Activity: November 2009 Archives

As we approach the halfway stage of our season (although most teams have only played a third of their matches) it is time to reflect on our progress so far.

Stuart Robinson's very young Senior Saturday side is having a much improved season, being only one victory away from third place in the Lincoln League. Management upheaval and sickness has not helped the Sunday First Team's Premier progression. They have played only a few league games and have already suffered an unexpected dismissal from the County Cup by a lesser Grimsby side.

Dave Atkin's Sunday 2nd XI side are currently third in Division Three and having an excellent season. The Under 18s, led expertly by Alan Ward and Andy Blackband, are, in the main, last year's U16s and are taking time to settle at this level. An excellent result in the Charity Cup where they beat Woodhall Spa 9 - 8 on Penalties after being level 2 - 2 at the end of extra time. In the next round they will entertain one of Lincolnshire's better Intermediate sides, Lincoln United, and that will certainly be a stern test of how much they have improved.

Unfortunately, we lost two of our junior sides, Under 11s and 13s at the start of the season due to lack of players, always a struggle for village sides. We now have only(!!) six sides competing in the MidLincs league. Barry King's Under 15s are finding playing in the 'A' League a difficult proposition after last season's promotion. Roy Roger's Under 14s continue to impress and are vying for the leadership of their 'B' league. Paul Scigala's Under 12s are in mid table in Division D and are still in the Cup after an impressive victory over Cranwell 'A' from a higher league. John Haresign's Under 10s and Paul Chamber's Under 9s both are currently mid table in their respective leagues and are coming along nicely. Chris Wood's Under 8s play only 'non-competitive' matches. That is to say there is no league table produced, not that the lads and lasses don't get stuck in.

It is obviously expensive to run a club with ten teams and luckily for us, Liz Rogers joined our committee at the last AGM, and is responsible for fund raising. So far Liz has, in conjunction with The Mowgli, organised an "Indian Evening" which was well supported, and raised a large amount of money that has been split between the Club and a Mowgli supported School in Bangladesh and has also helped organise and run our Mulled Wine stall at the Fair & Feast, again raising much needed funds. Along with her husband Roy and other enthusiast they won the best decorated Stall with their adaptation of "Oliver". Well done to everyone concerned.

Next event will be a Christmas Fair in the Village Hall on Saturday, 5th December.

We are also very lucky to be able to call on several local organisations for help and none more so than Maggie and Butch from the Star and Garter Hotel who have always been a great help.

As I write this, I have just returned from the cremation of Derek Sampson, ex youth team manager, ex Vice-Chairman, Life Vice President and all round good guy. A gentleman who always had a smile on his face, even when obviously in great pain. He brightened up our Monday evenings (meeting nights) with his array of exotic football shirts, especially a vivid Marseille creation and a 1970s Gunners example and will be sadly missed by his many friends at Metheringham Football Club.

John Wood - Chairman

As 2010 approaches we are once again preparing for the French visit to Lincolnshire. The dates are set for April 14th - 18th and we are planning an interesting programme. We continue to seek new families so if you are interested please do get in touch with one of the committee.

Saturday 30 January is definitely a date for your diary . We are holding one of Matt's famous banquets - this time with a Lincolnshire theme. Watch out for posters or call now for tickets

Contact
Sue Kelly 321951
Ralph Timms 322515
Helen Door 321740

The U3A would like to take this opportunity of thanking its committee, the group conveners and all the members who have willingly worked hard in ensuring that 2009 has been a very successful year. During these last 12 months a variety of new groups have been established, and it is envisaged that this trend will continue in 2010. Best wishes to everyone for Christmas and the New Year.

In December the main event will be the Christmas Lunch which is taking place at the Bentley Hotel in the Crystal Suite on Tuesday 8th, with an arrival time of 12.30pm for a 1pm start. In the new year the scheduled presentations for the general meetings at the Branston Village Hall will involve Ralph Timms who will talk about 'Margarine' on 26 January, and on 23 February Ian Dewhurst will give an account of 'An Informal History of the 20th Century'.

It should be noted that the Armchair Travel Group will not be holding a meeting in December. However, they will return to the Old Village Hall in Heighington on 12 January, when Malcolm Earney will enlighten an avid audience with his knowledge about 'The Canadian Arctic'.

To get in the mood for Christmas, the Classic Movie Group will be showing 'The Bishop's Wife' (starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven) on 15 December. During January the 'Inn of the Sixth Happiness' (starring Ingrid Bergman and Robert Donat) will be shown, and then 'All About Eve" (starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter and George Sanders) is lined up for February.

During next July there will be a U3A Summer Schools programme at Harlaxton over the periods of 11-14 and 15 -18. These schools offer an attractive range of courses that are held in beautiful surroundings. Anyone wishing to attend must contact Wendy Farquhar-Smith on 01780 756316 as soon as possible. Further information can also be obtained from www.HarlaxtonU3A.co.uk.

After our Summer break, during which members enjoyed a cruise and lunch aboard the Nottingham Princess, the club re-opened on 9 September. Nicola Tallent, from the Lincolnshire Lincs, gave a talk to the members on what route to take if they were paying for and receiving poor services.

On 23 September, Kathy Lote, from Age Concern came to the club to advise members of all the services available to them. Forms were handed out for members to complete and submit for information packs on whatever they wanted to know more about.

Only one meeting was held in October, on 21st, at which the Rev. Les Whitfield conducted a Harvest sermon accompanied by Pam Rix on her keyboard. Les then donned his auctioneer's hat and did an excellent job of selling all the goods to raise money for the club.

On the 4 November members tested their knowledge with a bit of fun with antiques shown by Ann Barnes. Then on the 18th held their annual musical afternoon with Ray Pulman and Hugh Wilson.

The last meeting of 2009 will be held on 2 December at Pennell's Garden Centre where members will enjoy a Christmas lunch before wandering around the centre to do some Christmas shopping. We re-open on 6 January 2010.

We meet every fortnight in the Heighington Jubilee Hall and anyone wishing to join, should contact South Lincs Blind Society on 01476 592775.

Patricia MacPherson - Secretary

'Pirate Treasure' our annual pantomime this year has been written and is directed by Ingrid Burns.

This is a typical story of good against evil and will ensure that all the family will be treated to a fun filled time in Metheringham Village Hall. This is our 18th annual pantomime by MAD.

To give you an idea of what to expect read below!!

Jimlad Golightly acquires a treasure map from Pegleg Pete, and he and his mum Dame Semolina Golightly persuade Squire L'Tawny to finance an expedition to a desert island. They set sail on the good ship 'Sea Slug' with a crew including Long John Pewter. As in all pantomimes there's a fly in the ointment. Villainess Captain Jack Vulture wants her map back. After all, she legitimately stole it from Blackbeard the pirate. She and her crew of pirate girls pursue our hero in her ship 'The Black Oyster'. Everyone is harassed by Minnie Strater the health and safety rat. There are songs and slapstick along the way, and of course 'He's behind you.' Oh no he isn't. Oh yes he is.' They all meet up on the island. So there's bound to be trouble. Will Jimlad win the day?

Come and find out at Metheringham Village Hall Friday 29 January 7.30pm. Saturday 30
January 2.30pm and 7.30pm and the same times on Friday 5 February and Saturday
6 February.

If you cannot make any of those times, we have been invited to perform our production at Sleaford Little Theatre on Saturday 13 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

More details can be obtained by ringing Gwyneth on 01526 322633

If the pool manages to stay open next year, the cost of swimming, party hire and lessons will have to be increased to pay the ever increasing costs. Gate fees alone are not enough. We need to fund-raise but you are not supporting us.

We are not a club. We cannot say to our members:- "Buy a ticket" - "bring a raffle prize". We are a public service and we work very hard to keep a brilliant village amenity open. There are only four of us, with occasional help from a few others - cutting the grass, trimming the hedge etc.

The pool belongs to the Parish Council and they help us in many ways but we cannot expect them to increase their share of the council tax.

During the past year we have bought a new boiler, fitted new Summer covers, bought new picnic table, our own printer (each photocopy cost us 8p!), stripped the changing room floors, re-laid some of the patio slabs and decorated, attended training course and meeting. The only thing we don't do is sleep there!

Scopwick Tiddlers is a parent and toddler group which has been running for over 15 years.

We meet every Tuesday during term time from 10-11.30 am.

The price of admission is currently £1.50 each week which is for each parent and child; this includes a free drink and a snack. We are currently offering the first session for free and after that there is a one off joining fee of £3.50, followed by £1.50 each week.

During the year we run many activities such as Easter party, Halloween party and Christmas party and we also try and include some make and do activities to keep the parents busy!!

Each year we run a summer outing which this year was to Sundown Adventure land. Although it rained we all had a good time and it was a great way to finish off the summer term.

To raise money for the group the children have just completed a sponsored Welly Walk around Scopwick which was enjoyed by all. Even the babies had their wellies on whilst in their pushchairs!!

The group is very friendly and we are always looking for new members, so why not come along and join us.

If you need any more information contact Helen on 01526 378982.

As the autumn season draws to a close and with the long dark nights upon us, the committee would once again like to thank all residents for their strong support at the summer events, helping us to raise funds for more improvements to your village hall.
During the summer season we held the 50/50 auction, which proved to be as successful as ever, thanks to Mr. John Duggins and his team.

On 9 September we were entertained by "Harmony Lincs" on their rehearsal tour which was enjoyed very much by all those who attended the free evening.

The Celebration of Art, Craft and Hobbies Day was so successful with villagers displaying a wide variety of their skills, making it an enjoyable day of meeting friends old and new. The interest shown by the many people who visited during the day was excellent. "WELL DONE" and "THANK YOU" to all the exhibitors (too many to mention in this space) and the hard work by the organisers who are hoping to make this an annual event.

The New Age Kurling has been a success due to the hard work and dedication of Gwyneth and Peter. Due to other commitments, I have yet to attend, I understand from others that the evenings are full of fun and friendly rivalry. The new season will start in February 2010 for 10 weeks. Details and information are available from Gwyneth on 01526 322633.

Don't forget the Christmas Party on Friday 18 December. Doors open at 6pm and it's FREE.

C. G. Tompkins (Secretary M.V.H.C.)

We meet each Friday morning, 09:30 - 12.30 at Scopwick Village Hall. This is a group of mixed abilities, so you are welcome regardless of standard. Artists use whatever medium they like;Watercolour, Pastel, Gouache, Coloured Pencil and Acrylic etc. A local professional artist is available most Fridays to offer help and advice if you want it. We have kitchen facilities, but bring our own tea-bags/ coffee/sugar/milk!

We have demonstrations by professional artists throughout the year,with six scheduled for 2009/10. The cost for these is just £3.00 per demonstration (these last from 10.00am - 12.00) and offer excellent tips and tricks, whether you are familiar with the medium or are thinking of trying it.

We have a group meal once or twice during the year and annual visits to the Art Festival at Patchings - other outings may be planned in the future. We also have a Christmas Party arranged for 18 December next at Scopwick Village Hall. In addition to all of the above, we hold an exhibition and sale of our work over a full weekend each summer.

If you have any questions, please contact the Secretary email: : millenniumartgroup@kingfisherblue.net.

Our Autumn programme of events and activities has been well received by members, including a Christmas shopping trip to Peterborough on Wednesday 11 November. By the time this edition is published, club members and invited guests will have enjoyed their annual Christmas Dinner in the village hall on Wednesday 2 December.

We inform members about our activities in various ways, including the monthly Church Magazine and this excellent magazine produced by Peter Ford. Also, via posters kindly displayed by the following:

a. Andrew's Butchers on the High Street.
b. The Frame Shop on the High Street.
c. Karen's Kuts on the High Street.
d. D. K. News on the High Street.
e. The Great Barrier Reef , fish & chip shop on Princess Margaret Avenue .
f. The Metheringham D.I.Y. Shop on Caroline Road .
g. Jenny Honisett for the Parish Council on their notice board outside the Post Office.

On behalf of the committee and members, thank you all for your help and support.

Our diary of events during the Winter months, don't hibernate, get out with a mate, as follows:

Wed 6 Jan - Ray Jones Slide Show on bee keeping. Hopefully, this will give us a bit of a buzz and stir us to provide the right kind of flowers for bees in the Spring. Just like us, they have had a bit of a recession recently and there has been a huge decrease in bee populations. In our rural economy we, more than others, are keenly aware of how important they are to pollinate crops.

Wed 13 Jan - A trip to the pantomime "Jack and the Beanstalk" at Nottingham . We will commence with a shopping trip first followed by attending the matinee performance and return home during the early evening. Take-up has been rapid, there is now a waiting list but if sufficient members and guests are interested we may be able to arrange a bigger bus.

Wed 3 Feb - Rock & Jive - a band playing lively old favourites at a reasonable volume.

Wed 3 Mar - Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a Fish & Chips supper.

Sat 6 Mar - A Coffee Morning will be held in the village hall between 1000-1130 a.m. Open to all, we have a raffle, a bric-a-brac stall including books and a cake stall. Any items for donation kindly accepted.

Current club members re-sign during April and new members are accepted during May, further details of these events will be published in the Spring Edition of this magazine. There is a waiting list for membership but you are welcome to join the list by contacting the Chairman Margaret Amos on Tel: 01526 321049

Dave Williams - Secretary

The Band has had a busy summer season, which included playing at the Metheringham Fayre & Feast where the players refused to be daunted by the bad weather and managed to find a warm, dry spot in the Village Hall where they entertained throughout the afternoon.

Dunston Scarecrow Festival was a first for the Band, and they entered right into the spirit of the event by playing on both days dressed as scarecrows themselves, much to the delight of the crowds! That was a busy weekend for the Band as on the Friday they had played at a Cheese and Wine event in Nocton where they received a standing ovation for a fabulous performance.

The Band will be playing somewhere near you during December - Dunston St Peter's Christmas Tree Festival, Metheringham Methodist Church Carol Service and Branston Parish Church Carol Service, as well as carolling at various locations over the festive period!

Silver Sounds Band Christmas Concert
The Band Christmas Concert will be in Nocton Village Hall this year - it is on Saturday 19 December at 7.15pm. Entry is free and there will be a raffle and bottle draw during the evening. The concert will contain a mixture of seasonal music and Band favourites from the year, and you are invited to join the Band for light refreshments after the performance.

The Band is always welcoming of new members; whether you already play a brass instrument or would like to learn, we would love to hear from you. It only costs £15/quarter to join (around £1/week!), and you will receive tuition if required, the loan of an instrument and music, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills and to become a member of a fantastic local music-making activity.

For further information please contact Helen Duncan on 01526 323860, or
email brassylady@btinternet.com.

2009 was a transition season between moderate success in 2008 and hoped for success in 2010. As a number of players had left, two other players played only one game each, and another could not play at all, the club relied on some good young players. With experience and time, it is expected that they will be the equals of the players from the past. The club is delighted with the progress they made even during this one season, and the club is looking forward to seeing further advances next season. Each has made a significant contribution to the team at least once, and so the club can only hope for several such contributions in the forthcoming season! Naturally, as well, the club is very pleased at the efforts of the relatively few 'older' players who are still in the team.

What happened was that the club lost all its league games during the season! They also lost one friendly but did end with a win in a second friendly, which was the final match of the season.

Pottergate Golf Club hosted the club's presentation evening, when the following awards were made:

• * Batting - David Franklin


• * Bowling - David Glew


• * Fielding - Peter Packwood


• * Young Player - Sam Allison


• * Most improved - John Hedley


• * All rounder - Matthew Stephens


• * Club Man - David Glew


• * Presidents - Matthew Stephens and David Glew (jointly)


• * Man of the Match - David Franklin


• * Most Ducks - Peter Packwood and John Hedley (jointly)

Finally, this was the club's 20th year since it reformed and started to play friendlies in 1989. There are only two players left from that period: David Franklin and David Glew. They were given individual mementoes to commemorate their contribution to Nocton cricket over those years.

Once again another season has passed and although the season started a little wet and cold it finished with fine sunshine.

The Club took part in seven local leagues. The Sunday Morning EBA side came top. The City Evening League team moved back into the "A" Section while the Lincoln District League Premier side ended in third position and were also runners-up in the Hospital Cup. Our Lincoln League Division Three side finished in mid table and both our City Afternoon side and Cliff League team all had satisfying seasons. Of all our sides only the Friday EBA Fours didn't have too good a season so all in all it was a fairly pleasing season.

At the recent AGM there was a complete change on the Executive front with the previous Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer all standing down and yours truly now the Secretary. We would like to express our sincere thanks for all that the out going members have done for the club.

Our Club Dinner is to be held in the new year at Martin Moor Golf Club on 25 March so those wishing to attend should let me know. All it remains for me to do is wish all our members and everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

John Browett
(Hon Secretary)

The Friends of Dunston School are a group of parents committed to working for the good of Dunston St. Peter's C of E Primary School. We consider all parents to be 'Friends' and everyone is welcome at our meetings and events. We organize a number of events throughout the year including Christmas and Summer Fayres, Treasure Hunts and family fun evenings. Our aims are two-fold; to raise money for the school, and to enrich the school community with light-hearted activities for all the family.

In the academic year 2008/2009 we raised almost £2500 for the new school library. As this project is now complete we have asked the school to provide us with a wish list for 2009/2010. Surprisingly, the staff did not find this task too difficult. Consequently, we have a new fundraising target of approximately £3000 in order to purchase a PA system, an interactive whiteboard, 2 printers, dressing up outfits, construction kits and more!

As a new initiative this year we will be organising some events in partnership with Digby C of E Primary School. As the two schools are now joined in a federation we are looking into new ways of working together, following the lead of the children and staff of the two schools. We are looking forward to an evening of magic to be held at Digby and a family barn dance in Dunston. Both events will take place in the new year.

We recently held a successful Ladies shopping evening at Dunston school and would like to take this opportunity to thank the many stall holders who joined us, and the shoppers who came and supported our event. We raised approximately £240 and everyone had a good evening, with some people even getting a head start on their Christmas shopping.

We would like to invite you to our Christmas Fayre on Friday 4th December from 3pm at Dunston School. There will be games and stalls for all ages so please join us and get into the festive spirit.

Jenny Hutchinson, secretary, 321627

Another successful year draws to a close, demonstrated by the increase in membership, now approximately 50.

Wed 16 September was our open evening, Alan Halsam demonstrated his wood-turning skills. There was a stall with things he had made which we could purchase: bowls, vases, plates etc.

Wed 21 September was a craft evening taken by some of our members. There were four activities to choose from - sewing bookmarks, making Christmas Crackers, painting Christmas Cards and folding fabric boxes. For those not feeling "crafty" there was a quiz.

Wed 18 Nov we had a talk by Lesley Walker about Researching Family History. The year will conclude with the Christmas Social on 16 December.

Other Activities which took place were:
A theatre trip to Lincoln to see Fiddler on the Roof, a visit to the Kinema in the Wood at Woodhall to see the film Julie and Julia, and another Ten-pin bowling outing - always very popular.

On Thursday 26 November we will be visiting Chatsworth House to experience some of their Christmas Activities.

Our Tombola at the Fayre and Feast was a sell-out. The musical was Cats and to back-up the theme our stall was decorated with strings of (empty and clean) cat food packets and tins.

Another sell-out was the table we had for the Table-Top sale on Sat 21 Nov.

To keep minds and muscles active two teams have been entered into the Darts League, one team into the Table Tennis League and two Quiz Teams to represent Metheringham WI in the Quiz Evenings.

A thank you to the committee for organizing the variety of activities to try and please everyone, also to Audrey for enthusiasm and leadership (not forgetting the chocolate cake)

See you all in 2010. Don't forget the Dinner at Martin Moor Golf Club on Wed 20 January

Our outing to Brigg Garden Centre on 27 Oct went very well. We had a full bus, plus a car. Fifty two members sat down to lunch on arrival. This was followed by a couple of hours Xmas Shopping. Judging by the people who bought bulbs and pansies there was a lot of gardening going on in Metheringham that week.

We wish everyone a Happy and Health Xmas and New Year

Diary dates
3 Dec Xmas Stall and Raffle in Chapel Hall
10 Dec "Free" Coffee & Mince Pie Day
17 Dec Invitation from Village Hall for coffee and mince pie followed by the Nativity Play, once again presented by the Metheringham Pre-School Children.
24 Dec we will be closed
31 Dec we are open as usual in the Chapel Hall

Pam Woolley
(Secretary)

Shooting Stars is continuing to go from strength to strength and some of the girls took park in an open competition in Wakefield at the beginning of September. The girls who entered the competition did very well, coming away with a clutch of medals. Jasmin Lawson won 1st place in Tiny Baton Solo, as well as 1st place with Jaden Gray in Tiny Flag Duo. The two also achieved 3rd place in Tiny Baton Duo. Jasmin also won 2nd place in the Tiny Marching competition. Lieouni Gray came 4th in Juvenile Baton Solo and 2nd place in Juvenile Marching Comp. Lauren Taylor-Raymond came 2nd in Junior Baton Solo, 1st in Junior Mace Solo and 1st in the Junior Marching comp as well as 1st Place in Junior Pom Duo with Lieouni Gray and 1st Place in Junior Flag with Katie Starbuck and finally 2nd Place in Junior Baton Duo with Lieouni Gray. - So a big well done to all the girls who entered.

The rest of the team attended the Gypsey Bridge Fete on the 20th September. The weather was kind and the girls put on a great display so well done to all of you. We are now preparing for our Christmas show and some of the girls will be starting new routines ready for a regional competition in March. We are holding a Christmas Fayre at Martin Village Hall on 12 December from 2pm - 4pm, so come along and support the team. Should you wish to join the team or book us for an event, then please contact me. Wishing you all a happy and healthy festive season.

Cathy & all at Shooting Stars.

It has been a difficult season for the Sunday XI side that finished rooted to the bottom of a very strong premier division. Other teams in this division contained many ECB players, we also faced Lincolnshire's opening bowler and two others that are being watched by 1st class county sides.

We were not helped when we lost our captain three days before the season began, leaving us in turmoil to say the least. Phil Woodcock stepped in for the first game before James Ingamells stepped forward and ran the team very well with limited resources for the rest of the season. To be honest there were few highlights and we only managed one victory throughout the season.

Metheringham Animal Welfare Supporters group have just held their Christmas Market in the village hall on Saturday 14 November. What a day it was too! Full and busy from the word "go" as the volunteers dashed about getting everything ready for the stall-holders and then dressing their own MAWS stalls ready for the 10.00 am start. Some of the "gang" even managed to get a bite to eat and a cuppa from the Snack Bar, before the mad rush of customersarrived. There were over 60 raffle prizes, 400 tombola prizes, the MAWS snack bar with good home cooking and a variety of gift and craft stalls to choose from, something for everyone. You could even have a Tarot card reading.

For four of the volunteers it was their first market with us. They underwent the baptism of fire very well even if (as one of them said) they found it a bit disorganized and confusing for a start. We do hope that everyone enjoyed the day and although very tired, felt it was worthwhile to help raise funds for the animals. As we go to press, all the cash and bills are not yet in but we expect to have grossed just over £1,000 (about £800 profit - we hope!). A huge "thank you" to all who donated prizes, cakes, cards, blankets and cash, etc. Thank you for the hard work of the volunteers and stallholders and a special thank you to you the public for buying so generously, especially in these hard times, when money is tight. Bless you all.

May we the MAWS committee wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year

Joyce Muncey