Sleaford and North Hykeham’s MP reflects on 2025 and year ahead
Comments Off on Sleaford and North Hykeham’s MP reflects on 2025 and year aheadA Christmas and New Year message from the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson.
A Christmas and New Year message from the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson.
Next month will see the launch of a chicken pox childhood vaccination in Lincolnshire along with key changes to the immunisation schedule.
News Direct, the podcast has released a new episode featuring Rosie Pugh, a widely respected former headteacher whose life and career span decades of education in North Lincolnshire. Listen on YouTube or Spotify.
Hosted by Cllr Rob Waltham, the episode traces Rosie’s journey from a challenging childhood in Scunthorpe – growing up in a large, blended family with very little money – to becoming an influential school leader known for raising expectations, developing staff, and helping children thrive in difficult circumstances.
In a frank and often humorous conversation, Rosie reflects on being underestimated at school, the importance of self-belief, and the impact a teacher’s words can have for life. She also shares what it took to build strong teams, improve behaviour, and take on leadership roles in schools where recruitment and retention were tough – including stepping in when others wouldn’t.
Cllr Waltham, host of News Direct, the podcast, said: “Rosie is exactly the kind of person this podcast is for – someone who’s done great things, quietly, right here in our communities. Her story is honest, grounded, and properly inspiring.”
Rosie told the podcast: “People are often capable of far more than they realise – but confidence doesn’t appear by magic. It grows when someone backs you, trains you, and says: ‘you can do this.’ I hope listeners take that away – especially younger women who might not yet see what’s possible for them.”
The post Listen now: Award-winning headteacher Rosie Pugh shares an inspiring local story appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
A convoy of illuminated tractors is thought to have raised more than £2,000 for the children’s ward at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital.
Countryside campaigners have been handed a perfect Christmas present – victory in the long-running battle to stop oil-drilling at Biscathorpe.
Police are appealing for information for an ongoing investigation after a woman is said to have tried to grab a teenage boy and make him get into her car.
The first wave of 70,000 brand-new British-made burgundy recycling bins will arrive in North Lincolnshire in January – a major milestone in delivering the area’s new, simpler recycling service ahead of the 2026 launch.
The new 240-litre bins – manufactured in the UK – will help introduce a one-bin-for-all-recycling system, making it easier than ever for residents to recycle more and waste less. Old recycling boxes and small bins will be taken away and recycled.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about making everyday services simpler while helping people recycle more with less hassle.
“The fact we’ve been able to use British-made bins too to deliver this straightforward system makes it an event better deal for residents.”
Funded in full by the Department for Environment, the bins come at no extra cost to local taxpayers.
Cllr Waltham added: “We promised a smarter, easier recycling service – and this is another big step forward. We’re improving recycling, keeping weekly garden waste collections free, and making sure the new service works for every household.”
What residents will get under the new simpler recycling system:
Residents who prefer to keep their current recycling container can opt out through a simple online form.
Deliveries of the new bins to households will begin shortly after the council receives its first shipment in January.
Cllr Neil Poole, deputy leader, said: “We’re getting ahead and getting ready. By securing UK-manufactured bins now, we’re supporting British industry and making sure residents are prepared well before the new system begins in April 2026.
“We are helping every household in North Lincolnshire recycle, simply.”
The post British-made bins to bring simpler, smarter recycling to every home in North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
A new, structured Junior Gym programme is launching this January to help young people aged 11 to 16 get active, build confidence and learn how to use gym equipment safely – setting them up with healthy habits for life.
Designed especially for beginners, the programme gives young people the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to feel comfortable in a gym environment, with expert guidance every step of the way.
All new Junior Gym attendees will complete a four-week induction programme led by qualified fitness instructors. Each session focuses on a different element of fitness, helping young people progress safely and at their own pace:
The induction costs £30 for four sessions and must be completed before attending regular Junior Gym sessions.
After completing the induction, juniors can attend ongoing Junior Gym sessions for £5 per session. These sessions are supervised by qualified fitness staff, giving young people the freedom to work towards their own goals in a safe, supportive environment. The Junior Gym sessions can be found on our group fitness timetables.
Launching later in 2026, Junior Hybrid sessions will bring together functional fitness and fun, high-energy workouts. Designed to improve strength, agility and coordination, these sessions keep exercise fresh, engaging and enjoyable for young people who like variety.
Junior Gym induction sessions are available from January.
To book, contact your chosen centre on 01724 291900 or pop into site. Payment will be taken at the time of booking.
Supporting healthier, more active young people
More than half of young people are not achieving the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Programmes like Junior Gym play an important role in tackling this by offering structured, welcoming and age-appropriate ways for teenagers to get active, build confidence and enjoy moving more.
The Junior Gym programme forms part of a wider commitment to improving young people’s health and wellbeing, alongside initiatives such as free holiday swimming and expanded opportunities for young people to be active across local leisure facilities.
The post New Junior Gym programme launching in the New Year appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
Objectors are reeling after the latest controversial plan for a solar farm on land in the Horncastle area was given the go-ahead by the government.
A long-running Christmas tradition in Boston returned at the weekend, helping spread festive cheer along the town’s streets and at Pilgrim Hospital.