MACLA News Magazine - 31. Summer 2008

Allegedly we are now moving into our Summer and one has to say it is slightly better than the previous two so far, just!

As you go through this issue of our local magazine you will see many, many groups are busy trying to raise much needed funds for their particular charity or organisation so let's hope the weather is kind to them and as many of you as possible are able to give your support to them. Not all of them rely on the weather but it is still nice to have the sunshine.

I am sure you will see there is a real cross section of articles in this Summer Issue which I sincerely hope you enjoy.

To give you some guidance of events taking place, these include the Metheringham Methodist Church Centenery celebrations, Blankney Church Weekend of Music and The White Horse Bank Holiday Beer Festival to mention just three.

It has been pleasing this time to receive items from different organisations who now wish to place articles in the magazine, especially our local schools and the Fire Brigade. I am still trying to get more articles from the Scopwick and Martin areas though so please contact me.

The closing date for articles for our Autumn Issue is 21 August.
Have an enjoyable Summer -

Mad Fortnight - Members of Metheringham Animal Welfare Supports group will be making house to house collections in Metheringham and surrounding villages during the annual Mad Fortnight, from 2 June to 15 June inclusive. Authorised collectors will be carrying the MAWS "can" and have a MAWS photograph ID/Licence. Every penny collected counts. Whatever you can spare will be very much appreciated.

All the money raised from this and our other events held throughout the year will be shared equally at the end of the financial year in August between Keith's Rescue Dogs in Skegness, Bunny Heaven in Coleby, Cats in Need in Sleaford and Marion's Animal Lodge in Lincoln.

If there is anyone willing to help with the collection in Metheringham (some streets not covered) also help wanted please for Nocton, Dunston, Branston, Navenby, Walcot, Martin, Coleby and Waddington, please contact Joyce Muncey MAWS Secretary / co-ordinator on 01526 321436 for further information.

Or if you wish to send a donation, cheques can be made out to MAWS please.
These can be sent to the MAWS Office, 31 Station Road, Metheringham, Lincoln, LN4 3HR.Please include your name and address. A receipt will be sent to you.

Thank you once again for your interest and support.

Our Next Garden Outhouse sale is on Sat 7 June 10 am to 2 pm 31 Station Rd, Metheringham.

So we came to the end of another eventful and entertaining Football Season in the history of Metheringham Football Club! I hope everyone enjoyed it and are now looking forward to a couple of months off before we start all over again, not counting the occasional five or six-a-side competition thrown in during the Summer of course.

Before this however our three Club Presentations will take place with the many awards being presented. The two Junior Award nights will see members of the successful Lincoln City Ladies Football team make the awards. This season the family of Dayne Grove (who tragically passed away during the season) have kindly presented us with a Memorial Trophy in his memory. This will be presented annually to our junior manager's choice of Junior Player of the Season (between the ages of 7 and 16). All details of our award winners will be in the next issue of this magazine.

by Edith Wharton

Book Readers Group

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is a picture of New York society in the 1870s when there were strict codes of behaviour, which could not be broken. At the start of the book Newland Archer gentleman lawyer and heir to one of New York City's best families, is about to become engaged to the beautiful May Welland. Yet, he soon has doubts about his choice of bride after the appearance of Countess Ellen Olenska, May's exotic, beautiful thirty-year-old cousin, who had been living in Europe. Ellen has returned to her New York family after scandalously leaving her husband, a Polish count, and Newland is torn between his attraction for the worldly flamboyant Ellen and his more conventional fianceé May.

Although one or two of our group enjoyed the book, on the whole most of us thought that this classic hadn't stood the test of time.

The Group continue to meet on a twice monthly basis with the 5 March event have an interesting talk from Mary Porter from the Forestry Commission. On 19 March, after a short service, the Rev. Stephen Jones Crabree judged the Easter Bonnets and Bella Wilson won the first prize. The members were then entertained by Pam Rix on her keyboard.

On the 2nd April members enjoyed a Variety Concert performed by the Elsham Singers of Grantham. Two weeks later, on 16 April, Ken James (retired photographer) took members on a trip down memory lane with a display of photographs that he had taken during his career with the Echo. At the end of the month, on the 30 April, Sylvia Ford-Brown had members laughing their heads off when she gave a talk on the History of the Toilet.

The club meets every fortnight, anyone wishing to join can contact Betty Knight on 01522 794121 or Patricia MacPherson on 01522 856981.

George Frederick Samuel Robinson was unique in English history. The facts are that he was conceived at No 11 Downing Street when his father, Frederick John Robinson, (Earl Goderich of Nocton) was the Chancellor of the Exchequer and then born at No. 10 (24 October 1827) during the time his father was the shortest ever reigning English Premier (holding the position for just five months (130 days) between September 1827 and January 1828).

The family home for the Robinson's was Nocton Hall and his mother, Lady Sarah, was the driving force in developing Nocton into the idyllic village it is today.

Barcelona Visit

Wow. Fantastic. Amazing. Incredible. How do you say gobsmackingly good without repeating the same words over and over on every line that you write.

Well, a party of fourteen of us had an adventure in Barcelona between 6th-9th May which could only be expressed by using words like unbelievable, outstanding and unique. And, I am afraid my vocabulary isn't big enough to describe our visit to the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Placa de la Boqueira, la Pedrera and Casa Batllo and so on.

The whole visit was awesome. But before begin to explain the unique details of Gaudi's architecture I need to tell you who went on this unforgettable trip and why. In this way you will hopefully see where Nocton Village Trail Association fits into it.

Terms 3 and 4 at Metheringham Primary School provided a range of different experiences for our pupils.

In January, 47 Metheringham pupils were invited to sing at the Education Celebration Service at Lincoln Cathedral. The pupils performed 3 songs from the musical 'Joseph'. After quickly overcoming the nerves associated with singing in front of a large audience in such an overwhelming but inspiring location, our pupils sang their hearts out.

In March a group of 41 Year 6 pupils and 4 Year 5 pupils packed their bags and boarded the bus for a week's residential visit to the Peak District. The pupils were set many physical, problem solving, technological and team building challenges during this visit. These ranged from climbing, zip wiring and high ropes to fencing, quad biking, orienteering, river studies and information technology projects, to name a few. Undeterred by the rain, hail, high winds and mud, our pupils attempted all of the challenges set for them.

At the same time, the rest of the Metheringham pupils were involved in Healthy Schools' Week. There were a range of visitors in school delivering keep fit sessions, healthy lunchbox workshops, fire safety talks and health and hygiene talks to the pupils. The week ended with a 'Dragons' Den' activity where teams of pupils tried to sell the products that they had designed to a panel of 'Dragons' from the Metheringham area.

The school's Easter celebrations saw a mass of elaborately decorated yellow, orange and green Easter bonnets in school which were paraded for parents during our Easter assembly in Early Years. Our Key Stage 2 pupils were invited to decorate an Easter egg and our prize winners received their chocolate egg prizes during their assembly. The Friends of Metheringham School group topped the events off with an Easter raffle and Easter egg hunt in the village.

Our year 3 and year 3 /4 classes presented their play 'Much ado about Health' at the end of term 4. Like Shakespeare, this production was full of its own range of contemporary humour which was competently carried off by our talented pupils.

Term 4 ended with Metheringham School hosting a Young Enterprise day. Pupils and staff from Metheringham, Dunston, Nocton and Potterhanworth joined representatives from local businesses in activities involving trading, importing and exporting, advertising and promoting products. During the day many potential young entrepreneurs were identified! All pupils received certificates for participating in the day's events and the schools received Young Enterprise plaques.

The school diary is again full for the next 2 terms. Hopefully we will be able to keep you informed of school news in the next issue.

Elspeth McMenemie
Headteacher

The Village Hall Management Committee Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 20th May 2008. Fifteen members were present and the chairman and treasurer gave their reports before voting took place. The chairman is Mrs. Jenni Honisett; vice-chairman Mrs. Margaret Amos; treasurer Mrs. Gwyneth Holland; and secretary Mrs. Jayne Palmer. It was noted that this is the first time for several years that there has been a full complement of officers. Mrs. Dot Howes, who resigned as treasurer earlier in the year, was thanked for all her work, as were the rest of the committee.

The next meeting of the Village Hall Management Committee is on Tuesday 3rd June, and it is hoped that there will be full representation from all organisations who use the Village Hall.

Many of you will know there are two notice boards in Metheringham, supplied by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council notice board is situated in the War Memorial garden, and all formal Parish Council notices are displayed here. If the Parish Council is advertising for paid positions in the village or for an event organised by them, then the notices may also appear in the notice board by the Post Office.

The Village notice board, situated by the Post Office, is for notices and posters for local voluntary groups. Metheringham based groups are given priority but if space permits then notices from Blankney, Dunston, Martin, Nocton and Scopwick will be considered. A voluntary group is one that is purely run by volunteers with perhaps a few paid staff, but there are also voluntary groups who charge a fee to cover the running costs of that group. Businesses are not able to advertise in either notice board.

If advertising a specific event the notice will stay in place until the event has taken place, but if advertising an ongoing concern these will be in position for one month. When this time has elapsed the poster or notice will be removed and if the group wish to re-advertise they will need to produce a new poster or notice.

Please do not affix posters to the glass doors of the notice board, as they will be removed without any consultation.

In future it is hoped to have a notice board outside the Village Hall which will only be to advertise events happening at the hall.

Please contact me on 01526 320968 if you wish to place a poster or notice in the board, or if you would like any further information.

Jenni Honisett

I was looking at the page about 'Metheringham Highlights'
In particular the section about 'Metheringham Railway Station'.
There is an error in fact in it, the original name of the station was 'Blankney and Metheringham'.
Before I dared to write this, I had a rootle around in a very old railway timetable to confirm my memory !!
Another observation is about the name of the track between the Station and Blankney Hall.
The formal name of it given by the occupants of the hall is 'The Old Coach-Road'
In the 1940's and 50's when I was a kid in Meg, we used to talk about walking and playing up and around 'The drive'.
Another story that I researched many years ago is that the Lord Londesborough was late and missed a train for a journey to London. As a result, he missed an appointment with the Queen.
To avoid any repeat of this, he had a law enacted in the House of Lords that decreed that 'Blankney Time' would be five (or maybe ten) minutes before the rest of England's time.
I have a vague memory of having a bus timetable for a bus going to Blankney from Metheringham arriving at a time before it left Meg.

Pete Byers

Thanks to all who support our regular fund raising events. We held a family fun day in school during May. We aim to enjoy spending time together, with our families, eating picnics and playing rounders!

Watch out for our toy stall at the Dunston Duck Races on 14 June and come and join us at our Summer Fayre on 12 July 1-3pm. Traditional fun with stalls, games and a BBQ in the school grounds.

Jenny Hutchinson (Sec) 01526 321627

We held our 39 th AGM on Monday 19 May and our coffee mornings are in good shape and thriving.

The Senior Citizens Party took place in the Village Hall on Saturday 12 April. This was again a great success. Approximately 130 people were greeted with sherry or orange juice. Tea was served at 4.00 pm followed by entertainment from Tommy Curtis.
During the interval Mrs Betty Foster was presented with a basket of flowers. Betty has recently retired from the committee after 30 years.
The raffle, which gets bigger every year, raised £158.00 - thank you all for your generosity.
Mr Bill Heath supplied us with his plum loaves once again, which were much appreciated. Many thanks to all our committee members and extra helpers on the day.

Our outing to Skegness will be held on Tuesday 24 June, leaving the village at 10.00 am. Names to Pam Woolley please

Pam Woolley (Sec)

Angels Dance Squad continues to flourish with increased membership. The girls are in full training ready for their summer events and the next United Baton Twirlers Association Competition in October. New routines are being put together and perfected, at twice weekly training sessions. The group will hopefully be attending numerous summer events, including 'The Lincoln Water Festival' and 'Lincolnshire Poacher', as well as many local fetes and galas.

The squad is always welcoming of new members. The varying age groups, from 5 years to 18 years, dance in the appropriate age sections, but support each other with real team spirit. Any young people wishing to join the squad, learn new skills and have fun 'keeping fit', please contact Cathy 07920147392 or Maxine 01526 321473

Playing Fields

Slowly negotiations with the County Council over land issues move forward and the Parish Council now has a basic document, which sets out the terms for the School use of the Star and Garter Field. This would give full control of the main playing field back to the Parish and we could then move ahead with plans to build the new pavilion and changing rooms adjacent to the Swimming Pool.

After years of discussion we seem to be very close to reaching a compromise with the County Council over our proposed developments for the sports field although there is still an issue over access to the School site. The main provisions are;
1. There is no change in the use of the playing field by the community.
2. The main field will not be fenced and will be free for community use at all times.
3. The County Council will fence the Star & Garter Field and the School will have exclusive use during term time. The field will be available for use by organized groups at all other times.
4. Maintenance of the main field will be the responsibility of the Parish Council but maintenance of the Star & Garter Field will be shared with the County Council. This includes fencing, except that maintained by the District Council.
5. The Parish Council will be free to build the new pavilion and any other development on the main field.
6. The community will still have full use of the existing changing rooms and the pavilion until such time as the new facilities are built. At this time the freehold of the pavilion will be surrendered to the County Council.
7. The County Council will surrender the current lease on the main field and in exchange the Parish Council will grant a lease on the Star & Garter Field to the County Council. The new lease will run to the remainder of the exisiting term of the current lease, but if the School ceases to exist the lease reverts to the Parish Council.
8. The freehold of the small area outside the existing pavilion will be transferred to the County Council.

On 29 March many of our members met up at the Martin Moor Golf Club for our annual dinner. We all had a lovely evening, and the food was beautifully prepared and presented - so 5 stars to all at the Golf Club for giving us such a wonderful evening. We were even treated to a few *taped" songs from the "Billinger (Billinghay for those who are not from this area) Roughs" to see us on our way!

On the following Friday, 4 April we joined forces with the Football Club to stage a Race Night at the Star and Garter. It was a huge success for all concerned, and we would like to convey our thanks to all the members of the football club, who helped us - especially Pete Ford, Roger Dawson and John Wood. And as usual, we owe special thanks to Butch, the landlord of the Star and Garter, for allowing us to use his facilities, not just on this occasion, but also for committee meetings throughout the winter. Thank you, Butch!

On Sunday 20 April, our green was officially opened for the 2008 summer season. Of course, it rained, but the hardy people who turned up (from Metheringham Bowls Club and also from Dunston Bowls Club), managed to play a 12 end Bowls Drive so it was not a complete wash-out!

We had a Coffee Morning on Saturday 26 April, and that was also successful - bearing in mind we have had to buy various pieces of equipment for the green, during the closed season, these events have kept us afloat. We plan to hold another Coffee Morning at the end of the summer season, probably on a Saturday in September so watch out for the posters!

Now, the summer bowling season is fully underway. As Dunston Bowls Club has joined with us, this season, it means that we are participating in no less than 10 different leagues - so our green keeper, Maurice White, is very busy, but as usual, he manages to keep the green in excellent condition and whenever possible he tries to let people who wish to play in competitions, play on the rinks they want.

As usual, if you would like to play Bowls, please contact me for details.

Dawn Smith (01526 320502) or at dawnsmith@homecall.co.uk

Centenary Celebrations 2008

We will continue with our Centenary Celebrations with a Flower Festival entitled "Through the Century", in the Methodist Church, on Fri 6th June, Preview Evening 7.30 - 9.00pm with refreshments for which tickets are £5. The Flower Festival continues on both Sat 7th 10.00am - 4.00pm and Sun 8th 12.00 - 4.00pm with admission free. Music will be played and refreshments served during these two days.

On Sunday 8th June at 10.30am Rosemary Coggrove, who was a previous Deacon in Metheringham, is returning to lead the worship.

On Saturday 12th July are The Gift Day and Shared Memories Exhibition, in the Methodist Church from 9.30am to 2.00pm, with morning coffee and a ploughman's lunch served from 12.00. Come along and see photos and memorabilia from the past 100 years. At 2.00pm the Rev Gill Riley will lead a short Receiving of the Gift Service.

On Sunday 13th July 3.00 - 6.00pm is The Sunday School Reunion, please come along to renew old acquaintances and light refreshments will be served.

On Saturday 9th August we have a Fish & Chip Supper, at 6.30pm in the Chapel Hall, followed by "An Edwardian Evening" with the Witham Singers. Ticket price is £5.

Our Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 14th September and the Wesley Singers will lead the evening service at 6.00pm.

On Monday 15th September the Harvest Supper will take place in the Chapel Hall at 7.00pm with tickets priced at £5.

We will be selling commemorative tea towels and a booklet about Metheringham Methodist Church during the celebrations.

Tickets are available for the above events from Margaret Amos, Joyce Sellers and Rita Blow.

More information can be obtained from Joyce Sellers on 01526 321729 or Jan Munday 01526 323180

Metheringham Primary School needs a Community Governor.

The School is run by a governing body working with the head teacher and senior management team to ensure pupils get a good education. Becoming a governor could be a way of contributing to your local school and learning new skills.

You don't need to have a child at a school to become a governor. All types of people can become school governors and no special qualifications are required, but you must be 18 or over on the date when you are elected or appointed. However anyone eligible to be a staff governor or an elected member of the LEA cannot be appointed as a community governor. Enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education are the most important qualities. We would particularly welcome new governors who have transferable skills developed at work, or who have a particularly good understanding of the community served by the school.

A Community governor is somebody appointed by the governing body, who lives or works in the community served by the school, or who, in the opinion of the governing body, is committed to the good governance and success of the school. There is one full Governing Body meeting every term (six terms per year) and there are committee meetings in between these. The appointed person would be expected to be able regularly to visit the school to liaise with the staff and pupils. They would also be subject to CRB checks.

The governing body of a school is responsible for ensuring that it is run to promote pupil achievement. Its duties include: setting strategic direction, policies and objectives, approving the school budget, and reviewing progress against the school's budget and objectives. There is a national training programme for new governors and you can view the training materials on the GovernorNet website. GovernorNet also provides information and guidance for governors. The GovernorLine support service can provide advice on legal and other issues by telephone (0800 0722 181) or email.

If you are interested in helping the school by becoming a community governor and wish to apply or ask for more details, then please leave a message at the school giving your details or C.V. and a contact number and we will get in touch.

Neil Kendall - Chair of Governors

An Introduction to Your Community Fire Station.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has approximately 900 Firefighters and fire staff. The county area is organised into four Station Support Groups (SSGs 1,2,3,4) that support the 38 fire stations throughout Lincolnshire.

The majority of the 2,237 square miles of Lincolnshire is crewed by retained staff who attend on a call out basis. The other stations are either wholetime (24/7) or day crewed (office hours).

Metheringham Community Fire Station is allocated to SSG4 and covers the areas to Martin, Digby, Temple Bruer, across the A15 to the Mere, and Potterhanworth.
The station currently has twelve personnel consisting of two Watch Managers, Two Crew Managers and eight Fire Fighters two of whom are female. There are also two potential recruits who are at present going through the selection process and we wish them every success and hope to see them on station soon.

As part of the improvement for National Resilience a call sign structure has been introduced to support Regional Control Centres for effective operation. The call signs are unique for each resource. The call sign for Metheringham is FEC26P2 ( Phonetically - Foxtrot Echo Charlie Two Six Papa Two) which has replaced the older Cypher of D8 ("D" Division, Station 8).
F = Fire, E = Region-East Midlands, C = Sub Region-Lincolnshire, 26 = Metheringham Station, P = Appliance Type-Pump, 2 = Water Tender Ladder (Wtl)

The Appliance

Metheringham received a Brand new MAN Fire appliance in February as part of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue modernisation plan.
Appliance Details.
Reg No F57 FOC
Cypher FEC26P2
Engine MAN EURO 4 176Kw (240bhp) 6 Cylinder
Trans MAN 'Tip-Matic' 12 Speed automatic
Top Speed 70 mph on Incident and 56 mph other (Restricted)
Main Pump Rear Mounted Ziegler FPN2000/10HH PTO Driven
Rated Delivery 2000 Lpm 10Bars (3.0m Suction Lift)
HP stage 250 Lpm at 40 Bar
Water Cap 1800 Litres
Foam Tank 120 Litre on Board

If you require any more details please contact any member of Metheringham Fire Station Personnel or come and have a look around during our Station and community events. If you are interested in becoming a Retained Fire Fighter please contact Roy Darwood on 01526 321489 for an application pack.

Pete Leggett
Crew Manager C26
Metheringham

from PC Simon Gordon

I am often asked by members of the public what the role of your police community support officers actually is, and what powers do they have.

I hope most of you are aware who your PCSOs are: We have Lisa Duckworth, and Paul Flannigan.

The core role of a PCSO is to be highly visible, and to engage with the local community. This is to improve community confidence, provide advice and support and be a named point of contact during targeted patrols.

PCSO's deal mainly with incidents of nuisance and anti social behaviour, using their assigned powers.

These powers include: Issuing fixed penalty notices for littering, dog fouling, cycling on the pavement. They can also request the name and address of someone acting in an anti social manner. Other powers include requesting a person to stop drinking in a designated area; confiscate alcohol and tobacco from young people; enter and search premises for the purpose of saving life and limb; remove abandoned vehicles; direct traffic and place road signs; deal with begging and issue fixed penalty notices for possession and throwing of fireworks. They also have power to seize vehicles being used to cause alarm or distress; power to stop and search authorized areas and power to issue penalty notices for expired tax discs, or failing to display one.

So you can see they have the power to make a difference to the quality of life in the local communities. As the local community police officer, I find their assistance and support invaluable.

The end of April saw another cricket season get under way at Blankney. The club has a full and varied programme this season with at least one home match taking place each weekend from now until September and a plethora of midweek fixtures until the end of July. The club has also allowed the ground to be used by county sides with the Lincs Over 50's playing and beating Suffolk only a matter of weeks ago.

The club's two weekend sides are plying their trade in the South Lincs and Borders League on a Saturday, while the Sunday side are once again in the Lincoln Premier League. To date the Saturday side are top of the table, having played three and won three. At Moulton the home side were bowled out for just 77 with Barry King taking 5-25. Simon Behan and Dave Pearse easily knocked the runs off inside 20 overs. At Claypole it was an equally easy victory as the home side made 90 all out with Ian Holvey the pick of our bowlers taking 3-15 and then Lee Allman hit a quick fire 56 not out to see us to a 6 wicket victory. Then in the first home game, against Baston, we chased a total of 159 and won by 7 wickets as Lee Allman made an unbeaten 81 and he and Simon Behan (55) put on 101 for the third wicket.
On Sunday's the side got off to a winning start in the league with a victory over North Scarle mainly due to new skipper Will Carter taking 5-31 but then suffered defeat in the Premier Trophy at Middle Rasen despite Carter hitting 61. This was followed by a heavy defeat in the league at home to Hartsholme when the team was set a total of 266 to chase. In the latter game the opposition had an Aussie playing who hit 97 off just 46 balls. This total contained 13 fours and 4 sixes, with one of the sixes landing on the main road.

The club has once again entered the Pattinson Cup, played at Sleaford Cricket ground. In the first round we met a Friskney side with a large presence of Boston CC players in it. They were restricted to 88-7 in their 16 overs due mainly to Ian McGowan taking 4-18. Ian then took up the gauntlet to score 24 not out off 16 balls to see us into the quarter finals where we play Barkston.

In Midweek the two sides are in different divisions this season with the Estate side in Division One and the Club XI in Division Two. To date the Estate side has won one and lost one of their two games played. The Club XI however are still looking for their first win. This season the club has bitten the bullet and made this team a predominantly "youth" side with at least eight of the players under 20. It is felt this has to be the way forward by getting more youth into the club.

If anyone is interested in joining the club please contact Secretary Pete Ford - 01526 320016

Baldock Family history

Hi, I am searching for the family of Ann Baldock, b. circa 1807, possibly near Louth as she was known as Ann of Wyham on a Lincoln court record I have. My Ann was transported to Tasmania, Australia in 1833 for stealing. In 1834 she married Simon Ross, a pardoned convict, originally from Scotland. I am descended from this family and I am very keen to find her ancestry. I have been looking for years but can not find an Ann Baldock that fits the little information I have.
Can you help?
Cheers, Rosemary romac@iinet.net.au

Dunstan Family history

Looking for information regarding a William Dunstan born approx. 7 Sept 1839 to a Samuel Dunstan. Samuel's wife was possibly Jane. Thank you
marilyndunstan@yahoo.ca

Annual Village Meeting 2008

The 2008 Annual Village meeting took place on Tuesday 29 April in the Village Hall. This year's topic was "GOING GREEN", David Webb, Sustainable Project Officer from NKDC gave a presentation informing residents how they can remain sustainable and have an impact on the future.

This was the third year all the local village organizations had been invited to the Village Meeting, and we believe it was a great success with a turnout of 20 groups. We would like to thank the groups who gave presentations. These included the Army Cadet Force, Bowls Club, Metheringham Area LIVES, the Over 60's, Metheringham & District Swimming Pool Association, the Village Hall Management Committee and the Methodist Chapel. This made the evening varied and interesting.

It is your meeting and your opportunity to update everyone on your group's achievements. If you did not give a presentation or short talk this year, please bear this in mind for next year. If you have any suggestions or new ideas as to how the Annual Village Meeting could be improved please contact the Clerk.

The area in front of the library and the surgery has been transformed in the last few weeks by the laying of block paving, planting of a beech hedge, silver birch tree and flower beds as part of the Village Centre Regeneration Project. Hopefully the rest of the improvements, including a seat around the tree and a trellis with plants, will be completed before we celebrate the library's 40th birthday during the summer.

According to The Lincolnshire Echo of 22nd May 1968 the library and adjoining clinic were erected as a result of the efforts of the Rev Sam Radford who campaigned long and hard for them. To celebrate his success he travelled to the official opening a distance of 211 miles from the Isle of Wight, where he was the chaplain at Parkhurst prison. He had been the vicar of Metheringham from 1957 to 1966 as well as being a County, Rural District and Parish Councillor. The first librarian was Mrs Mary Metheringham.

Our reading group continues at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month in the Star and Garter and we have computer classes run by Lincoln College on Thursday mornings and afternoons.

In case you are not aware of the new opening times, which started on May 1st, they are:
Wednesday 2pm to 7pm
Friday 10am to 2pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm

Pauline Ventress

Formed in the early Spring of 2004 when the first meeting of interested parties was called and a steering committee elected, the Branston and District U3A has gone from strength to strength and now boasts a membership of around 140. While the bulk of our members are from Branston,Heighington & Washingboro, we do have members from Bracebridge Heath, Nocton, Dunston, Metheringham and even Lincoln and Welton.

The only qualification for membership is that you need to be over 50 and NOT in full time employment. We have a very wide range of interest groups, each with its own Group Convenor, ranging from outdoor pursuits such as Long or Short Walks and Natural History to indoor activities includingMusic Appreciation, Scrabble and Bridge. These are just a few of over 30 different activities both recreational and educational.

Our monthly meetings are held in Branston Village Hall on the 4th Tuesday in every month and prospective members are welcome to come along to "test the water".

If any of your readers are interested and require further information they can contact me as Publicity Officer on 01522 792274

I would like to start by thanking Mr and Mrs Browett for their kind donation of £210 collected at their golden wedding celebration. We really appreciate their support.

In response to a question raised at the annual village meeting in May, we would like to clarify how the responders are called out. In an emergency situation you do not have to phone for a responder. When you call for an ambulance, a responder will be automatically contacted and sent to your address, as long as there is someone on duty at that time.

We are currently aiming to form a fundraising sub committee to help meet our running costs (medical supplies etc) and to move the group forward. Among other things we would like to purchase is a group computer, to be used for training and presentations.
If you would like to become a member of our LIVES team, by becoming a responder or fundraiser telephone either of our co-ordinators.

Beth - 321919 or Jenny - 321627

The Twirlers have just returned from their first competition of the year which was held at Primrose Valley at Filey on 19/20 April. It was the Great Britain Baton Twirling Association Spring championships.

It was the second time that the Twirlers have competed in this association's championships, with the event attracting 10 teams from across the country. Twenty eight members of the Metheringham troupe took part in the event.

The Group entered six sections and came up with a bundle of trophies as they claimed four first places and two thirds. The Twirlers were the winning troupe in the babies' dance twirl, junior dance twirl, senior dance twirl and senior pom and were also the best baton troupe overall and best in the senior section overall. The team picked up third places in the tinies' dance twirl and tinies' pom.

Other prize winners were:
Babies section dance twirl - Tia-Rose Miller 2nd mascot, Rosie MacDavid 1st leader;
Tinies' dance twirl - Isobell Hayes 2nd mascot;
Junior dance twirl - Shannon Brammer 1st mascot, Becky Blackband 1st leader;
Senior dance twirl - Katie Garrick 3rd mascot, Leanne Riddell 1st leader; Tinies' pom - Evie Walker 1st mascot; Steph Tripp 1st leader; Senior pom - Sophie Casey 1st mascot, Gemma Casey 2nd leader;
Marching competition, tots - Mia Coucom joint 2nd; junior - Chloe MacDavid and Sophie Casey joint 3rd.

All the girls and their trainers are congratulated on the hard work and commitment they put into this competition.

The Twirlers have been competing successfully for the past six years and in that time have picked up countless awards and trophies.

They are next in competitive action on 4 October when they return to Filey for another GBBTA competition and then again for a similar event in Sheffield on 15 November.

In the meantime the squad will be busy giving demonstrations during the summer at Horncastle, Caythorpe, Chapel St Leonards and Boultham Park, Lincoln, and on 30 May they appeared live on television at Skegness when a Calendar film crew were in the seaside town.

Last of all, the team would like to say that two of their younger girls, Millie and Evie Walker left the troupe after the last competition and the whole troupe would like to say to them both that they will be sadly missed and they can always come back.

Thank you to everyone in and around Metheringham for your continued support to the Starlite Twirlers.

The WI enjoyed a really busy Spring. March saw members exercising their little grey cells in a County Quiz, then getting up to date on County affairs at the Council Meeting in Spalding, with Ann Widdecombe entertaining us in the afternoon. We even came back with four raffle prizes to round off the day! Gabriella - a British born Pole from Birmingham, complete with Ukulele! - kept us laughing at her family's antics when we joined the Phoenix Group Meeting at Leadenham and some members had the energy left to go Ten-Pin Bowling at the end of the month.

In between these social events we found time to hold our Annual Meeting when Audrey Webb was re-elected as President. The Committee lost two members but (happily) was brought up to strength by two others and everyone was fortified with a buffet supper provided by the Committee. Cups for the year's competitions were awarded to Jenni Honisett and Elsie Nind. The retiring Secretary, Emily Pearson, was presented with a rose bush as a thank you for her many years work as an Officer.

The April meeting was a nostalgic one with light-hearted memories of the Swinging Sixties from Sue Stephenson - and members!

At the Village Hall Spring Fair in May our Tombola stall proved as popular as ever and at our monthly meeting we discussed and voted on the Resolutions to be debated at the National AGM in June. These were concerned with Marine Conservation and the Inappropriate Imprisonment of the Severely Mentally ill. Member Jayne Palmer then spoke about her love of quilting and how she came to be involved with the craft and displayed some attractive examples of her work.

We are staging an entry in the Co-operative Cup Competition in the WI tent at the Lincolnshire Show in June and the next day the St. Wulfram's Handbell Ringers will provide some melodious entertainment at our meeting.

July brings our Annual Outing, this year to Castle Howard. At the time of writing there are still a couple of places available, so try ringing Audrey on 322093. You may be in luck!
The topic - in hopefully a tropical August - Belly-Dancing, demonstrated by Margaret Rushworth. This will be followed the next month by dancing of a "definitely different" kind by the Bourne Borderers Morris Dancers. This is our Open Meeting of the year so make a note in your diaries - Wednesday 17 September - and join us, together with our County Chairman, Pat Read, for a very English evening. Watch out for the posters.

We now meet in the Village Hall at 7.15 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month when visitors and new members will be made welcome.

For this issue, we are going to look at the Metheringham Area Photo Archive (www.macla.co.uk/photos). Launched about 18 months ago, the archive now contains over 600 images stretching back over 120 years.

All the images in the archive have been contributed by local people. Wherever possible, the source of the image has been acknowledged. The web team is indebted to people such as Pete Ford, Len Woodhead and Stuart Rogerson for allowing us to share their valuable collections. Many others have also contributed their memories to the archive. Again we offer them our sincerest thanks. Thanks are also due to Pete Ford for his sterling job in scanning most of the original photos so that they can be displayed in the archive.

Did you know that you can view the images as a slideshow, mail them to your friends and see the places that some of the photos were taken on a map? You can also add your own comments to individual photos and vote for your favourite photo.

The images are split in the archive into three main areas. Although modern photos of the Metheringham Area and pictures of local team sports prove popular with viewers, by far the most popular is the historical or 'Memory Lane' category which contains over 60% of the images in the archive
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The web team needs your help to add details to some of the images, especially those in the Memory Lane section. Can you fill in some of the blanks, perhaps for an old school class photo? If you can help, or would like to have your photos included in the archive then please contact the web team at photos@macla.co.uk Any, and all, contributions will be gratefully received. Arrangements can be made locally to have old photos scanned and returned.

Until next time,

The Weaver

The Annual General Meeting was very well attended. There were several changes to Officers and Committee but these vacancies have all been filled.

April was signing on night for those members who wished to renew their membership and in May eight new members were welcomed to the Club. Membership is now full with quite a few people on the waiting list so if you are thinking of joining in the future please contact me (323559) to put your name to the list.

Guests are welcome at £2.00 per visit so if you are on the waiting list why not come along and enjoy an evening of entertainment with tea/coffee and biscuits in the break. There are no more meetings in the Hall now until September as we will be running our outings during the summer months. Contact Margaret (321049) for details and seat availability.

Please note, if you are going on any trips, payment is due 10 days before the event.
On 14 June we are holding a Coffee Morning in the Village Hall from 10.00 am. Any donations for the stalls would be appreciated. Why not drop in for a drink and scone after your shopping as this event is open to all.

Diary Dates
7 June Derbyshire tour
14 June Coffee Morning
2 July Wisbech Rose Fair
6 Aug Eden Camp
3 September John Jalland

Ann Crooks (Sec)

In April we received a group of families and friends( 35 adults, 14 children ) from our twin village - Trange in NW France, near Le Mans . Fortunately the weather was near perfect for the programme of events which included rounders and boules on the school playing field (special thanks to Mr Boyall for his support) a walking treasure hunt round the village and a day in the Spalding area visiting the Butterfly Park and Springfield's Gardens .

We also made a very interesting visit to Nocton Ltd to see their flower production (special thanks to Dave Longmate ) . This tied in very well with the bulb fields and flower gardens at Spalding and was much appreciated by the whole group. During a twinning visit we usually enjoy a meal together and this year was no exception - Abbey Farm shop on the A17 did us proud!

Forthcoming events
The duck race approaches( June 14th ) and we hope to have a hog roast in September - watch out for notices around the villages.
The dates have been agreed for our visit to France next year April 16- 20th. Are you interested in twinning?
Each year we encourage new members to join in the fun. There are no terms and conditions - just a genuine interest in friendship and hospitality. The rewards are simple but true - and our 20 years of successful twinning confirms it . Twinning is great!!

If you are interested, please contact Beth McLuckie 01526 321919

As we draw to the end of our performing season, it has been lovely to be able to support St Oswald Church Blankney with a cheque for £300 to go a little way to help with the restoration of the tower. 'The Hollow Crown' was extremely well received by those who came to see it and we were very pleased to have the company of Douglas Hogg MP who attended with his wife, Sarah.

Regretfully we have had to defer 'Larkrise' until next summer, but plans for the autumn/winter programme are well in hand, so watch out for advance publicity.
The choir are continuing to meet on a regular basis and would welcome any new members to their ranks, especially to the men's section. Choir contact is Jill Corah - telephone 01526 340045.

Look out for posters round the village telling you about tap dancing workshops which we hope to run through the summer months.
Anybody who would like to 'have a go' at acting, singing or dancing (or even all three) can get in touch with Gaynor Little on 01526 320559.

Warmer weather, blue skies and everything in the garden growing like mad. Isn't this a lovely time of year? We continue to enjoy fellowship together on Sunday morning and the 3rd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Our current theme is The Lord's Prayer and later in the year we plan to follow Rick Warren's "Purpose driven life". If you would like to join us we meet at 7.45 pm.

In February we had a go at something different - using the messy church idea which is based on families having fun together in the context of a Bible story. We're calling it Saturday takeaway because it involves a take away supper. It involves lots of craft activities and activity in general (hence the name messy church). Our first one was in February and on the theme of Noah's Ark. Lots of people came and had a really good time. Ordering takeaway for over 50 people was a bit of a challenge though! The next is Saturday June 7th at 4 pm and the theme is Jonah. September 7th same time - theme to be decided! We were really pleased to welcome several families from Timberland.

Lunch club donations have gone to cancer research, Connie Sellar's funeral collection and the chapel. A new dish was introduced to our menu this time and went down very well - bread and butter pudding. No lunch club in July or August - the cooks need a holiday!!

We are planning a couple of working weekends to spruce up the chapel and do some essential maintenance on the building. Next year we celebrate out 150th anniversary and hope to celebrate in style. Watch this space for our programme of events.

The Association is made up of volunteers from the local community. They give up their free time to ensure that the village heated open air pool is prepared and ready to use each summer. Most of the volunteers are parents whose children learnt to swim at the pool or who even learnt to swim there themselves.

Several members have been involved for years, others are new. We always need new members, willing to share the responsibility of running the pool and to help with fund raising. You can't afford to stand back and leave it to others. You do not need any particular skills, although builders, plumbers and electricians are very welcome.

The Association, the school and the Parish Council are committed to keeping the pool open as far as their resources and other priorities will allow. This year we have had to cope with a motor and a pump which needed major attention and now our biggest challenge, the boiler, which heats the water to a comfy 82 - 84 degrees, has been condemned and we will not be able to open on time. All avenues are being followed, including grants and loans but it will still take time to find a replacement or alternatives.

Dian Robinson - Chairman MADSPA

The annual Charity match between a Metheringham Select XI and a Dunston Red Lion XI took place on the Star and Garter Paddock on FA cup final morning. This year almost £80.00 was collected towards the chosen charity, St Barnabas Hospice.

With a sprinkle of age and youth in their side the Metheringham team went a goal down early on to a Chris Jones goal. They quickly turned this around with two goals from Billy Fox and by the break it was 3-1 with a third goal from Simon Sewell.

Dunston's livewire striker Andy Foster pulled a goal back for Dunston and Nick Cordiner made it 3-3 soon after. Meg again went ahead with a header from Ben Gash but in the dying moments Dunston's skipper Gavin Hutchinson left the Meg keeper Pete Harrison motionless with a 25 yard thunderbolt.

The game went into extra time and with the Meg player manager Dave Atkin utilising his players with skill they quickly took a lead they would not again lose. It came in fortuitous fashion as the Dunston's keeper fumbled a close range John Sewell effort and allowed it to roll over the line. Jon Miller then rose to head home an inch perfect free kick from Nigel Beck for 6-4 before Simon Fenwick completed the scoring. The game was played in good spirit and excellent refereed by Andy Blackband.

Following an 18 month quiet period, the Branston Tennis Club is again 'Open for Business'.