The Grantham Oak, on Belton Lane, has come second England’s Tree of the Year competition, organised by the Woodland Trust.

A Hackney plane tree has been crowned winner for 2020, after the public voted overwhelmingly in its favour. The Happy Man Tree is a street tree outside the now demolished Happy Man public house in Woodberry Grove, just off Seven Sisters Road

Last month, it was decided that the tree will be felled before the year is out to make way for redevelopment.

The competition is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery which gives a £1,000 care award to the winning trees.

The Grantham Oak is believed to be more than six centuries old,  the days of Henry V and the Battle of Agincourt.

But its future looked less certain in 2018, when  a utility company set up working around the tree, parking heavy equipment under its branches and digging trenches nearby, inadvertently threatening its roots.

The Woodland Trust, which is based in Grantham, sprung into action, working with the council to make sure that adequate protections were put in place to ensure the tree’s future – a rope barrier has been erected to keep vehicles from driving over its roots, followed by a special protective surface over the wider area.

The Grantham Oak should still have a long life ahead of it.

A new partnership has been created to help eligible residents secure energy efficiency improvements to their homes – and offer advice on keeping warm.

South Kesteven District Council is joining forces with other local authorities across Lincolnshire to form Lincs 4 Warmer Homes – L4WH – which helps people save money and reduce their energy use.

Those who qualify can upgrade their heating or get other improvements including:

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Solid wall insulation
• Boiler replacements
• First-time central heating

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Robert Reid, said: “This scheme is to help vulnerable residents get additional funding through the Energy Company Obligation and make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes. A warm home is something no one should be without.

“Funding is limited and will be released on a first come first served basis so I would urge anyone who thinks work might need to be done to get in touch as soon as possible.”

The county-wide organisation, Lincs 4 Warmer Homes, connects residents with funding and installers to keep people warm while keeping energy bills under control.

For example, households can get their heating facilities changed through National Grid’s £150m Warm Homes Fund, a programme only available through local authorities and registered social landlords.

Residents in receipt of certain income-related benefits who rely on storage heaters, fixed and/or portable room heaters and solid fuel fires could upgrade to A-rated gas central heating or, where mains gas is not an option, LPG will be offered, subject to survey to determine eligibility and acceptance by the installer. 

The funding has come through National Grid’s £150m Warm Homes Fund, a programme administered by Community Interest Company, Affordable Warmth Solutions  and only available through local authorities and registered social landlords.

Householders who think they could benefit from new heating and could meet the eligibility criteria can contact the L4WH Team online via www.l4wh.co.uk, call (01472) 326434 or email l4wh@nelincs.gov.uk.

More information on energy efficiency and keeping warm can be found at the SKDC website: http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8146

The countdown to Christmas has started, and National Trust’s beautiful Belton House in Lincolnshire is getting ready to welcome its glittering Illuminated Trail back this year, between 27 November 2020 – 3 January 2021.

Christmas at Belton House is the perfect way to get outside in the fresh air and into the festive mood. Wrap up warm, get your Christmas sparkle on, and be surrounded by over a million twinkling lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations, transforming Belton’s majestic gardens into a winter wonderland.

It takes between one to two hours to complete the magical mile-long trail, with special light installations along the way set to classic Christmas music.

Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour, surrounded by giant baubles, glowing flowers, glittering snowflakes, and clusters of trees wrapped in ever-changing ribbons of colour.  And don’t forget to look out for Father Christmas along the way!

The trail’s installations and sparkling lights provide picture-perfect social media opportunities around every corner.

Trail highlights for 2020:

*NEW* this year:

• Candle Magick– Created byCristina Ottonello these giant luminescent candles rise high into the night sky, welcoming you on your way to the Meadow of Light.
• Meadow of Light – marvel at Lightwork’s meadow of light as it gently shimmers and sways.
• Baubelles – Also created by Lightworks, this glowing installation immerses visitors in a tunnel of modern ‘baubles’ and strips of electric light.
• Aurora –More fantastical creations by Cristina Ottonello these over-sized illuminated lanterns soar between the trees.

Back by popular demand for a second year:

• Laser Garden – Step into a garden like no other, abloom with colourful laser lights.
• Tunnel of Light – This majestic tunnel, adorned with over 100,000 pea-lights and almost 50 metres long, is stunning to look at from a distance or to immerse yourself within, making it an Instagram showstopper.

“Wandering around this sparkling trail set against the dark night sky is like entering a wintery fairy-tale”, said Belton House general manager, Ian Cooper.

“This uplifting festive experience is suitable for all ages, and provides a safe, socially-distanced outdoor environment where visitors can enjoy Belton House’s spectacular gardens, festooned with colour and Christmas lights,” he added.

Book your tickets safe in the knowledge that if Covid-19 Government legislation requires cancellation, you can re-book your slot or get a refund.

Christmas at Belton is brought to you by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music, and hosted by the National Trust.  The trail is created by Culture Creative.

For more information please contact: Sarah Runnacles | sarah@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07788490146.

What:              Christmas at Belton – the magical, after-dark, illuminated trail
When:             From 27November 2020 – 3 January 2021. Open from 4.30pm, last entry

8pm and closes at 10pm. The festive trail is open on selected dates. For full details and bookings please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/beltonhouse.

Why Visit:      Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful

landscape of Belton House.

Admission:    Advanced From: Adult £19, Child £13.50, Family £60 (2 adults & 2 children).  Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.

Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

Website:         nationaltrust.org.uk/beltonhouse | #christmasatbelton | #mychristmastrails
Address:        Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW

Works to replace the worn out carriageway on the A607 Carlton Scroop, between Normanton on Cliff and Hough Lane, will start on Monday 21 September.

The total programme of works is expected to last for five weeks, subject to suitable weather.

As part of the works, a full night-time road closure will be in place throughout the duration of the project from 7pm to 6am, Monday to Friday.

The diversion route for the closure will be via the A607 to Leadenham / C308 to Leadenham by-pass / A17 to Holdingham roundabout / A15 to Quarrington roundabout / A153 to Honington / A607 to Carlton Scroop, and vice versa.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “As part of these works, we’ll be resurfacing a stretch of the A607 near Carlton Scroop to replace road surface that’s nearing the end of its serviceable life.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption throughout the five-week project, including maintaining access for residents and emergency services throughout the works.

“I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience during the works. The A607 is an important road, and these improvements will ensure remains safe and continues to operate smoothly for years to come.”

For up-to-date information about this and other roadworks, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/roadworks.

by Countryside Alliance

These new rules will introduce the independent Geographical Indications (GI) schemes ensuring that products such as stilton and Melton Mowbray pork pies will continue to be protected as we leave the EU. This is great news for Britain’s food and drink producers as well as consumers who can continue to purchase with confidence.

The Countryside Alliance has long believed that honest labelling is essential for consumers and producers and we call on the Government to go further and introduce mandatory country of origin labelling on all meat products. 

Currently all fresh meat sold in the UK must be labelled showing where the animal was reared and slaughtered but this does not cover products such as sausages, bacon and ready-meals.

Consumers are taking much more notice about where the meat they eat originates and the Countryside Alliance wants labelling that shows where the animal was reared and slaughtered for all meat, including that where meat is an ingredient.

Currently sausages made in Britain from Danish pork can be legitimately labelled as British because the meat has been processed in the UK. We believe food marked as British must come from British farmers and producers. 

Country of origin food labelling must be mandatory for all meat to ensure a level playing field for British farmers after we leave the EU.

Geographical Indications Schemes

The new rules will introduce the independent Geographical Indications (GI) schemes and will make sure that popular and traditional produce from across the country will be granted special status to mark out their authenticity and origin, for example Scotch whisky and Welsh lamb.

This means that shoppers will be able to buy their favourite food and drink with confidence, and producers whose foods are granted GI status will benefit from intellectual property protection so that others cannot imitate them. GIs are highly valued by producers and are exemplars of the wide range of quality British products enjoyed around the world. They represent around a quarter of UK food and drink exports by value, approaching £6bn in export value in 2019.

GIs are only awarded to highlight regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. The new logos representing the unique and protected nature of these products to consumers have been unveiled today, which can be displayed on all British produce which is given GI status.
 

Residents are being asked to share their opinions on a proposal to build much-needed council properties on a patch of disused land in the heart of Grantham.

The 24 new homes, off Swinegate, would be one and two-bedroom flats for people on the South Kesteven District Council housing register – those who most urgently need a home.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Robert Reid, said: “This development would help SKDC deliver much-needed high quality new social housing to Grantham – something that is needed in our towns, throughout the district and across the country as a whole.

“These properties would be built to the Lifetime Homes standard to support the changing needs of residents now and into the future. They are designed to be inclusive, accessible, adaptable, energy efficient, sustainable and good value.

“This is an exciting proposal and would improve the local area.”

The development would form part of SKDC’s Housing Strategy and demand shows a requirement for  128 properties to be built in central Grantham. Developing homes in line with demand also helps free up larger properties within SKDC’s stock to ensure more residents have a home that suits their needs.

SKDC has already consulted organisations including Lincolnshire County Council Highways and Grantham Civic Society.

The public consultation will be open for responses between Monday 26 October and Sunday 8 November. The full details and survey can be found by searching for “Swinegate Development” on the SKDC website.

There will also be two Covid-safe drop-in sessions at The Newton Room, Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham on Tuesday 27 October, and Friday 30 October, both from 9am–6pm.

After a planning application is submitted, people will also be able to formally comment on the proposal to the SKDC planning department.

The proposal’s strong street line along Swinegate is in keeping with the rest of the street. At the rear, the block is stepped away from neighbouring properties to minimise overlooking. This also allows the buildings to centre around a communal entrance courtyard.

The garage site has existing planning permission for nine flats and SKDC’s proposal would expand that to 24 one and two-bedroom apartments.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is re-introducing visitor car parking charges, with new lower rates, from Monday 2 November.

Parking charges for visitors were paused in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As more and more services have been reintroduced, there is now a need to monitor parking and make sure patients and those visiting loved ones are able to park on the hospital sites.

In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust has decided to introduce lower charges than before, and to introduce a half-hour free at the beginning of each stay.

The new charges from Monday 2 November 2020 will be as below:

Up to 30 minutes    FREE

Up to 1 hour     £1

1 to 4 hours     £2

4 – 24 hour      £5

Motorcycle parking    FREE

Blue Badge holders    FREE (the vehicle needs to be pre-registered at main reception with the blue badge displayed in the windscreen. Vehicles  previously registered will still be on the system).

Concessions

Remain in place as before. For further information discuss with the ward or department.

In addition, and in line with new Government guidance, parking will now be free for more patients than ever before, including:

blue badge holders

frequent outpatients who have to attend regular appointments to manage long-term conditions

parents of sick children staying in hospital overnight.

Patients who believe that are eligible for free parking should mention it to the clinic or ward reception team upon arrival.

To ensure continued compliance with infection prevention measures, car parking payment machines will be regularly cleaned throughout each day and hand sanitiser will also be available for people to use before and after using the machines. However, people are advised to pay by cards wherever possible to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Patients and visitors are encouraged wherever possible to register to use the good2go website (www.parkgood2go.com/) to pay for car parking online after their visit.

The charges will be reviewed again in March 2021. Parking for all staff is free at the Trust.

Roads were closed and queueing traffic due to accident on A52 just before 4pm outside the Next store from Dysart Road to A607 Harlaxton Road.

Congestion to Barrowby Road for southbound traffic on Sangt Augustin Way and on to London Road northbound.

The ioncident involved a car and a pedestrian, who recived minor injuries.

All roads have since reopened.

Affecting traffic heading in and out of the town centre.

One lane of the A1 southbound is closed due to accident involving a van.

Traffic between between Valley Lane (Long Bennington / Cotham Turn Off) and A52 (Grantham North / Barrowby Turn Off) is affected but coping well.

St Barnabas Hospice and the EBP have teamed up to launch a new festive fundraiser for Christmas in the form of Rudy’s Run. 

Set up to encourage schools, organisations and the charities’ supporters to get involved and raise much-needed funding, the run is not a race, but rather a chance for families and schools to dance, prance or run around and join in with some Christmas-themed crafts.

Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas Hospice, said: “Registering for Rudy’s Run means you receive a pair of antlers and a red nose along with a downloadable pack of activities – including Rudy’s special recipe for Reindeer food. You will also receive a ‘thank you’ message all the way from the North Pole for signing up and fundraising to support St Barnabas Hospice.

“With events and productions like pantomimes and festive gatherings postponed this year, we wanted to provide Lincolnshire schools, nurseries, groups and families with a ‘readymade’ Christmas event they can hold safely in their bubbles. 

“The partnership with the EBP has been instrumental in maintaining good sign-ups for schools. However, we also wanted to make sure our activity pack hit all the right notes with fun as well as including educational activities which are perfect for younger children. We want to say a huge thank you to the team at the EBP for their support and encouragement with launching this new fundraiser.”

Matthew McKeown, Head of Commercial Services at The EBP commented “We’re delighted to team up with St Barnabas on such a fun and festive project. We hope that the schools, children and families taking part will have fun taking part whilst raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”

This Christmas, a family from Wragby will take part in the run in memory of Colin Westwood. Making up the family is Colin’s wife, Linda, their daughter, Sarah, and their grandchildren, Mollie (10), Thomas (9) and Bethan (6).

Linda, Sarah and family have witnessed first-hand the care and compassion from St Barnabas Hospice when Colin was in their care in 2013. Colin was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had his first operation just three days after his granddaughter, Mollie, was born. 

Over the next few years, the cancer spread to his lymph glands and lungs.

Colin’s daughter, Sarah, said: “In Dad’s last few weeks the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team from Louth were amazing. Dad’s final wish was to die at home, and we just wouldn’t have been able to carry this out without them. He was dignified and hated to rely on others for help, but the nurses made him feel comfortable and gave him the dignity he needed.

“After a visit from his GP, Mum told us it was time to be at home with Dad as he didn’t have long left. We decided to have fish and chips in his room that week and celebrate his upcoming birthday. We read all his cards out to him and sang ‘happy birthday’. Dad died the next day in the early hours of the morning, age 81.

“Since Dad died, keeping his memory alive has been so important to us as a family. Mollie and Thomas were only young when he passed away, but we always talk about him and do things in his memory. We have taken part in On Yer Bike and Colour Dash for St Barnabas, as well as dedicating a forget me not and dragonfly in his memory. 

“Rudy’s Run stood out to us as an initiative we would love to support together. Mum joined a St Barnabas bereavement group after Dad passed away, which was invaluable to her. She made some great friends and found an outlet for her grief where she could talk to others in her position. The fact that Rudy’s Run is raising money to support the Hospice’s bereavement services means a lot to our family and we are determined to do our bit to help.”

Thomas said: “I miss when my grandad used to bounce me on the bed to make me giggle. We will be doing Rudy’s Run to help other poorly people like him.”

St Barnabas Hospice is renowned for its outstanding end of life care for adults but also provides pre and post-bereavement support for families. This invaluable support is free for anyone in Lincolnshire who is struggling with loss, and more work is being done at St Barnabas to create a specialist bereavement service for children as young as five.  

Losing a parent, sibling, or grandparent can be extremely traumatic for a child and can affect more children than many people imagine. 

Rudy’s Run has been designed to promote and raise funds for this service as well as maintaining St Barnabas Hospice’s overall mission throughout the most difficult year ‘to offer compassionate, end of life care’.

Schools, nurseries or groups are able to sign up free of charge by visiting www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/rudysrun

If you would like to access our free Bereavement support services, please contact our easy, self-referral line on 0300 303 1897 or read more on the service here: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/services/wellbeing-support/bereavementhelpline/ 

Local councils have joined forces to create a new regional adoption agency, to help place more children with caring families.

Family Adoption Links is a new partnership between Lincolnshire County Council, Rutland County Council, North Lincolnshire Council, Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council.

The innovative partnership will allow councils to work together to grow the region’s combined pool of potential adopters, meaning children can be placed with a loving family sooner.

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re all committed to finding loving homes for children who have had a difficult start in life.

“And by working together more closely, we’re confident that we can place more children with caring families.

“Adopting a child is fulfilling – many celebrate it as the best decision of their lives!  Whilst these young children may, at times, need extra love and support, there is nothing more rewarding than to see them grow and develop into young people who flourish.

“So if you think you can offer a child a loving and stable home, now’s the perfect time to get in touch and make a real difference to a child’s life.”

For further information on adoption, visit www.familyadoptionlinks.org.uk 

Emergency services dealt with a road collision at Belton Lane traffic lights which happened at lunchtime today.

The road is now clear.

Covid 19 has hit communities hard but none are so badly affected as those living in low income families, or, those who have recently lost their jobs as a result.

The latest government furlough scheme offer is lower than that used over the summer. Analysis by Labour has been independently validated.

Over 900,000 children in the UK are at risk of hunger this winter. Of these over 17,000 live in Lincolnshire. 

In an attempt to persuade the Conservative government to reconsider its package of help for these children both Labour opposition MPs and footballer Marcus Rashford called for the government to fund  school meals over the holidays to help feed these children.

In a late night vote in Parliament the majority of Conservative MPs failed to heed the call for help. As a result the proposal lost by 61 votes.

Chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group Alison Garnham said: “We’ve reached a low point if in the midst of a pandemic we decide we can’t make sure children in the lowest income families have a nutritious meal in the middle of the day.”

South Kesteven District Councillor Labour Group Leader Charmaine Morgan said:  “It is utterly shameful that the 322 Conservative MPs voting against the proposals would see children go hungry this winter.

“Contrary to Government claims, our benefit safety net is inadequate to protect people from the costs or challenges brought on by changes in circumstance. The increasing number of families forced to turn to Foodbank over the last few years, prior to Covid 19, is clear evidence of this. Covid 19 and Brexit bring a risk of even worse to come for the foreseeable future. 

“Boris Johnson, rejecting earlier calls for help, said it wasn’t the government’s job to feed children.In Parliament, during the debate Conservative MPs argued parents should take full responsibility for their children, as if children are some sort of drain on our society. But children are our future.

“If our children are to stand a chance to contribute to society and reach their full potential they need food – now. And it’s hypocritical to say children should be educated as a priority when so many will be suffering such hunger pangs they cannot concentrate.

“It is also hugely shortsighted financially. Malnutrition in childhood creates consequences later in life. Public Health and our NHS bill  will become far higher than the cost of food at this crucial time. 

“The recent vote follows a trend. Since the Conservative government has been in power a quarter of a million children year on year have fallen into poverty. The UK now has one of the worst rates of child malnutrition and ‘food insecurity’ among rich nations – with one in five UK children suffering food insecurity. 

“The statements made by the Conservative Government this month, in the hour of most need, should be remembered by all. I do not believe the vast majority of people in our community would support this position. Many themselves on the brink of financial crisis. 

“Whilst UK Parliament has turned its back on those in need the Scottish, Welsh and N Ireland Parliaments are doing what they can for their children. 

“Recognition must go to the few more decent Conservative MPs who backed the call for help. They were Caroline Ansell (Eastbourne), Robert Halfon (Harlow), Jason McCartney (Colne Valley), Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) and Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe).

“Gareth Davies MP was not among them. He shamefully voted to let the children in our constituency Grantham and Stamford go hungry. So did all other Conservative MPs in Lincolnshire. 

“And who will be left to pick up the pieces here?   Our schools, charities and volunteers, many of whom themselves are struggling to make ends meet. They will need all the help South Kesteven District Council and its residents can give.” 

There was a single vehicle collision, on Belton Lane, Great Gonerby, at 8am yesterday morning.

A fire crew from Grantham crew used small tools to make the vehicle safe and managed traffic at the scene until the arrival of Police.

The A1 was closed in both directions this morning due to serious accident involving a lorry and a tractor.

The accident happened around 6.30am between the A607 Harlaxton/Melton Mowbray turn-off and the A151 Colsterworth Services junction, near Stoke Rochford Golf Club.

The central reservation had been crossed meaning both the north and southbound carriageways were affected.

Fire crews from Grantham and Corby Glen plus arescue unit from Lincoln used hydraulic cutting equipment to release a casualty from the lorry.. Casualty care given to both drivers until the arrival of paramedics.

Two men were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.  

The road has now reopened

• 

• 

A specialist metal furniture maker has brightened the coronavirus gloom with a new product – a cone shaped Christmas tree for outside use.

Bennington Metal Furniture has used its time-honoured artisan metal craftsmanship to produce free-standing trees in a range of sizes, all powder coated for a durable weather-proof finish in a range of colours.

Wendy Palfrey, managing director of the Long Bennington company, is confident that the metal tree will find favour in the growing trend for external festive lighting.

“We have the expertise and the craftsmanship that won our sister company Bennington Carriages a Royal Warrant, and we wanted to produce something to cheer everyone up.

“These trees are not just for Christmas, they are for every Christmas, a real heirloom that can be passed down and even adapted for year-round use.

“They can be any size, and in any colour. There are hundreds of colours in the RAL range, so people can really go to town if they want to be a little adventurous.

“They could also be re-painted for other special occasions, white for a wedding, perhaps, or a natural colour to light up the garden or on a patio.”

Standard available sizes range from six feet to 12 feet high, starting from £295, but, as with all of Bennington Metal Furniture’s products, customers can order any size for a truly bespoke product.

Lights and decorations can be fitted if provided by the customers.

Location fixing security pegs can be added, depending on where the tree will stand, and buyers can choose a dismantling option for ease of storage.

Trees will be available two weeks from ordering, with free delivery within 25 miles of Long Bennington. Customers can also collect their tree by appointment.

For more information visit www.benningtonmetalfurniture.co.uk or telephone 01400 281280