Agenda item

Motion: Recognition of the 300th Anniversary of the Death of Sir Isaac Newton (1727 – 2027)

This Council notes that:

·       2027 will mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most significant figures in the history of science, whose life and work are deeply connected to South Kesteven and the surrounding area.

·       Sir Isaac Newton was born in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth and educated at The King’s School, Grantham, and his legacy forms an important part of the District’s historical, cultural, and educational heritage.

·       The tercentenary represents a significant opportunity to celebrate South Kesteven’s contribution to world history, to engage local communities, schools, and visitors, and to promote learning, heritage, and place-based pride.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1.    Commit in principle to recognising the 300th anniversary of Sir Isaac Newton’s death in 2027, including on or around the anniversary date of 31 March 2027.

2.    Request that officers fully mobilise and work collaboratively with relevant partners and stakeholders to explore appropriate commemorative activity, including but not limited to:

-       Colsterworth and District Parish Council

-       The National Trust, including at Woolsthorpe Manor and other relevant sites

-       St. Wulfram’s Church, Grantham

-       The King’s School, Grantham

-       Local schools, heritage organisations, academic institutions, and community groups

-       local councillors

3.    Encourage a coordinated, district-wide approach that is proportionate, inclusive, and reflective of South Kesteven’s historical connection to Sir Isaac Newton, with a focus on education, heritage, and community engagement.

4.    Request that a brief update be brought to the appropriate committee or Council in due course outlining potential options for recognition and partnership working.

Note:  Councillors Barry Dobson and Bridget Ley left the Council Chamber and did not return.

Councillor Ben Green proposed the following motion:

Recognition of the 300th Anniversary of the Death of Sir Isaac Newton (1727 – 2027)

This Council notes that:

• 2027 will mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most significant figures in the history of science, whose life and work are deeply connected to South Kesteven and the surrounding area.

• Sir Isaac Newton was born in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth and educated at The King’s School, Grantham, and his legacy forms an important part of the District’s historical, cultural, and educational heritage.

• The tercentenary represents a significant opportunity to celebrate South Kesteven’s contribution to world history, to engage local communities, schools, and visitors, and to promote learning, heritage, and place-based pride.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1. Commit in principle to recognising the 300th anniversary of Sir Isaac Newton’s death in 2027, including on or around the anniversary date of 31 March 2027.

2. Request that officers fully mobilise and work collaboratively with relevant partners and stakeholders to explore appropriate commemorative activity, including but not limited to:

-       Colsterworth and District Parish Council

-       The National Trust, including at Woolsthorpe Manor and other relevant sites

-       St. Wulfram’s Church, Grantham

-       The King’s School, Grantham

-       Local schools, heritage organisations, academic institutions, and community groups

-       local councillors

3. Encourage a coordinated, district-wide approach that is proportionate, inclusive, and reflective of South Kesteven’s historical connection to Sir Isaac Newton, with a focus on education, heritage, and community engagement.

4. Request that a brief update be brought to the appropriate committee or Council in due course outlining potential options for recognition and partnership working.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Green raised the following points related to Sir Isaac Newton:

·         Woolsthorpe Manor was a place of pilgrimage. Physicists and mathematicians made the journey here.

·         99 years ago in 1927 leading scientific lights of the day were attracted here. A wreath was laid outside Newton’s statue on St. Peter’s Hill.

·         Newton was also an alchemist and theologian.

·         There were few finer ways to spend the day than to visit the Newton related attractions within the district.

The motion was seconded.

The following points were highlighted during debate:

·         Preparations for ‘Newton 300’ were underway; this issue had been discussed at meetings of Culture and Leisure OSC, as well as being addressed by the Leader in his speech introducing the Budget for the upcoming year.

·         There was graffiti in North Witham Church that was said to have been created by Sir Isaac Newton himself.

An amendment to the motion was proposed and seconded – everything after ‘This Council notes…’ was to be removed, so the motion would read:

This Council notes and welcomes that preparatory work is already underway in relation to Newton 2027 and refers the matter to the appropriate Portfolio Holder and Committee for structured scoping and partnership engagement.

The proposer and seconder of the original motion accepted this amendment; therefore, it became the substantive motion.

Having previously been moved and seconded, on being put to the vote the motion was AGREED.