Nuttalls Best Beach Donkeys Skegness

Skegness wins the Best Beach Donkeys award, thanks to John and Michelle Nuttall.

Picture: Michelle and John Nuttall with Pedro the donkey.

Keep warm this winter – claim your Winter Fuel Payment

AS the cold winter months quickly approach, the Lincolnshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) has issued a reminder for eligible people to make sure they are claiming their Winter Fuel Payment (WFP).

“The payment is to help cover the cost of energy bills at what is a difficult time of year for many people,” said Energy Advisor, Craig Wilson: “Even if you don’t use the money to pay energy bills you could use it to make your home more energy efficient, by improving insulation and draft proofing, so don’t miss out,” he explained.

If during the qualifying week, September 17 to 23, 2007, you are over 60 and in receipt of a state pension or benefits (excluding Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) you will receive up to £200 (£100 if more than one person in the home is getting the WFP).  Those people aged over 80 will receive £300.

If you have received the Winter Fuel Payment in previous years and your circumstances haven’t changed the payment will be made to your account in November.

If your circumstances have changed, it is important you tell the office that pays your benefit as soon as possible or contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 151515.

If you think you qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment but aren’t getting a State Pension or benefits (or only receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 08459 151 515. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

All claims for winter 2007/2008 must be received by March 30, 2008.
For free, impartial and locally relevant advice on energy efficiency to save energy, money and the environment, Craig advises people to contact the Lincolnshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512012.

Missing Stone Lion Statue - FOUND!!!

The Victorian stone lion statue, which went missing ten years ago when the Lion Hotel was sold to Wetherspoon pub chain has been spotted today.

The lion statue was originally placed on top of the Lion Hotel in Skegness when it was built in 1881. But it was brought down to ground level in 1904 for safety reasons.

The old lion has been a favourite with residents of Skegness and holidaymakers for over a hundred years.

Photo: The Victorian stone lion statue as it was found today.

Read the full story

Local Historian book signing - Lincolnshire Heritage Open Day

Local historian, Winston Kime, was signing copies of his latest history date book this weekend, during Skegness Town Hall Open Day, part of the Lincolnshire Heritage Open Events.

The veteran historian (seated) is pictured below in the Mayor’s Parlour in Skegness with the Mayor of Skegness, members of the town council and visitors.

During the Skegness Town Hall open day, the Mayor of Skegness, Coun Ken Milner and Coun John Byford (right in the photo below), showed visitors the original 1928 painting of the Jolly Fisherman, by John Hassall, which is hung in the Mayor’s Parlour.

In the next picture, Coun Byford shows us the original headboard from the Jolly Fisherman Steam Train, which was used for excursions in the 1960s.

Read more about the Jolly Fisherman Steam Train

Moving into the Council Chambers, Coun Gordon Long shows us a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II which he donated to the Skegness Town Council in 1997.

Though too fragile to be on public display, we were treated to a special peak of the old head of the Jolly Fisherman character which is stored in the upper offices of Skegness Town Hall.

This weekend’s event was the second time that Skegness Town Hall was opened up to visitors, and the occasion proved to be very popular with the public.

Skegness Town Hall Open Day 2006 (includes many more photos and video of the Town Hall treasures)

See Skegness Town Hall Treasures

Try and get along to Skegness Town Hall this weekend and see historical treasures which are kept in the Mayor’s Parlour. The opening weekend forms part of the Lincolnshire Heritage Events.

Exhibits on display include the original paintings of the Jolly Fisherman by John Hassall and the Keys to the Clock Tower.

You’ll be greeted by councillors who will be happy to answer your questions.

We’ll be there today so don’t forget to check back for pictures of the action…

Skegness Town Hall Open Day 2006

Food and health festival comes to Mablethorpe

A SPECIAL food and health festival will be taking place in Mablethorpe on Sunday, September 16, 2007, to highlight the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles.

The event has been organised by East Lindsey District Council in partnership with the Mablethorpe Tourism Forum, and takes place on the same day as the town’s annual marathon.

The festival itself begins at 10am with a European market offering fresh exciting produce from around the world along side local suppliers, who will offer a range of vegetable and other treats from around Lincolnshire.

The Council’s Sports Centre will host a range of indoor and outdoor sports taster sessions throughout the day for free.

The recently redeveloped in the Stanley Avenue area of Mablethorpe will have a range of activities from 12noon until 4.00pm, including cookery demonstrations, children’s games, face painting and art and crafts.

For further information about the events and activities taking place as part of the festival contact East Lindsey District Council’s Environmental Health Team on 08446 601111; or for information about the Mablethorpe Marathon contact Dave Fenton on 01507 479474.

Planning Hearing into Poolham Farm near Horncastle

A PLANNING Hearing by Wintmoor Market Gardens will take place on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, at 10am in Horncastle Town Hall, Boston Road, Horncastle.

The appeal is against the Council’s decision to refuse an outline planning application for a dwelling in connection with agriculture on land at Poolham Hall Farm, Poolham Lane, Poolham, Horncastle.

An independent Planning Inspector appointed by the Government will oversee the appeal.  The public are invited to attend the hearing and at the discretion of the Inspector, may express their views on the application.

To view the documents relating to the planning application, visit www.e-lindsey.gov.uk or view them by prior arrangement at Council offices.

For further information, contact the Council on 08446 601111 or e-mail customer.services@e-lindsey.gov.uk

Sports Mat For Sale - proceeds to Air Ambulance Charity

A local cricket club has asked us to help sell a sports mat, all the money raised will donated to the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.

The sports mat measures 44ft x 5ft and would be suitable for use as an indoor or outdoor cricket net or a bowls matting.

It has been used for one season only at a cricket club, which has now sadly had to close down.

Originally, the club paid £350 for the mat, a bargain at the time as it was worth much more.

The sports mat would have to be collected personally, as it’s too large to post. The pick-up point could be either Skegness or Sleaford.

If you are interested in purchasing the mat for your club, please email for contact details.