RAF Waddington could be the new base of the Red Arrows once their home at RAF Scampton is closed by 2022.
Tobias Ellwood, the Minister for Defence, confirmed in a letter to Lincoln MP Karen Lee that RAF Waddington is one of the three suitable locations where the Red Arrows could be relocated.
Alongside Waddington, RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire and RAF Wittering near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, are the two other possible locations.
The minister said detailed studies for suitability of each base will now be carried out.
Lincoln MP Karen Lee said: “Whilst I am disappointed that the Ministry of Defence is to close RAF Scampton and relocate the Red Arrows, I am pleased with today’s news that RAF Waddington is being considered as a potential new home for the Red Arrows.
“Bomber County has a rich RAF history, and we are proud that our county has been the home of the Red Arrows since 2000. Seeing the Red Arrows fly above Lincoln Cathedral has been an exciting sight. One which the people of Lincoln should continue to see for many years to come.
“As Lincoln’s MP, I have worked hard to keep the Red Arrows in Lincolnshire. My petition calling for this was signed over 5,000 times, and I have made the opinion of people in Lincoln clear to the Ministry of Defence Minister, Tobias Ellwood MP. Lincoln has the facility, the heritage and the people to rightfully justify keeping the Red Arrows in Lincolnshire.
“Lincoln has spoken and now we must wait to see whether the government listens,” she added.
The petition you need to sign to keep the Red Arrows in Lincolnshire
Visit Lincoln and The Lincolnite have been running an official petition to keep the Red Arrows in Lincolnshire once RAF Scampton closes. The petition has over 3,400 signatures.
Lydia Rusling, Chief Executive of Visit Lincoln, said: “As the organisation responsible for tourism in Lincolnshire we are very encouraged to hear that the Red Arrows may stay in the county.
“We have been working alongside The Lincolnite and partners to show our county’s passion and pride in the Red Arrows to keep them in Lincolnshire.
“Our rich aviation heritage attracts people from all over the world, and seeing the Red Arrows regularly in the Lincolnshire skies ensures our connection remains a delight for both residents and visitors.”
Seven E-3D Sentry surveillance aircraft are based at RAF Waddington, where they are operated by Nos 8 and 23 Squadrons as the UK’s contribution to the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force. Photo: Cpl Paul Saxby/MoD
RAF Waddington is one of the RAF’s busiest stations as the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and the main operating base for airborne intelligence aircraft and systems like the E-3D Sentry AEW1, as well as the control centre for Reaper drones in Afghanistan.
Approximately 3,500 Service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Waddington.
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An overnight road closure will be in place next month as a level crossing in Boston is upgraded to improve reliability for key freight services travelling to and from the town’s port.
A section of the A16 (Spalding Road) will be closed from 7pm on Saturday, June 11 until 2pm on Sunday, June 12 to allow engineers to safely replace over 140 metres of rail through the Boston Bypass level crossing.
Teams will work through the night to get the road ready to reopen for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists as soon as the upgrade is complete.
A signed diversion will be in place throughout to help people get to their destinations.
Vincent Briggs, East Midlands Route Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: “This essential work will allow us to reliably transport vital freight goods to and from the town’s port for many years to come.
“We will need to close a major road into Boston to complete the upgrade safely, and I’m sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
“We’ll be doing the work overnight and have worked with Lincolnshire County Council to keep the impact as low as possible.”
Andy Lawrence, Port of Boston Director for Victoria Group, added: “The Port of Boston are delighted that the upgrade is taking place. It is great for the network connection we have from the Port of Boston and the 260,000 tonnes a year of cargo that we put over it.
“This enables us to keep lorries off the road and dramatically reducing our carbon footprint by utilising rail.
“Rail Freight was important for the Port in 1884, when it was built, and it remains equally, if not more important in 2022, and the future, as we strive to divert even more cargo to the rail mode of transport, direct from a seaport.”
The country is set to embark on a weekend-long celebration of Queen Elizabeth II, as Her Royal Highness reaches her Platinum Jubilee – marking 70 years at the front of the British monarchy.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations will take place from June 2 to 5 this year, and she will be the first British monarch to reach 70 years of service once the date arrives.
In anticipation of the momentous occasion, communities across Lincolnshire have been making big plans to celebrate our longest serving monarch in a variety of ways.
From street parties to free rollercoaster rides, these are some of the exciting events planned across the county for the Platinum Jubilee.
Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway
Commemorative headboards will be on board the trains at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway on the jubilee weekend. | Photo: Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway
Heritage trains on the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway will join in with the celebrations for two days of the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend.
On Thursday, June 2, one of the line’s heritage diesel locomotives will operate services, and the 1903 vintage steam locomotive Jurassic will pull trains for most of Saturday, June 4.
Commemorative jubilee headboards will be carried on the trains, and you can get a £2 return or a £5 ticket for a family of two adults and three children.
Metheringham
Metheringham playing field. | Photo: Metheringham Football Club
Starting with a parade from Fen Road up to the playing field where the festivities are planned, the Metheringham community has arranged a jubilee event that boasts something for everyone, rounded off with fireworks of course.
There will be celebrity guest appearances from James Hooton and Jeff Hordley, who play Sam and Kane Dingle on ITV soap opera Emmerdale, as well as cream tea taster sessions, have-a-go sessions at the Bowls club, tug of war competitions and even a pet show to display your adorable animals.
The Odyssey at Fantasy Island. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The theme park in Ingoldmells on the Lincolnshire coast is providing a wonderful offer to mark the Platinum Jubilee weekend, allowing free rides on a temporarily-renamed attraction.
On Thursday, June 2, Fantasy Island-goers will be able to go on the Platinum Jubilee Odyssey ride free of charge, so long as you are tall enough and the weather behaves on the day!
Reaching speeds of 62mph on board, it is surely the most adrenaline-fuelled way to celebrate the milestone of Her Royal Highness.
Lincoln Castle
| Photo: Lincoln Castle
Celebrations will also be coming to one of the most picturesque areas of Lincoln this jubilee weekend, as Lincoln Castle plays host to a beacon lighting event on Thursday, June 2.
There will be live entertainment courtesy of a piper and the Lincoln Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, as well as the lighting of two beacons from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Mayor of Lincoln.
It is an action-packed weekend for the people in Boston, with everything from a Royal Coffee Morning at the library to a chariot or palace Lego design competition.
Family fun days are in order, as well as a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral, a picnic in the park at Kirton, and a screening of the trooping of the colour.
To find out the full list of events taking place in Boston, visit the Platinum Jubilee website and search for your local area.
Belton House
Belton House. | Photo: Belton House NT Facebook page
The Grade I listed country house near Grantham will be opening its doors for a free celebration of the Platinum Jubilee on Sunday, June 5.
There will be lawn games, jubilee-themed crafts and even a royal picnic for all the family to enjoy.
You can discover the long history of the royal connections of the Brownlow family inside the mansion, as well as a new exhibition of coronation outfits. Check the Belton House website for availability.
Lincoln BIG Augmented Reality trail
The characters can be scanned with a QR code on a smartphone. | Photo: Lincoln BIG
Lincoln Business Improvement Group often put on citywide events for big occasions, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is no different, with a free story trail placed across Lincoln for any and everyone to take part in.
An innovative augmented reality trail, running from April 30 to June 12, will see cute characters placed at seven different stops in Lincoln, all being part of a story that you can choose from your smartphone. Visit the Platinum Jubilee Beacon Trail website for more information.
Once you find these characters and log it on your phone, they will be brought to life on your screen and you can take selfies with them! It takes around 45 minutes to complete the trail and is free to take part in – with a digital fun pack for all who finish it.
Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k
A picture taken from the 2017 Great Grimsby 10k. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
It may not be to everyone’s tastes, but the Great Grimsby 10k race will coincide with the jubilee weekend, taking place on Sunday, June 5. Entries are still open as well for anyone who wants to celebrate with some exercise.
Those living along the race route are being invited to celebrate with neighbours and cheer on runners, while a jubilee picnic in the park event is also being held at People’s Park.
Tasty food and drink stalls will be at the picnic, as well as live music and walkabout entertainment, plus the chance for children to design their own crowns and take part in a procession around the park.
Market Rasen Racecourse
Market Rasen Racecourse. | Photo: Market Rasen Racecourse / On Track Media
A day at the races can be great fun in its own right, but Market Rasen Racecourse is taking it to the next level with a jubilee themed garden party.
Taking place on Friday, June 3, there will be a full headline concert from rock orchestra the Queen Symphonic immediately after the racing.
Queen Symphonic celebrate and perform the greatest hits from legendary rock band Queen, bringing together stars from the We Will Rock You musical in the form of a band and symphony orchestra.
Horncastle
Taken at celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday, and something similar has been planned. | Photo: Horncastle History & Heritage Society
Horncastle Town Council has planned an extra special lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon at the historic deer park in Scrivelsby on Thursday, June 2, complete with a firework display.
The council will create an enchanted park thanks to a grant from Lincolnshire Community Foundation and Arts Council England, with the park being decorated with lights and illuminated with colour.
There will also be a free light-based craft activity, a lion fire sculpture created by artists, live music, a bar and space for picnics. Gates open at 7pm and entry to the event will be £5, with booking made essential via email at [email protected].
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