Heart of Lincs Newsletter - October 2024

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Celebrate Autumn in the Heart of Lincs!

Join us for a spooktacular October filled with thrilling events perfect for all ages! Start your adventure at Doddington Hall, where you can pick your own pumpkins daily from 10am-4pm. Get crafty at Mrs Smith’s Cottage with Halloween crafts and a pumpkin hunt, running every Friday to Monday from 12pm-4pm.

mrs smiths halloween

Halloween at Mrs Smith's Cottage

Don’t miss the exciting trails at Navigation House and Cogglesford Watermill, perfect for some eerie exploration. Families can enjoy Wilder Activities at Doddington Hall and fun shows like The McDougalls’ Halloween Party at Sleaford Playhouse.

And calling all witches, wizards, and Lego fans! Hop on your broomstick to Fen Farm Lincoln for Brick Magic on October 25th, 26th, and 27th! Join the fabulous Brick Box Master Maker for a day filled with magical Lego activities, including building your own minifigure and creating a wand. Tickets are just £25 for a child and one adult, with surprises awaiting at every turn! Don’t forget, fancy dress is encouraged!

brick magic

Brick Magic, Fen Farm Lincoln


This October, visit Doddington Pumpkin Patch and discover thirty varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds! Enter through the Gatehouse in front of the Elizabethan Hall, then follow the spooky walk through the Kitchen Garden to the Pumpkin Patch. Capture Instagram-worthy moments and learn fun facts along the way.

Doddington pumpkin patch

The patch is open daily from October 1st-31st, 10am to 4pm, with free entry—just pay for what you pick, starting at £3. Don’t forget your wellies, as it can get muddy, and feel free to dress in Halloween attire!

Keep an eye out for golden-bottomed pumpkins hidden throughout the patch—find one to win your pumpkin, a family ticket to Christmas in the Hall, and a 4ft homegrown Christmas tree!

While visiting, explore the Farm Shop and Bauble Barn, and enjoy seasonal treats at the cafés.


November Fireworks and Festivities

Getting ready to start your November with a bang? Here are some great Bonfire Night events to help you plan ahead:

Friday 1st: Lincoln Autumn Lights 2024, the city’s biggest firework display, featuring live music, a family funfair, delicious street food, and two firework displays.

Saturday 2nd: Bring the family along to Bracebridge Heath Cricket Club’s Firework Night, and enjoy fire dancers and dancing robots, or head to Sleaford for the RFC Bonfire & Firework Display.

Wednesday 6th: Make your way to Navenby where the Harmston YFC Annual Charity Bonfire evening is back for 2024!

Saturday 9th: There's a cosy evening of food, drinks, live music and children's games at Fireworks at The Venue in Navenby.


Wildlife Watching Opportunities in North Kesteven

Autumn is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of North Kesteven! Discover local nature reserves and parks, where vibrant autumn foliage complements the rich wildlife. Visit Whisby Nature Park for stunning birdwatching opportunities—keep an eye out for migratory species as they pass through.

witham valley

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just enjoy a peaceful walk in nature, North Kesteven’s parks and reserves are a must-visit this autumn. Experience the season’s charm and plan making memories in the great outdoors by visiting our Time Outdoors page.


Join the Team: Volunteer Opportunities 

Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre (MAVC) is a fully volunteer-run museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of RAF Metheringham, a World War II Bomber Command station,and relies on passionate volunteers to share the inspiring stories of No.106 Squadron and the airfield’s history.

volunteers, Metheringham

For more information or to apply, contact the museum through their website.

Other venues also offer great opportunities: Mrs Smith's Cottage, Cogglesford Watermill, Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Sleaford Museum and many more, with roles ranging from Visitor Experience Volunteers to behind-the-scenes positions.

You can explore more volunteering opportunities on the Voluntary Centre Services website.


Feature in our newsletter header

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

Leadenham

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

This month's photo is of the pretty village of Leadenham, taken by the Visit Lincolnshire team.



Events & Activities in October

pumpkins

Weekly & ongoing throughout October

Pick Your Own Pumpkins: Doddington Hall, 10am-4pm daily

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

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

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

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

Widdershins Witch Hunt: Cogglesford Watermill, Fri-Mon 12pm-4pm

Pumpkin Hunt & Halloween Crafts: 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


Friday 04 October

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

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


Saturday 05 October

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

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

Millennium Art Group Exhibition & Sale: Scopwick & Kirkby Green Village Hall, 10am-4pm


Sunday 06 October

Sleaford Car Boot Sale: Eastgate Car Park, 8am-12pm

Riverside Guardians Group: Navigation House, 10am-2pm

Millennium Art Group Exhibition & Sale: Scopwick & Kirkby Green Village Hall, 10am-4pm

Farm Museum Open Day: North Ings Farm Museum & Railway, 10am-4:30pm


Friday 11 October

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


Saturday 12 October

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

Live Music From Ben Martin: Watergate Yard, 8pm-10:30pm


Sunday 13 October

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


Saturday 19 October

Scarecrow Competition: Doddington Hall Gatehouse, Until Sunday 27 October


Sunday 20 October

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

World Food Day: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-4pm


Monday 21 October

Wilder Family Activities: Doddington Hall, 10am-3pm


Tuesday 22 October

The McDougalls: Halloween Party Show: Sleaford Playhouse, 1pm


Thursday 24 October

Harvest Mouse Survey: Doddington Hall, 1pm-3pm


Friday 25 October

Wilder Family Activities: Doddington Hall, 10am-3pm

Brick Magic: Fen Farm Lincoln, 10am-4pm

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


Saturday 26 October

Halloween Trail: Navigation House, 10am-2pm

Brick Magic: Fen Farm Lincoln, 10am-4pm

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

Lincolnshire Folk Tales Talk & Drop–In: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 1pm-4pm

Build a Boggart!: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 1pm-4pm


Sunday 27 October

Halloween Trail: Navigation House, 10am-2pm

Brick Magic: Fen Farm Lincoln,10am-4pm

Halloween at the Mill: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-4pm

Evensong: St Denys Church, Sleaford, 5pm-6pm


Monday 28 October

Halloween Trail:Navigation House, 10am-2pm

Mrs Smith's Birthday: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 12pm-4pm


Tuesday 29 October

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


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

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