EXCITEMENT MOUNTS AS IAN HOLLOWAY TAKES OVER AS NEW MARINERS MANAGER

Grimsby Town FC today confirmed the appointment  Ian Holloway as manager. This afternoon, the club put out the following upbeat statement. 

With over 600 appearances as a player and taking charge of over 950 games over a 2-plus  year managerial career, Ian will bring invaluable experience to the table for The Mariners.

In his time as manager, he has secured promotion on three occasions, including promotion to the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Blackpool.

Majority shareholder John Fenty has spoken  of his delight at securing the services of Ian following extensive talks over a significant period of time.

“In an initial call to Ian lasting over two hours, it was clear he was interviewing me. He wanted to know about the project, no holds barred”, said John.

“This led to a meeting at Papa’s fish restaurant in Cleethorpes. 

"Anyone who knows Ian will know that his lovely wife Kim is always part of his decision making and she was also with us. 

"The interview continued for another four  hours, Ian wanted to know even more about the club, its workings and much more.

“His infectious love for the game shone through immediately, a desire and enthusiasm which saw him play almost 600 games and, going on to manage over 950 games.”

Mr Fenty continued: “Following spells as manager at Bristol Rovers, two spells at Queens Park Rangers, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Millwall, Ian placed on record his burning desire to join our wonderful old club, stating publicly on the EFL on Quest TV show recently that he would only get back into football  'with a club I could work with and have a chance to improve a wonderful old club and that’s what I feel Grimsby would be for me'.

“Ian will soon achieve the rare personal accomplishment of 1,000 games in professional League management. Holloway will be joining the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Sir Bobby Robson, Graham Taylor, Brian Clough, Lawrie McMenemy, Alan Buckley & Lenny Lawrence in the history books with this milestone.”

“The Board believes securing someone of Ian's experience and reputation demonstrates our commitment to bring success back to Blundell Park. We believe his track record of achieving success at unfashionable, underperforming clubs makes him an attractive long-term appointment.

“Ian and Kim have committed to selling up and moving into the area, seeing Grimsby as a long-term project. 

"He will also acquire shares in the club and will commit to attending full board meetings. In the short term, we believe his positive energy and hunger for success will provide the impetus, to convert our recent positive performances into results into the New Year and beyond.”

“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Anthony Limbrick and Ben Davies for the improved performances during their spell in charge. We are delighted Anthony will continue in his role as assistant manager, working closely with Ian.

“We hope you agree that this appointment represents a coup and illustrates the Board and fans' shared, continued ambition to deliver success on and off the pitch.” 

The new manager  will be present at Town's  opening game of the decade as the club  welcomes Salford City to Blundell Park for a 3pm kick-off and will be presented to the crowd ahead of kick-off, with the ticket office opening at 10am. 

RECALLING AWFUL NIGHT WHEN LINCOLNSHIRE FOLK PERISHED IN NORTH SEA SURGE

One terrible night in January, 1953, Britain's East Coast was battered by a huge North Sea surge. Hundreds died and many more were made homeless. Lincolnshire was one of the counties worst affected. This is the story of what happened that fateful night  in the popular holiday resorts of Mablethorpe, Skegness, Cleethorpes and Ingoldmells.

Available (price £1) as an ebook via Kindle
https://amzn.to/2tOptVO

PLANNING GO-AHEAD FOR FORMER DRESSMAKING SHOP TO BE CONVERTED TO A TATTOO STUDIO

A FORMER dressmaking shop in Grimsby is to be converted to a tattoo studio.

An  application by Waltham man Jason Triffitt to change the use of 130 Victoria Street - currently empty - has been given the planning green light by North East Lincolnshire Council.

There were no objections to the proposal which did not go before NELC's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by senior case officer Lauren Birkwood.

132 SOLAR PANELS TO BE INSTALLED ON ROOF OF CLEETHORPES CIVIC OFFICES BUILDING

Solar panels in prospect for the civic offices - the building was constructed in 1987

A TOTAL  of 132 solar panels are to be installed on the roof of the  civic offices building in Cleethorpes.

Planning consent for the eco-initiative was granted on Monday by North East Lincolnshire Council.

A report states: "The  panels will  be arranged on the roof of the south, south easterly and south westerly elevations in order to maximise the radiant heat from the sun. 

"Significant consultation has been undertaken with the council's heritage officer.

"It has been noted that both  The Knoll and the Cleethorpes Town Hall are key adjacent buildings in the Central Sea Front Conservation Area, so it is important to ensure the proposal does not cause harm to their significance. 

"The modern design of the host building and how it is separated from the Listed buildings means that the visual impact to their settings is not considered to be significant. 

Additionally, any visual impact of the proposal could be outweighed by the environmental benefits which will provide a valuable contribution to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

"In addition, the works will be also reversible if in the future the panels become obsolete or require removal, thus meeting any reversibility requirements."

Regarding the possibility that glare from the panels might cause distress to neighbours, the report continues: "Most nearby occupiers are in two-storey buildings from which the majority of the panels will not be visible

"In addition, most of the panels will be orientated away from neighbouring properties including commercial premises such as The Knoll and Cleethorpes Town Hall, and therefore it is not considered that this will result in significant glare."

CONTROVERSIAL 145-HOME DEVELOPMENT IN PROSPECT FOR THE EDGE OF IMMINGHAM

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Lined by trees - artist's impression of how the estate might look

A CONTROVERSIAL  new housing development is on the cards for Immingham.

Two years after it first submitted the  planning application, Beverley-based  Peter Ward Homes has been the green light to build 145 homes on land off Habrough Fields and Pilgrims Way.

NELC this week granted planning consent despite objections from Immingham Town Council and scores of residents fearful of flooding risk, highways problems and other issues.

However, the approval comes with many conditions that have been imposed in an attempt to allay at least some of the fears.

For instance no dwelling shall be occupied until drainage lagoons have been fully constructed and made operational.

Final details will also have to be supplied - and approved - for the provision of surface water drainage.

There is also a stipulation that no development shall commence until the developer has submitted a scheme of landscaping showing the details of the number, species, sizes and planting positions of all trees and shrubs to be planted.

In addition, measures will have to be adopted for the protection of trees and hedges during construction work.

NELC is also insisting on  "a detailed scheme for bio-diversity and habitat improvement".

The development shall then be built out in accordance with the approved details and timings for implementation agreed.

An ecological consultancy has called for special precautions to ensure no harm to habitat of great crested newts of which there is believed to be a population in the vicinity.

It also recommends the installation of bird nesting boxes of various types and sizes.

It is not known when Peter Ward Homes will start work on the project.

CONSENT GRANTED FOR NEW OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AREA AT VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

The recreation area  at Humberston Cloverfields is expected to ease some of the pressure on the school hall

A BIT of good news has arrived at the 299-pupil Humberston Cloverfields Academy just in time for Christmas.

Planning consent has been granted for creation of a muti-use games area.

This will be built on an area that, before they were removed, used to accommodate three mobile classrooms

Once created, the outdoor recreational space will enable pupils to engage in activities throughout the year without having to rely on the one hall that they currently use for lunches , assemblies and sport.  

Dimensions will be 30m long and 150m wide, with a 3.0m high perimeter fence, plus two access gates.

It is understood that no noise or other objections were voiced  by neighbours.

IS KING JOHN'S LONG-LOST TREASURE BURIED IN A BACK GARDEN IN GRIMSBY OR CLEETHORPES?

 

EVERY English schoolchild is taught that King John lost his treasure while crossing The Wash estuary between Norfolk and Lincolnshire.



But are the history books correct? Is this the correct location? What gems and precious metals were included in the treasure? What is the current value of the booty? Why has nothing ever been discovered?



These questions are explored in the publication,  Sucked Down by The Whirlpool - The Quest for King John's Long-lost Treasure.



It runs runs the rule over many of the bizarre theories that have been born of the fateful incident on an October's day some  803 years ago - including one that the treasure, or some of it, might be buried in a back garden somewhere in the Grimsby area.



Just days before the crossing, King John visited Wisbech, formerly a port town, in order to arrange the transportation of goods and merchandise by boat to Great Grimsby.



Grimsby was one of his favourite towns, partly because of his friendship with the abbot of the town’s Wellow Abbey (which extended to 650 acres of surrounding land) and partly because he enjoyed hunting in Bradley Woods - as reflected in Ralph Baucham’s impressive panoramic painting which hangs in the Assembly Rooms within Grimsby Town Hall. 



John liked to store some of his jewels at secret places in the grounds of abbeys whose clerics he trusted, so where better than Wellow? Could some of the gems have been included in the mystery “cargo” from Wisbech?



The abbey has long since been demolished, but its heritage is recalled in such places names as Wellowgate, Abbey Road and Abbey Drive. 

A popular pub in Cleethorpes is named The Wellow. Meanwhile, Eleanor Street in Grimsby is named after the king’s mother, Eleanor of Acquitaine.



Could precious heirlooms of English history lie buried in the foundations or in the gardens of some of the smaller houses that have since sprung up on the land in Grimsby which was once home to a monastic community?

  

Fanciful thinking? Perhaps, but not nearly  so bizarre as an alternative  conspiracy theory that the treasure was discovered during construction of the power station at Sutton Bridge, near The Wash,  by energy giant Enron, then smuggled out of the country to the United States!



Also examined is the character of John - for instance, his love of hunting, especially falconry, and his promiscuity. His second wife, Isabella of Agouleme, is thought to have been only 12 when he married her. Was the union prompted by political factors or was there some perversity in his appetite for the opposite sex?



The strange circumstances surrounding the death of King John, aged 49, are also explored - for instance whether he might have been poisoned by monks when he stayed at an abbey in Swineshead, near Boston. 

King John hunting in Bradley Woods - section of the painting in Grimsby Town Hall

*Sucked Down by the Whirlpool  can be ordered from bookshops or is available at £2.50, plus postage, from online retailers such as Amazon and ebay (buy-it-now).

TV DUO REVVVING UP FOR A VISIT TO GRIMSBY

Food and motorbikes - TV duo Si King (left)  and Dave Myers

TV cookery duo The Hairy Bikers will be riding into Grimsby in autumn next year.

                                 
As part of a 38-date UK tour, they are set to appear at the auditorium on November 19.

The show is sub-titled: An Evening of Food, Frolics and Tales from A Life on The Road.

Since 2004, Dave Myers (62) and Simon 'Si' King (53)have presented several much-repeated series, combing cooking with travelogue format - a formula also used by other TV chefs.

What makes it unorthodox is the mode of travel - they ride  on their own powerful motor cycles.

Their profile has been further raised by the books published to accompany the series.

Dave hails from Barrow-in-Furness, Lancs, while Si is from Kibblesworth in County Durham.

They have known each others since 1992, having met through their work in TV production - specifically a drama called The Gambling Man.

Their tour begins in the Isle of Man on September 29 and ends in Folkestone on November 29.

It is not known if they will be travelling from destination to destination by motorbike or by something less powerful but more comfortable.

SURGEON FAILS IN BID TO HAVE THREE 'HAZARDOUS' GRIMSBY TREES REMOVED

NELC trees officer Paul Chaplin inspected and photographed the threatened trees

THREE splendid  Grimsby trees have been spared an appointment with the chainsaw.

The protected lime, sycamore and cedar in the gardens of 25a Augusta Street were in peril after an application was lodged for their removal by a resident, a local orthopaedic surgeon, who said fallen leaves (or branches) posed a hazard to passers-by.

It is understood that, in autumn, there was an incident when a middle-aged woman slipped on leaves, fell and broke her shoulder in two places.

However, North East Lincolnshire Council has refused the application  because of the importance of the trees to the streetscape.

The matter  did not go before the planning committee but was determined, under delegated powers, by senior case officer Cheryl Jarvis who took advice from the council's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, who had  inspected and photographed the trees.

A report on the matter states: "With regards to the issue of fallen leaves given as a reason for removing the lime tree and the sycamore tree, the applicant makes reference to accidents and near injury as a result of the leaf fall, the camber of the pavement as well as uneven footpath. 

"The trees officer has contacted the street cleansing team in order to ascertain if there has been any specific complaints raised in regards to fallen leaves in relation to the section of footpath outside the property.

"The trees officer can confirm that the street cleansing team have not had any specific requests for this section of Augusta street over and above the usual seasonal requests in regards to fallen leaves throughout the whole network. 

"Given that the maintenance of the footpath is ultimately the responsibility of NELC and that no issues of highway safety have been brought to the attention of the tree officer by the street cleansing team, the tree officer considers that insufficient evidence has been presented to support the application to fell the lime and the sycamore.

"With regards to the proposal to remove the cedar tree to the rear of the property, the removal application is not supported by a report detailing the tree's condition.  

"The trees officer considers the proposal to remove the cedar as being premature and excessive when other options such as a canopy reduction have not been explored.  

"The trees officer is of the opinion that the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to support the reasons given for the removal of the lime, sycamore and cedar tree, and therefore the application should be refused."

See also:

https://bit.ly/35xH2HM

                                                 Spared - the cedar in the property's back garden

Fallen autumn leaves  in Augusta Street

HARD EDGES WILL GIVE WAY TO SOFT CURVES IF SEAFRONT PROJECT GETS PLANNING THUMBS-UP

Waving goodbye to this . . .

. . . in favour of welcoming  this?

AN appointment  with the wrecking ball beckons for an historic property on Cleethorpes seafront.

The former Waves pub - along with the adjoining WCs and boathouse - have been earmarked for demolition.

Waves, now closed and boarded up, was previously known as The  Submarine. In earlier times, it was first The Bucket and Spade,  then The Establishment.

In the 1940s and 1950s, it was simply the Refreshment Rooms.

Assuming planning condition is granted, probably early in the New Year, the premises will make way for a new multi-functional development.

This will accommodate visitor facilities, modern toilets and changing facilities, beach safety and tourist information services. 

Additionally, a small events space will be created within Pier Gardens on the other side of the prom.

The revamp forms an important part of the ongoing work  to regenerate and revitalise Cleethorpes for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

A fascinating illustrated heritage statement can be read at;
https://bit.ly/2E9ATp2

GETTING INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT - SANTA STRIDE AT CLEETHORPES BOATING LAKE

Pictured above and below - scenes from today's popular Santa Stride event at Cleethorpes Boating Lake. The main action consisted of a run/jog/walk, but there was plenty of other festive fun organised, as expertly as ever, by Tape2Tape.

ISN'T POLITICS JUST FOR WEIRDOS? DID NEW GREAT GRIMSBY MP REALLY SAY THAT?

Onwards and upwards - Grimsby's new MP points to the sky

GREAT Grimsby's new Conservative  MP Lia Nici is a bit of a mystery package.

Originally from Cleethorpes, she has lived most of her life in the Grimsby area and she now lives in Laceby with her teacher-husband, Dave Townend, and their one son.

She loves cats, so there may also be a feline in the household.

When approached by Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers about stepping into the world of politics, she is famously said to have replied: "Aren't there only weirdos in politics?"

It won't just be at Westminster where she discovers if her theory is correct.

As well as being an MP, she is already a member of North East Lincolnshire Council and has important roles as chair of its economy scrutiny panel and deputy chair of its children and lifelong learning scrutiny panel. 

Her term of NELC office - she is one of three Conservative representatives for the Scartho ward - is not due to end until 2022, but, following her election to Westminster, she may choose to step down which would trigger a by-election.

Away from politics, much of Ms Nici's  career has been spent in education, specifically 20 years as a college lecturer, most recently in the Media Studies department at Grimsby Institute.

This experience provided a stepping stone for her to join the local TV channel, Estuary, as an executive producer.

The channel started life as a cable service in 1997 and became the first of the Government's planned network of almost 50 local services to launch on Freeview some six years ago.

However, the channel - which sought to serve both sides of the Humber - never realised its potential and ceased broadcasting.

She then went freelance, describing herself as a self-employed video producer and project manager.

Among recent credits is her involvement with Wild Humber - a recently-released video about the birds and other wildlife in the Humber Estuary. It can be viewed on YouTube.

However, now that she is an MP, most of Ms Nici's  future TV involvement will  probably come in front of the camera, particularly on regional programmes such as BBC Look North.

She has started her parliamentary career well. In various interviews, she has flown the flag vigorously for Grimsby and its post-Brexit prospects.

Ms Nici has always been a great believer that individuals should try to put something back into the communities to which they belong - that's a good philosophy for any parliamentarian.

How effective she will prove as an MP only time will tell.

A moment to savour - Great Grimsby's new MP reflects on her poll triumph

VANQUISHED MP CERTAIN TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER GREAT GRIMSBY POLL UPSET

Dismayed - Melanie Onn after the result had been announced

DON'T rule out a political comeback for Great Grimsby's  fallen  Labour MP, Melanie Onn!

Ms Onn, married with one son, was an unknown quantity when she followed in the footsteps of Austin Mitchell, becoming the constituency's first female MP - an achievement for which she is justifiably proud.

Unlike her Conservative successor, Lia Nici, and her Cleethorpes parliamentary counterpart, Martin Vickers, she had not cut her teeth in local politics.

But she learned quickly and, in the Westminster corridors of power, became a sprightly and passionate advocate for the constituency.

In the wake of Labour's disastrous showing in the General Election, she - along with many other erstwhile Labour MPs - can count herself unlucky.

Her party's unconvincing leadership on a range of issues, notably Brexit, where her party tied itself in knots, and electors' apparent distaste for Jeremy Corbyn left her vulnerable.

To an extent Ms Onn may also have paid for her principles.

A strong believer that the prospects for Grimsby and the country would be best saved if we remained part of the EU, her stance put her out of kilter with the prevailing mood of the vast majority of her constituents.

And that resulted in her ousting from office soon after 4am on Friday when the poll result was announced.

Ms Onn smiled bravely and conceded graciously, but she was clearly devastated.

What next?

Her enthusiasm for politics, though dimmed by her ballot box defeat, still shines.

Still young - she is 40 - and popular with members of her constituency party association, there is an excellent chance that she will be reselected as parliamentary candidate next time round.

Who knows, in the meantime, she might even seek election to North East Lincolnshire Council in May next year.

And we all know about the inevitable swing of the political pendulum. 

Media interviews are so tough when you've just been defeated

IS THIS THE OLDEST ROSETTE IN POLITICS?

IS this the  oldest rosette in UK politics? Owned by Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers, its life began after it was stitched together  by his mother who gave it to him for his first sortie into politics when he stood - unsuccessfully - in a by-election in the Humber ward for the old Grimsby Borough Council. That was back on December 2, 1976. Undaunted by his defeat, he stood in two subsequent council polls - and lost both times. But, still wearing the same rosette, the former Havelock School pupil was ultimately elected to the Weelsby ward and went on to enjoy a successful spell in local government which included a time as portfolio  holder for the environment in the North East Lincolnshire Council cabinet. The rosette has been worn during every one of his campaigns including this month's General Election where he was re-elected by a handsome majority to serve a fourth term in his Cleethorpes constituency.

SHOCK FOR LABOUR AS CONSERVATIVES SWEEP TO VICTORY IN GREAT GRIMSBY CONSTITUENCY

Triumphant Tory - Lia Nici

THERE was a huge shock for Labour as former stronghold constituency Great Grimsby fell to the Conservatives.

It was always thought that, this time round,  it might be a close race, but, in the end, Lia Nici romped to victory, polling more votes than all the other candidates combined.

It was a bitter blow for Labour incumbent Melanie Onn who expressed personal disappointment but was gracious in defeat, congratulating her triumphant opponent.

The result, announced just before 4am, was:

Barfield (Lib-Dem): 1,070
Barker (Brexit): 2,378
Emmerson (Green): 514
Nici (Con): 18,150
Onn (Lab): 10,819
Winn (Ind): 156

Half-an-hour earlier, the outcome of the Cleethorpes vote saw Conservative candidate Martin Vickers returned for a third term with a thumping majority.

Result:

Horobin (Lib-Dem): 2,535
James (Lab): 10,551
Shanahan (Green): 1,284
Vickers (Con): 31,969 

It's back to Westminster for Martin Vickers

CONSERVATIVES CONFIDENT OF DOUBLE SUCCESS

Martin Vickers is interviewed by a reporter

1am

THERE are some happy people  at Grimsby Town Hall right now, but only the ones with blue rosettes.

With counting under way, it looks like the Conservatives are on course to hold Cleethorpes comfortably.

But they may also cause an upset by winning the Great Grimsby seat from Labour.

Martin Vickers, the sitting MP for Cleethorpes, has been at the count for the past hour. 

He is giving cheerful interviews to the media.

Labour’s sitting Great Grimsby MP, Melanie Onn, has not yet arrived.

Red rosette wearing supporters are looking very glum.

The mood among supporters of Liberal-Democrats, Brexit and Green is best described as rueful.

The turn-out figures for the two constituencies have been announced - 54 per cent for Great Grimsby and 63.2 per cent for Cleethorpes.

PROPOSED NEW FOOD STORE AND BAKERY FOR CLEETHORPES COULD CREATE 20 NEW JOBS

Majority of neighbours said to be supportive of redevelopment project 

A NEW food store and bakery could be coming to the outskirts  of Cleethorpes.

Operators of the Humberston Motors dealership at 223-225 Humberston Road  intend relocating which will free up the site for two new retail units - a convenience store, probably a Co-op, and a Couplands Bakery.

Between them, it is hoped they will provide 20 full-and part-time jobs.

Although at least one resident has objected to the proposal on the grounds of increased traffic and potential hazard to road-users, a door-to-door  survey revealed that the overwhelming majority (91 per cent) of the 220 consulted were either supportive or neutral.

In a comment submitted to NELC's planning department, one resident wrote: "We  are happy that the developer has taken particular care to ensure the building has been designed to be in keeping with its location.

"We have noticed care has been taken to introduce landscaping around the building that is designed to minimise the impact to the area and neighbours. 

"The introduction of a Co-op and Couplands will be of great benefit to myself as it will fill a gap within my shopping needs, and I am sure others will feel the same. 

"I look forward to being a regular customer of both of these retailers as the variety and extensive range offered is currently unavailable to me elsewhere locally. 

"I am also pleased that I will have the opportunity to support a business that has the ethos of a cooperative at its core and not the giant supermarkets. 

"This will undoubtedly change my shopping habits as my I do not currently have any alternatives to Tesco's in my vicinity. 

"Our family fully support the development and welcome the upcoming change."

The council's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, says he has no objection in principle to the project, but he has urged the planting of a hedgerow and at least one tree as landscape and habitat enhancement.

It was thought that breeding or roosting bats might be present on the site, but, based on an ecological survey,  this is not  the case.

However, an expert has made recommendations - such as a probition of fluorescent lighting - to minimise  impact on any bats that might forage in the vicinity.

The application is currently under consideration by senior NELC planning case officer Lauren Birkwood, but there will be no decision before the New Year.

It is not known if Humberston Motors have yet earmarked an alternative site for their business.