Newsnk Winter 2013

newsnk

NK’s latest food hygiene ratings p8-9

The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents

Winter 2013

Swimming star praises Council’s vision as Sleaford Leisure Centre reopens doors New-look leisure centre attracts three times as many users in first month than before £2.85m makeover

The new-look Sleaford Leisure Centre is making waves with a flood of residents who have acclaimed the results of its £2.85m makeover.

During its first month of operation almost 19,000 people used the remodelled pool, extended gym, enhanced dance studio, improved changing area and new family-friendly facilities.

This is double the number of an average month before the work and 320% up on September 2012 immediately before the refurbishment.

Visitors have welcomed its bright and cheery new look, improved layout, easier pool access and increased gym equipment.

Olympic swimming medallist Sharron Davies MBE officially opened the centre and praised the Council for taking such progressive and far-sighted action in carrying out the much-needed refurbishment when it became clear that a complete rebuild for £6m was unaffordable.

“It’s fantastic,” she said. “I hear from so many people concerned that their local council wants to close their pools, so for a council to be investing in its facilities is really impressive.

“After finding that it couldn’t fulfil its initial plans for a £6m re-build, North Kesteven didn’t stop there; it looked at how it could still roll forward with something for the good of its community and has achieved this, which is excellent.

“That’s working for the good of the community and many other councils could learn from North Kesteven,” she added.

“There has been a pool here for 141 years; people have got used to

coming here to swim and there’s terrific continuity in that. By engaging children in swimming at an early age they develop a habit that lasts a lifetime and that’s why the Woodland Splash is such a great thing.

“It’s short sighted for councils to close leisure facilities down.

Exercise is so good for maintaining health, fitness and helping to fight obesity and has to be better and cheaper in the long run to keep people healthy.”

Delivered on time and within budget, the remodelled leisure centre has been heavily influenced by users whose feedback informed the plans and inspired the provision of the children’s splash area, familyfriendly changing and bigger gym.

Weekly swimmer for the past 30 years, Alan Collick said: “I give NKDC huge credit for what it has achieved here.

“What the council has achieved for what it has spent – and within the same space – is astounding and thanks in no small part to the leader’s vision. It’s given the town a welcome lift too.”

More on page 4 ›

Former Olympian Sharron Davies meets children from Helpringham Primary School at the opening

Little birds’ tweets of high praise for centre refurb are worth listening to follow us on Twitter at @NorthKestevenDC or @SLCRefurb Jamie Aspland @jaspland What a fab venue the new swimming pool is for Sleaford a credit to the town and the council, well done

Sharon Davies @sharrond62 @lynnGriffen1 @SLCRefurb loved my day in Sleaford at the new refurbished leisure centre

Natalie Wood @Nataliewood90 Fun afternoon watching little ones test out Sleaford’s new spectacular woodland splash @SLCRefurb!

Katie Williams Just got back from our first swimming session at the newly refurbished pool. Wanted to say how fantastic it is. My girls loved the woodland splash area, not only did they enjoy the slides and playing but were pointing to the pictures on the walls and looking at the animals. The theme is perfect for this area. The air temperature in the area was pleasantly warm too

Fiona White @flowerby I went to the new Sleaford swimming pool and gym last night, its fab, well done to all involved @NorthKestevenDC

Simon Ross @simonross46 @SLCRefurb this looks stunning and a huge improvement :) last went swimming 10 years ago, so I can’t wait to dive in

Graham K Smith @emerpod @SLCRefurb @NorthKestevenDC I have Sleaford Leisure Centre to thank for spotting that my blood pressure was too high,

Andy Roche @andyroche Great day producing @melvynprior outside broadcast on the opening day of Sleaford Leisure Centre. What a great place.

Our Communities – pages 6 & 7

Our Economy – pages 10 & 11

 01529 414155 / 01522 699699  info@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Our Homes – page 12

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

inside

newsnk is your newspaper

Targeted jobs growth Boosting employment by developing areas for skills development 5

NK boost from faster trains Report in favour of High Speed rail links 11

Recycle right Top Christmas tips for putting your excess wrapping paper, toy packaging and empty bottles into the right bin 6

Housing service North Kesteven’s measures for supporting rough sleepers 12

Winter wellbeing Launching a new scheme to support neighbours in need this winter 7 Healthy eating Food hygiene ratings 8-9

Budgets in brief The Council’s statement of accounts in summary 13 Behind the scenes A useful guide for getting out and about into the District 14-15

Funding support for electoral registration

The newspaper is edited by the Communications Team at North Kesteven District Council.

Each issue costs 6.3 pence to produce and print and 9.75 pence to deliver direct to your door.

Editorial Phone: 01529 308116 Email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk Address: North Kesteven District Council District Council Offices, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EF Council Enquiries Phone: 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 if calling from a Lincoln number Minicom: 01529 308088 Emergency: 01529 308308 or 01522 699650 Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk Email: customer_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/northkestevendc Twitter: @northkestevendc INFO-LINKS North Hykeham North Kesteven Centre, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9AX INFO-LINKS Metheringham 15a High Street, Metheringham, Lincoln, LN4 3DZ Billinghay Cottage & Parish Office The Old Vicarage Cottage, Church Street, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4HN Branston Connect Branston Community Library, Station Road, Branston, LN4 1LH Heckington Parish Office St Andrew’s Street, Heckington, NG34 9RE Navenby Village Office The Venue, Grantham Road, Navenby, LN5 0JJ Osbournby Village Hall London Road, Osbournby, Sleaford, NG34 0DG Skellingthorpe Village Office Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe Community Centre, Lincoln, LN6 5UT The Witham Office 16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9HF Waddington Parish Council High Street, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9RF

African High Commission learns about better planning in North Kesteven A delegation from Botswana learned about positive planning delivery on a visit to North Kesteven.

The High Commission brought the party from Botswana’s Ministry of Lands & Housing to study UK planning delivery issues and planning structure, with a view to learning how this can inform changes in Botswana.

Led by Permanent Secretary Thato Y Raphaka, they learned how NKDC’s strongperforming Planning Unit operated, gained valuable understanding of the planning system, committee structures, delegated decision making and appeal hearings with the role of the Planning Inspectorate.

There was also a site visit to the new

Bags of energy tips

Steins of beer were raised along with funds as an Evening in Bavaria helped to swell the coffers for NKDC Chairman Cllr Terry Boston’s charity.

At the midpoint in his civic year there is already £2,000 in the pot for the Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service, with £507 of this coming from his German-themed Oktoberfest evening alone.

Baring his knees in Lederhosen undoubtedly helped the cause and raised spirits among his civic guests.

The next scheduled charity fundraiser is the annual Brains of Kesteven Quiz on Friday, April 25. Details from Pauline Collett on 01529 414155.

Christmas needn’t cost the earth – especially if you win a free hamper.

A hamper of goodies suited for all the family’s needs this Christmas is being offered by the Council’s Sustainability Team.

To enter you just need to sign up for their newsletter by emailing the Sustain team on sustainNK@n-kesteven.gov.uk or speak to them at North Hykeham’s Nativity on the Green, 5.45pm to 8pm on December 11 where you can also pick up freebies, hot soup and advice on more cost-effective, energyefficient lifestyle options that cut bills, protect the environment and help you stay warm.

The competition for the hamper will be drawn on December 12.

Cllr Terry Boston and civic guests from Lincoln and West Lindsey The Blood Bikes service involves volunteers using motorbikes and cars to transport blood products, medical supplies and notes between hospitals on weekend evenings in emergencies.

Tough choices face teenage decision makers

This document is available in large print, Braille, audio, electronic formats such as CD, or in a different language.

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Renewable Energy Plant where Eco2 Commercial Director Darren Williams discussed the importance of close liaison with the planning department to maximise community outputs.

Cllr Mike Gallagher, Deputy Leader and Executive Board Member for planning, said: “We were thrilled to have been selected to receive the High Commission’s delegation. It was fascinating to share mutual knowledge and working practices from the two continents.

“I hope the delegation feels inspired by some of NKDC’s planning practices as a high-performing local authority and are able to action some of the aspects they have learned from us.”

To ensure your ability to vote in elections in 2014, you must make sure your name appears on North Kesteven’s Electoral Register.

The easiest way to do this is to return the electoral registration form which was sent to every home in the autumn.

It must be back with NKDC by January 6, in order for the revised register to be published for the forthcoming year from February 17.

Being on the register is also increasingly essential as a proof of identity when credit reference checks are made.

So don’t delay in updating and returning the form. If there are no changes to be made, it is quicker and cheaper to reply using the phone or internet options.

European elections are set for May 22.

From next year it is anticipated that the registration process will change as Government seeks to roll out a scheme to improve the accuracy of the electoral register and reduce electoral fraud.

The Register of Electors for 2015 will be the first under this new registration system, with more information to be given to electors about the change next year.

Beers are raised to raise cash for charity

Washingborough Civic Office Fen Road, Washingborough, Lincoln, LN4 1AB

Printed on Recycled Paper

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Cllr Geoff Hazelwood supports students through their budgeting task

More than 80 young people found themselves having to make tough financial choices when faced with the challenges of balancing the Council’s budget books.

This was one of the scenarios in Local Democracy Week designed to engage teenagers with the democratic process, the importance of voting and local government.

At events in North Hykeham and at the Council Chamber in Sleaford they formed mini

Executive Boards and worked with members of NKDC’s real Executive to address a range of problems and decisions which face councillors on a daily basis.

They also looked at anti-social behaviour and the history of voting.

Pupils attended from Branston, North Kesteven, St George’s and Robert Pattinson academies, Carre’s Grammar and Kesteven and Sleaford High School.

News Focus

Bin collections change for all Refuse collection days will change for everyone this Christmas and New Year.

To make sure you know when to put your wheeled bin out, please refer to your collection calendar.

Or you could cut out and keep the table on the back page of this newsnk – whch is good to keep as it has dates of District-wide activities on the reverse.

Normal collections resume on January 6.

Always put bins out by 7.30am on collection day as pick-up times can vary Yet again, we will collect side waste placed alongside both the recycling and general waste bins – but only on the first collection after Christmas.

If in doubt call the Refuse Hotline free on 0800 174499.

More to be invested in sports and leisure A further £2.5m of follow-on funding will boost facilities in North Hykeham Building on the successful £2.85m refurbishment of Sleaford’s Leisure Centre, the Council is poised to embark on a further £2.5m leisure investment in North Hykeham.

North Kesteven’s Executive Board was seeking endorsement from the Full Council during December for a project at the North Kesteven Centre starting next October.

In order to ensure efficient delivery within tight timescales and to a high spec, the plan is to use reserves and the same designers as spearheaded the stunning remodelling of Sleaford Leisure Centre.

2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the NK Sports Centre, but it is no

longer meeting customer standards and expectations – with a significant amount of priority repair needed in the next five years which would cost up to £2m in itself.

As one of the District’s major sports facilities and one of the two principle leisure centres in the Lincoln area it is of significant importance, partly because of its dual use with public access and also schools’ use.

Over the last five years there has been a decrease in overall customer satisfaction with the centre, particularly the changing areas which have barely changed since 1974 and no longer met customer expectations.

The outline plans are to spend

almost £1m on external building works, car parks, drainage and roofing, £200,000 inside on courts and changing rooms, more than £1m on electrical and mechanical fittings such as air conditioning, water tanks, heating and pump filters and thousands more on structural alterations.

Phased over a couple of years schemes include cafe relocation to the ground floor and moving the gym to the first floor, upgrading synthetic turf pitches, converting the pool changing rooms to a changing village and adding extra activity studios.

Designs will be considered in the spring and submitted for planning permission in July 2014.

Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, Executive Board Member with responsibility for leisure services, said: “Building on what we have achieved in the refurbishment at Sleaford, we are particularly keen to be investing in the north of the District as well.

“This anticipated project is fully in line with the Council’s ongoing commitment to sports and leisure facilities across the District, which has supported a greater increase in sports participation in North Kesteven than anywhere else in the county.

Our emphasis is now on upgrading the facilities we have to ensure they remain relevant, welcoming and of the highest possible standards.”

Budget briefing Straw power plant ready to fire-up in January Carbon cuts Have your say on aspects of the Council’s budget for the year ahead.

Appreciating the importance of residents’ input, NKDC consults over its proposals, explaining how the budget is formed and seeking feedback on how it is spent. There will also be chance to question the Executive Board and senior managers at the Council.

The informal workshops are on: > February 6, 7pm - Council Chamber, NKDC offices, Eastgate, Sleaford > February 11, 7pm - Terry O’Toole Theatre, North Hykeham. > A date in Navenby has to be confirmed; most likely February 3.

For details call on 01529 308016 or email research@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Road decision A key decision aimed at unlocking the stalemate stalling Sleaford’s regeneration will be taken in the New Year.

With more time needed for all of the partners who see the Link Road as essential to the town’s economic recovery to co-ordinate the actions required for bringing it forward, a decision scheduled for December has been postponed until the New Year.

A full meeting of NKDC’s 43 Members resolved in August to the principle of using compulsory purchase powers for the acquisition of land required for the Link Road. This decision was intended to help all landowners reach agreement with Tesco, which is paying for it. Everything is now in place except full agreement on all of the land.

As a number of the parties involved need to take decisions at council or board level, more time is needed before NKDC can consider a resolution for compulsory purchase.

That is now expected in February.

The £165m Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant is scheduled to become fully operational in January.

Construction, which began in May 2012, is five months ahead of schedule and recruitment of the 30 permanent on-site staff has been completed with local applicants.

The plant will also support 50 further jobs in haulage and other areas essential for the plant to run.

As a key component in the Council’s regeneration vision for Sleaford and its commitment towards sustainability and economic growth, NKDC’s Economic Development team worked to secure this investment.

The Eco2 Lincs plant has been tested with straw fuel, in readiness for taking 240,000 tonnes of fuel straw a year, with the barns on site capable of holding three days’ supply and additional supplies stored locally.

It will generate enough energy for 65,000 homes and send surplus free heat into the leisure centre, bowls and football clubs, William Alvey School and NKDC offices for the next 25 years through a district heating scheme. Further community benefits worth £280k include support for apprenticeships, sustainability workshops, a public art installation, interactive white boards for Kirkby la Thorpe Primary School and a general

community fund for three years in Sleaford and Kirkby la Thorpe.

The plant has also paid £200k to upgrade the footpath from Kirkby to Sleaford.

In its first year, the plant’s Community Liaison Panel has supported a number of projects and organisations such as the Sleaford half-marathon, Tri3 Club, and Talking Newspaper. With another two years to run and a further £40k a year to share between Sleaford and Kirkby la Thorpe, applications for the Community Fund are encouraged – details on 01529 308267 or email community_initiatives@n-kesteven. gov.uk

Power firm generates an additional public art project A circular sculpture inspired by turbine blades, flames and straw has been commissioned for the entrance to Sleaford’s new Renewable Energy Plant.

It is scheduled to be in place at the Boston Road plant in February.

Michael Condron’s design emerged as victor from five shortlisted options after 31 artists made submissions for the installation.

His was the preference expressed through community engagement and also of the interviewing panel which included representation from NKDC, the Community Liasion Panel for commissioners Eco2 Lincs who are operating the plant, and artsNK which has oversight of the District’s public arts programme.

Eco2 is financing the sculpture as part of its community agreement.

Cllr Richard Wright displaying a model of the sculpture design It is the latest in a series of artworks commissioned for Sleaford focusing on the Navigation, the town’s links to the agricultural and seed industries and historical power sources.

Cllr Richard Wright, who chairs

the Community Liaison Panel, said Michael Condron’s proven track record and pledged involvement of the community in the process gave them confidence that he was the right person to fulfil the brief.

North Kesteven District Council is leading the way when it comes to reducing carbon footprint.

In 2010 the Council set a target to reduce the carbon emissions from its activities by 25% over five years. At the end of the fourth year, they have been cut by more than 22% already.

This puts the District Council well on track to meet its target by April 2015 and well ahead of any other district council in the county.

It’s good news for Council Tax payers too as reduced energy and fuel use means reduced costs – saving £124,500 in the last year alone.

And the work doesn’t stop here, with lots of new ideas for further energy saving projects in the future.

Successes already in the pipeline include free heat to be supplied from Sleaford’s renewable energy plant to the main Council offices and its refurbished leisure centre, more efficient vehicles for the refuse fleet, more efficient lighting and a new boiler.

“With these initiatives already in the bag and inspiration to pursue many other great ideas, the Council is in a great position to keep on reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs and lead by example for householders and businesses within the District,” said Cllr Richard Wright, Executive Board Member for sustainability.

The Council is recruiting businesses to join the 26 which have already signed up to the NK Low Carbon Charter showing a united commitment to environmental improvement by adopting low carbon measures, sharing best practice and pooling knowledge, resources and skills.

To learn more about the charter, and low carbon options call the SustainNK team on 01529 414155 or email sustainnk@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Winter 2013 newsnk 3

News Focus

Olympian Sharron Davies congratulates Council as she officially opens centre following £2.85m investment

Leisure centre revamp opens new era for historic pool There has been swimming in Sleaford – in fact in exactly the same spot – since 1872.

While the new pool is bang up to date and designed to outlast at least another generation, the actual tank in which everyone swims has its origins 141 years ago as the Bristol Baths outdoor lido, filled from the River Slea. People say they knew when it was time to refresh the water as they would slip on the green slime.

The training pool, wooden changing cubicles, turnstile, single shower and diving board have gone.

A roof and heating came 30 years ago and now all modern facilities are on hand, including gym, steam room and sauna.

Sleaford resident Joyce Collishaw has been swimming in the pool for 75

years and is thrilled with everything that has been achieved.

“It looks so much bigger than it did back then, although I know it’s not.

We used to bring picnics and lay on the grass all around the edge which was lovely; but I do like it more now than I ever did,” she said.

Current High Sheriff Toby Dennis from Rowston also recalls swimming in Sleaford for 1d when he was a boy.

Vintage views of Bristol Baths in 1910 (top) and pre-World War II

Time capsule will reflect back with remembrance of refurbishment

Kirkby la Thorpe Primary School pupils discuss their capsule contents with Sharron Davies By the time the time capsule buried at the pool is opened, the Speedo swimming trunks placed in it will be approaching the brand’s centenary.

Children at the William Alvey School chose the iconic swimwear – now in its 85th year – as their contribution, alongside newspapers marking the project’s progress and completion, a list of the team involved, the site manager’s helmet and hi-vis vest, Sharron Davies’ Team GB swimming hat from when she competes. There was also a Victorian

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bottle dug up during the works with an explanation of the pool’s history from its 1872 origins as the Bristol Baths and its famous patron TE Lawrence – better known as Lawrence of Arabia – while stationed at RAF Cranwell.

The stone placed above the capsule states that it should be opened on October 15, 2023, ten years after the centre re-opened after its year-long £2.85m refurbishment.

As the time capsule was sealed just days before Remembrance Sunday, an Armistice poppy of remembrance was also placed inside.

Congratulations to North Kesteven; you have done what so many councils don’t do.

You saw the challenge of renewing a tired facility and saw the costs, but what you did that so few others do is you found a solution and refurbished what you had to achieve the same end result.

What you have done is truly

tremendous and hopefully the rest of the country will sit up and see this.

With some of the funding originating from the legacy fund to develop facilities inspired by London 2012, I hope that it truly inspires people – especially children – to develop an interest in sport and fitness which lasts them a lifetime.”

Sharron Davies MBE

Try new Tri club Hundreds of people make their mark by adding to centre’s mosaic

The re-opening of the pool has helped a new triathlon club to get off the starting blocks.

With some financial support from the Eco2 Community Fund geared towards initiatives in Sleaford and Kirkby la Thorpe, Team GB tri-athlete Nikki Fletcher has pioneered the new Tri3 group based at Sleaford Leisure Centre.

With a portfolio covering swimming, running and cycling, the club aims to grow through 2014, adding a junior section for eight years and over as it promotes a rich diversity of sport to engage all abilities.

Nikki is recruiting members and has her sights on the three journalists who joined her in a race started by Sharron Davies – pictured above.

The professional pipped the Lincolnshire Echo’s Alex Coleman by a finger-tip finish over 50m, with Sleaford Standard’s Stephen Stray in third place and Lincs FM’s Rob Hammond in their wake. “You all did good!” Ms Davies reassured them.

More than 300 members of the community made their mark in the mosaic created for the leisure centre’s new reception.

Linking through from the outside with its origins in the river – as with the historic pool – the design opens out into a bold stroke of creative genius.

While designed and part-completed by Alan Potter, whose mosaic designs feature across the District and on Sleaford’s towpath, a core group of eight so-called nibblers and 300 other people, who made individual pebbles, brought it to reality.

They even tweaked the design to make it more personal and well-suited to Sleaford. Having been involved with artsNK for 14 years, Alan Potter said: “I’m thrilled with it and especially the community’s input; they’ve brought some creativity to an entrance that is otherwise very functional.”

Pauline Dobson said: “It’s been a real pleasure to be able to do it and to have been able to welcome so many people to join in as we’ve built up the picture.”

Chief nibblers, council and contract team members with the mosaic

Wonderful facility is ‘more like a private spa’

“

We are absolutely delighted with the results of our £2.85m investment. Although we couldn’t afford to spend the £6m we had intended to, we feel certain we have something as good as if we had.

It has been a team effort and in addition to the architects and contractors I want to thank our in-house team. Every attention has been paid to every detail and what we have got is more like a private members club than a public facility.

Everybody who has seen it has said what a wonderful facility we now have in Sleaford and we now intend to invest a similar sum in sport and leisure at the NK Centre in North Hykeham.

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE

News Focus

Streets ahead on parking schemes The feasibility of parking schemes in six areas of Sleaford is to be looked into further.

Householders and businesses central to the town were asked during the summer about proposals to introduce residents’ parking locally.

This was in response to pressure from residents asking for schemes to be introduced in order to restrict parking by people who don’t live or work in the immediate area.

From 2,800 properties surveyed, 740 questionnaires were returned – a return of 27%. Of these 39.6% would buy permits if schemes were set up, 52.7% wouldn’t and 57 people (7.7%) expressed no view.

If schemes are set up it essential that the majority of affected households vote in favour through a formal ballot. In advance of this, NKDC will now assess feasibility where there was most support: > Duke Street, Kingston Terrace and Eastgate > Leicester Street and Playhouse Yard > Westbanks area > Albion Terrace > Handley Street > Boston Road and New Street Before District Councillors give further consideration to any implementation work is needed to assess the scope, viability, charges, effectiveness and boundary of any scheme.

There was such a low degree of interest in Millfield Terrace and Ashfield Road that these are now excluded from the initial assessment.

In all cases, scheme operation would need to be cost neutral.

Cllr Richard Wright, Executive Board Member with oversight of street scene, said: “The Council has acted on the desire expressed by some residents to regulate parking in favour of local residents but ultimately, if any scheme is to be introduced, it needs the support of most affected households. This is why further work is needed before reaching any firm conclusions.”

Developing a stronger, more skilled and specialist economy

Renewed emphasis placed on supporting jobs growth in the District focuses on developing skills and specialisms A new approach adopted to increase the scale of economic growth in the District by more than 13,000 new jobs over the next 20 years will build on North Kesteven’s strengths and skills.

By focusing resources on ‘doing a few things really well’ rather than ‘a bit of everything for everyone’ the intention is to develop the District’s most successful sectors and make them more resilient to changing fortunes.

There will be a focus on five business sectors where considerable employment growth is forecast.

These are: > Healthcare > Construction > Food and farming > Leisure > Business and professional services.

In addition, there is a renewed emphasis on supporting businesses in well established sectors to overcome barriers which restrict their growth potential and increase their resilience.

The main focus here will be in: > Engineering > Retail > Public sector admin and defence > Construction.

By supporting businesses and sectors with clear growth potential and where North Kesteven has competitive advantage, the aim is to maximise scope for developing infrastructure, supply-chains, funding and innovation as appropriate.

Coupled with developing the resilience of key established sectors where there is already high employment, this will enhance the current economic base.

There is also renewed emphasis on continuing NKDC’s strong performance in incubating, growing

> 46,000 – Jobs in North Kesteven > 13,500 – Growth target for 2031 > 500 – New VAT registered firms in NK since 2000, a 19% growth – up on the UK’s 14% increase > 24% – Growth in jobs from 2000 to 2008, twice the county’s 10% and four times the UK’s 6% growth > 59% – People in North Kesteven qualified to Level 3 (A-level equivalent) by 2011, the highest anywhere in Lincolnshire – 10% higher than in 2004 > £899m – The 59% growth rate anticipated in terms of added business value – up to £2,422m by 2031, which is 10% higher than the UK which indicated competitive advantage for businesses in NK. and developing new business and fresh impetus will be given to promoting the District’s enviable assets to incoming investors – its high quality of life, general affordability, low crime and proximity to the A1, A46, East Coast Mainline and City of Lincoln.

Together, all of these initiatives aim to increase employment in the District by at least a further 13,500 jobs by 2031, which would meet half of the aspiration of 27,000 new jobs for the whole of Central Lincolnshire – covering North Kesteven, West Lindsey and Lincoln.

It also reflects NK’s status as a seed-bed economy – where there is strong survival among the many new business start-ups – and a key growth area, where a 15% forecast for jobs growth is over and above the UK’s anticipated growth rate of 13%.

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE, who has Executive Board oversight on the economy, said: “We are making this shift in

our approach and policy in order to capitalise on the big opportunities for growth which we think will present themselves to our businesses in the coming decade or so.

“While we will continue to do what we have done so well for so long, we feel that by adopting a more dynamic and outward looking approach and focussing hard on those areas with greatest potential, we can really promote the advantages of doing business in North Kesteven and develop a reputation for specialised excellence.”

The new vision builds on the Council’s long-standing commitment to economic development and its strategic vision outlined in the Sleaford Masterplan and partnership work to support business growth in the LN6 area centred on North Hykeham.

See page 10 for a more detailed look at the specialist growth areas targeted under the new arrangements.

Hykeham parking Airshow success lifts Bomber Command Memorial fund Extra parking is being created at North Hykeham’s train station and CCTV and improved lighting added.

The new 20-space car park should be completed early in 2014, free for rail passengersto use, with designated disability spaces, CCTV coverage and full lighting.

Station users have been parking on the wasteland which is being surfaced and improved under a £10m investment in facilities and access by East Midlands Trains and in keeping with aims to reduce reliance on cars within the wider LN6 postcode area.

A donation of £50,000 has been made by the Board of Trustees of the RAF Waddington International Air Show to the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial.

The memorial is proposed for the top of Canwick Hill as an iconic spire of names in tribute to the crews of Bomber Command, accompanied by an interpretation centre, detailing life at war and the county’s aviation history.

At 50m high, it is intended that the steel spire will feature the names of all 25,611 airmen who flew from the county, never to return, during World War Two.

This donation, made possible due to the success of last July’s annual air show, will go towards the site’s development.

It was received on behalf of the

memorial group by Trustee Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Air Vice Marshall (rtd) Paul Robinson from Station Commander Air Commodore Al Gillespie, pictured left.

RAF Waddington was at the heart of Bomber Command operations, suffering the highest loses of any station, with more than 345 planes and 2,100 aircrew, all volunteers and with an average age of 21, being lost.

The light that, during the war, marked the top of the Cathedral can now be found on the administration building on the station.

Support given for citizens advice North Kesteven District Council is continuing to support the sterling work given to residents by the local Citizens Advice Bureaux.

For a further year it made a contribution of £38k each to the running costs of the advice agencies in both Sleaford and Lincoln, which serve District residents.

This £76k maintains an enhanced level of support, reflecting additional workload as each office copes with more people seeking support on welfare, benefits, debt, housing and other issues.

In the past year, both branches experienced an increasingly busy period as various aspects of the Government’s welfare reform agenda were rolled out.

In 2012-13 almost 3,000 NK residents were assisted in the Sleaford bureau offices while the broader CAB support network dealt with 4,168 individuals.

The number of people helped by the Sleaford CAB rose 21% while demand for debt advice rose 32% and demand on welfare advice rose 24%.

In Lincoln around 20% of the clients there are from within North Kesteven.

The CAB’s work is greatly appreciated by the Council which also supports all residents through its own in-house Money Advice Services available by calling 01529 414155 or 01522 699699.

Roadworks plan A programme of roadworks centred on Whisby Road in North Hykeham is scheduled to last to next October.

Changes under the £3.2m upgrade will improve access to the A46, the Energy from Waste site, Teal Park and Kingsley Road Business Park.

Between Doddington Road and Teal Park, work on Whisby Road will include a wider road surface, combined footpath and cyclepath on either side, low-energy LED street lights, a roundabout at the Station Road junction and two toucan crossings nearby, plus a new traffic light system at the Doddington Road junction to reduce motorists’ waiting times by up to 20%.

The aim is to improve traffic flow, business access and safety for all road users as well as raise the area’s appeal to inward investors.

Throughout, there will be an eastbound road closure along Whisby Road from the new Teal Park roundabout to the junction with Station Road. Initially the work – met from the £6.5m Access LN6 fund – will focus on moving cables and pipe.

Winter 2013 newsnk 5

Our Community

To promote the sustainability, wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s growing communities

Taxi assurance Taxi passengers in North Kesteven can be assured that the District Council takes their safety seriously following a prosecution against the driver of an unlicensed taxi.

A former licensed taxi driver has been ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £570 after NKDC took him to court for three offences relating to the use of an unlicensed cab.

Because vehicles operated for hire and financial reward are subject to much more stringent checks than privately owned vehicles, passengers can be sure that when they get into a licensed car all the necessary checks have been carried out to ensure it is roadworthy and safe.

Unlicensed vehicles have not undergone such testing and are often not properly insured.

With this in mind NKDC will continue to enforce the legislation relating to the licensing of hire vehicles and drivers and will prosecute anybody found to be operating in breach of it.

This is just one way in which the District Council fulfils its role in working to ensure public safety.

Streets ahead on righting the recycling wrongs Targeted support in guiding householders to recycle properly is resulting in a 100% success rate.

After finding significant levels of contamination in bins on one Sleaford street the Council’s recycling and sustainability team engaged with 12 residents face-to-face and advised them of what should and shouldn’t go in each bin.

Just a few weeks later there was no contamination at all in these bins.

Targeted campaigns are set to be rolled out across the District wherever refuse crews, who regularly inspect bins to check for things that shouldn’t be in the green-lidded bins – such as food waste, dirty nappies, crisp packets and dead pheasants – find significant problems. This is because contaminated recycling is costing the Council more than £100,000 a year and it is also bad for the environment.

If you’re unsure about what to put in your recycling bin, check your bin tag or for detailed guidance call the waste hotline on 0800 174499 or email waste@n-kesteven.gov.uk Here’s a handy guide with particular reference to Christmas recycling – and if in doubt leave it out ›

Strong arm of law is operating in NK

Better connected

An intense crackdown is underway to enforce against illegal hare coursing which is a significant problem within North Kesteven.

The flat fertile fenlands around Sleaford are regarded as the best areas in the whole country for hare coursing, with activity peaking just now.

Lincolnshire Police are consistently on the offensive, which is a stance backed by North Kesteven’s Community Safety Partnership.

Partnership chairman Cllr Mike Gallagher said: “Illegal hare coursing within North Kesteven has been a big issue for many years within the rural community as dogs are released to chase after wild brown hares.

“Beyond the death of the hare, there is great concern over disturbance, trespass and the potential for staking out properties for theft. Illegal coursers travel hundreds of miles from all over the UK and southern Ireland to gather in our local fields, frequently smashing through gates and locks and driving

An improved bus service is drawing extra passengers who are buying a ticket to ride and leaving their cars behind in a District village.

An extra 900 people per month are using the bus from Witham St Hughs to Lincoln city centre – a 28% increase – since PC Coaches extended two services to the village.

Extension of the number 48 and introduction of a new 49 service, were put in place in April by PC Coaches and Lincolnshire County Council through the Access LN6 sustainable transport programme.

Residents enjoy the convenience and value, saying it’s cheaper to ride rather than to drive and park. > Walking and cycling routes are also being improved in and around North Hykeham using a further £1m of funding from the Access LN6 project.

This covers new provision and improvements to existing facilities in six key areas, including Station Road, Newark Road, Doddington Road, Mill Lane, Lincoln Road and Hykeham Road.

Targeted clampdown against hare coursing reaps rewards

over newly sown crops.

“They can also be threatening and intimidating when challenged and have a blatant disregard for landowners’ property and livelihoods. Our response will be with robust action,” he said.

As a sport, hare coursing was banned under the Hunting Act 2004 and trespassing in pursuit of game has been an offence since 1831.

Lincolnshire Police strengthened its unit for tackling wildlife crime, setting up Operation Galileo with eight dedicated officers at Sleaford Police Station, central to the main problem area.

This move proved to be an instant success, reducing the total number of incidents of hare coursing in the 2012-13 season to 854, from 1,053 in 2011-12. At least 40% of these are

within the immediate Sleaford area.

In total there were 186 successful prosecutions countywide for the 2012-13 season, 82 of them related to offences committed in the NKDC area and many other hare coursers were intercepted and warned prior to them commencing their activities.

So far this season, reported incidents has fallen yet again, with 201 countywide and only 32 of these locally.

“It is clear that this reduction in reported incidents is due to the police’s diligence in apprehending a perceived major ringleader and the public’s vigilance in reporting what they see,” said Cllr Gallagher.

But with one recent busy Sunday seeing 16 reported incidents of hare coursing countywide – half of them in North Kesteven – it is clear that we all have a role to play in stopping this illicit activity which presents North Kesteven in an unfavourable light.

Report all sightings and suspicions of hare coursing on 999 or 101.

Recycle right

✔

YES PLEASE

GLASS

CARD AND CARBOARD

FIZZY DRINK BOTTLES

WAXED DRINK CARTONS

TOPS/LIDS ACCEPTED

METAL BOTTLE TOPS

✖

NO THANKS

CUT OUT AND KEEP

North Kesteven District Council

PLASTICS

PAPER AND CARDBOARD

BOTTLE & JARS PLASTICS

ITEMS NEED A QUICK RINSE AND SHOULD BE LOOSE IN YOUR BIN.

✁

CHRISTMAS CARDS

FOOD TRAYS

ICE CREAM TUBS

MARGARINE TUBS

METAL

PLASTIC LIDS

TIN FOIL

FOOD TINS

DRINK CANS

BISCUIT / SWEET TINS

BATTERIES

POLYSTYRENE

CUDDLY TOYS

ELECTRICAL ITEMS

SWEET AND CRISP WRAPPERS

WE WILL NOT EMPTY BINS IF THEY CONTAIN ANY OF THESE ITEMS FOOD WASTE

SHINY WRAPPING

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

CHRISTMAS TREES

LARGE PLASTIC ITEMS (e.g. TOYS)

IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT

If an item isn’t listed visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/recyclingguide or call the waste hotline on 0800 174499.

6 newsnk Winter 2013

What to do with your Christmas leftovers Christmas trees – If you have opted in to the garden waste collection service you can cut real trees into pieces and place them in your bin for chipping and composting.

Alternatively you can take the trees to a chipping facility provided by Hill Holt Wood at: > Sleaford – NKDC’s Lafford Terrace car park on Sunday, January 5 – 9am to 12pm. > North Hykeham – NK Sports Centre car park, Moor Lane, on Sunday, January 5, 1pm to 4pm. > Or one of the household waste recycling centres at Sleaford, Whisby, Leadenham or Lincoln.

Opening times at www.lincolnshire. gov.uk/recycle-for-lincolnshire Side waste – If you have more waste than you can fit into your black or green-lidded recycling bin we will be taking side waste on your first collection after Christmas. Please leave your side waste next to your bin and ensure it doesn’t litter the street.

Food leftovers – For recipe ideas on what to do with spare sprouts and other edible leftovers, see the website www.lovefoodhatewaste.com Excess fat from cooking your turkey should never be poured down the sink. It can be easily turned into a fat ball for birds and the cooked carcass hung outside for the birds to peck at.

For everything else - use the recycling guide alongside.

To promote the sustainability, wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s growing communities

Our Community semoH ruO

With a forecast predicting cold, snowy weather, the Council is encouraging increased community cohesion

We’re ready to help when the going gets tough A new initiative based on good old-fashioned neighbourliness is ready to deliver emergency food parcels for the most isolated and vulnerable people in our communities when it gets cold.

This winter, where people are unable to get out of their homes to replenish their supplies, they can call up and request a parcel of essential groceries to be delivered to their door.

The Winter Wellbeing project relies entirely on community volunteers and the support of Lincolnshire Co-operative stores locally.

Initiated by North Kesteven District Council, the project runs on weekdays only. It works in partnership with Sleaford’s Riverside Church and the Community Larder. The aim is to broaden its scope in future years.

Initially the sole focus is on supporting those who have limited food in the house, no family support nearby and who can’t easily get to the shops themselves because of lying snow, persistent cold and limited mobility.

They would call the Council during working hours, request a delivery, explain their need and arrange to make a payment of £15.

That request will then be passed

to a community volunteer who would pick up a parcel from the Co-op and take it to where it’s needed.

For a list of what’s in the pack, how to receive one and how to volunteer to deliver them, see the panels below.

Executive Board Member Cllr Lindsey Cawrey said: “No one knows how harsh the winter months will be, but we all know how nice it is to know there’s someone looking out for us and also the satisfaction of knowing you have helped someone in need.

“I encourage anyone who thinks they might be in need to make a note of the number and for anyone willing to be a delivery volunteer to let us know.”

Receiving

The parcel will contain toilet rolls, white bread, UHT milk, eggs, tinned beans and soup, fresh sausages, cheese, jam, potatoes, biscuits and tea or coffee. There will be packs for vegetarians, while gluten-free and diabetic options are also likely to be made available.

Recipients of a food parcel can also request a pet pack; these are priced £4 each and contain tinned food for either a cat or a dog.

Word on the street

NKDC Community Initiatives Manager Jade Warren helps Sleaford Co-op store deputy manager Julie Smith prepare the packs

The Council will be promoting stronger communities in 2014 by encouraging better awareness of schemes and initiatives which could be of help to neighbours.

Community-minded people can register as a point of contact to spread the word in their streets, clubs and groups and act as a good neighbour.

They would have a pack of leaflets, booklets and details which they can share to help inform neighbours and friends of various initiatives operated by the Council and partners such as Age UK and First Contact.

Requesting

Friendly focus

In cold weather if you can’t get out, have limited food stocks and no friends or family to help, you may be well-placed for Winter Wellbeing.

Call NKDC on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699. Your details will be taken, delivery arranged and payment requested by card over the phone. Cheques and cash will be accepted on delivery.

There are triggers on severity of cold but no age or disability criteria.

Responding

The volunteer register will be compiled by Sleaford’s Riverside Church. If you are able to collect a parcel from a local Co-op and drop it where it’s needed, within your community, on your drive to work or within the scope of your daily activity, call Jeremy Green at the Riverside Church on 07412 174763 or email jeremy.green@carres. lincs.sch.uk. All suitable safety and safeguarding measure will be taken.

A befriending initiative in Sleaford is helping to foster friendships among those living alone and in isolation.

Building on its success, Evergreen is now proposed for the Cliff Villages.

Under the Evergreen scheme, volunteers form alliances with individuals aged 55 and over who live alone and have minimal social contact.

Matches are made to forge lasting bonds, with each pairing meeting up for at least one hour a week.

Helping hand for those wanting to look after themselves and their families better Free cookery courses are being offered to people wanting to develop or brush up their culinary techniques for feeding themselves or their families.

Through Cook Connect, the cooking aspect of NKDC’s Sow, Grow Cook project which encourages people to get more involved with what they eat, there are two options running for different groups of residents.

With 1-2-1 courses, over a series of three weeks Jack Wright from Cook Connect will spend time with individuals in their own home cooking meals and giving advice on batch cooking, freezing and improved nutrition.

With six people receiving Jack’s support simultaneously, they will all come together in the fourth week for a group session with three pairings

each cooking one course for everyone to share. These courses are primarily aimed at the over-60s who may have never cooked for themselves before, experienced a significant change in their circumstances, or need a bit of help in the kitchen department and who want to look after themselves better.

In addition, there are courses which are more community based and

are an extension of the Food Cart which the Council’s Environmental Health Team has rolled out across the District over the past three years.

During this time around 100 parents have followed up the healthy eating recipes and advice by taking up the cooking courses.

If you are interested, contact Jack on 01476 562006 or 07779 713479

Security advice for seasonal safety

Booking ahead for local library plans Get fit for 2014

Don’t let the criminal enjoy Christmas at your expense.

Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone, including criminals, but with most crime being opportunistic, it can be prevented by taking some simple precautions.

Out shopping > Lock presents out of sight in the boot and always ensure the car’s locked, even if you’re only away for a few minutes. > Never leave your keys in the ignition whilst your vehicle is unattended.

Cars are often stolen whilst left running to defrost the windows. > Take handbags, bank cards, mobile phones and sat nav systems with you away from the car. > Park in a well lit area or an attended car park.

Back home > Keep doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are in the house. > Keep presents out of sight. Large piles of gift wrapped goodies under the tree which are visible through a door or window are tempting to thieves. > Discarded packaging outside advertises all the new goods indoors. > Leave lights on and close the curtains when going out to imitate occupancy. > Set burglar alarms.

The community groups supported by NKDC in preparing their bids to run the District’s libraries are waiting on feedback from the County Council after it made revisions to a scheme which proposed significant closures or handing over of facilities to local volunteers.

The libraries put forward for closure by Lincolnshire County Council – in Washingborough, Skellingthorpe, Ruskington, Branston, Metheringham and Bracebridge Heath – have each received an initial expression of interest, with two bids made for the North Hykeham branch.

Waddington Library will be taken in to the Co-op pharmacy.

In all seven areas NKDC has helped with the preparation of the bids.

If the County Council decides to press ahead with its vision these will need to be worked up locally into business plans. It has extended the deadline for a community to register a bid for a library to January 31.

In return for taking on a Tier 3 service, the council will offer at least 4,000 items of stock, a £15,000 one-off investment, £5,167 revenue grant, a 10 year lease with a four-year peppercorn rent, IT provisions, Library Development Officers, support and training, and further Community Advisors if needed during the transition period.

While waiting for the new arrangements to take effect, the County has pledged to open for 60% of usual hours.

The number of stops for the rural mobile services is being increased in response to feedback.

Starting in January, the next NK Fit for Life course will run for 10 weeks in Walcott.

Free for anyone aged 18 and above – with parents of under fives especially encouraged – the focus will be on achieving lasting lifestyle changes in respect of diet, exercise and healthy cooking at home.

Weekly on Wednesdays, 10am to noon, the sessions will start on January 15 through to April 2 with a free crèche available. Participants on previous courses have spoken favourably of their long-term benefits.

This is the 11th Fit for Life course and with places limited to 15, would-be participants are encouraged to book now with Andy on 07798 925860 or email Andrew_George@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Winter 2013 newsnk 7

Our Economy

To promote the prosperity of North Kesteven

Thousands more jobs projected for NK up to 2031 Future strategy builds on track record of economic success North Kesteven is proving itself to be a powerhouse of business and commerce, accommodating 40% of the county’s approved sites for employment growth and enjoying a long track record of success.

However, with a strong reliance locally on vulnerable business sectors which have enjoyed significant growth in the past decade but face an uncertain future under public sector cuts and market contractions, a different approach is needed, moving forwards.

The Council knows that in order to achieve its own aspirations for growth and those of the wider Central Lincolnshire it needs to adopt new approaches, interventions and resources – and that’s just what it is poised to do in 2014.

Even without any particular intervention or focused work by the District Council, it is anticipated that jobs would continue to grow within North Kesteven by around 6,200.

Two thirds of this is expected within the sectors of residential care and social work; education; agriculture; accommodation and food services; and professional services – with each one increasing by around 900 jobs.

This would be a 15% growth rate at a time when the wider UK economy is predicted slower growth at 13%.

But NK has much bolder ambitions than this and so aims to focus its efforts more directly in where it sees potential for greatest growth, strengthening local speciality sectors and building resilience. The target sectors are listed here, plus retail.

This would help to stem anticipated decline in public administration and ensure we rise to the challenge of taking up at least half of the 27,000 jobs projected to be created across the 820 square miles of Central Lincolnshire up to 2031.

This requires big shifts rather than modest adjustments to develop a more dynamic economy, make the most of new opportunities and maintain NK’s status as the key driver in Lincolnshire’s growth.

Almost one third of all employment within North Kesteven falls within the various categories classed as public sector employment.

These range from defence, education and social work through to health work, local government and social security.

Faced with the challenges of reduced Government spending

and wide-scale cut backs to public administration, these are areas where efforts are needed to build greater resilience since there is a clear need for these jobs to be located here – none more so than within the three RAF bases at Waddington, Cranwell and Digby.

There is an expectation of 870 fewer jobs in defence and public administration by 2031, a decline of 38% down to 1,400 jobs, but that this could be offset by growth in food, tourism, business services and health care. > A further plank of the renewed strategy is for the District Council to use its influence to create greater resilience and lobby against job losses at airbases that may arise from defence reviews.

Defence & public sector administration

Food & farming

Construction

Tourism & leisure

Manufacturing

Healthcare

In 2008 the food and farming sector accounted for 6,361 jobs – 19% of all the jobs in NK. These cover small and large farming operations and major food processors such as Moy Park handling poultry at Anwick, Tulip making meat products at Ruskington and the world’s largest egg-packing plant Noble Foods at North Scarle.

Although increased mechanisation will reduce the numbers employed directly in farming and some operations, new opportunities for diversification and fresh sectors such as renewable energy and environmental technologies will open up new growth areas.

These new areas are also likely to add increased value as the trend moves away from high volume, low value jobs to fewer, but higher value positions. In farming alone the forecast is for an 83% rise in gross value, up to £386m by 2031.

With the number of people working in agriculture and food manufacture being more than four times the national average, there is strong local distinctiveness cementing them as a priority for NK. > With this in mind new measures include the encouragement of innovation and diversification to boost the sector’s resilience to change.

The construction sector is a key strength in NK – accounting for 8.4% of jobs in the District (2,806 people in 2008), which is greater than the county’s 6% and UK’s 5%.

In the eight years to 2008, more house building saw a 305% rise in electrician’s jobs, 397% more joinery work and 362% growth in plumbing.

With 42,800 homes proposed for Central Lincolnshire, it is clear that construction will continue to be an important sector for NK where firms have strong competitive advantage.

Even if the number of jobs declines, their value is poised to increase – especially in trade specialisms.

Construction of buildings alone is expected to increase in value by 73% to almost £200m and specialised construction activities by the same margin to £100m.

There are strong locational reasons for firms to be based in NK, alongside the likes of Lindum Group, rated the best construction company to work for in 2013 and 2012, and Smiths Civils at Heckington which last year won an Olympics contract. > As the sector becomes increasingly specialised, Council efforts to help it and reinforce resilience will support the wider growth of Central Lincolnshire and a target for 42,000 more homes.

With tourism being worth £100m to the local economy as more than two million visitors support 3,000 jobs each year, it is a significant growth sector employing around 7.5% of all NK’s workers.

The 2008 figures showed this level to be fractionally below the 7.9% in Lincolnshire and 8.2% across the country, but there has been a stronger growth in North Kesteven than elsewhere – with 66% more people employed within tourism locally, against a 31% growth in Lincolnshire and 16% rise across Great Britain.

Within this, there are sub-sectors in the wider leisure and visitor economy sectors where there has been strong growth – notably hotels, restaurants, bars, sporting and leisure activities.

This shows that although tourism hasn’t developed as locally distinctive at present, with extra support it could become a very important sector, dominated more by general hospitality and leisure services than the conventional tourism of historical attractions and tour operators. > The pursuit of increased visitors will be supported by stronger partnerships with neighbouring areas in order to draw people from the A1 corridor and Lincoln a focus on improved quality and promotion of longer stays.

Siemens’ relocation of operations from the city centre to Teal Park in North Hykeham has boosted the District’s emerging reputation for engineering excellence.

In 2008 there were 1,353 people employed locally in this sector – 4% of the workforce which is on par with county and national rates – but since then Siemens has brought 600 people with it and many start ups and expansions within LN6 in particular and Sleaford where Great Plains is ploughing a furrow in agricultural engineering, promise much more.

The manufacture of machinery and equipment, including engines and turbines, agricultural machinery and machines for food processing is a particular sub-section with local distinction where there is twice the level of employment to the national average.

Three further subsections – fabricated metal products, electrical machinery and medical, precision and optical instruments – have also experienced significant growth. > Engineering is vulnerable to an ongoing pursuit of efficiencies and globalisation though and there is therefore a desire to focus initiatives to improve resilience to changing market conditions.

There is an expectation of great expansion in the health and care sectors as the population ages.

As the population of Central Lincolnshire increases by 70,000 up to 2031, 50% of these are expected to be aged 65 or over and only 30% of them would be of working age.

Already health and social work is the largest employment sector in North Kesteven, accounting for 4,189 jobs when last counted in 2008 – a 12.6% rate.

Residential care and social work are forecast to see a further 36.6% increase in jobs growth within North Kesteven to 2031, up to 3,510, with a further 2,850 in heath – up 27.8%.

They are also set to increase in value – with a 133% increase (the highest of all forecasts) in the sector’s value up to £148m by then.

Medical, dental and complementary health activities are increasing locally while the sale of medical and orthopaedic equipment – the fastest growth sector – is directly linked to an ageing population. > The Council’s economic prospectus going forward suggests support for the sector including facilitating collaboration, sharing of good practice and the prioritisation of local suppliers in public procurement.

Business services

With forecast growth of 47% up to 2031, the anticipated increase in professional services jobs is the largest of all sectors.

This involves 830 more jobs, up to 2,580 in areas like accountancy, legal services and investments; doubling in terms of value to in excess of £116m.

Between 2000 and 2008 employment in business services such as banking, finance and insurance grew by 88% locally, way ahead of the 58% growth in Lincolnshire and 18% in the country which shows a strong shift at a time when all other sectors experienced growth of around 25%

and construction 72%.

This reflects the increase in business starts ups generally as NK saw jobs creation at four times the national average and NK reaping the benefits of constraints within Lincoln city as businesses relocate out to the North Hykeham and wider LN6 area.

> Improved infrastructure, public transport and land availability within LN6 will help this trend to continue.

NKDC’s part in the LN6 partnership is promoting positive intervention in this area coupled with expansion of its business start-up units and accommodation.

10 newsnk Winter 2013

To promote the prosperity of North Kesteven

Retail remains key to economy The Council has a raft of initiatives in support of retailers, most key at the moment being its proposals to regenerate Sleaford and aspirations for improvements in North Hykeham and LN6.

Retail remains an important sector, especially for the market town economies and links to tourism.

As important hubs for shopping and local services, it is acknowledged that Sleaford and North Hykeham – as well as the larger villages – need priority staus to sustain the momentum of regeneration and retain local trade.

With the aspirations wrapped up in the Sleaford regeneration plans in particular, there is a projection of 620 more retail jobs by 2031, a 19.6% growth.

A two-year programme of targeted support for independent retailers is wrapped up in a study starting in the New Year to enhance Sleaford’s appeal for shoppers.

District set to share in county’s £115m boost from speedy trains Report in favour of High Speed rail link details local benefits The District is poised to share in a £115m economic boost from the nation’s High Speed Two rail line according to its promoters.

A report commissioned by HS2Ltd states that Lincoln and other parts of the county will benefit from the introduction of a high speed rail network by up to £115 million, with additional prospects of direct trains to London via Sleaford.

HS2, a £42 billion project to be completed by 2026, is a new railway between London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leeds, designed to operate at speeds of up to 225mph.

As well as faster inter-city journey times, HS2 is projected to allow

for increased capacity and major reorganisation of local and longerdistance railway services on existing networks such as the East Coast Main Line and Midland Main Line.

Relief on the East Coast Main Line would allow for more direct services between Lincoln and London, which would be of great benefit to District residents – increasing to an additional 15 services daily; almost hourly. The proposal is for these to run via Newark or Sleaford.

The promise from HS2 is that this would improve the city and county’s economy by between £62m and £115m; bringing an extra £2.2bn to the East Midlands a year.

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton

What do you love most about NK? As someone who enjoys living in the District, you’re the best person to tell others where the best places are to eat, drink, visit, cycle, walk and enjoy leisure time.

As it prepares its 2014 Visitor Guide for people looking out for accommodation, eating-out options, things to do and places to be, the Council wants to share your suggestions with others who live locally or are new to the area.

Send your suggestions and any photos of the area you think will help to inspire visitors to communications@n-kesteven.gov. uk by January 14.

Students learn skills for work Students from across the District will be pioneering a revolution in work-focused education.

With the new Lincoln University Technical College recruiting for its first intake next September, it is targeting particularly those students interested in science and engineering.

It is geared towards equipping students with industry skills and knowledge to ease the transition from classroom to workplace.

It offers 14-18 year olds the chance to take highly regarded, full time, academic and technically orientated courses and presents a new era in skills training for employers who can get involved in setting a curriculum that meets their own needs and those of an evolving jobs market.

Recruitment for Years 10 & 12 is underway now.

newsnk visits businesses across North Kesteven to establish firm facts about the local employment scene

Tourism sector gears up online Tourism businesses in the District are well poised to benefit from increased interest in Lincoln and Lincolnshire as a visitor destination.

That was the message shared at a conference addressing transformation of Lincolnshire’s tourism landscape.

With Visit England’s marketing activities and future plans including Lincoln taking a starring role in a new £40m nationwide advertising campaign, the anticipation is of an increased profile – which will reflect well on global attractions such as Whisby, egg throwing at Swaton and the Waddington Air Show.

The 100 delegates representing hotels, restaurants and attractions shared their views, opinions and vision for helping tourism grow in Lincolnshire, which includes improving their presence online.

OBE said any transport infrastructure improvements which made the area more attractive to inward investors, visitors and people wishing to commute for work but live locally, to benefit from quality of life factors, was welcome.

It would also help to raise the profile of the vital business opportunities in Sleaford and the LN6 area surrounding North Hykeham especially.

While welcoming these figures, Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, whose area includes parts of Waddington, Bracebridge Heath and Skellingthorpe, said his priority was the electrification of the Lincoln to Nottingham line and ensuring all slower and infrequent services were

Our Economy

Firms sharpen their competitive edge Building on the success of NKDC’s Centre and other capital projects, event to help local traders win the Council wants to ensure small, a larger share of local markets, medium and micro enterprises are further measures are being looked able to bid for contracts and are better at for supporting businesses as placed for procurement. they compete for contracts.

As the District Council’s Executive More than 80 people representing Member overseeing procurement, 53 businesses attended the Meet The Cllr Geoff Hazelwood said the Local Buyer workshop. There was lots Council was keen to support all local of networking taking place which is businesses in their endeavours to anticipated to result in improved trading secure contracts and make strong, relations and potential contracts. competitive tenders for work.

Aware of its own purchasing power The autumn event was held as it embarks on a £46m ten year in partnership with Procurement programme to build 300-plus houses, Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire a £2.5m refurbishment of the NK Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about competing for contracts and registering for a supplier’s newsletter email procurement.lincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Green design credentials awarded The sustainable design which NKDC helped to steer forward for the new Siemens building in North Hykeham has earned the builders an award.

Bowmer and Kirland Ltd won Sustainable Development of the Year at the East Midlands Property Awards 2013, and has been widely commended for a number of green credentials.

The Siemens workshop is the first building in the UK to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the world-leading benchmark for sustainability in building design.

The new building is pioneering development at Teal Park, which is poised to attract £500 million of investment over the next 10 to 15 years and create up to 4,000 jobs. Planning permission was granted by NKDC with close attention to ensuring high sustainability standards.

At least three major supermarkets – Asda, Sainsbury and Waitrose – only sell meat reared on the grasses produced by British Seed Houses at Witham St Hughs.

With nearly 200 years of history behind it, BSH supplies its customers with top quality seeds and fertilisers, complemented by a service that is regarded as second to none.

Their innovative, market leading products such as high sugar grasses for agriculture and amenity grass mixtures are widely used throughout the UK and Ireland, with grass and clover varieties also distributed worldwide in Europe, North and South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

With an annual turnover of £30m generated by domestic and overseas sales, there are 19 employees on site. > Another business maintaining its roots as a family concern is Greens of Lincoln at Pyke Road, Lincoln, started

in 1964 by Ted Green as a distributor for the predecessors of Kimberly Clark.

As a national distributor for cleaning, hygiene, healthcare and personal protection products, 2012 was Greens’ best year to date with significant sales growth anticipated over the next few years.

It currently employs 29 people and appreciates its LN6 location for easy transport links and expansion opportunities. > In the business park in South Hykeham, digital printers Double Red are expanding their business with the recent acquisition of Kamara Digital Photo Studio and can now offer a greater depth of services with social, portrait and corporate photography in addition to resident commercial photographers.

In spite of the recession, the print department has continued to grow, primarily due to the quality of products and services.

Founded in 1959 by four enthusiastic local businessmen, the North Hykeham-based Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society now has 70 historic vehicles in its collection at the Road Transport Museum - 35 of them buses.

This year was the 20th anniversary of the museum at Whisby Road, built with a grant from NKDC and Beckside Construction.

From here vehicles head out across the country and often feature in films and for wedding hire - this year a highlight was transporting 20,000 people for park & ride at the Waddington airshow.

The museum opens every Sunday (1pm - 4pm) through to April and six days a week in summer. Look out for regular special Open Days. Call on 01522 689497, www.lvvs.org.uk or LincsRTM on Facebook and Twitter.

Winter 2013 newsnk 11

Our Homes Communities

To promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven

Support to help switch supplier Champions are sought to help older people in their communities switch energy suppliers and access savings and efficiency measures.

Community Lincs, in partnership with the District Council, is setting up a Big Energy Saving Network which plans to deliver simple, effective, targeted and proactive advice to vulnerable energy consumers, such as the elderly, disabled, housebound and low income families with children.

This will be focused on raising awareness of different energy tariffs, switching energy supplier and incentives to carry out home energy efficiency improvements.

Initially there will be awareness events in Billinghay and Ruskington in the New Year where community groups and individuals can learn more. It is hoped that from these events one or two people will go on to become local Community Energy Champions.

To learn more, contact the Council’s Housing Renewal Manager, Sean Johnson on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 or email sean_johnson@n-kesteven.gov.uk

National acclaim The refurbishment of a District farmhouse was praised alongside Britain’s best.

After winning NKDC’s own award for best domestic conversion and going on to win the Local Authority Building Control award for building excellence in the East Midlands, Preston’s Farm at Eagle Hall competed for a national award, but narrowly missed out.

The recognition reflects close co-operation between builders D. Hatcher and Sons Ltd and NKDC’s building control team who were involved from the very start and kept up to date throughout.

Wit ham Witham St Hughs – Proposed Village Expansion

Tell Us

Your Views

Thursday 16 January 2014 Witham St Hughs Village Hall 3pm to 8pm

A chance to have your say and shape potential new shops, homes, jobs, schooling and services in Witham St Hughs.

If this is something that interests you and you’d like to share your opinion, be sure to join us on the day!

12 newsnk Winter 2013

Empty homes brought back into use

Showing rough sleeping the cold shoulder A chief aim of the Council’s housing service is to prevent and relieve homelessness Support is available to anyone facing the prospect of homelessness and rough sleeping all through the year, not just in the coldest months when the problem is most apparent.

The District Council has a duty to provide a homelessness service to anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The service is available 24/7 with information, advice and assistance via the main Council offices during office hours – 01529 414155 – or via the emergency line on 01529 308308 outside office hours.

The assistance the Council provides varies greatly depending on individual circumstances, ranging from actually providing accommodation to just general advice/information.

Where we are made aware of people sleeping rough, we will work with them to arrange somewhere to stay, even though the Council is not usually required to actually provide accommodation in all cases.

In cases of extreme cold, a Severe Weather Emergency Provision allows for the usual strict rules to be relaxed to make sure accommodation is arranged for everyone who is at risk for the period of the severe weather.

The work then continues to find more secure accommodation so they do not return to the street.

In partnership with all other councils in Lincolnshire there is a programme of direct engagement with rough sleepers to help them access services and accommodation.

If you think someone is sleeping rough or know of a particular spot, call 0800 066 5365 to raise awareness and opportunities for support.

The Council’s main emphasis is to prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place – through its Housing Advice and Homelessness Prevention Service which is available for all NK residents regardless of tenure.

Anyone worried about losing their home can discuss their circumstances with a case worker to discuss all options available to them.

Call on 01522 414155.

If you need help or you see someone sleeping rough in Lincolnshire call Framework’s Street Outreach Team on

Or text SOT to 80800 (followed by your message)

The number of available homes in North Kesteven has been increased by almost 100 without even laying a brick or passing a planning application.

This growth in housing numbers has been achieved through various means, including the work of NKDC’s Empty Homes Working Group, simply by bringing 98 vacant homes back into use.

This is over and above the growth achieved from new building schemes, showing the importance of empty homes in accommodating a growing population.

Using a range of legal measures, changes to the charging tariff for council tax, opening up funding options for owners and advising on ways to repair, renovate, rent out or release property for sale, the number of empty houses in the District has been brought down from 519 in October 2012 to 421 this last October.

Twenty three of these were achieved directly by the working group of officers and members. They were among the more difficult cases to deal with, having been vacant for a total of 216 years between them.

Cllr Stewart Ogden, who has Executive Board oversight for housing in North Kesteven, said: “Not only does this support the Council in its mission to achieve 100 Flourishing Communities but it also supports its priorities focused on the community, economy, better homes and a more efficient council.”

“Empty homes are a blight to communities, attracting anti-social behaviour and affecting neighbouring properties’ value and do nothing to help sustain viable local services such as shops, schools and pubs,” he said.

“They contribute nothing to the local economy, where as one that is occupied or being renovated supports local businesses. They are also a wasted resource at a time of general housing shortage and a drain on council – and council tax payers’ – resources.”

By contrast these 98 properties bring additional income of £726,660 to local services through payment of the Government’s New Homes Bonus.

If you own an empty home and want to discuss your options call Luke Taylor on 01529 308297 or email luke_taylor@n-kesteven.gov.uk

New-build home schemes move on Work continues apace to expand the Council’s stock of social housing, with six new flats in North Hykeham ready to be let this month and building work on a further 43 set for coming weeks.

Under its drive to build at least 300 new homes in the next decade, the Council has bought and demolished the old Bonner House in Sleaford and now that the site is cleared, the roads are being laid out in readiness for construction of 26 units in mid January.

Building began in early December on 13 homes at Northfield Road in Ruskington, plans are approved for four to start being built at Princes Street, Metheringham, and the

Housing officers join Cllr Stewart Ogden and contractor Lindum six flats in Hudson Drive, North Hykeham, were scheduled to be handed over to the Council for letting ahead of this Christmas.

A further six homes are proposed for School Lane in Helpringham under a planning application which is currently being consulted on.

Chance to shape village growth by sharing your views

Energy testing

Residents of Witham St Hughs have the opportunity to shape the next phase of their village’s development.

In advance of any planning application being made for the third phase of Witham St Hughs’s growth, NKDC is holding community engagement events in order to develop a vision for the way the ultimate developers should carry forward housing and business expansion.

On January 16, villagers and the broader community will be able to drop into the Village Hall on Green Lane, between 3pm and 8pm to

If you are thinking of selling your house, it is now a legal requirement as part of your sale to have an Energy Performance Certificate produced.

And North Kesteven’s Building Control Unit can now produce one for you at a competitive price of only £80 inc VAT. For more information and to arrange for an EPC to be carried out, contact 01529 308136 or 308158.

The unit can also cary out a range of audits and assessments essential to the smooth running of building projects and renovation work.

see the extent of proposals and put forward views on the way it is phased and implemented over the 20 years.

Since 2000, Witham St Hughs has continued to grow steadily from the original quarters associated with RAF Swinderby and is now a thriving community with shops, school, facilities, village hall and a population just over 2,000 in 1,000 homes.

This extension could involve a further 1,200 homes being built, space for business, allotments and public open space including sports provision, youth play, cycling and walking.

The January meeting will be the

latest in a series of workshops, providing an invaluable opportunity to share views and shape the potential for new shops, homes, jobs, schooling and services in the village.

All thoughts are welcomed and everyone with a local interest is encouraged to put them forward.

There is also a photo competition on the theme ‘What do you like about Witham St Hughs?’ for ages 16 and above. Send photographs to Laura Bath, North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7EF or email by January 10 to laura_bath@n-kesteven.gov.uk

News Focus

Be cautious over handling scrap A penalty of almost £1,000 against a man for carrying waste without a licence should serve as a reminder to all residents to make checks before handling other people’s rubbish.

Bill Richens of Long Acres Farm, Swinderby Road, Collingham, was prosecuted after failing to produce a waste carrier’s licence when found to be carrying scrap metal when his van was stopped on the A46 last April.

He was originally given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £300, but after failing to pay within 14 days North Kesteven District Council took the case to Lincoln Magistrates Court where the offence was proved in his absence. He was again fined £300, with £634 costs added on.

A waste carrier’s license is issued by the Environment Agency, and is a person’s authority to carry waste.

Cllr Richard Wright, Executive Board Member with responsibility for licensing and enforcement, said:

“This prosecution should serve as a reminder to all residents of the District that they should always check a person’s authority to carry waste before handing any kind of waste to a collector.

“When asking to see the carrier’s license be aware that it has to be an original or an authorised copy issued by the Environment Agency. Photocopies are not proof of registration.

“In order to regulate the trade and reduce opportunities for metal theft, new laws make it even more critical for both waste collectors and operators of static scrap yards to keep proper, clear and verifiable records which assist in the traceability of all scrap that is traded, and it is important that residents play their part.”

Changes to the licensing regime come into effect in December which require scrap dealers to take a note and keep records of customers’ bank details and registration papers as part of a verification process.

mynk Where do you live?

Swaton, which is a small village with a massive heart and an unfeasibly strong community spirit.

How did you come to live there?

I used to live in Cambridgeshire, on the edge of the fens, in a picturesque spot overlooking the A1. When that part of the road was made into a motorway, the noise was intolerable and so I came in search of a more peaceful life. I didn’t at the time appreciate just how peaceful North Kesteven is – having been ranked 32nd of all Britain’s rural areas last year. Plus, the fens have no trees.

What do you like most about where you live?

The lack of motorway noise, the community, the trees and, of course, the sporting opportunities.

Andy Dunlop

Joint Organiser of the World Egg Throwing Championships, held in Swaton each June and President of the World Egg Throwing Federation What does North Kesteven mean to you?

Sunny days, happy people and few worries. There’s a lot to be said for that combination and it can be no accident that stress levels are so low around here as people appreciate such good quality of life.

Where would you advise people to visit in the District?

I highly recommend the World Egg Throwing Championships which are an essential part of the Swaton Vintage Day. For two years running it’s won the top award from Enjoy England in the ‘where else but’ category for quirky events. But it’s actually quite a serious sport attracting worldwide media attention for the past eight years, helping to raise serious funds for charity and putting NK on the global map. It’s on the last Sunday of June each year.

What NKDC service do you appreciate most?

There’s no one service that stands out above all others but I appreciate the work done by the Council’s staff; their efficiency, helpful attitude and dedication to the people they serve.

Summary of Financial Accounts This short summary of the Council’s accounts for 2012/13 captures headline income and expenditure figures. A Statement of Accounts can be seen in full at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk – in the accountancy section – or call the Council direct.

There are three areas within the Council’s Accounts, which are of importance to residents: > General Fund Revenue Account > Capital Accounts > Housing Revenue Account

General Fund - Where your Council Tax goes

set a General Fund budget of £13.8m for 2012/13.

At the end of the year the spend was £13.7m, with the difference going into reserves.

How the money was spent General Fund Gross Expenditure was approximately 11% Support Service £62m.; as below: Recharges 15% Capital Charges

15% Employee Expenses

Capital Account

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

The Capital Account deals with expenditure on the Council’s acquisition or upgrade of assets such as buildings, vehicles and equipment.

The total spend was £6.0m, funded through Government contributions, grants and contributions from other organisations, capital receipts and contributions from Council Tax and rent payers.

The majority of this was spent on additions and improvements to the Council’s housing stock (£4.5m), the start of the Sleaford Leisure Centre refurbishment (£0.6m), and Disabled Facility Grants (£0.3m).

The Council receives the benefit from capital expenditure over a longer period of time, whereas revenue expenditure relates to the year it is spent.

The HRA collected all the costs and income relating to the Council’s role as landlord of 3,882 properties.

This account is strictly controlled in terms of the type of costs and income that can be included, with tenant rents being the main income source.

This income is ring-fenced to meet the costs of providing and maintaining the housing stock.

Council Tax cannot be used to fund expenditure on Council housing, therefore it did not impact at all on the Council Tax payer.

The Council set a HRA expenditure budget of £14.7m for 2012/13. At the end of the year there was an underspend of £0.5m, due to a mixture of over and under spends and additional grant income across the housing service.

The General Fund Revenue account covers most of the Council’s income and expenditure.

40% Transfer 6% Premises Payments In addition to spending within the Council’s four 2% Transport priority areas for the District - Our Communities, 8% Third Party 3% Supplies Payments Our Economy, Our Homes & Our Council – there What the Capital money was spent on: What the HRA money was spent on: and Services 6% Improvement Grants, 31% Contribution was also spending which was essential for the Spending on Corporate Priority 33% Debt, Principal & 10% Leisure Social/Affordable Housing to Major Repairs Interest Drainage smooth running of the Council and also on statutory (after income) 3% Reserve 62% Our Communities Levies 2% ICT Systems 31% Our functions. Examples of this include: 6% New Build & Council > Refuse and recycling collection Improvements to Council Houses > Environmental health services 1% Other > Planning and economic development > Housing Benefit administration costs > Council Tax collection costs 19% Repairs & Maintenance > Registration of electors 74% Environmental > The costs of running a democratically elected & Economic Development organisation -2% Our 5% Other Homes 6% Our Economy Services > Drainage levies How the Capital money was raised: 12% Supervision & Management 6% Borrowing The cost of General Fund expenditure was 16% Grants & 56% Council Council Tax Bill Contributions Tenants reduced by the amount the Council received in The Council Tax bill includes the costs of 4% Capital Balance sheets Receipts Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police fees, charges and external income; resulting in a The Council has a duty to maintain a prudent 17% Authority and Town and Parish Councils. NKDC’s net cost of £13.8m to be met from Government Reserves & level of reserves. At March 31, 2013, reserves proportion of the bill was approximately 10%.

S106 Grant and Council Taxpayers. and balances were £11m. Assets were valued at In 2012/13, NKDC’s charge, by banding was: The Government Grant included a contribution £148m, which reduced to £36m net after liabilities.

A B C D E F G H from business rates. Although, the Council Audit Status collects all business rates, it has to pay all of this The accounts have been audited by £ 90.06 105.07 120.08 135.09 165.11 195.13 225.15 270.18 over to the Government centrally and receives a KPMG LLP and the full audited version is small proportion of it back as a grant.

North Kesteven District Council’s collection available at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk or contact the Council offices.

After deducting fees and charges, the Council rate for Council Tax in 2012/13 was 99.1%.

Winter 2013 newsnk 13

Our Communities What’s On

Curtain rises on a new season of creativity

Festive crafts, music and theatre set the scene for lots to look forwards to as we move into 2014 The National Centre for Craft & Design

Navigation Wharf, Sleaford, 01529 308710 or www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

Saturday, December 21, 1-3pm Listen, Make & Create Professional storyteller Kirsty Mead of Rhubarb Theatre combines storytelling, music, movement and making within her fun and interactive sessions where each child makes something to take home and enjoy. For ages 4-10 and families. £5 per person.

Continuing to January 5 Revolution in the Bedroom, War in the Playground: Video Gaming 1979 – 1989 This unique Main Gallery exhibition explores the culture and history of gaming and offers a journey of pure nostalgia for those who experienced the explosion in the British video game industry from 1979 to 1989 in particular.

Included are playable versions of leading 1980’s micro computers, including the critically important Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and BBC Micro. There’s also a short exploration into the current world of gaming.

Continuing to January 19 Class of 2013 The NCCD’s annual celebration of the latest art and design talent, exhibits an exciting and diverse range of work created by selected graduates.

Continuing to January 19 A Chalk Line between Styles A solo show in the Project Space by University of Lincoln BA Fashion Studies graduate Aaron Page, who is pursuing his dream of becoming a Savile Row tailor. This year’s winner of the National Centre for Craft & Design Fashion Innovation Award, he displays his unisex collection whose design and manufacture are inspired by bespoke tailoring.

Continuing to January 19 The Contemporary Crafts Network Design Factory members feature in a group show celebrating 25 years of Lincolnshire designer/makers, including new graduates and established makers.

If you’re an emerging designer or maker wanting to work with the NCCD team to plan and curate a show in the Roof Gallery, get in touch on 01529 308710 or email shop@nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

Terry O’Toole Theatre

December 15, 3pm The Flying Flapper Rhubarb Theatre explore an imaginative and fantastic story, full of inventiveness, humour, mask, puppetry and music to show there’s more to DIY Stan and his little old lady than meets the eye!

For ages 4+. Tickets £6 or £20 for a family of four.

matinee.Tickets £7, £5 & £22 for a family on Weds & Thur; or £9, £7 & £28 Fri & Sat.

December 21, 7.30pm Foss Dyke Band What would Christmas be without a brass band? Let the Foss Dyke Band start your season with festive treats galore, both old and new.

Tickets £8 & £6.

January 15 – 18, 7pm nightly & Saturday 2.30pm Dracula the Panto ACTion Community Theatre bring a new dimension to the classic tale, with Vladimir the vegetarian not wanting to be a Vampyr any more. Fancy dress competition at Saturday

14 newsnk Winter 2013

December 12, 4pm-6pm NCCD Young Designers Phiona Richards shows NCCD’s Young Designers how to make an exploding star book which doubles as a Christmas decoration. Free, for ages 12-19.

December 14, 1pm - 4pm Design Factory Demonstration Meet lacemaker Jayne Childs who combines her years of practical experience with the latest digital technology to create unique contemporary lace. Free in the cafe.

December 18, 10.30 – 12pm Dinky Designers Hands-on activities for under5s to develop their abilities and celebrate their ideas. Each child will always have a ‘make’

to take home, no matter how experimental they’ve been!

Supervision is required. £3.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book.

Saturday, December 21, 1-3pm Listen, Make & Create See photo caption, left From January 9, every Thursday, 4-6pm NCCD Young Designers The Young Designers‘ club is for 12-19 years to explore craft & design with amazing artists and designers and create your own designs to be exhibited at The NCCD. This term focuses on set design with Giuseppe Bell. Weekly from January 9 to February 13. Book.

January 11, 10am-4pm Life Drawing Artist Phil Bowman takes all artists, from beginners to practiced artists, through the skills of observation and drawing to explore the dynamics of the human form.

Materials and easels available, but feel free to take your own. £18 each. Booking essential.

January 13, 10am-12pm Design Factory Coffee Morning A meeting of minds plus cake and coffee - join Design Factory, artists and makers on the second Monday of each month for an informal chat about all things creative. Free January 16, 10am – 4.30pm Marketing for Makers Artist Pete Moss helps colleagues at all stages in their careers get to grips with marketing. For start-up and more mature businesses. £25/£22 for non-Design Factory members, free to members.

Saturday, January 18, 1pm - 4pm Design Factory Demonstration Meet glass artist Louisa Finch who uses multimedia in producing her extraordinarily creative glass work.

This event is free, in the National Centre’s cafe.

January 29, Dinky Designers As December 18.

For full exhibition listings, details of regular events, workshops and the season’s full learning programme pick up a brochure or see www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk Book on 01529 308710 or email info@nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

North Kesteven Centre, North Hykeham. Booking on 01522 870251 or www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk

December 10 -13, 7.30pm Into the Woods NK School presents a twist on the familiar tales of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, based on James Lapine’s book and Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics. Tickets £7 & £5.

December 14, 7.30pm Band music RAF Waddington Voluntary Band and guests play festive favourites. Tickets £8.50 & £6.50.

From January 25 – April 20 Creating a Scene With everybody liking to take a peek into the secret world of backstage, we re-create that feeling as we take a look at the art of set design.

Considering both the artistic design process and the collaboration necessary for success; set design is viewed in its broadest sense for the exhibition, aiming to capture something of the many disciplines where set design is employed - theatre, film, visual art, performance art and architecture.

The exhibition includes work from established artists, designers and emerging new talent, including Howard Hodgkin, Bruce McLean, Franko B, Julian Crouch, Richard Deacon and Giuseppe Belli.

December 10, 10am-3.30pm Seasonal Wreath Making Craft your own wreath with Doddington florist Rachel Petheram, listed by The Independent as one of the UK’s 50 best florists. She guides you through each stage using supplied material to send you home with a truly unique door decoration. Includes mulled wine and a mince pie. £45, for adults. Booking essential.

January 25, 7.30pm Andy Cutting and Wolfscote With acoustic roots, inspired by traditional music, this is a first joint outing of traditional and new material.

Tickets £12, £10 & £5.

January 28, 7pm Open Auditions for The Wind in the Willows Get involved with ACTion Community Theatre’s May show. For adults & 11+. Again on Sunday, February 2, 3pm.

January 30, 7pm U Dance artsNK’s showcase of primary and secondary school dance to select county contenders.

Tickets £3 & £2.

January 31, 7pm Youth Dance The annual showcase for artsNK’s Youth Dance, celebrating 4-18 year olds, kNacKer’d, redXco and artsNK’s new all male company JumpStart. Tickets £3 & £2.

February 6 & Friday 7, 7pm Ghost Town A new play about lost friendship, memory and being courageous.

Tickets £10, £8 & £5.

February 8, 7.30pm The Good Guys Orchestra Back after last year’s sell out concert of fantastic big band music and song, full of energy and swagger. Tickets £17 & £15.

February 13, 6pm & 7pm Primary Dance Showcase Children’s celebration of dance and the themes surrounding

transition to secondary school, featuring talent from NK School. Tickets £3 & £2.

February 15, 3pm The Musicians of Bremen Toy Story meets the Brothers Grimm in Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s enchanting new production, told with fabulous puppets, innovative staging and brilliant music. For ages 3+, with meet the puppets afterwards.

Tickets £6/ £20 for a family of four. Season ticket available.

February 27, 7.30pm Projections of Miles An all-star line-up re-arranging and performing the wonderful music of Miles Davis from across four decades.

A hot new band of leading jazz musicians.

Tickets £12, £10 & £5.

March 6, 7.30pm Shooting the Moon Touching comedy, using music, masks and puppetry to tell a magical tale of illusionist Georges Melies’ extraordinary life,with aftershow Q&A with Strangeface. For ages 8+ & adults. Tickets £10, £8 & £5.

March 8, 7.30pm We Did It Our Way A fun sing-along tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe and Doris Day. Tickets £10 & £15.

March 15, 3pm Bin Men A story of recycling and transforming, told with live music, puppetry, a touch of Don Quixote and lots of fun for children and their families. For ages 4+.

Tickets as February 15.

What’s On

Climb to a new Social strolls New exhibit at Aviation Centre Festive events level of fitness are expanded Air balloon story is soaring success at Cranwell District-wide Indoor climbing is an excellent option for winter health and wellbeing; improving your body’s circulation, increasing muscle mass and toning – and all in the warmth.

Just one hour of climbing can burn up to 400 calories and with excellent facilities at the NK Centre, you don’t need to travel far.

The Ascent, NK Outreach’s indoor climbing facility, is a modern indoor climbing room with 13 climbing lines which give 26 routes and two traversing routes, designed to cater for all climbing abilities and allowing for a mixture of instructed sessions and training courses.

Accredited to deliver the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme at level 1 & 2, completion of which qualifies you to climb on any UK indoor climbing wall.

The NK Outreach team delivers courses for children aged seven and above and adults over 18.

Details on 01522 870252 or email extremenk@litc.org.uk On facebook at The Ascent Climbing Wall or on Twitter @nkoutreach

Placing the Pod The Pod playbus will be out and about at various locations all across the District this winter.

To see if the Pod is near you look at www.facebook.com/thepodnk or email nkyouthoutreach@leisureconnection.co.uk Because of the time it takes to deliver newsnk to almost 50,000 properties it is regretted that some events may have passed before yours is delivered.

Two new walks specifically for parents and young children have been added to the programme of regular health walks.

Every other Monday at Washingborough Children’s Centre, 9.30am; and every other Tuesday from Sleaford Children’s Centre, at 1.30pm there are strolls out and refreshments afterwards.

These are in addition to walks all across the District, for everyone, at all levels every day of the week.

Walking can improve your happiness and health, relieve stress and improve mood. NK Social Strollers is a free health walk scheme, all led by friendly, experienced and qualified volunteers.

There are three grades of walk ranging from gentle walks of a mile or two lasting 30-45 minutes, up to brisk strolls or strides over three miles.

Monday: Billinghay, 10am; Whisby Natural World Centre, bi-monthly for the visually impared, 10:30am; Washingborough, 9.30am.

Tuesday: Heckington, 10.30am; Leasingham, 11am; Sleaford, 1.10pm and 1.30pm.

Wednesday: Ruskington, 10am & 1.30pm; Whisby, 11.30am; Thursday: Waddington, 10am; Skellingthorpe, 11am.

Friday: Metheringham, 10am.

Saturday: North Hykeham, 10am.

Sunday: Scopwick, first Sunday morning of every month, details vary.

For details of the full programme, call Carly Togher, NK Health and Sport Outreach Officer on 01522 870252 or email her on nkhealthandsports@litc.org.uk

Whisby Nature Park & Natural World Centre

a mock-up balloon basket for school children to climb inside and survey the aerial view below.

Both the floor mat and the touch screen are available for all visitors to enjoy in addition to the other interactive exhibits already in place.

The new additions have been funded

by Arts Council England in partnership with Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire, to enable key aviation heritage sites to improve their offer to schools.

For details and to book a school visit, call the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre on 01529 488490 when open Saturday and Sunday, or the DiscoverNK team on 01529 308102.

Aviation tour season ends on a high A capacity crowd enjoyed a ride on a 1960s vintage bus as part of the final Behind the Scenes aviation event of the year.

With a talk and tour at Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre, North Rauceby and at RAF College Cranwell, the 45 attendees travelled between the venues on a bus from the Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society’s collection at North Hykeham.

Aviation historian Andy Johnson spoke on WW1 Aviation in Lincolnshire: its airfields and aviation industry,

describing the county’s contribution to the Great War in the air. At RAF College Cranwell, the world’s first military air academy guests walked through its hallowed halls and saw the beautiful artworks and artefacts preserved there, plus the magnificent library steeped in history and waiting to tell its story.

The 2014 programme of aviation events is being prepared. For details contact the DiscoverNK team on 01529 308102 or email discovernk@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Thorpe on the Hill, 01522 688868 www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk

Winter wonders on Whisby wanders Winter is the most perfect time to step out into the great outdoors and discover the beauty of nature.

This is especially easy to spot at Whisby Nature Park where seasonal changes on the reserve can be seen – birch trees revealing the pale skeleton of their branches and a wider selection of birds joining the summer chaffinches and tits at the feeders; tree sparrows, goldfinches, greenfinches or even siskins.

The wildfowl on the lakes, which have been shedding their dull late summer plumage, will reveal their true colours, making them easier to identify. Berries and fruits also show up more clearly against the increasingly bare hedgerows, attracting thrushes and blackbirds.

So there is plenty to look forward to, with the car park closing at 7pm in winter. Car parking now costs £2 for the whole day, which gives free access to the park, visitor centre, toilets and children’s play facilities at Little Darters.

Elizabeth Dunn’s frosty photo of Whisby features in the Natural World Centre’s 2014 calendar after winning the annual competition.

A new child-friendly touch screen exhibit is helping to tell the story of RAF Cranwell’s early years.

Picking up on the ‘Lighter than Air’ theme which focuses on RAF Cranwell’s inception and the development and use of hot air, helium and hydrogen balloons for surveillance, the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre at North Rauceby has developed the interactive exhibit.

It looks at the differences between the various inflatable airships, their uses and ways of inflation and complement’s two other recent acquisitions on the same theme – a floor mat showing an aerial view of current day RAF Cranwell and

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Education Centre at Whisby offers a range of activities, wildplay sessions and workshops. Various age restrictions and prices apply.

Booking is essential for all activities on 01522 696926 or email whisbyeducation@lincstrust.co.uk Children must always be accompanied.

January 4, 10am – 1pm Junior Wardens: Practical hands on tasks and activities for ages 10 to 16 who want to get involved in nature conservation and wildlife project, £2.

January 8, 10am – 11am Nature Tots: Outdoor seasonal activities for under 5s, £2. Book.

January 11, 10am – 12.30pm Watch: Monthly meet for Junior Wildlife Trust and RSPB members to discover wildlife and get involved in nature conservation. For ages 5-12, £2. Book.

February 1, 10am – 1pm Junior Wardens: As January 4.

February 5, 10am – 11am

Nature Tots: As January 8.

February 8, 10am – 12.30pm Watch: As January 11.

February 20, 11am – 2pm Bushcraft Club: For ages 8-16, learn the arts of shelter building, fire lighting and much more in the woodland classroom at Tunman Wood. £50 for five sessions through the year. Details and booking on 01522 696926.

March 1, 10am – 1pm Junior Wardens: As January 4.

March 5, 10am – 11am Nature Tots: As January 8.

March 8, 10am – 12.30pm Watch: As January 11.

March 20, 7.30pm Illustrated talk: Mary Porter explains how to make your garden a wildlife haven. In the education centre.

April 17, 7.30pm Illustrated talk: Warden James Forrester discusses Snipe Dales and other southern Wolds nature reserves, plus AGM. In the education centre.

The Natural World Centre’s twelfth Christmas Craft Fair celebrating local artists and crafters continues up to Twelfth Night.

Through to Sunday, January 5, 10am to 4.30pm daily, the upper gallery will be filled with fabulous festive treats and stunning crafts including jewellery, glassware, textiles, homeware, Christmas wreaths, hampers, plus lots more from some of Lincolnshire’s finest craft makers.

The Whisby centre also hosts its second Crackin’ Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 15, 10.30am to 3.30pm.

As well as local, traditional craft and produce, festive food and treats, there will be music from the Sleaford Concert Band, the Mobile Climbing Wall and POD playbus. Free entry.

In North Hykeham, the popular Nativity on the Green takes place on Wednesday December 11, at 6pm with performance by local school choirs, entertainment for all and a variety of Christmas goods on sale – plus a promotion on better recycling from NKDC. In Sleaford the National Centre for Craft & Design’s December programme features a range of Christmas craft opportunities, detailed on page 14.

Leap into New Year Take a leap into the New Year with a celebration of dance.

During January and February there is a series of dance events taking place to showcase the skills of local dancers who have joined in with artsNK dance programmes during recent weeks.

These are listed on page 14 for January 30 and 31 and February 8 and 13. All tickets £3, from Terry O’Toole Theatre on 01522 883311.

Farming display An exhibition at the Whisby Natural World Centre will focus on farming from January.

Contributions can be made to the display by contacting Ann Worrell on 01522 688688.

Winter weekends Throughout the winter, up to March 31, the Council’s visitor attractions open every weekend.

Cogglesford Watermill – Saturdays and Sundays only: 12pm to 4pm.

Navigation House – Saturdays and Sundays only: 12pm to 4pm.

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre – Saturdays and Sundays only: 10am to 4pm.

Admission is free to all venues.

Winter 2013 newsnk 15

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