Deeping ISSUE 01 / MARCH 2015
I’d rather be in
FEATURE
The history of
John Eve Field
INSIDE
5
places to go for afternoon tea
Newton Fallowell Market Deeping is approaching its first birthday and is celebrating being part of the biggest property-selling family in the region.... The Newton Fallowell network is a family-owned business that includes many family-run branches, and now has a total of 27 East Midlands locations. The Market Deeping office was opened in February 2014 by Jonathan Brewell who runs the branch on a day to day basis and his wife Katie and family members, Heather & Mike Brewell, are all Partners in the business. Over the past twelve months from an empty office the Market Deeping branch has quickly grown to affirm its place as the fastest growing local estate agent. “We are proud to regularly receive recommendations from satisfied clients to their family and friends and look forward to further growth this year alongside supporting the local community and events�, explained Managing Partner Jonathan Brewell who grew up in the Deepings.
At Newton Fallowell we understand that moving house is probably the largest single financial investment most of us make and property sellers need an estate agent they can trust and one who will look after their interests. Our success has been built on not just selling houses but raising the standard of service to enable people to make that all important move. By using the most up to date marketing tools in the industry, we are confident that we can achieve the best results for our clients. For a professional one-stop shop for all property matters call us or drop by for a chat. Wherever you are up to in your plans for moving home we assure you a warm welcome.
Jonathan Brewell Managing Partner deeping@newtonfallowell.co.uk 01778 345978
Picture by David Pearson
Welcome
Sammy the Seal has swum 27 miles upstream because he’d clearly ‘Rather be in Deeping!’. We agree with him! So much so that we have bought out this magazine ‘Id rather be in Deeping’ and over the coming months we will uncover hidden mysteries, interview local personalities, make recommendations, carry wonderful photographs, projects and articles that we hope you will enjoy reading as much as we will have enjoyed putting them together! This vibrant, growing community in the southernmost corner of the county has much to celebrate and we hope that while travelling forward we will also be able to look over our shoulder and remember the past. Enjoy! 3
call now
07590913949
JADE BEECH
Cloudnine Gift Shops Market Deeping 8 High Street
Stamford
4 Stamford Walk
01778348703
BeautyTherapist
01780 751716
Cloudnine Gift Shops
Limited New treats & Gifts delivered weekly Mother & Father’s Day Treats for all pockets
Various Scarf ranges
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20 07&09 News 10 Why John Eve Field? 13 I’d rather be in Deeping Lifestyle 14 Profile: Kerry Pirie 17 How to encourage garden birds 18 Craft Project: How to make a Beeded fishtail Bracelet 20 7 things to do in the Spring with the kids 23 Grand National 24 Five great places for afternoon tea 26 What’s On
Inside Editor: Sub-Editor: Designer: Features Writers:
Judy Stevens Susan Hibbins Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design Michelle Board, Donna McKean Smith, Nicholas Watts
Research: Photography: Publisher: Printed by:
Joy Baxter, Michael Eve, Pauline Redshaw Ian Baxter, David Pearson, Judy Stevens Judy Stevens Warners Midland PLC
Deeping I’d rather be in
Contact: 01778 348859 Email: idratherbeindeeping@gmail.com I’d rather be in Deeping
@BeInDeeping
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DON’T FORGET TAKE AWAY
RESTAURANT
Senior Citizens – Free Chips with any Fish
2 Kids under 10 Eat Free
Monday to Saturday between 11.30am and 2pm
With one Adult buying a Main Meal Every Saturday Gluten Free Fish & Chips Available – Every Monday
EXTENDED MENU IN THE RESTAURANT
Unique & Classic
ASK FOR A COPY OF OUR EVENTS LEAFLET 62-64 High Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE6 8EB Take Away: 01778 342201 and Restaurant: 01778 347080 www.boundaryfishandchips.co.uk
5 Market Place, Market Deeping
01778 347007 www.muranosilver.com molly@muranosilver.com
01778 218 269
Installation, repairs and maintenance of solid fuel stoves 58 High St., Market Deeping info@dtstoves.co.uk 6
www.dtstoves.co.uk
Tues - Fri 10.00 am - 17.00 pm Sat 10.00am - 16.00 pm
NEWS Library visits smash record! Arguably the most talked about Library in the UK, the fate of the Deepings Library is still on everyone’s lips! At the beginning of Feb not only did Sarah Teale of East Midlands Today come to film some footage and local comments about the building but the Library Event produced some great costumes, Mary Poppins aka Lorraine Watkins and Liz Waterland with her owl familiar to name but two. Clive the baker memorable as the Mad Hatter!
The previous record of 329 people to attend the Library in one day was smashed when 680 people crammed through the doors. Those that came were richly rewarded with a story telling session with Lorraine and librarian, Kate Culley that was second to none and an array of giveaways including bookmarks and
The Credit Union comes to the Deepings. cakes. For the final fate of the Library... watch this space but please don’t think the Friends of Deeping Library are not fighting for a professionally staffed library every inch of the way! By the way what is the witch saying to Market Deeping Mayor, Roy Stephenson? Answers to idratherbeindeeping@gmail.com
Signal Box in acclaimed book Working on the railways for fifty years, Tony Cook decided he did not want his historical record to be lost and so has published a book, ‘Sojourn’s of a Railway Signalman’ which includes details of the fight, supported by Tony, for the Deeping St James signal box. The book has been widely acclaimed, Michael Portillo commenting ‘Your beautiful book is an extraordinary
record in history and illustrated’.
railway superbly
Now, thanks to the generosity of the author, a proportion of the sale of every book will go towards the rebuild of the Deeping St James signal box, which is looking increasingly likely pending negotiations for land and financial help with the rebuild. Network Rail have painstakingly dismantled the signal box and are now looking to replace any lost or damaged parts with similar replacements.
The Book can be purchased at Black Cab Framing Church St., DSJ who also have a very few limited edition prints of the signal box by local printmaker, John McGowan, for sale.
Even here in Deeping payday loan companies have been offering their loans to people at astronomical rates of interest that are nigh on impossible to pay back! Now there is an alternative! The Lincolnshire Credit Union is an ethical and equitable bank. It creates opportunities for members to save, apply for a loan or invest. The dividends paid on savings or investments are reasonable. Never had a bank account? A Credit Union can give you the opportunity to build up a proven credit rating. For instance, their Christmas Saving Account is very popular as the monies accrued can be spent anywhere and your main account will be credited with any dividend earned. Loans could be available to meet a genuine financial crisis. The repayments are based upon your ability to pay. Interest rates are reasonable and much safer than payday loans. There is a local Access Point in The institute, 10 Church Street Deeping St James. on Mondays from 10am –12noon. Just call in you will be welcome. There is a County Web site www.lincscreditunion.org. uk or Facebook.com/lincolnshire creditunion. 7
“
We at Simply Hats are here to offer you a friendly service in a pleasant setting in the town of Market Deeping. A visit that you will remember. All hats and fascinators can be hired or purchased at very reasonable prices for weddings, the bride, proms, a day at the races or any other event.
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Crowland Carpets, 3 The Deeping Centre, Market Deeping PE6 8FG t: 01778 341827 e: enquiries@crowlandcarpets.co.uk Visit: www.crowlandcarpets.co.uk
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NEWS SKDC Enterprise Week SKDC’s Enterprise Week returns this year from 9 to 13 March and aims to promote business development, entrepreneurial spirit, stimulate business growth and help create new business. There are a wide range of interactive workshops, informative talks and networking in events across Grantham, Stamford and Market Deeping. Events include blogging for business, getting to grips with Twitter, using LinkedIn, as well as tips on delivering great customer service and telephone techniques. The highlight of the week is a full day business problem-solving experience at Stoke Rochford Hall on Wednesday 11 March. A dedicated website with the full programme of events for the week, including how to book for each session, is online at www.skdcenterpriseweek.co.uk.
Mayor Roy Stephenson headed up a team of volunteers including members of Lincs Wildlife Trust to lay this hedge in Rectory Paddock, Market Deeping.
Landmark cat
Oli on sentry duty at Rycroft Shops
New stocks arriving at Cloudnine include popular room diffusers now in limeleaf and ginger. Quality product, at a good price and made in the UK!
Chicks for Charity l to r; Janet Tribe, Sam Markey and Monica Smith are knitting their way to £5,000 for The Deepings Mens Group, Lives & Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Chicks and rabbits in kaleidoscope colours with a chocolate or creme egg inside - just £1 each. Make these your Easter alternative and support a great cause! 9
Why 10
‘John Eve’ Field?
FEATURE
We uncover the story of how a local landmark got its name.
The name of Eve has been woven into the daily life of the Deepings for over a century; farming a significant acreage in the centre of the settlement, running a local milk round and now the field bearing the name plays a prime role in the social calendar of the community. But it was not always the case. The family originated in Soham from where James Eve travelled to Newborough as an agricultural labourer and there in 1839 married Sarah Clark with whom he had five children brought up in Milking Nook. The second of the brood, John, born in 1843, married Ann Wildboar and became a relatively prosperous potato dealer, building his own house in Guntons Road and farming 20 acres. John’s second son Herbert remained at home working on the farm until in 1903, aged 27, he married Charlotte Venters from Eye. It was then that the couple moved to Deeping to Swines Meadow Farm, which is still in the family and run as a garden centre. Herbert and Charlotte had six children; one, Mollie died an infant. The youngest, Horace born in 1918, saw service in the Second World War, firstly as a mechanic and latterly as a chauffeur. He was the only son not to go into farming, instead after his marriage running a restaurant on the seafront at Skegness. When her son John married Frances, Charlotte, widowed in 1926, bought him Hall Farm while son, Herbert Leonard, known as Len, farmed with his son Michael at Swines Meadow. They reared a pure breed herd of saddleback pigs, numbering 200 head of breeding sows. When saddlebacks became less popular, thought to be too fatty,
John Eve with Alice who lived to be 28 years old
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FEATURE
they were bred with Welsh or Large White. Len and Michael were assisted by Albert Eric, known as Eric, (twin to John) who lived in Queensland, Halfleet, with his mother, Charlotte. John focused on rearing a herd of British Friesians; all were tuberculosis tested and those not making the grade were sent for slaughter. John’s herd of 200 Friesians were often successful at agricultural shows, their rosettes still kept proudly by the family today. John was kept busy tending the herd, milking and delivering milk house to house, at first with a pony pulling a cart carrying a churn from which buckets were filled with the rich creamy milk. John used a little black pony for the job, treated to a daily bowl of beer as she finished the round by an old chap who resided in a cottage on Towngate opposite Vergettes farm. Later, Dolly, a brown-and-white pony, took over for about 15 years and then went out to grass. When Dolly retired a bigger milk float was used that was more suitable for distributing the milk bottles which were now popular, kept in crates. A big brown pony pulled the float, better suited in size to the larger vehicle. The calm of the pony trotting down the High Street was shattered one morning when a lorry had a tyre burst, crashing into Grummits TV shop window (later Deeping TV ). The pony found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, and galloped home to her stable at Hall Farm dragging her shafts behind!
Herbert Eve father of John (1876-1926) and Charlotte Eve (nee Venters) mother of John (1880-1963)
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l-r, Len, Alan and John Eve with prize winning British Friesians
“...his legacy remains as important now as it was in the days when he first conceived of the idea of a playing field in the lee of the church”
Michael, nephew of John, explains, “As traffic built up in the area and it was harder and harder to get staff, and the farm suffered from the effects of Foot and Mouth disease elsewhere, John sold his milk to Horrels, later Beeby’s, and he also began to sell his land. At one time the family farmed 700 acres locally. First it went for the building of Black Prince Avenue and John Eve Way, and land was donated to Market Deeping Parish Council (now Town Council) for the growing population, to provide the playing field. Later land was sold for the Health Centre, John paying for the building of the nurses’ consulting rooms.”
John Eve had been a Councillor for the best part of 30 years and he knew well that with the selling off of the Park, the area now known as Wade Park Avenue, there was a desperate need for a recreation ground. John died in 1985 and his legacy remains as important now as it was in the days when he first conceived of the idea of a playing field in the lee of the church.
With thanks to Michael Eve, Pauline Redshaw and Joy & Ian Baxter
Deeping I’d rather be in
Lifestyle Images supplied by Crowland Carpets
Ruffles Hair Design 3 Halfleet, Market Deeping PE6 8DB 01778 344677 At Ruffles we have a highly skilled team of creative stylists, in a very welcoming environment. Contact us on 01778 344677 to book in for your Ruffles experience. Also at 3 Halfleet you will find
Ruffles Dress Agency 01778 344677
where you can buy or sell your top quality garments... Mother of the Bride/Groom, Prom Dresses, Eveningwear, top end daywear, bags, hats and shoes... Pop in for a browse
Get In Touch Please free to contact me by telephone or email. T: 07740 509955 E: su@sudonley.co.uk www.sudonley.co.uk
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PROFILE
Mad woman with a dog in a buggy
Meet Kerry Pirie Living next to the road named after her Great Grandparents Charles and Edna Thacker, it is hardly a surprise that Kerry Pirie is a Deeping girl through and through. Her growing up has exactly coincided with the development of Deeping from a small rural settlement to the thriving community it is today. Her family home was the bungalow in Park Road next to the ‘blue box’ as the Deepings School was referred to when it was first built. Kerry remembers her mother, Janice (nee Sharpe), taking her through a building site to Deeping St James County Primary School where she was one of the first pupils under head teacher, Mr Flower. A few years earlier and she would have attended the Cross School.
Janice & Malcolm Robinson
Having spent her working life in Deeping, in Reflections the Hair & Beauty salon in the Market Place run by her mother and later at Hairlines in New Row, and after bringing up her daughter, Steph, now 29, here, Kerry has many local friends and acquaintances. It was not until she had to take one of her dogs, Harry, poorly from an operation, out for a walk in a buggy in order to accompany her well dog, Izzy, that she remembered an eccentric lady from her youth who used to push a dog in a pram, that she realised just how far this friendship circle had spread. “I put a post on Facebook’ she explained, “and saw that there were hundreds of people out there with shared memories.” It was her friend, Michelle Randall, who suggested a Facebook page dedicated to the memories of the Deepings and so ‘Mad woman with a dog in a buggy’ was born. Now with 3,000+ members, the site has prompted at least two reunions, one here at the Waterton Arms, where over 100
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members of the site gathered in the Autumn, one retired teacher from the Deepings School, Helen Camm, travelling from Knaresborough for the event. On the other side of the world in Australia another get-together was staged where people living relatively close hadn’t realised their proximity to each other until the page was launched. There are no signs of the popularity of the page waning; each new season brings forth a welter of memories, people affectionately remembering past rituals, characters, buildings and shops. “Jack Blade’s shop was remembered by people who haven’t been back to Deeping for years and lots of people worked there,” recalls Kerry. “It was a real landmark place and one that unites locals.” Janice, Kerry’s Mum, welcomed the growth of Deeping. A business woman to the core, who had started her working life as a legal secretary to Rowland Wade, she saw the prosperity of the village and town being dependent on its potential to embrace the future. It is now left to her daughter to ensure that it is also grounded in the past.
“saw that there were hundreds of people out there with shared memories�
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Good Food, Real Ales, Great Entertainment March events…
April events…
May Day Beer Festival…
Sunday 15th March – Mother’s Day menu and specials across 2 dining times
Fri 3rd to Sun 5th April – Easter specials (book early for our popular Easter Sunday roasts)
Tues 17th March from 7pm – St Patrick’s Day celebrations – enjoy the craic with The Shades of Green playing Irish classics in the main bar. Free Irish Stew until it runs out!
Sat 4th April, 8.30pm – fabulous young band, Amplified, play live in the main bar
Fri 1st May to Mon 4th May – the annual Golden Pheasant Beer Fest. Over 20 real ales, great music and tasty Spring menu selections
Sat 28th March, 8.30pm - Local legend, Paul Lake, plays great rock and pop classic covers in the main bar
Fri 10th to Sat 12th April – Greek Easter specials – Greek Cypriot meze dishes and other tasty treats Thurs 23rd April from 6.30pm – St George’s Day celebrations with a special menu and classic English entertainment
Sat 2nd May, 8.30pm – Popular local band, DB5 play great rock and pop covers Mon 4th May, 2.30pm – The One Eyed Cats play their unique versions of Blues, Soul and Rock classics
Come and try our CAMRA accredited real ales (we’re in their Good Beer Guide). We have a Cask Marque award and support the LocAle scheme
The Golden Pheasant -
1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough, PE6 7DA 16
Tel: 01733 252387
Email: info@thegoldenpheasant.net www.thegoldenpheasant.net
BIRDS
“Wildlife is amazing but some of it is disappearing and so we must look after it if we want to continue to see it” www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/
How to encourage garden birds this Spring Having laid a lot of tarmac and concrete, drained the land and built a lot of houses, wildlife is getting brushed to one side. Wildlife is amazing but some of it is disappearing and so we must look after it if we want to continue to see it. Over the next three months there won’t be many plants going to seed and there aren’t many insects around so we can help garden birds by putting food out in our gardens. Bird feeding was traditionally for the winter but Vine House Farm now sell more bird feed in May and June than any other month of the year. Our smaller birds need high energy food, ideally insects but sunflowers, fat, peanuts in a feeder (loose and they are a choking hazard for young fledglings) and other small seeds, (not wheat or barley) will do very nicely. Birds have to feed their nestlings moist food as they are unable to take them water. Moist foods are insects or unripe seeds which build up during the summer months but now we help birds feed their young by putting out live meal worms for smaller birds and raisins and sultanas that you have soaked in water overnight for blackbirds, thrushes and starlings. If you
feed these in a cage the pigeons and crows won’t be able to get them. By offering the birds moist food it will help them rear more young and maybe even have an extra brood. Soft apples and pears cut in half, bananas and grapes are good on the bird table - you can even offer cheese or waxworms though these are more expensive. Birds also need to feel safe in your garden, they need cover to hide in where they will feel safe, a prickly bush is the best place, so if you don’t have one why not grow one. Sow wildlife friendly plants; to name a few Jacobs Ladder, Honeysuckle, Buddleia, Primrose, Sunflowers, Cowslips, Teasles, Cornflowers, Foxgloves and Poached Egg Plants. Use the opportunity that warmer days bring to thoroughly clean or replace birdfeeders and bird baths and remember a fresh supply of clean water is important too, good hygiene is vital or feeding may do more harm than good. Nicholas Watts www.vinehousefarm.co.uk
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CRAFT PROJECT
Beaded Fishtail bracelet Make Donna McKean Smith’s Beaded Fishtail loom band bracelet using alphabet beads to make a truly personal design.
GATHER THESE SUPPLIES
1 pack metallic loom bands – use 3 colours 6mm Alphabet Beads S Clip Small piece of 0.5mm wire
STEP BY STEP...
3 1
Take a purple band and make a figure of eight over 2 of your loom hooks
DESIGNER SECRET Take care to position your bands carefully on top of each other as it will create a neater finished result.
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Add a silver loom band followed by a gold loom band in a complete circle over the same 2 hooks.
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Add a further purple band and take the silver band over the top of the gold and purple bands, repeat with by adding a silver band and bringing the gold band over the top, continue until you have loomed approx 2” depending on the name you want to add.
Take the purple band from the bottom up and over the top of both the bands, repeat the opposite side.
CRAFT PROJECT both sides over as normal to sit flush either side of the bead. Continue 7 Bring to add a band with no bead on and loom over, add a further band with no bead and loom over, you will now have the correct spacing inbetween and can add your next letter into your design, continue until your name is added and finish with some plain fishtail to match the first side.
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To add your beads into your design fold a 2” piece of wire in half and place a band in the centre, close the wire and push both bits through the bead, if you are writing a name I start with the last letter first, pull on the wire to stretch the band through the bead.
finish your bracelet add an s clip onto the start of your braclet, for the side 8 To still on the loom, take the bottom band over the top one, leaving you with one band on either side , hook the s clip through one side of the band and take it off the loom, then over the other side and remove from the loom.
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Hold both sides of the band and place on the loom as normal
Reader Offer
Buy 25 bags of loom bands rrp £25 for only £5 whilst stocks last
SHOPPING GUIDE Riverside Beads in Market Deeping, Peterborough stock all the materials you need to make this project www.riversidebeads.co.uk 01778 346810
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KIDS
7 things to do in spring Easter egg hunting Celebrate Easter and spring at Burghley House. Come along on 5 April (11am – 5pm) and take part in the Easter Egg Hunt. Just follow the clues in the treasure hunt to solve the riddle and you’ll be rewarded with a chocolate egg. There’s also an Easter quiz for parents – enter to win a family season pass to Burghley. See more at www.burghley.co.uk
The weather is warming up and things are starting to turn green again. Shed your winter coat and get out and about with the kids this spring season.
Swing through the trees
Wander through the woods The Deepings Lakes nature reserve makes for a good walk any time of the year. The circular route is just the right length for little legs and there is plenty to keep kids interested. Children will enjoy peeping through the windows in the bird hides or playing hide-and-seek in the woods. Just remember there are no facilities on site and take wellies if it’s been raining as it can get muddy underfoot.
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The adventure playground at Grimsthorpe Castle is set in a beautiful woodland area in the grounds of this stately home. Kids can play on swings, a see-saw, scramble nets, swinging bridges and slides. The playground opens when the house opens again for 2015 on 2 April. See the website for more details: www.grimsthorpe.co.uk
Meet a marmoset And meet other weird and wonderful animals you may never have heard of. The Exotic Pet Refuge in Deeping provides a home for all kinds of animals from all sorts of backgrounds – many are from zoos that have had to close, or owners who can no longer care for them. There are over 300 different animals at the pet refuge. Meet some of these characters at one of the open days – the first is on 5th April, 9am – 4pm. The Exotic Pet Refuge only opens six days a year – see the website for dates of all the open days: www.exoticpetrefuge.org.uk.
with the kids Zip down a zip wire There’s plenty to do at the Spinney (Little Bytham) for kids of all ages. The play equipment is really great, with two big slides built into a slope, swings, zip wire, wobbly bridge, climbing frame, look-out tower and a small area for under 5s, with a smaller slide, seesaw and little hut. And it’s all for free! See www.bythamspinney.co.uk for more information.
Feed a lamb Newborn lambs are a sign that spring has surely arrived. Head along to Pigeons Farm in March or April for a chance to see the new lambs and have a go at feeding one yourself. It’s a lovely time to visit, as there will be lots of new baby animals on the farm, as well as the lambs. Normal entry prices apply. See website for more details: www.pigeonsfarm.co.uk.
Let off some steam at Hills and Holes Run up and down and round and round at Hills and Holes in Barnack. It’s an ancient quarry, which is why the landscape has been left all ‘bumpy’. It’s one of Britain’s most important sites for wildlife and has eight species of rare orchids. But the kids will just enjoy running up and down the steeply-sided hills and humps.
For more suggestions of things to do and places to visit with children, visit littlemissadventures.net – a blog by Michelle Board, a Deeping St James local and mum of one. 21
Reader Offer
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GRAND NATIONAL
Purple Silk runs for Deeping in the National ‘Purple Silk’ is one of the sporting legends from the Deepings, entered into the Aintree Grand National in 1964 by his trainer Mike Vergette. With odds of 100-6, it was said that the men of Market Deeping had put their weeks’ wages on the horse, who was pipped at the post by ‘Team Spirit.’ Later that year, Mike won the Gerry Feilden Hurdle at the Hennessy Gold Cup, Newbury, with ‘Golden Sailor’, a fiveyear-old ridden by David Nicholson. Local residents were thrilled to see strings of beautiful horses being exercised over the gallops in local fields and to speculate the starting stands that stood in the field on the Bourne Road. Studying form took on a personal note when Mike Vergette’s horses were running! Mike had had a brilliant career as a jockey. He won his first race when he was a 15-year-old apprentice jockey, going on to win 40 more races on the flat. Changing to National Hunt rules over jumps, he was a winner of 67 races, not only in the UK but in India, Denmark and Sweden. The son of George and Dorothy Vergette of Towngate House, Mike was just 24 when he established his racing stables at Towngate where he employed six stable lads, one female, to look after around 20 horses in training. Each lad looked after three horses starting at 6.30a.m. to muck out and then ride each horse for its morning exercise. Then each horse was groomed and the lads had a well-earned rest until the stable’s evening routine began.
In 1973 Mike, speaking to Richard Grummit of the Stamford Mercury said, “To make a 20 horse stable pay, the owners had to be financially sound. Training fees, which are mostly to provide good hay and oats for feed, come to between £20 and £30 a week. When we send a horse in a trailer and box the cost is about £30 for one and £50 for two horses. Declaration fees also have to be paid and are £10 upwards. In fact, to run a horse in the Derby an owner has to pay £200 at each stage.” At this time, Mike had a star horse named ‘Ashendene’, bought from John van Geest for £10,000. An easy horse to train, it loved racing and won six easily but having run at Newbury, returned home with a tendon injury and was unable to race for some time. Filly ‘Gin Fizz‘, had at this time already won three good races and would become a runner in the National. ‘I’ll do it miway’ was so named because of its difficult temperament and a tendency to throw off its riders. However, it responded to Mike’s quiet voice and patient expertise which gave the horses confidence. ‘Penzance’ was a promising hurdler in the stables. During his career as a trainer, Mike had 42 winners on the flat and 298 over the jumps. Plans for the Deepings bypass made it clear that the usual rides would not be available for exercising the horses and the stables were closed. Mike Vergette died in 2008, leaving his wife Lucy, and children George, William, Susan and Julia.
Words Judy Stevens Research: Nancy Titman, Joy Baxter Photographs: Dorothea Price, Ian Baxter
The Crabbie’s Grand National Festival 2014 runs this year from April 9-11th. 23
Fivegreat places
for afternoon tea
The Old Copper Kettle at Crowland Quirkily this tea room under an ancient thatch shares its premises with the local dentist but that does not mean that an afternoon tea to tuck into is compromised in anyway. It’s trompe l’oeil walls, little pond and collection of old railway posters echo the ambience that was shared by the RAF pilot and his WAAF girlfriend whose meeting place was an ’Old Copper Kettle’ back in 1942 and who are quoted on a sign by the front door. If that’s not enough, there are a great selection of cakes, charming service and the ancient abbey is a stone’s throw away. What’s not to like! Tel: 01733 211865
Sophies T’s Vintage Tea Shop, Yaxley Tea in a time capsule! A love of World War 2 aircraft and the desire for a tea shop were two ideas that collided when the old Chemist shop in Yaxley (dating from 1880) came on the market. When you have afternoon tea, or a light lunch at Sophies you are treated not only to homemade cakes that are a feast for the eye as well as the tongue but a lovingly collected selection of memorabilia, some of which is for sale as well as hand knitted traditional tea cosies which grace the beautiful old -fashioned bow window and spill over into the café! A favourite with re-enactors! Open Tues- Sat 9.30am - 4.30 pm www.sophiets.co.uk or call 07768 351227 24
Lillis of Market Deeping Sarah Pope is a pastry chef with over 25 years experience and her love of creating beautiful cakes and providing a wonderful culinary experience is self evident in her charming café in Market Gate, in the heart of Market Deeping. Her vintage trademark coupled with peppermint green paint, and picture perfect tea services provide a welcoming backdrop for the light lunches and afternoon teas served by waitresses in uniform reminiscent of a Lyons Corner House. Thankfully afternoon tea is now back in vogue and there is no better place to enjoy it! Tel 07736 322393
KEEP CALM
& TREAT MUM AT THE
RED LION
Deeping Fudge Shop and Tea Room Tucked away in Deeping St James on Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, specialising in rare and unusual plants, is a delightful tea room situated in what used to be a cow byre. Now it is possible to buy an array of home made marmalades and jams, blackcurrant vinegar, quince and medlar jelly as well as apple juice, elderflower cordial, pickled onions all made from the fruits of trees and shrubs grown on the nursery. Enjoy an excellent cup of tea or coffee while choosing from a tempting selection of homemade fudge, from salted caramel to raspberry ripple and available in cartons, slabs or in presentation boxes. Open 10-4 daily www.deepingfudge.co.uk
The George of Stamford Who can argue that with over 1,000 years of history? There is nothing like the fire in the ancient inglenook, the tinkling of the piano, the beams, the atmosphere oozing from every nook and cranny for putting you in the mood! Afternoon tea out of the finest bone china accompanied by a warm scone with a generous dollop of Cornish clotted cream and homemade jam with whole strawberries. A selection of finger sandwiches are of free range egg mayonnaise, salmon, beef and cucumber and cream cheese. Its not inexpensive but then you wouldn’t want anything less would you? Not possible to book, turn up and wait for a table! Teas are served between 3.30 - 5.30 pm. www.georgehotelofstamford.com
THE RED LION West Deeping 01778 347190
www.redlionwestdeeping.co.uk the red lion, west deeping redlionwdeeping
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CALL US TODAY OR BOOK ONLINE!
T: 01733 286472 www.dailypoppins.com
Open 6 days a week
• • • •
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Back and Neck pain Frozen shoulder Sciatica Sports injuries
• Repetitive strains, tennis elbow • Rheumatic Arthritic pain • Joint pain Plus much more...
We can help you, call us today for professional affordable help.
Tel: 01778 345223 www.deepingosteopaths.co.uk
37 Church Street, Market Deeping, PE6 8AN 25
what’s on West Deeping Heritage Group Easton Walled Gardens
‘Bourne is famous for...what? Amongst Bourne’s claims to fame was the exceptionally fine water supply. What else was the town famous for?
will open for the season on Sunday 1st March and will then be open for the summer on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00 a.m - 4.00 p.m £6.95 for adults and £2.95 per child. www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk t: 01476 530063
Image Frank Cholmeley
Deepings Heritage Meetings Thurs 12th March “Excavating the Roman Fort at Water Newton” - Dr Stephen Upex. This will be a fascinating presentation by the archaeological expert who led the excavation. Thurs 9th April “Bell, Book and Candle” -Jill Collinge A Stamford Blue Badge Guide and a familiar name to many, Jill’s presentations are always very interesting. 7.30 pm Conference Room, Deepings School. Non-members welcome - only £2! 26
Talk by Bourne Preservation Society. Tuesday March 17th Village Hall, King St. Refreshments 7.00pm Talk 7.30pm £2.50 (on the door) t: 01778 344768
Lincoln Castle Revealed Celebrate the grand opening of Lincoln Castle Revealed, starting at 10am on Wednesday 1st April.The Castle’s gates will swing open with a fanfare to reveal new visitor experiences – including an underground exhibition home for Lincoln Cathedral’s 1215 Magna Carta, one of only four left in the world. Medieval musicians, a Feast of Fools and free family fun will mark the end of a four-year, £22m transformation of Lincoln Castle into a world-class heritage attraction.Free entertainment from 10am-6pm will feature hands-on games, children’s army drill course and have-a-go activities, including a chance to dress up as a knight. Visitors can also tackle the Castle Grand Easter Quest while the Victorian Chocolate Kitchen is bound to prove popular too. The fun continues on Thursday 2nd April with more free family entertainment when the gates open at 9am, with entertainment from 10am. For full details: www.lincolncastle.com
Events calendar at www.deepings.co.uk
NCT Nearly New Sale - 14 March
Hardy Plant Society Meetings Swines Meadow Farm Nursery 2.00 for 2.30 pm
Come along to The Deepings School and grab yourself a bargain! Buy nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment, books, DVDs and much more! Sale starts at 11.30am (NCT members admitted at 11am).
HPS members £3:00 non members £4:00 16th March John Stirland on Wildlife Gardening 18th April John Amos on Winter Interest Shrubs 19th April 10.00 am- 2.30 pm Plant Fair entry free.
Come and join the Parade! Deepings Carnival this year 12th July with a parade of vintage vehicles and more! If you would like to join us then please call Judy Stevens on 348859 or email judy.stevens1@btopenworld.com
‘Treat yourself to a trip to Walsingham this Easter!’ says Elizabeth Meath Baker Picturesque medieval and Georgian buildings line the streets, you can roam the Abbey Grounds, explore the Museum, historic prison, and the many churches, or commune with nature on a long farmland walk or cycle. Add in a steam train ride, a potter round the shops, follow up with a drink and something to eat at one of the village’s cafés, pubs or restaurants, and Walsingham, both Little and Great, offers you a lovely family day out. Find out more www.walsinghamvillage.org 27
