Gainsborough goes for growth
Sitting on the banks of the River Trent, this market town boasts a rich heritage, a vibrant community and a diverse range of services, as Glynis Fox finds.
With its blend of old-world charm and 21st-century conveniences, Gainsborough is home to more than 21,900 people (according to the 2021 census). Residents and visitors enjoy a variety of shopping options thanks to the diverse variety of town centre traders, which include many independents – along with the many well-known brand stores based in Marshall’s Yard.
The Yard, which is a major focal point in the town, was developed on the site of a former engineering works by blending historic architecture with modern retail.
Marshall’s Yard is the place to find major brands such as Marks & Spencer, Next, Superdrug and the popular department store Browns. These have recently been joined by B&M, which has moved from Lord Street into the unit formerly occupied by Wilko, creating 25 jobs.
Marshall’s Yard also has a busy family events calendar, so make sure you keep checking its website to see what’s on the horizon.
INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
Lord Street and Church Street are places worth more than a second look if you enjoy tracking down independent businesses.
Lord Street is home to ladies fashion store Barron Bou, which is bursting with great clothes, snappy shoes and smart handbags. Nearby is the family baker and confectioner Teasdales, and along the same street you will find all manner of eateries and takeaways, spoiling you for choice.
Church Street is also well-known for Horsleys, a family company which has been trading for more than a century. This is a must “go to” business if you are looking for furniture, carpets and white goods for the home.
It also has a separate outlet in Church Street which is dedicated to selling a wide range of beds, headboards and mattresses – and that is coming up for relocation!
Horsleys’ managing director, Dave Horsley said that part of the business is in line to move next door to Cooplands in the Market Place when those premises, which were formerly occupied by Savers, are ready for re-occupation.
“We are looking forward to moving the beds department into an area where major regeneration work is underway and where there will hopefully be more footfall. This will complement our other Church Street store,” said Mr Horsley.
The new shop should attract passing trade, because it will be close to an exciting new Savoy Cinema development which is now taking shape.
In Lord Street look out for more independent shops, including All Seasons florist and Shaggy Chic, the place to find fun treats for your dog.
Market Street offers more variety, with its dental and optical shops, The Meat Storr – which sells raw and cooked meat products – and a wealth of charity shops hiding some great bargains!
The Gainsborough Heritage Centre Gift Shop is also a good place to find locally crafted items and souvenirs. And if you love browsing markets, make a note that Gainsborough’s take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, when shoppers can buy anything from fresh produce to artisan goods.
STATE-OF-THE-ART CINEMA
Local construction firm Gelder Group is making progress on a new £9 million complex off the Market Square, the main feature of which is a state-of-the-art, four-screen cinema.
The development also includes three, three-storey retail/restaurant units – all of which promise to attract lots more footfall to the area. The work is being funded through contributions from West Lindsey District Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.
As we went to press, the steel framework for the cinema and the other units was already in place.
Site manager, Craig Elston said: “The foundations for the cinema and retail/restaurant units are now in place and the steel framework for the cinema is finished.
“We have moved on to erecting the steel framework for the three three-storey units, two of which will overlook the Market Place. The construction team is then going on to fit steel decking sheets, carry out the substructure brickwork and build the retaining walls.”
More progress will have been made by the time you read this, but Gelder Group chief executive officer Steve Gelder, who was born and brought up in Gainsborough, said he was thrilled about winning the Savoy contract and enjoying seeing the work moving forwards.
West Lindsey District Council Leader, Councillor Trevor Young said: “Great progress is being made on site, which is exciting for local residents to see.
“It is also wonderful that our officers were able to showcase this progress to the town’s children during a recent visit to our council office at the Guildhall, which offers a fantastic view of the construction of the new cinema.
“The project is on track to be delivered on time and within budget. The regeneration of our town centre through the Townscape Heritage Initiative and our Thriving Gainsborough project, which includes the new Savoy Cinema, is sparking increased interest from other investors,” he added.
The Savoy Cinema is the anchor project in the town’s Thriving Gainsborough 2024 regeneration programme.
The development will also provide a new walking link between Marshall’s Yard and the marketplace, where further investment from the Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Townscape Heritage Initiative is rejuvenating the historic setting.
Savoy Cinemas managing director, James Collington says with the steelwork now in place, it is exciting to see the cinema starting to take shape.
He said progress marked “a significant stride towards” the company’s goal of providing the Gainsborough community with a modern cinema equipped with cutting-edge technology, eliminating the need for residents to venture elsewhere to enjoy the latest blockbuster movies.
MAJOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Gainsborough’s economy is boosted by several major employers who are based on the outskirts of the town.
Ping Europe Ltd, renowned for manufacturing golf equipment, has its headquarters in Gainsborough and is a significant employer.
Eminox is a leading manufacturer of exhaust and emissions control systems, whose presence underscores the town’s role in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
AMP-Rose, one of the world’s largest suppliers of used candy, chocolate and snack machinery, as well as new and rebuilt machines, process and packaging solutions, is a global exporter which highlights Gainsborough’s industrial capabilities.
DECADE OF SUCCESS
Diversification has helped to supercharge growth at a Gainsborough company, which celebrated 10 years in business this summer.
L & J Fitters, which is based on the town’s Heapham Road Industrial Estate, is owned by husband and wife team Leigh and Jessica Goodall, who marked the firm’s milestone with a special family-style party.
Leigh started the company when he and four other sub-contractors began fitting kitchens in newly-built houses. However, it has come a long way since those early days.
“Steadily the number of sub-contractors has grown as we have expanded into fitting furniture in student accommodation, doing work for the Ministry of Defence and also in nursing homes. These extra contracts boosted the workforce, taking it from four to 45 sub-contractors, and these successes have naturally driven our turnover,” said Leigh.
“We are delighted to report that we now work on contracts covering most of the East Midlands. We have also used our combined skills on jobs in London and Scotland.”
PLACES OF INTEREST
Many places in Gainsborough reflect the town’s rich past and one of the most recognised is a magnificent medieval manor house.
Gainsborough Old Hall is one of the best preserved timber-framed buildings in England.
Dating back to the late-15th century, it gives the visitor an intriguing glimpse into life in Tudor times.
The Hall also has connections to prominent figures in history, including King Richard III and Henry VIII.
Take time out and explore its grand halls, kitchens and tower rooms. The Hall hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
All Saints’ Church is another architectural marvel, with roots dating back to the 12th century. If you enjoy exploring churches, this one has an impressive tower and stunning stained-glass windows. A cultural centre, it often hosts concerts and community events.
If you love the arts, including theatre, music, film screenings and live performances, check out the sheer variety of entertainment and activities on offer at the Trinity Arts Centre.
Formerly known as the Holy Trinity Church, but decommissioned in the 1970s, it stood abandoned and derelict for some time, until volunteers campaigned to get it turned into a thriving arts centre. Today, it has an exciting programme which offers something for everyone. Coming up are:
• 7th Sep: Patti Boulaye – Diana & Me
• 13th Sep: Baga Chipz: Material Girl – The ‘Much Betta’ Tour 2024
• 20th Sep: The Jerseys – Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
• 22nd-24th Sep: Miss Saigon (25th Anniversary Show)
MAKING CHANGES FOR THE BETTER
Environmental and inspirational groups are making a difference in Gainsborough, by improving the appearance of the town and brightening the lives of its older residents.
Retired company director John Lyden, who was last year’s Chairman of Gainsborough in Bloom, is encouraging volunteers to keep-up the good work by getting out and involved in more gardening and wildlife projects.
John formed the charity Greener Gainsborough CIO which he instigated to bring all these types of work under one banner. Their website will soon be ‘live’ and will advertise ‘green’ projects and volunteering opportunities.
However, he hasn’t stopped there – he is also Chairman of Gainsborough’s Men’s Shed, a growingly successful branch of the UK Men’s Shed Association.
John light-heartedly refers to it as a “youth club for old guys” – although it does welcome women too!
“Our Men’s Shed welcomes people who may be retired, and who may also have physical or mental health worries. We encourage them to come along, meet others, enjoy conversation and refreshments and get involved in a variety of activities,” said John.
Members have the opportunity of using their skills and life experience to do woodworking, making items such as garden planters, repairing donated bicycles which can later be given to people in need, restoring furniture, getting stuck into gardening projects and much more.
“Gainsborough Men’s Shed provides an enjoyable way to stay socially integrated in the local community. We currently have 48 active members and meet on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm, Stirlin Place, Willoughton Drive, Gainsborough”, added John.
HEARD THE WORD ON THE STREET?
WordFest is a sparkling new literature festival taking place in Gainsborough throughout September – so get your diaries out and make sure you don’t miss out.
There are over 20 events spread over several days – with all free entry. Organised by West Lindsey District Council, visitors can expect storytelling, theatre, live music, children’s activities, author talks and workshops.
For the main event, on Saturday, 14th September, the town’s historic Market Place will be transformed into a Literature Village with all things for bookish people: authors, illustrators, artists and book gift stalls along with a children’s eye-spy book trail.
Horse drawn carriage rides will run throughout the day, with visitors encouraged to channel their inner Jane Austen and dress in Bridgerton-inspired attire.
Two special market stalls will display work created by local people in workshops held during the summer, including a book of short stories, Gainsborough Voices (with author Gill Blow) and a display of art journals (with artist Tracey Jones).
Free activities include children’s craft by Ally Pally Arts, a Doodleboard for all and Poetry on a Roll from Helen Hagon. So come along and take part!
There’s quiet time in the story-telling tent, with stories from the Broadbent Theatre and children’s author Jacqueline Evans with Jake the three-legged Dog. Children can come along and read from the special story-telling chair too.
The Market Place will also host pop-up theatre by a young people’s theatre group and Oskar will be playing delightful tunes from his accordion – the Squeezebox of Delights.
Over at Gainsborough Library BBC journalist Sharon Edwards will read from her children’s book The Most Dangerous Spy and present the Summer Reading Challenge awards.
The town’s monthly farmers and craft markets will also take place on September 14, giving WordFest visitors even more to enjoy.
Discover Gainsborough will share details of all the exciting events in the programme through social media, and on their website. Look out for the printed leaflet showing the full programme of events.
Although events are free, booking is essential in many cases.
Find out more at: discovergainsborough.com/wordfest/
TAKE A BREAK AT DANDELION AND DUCK
Situated in a beautiful barn conversion in Laughton, Gainsborough, Dandelion and Duck is a charming coffee shop and gift store founded through owner Alice Philips’s passion for stylish home interiors.
An ideal place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, coffee or afternoon tea, Dandelion and Duck, which is also licensed, welcomes you with cosy seating in its peaceful rustic interior, as well as outside in the sunny garden terrace with a play area garden for children, complete with shepherd’s hut.
Treat yourself to delicious award-winning coffee from Dark Woods Coffee, hand-roasted in Yorkshire, plus a large selection of cakes and sweet treats such as cinnamon buns, scones and tiffin as well as blondies and brownies, also available for customers to take away.
Open Wednesday to Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 10am-2pm.
For more information visit www.dandelionandduck.co.uk
TROT ALONG TO THE BRANSBY HORSES CAFÉ
The Café at Bransby Horses is more than just a place to grab a bite — it’s a delightful experience that adds to the charm of visiting the sanctuary. With its five-star hygiene rating, you can enjoy a range of delicious treats. The menu is packed with classic favourites that cater for all tastes, from hearty English breakfasts to indulgent afternoon teas.
Visitors rave about the café’s famous freshly baked and perfectly flaky sausage roll and timeless favourite Victoria sponge, plus selection of irresistible cakes.
Whether you’re visiting for a leisurely lunch or a quick coffee break, the Café offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and savour the flavours of the season.
Come for the horses, stay for the food — Bransby Horses has something for everyone.
The Bransby Horses Café is open from 10am to 4pm, with hot food served until 2.30pm.
Advance booking required for afternoon tea.
Take a look at the café menus at: www.bransbyhorses.co.uk/visit-us/cafe/
SWEET DELIGHTS AND MORE AT BLYTON
Perfect for an indulgent treat, Blyton Ice Cream offers a range of scrumptious flavours to delight your taste buds.
Famous for its award-winning selection of more than 75 deliciously different flavours of ice cream to choose from, this family-run parlour prides itself on offering a range of unique and favourite tastes, which are all home-made at Blyton’s Old Hall Farm.
This dairy ice cream parlour, which opened in 1985, also offers a range of mouth-watering desserts, including waffles, crepes and traditional sundaes, with daily specials and different flavours and toppings each day.
Visitors can relax and spend time in Blyton’s welcoming ice cream parlour enjoying daily chef’s sweet and savoury specials, or take time out in the attractive spacious outdoor seating area where milkshakes, plus hot and cold drinks and a selection of light snacks are served.
Party bookings are available and there is also an outdoor play area and crazy golf for families to enjoy.
For more information visit www.blytonicecream.co.uk
BESPOKE SERVICE AT THE RUG STUDIO
Nestled near Gainsborough, The Rug Studio is a beacon of unparalleled expertise in the world of Oriental, Traditional, and Contemporary rugs. With over 30 years of experience, Rachel, the heart and soul behind The Rug Studio, brings a wealth of knowledge in sales, cleaning, restoration, and design/production, making this establishment truly unique.
The Rug Studio showcases a stunning collection of semi-old and antique rugs at The Guardroom, Hemswell Antique Centre, open seven days a week. Here, friendly staff are always on hand to assist, but for specialist insights, Rachel is just a call away. Her profound understanding of the craft, originally honed as a trained weaver, ensures that each rug is meticulously restored and cared for. For those seeking the perfect rug, Rachel and her team provide personalised consultations, tailoring choices to fit the client’s vision, considering traffic levels, colour schemes, size, and budget.
Beyond their in-house collection, The Rug Studio taps into a vast network of national and international suppliers, promising to source the ideal rug for any environment.
Visit The Guardroom at Hemswell Antique Centres, or schedule an appointment at the studio in Stamford. Discover more at therugstudio.co.uk
KEEPMOAT PRESENTS WARREN WOOD VIEW
Warren Wood View in Gainsborough is an exciting new development of modern two, three and four bedroom homes which will include public open spaces, a play area, walkways, woodland views and proposed amenities.
Designed for how we live today, Keepmoat’s new homes combine high spec and lots of individual style.
“With many energy-efficient features as standard, plus a choice of options and extras to tailor your home to you, they are perfect for first-time buyers and growing families.
“So, whether you’re looking for your first home or moving up to something bigger, better and more you, you’ll find it here at Warren Wood View. And with us by your side every step of the way, we make buying as easy and affordable as possible.”
KEY FEATURES:
• Just 1. 5 miles from the centre of Gainsborough
• Less than 10 minutes walk from a train station
• Lincoln, Scunthorpe and Bawtry within a 30-minute drive
• On-site convenience store now open
• Great catchment area for schools
With homes ready to move into immediately this summer and the first reduction of the Bank of England base rate in the last four years, now is the time to come and explore a new home with Keepmoat.
For more information visit www.keepmoat.com
ALSO HAPPENING AT WORDFEST
• 5th Sep: Still Alive with Clive – the Workhouse Players perform their most popular play, and then take the audience behind the scenes. 7.30pm, the Old Nick Theatre.
• 10th Sep: ‘Women at the Helm’ 19th-century Gainsborough women of influence, by Dr Caroline Mogg. 2pm, Gainsborough Old Hall.
• 12th Sep: The Lincolnshire Dialect with Loretta Rivett, followed by folk duo Nigel Creasey and Teri Clarke. From 2pm, Gainsborough Old Hall.
• 12th Sep: Gainsborough Voices – an evening of electronic music inspired by Gainsborough, Lincolnshire and the Lincs Dialect. 7pm, the Old Nick Theatre.
• 19th Sep: Poetry Write-In Workshop with Helen Hagon. 7pm at Spokes Café on the Riverside.
Photographs: Mick Fox
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