News: March 2011 Archives

Published at the request of the Metheringham Parish Council Clerk

The farmers behind a bid to build a 'super dairy' in Lincolnshire have confirmed they have abandoned their plans. Nocton Dairies Ltd withdrew an application for a 3,770 cow dairy on Nocton Heath in February following concerns from the Environment Agency. On Thursday directors David Barnes and Peter Willes issued a statement saying they had no further plans for a dairy.

The statement said arable farming will continue on the land, near Lincoln.
Nocton Dairies Ltd had originally wanted to house about 8,000 animals on the site but halved the number after pressure from welfare, environmental and local groups.
'No further application'

But the Environment Agency said it still had concerns about the effect the dairy may have on ground water quality nearby and North Kesteven District Council indicated it would refuse the application and refer it to the government.

After withdrawing the plans Mr Barnes and Mr Willes said they were taking time to consider their options and would not be selling the land. The directors' statement said: "When the application for the dairy was withdrawn, we did not know what the next steps would be, there was no Plan "B".
"Since then we have had further meetings with the Environment Agency and council to find out what the options are.
"While none of us knows how circumstances or technology might change in the future, we can confidently say that there is no intention to submit any further application for a dairy farm on the heath."

Swimming - a life skill

Ever wanted to learn to swim, but never got round to it? City of Lincoln Pentaqua Swimming Club offers a learn to swim programme for swimmers aged from 4 to 104. Pentaqua is a Swim 21 accredited club and has a reputation for nurturing and guiding swimmers to achieve their full potential, whether that be being able to swim, or even aspiring Olympians.

In addition to learn to swim, training sessions and support are available for those who want to take their swimming to the next level and compete as Pentaqua's swimmers are seen at competitions throughout the Midlands. These sessions are great for developing fitness levels further through a planned programme of training coached by qualified and professional staff.

Pentaqua's Learn to Swim programme for younger swimmers takes place at NK and Yarborough Leisure Centres, and the adults only Learn to Swim programme takes place at Lincoln Christ's Hospital School pool.

For more information on Pentaqua and opportunities to swim with the club at both learn to swim (children and adults), and competitive levels visit www.pentaqua.org or telephone 07952 552090.

From Dot Howes

Notice is given that Metheringham Village Hall Management Committee
will be holding its' Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 12th April 2011
at 7.30p.m. in the Village Hall. This meeting is open to the public.
Any groups not currently represented on the committee are invited to
put forward a nominee to represent their interests. Forms are available
from Dot Howes (01526 322314 e-mail : dot.howes@tiscali.co.uk). Any
questions for the meeting should also be submitted before Tuesday 5th
April 2011.

Dino-Mite is taking place in Metheringham Library on Tuesday 19th
April. Stomp in the Dinosaur Swamp and make your own dinosaur egg or
mask. The event which takes place between 11.00a.m. and 12.15 is
suitable for 5-11 year olds and will cost £1 per child. To book a place
speak to the library staff or phone 01522 782010.

Metheringham WI held their Annual General Meeting in the village hall
on Wednesday 16th March. There were no new nominations for the
committee and no members stepped down. Audrey Webb was reappointed as
President. Joan Reynolds was presented with a photo of her receiving
the trophy for highest darts score in the federation darts league.

The glass bowl for the member with the highest 10- Pin bowling score
went to Adele Riddell who scored 181. the new season begins in
April/May. The Competitions trophy went to Mary Goddard with Jenni
Honisett and Jean Bradley in second and third places. Audrey Webb won
the flower of the month trophy and Jenni Honisett and Shirley Maddison
were equal second. The overall trophy was won by Mary Goddard with 88
points. Following the business of the meeting 12 rounds of bag beetle
caused much noise and hilarity in the hall with the overall winner
being Adele Riddell and Ronnie wright was runner up.

The next meeting will be a talk on "Clarice Cliff" by Gerry Burrows
on Wednesday 20th April at 7.15p.m. in the village hall. Visitors are
welcome and the £1.50 includes refreshments and raffle entry.

At the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre - in the old gymnasium - on Wednesday 27th March 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

There will be a 50:50 Auction on Saturday March 26th 2011 in Metheringham Village Hall. Viewing from 8.00a.m. and first lot under the hammer at 10.00a.m. Items to go in the sale should be delivered to the hall between 5.30 and 7.30p.m. on Friday 25th March. 50% of the payment received for goods sold will be returned (unless a 100%
donation to the hall is specified.) Payments will be made at the end of the auction which will be limited to 150 lots and a limit of 5 lots per person or organisation. There is no collection or delivery service and large bulky items may not be accepted. Electrical items sold "as seen". No clothing or shoes. Refreshments will be available.

Metheringham WI holds its' 2011 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16th March at 7.15p.m. in the village hall. Visitors are welcome for £1.50 which includes refreshments.

There will be a Fashion Show in Metheringham Village Hall on Wednesday 23rd March 2011 at 7.30p.m. The clothes will be presented by Lincs Fashion and tickets are £2.50 available from D & K news or on 07900 915191. Bring your friends and a bottle. All profits will go to Metheringham and District Swimming Pool.

The POD will be visiting Metheringham on Fridays 18th and 25th March and the 1st and 8th April between 2.30 and 5.30 and 6-8p.m. The mobile youth and play facility is open to anyone between 0-16 years ( under 8s to be accompanied by an adult) and offers digital games, Nintendo Wii, Music, Arts and Crafts activities or just the chance to "chill". For further information please contact NK Outreach on 01522 870252 (playNK@leisureconnection.co.uk)

There will be Coffee Morning in aid of St Barnabas'Hospice at Metheringham Methodist Church Rooms on Saturday 19th March between 9.30- 11.30a.m.

Genuine arts and crafts with a hint of vintage by the very best of the regions artists and makers!
A great opportunity to find those extra special Mothers Day and Easter gifts.
This is a family friendly event and is now in its third year.
Details at www.tempopromotes.co.uk

For those that have visited this site in the past few days, you may have noticed that the image of the mill on the home page has been replaced by a series of images counting down to today. Why the countdown?

Well, I'm pleased to announce that the Metheringham area website has reached a very significant milestone. Today, Tuesday 01 March 2011 is the 10th anniversary of the Metheringham Area website. This is a real achievement. What started as a few web pages designed to publicise the Metheringham Area Community Leisure Association's newsletter has grown like Topsy to the site you see today.

Here's an image of screenshot of the very first page courtesy of the Wayback Machine

What started as a fun idea that was supposed to take a few hours every three months has grown over the years to become a true labour of love. This site is a true testament to our community with almost all the content being supplied by you. And for that, I've got to say a huge thank you.

Deserving of a special mention is Pete Ford, who has supplied more than his fair share of the content over the past 10 years. His initial enthusiasm and support for the site has not waned, his love of our community has shown through in every article, every email and every suggestion for the site that he has provided.

Not many community sites last this long. Many other community sites have come and gone but the MACLA site is still here and, if the logs are to be believed, is avidly read by over 100 people every day.

Over the next few weeks, I plan a series of posts celebrating this achievement and looking back on some of the more memorable moments whilst asking what lies over the brow of the next hill.

Once again, a huge thank you to you , our community, for helping us reach this milestone

Jeff
aka The Weaver