August 2009 Archives

Are you 50 or over?

None of us like to think ourself as an older person, however research has shown that around the age of 50 is a transition period for a lot of people. Often around that time we make some life-changing decisions: our children may be leaving home, or we may be thinking of early retirement or taking up a new hobby or interest. In North Kesteven 41% of all residents are over 50 so North Kesteven District Council is looking at ways we can offer practical help to our older residents.

Following on from a successful Older People's Forum earlier this year where older people were invited to have their say, it became apparent that there are a lot of services and opportunities in the community, but for a variety of reasons older people may not be aware of what is available.

To raise awareness and offer practical help and support, two Older Peoples Advice events are being held from 9:30am - 12:30pm on 2 October at North Kesteven District Council Offices in Sleaford and on 8 October at the Memorial Hall, North Hykeham. Along with representatives from North Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council there will be representatives from a wide variety of organisations and service providers such as Trading Standards, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, Carers Connect, Fire and Rescue, Pension Service, Falls Prevention, Handy Person Service and Lincolnshire Home Improvement Agency. There will also be people available to talk to you about healthy lifestyles and different types of exercise and sport , So please pop in and see us and enjoy some refreshments.

The group held their AGM on 17 August at Martin Moor Golf Club, where Carole and Alan, as always, made us most welcome. Chairperson Yvonne Denman welcomed everyone as a flurry of activity commenced with people signing in, paying membership fee (still only £1 per year - to cover insurance requirements), get a drink and buy raffle tickets. Yvonne thanked everyone for their attendance and then reported on what had been another year of hard work, despite fewer events and some different events.

The Evening with Sharna (top Midlands female vocalist at Martin Moor (with the Ploughman's Supper) proved a great success and yes, it will be repeated again next June.

Extra Table Top / Car Boot Sales proved popular with people both making money and looking for bargains. The next such event is on Saturday 3 October. Joyce Muncey juggled "hats" between secretary / co-ordinator and acting treasurer before reporting a hard but "fun" year. She added that the group is still short of volunteers at events and for some "behind the scene" jobs and if anyone could spare an hour here or there she would love to hear from them. Despite this a fantastic £5,064.00 had been raised to give away, with each of the chosen charities receiving £1,266.00. The four Beneficiaries, Northcote Heavy Horse, Lincoln Greyhound Trust, Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary and Halfway Home Dog Rescue all spoke about their work and sincerely thanked the members for their efforts and the cheques. More than a few tears were noted before a photo shoot and a short break.

The meeting then continued with nomination read out and the committee voted in. This was as follows: Chairperson (Yvonne Denman), Vice Chair (Ann Heading), Treasurer / Co-ordinator (Joyce Muncey), Secretary (Loretta Hammond), Assistant Secretary (Temporary staff from volunteer centre), other members (Mary Green, Iris Irving, Kevin Doughty, Roy Hammonds).

Voting Slips were collected with Loretta Hammonds recording them on the board for all to see. Tense moments followed waiting for the count which resulted in the charities for the coming year being: Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, North Hykeham, Lincoln Cat Care, The Ark Retirement Home, North Somercotes and Hedgehog Hospital, Authorpe, Nr. Louth. All proceeds raised between now and next August's AGM will be shared between these four charities. Yvonne expressed thanks all who had attended and to Carole and Alan for their hospitality before closing the meeting with the raffle.

Diary Events
Table Top / Car Boot - 3 Oct, Metheringham Village Hall. Set up 8.00 a.m. - open to public 8.30 - 1.00. Stalls, boots £5 pre-paid or £6 on the day.
Christmas Market Sat 14 Nov - Metheringham Village Hall - open all day from 10.00 - 4.00 - usual Giant Tombola, Large Raffle, MAWS Snack Bar.

All enquiries to Joyce Muncey (01526 321436)

Now that the work in the Branston Village Hall has been completed, the members are reminded that the General Meeting on 22nd September will be back at this location. The guest speaker on this occasion will be the widely travelled Steve Lovell, who will give a presentation on his travels in Australia. Nick Louth, a former foreign correspondent who used to work for Reuters, will talk about his life and experiences in this career at the October meeting. Moreover, Ken James will provide some amusing anecdotes about his life and work as a former photographer for the Lincolnshire Echo, at the November meeting.

Pam Moore has arranged an excellent programme for the Classic Movies Group which takes place every third Tuesday morning in each month, at the Heighington Old Village Hall. "The Winslow Boy" (1998 edition) will be shown during September. This is an Edwardian legal drama, and described by the critics as an elegant and engrossing film. However, the mood changes in October when Cary Grant appears in the brilliant 1944 comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace'". Still on the comedy theme, the November film will be "Keeping Mum". Maggie Smith and Rowan Atkinson star in this well acted and frequently amusing comedy/drama made in 2005.

Also at this same venue, but every second Tuesday morning in each month, the Armchair Travel Group meets to hear some very interesting and varied presentations. Thanks to the efforts of Pam Scoffin, an entertaining schedule has been created for the autumn. One of the main attractions will be a presentation given by Corrine and John Tyerman, who will provide an account of their experience of a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords. This is an occasion not to be missed, so members should plan to be at the hall in September by 10am for a 10.30am start.

George James has provided a programme for the Music Appreciation Group that is called "Jackie". This will be presented by Christine Anderson, and will take a close look at the life and career of Jacqueline Du Pre', and take place at the Heighington Old Village on 17th September at 2.30pm. This group always meets here at the same time every third Thursday in each month. U3A members are always welcome to attend this, and the above mentioned open groups.

Dick Newman

News from Neighbourhood policing team.

As I am writing this article, it is already early August, and raining heavily outside!
However, we have had some decent weather, and summer weather gives the 'sneak-in burglar' his opportunity. We all like to relax at home; but if you are all down the bottom of the garden, think about how easy it is for somebody to sneak into your house and take a wallet or handbag. Lock your front door.

We have had a number of burglaries very recently in Dunston, as well as some thefts from cars. No damage was done to any property, as the burglars simply climbed through open windows; and in one case, entered through the unlocked house-door (in the middle of the night). Similarly, the cars were left open all night.

Luckily, in late July, a resident of Drury Street Metheringham returned home in the middle of the day, and caught a male at the rear of the property in the process of breaking-in. He ran to the rear of the house, confronted the male, (holding two hammers), tackled him, and restrained him, after a violent struggle, until police officers arrived. Excellent and brave work by that gentleman.

The arrested male later admitted all the Dunston crimes.

Burglars and thieves prefer not to make a noise by breaking or forcing windows or doors, or setting-off car-alarms.

I visited and spoke to the various victims, some of whom made comments like "It's my fault" Let's make one thing clear. It is not their fault, any more than it is the fault of the police.It is the fault of the burglar and thief. However, if we are going to make it as easy as that, we all need to think seriously about crime-prevention.

More than 260 Lincolnshire walks to download and print FREE!

There's no doubt about it, walking is good for you. It's good for your heart, it's good for your lungs, it's good for the muscle and bone growth of your children and it's good for your feeling of wellbeing! Strong scientific evidence now supports the many benefits to health of regular walking - it is recommended that we take at least 10,000 steps a day.
Studies show that walking can:

• - Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• - Lower blood pressure
• - Reduce high cholesterol
• - Reduce body fat
• - Enhance mental well being

Walking offers a great way to help kids get the active habit. If parents express excitement about the prospect of a walk in the countryside, they are more likely to transmit this feeling to their children. It's important to treat the walk as an exploration or adventure and to go at the child's pace, no matter how often they want to stop and look at things; take treats to eat and plenty to drink; and head for some landmark that will appeal to them such as a castle, a playground, an ice cream van or a boating pond. If children experience walking as part of a fun activity they are more likely to want to go again.

So, how do you find out what is on offer? John Harris, a keen walker, got fed up with the lack of information on walks that were going on in the County. So, he decided that if he couldn't find what he was looking for - he had better create it! So www.walkinginlincs.co.uk came into being.
www.walkinginlincs.co.uk gives you all the information you need for the best walking in the County: Details of more than 260 walks to download and print free, details of all the Lincolnshire walking groups, maps and walk books - plus loads more information.

So check out the website and get walking!

Riverside Walk(ies!) Sun 4 Oct. at 10.30am
Meet at The Hub car park in Sleaford (parking free on Sundays)
Once again CountrysideNK teams up with VIP Pet Services for a guided walk along the River Slea. Whether with your dog or without, enjoy a delightful walk along the river bank, looking out for the new artworks installed by the Rauceby Banks Project (Sleaford).
Free entry.

Shelter Building in Skellingthorpe Woods
Thurs 29 Oct at 10.30am
Meet at Skellingthorpe Community Centre Car Park before driving onto Skellingthorpe Old Wood
More survival tips from Alan, this time on how to build a shelter good enough to keep you warm and dry until rescue comes along. After showing you how it's done, you can team up and build your very own shelter.
Free entry.

A Woodland Wander Sun 22 Nov at 10.30am
Meet at Skellingthorpe Community Centre Car Park before driving onto Skellingthorpe Old Wood
Join WatchNK Ranger, Steve Donagain, to learn more about our ancient woodland, including tree identification and woodland management.
Free entry.

Shooting Stars Display Team started at the beginning of May 2009 and we now have 26 members from as young as 4. The girls have done really well so far and we have managed to purchase uniforms and pom poms. We are still recruiting new comers in particular those aged 10 and over. We train on a Saturday morning during term time at Dunston Village Hall. We have been booked to do our first display at the end of August and we have a few girls entering a competition on 6th September in Yorkshire - so good luck to them. Anyone wishing to find out more about what we do, or wanting to join, please feel free to call me on: 01526 323589.

Happy Twirling

Cathy Ramond

Hello from the 1st Metheringham Scout Group.The last few months have been very busy. It began with our AGM in early June which was very well attended. Five members of the group received awards for the best Beaver, Cub, and Scout of the year. The shields were sponsored by several local businesses and we thank them all for their support.

Midsummer's eve found us at our annual family weekend camp. Group members invite their families to enjoy a weekend of fun Scout style. This year this included jousting, water fights, learning to light fires and cook back-woods style. It was greatly enjoyed by all those attending, even those who had never camped before.

Some of the leaders also visited local schools during June and July to promote Scouting and our Group. As a result we have 28 new members joining us in September. We have still got room for more Beavers and Cubs and we are also in need of Adult helpers.
Section Scout Leader Andrew Peall organised a sponsored 25 mile bike ride from Lincoln to Metheringham. This was well supported and raised £1000 for the Group caving activity due to take place in the autumn.

Annual cub and scout Summer camp was also a great success, 66 members enjoyed the outdoor fun including climbing, zip wire, shooting, archery, rafting (DIY), to name but a few. This year's camp also enjoyed the first day visit of the group Beaver colony, giving them the chance to find out what summer camp is all about. They enjoyed crazy golf, the assault course and the whole summer camp experience, which this year meant torrential rain. However the Beaver spirits remained high and they enjoyed every minute of the day.

We are now busy preparing for the new term which commences with Monday night Cubs on 7 September at 6.30 pm.

If you would like to know more or join us please contact Brian Crombie on 01526 320917 or Pete Lincoln on 01526 321055.

For our three local cricket clubs the 2009 season is not one to want to remember too fondly. At the time of going to press Nocton, who play in Division Three of the local Lincoln Sunday League, are almost assured of being wooden spoonists and are still looking for the first win of the season.

Regarding our two other sides, Martin and Blankney, they both saw life in the top flight of the Sunday League. For Martin it was a return to the Premier League after promotion last season while Blankney were in their fourth season. This season had proved difficult for both sides with Blankney, bottom and almost relegated while Martin are one place above their neighbours and also in danger of the drop.

Perhaps, in reality, for both sides it would be for the better going down as the gap between the Premier League and Division One is becoming greater as sides in the top flight have a call on players who are turning out for teams in the Lincolnshire ECB League on Saturdays and are just too good.

An example of this was in a recent game Blankney had against Lindum when Lincolnshire bowler Aaron Onyon felt it necessary to run in and bowl at full pace at their bottom order, inexperienced youngsters of 13/14/15 years of age - not very funny.

Nocton CC has continued to see youth as a way of ensuring cricket continues to take place in their village. Stalwarts David Glew and David Franklin continue to ply their trade and for the latter he continues to be the leading batsman in the side with an average of over 27 and a total of over 250 runs in the season to date, his highest score being 62. David Glew is the top wicket taker with 14 victims at an average of 18.5 and best figures 4-27. M. Stephens is the third top fielder in the division this season with 7 catches.

For Martin they have lost a number of players this season and had to rely on some of their old guard, including Steve Bailey and Gerald Audis. Skipper David Gollop leads their batting averages with one of 27.22. He has scored 380 runs with his highest being 107 not out. Dave Newman has picked up 22 wickets (av. 19) but Dave Gollop who has collected 17 wickets has a better average 18.20. Rob Noble and Aaron Pullam have collected 5 catches each while wicket keeper Tom Harrison has claimed 10 victims, the second most in the division.

Blankney CC, like Martin, has lost a number of experienced players including, at the "eleventh hour" their captain Will Carter who finished top of the batting, bowling and fielding averages last season. Local Blankney player, James Ingamells has taken over as captain and has taken the most wickets, 20 at an average of 20.1; his best figures being 4-23. He has also collected the most catches,6. With runs in short supply throughout the side he has also been the top run scorer with 177 at an average of just over 16.

Running two weekend sides Blankney's Saturday XI has, for a second season, played in Division Three of the South Lincs & Borders League. Again they are holding a mid table position and like the Sunday XI have brought in a number of young players, who with a little more practice and a few more games under their belts will be useful cricketers. Skipper Simon Behan is presently the second highest run scorer in the division with 650 runs scored in 14 innings at an average of over 72. He has scored seven fifties this season and one century with his highest score 108 not out. The club's top wicket taker is stalwart, Ian Holvey, who has picked up 21 wickets at an average of 16.9.
His best bowling figures are 5-17.Two other players, father and son, Phil and Tom Woodcock (14)have also collected five wicket hauls. In the field Callum Steele has picked up six catches and Andy Foster, eight victims behind the stumps.

A Metheringham Readers Group Review

Set within 3 separate time periods during the 20th century in Australia, London and Cornwall, the author captured my interest and imagination from the very first page where an excerpt from a fairy story set the scene. From this moment on I savoured every page as fairy stories intertwined with the actual story as it unfolding.

1913 - Maryborough Wharf, Australia. A four year old girl is discovered abandoned after a voyage from England. She doesn't know her name or remember anything from her journey, only that a woman she calls the Authoress was supposed to look after her - but the authoress is nowhere to be seen.

1975 - Cornwall, England. The four year old girl is now an old lady and determined to find out what happened to her all those years ago. She decides to travel from Brisbane to Cornwall to discover her real family in an estate called Blackhurst Manor owned by the Mountrachet family. She returns to Australia to conclude her business and personal affairs but fate intervenes and she never returns.

2005 - Brisbane & Cornwall. Nell has passed away but her mystery lives on as her only granddaughter, Cassandra receives a surprise inheritance in the form of mystery of Nell's abandonment at the Wharf in Australia all those years ago. Cassandra's hunt also leads her to the Mountrachet family in Cornwall, with its long ago abandoned cottage and its forgotten garden. Will Cassandra uncover the truth about Nell's life that Nell couldn't quite uncover in her lifetime?

This story was a slow unravelling of the truth behind Nell's abandonment, of the Mountrachet family whose greed and manipulation of their own family members finally determined its own demise. The paedophilic/incestuous father, the cunning, controlling and obsessive social climbing mother and her daughter, tainted by jealousy, all conspired to 'ruin' the lives of Georgiana, Eliza and Nell (Ivory). I had little sympathy for the family who got, in the end, what they deserved.

The book received a mixed review from the group. Whilst liking the book overall, it scored 8/10 for enjoyment, it was felt that it lacked depth in places and would have benefitted from being a bit more descriptive it therefore received 7.5/10 for style of writing.

Our Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 27 September at 10.30am and the Harvest Supper and Sale of Product on Monday 28 September at 6.30pm. Tickets will be on sale from Joyce Sellars, tel no 321729, price £6

On Saturday 10 October we will be holding a Coffee Morning & Gift Day in the Chapel Hall from 9.30 to 11.30am.A Thanksgiving Service for gifts will be held in the Methodist Church at 11.30am.

At the Fayre and Feast, on Saturday 24 October, refreshments will be served in the Chapel Hall from 1.00pm to 6.00pm.

Our Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 28 November, 9.30 - 11.30am.
Please make a note in your diary that the Village Carol Service will be on Tuesday 15 December at 7.00pm in the Methodist Church. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Jan Munday

1st Metheringham Brownies is still looking for a leader (or two). Brown Owl retired in July, and despite a year of looking, no-one has come forward to replace her. If you feel you could give some time for this, there would be sixteen little girls and two Unit Guiders who would be very happy to see you and help and support you. It does not matter if you have no previous experience of Guiding - it will all be shown to you over time.

Please think really hard about this, as the Brownies really enjoy their meetings, and will be most unhappy to have to be suspended. If you're not sure whether it is for you, why not make contact and try it for a term? Please ring Liza Yeaman on 01526 834897 as soon as possible, if you feel you could help in any way.

Thank you

Paula Hill

The WI meeting all had genuine touches of summer - to help forget the rain!

The June meeting was a talk and most importantly - sampling Dennett's Ice Cream - all delicious. My favourite - good old vanilla.

July was a varied and interesting visit to Harewood House. We could have done with two days to have experienced all it had to offer. Rain threatened but gave way to sunshine.

August was the talk on Hats by Dorothy Woods. She patiently made them for family weddings out of material called Sinamay (from the bark of a plant similar to banana - initially used for packing). The results were attractive. They would shade you from the sun but flop in the rain!

Successes during 2009 included a win for the Darts Team. Two teams will be entered in next year's competition. Also a third quiz team - due to the great interest. Moira Sturdy was awarded a 1st in the Lincolnshire Show for an embroidered sampler.

The 75th Birthday Celebration was enjoyed by all and well attended. Our thanks to "The Simpsons" for the use of their garden, David for his quiz and members for providing refreshments.
Other Activities included crafts days taken by various members. A visit to the Drill Hall to see a "Walk through the West End " - songs from the shows.

Our thanks to Audrey Webb for her leadership and we look forward to the Autumn Meeting to lighten up the dark evenings to come.

Autumn Meetings
Wed 16 Sept - A wood turning talk and demonstration by Alan Haslam. This is an open meeting. Visitors welcome.
Wed 21 Sept - A craft evening to be taken by some of our talented members.
Wed 18 Nov - A talk by Family history Researcher - Wesley Walker.

The Christmas Social will conclude 2009.

New members are always welcome

Jill Spooner

A meeting of the Parish Council will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 25th August 2009 at 7.30pm. Prior to the official start of the meeting a public forum of not more than 15 minutes will be held if required. The public may address the council between 7.15pm and 7.30pm on current matters, or issues which may become future agenda items. A Police Report will be given at this time.