September 2010 Archives

From Dot Howes

Metheringham WI hold their next meeting at 7.15p.m. on Wednesday 20th October in the village hall. This will be a games evening and the competitions letter is H. On 20th November the WI are hosting a Table Top Sale in the village hall from 10.00a.m.-2.00p.m.. Tables cost £6 payable at time of booking. Please contact Ronnie Wright on 01526 320220 if you would like one of the few remaining tables.

Metheringham Amateur Dramatics are holding an open information session in the village hall on Saturday 9th October between 2.00and 4.00p.m..
Come and see what goes into putting on a production and see where your skills and expertise could fit in. Acting, directing, producing, singing, playing instruments, dancing, stage management, set design, scenery painting, sewing, glueing, publicity, sound and lighting.

Metheringham Fayre and Feast takes place on Saturday 23rd October and the road will be closed from 12 noon on that day. The event opens at 2.15 and runs through till 9.00p.m. with the theme this year of Heroes and Heroines. The organisers would like more of you to be their heroes and heroines by giving a couple of hours of your time to act as stewards and helpers. The only constraint is that you should be over 18. Please contact Sharon, the parish clerk, on 0800 6343307 or e-mail her on clerk@metheringham.org.uk if you can help make this another real community event by doing your bit.

There is still a vacancy for a volunteer to act as secretary to Metheringham Village Hall Management Committee. The position involves taking minutes at the committee meetings (about five to six times a year) and dealing with correspondence. Expenses will be reimbursed.
Anyone interested in helping with the village hall in this way should contact Jenni Honisett on 01526 320968.

Dear Councillors

You are summoned to a meeting of Metheringham Parish Council which will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 28th September 2010 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
21st September 2010

AGENDA - 28th September 2010

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.
d) To receive a report from the Parish Dog Warden

4. Notes of the last Full Council Meeting held on Tuesday 31st August 2010, to be approved and signed as the minutes.

5. Clerks report on matters outstanding (previously circulated)

6. Financial matters:
a) To approve Conclusion of Audit for 2009/2010 and posting of Notice for a period of 14 days.
b) To consider accounts for payment.
c) To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances, Income and Expenditure.

7. Planning Committee:
a) To receive a report from Cllr Mrs Honisett.
b) License Application: To consider license application for a premier grocers/off license at premises 36 High Street, Metheringham. Shop opening times 6.00am - 12.00am, alcohol sales 9.00am - 12.00am.

8. Correspondence:
a) To note general correspondence (publications and letters are available for viewing).

9. To receive reports on Outside Meetings:
a) To receive a report from members on the NKDC Corporate Priorities workshop held on 1st September 2010.
b) To receive a report from the Chairman on the LALC County Committee meeting held on 8th September 2010.
c) To receive a report from members on the Nocton Dairies Liaison Committee meetings held on 9th and 23rd September 2010.
d) To receive a report from the Clerk on the SLCC Branch meeting held 24th September 2010.

10. To receive reports from Working Groups:
a) Allotments
b) Children's Playgrounds and Playing Fields
c) Consultation and Questionnaires
d) Fayre and Feast
e) Forward Planning
f) Highways, Footpaths & Car Parks
g) Risk Assessment
h) Street Lighting
i) War Memorial and Spring
j) To consider members of working groups

11. Recreation field & related issues: To receive a progress report.

12. Community Governance (Parish) Reviews: To consider abolishing the Metheringham Fen Parish Ward Boundary, to be incorporated within the Metheringham Village Ward.

13. Public Toilet Caretaker Pay Scale: To consider amending the pay scale for the public toilet caretaker from SCP 4 - £6.31 per hour to SCP 6 - £6.49 per hour to bring the remuneration level up to that of other parish/town councils who have carried out a job evaluation of the position.

14. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 26th October 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Minutes of the Nocton Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday the 3rd of August 2010 in the village hall

Present:
Miss Storr Chair
Ms.Wilson Vice-Chair
Mr.Rumbelow
Mrs. Williams
Mr. Chambers D.Cllr.
Mrs. Green Clerk
Ms.Duckworth PCSO
12 members of the public
Apologies: D.Cllr.Rose, P.Cllr's. Askew & Capewell

1) Declaration of Prejudicial Interest in Accordance With the Ethical Code of Conduct:
None

2) Police:
The two people arrested in the Hall in June have been charged with vagrancy. Last Saturday there was a large police presence to clear motorists from the hospital site. There have been a couple of reports of motorcyclists cutting through the footpaths.
Mr.Fernley asked if tractors could be stopped from using Wellhead Lane, the PCSO will speak to Highways. If night time noise is a problem contact Environmental Services at NKDC there is an emergency number. PCSO Duckworth will attend the Nocton Dairies meeting on Friday and PCSO Flannigan on Saturday.

3) Public Questions:
What are the P.C. going to do about the beck? It is the responsibility of NKDC, the clerk will report it. Riparian owners have the responsibility of keeping the water course clean and free flowing.
What has happened to the land opposite the houses on Wellhead Lane? NKDC have placed a TPO on the whole field. A hedge is obstructing the footpath along The Avenue, the clerk will write to the owner. The hedge alongside The Hall grounds and Main Street have still not been cut back by LCC Highways.

4) Litter:
Mr.Sidney was paid for July and left the meeting.

5) The Minutes of the July meeting:
were proposed as correct by Mr.Rumbelow, seconded by Miss Storr and signed.

Matters Arising:
48/10see30/10) The safety mirror is now in place.

49/10see31/10 Play area letter from Nick Dowler stating it is not in his power to give permission for part of the school playing field to be used as a play area. A letter from Brendon Prichard agreeing with the request to use part of the school playing field as a play area. The agreement of the School Governors is required and the P.C. will have to pay any and all financial outlay necessary and must send detailed plans to Mouchel for comment and approval.

50/10see33/10) Allotments - still some plots available, contact Mr.Faulkner on 07799296161

51/10see34/10) V.H. Inspect-a-Drain repaired and lined the damaged drain. The Uretek report to be circulated again and a decision made at the next meeting on the settlement problem.

52/10see36/10) Mary Ann Williams is our new councillor and was welcomed to the council.

53/10see39/10) It was agreed to cost the possibility of surfacing The Green outside the school with a material that will allow the grass to grow through, as the area is owned by the P.C. and used by the Church and the school on occasion, a three way split for the cost was suggested.

54/10see47/10b) The bridle path has been cut but debris left, the clerk has rung Robert Howard to get it cleared away, it was being done yesterday.

55/10see47/10d) The clerk to contact Scopwick P.C. regarding 'Duck' signs.

56/10see47/10g) The children's singing in the Cathedral was very good.

57/10see47/10h) A bat survey is currently taking place in Church.

Village Hall 58/10) A Committee meeting tomorrow evening. Coffee morning next Wednesday. October 1st a Lincolnshire Day event is being planned. The 'Pot Luck Lunch' organised for today had to be cancelled due to lack of support.

Equal Opportunities 59/10) Nothing to discuss.

Nocton Hall 60/10) NKDC are experiencing problems with finances and English Heritage. A letter received from Karen Bradford re: the meeting she attended in June.

Letters: July61/10
a) URETEC report & quote
b) LCC, NKDC, WLDC, Lincoln City Council Central Lincolnshire Statement of Community Involvement. c) NHS Research & You
d) LCC Referred Mineral & Waste Strategies
e) NKDC re: Register of Interests
f) NKDC Electoral Services call for a by-election 29th July
g) Brendan Prichard reply re: play area.
h) NKDC Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee Public Participation Leaflet.
i) NKDC Local Code of Conduct & Declaration of Interest Training Workshop.
j) Wicksteed playskapes ad.
k) NKDC Cluster news
I) NKDC re: Lincolnshire Sub-Regional Empty Homes Project Draft Strategy
m) Clerks and Councils Direct
n) Play area surfacing ad
o) Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Richard Crompton
p) NKDC re: Dog and litter bin sites
q) NKDC Cluster Agenda for 14th July
r) NKDC What's On
s) NKDC copy of letter sent Karen Bradford from LCC Highways re: dropped kerbs.
t) LCC re: Lincoln East West link road. We need your views
u) Nick Dowler re: proposed play area

August62/10
a) NKDC New Councillors forms.
b) NKDC re: uncontested by-election result
c) NKDC Corporate Priorities Consultation Workshop
d) NKDC Agenda/Minutes Standards Committee.
e) NKDC Code of Conduct Training Workshop
f) LCC This is Art posters
g) NKDC Statement of Licensing Policy
h) RAF Waddington re: low flying exercise 27th July, 4th Aug.
i) Gerry Watchus resignation from P.C.
j) Lincoln City Council, NKDC, WLDC, LCC re: Central Lincolnshire Core Strategy, Preliminary Consultation.
k) NKDC Karen Bradford re: June meeting
I) Mouchel (LCC) Brendan Prichard re: play area
m) Clerks and Counsels Direct.
n) LCC The Really Useful Stuff Handbook on a memory stick
o) NKDC What's On

Planning July 63/10
a) LCC Ap. /0006/10 Anaerobic Digestion Unit Nocton Fen
b) LCC Planning Permission N/26/0523/09 Dunston Quarry
c) NKDC planning meeting re: 10/0206/CCC 3rd July

Aug.64/10
a) NKDC application 10/0206/CCC Anaerobic Digester Nocton Fen
b) LCC (10/0006/01) Planning Permission above
c) NKDC TPO N1735 2010 Wellhead Lane
d) NKDC Application 10/0832/HOUS single story back ext. fence & shed 12 Akritiri Square.
e) NKDC re: adoption of STCR Supplementary Planning
f) NKDC Ap. 10/0831/EIASCO request for scoping Nocton Dairies Ltd.
g) Geoff Hall re: above
h) Nocton Dairies Ltd. re: meetings 6th 7th Aug.

Nocton Dairies: 65/10) Letter received from Nocton Dairies Ltd. re: 'drop in' meetings 6th & 7th Aug. had the venue address incorrect. It was asked if comments from outside NK would be disregarded the D.Cllr. said he thought that they would. Councillors will attend the meeting only as parishioners, the clerk is to write to Nocton Dairies Ltd. explaining this and ask if a formal meeting can be arranged for councillors. Ms.Wilson will contact the Chairmen of other P.C's.

Finance July66/10
a) Lloyds statements (9) £1579.71 (10) £62.08
b) Inspect-a-Drain inv. £104.48
c) Wentworth Systems inv. £4255.85
d) Reese Safety receipt
e) NKDC remittance £3622
f) All Saints Church request for funding
g) M.Sydney £40 for litter picking June
h) Clerks sal June £168.72 expo £6.28 = £175

August67/10
a) Lloyds statement (10) £13852.34, (11) £61.10
b) Wentworth Systems £200 refund
c) e.on invoice for power £158.79 (ch. signed)
d) NKDC invoice by-election £54.02 (ch. signed)
e) BJB fitting safety mirror £118 (ch. signed)
f) Mr.Sidney for litter picking £40 July (ch. signed)
g) All Saints Church £200 (ch. signed)
h) Clerks sal. July 2010 £168.72 exp £13.32 = £182.04 (ch.signed)

Any Other Business 68/10
a) Next cluster meeting is in October.
Ms. Wilson said Sowerby Homes have erected more storage containers in the enclave, does he need planning permission?

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday Sep.14th 2010 at 7pm in the village hall.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.20pm

from Dot Howes

There will be a Ladies Pamper Night on Friday 8th October 2010 in Metheringham village Hall from 7.30p.m. presented by MADSPA. Tickets in advance cost £4 and include a complimentary drink. Tickets will be £5 on the door. Interests and treatments covered will include massaging, chocolate, kitchen ware, jewellery, toning, cards and many others.
Tickets are available from Kerri on 07900 915191 or InfoLinks. The evening is to raise money for the Swimming Pool.

There will be a Car Wash on October 2nd at Metheringham Fire Station between 10.00a.m. and 2.00p.m.

At their September meeting Metheringham WI were entertained by Steve Lovell and his slides from around the world - a fascinating mixture of travelogue, natural history and the picturesque. President , Audrey Webb announced several birthdays to celebrate and visitors to welcome before moving on to the business of the meeting which included preparations for the Fayre and Feast on 23rd October. The WI will be inside the village hall for the first time and are selling produce and crafts as well as having a tombola. Members are also preparing for the Make, Bake and Show competition on 30th October. The two members who had been on the skid pan afternoon had found it very beneficial and inspiring and those who had been to the Carlton Male Voice Choir had had a very enjoyable and entertaining evening. There are still a few vacancies for the Table Top sale on 20th November - contact Ronnie Wright on 01526 320220. The Flower of the Month was won by Ronnie Wright and the competition for something beginning with G was won jointly by Mary Goddard's Gingerbread and Sally Wilson's friend Gaynor.

There will be a New Age Kurling Free Open Evening on Friday 24th September between 7 and 9 p.m.. Refreshments will be available and all ages and abilities are welcome.

Both the Methodist Church and St Wilfrid's are holding their harvest festivals in the next few weeks Metheringham Methodist Church hold their Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday 26th September 2010. the service at 10.30a.m. will be led by the Rev Neil Vickers. On Monday 27th September there will be the Harvest Supper and Auction of Produce at 6.30p.m. in the Chapel Hall. Tickets are £6.50 available from Joyce Sellars.
St Wilfrid's Church Harvest Supper will be in the church hall on Friday 24th September 2010 at 7.00p.m.. Tickets are £8 and do not include drinks so you are invited to bring your own. Tickets are available from the Another Chance shop or Margaret Amos.

At the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre - in the old gymnasium - on Wednesday 22nd September 2010 at 7.30pm. Admission: Members free, Visitors £5.00 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.

From Dot Howes

Metheringham Parish Council meeting was held in the village hall on Tuesday 31st August 2010.

In her County Councillor's report Councillor Mrs Bradwell said that there was no money available for a bus shelter in Metheringham because the 2008 Special Grant fund they had hoped to use had now finished so it would be up to the parish council to pay. Cllr Honisett pointed out that Metheringham had put in their request several years before 2008.

Funding is now available to do the work needed on the Station Car Park. Tenders are being sought to knock down the old buildings, surface the car park and install a Call Connect Bus Stop.

In her monthly report to the parish council the village dog warden said there were still problems with fouling on Church Walk, the Playing Field and Paddock Lane. Flyers are being delivered to Barley Close, Paddock Lane and Princess Margaret Avenue and random daily patrols continue. It was suggested that maybe the warden should wear a reflective jacket or something to give her a higher profile.

Metheringham Spring Garden on Drury Street is still causing concerns. It is a public area and should be open but damage to the garden and spring during the summer holidays has caused it to be temporarily locked again. The council discussed whether it would be better protected if kept locked in holiday time. There had also been an unspecified complaint from one of the neighbours.

Metheringham has reached the final three in its' size category for the Best Kept Village competition.

A recent report on the state of repair of the Prince's Street play area has highlighted some areas of concern regarding the woodwork round the slide.

The booking forms for having a stall at the Fayre and Feast on 23rd October are now available.

There being a space on the Planning Committee of the council following Councillor Parkers resignation Councillor Ford was elected to the committee.

A new website has been launched to support the residents of Dunston.

Known as the Dunston Dossier, it can be found at www.dunstondossier.org.uk.

Minutes of the Metheringham Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 27th July 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Minutes of the Metheringham Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Planning Meeting held on Wednesday 11th August 2010 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

The following documents have been added to the PC documents page

• A revised edition (Ed.7) of the Parish Council Standing Orders


• A Fly Posting Policy


• A Press and Media Policy

Editor's Corner

Another Summer has come and almost gone and by all account from articles in the magazine, most events held by local organisations have, in the main, enjoyed good weather - what a pleasing change one has to say.

We now move into the Autumn and Christmas periods and several articles / adverts put emphasis on their festive events. The Metheringham Parish Council, are busy arranging for yet another Fayre & Feast, the 23rd to be held since organiser Mike Credland's innovation way back in 1988 to save what was looking like the end of the attendance of the Travelling Showmen to the village.

As normal, I will again be presenting the memorabilia photographs in the village Hall so come along and step back into the past with me.

Pete Ford (Editor)

A letter.

On Friday 6 August my wife and I attended an exhibition at Wood Lodge Farm, Dunston, organised by the developers of the so-called Super Dairy. The plan, the first of its type in Europe, is to house and intensively milk 8,100 cows on a 22 acre site at Nocton.

The proceedings were somewhat disorganised; we had difficulty in examining the proposals and had no opportunity to speak to the developers. However, we came away very concerned about the effect on the wider community, especially Metheringham, which is within two miles of the development site.

We understand that access and egress from the site is via the B1188, Lincoln to Sleaford road, which is a Red Route. The road serves a wide area, so a significant increase in heavy traffic, especially bulk milk carriers and vehicles transporting live and dead cattle, would exacerbate an already hazardous traffic situation.

The cows will produce millions of gallons of effluent which will be stored in slurry lagoons around a large area. The manure spreading plan covers fields around Nocton, Dunston, Metheringham, Scopwick and RAF Digby. We have particular concerns about the effect of the dispersal of effluent on public health. Particles in the air may exacerbate breathing problems for people suffering from asthma and similar complaints. This topic needs to be fully investigated.

Other pertinent issues include: animal welfare, the size and location of the operation, noise and emissions from the site, effluent treatment, light pollution, ecology, landscape, drainage, flies, smell, greenhouse gases and methane emissions, to name but a few.

In the United States operations like this are not allowed within 4 to 8 miles of communities. No doubt there are good reasons for these restrictions. We suspect that the concerns already expressed by Dunston residents may be shared by those of Metheringham, as the distance between the two settlements is approximately half a mile, which is no distance at all in terms of environmental impact.

At the time of writing this article (Aug 14), a revised planning application has not yet been submitted; the exhibition was not part of the formal planning process. However, if Metheringham, Scopwick and other residents have concerns, they should express them to their Parish, District and County Councillors, as well as to the Planning Department at North Kesteven District Council. If a revised application is submitted, details about its effect on Metheringham and surrounding area must then be circulated and a public meeting should be held in the village.

Concerned residents
Metheringham

MACLA: Metheringham Magazine: The Green One

MACLA, for a 'green one', comes out of the blue, unexpected... something treasured, taken out from a box or a drawer every now and then and considered for all it's worth... though the container in this case is the time between issues and each issue is new and intriguing.

A village, however close to hamlet or verging on town, is held together, if it is a community at all, by various social bonds: pub, post office, shops if there are any, village hall, and a magazine - if it is fortunate enough - which announces and involves and entertains. These essentials are the fabric. At the heart is people, folk, residents, dwellers, but these social glues, and the willingness of a few to be organisers ambassadors, promoters and workhorses keeps a village alive as opposed to merely ticking over.

Maybe the key of keys is the village magazine, broadcasting the day to day and sustaining a gentle cohesion. A community magazine is inconclusive. All can be authors, information givers, relaters, anecdote dispatchers... spreading news, wisdom, knowledge, wit and amusement. You can offer history, review, opinion, open up discussion, pass on tips, club reports and recruitment, entertainment dates, allow space for immediate locality advertising and even verse; all creating anticipation for village events and then the means to explain in as much detail as you wish, how they went. To communicate is all!

You can keep in touch, know what is going on, via this reliable vintage grape vine. Metheringham's MACLA, the 'Green One' is an exemplary village magazine, packed with attributes, and a credit to its 'staff': Peter Ford : a substantial and significant publication and well worth reading.

Support your Green One, extol it, ring its praises, be proud of it. Long may it publish. MAKE THE GREEN ONE SPREAD.

David Lockyer

Statement from Metheringham Parish Council - Proposed Dairy Farm, Nocton

To resolve at our next meeting on 31/8/10 that, in the event of a planning application being put forward for the Nocton Dairies development, this Parish Council will urgently request NKDC hold a public consultation meeting in Metheringham Village Hall. This village has a much larger number of inhabitants compared to other villages in the immediate area and could suffer from infrastructure, logistics and other environmental issues. The Parish Council is more than willing to facilitate this meeting.

Dr M. A. Allen (Chairman)

The Spring Garden - Drury St - Regrettably and sadly it has been necessary to lock the recently refurbished Spring due to continued vandalism by local youths. The future of this area will be discussed at the next council meeting.

Allotments
Unfortunately, despite all our efforts to obtain further land, we have failed. The sale of the glebe land to another party has been a major setback. The Parish Council has had to approach North Kesteven District Council to ascertain the procedure needed for making a compulsory purchase of land to meet our needs. As you can see we are now in desperate need of some land, so if you can help in any way possible please contact the Clerk.

Best Kept Village Competition
We entered Metheringham in the Best Kept Village Competition this year and we have been competing against twenty three other large villages across Lincolnshire. At the beginning of August we were informed that our village is through to the semi final stage of judging along with last year's winners, Nettleham and Kirton near Boston.

(including extracts - with kind permission - from local publication by Peter Baumber on Kirkby Green and Scopwick)

While some 40 men from Kirkby Green and Scopwick were away at the front in France and elsewhere in WWI (including 14 who failed to return), the war in a sense also came to Scopwick. In 1917 some pasture land west of Scopwick, owned by the Earl of Londesborough and farmed by Henry Wright of Kirkby Green, was requisitioned as an airfield. Gangs of men built aircraft hangars, workshops and domestic accommodation which was used by the Royal Naval Air Service training school at Cranwell as an overflow for the aircraft and cadets.

The aerodrome began its independent life on 28 March 1918 and three days later, on the foundation of the Royal Air Force, it became known as RAF Scopwick. Although the Camp is wholly within the Scopwick parish, in July 1920 the name was changed to RAF Digby to avoid confusion with RAF Shotwick, in Flintshire, Wales, which too was renamed, to RAF Sealand. These changes were prompted by the fact that machinery ordered by the workshops officers at Scopwick was wrongly sent to Shotwick, where it lay for seven months baffling the workshop officers there, who had no use for it.

You may have noticed that the works to upgrade the entrance, from the car park side of the hall, is now underway and we look forward to its early completion

The annual "Spring Clean" is taking place in areas not affected by the works and we are grateful to the volunteers for all their help in making 'your' hall one of the best in the area.

EVENTS
We look forward to the Autumn 50/50 AUCTION
Friday (October date TBA) 5.30pm - 7.30pm for booking in, any items you wish to enter into the sale. (TV's cannot be accepted)
Saturday (October date TBA) 8.00am doors open for viewing.
10am Sale Start - Refreshments available.
Date to be advertised by poster.

This year's BAND CONCERT will be on 19 November at 7.30pm. Tickets will be on sale at £5.00 each.
This year's concert will be a PROMS NIGHT and I can assure you that it will be an excellent performance if last year's is anything to go by.

CHRISTMAS PARTY
The annual Christmas Party will be on Friday 17 December.
This is a free event to thank you all for your support throughout the year.

NEW AGE KURLING
Don't forget, Kurling takes place on Friday evenings, for more information ring Gwyneth on 015266322633.

Please note the contact telephone number for Rob Hall is 07899681399

The Friends of Metheringham School had their second successful Summer Fair on 10 July, raising some £500. Although there was no rain, I'm sure the high temperatures put some people off from coming out to support us. We would like to say a big thanks to all those who supported us whether in attending or providing prizes for raffles and tombolas and an even bigger thanks to the Angels Dance Troupe, Metheringham Fire and Rescue, along with the Silver Sounds Band, and a very big thanks to you all for coming along and making the event feel like a Country Village Fair with a great community feel.
Event Winners:
Welly throwing -
Infants: Callum Benfield
Juniors: Brady Armsworth
Ladies: Mrs Messaoudi
Gents: Mr Messaoudi

Football Target - Chris Bleasdale
Shoot the Hoop - Charlotte Moore
Treasure Map - Libby Leggatt
Raffle - all winners were notified

FOMS once again provided gifts for all those leaving Metheringham Primary School - they are spreading out among six local secondary schools. Our best wishes go with them as they move on.

Funds raised are going towards buying stage blocks for the school. Additionally, we are looking to purchase some pub style picnic benches for both playgrounds. Does anyone out there know of good quality but good value ones for sale, preferably locally, so we can support the local community.

Finally, if you are interested in helping FOMS in any way, whether just at a particular event or by being on the committee, please do not hesitate to contact Alicia Armsworth on 323431.

It may have been the mention in the Summer issue of the MACLA magazine, or the two page spread on Scopwick in The Journal magazine, but there have certainly been more visitors in the village recently. The cemetery extension in Vicarage Lane has seen a steady stream of people to view the war graves, including that of John Magee the author of the poem High Flight.

Unfortunately, Scopwick and Kirkby Green (treated as one) did not make it through to the second round of the Best Kept Village competition. There was a period in between grass cuts when the village did not look its best and that may have coincided with the arrival of the judges. The villages are generally well kept and despite the disappointment this time, we will enter again next year to gain the recognition that is deserved.

It will soon be that time of year again when we remember all those who gave their lives for us in war. The people of Metheringham have always been extremely generous with their donations and each year you have managed to surpass previous years. I hope 2010 will be just as good, if not better than last year.

With this in mind, I would like to bring to your attention that there are areas in Metheringham where there are no "door to door" poppy sellers. If you would like to give up a couple of hours to help, please call me. Thank you

Anita Yorke
Poppy Appeal Organiser
01522 820345

Princess Margaret Avenue

The family of the late Ralph Nelson would like to thank all his friends and neighbours (you know who you are) for attending his Service and for your friendship and help when needed over the last five years.

A big "thank you" also to the Staff at the Co-op for their assistance to Ralph, the Carers and last but no means least, the local Lives First Responders to whom a cheque for £160.00 has been sent, and the Ambulance Crew for their professional and sympathetic attendance to Ralph and his family, at our time of need.

God Bless You All.

The Band recently held a presentation of awards / social evening at which each young player in the Band was presented with a certificate of achievement by Roy Duncan, the Musical Director; and he then presented the following awards:
Player of the Year: Sophie Primett (Principal Cornet)
Most Promising Player: Samuel Palmer (Principal Tuba)
Most Improved Beginner: Georgia Fulop (Flugel)
Bandsman of the Year: Derrick Chantry (Cornet)

Following this, Sophie Fox (9) who plays Repiano Cornet, presented Roy & Helen with certificates she had designed and made herself for 'Best Conductor' and 'Best Helper' respectively, which they were delighted to receive. Thank you Sophie!

The Summer term has been extremely busy but very exciting. The highlight was definitely the Cluster Choir Concert which took place on 23 June in Lincoln Cathedral. There were 14 local schools involved from our "Villages Cluster". There were around 300 children singing to a huge audience of around 1000 people. It was an enormous pleasure to listen to Dunston's choir, who sang beautifully, and also to all of the children singing together. It felt very special to bring children together from so many schools.

A group of children have been to Siren FM, the University radio station, to make their own radio programme. They used interviews with relatives and neighbours that they had made during a topic on World War Two and turned them into a superb broadcast.

All of the children have showed their excellent fitness during our traditional Sports Day and also during a mini World Cup tournament. We have enjoyed Strictly Come Dunston, our very own ballroom dancing contest, which was won by India and Joshua and also Dunston's Got Talent, which was won by Peggy and Rachael with their superb dance.

We have now said goodbye to our eight Year 6 children at their Leavers' Service. They were full of mixed emotions; looking forward to a new challenge but feeling sad about leaving us! They are a special group to me as they started at Dunston when I did in September 2003 and so they are the first children whom I have seen progress through the whole school!

Graham Boyall - Headteacher
Dunston St. Peter's Church of England Primary School

Dear residents of Martin,

56(Reserve) Squadron, based at RAF Waddington in Lincoln, provides operational support to our frontline forces stationed around the world, and specifically to those currently serving in Afghanistan. Between 17 and 29 June 2010, six Squadron members each undertook a mammoth challenge to cycle 1,200 miles in 12 days, starting at Land's End and ending at John O'Groats in aid of Help for Heroes. As the Project Officer for this event, I hoped that the team could raise a total of £5,000.

I am delighted to report that, with the most gratefully received donations from the villagers of Martin, we have far exceeded all expectations! Your fantastic support in allowing Flight Sergeant Coral Rose to collect your money throughout June 2010 was exceptionally fruitful, with donations totalling £190.00. Thanks to your support for our cycle challenge, our total is now racing tantalisingly close to £10,000! Every penny you helped us raise will help rebuild the lives of our wounded servicemen and women.

The generosity shown by the residents of Martin is truly remarkable considering these financially austere times and, on behalf of Officer Commanding 56(R) Squadron, I would like to take this opportunity to give you all my deepest thanks for your extremely kind gestures.
Once again, thank you very much.
K W Hemlin (Flight Lieutenant)
Cycle Challenge Project Officer

Gone to Pot .....

How lovely it is to wander round the garden during the season of "mists and mellow fruitfulness". Although the calendar tells us that British Summer Time ends on 30 October this year, astronomically the period of autumn is from the September equinox to the December solstice. Personally, I think autumn encompasses September and October and thereafter is winter! But let's enjoy the remaining days before the nights really start drawing in!

A very successful production of 'Allo 'Allo in June, where we played to full houses, was a sheer delight for all those who were involved. We had a wonderful time performing this very funny play and it was very well received by our audiences.

We now move onto our Autumn production and we are looking forward to yet another production of the very successful Shakespeare Revue on 18th. September in the Village Hall, with all profits going towards the local church restoration fund. For those of you who are not familiar with the works of Shakespeare, or perhaps too familiar from schooldays, do not worry. The Shakespeare Revue is built around a series of hilarious sketches and amusing songs all based upon the Bard. Words and music are written by household names such as Bill Oddie, Victoria Wood, Fry and Laurie and Peter Sellers, to name but a few. If you missed the first production a couple of years ago, or our very well received performance at the Sleaford Arts Festival in May, then now is your chance to catch up and have a really enjoyable and light - hearted evening's entertainment. The production will feature many of the familiar MAD cast from previous productions and will be co - directed once again by Sue Kelly and Ken Frape. Tickets available in the usual way but contact Ken Frape on kenfrape@hotmail.co.uk if you have any problems.

I would like to put out a plea to our members and supporters for anyone who would like to direct our annual pantomime. We need to have this put in place very soon as time is passing us by. If you would like to have any involvement please contact our Chairman Gaynor Little on 01526 320559.

Thank you all for the support that you give us and if you would like to see any play or other production then please let us know.

Sally Wilson

Dad and Grandad

Tom says his grandad is only six years older than his dad. How is that possible?

Heap Big Problem
A big fat Indian and a small thin Indian were sitting outside a teepee, each smoking a pipe. The little Indian was the son of the big Indian, but the big Indian was not the little Indian's father. How come?

Sally and Olly

"We were born on the same day of the same year," said Sally.
"And we have the same mother and father," said Olly.
"But we're not twins," said Sally.
Can you explain?

Book Review

I enjoyed the book. I had read others in the series, and enjoy the developing friendship between Cato and Macro. It is very unequal at first, but grows stronger and better. In this, the two are separated when Cato escapes, and Macro has to try to think, be more like Cato, to negotiate his way through treacherous intrigue and ferociously competitive jockeying for position.

The details seemed true to me, historically accurate, as far as I can see. I have been to museums and sites of Roman ruins, and I believed the settings completely.

The adventure, the political intrigue, the instances of camaraderie all work as topics for fiction for me. I thought the writing was crisp, and the plot action packed and exciting.
I took it on holiday, it was a good read and immediately accessible. I can live with a few flaws; it does stretch credibility that our heroes always happen to be in the right place at the right time, but with a long running series featuring the same characters, you get that. It happened to Holmes and Watson too! Also, you just knew that either one of them was going to draw the short straw. I'd like to know what happened to some of the more important minor characters, like Figulus, and I felt that an army as efficient as the Romans would have dealt with the barmy commander before he endangered the lives of the men under his command, but maybe that shows how little I know about real life in an army!

Jayne

Much to my surprise I also enjoyed it. At the library this author is very popular, but mainly with men so I didn't expect it to be my sort of thing. I didn't like it at first as it was just a description of fighting but I persevered and then enjoyed the story. It also helped that I have just been to the sites of two Roman camps, one at Corbridge, Northumberland and one at Housesteads Roman Fort, Hadrian's Wall, so I could visualize the setting. I will probably try and read the whole series in order, when time permits!

Pauline

Of the group members who read the book most were, like me, pleasantly surprised. The book got a score of 6½ for both enjoyment and the quality of the writing.

As of 1 August the Bracebridge Heath North and Bracebridge Heath East Neighbourhood Policing Teams have amalgamated and will be known as Bracebridge Heath East Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The team will consist of:
Community Beat Manager - PC 298 Andrew Brown and three Police Community Support Officers
PCSO Paul Flannigan, PCSO Lisa Duckworth and PCSO Caroline Daman-Willems.

The team will cover all the villages from Washingborough to Metheringham plus Canwick and Blankney.

Come and join us on 25 / 26 September for our third Scarecrow weekend! Last year there were 81 scarecrows, and for two whole days we were staggered by the number of people strolling through the village following the scarecrow trail, listening to the band, looking at the fire engine on the green, taking a break for refreshments in the village hall and buying books and raffle and tombola tickets in church.

Will there be even more scarecrows this year?! Judging by the enthusiasm, yes there will! There will certainly be all the stalls and refreshments as usual, as well as the welcome return of the Silver Sounds Band.

So come and join the scarecrow trail, try to answer all the quiz questions, and vote for your favourite scarecrow. It's a grand day out ...... see you there!

Oh, by the way, if you would like to help out for a couple of hours, we are a small band, and always need extra bread "butterers", "tea pourers", "washer-uppers", raffle ticket sellers etc etc.

You will be most welcome.

Contact Kay on 321780

Unfortunately our speaker for the meeting on 2 June did not arrive so it was decided to have a social and quiz afternoon which was enjoyed by all.

Then on 16 June members were entertained by Tommy Steele with humorous tales from his past whilst working as a bus/coach driver.

At the end of June meeting Tara, from the Trading Standards, brought members up to date with all the current scams and warned them to be very careful and not give away any personal information to anyone coming to the door or phoning the house.

On 14 July a member from our sister club in North Hykeham paid us a visit to demonstrate the Daisy Player as some of our members are contemplating purchasing one. The Daisy player plays talking books in CD format as opposed to the old tape recorder. Thereafter we enjoyed putting our brain power to the test.

On 28 July a very enjoyable lunch was had by all at the Black Bull in Bracebridge Heath.
The club is now closed for August, re-opening on 8 September.

We meet every fortnight and anyone wanting to join should contact South Lincs Blind Society on 01476 592 775

Patricia McPherson

This is the title of a new book written by Sue Morris about why the Banner hangs in Nocton Church.

The Loyal Ripon Lodge of Oddfellows was founded in 1840. Sarah Hobart inherited the Nocton Hall Estate from her father, but no titles and she married Frederick Robinson who was made the 1st Earl of Ripon in 1833. Lord Ripon was a social reformer.

This book tells the reader about the people who lived in Nocton and Dunston at the time the Lodge was formed and about what was happening in the Country at that time.

The Minutes of the Lodge meetings show how the members were helped in times of need and also how they helped other people; for example, a contribution was sent to the Cotton Workers Distress Fund and a Donation was given for the new Lifeboat "Manchester Unity".

The Lodge carried on doing good works until the Lodge was transferred to the Star of Metheringham in 1974 and the Lodge Flag now hangs in Nocton Church.

This book is available from the Nocton Post Office and from D & K News in the High Street, Metheringham and is priced at £6.00.

Sue Morris

Nocton plays in Division 3 of the Lincoln McKinnell's Cricket League. The Club had a relatively good start to the season, as they won two out of their first five league games. This resulted in a mid-table position. Unfortunately the next six fixtures (to the middle of August) were lost, leading to a position which was second from bottom. They have had two five-wicket bowling performances (from Ryan Plummer and David Glew). They are still waiting for one of the batsmen to score 50, although David Franklin is the leading scorer as usual.

If anyone would like to help they could go to a Wednesday practice night at 6.30pm, at the ground on the Bridle Path between Nocton and Dunston.

David Glew

Your local LIVES group is looking for new First Responders. We aim to have a responder on duty as often as possible but we are struggling at the moment. Our small team of responders manages to cover most evenings and night times but are rarely available during the day. We are looking for new responders, particularly those who would be available in the daytime, and at weekends.

If you would be interested in training as a responder, or would just like some more information, please contact Beth 321919 or Jenny 321627.

We hope you have all enjoyed the summer and are looking forward to seeing you at one of the following events in the autumn.

The Wednesday Fellowship Meetings will start on 8 September at 10.00am for coffee, with the meeting beginning at 10.30am.

Our Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 26 September at 10.30am and will be led by Rev. Neil Vickers, Superintendent Minister of the Boston Circuit. A Harvest Supper and Auction of Product will take place on Monday 27 September at 6.30pm, by tickets only priced at £6.50, which will be available from Mrs J Sellars.

The Church will be open on Saturday 23 October for the Fayre & Feast from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. In the Church there will be a flower display and plenty of room for you to sit down and relax. Refreshments will be served in the Chapel Hall.

Our Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 27 November, 9.30am - 11.30am, in the Chapel Hall with tombola, a raffle, stalls including cakes and coffee/tea with mincepies.

Dates for your diary: the Village Christmas Carol Service will be on Tuesday 14 December at 7.00pm and the Christmas Day Service will be at the new time of 10.30am.

Jan Munday

The Angels have had a very busy year so far.

In April we took 8 of our girls to BIBTA's Individual Championships, where we came away with 13 x 1st places, 9 x 2nd, and 6 x 3rd.

In May we competed at the BIBTA Regional Championships in Mablethorpe. In total 7 troupes took part and we came away with 2nd overall troupe, receiving 16 x 1st places, 12 x 2nd and 5 x 3rd. The weekend included a lovely meal on Saturday night where we presented 2 of our girls - Vicki Parnham and Sarah Dean with leaving presents. We wish the girls well as they go off to university.

The Millennium Art Group held their annual Exhibition at Scopwick Village Hall, and in spite of many other events in the area, not least the Waddington Air Show, it was a great success. A large number of paintings were on show, both by members and other artists in the area. Those who visited were greeted by the members and could enjoy a cup of tea or coffee accompanied by some lovely home-baked scones and cakes, while viewing the works of art on display. A Tombola was also an attraction with some really good prizes.

The number of members has increased considerably over the last 12 months and with a new committee on board it is hoped that members continue to enjoy their Friday mornings painting for pleasure, with the help and encouragement of Peter Hayward, their resident artist.

Friday morning meetings start again on 3 September and the first demonstration of the new year is on Friday 1 October when Geoff Kersey is returning to demonstrate watercolour painting. If you would like to come along to this, or need any information, your new contact is: Valerie Law 01526 352975

All club events are held at the Village Hall, Metheringham, unless otherwise stated.
Our Coffee Morning held on Saturday, 12 June was very successful, raising over £600 for Club Funds. We would like to thank everyone who supported us

During the summer period our members night is replaced by coach outings to various locations. This year members have enjoyed themselves on excursions to Bury St Edmunds (June), Rufford Abbey and Thoresby Hall (July) and Ely (August). One further outing will be on Wednesday, 8 September to Louth and then onto Mablethorpe in the afternoon.

The next Members evening will be held on Wednesday, 1 Sept with the doors opening at 6.30pm and we look forward to seeing you all again.

Diary events:
Times: Wed 7 - 9pm doors open 6.30pm Sat 10.00 - 11.30 am

Wed 1 Sept Members evening with entertainment by Anita & Nick, a singing duo.
Wed 6 Oct Members Harvest Festival followed by an auction of all the donated items. If you would like to donate any items please contact the Chairman Margaret Amos.
Wed 3 Nov Members evening with entertainment by Sharna, a vocalist.
Sat 6 Nov Coffee morning open to all members and the public. In addition to a refreshing brew of tea or coffee and scones, there will be a raffle, a chance to purchase homemade cakes, books, bric-a- brac and tombola. All donations of items for re-sale will be very welcome, with proceeds going to Club Funds.
Wed 1 Dec Members Annual Christmas Dinner and Draw.

At the present time we have full membership. We have a waiting list and should you wish to add your details to this please contact Margaret Amos on Tel: 01526 321049.

Watch out for the posters displayed around the village as a reminder and we lookingforward to seeing you at all our events.

Dave Williams Secretary

Change is inevitable. The effects of our current national belt-tightening has affected one of our major projects since the new Government came to power.

For two years we have been working on a re-shaping of the space in front of our village hall. 17 people have helped to create a design based on local flora. The drawings eventually led to the creation of an intricate panel which was to be the basis for a new art work across the front of the grass area. We had just got to the final lap, creating a wooden panel which we could use as a pattern to make a metal cast, when our funding was withdrawn. The grand plan has been put on hold until the financial situation improves.

One of the original drawings produced by one of the villagers has suggested a way we can create a seat to fit on The Green. We are now exploring the possibility of how we can produce this.

So, we are still active, but, there has not been much to show for our work this past 18 months. Let us hope that we can remedy this in the coming year.

At 1.00 pm on Tuesday, 7 September, the Art Group will begin its 11th year. We began as a village art group in February 2000 but very quickly people from the area came to experience the project-based work we have done. Yes, we have had sessions on teaching techniques and all aspects of composition and design, in almost all the media available, but, we have also worked with clay, done woodcarving, photography and lino-cutting. After all, art is a creative process. It is an adventure expressing oneself through exploration of the world we live in.

So, if you feel like a change or if you feel tempted to step out into the unknown, want to learn or develop new skills, develop or pick up some gifting you have not used for a while, perhaps you would like to join us.

Cliff Baxendale

We sit and soak up the evening: garden, sky, presences
We're hardly here at all
Yet take in everything.

Ingredients of evening, swifts, swallows and
martins mingle but do not mix
Sky trawlers scooping the final flies of day

Seemingly no hurry to their urgent gathering.
Birdsong subdues, rallies, dwindles
As if turned down by the sun's diminishing
As if light is their volume control.

Other birds hurry or float home to roost:
A heron, a jackdaw, a finch Closing the evening as they go.

Frogs slink or spring from the pond
Progressing from stillness to stillness
Dualities of sought and seeking.

The day pours its dregs into the west
The light changes, substituting shadows for clarity
Re-assembles itself into darkness.

We await the appearance of bats.
A sudden alarm call unnerves a single pigeon,
Noisy as exposure, to percussion into flight.

A blindfolded peregrine, were this talon territory,
Could have spot-lit the clamour
And killed without bothering to bother

But only the evening is unsighted
Night now a smoky smut in its eye
Assertively expanding.

We go in.

The bats will come.
We will not see them tonight.

David Lockyer

With the Bowls season nearly finished, only the Cliff League side can say they showed any sort of form this season with all our other league teams struggling. In truth it has generally been a rare but more than disappointing season for the club.

On the brighter side, though, the Sunday E.B.A. Side has reached the semi final play offs in the E.B.A. competition.

Many thanks to all the support given to the club over the season. Let's hope the 2011 season will be one of better successes.

John Browett
Hon Sec.

Metheringham Amateur Dramatics. is having a Recruiting Day in the Village Hall on Sat 9 October (2-4 pm). Anyone is very welcome to come along for a "cuppa" and a biscuit and see if there are any jobs you can do. We are looking for all types of people, from actors to dressmakers, sound and lighting technicians to set builders and always, anyone who would like to try directing. We also have a successful group of singers on the lookout for new voices. We hold various workshops to try and keep us up to date. For more information please contact Fran Pembery 01526 320827

Metheringham Amateur Dramatics is looking for new members to be involved with their theatre group.
We are especially looking for a director for our Annual pantomime.
If you are interested and would like to know more about us then contact Gaynor Little - 01526 320559 or Sally Wilson - 01526 321289 or via willowshome@hotmail.co.uk

Our website is www.metheringhamamateurdramatics.co.uk

Look forward to hearing from you.

We used to say that the summer terms in school were the busiest and although this is still the case, the other terms are catching up and becoming as full, active and exciting. We have all been kept occupied with school events and with the continuing extended schools activities that have been arranged.

Our school choir joined 13 other local schools to form a 300 strong Cluster Choir. After practices in school and at Branston Community College, the choir put on an outstanding performance at Lincoln Cathedral on 23 June. A standing ovation came from a very proud audience of parents, family members, friends and local authority representatives who attended this wonderful event.

At the Club AGM all Executive members were re-elected with Roger Dawson as President, John Wood as Chairman andPeter Ford as Secretary / Treasurer.

The club reported a working profit on the previous season of £850.00. Running the club's ten teams during the 2009-2010 season had cost just over £10,000 so everyone involved is congratulated and thanked for their efforts in seeing the club remain a viable concern.

The new season starts in earnest on the first weekend of September and between then and April, approximately 100 games will take place on the sports field. Over the last two seasons we have had a Burger Bar on site in the Car Park on match days. Unfortunately we have been unable to make any arrangements for this coming season, so if anyone knows of or is interested in providing this service, please get in contact with Pete Ford (01526 -320016).

This season the club is running 10 teams which include a Senior Saturday side, 2 Senior Sunday sides, and youth teams at U18 / U15 / U13 / U11/ U10A / U10B and U9. We are willing to run a side at U8 / 7 if anyone is willing to "manage" such side. Anyone looking for a team for themselves or their child please contact Pete Ford in the first instance and he will put you in contact with the relevant manager.

Pete Ford (Sec / Treas)

During the summer months we enjoyed a free air show on the afternoon of the strawberry tea. Whilst in the garden enjoying the sunshine planes from RAF Waddington air show came overhead, much to our delight . The strawberries were delicious and we appreciated all who came along.

There will be some changes to the Stepping Stones Toddler group in September when the group will become more closely linked to the Church. They will continue to meet twice each week - on Monday and Thursday at 9.30 am.

Our chewers group plan to follow a 5 session discipleship course in the Autumn - meeting at Woodcutts Chapel Lane on 5 and 19 Oct, 2 and 16 Nov and 7 Dec. If you would like to come along, information is available from Rev John Corrie 01526 830192.

Lunch club dates for the Autumn will be 17 Sept / 15 Oct / 19 Nov - as usual 2 courses plus coffee / tea £3.00. Lots of laughter - give it a try.

The Harvest service for the village will be held in the chapel on Sun 3 October led by Rev Martin Amery 11.00 am.

On Sat. 2 Oct (10-12 noon) there will be a Harvest Fayre in the Chapel Stalls, games, cakes etc - bring along a harvest gift for the Nomad Trust - tins or a gift of money. This is a Dunston Churches Together event so we would really value your support.

We now meet for worship on Sundays on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in the month at 11 am

Our big book sale in July was very successful. The day was very hot and sunny so we were able to have the tables outside with no danger of getting wet. Hopefully the weather will be as good when we have the next sale at Metheringham Feast.

My appeal for more children at story time did have some success but Jacki could do with more. We appreciate that the summer holiday time is not always convenient for visits to the library but hopefully the figures will pick up again in September.

Although Lincoln College will still be running courses at the library, they have introduced a charge of £25 for 10 weeks. The next course is to be Introduction to Digital Photography. This will run from Thursday 16th September 1pm to 3pm. Their publicity states that concessions do apply, so, for further information on this and future courses, please contact the Community Team on 01522 876258 or e-mail.communityeducation@lincolncollege.ac.uk The 3 other courses they run at the library, depending on demand, are Internet, Email & Word Processing, Presentations & Microsoft Publisher, Spreadsheets & Databases.

There is a pilot of a new library service in this area called Pick and Click which allows you to browse the online catalogue, select books and have them delivered to and from your door for free. If you are interested in this you should send an e-mail to pickandclick@lincolnshire.gov.uk including your library card number, name and postcode.

Sadly, October will be the end of an era at the library as Mel will be retiring after 26 years. We shall miss her dreadfully but she has decided the time has come to catch up on her hobbies and life outside the library. Her last day at work will be Wednesday 27 October and we will be having a celebration afternoon with coffee and cake. I'm sure she would love to see customers past and present.

Pauline Ventress

Well they say that time goes by quickly when you are having fun and it certainly has for the twinning this year. We have had three very successful events this year, the first being the meal evening we had in January, then the French visit in April and thirdly our annual Duck Race in July, and the weather played a great part in the last two.

We continue to try and attract new families, especially families with young children. We have at the moment two French families with young children waiting to be matched with either families from Dunston, Nocton or Metheringham, so come on, give it some thought. It is not only great fun but an education for the children and the adults have a great time as well. So if you are at all interested then pick up that phone and dial one of the numbers below and we will give you all the information you need (No obligation)

321740 Helen Door / 322515 Ralph Timms
321951 Sue Kelly

Until a new parish priest is appointed, all arrangements for Baptism, Weddings and Funerals should be made to :-
Margaret Amos 321049 or Richard Brewin 320163

St Wilfrid Penny Jar Thanks - To all who are supporting the Fabric of the Church saving small change, our sincere thanks, in ten months we have raised £1041. With your continued support it will enable us to get some of the jobs that are outstanding done. Keep on saving.

Metheringham New Life Church

Meet each Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Village Hall (unless stated).

All welcome.

• 7 Sep Dunston Methodist Church


• 21 Sept


• 28 Sept - Social events


• 12 / 19 Oct


• 26 Oct - Social events


• 2 / 9 / 16 / 23 Nov


• 30 Nov - Social events


• 12 / 19 Oct


• 30 Nov Social events

Mission X kids club
for ages 7 to 11 (7 to 8pm) and Mission Xtra Youth club (8 until 9.30pm) meet on Fridays at Methodist Church Hall on following dates

• 17 Sep /


• 1 / 15 / 29 Oct


• 12 / 26 Nov


• 10 Dec

Nicky Jordan 322305

Another swimming season is fast coming to an end for Metheringham & District Swimming Pool Association and we would just like to recap on what has been happening. Our main task at the start of the season was to change the sand in the filter bed, a very long and laborious task. Then there was the need to get the motor re-wired, with thanks to the Parish Council for their help with this expense. We had not been able to get the water to clear completely because the sand was worn and dirty. Many thanks to Carl for the hours spent moving ½ ton of sand and gravel through a ten inch hole and replacing it with new. Thanks also to all those who helped pre-season with the painting and gardening, particularly the Scouts, who gained their community badges. They were a real help but that said, it will be a while before we let them loose with a tin of paint in their bedrooms.

Our coffee mornings are still going very well. We generally have a full room for most part of the Thursday mornings.

In June 51 of our members enjoyed a lovely sunny day at Skegness

On Tuesday 17 August a full bus load visited Kings Lynn for their market day.

By popular demand, later in the year, we are proposing to have a Christmas dinner and shopping day to Brigg Garden Centre

Pam Woolley (Sec)

Shooting Stars are preparing to take part in a national competition being held in Great Yarmouth in September. The girls are busy training in preparation for the event. Fellow twirlers -Starlight Twirlers, will also be in attendance so we wish them the very best of luck. I would like to say a big thank you to all the girls and parents who have helped out at bag packing recently - from this we have managed to purchase new pom poms for the Tiny team and the Junior Team as well as flags and other props. I would also like to thank Laura for all her help with sticking on gems - I am sure all the girls will "dazzle" in their new costumes. Lastly I would like to thank all the staff and patrons of Budgens in Woodhall Spa. Without their help and support we would not have been able to purchase the equipment we needed.

All that remains to say is Good Luck to all of the Shooting Stars team. We are recruiting new members from 18th September, so if anyone is interested please contact me. We take children aged 5 and above - although there is no upper age limit. Feel free to email or call: shootingstarsdisplayteam@live.co.uk or call me on: 01526 323589.

Cathy Raymond.

As I write this article we are two thirds of the way through this year's cricket season. 2010 has seen a resurgence in fortunes for the club. After relegation from the Premier Division of the McKinnell's Sunday League and a mid table finish in Division Three of the South Lincs and Border League last year everyone involved with the club realised that our fortunes had to change.

They certainly have changed for the better with an influx of very good young players who have blended very well with the more established Blankney players.

The Saturday team currently lie second in their division of the South Lincs and Border League and are keenly fighting for promotion to the next level. They have beaten all the teams around them and won ten of their fourteen matches as this is written. Probably the highlight so far has been the demolition of the division leaders Stamford in the first game of the season, by 9 wickets.

I have set up a homecraft school in Sleaford with a team of professional tutors called The Homemade House to help teach local people how to knit, sew, patchwork, cook, bake, cake decorate and much more. The Homemade House is a social enterprise, which means that it is not for profit - in other words, any profits made are ploughed back in and used to subsidise children's craft courses, so that we continue to pass down these valuable skills which are in danger of being lost. Now more than ever, there is a lot of interest in learning to make do and mend, creating and maintaining food and clothes, reducing waste and discovering the simple pleasures in life and we would like to enable people to learn the skills to be able to do this locally.

Interested parties can find out more at our website www.thehomemadehouse.co.uk or by ringing 01529 415599 and we will be taking classes for adults and for children during school hours, Saturdays, evenings and school holidays, so everyone should be able to join in.

Louise Thompson

Four MACLA Magazines a year, the summer issue on the streets and now writing the autumn report. No grumbles really, according to our members, who find it useful and informative. Sadly, just another year disappearing faster and faster with winter just around the corner.

Metheringham WI has now reached a milestone of 50 members.

The highlight of the summer was our outing to Holkham Hall. The tour of the house provided shelter from the sudden downpours. The Bygone Exhibition brought back memories: farm tools - when all tasks were done by hand. Domestic appliances - the drudgery of housework! - thank goodness for washing machines and vacuum cleaners. The Hall was surrounded by parkland overlooking a lake. The day concluded with a visit to Wells.

Metheringham Animal Welfares Support group held their Annual General Meeting at Martin Moor Golf Club on 16 August. Hosts, Carol and Alan made everyone welcome to their superb venue. Group Chairperson Yvonne Denman welcomed members and guests as they arrive. Then it was "all go" as people signed in and paid their membership (held at £1 per year to cover insurance). Those present then mingled, chatting to friends new and old, getting their drinks and raffle tickets and then settling down in comfort in anticipation of the pending meeting. Thirty eight animal lovers all under one roof with a number of other members having sent apologies for their unfortunate absence.

The chairperson thanked everyone for attending and for invaluable support. She reported on yet another year of hard work and different fund raising events. This included, on 24 July, at Martin Moor Golf Club a wonderful foot tapping, dancing Ceilidh (a MAWS fund raiser) by The Delta Dogs. Members and guests foot tapped and danced under the direction of caller AJ and the strumming musicians, Steve and Tricky Dicky - a real fun evening.

From Dot Howes

Metheringham Methodist Church hold their Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday 26th September 2010. the service at 10.30a.m. will be led by the Rev Neil Vickers. On Monday 27th September there will be the Harvest Supper and Auction of Produce at 6.30p.m. in the Chapel Hall. Tickets are £6.50 available from Joyce Sellars.

Back by popular demand for one night only and also to raise funds for the roof work on St Wilfrid's Church. Metheringham Amateur Dramatics will be performing The Shakespeare Review on Saturday 18th September in Metheringham Village hall at 7.30p.m. The review is an anthology of songs, sketches and readings with a Shakespearean link and several items were originally performed on radio and TV. There will be some changes to the programme performed last year in Metheringham and earlier this year at The Playhouse in Sleaford. Tickets are £6 for adults and £5 for concessions and they are available from D & K News and Infolinks. Further information is available from Fran on 01526 320827.

Metheringham Parish Council discussed and passed a motion on Tuesday 31st August that in the event of a planning application being submitted for the Nocton Dairies development the Metheringham Parish Council will most urgently request that North Kesteven District Council holds a public consultation meeting in Metheringham Village Hall. The village has the largest population in the area and potentially could also be affected by infrastructure, logistics and other environmental issues.
The public could then see the plans, hear the comments, make their own decisions and notify the council of their concerns but ultimately the decision is up to North Kesteven District Council. The parish council also proposed that a community liaison committee be formed and terms of reference will be drawn up. District Councillor John Rose outlined the time scale for any planning application received. The public consultation period will be for 13 weeks and will commence two weeks after the receipt of the planning application, thought to be mid-Sept..
Around a dozen members of the public attended Metheringham Parish Council's August meeting in the village hall and outnumbered the councillors. The reason for the interest was the agenda item concerning Nocton Dairies. Chairman of the council, Councillor Dr Mike Allen invited each person to make their point during the public forum but asked them to limit the time they spoke to enable everyone to have their say. The speakers were all concerned at the plans for a super dairy in Nocton parish which are due to be submitted to NKDC in mid September. Seven members of the public spoke, six were from the parish and the other represented CAFFO (The Campaign against Factory Farming Operations), The points raised were
- The proposal is likely to be totally inappropriate in size for the area.
- There will be access needed onto the B1188 and greater use of that route.
- There is a threat to the water drainage system and consequences for the local aquifer from any leakage of effluent.
- The villages are downwind of the proposed site and will get the smells
- There may be a visual impact for those living on the top road as well as smells and increased noise and lights day and night.
- Property values may fall
- That there should be a National Public Enquiry into the need for Super Dairies in the U.K..
- Anyone concerned may contact CAFFO for support and information on "all things Dairy".
- Nocton Dairies have now appointed a Public Relations person to help with communications between themselves, the media and the public.
- That a liaison committee should be created to ensure a central pooling of reliable information from all parties involved
- That the development would cause ruination of the local villages and the rich local environment.
- That to be prepared should there be another Foot and Mouth outbreak there should be incineration and isolation facilites and capabilities incorporated in the plans.
- The scale of the proposal is unacceptable and will affect development in the area.
- Because there are primary schools near where the effluent will be spread there is a need to look at the possible health risks to schoolchildren.
- No-one should be impartial on this issue.
- Should there be an agreement for public meetings to be held in Metheringham the parish council should co-opt someone to look after the publicity of said meetings.
- The proposed slurry spreading and lagoon siting map shows proximity to public roads and schools and there will be a risk of flies, smells and dust.

Before moving onto the business of the parish council meeting Councillor Dr Allen thanked all those who had spoken and said they would take note of the points raised. He pointed out that there are always two sides to a story and the parish council have to listen to both sides.

St Wilfrid's Church Harvest Supper will be in the church hall on Friday 24th September 2010 at 7.00p.m.. Tickets are £8 and do not include drinks so you are invited to bring your own. Tickets are available from the Another Chance shop or Margaret Amos.

The Dunston Road railway bridge work has overrun and the road and bridge will not be re-opening until 24th September.

Metheringham residents, especially the elderly, should be vigilant for cold callers after a distraction burglary in the village. PCSO Lisa Duckworth gave the warning while presenting the police report for August to the parish council. It had been a relatively quiet month for reported crime in Metheringham with two burglaries and a theft. Much police time has been taken up during the summer with anti-social behaviour by school aged children. Children have been claiming to be staying with friends while actually being out on the streets causing a nuisance and mischief. To stop this behaviour she asked that parishioners report immediately disruption on the streets on Friday and Saturday nights in particular and that parents really do know where their children are overnight. The area now has an additional PCSO, Caroline, which will make it easier for them to get to where they are needed immediately once notified.