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ParishUpdateJANUARY 2017

Page 5Communities act on Neighbourhood Plans

Pages 6 and 7Great facilities for venues across the district

Pages 10 - 13Deepings Literary Festival

Public consultation eventsBOURNEThursday 25 May 10am – 3pm Bourne Market stall 5pm – 7.30pm Bourne Corn Exchange

CORBY GLEN Monday 5 June 5pm – 7.30pm Corby Glen Village Hall (Ron Dawson Memorial Hall)

GRANTHAM Saturday 10 June 10am – 2pm Grantham Market stall

MARKET DEEPINGWednesday 14 June 10am – 3pm Market Deeping Market stall 5pm – 7.30pm The Deepings Community Centre

STAMFORDFriday 16 June 10am – 3pm Stamford Market stall 5pm – 7.30pm Stamford Arts Centre

LONG BENNINGTONThursday 22 June 1pm – 7pm St James Village Hall

GRANTHAMFriday 23 June 10am – 4pm Isaac Newton Shopping Centre

Planning for the future of the district moves up a gear in the

coming months with the next round of Local Plan public consultation events.

The new Local Plan provides the opportunity to shape what South Kesteven will look like over the next 20 years, up to 2036.

It will set out a vision and objectives, establishing the amount and location of potential additional growth, and set policies to help guide future investment and development.

It is important for SKDC to involve everyone in shaping the future of the district and the public and businesses are urged to take part in the consultation which will run from 22 May and conclude on 3 July.

The Local Plan will focus on issues

important to everyone, such as:• Supporting the growth of the district’s

economy and helping to bring forward new job opportunities

• Identifying the right number of new homes required to meet future housing needs

• How to continue to improve our town centres making them attractive places to shop, visit, work, live and invest in

• Making sure that the necessary infrastructure such as schools, health provision, roads, water supply, sewerage and community facilities are provided in association with development proposals

• Helping to support the diversification of the district’s significant rural economy

• Improving access to open space, the countryside and recreational facilities to aid everyone’s health and well-being

• Preserving and where possible enhancing the important historic buildings and natural landscape

• Safeguarding the best and most versatile agricultural land and those areas with a high risk of flooding

Events will display the latest draft plan, which will detail how the district will deliver the new homes and jobs needed over the next 20 years.

Everyone’s views are welcome before the council produces a final version of the Plan later in the year.

Continued on page 2

Local Plan takes next steps

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What happens next?Comments will be summarised after the consultation period to prepare a submission-ready plan. This will be consulted on again under Regulation 19, which has very prescriptive requirements for consultation, before submitting the plan to the Secretary of State for examination in public by a planning inspector.

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Grantham – focus for growth• Recognising the town as a

growth area, our aim is for a majority of the district’s development to take place in Grantham to help achieve its role as a sub regional centre.

• The site at Spitalgate Heath, formerly known as the Southern Quadrant, has been selected by the Government to access funding over the next two years to help deliver a Garden Village.

• What more can the Local Plan do to make Grantham a destination for people to live, work, shop and invest?

• The Local Plan will deal with strategic issues affecting Grantham but there is also the opportunity for local communities to look in more detail through a Neighbourhood Plan. Whilst Grantham is not a parished area, it is still possible to deliver a Neighbourhood Plan through a Neighbourhood Plan Forum. Forums are made up of of 21 individuals who live or work in the town who produce a plan for either the whole or parts of the town. Info at: planningpolicy@ southkesteven.gov.uk

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Bourne• Bourne has seen considerable

development through the Elsea Park development which is now approximately 50% complete.

• How would more development in addition to this be appropriate for Bourne?

• Bourne was designated a Neighbourhood Area in June 2015. The Neighbourhood Plan Group is making good progress and recently conducted a town survey.

Info at: www.bourneparishneigh bourhoodplan.org.uk

2The Deepings• The Deepings has its own

strong identity but also enjoys close links with Peterborough and areas south of the district.

• What sort of place do you think The Deepings should be in the future?

• The Deepings were designated a Neighbourhood Area in 2016, encompassing two parish areas of Deeping St James and Market Deeping Town.

• Deepings First Neighbourhood Plan Groups are working towards a ‘Made’ Plan for early 2018. The programme started in 2016 with an area survey of some 6,500 households.

Info at: www.deepingsfirst.org.uk

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Stamford• How can the Local Plan best

respond to the needs and demands for housing and employment in Stamford whilst respecting the essential special character of the town?

• Stamford was designated a Neighbourhood Area in 2016. Stamford First, the Neighbourhood Plan Group, is making good progress and holds regular Neighbourhood Plan workshop sessions.

Info at: www.stamfordfirst.org.uk

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Continued from page 1

Ancaster

Billingborough

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Make sure your building project is a successEast Midlands Building

Consultancy - a shared service partnership between South Kesteven District Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council – is now a member of The Chartered Institute of Building.

The team, who were also finalists in the Association for Public Service Excellence Service Awards 2016, work proactively to ensure projects are a success, offering same day site inspections, competitive quotes and a fast turnaround on decisions.

Heather Jones, for EMBC, who has just become a Fellow of the CIOB, said: “We are experienced local Building Control Surveyors with the aim of supporting you from the conception of your project to completion.

“We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in building design and construction whilst ensuring buildings comply with the relevant legal requirements for health and safety and accessibility.

“Our aim is to assist you in producing high quality buildings in a time scale which keeps your costs to a minimum

by providing a fast, efficient and cost effective building control service.”

Affiliated with LABC (Local Authority Building Control) the member organisation for building control throughout England and Wales, the team can provide access to additional services including residential and non-residential warranties, Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments, Simplified Building Energy Model work, energy performance calculations, air pressure testing, sound testing,

structural calculations and Fire Risk Assessments.

Heather added: “ LABC also operates a partnership scheme which allows us to check building regulation applications on behalf of another local authority and in some cases undertake site inspections.

“We also deal with demolitions, dangerous structures and disabled adaptations as well as building control for all types of building works from domestic houses to commercial. We are happy to discuss any type of project.”

Members of the East Midlands Buiding Consultancy

SKDC’s garden waste service has enjoyed a successful 2016 with

more than 28,000 residents signing up to the scheme over the past 12 months.

The council thanks all those customers who have participated in the scheme to help recycle over 10,600 tonnes of garden waste to date this year across the district.

The service continues to offer hassle free collection of garden waste with

fortnightly collections between March and November and a monthly collection at all other times of the year.

For more information on when collections take place over the next 12 months visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/recyclinglist

Residents should also continue to check the web page to ensure the correct items are placed in green bins such as grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, weeds, twigs, branches, flowers, plants, leaves and bark and not in black bins.

All other items should be placed in

the appropriate bin or taken to local Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) in Grantham or Bourne.

Customers will be notified when renewals are available with a discount applying again for those setting up payment by direct debit.

SKDC’s garden waste service attracts over 28,000 residents

Garden

waste

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Could you cope in an emergency? Winter always brings its

own challenges to both the community and emergency services, snow, ice and freezing fog to mention a few.

But what about other events like heavy rain, landslides, sink holes, flooding and loss of utilities which have the potential to disrupt lives and cause serious harm?

At this point it is important to stress that all emergencies are dealt with by the emergency services, but there is a role for the community to be involved from first response to liaison between emergency responders and the people affected by the incident.

In South Kesteven a number of community groups have now formed to support Lincolnshire County Council Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Service by providing this valued link between the community and emergency services.

All community emergency planning groups are encouraged to enrol on a 5 stage community resilience programme which aims to give them all the training and ongoing support they will need. Stage 1 – the Concept• What is community emergency

planning and why is it becoming

increasingly more important? This training is open to all community groups/town/parish councils. Duration 20 minutes

Stage 2 – The Plan• We will work with you to make

sure you have the basis of your very own community emergency plan. Duration two to three hours depending on audience

Stage 3 and 4 – Response and Recovery• What will be expected of your

community group should an emergency happen and where will your group fit into the wider emergency response in Lincolnshire? This session will answer these questions as well as giving you some practical experience. Duration two to three hours depending on audience

Stage 5 – Test the Plan, is it fit for purpose? • Does it need further development?

In this session you will be given the opportunity to test the activation of your community emergency plan in the safety of a table top styled exercise in order to answer these two questions – does it work? Is there anything missing? Once this has been established it can then be

taken a stage further by involving the community through a live exercise experience. Assistance and support is provided throughout this process. Duration varies depending on exercise but can range from 2 hours to a day

Events in The DeepingsDEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGTuesday 16 May 2017 7.30pmThe Deepings SchoolPark RoadDeeping St JamesPE6 8NF

All residents are invited to join councillors and guest speakers for a community spirited evening. The Making A Difference Awards will be presented. Refreshments provided. Tel 01778 343266 email: clerk.dsjpc@btconnect.com

DEEPING LAKES NATURE RESERVE FOOTPATH WALKThursday 8 June 2017 7.00pmMeet at Nature Reserve Car Park, South of Level Crossing on B1166 (Station Road / Crowland Road), Deeping St James

All are invited for this walk which takes about 1.5 hours, followed by light refreshments. No dogs are allowed in the nature reserve. Tel: 01778 343266 email: clerk.dsjpc@btconnect.com

For more information about forming a community emergency planning group or becoming a volunteer for your nearest group please contact communityresilience@lincoln.fire-uk.org

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Communities act on Neighbourhood PlansMore than 20 Neighbourhood

Plans are underway across South Kesteven as communities seize the opportunity to have a greater say in planning matters and set out their vision for the future.

Leading the way are two rural communities at Stubton and Hough on the Hill, whose completed plans now carry planning weight, notably in the refusal of large scale wind turbines nearby.

Three of the district’s largest towns have started the process. Stamford and Bourne are designated Neighbourhood Areas, whilst Deeping St James and Market Deeping have set up a joint Neighbourhood Area.

In Stubton, parish council chairman Hugh Wilson and vice chair Rob Thornton have already addressed other community meetings to encourage a process which he feels has the ability to change aspects of local government.

As a small parish council, representing just 170 parishioners, Stubton was motivated to develop a neighbourhood plan by the threat

Stubton principals (from left) Gary Senior, Rob Thornton, Hugh Wilson and Brian Birkinhead

Introduced as part of the Localism Act (2011) and the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations (2012), Neighbourhood Plans address issues over housing, employment, leisure, green and open spaces, transport and local infrastructure. Further information on 01476 406080 or email planningpolicy@southkesteven.gov.uk

PLANS IN THE PIPELINE

• Aveland – joint neighbourhood area

• Barkston and Syston• Barrowby• Baston• Bourne• Carlby• Carlton and Normanton• Colsterworth• Deeping St James• Foston• Haconby and Stainfield• Kirby Underwood• Long Bennington• Old Somerby• Pointon and Sempringham• Ropsley and district• Skillington• Stamford• The Deepings• Thurlby

of an industrial scale wind farm.“We wanted to be able to

influence planning if and when it affected our village,” said Cllr Wilson. “It was invaluable when it came to a fight against a large scale wind farm.

“I see Neighbourhood Plans as a remarkable exercise in local democracy. Just going through the process gives an insight into local government and its challenges.

“It also allows a council to listen to people putting forward professional views on planning. If any new housing were to be proposed in the village, we are now in a position to influence both the location and design.

“We wanted to make sure our plan reflected people’s ideas and we really came together as a village over this. We were fortunate to have people in the village with the range of relevant skills but there is so much more help available now than when we embarked on it.

“We are thrilled that we did it and I think Stubton is still the smallest parish council to have its own Neighbourhood Plan.”

Introduced as part of the Localism Act (2011) and the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations (2012), Neighbourhood Plans address issues over housing, employment, leisure, green and open spaces, transport and local infrastructure. Further information on 01476 406080 or email planningpolicy@southkesteven.gov.uk

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Louise and John Smith at The Bull public house

The Archers is now an academic research project with the University of Lincoln staging a February conference organised by former Time Team presenter Carenza Lewis. Carenza, now Professor of the Public Understanding of Research, was due to bring 100 academics to Rippingale in February for a talk, film show and lunch at The Bull. There will be favourite Archers’ recipes and the Archers ‘Barnack Green’ theme music from local musician Peter Green.

The archers - an everyday story of Rippingale folkVillagers in Rippingale are

renewing efforts to prove that their village was the real inspiration for Ambridge in the iconic BBC radio Archers serial.

Increasing evidence also suggests the character of Dan Archer was modelled on farming pioneer Henry Burtt of nearby Dowsby Hall.

Inkberrow in Worcestershire claims to be the real-life Ambridge, largely because of its proximity to the BBC’s Birmingham recording studios.

Now John and Louise Smith, new landlords of Rippingale’s Bull Inn, are at the heart of a campaign to win recognition of the real origins of the BBC’s story of everyday country folk.

John plans restoration of the pub with an Archers theme saying: "Establishing Rippingale as the real Ambridge would open up huge potential, not only for the village, but also for the district and attract worldwide attention. It would also

rebuild a key piece of social history, with Lincolnshire farming given its due credit."

Retired journalist Jim Latham, who moved to Rippingale in 2002, has fully researched the background to The Archers launch in 1950. He believes he has documentary proof that it was the acres surrounding Rippingale, rich in blackcurrants, mustard and cress, that Archers editor Godfrey Baseley first trod with Henry Burtt.

Baseley used that research to create the world’s most popular and longest-running soap opera, according to Jim, who said: “Henry Burtt was a true faming pioneer, regularly called to Downing Street to advise foreign dignitaries.

“The BBC recorded a programme called “Farm Visit” on Burtt’s land in 1946. Two years later a national conference in Birmingham discussed future farming programmes. Henry Burtt stood up and famously

suggested what was needed was ‘a farming Dick Barton’. That was the birth of The Archers.

“The transcript of the 1946 programme also clearly demonstrates that Dan and Phil Archer were based on Henry Burtt and his son Stephen. It’s all in Baseley’s autobiography.”

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New art project has designs on you

A year of Georgian Splendour

An unusual community portrait project in Stamford needs

people to make it happen! Contemporary artist Tim Mann

is aiming to attract thousands of people over a two week period in early March to take part in his 'Crowded Room Stamford' portrait.

The finished product will be a nine metre long artwork compiled from outlines of every participant's body and destined for permanent display in the town.

Tim, who was born and raised in Stamford, wants to take the project into different locations within the community, including schools. He sees it as defining the importance of community in Stamford, something that helped the town win the Sunday

Times accolade of Britain's best place to live in 2013.

He and his team are inviting everyone from Stamford and the surrounding area to go along and take part in a truly collaborative event.

They will be using time lapse and stills photography to create a lasting record of how the portrait was created.

The completed work will go on show at Stamford Arts Centre from 27 March to 9th April, with everyone involved invited to come and celebrate.

Tim said: " All my previous collaborative projects have been exciting, fun and informative. Everyone involved will enjoy being part of it and gain an understanding

Anyone wishing to get involved, including schools and groups, can contact Tim on timmannartist@gmail.com or visit his website www.timmannartist.com

More information at www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk

Crowded Room, Stamford

of my approach and artistic concepts and a deeper understanding of contemporary art and its role in society."

He is also looking for sponsorship and is offering groups and businesses some of his unique artwork as a way of thanking them for their support.

September’s Georgian Festival in Stamford (21 - 24 September)

promises a feast of entertainment from organisers SKDC.

It’s a highlight in a golden year as 2017 commemorates the anniversary of Stamford’s award as the first urban conservation area in the country.

Planning is underway for a summer series ranging from conservation-focused events to community activities celebrating the town’s status and heritage.

Back by public demand will be the Georgian Costume Ball, historic venues such as the Town Hall opening their doors and colourful street markets.

Horses and a vintage carriage will again deliver unforgettable rides through the town’s ancient streets and the splendour of Burghley Park and the historic Meadows area will host military encampments and period stallholders.

New on the programme is Mad Science – with a Georgian twist - bringing children the fun, the

amazement and the wonder of all things science to The Corn Exchange for school and family shows.

21-24 SEPTEMBER 2017

The 2015 festival was a superb event, attracting bigger crowds, an estimated £1m boost for local businesses and accommodation providers, a boost to civic pride and an ever higher profile for Stamford.Analysis showed that the average visitor spent £55, some 60% of visitors were from outside Stamford and 76% of businesses surveyed had increased turnover or new customers.

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DEEPINGS

FESTIVALLITERARY

28 – 30 APRIL

2017

Find out more at www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

Over three days from April 28 – 30 the Deepings will host a stellar cast of fiction and non-fiction, storytellers and folk singers.

The star event is a black tie gala dinner with writer, broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth and other major attractions include acclaimed British novelist and historian Alison Weir, popular author Erica James and novelist Louise Doughty.

The first ever Deepings Literary Festival is for everyone who enjoys words – the written word, the spoken word, the recited word or the sung word.

www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk enquiries@deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

FRIDAY 28 APRIL

An afternoon conversation and workshop with Louise DoughtyFriday 28 April, 1.30pm - 4pm£10 to include a signed copy of one of Louise’s paperbacks. Ticket numbers limited.

Deepings Library, The Park, High Street, Market Deeping PE6 8ED

Louise is an award winning author of eight novels including the recently published Black Water, one work of non-fiction and five radio plays. Her 2013 top ten best seller Apple Tree Yard has recently been adapted for the BBC. She has been the judge for many awards including the Man Booker prize and the Costa Novel Award. She is a highly experienced tutor of creative writing. She originally comes from Melton Mowbray and now lives in London. This afternoon conversation will include a discussion with Louise about Apple Tree Yard, a creative writing workshop about how to plot and structure your own novel and a question and answer session about Louise’s role as a literary judge. Refreshments by Friends of Deepings Library.

Tickets for all events are on sale from the Stamford Arts Centre, either online or at the box office in Stamford. W. www.stamfordartscentre.com T. 01780 763203No allocated seating. Transportation between venues is available for those who need it. Contact enquiries@deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

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cooking up lively, quirky and downright mystical songs from folklore, medieval history and their own minds!

‘Essential and eccentric folk rock at its best’ (Fatea magazine). Enjoy their music with a local pint or glass of wine from an outside bar.

SATURDAY 29 APRIL

Lunch with Erica JamesSaturday 29 April, 11.45am or 1pm £12 includes lunchLilli’s Tearoom Market Gate, Market Deeping, PE6 8DL

Take a rare opportunity to listen to and ask questions of a top women’s author about her life and her writing. Erica James, author of 20 bestselling novels, is coming to chat in the delightful Lilli’s tea room. Erica’s novels are captivating and full of warmth which is why she has become immensely popular and earned the top ratings for each of her books. Review: ‘Song of the Skylark’: “beautifully crafted and hugely uplifting…” Heat Magazine.

Alison BruceFriday 28 April, 2.30pm £2.50Iron Horse, Market Deeping PE6 8EB

Popular crime fiction and non-fiction author Alison now lives near Cambridge, where she sets her detective novels. She is the author of the D.C. Goodhew series, including Cambridge Blue and The Promise. Her latest novel just out is Cambridge Black. She is a fan of vintage clothes and the rockabilly music scene. Music will be provided by Rachel Eyre.

Refreshments available.

Literally ….. PENNYLESS!Friday 28 April 7.30pm £6Main Hall, The Deepings School, Park Road, Deeping St James PE6 8NF

Popular local folk band Pennyless make a welcome return as a special part of the Deepings first Literary Festival. With an individual sound that is distinctly English,

Alison Weir: Fotheringhay and the fall of Mary Queen of Scots with music by Musick Rediscover’dSaturday 29 April, 4.15pm, £6St Guthlac’s Church, Church Street, Market Deeping PE 6 8DA

Alison Weir is the top-selling female historian in the United Kingdom, and has sold over 2.7 million books worldwide. She has published 17 history books; her latest biography is The Lost Tudor Princess, and her latest novel is Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, the first in a series of novels about the wives of Henry VIII. Alison has completed over 650 events over the years; these include at Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London and Peterborough Cathedral. Alison has also featured on numerous radio and television programmes, and four of her books have been selected for Radio 4’s ‘Book of the Week’.

As Musick Rediscover’d, Kathleen and Alan were honoured to play in the procession at Bosworth accompanying Richard III’s coffin. They will perform music that would have been heard in Mary’s private chamber, with some from the courts of Henry VII and VIII, from France and from Scotland.

Light refreshments served, small donation to the church appreciated.

Find out more at www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

novelist (The Conjuror’s Bird, Mrs Hudson series) Martin Davies will talk about book covers old and new, and about his own personal joys and frustrations in discovering how a book gets its cover. Funny, furious and highly visual, this session is a must for anyone who has ever judged a book by its cover.

Refreshments available.

Lynn Knight: Telling Social History through Family StoriesSaturday 29 April, 2pm £2.50Coronation Hall,Halfleet, Market Deeping PE6 8DB

Lynn is the author of a biography, Clarice Cliff (2005), and a memoir, Lemon Sherbet and Dolly Blue: The Story of an Accidental Family (2011), an account of the three generations of adoption in her family. Her latest book, The Button Box: Lifting the Lid on Women’s Lives (2016), tells the story of women in the twentieth century through a series of buttons and the clothes they fastened. Lynn is currently a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Queen Mary University of London.

Refreshments available.

Karen Maitland: Poison, Pottage and PlagueSaturday 29 April, 10am £2.50Coronation Hall, Halfleet, Market Deeping PE6 8DB

Karen Maitland is fascinated by the murder and magic of the Middle Ages. She has written seven medieval thrillers all published by Penguin and Headline. Her latest medieval thriller is The Plague Charmer. Karen also writes joint historical crime novels with the Medieval Murderers – Philip Gooden, Susannah Gregory, Michael Jecks, Bernard Knight and Ian Morson, published by Simon & Schuster. She is one of The History Girls bloggers and her blog appears on the 8th of each month. Refreshments available.

Martin Davies: The Bewildering Business of Book Covers: An Author’s Musings on the Craziness of Cover ArtSaturday 29 April, 11.30am £2.50Coronation Hall,Halfleet, Market Deeping PE6 8DB

In this fast-paced session, best-selling

An Evening with Gyles BrandrethSaturday 29 April, 7.30pm for 8pm £40 per person early bird offer including dinner. After 28 February, £45Main Hall, Deepings School, Deeping St James PE6 8NF

Join us for a spectacular three-course black tie dinner where Gyles will regale us with entertaining anecdotes about his life and his books. Host of Radio 4’s Wordaholics, a reporter on The One Show, a survivor on QI, Room 101 and Have I Got News for You, Gyles Brandreth has been fascinated by words since he could walk – and talk. In his new book, Word Play, and the show that goes with it, with words to make you laugh (and even cry) and stories from his years in politics and entertainment, Gyles comes to The Deepings Literary Festival to celebrate a lifetime’s love of language. No hesitation or repetition, but a bit of deviation guaranteed.

‘Wildly funny, incredibly indiscreet.’ Daily Mail‘Very funny.’ Sunday Times‘Absolute joy.’ Scotsman

Find out more at www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

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A family audience with The Travelling TalesmanSaturday 29 April, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm £2.50 per person. Family of four £8Deeping St James Priory Church, Church Gate, Deeping St James PE6 8NP

Family storytelling show by traditional storyteller Cliff Eastabrook, the Travelling Talesman, is aimed at ages 8 and over, but also suitable for family viewings. The Travelling Talesman is a spoken word narrative performer of myths, legends, folktales and the occasional poem, a storyteller. He has toured his energetic and engaging performances across the country from Penzance to York, for feasts, festivals and fun since the early Nineties with tales of Norse Gods, Celtic mysteries, clever girls and dragon slayers, medieval mayhem, giants, goblins and halloween horrors. He is constantly expanding his repertoire, reading myths from various cultures, chasing down unusual variations on folk tales and researching, learning or creating new adventures for special theme or site specific events. Storytelling performances can be and have been tailored for 50th birthday parties to 6th birthdays, weddings to funerals and delivered in gardens, tents, castles, living rooms, basements, pubs, restaurants, museums and a river, knee deep!

Refreshments available.

SUNDAY 30 APRIL

Stuart Henson and the Sheepish GrinSunday 30 April, 4pm £6 per personThe Bluebell Pub, Helpston

Join us for a special afternoon tea at The Bluebell at Helpston where poet John Clare was once the pot wash! Poet Stuart will be sharing his Feast of Fools, based on misericords (carvings found on tip up seats in churches) with the audience, accompanied by folk duo the Sheepish Grin.

Tour and Tea at John Clare Cottage, plus PennylessSunday 30 April 2.30pm £8 per person with tour and teaJohn Clare Cottage, Helpston PE6 7ED

Enjoy the idyllic surroundings of John Clare Cottage where you will be expertly guided around the museum and glorious spring gardens, culminating with afternoon tea (their scones are famous in

these parts) to the music of Pennyless. Widely regarded as one of the greatest of the English poets, the cottage contains some of his work with rooms returned to original 19th century style.

Lincolnshire Letters Aloud! with music by Intermezzo String QuartetSunday 30 April, 7pm £7.50Deeping St James Priory Church, Church Gate, Deeping St James PE6 8NP

Celebrating the written word through letters, cards and articles penned to and from Lincolnshire ‘Yellow Bellies’ past and present, some famous, some ordinary leading not so ordinary lives. War, farming, politics, families, adventure, you will be captivated by the written words we have unearthed. Read out by talented Lincolnshire folk accompanied by the magic that is the lively Intermezzo String Quartet. Comprising of some of the area’s most established musicians, The Intermezzo String Quartet have been playing at all manner of celebrations for almost 20 years in the Stamford area and beyond. With an impressive list of clients they have richly earned a reputation for playing a wide variety of exciting music to suit each occasion.

Wine and light refreshments, small donation for the church appreciated.

Find out more at www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

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Community Fund provides great facilities for venues across the district

Venues and community groups across the district are

continuing to benefit from the council’s Community Fund.

In the recent rounds, successful applications from Fulbeck, Thurlby and Billingborough have all signed off on new facilities for a variety of community uses.

Billingborough Parish Council applied to the fund earlier this year to secure new play equipment for its village playing field, Fulbeck Village Hall committee secured a new kitchen, toilets and baby changing unit whilst a new covered seating area is now popular with users of Thurlby Recreation Ground.

The fund was announced in 2015 for local groups or individuals to apply for part of a £300,000 pool of grant funding that the council considers for projects to benefit the district’s residents.

Applicants can apply for funding to improve community amenities or buildings and can also support community enterprise. A maximum of 80 per cent of the total cost of projects can be applied for. Applications of between £500 and £10,000 are allowed within this funding stream.

The Fund can also support community celebrations, sports events, street festivals, arts and cultural events. Again, up to 80 per cent of the project costs is the threshold for those wishing to apply for between £200 and £5,000.

Groups or individuals can apply for grants by downloading an application form at www.lincolnshirecvs.org.uk

A new seated area at Thurlby

Thurlby Methodist Church's hall refurbishment is now the base for nearly a dozen community groups every week such as its Tuesday Lunch Club

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Billingborough celebrates new equipment for the playing field

New facilities at Fulbeck Village Hall

What's on...MERES LEISURE CENTRE GRANTHAM NG31 7XQICONS OF THE 80SFriday 3 March 8pm£28.50 + £1 booking fee

GO WEST, T'PAU & THE CHRISTIANS

Entertainers is proud to present Go West and T’Pau together in concert with special guests The Christians! The 80s are back as these legendary stars join forces for a truly incredible concert experience. With millions of albums sales and iconic hits such

as We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, King Of Wishful Thinking, Heart and Soul and the classic China in Your Hand, this authentic eighties triple header is not to be missed.

ROSS NOBLE – BRAIN DUMPSaturday 18 March 8pm£25 + £1 booking fee

Everybody's favourite randomist is back. As always Ross has lots of stuff backing up in his head and it's time to let it all out.

Famed for his super quick freewheeling style and highly imaginative flights of fancy, a Ross Noble show is always an unmissable event.

ALJAZ SKORJANEC – REMEMBERING FREDThursday 6 April 7.30pm£30 + £1 booking fee

Aljaz Skorjanec relives the magic of Fred Astaire with Remembering Fred, a beautiful evening of song and dance, featuring a live band, singers and dancers.

It celebrates one of the true screen legends of our time. Remembering Fred is a show that celebrates the very core of what made this man such a legend! This hotly-anticipated new production also stars Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara.

GIOVANNI PERNICE – DANCE IS LIFEFriday 30 June 7.30pm£28 + £1 booking fee (£26 + £1)

Join Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice and his professional dance team in 'Dance is Life'. In Italian, it translates to 'il ballo e vita', and this show takes you on a story of life through dance. This elegant and beautiful tale features four professional dancers and two amazing singers that are sure to have you on your feet.

This show takes place at the Meres Leisure Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, NG31 7XQ

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE ST PETER’S HILL GRANTHAM NG31 6PZFREE FALLING – A DOUBLE BILLTuesday 28 February 7.30pm£12 (£10) £5.00 Under 2s

Award-winning HagitYakira dance presents Free Falling, an open-

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hearted double bill of down-to-earth dance that’s sensual, striking and a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle. Based on a collection of stories gathered through years of working as a therapist, HagitYakira has created a powerful and atmospheric mixed bill that eloquently uncovers real life experiences about the common uncertainties we share.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICEWednesday 8 March 7.30pm £12 (£10)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen's witty and romantic masterpiece is one of the best-loved stories of all time, dealing with the most important questions in life...

will Mrs Bennet manage to offload her numerous daughters in record time? Will Lizzy and Darcy actually get together? Will creepy Mr Collins just go away please?

GEORGIE FAMEThursday 23 March 7.30pm£22.00 (£20.00)

One of a very select number of UK tour dates, Georgie Fame appears in concert for one night only. With his much loved blend of Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, Georgie Fame has consistently worked in the highest musical circles and has become a true icon of the British music scene. In this very special and intimate evening, audiences will be treated to Georgie’s hits, alongside music from the Artists that have influenced him- all interspersed with personal stories and anecdotes from his incredible career.

FREEFALLING

GIOVANNI PERNICE - DANCE IS LIFE

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A PINT OF COMEDY CARL JONES Friday 10 March 8pmCellar Bar£6 per person, includes £1 off first drink voucher

One of the rising talents in the Midlands and a writer for BBC Radio 4 Extra’s topical news programme NewsJack “A great stage presence that really draws the audience in. Very funny.” – Mark Dolan

Jane Hill - Comedian, journalist and novelist, a comic since 2005 and a finalist in the English Comedian of the Year 2009 “Genuine belly-laughs.” - Three Weeks

Look out for further hilarious acts plucked from the national comedy

circuit being added to the line-up!

EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SATURDAY 8 APRIL 7:30pm£22.00 We welcome the European Union Chamber Orchestra and their Director, Eva Stegeman, back to Stamford for another orchestral concert. The EUCO gave its first concerts in 1981 and soon gained a worldwide reputation as a musical ambassador for the European Union.

They are joined by Nicholas Daniel in Mozart’s Oboe Concerto. Having won BBC Young Musician in 1980, Nicholas Daniel is now regarded as the foremost oboist working in Britain today.

BOURNE CORN EXCHANGE 3 ABBEY ROAD BOURNE PE10 9EFCHAIRMAN’S CHARITY GALA Thursday 23 February 7.30pm£12The Chairman's Charity Gala returns with another brilliant evening of local talent. This year's event will feature some fantastic acts and a buffet supper. For an evening of non-stop entertainment, join us for the Chairman’s Charity Gala 2017!

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE 27 ST MARY’S STREET STAMFORD 9E9 2DL

GEORGIE FAME