Three-day event held to mark 100 years of Wyndham Park in Grantham

Residents came together at the weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of a park.

A three-day event was held from Friday (July 12) until Sunday (July 14) to celebrate 100 years of Wyndham Park in Grantham.

The event, organised by the Wyndham Park Forum and Lincolnshire Fire Aid, marked when the park opened to remember Captain Reginald Wyndham, killed in action at Ypres in Belgium in 2014.

A spokesperson for the Wyndham Park Forum said: “The event would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Wyndham Park Forum and Lincolnshire Fire Aid team – both groups of volunteers giving up hour and hours of time to put this event together.

“The fact that this was free to attend for the public was thanks to funding from a grant of £19,166 from South Kesteven District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“A huge vote of thanks should go to all the WPF & LFA volunteers as well as extras who signed up for the weekend including members of the Grantham Round Table and the Cadets from the King’s School Combined Cadet Force.

“Thanks also to the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre volunteers for their weekend contribution.”

On the Friday, a commemoration service was held to open the event, which was attended by members of the Wyndham family joined senior representatives of The Life Guards, Captain Wyndham’s regiment, including its Colonel Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE and Gold Stick.

Councillor Richard Dixon Warren, South Kesteven District Council Armed Forces champion said: “It was an absolute privilege to attend the service and to witness how important this park is to the Wyndham family and their ancestor’s Regiment, The Life Guards.”

Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant Toby Dennis also attended, along with Royal British Legion representatives and elected councillors from South Kesteven District Council and Grantham Town Council.

Combined Cadet Force representatives from the Kings School also marched through the park.

In the afternoon, Inspire + and Grantham Tennis Club organised sporting activities by the paddling pool for 300 school children from local primary schools.

On Saturday and Sunday, craft, charity stalls and local organisations which have worked with Wyndham Park Forum (WPF) over the years, were the focus of attention in the main park.

On the playing fields, children’s rides and various old fashioned games were on offer, along with the musical entertainment which carried on throughout both afternoons.

On Saturday evening, there were performances from Nataly Arbon, Stamford Brass Band, DJ Ravin Rach, Partybeat, The Melody Flyte Quartet & the Belvoir Wassailers.

The Maids of Clifton Clog dancers, Grantham U3a Scottish Dancers, Grantham Dramatic Society and youth theatre group PeftAct also performed over the two days.

Lincolnshire Fire Aid brought two of their Vintage Fire vehicles and there was also the return of the Wyndham Park Steam Roller.

The steam roller was removed from the park in 1999 over concerns of safety.

A group, with members including Brian Marston and Tim Harris, was set up in 1999 to attempt to save the steam roller.

The group dismantled the steam roller and set out to restore it. This included a new boiler, which cost £25,000, and other new parts that cost £10,000.

In 2013, Peter Tye then got involved in the restoration to get it ready for the 100-year celebrations.

Peter, Brian and Tim reunited at the event to welcome back the steam roller.

The spokesperson added: “The Wyndham Park Steam roller’s return to the park was made possible by generous cash donations from Grantham Independent District Councillors, Jeff Dixon Gas & Plumbing, Wyndham Park Forum, T G F Grab Hire, PTS properties Ltd, Grantham Estates, & J G Properties.”

Did you attend the Wyndham Park 100 year celebrations at the weekend? Let us know in the comments.