1 Keeping it Local with news from Martin, Timberland & Martin Dales! GRAPEVINE THE MAY 2023 CELEBRATIONS FIT FOR A KING AT OUR VILLAGE HALLS! You’ve got a friend: MATES continues to serve our community Cover pic: Teresa Milnes READ ALL ABOUT IT: A SUMMARY OF THE LARGE SCALE MARTIN MOOR ANAEROBIC DIGESTER SCOPING REQUEST DOCUMENT. SEE PAGE 37
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3 GRAPEVINE MAY 2023 This magazine is written and produced entirely by volunteers. It is funded solely by selling advertising space and is distributed by a small team walking from letterbox to letterbox to bring you local news and views. Rising print costs and labour intensive distribution means we will not always be able to distribute printed copies to every home. To be sure you receive a copy every quarter, please provide us with your email address so we can send you a digital version instead. By cutting down on the number of magazines we need to print, we will be able to increase the number of pages and bring you more news and articles of interest. Please email us at thegrapevinemartin@outlook. com to arrange to get your digital copy. We will need your physical address so we can make sure you don’t receive a printed copy. If you want to get involved with the writing, design or distribution of this magazine, please email us! Everybody is welcome! CONTENTS 5 The New Carolean Era by Stephen Agnew 6 Signs of the Times The stories behind our village signs 13 Moving on to Pastures News by Rev Steve Holt 15 It was a Dark and Stormy Night by Brian Dorken 18 A Right Royal Time! Coronation fun fit for a king 23 Down Memory Lane A conversation with Betty Girling 26 MARTIN VILLAGE HALL: MY Hub; Jamming; Fitness for All; Grand Entrance; Baby & Toddlers; Meet RocknBop; Preloved Uniform There’s something for everyone! 33 MidMartin Murders A resounding success 37 Anaerobic Digester on the Horizon Read all about it 43 You’ve got a friend with MATES by Nicky Wilkes 46 Wednesday Warm Hub set to continue; LIVES fundraiser; MATES Foodbank Service 47 Martin & Martin Dales Parish Council report 51 News from Timberland & Thorpe Tilney Parish Council 52 TIMBERLAND TALK: Community Market; What’s Happening at Timberland Village Hall 55 Tributes to Chris Neale and Frank Massingham 57 A view from the County Council by Cllr Rob Kendrick 58 What’s On Listings Design & Production: Lindsay Fulton Advertising Sales and Invoicing: Brian Dorken Writing: Kevin Garner-Smith Craig Garner-Smith Distribution: Carl Ullyatt ON THE COVER: Debs Dows, Gynna Holmes and Joyce ClarkThompson take a well-earned break during the Coronation celebrations at Timberland Village Hall, joined by the Trofer brothers, Joe (Farmer Joe, as seen on TV), Stan and Ernie. Photo by Teresa Milnes. DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS TUESDAY 25th JULY PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES AND ADVERTISING COPY TO thegrapevinemartin@outlook. com or put them in the postbox outside Martin Village Hall.
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5 On the day after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Liz Truss, the then Prime Minister, spoke in the House of Commons about the New Carolean Age, as she urged members to support King Charles III in his new responsibilities. The title of the new era as ‘Carolean’ is not immediately understandable as we might have understood the New Elizabethan Age. The reason for that is a reversion to Latin, a language in which few are now fluent. ‘Carolus’ is simply the Latin for Charles. So the New Carolean Era or Age is simply the era of King Charles III which began on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Those with a historical knowledge of the monarchs of this country may remember that there have been three monarchs bearing the name Charles, so it would be natural to assume that this will be the Third Carolean Era. But that would be rather misleading, as the era which covered the reign of King Charles I (1625–1649) was known as the Caroline Era, another Latin version of the name Charles. The first Carolean Era was the era of the ‘Restoration’, when after eleven years of republican rule Charles II returned from exile to become King (1660 – 1685). If we look to either of these reigns to see if there might be a model of how Charles III could exercise his rule we might be disappointed. Both previous monarchs of that name struggled in their relationship with parliament and tended to see their kingship as a divine gift, something which would not have endeared them to other people of power. King Charles I was characterised by intransigence in his political, religious and financial dealings, and ended up being beheaded, after conviction for treason against the country and its people. During his reign the arts, in the form of painting and poetry, flourished. When King Charles II returned to England in 1660 he was greeted by the people with open arms. He was affectionately known as the ‘Merry Monarch’ which was a reference to the liveliness of his court, and he is often seen as one of the most popular of our monarchs. He was a great supporter of the theatre, and one actress in particular, who became one of his mistresses, has remained a household name, Nell Gwyn. He became a strong supporter of the growing scientific movement, and showed himself to be very knowledgeable on scientific matters of the era. So how will we remember the New Carolean Era? You must make your own judgements. One thing we can be sure of; like the previous eras considered, it will be an era of change. Stephen Agnew Jac Wright Heating & Plumbing [email protected] 07908 908151 Corgi Registered The New Carolean Era From taps to full bathroom suites The Coronation of King Charles III Saturday 6th May 2023 The Coronation of King Charles III Saturday 6th May 2023 The Coronation of King Charles III Saturday 6th May 2023
6 The village signs for Martin and Timberland have very different origins, but they both came about as a result of the same notion: the idea that a new village sign should be used to commemorate a Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Timberland’s sign went up in 2002, for the Golden Jubilee, and Martin followed some 20 years later, in the year of the Platinum Jubilee. Timberland In 2002, the Jubilee Committee in Timberland decided a new village sign would be an appropriate commemoration of the Golden Jubilee. Parishioners were asked to create designs to include village landmarks such as St Andrew’s Church, the Carr Dyke, Lincoln Red cattle and the large horse chestnut tree in the centre of the garden at The Manor House. Resident Brian Parkinson arranged for the sign to be made at HMP Blundeston in Suffolk in one of their training workshops, under the supervision of an officer instructor. The carved sign was painted and lacquered and donated to the village free of charge. Local shop owners Jerry and Jill Spiers provided large quantities of tea, coffee and sugar for the inmates, who could not accept payment for their skills. A timber merchant in Martin supplied the posts and Mrs Clarice Bembridge donated a plaque celebrating the Golden Jubilee, and one in memory of her late husband CL Bembridge. The sign was unveiled in October 2002 by Clarice Bembridge, accompanied by the newest member of the village at that time. In April 2021 the sign was repainted and restored beautifully by local artist Brenda Crouch, and in June 2022 Timberland Parish Council donated a third plaque to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Signs of the Times The stories behind our pictorial village signs
7 Below left: Brenda Crouch painstakingly restored the badly-weathered Timberland sign to its former glory. Below: Commemorative messages on the reverse of the Martin signs, and the plaques on the Timberland sign. Emily Sykes was proud to have her design chosen Martin Nearly twenty years later, Moor Lane residents Martin and Elaine Quigley approached Martin & Martin Dales Parish Council and offered to fund a new village sign for Martin. Martin said: “Elaine and I moved to the village in March 2021. Most of the surrounding villages have nice picture signs as you drive into them. We both wanted to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee and also enhance the roads as you enter the village. Elaine and I feel very lucky to live in such a lovely village and we hoped that the signs would bring a sense of pride to the village.” The Parish Council agreed to fund a Kevin GarnerSmith and dog Charlie
8 ECLIPSE FARM Martin Moor, Metheringham LN4 3BQ Tel: 01526 378491 • www.eclipsefarm.co.uk email: [email protected] Suppliers of quality animal feed and pet food. All leading brands in stock at competitive prices. We stock a comprehensive range of wild bird seeds, peanuts, sunflower hearts, fat balls and mealworms etc. We are agents for Kirton Sectional Buildings who make quality sheds and garden buildings. All of the most popular models are displayed on our site which is open for viewing during daylight every day. All sizes of Calor Gas in stock. Opening times: Monday to Friday 8.30 to 17.00 Saturday 9.00 to 13.00 Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT ECLIPSE FARM Martin Moor, Metheringham LN4 3BQ Tel: 01526 378491 • www.eclipsefarm.co.uk email: [email protected] Suppliers of quality animal feed and pet food. All leading brands in stock at competitive prices. We stock a comprehensive range of wild bird seeds, peanuts, sunflower hearts, fat balls and mealworms etc. We are agents for Kirton Sectional Buildings who make quality sheds and garden buildings. All of the most popular models are displayed on our site which is open for viewing during daylight every day. All sizes of Calor Gas in stock. Opening times: Monday to Friday 8.30 to 17.00 Saturday 9.00 to 13.00 Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
9 second sign and arrange installation, and MATES suggested holding a village-wide competition to come up with a design, as part of Martin’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Nineteen entries were received and put on display in the village hall over the Platinum Jubilee Weekend (see The Grapevine, Summer 2022 for photographs of them all). Everybody who attended the event was invited to vote for their favourite design. A shortlist was drawn up, and further deliberation was then made by a panel of people who represented various aspects of the village, including the Parish Council, MATES, Mrs Mary King’s School and Holy Trinity Church, as well as Elaine Quigley. In the end two designs were chosen to be joint winners. When the guidelines for the competition were drawn up, it was stated that in the event of no clear winner being chosen, elements of the best designs would be amalgamated into one. MATES member and Parish Councillor Clare Pearson spent many hours working with the designer at Allen Signs to create a new image, but after a lot of experimentation, with varied results, it was decided instead to use both designs in their own right and have a different sign at each end of the village. The sign at the Metheringham end of the village was designed by Emily Sykes, a pupil at Mrs Mary King’s School. She said: “I am really proud to be Above: Elaine & Martin Quigley with the sign they sponsored. Below: Timberland’s sign was unveiled in October 2002 and Martin’s sign was installed on 20th February 2023.
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11 able to help represent what Martin means to residents. Including the school badge in my design was important to all the children of the village. Holy Trinity Church is also on my sign to represent the history of the village, the tree represents the ancient oak trees found in Martin and we always see the RAF planes flying over us! Thank you for choosing my design.” The other sign was designed by Kevin Garner-Smith, who moved to Martin fairly recently and who has been instrumental in getting Martin Village Hall back on its feet after the pandemic. He was delighted when he was told that his design was going to be used. He had been busy leading up to the Platinum Jubilee and admits that he hurriedly sketched the sign at 2am on the last day that entries were being accepted. He wanted it to include the village hall and the church but also wanted to include his Westie, Charlie. For those who look very carefully, you will see a Westie being taken for a walk by a little person. The signs create an eye-catching welcome to our villages but, more than that, they serve to represent community endeavour. They were born of the desire to commemorate a national event with a local project and will bring residents a sense of pride for many years to come. Does anybody know Tim Berland? Please tell him we have his sign... I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s noticed the poor kerning on this sign, which makes Timberland read as two words! Lest we forget... You might drive right past it in a car, but if you’ve ever been along Timberland Fen on foot/cycle/horse you may have spotted this moving commemorative sign attached to a precariously leaning gate.
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13 On 23rd April 2023, at 10am, in Billinghay, I took my last service in the Carrdyke Benefice, after four and a half years of ministry here. I came here in November 2018 – a world where Covid had not been heard of and compulsory mask wearing and separation from loved ones could never have been imagined. Over the past three years or so we have all, perhaps, become increasingly aware of our humanity; reminded daily of our fragility, our mortality, and increasingly aware of those connections that make us human in their absence. So much has happened in that time, and it has been a real privilege to serve the people in these six parishes. I have been able to be a part (albeit sometimes a small part) of so many peoples lives particularly through baptism, weddings and funerals. The Diocese of Lincoln, as is the case with the Church of England as a whole, has suffered from declining numbers and the cost of sustaining ministry and our buildings has become increasingly difficult. I am moving to the parish of Holy Cross, Boultham in Lincoln. I am not able at this point to tell you who will be taking on the responsibility for ministry in this benefice, as those decisions are still to be made, but I can tell you that ministry will continue, even though it may look a little different. At Easter, a friend sent me this piece after reading Herbert McCabe’s book about Holy Week and I offer this to you. Christ, for McCabe, represents the fulfilment of humanity in his capacity for love. He is “the human being we dare not be. He takes the risks of love which we recognise as risks and so for the most part do not take.” Love, of course, makes us vulnerable to loss, to heartbreak. The pandemic proved that. As we emerge renewed from another Easter season, my hope is that we emerge more like Christ – more willing to take the risk of love. We humans have the tendency to grip happiness and positivity the moment it peeps out of the ground. For good reason; we all want to look forward to something. I love BBC1’s ‘The Repair Shop’ but humans are not fixable as easily as a musical box or leather bag. Our permanent state is fragile with the capacity to be broken. Pain and exhaustion cannot be ticked off like another task on the ‘to do’ list. Adopt Leonard Cohen’s thought – we’re all full of cracks, that’s how the light gets in. RS Thomas reminds us –When we are weak, we are strong. When our eyes close on the world, then somewhere within us the bush burns. When we are poor and aware of the inadequacy of our table, it is to that uninvited the guest comes. Easter is a short period of time when all of life’s long spectrum of experience is encapsulated – the darkest and most painful of experiences take place and can remain with us, while simultaneously hope and light filter through. Thank you for the support given to me as vicar here and please be assured of my continued prayers as I send you all my very best wishes for the future. Rev Steve Holt Moving on to Pastures New...
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15 Thunderstorms! To many, they are scary, duck-under-the-duvet until it’s all over type things but to others exciting, even exhilarating, to watch and attempt to photograph. Either way by the time you’ve read this article there could have been up to 2000 storms around the world, mainly in the tropics or around the equator. But of course, we get storms here as well. So, what causes thunderstorms? Particularly in the spring or summer in Britain you may get up in the morning to another beautiful blue sky and it’s nice and warm. You think what a wonderful day. However, if your house has a barometer hanging on the wall you might have noticed that the pressure has dropped from the night before (the needle has moved anti-clockwise into the section marked change). By the time you arrive home in the evening it’s feeling much warmer but “heavy” and clouds are appearing and they are starting to build upwards, further and further. Many people identify them as looking like huge cauliflowers. These are cumulus clouds, but they continue to grow ever upwards until they reach a part of the atmosphere known as the troposphere. At this point they start to spread out into what looks like a blacksmith’s anvil and this is known as a cumulonimbus, the classic cloud that is a sign of an approaching thunderstorm. Soon, the skies darken, and you notice the all too familiar sight of lightning, followed probably at this stage by the low, unmistakable distant rumbles of thunder. The rest of the story is known to us all but what is causing this powerful force of nature and why has the day changed so much from the lovely sunny morning? Well, it’s all mainly down to that lovely morning and the fact that it was warm or very warm to start with. Warm air rises and as it It was a dark and stormy night...
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17 does so the pressure at the surface drops (hence the reference to the barometer). A drop in air pressure of 1 millibar or more in three hours is considered a significant drop and is often a sign that a thunderstorm is on the way. The larger the drop in pressure, the stronger the thunderstorm is likely to be. Further, I mentioned that heavy feeling in the air. That is due to the rising humidity. Another sign of an approaching storm. The diagrams and pictures on the previous page show what I have said earlier: the lovely blue sky and dappled clouds, possibly in the morning, but accompanied with the lowering pressure and increasing humidity, the “cauliflower” cumulus cloud and finally the anvil looking cumulonimbus cloud at the bottom and stage (iii) shown in the diagram. So long as the air remains warm and moisture-laden the clouds will continue to grow until they achieve the cumulonimbus stage shown at stage iii as stated. This can take anywhere up to twenty minutes. The warm, moist air that is rising through from the ground is also known as an updraught and by the time stage iii is reached the water and ice crystals that have formed become too heavy and start to fall back through the cloud, dragging the air back with them, and this is known as the downdraught. When the downdraughts start the thundercloud is considered to be fully formed or ‘mature’. The diagram on the left shows this whole process quite simply. The rising warm air has formed ice crystals at the very top of the cloud. These are positively charged particles. They are now too heavy and start to fall through the cloud bringing colder air with them causing the familiar downdraught with rain and hail. The lower part of the cloud is negatively charged. We all have experience of when a negative electrical charge meets a positive electrical charge. A flash followed by a cracking sound. The result here is lightning and thunder but on a vastly different scale to the shorting of a battery. By the way the word ‘graupel’ means small particles of snow with a fragile crust of ice or soft hail. So, there you have it. The explanation of how thunderstorms grow and form. The way they grow and form also gives the reason as to why they are so difficult to forecast, especially the position of where there will be storms. The conditions required for storm formation are very local and can be different even only a few miles away. But rest assured once you see that familiar anvil cloud and hear those distant rumbles it’s time to run indoors and cover the mirrors and hide the cutlery just like an old aunt of mine used to! 1 Ross, S, Lewis, S, Braithwaite, N (2008). Understanding the Weather, Science Short Course, 2nd Ed. The Open University, Milton Keynes. The Author is Brian Dorken who completed a short course in meteorology with the Open University in 2018.
18 Afternoon tea, flags and fun were the order of the day as the Coronation was celebrated in both Martin and Timberland on 7th May. In Martin, MATES laid on a splendid spread, serving tea to 89 people, who afterwards sat back and listened to a rousing patriotic performance from Pupils from Mrs Mary King’s School provided the splendid King Charles bunting for MVH. WE HAD A RIGHT ROYAL TIME!
19 popular 1940s vocalist Miss Sarah Jane. Once the afternoon tea was over, Martin Village Hall morphed into a more modern music venue and local duo James and Abby, known as RocknBop, entertained the crowds while Kevin and Craig manned the bar. In Timberland, villagers gathered to enjoy a lavish offering served by hardworking trio Gynna, Debs and Joyce. WE HAD A RIGHT ROYAL TIME!
20 Bunting image vecteezy.com Above: The whole school dressed in red, white and blue for the day and made their own crowns to celebrate. Left: Grace Browne and Bodhi Fowler were the Year 6s chosen to be crowned King and Queen for the day by Mel Cuttell. Below: Ava Walkey and Erica Woolgar (Year 2) enjoying a picnic lunch. CELEBRATIONS FIT FOR A KING AT MRS MARY KING’S SCHOOL!
21 CELEBRATIONS FIT FOR A KING AT MRS MARY KING’S SCHOOL! We had a fantastic day celebrating the King’s coronation on Friday 5th May when the children all came to school dressed in red, white and blue. We enjoyed a whole school picnic lunch on the playground which thankfully the weather stayed fine for. In the afternoon, we held our own coronation at the church where the children processed in wearing their crowns prior to our own King and Queen, Grace and Bodhi, being crowned. The red arrows were sadly unavailable to attend however we were entertained by our own red sparrows performing a ribbon dance. Following some rousing singing of the coronation song and the national anthem, we processed back to school to enjoy some delicious cakes which our Chef had prepared. Parents were invited to join us for tea and cake in the school hall which was kindly provided by our Friends of School. BEHIND THE SCENES It’s always important to recognise what goes into village events and to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the small groups of people behind them. In Timberland, Debs, Gynna and Joyce made and served a delicious afternoon tea in the village hall (bottom right) while MATES and their partners did the same for 74 adults and 15 children in Martin Village Hall. Ady, Julie, Les, Julie, Andy, Nicky, Vic, Clare and Paul are pictured above. In both villages, many hours were spent baking and assembling an amazing array of tempting treats which were enjoyed by all. Thank you!
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23 Betty, or Mrs Girling as many know her, was born in Keighley on 26th September 1933 as Betty Joan Ingham. Times were tough in the early 1930’s, and Britain was suffering from the Great Depression. There had been a rapid downturn in trade and unemployment was running at over 3½ million, with hardship for many. Betty’s mum was single when Betty was born and was only 19 years old. Back in 1933, being a single mum carried a tremendous stigma and was often seen as shameful for both mother and child. Unfortunately, it took another 30 years, until the 1960’s, until radical social change made single parenthood more acceptable. Betty was her mum’s only child. Being born in such a tough era, her mother had little option other than to take work and to place Betty in care with family members and foster parents. At the age of 11 she became part of the Barnardo family at Lilleshall Hall in Shropshire which was opened in 1940 for school aged girls. She recalls her time in Barnardo’s as being better than her earlier years and explained that in Barnardo’s they were split into families. At the age of 14, Betty’s formal education finished, and she was assigned to a Barnardo’s family to carry out domestic service and help in the kitchens. Moving so frequently, Betty was unable to forge long term friendships and the absence of social media and mobile phones meant that she would invariably lose contact each time she moved. Being born in 1933, Betty was nearly six when war broke out and twelve when it finished, and she rues the war for spoiling her education. Betty lived in London for most of the war and experienced much of the bombing first hand. She has clear memories of Anderson shelters and remembers a school friend who died because she wanted to continue playing her piano and refused to go into the shelter. One particularly frightening experience for her was when a buzz bomb went above her head as she was wheeling a youngster in a pushchair. The engine stopped and Betty ran home as there was limited time before the bomb would drop and explode. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Martin Heritage Society ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Down Memory Lane with Betty Girling The Grapevine was delighted to have the opportunity to interview one of Martin’s VIPs (Very Important Pensioners) in her home just a few months away from celebrating her 90th birthday.
24 Throughout Betty’s young life she kept in touch and occasionally stayed with her mum who was a nanny to the Parkinson’s family, a well-known gas stove manufacturer. At the age of 16, Betty worked in the dress making department of a large department store, Peter Jones in the King’s Road, Chelsea, before becoming a student nurse. It was during her time at Peter Jones that she met a young gentleman called Ernest at a dance. Ernie proposed a week later, and they continued courting until they got married on the 25th September 1953 at Chelsea Registry Office. Betty was a day off 21 and therefore had to get permission from her mum to marry. It was 13 years later, in December 1965 that Betty and Ernie moved to Martin to a cottage at the end of the High Street with two daughters aged ten months and two years. With only a cold water tap and a portable toilet under the stairs, times were challenging, and the cottage unfortunately was condemned shortly afterwards. Betty and her family moved to temporary accommodation which they rented from Mr Wright, a farmer, a couple of miles down the fen, whilst work took place on their ¼ acre plot to build the bungalow which now sits there. Betty remembers that the previous owners included a Mrs Sleaford and a man whom she thinks was called Banana John who used to be a scrap merchant. Betty said that they found old cars buried in the garden. Betty, a keen gardener, explained that the wonderful willow tree that we can’t help but notice as we come in and out of the village, was planted by her in her early years at Martin. Betty remembers pushing her children in a push chair to check on the progress of her house being built and to fetch shopping from the shops in Martin. The shops included Millers, which was next to Martin Village Hall, which she said seemed to sell everything, Mrs Kemp, who ran a funeral directors and shop on the opposite side of the road, and the Co-op, which was a few yards down the road from the village hall. Another shop was Mr Parker’s which sold toys, located at the west end of the village on the opposite side of the road to the school. She remembers taking her two-and-a-half-yearold daughter in there once only to find that her daughter had taken a shine to a scooter which she had carefully lined up to the doorway, ready to wheel it out! Betty went on to have two more daughters in 1969 and 1970. All have beautiful names, Bettina, Christina, Marina and Karina and all Left: Young Betty. Right: Betty and Ernest’s cottage is the last one on the left at the end of the road.
25 attended Mrs Mary King’s School and later, Billinghay Secondary School. Her second eldest child unfortunately had medical issues when she was ten years old and was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Unfortunately, her medical issues resulted in the loss of a kidney. It was then that Betty decided that for health reasons, that the family should become vegetarian. It’s clear when you see Betty engage with a toddler at the Wednesday Hub in the village hall that she truly loves children. She admits having loved being a young mum with four daughters and a busy home life and relates this to having been used to being surrounded by children at Barnardo’s. Which is just as well as Betty now has nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren! When asked how she feels Martin has changed over the years she said that the village has changed tremendously and has come alive. Despite losing its shops and pubs, Betty feels that the village is more active now and she is herself a member of the Wednesday Hub, Heritage Society, Book Club and supports the Wellness Walks and events such as the Whodunnit. It’s easy to look at a person with a quiet and gentle disposition in the autumn of their years and forget that they have lived a life far richer in experiences than we will ever encounter. Betty has moved from home to home as a young girl, lived through a war, had a broken education during the most important of her developing years, been a young mum to four children and very sadly lost her husband to dementia in 2009. She has experienced life before mains water, sewage and electricity. When she had her first daughter, she didn’t have the benefit of modern appliances like washing machines and freezers. Telephones, mobiles, computers and IT all came relatively late in her lifetime. Yet Betty orders shopping online, sends and receives texts and receives photos using her mobile. Despite her broken education she is clearly a very intelligent person. The current book that she is reading is a three-inch-thick volume called The Myth of Normal written by a psychologist, Gabor Mate. Certainly not Mills and Boon! It’s difficult looking at Betty to believe that she will be 90 this year. Another special occasion this year of course is the Royal Coronation of Charles III which will mean that Betty will have seen 5 reigning monarchs including King George the V, King Edward VIII, King George VI, & Queen Elizabeth II, who acceded to the throne at the age of 25 in 1952, when Betty was 18. Betty remembers watching the coronation on a black and white TV which belonged to the family which her mum was nanny to. Betty is without question one of the most respected and well-loved members of our community and rightly so. We very much look forward to celebrating her 90th birthday later this year! Martin Heritage Society atthe village fete We are pleased to have been invited to take a stall at the Village Fete on 1st July. Anyone from the village will be welcome to join us just for a chat about times past in the village or to bring along your photos and stories behind them. If you have any other documents you think might be of interest and you would like to bring to the stall relating to the history of the village, either recent or further back in time, then weather permitting we would like to be able to scan these so that you don’t have to leave these precious items with us. We look forward to seeing you at the fete Saturday 1st July, Cricket Pavilion, 12pm-6pm
26 • News from Martin Village Hall • News from Martin Village Hall • Martin Village Hall would like to say a sincere thank you to the following for their generous donations: • Shine Lincolnshire donation which allows us to continue our Wednesday Hub for the next 12 months • Liz Jenkins for her donations to MY Hub and MVH Baby & Toddlers Group • YMCA for donations of warm packs • MATES for a donation to the Baby & Toddlers Group to purchase equipment • BNA Charitable Incorporated Organisation for their donation for a brand-new kitchen and associated building works • YMCA donation of NKDC funds for MY Hub • MATES for their continued financial support to the Wednesday Hub • Caroline Boden for a donation for the village hall • Lincolnshire Community Foundation High Sheriffs Fund for MY Hub • Julie & Ady Crowson for donations for equipment for the Baby & Toddlers Group • Blankney Estates for sponsorship of the next MVH event • Martin Kurling Group for their donation to the village hall • Kate McConnon for holding a charity Positive Pilates Solutions class to raise monies for the village hall • Lincolnshire County Council Highways Department for providing volunteers to decorate the entrance hall • Donation box – thank you to many of you who have dropped your change (and the occasional note!) in the box next to the bar. MY Hub has been successful in securing over £5000 in funds from the NKDC and the High Sheriffs Fund towards the running of a youth hub for the youngsters of Martin. Dates for the diary are: 30th June, 21st July and 18th August which will include a karaoke evening, a games evening and a “crash and bash” evening where youngsters will have the opportunity to have a taster session on the drums, keyboard and guitar. Other dates will be added including a fundraiser to help purchase some full-size goal posts. Look out on the village hall website for more information. Martin Village Hall are inviting local performers, including our very own RockNBop duo, to an open mic and jamming session on Friday 26th May at 7pm. Will and Liz Jenkins are sponsoring the event and musically minded people in Martin and surrounding villages are invited to bring their instruments or just their voices to join musicians for an informal but entertaining evening. It is hoped that this may lead towards a concert later in the year. Non-musicians are also invited to watch. A fully licenced bar will be available. JAMMING AT THE HALL
27 Email [email protected] Mobile 07763 045293 Facebook MVH has its own Facebook page In person Pop along to one of our events and talk to members of the committee. • News from Martin Village Hall • News from Martin Village Hall • Of course, we all know about the physical benefits of regular exercise such as helping reduce weight gain, increasing energy levels, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and helping mobility, but have you considered the benefits to your mental well-being? Boost your mood Exercise causes your body to produce endorphins, which trigger feelings of happiness and euphoria and helps improve your mood. Particularly helpful for those of us who may be prone to occasional depression and anxiety. Boost your selfconfi dence Physical fitness can boost self-esteem and improve positive self-image, regardless of weight, size, gender, or age. Boost your brain Working out also boosts the chemicals that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of your brain for memory and learning. Join in... So why not come along and join your friends in some of our classes? Monday 10am to Noon with Nikki - Zumba (aerobic fitness class featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance & music) & fitness Pilates (a form of exercise that focuses on balance, posture, strength and flexibility suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels) Monday 6.30pm to 8.30pm with Nikki – Zumba and Barre (inspired by elements of ballet, yoga and fitness Pilates and focused on developing core strength) Second and fourth Tuesday start at 9.30 – Free wellness walks around Martin, both long and short, tailored for all abilities led by Carl and Andy. Tuesday 6.00pm to 7.00pm – Unique Yoga – Run by Amanda, there is something for everyone, whatever your level of experience, to suit your unique mind and body. This class is currently partfunded by MATES through a grant from NKDC. Wednesday 12.00 to 1.00pm – “Chairersize”, seated based exercise classes designed to provide physical activity for those who aren’t as mobile or active as they would like to be. This is a free class funded by MATES through a grant from NKDC, and is open to all. Thursday 6.00pm to 7.00pm – Dance Fitness with Aqua FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN MARTIN! Martin Village Hall is the venue for fi tness classes for adults of all ages and all abilities. It’s well known that regular exercise offers huge benefi ts. Here are just a few of them: A ‘Chairersize’ class is held in Martin Village Hall on Wednesdays 12pm-1pm. It is free to attend and everybody is welcome.
28 • News from Martin Village Hall • News from Martin Village Hall • Martin baby and toddlers has now been running for three months and we have had the most amazing response, from toy donations to money donations. As well the support from local families who come, week in, week out, from all the local villages. Some of the things we have made this year include rabbit plates, rabbits, decorating plant pots for setting our cress in, salt dough prints as well as the usual colouring and painting. I’m pretty sure the adults love the crafting just as much as the baby and toddlers. New baby and toddlers as well as their adults are always warmly welcomed. Tracy and Dani x Lincolnshire County Council Highways Department volunteers and Balfour Beatty employees took a day off their normal work to decorate Martin Village Hall entrance. MVH were successful with a bid made to Councillor Rob Kendrick for Lincs CC Highways Volunteer scheme. Ellie Baker, Senior Project Leader at Lincolnshire County Council organised five volunteers to transform the entrance lobby into a fresh bright facelift. MVH wish to thank Lincolnshire County Council for their hard work. A warm welcome awaits at Baby & Toddlers VOLUNTEERS MAKE A GRAND ENTRANCE! LCC Highways Department lend a hand at Martin Village Hall
29 Email [email protected] Mobile 07763 045293 Facebook MVH has its own Facebook page In person Pop along to one of our events and talk to members of the committee. James and Abby have been playing for about a year now and are starting to establish themselves as a “go to” duo for bars and parties playing rock and punk. James, from Martin, and Abby, from Metheringham first met at an open mic night. James had been practising Teenage Kicks and needed a singer and Abby jumped in. Since then, practicing has paid off and MVH were pleased to host them at a recent bar night where they soon got the audience on their feet. These talented individuals are set to be regulars at MVH and have already been booked to play New Year’s Eve at the hall. RocknBop also entertained friends, families and neighbours after the Coronation tea and helped complete a perfect day. If you want to hire them for a party be quick before they make the big time! Contact details 07585 661971 or email [email protected] Children grow so rapidly and need new clothes so frequently, it’s a really good place to start cutting down on textile waste. A school year is made up of 39 weeks which means our children are wearing uniform for 75% of the year. 1.4 MILLION wearable school uniforms are being thrown away each year. Taking this into account and considering the environmental and economic impact that uniform is having it’s a great time to access pre-loved or donate items to be reloved where we can. The Friends of Mrs Mary Kings CofE Primary School are offering a preloved uniform service at just 50 pence an item. You can come along to Martin Village Hall (sessions listed below) and buy your child’s next size or donate your unwanted items, with proceeds going straight back to the school. There is also a rail in the reception foyer of Mrs Mary King’s with a good stock of sizes to choose from. If you cannot find what you need on the rail you can attend a session at Martin Village Hall or leave a note of the size and items you require to be passed on, so that stock can be checked for you. All items are checked and catalogued, allowing us to offer a high quality and efficient service. For any further information pop a post on the Friends of Mrs Mary Kings School Martin Facebook page. We accept good quality logo items, grey dresses, skirts, trousers and shorts, gingham dresses and lightly worn shoes and plimsolls. We kindly ask that any donated uniform is washed and in good condition with no marks, stains, holes or significant wear or bobbling. We will no longer be taking white tops, except school logo ones. Uniform can be bought or donated at the Village Hall: Wednesdays 9-12 and first Saturday of the Month Coffee Morning 10-12. We will also advertise other uniform events and a ‘New Starter’ Sale on the Friends Facebook page soon. Sally Sinfi eld Meet RocknBop Martin’s very own rock & pop duo Pre-loved School Uniform: Saving money & reducing textile waste!
30 EASY to use Single door at £950 • Includes the door in any standard colour – comes with our UNIQUE ‘colour safety net’ – if you choose a colour and you don’t like it, we will swap it free of charge • Removal of old door • Two fobs • 15 rpm motor – gives faster opening and closing • Five year warranty, full parts and labour with same day call out if required • Includes our unique cooling off period right up to the point of old door removal • Manufacture and installation by our own dedicated team based in Washingborough • Polyester powder coated aluminium giving long-lasting full colour • Free no obligation survey AS LOCAL AS IT GETS! email: [email protected] @proglidelincoln www.proglidelincoln.co.uk For a FREE no obligation site survey contact our office and speak to Mark or Lisa on: Showroom: 01522 581 244 Head Office: 01522 790 014
31 EASY to use Single door at £950 • Includes the door in any standard colour – comes with our UNIQUE ‘colour safety net’ – if you choose a colour and you don’t like it, we will swap it free of charge • Removal of old door • Two fobs • 15 rpm motor – gives faster opening and closing • Five year warranty, full parts and labour with same day call out if required • Includes our unique cooling off period right up to the point of old door removal • Manufacture and installation by our own dedicated team based in Washingborough • Polyester powder coated aluminium giving long-lasting full colour • Free no obligation survey AS LOCAL AS IT GETS! email: [email protected] @proglidelincoln www.proglidelincoln.co.uk For a FREE no obligation site survey contact our office and speak to Mark or Lisa on: Showroom: 01522 581 244 Head Office: 01522 790 014
32 for one night only! our critic loved it! if you missed the original performance in march, you will be able to see a screening at a bar night in martin village hall shortly. Look out for more details on posters and on Facebook.
33 The audience of the MidMartin Murders were kept guessing until the very end of the evening as to the murderer in a specially written Whodunnit on 18th March in Martin Village Hall. Little Vibes Productions in conjunction with Martin Village Hall staged the Whodunnit which was based on a charity supper in which the audience sat down with the cast to enjoy an excellent meal, cooked by Andy Wilkes with helpers Tracy and Maureen Wilkinson, Amy Fulton, James Linn and William Scott-Johnson. The hostess for the evening was Squadron Leader Jill Starling who played Bellagamba, a world-famous opera singer and fiancé to Rigatoni Tagliatelle. Jill came to the audition to volunteer as a backstage hand, only to find herself in one of the key roles. Jill gave a very convincing performance of a bossy employer and diva to her housekeeper Dusty Corners, played by director, producer and actor Craig Garner, and she had him running around the stage responding to her every beck and call. Brian Dorken threw himself into the character of an eccentric and flamboyant solicitor, Les Ditcher of Ditcher Quick & Hyde. By his own admission, it was Oscar winning. The play could be described as Midsomer Murders meets pantomime and was sprinkled with puns and panto jokes. Stephen Agnew had the audience rolling with laughter with his role as Cedric, a pantomime joke writer accompanied by his on- and off-stage wife Jean Agnew, who gave a very convincing performance as his long-suffering wife, Camilla. Stephen delivered the many jokes with excellent timing and exuberance. Another husband-andwife duo was Hayley Sykes who played Bella’s good friend Margarita Toppin, a pizza magnate, who created a very convincing character with an excellent Italian accent, and Nick Sykes playing Bella’s manager and secret lover, Simon Fowl. Nick at one point took the expression “break a leg” literally when he ran up the steps of the stage, one of his legs breaking the tread and nearly falling over. In true style though, of “the show must go on”, he continued as if nothing had happened. Rosemary Brown, a seasoned pro with over 50 years’ experience, gave a decisive performance as Polly Pollizi, a hotelier, close friend and confidant of Bella, and helped keep the audience guessing throughout this absorbing production. Julie Fenwick added comedic value playing her role of Chelsea, a keep fit instructor to the rich and famous. Dressed in lycra, sweat band and leggings she added bundles of energy to the show. Her last performance at Martin Village Hall was 30 years ago. Vic Evans excellently portrayed the role of Mary, Mayoress of Martin and, aided by her chains of office, gave a powerful performance of being the most important person in Martin. Nicky Wilkes, playing Detective Inspector DI Ivor Hunch, and Grace Millband, a young drama student playing PC Keen, joined the play at the end of Act 2 to solve the murder. A really fun comic double act, the two kept in character throughout the interval when they went around the tables collecting witness statements from the audience. All-in-all a clever touch of keeping the audience involved. Italian themed throughout, from greeting the guests with glasses of Prosecco and canapes, pasta
34 7 The Broadway, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6ST 01526 352196 Award winning local traditional butcher selling a variety of meats reared locally on the outskirts of Horncastle. LOCAL DELIVERIES ARE AVAILABLE Delivered free of charge within 10 miles! Orders can be made by phone. Orders taken for pubs, nursing homes, schools and tea rooms. Cooked meats, a selection of pies and condiments, Lincolnshire specialities, including award-winning Lincolnshire sausage, stuffed chine and burgers. Lincolnshire hampers available to order
35 Lincolnshire Glass & Locks Contact: Johnny Ingram Telephone: 01526 861209 Mobile: 07810 304411 email: [email protected] Specialist in Traditional Timber & Stained Glass Glazing • UPVC Window Repairs Double Glazed Units Repaired & Replaced Same Day Service 24 Hour Locksmith Service Domestic & Commercial Free Quotations & Advice No Call Out Charge Over 30 Years Experience Impeccable Workmanship Impressive Prices puns, a meal of lasagne and tiramisu and Sicilian lemon tart. Italian wines and beers and Italian liquors all served by Paul Cowan and Lesley Barrie helped keep the Italian theme going. The evening was truly a village affair with front of house waitresses, Vicky Johnson and Julie Crowson looking after the enthusiastic audience. Sound and lighting engineer Ady Crowson also helped produced a DVD recording the evening’s performance. Kevin Garner-Smith wrote the play and helped with special effects and sound. Ben Johnson generously donated timber as well as set building. Costume designer Ben Butch performed marvels providing costumes on a budget and sassing them up with thousands of rhinestones. Stage Manager Clare Pearson worked tirelessly throughout the rehearsals and helped hold the show together with the occasional off-stage prompt and a cameo appearance. Clare was instrumental in driving the rehearsals with the twelve divas…..I mean actors. Lindsay Fulton produced and printed the programmes and cleverly hid scripts in vintage editions of The Grapevine magazine which were dotted around the stage for any actors who needed some support. A prize was given to the audience member who spotted the identity of the murderer and gave the closest motive. The prize was a bottle of Chianti from Rigatoni’s own vineyard. For those of you who would like to find out who committed this violent murder, you can see a screening at a bar night which coming soon. Look out for details on Facebook and posters. Review by the chief theatre critic of The Grapevine
36 We can print photos direct from your phone/media A unique photo canvas makes the ideal Christmas gift! We also have a range of photo frames to choose from Print your own Christmas cards Party invitations No printer at home? Email us your returns labels to print for you ID & Passport photos Passport & Blue Badge applications Wide format printing Business cards & stationery Posters Flyers Personalised mugs & bags Opening Hours Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9am-5pm Wednesday 9am-4pm Saturday 9am-12.30pm Pop in and see us, or ring 01526 354949 Station Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QL [email protected] We can take your passport photos and do an online application for you – no appointment necessary Print photos direct from your phone n Large selection of frames No printer at home? We can print your postage and returns labels, booking confirmations, letters and documents. Email them to us and we will have them ready to collect. Wide format printing, canvas prints and memorial plaques Business cards and stationery n Posters n Flyers We can print photos direct from your phone/media A unique photo canvas makes the ideal Christmas gift! We also have a range of photo frames to choose from Print your own Christmas cards Party invitations No printer at home? Email us your returns labels to print for you ID & Passport photos Passport & Blue Badge applications Wide format printing Business cards & stationery Posters Flyers Personalised mugs & bags Opening Hours Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9am-5pm Wednesday 9am-4pm Saturday 9am-12.30pm Pop in and see us, or ring 01526 354949 Station Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QL [email protected]
37 You may be aware of a proposal by Green Create Ltd to build an anaerobic digestion plant at Martin Moor. No planning application has been submitted, but the company has requested a Screening and Scoping Opinion from Lincolnshire County Council, which is the very first step on the long journey to getting this development approved and built. The Waste Planning Authority is of the opinion that the proposed development is likely to give rise to impacts that would be more than of local importance and which could have significant environmental effects. Here is a summary of a very long and detailed document which can be found online using the links at the end of this article. The proposal In simple terms an AD Plant takes in organic waste which is then digested in closed tanks by anaerobic microbes. This results in biogas plus the remainder of the organic waste (digestate), both of which are then further processed. The proposed AD will be located on 8.1 hectares of land off the B1189/B1191, which is part of the former RAF Metheringham base, near Martin Moor, marked by the pin on the map shown on the next page. The following condensed descriptions are taken directly from the Proposal documentation submitted to the LCC by Green Create Ltd’s representative consultants – GP Planning Ltd. A Reference for the full documentation is given at the end of this article. Poultry waste in • It is stated that the AD will take in 182,500 Tonnes (a tonne is 1,000kg) of Organic Waste Feedstock per year consisting of •Poultry, Cattle and pig manure/slurry •Food and Drink waste •Crops maize, grass silage, energy beet and whole-crop cereals The main focus will be on Poultry waste because of the potentially plentiful supply in Lincolnshire. However this will not sustain the AD process alone, hence it has to be mixed with the other waste products. In addition, for the AD process to function, the organic waste input has to be in a slurry form, so any solid waste has to be rendered down with added water/liquid. Green Create Ltd has practical experience from their similar but smaller AD plant in Wijster, Holland. Biogas will be produced at the rate This is a screenshot taken from Green Create’s website, showing the company’s Netherlands site. The proposed development at Martin Moor will have four more towers than the one shown here, each tower being 23 metres wide x 25 metres high. Large AD Plant proposed for Martin Moor
38 of 6000 Nm3 /h. The main components of interest in the biogas are Methane(CH4 ) and Carbon Dioxide(CO2 ). After processing this will produce • 3600 NM3 /h Methane (so called Biomethane). Biomethane is indistinguishable from natural gas and so can be injected straight into the High Pressure Gas Grid pipe which runs under the site. This is claimed to reduce the need for fossil derived natural gas • 43,400 ton per annum Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) which will be liquefied to produce bioLCO2 (bio Liquid CO2 ). It is claimed this will reduce the CO2 footprint of the AD plant and substitute fossilderived CO2 • A fraction of the biogas will be used to power Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants to provide heat and 3Mw electricity towards running the plant. The plant will require an extra electrical power supply connection of 8 Mw. Liquid and solids out Digestate is removed from digester tanks and separated into solid and liquid components to result in • 41,500 tonne of Bio fertilisers in pellet form to be produced from the solid part after drying. This can be applied directly to the farm land. • 11,700 ton per annum of ammonium sulphate crystals to be used as a fertiliser. • Some of the remaining liquid purge digestate will be fed back to dilute the solids in the feedstock • 71,000 ton per annum of the remaining liquid purge digestate will either be sent off site by truck, or processed in a treatment facility to release as surface water or to a sewer. Vehicle movements The plant will run 24/7 all year round except if down for maintenance. It is expected that there will be around 20 cars a day in and out of the plant. There will be 70 HGV vehicles per day i.e. 140 in and out trips. Of these, 30 will be delivering the Organic Waste Feedstock with the remaining 40 removing the output and waste from the process. The vehicles will run from 0700 to 1800 Monday to Friday and 0800 to 1310 on Saturday. There will be no The red line shows the route vehicles will take in and out of the plant. The inset photographs serve to show the proximity of the proposed plant to local features such as the RAF memorial, Martin Moor homes and businesses, and Martin village itself.
39 HGV movements in or out on Sundays or on National holidays. Buildings The key elements of the plant are • The main building will be an 11 metre high multi-functional enclosed space for receiving and processing the Feedstock and transferring it to the digester tanks. Transferring the digestate from the digester tanks for processing as described. As far as is possible this will be designed to contain odours and noise. • 16 Digester tanks 23 metres diameter by 25 metres high in two rows of eight • 1 Ammonia Sulphate solution storage tank 23 metres diameter by 25 metres high • Flares • 4 AD feedstock storage clamps outside • 4 4 metre diameter by 18 metre high bio fertiliser pellets storage • 1 4 metre diameter by 18 metre high dried solids storage tank • 1 12m x 6m x 18m high Ammonium Sulphate crystalliser • 2 x Ammonium Sulphate crystals storage • 20m x 55m CO2 liquefaction with CO2 storage tanks • Water attenuation for retaining clean and dirty water • 23.1m diameter and 17.3m in height Spherical Gas Holder • 2 digestate collection tanks 180 cuM each • 2 digestate storage lagoons 15,000 cuM each • Weigh bridges • Gatehouse Visual impact In terms of size and visual impact, the large digester tanks and industrial style buildings, four silage clamps and other plant, etc. the site is in open countryside. The land is currently in arable use and a ‘sensitive area’ as defined within the EIA Regulations. Despite the partial screening of the surrounding trees, its physical appearance, form and bulk would differ from that of traditional agricultural buildings or structures that are already present and characteristic of the area or what would be reasonably expected to be visible in this open countryside location. As a result, the proposed development is considered likely to give rise to significant landscape and visual effects. Operational impact In terms of operational impacts, the enclosed nature of the process should help to minimise potential emissions such as noise and odour; however given the significant tonnage of wastes to be handled by the development the proposal could lead to adverse noise and odour impacts on the local area and so have a likely significant effect. In terms of transport impacts, the vehicle movements are outlined above and will be likely to affect general traffic and air quality, such as PM2.5 particulate matter (2.5 micron particles), in the regions where they operate. Significant environmental effects Having taken in consideration the size, scale and nature of the operations proposed, including waste types and amount of waste to be handled, the Waste Planning Authority is of the opinion that the proposed development is likely to give rise to impacts that would be more than of local importance and which could have significant environmental effects. Therefore, having regard to the guidance and criteria set out in Schedules 2 and 3 of the EIA Regulations and the NPPG the development is considered
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41 Neil Frost Private Vehicle Hire Local area/Airport runs Any journey considered Good rates Reliable & trustworthy Up to 8 passenger minibus/ 4 passenger car To pre-book phone: 07956 318 967 Based in Metheringham to constitute EIA development and therefore an Environmental Statement (ES) will be required and must be submitted with any future planning application. LCC scoping opinion LCC Scoping Opinion, i.e. what are the detailed particulars required from the EIA screening decision? This is a long document detailing all of the topics and details that should be scoped in to the EIA to form the ES. There is too much information to be able to detail it all here, but suffice it to say that it appears that the EIA will not be a superficial exercise The recommendations/opinions come from the following consultees: The Waste Planning Authority The Government Environment Agency Historic England LCC Local Highway and Lead Local Flood Authority North Kesteven District Council Natural England References: The LCC Screening and Scoping opinion together with Green Create Ltd’s Proposal document, which can be found in full at NKDC Planning Online. Please go to: https://tinyurl.com/2fktzpw6 The NKDC Response to LCC Scoping and screening opinion request, which can be found in full at NKDC Planning Online. https://tinyurl.com/mr3276w4 The Green Create Wijster plant in Holland www.green-create.com/locations/wijster/ The original document is 40 pages long. If you would like to read the full text, please email [email protected] and we will send you a link to the pdf.
42 MARTIN VILLAGE FETE SATURDAY 1st JULY 2023 Cricket Pavilion and Playing Field 12pm - 6pm This is a village-wide collaboration and we need volunteers to help run the event on the day. Donations of raffle and tombola prizes welcome. Contact [email protected] LIVE MUSIC: The Freeloaders • Rock Choir • Oak BBQ • Bar • Games • Bouncy castles • Facepainter • Ice cream Tombola • Raffle• Activities for the children and adults Local stalls and crafts • Dog Show • Dog Agility ‘Have a Go’ Working together for the whole community MATES Parish Council Village Hall Committee TimTin Mrs Mary King’s Holy Trinity Church
43 It’s another busy period for your local volunteer group. MATES was set up pre -COVID to benefit the residents of Martin and Timberland and the surrounding area, by providing events and services which contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and families or promote community spirit and cohesion and also to support other local groups in their work, where their work aims to achieve the same. The MATES committee have been busy with the events and services using funding that MATES has obtained from both the Community Lottery and the North Kesteven Health and Wellbeing Fund. This funding has helped to run the Warm Hub on a Wednesday morning, in conjunction with the Martin Village Hall Committee and volunteers, and to run art days for the village children in the Spring Half Term and the Easter Holidays. Both art day events were fully booked and children from the ages of 5 to 16 years attended and had a lovely time, with the parents staying to chat and share tea and biscuits. The groups were led by local artist and art teacher, Jackie Hollingsworth, and the first event was watercolour painting and the second was graffiti. Feedback from the children who attended, and the parents has been excellent. We plan to try and run some more activities in the summer. The funding MATES received has also enabled us to start seated exercise classes which are held at 12 midday on Wednesdays at Martin Village Hall. The classes are run by Nikki Scigala, a local instructor, and are open to anyone over the age of 18 years and any level of fitness. They have been well attended so far and you can work as much or as little as you wish. The classes are free, and you are welcome to come early and enjoy a drink and a biscuit at the Village Hall. As well as the seated exercise the funding has also enabled yoga classes to start again at the Village Hall. MATES used the funding to offer two taster sessions, which were both fully booked, and, after this, to pay for the use of the Village Hall so the lessons will be subsidised. The Yoga teacher is also local and known to many, Amanda of Unique Yoga. The sessions are for all levels, including beginners, and are at 6pm on a Tuesday evening at MVH. Please book in via uniqueyoga.co.uk To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6th May, the MATES YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND MATES continues to promote wellbeing and community cohesion MATES has received grant funding which is providing yoga and seated exercise classes in Martin Village Hall, as well as facilitating art days for local children (pictured above). If you have an idea for a club or outdoor activity, please get in touch with any MATES member.
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45 team, together with Martin Village Hall, hosted a Coronation afternoon tea in the hall on Sunday 7th. Tickets were sold out. Following the afternoon tea, the 40s Vocalist, Miss Sarah-Jane, known to many for her performances in Woodhall Spa and locally, entertained with two 45-minute sets. Village Fete - 1st July MATES will be organising Martin Village Fete to be held on 1 July from 12-6pm. Timtin Nursery are also taking part in this, as well as Mrs Mary King’s School and Trust, Martin Parish Council, Martin Village Hall and the Holy Trinity Church. There will be live music from local band The Freeloaders, Rock Choir and covers band Oak. There will be BBQ, bar, games, bouncy castles, face painter, ice cream van, tombola and raffle as well as numerous other activities for the children and adults. We also have about 15 local craft stalls attending for you to shop. It is also hoped to run a friendly dog show and have a dog agility area for your dog to ‘have a go’. Dogs are not normally allowed on the cricket field so this will be a one off but we hope all owners will keep their dogs on leads and clean up after them so we can all have a great time. We are always looking for volunteers to help with this and other events so if you are available then please let us know. We are looking for donations for the raffle and tombola, so if anyone has any donations, please can these be dropped off at Timtin’s nursery or at 76 High Street, Martin. The fete has always been well attended and raises funds for the various groups to continue to support the children, Christmas hampers and other activities for the benefit of the village. We will have a donations box for the local foodbank, so please bring something along to drop in. The Warm Hub will be continuing on a Wednesday morning. MATES are also working with the Trustees of Mrs Mary King’s School to hire the Cricket Pavilion and field to run more activities for children and adults over the summer months. We are looking at ideas including boot camp physical training, rounders, football and any other activities which fit the objective of the funding for the Health and Wellbeing of the Community and to be sustainable. So, if anyone has any ideas, please forward them to any of the MATES Committee and if anyone knows of persons qualified to run such activities then please let us know. We would like to get planning this as soon as possible so we look forward to hearing from you. The Committee and our volunteers work hard to plan and run these activities for the benefit of all the villagers so please support the events as much as you can. All village groups are working hard to enhance Community Cohesion. We are still fetching prescriptions and helping with shopping etc for those unable to get out. We are still working with Lincoln Foodbank to help those in need so please see the Foodbank advert and do not hesitate to contact one of us if you need some support. If you have any donations for the Foodbank please can you drop it in the box over the wall of 76 High Street, Martin. MATES also welcomed three new members to their committee who have already hit the ground running: Hayley Sykes, Les Barrie and Jill Starling have joined Nicky Wilkes (Chair), Paul Cowen (Treasurer), Vic Evans (Secretary), Clare Pearson and Julie Atkinson. Contact via: [email protected] We look forward to seeing you over the next few months. Nicky (Chair) and the MATES Committee Save the Dates! The next issue of The Grapevine will provide more information on the activities planned for later on in the year: Sat 4th November – Village bonfire night Sat 9th December – Children’s Disco Sun 10th December – VIP Christmas Lunch
46 Did you know there is a foodbank service right here in Martin, Timberland & surrounding area? Just text the word LARDER to one of the numbers below (you can ring, but texting is preferred). If you contact us by Friday evening, food packages will be ready for you locally the following Tuesday. Full details will be given out by our volunteers when they talk to you. Nicky 07557853952 • Clare 07816127681 Donations of non-perishable food are always welcome. They can be left at 76 High Street, Martin (next to the pub) MATES in the plastic box over the low wall. Running for LIVES Thanks to everybody who sponsored me when I ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 2nd April. I raised an amazing total of £1006 and I am pleased to have done something to help such a good cause. The race itself was extremely well organised and there was lots of support all along the course, including choirs, drummers and Beefeaters! I have my sights set on the London Marathon next year, and now await the result of the entry ballot at the end of June. Watch this space... Lindsay Fulton The Warm Hub in Martin Village Hall has secured funding for the next 12 months thanks to a grant promised by SHINE. The weekly hub is open every Wednesday between 9.00am and 1.30pm and is open to all. Whether you would like to come just for breakfast, a light lunch or to meet friends and neighbours, the hub welcomes you. Thanks to the funding, the hub is hoping to provide additional activities over the next coming weeks and months. We welcome any ideas of what you would like to see. Suggestions are welcomed for renaming the Warm Hub as the group is now all year round. Please bring your suggestions to the next hub. A chair exercise class is available for those who wish to partake at noon for an hour and provides an excellent opportunity to improve health, fitness and mental wellbeing. HAVE YOU DROPPED IN TO THE HUB YET? The Warm Hub is open every Wednesday 9.00am– 1.30pm Everybody welcome
47 Martin and Martin Dales Parish Council Over the past year the Parish Council have continued to work tirelessly on behalf of the Parish. Several councillors have come and gone this year and we also have a new clerk, or should we say an old clerk has returned? Welcome back Cheryl Burbidge. This year is a local election year which required all Councillors to step down. This democratic process gave every Parishioner the opportunity to become a Parish Councillor to fill the nine vacancies. This process resulted in five Parishioners applying for a seat, all of whom had been on the Council previously. This deemed a local election unnecessary. There are currently four vacancies on the Council. Please contact the clerk if you have a burning desire to become a councillor. We will always welcome anyone who would like to roll up their sleeves and become involved as a volunteer. This past year we have been busy and the Council continues to maintain the upkeep of the parish. The Parish Council takes this opportunity to thank David Holvey as the paid contractor and volunteers who undertake this work . You may have noticed daffodils that have been purchased and planted by the Council. A permanent beacon has been erected on the field which was donated by Cllr. Jenkins and ex Cllr. Ullyatt. This was to be lit for the Queen’s Jubilee in the first instance but planning permission has now been given to make this a permanent feature for any future use. Sadly, later in the year we worked with the church to support the signing of the condolence book on the incredibly sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Members of the Parish Council and the vicar made themselves available in the church to support any villagers who felt they needed it, even if it was just to have someone to talk to. Later in the year two very nice Martin village signs appeared, one at each end of the village. These were the result of a competition for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which was organised by MATES. One was sponsored by the Parish Council and the other was very kindly sponsored by Elaine and Martin Quigley. Well done to the two winners Emily Sykes and Kevin Garner Smith. Later in the year we worked with other groups in the village to build a large bonfire for the village to enjoy. This was topped with a spectacular guy made by the children at Timtin. The Parish Council provided sparklers, a villager provided the children young and old with glow sticks, food was provided by MATES and the bar was organised by Martin Village Hall committee members. A great night was had by all. >> News from MARTIN & MARTIN DALES PARISH COUNCIL Your current Parish Councillors are: Clare Pearson [email protected] Ben Lilley [email protected] David Busby [email protected] Will Jenkins [email protected] Sasha Kiteley [email protected] Clerk [email protected]
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49 We organised the purchase of a lovely Christmas tree to stand outside the village hall and funding was given to the village hall to purchase a Christmas tree and some decorations for inside the hall. Eclipse Fencing and the Parish Council also supplied and put plants in the new planter outside of the Village Hall. The planter was put up and planted by former Councillor Carl Ullyat and parishioner Val Smith. A donation was made to Mrs Mary King’s School to enable them to purchase some Osbourn books for the children. New speed signs have been purchased to supplement the SIDs which are positioned through the village. We have recently had the kind offer of a parishioner to support with the charging of the non-solar SID which is the one device that offers the speeding stats. This is still under discussion. Did you know we also have community speed watch equipment; we just need volunteers to help to use the equipment and deter the speeding traffic. Do you have any availability to commit to training (approx. 30 minutes online) and then support the group, maybe for a couple of hours once a month? If this is something you are interested in supporting, please contact the clerk who will take your details and coordinate any training. The Parish Council continues to monitor and maintain the play park equipment which is ROSPA inspected each year. We still have a couple of minor issues to address from the last inspection which will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Back in the summer we had a small working party who came out to clean, paint and tidy the play area, this included villagers not just councillors. We could have achieved more if we had a bigger turnout, so maybe next time there is a working party you may like to be involved? Back in January the precept had to be reviewed so we could plan the work needed to be conducted this coming year and what funding we would need to carry out the planned work. The increased precept would now allow the council to have funding available for some local support grants should any village groups request such funding. In exchange for the Parish Council funding the insurance of the village hall, the village hall continues to run the volunteer group doing the monthly litter pick. This agreement will be reviewed annually. Did you know that the Parish Council has a website that all parishioners can access? This is updated with meetings, minutes, accounts etc and is very kindly administered by a parishioner Mr Gareth Charles, who we would like to thank for his ongoing support. What do we have planned for the coming months? • The Parish Council will continue to support the villagers in regards to the development of an AD and Solar Farms in the area • Helping to source full size goal posts for the older children of the village • Purchase and install Coronation gates for the church graveyard • Review the grants for the Woodland area once received • Funding the Village Hall survey • Support the village fete with other village groups • Assist with this year’s bonfire arrangements Is there anything you feel as a parishioner you should be getting from your Parish Council? Please come to one of our meetings to discuss or contact the Parish Clerk and she will ensure all enquiries are raised at the next meeting.
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