Coun Elizabeth Sneath (right) with Ayscoughfee Hall Museum’s Julia Knight at Spalding Cemetery’s mausoleum.

New look for open days

South Holland will be taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days event, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The Holbeach Cemetery Chapels will be open on Saturday, September 12, from 11am to 4pm.

There will be an exhibition about leisure and pastimes in the iconic Victorian chapels in the town.

A guided cemetery trail will be complete with anecdotes about those buried there and visitors can learn about the harshness of life for many people living in Victorian times.

The Holbeach Royal Observer Corps post on Washway Road will also be taking part.

The cold war bunker will be open on Friday, September 18 and Saturday 19 from 11am to 4pm.

Pre-booking is essential due to the pandemic restrictions. Much of the talk will be given above ground when volunteers share memories of times spent in the bunker monitoring impending nuclear attack during the Cold War.

Access to the bunker is via a vertical ladder and visitors must be able to negotiate the ladder unaided in order to visit.

It is not suitable for those who fear enclosed places. Many places around Lincolnshire are offering online visits, virtual tours or website updates this year.

The Cemetery Chapel and Mausoleum at Spalding is also open for the open days. Members of the Friends organisation have been working to clear overgrown areas of the site and some will be available with information.

Check the website https://www.friendsofspaldingcemetery.co.uk/dates-and-events

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