Read the June 2026 update here ...
Marianne Overton MBE
Newsletter June 2026
Welcome to my monthly personal newsletter to let you know what I am doing on your behalf and to keep in touch with you.
Greetings!
On Freedoms Wings
Huge thanks to Charlie and Sophie White, the team and the many volunteers and donors who beavered on this brilliant 8-year project.
The opening event in mid-May was amazing. Huge marquees were packed, the speeches moving and the food delicious. Charlie White told the dramatic story of the Lancaster heading home for Swinderby, having to do one more turn, but crashing on this land. Only half the crew survived. Families of the crew were there, even from Australia, and included WW2 veteran, Harry Parkins, who unveiled a plaque.
Famously, the idea of the sculpture was born over a few beers. I confess, when a Parish Councillor called me to his garage in Norton Disney to see the plans laid out, and ask for support with funding, I was happy to help but wondered if it was all possible. Donations of steel, engineering expertise, transportation, and countless hours of voluntary support proved transformative, each person able to connect with their own memories, reflections, and sense of gratitude.
What an inspiring gateway to Lincolnshire, “On Freedom’s Wings”. Thank you.
Respite Care
Swallow Lodge in North Hykeham and Cedar House in Spalding provide vital respite care for adults with physical and mental difficulties, some very severe, needing 1:1 care round the clock. Without a break, the caring families clearly could not cope. The number of children needing extra care is rising sharply, reflected in an increasing need among adults. We clearly need more care, not less. Beds elsewhere may well be needed in addition.
I spoke up strongly at the first meeting at council, and met with residents, carer families and staff several times. I have visited Swallow Lodge and written a report for the Councillor responsible, with suggestions to improve the service, without closing these vital units and I offered further support. I served on the board of the Primary Care Trust and Swallow Lodge was our responsibility, including opening the extension in 2009.
Children
We must be doing something right in Lincolnshire as our Director of Children’s services, Heather Sandy, has been awarded a CBE at the Palace. Congratulations.
At a council meeting this week, we discussed redistribution of funds among special schools to keep them all afloat. No-one will get less, resulting in an additional deficit of £3m, rising to a total shortfall of £50m next year. The Government are having to top up costs right across the country, as there are unprecedented rises in children with special needs (SEND).
An extra £10.6m over 3 years from Government will fund four more “family hubs” aiming to give children the best possible start in life, ready for school. 47 centres provide a range of services with outreach in rural areas.
Wellingore Post Office closed
When the post office in Navenby closed, we objected strongly, so it was moved to Wellingore, but without a salaried position, relying only on sales. Ashley has retired and no-one else has stepped forward to run it.
Welbourn and Leadenham post offices are open. Please use them or lose them!
Solar on roofs, not farmland
We gained a new supporter last week, the Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, visiting Thorpe on the Hill. She remembered me from when she was in Government. She explained she had started a review of the real cost of solar power, bearing in mind you still need batteries and fossil fuel or nuclear for cloudy days, nights and winter. Our electricity bills are sky high compared to other countries, as we pay for the unwanted vastly expensive industrial constructions, when we need solar on roofs or any built structure, close to where the energy is used. The Shadow Minister picked up the points about this energy being neither reliable, safe nor cheap.
The Cliff Villages Solar Action Group are following up the meeting with the Shadow Minister and our MP, Caroline Johnson, with a clear briefing, which we will use widely.
Proposals for a substation at Navenby were rejected as not yet valid, so they have some more work to do. As soon as it is live, we will need you!
GLCCA:
Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority
I met with the Mayor, members of the board and colleague, Nick Coxon this month to raise the importance of buses and of fighting solar industrialisation of farmland.
Elections
Huge thanks to Independents who stood or voted in the Lincoln City Elections. They did not win but made a good effort. Lincoln City has submitted a proposal to put the whole of our area into Lincoln City Unitary Council. Thus, it would be Lincoln City Councillors who make all the Council decisions for us. I find that very disturbing indeed.
Both North and South Kesteven have submitted a proposal to combine with South Holland, if combining is what we have to do. The plan is expensive and rushed, but of the options, I see that as the best. Nobody gets a vote, the Minister just decides.
Thus next May, we are expecting elections to take place on the County Council boundaries for the new authority, whatever that is.
Independents met last week to share ideas and to plan next steps. It is vital that we have free voices. If you are interested in standing or helping, now is a good time to let me know!
EID shared meal
250 people came to lunch in Lincoln to celebrate Eid, the end of Ramadan fasting. We needed some very big pots! Turon Miah, our Lincoln candidate, did a great job organising the event.
30 years!
Jo Crosby said she was “overwhelmed” as she was treated to a thank you party for thirty years of service running Welbourn Preschool. What a fantastic contribution!
Archaeology; North Hykeham Relief Road
No sooner had the road digging begun, when extensive Roman and Neolithic finds appeared.
Allen Archaeology revealed a thriving Roman community - complete with workshops, bathhouses, and homes from 2,000 years ago. A ceremonial Neolithic hand axe has been revealed after 5,000 years.
Swinderby
What a great day we had at the Swinderby Summer Sunday! Honoured to have been asked to open the event with local District Councillor, Peter Overton. Huge thanks to organisers, the Swinderby Trust, the Swinderby Parish Council, exhibitors and all involved. Graham, publican now musician and his band Nostalgia did a great job! (07584 757452) It was terriffic to see everyone enjoying the day - that's what makes our communities special. Thank you!
Biodigesters
Biodigesters that take animal waste are decided by the County Council. As part of the planning committee, we had a site meeting at Anwick, which was recommended for refusal and then withdrawn. The biodigester at Spalding was passed to take food and vegetable waste up to 50 mile radius, but only after much discussion on whether it should be on industrial land, not farmland.
Hemswell Biodigester
County Councillors were invited behind the scenes to the working biodigester at Hemswell, taking our food waste, 1,500 tons a month. Total throughput is 140,000 ton/yr, a little less than the North Hykeham Energy from waste plant (170,000 tons/yr).
To reduce odour, covered vehicles go into the building and shut the doors before removing their covers and dumping the waste. The “grabber” then puts waste in the mill removing plastic bags, before piping the waste along to biodigester tanks. The gas has a marker smell added and then piped into the mains. The digestate goes onto fields.
Congratulations to the Lincoln Imps
Top of the league and back in the Championships after 65 years. A rise of non-league to Championships in nine years! The bus parade was amazing and reminds us just how inspiring a big win is for our communities!
Supporting local businesses
- Zumba 10.30am Tuesdays in Welbourn Village Hall. Why not come along? Coffee afterwards at Down the Road, so we get to support two local businesses at once!
- Artist Helen Whittle makes amazing pictures out of felt 07507 286841
- Katina Johnson creates great pictures in pastels or paint! See on facebook or https://katinajohnsonart.com
Want to keep in touch?
If you know anyone else who would find this newsletter useful, please suggest they drop me an email here. For updates, please follow me on facebook.
Best wishes,
Marianne
Marianne Overton MBE