Celebrating 90 years of cement
Glorious weather brought the crowds flocking to Hanson Cement’s open day on Saturday, June 30, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of cement production at the Ketton site.
Early estimates suggest that more than £10,000 was raised for local charities and more than 4,000 people attended. The previous open day in 2015 attracted 2,000 visitors and raised £6,000.
The three local charities to benefit are the Stamford Kiwanis, Evergreen Care Trust and Anna’s Hope.
The event was opened by Radio Rutland presenter Rob Persani, supported by Rutland county councillors Gary Conde and Gordon Brown.
Coun Conde, a former Hanson Cement employee, paid tribute to the company for the work it does engaging with the local community on both operational and environmental issues.
A steady stream of visitors were spoilt for choice with tours of the cement works, a display of earth moving equipment in Grange Top quarry and a variety of train rides for the many rail enthusiasts who joined local residents for the
day.
The train rides were organised by the Branch Line Society, which held its own open day for members only on the Sunday.
A fleet of 12 buses carried visitors around the site.
A highlight of the afternoon was the flypast of a Second World War Spitfire flown by Squadron Leader Andy Millikin, who heads up the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
He also donated a signed print of a Spitfire as a raffle prize.
Site manager Stewart Jones said: “It was a glorious day enjoyed by a vast number from the local community and I’d like to thank more than 50 employees, as well as Ketton PTA, contractors and scouts who were involved in organising and supporting us on the day.”