Olympics Boost to East Midlands' Economy

The last fortnight has seen an outstanding performance by Team GB and celebration of their success across the country. However, these Games could not have happened without the hard work of suppliers across the country and new figures show that The Olympics have delivered nearly £7 billion of contracts across the UK.

The figures show that forty-four suppliers in the East Midlands have benefited from contracts worth £275million, boosting the economy, jobs and growth in the area.

Giles McNeill, Conservative By-Election Candidate for the Nettleham Ward, said:

“Not only have the Olympics shown the best of Britain, the Games have delivered £275million of contracts to the East Midlands’ economy.

“It is fantastic news that forty-four suppliers from across the region have contributed to making the Olympics the huge success they have been.

“Now we need to continue to work hard to make sure this Olympics legacy boosts the economy, tourism and participation in sports in the years ahead.”

Work on the iconic Olympic Stadium has brought huge benefits to firms in Lincolnshire. Tarmac PreCast Concrete Ltd. of Stamford has provided precast concrete for the terracing. Sidebbottom Richardson Cheng Ltd. of Spalding took on six new members of staff to help with stadium engeneering design work. Meanwhile William Hare Painting of Grantham were contracted to paint the 6,000 tonnes of steelwork at the stadium. Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd. won the contract to build the £1.6m athletes' drop-off point and warm-up track, connected to the main stadium.

Conservative Party Chairman Welcomed to Lincolnshire

Conservatives across Lincolnshire will be welcoming the Conservative Party Chairman, Baroness Warsi, to a reception this evening.

Cllr. Mrs. Rachel Hubbard, Conservative (Lincoln Bracebridge Division), who is the County Chairman will welcome Baroness Warsi with representatives of the constituencies of the Lincolnshire area, which includes both North and North East Lincolnshire as well as the County of Lincolnshire.

The visit comes swiftly, following the defection of Roger Helmer MEP to the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), which followed an acrimonious period between Mr. Helmer and Baroness Warsi, waged publicly in the press, over his resignation and the succession of Rupert Matthews. The Chairman can undoubtedly expect the forthright views of local activists to be expressed to her this evening. At the 1922 Committee, of Conservative Members of Parliament, last week it is reported that Baroness Warsi received a hostile reception - and not just from the usual suspects.

It is believed that the Party Chairman will present an award to the Lincolnshire Conservative Policy Forum for the response to the NHS policy paper circulated in 2011.

Prince of Wales Arrives In County at Nettleham

The Prince meets local school children
Photograph by Dominic Clark for 

The Lincolnite

HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, together with HRH the Duchess of Cornwall arrived yesterday in the county by helicopter, landing in the Police Field, Nettleham.

The prince met participants on the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment who have spent time in the Cathedral works department during a tour of Lincoln Cathedral at which the prince accepted the Cathedral’s invitation to become Patron of the Cathedral Fabric Fund.

Charles and Camilla with Dilys Simpson
Photograph by The Lincolnshire Echo

Cathedral officials also showed the heir to the throne some recent acquisitions, including a new set of Chapter copes made by the needlework guild. He was shown a full size image of the proposed statue of St Mary by sculptor Aidan Hart which is being considered for the re-ordered east end of the Cathedral.

The Prince turned his hand to stonemasonary watched by the Duchess, Charles wore plastic safety goggles as he used a chisel and mallet to chip away at a piece of stone in Lincoln Cathedral's stonemasonry workshop. He laughed when he was told the limestone was a softer version than that used by stonemasons working on the restoration and preservation of the cathedral and joked: 

United in Condolence for Red Arrows Pilot

Edward Leigh MP offered his condolences to the family and relatives of the RAF pilot killed in the Red Arrows during Prime Minister’s Questions today. Mr. Leigh, whose constituency includes RAF Scampton, asked

"In joining me in giving our condolences to the relatives of the Red Arrows pilot killed at RAF Scampton yesterday, will the Prime Minister acknowledge the overriding need for safety, and that our campaign to save RAF Scampton from closure is not just based on sentiment for the historic home of the Dambusters but on the overriding need for the kind of safe, uncluttered skies above north Lincolnshire which the Red Arrows need to practice safely."

The Prime Minister, David Cameron responded: 

"I’m sure the hearts of everyone in this House go out to the family of the pilot who was killed in this terrible accident. It comes on top of a second accident that happened in the Red Arrows and this has obviously been a very tragic time for something the whole country reveres and loves."

The Prime Minister said he knows the Red Arrows consider their Lincolnshire home 'extremely important' and added that 'we must get to the bottom of what happened'.

Edward Leigh has campaigned for the Ministry of Defence to state its intention of keeping RAF Scampton open, especially as home to the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, known as the Red Arrows. Mr. Leigh has met with MOD ministers and written several letters putting the case for the base’s continued usefulness as part of Britain’s defence community and a large contributor to the local economy.

Cllr. Roger Patterson, Conservative (Scampton Ward) said: 

"I am very sorry to hear about the death of Flt Lt Shaun Cummings, of the Red Arrows. 

"Coming so soon after the tragic loss of Flt Lt John Egging it has really it the community of Scampton Hard. 

"Sometimes the things you take for granted are appreciated more when tragedy strikes and right now the community at Scampton realise how blessed we are to have The Red Arrows as part of our community, and we stand resolutely behind the team and all our brave servicemen and woman at Raf Scampton. 

"We are steadfast in our belief that The Red Arrows must fly again as soon as possible and continue to bring joy to the millions of people around the world who hold them in such high esteem and that they continue for many more years and that they do this from Raf Scampton because we as a community are proud that they are based here. 

"My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and his team mates at such a tragic time."

Local Kids Learn About Lincolnshire

Children from across Lincoln have been busy painting pictures, putting up bunting and baking traditional plum bread to celebrate Lincolnshire Day the Lincolnshire Echo reports..

A host of activities have been arranged across the county to mark the fourth official Lincolnshire Day, which commemorates the Pilgrimage of Grace of 1536.

Liam Robinson teaching some youngsters at Nettleham
 Junior School learning a Lincolnshire folk song.
(c) Chris Vaughan/Lincolnshire Echo

Pupils at Nettleham Church of England Aided Junior School in Mill Hill, Nettleham, learned Lincolnshire folk songs with county musician Liam Robinson and listened to a talk by Grace Timmins of Lincoln's Tennyson Research Centre.

Head teacher Mr. David Gibbons said:

"The children and staff had a great day. It's wonderful to give the children a chance to explore the history and character of the county they live in."

Other celebrations taking place yesterday included a food-tasting event held by Lincoln Country Market at Bailgate Methodist Church Hall, an evening of traditional folk song organised by Lincoln Folk Club and a special Lincolnshire-themed day at Gainsborough Old Hall.

Lincolnshire Day will be celebrated with a range of events, including guided tours of Lincoln, birds of prey flying displays at Lincoln Castle, a vintage fair at Lincoln's Engine Shed and craft and farmers' markets at Lincoln's Cornhill, High Street and St Mark's Square.

Lincoln Business Improvement Group events and promotions manager Mr. Michael Armstrong said:

"As each year goes by, more and more people seem to embrace Lincolnshire Day and it's wonderful to see so many people keen to celebrate it.
"It's very important to commemorate our history and heritage and hopefully our Lincolnshire Day celebrations will grow and see more and more people get involved."

EXCLUSIVE: Lincolnshrire Conservative Future's New Team

Members of Lincolnshire Conservative Future met at the White Hart, Bailgate, Lincoln today for their Annual General Meeting and have elected a new team to head up the organisation. The result of the elections is: 

• Area Chairman: Mr. Chris Green (Louth CF) UNOPPOSED
• Deputy Chairman (Political): Mr. Aaron Spencer (Boston CF) ELECTED, Mr. Robin-Hunter Clarke (Skegness CF)
• Deputy Chairman (Membership & Finance): Mr. Thomas Ashton (Boston CF) UNOPPOSED
• Vice Chair (Social Action): Miss Poppy Hubbard (Lincoln CF) UNOPPOSED
• Vice Chair (Universities): Mr. Mark Dixon (Lincoln CF) UNOPPOSED
• Vice Chair (Events): Mr. James Hopkins (Louth CF) UNOPPOSED

Lincolnshire CF Area Team (from left to right): Thomas Ashton,
Chris Green, Holly Hubbard,  James Hopkins, Mark Dixon
and Aaron Spencer.

The young Conservatives also held a conference which had presentations including: the No2AV Campaign, Conservative Policy Forum, Campaign 2011 and guest speaker Karl McCartney MP for the Lincoln Constituency who talked about the 'national picture' and took questions.

Local Coffee House Named In Top-5 In The World

A local coffee house, Coffee Aroma on Guildhall Street in Lincoln has been awarded the accolade of being one of the best coffee shops in the world by Cosy Coffee Shops - a website dedicated to independent coffee houses.

In the past five years the Cosy Coffee Shops team have visited over one hundred of the most highly regarded independent coffee shops in the world, looking for a combination of ‘nice places’ and ‘outstanding coffee.’ Cosy Coffee Shops’ opinion is well-valued in the speciality coffee industry, so Coffee Aroma are doubtlessly thrilled to be included in their list of ‘The Top 10 Coffee Shops in the World for 2011.’

The Top 10 includes independent coffee houses in Japan, New Zealand, Mexico and Vietnam amongst other countries, in a list of what Cosy Coffee Shops deems to be the top-performing independent coffee houses on the world stage. Of the Lincoln-based coffee house Cosy Coffee Shops' review said:

"It [Coffee Aroma] is a gorgeous, picturesque place, not to mention comfy and charming. I can’t think of a coffee shop with a nicer interior; just perfect for relaxing with a good mug of coffee. That would do me nicely, thanks very much, but I was delighted also to discover coffee of the highest order.

"As the owner (Richard Teasdale) prepared it [my coffee], he described his method… Richard – as you can tell – is a coffee geek, but in the nicest possible way. He has had some success at barista championships and has rubbed shoulders with the best in the world. He’s a friendly guy, driven to create the perfect coffee experience."

Giles McNeill Resigns as Area Chairman of CF Lincolnshire

Giles McNeill has today resigned from his post as Area Chairman of Conservative Future in Lincolnshire in a letter to the East Midlands CF Regional Chairman, Thomas Turrell, copied to local activists he said:

"I would like to tender my resignation from the post of Area Chairman of Conservative Future in Lincolnshire. Owing to growing work commitments and the prospect of the considerable challenge presented by the move to 'all out' elections for West Lindsey District Council next year; I feel I am not best placed to continue in this role.

"I have enjoyed very much both of my Chairmanships of Lincolnshire and the successes that the Area has achieved in recent years to all parts of Conservative Future in the county.

"In the future I look forward to supporting you in your role as Regional Chairman & the executive team, my successor (pro tem), Mr. Robin Hunter-Clarke, and continuing as Branch Chairman for Gainsborough CF. The challenges we face in 2011 - the referendum on AV, local council elections and continuing to build a strong youth movement rooted in Conservative values across the East Midlands - will require hard work and dedication and the careful avoidance of side-issues which steer us all from our core objectives."

Jobcentres to be hit in 48-hour walk-out

More than a quarter of a million civil servants are to take strike for a forty-eight hour period over redundancy pay, in what will be the biggest unrest by the sector in more than two decades.

Courts, ports, job and tax centres and emergency police call centres will be hit by the walkout by members of the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Services at Jobcentres across Lincolnshire and other government offices will grind to a halt today.

The walk-out today and continuing into Tuesday will affect courts and tax offices, while driving tests may well be postponed. Strike action looks likely to hit civil and public services every week of this month after the union ballot showed 63.4% of members who voted backing strike action and 81.4% supporting an overtime ban.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union are angry about government moves to cut redundancy terms, which can currently lead to pay-outs of up to six-and-a-half years' worth of salary.

Analysts say the average severance payment is three years of pay – much more generous than most public sector schemes. However, union members say any plan to reduce that would hit staff hard at a time when the recession is hitting people in the pocket.

Mr. Graham Peck, Public and Commercial Services Union, Lincolnshire Branch Secretary, representing workers at the Department for Work and Pensions, has been reported in the Lincolnshire Echo as saying that any plans to reduce protection for members would lead to more people being compulsorily made redundant or having their jobs privatised.

"The strike action will affect Jobcentres across the county as well as the Jobcentre and Jobcentre call centre in Lincoln and the courts and other government departments," he said.

"We have 470-odd members in the county, including 250 in Lincoln, and we know that a lot of them are walking out, along with a lot of non-members.

"Our members face losing a great deal of money.

"The Government is arguing that the public knows why we are going on strike but we don't believe they do."

Cabinet Office minister, Tessa Jowell MP, is reported by BBC News as saying that the decision to strike was 'very disappointing', particularly as 'less than one in five' of PCS members voted in favour of the action, representing 'only around 10% of the total civil service workforce'.


She said:

"The changes to the civil service compensation scheme were agreed with five of the six civil service unions after 18 months of negotiation and consultation. These unions all agree with us that the resulting deal is fair for staff and taxpayers.

"During the negotiating process, we responded to union concerns by ensuring additional protection for lower paid staff.

"Those earning £30,000 or less - 80% of all staff - will still get up to between two and three years salary, while civil servants earning over £30,000 will have redundancy pay capped at two times salary.

"This package brings the civil service more into line with the rest of the public sector and still offers more generous terms than much of the private sector."

Central Lincolnshire Planning Committee Set Sights on Local Development Framework

Local people can now see how Central Lincolnshire is set to shape up as the area's inter-authority planning committee kicks-off its first major project.

The Central Lincolnshire Planning Committee has approved its Local Development Scheme - its first major project since forming in November 2009.

Vice Chairman of the Central Lincolnshire Planning Committee and Leader of the City of Lincoln Council, Cllr. Darren Grice, Conservative (Bracebrdge Ward) said:

"The approval of this first key document is a real milestone for the Committee and shows how partners are committed to delivering co-ordinated developments and decisions across the whole area."

The Local Development Scheme outlines a three-year timetable for the production of the Local Development Framework that will be prepared for Central Lincolnshire. It sets out the current Development Plan and the schedule of proposed local development documents.

In addition, the Local Development Scheme highlights other schemes that will start after the first three years. It is hoped this forward-thinking approach will make sure all partners are fully prepared to carry out future projects.

Cllr. Grice stated that:

"The LDS brings together the aspirations of all partners, and with a number of major schemes set to develop in the near future, it ensures areas within and beyond authorities' boundaries are developed consistently and efficiently."

People can see the full LDS by visiting North Kesteven District, West Lindsey District, City of Lincoln or Lincolnshire County Councils' websites.

GE2010: Oh Dear! Past and Future Cross Paths in Lincoln

Yesterday activists from the Conservative Party's youth movement - Conservative Future - met at the White Hart Hotel in the Bailgate, Lincoln.

Right: Young Conservatives enjoy lunch at the Grille resturant in the White Hart Hotel, Lincoln.

Chairmen from the various branches that constitute Lincolnshire Conservative Future met with the Area Officer team: Area Chairman Mr. Reza Shah, Area Vice-Chairman Mr. Simon Cavalier-Jones, who is also Conservative Future - East Midlands Deputy Regional Chairman and Area Vice Chairman Mr. Giles McNeill and disscussed successes in recent months and how moving forward, towards a general election, how Lincolnshire Conservative Future can best support Conservative candidates.

Mr. David Cameron MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, sent a personal note of support. Mr. Hamish Stewart, Regional Chairman of Conservative Future - East Midlands was in attendance. Cllr. Mrs. Rachel Hubbard, Conservative (Lincoln Bracebridge Division), Deputy Chairman (Political) of the Lincolnshire County Committee also attended.

Regional Campaign Director, Mr. David Surtees, gave a positive vision of how in the next thirteen weeks Conservative Future activists had their unique role to play.

Mr. Karl McCartney, Conservative, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Lincoln made a brief stop around lunchtime at the meeting; between a busy day of canvassing in the morning and leafleting in the afternoon. His incumbent opponent must be in a more relaxed mood about her prospects as Ms Gillian Merron MP, Labour (Lincoln) was in the bar at the White Hart from around three o'clock for a good hour that afternoon; if her opponent is working so hard, has she simply given up?

Conservative Future is the movement for under 30s, including all members of the Conservative Party of this age. Conservative Future is the largest youth political organisation in the UK.

The organisation is all about involving young people in politics and addressing the issues that matter to them.

With over 15,000 members across the country, Conservative Future runs a range of events and activities, from policy discussions to social gatherings. Many of these are organised by individual branches, which are based in cities, constituencies and on campuses. Members of Conservative Future also have the opportunity to get involved in campaign activity – supporting and standing as Conservative candidates in elections at all levels, from student politics to Westminster.