallets and recycled warm air, has earned the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ East Midlands award for sustainability.

The process began three years ago with discussions with NKDC. As a trailblazer of sustainable thinking and environmental action, Branston’s investment earned European funding.

The firm is sharing its experience with other food producers who are equally well placed to turn waste into biogas.

Inside one of the water tanks at Branston Ltd

Spring 2011 newsnk 13

What’s On

Stepping Out around leafy Kirkby Green Travellers through Scopwick on the B1188 between Lincoln and Sleaford are missing out on one of the District’s most delightful villages, neighbouring Kirkby Green To help you discover Kirkby there’s an equally delightful Stepping Out walk exploring the surrounding countryside.

Kirkby Green is thought to have been the original settlement to Scopwick, which as the Old English ‘scapuic’ suggests was where the sheep were put to graze.

A visit to these two villages in For National Family Week an event will be held at the NK Centre, North Hyekham on Thursday June 2, 10am to 2pm.

For details, call Jo Mason on 01529 414155

March and April reveals a dazzling display of daffodils along the beck before heading out along the Stepping Out trail for more signs that spring is here!

The walk starts from the Stepping Out car park in Kirkby Green, a lay-by just off the main road through the village at the right bend towards Martin. The route is approximately 2.5 miles/4km long but can be extended by joining to the Scopwick Walk.

1. From the Stepping Out car park follow the way marker right along the grassy path with the hedgerow to your right. This path skirts around the field to a wooden bridge.

Reproduced from OS Mapping with the permission of the controller of HMSO c Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes crown copyright and may lead to civil proceedings. OS Licence 100017926.2008

s

North

4 2 3

Scopwick

1

5 Kirkby Green

2. Cross the bridge, turn immediately left and continue around a small copse. The path bends right and then quickly left through a gap in the hedge. After a short distance you emerge onto Acre lane.

3. Turn right onto Acre Lane and

To Martin 

Kirkby Walk starts here

follow this for a short distance up to a track leading off to your left.

4. Turn left onto this field edge path keeping the large hedgerow, home to finches, tits and many other hedgerow birds, to your left. Off to your right you can see the large water tower, once a

ship’s boiler, on Trundle Lane.

Ahead you will see the village of Scopwick. Follow this path until you emerge onto the B1191.

5. Turn left and follow this road back to Kirkby Green. Take great care rounding the bend and follow the road back to your car.

Extreme activity scales new heights

Stepping Out into Spring

A new climbing wall designed by world leaders in their field is enabling hardened climbers and recreational rookies to scale new heights.

The Ascent at the NK Centre in North Hykeham is proving popular with pupils at North Kesteven School and is also a hit with the Lincoln Mountaineering Club, which has adopted it as a training base.

It provides a unique and unrivalled climbing experience for all, with instructed sessions and climbing parties through Extreme NK, private hire and casual climbing available for competent climbers.

The facility has evolved as a result of the Club’s own demand and a wider community aspiration for a top-quality climbing wall in the area.

This was the basis for a grant bid to The Foundation for Sport and the Arts which part-funded the project

With spring now springing up around us, what better time to get out and about to enjoy some of North Kesteven’s delightful countryside?

With miles of way-marked Stepping Out walks woven across the District and illustrated leaflets detailing each one, you can discover the history, heritage and landscape of NK without having to go far or pay anything.

But if this still seems a bit daunting, Countryside Promotion Officer, Theresa Hobbs holds events throughout the year from

along with Leisure Connection, the Council’s leisure provider.

The Ascent was built in an old squash court by Entre Prises to offer vertical, horizontal and overhang challenges with 14 separate roped lines and 28 different routes to explore; four traverse lines add to the different climbing experiences and specially designed macros on the side routes ensure extra experiences for hardened climbers.

The positive response from seasoned climbers and enthusiastic amateurs shows what an exhilarating, exciting and challenging facility The Ascent is.

Every Wednesday and Friday there are ExtremeNK sessions for 9 to 19 year olds to help raise the skills levels of local youngsters and provide diversionary activities.

Details from the NK Outreach team on 01522 870252.

CountrysideNK events

Metheringham Airfield centre's upgrade takes flight Improvements made to the Metheringham Airfield visitor centre will take flight at the venue’s open day on May 1.

In addition to the usual displays of vintage cars, military vehicles, an air raid re-enactment experience, and what is billed as one of the most exhilarating fly-pasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, there will be a new

14 newsnk Spring 2011

gallery space.

The Friends of Metheringham Airfield have spent the last year renovating the old Tales of the Riverbank building, which was gifted by NKDC after it was removed from the Witham Bank, into an annex to the museum.

Vice chairman of FOMA, Fred Ambridge, said the Council's housing maintenance contractor,

simple guided walks to children’s events.

The CountrysideNK service is holding an exhibition on the walks during March and April at the Natural World Centre in Whisby Nature Park through to March 20 and then at NKDC’s foyer in the Sleaford offices from March 21 to April 17.

Further details from Theresa on 01522 694353 theresa.hobbs@ leisureconnection.co.uk or go along to the Natural World Centre on March 9 at 2pm when Theresa shares some of her favourite bits!

Jeakins Weir had been very generous in their help, with some craftsmen volunteering their Saturdays, to install and fit-out of the building.

This building will be on show throughout normal opening hours on Wednesdays (11am to 4pm), Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays (11am to 5pm) from March 26 to October.

Easter Treasure Hunt Tuesday, April 19, morning.

Meet in the Stepping Out car park, High Wood, North Rauceby (Grid Ref: TF 012 462) following a trail around High Wood in search of a chocolate prize. £1 per child.

Booking advised.

Nature’s Explorers Tuesday, May 31, morning Meet in the Memorial Hall car park, North Hykeham LN6 9RY to explore the Millennium Green.

Great for junior explorers to discover how nature works. £1 per child. Booking advised.

A Nature Walk around Nocton Sunday, May 15 at 10.30am Meet in the Village Hall car park, Nocton LN4 2BH (Grid Ref: TF 057 643), for a gentle stilefree walk of four miles through bluebells and wild garlic. Free entry.

Rambles around Rauceby Sunday, June 12, morning Meet in the Bustard Inn car park, South Rauceby NG34 8QQ. The North and South Rauceby walks are combined for nine miles of rolling parkland around Rauceby Hall with lots to see along the way.

Free entry.

What’s On

Westwood shoes show spring style at Hub Terry O’Toole Theatre

North Hykeham. Book on 01522 870251 or www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk Thursday, March 24, 7.30pm

Thursday, May 12, 7pm

Baltic Crossing

Mapdance

Join in on an exciting journey through Scandinavian and Celtic musical traditions with fiery contemporary folk music and some of the finest young musicians from the UK, Finland, Denmark and Norway. A strong, energetic performance featuring fiddles, Northumbrian pipes, guitar, doublebass and melodeon.

Tickets: £10 & £8 Friday, April 1, 7.30pm

Friday, March 11, 7pm

Kit Downes Sextet Pianist/composer Kit

Hamlet: Prince of Denmark – William Shakespeare Icarus Theatre Collective brings vividly to life a definitive, new production of Shakespeare’s great tragedy of justice and revenge!

Suggested for 11 years-plus Tickets: £12, £10 & £7 for under 18s

Downes is a jazz scene luminary now developing a sextet with inspirations from Bela Bartok to Rufus Wainwright, celebrating the jazz piano tradition in a very contemporary fashion.

Tickets £12, £10 & £5 for under 18s

The Hub

Leading postgraduate dance company Mapdance brings a diverse and refreshing mixture of dance theatre, lyrical choreography, punchy physicality and intriguing humour.

Tickets £9, £7 and £5 for under 18s Saturday, May 14, 3pm

Oshima and the Big Sea With lovingly-made sea creatures, shadow puppetry and live music, this is a warm-hearted tale about kindness, trust and dancing with turtles.

Tickets £5 or £18 for a family of four Saturday, May 21, 7.30pm

Band of RAF Waddington Spring Concert Welcome return for the popular band, featuring a lively programme for all tastes.

Tickets £8 & £6

Children, young people and adults are all invited to design a shoe, with all designs being displayed in the main exhibition and the winner in each category winning a great coveted prize.

Submission by 5pm on Friday, March 25. Entry form from The Hub or its website. Free entry Saturday, March 26, 1pm

Peacocks and Pinstripes Dennis Nothdruft, curator at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London, will explore men’s style and the role of male celebrity in fashion throughout the 20th

swimming back making a splash in NK

www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk

Children's Parties

A new venture at Little Darters Wildlife Adventure Area.

Fill your afternoon with activities and Free swimming is back for the experiences, where children can under-eights in North Kesteven. delve into tunnels, scale the heights The council’s leisure partner of the climbing tower, dig sand pits, Leisure Connection has unearth fossils and watch wildlife in introduced the new initiative at the NK Centre in North Hykeham action.

Choose from an exciting party menu, and the leisure centres in and tailor your party with craft and Sleaford as part of a drive to promote fitness and water safety countryside activities like pond dipping, mask making and story time. among children.

Contact The Natural World Centre By registering with just a Whisby Nature Park, pound you can access the free Moor Lane, swimming offer for under-eights, Thorpe on the Hill when they are accompanied by a 01522 688688 paying adult.

More information from the NK Centre on 01522 883311 or Sleaford Leisure Centre on 01529 303081

The Hub, Sleaford. Details on 01529 308710 or email hub@leisureconnection.co.uk

A Personal collection of Vivienne Westwood shoes

Runs to April 17

An opulent display of footwear by British fashion designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood is lined up at The Hub for visitors to admire.

Westwood, best known for the creation of punk fashion with Malcolm McLaren in the 70s, has a reputation for innovation in design and this exhibition is based around a collection of shoes amassed by a private collector which span her most innovative and iconic designs.

Originated by The Civic in Barnsley and curated by David Sinclair, the showcase explores the development of Westwood’s designs over 40 years and the boundaries between fashion and art.

To compliment this exhibition, the Hub has developed an exciting programme of special events taking place during March and April.

There will be a fascinating lecture about the interesting meanings that shoes hold for women, a competition for budding shoe designers, a film screening of ‘Red Shoes’ and a master class in walking on stilettos.

The exhibition runs to May 2

Peacocks and Pinstripes

Exciting programme of special events complements the Hub's Vivienne Westwood exhibition

Design a Shoe competition

Free

century. This lecture complements our the Peacocks and Pinstripes exhibition of iconic photographs depicting the styles and trends of the past 70 years. Intimate setting with question and answer session after the lecture.

Tickets £10 & £8

Friday, April 8 from 5pm.

Happy Birthday Westwood!

Party treats and birthday surprises as the Hub National Centre for Craft & Design celebrates Vivienne Westwood’s 70th birthday. Shoe design competition winners announced.

Free entry

Tuesday, March 29 from 6pm

In those shoes?

Dr Viv Burr, Reader in Psychology at the University of Huddersfield will explore women’s identities through footwear in a fascinating hour-long lecture before a screening of the 1948 British classic The Red Shoes.

Tickets £6 & £5

To complement the Westwood shoes, the Roof Gallery hosts a snap shot of masculine style.

Developed by the Fashion and Textiles Museum in collaboration with the Getty Images Gallery, Peacocks and Pinstripes portrays men’s fashion through iconic photographs depicting the styles and trends of the past 70 years and the role of the celebrity in fashion.Works include photographs by internationally renowned photographers of the Duke of Windsor, the Rolling Stones, Roger Moore’s James Bond, Richard Gere and David Beckham.

Saturday 9 April, from 7.30pm.

Sexy Heels in the City Hot tips for women who love their heels from high heel guru Chyna Whyne who will give a master class in the art of wearing high heels using her unique techniques.

Tickets £20

Craft clubs 19 March, 16 April and 28 May

Adult Crafting Club Try your hand at jewellery making, felting, sewing, beading, collage plus much more! Monthly on a Saturday morning from 10am to noon, £5 per person.

Through to May 2

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Recent graduate of Birmingham City University, Suzi McLaughlin creates visually stunning fantasy gardens, indoors. Her work is filling the Hub’s Window Space with garlands of striking spring foliage, wild flowers and plants crated through traditional origami techniques and laser cutting to produce beautifully intricate silhouettes using second hand books and old plant dictionaries.

16 March, 13 April and 18 May

Hubbles Early Years Arts & Crafts Club This workshop offers young children and their carers a great opportunity to socialise and be creative. Held monthly on a Wednesday morning, £2 per child including juice and cookies.

Spring 2011 newsnk 15

Emergency Flood Fire Snow



Key sources of information to avoid or overcome emergency situations in your life

KEEP CALM AND

North Kesteven District Council’s website proved an invaluable help to residents during the winter freeze, detailing changes in refuse collection and other services.

North Kesteven District Council, www.n-kesteven.gov.uk 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 Emergency out of hours number 01529 308088 Lincolnshire County Council, for highways, social care and schools

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

CARRY ON In case of any local emergency, whether it be flooding, explosion, extremes of weather or outbreaks of pandemic flu or animal disease, you can rely on the District Council to keep you informed.

Be Prepared...

It is our pledge that during any emergency you can turn to www.n-kesteven.gov.uk for the latest advice and guidance, for useful phone numbers and signposting to other sources of help – even if it’s not something the District Council is directly involved with.

When your worse nightmares come true, or to prepare and be ready, you can rely on us to help you overcome or avoid it.

Lincolnshire Police, when it’s not as urgent as 999

www.lincs.police.uk 0300 111 0300 Being prepared www.Lincolnshireprepared.co.uk, look for the community risk register 01522 582222 NHS, for all health services when it’s important but not as urgent as 999, advice on pandemic flu, local health providers etc

www.nhs.uk or call 111 Environment Agency, for flooding and pollution concerns

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ floodline Floodline 0845 988 1188 Defra, for all concerns relating to animal health and disease

www.defra.gov.uk Fire and Rescue Service, when it’s not

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

relating to localised flooding

New symbols and more local information for Floodline users

16 newsnk Spring 2011

www.lincs.police.uk 01522 582222 Internal Drainage Boards, for issues

01529 414155 / 308088 (out of hours)

Symbols have been redrawn to show more clearly the scale of imminent flood danger.

Alongside this, the flood warning messages people receive have been changed to include more local information with clearer advice on the action they need to take.

The messages will direct people to either look at the Agency’s website at www. environment-agency.gov.uk or to call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Online they will be able to see for themselves how water levels are changing.

People are also advised to use these contact details to sign up to receive flood warnings if they live in a flood risk area.

as urgent as 999

Search online for Black Sluice, Upper Witham and Witham 3rd drainage boards as appropriate to your area.

Utilities companies Contact information will be clearly detailed on your bills.

Bus and train timetables www.travelline.org.uk 0871 200 22 33

What it means: Flooding is possible.

Be prepared.

Action to take: >> Be prepared for flooding. >> Prepare a flood kit.

A flood kit should include anything you may need like insurance details, water, torch, phone and the useful numbers listed on the right.

What it means: Flooding is expected.

Immediate action required.

Action to take: >> Act now to protect your property. >> Block doors with flood boards or sandbags and cover airbricks and other ventilation holes. >> Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place. >> Keep a flood kit ready.

What it means: Severe flooding.

Danger to life.

Action to take: >> Be ready should you need to evacuate from your home. >> Co-operate with the emergency services and call 999 if you are in immediate danger.