Parish News from Boston Borough Council - April 2025

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Welcome to Parish News from Boston Borough Council. If you have any enquiries about any of the articles, please feel free to contact the communications team at communications.unit@boston.gov.uk

Boston's Strongest and Food Fest are back for 2025!

Following the huge success of previous years, Boston's Strongest and Food Fest will be returning to Boston Market Place on Sunday 13 July 2025.

Boston's Strongest competition will once again take place in the town centre, promising an exciting day of strength and endurance challenges with free spectating for all.

Contestants will compete for cash prizes and trophies, awarded to the top three in each category. To win the titles of the 6 categories, competitors will have to compete in a series of gruelling events, including deadlifting a car, pulling a lorry and lifting giant concrete balls (atlas stones) onto a platform. There will also be a world strict curl championship running alongside the event, with competitors from all over Europe.

The head referee for the competition will be World Strongman Games Athlete Craig Candler, with IFBB Pro Tyler Smith serving as the special guest referee.

Spectators and shoppers will not only be able to watch the event but also support the Food Fest as well. Various food stalls, traders and establishments will be situated within the Market Place, selling a wide variety of cuisines, snacks and sweet treats.

For more information about Boston's Strongest 2025 please visit their Facebook, and to stand as a trader in Boston Food Fest 2025 please contact events@boston.gov.uk

Boston Borough Council encouraging residents to commemorate VE Day this year

Residents across the Borough are encouraged to organise and to join in with local celebrations and festivities, including picnics and street parties, commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the May Bank Holiday.

Local communities can join the nationwide Great British Food Festival on Monday 5 May by holding street parties, cooking up a BBQ or fry up with your neighbours, hosting a curry night, or organising a Big Lunch extravaganza.

The Great British Food Festival will bring together residents, our armed forces, veterans, and visitors to celebrate our rich culinary and cultural history, whilst also honouring the sacrifices and triumphs of the nation's veterans during the Second World War.

See below some events that are happening within the Borough:

  • The Haven VE Day Celebrations: 8 May 2025, 10.30am to 6pm (White House Ln, Boston PE21 0BE, UK)
  • We'll Meet Again Freiston Boston: 8 May 2025 (Freiston, Lincolnshire)
  • VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert: 8 May 2025, 7.30pm to 9.45pm (Station Rd, Kirton, Boston PE20 1LD, UK)
  • Kirton Holme Residents: 8 May 2025 (Kirton Holme, Lincolnshire)

More information - www.boston.gov.uk/article/28177/Boston-Borough-Council-encouraging-residents-to-commemorate-VE-Day-this-year

Celebrating 900 Years of the Boston May Fair: A Journey Through History

The May Fair 900 Exhibition has officially opened at Boston Guildhall, inviting visitors to explore aspects of the incredible 900-year history of one of England's oldest and most cherished fairs.

This unique exhibition takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the centuries, uncovering how the Boston May Fair has evolved from its medieval roots to the vibrant event it is today. The exhibition will feature local historian Neil Watson's photographs and artefacts some dating back to the 1850's.

On Saturday 10 May the exhibition will close with the Boston Model Fairground Show and live entertainment in Beadsman's Lane alongside the museum.

David Worthington, Museum, events and venue officer at Boston Guildhall, said: "The May Fair has been a part of Boston's story for centuries, and this exhibition is a fantastic way to help celebrate its incredible history. We're delighted to invite people of all ages to step back in time and discover how this beloved fair has grown and changed over the last 900 years."

The May Fair 900 Exhibition will be open at Boston Guildhall from Saturday 29 March to Saturday 10 May, offering a rare glimpse into the fair's enduring legacy.

Following the May Fair exhibition further developments will take place in the museum to improve the reception area, the shop and the Tourist Information layout.

On Saturday 24 May will be the opening of a fabulous exhibition on one of Boston's most influential historic figures, whose statue watches the daily business of the town from its pedestal beside St Botolph's Church. 'Herbert Ingram 'Illustrating The News'' will uncover and reveal the fascinating and influential history of this amazing character.

There will be an exciting new exhibit accompanied by a talk and a book signing – more details to follow on how the Guildhall will help to illustrate Boston's past and present throughout 2025.

Boston Borough Council shares details of town's first Pride event

This summer, Boston's Central Park will come alive with the town's first ever Pride event, thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC).

The family friendly Pride celebration, which aims to bring our community together in a vibrant, inclusive and joyful way, will take place on Saturday, July 26.

The first of its kind for Boston, the event has been specifically created for families and individuals alike to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and unity, creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Pride events across the UK have become powerful symbols of togetherness and progress, and we're proud to be bringing that same spirit to Boston.

Boston Pride will feature dazzling performances on the Pride Main Stage from international acts, along with local groups and artists, while celebrating Boston's rich multi-cultural community.

In addition to the performances on the main stage, there will be activities on offer for people of all ages and representatives from support systems who work throughout the area will be given a space to highlight the essential work they do.

For up-to-date information and further announcements, follow the Boston Pride Facebook page.

Council prosecutes owner for failure to maintain historic Boston property

The owner of a listed building has been prosecuted by Boston Borough Council after failing to carry out essential maintenance on the historic property, despite multiple warnings and the issuing of a legal notice.

The English Heritage listed property, located at 65A-67 Wide Bargate in Boston, had fallen into a state of disrepair that caused concerns for its long-term safety and turned it into an eyesore in the local area.

Contact was made by the council to the building's owner in December 2023, asking for necessary improvements to be made to safeguard the building and enhance its appearance. No works were undertaken, and in June 2024 the council issued a legal notice under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act, specifying the work that was considered necessary and setting a timescale for it to be completed by October of that year.

Despite this formal notice, no works were undertaken, and the owner failed to engage further with the council, leading to the need for legal action to be taken. The case was heard at Boston Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 25 March, where the owner, Farzana Yasmin Akhter, who did not attend, was found guilty in her absence and imposed a fine of £660, along with a victim surcharge of £264 and an award of £350 in costs to the council, making a total amount payable of £1,274.

The owner of the property is also still required to carry out the necessary renovations to the property, with the council able to take further legal action if this does not occur.

Read the full story: www.boston.gov.uk/article/28170/Council-prosecutes-owner-for-failure-to-maintain-historic-Boston-property

To find out more about the council's planning enforcement team and the work they do, please visit www.boston.gov.uk/article/21242/Planning-Enforcement.

Boston Market successes

Makers and Farmers Market

The Makers and Farmers market was a great success with a very good turnout of customers.

From the success, five extra pitches have been created which makes the market sold out for the rest of the year.

New gazebos

The new gazebo launch day was a big success.

Trader of the Week was Kelly and her girls from Brandon Fruits!

Kelly's family has been trading at Boston Market for over 40 years. Most of their products are from around Lincolnshire.

Kelly loves our new gazebos, calling them "lovely and bright, enhancing Boston Market!"

Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex – Project Update

Where we are now with redevelopment works:
Preparatory works have recently begun at Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex as part of the wider redevelopment. A temporary access road will soon be created through the main car park, allowing continued access to the rear of the site.

Alongside this, a number of enabling works are being undertaken, including internal adjustments and early preparations to relocate the pool reception area. These important steps are being taken to ensure the site is ready for the main construction phase to begin safely and efficiently.

What’s next:
It is currently anticipated that from Friday 6 June, the main leisure pool will temporarily close to allow demolition works to get underway. This will involve the removal of the existing reception area, the current changing rooms, and work on the leisure pool roof.

These elements are essential to clear the way for the construction of the new front extension, which will enhance the facilities and experience for all users once complete.

During this period, a temporary reception for swimmers will be in place at the Training Pool entrance. A revised swimming lesson programme will be delivered in the Training Pool to ensure continuity of service. School swimming sessions and club training will continue as normal and will not be affected by the works. The gym and spa facilities will also remain open and accessible throughout, with users still entering via the fitness entrance at the rear of the building.

Please note that the main front car park will be closed while works are underway. However, parking will still be available at the rear and side of the facility, with access via the newly created route. Further details of alternative parking arrangements will be shared shortly.

The new extension works are expected to take approximately 12 months to complete, with external plaza following on. For the latest updates and full programme changes, please visit www.leisurecentre.com/geoff-moulder-leisure-complex/ or follow the centre on social media.

Rosegarth Square development – next steps

You might have seen work happening outside the Len Medlock Centre. Lindum Group are installing a temporary footpath to the building this week, to assist with access during the next phase of this redevelopment.

From Monday 14 April, the hoarding around the Rosegarth Square project has been extending to allow for the next steps, the public realm work, to safely start following the completion of the demolition to the former B&M site and Crown House.

The hoarding has been expanded to cover the existing coach park up to the Len Medlock Centre. All coaches will now drop off and pick up at the coach stop area in the bus station as marked on the diagram attached.

The Rosegarth Square Bus Station Café will remain open on Mondays to Saturdays from 7.30am to 2.30pm.

You can find out more about the development here: https://rosegarthboston.co.uk/

Flood resilience in South and East Lincolnshire

Many areas in South and East Lincolnshire are a long-term risk of flooding, from rivers, the sea, surface water and/or groundwater.

Flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly, with potentially devastating effects for you, your family and your property.

An effective way to stay aware of the possibility of floods is to sign up for free localised flood warnings online. You can receive flood warnings by landline, text message or email. Signing up can be done at www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.

You can also check your long-term risk of flooding online by entering your postcode on this website: www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk

If your area is at risk of flooding, consider making a plan - prepare a bag with medicines and insurance documents, and consider how you’ll get possessions, pets and family to safety.

During periods of flooding, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest guidance and alerts. The Environment Agency and Lincolnshire Resilience Forum post regularly on Facebook with the latest guidance, as well as flood alerts and warnings.

The Environment Agency’s live map of flood warnings and alerts across the country can be checked online at any time here: https://loom.ly/IRpONTg

Short and long-term flooding risks can also be checked on the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding

A selection of resources to raise awareness of the consequences of flooding, and how to prepare, are attached.

Op Continents: more than shop theft prevention - a Lincolnshire Police press release

Criminals in Boston are being deterred by the town’s proactive and robust collaboration.

The Operation Continents days of action targeting prolific shop theft offenders forms a small part of a much larger strategic crime prevention picture.

We often hear, “Why do you bother, shop theft is just petty crime, why don’t you investigate real crime?’”. Unfortunately, shop theft and its wider impact very much constitutes ‘real crime’ to its direct and indirect victims. These prolific offenders are often linked to drug, burglary and other anti-social behaviour (ASB) offences. By tackling the offenders of shop theft, and providing support, advice and referrals, and indeed custodial sentences, we are preventing associated offences.

Here’s how:

After yet another spate of shop thefts in the middle of 2024, Community Beat Manager PC Pratt approached Pescod Security, amongst other partners, and said: “We need to get the message out that we’re not going to take it anymore. Does your team want to be part of it?” After a few emails and conversations, our multi-agency collaboration, now known as Op Continents, was born.

This multi-agency partnership, comprising Boston Neighbourhood Policing Team, retail Security Guards (Shop Watch network participants), *Boston Borough Council Town Wardens and CCTV Operatives, and the Community Safety Partnership, works together to tackle prolific shop thieves, associated criminality, and crime prevention.

Read more: www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincolnshire/news/20252/apr/op-continents--more-than-shop-theft-prevention/

Boston Book Festival 2025

Boston Book Festival 2025 is happening on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June.

You can take part in the activities this year by visiting Boston Guildhall or Fydell House (Both South Street, Boston, PE21 6HT). The festival opens on Saturday 7 June at Boston Guildhall with three talks throughout the day from different speakers, as well as four more on Sunday 8 June when the festival moves to Fydell House.

Refreshments will be available at Fydell House on both days.

Book your places at any of the talks at https://boston-england.co.uk/events/boston-book-festival!

Free Cuppa & Catch-Up – Dementia Support & Awareness Event

Are you living with dementia, caring for someone who is or curious about how to reduce your risk?

Join us for a friendly and informative drop-in event at Boston St. Botolph’s Church on Wednesday, 21st May, from 11am to 3pm.

Enjoy a free hot drink while you get expert advice on dementia support and prevention, take a free health check, have fun with wooden board games, Join in with Singing for Fun and more!

Whether you're looking for support, information, or simply a friendly chat, everyone is welcome at this event at St. Botolph’s Church, Boston PE21 6NW.

Events for veterans by the Veterens Support Service

The 2021 census identified 2,777 veterans living in Boston. All veterans and their families are invited to attend the Veterans and Families Open Day at Jakemans Community Stadium on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

The aim of the open day is to have a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to come along and see what services are available to them, on a local and national level. Book your free tickets online here:

www.tickettailor.com/events/veteranssupportservicecic/1640565

There will also be two seminars at the venue throughout the day, aimed at those working with veterans or anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the veteran mindset and experience:

Results of this year’s Big Borough Spring Clean

A huge well done to the Wyberton Wombles of Boston Common and all the incredible volunteers who took part in this year’s Big Borough Spring Clean!

Thanks to your amazing efforts throughout the week – and especially on Sunday – a massive 174 bags of litter were collected, along with larger dumped items like fridges, freezers, trolleys, children’s bikes and more.

Boston Youth Hub is now open

The Boston Youth Hub is a new safe space for all young people aged 12 to 19. 

The Youth Hub opened its doors for the first time on Monday 14 April from 10am to 2pm. Starting from Wednesday 23 April, the Youth Hub now follows a regular schedule of opening every Wednesday and Friday from 4pm to 6pm, and every Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

The youth club is based at Pescod Hall, Boston, PE21 6EB and is free to enter. The club offers wi-fi, a pool table, dart board, 75-inch TV and games consoles, as well as a lounge area and workspace.

Vintage Fashion Fair & Afternoon Tea

Step back in time and indulge in the elegance of vintage fashion at Boston Guildhall - after exploring the fashion fair, you can treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of delicious teas, sandwiches, and pastries, all included in your £15 ticket.

All proceeds from this event will go to support the Mayor's charities, making your afternoon both enjoyable and meaningful.

The fair is happening from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 17 May. Tickets can be bought from Boston Guildhall, Antoinettes Vintage Shop or by emailing Suzanne.welberry@icloud.com.

Wrangle Show announced for 2025

Come along to the Wrangle Showground on Sunday 6 July from 10am for the 2025 Wrangle Show - There will be plenty going on in the area, on stage and outside in the marquee.

Come along for a fun-filled day with lots of stalls, entertainment, food and much more! For more information go to www.wrangleshow.co.uk

Parking is free with an entrance fee payable on the day.

Please note that this is not a council-run event, it is run by community organisers. Contact information is available on the Wrangle Show website.

Free health and dental event for fishermen and their families

Any fishermen and their families are welcome at Boston Southside Quay on Tuesday, 3 June 2025 from 10am to 4pm for a day dedicated to the health and well-being of our fishermen and their families.

The event offers:

  • Free Dental Checks & Treatment: Ensure your oral health is in top shape with professional dental services.
  • Free Health Checks: Get comprehensive health assessments to keep you and your loved ones healthy.
  • Free Eyesight Checks: Protect your vision with thorough eye examinations.
  • Cancer Information: Learn about cancer prevention and support resources.
  • Financial Information: Receive guidance on financial matters to secure your future.
  • Boston Southside Quay, Nearest Postcode: PE21 8AF

For more information, contact:

Please share this opportunity with anyone who may benefit from it.

National Fishing Remembrance Day next month

Join us to honour and remember those we have lost in the fishing community on Sunday 11 May at 2pm at St Botolph's Church in Boston Market Place.

Let's come together as a community to reflect and remember – find out more at: https://www.fishermensmission.org.uk/fishingremembranceday/

Freecycle Network

The Freecycle Network is a grassroots and entirely non-profit movement of people who are gifting and receiving stuff for free in their communities. It's all about reusing, recycling and reducing good quality items from being binned.

Membership is free and you can also set up your own, smaller personal Friends Circle for gifting and lending of items with just your friends.

Remember to be kind - no ask is too little or large as someone may have exactly what you need.

Link to the website: www.freecycle.org

Friday, 2nd May 2025