A popular theatre will get a new lease of life thanks to a £33,000 refurbishment in time for its 20^th anniversary. North Kesteven District Council has received funding from the Tarmac Landfill Community Fund. The funds will allow a major refurbishment to take place at the Terry O’Toole Theatre. The project will enable the replacement of 200 theatre seats and improve the existing dance floor/performing area with new flooring. The carpets of the theatre will be replaced, and a new hearing loop will be installed, facilitating those who need additional hearing help. North Kesteven District Council executive board member with special responsibility for leisure, councillor Steve Clegg, said: “It’s encouraging to see the plan for renovation come together on a much-loved theatre in the District. The improvements will allow the theatre to celebrate its anniversary in style and comfort. “Working with partners and funding sources such as the Tarmac Landfill Community Fund means that much-needed refurbishments can take place and allow the theatre to grow and develop serving the community. As part of the project, North Kesteven District Council is putting in an additional £12,000. “Investing in this project not only preserves our heritage and champions culture but allows many more generations to enjoy the offerings of the site. We’re keen that everyone can come and experience the Terry O’Toole Theatre, from school groups to individuals and families of all ages.” The project will take place in January 2023 and will take approximately two weeks. There will be no closure of the site as the work will take place in the theatre’s natural down period. The Terry O’Toole Theatre was originally opened in 2002 by Jim Broadbent, since hearing of the project Jim has sent his good wishes.

Residents are being asked for their views on arts and culture across South Kesteven. South Kesteven District Council’s Cultural Strategy will play a central part in ensuring the rich heritage and culture of the district is celebrated and built upon. A consultation is offering the chance for people to help shape plans for the Council’s future cultural offer which reflects and recognises the opportunities within, and demands of, a post-pandemic environment. The consultation closes on 27 January. Key to the new strategy will be a demonstration of the positive impact that arts and cultural activity can have on mental health and social wellbeing. Cllr Adam Stokes, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance and leisure, said: “We know how important it is for us all to have opportunities to participate in cultural activities. “We want to find out how people like to spend their spare time, and what is most important to them. We can then make sure that the funding we have is directed towards arts and culture activities and events which are the most beneficial for our local communities. “Please use this opportunity to have your say.” The consultation on the strategy is open until the 27 January. To take part visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SKCulturalStrategy. Printed copies of the survey will also be available at The Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham, Stamford Arts Centre and Bourne Corn Exchange.

From the uncertain beginnings of living on a landfill site to becoming a much loved and cared for pony – it’s fair to say Bransby Horses’ Stig has had an adventurous year. The friendly black and white pony made headlines when he was rescued from the site in Gainsborough in January. The little colt had been spotted wandering around the site for a few days and concerned staff alerted equine welfare charity Bransby Horses to see what could be done. An abandonment noticed was served and when no one claimed him, Bransby Horses were able to take him in and start him on a rehabilitation programme. Nine months later he has started a new life in a foster home where he is providing companionship to an older horse with one of the charity’s supporters. Stig’s handler at Bransby Horses, Natalia De Benedictis said: “From the day we started handling and training Stig he was amazing. He never said no or proved difficult, he’s such a lovely pony that deserves to be loved and cared for.” Stig’s foster carer Victoria Hotchkin collected Stig from the charity’s main site in Bransby near Lincoln this week and says he has settled in well with her older horse Cyril. And she added: “I applied to foster a horse from Bransby Horses after my old mare had to be put to sleep. When they rang me and said they had the perfect pony for us I couldn’t believe it. “We had three dates with Stig, so we could get to know him and be sure he was right for us and we were right for him. It was love at first sight really. I just thought what a cute little pony. “He will have a home for life with us and I feel so lucky to be able to give him a new start where he will be pampered and loved forever.” Stig and Cyril live on land behind Victoria’s house so she is able to see them from her kitchen window. “I just love the peace and tranquillity of being with horses. They are such majestic creatures and I think it’s a privilege to have them in my life.” Bransby Horses Perfect Partner Rehoming Scheme offers some of their rescued animals the chance to enjoy life in a carefully selected loan home, freeing up time and space at the charity for the rescue and rehabilitation of others. To apply to rehome one of Bransby Horses’ equines, find out more about the charity’s work or to make a donation visit BransbyHorses.co.uk What the law says about horse ownership Since 2020 it has been a legal requirement for all equine owners to make sure their horses are microchipped and the details of ownership are up to date. Microchips are important as they allow owners to be traced through the Central Equine Database – check www.equineregister.co.uk. If you have a horse make sure your details are up to date with the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) and the microchip is properly registered with them. This will help lost or stolen horses to be reunited with their owners. An Abandonment Notice runs for four working days and unfortunately, Stig’s expired without anyone coming forward. At the end of the notice, the ownership of the animal is legally transferred to the landowner who can then decide what to do with the equine, which can include selling or rehoming them. If a horse is suspected of being abandoned, the landowner is responsible for providing that animal with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care while an owner is sought. Bransby Horses and other animal welfare charities are always happy to offer advice and guidance if needed.

Thanks to the government’s First Homes scheme, first-time buyers can enjoy modern and connected living as well as the peace and quiet of rural life at Keepmoat’s picturesque Warren Wood View housing development. Available to local first-time buyers, the First Homes scheme allows potential buyers to purchase a beautiful home at Warren Wood View at a 30% discounted price, including the three-bedroom Danbury semi-detached home from £147,696.

Based on the edge of Gainsborough, just 1.5 miles from the bustling town centre, Warren Wood View is a connectivity hub, with fantastic transport links including nearby bus stops and Gainsborough Central train station all a short walk away, there to connect you to Lincoln, Doncaster, Peterborough and beyond. Enjoy the development’s vast green open spaces and charming woodland on your doorstep, ready to be explored. If a weekend trip to town is usually on the cards, there’s plenty of local amenities to take advantage of as well, including local supermarkets such as Morrisons and Marshall’s Yard retail park where you can enjoy a spot of shopping, a bite to eat and an afternoon of fun.

With a range of detached and semi-detached two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, along with four stunning showhomes available to view, there’s no better time to get in touch with the Keepmoat team and discover everything Warren Wood View and the First Homes scheme has to offer. For further details visit: https://www.keepmoat.com/warren-wood-view-gainsborough

Images – Shaun Flannery/shaunflanneryphotography.com