28 September
Kitchen Garden Celebration Open Day
A free community celebration will be held in Spalding to mark the achievements made during the district-wide South Holland Kitchen Garden project.
Local residents are being encouraged to muck in and get growing to help manage community spaces and turn them into valuable larder-fillers.
An open day is being held from 10am until 12noon at Southfield House Community Garden on Saturday, October 6 and would-be gardeners are being invited to join in the fun.
Visitors will be encouraged to get their hands dirty by getting planting and going all green fingers! Southfield House, on Woolram Wygate, Spalding, is one of several community gardens in South Holland which were set up to develop shared garden spaces and encourage people to get growing at home.
Raised beds have been installed and greenhouses ready to be planted with a variety of produce which volunteers can take home and use in healthy recipes in their own kitchen.
If you are interested in the taking part in the project please contact Karen Johnson on 01775 764868 or turn up at Southfields House on the day.
This project is supported by the Health and Well Being Fund, a partnership between NHS Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire County Council.
Second helpings for cooks in South Holland
FABULOUS food on a budget will be on the menu for two new 10-week courses being run in South Holland from this month.
A banquet of information and tips will be dished out to cooks looking for healthy fare to serve up at homes across the district as part of the Kitchen Garden Project, designed to combine healthy cooking and the Community Gardens, grow your own campaign.
Lessons will cover a range of food-related topics including eating well, seasonal produce, the basics in preparation, healthy cooking, budget meals, one-pot wonders, family dinners and party nights.
On this particular course there is an emphasis on learning through demonstrations with students shown how to improve their cooking skills, building confidence in the kitchen and encouraging students to cook at home.
The latest 10-week courses will run at The Curlew Centre, Memorial Park, Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge each Wednesday from September 19 until December 5, from 10am until 12noon and at the Thomas Cowley High School, School Lane, Donington, also from Wednesday, September 19, between 6pm and 8pm.
Councillor Nick Worth, SHDC Executive Member for Community Development, said: “We want people to don their aprons and get cracking in the kitchen. These courses will teach them how to cook and prepare inexpensive and delicious dishes for the whole family to enjoy.
“This is a really innovative project which will boost people’s confidence and skills, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage them to eat more fruit and veg. We have a wealth of local produce available in South Holland and this will help our residents make the most of it.”
Six more 10-week courses in South Holland will follow. The courses are free but spaces are limited. To sign up to a course, call 01205 313218.
The project is supported by the Health and Well-being Fund, a partnership between NHS Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire County Council, and is supported by South Holland District Council and Boston College.
For information about the Community Gardens and learn how to grow your own, please contact South Holland's Community Development Team on 01775 761161 or visit www.lincolnshire.mastergardeners.org.uk.
Have a say on flood risk management
A series of events for residents and businesses is taking place across the county for people to come and find out more about flood risk management.
A consultation has started on a Joint Local Flood Risk Management Strategy that, as Lead Local Flood Authority, the county is required to implement and monitor.
Executive Member for Economic Development, Councillor Eddy Poll, said: “We’re really keen to hear what people think about the flood risk management strategy. It explains how different organisations are working together to inform people about the risk of flooding and build their resilience against it. We want people to know what they can do to prepare for it, and also what to do if it happens, and where they can go for help.”
Public events are taking place across the county:
• 17 July - 1pm to 6pm, Sainsbury’s, Sleaford
• 19 July – 2pm to 6pm, Waitrose, Stamford
• 24 July – 10am to 2pm, Sainsbury’s, Spalding
• 1 August – 10am to 1pm, Assembly Rooms, Boston
Partner organisations, local communities and businesses are being invited to get involved to help shape the strategy.
Councillor Poll added: “We’d really value your views, as a member of your community, so do get involved and have a say.”
The consultation, which ends on 21 September, can be viewed online www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/floodriskstrategy or call 01522 782070 to request a hard copy.
22 May 2012
Have a safe journey to the prom
PROM-bound teenagers looking to book a limo to take them to the end-of-school party are being warned to put safety first and ensure their carriage doesn’t break the law.
As the end of the school year approaches many pupils are planning to celebrate with an annual ‘prom’ or leaver’s celebration.
Warning parents booking transport to ensure the vehicle, driver and operator are properly licensed.
Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 private hire vehicles, which includes limousines and hummers, their drivers and booking agents are all legally required to have a licence issued by the appropriate district council.
This rule applies to any hire vehicle which can carry eight or fewer passengers and comes with a driver. Limousines which carry more than eight passengers are required to be licensed by the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA).
It is important that parents do check out the company before hiring a vehicle and that their children are safe.
“When you’re booking transport check that the booking operator has a licence number. You can then confirm this number with the South Holland Council Licensing Team.
“On the night, the driver will also be able to show you their licence, licence plate and driver’s badge. These simple checks may go a long way to your children’s’ safety and supporting high standards of operators in the District.”
Driving vehicles without a licence is an offence and carries a maximum fine of £1,000. South Holland District Council will investigate anyone who is found to be illegally driving or taking bookings for an unlicensed vehicle.
12 April 2012
Jubilee Street Party Toolkit Available
South Holland District Council (SHDC) is encouraging local communities across the District to get involved and celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s II 60 years reign.
Numerous street parties and fun filled activities have been organised across the District on the extended weekend of Saturday 2 June through to Tuesday 5 June 2012. These include family fun days, pic-nics, concerts, special church services and lighting of Beacons.
SHDC community development team are keen to hear from any community who has an event planned and/or would like to light a beacon as part of the royal jubilee celebrations. This is a long and unbroken tradition and the plan for 2012 is to light 2012 beacons across the UK, with Her Majesty lighting the National Beacon on Monday 4th June. Seven South Holland communities have already expressed an interest in lighting their own Beacon. The deadline to register your interest is 30th April 2012.
SHDC has also produced a 'Street Party Toolkit' which is an easy to follow guide on everything you need to know about planning and organising a community celebration event. The Council can also assist with promotion, publicity and funding.
For more details contact the community development team on 01775 761161 or email or visit
http://www.sholland.gov.uk/leisure/TheQueensDiamondJubilee2012.htm.
4 April
Spring concerts and composition workshops
TWO of South Holland’s finest churches are hosting spring concerts by the fabulous London Mozart Players this month.
They form part of a London Mozart Players residency in the district which involves these performances and a series of composition workshops with sound artist and composer Duncan Chapman in creating a South Holland Symphony.
The concerts are at St Mary Magdalene Church, Gedney on Thursday, April 19 and Croyland Abbey, Crowland on Friday, April 20, both starting at 7.30pm.
The programme includes Ibert - Pieces (5) in Trio for oboe, clarinet and bassoon; Fauré - Dolly Suite, Op. 56; Hindemith - Kleine Kammermusik for Wind Quintet, Op. 24 no 2; Arnold - Trio for flute, oboe and clarinet and Bizet - Jeux d'enfants, Op. 22.
The concerts are designed to have a relaxed atmosphere and there will be an opportunity to chat informally with the musicians and the composer during the interval. Refreshments will be available during the intervals. These are provided by the churches, and income goes to church funds. Seating in all churches is unreserved and you may wish to bring a cushion with you.
Concert tickets are: £7 (£3 under-18s and students). To book call South Holland Centre 01775 764777 or book online at www.southhollandcentre.co.uk. Tickets are also available from Jane Webb, for the Gedney concert, on 01406 363673 and Michael Barcroft, for the Crowland concert, on 01733 211391. Pre-booking is advisable.
To contribute to the Symphony come along to a FREE workshop. The next workshops are on Saturday, April 21, 10am - 12 noon at Croyland Abbey, Crowland and at South Holland Centre, Spalding 2-4pm.
Food hygiene drop-in session in Spalding
THE third of a series of drop-in sessions spelling out the start of a new food hygiene rating system in South Holland will be held on Tuesday, March 6.
Food business operators from throughout the district are invited to the Council Offices, Priory Road, Spalding to find out about the new process.
From the end of March, South Holland District Council is replacing the current Tulip scheme with one which operates nationally in partnership with the Food Standards Agency.
This initiative is designed to help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food, giving them information about the hygiene standards at the time premises were inspected, to check compliance with legal requirements.
Drop-in sessions have already taken place at the market in Spalding and Long Sutton where Food Safety Officers have been answering questions and giving general advice. The Priory Road session, from 5-7pm, is also open to the public, so they can find out more about the scheme.
The scheme will be officially launched on March 28 and all food businesses within the scope of council inspections will be rated, using data from their last inspection, under the new scheme.
There will be no separate visits for ratings purposes before the new scheme is launched and there will be some businesses ‘out of scope’ or exempt. No new ratings will be issued under the current Tulip system.
Further guidance can be found at www.food.gov.uk/ratings and will be available at the ‘drop in sessions’
23 January
Deal offered for cut-price fuel
A UNIQUE deal has been offered to slash fuel bills for domestic customers in South Holland.
Tariffs for customers joining the scheme would be at least 15 per cent below the lowest prices paid for electricity and gas in the district.
South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter said: “Following a meeting this week with a smaller scale energy supplier I am pleased to announce we have been offered a great deal for the households of South Holland.
“The supplier has agreed that subject to a minimum amount of homes - as yet unspecified - they will guarantee to beat the best tariff being charged in South Holland by a minimum of 15 per cent. This would save customers, on average, about £150 a year.
“In addition to this they will put all customers on smart meters from the start of the arrangement, which is at least two years ahead of a national roll-out by the other companies.
“Smart meters will give everybody access to live, easy-to-understand information that will allow people to manage their consumption more intelligently. In areas where they have been trialled they have led to significant reductions in consumption of both gas and electricity.
“There is no requirement for people to take both gas and electricity although I believe where people have both they will want to take both.
“There is also the possibility that where people want to link this to the use of solar panels, a preferential scheme for installing charging and billing will be available.”
Already hundreds of residents have registered an interest in a new deal amid growing frustration at the high cost of fuel.
Householders are being urged to join the register with more than 770 already having expressed an interest in the deal. To register go online to www.sholland.gov.uk/doitonline/plandev/fueltariffregister.aspx, contact your ward councillor or paper copies of the register are available on request from SHDC, Council Offices, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincs PE11 2XE.
20 January
SHDC to switch to National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
Food business operators throughout South Holland are being invited to attend drop-in sessions heralding the start of a new food hygiene rating system in the district.
From the end of March, South Holland District Council is replacing the current Tulip scheme with one which operates nationally in partnership with the Food Standards Agency.
This initiative is designed to help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food, giving them information about the hygiene standards at the time premises were inspected, to check compliance with legal requirements.
Up to 900 food outlets in South Holland are being invited to drop-in sessions taking place in Spalding and Long Sutton where Food Safety Officers will be available to answer questions and give general advice. These sessions are also open to the public, so they can find out more about the scheme.
The drop-in sessions are on January 31, 2012 (9am- 12pm) in the Red Lion Quarter Atrium, Crackpool Lane, Spalding PE11 1WD and, weather permitting, a stall on Spalding Market, Market Place, and on February 10 (9am-12pm) at Long Sutton Market House, 9 Market Street, Long Sutton, PE12 9DD, and, weather permitting, a stall on Long Sutton Market, Market Place, Long Sutton.
Councillor Malcolm Chandler, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, said, “This is an excellent opportunity to find out the workings of the new food hygiene rating scheme and I would urge food business owners and managers to make themselves familiar with how it operates. A good food hygiene rating will be a good advertisement for your business.”
The scheme will be officially launched on March 28 and all food businesses within the scope of council inspections will be rated, using data from their last inspection, under the new scheme.
There will be no separate visits for ratings purposes before the new scheme is launched and there will be some businesses ‘out of scope’ or exempt. No new ratings will be issued under the current Tulip system.
If businesses have not heard from SHDC by the end of February 2012, they can assume that their business is not within scope.
Further guidance can be found at www.food.gov.uk/ratings and will be available at the ‘drop in sessions’.
13 January 2012
Council Support Available for Diamond Jubilee Celebrations 2012
South Holland District Council (SHDC) want to support local communities across the District who want to get involved and celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s II 60 years reign.
To mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, Diamond Jubilee celebrations will be taking place nationally and regionally, including celebrations across South Holland. South Holland District Council is encouraging everyone to get involved in celebrating around the extended weekend of 2, 3, 4 and 5 June. To help communities make the most of this landmark occasion, SHDC are offering support and advice for local communities to host street parties to celebrate.
If you’re thinking of organising a Diamond Jubilee event then visit SHDC’s Diamond Jubilee webpage, where you’ll find the Council’s Street Party Toolkit, which contains everything you need to get started planning your celebration.
The SHDC site also includes a Guide to Taking Part and links to lots of other websites that give useful information about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Information is also available in a podcast on our Podcasts & Interviews webpage.
The celebrations will mainly be centred on the extended weekend of Saturday 2nd June through to Tuesday 5th June 2012.
SHDC is producing a “Street Party Toolkit” which is an easy to follow guide on everything you need to know about planning and organising a community celebration event. The Council can also provide support and advice, encouraging communities to get involved as well as with promotion/publicity and funding.
SHDC community development team are also keen to hear from any community who would like to light a beacon as part of the royal jubilee celebrations. This is a long and unbroken tradition and the plan for 2012 is to light 2012 beacons across the UK, with Her Majesty lighting the National Beacon on Monday 4th June.
Grants are available for street parties and community events from a number of organisations including SHDC’s Designated Budget Scheme where each Councillor has monies available for local projects and initiatives. For more information visit http://www.sholland.gov.uk/council/councillors/Designated+Councillor+Budgets.htm.
For more details contact SHDC’s community development team on 01775 761161, email community@sholland.gov.uk or visit the Council website at
http://www.sholland.gov.uk/leisure/TheQueensDiamondJubilee2012.htm
31 October
Top grades for council housing service
A SERVICE which provides help for more than 1,500 residents in South Holland has won top marks by a team of inspectors.
Straight A grades have been awarded to South Holland District Council’s Supported Housing programme which enables many elderly, disabled or vulnerable adults to live independent lives.
The inspection, carried out by Lincolnshire County Council, covered standards set in security, health and safety as well as safeguarding clients.
It also looked at planning and ensuring that the service caters for clients’ needs at the 30-plus schemes across the district which stretches from Donington in the north to Sutton Bridge in the south east.
The service supports independent living but does not provide personal care for residents. Visiting scheme managers provide guidance for clients and look out for their welfare.
The Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) inspection report gave its work A grades in assessment and support planning; security, health and safety; Safeguarding and protection from abuse; fair access, diversity and inclusion and client involvement and empowerment.
Supported Housing Manager Joanne Craik said: “The Supported Housing team is a great asset to the council and we are delighted with the performance that is achieved by the staff year after year.
“They all work extremely hard and the majority work above and beyond what is expected of them.”
Councillor Christine Lawton, South Holland District Council Portfolio Holder for Housing Landlord, said: “I am not surprised by by this excellent assessment. We have efficient and dedicated staff across all our housing teams and our supported housing staff work extremely hard to look after the welfare of our elderly and vulnerable tenants. I am proud of their achievements and congratulate them all.”
24 October
Youngsters enjoy trip to SHDC
YOUNGSTERS enjoyed a lesson on the work of local government during a trip to South Holland District Council’s offices.
Ten pupils from St John the Baptist Primary School in Spalding were given insight into operations at Priory Road.
They had a look at the council chamber – where local representatives make key decisions about local affairs – and were shown a display in the housing department of council-owned homes. They also learned about the work of South Holland Youth Council.
A DVD on local democracy and the importance of voting were also part of the programme in an afternoon of events run with school governor and council Opposition Leader Councillor Angela Newton.
The children, aged eight to 11, and all recently elected members of the school council, were able to ask questions about the council’s work and took part in a mini-quiz on the council and politics.
Shanice Forster, Year 6 Junior Road Safety Officer, said: “It was very useful finding out about voting and having a tour around the council offices. It taught me more about what the council did. I would love to go again.”
And Libbi Burchnall added: "I really enjoyed the trip because I got to sit in the councillors’ chamber.”
Councillor Newton thanked all pupils and the teachers for visiting the Council Offices and gave them some promotional fabric bags, leaflets and pens to take away to commemorate their visit.
She said, “This visit gave pupils an interesting insight into what SHDC does and this is important as they are the political leaders and council taxpayers of the future.”
14 October
Save cash on energy bills
A MAJOR drive to help people save money on their fuel bills is being spearheaded in South Holland.
South Holland District Council is offering an energy assessment service which will help you work out how you can cut your costs.
Savings made by introducing measures around your home to lower your fuel bills will soon outweigh the cost of the assessment.
More than a third of your home's heat is lost through the walls and more than 20 per cent is lost through its roof while there are many other ways to reduce energy consumption.
Fuel costs are expected to increase dramatically in the lead up to 2020 with many households already struggling to keep pace with the rise in prices.
Councillor Roger Gambba-Jones, SHDC Portfolio Holder for Carbon Management, said, "I would certainly urge residents to take advantage of this service before this year's cold weather arrives, especially as it is again forecast to bring us below average winter temperatures. Not only could residents benefit directly by saving money on their energy bills, they would also be making a valuable contribution towards the reduction of our district's carbon footprint."
If you are spending more than 10 per cent of your income on gas, electricity or oil there are various schemes available to help you cut the costs.
Under the HELP (Home Energy Lincs Partnership) scheme cavity wall and loft insulation are free for people on benefits or those who are over the age of 70.
HELP is a partnership between all district councils in Lincolnshire, including South Holland. There are also many other schemes available to assist you with which the energy technician will be able to advise you.
A partner organisation, Street Energy, will be calling at residents' homes offering to install cavity wall and loft insulation, under the HELP scheme.
The council's NI187 Technician will be supplying a questionnaire to residents to determine whether they could benefit from an energy assessment.
Questions will focus on boilers, solar panels, double glazing, heating systems, thermostats and low energy light bulbs.
All customers are urged to complete the questionnaire and those who are 'able to pay' will receive their assessment at a below-market cost.
Paper versions have already been sent out but can be obtained online on SHDC's website.
For more details contact Riga Jansons, NI 187 Technician at South Holland District Council, rjansons@sholland.gov.uk. Telephone 01775 764832 or log on to www.sholland.gov.uk.
14 October
Offenders work in Community Payback
OFFENDERS have been paying back to the community by helping to tidy up areas of South Holland and sprucing up Spalding’s riverside.
Lincolnshire Probation Trust, in partnership with South Holland District Council (SHDC), has been supervising teams of workers under the Community Payback scheme.
Some of the work has been part-funded under the council’s designated members’ budget scheme, which gives individual councillors a sum of money to pay for grassroots community projects.
The Community Payback teams have been operating in a number of parts of the district including Sutton Bridge, Long Sutton, Weston and Spalding. Work has included gardening and tidying up communal areas on SHDC sheltered housing schemes.
On the riverbank, in Spalding, the teams have been renovating and replacing benches and have been praised for doing a fantastic job.
Councillor Gary Taylor, SHDC Portfolio Holder for Internal Services and ward councillor for Spalding Castle, said: “Residents in my ward have raised concerns with me regarding the condition of certain parts of the riverbank, in particular the condition of the wooden benches. We have now sought the services of the Community Payback team from the Probation service to carry out work in this area.
“Residents want to see offenders giving something back to their community and I agree. It’s vital that the public see that we are taking action and justice must be seen to be done and this should also be a deterrent to would-be offenders.
“This project and others are benefiting the community by making improvements to our local environment. Anyone can nominate an area to be improved. Please contact me with suggestions for other areas.”
10 October
Pumpkin Festival packed with fun
THE 11th annual Spalding Pumpkin Festival was today hailed a resounding success after an evening glowing with fun and sparkling with fireworks.
The Market Place was transformed into a sea of orange as thousands of people from around South Holland and beyond joined in the celebrations to honour the wonderful pumpkin.
Hundreds of youngsters and many in their senior years were kitted out in pumpkin fashion, the Sheep Market was thriving with stalls and nearby shops were bedecked in pumpkin paraphenalia.
Many families joined in the spectacle of the Pumpkin Parade, headed by Flower Queen Daisy Ivatt as lantern-holding youngsters lit up the darkness while touring the town.
Food, fancy dress, pumpkin carving, entertainment including music and drama were all part of thrilling itinerary of entertainment.
The night’s activities reached a dramatic finale with fireworks launched from above the South Holland Centre before The Wild Boys rounded off a mouth-watering series of musical entertainment.
South Holland District Council Deputy Leader Councillor Nick Worth said: “This was a real treat for all the family to enjoy. A celebration of the harvest and all that is good in South Holland.”
Grower David Bowman is the UK’s biggest producer of pumpkins, producing more than two million every year to supply supermarkets up and down the country. He gives away hundreds of pumpkins away at the festival every year.
The event began in October 2000 and has been held annually since with the town mobilised into a march with a difference every autumn.
The Pumpkin Festival was organised by South Holland District Council, supported by The Rotary Club of Welland Centenary and Spalding Lions. The event was sponsored by David Bowman Ltd and compered by Tulip Radio.
27 September
Carving out fun at pumpkin parade
Pumpkin carver Jonathan Nicholls is challenging youngsters to use their imagination at South Holland’s party of the decade.
With just over a week to go to the Spalding Pumpkin Festival, organised by South Holland District Council, Mr Nicholls is hoping to see a procession of top drawer designs at the town’s renowned parade.
Armed with chisels, kitchen knives, apple corers and even a plasterer’s saw, Mr Nicholls and his wife Angela, who runs Farmhouse Chicken Crafts, will set up stall to demonstrate the art and intracacies of their pumpkin carving craft.
They want parade -goers to think beyond the standard Jack O’Lantern and peel off some creative new figures to give extra variety to the sea of orange that will decend on the town centre on October 7.
Mr Nicholls, whose day job is as a broadband engineer for BT, said: “I want people to use their imagination and have the confidence to think outside the box, or beyond the pumpkin as you might say.
“Instead of the standard Jack O’Lantern there are so many other things you can create in a carved pumpkin and bring a smile to somebody’s face. It’s the humour that it creates.”
Among the couple’s repertoire for pumpkin design is a pumpkin-eating pumpkin, spiderman, sunflower, cat, autumn lady and errant pumpkins as inmates and those that have been drinking too much.
But it’s not just faces that have captured the couple’s imagination as they have used the orange spheres as houses, lanterns and even a toadstool.
The pair, from Gosberton, near Spalding, discovered the delights of pumpkins around 14 years ago during a trip to New England in the United States. There, youngsters take to the pumpkin fields, pick their specimen and return home to create a character or caricature of their own.
Carving is just one of many pumpkin-themed stalls and activities that will be at the Spalding Pumpkin Festival which runs from 10am until 9pm. There will be street entertainment and an interactive display from the National Farmers Union on why farming mattters. David Bowman donates thousands of pumpkins to schools for children to decorate and bring along to the parade.
Clowns, live music, a fancy dress contest fireworks and cookery demonstrations are all part of the line-up with the centrepiece of proceedings the pumpkin parade, headed by South Holland Flower Queen Daisy Ivatt in her pumpkin coach, which starts from 6.30pm.
South Holland District Council Deputy Leader Nick Worth said: “The whole programme is lining up to be yet another fantastic treat for the people of South Holland to come and enjoy. Join us, bring the family and celebrate the humble pumpkin!”
The Pumpkin Parade is organised by South Holland District Council and is supported by The Rotary Club of Welland Centenary and Spalding Lions. The event is sponsored by David Bowman Ltd with community radio station Tulip Radio as comperes for the event.
23 September
Councils in talks to share management and achieve further benefits
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has today entered into discussions with Breckland and South Holland District Councils to investigate sharing a single management team across the three authorities.
The talks come just twelve months after Breckland and South Holland appointed a joint chief executive and six months after they merged their management teams, a move which has created year on year savings of more than £1m.
It is believed that if the management merger across three local authorities goes ahead it will be the first of its kind in UK local government.
It will lead the way in shaping how District Council’s work with elected executive Cabinets, it will achieve improved value for money from the investment in senior managers, provide greater resilience to the Councils when this is needed and, in addition, provide further savings for Breckland and South Holland and create savings for Great Yarmouth.
Steve Ames, Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “Breckland and South Holland District Councils have demonstrated the way in which shared management can work and my council is delighted to be able to seize this opportunity to explore working with them.
“This offers Great Yarmouth the chance to develop greater resilience and it will give access to a wider range of management skill and experience, allied to better recruitment and retention prospects.
“Local government is changing rapidly and these talks put Great Yarmouth in the vanguard of this change. We are taking control of our destiny and ensuring that this authority is structured in a way that can meet the challenges we face head on.”
“These are difficult times and it is only by looking to adopt new and innovative ways of working that we can create the organisation and savings needed to continue to provide the quality services valued by our residents.”
William Nunn, Leader of Breckland Council, said he now expected talks to progress at a pace. He said, “During the initial stages of discussion the focus of our efforts will be to determine how a shared management team can work efficiently and effectively over the three authorities. We hope that by the end of 2011 we will have been able to conclude what the shared management structure will look like so that we can push ahead with proposals and a report in early 2012. We are acutely aware as we enter these talks that there will inevitably be a period of uncertainty for staff at all three authorities. We will endeavour to deal with all issues that arise in a sensitive, consultative and timely manner.”
The concept of sharing a single management team over three authorities breaks new ground in local government thinking but Gary Porter, Leader of South Holland District Council, said: “Our aim is to ensure that we keep locally accountable elected member representation at the heart of local government whilst still making the savings that our communities expect us to make and at the same time protecting the services that they care about.”
15 September
Think twice when preparing your ice!
Businesses selling drinks and householders are being warned to take care when serving ice cold beverages.
A glass providing thirst-quenching refreshment - with ice to make it colder - may contain more than you have bargained for.
Thirty per cent of ice tested failed safety tests in a survey, by the Health Protection Agency and Local Authorities. South Holland District Council participated in this survey.
All four premises sampled by environmental health officers from South Holland District Council were unsatisfactory for at least one sample when either ice or machine/equipment was swab-tested.
The majority of these had coliform bacteria or enterobacteria, both of which are indicators of poor hygiene. This is usually caused by insufficient hand washing and/or poor cleaning of equipment and utensils.
All of the premises were subject to follow-up action by food officers from the council and re-sampling took place where appropriate.
Ice machines are notoriously difficult to clean and are an ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew in particular - mostly due to their storage position which is the cellar in most cases. In one case visible mould growth was present within the ice machine and within the ice cubes themselves.
A lot of premises now use commercially produced ice bags to try to avoid these problems. However, even these will be contaminated if poorly handled.
Ice samples are currently tested against drinking water standards which means that any slightly raised levels of bacterial growth will make the sample unsatisfactory.
Councillor Malcolm Chandler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health, said: “Food safety officers from South Holland DC participated in this national survey. We sample a wide variety of foods throughout the year as part of our sampling programme, to make sure the public are confident in the food they eat. They expect food to be safe and to have been handled hygienically. Officers have carried out the necessary follow-up action to ensure that all appropriate advice was given, and re-sampling carried out.”
The study, led by microbiology professionals at the HPA’s Food, Water and Environmental laboratory in Leeds was carried out in partnership with environmental health officers in local authorities across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. It involved collecting ice samples at random from 88 premises including coffee shops, hotels, public houses, restaurants and supermarkets.
14 September
Youngsters rebuild Land Rover for charity
Youngsters have been working hard to rebuild a Land Rover to be used by a charity providing holidays for deprived children.
The team, in Sutton Bridge, have helped strip and rebuild the vehicle – in a workshop provided by South Holland District Council – ready for it to be delivered to its new owners.
The council teamed up with police and a number of other partners in finding a project that would capture the imagination of young people in the 13 to 17 age range and help keep them off the streets.
Police Community Support Officer Ben Harrington said: “There have been problems with anti-social behaviour in Sutton Bridge so we we were looking for something specific for the kids to do. A few of the kids said they wanted to do something with cars.”
The team managed to pick up a “battered and bruised” Land Rover Station Wagon 110 Defender which was wanted by a charity working in Africa.
The original 12-strong group set about working on the vehicle under the guidance of mechanics Stuart Coote and Andy Hunt, PCSO Harrington, Pc Laura Griggs, County Youth Development Worker Sarah Coote, SHDC Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Abigail Cooper and Annie Best from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
PCSO Harrington said: “We stripped the vehicle down, repainted it and replaced old parts with new. We were going to pass it to a charity working in Africa but they no longer needed it, so I started trawling the internet and was delighted to learn that this particular vehicle was on another charity’s wish-list.”
Stuart said: “Over the past 17 months a very special group of young people have given their time freely and without conditions to strip and rebuild a 1999 Land Rover.
“I am proud of the group and would work with them anytime and do what I can to support them.”
The mainstays of the team have been 16-year-olds Karl Tear, Sam Bacon and Martyn Kennett, Daisy Kilbon (14) and Anthony Hughes (15). Teenagers Matthew Fuller and Ryan Gowler were also involved. Their work is accredited with an Asdan qualification.
Anthony said: “This has given me new skills in working on a Land Rover, working as a team and getting on with a different variety of people.”
Now the team is preparing to take it down to Portsmouth, Hampshire, to hand over the keys to new owners, The Second Chance Children’s Charity, which works with children from difficult and complex backgrounds.
From there, charity workers will ship the Land Rover out to Finland where it will be used to transport youngsters.
The charity, which was founded in 1984, takes youngsters fishing and uses the pastime to help give youngsters a sense of achievement, confidence and social understanding.
Councillor Nick Worth, SHDC Portfolio Holder for Community Safety said: “This project has given these young people something to focus on that has used and further developed their skills and qualifications. It has provided them with a real achievement that will help disadvantaged children. Well done!”
Lincolnshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Keith Smy said: “It was a privilege to visit those involved in this project and see first hand what they have achieved. Not only is it a practical diversionary project that teaches local teenagers some valuable skills, it has also benefited a worthy cause. I think that the young people taking part in this project should be really proud of their efforts as well as all those involved who have worked really hard to make this vision a reality.”
The project was a partnership between South Holland District Council, police, Lincolnshire County Council, the Lincolnshire Criminal Justice Unit and the Community Volunteer Service.
5 September
Pop fizzes at day of squash!
Spalding Pumpkin Festival: Friday 7 October 2011
Dance floor fillers the Wild Boys have been lined up to bring some sparkling pop to a day of squash at Spalding’s award-winning Pumpkin Parade.
Famed for yielding a bumper crop of musical covers, the five-piece outfit will finish off a day celebrating the harvest from South Holland’s fields of gold.
From Billy Idol numbers to KC and the Sunshine Band, the Wild Boys have built a reputation for their 80s-style sets and will round off the annual spectacle with some quality entertainment.
Rich Knight, the band’s vocalist, said: “Wild Boys are the ultimate live 80s cover band. Having formed in the summer of 2009 Wild Boys are already setting very high standards with their vast performing experience and exciting shows! Covering all the great artists from the best decade in music. The 80's!”
The day’s festivities start at 10am with a programme of family fun, live music from Megz Mcpartlin, indie trio the Romantic Idols who won last year’s Lincolnshire Battle of the Bands, The Wellocks, Kamikaze Hotshot, street artists and fireworks – all in honour of the humble pumpkin.
Grower David Bowman is the UK’s biggest producer of pumpkins, with more than two million decorating the landscape of the district during the year. Mr Bowman gives away thousands of them to schoolchildren and charities every year.
The parade, led by Spalding Flower Queen Daisy Ivatt, starts at 6.30pm and will tour the town centre. Children and their families are invited to join in with their decorated pumpkins.
South Holland District Council Deputy Leader Nick Worth said: “We are delighted that the Wild Boys are joining the line up of fantastic entertainment that will make the Pumpkin Festival another great success this year.”
The musical entertainment begins at 4pm, the fireworks display at 7.30pm before the Wild Boys wrap up the musical entertainment.
The Pumpkin Parade is organised by South Holland District Council and is supported by The Rotary Club of Welland Centenary and Spalding Lions. The event is sponsored by David Bowman Ltd.
5 September
Gardening trio volunteer for "Dig Society"
Three community-spirited volunteers have turned to the "Dig Society" to help transform a patch of land and help fill the larders at a Spalding housing complex.
Roland Munton, George Isaac and "Brush" Wright have been getting their heads down tilling and cultivating the land outside their homes to grow vegetables and flowers.
They have embraced the spirit of the Big Society concept with their own "Dig Society", volunteering their time to produce fresh potatoes, spring cabbages, cauliflowers, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and onions.
They are even lining up a crop of Brussel sprouts for the dinner table at Christmas.
The trio are all residents at Nene Court, off Thames Road in Spalding, which is owned and managed by South Holland District Council.
Roland (67), who has spent half a century in horticulture, has been leading the way with his expertise and is ably assisted by retired site agent George
(78) and "Brush", who has spent 45 of his 62 years as a plumber.
Brush said: "To be honest this patch of land was a complete mess and needed a lot of attention. The council cuts the grass round here and we have been working on the beds and verges to put a bit of community spirit into the job."
Roland said: "We grow the vegetables and let the residents have them when they are ready."
For George, who originates from the Caribbean and who is the veteran of three-man gang, the work is a departure from his time as a site agent where he helped build schools, police stations and hospitals.
Now the three, while continuing the work they have already started, have
set their minds on expanding to include a nearby raised bed which has been reclaimed by nature and needs a good tidy.
SHDC Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Christine Lawton, said: "As a veg gardener myself and a helper and weeder for Spalding in Bloom, I
really think these diggers of the Dig Society deserve our respect.
"I'm always impressed by how well-looked after our sheltered housing schemes are, and these gentlemen gardeners are a credit to Nene Court and South Holland."
Councillor Nick Worth, Portfolio Holder for Big Society and Localism, said:
"It is really inspiring to see these three people using their knowledge and expertise in growing vegetables to give their local community access to locally grown food. A great example of Big Society in action."
Nene Court scheme manager Alison Conroy said: "They asked me if they could work on it and plant some things there and it just took off from there. It keeps them busy and I'm hoping it might encourage other tenants to do something similar where they live. What they have been doing is really smashing."
Community Support co-ordinator Linda Woodger said: "It's great to see the three gentlemen coming together to do something for their community, enjoying it and even supplying residents with fresh vegetables.
"The three of them also do a fantastic job of maintaining the gardens around Nene House by ensuring that it is clear from weeds. I hope other people are inspired by them and the great work they do and possibly start something similar in their own area. "
24 August
Rent a Room to bring in cash
Residents in South Holland who are struggling with the cost of living but have a spare room in the house are being urged to rent it out.
The Government’s Rent a Room scheme encourages households to take in a lodger and earn an extra income of up to £4,250 a year tax-free.
The scheme is available to both home owners and tenants - with the landlord’s permission - letting furnished rooms in their home.
South Holland District Council's Housing Advice team provides information to would-be landlords about the scheme and refer future tenants.
SHDC Portfolio Holder for Housing Christine Lawton said: “We acknowledge that in the current economic climate many people are living on reduced incomes while enduring higher costs but the Rent a Room scheme could help give you a vital extra income.
“South Holland District Council’s housing team is here to give help and advise anyone wanting to look into this initiative. We look forward to hearing from you.”
For more information on the rent-a-room scheme, call the Council’s Housing Advice team on 01775 761161 or visit www.direct.gov.uk.
19 August
Don’t lose your vote in 2012
VOTERS throughout South Holland are being urged to make sure they don’t miss out at election time.
Registration forms will soon be dropping through letterboxes across the district and residents are being urged to return theirs as soon as possible to make sure their voice is heard.
Between August 19 and 30 all households will receive a form to help compile the electoral register.
South Holland Returning Officer Terry Huggins said: “Registering to vote is very simple. All you have to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return it to us as soon as possible.
“Some people may not realise that legally they have to register every year so it is important that you respond to the registration form so you’re able to take part in any elections in 2012.”
All British, Commonwealth, Irish and EU citizens over the age of 18 should register to vote and there are four ways in which this can be done. If there are no changes to the details printed on the form householders can confirm their details by phone, internet or text message or by signing and returning the form.
Telephone, internet and text message can only be used if no changes need to be made to the information.
If details need amending or names need to be added or deleted you can only register by completing the form. The new register, which will include all residential properties, will be effective from December 1 this year.
The district council has to make the full electoral register available for anyone to look at. However on the registration form you can opt to have your details excluded from the edited register - which is readily available - stopping your details becoming available to commercial organisations.
The full register can also used by credit reference agencies when checking residency and if a person is not registered they may experience difficulties opening a bank account or obtaining credit.
If any household has not received a form by September 1, contact electoral services (elections@sholland.gov.uk) or Electoral Services at the Council Offices, Spalding on 01775 761161. Forms can also be printed off at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.
12 August
Castle Sports Complex, Spalding
The future of a South Holland leisure centre will be debated in the coming months with a range of future options on the table.
South Holland District Councillors will be examining sports provision in the district with the future of Castle Sports Complex in Spalding at the heart of the agenda.
The centre was opened nearly 40 years ago and the council is in the process of paving a way forward that will take into account the current economic climate, involve residents and benefit the whole of the district.
Key sporting organisations, businesses and political figures will be encouraged to participate in future discussions on sporting facilities.
Councillor Howard Johnson, South Holland Portfolio Holder for Property, said, “This is a big decision for our community. We are looking at a number of solutions and following any decision will consult widely on the way foward. In the current financial times we will not be able to please everyone so there will have to be difficult decisions.
“The Castle Sports Complex is 40 years old and it is time to decide its future. We need to consider the options available to the council that provides the most cost effective provision for the community, from doing nothing, replacing it or refurbishing it, these are the issues that we will look at. Ultimately we have a responsibility to the Council Tax payers of the district and our final decision must rest on what best serves their interests.”
8 August
Important changes to housing benefit
HOUSING benefit claimants in South Holland are being warned that help towards their rent is likely to be reduced from next year.
Changes to housing benefit legislation were introduced in April this year, which saw a reduction in the amount of Local Housing Allowance that some people were eligible to receive. Claimants currently receiving nine months' protection as a result of this legislation change will no longer do so from January 1 next year.
If you are under 35, single and currently receive benefit towards renting a one bedroom property you will only receive financial assistance towards renting a room in a shared house.
The maximum rate of housing benefit will also be limited to the rate for a four bedroom property and not five bedrooms.
Current claimants will be notified of their new entitlements by the South Holland District Council when their annual review is due.
These changes could mean that you are no longer able to meet your rent payments. If you are one of these people, please contact the Housing
Benefit team on 01775 761161 to see how these changes will affect you.
27 July 2011
South Holland newcomers master English
NEWCOMERS to South Holland have been overcoming the language barrier and getting to grips with British culture by taking English classes.
More than 200 people who originate from all parts of the globe, including South America, South East Asia and Eastern Europe, have been learning the lingo.
The project, Learning English in South Holland (Lesh), a partnership between South Holland District Council and The Peele Community College, Long Sutton, culminated in an evening of celebration at Springfields where learners received certificates from District Councillor and Cabinet member Gary Taylor.
The objective was to provide English language and conversation classes where participants could learn and practice their speaking skills and followed a report which identified a need to provide such tuition.
The report authors, who looked at the needs of the community, consulted with schools, businesses, employers, agencies and community groups. Classes were then provided across the district including Spalding Library and in Holbeach, Spalding and Sutton Bridge Children's Centres. There were also family learning sessions held in four primary schools.
One learner, Bolivian Carmen De Almedia, whose first language is Spanish, said of the courses: "They were amazing. Before, I didn't have the opportunity to get better at English. It is very important for me to support my son who is in school and I want to be able to help him at home.
"I have much better pronunciation now have really enjoyed every course and everything I have learned. Each course gave me practice and I can ask questions of the teachers to explain things.
"I have learned about Christmas in England and I teach my son everything that I have learned about English culture. It is very important to me as my son was born here, we live here and it is important to understand the language and culture.
"My son and I took part in the family learning classes and we learnt about the tradition of fireworks and Christmas crackers."
Councillor Taylor said: "This is an excellent achievement for all of those who have been involved. English is a rich language and to make the effort to learn it helps to tackle the issue of cohesion in our community."
Nationalities included Russian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish Portuguese, Malaysian, Chinese, Bolivian, Spanish, Slovakian, Brazilian, Ecuadorian, Estonian, Greek and Bangladeshi.
The languages spoken were Russian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Chinese, Spanish, Slovakian, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Estonian.
Classes will start again in September. To register, or for more information, contact Christine Rawlings on 07586 460868.