Explore Alford
Whether you’re a history lover, or looking for modern day fun and attractions, Alford has plenty to offer, says Andrew Vaux.
Alford, a quaint market town on the cusp of the Lincolnshire Wolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – lies just six miles from Lincolnshire’s sandy coastline. This blend of natural landscapes offers an ideal setting for exploration by both young and old alike.
Alford is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Alforde. There was a settlement at Alford in pre-Norman times, and it provided a place to cross the beck – intimated in the ‘ford’ part of its name.
Rich in history, Alford’s significant events can be delved into at landmarks such as Alford Manor House, Alford Windmill and Alford Corn Exchange.
Alford Manor House is a Grade II listed building, and reputedly the largest thatched manor house in the country.
The house was given to the town by Dorothy Higgins, whose grandfather had once lived there. In 1967, Alford & District Civic Trust was formed with the aim of preserving it, and it’s now owned by the registered charity.
Recent research by a York University archaeological team has dated the house to 1611, and shown from the start that it was erected as a timber and masonry structure.
The Museum of Rural Life (previously known as the Hackett Barn) is part of the Alford Manor House complex. Situated at the rear of the 17th-century thatched manor, it houses many of the town’s historic artefacts.
‘Clock in’ to the Museum of Rural Life and experience a glimpse of daily domestic life from a bygone era.
Many of the Alford area’s former local businesses and trades, including Soulby, Sons & Winch brewery, Heeley’s dispensing chemists, Hildred’s sweet factory, Shaw’s Veterinary Practice, a shoemaker, a wheelwright and many more, are very well represented by the fascinating collection of artefacts.
Exhibits include a bootmaker’s shop with leather patterns, old studded boots, clogs and hobbing iron as well as a very well-equipped blacksmith’s shop in the former cow shed.
An ambitious £2.05 million project has recently been unveiled for a new permanent, flexible event space to replace a temporary marquee which has been in place since 2006. This new facility will let the Manor House host more than 100 people all year round for events including funeral teas, weddings and craft market stalls.
John Smith, Alford Windmill Trustee, said: “We’re pleased to see that the project to reopen and develop the site for Alford Windmill has taken another big step forward, following the submission of the planning application.
“When the site has been completed, we can’t wait to open the redeveloped spaces for people to explore and enjoy, with the education centre for people to learn more about where their food comes from, a fantastic new holiday home for people to visit, and a new bakery where visitors can sample quality local products.
“Alongside the improvements being made at Alford Manor House, we can help to improve the heritage and tourism offer in Alford.”
For full details, including opening times, visit the website: www.alfordmanorhouse.co.uk
WINDMILL AND MANOR HOUSE FUNDING
Alford Windmill is a five-sailed windmill – the county’s only surviving windmill out of four. Though the windmill has been restored to working order, it no longer supplies flour for sale.
As part of the same funding programme for Alford Manor House, a £1.1m scheme for Alford Windmill will see a new visitor centre and holiday accommodation created on the site, if planning permission is approved.
This will include a bakery, café and shop in one of the pre-existing outbuildings to help support ongoing costs, maintenance, repairs, and conservation for the windmill’s future. The café will sell local produce as well as bakery produce using flour milled on site once the windmill is restored.
Plans also include expanding the car park, which could offer the potential for coach trips. The proposed café will seat around 44 covers with the option to serve even more people outside.
Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council said: “I’m delighted that both schemes in Alford are moving a step closer with the submission of planning applications.
“Both applications are vitally important to the community of Alford as well as the wider district and so I’m delighted that government funding will give a new lease of life and offer for visitors to come to the town and enjoy these facilities.
“Both plans have been put together in a way that respects the heritage of the sites, as well as being ambitious to ensure they both have a financially stable future and are attractive to residents, visitors, and holidaymakers who may want to visit.
“Please do take the time to read through the detail and share your views as part of the planning application consultation process.”
Cllr Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns at East Lindsey District Council said: “Both Alford Windmill and Alford Manor House are jewels in the crown of Alford, and I’m delighted that government funding is helping to realise their full potential to keep attracting visitors and generating new income for years to come.
“Both projects will create new opportunities and increase visitors to Alford, particularly those who visit the Lincolnshire Wolds and coast, creating a financially stable future. The benefits will be far-reaching for the whole of the market town, including local businesses, organisations and residents.”
Interested parties can comment on both planning applications at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/applications by searching for reference numbers N/003/00997/24 (Alford Manor House) and N/003/01226/23 (Alford Windmill).
Meanwhile, Alford Corn Exchange is a Grade II listed building which is currently used as a community events venue.
In the mid-19th century, a group of local businessmen decided to form a company, to be known as the ‘Alford Corn Exchange Company’, to finance and commission a purpose-built corn exchange for the town.
The use of the building as a corn exchange declined significantly in the wake of the Great Depression of British agriculture in the late-19th century. Instead, it was used for local community events. It was subsequently used for lectures, dances and balls and, from 1913, it also showed silent films. Following local government re-organisation in 1974, it also became the offices and meeting place of the local town council.
A community interest company, known as the ‘Alford Corn Exchange and Community Group’, took responsibility for the management and ownership of the building in 2014. The group subsequently commissioned an extensive programme of refurbishment works, which involved the installation of a fully licensed bar, a café area and a kitchen, as well as the restoration of the fabric of the building.
VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Aside from its proud history, Alford has a wealth of other attractions for visitors.
Alford Market – run by Alford Town Council – trades from 9am to 2pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. Regular stalls include meat, fish, cakes, clothes, silverware, jewellery, picture frames, baby clothes, and more.
Alford Craft Market – set up in 1974 – is the UK’s longest-running craft market and has a strong reputation for high quality art and craft products and events. Based in Alford Market Place, it sells work by 36 makers.
To mark its 50th anniversary, there’s a full year of celebrations including events, classes, and hands-on arts and craft activities. For more information, tel: 01507 463341 or visit www.alfordcraftmarket.co.uk.
For more active fun-seekers, take a trip to Grange Leisure Park situated on Alford Road towards Mablethorpe, where you will find Lincolnshire Aqua Park featuring a giant family friendly 60 x 25-metre inflatable water park, one of the UK’s biggest aquaparks.
Other major equipment includes trampolines, climbing walls, spinning cyclone water wheel, giant monkey bars and loads more.
The facility is available for the 5 to 65 age group and has RLSS lifeguards on duty, with participants issued with a buoyancy aid for ultimate safety.
For more information visit: www.lincolnshireaquapark.co.uk
A little further afield near Louth, Cadwell Park is home to vast and striking circuits that feature an exciting mix of twists and gradients making it a firm favourite of both spectators and participants.
Discover a great challenge for drivers and riders of all abilities, especially on the infamous ‘Mountain’ section where riders often become airborne. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of Track Days, driving experiences and a selection of exclusive events throughout the year.
For more information visit www.cadwellpark.co.uk
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds nearby offer everything you could wish for in an idyllic getaway. Enjoy 216 square miles of unspoilt countryside, beautiful rolling green hills, picturesque hidden valleys, and all kinds of magnificent animals and wildlife. The area is the perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors, active adventurers and heritage enthusiasts.
A popular area located near Louth is Hubbard’s Hills (www.hubbardshills.co.uk) – a free and beautiful green space which has maintained its rural charm. The naturally formed landscape has a glacial mount water valley running through and mature trees on its sloping sides. Here you can enjoy idyllic views, ducks, swans, and stepping stones across the lake.
The park is dedicated to the memory of Annie Pahud, and donated by her trustees. It’s been open to the public since 1907, and features an Edwardian pleasure garden, lake and country park.
ALFORD CRAFT MARKET 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Alford Craft Market, which was set up in 1974 by Michel and Heather Ducos of Alford Pottery to enable Lincolnshire artists and makers to sell their work and to promote an interest in arts and crafts.
It is the longest running craft market in the UK with a shop, open all year round Monday to Saturday, a variety of craft classes in the craft centre at the rear of the shop, and indoor and outdoor events at Easter weekend, Spring bank holiday weekend, August bank holiday weekend and two Christmas Craft Market weekends.
Stallholders and sellers in the shop must be approved by the committee, as they accept only high quality, handmade items from Lincolnshire craftsmen and women. You will always find a fabulous array of Lincolnshire Crafts at Alford Craft Market.
For more information visit www.alfordcraftmarket.co.uk or email alfordcraftmarket@gmail.com
WINE AND GLASS COMPANY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
The Wine and Glass Company has been in business for over 20 years and has grown both in terms of wines to sell and customers throughout Lincolnshire and beyond. Owner/manager, Mary Hales says: “As in all businesses, things change and I now need a business partner to come in and help develop and take the company forward as I must scale down my work within it, due to other commitments and age!
“We have had a wonderful time developing the range of wines we sell and have made a lot of very good friends, both buying and selling wine, so I hope there may be someone out there who has a love of wine that might be intrigued and interested in such a venture.
“We will be at the Lincolnshire Christmas Food and Gift Fair in the Epic Centre on Lincolnshire Showground on 30th November and 1st December (as well as the members’ night on 29th November).
“Anyone who might be interested in buying their Christmas wine or looking at the company, please come along and see us.”
For more information visit www.wineandglass.co.uk
FIND THE BEST OF BRITISH AT ASKEWS
Established in 1992, Askews furniture has been serving Lincolnshire for over 30 years from its three unique county locations in Alford, Horncastle and Mablethorpe, and championing some of the best British manufacturers.
“The ‘A Team’ at Askews would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Alford and beyond for their continued custom and support.
“At our flagship store housed within Alford’s iconic Old Methodist Church in West Street, you can find a wide selection of sofas, beds, living, dining and bedroom furniture, as well as a varied array of accessories, rugs, mirrors and bedding such as pillows and duvets.
“We remain 100% committed to selling quality, reasonably priced furniture with as much from British manufacturers as possible.
“Our historic building sits in the heart of the town and is creatively laid out with individually decorated room sets which we find help customers visualise our products in their home more easily.
“Our customers come back to us not just for our array of beautiful furniture, but also for our easy-going, no pressure sales atmosphere with helpful, knowledgeable staff on hand only when you need us. Don’t just take our word for it – check out our 5* reviews for yourselves!”
For more information visit www.askewsfurniture.co.uk
LEADING THE WAY IN FIRE AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS
Based in the heart of Alford, Safelincs is passionate about improving fire safety in our local area and countrywide.
“We offer a wide range of products and services, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire doors and much more.
“Our award-winning team is renowned for their exceptional service, thanks to their dedication to providing the best advice and support for our customers.
“We are proud to be at the heart of our community, working closely with local charities, schools and the fire service to support with skills development, career initiatives, fire safety awareness and fundraising.
“Environmental sustainability is also a top priority for us, and we are dedicated to reducing and supporting our customers and suppliers to do the same. We have a range of ongoing initiatives such as tree planting, eliminating plastic from packaging and powering our site and fleet of EV company vehicles from our Solar PV installation.”
For more information visit www.safelincs.co.uk
Photographs: Mick Fox
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