New high quality business space at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) is now being marketed locally, nationally and internationally.

Lincolnshire County Council has appointed Pygott & Crone to be the commercial agent for one of the region’s most exciting new developments.

Councillor Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at Lincolnshire County Council said:

“The South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone is one of Lincolnshire County Council’s most significant projects to date, and it’s progressing quickly.

“Utilities and roads for the University of Lincoln’s national centre for food manufacturing have already been installed and further infrastructure is now being put in place to provide access to the last eight plots in this phase of the development.

“We are delighted to be working with Pygott & Crone who are one of our most dynamic and experienced commercial agents, to help market this prestigious development to the UK and beyond.”

The South Lincolnshire FEZ is west of Holbeach and its main focus is to create bespoke space for new businesses and SMEs in the agri-tech sector, especially high-tech businesses developing cutting edge technology.

With over 25 years of extensive expertise Pygott & Crone are one of the leading commercial agents in the East Midlands and were appointed by the council after a competitive tendering process.

Tim Downing, managing director of Pygott & Crone said:

“Pygott and Crone are incredibly proud to be chosen by Lincolnshire County Council to act on their behalf for this prestigious development, which will make a significant positive impact to not only Lincolnshire’s economy but also the regions and the UK as a whole. 

“As an award-winning national agency with our roots in Lincolnshire we are passionate about the county and are really looking forward to promoting this ground breaking, innovative development to regional, national and international business and investors.”

Businesses interested in locating at the site can now contact Pygott & Crone for more information and to register their interest.

Local communities will benefit from improvements in mental health services and domestic abuse support following a donation of nearly £100,000.

Lincolnshire Co-op members and colleagues came together to raise £99,058 for a number of local charities through the Society’s Community Champions scheme.

One of the charities that benefited is EDAN Lincs Domestic Abuse Service, which received a total of £35,725.

EDAN Lincs offers support across the county to those exposed to domestic abuse by providing safe, emergency accommodation, and advice via an Outreach Support Service.

With a rise in calls during lockdown, the need for donations was more evident than ever.

Fundraising Co-ordinator at EDAN Lincs, Lucy said: “As a small charity, it’s often difficult to be seen and heard amongst the larger national charities.

“We feel privileged that Lincolnshire Co-op has recognised EDAN Lincs and the amazing work our team does to support men, women, and children that are living with or fleeing domestic abuse.”

Thanks to the donation, EDAN Lincs will now be able to employ a full time Fundraising Co-ordinatorand will also use the money raised to fund emergency transport for individuals escaping their domestic situation.

Funds were also raised for Lincolnshire Mental Health Hubs, a charity which works closely with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The hubs provide a local initial point of contact for those who are experiencing mental health difficulties. According to the charity, 92 per cent of the calls the hub takes result in the caller receiving community-based support, instead of further services.

The charity intends to use the donation of £38,765 to open new locations, increasing the number of hubs from five to nine. Improvements to services, following the donation, means that charity workers can reach communities quicker, raise awareness and provide services where they’re needed the most.

Several other charities across the area also received donations, including multiple branches of the mental health charity, Mind, and the domestic abuse service, Women’s Aid.

Despite members and colleagues not being able to get out and about to raise funds in the ways they normally would, many got creative with their fundraising efforts.

A donation of 218 handmade cushions was also made to three domestic abuse charities. These were sewn by Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues, The Horncastle Scrub Hub, and Impish Quilters of Lincoln, and will be given to people in the care of refuges to take with them when they’re ready to move on.

From June to September, every time a Lincolnshire Co-op member shopped with their dividend card, a contribution was made to the causes. Proceeds from the carrier bag levy and colleague fundraising also went towards the final total.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Engagement Manager Sam Turner said: “We knew that domestic abuse and mental health charities would experience a surge in demand during lockdown and we were keen to support these services through our Community Champions scheme.

“We’re thrilled with the effort colleagues put in during fundraising, particularly during these difficult times. We’re so thankful to our members and the general public for their generosity in helping raise such a fantastic total.

“These charities provide support and services that are vital for so many people. We hope the total raised will make a big difference to these causes and the communities they support.”

Money was raised for the following Community Champions:

Scarborough Mind	£391.52
Hull & East Yorkshire Mind	£3906.26
Scunthorpe and District Mind	£5050.80
Lincolnshire Mental Health Hubs	£38,765.24
EDAN Lincs	£35,725.27
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd	£8015.21
North East Lincolnshire Women’s Aid	£3495.63
Boston Women’s Aid	£2866.40
Other charities outside the Lincs and Notts area	£841.84
Total	£99,058.17

Each county councillor has £3,000 to donate to voluntary groups supporting residents who are experiencing difficulties during Covid 19.

Cllr Rob Kendrick for Metheringham Rural has chosen two groups so far to support with grants from Lincolnshire County Council’s Covid 19 fund.

He awarded £100 to the Sleaford New Life Community Larder and £500 to Martin and Timberland Emergency Support, (MATES) group, an initiative from local residents and Martin and Timberland parish councils*. 

Cllr Kendrick comments, “The Sleaford New Life Community Larder were very quick off the mark in seeking support. The group has done an amazing job throughout Covid 19, supporting vulnerable residents and families across North and South Kesteven by delivering food parcels, cooked meals and essential toiletries.

“Many people would have really struggled without their support, and, sadly the need for help continues as cases start to increase again.

“I chose to support the MATES group, as a group of local people who supported elderly and vulnerable people during lockdown. They have delivered and collected medicines, shopping, carried out friendly phone calls, and delivered food parcels, in partnership with a local school, to vulnerable families.”

Cllr Kendrick adds, “I have a particular interest in local support groups as I was previously Voluntary Services Manager for the Lincs Partnership NHS FT. During my time there I set up a number of mental health support groups including three small charities and liaised with other groups/charities.”

Rod Munro, team leader at New Life Community Larder said, “We really appreciate Cllr Kendrick’s support. Although demand levelled off in August and September, we are now seeing an increase in calls from families and support agencies for our services again and we plan to continue operating a five days a week service”.

Lindsay Fulton, a founder of MATES, said, “MATES was set up in mid-March and we were able to shop and deliver prescriptions for more than 60 households during lockdown. We have a phone responders group called HopeLinks and we distributed food to vulnerable families via Mrs Mary King’s School in Martin during lockdown, and continue to make weekly donations to Lincoln Community Larder.

“Many of our 45 volunteers are now ‘on standby’ in case further restrictions are introduced. The grant from Cllr Kendrick will enable us to do something special for local residents if they find themselves alone and isolating in the event of a ‘lockdown Christmas’.

*MATES recently won the Coronavirus Response Group category at the NK Community Champion Awards 2020.

Applications for the fund are still being taken, see www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/communityfund

Although the City of Lincoln 10k has been postponed this November, Fiona Brown from Sturton by Stow won’t take ‘no’ for an answer as she plans to run anyway!

The Lincoln 10k was due to take place on Sunday 1st November, but unfortunately has now been postponed until next summer. One lady who had signed up to run in support of St Barnabas Hospice is Fiona Brown from Sturton by Stow.

Regardless of the postponement, Fiona is still determined to complete a 10km run around Lincoln on 1st November in memory of her friend and neighbour, Karen Chambers.

Fiona said, “I was already registered to run the Lincoln 10k before Karen was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in April this year. Karen was only 46 at the time and her illness is still so difficult to comprehend.

“When I was told the devastating news, I decided I needed to do something to help. I spoke to Karen’s husband, Nick, and explained that I was running the Lincoln 10k and wanted to do this to support a charity of Karen’s choice. Nick and Karen agreed and gave me their full support, selecting St Barnabas Hospice, a charity already close to my heart.

“The St Barnabas Hospice at Home team cared for Karen at home, not just supporting her, but looking after the whole family too. They are truly incredible people and I know Karen had the best possible care because of them.

“The initial fundraising target was £300, but the donations kept rolling in and we reached £1,000 in just three days! We were totally blown away at the kindness and generosity shown by others in support of Karen and our fundraising. Nick helped me to keep Karen updated with my training and fundraising and he said it brought a smile to her face.

“On Sunday 12th July, I received the devastating news that Karen had sadly passed away, age 47. I am a similar age to Karen, and we are both mothers, so I found this news particularly difficult. I so desperately wanted to reach the £2,000 fundraising mark for Karen to see before she passed away, but sadly that was not meant to be.

“Karen’s wish for me was to continue raising money for St Barnabas in her memory and I know she is watching over us as the fundraising total continues to climb. She will be with me on 1st November, and she is my motivation to complete the 10k this year. Karen knew I would be running on this date before she passed away as the postponement had not yet been put in place. I won’t let her down.

“As well as running my own 10k this year, many of Karen’s work colleagues and family will also be joining me to complete the main Lincoln 10k event for Karen next year. Our fundraising page has been extended and we will all be wearing special t-shirts to honour her.

“I was heartbroken when Karen passed away, and now I am even more determined to fundraise in her name. She was a truly special lady and my life is much better for knowing her. If our fundraising page could reach the £3,000 mark by my run on 1st November, I would be so proud.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated so far. Your money will make such a difference to the Hospice.”

Fiona’s fundraising page is now only £200 away from her £3,000 target. Can you help her reach this by Sunday 1st November? Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fionabrown78

The government has chosen 19 new opportunities for investment across the UK, and automation and robotics in Greater Lincolnshire’s food sector is one of them.

Investment Minister Gerry Grimstone MP announced that the bid submitted by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership has been successful in joining the High Potential Opportunities (HPO) scheme.

The county council, along with other organisations in Greater Lincolnshire will now work with the Department for International Trade (DIT) with an aim to attract overseas investment in this sector.

Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at the county council, said: “The Department of International Trade’s network in 177 cities around the world, will be supporting our agri-food automation and robotics industry -showcasing and promoting opportunities to investors and creating highly skilled jobs.

“Our food and food processing sector in Greater Lincolnshire is something to shout about and deserves to be profiled on this international stage. We need investors to know that being based here opens up a wealth of opportunities for their business.”

Next month partners from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Lincolnshire County Council, district councils, universities and industry will start work with the DIT on Greater Lincolnshire’s commercial proposition for food processing, automation and robotics. The end result will be used by the DIT to promote the sector around the world.

Cllr Nick Worth, county councillor for Holbeach and deputy leader of South Holland District Council, said: “This is really positive news for the area, and the additional support, promotion and resource will be invaluable as the district and wider county continues to promote itself to investors as the home of the largest cluster of agri-food businesses anywhere in the country.”

The expectation is that the HPO will attract more inward investment to the area and create more high-quality jobs in the agrifood sector.

Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Food production has created more growth and high-value jobs in the last five years than any other sector so we are delighted this is recognised nationally.

“Partners locally are working together to develop Greater Lincolnshire into a UK Food Valley which will compete globally. Key schemes such as the development of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and the growth of the agri-robotics research hub have been influential in growing the cluster.

Professor Simon Pearson, Professor of Agri-Food Technology at the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology, said: “We’re delighted to be engaged in this opportunity. Clearly agrifood technology is a significant strength of the University of Lincoln. It’s a wonderful way to exploit the research capacity at the university which now includes the largest group of agri-roboticists in the EU.” The Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone MP said: “The UK has so much to offer international investors across a variety of key sectors and regions. Inward investment will help the UK build back better while levelling up all parts of the UK. This is just the start of the steps we are taking to increase inward investment and drive economic recovery.”

The Lincolnshire Music Service is excited to be working with Chineke!, Europe’s first black, Asian and ethnically diverse orchestra. The professional musicians are also involved in mentoring the organisation’s Chineke! Junior Orchestra, who are semi finalists in this year’s Britain’s Got Talent, (due to appear on Saturday 26 September)!  

Young members of LMS County Groups will be working with professional musicians from Chineke!, through an inspirational programme of events and activities developed in partnership with Orchestras Live, starting this autumn term.

County Groups are made of up of young musicians, aged up to 21, from across Lincolnshire. Registration is open now for new members, so more young people can take part in this amazing project. Due to Covid 19 the musicians aren’t able to meet in person, and will be taking part in rehearsals and performances for a new virtual orchestra developed by the Music Service, the Lincolnshire Youth Metropole Orchestra.

Jennifer McKie, Head of Lincolnshire Music Service said, “We’re very keen for our County Group members to have the opportunity to work with Chineke!, who will bring a fresh perspective to classical music for our young musicians. Chineke’s exceptional musicians will work alongside our members and team to realise a new approach to County Groups for 2020/21.

“It’s an especially thrilling time to be starting this relationship, as the Chineke! Junior Orchestra has recently made it through to the semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent, and the orchestra includes two current County Group members. We’ll be rooting for them and keeping everything crossed that they get through to the next stage!”

Malc Duckels County Group Co-ordinator added,  “This is such an exciting opportunity for Lincolnshire Music Service. Our County Group offer has a completely new look and feel to it, and what better way to start the new season than with the announcement of such an amazing partnership. The link is strengthened even more with two of our students already being involved with Chineke!

“We’re taking this opportunity to widen our horizons and to perform a different style of music, whilst retaining a classical music feel.”

The project is being co-produced with Orchestras Live and will be facilitated by composer James Redwood with a team of professional musicians from Chineke!

Jan Ford, Senior Creative Producer is excited that Orchestras Live was able to facilitate the partnership with Chineke! “The young people are going to have such an amazing experience with these musicians and the Lincolnshire Music Service tutors. They’ll be able to compose new music and perform with some of the country’s top orchestral musicians and develop into a unique new ensemble for the future.”

Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, the founder, Artistic and Executive Director of Chineke! added,

“I’m thrilled that the Chineke! professionals are involved with this project. Their experience and passion for music have been an inspiration to our Chineke! Junior musicians, giving them the confidence to deliver stand out performances for occasions like Britain’s Got Talent. I’m certain that the young musicians in Lincolnshire will derive so much joy and new insights from this brilliant opportunity.”

Workshops will start in autumn 2020, with a video gaming focus and will lead to young musicians composing a brand new work by Summer 2021 which may be shared in a national online music festival featuring young people from across the country If you would like to join County Groups 2020/21 visit our website for more details regarding registration: https://www.lincsmusicservice.org/music-groups/county-groups

A Lincolnshire family is raising money for local maternity bereavement services after experiencing the loss of their baby girl.   Hannah Laidler, 30, and Liam Hargrave, 30, from Lincoln, sadly experienced the stillbirth of their baby girl, Ayla Frankie, in March this year at just over 40 weeks into their pregnancy.   In honour of Ayla, her family are cycling 310 miles, from Helensburgh, Scotland to Lincoln County Hospital maternity unit. Ayla’s Dad and her three uncles will be making the epic journey, from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 27 September, to raise money for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust maternity bereavement services, SANDS and Tommy’s.   Their aim is to raise money to support those services and families going through a traumatic experience whilst also raising awareness of the support and advice that is available.   Hannah said, “We wanted to do something that will honour Ayla’s memory as well as help any other families who may go through a similar experience. Ayla will always be with us. We want those families to know that they are not alone and they can access help and support when they need it most.   “We also want to raise awareness and break the silence around baby loss, trying to make it less of a taboo/isolated subject, so other bereaved parents feel able to talk about their babies openly, and give friends/family members the confidence to ask questions and communicate with bereaved parents.    “For those who know of someone who has lost a baby, I urge you to ask them about their baby, don’t feel scared that you might upset them further, please ask all the same questions you would if their baby had lived. This will mean so much to them. Please don’t ignore that it has happened because it is far worse to say nothing at all.    “Ayla weighed 6lb 3oz, had lots of beautiful dark hair like her daddy and was the perfect combination of us both.”   Bereavement Midwife, Rachel Bond said, “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Hannah and Liam for thinking of others in their own time of need and we wish all the riders luck and hope they have a safe journey which is not hampered too much by saddle sores!”   You can donate to their JustGiving page by clicking here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-hargrave300?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=ben-hargrave300&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=e5d022d048e142ce8325adb2c2c7972b   If you would like to track their progress you can do so on Instagram @cycle_for_ayla   Photo shows: Liam Hargrave and Hannah Laidler.