SKtoday Summer 2015

Summer 2015

the magazine for south kesteven residents

Pages 17-19

Our full guide to a feast of entertainment at Grantham, Stamford and Bourne

FREEDOM HEROeS REMEMBERED

Full story pages 14 and 15

your council working for you

Page 7

New homes almost ready

Savvy food goes top

of SK Pioneers menu

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farmer’s daughter with a passion for food and its health benefits has scooped the 2015 SK Pioneers award and a £1,000 first prize.

Sarah Goss and her Savvy Food Company’s healthier mealtime favourites were judged the district’s ‘next big thing’ in a South Kesteven District Council competition to find the entrepreneur who most deserves help to make their dreams come true.

Run as part of SKDC’s Enterprise Week, the SK Pioneers competition named independent Grantham fashion retailer Aurora as runner up with a £250 prize courtesy of the Federation of Small Businesses.

Matthew Powell at Bourne’s Crown Jewellers took another

runner-up slot and a £150 cash prize from SKDC. Sarah Goss founded Savvy Food in Belton last year, first producing gluten free, low fat products for children, notably her own ‘fussy eating’ and veggiedodging infants.

Adults found them equally popular, however, drawn by the idea of getting some of their ‘five a day’ in a sausage bursting with locally sourced parsnip, carrot and apple and top quality pork – ingredients mirrored in Savvy’s burgers, meatballs and stuffing.

“My research showed only one other such brand and they were not gluten free and had a higher salt content than the products I wanted to develop. It proved to me that I had a viable business idea,” said Sarah.

WINNERS: L-R Matthew Powell (Crown Jewellers), SKDC Strategic Director Steve Ingram, Sarah Goss (Savvy Foods), Liana Walsh and Stacey Heaphy (Aurora)

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Compiled by the communications team at South Kesteven District Council, this magazine is distributed to every home in our district. It is printed by Warners Midlands Plc of Bourne.

Editorial: Tel: 01476 40 60 80 Offices: Grantham: Council Offices, St Peter’s HIll Grantham NG31 6PZ Stamford: 1 Maiden Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ

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Bourne: South Kesteven Community Point, Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF Market Deeping: Deepings Community Centre, Douglas Road, Market Deeping PE6 8PA General enquiries (all offices) 01476 40 60 80 E. pr@southkesteven.gov.uk

This magazine is printed on paper produced from well-managed forests.

Printing and distribution costs approximately 14 pence a copy.

Please contact us if you or someone you know would like to receive this magazine in a different format including audio tape, cd, large print or Braille. South Lincolnshire Blind Society distributes SKtoday to all its members in large print or tape.

Cover shot: Ninety year old Normandy Veteran Ray Lord lights the Freedom Flame in Grantham’s St Wulfram’s Church. Full story pages 14-15.

Cashless parking proving popular

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ashless parking is proving increasingly popular for motorists in South Kesteven’s 12 paid for car parks.

Commuters are among those who find the payment method a more convenient way to pay for parking.

The “Phone and Pay” system, provided by Bemrose Mobile, has been rolled out across all of the district’s charging car parks in Grantham and Stamford.

Motorists benefit from

features such as optional text confirmation that parking has been booked and a reminder text when a parking session is due to expire which means charges are only made for the time actually used.

They also have the facility to extend parking sessions via phone, SMS or Smartphone application, allowing shoppers and visitors to stay longer in the district’s town centres without having to rush back.

SKDC’s business manager

for venues and facilities, Paul Stokes, said: “It is a flexible system which has steadily increased in usage since it was introduced last autumn.

“It can protect motorists from falling foul of penalty notices for being over an allotted parking time whilst encouraging them to stay for longer in our town centres.

“The existing pay and display machines will have been retained.”

To use the new service, motorists can pre-register their vehicles online at www.phoneandpay. co.uk, download the app by searching for “Phone and Pay parking”, call 01476 856836 or text your vehicle registration number to 07786 207708.

Grantham tops

commuter survey for house affordability

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rantham has come top in a national commuter survey as the country’s most affordable place to live within a 60-90 minute rail journey time from London.

A major Daily Telegraph survey published in early April compared property prices across four journey time brackets from 15 minutes through to 120 minutes from an office in the capital.

Research by Savills on 13 key commuter routes showed that house buyers moving out of London can save as much as £2,610 on a price of a home for every extra minute they travel.

Grantham’s average property price was quoted at £146,397.

The most expensive place in the same 60-90 minute travel bracket was Shawford in Hampshire, where the average property price is £489,990.

Specific prices cited were a Victorian terrace house available in Grantham for £180,000 and a three bedroom stone house for £225,000, all within walking distance of the station.

The newspaper quoted Janie O’Shea, residential sales at Fine and Country Grantham office as saying: “People are missing a trick if they don’t know about it. We are an hour and ten from London King’s Cross, parking is good and the station guards are very oldschool and friendly.”

“You are getting so much more for your money in and around Grantham compared to the south east or London on a square foot basis. This triangle we sit in between Stamford, Sleaford and Grantham is so pretty and something to rave about. It’s a hidden gem. “ Steve Ingram, SKDC strategic director for development and growth said: “This re-enforces the fact that South Kesteven is within easy reach of London and acts as the gateway to the rest of Lincolnshire with an affordable local housing market and a very high quality of life. Clearly there are not many easy-toreach places that offer such an attractive combination.”

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programme unveiled

Georgian Festival T

ickets are now on sale for Stamford’s second Georgian Festival in September.

A packed programme has been unveiled by organisers SKDC with a bigger emphasis on entertainment right through the weekend and into Saturday evening.

Highlights will include a return for the ever-popular Horrible Histories, with a new Barmy Britain show in the Corn Exchange direct from the West End, a talk by top TV historian Lucy Worsley, a costume ball and an impressive mail coach and horses taking passengers through Burghley Park.

Stamford’s infamous Bull Run will again take centre stage thanks to international carnival specialists Shademakers.

Schools and community groups are taking part in a major project involving the processional aspect of Saturday’s programme,

with a Georgian costume-making workshop in August.

Markets will enliven the streets on both weekend days with encampments and Georgian traders on The Meadows and the Town Hall will be open for tours to show off its unrivalled collection of civic memorabilia.

Mock trials are set to rekindle the harshness of the Georgian legal system, with a re-enactment in the Town Hall’s old courtroom of the 1749 trial of Elizabeth Taylor, flogged for stealing clothes.

Producers the Galleries of Justice will supply two actors to stage a family show to involve children in rolling back the years!

The festival has a melodic curtain raiser on Thursday evening (24 September) with a choral concert in St John’s Church commemorating the late Georgian era of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of the Nile.

MAIL COACH: A coach and horses will offer round trips from Water Street to Burghley House and a separate two-horse omnibus will again be in action near the Arts Centre.

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COSTUME BALL: Authentic music and a dance mistress will ensure Friday night’s Costume Ball goes with a swing

F E S T I VA L

25-27 SEPT

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: Performances on Saturday and Sunday could see a repeat of the sell-outs at the 2013 festival

a fashion show, walking tours, an antique book fair, an organ recital at Burghley House and a patchwork and quilting workshop to stitch a festival legacy.

“We set the bar high with our first festival, attracting some 22,000 people to Stamford on the Saturday, the largest number of people ever recorded in the town on one day, but we aim to stage an even more ambitious festival this year,” said Steve Ingram, SKDC strategic director development and growth.

“We would encourage businesses to stay open to cater for visitors into Saturday evening and we are particularly keen to ensure a good programme of events for Sunday. It’s going to be another great weekend.”

MOCK TRIAL: children will be invited to help re-create an actual Georgian trial from 1749

The popular Burghley Voices, with soloist and orchestra, will be conducted by Fergus Black.

On Friday night, Lucy Worsley, TV presenter and Chief Curator at the Historic Royal Palaces, will speak at the Arts Centre as an official curtain raiser, followed by a Georgian Costume Ball.

Lucy is well known for fronting programmes like Dancing Cheek to Cheek with Strictly’s Len Goodman and several BBC 4 series on historical topics including The First Georgians.

Browne’s Hospital’s picturesque almshouses will stage short performances from the Shoestring Theatre, with costume character John White again entertaining visitors.

Weekend activities include

LUCY WORSLEY: A curtain raising talk in the Arts Centre is sure to draw a big audience

Book tickets at Stamford Arts Centre 01780 763203

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Hungry?

Check the Food Hygiene Rating symbol

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e are continuing to encourage residents to check the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) when planning a meal out at one of our hundreds of restaurants and takeaways in the district.

The distinctive green and black stickers in food outlet windows are a quick and easy way to check if the eatery you’ve chosen has the sought after top rating of 5 for food hygiene.

Endorsed by the council and the Food Standards Agency it means you can decide with confidence where to go for a meal out with family or friends.

It’s really simple to check. Just go online to the Food Standard Agency’s website www.food.gov. uk/ratings or if you’re out and

about look for the green and black sticker; if you can’t see one just ask the staff.

The ratings are determined by local authority food safety officers and range from 0 to 5, with a 5 rating meaning very good food hygiene standards.

More than 97 per cent of food

businesses in South Kesteven are rated three or higher so there are plenty of places with good food hygiene standards you can choose from.

This means you can easily avoid making your meal one to forget at those outlets not meeting the grade.

HYGIENE RATING: Chris Shingles of Linford’s fish and chip shop in Market Deeping next to their five star FHRS sticker

Wyndham Park’s

Heritage Lottery Funding bid gathers pace

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rantham’s Wyndham Park Heritage Lottery Funding bid is gathering pace in its efforts to restore the area to its former glory as a First World War memorial park.

The park, which celebrated its new paddling pool opening in May, is seeking to secure a second round of funding that could see it secure full grant funding of £875,900 in 2016.

Consultation with the public and park users was undertaken in May and June and continues to find out which features and buildings people want to see

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refurbished if the second round funding is awarded.

Investigation into its heritage has also prompted events including a World War One poetry event in May. Work later this year will include volunteers seeking community input on what changes they want and a designated design team will complete building surveys,

prepare the technical documents for the application and produce repair and improvement schedules.

Wyndham Park Forum and SKDC received initial development funding from the HLF and the Big Lottery Fund in early 2014 to help look at major plans to transform its grounds and buildings.

To have your say visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ wyndhamparkHLF or to ask for a paper survey call 01476 40 60 80 ext 6232

New homes are almost ready T

he council’s largest housing development in more than 20 years will be finished this summer.

In July, tenants will move into new homes on Lincoln Road in Stamford, the final development site in phase one of our council house building project.

The 20 new properties include eight single bedroom apartments, eight two bedroom houses, two three bedroom houses and two four bedroom houses.

The development also includes a relocation and revamp of the play equipment which is currently in place. Work is being carried out by Balfour Beatty.

Strategic Director, Tracey Blackwell, said: “The finished homes on Lincoln Road are great. They are built to the lifetime homes standard and I

hope that the new tenants who move into the properties are as thrilled with them as we are.”

The Lincoln Road development is the last in the current phase which has included a further 13 homes elsewhere in the district.

The completed projects include new properties on Sandon Road and Thames Road in Grantham and Glen Crescent in Stamford.

“All of the completed sites look fantastic and are a welcome increase in the housing resource available to the council and our tenants,” added Tracey.

Our projects in Grantham and Stamford have also enabled us to offer hands-on work experience opportunities and site visits to dozens of local students which the council hopes will lead to employment opportunities in the district.

Money available for essential home repairs

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p to £5,000 could be available to help with the cost of essential repairs to private homes.

Essential Home Repair Assistance (EHRA) can be awarded after a survey of your home which will examine if it meets the minimum health and safety standards. There will also be an assessment of the state of repair of the building’s components.

After the survey we will tell you if you are eligible for help.

Types of work that will be considered include electrical rewires and roof repairs.

There are rules about who can benefit including: • You must be an owner occupier • You must receive a qualifying benefit • The property has to have been built before 2000 • You must have owned and occupied the property for at least three years • The owner must agree to a local land charge. This will be registered to the property for five years from completion of the grant funded work.

To find out more call (01476) 40 60 80 ext 6286 or 6562.

ALMOST THERE: Finishing work in progress on Stamford’s Lincoln Road

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Love SK,

hate litter campaign helps make our district cleaner and greener

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ur Love SK Hate Litter campaign took to the streets earlier this year to help our bid to drive down litter and fly-tipping in the district.

Lamppost banners across Grantham town centre are now raising awareness of the need to love our district and help make inroads on the £1.1m a year litter clear up costs across South Kesteven.

The drive is asking residents to think twice before dropping litter or fly-tipping in the town or district in conjunction with a targeted local radio campaign and advertising on SKDC’s refuse freighters.

The banners, which will be in place for up to a year, ask residents to report litter or flytipping by calling the council on 01476 40 60 80 or at www. keepskclean.co.uk SKDC’s executive manager

for environment Ian Yates said: “We know we are dealing with a minority when we ask people to love their local areas, as we know most residents already respect Grantham and South Kesteven and would never litter or fly-tip.

“However those who do commit offences cost the taxpayer a significant sum in clear up costs; money that would be far better invested in making the district cleaner and greener in other ways.

“That’s why we’re asking people to love their local areas and report any problems as they occur.”

The campaign is being backed up by the council’s Environmental Health team, who impose £75 spot litter fines for those who flout the rule and drop litter in a public place.

SKDC election results The Conservative party on South Kesteven District Council held 44 seats following the election on May 7.

Voting in the Market and West Deeping ward was postponed following the death of former council chairman Cllr Reg Howard.

This election took place after SKtoday went to press but you can find all the results on our website – www.southkesteven.gov.uk A recent electoral review resulted in changes to the number of wards and councillors in South Kesteven. The district now has 30 wards and the total number of councillors is 56 and they will serve for four years.

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Multiplex set to star in Grantham

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rantham’s new multiplex cinema has moved closer to becoming a reality.

Preparatory work has taken place on site on St Catherine’s Road for the £5m project and work should begin on site later this year.

It includes a six screen facility that will show all the latest blockbuster

releases and cater for niche local markets. The scheme also proposes office space and a food court.

South Kesteven District Council’s Development Control Committee gave the go ahead to plans last autumn for the project aimed at starting the regeneration of that part of Grantham town centre.

Our communities and military remember soldiers earning the VC

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outh Kesteven has marked the centenary of two soldiers who earned the highest military honour for valour during World War One. Lance Corporal Walter Parker who was born in Grantham was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravely crossing a 400 yard area swept by machine gun fire to take ammunition, water and supplies to an isolated trench while serving in Gallipoli, Turkey, on May 1, 1915.

Exactly 100 years to the day later, a ceremony marked his gallantry at St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham with the unveiling of a commemorative paving stone.

SKDC Chief Executive Beverly Agass addressed guests including Lance Corporal Parker’s grand daughter Gillian Handley and great grandson Martin Edwards.

A response was read by Brigadier Richard Spencer, Commandant General of the Royal Marines and Mr Parker’s Victoria Cross citation was read by Lt Col Jonathan Dowd, Commanding Officer of the Royal Marines Reserve.

Rector Father Stuart Cradduck of St Wulfram’s completed the short ceremony with a blessing of the stone with a Ceremonial Sunset played to mark its completion and a Marines’ bugler sounding ‘Carry On’.

Born in Grantham in 1881, Lance Corporal Parker, was 33 when he was awarded the VC for his bravery in the field.

A week later a commemorative stone was laid for Acting Corporal Charles Sharpe at Bourne War Memorial.

He was awarded the highest military decoration for valour for

gallantly leading a blocking party to capture German trenches in a successful bombing exercise during the Battle of Aubers Ridge in France on May 9, 1915.

The service for Charles Sharpe marked his endeavour with grandchildren Mrs Chris Green and Mr Richard Cooke unveiling the stone during a short ceremony led by Father Chris Atkinson at the memorial gardens he helped maintain following military service.

Outgoing Leader of SKDC Cllr Linda Neal welcomed guests to the ceremony before a response was read by Major David Falconer of The Royal Anglian Regiment and Mr Sharpe’s VC citation announced.

Major Ed Matts read the Lincolnshire Regiment Collect before Mr Ken Willows of the Regimental Association read

the Homage and a Royal Anglian bugler sounded the Last Post followed by a two minute silence.

Born in Pickworth in 1889, Lance Corporal Sharpe was 26 when he was awarded the VC for his bravery in the field and his medal is held at SKDC’s Council offices in Grantham.

The events were part of a national campaign to lay commemorative paving stones in the home towns of each of the 628 World War One Victoria Cross recipients.

The stones aim to honour their bravery, provide a lasting legacy of local heroes within communities and enable residents to gain a greater understanding of how their area fitted into the World War One story.

For videos of each ceremony visit https://www.youtube. com/user/SouthKestevenDC

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Schools out soon

– let’s have some fun!

Summer’s here and coming soon are six weeks of school holidays. So what’s on offer for youngsters living in South Kesteven? Lots is the answer. A whole range of activities are planned at SKDC owned leisure centres across the district and there are heaps of other fun things to do – many at bargain prices. Brochures full of information for Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings have been produced by SKDC’s leisure and amenities team and are available to view or download online at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/summeractivities. But for now here’s a quick snapshot of some of the activities on offer from the end of July to the beginning of September.

Contact the organisers for more information and prices.

GRANTHAM A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES ARE ON OFFER AT GRANTHAM MERES LEISURE CENTRE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 01476 581930.

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE FAMILY OPEN DAY Saturday 1 August 2015 10am – 3pm Come and join the team for a family friendly open day where you will be able to take part in lots of activities suitable for all ages. Sessions will include arts and crafts, drumming, singing, face painting and fun tours of the theatre. All children must be accompanied by an adult Cost: FREE

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LEGO WORKSHOP Tuesday 4 August 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm Have fun with a huge selection of Lego bricks to build tall buildings, bridges, roads, parks and railways and use batteries, bulbs, wires and switches to bring your creations to life. With Lego bricks, the possibilities are endless and are limited only by your imagination.

Ages: 5 – 12 years (under 8s need to be accompanied by an adult) Cost: £8 per session CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN GRANTHAM AND SOUTH WITHAM are running a range of summer activities for 0-8 year olds and their families. Contact Swingbridge Children’s Centre (01476 590034), Belton Lane Children’s Centre (01476 584640) and South Witham Children’s Centre (01572 768876).

Cost: FREE

BOURNE BOURNE LEISURE CENTRE – 1LIFE ACTIVITY CAMP Monday 20 July – Friday 4 Sept Times: Standard day (9.30am – 4.30pm) Extended day (8.30am – 5.30pm) Half day (9.30am-.1pm) Ages: 5 – 14 years Costs: • Standard day (9.30am – 4.30pm) £16 per day • Extended day (8.30am – 17.30pm) £18 per day • Half day (9.30am – 1pm) £7.50 per day To book or for more information call 01778 421435.

BOURNE YOUTH CLUB Tuesdays all year round including school holidays Times: 6.30am – 8.30pm Ages: Seniors – secondary school age Juniors 7+

STAMFORD STAMFORD LEISURE CENTRE SWIM SCHOOL CRASH COURSES Week commencing 27 May to week ending 17 August 2015 Times: 8.30am – 9.30am Venue: Stamford Leisure Pool Ages: 4 – 15 years Cost: £26.25 for the week.

To book a place please contact reception on 01780 765522 or email swim.stamford@1life.co.uk SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS AT STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE For more information and to book call 01780 763203 or visit www.stamfordartscentre.com HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR 0-8s AT STAMFORD CHILDREN’S CENTRE The children’s centre will be offering a range of free summer activities for 0-8 year olds and their families.

For more information please contact or visit Stamford Children’s Centre.

Call 01780 764072 – email Stamfordcc@lincolnshire.gov. uk or like Stamford Market Deeping Children’s Centres on Facebook.

SPY XPERIENCE Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July Learn the skills of a secret agent Times: 9.30am – 4pm

Venue: Stamford Welland Academy Ages: 5 – 11 years Cost: £18 per day Children need to bring a packed lunch, snacks for breaks and plenty of water to drink during the day. Suitable clothing, including outdoor clothing.

To book a place or for more information visit www.sports-xtra.com or call Sports Xtra on 08453 716121 or email sara.strid-coughlan@sportsxtra.com

THE DEEPINGS MARKET DEEPING CHILDREN’S CENTRE ACTIVITIES A RANGE OF SESSIONS TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND CREATIVE THOUGHTS IN AN ACTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. MUSICAL MOVERS Monday 27 July, 3,10,17 and 24 August Times: 10am – 11am Ages: 18 months + CREATIVE EXPLORERS Tuesday 28 July, 4, 11, 18 and 25 August, 1 September Times: 9.30am – 10.30am Ages: 0 – 5 years

RHYME TIME Wednesday 29 July, 5, 12, 19 and 26 August, 2 September Times: 9:30 –10:30am Ages: 0 – 5 years Cost: FREE To book any of the above sessions please call Market Deeping Children’s Centre on 01778 382574.

DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL’S SUMMER PLAY SCHEME Monday 17 – Friday 21 August, Monday 24 – Friday 28 August Take part in lots of fun activities including arts and crafts, singing and dancing, indoor games and the use of indoor play equipment.

There will also be outdoor sports including football, rounders, tag rugby and other outdoor games – weather permitting.

Times: 1pm – 3:30pm Venue: Linchfield Community Primary School Ages: 5 to 11 years Cost: 50p per session For more details and information please contact Claire King on 01778 348343.

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your council working for you

Garden waste collections just

£25

+£10 for new customers

We’ll collect your garden waste, saving you time, money and hassle: n no need for trips to the tip n no need to mess up your car with bags of garden waste n no cleaning up afterwards Go to www.southkesteven.gov.uk/greenbin or call us on 01476 40 60 80 to register or find out more

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South Kesteven District Council STAMFORD

• GRANTHAM • BOURNE • THE DEEPINGS

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Still time

to join our green waste service More than 25,800 households have already rejoined our garden waste service for 2015/16.

Business Manager for Waste and Recycling, Keith Rowe, said: “The fact that so many of our residents have rejoined just goes to show how much people value this fantastic service.”

It is not too late to join this year and the charge for collection has been maintained at the same level as last year at £25 for a single wheeled bin and £10 for each additional bin. The collection period runs until 31 March 2016.

We will also continue to provide alternate weekly collections all year round apart

from December, January and February when collections will be once a month, due to the lack of green waste at this time of the year.

Keith added: “Whilst everyone has the choice about joining our garden waste service we would encourage anyone not in the scheme to be responsible with their garden waste. You can recycle it at your local waste and recycling centre or alternatively compost it.”

If you would like to continue to receive the collection service and have not joined yet this year please make your payment in one of the simple ways explained on the right.

To make your payment online, go to www.southkesteven. gov.uk/greenbin By telephone, Monday to Friday by calling 01476 40 60 80. You can pay over the telephone using a credit or debit card.

Once we have received your payment, we will write to you with a welcome pack which will include a sticker for your green bin(s). This will help us to identify which green bins have been paid for to ensure that we only empty green bins belonging to users of the service.

Always ask to see waste collectors’ licences Householders are being asked to check waste carriers’ licences when having household or garden waste collected from their property.

Residents clearing a large volume of items in a spring clean of their homes or gardens should always ask to see a waste carriers’ collectors licence issued by the Environment Agency.

Once waste leaves your home or premises it is your

responsibility to check the service you use holds a waste carrier’s licence and where the waste will be disposed of to avoid committing an offence.

For scrap metal collectors, householders need to ask to see documentation that is issued by SKDC. SKDC’s executive manager for environment Ian Yates said: “If you’re having a house or garden clearance simply ask the company you employ to show you their licence and

check where your items will be deposited.

“This way you can do your part to avoid unlicensed carriers fly-tipping in the district or elsewhere.

“Most businesses are diligent and will not hesitate to show you documentation on request. It is an offence for collectors to fail to display a licence, so make the necessary checks for peace of mind you’re using a reputable business.”

If you are approached by an unlicensed waste or scrap metal collector please contact SKDC on 01476 40 60 80.

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Freedom flame burns brightly An international wartime legacy flame symbolising unity and freedom visited Grantham in May to commemorate the town’s role in a little-known WWll operation to liberate Norway.

ON SONG: Vintage singer Lizzy Rushby

ON SHOW: Part of the display in the church

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PROUD MOMENT: Standard Bearers flank Paratroopers Lance Corporal, Jamie Nelson, Lance Corporal Jim McInnes and Colonel Travis Willis, United States Air AttachĂŠ, Front Caris Davie and Samuel Davie who carried the lanterns during the service

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t was the first time the Freedom, or Montgomery Flame, has visited the district.

It celebrated Operation Doomsday when massed aircraft took off from RAF Barkston Heath near Grantham in May 1945.

They carried troops to accept the German surrender in Norway following VE Day and look after allied ex-prisoners of war, arrest war criminals and supervise the clearing of minefields.

St Wulfram’s Church hosted a morning of talks and a service of commemoration, organised by SKDC as part of its promotion of local aviation heritage.

Guests included US Air Attaché Colonel Travis Willis, who attended SKDC’s D-Day commemoration last May and was back to read a lesson.

He spoke the words of Norway’s King Harald at May’s celebration of his country’s liberation, saying: “Peace should never be taken for granted today, nor was it 70 years ago. Many countries and people are still waiting for their Liberation Day. Many are still fighting for freedom and democracy.”

A new ‘Nose Art and Pin Ups’ aviation exhibition opened in Grantham Museum on the same day, displaying children’s versions of the nose art popular on American aircraft that filled the

skies over Grantham as part of allied airborne offensives, along with an existing D-Day exhibition.

Six Army reserve and regular units were recruiting on St Peter’s Green, alongside the Barkston Heath Research Group for which the Operation Doomsday story added a previously unknown chapter.

The operation lasted for three days, when 80 American C-46 Curtiss Commando aircraft took off each day laden with men and supplies from the 1st Airborne Division, a new airborne infantry division of the British Army that led to the formation of today’s Parachute Regiment.

Men of the Norwegian Parachute Company flew with 1st Airborne units to disarm and repatriate 350,000 German troops massed in Norway and expecting an allied invasion from Scotland thanks to a successful British deception exercise.

Each Doomsday participant received a personal certificate from the King of Norway thanking them for their involvement.

The Freedom Flame was lit

by Field Marshall Montgomery in 1948 as a symbol of peace and liberty and carried from Portsmouth to Bayeux in Normandy as the first town liberated in Europe. It resides in the Dutch town of Wageningen

where the peace treaty was signed.

Last May a sister flame was collected by the Hull Normandy Veterans’ Association whose members brought it to Grantham.

Aviation historian Group Captain Bill Taylor followed the detail of Operation Doomsday and Mike Fuller, vice chair of Hull Freedom Flame, related its history.

Steve Ingram, SKDC strategic director of development and growth said: “Our district is rich in aviation heritage and we are working to commemorate the commitment and sacrifice of the allies in airborne offensives flown from local airfields that changed the course of both World Wars.

“This is a highly significant milestone and we were proud to play a part in remembering a largely untold story of the victory in Europe.”

www.heritageofflight.co.uk 15

Fantastic new facilities coming soon Grantham Meres Leisure Centre is undergoing a large-scale modernisation thanks to £600,000 of investment by the council and operators 1Life.

Health, fitness and workout facilities at the centre are all being transformed.

Our Business Manager for Venues and Facilities, Paul Stokes, said: “The first part of the exciting development programme includes a massive brand new gym which is more than three times bigger than the existing facility. The work will provide 100 stations of new, easy-to-use, interactive gym equipment and more instructors on hand to help our customers.”

The gym will boast innovative functional training zones, plasma TV’s, a music system and airconditioning so customers will

feel comfortable and entertained as they workout.

In addition, workout classes will be expanded to more than 100 every week, as a new indoor cycling studio and two new exercise studios are built.

Paul added: “Customers will be able to choose from a great mix of new virtual spinning classes called Myride, combat classes, pump and step workout sessions, intensive GRIT training and traditional exercise classes.”

A dedicated service is also being created to build on the work of an already successful GP referral programme.

This targets group exercise and weight loss activities, working

This facility is managed by Leisure in the Community Ltd working in partnership with South Kesteven District Council.

LOOKING GOOD: Illustrations of the work to be carried out at the Meres

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in-centre and as part of a community outreach scheme.

Dedicated new changing rooms and a new Costa Coffee café, which is already open, will mean all the improvements will be a real boost for the local community which will widen the leisure centre’s appeal.

This facility is managed by Leisure in the Community Ltd working in partnership with South Kesteven District Council.

Grantham Meres Leisure Centre

Grantham Meres Leisure Centre

What’s on

in South Kesteven

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE Grantham

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PONGO’S PARTY Friday 24 July, 2pm £10 / £8.50 concessions / £35 for family of four With a colourful farmyard and host of loveable puppet characters, Pongo’s Party is a family show particularly suitable for 3 – 7 year olds, and from the team who brought you last year’s hit show Marty MacDonald’s Farm!

With CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as the voices of Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow! *Please note that Justin and Nicole do not appear in person

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GUILDHALL FAMILY OPEN DAY Saturday 1 August, 10am - 3pm FREE throughout the day Come and join us for a family friendly open day where you will be able to take part in lots of activities suitable for families.

Sessions will include arts and crafts, drumming, singing, face painting and fun tours of the theatre!

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WEDDING FAIR Sunday 6 September, 1pm – 4pm FREE entry Join us for our ever popular annual wedding fair full of excellent local wedding services and suppliers.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to

learn more about what the venue can offer you for your special day.

There will be a great selection of local wedding businesses, from cakes to transport, bridal gowns to photographers and much more!

All visitors will receive a goody bag on arrival and the chance to win with the free prize draw.

MERES LIVE

Meres Leisure Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, NG31 7XQ

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THAT’LL BE THE DAY Friday 19 September, 7.30pm £23 / £21 concessions / £19 each for groups of 6+ 30th Anniversary Special!

Prepare for a nostalgia party extravaganza as the legendary That’ll Be The Day appears with its Brand New 30th Anniversary Special!

The nation’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety spectacular features a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 50s, 60s & 70s, plus more hilarious comedy!

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JIMMY CARR – FUNNY BUSINESS Saturday 10 October, 8pm £25 Jimmy Carr is currently best known for hosting and appearing on TV panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, QI, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. As a stand-up, he tours relentlessly; notorious for his dark jokes and edgy one-liners, not to mention

his quick witted comebacks. It’s a brave audience member who tries to take him on with a heckle.

‘Funny Business’ is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show coming to Grantham Meres Leisure Centre – not one to be missed!

There are lots more events on at the Meres Leisure Centre including Soul Legends, The Carpenter’s Story and Thank You For The Music.

For more information on these shows and to book, visit www. guildhallartscentre.com.

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE

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EVERYMAN NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE, THURSDAY 16 JULY, 7PM Friday 13 March 8.00pm £14 / £12 concessions / £10 students & groups 10+ Everyman is successful, popular and riding high when Death comes calling. He is forced to abandon the life he has built and embark on a last, frantic search to recruit a friend, anyone, to speak in his defence. But Death is close behind, and time is running out. One of the great primal, spiritual myths, Everyman asks whether it is only in death that we can understand our lives. A cornerstone of English drama since the 15th Century, it now explodes onto the stage in a startling production with words by Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, and movement by Javier De Frutos.

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CALADH NUA Friday 17 July, 8pm £14 / £12 concessions A tightly-knit, vibrant band with its origins deeply rooted in the southern counties of Ireland.

Five versatile musicians and singers play a wide selection of instruments – from banjo to fiddle, guitar to bodhran and tin whistle to button accordion. The band has captured the essential qualities of traditional Irish music and balanced them finely with a contemporary flair.

“Irish Music at its best” Danny Matheseon, Celtic Music Radio

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LEGO WORKSHOP Monday 3 August, 10am -12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm £8 per child A welcome return of these hugely popular workshops. Have fun with a huge selection of LEGO bricks and build tall buildings, bridges, roads, parks and railways and use batteries, bulbs, wires and switches to bring your creations to life. With LEGO bricks, the possibilities are endless and are limited only by your imagination.

Book early! Suitable for ages 5-12 years.

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BOURNE CORN EXCHANGE

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JACK AND THE BEANSTALK PANTOMIME Tuesday 1 December – Saturday 5 December 2015 Tuesday 1 December, 7.30pm Wednesday 2 December, 2.30pm and 7.30pm Thursday 3 December, 7.30pm Friday 4 December, 2.30pm and 7.30pm Saturday 5 December 2.30pm and 7.30pm £12 / £11 concessions / £42 family of four / £7 schools / £9.50 for groups of 10+ (1 free place for every 10 seats purchased) One of the best loved pantomimes, Jack and the Beanstalk, comes to the Bourne Corn Exchange this year.

A high energy mix of singing, dancing and comedy, coupled with spectacular scenery and costumes not to mention the giant beanstalk which makes this a ‘must see’ Christmas treat for all the family!

Groups and family offers not available online, please contact directly.

Ways to book your tickets: Visit, or call the Bourne Corn Exchange on 01778 423579 Visit, or call the Guildhall Arts Centre in Grantham on 01476 406158.

Book online: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/bournecornexchange

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Fantastic swim offers with 1Life...

Half price

Family Swim Terms & Conditions: This voucher must be presented to the centre reception to gain entry.

Admission is subject to availability, pool programme and our standard admission restrictions.

Children under 8 years must be accompanied with an adult +18 years. 1 voucher per person during the length of this promotion. Vouchers expire 30th August 2015. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 1Life reserves the right to withdraw offers at any time without any prior notification. No cash value. No photocopies accepted.

Children

under 8 years

Swim FREE

with paying adult Terms & Conditions: This voucher must be presented to the centre reception to gain entry.

Admission is subject to availability, pool programme and our standard admission restrictions.

Children under 8 years must be accompanied with an adult +18 years. 1 voucher per person during the length of this promotion. Vouchers expire 30th August 2015. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 1Life reserves the right to withdraw offers at any time without any prior notification. No cash value. No photocopies accepted.

2 for 1

Adult Swim Terms & Conditions: This voucher must be presented to the centre reception to gain entry.

Admission is subject to availability, pool programme and our standard admission restrictions.

Children under 8 years must be accompanied with an adult +18 years. 1 voucher per person during the length of this promotion. Vouchers expire 30th August 2015. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 1Life reserves the right to withdraw offers at any time without any prior notification. No cash value. No photocopies accepted.

Bourne Leisure Centre 01778 421 435 Deepings Leisure Centre 01778 344 072

Grantham Meres Leisure Centre 01476 581 930 Stamford Leisure Pool 01780 765 522

1Life.co.uk

This facility is managed by Leisure in the Community Ltd working in partnership with South Kesteven District Council.