This blog has moved

This blog is now located at http://marianneoverton.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://marianneoverton.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

APRIL NEWS 2010

Welbourn Village Hall reopened with razmataz on Saturday after a £1/3m makeover. We had a small core team who worked their socks off, but huge support from the Parish Council and the whole community. It has built-in facilities for talks, an IT suite and both halls open out onto patios. Booking open now.

Launch of new U3A
A huge crowd arrived at the launch of the new U3A in Wellingore last week. Rosemary King and Ruth Broughton gave an encouraging speech, fifty new members signed up and a core committee was established.

The inaugural meeting for all will be in Wellingore Memorial Hall on Friday 7th May at 2pm. New members welcome.

Welbourn Primary School
In his last week, headteacher Stephen Horsely unveiled a fantastic mosaic based on the historical and wildlife interest of the village. Children completed it after school with the help of parent and governor experts.

Invitation
Branston Business Network: Chris Mountain is giving us a guided “behind the scenes” tour of Caythorpe Recycling Centre on Tuesday April 13th 3-4.30pm. Limited places on this fascinating visit, so please drop me a note.

Your opinion wanted...

Nocton Dairies

Last date for comments on the amended plans is April 9th. The application is expected to go to committee on April 27th 5pm at NKDC offices in Sleaford.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/planningonline
Click to agree to the conditions, type in the code 09/1040/FUL.

Branston Methodist Ladies’ Fellowship

People came from far and wide for a wonderful celebration of 70 years of Methodist Ladies’ fellowship. Great singing from the Lincoln Ladies Choir, good company and good food!

Lincoln 10K

Sarah Moody from Branston is raising funds to do conservation work with me in Africa later this year. Our little team managed to get round the 10K in 81minutes and raised over £1000. Next event is on Friday 9th Branston.


David Attenborough pointed out how important is some knowledge of biology to decisions by our MP’s and in our everyday lives. He also talked about the value of allowing children hands-on experience to inspire an interest in the natural world, as he had done as a child: Sounds like he thinks I am on the right track!

Easter Activities

Cliff Villages visit to PGL 6/7th April Free, sponsored by the cluster of Parish Councils. Limited numbers. Book now with Greg Trippet. 01522 870252

West Kesteven Wildlife Watch This is the junior part of the Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB. There is a group in Branston and I help run this local group. The new calendar of activities for people aged 8-13 is out and youngsters are welcome. Come on Sunday April 25th at Ancaster for a walk in a wild, wet meadow. Ring or e-mail for a calendar.

Go For It! Mon12 - Thurs15 for those aged 11–19 at the North Kesteven Sports Centre 2-5pm and North Hykeham Youth Centre 5-8pm. Book katrina.thurlow@lincolnshire.gov.uk 01522 680034

Two Free Energy Advice Surgeries

Friday. April 30, in the Memorial Hall, Newark Road, North Hykeham, 10am - 6pm.
Saturday. May 1st The Source, Southgate, Sleaford, 9am - 5pm.

Two Useful Numbers you can use
• For Highways repairs
01522 782070
• For roadside clean-up
01529 414155
www.visitlincolnshire.com

Like to join in the Big Tidy Britain Campaign on St George’s Day,
April 23rd?

Let me know










Events from the April Diary

1st 12.15pm Potterhanworth School Opening of the new extension

1st Washingborough children’s centre to open

8th 7.30pm at The Chequers, Potterhanworth
information evening on the dairies, need to book with Marianne or Julie Parry as the function room will take 70 maximum.

9th Waggon & Horses Branston Chilli and Potatoe, Quiz and Auction £5 Ticket draw
to raise funds for young carer Sarah Moody

13th 3pm Visit to Caythorpe Recycling Centre

23rd St George’s Day Tidy Britain campaign
and Special events in Sleaford Market 10am -3pm Friday and Saturday

25th 10am West Kesteven Wildlife Watch and RSPB Explorers on Orchids and meadows at Moor Closes Reserve, Ancaster

26th 7pm Branston Parish Meeting at Branston Hall Hotel

27th 5pm Nocton Dairy Planning to be heard at NKDC, Sleaford NG34 7EF

28th 1.20pm Branston Community College Question time


See you soon! Very best wishes for a healthy and happy Springtime!

March 2010 - Report from your local, Independent Councillor,

Sad News
Sadly, District Councillor Marjorie Duncan died recently. Her dedication and cheery support of her communities will be much missed. Condolences to her husband, Derek and family

Good News: Congratulations to…
Hilary Proctor, Sandy Dunford and their team for organising another superb night out at Leadenham watching a top class performance.

To the Kid’s Club and parents, especially Chris Stevenson and Iwan Jenkins for an excellent student exchange with Moletai in Lithuania. Over half term, we hosted the return visit of ten students and 2 teachers on a fantastic programme of activities, wonderfully managed by LCC youth workers. Brilliant, well done all.



Lives: Cliff Villages
In April our fifth LIVES volunteer is qualified and operational. Volunteers are properly trained and equipped to respond in emergency call-outs, often attending before the ambulance. When time is so vital, LIVES volunteers are really important in our rural areas and really do save lives. Anyone who would like to volunteer, please get in touch.

Your opinion wanted
Who has gone above and beyond?
You can celebrate our community by nominating an adult or young person for a community service award from the District Council or the County Council. NKDC deadline is March 8 and for LCC March 16th. Forms are on the web.

Thanks

Eight County Homes
Thanks very much for all your correspondence and support. There has been a big response. We successfully made a video bringing the residents’ views directly into the corridors of power. The official consultation has closed, but write to me and I will put your points to good use. Alternative suggestions include a private buyer to take over and alternative land for accommodation. The decision has now been delayed to April or May. You can see some clips about the issue on www.channellincolnshire.co.uk

Additional Needs
Thank you for your support. Many parents and headteachers were deeply concerned about plans to move the support funding for children to central funds of some schools, not connected with the needs of the individual children. The Independents did halt the decision by calling it in and I explained the case. This enabled a rethink which has brought some improvements. For one thing, the schools will not lose out this year whilst better funding arrangements are more carefully considered.

Budgets
Lincolnshire County Council’s prudent 2.5% per cent council tax rise has been given the go-ahead. The £441m for 2020/11 includes some efficiency savings and we were able to support most of it, having been involved in its development. Based on your responses to our questionnaire, Independents proposed not cutting a highways budget by 30% over three years, keeping the eight Council homes and reducing spend on PR by 20%. We may not win on the day, but we have sewn the seeds and expect improvements.

The Conservative proposal does include among the highest borrowings in the country, and there was much discussion about a £5.5 million rise in funding for the chief executive’s office under the heading “consultants fees”.

North Kesteven budget going to Council on March 4th includes a 1.7% tax increase to cover losses in income and some increased demands.

Information
Crime Prevention
The Neighbourhood policing teams will do crime prevention surveys for you. Beware about “free” offers from other sources.
www.lincolnshire-neighbourhoodwatch.co.uk

Lincolnshire Tourism
New website for Lincolnshire Tourism starts on March 8th www.visitlincolnshire.com

Two Useful Numbers you can use
For Highways repairs 01522 782070
For roadside clean-up 01529 414155

Events from the March Diary

4th NK School 2-4pm Political question time
6th 11am Archbishop of Cant in Lincoln lecture
6th 7pm Welbourn Roving supper
7th Wellingore Scouts Hut collecting jumble 10am- noon
11th 10-11am Marianne’s surgery in Navenby Village Office. Bring issues for fixing.
12th 7-9pm Cliff Village Voluntary car scheme gathering at Marianne’s house
13th Schools Biology poster competition
13th/14th Heritage Weekend free entry most places, including Mrs Smith’s Cottage 10am.
13th/14th Harmston WI Art Exhibition, Sat 2-5pm & Sun
11am-4pm.
17th St Peter’s Coffee morning, Catwalk, Navenby 10.30
17th Irish night at the Joiner’s Arms, Welbourn
20th WI Soup and Cheese £5 Wellingore M’ Hall
24th Build a rocket at Harmston Memorial Hall 6.30pm
£5 01522 722462
26th Talk by Marianne on Malawi at Martin School
26th U3A launch Wellingore Memorial Hall 2pm
27th Navenby coffee morning Methodist Hall 10.30am
27th Opening of Welbourn Village Hall!!!


A spring in your step

STOP PRESS
Congratulations to Molly Brien and Bethany Alford of Branston Community College for their fantastic achievement getting into the finals out of 750 schools in the debating competition at Cambridge. Proud teacher Caroline Hewerdine took them to the event, which they said was “fabulous”. Well done.

Feb 2010 Good News: Congratulations to…

Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne came to open the new hospital that NHS Lincolnshire, on which I am a non-executive Director, has built at Spalding. The chairman introduced me, and HRH said how busy I must be and how did I fit all that in? I said that coming from her, that was very funny!

Police Community Support Officers
A huge thank you for your support in this campaign. We have been successful. LCC has agreed to fund the whole amount of £1.5m for three years. The District Councils are free to separately add further support for particular community safety projects. The new funding brings all PCSOs (about 157 in Lincolnshire) under the same contract, working closely with councillors and the local communities to improve community safety in a wide range of ways. Well done all!

Your opinion wanted


Filming at Bonner House

Harrison House & Bonner House to close?
Eight homes owned by the County council are proposed for closure. Channel Lincolnshire and the Independents have been making a video to enable the voices of the residents to be properly heard. There is room for private providers, but not everyone can afford them and more will be needed in future. There seems little point in closing what is clearly working well to get people back on their feet and home. Add your voice to the consultation by 16th February 01522 782155. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/shapingcare

Additional Needs
County Council proposals for children in need levels band 1-5 out of 8 are to be encouraged to attend mainstream schools and for the funding to no longer be attached to the child’s needs, but instead given to the schools in disadvantaged areas who are overall poorer performers. I seek improvements because if the needs of these vulnerable children are not met, then the longer term costs may be huge.

Harmston Quarry has applied to extend their three planning permissions from 2012 to 2034. Respond by 25th February to me or to http://eplanning.lincolnshire.gov.uk/eplanning loadfulldetails.do?aplld=27996 Ref. 252/09.

Feedback
Budget
Thank you very much indeed for the excellent feedback you gave which is informing my Council budget negotiations. The overarching responses are attached, but most clear was the desire to do away with some of the PR machine, using internet if necessary. Also popular was efficiencies in internet procurement and charging for fast planning. Reducing staff was popular, but definitely not the PCSOs. Whilst people felt a small tax increase was probably inevitable, there was no stomach for any large increases. Reduced main street lighting got a mixed reaction, as did reducing the capital programme.

Information....

Friday 26th February 2010 is National Wear Red Day and your chance to help the British Heart Foundation fight heart disease.
Order your free fundraising kit today at bhf.org.uk/red or call us on 0845 241 0976.

Grants
Grants of £400 are available for ‘scrapping your old boiler’! http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Home-improvements-and-products/Heating-and-hot-water/Boiler-Scrappage-Scheme


Free Training for the voluntary sector
For a full programme, ring 01522 551683
abimbola@volunteercentrelincoln.org.uk
www.volunteercentrelincoln.org.uk

Extreme NK
There are places on 8 weeks activities for 9-17yr olds who don’t get many opportunities and young carers. Ring Greg 01522 870252
The Cliff Villages is planning to provide more activity days again this year, starting with children who didn’t go last time.
Half term activities are running at Carre’s 01529 306888 and at NKesteven Centre 01522 883311

Child care Job
Debbie and Neil are looking for a caring, reliable and enthusiastic person to work with their four year-old autistic son to help him communicate and make sense of the world.

Douglas will be starting Applied Behavioural Therapy in November. Experience would be great but not essential as full training will be given. This is a rewarding and unique opportunity, especially those with an interest in child development. 8-10 hours a week available, good rates of pay and lovely working environment in Harmston. Contact 01522 723133

Jobs for long-term unemployed, 18- 24yrs
NKDC has commissioned Hill Holt Wood to deliver the Future Jobs Fund scheme which will create 40 jobs for young people in the District.

The jobs that will be created will last for six-month periods and include a number of outdoor focused roles, such as driving, gardening, forestry, administration and eco-construction. Apply through the Job Centre Plus 01522 346000. www.totaljobs.com/Lincoln www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Voluntary car scheme for Cliff Villages
This is up and running. Ring 01522 723365. A small but important service for people who cannot use the bus for the journey they need. Medical needs are subsidised by the Parish Councils.

Parking Control
The government passed the responsibility to local councils who are discussing how to organise it.

Events from the Diary

5th Pantomime in Leadenham Village Hall 7.30pm
6th Feb Bring and buy Book Sale for Mrs Smith’s Cottage at the Navenby Methodist Church Hall
7th Feb “Shoo, shoo baby, the entire history of Cabaret.“ Book on 01400 272835 hilary@leadenhampc.co.uk
12th St Chad’s concert Chris Garrick & John Etheridge 7.30pm
15th-19th Lithuanians exchange visit to the Cliff Villages
16th Soup and Pancake lunch Navenby Methodist Church 11.30am
26th Meeting of all Independents from all over the
East Midlands meeting at Lincoln Cathedral.

Very best wishes for a healthy, happy and successful 2010!

Jan 2010 Congratulations to.....

Good News: Congratulations to…

Richard Wilson from Navenby opened Swallowbeck, a new million pound Day and respite centre with 7 beds for people with learning difficulties.

Raised beds in the lovely new garden are an opportunity for sponsorship

Branston launched the improved village hall, sponsored by County, District and Parish Councils and the community, with the Lincoln Brass Band. Well done all!


Equality and Diversity tops in NK
NKDC is the second local authority in England to achieve a high benchmark for the way it includes and values all aspects of equality and diversity.

“One Place” Scores
On the overall score of performance, now called CAA “One Place”, NKDC scored 3 out of 4, “performing well”, one of the best in the East Midlands. Good report is on http://tinyurl.com/yj2ka68 LCC improved in all categories, even adult social care at last and also scored 3 out of 4, “performing well” overall. Same website, worth a look.

Your opinion wanted
Budget
As our government is so short of funds, there is likely to be a severe reduction in funds of both District and County Councils of 13-20%. Schools take half the budget, and as they are protected, then the reductions of £80-100m over 3-4 years, must come from the £600m remainder at LCC. I have sent a list of ideas to help me gauge your opinions and better represent your views. We may even have an emergency budget after the elections, so it is as well to be prepared.

Help set NKDC Priorities
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/priorities

Sale of 8 Homes
Some County Councillors want to sell the homes to access the capital funds to build something better, though I am concerned it might not be affordable for most. I visited Harrison House in Grantham and Bonner House in Sleaford. There is one resident of 16 years, other occupants are on respite or NHS care from hospital. The homes were clean, welcoming and all the occupants had nothing but praise. The lack of en suite loos didn’t seem to be a big issue. They were pleased to be consulted. Let me know what you think. Consultation event below.

Other News

Free IT Training for voluntary workers
Sleaford (Community Lincs) 13 Jan 10
Ring Matt Hopkins on 01790 72000
mathewh@vael.org.uk

Joint planning the future
A new Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Committee has been created to deal with forward planning for West Lindsey, North Kesteven and Lincoln. The new Conservative Chairman was in trouble with a planning application and has resigned.

LCC Community Grants
New forms appearing on the web soon. The deadline for applications is March 1st 2010.
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/communitygrants.

Welbourn Village Hall
The improvements are progressing well, due to finish in early March, so we are open for bookings. Navenby Village Hall fund-raising begins in earnest now the plans are agreed.

Housing
I have tackled the Council on lack of consultation on new Council housing in Wellingore and asked for compromise. Half the money is from District Council coffers and half from external funds.

Events from the Diary
7th Outing to Billy Elliot in London
8th 6-8pm Consultation at the New Life Centre on
Mareham La, Sleaford, opp. the care home.
Sleaford Std http://tinyurl.com/ygglmp5
9th/30th 10.30 Navenby Methodist Coffee morning
13th 10.30-12.30 Navenby coffee morning for
St Peter’s at 79 High St
16th 10am Surgery in Branston Library
16th Biosearch lunch at Hilltop, Welbourn
23rd Coleby Burns night
29/30 7.30pm Pantomime at Leadenham Vill. Ha.
2.30pm on Sat and the following w/e

Very best wishes for a healthy, happy and successful New Year!

Kind Regards,

Marianne Overton
http://councillors.lincolnshire.gov.uk/cllrmoverton/
www.independentvoice.org.uk

Lincolnshire Sausages

Lincolnshire Independents called for North Kesteven District Council to add their full support to the campaign to protect the identity of the Lincolnshire Sausage.

At North Kesteven District Council the following motion from Independent Councillors Marianne Overton, Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents and David Suiter was passed unanimously.

“To support the economy in North Kesteven in the current economic climate, this Council gives its full support for the campaign to grant Lincolnshire Sausages protected geographical status from the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Protected geographical status for Lincolnshire Sausages would mean that they could only be manufactured in the historic county of Lincolnshire according to specified criteria. This would provide support for numerous small producers that are in the county and prevent inferior products from reaching the market.
This campaign is considered to be important to protect jobs in North Kesteven and in the whole county.”

Councillor Marianne Overton adds,
"As we have traditional Lincolnshire Sausages with our Christmas lunch, it is a good time to add weight to the campaign. In 2004 Lincolnshire butchers started the campaign which is about to enter the next stage of public consultation.

We need to put Lincolnshire first and support our local producers, particularly in the current economic climate. Lincolnshire sausages are distinctive and should be called that, only if they are genuinely made in Lincolnshire. That allows county producers to maximize quality and thrive by supplying good, local produce.

Cllr Marion Brighton, leader of North Kesteven was quite right when she added that the pork should also be produced in Lincolnshire."

Councillor David Suiter adds "Many jobs are involved in sausage production and related processes, Lincolnshire Sausages should be made only in Lincolnshire, these Lincolnshire jobs should be protected in the same way as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Stilton cheese.”

Use the box below to add your voice to the campaign.

Good News: Congratulations to...

Relate Lincolnshire
Relate Lincolnshire has won a special family support grant from national government of £225,000 to support family counselling, healing the damage of family conflict. It is a joint bid with the County Council for a total of £475,000 brought into Lincolnshire. The significant effect of family conflict on children and their futures and the cost to our society is well researched, and indicates that this work is critical to changing people’s futures for the better.

Mrs Smith’s Cottage
Ever more popular Mrs Smith’s Cottage Museum continues to thrive after ten years, with yet more visitors than ever this year. The 30,000th visitor was welcomed with gifts.

Branston Community College
Four students won the Lincolnshire Interschool Electronics Competition with their electronics for pub quizzes. Jade Toulson, Molly Brien, James Croft and Seb Elliott

Lives: A volunteer group who save lives
The newly formed Cliff Village service with two brilliant volunteers has begun responding to emergencies. Three volunteers are in training. A huge thank you to the volunteers and to you for generous support and donations, including at the WI Christmas event (£30) and the Methodist Christmas Coffee Morning.

Congratulations to Mike & Karin Willgoose, this week celebrating 40 years at the George Hotel, Leadenham. Great birthday party!

Planning on Line is now working
Register www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/planningonline View current and past applications since 1974.

December News

Council Tax
National government grants are being honoured as promised for this year. NKDC is proposing 1.76% tax increase which will require some “savings”. LCC is also proposing a very low increase and looking for savings in the region of £90m out of about half a billion which is not allocated to schools

Employment
You can now look for and apply for job on line at the LCC website. On average, about 18% of British households now depend on housing benefit. Two-thirds of the claims are made by people of working age.

Job Vacancy
P/T Administrator required by the Young Farmers Clubs based at Riseholme. Dec 4th.
01522 568989 abruntlett@lincoln.ac.uk
Closing date 4th December 09

Help set a Guinness Record: Plant a tree
Saturday 5th December 11am to noon. Join up with BBC TV Breathings Spaces to plant a million trees in an hour. Register your pledge: http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/treeoclock/

Joint planning the future
A new Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Committee has been created to deal with forward planning for West Lindsey, North Kesteven and Lincoln. Sadly, the new Conservative Chairman is now in trouble over a planning application of his own.

Housing
Checks are taking place on houses registered as single occupancy revealing that 5% should actually be paying full council tax. LCC is expecting £1m from corrections.
Council tenants can report repairs directly to the contractor; Jeakins Wier 01529 416399 or Aaron Services for heating 01205 591979.

New Wildlife Watch Spotting & Verges
Wildlife Watch has an excellent new website aimed at young people. A really good part is keeping a picture record of your finds and there are good competitions. Look under “Explore Wildlife”.www.wildlifewatch.org.uk Our local group for children is still going strong, details available. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is inviting people to survey a roadside verge to identify which verges are special and need protection. http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/

Garden someone else’s garden?
A new scheme has been launched to give keen gardeners a chance to get out on the green grass of someone else’s home. Under the new NKDC project, people seeking allotments are linked with council tenants who can no longer take care of their gardens.

Free Swim and keeping fit
Over 18,000 under 16’s and over 60’s have registered to swim free of charge. Over the summer, more than 18,000 swims were taken by over 60’s and almost 60,000 under 16’s. I am working with Branston Community College to try and bring summer swimming.

New Bus Sunday Service: Boston to Lincoln along the B1188: Interconnect 5 route
As requested by residents, I sought support for a Sunday bus service for the heath Villages. For a County Council has now funded a new Boston to Lincoln bus service on Sundays,for a trial period of 6 months from Nov 1st. Five return journeys go via Metheringham and connect to Spalding & Skegness at Boston. Welcome! Use it or lose it!

Village Halls
Building works at Welbourn are progressing well, ready to reopen next year. Plans and support for Navenby Community Centre have continued successfully, thanks to the Parish Council, to you all for your support and to Malcolm Smith for brilliantly project-managing to date. If you haven’t yet sent in a short note of support, please do on www.navenby.net

Your opinion wanted

The new strategy on quarries and waste disposal is out for consultation now. This will set the policy against which any future applications are decided. Contact Jo Wilkins, planning policy officer 01522 554849
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/corestrategy

Help set NKDC Priorities
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/priorities

Events from the December Diary

1st World Aids Day www.worldaidsday
4th/5th Welbourn Primary School Arts Festival
Thurs 4.30-7.30pm and Friday 2-4pm
5th 11am to noon Plant a tree in the garden as part of the huge BBC Breathing Spaces world record breaking attempt.
5th Christmas Grotto at Mrs Smith’s Cottage.
Visit Santa 10-noon and 1.30-3.30pm
5th Welbourn Christmas Coffee Morning

3rd-6th Lincoln Christmas Market

6th Medieval Christmas Cogglesford Mill
East Road, Sleaford.Sunday to 4pm
9th Nocton Coffee morning 10am-noon
11th Independent Lunch at Hilltop Farm 12.30-3pm

12th Wildlife Watch and RSPB Explorer’s Party 10.30am
12th Wellingore Christmas Tea 3-5pm
12th Branston Village Hall Celebration buffet and band.Tickets £6 incl. buffet. 7.30pm
12th Christmas Crafts at the Hub in Sleaford 10am-4pm
19th Lincoln Choral Society at Nocton
19/20th Wellingore Nativity Festival All Saints' Church, 10:00 am to 15:00 pm. Local Groups, churches and schools are taking part. Home made refreshments and raffle. Entry is by donation.

Very best wishes for Christmas and the New year!

Kind Regards,

Marianne Overton
http://councillors.lincolnshire.gov.uk/cllrmoverton/
www.Independentvoice.org.uk(Contact me directly as usual or my secretary at Lincolnshire County Council, Gemma Hawkes 01522 552066.)

Independent’s Day at the Local Government Association (LGA)

A well attended gathering brought a “buzzing” as Independent Councillors from across the country tackled some key issues;

• Streamlining the LGA to make a more cohesive and effective whole


• The work of the LGA comparing value for money in local government compared with certain quangoes, including the Environment Agency.


• Financing Services in a time of economic stress


• New council housing; demand, funding and house sizes.


• The effect of projected changes in National Government next June


• Being effective in a leadership role and in shadow

The evening “Smith’s Square debate” was this month on “Independents’ day?” was for all councillors and looked at the likely impact of Independents at the General Elections.

I took notes and if you would like an e-mailed copy, please let me know. It was a really good day with lots of lively discussion. We had some particularly excellent speakers including Colin Copus and the inspirational Martin Bell, writer, broadcaster and successful Independent MP who is offering his support and encouragement to others.

We have had a number of people coming forward to be Independent MP’s and others to assist. If you or anyone you know wants our help, please encourage them to get in touch. We have also had offers of financial and physical help offered. This May could be our best opportunity to get free-thinking, Independent voices heard.

Forthcoming Events for Independents

Friday 11^th December 2010
Independents’ Lunch Party at Hilltop Farm, Welbourn
12.30pm-3pm
RSVP and bring guests at £5/person

Thursday 7^th January 2010
Day Trip to Billy Elliot, London
Lincoln 11.30am-9pm
£36.50 transport and excellent seats
Book by December 15^th

February Friday 26^th 2010
Independents’ LGA Regional Event
10.30am to lunch and 1-3pm, similar format to last time

Good News: Congratulations to…

Navenby Archaeology Group has hosted its first school visit, where children could see the dig at first hand and meet a “Roman gladiator”. Let me know if your school is interested.

Ingham school as gladiators in Navenby and a Roman coin found on the dig in September. More Council housing in Wellingore NKDC is to receive £1m to build 19 new council houses by March 2011, five in Wellingore (Grayson Green, 2 and Cumberland Ave, 3), but it has to borrow a matching sum, the interest to be paid from Council rents. 47 authorities have been grant-aided, but NKDC is the only one in Lincolnshire.

Councillors’ Award
North Kesteven is the first Council in the East Midlands to be awarded reaccreditation for training and development of its councillors.

Businesses coping with the recession
I visited some of our local bigger businesses and was impressed to find them coping well with the economic downturn. They concentrate on providing what the customer wants and keeping flexible. Also they have increased productivity, reduced staff but invested in staff training and capital buildings that will bring a longer-term return.

North Kesteven is less hard hit than other areas. Nationally, market towns are hardest hit with unemployment rates significantly higher and 60% of shops empty over the past six months. Professional administrative jobs are reduced. Nationally, a fifth of young people ages 16-24 are unemployed, including a third of school leavers; unemployment is the highest in 15 years. University applications are up, though competition is increasing as numbers are now limited.

Council salaries nationally set low
Most staff have settled for an increase of 1%, but the same request from senior officers has been refused.

Your ideas & opinions are wanted
Navenby Community Centre

Now that Navenby sports activities are growing, a new avenue of funding opens. Your renewed support is needed, this time including improved sports facilities, playgroup, village office and the hall itself. The John Cutforth playing field is still the best site. It has not been an easy process, of course, we are asking for a lot of money, but we will get there!

Please add your voice.

www.navenby.net

or use the letter attached.

Lincolnshire Limerick Competition

Have a go at writing a limerick containing a reference to Lincolnshire. The best entry from my area wins a bottle of wine and pride of place in my newsletter and web-site.

National car-share

By using the Lincoln BIG Car-share scheme, you can both save money and help the environment.

https://www.liftshare.com/business/home.asp

Navenby Community Centre and PCSO’s (Police Community Support Officers)

Navenby Community Centre

Now that the Navenby sports activities are growing, a new avenue of funding opens. Your renewed support is needed, this time including improved sports facilities, playgroup, village office and the hall itself. The John Cutforth playing field is still the best site. It has not been an easy process, of course, we are asking for a lot of money, but we will get there! Please add your voice. www.navenby.net

PCSO’s (Police Community Support Officers)

At LCC I am on a panel looking at the effectiveness of our PCSO’s. The contract agreed with the District Councils has run out and is being reviewed for the next budget. Our panel will be making a report to all the Councils in Lincolnshire. If you have any comments, or examples, please let me know. For example, youth crime is dramatically down in Lincolnshire. Is that the good work of our PCSO’s?