County Council’s beef with Sainsbury’s

A qualified barber who previously worked as a bartender in Lincoln, and a former Boston United footballer, have launched what they believe to be Lincoln’s first gym wear company.

Friends Louis Saebe, 24, and Jack Goss, 28, came up with the idea for the business during their daily training sessions at Pure Gym in Lincoln.

They wanted to launch a brand new business to inspire more young people to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of keeping fit, so Reflexion Clothing was born in April 2021.

Reflexion Clothing is described by the pair as “producing cutting-edge gym wear with a fashionable streetwear twist, aimed at young adults aged 18-30”.

This came after they had realised how difficult it had become for young people to maintain their motivation to train during lockdown, and to regain their confidence when coronavirus restrictions eased.

The duo are passionate about providing a personal, luxury touch to every detail of the design, production and shipping process.

Reflextion have womenswear starting from £5.70.

Louis played semi-professional football in the Vanarama National League North for Boston from the age of 16-19, as well as being linked to several Thai Premier League/Championship professional teams.

He also recently graduated from the University of Lincoln, qualifying as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with a Level 2 in Personal Training. He became involved with City Youth Team’s development plan.

Louis said: “When a customer receives their order and unpacks it we want them to enjoy the experience, and buy into the luxury of it, just as if they have received a special gift in the post from people who really care about how they look and feel.

“For this reason, every order is carefully hand wrapped in top quality packaging, including layers of specially branded tissue paper and unique hologram labels, which we personally sign. Sometimes we’ve even been known to hand deliver orders to local clients!

“Providing this personal touch is incredibly important to us, as we know how important it is for people to feel valued. So far, we have had a fantastic response, and some great reviews. We are constantly working on new ideas, and we are very excited about what the future holds for Reflexion.”

Mens, womens and unisex designs are on sale — all in black.

Jack has a bartender for eight years in various clubs, bars and pubs across Lincoln, as well as being a qualified barber. He also has a degree in audio production, and is the lead singer and guitarist for a band called Riviera, as well as being a sergeant in the Army Cadet force when he was younger.

He said: “We want young people to be as inspired by the fitness industry as we are, and for our products to help support their physical and mental health.

“The idea behind Reflexion is about looking into the mirror in a moment of self-awareness and realising that YOU are in control of what you see.

“Whether someone has a mental goal or a physical one, Reflexion is the driving force behind self-improvement, positivity, and helping to change lives for the better.

“If people feel good about how they look and feel, it can help to give them the confidence to step up to the next level, return to the gym, or even start training for the first time.”

Hoodies are a popular line with Reflexion.

Jack and Louis have also benefited from the support of the Prince’s Trust to help launch their new business. The trust has not only provided them with a financial boost, but also continues to offer valuable mentoring to help Jack and Louis develop and grow their business.

“Heart-broken” residents could get a £10.7million refurbishment of the Deepings Leisure Centre after accusations council leaders had “lied” flew across South Kesteven District Council’s chamber on Tuesday.

A meeting of the authority’s joint scrutiny meeting on Tuesday examined a series of options for the leisure centre which was closed in July after rainwater leaks in the roof caused safety concerns, with councillors U-turning on a decision to make the closure permanent after a backlash from local residents.

Councillors on Tuesday instead voted to recommend moving forward on “Option C” which would cost £10.663 million.

If approved it will see the centre undergo a full remodelling and refurbishment including reconfiguration of the main pool, a new health and fitness gym, two new studios, a changing village, modification of the entrance area and refurbishment of the sports hall.

Residents were given the chance to speak before the meeting. Eileen Grey, a resident and user for 40 years, said: “When the leisure centre closed, 40 years of my life was taken away from me. I’m heart-broken this has happened.”

Robbie Tyler, who runs a martial arts club said: “The closure of DLC has impacted our club massively. Without it we can’t do a lot of the things we were.”

“A lot of opportunities have been missed and the people in the Deepings are crying out for it.”

Conservative Councillor Barry Dobson told the committee: “Investing in high quality leisure facilities across the district is a key part of this council’s ambition.”

“Whilst a new build for the Deepings area was once a possibility this is sadly no longer the case.”

He said there had been a “drastic” reduction in income and finances were “under pressure”. “We must align our diminished resources for all residents across the district.”

Independent Councillor Phil Dilks accused the leadership of making untrue statements on election campaign leaflets.

He said the council had “continued to throw money at a fantasy smoke and mirrors sham” despite being told in reports that new builds were unfeasible.

“The people of the Deepings have been very patient and without their passion and support the original recommendations to close the centre and walk away would already have been implemented.

“The people of Deepings had been let down. They have been lied to and they have been betrayed.”

Independent Councillor Ashley Baxter said he was “furious and disappointed” and told Councillor Dobson: “That was a lie on your leaflet.”

The comment sparked calls for an apology and for the statement to be withdrawn.

Councillor Dobson responded that despite new build funding being previously agreed, it was no longer possible due to funding issues, and adding a new build would “create ongoing financial pressure”.

He added: “I do not tell untruths, I do what is best for everyone and I do what is right for everyone.”

He added: “The question Councillor Baxter wanted to say – I do take absolute exception to and I will not answer.”

Conservative council leader Kelham Cooke, noting the impact of COVID-19, said: “It has been an ambition to replace the leisure centre but […] quite simply the investment in the leisure market has diminished.”

Councillors were warned savings would have to be made in the budget to afford the costs, as well as potential council tax increases.

Councillor Stokes said: “To facilitate [a refurbishment] we’re going to have to make decisions and these are going to be decided by full council. It’s not going to be an easy decision.”

Conservative Councillor Mark Whittington said: “For a variety of reasons the people of Deepings have been let down by SK, LCC and others, and I do think we need to be as reasonably ambitious as we can.”

Health leaders are reminding people that currently COVID boosters are only available to those aged 40 and over and patients with health conditions that mean COVID will make them seriously ill.

There is also still a six-month gap between the second dose of the vaccine and a booster.

This is the same position across the country as we await implementation of the new JCVI guidance announced on Monday, November 29, that booster jabs will be available for all adults soon.

“We would urge everyone who is currently eligible to have or book their COVID booster to do so as soon as possible,” said Geoff Barnes, Acting Director of Public Health in North East Lincolnshire.

“These are mainly people who are aged 40 and over or have a long term health condition that makes COVID a serious risk to their health and it’s been six months since they had their second jab.

“A coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine dose helps improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine. It helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

“The NHS is currently prioritising those most at risk from COVID and if people who are not yet eligible attend, they will have to be turned away.”

Currently only those groups of people listed below are eligible. This includes:

• people aged 40 and over
• people who live and work in care homes
• frontline health and social care workers
• people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

The NHS will announce when the boosters are ready for healthy people aged under 40 or the period of time between the 2nd dose and booster changes.