The magazine for North Kesteven District Council tenants
S P R I N G 2017
Could your snap
take the top prize?
PAGE
14
Front cover photo: 1st place
Best Wildlife – ‘Willow Warbler’
taken by Keith Prescott
05
Are you on Facebook?
We are getting social!
NKDC now has a Housing Facebook page.
This page will be available for NKDC tenants only.
The NKDC Housing Facebook page will serve as an additional communication tool
where we can share information, respond to queries, highlight events and signpost
you to relevant agencies. It will also be a place where we share pictures, videos,
quick polls, questionnaires and other housing information.
The group is for Tenants only, it is hoped that this opportunity will allow us to further
improve communication between NKDC tenants and the Council.
Search for “NKDC Housing”
and get chatting with us about all things
housing/tenancy related. You will need to ask
to join the group and an administrator will
check your details and approve your request.
Join our group!
is your magazine
WELCOME
CONTENTS
06
Learn more about unwanted
callers in the District
10
Do you have damp and
condensation in your home?
12
Day in the life of community
champion Ian Kendrick
04
05
06
06
07
08
10
11
11
12
13
13
14
15
tenantnk
Tenants working in partnership with
North Kesteven District Council
Local offers
Housing re-structure
Sewage problems
Unwelcome callers
Doorstep scams
Your Councillors
Damp and condensation
Shortlisted for award
Mileage for life
Day in the life
Domestic abuse awareness
Loan sharks
What’s on this spring
Photographic contest
Produced in consultation
with tenant representatives.
At Home is produced by North
Kesteven District Council.
YOUR
COUNCILLORS
Who’s elected to
represent you and
how to contact them
08
This document is available in large print, braille, audio tape, electronic formats such as CD,
or in a different language. Our website is ReadSpeaker enabled. For a copy contact Tenant
Participation on 01529 414155 or email [email protected]
3
NK News
LOCAL OFFERS
North Kesteven’s Housing and
Property Service is working
to provide quality housing
services to meet the needs and
aspirations of its customers.
As a valued customer, we want
to listen to your feedback so
we can provide services that
are right, are high quality and
that satisfy your needs.
At the end of 2015 we asked
you about your priorities, the
most important service areas
you wanted us to improve. We
used this information to inform
the Housing Business Plan.
The local offers included here
are based on that feedback.
What is a local offer?
A local offer is a way of tailoring
social housing services based
on what tenants want locally.
It is the standard of service
you can expect from your
dealings with the Housing and
Property Service. From your
feedback and involvement with
the service, we hope to deliver
improvements that make a
positive difference to your home,
quality of life and community.
Our local offers cover the four
key areas in housing regulation:
• Your Home
• Your Neighbourhood
and Community
• Your Tenancy
• Involvement and
Empowerment
Getting good value for the rent
you pay runs throughout.
4
Your Home
1. Provide a
repairs service
that responds
to your needs
and keeps your home in
a good state of repair
2. Provide enough new
homes to replace those lost
through the Right to Buy
3. Investigate and consider
new forms of heating
when replacing electric
storage heating systems
4. Provide an Affordable Warmth
Officer to access best energy
deals, help you manage your
gas, electric and water costs
and understand your bills
5. Deliver a home improvement
programme to keep
homes above Decent
Homes standard
Your
Neighbourhood
and Community
1. Establish a
programme of
estate improvements and give
communities the opportunity
to be involved in them
2. Work with you and your
communities where
needs are identified
3. Keep flats and schemes
clean and well maintained
and undertake quarterly
inspections, taking
action where needed
4. Introduce a mediation
service to help tenants
resolve local disputes
5. Provide a neighbourhood
service that sets standards
and consistency on estates
and in communal areas
throughout the district
Your Tenancy
1. Introduce annual
face to face
contact with all
our tenants
2. Ensure access to appropriate
support for those that need
it when they need it
3. Provide wellbeing advice
and support for vulnerable
people when it is required
4. Review eligibility and priorities
for our Choice Based Lettings
5. Review tenants’ rights and
responsibilities, e.g. repairs
within the Tenancy Policy
and Tenancy Agreement
Involvement and
Empowerment
1. Improve our
customer
service and
communication with tenants
2. Make it easier for you
to contact us at a time
that suits you
3. Provide a range of
opportunities for you to
get involved, in ways that
are suitable for you
4. Provide a clear and accessible
complaints process,
learning lessons from them
to reduce complaints of a
similar nature in the future
5. Deliver the At Home
magazine, a quarterly
newsletter, to keep you
informed about news, services
and future opportunities
NK News
NEW LOOK HOUSING
SERVICES
Change is in the air at NKDC; our
Housing Services Department
has evolved. The main aim of
these changes is improving your
estates and communities with a
strong emphasis on supporting
tenants and maximising income.
Neighbourhood Services
Terry Buzec, Assistant
Housing Services Manager
(Neighbourhoods) –
Terry is responsible for
overall management of the
Neighbourhood Services
Team. This team includes
Neighbourhood Officers,
Housing Assistants and Tenancy
Sustainment Officers.
Neighbourhood Officers
(previously Housing Officers)
will continue to support you and
help with any tenancy or rent
issues you may have. They will
support you in sign-ups/new
tenancies, permission for home
improvements, Homeswapper
applications, managing your rent
or garage arrears and ensuring
your details are up-to-date.
Les Ellington
Cherrie Heaton
Graham Ward
Dominique Chisnall
Kathie Robson
Sarah Gill
North
North
East
East
South
South
Tenancy Sustainment Officers
Maria Altoft, Deborah Priestley
and Susan Wright – This role is
to support people to access and
sustain a tenancy. They provide
specialist support to customers
affected by Welfare Reform
and offer long-term support for
tenants who are struggling to
maintain their tenancy. Officers
aim to encourage and facilitate
independence, maintain quality
of life, health and well-being
by providing practical advice,
information and support.
Housing Assistants
Offer extensive administrative
support to the Neighbourhood
Services department.
Income Management
Chris Nicholson, Income
Management Team Leader –
Chris has overall responsibility
for income including rent
arrears, former tenant arrears
and other housing related
charges. His team consists of
Lisa Jackson and Karen Doyle.
Income Officer
Lisa Jackson – Lisa assists
Chris in addressing high level
arrears by working with housing
benefits, conducting home
visits and working closely with
Neighbourhood Officers.
Affordable Warmth Officer
Karen Doyle – Karen offers
advice on how to reduce
water and energy bills and
also helps with understanding
tariffs, statements and bills.
Housing Options
Julia Miller, Assistant Housing
Services Manager (Options) –
Julia is responsible for overall
management of the Housing
Options Team. This team is
made up of Housing Options
Officers, Housing Assistants,
a Tenancy Sustainment Officer
and a Housing Apprentice.
Housing Options Officers
(previously Housing Needs
Officers) will continue to offer
housing advice, homelessness
prevention, offer 24/7 service to
all homeless referrals, provide
allocation to tenancies, offer
information on shared ownership
and help to buy schemes.
Guidance is also offered on
domestic abuse, safeguarding
and tenancy sustainment.
•
•
•
•
•
Amanda Davies
Gemma Warrington
Hayley Desmond
Jessica Cook
Jo Barclay
Housing Assistants (Options)
Main duties include dealing
with all Homefinder enquiries,
new and existing.
For further information,
call the council and ask for
Neighbourhood Services.
5
NK News
SEWAGE PROBLEMS
Blockages in sewers are an ongoing yet avoidable issue that
costs Anglian Water £7 million
every year. Unfortunately, these
costs are then passed down to
customers resulting in higher bills.
Most of the 30,000 blockages
fixed each year are caused by
the build-up of fats, oils, greases
and sanitary waste that go down
plugholes and toilet bowls.
Blockages can eventually cause
waste water to come up into
our streets, causing bad smells
in our homes and businesses
and can have a negative
effect on our environment.
idea to put one by the toilet, so
nobody is tempted to flush.
Avoid Stinks in Sinks
Only water should be going
down your plughole.
•
If the drain is on your
property and only serves your
property, then report it to Kier
Services on 01529 416399
•
If the problem drain is
shared with your neighbours,
then report it to Anglian
Water on 0345 145145.
Dodge Blocked Pipes
Always throw pads, tampons,
wet wipes, nappies, cotton
wool, floss and cotton buds
in the waste bin. It’s a good
NK News
If you have any drainage
problems, there are two
numbers you need to know:
UNWELCOME CALLERS
Most of us have had a knock
on our door and opened it to
find someone there selling
something. Doorstep selling
is still popular in the UK, but it
is regulated and sellers must
ensure that all sales they make
adhere to the rules. Furthermore,
they must be sure they don’t
push people into buying
something they do not want.
6
The three ‘Ps’ (pee, poo and
toilet paper) are the only things
that should go down the toilet.
‘Not sure, don’t open the door’
Tenants are advised to check
via a spyhole or nearby window
who is at the door and if you do
not recognise them or are not
expecting a caller, do not answer
the door. If no engagement takes
place, then there is no chance
of a crime being committed.
Under no circumstances should
you ever pay in cash on the
doorstep. The caller may take
this as a sign that you are more
likely than others to buy from
them, which may encourage
them to call again. Your details
are also more likely to be
passed on to other callers.
This picture bottom left
shows 10 items ‘sold at the
door’ in Lincolnshire last year
by such doorstep callers.
Unfortunately, the gentleman
who purchased this bundle
paid £550.00 cash for them.
The national advice is ‘Don’t
pay with cash on the doorstep,
don’t deal with cold callers’.
If you have been affected
by this or would like more
information, please take a
look at www.oprepeat.co.uk
which offers advice in all areas
of doorstep crime and scams
or call the Community Safety
Team on 01529 414155.
TAKE A STAND AGAINST
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DOORSTEP CRIME.
IF YOU’RE NOT SURE DON’T OPEN THE DOOR.
TOP 5 TIPS TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST DOOR STEP SCAMS
1. Use a door chain to check who’s calling.
2. Don’t trade on the door step.
3. Ask a trusted friend or family member for advice on
reputable traders.
4. Display a “No Cold Calling” sticker outside your door.
5. Always report any suspicious activity.
REMEMBER IF YOU’RE
NOT SURE, GET ADVICE
AND ALWAYS REPORT
A SCAM
COMING SOON
For advice on scams call
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 03454 04 05 06
To report scams contact
Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
7
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Who’s elected to represent you and how to contact them
Your District Councillors are
elected by you, to represent you.
Not only do they play a very
important role in the running of
the Council by planning, running,
monitoring and developing the
authority’s work, but they help
to improve the quality of life for
people within their area and make
decisions about local issues.
They have to decide what is in
the public interest, amidst a range
of conflicting issues and views.
The role of a Councillor includes:
Councillors can be part of a
Political Party or be Independent.
They each represent all the
residents in their ward. For details
on how to contact your Councillor
please see the table opposite.
Some also have other special
responsibilities such as acting
as the Leader of the Council
or Chairmen of Committees.
Some are also Members of
other authorities such as
County or Parish Councils.
WADDINGTON WEST
SKELLINGTHORPE
NORTH HYKEHAM
BRACEBRIDGE HEATH AND
WADDINGTON EAST
•
Attending a range of Council
meetings and related events
•
Attending meetings of
other organisations
•
Attending meetings with
officers of NKDC
•
Undertaking training to
ensure their skills and
knowledge are up to date
•
•
•
•
HEIGHINGTON AND
WASHINGBOROUGH
EAGLE, SWINDERBY
AND
WITHAM ST HUGHS
BRANSTON AND MERE
METHERINGHAM
BASSINGHAM AND
BRANT BROUGHTON
ASHBY DE LA LAUNDE
AND CRANWELL
Attending Parish
Council meetings
Holding surgeries
in their ward
Responding to enquiries in
their wards and supporting
community engagement
Acting on behalf of residents
and liaising with officers
BILLINGHAY, MARTIN
AND NORTH KYME
CLIFF VILLAGES
RUSKINGTON
LEASINGHAM
AND
RAUCEBY
KIRKBY LA THORPE
AND SOUTH KYME
SLEAFORD
Conservative28
HECKINGTON RURAL
Lincolnshire Independent NK 9
Hykeham Independent 2
Skellingthorpe Independent 2
OSBOURNBY
Unaligned2
For more information on your Councillors please visit: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/councillors
8
Ward
Member
Contact email
Phone
Ashby De La Launde and Cranwell
Cllr Steve Clegg
[email protected]
07940 987875
Ashby De La Launde and Cranwell
Cllr Miss Sarah Pearse
[email protected]
01529 322012
Bassingham and Brant Broughton
Cllr Mrs Sue Howe
[email protected]
01522 788496
Bassingham and Brant Broughton
Cllr Mrs Pat Woodman MBE
[email protected]
01522 788236
Billinghay, Martin and North Kyme
Cllr Ms Susanna Matthan
[email protected]
07729 008608
Billinghay, Martin and North Kyme
Cllr Mrs Gill Ogden
[email protected]
01529 460094
Bracebridge Heath and
Waddington East
Cllr Peter Burley
[email protected]
01522 827365
Bracebridge Heath and
Waddington East
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey
[email protected]
01522 569696
Bracebridge Heath and
Waddington East
Cllr Mike Gallagher
[email protected]
01522 722705
Branston
Cllr Ray Cucksey
[email protected]
01522 794644
Branston
Cllr Peter Lundgren
[email protected]
07751 112303
Cliff Villages
Cllr Cathrine Mills
[email protected]
07908 077725
Cliff Villages
Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton MBE
[email protected]
01400 273323
Eagle, Swinderby and
Witham St Hughs
Cllr Mrs Sally Appleby
[email protected]
Eagle, Swinderby and
Witham St Hughs
Cllr Mrs Barbara Wells MBE
Heckington Rural
Cllr Stewart Ogden
[email protected]
01529 460094
Heckington Rural
Cllr Mrs Sally Tarry
[email protected]
01529 461797
Heighington and Washingborough
Cllr Mrs Marion Brighton OBE
[email protected]
01522 790438
Heighington and Washingborough
Cllr Ian Carrington
[email protected]
01522 521629
Heighington and Washingborough
Cllr Ron Oxby
[email protected]
01522 826706
Kirby La Thorpe and South Kyme
Cllr Mrs Julia Harrison
[email protected]
01529 660887
Leasingham and Rauceby
Cllr Mrs Susan Waring
[email protected]
01529 414632
Metheringham
Cllr Rob Kendrick
[email protected]
01529 323364
Metheringham
Cllr John Money
[email protected]
01526 320323
North Hykeham Forum
Cllr Mrs Kay Barrett
[email protected]
01522 686286
North Hykeham Memorial
Cllr Wallace Lee
[email protected]
01522 686592
North Hykeham Mill
Cllr Ms Andrea Clarke
[email protected]
07854 315164
North Hykeham Mill
Cllr Mike Clarke
[email protected]
01526 322303
North Hykeham Moor
Cllr Mrs Pam Whittaker
[email protected]
01522 686357
North Hykeham Witham
Cllr Ross Little
[email protected]
07565 488445
Osbournby
Cllr Kate Cook
[email protected]
07986 262852
Ruskington
Cllr Terry Boston
[email protected]
07873 741930
Ruskington
Cllr Richard Wright
[email protected]
07825 681744
Skellingthorpe
Cllr Chris Goldson
[email protected]
01522 689302
Skellingthorpe
Cllr Mrs Shirley Pannell
[email protected]
01522 688821
Sleaford Castle
Cllr Keith Dolby
[email protected]
01529 307404
Sleaford Holdingham
Cllr Grenville Jackson
[email protected]
01529 303949
Sleaford Navigation
Cllr David Suiter
[email protected]
01529 306950
Sleaford Quarrington and Mareham Cllr Tim Conning
[email protected]
07894 500295
Sleaford Quarrington and Mareham Cllr Geoffrey Hazelwood
[email protected] 01529 304931
Sleaford Quarrington and Mareham Cllr Mrk Suffield
[email protected]
07583 048706
Sleaford Westholme
Cllr Steve Fields
[email protected]
01529 415488
Waddington West
Cllr Lance Pennell
[email protected]
01522 541888
01522 778249
9
DAMP & CONDENSATION
If you have damp and condensation problems, you’re not alone
When Mrs Wall noticed blotches
on a pair of her suede shoes,
she realised she was unable
to clean them properly and
threw them away. Later Mr
and Mrs Wall then noticed
similar blotches on drawers,
wardrobes and other items.
Embarrassed by the findings,
they never said anything to
their neighbours, family or the
Council. They said, ‘we thought
it was us, maybe we weren’t
house proud enough’. They repainted the walls, washed and
cleaned all the furniture, but the
damp came through again.
When a new neighbour moved
in and asked if they had
experienced any damp in
the house, they realised that it
wasn’t just a problem in their
home. They set about making
changes to the way they lived,
and stumbled upon advice about
how to deal with the problem. So,
in a long term plan, they made a
concerted effort to remove damp
and mould from the house.
They bought small de-humidifiers
for £1 and placed them around
the house. They also ensured
that the window trickle vents
were open to create a flow
of air around the house.
They contacted the Council
and an officer visited to check
if the insulation in the loft was
correctly installed. The officer
also ensured an extractor fan
was put in the bathroom similar
to their neighbour’s property.
They had solid furniture that
was pushed right up against the
walls, this didn’t allow the
air to circulate and
was too heavy
to keep moving to clean the mould
off. Over time the furniture was
exchanged for pieces with legs
on, so the air could move freely.
They re-decorated and had
the walls painted with a mix
of PVA glue and water, before
painting and wallpapering to
stop the mould coming though.
Following a discussion at a
tenants meeting, Mr & Mrs Wall
took one of the new leaflets
about damp and condensation.
‘The leaflet gives all the advice
we stumbled upon. It’s very
good. We hope it will help
others make changes too.’
‘Recently two officers came along
to a number of houses in the area
and checked the walls for damp
and our house got the all clear.’
‘We are really pleased with the
results. It’s been two years now
since we made the changes
and we are still clear. We’ll
always be on the lookout for the
tell-tale signs, but we’ll know
what to do about it now.’
For more information about
how to deal with condensation
and damp please contact the
Council on 01529 414155 and
ask for the Repairs team who
can send the leaflet to you.
10
SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD
NKDC Outstanding Development Programme of the Year 2017
investment over the lifetime
of the programme so far.
Despite our small size,
NKDC thinks big, as our
ambitious development
programme demonstrates.
The Council has been shortlisted
to receive the prestigious
Outstanding Development
Programme of the Year 2017
Award. On April 26th, we
will find out the outcome of
this nomination from the UK
Housing Awards 2017.
In 2015 the BBC reported that
NKDC were one of only two
councils to have succeeded in
replacing more than 100% of the
properties sold through Right to
Buy, delivering nearly two new
homes for every one sold.
At that time, one in three councils
in England had not replaced a
single home sold through the Right
to Buy, making our achievement
all the more extraordinary.
NKDC believe our ‘can deliver’
approach, supported by
enthusiastic elected members
and officers, places North
Kesteven at the forefront
of local authority housing
providers, as demonstrated
by our completed buildings
so far. Watch this space…
To date a total of 183 new homes
have been delivered through
the programme with a further
24 currently under construction;
this accounts for around £20m.
Mileage For Life
Do you want help to keep your licence for longer?
Do you want to enjoy your driving again?
Are you over 60 years of age?
SURRENDER MY LICENCE
CONTINUE TO DRIVE
No testing,
no examination,
just sound advice,
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Join us in
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To book call
Add mileage to
your life
01522 805800
or e-mail
[email protected]
www.roadlincs.com
11
DAY IN THE LIFE
Community Champion Ian Kendrick from Waddington
2016 Winner for Community
Spirit at the Community
Champions Awards
Ian received his award for
demonstrating an extraordinary
level of community spirit. His
numerous selfless contributions
to the community range from
low-key neighbourliness such
as clearing snow, to playing
Santa and leading health
walks around the district.
Ian had to overcome grief and
depression following the death of
his wife in 2010. Despite this, he
has been active in his support of
others; filling his life with fighting
for what he believes in and
helping people in the process.
‘I’ve been down and people
have helped me to get back
up, so I have decided to
dedicate myself to helping
others have a good life.’
An infectious sense of humour,
caring nature and contagious
smile, make him a popular
leader of more than seven
walks to encourage others
to get out and be active.
‘My health walks take
me all over the district
from Waddington,
Metheringham,
Bassingham, Navenby,
North Hykeham to Whisby.
Sometimes I can have
up to 24 people join in
and other times the walks
are for specific groups
like sufferers of dementia
and their carers. I love
being able to help those
who want a welcome
distraction from their
daily lives.’
With his dogs Maggie and Rosie
at his side, he brings joy into
nursing homes, motivates other
volunteers, and raises money for
charity. His dogs have recently
been accredited to work with
children which allows Ian to
attend a local school where
children read to his dogs to help
build their confidence. He also
attends the local bail hostel;
sharing stories with the residents
there. Ian takes part in fun runs
at the ripe old age of 74, he
also crafts walking sticks and
purposely wears odd socks,
just to make people laugh.
Ian and his fellow tenants are
involved in the weekly art group
that meets at the communal
room in Waddington. This was
initially a beginner’s group that
grew as their confidence did and
a recent exhibition was held in
the local village hall showcasing
their art work. The group also
produced their own leaflets
and posters to advertise the
event to the local community.
‘My weekends are usually spent
doing normal things like catching
up with my housework, reading
and spending time with my dogs.’
The 2017 Community
Champions Awards are now
accepting nominations. Please
visit: www.n-kesteven.gov.
uk/communitychampions
12
“My Daughter shouts at me, says I’m stupid
and that I keep forgetting things.”
This is domestic abuse
Lincolnshire
Helpline Numbers:
Boston / South Holland 01205 318600 / 01205 311272
East Lindsey - 01507 609830
Lincoln / West Lindsey 01522 510041 / 01427 616219
North / South Kesteven 01522 510041 / 01427 616219
Call 999 in an emergency
www.domesticabuselincolnshire.com
DON’T LET LOAN SHARKS BITE!
While loan sharks may seem friendly to start with, they are known
for charging high rates of interest and becoming very unpleasant if
repayments aren’t met on time.
Aside from this, they are illegal money lenders. If you are approached by
a loan shark, please report them to Stop Loan Sharks, part of the England
Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) specifically working to tackle the issue.
Visit their website at: www.stoploansharks.co.uk, follow them on twitter
@loansharknews and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
stoploansharksproject
If you have any financial difficulties, there are other places that can help and
support you, including Money and Debt Advice through NKDC’s and City of
Lincoln Council’s shared service at www.lincoln.gov.uk/moneyadvice and
Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/midlincolnshire or by calling 03444 111 444.
13
WHAT’S ON THIS SPRING
There’s lots to do over the Easter Holidays – here’s a selection of
events from around North Kesteven for everyone to enjoy.
Molly & Floyd’s Easter
Eggstravaganza!
Cogglesford Watermill
and Navigation House
April 1 – 17
Cogglesford Watermill’s Molly
the Mill Mouse is visiting
Navigation House’s Floyd the
Fish with Easter eggs, but she
has lost some along the way!
Visit the Mill and Navigation House
to collect your trail sheet, and help
Molly to find them before claiming
your own Easter prize. 50p per trail.
Chocks away for Charlie’s
Chocolate Delivery!
Cranwell Aviation
Heritage Centre
April 1 – 17
Charlie the Crane has been
asked to deliver Easter eggs
to the pioneering aviators in
the exhibition but has mixed
them all up! Go along and help
Charlie to deliver his eggs
before collecting your own
chocolatey prize! 50p per trail.
Milling Day
Cogglesford Watermill
April 9, 11am to 4pm
See this historic watermill in
operation producing as it has
done for more than 200 years!
Duckling Disco
Whisby Natural World Centre
Fridays April 7 & June
9, from 2 to 4pm
An active and energetic
afternoon of dancing for
under 7s, with disco lights
a and bubble machine.
Parents can join in or watch
and relax with a coffee. Free
juice and biscuits for children.
£3.50 per child.
Treasure Bowls
Whisby Natural World Centre
April 11, 10.30am to noon
Ideal for children aged four
years and above – have a go
at felting and make a treasure
bowl to hide all your treasures!
It costs £10 per child and
booking is essential.
They will require adult
supervision/support.
Easter Bonnet Workshop
Whisby Natural World Centre
April 13, 11am to noon
Children love being imaginative
and what better way to enjoy
a morning than enjoying an
Easter Bonnet workshop.
Suitable for children aged
four to seven years old.
£3.50 per child.
Looking for something to
do in the months ahead?
Why not pop along to
one of these events.
• National Mills Weekend
Cogglesford Watermill
May 14, 11am to 4.30pm
• 25th Birthday Party!
Cranwell Aviation Heritage
Centre
June 10, 10am to 4pm
• Country Crafts
Cogglesford Watermill
June 25, 10.30am to 3.30pm
• Adult Craft Workshops
Needle Felted Birds
Whisby Natural World Centre
May 6, 10am to 1pm
• Fairy Garden
Whisby Natural World Centre
May 27, 11am to noon
• Glass Fusion Workshop
Whisby Natural World Centre
June 2, 10.30am to noon
• Bird Cage Crafts
Whisby Natural World Centre
June 24, 11am to noon
To find out more on these events, please call 01529 308102 or visit: www.heartoflincs.com
14
1st place Best Close
Up – ‘Common Darter’
taken by Paul Marshall
COULD
YOUR SNAP
TAKE THE
TOP PRIZE?
Visitors to Whisby are being
encouraged to take photos and
enter them into a competition.
This year marks the eighth
annual photographic contest at
The Natural World Centre, and
offers a perfect opportunity to
take advantage of the sunny
weather while you walk around
Whisby Nature Reserve.
This year’s competition will
be sponsored by Guildhall
Studios and will open to the
public on Saturday, April 22.
There will be four categories
independently judged with
shortlisted entries being
displayed in the Boardwalk
Bistro at the Natural World
Centre during October.
Visitors will also have their
chance to vote for their favourite
which will become the cover of
the 2018 Calendar - this will go
on sale in the shop next year.
It is FREE to enter and is
open to all ages with a limit
of four entries per person. All
photographs must be taken within
the Whisby Nature Reserve.
1st place Best
Under 16s –
‘Teasel Shield’
taken by Josh
Hedley aged 14.
1st place best landscape – ‘Evening
Discourse’ taken by Jo McClaren Dunn
For more information
For more information or for an application pack, please contact
the centre on 01522 688868 or email [email protected]
For regular updates on events and activities, find The Natural
World Centre on Facebook or follow @WhisbyNatureP
on Twitter.
Repeatedly awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence,
the Natural World Centre remains popular with approximately
200,000 visitors each year.
The centre is open daily from 10 am to 5pm, with the park
open dawn to dusk.
15
✁
COUNCIL
ENQUIRIES
ASK FOR THE DEPARTMENT YOU REQUIRE
Phone:
01529 414155
Emergency out of hours: 01529 308308
Address: DO YOU
HAVE A
VIEW ON
NKDC’S
REPAIRS
SERVICE?
North Kesteven District Council
District Council Offices, Kesteven Street, Sleaford,
Lincolnshire NG34 7EF
Minicom: 01529 308088
Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
Email: [email protected]
Repairs Team for:
ŸŸ Handyman
ŸŸ If you have a problem with a repair
Duty Neighbourhood Officer for:
ŸŸ Your rent
ŸŸ Tenancy issues
ŸŸ Gardening Scheme
ŸŸ Making improvements to your home
Income Management Team
ŸŸ Affordable Warmth Officer
ŸŸ High level rent arrears
ŸŸ Rent arrears from former
tenancies
ŸŸ Collection of other Housing
related charges
Community Safety Team for:
ŸŸ Anti-Social Behaviour
ŸŸ Community Safety Advice
Community Engagement:
ŸŸ Getting involved
ŸŸ Become a Tenant Representative
ŸŸ At Home magazine
Complaints Officer
ŸŸ To make a complaint
Housing options for:
ŸŸ Housing Advice
ŸŸ Homelessness
ŸŸ LincsHomefinder Housing
Register
ŸŸ Allocations
Property Services for:
ŸŸ Improvement works
ŸŸ Capital works liaison
ŸŸ Decorating Scheme
Housing Admin Team for:
ŸŸ Renting a Garage
ŸŸ Booking a communal room
ŸŸ Parking permits
Benefits and Money advice
Grass cutting and
grounds maintenance
Dustbins
Wellbeing Service
REPAIRS
Kier Services 01529 416399
For general building repairs, brickwork, joinery,
plumbing or electrical including electrical heating.
Aaron Services 01205 591979
For all other heating repairs and appliance servicing.
A thorough review is currently
being undertaken to ensure that
high standards of repairs are
maintained. We would therefore like
to know your thoughts on how we
can improve our service and invite
you to a feedback session on June
8 at 10am in our Sleaford Offices.
This is an open invitation and you
are welcome to bring a friend or
family member should you wish; all
we ask is that you let us know if you
are coming along.
If you would like to attend, we
are able to offer transport and/or
reimburse your travel expenses.
To book a place, please contact
us on 01529 308166 or email
[email protected]