Covid-19
August marked the last day of the Government Sheilding and also the day many northern cities went back into lockdown restrictions overnight. It is no time to be complacent. We will also still have people needing to self-isolate, if with symptoms, identified on the test and trace or returning from some countries. If anyone has covid symptoms, they need to book an NHS covid test. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/
The County Council Covid-19 Helpline is 01522 782189.
Dear Covid Volunteers,
A huge thank you for your tremendous work during the covid crisis. Your help has been a lifeline to many. Even those who did not use the service felt enormously comforted that it was there for them. I hope we all feel proud of our village communities and a renewed sense of community spirit.
At our Covid Volunteers meeting today, the last day of the shielding programme, we discussed how to thank volunteers and will be writing out soon. Then at Harvest Festival time we aim to make a further special thanks and certificates as appropriate. We will have a commemorative bench at Witham St Hughs and a gathering requested in the cliff villages when that is feasible, perhaps in September/October.
We heard from Dan Quinn, of the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum, co-ordinating the response from the public services. His concerns of a second or continuing wave, especially if a different crisis hits at the same time helped us recognise the need to keep our volunteer groups intact and to build on the important sense of local community spirit.
A key message for us to share with our communities is the importance of continued social distancing, masks and 20 sec hand-washing to prevent the disease spreading and avoid going back into lock-down.
Dan Quinn raised two other increased risks we now face; mental health, especially linked to the local economy and unemployment, risen by 41% in three months so far.
Christine Goldsmith, the Rector of four villages, suggested volunteer training, such as mental health first aiders, to help our volunteers identify where professional help is needed. This is especially important in our agricultural county at this current time. Thanks to the Rural network and the Emergency Faith Responders for their support.
Dan Quinn was thanked for all the co-ordination work done by him and the members of the resilience forum. Marianne thanks all our volunteers for the fantastic job done and emphasised the need for continuing support.
You are invited to join the group, the next meeting of the volunteer groups on Friday 28th August at 10am on Zoom.
Marianne Overton MBE
National Work
Meetings with ministers and leading Councillors and Mayors from across the country this month, have focussed on funding for council services, getting culture and tourism up and running, and supporting retail and transport. I invite 32 Independent group Council Leaders to meet fortnightly and other national meetings have focussed on the fire safety, and devolution of powers to our councils.
The government promised devolution of powers and money to local government, but the idea of requiring costly and time-consuming reorganisation of our councils, was not in the manifesto. If we were to reorganise it would have to be worth it, with substantial powers and matching funding. Otherwise it may be a costly distraction when we have our backs to the wall and should be focussing on the recovery from covid.
Lincolnshire Reorganisation?
In Lincolnshire, our Councils already make significant savings by joint working and shared services and still keeping our identity and strong sense of democratic accountability to you, our residents.
The County Council Leader has written to government in readiness to reorganise, as before, which, last time, I fought against, successfully with colleagues.
A very large organisation is often unwieldly and hard for residents to influence. The June monthly poll showed that 87% of people were satisfied or very satisfied with their local Council. I am not sure what the figure would be for national government.
Recovery
Whilst committees were closed at Council, our Independent Group got busy creating a strategy document on Recovery.
We are especially keen to recognise that the problems of damage to our environment still need dealing with at the same time as an economic recovery, dealing with significant unemployment and mental health or other issues arising from Covid. We need a recovery that covers our local economy and jobs, our community and our environment. A copy is on the web at www.lincolnshireindependents.org.uk
The Council’s committees are working reasonably well online, and hopefully soon all back to full size.
Your View on Recycling
How can we get more of our waste recycled? The Lincolnshire Waste partnership is setting up an advisory panel. I hope we can have a good number of local residents included, as the advisory body will help set policy. As a critical thinker, focussing on residents’ needs, you will be exactly right. More localised drop off points, stable and simple criteria on what is recyclable. For that we need contracts with companies that take a wider range of materials, even if not quite as advantageous in price at first sight.
Rachel.stamp@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 07786 110782
Morton Hall
Amid mental health concerns, Lincolnshire’s Morton Hall immigration detention centre is to close, with 241 inmates moved to other sites and this site returning to a prison, with 400 beds
Highways Support in our Villages
For six weeks from August 2nd we have our own community highways team working in my division at our request – wow! I have worked with our Parish Councils and your reports to me or at Fix my street to compile a jobs list to keep our excellent workers busy. Please give them a friendly wave and a smile if you see them at work.
The Parish Councils have a full list, if you want to check. Please continue to use the on-line reporting through www.fixmystreet.com, which is checked daily.
I am pleased some of our work raising poor road surfaces has brought some big improvements and we are still working on others.
| Resurfaced – A607 Welbourn and Leadenham |
More Money for Rural Businesses
£400K EU Leader Funds for new equipment need to be spent this year. Ring, then submit a quick “expression of interest”, by midnight 9th August.
Businesses, farmers, foresters and those involved in tourism, heritage
Contact: LincsLEADER@lincolnshire.gov.uk with your phone number and a member of the team will call you back to discuss your project.
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/grants-funding/leader-funding.
More on the extra newsletter from North Kesteven District Council.
Dental Services
There are 69 NHS dental practices in Lincolnshire, now working their way through the backlog with Covid procedures in place. There are currently seven urgent dental care centres in Lincolnshire providing care for those patients who do not have access to a regular dentist.
Congratulations to local dentist, Dr Jason Wong MBE, partner in the Maltings Dental Practice in Grantham, on his appointment as Deputy Chief Dental Officer for England.
| Nominate the cycle routes you want |
Cycling
The Government has given Lincolnshire County Council funds for temporary arrangements to encourage cycling to work, shop and leisure. £800K more is available for longer term improvements. Do you have any routes you want to put forward? Thank you to Cllr Mary Green for nominating a new route from Bassingham to Lincoln which the Council is considering. Now is the time. Please let me know and let’s seek Parish Council and wider support.
Visitor Venues are open
Mrs Smith’s Cottage, Navenby is opening on Saturday!
Book on www.mrssmithscottage.com Open 12-4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday Entry Adults £3.50, Children £2, under 5’s free Family ticket £10
Supported by Heritage Lottery Funding.
Supporting People- Wellbeing Lincs
This county-wide service supports more fulfilled and confident independent living. Funded by Lincolnshire County Council, it is delivered through a partnership of local district councils. Ring Lincolnshire County Council on 01522 782140 or www.wellbeinglincs.org
The Lincolnshire Covid Helpline continues 01522 782189
Planning
At North Kesteven District Council, the new smaller committee of 11 meets on line to consider contentious local applications. To join the meeting onine, ask for the link. 01529 414155 The meetings are recorded and available on line. https://democracy.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ieDocHome.aspx?bcr=1
Full Planning of the new smaller committee of 20 members is on August 6th at 2pm.
Your health
As we know, taking care of our physical wellbeing, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help mental health. Visit www.connecttosupport.org and choose ‘Lincolnshire’ for a weekly list of local fun events. Get active with www.activelincolnshire.com
Useful websites for children
Zamzar to convert any files easily with no download
Parentkind www.parentkind.org.uk Parent support
Easipeasi Crafts www.easypeasyandfun.com
Phonicsplay https://new.phonicsplay.co.uk/
Maths games https://www.themathsfactor.com/
Explorify explorify.wellcome.ac.uk for Science
Brainpop quiz www.brainpop.com
Sesame Street U tube meditation, respect, conflict
Wildlife Watch www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
RSPB Explores www.rspb.org.uk
Butterfly Conservation www. butterfly-conservation.org
Local shops who deliver
East Midlands Dairy 01636 614760
Oldlings meat etc. 01522 810228
Nick Streeter’s fish etc. 01400 272547
Grocery Paul Barton 07970 115351
The Old Forge, Brant Broughton 07958 189650
Greens, Bassingham 01522 788200
Welbourn Post Office and Stores 01400 272242
Leadenham Farm Shop 01400 273988
Pub meals
The Tempest, Coleby 01522 810258
The Bell, Coleby 01522 813778
Thorold Arms, Harmston 07971 029 534
The Bugle Horn, Bassingham 01522 789773
The Five Bells, Bassingham 01522 788269
Generous Briton Brant Broughton Tues-Sat 01400 272119
Akash Indian Takeaway 01522 811126 Navenby
Navenby Chinese Takeaway 01522 810773
Pre-cooked meals
Andy’s Fish and Chips Van Bassingham Tues, Skellingthorpe Wed, Caythorpe Thurs 5-8pm
Hot lunches for senior citizens 01522 404025 Bassingham, £5 for two courses. Book by Sunday 5pm
Primary hot lunches Thurs and Sat 01522 788488
Age UK will deliver 21 small single person meals for £20, plus £7 delivery 03455 564 144
Jo Shaw in Coleby Sunday High Tea 01522 811963
Hollynelstropcatering@gmail.com – weekly meal boxes
Useful Information
First Aid Course online
St John Ambulance <stjohnambulance@email.sja.org.uk
Parish Offices for local support and information
Navenby Venue Tuesday to Friday 10-noon
Witham Office at Bassingham in the Hammond Hall,
LN5 9HQ 01522 789758 Open Mon, Wed, Thurs 9-1pm
Local Police Statistics https://www.police.uk/
Access to Wellbeing Services and Care
The Carers service 01522 782224
carers_team@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Support for Adult care is available 01522 782155
Umbrellas events supporting all ages with additional needs and their families umbrellaslincoln@outlook.com
#EveryMindMatters advise on coping with anxiety and improving your mental health: https://qoo.ly/35q2xs
Bereavement Helpline St Barnabus 0300 303 1897 Mon-Fri plus two evenings ‘til 8 on Monday and Wednesday
tracy.tuffs@stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Befriending Service Lincolnshire YMCA 01529 301965
Church Services
Live streaming services on the website. Get the link.
Www.graffoechurches.co.uk with Michelle Godbold
Christine Goldsmith rectorleadenham@gmail.com
Reverend Dee Freeman 01522 788383 www.withamsidechurches.org.uk
Navenby Methodist Church 01522 685226 http://lincolnmethodist.org.uk/circuit-services-weekly-live-stream/ David.lawton@methodist.org.uk
Venue Finder
420 Lincolnshire Village halls are registered here. www.lincscommunitybuildings.org.uk
Useful Advice for Charities
To protect a house or business against flooding
Roadworks www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/transport-and-
To receive info’ on twitter #lincscc roads
Business Support
www.teamlincolnshire.com do monthly webinars
Community Larders
Sleaford Community Larder at the Newlife Centre
Help save lives and keep countryside clean
Report Potholes 01522 782070
Or use “Fix my street” on line – works well.
Report Litter 01529 414155
customer_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk
Report illegal parking 01522 511142 or
ParkingServices@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Adult Concern 01522 782151
Police: Sgt Ken Whyte, plus PCSO’s 101 or www.police.uk
07973 846537/235/5827
Highways, Transport and Travel
Good newsletter from lincscountycouncil@gmail.com
New site www.accesslincoln.co.uk shows all the options, or ask accesslincoln@lincolnbig.co.uk 01522 581906
Call Connect 8.30am – 7pm Weekdays and to 5pm Saturdays 0345 234 33 44 or 01522 553143 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/callconnect/35955.article
Dial a ride 01522 544983 Disabled door to door
Car-sharing www.lincshare.co.uk
Trains www.thetrainline.com
Facebook Hykeham town rural NPT T @hykeham NPT
Buses www.lincsbus.info or Traveline 0871 200 22 33
Mobile Library 01522 782010 or www.lincolnshire.gov.uk
Planning on line
See and comment on applications to get your voice heard. Search “planning on line north Kesteven”
Local Plan www.central-lincs.org.uk 01529 308084
Village websites
Withamstaple.com; yourbassingham.co.uk
www.facebook.com/groups/WhatOnInNocton
www.facebook.com/groups/455116074527966/ Navenby and Wellingore business parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk
www.harmston.info www.navenby.net dunstondossier.org.uk nocton.blogspot.co.uk
Most villages have sites on the County Council web like this, including Welbourn, Leadenham and Coleby.
Branston www .tucann.co.uk/the-sheepwash-times Branston Library 01522 880426
County Events- Good web page here
Search Lincolnshire County Council out and about or use
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk search on “county news”
Wheelchair loan: No Name Lodge Geoff Nelson 788213
Young People Grants Carlton Le Moorland 07943760155