NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across the county, including news of the return of Spalding’s colourful Flower Parade in 2023.

Spalding Flower Parade returns in 2023

COLOURFUL EVENT TO RETURN THANKS TO STEVE TIMEWELL AND TEAM

One of the most colourful and cheerful summer events is set to return after a 10-year absence, as Steve Timewell and the team last month confirmed the date for a Flower Parade in the centre of Spalding on Saturday 6th May 2023. “So far, the community support has been incredible which makes this event even more special, says Steve. “We have proved that people want it back and the event will have a whole new, fresh look but we will incorporate some elements of local nostalgia. We guarantee it will be huge!” “As a Spalding resident for many years, I have fond memories of the Flower Parade and felt the sad loss when it ceased to exist.” “I have always dreamed it could come back one day but it’s a challenge at the very least, for anyone.” “With the help of our local community and backing from dozens of local companies, I can steer this project to fruition, but not alone, so I am truly humbled by the support I have received so far, and as plans continue, everything is falling into place so this event will go ahead and it will be a day to remember forever,” he adds.

SPALDING Already more than 35 participants have confirmed they will take part in the parade. The event will also include a craft fair, main arena, and more. n

Embassy Redevelopment

THEATRE SET FOR EXPANSION AS SKEGNESS CULTURE HOUSE GETS THE GO-AHEAD

Skegness is set to be home to one of the first culture houses in the country after the district council planning gave consent for the redesign of the Embassy Theatre. The site redevelopment of the theatre, which has been a mainstay of the town since 1926, is set to significantly enhance the arts and cultural offer in Skegness, offering new and exciting opportunities for creativity, performance art, music, and learning. The redesign of the theatre foyers and circulation space will see the construction of a new two storey cultural

SKEGNESS involvement centre at the theatre that will incorporate a lounge, café/bar, as well as informal meeting spaces, improved visitor seating in the foyers, and multi‐use workshop space. A new mezzanine floor will host space for activities on the first floor, and the external spaces and entrances to the theatre will also be improved. Once complete, the new culture house will build on the Embassy Theatre’s existing reputation of quality more arts and culture choices for local people and visitors. Work will begin in 2023. n

Minster School Results

LINCOLN MINSTER SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE INCREDIBLE A LEVEL SUCCESS

Students at Lincoln Minster School recently celebrated their A Level results and the opportunity to take up places at universities across the country and internationally. Among those celebrating were Milly (first left) who achieved two A* grades and will read English at York; Edward (second left) who achieved two A* grades, an and a B, who will study

LINCOLN Aerospace Engineering in Liverpool and Archie, Coralie & Frances who are heading toward higher education in Leeds, the University of Lincoln, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. 95% of pupils were awarded A*-C with particularly strong results in Art, Chemistry, English, Further Maths. Spanish, CTEC Business and EPQ. n See lincolnminsterschool.co.uk.

Successful Sunday for Mayors

250 PEOPLE CELEBRATE ROLE OF MAYORS IN THE COUNTY WITH MAYOR’S SUNDAY IN BOSTON...

Mayor of Boston Anne Dorian with Tody and Oscar. Image by John Aron.

New brewery in Louth hosts lager than live launch event...

LOUTH Lincolnshire’s newest brewery has celebrated its official launch in Louth. Luda Brewing Co, produces Luda lager, IPA, Stout and Hard Seltzer at its brewery on Fairfield Industrial Estate. The name ‘Luda’ was inspired from the River Lud which runs through the town of Louth. In the near future, Luda will be offering brewery tours and gift vouchers. The company wants its brewery tap to be a meeting place for those who enjoy real ale. n

Head Brewer Joe Byrd.

BOSTON Over 250 people attended Mayor’s Sunday which was held in Boston Stump last month. Many local organisations were represented, as well as civic dignitaries from neighbouring councils. Guest of honour was Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Mr Toby Dennis and he was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Sarah Dennis. Boston Mayor Anne Dorrian said, “My aim this year has been to make the Mayoralty welcoming and inclusive because the Office of Mayor actually belongs to the people of Boston. I was absolutely delighted that the majority of the congregation was made up of locals who came along to celebrate with us!” n The cycle network between Pinchbeck and Spalding is going to be improved thanks to a recent £1.8 million investment. The two communities will be connected with a safe and direct cycle route linking up Wardentree Lane and Enterprise Way.

S PALDING n

£1.8m Investment

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

GRIMSBY

Heritage in North East Lincolnshire awarded £598,000 of lottery funding

Three exciting heritage projects in North East Lincolnshire are set to benefit from £590,000 in National Lottery Heritage Fund grants. Grimsby Town Football Club memories and memorabilia will be captured and showcased in a touring exhibition; Fascinating local heritage news will be share on The Heritage Channel, a monthly magazine show broadcast online; and finally, the often overlooked Viking history of Grimsby will be celebrated with a brand new three-day family festival to be held in 2023 to be organised by North East Lincolnshire Council. n

2022’s Best Kept Villages named...

ROPSLEY & WELBY TAKE TOP HONOURS IN SKDC BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION

Beautiful Ropsley and Welby have taken top honours in this year’s South Kesteven District Council Best Kept Village competition. Allington was judged second in the large village category, with Barrowby third. Stubton took second place in the small village awards with Witham on the Hill third. Winning villages will receive cheques in appreciation of residents’ work and community spirit, with £400 for the top award, £300 for second and £200 for third, paid to their Parish Councils. The top two villages will also receive a gold-coloured litter bin. Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, Cabinet Member for Culture and the Visitor Economy, said: “We are delighted to recognise the community pride and work that goes into keeping our villages looking so special and reward the increasing levels of participation that we have seen this year. It all helps our commitment to make the district a vibrant place to live, work and visit.” “I know that our winners last year were planning to invest in improvements, a commitment illustrated by the residents of Welby, who asked for judges’ comments following last year’s competition where they came third in their category. Clearly they have acted on that feedback and we are delighted to see them top the league of small villages. “Our assessments are also a valuable way to inform the council of areas that might need attention from our street scene teams.” Judges, helped by the Lincolnshire Gardens Trust for the final stages, assessed more than 100 villages to monitor a range of criteria including village facilities, grounds maintenance and street scene, front gardens and evidence of community pride

SOUTH KESTEVEN and ownership. The condition of most villages was exceptionally high and organisers say this posed a real challenge to judges to determine winners. n

Allington Manor, in one of the area’s winning villages.

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE JOIN IN THE FUN AT LINCOLN PRIDE’S 2022 EVENT

Last month saw the return of Lincoln Pride, a full day of live performances and festivities, in celebration of Lincoln’s LGBTQ+ community. Police officers joined in the fun, with Lincolnshire Chief Constable Chris Haward said the officers were engaging with the community. n

Youngsters Get Growing

DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE’S LITTLE SEEDLINGS ENJOYED THEIR FIVE A DAY LAST MONTH...

BOSTON Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, recently hosted a free session in Boston for its Little Seedlings Club. During the workshop, children aged four to 10 enjoyed the opportunity to learn how to grow their own fruit and how they can enjoy some of their five a day this autumn. The club provides exciting interactive learning activities that allow children in Boston to understand, explore, and connect with plants, wildlife, and the environment around them. The Boston garden centre is one of 74 around the county. Dobbies was founded in 1865. n