~ Current Issue ~

All Change! A New Era for The Gander

Meet our new editor and the refreshed team steering the magazine forward. This issue marks the start of a new chapter, with redesigned advertising, a new printer (GKD Print), and the ongoing application to become a registered charity. The Short Award is now open for public nominations, and a brand-new website makes it easier than ever to submit articles and photography.

Village in Bloom

Spring Open Gardens drew 150 visitors on a glorious April day, raising over £1,200 for the Church and Chapel. The Best Kept Village campaign is in full swing with renewed planters on Barrow Road and Ferry Road, backed by Parish Council funding and generous donations. Plus, the Summer Open Gardens weekend lands on 13th & 14th June with approximately 10 gardens to explore.

Trains, Paints & Pollinators

A year-long partnership between Goxhill Primary School and the Barton Cleethorpes Community Rail Partnership culminated in rail safety workshops, a train trip, over 100 pollinator-friendly plants at the station, and pupil artwork displayed on Platform 2. Alongside this, a stunning community-made mosaic celebrating Goxhill’s agricultural and railway heritage has been installed at the station.

Houses Long Gone: Willow Lane Cottages

Elizabeth Fincham’s fourth instalment uncovers the story of two adjacent cottages in Willow Lane and the Farrow family who lived there for over a century. From Frank Farrow junior’s dream of becoming a jockey to detailed memories of paraffin lamps, zinc baths and vegetable gardens, this is village history brought vividly to life through family photographs and first-hand recollections.

Nature In & Around Goxhill

Steve Routledge’s patch reports from February and March reveal an extraordinary winter-to-spring transition: Hen Harrier, Bittern, Kingfishers, Avocet, and counts of over 1,600 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits on East Halton Marshes. Goxhill Station also earns a Wildlife Friendly Silver Award thanks to the new pollinator planting.

Scouts, Bowls, Bells & Brotherhood

• Scouts: Hut upgrades complete with LED lighting and new paths. Around 40 young people headed to PrimJam district camp, and volunteers are urgently needed for Beavers and Scouts sections.
• Fun Bowling: Goxhill Bowling Club hosts “crazy golf with lawn bowls” on Sunday 7th June — all ages welcome from 10:30am.
• Bell Ringing: Goxhill’s six bells need ringers! Fully qualified teaching available at Barrow on Monday evenings, open to ages 12 and up.
• Men Walking & Talking: A new peer-support walking group for men launches in the village, led by Liam Miles with weekly Hope Walks.

Church, Chapel & Community Life

Canon Liz reflects on savouring the present moment as summer arrives. The Chapel hosts Pop-In mornings, Whist, Bingo, a Beetle Drive, and the Luncheon Club. All Saints announces a Classical Songs concert on 25th July and the 2027 Village Calendar Photo Competition (entries close 29th August). The WI continues to thrive, fundraising for LIVES and Air Ambulance.

Around the Village

Millennium Green Trust reports new tree planting, an orchard, and progress on an all-weather footpath. The Memorial Hall gears up for the Fantasy-themed Scarecrow Trail (30–31 August) and the Village Show on 27th September. Parish Council elections are coming next year with 9 seats, and the Community Café returns in September. Bus and rail timetables are included, along with Rotary Club events and LIVES volunteer recruitment.