SKtoday Autumn 2017

AUTUMN 2017

The Council Leader's first 100 days. Page 3

The Big Clean has begun Find out more and get involved. Pages 4 and 5

Countdown to the Stamford Georgian Festival Special pull-out edition, pages 11-14

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Chief Executive joins councillor on Grantham ward walk

Chief Executive, Aidan Rave and Cllr Graham Jeal

The Council’s new Chief Executive Aidan Rave has completed his first ward walk to understand more about the district.

Mr Rave joined Cllr Graham Jeal on a walk around Grantham St Vincent’s ward just weeks after being appointed to post, keen to get a glimpse into a part of the

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

Editorial: Tel: 01476 40 60 80 Offices: Grantham: Council Offices, St Peter’s HIll Grantham NG31 6PZ

How to contact us 01476 40 60 80

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district and some of the local issues that councillors and residents have highlighted.

Cllr Jeal said: “Aidan seemed keen to get to work on the issues affecting all parts of Grantham. I certainly welcome his enthusiasm to get to know the whole district.

Working together, we want to address issues that matter to local people.”

Aidan said: “It was a productive session where we discussed litter in St Vincent’s ward, anti-social behaviour, Dysart and Wyndham Parks and concerns around how the Local Plan will impact upon on local people.

“I’m quickly learning my way around the district and keen to meet as many other councillors, local groups and individuals as possible to learn where we can improve their experience.”

Stamford: 1 Maiden Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ 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 pr@southkesteven.gov.uk

Hands up for democracy!

After years of voting electronically, members of South Kesteven have opted to vote with a good old-fashioned show of hands from now on.

The small but important change makes council members’ votes – or abstentions – much more visible and transparent than under the previous system.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Matthew Lee, who proposed the change, said: “I have always preferred voting by hand; it makes for a really powerful ‘moment of truth’ in meetings that you lose when voting electronically.

“It is also a much better method for anyone watching live streaming of full council meetings, as we plan to do later in the year.

"I think it’s healthy for our democracy to allow people to watch debates about matters that affect them.”

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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.

www.southkesteven.gov.uk/getsocial

Cover shot: One of the many faces of John White - a regular at our Stamford Georgian Festival (see pages 11 - 14).

New leader reflects on first 100 days

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hree months ago I had the privilege of becoming the Leader of South Kesteven District Council.

Don’t worry if you didn’t notice!

You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that such things are little more than a ceremonial ‘changing of the guard’ and that nothing will really change.

In fact we have big ambitions for South Kesteven and, three months on, we’re already making a difference.

Along with myself and the Deputy Leader, Cllr Kelham Cooke, we have a passionate Cabinet of councillors, all with clearly defined portfolios and all keen to have your input.

I am also pleased to have a new, highly experienced Chief Executive on board to help us deliver our priority areas. Aidan Rave’s enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude is a real asset to the Council.

As well as a new Cabinet, I have put in place a series of committees to scrutinise the Council’s decisions. It may sound odd to invite more scrutiny, but I think it’s healthy for our local democracy.

I am also committed to making the workings of the Council more transparent to you, the taxpayer, which is why we will soon be trialling live video streaming of Full Council meetings.

In terms of our priorities, our Big Clean programme, which aims to set a new standard in street cleanliness, has made a great start.

More than 600 areas have been identified as needing further attention, dozens of local businesses have pledged their support and we’ve had lots of feedback from residents. The programme launched on 9 August.

You can find out more and get involved via our website and social media - #SKBigClean (pages 4 & 5).

I am a passionate advocate of arts and culture and recognise what it can do for our economy.

I’m very much looking forward to the Stamford Georgian Festival between 21 and 24 September and hope to see you there.

As you may already be aware, 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of Stamford becoming the country’s first Conservation Area. I was delighted to lead the celebrations and had the opportunity to thank our heritage partners at the end of July (see pg 14).

A lot of work is also going on behind the scenes to help support the economic development of our district. We are having a big event next month to bring all of the strands together and I look forward to telling you more about them in due course.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy SKtoday and please do get in touch if you have any comments or feedback.

Matthew Lee Cllr Matthew Lee The Leader, South Kesteven District Council

Key Priorities • Increased budget to ensure the district remains clean and attractive.

• Developing Grantham to help ensure the sustainability of key resources, such as the hospital.

• A new designer outlet village and cinema for Grantham.

• Increased focus on festivals and other arts and heritage activities, including a new festival in Bourne.

• A plan for the future of our leisure centres in Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings.

• A new tourism strategy that brings more visitors and income into our district.

Cllr Matthew Lee at the publicity launch of the Stamford Georgian Festival.

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The Big Clean has begun

Big team effort set to make a big difference across the district

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he Big Clean has kicked off in South Kesteven and tackling grotspots across the district to create a higher street standard in our towns and villages.

Hundreds of volunteers and businesses have joined the Council in recent weeks to help spruce up streets across 365 square miles targeting litter, weeds, fly-tipping and graffiti.

SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: “When we asked residents about their priorities for the area, litter and cleanliness

Raising the street standard

were identified in the top five issues.

“Cleaner streets make our villages and towns nicer places to live in and to visit. We also want to make South Kesteven as attractive as possible to businesses who will provide future jobs and growth in our area.

“We have always worked hard to ensure the streets are as clean and litter-free as possible within our annual budget. This programme recognises that some areas need extra attention to bring them up to scratch.

“People’s determination to come and help us raise the street standard has been very encouraging. We thank each and every volunteer and business who has come forward to help us with efforts in their part of the district since we launched this campaign in June.”

The initial 12-week programme runs until the end of October. It sees all reports addressed by the project’s dedicated teams, two of which will permanently tackle the issues to increase the reach of the Council’s Streetcare services team.

Leader of SKDC Cllr Matthew Lee, SKDC councillors and Stamford Town Councillors launch The Big Clean

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Businesses sign up...

Thank you to the dozens of local businesses of all sizes that have already backed our Big Clean campaign!

You can join them by pledging to report any ‘grotspot’ areas to SKDC and carrying out regular tidy-ups of the streets immediately outside your premises. We’re happy to support you in any way we can – and provide a window sticker to show customers and colleagues that you’re on board!

McDonalds Grantham

Ainsley Burton, Manager of The Deeping Stage in Market Deeping, said: “It’s a no-brainer to get involved – it’s a really worthwhile effort. Anything that means the streets in and around the Deepings are cleaner will mean visitors and our regular customers want to return.”

George's Bourne

Pamela Merryweather, owner of Teaspoon Tea in Grantham, said: “It is important that we look after our wonderful town. We are local business people and we want to do our bit!”

@tims140: “Great initiative. I’ve just reported street weeds etc in Grantham”

... and residents join in

Thanks to residents across South Kesteven, we’ve had more than 600 ‘grotspots’ notified, with the majority reported online using our mapping tool (see below).

Lots of community-spirited volunteers have also volunteered to help with The Big Clean by doing litter-picks and other work and we’re working with the Lincolnshire Community Voluntary Service.

Listers Toyota Grantham

Brenda and Jim Jones from Bourne have done just that and were among the first to sign up. Brenda said: “This campaign is very welcome and it’s good to see the local council making an extra effort to make the town look as good as possible.”

Teaspoon Tea In Grantham

@bournetownuk “A great project by @southkesteven!”

Cosy Club Stamford

The Deeping Stage's Ainsley Burton

If you are already litter-picking or thinking about starting a group, we’d love to support you – register yourself or your group at www. southkesteven.gov.uk/ SKBigClean.

“Thanks to all who will support this project and appreciate it.”

Heather

Keep reporting those ‘grotspots’

It takes seconds to tell SKDC about a ‘grotspot’ in your area.

Just go to www.southkesteven. gov.uk/SKBigClean and drop a virtual pin in the map or call us on 01476 40 60 80.

It’s that easy.

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lifetime bungalows add to council housing

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ive ‘lifetime’ bungalows have been built on land at Westry Close in Barrowby as part of SKDC’s £3.1 million building programme.

All of the properties have been specially adapted for people with disabilities or additional needs.

They are wheelchair friendly and have been designed to the Lifetime Homes Standard, which includes extra space and potential for fitting of hoists.

SKDC’s Cabinet member for Communities and Wellbeing, Cllr Nick Neilson, said: “These new properties offer warm, secure, energy efficient homes for families and individuals across the district.

“The addition of a specially designed home is fantastic

news as it will give local people somewhere that is suitable for their long term housing needs.”

The completion of this site follows the building of four one bedroom flats on Earlesfield Lane

in Grantham.

Work is ongoing on Trent Road in Grantham where, once the development is complete, will include a mixture of 18 affordable houses and apartments.

L-R: Senior Project Officer Gemma Harte, Project Officer Jon Rees from developers Robert Woodhead and Cllr Nick Neilson.

Students benefit from work experience on new housing sites

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tudents have been finding out what it’s really like to work on a building site, thanks to a partnership between SKDC and Grantham College.

Eighteen-year-old Adam Tyrell is one of 20 students offered the chance to develop their skills alongside tradesman on councilowned housing sites across Grantham.

Adam, who has been studying bricklaying and is about to complete his level two course, said: “I was on site for a week.

I have never done anything like this before but I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot. I had to communicate with the other guys on site and it has given me a lot more confidence.”

The Council is in the middle of an extensive house building programme which will see 27 properties built by the end of the year.

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Ryan Lewis, Adam’s bricklaying lecturer at the college, said he was thrilled that the Council had given his students the opportunity for work experience.

He said: “It has given my students an insight into real construction site life. We can only simulate a building site at the college, so this has been really good for them.”

Wayne Brookes, Trent Road Site Manager for Woodhead Construction, said that it is vital that the younger generation are encouraged to look at the trades as a career.

He said: “There is a skills shortage at the moment in the building industry, so this is a great way of giving the younger generation the opportunity to get first hand experience of a career in the construction industry.

“I think having the lads on

site has given them more confidence. They have all come with a great attitude and have really grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”

Getting an insight to life on a building site

Garden Village set to drive Grantham’s growth

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lans for one of the country’s first garden villages have taken a major step forward.

The Spitalgate Heath site, on the southern edge of Grantham, was already earmarked for housing, but is now one of only 14 garden villages to be designated by the Government with around 3,700 new homes.

Members of the District Council's Development Management Committee have accepted the principle of the application for the development site and will consider full details over the coming months.

The Garden Village will have lots of natural landscaping, with open spaces, woodlands, tree lined streets and ecological habitats.

A new riverside park, outdoor sports and play areas, community orchard and allotments will be connected by footpaths, cycleways and landscaped corridors.

Cllr Jacky Smith, Cabinet Member for Major Projects, said: “This is great news for Grantham, its residents and businesses. garden villages are all about creating new communities with green spaces, good transport links and aspirational homes.

“The new Draft Local Plan,, proposes some 8,600 new homes in Grantham. The Garden Village will be a big step towards meeting the housing needs of current and future residents and will help ensure that we attract vital facilities to the town including health services.

“There is no doubt that house building plays a vital role in stimulating growth in the area and has a positive impact on the local economy”.

Cllr Mike King, Cabinet Member for Economy and Development, said that the application had evolved over a long period of time during

which SKDC had worked closely with its partners – Lincolnshire County Council, the majority landowners Buckminster and the Homes and Communities Agency – to create the highest quality development.

He said: “The Spitalgate Heath site represents the lion’s share of the planned growth for Grantham and as far as I am concerned the benefits of the scheme far outweigh any disadvantages.

“We want to mirror the spirit of the original garden city movement. We don’t want to simply provide homes and jobs; we want to create a special place that will complement our ambitions for Grantham.

“We want it to be an attractive environment with front gardens, tree-lined streets and homes for people of all ages which are attractively designed, energy efficient and sustainable.”

FACTFILE › › › › › › › › › ›

224 hectares (553 acres) 110,000sq m2 of employment space Around 3,000 new jobs A primary and secondary school Health centre Sports facilities and shops Riverside park Pub and restaurant Community centre Wildlife habitat areas

SP I T AL G AT E H EAT H

Garden Village

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Wyndham Park improvements just weeks away

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he journey to return multiaward winning Wyndham Park to its former glory as a First World War Memorial Park are just weeks away thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund(HLF) and BIG Lottery Fund grants.

Work on a communityfocused visitors’ centre, the relining and filling of the boating lake, and new soft landscaping are set to begin in the coming weeks, and be completed by next summer.

SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: “Wyndham Park has gone from strength

to strength having just recently achieved Green Flag status for a remarkable six years in a row and gained lottery funding.

“It will be an even better place by next year as we create these new features and facilities to build on the excellent work of our contractors Glendale and volunteer groups like Wyndham Park Forum.”

Meanwhile events at the park continue to entertain as nearly 1,000 people watched the Shakespeare in the Park spectacular in July and further crowds enjoyed the Groovy Garden Party in August.

Celebrating Wyndham Parks sixth consecutive Green Flag award

Designer village plans submitted A planning application for a proposed £100 million Grantham Designer Outlet Village has been received by South Kesteven District Council.

The developers, Rioja and Buckminster, are seeking permission to build a 270,000 sq ft outlet close to the southern edge of the town, accessed from a new junction off the A1 which will be brought forward as part of the new Southern Relief Road.

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SKDC will evaluate the plans, and if Members of the Development Management Committee are subsequently minded to approve, the application will then be referred to the Secretary of State for a final decision.

The developers say the Designer Village will offer 130 shops selling heavily discounted luxury brands, create up to 1,500 jobs and attract up to 3.5 million visitors a year.

Revised cinema application approved

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evised plans for a fivescreen cinema in the centre of Grantham have been unanimously approved by councillors.

Members of SKDC’s Development Committee gave the go-ahead for the amended scheme on land off St Catherine’s Road, which will also include two restaurants at ground floor level, first floor leisure/office space and landscaping.

The internal layout and elevations have been amended and the entrance has been moved from St Catherine’s Road to the north-west corner of the site to maximise footfall past the restaurant units.

ooh la la, A French market in grantham

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specialist French market is returning to Grantham with over a dozen traders selling French food, fashion and goods at the town’s Saturday market on 14 October. Vintage music and family entertainment will welcome shoppers who will be able to sample French style cuisine and snacks from 9am to 5pm.

A French delicatessen, cheese, bread and patisserie, sausages, crepes, biscuits, charcuterie, clothes and craft stalls will be on offer.

Consultation on a new housing strategy South Kesteven District Council is drawing up a new housing strategy for the next four years (until 2021) and is keen to have your input.

Following extensive consultation with councillors, developers, landlords and registered providers (previously known as housing associations), the Council has developed a draft strategy that focuses on four key priorities: • Making sure that enough new homes are built in our district • Helping people to live in their own homes for as long as they can • Working with landlords to improve standards in privately rented homes • Making sure that the housing needs of residents are being

met - particularly those who are vulnerable You can read the strategy and complete the survey online at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/ drafthousingstrategy Before going any further, SKDC would like to ask members of the public what they think of the draft housing strategy - whether it is focusing on the right things and if there is anything else it should be looking at.

Councillor Nick Neilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing (pictured), said: “What people want, need and expect from their homes has changed over the last decade or so and will continue to change over the next few years. Whether people

are renting privately, on the first rung of the housing ladder buying a starter home, or looking for somewhere where they can continue to live independently, we need to make sure that our housing strategy reflects this.

“Getting the strategy to this stage has been an excellent team effort so far. We want to include local people in this process and find out from them if we are concentrating on the right things. We would encourage anyone who has opinions on how the Council can best support housing for local people going forward to have their say by completing our survey.”

If you would prefer a paper copy of the survey, please contact the communications team on 01476 406080 ext 6502.

Planning for the Future South Kesteven’s Local Plan has now moved onto its next stage following public dropin events across the district to gather comments and suggestions.

Village halls, arts centres, shopping centres and even market stalls were used by the Council's Planning Policy Team to meet the public and gather views before the 11 August consultation cut-off.

Cllr Mike King, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth (pictured), said: “We have done our very best to give people across the district a chance to air their views and have their say. I am delighted with turnout and the enthusiasm of people to speak out on local

and wider issues and would like to thank all those who have responded."

An extra day was added to make three public events in Grantham, which will potentially take up 50% of the district’s new housing. Consultation events were also held in Long Bennington, Corby Glen, Market Deeping, Bourne and Stamford.

SKDC is now considering all

comments and writing responses before preparing the final version of the new Local Plan, which is set to guide development in the district through to 2036.

A further six-week consultation period in early 2018 will follow, where formal representations can be made, before the plan is submitted for independent examination to the Secretary of State.

Cllr Mike King with a copy of the Local Plan

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South Kesteven in the news Over the past few weeks District Council Cabinet Members have featured in the local news promoting all sorts of initiatives and with all sorts of people.

Fast food chain McDonald's is one of dozens of companies supporting our Big Clean campaign.

Staff are pictured with Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, Cabinet Member for Environment.

Grantham's Beach enticed Cllr Helen Goral, Cabinet Member for Communications, to join in the fun. The crowds lapped up free buckets and spades, deckchairs, and a traditional seaside cartoon ‘peep-through board'.

In Grantham, Cllr Adam Stokes, Cabinet Member for Finance, has championed a new play area off Tissington Road and met contractors on site for start of work.

SKDC Leader Cllr Matthew Lee hosted a celebration event to mark 50 years since Stamford's designation as the UK's first conservation area. Pictured with Paul Bodenham, from Historic England.

Scout and Guides’ Hut upgraded thanks to the District Council's Community Fund Members of a Scout Group are enjoying improved facilities at their hut thanks to a grant from the District Council's Community Fund.

Following a successful application to the fund, the 1st Barrowby Scouts and Guides now have a new kitchen, toilets and fencing around their Low Road headquarters in the village.

Fire door access has also been improved and graffiti has been removed from two garages on the site.

SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Communications and Engagement, Cllr Helen Goral, said: “This project is an excellent example of how the fund will benefit hundreds of people for years to come as children and their parents and guardians enjoy the new facilities.

“It will also be a great facility for the community, allowing the group to host further meetings and events in more comfortable surroundings.”

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SKDC ward members, Cllr Pam Bosworth and Cllr Hannah Westropp joined Secretary of the Scouts Building Committee Group, Becky Kershaw, to view the new facilities.

Mrs Kershaw said: “We’re really

pleased with the new features, it makes the building even more functional allowing the children, Scout Group Leaders and parents to enjoy the facilities when we meet and host activities.

1st Barrowby Scouts and Guides have made great use of SKDC community funding

Counting down the days S

tamford’s third Georgian Festival is now just days away, offering a packed programme with something for everyone.

The District Council's popular biennial festival is now an established part of the town’s colourful culture and local economy, delivering an estimated £1m boost to the local economy in 2015.

Starting with a headline opening show by TV historian Dan Cruickshank, the four-day event (21-24 September) is packed with free, family and ticketed events conjuring up colour and fascination from the Georgian era, which ran from 1714 – 1837.

Georgian markets will stretch through the town centre during the weekend, with at least 80 traders and spectacular shows on The Meadows, including horseback acrobats rekindling the Georgian roots of circus.

New venues include St Mary’s Church with its Tower Tours and Stamford Endowed Schools, which is

21-24 SEPT 2017

kindly hosting Dan Cruickshank.

The popular South Lincolnshire Walking Festival is launching from Stamford on Saturday, with three walks including a special children’s walk around town in the afternoon.

Council Leader, Cllr Matthew Lee said: “The Georgian Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate Stamford’s history and spread the word about our unique and beautiful town.

“As well as being great fun, it’s great for the town’s economy, with tens of thousands of visitors enjoying our attractions, shops and restaurants.

“There are amazing things on the programme. I am particularly looking forward to going to the Gin Whore show and listening to Dan Cruickshank’s thoughts on Georgian architecture in a year when we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stamford’s designation as the UK’s first conservation area.”

www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk

Tickets: 01780 763203

F E S T I VA L

DON’T MISS

the Saturday evening lightshow spectacular in Red Lion Square and a fireworks finale!

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Georgian Festival at a glance

With some events already a sell out, this festival listing includes free events, family entertainment and events with tickets still available.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE MEADOWS INCLUDING: Period traders and Coldstream 1815 Guards and encampment.

Punch and Judy shows 11am, 12.45pm and 2.30pm.

Follow the bull-run procession from 7.30pm in St George’s Square as it makes its way through the town centre to Red Lion Square.

Meet the Highwayman 12.15pm.

Children’s drill training with Coldstream Guards 1.15pm.

Entertainment en-route culminating in performances, light projections and a spectacular firework finale.

Period dance demonstration

by Regency Re-jigged 2pm.

The best bits of the Messiah. Choral concert in St Mary’s Church.

FREE Town Hall tours On the hour, every hour from 10am. Book at Town Hall.

Children’s Lego Challenge.

Build a Georgian house Stamford Library. 10am – 12.

8.15pm. £8.

FREE

FREE

Sedan Chair racing. See who can become Stamford’s fastest Georgian taxi! £5 per team of two 12 – 3pm.

All proceeds to Rotary Club charities.

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ILLUMINATI EVENING Delight in the illuminated local art installations in St George’s and St Mary’s church yards.

Galloping acrobatics show 11.30am and 3pm.

Georgian make-up.

Stamford Library. From 11am.

Omnibus horse drawn carriage rides.

All day from 10am leaving from St Georges’ Square. £4.

60 Glorious Years!

Book now at www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk or call 01780 763203

AT BROWNE’S HOSPITAL: HMS Welland Local vocal group performing shanties from the Georgian period.

10.30am. £3.

Frumenty Popular four-piece folk group.

12 noon. £3.

Polly Honeycombe A ‘whimsical passion’ performed by The Shoestring Theatre.

1.15pm and 3.30pm. £3.

Fan talk and demonstration Understand the language of the fan.

Arts Centre Theatre.

12 noon. £4.50.

Fan decorating workshop Make your own authentic Georgian fan! Arts Centre Art Room.

1.30pm. £8 adults. £5 children.

TALKS IN THE ENDOWED SCHOOLS CHAPEL, ST PAUL’S STREET: Jane Austen’s Gardens with the Historic Gardener.

1pm. £4.50.

The Mad King and the Coronation Chair. The story of a King in crisis.

2.30pm. £4.50.

Letting the Georgians go to your head. All you need to know about Georgian millinery. 4pm. £4.50.

‘A Life in Chains’ A fun, interactive experience session for children about slavery.

Old Courthouse, Town Hall.

2pm. £4.50.

The Gin Whore A slightly naughty one-woman show involving gin tasting! Arts Centre Ballroom. 6.45pm. £18 to include gin tastings (18+ years only).

SUNDAY AT A GLANCE… Free entertainment on the Meadows include: Period traders, Coldstream 1815 Guards and encampment.

Punch and Judy Shows 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm.

World Record attempt at Worm Charming with Stamford Rotary Club.

12 - 1pm.

Ice-cream talk and demo with free tasting. 12.15pm.

Children’s drill training with Coldstream Guards. 1.15pm.

Period picnic (weather permitting).

Come in costume from 2pm.

Town Hall tours On the hour, every hour from 10am. Book at the Town Hall.

FREE

Omnibus horse drawn carriage rides All day from 10am, leaving from St Georges’ Square. £4.

HMS Welland. Shanties. Browne’s Hospital 11.30am. £3.

ARTS CENTRE: Love, War, Sherry and Tripe (talk) Historic novelist Peter Youds. Arts Centre Ballroom. 11am. £4.50.

Georgian children’s fashions (talk) Ballroom.12.30pm. £4.50.

The Curious Story of Peter the Wild boy (talk). Royal historian and author Catherine Curzon. Arts Theatre.

2pm. £4.50.

Afternoon Tea Dance Tea, cake and period dances.

Ballroom. 3pm – 4.30pm. £8.50.

Acro-jugglers show. 11am and 2pm.

Meet the Highwayman. 11.30am.

Acro-jugglers Georgian Acrobats

The Gin Whore

Omnibus Carriage Rides

Book now at www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk or call 01780 763203 13

Plus....

Trust Me, I’m a Barber-Surgeon! Join

t the Plo

Film. The Madness of King George (PG) Nigel Hawthorn and Helen Mirren star in 1995 classic. Theatre.

8pm £6.50 (£6).

‘Master Smee’ if you dare.

Old Courtroom, Town Hall.

1pm. £5.

Crime and Punishment A reconstruction of an actual trial where the audience participates.

Old Courtroom, Town Hall.

2.45pm. £6.

y Loses Mr Darc

An Evening with Austen Join top TV faces for a magical evening of Austen characters.

Ballroom. 6.30pm. £16.

60 Glorious Years!

Remembering King George III’s achievements. Browne’s Hospital.

PICK of the day

SKDC's Graham Burley's top tip is 'Mr Darcy Loses the Plot' on Friday 22 September. 7.30pm, at the Arts Centre Theatre. Graham says: “It’s great to see award-winning theatre company ‘Lip Service’ back at Stamford Arts Centre with their unique blend of comic humour as they take on a Georgian theme .”

Partners celebrate 50th conservation anniversary A

series of heritage-focused events is celebrating Stamford’s conservation milestone as the UK’s first conservation area under the banner of 'Stamford 50'.

It is 50 years since the town collared the historic accolade, reputedly thanks to the town planner of the time whose work on local buildings and townscape put Stamford at the front of the queue.

SKDC has worked with heritage partners to produce talks, exhibitions, a national heritage conference and even a Stamford 50 poem from talented town Poet Laureate, Emma Cuddeford.

Browne’s Hospital hosted a commemoration event for guests including Historic England, Stamford Town Council, Bidwells, the Stamford Civic Society and operators of the first Collyweston slate mine to open for 50 years.

In a passionate speech, Council Leader, Cllr Matthew Lee, emphasised the need to cherish and protect Stamford while ensuring it continues to

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meet the needs of families, visitors and businesses in our modern age.

He said: “Stamford is a beautiful town with a vibrant, thriving community. We want it to stay that way and not allow it to become a sleepy dormitory town, tempting though that may seem at times.

“We want generations of families to grow up here and for their children to stay here and work if they wish. That means ensuring that there are high quality, ideally highly skilled, jobs here in Stamford for our young people.”

Stamford Poet Laureate Emma Cuddeford

Speaking at the event, Stamford Civic Society Chair, Gwyneth Gibbs, traced formative elements of the town’s history and took the opportunity to thank SKDC for its positive working relationship, saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank them in general and the Conservation and Enforcement Officers in particular, for the way they work with us and listen to us.

Of course, there are occasions when their views and the Society's do not coincide, much as we would like them to agree with us 100% of the time!”

Gwyneth Gibbs, Chair Stamford Civic Society

Deepings swimmers compete in National and international games SKDC’s Deepings Leisure Centre is a training base for a crop of national and international swimmers.

Six members of Deepings Swimming Club competed in both the British and English National Games in Sheffield over the summer, and Isabel Spinley won a bronze medal in the European Junior Championships in Israel.

Bailie Harrison and Tom Adams raced at the British Summer Championships in July and were among the country’s fastest 24 swimmers in each age group and event to go head-tohead in the pool.

The trio were joined by Louis Metselaar, Ben Beedell and Chloe Jones at the Swim England National Summer Meet in Sheffield, where the next ranked swimmers at Englishaffiliated clubs compete.

All train at the leisure centre eight times a week.

SKDC’s Leader, Cllr Matthew Lee, said: It’s fantastic to hear that we have so many talented swimmers training at our leisure centre in Market Deeping who are competing on a national and international stage.”

Lynn Chapman, Deepings Swimming Club Head Coach, said: “It’s a fantastic

National finalists at Deepings Leisure Centre

achievement for a club the size of Deepings to get so many swimmers through to nationals.

“We have some exciting medals prospects and the Deepings Leisure Centre provides us with a good local neighbourhood facility which is well-located for all of our swimmers.”

Isabel Spinley with her bronze medal and Lynn Chapman, Deeping Swimming Club Head Coach

New sports facility for Deeping St James Work is due to start this month (September) on a new sports facility for Deeping St James.

It’s the culmination of three years hard work by the Parish Council to raise £135,000 to fund the project at Woody Heights on Linchfield Road.

Julie Fortnum, Parish Clerk for Deeping St James, said: “This facility will provide a huge boost to the area. We want it to be used by people of all ages and abilities.”

The contract to remove the existing facility and to design, supply and install a new skate park has been awarded to

Gravity Skateparks.

The company has been designing and engineering innovative freeform skateparks for communities across the UK for the last decade and have helped pioneer a new generation of urban landscapes for wheeled sports that are making communities more exciting places to be.

Julie added: “The tender design submitted by Gravity was favoured not only by members of the Parish Council but the majority of the users who were consulted. We are all really looking forward to the new facility

taking shape over the coming months.”

Money for the project has come from a variety of sources, including a £50,000 grant from WREN, a not-for-profit business which awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects, the council tax precept, Section 106 agreements between building developers and South Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Council’s Big Society Fund, Deeping St James United Charities, individual donations and a nonuniform day at The Deepings School.

For more information about WREN funding, contact Cheryl Raynor at Cheryl.raynor@wren.org.uk or visit www.wren.org.uk

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Gravity Fields Festival dates set P lanning has started for next year’s Gravity Fields Festival in and around Grantham.

Dates are confirmed as 26-30 September 2018, with festival curator Rosemary Richards again working with the District Council's arts team.

Celebrating the life and legacy of Sir Isaac Newton and his local connections, the biennial event has grown in reputation, popularity and economic impact since starting in 2012. The 2016 festival contributed more than £700,000 to the local economy, proving how valuable it is to the town.

Organiser South Kesteven District Council will be working in partnership with the National

Trust, guardians of Newton's birthplace at Woolsthorpe Manor, formulating and developing a festival programme with science for all, heritage, talks, outdoor and indoor arts, music and drama.

In 2016 the festival drew an audience of 67,000, with

celebrated patrons Professor Valerie Gibson, TV science presenter Dallas Campbell and Newton authority Professor Rob Iliffe involved throughout.

Organisers predict that next year’s festival will increase the already high level of engagement from local businesses.

Dance company's new ballet C

hantry Dance Company (CDC) is presenting a fabulous, original full-length contemporary ballet at our arts centres in both Grantham and Stamford this autumn.

For the story of The Sandman, they commissioned composer Tim Mountain to create an original score.

Tim's exceptional music has previously been heard at Gravity Fields in Grantham, as he composed the score for the company’s production of 'Chasing the Eclipse', which was a contemporary ballet commissioned especially for Gravity Fields in 2014.

Chantry Dance is a regular favourite at the Guildhall Arts Centre and has featured prominently in previous Gravity Fields Festivals.

The performance follows the Sandman, whose magical rainbow umbrella imparts good dreams, and his dark umbrella brings nightmares to humans.

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The piece is inspired by The Sandman of folklore and of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, but the story Chantry Dance Company will be telling is brand new.

Chantry Dance Company is run by choreographers Paul Chantry and Rae Piper, who are now known nationally for their work on shows including ‘Gangsta Granny’ and ‘Horrible Histories’.

Paul Chantry, Co-Artistic Director CDC, said: “Chantry Dance Company and its official school, Chantry School of Contemporary and Balletic Arts, were both formed in order to provide artistic opportunity opportunity to perform, to create, to develop and explore the world of contemporary dance.

“We are passionate about flying the flag for dance in Lincolnshire and Grantham.

We aim to help great dancers flourish and grow in Grantham."

Photo by Dani Bower

THE SANDMAN Chantry Dance Company presents a fabulous, original full-length contemporary ballet for 2017.

The Sandman’s magical rainbow umbrella imparts good dreams, and his dark umbrella brings nightmares to humans. A woman yearns for good dreams to heal her ailing husband, so she visits the Dreamworld to steal the umbrellas.

But what will happen if the umbrellas get mixed up…?

To book visit www.guildhallartscentre.com or www.stamfordartscentre.com Guildhall Arts Centre Saturday 23 September 7.30pm Stamford Arts Centre Thursday 5 October 7.30pm £12 / £10 / £8.50 students

Rural chairMAN attends European funding event

C

ouncil Chairman Cllr Bob Sampson and Cabinet Member for Major Projects Cllr Jacky Smith attended a special information event to help rural businesses and community groups access a £2m European LEADER grant funding pot.

More than 40 people attended the session at Stoke Rochford Hall. They heard from Local Action Group managers administering the two district funds - the Kestevens and the Wash and Fens LEADER areas – with jobs and growth as key requirements of grant funding.

Cllr Sampson, who heads SKDC's Rural Overview and Scrutiny Committee, wants to encourage applications before funding ceases when Britain leaves the EU. He said: "It's important that we ensure that

we can help people to apply and we can also look at how we might match make with successful applicants to share experiences.

“On a positive note it is being assessed and decided on by

local people who understand local issues. It’s the first time that we have had an opportunity of European funding and I am hopeful that we can secure as much as possible before the opportunities are lost.”

L-R: William Tse; Cllr Sampson; Cllr Smith; Elizabeth Hanger, Kestevens' Local Action Group Manager; Frances McIntyre, Wash & Fens LAG Manager

For LEADER enquiries please contact William Tse, SKDC Economic Development Advisor, in the first instance: w.tse@southkesteven.gov.uk

Lights to power profit at dairy farm A

Chris and Simon Dorrington with their dairy cattle

Dunsby dairy farm installing state of the art lighting technology to increase milk production is the latest beneficiary of EU LEADER funding in South Kesteven.

New LED lights within the barns at White House Farm will simulate mid-summer levels of daylight and darkness and are expected to increase milk productivity by 8%.

For the Dorrington family, improved yields from their Holstein Fresian cattle will improve farm profitability in a

dairy industry struggling with low milk prices.

Chris Dorrington, who returned to work on the family farm two years ago, explained: “This is the latest technology designed to keep the cattle in a regular pattern with 16 hours of daylight and eight of darkness.

“It’s been brilliant to receive this grant as a major contribution towards the project.

"Installing the lighting would otherwise have been economically unviable in a challenging dairy market.”

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What's On IN SOUTH KESTEVEN

G

Autumn at the Arts Centres!

was in town he was filming ‘The Great British Railways Journeys’ for the BBC and popped into the Arts Centre.

"Dance lovers will be keen to see the fabulous Chantry Dance show THE SANDMAN on Saturday 23 September at the Guildhall and Thursday 5 October in Stamford. This new contemporary ballet will be a rich and colourful treat.

"We are delighted to support Chantry Dance Company and we look forward to their new show.

"Continuing a drive to encourage more families to attend arts events, we have planned shows like ME by Little Angel Theatre on 7 October which is a delightful introduction to live theatre about a baby penguin at the Guildhall and THE SNOW DRAGON by Tall Stories in Stamford on 21 October which will be top quality theatre.

"We also have multi-buy ticket offers, and discounts for schools and groups so do look out for those and we hope you enjoy a great autumn of arts and entertainment."

Photo by Dani Bower

raham Burley, who programmes shows and events at the arts centres in Grantham and Stamford, is looking forward to a busy and exciting autumn. He says...

"We have some top drama from touring companies such as Paines Plough who will bring their funny and critically acclaimed show GROWTH to Stamford on 11 October and we welcome superb mask theatre company Vamos with their latest show FINDING JOY to the Guildhall in Grantham on 6 November.

"Music fans won’t be disappointed with young folk talent RACHEL NEWTON on 6 October and Strictly Come Dancing singer LANCE ELLINGTON on 1 November at the Guildhall, and Cathy Jordon’s top folk band DERVISH coming to Stamford on 4 October.

"We are also very excited to welcome MICHAEL PORTILLO back to Stamford on 28 November, when he will talk about his life in politics and TV. The last time Michael

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE

27 St Mary’s St, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DL 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

OCTOBER

DERVISH County Sligo’s finest export, Dervish, is one of the great bands ever to have come out of Ireland.

Fronted by the entrancing Cathy Jordan, whose power to charm an audience is a match for anybody in the whole of Ireland, Dervish draw from seemingly limitless depths of talent, finesse, subtlety and fiery energy.

Chicago Herald Wednesday 4 October 7.30pm £16/£15 concessions

DE TEMPS ANTAN

Chantry Dance Company - The Sandman

Full information is available at www.guildhallartscentre.com and www.stamfordartscentre.com

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Don’t miss this Quebec band who blend traditional songs of yesteryear with a contemporary feel. Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stomping grounds of

TALL STORIES PRESENTS THE SNOW DRAGON

Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, the three virtuosos blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in traditional Quebec music.

Friday 13 October 8pm £16/£14 concessions

ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) is making a welcome return to Stamford. With a motto of ‘Not all orchestras are the same’, the OAE brings a concert of baroque orchestral music centred around the first two of Bach’s Orchestral Suites. They begin with one of Händel’s Concerto Grossi, and follow the Bach with a Concerto Grosso by Corelli, the first major exponent of the form. The finale is a Suite of Dances from three of Rameau’s ‘revolutionary’ operas.

Director: Matthew Truscott Saturday 14 October 7.30pm £23/£21 concessions £10 under 26 years

TALL STORIES PRESENTS THE SNOW DRAGON Toe-tapping songs and lots of laughs for everyone aged 3 and up, from the company that brought you ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘The Snail and the Whale’.

Saturday 21 October 2.30pm £8/£7 concessions £28 family of four

LEGO WORKSHOP JUNIORSTEM Love making things? Love technology? Love Lego®!?

Come along and take part in one of our new workshops that bring Lego, robotics and basic programming together for a fun filled workshop!

Take a look at www.juniorstem.co.uk for more info!

Recommended for 6 -11 years Monday 23 October 10am -12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm £8 per child - under 8s must be accompanied by an adult (free)

THE BIG DRAW Make your mark! Come along a have a go at various activities as part of a day celebrating animation and drawing! Just drop in. Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied.

Friday 27 October 11am-2pm £1 per child

JANE EYRE:

AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY DYAD PRODUCTIONS From the creators of Dalloway, Austen’s Women and Christmas Gothic…

Struggling to think, live and love beyond the stifling expectations of duty, class and convention, governess Jane Eyre and Master Edward Rochester take a dark journey towards sensual and intellectual liberation. Performer Rebecca Vaughan embodies everywoman Jane – and several other characters – in this intimate study of love’s realities.

Saturday 28 October 7.30pm £12/£10 concessions £8.50 students and groups

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LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN

LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN

A TOURING PRODUCTION BY THEATRICAL NICHE LTD

TWO GHOST STORIES PERFORMED BY ROB LLOYD PARRY

Over a century after they were first published, the ghost stories of M R James retain their power to terrify and amuse. This gripping one man show retells two of the earliest and eeriest. www.nunkie.co.uk Sunday 29 October 2pm (CELLAR BAR) £7/£5 concessions

NOVEMBER

TRIO DHOORE Trio Dhoore is a young band of monstrously musical brothers from Flanders.Their ‘rooted folk music’ breathes life, freedom and energy into a repertoire of traditional Flemish tunes (and the occasional song) in addition to their own selfpenned material!

Friday 3 November 8pm £16/£14 concessions

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Oscar Wilde's raucous social comedy pulls apart the intricacies of etiquette and flips expectation rump-over-head in this scathingly funny satire. As young Lady Windermere varnishes up all cracks in the veneer, how is it she fails to notice that the place is positively crawling with woodworm?

Suitable for 12 years plus.

Wednesday 22 November 7.30pm £12/£10 concessions £8.50 students / group bookings

SONIA SABRI COMPANY PRESENTS

VIRAGO

A CO-PRODUCTION WITH MAC BIRMINGHAM AND THE OLD REP BIRMINGHAM An exciting dance-digital solo production from Sonia Sabri, Artistic Director of SSCo, collaborating with Ludic Rooms. Virago explores the light versus dark and the real versus fairytale versions of female existence, teasing the audience with perceptions and misconceptions of the woman and gender.

Wednesday 8 November 7.30pm £12/£10 concessions £5 groups and students

MICHAEL PORTILLO ‘LIFE: A GAME OF TWO HALVES’ Listen to his extraordinary story, told with a light, almost 'stand up' touch, and then feel free to question him about it.

Tuesday 28 November 7.30pm £17.50

WE ARE BRONTË PUBLICK TRANSPORT

FREE SCHOOL EVENTS!

GRAVITY FIELDS FESTIVAL ANNIVERSARY

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE 01476 406158 www.guildhallartscentre.com St Peter’s Hill, Grantham NG31 6PZ

SEPTEMBER

AN AUDIENCE WITH VINCE EAGER Grantham born Vince will be presenting an “Audience with…” as he digs deep into his wealth of showbiz stories and presents many never before seen photographs ranging from his early days as a Grantham teenager and a member of the Vagabonds Skiffle Group, through his recording, television and rock ‘n’ roll touring days and the five years he spent portraying Elvis in Elvis The Musical worldwide.

Wednesday 27 September 7.30pm £8/ £7 concessions

HOLD ON BY STEFANO DI RENZO AND SCHOOLS SCIENCE SHOW BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL With exactly one year to go until Gravity Fields Festival 2018, this is a timely invite to primary schools to celebrate with us the world of performance and science at a very special event.

Enjoy a gravity-defying live performance by circus theatre artist Stefano Di Renzo. His show ‘Hold On’ is a short wordless funny circus show, where buckets whirl around, cups and balls fly through the air and planks become catapults.

Phil Bell Young from the University of Hull will amaze and astound with an interactive STEM science show, where pupils can see science come to life. There will be entertaining demonstrations and plenty of audience participation.

There will also be the opportunity to chat with Festival organisers and input your ideas into next year’s festival activities.

Thursday 28 September 10.30am and 1pm FREE

OCTOBER

WE ARE BRONTË PUBLICK TRANSPORT Morecambe and Wise meets David Lynch in this madcap reimagining of the Brontë myth, presented in Publick Transport’s playful and irreverent style. Taking the real and fictitious worlds of Yorkshire’s literary siblings as their inspiration, two performers combine rigorous physical theatre with anarchic comedy to deconstruct not only gothic themes of love, madness and revenge, but also themselves.

Wednesday 4 October 7.30pm £12/ £10 concessions £5 under 26 years and school groups

BARRON KNIGHTS You’ll be rockin and laughing as well as rolling. Lots of new material including the old favourites like Call Up The Groups, their inimitable version of the William tell Overture and their parody of Killer Queen about whether Camilla be queen.

Also the hilarious take on Windmills Of Your Mind about what happens to your body as get older.

Saturday 14 October 7.30pm £18

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HANSEL AND GRETEL

SAND CASTLES

As one of the great European fairy tales ‘Hansel and Gretel’ is as relevant today as it has been for previous generations. It tells the story of two children, a brother and a sister, who support each other and survive foolish parents, a dark wood, a gingerbread house and a wicked witch. By setting an example to the adults, the children bring about a joyful reunion and a happy ending.

During the light-hearted half hour workshop some children are chosen and rehearsed into parts while the rest of the audience is taught three chorus songs. During the interval the actors and children are costumed and the show, lasting 1 hour, runs seamlessly with everyone taking part as rehearsed.

The Pattersons and the Billets have holidayed in their respective beach huts for years. They have an unwritten ‘Law of the Hutters’ which they teach to Doug, the ‘renter’ of the middle hut, and his two ‘nieces’? Meanwhile, ordinary holidaymakers encroach on the ‘Hutter’s’ beach space. Confrontation is inevitable…… will there ever be calm again?

ST PETER’S HILL PLAYERS

IMAGE MUSICAL THEATRE

Tuesday 24 October 2pm £7.50/ £6.50 concessions £26 family of four

LANCE ELLINGTON SINGS BROADWAY Join the nation’s favourite TV singer, BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s star vocalist, Lance Ellington, for his exciting new show for 2017. The show features many new and exciting arrangements of all our favourite, classic Broadway hits with songs from Guys and Dolls, Les Miserables, South Pacific, Wicked and many more, with an all star musical line up led by George Michael’s sax soloist, international sax star, Ed Barker.

Wednesday 1 November 7.30pm £22/ £20 concessions

NOVEMBER

Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 November 7.30pm £8.50/ £7.50 concessions

A NIGHT WITH FRANK, DEAN AND JUDY

THE RAT PACK SHOW

Sensational swing singers Ellie Darnell and Paul & Stephen Amer will be joined by their live five-piece band, and beautiful backing dancers as they perform hit after hit of swing classics made famous by the Rat Pack’s residence at the famous Las Vegas Sands Casino. With hits such as ‘That’s Life’, ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘New York New York’, this promises to be an evening to remember.

Saturday 18 November 7.30pm £16/ £15 concessions £12 groups of 10 or more

HAZEL O’CONNOR Hazel O’ Connor has fast established herself as a performer to be reckoned with. Her husky voice remains charged with passion and her enthusiasm, love of music, and wicked sense of humour, is ever present. Having now returned to her Celtic soul folk-roots she performs in a captivating acoustic line-up with Cormac de Barra on Irish Harp.

Supported by Jack Lukeman who is one of Ireland’s most respected and best-loved performers.

FINDING JOY VAMOS

Approaching the subject of dementia with humour and humanity, Finding Joy takes us on a journey through Joy’s life; from her evacuee childhood in the 1940s, her family and little Westie dog, to being older - and the difference Danny makes with his unconventional care. Finding Joy is about family bonds, facing things together, and looking for the joy wherever it can be found.

Wednesday 25 October 7.30pm

Monday 6 November 7.30pm

£20

£12/ £10 concessions £5 under 26 years and school groups

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THE BIG BAND AT CHRISTMAS WITH FIVE STAR SWING As featured at London’s Leicester Square Theatre and BBC “Children in Need”. Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic Big Band treatment from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie, Nat King Cole – jazzing up those Jingle Bells!

Monday 27 November 7.30pm £16/ £14 concessions

MERES LIVE

DECEMBER

Meres Leisure Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, NG31 7XQ 01476 406158 www.mereslive.com

BOURNE CORN EXCHANGE

3 Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF 01476 406158

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

MILTON JONES IS OUT THERE

A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING Re-live the passion, indulge in the romance and celebrate the greatest movie soundtrack of all time.

Friday 13 October 8pm

£21.50/ £20 concessions £15 for groups of 6+ (plus £1 booking fee)

Milton Jones is Out There. No, really out there and this time he hasn’t just forgotten his keys. He’s holding up the mirror of truth to society, and he can see right through it, which means it’s probably just a window. In his brand new show he’ll be putting his foot down and lifting the lid on the pedal bin of lies of the media.

Saturday 2 December 7.30pm £26 (plus £1 booking fee)

FEBRUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2018

NOVEMBER

BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY The show revives the harmonies and songs that flew through the charts in the 60s & 70s such as Sherry, Walk Like a Man & Rag Doll there’s a four seasons song that has a place in everyone’s heart.

Saturday 11 November 8pm

£21.50/ £20 concessions £15 for groups of 6+ (plus £1 booking fee)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole takes to the stage to wow audiences with his latest spectacular production, All Night Long. Brendan is joined by his sensational cast of guest dancers, his captivating leading lady and superbly talented 14-piece band and singers, to whip up an extravagant mix of Latin fever and ballroom magic.

Friday 9 February 7.30pm £35/ £33 concessions EARLY BIRD OFFER – BUY TICKETS BEFORE 31 OCT 2017 FOR ONLY £33/£31 concessions (+ £1 booking fee per ticket)

RUFF ‘N’ READY Described as ‘playing with passion and energy’ and as being ‘a lively, entertaining, colourful, charismatic group of fine musicians’, Ruff ‘n’ Ready inspired by the music of the Irish Diaspora, perform their exciting all new show, where they will be playing both great traditional Irish popular tunes and the inspirational music from the likes of River Dance and Lord of the Dance. With the Irish Wolfpack dancers from the Grantham School of Dancing providing an added visual treat, this show promises you an exhilarating, fun and toe tapping night to remember.

Saturday 18 November 8pm £12/£11 concessions

PLANET ABBA ABBA TRIBUTE BAND

Since their formation in 2002, Planet ABBA have succeeded in establishing themselves as the UK’s leading ABBA tribute show. Their professionally choreographed stage show, with many costume changes, faithfully encapsulates the sights and sounds of ABBA and their endless stream of unforgettable hits.

Saturday 24 November 8pm £14 / £16 on the door

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