This is where we will post details of projects that are being considered or currently underway. As always, if any of our members have comments, suggestions or requests please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Sleaford Castle Project Initial survey and investigatory work has already started on proposals to raise the profile of Sleaford’s Castle site, establish its history and to make better use of this important feature of the town’s heritage.
This five year project involves the Civic Trust, the Town Council, local schools, historians and others in a collaborative effort that is expected to take 5 years. Initial funding of £10,000 has been secured for surveys and research.
Town Signs Project – Blue Plaques, Renovation of historic Town signs, River signage
The original Committee decision and aspiration was to place plaques showing historical information on our town bridges, but after some discussion we came up with the idea of also providing blue plaques for notable people who were born in or have been associated with Sleaford and who have made their mark on the town.
On 14th August 2024, we celebrated with great pride as the first two plaques were erected.
This is an exciting and ongoing project for the Civic Trust. We pride ourselves that we are not only commemorating some of the people who have made their mark on our town, but we are also helping to make residents and visitors alike aware of some of the town history.
Restoration of the Harry Gregson bench on Gregson Green in East Road.
Many people will remember Harry as an art teacher, family man and an active member of the Civic Trust. In the 1990s, the Civic Trust commissioned this sculptured bench as a celebration of the work done by him, together with Les Gostick, in the saving of the River Slea and the development of Lollycocks Field as a nature reserve. Harry would be proud to see the bench restored in front of the house where he lived, looking out over the beautiful wildlife and lake area that Lollycocks Field is today.
The Sleaford Bristol Water Fountain Project
The Civic trust is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a major grant of £34,000 towards the Sleaford Bristol Water Project. This is in addition to the £6,200 from local sources.In the 1830’s water was taken from the River Slea and in many cases was contaminated in resulting in early death.The Water Fountain was built to celebrate the Sixth Earl and Second Marquess of Bristol by his local tenants.
The RAF Centenary
The Sleaford Heritage Trail
This is the scheme with which we have brought to life Sleaford’s history. Eight buildings were chosen from a shortlist and plaques with both QR codes and NFC tags embedded within were designed, manufactured and attached to them. After scanning the code with a smartphone the user will download a short film made by our local production company with actors playing the parts of historical Sleafordians who were resident or working there, describing aspects of their lives and of Sleaford itself at that point in history.
The Les Gostick Memorial Statue
Nearly 2 years ago on the 11th October 2014, a living statue was seen on the streets of Sleaford. A collaboration between the Civic Trust and artsNK, this was a venture to seek publicity but also to gauge public opinion on the Les Gostick Statue. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour of the statue.
The Heart of Sleaford Masterplan
In April 2014 talks started between North Kesteven District Council, Sleaford Corn Exchange Ltd and Neighbouring owners to explore the possibility of integrating the development with Sleaford Masterplan proposals for creation of a pedestrian link between Market Place and Money’s Yard car parks