Editor’s Bit

First of all, many thanks to Jeff Bird for compiling the annual Christmas Quiz. It took me ages to type it into the mag because a) I didn’t want to mis-type anything, and b) I kept trying to work the answers out (Jeff hasn’t let me see them yet!). I still haven’t got them all.

Also thanks to the other contributors to this Issue of the mag, and to Pete Ford for helping me to compile it, and Jenny Hodge for offering to take charge of our advertising account.

There is a lot of good stuff going on in the area that we like to call the MACLA villages. In particular, the Starlite Twirlers go from strength to strength and have achieved great things in their very short time together. Have a look at Page 7 for details. Heartiest congratulations to Claire, her helpers and, of course, the Twirlers themselves. It shows what can be done with some talent and determination.

Talking of determination, congratulations also to Steve and Aaron for their successful campaign to get Broadband into the area.

There are a lot of good things happening over the next few weeks. Make a note especially of the Christmas Market in the Star and Garter Yard (Page 13), the annual MAD pantomime in January (Page 25), and all the Church and Chapel celebrations (Pages 9 and 16).

The next time that I write the “Editor’s Bit” it will be 2004. In the meantime, there’s Christmas for each of us all to celebrate in our own way. May it be what you want it to be, and have a safe transition into the New Year.

Geoff

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Metheringham Methodist Chapel Diary

A big thank you goes out to all those who helped with the decorating of the chapel, preparing food and helping on the day of the Fayre & Feast. The Wednesday Club also helped by painting aeroplanes and making red, white and blue roundels. The overall amount raised for Chapel funds was £300.
We are now thinking about Christmas and the birth of Christ. There will be a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 29th November 2003, 10.00am to 12.00noon
Come along and enjoy mince pies with your coffee or tea, buy a homemade cake and try your luck on the Tombola, Raffle and Lucky Dip
The children of the Wednesday Club (for 7-11year old, held on Wednesdays during term time, 5.30-6.30pm) will be preparing decorations for the Chapel for Christmas. On the Sunday before Christmas, the 21st December, the morning service at 10.30am, will be arranged by members of the Chapel.
The Candlelight Carol Service will be on Sunday 21st December at 6.00pm, the preacher will be Deacon Mary Neal. Please come and join us for the start of the Christmas week.
The service on Christmas morning will be led by Deacon Mary starting at 10.00am, please bring a present you have received to show the congregation.
Everyone is invited to the Travelling Guild's New Year Party that will be held in the Chapel Hall on Wednesday 14th January from 7.15pm.
May we wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you over the Christmas period.

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Celebrating Christmas in Blankney, Dunston and Metheringham
 
Our Churches are once again helping to celebrate Christmas with a variety of services for people of all ages and outlooks, ranging from traditional carol services to the use of music and drama to convey the wonder of Christ’s birth. We hope you will join us at any of the services and events listed here, and we wish you a peaceful and joyous Christmas.

St. Oswald’s Church, Blankney:
Sunday 21st December 4.30pm. The traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, set in this most stunning rural church and lit by candles. This year will include other musical pieces plus free mince pies and refreshments. Plenty of parking available – don’t miss it.
Christmas Day 9.00am. A traditional and reflective service of Holy Communion interspersed with Carols. Starting Christmas Day as it should be

St. Peter’s Church, Dunston:
Friday 12th December 7.00pm. A Christmas Concert featuring songs, poems and other contributions to entertain, amuse and make you ponder. Come and enjoy the surprising talent of the people of Dunston.
Sunday 14th December 6.00pm. A candlelit service of Advent Praise as we anticipate the arrival of the Christ child as well as welcoming and baptising a new child in the Village!
Monday 15th December 6.30pm. Come and see the School Nativity – a traditional occasion with a fresh twist on the Christmas story. Not just for doting parents.
Christmas Day 10.00am. A Family Communion & Carol Service for Christmas morning. Show us your presents and we’ll help you celebrate the gift of Jesus to the world. A joyful and informal occasion for everyone.

St. Wilfrid’s Church, Metheringham:
Sunday 21st December 2.30pm. Our annual Crib Service when tea towels, tinsel and angels’ wings get their annual outing. Join the families from our Parents & Toddlers and Sunday School – bring your children dressed as a character from the nativity (except Mary and Joseph!) and let them play their part in the story.
Christmas Eve 6.00pm. Carols by Candlelight. A popular service featuring familiar carols and some surprising contributions – readings, songs and drama that together illustrate the gift of Christ.
Christmas Eve 11.30pm First Communion of Christmas. The sacred and special celebration of Christ’s birth on Christmas night.

For further details of our Christmas programme, information on our regular services or any other aspect of Church life, please contact:
Rev. David Payne, The Rectory, 38 Drury Street, Metheringham. Tel: 321115.

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NEWS FROM THE CRICKET CLUBS

Although this is the winter edition of the MACLA Newsletter it is felt we should just give you a reminder of what a glorious summer we have had and look forward to next summer when cricket returns.
In the last edition we gave a resumé on our three local clubs, who all play in the Page Nelson Lincoln and district Cricket League, as we approached the end of the season. Now we give an end of season report.
BLANKNEY C.C.
As expected Blankney finished fourth in Division One. This was one place worse than the previous season. Unfortunately inactivity during mid-August when they had no fixtures saw them lose momentum and finish the season with just one win from their last four games. The two sides to be promoted from our League to the Premier League were Cherry Willingham (who were champions and beat us twice) and Lincoln Lindum who in fact we beat twice.
Looking at the seasons statistics the club had three players feature near the top in the League’s batting averages with Will Pillinger (3rd) and Phil Woodcock (4th) having nearly identical averages, Pillinger’s being 38.40 and Woodcock’s 38.36. Finishing in tenth place was Dave Pearse with an average of 31.10. During the season Woodcock passed 3,000 league and cup runs for the club with the impressive average of 55.81.
On the bowling front Paul Clark was not only the clubs leading wicket taker for a second season but he was also top of the League’s bowling averages with 27 wickets for an average of 9.19. He also had the Divisions top figures with 7-22 (which included the hat-trick) against Lincoln Lindum. Team captain Phil Allen, who too took 27 wickets, was placed fifth with an average of 14.37. His best bowling figures were 5-11 in a game that saw Blankney bowl opponents Saxilby chasing a total of 93 and out for 89 when they were at one point 81-3. During the season Allen also became the first player to pass 100 appearances for the Club, when he turned out in his third game of the season against Nettleham. Wicket keeper Andy Foster claimed 11 catches during the season while top outfield players were Dave Pearse and Phil Woodcock who both took six catches.

MARTIN C.C.
As suggested in the Autumn magazine Martin CC did finish League runners-up in Division Three behind run away winners Scothern. To be honest they tried their hardest to throw it away winning just one of their last four games to pip third placed Heighington by only ten points. Top batsman for the club was veteran Steve Bailey who finished sixth in the League batting averages, hitting 569 runs (including 3 fifties) for an average of 40.64 . Also in the top section of the batting averages was Dave Angwin (13th) who scored 351 runs for an average of 25.07. In actual fact all-rounder Angwin was more successful as a bowler finishing second in the League averages with 32 wickets at an average of 10.13. Gary Burr finished fifth with 27 wickets (average 14.00) and James Lazenby 20 wickets (average 16.90). Lazenby also had the club’s best bowling figures of the season of 6-41.
Behind the stumps Steve Brumpton claimed nine victims while the top outfield catches was shared by Angwin, Burr and Tom Atkin who all took seven catches each.

NOCTON C.C.
As reported previously Nocton C.C. was searching for a first win in Division Four as the season came to a close and pleasing enough we can report that this was achieved in the penultimate match when they entertained South Clifton. Having made 106-7 themselves they then bowled their opponents out for just 62. Despite this win the club still finished League wooden spoonists but be assure they will not lie down and will fight on to provide cricket as a recreation and leisure activity for the villagers of Nocton next season. Top of the clubs batting average was David Franklin who hit 188 runs with an average of 15.67, His highest score being 40 in their win over South Clifton. A. Chapple came second with an average of 12.40 (highest score 39). Franklin showed he was the club’s all-rounder also finishing top of the bowling averages with 13 wickets at an average of 10.46. A. Trevelyan claimed the next highest total with eleven (average 15.73). One player, A. Bartlett, also featured amongst the sixteen bowlers in the League who had a five wicket haul, with 5-25 in that famous win against South Clifton. Behind the stumps A. Chapple was the Division’s third top wicket-keeper claiming nine victims, while in the outfield the clubs top man was M. Dowsett with six catches.
AS STATED AT THE START OF THIS ARTICLE – ROLL ON SUMMER AND THE WARM WEATHER.

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Dunston Christmas Concert.

Once again we at St. Peter’s are holding a Christmas concert. It is full of home grown entertainers as well as a rendition by the Lincoln Female Barbers Shop Quartet!
The concert will also feature St Peter’s Primary School under the direction of their new headmaster, Graham Boyall. The Thursday and Rave Clubs will add their tuppence worth and to round it all off interruptions by various members of the community with stories, sayings and the odd poem.
We will have a raffle and the whole thing will be washed down by mince pies and mulled wine.
So make a date, 7.00 pm Friday, 12th December in St Peter’s Church, Dunston. And lets start the Christmas festivities with a laugh and a smile.
Tickets will be available from the beginning of December priced £3.00 each or 2 for £5.00 from any PCC member or if you can’t find one, pay at the door on the night.
Stuart Rogerson

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IS THERE SCOPE FOR A FARMERS’ MARKET IN METHERINGHAM?

With organic farming and fresh farm produce becoming popular, I would like to suggest that a Farmers’ Market with fresh meats, fish, eggs, vegetables and fruit be held one Saturday a month in Metheringham High Street.

This would not only be of great interest to the local community but also to the neighbouring villages.

Farmers Market stalls have usually been available in the larger cities and many elderly people living in remote areas of Lincolnshire find transport to these cities too difficult.

What do you think ?

Contact Heather Routledge - 01526 320156

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Fayre and Feast- 2003

You could almost hear the drone of the Lancasters over Metheringham as the village celebrated the 60th anniversary of RAF Metheringham at its Annual Fayre and Feast on Saturday. Military costumes and 1940s outfits and were spotted all over the village as stall holders and pub staff echoed the spirit of the time. The event was opened by Sandy Wilson a veteran of 106 Squadron based at Metheringham Airfield who remained in the area after marrying a local girl and becoming a well-known and quietly spoken teacher in the area. The Chairman of the Parish Council, Dr Mike Allen, welcomed council dignitaries and Deputy Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Mrs Zena Scoley, MBE who with her husband Peter established and helps run the successful airfield visitor centre at Martin Moor.
The stage was set up by the village cross which is itself a continuing reminder of the war while it is still in two parts thanks to some Americans and a truck in 1945. The cross will hopefully shortly be restored to its’ former glory. The area round the stage was littered with sandbags, guns and old military vehicles and it appeared a German plane had crashed into the pub waking the residents. The Star and Garter was again awarded the prize for best-decorated local business while the St Barnabas’ Hospice stall again won the best-decorated stall prize.
During the opening ceremony, a poem specially written for the occasion by Len Woodhead was read out by Rosie Creasey.
The fine weather brought thousands of visitors to the village to enjoy and support over 60 stalls which had been set up on the High Street. In the village hall were displays of military memorabilia, village photographs and MACLA’s display about the proposals for the future of leisure facilities in the area as well as more craft stalls and refreshments.
The Beeston Pipe Band led the procession for the official opening and the new British Isles Baton Twirling champions, Metheringham’s own Starlite Twirlers, led the entertainment at the village cross with displays by the primary and junior display teams and a performance by the competition winning Military Team from the troupe. During the afternoon music on stage was provided by the Billy J Duo, Dee Wray and N-Compass and the Harlaxton Chimes performed hand bell ringing in St Wilfrid’s Church. Other entertainment was provided by the Steam Organs and the pleasure fairground.
Thanks should go to the parish council and their clerk, Mike Credland for again producing an event for the community to support and be proud of.

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GYM and TONIC

Steve Watters will never be seen in the same light again after nearly baring all in the recent MAD production of Gym and Tonic at Dunston Village Hall.
The limitations of the hall were once again overshadowed by the superb script and sound performances by the cast of new and old faces working together for the first time.
Apart from Steve who as always gave his part a real entertaining character special praise should go to Anna Massingham in her first major role playing a 72 year old matronly type.
Slightly shocking in places but a very entertaining evening out.
Dot Howes

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AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy,
it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are,
the only iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer
is at the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a toatl mses
and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm.
Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey
lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.

From the internet

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KESTEVEN BLIND SOCIETY
Heighington Social Club


An enjoyable afternoon was spent on October 1st when the Rev. Stephen Jones Crabtree visited the club to conduct a Harvest Service and auction all the items brought by the members.
On October 15th members were entertained by Sheena Jones Crabtree when she kept members enthralled taking about her work in the Zoo.
Judy Theobold of Lincolnshire Life raised lots of laughs when she entertained members on 29th October.
The club meets fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons in the Heighington Jubilee Hall.
December Meeting is on 10th December.
Anyone interested in joining should telephone Kesteven Blind Society on 01476 592775 or contact Peter Forder on 01526 323982 at 27 High Street, Metheringham
Also Patricia MacPherson on 01522 856981

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LIBRARY NEWS

As this will be the last Library news before Christmas, may I take this opportunity, on behalf of Pauline, Mel, Carolyn and Sue to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all blessings for the New Year!
We have been very busy during the Autumn and were pleased to see so many people at the Feast. We thought that this year seemed to be busier than in recent times, probably due to the beautiful day? Our thanks go to the organising committee for all their hard work in making sure the day ran smoothly and that all stall holders and visitors went away happy.
At half term we had a Halloween theme for our children’s activity and made witch or monster masks – the girls all made witches and the boys, monsters for some reason? The Lincolnshire Echo came and took lots of photos and they were published in the paper and the Picture This supplement so good coverage for Metheringham this time! The children all went home with paint splattered hands and clothes (sorry Mums!!) threatening to start Trick or Treating with their new masks!
Readers Group continues to thrive and meets on the first Weds of each month at 7.30 in the Star and Garter. You can usually find us by the sound of raucous laughter – serious is one thing we are not!! New members are always welcome – call in at the Library for more info – men, don’t be put off, we DO have one male member now!! December’s meeting will be our Christmas meal but we will recommence in January. Our book review can be found later on in this newsletter.
The Big Read is still underway and taking up a lot of our time – have you voted yet? You can vote online, from the Library – a member of staff will be on hand to help if you’re not totally au fait with the computers. At the time of writing we are down to the final 21 – is your favourite on there? All the shortlisted titles are available from the Library and can be reserved free of charge – why not read them all??
We will be having our annual Christmas Social afternoon in December – the provisional date is 9 December but that is not final – watch out for the posters nearer the time. Come along and join in with some festive singing and refreshments – Father Christmas may even put in an appearance!! It is free to anyone – Library member or not – we would love to see you all
Have you noticed the new charges at the Library? It is good news as the majority of these have actually gone down and not increased!! Overdue fines have now been reduced from 50p per book per week and now are calculated on a sliding scale, with one day’s grace now included – full details from the Library. Reservations have been reduced from 75p/book to 25p/book or 15p if you reserve it yourself on the internet! Again, full details from the Library
On that cheerful note I will close and again, wish you all Season’s greetings from the Library!!
Sue Miller, Customer Liaison Officer

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Lincolnshire Wolds Railway

(Editor’s note. In September, Cath and I had a great weekend at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway. Until then, we hadn’t even heard of it! Seeing as it’s the nearest preserved steam railway to Metheringham, I thought that they mught like to contribute a few words to the magazine….)
The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway at Ludborough Station have had their most successful season since first opening in 1998. Initial figures suggest an increase in passenger figures in the region of 10-15% over last year. Our Santa Specials this year are Dec 14 and 21, ring 01472 250562 for details. Last year, the Santas sold out very early, all seats MUST be booked in advance, so, if you are coming, don't delay. If anyone has a spare hour or two, we always need volunteers at the Station, for all manner of activities. Do as much or as little as you want, all help is welcome. Do come along and see us sometime. Our 2004 timetable will be out soon!
If you’re too late for the Santa Specials, why not try our Mince Pie Specials on Jan 4? No bookings required for these.
We have come a long way since 1998, perhaps not literally, but when it is considered that all has been done by a volunteer work-force, we are all very proud ( and tired !) We actually own all the track bed between New Waltham and Louth, so we have plenty of room to extend the running line when funds permit. Any help offered will be gratefully accepted.
Dave Ambler. LWR

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Macla Xmas quiz – 2003

Below are some common phrases involving numbers. The answers will be given in the next newsletter and will also appear on the MACLA website (www.macla.co.uk) after Christmas.

Try to figure out what the letters stand for. The first one has been done for you as an example:-

1. 24 H in a D - 24 Hours in a Day
2. 1,001 A. N.
3. 52 C in a P
4. 7 W of the A.W.
5. 26 L in the A
6. 11 P on a F.T.
7. 12 I in a F
8. 29 D in F in a L.Y.
9. 5 G.R.
10. 18 H on a G.C.
11. 8 P in a G
12. 66 B in the B
13. 7 C in a R
14. 100 D.C. – T at which W.B.
15. 13 in a B.D.
16. 16 O in a P
17. 40 D and N of the G. F.
18. 9 P in the S.S.
19. 13 S on the A.F.
20. 64 S on a C.B.
21. 4 W on my W
22. 3 W. M.

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MAD  - what’s going on

Jack and the Beanstalk that tried and tested pantomime is to be performed by Metheringham Amateur Dramatic society in the Village Hall in the New Year.
It tells the tale of Jack, a good but lazy lad from the village of Meg who takes on the might of the Giant Blunderbore who lives at the top of the Beanstalk, and saves his mother Dame Trot from the poverty she has lived with all her life. He also gets the girl of his dreams Margery Daw, daughter of the Baron of Metheringham
With help of the Fairy Queen who outwits the Demon King the story ends with the usual pantomime song.
This year we have the Starlight Twirlers who are going to perform with us in the pantomime before they jet off to Florida after winning their National competition this year – aren’t we lucky to have so much talent in our village?
Tickets are on sale at The Salon in the high street and also at Metheringham Hair studio in Caroline Rd.(maybe we could have the prices here but I can’t remember them Gwyneth!!!)
So put a note in your diary for Friday 23rd January at 07:15 24th January 02:15 and 07:15 (matinee and evening) 30th January 07:15 and 31st January 02:15 and 07:15 (matinee and evening)
Ticket prices are only £5 per adult; £3.50 for Child/Concession; and £15 for a Family Ticket (2 adult, 2 children)
We look forward to your company.

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MARTIN YOUTH BIKERS WIN ECHO MINIBUS CONTEST

Martin Youth Bikers are celebrating having won a £29,000 minibus in a recent Lincolnshire Echo competition. The minibus will be important to the group as it will make it easier to get teenagers from the local villages to the club to work on their motorbikes, for visiting the shows where they exhibit and also for getting to and from the courses that Sheila and Ferg Phillip run at other clubs and schools.
Ferg and Sheila Phillip set up the club six years ago to foster the interest a lot of teenagers have in motorbikes by teaching them how to build motorbikes and the mechanical and engineering skills, legal requirements and road safety awareness involved. Motorbikes and other items made by the group have won 30 trophies at shows across Lincolnshire and beyond.
The bikers are based in Martin Moor and were one of 61 local charity groups and schools to take part in saving Lincolnshire Echo tokens to try and win a minibus. Over 300,000 tokens were collected and each entry received one entry in the prize draw for every 300 tokens collected. On Tuesday 11th November the draw was made and Martin Youth Bikers name was first out of the hat.
The minibus was supplied by Wright’s of Lincoln.
Anyone in the Martin area who is short of transport for community business e.g. collecting pensions can contact Ferg and Shiela on 01526 378043 to see if the minibus is available..

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M.A.W.S.

Saturday 15th November dawned bright and sunny, for a change, it’s usually wet and windy for our Christmas Market. We all looked forward to a great day. Hard work, yes; but in good company sharing laughs with friends and making money for the animals is what MAWS is all about.
7.30am the drivers loaded the vans and cars with stock, prizes, stall covers, signs and a mountain of paraphernalia that is all required for the day. Not forgetting our own MAWS caterers with all their stock etc.
8am our volunteers descended on the Village hall, and it was all go as volunteers and stallholders raced against the clock to get ready for the 10am opening of the Christmas Market…phew! We made it!
It was great to see so many of our regular supporters and also to welcome some new faces into the fold. A few new members signed up, and still at £1 membership (August to August- that’s got to be as “cheap as chips”).
The day’s trading was a bit slower than usual and we all wondered if some people did not know that the railway crossing at Metheringham was in fact open again on the Friday night. It had been closed for about a week following an accident and this meant a 6-mile detour for some. Many of our regulars from Horncastle and Woodhall Spa were missing, and that is unusual.
Talking of missing people, due to accident and illness MAWS volunteers Ann Heading and ris Irving could not be with us on the day, and I would ask you to join with me in sending best wishes for a speedy recovery.
It gives me great pleasure to thank you ALL on behalf of the MAWS committee for your support, donations of cash, goods, prizes, cakes etc. And to my fellow volunteers for all their hard work. Together, this made it possible for us to raise £835.72 (gross) on the day and £212.38 at auction/free ads and donations at the house. Giving us a total of £1048.10 (gross) and £925.63 profit after bills. A bit down on last year, but a very respectable figure even so.Bless you ALL for caring.
We wish you and your pets a very peaceful Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
Joyce I Muncey, MAWS Secretary
PS…please take care that your pets do not share your chocolates. Chocolate we eat contains Theobromine and can make your pet very ill, and even cause death. Pet choc drops from the pet shop are OK, so they can still have some treats.
PPS…a date for your 2004 diary; Saturday 3rd April, Spring Garden/Outhouse sale. 10am to 4pm, 31 Station Rd, Metheringham.
 

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METHERINGHAM METHODIST CHURCH - WEDNESDAY CLUB

We are a group of vibrant young people aged 6 –11 years. We meet every Wednesday during term time from 5.30 to 6.30 p.m.
We really enjoy ourselves – playing games, craftwork and other various activities.
What we really need is vibrant young people to help lead our club.
New ideas welcome !
Any Volunteers ?
Please contact Mary Neal – 01526 322551

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METHERINGHAM OVER 60’s CLUB

What a wonderful start to our Autumn Programme. Over 100 members were entertained by the Hi-Notes from Grantham singing songs from the Shows.
September 10th two coaches headed fro Skegness where a good time was had by all.
Our October Meeting was the Harvest Service and Auction, where we raised £200.00 from the sale of produce. Many thanks to all the members for their generosity, both in donating and buying produce.
On October 14th 34 members went to Yorkshire TV to watch the filming of the Channel 4 programme – Countdown. Afterwards we enjoyed a Fish and Chip Supper before heading home.
DIARY DATES
7th January - Cool and Country
4th February - Accordion Players / Singalong
3rd March - Annual General Meeting
Ann Crooks (Secretary)

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Anybody want to express a point of view?

I have received a letter from a self-confessed “wrinkly person” who is fed up with the way that “youngsters” treat our village environment.
However, the letter was delivered anonymously, and although I’m happy to withhold a name and address on request have to be wary of anonymous offerings.
Nevertheless, maybe it’s something for publication in the next issue, but does anybody out there want to give the younger generation’s point of view? Or maybe there are other “wrinklies” who would like to put in a good word for the youngsters? –or maybe not?
Send your views to the Editor (contact details inside back cover). The only proviso is that I do need to have your contact details. They won’t be published if you don’t want them to be, but I’m unable to print items that don’t have ownership. (So would the person who sent me the article referred to above please let me know who you are? - thanks)
MACLA Magazine Editor
 

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2003 Poppy Appeal

Thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s appeal, either by selling or buying poppies etc.
Money raised in the Metheringham Area was:-
House-to-house, and shops, £1044.89
Wreaths, £183.50
Church service, £180.00
RAF Digby, Approx £300

That’s around £1700. Well done!
Anita Yorke

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Reader Review for Nina Bawden’s “Family Money”

In September the Metheringham Reading Group read Nina Bawden’s Family Money. Most group members found it an easy read but with comments like ‘if fizzled out towards the end’ and disappointment because the plot never really reached it’s full potential. The characters were well drawn and credible and it was easy to feel an empathy with Fanny and to despise the attitude and greed of her children.
The book scored an average of 6 out of 10.
Synopsis
In this book Nina Bawden examines the concerns of middle-aged children for their mother who has been the victim of a mugging after witnessing a violent crime. The incident has left her with partial amnesia and agoraphobia and despite questioning from her family and the authorities she is unable to recall the exact details of the episode. Although the family attempt to give support and are concerned about Fanny’s ability to regain her independence they are preoccupied with her talk of giving away vast amounts of money to an old family friend. Both children agree that Fanny’s assets are ‘family money ‘ and therefore not Fanny’s to dispose of. Eventually her amnesia begins to clear and she becomes overwhelmed by a sense of danger and fear.
Carolyn Wilkinson
Community Librarian

Readers’ Group Review - THE CONSTANT GARDENER

The gardener referred to in the title is Justin Quayle a minor British diplomat in Nairobi. At the start of the book his wife Tessa and her driver are found brutally murdered in her jeep. She is a lawyer and human rights campaigner and suspicion soon falls on her missing travelling companion doctor Arnold Bluhm. He is her presumed lover and maybe even the father of her stillborn child. Justin disagrees and sets out to retrace her steps in order to find her killer. The book centres round the large pharmaceutical companies who use third-world people to test their new drugs.
I found it a very enjoyable read and not so confusing as some of Le Carre's other books.
Of the other members of our reading group, the majority enjoyed it, giving an average score of six and a half out of ten.
Pauline Ventress,
Senior Library Assistant
Metheringham

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This Summer the Senior Citizen have enjoyed two afternoon outings, one to the Whisby Garden Centre and the other to the Ruskington Garden Centre.
FUTURE EVENTS
11th December - Free Mince Pies and Coffee
18th December - Coffee Morning and Nativity Play at the Village Hall by kind invitation of the
Village Hall Committee and the Primary School.
There will be no Coffee Morning on December 25th or January 1st
10 February - Singles Party
17 April - Annual Parish Party
Happy and Healthy New Year
Barbara Wilson (Hon Sec)/

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Sunday 14th December – 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Knights, Airman and Heathlands, Wellingore
Wrap up warm, put your wellies on and enjoy a winters walk.
Join Countryside Ranger Adrian Royston as he guides you around the boundaries of a disused airfield, takes you down an old Roman trading route and lets you discover one of Lincolnshire’s ancient Heathlands.
Meet in the Stepping out car park at Thompson’s Bottom off the A15 - Grid Ref: OS Landranger 121 (019,552)
Contact Countryside NK for more details on 01522 694353
e-mail AdrianRoyston@Leisureconnection.co.uk

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In October the Surgery celebrated its first birthday! Most of us find it hard to believe that we have been open for a whole year.
We would like to take this opportunity to say a “Very Big Thank You” to those who have supported us over the past twelve months. We have been very warmly received in the village and the team has enjoyed the challenge of setting up a brand new surgery. For some of us this was a totally new experience but we’ve worked hard to achieve a sense of trust that is both professional and friendly, something we feel is particularly important in a small rural medical practice.
Those of you who have come into the surgery recently will no doubt have noticed that our renovations have been completed. We fully understand that this may well have caused some inconvenience, but your patience was much appreciated and, again, we wo8uld like to say Thank You.
You may also have noticed that our new computer system is now installed and fully operational, something that has caused great excitement (and even a little apprehension!) amongst the Surgery staff! We are just about “getting to grips” with the new system and we’re certain it will make for a smoother, more efficient service for our patients.
Finally, may we wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Very Best wishes from the Management and Staff, Metheringham Surgery, High Street, Metheringham.

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We are thrilled to announce that Awards for All have granted Metheringham Swimming Pool £3830 towards the re-lining project. Augmented by the £500 raised at the Fayre and Feast and other fundraising during the summer we now have the necessary £9000 for this essential work to go ahead over the winter and the association are delighted the pool will be able to stay open in 2004 and for many years to come. Thankyou to Awards for ALL and everyone who has helped support the cause: Metheringham Parish Council, MACLA and all those who have raised money to help particularly the Star and Garter Vegetable Show Committee who very kindly donated the £550 proceeds from their superb annual event in September.
The sponsored swim again raised around £1200 towards running costs so thanks to all who participated and gave sponsor money. We have had three different formats for this event but the final total is always about the same !!
Sadly the fundraising goes on and on and on but we try and make it enjoyable for everyone so we hope you will all join us at the Christmas Market at the Star and Garter on 20th December from 4.00 p.m. Anyone wishing to have a site (for £10) should contact Dot Howes (322314) or Linda Sisley (320840). We already have mulled wine, sweets and preserves, chestnuts and hot soup to keep you fortified while you enjoy the fairground rides, Father Christmas in his grotto and other stalls and games like guessing the weight of the cake. There will be a candlelit procession to the church for carol singing during the evening.
If you aren’t sure why we keep asking for money, where it goes, what goes on at the pool or even how you can help out please come along to our AGM on 10th February 2004 to get the full picture. If no-one turns up we wonder if you really want a pool facility !!

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Metheringham Village Hall News

Isn't it amazing that Christmas is almost upon us and as another year comes to its conclusion it is perhaps timely to reflect on 2003 and look forward to 2004.
Certainly, for the Village Hall, 2003 has been a most positive one where we have achieved a number of marked successes. We started the year with the completion of the installation of new kitchens thanks to the grant that we were awarded by Awards for All. We will finish the year with the completion of the extension including the installation of the disabled ramp and unisex toilet, due in the main to a grant from Waste Recycling Environmental Limited and the help of the Parish Council for which we are most thankful. We are also thankful to those of you who have supported our fund raising efforts throughout the year and especially for your generosity in "Buying a Brick" which has helped us raise some of the funds towards the extension.
We still need to do more, in order to repay the loan to the Parish Council. So, if you would like to contribute and haven't done so as yet, there is still time by giving your money to Mrs Carol Watson, 40 High Street, sending it to Mr S P Munday, Stone Lodge, Fen Lane, Metheringham LN4 3AQ or giving your donation to a Committee Member. Bricks are £1 each and Breeze Blocks £2 and there is a prize for the lucky brick of a meal for 2, which has been generously donated by Mowgli's Indian Restaurant, that will be drawn in December.
However, 2003 has also had its moments of sadness. This was especially true when two of our most stalwart committee members sadly passed away. Their contribution to the Village Hall had been outstanding and both Lynn and Mike will be sorely missed.
Looking forward to 2004, there will be a number of challenges ahead. We hope that we will be able to make some progress towards replacing some or all of the plastic chairs and other furnishings including making improvements to the stage and changing rooms. We are also in need of new volunteers to serve on the Committee and to help with fund raising. So if you can spare a couple of hours a month or simply would like to know more please contact one of the Committee members.
Due to retirement, we are now also actively looking for a new caretaker for the Village Hall. The paid job includes general care & maintenance as well as opening and closing the Village Hall; approximately 7 hours per week. If you should be interested please contact either Brian (Metheringham 320917) or Jan (Metheringham 323180).
Finally, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 

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