Grimsby famous Ross Tiger trawler to close next week for vital repairs to timber and steel decking

                                                

The Ross Tiger - pine decking has rotted

GRIMSBY'S  Ross Tiger is temporaily to close to the public after the summer holidays for what is described by North East Lincolnshire Council as "significant" maintenance work.

The original Borneo Pine decking to the ship, laid in 1956, will be removed in its entirety to prevent the rotting timber from causing damaging corrosion to the sheet steel deck which lies beneath it.

The steel deck will be cleaned and inspected before repainting works take place.

 In recent years, a number of condition reports and a conservation management plan have been commissioned with Beckett Rankine Marine Consulting Engineers of London.

These documents have allowed for the museum team to prioritise the most urgent works to the vessel which is moored out the Fishing Heritage Centre.

Works will start next  Monday 5 September.

David Ornsby, operations manager at the heritage centre, comments: "The Ross Tiger is a tribute to the thousands of Grimsby fishermen who lost their lives in our most dangerous peacetime occupation, helped feed our nation and brought about a national dish.

"We hope that she will go on telling her story for many years to come."

Jewellery designer Daniella Draper in spot of bother with council over Grimsby shop's security shutters

 

Daniella Draper - retrospective consent being sought

ONE of the country's top jewellery designers is in hot water with North East Lincolnshire Council over a planning matter 

To safeguard her shop in Grimsby's Top Town after closing hours, Daniella Draper decided to install shutters - but without first gaining consent from the authority.

Although she has now submitted a retrospective planning application, the Cleethorpes-based entrepreneur is by no means assured that it will be approved.

Her shop at 22 Victoria Street is in a conservation area, and NELC's heritage officer, Louise Jennings, has lodged her opposition.

In a report, she says: "Proposals in conservation areas should seek to enhance the character of the area, preserving those features which make a positive contribution to its special interest.

"The object of preservation is to cause no harm and is a matter of paramount concern in the planning process."

Continues Ms Jennings: "Shutters are a very undesirable solution to security in a conservation area as it is important to create an attractive and welcoming street scene. 

"As they are positioned in front of the shop window, external roller shutters are particularly prominent and often require permanent bulky shutter boxes and side runners. 

"If badly designed or located, attractive architectural features can be covered over or damaged. Subsequently, the shop front can become unsightly. 

"Solid and partly slotted roller shutters dominate the shop front and bring a much harsher, unwelcoming appearance to the street-scene, especially if repeated at several premises. 

"As well as creating a fortress-like appearance, such shutters are liable to attract graffiti and spontaneous damage, prevent window shopping and reduce casual surveillance by the public. 

"The installation of roller shutters can even exacerbate the problem of anti-social behaviour by creating such a hostile-looking environment."

She concludes: "I recommend that this application be refused and that the shutters are removed."

Ms Draper's planning agent is Matt Deakins, of Ross Davy Associates, takes a different view. 

"The recent refurbishment of the property has resulted in a significant improvement of the immediate area,"he says.

"However, the wider area still has issues with security, and, as a result the security shutters are proposed." 

He continues: "It should be noted that there are at least seven other examples of externally- mounted security shutters to shopfronts in Victoria Street, including a set next to the application site.

"The applicant has taken great care in colour matching the roller shutters to the windows and doors elsewhere on the façade.

"All signage and the approved retractable awnings are positioned in an ordered fashion, maintaining a unified appearance. 

"The existing building is modern or modernist in style and construction,  and it is considered that the roller shutters are acceptable in this context.

"While the shutters are a noticeable change to the street scene, they are relatively small in nature viewed in the context of the site and considered to have a neutral impact on the conservation area."

The proposal is expected to be determined by a planning case officer later this summer.

The jewellery shop - with shuttered premises next door 

The Grimsby News says: The council's heritage officer has a point - shutters invariably have a brutalising impact on a street scene wherever it may be. But in this case, the horse has already bolted. Over the years, Victoria Street has become so degraded that it is a mystery how it still retains its conservation area status. Probably no kind of shop is more vulnerable to a break-in than one that sells jewellery, so it is understandable why shutters have been installed. When so many shops are closing, Grimsby is fortunate, indeed, that Daniella Draper remains. If consent is witheld, who could blame her if she should decide to join the exodus? Permission should be granted without more ado.     

The visitor attraction where visitors will be unwelcome! Is council missing out on huge tourism opportunity?

                                                                         

The new wetlands bird reserve at Pyewipe  is now nearing completion

WORK is now nearing completion on what could be an exciting new all-year tourist attraction on the outskirts of Grimsby.

The hope is that the new nature reserve on land adjacent to the Novartis factory at Pyewipe will be a magnet for hundreds, even thousands, of impressive  wading birds, including godwits, avocets, egrets, curlews, whimbrels, lapwings, redshanks, greenshanks, wood sandpipers and golden plovers.                                          

Greenshank feeding

In time, it might even attract scarce species such as spoonbills and black-winged stilts.

Only problem is that the 35-acre reserve, to be known as Novartis Ings, will be closed to visitors!

Birdwatchers, nature lovers and other  hoping to see the birds will have to get what best views they can from the sea wall.

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, who will manage the wetland haven, it will be a 'mitigation site' -  that is to say, one designed to provide habitat compensation for open land lost elsewhere as  a result of industrial development.

But no provision is being made for visitors.

Access will only be allowed to a handful of researchers for the purpose of counting the birds, identifying the various species and recording them as they come and go.

It will be similar to the Cress Marsh mitigation site established at nearby Stallingborough four years ago.

Says the council: "The site, located aklongside the Humber Estuary, will be providing wet grassland that is in mosaic with a storage lagoon, scrapes, islands and spits, plus slightly higher points to help the birds spot potential predators. 

"Oystercatcher, lapwing, redshank and other waders used to breed in the area but are now very scarce or do not breed at all locally due to a lack of suitable breeding habitat. 

                                       

Lapwing - might it return as a breeding species?

"This new site, though primarily designed for roosting, is likely to provide renewed opportunities for some of these lost breeding waders."

The Grimsby News says: Credit to the council for creating the reserve, but it appears to be missing a massive opportunity. At Frampton Marsh, near Boston  in Lincolnshire and at Titchwell Marsh in North Norfolk, the RSPB has created similar reserves which attract not just thousands of birds but also thousands of visitors. The society has created local employment and ensured that places of conservation are also educational resources and money-spinning tourist attractions. Through artfully laid-out  trails, and discreetly-located observation hides, they have achieved these goals without the slightest disturbance or inconvenience to the birds. Why cannot North East Lincolnshire Council do likewise?  Is it a shortfall  imagination or knowhow? Perfectly understandable, but, if so, why not offer Novartis Ings either to the RSPB or to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a specialist conservation organisation  whose reserves at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire and nine other UK sites provide a haven for hundreds of thousands of waders, swans, geese plus ducks and also attract more than a million paying visitors per year?

Programme for Grimsby Town's away match to Clapton Orient (1911-12) to go under hammer

                                                                   

A PROGRAMME featuring Grimsby Town's match away to Clapton Orient in season1911-1912 is set to go under the hammer.

It is included as Lot 901 with one other programme - Clapton Orient v Tottenham Hotspur (1915-16) -  at an online auction of memorabilia that closes on September 7.

So far the bidding stands at £360, but the estimate is that it will reach up to £700.

Also in the sale is a signed copy of the Holy Bible owned by Bobby Charlton when he was a schoolboy. 

This is expected to fetch between £500 and £800.

More information at https://www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk

                            

24 frightening seconds in the life of a grey lag goose stranded and alone on Cleethorpes beach

 

A new dawn breaks and a grey lag goose ponders how it came to be alone on Cleethorpes Beach 

Dogs are not allowed on the beach in summer but this one decided to risk the fine - it wanted some 'fun'

It prepares to strike, but the plucky goose sees it off 

The canine is distracted and decides to call it quits

What next for the goose? Only it can decide 

Mother Nature on the run as council paves way for destruction of songbird-rich wildlife site

Designated a Site of Nature Conservation - but soon likely to be cleared, flattened and  industrialised 

IT looks like the end for a leafy, nature-rich area in North East Lincolnshire.

The 0.68-hectare site, which is located to the south-east of Hewitt's Avenue in New Waltham, near Cleethorpes, has been earmarked for an energy storage depot.

Despite being rich in songbirds, wildflowers, bats, bees, plus butterflies and other pollinating insects, North East Lincolnshire Council believes it is not worth preserving.

Says NELC's ecology officer, Rachel Graham: "There are no issues as far as I'm aware - with no loss in biodiversity."

Her comment seems to have persuaded the planning case officer Bethany Loring who has decided that, even though the site has previously been deemed a Site of Nature Conservation, no environmental impact  assessment is required. 

Says she: "The site is vacant and overgrown - it has become redundant and lies empty as disused land."

The decision means that the developer, Harmony Energy plc, will not have to go the time and expense of commissioning a full environmental impact assessment in advance of submitting a planning application.

The Grimsby News says: "It is devastating that the borough is now likely to lose yet another area rich in wildlife - one designated as a site of wildlife interest. The comments from the council officers seems to reflect not just a distressingly casual regard for conservation, but also a complete misunderstanding of current planning legislation. It is not enough to ensure that there is no biodiversity loss - it is the responsibility of local councils to ensure there is a minimum of 10 per cent gain. With this proposal, there will, alas, be 100 per cent loss. 

Council pledges to rescue imperilled fish if boating lake water levels continue to decline

The boating lake in watery times earlier this year

AN assurance had today been given that every effort will be made to save the drought-threatened fish in Cleethorpes boating lake.

In some places, the water is only a few inches deep, putting the finny creatures at ever-increasing risk.

Says a  spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council: "We are working with an experienced fisheries company to monitor the fish.

"We will look at the options to protect them if the water level deteriorate further."

According to NELC, there is now not enough water in the lake to keep the pumps running, and this will affect aeration, potentially depleting oxygen.

The spokesperson continues: "Sadly, the boating lake - and many other ponds and water courses across the country - are suffering because of the drought.

"There is nothing we can do about the water levels until there is more rainfall and the lake fills again naturally.

"The borehole we normally use for water supply in this area is unavailable due to the dry weather.

"We contacted Anglian Water, and they advised us that we cannot top up the lake up from their supplies.

“We also made enquiries with the Environment Agency to consider an application for legal consent to move water from other natural water sources. However, we have been advised that consent is unlikely."

On the plus side, the council is taaking the opportunity to remove trolleys and other rubbish that have become visible.

It is understood that the lake also contains a population of terrapins - illegally introduced when they were no longer wanted by their owners.

The authority has not said what might happen to them. 

                                        

Rowing boats are moored up because the water is now so shallow  

The lake's fountain has now been reduced to a dribble

Any exposed fish will provide easy pickings for this watchful heron perched on the boating lake bridge

Council leader pledges continued support for Ukraine as courageous country fights on against invader

 

The Ukraine national flag continues to fly aloft Grimsby Town Hall

TODAY, on Ukraine’s National Independence Day, North East Lincolnshire Council’s leader has voiced his support both for those of the country’s nationals who are now living here and to their local hosts.

It was today in 1991 that Ukraine’s parliament vowed to separate from the Soviet Union - a day that also marks six months since war began.

In the course of those six months, 56 people have escaped the fighting to find sanctuary and new futures in North East Lincolnshire as part of the national Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Nationally, the UK has so far welcomed more than 100,000 people with the numbers locally set to increase further as sponsors continue to come forward. 

Sponsors apply to welcome individuals or families into their homes and are properly matched to people fleeing the war, following the appropriate safeguarding checks.

The Ukraine flag continues to fly above Grimsby Town Hall as a reflection of the borough’s support.

Says NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson: "The Ukraine people can be assured we are thinking of them today - our hearts go out to them.

"It is a time for reflection today as we recall the dreadful events of the last six months.

"We live in the hope that this conflict will end."

More about the sponsor scheme is at: Help and support for Ukraine – NELC | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)

Rescuers act promptly after reports of attempted 'bird murder' at Cleethorpes Country Park

Sign describing why a decision was taken to 'rescue' the  cygnets

TWO young Cleethorpes swans have been "taken into care" after "attempted murder" by their parents.

According to a sign posted on  a bridge at the country park, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue took action after "multiple" reports that the  adults were trying to drown their own cygnets.

Normally, it is a criminal offence to take birds from the wild and hold them captive, but the 'rescuers' took the view that the welfare of the cygnets was a higher ethical consideration than wildlife legislation. 

They hope their action will prompt donations to further their safeguarding activities.   

It is not known why the swans turned murderous towards their own offspring.

One big happy family - but, alas, things turned sour 

One of the adults turns nasty - but why?

BOATING OFF THE LEISURE AGENDA AS WATER LEVELS CONTINUE TO DIP AT CLEETHORPES LAKE

No boat rides today - the lake in the water is simply too shallow 

A POPULAR Cleethorpes attraction has  been suspended because of the continuing drought.

In some places, water at the boating lake is so shallow - just a few inches - that the vessels would become stranded moments after having been launched.

They are, therefore, moored up pending the lake's replenishment by rainfalll - the more of it merrier.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing for wildlife - particularly the fish - that are now at increasing peril of oxygen depletion.

And, after landing, birds, such as gulls, geese, swans  and ducks, are at risk of injuring their legs because of impact with the lake's concrete base.

What's going on here? Where once it swam, this  bemused-looking mute swan now stands 

                                                     

It will be a loss to the town - much-appreciated Cleethorpes guesthouse may soon close to visitors

 

This popular Cleethorpes guesthouse may soon revert to a domestic dwelling. North East Lincolnshire Council planners are expected soon to determine an application by Kim Wood for change of use of Ginnies which is on Queens Parade just off the seafront.

ECCENTRIC OR WHAT? EXHIBITION OF URBAN POP ART TURNING HEADS ON CLEETHORPES STREET

Wonder wall - or graffiti-riddled blight on streetscape? Residents and passers-by are forming their own views on the imagery and wording that are now 'decorating' a wall on Trinity Road in Cleethorpes. And that's before you get to that tree in garden. 

                                             

 

Cleethorpes and Humberston among UK beaches where sewage has been discharged into sea

 

The campaign group, Surfers Against Sewage, has released this image of beaches in Lincolnshire and Norfolk where seawater may today have been contaminated by sewage discharged as drains became overwhelmed in the wake of heavy rain. Surfers and bathers were advised not to venture into the sea at Cleethorpes, Humberston, Ingoldmells and Hunstanton. It is understood that some 50 resorts around the UK have been affected. It is not yet known when it will be safe to venture back in to the brine.

RENT-A-BIKE (OF THE ELECTRIC VARIETY) SCHEME IS SUMMER SUCCESS STORY FOR COUNCIL

                                                      

Lynsey McLean - eager to be more active

AN e-bike loan scheme covering North East Lincolnshire has been a bumper success.

Scores of residents have taken advantage of a free-hire-for-a fortnight opportunity provided by the council and its partner, Equans.

Among scheme participants has been Lynsey McLean who says: "I wanted to use my car less and in favour of something that is more economical and less harmful to the environment. 

"I also wanted to get a bit more active and try losing some weight.

"I was a bit nervous at first as I wasn’t sure if I could adapt to the e-bike, but I had a practice ride at the Grimsby Cycle Hub, next to Grimsby railway station,  before taking up the loan."

Also extremely happy with his trial was James Borrill who  had previously been travelling to work by car.

However, he wanted to travel more actively and sustainably whilst saving money on petrol and the e-bike did just that.

"E-bikes have changed my life!" he enthuses."My happiness and wellbeing have improved significantly from this."

For more information or to book your free trial, visit www.hwrcc.org.uk/e-bike-scheme , call 07983479362 or email carole.johnson@hwrcc.org.uk

Due to the success of the trial, there is a waiting list and applicants should be aware of this.

James Borrill - 'e-bike has changed my life'

Rain stopped play - we're talking football not cricket as referee abandons Town's Blundell Park match

                                                                     

LAST night's match  at Blundell Park between Grimsby Town and Carlisle United was called off by the referee in the wake of torrential rain.

The pitch was so covered in puddles as to make conditions farcical - and dangerous.

Referee Simon Mather, from Manchester, suspended play after 24 minutes to allow groundstaff the chance to clear some of the standing water.

Although the action resumed four minues later, Mr Mather very soon called the two captains together and said he was abandoning the match.

There had been no score at the time.

It meant a night of frustration for The Mariners who had hoped to build on Saturday's away win at Rochdale.

But it was probably even more so for Carlisle and their  supporters (not to mention the match officials)  given the distances they had travelled.

It was understood the referee's  decision was accepted as the correct one by both managers.

The rain had beguin at least an hour before the 7.45pm kick-off.

While the  pre-match warm-ups were underway, groundstaff were using brushes and rollers to remove as much standing waters as they could.

During the 30 minutes of play, Town posted most of the attacking threat, though a clear pattern had not emerged.

The club has not yet confirmed whether fans will be refunded.

Town line-up: Crocombe, Efete, Waterfall, Smith, Glennon, Amos, Green, Holohan, Kiernan, Morris, Taylor. 

Subs not used: Battersby, Pearson, Cropper, Clifton, Wearne, Pepple, Maguire-Drew.

IS THIS END OF ROAD FOR ANOTHER CLEETHORPES NEWSAGENTS' SHOP?

Cleethorpes shop may be converted to ground-floor flat 

 AN uncertain future beckons for a popular Cleethorpes newsagents' shop.

Peter and Yvonne Hudson have applied for planning permission to convert their premises at the junction of Highgate and Trinity Road to a ground-floor flat.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the shop had only been open up until noon, but now it could soon disappear altogether - the latest in a long line of newsagents deciding to call it a day.

The change-of-use application is likely to be determined by NELC later this summer. 

DESPERATE WILDLIFE FIGHTS FOR SURVIVAL ON FRINGES OF HUMBERSTON FITTIES POOLS

Crab eat crab! The darker one is the predator

TODAY'S rains are welcome, but they have come too late to save the lives of many wild creatures - including the crabs that dwell in the Humberston Fitties pools.

Many have perished in the drought. Their corpses are providing prey for the crabs that have survived as well as for hungry gulls and egrets.

This summer has been a Darwinian struggle for survival.

One unusual sight last Sunday morning  was of an eel (or grass snake) swimming in what little water remained.   

Dead or dying creatures provide easy pickings for gulls

THREE CLEETHORPES ROAD TO BE CLOSED NEXT MONDAY FOR COMPLETION OF RESURFACING

                                                                       

THREE residential streets in Cleethorpes will be closed from 7.30am until 6pm next Monday 22 August. 

This to allow resurfacing to be completed.

They are:

* South Street, Cleethorpes – the entire street

* Whites Road, Cleethorpes – the entire street

* William Street, Cleethorpes – partial closure between Mill Rd to house no. 11.

Unfortunately, people have continued to park on William Street and Whites Road during previous attempts to complete the works.

It is essential a full sweep is carried out to remove the aggregate to ensure highway safety.

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, there has been a particular problem on South Street where double yellow lines need to be re-instated.

Says a spokesperson: "Following several failed attempts to complete the works, a Traffic Regulation Order of ‘no stopping’ will be put in place to prohibit parking to deter people from obstructing the highway.

"The contractor has made several attempts over recent months to complete this programme, and enforcement is the last resort, and where possible, we would like to avoid this."

Installation of fountain provides extra sparkle at Cleethorpes paddling pool

A fountain has been installed at the paddling pool 

It is good to sea the paddling pool back in action on Cleethorpes foreshore. 

It had been out of bounds for part of last month because of a filter pump failure. 

Although the pump has not yet been replaced, the water is being kept clean and safe by means of a rigorous cleansing regime, judicious chemical applications and the installation of a fountain which helps to keep the water circulating.

At the start of each day, the pool is cleaned and cleared of any leaves or other debris

 

LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT - PORT OF GRIMSBY WELCOMES HYBRID-POWERED KIA CAR CARRIER

 

Less harmful to air quality - the hybrid car-carrying vessel

GRIMSBY has welcomed the first  deep-sea car carrier powered by a hybrid engine - part liquefied natural gas and part battery.

It was carrying a cargo of Kia cars.

The vessel, MV Auto Achieve is owned by United European Car Carriers (UECC).

It was built this year at the Jiangnan shipyard in China.

Says  Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber Ports: "We are delighted that Kia have chosen the Port of Grimsby as destination for this car carrier.

"It is a great opportunity to see how sustainable vessels can be, and we expect to see more of them in our ports as operators look to lower their carbon footprint."

Another plus is that vessels of this sort  allows for improved air quality in the port area and in the North Sea and Humber Estuary.

IS COUNCIL 'TAKING PUBLIC FOR RIDE' OVER CUSHY WORKING PRACTICES?

THE Conservative-controlled North East Lincolnshire Council has earned a reprimand from the Government over its relaxed working practices.

A survey conducted by The Daily Telegraph newspaper revealed that, months after the end of the lockdown, 90 per cent of NELC are still being allowed to work remotely - most from the easy-come, easy-go surroundings of their own homes.

Along with Dorset County Council it has the joint highest remote-working percentage on the country.

A report in today's Telegraph quoted Jacob Rees-Mogg, Minister for Government Efficiency, as accusing work-from-home councils of "poor working practices" and "taking the public for a ride".

In the same report, a NELC spokesperson is quoted as claiming the authority had developed a "Covid exit strategy"  after taking advice from official agencies.

OL' MAN RIVER (FRESHNEY), HE MUST KNOW SOMETHIN' BUT DON'T SAY NOTHIN'

Some of the great rivers of Europe, including the Rhine, are running desperately low on water, but the River Freshney still looks relatively well topped up as it just keeps rollin' along  through Grimsby. These pictures were taken yesterday on its banks near New Haven Terrace in West Marsh. 

 

PLUCKY SUNFLOWER BRIGHTENS UP THE DAY FOR RESIDENTS OF GRIMSBY STREET

Huge respect for this solitary sunflower that is growing between paving slabs on Grimsby's Gilbey Road. How it came to be there is not known, but it on course to become a six-footer by the middle of next month. Long may it flourish!

AT TIME OF DROUGHT, WHY IS WILKO CONTINUING TO SELL DISPOSABLE BARBECUES?

 

Despite the fire hazard, this product is still being sold 

AS it prepares to close down its Cleethorpe store at the end of summer, Wilko is hardly going out in a 'blaze' of glory.

Despite pleas from fire services chiefs, conservationists and others, the households product retailer is continuing to sell disposable barbecues - a highly hazardous item in these drought-stricken times.

This sets it apart from the likes of Aldi, Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose - companies which have all taken a responsible line by suspending sales of barbecue kits until the weather has become damper.

Meanwhile, the shelves of the Wilko store on St Peter's Avenue are becoming barer by the day as stock is relocated to its stores in Grimsby pending the Cleethorpes closure on October 1.

Closing down soon - sign in the Cleethorpes store 

Soon the popular shop will be gone from St Peter's Avenue

The Grimsby News says: Wilko's position is regrettable. By disregarding the warnings from fire brigades, the company may make a few extra pounds in sales of disposable barbecues, but at what cost to its reputation?

WHITEHALL PLEDGES £8-MILLION TO REPAIR 'DAMAGED' A180 ROAD BRIDGES

The council has released this image to coincide with the announcement 

STRENGTHENING works are to be carried out on road bridges serving Grimsby and Immingham.

Whitehall has earmarked £8-million of levelling-up cash to "fix damaged bridges" along the A180 road.

The funding has been welcomed by North East Lincolnshire Council which states: "The funding will prevent months of disruption and help local industries to grow."

Grimsby MP Lia Nici, a junior minister in the Levelling-up Department, says the repairs will "boost connectivity".

The Grimsby News says: The award is to be applauded, but there is something worrying about the statement - the revelation that key road bridges are "damaged". Which bridges are they and what is the level of damage? How safe are they in their current state? When will they be repaired? Clarification is required.

MAYOR LEADS TRIBUTES TO GRIMSBY'S REMARKABLE LONG-DISTANCE SWIMMER

 

Brenda - much-honoured for her stupendous swimming achievements

TRIBUTES are being paid to Grimsby-born Brenda Fisher, the world-record breaking swimmer, who has passed away at the age of 95.

The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Steve Beasant, has led the civic tribute: "My sympathies go out to Brenda’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.

"As well as being able to award Brenda the Freedom of the Borough, we had the honour of being part of marking her significant achievements and backing the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society’s bid to get a Blue Plaque erected in her honour.

"It was important to give this wonderful lady the recognition she so very much deserved."

Meranwhile NELC Leader Philip Jackson has described Brenda as an inspiration to many.

Says he: "As well as her inredible achievements in her lifetime, she also helped to raise the profile of her home town across the world."

Born in 1927 in Scartho, Brenda was the daughter of a Grimsby trawler skipper and learned to swim at the age of nine, practising in the open waters of Alexandra Dock.

In August 1951, she broke the women’s world record for swimming the English Channel. 

Sponsored by the Daily Mail, the swim took 12hrs 42 minutes, breaking the previous record of 13hrs 20mins set the year before. 

Her homecoming saw crowds of more than 20,000 people welcome her back to the town. 

For her channel swim, Brenda received £1000 and a silver cup  supplied by Eva Peron - wife of the then Argentine Republic’s President.

In subsequent years, Brenda swam the  channel again.

Later, she won the 29-mile River Nile Swim and became only the third person in history to complete the 32-mile Lake Ontario swim.

OPEN DAY PLANNED AS REVAMP OF FORMER TERTIA TRUST SITE NEARS COMPLETION

 

Rural idyll? Oakwood Drive at Thorpe Park, Humberston 

THE finishing touches are this week being put to landscaping of the £4-million Oakwood Drive extension to Humberston's Thorpe Park holiday park ahead of a proposed open afternoon between 2pm and 5pm when guests will be able to go walkabout. 

The operators, Haven Leisure, have laid  turf rather than an artificial plastic substitute and retained as many trees as possible. 

The site, at the bottom end of South Sea Lane was fomerly run by the Tertia Trust which, despite a bumper injection of grant aid, was wound up after the controlling  consortium of councillors  - Chris Shaw, Alex Baxter and the late Mick Burnett - found themselves out of their depth.

Subsequently, vandals ran amok and trashed the site, until Haven Holidays took back the lease and gave it a new future.

The caravans are not for those of slender means, with prices starting at £59,995 and rising to £100,000-plus for de luxe models.

                                         

Real turf is being laid - not the plastic alternative