As I announced in Issue 14 of the Newsletter, this is my last session as your editor. I’ll not repeat all of the facts and figures that I quoted last time. Suffice to say that it’s been a lot of fun, and a lot of work!
Along the way I’ve come to know people who beaver away quietly behind the scenes to help this community of ours tick. Many of them have become good friends, and the Newsletter would certainly be a lot thinner without their contributions. I shall no doubt miss the regular contact, but the friendship will remain.
Taking the Editorial Seat from Issue 16 onwards will be Pete Ford, himself a regular contributor to these pages as the scribe for Metheringham Football Club and for Blankney Cricket Club. Pete’s contact details are given on the inside of the back cover, and I know that he will welcome the support that I have enjoyed.
The work of MACLA continues, and I shall still be able to give some time to the work that has to be done if we’re going to get better leisure facilities in our area. At our Annual General Meeting in May, John Wood was elected Chairman (see Dot Howe’s comprehensive report below). John has been our Treasurer, and this leaves us with a vacancy for that position. Maybe someone reading this article would like to volunteer?
The out-going Chairman, Jeff Bird, will be a hard act to follow. He put in a tremendous amount of effort and certainly moved us forward. As well as all of his Chairing duties, he continued to develop the award-winning MACLA website, which now amounts to more than 500 pages! There can’t be many organisations of this type in the world that can beat that. If you haven’t visited the website (www.macla.co.uk), take a look at the first opportunity. If you’re not a “surfer” yourself, find a friend who is and look over their shoulder. You’ll be amazed at how much information is on there.
A few extracts from Jeff’s talk at the AGM are reproduced below. (You can see the whole thing on the website)
All that remains for me to do is say “Goodbye” as Editor, and I’ll leave it for Pete to say “Hallo” next issue.
Geoff

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A much more encouraging turnout but the message remains the same.
MACLA has come a long way since its formation four years ago but it still has much work to do and as it represents all the local villages it would like more input from them..
Last year the meeting looked at ideas for a new changing and leisure facility and were asked for opinions and comments. This year the project has moved on a bit, outline planning permission has been approved but no specific architects’ drawings have been done and the villages still need to raise 10% of the estimated cost for grant funding to be available for the rest. MACLA itself has raised £3000 in the year so at that rate it will be another10 years before the project can go ahead !. It is up to the communities – all those who use the playing field and swimming pool, all those who would like to and all those who think their families might in the future - to sponsor, donate and support the events and schemes that MACLA and other groups in the villages are putting on to raise money. A good start will be if the Massive Plant Sale ( I’ll take the third earth mover on the left !!) on 22nd May was as good as last year.
As outgoing chairman Jeff Bird gave a thorough report on the year. (See the complete report below)
In the Treasurer’s report John Wood thanked Geoff Brown for keeping things going in the interim. The accounts show the organisation reasonably healthy and able to move on with drawing up plans for the playing field changing facility.The magazine has managed to keep in the black. Fund Raising, thanks mainly to the Massive Plant Sale had raised £1263 and donations totalling £1229 from The Football Club, WI, Walking Club and Blankney Golf Captain’s Charity Day had all helped towards the healthy balance of £3628. Expenses included the new advertising banner costing £480.
Before the elections the retiring Chairman reminded those present of the aims of MACLA – to plan the development of sports and leisure facilities in the area, to assist local groups to achieve their ambitions and to be open to all leisure associations and activities in the locality.
Committee nominations from MAD, the parish council, the football club, the swimming pool, badminton club, village hall committee, swimming pool association, women’s institute, website, youth club and history club and two individual nominations were all approved but this still leaves vacancies for more nominations/co-options from the surrounding villages – Blankney, Scopwick, Martin, Dunston, Nocton etc. All nominations for the committee were all approved..
Jeff Bird stepped down as Chairman and Sally Wilson proposed a vote of thanks for all the work, time and commitment he had given to MACLA during his term of office. He will continue to run the award winning 500 page MACLA website.
There was only one nomination for Chairman and John Wood was duly elected. This has left a vacancy for Treasurer which was not filled at the meeting. Any offers will be gratefully received and you will be readily co-opted onto the committee. Sally Wilson was re-elected as Vice- Chairman and Pete Ford as Secretary. The vacancy of newsletter editor will be filled by Pete Ford.
The news that the Grand gala/fete will not be held this year on June 19th has inconvenienced various organisations who had budgeted for some income from it but it has only been postponed and hopefully a Battle of Trafalgar celebration in 2005 will be able to attract funding.
Sally Wilson and Jeff Bird spoke about the development proposals. Jeff outlined how the proposals came to be discussed as a result of the local area audit and survey of what was wanted locally. Changing rooms for the Prince’s Street Playing Field area had come top of the list and, when it became obvious that a complete leisure facility would not be possible all in one go, a new wet and dry toilet and changing facility with disabled facilities became the priority. The development plan for the changing block needs finalising and architectural plans drawing up as the next stage but however much funding is acquired from grant bodies and funding agencies the local community will still have to raise around 5-10% and support is needed for this. The major stakeholders and the wider community will have to contribute more to get the project going both financially and with the planning.
Arrangements for the Massive plant Sale were discussed and Gwyneth hoped that the same happy atmosphere and positive teamwork that was noticed last year would be in evidence again.

Dot Howes

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This year, MACLA has been able to build on the strong foundation laid during its first 3 years of existence. It continues to enhance the vibrant and active community life by raising awareness and strengthening partnerships.
The MACLA Newsletter continues to go from strength to strength. With over 2500 copies delivered free to every household in the local area, it is an enduring and popular method of keeping local people informed about their community. We are in the enviable position of having a waiting list for advertising. The newsletter team together with Angela and her distributors do an excellent job on behalf of our community and deserve our thanks. I’d especially like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of MACLA and our community, Geoff Brown, who is retiring after four years and 15 editions as editor. He has done a remarkable job. It was his drive and enthusiasm that has ensured that the newsletter is the success that it is. Well done Geoff!
Once again, MACLA was represented at this year’s Fayre & Feast. Building on last year’s success, we expanded the exhibition of old photographs and ran a second stall serving mulled wine. Both proved to be exceedingly popular and were a resounding success.
The MACLA Website (www.macla.co.uk) also continues to grow and to spread the word about our vibrant community. It has expanded and is now over 500 pages in size. Much of the content comes from local contributors. Please keep providing the articles and photographs that make the site the success it is. I’d like to single out Pete Ford, whose valuable contributions, ranging from Blankney Golf Club, Meg Football Club through to photos of old Meg & Tanvats, have proved invaluable. In addition, his transcription of the minutes after every meeting has lifted a heavy administrative burden from the Chairman.
Of particular note this year, two locals ran a successful campaign to persuade BT that Metheringham should become the first village in Lincolnshire to have its telephone exchange enabled for Broadband. No mean feat. Their (and our) success meant that Metheringham led the way for the rest of Lincolnshire. Well done Steve and Aaron.
On the leisure activity front, Metheringham continues to thrive: the Starlight Twirlers continue to succeed, achieving many trophies at National Level and has qualified for the International Championships in Florida early next year. We wish them every success. The Village Hall has been modernised and expanded with its new extension being formally opened last week. The Swimming Pool has been industrious in raising substantial funds to ensure that it remains in operation. Metheringham Parish Council has acquired additional land adjacent to the Playing Fields ensuring that Metheringham Football Club can continue to expand.
Behind the scenes, MACLA continues to strive towards improving the leisure facilities for the Metheringham area. Our largest project, phase one of the Playing Fields Development is progressing though not as rapidly as we would wish. In conjunction with the Parish Council, we have obtained outline planning permission and once development plans have been completed, we will be in a position to have plans drawn up and approach agencies for funding.
On the funding side, MACLA has had a good year. The tone was set by a Massive Plant Sale, superbly organised and executed by Gwyneth Holland, which was a resounding success. One which we intend to repeat again in a few weeks time. Substantial donations from Blankney Golf Club, Metheringham Football Club, Women’s Institute and Walking Group have placed MACLA in a secure financial position with which to move our plans forward.
But it has not all been roses. Along the way, we sadly said goodbye to Mike Reep, one of our founder members and. He was a pivotal member of MACLA and when he lost his battle with cancer, he proved difficult to replace. That we manage to replace him is testament to the spirit that exists within our community. Thanks to John & Jenny for stepping forward.
Others, whose personal circumstances have changed, have also moved on and one of the challenges we face this year will be to find new blood to carry MACLA forward. The planned mid-summer gala did not come to fruition but it is hoped to stage it next year. It is also to be hoped that a way forward can be found for the replacement Metheringham Cross.
Regrettably, this is my last year as Chairman of MACLA as I am officially standing down from the post today. It has been an exhilarating ride and I feel especially privileged to have been invited to undertake this role. I have learned much about myself, felt great pride in our community and made many good friends along the way. I’d like to thank all of you who have helped me experience this journey. This is an excellent community that deserves better leisure facilities than it currently has and you, all of you, are the people to help make it happen.
Just one thing remains: In welcoming the new MACLA chairman, I’d like to wish him every success in the challenging days ahead and hope that you will all offer him the levels of support that you have shown me.

Jeff Bird, the outgoing MACLA Chairman

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Metheringham Methodist Chapel Diary

This is the time of year when we are all thinking about those hot days of summer (hopefully) BBQ's and holidays. All the chapel clubs have a summer break and start again in September.
But before our summer break we have arranged two fund raising events, the first a Strawberry Tea at Joyce & Ernest Sellars, 7 Field Farm Lane, Metheringham, on Friday 2nd July. The second is a Summer Fayre, which will be held on Saturday 10th July in the Chapel Hall.
May we wish that you all have a very enjoyable summer and that the sun shines.

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County Councillor for Nocton/Potterhanworth

Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton is the independent member for Branston and Navenby District on Lincolnshire County Council. She has kindly submitted the following note of introduction:-
Many issues can be dealt with directly by ringing the County Council or through your Parish Council, which is the usual “first port of call”. Where you don’t think that things are working as well as they should, then as your County Councillor, I am pleased to give support, and many people send me copy correspondence for this reason.
On bigger issues, it is always worth contacting me. I can help with information and am happy to give full support on all local issues.
I attend most meetings of my eleven parish councils and Parish meetings and can be contacted there or by phone, though I am most easily contacted by e-mail.
It happens that I am also on North kesteven District Council, the West Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust, the Environment Agency Advisory body and the charities, relate Lincolnshire and Wildlife Watch for children.
For more information visit www.leadenham.org.uk/marianne.htm, or www.oden.co.uk/wkww
Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton, phone (01400) 2733323; fax (01400) 273003

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The Ever-popular Dunston Duck Races!

Quel Canard!
The Dunston Duck races will take place on Saturday 19th June on Dunston village green.
The first race will get underway at 2.30pm, and there will be plenty of prizes for the races.
Other attractions include a Bouncy Castle, plenty of stalls (cakes, produce etc.) and refreshments.
For further details, please contact Beth McLuckie on (01526) 321919
 

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JUST 12 MEN

That’s the theme for this year’s flower festival at St Peter’s Dunston

No, it’s not about a jury, it’s the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus
not a difficult theme for the flower arrangers …. (yes it is!) … No it isn’t!
You can see the inspired results on 3rd, 4th and 5th July between 10 and 6pm

On Saturday there will also be stalls: cakes, books, plants,
(donations of cakes to Mary Lamyman, plants to Connie Sellars, books to church, please)
plus the Fairtrade stall
The stalls will remain open until everything is sold!
There’ll also be a raffle and refreshments each day with scrumptious lunches on Saturday
Between 11.30 and 2 in the Methodist Chapel.

There’s a chance to listen and ask questions with gardening expert, author and broadcaster
Daphne Ledward at 7.30pm on Saturday Evening

Tickets £4, £3c from any church member or 321678.

On Sunday evening there’s Festival Songs of Praise at 6pm with the schoolchildren taking part and the church will continue to be open all day on Monday

Offers of help of any kind gratefully received – you don’t have to be able to arrange flowers, we need tea makers, lunch servers, stall manners and cleaner uppers as well. Phone 321678 or talk to any church member.

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Festival of Open Gardens, Scopwick

Following its previous success, the gardeners of Scopwick are once again opening their gates from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday 4th July, giving fellow enthusiasts the opportunity to discover these hidden places. Previous visitors will know this ever-changing variety of gardens is beyond compare, set against the backdrop of the Beck in this conservation village.
Visit the Scopwick East Central 45mm gauge Garden railway, largest of its kind in Lincolnshire. Meet the inhabitants at the cattery; find the plant, produce and bric-a-brac stalls and the giant raffle. Lunch is served from 12 noon to 1.30pm pre-booked on 01526 322284 by 30th June. Afternoon teas and toilets are to be found in the Village Hall.
There will be a designated car parking area. Entrance is £2.50 which will include a map. Sunflowers will guide the way.
This event is being held in aid of the Holy Cross Church to raise funds, following a generous grant from English Heritage for essential repairs to the bell tower. The Church, although heavily restored in the nineteenth century, dates back to Norman times, with clergy first documented in 1150. It has several notable features, including a stone coffin lid with the effigy of a cross-legged knight. There is a copy of High Flight by John Magee who, together with other servicemen, lies buried in the War Graves cemetery in the churchyard.
Everyone is welcome to the Songs of Praise in the Church at 6.30pm
For further information, please contact 01526 322284.

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How Would you Cope with Failing Sight?

When we have “normal” vision we rarely take a moment to think about what life can be like for those who cannot see clearly. Short-sightedness and long-sightedness can be resolved by the use of spectacles and contact lenses, but eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts are the main causes of severe visual impairment in this country.
It is generally when vision really begins to deteriorate that people first seek the help that they need, but it can be hard to know where to go for support and advice. Kesteven Blind Society is there to provide reassurance, information, assistance with accessing specialist equipment, training in daily living skills and helping in any way that will enable a visually impaired person to continue to lead an independent life.
Severe visual impairment can create a feeling of isolation, and attending a Social Club with other people who share your problems can be very comforting. Having a regular volunteer Home Visitor to chat to, or being able to talk to someone with knowledge of your problems when you visit the Hospital Eye Clinic can also provide a feeling of support. You can visit the Resource Centre in Grantham to see all the equipment that is available, or a member of staff can visit you at home if mobility causes you difficulty. Escorted group holidays have been enjoyed by many service users – so far they have been to Llandudno and Blackpool, with the next trip, to Bognor Regis, planned for April. They’re looking forward to Jersey in the autumn, too.
The Society is already helping in excess of 1,000 visually impaired people throughout the Kesteven area of Lincolnshire, but know that there are many more who are not aware of the help that maybe available to them. If you have a visual impairment or have a friend, relative or neighbour who does, the Kesteven Blind Society would love to be able to offer support and assistance to them.
Volunteering
The volunteers who organise clubs, befriend isolated people in their own homes or work on the Eye Clinic Helpdesks are highly valued members of the KBS team. With only seven paid part-time staff, it would not be possible to continue providing this high level of support to so many service users without our volunteers. If you could spare a few hours a month and would be interested in helping the Kesteven Blind Society there are always volunteering opportunities available to you. New Volunteers are provided with Visual Impairment Awareness training and support from the Voluntary Services Co-ordinator, Jill Roberts.
If you think that you can help, or if you are finding that you, a friend or a relative need practical help because of sight problems, please give the Society a call on
01476 592775 or write to Kesteven Blind Society, Elmer House, Finkin Street, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 6QZ.

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LIBRARY NEWS

As I write this the Sun is blazing down and there is hardly a cloud in the brilliant blue sky! Can this weather last? I trust that it does and that you are all making the most of it!
With the coming of Summer, our thoughts have turned to the long, lazy School holidays and how we are going to fill those 6 weeks of no School, routine and general mayhem!! Following on from the success of our “Summer Fundays” last year, we have decided to run this again. The “Fundays Team” will be at Metheringham Library on Thursday, 19 August from 2.00 til 4.00pm providing an afternoon of fun and games. There will be stories and crafts suitable for 5 – 11 year olds on offer and all completely free. If it is as sunny as last year, then we will hold the event outside the Library, otherwise we will be inside. No tickets necessary – just come along and join in the fun!!
The Lincolnshire Young People’s Book Award is well under way now with voting slips in all Libraries for you to vote for your favourite book off the shortlist. This year, the shortlist is:
“Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke
“The Curious incident of the dog in the night-time” by Mark Haddon
“Eagle Strike” by Anthony Horowitz
“The Garbage King” by Elizabeth Laird
“Private Peaceful” by Michael Morpugo
“Lirael” by Garth Nix
“The Amulet of Samarkand” by Jonathan Stroud
“Midnight” by Jacqueline Wilson
We are running a competition to design an alternative book cover alongside the voting with a copy of the winning book as a prize so get those felt tips out!! The winner will be announced at a special ceremony at Lincoln Central Library on July 14. Voting ends on July 2 so get your vote in NOW and make it count!!
We held a Cultural Diversity Day on May 15 and ran a competition in the Library to celebrate it. We had various “exotic” fruit and veg on display for people to guess what they were, where they came from and what they were used for? All I can say is that there are some VERY warped minds at Metheringham!! One person, who shall remain nameless (but YOU know who you are!) guessed that the plantain (which looks like a large banana but is orange inside) was “A stale banana for someone with a big mouth”; hummus was “putty”; the yam was something you used “for target practice” and the Persian beans were “catapult fodder”!! Don’t think you were taking it seriously?!
We are holding a Coffee Afternoon on May 28 from 2.00 til 4.00pm where readers can come along and enjoy a cuppa with us whilst they choose their books. This will be free and hopefully make your library visit EVEN MORE enjoyable!! If it is successful we hope to repeat it on a monthly basis so come along and take part!
The current CLAIT computer course will be drawing to a close with the advent of the summer holidays and anyone wishing to attend the next one, due to start in September, should call in to the Library and put their name down. These are basic computer courses, which teach you word processing, spreadsheet and database skills using laptop machines in the Library. You work at your own pace although the ever patient tutor, Elaine, is there to help if you get stuck. At present the courses are totally free and you do acquire a recognised qualification at the end of it. It is a great way of making new friends too!
Readers Group is still going strong and attracting new members all the time! We meet in the Star and Garter on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. We are not at all serious, just a group of like-minded individuals who happen to enjoy reading and having a good laugh! If you fancy joining us, just call in at the Library and check when and where our next meeting is, we’d love to see you!
Sue Miller
Customer Liaison Officer

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Metheringham Playgroup

Metheringham Playgroup will be holding a treasure hunt around the village on July 4th 2004. We will be starting from the school field from 1.30 to 2.30, with prizes for adults and children. We hope to be joined by other local groups, and will have refreshments and face painting afterwards.
Family tickets will be on sale from June 12th.
For details of where to buy tickets, and who else will be joining us on the day, keep an eye out for posters nearer the time!

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Metheringham Youth Club

Metheringham Youth Club has received a grant from the Co-op for £500 which will mean a new snooker table, game cube with game and snowboard.
At the moment the Club is still held once a month at St Wilfrid’s Church hall until we get a few more volunteer helpers.
We had quite a successful day at the Village Hall fete on 8th may with the new football game provided with a “Macro Project” grant from North Kesteven District Council.
If you would like to be a volunteer helper, please phone Angela on 07903 467061.

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Metheringham Over 60’s Club

At our AGM we had 124 members sign up for the coming year. Welcome to those members who have joined us for the first time.
There were 3 long-serving committee members who retired at the meeting, and unfortunately no-one came forward to replace them. If anyone feels they could give 2 hours a month, please speak to a committee member.
A token of our appreciation for over 70 years combined service to the club was given to Ron and iris Creasey and Phyllis Gray.
After the formalities had been completed we were entertained by the Male barber Shop Singers.
Our forst outing of the year was to the Flower festival at Long Sutton. The weather was less than kind but the flower displays were superb. After lunch in the nearby hall we then went on to Springfields, which was slightly disappointing as the new shopping complex was not fully operational. (Should be nice when it is).
At the May meeting in the village hall we were entertained by The Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Band. What a wonderful programme of music, from James Bond, George Gershwin, Martin Hamlish, Glasnost and Born free to name a few. They had us all foot-tapping and singing along with them.
If anyone wants to go on the outings and hasn’t put their name down yet, contact Rita on 320895. The outings are open to non-members subject to availability. Coach fare is £6 per person.
Diary Dates;-
7th July, Tour of Derbyshire
4th August, Mablethorpe

Ann Crooks, Secretary.

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Metheringham Parish Council – Annual Parish Meeting

There was an unusually high turnout at the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 21st April thanks to a display by the County Council Highways department of the proposed route for the Fen Lane Bridge relief road. The Parish Council Chairman, Dr Mike Allen, conducted the meeting and presented his first annual report and the first to be displayed as a power point presentation. In the absence of the parish clerk there was no presentation of the annual accounts for the council though mention was made that a precept increase of 10% had been requested. This brings the rate for a band D property to £42.81
In his report Dr Allen thanked his predecessor Brian Creasey who had retired after 27 years on the council which had meant a significant learning curve for the new chairman and vice-chairman. Dr Allen reminded the audience of the objectives of a parish council and the routine services that Metheringham council provides including the village caretaker, public conveniences, dog warden, street lighting and playing fields. He outlined the other projects recently completed and made a plea for continuing support for the swimming pool.
Talks on where the Council Tax goes were presented by Mr Alun Jones from Lincolnshire County Council and Mr Allen Thomas from North Kesteven District Council before questions were invited from the public. Questions centred on the new relief road proposal and why the route chosen by some local residents and the parish council had not been selected as the preferred route.
Following the meeting refreshments were served and there were displays from Metheringham and Dunston LIVES First Responders, the Village Hall and Metheringham and District Swimming Pool Association.

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Poem To Metheringham WI Darts Team:-

There’s a breathless hush in the golf club bars
A darts match crammed with genuine stars.
People prepared to have a go
5 games all – the final throw.

Darts aimed true and straight
WI ladies in full flight.
Captain Moira, Emily, Eileen and Jean,
Metheringham’s well co-ordinated dream team.

Mathematical Moira did the take-aways,
Avoiding the occasional accidental stray.
A double being the final goal
Tension mounts, stress takes its toll.

They only lose by one game
‘Smoking’ Heckington win again.
Well Done ladies :- another year -
Now you are in match-play gear -
I think you’ll score that needed double
To help you win – no trouble.

By Jill ( the enthusiastic unknowledgeable supporter) Spooner ( May 2004)

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St Wilfrid’s Church, Metheringham

Make a diary note that the Annual Garden Fete will be held in the vicarage garden, Drury Street, on Saturday 10th July, starting at 2pm.
There will be stalls, games, refreshments, children’s competitions and a Prize draw.
COME AND JOIN THE FUN!

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YOUR OPEN AIR & HEATED SWIMMING POOL - SUMMER 2004

The pool is now open for the summer until September 14th

OPENING TIMES
Monday
Ladies 6-7pm
Lane swim (all ages) 7-8pm

Tuesday
Rookies (1 hour sessions) 6.00-9.00pm
Rookies is a lifeguard training scheme for 9 to 15 year olds who are already competent swimmers.

Wednesday
Open Session 6.30-8.00pm

Thursday
Ladies 6.00-7.00pm
Lane swim (all ages) 7.00-8.00pm

Friday
Lessons (Children) From 4.00pm

Saturday
Early Bird 8.00-9.00am
Open Session 2.30-4.00pm
Private Hire Morning & Evening

Sunday
Parent & Toddler 9.30-10.30am
Family Session 10.30-12.00
(Adults to accompany children in the water)
Open Session 2.30-4.00pm
Private Hire Evening

EXTRA SESSIONS
During the SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri
2.30-4.00pm

Parents are always welcome at our sessions. Come along to watch or help - there is usually some job wants doing !.

ADMISSION PRICES
Children £1.20
Adults £2.00
Lessons £2.00
Rookies £2.00

Hire details - PARTY HIRE
Two hours, with lifeguard from £45.00 (£10 deposit)
Includes use of gas BBQ
Contact Lisa Richardson on 01526 323725 or Linda Sisley on 01526 320840

ANNUAL TOURNAMENT - IT’S A KNOCKOUT! June 20th 2.00pm
Teams of 5 + reserve. Upper age limit 15 years
Entry fee £5.00 / team
Contact Linda on 01526 320840 for further details and application forms.

Sponsored Swim - 16th / 17th July,
We will be holding an all day (24 hour) sponsored swim,
We would like as many people as possible to take part (all ages from 4 up) even if they can only manage a width or two.  Call Linda on 320840 for details

Metheringham Swimming Pool Association Needs Lifeguards

We are looking for lifeguards aged 16 or over, holding a valid Bronze Lifeguard Award or National Pool Lifeguard Award, to help at the Metheringham and District pool.
Hourly rate paid at the National Minimum Wage. This season runs until 14th September.
If you are interested, please phone 01526 321486.

Friends of the Pool
Would you like to become a pool patron for £5.00 / year and have your input publicly acknowledged at the pool. Contact Linda Sisley on 01526 320840 or Dot Howes 01526 322314 for more information.

Looking for a way to get more involved in your community? We are still looking for managers, administration staff and maintenance rota people to help your pool run smoothly.
www.mspa.org.uk

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The Starlite Twirlers

The Starlite Twirlers swept the board at the BIBTA Southern Region finals at Hopton, near Great Yarmouth on Saturday 18th April.
Juniors
Military - in defence of their National Championship title – 1st Place
Baton – 2nd
Pom-Pom –1st.
Seniors – competing in their first ever competition !
Pom-Pom – 1st.
Baton – 1st
This means that all five teams automatically qualify for the national Finals in October. The teams are still in only their second year of competition and to score full marks in both pom-pom routines (Junior and Senior) was a thrill for the teams and their trainers.
The group also won the trophy for the Most Entertaining Troupe and firsts and seconds for leaders and mascots Gemma Casey, Gemma Curtis, Emily Jones, Chloe MacDavid, Leanne Riddell and Emma Ward.
This was Kathleen Curtis’ final event as assistant trainer and all the girls and their mums and dads really appreciate all the time and effort she has put in to help Claire and the team to get the troupe to this standard in such a short time.
Starlite Twirlers members had a successful weekend in Caistor for the BIBTA Individual Championships in March. The Individual competitions allow the competitors to compete in solo, pair, trio and small groups in five disciplines including flag and ribbon.
This year twenty girls went to compete in various events and different age groups and came home with six 1st , eight 2nd and three 3rd places.
Particular congratulations go to Shannon Brammer, Gemma Curtis, Chloe MacDavid, Leanne Riddell, and Emma Ward.
Results:
Baton :-
Junior Solo - 2nd Emma Ward, Senior Solo 1st Leanne Riddell,
Junior Duo - 2nd Gemma Curtis and Chloe MacDavid, Senior Duo - 2nd Emma Ward and Leanne Riddell.
Pom-Pom :-
Junior Solo - 1st Chloe MacDavid,
Junior Duo - 3rd Gemma Curtis and Emma Ward,
Senior Trio - 2nd Claire MacDavid, Natalie Heald and Leanne Riddell,
Senior Group - 3rd Natalie Heald, Mikala Tipling, Katie Garrick and Gemma Casey.
Mace :-
Primary Solo - 1st Shannon Brammer, Senior Solo - 2nd Claire MacDavid,
Junior Duo -1st Gemma Curtis and Emma Ward, - 3rd Shannon Brammer and Chloe Gray, Senior Duo - 2nd Leanne Riddell and Chloe MacDavid.
Ribbon:-
Primary - 1st Shannon Brammer
Flag :-
Junior Solo - 1st Chloe MacDavid, 2nd Sophie Casey. Senior Solo - 2nd Leanne Riddell.
 
All the girls who competed enjoyed the competition and all the training and practice involved - a lot of which is up to the individuals. They all performed extremely well and were a credit to the group.
 

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Branston and District, university of the Third Age

The University of the Third Age (U3A) has recently set up a local branch based at Branston. U3A is a self education group aimed at men and women over the age of 50 years and not in full time employment. The organisation itself has been in existence for a number of years and has a healthy membership throughout the country and indeed across Europe. The Branson and District branch covers a wide area around Branson and includes Metheringham and Dunston, from which villages there are already a number of members.
We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Branston Village Hall. The members start assembling at 1.30 pm for tea, biscuits and a chat before the main meeting, which starts at 2 pm. There is a guest speaker at the main meetings.
Interest groups have been set up which meet at various days, times and locations during the course of the month. Branston & District U3A currently has 14 such groups which include, Armchair Travel, literature, Gardening, Walking, Scrabble, Bridge, Music Appreciation, History, Photography and Singing for Pleasure. Other subjects are always welcome and it just needs a co-ordinator to set any subject up and get interested members to join in.
Recently the Armchair Travel group has had talks on Ireland and Australia, with more to come throughout the year. The Literary group has just finishing reading the 'Girl with the Pearl Earring' and are about to discuss and tear the work apart. The walkers meet twice a month and stride out across the Lincolnshire countryside on a number of walks for all abilities. Some members attend each walk, others join just one a month. The walks usually start and finish in a pub car park and lunch is always on the agenda at the completion of each walk.
New Members are always welcome. The annual fee is £12.50 and the monthly fee just 50p for each main meeting. This covers the tea, biscuits and hire of the hall.
Why not join us and see how you like it. You can attend the monthly meeting as a guest, the charge is just £1, and see if it appeals to you.
If you have any queries please contact Ray Howard on 01526 320540.

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Metheringham Village Hall News

The new extension to the Village Hall was opened by Councillor Bill Chambers at the successful May Fayre on Saturday 8th May. The Chairman thanked Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) for their grant and the Parish Council for the grant and loan they had given towards the project, Mr & Mrs King for the land they had given for the car park, to Councillor Chambers for his support in applying for grants and the Committee for there's hard work in fundraising.
We are having a 50/50 Auction in the Village Hall on Saturday 3rd July, viewing from 9.00am, auction from 10.00am to raise funds for the Hall, for more details look out for the posters.

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A Week of Walking In North Kesteven

From 12th June to 20th June there will be a week of guided walks in North Kesteven.
This will be an opportunity to discover the unique countryside of North Kesteven. You will be led along the hidden gems of the district’s rolling countryside, where you can enjoy its wildlife, its views and the people.
This event is only one of the series of more than 30 guided walks that take place throughout the year. If this issue of the MACLA Newsletter reaches you too late for you to join the June Week, simply phone 01522 694353 and ask for details of other forthcoming events.
The walks are organised by “Countryside NK”, which also offers
* 14 Stepping Out walk leaflets
* Volunteering opportunities through the British trust for Conservation Volunteers
* Habitat management of local Nature Reserves
* Increased Bio-diversity through active conservation
* Life-long learning for all ages
* A vital link between rural landowners and North Kesteven District Council

As well as phoning the above number, you can get information from the organisation’s website at www.walksnk.oden.co.uk

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Woodhall Spa Tennis Club

Woodhall Spa Tennis Club meets in Jubilee Park and welcomes new members.
Club nights are held Tuesdays and Fridays from 7pm to 10.30pm; there is junior Coaching on Mondays, and Adult Coaching on Thursdays.
Subscriptions for the 2004/05 season are £30 for adults, £10 for juniors (under 18 years of age on 1/1/04), and £70 for family membership.
The club participates in men’s, ladies’ and mixed League matches.
For further information, contact Jill Spooner on (01526) 322316

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