December 2007 Archives

And here we are again just weeks away from Christmas - I am sure it is not only me but dont the years just fly by. I was only checking the other day and it is now three years since I took over as Editor of the magazine and cant believe where the time has gone. What do they say “time flies when you are having fun”
I am sure there is something for everyone in this issue and I would like to thank all the contributors for their input - we now seem to be spreading our wings further in the community but I am sure we can go that little bit further (including Martin please).

All it remains is for me to wish, on behalf of all involved in the production and delivery of your local magazine, a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

From the Chairman

Playing Fields

Over a number of years the village has acquired almost eleven acres of superb playing fields for recreational and sporting activities. Some, like the Star and Garter field, was obtained after tremendous fund raising by the village. Other areas were bought by the Parish Council. However, by far, the largest section was acquired through a gift of land in 1927 and 1928 by Lord Londesborough. By all accounts this provided a much needed recreation area for the village but much of the land was little more than rough pasture. A condition of the gift was that the land would remain a recreation area in perpetuity. However, in the 1960’s, plans were being developed to expand the village. Permission was given to sell the “Rec” as it was known, provided new recreational areas were obtained. So started an ongoing need to provide recreational facilities for the village.

Hatches and Dispatches

All these people were either born or died on Christmas Day - name them:

1. Scientist, born Xmas Day 1642 in Grantham. He “discovered” gravity when an apple fell on his head.
2. This US comedian/actor died in 1946. Starred in “My Little Chickadee “with Mae West.
3. Born 1899, this laconic US actor had many hit films but never actually said the line - “Play it again Sam”.
4. Brit comedian / DJ, born in Liverpool, 1944. Introduced us to Brother Lee Love and Hot Gossip.
5 Born 1949, this US Actress is best known for her role as the troubled teenager in the Brian de Palma movie of Stephen King’s Carrie.
6. “Sweet dreams are made of this” will lead you to this female Aberdonian singer, born in 1954.
7. This Irish musician was born in 1957. Duetted with Kirsty MacColl in “Fairytale of New York”.
8. In 1997 this iconic comedian, famous for his walking stick, bowler hat and moustache, finally left us.
9. One of the original Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra. This crooner starred in several films with the comedian Jerry Lewis. Also checked out in 1997.
10. Danish supermodel born in 1968. INXS frontman Michael Hutchence famously ditched her for Paula Yates.
11. No Angel and White Flag were two hits for this English female singer born in 1971.
12. The Godfather of Soul departed this earth last Xmas, 2006.

Answers in the Spring Issue and on www.macla.co.uk in the new year.

Enjoy!

Following the request in your recent magazine on your website may I be allowed to provide some details regarding the Flax Factory on Metheringham Heath.

The Flax Factory was built early in WW2, the brick building housing the machinery and the ten Dutch Barns to store the Flax. This was a new crop for Lincolnshire, the reason being that war was underway. Much more home grown food was needed so many acres of old rough grass came under the plough but a chief menace, the "Wire worm" grub became prevalent in the corn crops. With no spray on the market to kill them off a recommendation was made by the Ministry of Agriculture that one or two crops of Flax be used and this would clear the soil of the grubs. If the land was then to be used for potatoes a thick lush crop of mustard was ploughed in.

The first drilling of Flax was in March 1940 while the factory was being built. Given good weather it grew very quickly and by late June it was ready for harvesting, thus being out of the way before the corn harvest. Long strong green stalks were pulled by a machine just when the flowers had fallen. The roots were pulled because they held fibre which was then made into sheaves. "Stooking", the same as corn, it was left to dry until the sheaves were brown and then it was stacked and thatched.

At the factory the dry sheaves were elevated to the top of the building so the process began. Words like "retted", "scotching" and "green-scutching" were used by the ladies who worked there. What these words mean only these ladies will know and hopefully this article might rekindle a few memories from those still alive.

In the process some parts were awash with water while others were dry with plenty of dust about. Buses conveyed the works to the factory from the surrounding villages with others even coming from further afield including Ireland to then settle here after the conflict of war.

In 1941 the crop produced was some 8,000 tons processed from 3,000 acres.

The manager was a Mr William Dalton who came from Cottingham near Hull. He lived at Dunston Pillar and was awarded the BEM for his Service to Flax.

Mr Ellis of Digby was the Overseer of the "Carting" and came to the farms for helpers to load the lorries.
The late Mr Eric Parker of Scopwick House was Chairman of the company.

One of the Secretaries was Eileen Kew the daughter of the then Station Master at Metheringham Station.
As stated - perhaps this article will rekindle a few old memories of the ladies who worked there doing an excellent job for King and Country.

Peter Baumber Brookside, Scopwick

On Sat 20 October Blankney Cricket Club held their Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening at Branston Hall Hotel. President Richard Parker congratulated the Club Sunday (1st) XI on finishing 3rd, their highest ever position in the Lincoln Premier League. He also gave credit to the Saturday (2nd) XI on their debut season in the South Lincs & Border (Div 2) where they finished 14th. He did note from the Club Review that this season the club had registered a record number of Golden Ducks (17)

He then made the following presentations
Sunday XI (1st XI)
Top Batsman - Ian McGowan - 295 runs (29.50 av)
Top Bowler - Ian McGowan - 26 wkts (13.81)
Player's Player - Ian McGowan
Catch of Season - Lee Allman

Saturday XI (2nd XI)
Top Batsman - Simon Behan - 378 runs (34.36 av)
Top Bowler - Ian Holvey -13 wkts (24.15 av)
Player's Player - Lee Allman

Mid-Week Club XI
Top Bat - Lee Allman - 128 runs (64.00 av)
Top Bowler - Craig Toyne - 7 wkts (16.71 av)
Player's Player - not awarded - insufficient games played
Catch of Season - James Pearse

Mid-Week Estate XI
Top Batsman - Will Carter - 238 runs (59.50 av)
Top Bowler - Will Carter - 15 wkts (15.50 av)

Player's Player - Will Carter
Clubman of season award -Ian Holvey
Young Player of season-Jack Halls

Golden Ducks: Simon Craft (3),Lee Allman, Jim Pearse, Phil Woodcock, Steve McGowan, Ian McGowan, Aaron Brebner, Andy Bell, Jack Halls, Simon Atkinson, Kev Bowden, Andy Foster, Joe Smith, Colin Carter, Bruce Donald

The Willson's and Sleaford's of Blankney, Walcott and Martin
My family lived in the Blankney, Martin and Walcott area for hundreds of years and as a family history junky my database has become huge as years go by. It includes many of the families from those villages.
I am always happy to hear from people who link to my family and my data can be viewed via http://www.linclinks.co.uk
Jacky

Sue & Jenny Holt
Compliments on a lovely website. My sister and I used to live in Metheringham Fen in the 50s and early 60s love to hear from anyone that remembers us, Sue & Jenny Holt from 2 Council House Metheringam Fen. susanboult@yahoo.co.uk

High Flight - poem by John Gillespie Magee
Thank You for sharing John Gillespie Magee with me. I am haunted by this poem; for no apparent reason; and written before I was born. I felt a sense of quiet peace as I re-read it. God Bless, Kathryne V. Cool
Reply
I don't habitually join threads Kathryne, but I stumbled on this page after searching for a printable version of 'High Flight'. For me the poem is forever linked to a few wonderful wave flights in my Libelle sailplane in younger days. Wave is a special kind of smooth, rising air current that in the right conditions takes you far above the cumulus and other low turbulent clouds, up into the brilliant blue that John loved.
My 15m sailplane may not have had the power or agility of John's Spitfire, but in the silent world of the solo glider pilot his poem has a remarkable resonance. It is very hard to explain to a non-pilot how it feels to soar at altitude. John Gillespie Magee used his wonderful gift as a poet to help the rest of us share that experience. For that I am forever grateful to him.
For years I have driven past Scopwick en route to my home in Suffolk. Next time I will make a diversion to pay my respects.
Wonderful thing, the Internet.
Peter - Libelle pilot

Blankney & Scopwick Burial Transcripts
Over on interment.net, Shelley Clack has added Cemetery Transcriptions for, amongst others, Blankney & Scopwick Cemeteries. These should be very useful for people searching out their ancestors.

by Village Correspondent Dot Howe

Metheringham's Fayre and Feast theme 'Land of Hope and Glory' for 2007 was very apt as it echoed the feeling of a weekend of celebration and national pride. Fayre and Feast day was also the Rugby World Cup final featuring England and South Africa and the weekend finished on a spectacular note on Sunday night when Andy Bell, nominated by Metheringham Primary School where he taught until July, won the Primary School Teacher of the Year award at the National Teaching Awards.

The Fayre and Feast on Saturday was very lively and well supported in the Autumn afternoon sunshine but tailed off quickly when the rugby final started. Some of those celebrating a good weekend were Metheringham WI who made £250 with their wrapped tombola, the Village Hall which made £500 from the raffle and all day refreshments and bacon baps in the village hall. St Wilfrid's Church made around £150 on refreshments in the church hall. Other local groups having a good day were the Over 60s, the playgroup, LIVES First Responders, Dunston Primary School and the Swimming Pool Association.

At the de-brief meeting in November several points were raised regarding the availability of market stalls next year, that many people missed hearing pipe organs at this year's feast, that there could be changes to the arrangements at the Co-Op corner, more baking stalls and keeping local organisations' stalls open longer, parking on Fen Road, inconsistencies in the sound and positioning of noisy generators, the parade, organisation of stewards and most importantly the need for more stewards. It is never too early to get your name down if you want to help next year when the theme will be the 90th anniversary of the end of the Great War.

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE UNABLE TO AFFORD OR FIND AN AFFORDABLE PROPERTY IN METHERINGHAM?

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS HAD TO MOVE AWAY DUE TO A LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

Housing is one of the most pressing issues facing many people in Lincolnshire. Whilst county house prices have increased by up to 100% in the last few years, wages have not kept pace, houses have been lost due to the right to buy and numerous new developments are aimed at the executive end of the housing market. This means many local people are now priced out of the property market in their own villages.

Metheringham is a village that has seen considerable increases in house prices over the past few years, which inevitably has an impact upon the affordability of properties for local people.

One attempt to rectify this is through the Community Lincs Rural Housing Enabler Project. The project centres on working with rural communities to provide small developments of affordable housing for local people in need and it is often the case that building just a few housing units can mean local residents can remain in their villages rather than have to move elsewhere.

The Rural Housing Enabler and Metheringham Parish Council believe it is important to conduct a housing needs survey in the village to establish if there is a local need. This is a survey that will be sent to every household in Metheringham and looks to identify the housing needs and circumstances of parishioners.

The survey is enclosed with this issue of MACLA and we hope you take the opportunity to respond. The closing deadline for returned surveys will be Monday 31 December 2007. Please see the survey for information on how to return your completed form.

If you would like to find out more about the survey or the Rural Housing Project please contact Ian Penn, Rural Housing Enabler, Community Lincs, Tel: 01529 302466.

The Friends of Dunston School are looking forward to another year of fund-raising events. We are currently raising money to help refurbish and equip the proposed new school library. Due to rising numbers, the school has gone up from two to three classes and the school building is expanding. We are excited to be a part of these developments.

Last year we raised a net total of £4,830.00. So far this year we have had a successful stall at Metheringham Fayre and Feast and the children of the school have just completed a 3 mile sponsored walk across local farmland, with the much appreciated permission of the landowners. Well done to all who took part!

Our next event will be our school Christmas fare which will take place at Dunston St. Peter's Primary School on Friday 7 December from 3.00 - 4.30 pm.

All are welcome.

I am pleased to report that Dog bins are being used more and more now. So thank you to all you "Doggy Folk" who clean up after your pets.

There are still two individuals who believe that Church Walk is their personal Dog toilet. Please start to clean up after you or expect to receive a fine. Also there has been an increase in the fouling on the village Playing fields which is totally unacceptable and a health danger to young children, so culprits be warned.
To all the lovely people I have met since I began this job, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and will join you walking away all those extra pounds we will acquire over the festive season. Have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year

Sandy

Please call 01522 820814 for more information.

Another superb effort by the people of Metheringham, Blankney and Martin Moor. House to house collections and static collection have raised £1,538.68. With the money obtained from donations and the sale of wreaths, the total so far is £1,772.88. At the time of writing I am still waiting for a cheque from RAF Digby and a cheque from the Methodist Church in Metheringham for the proceeds of the collections at the Remembrance Day Service. I anticipate that once those have been added to the total we will have broken the £2,000 mark again. Thank you to all who have donated. Your money will help those in need.

I would like to thank all the people who go house to house to collect money, often in the cold and dark evenings. You are doing a sterling job. Thank you also to the shops and business premises that have a box or two on their counters. I appreciate the efforts of two ladies who travelled in Metheringham in order to collect in three areas of the village, one from Kirkby Green and the other, who stepped in at the last minute to help, from Cranwell.

Well done everyone

Anita Yorke, local Poppy Appeal Organiser

Metheringham Book Group Review

This book tells the story of the 17th century plague which was carried from London to a small Derbyshire village by an itinerant tailor and describes how the villagers dealt with the consequences.

When I opened the book, I inwardly groaned because I don't normally like anything written in the first person. However, I quickly became involved with Anna Frith's narrative and warmed to it. The fact that, although there was some "poetic licence", the story is based on facts about things that actually happened in Eyam, made it, at times, a harrowing read. I never quite trusted the Mompellions. And could anyone really be as virtuous as Anna Frith? I did enjoy the tales about all the superstitions that abounded at that time, probably because I was brought up by a mother who regularly repeated many of those superstitions to me. It was a well written book, and the twists towards the end made it, for me, even more enjoyable.

In my opinion definitely not the best book I have read about that time, but certainly a good read. I would give it a score of 7/10.

Dawn

(this book achieved an average score of 8/10 amongst the rest of the group)

Sadly this will be my last "offering" as the library correspondent for MACLA as I now have a new job as Community Engagement Officer based in the West area of the County. My job will still be promotion but now of Culture and Adult Education so I may be working at a Museum or adult education site as well as a Library. As we do not now have responsibility for specific libraries and a much larger area to cover, I have had to give up certain tasks so will not be around as much at Metheringham. My story time Mums have very kindly offered to continue with story time sessions, on the first and third Friday of each month, 2.15 - 2.45, so please support them (and even volunteer to take the odd session - it's really not that scary!) as this is a really useful and fun experience for your pre-schoolers.

Pauline will be taking over the writing of the article from now on so you can still keep up to date on what's happening in the library.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all our readers and the whole community at Metheringham for all your help and support over the past 9 years. You have a fantastic library with, in Pauline and Mel, the most friendly and helpful staff I have encountered anywhere. Please continue to use it as it is a valuable resource, which is too important to lose.

To my story timers, past and present, you are all very dear to me and I hope that I will still see you around and about - I am still working for the same department and am sure there will be occasions when I can find a reason to be at Metheringham! Thank you for the beautiful cards, presents and especially the wonderful folder of your work - it is very special and I will treasure it always. Keep on singing!

Best wishes

Sue Miller

Just a note to say I'm living,
Though I'm getting most forgetful
Sometimes I just can't remember
If I must go up for something
And before the refrigerator often
Have I just been putting food away
Times there are when it's dark
I don't know if I'm retiring
So if it's my turn to write you
I may think that I have written
So remember - I do love you
And now it's nearly mail time
I'm standing by the post box
Instead of mailing you my letter

That I'm not among the dead,
And very mixed up in my head;
When I stand at the foot of the stairs
Or have I just come down from there?
My muddled mind is filled with doubt,
Or have I come to take it out?
And my night cap's on my head,
Or just getting out of bed.
There's no need getting sore,
And just don't want to be a bore.
And wish that you were here:
So must say"Goodbye" my dear.
With my face very red -
I've opened it instead!

The Dog Training Classes are going very well. All classes are presently fully subscribed. New classes will however begin in the new year. Please place your booking now to avoid disappointment.
Agility Classes are also available, from complete beginners, any age or size, to the more experienced.

Please call 01522 820814 for more information

Sandy

Angels have had a great Summer attending lots of local fetes and carnivals including being awarded first place at Chapel St Leonard's Carnival in August for best Youth Organisation.

We attended UBT's a National Competition at Great Yarmouth in October and we had a fantastic week-end coming away with a stash of trophies and medals and being awarded overall Troupe for the second time in succession. 7 Troupes competed and we entered 16 sections, winning seven 1st place Troupe trophies, Six 2nd place Troupe trophies and two 3rd place Troupe trophies. We also picked up six 1st Place Mascot Medals, seven 2nd place Mascot Medals and one 3rd place. Also three 1st place Leader Medals, eight 2nd place Leader Medals and two 3rd place Leader Medals.

Lauren Taylor won first place in the 15 and under marching competition and also won the "Spirit Award", with Leiouni Gray also being placed second in the 10 and under marching competition.

As some will have seen the girls performed a routine to Mary Poppins at Metheringham Feast which was great fun and despite limited space they did very well.

It is with much regret that Angels received some very sad news on 27 October. One of our "Angels" had been poorly for sometime and sadly lost her fight. I would like to send our sincere condolences to the parents, family and friends of Maddison Bignall, she was a lovely little girl and we will all remember her and keep her in our thoughts. Maddison was 10 and will be remembered by all, God Bless.

On a lighter note, the Angels will be taking part in Christmas Cracker at St Wilfrid's Church and we are currently enrolling new "Angels" so anyone wishing to join or who would like further information, please contact Cathy Taylor-Raymond on 01526 340394 or visit our website: www.angelsdancesquad.co.uk

A friendly and fun youth brass band has recently moved to Dunston. The band held a recruitment day in September, and six more learners joined, but we still have room for more! The Band plays at a variety of events in the local area (including the Dunston Duck Race and Metheringham Fayre & Feast), and will be taking part in numerous Christmas activities during December. Several members of the band will be entering the Lincoln Music & Drama Festival in March 2008.

The band still needs more players, and is now in a position to open the membership to other youngsters in the area who are already learning to play a brass instrument, or wish to learn from scratch (age up to 18 years). Although essentially a youth band, if there are any adult players out there who would like to sit in and help to bring the youngsters on, please contact us.

The instruments we have in a brass band are:
cornets, flugels, tenor horns, baritones, euphoniums, trombones and basses
We will provide tuition, loan of an instrument and music; and the subs are £12/qtr.

The Band would also be interested to hear from any budding drummers or percussionists.

Practice times - Dunston Village Hall

Tuesday: tuition for beginners 6.30-7.15pm, band practice 7.15-8.15pm

Friday: tuition for intermediates 6-7pm, band practice 7-8pm, advanced group 8-9pm

For additional information, or to join the band, contact:
Helen Duncan
Tel: 01526 323860
Email: brassylady@btinternet.com

Social networking sites are all the rage. One of the success stories over the past year, they allow you to keep in touch with your friends and make new ones. Here are a few of the more well known ones.

FriendsReunited (www.friendsreunited.co.uk) was one of the first of the UK social networking sites, bringing together school mates from your past. It's not as popular as it once was, partly due to its subscription model but has expanded into other areas such as the workplace. Rumoured to be dropping its 'pay to contact' policy soon.

Facebook (www.facebook.com) started out in the US as a means of college chums keeping in contact and is now one of the big 2 social networking sites. Its sheer weight of numbers and lots of time wasting add-ons make this site very popular.

MySpace (www.myspace.com) is the other large US social networking site. It experienced rapid growth , especially amongst the US teenage community, although there is a growing UK following. Very popular.

Finally there's BeBo (www.bebo.com), this is largely a European venture aimed at sharing your favourite music and videos with your friends. After a slow start this site is rapidly gaining ground on the big 2.

There are many other sites for keeping in contact. Ultimately, whichever site you use will depend on which your friends are using. Merry Christmas.

The Weaver.

The club reopened on the 12 September when the brainpower of the members was put to the test with a musical quiz.

On the 26 September Richard N Marriott kept members spellbound with tales and laughter about his experiences as a Toastmaster.

The club held a Harvest auction on the 10 October when The Rev. Stephen Jones-Crabtree helped to raise £55 after which members enjoyed a scrumptious birthday tea from Joyce Money, celebrating her 75th birthday.

On the 24 October members enjoyed an informative talk by Elaine Spielby on the Government's Scheme, Reading with Children.

Moving into November the meeting on the 7th heard J Hennell give a talk on a mining family. Then on 21 November, members enjoyed a concert with their sister club from North Hykeham.

The last meeting of the year on 5 December the club go out for a Christmas lunch at the Canwick Golf Club.
The club will re-open on 9 January 2008.

We meet every fortnight, anyone wishing to join can contact Betty Knight on 01522 794 121 or Patricia MacPherson on 01522 856 981.

Following the Remembrance Day Service in Metheringham Methodist Chapel many of the large congregation and other local people gathered at Metheringham War Memorial on Sunday 11 November for the customary two minutes silence. This year the event seemed to have a truly solemn feeling and the Parish Council and all those involved wish to express their sincere gratitude to motorists and those not involved for allowing the event to pass with the dignity befitting the occasion.

Thank You.

The year 2007 was a rough one for bowling in Lincolnshire. Along with many others Metheringham suffered flooding but no lasting damage.

In the Lincoln & District League our 'A' team finished runners up again. This is the eighth time in the ten year history of the Premier Division. They were also runners up in the Hospital Cup Charity Competition. The 'B' team, playing in Division Four, just missed out on promotion, finishing in third place. Their Captain, Jane Prior, also had responsibility for the Cliff League team, and managed a late run to gain second place and promotion for next year.

The Lincoln City League saw Metheringham finish a respectable central position in the Evening Section 'A' and runners up in the City Knockout Competition, while the Afternoon Team lost the last game of the season to drop to third and so remain in Section 'B' next year.

This year saw us drop out of the E.B.A Sunday morning triples league to join the Friday Championship League. The first year in this highly competitive game saw us gain second place and promotion next year. I believe we are rejoining the Sunday morning league in 2008.

On a more personal note, our youngest player, Alex Penney reached the semi finals of the E.B.A. Under 25 Singles. Whilst Mo Wood and Betty Wilson won the Lincoln & District Ladies Doubles, Andrew Creasey, Neil Parker and Philip Garrick are the Lincoln and District Triples Champions. In the Ladies County Section Mo Wood won all the way through to the Nationals at Skegness in the Ladies Secretaries Cup.

Dunston B.C is in the unfortunate position of losing its green to the deadly House Building Virus and its membership is working hard to replace it. Until it is ready, they will have the use of the facilities at Metheringham.

As part of our ongoing efforts to raise funds, we have a Race Night in the Star and Garter, planned for the new year. Look out for Information in next Issue.

Metheringham WI were getting ahead with their preparations when Ann Barnes came to warn them that 'Christmas is A-coming' in September!. She had a wonderful array of ideas for displays involving wreaths, containers, real and artificial foliage and good smells and even told members how to dry oranges in the microwave. She insisted that no skill was required to produce any of the wonderful items she created.

During the business of the meeting President Audrey Webb said she had visited Peggy Wright on her 90th birthday to pass on the members' congratulations. In the competitions Emily won the raffle, Dot Howes won the competition for a hand-made tree decoration and Ronnie Wright won the flower of the month.

Metheringham Animal Welfare Supporters held their Christmas Market on Saturday 17 November in Metheringham Village Hall. The day dawned bright, very cold and frosty. Ice had to be scraped from car windows as volunteers set out from Lincoln, Aubourn and near Sleaford, as well as locally. They soon thawed out in the warmth of the village hall as it became a hive of activity as people started putting up tables, unloading cars and setting up signs.

Dressing the MAWS stalls was no mean feat with almost 600 tombola and 52 raffle prizes to display (all donated by the way!). By 9.30 am the Information / Reception Stall, selling new items was also looking good and a very welcome smell was wafting through from the kitchen. The stall holders were also busy and almost ready for the mad rush of Christmas shoppers. Time for a quick bacon buttie and a cuppa before opening at 10.00 am. Great.

The doors open and the rush starts. Customers are greeted with a welcoming smile and Christmas carols are played softly in the background. The atmosphere is set. Some head for the snack bar first for "breakfast" while others start shopping, choosing from the many gifts and crafts available, some try their luck on the tombola and raffle. Denise Rose for Tarot Readings or Reiki Healing was also available. But whatever the plan of the day, there looks to be something for everyone.

At 3.00 pm the excitement mounted as the raffle was drawn. With so many prizes to be won, there were many happy winners. As the market closed at 4.00 pm and the clean up started the volunteers were exhausted but happy and even happier when they cashed up and discovered they had taken over £1,000.00!!! The bills are not in yet but they hope to have about £880.00 profit. Brilliant!

MAWS Committee would like to thank all the wonderful folk who donated all the prizes, all the volunteers who have worked so hard , both on the day and behind the scenes all year. A massive thanks to the public for the generous support, without whom MAWS could do nothing.

Bless you all for caring.

Winter 2007 Update

The Village Hall is feeling secure and well fed after a very successful few months. On 1 September they ran their inaugural 50:50 sale with the help of John Duggins as auctioneer and raised £590 for the hall. The sale involved many committee and friends in preparation and running the event on the day as the public presented around 340 lots for sale ranging from tables to jigsaws to pears to door stops and televisions. It was a long day but the interest in the lots never waned thanks partly to the bacon butties and scones on sale. The management committee chairman, Jenni Honisett, said what a wonderful event it had been. She said that the committee were mostly 50:50 Auction virgins and though there had been a few teething troubles she was very pleased with how the helpers had organised themselves to make the event run smoothly.

St Peter's Dunston
Fri 14 Dec Christmas Concert - 6.30 pm
Thurs 20 Dec Carol Service - 6.30 pm
Sun 23 Dec Xmas Family Communion 10.00 am

St Oswald's Blankney
Thurs 20 Dec Carol Service for Blankney Hunt Supporters - 7.00 pm
Sun 23 Dec Carol Service followed by Coffee and mince pies 4.30 pm
Tues 25 Dec Sung Communion Service 9.00 am

Holy Cross Kirkby Green
Fri 21 Dec - Carols followed by drinks and mince pies at the Manor 6.30 pm

St Wilfrid's Metheringham
Sat 15 Dec - Christmas Cracker - An evening of fun and variety for Christmas - 6.30 pm
Thurs 20 Dec Metheringham School Carol Service 2.00 pm
Mon 24 Dec Carol Service - 6.00 pm
Mon 24 Dec - Midnight mass - 11.30 pm
Tues 25 Dec - Family communion - 10.30 am

Holy Trinity Martin
Fri 14 Dec - Carol Singing in Church Gardens 6.30 pm
Sun 23 Dec - Carol Service 9.30 am

All Saints, Nocton
Mon 24 Dec Christdingle 4.00 pm
Mon 24 Dec Midnight Mass 11.30 pm

Holy Cross Scopwick
Sun 16 Dec - Carol Service 3.00 pm
Sun 23 Dec - Faid Communion 8.30 am

Metheringham Methodist Chapel
Tues 18 Dec Village Carol Service - 7.00pm
Sun 23 Dec Sunday Service at 10.30 am - lead by Mr Creasey
Tues 25 Dec Christmas Day Service at 10.00 am
Sun 30 Dec there will be no service at Metheringham - a Circuit Service will be held at Ruskington Methodist Church at 11.00 am

Our outing to Brigg Garden Centre on Tuesday 16 October was very enjoyable. Most of us had lunch there soon after our arrival. 52 of us sat at two long tables. We were really looked after well by the waitresses and staff. Many of you have asked for a repeat next year, especially "lunch" together, which turned out to be quite a little party.

The afternoon was then spent shopping.

Thursday 29 November we will have had our Christmas Stall so hopefully that will be enjoyable.

Then on Thursday 13 Dec. it is our free mince pie and coffee day. Also we have been kindly invited by the Village Hall on Thursday 20 Dec for Coffee and Mince Pies again. The Metheringham Pre-School group will provide entertainment for us with their Christmas Play. Please be seated by 10.00 am

It just remains for me to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

Pam Woolley (Secretary)

Famous people on our doorstep

Frederick John Robinson -Nocton Hall - 19th Century Tory Prime Minister

Perhaps to the surprise of many, Margaret Thatcher was not the only Prime Minister to come out of Lincolnshire as our area saw this country’s twentieth Prime Minister living on our doorstep, namely at Nocton Hall.

Frederick John Robinson was born in London on 1st November 1782, the second of three sons born to Thomas Robinson (second Baron Grantham) and his wife Lady Mary Jemima Grey Yorke. He was educated at Harrow and St John's College, Cambridge and then trained as a lawyer. He ended these studies when the post of private secretary to the Earl of Hardwicke, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was offered to him. He held this position between 1804 and March 1806.

YogaBugs have arrived in your area.

Penny Cowling has recently set up classes at Dunston St Peter's Primary School and in Dunston Methodist Chapel and is hoping to increase this to make yoga available for more youngsters. Classes are suitable for children aged between 2 ½ and 7 years of age.

YogaBugs is a great way to introduce young children to yoga. We go on an exciting adventure in each class and the children learn all the different yoga poses as the story unfolds. It is not just physical exercise; the children are encouraged to use their imaginations too and the classes are great fun.

Penny says yoga is suitable for all children and can help build stamina as well as increase flexibility. She also uses breathing exercises to improve concentration and energy levels. "We always end each class with a relaxation session which the children really enjoy." Penny adds "Parents have said that their children sleep better after a yoga class!!

Penny is offering to give demonstration classes to local schools and nurseries who are interested. She has full CRB checks.

For more information about demonstrations, existing or future classes or birthday parties contact Penny Cowling on 07850 879755 or email penny@lincsyoga.com

Hello from your local Police beat-team.

Metheringham area continues to be a very safe place to live. Officers and PCSOs always brace themselves for an increase in incidents of vandalism and anti social behaviour during the long summer holidays, when the youngsters start to get bored. However, this year has been truly exceptional.

I mentioned in the last newsletter that your beat-team have been diverting the village youngsters, by taking them to play football, and also taking them to Caythorpe, where some of them have been taking part in extreme sports. This is truly paying dividends, and many of the youngsters who may have otherwise been hanging around with "nothing to do" have embraced these activities with enthusiasm.

Christmas and New Year from your Refuse/Recycling collection crews at NKDC
Refuse / Recycling Collection Services Christmas and New Year Arrangements
This Christmas collection days will change for everyone so make sure you know when to put your wheeled bins out.
Normal collection day Changed to
Fri 21 Dec As normal
Mon 24 Dec to Sat 22 Dec
Tues 25 Dec to Mon 24 Dec
Wed 26 Dec to Thurs 27 Dec
Thurs 27 Dec to Fri 28 Dec
Frid 28 Dec to Sat 29 Dec
Mon 31 Dec As normal
Tues 1 Jan to Wed 2 Jan
Wed 2 Jan to Thurs 3 Jan
Thurs 3 Jan to Fri 4 Jan
Fri 4 Jan to Sat 5 Jan
Christmas creates a lot of extra waste so to help out for the FIRST green lidded bin and the FIRST black bin collection after Christmas, we will collect your side waste
For more information
i) Refer to the magnetic collection calendar issued in March
ii) Visit our website at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
iii)Contact the Refuse Collection Hotline free on 0800 174499

Looking forward now to the visit from our friends in Trangé during the school Spring Break. We are planning Rounders at the school, a trip to the Fens to enjoy the Bulbfields and a Hog Roast. As always the emphasis will be on family and friendship as we celebrate the signing of our Twinning Charter twenty years ago.

The Duck Race this year will be held on Saturday 24 June on The Green, Dunston. Put the date in your diary now. Races start at 3.00 pm

We have had a busy few months with our Harvest Festival / Auction, the Fayre and Feast and our November Coffee Morning. On behalf of the committee I would like to extend a sincere thanks to all who have supported us at these events.

The Christmas Dinner is well in hand. This is a members only meeting for those who are eligible to attend (see back of card for rules) and have put their name down for a dinner.

We rounded off the year with a trip to Skegness and to Chatsworth House to see the house dressed for Christmas and a very good day was had by all.

I have a long waiting list of people wanting to join the club so if anyone is thinking of joining us please give me a call on 01526 323559 to get your name on the list. There will be no new members enrolled until May 2008 but you are welcome to come to our meetings from January 2008 at a charge of £2.00 per person per visit.

Diary dates
2 Jan 2008 LIVES (bingo if permits)
6 February Phil & Margaret Gray
5 March AGM

The Committee wish all Members, Friends and Supporters a Happy Christmas and All Good Wishes for a Prosperous New Year.
Ann Crooks (Sec)

At the Hallowe'en Disco more than 140 swimming awards were presented to the children of the village and surrounding area. Well done to them all. We had a good day at the Fayre and Feast with St. George and the Dragon and two damsels in distress (NOT dat dress) in our home made Crusader tent.

We hope to see many of you at the New Year's Eve Family Party in the Village Hall. The theme is "the Wild West" so please dress up.
Tickets are available from 01526 321175 and Info-links office.
Price Adults £10, children £6
Family ticket £30 -
Supper included.
Bar available.
7.30 - 12.30.
Children's games room.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

A Few Chinese Proverbs

Man who run in front of car get tyred
Man who run behind car get exhausted
Man with one chopstick go hungry
Man who eat many prunes get good run for money
War does not determine who is right, war determine who is left
Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night
Man who stand on toilet is high on pot
Man who drive like hell, bound to get there
Man who break wind in church, sit in own pew
Man who scratch backside should not bite fingernails

Centenary Celebrations 2008

We shall be celebrating our centenary next year - a very special milestone for our local Methodist Church
We hope to make a display of events, which have taken place in the Metheringham Methodist Church over the past 100 years and wonder if any of you are in a position to help. We would like to display photographs, programmes, tickets etc. of past events, i.e. Weddings, Baptisms, Sunday School Outings and Anniversaries and Garden Parties etc. Should you be in possession of any such items and are willing for us to display them, we would be very grateful. We would also like to display any old photographs of our chapel and other chapels in the area.

Your items for display can be copied or, alternatively, if you write your name on the reverse we will ensure they are returned to you following the display. The display will take place in Metheringham Methodist Church from our Chapel Anniversary in May until Metheringham Feast in October (2008).
Please contact
Shirley Beevers 01526 320935
Cathy Brown 01526 321490
Angeline Murphy 01526 320099

Alternatively, you may contact any member of Metheringham Methodist Church
Thanks
Angeline Murphy

Well we have had another busy time since the last edition of Macla magazine. Our Curry Night held in September was a huge success and everyone who came had a great time. A big thank you to all who supported it and a special thanks to Tyrone and all the Staff at The Mowgli. We sold 92 tickets out of a possible 100 and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Next event was the Metheringham Fayre and Feast where we had a very successful day. Thank you to Gwen for donating a beautiful dog whose name ended up being Bernie and he went off to his new home in Metheringham. The winning person from the envelopes competition came from Walcott. We doubled our takings from the previous year and another big thank you to all helpers and responders who came and helped with the stall.

Our new Fundraising idea which was launched at the Curry Night is proving to be a big success. We now have F.O.M.A.L up and running which is our "Friends of Metheringham Area Lives" and it is proving very popular. Thank you to all who have joined.

We are in the process of making some changes in our local group and there will be two new Metheringham Co-ordinators in Beth McLuckie and Jenny Hutchinson. I am leaving to set up a new First Responders in the Branston, Nocton and Potterhanworth area and will be their Coordinator. I will also be the Fundraising Officer for all L.I.V.E.S Groups in the area and if any Coordinators need help in their Fund-raising department I will be assisting them and giving them new ideas. I leave Metheringham Area L.I.V.E.S knowing that it is fully operational with lots of Responders and fundraisers and lots of new ideas. I wish the group lots of success and look forward to hearing about their continued success. Beth's Tel No if you wish to contact her is 01526 321919. I can still be contacted for help and advice and ideas for Metheringham

All that is left is to wish all MACLA Readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year from all The Responders and Fundraisers in Metheringham Area Lives

Julie Hill Acting Coordinator Metheringham Area Lives

Martin Cricket Club had to put their Annual Presentation on hold after the sad and untimely death of their Chairman Trevor Davis in September. Trevor had been a stalwart supporter of the club for many years and had been their Chairman for over 25 years, right up to death. He died only a few days after been told of the news that his beloved team had become League Champions for the second successive season. His passing will leave a large void in the club.

The club presentation is now expected to take place in January but the main award winners are already known. Top batsman and also the Division One top batsman is Dave Newman who hit 469 runs in just eight innings with an average of 67.00. He hit two centuries with his highest score being 139 not out.
Top bowler is Rob Noble who picked up 15 wickets at an average of 11.47 His best figures were 6-15 and he finished 4th in the league averages.

Top player in the field was wicket keeper, Tom Harrison who claimed 7 wickets and finished 2nd in the League averages.

Martin Cricket Club also recorded the three top partnerships in Division One this season with the best being a second wicket stand between Dave Newman and Dave Gollop of 156 at home against neighbours Timberland. Their second best was an opening stand between Newman and P. Sneath of 135 at Saxilby and their third a fifth wicket partnership of 117 between Simon Godby and Mark Pilgrim in the home match with Timberland. This game saw them register a new record highest score in the Leagues of 374-6.