Shane Croucher

Builders used a canal barge to deliver materials via the waterway

A new three-mile footway and cycle route, linking Lincoln, Burton Waters and Saxibly, is being unveiled this week.

The commuter and leisure link runs along the flood bank of the Fossdyke from the Pyewipe public house to Odder near Saxilby.

Creating the new passageway faced a challenge in how to deliver materials to the workmen. The solution was found in an 18th century technique–using a canal barge to deliver materials via the waterway.

The path, before and after

Les Outram, Senior Project Leader, said: “We needed to get 3,500 tonnes of aggregate and over four miles of timber to the site.

“Our contractors Ringway managed to successfully arrange a system of using the Fossdyke canal via barges.

“This method of transportation was complex as we had to consider the effects on the local environment so we didn’t pollute the watercourse when loading, off loading and transporting the material.

“We’re now pleased to be opening this multi-use path, allowing walkers and cyclist a safe and pleasant route along the bank.”

Source: Lincolnshire County Council

A military parade up Lincoln’s High Street will mark Armed Forces Day, on Saturday, June 25.

There will also be medal ceremonies, conducted by Councillor Kathleen Brothwell, Mayor of Lincoln.

RAF Waddington’s band will provide music throughout the day.

Prior to and following the parade, staff from RAF Waddington will man static displays on the High Street and speak to members of the public about the roles that they play on operations at home and abroad.

Councillor Brothwell said: “Armed Forces Day is a chance to celebrate and commend the hard work that Her Majesty’s armed forces do.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to them and occasions like this allow members of the public like you or I to thank them properly and show our real appreciation.”

Karl McCartney, Lincoln’s Conservative MP, said: “Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for all those who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces, their families, veterans and cadets.

“I was a former RAF cadet at school and in the TA in my early twenties and this affinity with our service men and women continues today as I am a member of the Royal British Legion and currently a part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.”

The day’s itinerary is as follows:

1.45pm: Parade forms up on High Street with RAF Waddington band playing.

2pm: Mayor of Lincoln and RAF Waddington’s Station Commander to give speech at War Memorial.

2.10pm: The Mayor to award medals.

2.20pm: Parade dismissed.

2.45pm: Band duty finishes. Parade personnel continue engagement with public along High Street until 3.30pm.