Tenants - North Kesteven District Council

at home 

Spring 2010 

The magazine for North Kesteven District Council tenants 

Digging in 

Ground-breaking garden 

share scheme launched 

How does your 

garden grow 

Seeds sown for this year’s 

best garden contest 

Low-rise rents 

Home improvements carry 

on whilst rent kept low 

See page 5 

Day in the life 

Find out what it’s like to be 

a tenant representative 

Read Nikki Mansell’s story 

on page 12 

Street Party fun 

Find out how you can join 

in a national celebration 

of family fun 

Details on page 14

Try new and Improved Community 

Improvement Scheme (CIS). 

Is your area looking grey and worn 

Need a boost to keep things sparkling and bright 

Try the new and improved CIS fund. Just a quick 

phone call to your Tenant Participation Team, a few signatures from 

your neighbours and you could transform your idea into reality.

at home 

is your magazine 

What’s inside 

The magazine is put together by an 

Editorial Panel, including Rod Knight 

(Bracebridge Heath), Margaret Wapshott 

(Anwick), Jill Wilson (North Hykeham), Cllr 

Flint, Cllr Watson and Cllr Ogden. 

Printing 

Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor 

Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE0 9PH 

Council Enquiries 

Phone: 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 if 

calling from a Lincoln number 

Address: North Kesteven District Council 

District Council Offices, Kesteven Street, 

Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EF 

Minicom: 01529 308088 

Emergency out of hours: 01529 308308 

or 01522 699650 

Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk 

Email: customer_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk 

INFO-LINKS North Hykeham 

The North Kesteven Centre, Moor Lane, 

North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9AX 

INFO-LINKS Metheringham 

15A High Street, Metheringham, 

Lincoln LN4 3DZ 

Billinghay Cottage & Parish Office 

The Old Vicarage Cottage, Church 

Street, Billinghay, Lincoln LN4 4HN 

Branston Connect Branston Community 

Library, Station Road, Branston LN4 1LH 

Heckington Parish Office Eastgate, 

Heckington, NG34 9RB 

Navenby Village Office 19 High Street, 

Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0EN 

North Scarle CAP 14 Chapel Lane, North 

Scarle LN6 9EX 

Osbournby Village Hall London Road, 

Osbournby, Sleaford NG34 0DG 

Skellingthorpe Village Office Lincoln Road, 

Skellingthorpe Community Centre, 

Lincoln LN6 5UT 

Swinderby CAP Swinderby Village Hall, Bulpit 

Lane LN6 9LT 

The Witham Office Chapel Jetty, 

Bassingham, Lincoln LN5 9EY 

Waddington Parish Council High Street, 

Waddington, Lincoln LN5 9RF 

Washingborough Civic Office Fen Road, 

Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1AB 

Appealing changes The Council has 

broadened the scope of its appeals 

process for all tenants 4 

Roman remains Learn about life at 

the Hoplands 2,000 years ago 6 

It will involve a greatly reduced 

programme of refurbishments 

after so much was brought forward 

into 2009/10. 

The Council was lucky enough to be 

allowed to bring forward £1.1m of work 

which allowed for 135 heating systems, 

215 windows and 60 doors to be 

installed a year ahead of programme. 

This work will have greatly 

Before anyone even moves into the 

new straw houses at Waddington, 

you can take a look around. 

To mark the completion of the two 

homes at Brumby Crescent, the 

Council is holding an Open House 

event from Tuesday, April 6 to 

Friday, April 9. 

Each day from 10am to 4pm you 

can walk around the houses, quiz the 

Produced in consultation with 

tenant representatives. At Home 

is produced by North Kesteven 

District Council. 

Steeped in history Delve into the 

delights of North Hykeham 10 

Family focus Discover opportunities 

for family fun in national activities 

week 13 

Capital kitchens on cards 

The programme for capital works in Council homes during 

the coming year is currently being finalised 

improved the energy efficiency of 

these properties. 

The priority for the remainder of the 

programme will be to tackle kitchens 

and bathrooms in the poorest condition 

and to improve car parking on estates. 

Tenants whose properties are included 

in the new programme will be 

written to during April and May with 

further information. 

Open viewing at straw site 

experts, see how they were built and 

appreciate the energy efficient 

measures built into the design. 

NKDC has been the driving force 

behind construction of the country’s first 

bale-built council houses in response to 

a growing need for affordable housing 

and sustainable construction methods. 

More details on the project at 

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/straw 

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 please 

contact Sleaford Tourist Information Centre on 

01529 414294 or email tic@n-kesteven.gov.uk 

at home SPRING 2010 3

News 

In Brief 

Newly fitted door & frames 

In many cases tenants are benefitting 

from the added security of new doors 

and frames on front and rear doors. 

Where these have been fitted, 

tenants are reminded not to alter the 

fittings or to fit any of their own items 

such as door bells, alarms or 

additional door furniture to the doors 

and frames as that would invalidate 

the guarantee of the door. 

In cases where it is found that tenants 

have undertaken any alteration to the 

door sets which results in failure of 

the door set, a recharge of £400 

will be made for the new door set 

if required. 

When 999 isn’t appropriate 

There is a new number for contacting 

the police in non-emergencies 

The Single Non-Emergency Number 

- 0300 111 0300 - began operating 

on January 1 as part of an initiative to 

speed up police response to nonemergencies. 

If it is an emergency – a life 

threatening or violent situation, a 

crime in progress, or a road traffic 

collision causing injury or serious 

traffic problems – then do continue to 

call on 999. 

Your help and advice is vital in making 

sure we deliver the best possible service. 

Because we recognise how important 

your opinions are, we are asking all 

tenants to complete and return their 

Tenant Questionnaire after their annual 

4 at home SPRING 2010 

Tenants’appealing scheme 

A new appeals process will soon be available for tenants to 

call for reconsideration of certain types of housing decision 

For an initial pilot period of six 

months, tenants will be able to 

challenge more than just perceived 

poor standard of service delivery 

within the housing sector which is 

what the existing complaints policy 

concentrates on. 

The new Housing Appeal Panel 

made up of a senior officer, a Councillor 

and a tenant representative will 

reconsider decisions made on: 

Council improvements 

Adaptation decisions 

Leaseholder charges 

Housing Allocation Review 

Panel outcomes 

Work being carried out 

Recharges. 

The formal appeals process is 

required by law to deal with allocation 

and homelessness decisions, but 

NKDC is broadening the scope to 

these other areas of housing service 

where there is currently no other 

appeal avenue available. 

It is hoped the Panel will compliment 

the District Council’s complaints policy 

by offering a fairer and easier way 

for tenants to have certain decisions 

reconsidered. 

Those appealing can choose not to 

have a tenant representative present on 

the panel, in which case a second 

senior officer would be involved. 

Before introduction of the new 

arrangements, details will need to be 

considered by the District Council’s 

Tenant Liaison Panel. 

We will let you know the standard for 

this service. 

Showing your satisfaction 

New repairs survey forms will gauge your satisfaction and 

lead to improved standards 

Residents’ feedback on the way 

housing repairs are carried out is vital 

in ensuring standards are maintained 

and, where possible improved. 

The last edition of At Home detailed 

the new way of reporting housing repairs 

direct to the Contractors. The transition 

has been smooth and residents are 

benefitting from having the opportunity to 

be given an appointment at the point of 

reporting the fault. 

With this new procedure, there are 

also changes to the way in which 

feedback is gathered on the service. 

gas/oil/solid fuel safety check. Those of 

you that do will automatically be entered 

into a quarterly prize draw, where you 

could win £50 donated by Aaron Services 

Ltd. So taking five minutes to complete 

the questionnaire and returning it to the 

Operatives from Jeakins Weir or 

Aaron Services who attend to a repair or 

service at your property are now asked 

to leave a survey card. These cards 

replace the old paper survey, which was 

previously sent out by post. 

Please do continue to complete and 

return the cards either by giving them 

back to the operative when at your 

property, or by posting the pre-paid card 

back to North Kesteven. 

Your assistance with this will provide 

valuable feedback to maintain and 

improve our service to you. 

How to win £50 in just five minutes! 

Council could leave you £50 better off. 

The winner of the last draw was Mrs 

Preston from North Hykeham, 

(pictured above left with Clair Beaton 

Customer Liaison Advisor for 

Aaron Services)

Rent level increases kept low 

Improvements to tenants’ homes and communities will 

continue despite rent increases from April being kept low 

Changes take effect from April 5 with 

the average increase being below 

two per cent. 

A quarter of residents will see no 

increases at all. 

The average weekly rent will now be 

£60.02, up by 1.8 per cent, with 

variations in the actual sum charged of 

between zero and three percent, 

according to accommodation type. 

Rental for sheds, garages and other 

services remains at the current levels. 

The Government receives a net 44 

per cent of the money raised through 

an arrangement called Housing 

Funding for priorities & improvements 

Subsidy and the remainder is spent 

improving services. 

The Council currently operates 3,807 

homes, with 37 more being added over 

the coming year. 

It works with tenant representatives 

across the District to put together a plan 

to make sure money is spent where it is 

needed most - highlighted below. 

It is very important to the Council that 

money is spent not just on improving 

tenants’ housing, but also making sure 

they receive the best possible service 

from the Council and are happy within 

their community. 

Priority Area Achieved in 2009/10 Action for 2010/11 

Improving the 

condition of Council 

properties and 

tackling energyefficiency 

Meeting the needs 

of tenants, especially 

those who feel 

vulnerable 

• Renewed 103 bathrooms 

• Renewed 111 kitchens 

• Improved 229 heating 

systems 

• Replaced windows in 244 

properties 

• Replaced doors in 198 

properties 

• Visited and supported 

more vulnerable tenants 

• Introduced a service to 

support vulnerable 

tenants during capital 

works 

• Spend £300,000 on 

energy-conservation 

• Introduce hard-wired 

carbon monoxide alarms 

in our properties 

• Spend £400,000 on 

kitchen improvements 

• Introduce a decoration 

scheme for vulnerable 

tenants 

• Continue with adaptations 

to meet needs of tenants 

with disabilities 

• Spend £240,000 

improving the fire safety 

of flats and sheltered 

schemes 

Steeped in history 

Discover the delights of North Hykeham 

For more information see pages 10-11 

For more information www.n-kesteven.gov.uk 

You can 

relax knowing 

you pay by 

Direct Debit! 

Many people find it more convenient 

to pay their rent and home charges 

by Direct Debit. 

• Direct Debit is quick, easy 

and convenient 

• No queues or special journeys 

to make 

• It’s safe and guaranteed 

• Peace of mind knowing that bills 

never get forgotten 

• A choice of five payment dates 

• Direct Debit collection is cheaper 

for the Council, allowing us to be 

more efficient and cost effective 

• Payments are spread equally 

across the year 

• Rent increases are automatically 

adjusted; we just write to tell you 

of the change 

If you are interested in paying by 

this method, call 01529 414155. 

Your account must be up to date 

before a direct debit can be set up. 

Helping tenants to 

maintain tenancy 

conditions and 

targeting anti-social 

behaviour 

• Provided an extra 86 

parking spaces on estates 

• 'Inspected every 

communal area and the 

outside of every property, 

at least once a year 

• Held housing and rents 

surgeries across District 

• End of tenancy incentives 

scheme approved 

• Funded one ASB Officer 

• Fund IT improvements so 

officers are more visible 

on estates through mobile 

working 

• Expand Garden Support 

Scheme 

• Spend £325,000 

improving car parking and 

the condition of estates 

You can see the full Business Plan at www.kesteven.gov.uk or call the Customer 

Services Centre and ask for a copy to be posted. 


News 

Roman occupation at new homes site 

Archaeologists unearth evidence of previous residence where six new Council 

houses are soon to be built on the edge of Sleaford 

Work will soon start on construction 

of six new houses at The Hoplands in 

Sleaford, following the completion of 

a dig that uncovered evidence of up 

to ten Roman homes on the site. 

As detailed in the latest edition of 

NewsNK an archaeological assessment 

of the site unearthed two complete 

human skeletons, yards and wells, a 

network of ditches and rubbish pits and 

the track of a stone road. 

A third skeleton was later found and 

enough evidence to suggest there were 

ten stone buildings over time, five of 

which were built successively on top of 

each other alongside the road. There is 

also a suggestion of industrial activity. 

All are estimated to be almost 2,000 

years old and gave an interesting insight 

into the way communities developed by 

building one property on top of another. 

The spread of pottery finds stretched 

from about 300 BC, the Iron Age, up to 

around AD 3 or 4 when most of the 

building activity is thought to have 

happened. 

Time was factored in for the 

archaeological dig right from the start 

and the duration of the excavation and 

recordings will not hold the project up. 

The discoveries may mean that the 

foundations to the new homes need to 

be adjusted slightly to avoid damage but 

otherwise completion is still anticipated 

by March 2011. 

Whilst the site is now ready for 

building work to begin, the finds are still 

being analysed and assessed by 

contractors Network Archaeology. 

Arrangements for their storage and 

display have yet to be decided by 

the Council. 

POST HOLES FROM FORMER BUILDINGS WERE UNCOVERED 

ONE OF THE THREE SKELETONS FOUND ON SITE. (PHOTO: SLEAFORD STANDARD) 

More cash for more new homes in NK 

Council secures a total of £2m towards the cost of building 35 new houses District-wide 

More council houses are to be added 

to the housing stock for tenants in 

North Kesteven after another 

£753,000 was awarded to the 

District Council. 

This new sum from the Homes & 

Community Agency comes on top of 

almost £1.3m awarded in October for 

19 homes. 

The new money will allow 16 new 

properties identified as needed in 

Pinfold Lane, Ruskington 

Archer Road, Branston 

Eslaforde Gardens, Sleaford 

The £2m total is half-funding 35 

homes which are the first additions to the 

council house stock in the District for 20 

years and include the country’s first 

straw-built social housing. 

The Council will provide the rest of the 

funding balance. 

District Council Leader Councillor Mrs 

Marion Brighton, OBE, said: “This is 

excellent news for both the Council and 

its tenants. There was a lot of interest in 

the fund from councils around the 

country and we are delighted that the 

Homes & Communities Agency 

supported both of our bids to deliver a 

total of 35 new homes. 

”The development of the properties 

will be a real benefit to residents of 

the District.” 

The two straw houses at Waddington 

are now complete and two more will be 

started at Martin this month. 

6 at home SPRING 2010

In the spotlight 

What makes Tenant Rep Nikki tick 

For more information see page 12 


Participation is key to shaping service 

More opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference for all tenants 

‘Challenge, Shape & Share’ 

Tenants can now get even more involved 

in the management of their homes 

following a review into participation 

arrangements. 

New opportunities for involvement 

await those wanting to play a part in 

developing and improving the housing 

services they receive. 

The service is being challenged and 

shaped and tenants will be informed. 

What can Tenants Expect 

The new housing regulator the Tenant 

Services Authority expects landlords to 

work more closely with their tenants 

focus on those things that really 

matter most to tenants 

provide more feedback and an 

annual report 

have tenants set local standards 

What will this mean for NK tenants 

Following NK tenant participation review; 

There will be more opportunity for all 

tenants to take part if they want to. 

Tenants will not need to become a 

tenant representative to take an 

active role. 

Tenants can get involved just in the 

things they are interested in. 

Meetings will be held across the 

District and at different times of 

the day including some evenings. 

You can contribute from home. 

You can involve yourself with making 

sure your estate is the sort of place 

you want to live in by becoming a 

tenant inspector 

You can attend meetings on a 

one-off basis. 

Chance for all tenants to get involved 

and to make a difference 

Coming to an estate near you 

Watch out for more details and 

recruitment of 

Tenant Inspectors, 

Empty property Champions, 

Estate and Block Champions. 

Tenant Representatives 

Mystery Shoppers – to monitor 

and check your service is up 

to standard 

Tenant Panel Members – to receive 

surveys at home 

More about tenant participation 

on page 12 & 13 ’ 

Like to do something but don’t know what 

If you want to get involved but don’t quite know what you want to get involved with or where your interests or 

experience fits in, please contact the Tenant Participation Team and we will happily discuss this with you. 

Adults may be abused or taken advantage 

of by those in a position of power over them. 

Every adult has a right to: 

A life free of fear 

Be treated with dignity 

Have their choices respected and 

not be forced to do anything 

against their will 

What kinds of people could be 

at risk of abuse 

Many adults’ especially older people 

and those with a physical or learning 

disability rely on other people to help 

them in their daily lives. They can be at 

risk from people they know, a relative, 

friend, neighbour or paid carer or 

sometimes people can be abused 

by a stranger. 

Abuse can occur anywhere but it is 

likely to happen in a victim’s own 

home, in care homes, day care 

centres or hospitals. 

What is abuse 

Abuse can be: 

Hitting, slapping or pushing 

Shouting or swearing which makes 

the person afraid 

Unwanted touching, kissing or 

sexual intercourse 

Taking money or property without 

consent or under pressure 

Not being cared for properly or 

denied privacy, choice or 

social contact 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU 

SUSPECT ABUSE 

YOU CAN CONTACT THE 

SAFEGUARDING ADULTS 

TEAM ON 01522 782155 

Out of office hours, call the Emergency 

Duty Team on 01529 413366. All 

information is treated confidentially & 

the adult at risk’s wishes & feelings are 

considered at all times. 


Feature 

How does your 

garden grow 

The first tenants are signing up to NKDC’s ground-breaking garden share scheme 

This time last year Malc Husband 

was cramming in carrots and 

positioning potatoes to make the 

most of the flower beds at his 

Carlton le Moorland home. 

But now he is able to broaden his 

vision for vegetables all year round. 

He is the first person to take 

advantage of the Council’s new scheme 

partnering tenants with more garden 

space than they can cope with, with 

neighbours in need. 

The agreement allows one family to 

take over part of the other’s garden to 

use as a vegetable patch or to extend 

the space for flowers or children to play. 

When he learned about the initiative 

in last summer’s At Home, Malc leapt at 

it, fearing he’d never secure a village 

allotment plot as he was sixth on the list. 

After getting the go-ahead in early 

February he has wasted no time in 

fencing off half of the neighbours’ 

garden, digging up the lawn and 

Garden Share 

Scheme 

The District Council set up the Garden 

Share Scheme after identifying that 

whilst some tenants, particularly those 

with disabilities or the elderly, struggle to 

maintain their gardens, others wanted to 

grow their own vegetables but lacked 

the space to do it. 

The aim is to match up those who are 

willing to give up some space with those 

wanting to flex their green-fingers. 

A licence is agreed between the two 

tenant parties and managed by the 

Council. Licences are situation specific, 

and can be terminated by either party. 

If you are either willing to give up 

some of your garden or are an 

enthusiastic grower in need, contact 

Housing Tenancy Manager Andrew 

Cotton on 01529 414155 who may be 

able to make a match. 

clearing shrubs ready for the installation 

of a greenhouse and the planting of a 

vast array of vegetables from beets and 

broccoli to exotic sweet potatoes. 

“In general I think the scheme’s a 

great one. It’s the only way I can grow 

my own veg and I’m happy to do all of 

the work needed in converting the 

garden to a mini allotment,” he said. 

“While the people next door weren’t 

really interested in the garden I was 

squeezing things in among my wife’s 

flowers and desperately wanted the 

extra space this has given me. 

“Although I can see why it’s done the 

way it is, I’d have preferred a longer 

agreement as I don’t think a renewable 

12 month contract’s long enough.” 

As pictured with Malc on the cover, 

Councillor Stewart Ogden, Executive 

Member for housing maintenance 

wasted no time in digging for the cause. 

“It’s the culmination of a lot of work 

by officers and members to bring this 

together and I’m delighted to see the 

first people enjoying the rewards. 

“The scheme’s been driven by 

tenants and encourages sustainability, 

community spirit and healthy living. 

“It’s a classic case of a problem 

shared is a problem halved. In this case 

we can see how one tenant who had a 

problem maintaining their garden is 

helping another who had a problem 

finding enough garden space simply by 

sharing half of their space,” he said. 


’1st 

’1st 

’1st 

! 

Kids’ corner 

Growing challenge for young gardeners 



Best Garden 2009 

Mr Wakelin, Helpringham 

Best Hanging Baskets 2009 

Mr Robinson, Billinghay 

If your garden is the envy of passers-by, your hanging baskets 

turn heads or your vegetable patch is as pretty as it is 

productive, be sure to enter our photo-based contest 

exclusively for Council tenants. 

North Kesteven District Council likes to show recognition and 

reward for tenants who make that extra effort with their gardens. 

Categories 

Best Garden; 

Best hanging baskets, pots and tubs; 

Best vegetable patch; 

Prizes: 1st - £40, 2nd - £25 and 3rd - £15 

Best Vegetable Garden 2009 

Mr Crowther, Bracebridge Heath 

If you or your neighbour has green fingers 

and puts on a blooming lovely display of 

colour or a bountiful harvest of home-grown 

goodness, then why not enter the At Home 

Garden Competition. 

Competition guidelines 

Open to all tenants in the District. 

There are six judges, from the At Home Editorial Panel. 

Entrants’ names and garden photographs may be publicised 

following presentation of prizes and certificates. 

Changes this year: 

Please do not send photographs of your garden. Simply 

complete the form and we will arrange a convenient time for 

someone to visit you to photograph your garden for you. 

Judges will not visit gardens this year, as past experience 

has shown that not all gardens are at their best at the point of 

visiting. To appreciate each gardens’ individual character 

judging will be based purely on the best three photos taken of 

your garden. 

To enter, fill in this application form and send to: 

Jessica Worthington – Community Development Worker, 

NKDC, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, NG34 7EF. 

Further details: contact Jessica Worthington on 01529 

414155 ext 2621 or email: tenant_participation@ 

n-kesteven.gov.uk 

The closing date for 

entries is July 30 

Gardening 

Competition 2010 

Application Form 

Name: 

Name of 

nominaor: 

(if applicable) 

Address: 

Post code: 

Telephone: 

Mobile 

number: 

Email 

address: 

Please tick the category you are 

entering for: 

% 

% 

% 

Best garden 

Best hanging baskets, 

pots and tubs 

Best vegetable garden 


steeped in history 

North Hykeham 

North Hykeham in the north of the 

District, is a town in its own right, 

bordering on to Lincoln and, in 

most people’s eyes, is part of the greater 

Lincoln urban sprawl. 

From its village origins, the town grew 

significantly in a housing boom after 

World War II and again more recently. 

North Hykeham received town status in 

1973 and now boasts abundant schools 

and facilities. 

There are close community 

connections and strong pride in what 

has become a very popular part of the 

District to live. 

North Hykeham has five parks that 

allow residents to enjoy its open spaces 

and a skate park was built for younger 

residents in 2003 on Witham Fields, off 

Fen Lane. 

In the St Aidens park there is an 

outdoor gym trail, the first in the county, 

and a performance area on the Village 

Green for anyone to show their talents. 

The North Hykeham Farmers’ Market 

is a popular event on the fourth Friday of 

every month, on the Ark car park, Moor 

Lane, from 9am. 

North Hykeham is also a safe 

community, supported by a flourishing 

network of Neighbourhood Watch 

schemes. 

There are more than 50 co-ordinators, 

each over-seeing between five and 15 

local Neighbourhood Watch members 

and together they ensure that any safety 

advice or alerts are spread across the 

wider community as appropriate. 

The Terry O’ Toole Theatre opened in 

2002 as a small, community theatre 

hosting events and performances, such 

as drama, dance, music events and 

workshops. A new community theatre 

group has recently been formed there for 

adults and young people aged 11-plus to 

get involved with all aspects of theatre, 

The North Kesteven Centre, Moor 

Lane, is the District’s largest leisure 

centre. It is home to a variety of sports 

facilities, including two indoor swimming 

pools, a large multi-purpose sports hall, 

café and bar. There are a number of 

sports on offer ranging from aerobics, 

archery and badminton, to basketball, 


Kids’ corner 

Photographic talent exposed 



What’s On 

VIEW FROM WADDINGTON TO NORTH HYKEHAM 


Youth Centre 

Tel: 01522 680034 

The Mothers’ Union 

Tel: 01522 882386 

Women’s Fellowship 

Tel: 01522 687658 

The ARK Project 

Tel: 01522 881664 

Hy -Time Playgroup 

Tel: 01522 882991 

St Hugh’s Playgroup 

Tel: 01522 882951 

Park School Day 

Nursery 

Tel: 01522 681019 

Girl guiding UK 

Tel: 01522 690014 

1st North Hykeham 

Rainbows 

Tel: 07969 190902 

15th Lincoln & 1st North 

Hykeham Scouts 

Tel: 01522 683795 

Hykeham Forum 

Women’s Institute 

Tel: 01522 881847 

North Hykeham Ladies’ 

Tuesday Club 

Tel: 01522 883777 

North Hykeham & 

District Choral Society 

Tel: 01522 682336 

KBS North Hykeham 

Blind Club 

Tel: 01522 685433 

Hykeham Bowls Club 

Tel: 01522 685880 


Pensioners Club 

Tel: 01522 882214 

Hykeham School 

of Dancing 

Tel: 01522 695710 

Hykeham Riding Club 

Tel: 01522 686009 

Hykeham Lions Club 

Tel: 01522 690511 

Lincoln Railway Society 

Tel: 01522 884557 


Angling Club 

Tel 01522 884457 

Hykeham Carpet 

Bowls Club 

Tel: 01522 690360 

Lincolnshire Road 

Transport Museum 

Tel: 01522 500566 

football, volleyball and disabled sports. 

The Centre is open from 7am to 10pm, 

Monday to Sunday. (01522 883311) 

As you can see from the panel 

alongside there are many groups and 

association to satisfy every interest, 

ranging from a monthly Mothers’ Union 

at St Aiden’s Church and a vibrant 

Women’s Section of the Royal British 

Legion to clubs for art, sports, music 

and hobbies. 

The Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle 

Society is based at the Lincolnshire 

Road Transport Museum, Whisby 

Road. Founded in 1959, its aim is to 

preserve local vintage vehicles. 

North Hykeham currently has three 

Tenant Representatives who cover 


Gardeners’ Association 

Tel: 01522 680112 

North Hykeham & 

District Flower Club 

Tel: 01522 694281 

Lincoln Sounds Ladies’ 

Barbershop Chorus 

Tel: 01522 884149 

Men’s Barbershop 

Harmony Links 

Tel: 01522 751598 

Hykeham Art Group 

Tel: 01522 887999 

North Kesteven 

Fencing Club 

Tel: 01522 793251 

Lincoln & District 

Runners 

Tel: 01522 790689 

different areas of the town but nearby 

villages, including Thorpe on the Hill, 

Doddington, Whisby, Eagle, Swinethorpe 

and North Scarle, would benefit from 

someone becoming a Tenant Rep. Call 

us to find out how you can make a 

difference in your area by working on 

behalf of fellow tenants and neighbours. 

Hykeham Bingo Club 

Tel: 01522 685880 

Royal British Legion, 

Women’s Section 

Tel: 01522 821274 

Terry O’Toole 

Community 

Theatre Group 

Tel: 01522 870251 

If you would like to find out 

more about becoming a tenant 

rep for your street or area, 

contact the Tenant Participation 

team on 01529 414155 or 

01522 699699 (if calling from 

a Lincoln number). 


Feature 

A day in the life.. 

After only a year as a tenant representative, Nikki Mansell is making a massive 

impact in Chapel Hill where she lives and also neighbouring Tattershall Bridge which 

has just come under her wing too 

“ 

Imoved to my house in Witham View 

at Chapel Hill 10 years ago with my 

husband Steve and our four children. 

Even though they were only teenagers, 

aged 15 to 11 at the time, we settled 

immediately and I wouldn’t ever want to 

move as you don’t get the sort of view I 

have from my window anywhere else. 

We found it by coming out for a drive 

and spotting that it was empty. We rang 

the council and the rest is history. 

It’s a really nice community and I 

couldn’t help but get involved. 

Two years ago I started helping my 

housing officer Kathy Robson on the 

Good Neighbourhoods Agreement and 

got on the village hall committee as 

well, all at the same time as I was 

organising a children’s Christmas party. 

I’m really passionate about getting 

the best for Chapel Hill and especially 

the kids. I’ve just become Tenant Rep 

for Tattershall Bridge as well, so I’ll be 

doing what I can there too. 

That’s how I’ve got involved in 

fighting to get play areas in both 

Tattershall Bridge and Chapel Hill, 

working with the parish council to find 

funding and secure some land. 

It’s a really busy road through Chapel 

Hill with fast cars and big lorries and I’m 

really anxious that there are no play 

facilities. 

In addition to the 35 or so children 

living in the 18 houses in Witham Drive 

there are the village kids, visiting friends 

and grandchildren and kids at the 

caravan parks and they’re all at risk 

because they have no choice but to 

play in the roads. 

There’s a good mix of people in 

Witham View and we all get on really 

well. They all have my phone number 

and know they can call on me anytime 

8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. 

They try to leave you be at 

weekends, but if they need me they 

know I’m here. 

Tenant Reps are all volunteers but 

I write a newsletter every 

other month to make sure 

everyone knows what’s 

going on and all the things 

I’ve been doing 

I’ve only been a Tenant Rep 

for a year but I love it. I 

never think ‘why do I bother’ 

because I love the village 

and love doing what I can on 

my neighbours’ behalf 

we can’t help going the extra mile. In 

the bad weather I was shopping for just 

about everyone here and did a lot of my 

neighbours’ Christmas shopping. 

I look on that sort of thing as just 

being neighbourly and what I do as a 

Tenant Rep is just an extension of that. 

I’m not here to fight battles between 

individual tenants and the Council, but 

act as a sort of bridge to pass 

information both ways and champion 

causes and deal with problems. 

For instance, because of the number 

of cars in the close, I saw the need for 

parking areas at each house. I did a 

survey and presented it to the Council 

and that helped to bring the project 

NIKKI MANSELL (LEFT) AND GRANDAUGHTER KATY OFFER NEIGHBOUR 

KATE THORNTON HELPFUL ADVICE AT HOME IN CHAPEL HILL 


What’s on 

What’s happening around the District 

For more information see back cover 


forward on the priority list because we 

had proved the need. 

The driveways are being put in now 

and that really makes me feel that I’ve 

achieved something good. It’s that sort of 

thing that makes it all worthwhile. 

People know that I do my best for them 

and don’t just sit in meetings and say 

nothing. I think I’m notorious for being 

persistent. If I’ve got a bee in my bonnet 

won’t ever come away until I’ve got an 

answer. 

I love Chapel Hill and being a Tenant 

Rep has got me even more involved in 

village life. I can’t recommend it enough to 

anyone else who wants to make life a little 

bit better where they live. 

In the spotlight 

Rod Knight, Chairman of the NK Tenants Team and Tenant 

Representative for St John’s, Bracebridge Heath, explains the 

exciting changes taking place to improve services to tenants, 

raise standards and boost tenant satisfaction with their 

accommodation and the way it is administered and maintained 

There is now a body called the 

National Tenant Voice which, as 

the name suggests, is a national 

organisation of Tenant Representatives 

aimed at improving rented housing 

standards in both council and private 

sectors. 

Last year I applied to be on its 

committee and out of 5,000 applicants 

for 26 places I got into the final 52. 

Although not selected for the committee 

I have been chosen for its scrutiny panel 

and will be able to keep up to date with 

what is going on nationally, for the 

benefit of tenants locally. 

The second change is the formation 

of the Tenant Services Authority, formed 

by the Government to ensure “effective 

engagement of tenants in housing 

management”. 

In short, it is going to make certain 

that all tenants have a say in the way 

their estates are maintained and in the 

standards of housing management. It 

will set standards and inspect and 

assess levels of service provided by 

landlords; in our case NKDC. 

It will also take action against 

landlords who do not meet these 

standards. 

It is important to have tenant 

representatives in every area and I hope 

those of you in areas without one will 

consider applying to be one. 

Your views and those of your 

neighbours are important and it is 

important for tenants to have an effective 

voice and for the Council to demonstrate 

it has listened to tenant views. 

In order to achieve this, tenants must 

do their bit. It is appreciated that some 

can spare more time than others but no 

one is discouraged. 

I for instance sit on various tenant 

groups and take as active a role as I 

can. 

Recently the tenant representatives 

got involved in an exercise with Council 

finance officers who demonstrated how 

the annual budget setting worked and 

individuals were able to make 

suggestions and see how their 

proposals affected the budget. 

I also had input through the Viewpoint 

Panel of residents into the annual 

budget and Council Tax process. 

I hope some of you will consider 

becoming involved and look forward to 

meeting more new tenant 

representatives in the future. 

Make a difference 

If, like Nikki, there are things in your 

neighbourhood you think could be 

improved or if, like Rod, you are more 

interested in how services to tenants are 

delivered and standards are monitored 

then please give us a call. 

Are you interested what kind of 

service you receive as a tenant of North 

Kesteven District Council Do you want 

to have a say about the things that affect 

tenants 

You can also have your say on 

the things that interest you without 

becoming a tenant rep, so give us 

a call. 

You can call the Tenant Participation 

Team for an informal chat about your 

interests and how you can help the 

Council to make the right decisions 

about your tenancies and your homes. 


Feature 

As well as being the summer half 

term, the week of Monday 31 May 

to Sunday 6 June is National 

Family Week. 

The Week aims to highlight the 

important role families play in society 

and encourage healthy active lifestyles 

and quality family time 

In association with tenants North 

Kesteven District Council is organising a 

great Street Party and is offering help 

and advice where ever tenant 

communities want to party in their own 

neighbourhood. 

With libraries, children centres, 

community organisations, government 

bodies, charities, local authorities, sports 

clubs, celebrities and even the Prime 

Minister behind The Week, the only thing 

needed is your family! 

It is hoped that tenants will find lots of 

ways of pulling together to arrange daily 

activities on the associated themes. 

If you are interested in holding a 

Street Party in your area or any activity, 

call Jessica Worthington, Community 

Development Worker on 01529 414155 

or 01522 699699 if you live in the 

Lincoln area. 

If you’ve held a Street Party in your 

area in the past, then do let us know 

how it went and if you are holding 

another one in the future! 

 

For more information on 

National Family Week and 

events for you and your whole 

family to attend, visit 

www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk 

Each day during the National 

Family Week is themed, 

offering scope for some sort 

of special activity every day. 

Bank Holiday, Monday 31 May 

Family Week Picnic for fresh air, food 

and fun 

Tuesday 1 June 

Family Week Film Day 

Wednesday 2 June 

Family Week Story Time with story 

sessions all around you 

Thursday 3 June 

Family Week Road Trip, getting out 

and about exploring the country with 

discounts and treasure hunt 

Friday 4 June 

Family Week House Party for a giant 

family reunion or fun and games with 

friends 

Saturday 5 June 

Family Week Sports Day, including 

record attempt for World’s largest 

3-legged race. 

There will also be competitions, 

offers and promotions to make 

sure the Week will be fantastic 

fun for everyone. 

Kids’Corner Snap it! 

Competition Winner 

Catherine Howard from Coleby (left) won the competition for a photo 

of a wintry scene with this stunning snap. Her prize was £15. 


Kids’ 

Corner 

Tallest Sunflower 

Venture 

into veg 

BBC – Dig In website 

www.bbc.co.uk/ 

gardening/digin 

We want to see your sunflowers reach for the 

clouds, so Pennells Garden Centre has kindly 

donated some free sunflower seeds to help 

you get started! 

For your free seeds, contact Jessica Worthington on 01529 414155, email 

tenant_participation@n-kesteven.gov.uk or write to the Tenant participation, 

NKDC, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, NG34 7EF. 

• Plant your seed 2.5cm deep in a small pot of compost. Water well. 

• Cover the top of the pot in polythene to keep in the heat and moisture 

and place it on a sunny window sill. 

• Remove the plastic when it has sprouted and keep moist. 

• Transfer it to a larger pot until it grows a bit bigger and then plant it 

outside, but wait for the last frost to pass before planting out. 

When fully grown and in flower do send us a photograph of your sunflower, 

showing the measurement to gauge its height. 

Tips 

• Sunflowers like as much direct sunlight as possible, so make 

sure you plant them in the sunniest part of your garden. 

• Water your sunflower every day. 

• Stakes can be used as support if you sunflower gets that tall that 

it starts to fall over! 

! 

At Home Recipes 

How to 

make Easter 

nests 

Here’s a tasty recipe for 

some yummy Easter nests 

that are easy enough for the 

whole family to have a go at. 

Remember that children 

must be supervised by an 

adult at all times 

200g good quality chocolate – this 

can be milk, dark or white chocolate 

1 tbsp butter 

1 tsp golden syrup 

80-90g cornflakes or shredded wheat 

You will also need mini chocolate 

eggs and paper cases. 

1. Place the chocolate pieces, butter 

and syrup in a heatproof bowl. 

2. Place the bowl on top of a saucepan 

of barely simmering water (make sure 

the bowl does not touch the water in 

the pan) 

3. Melt the chocolate, butter and syrup: 

stir until most of the chocolate is 

melted and smooth, then take the 

bowl off the saucepan and continue 

stirring until the mixture is smooth. 

4. Add the cornflakes or crumbled 

shredded wheat, a handful at a time, 

stiring until they are all thoroughly 

coated. Then add another handful 

and repeat until you have a good 

thick coating on the cereal 

5. Place a heaped tablespoon of 

mixture into each paper case making 

a dip in the middle in which to place 

the mini eggs. 

6. Refrigerate until set. 

Don’t forget to share them! 

Email your photos to: 

tenant_participation@n-kesteven.gov.uk 

Or post them to: Tenant Participation, Communities, North Kesteven 

District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EF 

with details of your name and address. 

CLOSING DATE for entries: September 30, 2010 


What’s on 

Natural World Centre, Whisby 

A stunning display of photographic neon images 

The exhibition is free from April 26 to the end of May. 

Details: 01522 688868. 

CountrysideNK Guided Walks 

and Events 

Easter Treasure Hunt, Millennium Green, off Station 

Road, North Hykeham 

Thursday, April 15 at 10.30am 

Spring Forage, part of Grow Well, Eat Well at 

The Hub, Sleaford 

Saturday, April 24, at 11am 

Dog walking among the Bluebells, meet at 

Skellingthorpe Community Centre car park 

Sunday, May 9, at 10.30am 

Stepping through Time in Metheringham 

Saturday, May 15, at 10.30am 

To Book on any of the events call 01522 694 353 

or email Theresa.hobbs@leisureconnection.co.uk 

Terry O’Toole Theatre, North Hykeham 

Foss Dyke Band Spring Concert 

Saturday, April 24, 7.30pm 

Alice and the White Rabbit, for four years and above 

Saturday, May 8, 2.30pm 

Flamenco dancing and music from TG Collective 

Thursday, May 13, 7.30pm 

Band of RAF Waddington 


Hykeham Churches Together An Evening with Iona 


Tickets and details for all the above, 01522 870251 

or www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk 

COM7638RT

Tenants - North Kesteven District Council

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