May 2011 Archives

Minutes of the Meeting of Nocton Parish Council held on Tuesday the 5th April 2011 in the Village Hall

Present: Councillor D. Wilson (Chair)
Councillor I. Goldsworthy (Vice-Chair)
Councillor P. Askew
Councillor D. Rumbelow
Councillor K. Tyler
Councillor M. Williams

Councillor M. Overton County Councillor
Councillor W. Chambers District Councillor
Mrs. D. Green Parish Clerk

Mrs J. Hill Dog Warden

3 Members of the public were in attendance

(1) Apologies for Absence: PCSO Duckworth.

(2) Police: PCSO Duckworth had informed the Clerk that no crime had been reported since the last meeting. It was noted that the gate at the end of the allotments was open and Anglian Water were not there.

(3) Public Questions:

Mr Baxendale gave a presentation on the ArtsNKSafire events. The posters had been taken down and so attendances at the workshops were very low, including the event at the Cathedral on 28th May. The missing brass markers are being replaced by "metallic lookalike" ones.

(4) Litter: A lot of litter at the hospital site again. The Clerk to write to LEDA to get it removed.

(5) Dog Warden: Mrs Hill gave her report. Agreed to extend her contract for another three months.

(6) Declaration of Prejudicial Interest in Accordance with the Ethical Code of Conduct: None.

(7) Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting held on 1st March 2011 were proposed as correct by Councillor Askew, seconded by Councillor Rumbelow and signed by the Chair.

(8) Matters Arising:

183/10 (see 168/10): Play area -The draft letter to the school governors is still with the Chair (who has been ill). It was agreed that it now be sent..
184/10 (see 169/10): The Green grass protection - the draft letter to the school is with the Chair. Letter to be sent now.
185/10 (see 170/10): The Parish Plan meeting will now be on 20th April. 186/10 (see 171/10): BJB have removed the "Coronation" seat to Embsay House and replaced it with the "Cluster" seat.
187/10 (see 172/10): Equal Opportunities Policy to be discussed at the Annual Parish Council meeting next month.
188/10 (see 175/10): Councillor Goldsworthy had spoken to Alan Brown at LCC Highways and he attended the Annual Parish Meeting.
189/10 (see 182/10a): A meeting had been held for arranging an event to celebrate the Royal wedding but had encountered some problems. The Clerk to check with the insurance company. May have to miss this event and concentrate on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year.

(9) Village Hall (190/10): Committee meeting tomorrow evening. Coffee morning Wednesday next week. Someone is to tidy up the front.

(10) Nocton Hall (191/10): Anderson and Glenn have completed the options appraisal and are now putting together more detailed plans. No further contact with LEDA. Councillor Chambers was asked if the Parish Councillors could attend a meeting with Karen Bradford and LEDA at the NKDC offices. Councillor Chambers will enquire.

(11) Letters (192/10):

(a) LCC temporary road closure Branston and Nocton
(b) NKDC from Cliff Robinson re elections
(c) NKDC: Election Nomination Packs
(d) LALC News
(e) Open Spaces Society
(f) Glasdon advertisement
(g) Ralph Timms re Village Litter Pick
(h) Councillor Rose information on addresses for Nick Hardcastle, LEDA Properties and Peter Willes
(i) NKDC Calendar of Meetings
(j) NKDC: re consultation with young people in the parish
(k) NKDC: re District and Parish Elections
(l) PM Engineering introductory letter
(m) LCC reply to our letter re highway matters
(n) LCC poster "Supporting Independence"
(o) Community Lincs - Rural Links
(p) NKDC Agenda for Cluster meeting on 14th April
(q) NKDC: What's On

(12) Planning (193/10)

(a) Dr Webb copy of his letter to NKDC Planning re: application 11/0176/FUL plot by the "The Pheasantry".
(b) NKDC: Planning Permission 11/2282/FUL plot at 14 Khormaksar.
(c) NKDC: ApplicationCA42/50 Trees at Lime Tree House.
(d) LCC PL/0042/11 Extension to School
(e) NKDC refusal of planning 11/0059/FUL reservoir

(13) Nocton Dairies (194/10): The arranged meeting with Peter Willes of Nocton Dairies had to be cancelled due to bereavement.

(14) (195/10) Councillor Overton gave her report. She was pleased to have completed the Lincoln 10k run on Sunday. Had run a "science through theatre" day with children. Post Office is having difficulty getting Navenby Post Office re-opened. A new Lincoln Lions Club has started up, hoping to become a fundraising team. Evening bus services have been cut. The Chair commented that the LCC Planning website was not highlighting the changes regarding the bio-digester at Nocton Fen

(15) Finance (196/10):

(a) Lloyd's statements (18) 311,196.47 and (19) £115.30.
(b) LALC subscription invoice for £179 proposed continue. Councillor Goldsworthy, seconded Councillor Williams - all agreed (Cheque signed).
(c) Mr Sidney paid £40 for litter picking in March (cheque signed)
(d) Eon invoice for maintenance £106.70 (cheque signed).
(e) BJB invoice for fitting "Cluster" seat £72 (cheque signed)
(f) Mrs J. Hill Dog Warden - March £79.50 (cheque signed)
(g) Clerk's salary for March £168.72; expenses £3.24 = £171.96 (cheque signed).
(h) Hemswell Construction quote of £2,735 plus VAT for 90 sq. mtrs. and £5,360 plus VAT for 260 sq. mtrs. for Village Hall car park were discussed. Two more quotes to be obtained.
(i) CPRE subscription due. Councillor Goldsworthy proposed not to renew; seconded by Councillor Williams and agreed.
(j) Open Spaces affiliation due. Proposed by Councillor Goldsworthy not to renew; seconded by Councillor Tyler and agreed.

(16) Any Other Business (197/10):

(a) Councillor Overton thanked District Councillor Chambers for all his help over the years and was disappointed that he was not standing for re-election. The Chair added the Parish Council's thanks to both Councillors Rose and Chambers; they had been exemplary district councillors and would be a hard act to follow
(b) Councillor Tyler proposed that the Parish Council meet 15 minutes early in future to peruse the correspondence; seconded by Councillor Goldsworthy and agreed. The Chair suggested tea and biscuits be provided.
(c) Councillor Goldsworthy ha looked around Nocton Park and asked if Peter Sowerby should be invited to a meeting. The general opinion was that this would not be a good idea.
(d) Councillor Williams reported that we now have a community library in the school.
(e) Councillor Goldsworthy proposed a notice regarding co-option to the Parish Council.
(f) The Clerk will write and invite members of the School Council to the Parish Plan meeting.

(17) Date of Next Meeting:

As there will be no Parish Council Election, the date for the next meeting was confirmed as Tuesday, 3rd May 2011 at 7.00 pm in the Village Hall. This will be the Annual Parish Council Meeting.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.

From Dot Howes

Metheringham WI ladies really enjoyed their evening with Jane Means on Wednesday 18th May. Her approach to gift wrapping ideas and decoration produced exclamations of awe and delight. During the business of the meeting members were reminded to get their Lincolnshire Show entries in by 27th May. Bulb forms also need to be with Moira by June. Applications for the Take a Chance 200 club need to be in as soon as possible.

It was also the resolutions meeting when the resolutions to be voted for at the National AGM in Liverpool are debated and voted on by the institute. Audrey Webb outlined some of the points for and against the motions. There was no debate and members voted in favour of the motions to urge HM Government to ensure planning permission is not granted to factory farms and to maintain support for local libraries.

The competition for something beginning with L was won by Mary Goddard's Lemon Meringue and Linda Scrutton won the flower of the month.

Members were reminded to support the WI stall at the Spring Fayre on Saturday. Next month's meeting at 7.15p.m. on Wednesday 15th June will be a fashion show by Edinburgh Wools and other WIs have been invited to come along.

The Annual Meeting of Metheringham Parish Council held on Tuesday 17th May was a chance to introduce the six new councillors to the council and re-allocate roles. Two roles haven't changed, the chairman Councillor Dr Mike Allen was re-elected as was the Responsible Financial Officer, Councillor Mr. Peter Ford. Councillor Ford was also elected Vice-Chairman of the council. Other pre-existing councillors are Mr George Rowland, Mr Matthew Haismann, Mr Nick Dobbs, Mrs Shirley Peek and Mr Mike Reynolds. Newly appointed and co-opted are Councillors Mrs Sally Wilson, Mr Paul Saffin, Mrs Margaret Kristen, Mrs Joanna Finegan, Mrs Fran Pembery and Mrs Linda Lacey. Representatives from the council to outside bodies were allocated as follows:- Bowls Club- Councillor Ford, Joint Management Committee - Councillors Haismann, Ford and Allen, MACLA - Councillor Rowland, LALC - Councillor Allen, Area Cluster Group - Councillor Mrs Finnegan, Metheringham and District Swimming Pool Association - Councillors Haismann and Mrs Peek, Community Plan Steering Group - Councillors Mrs Pembery and Mrs Finnegan, Village Hall Management Committee - Councillor Dobbs.

The Planning Committee will be chaired by Councillor Dobbs and the Finance Committee by Councillor Ford. Working Groups will be led as follows:- Allotments - Councillor Haismann, Playgrounds and Playing Fields - Councillor Rowland,

Consultation and Questionnaires - Councillor Ford, Fayre and Feast - Councillor Reynolds, Forward Planning - Councillor Dr Allen, Highways, Footpaths and Car parks -Councillor Mrs Peek, Risk Assessment - Councillor Dr Allen, Street Lighting - Councillor Reynolds, War Memorial and Spring - Councillor Ford.

Metheringham Police team reported three crimes of criminal damage all relating to the church and its' surrounds. It appears this is a new hangout for young people and the crimes committed did not have malicious intent. A young boy responsible for one of the incidents is being dealt with.

The team will be focussing on anti-social behaviour in Metheringham over the next three months and action taken will depend on the age of those involved. Hot spots are around the Church, the High street near the Memorial Garden and behind the Methodist Church and the police team need members of the public to report any untoward activity they see so they know when and where to concentrate their efforts.

A flag raising ceremony will be held at the memorial garden on Monday 20th June 2011 to recognise Armed Forces Day. The ceremony will begin at 10.15a.m. with flag raising at 10.30a.m.

Metheringham Village Hall Spring Fayre attracted a lot of interest on Saturday with 18 very varied stalls attracting attention from the public. Refreshments and a raffle also helped the hall raise £260.

Kurling dates for June are the 3rd 10th and 17th at 7.00p.m. in the village hall.

Metheringham Animal Welfare Supporters Group ( MAWS) will be holding their annual "Mad fortnight" door to door collection between 30th May and 12th June. It is not too late to help "Carry the Can". Please contact Joyce Muncey if you can give up an hour or so to help 01526 321436.

North Kesteven Social Strollers stride out every Friday from Metheringham Library at 11.00a.m. for a healthy walk . Please join them.

Four of the lifeguards from Metheringham and District swimming pool will be totting up the lengths during a 24 hour Sponsored swim to raise money for Madspa ( the Swimming Pool Association) and LIVES on Sunday 10th - Monday 11th July starting at 4.30p.m. If you would like to support them sponsorship forms are available and donations can be made via the Pool or at 74a Lincoln Road .

All Club events are held at the Village Hall, Metheringham, unless otherwise stated.

On Wednesday, 6 April, the majority of our current members re-joined for the year 2011-2012. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Mr Noel Gee. Noel supports the AmbuCopter through his performances. He was a member of the Lincoln group "The Casuals" who recorded hits during the 60s. Their "Jesamine" reached number two in the record charts and is still regularly played on the radio, Mary Hopkins with "Those Were The Days" was number one at the time. His performance was anything but casual. Giving excellent renditions of songs from the late 50s and 60s including Emile Ford's "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For"; Cliff Richard's "Livin' Doll" & "The Young Ones". Songs from Shirley Bassey, the Beatles, The Everly Brothers, Billy Fury, Tom Jones, Jim Reeves, The Searchers, The Springfields and many more. We were treated to the unofficial Irish National Anthem "Danny Boy" and Noel finished with the Liverpool anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone".

After the interval Noel recounted that he had been approached by one lady member, who shall be nameless, to buy one of his CDs and had remarked that he looked much older close up!

Due to our 'winter' weather our members had a belated Christms lunch on 9 February. Then on 23 February there was a delightful odour in the Jubilee Hall from samples of soap and oils etc., brought along by Cherie Frost who makes her own skin products (all from natural ingredients) which were on sale at very reasonable prices. She talked to the members through the various treatments.

On 9 March we all enjoyed a social afternoon playing bingo and quizzes.

On the 23 March, Colin North, a retired Magistrate, gave a very interesting talk on his days on the bench after which he gave members 3 old cases for them to deliberate on. After a discussion on each case Colin then asked each group to pass sentence on the accused to see if they came to the same conclusion as the court.

On the 6 April Richard Treasure from Talking Newspapers paid a visit to the club to give a talk and demonstration on the new equipment being supplied to members. The old fashioned tape recorder is being replaced with an I-pod and members will receive a memory stick every fortnight to plug in and listen to the news. Wow! Our members are now in the 21st Century!!

On the 20 April there was much laughter as Tommy Steele, a retired bus driver, gave a talk on "Only the Passengers Run on Time".

Anyone wishing to join the club must contact the South Lincs Blind Society on 01476 592775.

Mission X meets in Metheringham Methodist Hall

We are open 7.00 pm until 8.00 pm for ages 7 to 11years and 8.00 pm until 9.30pm for ages 11 to 16 years

Summer term dates: (Fridays)
27 May / 10 June / 24 June / 8 July / 22 July

Our Kids holiday club Showstoppers for ages 7 to 11 runs 1 to 5 August.

For info please contact Nicky at nicwill@madasafish.com

New Life Church, Metheringham has been meeting in the Methodist Chapel Hall each Sunday afternoon, starting at 4.30pm and finishing with tea/coffee and cake and biscuits, since the beginning of January this year. Before then it had been meeting on Tuesday evenings, mostly in the Village Hall. The Church is an 'expression', or offshoot, of New Life Church Lincoln, a large and thriving church in the city centre.

New Life Church is a Free Evangelical Church, not tied to any of the traditional or established denominations - although it is well and truly grounded in the traditional beliefs and doctrines of all other mainstream protestant Christian churches. Perhaps the most noticeable difference you would observe between New Life and other, more traditional, churches is the relaxed and modern style of worship. We try to be accessible to people of all ages, and perhaps especially those who have not been used to attending worship elsewhere, or are looking for something a bit different. The sung worship is usually led by guitar, but occasionally we're led by a keyboard or piano player. The talks are bible-based and often interactive, involving the congregation in some way or another. We are pleased to pray for the needs of one another, as well as the wider community of Metheringham and the surrounding villages and the towns and cities of our nation.

As New Life Metheringham continues to grow we are looking forward to serving the needs of the community in whatever ways we can and look forward to welcoming new members and enquirers.

If you would like to know more about New Life Church in Metheringham please phone Pastor Alan Coates on (01526) 323953 or visit newlifelincoln.org.uk and follow the link for Metheringham.

Metheringham Animal Welfare Supporters group is in dire straits trying to do what is a 'mission impossible'. Fund-raising is never easy, but this year it has been dreadful with money so short. With only two events to go before the AGM in August they are still £1,500 short of their target. Normally they give at least £1,000 each to four small animal charities in Lincolnshire at the AGM. We all know the small charities are struggling this year more than ever as they are swamped with rescued animals and many that people can no longer afford to keep. So the money is needed even more than ever before. MAWS 'Mad Fortnight' house to house collections with the can, is Monday 30 May to Sunday 12 June inclusive. All collectors will have an ID badge / licence and a MAWS can to collect any coppers you can spare. Be sure to only give to authorized collectors. Every penny will count. The area is Metheringham and surrounding villages. If you can help please phone Joyce on 01526 321436 for more details.

That is followed by an evening of song and dance on Friday 17 June at Martin Moor Golf Club (starts at 7.30 pm). with Sharna, the very popular female vocalist. Admission is by ticket only, priced at £5.00. The Bar will be open for bar meals and drinks. The dance floor can be used so you can join in if you wish or just sit and enjoy. MAWS raffle tickets are available soon from Martin Moor Golf Club, D&K News or Joyce at 31 Station Road, Metheringham.

MAWS beneficiaries this year are: Bransby Home of Rest for Horses and Donkeys, Near Saxilby. Lincoln Area Swan Group, Brayford Wharf, Lincoln. Bunny Heaven, Coleby and Lincoln Greyhound Trust, Burton Road, Lincoln.

Please help us to help them. Your support is really needed.

Joyce Muncey.

To make the most of the summer, Countrysidenk is planning a number of events designed for all ages. For more information on any of these events contact Countryside Promotion Officer, Theresa Hobbs on 01522 694353 theresa.hobbs@leisureconnection.co.uk

As always, Countrysidenk ask that all children under 16 years are accompanied by an adult, suitable footwear and clothing is recommended for all events.

Rambles around Rauceby
Sunday 12 June 2011 (morning)
Meet in the Bustard Inn car park, South Rauceby. NG34 8QQ
For those who enjoy a longer walk, the North and South Rauceby Stepping Out walks are combined to provide a distance of 9 miles. Taking in rolling parkland around Rauceby Hall, the site of a medieval village and mellow stone cottages, the walk will take between 3 and 4 hours.

As we are using the Bustard Inn car park we need to manage the number of cars which will be used to attend the event, it is therefore essential to book for this event. Contact Theresa on the above to book a place.

Minutes of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Special Meeting of the Council held on Thursday 28th April 2011 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall

PRESENT: Councillors Dr M J Allen (Chairman), N Dobbs, P D Ford, M Haisman, Mrs J Honisett, Mrs S Peek, M E Reynolds, G H Roland (Vice Chairman), A M Waddington, Mrs A F Webb and Ms S N Wetherall (Clerk).

1. To resolve to accept Apologies for absence and reasons given:
Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs Creasey, G W Chambers and J C Rose (District Council). It was resolved to accept the apologies and reasons, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb and all were in favour.

Online Entry Form

The second batch of photos from Metheringham's Royal Wedding Celebrations on the 29th April 2011 have been processed and are now available online.

Many thanks to P Ford & D Howes for allowing their photos to be used.

At the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre - in the old gymnasium - on Wednesday 25th May 2011 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

All the bunting is down now and the photos have been circulated but hopefully the memories of Metheringham's celebration of the Royal Wedding will last a lifetime. There were several competitions and games held on the day and the results are as follows: -

- 50:50 coin game was won by Janet Burrows who received £25 with coin no 28.

-The special wedding quiz was won by the Speight family.

-In the hand writing competition the over 10s winner was Olivia Bellamy and the under 10s winner was Jodie Asman.

- Lewis Cole won the over 5s art competition and Gracie-May Cole was the best under 5 artist entered.

The 150 children at the street party received gift boxes including commemorative mugs, flags, hats, balloons and other goodies. The Stilt Walkers were called Feet First.

There were 27 wedding dresses loaned for the display in the Chapel the oldest was 104 and the youngest just 2. Local vocalists Graeme Pembery and new talent Joe Gray and friends were afternoon entertainers. In the evening The Bootlegs were admirable and much enjoyed replacements for the Snogs, and DJ Bob...well he just kept the music flowing all day and evening long.

Metheringham Village Hall will be buzzing again soon with a variety of tables offering everything from crafts, bric-a-brac, plants, jewellery, tombolas, gifts and preserves at their Spring Fayre on Saturday 21st May 2011 between 9.00a.m. and 1.00p.m.. There will also be a raffle and refreshments will be available. To see if any table spaces are still available call Gwyneth on 01526 322633.

New Age Kurling will continue on Friday nights at 7.00p.m. throughout May and until 17th June for all ages and abilities in Metheringham Village Hall. It is £3 per session or £10 for family of 4.

Metheringham Football Club is looking for people to run the football teams for the 7, 8 and 9 year olds. They have plenty of budding footballers so if you think you can help with one of the teams please call Pete Ford on 01526 320016.

The Police are holding their next surgery in Info Links on Friday 27th May between 10.00a.m. and 12 noon.

Signed: Ms S N Wetherall
Clerk to Metheringham Parish Council
10th May 2011

Dear Councillors

You are summoned to the Annual Meeting of Metheringham Parish Council which will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 17th May 2011 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
10th May 2011

Present:
Councillor D. Wilson (Chair)
Councillor I. Goldsworthy (Vice-Chair)
Councillor P. Askew
Councillor D. Rumbelow
Councillor K. Tyler
Councillor M. Williams

Councillor W. Chambers District Councillor
Councillor D. Rose District Councillor
Mrs. D. Green Parish Clerk

Mr. A. Brown LCC highways Department
Mrs J. Hill Dog Warden

3 members of the public were in attendance

Minutes

The Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 4th May 2010 were signed as a correct record.

Chair's Report

• The Chair thanked Ms Storr for her sterling efforts as Chair earlier in the year; she had done much work for the Council whilst dealing with a heavy workload of her own.


• A lot of work had to be undertaken to get the Village Hall electrics in order and resurfacing work was done to the car park.


• Nocton Hall continues to be a regular item; Karen Bradford (NKDC) had attended two Parish Council meetings and continues to keep us updated on progress.


• Nocton Dairies had re-submitted its planning application which had made for a lot of work with much discussion and a public meeting that was well attended. The application had again been withdrawn.


• Highways continue to be a problem but we have Alan Brown from LCC highways here this evening so we may learn more later.


• The Play Area is another regular agenda item with some progress having been made.


• Parking on The Green has worn away the grass; protection is being looked at.


• We now have a Parish Dog Warden for a trial period.


• A Parish Plan has been discussed and a meeting is to be arranged for parishioners.


• We had three calls for by-elections with the retirement of Trevor Morris, the resignation of Gerry Watchus due to him leaving the parish and the very sad death of Harry Capewell. We welcomed to the Council MaryAnn Williams, Ian Goldsworthy and Kate Tyler.


• Thanks to all Councillors for their work and help and special thanks to our District Councillors Bill Chambers and John Rose who are both retiring after next month's elections.

The Financial Statement for 2009/10 was accepted at the Annual Parish Meeting held on 4th May 2010.

District Councillors' Report

Councillor Chambers handed out copies of a document showing the NKDC's achievements for 2010/11. A few points were mentioned specifically:

• NKDC has introduced free swimming for Under 8s and the NK Centre North Hykeham.


• Planning Online has been well-received.


• Aiming with partners to deliver 200 new homes across the district, 16 of which will be part of the Council's housing stock.


• During December, waste collections were forced to be suspended on three days of the very worst weather conditions, catching up on missed collections quickly thereafter.


• There had been 17,114 objections and a 53,233 signature petition to the proposed Super Dairy. A lot of work for planning officers prior to the application being submitted and during the consultation period. Pre-planning procedure is to change.


• Financial cuts - £1 million this year and £1.5 million next year. Pest control will now cost £43. CCTV is up for debate. Discretionary Travel tokens to finish.


• Councillor Chambers is retiring after 32 years; he always thinks of Nocton as his "home".


• Councillor Rose is retiring after 26 years and said it is always a pleasure to come to Nocton and a privilege to serve the community.


• The Chair said both District Councillors have always treated us with courtesy and consideration; we will miss them both terribly and it has always been a pleasure to have them attend meetings.


• Councillor Askew said on behalf of himself, Councillor Rumbelow and Mr Bill Fernley (a former Chair of the Parish Council) that he would like to thank them both, that they had been a great help over the years and that they will be missed.

• It had been a difficult twelve months, with changed contractors making a slow start, then bad weather when snow and frost meant that roads were badly damaged. Only within the last two months had it been possible to timetable planned contracts and maintenance.


• Additional funds from central government had made up for some budget cuts.


• The dropped kerbs were to be done last year, then funding was cut but is now back in the programme. Councillor Goldsworthy said he hoped to be able to inform a parishioner with a particular need for such a kerb when this work will be done. The dropped kerb on Wellhead Lane which the parishioner uses is often blocked by a parked car. This is now an offence. A white line is possible but it is only advisory. Councillor Goldsworthy was to speak to a PCSO.


• Potholes - there are some in Nocton but there are some much worse in other places.


• The Chair said that a Schedule of Work would be most useful. Councillor Tyler was of a similar view.


• Councillor Williams said that she did not mind the roads not being lit as it slowed down the traffic but we are missing "cat's eyes". Mr Brown said that "cat's eyes" are not actually necessary where the highway is lit.


• Councillor Askew asked about the footways that were noted for repair two years ago but had not been done when those at Metheringham had been. Mr Brown said that work is undertaken by need. Councillor Rumbelow said that the bends in the village needed to be resurfaced.


• The Chair was impressed at the strategy during the very bad weather. The B1188 is a very busy road - could it be monitored carefully? It needs to be considered when any development proposals are submitted. The movement of HGVs through the village was discussed.


• Mr Brown had been in contact with Sowerby Homes with a view to adopting Nocton Park roads. The street lighting on The Park will also become the responsibility of LCC.


• There can be no ban on large vehicles using Wellhead Lane.


• The Chair thanked Mr Brown for attending the meeting. A further walk around the village would be arranged.

The Metheringham Area Community Leisure Association (MACLA) was set up in May 2000 as a non-profit making organisation in order to promote community & leisure activities and to improve the leisure facilities in Metheringham and the surrounding villages of Blankney, Dunston, Scopwick and Martin.

MACLA originally consisted of a core committee of 14 local people, each with an interest in a local community activity. This committee met once a month in order to make activity groups aware of resources and funding. It worked closely with local Parish Councils and North Kesteven District Council in order to identify resources to enable community activities and events to flourish in this area. At its height some 40 activities and around 100 individuals were registered with MACLA.

Additionally, MACLA promotes community activities and events, primarily through the distribution of over 3500 copies of its news magazines that it publishes and distributes free of charge 4 times a year. As a 'non-profit making' organisation, MACLA can only provide this service thanks to the generosity of the local businesses who sponsor the news magazine through their advertising The support of these sponsors ensures that MACLA continues to provide publicity for your local activities and events. MACLA also raises awareness of the local community and its activities by sponsoring the local community website (www.macla.co.uk).

Sadly in recent times people /groups have drifted away from the organization and now it is virtually only there in name with Secretary Peter Ford basically, producing the quarterly magazine on his own and Jeff Bird (who now lives in Berkshire) works tirelessly to take the community website from strength to strength.

Through monies accrued over the last 11 years the organization did make a donation of £2,500 toward the new village Cross and only recently it was MACLA who provided the 'lions share' of monies which allowed Metheringham to celebrate the Royal Wedding in the manner we did. Even to the extent of being the main topic of news on BBC Look North on the day. MACLA will also help to fund the Queen Golden Jubilee in 2012.

John Wood (01526 321438) still hold the position of Chairman and would gladly like to hear from people or groups who would be interested in getting the 'group' back up and running in a more positive mood so that MACLA can continue to provide help and support for your activity or event.

Pete Ford
MACLA Secretary

Metheringham Football Club's team photos for the 2010-2011 season are now on-line.

Lincolnshire County Council have issued advanced notification of road closures on the Heath due to Cereals 2011 between 13 and 17th June 2011.

Road Closures Document

A fantastic day of celebration was held in the village hall to commemorate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on Friday 29th April.

With the village hall decorated in loads of bunting, our retained firemen arrived at 8 in the morning to decorate Fen Road. The road was closed to traffic till 23:00 hours.

The village hall was resplendent with a huge table of tombola prizes wrapped in wedding paper, a very lovely wedding cake and with a large screen on the stage surrounded by beautiful flowers, the hall filled up and the wedding ceremony started.

Many families attended in the morning and were treated to a beautiful service made even better with the number of young children waving their flags.

Metheringham Under 10A gave the club something to cheer about in what has been a disappointing season for most of the Club's teams.

Having reached the end of the season needing to collect at least a point to force a play-off for runners-up spot they met league champions North Lindum Hawks 'B' in their final league game. Despite going two down they battled to the end scoring twice in the last few minutes to get that all important point with goals from their two top scorers Jamie Gaukroger and Olly Smith. This set up a play-off at Woodhall Spa on 1 May.

In windy conditions their opponents were North Lindum Hawks 'A' who they had met twice during the season without losing to them, winning 1-0 and drawing 2-2. Hawks went 1-0 up with the wind behind them but after the break the battling Meg side levelled through Jamie Gaukroger before going ahead through top scorer Olly Smith. The lead lasted only minutes before Hawks levelled and the game went to extra time. There was nothing to separate the sides in this period thus bring into the equation the dreaded 'penalty shoot-out'

After five penalties apiece the two sides were still tied at two converted penalties each and it went down to sudden death. This saw goallie Jake Burrell hold his nerve to be the hero of the hour as Hawks missed their kick and Meg were winners - there was no 'one' hero with all the players playing their part as they deservedly took the runners-up spot to the glee of their jubilant supporters and parents.

Signed: Ms S N Wetherall
Clerk to Metheringham Parish Council
5th May 2011

Minutes of the Metheringham Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 29th March 2011 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Minutes PL07/2011 of the Planning Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 13th April 2011 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall

PRESENT: Councillors Mrs J Honisett (Chairman), Dr M Allen, P Ford, Mrs S Peek, Mrs A Webb and Ms S Wetherall.

1. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given:
Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs R Creasey and A Waddington. It was agreed to accept the reasons.

2. Members Declarations of Interests: Declarations of interest were made by the following Councillors:
Councillors Dr M Allen, P Ford and Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for all agenda items because they live in the parish.

3. To Consider Applications Received:
a) 11/0330/HOUS - proposal: erection of two storey rear extension at Middle Drove, Tanvats Lane, Metheringham Fen. There were no objections but the following comment was made: "The map supplied with this planning application gave no clue as to where the property is situated, therefore difficulties were encountered in trying to consider this application. This should have been noted when the application was submitted, and a proper reference map should have been asked for."
b) 11/0184/FUL - proposal: erection of house and detached garage on land adjacent 1 Butters Corner, Townsend Way, Metheringham (amended plans/additional information). There were no comments or objections.
c) 11/0080/FUL - proposal: construction of fishing lake, raised earth banks and parking and erection of new toilet block at Fenlake Fisheries, Fen Lane, Metheringham. There were no objections but the following comment was made: "Metheringham Parish Council still considers the toilet facilities to be inadequate. The owner's experience is based on the existing lake, but if this planning application is approved it will double the fishing capacity. The suggested toilet arrangements are not suitable, and the Parish Council suggests there should be one unisex disabled toilet, accessed separately from the gents' toilet and the ladies toilet. It is not satisfactory for ladies to share toilet facilities in the proposed way."

4. To Note Decisions Received:
None

5. Correspondence:
There was none to note.

6. Date, time and venue of next meeting:
To be announced

A vote of thanks was proposed for the manner in which the Chairman has conducted the meetings. All were in favour of the proposal.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 7.50pm