Diggers and spades were poised ready to cut the earth in North Hykeham, as the local mental health and learning disabilities trust began building works, to improve its facilities for patients.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has joined forces with Integrated Health Projects (IHP) to design and refurbish Brant Ward, in Witham Court, North Hykeham.

En-suites are to be added to the bedrooms, to improve the services offered to older adults with mental health problems and dementia.

The ward cares for around 20 patients in dormitory style accommodation, which is no longer considered fit for purpose in a modern mental health environment. National guidance recommends individual en-suite bedrooms are provided to protect the privacy and dignity of patients.

LPFT Chair Paul Devlin said: “It is very exciting, to mark the start of construction works for Brant Ward. The plans for the new developments look great and I can’t wait to see the finished product. I’m sure these new facilities will enhance the patient experience and improve the quality of service we provide.”

IHP Regional Director, Keith Shivers, who is overseeing the design and construction of the project, said, “We are looking forward to getting started on delivering this important refurbishment project. We have been working in partnership with the Trust and healthcare staff to develop a design solution which will create modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

“Our experienced team will ensure that we deliver the patients of Brant Ward the comfortable, accessible, therapeutic environment they need during their stay.”

A grateful patient raised £670 for Pilgrim hospital’s chemotherapy suite to say thank you for the care he received.

Mervyn Baldry presented a cheque to the staff at the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) site while he was in hospital for his 50^th cancer treatment, just a few weeks after celebrating his 60^th birthday. 

The cash will go towards buying books for the department for children whose family members are receiving cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy Suite Sister Mandy Logue said everyone at Pilgrim hospital is always so humbled by these types of donations

“When Mervyn was diagnosed a few years ago, treatments for his disease were very limited so his is an amazing story,” said Mandy.

“We have some very kind and generous patients and fundraisers who make our unit extra special for others. We are truly humbled and thank them all.”

Mervyn’s wife, Annette, who works at Pilgrim hospital said: “We wanted to put something back into the hospital we’ve had so much from.

“The team in the chemotherapy suite has looked after Mervyn so kindly over the last three years.

“If it wasn’t for this treatment then it is doubtful that Mervyn would still have been with us to celebrate his 60^th birthday.”

Sleaford woman jailed over baby abduction

At Lincoln Crown Court on Friday 18 January 2019, Mother and Son duo Mavis and Darren Chamberlain were sentenced for selling counterfeit goods in Chapel St Leonards.

Selling counterfeit trainers, bags, t-shirts and watches amongst others at their ‘Bling Shop’ on Trunch Lane in Chapel St Leonards, the duo were caught red-handed selling counterfeits worth thousands of pounds.

Darren Chamberlain (50), 74 Briar Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 4NB was prosecuted for 20 trademark offences. He received a 12 month suspended custodial sentence, and is now under curfew between 8pm and 7.30am.

Mavis Chamberlain (78) of the same address, had 15 trademark offences against her. She received a six month community order for each offence, to run concurrently. She is also now under curfew between 8pm and 8am.

Leeza Mohsan, trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, explains: “The ‘Bling Shop’ was first on our radar in 2017. We couldn’t believe how many counterfeit goods were for sale!

“Following a test purchase, we raided the shop and found almost 2,500 items.  I think it was one of the biggest hauls we’ve ever had. Adding them all together – they would be worth tens of thousands of pounds. We also found screwdrivers and knives which were being used to apply badges to goods.

“There were all sorts of items for sale – everything from watches and trainers to handbags and T-shirts. These were mainly Hugo Boss, Adidas, Chanel, Michael Kors, UGG, Calvin Klein, Nike and Reebok.

“In the beginning, Darren Chamberlain denied all knowledge of what was happening in the shop – despite there being a package of counterfeits with his name on. He tried to put all the blame on his 78 year old mother – Mavis. Incredible!

“Amazingly, just a week after seizing all the goods, the Bling Shop was open for business. It was full of counterfeits again! Either they didn’t think they would get caught or they just didn’t care!”

On the sentencing, Leeza commented: “Selling of counterfeit goods not only harms the interests of the trade mark holders, but also those of legitimate traders. We work with trade mark holders to stop such activity.

“If anyone spots any counterfeits for sale in Lincolnshire, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.”

A Lincolnshire police officer who suffered potentially life threatening injuries in a cycling accident is set to trek across the Sahara Desert for a charity.

Spalding officer PC Sarah Draper was rushed to hospital by the air ambulance when she fell off her bike on a cycling holiday in Derbyshire in 2011.

Doctors feared PC Draper may have suffered serious head and neck injuries as her helmet had split as a result of the impact – however she escaped with a broken shoulder and concussion but has made a full recovery.

She has praised the air ambulance for its service and has vowed to raise money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance by trekking 60 miles across the Sahara Desert.

PC Draper said: “I was advised at the hospital that had I not been wearing a helmet I could well have died. I crashed in a wooded area and so initially had to be loaded into the back of the park ranger’s truck on a stretcher and driven to the helicopter landing site. The care I received was outstanding and all of the crew were brilliant with me – calm and reassuring and patient as I was very apprehensive about flying in the helicopter initially.”

PC Draper will embark on the trek in September when she heads to Marrakech.

A group of 20 people will be taking part, including a helicopter paramedic and two ladies who work for the charity.PC Draper added: “I decided to participate in this challenge because it sounded like an opportunity for a trip of a lifetime whilst at the same time raising money for a very worthwhile local cause – who Lincolnshire Police work alongside regularly at incidents.

“It is quite a daunting challenge as although I have travelled abroad plenty of times I have never done anything like this before, only ‘normal’ beach holidays. I have always wanted to visit Marrakech though and so this is a really exciting opportunity to tick a place off my list whilst at the same time raising funds for an excellent local charity.

“I feel really motivated now that I have started fundraising to raise as much money as possible. Ultimately any one of us could require the help of the air ambulance at any time and in a rural county like Lincs the helicopter could mean the difference between life and death yet it does not receive any government funding.

“I tend to get sun burnt quite easily and so I’m not sure how I’ll manage in daytime temperatures of up to 40 degrees! These will drop down to single figures at night time so there will be real extremes to cope with. I have been training regularly at the gym since signing up for the trip – although my job requires me to maintain a good standard of fitness anyway and I generally enjoy exercising and keeping active. The group of trekkers are planning some training days walking in the Peak District so that we can try out our kit and get to know each other a little before the trek.”

The five day trek will begin on September 30 from the desert town of M’Hamid, heading towards a sand dune called Erg Zaher (580m tall) which PC Draper and the group will climb to watch the sunset. From there they will trek to the end point of the desert town Ouarzazate.
The group consists of approx. 20 people, men and women, aged from 20s to 50s. One of the helicopter paramedics is completing the trek as well as two others who work for the charity.

To support PC Draper in her fundraising efforts, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sarah-Draper11

Mum of six who caused death of motorcyclist avoids jail

Woman attacked neighbour with hammer over parking

https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/mum-forced-drive-purple-baby-2446939

Huge tourism opportunities in Lincolnshire says VisitBritain CEO

• Charity announces new president for 2019
• Special anniversary also marked with the production of exclusive Lincolnshire Agricultural Society ale

MORE than 250 past, present and future Lincolnshire farmers raised a glass to mark 150 years of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS) last week (7 January) at a celebratory farmers’ lunch, hosted at the Lincolnshire Showground.

As well as toasting the special anniversary, the society also announced the appointment of its new president; former High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and treasurer of the LAS, John Lockwood MBE DL.

John said: “I am absolutely delighted and very honoured to be president during this historic year for the society. I am really looking forward to gaining a better understanding about all the range of educational initiatives that the society undertakes, and of course the highly anticipated Lincolnshire Show.

“My aim for this year as president is to help make it a truly memorable year for the society and I hope to do what I can to repay the trust invested in me by the society’s members.”

As an added touch for the special anniversary year, local brewer Ferry Ales Brewery has handcrafted a unique Golden Ale especially for the Lincolnshire Showground, named Harvest Gold, which features citrus flavours with a pleasant floral, herbal and earthy aroma.

The exclusive Lincolnshire ale will be available at Lincolnshire Showground events, various events in the county as well as a selection of local pubs and independent shops.

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “As a charitable organisation, we are truly passionate about promoting and supporting education, food and farming within Lincolnshire’s local community.

“Over the years, the LAS has done a fantastic job at teaching and inspiring young people and the next generation about Lincolnshire’s agriculture and the importance of farming in a sustainable environment. The society has significantly increased its events to reflect these aims, including shows such as the Lincolnshire Farming Conference, Countryside Lincs and of course the Lincolnshire Show.

“We are really pleased to welcome John as the new 2019 president, and we have no doubt that educating local children and young farmers will be a key priority for the LAS in 2019. John has a long-standing association with the organisation, and is already a familiar face with Lincolnshire’s agricultural community and LAS members – we are really looking forward to having him on board for the exciting year ahead.”

Tying in to the society’s 150^th anniversary, The Lincolnshire Farming Conference will be returning to the Lincolnshire Showground next month, and will explore ‘Lincolnshire agriculture for the next 150 years’ with agriculture and Brexit being two key talking points at the one-day event.

The society is also strongly committed to teaching school pupils, consumers and farmers themselves about the importance of agriculture through events, advice and a support network which is open to all.

As part of this commitment, Countryside Lincs is set to return to the Showground in April, with a fun-filled and interactive day about food, farming and countryside to inspire and educate visitors about Lincolnshire’s heritage and agricultural industry.

Jayne continued: “This year is a really special year for the Showground and we are so proud of everything that the LAS has achieved in the last 150 years. Attracting children and families to our events is really important to us and we are really excited to welcome visitors to our exciting 2019 events.”

Tickets are now available for the Lincolnshire Farming Conference and Countryside Lincs and can be purchased at www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

For more information about the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, the Lincolnshire Farming Conference or Countryside Lincs, please visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk or call 01522 522 900 for further details.

You can see more than 100 models of the iconic Spitfire, and much more, at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life on 26 and 27 January.

Over two days, visitors will be able to admire hundreds of models, including planes, military vehicles, tanks and battleships.

All the exhibits have been made by members of the Lincoln Branch of the International Plastic Modelling UK Society, some of whom will be on-hand to talk about their models. 

Anya Johnson, visitor experience officer, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back the modelling society for what has become a really popular event.

“Not only is it a showcase of magnificent craftsmanship, but it’s also an opportunity to enjoy the rest of the museum too.”

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 3.45pm each day.

Entry costs £2.50 for adults, £1 for children and concessions, and £5 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children).