Victory in Europe’s 80th anniversary will be marked in Grantham with a celebration at Grantham House, a flag raising, a tea dance and a beacon lighting in Wyndham Park.
Organiser South Kesteven District Council is also inviting communities to stage their own events as part of the national commemoration.
The Grantham House celebration on 4th May will also illustrate the council’s Soldiers from the Sky project, made possible by National Lottery players, telling how locally-based Allied paratroopers contributed to the end of the war.
The free event, from 10am to 4pm, will include memorabilia displays from historic airfields and two local wartime air crashes, WWII jeeps and military re-enactors, teas on the lawn, Chapel House pizza, music and bookable military heritage talks in the morning and afternoon.
On Thursday 8th May, VE Day itself, events start with a flag raising on St Peter’s Green at 9am.
In the afternoon the Guildhall Ballroom will host a tea dance to the sound of Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra with quicksteps, foxtrots, waltzes and Latin numbers.
In the evening, Wyndham Park will host military exhibits in the Visitor Centre, with the park café open, plus music and dancing from Grantham School of Dance and tours of the Heroes Commemorative Orchard in the build up to the beacon lighting at 9.30pm.
Cllr Phil Dilks, South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, said: “We are delighted to celebrate such a milestone in our country’s history as part of the national commemoration and extremely grateful to the National Trust for hosting this event at Grantham House.
“It’s vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms.”
Dr Henry Cutten, Local Partnerships Co-ordinator at Grantham House, said: “The National Trust is honoured to support this meaningful event. Grantham House will soon be opening with free entry, and our hope is that the property will become a special place for the community, somewhere they feel pride in and a sense of ownership for.
“Being part of events like this is a great step towards that ambition and we’d love to hear from any community groups hoping to host events in the future.”
Journey through time with the University of Lincoln for the Festival of History 2025
In celebration of the Lincoln Festival of History from 3 – 5 May 2025, the University of Lincoln, UK, is offering members of the public the opportunity to journey back in time with a series of free public talks on the city’s history.
Festivalgoers will see Lincoln from a new perspective and the University’s lectures will delve into the often-unknown past of some of the region’s most significant historic happenings, ranging from the renowned authors and poets who helped shape Lincoln’s literary landscape, to medieval discoveries, and learning about the history behind the city’s leprosarium.
The University events are all free and booking is essential – find out more below.
Literary Lincoln: The Early Modern to the 19th Century, Wednesday 30 April – Lincoln Guildhall
Join us at the Guildhall to explore the literary references of Lincolnshire with this trio lecture from Dr Christopher Marlow, Dr Laura Gill and Dr Owen Clayton.
Take a tour of the University of Lincoln’s Conservation Labs, Saturday 3 May – Brayford Pool Campus
Come and tour the University’s Conservation labs to see live conservation projects in action.
Tennyson and the Pre-Raphaelites, Monday 5 May – Brayford Pool Campus
Hear from Jim Cheshire, Associate Professor, as he shares insight into the fascinating world of Tennyson and the Pre-Raphaelites in this public lecture.
Leprosy in Lincoln: The Hospital of the Holy Innocents, Thursday 29 May – Lincoln Guildhall
Join Dr Samantha Tipper for a public lecture that will take you on a journey back in time to around 1098 to hear about Lincoln’s Hospital of the Holy Innocents, a leprosarium, built on the city’s South Common.
Medieval Discoveries: A Learning and Career Journey, Friday 30 May, Lincoln Guildhall
Attend an evening of debates and thought-provoking conversations led by the University’s current and previous MA Medieval Studies students, who will share their ‘medieval discoveries’ and reflect upon the skills they have acquired and enhanced throughout their learning journey.
Speaking about the Conversation lab tours, Henning Schulze, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Conservation, explained: “During the Festival of History you are invited to experience conservation work at the labs of the University with a short talk, a tour of the facilities and some hands-on activities – and as a special highlight you can witness conservation in action.”
The Festival of History is organised by the city’s Events in Lincoln team and the celebration will offer a variety of activities, performances and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. It is a living history event that will take place from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May and is open to all members of the public.
Central Library temporary closure: books and archives to be removed as essential work planned
Grimsby Library appointments to support people with online forms and other digital assistance is continuing in Cleethorpes, or over the phone, as the town centre building remains closed.
Lincs Inspire and North East Lincolnshire Council have confirmed that one-to-one appointments are going ahead at Cleethorpes Library – to book contact 01472 323650. There is also an option for people to be helped over the phone. Scanning facilities are available at Cleethorpes as well as at the libraries in Waltham and Immingham. See below for opening hours.
An alternative site for the Credit Union is also being looked for. In the meantime, for appointments please contact 01482 778753.
Meanwhile, unreturned library books can go to the libraries in Cleethorpes, Waltham or Immingham – or to the reception at the Municipal offices, which is open Monday to Friday 8.45am until 4pm (excluding bank holidays).
Grimsby Central Library building had to close at short notice after a water leak created a risk of asbestos disturbance. As was common at the time of its construction and opening 58 years ago, the building and materials within it contain asbestos.
Further work is now needed with assessments and necessary asbestos removal and the building will remain closed for some time as this is carried out. The safe removal of the local history archives and books will take place to protect them during the work.
A temporary location for the service in the town centre is being sought, with considerations such as space, location and the IT infrastructure that is needed. Further details will be released as soon as possible.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, said: “Like almost all buildings of this age, asbestos is an issue and until this is dealt with properly, we cannot move forward with any plans for this building.
“The recent water leak and subsequent damage has accelerated essential asbestos removal works that would have always been needed. We will ensure we move as swiftly as we possibly can, and in the meantime, we do apologise for the inconvenience for library users,” he added.
Opening times:
- Cleethorpes Library on Alexandra Road, open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday;
- Immingham Library at the Civic Centre on Pelham Road, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday;
- Waltham Library on the High Street, open 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday.
Skegness station upgrade delayed after contractor exits project
A £3.3 million redevelopment of Skegness railway station has stalled after the appointed contractor, Taziker Ltd, withdrew from the project. East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is overseeing the scheme, is now in the process of sourcing a new delivery partner.
The revamp is part of a broader investment funded through the government’s Town Deal programme and aims to improve passenger flow by reconfiguring the station’s internal layout.
Originally scheduled for completion by 25 May, the timeline is now uncertain. EMR has reaffirmed its commitment to the project and is working to minimise disruption while securing a new contractor.
For businesses involved in infrastructure, transport, or town centre regeneration, the delay highlights the potential risks of contractor dependency in publicly funded development schemes.
Planning approved for 66-bed care home in Bourne
LNT Care Developments has secured planning approval from South Kesteven District Council for the construction of a 66-bed residential care home in Bourne. The development will replace an existing house on Tarragon Way, with a two-storey H-shaped building designed to include parking for 30 vehicles.
The project is expected to create between 50 and 60 local jobs and represent a significant investment in the area. Beyond construction, it will generate ongoing opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and community engagement, including potential partnerships with schools and community groups.
While most local residents supported the location, concerns were raised over the site’s accessibility and parking capacity. Ward councillor Helen Crawford noted issues with the proposed entrance on Coriander Drive, potential congestion from HGV traffic, and insufficient parking for visitors and staff.
The planning committee approved the project with the condition that a travel plan and construction plan be submitted. No timeline for the project’s completion has been provided.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanyaAled Jones set to share the stage with the Baths Hall Vocal Collective
Aled Jones will share the stage with a local choir on the latest leg of his one-man Full Circle tour.
Aled will be joined by the Baths Hall Vocal Collective on the stage of Bath Halls, Scunthorpe, at his show there on May 10, 2025.
It is one of several times local choirs will share the stage with Aled on this tour, which returns to theatres on March 25.
The choirs will all join the Welsh star for a duet of How Great Art Thou in the second half of the show, in which Aled shares the stories and songs of his 40-year career.
Choirs have also been given the opportunity to perform their own music in the venue foyers ahead of the start of the show.
Aled said: “I have enjoyed a long and successful career, and it is a real privilege for me to be joined on the stage with a talented local choir. It will be a really special evening.”
The choir’s leader added: “We are so grateful and excited to perform with Aled on his tour. Opportunities to support such great artists like Aled is a real privilege for any group, especially for our lovely local vocal collective. It is wonderful how he is supporting and encouraging community choirs and we can’t wait to perform in the show.”
Aled needs little introduction; he was the boy treble who captivated the world with his angelic voice. Selling more than seven million albums, Aled was the original, classical crossover star. His recording of Walking in the Air, from the animated film The Snowman, firmly established him as a household name and he has become an integral part of the nation’s festivities.
Equally at home on the classical stage, or starring in musical theatre productions in London’s West End, his credits include lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. He is an award-winning television broadcaster and radio presenter who’s interviewed hundreds of A-List stars over the years. He heads up BBC’s Songs of Praise and his own Saturday and Sunday morning shows on Classic FM.
Lincolnshire gin business ceases production
After almost six years selling gin across Lincolnshire and beyond, The Gentlemen Distillers has ceased production and is in the process of selling off the last of its stock of award-winning gins and liqueurs.
While things are still selling well, the business has decided that “the time has come to call it a day and move to pastures new.”
Having attended events across the county including brass band weekends at Butlins, The Lincolnshire, Revesby and Heckington Shows, Lincoln Christmas Market, and a number of events further afield, The Gentlemen Distillers said: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years whether it be by being regular customers, stocking us in their shops, or simply buying a single bottle once and enjoying it.
“It’s been fun, but we are looking forward now to getting back to drinking gin instead of making it!”
Park busking festival comes to Grantham
A celebration of music, sound and colour will take over a Grantham park on Saturday 9th August.
The event, at Wyndham Park, will welcome street entertainers of all kinds, from musicians and performers to displays and demonstrations.
The hope is that the gathering will become a regular part of the town’s cultural calendar.
Busking spots must be booked in advance by contacting South Kesteven District Council’s Parks and Events Community Engagement Officer Alison Lewis by email at alison.lewis@southkesteven.gov.uk for an application form.
Alison said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming a wide range of musicians and performers who can provide a fun experience for everyone visiting our award-winning park. From the interest shown so far, we’re already guaranteed to be captivated by the melodies, dazzled by performances and swept away by the energy of the event!
“This experience is the result of public demand and is also something called for in our regular surveys of what people would like to see in Wyndham Park.
“The atmosphere at our regular events here is always amazing and we know people really appreciate live music and the way it lifts the mood and makes for a more enjoyable day out.
“With Grantham Market also booming, it’s another reason to add the town to every family’s list for a great day out.
“So, hold the date of Saturday, 9th August, get busking on your calendars and come along!”
Owner fined for failing to maintain historic Boston property
The owner of a listed building has been prosecuted by Boston Borough Council after failing to carry out essential maintenance on the historic property, following warnings and a legal notice.
The English Heritage listed property, located at 65A-67 Wide Bargate in Boston, had fallen into a state of disrepair that caused concerns for its long-term safety and turned it into an eyesore in the local area.
Contact was made by the council to the building’s owner in December 2023, asking for necessary improvements to be made to safeguard the building and enhance its appearance.
No works were undertaken, and in June 2024 the council issued a legal notice under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act, specifying the work that was considered necessary and setting a timescale for it to be completed by October of that year.
Despite this formal notice, no works were undertaken, and the owner failed to engage further with the council, leading to the need for legal action to be taken.
The case was heard at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 March, where the owner was found guilty in her absence and imposed a fine of £660, along with a victim surcharge of £264 and an award of £350 in costs to the council, making a total amount payable of £1,274.
The owner of the property is also still required to carry out the necessary renovations to the property, with the council able to take further legal action if this does not occur.
A Boston Borough Council spokesperson said: “Boston’s historic buildings form a key part of the town’s character, and we are committed to doing everything within our power to ensure they are maintained and managed in a way that preserves them and prevents them from becoming a blight on the community.
“Our planning enforcement team has worked over a prolonged period to engage with this property owner to make sure the required works were carried out, but unfortunately were left with no choice but to pursue legal proceedings to see action taken.
“We are pleased to see the court find in the council’s favour, and hope that these important renovations will now get underway to bring this listed property back to the state it should be.”
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Scunthorpe school expands to meet demand
A new nursery is to be introduced at Priory Lane Community School in Scunthorpe to meet increasing demand for funded early years education, for three-and four-year-olds.
North Lincolnshire Council has approved plans to accommodate up to 15 (full time equivalent) places for nursery aged children within its existing foundation class, ensuring a smooth transition from nursery to reception.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “This is fantastic news for local families, and I look forward to more children getting the opportunity of the best possible start in their education.
“Expanding nursery places means more children will have access to high-quality early learning, helping to build strong foundations for their future success and is something that I am very pleased to support.
“Most importantly, this expansion will give more children the opportunity to develop essential early learning skills, preparing them for a smooth and confident transition into primary education within their own community.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/highwaystarz
