WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Through The Eyes Of LincsConnect

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford by LincsConnect. This is the second of my series of blogs ‘through the eyes of LincsConnect’.  I’m sure you’ll find it useful.

It’s funny how a pre-conceived blog can change so much and so quickly.  I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Sleaford many times so the layout of the blog was already pre-conceived.  However, my research made me realise how little I know about the town.

Sleaford – Getting There

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Sleaford is conveniently located between Grantham (15 miles), Newark (19 miles), Boston (17 miles), Lincoln (20 miles) & Stamford (29 miles)

Split Sleaford into three areas and you’ll realise that there is more to the town than meets the eye.  We have Quarrington, Old Sleaford  and  New Sleaford (or ‘Sleaford’ as we know it now).  New Sleaford has enveloped both Old Sleaford and Quarrington during its recent ‘growth spurt’. We can therefore be forgiven for not realising how much the landscape has changed. In fact, the landscape has changed dramatically.  Over the last 250 years or so we now the ‘Old River Slea’ and the ‘New River Slea’ plus a railway line or two.  I’ll talk more about the rivers later though.

The A15 running North/South come to Sleaford from Lincoln in the North and Peterborough from the South.  Driving East/West the A17 links Boston through Sleaford to Newark.

The Sleaford railway station was opened in 1857 nd led to the ultimately demise of the canal.  It’s the only station in the region to offer North/South ‘and’ East/West destinations.  Trains run from Peterborough and Skegness as well as Nottingham and Lincoln.

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford (Quarrington)

Quarrington is worthy of a mention on its own but is now part of the larger town of Sleaford.

Around me in Lincolnshire - Sleaford Quarrington by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

St Botolph’s Church, Quarrington. Click on the picture to go to the website

The St Botolph’s Church (click the link to find them on Facebook) was originally built in the 13th Century but was rebuilt in 1812 and its tower was restored in 1887. Sunday services are being held weekly at 11.00am* with evening services via Zoom at 6.00pm.  *The obvious Covid19 restrictions apply so if you would like to attend the service please pre-book by emailing your request to stbquarrington890@gmail.com

Quarrington is located South West of Sleaford centre with the A15 to its West and A153/B1517 to its North and is thought to be the ‘mother’ parish of Old Sleaford. The walk from Quarrington is regarded as ‘easy’ and is just 3-4 miles round trip to Sleaford depending on your route:

Around Me In Lincolnshire, Sleaford by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford (Old Sleaford)

Old Sleaford, as you might expect, had its (Northern) border running along the Old (original) River Slea.  I’ve also read that there was a Roman road running through Sleaford from Tattershall to Ancaster.  My research so far suggests that I have a choice of either King Street or Bloxholm Lane. You can probably guess what town my next blog will focus on then!

Old Sleaford was possibly an iron-age tribal centre but since then it has had links with William the Conqueror in 1086 and had a castle built by Bishop Alexander of Lincoln in around 1120/30.  Sadly though the castle fell into disrepair and was demolished in around 1600.  During its popularity it played host to both King John and Henry VIII (separately of course)!

Around me in Lincolnshire - Sleaford Old Sleaford by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

The site of the castle is still visible and is shown in this aerial picture. The picture was taken from Wikipedia but there is no evidence of the originator to reference here I’m afraid.

“The visible remains are now only a moat, a scrap of masonry (one small, toppled portion of a wall in the north-east corner of the inner bailey) and associated earthworks”.  For more information visit the Wikipedia site.  I’ll be paying a visit to the site soon and hope to be able to provide updated pictures.

Further reading Indicates that there was a large Manor House (the Hussey Manor House, build in 1400) at Old Place, Sleaford.  It included a moat, gate house, chapel, kiln drying oven and extensive outbuildings.  Sadly it was demolished in 1822 to make way for the new building.  If you’re planning a visit to the area look up ‘Old Place’, Sleaford.

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Navigation

The river Slea surfaces to the South West of Ancaster at West Willoughby (West of Sleaford) and flows through Sleaford to South Kyme. Here it becomes the Kyme Eau and then joins the River Witham at Chapel Hill.

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford River Slea by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

The diagram shows the seven locks used in the new River Slea while the blue line to the right shows the course of the Old River Slea

The River Slea and the Nine Foot River (or Nine Foot Drain) merge in Sleaford to become one River Slea.  As the river passes through the town it becomes part of the Sleaford Navigation.  The 12.5 miles canalisation was opened in 1794 to allow continued navigation.  Inevitably (with the advent of the railway) it became redundant and fell into disrepair.  Thankfully much of it has now been restored and re-opened.  The Old River Slea was allowed to run its normal course (South of the canal) and the two rejoin at Cobblers Lock before becoming the Kyme Eau at South Kyme and eventually joining the River Witham.

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Navigation House

Around Me In Lincolnshire, WhatsOnLincs, what's on in Lincolnshire - Sleaford Navigation House by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Navigation House visitor centre, Sleaford. Go to the Sleaford Navigation House website and follow them on Twitter here: @NavigationHouse 

 

The old clerks office (Navigation House) serves as a visitors centre for the canal and incorporates a shop selling local produce.  More importantly though it houses a museum and information centre with wall maps, information boards, TV and audio rooms and lots of interesting articles to inform the young and old alike. Built in 1838 this grade II listed building is a piece of history in its on right.  When visiting be sure to make your way to Navigation Yard to have a look. I know you’ll be impressed so make it a date in your diary.  For up-to-date information give them a follow on Twitter @NavigationHouse

Their current opening times are Friday to Monday 12.00pm-4.00pm.  You can ring them on 01529 305904 or email navigationhouse@n-kesteven.gov.uk to book group tours too.

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Cogglesford Mill

Covid19 is still threatening its ugliness across the world but you’ll find the staff at Coggesford Watermill are very friendly and have your safety in mind.  Please do contact them prior to your visit (see the YouTube video above for details).  Don’t forget your mask while looking around this historic building though.

From Navigation House you’ll find Coggesford Mill just a short walk away.  Look out for the Kingfishers while you’re walking along the river bank.  If you’re lucky you’ll see a flash of bright blue as one goes fishing for a snack.

If you’ve come from Navigation House hopefully you bought some duck food for the inevitable feeding spectacular.  It’s always a special moment for childen if you have any with you.  However, for the adults you’ll find an array of freshly ground flour and other local produce in the shop at Coggesford Mill and if it’s a sunny day you may want to buy an ice cream there too.

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford Coggesford Water Mill by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Coggesford Water Mill – if this picture downs’e tempt you to visit I don’t know what will…

The mill was originally a single story building but was later extended to three stories. Built in the 18th Century it’s still producing freshly ground flour to this day.  Its history goes way back to Saxon times so the building we see today with its two sets of millstones is relatively modern!

Seeing and hearing the mill in action is a real treat so I do hope you get to experience it.  I’ve noticed that there was a virtual tour as well as special school trips so please do get in touch by email cogglesfordwatermill@n-kesteven.gov.uk for more information and to book. Follow Cogglesford Mill @Cogglesford on twitter too for regular updates.

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Museum

Around Me In Lincolnshire Sleaford Museum by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Discover more of the history of Sleaford by visiting the museum. Currently open every Saturday between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Click on the picture to go to the website or follow them on Twitter @MuseumSleaford 

This local history museum is a charity run by volunteers.  Opening times are limited as I write this blog but please do visit the website and twitter page for updates as additional opening times will inevitably follow the easing of Covid19 restrictions.  Don’t forget to book in before arrival to make sure they have a slot available as visits are limited to four people at a time. Keep up to date on Facebook at Sleaford Museum

Historically (excuse the pun) the museum has had exhibitions but they are limited at the moment.  Checking the website will give you the full up-to-date details though.

Local history talks take place at St Deny’s Church rooms (off the Market Place) and start at 7.30pm. Follow this link for a timetable:  Events and Talks

St Deny’s Church is visible from Eastgate (A153/B1517) and is a ‘must see’ Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th Century.  Click on the blue links to read more and find them on Facebook here St Deny’s Church Sleaford

Around Me In Lincolnshire Sleaford Museum by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Getting there: The address is 81 Southgate (contact number 07518 972016) with plenty of parking and a rail link

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Places Of Interest

Sleaford certainly is a gem in the Lincolnshire countryside with lots of interesting things to do and places to visit.  It’s a market town with regular markets on Mondays and Fridays plus a famers market every first Saturday of the month.  It also has a thriving shopping area too with independent shops as well as some big chain stores.  If you fancy some shopping and a bite to eat or a drink you’ll be spoilt for choice.   Just 7 minutes drive from St Deny’s Church in Sleaford is Kirkby-La-Thorpe. Here you’ll find the 12th Century small church which also happens to be called The Church Of St Denny’s.

The Queens Head Bar And Restaurant

Kirkby-La-Thorpe is worthy of a mention because of its church of course but also the village pub which was formerly called The Queens Head Inn (on Boston Road).  The original pub achieved the prestigious Top 13 Pub in the UK award with its fantastic food and great value. It closed in early 2019 due to a combination of COVID19 and the death of a former owner.  Since then it has been taken over by a new team who’ve been putting in the hours and hard work to completely renovate and rejuvenate it.  New menus are planned with the emphasis on locally sourced produce.

The Queens Head team have been posting their progress on Twitter so if you would like to follow their journey click on this link: @QueensKirkby now. You can join in with the chat there and watch the changes being made as well as the new menus coming to life.

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford Queens Head Pub Kirkby-La-Thorpe by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

New beginnings means a new logo and I think this one is very smart. It’s modern and fresh which reflects nicely what the new owners aim to achieve. You can follow them on Twitter @QueensKirkby For reservations call 01529 305743 or visit the website www.thequeensheadpub.com

Cocktails At The Queens

Here is the new Cocktails List for the New Pub. Why not save the list to your phone and place your order when you get there?

The Queens Head is set to open its doors once again as a pub on 19 July 2021 and the restaurant will be opening shortly after.  Put Sunday 1 August in your diary for the restaurant but don’t forget to book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.  I have no doubt that this is going to be a very popular local pub and restaurant once again.

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Music

You can’t really write about Sleaford without mentioning the Saboteurs so sit back and have a listen to one or two of their songs.  They bill themselves as ‘alternative’ and ‘grunge’ but I just like their modern Indie feel.  Have a listen and make up your own mind.

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford The Saboteurs by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

The Saboteurs bill themselves as ‘Alternative’ and ‘Grunge’ but if you like modern indie music I think you’ll agree that whatever labels they put themselves under, they’re simply ‘very good’. Click on the picture to hear a different sample of their music.

Sleaford seems to have more that it’s fair share of music opportunities so it wouldn’t be right to omit the Sleaford Live Fest which is (normally) held in May every year.  Follow them on Twitter @Sleaford_Live and Facebook Sleaford Live Festival where you’ll find lots of links to local music and arts events.  Indie rock or folk music isn’t for everyone of course so if you prefer choral music, Sleaford has that too. Normal rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings with at least three concerts each year.  However, with the onslaught of the dreaded Covid19, rehearsals have been put on hold until August 2021.  For more information take a look at the Sleaford Choral Society website and don’t forget to follow them on Twitter too @ChoralSleaford

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WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford Oktoberfest

The annual Oktoberfest organised by Sleaford round Table has been around since 2011 but had the obvious break during the Coronavirus pandemic.  As a charity fund raising event the Oktoberfest raised a whopping £11,500 in 2019.  With your help I’m sure it’ll raise even more this year.

Sleaford oktoberfest by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Sleaford & District Round Table presents the 10th Sleaford Oktoberfest Click on the picture to go to the website

With drinks, music and entertainment planned it’s bound to be a good event. Sixteen different breweries will be involved including five from Lincolnshire. In addition there will be lager, cider and perry on sale too plus a gin and schnapps bar.  I think pretty much all tastes will be catered for!

The bar will be open until midnight each night (from 6.00pm on Thursday and Friday and from 12.00pm on Saturday) with an Oompah band entertaining from 4.00pm and 7.15pm on Saturday.  The band line up can be found by visiting the Sleaford Oktoberfest website.

It’s all happening at the Boston Road Recreation Ground and free parking is available. It’s a ticket free event so please pay at the entrance where you’ll be issued with a wristband to prove payment.

More Places To Visit

This blog really could go and and on as there are so many places to visit in the Sleaford area.  The blog isn’t a definitive ‘what’s on’ for the area though so as a result I’ll cut the next bit short just to give you a taster:

Rauceby Hall will be opening its gates to welcome visitors once again from 14 to 18 July 2021.  Visitors to Rauceby Hall are invited to see the performances of  ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ which will be performed by Sleaford Playhouse Theatre who can be found on Facebook and Twitter @SleafordTheatre

Tickets are on sale for the performances so if you want to join the fun just click on the picture below to go to the ticket office:

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford A Midsummer Night's Dream by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to book your tickets

If walking is your preferred form of relaxation and mindfulness then Sleaford has certainly got you covered.  The River Slea and Canal offer scenic routes with locks and mills being just part of the delights.  This is one of the routes provided by Sleaford Navigation which I’m sure you will enjoy.  Keep your eyes open for the Haverholme Priory too.  Follow the link to read about the sad demise of the priory building.  Personally I think it’s really quite tragic.

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford Navigation Haverholme Priory by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to read and download the walk which has been uploaded by Sleaford Navigation

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford – Charity

Charity begins with you and me but with so many charities needing our help it’s difficult to know which ones to choose. This North Kesteven website has a list of local charities in Sleaford so if you’re able to donate or volunteer please do click on the picture below for more information:

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Sleaford Charities by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Are you able to help a local charity? Click on the picture to go to a list of local charities in Sleaford. Perhaps you can volunteer or make a donation?

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

Take a look back at some of the previous blogs to see what you might have missed.  Click on the picture to go straight to the blog:

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough through the eyes of LincsConnect

Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough

 

LincsConnectJobs hour for jobs and courses

#LincsConnectJobs Hour for jobs and courses

 

Great Grimsby Day 2021 by LincsConnectGreat Grimsby Day 2021

WhatsOnLincs – Sleaford

That’s it for now.  I hope you enjoy my local ‘Around Me’ blogs.  I’ll be grateful for any comments and feedback so feel free to email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

You may also like to read the ‘Aviation Trail’ blog by Visit Lincoln.  Have a look to discover more about the Sleaford area

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

If you would like me to visit your town please do let me know.  Advertising comes with a FREE link to the blog for as long as you want it so you can use it again and again to help promote your business or charity.

Look after yourself and each other

LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Your own Lincolnshire Blogger – Copied but never bettered. “Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you.

 

 

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens

WhatsOnLincs – Easton Walled Gardens

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens. Read on to discover the delights of these lovely gardens and the Grantham canal.

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

Click on the link to discover the Easton Walled Gardens (EWG) ‘Whats On’ page and don’t forget to add the Sweet Pea Season which starts 21 Jun 23 Sunday into your calendar plus the Autumn Country Market. You’ll be pleasantly surprised I’m sure and you can even sign up to the EWG newsletter too.

Easton Walled Gardens (Grantham) Directions

Drive from Ancaster towards the A1. Before reaching the A1 you’ll see a brown sign directing you to Easton Walled Gardens.  It’s one of those hidden gems that you need to make the effort to see.

From the A1 take the turning onto the B6403 (High Dyke() towards RAF Cranwell and look out for the brown sign.  You could be forgiven for thinking it’s a small garden hidden away next to a busy road.  If that’s what you’ve been thinking, you really need to read on.

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens directions by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

The gardens are open Wednesdays to Fridays and Sundays from 15 February until 22 December 2023.  Make plenty of time to wander as the grounds cover a full 12 acres of gardens.  You’ll be able to discover new plantings and the latest additions while exploring the 80m long borders.  I’m reliably informed that the plantings have been designed to peak in August for your delight.

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens (South Kesteven) – Opening Times

The Courtyard Shop, The Coffee Room and The Gardens are open 5 days a week until 22nd December (Wednesdays to Sundays) plus Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am-4pm.

Easton Walled Gardens (Grantham) – 400 Years And Counting

It’s been 400 years in the making (and growing) and has the River Witham flowing through its grounds.  The cafe and courtyard are open for refreshments to keep you sustained during your adventures. The shop (both physical and online) is the place to be for your seeds and lovely gifts. There are even holiday cottages for those of you who want to stay for your next local break.  I’m sure there is quite a bit that I’ve missed off here so as a result I recommend a visit to the Easton Walled Gardens website to make your own discoveries. There is no need to book as the grounds are extensive. The gardens are posting on social media of course so for a quick update follow @EWGardens on Twitter.

Well worth a visit even if it’s raining. After all, a set of waterproofs or an umbrella along with some waterproof footwear will be all you need to experience the fresh garden smells that await you.

From Easton Walled Gardens To Grantham Canal

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens to Grantham Canal by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

Woolsthorpe Lock is just West of Grantham and is a great area to visit to see the current engineering work that’s going on to restore the Grantham Canal.

From Easton Walled Gardens To Grantham Canal

For boat trips, walks and beautiful scenery visit the @GranthamCanal for your next Lincolnshire visit.  I thoroughly recommend you take your camera with you and be prepared to be amazed!  The lottery funded work is really impressive and, all things considered, the volunteers deserve all the praise they can get.  You’ll be able to see what they’ve been doing if you search for them on Facebook too.  For that reason I’ve included a link here: Grantham Canal Society  If you like what you see you can join the team as a volunteer and/or make financial donations to help the project along. Obviously you’ll find much more information about this project and more canal walks and adventures on the www.canalrivertrust.org.uk website.  Additionally you’ll find lots of free guides for days out, maps, walking and cycling routes plus much more.

In case you are wondering, you’ll also find some lovely pubs on route for food and drinks.

National Garden Scheme

While you’re in the Belvoir/Rutland area you might like to take a visit to some of the lovely gardens in the Rutland area.  There are lots of gardens available for us to view throughout the year so please do take a look at the websites to discover what and when gardens are open in your area: Redhill Lodge

Easton Walled Gardens - National Open Garden Scheme by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

Find them on Twitter

I was going to write about the National Garden Scheme to explain what it is and how it works but, to be honest, I can’t put it any better than the words on the official website. As a result I’ve copied an excerpt from the website for you:

“Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we have donated a total of £55 million to nursing and health charities, and made a record annual donation of £3.1 million in 2018. Our beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

By opening your garden, you’re not only giving people a great day out – you’re also raising money to help those in need. What’s more, you are joining a community of thousands of other like minded garden owners, all passionate about great gardens and raising money for great causes.”

WhatsOnLincs National Open Gardens Scheme in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln Easton Walled Garden

Why not organise a visit to a garden in Louth? The Secret Garden of Louth is taking bookings and visits cost £2.50. Click here for more details

WhatsOnLincs National Open Garden Scheme in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln Easton Walled Garden

Mere House, Sturton by Stow is another garden to visit. Admission is £6.00 (children free). Click here to go to the website where you can book your visit.

Previous Blogs

Here are a few links to earlier blogs which I hope you find interesting.  There’s lots going on at #LincsConnect and there is even more planned so please keep an eye to for new features and events.

Love Lincolnshire Culture

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Christmas Is Coming…

Don’t forget that the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag along with the #LincsArtCraftHour hashtag goes live on Monday 7 September.  ‘Now’ is the time to start your preparations so look out for the hashtags and shop early & safely for Christmas.

Community

WhatsOnLincs

Bank Holiday Pharmacy services in Lincolnshire. Click here for details of pharmacies that will be open near you and follow @ULHT_News for your health updates. 

WhatsOnLincs

NE Lincs virtual mental health support – just a Zoom away… If you’re in need of mental health support in the evening get in touch with @NAVIGOCARE by click here to go straight to their website.

You may also like to take a look at the “Aviation Trail’ by Visit Lincoln

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

Stay Safe

Stay safe everyone.  Hand washing and social distancing is still the key to our continued success so keep up the good work.  Have a lovely Bank Holiday and don’t forget to put your rubbish in the bin or take your litter home with you.

Easton Walled Garden Keep Britain tidy by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger