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Ricky Gee says,,,
A lot of local talent entertaining live on Facebook trying to put smiles on people’s faces in these uncertain times thank you stay safe
Go to
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3274242072603628/
Lisa says….
STOLEN FROM WESTBOROUGH VILLAGE OVER THE PAST 10 HOURS!!!!!
Last night we had 2 quad bikes stolen between 11pm to 8am this morning. They had also attempted to break into the building.
They must have been quite experienced as we have a gravel driveway and a dog and nothing was heard or seen.
This has broken all of my children’s hearts
and it was keeping them slightly occupied during this extremely hard time.
Please SHARE this so we can catch the SCUMBAGS!!!!!
.
| From today, inpatients at any United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust sites will be able to access free Freeview TV and free calls to UK landlines and mobiles. The Trust has agreed a package with its entertainment provider Hospedia to supply this to all bedside terminals at Lincoln, Boston and Grantham hospitals. Premium channels will still be available at an additional charge to patients. Last week, the Trust made the difficult decision to suspend all patient visiting. The only exceptions to this are: The maternity department will allow one birthing partner to attend Parents who do not show the symptoms of infection can visit their childrenA ny other visits are by exception only and typically will be granted on compassionate grounds agreed in advance with the nurse in charge of the ward. If granted, the majority of these visits will be taking place between 6pm and 7pm. No visitors under 16 will be allowed. A hospital spokesman said: “We can appreciate this may be frustrating for the family and friends of patients, but we can assure that it is required at this time. “We hope by providing access to these facilities for free it will provide some comfort to our patients and their families at this time.” |
Coronavirus is set to force thousands of our vulnerable people into self isolation and 1.5 million of the UK population to shield themselves, prohibiting them from what we are used to as “everyday life” and “normality.”
Hawkens Gingerbread, a small bakery producing one of the oldest and most loved biscuits in history, has pledged to ensure loved ones are not left alone during these challenging times.
“Give the gift of gingerbread” is a simple and thoughtful way of reaching out, communicating and showing care towards loved ones.
When purchasing the Gift of Gingerbread (including four of the favourite artisan gingerbreads and a carton of the famous Grantham Gingerbread) from their e-commerce store, the team will also be offering a personalised message service, allowing customers to write a heartwarming passage to accompany their purchase.
The message can be of any length, allowing for customers to express their love and thoughts to those they cannot access physically.
With every purchase made, Hawkens Gingerbread will also be donating 10% of each sale to national charity, Age UK.
This donation will enable caregivers and advisers to provide the older generation, who are the most vulnerable to Coronavirus the support and assistance that they require.
Age UK’s advice line has increased by 30% since the outbreak, whilst calls to the confidential helpline, The Silver Line have increased by 40%. With these figures expected to grow, Hawkens Gingerbread’s donations will help Age UK reach their £10 million to help them support older people during this national crisis.
You can gift your loved ones with the Gift of Gingerbread here:
https://www.hawkensgingerbread.com
At this time, Hawkens Gingerbread are operating, producing and processing
orders via a “one man band.” Alastair Hawken, founder of the business is working alone to ensure that team members can practise the measures implemented by the Government.
While Alastair ensures that business continues as normal as possible to meet the current demands of his customers, as SALSA accredited bakers, Hawkens Gingerbread have always made hygiene their first priority.
However, during these times, extra precautions such as frequent cleaning of all hard surfaces and regular washing of hands and utensils are top of the list.
Alastair Hawken,said: “Never before in recent history has there been a greater need for us all to support each other than now. As we try to find a way through the COVID-19 crisis, we are asking each other to isolate ourselves away from the vulnerable people in our lives who we love and care; those who need us the most, so that we can keep them safe and well. In doing so we need our sefl-isolating loved ones much closer to us in many other ways.
“We need to call them on the telephone more than we have done before, or arrange a video call every now and then.
“We could write letters, postcards or send an email and we can even send small thoughtful gifts such as the Gift of Gingerbread. But whatever we do, we must ensure that self-isolation does not become loneliness.
“Stay safe.”
| South Kesteven District Council is suspending all parking charges in its car parks. |
| Since the Coronavirus outbreak and the introduction of travel restrictions the council’s car parks are mainly being used by key workers and others who have to drive to ensure the delivery of vital services. The Leader of SKDC, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “We have decided to suspend all charges and enforcement across all our council car parks until 30 June when this will be reviewed .“Given the current situation with Coronavirus, the number of people using the car parks has understandably dropped and it is clear that those who are using them are either key workers or people having to make essential journeys. “Stopping charges and enforcement whilst we are all working together to protect and support our communities as we fight this virus is simply the right thing to do. We have also extended the life of any parking season tickets. ”The move means customers will not have to use pay and display machines, reducing touch points and the risk of cross-infection.Those with season tickets will not lose out as the period during which payment is suspended will be added to the life of their tickets.” |
Manufacturing safety visors and producing ventilators are just some of the ways the University of Lincoln is helping tackle the global Coronavirus crisis.
Staff and students at the University are pulling out all the stops to help the healthcare workers in Lincolnshire as they face the unprecedented challenge of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University’s School of Engineering is meeting an immediate need from United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust by manufacturing safety visors and other safety equipment which can be deployed at Lincoln County Hospital. Staff are also working up plans to support the production of ventilators for very sick patients by 3D printing parts for machines.
A huge chunk of the money needed is being contributed by the University – and now, the public are called on donate more funds via JustGiving to ensure that as many new pieces of equipment as possible can be created.
Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “As a University we have a responsibility to serve the community in which we sit, and there has never been a more important time for us to step up and try to make a positive difference to the immense challenges faced by the health service in combating the COVID-19 virus.
“I am particularly proud of our engineering staff who are manufacturing safety visors and other equipment for use at Lincoln County Hospital.
“We are moving as quickly as we can to support our local community, and the University is contributing a large part of the cost needed to produce the equipment, but we are asking for your help to raise the remaining funds required. Any amount you can give matters; I know that together, we can make a difference, and I hope as many of you as possible can support our efforts.”
To contribute to the campaign, please visit the dedicated JustGiving page.
New Government funding designed to help businesses across the country during the coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak has launched today (Friday) in South Kesteven.
The funding, which was announced by the Chancellor last week, will see two new schemes pay cash grants to eligible businesses in the district of either £10,000 or £25,000.
The Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund are being administered by InvestSK, the district’s economic growth and regeneration company, on behalf of South Kesteven District Council.
Businesses eligible to receive the funding will be contacted by InvestSK before 1st April 2020. They don’t need to make an application, but they do need to provide some information – including bank details – so the grant can be paid directly into their account.
Councillor Kelham Cooke, Chairman of InvestSK and Leader of South Kesteven District Council said: “Our records show that around 2,200 businesses in South Kesteven are eligible for one of these new cash grant payments.
“The funding provides crucial and very welcome support for many local businesses during this difficult and uncertain time so we’re working hard to process the data and make payments as quickly as possible.
“Businesses that are eligible for funding will be contacted directly by InvestSK and are encouraged to complete the online Declaration Form immediately. We will receive the funding from Government on 1st April so, as soon as we have the information we need from the businesses, we can start to make their payments.”
As well as administering this new funding programme, InvestSK also provides a central point of contact for local businesses concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on their operations.
Their dedicated business support team has fielded more than a hundred enquiries in recent weeks and has launched a new web page containing the latest Government information, advice and funding for businesses.
More details about the new cash grants and a link to the Declaration Form for eligible businesses to complete can be found at: www.investsk.co.uk/businessgrants
Self Help Project Helping to Establish Small Enterprises in Kenya
A project managed by Lindum Rotary club in Lincoln together with Grantham Kesteven Rotary Club has helped to set up micro-banking projects in Kenya which can help young Kenyan Women out of poverty
Community banking is sometimes called table banking as transactions take place over tables in the countryside. Customers become share-holders in the bank, run by a Kenyan charity. They have access to credit, pay much lower interest, and the bank retains a profit margin to ensure continuing viability.
Through local fund raising in Lincoln, a Rotary grant and money raised in Kenya has meant that £4500 has been used to establish the project in the Meru region of North East Kenya.
Twenty one groups and five hundred and fifty members received training in business practice, including community banking.
Examples of the enterprises established through the project include the Laithithi Kang’enyone Self-help group. With the seed capital of only 5000 Kenyan Shillings (£40), the 18 members hired one acre piece of land and planted tomatoes. The money made from the project was divided amongst the members to take their children to school. 20,000 Kenyan Shillings was injected back into the business. The project provided employment to 2 people as well.
Beatrice Karimi Malinge and her daughter Rose Nkirote, both members of the Peace Makers Self-help group, rented a shop to start a joint business. Rose is doing hairdressing while her mother is sewing school uniforms for local schools. Praising the table banking initiative, Beatrice said “It was a wise decision that I made to join Solidarity bank; I’m now able to get business capital when I need it!”
This project is one of a number in Meru that the Rotary Clubs have established to improve the lives of impoverished people in this rural area of Kenya. Alongside community banking, self-sustaining farms have been built, and a new initiative to provide tailoring workshops is about to be launched.
Organiser Mike Robinson of Lindum Rotary Club said “This work give opportunity and hope for people who have so little”
St Barnabas Hospice has put together a helpful guide for those coping with a bereavement during this difficult time.
Lincoln, 25th March 2020 – The coronavirus has caused much worry, anxiety and upset around the world. Local charity, St Barnabas Hospice, understands what a difficult period of time it will be for many, particularly those who are going through a bereavement or are facing the end of a loved one’s life. Whatever your situation, the Hospice has provided eight helpful ways to cope during this period of uncertainty.
Mandy Irons, Head of Wellbeing at St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“The coronavirus is a totally new situation to us all, and one which we must adapt to in the best way we can. Many people will be juggling the worries associated with isolation, work and carer responsibilities whilst also going through a bereavement. At St Barnabas, we provide free, local support throughout the year for all adults across Lincolnshire who may be struggling with a bereavement, regardless of whether their loved one died in our Hospice or not.
“We would normally offer one-to-one or group counselling, but we appreciate that this won’t be possible in the current situation. Our alternative offering is to share our advice far and wide, as well as providing a call-back service to those who need our support the most. We have put together eight helpful ways to cope with a bereavement during the coronavirus outbreak.”
The St Barnabas Hospice eight tips for coping with bereavement are:
As one-to-one counselling sessions and bereavement groups at St Barnabas have been put on hold, the Counselling team has launched a call-back service for those who need bereavement support during the coronavirus outbreak. Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/supportive-phonecall to request a call back from one of their dedicated staff and volunteers.
A number of #COVID19 related phishing emails have been reported to Action Fraud. These emails attempt to trick you into opening malicious attachments which could lead to fraudsters stealing your personal information, logins, passwords, or banking details.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-related-fraud-reports
(Click the image to see a larger version)
1) Watch out for scam messages
Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.
2) Shopping online:
If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases.
For more information on how to shop online safely, please visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely
3) Protect your devices from the latest threats:
Always install the latest software and app updates to protect your devices from the latest threats.
For information on how to update your devices, please visit: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/securing-your-devices
For the latest health information and advice about COVID-19 please visit the NHS website.
Grantham’s Alexandra Road recycling centre, along with those in the rest of the county, has been closed due to the coronavisrus outbreak.
John Coates, Head of Waste said: “Since the Government has issued stark warnings that people must stay at home – only leaving for essential foods, work and for one exercise a day – residents should not be visiting the HWRCs.
“We do understand this is frustrating, but we must all play our part in stopping the spread of the Covid-19 virus.”
Three men have been charged with Conspiracy to Steal between August 2018 and March 2020 and offences in relation to the Proceeds of Crime Act, retaining, converting, distributing criminal property.
This is connection with a theft of lead from churches across Lincolnshire and beyond.
Among them, are Threekingham, Billingborough and Anwick churches.
Those arrested and charged were:
They have all been remanded in custody to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on the 20th April 2020 pending the current situation. They were arrested on Friday 20th March.
Three of the four men previously arrested in the original release below remain on bail. The fourth man, the 31 year old, is one of those charged.
Chief inspector Phil Vickers said: “It is believed that in total there were more than 40 offences committed in Lincolnshire where lead was stolen from rural churches during 2019, and though at this stage 16 of those are believed to be linked, it is anticipated that number may increase as the investigation progresses.
“During 2019 Lincolnshire Police worked with the Lincoln Diocese and individual church premises across the county, providing site-specific advice to 53 premises as well as broader guidance to prevent offending, in addition to several hundred site visits that had been carried out previously.
“The impact of these offences goes well beyond the significant financial cost. Communities have felt a great sense of loss at the damage caused to their heritage, and increased vulnerability due to the rural nature of many of the premises .
“We know that in addition to the loss of lead, extensive damage has been caused to the fabric of the buildings by water ingress during bad weather.
“We continue to work with rural communities to prevent offending, and encourage anyone seeing or hearing anything suspicious at Heritage Sites, particularly at night but also during the day, to contact Police immediately.”
Next week’s opening of a new grocery store in Grantham has been delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The new Lincolnshire Co-op store on Springfield Road was due to open on Thursday April 2, creating 15 jobs.
It comes after the UK was put in lockdown in order to slow the spread of the virus.
SKDC Leader Cllr Kelham Cooke has made a personal plea for residents to support the Prime Minister by complying with the Coronavirus restrictions.
His message, which can be quoted in full, can be found at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/coronavirus
This web page also hosts details of SKDC’s current service levels for the benefit of residents, as the coronavirus situation continues to develop rapidly.
The page, which will be updated regularly, includes useful links to help keep residents stay in touch with the latest health advice.
In addition, the council’s economic growth and regeneration company, InvestSK, has set up a website offering information and advice to the business community.
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