Community

Around 200 people enjoyed traditional Lithuanian craft and catering at a special event held in Spalding last weekend. Organised by the Lithuanian community, visitors were treated to a free tea with honey at St Norbert’s Church Hall on Saturday. Alongside a range of confectionery and handmade souvenirs, there was also the chance to meet people from the community. Organiser Vaida-Janina ...

A club that’s helped those with learning difficulties for 50 years is back after a two-and-a-half-year wait. The Spalding Mencap Society were unsure if they’d be able to continue with The Gateway Club after the COVID pandemic due to a lack of volunteers. But following a plea a number have come forward to help and it’s back for its first ...

Two Royal British Legion standard bearers will again be representing the area at the Royal Albert Hall’s Remembrance Concert on Saturday (November 12). Pinchbeck Royal British Legion’s Alan Canham will be flying the county standard alongside his deputy Graham Hewitt, of Spalding branch. Alan said: “I always look forward to it. For me it is always a special day and ...

Spalding is looking fantastic ahead of the Remembrance commemorations thanks in part to The Queen Bees. Remembrance Parade organiser Jan Whitbourn set up a group of knitters to make poppies to decorate the town. They’ve called themselves The Queen Bees and it’s already having an impact. “The ladies all work together and I try to get funding in for wool ...

South Holland is set to remember those that have sacrificed their lives in armed conflicts as part of the Armistice commemorations. As ever, there are a number of events taking place in the area. On Armistice Day itself (Friday, November 11) the Spalding branch of the Royal British Legion’s commemorations begin with a parade and service led by Rev. John ...

A Spalding family has again raised a frightening amount for a charity that helps bring health treatments to the town. Jamie and Tracey Knight have for the last six Halloweens decorated their Cathedral Drive home to raise money for charity. In recent years the fundraising aspect has come much closer to home as they raise funds for Hope For Tomorrow. ...

The generosity of South Holland residents, even in tough times, has seen a charity helping Ukraine go from strength-to-strength. Boxes of Hope started in March when the crisis first unfolded and has sent more than 150-tonnes of crucial aid directly to Ukraine since then. The charity has also helped people in the South Holland community, and is now almost ready ...

As winter approaches amid the cost of living crisis and energy bills surging, some groups are setting up ‘warm spaces’ in South Holland. They include both Spalding and Long Sutton libraries which are being donated free tea, coffee and biscuits to serve attendees during the usual opening hours. Visitors, both members and non-members, will be able to access free wi-fi, ...

Staff and residents at Country Court care homes in Spalding had a great time celebrating Diwali. The Hindu festival of lights was used as an opportunity to learn more about the Hindu culture while having some fun. At St John’s Care Home, senior carer Leena (pictured) made a Rangli to share with residents and staff. The traditional, colourful artwork is ...

A Spalding woman has raised hundreds for a hospice by holding a sale, though the there was a slight dampener on the day after some of the takings was stolen. Lisa Thomas, of West Elloe Avenue, put on the event at Broad Street Methodist Church on Saturday, October 22. She volunteers at the Sue Ryder shop in Spalding and wanted ...

An award-winning Spalding based recruitment company has set up Donation Stations to help others. Encore Personnel is celebrating 20 years in business and set up the ‘stations’ where staff members are encouraged to donate everything from food to hygiene products. “We know times are very tough at the moment, particularly for those struggling to pay their fuel bills,” said HR ...

A two-week bid by local charities to secure essentials for the homeless is going well, but there’s still time to donate this weekend. Ella’s Project, the St Barnabas Hospice Shop and the St Thomas Project have launched a two-week appeal looking for donations of duvets, blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats for teenagers and adults. They have already had ...

A Spalding 19-year-old is looking to put a smile on everyone’s face as she bids to be the ambassador for the Spalding Flower Parade next year. Dental nurse Katie Fitter hopes she can inspire others who may have had mental health issues if she’s given the role for the event on Saturday, May 13, 2023. “I love making people smile ...

A horse walked into a care home and he was the only one with a long face. Care assistant Emma Bishop surprised residents and the team at Holbeach Meadows Care Home when she brought along her horse Boss to meet them. Boss and Emma Bishop are pictured above with Martin Johnson below. Sweet natured Boss, who is 21, was happy ...

Sutton Bridge U3A (University of the Third Age) are hosting a Diabetic Education Workshop on Tuesday (November 1). Lisa Master, the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme for this area will be at the Curlew Centre from 1.30pm. Frank Heinrich-Jones of Sutton Bridge U3A said: “Lisa kindly gave a very interesting and though provoking presentation to the Long Sutton Men’s Shed last ...

A flower club has given a blooming marvellous donation to a local charity. Saracen’s Head Flower Club raised £641 from its annual China Tea Party in September. Over the years members have raised a total of £15,000 for local good causes. This year they presented it to health and wellbeing charity Tonic Health which has recently opened its Holbeach Hub. ...

Golfers have swung into action to raise funds for a Spalding charity that puts on sessions for the area’s elderly. Spalding Golf Club chose The Meadows as its charity for the last 12 months raising a total of £2,500. And the club’s members have decided to keep going for another year. Maisie Wenham, of The Meadows management team, said: “The ...

As Halloween approaches, Lincolnshire police are offering free posters for those not wanting trick or treaters knocking on their door. Operation Cauldron aims to encourage parents and guardians to explain to children that elderly or vulnerable people can be frightened by callers. Free posters can be downloaded from the police website. Retailers are also being encouraged not to sell eggs ...

A woman has completed a hat-trick of runs in memory of her friend who tragically died in a road traffic accident last year after beating breast cancer. In the last few weeks Karen Pearson has completed the Great North Run and the Great Eastern Run which she had previously done alongside Teresa Walton. She also took on the London Marathon ...

The support the Royal British Legion (RBL) gave following a death in a veteran’s family has led to a Weston Hills woman taking on next year’s London Marathon. Kylie Bridgeman, who works as a police dispatch officer, has signed up for next April’s 26.2 mile race to raise money for the charity after the support they gave her in-laws Alan ...