Spotlight on Spalding as town to feature on BBC’s Look North after visit by reporter Gemma Dawson

Bridie.Short@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 16:28, 11 January 2024

Spalding will be appearing on the television tonight thanks to a visit from a camera crew following a campaign to put the town on the weather map.

BBC’s Look North presenter and reporter Gemma Dawson was given a tour of the town by Coun Jan Whitbourn following her bid to get Spalding added onto the programme’s weather map.

Coun Whitbourn, who is the vice-chairman of South Holland District Council, will be appearing on Look North tonight at 6.30pm.

Journalist, Gemma Dawson from BBC Look North, pictured with Councillor Jan Whitbourn at The Red Lion Hotel in Spalding

She said: “We have got a good town. Paul Hudson (Look North weather presenter) has given me a lot of stick but we just need to get the word out there and keep pushing for it to stay on the map.

“By doing the campaign, we gave people the opportunity to share what they like and dislike about Spalding and we picked some of these out and put them forward as reasons why we should be on the weather map.”

The tour featured a visit to the town’s railway station, Ayscoughfee Gardens,Spalding Water Taxi and Boat Hire and concluded at Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure.

Viewers can watch the interview on BBC One, Look North at 6.30pm tonight

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The team took a break from the tour at The Red Lion Hotel on Market Place, where American guitarist and songwriter, Jimi Hendrix spent the night following the famous Barbecue festival in 1967.

Lorraine Buckingham, office manager at the Market Place bar, said it was nice to show the pub off and shared how some customers still get excited if they stay in the same room.

Coun Whitbourn said: “Jimi Hendrix was a pop icon, people still love his music and he will never be forgotten. It is vibrant for this pub and I think it is amazing.

BBC Look North Journalist interviewed Lorraine Buckingham, Office Manager of The Red Lion Hotel

An outside view of The Red Lion Hotel in Spalding

Jimmy Hendrix performed at Barbeque 67 at Bulb Auction Sheds Hall in 1967

American guitarist and songwriter, Jimmy Hendrix poster in The Red Lion Hotel

TV presenter Gemma said: “It’s all about giving Jan the opportunity to showcase to Paul and Peter (Levey, BBC Presenter for Look North) what is on offer in Spalding.”

If you are interested in watching, make sure to tune into BBC One Look North: East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire at 6.30pm tonight, or catch up on BBC iPlayer.

Human Interest Politics Spalding Weather Bridie Short