Spalding Gentlemen’s Society president steps down from the role after five years

A long-standing member of a 300-years-old society has stepped down from his role as president - and says he feels honoured to have been part of it.

Tom Grimes, 82, of Bourne, handed over the baton to Dr Michael Gilbert OBE, the new president of Spalding Gentlemen’s Society.

His time at the society began after he expressed an interest for the area’s history. Tom and his wife, who were living and working in London at the time, often spent their weekends in Spalding, attending the different lectures.

Tom said: “It was a big part of our life. I had always had an interest in history and after buying a fairly old house in Thurlby, I saw that as another interest.

“I joined Spalding Gentlemen’s Society more than 30 years ago. At first, the only activity I was part of was attending the lectures but then 18 years ago we moved to the area, and I retired from my job in London.

“I was asked if I wanted to join the SGS council and I told them it would be an honour.”

Tom had only been in his new position for two months when he was asked to fill a different role, after the society’s curator fell ill and was sadly unable to tend to his duties.

He added: “I had no experience of running museums but I said yes. It was quite daunting as it was such a big responsibility.”

Over the years, Tom passed his position of curator to other members of the society and continued to work within the council however, was later asked to become president.

Tom said: “Five years ago the council saw fit to elect me as president. My most memorable moment is when the society allowed ladies to become members because I feel it was a massive step forward.

“It has become much more active and we have a very large number of volunteers and members who come in to help with the running of the society. A significant proportion of those people are ladies and I don’t think the society would be able to operate to the extent it has done without them.

“Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is more than 300 years-old. It grew it’s strength during the 20th century and it will be going into the 21st century more more active, stronger and worthwhile.

“It’s a question of helping preserve the history of Spalding and the history of the society itself, and it is very much worth having in my opinion.

“I want to thank my fellow members and volunteers. It’s a much more thriving society than it was and it is entirely down to them. Their contribution is enormous and I hope it will continue.

“I am very confident Michael will do the job very well. I have every confidence that he will lead the society and it will thrive in the next few years.”

Alongside the appointment of Dr Michael Gilbert OBE as president, Dustin Frazier Wood is standing down as the Librarian and Trustee and David Gratton has been proposed as Treasurer for the society.

The society will soon be embarking on an exciting new project when it starts to refurbish its museum in Broad Street along with creating an education and research centre by expanding into the neighbouring business centre.

Exhibitions will now be held in Ayscoughfee Hall Museum - the home of its founder, Maurice Johnson.