Heart of Lincs Newsletter - September 2024

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Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days 2024, themed ‘Routes, Networks, Connections’, will take place from 6th to 15th September 2024. This annual event organised by Heritage Lincolnshire invites the public to explore the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Lincolnshire through a variety of free events, tours, and exhibitions. The theme highlights the region's significant role as a hub of transport, trade, and communication throughout history.

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Visitors have the opportunity to delve into the stories behind Lincolnshire's roads, railways, rivers and more, discovering how these routes have shaped local communities and facilitated connections within and beyond the county. Highlights include guided walks along historic routes, behind-the-scenes tours of heritage sites, and talks.

This year's event promises to offer something for everyone, whether you're interested in the history of local industries, the evolution of transport, or the social and cultural links that have emerged through these networks. Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days 2024 is a unique chance to connect with the past and appreciate the infrastructure that has shaped the region's identity.

Enjoy free entry at Heckington Windmill, restoration photographs at Cogglesford Watermill, HIgh Flying Women at Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, and much more.

You can find out more and download the 2024 brochure through the Heritage Lincolnshire website.


Historic trips along the Slea Navigation planned for 2025

A new narrowboat, named Benjamin Handley, will soon offer trips along the historic Slea Navigation, allowing visitors to experience this picturesque waterway firsthand. This project, a long-held dream of the Sleaford Navigation Trust, has been made possible through the support of North Kesteven District Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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The 30-foot narrowboat, which honours the town's history and the legacy of Benjamin Handley, will carry passengers between the Hub and Cogglesford Watermill, and visitors will enjoy a unique perspective of Sleaford's rich heritage.

Before its official launch in spring 2024, Benjamin Handley will undergo final fitting near the Hub, where the Sleaford Navigation Trust team and volunteers will install the internal woodwork, lighting, and seating, with work continuing from August through October. Keep an eye out for its maiden voyage and the opportunity to explore Sleaford’s history from a new perspective!


Free, fun-filled Learning Day at Mrs Smith’s Cottage

Are you a teacher or a homeschooling family? Don’t miss out on a free, fun-filled Learning Day at Mrs Smith’s Cottage! On Friday 6th September, as part of the Heritage Open Days event, the team will be offering immersive educational experiences alongside friends from Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Cogglesford Watermill and Navigation House.

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This special day is designed for primary-age pupils, featuring hands-on activities that bring the past to life. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with history in an interactive and enjoyable way.

Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot. Visit the Mrs Smith's Cottage website to reserve your place.


Riverside Guardians - coming soon to Navigation House

Join the Riverside Guardians at Navigation House and make a positive impact on Sleaford’s environment! On the first Sunday of each month, young volunteers are invited to help clean up local areas, promoting a cleaner and safer community for all. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also fosters physical activity, community pride, and education about the importance of recycling.

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Navigation House provides all necessary materials, including grabbing sticks, gloves, and high-visibility vests. 

This opportunity is open to all, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum group size is 8, and the equipment is also available for loan to youth groups like Beavers, Cubs, and Brownies. Find more information and dates on the Heart of Lincs website.


Help Shape Sleaford’s Monument Gardens: Vote on the Wyvern Barrier Colours

A new mosaic inspired by the River Slea will soon flow through Sleaford’s Monument Gardens as part of a refurbishment project; you're invited to take part in a survey to select the colours for the Wyvern Barrier, adding a personal touch to these improvements.

Complete the survey here or visit Sleaford Museum to vote in person before Sunday 15th September. You can find more information about the project here


Feature in our newsletter header

Have you taken a beautiful photo of the district that you'd like to share?

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Email heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk with your favourite photo and you could feature in our next newsletter.

This beautiful photo of a Lincolnshire heron was sent to us by Nev G.



Events and Activities in September

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Weekly & ongoing throughout September

Exhibitions, Workshops, Clubs and Dance Programme: Hub-Sleaford

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

Graffiti Detective Trail: Cogglesford Watermill, Fri-Mon, 12pm-4pm

High Flying Women Exhibition: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Fri-Mon, 10am-2:30pm

Uncovering Sleaford Castle Exhibition: Navigation House, Fri-Mon, 10am-2pm

'Artists of Navenby' Exhibition: Mrs Smith's Cottage, Fri-Mon, 12pm-4pm

Sculpture at Doddington: Doddington Hall, 10am-4pm

Silk Willoughby: Weekly Art Group & Coffee Morning dates

Weekly French Conversation Cafe: The Horseshoes, Silk Willoughby


Wednesday 04 September

Uniform Collection Tour: Doddington Hall, 2pm-3pm


Friday 06 September

Nature Tots: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-11:30am

FREE ENTRY for Heritage Open Days: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm

Museum Learning Activity Day: for Homeschool Families & Teachers: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 12pm-4pm

Unplugged - Open Mic: Hub-Sleaford, 6pm-9pm

Betty Bangs YARD Takeover – Bingo & Cabaret: Watergate Yard, 8pm-10:30pm


Saturday 07 September

Sleaford Farmer's Market: Eastgate Car Park, 9am-2pm

Junior Warden's Club: Whisby Nature Park,10am-12:30pm

Dora Duck’s Birthday: Navigation House, 10am-2pm

Millstream Square Artisan Market: Sleaford, 10am-3pm

Teenage Market: Millstream Square, Sleaford, 10am-3pm

Milling & Steaming: Heckington Windmill, 10:30pm-3pm

FREE ENTRY for Heritage Open Days: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm

Walk: Grazing at Whisby Nature Park: Whisby Nature Park, 2pm


Sunday 08 September

Dora Duck’s Birthday: Navigation House, 10am-2pm

FREE ENTRY for Heritage Open Days: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm

Traditional Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-3:30pm


Thursday 12 September

Lecture and Supper Series – In Conversation with RAF Heritage: Exploring the BBMF: IBCC, 6:30pm-9:30pm


Friday 13 September

NavenBees Toddler Group: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 11am-12pm

Uniform Collection Tour: Doddington Hall,2pm-3pm


Saturday 14 September

Wildlife Watch: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-11:30am


Thursday 19 September

Talk: The Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds: Whisby Nature Park, 7:30pm-9:30pm


Saturday 21 September

Workshop: Introduction to Foraging: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-4pm

Miniature Bookbinding with Daniel Rapley: Hub-Sleaford, 10:30-4pm

Sleaford Oktoberfest 2024: Boston Road Recreation Ground, 12pm-11:30pm

Sleaford Repair Cafe: Riverside Church, 12:30pm-3:30pm


Sunday 22 September

Evensong: St Denys Church, 5pm-6pm


Tuesday 24 September

Wilder Safari: Doddington Hall, 10am-12:30pm

Quiz Night at the Horseshoes: Silk Willoughby, 7:45pm-9:30pm


Friday 27 September

NavenBees Toddler Group: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 11am-12pm


Saturday 28 September

Nextdoor Nature Day: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-5pm

Free History Tours: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-4pm

Apple Day: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 1pm-3pm


Sunday 29 September

Hykeham Village Pop-up Market: North Hykeham Village Green, 9am-2pm

Harvest Family Fun Day: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm


Monday 30 September

Uniform Collection Tour: Doddington Hall, 2pm-3pm


Have an event for our 'What's On' calendar?

Send us an email: heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk