Multi-faith ceremony takes place to bless LCC’s gritters, work crews and road users across the county
It's becoming an annual marker that means we’re well into the colder weather in Lincolnshire, and for the end of 2025 with plunging temperatures all around it’s the perfect time for the blessing of the gritters.
The salting team were given specific messages of faith and goodwill from Christian, Sikh and Hindu communities in the county.
Religious representatives visited LCC’s Ancaster depot to share prayers and positivity about keeping the roads open. The groups good wishes were spread across the gritting fleet machines, materials, staff and road users ahead of the wintry temperature drop that will soon descend across the county.
Stuart Cradduck, Rector of St Wulfrum’s Grantham, Nina Chapman Lay Hindu Chaplain at University of Lincoln, Jasmit Kaur Phull Sikh Chaplain at University of Lincoln, Reverend Steve Holt Christian Chair of the Centre for Reconciliation and Alicia Armsworth Multi-faith Chaplaincy Administrator at University of Lincoln took part in the ceremony.
Father Cradduck said: “It’s so very welcome to again be part of this blessing for the gritters and those who work on them. The critical service they provide to keep road users like all of us safe deserves to be recognised and it’s very much appreciated.”
Nina Chapman added: “This opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude for the work that the gritting team do is something we welcome. To be here as part of this now annual blessing is a special moment and a good way to focus minds on staying safe this winter.”
Jasmit Kaur Phull said: “I feel honoured to be here at this very important ceremony which is spreading the word about keeping people as safe as possible and being considerate and careful when you are driving this winter.”
The now annual multi-faith blessing gives the chance for religious groups and LCC to spread the message of being careful on the road during the winter months, and underline the plea to everyone traveling to drive to the conditions and give the gritters the space they need when they are out gritting the county’s roads.
Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council was at the blessing and said: “This has been a pleasure to attend and we’re very thankful to everyone who has come to the depot for this.
“It helps us to not only spread the word ahead of the colder conditions coming in, but it’s a positive coming together for very good reasons.”
Cllr Michael Cheyne, Executive member for Highways added: “Being here for these blessings of the gritting fleet, and the crews who operate them when we’re all tucked up safe and warm, is a fine way to mark an important shift in the weather on our roads.
“The messages were simple but effective from the different groups represented here today - we appreciate the gritting teams and what they do, be careful out there in the winter and be considerate on the road where you can.”