Read the September 2026 update here ...
Councillor Lucille Hagues
Newsletter September 2026
CLOSED CHURCHYARDS SPECIAL EXPENSES CONSULTATION
Next week the Council will commence a consultation on the application of special expenses in relation to the maintenance of closed churchyards. This follows from an Executive Board decision in June alongside the adoption of a Closed Churchyards policy. Consultation will be open to residents, parish and town councils, parochial church representatives, elected members, and others with interest.
Background and FAQs can be found at Application of special expenses to Closed Churchyards.
HERON PROJECT
The Heron Project is being delivered in partnership with the Universities of Nottingham and Lincoln and focuses preventing falls from older people who receive care and support at home.
- Older people who use homecare services
- Family members, friends, and unpaid carers
- People who have experienced a fall or are worried about falling
- Home care workers and care professionals
No research experience is needed. The Heron project is keen to hear from people who can share their experiences, ideas and insights to help ensure the research is relevant, practical and accessible.
The HERON Involvement Group will help researchers understand what matters most to people, review information, suggest improvements and help shape resources that could support older people to stay safe, confident, and independent at home.
The first welcome meeting will take place online (details below), although people can also speak to them separately if they are unable to attend. Meetings are expected to take place approximately every three months and members deciding where and when sessions will take place. People sharing lived experience can be paid for their involvement and agreed expenses can be covered.
HERON INVOLVEMENT GROUP – WELCOME MEETING FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2026 11.00AM TO 12.00PM MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING
ID: 382 291 427 439 685
Passcode: 9GG2qt7g
For more information about the Heron project, please contact co-production@every-one.org.uk or call 01522 811582
BASS MALTINGS
NKDC were pleased to facilitate a site visit to Bass Maltings last week at the request of The Ministry of Housing. Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The visit included Sleaford MP, Caroline Johnson, and representatives of Historic England, the landowner, NKDC and various other bodies.
This follows the recent inclusion of Bass Maltings in the Historic England Heritage Investment Prospectus. The visit was an opportunity for all parties to familiarise themselves with the scale and heritage value of the site and buildings coming in advance of a planned meeting in early September. This meeting, convened by MHCLG aims to further scope potential options for the Maltings site and build support for any future projects.
Council Leader, Cllr Richard Wright, said “ After much work behind the scenes we are gratified to see the renewed interest in Bass Maltings, and welcome the national attention it draws to Sleaford and North Hykeham as a whole. We are grateful to Historic England for including The Maltings in their Heritage Investment Prospectus, which has helped to spark this refreshed momentum.
We have long advocated for the potential of Bass Maltings and of North Kesteven as a whole, and although there are no specific proposals being put forward at this stage, we’ll continue to work proactively with partners to see plans develop in a way that benefits our community”.
MICHAEL CORNISH CORE GRANTS PROGRAMME – FUND GUIDELINES
OBJECT OF FUND
To empower and support the resilience of community organisations delivering services/or opportunities across Greater Lincolnshire addressing the needs of young people, families, ex-offenders, victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence and to alleviate poverty (including rural deprivation) in all forms.
ABOUT GRANTS
Grants may be up to £5000.00 for revenue, including running costs and small capital items.
Groups can only hold one grant at any time from this programme, although they may re-apply for continuation funding upon receipt of a satisfactory Impact Report.
Closing date of 16th October 2026 with applicants notified of a decision within 8 weeks of the closing date. Projects should anticipate starting delivery from January 2027 onwards.
Payments are usually made in advance
Funds awarded must be spent within one year of receipt unless otherwise agreed.
ELIGABILITY/SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
This scheme is open to not-for-profit constituted community groups, registered charities, social enterprises, etc. All applicants should submit:
Their Constitution/Governing document.
The names, roles and addresses of their local management board or committee (with minimum of at least two unrelated people).
A recent bank statement forms any bank accounts in the organisations name. These should have at least two signatories who are not related or living in the same household.
The latest accounts/Income and Expenditure Account (or at least three months Bank Statements if a new group).
Other relevant policies and procedures
Evidence of cost.
WHAT CAN BE FUNDED
Projects must demonstrate how they align with the aims of the Fund addressing at least one of the Funds key priorities specifically. Priority will be given to eligible applications supporting the funds underrepresented themes to date, particularly homeless people, ex-offenders, rural deprivation, and families facing hardship.
The priorities for the fund are as follows (the example provided are not an exhaustive list). Young people – provision of activities, facilitates and opportunities (youth clubs/groups, workshops, diversionary activities etc) tat will enable young people to reach their full potential whether preventive or enabling).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications can be submitted electronically to caven@lincolnshirecf.co.uk along with all supporting documents. If you are unable to send an electronic copy please send a hard copy to Michael Cornish Core Grants Programme, Lincolnshire Community Foundation, Glennys Sanders House, Pride Parkway, Sleaford, NG34 8GL.
GRANT MANAGEMENT
The grant scheme is managed by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation CIO (charity number 1196448.
Lincolnshire Community
Foundation will use details submitted internally for administration purposes. As some of the information may be classified as “personal data” it will be processed in accordance with the rights and obligations of the data protection Act 2018. There privacy policy is available on the footer of their website –
All complaints for this fund will be managed through the Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s complaints procedure in the first instance.
If you have any further queries about the guidance or the Fund please get in touch with Cavan Collins at the Foundation on 01529 305825 for further guidance.
Kind Regards to All
Lucille