Grimsby Really Is More: Issue 4

Dear Grimsby

Our Future and Grimbarians share a deep love of Grimsby, a desire to tell a new story about the town and to support the creation of a future where we all thrive.

We have been struck by the disconnect between the backwards tilting narrative filled with nostalgia for a lost past and what we see happening in reality. There is so much momentum towards a hopeful future, one that respects the past without being constrained by it.

We are lucky to partner with inspired people across NE Lincs who aren’t waiting for permission or for someone else to fix their problems but, in true Grimsby style, are rolling up their sleeves to create a better future today. This anthology brings together stories of the work underway in the town. Each project is brilliant in its own right. Read together you can start to see the emergence of a new Grimsby. This Grimsby is led by citizens who love the town and their community. This Grimsby is rolling up its sleeves to build the future now.

The work happening across the town is an exemplar of what is possible across our country. What would happen if we unlocked the power of people in every sector to build the future and gave them the resources and trust they need?

A brighter future is possible and it is being built today in Grimsby

Emily, Dan and Lindsay

Citizen Power

From clothes swaps to urban orchards, people have been coming together to connect, support each other, and bring life to their areas. All of these activities are building power in neighbourhoods across NE Lincs, with residents taking the lead in creating the places they want to live.

Buck Beck Bench

Residents across Grimsby and Cleethorpes have been sharing their stories and photographs in memory of the iconic Buck Beck Beach Bench, which was burned down; a terrible act of vandalism towards a cherished location for many beach-goers.

As unfortunate as it is to have lost the majority of the original structure, the bench’s founder along with other local volunteers have already come together to help build the bench back to its former glory!

“We will, as a community, rebuild the bench. I will never let mindless idiots spoil something so many hold dear”, said Nick Albion from the bench’s Facebook page.

Nobody can stop bad things from happening, but good people can make all the difference in the long run - huge respect to all the volunteers that have helped out so far. If you are looking to visit the bench yourself, remember to stay safe around the coastline and respectful of both the bench and other people.

Urban Orchards

Community groups are taking a grassroots approach to bring fresh produce to the East Marsh in the drive against rapidly rising food prices.

Underused space on Garibalidi Street car park is being transformed into a new urban orchard and community garden that will feed and educate local people, as well as serve as a new communal green space.

In newly installed planting areas and raised beds, bushes for soft fruits, potatoes, carrots, salad, herbs and brassicas, such as cauliflower and cabbage will all be planted, along with 35 fruit trees which are being planted by North East Lincolnshire Council. The Council is also planting additional trees on land next to the nearby Albion Street playground.

Food grown in the community garden will provide a steady supply of produce for people in the neighbourhood, local food banks, and other public food providers. It will also be used in a new community kitchen, found within the Salvation Army building opposite the transformed car park, where there are facilities to teach people cooking skills.

The urban orchard and community garden will give people the opportunity to plant, grow, pick, and cook their own food all within a few metres of the garden – and maybe occasionally eat together too. Encouraging people to grow, prepare and cook their own food is one of the main drivers behind the project.

Pitstop in the Park

Nearly 1,000 free hot dogs were given away to people in the community in August, thanks to the kindness of volunteers.

Across the school summer holidays, the team behind Pitstop in the Park, a community cafe found in Cleethorpes’ Sidney Park, gave hotdogs to visiting children and families.

The initiative was initially started by local charity KDARS (Kidney Disease and Renal Support), who ran Pitstop in the Park. Their goal was to provide food to those who

West Marsh Baby Bank

With the price of baby products rising even faster than other goods during the cost of living crisis, new parents have been facing the brunt of our economic troubles. Taking on this growing problem is West Marsh Baby Bank’s founder, Leanne Hudson.

Starting a family can already be a stressful experience but when times are tough and money is tight, it can be terrifying for new families figuring out how to get by. Leanne and other volunteers, as well as the community as a whole, have helped countless families become more secure in raising their children. “I feel like sometimes in families it becomes a case of feeding themselves or feeding the children and I don’t think it should be like that”, said Leanne.

The Baby Bank is doing its best to supply families on the West Marsh with a wide range of basic necessities, from baby formula to clothes and larger equipment. More families are getting in touch with Leanne every week and thankfully, more donations are coming in as well. “With the way the cost of living is, everything’s gone up. It’s even people who are working that are struggling.”

Helping to keep Grimsby’s newest generation of babies fed, clean and warm, alongside Leanne are Jessica Green, Stacey Kemp, and Becky Woodcraft. With a hardworking team delivering such an inspiring service, many parents

struggled to make ends meet during the covid lockdowns. After taking the reins to the Sidney Park space, We Are FISH, a Grimsby-based community interest company, decided to continue the giveaways, and have been able to do so thanks to volunteers who dedicate their time and local people who kindly donated tins of hotdog sausages.

If you would like to get involved by volunteering or donating, or to find out more about We Are FISH’s other community projects, follow @wearefishgy on Instagram.

across the West Marsh can sleep soundly knowing that support is just around the corner.

There are lots of ways you can help support the West Marsh Baby Bank, whether it is donating baby products like formula to the community centre or donating money directly to the charity.

You can contact the West Marsh Baby Bank for donations or requests, either over on their Facebook profile or by calling the West Marsh Community Centre at 01472 269230.

The Great Big Summer Clothes Swap

On the 7th of July, Centre4 hosted The Great Big Summer Clothes Swap between 2.30pm & 5.30pm, organised by Melanie Onn. Events like these are a great way to encourage sustainable practices, save money and upgrade your wardrobe!

“With the cost of living putting the squeeze on people’s finances I thought this clothes swap would be a fun, and cheap way for people to update their wardrobes for summer without having to fork out on as many new things.”

One of the best ways to save money is to cut down

on spending and with prices not showing any sign of dropping, now might just be the best time to get more thrifty with our shopping habits. We all have old clothing in the backs of wardrobes, stored away and many of us are guilty of letting them sit to collect dust or throwing them out.

Melanie Onn was joined by ‘No Barriers to Sports Kit’ an organisation started by two local schoolgirls which aims to give more children access to sports kits. They were at the Great Big Summer Clothes Swap giving away donated sports gear.

Mental Health Message on an International Stage

A Grimbarians’ words of expertise have been heard by tens of thousands of people around the world, after speaking in front of an international audience at a TEDx event.

Alexis Powell-Howard, Psychotherapist and Managing Director of Fortis Therapy and Training, took to the stage at TEDxPatras to talk about how engaging in a powerful therapeutic relationship makes all the difference in enabling your self-awareness and growth.

The talk, which was based around the theme of ‘metamorphosis’, has since been uploaded to the official TEDx Youtube channel, and to date has been viewed over 45,000 times.

Scan to watch

Alexis said: “I was beyond excited to take part in TEDxPatras with such prestigious speakers. It has been four years since my first TEDx talk which was in the UK, and to be invited to Greece was a lovely surprise. To write and present a TEDx talk is always challenging and thought provoking, I find myself going through a process of excitement, uncertainty and then loving every minute and this is a subject close to my heart.”

Weelsby Woods Lions to Roar Again

One of the iconic Lions of Weelsby Woods is ready to undergo a complete restoration, following a momentous fundraising campaign supported by the local community.

In April, the lion, which is over 140 years old and hasguarded the entrance of Weelsby Woods for over 70 years, was severely damaged in a car collision. The Friends of Weelsby Woods voluntary group launched a fundraising campaign, with the intention of collecting donations which would go towards repairing and reinstating the statue, so it could stand proudly alongside its partner once again.

In just one week, the campaign reached its substantial target of £10,000. After discussions with North East Lincolnshire Council, expert stonemasons were found to complete the works.

On the Friends of Weelsby Woods Facebook page, secretary Jemmima Edwards shared an update after visiting the Lincoln-based stonemasons tasked with

restoring the beloved Lion. She said: “We met Paul and Stuart, who explained the amount of research they’ve done into matching the type of stone for the repairs. They have an identical match with stone from a quarry in Bath, which is a high quality stone, hard wearing to the weather, and great to work with and sculpt.

“They have a lot of work to do once the stone is delivered from the quarry, but they have levelled off the broken legs, and removed the rest of the lion’s face, which was part of the 2006 refurbishment.They showed us the clay faces they have made in preparation for the maquette, which is a ‘mock-up’, before they start the actual work.

Keep up to date with the project, and see more photos at facebook.com/weelsbywoods.

Six Feet of Your Street

East Marsh United are once again leading the charge in boosting hometown pride. The ‘Six Feet of Your Street’ project aimed to clean the streets of the East Marsh, re-ignite the spark of local pride, and re-build the local connections that may have become lost.

EMU, alongside various organisations and local traders, committed to a day of action. Bins cleaned, gardens cleared, minor household repair jobs done - the volunteers gave Rutland Street a new lease of life. With a performance from the EMU choir, toys and activities for children, and refreshments from the Shalom Youth Centre, residents were left feeling energised and positive about the future of community-building.

The many organisations which came together in support of the clean up are a great example of what we can achieve when working together on a project like ‘Six Feet of Your Street’. As well as the NSPCC, North East Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Fire & Rescue and

GTFC, even smaller local traders volunteered their time, effort and equipment to assist.

When local people help each other out and when children can safely play in the streets, the world is a much better place for us all. The cycle of towns and communities left behind when industries decline is a cycle that can be broken for the next generation, by simple events like this!

Photos from throughout the day (as well the photo on this article) can be seen on ‘Through My Eyes Photography’ Facebook page.

Happy Headlines

Town Centre Renovations Underway

The landscape of Great Grimsby town centre is changing forever as highly anticipated regeneration works begin.

Locals

Nominate Neighbours for Mayor’s Civic Awards

People who are making a difference to our hometown and their communities, will be celebrated at the third-annual Civic Awards.

Residents Rally Together to Transform Cleethorpes Alleyway

The passage linking three central Cleethorpes streets has been cleared of litter and filled with plants and sculptures, in a citizenled renovation.

Tip Continues to Impress

Local residents congratulate the hard-working employees of Grimsby Community Recycling Centre on their themed decorations and displays throughout the year, whilst raising money for charity.

Grimsby’s Karaoke Queen Wins Worldwide Championship

Ellie Butler competed against singers from 30 countries, taking home the title of the World’s Best Karaoke singer.

Up-and-Coming Teenage Band Preparing to Rock at Festival

‘Revivalry’, the band of three Grimsby teenagers, are performing at gigs around the country before taking to the Kendal Calling Festival stage in August.

New Outdoor Festival is Coming to Cleethorpes

Razorlight, Frank Turner, and Feeder are just three of the acts taking to the stage at Meridian Showground for the first ever DocksFest, presented by Docks Beers and Docks Academy.

All Town Aren’t We

Mariners fans sell-out Parkway Cinema, eager to see a featurelength documentary about GTFC’s changes and triumphs, from filmmaker Jack Spring.

Grimbarian Story

Alan Burley has a deep connection to Grimsby. Over the years, from his time growing up in the East Marsh, to his roles working with some of the area’s most needed charities, community groups, and organisations, Alan’s love for his hometown developed into a true sense of Community.

After leaving school and ending his apprenticeship, Alan took a summer job at a local food factory – and stayed with the company for 22 years. Redundancies were made and Alan was able to take some time for himself and his family. He came across an advert from a local parent, who was looking for support for her autistic child, simply looking for someone to help take them for walks. Alan reached out to the parent, offered his help, and that was the start of his path into community work.

Since that moment, Alan has been a support worker at Linkage, a local charity supporting people with learning difficulties, worked as a part of a national housing association in Goole, where he taught life skills such as cooking and budgeting, and became a Neighbourhood Engagement Officer for Shoreline Housing Partnership. He has volunteered for the Shalom Youth Centre, taken on the role of Project Manager for East Marsh Involve, became a Trustee for homeless support charity Harbour Place, and for five years, worked at the YMCA as their Funding/Volunteer Coordinator, helping to bring in significant funding to the organisation as well as increasing their volunteer base. This is all in addition to his political career, where Alan served on Grimsby and NELC Councils for 14 years during which he held the posts of Chairman of both the Estates and Planning Committees.

For the past 3 years, Alan has been employed as the Community Worker for the West Marsh Development Trust. In this role, he works closely with Centre Manager, Neil, and it’s committed team of volunteers attracting funding to support help the growing number of community clubs, classes, and projects taking place at the Centre.

We’re not another voice telling them what they need, we listen to what they’re saying they need and we do what we can to help them. That’s our ethos, just try to help people out. “ “

Around 500 people use the services of West Marsh Community Centre each week, from families needing support at the newly established baby bank or the food larder, to children and young people accessing boxing, karate, or football, to those wanting to socialise at craft clubs, cooking classes, community bingo, or as a part of a heritage project. Alan and the team’s latest project supporting refugee families, who are currently going through the process and settling in the area.

“The key to all here at the West Marsh Community Centre, is listening to the people who are coming to use our services,” Alan said.

Alan Burley

Alan’s main volunteering roles in his own time involves giving back to the East Marsh community that supported him growing up. He says It’s a lovely feeling giving something back.. “I don’t do it for the thanks, but it is lovely when you do get a thank you. It makes it all worthwhile.”

In his personal time, you will often find Alan at Blundell Park on match days – he has been watching GTFC play since he was eight years old. He is a father, proud grandfather, and great-grandfather, and makes the point that he would not have achieved much of what he has in life without the support of his wife Linda.

Young People

With Horizon Youth Zone being built over 2024 we tell the stories from young people across the area making change in Grimsby and NE Lincs or making waves nationally. The Youth Zone is set to launch in 2025 and will provide a new space in the middle of town for young people from across the area to connect, learn, and grow.

Kids Nature Walk Challenge Smashes Fundraising Target

A Grimsby charity that supports those facing homelessness is getting a £600 boost, thanks to local children who took the Lincolnshire Wolds for a Walking Challenge.

Young people rambled through the beautiful landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds on a sunny Sunday morning in a charity fundraising event, organised by Grimbarian James Elliott, aka The Canoe River Cleaner.

The challenge took the children and their families through five-and-a-bit miles of open fields, woodland, and country lanes. This was a fun, educational walk, with the participants receiving a goody bag and certificate as a thank you for their achievements. The goal was to raise £300 through sponsorships, but that target was smashed, doubling the amount to reach £606.85!

James said: “The kids did themselves proud. Walking nearly six miles at 10am on mixed terrain isn’t easy for little legs, but when the carrot dangler was to raise money for the essential work of Harbour Place Grimsby, they certainly rose to the occasion.

“The little scamps reminded us of the benefits of being inquisitive, making the most of a situation, trying new things, and ultimately having fun. We ALL embraced our inner child and reaped the rewards!

“Thanks to The Swallow Inn for extremely tasty post walk munchies, Louisa and Karen from All Things Good And Nice C.I.C for refreshments, Ørsted and SPAR for their generosity.”

Money raised is being donated to Harbour Place, who operate a night shelter for rough sleepers and have an outreach team to help people move off the street and into permanent accommodation.

Boy and his Pet Pooch are Runners Up at Crufts

A Grimsby boy and his adored canine friend made it all the way to Crufts this year, and placed second in the biggest dog show in the world.

Reuben Parrish received his springerdoodle, Vega, as a special gift from his family during the coronavirus pandemic, when he sadly lost his grandad. Vega became a friend to Reuben, and they together started training in dog agility and obedience.

In February, the pair travelled to the Kennel Club’s prestigious dog show, which welcomes 18,000 competitors and hundreds and thousands of visitors each year. Reuben and Vega competed in the Young Kennel Club competitions, winning a second-place rosette in the Basic Obedience 6-11 Years category.

Local Girl Performs with Ukraine National Opera

Five-year-old Jasmine received cheers of ‘Brava!’ and a bouquet of flowers after performing alongside the Ukrainian National Opera.

Jasmine Garnett-Singhal, who is from Caistor, joined the production of Puccini’s much-loved tragic opera, ‘Madama Butterfly’ for one night, taking to the stage of Grimsby Auditorium in the role of ‘Sorrow’, Madama Butterfly’s son.

As a member of Grimsby’s Swaby Dance Centre and Blaze Youth Theatre, Jasmine is used to performing in dance festivals and local shows, but this was her first professional production.

Natasha Garnett, Jasmine’s mother, saw the opportunity listed on a Facebook post from The Classical Ballet and Opera House. She said: “When the performance came, Jasmine was on stage four times. The first time was a bit overwhelming for her with the loud music from the orchestra and the opera singers, and when she came off stage, she came straight to me for a hug and said she was nervous to go back on. The Director was amazing with her and when she went back on the second time, she was onstage for longer and came off with a huge smile, she loved it.

“At the end of the show, she was given a bunch of flowers, which she absolutely loved and it made her feel very special. When we got back to the changing room at the end of the show, the cast all clapped her and cheered ‘Brava’, which again made her feel really special.

“It was a great experience for her which she still talks about and she’s always asking when she can go back on stage.”

Photo Credit: The Kennel Club/Anna Hatfield

Youth Zone is on the Horizon

The countdown is on to the opening of a dedicated youth space for Grimsby’s young people, as construction work on Horizon Youth Zone officially begins.

An integral part of the town centre’s master regeneration plan, the Great Grimsby Town Deal, Horizon Youth Zone will give thousands of young people in the area the opportunity to develop their skills, experience new hobbies, and prepare themselves for the world of work and business with the support of accomplished youth workers. The goal, is to inspire Grimsby’s young people to discover their passion and their purpose.

Located within in the historic West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings, the state-of-the-art facility will boast an indoor climbing wall, sports hall, gym, training kitchen, dance and drama studio, music room complete with recording studio, arts and crafts space, as well as a dedicated enterprise and employability suite. It will be available for young people aged between eight and 19 (or aged 25 for those with additional needs), costing just 50p per visit. It is expected to open in early 2025.

Horizon Youth Zone is made possible thanks to a collaboration of key supporters. National charity OnSide are leading the development, working with North East Lincolnshire Council, Historic England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ørsted, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, The Youth Investment Fund, and private donors.

Proud Grimbarian, and co-owner of Grimsby Town Football Club Jason Stockwood, is the Chair of the Board for Horizon. He said: “As Chair of Horizon and someone who grew up in Grimsby, I am so proud we have reached this incredible milestone. This is a momentous day for all involved in Horizon Youth Zone. Our Trustees, generous funders, Young People’s Development Group and supporters are collectively making our dream for Grimsby’s young people a reality.

“It has been a long time coming, but we are delighted with the progress being made and it won’t be long before Grimsby’s young people can see the heritage buildings transformed into a space which they truly deserve. I want to thank everyone who has led us to this moment, it wouldn’t be possible without your incredible support.”

Kind-Hearted Family Donate Post Box to Crematorium

A young Grimsby family has donated a special post box to Grimsby Crematorium to help others who are suffering with the loss of a loved one.

Lauren Swales and Jack Lamyman lost their unborn baby boy Teddy to a miscarriage in June when Lauren was four months pregnant. Together with their nine-year-old daughter Polly, they started a fundraising campaign to install a ‘letters to heaven’ post box for the memorial area in the crematorium grounds.

The post box gives bereaved families somewhere to post messages, drawings, birthday and Christmas cards to their loved ones. Jack and Lauren said they’d seen similar post boxes in other areas and thought it might help other bereaved families who are coming to terms with the loss of a child.

“We’ve never lost a loved one as close to us before Teddy. This is going to help us a lot and we hope it will help other families who have lost a baby or child.” Lauren said.

Bereavement services staff Daniel IntressFranklin and Augustine Harsent worked with

the family to bring the new post box to the crematorium grounds. It’s there for anyone to use to send a message to someone they’ve lost.

NSPCC Exhibition: A Safer Tomorrow

Students of Delta Trust Primary schools; Macaulay, Weelsby & Strand, came together to collaborate on an art exhibition, created by the NSPCC.

Entitled ‘A Safer Tomorrow’, the project began as an idea that grew from a small conversation between one of the parents from Macaulay Academy and NSPCC ‘Together for Childhood’ Social Worker, Dannie AdcockHabib, during a family activity session at the school. The parent works for a company called ‘Images’, which specialises in facilitating exhibitions and art galleries for children at primary schools across the country.

‘Your favourite place in Grimsby, in 20 years’ time’ was the inspirational prompt for the children’s art, making for lots of interesting depictions of flying cars, local parks and of course plenty of Dock Towers.

This idea of a simple exhibition quickly grew into a huge collaboration project for the town, involving three different primary schools and around 750 children. The gallery was so large that Grimsby Minster hosted the paintings, allowing parents and children from each of the schools to visit and appreciate their work in a welcoming communal space like the minster.

Typically, these events act as fundraisers, raising money for varying causes through the sale of the paintings & frames for the parents and children who want to take their art home. However, the wholesome nature of the event doesn’t stop there, myenergi and the National Lottery Heritage Fund came together to pay for ALL of the paintings and frames, meaning every single child could take their painting home!

Grimbarian Story

Our borough is home to incredible creatives, talented artists and one-of-a-kind makers who create conversation-starting pieces inspired their hometown experiences. One such artist, who has grown a Cleethorpes shop into a supportive, collaborative artistic community is Chelsy Hutton.

Being born in Grimsby and growing up in Cleethorpes had a huge influence on Chelsy’s journey, who you may know as ‘Northerner on the Run’. “I was lucky enough to go to Lindsey School of Performing Arts, which let me play and experiment with different creative outlets before I went to college. I think that really shaped who I became, but I always remember being a little bit more ‘colourful’ than my siblings.

“Northerner On The Run actually began during my final year of University, as I began making travel plans. It started as a creative travel blog, where I wanted to share my travel photography whilst backpacking for a couple of years and it just stuck with me as I transitioned through different creative paths. I began making jewellery quite a few years ago now just as a hobby whilst in a stressful job, and then my friends started to wear them and wanted more! I made an Instagram page and needed a name… and NOTR just felt right!”

From jewellery to mirrors and homeware, to distinctive Grimsby-themed artwork and miniature Dock Tower statues in bold patterns and colours, Northerner on the Run became loved for its creativity and uniqueness, and soon took to one of Cleethorpes’ distinctive independent shops, Original Emporium.

“I joined the OE as a seller for my little side hustle, and didn’t think much of it, but I really took an interest in the business when I was there. I wanted to help grow it and attract cool stockists so it could thrive. During the first lockdown, I was made redundant from my full-time job and the owner of Original Emporium at the time was wanting to retire, and so I just said I’d take it. It was so out of character for me and terrifying in

the middle of a pandemic, but I had nothing to lose at that point and I hated the idea of the creatives in store at the time having no place to go.

“And so, the OE began. I took the opportunity during the closure of the shops to completely refurbish the place and put my own stamp on it and fill the place with exciting people. I love the idea of one day in the very distant future, passing the OE onto another aspiring creative to take it into another new direction.”

It wasn’t long before the OE community of makers and artists took their creations on the road to markets across Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

“It was a very natural progression, the creatives in store were constantly struggling to get onto the local markets we had at the time. We had such a huge amount of talent, but because the smaller local markets already had regular traders, no one was willing to give anyone new a chance, so it came to Christmas as I just thought, sod it, I’ll just do my own! It went so well and felt amazing. I was only planning on doing the one, but as soon as people started asking when the next one was, I couldn’t resist!

Supporting the local creative and maker communities is so important because without sustainable income for local artists, they cannot stay here and do what they love. “ “

“I left Grimsby at the first chance I could because there was nowhere for me to use my skill set, hence the name Northerner On The Run. It was such slim pickings when searching for a job that was even slightly creative. I had a creative degree and the only way for me to use that, at the time, was to be freelance, but I wasn’t ready to stop learning at that point. I needed more guidance from other creatives in inspiring roles.

“I ended up in one of few creative roles working for a company that didn’t align with who I was, but I had nowhere else to go unless I moved to a city. So being able to supply other new and experienced artists a place that brings in actual money,

support and community guidance just feels like I’ve made a difference, or at least provided a stepping stone for young creatives to build confidence and self-worth before heading off to bigger things.”

“I’d love to encourage anyone that’s thinking of doing something a bit wild in an attempt to do what they love everyday, to do it. Use the support systems Grimsby and Cleethorpes has in place now, join the fun networking groups and meet the other locals that are passionate about our towns!

Arts & Creativity

People of all ages have been creating new opportunities to connect with each other through art, creativity, and self expression. Some of these have looked back to the Viking history of the area (like the new statue of Grim at the Docks) and others to the future with successes for local musical artists or sharing routes into the music industry.

Grim FalFest 2023

Grimsby is renowned for its fishing heritage, but a celebration of the legend of Grim and Prince Havelok is shining a light on our hometown’s rich Viking history.

While it’s hard to confirm the details of what happened in a small fishing village a thousand years ago, we know the story of Havelock and Grim is a fundamental part of Grimsby’s identity. Grim Falfest, which returned for the second year, provided residents and visitors with three days of family fun, historic re-enactments, and autumnal cheer.

Celebrations started with the Humber Taiko Drummers, before the fiery arrival of a longship to the River Haven (Alexandra Dock,) which in turn was followed by the re-enactment of a traditional Viking funeral. The Friday saw plenty of festivities and mead drinking, before the weekend properly kicked off at the Grimsby Minster and

People’s Park.

The next couple of days saw Viking villages and reenactors living through an average medieval day for Viking settlers in Grimsby, from cooking food and making clothes and chainmail, to tool maintenance and finer artisanal craftwork. The insight into life during medieval Europe was a fascinating and fun experience for all ages, which was rounded off well by a display of cavalry skills and even a Viking battle!

Looking back on the festival’s many market stalls, performances, and all-round festivity, it’s safe to say the three-day event was another resounding success!

Artists and Schools Collaborate to Create

Local creatives working in textiles, illustration, graphic design, music, and theatre have been paired up with schools and youth clubs in the borough to help engage young people in the creative sector.

This is all part of an exciting, new six-month programme between Grimsby’s creative talent and community groups and schools. Over the summer, there was a call out for artists and makers to take part, while community groups and education settings had the opportunity to apply to be paired up with a local creative.

Lisa February, Lead Creative Practitioner on the programme explained: “We’re creating opportunities for authentic collaboration between creatives and

Top TV Series filmed in Grimsby

community settings. Artists will be supported to plan and deliver creative projects across the region; bespoke workshops for local young people.”

A structured programme of work has been devised to help both these local artists and educators address a number of barriers, such as funding, confidence and few entrance opportunities that have previously stopped artists from delivering creative work with young people in North East Lincolnshire.

Grimsby’s historic docks were seen on screen by millions of people after being one of the locations used in a top Netflix show.

Sci-fi crime thriller, ‘Bodies’, told the story of four detectives in four different periods, who were all investigating the exact same murder. Parts of the mini-series were filmed in the historic heart of the Port of Grimsby, the Kasbah, which was made to look like London in the 1940s. Buildings were transformed into shop fronts and houses, with one dock-side building being turned into Aldgate Tube Station.

After its release, ‘Bodies’ landed in Netflix’s Top 10,

Life in Music: It All Starts Here!

making its way to the number one spot. And it is not the first production filmed in Grimsby, to have made the streaming service’s most-watched list.

‘Three Day Millionaire’, a black comedy heist film by director Jack Spring inspired by trawlermen’s time at home after being at sea, was shot at several locations across Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Earlier this year, the film was released on Netflix, becoming one of the most watched films in the UK-based movie chart.

A collective of professionals in the live music industry told stories from behind the scenes of gigs, tours, and festivals at a special event - with a focus on how their journey started in Grimsby.

‘Life in Music’ was a collaborative panel Q&A event organized by Women Connect UK, Docks Academy, and Grimbarians C.I.C. An audience of musicians, budding industry professionals, and live music enthusiasts gathered to hear from local people who scored their dream jobs in entertainment, from artists managers and booking promoters to festival ticketing managers.

Raven Twigg, Senior Programming Manager at ASM Global and Co-Founder of Women Connect UK, a collective supporting opportunities in the creative industries, was raised in Cleethorpes. She formed the idea for this event to show that there are opportunities to work and progress through the music industry, whether you are a musician or performer, into tech and engineering, or are an accountant.

Joining Raven on stage for a panel discussion was Harry Tidswell, Founder and Artist Manager at Steady Management for up-and-coming Indie artist SOFY, Paul Savage, Head of Entertainment Sales and Marketing for Bonus Arena, Hull at ASM Global, and Emma Wragg, Festival Ticketing Manager at Festival Republic. The panel discussion, which included a Q&A session with the audience, was hosted by former BBC Radio Humberside presenter, Kim Harrison.

The host for the evening was Docks Academy’s own Head of Music, Lee Welsh, who moved back to Grimsby after working through the ranks to promote and copromote gigs with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Florence & The Machine, Calvin Harris, and Stormzy, to name a few.

Green Economy

The green economy is growing in NE Lincs, with myenergi recently recognised as the ninth fastest growing private company in the UK and dozens of businesses launching, growing, or settling in the area. New local initiatives are working to help this growth and root the economy in place, including Projekt Renewable which recently launched to bridge the gap between business and the community.

Residents out in force to ‘Green the Marsh’

Residents of the East Marsh, local school children, and a couple of Mariners came together to make their home ward greener at a tree planting day in one of Grimsby’s popular parks.

Dedicated volunteers planted 30 red maple, sweet chestnut, elm, tulip tree, and sweetgum trees in Grant Thorold Park as a part of an ambitious project from community group East Marsh United (EMU), who have a long-term, sustainable vision to ‘green the Marsh’.

Children from Weelsby Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary, Strand Primary, William Barcroft Primary, Grant Thorold Forest, Havelock Academy and Phoenix House started the day with the guidance of expert arboriculturist

Russell Horsey and the Create Streets Foundation, which is supporting East Marsh United with this project. In the afternoon, volunteers from across Grimsby continued planting, along with dignitaries and two players from Grimsby Town Football Club, Harry Clifton and Shaun Pearson.

A number of local businesses and organisations got involved, including Humberside Fire & Rescue, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, were on hand to help out, and the team behind Grimsby Garden Centre donated a ‘Happy to Chat’ bench, to get people talking.

For more information, to sponsor a tree, or get involved with volunteering, visit eastmarshunited.org/trees.

Projekt Renewable

The landscape of Grimsby’s Alexandra Dock has changed, with the arrival of three containers, and a shed-load of opportunity.

Projekt Renewable, located next to the iconic Grimsby Heritage Centre, is an ambitious scheme that aims to bridge the gap between the burgeoning renewables industry and the local community, the town’s past and its future. From the brightly-coloured solar-powered shipping containers, students, community groups, businesses, and creatives will be able to experience how versatile, accessible, and promising renewables is, in an immersive environment.

In one container will be The Studio, a podcast hub dedicated to the future of broadcasting. With two sets of equipment having been donated, the Projekt team will be working with local businesses and schools to support the production of both video and audio-only podcasts.

The blue container will act as a meeting and workshop space, and will be bookable with no fee - if the work you’re looking to complete aligns in some way to the renewable ethos of the Projekt.

Within the green container is a duo of installations from two of the borough’s renewables giants and Projekt sponsors, myenergi and RWE Renewables UK. In each space, local people, including those taking their first steps on the career ladder, will be able to engage in the opportunities that exist locally within the sustainability sector.

After arriving four months ahead of schedule, work is to continue on the three containers, with some of the features being fitted on arrival. Projekt Renewable has the scope to extend and evolve, to suit the demands of both the local community and the renewable champions operating within the area.

Partnership to restore Humber Habitats

An ambitious 5-year programme with the mission to restore marine habitats and species throughout the Humber estuary, is underway thanks to a collaboration between the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and leading renewable energy company, Ørsted.

The iconic Humber estuary is one of the most important natural features and conservation sites in the UK. However, the estuary’s conservation status was downgraded to unfavourable condition by Natural England in 2012, attributed to habitat loss and commercial development, which resulted in the decline of precious habitats, such as sand dunes, saltmarsh, seagrass, and native oysters.

In efforts to reverse these major declines, the Wilder Humber programme is trialling a “seascape-scale”

model, combining sand dune, saltmarsh, seagrass, and native oyster restoration to maximise conservation and biodiversity benefits across the estuary. The aim of the programme is to restore and enrich nearly 40 hectares of protected habitats and rebuild the Humber’s lost native oyster population to over half a million. 30 hectares of the overall 40-hectare ambition will focus on restoring lost seagrass meadow at Spurn Point, another key target for Wilder Humber.

In addition to spearheading the restoration works, Wilder Humber will also work with local communities to tell the story of the restoration journey through community events and school engagement visits and provide volunteering opportunities to contribute to wildlife conservation in the Humber estuary.

Grimbarian Story

Jason Stockwood has true pride in his hometown. He recognises and embraces his identity as a Grimbarian, wearing it proudly as if it is a crest on a football shirt.

Jason was born in Nunsthorpe Maternity Home, growing up in Scartho before moving to Holton Le Clay, attending Toll Bar school and Franklin College – he and his family have a deep connection to Grimsby. He spent some time travelling, attending university to achieve a degree in Philosophy, before landing in London in the 1990s in the very early days of the internet – and he immersed himself in it.

Through working in leadership roles at the likes of Lastminute.com, Match.com, and Simply Business, Jason was able to build a successful career in the tech industry.

“When I moved to London, the internet was in its early consciousness, and I joined lastminute.com, and it just went bananas. In that situation, you have to be openminded to take the opportunity, but luck and good fortune has a massive impact too.

In recent years, Jason has been reconnecting with Grimsby, putting in the time, experience, and investment to regenerate, to build ambition, and to encourage local people to reconnect with the town, helping them to find their sense of place too.

Most local people may have come to know Jason as one of the new owners of Grimsby Town Football Club, a part of a small team who are proving to put the community back into the heart of the club. However, Jason is also the Chair of Horizon Youth Zone, a charity for young people in the area to support them in finding their passion and purpose through leisure activities, hobbies, and enterprise and employability workshops.

There’s something to be said about the resilience, grit, and character you have when you grow up in Grimsby, and hard work is a necessary condition of any lasting success in life. “ “

The site of the Horizon Youth Zone, which is a part of the Onside Youth Zones network, will be found in the heart of Grimsby town centre; works on the multi-millionpound state-of-the-art centre begin later this year. As Co-Founder of Our Future, Jason is bringing resources and networks to citizens to create long-term positive change, building joy and power in the local area.

“It’s a calling, to recognise how your identity is tied to a sense of place and is core to who you are. I think that was forgotten in the town for a few years, and we’ve started to realise that in a global world, you need to look upwards and out but do that from a point of solidarity and community first. Traditionally, as a town, we tilt the narrative towards the past. And we do need to hold it proudly as our identity, but we can do that while leaning more towards the future.

“For me, places like the Grimsby Town Football Club, Horizon Youth Zone, the work we are doing with Our Future, is rooted in a deep philosophy that we strive for connection and, to bring it back full circle to our sense of place again, we reach that through our civic institutions and the common life we share.

“Grimsby is, and always has been, the centre of my identity and my family. Now, it’s really rewarding to reaffirm those connections and make many new ones in the place I am really proud to be from. On a personal level, I’ve really been enjoying the past couple of years and I’m learning a lot.

Jason

Stockwood

Sports Galvanising Change

Teacher takes to European Championships

A Grimsby teacher took to the waterways of the Czech Republic, representing Great Britain in a prestigious international competition.

Stephen Butterfield, a technology teacher from Waltham Toll Bar Academy, travelled to compete in the European Rafting Championships as a part of the British Rafting Team, known as ‘Team Phoenix’. Together, they competed against professional rafters in the Masters’ category, navigating the waters of the Vltava River in the renowned two-week event.

The championship was Stephen’s biggest test to date, after previously racing in competitions across Europe. His commitment to the sport, which sees him travelling to, and training weekly at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, stems from his time in the waters off the coast of Cleethorpes’ beach, where Stephen would kayak in sessions after school.

Photo Credit: Nirvana Kruger

Hollie Arnold: World Champion

A gold medal is an achievement that many athletes dream of, but for Grimsby-born Paralympian, World Champion and MBE Hollie Arnold, that dream is a reality... 5 times over.

Growing up in Holton-Le-Clay, Hollie attended Cleethorpes Athletic Club, eventually relocating to Wales and then Loughborough to be closer to her coaches for training. Her javelin-throwing career in athletic tournaments began at the age of 11, throughout her teenage years Hollie would go on to win medals all over the world - competing in New Zealand for the IPC World Championships, winning Gold in Dubai’s IWAS World Junior Games, and becoming the youngest ever field athlete in the Olympics & Paralympics at the age of 14 in Beijing, throwing a personal best.

Hollie competed at the World Para Athletics Championships in Lyon, in 2013. Winning gold in her event, F46 javelin, Hollie Arnold went on to win gold in this event

Food For Thought

at every biennial tournament since. 10 years later during the Summer of 2023, in Paris, France, she retained her world champion title with her 5th consecutive gold win. Arnold has done much more than earn plenty of gold medals across Paralympic sporting tournaments, European Championships and Commonwealth Games, Hollie is also an ambassador for Caudwell Children, a charity for disabled children specialising in Autism and Grimsby-based charity St Andrews Hospice.

Hollie’s story is one that should inspire everyone, it takes a level of skill to achieve a gold medal in any competition, but to do it 5 times in a row over a period of 10 years? That takes dedication and discipline that is without doubt; world class!

Bailey Greetham of Be Great Fitness has launched a new project for schools and colleges to help teachers encourage a healthier relationship between young people and food.

Normally BGF works on making fitness accessible to overlooked groups such as those with disabilities or the elderly. This time however, Bailey is hoping to tackle not just healthy eating but healthy thinking as well.

Younger generations have always struggled with confidence and peer-pressure but with things like social media and tabloid journalism, the problem seems worse than ever. This is where Food For Thought comes in, the program will give teachers the resources to encourage a mature discussion around things like social expectations and self-esteem. The program will support and inspire students to make better choices related to their overall health and wellbeing.

Produced in collaboration with experienced teachers, food experts, fitness coaches and eating disorder specialists, much of the program is about eating right but also addresses issues of body image and mental health. Some of the topics include; ‘Supplements & Diet Pills’, ‘Convenience Culture’ and ‘Diet Myths & Misconceptions’. Food For Thought will provide a unique opportunity for teenagers to develop a positive relationship with both food and fitness, giving young people the knowledge and thinking skills that they need to continue living a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.

The Food For Thought project is currently being trialled in selected schools before the program becomes nationally available in September of this year. The ‘bitesized’ topics and presentations will suit tutor time slots while also comfortably fitting into regular curriculum planning, making it a flexible and effective tool for teachers and students alike.

Telling the changing story of Grimsby through its inspiring & creative people.

Grimbarians C.I.C celebrates the extraordinary and inspiring people of Grimsby, sharing the stories of local people who are positively changing the narrative of their communities to make our hometown a greater place.

Grimbarians, the photo-documentary project, launched on 1st January 2018. Since that date, we have received an overwhelming amount of supportnot just from local people who enjoyed seeing positive, uplifting content about the people in their neighbourhoods and communities, but also from businesses who wanted to pledge their support. Because of this, we have been able to grow organically to include hosting live events and exhibitions, collaborating with like-minded artists and organisations, and publishing our own good news publication. This time, in collaboration with our good friends at Out Future.

By highlighting stories of true life in Grimsby today, we’re showing that #grimsbyreallyismore – and you can join us in this mission too.

THE GRIMBARIANS STUDIO

In 2023, we opened the doors to The Grimbarians Studio, a space that is affordable and friendly for creatives to come together and work on projects together.

Situated on Grimsby’s famous historic docks, our Studio is perfectly placed to help us provide a haven for creatives to collaborate, socialise, and create.

We aim to put on workshops in various disciplines and events that are suitable to all levels so that everyone can take part. Check out our upcoming events, and come be creative with us. Photography Life Drawing Linocut Print Making

Introduction to Stained Glass

And more to come…

Scan these QR codes to visit our website!

Grimbarians The Studio

Our Future works with a growing collective from every sector who care about Grimsby and NE Lincs and want to build a positive future for their hometown.

Our Future supports and unites citizens to identify, realise and share in the opportunities presented by the green transition - shaping a future that works for all.

We are rooted in Grimsby and NE Lincs through our partnership with Grimsby Town Football Club harnessing the love of home that the club engenders to deliver wider social benefits for the town.

Do join us if you want to get involved – it is open to everyone who is keen to collaborate and get stuck in

There are many ways for you to get involved, including:

1. Participate: Bring your expertise, graft and love of the town to support some of the change underway and initiatives being led by communities.

2. Join: Come to one of the Our Future events to meet with people who care about Grimsby and are building a positive future in the area (scan the QR code below to see upcoming events).

3. Connect: Message us at hello@ourfuture.io if you want to discuss a project you are working on.

Scan here to sign up to our newsletter and we’ll keep you posted with local events.

Follow us on Twitter @OurFutureGy and at www.our-future.io

WORK UNDERWAY

WORK UNDERWAY

Our focus is on supporting immediate change that can put in place the building blocks of the future. Some of the collaborations underway include:

Our focus is on supporting immediate change that can put in place the building blocks of the future. Some of the collaborations underway include:

Community-led housing

Community-led housing

Join us to create community-led housing across NE Lincs, ensuring everyone has access to good and affordable homes. Building on success in the East Marsh with eight houses bought by the community, our goal is to spread community-led housing across the area, reducing fuel poverty, empowering residents, and bringing communities together.

Join us to create community-led housing across NE Lincs, ensuring everyone has access to good and affordable homes. Building on success in the East Marsh with eight houses bought by the community, our goal is to spread community-led housing across the area, reducing fuel poverty, empowering residents, and bringing communities together.

Green Economy

Green Economy

Join us to help build a green economy that is rooted in NE Lincs. We are supporting the growth of an ecosystem of local green businesses that contribute to the wellbeing of their communities: creating good jobs for local people, and supporting sustainable industries that will be around for the long term.

1 2 3

1 2 3

Join us to help build a green economy that is rooted in NE Lincs. We are supporting the growth of an ecosystem of local green businesses that contribute to the wellbeing of their communities: creating good jobs for local people, and supporting sustainable industries that will be around for the long term.

Community Plans

Community Plans

Join us in developing resident-led Community Plans for wards across NE Lincs. These plans will ensure residents shape their neighbourhoods, providing a mechanism for communities to define their long-term missions and determine their own future. Collaborating with local charities, businesses, and the Council, we aim to connect resources and support to turn these missions into reality.

Join us in developing resident-led Community Plans for wards across NE Lincs. These plans will ensure residents shape their neighbourhoods, providing a mechanism for communities to define their long-term missions and determine their own future. Collaborating with local charities, businesses, and the Council, we aim to connect resources and support to turn these missions into reality.

www.grimbarians.com

Daniel Clarke - Founder and Photographer

Lindsay Cowie - Editor and Writer

Connor Stannard - Writer and Social Media

www.our-future.io

Emily Bolton - Founder

Killian Troy O’Donovan - Programme Manager

www.kingside.digital

Callum King - Graphic Designer