newsnk
Mapping out the NK Plan
The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents
Spring 2016
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District in pilot scheme to tackle obesity NKDC’s proactive, forward-thinking approach to wellbeing harnessed for global research project North Kesteven District Council is helping to shape new solutions to tackle obesity. It is the only district council among just four UK local authorities handpicked to participate in Public Health England’s three-year pilot, developing new ways of responding to the rising international problem of obesity through a ‘whole-systems’ approach. Ultimately, by sharing good practice, the project will create a roadmap to support all local authorities through a major step change in dealing with this important and challenging issue and influencing government policy on this. NKDC was selected from 60 applicants to work with Leeds Beckett University, based on its established reputation for excellence in sports, arts, leisure and cultural services and the importance it places on both physical and mental wellbeing through all of its operations. Professor Paul Gately, Academic Lead on the project, said the team was ‘really struck by NKDC’s bid, its direction, vision and ability to bring partners together’. He said that beyond the obvious and crippling costs to health services, obesity
had a greater impact on employment, the economy, families and the whole of society, with health inequalities being driven by countless factors. It is such factors, causes and consequences which the Council and its partners – ranging from schools, businesses, health agencies and social care – aim to gain greater understanding of. By sharing strategies which work well locally and identifying and testing a range of opportunities for
collaboration, they will work through a range of challenges and solutions. Chief Executive Ian Fytche said the opportunity to participate in such an innovative project was a privilege, through which NKDC could develop an influential and lasting legacy of change. The initiative sits alongside the development of NKDC’s new Sports and Physical Activity Strategy, which gives a level of childhood obesity locally of 15.8% among Year 6 pupils; about half of the national average.
The Council already focuses significant resources into physical health and general wellbeing – including fulfilment of a £7m investment in leisure facilities, engagement with 30 primary schools in active sports participation, extension of the free-access walking and cycling network and promotion of healthy lifestyles under the Fit for Life programme, to shape healthier futures. The District is rated as having one of the country’s highest levels of active
sports participation by adults – 5th highest for numbers fulfilling 30 minutes almost every day and 16th best with 30.2% being active once a week. Even so, two thirds of adults in North Kesteven are overweight or obese, with underlying mental vulnerability or trauma known to be a key factor in the incidence of obesity. Ways in which residents can participate in identifying good practice will unfold over the coming months as the project gets underway.
£8.9m street regeneration starts The Council’s biggest ever capital investment project – the £8.9m regeneration of Newfield Road in Sleaford – took a major step forwards with the demolition of six houses in recent weeks. Their removal makes way for a reconfigured road layout and creates space for a new play area to be created, as well as access to the rear of the remaining properties for the building of 18 new homes. The demolition was welcomed
Our Communities
pages 6 & 7
01529 414155
by residents, many of whom stood, watched and recorded the moment. Some said it was like watching a part of their childhood removed as they had always known those houses, but that it opened up the possibilities of a bright new future for the 88-year-old street and its strong community. Alongside the new houses, the 63 which remain will be extended, reconfigured, refurbished and newly insulated to make them more comfortable and cheaper to live in.
Our Homes
pages 10 & 11 info@n-kesteven.gov.uk
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
Our Economy
pages 12 & 13
inside
newsnk is your newspaper
Healthy tips Where you can get help with your fitness at little or no cost 4
Eco friendly Work gets underway on the county’s most eco-friendly homes 10
Centre work NK Centre – soon to be ONE NK – undergoing major refurbishment 5
Regeneration Demolition as part of £8.9m redevelopment of Newfield Road 11
Honours Submit your nominations for Veterans’ Badges recipients 6
Business base Companies flock to the new Blackwood Court 13
NK Plan Your guide to what’s in the NK Plan and how it will be delivered 8 & 9
Get online Our new website will make it even easier for you to access our services 16
Bypass will bring great benefits to the District and cannot come soon enough!
The newspaper is edited by the Communications Team at North Kesteven District Council. Each issue costs 6.3 pence to produce and print and 9.75 pence to deliver direct to your door. Editorial Phone: 01529 308061 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 Minicom: 01529 308088 Emergency: 01529 308308 Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk Email: customer_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/northkestevendc Twitter: @northkestevendc INFO-LINKS North Hykeham Temporarily relocated to the North Hykeham Town Offices, Fen Lane, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8EY Billinghay Cottage & Parish Office The Old Vicarage Cottage, Church Street, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4HN Branston Connect Branston Community Library, Station Road, Branston, LN4 1LH Heckington Parish Office St Andrew’s Street, Heckington, NG34 9RE Metheringham 15a High Street, Metheringham, Lincoln, LN4 3DZ Navenby Village Office The Venue, Grantham Road, Navenby, LN5 0JJ Skellingthorpe Village Office Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe Community Centre, Lincoln, LN6 5UT The Witham Office The Hammond Hall, Lincoln Road, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9HQ 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 2016
4 5
Council Leader Cllr Mrs Marion Brighton OBE
“
This Council has been wholly supportive of the drive to secure the Lincoln Eastern Bypass and the broad economic and social benefits it will bring to our District. Along with thousands of you, I feel that it cannot come soon enough. But it is coming, and it is a credit to all of those who have persevered and pushed so hard for it. There are great benefits to be enjoyed by our own District and the broader county, through improved accessibility and the opening up of opportunities for inward investment, growth and business expansion which will bring untold dividends to the local economy and local livelihoods. Achieving the bypass as a key element in the improvement of local infrastructure also strengthens the forward vision mapped out for Central Lincolnshire’s growth over the next 25 years or so and the welcome news that finally – after a 90-year-campaign – work will start on it this summer brings a new sense of optimism and confidence in the future for Central Lincolnshire. Sadly such confidence cannot yet be enjoyed in Sleaford where a range of potential options are being mapped out to facilitate the town’s aspirations for economic regeneration and growth. In the year since Tesco decided it would no longer be developing its site, and the consequent loss of the Link Road and the opportunities that presented for opening up the Maltings site and easing traffic flow, the District Council has certainly not been sitting back. Through traffic modelling we strive to identify possibilities for improved movement in and around the town for pedestrians and shoppers as well as for drivers. Our ultimate aims are to drive forward economic growth, meet
community needs and aspirations and support a more vibrant town; ambitions which we remain firmly focused upon. There are clear pressures to achieve improved traffic flow, reduce congestion, lessen the impact of rail barrier downtime, bring forward key investment and broaden economic regeneration. The one scheme we had that fulfilled all of these objectives without reliance on a single penny of public funding – the £10m Tesco committed to the link road scheme – is now lost. It is for that reason that we have to think afresh, but I assure you that the regeneration of Sleaford Town Centre and the Advanta Seeds site in particular remain a key priority for the Council. At North Hykeham, our vision for removing the barriers to growth is reaping rewards for growing enterprises as our new workshop units are taken up with speed. Our investment in support of small businesses generated such levels of interest before they were even completed that this must be seen as a strong mark of confidence in our foresight and vision. We are committed to every opportunity to support business expansion, relocation and investment locally, where they will find a council that is enterprising in its ambitions to improve the trading fortunes and prospects of everyone. With cross-party consent the Council has set a budget for the years ahead which allows for investment and service growth whilst building resilience for the future. We are taking proactive, progressive and precautionary measures in anticipation of a complete withdrawal of direct Government financial support and continued financial challenges.
Have your say on newsnk To help you get the most out of your newsnk we carry out periodic research. Its sole purpose is to bring you interesting, useful and essential information on the Council, its services and how these affect life in North Kesteven. We’d appreciate your feedback on it using the FREEPOST address below. It is delivered quarterly. Do you know if you always get yours? Yes No Don’t know Do you value it as a source of useful information? Yes No Don’t know It costs less than 50 pence a year to print and deliver four editions to every home. Given the amount of information in it, do you think that is value for money? Yes No Don’t know Would you prefer it to be – A newspaper A magazine Emailed digital format Would you like it to be changed from paper to email or online-only format? Yes No Don’t know Would you like its frequency to change? – please tick a preference Via email monthly Delivered quarterly Via email quarterly Delivered three times a year Do you have any views on the content you’d like included?
Please respond as soon as you are able; ideally by April 18: Freepost, NKDC, FPN2999, North Kesteven District Council, Council Offices, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, NG34 7EF.
News Focus
Funding for cycling routes
Our website has a full calendar of waste collection schedules
Your bank holiday collection dates Usual Monday
Revised date
March 28
March 26
May 2
April 30
May 30
May 28
August 29
August 27
December 26
December 24
January 2, 2017
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April 17, 2017
April 15, 2017
The Council is continuing to expand its network of walking and cycling routes to entice residents out into the District to discover its delights. Two of the areas for investment in the year ahead include a new Stepping Out Walk for Heckington, taking in the village’s key attractions, and also support for a new off-road cycle route at Doddington. Subject to Doddington Hall securing the lion’s share of the project’s £120,000, the Council has committed £25,000 to make a link from the popular Sustrans route to boost the opportunities for safe cycling locally. Ultimately it could form a part of an NK Family Cycle Ride event.
There is no change to your waste collection day in the year ahead. As a result, no refuse collection calendars are being issued this year. Please keep following your normal collection pattern – presenting your black bin and green-lidded recycling bin on an alternate weekly cycle. If you lose track of the pattern, you can check your collection day: > Online at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ findmybinday > Call on: 01529 414155 Garden waste customers will be advised of their collection dates when they join the scheme. New calendars will only be issued if, following the next four-yearly route
Bypass is given the green light
Whisby makeover underway
Work will begin this year on the long-awaited Lincoln Eastern Bypass after a Government Minister signed off the legal orders to allow it to proceed. NKDC has been consistent in its support for the £96m project and the broader economic and social benefits it will bring to the District and its residents. The road will run from the end of the current Lincoln Bypass at the A158, across the River Witham, running between Washingborough and Canwick and sweeping around the back of Bracebridge Heath to join the A15 south of the village. It has the potential to substantially reduce traffic at Canwick Hill, Cross O’Cliff Hill and Pelham Bridge. It is expected to take two years to construct, potentially beginning as early as June.
Children’s play facilities at the Whisby Natural World Centre are receiving a fantastic makeover to create all-weather indoor play and extended outdoor fun. In total there are three refurbishment projects taking place during the spring and summer months, with investment totalling around £250,000. First up is the creation of an indoor play area inspired by the success of Little Darters to provide an all-weather experience and educational resource for smaller tots. Work on the new Otters Reach indoor adventure play area – illustrated alongside – is underway now, due to be completed in time for the Easter holidays. Flights of Fantasy, a company that makes bespoke play elements using stripped chestnut, is pursuing a concept that takes a journey through Whisby – from its origins as Whisby Pits to the attraction and wildlife haven of today. The area will allow younger visitors to explore and experience the park’s history through imaginative play and will include an exciting gravel plant with hands on features, bullrush stilt posts, spiders web climb, raptors’ nest and much more. Outdoors, the award-winning and hugely popular Little Darters Wildlife Adventure Area is being transformed to
Do it online! With the Council’s new mulit-platform website www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
review, changes need to be made. Please note that collections are made on Good Friday as normal, and those due on Bank Holiday Mondays are always brought forward to the preceding Saturday, seen in the table on the right.
feature an assault course with balance ropes and a new lookout tower. This aspect of the makeover is financed through on-site car parking receipts, in order to enhance the attraction and the physical activity offer for visitors. Drawn up by Little Darters’ original creator Daniel Houghton, and with input from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s Reserve Director Dave Bromich, the
*Please cut out and keep this guide to refer to through the year.
new design will feature a mini assault course, with ramp and rope ascent, balance rope traverse and climbing net. This development has evolved from work carried out by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust who transformed an island into a wetland habitat for visiting waterfowl. It has been so successful that another island is to be developed in the same way. To enable visitors to view both island habitats, a key part of the design will be to relocate the Little Darters’ bird hide and the pontoon. A new octagonal tower will be installed where the pontoon is currently located near the cave, to provide a lookout over the island and the start of the mini assault course – designed for younger children to increase activity with a safety flooring that gives the appearance of bark. In the final phase of improvements, the centre’s basement will be remodelled to provide a conference and exhibition gallery and a separate meeting room. Works on this are are due to start in May and be completed in time for the summer holidays. Repeatedly awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, the Natural World Centre remains popular with approximately 200,000 visitors each year.
It’s official - NK is a top place to live North Kesteven continues to be recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK. For a fourth time in five years it features within the top 50 of all 405 local authority areas within a survey by the Halifax bank. This year NK is rated 30th and is Lincolnshire’s only council in the top 50. The rankings are made up of many measures as diverse as broadband availability, employment, weekly earnings and low crime – all of which the District Council is working hard to improve – to house affordability, schools success, hours of sunshine and amount of rainfall which are beyond even NKDC’s control. In the ONS personal wellbeing survey NK was 12th overall - in the top 5%, with satisfaction, feeling like life is worthwhile and happiness all scoring highly. Coupled with the District’s status as the safest place in England for a second successive year, the surveys reflects on the continued good work of all public authorities and their partners in delivering high quality services which improve the lives of North Kesteven residents significantly.
Faster broadband for thousands More than 20,000 District homes and businesses are now fed from a fibre-enabled cabinet for faster broadband connections. North Kesteven is in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, BT, The Government and the EU to provide faster broadband to up to 90% of the Lincolnshire intervention area. A second phase of the programme begins in March to increase this coverage to 95% of the UK – more information will be published on the onlincolnshire website, found below, in the coming months. The onlincolnshire subsidised satellite solution is now available for application – if you cannot currently achieve speeds of at least 2Mbps you may be eligible to benefit from this. To find out more and apply, please visit www.onlincolnshire.org
Tribute paid to a ‘very dedicated and loyal councillor’ Councillor Geoffrey Whittle DFM is remembered as a ‘true gentleman’ whose positive, spirited disposition and loyalty inspired everyone around him. He passed away in mid January, aged 92. One of the oldest ever serving councillors, he had represented North Kesteven’s Ashby de la Launde and Cranwell Ward since 2007 and
given 18 years to East Hampshire District Council before that. As Chairman of NKDC’s Performance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Whittle played a key role at the heart of the council, forensically scrutinising the performance and financial management of the organisation. Chairman of the Council, Cllr Gill Ogden said: “He was a very dedicated
and loyal councillor; a true gentleman for whom we had the utmost respect and always so very modest of what he had achieved.” Following his dedicated Bomber Command service in World War Two, with whom he flew 16 missions, aged just 19, he continued in the RAF, attended staff college and retired early in 1961 – but was quickly drawn
back into a 26-year career with the NAAFI, 18 of them overseas. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal aged 20 following an operation over Hanover and with the RAF never far from his heart, he was a regular visitor to RAF Cranwell, and carried out significant work on behalf of the International Bomber Command Memorial Trust over recent years.
Spring 2016 newsnk 3
Health support
Festival returns The District’s Walking Festival returns for a third year, Saturday, July 9 to Sunday 17. There will be a broad range of walks and strolls across the District, detailed in the next newsnk. If you are interested in leading a walk please contact Donna Sutton > Call: 01522 694353 > Email: donna.sutton@1life.co.uk > Online: www.1life.co.uk/ NKWalkingFestival
2 for 1 Gym Session
*
Get a Free Adult Gym Session with another paying adult. Present this voucher to reception on date of booking.
BOOK NOW oneNK 01522 883311
1Life.co.uk
*Terms apply.
Low-cost ways to keep fit Health trainers Easy, effective exercise and lifestyle changes are a route to improved health for all and NK’s Health Trainers are well-placed to help you along the route. They can help any NK resident aged 16 or over with healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation and alcohol reduction. Free of charge, six sessions are offered on a 1-1 basis, either at home, at the Council or in the community. Examples of how they can help are: • Joining you on a health walk, • Taking you shopping and advising on healthy choices, • Helping you to cook more healthily and at lower cost • Helping you to access exercise at the gym, leisure centre, classes or support groups • Refer you to a 12-week Weight Watchers scheme > Call Debbie Chessum on 07733 368676
Fit for Life courses
The NK Health Trainers also run 10week healthy lifestyle groups in the community, which are free courses with crèche facilities, looking at health in many different ways. They cover topics such as: • Portion control • Reading food labels • Weekly physical activity (walking, Zumba, boxercise, pilates, hoola hooping, circuit training) • Stress management Gwen Lacey receiving her award
2 for 1 Exercise Class *
Get a Free Group Exercise Class with another paying adult. Present this voucher to reception on date of booking.
BOOK NOW oneNK 01522 883311
1Life.co.uk
*Terms apply.
4 newsnk Spring 2016
What better time than spring for putting a spring in your step and opening your eyes to the many free or low-cost opportunities the District Council and its partners present for getting out and about, breathing the fresh air and improving your mental and physical wellbeing. •
Signs and symptoms of cancer and ways to prevent it Plus a new opportunity to grow-yourown in a community garden. > To join a course or take up a one-toone session, call Debbie as before.
Vitality
Vitality runs exercise and movement-to-music classes for the over 60s across the District. The friendly group classes focus on having fun, with exercises that increase suppleness and mobility whilst also improving posture, co-ordination, strength and stamina. Benefits include a strengthened heart, improved circulation, decreased blood pressure, weight loss and more mobile joints. Specifically designed for older people, experienced teachers ensure the exercises are safe but effective, either seat-based or standing. Friendship and fun are also integral to the classes, bringing increased wellbeing, reduced anxiety and improved self-esteem. Classes take place locally at Branston, Heckington, Helpringham, Leadenham, North Hykeham, North
Kyme, Scopwick, Sleaford, South Kyme and Ruskington. Vitality is a great way to get active, meet new people, build confidence and have fun. The first class is free and most classes have refreshments afterwards. £3.50 per class, £10 for a month. There’s also an ‘at home’ option over five weeks > Call: Vitality on 01529 411194 > Email: vitalityadmin@litc.org.uk > Online: www.vitalitylincs.co.uk
Sports Centres
There are also lots of opportunities to keep fit and active at the refurbished and increasingly popular Sleaford Leisure Centre. The North Kesteven Leisure Centre is close to completion and re-opening as ONE NK following a £3.6m refurbishment. This includes an excellent new gym and cycling studio – see discount offers alongside. The Council also operates leisure facilities at Northgate Sports Centre in Sleaford through partnership with Carres Grammar School and parish and town-council run fields, courts, pitches and facilities right across the District.
Exercise referral
Through an active involvement on a programme at Carre’s Grammar Fitness Facility, Gwen Lacey reduced her body weight by two stone, helping her to reduce all of the medication she took for osteoarthritis in her back and allowing her to now live pain free without the use of a walking stick. This was achieved on the back of a 12-week exercise referral through her GP and lead to her winning one of the top trophies at the Lincolnshire Sports Award. You could do likewise. Contact the centre at Northgate, Sleaford, to become more active and have a free seven day trial
Health walks The perennially popular programme of free, easy-access Health Walks continues to grow in NK, with more walks and specialist support being added. New this year is a monthly social stroll as part of a new informal group providing support and information for people affected by dementia. This takes place at 11am, on the last Tuesday of the month at Whisby Natural World Centre – next on March 29, April 26, May 24 and June 28. It adds to a timetable of 16 more established walks across NK. You are welcome to turn up and join in, or contact Carly Togher. > Call: 01522 870272 > Email: carly.togher@1life.co.uk Monday > Billinghay – 10am, Childrens Centre, Fen Road > North Hykeham – 10am, NK Sports Centre, Moor Lane > Whisby – 10.30am, Natural World Centre, Thorpe on the Hill, for the visually impaired, fortnightly Tuesday > Heckington – 10:30am, Sports & Social Club, Howell Road > Leasingham – 11am, Village Hall Car Park, Chapel Lane > Sleaford – 1.10pm, National Centre for Craft and Design, Carre Street > Whisby – 11am, Natural World Centre, Thorpe on the Hill, Dementia Social Stroll monthly on last Tuesday Wednesday > Branston – 10.30am, Branston Café car park, Rectory Lane, fortnightly > Heighington – 10.30am, Jubilee Hall, High Street, fortnightly, alternate with Branston > Bassingham – 10.30am, Five Bells Pub, High Street > Whisby – 11.30am, Natural World Centre, Thorpe on the Hill > Ruskington – 1.30am, All Saints Church, Manor Street Thursday > Waddington – 10am, Doctors surgery, Mere Road > Skellingthorpe – 11am, Community Hall, Lincoln Road > Sleaford – 1.30pm, Sleaford Leisure Centre, Eastbanks Friday > Metheringham – 10am, Sports Pavilion, Princes Street Saturday > North Hykeham – 10am, NK Sports Centre, Moor Lane
News Focus
Penalties rise to combat fraud
Are you on the register to vote?
Residents and landlords who fail to tell North Kesteven District Council about changes which affect their entitlement to Council Tax Support and discounts face increased penalties. While seeking to ensure that those in greatest need receive appropriate help in meeting their Council Tax liability, the Council had a duty to protect public funds from abuse and is committed to proactively preventing and reducing levels of fraud in all areas. There are certain circumstances under which residents are eligible for a discount or exemption on their bill or support in helping to pay the charge – with a requirement for any change in circumstances or address to be notified within 21 days. Failure to do this can bring a £70 penalty. Following changes in the way fraud is investigated and administered, most of this work has been conducted by the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, but NKDC now wants to increase its vigilance and extend the areas in which it takes action to cover payments relating to Council Tax and Council Tax Support. Now, where information is not supplied within 21 days which is asked for, or which affects entitlement to discount or exemption, a penalty can be imposed. For full detail of these and other matters relating to Council Tax discounts, exemptions and support, contact the Council on 01529 414155 or see www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ The investigations will be carried out by West Lindsey District Council working in partnership with North Kesteven District Council, with penalties added to the Council Tax account. Each case will be looked at on its own merit and discretion exercised in the application of any penalty, taking into account any mitigating circumstances, legitimate explanation for the delayed notification and whether it is a first offence.
Make sure you’re registered to cast your vote in this year’s important referendum and elections. Residents need to be on the electoral register by Monday, April 18 to be able to have their say in the Police & Crime Commisioner elections on Thursday, May 5. The commissioner is responsible for policing and is elected to hold the Chief Constable and Force to account. The EU Referendum on Thursday, June 23 will give everyone the chance to have their say on whether or not the United Kingdom should stay as a member of the European Union. Deadline to register for voting in this is June 6, with June 7 and 15 the dates for postal and proxy arrangements.
The new I-Slide being lifted into place, and an example of the interactive panel to select your ride, inset
Flume takes shape at centre Works ongoing as part of £3.6m refurbishment in North Hykeham A unique, interactive new flume is being installed at ONE NK in North Hykeham as part of the facility’s £3.6m upgrade. The I-slide is one of only a handful in the country with options to select games and experiences for an interactive digital ride. And in a first for the UK, riders can choose to have their photo taken, which is then emailed to them. The flume will be launched with options for different themed experiences which will be periodically changed to ensure continued excitement. The flume is just one of the many improvements taking place at the popular facility which for 42 years has been known as the NK Centre. The refurbishment creates a fantastic family experience and enables new competitive swimming galas to be held. Alongside the You can keep up-to-date with the latest news on the NK Centre > On Twitter - @northkestevendc > On Facebook - /northkestevendc > Online: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
flume’s installation and the new Magna Carta splash zone for smaller children, the fourth and final phase of ongoing refurbishment includes transformation of changing facilities into a more family-friendly changing village and re-tiling, new sound-proofing and better insulation of the pool hall. A new open plan reception area and cafe are also being created to enhance and modernise a more welcoming entrance alongside the theatre. Earlier phases of the refurbishment have seen a new 3G multi sports pitch installed and creation of exciting and expanded new gym, dance and cycling studio space complete with state-ofthe-art equipment, semi-sprung floors, acoustic suspended ceiling, modular lighting and air conditioning. Users are also benefitting from improved air conditioning, heating and lighting, new dry changing rooms with private cubicles and showers and a unisex assisted changing facility. The investment by NKDC into ONE NK follows the successful £2.85m redevelopment of Sleaford Leisure Centre in 2013, which now boasts
a bigger gym, splash pool, dance studios, sauna and steam room and improved changing facilities, creating a better facility with a longer life span and significant up-turn in use. The new ONE NK centre is scheduled to open in early May.
> It only takes a few minutes to sign up to the electoral register. > Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call Electoral Services on 01529 414155 for information or to request postal or proxy ballots. > There are some restrictions on eligibility to vote in the EU Referendum. For details see www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
A splashing time for children One of the exciting new features at the NK Centre is a Magna Carta-inspired interactive splash zone. Designed as an introduction to watery fun for tots through to
toddlers, it will give youngsters the chance to use their imaginations and start off the family swimming experience. It builds on the popularity of a smiliar splash zone at Sleaford.
Council Tax set to ensure high quality services continue for District’s residents A budget that futureproofs the delivery of important local services has been agreed by North Kesteven District Council. Responding to Government announcements that its direct funding for local councils such as NKDC will be cut to zero within four years, the authority is looking to build up its financial resilience to ensure the continued delivery of a high level of services which the public have high regard for. With this in mind Full Council agreed an increase in the District’s share of the
Council Tax charge by £4.95 at Band D – equivalent to nine pence per week. As three-quarters of households are in Bands A to C this means the authority’s share rises by just six to eight pence per week for most people. It is a rise of 3.41% for the District Council’s element of Council Tax. This keeps the authority’s share of the overall bill below £150 across the year at Band D – £100 to £133 for the lower banded homes where most people live – while still allowing the Council to continue investing in communities and delivering high-quality services.
For less than £3 a week at Band D this covers all of the services the council provides – refuse and recycling, planning control, public protection, food hygiene standards, leisure, sports, arts and more. Although NKDC collects the Council Tax it ultimately takes only 9 per cent of the overall bill, with Lincolnshire County Council taking £1,128.78 at Band D (a rise of 3.95%) the Police and Crime Commissioner taking £201.51 (a proposed increase of 1.96%) and the charge set by parish and town councils increases by an average of around 7%.
Council Tax for a Band D property from April 1 explained: 2015/16 £
2016/17 £
Increase £
Increase %
Lincolnshire County Council
1,085.94
1,128.87
42.93
3.95
Police and Crime Commissioner
197.64
201.51
3.87
1.96
North Kesteven District Council
144.90
149.85
4.95
3.41
Town/Parish precepts
67.77
72.55
4.78
7.05
Total average Council Tax
1,496.25
1,552.78*
56.53
3.78
*Town and Parish precepts vary. Some areas are also subject to a footway lighting charge
Spring 2016 newsnk 5
Our Community
How to report hate crime A further drive against Hate Crime is being pioneered by Lincolnshire Police, which will help North Kesteven retain its status as the safest place in the Country. People in Lincolnshire have confidence in reporting race-related issues, with the aim now on doing more to help victims of other haterelated crime ranging from bullying and taunting through to physical attacks and offences of criminal damage based on disability, faith, gender identity, race and sexual orientation. Up to last April, NK was ranked to have the lowest levels of crime of all kinds per 1,000 population of any area across England and Wales, for a second successive year. > To report Hate Crime: 08001381625
Priority service during power cut A power cut can be particularly worrying for those who rely on electricity for medical reasons, are less abled or elderly. But there are measures you can take to stay switched on. Electricity distribution company Western Power Distribution (WPD) manages the pylons, cables and wires that deliver electricity to homes locally. They hold a free Priority Service Register that provides eligible customers with a direct phone number to an advisor in the event of a power cut. They provide advance warning of any planned cuts and ensure priority for reconnection. > If you or someone you know is disabled, uses vital medical equipment that relies on electricity, or is over 60, ask about eligibility by calling 0845 724 0240 or visit www.westernpower.co.uk/psr
To promote the sustainability, wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s growing communities
Honouring our armed forces
Make your nominations for Veterans’ Badges recipients A celebration of the contribution made by Armed Forces veterans will be held at the end of June, involving all generations, all three Services and the wider community. In keeping with an established tradition, NKDC will invite young and old to stand shoulder to shoulder with veterans during Armed Forces Week in recognition of the contribution that they and current Armed Forces service personnel make to the community of North Kesteven. Now in its 11th year, the highlight will be an evening presentation of Veterans’ Badges for which nominations are open now. Anyone who has served in the three Services at any point and who does not yet have a Veterans’ Badge is welcome to request a badge presentation to be made on Friday, June 24. Call Debbie Scott on 01529 414155 or email Debbie_scott@n-kesteven.gov.uk for details of eligibility and how to apply. There will also be a children’s
Have you wondered what new signs along the A17, A151 and A52 locally saying ER are all about? These are the new flood evacuation routes in the event of East Coast Flooding. There are 13 designated routes to give people a quick and safe route away from the coast in the event of a tidal surge. Look out for the ER logo in a red box on signage at junctions. As well as being aware of them, it’s a good idea to think where you would go in the event of any evacuation for any reason. > For more information about flooding, including to sign-up for flood warnings or to make a flood plan, please visit: www.lincolnshire. gov.uk/lincolnshire-prepared/
RAF Cranwell Station Commandant Air Commodore Chris Luck, MBE making a badge presentation last year to Normandy Veteran James Spencer poster design competition closing on May 3 and a challenge to decorate shop windows during Armed Forces Week, June 20 to 27.
> Full details of these and a downloadable image for the competition at www.n-kesteven.gov. uk/armedforcesday
Carolyn’s 2,000th hirebike user Taking to the saddle to accompany her son paid dividends for North Hykeham mum Carolyn King when she decided to jump onto a hirebike. Without having a cycle of her own she opted to hire one of the 100 distinctive orange hirebikes dotted across the city and North Hykeham, and ended up becoming the 2,000th customer of the scheme. She initially hired one from the Skellingthorpe docking station – the scheme’s most popular – for her first 20 minute outing alongside her nineyear-old son after he learned to ride. With the contents of her Access Lincoln goodie bag, including water
New signs lead emergency way
bottle, cycle bag, seat protector and reflective jacket all in a bright drawstring bag, she is well-placed for more outings as the weather improves. Joining was easy, she said, using the Hirebike Lincoln website and selecting an annual membership costing just £20. One of the benefits of an annual membership is the first 30 minutes of every rental being free, after which you are charged at £1 per additional hour up to £4 – making it an affordable option for those who do not own their own bike. For more information on how to use hirebikes, their locations or to become a member visit www.hirebikelincoln.co.uk
Village SOS NK-based Community Lincs is helping to rollout a national programme of advice and support for community groups wanting to breathe new life into their neighbourhoods. Through the £1.4m Big Lottery funded Village SOS campaign Community Lincs is helping to get projects off the ground. These could range from car-sharing schemes and village-shop rescue to community cafes, creches and new enterprises. The programme will match up fresh enthusiasts with expert mentors, offering a package of support, advice and help through the planning process, marketing and fundraising. See: www.villagesos.org.uk or call Chris Cowcher on 01285 653477. There are also many ways in which the Council’s Community Initiatives Team can help will signposting, advice and suggested funding streams - not least the Council’s own FundNK.
Find out more about being a volunteer Have you ever thought about volunteering and the benefits that could bring not only to your community, but also to you? Volunteering is choosing to do something for the benefit of others, for your community or the environment, without being paid to do it. Everyone has a valuable contribution to make to society and whatever your age, background or how much time you have to spare; there will be a voluntary role for you. Voluntary Centre Services – which has centres in both Sleaford and Lincoln – can help you find volunteering opportunities that match your individual needs and interests, offering one-to-one confidential
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appointments with friendly and experienced volunteer advisors to identify the range of opportunities available in your local area. The centres also support community and voluntary groups, clubs and other organisations that operate for community benefit providing advice, information and training on a range of topics from setting up a group, charity or project, planning, fundraising, governance and marketing. The local centres are based at The Old Mart, Church Lane, Sleaford, NG34 7DF, 01529 308450, and City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1DF. Call 01522 551683. Detail at www.voluntarycentreservices.org.uk
To promote the sustainability, wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s growing communities
Light a beacon for birthday In celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s forthcoming 90th birthday, communities are being inspired to fly the flag, clean the streets and light beacons in tribute to her years of service In keeping with time-honoured tradition there will be a chain of beacons lit the length and breadth of the country to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday on Thursday, April 21. In response to a request from the Pageantmaster for the Queen’s 90th Birthday Beacons, NKDC is taking a lead in encouraging community groups, landowners and local councils to participate by lighting a beacon as a tribute. It is suggested that these could take the form of a bonfire or a formal beacon, which can be built or bought for installation locally. Already it is known that there will be beacons at Metheringham, RAF Waddington and Canwick Hill. Details, guidance and instructions can be found at www.brunopeek.co.uk where the Official Guide to Taking Part can be downloaded. The closing date for registration is Monday, April 18. North Kesteven District Council is taking no formal role in the arrangements for the Queen’s birthday celebrations locally, but is happy to advise and encourage – and ultimately help to promote any local arrangements which are made for community events, celebrations, street parties or thanksgivings. Guidance for street part road closures and licensing can be found at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/streetparty If you are holding any event or participating in the beacon chain, please forward brief detail, date, contact details and useful information, to businesssupport@n-kesteven.gov.uk This would assist us in drawing up a register of the activity to illustrate the strength of community cohesion locally.
Could you hold a clean up? The Council is also pleased to be supporting a national wide initiative to Clean For The Queen. While the main focus was over a weekend at the beginning of March, if community groups, parish councils or individuals want to pioneer a voluntary litter pick of public areas near them, NKDC’s Waste & Street Scene team will be happy to help. As well as providing official purple sacks and general guidance on risk assessments, they will also arrange to collect the filled sacks afterwards. Among the areas being Cleaned For
the Queen were Sleaford, Witham St Hughs, Threekingham and Heckington. The campaign was launched by Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, to clear up Britain in time for The Queen’s 90th birthday. Details and registration at www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk The first national activity of this kind was in preparation for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 and the aim is to achieve the biggest clean up in history. For more detail and sacks call Jenny Bailey on 01526 323980 or email Jenny_bailey@n-kesteven.gov.uk
Our Community
Donating £3 will help centre’s appeal Fundraising to achieve delivery of the full International Bomber Command Memorial Centre at the north of the District has stepped up a gear to raise the final millions. Through the major campaign entitled Are You One in a Million, the initiative seeks to inspire one million people to donate at least £3 plus gift aid. This reflects on the fact that during WW2 more than a million men and women, from over 60 different nations, served or supported Bomber Command. The aim is to raise the £3.8 million outstanding to build the Chadwick Centre, which will house the exhibition, community engagement and education programmes and digital archive for the International Bomber Command Centre at Canwick Hill. Earlier in the year the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial Trust (LBCM), in partnership with the University of Lincoln, secured £3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the creation of these elements The project, which was launched in 2013, unveiled the first physical element of the project, the Spire Memorial and Walls of Names, last October 2015 with an audience of 2,600 guests including 312 WW2 Bomber Command veterans.
This was thought to be the largest gathering since 1945. There is a strong drive to ensure the project is delivered whilst we still have some veterans alive. Historian Dan Snow, an ambassador of the project, said: “There are few more deserving projects in the UK than the International Bomber Command Centre. Lincolnshire needs a proper memorial to the service personnel who faced appalling conditions as they did their bit to liberate Europe from fascism. “There is no other centre in Britain or any other country where the history of the bomber offensive can be preserved, gathered, curated, studied and debated. This centre will be a world leader.” The project will also create an archive that digitises and preserves thousands of personal stories and documents including the recollections of some of the few remaining survivors of the campaigns. Much of this information has never before been available for public view. > Donations can be made online at www.internationabcc.co.uk > Or text 70070 followed by IBCC01 and the amount you wish to donate.
Microchipping law Smoking in cars Dog owners within the District need to ensure their animals are microchipped from April under new laws to cut a rise in stray dogs. The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 come into force on April 6 2016. The microchips will be coded with owners’ details, so that stray dogs which are picked up, are more likely to be reunited with their owners quickly. Owners who do not do this could face fines of up to £500. Dog owners should contact their local vet about microchipping.
Lighting up with the kids in the car could cost drivers up to £2,500 under new laws. Anyone smoking in a private car containing a child under 18 will now be committing an offence. If the smoker is a passenger, the driver could also be fined for failing to stop them smoking. The fixed penalty for both offences is £50, reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days. However, courts can impose a fine of £200 on smokers and up to £2,500 for drivers who fail to stop someone else smoking. Obstructing an authorised officer can also lead to a £1,000 fine.
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The NK Plan cap with 15 targets li Residents have had their say on a plan that aims to continue to make a real difference for those living and working in North Kesteven with 79 per cent attending recent workshops agreeing that the Council is focused on the right things.
•
64 per cent of residents answered yes in an online survey
•
95 per cent of respondents at stakeholder workshops said yes
The NK Plan 2016-19 reflects both the vision and priorities relating to what the authority does, alongside its values.
The first two questions of the survey asked residents to select the most important issues for the District and those needing the most improvement in their local area from a list of 22 options.
It is designed to ensure the Council continues to deliver excellent services for the 100 flourishing communities in North Kesteven, while tackling the main challenges facing the district, describing what the authority wants to do, the resources – people and money – available to do it and how success will be measured.
The answers to both of these questions were similar, with six topics appearing in the top five of both questions: traffic congestion and the road network; services that are value for money; support services for people who need help; access to public transport; crime and anti-social behaviour; and health.
Clear aspirations are set out under the four priorities of Our Economy, Our Homes, Our Communities and Our Council, with ambitions linked to each of them.
There was also a level of consensus as the bottom five in each area were easy access to Council services, climate change, going to watch cultural activities, participation in sporting activities and participation in cultural activities.
The plan has been shaped through consultation with partners and residents have also been given the opportunity to influence what’s included. Officers surpassed the commitment to carry out 1,000 conversations over 100 days with 1,300 residents, partners, tenants, Members and young people providing feedback. In a survey residents and stakeholders were asked ‘Is the Council focused on the right things?’ and the results revealed that: •
79 per cent of residents attending public workshop sessions said yes
65.8 %
of residents surveyed rate the Council’s services as good or very good. 28.1% were neutral
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Other questions included how the respondent would rate the Council’s services, whether they believe NKDC provides value for money, how the authority acts on the concerns of residents, whether the respondent believes they can influence decisions affecting their local area, how satisfied they are with how the Council is run and how easy it is to find information on the authority’s website. The NK Plan was submitted to Full Council in February for adoption, alongside budgets up to 2019.
49.1%
of residents agreed or strongly agreed that NKDC provides value for money. 40.1% of respondents were neutral on this
52.8 %
of residents are satisfied or very satisfied with how the Council is run, with 34.9% neutral
ptures the Council’s ambitions for 2016-19, inked to four overall priorities. These are: Our Economy
Our communities
– to promote the economic and employment growth of North Kesteven • Support business growth and jobs in NK • Regenerate NK • Drive investment in NK, including transport routes
– to promote the sustainability, wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s growing communities • Attractive, clean and sustainable NK • Safe and inclusive NK • Healthy, fit and vibrant NK • Supportive NK • Community NK
Key activities for the next year include: • Work with partners to drive forward regeneration projects in Sleaford and North Hykeham • Further develop Teal Park / LN6 • Support for the next phase of the International Bomber Command Memorial Development
Our Homes – to promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven • Adopt the Local Plan • Increase the supply of housing • Maintain and improve housing • Provide high quality housing services Key activities for the next year include • Begin construction of at least 57 new council properties • Complete the adoption of the Local Plan by December this year • Progress the Sleaford South West and Witham St Hughs development sites to the next stage of planning permission • Bring at least a further 20 homes back into use • Complete the remodelling of the Newfield Road estate in Sleaford
58.7 %
of residents are happy NKDC acts on their concerns, with 10% responding neutrally
1,297
people provided feedback on the proposals – an eight-fold increase on last year
Key activities for the next year include: • Launching the newly refurbished NK Sports Centre, which will be called ONE NK • Launch our new five-year community plan • Investing in the ongoing roll out of high speed broadband
Our Council – to be a high performing and value for money Council that is prepared for the future • Customer focused • High quality, value for money • Open and accountable Key activities for the next year include: • Relocation of the Metheringham Refuse Depot • Implement a strategy focused on staff skills • Ongoing delivery of the Council’s transformation programme and sound financial strategy To find out more about NKDC’s plans and services, please visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
Our Council – to be a high performing and value for money Council that is prepared for the future
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Our Homes
To promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven
Work starts on new Passivhauses First in the area to be built to this eco-friendly standard
Some of the items fly-tipped by Michael Hutchinson
Fly-tipping prosecutions Revenge fly-tipping of an exwife’s property back-fired, costing a man just shy of £2,500 after North Kesteven District Council prosecuted him for his actions. Twice in June 2014, Michael Hutchinson, from Skegness, dumped items on the front garden of his ex-wife’s house in Jubilee Close, Martin, damaging them with green paint and solvent. After a lengthy investigation, spanning almost 18 months, in which Hutchinson gave a string of different addresses, officers were finally able to call Hutchinson to Lincoln Magistrates Court on two counts of fly tipping. He failed to respond to the Council and even in court Hutchinson could not see how his actions could be classed as flytipping, but he eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of flytipping and was ordered to pay a total of £2,317, which included the Council’s costs for clearing up and investigating the case of £1,229.88, l Grantham man David Cant was charged a total of £1,744 for dumping a large amount of garden waste and children’s toys on a country lane near Sleaford after charging a householder £80 to take it away. Although he is licenced by the Environment Agency as a waste carrier, he did not fulfil the requirements on him to dispose of it properly and he admitted dumping it at Aunsby. The case highlights the need for everyone approached by
someone offering to take waste away to check for the necessary documentation proving they are licenced to do what the work – to collect, carry or dispose of waste. l Tattershall’s Martin Godwin had to pay £2,395 after dumping household waste, including a child’s seat and documents containing bank account and car details, at Blankney Dales. He admitted his guilt at an early stage, was very apologetic despite claiming he had not realised it was an offence, and praised NKDC’s enforcement officers for their diligence in tracking him down through the RAF housing team and DVLA. As well as environmental concern, one of the Council’s main drivers in its robust stance against fly-tipping is broader education and public awareness. Godwin went to great lengths to take his rubbish to a remote spot – more trouble than it would have been to take it to a tip. l Gainsborough landlord Robert Puncheon has just over £2,000 to pay after waste from two properties he owned in Lincoln was fly-tipped at Nocton Hall. He offered one of the houses to two brothers from Gainsborough on the condition they helped to clear the previous tenants’ rubbish from both houses. While it could not be proved who fly-tipped the waste, as he had control of it as owner of his properties he had a duty to ensure it was legally and properly disposed of. He pleaded guilty to both charges.
Last year, North Kesteven District Council responded to almost 1,000 incidents of reported fly-tipping, spending nearly £75,000 on its investigation and removal. If you see any, please report it at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/reportflytipping
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Work is underway on a new highquality council housing scheme in Heckington, paving the way for Lincolnshire’s first Council-owned super-energy-efficient cheap-tolive-in Passivhauses. Pioneering a move into the ultimate in energy efficiency living, NKDC is the first council in the area – and one of just a handful nationwide – to build to this new standard. The two houses will be a part of a new 22 home scheme at Kyme Road, Heckington, developed as part of the Council’s on-going commitment to increase the availability of quality affordable housing locally by building 500 new homes over a decade. Passivhaus is a rigorous standard of energy efficiency with great care taken in the quality of materials, insulation levels, design and construction so that they are highly draught-proofed and require very little heating over and above the passive heat from the sun, human occupants and appliances. The two on this site will be built as a pilot to test the potential for rolling-out similar construction across other housing schemes and will bring advantages to the tenants lucky enough to be allocated them.
Cllr Stewart Ogden and Matt Carter from Lindum reviewing the plans
Spring consultation for Central Lincolnshire Local Plan The emerging Local Plan to help guide what developments take place when, where and to what extent through to 2036 will be circulated for more resident input. Following analysis of comments made during last autumn’s consultation, some amendments have been made to the suggested policies and plans, which becomes the Proposed Submission Draft. During April and May this will be open to further comment – with any points
Sofa to shift or carpet to chuck? Save yourself the time and hassle of going to the tip with bulky or electrical items. The Council can pick them up.
£16.10 for up to 3 items To arrange a collection call 01529 414155 Electrical & non-electrocal items are charged separately. We aim to collect within 5 working days.
raised on this final vision needing to be directed straight to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) which will consider them alongside the Local Plan during public examination over the summer. Through the examination process, which includes evaluation of these comments, PINS will decide whether any further changes to the plan are
necessary and ultimately whether the plan is ‘sound’ and can be adopted. The spring consultation will involve briefings for parish councils and, over three weeks from April 11, ten public drop-in events in Bassingham, Bracebridge Heath, Heckington, Metheringham, Navenby, North Hykeham, Skellingthorpe, Sleaford, Ruskington, Washingborough. Details will be promoted > Keep an eye on www.n-kesteven. gov.uk and www.central-lincs.org.uk
Flats repairs get underway Remedial works are moving on a pace to repair flats in North Hykeham where structural faults with supporting beams were found a year ago. Carried out over six phases, the first blocks at Hutson Drive are now completed, with tenants due to start moving back in during March. Having stood for around 50 years, it was only in February last year that cracks were identified which gave the Council cause for concern, since when it has worked closely with tenants, and owners of the few flats which have been bought through Right to Buy, to ensure they were safe, work through a solution and move them out ready for the work.
A modern system of underpinning and structural reinforcement is being used which is less invasive, and reduces both the time taken and the inconvenience to residents because there is no need to remove kitchens and bathrooms using this method. Structural work on the first block was completed by contractor D Brown exactly a year after the problems were initially identified, with redecoration and carpeting following on. Similar weaknesses were found at St John’s Square in Bracebridge Heath, and as the final tenant moves out the engineers can carry out their final investigations in readiness for a tender process and works moving forward.
To promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven
Our Homes
Housing Enforcers focus on determined District Safety first as new initiative launches NKDC’s determination to tackle problem properties has been featured as part of a BBC One daytime show. The Housing Enforcers, watched by 1.5 million viewers, followed consumer champion Matt Allwright as he joined housing officers up and down the country
focusing on private-rented homes in a bid to drive up standards for tenants. Housing Enforcement Officer, Chris Gallimore, showcased two properties from his caseload. He said: “One of the houses we went to was a small detached cottage with one bedroom
that had problems with damp and a low energy rating, while the other was a house that had been altered and adapted years ago but was never signed off by Building Control.” Private tenants should contact the Council if they have similar concerns.
Contractor appointed for scheme Demolition works carried out at £8.9m street regeneration
Work has started on the £8.9m redevelopment of the Newfield Road estate – NKDC’s biggest-ever capital investment project. D Brown Building Contractors Ltd has been appointed to carry out the renovations as part of the project that will see six houses demolished and 18 built, the road reconfigured and a new play area created. All properties will be given a complete overhaul, with designated off-road parking, improved and extended living spaces, upgraded insulation including new windows and a new external finish making the estate feel more contemporary. In January demolition work got under way to mark the start of the regeneration. Following on from initial work to remove asbestos materials from the houses facing demolition, the first two were taken down with extreme care because they were connected to other properties, which were to remain in place. In February demolition took place on four houses from a block of eight. This was undertaken by Robert Woodhead Limited with demolition experts Bloom as subcontractors. Tenants have described the transformation as ‘amazing’ and ‘much needed’ and long-term resident of 38 years, Pat Cross, said: “Despite the stress and upheaval, we’re all really pleased with what’s going to be done. “We’re all onboard, we feel like we’ve had an input and a say and reckon it’s going to be a real benefit to us all.”
Going...
to improve them and identifying potential Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Landlords and tenants can contact the Safe as Houses team: > Call: 01529 414155 > Email: safeashouses@n-kesteven. gov.uk > Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ safeashouses
Landlords need to carry out checks Private landlords now have to carry out additional checks on all prospective tenants to ensure they have the right to live in the UK and before they can rent. Since February 1, right-to-rent checks will be required in England if you: > Are a private landlord > Take in a lodger > Are a landlord or tenant sub-letting a property > Are an agent appointed by a landlord to make right-to-rent checks To comply with the regulations landlords will need to: > Check adult tenants will live in the
Going...
Gone...
property as their only or main home > Ask tenants for the original document that show they have the right to be in the UK > Check the documents are valid with the tenant present > Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check There are exemptions and guidance details of which can be found at www.gov.uk searching for immigration and right-to-rent checks. Also at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ safeashouses the Council’s drive to improve standards of private rented homes within the District.
Land searches
Check if you can get a free boiler Residents on low incomes may be eligible to receive a fully fitted gas boiler for free to help them to stay warmer for less. Where people have an income of £16,010 or less or receive certain benefits and have a boiler which has a low efficiency rating, they could get a new appliance that achieves saving of up to £340 a year in fuel costs. The British Gas offer applies to both private tenants and homeowners, regardless of whether or not they are British Gas customers. It is being promoted by the Council’s SustainNK team as one of the many
All landlords of private-rental housing are being supported through changes in legislation to ensure they meet the required standards for conditions, safety and warmth. A drop-in event for all landlords and agents, large-scale or small, will take place at Lincoln Guildhall on Tuesday, April 12 from 9am to 1pm. NKDC’s housing enforcement officers and a sustainability officer will be on hand to discuss our Safe as Houses initiative, offer advice on new legislation – Deregulation Act, smoke alarm legislation, Energy Act and more– and heating and insulation initiatives for landlords offered by fuel providers. They will also be actively identifying properties where they are aware of low energy ratings that fail the legal standards, taking action
ways it can help to achieve warmer homes which do not cost the earth to run. If you receive one of these benefits you may be eligible: State Pension Credit, Income Support, Incomebased Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit. Full details on eligibility from British Gas 0800 316 4320 or at: britishgas.co.uk/freeboiler. It is helpful to know the make and model of your gas boiler before you call. Other schemes are also available, see what your energy supplier can offer.
Buying a house or land and need to carry out local searches? As the holders of the up-to-date and accurate register of Local Land Charges affecting property and land in the District, the Council is well-placed to carry out complete and comprehensive searches.Not only are its services very competitive, but highly rated too – nominated in 2016 for their excellence by the land charges regulator, shortlisted as best performing NLIS Level 3 Local Land Charges Department based on volume and turnaround speed. An experienced and dedicated team with extensive knowledge specialise in carrying out official searches efficiently and quickly, and to the full satisfaction of all mortgage lenders. > For full details and fees call 01529 414155 or see www.n-kesteven.gov.uk under the residents tab. > Email land_charges@n-kesteven. gov.uk
prepare for benefit changes
Universal Credit is here... U Can get ready
If you are affected by changes to the way your benefits are received, we can help.
What is Universal Credit?
How can I get ready? U Can...
Universal Credit is a new benefit to help people who have a low or no income with basic living expenses and housing costs. It replaces a number of existing benefits and tax credits – to be paid once a month, directly to you and not your landlord.
Contact the council’s welfare advice team by email: welfare@lincoln.gov.uk or call 01522 873382. We’re here to help you claim what you’re entitled to.
Will I be affected? Yes, if you are single and make a new claim for Job Seeker’s Allowance. Further rollout affecting other people is expected to begin in May 2016.
Make sure your rent will be paid by setting up a direct debit or standing order. Join Lincolnshire Credit Union, for help finding the right type of bank account. Find out where you can get on the internet for free, to manage your claim at www.lincs2advice.org.uk Get advice on managing your money at Citizens Advice
Visit www.lincoln.gov.uk/universalcredit to find out more. Spring 2016 newsnk 11
Our Economy
To promote the economic and employment growth of North Kesteven
Conservation area is under review A review is underway into the extent and scope of Sleaford’s Conservation Area. There has been a Conservation Area designation in place for 40 years giving protection to the historic character of Sleaford Town Centre. Now, in order to create a robust framework to advise and guide planning decisions, there is a need to undertake a detailed appraisal of the characteristics which make it so special. By assessing what is good and bad and identifying scope for positive improvement, this appraisal will also help to guide
a management plan for the designated area going forward. Proposals include changes to the boundaries and, in order to preserve its character, to change the works householders can carry out within the area, such as replacing windows and roof coverings. In a bid to raise the profile of the town centre Conservation Area, Historic England is co-funding, alongside NKDC and Sleaford Town Council, a programme of financial support to repair and replace historic shopfronts, which is already leading to improvements within the Market Place.
Town centre traffic in the spotlight Councils looking at ways to improve the flow in Sleaford
Have your say on District’s shop fronts A new design guide to advise on suitable frontages for shops across the District is being consulted on. The aim is to enhance the attractiveness of North Kesteven’s high street shops, especially within Sleaford, where there are a range of measures underway to improving the appearance of the distinctive and historic town centre. The new Shop Front Design Guide should improve the quality and design of shop fronts in general, giving guidance on appropriate signage and advertising as well as advice of what is
involved in the planning process. By improving the quality of shop fronts the aim is to improve the general appearance of all communities, but principally within Sleaford where they are in the greatest concentration. Coupled with this there is a grant scheme available for shop owners to seek contributions towards the expense of repairing and replacing historic shopfronts in zones within Sleaford Town Centre. For details contact the Conservation Officer on 01529 414155 or email planning@n-kesteven.gov.uk
In a bid to move forward Sleaford’s potential for economic regeneration and future-proof against anticipated increased rail traffic, the Council has been looking into possible options for improving the flow of traffic around the town centre. Since Tesco’s withdrawal from its approved development scheme last year, the district and county councils have been looking at different ways to best respond to likely changes in the way traffic circulates around Sleaford as and when the Tesco site, Maltings and other regeneration projects take off. They have also factored in the probability for a significant increase
in the amount of rail traffic using the level crossing at Southgate, causing increased crossing closures. In total 13 different options have been modelled in terms of impact for building roads and changing traffic flows, ranging in cost and scope from a southern bypass between the A17 and A15 with links to Mareham Lane, to part pedestrianisation of Southgate over different times of the day. There are also options for spurs off Southgate and Boston Road into the Tesco site, the previously approved Link Road in its current and an extended format and an upgrade of Maltings Way. All of them would enable regeneration to move forward, but
Plan could see 19 new jobs created
Increase in passengers at Hykeham Hykeham Station has seen a significant increase in the number of rail passengers using it over recent months. With additional services poised to be added through further timetable enhancements, the number of passengers using trains at North Hykeham increased by 10,000 to 49,972 during 2014/15. Figures are not yet available for the months since last May when an additional 13 stopping trains at Hykeham provided passengers with yet more opportunity to use trains for business or pleasure – but a continued rise is inevitable. Over a decade, passenger numbers increased from 14,314 to 49,972, making Hykeham the second busiest station between Lincoln and Nottingham, after Collingham. This bodes well for local businesses
12 newsnk Spring 2016
whose employers and customers are taking up a more sustainable travel option, and for local residents as increased rail travel relates directly to reduced traffic congestion on local roads. East Midlands Trains is currently undertaking survey work across its network to gauge passenger numbers, including on the Lincoln – Newark – Nottingham line and has plans to increase the frequency of Saturday trains at Hykeham Station. Alongside other local authorities along the route and the two Local Enterprise Partnerships, North Kesteven District Council has provided £30,000 funding over three years to secure the additional services which came online last summer. This increase in passengers is therefore great news in trying to permanently secure these services.
have differing impacts in terms of traffic flow and journey time and in how they relate to the continued operation of the Southgate Level Crossing. This information will ultimately help to inform suitable end uses for the central Advanta Seeds site, the ultimate delivery of the approved Maltings scheme, future housing growth and broader economic development. The work is being carried out by North Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council, both of which remain committed to ongoing talks with landowners and developers to achieve highway improvements that support town centre regeneration and ease traffic flow.
Park aims to attract investment Two hundred new jobs could be created in North Hykeham, on another new business park which has the potential to attract more than £25 million of investment to the north of the District. Promoted by Chartered Surveyor Banks Long & Co and Lindum Group, the seven-acre Discovery Park on Whisby Road, holds exciting promise for the local economy. Within the fast-growing LN6 area, the site will give firms an opportunity to buy or lease bespoke premises, designed and built to their individual requirements. Given the excellent location and
accessibility of LN6, and its status as the region’s fastest growing business development area, the project is already capturing attention – being well suited to both local and regional manufacturers and also regional and national companies wishing to offer trade counter facilities from units starting at 4,000 sq ft and totalling more than 100,000 sq ft of new build business premises The Council welcomed Discovery Park as a further initiative developing the distinctiveness of the District’s northern edge, as a place to do business, within the increasingly popular LN6 sector.
A plan by one of the District’s biggest food producers to plant its roots more deeply in the local community would generate an additional 19 jobs, it says. Branston (Potatoes) Ltd, has applied to extend one of its existing buildings to create a new potato peeling facility, coupled with extended yards and a reconfigured internal roadway. This would create additional capacity to meet customer need, add a further 3,712m sq to the buildings and create boost the existing 293 onsite staff by an additional 19 full time posts.
James Truscott, of Branston Potatoes
Our Economy
To promote the economic and employment growth of North Kesteven
Newly-opened units at Teal Park Businesses move in after NKDC’s £2m investment
New and expanding businesses are settling in to the new workshop units created by the Council at Teal Park, the region’s premier employment location. Responding to a need for small, flexible, low-cost start-up units within the increasingly popular LN6 business growth zone, NKDC delivered a £2m investment to create 19 new units. This creates a portfolio of 102 workshops across nine locations in the District which, with an occupancy rate close to 100%, are highly-prized by the small flourishing businesses which they seek to support. New occupant Ian Edwards, who has up-scaled a home-based engineering operation, is so happy with his new space that he already has aspirations to expand to a larger unit. “This is exactly what we wanted, where we wanted it, with excellent transport links and accessibility to other specialist businesses. “We tried everyone and everywhere to find a unit that was right for us and this was the best that came up, built to the highest spec and with the best facilities; it’s just perfect.” The units were delivered on time and budget by Lindum Construction. Before they were even completed there were five tenants signed up, with a further two pending and considerable interest in the remaining units. In recognition of the need for such units locally, it has always been the Council’s instinctive response to invest in this way, and to have so many let and such levels of interest before they were even completed or marketed is a strong mark of confidence in such foresight and vision. The 19 Blackwood Court units range in size from 500 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft Their encouraging start follows the success of NKDC’s previous scheme at Churchill Business Park, Bracebridge Heath which was fully let and occupied within six months of completion and has continued to be 100% occupied.
Matt Young – joinery in Unit 7
“
I created Matt Young Design to fulfil my passion for high quality, handmade, bespoke solid wood products. It has always been a dream of mine to be my own boss and run my business from a workshop space like the starter units Blackwood Court offers. Before I discovered Teal Park, I struggled to find a suitable unit with the cost, size and quality that these units offer. The smaller units here are the perfect place for me to start my enterprise. Ian Edwards – EICS Products Ltd in Unit 19
“
Specialists in the manufacture, remanufacture and reverse engineering of electrical and mechanical assemblies for military and commercial vehicles. Due to our continued sales growth, we needed to expand. We are very impressed with NKDC’s modern purpose-built, secure industrial premises at Teal
Park which is ideal for us as the location is very accessible, just a few minutes away from the A46. The facilities are built and finished to an extremely high standard. Having spoken to and viewed several other industrial units around Lincoln, we found NKDC’s units at Blackwood Court the best for quality, price and terms. John Thompson – Hydrasystems Ltd in Unit 9
“
We wanted to expand the business, and when the units became available on Teal Park, the location and timing were ideal to make this happen. With further expansion within the company, this offers us a great place to start. We offer bespoke hydraulic solutions to a wide range of industries, with a complete service from initial concept to full turnkey projects. With a wide range of components available from stock, or within 24hrs, we can provide a solution for almost any industry and application.
Housing scheme gets regional recognition The Council’s own social housing scheme at Helpringham is in contention for a regional award following local recognition as one of the District’s best building projects of the last year. The six houses at School Lane won the category as best social or affordable housing scheme, and now moves on to the East Midlands round of the Local Authority Building Control Awards. At an event celebrating the best in design and building practice among clients of NKDC’s own Building
Control Unit 14 awards were made to winning and highly commended projects across nine categories. These included Simon Ballard as best local builder or traditional craftsman; the conversion of Bassingham Methodist Chapel; alterations to Heckington Community Centre; the Washingborough Hall Hotel extension as best commercial building; and best new housing development at Waterloo Lane, Skellingthorpe. See www.n-kesteven.gov.uk for full details, or the next newsnk.
Leader fund open for applications A much-anticipated fund to support rural tourism, increased farm productivity and increased cultural activity within the District has now opened for applications. The European LEADER fund is delivered through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as a bottom-up approach to improve the fortunes of rural enterprise in North and South Kesteven. This is the first time that The Kestevens area has been eligible for this funding to support growth in the rural economy, in businesses involved in tourism, heritage, business and community initiatives. So if you’re a rural business, farmer, forester, or involved in tourism we would love to hear from you. The funding is split into six priorities: > Support to increase farm productivity; > Support for micro and small
businesses (non-agricultural) and farm diversification; > Support for rural tourism; > Provision of rural services; > Support for cultural and heritage activity; > Support for increasing forestry productivity Projects should be ready to go, but not yet started. There are a number of restrictions to accessing the fund, detailed at: > www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/kestevens > Email: LincsLEADER@lincolnshire. gov.uk > Or talk to NK’s business adviser Phil Means on 01529 308135. If you decide to apply, there is a twostage application process. Firstly you must fill out an Expression of Interest. Once this is submitted you will hear back as to whether the proposal fits with the fund. If it does, you will be invited to apply and receive the full application.
£40,000 invested in initiatives A total of £40,000 is being invested by the Council into three initiatives which have the potential to reap dividends for growing enterprises and raise the District’s reputation for being open to business. It is investing £10,000 in the continued services of an external business adviser to support new and
established small businesses with advice and support to foster growth. There are further sums to part-fund someone working in partnership to develop the LN6 business growth initiative around North Hykeham, and also to support an administrative post for the £1.5m LEADER programme of grantaiding rural business development.
Wider business support available If you don’t think LEADER is for you we may still be able to help your business. Our business adviser Phil Means provides a free service to businesses in NK to help you make the most of your
business and your plans. Phil is well versed in the needs of business and can help you to access support and assistance that will grow your business. He is also able to help with business start-ups. Call 01529 308143.
Find out more about LEADER programme by visiting:
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/kestevens
The Heart of Lincolnshire Visitor Guide – out now! Free
The Council’s Building Control Unit offers solid advice and support to builders and architects to ensure full and safe compliance with legislation and good practice.
Why not pick up your free copy of our visitor guide and find out what’s on offer throughout the district. From attractions to accommodation. It’s time to discover something new.
Call: 01529 308158. Email: building_control@n-kesteven.gov.uk
www.heartoflincs.com Spring 2016 newsnk 13
What’s On
Wrapping architecture to a whole new level
Anton Alvarez will turn exhibition space into a working factory to develop a new machine The National Centre for Craft & Design Roof Gallery Up to Sunday, April 24 The Other Mountain Exploring the internationalisation of contemporary Chinese jewellery design and how an increase in academic travel over the past 20 years has effected these trends. Up to Sunday, April 24 New Designers Award Winners Flora Bhattachary specialises in contemporary bespoke carved gems in rich colours and textured precious metals and Robyn Hinchcliffe focuses on knitted textiles in the home. Both are winners of the One Year On Award at the New Designers 2015 annual showcase. Saturday, April 30 to Sunday, May 8 A Good Read The Sleaford Embroiderers, will exhibit a selection of their intricate work and run interactive activities and demonstrations of various textile techniques for visitors. Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, June 26 Paper: Beyond the Fold Demonstrating and exploring some of the more exciting and unusual applications for this so often under-appreciated medium, including paper pulp items, a hand-cut paper hanging and paper with embedded electronics.
Craft classes Tuesdays, April 12 and May 10, 6pm to 9pm Silversmithing with Andrew Poole Learn skills from basic project through to personal design. £40 for the last two sessions or £20 per session. Basic materials provided, precious metals available to buy. Book.
Navigation Wharf, Sleaford March 19 to June 5 Anton Alvarez - Alphabet Aerobics Alphabet Aerobics takes artist Anton Alvarez’s Thread
Wrapping Architecture work to a new level. It removes human intervention from the making process with the development of a new machine
Saturday, April 16, 10am to 3pm Painting with Phil Bowman Participants will paint still life, landscape and figuration with a live model. Rhythmic, patterned, gestural and abstract styles explored. Basic materials and easels provided. For adults, £25. Book Clubs and workshops Every Tuesday, 10am to noon Tots Tuesdays Explore the exhibitions and ever-changing activity zone without worrying about noise and mess. Free. Monday, April 4 and Tuesday,
May 3, 10am to 2pm Sewing Club Emma Ronald supports a social group of sewers, all working on their own projects, with advice, guidance, tea and chat. For all abilities, bring your own machine. £10 per session, Book. April 5, May 5, May 30, May 31 10am to 2pm
The Cajun Roosters
14 newsnk Spring 2016
This is an exclusive opportunity to meet Alvarez and hear him discuss the concepts behind his work. Free. On Saturday, April 23, 10am to 5pm a workshop creating and decorating ceramic vessels with Nottingham based ceramicist Anna Collette Hunt. For ages 12+, £40pp, inc materials. On Saturday, May 7, 10am to 4pm, sculptor James Sutton will run a Relief Stone carving masterclass. Participants can create their own artwork in limestone, using traditional stone carving techniques and tools. Resources will be available in the gallery Activity Zone throughout the exhibition, allowing all ages to create a sculpture inspired by what they have seen. For ages 16+, £50pp inc materials.
NCCD is open daily 10am to 5pm and is free to all Family Workshops During the school holidays NCCD extend their popular Tots Tuesday sessions so older members of the family can go along and enjoy their Activity Zone too! Free, drop-in. Every Tuesday, 4pm-5pm, 4pm-6pm on first Tuesdays NCCD Creative Young Minds
North Kesteven Centre, North Hykeham
Saturday, April 23, 3pm Monkey! Featuring puppets, live music and antique shadow puppets, Puppetcraft bring the comic adventures of Monkey, a fantastical superhero, to life. Tickets: £6, family ticket for four £20.
especially for NCCD and turns the exhibition space into a working factory. Alphabet Aerobics builds on Alvarez’s previous work to re-define the method of making and question the role of the artist in the creative process. Traditionally associated with furniture, Alvarez will use clay as his medium for the first time. The Alphabet Aerobics machine will make ceramic sculptures with no intervention from the artist and sees the exhibition space constantly changing and evolving. Viewers will see the daily creation of a new sculpture, each unique in form, size and aesthetic. On March 19 at 11am, visitors can learn more about Alphabet Aerobics directly from the artist, who will be travelling from his studio in Stockholm, to NCCD for a free event.
Friday, April 1, 7.30pm Jimmy Buckley Join Jimmy and his superb five-piece band for an evening of country and Irish music. Tickets: £20.
Saturday, April 16, 7.30pm Huw Warrren’s Trio Brasil Trio Brasil are masters of samba, bossa nova and Brazilian music. Tickets: £12, concessions £5 and £10.
www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk
Tuesdays, April 12 and May 10, 6pm to 8.30pm Feltmaking with Laura Mabbutt Introduction to wet felt-making, flat felt pictures to seamless hollow forms such as a bag. For 12 years+ and adults, £30 for the last two sessions or £15 per session. Basic materials included. Book.
Terry O’Toole Theatre
Friday, April 15, 7.30pm Desperado: Freeze Over Eden Tour 2016 Eagles tribute band Desperado authentically recreate the group’s classic hits. Tickets: £15, concessions £13.50.
01529 308710
Saturday, May 7, 6pm and Sunday, May 8, noon and 4.30pm Lilac Theatre Dance ‘Tribute’ Lilac Dance Theatre presents a dance spectacular homage to music legends old and new. Tickets: £9, concessions £7.
For ages 12-25 to create artwork and events by working with other artists. Free. Sunday, April 10 and Sunday, May 8, 10am to 4pm Printers Inc Every second Sunday of the month the intaglio print group meets explore painting techniques to develop new
01522 870251
work for exhibitions and projects. Fees apply, all welcome. Email harriottbrand@yahoo.co.uk First Tuesday of every month, 6.30pm to 9pm Hub Writers Unplugged NCCD is brought to life with a mix of local musicians and writers. Free. Open to all.
www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk
Thursday, May 12 7.30pm The Cajun Roosters A multi-talented, multi-award winning band, with a repertoire which embraces Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp Blues, Louisiana Rock ‘n’ Roll, Creole and New Orleans beats. Tickets: £12, concessions £5 to £10.
Festival of Music for Youth regional festival, they have some amazing new music to share with you. An established highlight in the theatre’s diary, this concert is sure to sell-out very quickly. Proceeds will support local charity FLINSO. Tickets £7.50, under 16s £5.
Friday, May 20, 7.30pm Jazz Vehicle in Concert Jazz Vehicle are refreshed, rejuvenated, rehearsed and ready for an amazing evening of big band jazz at the newly refurbished ONE NK centre, incorporating The Terry O’Toole Theatre! Under their inspirational founder and director John Crouch and fresh from the National
Saturday, May 21, 3pm A Pocketful of Grimms Let the magical storyteller whisk you away to a land of fables to explore some of the most famous Grimm fairy tales ever told, brought to life in a mix of physical theatre, clowning, puppetry, music and much more. Tickets: £6, family ticket of four seats £20.
Jimmy Buckley
What’s On
Go for gold this autumn
If all the pre-Olympics hype is inspiring you to take on a marathon challenge, there’s an opportunity for running or walking the distance much closer to home than Rio. This year the Spires & Steeples Challenge will take place on Sunday 16 October, a real test for runners and walkers over a full or half marathon distance. It follows the route of the Spires & Steeples Arts and Heritage Trail from Lincoln to Sleaford through Washingborough, Heighington and the villages along the B1188. As a charity challenge it helps to raise money for WheelPower, which provides sports wheelchairs, training and support to disabled people. Participants are also welcome to raise funds for their own respective charities. Prices remain at £18 for the 26 mile run/walk and £15 for the 13 mile run/ walk. Participants must be 16 or over to enter the 26 mile run, but 14 and 15 year olds can do the full walk or either the 13 mile walk or run if accompanied by an adult. Sponsors, volunteers and wellwishers are all welcome to join in too. Enter at www.runnersworld.co.uk/ spiresandsteeples2016 or by calling the events team on 01522 694353 who will take your booking over the phone. Detail at www.1life.co.uk/ SpiresandSteeplesChallenge Would-be volunteers and sponsors are invited to talk to events manager Donna Sutton on 01522 694353 or email Donna.Sutton@1life.co.uk to see how they can be involved too.
Bike champs coming back Part of the 2016 National Gravity Bike Championships will be held in the District in June. Returning for a second time, the gravity class of the Coleby Downhill Challenge will this year form round 2 of the national contest. The 2015 event saw 12 soapboxes participate in what racers, reaching more than 40mph, said was one of the best in the country. Already there are more than 30 soapboxes, sidecars and gravity bikes signed up for the high-adrenaline challenge of Coleby Hill over June 11 and 12. Around 2,000 people are expected to attend as timed practices continue throughout Saturday and races run from around 10am to 4pm on the Sunday. It is organised by the Hykeham Lions Club and partners, in aid of local charities including LIVES, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. > www.downhill.hykeham-lions.co.uk
75 years of jet flight to be marked Discover Lincolnshire Day Sunday 13 March, 11am to 4pm Cogglesford Watermill and Navigation House are both taking part in the Discover Lincolnshire Weekend showcasing everything that’s great about Lincolnshire. Visitors to both sites can claim a free 500g bag of Cogglesford’s wholemeal flour when quoting “Discover Lincolnshire!” Alongside the fascinating aviation artefacts at Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre (open 10am – 4.30pm), visitors can enjoy plumbread and cheese for free, washed down with a complimentary hot drink. Free entry to all. Eggciting Easter Trail! March 26 to April 10 Back by popular demand, during the holidays, Cogglesford Watermill, Navigation House and Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre have hidden pictures for you to find and copy. Find the full set to claim your prize! £1 for trail, free entry. Cogglesford Watermill Sunday 15 May See the historic mill rumble into action, grinding stoneground flour, also featuring Greenfield Bakers who produce delicious bread using traditional wood-fired ovens. Navigation House Sunday 19 June, 10.30am Local historian Simon Pawley will guide a walk through Sleaford’s history, taking in The Old Place, once the home of powerful nobleman Lord John Hussey, who was executed for disloyalty to Henry VIII after the 1536 Lincolnshire Risings. Discover the latest archaeology of the site and why one of the best
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre Friday 1, Saturday 2, Sunday 3 April, 10am to 4.30pm daily Marking 100 years since the Royal Naval Air Service Training Establishment, HMS Daedalus, was opened at Cranwell. Discovernk teams up with the Museum at The Manor House Stables in Martin and Heritage and known vanished landmarks of Sleaford never really existed. Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre Weekends, 18 & 19, 25 & 26 June Cranwell hosts an amateur radio station to make contact with Museums from around the world. Cogglesford Watermill Milling Days on second Sunday of the month: March 13, April 10, May 15, June 12 through to December 11. Welbourn Forge The working forge and is fired on the first Saturday of each month: April 2, May 7, June 4 through to December 3, 10am – 1pm.
Whisby Nature Park & Natural World Centre
Running through to April 28 An exhibition of the work created through four residences as the first stage of the NK Arts Partnership’s Ridges & Furrows project. Exploring and celebrating the heritage of Welbourn, Waddington, Sleaford and North Hykeham through
Ethos Centre at RAFC Cranwell, to exhibit a collection of uniforms and artefacts from that era. Free Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May 75 years of Jet Flight! Marking 75 years of jet flight since RAF Cranwell saw the first flight of an allied jet-powered aircraft, the
Enjoy a stroll
Fair play football
The North Kesteven Walking Festival will return for 2016, offering a wide range of walking opportunities as well as the breathtaking scenery and fascinating places to visit right on your doorstep. Over nine days from Saturday, July 9, there will be walks for all ages and abilities. The 2016 programme is currently being put together and the events team invites anyone interested in leading a walk or suggesting any ideas to contact Donna Sutton at donna.sutton@1life.co.uk or call 01522 694353.
The new 3G pitches installed at the NK Centre – taking shape through a £3.6m refurbishment to become ONE NK in May – are bringing more teenagers into football. The NK Outreach team is teaming up with Positive Futures to deliver a fair play football leisure league on Friday nights for boys aged 14 to 18. There is scope for it to run for a further nine weeks after the completion of the current pilot, leading to a crosscounty festival of fair play football. Details from Alex Mulligan at Positive Futures on 07810 657 605 or 01522 550997. Or email positivefutures@ lincolnshire.gov.uk
Thorpe on the Hill
a series of cultural events, artists Lyndall Phelps, Jonathan Turner, Kate Genever & Katie Smith, and Hannah Nicklin created a range of works. These will ultimately inspire a programme of arts and heritage projects for 2016 – 2017 and work is also underway to map out potential
Gloster E28/39, using an engine designed by Sir Frank Whittle. Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre teams up with the Jet Provost Group and Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre. All for free. Visitors to both sites can see aircraft taxy runs, various jet engines, jet cockpits and the chance to win a taxy ride in Jet Provost XS186.
01522 688868
www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk
routes for the Ridges & Furrows Arts & Heritage Walking Trail to link the Terry O’Toole Theatre in North Hykeham with The National Centre for Craft & Design in Sleaford, via the many rural communities along the way. The works include the photographic tableaux alongside, featuring photos of people in Waddington, presented to represent an imagined moment in the village’s past. Jonathan Turner took portraits of more than 340 people living and working in the village and RAF base. Further work includes seeds and beans from local crops, use of one of the oldest photographic processes to capture handmade objects and a compilation of local stories. Open daily in the cafe, 10am – 4pm.
Given the time it takes to fully deliver newsnk to 50,000 properties we regret that some of the events listed may have passed by the time you received your copy, for which we apologise. The early dates were promoted in the last edition.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust events For booking, call on 01522 696926 Saturday, March 12, 6.30am to 8.30am Wildlife Watch – hands-on naturebased fun for ages 6 to 12. £2, Book. March 25 to April 12, 10am to 4.30pm Easter Egg Hunt: Daily, hunt around Little Darters to solve a mystery. £2.50 per trial. Saturday, April 2, 10am to 1pm Junior Wardens: Practical hands on tasks and activities in nature conservation for ages 10 – 16. £2, Book. Wednesday, April 6, 10am to 11am Nature Tots: Outdoor seasonal activities for Under 5s. £3 per child. Saturday, April 9, 10am to 12.30pm Wildlife Watch – As March 12. Wednesday, May 4, 10am to 11am Nature Tots: As April 6. Saturday, May 7, 10am to 1pm Junior Wardens – As April 2. Saturday, May 14, 10am to 12.30pm Wildlife Watch: As March 12.
Spring 2016 newsnk 15
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