Events: October 2009 Archives

by Dot Howes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planned workshops for October include:

• Wednesday 21st October - Sowing Seeds for Spring


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


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

• Making Birch and Hazel Brooms the Traditional Way


• Entertaining Made Easy: Nutritious Nibbles and Quick Canapés


• Learn to Turn Wood into Apples & Pears


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.leisureconnection.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which was your favourite?