News NK Winter 2017

news nk

The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents

November 2017 – February 2018

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk @NorthKestevenDC

What makes a community flourish? You'll be able to have your say – Page 3

/NorthKestevenDC

Information event to help landlords with legislation changes – Page 16

For different ways to read your News NK see page 2

Market Place historic shop frontages are restored – Page 19

Council's investing in a flourishing District A ten-year £130 million investment programme is under way, in support of North Kesteven District Council's vision for flourishing communities.

The investment across the five priority areas – Our Homes, Our Communities, Our Economy, Our Council and the emerging Our Environment – helps to create jobs, build homes, provide infrastructure, create better leisure opportunities and secure public services.

Some of this is completed and bearing fruit while other investment is under way and planned.

This includes the £8.65 million regeneration of Newfield Road in Sleaford, where 63 homes are being completely revamped and reconfigured and 18 new properties built, revitalising a whole community and ensuring their homes are safe, secure and warm for the years to come.

The £3.6 million refurbishment of ONE NK – featuring the country’s

first interactive selfie flume – has seen visitor numbers rise above a million in the last year alone.

Around £2 million has already been invested in business units in North Hykeham, supporting small and start up companies and adding to a portfolio of workshop spaces which enjoyed a 96% occupancy rate in 2016-17.

Construction is now under way on a £4m new depot, plus business units, in Metheringham.

This will ensure the well-regarded waste and recycling service continues to be highly-efficient as more homes are built in the District over the years.

Residents can have a say on the Council's priorities and performance in its annual survey, which is currently taking place, detailed in the column alongside.

Face-to-face sessions will also be held with groups including tenants, the Youth Council and partner organisations.

Access the residents' survey online at

The NK Plan 2018-21

We’d like you to help shape the Council’s NK Plan.

Please go online to tell us what you think of what we do and how we do it.

You can even win voucher prizes for yourself and a local school.

Go online www.n-kesteven.gov/TellUs2017 Email nkplan@n-kesteven.gov.uk

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/TellUs2017

Welcome

Have your say on how we deliver services for our District of flourishing communities

Welcome to NewsNK – the newspaper for all North Kesteven District Council residents. Below is a quick guide to the sections inside your issue.

3–6 7, 8, 13, 14 9 – 12 15

News Focus Community Champion Awards What’s on Our Communities

16 – 17

Our Homes

18 – 19

Our Economy

20

Christmas Waste Collections

Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright As we look ahead to the next year, we want you to have a say to help us shape our plans going forward.

We strive to deliver high-quality, efficient services but we must not be complacent.

Your views on what we do and how we do it are so important, so please take part in the NK Plan consultation which is now under way. You could even win a voucher prize for yourself or a local school as a reward for your time.

On the subject of councils delivering services, we’ve been pleased to back the campaign for Fairer Funding for Greater Lincolnshire; a motion calling for this was given overwhelming support by Full Council.

Comparisons with authorities across England show that the Greater Lincolnshire area is disadvantaged by more than £200 for every dwelling or around £116 million in total.

It is a situation that the Leaders of all the Greater Lincolnshire authorities have agreed needs a combined approach.

In the new year we’ll be starting our consultation on flourishing. We’ve recently agreed to revise our vision as ‘A District of Flourishing Communities’ but we want to find out what you think makes a community flourish.

It was a pleasure to see the vast wealth of volunteering, caring dedication and devotion displayed once again by our

Community Champions. The very worthy finalists and winners represent the huge number of nominees, who generally without a thought for themselves give thousands of hours for others in our District.

From years spent running sporting clubs or hours spent every week helping keeping communities clean and tidy, to caring for others and running hugely successful village shows, these are the people who deserve our gratitude and recognition.

The awards are the authority’s small way of turning the spotlight on the selfless many who contribute to making our lives so much richer in North Kesteven.

They also reflect something I’m very passionate about – civic pride. As well as volunteering in the community, some people take great pride in looking not only after their property but also the street or road beyond. If even half of us stopped momentarily to pull the weeds from outside our home, pick up the litter we pass, or prevent it being dropped in the first place; this would make a significant difference not only to the street scene, but also the targeting of services and funding by the appropriate authority.

North Kesteven and Lincolnshire are constantly described as beautiful areas to live and we all need to be prepared to keep them that way.

The Council in numbers

This newspaper is edited by the Council’s Communications Team. Each copy costs 5.6p to print and 9.3p to deliver direct to your door.

Email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk Phone: 01529 308167 To assist those with impaired sight, it is recorded in audio form and circulated via the Sleaford & District and Lincoln & District talking newspapers. To subscribe to these free services call Barbara on 01529 488488 or Janet on 01522 539721.

NewsNK is also available online at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/news NKDC has an Infolink at ONE NK, North Hykeham, and works with parishes to provide Local Access Points at Bassingham, Billinghay, Heckington, Metheringham, Navenby, Skellingthorpe, Waddington and Washingborough.

Page 2

The Council’s Planning function is critical in respect of growth in the District, ensuring schemes are of the right scale, in the right place and of the right type, tested against national policies, guidelines and scrutiny. In 2016/17:

1,363

planning applications were received

100% of major applications decided within the required 13 weeks or agreed extension

11,703

consultations undertaken and 8,163 ‘neighbour notifications’ carried out

For more information

1,100

new addresses officially registered and 40 new streets named

327,792

hits on applications, documents and decisions via the Planning Online web portal

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

A FAIR DEAL

FOR LINCOLNSHIRE

S FOR S E L 9 3 £2 RY HOME EVE O

DT COMPARAEVERAGE ENGLAND

Royal opening at historic mill

COUNCILS LOSE O UT

£116 MILLION

Call made for fairer funding NKDC is joining with other councils in Lincolnshire to campaign for a fairer funding deal for our area.

If authorities in Lincolnshire received the average funding for council areas in England, the region would benefit from £116 million extra funding for services, every year.

This could help pay for new infrastructure and valued council services.

For example, £116 million could pay for a bypass scheme or major road improvement schemes across the area every year.

A small proportion of that funding could provide superfast fibre broadband to every business in the area.

With any additional

funds NKDC would be in a stronger position to provide even more much needed affordable and rural housing options, opportunities for jobs growth and business development and even more services in support of healthy vibrant communities than it does already through its robust financial planning.

Councils in Lincolnshire have seen huge cuts to their Government funding over recent years and the cost of providing services is increasing.

You can help Lincolnshire councils get more money for your local services, by contacting your MP and joining the campaign at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ fairerfunding

For the latest news from NKDC visit

Focusing on flourishing

Have your say on what flourishing means

Heckington Windmill has been officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, who called it 'imaginative' and 'evidently an important part of the community'.

The event last month marked the end of a 13year programme to save and restore the site.

The Heckington Windmill Trust raised £1.6 million for the restoration, including £30,000 from North Kesteven District Council, and the largest ever

Heritage Lottery grant for a windmill project. This was used with thousands of hours of volunteer time to create a unique centre telling the story of the mill and how it still has a role today in grinding flour.

As well as the world’s only working eight-sail windmill the site now boasts an award-winning micro-brewery using malt from the mill, and a bakehouse and tea room that serve delicious cakes made from the flour.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/news What makes a community or person flourish?

People will be able to have a say on this through a consultation due to be held by North Kesteven District Council.

The authority's Executive Board has agreed to refreshing the Council's vision from '100 Flourishing Communities' to 'A District of Flourishing Communities' as part of the development of the Corporate Plan for the next three years.

Two flourishing scales will be developed – one for communities and one for individuals.

These will help to assess levels of support and

intervention that could be offered by the Council and its partners.

The ultimate aim is to bring clarity to the vision, establish a mechanism for assessing the 'flourishing level' of communities and create a plan for further action.

Feedback will help to understand the nuances and configuration of communities within the District. These could be a whole village, an estate or just a cluster of houses; or even a group formed through a sport, physical activity or religious belief.

It will also help to identify those the Council could work more closely with.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/TellUs2017

News Focus The official opening ceremony for the International Bomber Command Centre will form part of the national celebrations of RAF100.

April 1, 2018 marks the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force with a number of events planned to commemorate this historic anniversary between April and September.

The IBCC event on April 12 will form part of this.

Chairman of the Canwick Centre's Trust, Tony Worth CVO, said: "We are delighted that the important contribution that the region has made to the RAF over the last 100 years, and that the service and sacrifice of men and women of Bomber Command is to be recognised in the RAF100 events programme.

"With almost 58,000 names cut into the memorial, the centre now provides the only place in the world where all Bomber Command's losses are honoured."

NKDC has been a supporter of the IBCC from the outset, recognising its importance in making sure the efforts of Bomber Command are not forgotten and appreciated by generations to come.

Last year it awarded £200,000 to help unlock significant Heritage Lottery Funding for the Chadwick Centre.

The centre will be open to the public from January.

For details visit www. internationalbcc.co.uk

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News Focus

Universal Credit coming into District

Financial inclusion

A host of organisations committed to promoting financial inclusion in Lincolnshire came together at NKDC to hear about a variety of initiatives carried out by partners as well as to discuss topical issues such as Universal Credit.

The Lincolnshire Financial Inclusion Partnership (FIP) event also made donations to the Sleaford Community Larder.

The FIP’s primary aim is ensuring that everyone has the capability and opportunity to access appropriate financial services and products needed to participate fully in society.

Universal Credit – a benefit for working age people that replaces a number of existing benefits and tax credits – is being rolled out across the North Kesteven area.

The amount anyone gets depends on their circumstances and how much money they have coming in.

Single people claiming Jobseekers Allowance have

been using this method since November 2015, but many people making a new claim for Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Employment Support Allowance, or Working/ Child Tax Credits will move to Universal Credit throughout 2018.

At present, it is due to be rolled out by JobCentre area.

More information is available at

This means NG23 postcodes moved over to Universal Credit in October as part of the Grantham rollout; LN10, LN4, LN5 and LN6 postcodes will follow in March 2018; PE20 will move over in May, with the remaining postcodes following in July next year.

The Department for Work and Pensions will confirm dates with those eligible nearer the time.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ucan

prepare for benefit changes

Return forms for extra rate relief Universal Credit is here...

U Can get ready If you are affected by changes to the way your benefits are received, we can help.

To find out more visit: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ucan

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Businesses eligible for extra rate relief should complete and return the forms sent to them if they have not already done so.

In the spring budget this year, the Government announced a £300 million discretionary fund over four years from 2017/18.

The total grant distribution for North Kesteven District Council over the four years is £186,000 for 2017/18; £91,000 for 2018/19; £37,000 for 2019/20; and

£5,000 for 2020/21.

All billing authorities have been required to design a relief scheme and determine the eligibility of rate payers for support.

In the scheme approved by the District Council's Executive Board, businesses facing a rise of up to £25 will be eligible for full relief, while those increasing by £25 to £500 will be able to apply for up to 50% relief – these two categories combined account for 377 of the 544

Go to

affected properties.

Businesses with a rateable value of more than £100,000 are not included in the scheme.

The Council has sought to adopt the fairest way of distributing the authority’s allocation of Government funding, providing a consistent method of calculating how much to award any business, creating transparency and making sure businesses are treated fairly against clear criteria.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/LDRRS

There are many places you can go to get online in North Kesteven, but in North Hykeham you can now swim, pay your Council Tax and have a cuppa all under one roof.

NKDC has installed a number of computers at ONE NK, allowing customers to access the internet for free.

Situated near the InfoLinks area, they are available during the centre's opening hours.

Across the District there are other places where you can access the internet and receive help while doing so.

Heckington and Ruskington have their own free Community IT Groups at the Methodist Church Halls. Heckington meets on a Wednesday and Ruskington on a Thursday, both from 2pm to 4pm.

Sessions are free and are run on a drop-in basis.

The groups rely on volunteers from within the community for advice. All helpers have varying levels and areas of expertise; some can use laptops and desktops, some prefer iPads and tablets and some prefer smartphones.

People join in for many different reasons – for some it's just about boosting their confidence when they go online.

If you could volunteer to help at one of these sessions – you don't need to be an expert, just being able to send an email, search the internet or shop online is enough as this is what most attendees are after – please email volunteer@n-kesteven. gov.uk or call Clare on 07816 294739.

New depot starts to take shape A scheme of ongoing work is under way to explore further the potential relocation of Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum into the adjacent building in order to significantly enhance the visitor experience.

Subject to approvals for funding and necessary permissions, this would secure the fulfillment of a long-held desire to move into larger premises to enable the full story of RAF Cranwell and those who have passed through it to be properly and comprehensively told.

Alongside its Museum accreditation, a series of small improvements have been made to the existing premises over recent months which have attracted increased visitor numbers and school groups but it is impossible to fit in large groups.

With a capital cost estimated at around £200,000, which could be met from reserves, plus aspirations for external funding, this represents a positive investment in the District’s visitor economy.

Real progress has been made on North Kesteven District Council's new depot and business units in Metheringham.

Building work started in July on the facility, which will ensure the authority's well-regarded and highlyefficient waste service continues to maintain its high standards now and as more homes are built in the District following the adoption of the Central

Visit

Leading the way on food safety

Lincolnshire Local Plan.

In a few short months, the main building is in place, the roof is on and work is well under way inside.

The new depot is being built on Scoley Court, off Moor Lane, named in recognition of the family of that name who had resided in the Metheringham area since before World War II, and who saw their land used as airfields by Bomber Command.

News Focus

Zena Scoley was the first ever woman leader of Lincolnshire County Council, an MBE and made Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County.

The site also includes 10,000 square feet of industrial space split into business units, continuing the Council’s commitment to support the local economy and job creation.

The whole site is due for completion in spring 2018.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk for more news North Kesteven is bucking national trends when it comes to food hygiene, with nearly all businesses meeting the highest standards.

For the fourth year running NKDC carried out a full 100% of its planned inspections, while nationally the Food Standards Agency says only 85% of inspections were achieved, down 2.6% from 2015/16.

NKDC carried out all of its planned inspections throughout the year, with 96.64% of premises rated as broadly compliant with food hygiene law – a rating of three to five. Again, this is higher than the national average of 89%.

Food related complaints in the district fell by 24.3%

You can check Food Hygiene Ratings at

from the previous year, whereas nationally this has risen by 23.5%.

These figures show that people can have real confidence when they’re buying food in the district, whether they’re eating out or purchasing something to have at home.

Food hygiene is rated on a zero to five system – a zero rating means urgent improvement is necessary, while a five is very good.

Inspections consider everything from how food is handled, prepared and cooked to the condition of the buildings, including the cleanliness, lighting, layout and ventilation, to how a business manages and records what it has in place to make sure food is safe.

www.food.gov.uk

North Kesteven has retained its title as the safest place to live in England and Wales for a fourth year running.

Figures for the 12 months up to last April show that as a proportion of population size, there were fewer crimes committed locally than anywhere else in the country – 26.1 per 1,000 people – and Lincolnshire as a whole moved from the fifth safest county to fourth.

Theft offences were the most recorded in NK, with violence against the person second. Both have risen from 2015-16, and community safety partners are looking at how to address these.

The lowest recorded crimes were aggravated vehicle taking, burglary of a business property and homicide.

When booking transport for festive celebrations make sure it's properly licensed to take you.

Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney Carriages and their drivers need to have permission from the relevant local authority – such as NKDC – before they can take passengers.

Any vehicle booked to take you on your journey is required to meet strict licensing criteria.

With the rise of social media, more and more legitimate firms are advertising and taking bookings online. However, there are also people advertising who are unlicensed. While they may appear cheaper, there are none of the safeguards in place a legitimate business will offer.

For information or to check a vehicle is licensed contact NKDC's licensing team on 01529 308076 or the online register at www.

licensing.n-kesteven.gov.uk

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News Focus From Spring 2018, fire crews and ambulance staff are to be based in a shared Fire and Ambulance station on Eastgate Road in Sleaford.

As part of a county-wide plan for the emergency services to collaborate more closely, improve services to the public and provide value for money, the Sleaford station will be the second station in the county to be run in this way.

A survey is being carried out to help organisations tackle hate crime.

Lincolnshire’s Community Safety Partnership wants to understand more about the nature and extent of hate crime in the county.

Hate crime is any incident which is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards any aspect of a person’s identity, including race, gender, disability, ethnicity or sexuality.

The survey, which runs until December 15, is available at www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/ lincolnshire-communitysafety-partnership Alternatively, you can also find paper copies at North Kesteven District Council offices.

The survey is anonymous, however there is an opportunity to leave contact details for anyone who wants to talk in more detail about an incident they have experienced or witnessed.

A new £2.2 million GP surgery has opened in North Hykeham.

Richmond Medical Centre's new home is almost three times the size of its former site.

Its 10,300 patients will benefit from a midwifery room, larger waiting room, purpose-built consultant areas and improved access for disabled people.

The two-storey building, which has room for expansion in the future if needed, has photo-voltaic cells on its roof. This will help off-set energy costs.

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Democracy in the spotlight From creating their own election campaigns to casting their vote for their favourite candidate, youngsters from around the District have been taking part in events as part of Local Democracy Week.

Keen to ensure young people know more about democracy and what it means to take part in, North Kesteven District Council marks the celebratory week each year with events

specifically designed for the youngsters to get involved in.

The morning starts with a quiz, and is followed by an election campaign.

Split into groups, they work as part of a candidate's team, a member of the press, a representative of a residents' association or as election staff.

Those working with a candidate help them to decide on a party name strapline and manifestos, and the candidates

themselves are interviewed by the press and residents.

Then follows a hustings event, before the lunch break where votes for their favourite candidate are cast.

The afternoon begins with a 'vote with your feet' exercise, where the youngsters are given the chance to have their say on a number of issues, including social media and mobile phones in schools.

It's during this exercise where the importance of

registering to vote is put across.

The day ends with the election count and declaration of the winner.

The winning team is given certificates in recognition of their achievement.

The Council's annual Question Time NK event, where older teenagers who are closer to voting age get to quiz high-profile guests from around the District, also took place in November.

For a video of the Local Democracy Week events see the Council's YouTube channel

Final chance to have your say You can have your say on proposed changes to Parliamentary constituency boundaries.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published its proposals and opened a third and final round of consultation, which will run until December 11.

The proposals for

Sleaford remain as they did in the initial proposals – removal of North Hykeham from the constituency name as these wards along with Waddington West Ward are proposed to transfer to the Lincoln constituency.

For full details and to give your views, visit www.bce2018.org.uk

Check what can go in each of your bins at

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/AZrecycling

Record number of finalists for annual champion awards Some of the best examples of voluntary community endeavour which characterise life within North Kesteven have been rewarded through the annual NK Community Champion Awards.

A record 28 finalists, their guests and nominators were among 150plus guests at the evening event hosted by North Kesteven District Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright and Chairman Cllr Sally Tarry in celebration of the consistent, selfless and tireless acts of community-minded endeavour.

This year there were around 80 nominations put forward by grateful residents who have benefited from such thoughtful, life enhancing and at times life-saving actions.

Every year NKDC calls for

nominations of people living and working in the District whose voluntary actions, carried out quietly, tirelessly and selflessly they feel are worthy of recognition.

The quality and diversity of such neighbourly contributions illustrate the depth of community-minded activity which helps to make North Kesteven distinct and contributes to its high ranking status as a good place to life with strong community cohesion, high levels of happiness and wellbeing and – for a fourth year running – the lowest crime levels in the county.

The awards are only made possible through the thoughtful nominations and the generosity of the community-minded businesses who sponsor the events.

The winners are...

Young Achiever Callum Ball, from Norton Disney Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of NKDC

“We are very proud to run these awards in order to applaud and award some of the many people who give so much through their voluntary and charitable endeavours.

"These are the unsung heroes of our communities who, through their selfless motivation and quiet inspiration, make an enormous difference within our District and these awards are a small but heartfelt thank you on behalf of the District for that.

Community Spirit “The 28 individuals, groups Community Business and businesses selected as this year’s finalists were but a Contribution to a Better Environment Contribution to Arts & Culture small selection of the immense amount of voluntary work that Contribution to Sport provides a foundation to the Contribution to Health & WellbeingDistrict’s flourishing, strong communities and I Longstanding contribution to an organisationand orvibrant group thank everyone who goes out Young Achiever of their way in this way.”

Do you know someone who has helped your community?

Nominate them today!

Community Business DBS Internet Marketing in Navenby Contribution to Sport Peter Ford, from Metheringham Contribution to a Better Environment Trevor Midgely, from South Kyme Contribution to Arts and Culture Heckington Show Committee and Volunteers Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Amelia Bailey, from Washingborough Longstanding Contribution to a Group or Organisation Mandy Harsley, from Ruskington Community Spirit Vivien Banks, from Sleaford

A big thank you to the 2017 NK Community Champion Awards Sponsors www.nkawards.org #NKChampions The NK Community Awards are only through the thoughtful Nominations close onpossible Friday, September 8 2017 at noon.nominations made by residents and the generous sponsorship of businesses and organisations:

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The Community Champions Award evening was compéred by BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Rod Whiting who said it was ‘very humbling to be in a room with so many dedicated and deserving people, who give up so much of their time, for no greater purpose than the love of their community.’

“They’re putting the community back into community. That’s a spirit that seems to have gone out of fashion, but not in North Kesteven, where the community is all about giving, supporting and encouraging.”

Young Achiever: Callum Ball By applying himself to a study programme at Hill Holt Wood, Callum has turned his life around and now engages and inspires change in others.

Aged 18, his life has been transformed. His motivation is "by making my life better I can see how I can make other people's lives better."

This follows two years on a Hill Holt study programme as part of behavioural rehabilitation, in which he clearly 'found his groove';

passing with flying colours and making great progress as a forestry apprentice and in life generally.

Now a youth ambassador on the national Our Bright Future initiative, Callum contributes to the bigger strategy for engaging young people in conservation.

He’s also mowed many miles of countryside paths, picked hundreds of bags of litter and maintained public spaces for others’ environmental enjoyment.

Sponsored by Branston Ltd. Other finalists were: • Ivy Mitchell, Sleaford – Aged only five, Ivy has spearheaded fundraising and awareness initiatives at school to support others with Di-Georges Syndrome and campaigned to keep Glenfield Hospital open.

• James Robshaw, Ruskington – through his determination to pioneer new technology to engage in a normal school life James’ cheerful disposition and hardwork ethic are inspiring to all.

Community Business: DBS Internet Marketing, Navenby Do you know a community champion who deserves recognition?

Is there someone in your local area who gives up their time voluntarily for the benefit of others?

Why not nominate them for an award.

We know an incredible amount of good work goes on in North Kesteven, and we want to say thank you to those who do so much for where they live.

Entries for the 2018 NK Community Champion Awards are open now online.

Visit www.nkawards.org

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Location and locality are everything for DBS, under the direction of founder David Clarke.

Relocated from California to Navenby, the employeeowned firm takes corporate social responsibility very seriously, investing time and effort in building community networks, facilities and events for the benefit of the village.

"As businesses, we all make money from the communities around us,

so it's important to put something back and not just to take," he said.

David founded Navenby Business Network which organised the village Christmas event, made a significant contribution to the installation of three life-saving defibrillators, provides web services free of charge to local charities and is active in student mentoring, with an emphasis on motivating children in care.

Sponsored by Duncan and Toplis. Other finalists were: • Leadenham Post Office, Leadenham – for reaching beyond the counter in the way the business engages with residents through support and care and the provision of a community hub.

• Sleaford Elite Gymnastics, Sleaford – for offering bursaries, scholarship and supportive opportunities for the less-advantaged to access sporting opportunities.

what’s on

November 2017 – February 2018

Evolution of the intuitive making process goes on display – Page 10

A delightful, seasonal programme of music to enjoy – Page 11

Explore various types of airships in museum's exhibition – Page 12

Find a festive treat at largest-ever Gifted Gifted 17 at The National Centre for Craft and Design December 9 and 10 An extremely popular two-day contemporary Christmas market will open its doors again this year.

Gifted 17 will host makers from across the UK selling high quality jewellery, ceramics, textiles,

glass and tableware.

The food market will offer a variety of local and specialist food and there will be a familyfocused programme of workshops, demonstrations, musicians and exhibitions.

Gifted has grown into a landmark event attracting more than 5,000 shoppers and visitors in 2016 from

far and wide. It prides itself in providing the highest standard of craft and food makers to ensure a special and unique Christmas shopping experience.

The NCCD's event organisers are working in partnership with Design Factory and Design-Nation to present the largest-ever market in 2017.

Some Christmas events from around the District Digby Christmas Market November 25 from 10am to 4pm At Digby War Memorial Hall, the event will feature music, carols, mulled wine, hot soup, teas, coffees, cakes, seasonal craft and gift stalls, a raffle and a tombola.

Christmas Wreath Festival December 2 and 3 The festival will be taking place at All Saints Church, Wellingore.

Sleaford Christmas Market December 3 from 11am to 5pm The market will be held in the Town Hall and

town centre and will feature an exciting range of stalls, food and drinks, plus live entertainment and music. There will be fairground rides in the Market Place and a Charity Santa’s Grotto in the Town Hall. The Christmas lights switch on will take place at around 4.15pm in the Market Place, once the St Denys' Church Christingle Service has finished.

Metheringham Christmas Celebrations December 3 A service will be held at St Wilfrid's Church at 3.45pm followed by a procession to the War Memorial Garden. At 4.30pm carols, a Nativity

Procession and tree lighting will take place.

The Christmas Market will open, Santa and his elves will arrive and gifts will be presented. There will be mulled wine, mince pies, tea, coffee, juice, music, raffle, fair ride and stalls.

Father Christmas visiting Branston December 12 to 14 Say hello to Santa and his elves and enjoy a Christmas song or two If you've a gift you'd like given to your child on any of the evenings call Santa's Elfline, 01522 791699.

Family Christmas, North Hykeham Village Green December 14 from 3-7pm

There will be a large stage with school performances from the local area as well as Father Christmas, hot food, drinks and fairground rides for children.

Town Carol Service December 17 at 10.30am North Hykeham's Carol Service will be held at Robert Pattinson School, Moor Lane. Seasonal refreshments will be served afterwards.

Flix in the Stix at Digby War Memorial December 20 Arthur Christmas will be shown, doors open at 7pm. There will be a licensed bar and coffee bar. popcorn and ice cream. Take a cushion!

What’s on The Nettles Volunteer Group, which maintains and enhances Sleaford’s public green space The Nettles, has been awarded £2,000 from the People’s Postcode Lottery for a new community project.

‘See & Hear’ is an exciting intergenerational project that will involve a number of young people working with the members of the group to record their ongoing work, stories, wildlife and anecdotes about the space on video, helping to share the brilliant work they do.

The aim is to bring different generations together, sharing skills and knowledge, whilst helping to promote this valuable public green space and understand the need to care for natural habitats in the local area.

The Nettles Volunteer group meets monthly (on the second Monday of each month) and is supported by artsNK and Hill Holt Wood. Visit www.facebook.com/ NettlesVolunteerGroup for more details.

artsNK offers aerial classes teaching ‘dance in the air’ using silks and hoops in bespoke studios at ONE NK, North Hykeham.

There are sessions for both young people (11+) and adults (16+).

All are very popular so pre-booking is essential. artsNK also runs a selection of youth dance classes at ONE NK, including a dance and disabilities class.

For more information visit www.artsNK.org

Page 10

The National Centre for Craft and Design Navigation Wharf, Sleaford

www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

01529 308710

Laura Ellen Bacon: Rooted in Instinct Until January 14 Main Gallery Rooted in Instinct is a collection of work especially for the NCCD by Woman's Hour Craft Prize nominee and British Sculptor, Laura Ellen Bacon.

It is a unique exhibition demonstrating an evolution of the intuitive making process that has dominated Bacon's practice to date.

It's a pivotal moment in an artist's career, featuring unexpected and familiar forms in willow and new explorations in thatch, further developing the possibilities of traditional hand weaving and knotting techniques.

In recognition of the NCCD's history as an old seed warehouse, new abstract sculptures create height, density and detail.

Naseem Darbey: We Are Saved By Loss Until January 7 Roof Gallery The eternal concepts of life, loss and hope are explored by artist Naseem Darbey in her exhibition We Are Saved

By Loss.

Using medical morphology and pathology as the basis for her exploration, Darbey addresses the core concepts through art, science and philosophy and expresses them through her signature hollow drawings.

Forced Perspective Photograph Workshop with Naseem Darbey December 9, from 10am to 4pm at Gifted 17 Create your own forced perspective images using your own phone or digital camera and try out some of the techniques Naseem used in We Are Saved By Loss to share on social media. Free, drop-in session.

Textile Workshop: Hollow Drawing and Fabric Manipulation December 16, from 10am to 4pm Try out some of Naseem

Class of 2017

The forms are at once majestic, immersive and 'protective' with a unique sense of connectivity to the heritage crafts and architecture of the Lincolnshire landscape.

Writing for Artists: Keeping a Journal January 13 from 2pm to 4pm Writing is an integral part of Laura Ellen Bacon's practice.

Learn techniques for documenting and articulating your own thoughts around making, using visual and written note-making.

Led by artist and writer Georgina Barney, this session is open to all and ideal for craftspeople, designers and artists.

The cost is £20 per person, for 16 years and over. Please book.

One Year On

Darbey's artistic techniques in this one-day workshop.

Use drawing and machine embroidery to create and build a portfolio of experimental works.

Please bring a sewing machine and embroidery foot if you have one.

The cost is £40, for 16 years and over. Basic materials provided. Please book.

young designers. Class of 2017 showcases the best graduate talent from Britain's leading institutions for craft and design.

This year's graduates have shown immense ability and passion in their respective fields, resulting in work that is well conceived and executed, ready for industry and art gallery alike.

Class of 2017 January 13 to March 11 Roof Gallery As the new year dawns, it brings new opportunity and fresh ideas. The NCCD is proud to exhibit some of the UK's most promising

One Year On January 13 to March 11 Roof Gallery Exchange Space and Project Space Selected as the standout talent at New Designers, the NCCD's sister organisation, Design-Nation, has awarded

their annual One Year On prize to design studio Winter & Kurth and contemporary jeweller Stephanie Holt.

These emerging talents will showcase their work in an opportunity for the venue to showcase two rising stars in the world of craft and design.

Workshops, clubs and courses are held at the NCCD throughout the year, including Tots Tuesdays, Young Creative Minds and Unplugged / Hub Writers.

For information, visit www. nationalcraftanddesign. org.uk

Terry O’Toole Theatre ONE NK, North Hykeham

www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk

01522 883311

Imbalance Joli Vyann November 22 at 7.30pm Fusing dance and circus, this production integrates exciting acrobatic skills with athletic dance in an energetic and thought-provoking performance that explores our obsessive dependence upon technology.

Tickets £12, £10 concessions and £7.50 under 16s.

Amhrain O Bhaile (Songs from Home) Ruff N Ready November 25 at 7.30pm Ruff N Ready perform their new show inspired by the music of the Irish Diaspora, featuring traditional and popular tunes.

Tickets £12, £10 for concessions.

Swing into Christmas December 10 at 7.30pm Back by popular demand, the Steve Walker Big Band returns with a festive programme featuring your all-time Christmas swing favourites, plus more of the best music from the great swing band era. Tickets £15.

Imbalance Joli Vyann A Crawl Down the Ogre With Doug Scott CBE November 20 at 7.30pm An epic tale of hard climbing and survival that has now become part of mountaineering folklore.

The Ogre (7,285m) is the most difficult high mountain to climb in the world, with no easy way to the summit.

In July 1977, Doug Scott and Chris Bonington reached the summit for the first time, but the success of

their ascent quickly turned to a nightmare; Doug slammed into a rock breaking both legs, which left him having to crawl back to base.

He will recount the rest of the story and many other mountaineering experiences in this fascinating talk.

Funds raised will go to Community Action Nepal and World Challenge.

Tickets are £15, £12.50 for concessions and £10 for under 16s.

A Winter's Light

A Winter’s Light December 15 at 7.30pm A delightful seasonal programme of music from quartet Hark Hark, featuring

Whisby Natural World Centre

traditional carols, good tunes and irreverent humour about the less spiritual side of Christmas.

Tickets £14, £12 concessions and £7.50 for under 16s Lost and Found Little Blue Monster Productions December 16 at noon & 3pm What is a boy to do when a little lost penguin shows up at his door?

Find out where it comes from, of course, and return it safely home! A brave, new friendship is formed on the journey to the South Pole.

Age guide: 3 years+.

Tickets £8.50, £30 for a family of four.

A Christmas Spectacular December 17 at 3pm RAF Waddington Voluntary Band, along with their special guests the Waddington Military Wives Choir, will perform a programme of Christmas music, songs and carols guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit.

The band appears by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

Tickets £8.50, £7.50 concessions.

Whisby Nature Park, Whisby

www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk

01522 688868

Festive Afternoon Tea November 27 to December 22, served from 1.30-3pm Try a festive afternoon tea starting with a glass of Prosecco on arrival in the Boardwalk Bistro overlooking Thorpe Lake. £25 for two.

Boardwalk Bistro overlooking Thorpe Lake.

Two course lunch is £14.95 per person, three-course lunch is £17.95 per person.

Rockabilly Christmas Party December 8 at 7pm Relentless will perform live music; the evening includes a three-course dinner and welcome cocktail. £25 per person.

1940s Vintage Christmas Party December 1 at 7pm Live music from Miller Magic Big Band, including a three-course dinner, and welcome cocktail. £25 per person.

An 80s Christmas Party December 15 at 7pm Includes a three course dinner, welcome cocktail and live music from Reins80’d. £25 per person.

Christmas Lunches November 27 to December 22 Enjoy a delicious lunch in the

What’s on Vitality – Exercise for the Over Sixties – has seen success with two new classes in North Kesteven.

The additional classes are held at Magna Village Hall in Great Hale and at Redwood Drive Community Centre in Waddington.

Both take place on a Friday and have attracted a good number of attendees. As with all the Vitality classes they are welcoming and cater for differing levels of mobility and ability.

The classes are part seated and part standing exercise. Great Hale has on average 15 participants each week, with a few of these attending a second Vitality class in Heckington on a Wednesday to get double the benefits!

If you are interested in attending a Vitality class visit www.vitalitylincs. co.uk for a full list of classes and more information or phone Emma Batty on 01529 411194.

Two more sessions have been added to the Walking Football programme following the success of the sessions running since the start of the year.

The age range has been lowered to 50 to allow more people to be more active more often.

Walking Football is a low impact sport allowing participants to enjoy the beautiful game but at a more manageable pace.

The new sessions, costing £2 each, take place on Fridays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at 1 Life at Sleaford, East Road, Sleaford, and Saturdays from 9am to 10am at ONE NK, Moor Lane, North Hykeham.

For more information contact Victoria Chapman, Sports & Physical Activity Manager on 07572 080716 or email Victoria.

Chapman@1life.co.uk

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What’s on Plans for the Ridges & Furrows Arts and Heritage trail are moving forward, with the full route now mapped out.

The trail will run between The National Centre for Craft and Design in Sleaford and Terry O’Toole Theatre in North Hykeham, continuing on to Whisby Nature Reserve.

The walk will run along the Lincolnshire Ridge, passing through many villages and sites of interest in NK along the way. Look out for the official launch in the middle of next year.

Heritage trails for North Hykeham, Waddington and Welbourn are currently being developed with maps to be available soon, some of the routes were recently tested out during the NK Walking Festival.

The development of the trail has arisen alongside a Heritage Lottery Funded project which over the last year has worked closely with communities in Welbourn, North Hykeham and Waddington to research the history and celebrate the special heritage of these locations.

A series of cultural events and temporary artworks have been created as part of the project, and historian Dave Reeves has delved through the archives to research the history of each location as well as recording memories from current residents. Permanent art commissions in Waddington are currently being developed by artist duo Grennan & Sperandio.

Visit www. ridgesandfurrowstrail.org to find out more about the project and the walking trail.

Airlander take off over ground support. First flight of 2017.

Copyright: Hybrid Air Vehicles

Heritage sites in North Kesteven

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Navigation House, Cogglesford Mill Airships over Lincolnshire…

Lighter than Air Until March 25, 2018 Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum Discover the history of military and civilian balloons and airships in Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum’s latest exhibition.

Airships over Lincolnshire…Lighter than Air gives visitors the chance to explore the various types of airships, both military and commercial, and their contribution to the continuing story of this most serene mode of lighter than air transport.

The Royal Naval Air Service Central Training Establishment at Cranwell’s early operations included training in ballooning and airships at its Lighter than Air Section.

Submarine Scout airship being handled

by US Naval ratings based at Cranwell’s Lighter than Air Section, 1918.

The exhibition includes detail of a selection of those airships. The Central Training Establishment was originally home to naval aviators and subsequently personnel of the newly formed Royal Air Force, at which point the base was renamed RAF Cranwell.

The exhibition also includes the history of one of the early airship

pioneers, Lieutenant Colonel CM Waterlow and the horrific and fatal accident that befell him in the skies over Cranwell.

To bring the story right up to date, the exhibition features ‘Airlander’, a hybrid airship which today is being developed by Hybrid Air Vehicles, taking to the skies over Bedfordshire.

Admission is free.

Photographic Exhibition To January 7 Boardwalk Bistro, Natural World Centre at Whisby This is your chance to view the shortlisted entries from this year’s competition, run in partnership with artsNK and sponsored by Vantage Point Photography.

Page 12

To be notified about next year’s competition email

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Cogglesford Mill and Navigation House are now operating under their winter opening times.

You can visit Navigation House and Cogglesford Mill on Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 4pm, and Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These hours are in operation until until March 31, 2018.

Admission to all is free.

Summer opening hours resume from April 1, 2018.

Winners this year are: • Best Close Up - 'Happy Robin' by Ade Wildsmith • Best Landscape - 'Silver Bark' by Betty Dunn • Best Wildlife - 'Rabbit'

by Paul Sutton, pictured • Best Under 16s 'Feather Drops' by Isla Perkins, aged 13

whisby@1life.co.uk

Contribution to Sport: Peter Ford Ongoing in his extensive 53-year association with Metheringham Football Club, Peter has been involved at every level.

From joining the committee aged 16, most of his contribution has been on the administrative side since chronic rheumatoid arthritis restricted his promising playing career at an early age.

Treasurer, youth coach, secretary, manager, chairman, president and organiser of fixtures, fundraising and keeping

other volunteers onside, his life’s work has been to keep the club going to enable footballers of all ages, across the generations to play.

"When you're 25 and you have to pack in what is, at that point, your life - and the hopes you had of a professional career – you have to do something. So, I thought, 'if I can't play, I can do everything in my strength to make sure others can,' and nothing's changed."

He was also a stalwart at Blankney Cricket Club.

Cllr Mrs Sally Tarry, Chairman of NKDC

Sponsored by 1Life. Other finalists were: • Will Barber & Nathan Wood, Billinghay – for inspiring, instigating, running and motivating a weekly football team.

• Sammi Emsley, Sleaford – for her commitment and dedication in motivating young gymnasts to exceed beyond their own expectations.

Contribution to a Better Environment: Trevor Midgely A motivator and doer in maintaining South Kyme’s kerb appeal Trevor is evereager to help anyone who wants a hand.

After 20 years in the village he does it, quite simply, because he loves it and because it gives him enormous pride to see the village look the way it does.

"As long as you can keep the village nice and you can help people that need a bit of help then that's great," he says. "It's in my blood now."

He is at the forefront of a monthly initiative, as the litter-picking, mowing and tidying endeavours of a volunteer team keeps the village immaculate; driven by an appreciation and enjoyment of the village, rather than looking good for the 'Best Kept' contest.

“The way I see it, if we love our villages and the places we live, we are all going to have to do more, with more people needing to get stuck in," he said.

"There are so many people in North Kesteven working quietly, tirelessly, selflessly and voluntarily to improve the lives of others and those of us here represent only a tiny fraction of that immense contribution.

"I have no doubt that their actions are critical in North Kesteven being singled out among the best places in England to live, to be a woman, for life satisfaction, wellbeing and general contentment and - for a fourth year running having the lowest levels of crime in the country.

"We had around 80 nominations representing diverse endeavours all across the District and, as ever, judging them was an enormously difficult task as each and every one represents something incredible in what they do."

Sponsored by Glennmont Partners. Other finalists were: • Doug Laidlow, Little Hale – a pillar of the community who, aged 80, keeps the hamlet spick and span and even helps others keep on top of their own garden.

• Tracey Stevenson, Great Hale – for running a hedgehog recue service that helps to address population decline and educating others in best caring practice.

Contribution to Arts and Culture: Heckington Show Committee and Volunteers England’s largest village show by a country mile, the Heckington Show is among Britain’s top 25 agricultural shows and the largest run by volunteers.

July's 150th anniversary show highlighted all of its strengths – not least the dedication of a 45-strong committee, supported by 200-plus volunteer stewards and hundreds more locals contributing hundreds of hours to furthering the show's ongoing purpose.

Their legacy of volunteering stretches back six generations and maintains a heritage in support of local culture; championing distinctiveness and celebrating the arts in the broadest sense.

Show Chairman Charles Pinchbeck said the show would not happen without its loyal volunteers. "It's really special to be acknowledged in this way, especially by the District we seek to serve so proudly in what we do."

Sponsored by Skeet Print. Other finalists were: • Emily Owen-Jones, North Hykeham – for her enthusiastic and committed support of young participants of the ONE NK youth dance programme and assistance in their smooth operation.

• John Lyon, Heckington – for his massive contribution to a range of musical initiatives, not least as the driving force and musical director for the Heckington Singers, church choir and church band.

The raffle and bar proceeds at the Community Champions awards night raised almost £600 for the Chairman's charity, LIVES. More than 700 volunteers in Lincolnshire give up their time to respond to medical emergencies.

LIVES responders' actions save lives. They get there fast to deliver vital, immediate care in those critical first moments before the Ambulance Service arrives. They help more than 20,000 people a year - 55 people each day.

For more information visit www.lives.org.uk

Page 13

Over and above the finalists featured, other nominations received were: Malcolm Smith, Navenby; Mary Sanders, Sleaford; Lincolnshire Rivers Trust, Dunston Beck; Firstaid4Sport, Lincoln; Lincoln Green Pub and Community Fund, North Hykeham; Andy Holmes, Sleaford; Dawn Wilcox, Sleaford; Emma Tancred, Sleaford; Kay Bulled, Metheringham; Mary Thomas, Heckington; Street Source, Sleaford; Alan Wilson, Swaton; Audrey Hargreaves, Waddington; David Morter, Sleaford; Gerald Garton, Digby; Keith Orton, Potterhanworth; Louise Smith, Heckington; Mark Reynolds, North Hykeham; Roy Gower, North Hykeham; Sally Tarry, Heckington; Steve Morgan, North Hykeham; Christine Cullen, Heckington; Delphine Norton, Ruskington; Gynna Holmes, Timberland; Jane Peck, Sleaford; Louise Smith, Heckington; Malcolm Biddulph, Hykeham; Marion & Len Saviour, Skellingthorpe; Sophie’s Journey, Lincoln; Jack Bell, Cranwell; Kate Parr, Billinghay; Penny Barratt, Sleaford; William Alvey Dancers, Sleaford; Antony Carter, Heckington; Bill Rayner, Leasingham; Claire Annall, Ewerby; Emily Smith, Sleaford.

Contribution to Health and Wellbeing: Amelia Bailey Recognised for her extensive work raising funds and awareness in support of better cancer outcomes, Amelia modestly observed, 'there are some amazing people in this room; amazing people from many communities doing some incredible things and it’s lovely to share that.”

After battling cancer as a new mum, she returned to her nursing job and this year – a decade on underwent further surgery

to reduce its risk of return.

Wanting to ensure others are well prepared for what seems inevitable for so many, over three years she has been tireless in raising awareness. She set up the all-women Cancer Fighters, raising £95,000 for Cancer Research and extending wellbeing messages to 40,000 children UK-wide.

Relentless in her pursuit to empower young people, she recorded a song which has attracted celebrity support.

Sponsored by Ringrose Law. Other finalists were: • Pete Ashmore – for his energetic involvement in the smooth running of walking initiatives, festivals and continued success of the District’s Stepping Out network.

• Hand in Hand Club, Metheringham – a fortnightly social group for the disabled and their carers, now in its 50th year, under the leadership of Mhairi Lavington-Browne.

Longstanding Contribution to a Group or Organisation: Mandy Harsley With a legacy of voluntary work stretching back to her schooldays, Mandy has dedicated more than 40 years to nursing and 25 years to St John Ambulance.

Alongside her caring career as nurse, midwife, health visitor and NHS manager, she devotes many hours a week to the charity; looking upon Sleaford St John as a second family, turning out at events most

weekends and on youth camp in all weathers.

Divisional Superintendent at Sleaford, she voluntarily provides wide ranging emergency care across two counties; delivering a baby at Nottingham Goose Fair and saving numerous lives.

"We all get great pleasure and reward when we make a difference to somebody's life. Sometimes it's only the small things but you get a lot of satisfaction from that."

Sponsored by Your Local Lincs Magazine. Other finalists were: • Tony Farrow, Aswarby – for the smooth operation of the Sleaford & District Voluntary Car Scheme over ten-plus years.

• Helen Gillatt, Digby Fen – for continued involvement in wide ranging initiatives over many decades.

• Peter Ford, Metheringham – for more than 50 years at the grassroots of Metheringham FC.Peter Lee, Ruskington – for 30-plus years of association with Scouting.

Community Spirit: Vivien Banks Finalists in previous year’s Community Champion Awards, Sleaford pair Ann Munro and Ann Maltby were recognised as Good Citizens earlier in the year through a County Council award.

Recognised for a selfless desire to provide older people with company through a calendar of events, the NK-supported Evergreen initiative, hot meals provision at Sleaford’s New Life Church and regular activities to combat loneliness, they lead a massive team of dedicated volunteers, supported by the church community.

Page 14

Over six years Vivien has created and nurtured the self-funding Sleaford Parent Forum which has changed the lives, outlook and outcomes of scores of parents and children in and around the town.

It underpins the operation of the children's centre, providing activities, trips and apparatus and as a Parent Champion, Vivien ensures parents' voices are heard.

She has donated her own and her children's things

in support of a centre that has been 'a refuge to many people, not just me'. "To give a little back is reward in itself," she says.

Through her guidance as chairman, a small team has fought to make the forum a go-to for guidance on welfare, health and funding, reaching out to isolated - and particularly military - families.

All of this while a full-time student, devoted mother of three and wife of a distantdeployed RAF husband.

Sponsored by Lindum Group Ltd. Other finalists were: • Branston Library Volunteers – for their endeavours in saving and developing the library into a thriving facility.

• Helen Gillatt, Dunston Fen – for a far-reaching, enthusiastic and active involvement in many groups.

• Sheila Grossmith, Heckington – for being at the heart of all things Heckington.

You can watch videos of the finalists at

www.nkawards.org

ans

Our Communities

Help is available for communities to create Good Neighbour Schemes run by local volunteers who provide day-to-day support for other residents who may need assistance on an occasional or regular basis.

Although benefiting the whole community, the schemes are mainly aimed at helping elderly, disabled, vulnerable, frail or isolated people.

The support may enable them to live independently in their own homes and communities for longer and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Help is given free of charge, although a reasonable charge is usually made for transport mileage.

Community Lincs can provide information, advice, training and set up support, including help to identify sources of funding and shared learning from best practice.

To find out more, call 01529 301964 or email roy.pell@ communitylincs.com

Don't go hungry if it's cold outside If temperatures drop and the weather gets colder a scheme will ensure the most isolated and vulnerable people in our communities have food to eat.

During the winter, where people are unable to get out of their homes to replenish the food in their cupboards, they can call and request a parcel of essential groceries to be delivered to their door.

Co-ordinated by NKDC’s Community Initiatives Team, the Winter Wellbeing Scheme is delivered by community volunteers and Lincolnshire Co-operative stores locally. The project runs on weekdays and is supported by Sleaford’s Riverside Church and New Life Church Ministries.

The main focus is on supporting

those who are running out of food, have no-one locally they can call upon for assistance and can’t easily get to the shops because of lying snow, persistent cold and limited mobility.

There are triggers on the severity of cold but there isn’t age or disability criteria to be eligible to use the scheme.

Recipients of a food parcel can also request a cat or dog pet pack.

Anyone wanting to use the service needs to call NKDC during working hours to request a delivery, explain their need and arrange to make a payment.

Their request will be passed on to a community volunteer who will pick up a parcel and take it where it’s needed.

To request a parcel

– to promote the sustainability, wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s growing communities.

230

people helped by the NK Health Trainer in 2016-17

01529 414155 The NK Health Trainer has helped almost 1,500 people to find healthier lifestyles over nine years, providing one-to-one and group support and offering encouragement, and motivation to help you achieve your goals.

They can provide information on relevant groups, clubs, services and activities taking place in your local area and provide relevant information on a number of health related topics.

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EX-SERVICE AND GETTING When you support, Veterans’ Gateway Whenneed you need support, make make Veterans’ Gateway your first point of contact. Whether you’re lookinglooking for your first contact.

Whether you’re When youpoint needofsupport, make Veterans’ Gateway for a new home, having financial troubles or struggling a newfirst home, having financial troublesyou’re or struggling your of applications, contact.

Whether looking for withpoint mortgage we can connect applications, canforconnect you directly to the financial help you’rewe looking from awith newmortgage home, having troubles or struggling organisations thathelp support the ex-service community When you need support, make Veterans’ you directly to the you’re looking forGateway from with mortgage applications, we can connect – wherever and whenever you need it. your first point of contact. the Whether you’re looking for organisations you directly tothat thesupport help you’re ex-service looking forcommunity from For 24-hour support a new home, having financial troubles or struggling – wherever and whenever you need it. organisations that support the ex-service community Go to veteransgateway.org.uk with mortgage applications, we can connect – wherever whenever you need it. or calland 0808 802 1212 For 24-hour support you directly to the help you’re looking for from Go to veteransgateway.org.uk organisations support the ex-service community For 24-hourthat support or call 0808 802 1212 – wherever and whenever you need it.

Go to veteransgateway.org.uk

or call 0808 802 1212 For 24-hour support

Go to veteransgateway.org.uk or call 0808 802 1212

#hereforveterans

When you need support, make Veterans’ Gateway your first point of contact. Whether you’re looking for a new home, having financial troubles or struggling with mortgage applications, we can connect has died and raise funds for you directly to the help you’re looking for from bereaved families. organisations that support the ex-service community The and event, taking at – wherever whenever you needplace it.

Whisby Nature Park on Sunday, February 11, is in aid of Child Go to veteransgateway.org.uk Bereavement UK. or call 0808 802 1212 The charity supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.

For more information please email community_initiatives@ n-kesteven.gov.uk For 24-hour support

For more news and information please visit

Carlton le Moorland Parish Council has been awarded a £500,000 National Lottery grant towards replacing its ageing village hall.

A further £50,000 needs to be raised and events planned include a live music evening, Christmas Fair, New Year's Eve Party and a Valentine Disco. The Council is also continuing to apply for grants and welcomes donations.

When the final funds are secured the hall will be replaced with a new hub, where the community can socialise and enjoy activities including art and culture, children's events, education and exercise.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Key activities • Procuring a new and improved contract for Leisure and Culture to further boost our already strong performance.

• Supporting the delivery of at least five more Neighbourhood Plans.

• Continuing to implement and develop key strategies for Older People, Welfare Reform and Child Poverty.

Page 15

Our Homes – to promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven

3,875 Council houses operated by NKDC

All Council houses in the District are built and kept to higher tenant-led standards than national requirements.

Record sums have been invested in new and improved social housing; £30.7m over three years, including £8.65m in the biggestever project on 81 homes at Newfield Road, Sleaford.

Homes sold through Right to Buy have been replaced at nearly two for every one lost.

Key activities • Begin construction of at least 60 new Council properties.

• Through Lafford Homes acquire / start construction on at least 30 properties to be available on the local rental market.

• Bring at least a further 20 homes back into use.

Page 16

Forum will help landlords keep up-to-date with law changes A free exhibition and forum to keep private sector landlords and letting agents up-to-date with the latest legal changes taking place in the world of private renting is being held in Sleaford.

North Kesteven District Council is teaming up with DASH Landlord Accreditation and East Midlands Property Owners (EMPO), to stage the event, which is taking place on Tuesday, November 28, at The Source, Southgate, from 4pm to 8pm.

The exhibition is aimed at residential landlords and letting agents who want the latest advice and support in offering good and safe housing.

NKDC’s Safe as Houses team

For more details

will be on hand to answer any questions and offer further help and support.

At the end of the event, there will be a question and answer, followed by refreshments and networking opportunities.

To register for this event, or find out more about DASH Landlord Accreditation scheme, call: 01332 640324 or email: linda.cobb@derby.gov.uk NKDC is running the Safe as Houses scheme within the District for the mutual benefit of tenants and landlords.

This initiative seeks to raise the standard of private rented homes to achieve warmer, healthier home which are both easier to let and

better to live in.

It aims to raise awareness of landlords’ roles and legislative obligations towards their tenants and the property.

Tenants also need to be more aware of their rights as well as their responsibilities.

The Team works proactively and supports landlords to ensure the provision of quality housing which is warm, secure and free from health risks.

Advice on housing standards and the expectations and legal requirements for all landlords is also provided.

For more information, contact the Safe as Houses team using the details below.

safeashouses@n-kesteven.gov.uk or

01529 414155

How Building Control can help you The Building Control Unit delivers a safe built environment by ensuring the health and safety of people in and around buildings.

The Team provides a plan checking and siteinspection service to ensure compliance with building regulations.

It also has responsibility for: • Dealing with dangerous structures and demolitions • Enabling the public to view the public sewers maps • Keeping the register of Approved Inspector building regulation applications • Land Charge enquiries • Promoting access for the disabled

It also offers builders and architects: • Pre-submission advice • SAP assessments • EPC certificates • Air testing • Access audits Through the LABC there’s also: • Noise testing • Fire risk assessments • New homes warranties For more details visit: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/bcservices

For more information

Work to regenerate Newfield Road in Sleaford is progressing well and is now into its third phase.

All properties in this section have been stripped out, windows and plaster have been removed and openings created at the back for the new extensions.

The project – NKDC's biggest ever capital investment scheme at £8.69 million – will see the entire street overhauled, 18 new properties built, the street layout reconfigured and a play area created.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/residents/housing

Rauceby Hospital site appeal dismissed A Government inspector has endorsed North Kesteven District Council’s long-held view that a better solution should be found for the historically-important former Rauceby Hospital site than extensive demolition.

After hearing evidence on all sides, planning inspector David Rose dismissed the appeal brought

by Barratt Homes against NKDC’s decision in May 2016 to refuse

their bid to demolish a range of former hospital buildings in favour of new-build housing, a shop and community building.

Barratt Homes argued that it was not financially viable to retain and convert as many of the hospital buildings as the Council requested in order to better preserve the heritage asset.

Mr Rose called on them to properly secure and sensitively

First development nearing completion

‘mothball’ the site whilst carrying out a fresh, open-minded appraisal on future funding options and alternative schemes – thereby ‘throwing the buildings a lifeline in the hope of an alternative solution being conceived’.

While acknowledging residents’ anxiety to complete the development and bring forward facilities, Mr Rose said ‘heritage assets are an irreplaceable part of both the nation’s and the local community’s legacy.’

Lafford Homes' first development looks set to have its first tenants in the new year.

The new housing company, wholly owned by North Kesteven District Council, is building 27 new flats for the private rented market on Steam Court, off Station Road, North Hykeham.

Lafford Homes is a fresh approach towards meeting local housing needs, by unlocking more choice in the rentals market.

It aims to be an exemplar and landlord of choice.

In its first year it has made some significant progress, the Steam Court development being a particular highlight.

Not only will the company help with housing demand, it will also

benefit the District more broadly by generating income for the Council to reinvest locally.

Lafford Homes operates through its own board of directors, using existing building firms to fulfil its projects.

The company is working with Belvoir Lettings on its Steam Court development.

For more details call Belvoir Lettings

01522 544999

Buying a house or land and need to carry out local searches? ● Only NKDC can maintain the Local Land Charge Register for the District A former vegetable washing facility could be transformed into up to 120 homes and up to 20 units of senior living retirement accommodation.

Outline planning permission has been granted, subject to a Section 106 agreement, for the vacant 'Produce World' site in Moor Lane, Swinderby.

The site would also include commercial space, a communal play area/recreational space, a community car park and shop.

Don’t forget that if you’ve registered for Lincolnshire Energy Switch and been made an offer you need to respond by November 28.

The scheme is designed to help people save money on their energy bills. Offers are sent directly to residents, but there is no obligation to accept the deal.

Anyone who’d like to register for the next round can visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/switch for more information.

Check out our website for more housing information

● Complete and comprehensive searches ● Competitively priced ● Shortlisted for a national award in 2016 for volume and turnaround speed ● Experienced and dedicated team with extensive knowledge ● Searches to the full satisfaction of all mortgage lenders For full details and fees call 01529 414155 or see www.n-kesteven.gov.uk under the residents tab. Email land_charges@n-kesteven.gov.uk

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Page 17

Our Economy – to promote the economic and employment growth of North Kesteven

2.4m annual visitors to North Kesteven

Historic frontages are restored

Sleaford Market Place has developed a real sense of place – or plaza – following the reinstatement of awning canopies to a range of shop fronts.

Through the allocation of grant funding for the renovation of historic shop frontages, smart red and orange awnings have been installed above six of the shop units within the so-called Tudor Building in the Market Place, a distinct black and white structure creating a strong focal point in the town.

These were restored, replaced and re-instated with new mechanisms made to match the originals and boxes for their discreet stowage.

This was the first of a series of projects to be supported through a programme that has the potential to inject more than £500,000

in an improved streetscene for Sleaford as historic shop fronts are restored and reinstated in line with their traditional condition by applying design principles, finishes and materials in keeping with their heritage.

The fund is made up of £150,000 put up by North Kesteven District and Sleaford Town councils, matched by Heritage England to give a total of £300,000 which contributes grants of between 60% and 80% towards certain aspects of identified and approved works; the balance met by the property owner.

The emphasis is on highprofile properties of historic value within certain parts of the town centre Conservation Area, where maximum impact can be made in protecting the area’s characteristic style.

For more information please call Visitors to the District contribute £126 million to the local economy and support more than 1,800 jobs.

Last year the Natural World Centre at Whisby recorded its highest ever visitor numbers at 236,843.

In 2016-17 the remodelling of the Little Darters Adventure area was completed, and the basement was refurbished. It was also the first full year of usage for the Otter's Reach play area for younger children.

Key activities • Manage the opportunities and challenges for NK arising from the decision to leave the European Union.

• Work with partners to drive forward regeneration projects in Sleaford and North Hykeham.

• Further develop Teal Park / LN6.

Page 18

Skellingthorpe's Kayleigh Smith won a competition to name one of the new e-bikes available as part of the Hirebike scheme.

Her suggestion was William the Conqueror, which she put forward in recognition of his historic links to Lincoln and to hopefully encourage tourists to learn more about the city.

Skellingthorpe Community Centre's Hirebike station was one of the first to get the electronic bikes, and a new hirebike station has been launched at Bakewell Mews in North Hykeham.

More information available at www.hirebikelincoln.co.uk

01529 414155

Calling all landlords of vacant units in the District - could your space host a pop up shop?

The scheme, organised by Partnership NK, has seen two stores successfully complete their trials and stay in business in Sleaford – Gills 2 Gems clothing and handbag shop and Little and Loud Photography’s studio.

More people have registered to take part in the scheme, so the search is on to find space they can use to test the market place without a long-term commitment.

For more information email ecodev@n-kesteven.gov.uk

For more information

Jenny Sherlock, director of Donald C Larder Ltd which owns the Market Place building, encouraged other eligible businesses to enquire about the scheme and apply.

She said it couldn’t be easier and had the capacity to bring forward physical improvements to buildings that would improve their appearance and unlock more business potential.

On seeking assistance to fulfil her aspirations for the replacement awnings, Jenny was advised of the broader support available, which helped her to upgrade, repair and renovate the roofs and upper floors of the building.

Plans for 90,000 sq ft of new warehouse and manufacturing space at Network 46 in Witham St Hughs have been submitted to NKDC. Regeneration specialist St Modwen bought the remaining 57 acres of development land at the site earlier this year.

In 2008 Network 46 was granted planning consent for more than 960,000 sq ft of commercial space.

Part of this has been developed for occupiers including Apogee, Turbine Efficiency and UK Mail.

The site also has a new 40,300 sq ft facility for DPDUK.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Expert advice on planning retail year

The latest in a series of workshops designed to support traders in the District will help shop owners 'plan their retail year'.

Hosted by North Kesteven District Council, industry experts Kerching will host the two-hour event with tips and tricks to make the most of the year ahead.

The District Council has hosted a number of sessions like this for traders as part of its commitment to supporting the local economy, encouraging and enabling businesses to flourish and jobs to be created.

To register email

Apply for funding

European LEADER funding is now available again for applications after going on hold following uncertainties around the Brexit vote.

Businesses, farmers and community groups are being encouraged to apply for funding to help support the economy in North Kesteven.

Kesteven LEADER projects must either support micro and small businesses and farm diversification, boost rural tourism, increase farm or forestry productivity, provide rural services or support cultural and heritage activities.

More information is available

Previous events have shared information on getting the best of the festive season, while another has shared 70+ tips and tricks.

Feedback from attendees has been really positive, with many saying they found the information very useful to them.

The Plan Your Retail Year event is free for traders throughout the District to attend and will take place on Tuesday, January 16.

It will get under way at 5.30pm in NKDC's Council Chamber in Sleaford with nibbles served and the chance for networking.

ecodev@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Projects must develop a new or existing business, improve productivity and efficiency, increase tourism visitors or improve rural services and communities.

Businesses, farmers, community groups and parish councils are amongst those who can apply for funding.

Projects can receive grants of between 40% - 80% of their costs, depending on the type of project and organisation.

Lincoln JIGs in Metheringham received more than £31,000 from the Kestevens LEADER

fund, to purchase a specialist piece of machinery, which has helped improve their business productivity and will create a job.

Tim Wilkinson, of Lincoln JIGS, said: “Having a grant from LEADER has allowed us to improve our service for our local and international customers, by processing bigger orders with improved timescales.

The funding has helped our business remain strong in a competitive market, as well as providing training opportunities for our current workforce”.

Use the details below for more information.

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/kestevens or email LincsLEADER@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Car P Park

Grantham Road, Sleaford Lincoln Precision Engineering is the first business moving to Discovery Park in North Hykeham.

The laser-cutting, computerised machining and folding firm, which employs 25 people, is spending £1.5m on a move to purpose-built premises, where it will also install new laser and folding equipment.

It is due to move to its new site early in the new year.

NKDC is supportive of Discovery Park, part of the LN6 area which has a growing reputation as a great place to do business.

The seven-acre site could attract up to 200 jobs in the District.

Outline permission has been given for a development of business units on the Leafbridge Site in North Hykeham, creating an estimated 216 full-time equivalent jobs.

North Kesteven District Council's Lafford Planning Sub Commitee gave the approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement, at its October meeting.

The development would include up to 14,000m2 of floorspace for offices, research and development, light industry or general industrial and 14,000m2 of storage and distribution space.

Sleaford being in the heart of Lincolnshire is recognised in a new logo which will be used to promote the town.

Retail experts Kerching and key partners have worked on the design, which has also been given approval by businesses in the town through the Regeneration Group.

The logo has some of the town's historical features, as well as recognising Sleaford as a modern, forward-looking town.

The aim is to create a consistent look for the Sleaford, reinforcing its distinctiveness in the county and further afield.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk and click on the ‘business’ tab for more information

• 100 spaces • £2 all day

2 £ All Day

• Free on Sundays • Low cost, easy access parking • Ideal for shoppers and commuters • Secure barrier controlled • Exit barrier operates by sensor after 6pm www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ carparks for more information Page 19

Christmas and New Year collections Refuse and recycling collection days will change for everyone during the Christmas and New Year weeks. To make sure you know when to put your bins out, please refer to this collection calendar:

Bins out early

Please ensure your bins are out by 7.30am on collection day as collection times may vary.

We will not return for any bins not presented in time.

Side waste

We will take waste left at the side of your bins for your first collection of the black and green-lidded bins after Christmas Day.

Normal collections

Normal collections resume on Monday, January 8, 2018.

For garden waste collections refer to your calendar.

Christmas trees

These can be chopped up and placed in the brown bin for garden waste collection if you have one; otherwise take to your nearest household waste recycling centre in Sleaford or Lincoln.

Bank Holiday collections

Any collections due on a Monday bank holiday in 2018 will move to the preceding Saturday.

Good Friday collections are unchanged.

You can check your bin collection online at anytime at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/findmybinday

Normal collections

Revised collections

Monday, December 25

Saturday, December 23

Tuesday, December 26

Wednesday, December 27

Wednesday, December 27 Thursday, December 28 Thursday, December 28

Friday, December 29

Friday, December 29

Saturday, December 30

Monday, January 1

Tuesday, January 2

Tuesday, January 2

Wednesday, January 3

Wednesday, January 3

Thursday, January 4

Thursday, January 4

Friday, January 5

Friday, January 5

Saturday, January 6

Garden waste collections

During December and January, garden waste collections drop down to a four-weekly cycle.

Customers will find details in the calendar on the reverse of their subscription letter.

Sign-up to the garden waste service From February 1 you can sign up to the garden waste collection service online.

Being cheaper, easier, cleaner and quicker than taking hedge trimmings to a household recycling centre, the service continues to represent great value for money.

Apart from December and January when collections are four-weekly, subscribers will have their brown bins emptied every other week.

The alternatives are to compost at home, take the materials to a household recycling centre in Sleaford or Lincoln or arrange for a licensed handler to collect them.

You can sign up to the service online at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/gardenwaste and from March 1 you can also call 01529 414155.

If in doubt visit: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/findmybinday