Welcome to Parish News from Boston Borough Council. If you have any enquiries about any of the articles, please feel free to contact the communications team at communications.unit@boston.gov.uk
Additional funding made available for parishes, village halls and community projects from the UK Shared Prosperity and Rural Prosperity Funds in Boston and East Lindsey.
Extra funding has been released to meet incredible demand from parishes, village halls and community projects in search of grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The Lincolnshire Community Foundation GRASSroots scheme, which is funded by the UKSPF, has been allocated an additional £40,000 in Boston and £125,000 in East Lindsey made possible through efficiency savings made in the wider UKSPF programme and a further allocation through the East Lindsey Community Reserve.
This extra funding will boost the pot substantially in East Lindsey and means that £1million will have been distributed to small community organisations in the district in the space of a year.
Similarly, in Boston almost £300,000 has been awarded bringing, alongside other contributions, a total investment of £500,000 in community assets overall with match funding.
This funding is in addition to an earlier allocation of £100,000 from the East Lindsey Community Reserve funds in May [Community groups and rural projects across East Lindsey can now access further funding of £870,000 created by council's Corporate Priority Reserve - East Lindsey District Council (e-lindsey.gov.uk)].
The deadline for applications is 1 September, 2024. Contact Lincolnshire Community Foundation by visiting www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk or emailing Helen Cater via helen@lincolnshirecf.co.uk.
Bank Holiday refuse collections
We would like to remind all residents whose bin collections fall on a Monday that there are no changes to any collections across the Borough this Bank Holiday.
Householders should put out their bins by 5.30am on their usual collection day.
For more information on waste and recycling please visit our website at https://www.boston.gov.uk/waste
Boston market – share your views
Earlier this year we ran a consultation to seek the views of both residents and market traders on Boston Borough Council's plans to transform the market in Boston. We received 124 responses - thank you to everyone who filled it in!
The findings of the survey can be found in the attached infographic.
As part of the ongoing road closure trial we've been running on Saturday markets, we'll be running a new consultation about a full road closure of the market place, on market days.
You can find the consultation here: https://bit.ly/4dGUHyG
Reggae Festival this weekend in Boston Market Place
Running from 11am until 9pm on Sunday 25 August, entry is free and guests can enjoy a range of entertainment for the full family including live music, great food and more.
Special guests performers include:
- Zeb Rootz
- Island Collective
- Bridge2Ska
- Soulbouncers
- Ultimate Madness
- Walcott X
Mermaid Trail in Boston Central Park
The mermaids have arrived at Central Park, so bring down your mermaid lovers and enjoy some free crafts on Wednesday 28 August
There is no need to book in advance, simply turn up between 10.30am and 3pm. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is funded by Boston Town Area Committee.
Opening of The Corner Gallery this week
A new gallery has opened in Boston.
Cllr Sarah Sharpe, who was invited to The Corner Gallery located at Burton Corner, Sibsey Road, PE21 9QR, said: “I was thrilled to be invited to the private view of Corner Gallery.
“This amazing gallery opens with a vast array of wonderful art by owners Richard and Fiona as well as other amazing artists too.
“Please do go along and have a look at the pieces in their first exhibition and see them for yourself.”
The gallery will be open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 12pm to 6pm, until September 15.
Applications open to secure a stall at Boston Christmas Market
Are you a maker of festive gifts, delicious goodies, or holiday treats? We are looking for more stallholders for our spectacular 3-day Christmas Market, from Friday 29 November – Sunday 1 December in Boston Market Place!
Join us at our magical Christmas Festival, where your unique products can bring joy to our community during the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you specialise in handmade gifts, seasonal snacks, or festive decorations, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creations to holiday shoppers.
Email BostonChristmas@boston.gov.uk to apply now and secure your stall.
New artwork in honour of the fallen installed at Boston Memorial Gardens
Two soldiers standing in silhouette have been added to Boston’s Memorial Gardens, as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made for our freedom.
The artwork created in metal, shows a single soldier with his head bowed. Painted all in black, the two silhouettes stand in symmetry along the Memorial Gardens path, which is lined by regimental plaques.
The hand-crafted statues, which were funded by donations from local residents, were created by a friend of Philip Collins, whose father Frederick served during the Second World War as part of 45 Commando Royal Marines. Frederick also served with Boston-born D-Day veteran, Les Budding.
Les Budding said: “The plaques in the memorial garden started in 2007 and were completed last year with a plaque to Ukraine which was placed next to the one we have for Poland, which was very fitting.
“All this has been down to the generosity of Boston people and their donations which have gone into purchasing the silhouettes for the Memorial Gardens. Thank you to you all.”
The silhouettes were installed by Gary Huggins of Holbeach Memorial Company, who has kindly brought his services to the Memorial Gardens for many years to install the memorial plaques.
Boston Borough Council also arranged for local business, Hydroshine Cleaning Services, to clean the war memorial and paving slabs, ensuring that the area looked clean and tidy, ready for the installation of the soldiers.
Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, was pleased to meet with the Boston branch of the Royal British Legion and the Memorial Garden Committee to see the silhouettes in place.
Cllr Dorrian: “The silhouettes are a very fitting tribute to all the Boston war heroes who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. The statues have been beautifully crafted and I am grateful for all the efforts of the Boston Branch of the Royal British Legion, the Memorial Gardens Committee and Holbeach Memorial Company, in arranging this touching tribute to those who gave their lives in the defence of our country.
“I would also like to thank Hydroshine, who look after all our planters in the town, for cleaning the war memorial for us. The whole area is looking absolutely lovely at the moment.
“Please do come and see the silhouettes for yourselves. It’s right that we pay our respects to the fallen but we can also enjoy this beautiful and peaceful part of the town centre.”
Successful addition of events brings new life to Boston Market
The historic Boston Market has seen a vibrant surge of activity this summer, thanks to a series of successful events organised by Cllr Suzanne Welberry. Throughout June, July and August, the market was transformed into a bustling hub of creativity and community spirit, beginning with the Charity Flea Market, followed by the lively Busking Festival, and concluding with the colourful Art Street Market.
Each event brought something unique to the heart of Boston, drawing in crowds from near and far. The Charity Flea Market kick-started the series, offering a treasure trove of goods as well as raising £100s for the charities involved and increase footfall into the Boston Charity Shops.
The Busking Festival filled the Market Place with the sounds of live music, showcasing the talent of local performers and was a great success. Six out of the 12 buskers who took part have procured paid bookings because of the festival. Plans are also underway to build up a Busking Community who will be available to play at our Market Place events.
Finally, the Art Street Market celebrated the creativity of local artists, turning the market into an open-air gallery fostering community spirit amongst the art fraternity. The Art Groups taking part were pleased with the footfall and the number of artists that approached them to join their art clubs. Imogen our local Boston Busker played while artists sketched and painted on the street creating a lovely friendly and welcoming vibe.
Find out more about these events: www.boston.gov.uk/article/27202/Successful-addition-of-events-brings-new-life-to-Boston-Market
Boston Borough Council launches community skips waste scheme
Boston Borough Council is introducing a series of skips across the borough to help residents get rid of unwanted rubbish, large bulky items no longer needed and to help address the issue of fly-tipping.
The 'community skips' scheme gives people the chance to dispose of unwanted household items, including furniture, mattresses, artificial Christmas trees and large electrical goods such as cookers, dishwashers, washing machines etc.
The scheme began on Monday 19 August, and will run during August, September and November 2024. The skips will be open from 8am to 3pm on Monday 26 August, Monday 2 and 9 September and Monday 4, 11, 18 and 25 November at St Georges Road Car Park, Boston.
Residents can get rid of up to 3 large unwanted household items, to use this service we will require our residents to call beforehand on 01205 314200 and let us know what items they will be bringing and on what day.
The skips are for community use only - trade waste will not be accepted. Asbestos, car tyres, oil drums, paint cans and clinical waste are also not accepted.
Annual Canvass process underway
The Annual Canvass is underway in Boston Borough. It is the Council’s way of keeping its electoral register up to date.
The Annual Canvass is a legal requirement and it is essential that all residents respond, to keep their right to vote. Residents should look out for a form through their letterbox and to follow the instructions inside. The quickest and easiest way of responding is online but the letter states other ways to return your information.
Please respond by the date provided in the form.
Boston Long Term Plan Progress Update - a press release from Boston Town Deal
Last year, £20M in government funding was announced for Boston, to be invested around the themes of safety and security; high streets, heritage, and regeneration, and transport and connectivity. This builds on the multi-million pound funding previously announced for the town, that is currently being invested across a range of exciting projects.
Over the last few months, Boston Town Board has been working hard to develop a long term plan for this funding in Boston.
Jo Brigham, Chair, Boston Town Board said: “At the heart of our work around the Long Term Plan for Towns has been consultation and engagement and we are delighted that we have heard feedback from many people on their aspirations, thoughts, and ideas for Boston. This has included through our survey which captured the views of 270 people, and we have also been grateful for the opportunity to speak to and listen to young people at dedicated events. In addition, we have been in close collaboration with members, stakeholders, and partners to understand what the priorities are for Boston.
“With this extensive feedback, and the evidence for our town from government, we are developing a long term vision and three year investment plan that will make a tangible and meaningful difference for Boston. Originally the board was working towards a 1st August deadline but this has now been moved; we are waiting for confirmation of our new timescale for submission.
“In the meantime, we will continue to progress the plan for Boston, and we look forward to sharing with you an update on this and the consultation and engagement findings in due course. Boston Town Board is committed to doing everything we can for our Brilliant Boston.”
Boston lights up to show its brilliance
Boston Brilliance is a two-day architectural projection festival of light taking place on Friday 14th and Saturday 15 February 2025 between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.
The Festival of Light will transform the town into a vibrant canvas, transforming eight iconic landmarks with breathtaking projections that portray the town's long and rich history.
Visitors to the free-to-attend festival will be able to make their way through the town on foot taking in each outstanding light feature as they go.
The locations, which have been selected as part of the festival, include Cammacks, Waterstones, Pescod Hall, St Botolph's Church, St Botolph's Bridge, The Assembly Rooms, Sam Newsom Centre and Fydell House.
The town's first of its kind festival is a joint project between Boston College, South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership and The Projection Studio.
The festival has been made possible due to the College being awarded a £100,000 grant from the Arts Council's National Lottery Project Grants, as well as contributions from the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership and local businesses.
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership contributed funding to this project through its Arts Council England NPO project.
Read more about this event, happening next year: https://www.boston.gov.uk/article/27136/Boston-Lights-Up-to-Show-its-Brilliance
Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire are looking for more walk leaders
Love the outdoors? Enjoy a good chat? Want to make a difference?
Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire is excited to announce two new walking groups in Holbeach and Boston! Their walks are a perfect way to enjoy fresh air, gentle strolls through parks and woodlands, and friendly conversations. Walking boosts physical health, lifts moods, and combats depression. Plus, group walks are fantastic for alleviating loneliness and making new friends!
They are looking for volunteer walk leaders who:
- Love to chat and can make everyone feel welcome
- Can lead varied, gentle strolls through the area
- Help with admin tasks like membership forms and attendance
Each walk lasts 30 minutes to an hour, ending with tea and chat at a local café – the perfect way to connect and build friendships.
Anyone interested should get in touch with the volunteering team for more information by calling 03455 564 144 or emailing volunteering@ageuklsl.org.uk.
Community grant scheme
Boston Town Area Committee have a number of community grant schemes available for local groups, organisations and charities to apply for to support projects that will contribute and improve Boston town centre!
The third round is now open until Thursday 3 October.
Find out more information and eligibility here: https://www.boston.gov.uk/article/26370/Boston-Town-Area-Committee-relaunch-popular-community-grant-schemes-and-begin-accepting-applications-for-2024-2025
Treasure Hunt
Join Lincolnshire Community Voluntary Service for a treasure hunt on Sunday 25 August, starting at the Geoff Moulder Community Garden, Rowley Road.
The family fun starts at 10am, it is free and you can be entered into a prize draw.
The event is organised by The Green Volunteers and will raise money for The Stroke Association.
For more information, contact jackielane@lincolnshirecvs.org.uk or call 07506 717988.
Heritage Open Day
Join the Friends of Boston Cemetery for a special Heritage Open Day, part of the National Heritage Open Days Scheme, on Sunday 8 September, from 10am to 4pm at Boston Cemetery, Marian Road, Boston PE21 9HA.
Explore the rich history of the Victorian cemetery with a free guided gravestone tour, available at 10:30am and 1:30pm—be sure to book your spot by calling (07951) 607811.
The day also features fascinating displays and an exhibition in the Crematorium Chapel, along with refreshments and a plant stall.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the heritage of Boston Cemetery!
South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership shows support for a campaign to improve the safety of lithium batteries
The Leaders of the Partnership councils have jointly supported a campaign to improve the safety of lithium batteries and their disposal.
A letter of support has been sent to Ron Bailey, parliamentary advisor to Electrical Safety First, a UK Charity dedicated to reducing the deaths and injuries caused by electricity.
Mr Bailey is also researcher for Lord Foster who has been campaigning on this issue in the House of Lords and has cross-party support.
Lithium battery fires are on the increase and Electrical Safety First, with cross-party support, is promoting a Bill to ensure greater safety in the use and disposal of lithium batteries. They aim to get it into law as soon as possible.
The Bill has support from many organisations including the National Fire Chiefs Council, most County Fire and Rescue Services, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Royal Society for Public Health.
Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy: LNRS in a farmed landscape
Farmers and land managers have the chance to shape the future of nature in Lincolnshire
Biodiversity needs your help! Support, steer and deliver nature recovery in Greater Lincolnshire by getting involved with your Local Nature Recovery Strategy
LNRSs are a new, statutory process that will help direct future effort and funding, such as Biodiversity Net Gain, to the places which will have the most benefit for nature.
With your help, LNRSs have the potential to steer opportunities for nature-based solutions such as flood risk management and sequestering carbon through new trees, woodlands and healthier soils.
Want to contribute to nature recovery and diversify your revenue streams? LNRSs give you an opportunity to identify places where nature recovery will have the most benefit and direct future funding
Why are Local Nature Recovery Strategies important? Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeE1ldCU6g8 You can also find out more information here: www.glincslnrs.org.uk/
New mental health webinar series
The Lincolnshire Adult Community Mental Health Transformation Team is thrilled to announce its second webinar series starting in September 2024.
This series builds on the foundation of Community Mental Health Transformation and dives deeper into key services and initiatives in Lincolnshire that support and enhance the community's mental health.
Webinar Schedule:
Tuesday, 17th September 2024 | Community Mental Health – Where Are We Now?
Tuesday, 15th October 2024 | Suicide Prevention
Tuesday, 12th November 2024 | H.A.Y. Plus
Tuesday, 10th December 2024 | SMI Health Checks
Tuesday, 14th January 2025 | Co-production Training Taster Session
Tuesday, 11th February 2025 | Traveller Communities
The webinars will start at 12:30pm and last for 50 minutes. It will include a presentation followed by a live Q&A with expert speakers, giving you the chance to ask questions.
For more information and to register: haylincolnshire.co.uk/hay-plus-information-resources/hay-plus-webinars/
NHS app advice from the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board
The NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board are supporting a new NHS England campaign, which encourages everyone to download the app to benefit from a multitude of quick and easy functions at their fingertips.
Some of the key benefits include ordering repeat prescriptions and collecting from a pharmacy of choice, booking and managing appointments, and instant advice or medical help through NHS111 online.
Some GP surgeries and hospitals provide additional services such as direct messaging, viewing and managing hospital appointments and managing care plans.
A ‘How To’ guide for downloading and using the app can be found here: www.suttonmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NHS-APP-Step-By-Step-Guide-final-Nov-22.pdf
If you do not have the NHS app yet, download the app today and explore the benefits. If you already have it but do not use it, log in and refresh your memory about the benefits – it will save you time and new features are introduced regularly.
Don’t have access to a smart phone? Don’t worry, you can still access NHS services online via the following link: www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk/login
Raising awareness for report meter tampering – a new hidden danger to tenants, properties and the community
Since the cost of living crisis, Stay Energy Safe, which the charity Crimestoppers runs, receives around 1,000 reports each month, and it is estimated that energy theft occurs in approximately 1 in 150 homes every year.
Meter tampering poses significant risks to property, tenants and communities. Stay Energy Safe (www.stayenergysafe.co.uk/?utm_source=NEM&utm_medium=homepage)) offers a solution that allows people to anonymously report their concerns.
Tampering with meters can result in explosions, fires, electric shocks, burns, gas leaks and even injury and death, with real-life cases illustrating the consequences here.
Financial challenges can drive individuals to tamper with their meter without considering the impact it has on the neighbours.
You can find out how to recognise signs of energy theft here - www.stayenergysafe.co.uk/more-on-energy-theft/meter-tampering-spotting-and-preventing-energy-theft. It often includes irregular wiring, sparking, burn marks or gas smells.
Stay Energy Safe guarantees anonymity when reporting via their online form or when you call 0800 023 2777. The form can be found here: https://www.stayenergysafe.co.uk/give-info
Reporting helps protect properties and lives. It's vital to stay vigilant and speak up to safeguard communities.
Pension Credit
Did you know Pension Credit is one of the most under-claimed benefits in Lincolnshire? Help your neighbours or family check their eligibility—it only takes a few moments and could make all the difference this winter! Check online: www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.
If you get Pension Credit, you can also receive:
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Housing Benefit
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Council Tax discount
- Free TV licence (75+)
- Help with NHS costs
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Royal Mail redirection discount
Follow Lincolnshire Financial Inclusion Partnership for more money tips and information: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator - www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBN_CDjnkxQ&t=13s
Rough Sleepers
Why do those that sleep rough refuse help, including accommodation? There are many reasons why someone might refuse assistance:
- Mistrust of services.
- Past failures of services.
- Denied help too many times.
- Lacking capacity to make decisions.
- Preferring the streets over a hostel.
- Self-punishment and feelings of unworthiness.
- Inability to cope with accommodation or support.
- Misconceptions about what will happen.
Why have I seen the same person sleeping rough for weeks? There are several reasons why someone might remain on the streets:
- They might have been offered accommodation but refused.
- They could have somewhere to live but are refusing to return.
- They might not actually be a rough sleeper and could be begging.
- They continue to refuse offers of help.
- They have been evicted from all housing options.
- They have threatened our staff and can't be helped until they change their behaviour.
Our dedicated team works tirelessly to overcome these barriers. Even when individuals refuse to engage, we keep trying to meet up and build a professional relationship. Together, we can make a difference.
The team have a limited number of temporary fully furnished properties for those with identified low support needs who have slept rough, along with regular support to meet their needs. In addition to Council-managed accommodations, other properties in the area are also prioritised for those who sleep rough. Those identified with medium to high needs are referred into commissioned homeless providers. However, there's a challenge: Unfortunately, there isn’t enough accommodation to meet the demand. We're committed to providing as much support as possible to those in need.