Trentside Links Issue 154 July 2010 by Trentside Links

Trentside Links 路 July 2010

Trentside Links · July 2010

Trentside Links contributions We welcome contributions to your magazine on all matters of interest to the community. Please contribute if you can. Address for correspondence: 7 Lincoln Road, Fenton, Lincs LN1 2EP. The magazine is published on the 15th of January, March, May, July, September and November. Trentside Links contacts Editorial Sue Oliver ......................... 01427 718837 Editor’s email: trentsidelinks@yahoo.com Advertising Jon Oliver.......................... 01427 718837 John Redgrove ................... 01427 718959 Distribution Emma Barratt .................... 01427 718985 Trentside Links committee Chairman........................... John Redgrove Secretary .............................Emma Barratt Treasurer ..................................Sue Oliver Member ............................. Richard Farley Member ............................. Elizabeth Rose Distributors of the magazine Brampton........................... Richard Farley Drinsey Nook ......................... VACANCY Fenton (1)..................................Chris East Fenton (2)............................Emma Barratt Gate Burton........................ Pat Hammond Kettlethorpe & Park Farm... James Pilfold Knaith............................. Rosemary Burke Laughterton (1) ................ Bob Watkinson Laughterton (2) ..................... Carol Penny Laughterton (Home Farm) ......Amy Willis Marton & Stow Park ................ Helen Gee Newton on Trent (1)................. Gill Kyme Newton on Trent (2)............... VACANCY Thorney ............................... Dawn Collins Torksey.............................. Elizabeth Rose Torksey Lock ..................... Dennese Gore Torksey Lock (The Elms) ............. Alan & .......................................... Gill Watson Torksey Lock (Little London Park) .......... .................................... Maureen Lyons

Trentside Links magazine is produced by TUCANN design & print, 19 High Street, Heighington, Lincoln LN4 1RG, t: 01522 790009, e: sales@tucann.co.uk

About Trentside Links Trentside Links (TL) is the name of both the magazine and the independent notfor-profit voluntary organisation that produces it. The aim of TL is to support and help improve the social life of the community, eg through regular publication of this community magazine. The magazine is delivered free by our team of volunteers to over 1500 homes & businesses. Publication disclaimer The contents and any opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Trentside Links and remain solely those of the author(s). We accept no responsibility or liability for the contents of this magazine, including advertisements.

PLEASE NOTE All contributions to the magazine must be received by the month before publication.

Dear Reader Do you have something to say, something you’d like to share with the community? Then please send in your comments. Email: trentsidelinks@yahoo.com Address: 7 Lincoln Road, Fenton, Lincs LN1 2EP

Cover picture End-bay of Knaith Hall by Jon Oliver

Correspondence L

aughterton Post Office & Shop wished to be an issuer of lottery tickets but for some reason Camelot have turned them down. If that bothers you then read on ...

Would you like to get your lottery ticket from Laughterton Post Office & shop, are you frustrated that you have to travel miles just for a lucky dip? Well, Camelot have turned down our application to have a lottery terminal in the shop. If you want to buy lottery tickets from Laughterton Shop then please write to Camelot asking them to reconsider their decision. You never know, it may help! The address: Camelot The National Lottery, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 9RN Alternatively, you might like to sign the petition document when you’re next in the shop. Jennie Simmonds, Laughterton PO & Shop

Trentside Links · July 2010

In Brief

Too cute to keep to yourself Got any pics that are too cute to keep to yourself? Of course you have. Then why not send them in — by email or otherwise — so we can all enjoy them.

Celebrating the people of Trentside In this issue we celebrate the distributors of Trentside Links magazine, the people who out of pure community spirit deliver the magazine to your door. Our sincere thanks go to: Emma Barratt, Rosemary Burke, Dawn Collins, Chris East, Richard Farley, Helen Gee, Dennese Gore, Pat Hammond, Gill Kyme, Maureen Lyons, Carol Penny, James Pilfold, Elizabeth Rose, Bob Watkinson, Alan & Gill Watson and Amy Willis. Debbie’s ducklings (Debbie Smith, Fenton)

Tippi Magoo, just one year old (Yvonne Redgrove, Fenton)

New Doberman puppy (Kim Richmond, Fenton)

Trentside Links · July 2010

In Brief Kettlethorpe United Charities report Annual report for 2009-10 The Trustees of Kettlethorpe United Charities have continued in their work to raise the profile of the Charity in order to discharge its purpose, which is as follows: The Trustees shall apply the income of the charities for the benefit of the poor of the Parishes of Kettlethorpe and Fenton ... The income applicable ... shall be applied by the Trustees in making payments in one or both of the following ways: for the benefit either of the poor generally, or of such deserving and necessitous persons resident therein. The above is an extract from the Charitable Trusts Acts dated 1853-1894, sealed 2 June 1905, the Charity being an amalgamation of three original charities. Posters advertising Kettlethorpe United Charities are displayed in Fenton, Kettlethorpe and Laughterton, and also in Trentside Links magazine. Additionally, from time to time a notice is placed via the Church publication, The Sunday Link. This has been a busy year for the Trustees and has involved in-depth discussions on how best to support persons in need within the Parishes. Here are the outcomes: •

•

A decision was made to once again support the LIVES project within the area; accordingly, a cheque was donated from the Charity for £300, and a report on the work of LIVES was provided to the Charity. Following an approach by the Playgroup and Kettlethorpe Village Hall Committee the sum of £500 was donated to the village hall towards building the wall surrounding the oil tank, thereby improving safety for both children attending the playgroup and people using the car park. On request a donation of 100 was made to resident requiring house alterations, thereby contributing towards enabling her to remain living in her own home. A donation for £250 was sent to Newton Primary School towards outdoor activity play equipment.

The annual income for 2009/10 was £427.58 received in rents, plus £78.61 interest, making a total of £506.19. With total donations listed above of £1150, the accounts this year show an excess of expenditure over receipts of £643.81, a reverse of last year’s position. The Trustees will continue in the coming year to manage the Charity in the best interests of residents, within the scope of the definition, and would therefore consider applications from local community projects or persons with a genuine need. Rosalie Fowler Chairperson 27 April 2010

Reminder Laughterton playground There is a black waste-bin in the playground of Home Farm Close, Laughterton, which is mistakenly being used for dog waste. The bin is emptied by volunteers so this makes the job even more unpleasant than usual. There are two red dog-waste bins nearby: one by the bus stop a few yards away from the playground and a second opposite the aircraft propeller monument. Thanks for your cooperation.

There is a red dog waste bin within yards of Laughterton playground (not the one shown here, which is for illustration only). Please do not use the black bin for dog waste.

Trentside Links · July 2010 Marton’s church summer fair on 21 August St Margaret’s Church, Marton, will be holding its summer fair between 12 noon and 4 pm on Saturday 21 August. (Concurrently, there will be the Roman Living History event, discussed in this issue – ed.) There will be activities for children, stalls, games, tombola, a display of old village photographs, and plans are

afoot to have musical entertainment in the church grounds. All are invited to drop by for a visit and some light refreshments. The church is located at the centre of the village, a short walk from the Village Hall in Trentport Road.

St Margaret’s of Antioch — a mixture of Anglo-Saxon and Roman architecture going back over 900 years.

Torksey’s old schoolhouse – any pics? Below is a photo of my home in Torksey, which was once the village schoolhouse. (This view of it over the wall may be a familiar sight to people passing through the village.) If anyone has a photo of it

when it was a working school I would very much welcome seeing it. Please contact me at the email address below. Thanks in hopeful anticipation.

Present day view of the converted schoolhouse in Torksey. But do you have a photo of it when it was a school? Stuart Kinch - stuartkinch@hotmail.com - Torksey Thanks to Ron Gee for the photo. 5

Trentside Links · July 2010

Featuring Knaith

The village of Knaith, separated on the west from Nottinghamshire by the River Trent, is a parish in the Lindsey division of Lincolnshire, about 3 miles south of Gainsborough. For ecclesiastical purposes it may be described as being in the Rural Deanery of Corringham, the Archdeaconry of Stow and the diocese of Lincoln! The village stands at a bend in the River Trent, and this may account for its name which in its first spelling appears to be derived from two Scandinavian words meaning ‘neck’ and ‘knee’, thus describing a knee-shaped neck of land. Ekwall gives the derivation as meaning ‘the landing place by the knee or bend’, ie of the Trent. The view of the Trent valley at this

point was described by the 18th century writer Arthur Young in his survey of Lincolnshire published in 1799: ‘There are very agreeable scenes from the plantation of Knaith, the winding of the Trent and the rich plains of meadow, alive with cattle, are features of a very agreeable country.’ This might still partly describe the view of Knaith from the Nottinghamshire side but the scene in that county has been much changed in recent years following erection of the West Burton power station. Knaith is entered in Domesday book (the great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086) under its first name of Cheneide. It then went on to be referred to as Kneia in 1199, Cheie in

1223, followed by Knayth, until it finally arrived at Knaith. Knaith has been the scene of some dramas: in 204 AD the Trent overflowed for some miles on each side and drowned hundreds of people. Much later, in Cromwell’s time, Knaith was the scene of battle and a number of spearheads, battleaxes and skeletons have recently been dug out of Knaith’s soil. Interestingly, the first holder of land in Knaith (under the new feudal system) was Remigius, a Benedictine monk and supporter of William the Conqueror who was present at the Battle of Hastings. Remigius began to build his cathedral at Lincoln in 1085 but died a few days prior to its consecration in 1092.

Trentside Links · July 2010

Knaith Hall Knaith Hall is situated on the bank of the river Trent and is perfectly situated to provide extensive and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It has been the residence of Mrs Hutton, Mr Dalton and, further back, of the Willoughbys and D’Arcys, families of great importance in the 13th and 14th centuries. John D’Arcy was the first ‘Lord of Knayth’ in 1299, beginning a long association of the family with the parish of Knaith. The architectural history of the Hall is uncertain. The windows were changed in the late Georgian period, a bay has been added, and black and white timbering was added in Victorian times. The house is believed to be much smaller than it was in the days of the Willoughbys and drawings of the house show changes to the windows and the porch. Knaith Hall is not only interesting for its building but also for the surrounding

ground, where there is historical evidence of past buildings, allotments and even a famed tree — the Wollemi pine — with a lineage dating back to the Jurassic era. Just within the boundary wall, near to the A156 road, there is a piece of land that has been offered by current owners,

John and Rosie Burke, as land for the local community to use as garden plots. This arrangement has benefits for both the local community, who are able to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and also to the Burkes, who are happy to look out on the well-organised and perfectly maintained plots.

A drawing of Knaith Hall in 1793, showing the long west front of the house with some if its original mullioned windows.

A Victorian makeover — black and white timber cladding (unusual for Lincolnshire) — and to the right what Arthur Young in c1813 described as ‘a greenhouse planted like a conservatory’.

Knaith Hall today, without both the cladding and the conservatory.

Trentside Links · July 2010 Pine tree to the dinosaurs Knaith Hall has a remarkable tree that until recently was thought to have been extinct for two million years. Nicknamed the ‘pinosaur’ and dating back to the Jurassic era — the time of the dinosaurs — the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) was found thriving in an Australian canyon in 1994. The Wollemi was named after the national park where it was found in Australia’s Blue Mountains. It is still rare and fewer than 100 exist naturally. The tree is usually multi-trunked and has a very distinctive bark, being dark brown with knobbly bits that resemble Coco Pops breakfast cereal. The Wollemi — which is strictly not a pine but a member of the family Araucariaceae — most closely resembles plants known only from fossils, although it is related to the monkey-puzzle tree. Wollemi pines are now widely available for sale in Britain, having been grown from imported seedlings following the discovery in Australia. The tree at Knaith is thriving despite the recent harsh winters and, provided they are protected from the wind, Wollemis are quite hardy, preferring dappled shade. When grown outdoors they can grow to more than 130 ft and live for 1000 years. Thomas Sutton and Charterhouse Thomas Sutton was born at Knaith in 1532, most likely in a building near to the convent known as the manor house, built before Knaith Hall. He was baptised at St Mary’s church. Little is known of his early

Wollemi tree in the botanical garden at Frankfurt, Germany.

life though in 1558, aged 26, he decided to become a professional soldier in command of the Berwick garrison. After 22 years he moved to London in 1580. Sutton was a shrewd businessman, earning his wealth through the coal trade, property dealing and by being moneylender to the nobility, and he further added to his fortune by marrying a rich widow, Lady Elizabeth Dudley, in 1582. Their combined fortune made Sutton the richest commoner in England. It had been in Sutton’s mind to create some major charitable work and in 1611 he established a hospital on the site of his house off Charterhouse Square, near the City of London, for 80 impoverished gentlemen and a school for 40 poor boys.

Originally called the Hospital of King James in Charterhouse, it later became ‘Sutton’s Hospital in Charterhouse’. This was the origin of the famous Charterhouse School, one of the best known English public schools, which relocated to Godalming, Surrey, in 1872. Thomas Sutton died on 12 December 1611 and left a great part of his fortune to Charterhouse. To commemorate that Knaith was Sutton’s birthplace a plaque was erected in St Mary’s church in 1951, unveiled by General R A Hull, a former Governor of Charterhouse School. Unfortunately, the date on the plaque is out by 10 years but this is due to be corrected by 2011, which will be the 4th centenary of the foundation of Charterhouse.

Trentside Links · July 2010 — the earliest recorded visitation was made by Bishop Gynwell in 1347, when he too was unimpressed with conditions and discipline at the nunnery: the Divine Office had not been carefully observed and the rule of silence had been broken, among other breaches of discipline. References 1. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place Names, by E. Ekwall, 1960. 2. A short history of St Mary’s Church, Knaith, in Lincolnshire, by Frank Newcomb, 1972, a much used reference in the writing of this article. Acknowledgement Charterhouse Hospital engraved by Toms, c.1770

We are indebted to the current owners of Knaith Hall, John & Rosemary Burke, who allowed us access to their home and to various documents about the Hall’s past.

CALLING PEOPLE OF KETTLETHORPE The next issue shall feature the famous hamlet of Kettlethorpe. It has a history that attracts worldwide attention, particularly in America where Anya Seton’s book on Katherine Swynford was so popular.

A plaque in St Mary’s church with the year of Sutton’s birth given as 1522 (it was 1532).

Nunnery of Heynings Lincolnshire had seven priories of Cistercian nuns. All were poorly endowed, and to raise income the nuns took boarders or in some cases kept a school. The priory of Heynings at Knaith was founded by Rayner or Regnar de Evermue some time in the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154). Documents of the time frequently refer to the nunnery’s poverty, for instance in 1331 and again in 1347 the nuns were excused part of the tithe due to the king because ‘their house was impoverished by divers misfortunes’. Being so small and poor the priory might well have been dissolved in 1536 when Henry VIII declared himself Head of the Church and ‘suppressed’ over 3000

religious houses, the ones that didn’t have much to profit the king by way of taxes — specifically, those whose income was less than £200 pa. However, Heynings was somehow spared and continued until July 1539, when it was surrendered by the prioress, Jane Sandforde, and eleven nuns — a good number of nuns, incidentally, for an English convent in the 16th century. The formal document — the deed of surrender — is in very good condition and may be seen at the Public Record Office in Kew. Life at the nunnery was not always as saintly or tranquil as you might imagine and elsewhere in this issue Gill Blow provides a striking account of a visitation by Bishop Alnwick in 1440, when serious complaints were raised about conduct at the nunnery. This was not without precedent

But there is more to it than that and we invite you to send us pictures and other information about Kettlethorpe and its people, past and present. So please get in touch — see inside the front cover for contact details.

Trentside Links · July 2010

Church of St Mary at Knaith The present church is a small stone building in the late Decorated period, formed from part of the nave of the convent church that once stood here. (The Decorated style is late 13th/early 14th century English Gothic, characterised by its window tracery, the east end of Lincoln Cathedral being an example.) The convent closed in 1539 and for almost a century the building was left to decay but in 1630 a church was formed out of the remains of the convent chapel. The original building had a small tower and the building was roofed. The choir arch in part remains but is now blocked. The nave had originally five three-light windows, there being two on each side and one at

17th century work in both the pulpit and the desk. The baldacchino (Italian for canopy) over the altar, erected during the Victorian restoration, is an uncommon feature for an English Church. The architect J T Micklethwaite, writing of the church’s restoration in 1894, described his first visit to the church: ‘When I first visited it, in August 1892, the outside was so completely hidden by a dense growth of ivy that it looked more like an abandoned barn than a Christian church, and there was some difficulty in getting at it sufficiently to read the story ...’. He then goes on to describe the building and rebuilding of the past and of the pews he writes: ‘The [pews] are evidently the work of the village carpenter — very solid and substantial, but also very rude.’ by which he means rudimentary. However, to us today, to see the human hand in the woodwork of a church is a considerable part of its charm. To run your hand over the carved ends of the pews, which I have done recently, is a delight.

The church exterior is a puzzle: on the west wall is 11th century herringbone stonework (right) but there is a confusion of other features.

South side of St Mary’s Church, a short stroll away from both Knaith Hall and the River Trent.

the west end. Those on the south side are still perfect, retaining their elegant flowing tracery but which unfortunately is concealed from an interior view by the Georgian plaster ceiling put in to cover the roof beams. The hand-carved medieval pew ends have survived and there are good examples of

A fundraising effort is announced for restoration of the church in 1894. Donations can made to Rev J Elliott (father of Miss D Elliott) and to Mr G Hutton of Gate Burton Hall, who in 1908 was to sell the Hall to the Sandars family (see previous issue).

Trentside Links · July 2010

The double-quads of Knaith In 1977 two — yes, two — sets of quadruplets were born to ewes at Park View Farm in Knaith. The farmer, Mr Alfie Hanson, said that in 25 years of farming he had only once before seen a ewe produce quads and now there were two lots in a fortnight. Both the ewes who produced the quads were Border Leicester Suffolk crosses. A spokesman for the Veterinary Investigation Centre at Riseholme, near Lincoln, said more lambs had been produced in 1977 probably because of the dry, hot summer.

Dutch cottage at Knaith As you drive on the A156 through Knaith towards Gainsborough you may notice Dutch Cottage on the right, so called because of its ‘Dutch gable end’, which was added to prop up the cottage. It is thought the cottage dates back to 1600-1630. It is rumoured to be the most northerly mud-and-stud property in Lincolnshire, and parts of the original walls still exist. (Mud-and-stud is a building technique that is thought to have originated in Lincolnshire and implies a framed construction and walls filled with mud and clay.) After the effects of Mother Nature finally took their toll the brick walls were built up to reinforce the property and the gable end was added.

the fireplace has been removed, reducing the footprint of the cottage by about half. The cottage interior is in some disarray as its current owners, Phil and Jude — who have only been in occupation for 4 years — are with great dedication and care restoring the cottage to its former glory. More power to them as this old cottage, part of Lincolnshire’s heritage, is one well worth the saving.

Although quads are not a rarity, they are fairly unusual, the norm being two, with ewes frequently giving birth to triplets. (From a news clipping kindly submitted by Graham Worrell, Gate Burton.)

Restoration work in progress: the original laths are exposed ready for daubing and plastering.

Dutch Cottage, Knaith, with its distinctive gable end. Remains of the original wattle and daub material in the cottage roofspace.

Thanks to Jude Hirst & Phil Simon for information about Dutch Cottage.

The Dutch gable end (facing the A156) with its stylish curves reminiscent of Delft and other famous Dutch cities in the 17th century.

Dutch cottage is situated by the A156 but, Phil Simon has been informed, originally there would have been a road lying some 100 yards or so to the east, probably coming from the Gate Burton estate. The newer A156 road intruded somewhat on the property and all of the building north of 11

Trentside Links · July 2010

The Fenwicks of Knaith Leonard Fenwick came to Terrace House Farm, Knaith, in 1937 bringing his family of 7 boys and 1 girl. His eldest boy was Walford, David’s father, who stayed on at the farm in 1945 to continue as a farmer, while the rest of the family moved on to a farm in Beelby near Grimsby. Let’s face it, the Fenwicks are farming. David lived at Terrace House Farm for 21 years, married, and then moved to Corner House Farm, Knaith, for 28 years before moving to his current home at Central Park Farm, Knaith Park. ‘I haven’t travelled much.’ says David, which can readily be confirmed following a quick look at the map: you come out of one farm, cross the road and there’s the next, and the third and present farm is about a mile up Knaith Hill. David is what you might expect of a man who’s spent his life on the farm, being ruddy in countenance, sturdy in frame and with a ready humour. His son, John, lives in a neighbouring field, within sight of David and wife Anne, in a home couched in some beautiful Lincolnshire countryside. John is naturally enough also a farmer, a tireless bundle of energy, and currently wedded only to his work. David has a clear memory of the time when the cows were driven from Terrace House Farm up the A156 to the nearby field, something that was eventually abandoned because of the growing amount of traffic. More recently he recalls that in the 1980s/90s Knaith went through a fallow period, when the population dwindled

In this personalised OS map, Central Park Farm is shown in the centre as plot no. 88 of the Knaith Park estate.

Terrace House Farm, Knaith. The entrance gate to Knaith Hall estate is across the A156 road at bottom left, and Knaith Hill is the road across the top of the photo.

David Fenwick and son John today, with the family’s Jack Russell terrier.

... and on the opposite corner stands Corner House Farm (photo taken in the 1960s).

away, but the village has since revitalised, he suspects due to people moving into the catchment area of the well-respected Queen Elizabeth’s High School at Gainsborough, and indeed there is much new or refurbished housing to be seen as you drive up Knaith Hill from the A156.

Walford Fenwick with wife Kathleen and children David, Susan and baby Margery.

So David’s family has been in the Knaith area for over 70 years and his hale and hearty constitution gives you the impression David could be there for many a year to come. Best wishes to him — and to his son John who no doubt plans to clock up some decades in Knaith, too.

We are most grateful to David Fenwick and family for his story and the period photographs.

Trentside Links · July 2010

In this personalised OS map, Central Park Farm is shown in the centre as plot no. 88 of the Knaith Park estate.

Terrace House Farm, Knaith. The entrance gate to Knaith Hall estate is across the A156 road at bottom left, and Knaith Hill is the road across the top of the photo.

David Fenwick and son John today, with the family’s Jack Russell terrier.

... and on the opposite corner stands Corner House Farm (photo taken in the 1960s).

Walford Fenwick with wife Kathleen and children David, Susan and baby Margery.

We are most grateful to David Fenwick and family for his story and the period photographs.

Trentside Links · July 2010

Knaith’s new allotments Just inside the boundary wall of the Knaith Hall estate there used to be some grass and some charming old fruit trees, followed by an undulating walk down to the tennis court and beyond to the Hall. But not any more. With support from the national lottery-supported Trent Vale Landscape Partnership scheme (mentioned elsewhere in this issue), who paid for installation of a water supply and fencing, the area has just been developed into a kitchen garden allotment area for the local villagers, currently mainly from Marton. And what a hit it’s turned out to be, not surprising when you have such a rich soil and beautiful surroundings to accompany you as you dig out your latest root vegetables and The newly installed allotment area for use by the local villagers. whatnot. ‘It’s a happy arrangement for all’, community-minded owners of the estate, John and Rosie Burke, hasten to add. ‘Villagers get the produce and we have this plot of land cared for and looked after.’ What a wondrous resource and long may it thrive.

Miss Elliott’s nostalgic trip to Knaith Miss D. Elliot was a visitor to the church at Knaith in February 1989 and whilst there mentioned that her father was rector of Knaith and Gate Burton from 1884 to 1907. Reverend J R U Elliot lived at the Grammar School in Gainsborough where he was headmaster — it was then a boarding school — and he cycled regularly to Knaith to visit his parishioners. Miss Elliot recalled being taken to St Mary’s Church at Knaith in a horse-drawn cab, the average church congregation being about fifteen, with more during Harvest Festival. The 19th century photograph, passed on by Miss Elliott, shows Mr Espen, churchwarden, at the door of the church. Miss Elliot died in March 1990, aged 94.

Mr Espen, former churchwarden of St Mary’s.

Trentside Links · July 2010

The naughty nuns of Knaith Visitors to St. Mary’s Church at Knaith are always intrigued to discover that the church is part of the chapel of the Heynings Nunnery, one of seven priories of Cistercian nuns in Lincolnshire. Heynings Nunnery was founded sometime during 1135-1154 AD. Ancient documents refer to its poverty and the meagre endowments as being ‘notoriously insufficient’. You would think that being so small and so poor, the priory might have been dissolved in 1536 when Henry VIII declared himself Head of the Church of England, but for some reason it was spared, and continued until 1539 when it was surrendered by the Prioress, a Joan Sandforde, and eleven nuns. In the 16th century eleven was considered a good number of nuns for an English convent. I have often wondered about those nuns and the life they led. It’s such a serene place at Knaith, close to the river, with magnificent views across the Trent Valley. I could imagine them in single file, pious heads bent, gliding along the cloisters to prayers, living a sheltered spiritual life in this lovely place. Then I came across a copy of a document from the Archives in Lincoln which described a visitation — an official visit of inspection — on 7 April 1440 from William Alnwick, the Bishop of Lincoln. I must admit, I was astonished. So I did a bit more digging about Cistercian priories in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, which confirmed that the surprising behaviour of the nuns at Heynings was by no means uncommon. And it was all down to a severe lack of money, boredom, and a hankering for a bit of pleasure. As I read the archive report, the nuns emerged as individuals, women in poverty trying to survive. But even so, it was an eye-opener for me. I tried to imagine the scene of the visitation, and most of what follows is fact, taken directly from the Archives, with just a sprinkle of my imagination to bring it to life. Picture the scene: Bishop William sits at a desk in a large dark hall, the slit windows in the stone walls to the sides of him letting in a cold April breeze off the River Trent. He is corpulent, an imposing figure in 14

robes and rings. He shuffles paper on the desk and gestures at the chaplain to open the heavy oak door. The prioress, Dame Joan Hothum, enters wearing her brown habit of undyed wool, a cowl and a black veil covering the forehead. She is followed by the sub-prioress Dame Isobel Burtone who, it is recorded, comes from the neighbouring village of Gate Burton. (Most of the nuns were gentlefolk, and as members of the local gentry of relatively high standing.) The nuns file into the hall, about eight or ten, and behind them are four lay-sisters in their white veils, and following them, three secular serving women. They will all be called upon to speak. There were eight lay-brothers who carried out the heavy labour in the community of Heynings, but none was present for the visitation. The prioress and sub-prioress stand before the bishop, who holds a large scroll in his hand. He rises from his chair and opens proceedings with a prayer, ‘... And the word of God is set before this text, and all the building framed together groweth to an holy temple in the Lord.’ He goes on for some time in this vein and at length utters an Amen. ‘Amen’ the nuns reply and bow their heads. The Amens echo around the stone walls and high ceiling. Someone coughs. The bishop bows his head, makes the sign of the cross in the air, and sits. He signals to the prioress and hands her a certificate which addresses the requirements of the visitation. Bishop William then invites all in turn, starting with the Prioress, to speak openly and honestly of their concerns about the Priory. He reminds them that he will listen and not comment until the end of the meeting, when he will make his injunctions. Dame Joan, the Prioress, was entirely at ease. A tall haughty woman she was secure in her position, knowing full well that the bishop’s hands were tied, that any misdemeanours or irregularities were minor, and that he wanted a quick settlement so he could go and dine at the local village hostelry. Dame Joan inclined her head. ‘The nuns have access too often to the house of the Treasurer in Lincoln,’ says Dame Joan, ‘abiding there sometimes for a week.’ Two of the nuns blush and look down at the floor while another, Dame Alice Portere, who has also spent time in Lincoln on two occasions, stares incredulously at Dame

Part of an illuminated manuscript (dating from 12901300) illustrating life in the nunneries, the abbess shown far left with book and crozier.

Joan and tightens her lips. She well knows that Dame Joan also visits the Treasurer and enjoys his hospitality. ‘All things are well,’ declared Dame Isobel Burtone, wriggling her itchy chilblained toes. Dame Katherine Hoghue, a stout redfaced woman from Hough-on the-Hill says, ‘Some of the nuns are somewhat sleepy and come late to Matins and other canonical hours. And the house is in debt because of the large repairs we have done within and without and because of the scarcity of corn for several years.’ Dame Ellen Cotum inclines her head meekly and says, ‘All things are well.’ Dame Alice Portere clasps her hands together in the sleeves of her robe and takes a deep breath. ‘The prioress does not exhibit the state of the house in common,’ she says, avoiding the stare of Dame Joan and looking directly at the Bishop, noticing his red swollen nose. She continues ‘The prioress, when she makes corrections, for those whom she loves she passes over lightly, and those whom she holds not in favour she harshly punishes.’ Dame Alice finds breathing difficult which is making her voice falter and sound whiny. She clears her throat and lifts her shoulders. ‘The prioress reproaches her sisters, saying that if they say aught to the bishop, she will lay on them such penalties that they shall not easily bear them.’

Trentside Links · July 2010 A gasp is heard from the sisters. At this, Dame Joan steps forward. ‘I deny the second part of the article, and I also deny the first part of the article.’

‘I pray,’ says Dame Agnes, ‘that the cloister doors may be shut and opened at the due hours, forasmuch as they stand open too late.’

nuns. I must say I have come to admire them, the feisty Nuns of Heynings.

Dame Alice has regathered her faltering courage and continues ‘The prioress encourages the secular serving women, whom she believes more than her sisters in their words, to scold the same her sisters, and for this cause, quarrels do spring up between her and her sisters.’

‘Let an injunction be made,’ says the bishop.

Further reading

There is a silence. The sisters behind Dame Joan and Dame Alice exchange glances, raise their eyebrows at each other. Some think Dame Alice is courageous, while most think she is a fool to speak so. The serving women nudge each other and grin. ‘And,’ Dame Alice continues, ‘the prioress fells thick trees when there is no need.’ Snorts of laughter come from behind her, which she tries to ignore. Dame Joan smiles, shakes her head slightly, then bows her head before addressing the bishop. ‘My lord, I can assure you that I have caused no trees to be felled save for the manifest advantage and with the express consent of the convent.’ More merriment continues. The bishop slaps the desk with his hand. ‘Enough.’ He looks at the nuns. ‘Who else will speak?’ Dame Agnes Bokke says that all things are well. Dame Ellen Bryg (from Brigg in Lincolnshire) says that all things are well. Dame Katharine Benet says all things are well. Dame Constance Burnham says that all things are well. Dame Alice then turns and faces her sisters, her face red, her eyes fearful. Is she to be the only one to speak up against the prioress? She walks back to her sisters. Dame Agnes Sutton holds her arm, nods gently at her, then steps past. She is a small wiry woman. Her eyes are blue like cornflowers, and sparkle when she laughs. She is not brave, but she can see injustice is happening here today. ‘The infirmary is occupied by secular folk to the great disturbance of the sisters.’ Her high voice is crystal clear, like a waterfall on the hillside. ‘Let an injunction be made,’ says the bishop to the chaplain, who starts to scribble.

‘The nuns do hold drinkings of evenings in the guest chamber, even after Compline, especially when their friends come to visit them.’ Dame Agnes stands as still as a rock. Nothing is heard except the scratch of the chaplain’s quill. The bishop coughs. ‘Let an injunction be made that such drinkings shall not take place.’ Dame Agnes then bows and turns towards Dame Alice, ignoring the mutterings of the others, and the icy stare of the prioress Dame Joan. The bishop stands. ‘Having heard your concerns and reserved my power of corrections, I have made my injunctions which will be implemented in this place. I now dissolve this visitation.’ He said a long closing prayer and made the sign of the cross again. Then he follows Dame Joan down the stone flags and out into the bright April afternoon.

Gill Blow, Knaith

1. Readers interested in the history of the Cistercian order, from its origins in Burgundy to its introduction in Britain, may like to visit the website http: //cistercians.shef.ac.uk. Items covered include organisation of the Order, the monks’ and lay brothers’ daily routine, Cistercian spirituality and more. 2. There is a website on the medieval period, with a section about women that opens with ‘The general attitude towards women in Medieval times, was that they were inferior to men. Generally, women were taught that they should be meek and obedient to their fathers and husbands ...’. I’m sure you’ll be keen to read further. The website has wide-ranging content and should be worth a visit http: //www.medieval-period.com

One can only guess at what happened afterwards to the brave Dames Alice and Agnes. From just these few pages of the Archives you can imagine the jealousies, the scheming, and the back-biting that went on. I guess Dames Alice and Agnes were not so innocent either. I can see them sneaking out of the nunnery in search of light relief. In fact, there is one colourful example of such a transgression in the form of Isobel Benet, the 15th century treasuress of Catesby Priory. On one occasion, Isobel slipped into town and spent the evening with Augustinian friars dancing, singing and playing the lute until midnight. Isobel was certainly a character, she had plenty to say against her prioress when the bishop of Lincoln visited Catesby in 1442. She claimed the prioress was prone to outbursts, incompetent and negligent, had engaged in a liaison or two, and even pawned the priory’s jewels. Isobel herself was said to have given birth to a child, the result of an affair with William Smythe, one time chaplain of Catesby.

A beautiful section of stained glass featuring a medieval nun that has clearly been afforded saintly status, as some were.

So there you have it. A brief glimpse into the real and harsh lives of the Cistercian 15

Trentside Links · July 2010

Celebrating Marton’s Roman past Six years of planning, consultation and preparation finally came to fruition in January 2010 when the Heritage Lottery Fund announced its support for the Trent Vale Landscape Partnership (TVLP) to the sum of £1.6 million over the next 3 years.

The Lottery money will be matched with in-kind support from TVLP partners, volunteers and community groups. The TVLP was formed to conserve, enhance and celebrate the cultural identity of the Trent Vale area that lies between Newark and Gainsborough (see map). The focus is on the communities, habitats and heritage that make the area so distinctive. The River Trent in the Trent Vale is now often hidden from view and difficult to visit, and as a result Trentside communities have become disconnected from this natural feature, which has influenced where and how they live. The partnership is collaborating on a number of projects that include:

archaeological investigations creation of a Trent Vale grazing herd renovation of a key heritage building conservation of hundreds of hectares of vital wildlife habitat a small grants scheme for community groups and farmers environmental and heritage education work improved moorings and fishing pegs heritage festivals visitor guides

and much more. The various projects will create opportunities for education, training and volunteering for hundreds of people in the Trent Vale region. Among the events planned within the Marton Community Heritage Project (part of the TVLP scheme) will be a Roman Living History Weekend at Marton, preceded by the Roman Costume Workshop in July — see below for details. Roman costume-making workshop at Marton Village Hall, Saturday 17 July, 10 am - 4pm In preparation for the Living History weekend, we are holding a Roman costume-making workshop. So, if you feel like really immersing yourself in Roman life, you can dress like a Roman too. This event requires pre-booking by contacting me (see contact details below). You will need to turn up on the day with your own sewing machine and some other equipment — I shall provide a full list of what you’ll need when you book. Trent Vale area centred on the River Trent between Gainsborough and Newark.

See yourself as a Roman senator or Roman empress? ... then book your place at the Costume-making workshop on 17 July.

Trentside Links · July 2010 Fabric can be provided at cost price (linen and cotton about £4 per metre, silk a bit more) or you are more than welcome to bring your own. Please do contact me for more details. The event is free, and all are welcome. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

out more about the settlement lying next to Littleborough Lane (the Roman road) and what life was like for the people living there in Roman times. The dig will take place over two weeks, including weekends.

Roman Living History Weekend in Marton on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 August, 10 am – 4 pm each day

We will be recruiting volunteers at the Living History weekend on 21/22 August, so make sure to put your name forward. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to the event — you can simply register your interest by contacting me direct.

My colleague Claire White (from West Lindsey District Council) and I will be organising the Roman Living History Weekend. It’s free and all are welcome to attend. The activities will be taking place in the Marton Primary School grounds, and at Marton Village Hall. We are going to have a packed weekend with demonstrations of Roman cookery, pottery making, mosaic making and other crafts. There will be a Roman family to tell you all about family life in Roman times, and a Roman soldier to answer questions about army life. And watch out for the gladiator, who will show you his armour and weapons and tell you what life was like for a gladiator. There will also be a chance for children to have a go at a ‘dig’ to find real archaeological finds in a pretend excavation which is being set up for the weekend. And there will be a children’s fashion parade (also open to any adults who would like to join in), with prizes for the best costumes. In Marton’s Village Hall there will be a display of Roman finds from the fields around Marton, which visitors will be able to handle. You will also discover more about the archaeology of Marton and the rest of Lincolnshire, from the Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record. There will be talks throughout the day on various aspects of Roman life and archaeology. Refreshments will be provided by Marton Primary School PTFA. Fancy an archaeological dig? We are looking for volunteers from Marton and the surrounding villages to help with an archaeological excavation we are organising, which will hopefully take place in November, crops and weather permitting. We are hoping to find

Fancy an arts-based project? We are also looking for volunteers to work with children and staff from Marton Primary School to help develop an arts-based project based on what will be found during the Marton excavation. Please contact me if you think you’d be interested.

Marton’s Roman living history weekend 10 am - 4 pm, Marton Primary School, Stow Park Road, Marton Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 August 2010 A Roman living history weekend to celebrate Marton’s Roman heritage. Will include Roman cookery, pottery and mosaic making, talks, costumed people and more ... and watch out for a gladiator! It’s FREE and all are welcome

Further information and contacts

For further info contact Sarah Grundy (Lincs County Council), tel 01522 553109 or Steve Spence, tel 01427 718493.

For full information about events, news updates and contact details for the Trent Vale Landscape Partnership project visit the website: http://trentvale.wordpress. com.

Part of the Trent Vale Landscape Partnership Project.

For further information about Trent Vale contact TVLP administrator Christine Jordan at christine.jordan@britishwaterw ays.co.uk or tel 01636 675770. For all other enquiries related to this article please contact me direct. Sarah Grundy Historic Environment Officer Lincolnshire County Council email: Sarah.Grundy@lincolnshire.gov.uk tel: 01522 553109

Make your own Roman costume 10 am - 4 pm, Marton Village Hall, Trentport Road, Marton Saturday 17 July 2010 Come along and make your own Roman costume in preparation for the Marton Roman Living History Weekend on 21 & 22 August 2010. To book your place at the workshop please contact Sarah Grundy (Lincolnshire CC) tel 01522 553109 or Claire White (West Lindsey DC) tel 01427 675134.

Part of the Trent Vale Landscape Partnership Project.

Trentside Links · July 2010

The Down to Earth Gardener

So here’s how to achieve the best from your tomato plants:

Now we are in the throes of summer your garden and greenhouse should be a mass of activity, with your crops bursting from the ground and reaching for sky. This is do-ordie time for your garden and I’ve included a tomato-growing guide and some essential jobs to keep your crops in tip-top condition.

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Unless you’re growing a bush tomato, the aim is to create a single-stemmed plant.

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To do this, snap out shoots that grow in leaf joints and when your plant has produced four sets of flowering trusses, pinch out the growing tip.

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This will ensure all its energy goes into producing fruit. Water plants daily and once flowers have started to appear, feed with tomato fertiliser every week to ensure the best fruit.

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At the end of the growing season if you find yourself with a glut of green tomatoes, try putting a few in a kitchen drawer with a banana to encourage them to ripen. Alternatively, there are plenty of green tomato recipes and we’ll include some in the autumn issue of Trentside Links magazine.

SUCCESS WITH TOMATOES Tomatoes can be grown in any size of garden, provided they are in a warm, sheltered spot. But it’s important to choose the right variety, suited to the space and the location that you have available.

for. There are varieties suited to growing indoors and outdoors and some bred especially for containers and hanging baskets. Whichever variety you choose, all need fertile soil and plenty of sun, heat, food and water to produce sweet, juicy fruits.

SOME KEY SUMMER TASKS

Snap out leaves which start to grow at the stalk-toleaf junctions so that energy is reserved for growing tomato fruit and not excess stems and leaves.

Greenhouses and polytunnels offer the best conditions in the UK for producing a summer-long feast of tomatoes, though outdoor ripened fruit can be worth waiting

These flowers will produce fruits. Just four such flower trusses per plant will ensure a successful crop of plump tomatoes by the end of the growing season.

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Keep your greenhouse humid but well ventilated — this will help prevent disease and help the plants cope with hot dry days.

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Whitewash your greenhouse (on the inside so the rain does not wash it off!) as this will help protect your plants in the height of summer from the harsh sun.

Trentside Links · July 2010 •

Keep crops weeded either by hand or by hoeing, as weeds can take essential nutrients and moisture from the soil.

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Continue to water your garden at least once a day — even if we have a short sharp shower the ground will quickly dry out.

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Continue to sow quick-growing crops (lettuce, radish etc.) in succession to ensure a continual crop. I leave about 2 weeks between successive sowings.

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Protect your soft fruit with netting to prevent the birds having a sumptuous feast!

Jon’s TOP TIP for surviving a summer burn-up Gardening can be an addictive pastime and before you know it 1 hour can turn into many. So always ensure that you are protected from the sun with plenty of cream and a good hat. This will save the top of your head turning the same colour as your beetroots!

Newton summer FUNdraising The Newton-on-Trent summer fete was held on Saturday 26 June. There was great emphasis on fun at this year’s Newton on Trent CofE Primary School Summer Fête. There were games, competitions, hair braiding and face painting to entertain the children, and tombola, ‘water and wine’ and horseshoe-throwing for the grown-ups. The shopaholics attending were not disappointed either. Stalls run by parents, staff, children and organisations from across the county offered a wealth of wares, including gourmet cooking products, books, craft kits, jewellery, cards, fancy goods, acrylic animal assembly kits and Nepalese cloth bags.

A tiger invasion at the Newton on Trent summer fête. [Face-painter Anna Roundtree is available for birthdays, fetes etc (mobile 07887 752615).]

Making the most of the event was hungry work so the barbecue and cake stall were inundated with customers who soon demolished the goodies on sale there. The white chocolate and mascarpone tarts can be highly recommended!

contributed to giving the event a strong community feel and Friends of Newton on Trent School, who organised the day, were delighted that the commitment of all involved and the attendance of so many people from the village, resulted in a total of £359 being raised. This money will go towards equipment for use in the school.

The involvement of groups such as Children’s Links and St Peter’s Church also

Alyson Bristow Newton on Trent CofE Primary School

Trentside Links · July 2010

Marton’s Roman past on display There was a presentation of Roman artefacts at Marton Village Hall from 11 am – 4 pm on 29 May, organised by Sarah Grundy and colleagues. In the previous issue (Marton’s Roman past by Sarah Grundy) there was mention of a field walk conducted north of Littleborough Lane in Marton on 11 April. People attending the field walk collected Roman pottery, roof tiles and animal bones, and all were on display at Marton’s village hall, along with previous finds, including brooches and sundry everyday items.

The artefacts were in plastic bags but visitors were allowed to take out and handle them and experts were on hand to discuss them.

As a bonus, archaeologists Sally Worrell and John Pearce each gave excellent talks. Sally gave a presentation on the finds at Marton (based on her MA thesis at Durham University) in which she studied Roman artefacts from metal-detection and field-walking known from Marton, as well as evidence from aerial photographic and geophysical surveys.

Bow-and-fantail brooch.

To give further context on the military evidence known from Marton, John Pearce gave a presentation on Vindolanda, the important Roman fort and civilian settlement lying south of Hadrian’s Wall that was built some 2000 years ago and is still being excavated. The illustrated talks helped to explain the significance of the finds and to set it all in the context of the Roman occupation of northern Britain — or the northern frontier of their empire, as the Romans might have said!

A spoon-probe, with broken spoon end. The spoon would extract the cosmetics from a container and the probe end (right) applied the cosmetic to the face. (The black blocks of the scale measure 1 cm.)

Our thanks to Sally Worrell, who commented on this report and provided photos and diagrams of the artefacts. Archaeological dig comes to Marton

An enamelled 2nd century Roman brooch with clasp fitting on the back, just as with brooches made today.

Members of the public turn up to view the latest Roman finds from the field walk near Littleborough Lane.

There will be an archaeological dig in Marton later in the year — possibly November, depending on the weather. This is a more exciting prospect than a field walk — which involves simply picking up artefacts that have been churned up by farm machinery — because the deeper levels of soil investigated will be undisturbed, thus helping to time-sequence any finds. At the heritage event being staged at Marton Primary School on the weekend of 21-22 August (see announcement) people will be invited to put their names forward to participate in the dig. Locals in particular will be welcome to apply. For further details contact Sarah Grundy, Historic Environment Officer at Lincs County Council, tel 01522 553109.

Trentside Links · July 2010

New children’s centre at Sturton-by-Stow Those of you in the area with small children will be pleased to know that a new children’s centre has opened in Sturton-by-Stow. It offers a range of activities as follows: MONDAY 9.30 am -10.30 am Peep session for children aged 9 months to 3 years. This session supports Early Learning in an enjoyable way with songs, rhymes, stories, singing, talking and playing together. 11.00 am - 12 am Peep session for children aged 0 to 9 months.

WEDNESDAY 9.30 am - 11.30 am Homestart (for children aged 0-5 years): this is a family session where you can drop in and enjoy the facilities and talk to other mums and dads, while the children play. There are also some led activities for them to enjoy. Homestart also give help & support to parents and guardians with children up to the age of 14 yrs. Rebecca (see contact details) will put you in touch with the appropriate person. 1 pm - 2.30 pm The centre is home to the Toy Library. This offers parents and carers the opportunity to borrow toys for a small fee. There is an extensive range of good quality toys and hire fee starts at just 50p for 2 weeks. So why not pop down and sample the play and borrow session.

1 pm - 4 pm Health clinic for babies to be weighed where a health visitor or nursery nurse is present. 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm (NEW - starts 5 July) Movers & shakers session: an hour of music and movement for babies and toddlers TUESDAY 1 pm - 3 pm A drop-in session for childminders to take their babies and children. Once there they enjoy the facilities, which include outdoor covered play, story corner with glove puppets and bean bags, climbing structure, home corner, puzzles, musical instruments and more.

The centre is free of charge so why not come along and join in the fun? FRIDAY 1 pm – 3 pm Homestart (for children aged 0-5 years) •••••• The children’s centre serves the area between Ingham in the north and Saxilby in the south, covering such places as Scampton, Lea and Newton on Trent. The various sessions can change month to month so it may be wise to check with the centre before you go. Contact details Sturton by Stow Children’s Centre Sturton by Stow Primary School School Lane, Sturton by Stow Lincoln LN1 2BY Phone numbers: Children’s Centre Rebecca 01427 788971 Toy library Rachel or Michelle 01427 617767 Note Citizens Advice Bureau hold drop-in sessions at the centre on Wednesdays, 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm, to conduct short introductory interviews with members of the public to help decide how they can best be advised. The sessions are free and all may attend. 21

Trentside Links · July 2010

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Nº 5

For your amusement, work out what the following six photos are and where they were taken. All are scenes from villages in the Trentside area. Turn to the back page for the answers. Our thanks to Ron Gee, who suggested the puzzle and sent in a selection of photos.

Nº 1

Nº 2 Nº 6

Nº 3

Nº 4

Trentside Links · July 2010

Torksey Fete It was a fretful day weather-wise but the afternoon looked promising, and a steady throng made its way on Sunday 13 June to the village green behind the Hume Arms. There was a book stall and a ‘Jamie at Home’ stand — the modern equivalent of the Tupperware party — with a charitable competition. Also very busy was the water-or-wine lottery, which sold out, and a sales tent with a wide range of items at very low prices, and home-made fruit chutneys. Plus a tent with a good selection of jewellery and greeting cards. Face painting was available for children, who could also join the adults at welly-wanging and target golf. For enjoyment only, the fire service was present but when the rain finally came they were not required to get any cats out of trees since they wisely stayed away, owing perhaps to the presence of some lovely greyhounds who were advertising their gentle natures. The LIVES responders, and Air Ambulance were also represented and of course the inevitable teas tent — how could you have a fete without one?!

One last thing. The organising committee, which has reduced in number, has given notice they will not be able to carry on next year. So please, Torksey and district folk, volunteer to help give us another good show for 2011. Elise Hawker, Lea

Saxilby Youth Band put in a star turn.

A large choice was to be had on the tombola stand — which might have sold right out had the rain not come — and the raffle/naming competition was also a success. Altogether there was about an hour and a half of pleasant community activity, within spacious grounds and accompanied by the happy tunes of the Saxilby Youth Band, which altogether made for a well-spent Sunday afternoon.

Paul Cole has a go at the wellywanging competition.

England need all the support they can get and here is some on four legs.

The local folk group strike a mellow note.

Trentside Links · July 2010

Take a Break A CHUCKLE OR TWO OR THREE Doctor, Doctor, I’ve broken my arm in two places. Well don’t go back there again then. The credit crunch has helped me get back on my feet. The car’s been repossessed. Giving up drinking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times. - Mark Twain CELIBACY AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT Celibacy can be a choice in life, or a condition imposed by circumstances. While attending a Marriage Weekend, Ken and his wife, Margaret, listened to the instructor declare ‘It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other.’ He then addressed the men: ‘Can you name and describe your wife’s favourite flower?’ Ken leaned over, touched Margaret’s arm gently, and whispered, ‘Homepride, isn’t it?’ And thus began Ken’s life of celibacy. Sent in by Dick Wright, Kettlethorpe

Out of the mouths of babes A school teacher presented each child in the class with the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to supply the remainder. It’s hard to believe the following replies came from 6-year olds ... Don’t change horses ... until they stop running. Strike while the ... bug is close. It’s always darkest before ... Daylight Saving Time. You can lead a horse to water but ... how? Don’t bite the hand that ... looks dirty. No news is ... impossible. A miss is as good as a ... mister. You can’t teach an old dog new ... maths. If you lie down with dogs, you’ll ... stink in the morning. Love all, trust ... me. The pen is mightier than the ... pigs. An idle mind is ... the best way to relax. Where there’s smoke there’s ... pollution. Happy the bride who ... gets all the presents. A penny saved is ... not much. Don’t put off till tomorrow what ... you put on to go to bed. Sent in by Elizabeth Rose, Torksey 24

Trentside Links · July 2010

Report from the Kettlethorpe and District Women’s Institute

All change at Torksey Post Office If you have driven through Torksey recently you may have noticed a sign for Torksey Post Office, which has been taken over by new Postmaster Janet Reaney and husband Richard. Janet and Richard moved from Sheffield where Janet worked at Sheffield Theatre so becoming Postmaster is a complete career change. ‘What we offer is a friendly, local service’ said Janet ‘… in fact a passing motorist called in the other day to ask if we could look after a cat he’d ran over…’, which I don’t think is covered in the Post Office training manual! As well as adapting to village life Janet & Paul are updating the Post Office, including improved parking facilities and signage, and hope to be adding more services in the near future.

May 2010 report The President has decided that after last year’s disastrous weather for the garden party evening, members are this June having a visit and talk at Gainsborough Old Hall instead. Looking much further ahead, our birthday dinner, which will include entertainment, is scheduled for 12 October, which will take place as usual nowadays in the village hall. Here’s something else to do instead of the chores this summer: there is to be a Treasure Hunt in Nettleham on 1 August between 2 pm and 4 pm, and the cost for members is £4. The next Group meeting will be held at Marton on Monday 25 October, however first of all there will be the Kettlethorpe f25te on 3 July, taking place behind the church this year. Help for this event will be very welcome. We had a presentation from two representatives of the Boots cosmetic team, who got to work on the President, in the absence of a rush of volunteers, concentrating on skin care and the newest preparations from the No.7 range. It can’t be easy to sit out front and have everyone staring or expecting a transformation. Ann Lister didn’t really need that kind of working on but the result added a certain something, which is what it’s all for! The competition, for decorated compacts was won by Ann Dolling followed by Dorothy Yardley and Mary Vincent.

Janet Reaney, Postmaster, and husband Richard.

Elise Hawker Lea

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match, then no match is a big match. They’re all the same. And we lose that feeling of excited anticipation with which I used to yearn for Cup Final Day. It’s just football on the telly again.

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World Cup Football is in full swing, with all its feverish clamour. But what about the quiet, reflective moments, what’s happened to those? As I write this the World Cup Finals are in full swing. If you don’t like football, then you would be best going to another planet for a month. There’s no way you’ll get away from it on earth. But it‘s not just for a month we have to put up with football fever. No sooner will the World Cup be finished than a new League season will start, and there will be endless debate about who will win the Premiership — Chelsea, Man United or Liverpool with their new manager? If you don’t like football, you’d be well advised to stay on that new planet for good. This constant hype about football and sport in general has grown over the years. Today, if you are willing to pay, you can watch which match you like from the Premiership. When I was a lad the only match televised live was the FA Cup Final once a year, and how I looked forward to that. Nowadays each weekend is trumped up as the decisive match of the season. Each Saturday and some weeknights, there is a ‘big match’. This pretty much reflects the way we live today, looking for a constant high, always looking for the next excitement that must be just around the corner. But there are problems with living like this. If every match is a big

As human beings we need a cycle in life, a rhythm with highs and lows, exciting times and quiet times. The church has understood this, and through its years provides the cycle of quiet and excitement which suits our human nature. At the moment, the world might be going mad about football, but we are in a quiet time in the church, the long, reflective season of Trinity, which stretches away through the summer. Yet, this long quiet season gives us time to pause, consider, and get ready to celebrate Christmas properly. With football, there’s no such chance to pause and take stock. Every week, almost every day, there is the ‘big match’. But with so many big matches, right through the year, when do we get the chance to look forward with eager anticipation, excitement, awe and wonder? Rhys Prosser 01522 702427 Rhys is rector and priest with responsibility for Newton, Kettlethorpe, and Torksey and can be contacted as follows: Revd Canon Rhys Prosser The Vicarage, 69 Mill Lane, Saxilby LN1 2HN Please contact Rhys to arrange Baptisms (Christenings) and weddings, or if you need to have the banns of marriage called in one of these churches, but are getting married in another Anglican Church. 25

Trentside Links · July 2010

Community Notices BUS TIMES TO TESCO

RSD TESCO GAINSBOROUGH - EVERY THU

Marton Church .......................... 10.40 Marton (Tillbridge Lane) ........... 10.42 Sturton (Cross Roads) .............. 10.50 Sturton School .......................... 10.51 Stow ......................................... 10.53 Willingham ................................ 10.56 Kexby Corner ........................... 10.59 Upton .........................................11.01 Heapham ...................................11.04 Springthorpe ..............................11.07 Corringham (Becket Arms) ........11.12 Arrives TESCO Gainsborough ............................11.22

Departs TESCO ....................... 13.00 Gainsborough Corringham (Becket Arms) ....... 13.10 Springthorpe ............................. 13.15 Heapham .................................. 13.18 Upton ........................................ 13.21 Kexby Corner ........................... 13.23 Willingham ................................ 13.26 Stow ......................................... 13.29 Sturton (School) ....................... 14.01 Sturton (Cross Roads) .............. 14.02 Marton (Tillbridge Lane) ........... 14.10 Marton Church .......................... 14.12

BUS TIMES TO TESCO

TO TESCO, CANWICK ROAD, LINCOLN, EVERY WEDN

ESDAY - SERVICE T15

Departs from: The Elms .............................0920 Torksey Caravan Site.......... 0930 Fenton.................................0935 Laughterton.........................0938 Newton on Trent ..................0942

Departs TESCO, Lincoln at 11.55

Arrives TESCO Lincoln ...10.15

Kettlethorpe Village Hall needs your support New committee members required. Anyone from Kettlethorpe, Fenton, Torksey Lock or Laughterton would be very welcome. We usually meet once a month. For more information please contact: Mrs Ann Close – Secretary – tel 01427 718517

Kettlethorpe United Charities We have limited funds to assist people in need who live in the parishes of Fenton, Kettlethorpe & Laughterton. Apply in confidence to see if you are eligible by contacting the Trustees:

Thanks to Don Jowett The Committee wish to officially thank ex-Chairman Don Jowett for all his hard work in successfully obtaining grants and organising all the work force which enabled us to carry out the recent refurbishment of the Village Hall. Unfortunately, Don has now resigned from the committee, due to work commitment, and we are currently short of committee members as well as a chairperson. Please support the village hall, it needs you and you need it.

Mrs Rosalie Fowler 01427 718619 Mrs Anne Wingham 01427 717545 Revd Rhys Prosser 01522 702427

WE CAN HELP IF WE KNOW YOUR NEED

Trentside Links · July 2010

Community Notices LING sites

HOUSEHOLD WASTE/RECYC

Gainsborough e, Gainsborough DN21 1AH Lan ngs rga me Sum Lincoln oln LN5 8LG 97 Great Northern Terrace, Linc Opening hours Summer (April to September): Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm, Saturday to Sunday 8am - 4pm Winter (October to March): Monday to Sunday 8am – 4pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day. as per weekday (Open all other Bank Holidays ve.) abo d liste times Whisby Whisby LN6 9BT d, Roa le Eag Opening hours Summer (April to September): Monday to Friday 8 am – 6 pm Saturday 8 am - 12 noon nday to Friday Winter (October to March): Mo 4pm – 8am Saturday 8am - 12noon Closed & Bank Holidays s day Sun

PARISH COUNCIL CONTAC

Fenton Mrs K Gissing 19 The Grove, Lea, Gainsboro ugh, Lincs, DN21 5EP Tel: 01427 678994

Kettlethorpe and Laughterto

Mr R Gee 2 Swynford Close, Laughterto n, Lincs, LN1 2LG Tel: 01427 717868

Marton and Gate Burton Mrs Gillian Martin 6 Mount Pleasant Close, Marton , Gainsborough, Lincs, DN21 5AE Tel: 01427 728377

Newton-on-Trent Mr R Pilgrim 2 Cedar Close, The Elms, Tor ksey, Lincs, LN1 2NH Tel : 01427 718388

Torksey Mr R Pilgrim 2 Cedar Close, The Elms, Tor ksey, Lincs, LN1 2NH Tel : 01427 718388

Kettlethorpe Village Hall Available for hire gs and The refurbished village hall is available to hire for private functions, parties, meetin sher, dishwa s, facilitie any social gatherings. It boasts a brand new kitchen with full cooking crockery and cutlery.

• Seating for 80 people • Stage available by request • New eco-lighting • Oil-fired heating system with radiators

the event. A licence to serve alcohol can be obtained provided sufficient notice is given before Please contact the booking secretary for details: Sharon

Wilcox

Beech House, Brampton, Torksey, Lincoln LN1 2EG Tel: 01427 718637, Mob: 07813 564319 E: sharon.wilcox@yahoo.co.uk 27

Trentside Links · July 2010

Community Notices Marton & Gate Burton Diary Dates

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES at Village Hall, Trentport Road, Marton WEEKLY MONDAY Playgroup ......................................... 9.30 – 12 noon Art Class (in committee room).......... 2.00 – 4.00 pm Indoor Bowls .................................... 2.00 – 4.00 pm Line Dancing .................................. 7.45 – 10.00 pm

Gainsborough Rural South Neighbourhood Policing Team Hello to you all, Firstly … It finally seems that the warmer weather is upon us and many of us have been opening doors and windows to let some of that cooler air flow through the home. But beware! We ask that all residents are extra vigilant and double-check that latches are locked and chains are on — after all, you don’t want to be caught out by the opportunist burglar.

TUESDAY Playgroup ......................................... 9.30 – 12 noon WEDNESDAY Playgroup ......................................... 9.30 – 12 noon Country Dancing (2nd & 4th weeks only)....... 7.30 pm THURSDAY Playgroup ......................................... 9.30 – 12 noon Over 60s Club (in committee room) .. 2.15 – 4.00pm Youth Club......................................... 6.45 – 8.00pm

If you are going to be absent from the home (going on holiday, for example) try to lock away anything that is valuable, ask someone you can trust to keep an eye on your property, and try not to make it look obvious that no one is at home. Anything you can do is better than nothing, and even the simple things can make a difference.

FRIDAY

Sadly, there have been a number of burglaries recently and we don’t want you to be the next victim.

Playgroup ......................................... 9.30 – 12 noon Whist Drive ....................................... 7.30 – 9.30 pm

Secondly…

MONTHLY 1st Wednesday each month Village Hall Committee Meeting .................. 7.30 pm 1st Tuesday each month Parish Council Meeting ............................... 7.00 pm 3rd Wednesday each month Women’s Institute........................................ 7.30 pm Hall available to hire, holds up to 200 people. Cost: £10.00 per hour or £7.00 per hour for villagers. For further details contact: Sandra Moody (Caretaker), tel 01427 718792.

at St. Margaret’s Church, Marton Everyone welcome to join us in church for tea/ coffee/cake and a chat on the fourth Saturday each month, 2.00 - 4.00pm.

Keep a look out for any unfamiliar people loitering in the street, they may well be looking for an open window or door, and it only takes a moment to steal something.

Beware of people phoning, visiting or sending letters stating that you are entitled to a large sum of money left from a relative who has recently passed away. They are probably requesting personal information, including your bank details. Ask yourself, would you normally give out this information to a stranger? Is that big bag of goodies for real, or could it just be a scam? There have been reports of this happening and fortunately the recipients have become suspicious before getting caught out. So be careful and don’t let the next victim be you! And finally… Thanks for the information that you provide to the police. Without your helpful eyes and ears we would not be as aware of what is happening. You can contact the police on 0300 111 0300 or if you wish to speak to the Neighbourhood Policing Team direct, we can be contacted on 07939 890958 for PC Doherty or 07900 325735 for PCSO Grace. PCSO 2061 Daren Grace tel 07900 325735 Gainsborough Rural South NPT

Trentside Links · July 2010

Community Notices

Marton Village Show Village Hall, Marton, 12 September 2010 After some years without an annual Produce and Craft Show, the newly formed Marton and Knaith Garden Club is reviving the show in a new and revised format as follows: • Scarecrow Festival - a chance for residents of Marton, Gate Burton and Knaith to display witty, comical and traditional versions of a village scarecrow, with adult and children’s prizes. • Produce and Craft Classes - a refreshed format including the following competitions: Adult Competition Classes: heaviest onion, largest sunflower head, longest runner bean, novelty vegetable, a button hole, a vase of flowers grown by you, a pot plant grown by you, a flower arrangement with theme ‘buzzy bee’, a jar of preserves, Victoria sponge cake, greeting card with garden theme, photography - our village 2010, largest pumpkin, comedy scarecrow, artistic scarecrow Children’s Competition Classes: largest sunflower head, animal made from fruit, largest pumpkin, miniature garden (6 in. seed tray), decorated cookie, 3 decorated cupcakes, bird or wildlife box, photography, greeting card, scarecrow PROGRAMME Show entries to be submitted between 10.30 and 12.00. Scarecrow judging will take place from 1.00 pm. Marton Village Hall will be open for public viewing from 2.00 pm when there will be competitions and refreshments. So start planning your entries. Entry forms will be distributed during the summer months. Any queries please contact Sara Barry 01427 717714. ABOUT MARTON AND KNAITH GARDEN CLUB The club was formed recently following a search by Marton Parish Council for land within the village to establish allotments. Unfortunately, no land could be found until John and Rosemary Burke offered to ‘landshare’, allowing an allotment to be set up on part of their land, and the club was established. Six landshare plots have been allocated to those who expressed an interest to the Parish Council. Membership of the club is not restricted to plot holders but is open to anyone from the Marton, Gate Burton and Knaith area who is interested in gardening. The club intends to hold a meeting later this year, which will hopefully include a talk from an expert. Look out for further information in Trentside Links. The Marton and Knaith Garden Club members would like to express their thanks to John and Rosemary Burke for their help and support in establishing the club.

Trentside Links · July 2010

Church Notices Church Services in Kettlethorpe, Newton and Torksey

Sunday 18 July 9.00 am Communion Newton 9.00 am Morning Prayer Kettlethorpe 9.30 am Communion Torksey

Sunday 29 August 9.00 am Communion Ne wton 9.00 am Morning Prayer Kettlethorpe

Sunday 25 July 9.00 am Communion Kettlethorpe 11.00 am Communion Torksey

Sunday 5 September 9.00 am Communion Ke ttlethorpe 9.00 am Morning Prayer Newton

Sunday 1 August 9.00 am Communion Kettlethorpe 9.00 am Morning Prayer Newton

Sunday12 September 9.00 am Communion Ke ttlethorpe 9.30 am Morning Prayer Torksey

Sunday 8 August 9.00 am Communion Kettlethorpe Sunday 15 August 9.00 am Communion Newton 9.00 am Morning Prayer Kettlethorpe 10.00 am Communion Torksey

Sunday 19 September 9.00 am Communion Ke ttlethorpe 9.00 am Communion Ne wton 9.30 am Communion To rksey Sunday 26 September 9.00 am Communion Ke ttlethorpe 11.00 am Communion To rksey

Sunday 22 August 9. 00 am Communion Kettlethorpe

St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church, Kettlethorpe Harvest English Breakfast, 3 October 2010 Breakfast. It will follow the usual Please join us for a traditional Harvest English e hall, starting 10 am. It’s free church service at 9 am and be held in the villag and all are most welcome.

Rock ‘n Chips, 30 October 2010 rock n’ roll themed event with a Our fundraising event this year will be a 1950s e on 30 October at 7.30 pm in traditional supper of fish and chips. It will take plac nearer the time. the village hall. Further details will be available

Trentside Links · July 2010

Ordering your medicines from Collingham Medical Centre Here are five different ways by which you can obtain your repeat subscription for medicines from Collingham Medical Centre: in person – post the tear-off slip of your last prescription into the post box provided at reception. Remember to put a tick beside the items you need. by post – alternatively, send the same slip by mail but remember to allow two extra days before you collect your prescription. by phone – you can order your medicines by calling the practice on 01636 892210. You will need to give your name and address and details of the medicines you need to order. Keep your repeats slip to hand in case you forget the names of the medicines you need to order.

by fax – you can fax your request for repeat medication to the practice on 01636 893391. Please make sure that you state your name, address and date of birth along with a clear list of the drugs you need to order, or alternatively fax your re-order slip provided.

could occur. So please continue to choose one of the five methods described above. Full information about Collingham Medical Centre can be found at www.col linghammedicalcentre.co.uk Emma Dickson Medical Secretary, Collingham Medical Centre emma.dickson@gp-c84045.nhs.uk

online - you can register at the surgery to use emis access to order your repeat medication on-line.

Following a patient suggestion, the practice team considered whether to introduce an answerphone/voice mail facility for ordering medications. After some thought we feel that the benefits of this facility are outweighed by the risk of transcription or translation errors that

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1. Ship’s anchor, Marton

5. Lychgate, Kettlethorpe church

3. Village sign, Newton on Trent

4. Memorial (aircraft propellor blade), Laughterton 6. War memorial, Fenton 2. The Old Schoolhouse, Torksey

Produced by TUCANNdesign&print • 19 High Street, Heeighington, Lincoln LN4 1RG • tel/Fax. 01522 790009 • email. sales@tucann.co.uk

Trentside Links · July 2010

Picture Puzzle Solutions 1. Ship’s anchor, Marton

5. Lychgate, Kettlethorpe church

3. Village sign, Newton on Trent

4. Memorial (aircraft propellor blade), Laughterton 2. The Old Schoolhouse, Torksey

6. War memorial, Fenton

Produced by TUCANNdesign&print • 19 High Street, Heeighington, Lincoln LN4 1RG • tel/Fax. 01522 790009 • email. sales@tucann.co.uk

Trentside Links · July 2010