newsnk
Olympic Bronze Medal brought back to the District Page 7
The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents
Autumn 2012
NK Community Champions win awards and applause Unsung heroes are rewarded for their much-valued contribution to the District’s rich community life Community-spirited individuals, groups and businesses from across the District have been awarded as North Kesteven Community Champions. Awards and applause were heaped on seven winners and a further 11 finalists in six categories to recognise the talents and contributions of North Kesteven residents in making the District a great place to live. The strength of co-operation and cohesion within the District’s 100 Flourishing Communities was illustrated in the unprecedented number of nominations for the Community Spirit Award alone. There were 16 people put forward for Community Spirit and the judges were so impressed that for the first time ever they awarded two prizes; one to the woman masterminding Swaton’s community shop and another to a 77-year-old who, along with his hearing dog Poppy, makes an enormous difference to people’s understanding of deafness. Awards also recognised contributions towards sport, arts & culture and a better environment, young achievers and communityfocused businesses. People of all ages from across the District had been nominated by members of their community for their outstanding achievements, judged by the Council’s chairman, a panel of officers and
The awards were compered by Lincs FM presenter John Marshall who said each finalist’s contribution to their community was ‘incredible’. He said: “It’s great that some really inspiring people have been recognised in this way – it has been a privilege to meet them and to commend their efforts to make their communities a better place to live. “Each has shown such selfless commitment to others. They are all winners in my eyes.”
NK Community Champions for 2012, pictured with Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE and host Lincs FM’s John Marshall. The winners’ stories are on pages 8-9 members of the NK Youth Council. Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE was joined by Lincs FM presenter John Marshall and sponsors in presenting the awards at a ceremony at Whisby Natural World Centre. “The NK Community Champion Awards are our way of commending the efforts of some truly communityspirited people,” said Mrs Brighton. “Everyone who was nominated
for an award was a winner in their own right, and every one offers an inspirational insight into the excellent community-minded endeavours undertaken across the length and breadth of our District.” “It is important that as a Council, we recognise and celebrate this and thank everyone who plays a part in their community, great or small, for all that they do as all of our lives are greatly enriched by you,” she said.
The NK Community Champion Awards were held in association with Lincs FM, The Sleaford Target, Lincolnshire Echo, Duncan & Toplis, Pygott & Crone, TJS Online, Lindum and Leisure Connection. All of the winners’ stories are printed on pages 8-9. They are: > Community Spirit: John Mallindine & Poppy, Leasingham and Justine Forbes, Swaton > Young Achiever: Luke Hewerdine & Matthew Parkes, Branston > Community Business: RAF College Cranwell > Contribution to Sport: Thelma Smith, Leasingham > Contribution to Arts & Culture: Darren Scales, Bracebridge Heath > Contribution to a Better Environment: Stan Underwood, Carlton le Moorland
Flood wardens are vital to community safety
Benefits change consultation
The Council is encouraging everyone in communities across the District to consider how they can help their neighbourhood in times of flood and other weather extremities. The two Swaton flood wardens nominated for an NK Community Champion Award illustrate the vital
Changes are being made to the way Council Tax Benefits are allocated. Proposals have been made by the Council for setting up a local scheme. This will ensure the most vulnerable continue to be fully supported whilst bridging a £1m funding gap and also ensuring a broad number of people
role for local people looking out for neighbours in emergency situations. Warning residents of impending threat and informing them of the latest situation is an essential role in protecting, reassuring and advising communities. Flood wardens have a role to play
Our Communities – page 6
in all communities and across all sorts of situations helping to draw up community plans and co-ordinating an effective and rapid response. They are the eyes and ears on the ground. For details of flood response and being a warden, see this edition’s back page or email epu@lincoln.fire-uk.org
Our Economy – pages 10 & 11
01529 414155 / 01522 699699 info@n-kesteven.gov.uk
continue to receive help in meeting their Council Tax charge. You can comment on the proposals through to the end of November to inform the Council as it sets a new system to take effect from next April. Detail of the consultation events and proposals is set out on page 5.
Our Homes – page 12
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
Autumn 2012 newsnk 1