I'd Rather Be In Deeping April 2023

70 years

5 INSIDE

great places for babies and tots

Welcome

Coronation Day is fast approaching and so are the preparations for it in this cluster of settlements along the Welland that we affectionately know as the Deepings. After the success of the Living Advent Windows we know just how creative our residents can be! There are plenty of ideas online to inspire and as we go to press the Insideout Home store has a wide selection of Union flags and bunting to help dress windows, houses and streets. If you decide to join in please take a photo or two and send them to idratherbeindeeping@gmail.com and we will try and feature as many of them online or in the magazine as we can – serving as a reminder for future generations.

Judy Stevens

Editor: Judy Stevens

Sub-Editor: Susan Hibbins

Designer: Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design

Features Writers: Judy Stevens, Ray Pawlett, Will Bowell, Zoë Kornfeld, Michelle Urquhart

Research: Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman

In-Ctrl IT Support

AFFORDABLE ONSITE PC/IT SUPPORT FOR HOME USERS / BUSINESSES IN THE DEEPINGS

call nick: 01775 725755 mobile: 07719 853633 www.inctrlitsupport.co.uk nick@inctrlitsupport.co.uk

VERY LOW RATES, NO VAT, NO CALLOUT FEE & A PROVEN 16YEAR EXCELLENT REPUTATION THAT YOU CAN TRUST

SPECIALISTS AT TUNE-UPS, VIRUS/MALWARE REMOVAL, INTERNET ISSUES, DATA RECOVERY, BACKUPS, INTERNET SECURITY & GENERAL COMPUTER PROBLEMS ON-SITE OR REMOTELY SOMETIMES THE SAME DAY

Issues resolved from as little as £30 an hour remotely or £40 an hour on-site. We also sell refurbished laptops and desktops too, so if you’re thinking of replacing/upgrading ‘hassle-free’, get in touch

Young people at the Deepings

Youth Group entered into the spirit of Mother’s Day making vases for the daffodils they picked which had been grown for the purpose.

Raffle for the Deepings Lions

Easter Egg is now underway - tickets

£1 a go - proceeds to St Barnabas and the Lions Brain Tumour Charity with a draw on Easter Sunday. Eggs have been placed in hostelries throughout the Deepings and surrounding villages.

Matthew Watts has taken up the baton as the new Musical Director at the Peterborough Choral Society. Matthew was a Choral Scholar at St Martin-in-theFields Church and studied at Glasgow University and Trinity College of Music, where he won the Ricordi Conducting Prize. In addition to PCS he is musical director of the London Classical Choir and Orchestra and the Primrose Hill Choirs. ‘Keep up to date with the Choral Society’s activities on https:// www.peterboroughchoral.org.uk/

WindowDoctor

World Book Day celebrated at Market Deeping Community Primary School.

Staff at Sams Rycroft Avenue entered into the Red Nose Day spirit!

Yasamine Watts (also of Garden Lodge in Glinton and Florence House in Peterborough) has taken over The Laurels Care Home in Market Deeping from Desmond and Jacqui Shiels who ran the home for thirty five years. (pictured here with Hugo)

A lucky Market Deeping ticket holder supporting the Deepings Library scooped £250 in the latest South Kesteven Distrct Council Community Lottery draw. Ticket holding supporters have so far helped to raise £3,345 by choosing Deepings Library as their nominated good cause. To buy tickets, or register as a good cause, go to www.lotterysk.co.uk

Twenty seven Scouts from Lincolnshire Unit 14 pictured outside Gdansk railway station, Poland on a trip organised by Paul Jackson, Kirsteen and Jamie. Part of the journey of these scouts which will culminate in South Korea later in the year. The trip was kept secret from the young people even though parents had known about it for three months!

A bird’s eye view of Deeping St James courtesy of Glenn Jones of Peterborough

www.airstreammedia.co.uk

Body Repairs

The Squirrels pre-Cub group visited the Library bright and early one morning for their ‘All Around Us’ badge. They had a story to listen to, and made up their own stories and drawings too.

from Above.

More than £37,000 is to be paid out to support community initiatives across South Kesteven through the South Kesteven Prosperity Fund. Friends of Deeping Library will receive £2,148 for a pop-up cinema to visit for a twoday film festival meeting the local need for cinema without having to travel. Deepings Community Library is being given £1,100 to run a History Heritage Day which 150 children from local schools will be invited to. A ukulele concert is being planned for Deeping St James by Priory Church, at a cost of £500.

Juliet Mills made the annual presentation in the third and final year of her Presidency of the Church Ladies Fellowship. Pictured 1-r Chris Halley (£50 Church Hall garden), Jan Fisk (£250 Church Hall boiler fund) Juliet and Rev.Mark Williams (£200 Lighting the spire). Donations were also made to Lives (£150) Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (£150) and Age Concern (Day Care £50). The funds were raised at the groups very successful coffee mornings.

Steve Fisk and Rotarian, Paul Hanson spruce up the Priory Church Hall Car Park with 7 tonnes of gravel gifted by Breedon.

VOTE FOR BOB BROUGHTON

Dear Elector,

Living, working and raising a family in Market Deeping, keeps me in tune with what the people of Market and West Deeping would like to see getting done in the place they live and by a councillor they know.

You have favoured me with your vote for over 30 years (16 on SKDC) and it has been my pleasure to serve and represent you to the best of my ability. Many of you know I’m okay with getting my hands dirty, planting trees and maintaining our park lands and replacing hedgerows. Putting up our town’s Christmas tree for over 30 years has been a particular pleasure for the children to enjoy.

Over the last few years I have (as president of Deeping United football club) sponsored some of the teams, currently the ladies.

I would like to continue my work on your behalf but can only do so with your support on 4th May.

Bob Broughton

They drive up to the Casino in Monte Carlo in their Bugatti but I’d Rather Be In Deeping…

This small but rare Ruskin Pottery vase saw a furious bidding war at the auction of the private collection of the late Patricia Hooper with auctioneer, Jessica Wall bringing the hammer down at an impressive £2,400. www.stamfordauctionrooms

The St. Peters Singers conducted by Jeremy Jepson and accompanied by Chris Brown on the organ filled the Priory church with a powerful performance of the great Cathedral anthems.

I have served as a local councillor for over 30 years (on SKDC for 12) and I have been honoured to engage with the people of Deeping St James - through lockdown when I formed the Deeping Business Support Group, with the Deepingathon, heading up the Deepings Literary Festival group and delivering Storyfest free for families. I am proud to be Chairman of the Deepings Library, a founder member of the Neighbourhood Plan group, a member of DSJ United Charities and more. Thank you for all your support in the past and I hope that you will support me on the 4th May.

Promoted by Judy Stevens, 41 Frognall, DSJ, PE6 8RR Printed by Warners Midlands, Manor Ln, Bourne PE10 9PH

Gallery in the Garden

Thursday 27 April - Monday 1 May 2023

10 am - 6 pm

Spring arrives with Gladwell & Patterson’s fine art show in the Lincolnshire countryside. A collection of beautiful paintings and sculpture will be on display.

Molecey Mill, Stamford Road, West Deeping Lincolnshire PE6 9 JD

Molecey Mill plays host to art, sculpture and two literary greats!

Just as the swallows return to Molecey Mill, and build their nests under its elderly beams, Gallery in the Garden returns for another glorious spring incarnation in the grounds of this historic water mill.

Molecey Mill is a well-loved local landmark owned by fine art dealers Glenn Fuller and Graham Magee. Painstakingly restored, the property and its gardens will showcase a stunning selection of paintings and sculptures from London’s oldest art gallery, Gladwell & Patterson, alongside its country gallery Gladwells Rutland in nearby Oakham.

Situated in beautiful gardens along the banks of the River Welland, visitors can explore the landscape of Molecey Mill to discover monumental marble statues by South African artist Stella Shawzin and evocative driftwood sculptures by James Doran Webb. The two unique galleries in the grounds will house a splendid exhibition of Post-Impressionist and contemporary paintings under cover yet ‘en plein air’, and works of art can be enjoyed against a landscape bursting into life with spring.

Author in residence, Milly Johnson, will be in attendance on Sunday and Monday for readings from her recently published novel, Together, Again. A writer who champions women and highlights the importance of friendship and community, Johnson’s characters are celebrations of the strength of the human spirit, which perfectly complement the array of masterpieces that will be on show throughout the exhibition.

Milly will be in conversation with A.J. Pearce, on the threshold of publishing her novel Mrs Porter Calling. Her first novel, Dear Mrs Bird, was published to critical and commercial acclaim and we are looking forward to hearing the craic between these two highly popular authors whose friendship is sustained by regular online Friday chats!

The house will be open for private tours and its fascinating history brought to life.

Tickets for Milly Johnson and AJ Pearce are

Sunday brunch £15

Sunday 30th April 11.00 am in The Stables at The Granary, Molecey.

Monday Coronation Tea £15

Monday 1st May 2.30.pm in The Stables at The Granary, Molecey. Available from the Deepings Library 01778 346528 Deepingscommunitylibrary@gmail.com

Milly Johnson

DSJ WI - the first 70 years

Enough was enough – any women wanting to attend the Women’s Institute in Deeping St James had to go to Market Deeping which meant a walk or bike ride, as there was no regular bus service and the age of the two plus car family was a way off. So Deeping St James banded together to form their own Institute, which met for the first time 70 years ago, in March 1953.

Mrs Greenfield, who lived at Welland House, had been encouraged to set up a WI for DSJ by Phyllis Mulligan, the District Nurse who felt that this would be beneficial for ladies who were at that time more often housewives. Demand was certainly there and at the first meeting at the Methodist schoolroom, 60 members gathered for a social evening with Mrs Seward demonstrating the art of soft toy making. Meetings were then held there and at the Vicarage Schoolroom on Thursdays moving to the Freemasons’ Room in October 1953.

Talks were varied and included the care and cleaning of carpets, blood transfusions, corn dollies and period costume. There were trips out as well, in August 1955 to Belvoir Castle with afternoon tea at The Chequers Hotel in Woolsthorpe. A drama group was formed and regular fund-raising whist drives were held at various locations including at The Three Tuns.

The annual meeting in March 1958 elected Mrs Gibbons as President with Mrs Blabber and Mrs Greenfield as Vice Presidents. The Committee was made up of Mesdames F Allen, J. Cox, J. Harwood, Goodwin, Holmes, L. Mulligan, and Morris. Mrs Wooten as Secretary pointed out the hard work of the retiring secretary, Mrs F. Lambert who had managed to persuade the Eastern Counties Bus Co to operate along Broadgate Lane.

From 1959 a tradition was started of the WI to organise a handicraft and cooking exhibition in the large marquee at the Deeping Show.

In March 1966 the WI carried out a survey on behalf of the Council of Employment and Transport in the parish to provide a guide for the need of light industry locally.

Many members of the WI were present at the 1969 wedding of past President, Phyllis Mulligan, of Broadgate Lane to James Cave of Godsey Lane at St Guthlac’s Church. James was a County, Rural and Parish Councillor. The bride was resplendent in an electric blue dress and coat with a wide brimmed corn-coloured hat and matching accessories. She carried a posy of anemones.

Fund raising was an important part of the activities of the group; in 1969 a cancer campaign raised over £77, whist drives continued to be popular and one in September 1971 organised by Olive Burton raised £10 for the WI drama group.

In August 1972 members of Kesteven WI brought out their first newsletter produced by Mrs J Cox of Eastgate House DSJ.

At the annual dinner of the DSJ Wives group in January 1973, held at The Georgians for 41 members and friends, the after-dinner entertainment was provided by DSJ WI. including a comic sketch and two dances by the Wacky Wives. Later that year Christmas dinner was held in the theme of the Good Old Days. Over 50 members attended in hats they had designed and made, and a prize for the most outstanding hat was given to Mrs Hooley, whose hat was a confection of apricot-coloured tulle flowers and frilling. After dinner the lights were dimmed and candles lit and the entertainment was provided by members compèred by Mrs Briggs. Those who were also members of the Welland Valley Choir sang a selection of songs with a solo by Doris Milne. Mrs Reeves, Mrs Harwood and Mrs Hooley as the Wacky Wives delivered the can-can and the soft shoe shuffle

back l-r Linda Jubb, Margaret,Jones, Lynn George, Carol Goodliffe, Maggie Fleming, Julie Bowell. front l-r Pat Leggett, Claire Flegg. Nicola Hyde.

and then led some community singing. Olive Smith gave a monologue called ‘The Good Old Days’ and the evening culminated in carols and dancing.

The scheduled speaker at the February 1975 meeting cancelled and instead Miss Harper gave a talk on modern and traditional embroidery. Examples of work completed by her pupils were used to illustrate what was considered a fascinating talk. Olive Burton was organising a whist drive on 25th March; there was an evening out to Messrs Eric Cross of Bourne and a discussion was held about a float in the Carnival.

Olive Burton excelled even her fund raising skills at a Jumble Sale at the Priory Church Hall where more than £30 was raised. There was a mini auction for bigger items, including three lawn mowers, a wheel barrow and a child’s scooter; the auctioneer was the indomitable Olive Smith.

In November 1976 the group went out of their comfort to put on a fashion show, modelling a wide range of day, evening wear and casual clothes in sizes from 10-20 from DSJ boutique, Deanna’s. Models were Karen Brighton, Pamela Sainsbury, Megan Munns, Margaret

Watson, Angeline Blessett, Peggy Welby, Jean Clarke and Trish Cooper. WIs from Deeping St Nicholas and Baston were welcomed by the vice president, Miss Checkley.

In September 1981 another fashion show organised by the WI was put on at the Deeping Stage. Six models displayed clothes by Fantastique in the town to an enthusiastic audience of over 100 who had all enjoyed a glass of sherry before the show commenced.

The WI also turned their thoughts to more weighty matters and in October of the same year, concerned about the large amount of traffic accidents, they tabled a resolution at the half-yearly council meeting of the Lincolnshire South Federation at Sleaford. In this they were supported by the Market Deeping branch as seconders of the motion.

Sue Ruddy, programme secretary organised a very successful make-up demonstration in September 1984 when advice was given on skin care by Anne Baskeyfield. Said Sue Burcham, outings organiser ‘We were shown how to do the actual facial first and then Mrs Lyn Cunningham was made up completely.’

Standing: l-r Fiona Bourne, Maggie Clack, Maggie Fleming , Elizabeth Feasy , Margaret Flegg. June Chilcot, Sue Wilson, Bet Shoulders, Linda Jubb, Jackie Randall, Freda Norton, Jane head , Lynn Hyde, Rosemary Porteous, Juliet Mills, Carole Mills, Judith Unwin, Lin Witherington, Julie Bowell.

Seated l-r Margaret Jones, Muriel Lilley, Linsey Preston, Pat Leggett, Susanne Hoadley, Jessie Turner, Margaret Andrews, Anne Middleton.

W I outing to Josiah Wedgewood & Son Stoke on Trent

In what was a busy year there was also a trip to see Pebble Mill at BBCTV, a harvest festival and a crafts show. In the summer Miss Harper and Miss Checkley gave a garden party for the Over 60s in Miss Harper’s garden at 7 Horsegate. In November there was a good attendance at the monthly meeting at the Masonic Hall when Mrs Harrison and Mrs Lock demonstrated flower arranging for Christmas. Mrs Eley and Mrs Stratton were winners of the two competitions and Mrs J. Cunningham was congratulated for obtaining a B. Ed Hons degree from the Open University.

1985 started with a slide show and talk about the Sudan from Mrs Langridge followed by a talk from David France, South Lincs Producer for Radio Lincolnshire. Members enjoyed baked potatoes and coffee and a competition for a photograph of Lincolnshire was won by Diana Rae. The annual meeting was held in March when Olive Smith was elected as President and toasted in her new role with sherry and cake made by Mrs R. Harwood. In October Sue Ruddy, sponsored by the DSJ WI swam nonstop for 45 minutes at the Deeping Leisure Centre to complete 50 lengths and raised £100 for the Rubella handicapped centre in Market Deeping. There was a member trip to the Barbican organised by Mrs E. Bateman and in March 1986 Mrs Chatterton gave an entertaining talk about corn dollies. A trip had been organised to the Cromwell Dolls Museum near Newark by Mrs C. Herron and Mrs Preston and in September’s meeting PC Newsome from Grantham spoke about Crime Protection for Women. The evening ended on a more jolly note with the showing of a video of last year’s Christmas party.

Back to more serious matters in May 1987 when members discussed resolutions to be considered at the WI annual meeting at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Mrs C. Harwood from Deeping St Nicholas WI was to be the representative at the meeting. Entertainment at the meeting was provided by Mrs Gregson with a light-hearted look at physical exercise through the years, reading an amusing extract from Girls Own 1899. Members listened to Eileen Fowler in the 1940s and ended with a tape of aerobics in the 1980s.

In March 1993 Margaret Flegg was elected as President and after three years was elected again. Sometime later meetings moved from the Masonic Hall to the Priory Church Hall. At the 41st annual meeting in 1994 Margaret welcomed 28 members before distributing birthday posies and announcing forthcoming events; a darts evening at the Walnut Tree and an evening at Notcutts in May. On arrival at the October meeting each lady was served with a glass of sherry to toast their new venue and to ‘many happy times together in the future’ as proposed by Margaret Flegg. A gardening quiz, organised by Mrs A .Walters from Bourne, followed and the winning team was Mrs M. Andrews, Mrs P. Legett and Mrs Templeton.

The Christmas party in December 1995 was held in the Masonic Hall and 53 members and some husbands attended and were (again) greeted by sherry on arrival now served by Bill Flegg. A warm welcome was given to those assembled and to special guest Ann Thompson. The tradition of giving birthday posies was honoured, this time for Miss Checkley, Mrs Turner, Mrs

l-r Linda Jubb, Margaret Jones, Betty Shoulders

Susanne Hoadley and Lynn Hyde with the Clubs winning entry in the co-perative class Deeping Show 1996

WI ‘have a go day’

Phyllis Mulligan

Latimer, Mrs Ruane Mrs Witherington and Mrs Charlton. It was announced that a Macmillan Fund Stall run by DSJ and Market Deeping WIs had raised over £90. Grace was said by Frank Gregson after which a meal. prepared by Margaret Flegg and assisted by the committee. was served with wine. Entertainment was by the young members of the Stanley School of Irish Dancing from Peterborough with a memorable rendition of Riverdance. National Federation Executive member, Rosemary McCulloch, made a presentation on behalf of members to Margaret Flegg. Cheese, biscuits and coffee was served and the enjoyable evening was rounded up with a raffle and carols sung round the piano played by Ms. Checkley.

Annually the group would enter the carnival, in 1995 winning with ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, and they held car rallies ending up at the Red Lion in West

DSJ WI Presidents

Mrs P. M. Mulligan 1953 - 1958

Mrs P Gibbons 1958 - 1961

Mrs M Rawlinson 1961 - 1965

Mrs P Gibbons 1965 - 1969

Mrs P.M. Blaber 1969 - 1971

Mrs Joan Taylor 1971 -1974

Mrs Olive Smith 1974 - 1977

Mrs Irene Reeves 1977 - 1979

Miss Edna Harper 1979 - 1983

Mrs Margaret Andrews 1983 - 1985

Mrs Olive Smith 1985 - 1987

Mrs M. Gregson 1987 - 1990

Mrs Susanne Hoadley 1990 - 1993

Mrs Margaret Flegg 1993 - 1996

Mrs Pat Leggett 1996 - 1998

Mrs Susanne Hoadley 1998 - 2000

Mrs Carol Goodliffe 2000 - 2001

Mrs Joyce Carnell 2001 - 2004

Mrs Val Whiston 2004 - 2007

Mrs Susanne Hoadley 2007 - 2010

Mrs Maggie Flemming 2010 - 2013

Mrs Sue Sheppard 2013 - 2016

Mrs Susanne Hoadley 2016 - 2019

Mrs Julie Knight 2019 - 2022

Mrs Sue Sheppard 2022 - present

Deeping, darts tournaments, ten pin bowling and would attend a tea party held in Miss Harper’s garden at 7 Horsegate to raise funds for good causes. There was a stand displaying the talents of the team at The Deepings Show and a harvest supper at the Priory Church.

At the end of her prescribed three-year period of office, President Margaret Flegg said in conversation with the Deeping Digest ‘Nationally we are a very influential organisation and even at a local level can make our voices heard.’

With a membership of more than 50, DSJ WI continues to thrive, meeting on the last Thursday of the month (except December) in the Priory Church Hall with doors opening at 7pm. Current President Sue Sheppard says, ‘We’re a lot less formal now – even calling each other by our first names! But we continue to offer all women aged 16 + friendship, a chance to learn new skills and opportunities to make a difference in our community. We also offer the chance to go on outings or to do other activities organised by ourselves or other WIs in the area. Visitors are always welcome to come along and see what we do and you can find out more by calling me on 01778 344195.’

Miss Enid Harper and Miss Mary Checkley

l-r Joan Taylor. Margaret Flegg, Pat Leggett, Clare Flegg, Rosemary Mcoullock, Maggie, Fleming.Carol Goodcliie and Jessie Turner.

WI ‘have a go day’

Kerry Unwin - putting you in the family album!

What happens when a love of photography and children and a happy disposition collide? Kerry Unwin Newborn Baby, Child and Family Photographer! Fuelled by a supportive family, Kerry took what had been a part-time business around her office job to the next level just after lockdown.

Having had a love of photography from childhood, starting with a beloved Polaroid camera, Kerry first starting taking photographs more seriously after the birth of her second son, Henry, when her mother gave her an entrylevel Nikon D3100. Photographs for friends followed and news of her talent spread fast on the grapevine, and soon a network of clients grew. ‘Then one day a mum posted one of my maternity pictures on Facebook and the business was well and truly launched!’

Since the 1840s there has been a tradition of family portraiture taken in photographic studios, the natural successor to miniature paintings. Gradually, less expensive techniques became increasingly accessible to a wider audience but still the family portrait taken by a professional photographer has remained a covetable rite of passage. In recent years there has been a trend away from keeping babies tightly wrapped up and indoors for the first few weeks and this has led to the possibility of the newborn and baby portrait. Says Kerry, ‘As a mum of two, I remember those first few weeks very well! Mums and Dads are so busy adapting to the craziness of life with a new baby that they often miss all the little details, the curve of their eyelashes, the dinky fingers and toes and the cute little rolls. Booking

a photo session ahead of time means they can relax whilst I work with their precious new arrival and ensure we get plenty of beautiful portraits, preserving all of those special little details forever.’

While parents who come to a session might feel anxious and worry about whether their baby will be unsettled or whether older children will co-operate, Kerry is very experienced in working with babies and children so will go entirely at their pace until they’re happy to

Good customer service is a byword for Kerry and it ensures repeat business from a growing family. Progressing to the ‘Cake Smash’ for one-year-olds (personalised cake with matching outfits, bunting and chance for the baby to ‘explore’ the cake with lots of giggles and great photos followed by a wash up bubble bath in a traditional roll-top tub with rubber ducks!) to annual school photos – there are plenty of opportunities for Kerry to bond with her clients, many of whom have become friends.

So leaving her job as a Project Manager at Bauer proved the right move for Kerry who loves the challenge of running her own business and getting involved in every aspect of trading.

Camaraderie with other baby-andnewborn photographers throughout the country lessens the need for the office contact that she thought that she would miss and has led again to new friendships and the chance to attend training courses together, some of which have been held at Kerry’s studio in Deeping St James.

have their photo taken. Kerry employs her repertoire of singing, dancing and silly noises to keep babies and toddlers happy and smiling. ‘This is an event in itself,’ she explains. ‘There is plenty of time to relax, have a cuppa and put everyone at ease. This ultimately leads to the best images and happy customers.’

Brought up in Baston and attending the Deepings School, Kerry met her husband Tim while they were both working at Linfords. Kerry attended Nottingham Trent University where she studied English Literature and Media. The grandson of Stanley Unwin, the comedian and writer who famously devised his own ’Unwinese’ language, Tim was with Kerry for ten years before they were married. Having travelled extensively in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Kerry, always with an eye to a great shot, identified Lake Tekapo as a dream spot for a wedding. But in the end the two

retreated alone to Las Vegas to the Little White Chapel following in the footsteps of Britney Spears for their ceremony, accompanied by an old guy plonking away on a piano and witnessed by two strangers. Following a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco, the couple had a family reception back home at the Toft House Hotel.

Moving away from the baby-in-plant-pot style of Anne Geddes, Kerry prefers to photograph her newborns and babies on a big comfy bean bag with neutral soft blankets and wraps, using hats and headbands that her customers choose from a selection at the studio as the only props. She has now progressed to a Nikon D750 with a 24-70 lens and all the backdrops and lighting necessary. As well as providing all pictures on a USB stick, and as prints, she offers a selection of wall art as well and is saddened by the fact that so many pictures are now digital and largely unseen. It is widely acknowledged that seeing their photographs around the house endorses a feeling of belonging to children, increasing their confidence and self-worth.

‘My favourite photograph of my boys, Ben and Henry, was taken on the beach at Wells next the Sea, I just captured it as I jumped out on them with my camera and every time I see it above the sofa, it makes me feel happy!’ says Kerry.

‘Then one day a mum posted one of my maternity pictures on Facebook and the business was well and truly launched!’

We have a multistory pre school soft play with a designated baby area as well as an onsite cafe for all to enjoy. We also offer rentable space for a wealth of services from beauty therapy, counselling, and even group events. We can cater for one off bookings from crochet classes to birthday parties or regular weekly/monthly bookings.

Email to discuss availability and rates Thearkmarketdeeping@gmail.com

01778 380728 Open - Monday to Saturday 9.15 til 1.45 pm

4A Stamford Rd Market Deeping

Welcome to The Ark, a new an exciting hub in the centre of M Deeping We have a multistory school soft play with a designa baby area as well as an onsite for all to enjoy.

Are you a graduate? Are you consideringSecondary School or Primary School teaching as your new career?

Rentable space is also available for a wealth of services from beauty therapy, counselling, and even group events We can cater for one off bookings or regular weekly/monthly bookings Email to discuss availability and rates

Under 5s soft play

more information, come to our Train to Teach Event at The Deepings School

4a S Deep Thea 01778 Soft play entry fees apply, follow our facebook page for more information

For more information, come to our Train to Teach Event at the Bourne Westfield Primary Academy 6.30pm – 7.30pm on Thursday 30th March 2023 Get more information from Harinder Boughton, Trust SCITT Director, HBoughton@Deepings.anthemtrust.uk or from our SCITT Website: www.deepingscitt.org.uk

– 7.30pm on Wednesday 26th April 2023

Get more information from Harinder Boughton, Trust SCITT Director, HBoughton@Deepings.anthemtrust.uk or from our SCITT Website: www.deepingscitt.org.uk

more information, come to our Train to Teach Event at the Bourne Westfield Primary Academy

– 7.30pm on Thursday 30th March 2023

more information from Harinder Boughton, Trust SCITT Director, HBoughton@Deepings.anthemtrust.uk or from our SCITT Website: www.deepingscitt.org.uk

Doulas are Magic - says Zoë Kornfeld

A doula is someone who journeys alongside a woman, or birthing person, and their family, through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

During pregnancy, a doula will get to know their client, and aim to build up a close, trusting bond, in order to provide tailor-made, personalised care. Doulas support women and birthing people who choose to give birth in hospital, or at home, holding space for the whole family as they enter a new chapter in their lives. Research has shown that this special continuity of care a doula provides, improves the experience and birthing outcomes for both the woman or birthing person and the baby. Doulas do not give specific advice, but provide a range of information to enable women and birthing people to make informed decisions about their maternity care. During the birth itself, they provide one-to-one support, which could range from positive reassurance, practical help, physical and emotional nourishment, or perhaps advocating for their birth choices – being ready to support them, however the birth unfolds. Once the baby has arrived, doulas offer a range of other services, including help with physical recovery, infant feeding, as well as continued emotional support and encouragement, which the whole family needs during this huge transition.

I asked four local doulas to help illustrate the unique role they play in the lives of those they support:

Hi, I’m Amy and I am a doula! After 16 years as a primary school teacher, I am very aware of the transformation that can be brought to a family by effective and loving support. What do doulas do? The question should be, ‘What are doulas?’ Doulas support those experiencing pregnancy, birth or life with a newborn baby. Doulas are there for a family as and when needed and they provide practical, emotional and informational support. Your doula will want to get to know you; she will have time to listen and time to spend. She will want to understand your wishes, hopes and dreams. Chatting to your chosen doula about how she can help you is a good place to start – do visit me at www.yourcabbagepatch.co.uk to find out more and to book in a free chatter to explore your support package choices. Doulas are for all families.

Hi, I’m Claire Chambers, and I run Unique Births, an antenatal and postnatal company based in Stamford. I’ve been teaching antenatal for over 10 years and developed our doula support services two years ago so we could provide care from pregnancy to parenthood. As a postnatal doula I’m there to support you and your family in those early months. Sometimes it’s holding your baby while you have an uninterrupted shower, making a warm nutritious lunch, washing bottles or organising nappy bags. Often it’s just making a cup of tea and creating a safe non-judgmental space for you to talk while you find your feet as a new parent. Our service is as bespoke as your needs. To discover more visit www.uniquebirths.co.uk

Hi my name is Shabana Najeeb and I am a birth and postnatal doula. During birth I offer a range of support, including massage, encouragement and advocacy, to help mothers feel calm, supported and in control. I respect the mother’s choices and preferences, and follow her lead, creating a birth experience that is tailored to her needs. I also provide evidence based information to mothers when needed, helping them make informed decisions about their care and birth process.

In the postpartum period, I continue to support the mother, providing assistance with breastfeeding (I am an NCT breastfeeding support peer), preparing healing foods and helping with light household chores so the mother can rest and bond with her baby. I offer a compassionate ear, understanding that the postpartum period can be a challenging time for many mothers. I am non-judgmental and always there to support the mother with her decisions, helping her to navigate the challenges of motherhood with confidence and grace. Through my work as a doula, I embody the principles of mothering the mother, offering love, kindness and support to help mothers feel empowered, confident and capable as they transition into motherhood. All the mothers I have worked with have grown beautifully and I couldn’t be more proud! My contact details are 07583085933

I am Verina Henchy, an experienced doula having been present at more than 100 births since I undertook training in 2009. I am often asked ‘What made you become a doula? How did you train?’ Adela Stockton, author of Gentle Birth Companions, the definitive text in the UK and European doula movement attests: While a doula… may aspire to improve the standard of her knowledge, the real essence of a doula comes from within herself and is not necessarily something that can be taught. As someone who facilitates learning through the Developing Doulas Course, I help new and aspiring doulas to explore the role of doula, the importance of choice in childbirth and how we as doulas can help clients to make their choices fully informed. The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.

To find a doula that fits your needs, please visit doula.org.uk and for more information about how to become a doula, please visit https://developingdoulas.co.uk/

Found in Deeping for babies

Beautifully knitted baby and toddler clothes from The

www.facebook.com/thewoolartisan www.instagram.com/the_wool_artisan

With a unique foldaway design, the Mamatoyz Foldaway Learning Tower is perfect for any home. Ideal for encouraging independence and providing a steady and comfortable platform for children to join in helping you in the kitchen. Available online and in-store at Olivers Babycare https:// www.oliversbabycare.co.uk/product/ mamatoyz-foldable-learning-towerchild-1-5-years/

Sam Stitches offers fun and colourful numbered T-Shirts for all ages, perfect birthday gift! You can find these, and lots more, via www.samstitches.co.uk

The Red Cross Shop! Always good to search for a new to you toy while helping others across the world! Church St. Market Deeping

Now for some real role play at Bourne Toys, The

Online early years shop specialising in open ended play, sensory and wooden toys, storysacks and preloved treasures for under 7’s. A click and collect service is available from Market Deeping Antiques & Craft Centre. Visit www.littleacornsshop. co.uk insta little_acornsuk f@thelittleacornsshop

mchambers52@icloud.com

It’s Showtime! A whole treasure trove of toys and children’s books at Bookmark, 18-20 The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AF

This cute pullalong is just on of variety of toys for 18months + found on Unit 41 Market Deeping Antiques Centre.

Some of the lovely board books for the youngest members of the Deepings Library.

Enchanting hand made clothes for tots and babies from Margarette Chambers e-

Many tots are fascinated by dinosaurs at this age, so these Dinosaur Book Ends will be a roaring success!

Burghley Centre Bourne.

Wool Artisan

Garden Lodge Care Home in Glinton

Florence House Peterborough

Three small family run care homes in Peterborough and Market Deeping providing a real home-from-home environment with exceptional care from devoted, trusted carers. The

in Market Deeping (taken over by us in February) is a beautiful Grade-2 Listed Building within walking distance to Market Deeping town centre.

20 ROOMS

Making Easter special!

‘Lamb is to Easter what Turkey is to Christmas! And making the most of less usual cuts make the pennies go further in these times,’ says Dan Roche, Head Chef at the Bluebell Helpston.

So on the menu for Easter Sunday is shoulder fillet of lamb accompanied with a lamb faggot, fondant

potato, spring greens and red onion jam, topped with homemade rosemary gravy.

The faggot of lamb has been made with lamb mince and liver, fried onions and garlic flavoured with rosemary and thyme fashioned into a large meatball, taking into account that shrinkage occurs when cooking. The faggot is wrapped in a caul (as pictured) but it can be made with breadcrumbs instead to help keep its shape. The faggot is then braised in light beef stock for 40 minutes.

Cuts of lamb such as the shoulder, neck and belly are half the price of a rack or fillet of lamb and are increasingly popular and if they are

cooked with care are just as tasty.

Dan seared this lamb in a pan with salt and pepper for approx. 4 minutes each side and then roasted it in the oven for 8 minutes at between 180 and 200 degrees. Once out of the oven the meat was rested for half its cooking time; during this time it continues to cook allowing the juices to ‘settle’ throughout the meat, making it juicier. Dan basted the lamb with butter and rosemary while it was resting just as you would a steak.

Gravy is made with beef and chicken stock which Dan makes in the kitchen across the course of a whole day, adding roasted bones, carrots, onions,

leeks, celery red wine and water. Butter and meat juices from the lamb were added to he required amount of the gravy for this dish, enhancing is flavour and then it was simmered for ten minutes to reduce.

The faggot was reheated in the oven.

The fondant potatoes have been shaped into a

Farm Shop & Tea Room

round with a potato peeler - and pan fried with butter with a little oil to stop it burning fried on one side and then the other with rosemary seasoning. This is then cooked in the oven for 20 minutes between 180-200 degrees.

The spring greens, in this case new season Kale and Cavolo Nero are blanched and then reheated with salt and pepper.

The faggot is served settled on the spring greens with the lamb carved neatly into slices by its side served with red onion jelly and the fondant potatoes.

Try rhubarb trifle as a complementary and seasonal dessert!

Enjoy this celebratory meal with friends and a bottle of Rioja or a good Melbec.

Wheatcroft Beds are now stocked as well as the luxurious Sanctum brand of beds from Highgrove Beds - combining traditional British craftsmanship with natural fillings and modern pocket spring technology.

We have been providing expert advice to all our customers for over 30 years now, we are sure to have the right bed for you so please come and see us in store to view the whole range of beds and mattresses.

We stock a whole range of beds from many different brands and offer extremely competitive prices on all our beds and mattresses.

We offer FREE DELIVERY on all beds and mattresses within a 25 mile radius

We offer a large selection of beds in stock that we can deliver SAME DAY

Please come and see our fantastic range of beds instore today!

Call us: 01778 347961 48 High Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8EB

Millfield AutoParts

You will have driven past this new business to the Deepings many times on your way through Northfields Industrial Estate but like me you might be intrigued to know the history and, more to the point, who is Hussein Damani who is remembered on the prominent sign?

Well, Hussein and his brothers Hassan and Hyder were expelled from Uganda by its former President, Idi Amin, in 1985. On settling in Peterborough they set up Millfield AutoParts which has grown to become a well-respected and established dealer offering the widest selection of car parts and accessories in the region, and becoming a member of the prestigious Group Auto Foundation.

At the core of the business are the family values which the brothers held dear and the firm is often described as ‘everybody’s second family’. Honesty, friendly staff and hard work has made Millfield the force that it is today, now under the guardianship of Hussein’s five children, all actively involved in it.

The Market Deeping branch is the company’s second branch which opened in summer 2021, doubling warehouse space and initiating a more automated tracking system for parts. This expansion has created 25 new jobs, bringing the total employed by the company to over 100. Next year the Peterborough branch will move into larger premises in Maskew Avenue.

As well as delivering parts and accessories to over 500 garages in the region there is also a constant flow of individual customers. The warehouses hold an astonishing range and depth of stock and their customer service is highly tuned to customer needs. There is a retail shop at both locations offering tools, windscreen wipers, screen wash, replacement number plates etc.

Community remains important to this local business that sponsors the Deepings Raft Race, Peterborough United, Peterborough Phantoms and the Amir Khan Top Yard Boxing. Charity work includes supplying tinned food to the Food Bank and supporting local business groups.

Not only does the company carry out regular training for their loyal staff but it also provides technical training for trade customers, recently bringing together over 60 members of the trade to an event at Peterborough Football ground on how to install a new LuK clutch.

Says Maisam Damani, ‘We believe strongly in treating everyone the same; we are one team here.’ You can feel that Hussein, who sadly passed away in 2022, would have approved.

Deeping Branch: 3 The Deeping Centre, Market Deeping, PE68FG 01778 341827

Bourne Branch: 11 Victor Way, Bourne, PE109PT 01778 424294

e: enquiries@crowlandcarpets.co.uk Visit: www.crowlandcarpets.co.uk

Bourne Toys - putting the magic back into the toy shop!

If you were wondering where all the magic had gone when it comes to shopping for children’s toys then you might want to take a look inside Bourne Toys –- the doors of which are watchfully guarded by a Playmobil soldier.

So it is entirely in order than one of the most successful Clubs that the Shop holds in its spacious room dedicated to the purpose is its Friday night Club for Magic – The Gathering enthusiasts. Saturday afternoon is reserved for the Warhammer Club and there is a wide selection of models and paints in the shop for gamers to expand their collection. A guru geek is on hand to ensure fair play and owners Marcel and Melanie, former teachers, are committed to providing a social hub that is inclusive and welcoming and not all cliquey. Sundays host a Pokemon Club and then later in the afternoon a Yu-Gi-Oh Club. Says

Marcel, ‘We are running a business of course. but we would rather advise people to make sure that they are purchasing an item that they really want rather than making a quick sale which is ultimately disappointing to the customer and would be counterproductive to us.’

Careful attention is paid to ensuring wheelchair and buggy access and small child tables and chairs, laid out with colouring pencils and paper, are immediately inviting for younger customers. The café is warm and welcoming and provides sustenance for hard at work gamers!

The shop itself is a treasure trove of carefully curated toys, puzzles from 25-1500 pieces, children’s books, soft toys and board games. The maxim for the couple was if an item did not past the love test of their two sons now 13 and 15 they wouldn’t sell it! Although the shop in this busy precinct in Bourne is relatively new, they moved in in October last year; they had previously been operating from a commercial unit. Melanie. a music teacher first, started supplying sheet music then importing instruments as a

more affordable alternative and the toy shop has grown from there

Here you can feel, touch and interact with the stock, a luxury not available online. As Marcel demonstrates a dinosaur whose mouth opens and closes chosen as a more realistic alternative to another brand whose mouth stays firmly shut –magic is at the heart of everything they do!

Hara is at the Centre of your Life

Conversely, do you ever feel the opposite – when you are ‘spread too thinly’ or ‘away with the fairies’? This is not as pleasant!

In the worlds of traditional healing and martial arts, we sometimes hear the word ‘Hara’. When our Hara is strong or active we feel centred and grounded. If our Hara is struggling, we feel dissipated or spread too thinly.

The physical location of the Hara is the abdomen.

Maybe you have heard of ‘Hara-Kiri’, the ritualised form of suicide for the samurai. The phrase Hara-Kiri literally means the cutting of the Hara or cutting of the abdomen.

Once we start to explore the concept of Hara, we realise that it is much broader than just a physical location in our bodies. It is the sum total of our life up to now and the starting point for the rest of our lives.

Hara is influenced by every part of our life and therefore rather than being regarded as a ‘thing’, like our gut or abdomen, it is a part of our overall being.

When I do Shiatsu massage treatments for my clients, I use the Hara both for diagnosis and treatment. To the person being treated, it just feels that I am palpating and massaging your abdomen. To me, I am tuned into the essence of your existence and treating the whole of your life experience rather than just a specific condition.

Hara can be evaluated. As well as healers and therapists using the Hara, many traditional martial artists use it. In Kendo swordplay, the referee will be tuned into the Hara of both participants. If he senses that the Hara of one of the competitors has ‘dropped’, the other guy wins instantly. No blows exchanged and no arguments.

Just imagine how useful this skill would have been to the samurai when it is not a tournament but life or death. The skill would become greatly attuned!

What bearing does this have on modern life? If you have a strong Hara, as well as feeling centred and grounded, your abdominal area will be stronger. You will also have a more conscious awareness of your instincts.

As well as strengthening the core muscles the actual organs within your abdominal area will be stronger and work more efficiently.

So, if you fancy being more relaxed, having better posture, better digestion and feeling spiritually aligned and balanced with your body, mind and spirit – start working on your Hara!

A good beginning is to have a Shiatsu treatment or try Tai Chi. Abdominal breathing also helps:-

• Sit in a comfortable position

• Place your hands on your belly

• Arrange your breathing so that your belly expands when you inhale and contracts when you exhale

• Continue for five minutes

• After five minutes, see how you feel. You should feel more balanced and centred.

Abdominal breathing can be done at any time of the day. You need to be coached in a regular routine to get the most out of it but you can’t harm yourself by having a go.

If you would like to learn more about Shiatsu, Tai Chi, Qigong or any forms of stress reduction, please contact me via email ray@ki-ways.co.uk or give me a ring on 07413 620344 or look up the website www.ki-ways.com Artwork by Tracy Pawlett.

In your life, do you have times when you feel ‘centred’ or ‘grounded’? It is a pleasant feeling.

Baby Face

Words and Pictures by

There once was an ugly duckling, so we are told. Spring heralds longer days, blossom, bees and babies. It’s often a favourite season and I tend to agree (until the autumn, then that’s my favourite).

The fresh growth on the hedgerow I planted at the end of our garden will soon start to bud and our pear tree is about burst into colour, whilst our small flower meadow we have sown will be shooting up by mid-April. The air is warmer, and dawn will see a chorus of bird song like no other. What’s not to love?

As April marches towards May, more and more young birds will appear and new arrivals that have travelled all the way from as far as Africa, will start to set up home to raise the next generation. Spring is an uplifting season full of optimism.

In your garden the first young Blackbird or Robin might start to hop around your lawn, following its parents every move. Both species young are bottled brown, dowdy looking but for good reason. As a youngster, still learning the ropes, you don’t want to stand out in your surroundings.

Eyes to the skies and a Sparrowhawk could drop at any second, or the locally moggy could fancy a snack (domestic cats are responsible for 55 million birds being killed every year in the UK- please keep them indoors as much as possible!). Danger is everywhere for young birds and they must blend into the background as much as a loud youngster can.

Songbirds (and land birds in general) chicks will stay in the nest until they are ready to fledge, being completely dependent on their parent’s bringing food. Their growth is rapid and they are soon out the nest but even then will rely on their parents for a little while yet.

William Bowell

On the water, the first young ducklings will be appearing. The original ugly duckling, young swans, may also gracefully drift along the river. Swans, ducklings, goslings, and anything in-between are out the nest almost as soon as they hatch. They can swim and even feed themsleves straight away and although will still enjoy a little help from their parents, with food, they can seem quite dependent, even at just a few days old.

Unable to nest in thick cover, or high up, by being constantly on the move, the threat of predation must be less than if they were always on the nest, nearly in the open. They do of course need their parents, like all creatures great and small, to teach the ways of life. Ducks and Swans will defend their young from threats, where possible and will guide them out of danger too.

The parents will know all the best feeding spots and yes, if we are talking about Swans and Ducks, that might mean where us humans will feed them! But please no bread, it’s really bad for their tiny stomachs.

Last year, you may recall dear reader, we had breeding Goosanders nearby for the first time. Goosanders eat fish and water insects and even at a couple of days old the young could dive and catch their own prey. Only the female looks after the young Goosanderlings (as we like to call them, and you should too) and this particular mama would think nothing of taking her ten tiny babies, for a couple of miles swim on the river. She was a great mum, even let them take rides on her back, and seven managed to survive to fledging.

By the end of April many Owlings will start to leave the safety of the nest and go exploring their local neighbourhood. We are lucky to have certainly four, probably all five, breeding species of native owl very close to us. Tawny and Long-eared Owl young should be out, shouting about in the dark. LEO’s young famously sound like squeaky gates (and of course, are all famously called Leo).

Until like many birds, when they first leave the nest they will still mostly have their downy ‘baby’ feathers, rather than their maturing, fledging feathers. I can never

Ewok or young Long Eared Owl

Cygnets

decide whether they are cute or just look like an ewok (about the right size for one). They appear to leave the nest far too early but they are great at hiding or can even play dead if anything ugly gets too close.

Plus, their adults are super aggressive too. Eric Hosking, a wildlife photographer (from before colour was even invented), famously lost his left eye whilst photographing a Tawny Owl at the nest with his black and white camera. Like all parents, they are not to be messed with.

Spring isn’t just a good time to see young birds of course. Ponds become alive with the new frog and newt life and is a great place to start, when teaching kids life cycles. A walk along the river and you might be lucky enough to see the Otter and her young cubs. They look adorable and their squeaks and squeals are just too cute.

When the weather is warmer, the sun is on your face, the air full of bird song and new life surrounds you, is there a better time? Get out and enjoy the smells, sights and signs of spring, this April.

Will works at Grasmere Farm in Deeping St James (with a butcher’s and deli in Market Gate, Market Deeping) but in his spare time enjoys wildlife watching locally and across the country. He is also a keen photographer. Many of his images can be found at http:// justwildimages.blogspot.co.uk/ and photo cards can be found for sale at Market Gate Deli in Market Deeping.

Reed Warblers

Tots on Tuesday

Tots on Tuesday has been running for 27 years. At the Open Door Church (Spalding Road DSJ) during term time the group meets from 10-11.30 am. Each week has a different theme with dinosaurs, pets, transport all being very popular. Activities are in keeping with the theme as is storytime, often accompanied by singing and dancing. Snack time includes a drink and fresh fruit and healthy snacks. Parents also receive a drink and a snack. It is £1.50 for the first child and £1 for siblings. Contact on Facebook.

Deepings Library

What better way to introduce your child to a lifetime love of books than through Book Babies – a group from birth to around one year. Every Tuesday between 10.15 and 11.15 am you’ll find a play mat, toys and of course books, plus the chance to collect your Bookstart Baby Bag filled with goodies. The session is volunteer-led and there are free hot drinks for adults – a lovely little social group! On Friday between 10.15 and 10.45 am there is Rhymetime for 1-3 year olds – a lively group with singing, actions, instruments and more! Run by volunteers, this group is a wonderful way to start a Friday! On Wednesdays between 2 and 2.30 pm pre-schoolers are entertained by the legendary storytellers who often finish the session with a craft activity. Start the week with ‘Stay and Play’ when a different themed toy set is left out (train tracks, dino land, baking, tea party, duplo bricks and city life). All are free sessions, although donations are always welcome.

Five great places for babies and toddlers

Seedlings

Baby and toddler group Seedlings has been running for 30 years, by members of Deeping Baptist Church .Open term time Thursdays from 10 -11.30, sessions begin with play time and a craft activity. This is followed by some action songs and ends with refreshments and a story time which is usually based on people from the Bible. Parents/ carers who come along are encouraged to join in, and can meet with fellow parents/carers too. This is a warm and safe space to play and meet with plenty of onsite parking, an accessible toilet and babychange facilities. All volunteers have been recently DBS checked. A contribution of £1 per family is requested towards refreshments which are offered to all who come along. The church is set back from Bridge Street, Deeping St James, opposite the River Welland (postcode PE6 8HA). Visit www.deepingbaptistchurch.org or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Bumps to 4

Langtoft’s baby and toddler group –Bumps 2 Four – meets at the Village Hall on Friday mornings, 9.30 – 11am during term time. All ages are welcome and catered for; as the names says –bumps until 4 years! Every week we have out our baby corner with soft rugs, baby toys and sensory play. We have a different theme each week, with a craft table and messy play based on that theme. Then we rotate through our toys, including our play kitchen, balance beam, construction toys, wooden garage, doll corner, farm animals and dinosaurs – to name a few. We finish off each session with storytime and singing. And it wouldn’t be a baby group without the tea, coffee and biscuits! Everyone is welcome: parents, grandparents, carers and child minders. Each session is just £2 per family. Just turn up, no need to book. You can pay by contactless as well. Make sure you join our Facebook group (search Bumps 2 Four) to stay in touch with all our news. Bumps 2 Four, Langtoft Village Hall, 26 West End, Langtoft, PE6 9LS

The Children’s Centre

The Children’s Centre offers a warm welcome in a friendly and busy centre in Market Deeping where lots of fun activities, sessions and support are provided. This is somewhere local families with young children can go to enjoy facilities and find out more about local services. The facilities and activities that are offered are designed especially for parents of children under five or who are expecting a new baby. Becoming a parent can be one of the happiest and most challenging moments in anyone’s life. Though it can be a time that brings fantastic memories, it can also be extremely daunting for some, especially first-time parents. Children’s centres play a vital role here, as parents have somewhere they are able to go in order to talk to professionals and other parents. Trained staff help with any specific needs you and your child may have, as well as giving parents, carers and their children the opportunity to meet new people with similar experiences. This supports, and points the way to other services that can help. Children’s centres aim to improve outcomes for young children, ensuring they are happy, healthy and ready to begin school. A six weekly programme of varied activities is available and is suitable for ages 0-5 years. Additional activities are provided during the school holidays and these are open to children up to the age of 8. Free baby and toddler sessions, messy play sessions such as Little Explorers, Baby Massage, Breastfeeding Support Group, Adult Learning, Health Clinic Appointments, Midwife appointments, ESOL (for speakers of other languages) courses are all on offer. Visit https://www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/directory-record/62616/market-deeping-children-s-centre and visit theevents diary. Follow on Facebook or pick up a timetable from the centre. Address Willoughby Avenue, Market Deeping 1778 382574 MarketDeepingCC@ lincolnshire.gov.uk Monday to Friday 9am-3pm

what’s on

Upwood Ukuleles Band

Priory Church Hall

Sat 22nd April 7.30pm

Light refreshments - bring your own bottle. Free entry but donations welcome. Supporting the Air Ambulance

Stamford Indoor Bowls Club

Exeter Gardens PE9 2RN

Open Day 23rd April 10.00 am-4.00 pm

Enjoy a warm welcome with equipment provided, expert tuition and free parking. Cafe. This lively six rink club approaching its 35th year run by volunteers is one of the best indoor bowling facilities in the country. Providing competitive and social activity for around 400 members, seven days a week, here’s an opportunity to try something different that is cheap and accessible. www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk

Glinton Horticultural Society

Friday 21st April

Stamford Pottery Market

Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 29 April 10-00am to 4-00 pm

Admission Free

Over 20 local potters displaying their work - an ideal opportunity to view and purchase some unique handmade ceramics – and to chat to the potters about their work.

Talk ‘Bees and Gardening - what is good for bees’ by David Burton, local beekeeping expert. Glinton Village Hall, 7.30. Members £4.00, visitors £5.00

Glinton Horticultural Society

Plant Sale.

Saturday 29th April

Glinton Village Hall, 10.00-12.00.

Coffee & Cake

Priory Church Hall

Sat 29th April 10.00- 12 noon

£3 on the door. Live music and crafts

Willoughby Memorial Trust Gallery

Moreleys Lane, Corby Glen NG33 4NL. 12-5.00pmWeds 19th April - Weds 10th May

Sculpture from Stone - Clay by John Crampin. Paintings by Valerie Roth.

www.willoughbygallery.com

Easter Fun Day

at the Deepings Library

Saturday 8th April 10.00 - 3.00 pm

Crafts, cakes, fun trail, and a special guest *( Small charges apply)

www.deepingslibrary.co.uk

Tel: 01778 346528

Image: Pam Kelly

Church Ladies Fellowship Coffee Morning

Saturday 15th April 10.00 am

Priory Church Hall, DSJ

including raffle, card stall and bottle and box tombola. Money raised will be donated to local charities. All welcome.

The Arts Society Peterborough monthly talk

11th May. The Fleet, PE2 4 DL.

Doors open at 10-15am for coffee and a chat, the talk lasts an hour, your first is free. Music in Art, by Sophie Matthews. Many historical references for musical instruments exist in art. Sophie explores them and gives live demonstrations on replicas of the instruments depicted. Visit: www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk

Grant awarded by South Kesteven Prosperity Fund to offer

14th April 2023 - 10:00am

Wills

Why do I need a will?

Wills are important to ensure that your assets pass to those you would like. If you are not married, your partner will not automatically inherit your estate. If you have children, you can also use a will to nominate guardians to ensure they are looked after if the worst may happen.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

What are they?

Lasting Powers of Attorneys (LPAs) are documents that allow someone that you nominate as your attorney, to deal with your financial or health affairs on your behalf.

These are used when you lose mental capacity but must be created while you can still make decisions. If you do not create these in time, then unfortunately the solution is more costly and time consuming.

Probate

What is it?

When a person sadly passes away, some banks and institutes require a Grant of Probate to enable you to collect in their assets. If you are selling a house, a solicitor will require this to complete the sale.

We are licensed to assist with the probate application on your behalf, as well as distribute the estate, making everything simpler at this difficult time.

Family Run Family Values