1 Keeping it Local with news from Martin, Timberland and Martin Dales! The may 2024 Come & help write the HISTORY of MARTIN Discover a new perspective on your surroundings by Night Walking Get set for SUMMER F Martin & Timberland UN both gear up for their spectacular village fêtes! GRAPEVINE Bingo • Book Club • Quiz Night • Coffee Morning • Exercise Classes There’s something for everyone in both village halls! THE NEW EXTENDED BUS TIMETABLE IS ON PAGE 57 Photo: Nigel Ord-Smith
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3 GRAPEVINE May 2024 Martin and Timberland are both gearing up for their spectacular summer showcases of village life, where fun and games, live music, good food and a great time for the whole family will be on offer. Make sure you attend either or both of these much anticipated events in June and July! From night walking to woodland planting, from felted art to Freemasonry, this issue once again offers a real mix of articles which all have one thing in common: they each have a true local connection to our area. We pride ourselves on sourcing orginal, entertaining and informative stories sparked by local people, local landmarks and local history. If you have an idea for a story, please do send it in. This is a magazine for the whole community and we welcome submissions from everybody. 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. If you want to get involved please email us! THE GRAPES: Design & Production: Lindsay Fulton Advertising Sales/Invoicing: Brian Dorken Writing: Helen Whittle; Brian Dorken; Kevin Garner-Smith; Stephen Agnew; Rory Slater; Chris Godfrey Distribution: A willing bunch too numerous to mention but whose work is hugely appreciated. Thank you! ON THE COVER: 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners in the Best Movement category at the dog show at Timberland’s Family Fun Day 2023. DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE: TUESDAY 9th JULY (AD BOOKINGS) TUESDAY 16TH JULY (ARTICLES) PLEASE SUBMIT ALL COPY TO [email protected] or post in the MVH letter box outside Martin Village Hall. CONTENTS 5 Painting with Wool & Water A profile of local artist Helen Whittle 9 Exploding Spring by Stephen Agnew 11 A New Warden for Holy Trinity Church 13 A Further Meander Around Metheringham Airfield by Rory Slater 18 Reggie writes his way to success 19 Jessica takes on a challenge! 20 MATES gets ready for another busy summer The Village Fete entry form is on page 23 25 Cogglesford Mill: A great day out by Brian Dorken 28 Timberland Book Club: Everybody welcome! 29 Fun and Friendly Fitness at Martin Village Hall 32 Night Walking: A Change of Perspective by Chris Godfrey 36 Volunteers Lend a Hand at Holy Trinity Church 37 Timberland Family Fun Day 2024 38 Tracing the History of Our Village by Kevin Garner-Smith 40 MYHub Cooks Up Something Special 41 Local Families show off their Knowledge 42 A View from the County Council by Cllr Rob Kendrick 43 Poetry Corner: The Wheels of Time by Susan Millership 45 What’s Happening at Timberland Village Hall 48 More than Just a Funny Handshake by Kevin Garner-Smith 50 Martin & Martin Dales Parish Council Report 55 News from Timberland & Thorpe Tilney Parish Council 57 New Bus Timetable 58 What’s On Listings
4 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
5 I came to Lincolnshire in January 1996 to take a job in Environmental Education. That Christmas I moved with Laurie into 49 High Street: a house which had stood empty for over four years and not changed hands since the 1920s. I was bewitched by the housemartins which nest in the eaves each summer – and which, if the stories are to be believed, used to also nest inside against Owen Skinner’s bedroom chimney breast when he lived in the house as a boy. For the next few years we moved from room to room, renovating and creating as we went. Gardening for wildlife became a big joy and for a few years we opened to the public, raising money for charity through the NGS Yellow Book. We no longer open but with mixed hedging, maturing trees and several ponds, we still treasure our green oasis and all the nature we share it with. One season we had eleven bird species nesting actually on or in the house! Volunteering as a Parish Councillor here for seven years, my biggest achievement was undoubtedly establishing the Playpark. Working with the then Parish Clerk Ann Parkinson and Sue Howseman, we were able to use NK Tenants community funding to release a Landfill Tax grant from WREN. There was also money from the Co-op for the original junior football goals and from ArtsNK for the community project which shaped the woodcarving which used Painting withWool & Water Artist and felter Helen Whittle has lived in Martin for almost thirty years. As a Parish Councillor she made a lasting contribution to the village and now spends much of her time creating unique artwork inspired by nature.
6 to mark the entrance. For a while there was even a bike track. Meanwhile my work life changed with redundancy then a variety or freelance work and roles working in sustainability, and in community and youth work, most notably on Prince’s Trust Team – which brought both the greatest challenges and most satisfying rewards. In the background art and nature remained my underpinning passions and a thread running through times of great uncertainty. I had always sold some pieces here and there and so in 2016 when a new employer let me choose how many hours I wanted to work for them, I dropped a couple of days to pursue my creative side . It was really case of ‘if not now? Then when?’ Which is how I became a professional artist and felter, making and selling wet-felted pictures, mostly of wildlife, landscapes, seascapes and swimmers. My pictures are made from layers of different wools. It is rather like making your canvas and painting your picture at the same time. My inspiration comes from every day encounters – the starlings in the garden or a view from the Carr Dyke, plus trips out and away: favourites being the cliffs at Bempton, The Farnes, Scotland and the Pyrenees. I usually have a camera and binoculars with me, and on holiday also a sketchbook. These are the references I use when planning a new work. I start with a line drawing for layout but after that the picture often grows organically and – unless it is an agreed commission – then I go with the flow, often adding silks and artificial fibres for effect and recovered fabrics such as tweed and chiffon. This is what makes it such fun. The whole pile of fluff is then wetted with soap and water and squished flat. Protected with a piece of bubble wrap, this is gently rubbed with my fingertips and
7 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 then my hands until the magic happens – the tiny tiny scales on wool hook together to make felt. The wool fibres migrate through the thickness of the cloth and can no longer be pulled away. This floppy thin felt is then ‘fulled’, the process of rinsing and shrinking the wool so you end up with something smaller and thicker, before drying and finishing. Where fine detail is needed I use an evil tool called a felting needle. It is very sharp and barbed and can be used to push wool through the felt and fix it to the surface a bit like embroidery. I use it for beaks and eyes on animals and to add swimmers to seas. Were it just a hobby then the house would simply fill with stuff I’ve made. But the ‘if not now?’ moment, was always more ambitious than that. Making is the easy part; making a living is much harder! Nevertheless business has grown year on year which, given what has happened over the last few years, really feels pretty amazing. I sell online and at selected face to face events. I also have some items at Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre. Dates for 2024 Global Bird Fair, Rutland – July 12-14th Lincoln Makers Market on the Castle Square 3rd August, 7th Sept, 5th Oct, 2nd Nov Haddon Christmas Mercatum, Bakewell Nov 13-17th and Nov 20th Also online at www.helenwhittle.co.uk or www.facebook.com/wildlifefelt On Instagram as HelenTheFelter and https://helenthefelter.etsy.com n I start with a line drawing for layout but after that the picture often grows organically...
8 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 Laundry services Full wash, dry and iron for clothes and bed linens Domestic and commercial contracts Ironing service Key holders Cleaning services Domestic & Commercial End of tenancy Holiday home / AirBnB De-cluttering Anti viral fogging Oven cleaning Carpet & furniture valeting Ironing & Cleaning Established over 15 years Family run business Fully insured, reliable cleaners with references Tel: 07908 401179 Call, text, WhatsApp Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/janetsironing/ email: janetsironing@ btinternet.com All contracts considered and no job too small
9 I love Spring! I love the sense of discovery as each day new growth appears as if from nowhere. I love the feeling of surprise when a plant which I thought had not survived the winter puts up shoots, and then seemingly in a matter of days colour bursts into the garden. I enjoy being nosey and looking at people’s gardens, and thinking, “I could grow that”. I also enjoy that same sense of beauty in the hedgerows as the blackthorn and the fruit blossoms explode into colour, and beneath them the primroses, bluebells and foxgloves in their turn provide different palletes. It all points to a new year of growth and possibility. This year in the village there have been other signs of possibility as thousands of new trees have been planted beneath the Car Dyke. Us oldies won’t see them reach their full size, but we can imagine and celebrate the growth and development of the saplings and wonder at how different it will all look in the future, and how much we might like to walk around the village wood when it has grown up. The planting of daffodil bulbs around the village has been a great innovation and brought happiness to many people as the blooms have stood proudly against the wind and the rain which seems to have lasted for so long. Many people have been saddened by the vandalism which saw a number of the yellow trumpets snapped off and strewn around the verges. It seems such a shame to destroy signs of hope and life and spoil people’s enjoyment. But sadly some people are wired like that, they seem to find pleasure in destructiveness. Wherever we look we will find the negative as well as the positive in human character and behaviour. As we reflect on that challenge we could feel down and despair of human nature, or alternatively we could refuse to let such destructive behaviour dominate our thoughts and feelings, and with determination we could celebrate the positive possibilities of spring and new life. I know where I would like to channel my energies. - Stephen Agnew Exploding Spring!
10 Anewly renovated self contained converted double garage that sleeps two adults. Open plan living and sleeping area with two single beds that can be pushed together if required. • Egyptian cotton bedding and top quality duvets a pillows. • Fully equipped kitchen. • Free parking and use of the gardens. • Prices from £55 per night. For more information or to book please message or call Helen on 07966 986281. Walnut Lodge Accommodation in Timberland
11 Peter Bennett was elected by community members at Holy Trinity’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting in April. Peter is joining at a particularly challenging time with the church having been without a warden for four years and without a vicar for 12 months. The last year’s finances, presented by Clare Cowen, showed a loss, and the church is showing signs of needing minor repairs. Peter lives in Farmers Way, adjacent to the churchyard, with his wife Jenny, two dogs and a cat. They moved to Martin nearly two years ago, after living in Somerset for some 40 years. Peter met Jenny when working in Boston as a trainee surveyor and auctioneer in 1970. He was originally from Yorkshire, and Jenny was brought up in Stickney. After their wedding in West Keal church in 1973, they moved with work quite a lot, both locally in Boston, Lincoln and Holbeach, and for nearly six years in Malawi, Africa. Since returning to the UK Peter was a self-employed Chartered Surveyor until retirement and his move to Martin. A keen walker, but somewhat limited by poor knees in recent times, Peter has completed the Three Peaks Challenge twice and walked the Offa’s Dyke long distance path. He is soon to take on the Steeples and Spires Trail, to raise money for his choir. Peter is Honorary Secretary of Woodhall Spa Rotary and has been a Rotarian since first joining a Club in Malawi in 1980. He sings with Sleaford Choral Society, who perform three concerts a year in St Denys Church. The choir rehearse nearly every Wednesday evening and many of you will have seen him when he performed at the church’s carol concert in Martin last Christmas. He has been singing with choirs in Somerset and Wiltshire for the past twenty years or so. Peter confesses to have no experience of being a church warden, and will be guided by Martin resident Rev Stephen Agnew, and by the PCC members, until he finds his footing. Peter told the Grapevine: “The PCC is full of ideas and enthusiasm, and I am very much looking forward to helping with the administration of Holy Trinity. Together with the PCC members, I will strive to make the church more available to the community. We are blessed with a wonderful building which is sadly underused and in need of improvement of facilities. Our first challenges are to secure the financial viability of Martin Church going forward, and hopefully to fundraise for the provision of toilets which the church is lacking.” The PCC wishes Peter luck with his new role, and welcomes offers of help from the community. n A New Warden for Holy Trinity Church
12 Driving on the B1189 from Billinghay to Metheringham, we arrive at a cross-roads; to the right is signposted B1191 Martin/Woodhall Spa, whilst left is signed, in brown, Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre (MAVC). As we pass this junction, and approach Eclipse, we can see some building ruins ahead and to the left. But what was Metheringham airfield, what still exists, and what is at the Visitor Centre? There have been two recent and related Grapevine articles, both highly interesting and worth seeking out: in August 2023 Lindsay Fulton marked MAVC’s 30th anniversary with an article describing the Centre’s work; then, in November 2023, Kirsty Summers wrote a personal account of the 106 Squadron Memorial on the airfield itself, and her part in helping her father build it. The aim of my article is to try to pull both articles together, as well as indicate what remains to be seen if one looks. To briefly recap some of Lindsay’s article, following the requisition of farmland, construction of the airfield started in 1942 before it became home to 106 Squadron, flying Lancasters, in November 1943 and previously commanded by a certain Wg Cdr Guy Gibson. Less than a week after arriving, the squadron launched 13 aircraft on a raid on Berlin. In September 1944, 1690 Bomber Defence Training Flight arrived with seven Spitfire, twelve Hurricane and eight Miles Martinet aircraft to provide fighter evasion training and, between May 1944 and May 1945, Dakota aircraft of US 52nd Troop Carrier Wing used Metheringham as an Evacuation Centre for injured US Servicemen to and from Nocton Hall Hospital enroute to the west coast of Scotland, for onward transportation to the USA. Between November 1943 and May 1945, RAF Metheringham lost 59 Lancasters with 288 air crew killed and 50 posted missing.
13 Also, one member of 106 Squadron, Sgt Norman Jackson, was awarded the Victoria Cross for, on 26th April 1944, climbing out onto his Lancaster’s wing in-flight when under attack from a German night-fighter in an attempt to put out an engine fire with a handheld extinguisher. Badly burnt by the fire, and still under attack from the German aircraft, he lost his grip but parachuted to safety to be held as a prisoner until the end of the war. Not all the 59 aircraft were lost over Germany; if you head out of Timberland for about 1½ miles on Fen Road towards Woodhall Spa, you will come across a small plaque on the right in memory of a Lancaster lost when it collided with another Lancaster after returning from a bombing raid in February 1944. With World War II over, RAF Metheringham was placed into Care and Maintenance in February 1946 before being finally sold-off in 1961-62. So, back to the cross-roads, Rory Slater revisits Metheringham Airfield and the Visitor Centre and discovers there is plenty to see if you know where to look... Memorial Eclipse Ex-RAF Metheringham with runways and perimeter roads overlaid; the chicken huts are at the foot, the memorial is just above the letter ‘S’, and Eclipse is just left of the black box near the centre (picture with thanks to Getmapping plc) RAF Metheringham main runway as it is now, from each end; chicken huts at the far end of the line of trees towards the top (left picture) and bottom (right picture) with second runway crossing mid-left to lower right; Air Traffic tower mid-right edge (left picture thanks to Richard E Flagg www.ukairfields.org.uk) A Further Meander Around Metheringham Airfield
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15 and turning right towards Martin followed by a left turn some 100 yards later, brings us onto what remains of the airfield. The airfield runways were set out as a standard “A” configuration with a main runway aligned almost due North/South with two other intersecting runways. The chicken huts over to our left indicate where the end of the main runway was; the first part of the runway is now marked by a line of trees that extends from those huts ahead of us… in totality, this runway ran almost as far as the trees just over a mile north. This runway was also unusual in that it was one of 15 UK airfields to have FIDO (Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation or Fog, Intensive, Dispersal of) installed, a network of fuel tanks, pipes and burners that burnt some 100,000 gallons per hour, and was capable of clearing fog to a height of 200 feet to give pilots sufficient visual clues to be able to takeoff or land. It was estimated that between 1943-45, 2500 aircraft landed safely due to FIDO, possibly saving up to 10,000 aircrew lives. Following the road around to the right, and then left, is actually following the eastern perimeter track where the Lancasters would have taxied either on the way to takeoff, or following landing and back to their dispersal points. After a few hundred yards, we arrive at the 106 Squadron memorial on the right. Try sitting on the bench here in a quiet moment, imagining the airfield alive with people and sound, aircraft starting their engines, taxiing and taking off in front of you… or returning to land hours later... perhaps fewer than took off earlier... or damaged with dead or wounded onboard. Just a few yards before arriving at the memorial, we can see another track off to the left, pointing towards the earlier-mentioned main runway. This track marks the second of the airfield’s three runways, some two-thirds of a mile in length, with the latter section now continuing with another line of trees running away from us. If we stroll/drive down this track (runway), and just before reaching the gate across the path, we can see what looks like railway track crossing us. This is, in fact, what remains of the FIDO system which would have run the length of the main runway, the fuel tanks for which would have been way off to our left. Remains of the FIDO installation Proceeding up the perimeter road for about another 60 yards and then looking over and back to our left, we can see a flagpole through the trees…we can also see what looks to be a ruined building. This was, in fact, the airfield Watch Tower that would have coordinated the Lancasters’ takeoffs and landings and which is now being converted into a domestic dwelling. 106 Bomber Squadron crest, a lion holding up a standard and motto Pro Libertate (For Freedom) Remains of the FIDO installation
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17 Further on, we arrive at another road – right is signposted Blankney Fen, whilst left is signposted Blankney/Metheringham. This was the third of the airfield’s runways (it now takes us back to the B1189!), again about two thirds of a mile long, and was converted from a road into a runway when the airfield was built, and then converted back again after the airfield was closed in 1946. And those building ruins ahead and to the left before reaching Eclipse? Those were the Administrative Site and Sick Quarters, the first stop for those returning injured from their operational missions. But to find out more about the history of RAF Metheringham, do visit MAVC where the helpful and knowledgeable volunteers will guide you around the various exhibits and information points sited in the old Ration Store and Gymnasium within the communal site, which also housed the squash court, tailors, and a Stanton air raid shelter which can still be visited. At the visitor centre you can climb onboard MAVC’s own C47 Douglas Dakota aircraft to feel what it would have been like to have flown as a passenger, or sit up front and get a pilot’s eye view; or stop for a coffee and a biscuit/tea cake at the coffee shop. Entry prices are £5.50pp/£6.10 Gift Aid (16 and under free) plus you will be supporting the work of the charity and its dedicated volunteers in preserving the memory of those who served, and keeping it alive for the next generation. Or visit the website at metheringhamairfield.co.uk. Volunteers are always welcome too. Alternatively, at MAVC or on their website, buy Richard Bailey’s ‘In the Middle of Nowhere – the history of RAF Metheringham’. n MAVC’s C47 Dakota, recently repainted in USAAF colours on the port side, to reflect the numerous aircraft that operated through RAF Metheringham, and with D-Day invasion stripes. The starboard side is in RAF markings and reflects the actual identity of this C-47, KG651, when it was delivered to the RAF in June 1944. ReNew at Woodhall Spa Mondays 10-11am Martin Village Hall Tuesdays 6-7pm Timberland Village Hall Wednesdays 10-11am Online classes available. All levels & experiences welcome. . . . . . Contact Amanda 07470 031767 [email protected] www.uniqueyoga.co.uk
18 BeeWare One fine sunny day in George’s garden there was a little beehive, Beth was being mean to Jess. Jess was a small bee with only five legs, that is why she was being bullied every day. Jess was so upset that she quietly snuck, sadly out of the beehive, and went to collect some nectar. Suddenly! Jess heard some loud buzzing voices. She spied over the bushes and saw some of their enemies, an Asian Hornet and two wasps. “Ha Ha together, we will rule the world!” they laughed wickedly. Jess found a flower nearby and drank the nectar whilst she thought about what she must do. Jess quickly flew back to the hive and did a wiggle dance to tell everyone in the hive what was happening. The queen demanded that they all fly to the training room, where they set to work making a plan. The scouts were sent out to investigate, the guards on the hive doubled their numbers at the entrance. The Asian Hornet and the wasps attacked, starting a war on the bees. Jess shouted “Charge” they all flew in a charge like the Red Arrows. Lots of the bees fell to the ground injured and dying as they tried to protect their home. Jess saw Beth tumble to the ground. Jess flew down with a buzz to help her. She struggled but pulled her back to the hive. Once Beth was safely inside, Jess flew straight back out and she saw George their beekeeper. Jess buzzed in his ear trying to explain the problem they had. George hurried to his shed and quickly made a trap. Seeing him coming, the Asian Hornet and the wasps retreated. George put the trap near the beehive, but the wasps and the hornet had brought back hundreds of extra troops. The air echoed with buzzing in the whole garden, it sounded like a squadron of helicopters. The bees regrouped and were worried that the trap wouldn’t work, but the wasps and Asian hornets flew straight into the trap and couldn’t get out. The bees checked on their injured friends, taking them to the nurse bees. Jess went to check on Beth, she had a plaster cast on her leg. Beth told Jess how sorry she was for being horrible. Beth had realised that all the bees were important, even the smallest and the weaker ones, and that when they work together, they make a great team. The hive buzzed with happiness and they all went back to buzzing around the garden. Eight-year-old Reggie Dell, who lives in Martin and goes to Mrs Mary King’s School, finished ahead of thousands of other storytellers in this year’s BBC 500 Words Competition! Out of 135,000 entries, he got through to the last four percent, and his family are incredibly proud of him. Here is the story which took him so far in the competition. Reggie writes his way to success... 18
19 KELLY’S CATCH Fish & Chips High Street, Metheringham Tel: 01526 320315 We are open: Wednesday to Saturday 11.30am – 1.30pm 4.30pm – 8.00pm Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Phone orders welcome Debit/credit cards accepted 10% OAP discount on Wednesdays Martin resident Jessica Evans (12) is working hard to raise funds for a Girl Guides trip to Switzerland. She said: “To raise as much money as I can for this exciting trip I want to do something that really challenges me, mentally and physically. “In May I will be biking TWICE around Rutland Water to raise as much money for our Guides trip as possible. This will be over 37 miles on tricky terrain and will take me at least 6.5 hours! “In August I am lucky enough to be joining a group of Girl Guides from around Lincolnshire who are travelling to Switzerland. We have been busy fundraising for the trip by doing stalls at Christmas Markets, Bingo nights and bake sales. “I’m going with a few of my Guide group and 23 other Guides that I’ve never met before, which makes me a bit nervous! When we get there we will be participating in scary activities like white water rafting, which will challenge me to face my fears. As well as the challenging activities, we will be getting involved in cultural and educational events, involving guides from different parts of the world. Our base for the week will be one of the Girl Guiding international venues. “For my bike ride challenge, I did a practice ride around Rutland Water to see how I’d get on and going round just once was very tiring, so twice will definitely be a big challenge for me!” Jessica takes on a challenge! To donate to Jessica’s fundraising target, please go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ jessica-evans-950
20 The MATES committee hope all the Grapevine readers and their families are well and looking forward to the Summer, whenever it decides to come. Your local MATES committee and volunteers have enjoyed a quieter period but have still been doing weekly runs to Lincoln foodbank to help families in need in Martin and the surrounding villages. Donations to the foodbank are still needed and can be left in the box over the wall at 76 High Street, Martin (next door to the pub). If you are in need of short-term assistance or know someone who is then please contact us. The details are shown in the box below. The ukulele and guitar sessions held at Martin Village Hall in February and March were popular with all ages attending to learn or brush up their playing skills. There has been a request to MATES to run these again but it will depend on funding. Applications have been submitted to various local funds and a decision is awaited. The End of Grant submission to NKDC for the grant they gave to MATES in 2023 detailed all the activities that MATES had used the funding for over the past year. The feedback from NKDC was excellent and they were really impressed by the variety of events offered. The focus is now on Martin Village Fete which is due to be held on Sunday 30th June between 12 and 4pm on the cricket field off Moor Lane, by the cricket pavilion. This event has always proved popular and is a really fun day. In response to feedback, this year it will be held on the Sunday. The fete is a collaboration between MATES, TimTin Nursery, Friends of Mrs Mary King’s School and Martin Village Hall. Martin and Martin Dales Parish Council are running their village photograph competition again to produce a 2025 calendar and Mrs Mary King’s Trust have kindly offered the use of their ground and pavilion for the event. The fete will be a fun day and includes a bar and barbeque along with filled jacket potatoes, and there is live music from local musicians Josh Vale and James Phillips, local band The Freeloaders, as well as the Rock Choir and, hopefully, the school choir and TimTin. So come and enjoy a drink and burger and sit and enjoy the music and, hopefully, the lovely weather. There will also be a cake stand run by My Hub and tea and coffee available and the ice cream van. If you would like to make a cake to sell on the cake MATES gets ready for another busy summer... Did you know there is a foodbank service right here in our 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) in the plastic box over the low wall.
21 stall this would be gratefully received. For your entertainment there will be a number of activities including bouncy castles, games for the children and adults, various craft stalls, face painter, and others still in the planning. Stalls will also include Martin Heritage, Royal British Legion, Photo booth and Friends of Mrs Mary King’s with school uniform. We also have the horse and carriage returning, offering drives along the fen road to the airfield. There will also be a raffle and tombola and any tombola prizes will be gratefully received please. This year’s fete will also include a fun dog show which was so popular last year. This year it will be in a bigger arena with a chance to really show off your dog’s waggiest tail, your golden oldie, dog who most looks like its owner, best young handler and other classes. Come and show your family friend off and win a rosette. This year we will also be running a number of competitions for you all to enter, with lovely prizes. These include food & drink and art competitions. Food & Drink Competitions Best Decorated Biscuits Ages: Pre-school and Key Stage 1 children Best Decorated Cupcakes Ages: Key Stage 2 children Best Showstopper Cake Ages: Key Stage 3/Senior School 11-17 years Best Showstopper Cake Ages: 18 years and above Best Homemade Flavoured Spirit 18 years and above Art Competitions Best Olympic themed art – this can be anything from painting to model as long as it is Olympic themed. Age categories: Pre-school and Key Stage 1 Children Key Stage 2 children Key Stage 3/Senior School 11-17 years. Martin Village Fete will be held on Sunday 30th June
22 The Penny Farthing 4 Station Road Timberland LN4 3SA Tel: 01526378881 A traditional family-friendly pub with a fantastic homecooked menu using locally sourced produce and an ever-changing specials board with carefully selected real ales and fine wines. TUES Two meals £17.50 on selected dishes plus Quiz Night WED Grill Night Two grills £25.00 FRIDAY Fish & chips Two for £17.50 SUNDAY Lunch from £11.00, kids eat for £5.50 Food served: Tues to Sat 12 noon to 9pm Sunday 12 noon to 6pm Closed Mondays BT Sport Wi-fi Car Park Beer Garden Log Burner Real Ale Fine Wines DEALS FOR YOU Quiz Night every Tuesday from 8pm £1 entry Free supper with your quiz master Robert
23 Entries are to be brought to the fete by 1pm on the day. Enter and show off your skills, as well as having some fun whilst doing it. The more entries the better and there will be prizes for every class. The entry form can be photocopied from this magazine. The village fete is organised for all to enjoy and the funds raised are shared between the four organising groups and used for the benefit of villagers. Please save the date in your diary and come and support it. Volunteers to help set up, run stalls and clear up are always welcome so please let us know if you can volunteer a couple of hours to help the fete run smoothly. There is space for more craft stalls so please contact us if you wish to book a stall. As most of you will be aware the cricket field is a dog free area at all times. For the day of the fete only the Trustees of Mrs Mary King’s School have kindly agreed that dogs are allowed on the area so they can be brought to the fete and also enjoy the dog show. All dogs will need to be kept on a lead and cleaned up afterwards and are the owner’s responsibility. No dogs will be permitted in the play park area. We look forward to seeing you at the fete and please remember that MATES are ‘there when you need us’. Nicky, Clare, Vic, Paul, Julie, Hayley and Les The MATES Committee email: [email protected] Martin Village Fete – Competition Entry Form Please bring all entries to the fete by 1pm on Sunday 30 June FOOD & DRINK CLASSES: CLASS 1: Best Decorated Biscuits Ages: Pre-school and Key Stage 1 children CLASS 2: Best Decorated Cupcakes Ages: Key Stage 2 children CLASS 3: Best Showstopper Cake Ages: Key Stage 3/Senior School 11-17 years CLASS 4: Best Showstopper Cake Ages: 18 years and above CLASS 5: Best Homemade Flavoured Spirit 18 years and above For this Class, please text or call 07763 045293 for a glass bottle. There is a £1 entry fee for this. ART CLASS: Best Olympic themed art This can be anything from painting to model as long as it is Olympic themed Ages: Pre-school and Key Stage 1 Children Key Stage 2 children Key Stage 3/Senior School 11-17 years Please make sure each of your entries is clearly marked with the following information. You can photocopy this form or just write the information on a piece of paper and attach it to your entry. I AM ENTERING IN CLASS: …………………………………… NAME OF ENTRY (Optional): ……………….............................. NAME: ...............................................................AGE: ................. CONTACT NUMBER: ....................................................................
24 SATURDAYS LINE UP 2PM SALLY J 5PM THE FRAGMENTS MAY MUSIC, BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL MAY 25TH / 26TH /27TH FEATURING AT THE ROYAL OAK - MARTIN High Street, Martin, LN4 3QT www.theroyaloakmartin.com 01526 701087 Theroyaloakmartin LIVE MUSIC, CASK ALES, CIDERS, FOOD The Royal Oak in Martin Presents SATURDAY & MONDAY BBQ, PIZZA & THAI SUNDAY CARVERY 12-3 SUNDAYS LINE UP 2PM GRAHAM JONES 5PM OAK COVERS BAND MONDAYS LINE UP OPEN MIC 2PM - 6PM ALL ABILITIES AND TALENTS WELCOME
25 Cogglesford Mill By Brian Dorken A visit to Cogglesford Mill in Sleaford makes for a delightful day out, while at the same time offering a fascinating glimpse into the changes in technology, economics, and cultural values that have shaped the site over the centuries. Cogglesford Mill on the River Slea is extremely important historically because it was the chief mill in the known Anglo-Saxon estate that existed in that part of Kesteven. At that time there were only two known watermills on the Slea, but this exploded in number to 18 at the time of the reign of William I. However, the mill wasn’t known as Cogglesford at that time. This came much later in the sixteenth century from coggle or cobbled ford. King Street (a Roman road) or Mareham Lane crossed the river on its way to Lincoln. Watermills can be traced back before mediaeval times and were extremely complicated pieces of machinery for those times. It’s believed that watermills were used by the Anglo-Saxons as far back as the 600s whereas windmills didn’t start to make an appearance until around the 1170s or 1180s. One of the best pictures of a mediaeval watermill comes from an illustration in the fourteenth century Luttrell Psalter, produced around 1330 for Sir Geoffrey Luttrell of Imham in south Lincolnshire. It shows a small single-storey building which was built around a timber frame with a stout wooden door and lock, with a roof of thatch, as was normal in Lincolnshire at those times due to a plentiful supply from the fens. Cogglesford Mill also earned the title in Tudor times as the “sheriff’s mill” despite the fact that at the time of the Norman Conquest it belonged to the Bishop of Lincoln and as far as anyone can find, it never belonged to the sheriff. The only logical explanation appears to be that it was named thus after the sheriff or reeve who owned the estate in Anglo-Saxon times. In the centuries following the 17th century, Cogglesford Mill, like many other mills, underwent various changes, adapting to evolving technologies, economic shifts, and societal transformations. 18th and 19th Centuries The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the late 18th century, brought about significant changes in manufacturing and production processes. Mills experienced technological advancements, with the introduction of steam power and more sophisticated machinery. This
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27 period marked a shift from traditional waterdriven mills to more mechanised operations. Cogglesford Mill might have undergone renovations or technological upgrades during this time to enhance its productivity and keep pace with industrial advancements. Late 19th to Early 20th Centuries By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the advent of modern milling techniques and the rise of larger industrial milling operations posed challenges to smaller, traditional mills like Cogglesford. Many smaller mills struggled to compete with larger, more efficient facilities. Later 20th Century Onward The latter half of the 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in preserving historical sites and cultural heritage. Many historic mills, including Coggleford, became focal points for conservation efforts and heritage tourism. Today, Coggleford Mill operates as a heritage site, museum and cultural centre, offering insights into the history of milling, showcasing traditional milling techniques, and serving as a venue for educational purposes or community events. Understanding the mill’s journey through these centuries involves recognising the broader shifts in technology, economics, and cultural values that shaped its trajectory and the site serves as a connection between the community’s heritage and the modern-day world. n ................................................ Cogglesford Watermill, East Road, Sleaford NG34 7EQ Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 12 noon to 4pm Monthly Milling: Second Sunday of every month As well as weekly wheel turning, once a month you can see the whole mill in action as staff and volunteers work the machinery to grind flour. A great Living History lesson for all ages.
28 Timberland Book Club, established 2017, was the idea of the late John Sharman; his intent was to gather together people who enjoy reading, to informally discuss, share and confer (and enjoy the fine ales and food of the Penny Farthing!). Since then, TBC has met every first Thursday of the month, at 6pm in the village pub. Even during the pandemic, though meetings were suspended for 19 months, we continued to read and share thoughts via email (and sometimes impromptu discussion in the street, at a safe distance of course). On record, that’s 99 books that have been “officially” read by the clubs’ members and is truly a diverse range of literature. Our list covers all genres, fiction and non-fiction, hotoff-the-press books, and ones that were written nearly 200 years ago; local authors and ones from distant shores. We endeavour to read two books a month - sometimes three if we can’t choose, and there is no obligation to read all, both, or any! We start, always, with a toast to John, then get down to the business of discussing the books. Depending on how many have read the books and the range of thoughts and opinions, more drinks may be needed. Sometimes a chip butty too! We rate the books out of 10, and so far the only two books that have been rated 10/10 are The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christie Lefteri and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Some have been very close - 100 years of Lenin & Margot by Marianne Cronin scored 9.5 Occasionally there is a book that gets downright annihilated by everyone. The range of books we have read is impressive and I have read books that I wouldn’t have looked at twice in a bookshop. For example, this month’s read was Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty which has all the ingredients for a gun-slinging Western; it has cowboys and Indians, bandits and Mexicans, herds of cattle, herds of horses, lassos, bows and arrows, Winchesters, sneaky thieves, and lots of big scenery. It’s a big book and I could not put it down for three days; I shall be giving that one 10 out of 10. It is always interesting to hear other people’s thoughts on a book; our conversations about what we have read are candid and offer a range of perspectives. Being part of a group of people who have read the same book is a shared experience, even if you have different views. The way in which we read differs too. Some of us are die-hard old school and love the smell of a new book. As a cheaper option, there are so many on-line second-hand book sellers EVERYBODY IS WELCOME AT TIMBERLAND BOOK CLUB “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” – John Green The Fault in Our Stars ..................................
29 offering a huge range at discounted prices and often with free p&p. Audio-books are a great way to absorb words whilst mucking-out, gardening or painting… there is always a lot of sharing and passing books around the group too. Our numbers vary each meeting but there is a diehard core of eight or nine of us who turn up every month (our email list has readers in the US, Australia, and New Zealand). We would very much welcome some new faces; if you would like to join us, we are always at the table at the end of the bar on the left. Our next meeting is Thursday 6th June, 6pm, Penny Farthing. A sample of the books from over the years: • The Book of Trespass by Nick Hayes • The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier • Red Notice by Bill Browder • Rebecca by Daphne Du Marnier • Becoming by Michelle Obama • Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck • The Salt Path by Raynor Wynn • Waterland by Graham Swift • Empty Cradles by Margret Humphreys Hi my name is Nikki and I’ve been a fitness instructor for nearly 14 years now. I have always run my own business teaching classes in the community. I also freelance for other organisations too. I recently gained a further qualification at Level 4 as a Postural Stability Instructor, in Oct 2023. My classes include Zumba, Fitness Pilates, Barre, Seated Exercise and Falls Management classes. I have been using Martin Village Hall now for about four years. I started there just as Covid started. It’s a lovely big space with plenty of road parking. My classes are warm and welcoming, people will always say hello to you as you come in, ask if you’re OK etc. Classes can be modified to your own level of activity and fitness levels - there’s no pressure to ‘keep up’ with anyone else. You wear what you feel comfortable in and only do what you can. We are a mixed bunch of women (a few men too) of all ages, sizes, body shapes and abilities. We would love you to join us in helping community classes thrive. Please see the advert for class times and contact details. Fun and friendly fitness on offer at Nikki’s range of exercise classes
30 AS LOCAL AS IT GETS! email: [email protected] @proglidelincoln www.proglidelincoln.co.uk
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32 When darkness falls, there’s no rule saying you must stay indoors. Nighttime presents a perfect opportunity to walk anew into the countryside, to observe star-filled skies and moonlit landscapes or listen to the rustlings of nature and to breathe in the night air. Anyone who has gone for a walk in the dark will have noticed the subtleties that are lost in the noise of the day; the way ambient light falls on ploughed earth, the movement of trees silhouetted against a fading sky. In darkness, other senses become sharpened, especially hearing. Dazzlingly fresh perspectives can instil a profound feeling of belonging in our landscape, even on a familiar road or country track. On a cold weekday in February we are walking along one of these wellknown tracks to the northwest of Martin village. It can’t be understated how lucky we are living in this part of the country. We are surrounded by expansive land to wander in, with broad horizons and majestic skies to gaze at. Normally, I’d be unwinding in front of the TV, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand, but out here I’m fully immersed, this is relaxation through connection rather than disconnection. Work and family concerns take a back seat for an hour or so as we walk and talk, plumes of breath vaporising between us. The former Metheringham airfield is now directly ahead, beyond the farmer’s gate. Looking south-east, Martin village sits quietly behind us, the spire of Holy Trinity Church jutting into the cobalt sky. We’re in good company, in spirit at least: Charles Dickens famously strolled the capital after hours, inspiring other Victorians Night Walking by Chris Godfrey
33 such as Prime Minister William Gladstone to do the same. Although Dickens’ wanderings were triggered by insomnia, his nocturnal observations inspired ideas for several of his books and particularly his 1860 essay ‘Night Walks’. This vaguely subversive pursuit has never gone away; even in recent years there is no sign of our fascination with landscape and sense of place dwindling. On a practical level, night-time is quieter and offers time for reflection. However it isn’t only about unity with nature; it’s about reconnecting with others too. Talking shoulder to shoulder with my fellow walkers feels less rushed than talking face to face. This invites us to be more open, conversing a few layers beneath the usual practicalities and “fine thanks” of typical daytime chatter. More than anything though, night walks can be sublimely beautiful. Walking at night is like discovering a new world on your doorstep, one that allows you to roam beyond the allotted provision of daylight. Only relatively recently have we started to lose our place in our natural surroundings. Darkness is a thing we have come to avoid, maybe even fear. It is seen as something we should surpress with our over-powered, over-lit world. But this view isn’t shared universally, to paraphrase David Robson: “In the Arctic Circle during the polar night, when the sun ceases to rise and the Earth is swathed in darkness for months, the Norwegians simply wrap up, grab a head-torch and head for the trails.” If nightwalking has shown me anything, it’s that we too should embrace the night, become familiar with it, maybe learn from it. Later, stepping through my back door into the warmth and glaring light of LED lamps, I am grateful to be home, yet certain that I’ll be wandering the moonlit fields with like-minded friends again very soon. Tips for night walking • Start somewhere familiar: start with a route that you know well. Without the pressure to navigate you can focus more on the experience, and more readily enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at night. • Walk together: If you’re going solo, it’s always good practice to tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. • Take it slow: Darkness makes terrain a little more challenging, even on familiar paths. Slow down and don’t expect to walk at the same pace or cover the same distances that you would in daylight. • Sunset and moonrise: Starting your evening walk with a sunset can be a great motivation. Another good time to go is on a night when the moon is clear as you’ll be able to see much more. • Look out for wildlife: foxes, owls, bats, badgers and deer are more common at night, but the main thing is just to try to be aware of your surroundings. • Limit the use of torches: Whilst it can take up to 45 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark, it only takes a second of looking at a direct light source to affect your night vision. • Organise your kit before you set off: It can be harder to find things buried in your bag at night. Make sure items like water bottles or food are easy to reach. Pack plenty of warm kit, especially if you plan to stop and take in your surroundings. n
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35 Councillor Rob Kendrick recently secured a team of Lincolnshire County Council Highways Department volunteers to spend a day clearing overgrown areas of the cemetery at Martin’s Holy Trinity Church. Cllr Kendrick said: “The volunteers cleared vegetation which was growing over graves in the churchyard and also cleaned some steps outside the church. The volunteers are part of a scheme where teams of highways volunteers undertake community volunteering through an agreement with the County Council. “This is the second time we have been able to have these volunteers help in Martin. In 2023 a team helped paint the entrance way at the village hall, and previously they have also undertaken several projects in Timberland.” PCC Treasurer Clare Cowen said: “On Highways volunteers lend a hand at Holy Trinity Church behalf of the PCC and our parishioners, we’d like to say Thank You to the volunteers for their excellent work, and a thank you to Paul Cowen for helping clear all the rubbish. Finally a thank you to Cllr Kendrick for his part in arranging for this to be done. The area looks so much better and we are very grateful to have received this help.” n Jac Wright Heating & Plumbing [email protected] 07908 908151 Corgi Registered From taps to full bathroom suites
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37 T imberland’s Family Fun Day started in 2016 to celebrate the Parish Council taking a 10 year lease of the green space near St Andrew’s Church, known as Timberland Green. At that time, Timberland Green was just a patch of land which the Parish Council wanted to be put to use for the benefit of the village. It has since been registered as an asset of community value (ACV) and the lease is being renewed for another 10 years. In 2017 the celebratory event became the Timberland Family Fun Day. The ethos of the event is to provide a social occasion for the whole village and beyond, accessible to all, funded by the Parish Council and local sponsors, with activities to suit all ages at minimal cost to those coming along. The Fun Day was a huge success and became an annual fixture until Covid impacted the world in 2020. We had an enforced break until 2022 and we are back on track for 2024 with a very exciting day planned! In previous years we have featured a falconry display, a dog show, live performers including Angels Dance Squad, acoustic duo Nigel and Teri, Mike Shelby and Mrs Mary King’s School choir traditionally opens the event. We always have the village hall cake stall, a craft workshop, bouncy castle, face painting and team sports of five-a-side football, tug of war and welly wanging. The bar and BBQ are provided by the Penny Farthing pub, and we have been very lucky to have had a couple of RAF fly-pasts, with 2024 looking hopeful again! Photos from previous years are shown here to showcase the fun ahead, courtesy of local photographers Sally Faulkner and Nigel Ord-Smith. This year we have the following to entice you to join us: • Live music from 40’s singer Charlotte Porter • Circus skills performer Ady from Feet First Entertainment • Mrs Mary King’s School choir to open the event • The dog show will be judged by our resident Crufts judge Jeff Luscott • Face painting by Felicity • Bouncy castle and giant sized games including Connect4 and Jenga • Five-a-side football, welly wanging and tug of war • Food and drinks from The Penny Farthing pub • Village Hall Committee cake stall • Bead bangle workshop by Ruth from Timberland Community Market • And an amazing raffle! Don’t miss out, save the date and we’ll see you on 13th July! Timberland Family Fun Day 2024 Save the date: Saturday 13th July from 1pm to 6pm Photo: Sally Faulkner Photo: Nigel Ord-Smith
38 Martin Heritage Society is now a quarter of the way through its ambitious target to write and publish a book on the history of Martin by the late autumn of next year. With the help of professional local editors, Caroline Boden and Lindsay Fulton, the book is taking shape. With its first chapter under its belt and several chapters in progress, the book is moving on apace. But we still need your help. The first known written mention of Martin goes back nearly a thousand years where it appears twice in the Domesday Book, so, there’s plenty to write of in between! Although there are several MHS enthusiasts busily researching our history, the Society very much want it to be a community wide project with contributions from as many as possible. So, if you have stories about your time in Martin as a youngster, or perhaps you moved into Martin later in life and have some old photographs of your home, we are keen to hear from you. Martin grew rapidly in the mid-1800s as Lincolnshire became more and more important as a farming county. Consequently, many of our houses were built around that time, including the Wesleyan Chapel (1860) and the Holy Trinity Church (1876). With no online shopping and no cars to pop into Lincoln, small villages like Martin had to be [email protected] 07701 013083 • Over 20 years experience • Fully insured • Chimney sweeping • Servicing and repairs • Landlord Safety Certificates • Carbon monoxide alarms • Glass replacements • Ventilation Lincolnshire Call Dave Fletcher 07909 924924 [email protected] 3 Friendly & reliable 3 Professional and courteous 3 Fully insured 3 Trained and accredited 3 All work guaranteed n Any size and number of stumps can be ‘busted’ with full range of stumpgrinding equipment n Serving both trade and public n Great pricing! n Covering Lincolnshire and surrounding areas TRACING THE HISTORY OF OUR VILLAGE by Kevin Garner-Smith
39 sufficient and many of our community will be living in homes that were once thriving businesses. Research takes several forms and one of the most interesting and informative sources are the various directories and gazetteers such as those published by William White. Coming more up to date, Martin had some very keen sportsmen and the village encouraged participation at all ages. Perhaps some of the faces shown here are familiar to you as parents, grandparents of great grandparents? If you have any memories or photographs or memorabilia which you would like to share, please bring them along to one of the MHS monthly meetings held in the village hall. And if you have a flare for art, why not consider sending in an illustration? With affordable cameras not being around until about 1900, the book will rely on portraits and sketches and illustrations to show how things once were. Alternatively, if you would like to write (or co-write) a chapter, we still have some topics left such as sport, shops and small businesses. Dates for MHS meetings: Wednesday 5th June Thursday 4th July Thursday 1st August Thursday 5th September Thursday 3rd October Thursday 7th November Thursday 5th December All welcome! The bar is often open! An extract from White’s Directory, 1872
40 MYHub’s membership has now reached 50 youngsters between the ages of 10 and 16 years old. Thanks to an amazing band of 11 dedicated volunteers, the youngsters are being kept busy with activities ranging from karaoke to cake decorating. MYHub will be responsible for baking cakes in the village hall’s new kitchen this year for the annual summer fete and are hoping to raise much needed funds for the various charitable village organisations. The hub provides a great opportunity for youngsters to let off steam away from their parents under the watchful guidance of some wonderful volunteers whilst learning new skills. Youngsters get a chance to make new friends and to mix with others who might attend different schools to them. MVH Chair, Craig, said that MYHub is providing significant benefits for the children. “Children who may have behavioural issues are showing improved social skills and manners since joining the hub. The world is different for children today and their pressures are different to those which we were exposed to. The hall provides them with a safe space and volunteers include a SEND specialist, a qualified safeguarding officer and a number of qualified first aiders.” MYHub encourages youngsters of all social backgrounds. Thanks to monies raised by the village hall and the generosity of various providers, MVH is able to offer a broad variety of free activities as well as free entry and a free snack and drink to all youngsters. – Kevin Garner-Smith • News from Martin Village Hall • News from Martin Village Hall • MYHUB COOKS UP SOMETHING SPECIAL
41 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. Local Internet provider, Quickline, sponsored an Easter family quiz at Martin Village Hall last month. Approximately 90 of the local community including volunteers enjoyed a quiz supper thanks to the generosity of Quickline, who are busy rolling out internet for the village. Quickline specialise in connecting rural areas such as Martin, whilst also rolling out their social value programme which supports communities such as ours. Village Hall chef Andy Wilkes cooked a tasty supper assisted by Tracy and Maureen Wilkinson and Nicky Wilkes. Quiz masters Craig and Kevin Garner-Smith provided the questions whilst Liz Jenkins and Lindsay Stephenson quenched the thirst of the enthusiastic quizzers by running the bar. “Friday Feeling” was winning right up to the end until “The Syko Family” (Hayley, Nick and children) made a last-minute dash for glory by getting perfect scores on the Mr Men picture and dingbat rounds, clinching first place with a score of 79 out of a possible 100. They were presented with Amazon vouchers and Easter Eggs provided by Quickline. Meanwhile, “You’re a Quizard Harry” came in in 11th place and were rewarded with a consolation prize, joining Martin’s elite group of Wooden Spooners. Martin Village Hall thank Quickline for their support, which helped raised over £800 towards its charity. – Kevin Garner-Smith Local families show off their knowledge ‘The Syko Family’ pipped ‘Friday Feeling’ at the post to walk away with fantastic prizes provided by Quickline Team ‘You’re a Quizard Harry’ joined the long line of Martin Wooden Spooners by finishing last Above: Craig Garner-Smith and the Quickline team enjoyed the evening
42 Tell us about your views on bus travel After a number of recent projects to support and encourage bus travel in Lincolnshire, the council is gathering residents’ views to help us plan further improvements, as part of the latest County Views survey. We want to know how often residents travel by bus; what would encourage people to use the bus more often; what they like and don’t like about bus travel; and, if they don’t travel by bus, what modes of transport they use instead. The County Views survey can be completed at www. letstalk.lincolnshire.gov. uk/buses. Paper copies can also be found in the latest edition of County News, which is delivered to homes and businesses across the county and available in Lincolnshire’s libraries. Completed paper copies can be returned to the council via the freepost address listed in County News. The County Views spring survey closes on 27 May 2024. A view from the County Council by Cllr Rob Kendrick, Metheringham Rural Division Solo’s Soul Food Takeaway & Catering DELIVERY ONLY Foodhub: Solo’s Soul Food Open: Wednesday–Saturday 4-9pm Located in Walcott and delivering to surrounding areas 01526 268803 Follow us on Facebook for updates & menu changes To enquire about our catering services email:[email protected]
43 Find out what’s happening on our roads I have often mentioned the website/app Fixmystreet as the way to report all manner of defects including potholes on our roads. You can see what is happening on our roads by going onto the website – one.network. All sorts of information can be found there. Messing up I have had complaints in other areas I represent about the quality of the reinstatement works done by utilities contractors. If readers of The Grapevine have similar concerns, please contact me. I have taken complaints up with our officers at LCC. They inspect the work undertaken by contractors and if they are not up to a certain standard the contractors are required to rectify the problem. My contact details are email: [email protected]. uk and Facebook: Rob Kendrick County Councillor for Metheringham Rural. I publish free email newsletters for residents. To subscribe just email me. Phone: 07773 706449 email: cllrr.kendrick@ lincolnshire.gov.uk Twitter @robkendrick53 Facebook: Rob Kendrick County Councillor for Metheringham Rural HAVE YOUR SAY If you want to send in a poem, an article or a letter, please email it to [email protected] or drop it through the letterbox at Beetopia, 88 High Street, Martin or in the postbox on the wall at Martin Village Hall (the one marked Village Hall, not the Parish Council one) The Grapevine – Martin August issue advert booking: Tuesday 9th July Copy deadline: Tuesday 16th July Distribution: Mid August 2024 The Wheels of Time by Susan Millership Martin Dales The wheels of time move slowly The wheels of time move fast, But they move round relentlessly Taking us from the past. We can choose to go -- or stay The wheels keep turning, come what may, They hear time’s silent siren call And spin forever in its thrall.
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45 Here’s what’s happening at Timberland Village Hall S pring has sprung here at Timberland Village Hall. Thanks to volunteers from the village and funds from the monthly Community Market, the garden is in full bloom and looking beautiful. The Village Hall committee would like to thank all those who continue to support us by attending events and volunteering their time and services to us. Our coffee mornings are now a regular event in the diary, every second and fourth Tuesday of the month 10am - midday. It is lovely to see both regular and new faces and a great way to get to know the locals in a relaxed atmosphere. We just sit, chat and drink tea/coffee and get through plenty of biscuits. Everyone is welcome. We hire out the hall for regular events such as table tennis, every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm. New members of all abilities are always welcome. We also have Unique Yoga every Wednesday from 10- 11am. For more information contact Amanda at info@ uniqueyoga.co.uk We would love to see some more regular activities. If you are interested in booking our beautiful, recently renovated hall, which has had a lot of TLC, for a party, event or activity or for any other enquiries please contact Tvhbookings@timberlandvillagehall. onmicrosoft.com We have a group called The Friends of Timberland. We often need help from our local residents in running some of our events. This can include baking cakes and home-cooked meals for the quiz nights,
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47 donating raffle prizes or serving drinks at the coffee mornings. There is no obligation, but if you want to be added to this group, contact Helen on 07966 986281. For up-to-date information on our upcoming events then check out the notice boards and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ timberlandvillagehallandcommunity We are also open to suggestions for new events so feel free to drop us a message. Upcoming Events • Cash Bingo – Second Thursday of the month. 6.30 for 7pm start. The more people that attend, the bigger the prizes. • Board Games Night – 24 May, 28th June and 2nd August. From 7pm. £2 entry includes drinks & snacks. A social evening with a wide variety of games. All games and rules are provided by our resident board games expert Robert. • Quiz Night – We have had to change the night of our next hugely popular quiz night which was previously advertised as 25th May. This will now take place on Saturday 15th June, 6.30 for 7pm start. £7.50 including a delicious two course supper. Teams of up to six. If you would like to book a table, please call Helen on 07966 986281 or drop her an email to [email protected]. Future quiz dates for 2024 will be Saturday 14th September and Saturday 7th December. • Coffee Morning – Second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Join us for free hot drinks and a slice of cake. A great place to meet new locals. • Spotlight on Farmer Joe - 17 May, doors open 6pm for 6.30 start. We are hosting a spotlight on Farmer Joe, his brothers and his beautiful sheep. They will be talking about all things farming and telling us about how they went from growing vegetables in the garden to award-winning farmers. This will be a free to enter event and will be suitable for all the family. We will also be serving refreshments and having a fantastic ovine themed raffle. Lots of details to follow on our Facebook page and notice boards. • Timberland Christmas Bazaar – It’s never too early for the ‘C’ word. Our 2024 Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday 16th November. If you are interested in the details for booking a stall please contact Helen on [email protected] or 07966 986281. Timberland Village Hall presents an Afternoon tea for Saturday 22nd June at 2pm £8 per person £5 for aged 12 & under To include a selection of sandwiches, scone, cakes, tea/coffee and a glass of Prosecco/fruit juice. We will also be holding a spectacular raffle. Tickets to be purchased in advance from Helen on 07966 986281 or email [email protected]
48 I admit that my first introduction to Freemasons was through the Monty Python Funny Handshake sketch in the early 1970s. Stories about Freemasonry being an elite membership of upper-class people with a secretive society couldn’t be more wrong though. Freemasons represent one of the UK’s largest charitable organisations, having established the Masonic Charitable Foundation which is responsible for providing a range of grants for charitable projects that help local communities across England and Wales, in addition to supporting people in need. Freemasonry is, in fact, one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. The questions of when, how, why and where Freemasonry originated are still the subject of intense speculation. The widely accepted view from many Masonic scholars is that Freemasonry originates from the medieval stonemasons that built many of our castles and cathedrals. Hence, the aprons which are worn by Masons as part of their ceremony, are symbolic of when they were stonemasons. We do know that in 1717, four London Lodges which had existed for some time, came together and declared themselves a Grand Lodge. This was the first Grand Lodge in the world and it published its rule book. MORE THAN JUST A FUNNY HANDSHAKE by Kevin Garner-Smith
49 Operating under the core values of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth – now expressed in the guiding principles of Integrity, Respect, Friendship and Service – English Freemasonry attracted people from all walks of life and spread around the globe. In the times before a welfare state, it created charities to look after the wellbeing of members and their families, but over time it has evolved into a major supporter of charities and causes beyond Freemasonry throughout local communities across the country. In 1814 some 647 Lodges were in existence. The 19th century saw a great expansion of Freemasonry - both at home and abroad. By 1900, 2,800 Lodges now existed under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry was therefore growing very popular in the mid 1800s and an important landowner in Martin at that time was Thomas Knight. As well as owning Martin Hall, he was a skilled builder and was responsible for building our church, the Holy Trinity in 1876. Thomas Knight was himself a Freemason, and one of the buildings which he worked on, adjacent to Fayrefield House, displays a Freemason’s emblem, the square and compass. It’s unclear though whether it was actually a lodge, or just a nod to his interest. Freemasonry contributes almost £1million a week to charitable causes in the country through their members who engage in community fundraising and volunteering. Donations across the country include local air ambulances, blood bikes and provide a number of emergency response vehicles, including two super aerial platforms for the London Fire Brigade. n Martin Village Hall were fortunate in receiving funds from the Freemasons last month, in the form of a cheque for £500 on behalf of Horncastle Masonic Lodge, seen here being presented to some of MVH Committee by Michael Murray (right).
50 Here we are at the end of another year and now is the time to look back on what we have achieved over the last 12 months, and to plan ahead for the next 12 months. Firstly three donations were made to groups within the parish, the mother and toddlers’ group who we supported with £300 to enable them to buy equipment, this was followed by a donation to the Metheringham Airfield Museum to whom we gave £1,000 to purchase new doors which are already in place and finally £300 was donated to MATES to help with offering donations of Christmas Hampers and Christmas gifts to our not-so-well-off residents. Again, as always, we also funded the Christmas tree to stand outside Martin Village Hall. In November on a very wet night the bonfire was held, and we provided the sparklers and the glow sticks for the children to enjoy by the fire that eventually took hold. We had a lovely guy sitting on the top of the fire very kindly built by the children at TimTin nursery, they did an amazing job, well done guys. The Anaerobic Digester application which was expected for it to be sited at the airfield end of the village was never submitted. This was taken off the agenda and the working group supported by the PC was stood down. The ROSPA report for the Playpark came back to the PC with several issues which needed addressing. Unfortunately, with most of the play park being made of wood the condition is steadily deteriorating. Some of the repairs highlighted were carried out, but the remaining work now needs more professional attention. Quotes have been obtained and we are about to instruct a contractor to carry out the necessary work. New signs have been added to the park to remind people of the conditions of using the park. There have been new football goal posts and nets added to the park which have been well used since being installed. These were donated by the Parish Council, Martin Village Hall, MATES, and a very kind donation by parishioners Julie and Ade Atkinson in memory of Julie’s mum, thank you all. The PC also purchased some topsoil to try and begin to fill the holes on the park that have been dug by the rabbits. This is an ongoing never-ending task. Again, for a second year more daffodil bulbs were planted around the village by volunteers and councillors and they have all showed their heads this Spring making the village more colourful in the dreary weather we have been experiencing. Hopefully we can get some more bulbs in the ground later this year. The two war memorials, one in the church yard and one at Martin Dales, are in need of repair and cleaning. Work has started to apply for a grant to get support in funding this and it is hoped this will be completed in the coming year, so watch this space. The church graveyard now has new gates which have been dedicated to King Charles III and were installed in his Coronation year. These are a great addition to the graveyard News from MARTIN & MARTIN DALES PARISH COUNCIL Looking back on a busy year...