NEWS NK
Saluting our veterans and D-Day 80th anniversary – page 5
Bumper leisure guide and listings for you – pages 9 to 12
Latest news across local investment projects – pages 14 and 15
A whole summer of fun ahead in North Kesteven
There's a fun-packed summer still ahead for everyone in North Kesteven; and this NewsNK edition is your key to finding it.
There’s much that’s free or low-cost, from country walks and cycleways to pools, child-friendly museums, indoor play and more.
The stage was set by the District Council’s third RiverLight Festival which made use of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and characterised its approach to bringing art, leisure and culture closer to home.
It saw Sleaford burst into a show of community-led art and colour in June, including a grand parade that wound its way through the town. This topped off a full finale day of street theatre, pavement art, craft, creativity, performance, musicmaking and much more.
It really was an insight into what’s possible when community volunteers, creative minds and active participants join together. There are playing fields never too far away, as well as the openair community pools in Billinghay, Heckington and Metheringham plus miles of open country to explore on foot and by bike.
The District Council operates free access heritage sites at Navigation House and Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford, Cranwell Aviation
Heritage Museum, and Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby for a small fee.
Additionally there are fascinating finds at Sleaford Museum, the Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum in North Hykeham and the International Bomber Command Centre at Canwick.
If nature’s more your thing, there’s both indoor and outdoor play at Whisby Nature Park, 20-odd Stepping Out Walks, an extensive network of public footpaths, bridleways and enhanced access and biodiversity to be found along the River Slea.
For history, Doddington Hall, Aubourn Hall and some of the finest churches in the country are waiting to be explored and the secrets of Sleaford Castle are being revealed (details on page 9).
On rainy days, don’t forget the leisure centre favourites in Sleaford and North Hykeham.
Thousands of people will travel in for the Heckington Show, and the Lost Village music festival at Norton Disney, and discover the delights of the District.
For first-time events looking to take off before March there is funding (see page 14), and the refreshed Market Place in Sleaford will reopen as an enhanced space for events to be held more freely.
Pick up your free copy of the Council's Heart of Lincs Leisure Guide at venues across North Kesteven, or scan the QR code below with your mobile phone to view it online.
From cycling to shopping, aviation history to arts and leisure, outdoor adventures and so much more, it's packed full of local days out.
Emilie Nunn Photography
Welcome to NewsNK – the newspaper for all North Kesteven District Council residents. Below is a quick guide to the sections inside this issue.
A lot has happened in the six months since I last wrote in this column, looking both forwards and back as is customary in January.
Cllr Richard Wright Council Leader
Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF. Main telephone number: 01529 414155
Now, in July – halfway through that year, but beginning the second quarter of the Council’s year – we are again on the brink of new beginnings whilst looking back over a full 50 years of the District Council’s existence. Fifty years as the bastion of local democracy and provider of a broad expanse of local services, that do not sit with central government (and nor should they) but really do matter in delivering a difference daily for our residents and businesses. Talking of government, following the General Election a few weeks back we have a new national Government to work with, understand and build relationships with as, together, we seek to deliver a range of services and functions in support of our District of Flourishing Communities. This change comes at a pivotal time of unprecedented cost and demand pressures across all public services, but also great opportunity for innovative councils like ours to provide the answers to so many of the issues an incoming government faces around economic growth, social housing, safer communities, health and wellbeing.
I will not hesitate to remind our three new MPs
and Government Ministers that the future of our public services must be front and centre of this new government’s ambition for the country. And how, with adequate clarity and resourcing, we at NKDC are well-placed to play our part in the fulfilment of that.
For 50 years we have been evolving and refining our service delivery; creating leisure and art facilities, well-loved heritage and tourism attractions; providing, building and creating decent homes for people to live in; working with businesses – offering support and also premises – developing health and wellbeing services; and moving the dial on investment to address the social determinants of health such as housing, leisure, environment and economic inclusion which is now being recognised as essential in assisting a modern-day NHS to fulfil its obligations to residents. Going forward, as ever we will build on our wellestablished position.
Having learned not to take anything for granted on long-awaited local government finance reform, we are nonetheless able to plan and operate from a sound and prudent financial position. The commercial decisions we’ve made, especially with our arm’slength operations building up private rental choice and investing in the Carre
Arms in Sleaford, are now impacting positively on our longer-term financial position and our ability to sustain and deliver core services effectively.
Progressing our ambitious target for carbon net-zero by 2030, focusing on stimulating economic growth, reassuring businesses of our vision and commitment to them, and continuing to invest in new and improved homes and broader opportunities, we recognise that a Flourishing District also needs to be a prosperous District where financial sustainability underpins excellence. Opportunity rests within any commitment or affirmation towards local government from the new central Government, recognising the true value of local determination and delivery and unlocking significant potential through devolved funding and functions. I anticipate a positive outcome from Government for a new Mayoral Combined Authority that can deliver on the opportunities for Greater Lincolnshire and prove fundamental to the future and success of both North Kesteven and the wider area.
Moving forward into our 51st year as a highperforming District Council, I sense the need to remain agile, innovative and focussed to ensure the best outcomes for all.
Over 80 businesses have been helped by the Growth Hub, itself supported by the Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
34
businesses supported by the Council's independent business advisor Phil Means last year, plus eight more so far in 2024 and 50 others helped with queries.
photo round-up
Thank you for joining us at RiverLight 2024 - a celebration of arts and culture, heritage and community in Sleaford.
The parade on the finale day of Saturday 22 June was a real showstopper as participants from William Alvey, Kesteven and Sleaford High School,
North Kesteven is now served by three MPs following changes to parliamentary constituency boundaries.
Osbournby Primary, Circus Starlight, Mosaic Youth Hub and Rainbow Stars all strutted their stuff in exquisite outfits made with Lumo Workshop.
The day also included live performances and more from Feet off the Ground, Rhubarb Theatre, Band From County Hell,
From paying bills securely and applying for help, to reporting litter or fly-tipping, lots can be done 24 hours a day at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk including:
• Reporting problems in your area
• Finding bin collection days
• Managing Council Tax
Hikapee Theatre, Go Dance, Thingamajig Theatre, Mishap Theatre, and talented youths from the Hub Dance groups.
RiverLight Festival is funded by North Kesteven District Council, utilising UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies, and on the back of three successful
• Checking eligibility for help Getting in touch with
RiverLight Festivals now we're keen to seek further opportunities for such community celebrations. You can look back on fun at the 2024 festival, and stay up to date with any future announcements, by following its social media pages which can be found at @Riverlightfestival
If you can’t complete a transaction online, you can still call us on 01529 414155 during office hours. Our Customer Services Team are available over the phone on weekdays, except Bank Holidays.
You can request an appointment at our Sleaford office by calling us. Emergency assistance is in place too, including the out of hours number 01529 308308.
The vast majority is covered by Dr Caroline Johnson who held the Sleaford & North Hykeham Constituency with a much-reduced majority.
She maintains an unbroken 74 year run of Conservative representation by polling 17,348 votes; a 35.6% share of the 48,761 votes cast on a 64.46% turnout.
Sixteen parishes to the south and east of Sleaford now fall within the new Grantham & Bourne Constituency.
Conservative Gareth Davies retained the seat with 16,770 of the 46,275 votes on a 63.1% turnout. Labour came second in both areas by a margin of around 4,000 votes, with Reform UK third.
In the north, Skellingthorpe, Bracebridge Heath and Waddington’s east parish ward remain in the Lincoln Constituency, where Labour’s Hamish Falconer polled 18,470; almost twice the votes for the previous Conservative MP. Reform UK was again third on a 58.53% turnout.
See more at www.nkesteven.gov.uk/councilnews
Each of our refuse crews empty more than 1,000 bins every day on their rounds! DID YOU KNOW?
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/waste
Images courtesy of Emilie Nunn Photography (photos 1, 2, 5, 6); Matthew Cawrey Photography (photos 3, 4, 8); Ben Morgan of SDO Media (9, the aerial view); and Hannah Williams (7 and 10).
In a move which secured a hotel business, protected jobs and broadens its economic and social benefits, the District Council has bought the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford.
Using £1 million of business rate receipts retained for use locally, Members unanimously agreed there were significant advantages to the community.
Ownership assists the Council in its ambitions to expand the visitor economy – being one of only two hotels locally with more than 10 rooms. It also protects an historic landmark building, introduces opportunity to enhance its viability, and seeks to generate profits which support wider Council services.
It continues to be run as a pub, restaurant, hotel and conference/events venue through an armslength company and has already seen increased bookings and popularity.
Did you know that the Council offers a Get Fit For Life scheme?
15 people recently took up the Get Fit For Life NK healthy lifestyle course and collectively lost six stone!
Anyone aged over 18 and lives or works in North Kesteven, has a BMI of over 25 and would like to make changes can apply. The next sessions are in Sleaford from October 3 - December 5, every Thursday 10am-12pm. To book, call 07733368676.
Nominations open for your champions
Who are the people making your life better every day, and have they ever received any thanks that you know of?
North Kesteven District Council's Community Champion Awards seek to recognise the unsung heroes who work quietly, tirelessly and voluntarily in the background without any expectation of thanks, but who deserve it all the same.
The awards showcase the considerable difference that they make daily within our communities, through their positive impact, passion and enthusiasm. Categories cross a whole range of ways that people support each other and their communities, from good neighbours, sports participation and inspirational young people, through to acting on climate and long service
aimed at recognising lives centred around helping others.
Nominating someone you know is easy - fill in an online nomination form at www.nkawards.org
There you can also see details of previous winners and categories. Alternatively, you can fill in the nomination form below.
Finalists are to be celebrated at a ceremony this autumn, in Sleaford.
DID YOU KNOW?
On average, 330 phone calls were made to our Customer Services Centre on a working day during 2023/24.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
Veterans awarded badges for service
Almost 380 years of combined service in the Armed Forces were honoured in June through the presentation of Veteran’s Badges, in continuation of a longheld Council custom.
In total 28 badges were handed to veterans of the British Armed Forces with individual contributions of between two and 40 years each; engaged across the British Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Merchant Navy and their specialist sections, in theatres of war, in peace-keeping, community resilience,
Do you know that North Kesteven has a community lottery?
It's a great way for you to support local causes and groups close to home and to your heart, plus the chance for you to win cash by doing so.
At least 60p of each £1 ticket sold goes to support good causes in North Kesteven, and you can even choose which
civil contingencies, and countless other duties.
The badge presentations followed the formal raising of the Armed Forces Day flag in the presence of serving personnel, forces families, service, veteran and civic representatives plus school children and others gathered at Sleaford Market Place.
The purpose of Armed Forces Day activity is to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, whether serving personnel, their families, veterans or recruits, and to celebrate
and champion the role they play in strengthening and contributing to wider community life. The 80th anniversary of D-Day was marked in the presence of D-Day veteran Les Budding who complimented the Council for all it does.
“It’s clear to me that North Kesteven is a caring council that always looks after its veterans and forces community. It is especially nice to see the youngsters get involved in it, putting their hearts and souls into it and I hope that continues.
"These are the generations who have come after those of us who
went to war and we hope they remember what has taken place in the past.
"I hope that people living today learn that war does no one any good and continue to show their support for everyone who now-a-days chooses to serve and work for peace and for their communities," he said.
North Kesteven has the county’s second highest proportion of veterans and people associated with the Armed Forces living locally, which at 10.2% means that around 11,000 of the District’s population have served.
Concerned about flooding and want to make your home and community resilient?
Wondering what more you can do to boost bees, bugs and biodiversity generally?
Keen to kickstart your own climate action?
Want to know more about the £3 million being spent locally to enhance community and business opportunities?
See us on our stand at the Heckington Show on July 27 and 28 where you can discover more about these and many other aspects of Council services and support. There'll be lots of fun and crafts for all.
good cause you'd like to support with 50p of your ticket sale.
At the same time, there’s a chance every week to for you to win great prizes including free tickets, a £250 lump sum in cash, or even the £25,000 jackpot!
Visit www.nklottery. co.uk to buy a ticket.
From scout groups to sports clubs, if you're a local good cause which would like to be supported by the lottery, you can visit www. nklottery.co.uk/goodcauses
You'll also get materials to help you promote the lottery and how people can support you via it.
Funds accrued through the North Kesteven Lottery have benefited a further 13 community projects this summer –mainly to promote health, wellbeing and sporting opportunities.
The latest £6,290 awarded through the North Kesteven Lottery Grant Scheme is additional to £6,739 given out last year, totalling £13,029 so far.
The fund is made up of the 10p from every ticket sale that goes into a general ‘good causes’ fund, or 60p if no specific cause is nominated by the ticket buyer to receive a 50p boost from the sale.
There are currently 77 good causes registered as nominated good causes.
It is this general good causes fund that is distributed to eligible community groups in sums up to £500, and there is an annual call for applications early in the year run in partnership with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation.
Most recently it has helped guides and scouts in Billinghay, Branston and Washingborough, bowls and tennis clubs in Sleaford and Metheringham, community centres in Scredington and Skellingthorpe, Hykeham Sailability, a drama group, climate action group and health support group.
See www.lincolnshirecf. co.uk for this and more grant opportunities.
The Lincolnshire Event Safety Group is taking bookings for its one-day event safety awareness training on October 4. You’ll build your awareness of your responsibilities as an event organiser, and during the day you’ll also hear from professionals in the emergency services, event professionals and local authority staff who will share their skills and experience to help you deliver a safer event. It costs £25 per person which includes refreshments and a buffet lunch - to book on email lee.duke@ lincolnshire.gov.uk You must book before September 15 2024.
Around 1,090 tickets were sold each week for the North Kesteven Lottery in 2023/24. DID YOU KNOW?
www.nklottery.co.uk
To champion and deliver a just transition for our climate and environmental commitments and aspirations.
£15,100
secured to plant a new community orchard
The funding will enable a 75-tree orchard to be planted in Wilsford this autumn.
Supporting the newly-formed Wilsford Community Orchard group, North Kesteven District Council submitted an application on their behalf to the King’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund.
The Fund is designed to mark the coronation of King Charles III by creating new spaces for nature, including planting trees that can be accessed by the community. It's provided by DEFRA.
A local farmer has granted permission for a field of his to be used for the project, and the group hope to plant apples, pears, plums, cherries and maybe even nut species along with ambitions to further develop the project.
Waste not, want not to help reduce rubbish
We all know the phrase ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’, but if we focus on reducing less waste then less resources are used and lower emissions come almost naturally.
Lincolnshire’s households generate over 350,000 tonnes of waste a year – enough to fill Lincoln Cathedral six times over! That’s a frightening amount of waste, but we can all take steps to reduce what we consume and how much resulting waste we generate. And on top of helping the environment, reducing waste often means saving money too!
» Buying only what we need: questioning how much we
really need an item is the ultimate in saving money and environmental impact. Sometimes the desire to buy something is a passing urge.
» Clothes: there are mountains of wasted clothes lying in other countries. It’s said that enough clothing exists to dress the next six generations! Try secondhand shopping and upcycling.
» Food waste: As a nation we throw away around 6.6 million tonnes of food a year, all of which was grown, fertilised, picked, packaged and transported – generating
Have a great waste reduction tip? Email
DID YOU KNOW?
The Council's colleagues and volunteers have supported 735 residents to get more out of their phones and devices in Digital Hubs over the last year.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/digitalhubs
Many of us look forward to a summer filled with trips to the seaside, walks in the country, picnics in the park and lots more fun in the sun (hopefully). But how can you make sure your enjoyment of our world has the lowest impact on it?
» There can be a lot of waste during picnics and days out. Pick reusable containers and use the Refill app to find free water top ups. Take cutlery with you to avoid single use.
» Opt for days out by bus or train, or go even greener and cycle or walk.
» Explore the local area – you don’t need to drive miles for a fun day out. Check out
www.heartoflincs.com for what’s happening right on your doorstep.
» Enjoy your garden and plant peat-free and insect-friendly flowers and shrubs.
» Conserve water by capturing rainwater for the garden. Washing up water can also be used to water plants.
» Keep windows and curtains closed in the daytime to keep the temperature down in your home naturally.
» See if you’re eligible for insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and more. Contact our partners YES Energy on 03309 126199 or visit www. yesenergysolutions.co.uk
greenhouse gas emissions. Meal planning is key. In the real world this doesn’t always work, so keeping an eye on use-by dates, learning what can be frozen and using up leftovers are vital. Check out www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
» Packaging: if you can, avoid packaging by buying loose and prioritising local foods. Selecting items packed in paper, card, glass or tins means the packaging is the most recyclable. Items that need to go in the black bin are sent to be made into electricity in North Hykeham.
A plan which maps out the shape and scale of development in Central Lincolnshire through to 2040 and pushes the boundaries in its ambition to deliver net zero carbon across the area has been judged to be the region’s best.
The Central Lincolnshire Local Plan provides a suite of policies that inform planning decisions and infrastructure investments across City of Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey; targeting energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy, adaptation and resilience to climate change, and much more. It is this level of ambition which drew praise at the Royal Town Planning Institute, naming it Best Plan in the 2024 East Midlands Planning Excellence awards. The Local Plan sets out where housing and businesses should be located across an 820 square mile area and identifies a list of requirements for what new development will need to achieve to be granted planning permission.
Let's
help
our pollinators
You may have heard of No Mow May, and noticed some green spaces looking a little wilder.
Allowing nature room to grow on a patch of land or a verge might be part of a bigger picture of supporting increased biodiversity and climate action.
The idea behind No Mow May is that homeowners let some or all of their lawn grow longer than usual –use the sign (right) if you like.
When a larger area is allowed to grow wilder for longer, not only do insects have a sustainable source of food but it also provides a habitat for all manner of species.
That’s why some councils leave verges to grow in summer – taken together they’re a massive area for nature to flourish.
All this growing plant life also
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helps to capture and lock in carbon from the atmosphere.
Typically, councils will still do some maintenance – you might notice the edges of verges being mown to ensure sightlines for drivers, for example, and rights of way should be accessible.
If you think a wild area presents a problem, please use www.fixmystreet.com to report it.
Verges, roundabouts and roadside areas are usually the responsibility of Lincolnshire County Council, while play areas and greens are usually looked after by Parish Councils.
There may be areas that as District Council we're responsible for too, but because of these mixed responsibilities www.fixmystreet. com is the best way of reporting.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
We’ve been offering small and medium-sized businesses across North Kesteven free access to the Zellar sustainability platform for a year now, so it’s time to check in on the progress made. Zellar is an app and website that makes it easy for businesses to make the most out of going green, helping them to discover new ways to save money, protect the planet and attract new business.
» So far, 31 businesses have signed up and 12 have created new Sustainability Champions.
» Nearly £29,000 has been saved in energy costs up to now, an average of £934 per business, which is great
Pop this sign in your window, or display in your garden on the back of a carton or card, to encourage others to help pollinators!
considering some started more recently than others and have had less time to save.
» 40 tonnes of CO₂ has already been saved –that’s equivalent to driving 240,000km in a diesel car.
» 134 sustainability actions have been taken by businesses.
» Collectively, over £200,000 has been invested in green tech projects from those making use of the platform.
There are still free Zellar places available, so there's chance for you to join these other businesses in saving money and making green improvements.
It’s a great publicity move, with companies already using their progress to gain new customers.
To qualify for a free one-year Zellar licence worth £299 a business must be a micro-SME (up to 10 employees) or SME (under 250 employees) with a base in North Kesteven. The offer is available to the first 300 qualifying enterprises that apply.
See www.businessnk.co.uk/ zellar for the link to sign up.
Please excuse the weeds; we're feeding the bees!
As our Climate Emergency Strategy nears its halfway point in 2025 we’ll soon be looking at reviewing and updating it.
We’d love to hear what you think, so if you’d like to take part please sign up for our Climate Action Newsletter and/or our Consultation Surveys emails.
You can join at www.nkesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
We'll also be engaging with people on climate at Heckington Show, on 27 and 28 July.
The Council's Community Safety Team logged over 960 reports of antisocial behaviour in 2023/24, working with the people affected and partner agencies to act swiftly on it and reduce its impact. DID YOU KNOW?
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ community-safety
To enhance the health and wellbeing, safety and resilience of all our communities; inspiring and supporting a sustainable and flourishing future.
£146,338
in grant funding awarded across 16 projects, through the North Kesteven Rural England Prosperity Fund
The fund is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and supports new community infrastructure that in turn provides services and assets to benefit the local economy. It's being distributed by North Kesteven District Council, which secured the funds, together with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation which is managing applications.
Successful applicants must use this REPF grant funding on capital projects that create or support long-lasting community assets, such as a building or equipment for community benefit, to build pride in place through improved local community infrastructure and better social connections.
Across the 16 projects with funding agreed so far, awards range from £2,000 up to £25,000 and cover things from adult outdoor exercise equipment in Brant Broughton through to an extension to the existing changing rooms for a disabled changing facility and creating three new changing facilities at the outdoor swimming pool in Metheringham. See www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk/ grants/nkrepf for how to applythe deadline for the final round is 14 September.
Enhanced CCTV for extra reassurance
There's now improved and increased CCTV camera provision around Sleaford town centre to help ensure everyone can continue to enjoy it safely.
There are four new camera units now installed in the town centre –at Eastgate Green, Station Road, near the pedestrian crossing on Southgate, and the Market Place funded with £17,500 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies secured by North Kesteven District Council.
The new units are placed at these locations based on assessments undertaken and through monitoring crime data.
An additional £58,000 of funding was secured following a Safer Streets programme bid, applied for together by Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and the District Council, to tackle
crime and keep communities safe by upgrading the existing seven CCTV units in the town centre.
The upgrades mean these camera units now utilise the latest technology, in addition to using four cameras per unit rather than one camera in each unit as before.
Making eleven enhanced CCTV units now in total, they link up to form a much-improved system offering higher quality footage.
The existing provision had already been coming to the end of its reliable service with the advances of technology since they were installed. The monitoring and maintenance costs continue to be met by North Kesteven District Council and Sleaford Town Council.
It will all help ensure Sleaford and the District can maintain their low crime levels historically.
Our free Digital Hubs can help you get to grips with your devices, from paying bills online to staying in touch with people virtually, and more.
In an increasingly online world, they are a supportive space for people of all ages to enhance and improve their digital skills.
They are run by dedicated North Kesteven District Council colleagues and volunteers, and are a great chance to socialise too.
Why not cut out and keep this reminder, or pass it on to someone you know?
They're held weekly during school term at:
• Sleaford: Riverside Centre, Tues 10.30am12pm
• Osbournby: Village Hall, Tues 1pm-2.30pm.
• Metheringham: community library on High St, Weds 10.30am-12pm.
• Heckington: Methodist Church Hall, Weds 1pm-2.30pm.
• Ruskington: the Methodist Church, Thurs 10.30am-12pm.
• Waddington: the community hub on High Street, Thurs 1pm-2.30pm.
The Council's Community Safety Team works daily to tackle issues including antisocial behaviour, while supporting partners including Lincolnshire Police to keep North Kesteven a safe and enjoyable place to live. The team logs antisocial behaviour on a shared system with police and local partners, liaises directly with victims and helps seek appropriate action - like applying to court for Closure Orders where problems centre around a premises. As part of the Community Safety Partnership, the team works on the root causes of crime alongside the Council's other teams and strives to empower communities.
The hubs will be running sessions on scams and fraud awareness in October. Until then, here are three tips to stay safe online:
• Never give your mobile banking security details, including your passcode, to anyone.
• Be wary of links in a text or email. Using your mouse, if on a computer, first hover over any links in an email to check where they go. Even better, head there separately.
• Texts offering you money are often a ploy to get your details. Don’t reply, not even by sending a ‘STOP’ text. Simply delete them.
• See more at www.actionfraud.police.uk
PULL-OUT SUMMER GUIDE
Your guide to a great summer in North Kesteven
Wherever you find yourself in North Kesteven, you're at the heart of it all.
The District is characterised by endless countryside and cycling, shopping and relaxation in its charming towns and villages, exciting aviation heritage and art exhibitions, unique history and heritage, quality leisure and sports, and so much more.
If that's not enough, North Kesteven even puts you an hour's drive or less from coast and castles, stately homes and sensational scenery.
This pull-out guide might help you discover something new, or perhaps persuade you to revisit an old favourite.
Alternatively it could sit on a coffee table or shelf at home, ready to encourage others to try out your recommendations.
You can find out more and plan your next days out at the website www.heartoflincs.com or if you organise community events yourself you can list yours there for others to see in advance.
There you can also find the full 2024 Leisure Guide to North Kesteven and the surrounding area (as seen on page one), produced also by North Kesteven District Council's dedicated Heart of Lincs team.
So with no further ado - read on to begin your adventure...
Dates for your diary
JULY
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28
Heckington Show: the largest village show in England - we'll be there too!
www.heckingtonshow.org.uk
AUGUST
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11
Salute to the 40's weekend: International Bomber Command Centre www.internationalbcc.co.uk
Saturday 17
Bake Off: Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford www.cogglesfordwatermill. co.uk
Friday 23-Monday 26
Washday weekend: Mrs Smith's Cottage in Navenby www.mrssmithscottage.com
Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28
Hamlet: Doddington Hall www.doddingtonhall.com
SEPTEMBER
Sunday 1
Wings and wheels: International Bomber Command Centre www.internationalbcc.co.uk
SEPTEMBER (CONTINUED)
Saturday 7
Classic Car and Motorcycle Show
Town Crier British Championships: Sleaford www.sccms.co.uk
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15
Folkingham WWII Operation Market Garden event www.theavelandhistorygroup.com
Saturday 28
Apple Day: Mrs Smith's Cottage in Navenby www.mrssmithscottage.com
Sunday 29
Harvest Family Fun Day: Heckington Windmill www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk
OCTOBER
Sunday 20
World Food Day: Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford www.cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk
Friday 25 - Sunday 27
Halloween Weekend: Heckington Windmill www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk
Monday 28
Mrs Smith's Birthday: Mrs Smith's Cottage in Navenby www.mrssmithscottage.com
Exhibitions not to miss
Saturday July 20 - Sunday September 8
Sculpture Exhibition: Doddington Hall
Its gardens provide the perfect setting for over 300 works of art by sculptors. www.doddingtonhall.com
High Flying Women
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, North Rauceby
Stories of the women who fought against adversity to achieve aviation history. www.cranwellaviation.co.uk
Lincolnshire’s Home Guard Exhibition, until September 1
Mrs Smith’s Cottage
In this exhibition by Dr Erik Grigg, lecturer of History at Bishop Grosseteste University, celebrate their work and share your memories. www.mrssmithscottage.com
Uncovering Sleaford Castle
Exhibition
Navigation House in Sleaford
The history of Sleaford Castle featuring a virtual recreation and fascinating discoveries from recent digs. www.navigationhouse.co.uk
Sign up for tourism and event news straight to your inbox.
Photo from a previous Sculpture Exhibition. Credit: Stuart Wilde Photography.
So many things make North Kesteven the place to be
This map is by no means exhaustive of all the fantastic places there are to visit, but it's a helpful indication of just how much the District offers to suit all tastes and abilities. On these pages you'll also find many of the other elements which together make North Kesteven the place to be.
For time outdoors...
Over 140 miles of Stepping Out walks devised by the District Council are available free. See: www.hillholtwood.co.uk/steppingout-walks
The District has its very own yearly NK Walking Festival, with everything from wildlife and history walks to meeting alpacas among activities in June 2024. See: www.hillholtwood. co.uk/nk-walking-festival
There are lakes and habitats at Whisby Nature Park teeming with life, and at its heart is the Council's Natural World Centre open 10am4pm (summer openings) with Boardwalk Cafe, shop and Little Darters and Otter's Reach kid's play. See: www.naturalworldcentre.org
For more discovery at your own pace, the Sleaford Heritage Trail comes with QR codes to scan as you go. See www.sleafordheritage.co.uk
The When in Sleaford Trail also takes inspiration from local history, with 18 bronze roundels making up this walk. See: www.heartoflincs.com
The Riverside Heritage Trail takes in points of interest along the town's riverside with an easy to use map, and the new Sleaford Mosaic Trail highlights Sleaford's stunning mosaic artworks.
This summer, there's also a Slea tree trail to discover, one of three new collaborative artworks in Sleaford linking history and people.
The Ridges and Furrows 30-mile arts and heritage trail celebrates the landscape of the Lincoln Edge between Sleaford and Millennium Green in North Hykeham, mirroring the Spires and Steeples trail on the other side of the District. See: www.ridgesandfurrowstrail.org
For cycling...
Try the River Witham Cycle Trail, which takes in the Water Rail Way path and follows dedicated cycle ways and quiet country roads.
You can also pedal the Sleaford Spires and Sails ride for gently rolling countryside and villages
around Sleaford, including a visit to the famous eight sail windmill in Heckington.
No bike? No problem! See: www.cycle-lincolnshire.com for routes and bike hire, or head to attractions like Doddington Hall where bikes by Giant can be rented for the day for your visit.
For shopping...
Sleaford is well stocked with independent traders, cafes, restaurants and more. Its regular markets are operated by the Town Council, taking place at Eastgate Car Park until the Market Place is due to complete in mid-December 2024. North Hykeham is ideal too with excellent cafes and
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For history...
North Kesteven boasts the only eight-sailed windmill in the world. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am-4pm (tearoom 10.30am-4.30pm). See: www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk
Navigation House in Sleaford is Britain's only-remaining Navigation office and is always an engaging visit. Open weekly, Friday-Monday, 10am-2pm. See: www.navigationhouse.co.uk
Sleaford Castle was built by a Norman bishop and visited by both King John and Henry VIII. Though little remains above ground now, don't miss a new exhibition (page 9).
Norton Disney is believed to be the ancestral home of the Disney family dating back to the Norman conquest and, while concrete evidence remains elusive, in 1949 Walt Disney made his own visit. See: www.heartoflincs.com to see details of the trail.
Experience traditional milling at Cogglesford Watermill. You can now even buy a 'miller for a day'' experience! Open weekly FridayMonday, 12-4pm. See: www.cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk
Step into a bygone era at Mrs Smith's Cottage in Navenby, where time seems to stand still. Open weekly Friday-Monday, 124pm. See: www.mrssmithscottage.com
Sleaford Museum is home to artefacts portraying fascinating aspects of the town. Open Monday 12.30-3pm, Wednesday 10am-3pm, Friday 10am-12.30 and Saturday 10am-3pm. See: www.sleafordmuseum.org.uk
shopping, sports and leisure at ONE NK and more. It's also a great leaping off point for Whisby, the IBCC and other venues.
In the villages across North Kesteven there's a warm welcome awaiting from bakers, butchers, farm shops, pubs and others. See the directory at www.businessnk.co.uk
For aviation
heritage...
For aviation fans, Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum is located across the A17 from the iconic Royal Air Force college and chiefly portrays its story along with further tributes. Open Friday-Monday 10am-3pm. See: www.cranwellaviation.co.uk
The International Bomber Command Centre near Canwick is a memorial spire and walls, gardens, and a visitor centre paying tribute to the World War II crew and support staff who lost their lives serving with Bomber Command. Open six days a week 9.30am-5pm (see website for winter hours). More at: www.internationalbcc.co.uk
For family days out...
Whisby Animal Park and Play Barn is open seven days a week and part of the Whisby Garden Centre complex. It includes soft play, a cafe and animals to meet. See: www.whisbygardencentre.com
Further soft play options include Fun Farm in North Hykeham, and Crazee Bongos and All Aboard in Sleaford - see their respective websites for more.
Daisy Made Farm in Skellingthorpe offers crazy golf, a children's play area and farm animals to meet, plus the delicious ice cream it's so well known for. Open 10am-6pm every day. See: www.daisymadefarm.co.uk
Ancaster Leisure offers go-karting, paintball, ten-pin bowling, archery and laser tag. Open all week 9am-6pm except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. See: www.ancasterleisure.co.uk
North Kesteven is served by openair community pools in Billinghay,
The Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre nestled halfway between Lincoln and Sleaford is a volunteer-run museum housed in original wartime buildings on the domestic area of the former RAF Metheringham. Open weekends and Bank Holidays 11am-5pm and Wednesday 11am-4pm. See: www.metheringhamairfield.co.uk
The historic RAF Digby Lima Sector Operations Room is a restored WWII operations room bunker. Search for opening times on their Facebook page: LimaSectorOps
The Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum in North Hykeham is a fascinating journey of road transport through the years. Open every Sunday throughout the year, from 11am-4pm. See: www.lvvs.org.uk
Welbourn Forge is a forge and blacksmith’s workshop dating from 1864. Open on the first Saturday of the month, 10am-1pm. See: www.heartoflincs.com
Not to be missed either are the historic churches here, each a beautiful reflection of local character and well worth a visit.
For art and culture...
With state-of the art technical equipment and a dedicated theatre team, the Council's 200 seat Terry O'Toole Theatre has a lively programme of music, drama and community shows all year round and is also available to hire for events or performances. See: www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terryo-toole-theatre
The Carre Art Gallery in Sleaford hosts exhibitions by skilled artists and photographers with a Lincolnshire connection. Exhibitions
Heckington and Metheringham ready for you to splash out in. Check out each of them for their opening times and prices. See: www.billinghaypool.com www.heckingtonpool.co.uk www.megpool.org.uk
ONE NK in North Hykeham (pictured above) and Sleaford Leisure Centre each provide a modern and enjoyable place for leisure and fun. Both have a Splash Zone for little ones, as well as a swimming pool and full gym facilities. See www.better.org.uk/ lessons for information on swim school for little ones, or save up to 30% on swim, gym and exercise sessions with the new Pay As You Go membership: www.better.org. uk/memberships/pay-as-you-gomembership
normally open Monday to Saturday from 10am-4pm. Between major exhibitions, the gallery hosts a changing display of work from a variety of Lincolnshire artists. See: www.carregallery.co.uk
The Hub in Sleaford is always a great choice for art and culture, with an inspiring programme of exhibitions, a cafe and unique gift shop, design, dance and studio, creative arts and craft workshops and more. It's owned and supported by the Council. It's open seven days a week, from 10am. See: www.hubsleaford.org.uk for details.
Family activities
JULY
Friday 26
Wild Whisby Summer, Pond
Dipping: Whisby Nature Park, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. £5 per child, see: www.lincstrust. org.uk/events
AUGUST
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4
Graffiti Detectives Trail: Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford, 12-3.30pm. Free. www.cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk
Friday 9
Children’s Green Man Printing Workshop with Louise Earnshaw: Whisby Natural World Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm. £15 each, 6+ years. See: www. naturalworldcentre.org/eventsactivities
SEPTEMBER
Friday 6
Museum Learning Activity Day: Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby, 12pm-4pm. Adults £3.50, children (5-15) £2, under 5's free. See: www.mrssmithscottage.com
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8
Dora Duck’s Birthday: Navigation House, 10am-2pm. Free. See: www.navigationhouse.co.uk
Saturday 14
Lincolnshire Food Fayre:
Cogglesford Watermill, 12-3.30pm. Free. See the mill's website for more.
Sunday 22
Bird and Bug Watch: Cogglesford Watermill, 12-3.30pm. Free. See the mill's website for more.
OCTOBER
Friday 4-Monday 28
Pumpkin Trail and Halloween Crafts: Mrs Smith’s Cottage, 12-3.30pm. Adults £3.50, children (5-15) £2, under 5's free. See the cottage's website for more information.
Saturday 12
Photography workshop: Cogglesford Watermill. Tickets £10, contact the mill to book. See website for details or call 01529 41367 during opening hours.
Saturday 26-Monday 28
Halloween Trail: Navigation House, 10am-2pm. See its website for more.
Sunday 27
Halloween: Cogglesford Watermill, 12-3.30pm. See the mill's website for more.
For active learning...
Join the NavenBees Toddler Club at Mrs Smith's Cottage in Navenby, where learning meets fun for your little ones! Every second and fourth Friday morning, from 10am to 12pm, children aged two to five-years-old can engage in interactive play, crafts and storytime, all designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
It's perfect for making new friends and memories. See: www.mrssmithscottage.com
On Friday September 6, don't miss the Home School Activity event at Mrs Smith's Cottage. If you're a teacher or home school family, you might like this free day of immersive educational experiences.
Together with Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Cogglesford Watermill and Navigation house, the cottage is hosting a range of hands-on activities for primary age pupils to learn about the past.
Booking is essential: www. mrssmithscottage.com/visit
Make it Mondays continue at Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum during summer holidays and half-term. See: www.cranwellaviation.co.uk
A fun indoor activity for you
There's always the odd rainy day during the great British summer, so here's a fun activity you can do at home that'll help the bees and insects in your neighbourhood stay dry too!
Build a bug hotel
You'll need: » an empty milk bottle » scrap newspaper and cardboard
Method:
1. Remove the lid and cut your milk bottle in half.
2. Roll scraps of paper/ newspaper/cardboard into tubes. You'll want about a 4mm hole through each centre. Measure against the milk bottle half and cut to length. You might need to ask someone for help in doing this bit!
3. Fill the milk bottle half up with your coils of paper and cardboard, and keep going until everything is in there tightly and nothing will fall out.
4. Find somewhere to place your bug hotel! Your bug friends want a sunny spot, close to the ground and sheltered from the rain.
These bug hotels are ideal for ladybirds, who can keep your garden free from aphids and other pests.
Be prepared by staying flood aware
We may be in the height of summer now, but with the risk of wetter and warmer weather continuing it's important that everyone remains flood aware.
The Met Office recorded an average of 301.7mm of rain in spring 2024 - making it the sixth wettest spring since 1836.
Last October a number of households and businesses were impacted by floodwaters from Storm Babet, and also during Storm Henk in January this year.
Go to www.gov.uk/sign-upfor-flood-warnings or scan the QR code to see if you can sign up for flood warnings.
Know where to find information
You can find and follow now accounts such as @EnvAgencyMids and @EnvAgency on social media platform X, the @lincolnshire resilienceforum and us at @northkestevendc on social media to stay prepared. BBC Radio Lincolnshire broadcasts updates in the event of emergencies like floods and local press share lots of information too. Check if you could be at risk
Decide on your flood kit
What would go in your flood kit, if you needed to evacuate? You could plan it now. Good items are a torch, warm and waterproof clothing, water, food, medication, toys for children and pets, rubber gloves and wellington boots.
There's a multi-agency response in emergencies such as floods which includes councils, emergency services, partners in water management and pumping, and the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum which helps coordinate it and shares information locally.
Parish councils are also vital in providing assistance, along with councillors and local groups.
Taking just one action below could make all the difference if a flood hits, and even save a life.
Create an evacuation plan
You can plan now where you might go if you have to evacuate, and how you would get there safely.
You can also download a flood plan, which may be useful to fill out with any vulnerable neighbours or family.
Scan the QR code, or visit: www.lincolnshireresilience forum.org/risks/riversurface-flooding and scroll down the page.
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Prepare your property
See whether there are any appropriate flood devices you could fit - https://bluepages. org.uk is an independent directory of products. Does your home insurance cover flooding, or if you're renting does your contents insurance cover damaged items from flooding? If you struggle to get home insurance due to flooding, try Flood Re which is a joint iniative beween insurers and the Government. See: www.floodre.co.uk
Ready for anything volunteers needed
Could you help responders during a flood or other crisis? Anyone can volunteer by joining the Ready for Anything scheme provided you live in Lincolnshire, are relatively fit and well and can get around the county; and you'll get regular training. See: www. lincolnshireresilienceforum. org/ready-for-anything/
Know the flood warnings
There's a Government website with ways to support yourself and your community in an emergency, including specific advice for disabled people and carers. See: www.gov.uk/prepare
You can check for any flood alerts at: https://check-for-flooding. service.gov.uk
The Fix My Street function on the Lincolnshire County Council website can be used to report floods in the first instancewww.fixmystreet.com
If you are experiencing surface water flooding or want to report local flooding, you can call the Lincolnshire County Council Floodline on 01522 782082.
In the event of river flooding you can also call the Environment Agency’s national Floodline, open 24/7 on 0345 988 1188. There's also a textphone you can use, for example if you have difficulty hearing, which is 0345 602 6340.
Call 105 if you have a power cut or see damaged power lines.
If you spot a fallen tree blocking a footpath or dangerous standing water, call 101.
If there is a risk to life, call 999.
For non-urgent medical help after being evacuated from home, visit NHS 111 online or call 111.
Anglian Water will clear up sewage left on the roads, but their priority in a flood is any sewageflooded homes across the region. Customers should call Anglian Water to report sewage on 03457 145 145 or do so online at: www.anglianwater.co.uk/helpand-advice/flooding-guidance
There is guidance on how to safely disinfect and clean up at home after flood water: www.gov. uk/government/publications/ floods-how-to-clean-up-yourhome-safely/floods-cleaningyour-home-safely
Economy
To support sustainable and regenerative local economic growth and resilience; transitioning to a Green Economy working within environmental thresholds.
£21,000
in small business grants distributed in North Kesteven
The Council is distributing these grants to support microbusinesses in North Kesteven, from a total pot of £50,000.
It's being used to help facilitate the growth and expansion of local micro-businesses, or help those that are seeking to relocate to North Kesteven.
It's a discretionary scheme, offering grants of up to 40% of eligible costs, from £500 up to £5,000 with minimum project cost being £1,250.
It's been a game-changer for Tim Johnstone of Supplements for Sports, who said: "With the grant we were able to purchase an Electric Stair Climbing machine to undertake vending machine installations on stairs without need for a third party.
"It has made a significant cost saving monthly and has also been the catalyst for growth, resulting in stronger partnerships, and has expanded the services we can offer."
To find out more about the grants, visit: www.businessnk.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW?
Last year over 12,330 tonnes of garden waste were composted from brown bins, while 8,500 tonnes of materials (from both green and purple-lidded bins) were recycled thanks to you.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/waste
Latest progress on UKSPF investment
A raft of projects are ongoing across the District to help improve pride of place and increase life chances.
They've all been made possible
Supporting new events
through over £3 million allocated to North Kesteven by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a pillar of the previous Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Read on for the latest, and get more in your inbox by signing up for e-newsletters at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ stayconnected
Funding is available to support first-time events across the District. It forms part of a wider Events Programme for North Kesteven, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and distributed by the Council.
If you're planning a brand new event for the District and want to apply, before the October 31 deadline, see: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ukspf
All events must be delivered by March 2025.
Sleaford's Carre Gallery has been awarded funding to run an exhibition aimed at celebrating young Lincolnshire artists, planned for 2025.
Meanwhile the fund has supported the first Viking Festival last year in Threekingham, and the first North Hykeham Pop-up Event back in April.
A £1 million scheme to enhance the Market Place as a space to hold markets, events and public activities more freely is underway.
The potential of this historic part of Sleaford was limited by its use mainly for parking and the conflict between cars and pedestrians.
Now closed as a car park as of July 19, it will be repaved with sandstone setts which will better reflect its historic surroundings. Two raised planters will provide greenery and shade, with three hardwood benches within their design and seven more hardwood benches around its perimeter. The war memorial will benefit from up-lighting, with the bollards protecting it retained, while resinbound gravel will highlight the area around it. The hut will be removed and there'll be new lighting and cycle hoops.
Time-limited Blue Badge Holder parking will be available three days a week when it reopens as an improved public space, in addition to pre-arranged access for church events and services. Market traders will also benefit from an enhanced environment that, being free of moving vehicles on market days, will give customers confidence in moving around it and allow space for potential additional stallholders and visibility for existing traders. Operation of the market continues to sit with the Town Council.
Civil engineering and construction company Smith Construction is carrying out the works. It’s a local business founded in 1979 and headquartered in Heckington, and prides itself on its work.
It's hoped the Market Place can reopen by mid-December - see www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/council-news for an FAQ on the works.
Exciting opportunities for young business people
YMCA Lincolnshire hosted a week of dance, graffiti art and other activities at Sleaford Market Place in April, funded by the Council using UKSPF monies. It was aimed at the young people waiting there after school finishes, and over 500 students engaged with it.
Training has been provided for over 350 businesses in the District by Maybe*. Visit www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/ukspf for see if your business could benefit from this social media training.
Talented young people aged 13-25 are selling products and showcasing their skills alongside established traders at Millstream Square’s market in Sleaford. The organisers behind Millstream Square’s artisan and craft market are facilitating space for Teenage Market stalls within each of their events across 2024, together with support from the District Council using the UKSPF monies. Look out for additional locations for the Teen Market including North Hykeham. To apply as a young trader, create a profile at www.theteenagemarket.co.uk
Engaging young people
Sharing socials expertise
Enhancing Sleaford Market Place
A new mosaic dedicated to the river Slea will flow through Sleaford’s Monument Gardens after a refresh of the space due to start this September.
The project to renew Monument Gardens is being carried out by the Council, utilising UKSPF monies, with the plans agreed together with stakeholders including Sleaford Town Council and Sleaford Museum which is next to the gardens.
It will include separating the existing flower beds into six new circular ones to create more space (and retaining the trees) repaving some of the area around the new planters, feature lighting, new seating, a brand-new flagpole, plus a repaint of the museum's exterior wall and shutters and the Wyvern barrier.
Highlighting the MonumentHandley
Utilising the UKSPF fund, new up-lighting is now installed at Sleaford's historic Handley Monument to help highlight its architectural features and its position as a key Sleaford landmark welcoming people as they enter via Southgate.
Phase two is expected to begin before the end of July and will see improvements to the space around the monument, including new benches and planters retaining the two existing trees, followed by an information board to be installed later this year.
Phase one of the Council's £56 million Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park is now complete; creating over 40,000 square feet of new space across 15 units.
Nine of these are occupied, creating a community of businesses able to grow in this quality new space and benefit from its energy-saving credentials.
Three units in this phase are undergoing legal preparations ready for businesses to move in, and the three remaining units are either the subject of ongoing discussions or generating enquiries from interested parties. Archaeology investigations are taking place which will aid the next phase, when ready to proceed.
New river experience
A new trip boat will soon enable more people to enjoy the experience of navigating the River Slea by boat.
The purchase of a narrowboat to run pleasure trips between the Hub and Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford is led by Sleaford Navigation Trust, with support from the Council, and the boat build is taking place now.
Once that’s complete, the internal fit out will take place on the river near the Hub with help from skilled volunteers. Its official launch for trips is likely to be in Spring 2025.
Protecting built heritage
Six more grants for the Sleaford Shopfront Grant Scheme are now approved, making £363,000 in total distributed across 12 projects to repair and reinstate historic properties in the conservation area.
Works so far have included replacement windows and brickwork repair at the sandwich bar and coffee shop Appetites, and restoration of the coat of arms on the Southgate entrance of Bristol Arcade. The fund of £150,000 was increased by popular demand, and has provided grants of up to 90% of the total cost of works.
The fund has now been fully allocated, with all works to be completed by January 2025.
See www.n-kesteven.gov. uk/ukspf for further updates.
Our Economy
As part of RiverLight 2024, a business trail was supported by 25 fantastic local shops.
There were sheets available to collect by festival-goers, who could enter a prize draw by searching out five stamps to collect.
Items up for grabs were kindly donated by local businesses, in addition to taking part themselves in the festivities throughout RiverLight from 15-22 June.
Businesses can look out for further opportunities to engage with new customers including Small Business Saturday on Saturday 7 December.
The Council offers the service of a Business Support Adviser Phil Means who can provide a whole range of free, bespoke business advice and support.
If you are in business and feel you could benefit from business advice, please do go ahead and contact him.
You can get in touch by emailing phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk
The next Unmissable England event on September 30 is the perfect place to find out how your venue or business can better attract people to visit.
The Unmissable England sessions, in partnership with North Kesteven District Council and Destination Lincolnshire, share expert tourism and business knowledge on how to create unique experiences and attract more residents and visitors alike.
The session held in June focused on understanding accessibility needs, and how to attract more cyclists and walkers.
More details will be released soon - search for Unmissable North Kesteven on Eventbrite.
Interested in getting your business to be greener, or simply finding out what the benefits are to being climate conscious?
Be sure not to miss an event coming up on September 12 at the International Bomber Command Centre which will explore some of the steps your business can take to becoming greener, and how this can benefit your business as well as helping the environment, your customers, and your bottom line.
There'll be more details shared in advance, including via social media @businessNK and @northkestevendc
The Council's Business NK platform is also on LinkedIn! Follow on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest business support and economic development news from North Kesteven District Council. You can also connect with like-minded businesses in the Business NK Facebook groupjust search for the group and answer the questions to join.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Council's Food Hygiene Team inspected 491 businesses in 2023/24. Out of these, 485 (98.8%) businesses were broadly compliant and 444 (90.4%) businesses achieved a five star rating.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/
Through the Local Plan, deliver sustainable housing growth and pursue energy efficient development to meet the current and emerging needs of all.
New homes provided directly through Council action over 14 years.
These are for social or marketvalue private rent through the Council’s Housing Revenue Account new-build, buy-back and Lafford Homes which is focused on unlocking more cost-effective housing choice within the private rental market..
Three hundred and fifty-five of these are increasing the availability of social housing – 272 being newbuilds since the Council pioneered a new era of council house building in 2009 and 83 acquired through buyback or transfer by other builders. By building new and buying-up suitable properties, the arms-length Lafford Homes operation has built a portfolio of 143 more homes since 2017, which are let at market and affordable rents.
With 40 more new social homes currently underway for the Council on three sites, the total number will be closer to 550 by the end of the year. And through direct Council intervention another 300 empty homes have been brought back into use in that time, as the Council deploys every tool it can to boost the availability and affordability of quality housing District-wide.
DID YOU KNOW?
Surveyors in the Building Control Team operated by the Council carried out more than 5,500 inspections in 2023/24 to ensure buildings and building work remained compliant and safe.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ planning-building
Further preparations for extra-care homes
New extra-care housing for independent living in Sleaford is poised to go ahead, pending a decision by councillors.
The North Kesteven District Council-led plan for 1.8 hectares of land at the old highways depot at the Hoplands was granted planning permission last year.
Working in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, the new development will include 40 extra-care apartments for older people to remain independent and 12 maisonettes of communitysupported living accommodation specifically for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and autism – all 52 offered at affordable rents – plus 20 houses to grow local provision.
It will make a significant contribution to meeting the accommodation needs of three cohorts: those aged over-55
with care and support needs; working-aged adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and those who are autistic; and those looking for smaller local market properties.
It has biodiversity benefits too, with the extra-care block including a roof garden and private green space and the broader development supporting an estimated 10% increase in biodiversity with tree planting, measures for existing trees, bird nesting boxes for swifts and sparrows, bat roosting boxes and hedgehog holes in the fencing.
It'll be built in line with North Kesteven’s C0₂sy Homes standard of net zero carbon in use, and there'll also be public space, contribution to footpath enhancements and almost £30,000 towards local healthcare.
Since the previous budget of
£8.9 million was set back in 2021, there have been various market challenges including increases to inflation and construction costs, and indications through the ongoing tender process suggest that the total cost will now be around £15.6 million.
Homes England has indicated grant funding the scheme by around £5.7 million. Given the £6.3 million already agreed by the District Council and an additional pledge of partner funding, just under £720,000 remained that still needed to be funded to meet the increase in anticipated costs. At the time of printing, the full membership of the Council was considering a recommendation from the Council’s Executive Board to meet the shortfall, given the evidenced and urgent need for such provision locally to meet known-demand.
Unscrupulous waste carriers will take advantage of you by offering to take your waste and then dumping it. They pocket your money and tip your rubbish onto farmers' tracks, fields, lay-bys or anywhere else they can avoid dealing with it properly as a licensed carrier would.
You can help protect yourself from a fine or prosecution by always ensuring you remember the SCRAP fly-tipping code:
» SUSPECT all waste carriers.
» CHECK their waste carrier’s registration details, then verify them by searching the Environment Agency website or by calling 03708 506 506. Note the registration plate of the vehicle used.
» REFUSE unexpected offers to have any rubbish taken away.
» ASK what they'll do with it.
» PAPERWORK should be obtained. Make sure you get a full receipt and a waste transfer note with their details included.
The Council has produced a receipt you can fill in with any waste carrier to ensure you get all their details and assure you they're legitimate. It will help prove you did all you can, should your waste end up fly-tipped. Flick to the back page of this edition to find it.
A £4.6 million scheme to redevelop the former sheltered housing scheme Grinter House in North Hykeham is almost complete, three months ahead of schedule.
It is increasing the number, choice and suitability of the housing units on site to help ensure the area can meet current and future housing needs.
On completion, there'll be 32 new homes across the site better suited to people's needs, built to the Fabric First energy-saving standard, plus other features wherever possible including solar panels and sun pipes to make better use of natural light.
Lindum Group has been
Did you know that the Council offers a garden waste service?
This year's service began in late March and will run to 21 March 2025, but you can still join now to start benefitting from this hassle-free way of dealing with things like clippings, branch cuttings, clean straw and even real Christmas trees (cut up). It's collected and then composted, ensuring that this green waste can be put to use in agriculture rather than being lost.
See www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ gardenwaste for all the details.
delivering the works as contractor.
Grinter Close was a collection of 12 one-bedroom flats in blocks of four, built in 1965, and these flats and a detached bungalow on Chapel Lane have been demolished and replaced by new homes including two bedroom flats and bungalows and two and three bed homes.
Grinter House, in Grinter Close, was made up of 14 one-bed flats for the elderly also built in 1965. It's been remodelled to create affordable flats each with their own entrance and more space. Look out for more on the Council's social media channels @northkestevendc to see the project when it's complete!
Don't forget to put your household bins out by 6.30am on the relevant day, to help ensure you don't miss a collection.
Our refuse crews are starting their rounds from 6.30am so they can avoid the worst of the day's heat.
Crews may also be on your street earlier than you expect if there are other considerations that day, such as road closures, so it's always best to ensure your bins are ready.
Did you know that the Council also operates a bulky waste service?
See: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ bulkywaste to book a collection.
Owners of long-term empty homes now face council tax bills up to four times higher than for occupied properties.
Changes in legislation mean that from April any house unfurnished and unoccupied for 12 months or more becomes subject to an additional liability for council tax, requiring the owner to pay double the standard charge.
North Kesteven District Council is inviting all its Council tenants to join a dedicated community Facebook group just for them.
By joining you can stay better informed as a Council tenant, share your thoughts or ask for advice on tenancy-related issues, and make your voice heard along with fellow tenants within the group.
To join, follow these steps:
1. Search ‘NKDC Housing’ on Facebook.
2. Answer a few simple questions.
3. Agree to the group rules. It's a great way to stay connected.
Up to now, that has applied after only two years of being empty.
This brought almost 200 more properties under the premium charge within North Kesteven. Charges increase to three times the rate after five years, and four times after 10 years.
From April 1 2025, an additional premium on furnished, unoccupied properties will see double council tax apply to second or holiday homes.
With the Council having a dedicated service to help bring empty homes back into use, where they extend housing availability and choice locally, owners are advised to seek support to help them access grants or explore discounts.
The Council's arms-length housing provider Lafford Homes has welcomed new colleague Ian Penn as its Managing Director. Lafford Homes is a fresh approach towards meeting local demand, unlocking more housing choice by delivering great homes for let at market level rent. It continues to be guided also by its board of directors. Find out more at www.laffordhomes.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW?
More than 100 businesses engaged in the Council's Breastfeeding Friendly scheme during 2023/24, which aims to help parents find places they can feed their babies.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ your-community
Our Council
To be a highperforming, value for money Council that is agile, resilient and actively embraces the challenges and opportunities of the future.
50 trees to be planted this year in celebration of the Council's 50th anniversary.
The oak planted at North Hykeham’s Millennium Green in the spring is representative of the gold oak tree that features prominently within the Council’s official crest.
This oak was taken from the arms of the East Kesteven Rural District Council, which was one of the three councils that merged on April 1, 1974, to form the new North Kesteven District Council.
It is also indicative of North Kesteven District Council's aim to significantly increase tree cover in North Kesteven within its climate action response, to enhance the area’s biodiversity and advance a position of carbon neutrality by 2030.
The last of the 50 trees will be planted in Sleaford during the autumn/winter planting season; with the 48 others intended to be spread broadly across the District in a programme involving Members, parishes and groups.
As he positioned the first of the oaks, previous Council Chairman Cllr Mike Clarke said: “Today, we are not just planting a tree; we are planting a legacy."
50 years of serving North Kesteven Golden anniversary for Council:
For 50 years North Kesteven District Council has been making a difference daily in the lives of its residents, rolling out everything from bin collections and benefits payments to food hygiene ratings, licensing of taxis and pubs and provision of thousands of homes and business spaces.
Born out of three smaller district councils on April 1, 1974, and taking on aspects of work from the former Kesteven County Council – all of which had served the area for the previous 40 years – the new Council set out with new roles and responsibilities.
Fifty years on, North Kesteven District Council continues to serve its residents, businesses and
visitors with clear purpose and a far-sighted view on making things better for its communities.
This is most clearly exemplified in its immediate 10-year plan to invest a record £270m in more and better housing, enhanced business opportunities, functions and facilities; to work in partnership with all other councils, health agencies and public services locally; and to promote and progress action for a carbon net-zero future.
From the outset Members and officers have pulled together to ‘follow the right road’ as the newly-minted motto quoting Cicero put it: ‘Rectam Viam Sequi’. We still benefit from the wisdom and experiences of a number of
colleagues who joined in those early days – even one who was here on day one – and councillors in their fourth decade of service.
Combining that legacy of longevity with the energy and freshness in approach of recent starters and newly-elected Members, contributes to a melting pot of dedication totalling maybe 5,000 or more years.
Looking forward into the next 50 years it is impossible to say what the shape of local government will be in 2074 – but what is certain is that North Kesteven District Council, through its Members, its colleagues and its partners, will always seek to be a highperforming, value-for-money Council. See more at #NKDC50
Find out how our Council works www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/your-council
Looking back on... The Hub
Celebrating last year its 20th anniversary, the Council’s arts venue in Sleaford is the natural successor to The Pearoom in Heckington which also sprouted in the 1970s.
Through Government grants, fundraising and hard work by volunteers and the leadership of the Heckington Village Trust, the Pearoom became a heritage, craft and tourism centre for the village; later established by NKDC as a contemporary craft centre.
Through a £2.4 million conversion of another seed warehouse, the Hub opened on Navigation Wharf, Sleaford in 2003 and a further £1.2 million re-imagining by the Council broadened its use and access as a community asset.
Looking back on... leisure
Access to quality low-cost leisure facilities for residents is important to the Council.
Inheriting a previously coveredover open-air pool that had served Sleaford well for 100 years and taking on the North Hykeham leisure centre that opened later in 1974, it continues to invest and improve facilities – pumping in more than £10 million over the past decade in revamps of Sleaford Leisure Centre and ONE NK in North Hykeham at a time when others have closed theirs.
Additionally it prioritises community-based leisure activities and healthier outcomes through Northgate and Better Gym in Sleaford, outreach and the new Health Hub at ONE NK that promote access and availability.
Looking back on... waste
Waste services have come a long way from the ash carts and landfill of 1974.
Introducing wheeled bins in 1989, followed by a dedicated recycling collection in 2001, the Council has always strived to be at the forefront, including recently when Lincolnshire introduced dedicated paper and card collections.
The biggest gamechanger was in 2013 when the Energy from Waste Plant opened in North Hykeham, into which all your residual black bin waste is taken to be burnt to generate electricity. The Council continues to promote Right Thing Right Bin to ensure high quality materials are collected from your green-lidded and purple-lidded bins. See: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/recycle
Meet our new Chairman
After three consecutive years of acting as consort and ViceChairman at North Kesteven District Council, Cllr Andrew Hagues (above, left) has the chains of office for this year.
Resident of Leasingham for 45 years, one of the villages he represents as District Councillor, he is keen to use his year as Chairman to support the District through representation, promotion
and attendance at events.
This is his first period as Chairman of the Council after last year holding the ViceChairman’s position and before that supporting his wife Cllr Lucille Hagues in her two years as Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
He has also been Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Lincolnshire County Council in recent years. He is supporting the
The two most senior officers of the Council will be leaving the authority in the coming months, having steered it through two decades of change and opportunity.
Chief Executive Ian Fytche (pictured above, right) and Deputy Chief Executive Phil Roberts (above, left) will have contributed a collective 40 years to leadership of the organisation and partnerships that have seen more council homes built, the creation of an arm’s length company delivering more private rental choice, record levels of investment in new job opportunities, extensive
Lincolnshire Rural Support Network as his nominated charity. during his year as the Council's Chairman.
“It is clear to me that it is a very worthwhile cause, carrying out excellent work within our rural communities, particularly in challenging loneliness and isolation within agriculture and horticulture," he said.
“The LRSN provides help and support to Lincolnshire’s farming and horticultural communities and allied industries in times of crisis, stress and change. It has provided outstanding support to residents in our rural District and in their 25th year, I am keen to continue to raise awareness of this charity to ensure the community is supported.”
Donations can be made to the LRSN using the Chairman's fundraising page at: www. justgiving.com/page/nkdcchairman
The Council’s longest serving Member and former Leader Cllr Chris Goldson is Vice-Chair.
One of Skellingthorpe’s district councillors since 1991, he was described as someone 'who demonstrates civic leadership; always true to North Kesteven and the Ward he lives in’.
Dog-walking District Council Chairman Cllr Hagues is encouraging everyone to enjoy the vast array of walking and exploring opportunities on District doorsteps.
In keeping with his focus of enthusing people of all ages and abilities to connect with the countryside, navigate their neighbourhoods and access open spaces, he is promoting North Kesteven’s extensive network of pathways that are freely available.
In autumn he intends to host a charity walk; inviting guests to get a sense of the 20-plus Stepping Out Walks that add up to more than 140 miles of the District’s countryside and which are listed at: www. hillholtwood.co.uk/steppingout-walks
investment in arts, leisure and cultural facilities and priority focus on climate action.
They have reached their decisions independently of each other, concluding that the time is right to explore new directions and personal priorities.
Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright (pictured above, centre) has thanked them both for their service, the scale and extent of their ambition that has pioneered new approaches and served the District’s communities well, the clarity of their vision and their leadership; identifying, directing and shaping a common sense of
purpose that has led to strong and effective partnership delivery across all areas within the Council, within communities and on a regional and national scale.
Ian said that North Kesteven’s commitment to investing more than £10m across its arts, leisure and cultural facilities – whilst others were closing theirs - was just one of the ways in which the Council had stood out.
In 2022 the Council was finalist for two Council of the Year awards and he was singled out for individual recognition as a Chief Executive of the Year finalist.
Having focused primarily on housing services initially, before becoming Corporate Director and Deputy Chief Executive, Phil is especially proud to have overseen a resumption in council house building 15 years ago and the creation of a housing company that delivers more choice locally and returns £1m back to the Council to help sustain services.
These opportunities have brought forward over 560 new social and private rental opportunities in our communities.
During his year as chairman Cllr Mike Clarke last year raised £1,910.24.
It's been split between the limbless veterans charity Blesma and the Sleaford corps of the Salvation Army – both of which he says have a positive impact on community life.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can see more of the Council's progress and performance in the Annual Report. You can also see more at its A-Z of services online.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/a-z
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