for residents of South Kesteven Autumn 2024
Welcome
Here is the latest issue of SKtoday, packed full of news and updates from South Kesteven District Council. Remember, you can read SKToday online by visiting www.southkesteven.gov.uk/sktoday
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Council Offices Grantham
The Picture House, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, NG31 6TT
Bourne
South Kesteven Community Point Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF
You can apply, pay, report and contact us on our website for a range of services and find the latest NHS and Government guidance. www.southkesteven.gov.uk
Grantham Olympian Lewis Davey with SKDC’s Parks and Events Community Engagement Officer, Alison Lewis
Sprinting in to visitor centre
Medal-winning Olympian Lewis Davey surprised staff and visitors to Grantham’s Wyndham Park on his return from competition in Paris, by dropping in to say “hello”.
Dressed in his TeamGB sports gear, the 23-year-old sprinter called in with the bronze medal he won in the Men’s 4x400m relay.
SKDC Parks and Events Community Engagement Officer, Alison Lewis, said: “It was a complete surprise visit — we feel so honoured!
“He came to the Visitor Centre completely unannounced and made lots of friends by signing autographs and letting children hold and wear his medal.
“Lewis is very proud of his achievements and those of the team and we can only echo that.”
Nice to know
• Alternative formats are available.
cover Representatives from Council staff, elected members and from the developer D Brown Ltd.
In Paris, Grantham-born Lewis, who is a former Priory Ruskin Academy pupil, added to a medal haul that includes gold from the 2022 European Championships in Munich, where he ran in the 4x400m relay.
Silver and bronze followed as he played a key role in successful quartets at the World Championships in Budapest.
His Olympic performance on the third leg of the relay helped his team set a new European record of 2min 55.83s, after being told only half an hour before the race that he was part of the team.
of the Deepings Rotary 10k Run
Building for a brighter future in our villages and towns
This edition of SKtoday includes several stories about building maintenance.
This is perhaps not the most glamorous of council services but in recent years we have learned to our cost that it is among the most essential. Consequently, we are beginning to address the backlog of maintenance and repairs to council and community buildings which has built up over many years.
This summer, we completed repairs to the roof at Bourne Leisure Centre. We have also installed pool covers at all three of our leisure centres to save energy and money.
Further energy saving measures including solar panels and refurbished heating systems at the Grantham Meres Leisure Centre are on the way.
The Council has replaced the boiler at the very busy Deepings Community Centre which is owned by SKDC but managed, along with the neighbouring library, by a team
By Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of South Kesteven District Council
of dedicated volunteers.
We have also supported the repair, refurbishment and re-opening of the Earlesfield Community Centre in Grantham.
Also in Grantham, we have recently invested in major and essential structural repairs to the Welham Street Car Park which serves visitors to the cinema, the Guildhall Arts Centre and the Council Offices.
While most people contact the Council by email or phone, it is occasionally necessary to speak to officers face-toface so, for this purpose, we have also created a modern Customer Service Centre that meets customers needs.
The accessibility of the Stamford Arts Centre has been improved by a new lift in the theatre as well as the provision of audio description headphones to assist cinemagoers who have visual impairments.
Aside from buildings owned
The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
John F Kennedy US President
or managed by the Council, during the 18 months we have been able to support a wide range of projects to enhance and improve facilities in villages and towns across the District.
These have included churches, community halls and sports pavilions. This has been made possible by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
This funding pot is due to expire in a few months’ time but if you have a project which will benefit people living in South Kesteven, we would love to hear from you.
Visit www.southkesteven. gov.uk/UKSPF to find out more and apply.
Roof repaired at Bourne Leisure Centre
Leader of the Council, Cllr Ashley Baxter
follow in footsteps of airborne forces
Anew WWII military heritage project has launched thanks to a grant of almost £150,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to South Kesteven District Council.
The project will highlight the build-up in the area of airborne forces ahead of major Allied operations in the Second World War.
The funding has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
The £147,550 will enable SKDC to spread awareness of a unique story entitled Soldiers From The Sky.
It will document how paratroopers of three nations – Britain, America and Poland –came together in South Kesteven during 1944 in preparation for the famous battles of Operation Overlord (D-Day) and Operation Market Garden (Arnhem).
Commemorating their local presence and impact will create a new visitor trail of national and international significance amidst a District that housed troops, witnessed their training and saw them leave aboard giant airborne armadas.
Using the 80th anniversaries of both military milestones, the project will collaborate with visitor attractions, accommodation
providers, volunteer groups, schools, businesses and residents to create a physical and digital trail identifying and celebrating the back-stories before they pass from living memory.
Two of the most daring and iconic airborne operations of the war were planned and launched from South Kesteven.
Ferrying the troops into battle were the unsung heroes of America’s 9th Troop Carrier Command, launching waves of aircraft from giant airfields around Grantham.
The 18-month project will include a website, smartphone app, information signs, an exhibition at Grantham Museum and commemoration events.
Letters supporting the bid came from visitor sites with airborne links such as Easton Walled Gardens and Harlaxton Manor; community groups; America’s National Glider Pilots Association; and the top echelons of the Britain Army’s 16 Air Assault – the Parachute Regiment.
Cllr Paul Stokes, Deputy Leader of SKDC and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “Soldiers From The Sky represents an unprecedented and exciting opportunity to discover,
explore and share the backstories to this amazing chapter of our military heritage.
“We are extremely grateful to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for enabling us to dust off and celebrate that chapter. It will help us value, care for and sustain our very special heritage.
“Lincolnshire is widely known as ‘Bomber County’, rightly highlighting its role in WWII, but we have a unique and complementary story to tell of how airborne soldiers of three nations came together in preparation for iconic battles.
Key airborne-related sites to be commemorated on the trail include Fulbeck Manor, Easton Walled Gardens, former RAF Saltby, former RAF North Witham, Harlaxton Manor, Stoke Rochford Hall, St Vincent’s Church in Caythorpe and Grimsthorpe Castle.
American 82nd Airborne Division troops preparing to fly to Normandy from RAF Saltby on D-Day
British paratroopers before their Arnhem departure from RAF Barkston Heath
LETTER FROM BALMORAL BACKS ARNHEM EVENT
Ahigh profile concert marking the 80th anniversary of Arnhem has received Royal support.
Organisers of the Arnhem 80 event in St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham, on October 25th invited King Charles III to attend as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment, whose troops bore the brunt of the action in Operation Market Garden in September 1944.
A letter from Balmoral Castle sent thanks for the invitation but said His Majesty will be at a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
The concert features the Band of the Welsh Guards,
following its role in the State Funeral of The Queen and the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, and being selected to troop their colour for the first King’s Birthday Parade in more than 70 years.
1940s singer Melody Flyte will be a soloist and leading the community singing.
His Majesty’s Equerry, Commander Will Thornton, wrote: “I hope that the concert goes well, and I am sure that the voice of Melody Flyte will sound incredible with the Band of the Welsh Guards.”
South Kesteven District Council is supporting the Army Benevolent Fund fund-raising
concert as part of the Council’s military heritage programme. Tickets can be booked through the Guildhall Arts Centre in Grantham: https://bit.ly/ arnhem80concert
digging for buried treasure
Afive-day archaeological excavation at Fulbeck Manor has unearthed relics from across the centuries.
South Kesteven District Council helped to organise Digging Market Garden to search for traces of WWII military heritage at a location rich in airborne forces heritage.
Funded by the University of Oxford and organised in partnership with Lincoln University and military charities, the dig drew military veterans, serving soldiers and their families as volunteers, together with specialist detectorists.
The excavated trenches yielded bullets, uniform buttons, a kit tag, engine parts, and foundations and drains from the time that the British First Airborne Division occupied the Manor and grounds in the 1944
build-up to Arnhem. They also revealed unexpected traces from much older occupations of the site, including a substantial medieval building.
Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “The whole event was an absolute triumph and one that we were proud to be part of. We had no idea what we would find, but it proved to be a fascinating voyage of discovery conducted in the most amazing, focused and positive atmosphere.
Digging Market Garden also prompted a packed Friday night talk ‘By Air to Battle: South Kesteven’s Airborne Heritage’ by Brian Riley. The talk was introduced by Judy Urquhart, daughter of Major General Roy Urquhart, commander British First Airborne Division in 1944.
Excavations at Fulbeck Manor
Detectorist David Ulke finds a bullet dating to World War II during the dig
Kerbside battery collection to help hit climate change goals
Anew battery recycling scheme is now operating in South Kesteven.
It is designed to encourage recycling of household batteries, which must be left in a small bag, such as a new freezer bag or clean nappy sack, tied to the lid of the black, silver or purplelid wheelie bin on collection day each week.
The cross-party initiative by the District Council shows a collective commitment across the political parties to drive progress on recycling and work to meet Climate Change goals. It will also reduce the risk of fires in bin lorries and keep crews safe while supporting SKDC’s climate action goals.
The Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “This service is available every week to all residential addresses with a wheelie bin, with the battery bags emptied into a separate container attached to each bin lorry. There’s no extra cost to householders for this.
“The fire safety issues we have experienced is a real danger to crews. When batteries are thrown away in the bin with your other household waste and recycling, they are likely to be crushed or punctured in the bin lorry or at the processing centre.
“Some batteries, particularly rechargeables, can ignite or even explode if they are damaged. If this happens, they can quickly set fire to other material in the waste, such as paper, which may lead to serious incidents that put lives at risk.
“From Monday 16th September, SKDC crews will accept all everyday household batteries, button batteries from watches and alarms, as well as batteries
from e-cigarettes – but please no vapes, disposable or otherwise.
“If you live in a flat using communal bins, or a house on our pink/clear bag collections, please continue to take batteries and vapes to supermarkets, shops or the Household Recycling Centre.”
SKDC’s recycling commitments are helping the Council move towards its net-zero targets following declaration of a climate emergency in September 2019.
The Climate Action Strategy, as well as outlining the council’s vision, aims and ambition to mitigate and adapt to climate change, also identifies waste as a resource – and pledges
to generate less waste overall across the District.
All electrical items and batteries can continue to be disposed of at Household Waste Recycling Centres or in dedicated battery bins at retailers. If the batteries cannot be removed, for instance from toothbrushes, shavers, chargers and toys, these electricals should also be recycled separately.
SKDC is working to find a solution to offer the service to all residents in a safe way. Until then, residents can still recycle used batteries by taking them to any shop that sells them or to their local Household Recycling Centre.
Details of Lincolnshire County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres can be found online at: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/recycling-waste/find-recycling-centre
There is a handy link to find your nearest supermarket/hardware store disposal point: https://bit.ly/batterySKDC
Check you’re putting the right thing in the right bin at home by visiting: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/whichbin
A blaze sparked by a battery in a waste vehicle last year meant it had to eject smoking and smouldering contents on to the road
New homes handed over ahead of tenants moving in
Four one-bedroom apartments in Stamford have been handed over to South Kesteven District Council by D Brown (Building Contractors) Ltd ahead of new tenants moving in.
All four apartments have already been allocated to local people and people on the SKDC Housing Register, the Council’s list of those in most need of a home.
SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Virginia Moran, said: “Affordable homes in our District are very much in demand and these, alongside our Trinity Road development of five bungalows in Stamford, will help meet this need.
“We have a pipeline of activity for providing homes for people on our Housing Register, which includes building them ourselves, as in this instance; buying newbuilds direct from the developers; and repurposing empty homes following renovation work.
“This variety of activity allows us to focus on differing needs, such as creating accessible
homes that are adaptable to match different stages of people’s lives, to meeting the growing need for affordable housing.”
Managing Director of D Brown (Building Contractors) Ltd, Adam Mayer, said: “We are very pleased that these homes are being made available to those most in need. They have been completed bang on schedule despite some very challenging weather conditions earlier in the year.
“We recognise that good quality housing is a key priority for the Council and are committed to working with them to take forward their ambitions as a housing provider.”
There are 389 people on the SKDC Housing Register with a single bedroom requirement who want to live in and around Stamford, with few existing options to support them.
Planning permission for the Elizabeth Road flats was granted in March 2022. The development comprises four one-bedroom, two-person apartments with
This variety of activity allows us to focus on differing needs, such as creating accessible homes which are adaptable to match different stages of people’s lives
Cllr Virginia Moran, SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing
landscaping and parking spaces. They are built with sustainability in mind with solar panels on the roof and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging.
The next building project for SKDC is at Larch Close, Grantham, where work is due to start on 19 units in November.
The Corporate Plan 2024-27 sets out how SKDC will meet the mission “to ensure that all residents can access housing which is safe, good quality, sustainable and suitable for their needs and future generations.”
Housing is a key priority for SKDC, with high quality housing essential for all. The Council is committed to working with partners to ensure sustainable, affordable homes around the District.
The new homes on Elizabeth Road, Stamford
Parks continue to hit the heights
South Kesteven District
Council’s award-winning public parks in Grantham continue to impress, with all three retaining coveted Green Flag status.
Wyndham Park is flying the flag that signals it’s one of the best in the country for the 13th year in a row, with Queen Elizabeth Park receiving its fourth and Dysart Park its second.
Cllr Paul Stokes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and well-deserved recognition of the consistently high standards maintained by our hard-working staff and volunteers.
“For all three parks to again be rated as among the best in the country illustrates SKDC’s commitment to providing high quality green spaces and meets our vision of South Kesteven being a thriving District to live in, work and visit.
SKDC members, staff and volunteers have worked together to ensure Grantham’s three parks have retained Green Flag status.
ABOVE: Dysart Park
BELOW: Queen Elizabeth Park
BELOW RIGHT: Wyndham Park
“We are proud to welcome both residents and visitors into our parks and this accreditation means we can be confident they will be impressed by their experience.”
Managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Green Flag Awards set the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces around the world.
Wyndham Park has also retained its Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic character and features.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager
Paul Todd said: “These parks are vital green spaces where communities can socialise, enjoy nature and children can play safely and provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.
“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award — everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.
“It is important that our free-to-use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”
Accessible entertainment boost for audiences
Accessibility to theatre and other events at Stamford Arts Centre will be improved thanks to new initiatives at the SKDC-run venue.
Audio Descriptions is being introduced, alongside the installation of a new customer lift for visitors with limited mobility is being installed.
Films that have Audio Description and narration provided by distributors will be clearly labelled in Stamford Arts Centre cinema guides and online at www. stamfordartscentre.com
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: “It is a real help for those with impaired sight to help them better follow events on the screen.
“The film soundtrack is broadcast in the usual way, whilst a recorded narrator explains what’s happening on screen – during gaps in the dialogue – through personal headphones alongside the soundtrack. Where an AD track is provided, customers will be
able to attend any screening of that film and not be restricted to certain showings.
“It’s exciting for us to be able to offer this as an independent cinema, thanks to a UK Shared Prosperity Fund award of almost £2,500, which helps us match major cinema companies.”
Stamford Arts Centre continues to offer subtitled film screenings and the new equipment can also be used by patrons who would benefit from being able to control the soundtrack and spoken word volume themselves.
The new accessible lift to the theatre for live events and cinema screenings represents £40,000 of improvements for theatregoers with limited mobility who will be able to operate it themselves rather than being accompanied as before.
At Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre, a relaxed performance of this year’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast is now being scheduled, with a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted show also planned too.
The relaxed performance is on Saturday 14th December at 10.30am.
The show will be suitable for audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including (but not limited to) those with autistic spectrum conditions, people living with dementia, parents with very young children on their first trip to the theatre, anyone with sensory and communication disorders, or people with learning disabilities.
On Thursday 2nd January, a BSL Interpreted Performance will start at 6.30pm.
This will be no different to the other performances apart from the BSL interpreter located in the corner at the front of the auditorium.
Both venues have a loop system for hearing-impaired visitors.
Details of all upcoming shows are available online at www.stamfordartscentre. com and www.
guildhallartscentre.com , where details are also shown for room and venue hire.
Audio Description equipment in place at Stamford Arts Centre
Markets making moves towards a bright future
Fresh impetus for South Kesteven’s outdoor markets is generating support from shoppers and boosting local trade.
South Kesteven District Council’s action plan for each town market marks the start of a new chapter for traders, businesses and customers.
All three markets operated by SKDC draw customer footfall, benefiting both traders and town centres. The markets, which complement other retailers, operate in central locations with good parking facilities.
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development, Cllr Ashley Baxter, said: “Our markets remain a vital part of South Kesteven life and continue to contribute to wider social, economic and environmental strategic goals.
“We pledged in our 2024-27 Corporate Plan to bring a stepchange to the way our Councilrun street markets are presented, operated and promoted.
“We’ve worked with town councils to canvass opinion, commissioned experts in the field, crunched the data, and are now making changes to the markets themselves to make them strong and successful for the future,
through the market improvement action plan, which has already gone to committee.”
South Kesteven’s markets have been integral to the District’s commercial and social life for more than 1,000 years.
This tradition continues today, with Grantham’s market including street entertainment and music events, and different themed markets like a Vegan Market and Steampunk Festival planned towards Christmas.
In Stamford, the weekly market on Broad Street is accompanied by a Farmers’ Market on High Street. SKDC has worked with The High Street Experts to improve layouts, meeting customer demands.
Bourne Market features food, flowers, and various goods, with expanded offerings on the first Thursday of each month.
Market Deeping’s independent weekly market offers a diverse range of stock from food, clothing and collectables.
The town’s weekly markets operate every Saturday with monthly craft, farmers’ and a new vegan market now on the calendar.
n Bourne Market: Every Thursday in the Corn Exchange car park
n Stamford Market: Fridays on Broad Street and Ironmonger Street; smaller market every Saturday in Red Lion Square and High Street
n Grantham Market: Saturdays on Narrow Westgate
To find out more about SKDC’s markets visit: www. southkesteven.gov.uk/ markets
Grantham Market
Stamford Market
Military commemoration marks historic park’s anniversary
ACouncil-owned park in Grantham named after a soldier killed in WWI hosted a special ceremony to commemorate its naming.
Wyndham Park preserves the memory of Captain Reginald Wyndham who was killed in action at Ypres in Belgium in 1914.
In 1924 his mother, the Dowager Lady Leconfield, bequeathed £1,000 to mark her son’s Grantham connections, with a significant military presence in the park for the opening.
Military representatives again gathered for the anniversary, with members of the Wyndham family joining senior representatives of The Life Guards, Capt Wyndham’s regiment, including its commanding officer Lt Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE.
Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant Toby Dennis also attended, along with Royal British Legion representatives and elected members of South Kesteven District Council and Grantham Town Council.
Combined Cadet Force representatives from the Kings
School marched through the park.
Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It was an absolute privilege to attend the service and to witness how important this park is to the Wyndham family and their ancestor’s Regiment, The Life Guards.”
The ceremony replicated parts of the original 1924 service and was officiated by Padre Ivan Linton from Prince William of Gloucester barracks.
It included an address by Lord
Egremont, head of the Wyndham family, tracing Reggie Wyndham’s life and local links, voluntary service in WWI and determination to lead his men at Ypres, plus a reading by Lt Col Duncan Lowe, Head of Establishment at PWOG.
Lt Col Ray Ogg BEM, King’s School cadet Contingent Commander, was later presented by Toby Dennis with the 6th Bar to his Cadet Force Medal issued in 1985.
The ceremony was organised by the Wyndham Park Forum.
The Chairman of SKDC, Cllr Paul Fellows, at the Wyndham 100 commemorative ceremony
Wyndham 100 Guests at the park’s WWI animals’ commemorative art installation
Revamped Market Place to help revitalise town centre
Grantham Market Place is now fully open to through traffic after work to improve and revitalise the town centre.
The £1.8m project will drive footfall to town centre businesses and the market area in Westgate – and create a multi-use, social space for local people and visitors in the heart of town.
The work is funded with part of the £4.1m Grantham Future High Street Fund funding awarded to South Kesteven District Council in 2020 by what was then the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
The second phase, now under way, will bring public realm work and highway improvements to the railway station approach, including Station Road/ Wharf Road/ Harlaxton Road and Sankt Augustin Way junction.
The Council Leader, Cllr Ashley Baxter, said: “We really appreciate the patience of traders and other local businesses during the last few months. I am delighted and relieved that the Market Place is fully open.
“Despite the inevitable disruption of the works, the Saturday
market in Grantham continues to flourish with increasing numbers of stalls and traders. I would like to express my gratitude to council staff, and councillors, for their energy, resilience and passion.
“I know the improvements will support regeneration of this key area. We can now look forward to the new, fully accessible open space being used for the benefit of all our residents, businesses and visitors.
“The Council is proud to be hosting a Festival of Community event including a lantern parade on Saturday, 19th October.”
The work raised the road to the same level as existing paving to create a flexible space for events, activities, and recreation.
Free craft workshops and street performers have brought fun activities to the area.
The drop-in events guided visitors to create colourful lanterns ahead of the community festival.
The crafting was supported by entertainment from professional theatre companies, bringing performance, puppetry and music to the streets.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be able to host a series of events and entertainment in Grantham town centre as we look forward to more of the same now that the work is complete.”
Free craft workshops to create lanterns and decorations
Deepings Community Centre refreshed and ready for action
Energy efficiency has been upgraded at Deepings Community Centre by SKDC ahead of a new lease to the town’s community trust.
Several improvements have been made to the centre, including the installation of a new boiler and opening space previously taken up by SKDC into an area for community use.
The SKDC-owned centre, on Douglas Road, is well-used by the community but some groups found temperature control in the winter months a challenge.
However, a new boiler has been commissioned that will reduce running costs for the trust and better manage building-wide climate control.
Cabinet Member for Property, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “The lease was due to expire so this
was a good opportunity to reconfigure some of the interior space while upgrading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly boiler, all within SKDC’s existing maintenance budget.
“Under the new leasing arrangements, the Deepings Community Trust will take on the garden area to the side for hands-on management, which will also give greater freedom for its use.”
Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter, who is also Ward member for Market and West Deeping, said: “Some aspects of the heating left a lot to be desired so this was an ideal opportunity to make improvements and clear out space previously used by SKDC.
“We’re all looking forward to what’s coming up for the autumn and winter; there’s usually
something for everyone and a range of rooms are easily booked by going online.”
Exercise, education, friendship, first aid and painting groups are just some of those who use this popular space.
Further information can be found online at www.
deepingscommunitycentre.org. uk
All rooms can be tailored to suit requirements, and have access to kitchen and toilet facilities.
Accessible toilet facilities open in Bourne
AChanging Places toilet facility installed by SKDC has been opened in Bourne.
It is equipped with ceiling track hoists, privacy screens, support rails and heightadjustable adult-sized changing benches.
The facility on South Street has been funded by the Government to provide larger, wheelchairfriendly and accessible toilets for
people who cannot use standard facilities.
Cllr Rhys Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Changing Places and strengthen our commitment to providing access to these facilities in South Kesteven.
“I believe it will make a real difference to those who live in, work in and visit our District.”
Ownership of the toilets has been transferred to Bourne Town Council which will oversee maintenance.
Changing Places facilities have been previously installed in The Meres Leisure Centre and Wyndham Park in Grantham.
A map of Changing Places toilets throughout the UK can be found online at www. changing-places.org/find
The facilities are equipped with hoists, privacy screens, support rails and adult-sized changing benches
Deepings Community Centre
Cash boost for sports facilities
Stamford Rugby Club is receiving an extra £55,000 to help with renovation work to its clubhouse.
The money is a result of a planning agreement, known as a Section 106 allocation,
Cabinet Member for Property, and local ward member, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “The site now only contains dilapidated static outdoor gym equipment and there have never been any s106 funds available to add any children’s play equipment there.
town, and therefore it is now considered better to use the money to support the muchneeded improvements to the Rugby Club’s premises.”
Rugby Club President, Nigel Parkinson, said: “This is very pleasant news and we’re
Saturday 19th October 2024
Call for positivity to help tap into town’s potential
Anew Grantham Engagement Manager has joined the Economic Development team at SKDC.
Mel Brown’s background is in operations and business development, event production and planning, most recently working with St Wulfram’s Church as Operations and Development Manager.
Her new ambassadorial role will back up the infrastructure regeneration funded by the Council’s Future High Streets and Heritage Action Zone funding, promoting Grantham, building a Town Team stakeholder group and identifying initiatives, activities and town centre events.
Overall, she will be working closely with Grantham Town Council and Grantham Town Team to help raise the town’s
profile and is keen to support future projects to re-discover and celebrate the town and District links with Sir Isaac Newton.
“There is much to celebrate in Grantham: great cultural attractions and history, it’s easily accessible by road and train, we have beautiful parks and green space and a range of independent retailers,” said Mel.
“Grantham has so much potential but there is a need to inject some positivity around the town both externally and internally.
“I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders who are interested in improving the town for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
“I welcome the challenge
ahead and look forward to developing a comprehensive long-term plan to promote Grantham in a sustainable and realistic way.”
Cllr Paul Stokes, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “We are delighted that Mel has joined the team. Her experience, contacts and knowledge of Grantham will be invaluable in our ambitions, harnessing the goodwill that exists in the town as we build its profile.”
One of Mel’s first projects has been to support the development of a series of free craft workshops held in the town.
Visitors have helped to construct large, colourful lanterns ahead of a community festival celebrating Grantham, planned for the autumn.
The Council’s new Grantham Engagement Manager, Mel Brown
Project allows nature to reclaim open spaces
Successful trials in Market Deeping, Stamford and Grantham have shown how allowing land to return to its natural state can boost local biodiversity.
SKDC is now working with parish councils and ward members to find more public spaces for the project.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “Rewilding is a process that allows nature to take back control and, as tall grasses and other plant species grow, this in turn encourages wildlife, insects, birds and mammals.
Red Ensign raised for Merchant Navy Day
The British Merchant Navy’s official Red Ensign flag was raised above St Peter’s Green to mark annual Merchant Navy Day.
The commemoration highlights the work of merchant seafarers and their commitment and sacrifice at times of conflict.
Merchant Navy Association and Royal British Legion officials joined youth group representatives, elected members, former services personnel and council staff for the annual flag raising.
Cllr Fellows welcomed guests and read a message from HRH, The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, the Merchant Navy Association
“Over time, we anticipate that more species move in to create a balanced natural environment, as well as some welcome colour.”
Community rewilding is starting to bloom at the three key locations where proactive work
has already taken place.
Each site is marked with an information board advising the public why some strips and pockets of open space are left unmown, and to ask people to refrain from walking on the natural environment.
charity President saying: “Merchant Navy Day is the one moment we can acknowledge the invisible service.
“By flying the Red Ensign on this day, we recognise approximately 80,000 men and women working at sea carrying around 95% of our island nation’s trade.
“Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the service enters our consciousness, as is sadly the case today with
seafarers running the gauntlet in the Red Sea.
“This is our one opportunity to show our seafarers how much we value them, past and present, as well as their families.”
The Merchant Navy Association was formed in 1989 as a charitable body to build greater awareness of maritime heritage and the contribution of merchant seafarers and fishermen.
Guests for the Merchant Navy Day flag raising at St Peter’s Hill
Rewilding in Douglas Road, Market Deeping
Community party marks launch of revamped venue
Acommunity centre has reopened to the public thanks to the hard work of local volunteers.
Cllrs Steve Cunnington and Lee Steptoe led the push to complete the refurbishment of the Earlesfield Community Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, following investment from South Kesteven District Council.
It follows the formation of a new board of trustees for the venue, with Cllr Steptoe as Chair joined by Cllrs Cunnington, Tim Harrison and Paul Stokes.
The first public event was on August Bank Holiday, when a barbecue and fun day party was organised to celebrate its reopening.
Cllr Cunnington said afterwards: “There was a great turnout and we have so many people to thank for their community effort to make the day such a success.
“We were truly overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and support. We’ve more events in the pipeline, including a Santa’s grotto at Christmas for local children.”
Supporters who donated time,
goods or services to the event include Hope Community Cafe, Grantham Capoeira, Cleaver Meats Ltd, Morrisons, The Castle King, Watkins Grantham, Paul O’Reilly, South Kesteven District Council and Grantham Town Council.
Cllr Steptoe said: “This is just the start and we will continue to work together to put other events on for the community.
“The kitchen, installed by United Living, will enable lettings to community groups — and then it will be all systems go.”
Food hub charity The Bread and Butter Thing is already using the centre as its base for weekly events where members can collect three bags of fruit and vegetables, chilled food and cupboard staples at discounted prices (see page 20).
The Community Centre is a registered charity created to provide services to the people of the Earlesfield Estate.
Visitors celebrate the opening of The Earlesfield Community Centre
Families enjoying a bouncy castle at the opening party
SK Community Awards move into final stages
Planning is under way for South Kesteven District Council’s popular SK Community Awards celebratory evening.
Award nominations have now closed with some very special people singled out for their good work across the awards’ five categories.
Nominees have identified and proposed people who are so often unsung and work with no expectation of praise across the many different communities
within South
Kesteven.
Initial judging across the categories will take place during October, ready for the celebratory awards night at the Bourne Corn Exchange on 15th November.
Last year’s award winners represented the best of the best: an ex-soldier volunteering in a warzone, tireless fundraising, unstinting community effort, village volunteers and a young boy with a heart of gold.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for Communities and People, said: “Last year’s awards night at Bourne Corn Exchange was an amazing event, allowing us to shine a spotlight on some truly remarkable people.
“Our awards each year give us a rare opportunity to say a public thankyou to people of all ages and from so many different backgrounds, all united in the work they do for their specific communities.”
The 2024 categories:
Inspirational Young Person
We’re looking for a young person pioneering or supporting an activity or project making a difference in their local community. Countless young people support projects and people within their communities and get no recognition for their efforts. Nominations are confined to young people aged up to 25 years.
Community Contribution by Business
Do you know a business actively benefitting their local community? Perhaps it donates unsold food, or works to make the local area smarter, safer, healthier or more sustainable. Nominations are encouraged for all sizes of businesses that operate locally.
Judy Smith Community Champion
This award honours a popular former councillor who worked tirelessly for the
community. We have had some amazing people nominated for this award and we are again looking to celebrate an individual who has contributed a huge amount of their time and effort to a club, group, charity or organisation.
The Neil Smith Beyond the Call of Duty Award
This acknowledges the work of our bluelight services, presented in remembrance of our late colleague Neil Smith who saved his infant son’s life by administering CPR. Nominate a community police officer, paramedic or ambulance crew, fire officer, a volunteer first responder or doctor.
Community in Bloom Award
Our villages are a huge asset to the District but who keeps them looking so lovely? We want to recognise residents’ commitment to planting and neatness.
Enhanced customer support via new service centre
The Customer Services Team at South Kesteven District Council supports households by responding to queries via email, face-to-face appointments and over the phone.
For most enquiries, the Customer Services Advisors are the first point of contact, aiming to resolve any issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Advice is available on a range of Council services, from missed bin collections to noise complaints and Council Tax, and hundreds of residents are helped every day.
Customers can also resolve queries online via the Council’s website at a time and place that suits them.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “Our Customer Services Advisors do a fantastic job in supporting residents with a wide range of queries.
“We know that there are areas where improvements can be made and so we’re continuing
to invest in the service as much as possible to improve the customer experience and boost resident satisfaction.”
In October 2023, the Council introduced a virtual operator system that greets callers and uses speech recognition to automatically route calls to relevant service areas.
Since its implementation, call waiting times have reduced and customer queries are being handled quickly and efficiently.
To continue offering the best possible support for customers, a new Customer Services Centre will open in October, situated in a unit below the Council Offices on St Catherine’s Road, Grantham.
The refurbished space will replace the current centre in the Guildhall Arts Centre and will allow the Council to continue providing face-to-face comprehensive support and services to residents.
Customers will be able to book an appointment to speak to Customer Service Advisors and meet officers.
“The improved Customer Service Centre represents the Council’s commitment to serving the needs of our residents,” said Cllr Rayside.
“By offering face-to-face personalised assistance, as well as through our usual channels, we can enhance the overall customer experience and foster greater community engagement.”
The Customer Services Hub will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm by appointment.
To book your appointment, customers can call, email or visit.
In addition, a number of selfserve stations will be available for customers without digital access at home to complete online tasks and transactions.
“We recognise the importance of digital literacy and want to ensure that those who are new to digital services or don’t have access to technology at home are able to engage Council services with confidence,” said Cllr Rayside.
Artist’s impression of the new Customer Service Centre in Grantham
Third affordable food hub to help people on a budget
Anational charity, The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) has launched its third food hub in the District, bringing fresh, healthy affordable food to the area’s low income communities.
Funded by SKDC’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and Comic Relief, the new hub opened in August at The Earlesfield Community Centre on Trent Road.
This is in addition to sister hubs already operating out of Market Deeping and Stamford.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “We are committed to supporting anyone who is struggling in South Kesteven so it’s great to be working with The Bread and Butter Thing on the launch of their latest hub.
“If you’re looking for fresh, healthy, food that is easy on the purse strings, we urge you to come and check out any of their food clubs. We are very fortunate
Fresh fruit and vegetables are on offer, as well as other cupboard staples
to have them here at a time when so many families are struggling.”
TBBT Chief Executive Mark Game said: “We’re delighted to be working with SKDC again and expanding our Lincolnshire offering.
“We’re all about helping food budgets go further by providing our members with nutritious food that doesn’t break the bank.
“We’re on a mission to make sure everyone has access to great food, improve diets, strengthen struggling communities and help save money.
“Our members tell us they can save up to £35 a week by shopping with us, which frees
Where can I find TBBT Hubs in South Kesteven?
• West Grantham – Fridays at 1pm at The Earlesfield Community Centre, Trent Road, NG31 7XW
• Stamford – Thursdays at 2pm at Christ Church, Green Lane, Stamford, PE9 1HE
• Market Deeping – Tuesdays at 2pm at Market Deeping Scout and Guide Hall, Wellington Way, Market Deeping, PE6 8LF
How can I join?
There are no joining criteria. Anyone interested in using TBBT’s affordable food club just needs to register as a member. To do this, text 07860 063304 with your name, postcode and hub you would like to join: West Grantham, Stamford or Market Deeping. Once registered, members receive a weekly text offering the food service which they can then collect from their hub every week.
Want to help?
The service is reliant on the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers, with over 1,000 people giving their time each week. Whether it’s at one of the hubs or getting involved at its warehouse, anyone interested in volunteering can find out more and get in touch online at www.breadandbutterthing.org
up budget for other household priorities.”
At its weekly hubs, TBBT members can access three bags of fruit and vegetables, chilled food and cupboard staples at discounted prices to feed their families, improve their diets and save money.
Members pay £5 for a single bag, £8.50 for a three-bag family package or £17 for a large family package of six bags. It is a lowcost weekly shop that provides essential produce for family eating – fresh fruit and veg, fridge favourites and cupboard staples that allow members to eat better and cook more.
TBBT hub at The Earlesfield Community Centre
Military veterans earn their stripes on Council workforce
Local companies have been encouraged to follow the Council’s lead in recruiting ex-military personnel.
SKDC’s waste and recycling and Street Scene teams now include 16 former Armed Forces individuals in key roles.
They have transferred valuable skills developed from service with the Royal Logistics Corps, Infantry regiments, Royal Anglian Regiment and the Armoured Corps.
Others served with the RAF and the RAF Regiment, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and even the Household Cavalry. Service has included tours of Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland.
Two members of the Council’s CCTV team are also ex-Army – the Royal Artillery and the Grenadier Guards – and the Council’s Head of Economic Development is from an Armed Forces background.
Cameron Greene now applies service skills developed with the Army’s Royal Engineers to
managing the Council’s Street Scene operation.
He said: “We now have nine ex-military on the Street Scene team, all dedicated to getting the job done as they used to do for the Armed Forces.
“In many ways the Council suits ex-military. There is a clearly defined structure, opportunities to progress and a great team spirit.”
Waste team HGV driver Cheryl Miller served with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and joined SKDC during the Covid pandemic.
“The Council needed drivers, I applied and here I am. I love the job,” she said.
“I drove Land Rovers, armoured personnel vehicles and Bedford four-tonners. I have always been a driver and have been able to transfer those skills.”
Another HGV driver, Mick Toms, served with the Royal Engineers. “I was in engineering after coming out of the forces but then went back into driving and
this role really suits me,” he said.
Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Military personnel possess a wealth of transferable skills capable of enhancing any organisation.
“I would urge any company recruiting at any level to take a close look at employing exservices personnel. They just need to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. Employers can also claim National Insurance contributions relief if employing a veteran in their first year postservice.”
Helpful job sites
n www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk
n www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme
n www.ctp.org.uk
n www.forcesemployment.org.uk
n www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk/
n www.recruitmeuk. com
Former military now serving SKDC residents
what’s on
Arts across South Kesteven
Enjoy live events at our fantastic Arts Centres and venues. With something for everyone, now is the perfect time to support and take part in the arts across the District. Concessionary prices in brackets.
IS THAT A WHIP IN YOUR HAND?
THURSDAY 3RD OCTOBER, 7.30PM
GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE DRAMA/COMEDY
2024 saw Harrison Ford receive the Critics’ Choice Award for ‘Career Achievement’… for a lifelong contribution to film, and perhaps his greatest character creation - Indiana Jones. It’s time, therefore, for Gavin Robertson, in the follow-up to his 007 pastiche, BOND - AN UNAUTHORISED PARODY, to spoof this genre of fortune hunter/treasure-seeking movies. With a blend of adventure, artefacts, and tricky clues, Robertson’s signature cartoonstyle treatment explodes every cliché in the genre, delivering unique comic results on stage.
n TICKETS: £14 (£12 concessions)
ULTRAS 90S VS 2000S
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER, 8PM BOURNE CORN EXCHANGE MUSIC
Imagine you’re at your favourite club, your favourite DJ is on, mixing all the best nineties and noughties dance anthems, and you’ve hit the dancefloor. You’re throwing some shapes, reliving the good old days, not a care in the world... Add some live instruments with exceptional performers, some stunning vocals, and authentic spine-tingling sounds... you know the ones... those that just transport
you right back in an instant! Sounds...you know the ones...those that just transport you right back in an instant!
n TICKETS: £16 in advance (£20 on the door)
STORIES OF A WATERSPRITE
WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER, 2.30PM
STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE FAMILY
Amongst drifting waterweed and ancient moss-covered rocks, a Watersprite awakens. Down here the pond is teeming with life - newts and snails and little silver fish dart around, busy with their business… Sophie Nüzel’s work for children and families is a gentle and multi-sensory dance and puppetry production. It invites young audiences to use their imagination and believe that regardless of how little they are they can still make a difference.
n TICKETS: £12 (£10 concessions)
£40 Family of 4
n Also showing at the Guildhall Arts Centre on Thursday 24th October at 2.30pm
TOWN OF CATS
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER, 8PM
STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE MUSIC
Grown in Brighton’s grubby and fertile musical petri dish, this evermutating municipality of musical misfits are able to harness the transformative power of the BEST parties - in a way that only a huge horn section and super tight rhythms are able to do. A mix of Afro-beat, Ska, Latin, Jazz, Hip-hop and more!
n TICKETS: £16 (£15 concessions)
Stories of a Watersprite
THE DORIC STRING QUARTET SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE CLASSICAL
The Doric String Quartet brings an elegance and intimacy both to the Classical canon and new music and the players continue to deepen their interpretations and win fans across the world. Having performed cycles of Haydn, Mendelssohn, Britten and Bartók at famous venues around the world, including Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus and Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie.
n TICKETS: £26 (£24 concessions)
FROM GOLD TO RIO
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE MUSIC
From Gold to Rio will take you on a nostalgic journey back to the New Romantic era, which ruled the charts for over a decade. For the very first time, the music from two of the UK’s most iconic bands will be celebrated in one power-packed show! With over 20 top 10 hits, the show will feature 2 hours of non-stop classics,
Town Of Cats
including Gold, Rio, True, The Reflex, Through the Barricades, Save a Prayer, to name a few, guaranteed to leave the audience shouting for more!
n TICKETS: £23 (£21 concessions)
LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND: THE MUSIC OF VICTORIA WOOD WEDNESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE COMEDY
Featuring the star of BBC1’s ‘All Together Now’, Paulus The Cabaret Geek “King of Cabaret” (The Stage) with Michael Roulston (Fascinating Aïda) on piano, it is an evening of pure joy filled with Victoria’s bestloved songs, including the iconic ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda’ (Let’s Do It) and the classic ‘It Would Never Have Worked’.
n TICKETS: £20 (£18 concessions)
FIVE STAR SWING AT CHRISTMAS THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE
MUSIC
Swing ‘n’ sing-along into Christmas - with the unique Five Star Swing Band show – As featured at London’s Leicester Square Theatre and BBC “Children in Need”. Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic swing band treatment from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie, Nat King Cole - jazzing up those Jingle Bells!
n TICKETS: £20 (£18 concessions)
WEDNESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE TALK
Waterbaby invites us on a personal and global journey exploring our fragile and intrinsic relationships with water. Combining her soulful poetry, mesmerising vocals and live-looped cello soundscapes, Sarah captivates and tugs at the heart. With stories from her voyages by boat to Iceland, Shetland, the Faroes and the Uists, and over land to waters around her northern UK home, Sarah shares personal experiences of how water has shaped her life.
n TICKETS: £14 (£12 concessions) £10 RGS (IBG) members
Guildhall Arts Centre
St Peter’s Hill, Grantham NG31 6PY
www.guildhallartscentre.com 01476 406158
Stamford Arts Centre 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DL
www.stamfordartscentre.com
01780 763203
Bourne Corn Exchange 3 Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF www.bournecornexchange.com
01778 423579
SOUTH KESTEVEN
Spooky season, sweater season or sparkler season? Whatever this time of year makes you think of, think about adding these to your autumn adventure.
Barkston Pumpkins and Maze
Make the trip to Barkston Pumpkins and Maze to frolic through the pumpkin patch and take one home to carve. Pick-your-own-pumpkins opens on 21st October.
www.barkstonpumpkinsand maze.com
Mannakin
Concealed by the quaint countryside of Fulbeck is a mysterious mountain of mannequins. Mannakin Hall is home to a labyrinthine graveyard of dismembered mannequins – the perfect setting for a fright-night encounter.
Opening to the public on 26 October, Mannakin Hall promises a spooky experience truly like no other as Halloween approaches.
www.mannakin.com/pc/events-atmannakin/
Bonfire Night
Keep your eyes to the skies at the start of November to make sure you catch a glimpse at all the fireworks! There are always lots of Bonfire Night celebrations going on around South Kesteven.
www.discoversouthkesteven. com/events
SARAH SMOUT - WATERBABY (RGS)
Doric String Quartet
