The lychgate at Sleaford Road Cemetery, Ruskington.

Dear Residents of Ruskington, We need your help to protect and preserve an important piece of our village’s history!

The lychgate at the entrance of Sleaford Road Cemetery has stood for over a century as a tribute to Queen Victoria and as a symbol of the village's heritage. Originally built by the Pattison family in 1901, the lychgate also beautifully frames the War Memorial, providing an important gateway into the cemetery. However, after years of wear and tear, the structure is now in urgent need of renovation.

 

What Needs to Be Done?

Following inspection, significant repairs are needed to:

- Replace rotten and worm-damaged beams and timbers

- Overhaul the roof covering

- Replace damaged and missing tiles

Without this essential work, we risk losing this iconic structure, as it may need to be demolished for safety reasons. Wherever possible, we will retain and restore original parts of the lychgate to maintain its historical integrity.

 

Estimated Costs and Funding

The estimated cost of this major renovation is £11,000 to £12,000. To raise these funds, Ruskington Parish Council is exploring several options, including:

- A small increase in the parish precept (council tax) of approximately 56p per month for a Band D property

- Seeking additional funding and grants to reduce the burden on residents

 

We Want Your Feedback!

Before moving forward with any decisions, we want to hear from you! Your opinion is crucial in determining whether the community supports this restoration and how we should proceed with funding.

Please take a moment to fill out our short survey and let us know your views.

 

How to Participate

To have your say, simply complete the survey by Sunday, 6th October 2024. You can:

- Complete the survey online here

- Pick up and return a hard copy survey at the Parish Office: 7-9 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY

 

Your feedback is vital to preserving this important part of our village’s history for future generations. Let’s work together to ensure the lychgate continues to be a cherished landmark in our community.

Thank you for your participation and continued support.

Published: Wednesday, 11th September 2024