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So, where did that year go?
Here we are again, rapidly approaching Christmas and
feeling as though we were doing the very same things only a couple of
months ago. But it really is a year, and if you glance through the 2001
issues of the Newsletter you might be surprised to find what a busy
community we have in and around Metheringham.
Quite a few articles in this issue make reference to
the October Fayre and Feast. Stallholders and visitors alike view it as a
particular success. You’ll find a full report on page 7, but the fact
that it happened at all is entirely due to the efforts of a lot of people.
A small number worked very hard and a larger number devoted what time they
could spare. In the end, all contributions proved valuable and team effort
won the day.
On a smaller scale, this is the way that most clubs,
societies and associations work. The Metheringham Swimming Pool
Association is a good example.
In Issue 3 of the Newsletter we did a feature about the
Swimming Pool. At that time the Swimming Pool Association urgently needed
two things in order to continue to operate; financial support and
volunteers to offer help.
Thanks to a good Summer and some successful fundraising
(including donations from other village organisations), the finances are
now in a much better state. But the Committee desperately needs more
helpers for next season.
Take a look at page 11 for details of the forthcoming
Annual General Meeting. And please make a note in your diary to be there.
The future of swimming in the village could depend on it.
On page 17 we’ve started to compile a list of local
(mainly public) services, with telephone numbers and opening times. If you
see any errors or omissions, drop me a line or give me a call (contact
details on back cover). The list will only become really useful when it is
comprehensive and accurate.
The MACLA website continues to thrive and to win
awards. Take a look at page 26 for an update. Better still, visit the site
at www.macla.co.uk.
Once again, many thanks to our advertisers and people
who have prepared articles for print. We continue to break our own record,
and this Issue the Newsletter runs to 32 pages. This is probably as big as
we can sensibly manage, but as long as you keep sending me the
information, I’ll try to find the space to publish it.
Finally, all of us on the MACLA Committee wish all of you a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Geoff
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“Another Chance”, Metheringham’s own
Fairtrade and second hand goods shop run in conjunction with St Wilfrid’s
Church and Metheringham Primary School has now been running for 9 months
of its probationary year and is proving quite a hit with the village. It
involves many members of the community as donators of goods, customers,
staff, management and “shareholders”.
Schoolchildren thought of the name, drew the posters
and have spent time at school learning about Fairtrade and in the shop
learning about stocking and selling. This is the only Traidcraft shop in
Lincolnshire and the range of products has kept a steady stream of
regulars popping into the shop for their favourite items. Good quality
second hand books, CD’s, videos, china and other objects are accepted
and sold in the shop, and it also acts as trading post for second hand
Primary School and Brownie and Guide uniforms in the village. Some
proceeds from the sale of the school uniform go back to the Friends of
the School.
As a special event for the Fayre and Feast a “Guess
how many raisins in the packet” competition was held with first prize
being a magnificent hamper of fairly traded goods. The number was 1204
guessed by Ann Hoyes from Stixwould.
The gift boxes idea was also launched and boxes with
values from £4 upwards and suitable for birthday, “Thank You” or
Christmas presents can now be ordered.
Because the shop is not able to sell electrical goods
or general clothing, one of the benefits of Another Chance has been to
indirectly benefit other charities via the extra jumble sales and the
donation of goods to the Nomad Trust and St Barnabas’ Hospice shop.
It is hoped that Pubmaster will continue to allow the venture to use
the premises so volunteers for manning the shop are still welcome to
apply to Jo Payne (321115). Another Chance is certainly
fulfilling some of its community aims and if it continues to flourish
will provide a return to the shareholders at the end of the year. Any
financial surplus will be allocated by the church.
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