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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Yesterday, our conservator Mary was assessing the condition of a piece from our Original Collection using a light box, when she discovered an image hiding in plain sight… What do you see? #SpaldingGentlemensSociety #BehindTheScenes #HiddenHistory #MuseumMagic

This image shows what looks like a watermark of a fighting knight and lion, with the hidden design revealed in the paper by a light box. Watermarks were a useful identifying stamp, signature or image traditionally used by paper manufacturing companies.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Sign up for a VCH Lincolnshire - Spalding workshop, on 17th Oct. “This workshop is open to all – no matter your skills or experience – as a hands-on experience learning to read and transcribe documents from Spalding’s history,” says Dr Gabby Storey. www.sgsoc.org/the-victoria-county-history-project

sgsoc.org

Get hands-on with history through the Victoria County History project - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Residents in Spalding and its surrounding areas are being invited to participate in a free local history workshop this autumn.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

From its earliest days, the Society has collected ‘curious’ things. When our museum reopens in spring 2027, one of the items we hope to exhibit is this small bronze tool. It was found locally (near Gosberton). www.sgsoc.org/a-highlight-... #MuseumReimagined

sgsoc.org

A highlight from the Cabinet of Curiosities - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

One of the items we hope to exhibit when the museum reopens is a small bronze tool, which was found locally, near Gosberton.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Our new lecture season starts tonight! Join us to hear all about the 'Tavern Cook': an insightful talk by Marc Meltonville FSA, consultant food and drink historian. www.sgsoc.org/events/taver... #WhatsOnSpalding #LincolnshireEvents

sgsoc.org

The Tavern Cook - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

In 1788, Richard Briggs, sometime cook at the Globe Tavern, Fleet Street in London, published his cookery book. Hear more at this lecture.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

History Hunters is back for the autumn season! History Hunters offers the chance for children aged 5 years+ to uncover intriguing facts, learn new skills, solve puzzles, try challenges, make new friends, and achieve badges. www.sgsoc.org/history-hunt... #WhatsOnSpalding #HistoryHunters

sgsoc.org

History Hunters is back for autumn - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society has announced its new season of History Hunters, which is returning after a summer break. Running from September 2026, the activity club is perfect for curious young peopl...

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The things we come across in our book collections... Today, meet the Skjut-Ko (or artificial cow), which was apparently used to catch ducks 🐄

An illustration of the 'Skjut-Ko' from inside the book, showing a man dressed up as an artificial cow.

An illustration of the 'Skjut-Ko' from inside the book, showing a man dressed up as an artificial cow. This was apparently used to steal up upon the birds.

The green book cover - with the spine showing the title 'Game Birds and Wild Fowl of Sweden and Norway - L. Lloyd'

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Our 'Museum Reimagined' project brings together young people, early-career heritage professionals, and our ‘Collections Champions’. Together, they are helping select the objects as well as researching, recording and telling the tales. www.sgsoc.org/behind-the-s... #MuseumReimagined

Keith, one of Spalding Gentlemen's Society Collections Champions, holding up one of the collection's long-handled wooden agricultural tools. He stands in front of an empty display cabinet.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Hear more about the building works that took place at our Museum on Broad Street earlier this year, including the unusual features that were uncovered. Keep an eye out for updates on further progress from this summer, which we'll be posting about soon! www.sgsoc.org/looking-back...

sgsoc.org

Looking back at the museum’s refurbishment progress - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Hear about the work that took place at our museum in spring 2026. Our second update, covering summer 2026, will be coming soon.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Reimagining what museums can be! Our Collections Champions took a trip to Cambridge recently to gain inspiration from other museums and to see how they interpret their collections. We visited @whipplemuseum.bsky.social, @maacambridge.bsky.social, @sedgwickmuseum.bsky.social and more. #Reimagine

A dark wooden display cabinet showing an unusual display of items both inside and on top, including green crafted toadstools that spill across the top of the cabinet and down the wall.

A modern central museum display cabinet of patterned ceramics raised on different levels for the viewer to see.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Our latest lecture programme starts in September 2026. The first in the series will be ‘The Tavern Cook – 18th-century cooking and dining through the recipes of Richard Briggs’, held on Friday 25th September 2026 at 7.30pm. www.sgsoc.org/hear-about-t...

sgsoc.org

Hear about ‘The Tavern Cook’ - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society's lecture programme starts in September 2026. The first in the series will be ‘The Tavern Cook'.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The magic is in the detail! Take a look at these beautiful close-up images of a copper plate engraving by Renold Elstracke of Mary Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley, from the SGS collections. #ConservationInAction #BehindTheScenes #CollectionsCare #SpaldingGentlemensSociety

A close-up image of the copper plate engraving, focused on the face of Mary Queen of Scots as she looks directly at the viewer.

A close-up of the patterns found within the copper plate, this one showing curving tendrils of plants and flowers.

A close-up of Lord Darnley's face. This image also shows some slight pitting in the material, which is assessed during the condition check.

An image showing the overall piece. Mary Queen of Scots stands next to her husband Lord Darnley on a chequered floor. Both are in highly detailed formal clothing.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

What's coming up this September? From exhibitions and lectures to children's activity clubs, here's a quick rundown of our public events this month. For further details, visit www.sgsoc.org/forthcoming-... #WhatsOnSpalding #LincolnshireEvents #SpaldingGentlemensSociety

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Meet Maria, the Society's Curatorial Associate, and read more about her work with the Museum Reimagined project, which will see our collections redisplayed for the first time in over a century. www.sgsoc.org/uncovering-n... #SpaldingGentlemensSociety #MuseumReimagined #BehindTheScenes

sgsoc.org

Uncovering new stories - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

The SGS Reimagined project will see the museum's collections redisplayed for the first time in over a century. I'm excited to uncover new stories.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

'Winter's Tales', a very special concert, will take place in Spalding on Friday 23rd October. Step into the winter world of 19th-century rural England, through the haunting words of Thomas Hardy and the festive, traditional tunes of West Gallery musicians. Book tickets: www.sgsoc.org/events/winte...

sgsoc.org

‘Winter’s Tales’ by the Greenwood Quire - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Enjoy seasonal songs from the Greenwood Quire - a group making glorious music across the South Lincolnshire region.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Our next lecture series starts in September - we look forward to you joining us! The new season brings together leading historians, archaeologists, scientists, conservators and curators. Gain insights into discoveries and hear about hidden stories. www.sgsoc.org/2026-27-lect... #WhatsOnSpalding

sgsoc.org

Curiosity, Discovery and the Search for Knowledge: 2026/27 Lecture Series - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society unveils its latest lecture programme. The series of talks starts in September 2026 and runs through to March 2027.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Imagination sparked by today's solar eclipse? You can head to Ayscoughfee Hall Museum to see our exhibitions exploring science and navigation. See more about those early Society members whose discoveries helped shape our understanding of science today. www.sgsoc.org/exhibitions-... #HistoryOfScience

sgsoc.org

Exciting new exhibitions exploring the history of ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’ to open in Spalding - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, is launching two new exhibitions at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum: ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Did you know you can sign up to the Spalding Gentlemen's Society newsletter to hear our latest news, volunteering opportunities, and discover upcoming events? Simply visit our website and sign up to the newsletter from the footer of our homepage: www.sgsoc.org

An image showing the Society's Museum on Broad Street in Spalding. The carved panels on the exterior represent the work of Jules Tuerlinckx of Mailines, a Belgian refugee, resident in Spalding during the First World War. The carvings are from designs made by E.M.M. Smith (1843-1920), the Society’s Honorary Operator (Curator). These panels consist of the arms of the founder over the library window, and above the entrance door a very elaborate carving based on the Society’s book plate. On either side of this are two small panels bearing the monogram ‘S.G.S.’. The three remaining panels bear the words Art, Literature and Science, indicative of the objects for which the Society was founded. The head carved in the roundel over the front door is that of Edward Gentle (1832-1910), a member who contributed largely towards the cost of the building. The 18th century sundial on the wall of the caretaker’s residence next door was formerly on the street wall of the Crane Inn in Double Street, Spalding. It was moved from there and erected on its present site in 1913. The weathervane erected on the roof of the museum in 1996 is from the former Ship warehouse in Double Street. It can be seen in the engraving of Spalding High Bridge published by Hilkiah Burgess in 1823.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Mystery object alert! Sometimes we don't always have complete records of items in our collections. We may not know much about this object, but everyone who's seen it adores its unusual graffiti. The object itself is probably a straight edge for drawing or checking lines. What do you think?

A long flat wooden object engraved with the words 'Vouloir c'est Pouvoir'.

A long flat wooden object engraved with graffiti of three little characters with colourful pointed hats. One looks like it is fishing, the other two are perhaps dancing or running.

A long flat wooden object with a graffiti engraving of a creature being pulled along in a red cart by what looks like four white rabbits. Above them there is an engraving of a smiling face.

A long rectangular wooden object with a circular hole at one end. It could be a straight edge for drawing or checking lines.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Meet Maria, the Society's Curatorial Associate, and read more about her work with the Museum Reimagined project, which will see our collections redisplayed for the first time in over a century: www.sgsoc.org/uncovering-n... #SpaldingGentlemensSociety #MuseumReimagined #BehindTheScenes

sgsoc.org

Uncovering new stories - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

The SGS Reimagined project will see the museum's collections redisplayed for the first time in over a century. I'm excited to uncover new stories.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

See our latest lecture programme! The new season brings together leading historians, archaeologists, scientists, conservators and curators. Gain insights into new discoveries, hear about hidden stories, and learn what goes on behind the scenes with our experts. www.sgsoc.org/2026-27-lect...

sgsoc.org

Curiosity, Discovery and the Search for Knowledge: 2026/27 Lecture Series - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society unveils its latest lecture programme. The series of talks starts in September 2026 and runs through to March 2027.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The Fenland Heritage Network is an alliance of local organisations that work together to celebrate and promote local and regional heritage. It's free to join and open to visitor attractions, museums, libraries, and local history and archaeology societies. See www.fenlandheritagenetwork.co.uk

An archive image from the Fenland Heritage Network website.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Meet Peggy and Polly! Peg dolls originated in Europe during the late 18th to early 19th centuries, evolving from wooden pegs or scrap wood into beloved children's toys. Hand-carved or lathe-turned, they were sold unclothed so they could be dressed using leftover fabric scraps #CollectionSpotlight

Peg dolls originated in Europe during the late 18th to early 19th centuries, evolving from wooden pegs or scrap wood into beloved children's toys.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Want to know more about the origins of Spalding Gentlemen's Society? We were founded by Maurice Johnson (1688-1755), ‘The Antiquary’, of Ayscoughfee Hall. Discover more about this remarkable man and his story on our website: www.sgsoc.org/our-story

Image: Portrait of Maurice Johnson II, from the SGS Collection

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

While we’ve been repairing our museum building, which was built in 1911, our project builders have uncovered some interesting finds. The broken bottle has ‘J Barnes, Confectioner, Spalding’ on it. James Barnes was a baker and confectioner, based a couple of doors up from about the 1850s to 1870s.

The stoneware bottles, glassware and ink jar are unmarked. The broken bottle has ‘J. Barnes, Confectioner, Spalding’ impressed on it. James Barnes was a baker and confectioner, based a couple of doors up on the corner of Broad Street and New Road. He operated there from around the 1850s to the 1870s.

This photo shows a bottle of James Hole’s India Pale Ale (which could be contemporary to the building of the museum) and some cigarette boxes. The Senior Service slogan ‘The Perfection of Cigarette Luxury’ was used from around the 1930s to 1960s.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

We’re so excited that Spalding Gentlemen’s Society has been selected to receive £1 million Pride in Place funding as Spalding Neighbourhood Board announces its first round of grants. Read the full announcement: lovespalding.co.uk/2026/06/29/2... #lovespalding #prideinplace

lovespalding.co.uk

£2.2M Pride in Place Funding Announced For Projects in Spalding – Love Spalding

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Did you know that we're currently working on the first large-scale redisplay of our collections in more than a century? Like our founders, we have the opportunity to reimagine what a museum can be and do: and we’re excited to bring that reimagining into reality. #MuseumReimagined

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

It may be one of the hottest days of the year so far, but if you're looking ahead to autumn and winter activities, you can visit our website to book tickets in advance. Discover a performance of seasonal songs by the Greenwood Quire. www.sgsoc.org/events/winte...

sgsoc.org

‘Winter’s Tales’ by the Greenwood Quire - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Enjoy seasonal songs from the Greenwood Quire - a group making glorious music across the South Lincolnshire region.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

A massive thank you to everyone who braved the heat and supported our summer quiz! We want to say congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who supported by attending and volunteering. We are delighted to say that the event raised a fantastic £580 for the Society.

An image showing a room filled with attendees taking part in the quiz.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

At the weekend, our History Hunters had a fantastic time completing activities that worked towards achieving their 'Castles' badge. Alongside challenges and games, they spent time painting their mask creations - choosing bright colours to reflect the high status of the castle owner. #HistoryHunters

A collection of the decoratively painted masks created by the History Hunters.

A challenge with cards saying choices such as 'Medicines', 'Raw Materials' and 'Water'.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

In the spirit of our founders, who came together to share knowledge and discoveries, we love uncovering new finds! When we analysed an archive document using a light box recently, we came across a previously undetected image. The outline of a unicorn (a maker's mark) was revealed.

The archive document before it was analysed with a light box.

The outline of the unicorn showing on the document.

The outline of the unicorn showing on the document, traced in red to highlight the features.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

If you're not yet a member, you can still stay connected by signing up to Spalding Gentlemen's Society's monthly public newsletter. Simply visit www.sgsoc.org and scroll to the bottom of the homepage to find the newsletter sign-up button. We'd love to keep in touch!

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is not just a collection of objects in a building – it is also a community of people. We have survived for over 300 years, and continue to grow, thanks to the support, dedication and hard work of our volunteers and members. www.sgsoc.org/volunteering #VolunteersWeek

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

At Spalding Gentlemen's Society, we've been recording our collection of photographs and transferring them to conservation-grade folders and albums to protect them for the future. See how you can support with volunteering at www.sgsoc.org/conservation #BehindTheScenes #VolunteerWithUs

We've been recording our photographs and transferring them to conservation-grade folders and albums to protect them for the future.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Our exhibitions on ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’ are currently on display at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum. Discover more about those early Society members whose experiments and discoveries in medicine, botany, optics and engineering helped shape our understanding of science and nature today.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Join a Victoria County History Spalding workshop on Medieval and Early Modern History, held on 30th May. This workshop is open to all as a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the early history of the region and to work with documents from the time. www.sgsoc.org/events/vch-w...

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Today, we’re sharing another item from our collections. These photographs show a decoratively painted silk jacket in a high-waisted spencer style. The clothing is likely to date from the late Victorian or early Edwardian periods. #TextileConservation #HistoricFashion #BehindTheScenes

A decoratively painted silk jacket in a high-waisted spencer style.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Are you looking for something educational and fun for the whole family to do during the school holidays? Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is running an interactive and hands-on workshop all about The Glorious Greeks on Tuesday 26th May 2026. Discover more at: www.sgsoc.org/discover-all...

sgsoc.org

Discover all about the Ancient Greeks this May Half-Term - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Are you looking for something fun for the whole family to do during the school holidays? Discover our Ancient Greeks workshop.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Eleanor, Louisa and Mary from the SGS team headed to the @museumsandheritage.com show yesterday to hear from a range of experts and see exhibits of the latest products and technologies shaping the sector. They even met some dinosaurs along the way... #MuseumSector #BehindTheScenes

Eleanor, Mary and Louisa at the 2026 Museums + Heritage Show

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

We regularly do object-handling training with new volunteers in the Society. One of the most questioned and important aspects is the use of gloves. Read more in our latest blog: www.sgsoc.org/to-glove-or-... #MuseumConservation #ObjectHandling #CollectionsCare #BehindTheScenes #HeritageVolunteers

An example of gloves being used in museum conservation.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Founded in 1710, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is Britain’s oldest surviving provincial learned society. So, how can you support the Society? You might decide to become a Member, to volunteer with us, to spread the word about what we do, or to donate online. See www.sgsoc.org #SupportHeritage

An image showing conservation tools laid out ready to use.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

During this weekend's History Hunters, we tried recipes from the past. The children had a go at baking medieval Fine Cake, taste-testing Strawberries in Snow with rose water, and Pynade (pine nut brittle). #HistoryHunters

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Bring history to life! Explore the world of the Ancient Greeks with our May Half Term workshop in Spalding. For more information and to book, visit: www.sgsoc.org/events/glorious-greeks

Poster for The Glorious Greeks event in Spalding on Tuesday 26th May, between 10am-2pm.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Are you looking ahead and planning your family activities for May half-term? We're running a fantastic workshop all about the Ancient Greeks. There will be hands-on activities such as painting pottery. Find out more at www.sgsoc.org/events/glori... #WhatsOnSpalding #FamilyFun #HeritageEvents

sgsoc.org

The Glorious Greeks - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Bring history to life! Explore the world of the Ancient Greeks with our May Half Term workshop on Tuesday 26th May 2026.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

We're inviting tenders for specialist consultants for our New Beginnings project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, focused on Activity Planning; Business Planning; Branding, Communications & Website; Evaluation; Fundraising; Interpretation & Exhibition www.sgsoc.org/getting-invo...

An image showing some of Spalding Gentlemen's Society collections.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society (SGS) is inviting tenders for specialist consultants to support our New Beginnings project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Full tender details: www.sgsoc.org/getting-invo... #tenderopportunity #spaldinggentlemenssociety #heritage #lincolnshire

Spalding Gentlemen's Society museum on Broad Street

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society @17sgs10.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Have you been to see our exhibitions at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum yet? On this, #WorldArtDay, we thought we'd share some of the artwork you can see. This oil painting was created by George W Bailey, a prolific artist and President of SGS in 1955. It shows Pannell's Boat Yard, in Marsh Road, Spalding.

This oil painting was created by George W Bailey, a prolific artist and President of SGS in 1955. It shows Pannell's Boat Yard, in Marsh Road, Spalding.

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