< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING fertile ground for friendships to flourish. Pop culture would also have us believe that in care facilities, old people are left to sit around in blankets to waste away in front of the television between meals. Hopefully you don’t need us to dispel this image, but it’s probably worth emphasising just how untrue it is. Any care facility worth its salt will have a range of activities and entertainments available for residents. Readers might even be surprised to learn that video games can be found in more and more facilities. The Nintendo Wii might have been surpassed by later generations of games consoles, but its simple functionality is still ideal for older people who may be struggling with arthritis or other mobility issues. While the abundance of touch screen technology means older people don’t have to be cut off from their families. Exercise is also prioritised at many facilities from swimming to gentle outdoor aerobics. Mobility is one of the biggest challenges we face as we age. Even an individual with the best health can still succumb to health issues that leave them relying on a wheelchair or mobility scooter. But this doesn’t have to mean that a person still can’t enjoy their best lives. Towns and cities are becoming more friendly and welcoming to wheelchair users. Yes, there’s still a lot of work to be done in this regard, but we’re getting there, baby step by baby step. One of the biggest dangers that older people face is the weather. Most people assume that the biggest seasonal threat to vulnerable older people is winter with its devastating chill and surge in flu cases. But the summer months present just as big a danger. According to official statistics for England and Wales, there was almost seven hundred more deaths than average during the fifteen-day peak in June and July of 2018’s heatwave. Across the continent, the 2003 heatwave in France resulted in the deaths of between 50,000 and 70,000 people. As climate change continues to run amok, extreme heath and death tolls such as these will only become more commonplace. As well as leading to heat stroke and hyperkalaemia, intense heat can also exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions. Older people’s bodies and immune systems just aren’t as well equipped to deal with these dangers and so extra precautions are required. This is again where a quality care facility has the advantage over a domestic set-up where air conditioning can be prohibitively expensive. Sometimes it’s inevitable that a vulnerable older person will need extra care, help and attention. The very best facilities offer care and compassion that will help your loved one live the best life they can. When they do pass away, the best funeral directors will continue this same care and compassion, bringing love and dignity to the very end of a loved one’s life. Here in Lincolnshire we’re blessed with an abundance of quality care facilities, funeral directors and specialists in mobility and other services aimed at older vulnerable people. © Shutterstock /Photographee.eu 59-61.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2020 16:32 Page 2It’s located close to the attractive Market Place in the centre of town and the local amenities are easily accessible. Some of these include a grocery shop, church, public house, post office and hairdressers. There’s also the Arts & Heritage Centre with café and library. Greenacres are registered to care for 16 residents at any one time, from all cultures and backgrounds. It has 14 single rooms and 1 double room and your privacy will be respected by both staff and other residents. Staff are fully trained to at least NVQ Level 2 standards and attend regular, mandatory training, enabling Greenacres to provide complete, professional care 24 hours a day as well as being able to develop a more personal, friendly bond. Being a family run home, Greenacres provides residents with individually tailored care. Standard room furnishings include a wardrobe, drawers, bed, chair, commode and bedside table. People are encouraged to bring some of their own furniture or personal belongings to help make them feel more at home. Greenacres have a wet room/toilet next to the hallway (which can be used for showers), a new toilet at the end of the day room, and a main bathroom with bath hoist at the far end of the bedroom passage. Services provided include long term, short term, day and respite care. All facilities are on two levels with lift and staircase access to the first floor and staff are trained to ensure ease of accessibility for all residents. The local doctor’s surgery provides a full range of services and the doctor can make visits to the home when requested and the district nurses are willing to attend on a regular basis. All residents are offered a choice for each of the meals provided each day, which are freshly prepared on the premises using local ingredients where possible. Staff will also cater for special dietary needs and ensure you have the personal care you may require. Greenacres tailors its care plan to meet each person’s specific needs, with an individual care plan incorporating information that has been gathered from the person whose plan is being written or their representative. It includes specific preferences, wishes, pen profile, history, care needs and risk assessments. During your stay, you can enjoy an active social life through regular events, outings and activates. You are encouraged to maintain contacts with the local community with family and friends made welcome to visit at all times. Transportation is available to enable local travel and maintain connections. Greenacres believes that all of its residents should remain as independent as possible during their stay. Its main aim is to provide a home in which you will fee settled, comfortable and happy. For more information, call 01472 851989. Greenacres is a small, friendly care home situated in the historic town of Caistor, surrounded by the stunning countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Comfortable and happy care at Greenacres Greenacres is a small, friendly care home situated in the historic town of Caistor, surrounded by the stunning countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61 CARING 59-61.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2020 16:33 Page 362 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LinkThe Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is calling out to the unemployed, redundant, students and those looking for work, to help feed the nation as the food sector suffers from a shortage of workers. The LEP is signposting people to the various schemes that have been put in place to boost the area’s food and farming workforce. “Greater Lincolnshire is the food capital of the UK, producing one-eighth of all England’s food,” said Sarah Louise Fairburn, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board and a Director of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. “During the pandemic our area has a key role to play in helping to keep food in our shops. The last month has seen unprecedented demand for food in our supermarkets and I have seen this at first hand in our business, Fairburn Eggs. I am really proud of how Lincolnshire businesses have responded in helping to keep food on the nation’s shelves. “However, we cannot be complacent because many of our food chain businesses need extra staff now to manage the increased demand. In Lincolnshire we are also the centre of the UK fresh produce sector, and as the peak harvest period for salads and vegetables approaches we will need even more staff from the end of April.” Many food companies in Greater Lincolnshire, from farms and food processors to distributors and retailers, are now looking to urgently recruit extra staff. “Whether you are unemployed, someone who has recently been made redundant or a student, our food chain would welcome your help as we work to keep the nation fed through this difficult time,” added Sarah. A number of schemes have been set up to help get more staff into the food chain, with rapid application processes, usually with an online interview and then quick placement in a job. © Shutterstock /Duncan Andison Morrisons launches food box to support British farmers during pandemic Morrisons has launched a seasonal food box containing meat, vegetables, milk and cheeses to help support British farmers during the pandemic. Created to support vulnerable and self-isolating customers – and those limiting trips outside of the home – the British Farmers Food Box will also support UK farmers who have been struggling since the outbreak of COVID-19. Many farmers have been unable to sell produce that might have been destined for the restaurant trade. So, one pound from every British Farmers Food Box will be donated to The Prince’s Countryside Fund which is coordinating donations on behalf of Farming Help charities. Additionally, the box will contain milk and cheese from the Morrisons For Farmers range which return more money directly into the pockets of farmers. Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said: “This contribution will allow us to support farming groups across the UK – including the five Farming Help charities. “It will also ensure that British farmers have the support they need through this difficult time to keep producing healthy, nutritious food for our tables.” Lincolnshire called upon to help feed the UK Lincolnshire’s award winning heating specialists Boilers from only £150.00 per month (10 months interest free payments) Call now for a free no obligation quotation 01472 882363 UP TO GUARANTEE YEAR 62-64.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2020 12:29 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63 Supporting the rural community News News Construction begins on new Agri-food Centre of Excellence Construction has started on the University of Lincoln’s bespoke agri-food research and development facility at the new Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach. The milestone represents the next phase of construction following the ground works which began in summer last year. The building is due to be completed early next year. The Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technology will be the linchpin of the FEZ, delivering innovation support services, pioneering research, skills provision and knowledge exchange for agri-food businesses across Lincolnshire and beyond. As the first building on the site, the Centre of Excellence will build on the success of the University of Lincoln’s Holbeach campus. It will include microbiology and chemistry laboratories, a high-tech test kitchen and sensory suite, break space, and seminar rooms, and will act as an innovation hub promoting the rapid uptake of advanced technologies such as robotics and automation and ensuring the UK’s agri-food industry remains competitive. “This new facility is designed to house a community of leading industrial scientists and their support teams, working to meet the innovation, research and knowledge transfer needs of Greater Lincolnshire’s agri-food businesses,” said Professor Val Braybrooks MBE, Dean of Holbeach and the National Centre for Food Manufacturing. The FEZ will be located next to the A17 and A151 and is designed to support agri-food businesses, with a particular focus on the food technology sector. When complete, phase one of the multi-million-pound development will create around 16,000sq m of new business space, capable of supporting over 400 jobs. The Holbeach FEZ is funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Lincolnshire County Council and the Midlands Engine, while South Holland District Council and the University of Lincoln are partners in the scheme. Willmott Dixon Construction is the main contractor for the build. WRAP expands Food Waste Reduction Roadmap focus to farms The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has expanded the UK’s Food Waste Reduction Roadmap to focus on farms. The guidance provides growers with advice on how best to measure food surplus and waste on farms to identify the causes and help inform where action is needed. The ‘Food Waste Reduction Roadmap Grower Guidance’ was developed in collaboration with leading trade bodies and industry organisations. It includes two practical ‘how-to’ guides and dedicated tools for in-field measurement. WRAP, the body which developed the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap with IGD, designed the new resources to help growers apply the principles of Target-Measure-Act to their operations at this key stage in the food supply chain. “Measuring food surplus and waste is the first step to tackling the problem, and our guides will show where action is needed on farm – whatever the scale of production or crop type, and whether hand or machine-harvested,” said WRAP Director Peter Maddox. “They are intuitive to use and set out the actions necessary to measure consistently to make comparisons over time, and between growers. I am delighted to have had the involvement of so many influential sector bodies in developing these guides.” Earlier crop-specific assessments by WRAP highlighted the potential that widescale measuring provides to help tackle food waste. The organisation found that around 19% of all lettuces went unharvested in 2015, with 38,000 tonnes lost across the sector – worth £7 million. This varied significantly between growers, with a range from 7% to 47% of production ending up as waste. Supporting growers to better measure and share their waste data can help identify opportunities and offers huge potential to improve productivity. The resources were developed following calls from agricultural businesses for practical guidance tailored to the needs of growers and are free to download and use from the WRAP website. © Shutterstock /Aleksandar Malivuk 62-64.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2020 12:29 Page 264 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Supporting the rural community Farmers measuring more to boost efficiencies, survey reveals A new survey has revealed that farmers are taking an increasingly measured approach to their grassland and manure management, helping to cut costs and improve efficiencies. The survey carried out by the organisers of the Grassland & Muck Event – the third such survey since 2011 – has revealed that more farmers are analysing inputs and outputs, enabling them to better target management decisions. Based on 224 responses from around the UK, more people are testing their soil, and they are testing it more regularly, with 68% testing it every five years or less versus 62% in 2017 and 57% in Farmers are applying lime more regularly, too, with 56% applying it every five years or less compared to 49% in the last There has been a continued shift to more accurate testing of manure nutrient content: 18% used laboratory analysis against 14% in 2017 and just 9% in 2011. As a result of this more technical approach, farmers have further reduced fertiliser use; 32% used less nitrogen fertiliser in 2020. Just over a quarter reduced phosphate use and 22% cut potash applications. In contrast, 40% of respondents increased sulphur use, which is not a surprise, says Yara agronomist Philip Cosgrave. “Farmers are much more aware of sulphur requirements – it’s up there with When it comes to grass management, 54% measure their grass – mostly using a plate meter – up from just 30% in 2017. Reseeding levels have remained fairly steady over the past three years, with 79% reseeding leys every one to six years – and most reseeding is influenced by poor yield and weeds. “I’m not surprised by that – forage is the cheapest source of animal feed and farmers are trying to maximise it,” says Mr Cosgrave. “It is clear to see that farmers are focusing on producing better quality silage and grazing to produce more milk or meat from grass.” © Shutterstock /funnyangel Tesco offers lifeline for potato farmers Tesco is offering a lifeline to potato farmers who have been left with surplus stock after restaurants and fast food outlets were closed to combat the coronavirus crisis. The closure of restaurants, pubs and many fast food outlets has left a major surplus of particular varieties that are made into chips, which potato growers cannot now easily sell on. Now Tesco has teamed up with potato supplier Branston to take these potatoes that were previously destined for the catering trade to meet soaring consumer demand. These ‘chipping varieties’ may have skin blemishes and will be sold as part of Tesco’s ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ range. The bags will carry a sticker stating “I’m not looking my normal gorgeous self but I still taste great, buy me and support British farmers”. Since March Tesco has seen increased demand for potatoes, with an average rise of 30% across UK stores. News News Charles H Hill Ltd. Moor Lane, Horsington, Woodhall Spa, LN10 5HH. Tel: 01526 388281 www.charleshhill.co.uk 62-64.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2020 12:29 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 FARM & COUNTRY LINK © Shutterstock /Fotokostic The effect of the pandemic on farmers and their suppliers has been felt strongly here in Lincolnshire, a county responsible for producing much of the nation’s fruit and vegetables. With our acres of vast flat arable land, it’s no wonder we’ve become indispensable to feeding the nation. At first glance, it might appear as if the crisis worked in farmer’s favours. After all, supermarkets have been posting better than expected results and a spike in sales first as consumers panic brought and then during the lockdown as people had little other choice but to spend time in and around the home. However, it’s important to understand that farmers in our region and beyond serve a wide range of customers. Of course, supermarkets are a major customer for many farmers and agricultural businesses, but they are far from the only one. The forced shutdown of restaurants, bars and markets dealt a major blow to farmers. Not only did it see them cut off from important revenue streams as key customers closed their doors, but also led to a rise in food waste. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the financial disruption has cost dairy producers alone an estimated £28 million across April and May. Similar figures can likewise be seen across the spectrum. The heart of the community 66 Á The outbreak of COVID-19 has shown not only how important the farming and agricultural industries are – both locally and nationwide – but also how much we each of us rely on them. The heart of the community 65-67.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2020 16:34 Page 166 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FARM & COUNTRY LINK Part of the issue stems from labour – or rather, the lack of it. With travel restrictions in place throughout the lockdown, and many still in place despite the gradual easing, farmers have struggled to draft in the seasonal labour needed to hit usual targets. In light of this, local people have been sought to help feed the nation. Pick For Britain is an organisation that helps to bring workers and employers together, ensuring the UK can continue to deliver British fruit and vegetables. Via their online presence, growers, recruiters and agencies post job opportunities across the country. Alongside AHDB, one of Pick For Britain’s partners is the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) who recently put out a call for students to help bring in the harvest. We’re currently in the peak summer harvest season and, according to estimates, some 80,000 seasonal workers were needed from the end of May to help bring in the harvest on British farms. To help meet that quota locally, the LEP called for students to join a Student Land Army. Securing labour is far from the only issue farmers and agribusiness have had to contend with in light of the pandemic. In many cases, businesses have been forced to adapt they way they operate in order to comply with social distancing measures. For machinery suppliers, coronavirus has meant they’ve had to shutter showrooms. However, over the last few months, savvy suppliers have still processes machinery and spare orders as well as undertaking urgent repair works. It’s put them in a good position for when ‘non-essential’ retailers are allowed to open again in mid-June. As with other industries, the farming sector had little to no advance warning of the pandemic, and certainly not how pervasive and far reaching the effects would be. Farm businesses have, essentially, had to adapt overnight to navigate sudden disruptions and increasing demand from local communities and key customers (those that weren’t forced to closed, that is). While there’s still many pressing issues here in the present, farmers are also rightfully concerned about what the future holds. Specifically, there is a worry 65-67.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2020 16:34 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 FARM & COUNTRY LINK that future trade deals struck by the government could undercut the current high standards set up by UK farmers. Though these issues predate the pandemic – i.e. opening the UK to imports of chlorine washed chicken and hormone treated beef etc. – there’s fears the outbreak will only make matters worse. However, every dark cloud contains a silver lining and, yes, even the coronavirus has come with advantages. One of the biggest is that during lockdown, wildlife has had a chance to flourish. Now there are concerns that as the lockdown eases, this could be compromised. But farmers could well hold the key to helping. So says the farmer-led Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) which supports over 1,000 farmers across the UK that are working around the clock to produce food whilst delivering benefits for the environment and reversing wildlife decline. “The sight of empty supermarket shelves and fears of labour shortages show how much farmers need consumer support,” says NFFN Chair Martin Lines. “The COVID-19 crisis demonstrates how intrinsically connected farmers are to local economies and the environment. When people buy produce straight from a local and sustainable farmer, they’re also protecting their community and wildlife.” How to support British farmers during the pandemic Farmers from the Nature Friendly Farming Network share the five things the public can do to support them. Shop local and sustainable Buy fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce from your local online farm shop or market. Find farmers across the UK delivering locally here. Work or volunteer on a farm The UK is facing a potential shortage of 80,000 workers due to COVID-19. If you have the time, find your local farms to help harvest the food for the nation. Join the nature-friendly farming movement for free We are stronger together. Join the NFFN for free as a public member to stay up to date with how you can support nature-friendly farmers producing food for the nation. Try not to waste Over 1/3 of food around the world is thrown away. It’s important not to stockpile food that will go to waste. Make sure you plan your shopping trips carefully, buy only what you need, and use up leftovers. Celebrate local farmers Celebrate the local farmers doing extraordinary things to produce the food on your plates while protecting nature. When you receive food from a local producer, share your food stories and celebrate it on social media with #NatureFriendlyFood. © Shutterstock /Jacob Lund © Shutterstock /Nejron Photo© Shutterstock /mihalec 65-67.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2020 16:35 Page 368 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING Into first gear Into first gear 68-70.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2020 16:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 COUNTY MOTORING Ordinarily, our motoring pages are filled with the latest and upcoming releases and insights from motoring shows across the UK and Europe. Alas, the coronavirus crisis effectively put the brakes on the industry. Around the world, factories have been shuttered, tumbling stock markets have affected the value of almost every car firm, sales of new vehicles have dramatically declined, and major motorsport events have been cancelled. As we enter June, however, the lockdown is easing as some semblance of normality returns, but carmakers are still contending with the fallout. For example, the McLaren Group has announced that it will cut some 1,200 staff across its automotive, racing and technology divisions as part of a major restructure due to the financial impact of the pandemic. Jaguar Land Rover, meanwhile, is understood to be seeking a substantial government loan to provide support as it battles the effects of the pandemic. However, there are some signs of recovery as production begins to resume for some car makers. Ford has resumed production at its UK engine plants where social distancing and safety measures are now firmly in place. Elsewhere, Honda is resuming production at its Swindon factory this month. It’s likely that many of these measures – such as increased PPE and greater space between workers – will become standard in the months and years to come. One of the most encouraging signs, however, came with the government announcement that car dealerships were able to open again from 1 June. Showrooms and dealerships had been forced to close under the official lockdown which came into effect in March. Consequently, new car sales in the UK plummeted by forty-four per cent amid the pandemic – a steeper drop than during the 2008 recession and the worst March since 1999. The announcement came as a relief to the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) who has been spearheading industry calls for the government to allow dealerships to open as soon a possible. Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Automotive manufacturing is beginning to resume, and car dealerships have been able to open again as the lockdown eases, but the pandemic is likely to leave lasting effects on the motor industry, as we explore. 70 Á 68-70.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2020 16:36 Page 2Next >