October 2011 Page 1 Linc Upwww.nelincs.gov.uk

RESORT IS TOP AGAIN IN BLOOM

at twitter.com/NELincs

Edition 46 | October 2011

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CLEETHORPES is the best coastal resort in the country, and that’s official. The RHS Britain In Bloom competition has handed the resort a gold award in the coastal category, meaning that the North East Lincolnshire community has picked up another accolade for its tremendous efforts.

Alan Fletcher, the council’s parks and open spaces manager, secured a community champion award from the judges. This paid tribute to his dedication over the years to the In Bloom cause.

Jeff Blanchard, vice chair of Cleethorpes In Bloom, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon. Congratu-lations to everyone involved. There were over 450 delegates from In Bloom committees all over the country at the awards ceremony, and each and every one of them stood up to applaud our efforts. It’s a great feeling when you’re recognised as the best in the country.”

Mr Fletcher said: “This is an outstanding achievement for everyone

involved. I’m honoured to have been crowned the In Bloom community champion but I must congratulate everyone who has played a part in securing gold for the resort.

“The Cleethorpes In Bloom committee, businesses, community groups, schools, residents and council staff have all contributed, either by helping to keep their streets litter-free, by putting up hanging baskets or planting window boxes for all to enjoy.”

Other competitors in the coastal category were Bangor, who won a silver gilt, Southport, who won silver and Plymouth, who also secured a silver gilt.

The Britain In Bloom results were announced just one week after the East Midland In Bloom awards, which saw Cleethorpes retain gold and Grimsby and Immingham receive silver gilt awards.

Cleethorpes also won the East Midlands In Bloom award for the least littered environment. This is awarded for exceptional standards of cleanliness.

Hot insulation deals at cool prices See page 4ALSO

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Bringing empty homes back into use See page 5

Could you become a foster carer? See page 6

Winter photo competition returns See page 9

New provider takes on Boxfit sessions See page 10

Jeff Blanchard (left), vice chairman of Cleethorpes In Bloom, with parks and open spaces manager Alan Fletcher

October 2011Page 2 Linc Up www.nelincs.gov.uk

May 2008

Page 1 Linc Up

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GCSE PASSES ON THE RISE

SCHOOLS Minister Vernon

Coaker has welcomed a substantial

rise in maintained school

pupils getting five A*– C GCSE

grades, including English and

mathematics, with North East

Lincolnshire in the top ten most

improved local authorities.

Significant progress has been

made in the borough, this year

recording a rise well above the

national rate.

Across the country 50.4 per

cent of pupils in the maintained

sector achieved five or more GCSEs

at grade A*– C, including English

and mathematics, an increase of 2.1

percentage points from last year.

Here in North East

Lincolnshire 45.4 per cent achieved

this, an increase of almost six per

cent from last year.

This is just below the Local

Authority’s Local Area Agreement

(LAA) target of 47 per cent of

maintained school pupils reaching

the benchmark by 2009.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker

said: “Standards have never been

higher - certainly compared to a

decade ago. A huge boost of 90,000

more young people since 1997 have

that ticket of five good GCSEs

including maths and English and

are able to take the baton and move

successfully to further education,

training or work”.

Locally 69.9 per cent of pupils

achieved five GCSEs at grade

A*– C, an increase of 11.3 per cent

compared to last year and for the

first time above the national average

of 69.7 per cent.

In the latest announcement

from the Department for Children,

Schools and Families (DCSF),

North East Lincolnshire has

been ranked in the top ten most

improved authorities this year.

A spokesperson for the DCSF

said: “To our critics I say look at the

statistics and improvements across

the board, with great progress in

areas that face some of the most

challenging circumstances.

“It is time to celebrate

this success while ensuring we

keep investing to maintain the

momentum of progress.”

Councillor Tony McCabe,

portfolio holder for children and

families said: “These are the best

ever GCSE results with the biggest

year-on-year improvement. I want to

congratulate all the pupils and their

teachers for all the hard work.

“I hope this achievement helps

all our young people to enter into

either employment or further

training. As part of our regeneration

strategy I believe this will ensure we

develop a workforce which makes

relocating businesses to the area

more attractive.

“We will work hard to build an

education system which assists us to

build a strong local economy for the

future.”

Edition 31 | November 2009

* * * For an update on the swine fl u pandemic see page 4 * * *

by Emmeline Espin

to see Elvis on Tour at the Grimsby Auditorium

See back page

TICKETS71,500 copies

delivered every

month across

North East

LincolnshireLOOK OUT FOR

LINC UP

EVERY MONTH

May 2008

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Edition 31 | October 2009

* * * Win tickets to this year’s Lit.Com festival - se

e back page for details * * *

Neighbourhood operations staff celebrate their hard work after winning the gold award in the national In Bloom contest

Grimsby Town Centre: Have Your Say

Emerging development plans and options visit www.greatergrimsbyrenaissance.co.uk or the Renaissance Shop - 33 Victoria Street, Grimsby

Have Your Say

BEST IN BRITAIN!

NEIGHBOURHOOD operations

staff at North East Lincolnshire

Council have been celebrating

a victory in the national RHS

In Bloom competition after

Cleethorpes won gold in the

contest’s coastal category.

Their work, together with help

from local residents and businesses,

put the resort ahead of six other

candidates including Colywn Bay,

Wales, and St Andrew’s, Scotland.

The results of Britain in Bloom

competition were announced on

September 23 in Torquay, Devon.

Neighbourhood operations

are involved in street cleaning and

maintenance work 52 weeks of the

year across the borough, carrying

out a variety of tasks such as clearing

litter, emptying bins, weeding

flowerbeds and tidying verges and

open spaces.

Summer bedding is planted in

late May and early June providing a

riot of colour in the seafront gardens

and parks, complimented by those

on our roundabouts, lampposts and

barriers along the gateways of North

East Lincolnshire.

During October these plants

are replaced with Spring bedding

which provide colour in the short

colder days of the year along with the

thousands of daffodils planted across

the borough

Councillor Colin Eastwell,

portfolio holder for neighbourhoods

and tourism, was delighted about

the awards. He said: “Words cannot

describe the euphoria of winning

these awards.

“Credit is due to everyone

who took a part in achieving this

success – the committee, the council

team, schools and businesses. It was

certainly a joint effort. Cleethorpes is

the pearl of the East Coast and this

will certainly bring the community

together. It’s great for the town,

and the whole area of North East

Lincolnshire. We’re on a roll!”

The judges’ comments were very

approving, noting that the awards

were well deserved. They were

particularly complimentary about the

overall cleanliness of the resort, saying

they hadn’t seen anywhere as clean as

Cleethorpes.

Alan Fletcher, parks and open

spaces manager, attended the

ceremony along with members of

the In Bloom committee. He said:

“Everybody’s absolutely ecstatic! This

reflects so well on the whole area

and on the work of neighbourhood

services in particular, in maintaining

such standards of cleanliness.”

Both Grimsby and Cleethorpes

were also successful in their categories

at the regional level in East Midlands,

winning Gold Awards, at the

ceremony hosted by Cleethorpes

earlier in the month.

DRIVERS are being offered

free advice on how to drive

in a more efficient manner,

helping to cut costs and

carbon emissions.

The public are invited

along to two drop-in sessions

this month, at which

individuals can put their

driving skills to the test.

By making simple

changes to the way we drive,

we can improve your fuel

consumption by up to 15 per

cent. All drivers can drive

smarter, whether for business

or personal reasons.

The Energy Saving Trust

will be hosting the sessions

with North East Lincolnshire

Council, on Thursday,

October 15 and Friday,

October 16.

Those who go along will

have the chance to take the

smarter driving challenge on

a driving simulator.

The sessions are open

to the general public as well

as employees of the council.

They are informal and there

will a prize draw for all who

take part.

The event on October 15

will take place at the Civic

Offices, Cleethorpes, from

9.30am to 5pm.

The session on October

16 is at the Municipal Offices

reception, Town Hall Square,

Grimsby, from 9.30am to

4.30pm.

Drive smart

- save up to

15 per cent

in fuel costs

by Marta Nadgrabska

Edition 31 | November 2009

See back

Riverhead Square regeneration beckons thanks to new plan

Riverhead Square, Grimsby, will be

one of the fi rst areas to be radically

changed as part of the Greater

Grimsby Renaissance Project. See

page two for the full story

May 2008

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Edition 28 | July 2009

** Apply for council jobs online at www.nelincs.gov.uk/jobscareers **

WILL YOU BENEFIT?ARE you eligible for help from the Quids In team? That’s the question North East Lincolnshire Council is asking its residents as it continues its major campaign to make sure that everyone in the borough receives the benefits they are entitled to. The Quids In campaign launched last month and aims to provide eligible households with extra cash towards rent and council tax.Cindy Laherty, benefits and payments manager, said: “We realise in this current economic downturn that households need every penny they can get to make ends meet. The sad reality is that many residents are not aware that they are entitled to extra help towards

paying their rent or council tax. The money is there waiting to be claimed.

“Even if you or your partner work you might still be entitled to help.“Although we are in the early stages of the campaign we have already committed almost £100,000 in

extra benefit over the past couple of months, and this is making a real difference to the lives of members of our community. These are benefits that will be paid this year and roll over into future years. “There is potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds which still remain unclaimed, so don’t delay, phone the Quids In

hotline today and find out whether you are eligible for extra cash.”To contact the Quids In team phone the

hotline on (01472) 324999 or email quidsin@nelincs.gov.uk Alternatively, you can visit the Quids In stand in Freshney Place on the following dates: Thursday, July 9, Friday, July 17, Monday, July 20, Saturday, August 1, Sunday, August 8. The team will also be visiting children’s centres and supermarkets across the

borough.

Cash for carnival

THE Cleethorpes Carnival has been boosted by a cash donation from waste and recycling rm Newlincs.

The rm, which handles and recycles domestic waste on behalf of the council, has handed over a cheque for £500 to the carnival committee, which will put the cash towards providing marching bands and other street entertainment during the event.Sharon Hunt, operations director at Newlincs, said: “Newlincs is only to happy

to give its support to the Cleethorpes Carnival. The parade is a popular attraction for visitors, as well as being an historical and important event enjoyed by the local

community for many years. We are very excited about this year’s event, it looks set to be fabulous.”

Councillor Leanor Pidgen, carnival organiser and secretary, said: “This is a generous gift; it is absolutely tremendous. We’ve really struggled from the outset, nding rms to give us nancial support because of the economic climate, so this is

a big boost to us. All donations of this nature are very important to us.”This year’s parade will run on Saturday July 25, leaving Sidney Sussex at 4.30pm. For more information, visit www.cleethorpescarnival.co.uk

Missing out on extra cash?Ring the QUIDS IN hotline on (01472) 324999

Sharon Hunt (second left) hands the cheque to Councillor Leanor Pidgen at Brighton

Slipway. With them is Nathan Vear, environmental improvement manager (left), and

Councillor Colin Eastwell

THE Linc Up community newspaper is published to help identify, celebrate and build on the positive outcomes that are happening in the borough’s community, and to help people access local services.It is distributed to 71,000 homes in North East Lincolnshire with extra copies available in libraries, council offices and selected leisure outlets. Linc Up is published bi-monthly by the communications team at North East Lincolnshire Council, Town Hall Square, Grimsby DN31 1HU.It is printed by Newsquest Media Printing Services and distributed by Leaflet Distribution Services Ltd.If you would like to receive this information in another language or format, contact the communications team on (01472) 313131 or email communications@nelincs.gov.uk, or write to the address above.

Your community newspaper

Oscar 99 drops in for a safety lessonHUMBERSIDE Police have been helping North East Lincolnshire Council and Balfour Beatty educate young people about road safety with a special attention-grabbing weapon – their crime-busting helicopter.

Oscar 99, as the aircraft is known, landed in the playing field of Canon Peter Hall Primary School, Immingham, in September, as a special highlight to the work they have been doing in a series of classes.

Sergeant Sara Whiting, in Humberside Police’s air operations section, attended the school to talk to pupils about how the helicopter is used to fight crime and boost the safety of local communities.

Her visit was planned as part of an ongoing campaign of work in the school, aimed at reducing the number of children who are injured or killed on the borough’s roads.

Doug Wright, school crossing patrols manager,

and support worker Wendy Hubbard, have been hosting several interesting lessons to boost safety awareness. These include studying the positioning of zebra crossings, carrying out a speed gun survey, running crash tests using toy cars; and demonstrating safety in relation to lorries.

Canon Peter Hall was one of a handful of schools specifically targeted in the campaign, after some ‘near misses’ or minor accidents were recorded in the area.

Sergeant Whiting said: “This was a great opportunity for us to engage with the children. They get a chance to talk to the crew and have a look at the equipment – it really gets their attention.

“One of Humberside Police’s objectives is to reduce the number of children killed or injured on our roads. It is a treat for the children – they work hard – but it also works really well for us.”

AN APPLICATION to extend the licensing hours at the Waltham Royal British Legion Club has been granted by North East Lincolnshire Council.

The venue will now be permitted to serve alcohol and host live or recorded music until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Originally the venue had applied for licensing activities to be permitted until 1am, but this was denied after concerns had been raised by local residents, the Parish Council, and ward

councillors.In making the decision at a

hearing in September, the council’s licensing sub-committee also added a number of conditions to the licence to help prevent public nuisance. These included: the closing of windows and doors during live music and recorded entertainment; the prohibition of drinking outside of the premises; and the imposition of a site exit policy to ensure all customers depart within 30 minutes after licensing activities end.

Waltham British Legion Club granted longer licensing hours

THE Residents’ Association of Aylesby, Laceby and Irby (RAALI) hosted a day out to the Goole Waterways Museum, giving participants the chance to have fun and make new friends of those in their community.

The trip received ward funding, and Wiltshire Farm Foods donated a prize for a raffle, with the money raised being put to future events and trips for residents.

Jenny Griffiths, chair of RAALI, said: “The trip was very memorable and brought a lot of people from the villages together.

“We are keen to run more events like this as it is a great way to make new friends and helps to create a sense of community in the area.”

Members of RAALI also put their creative skills to the test last month at Shoreline Housing Partnership’s open event at the Grimsby Auditorium.

The group created a wall sculpture to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice, which helped to raise awareness of the hospice’s work and how it benefits children and their families.

The sculpture itself has been created with the help of children from the hospice.

Once it is finished, it is hoped the piece will be displayed in public, in Grimsby, for all to enjoy.

For more information about RAALI, contact Jenny Griffiths on (01472) 504921.

Residents’ association gets out and about

Above, (front, from left) Liam Orchard, Warren Gill, Arron Isherwood, Brody Mawer and Chelsea Erdmann. Behind are (from left) Sgt Sara Whiting, Wendy Hubbard, Doug Wright, and deputy head teacher Sandra Fawn. Left, Sgt Whiting shows the children around the aircraft.

October 2011 Page 3 Linc Upwww.nelincs.gov.uk

Free bike stands availableFREE bicycle parking stands will be available for businesses and organisations, helping people keep fit and travel in a greener fashion.

The council and Balfour Beatty are encouraging voluntary sector groups, small businesses, shops, cafes, churches, workplaces and health surgeries to get involved in the PedalPark scheme, which will see more bike stands created in the area.

A council spokesman said: “Organisations will have the opportunity to apply for new cycle parking that will help reduce the likelihood of bikes being stolen or damaged.

“The stands will also show staff and visitors alike that the organisation is doing its bit to encourage more people to think about the environment and use their bikes instead of cars.”

Each organisation can apply for up to three stands, which will provide space for six bikes. The stands can be used to create a totally new cycle parking site, replace less secure facilities or supplement current cycle parking where demand exceeds capacity.

For further information, visit www.pedalandstride.com and follow the link to the PedalPark Community Cycle Parking Scheme. Complete and return the application form by Monday, January 30.

Cyclists warned: Lock it up or lose it‘LOCK it or lose it’ posters have gone up in various locations in North East Lincolnshire, urging cyclists to lock their bikes securely when unattended.

North East Lincolnshire’s Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership is urging all cyclists to lock their bikes, even when left for a short time.

Gerry Darling, detective chief inspector, said: “More and more people tend to be using bicycles these days and our advice is aimed at everyone, but particularly cyclists who leave their bikes unlocked for a short time outside, for example, a shop or friend’s house, thinking they won’t get caught out.

Opportunist thieves can take advantage of this and it can be simply avoided if people secure their bikes when they are not with them.”

He added: “The Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership is working

together to help reduce all crime in the area including thefts from vehicles and cycle crime.

“We have made significant progress in reducing vehicle crime over the last year and residents have helped us by not leaving items on display and ensuing that vehicles are always secure.

“We are now appealing to cyclists for their help. Leaving bicycles unlocked gives criminals an easy life. Ensure they are always locked securely.”

RESIDENTS in the East Marsh area in Grimsby are being visited by a host of agencies in October to ensure they have access to the services they want and need.

The Down Your Street campaign involves agencies such as Humberside Police, the Care Plus Group and North East Lincolnshire Council engaging with and delivering services direct to the heart of a community.

Area co-ordinator for the East Marsh, John Willis, hopes that residents will take the opportunity to speak directly with agencies by telling them what is important to their neighbourhood. Mr Willis said: “This is the second time that Down Your Street has been to the East Marsh.

“The first week in September was a huge success with many residents taking the opportunity to seek advice about many services such as home insulation and volunteering

opportunities to help the vulnerable. “Humberside Fire and Rescue

visited almost 800 properties, and provided fire safety equipment to around 100 of them, and the council’s Community Pride service was on-hand to offer information to households.

“During October we are visiting a further 700 properties in this neighbourhood to offer similar advice but importantly it will be tailored to what these residents want and need.”

Steve Beasant, chairman of the neighbourhood community group, East Marsh Involve, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to speak directly to the people who can help with issues that are affecting our lives.

“Everyday agencies are working in the East Marsh but you don’t always get the chance to talk to and receive support on our doorstep.”

Advice on services – down your street

The Lock It or Lose It campaign is launched at Tesco Cleethorpes. From left: Tom Shaw, safer and stronger communities, PCSO Linda Dye, PCSO Steve Sutton, PCSO Richard Moore and Carole Rogan, security manager at Cleethorpes Tesco.

Area co-ordinator John Willis is hoping many residents will benefit from the agency visits

October 2011Page 4 Linc Up www.nelincs.gov.uk

Loft insulation: hot deals at cool prices

Fun day enjoyed by many

CATCH expansion brings promise of 300 new jobs

SHEEP, the well-established energy efficiency scheme, has entered into a new partnership with leading energy company E.On to offer great discounts on home insulation.

The partnership can now arrange loft insulation for just £99 and cavity wall insulation for £89, subject to a survey. And for the over-70s and anyone in receipt of a means-tested disability benefit or tax credits, the insulation measures could be free.

The scheme is open to homeowners or privately rented properties.

Another great offer has just been announced by the partnership which will see property owners aged between 60 and 69 receive loft and cavity wall insulation for just £49 each, subject to a survey and while funds last.

SHEEP was launched by the two south Humber local authorities, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire councils, in 2001. It has since helped more than 9,000 homeowners and tenants make their properties warmer and healthier places to live.

A spokesperson for the partnership said: “During the summer months it is easy to forget how cold the winter can be. I would urge homeowners and those in private rented properties to think ahead and get in touch with the home energy teams to see if they can help with making your property ready for colder climes to come.”

New figures released reveal that nearly half of Britain’s homes do not have adequate basic insulation. Such households lose at least £100 a year in wasted energy payments.

To find out more, contact the home energy team in Grimsby on (01472) 324782 or in Scunthorpe on (01724) 297000.

THE £3.29m expansion project for the Centre for the Assessment of Technical Competence Humber (CATCH) started in September – and to celebrate the occasion, a ground-breaking ceremony took place.

The project will see the Stallingborough-based facility increase in size and capacity with a new light trade workshop, an extension to the process plant and the creation of a new working at heights centre.

The European Regional Development Fund has supported the project with a contribution of £1.49m, matched with a significant contribution of £1.8m from North East Lincolnshire Council.

The project aims to create 300 new jobs through the provision of apprenticeships over the next four years.

THE South Ward Partnership community fun day at the beginning of September was a great success.

The event was officially opened by the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Susan Pickett, on the Sutcliffe Avenue recreation ground.

Scores of families and their friends went along to give the summer holiday a super send off.

Stalls and exhibits offered useful information on everything from recycling to childcare; fun activities included a climbing wall and mini go karts.

Local environmental social enterprise group Green Futures were on hand with samples of this year’s delicious produce, and kids and adults alike were able to sponsor balloons as part of a special 1,000 balloon release by Grimsby In Bloom.

PCSO Chris Hine was looking distinctly damp after volunteering to face a torrent of wet sponges, but the September sun was still warm enough to keep up his spirits.

Jane Mansfield, area coordinator from the council, said residents and community services enjoyed time together in a positive atmosphere, presenting much potential for further years.

She said: “We all felt that we could do with a way of getting people together to celebrate the end of what has been a really good summer, and what better way of doing that than providing some old fashioned fun for the whole family. This kind of event expresses the sort of community spirit which we all value, and which this area was built upon.”

An artist’s impression of the new workshop

October 2011 Page 5 Linc Upwww.nelincs.gov.uk

New laws around sales of tobacco THE sale of tobacco, directly to the public from vending machines, will be against the law from this month.

It will also be unlawful to advertise or display a picture of tobacco products on vending machines.

However, the legislation does not ban vending machines entirely, as they can be moved to a place within the premises where the public cannot access them, like behind the bar. They can also be left in position if they are not going to be used to access tobacco and have all advertising removed.

The ban on tobacco vending machines, which came into force on October 1, has been proposed for some time. The prohibition was included in the Heath Act 2009 and has survived legal challenge by a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco, Sinclair Collis, a well-known operator of vending machines.

The government believes that the ban is an important step towards improving public health.

Jane Tomlinson, principal trading standards officer, said: “Tobacco vending machines have been living on borrowed time since the ban on smoking in enclosed places in 2007.

“Surveys by organisations like ASH and Cancer Research have shown clear public support for a ban on this way of selling tobacco directly to the public.

“Advice to businesses on how to comply with the ban is available from the council’s trading standards officers on (01472) 324770.”

Turning neglected houses into homes

Giving residents a say on supporting servicesRESIDENTS who receive help from the council’s Supporting People service came together for their annual Speak Out event on Friday, September 16 – giving them the opportunity to have a say about the service.

Supporting People helps residents of North East Lincolnshire live independently in their own homes, and clients, support workers and service providers come together once a year to celebrate their achievements and to discuss how things can be improved in the future.

One resident, Paul McPhee, was delighted with how the service has helped him. Previously a

client of Supporting People, Paul is now an employee of Longhurst and Havlock Homes and the chair of Supporting People’s client involvement panel.

Mr McPhee said: “The people that run the Supporting People project give you a chance to get involved and listen to what you have to say about the services they provide. They listen and they act on the comment that their clients make.”

The event featured activities including kurling, T’ai Chi, and ballroom dancing.

For further information about the Supporting People programme, contact (01472) 324865. Supporting People clients have their say at Speakout 2011

MORE empty homes will be brought back into use thanks to grants and loans on offer from the council and its partner Balfour Beatty.

Empty homes are an increasing problem within North East Lincolnshire. They discourage investment and can have a negative impact on communities and neighbourhoods.

However, financial help is available to offer future owner-occupiers and existing vacant property owners the opportunity to refurbish and repair their empty properties.

There are two options available. The first is the empty homes grant. This is available to future owner-occupiers, to provide up to £12,000, including fees, to bring a property up to decent homes standards. To qualify, the property must be: registered as empty for council tax purposes; assessed as being detrimental to the local area; and within the property band criteria.

The second option is the empty homes loan. This enables owners to refurbish, repair and improve residential properties up to the decent homes standard. Priority will be given to properties where structural deterioration is having an impact on the neighbourhood. Interest free loans are available up to £100,000, repayable after a maximum of five years or on disposal of the property.

A council spokesman said: “These run-down empty properties are a blot on the landscape of many areas of North East Lincolnshire.

“Owners are urged to take advantage of the grants and loans on offer and bring these eyesores back up to scratch.”

For further details contact Home Improvement Services on (01472) 324776.

Alternatively you can email them at bb-homeimprovementteam@nelincs.gov.uk.

Before

After

This Grimsby home is one of many which have been transformed, thanks to the council

October 2011Page 6 Linc Up www.nelincs.gov.uk

A Think Family strategy has been developed to make life easier for families in North East Lincolnshire with multiple problems.

Professionals who support children, parents or vulnerable adults are being asked to consider how a problem affecting one family member also affects other family members.

Agencies that can help will then work together to build a team of support around the family.

The process for a family is very straightforward. A family CAF (common assessment framework) form will be

completed as soon as possible after a problem has been identified. The family will complete the form with a professional who could be a health visitor, teacher, school nurse, youth worker, social worker, health worker or any one else that has had CAF training.

A multi-agency meeting will then be held to prioritise actions and identify a lead professional who will become the main point of contact for the family and make sure that the action plan is coordinated and reviewed.

This streamlined process will mean that families are supported appropriately, that

support is not duplicated and that, because they are being supported at the earliest opportunity, they will need fewer services over time.

Safeguarding vulnerable children and adults remains a priority and the process allows for swift referral to statutory services at any stage, if necessary, with ongoing support from the team around the family.

A team from the council’s integrated family services will complement this new approach by looking at the specific needs of the area to ensure that appropriate services are available for children and families.

New approach for supporting families

AT any one time there are roughly 57,000 children living with foster families in the UK.

For a variety of reasons they have been placed in foster care by local councils who have a duty to protect vulnerable children. A lot of these children will eventually return to their own families, but in some circumstances it is necessary for them to remain longer in care.

Foster carers are the ordinary people who look after these children. They provide a safe and caring environment in their own home, offering temporary parenting, love and emotional support.

North East Lincolnshire Council is constantly looking for new people to become foster carers and

would like to urge anyone who has considered it to find out more.

Sheila Ingram, the manager of the fostering and adoption team, said: “There’s no single quality that goes in to making a good foster carer. Obviously we look for people who are caring, patient and empathetic.

“But most foster carers would describe themselves as ordinary people. They often think of themselves as child-centred and feel that they did a good job at raising their own children.

“Locally, the children for whom we need foster homes come from a wide range of lifestyles. This means that they can be from many different ethnicities, religions and cultures.

“A lot of the children who we are trying to home just need a place in which they feel safe. Of course, some of the children have experiences or attitudes which can be challenging at times and may require special care and consideration.

“We can offer training and guidance in dealing with difficult situations

and we will be on hand in case of emergencies.

“Although challenging, foster caring can be one of the most rewarding professions in the world. You can make a real difference to someone’s life, offering them a happy and healthy future.”

To find out more, call the fostering and adoption team on (01472) 325545.

Could you look after a foster child?

THE government has recently committed to creating 250,000 additional apprenticeship places nationally over the next five years.

In response to this the Change programme, in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), has launched an apprenticeship grant scheme with the aim of creating 150 new apprenticeship places in North East Lincolnshire.

The scheme will offer financial help to businesses who might be undecided if they

can commit to take on an apprentice or have not considered this option in the past. Eligible businesses will receive a grant of £2,500 which can be used to subsidise the apprentice’s pay.

Once accepted onto the scheme, the apprenticeship training provider, along with the NAS, will work with the employer to help with recruitment. The grant is then paid through the approved training organisation who will also be responsible for supporting the employer and individual.

The scheme was launched with training organisations on September 7. It is scheduled to run until May 31.

For further details on the scheme and eligibility please contact Matthew Head at North East Lincolnshire Council on (01472) 323719 or 07920 768736. Alternatively email matthew.head@nelincs.gov.uk.

Young people who are interested in the scheme and are not in employment, education or training should contact their personal adviser for more information.

New grant fund launched for apprenticeships

October 2011 Page 7 Linc Upwww.nelincs.gov.uk

DON’T THROW AWAY YOUR MONEY LIKE OWEN LOADS

North East Lincolnshire Credit UnionSave and borrow for a better tomorrow. Call (01472) 361990 or visit www.nelcu.co.uk

MoneylineAdvice on borrowing, especially for those with a poor credit status. Call 08455 198053 or visit www.elmline.co.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau Resolve legal, money and other problems. Call 0844 111 444 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

Community Advice Servicelegal matters. Call (01472) 240256

Christians Against PovertyFree debt counselling charity, offering a non-judgemental approach. Call 0800 328 006 or email grimsby@capuk.org

North East Lincolnshire Council

Call (01472) 323710 or email

Free and impartial advice is available

Outsmart your debts!

FEVER, chills, a pounding headache and muscles so sore you can’t drag your aching body out of bed... Sound familiar? If you’ve ever suffered a nasty case of the flu then you’ll know it isn’t something you want again.

Add to this the risk of serious complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, and the fact that a number of (mainly older people) in the UK sadly die each winter from the flu, then having the jab starts to make sense.

Now is the best time of the year to plan having your flu jab.

Geoffrey Barnes, acting director of public health for North East Lincolnshire said: “I urge people in at-risk groups such as those with chronic conditions such as heart and kidney disease, asthma and diabetes, the over-65s and pregnant women to make an appointment with their GP as soon as possible.

“If you have a long-term health condition this can be made much more serious if you catch flu. For healthy people, flu remains an unpleasant but mild illness and generally they will recover in a few days after getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and using over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol.”

WITH winter fast approaching and forecasters predicting another icy-blast this year, the council and its partners are gearing up to combat the elements.

From gritting the roads to keeping the most vulnerable members of our communities fed and warm, the borough’s agencies and emergency services will be ready for whatever the weather has in store.

A council spokesperson said: “We have learnt a lot of valuable lessons from last year’s extreme weather conditions. We have reviewed our procedures and our fleet of vehicles to make sure we are prepared for the worst.

“The community has a big part to play too, not only keeping themselves safe and warm but looking out for their vulnerable neighbours.

“Isolated rural areas are often the worst affected communities, so we will be working closely with the parish councils and putting in place arrangements with sub-contractors and farmers to help with snow clearance operations should conditions arise.”

A partnership of voluntary and public sector organisations will also be working together in North East Lincolnshire to avoid unnecessary hardship for older people. The winter campaign will make sure that all older people in the borough get the maximum support possible

through any period of extreme weather.The partnership has come up with a list of

essential items they suggest the elderly should start stocking up on before bad weather arrives. The list includes: coffee and tea; sugar; milk (dried or long life); bread (can be frozen); butter

or margarine; tins of soup, vegetables and fruit; frozen meals; toilet rolls; pet food; torch and batteries; bottled water; light bulbs.

Residents who would like to get involved as a volunteer should contact Penny or Tayo on (01472) 315437.

Community prepares for winter

Now is the best time to have your flu jab

The council, in partnership with Balfour Beatty, is prepared for looking after the roads this winter. The authority is responsible for 607km of roads and every winter the gritters are out salting 355km of the road network. The council keeps salt stocks of 2,500 tonnes. Last year, when this photo was taken, a further 2,100 tonnes were purchased.

Calling all businessesYOUR one stop shop for health and wellbeing in the workplace is available for free, now, online at: www.nelhwp.co.uk.

October 2011Page 8 Linc Up www.nelincs.gov.uk

I’M enjoying going for walks in the autumn weather; I take my plastic bottles with me to put them in the local recycling bank.

However, I often find that bags of plastic recycling have been left next to the recycling banks and have not been squashed. Leaving bags of waste around a site actually counts as fly-tipping and, not only does it make the site look untidy, it also means that it will be disposed of as general waste, not recycled.

Recently Immingham’s Kennedy Way

site has been updated with some new recycling banks. The Town Council has provided CCTV coverage so the area can be checked for cleanliness, and to deter fly tipping. There is also a general bin to get rid of carrier bags.

It is not possible to collect plastics in the way that we collect glass, paper and

cans due to the light weight and volume of plastics and our vehicles not having compaction devices.

To help, we have increased the number of recycling banks where you can take plastics, and we’ve tried to make it convenient by locating them near to supermarkets. So next time you’re going shopping don’t forget to take your plastics and don’t forget to have a good jump on them first!

If your local bank is too full, let us know by phoning the waste hotline on (01472) 325841.

Garden waste to be collected monthlyRESIDENTS are reminded that household garden waste collections in North East Lincolnshire will be reduced from fortnightly to monthly from November.

The changes are being made due to the reduction in government funding. By reducing the frequency from November to February, the council is expected to save £20,000.

Collections scheduled from Monday November 7 will be the first monthly ones.

Collection dates can be checked online via the council’s waste calendar, which shows kerbside dates for household, garden and recycling collections or by calling the waste hotline on (01472) 325841.

Garden and cardboard waste can still be taken to the council’s community recycling centres at Estuary Way, Pyewipe Industrial Estate, Grimsby, and Queen’s Road, Immingham.

Sporting fashion: how to turn frocks into footballsSTUDENTS at Oasis Academy Wintringham in Grimsby have started the new term with a pledge to do more for the environment by recycling their unwanted textiles in exchange for new sports equipment and coaching.

The initiative from Wastebuster, with backing from North East Lincolnshire Council’s waste and recycling team, aims to divert waste from landfill by reusing and recycling textiles while increasing access and participation in new sporting activities in the process.

The campaign, called Sport in Schools, will help to divert an anticipated 940,000 tonnes of textiles from landfill. This is the amount that is expected to be disposed of in the build up to the Olympic Games next year.

The council is urging all schools to sign up for free to this new initiative. Joanna Boardman, waste minimisation officer, said: “With the torch relay coming to North East Lincolnshire next year, this project is a great way for schools to become more involved with the Olympics. It will also help them to reduce their textile waste.

“The campaign helps children to play a significant part in the care of the environment and in the care

of their community. At the same time, schools benefit from new sports equipment and sports activity.”

Pupils and their families from Oasis Academy Wintringham have applied to Wastebuster for a textile recycling bank.

Michelle Perry, community development manager at the academy, said: “Sport into Schools will help us to

raise money for our school to encourage participation in sport. We are committed to improving the environment, so this project ticked all the boxes for us.

“We will also benefit from an excellent package of educational resources from Wastebuster too.

“We are hoping to raise awareness about reusing textiles as well as recycling

them, and we might be able to put on a fashion show later in the year with some reclaimed outfits.”

Schools which are interested in the scheme can visit the Wastebuster website at www.wastebuster.co.uk.

Alternatively, call Ian Graham or Joanna Boardman in the council’s waste and recycling team on (01472) 325097.

Michelle Perry, community development manager with pupils at the academy. Michelle is hoping a fashion show will be staged at the end of the year, using reclaimed outfits.

October 2011 Page 9 Linc Upwww.nelincs.gov.uk

SNOWY scenes and seasonal snaps from North East Lincolnshire are needed for the council’s winter greetings card, which is sent to residents each year containing essential Christmas waste and recycling information.

A competition to find the best photograph for the front of the card has been launched during national Zero Waste Week, with the lucky winner snapping up a £100 gift voucher courtesy of Comley Cameras of Cleethorpes.

Pictures should depict winter scenes in North East Lincolnshire, and those entering the competition must have taken the photographs themselves.

Ian Graham, recycling officer, said: “With the amount of snow that fell last year I expect us to be inundated with people wanting to enter the competition.

“Every year we send out these Christmas cards with details of the seasonal waste and recycling collections. The front of the card is the winning picture. Our collection dates do change over this period

due to the bank holidays, and residents find them very useful.

“What’s more, when people know exactly when their recycling and waste collections are going to take place it encourages everyone to minimise the amount of waste they produce over the Christmas period.

“So have a look through your photo collection to see if you have any pictures you would like to put forward.

“Snowmen pictures, winter landscape scenes, buildings decorated for the season – they’ll all be considered for the prize.”

Entries will be judged by a panel which includes experienced photographers. One picture will be chosen for the front of the Christmas recycling information cards.

To enter, upload your photograph to the council’s waste and recycling Facebook wall, ‘Letswasteless Nelc’.

Alternatively, email your photograph to communications@nelincs.gov.uk or send hard copies

in the post to: Seasonal Photo Competition, Communications Team, North East Lincolnshire Council, Municipal Offices, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HU. When emailing or posting your entries include your name, address

and telephone number. The deadline for entries is

Friday, October 14. All pictures need to be at least 300dpi and in JPEG format.

Images may be converted into mono.

Winter photo contest returns

last year’s winning photograph of Grimsby Minister taken by Steven Maxson.

Remember when petrol was 37p

a litre? It still can be.In 1983, petrol was 37p per litre.

It still is if you car-share with 3 other people.

CarShare in N. E. Lincs atTravelLincs.com!

TravelLincs.com, a website that brings together people who want to car share in the Northern Lincolnshire region, is already saving its 600-plus members £100,000 per year.

Most people commute to work by car. The average worker in the UK commutes over 4,000 miles a year, which equates to an average annual fuel cost of over £700.

To help residents to cut fuel costs and travel more sustainably, North and North East Lincolnshire Councils in partnership with Balfour Beatty have teamed up with Liftshare, the largest operator of car-sharing systems in the UK, to provide a way to register and match up with other car sharers.

The TravelLincs Scheme covers an area from Crowle in the west to Grimsby and Cleethorpes in the east. It goes as far north as Barton, Winterton and Immingham and as far south as Ashby, Bottesford and Messingham. It also covers central locations including Scunthorpe, Brigg and the Wolds area.

Car sharing is a really simple way of

saving money, reducing the number of cars on the road – and it is a way of doing your bit for the environment at the same time.

On average there are over 31,000 cars entering Grimsby town centre between 8am and 9am each morning, but remarkably these cars have almost 90,000 empty seats. So car sharing could make the roads almost three quarters quieter.

As well as reducing congestion, fewer cars mean less noise and better air quality. However, one of the biggest barriers to car sharing is actually finding someone to share with. And that’s where Travellincs.com comes in.

Car sharing scheme is good for the pocket and the environment

To find someone to car share with, or for more information, visit www.travellincs.com

October 2011Page 10 Linc Up www.nelincs.gov.uk

Café serves up loyalty schemeCAFE in the Park in People’s Park is now under management of the council and all residents are being encouraged to enjoy a cappuccino or latte in the area’s beautiful and relaxing surroundings.

Coffee lovers will be rewarded with a free drink after they have bought five coffees from the café – ask staff for a loyalty card.

The café serves light refreshments and is open from 10am to 5pm. Hours will reduce during the winter months.

BOXFIT, the council-run programme that uses non-contact boxing moves to increase young people’s physical fitness levels, is now being delivered by Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club (GFKC).

The martial arts club is currently managing three Boxfit sessions in the community and it hopes to provide more in the future.

The programme is delivered by fully qualified, CRB-checked martial arts instructors with first aid and safeguarding children qualifications.

The aim of GFKCs Boxfit sessions is to provide the experience of martial arts in the heart of the community, in good quality community centres, providing the highest standards of instruction.

Sessions are aimed at eight to 16-year-olds, and all levels of ability. The class components are based on freestyle kickboxing, self-defence,

physical strength and endurance. Students have the opportunity to take part in a grading syllabus which could lead to a black belt. Training for competitions is also an option.

Paul Peacock, from the council’s specialist health promotion team, said: “The premier martial arts club GFKC is now the proud owner of the community Boxfit programme. A deal has been struck between the council and the club for them to manage the entire programme.

“The council will now become the main sponsor of the Boxfit programme and continue to support GFKC in their quest to encourage and support more young people to get involved in martial arts as a great way to take part in physical activity.”

John Tomlinson, GFKC owner, said: “This is an amazing opportunity, not just for GFKC but for the young people of the borough

who are interested in taking part in martial arts.

“The Boxfit programme has been running for three years with great success and I can’t believe that GFKC will have such a fantastic opportunity to take the lead on the future progress of the scheme.

“I want to thank the council for this opportunity and I look forward to developing the programme.”

Boxfit sessions take place every Monday from 5pm to 6pm at GFKCs base at the Oasis Health Club, Orwell Street, Grimsby, every Tuesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Immingham Sports Centre, and every Thursday from 5.45pm to 6.45pm at St Hugh’s Community Centre.

For more information about Boxfit, or if you are interested in a free school demo or even buying Boxfit in for your school then please contact John Tomlinson on 07961063321.

New provider of Boxfit steps into the ring

The Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club is now running the sessions, providing a great opportunity for young people to get involved in sport

Get in touch on (01472) 323540,

e-mail cls@nelincs.gov.uk or via our website on

www.nelincs.gov.uk/cls

“I’ve got a full-time job now as an administration assistant – an

apprenticeship is really worth doing!”

Apprenticeships all ages

Ready to work programme

October 2011 Page 11 Linc Upwww.nelincs.gov.uk

Fun activities for the October half term

Artistic bag exhibition now onARTLANDISH is hosting a free exhibition of canvas bags at The Discovery Centre, Cleethorpes, until Friday, October 14.

All the bags have been decorated by local artists and crafters in a bid to encourage people to be kind to the environment by getting rid of the need for plastic carrier bags.

Supported by North East Lincolnshire Council’s waste and recycling team, a range of styles and materials have been used to make each bag an inspirational creation.

Following the exhibition, all bags will be on sale at £4 each to raise funds for Artlandish.

For information email gary.precious@nelincs.gov.uk or lucy.johnston@nelincs.gov.uk or call (01472) 325300.

JOIN Jason Day, author, broadcaster and paranormal investigator, to discover haunted locations in North East Lincolnshire.

The free events take place on Thursday, November 3, at Cleethorpes Library from 3pm to 4.30pm, and Friday, November 4,

at Grimsby Central Library from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Jason will be revealing information from his new book, Haunted Grimsby. Signed copies will also be on sale.

For more information call (01472) 323620 or visit Jason’s website at www.jasonday.co.uk.

THERE are activities to suit everyone this October half term as Bradley Pitches and the Fishing Heritage Centre offer a packed programme to keep the kids entertained.

Train to be the next footballing great at Bradley Pitches with their five-day programme of football coaching for just £30, from Monday, October 24, to Friday, October 28. For more information or to book a place, call Gary or Paul on (01472) 325300 or email gary.precious@nelincs.gov.uk or paul.goodhand@nelincs.gov.uk.

If arts and crafts are more your thing, Grimsby’s Fishing Heritage Centre have a range of ghoulish Halloween activities for just £1 per child. Visit between 10am and 4pm on October 25, 26, 27 and 28, to create spooky seasonal crafts. Workshops last one hour.

Booking is essential – call (01472) 323345.

Also at the attraction from Saturday, October 22, to Sunday, October 30, you can take part in as popular Halloween trail to find the witches hidden in the museum. This fun trail costs £2 per person.

Discover haunted history

THE council’s bid to the Department for Transport for the A18-A180 link road was given another boost this week when Hargreaves Services PLC pledged £5,000 towards the £6m scheme costs.

This development follows the recent announcement that Immingham Town Council will contribute £10,000 if the bid is successful.

Funding for the A18-A180 link was put in jeopardy when the government decided to put financial support on hold. This now means the council is competing against at least 22 other major schemes for a limited pot of funding.

Jason Longhurst, head of development, said: “The government has made it clear they expect all efforts

to be made to reduce costs and secure additional local and third party contributions.

“They have said this will be a key factor in deciding which schemes to support.

“I welcome Hargreaves on board with this project as it

furthers my goal to win new investment for the area that underpins our infrastructure and growth for future development.”

As well as being an effective bypass for Stallingborough, the A18-A180 Link will provide a

southern access to the port of Immingham to replace Pelham Road and bring about much-needed relief for the people of Immingham, who have for many years complained about the volume of heavy goods vehicles affecting their lives.

More funding for A18-A180 link roadThe link road will give a better route for heavy goods vehicles accessing the port of Immingham, relieving the traffic along Pelham Road

October 2011Page 12 Linc Up www.nelincs.gov.uk

Sat Oct 15Orpheus Male Voice Choir Grimsby and Cleethorpes presents the Cantamus Girls’ Choir, at Grimsby Central Hall, Duncombe Street, 7.30pm. All ages. Tickets cost £15 front circle, £12 back circle. Tickets sold via the Caxton Ticket Office at Grimsby Central Library on (01472) 346251.

Sat Oct 15 to Sat Oct 22Purgatory Park, at the Caxton Theatre, Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, 7.30pm. God has had a lot on his plate lately and mistakes have started to creep in. His latest blunder finds him calling Adam Finemess before his allotted time. Can Adam triumph in the celestial trial of the century and win back his mortal soul or will God get his way? Tickets: Saturdays £7.50; Monday to Friday £7; Monday concessions £6. Book at the Caxton Ticket Office at Grimsby Central Library on (01472) 346251.

Tues Oct 18Tom Stade, live stand up comedy at the Parkway Cinema, Cleethorpes, 8pm. Hugely talented Canadian Tom Stade appears in his eagerly awaited debut nationwide tour. His magnetic stage presence, irrepressible charm and first-class story-telling have established him as one of the most sought-after performers

on the UK circuit. Tickets £13.50 or £11.50 concs. www.parkwaycinemas.co.uk

Thur Oct 20 to Sat Nov 26 Light Drawings by Ben Hancocks, at the Gate Gallery, 12 Brighowgate, Grimsby. Open from 10am to 4pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. All ages. Featuring new works made from birch plywood boxes and LEDs.

Thur Oct 20Studio 1 Film Showings: American Werewolf in London (1981). At Immage Studios, Immingham Resource Centre, Margaret Street, Immingham, 7.30pm. Tickets £3. Free parking, refreshments available. Certificate 18.

Fri Oct 21Meniscus Community Film Society presents Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008). Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamoured with the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture. Directed by Woody Allen, starring Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem.At the Skills Centre, Freeman Street Market, Grimsby, 7pm. Tickets are available on the door for £3 or £2.50 for concessions.

Fri Oct 21Justin Moorhouse – stand up comedy at the Parkway Cinema, Cleethorpes, 8.30pm. Tickets £15. Book at www.parkwaycinemas.co.uk.

Sat Oct 22Grimsby Philharmonic Society presents Smetana’s comic opera The Bartered Bride. Conducted by Susan Hollingworth, with piano duo Caroline Clemmow and Anthony Goldstone. At Grimsby Central Hall, Duncombe Street, 7.30pm. All ages. Tickets £13 or £11 for the circle or £8 for the stalls. Book via the Caxton Ticket Office at Grimsby Central Library on (01472) 346251. This is the first concert in the Grimsby Philharmonic Society’s 160th anniversary year.

Sat Oct 22 The Cat’s Pyjamas Presents The Voodoo Lounge Burlesque, its annual Halloween event, at The Yardbirds Club, Church Street, Grimsby, 8pm. The show finishes around 11pm, with dancing until late. Tickets £9 adv or £10 door. Ages 18+. Tickets are available from Beorc, The Yardbirds Club, and via email at naughtysnappy@hotmail.co.uk.

Tues Oct 25 to Sun Jan 8The Voyage of the DB Finn: paintings and drawings by Roy Reynolds from his time at sea with the Hull trawler. At the Cafe Gallery, Fishing Heritage Centre, Grimsby, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Free admission.

Tues Oct 25 to Sun Jan 8The Humber and the Tees: paintings by Len Tabner will be on show alongside objects and artworks from the museum collection, exploring how lives have been shaped by their proximity to the mouth of a large river and comparing and contrasting the experience of the Humber and the Tees. At the Muriel Barker Gallery, Fishing Heritage Centre, Grimsby, Tuesday to Sunday including Bank Holidays, 10am to 4pm. Free admission.

Wed Oct 26The Vienna Festival Ballet presents the Nutcracker, at the Grimsby Auditorium, 7.30pm. For tickets, call the booking line on 08444 999 999.

Thur Oct 27Studio 1 Film Showings: E.T. (1982). At Immage Studios, Immingham Resource Centre, Margaret Street, Immingham, 2pm. Tickets cost £2 adults, £1 under-16s. Free parking, refreshments available.

Thur Oct 27The Karen Sharp Quartet, at the Stamford Club, Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 adv, £12 door, students half price. All ages. Call (01472) 873730.

Sat Oct 29The Essence of Ireland. A breathtaking show of superb musicianship, spectacular dance routines and dazzling costumes. At the Grimsby Auditorium, 7.30pm. Tickets £25.50. Book via 08444 999 999.

Tue Nov 8 to Sat Dec 3Portraits without Pictures, Sound without Noise – Joan Ainley. Offering the viewer perceptual and intellectual challenges with visual intrigue. At the Abbey Walk Gallery, Grimsby, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free. All ages welcome.

Thur Nov 10Grimsby Concert Society presents Judith Hall (flute) and Craig Ogden (guitar). Performing music by Ibert, Ravel, Schlosberg, Albniz, Villa-Lobos, Rodrigo, Granados, Piazzolla and Jonathan Lloyd. At Grimsby Central Hall, Duncombe Street, 7.30pm. All ages. Tickets cost £12.50 (full-time students and registered job seakers £2). Book via the Caxton Ticket Office at Grimsby Central Library on (01472) 346251.

Frid Nov 11Grimsby Historical Association Lectures: Should America go to War? The great debate over the American Entry into World War II. At the Markham Hall, St James’

School, Grimsby, 7.30pm. Ages 16+.

Sat Nov 12Carmina Burana, performed by the Grimsby Bach Choir at the United Reformed Church, Weelsby Road, Grimsby, 7.30pm. All ages. Tickets £10, accompanied children under 16 and students free. Book via the Caxton Ticket Office on (01472) 346251.

Sat Nov 12Samuel Joseph Presents Harry the Piano in Concert: The Cabaret Show. Talented Harry does things with the instrument that you’ve never heard before, moving seamlessly between jazz, cabaret and classical in a manner that hasn’t been seen in the UK since the heyday of Dudley Moor. At Grimsby Central Hall, Duncombe Street, 7.30pm. All ages. Tickets £12 or £10 for the circle, £8 stalls. Book via the Caxton Ticket Office at Grimsby Central Library on (01472) 346251.

Sat Nov 12Ellen Kent International presents Madama Butterfly, Giacomo Puccini’s opera telling the story of love, devotion and tragedy. Showing at the Grimsby Auditorium, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20.50 to £33.50. Call the auditorium’s booking line on 08444 999 999.

Sun Nov 13The Comedy Store, at the Parkway Cinema, Cleethorpes, 8pm. Four great stand-ups. One great night. Tickets £12. Book via the website at www.parkwaycinemas.co.uk.

Thur Nov 17The Tim Kliphuis Trio, at the Stamford Club, Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, 7.30pm. One of the world’s leading jazz violinists, his spirit and style closely resemble that of the late maestro Stephane Grappelli: virtuoso violin playing with a love for melody. Supported by Pat McCarthy (guitar) and Ken Marley (bass). Tickets £10 adv, £12 door, students half price. Call (01472) 873730 to book.

Thur Nov 17Studio 1 Film Showings: The King’s Speech (2010), at Immage Studios, Immingham Resource Centre, Margaret Street, Immingham, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3.

Frid Nov 18Meniscus Community Film Society presents Conversations with my Gardener (2007), showing at The Skills Centre, Freeman Street Market, Grimsby, 7pm. A successful artist, weary of Parisian life and on the verge of divorce, returns to the country to live in his childhood house. The gardener is a former school friend and a warm, fruitful conversation starts between the two men.

Sat Nov 19 Crafts for Christmas, at St Margaret’s Church, Laceby, 10am to 4pm. A chance to purchase original hand-crafted gifts in time for Christmas. Enjoy refreshments and music in the atmosphere of a lovely old English village church.Free of charge, free parking. All ages. Call (01472) 507212 for further details.

Mon Nov 21 to Mon Jan 9Artlandish and Friends Exhibition, at The Discovery Centre, Lakeside, Kings Road, Cleethorpes, 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. Looking back on all the fantastic work that has been created by Artlandish artists, and the external artists who have all supported the organisation over that time. Come along and be a part of our big thank you to all our local artists. Call (01472) 697699.

If you are organising an event, we may be

able to include it in the What’s On section. Send the details to

communications@ nelincs.gov.uk

Tell us about your

event!

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is coming to the Grimsby Auditorium on Saturday, November 12