NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across the county. We’ll meet the RAF hero completing an epic 5,600 mile challenge for charity.

Mike’s on his bike for charity challenge

RAF SUPER CYCLIST MIKE SETS HIS SIGHTS ON FINAL LEG OF 5,600-MILE CHALLENGE

SCAMPTON A Lincolnshire cyclist has embarked on the final leg of an epic fundraiser marking the end of his 5,600mile Dambusters Ride 2021 challenge for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Throughout the year, Mike Ainsworth has tackled a number of mind-boggling endurance rides and regular training rides in tribute to the Dambusters and to honour Britain’s last surviving airman from that raid, Johnny Johnson. Not only has Mike racked up the miles, he has also raised more than £1,000 for the Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity. Mike’s first endurance ride took place in May when he cycled the 200 miles from RAF Scampton to Johnny Johnson’s Bristol home on the 78th anniversary of the raid. Another highlight was in July he completed four consecutive 100-mile rides in Lincolnshire, over four days. Mike covered a total of 413 miles over the four days, and on Battle of Britain Day, Mike put on his cycle helmet for the final time in the challenge, cycling 160 miles from Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre to the memorial in Green Park, London. “The challenge has been so much fun and I feel honoured to be able to pay tribute to those who have gone before me in this way. I also turned 56 this year, which makes my target especially fitting!” n The RAF Benevolent Fund helps personnel, veterans and their partners access a range of support services. See rafbf.org.

Grantham celebrates...

COMMEMORATIVE ORCHARD OFFICIALLY OPENED WITH MILITARY HONOURS...

GRANTHAM The Grantham’s Heroes Commemorative Orchard was officially opened last month with due military honours to remember local World War Two heritage. First Airborne Division trained around Grantham before parachuting into Holland for the Battle of Arnhem and Tuesday 21st September, marked the date in 1944 when the battle entered its fifth day. Royal British Legion standard bearers were joined at the opening by Army representatives, descendants of men who fought at Arnhem, orchard project donors, sponsors, members of South Kesteven District Council and Wyndham Park Volunteers who tend the National Trust-owned site. Judy Urquhart, daughter of Major General Robert Urquhart who commanded the First Airborne Division said: “The orchard is a commemoration for all the soldiers and airmen who were based in the Grantham area during the Second World War. Their sacrifices were made to keep Britain safe from German invasion.” n See wyndhamparkgrantham.org.uk

Helping our heroes

LIVES CHARITY PROVIDING TRAINING

BOURNE A new contract between Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and first responder charity LIVES will ensure firefighters attending medical incidents are trained to the same standards in trauma response. The LIVES education team is now carrying out the new training sessions with firefighters across the county, following the first sessions held in Bourne last week. “We have long seen the benefits of emergency services training and learning together, and this is particularly apparent at medical emergencies which often involve multiple responders in hugely challenging situations. Firefighters have now carried out co-responding duties for more than 20 years in Lincolnshire,” says Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for emergency services. Nikki Cooke, CEO at LIVES, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and we’re extremely proud to work in partnership with them.” n

Learning by the Lake

LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM OUTDOOR CLASSES AT BOULTHAM PARK’S RESTORED LAKE...

Talk? I expect you to drive, Mr Bond...

CONINGSBY The spirit of Annie Lloyd’s ex-husband Brian Redshaw is living on... in his beloved 1961 three-wheeler Bond car! Unlike the couple’s love for one another, Annie’s relationship with the car is slightly more tempestuous... she describes it as having an ‘aggravating’ character. This month Annie will exhibit the car at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham as a tribute to Brian, who died in 2015. The 250cc Bond was made between 1949 and 1966. Annie says it’s an honour to have inherited it. n

LINCOLN City of Lincoln Council’s community services teams are working with a Lincoln school to educate local children with outdoor classes as part of the Boultham Park Lake Restoration Project. Pupils at Sir Francis Hill School have covered topics like ‘Blue Abyss’ and ‘Earth Science,’ with classes including pond dipping, soil testing, fossil making and water art. Other pupils will create seed bombs, hunt for bugs, and enjoy tree planting for National Tree Week. Boultham Park’s Lake Restoration Project has been funded by the £658,700 given to City of Lincoln Council. n A new ‘village’ with 3,500 homes will be created as part of the South East Quadrant of Bracebridge Heath. Plans for an initial 1,123 homes have been put to North Kesteven District Council’s planning committee, and the eventual village will comprise seven acres of commercial land, shops and schools too.

BRACEBRIDGE HEATH n

3,500 Homes

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

BOSTON x

Say ‘Ello, ‘Ello, ‘Ello but also thank you, thank you, thank you to three heroic coppers...

Three police officers from Boston have been nominated for National Police Bravery Awards. PCs Sarah Luker, Natalie Eyers and Will Robson successfully tackled a man armed with a machete who went on a terrifying rampage. Lincolnshire Police Federation Chair Phil Clark said: “This was an act of bravery by the officers who, incredibly, were uninjured, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public in the finest traditions of the service.” n

Rawsons Lane, Boston £995,000 Middle Drove, Kirton Holme £525,000

This fabulous, architect designed property, completed less than two years ago, stands in a much sought-after position and while it is incredibly convenient for schools, amenities and the hospital, the view over the acres of parkland to the rear is absolutely breath-taking. With the internal dimensions alone approaching 7000 square feet, Eight Elms is a spacious property indeed. The accommodation includes a large living room with triple doors opening onto the rear patio and garden, large games room with bar, a cinema room and a stunning home spa complete with a six metre swim spa, sauna and gym. Outside, the property has the most beautiful outlook and an oak framed triple open-ended garage.

This superb family home offers light and spacious accommodation with all rooms on the generous side and enjoys a non-estate position. The ground floor comprises sitting room, dining room, dining kitchen, utility and cloakroom. Upstairs there are four double bedrooms with a family bathroom having both a bath and a shower, and a generous ensuite shower room off the master bedroom. Outside is a generous block-paved driveway and a detached double garage and lawned garden. Situated in the heart of the village within walking distance to many amenities, this most attractive period property and detached shop date back to the late 1800’s. There is also an annexe as well as a detached two storey former coach-house included within the sale, making this unique property one that has the potential to appeal to many different types of buyer. The coach-house comprises two large rooms over two storeys and could be idealy converted into additional accommodation subject to the appropriate consents.

Barnes Farm is an individually designed and exceptionally spacious bungalow, now offered with no onward chain. The property occupies a generous plot with established gardens and enjoys uninterrupted views over neighbouring fields. The property also has the added benefit of a 59' x 23' four-bay detached garage block, ideal for a car enthusiast, someone looking for a substantial space to work from home or even just requiring the additional storage space.

Whitehouse Lane, Fishtoft Offers Over £395,000 London Road, Kirton £475,000