October 2009 Archives

by Dot Howes

The Remembrance Day Service will this year begin at the Metheringham
Methodist Church at 10.00a.m. on Sunday 8th November followed by a
short procession to the Memorial Gardens where the memorial service and
2 minutes silence will take place. Following prayers in the churchyard
there will be refreshments at the Star and Garter.

St Wilfrid's Church are holding a St Andrews Night Supper in the St
Wilfrid's Church Hall at 7.00p.m. on Friday 27th November 2009. Tickets
are £8 from Margaret Amos, Ann de Vries or the Another Chance Shop.
Please bring your own drinks. The church are desperate to raise funds
to help pay for the unexpected repairs to the church caused by dry rot
and which will cost thousands of pounds.

The Metheringham Animal Welfare Supporters group (MAWS) Christmas
Market takes place on Saturday November 14th in the village hall
between 10.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. As usual there will be a wide array of
stalls from cards, gifts and crafts to the huge raffle and giant
tombola. The famous MAWS snack bar will be open all day. For the year
2009 to 2010 MAWS are supporting Hedgehog Care, the Weirfield Wildlife
Hospital, The Ark Retirement Home, and Lincoln Cat Care.

Metheringham Parish Council met in the village hall on Tuesday 27th
October with Councillor Dr Mike Allen in the chair. An apology for
absence was received from District Councillor John Rose. There were no
questions from the public and County Councillor Patricia Bradwell was
not present to give her report. CPSO Lisa Duckworth presented the
monthly police report with seven incidents recorded, three of damage to
property, two thefts of bicycles and two damaged vehicles. She also
reported on the disturbance in the village on Friday evening and how
policing had contained further disruption on Saturday.

In the report from the Dog Warden there were no major problems
although there is evidence of an offender in the Shiregates area again
which is being dealt with.

The budget for 2010/2011 was discussed and an increase of 2 ½ %
proposed and voted for. A precept of £82,000 for 2010/2011 was also
proposed and voted for. The council are looking at quotations for
replacement of the urinals in the gentlemen's toilets because the
stainless steel has corroded causing leakage out into the street.
Council approved spending of £700 by the Metheringham and District
Swimming Pool Association on chemicals for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
A member of the parish council will represent Metheringham at the
final Lafford High School prize giving ceremony on 26th November.

by Dot Howes

A new village cross, "a symbol of community and focus", was unveiled at the Metheringham Fayre and Feast on Saturday 24th October 2009.

There has been a cross on the site since before the 14th century and the 2009 one was commissioned to replace the rather ineffectual 1949 version which was used as a stand in after the 1911 cross was damaged during the Second World War. With the recent Village regeneration project came the opportunity to put back a new cross in the style of the 1838 cross.

Although the setting up the stalls on the High Street was hindered by the rain the marching Starlite Twirlers led the parade to the village centre on time. The Venerable Tim Barker, Archdeacon of Lincoln, was escorted by a small group of Scouts and followed by the special guests from Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council and including Mr and Mrs Peter Brown, from the Star and Garter to the cross.

Dr Mike Allen, Chairman of Metheringham Parish Council, welcomed everyone to the village to witness the dedication of Metheringham's new cross and to enjoy the Fayre and Feast. The Archdeacon unveiled the Union Flag from around the Cross and then dedicated it as " a symbol of community and focus for all who live in Metheringham and all who come to visit Metheringham" and led a short prayer of dedication before declaring the Feast open.

The first few hours were marred slightly by rain but the late afternoon and evening brightened up and visitors and locals were able to enjoy the stalls, appreciate the decorations, meet up with friends and family and enjoy the music. The theme of The Musicals brought a lively feel to the stalls and activities along the High Street. This year's competition was judged by Councillor Mrs Marion Brighton OBE.

The winners of the best decorated Business Premises was Karen's Kuts' interpretation of the Phantom of the Opera. The best decorated stall was judged to be Metheringham Football Club's "Oliver" which was serving mulled wine in place of gruel and had plenty of lost boys coming back for more! The judges were especially impressed by the Methodist Chapel's interpretations of the Musicals in flower arrangements, particularly the Carousel but sadly they were not eligible for a prize.

As well as the 62 stalls on the High Street and the 16 craft and display stalls in the village hall there were refreshments and goods available at St Wilfrid's Church, the Methodist Chapel, the village pubs and the other businesses along the street. Several had entered into the occasion with visitors greeted by the Lion from the Wizard of Oz at the Beehive, Mother Christmases at the Star and Garter's White Christmas, the cast of Grease in the Co-Op and the "Wicked" witches at Andrews Butchers' cauldron. Also cruising the streets were the Earthbound Misfits using some very flexible moves to duck the bunting across the street.

The afternoon entertainment began with a display by the Starlite Twirlers, the Metheringham area's original majorettes, who had girls of all ages from babies to seniors displaying their baton and pom pom routines. The Silver Sounds Band based in Dunston had to switch venues to the Village Hall because of the weather but provided the visitors and stallholders there with a much appreciated performance, Ralph Curry and Billy Jay took to the stage with very different singing styles and the MAD singers performed a range of songs from the musicals during their two slots.

Around 7.30p.m. there was a loud cheer as Metheringham's rock band, the Snogs, opened their set to play out the night with cover versions from the 1970s to the present day. As usual the only complaint was with the name. An extensive funfair operated throughout the day thanks to the travelling showmen who come to the Star and Garter field and car park every year.

There had been some trouble with youths fighting on Friday night but thanks to extra police on duty around the area throughout the day the masses of young people who came in from surrounding towns and villages were able to enjoy themselves without any trouble.

Councillor Fred Ambridge the chairman of North Kesteven District Council revealed that Metheringham Parish Council has, after several years of hard work, achieved Quality Council Status. Cllr Ambridge was congratulating the parish council on another splendid Fayre and Feast.

In his response Dr Mike Allen thanked everyone involved including Mike Credland who has been event organiser for most of the event's 21 years and was instrumental in it's revival although there has been an annual feast in the village to celebrate the end of harvest since medieval times.

From Dot Howes

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Concert Band under the musical direction of Mr Brian Newland will be performing at Metheringham Village Hall on Friday November 20th at 7.30p.m. Tickets are available from Info-links and D&K News and are all £4.00.

Blankney Bonfire and Fireworks takes place on Thursday November 5th at 6.30 p.m. There is no entrance fee but donations collected will go to selected local charities. Hot refreshments will be available.

Metheringham and District Swimming Pool Association (MADSPA) are holding a Quiz Night and Fish and Chip Supper on Friday 13th November 2009 in Metheringham Primary School Hall at 7.15 for 7.30p.m. Tickets are £5 per head and teams can be up to 6 people. Please book your food when ordering tickets from Anne Priest on 01526 321175 and bring your own drinks.

Bingo sessions take place at Caroline Road Community Centre on Saturdays at 7.30p.m. and Tuesdays at 2.00p.m.. They are open to anyone and the entrance charge is 50p which includes tea and coffee.

Metheringham WI were getting crafty at their October meeting last Wednesday. Members were able to choose from painting a Christmas Card, paper folding, Christmas Cracker making and plastic canvas work all demonstrated and instructed by their crafty colleagues. Those averse to "hands on" were able to do a quiz. During the business of the meeting the president Audrey Webb welcomed SEVEN new members and two visitors, one from Australia. Congratulations were sent to both the darts A and B teams who had won their recent matches.
Members were asked to sign up for workshops for making a scissor keep and/or card making. Forthcoming federation events include another quiz, the festive coffee morning at Rippingale, the Christmas Lunch at Great Hale and the Carol Service in Spalding.
Metheringham WI will be holding their annual dinner at Martin Moor Golf Club on Wednesday 20th January.
There is now a waiting list for the table top sale on November 21st in Metheringham Village Hall. Members were asked to help on the day and to provide home made produce for a stall.
In the competition for "Something Home Made" the winner was Irene Lyons and the Flower of the Month was won by Ronnie Wright. Mrs Webb announced that the competition format will change next year with members bringing an item to do with a particular letter of the alphabet. February 2010 will be for something beginning with A.
At next month's meeting on November 18th members will be learning about the Confessions of a Family History Researcher from Lesley Walker and the competition is for a family heirloom.

Dear Councillors

You are summoned to a meeting of Metheringham Parish Council which will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 27th October 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 and your attendance is also requested during this period. A Police Report will be given at this time.

Signed: Ms S N Wetherall AILCM
Clerk to Metheringham Parish Council
20th October 2009

AGENDA 27th October 2009

1. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given

2. Members Declarations of Interests: Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any point during the meeting in accordance with the 2000 Local Government Act.

3. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:

a) To receive a report from the County Councillor.
b) To receive a report from the District Councillor.
c) To receive reports from Council representatives on other outside bodies.

4. Notes of the last Full Council Meeting held on Tuesday 29th September 2009, to be approved and signed as the minutes.

5. Clerks report on matters outstanding (previously circulated)

6. Financial matters:

a) To consider and approve quotations received for the purchase and installation of new urinals for the gents public toilets.
b) MADSPA request to MPC to purchase chemicals for the pool at an approximate cost of £700.00. (Chemicals will last for two years).
c) To discuss and approve a budget for 2010/2011(documents previously circulated).
d) To approve the precept for 2010/2011.
e) To consider accounts for payment.
f) To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances, Income and Expenditure.

7. Planning Committee: Notes of the last meeting held on 14th October 2009, to be approved as the minutes (previously circulated).

8. Correspondence:

a) To note general correspondence (publications and letters are available for viewing).
b) To consider a letter from The Lafford High School, Billinghay, inviting members to the Prize giving Ceremony 2009 on Thursday 26th November at 7.00pm and decide accordingly.
c) To consider a letter from NKDC inviting members to attend a workshop re: Shaping the Future of North Kesteven, to be held on Thursday 12th November at 6.30pm at the Council Chamber, Sleaford and decide accordingly.

9. To receive reports on Outside Meetings:

a) To receive a report from members on the Power of Well-Being Training held 14th October 2009.
b) To receive a report from members on the Metheringham Area Cluster Group Meeting held 21st October 2009.

10. To receive reports from Working Groups:

a) Children's Playgrounds and Playing Fields
b) Fayre and Feast
c) Highways, Footpaths & Car Parks
d) War Memorial and Spring

11. Recreation field & related issues: To receive a progress report following information from MPC solicitor.

12. Allotments: To receive an update following the proposal for new allotments and pavilion.

13. The Quality Parish Scheme: To receive a report on progress.

14. New Cross: To receive a progress report from LCC and NKDC on the installation of the new cross.

15. Library and Health Clinic: To discuss continuing maintenance issues outside the library and health clinic, High Street.

16. Risk Assessment MPC/009-R5: To approve proposed amendments to Risk Assessment Report MPC/009-R5 (document previously circulated).

17. Training Statement of Intent MPC/014: To adopt Training Statement of Intent MPC/014 for Metheringham Parish Council (document previously circulated).

18. Joint Management Committee: To consider re-naming the JMC to Recreation Facilities Management Committee and changing the constitution to incorporate all users of the playing fields, swimming pool and pavilion.

19. Parish Plan: To receive an update from members on the meeting held on 15th October 2009.

20. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 24th November 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

by Dot Howes

People for many miles around were alerted by a huge plume of black smoke at Martin Moor on Tuesday morning. The cause was a huge and potentially dangerous fire at Eclipse Farm which stocks both animal feeds and domestic gas. Firefighters set up an exclusion zone and the road was closed till the following day while the fire was dealt with and the area made safe.

The Mission X club for 7-11year olds meets from 7-8p.m. on alternate Friday evenings in the Methodist Church Rooms. Mission Xtra the youth club for 11-16 year olds follows on at 8.15- 9.30p.m.. The next meetings will be on October 23rd, November 6th and November 20th. For further information call Nicky on 01526 322305.

St Wilfrid's Church will be holding a special service on All Souls Day Monday 2nd November. It will be a thanksgiving and rememberance service especially for the recently bereaved to which everyone is welcome.

Come and meet the RSPB at an Information and Coffee Morning in the Village Hall from 10.00a.m. to 1.00p.m. RSPB volunteers will be able to answer questions and food and feeders for garden birds will be available as well as identification and other wild bird information.

The Over 60s Autumn Coffee Morning will be on Saturday 7th November in the village hall.

Sherry Forbes at Manor House Stables, Martin is running a series of craft workshops between October and December. Initially, all will be 1-day courses which will start from between 9.30-10.00am and continue all day with a special home-made lunch and a glass of our own special apple wine, finishing about 4.30-5.30pm (depending on course). The maximum number of people on the workshops will be small (4 to 8) to ensure everyone has time to create something special to take home. The cost will range from £40 to £50 per person and will include materials plus lunch, tea, coffee and wine. The aim is to have fun and learn new skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Planned workshops for October include:

• Wednesday 21st October - Sowing Seeds for Spring


• Sunday 25th October - Hand-made Paper-making


• Wednesday 28th October - Barge Art Workshop: Paint a Pot in a Day

• Making Birch and Hazel Brooms the Traditional Way


• Entertaining Made Easy: Nutritious Nibbles and Quick Canapés


• Learn to Turn Wood into Apples & Pears


• Bake your own Bread, Cook up a Pot of Pumpkin Soup, & Cobble together a Crumble

There is also a whole series of Christmas themed craft workshop in the run-up to the festive season.

If you're interested in any of these then visit Sherry's wonderful Manor House Stables website where full details, including booking forms, are available. Alternatively contact Sherry at info@manorhousestables.co.uk or on 01526 378717 or 07979 750760

A few people that have done carving in the past have expressed interest in doing more. As a way of getting people together, we are therefore coordinating some carving sessions at Whisby Natural World, on the Lincoln by pass. Helen Link has produced a splendid design for a dragonfly sculpture come seat, and we would like to invite past carvers to join her and help. The idea is this will be a chance to get together and talk about other future projects, share experience and learn new techniques, whilst working on a different, artist designed project.

After that we would like as many experienced carvers as possible to help teach youngsters how to carve, mentoring them through the early stages of carving, whilst they produce small panels or way markers.

The sessions are planned for.
Wednesday 18th Friday 20th Nov. Wed 25th Friday 27th. Wed 2 Dec and Friday 4th. Wednesday 9th and Friday 11th
Wednesday 16th and Friday 18th.
10.30 till 12.30 and 1.30 till 4.00.

Let me know if you are interested, or if you would like to be kept in the loop but cant come to these dates.

Please pass on this invite on to anybody who has taken part in a previous carving project or you think would like to be involved.

http://www.naturalworldcentre.com/finding-us

Nick Jones
artsNK Visual Arts Manager
01529 411190
The Hub National Centre for Craft and Design Navigation Wharf Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 7TW

www.leisureconnection.co.uk

At the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre - in the old gymnasium - on Wednesday 28th October 2009 at 7.30pm. Admission: Members free, Visitors £4.00 including tea/coffee and biscuits.

Enquiries to: Friends of Metheringham Airfield, Westmoor Farm, Martin Moor, Metheringham, Lincoln LN4 3BQ. Tel: 01526 378270/604

Access and facilities for the Disabled. All proceeds in aid of the Visitor Centre / 106 Sqn Museum.

In aid of St Peter's Church, Dunston, the residents of Dunston held their second annual Scarecrow festival. With over 70 Scarecrows to choose from, there was plenty to delight the eye.

It was estimated that over £2,300 was raised over the weekend which will help fund improvements to St Peters.

Pete Ford has kindly photographed all the Scarecrows which can be seen in this photo gallery.

The top three as voted by the residents of Dunston are:

Which was your favourite?

Minutes of the Metheringham Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 25th August 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.