Marking historic people and places

Grantham is poised to hit the headlines in October, when it hosts a special event to remember Britain’s first woman Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. By Glynis Fox.

A Festival is taking place in Grantham to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the former Conservative leader, who was born in 1925 and died in April 2013, aged 87.

Thatcher Fest kicks off in her home town on 13th October, when it will include a drag show and talks by former minister Edwina Currie and television personality and former MP Gyles Brandreth.

The week-long festival, which runs up to and including 18th October is bursting with interesting events and features talks, films, poetry and music, so there should be something for everyone.

However, Grantham and its locality offers visitors so much more.

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) leader Councillor Ashley Baxter said the aim of the festival was to “promote political debate and drive footfall to Grantham”.

The council said Thatcher Fest would cover the “history, conflict and divisive politics of her time in power.”
Mrs Thatcher held the post of Prime Minister from 1979, until she resigned in 1990.

“We’re working with all kinds of community organisations to make sure people know the centenary is happening,” said Councillor Baxter.

“Regardless of what people think of her views and policies, a woman getting to the position of prime minister in 1979 is astonishing.

“It’s not something everyone would want to celebrate – she is one of the most polarising figures of recent political history.”

Thatcher Fest will be taking place across a variety of venues. Some events are ticketed and others not.

The following events will take place at the town’s Guildhall Arts Centre:
• 13th October: Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho – a drag show starring Matt Tedford as the Iron Lady. This will reimagine the evening of the Section 28 vote with ‘Maggie’ getting lost in Soho and accidentally becoming a cabaret singer.
• 14th October: Former junior health minister Edwina Currie hosts an evening of chat and shares her memories of her time in government.
• 15th October: Thatcher, Reagan, Gorbachev: Power, Politics and the End of the Cold War is being hosted by York St John University professor, Dr James Cooper.
• 17th October: TV personality, author and former MP Gyles Brandreth celebrates three British icons: Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth II and Winnie the Pooh!

Other ticketed events include Walking Talks: The Thatcher Years – guided walks of Grantham are taking place on various dates during October; The Iron Lady – a cinema screening at Kesteven & Grantham Girls School on 13th and 16th October; Living Over The Shop – Grantham Dramatic Society presents a gossip’s view of Margaret Thatcher at ChristChurch in Finkin Street/Grantham Museum on 15th and 18th October. And there’s also Margaret Thatcher – Alternative Voices: Music and poetry at Grantham Museum on 18th October.

People can get tickets through the Guildhall Arts Centre website or from the Guildhall Box Office in Grantham.

If readers would prefer to attend ticketless events, they may enjoy the Thatcher Postcard Exhibition at the Union Street Gallery, featuring political moments and illustrated images throughout October.

SKDC and the Union Street Gallery are running the Design a Grantham Postcard competition and A6-sized entries can be handed into the gallery from 22nd September until 31st October. They will be on show between 1st October to mid-November.

Grantham Library is hosting a Margaret Thatcher display. Discover her early life, legacy and local roots. It can be viewed from 13th to 18th October and there is a local history talk focusing on Grantham in the 1920s and 1930s, which takes place at ChristChurch in Finkin Street on 14th October at 4pm.

SHOPPING, MARKETS AND MORE
If you fancy doing something different, why not go browsing and shopping? Explore the stallholders at the lively weekly Saturday Market (situated in Narrow Westgate, within the Market Place and Butcher’s Row).

There is also a Craft Market on the first Saturday of the month and a Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday.

There’s a good mix of eateries and shops in this area, from where you can access the George Centre and the Isaac Newton Centre.

Thatcher Fest will be popping up again on Saturday 18th October, when local musicians will be in the Market Place entertaining visitors with songs from the ’80s (when the Iron Lady was in power).

At 7pm on the same day, author Tina Gaudoin is inviting people to join her in The Reading Room in The George Centre to “meet” the woman behind the politician – a talk and signing session about her new book The Incidental Feminist.

If you crave even more shopping, why not pop down to Gonerby Moor and take a look in the Downtown store and its Garden Centre on the same site. You can also enjoy browsing and shopping in the Outlet store, which is based in part of Downtown’s main store.

Feeling hungry? Grantham has a choice of restaurants, other eateries and places to stay. If you are looking for an overnight stay or weekend break, you could check out The Angel & Royal Hotel in the High Street.

The building dates back to the 15th century and has traditionally been dubbed the oldest inn in England.
If you love casual dining and catching a meal on the run, your family might like Grantham’s Cinco Lounge, which offers an extensive menu designed to appeal to all tastebuds.

Whilst in town, you might want to check out Grantham’s famous St Wulfram’s Church – a Grade I-listed Anglican building, which boasts the second highest spire in Lincolnshire – after St James’ Church in Louth.

If you have a passion for visiting historic houses, the Grantham area offers you lots of options.
They include Belvoir Castle, in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir; Belton House, just outside of the town; Grimsthorpe Castle and Woolsthorpe Manor – a 17th-century farmhouse.

In the grounds you will find the 400-year-old apple tree, which is forever linked to Sir Isaac Newton, who is renowned for discovering the laws of motion and universal gravitation and who also developed calculus, a branch of mathematics.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Of course, it is not only the rich and famous who can make their mark on a town and SKDC’s Youth Council is urging enthusiastic young people to step up and make a difference!

This opportunity, to make their voice heard and contribute to positive change within the community, is open to any young person – between the ages of 11 and 19 – who lives in the district and who wants to have a real impact on the issues that really matter to them. The council is hosted by SKDC and members work alongside other young people, elected members and council staff to help shape new ideas and initiatives across the area.

Cabinet member Councillor Rhys Baker said: “As a Youth Council member, you’ll have the chance to voice your opinions, share your ideas and work together with other passionate young minds to shape a better future for our district.

“Volunteering like this develops important ‘soft skills’, can also count towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award and would enhance any CV.”

The Youth Council meets regularly. It recently voted to support the three key priorities of healthy communities, communications and “making SK for everyone”.

Any young person keen to join the Youth Council can fill in the application at this web address: www.forms.office.com/e/QaWWk6TgA8. They must have parental/guardian permission to complete the form and, if successful, to participate.

Meanwhile a new £8.8million council depot is “taking shape”. South Kesteven District Council plans to take control of the depot in Turnpike Close from contactor Lindum Group on 30th October with a go-live date scheduled for 1st December. The depot will be used to accommodate a range of services including waste park maintenance and street cleaning, along with more than 250 staff.

There’s also good news for anyone who is about town and keen to get online. Free public wi-fi is now available in South Kesteven’s towns, including Grantham. It was introduced as part of a major CCTV upgrade by SKDC.

The high-quality broadband connectivity for businesses and visitors is powered through 28 hubs as part of the District’s security camera system. Coverage is at its best within 100m of SKDC’s CCTV cameras, which act as the Wi-Fi hubs.

The development is a by-product of a £600,000 investment for a CCTV upgrade project of around 60 camera upgrades, including 47 new cameras. There’s no download limit and the circuit has a speed of up to 100 Mbps.

GOOD BOOKS AND FRIENDLY FACES AT THE READING ROOM
Opened at the beginning of the year by owner Laura van Boven, The Reading Room in The George Shopping Centre is already a much-loved independent shop, providing a haven for book-lovers.

Inside you will find a wide selection of books, from bestsellers to timeless classics, as well as gifts, and toys for all ages.

This welcoming and characterful space in the historic George Centre also hosts special events throughout the year, including the Silent Book Club, which takes place from 7pm every second Thursday of the month.

Also popular are children’s book-themed birthday parties, held on Sundays from 2-4pm, and weekly storytelling sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

“We’re passionate about helping you find something that brings joy, offering quality and personalised service in a welcoming space for readers to discover their next great read. Pop in and have a browse, grab a coffee or take part in one of our events.”

For more information visit www.the-reading-room-grantham.square.site

ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE AT GRANTHAM PREPARATORY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Learning beyond limits; smiles beyond measure.

Grantham Preparatory International School is a non-denominational independent day school for both boys and girls aged 3-11.

We promote academic, musical, and sporting excellence using traditional teaching methods by our dedicated and experienced teaching staff.

Our school offers a family and inclusive environment where children can thrive and be themselves. We promote and demonstrate values to encourage children to be the best they can be, helping them prepare for the next stage in their education, encouraging them to be independent, kind, positive and reflective.

Our student council is made up of children from each key stage, helping to promote student voices within school, so everyone feels a part of the Grantham Prep family.

High level of education
We take pride in our outstanding academic reputation, ensuring that we provide the highest level of education for pupils of all abilities. Our small class sizes guarantee that all children receive individual attention, so they can reach their full potential in all aspects of school life. With the guidance and support offered, all children are prepared for the transition to secondary school, which includes public school entrance exams and grammar school selection exams.

At Grantham Prep, we have a unique Early Years Unit with a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment for the children to access all year round.

We also offer an extensive range of extracurricular activities after school hours to supplement learning.

Children develop new skills, and face new challenges while fostering a love for learning outside of the classroom. 

Forest school education is also a part of our curriculum, and we run overnight camps at school for children to experience life outdoors and develop resilience and independence.

For more information visit www.tgps.co.uk or come and have a chat with us.

Photographs: Mick Fox

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