I'd rather be in Deeping March 2023

5 INSIDE Beltons

great Betjeman links to Lincs

Welcome

Imagine living alone and the terror of your home being broken into by burglars on what is otherwise a peaceful street on a calm day at the beginning of February? Hard to believe! Fortunately this sort of event is very rare here in the Deepings but of course when it did happen, the Deepings community, rallied by the Facebook group Deep in Kindness, came to the fore as it so often does! Katie Hawes at Sam’s in Rycroft Avenue set up a collection box and the contributions raised were then used by Group Founder RaeChell Culff to buy treats from local businesses (Lilli’s Tearoom, Manna Flowers, Riverside Crafts, Market Gate Deli, Hair Flair) added to by gifts from Tesco, as a reminder that as part of an active and loving community you are not alone!

Judy Stevens

Judy Stevens Sub-Editor: Susan Hibbins Designer: Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design

Writers: Judy Stevens, Ray Pawlett, Will Bowell, Maggie McKay, Susan Hibbins, David Brown and Zoë Kornfeld

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

The Royal British Legion Remembrance Day collection 2022 has now topped £14,000. If you would like to help wih the collection this year then please call 07712694544

Peterborough United’s Ricky Jade Jones took an assembly at Linchfield School recently where he spoke to the children about the qualities of determination and resilience and his journey to become a professional footballer.

Ajay Tegala, a former student at The Deepings School, returned to talk about his book ‘The Unique Life of a Ranger at Blakeney Point. Appearing on both Spring Watch and Autumn Watch, Ajay is now at Wicken Fen.

With a pre-auction estimate of £500-£800 these (laboratory tested) natural pearls with a diamomd and emerald clasp from the Georgian period were part of the Fisher Collection sold by Stamford Auction Rooms at the hammer price of £21,000. Comments auctioneer, Jessica Spencer “Two internet bidders fought it out, one from Paris and one in London, with the London bidder eventually sealing the deal.”

Spotted in Deeping! SKDC’s bin lorry with pink livery for breast cancer awareness.

Image: Stuart Render

LIVE THE Dream

Premium 3/4/5 bed homes in a beautiful village location.

07935

£2000, Don’t Lose Hope £500 and The Ukrainian

The entries in the Advent Calendar Window Competition were all excellent - at the Waterton Arms in Church St DSJ window number 14 won. Designed and created by Paul Taylor the £25 was given by DSJ Parish Council to the Exotic Pets Refuge. In Market Deeping Church St the winning window was number 11 by Oddfellows and they donated their £25 from MD Town Council to the

Newborn, baby and family photographer, Kerry Unwin has been acknowledged for her work with a feature in Amateur Photography magazine. www.kerryunwinphotography.co.uk

Body Repairs

Once again the Deepings Library transformed into Hogwarts just for one day!

Jack in the Beanstalk at the Priory Church Hall with the Priory Players - o yes it was!

Pictured Paisley Patterson, right and Ann Lymburn, left from St Barnabas receive a cheque for £2,000 from Amrit Mistry of the Raft Race Committee.

Image: David Pearson

In spite of a two year gap in the Clash of the Clubs Quiz which has otherwise been running annually since 2010, Halleys Comets retained their crown winning the trophy for the fourth consecutive time!

Vinnis Angels were winners of the picture quiz and the Church and DYG benefitted to the tune of £300 each. l-r Chris Halley, Susan Notley,Margaret Flegg and Chris Notley.

The team from the Vine House Cafe celebrate Burns night at a Pinchbeck Church Hall fundraiser!

A squad of 12 from the Deepings Swimming Club got its 2023 Lincolnshire County Championships campaign underway in style making 13 finals and finishing with four medals (from James Cash,Oliver Clarke and Lottie Flatters) and numerous personal bests. Lottie Ann Flatters went on to win gold in the 200m butterfly at the final weekend of the County Championships where the Club scooped eight medals.

Just as the number of traditional pubs are declining so the rise of the micro pub and local breweries are growing! Says Steve Williams of The Thirsty Giraffe in Manor Way Deeping St James “The Thirsty Giraffe has been open just over a year and it’s been a fabulous experience all the way! Even though the concept of the micropub has been in existence for the last two decades I still get the impression that locally, many are not too sure what we are! But once they do discover us they enjoy the atmosphere and the ale and become our regulars!” Pictured from the Thirsty Giraffe l-r John Lawrence and Steve Williams.

Worcester Bosch accredited installer for the Deepings and face of Worcester Bosch 2012

Ranked No 2 in UK for boiler supplier in 2020

£65+VAT

Kettler Garden Furniture NOW IN STOCK

Wicker World, Towngate East, Market Deeping. PE68LQ

View At Our Showroom Wicker World, Towngate East, Market Deeping. PE68LQ

www.wicker-world.co.uk TEL: 01778 346268

www.wicker-world.co.uk TEL: 01778 306 465

BUSINESS HOURS:

BUSINESS HOURS: Mon – Sat: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sun: Appointment only Bank Holidays: Appointment only

Tuesday to Saturday : 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday & Monday by appointment.

The winning name to be pulled out of the hat by DSJ Councillor,Jack Little, was Helen Morgan! She wins two tickets to visit Easton Walled Gardens in Snowdrop time.

Ever wondered while watching DIY SOS if any of those tradesmen come from the Deepings? Well it turns out that they do. Pictured here is JC Carter who with Jeremy Post of The Brickman UK Ltd Werrington worked on a home transformation in Spalding. Looking at the bricks used on the extension you will notice that they were initially the wrong hue until cleverly brick tinted by our local Brickman!

Visit the Red Lion in West Deeping on a Wednesday afternoon and you might wonder what’s going on! Volunteer archivists from West Deeping Heritage Group will be found poring over a boxful of old account books - sustained only by tea and coffee! The collection dates back to 1889, when George Barber was the village blacksmith and carpenter. William Ackland took over the business in around 1904 and carried on until only a few years before his death in 1969. Detailed estimates, invoices and other correspondence are being indexed and recorded, with stories to be shared in future issues of IrbiD.

DRIVEWAYS & LAWN

SPRING OFFERS

Stove installation and care

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Scarify, Spiking, Fertilising, Overseeding

Clearance, Soiling, Seeding & Turfing

Re-shaping & Re-gravelling driveways

The oldest established landscaping company in The Deepings

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01778 342 829

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www.mumbylandscapes.co.uk

TO START

A selection of freshly Baked Breads

Chefs Cream of Vegetable Soup served with fresh bread & butter

Traditional Prawn Cocktail served with granary bread & butter & finished with a Marie Rose sauce

Homemade Pate of the day. served with mixed leaf, onion chutney & ciabatta crisps

Sun-dried Tomato,Black Olive & Parmesan Cheese Bruschetta

Melon Fan. finished with a Cointreau & Orange Coulis

MAINS

Roast Sirloin of Beef served with Yorkshire Pudding

Roast Loin of Pork. served with sage & onion stuffing & Yorkshire Pudding

Duck l’range. succulent duck breast served in a roast orange sauce

Poached Salmon. served with a creamy dill & Leek sauce

Tomato, Mozzarella & Mediterranean Vegetable Filo Pastry Pie (v)

TO FINISH

White Chocolate & Raspberry Panna Cota finished with fruit compote & homemade shortbread biscuit.

Homemade Bakewell Tart served with warm custard

Homemade Baileys & Chocolate Cheesecake served with vanilla ice cream

Traditional Cheese & Biscuits served with celery, grapes & chutney

2 Course’s - £23.95 3 Course’s - £28.95

FOR CHILDREN

Homemade Beefburger, chips & beans

Childs Roast Beef / Childs Roast Pork

Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese, served with garlic bread & fresh salad

Childs Cheese & Tomato Ciabatta Pizza & chunky chips

Childs Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae

Childs Chocolate Brownie

Childs Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae

Fruit Salad

2 Courses - £9.95

Woodlands, Suttons Lane, Deeping Gate PE6 9AA

Some Vikings who would rather have been in Deeping. Probably were in Deeping in the ninth century already!

Read on….

We all know, I guess, about the Viking raiders who landed on our shores a millennium or so ago with a reputation for being warlike and brutal. They raided, took livestock, valuables and people (to be slaves) and then they departed, we learn. But that is not in fact the whole story, and modern research has revealed that many of the raiding Vikings did not depart; they stayed and settled and eventually intermarried with the native inhabitants. And how could it have been otherwise since evidence of their presence here is all around us, not least in our language and, particularly in our part of eastern England, in many place-names. Any village, for example, the name of which ends in -by has to have had a Viking connection: Thurlby, Haconby, Carlby; the list is endless, and the reason is that in several Scandinavian languages ‘by’ is the word for ‘village’.

We tend to think, too, that ‘the Vikings’ were one ‘tribe’ who came from Scandinavia; but Scandinavia is a big area, comprising Norway, Denmark and Sweden. The peoples there did have a lot in common, ethnically, culturally and linguistically, but their explorations, in their formidable longboats, by and large took them in different directions. Norwegian and Danish Vikings travelled west and south, reaching, as well as the British Isles, France and even Greenland and North America, while Swedish Vikings, most often, struck out east across the Baltic to Russia and all the way down to the Black Sea.

Apart from words in our language the other ‘remains’ that speak of our partViking past are archaeological and all to be found in the ground – or above the ground in the form, often, of mysterious circles of stones or mounds of earth. This evidence of our common ancestry was brought home to me when on a visit to Sweden. Even in central and eastern Sweden, the parts facing the Baltic and Russia, the ‘remains’ of their Viking past closely resemble those that are to be found in our islands, and rune stones in central Sweden pay homage to Swedish Viking chiefs who had been in England.

Anyone who chooses to fly to Sweden from our area (and with Ryanair!) is likely to land at one of the most agreeable airports in Europe which, apart from being just an hour’s bus ride from Stockholm, is also less than a stone’s throw from one of the biggest Viking burial mounds and ship-shaped standing stones monuments in Scandinavia: this is Anundshög just outside Västerås. These remains are from around 300 A.D., an earlier era than the Viking incursions into England, which took place over time between 780 and 980 A.D.

We very often refer to people, tribes and ways of life that existed many hundreds of years ago as ‘primitive’, and of course in many ways they were. There was no means of travel on land faster than the horse or by sea faster than a sailing boat with or without oarsmen. But when we look at some of the artifacts, metal work, pottery or jewellery, that have risen to the surface, both in Britain and Scandinavia, we surely have to reassess what we mean by ‘primitive’. These items, both practical and decorative, are – or were when first made – as beautiful and delicate as anything created since. And there must have been quite sophisticated social and political organisations in those primitive tribal lands too, or else how could those earth mounds and stone monuments have been built or a written language developed to be etched into stone (rune stones)? No, an element of humility is surely in order when we look back a very long way and consider what our ‘primitive’ ancestors managed to achieve with the few means and little science that they had at their disposal.

Maggie McKay

Afterword: for more information, recently discovered, about a Viking army winter camp by the River Trent at Torksey, Lincolnshire, go to Google!

Beltons – baking for Deeping for over 60 years!

If you are looking for an individual wedding cake that will complement your unique wedding this year, there are a number of creative cake makers locally, headed up by Sarah McCann-Pope of Lilli’s Cakery and Tea Shop, who you will often see crafting delicate roses out of icing and producing flamboyant designs to stun and amaze. But if you were living in the Deepings in the 1920s and wanted a cake that would be the star of the celebrations then you would head to Church Street, Market Deeping, and specifically to Belton’s Bakery, where Fred Belton was renowned for his cakes, especially his wedding cakes.

Fred was born near Boston in a little village called Thornton le Fen in 1884. He was the youngest son of William and Martha (née Christian). When Fred was just seven years old the family moved to Dronfield in Derbyshire where William set up his own business as a coal carter.

In February 1907 Fred married Lydia Briggs, the daughter of the late farmer Thomas Briggs and Emma. The wedding was held at the Wesleyan Chapel in Billingborough, Fred having set up his own bakery and grocery in Pointon just down the road. He carried on the business with baker Edward Sheffield and Emma, also living at the premises.

The business was successful and soon, in late 1912, Fred bought the shop in Market Deeping. Initially he had a horse and cart for deliveries but later a liveried

delivery van. The shop was divided into two sections, one for the bakery, and the other for fancy goods including haberdashery. Edward Sheffield by this time had married and set up home in Pontefract. Fred prospered and became a respected member of the town; in September 1922 he was on jury service at the police station for the inquest of Ivy Prentice, who had been shot at the White Horse by Frank Fowler. Fred was a member of the Conservative Party and took an interest in local affairs. His prosperity allowed him to buy several properties, one of which was a cottage (for £110) in Mill Lane (now Stamford Road) previously the home of Mrs Wilderspin. By 1930 he had also purchased numbers 84 & 86 Church Street opposite the bakery and now one house. Later he was to buy just over two acres of land at Langtoft Fen.

In July 1931 Fred was re-elected as Director of the Market Deeping Gas & Coke Company having first taken the post in June 1929. He purchased 30 fully paid shares in the company in February 1947 for £13.10 shillings each.

Fred and Lydia energetically participated in the life of the town; at the annual garden fete held at the Rectory Fred won a pig in the skittling competition in 1934. Lydia was asked to judge the cake-baking classes in the Horticultural Show in 1936 while Fred donated a supply of bread to the Peterborough hospital at this time. Along with many others in this country the sight of the Spitfire in the skies above had captured Fred’s imagination and so too did the Spitfire Fund set up by Lord Beaverbrook as a way to speed up aircraft production as part of the war effort in 1940. Fred contributed £40 to the Fund which raised £13 million (approximately £650 million at today’s values).

Fred’s nephew and butcher Walter had married Bessie Muscroft in St Oswald’s Church in Sheffield in 1951. Looking for secure employment he had entered the family business in Market Deeping in 1952 where Bessie gave birth to their only son, Roy. Fred was looking to retire; in 1953 he had spare time to take on the Captaincy of the Market Deeping Bowls Club and in 1954 he and Lydia moved to 13, Mill Drove in Bourne.

When Walter took over he turned a new page in the production process and advertised a modern Steam Bakery offering bread, buns, pork pies, scones, all types of cakes including the wedding cakes for which his uncle was famous. He took on John (known as Jack) Sheffield who lived at number 86 Church Street, neighbours to Mr and Mrs Soames at number 84. Jack took on the responsibility for the bread rounds in the villages.

Like his uncle before him, Walter embraced life in the town. In 1956 he was Vice Captain of the Market Deeping Cricket Team and was presented with a cup for his services to the Club in 1957 as an all rounder. In October 1965 he was recorded as giving bread for the harvest thanksgiving at St Guthlac’s.

Life had not always run smoothly for Walter. In 1957 it was reported in the Peterborough Advertiser that ‘A Market Deeping baker is being strongly cautioned by the Peterborough Inspector of Foods Committee for selling buns with imitation cream from a van in Northborough without displaying notices to that effect in his van and in the shop.’

A year later it was recorded that Messrs F Belton Bakers were unable to supply any sliced bread and their cake making had to be done by hand due to a power cut in Market Deeping.

Fred died in April 1966 leaving £21,418, including the bakery, to Lydia. On her demise two years later Walter inherited the bakery at 31 and 33 Church St and also 86 Church St along with £3,000. Number 84 Church St was left to Hilda Soames (née Martin) provided it was kept in good repair and insured and then going to Roy Belton on Hilda’s death in 1973. Hilda, one of four daughters of John and Drusilla Martin from River View in Stamford Road, had worked as an assistant in the bakery since she left school.

Hilda had married motor mechanic William Soames in 1953. He had lived in Market Deeping since 1921 when he came to the town from Sheffield with his family. Initially they lived at Stamford House and then Willoughby House (80 Church St.) His father apprenticed him to the motor engineering firm of Johnsons of Peterborough and afterwards Reads of Broadway, Peterborough. In his spare time William helped the family run the two cinemas which his father had bought. One was the old cinema which burnt down in 1931 where repertory ran twice weekly, and the other was a mobile cinema which travelled the villages. After his marriage to Hilda he became chief engineer with Mann Egerton of Peterborough. His interest and knowledge of cars saw him in charge of veteran and competition motors and of course his skills were very helpful in servicing the bakery van and equipment. It was a sad day in Deeping in 1972 when William died, as his obituary described him as a well-loved local character. He left £1,671.

Fred had made all of the wedding cakes for the Martin girls, beginning with Florence when in 1923 she

married George Brudenell son of the late Joseph of Baston. The wedding was at St Guthlac’s. Three years later it was the turn of Dorothy (Dolly) who married Mr S. A. Peacock, the youngest son of the late John Peacock of Bedford. In January 1929 Nellie married Horace Bland of Eye at the local church. Hilda was bridesmaid and George Brudenell, now living in Witham on the Hill, was best man. One of their noted presents was an electroplated tea service, the gift of Mr and Mrs Langsley where Nellie was employed.

Walter’s son Roy was reluctant to carry on the business and when Walter retired to Derbyshire in 1973 the contents of the bakery were put up for sale.

So ended a family dynasty which had served the baking and celebration cake needs of the Deepings for over 60 years!

Iced Rose Cakes by Hannah

1950’s cake

fast and efficient wholesaler service to enable us to fulfil all the prescriptions promptly. We also keep a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and also vitamins and mineral supplements

Our other services include

● We offer blister pack medication to patients who meet the criteria.

● Flu vaccinations will be available this winter as a pre-book or drop-in service.

● NHS unwanted medicine service, where you can return all unwanted medicines to the pharmacy where we will dispose of them safely.

● Emergency supplies: if you need one of your regular medicines in an emergency and you are unable to contact your doctor, we may be able to help.

We are an independent pharmacy giving patients a one-to-one service. We like to model ourselves on the old community pharmacy where patients get to know us and you will always see a familiar face. Here at Deeping St James Pharmacy, we are proud to be part of the community and are always striving to give the community the best service open to them.

Come in and say hello, we’d be very glad to see you and assist you with anything you need.

Deeping St James PE6 8NT

DEEPING ST JAMES PHARMACY

DEEPING ST JAMES PHARMACY

DEEPING ST JAMES PHARMACY

Some patients are eligible for free NHS blood pressure checks*

fast and efficient wholesaler service to enable us to fulfil all the prescriptions promptly. We also keep a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and also vitamins and mineral supplements

deepingstjamespharmacy@aah-n3.co.uk

We understand how important it is to speak face-to-face with a pharmacist about your medicines and prescriptions. Our services give you the chance to chat to a pharmacist about your concerns, while getting expert advice on how to impove your health in our private consultation room.

JANUARY 2021

We are an independent pharmacy giving patients a one-to-one service. We like to model ourselves on the old community pharmacy where patients get to know us and and you will always see a familiar face. Here at Deeping St James Pharmacy, we are proud to be part of the community and are always striving to give the community the best service available to them.

WOur other services include

We are an independent pharmacy giving patients a one-to-one service. We like to model ourselves on the old community pharmacy where patients get to know us and and you will always see a familiar face. Here at Deeping St James Pharmacy, we are proud to be part of the community and are always striving to give the community the best service available to them.

We stock a wide range of prescription medications and dressings from all the main brands. We keep a comprehensive stock of all medicines and use a fast and efficient wholesaler service to enable us to fulfill all the prescriptions promptly. We also keep a whole range of over the counter medicines and also vitamins and other mineral supplements.

e are an independent pharmacy giving patients a one-to-one service. We like to model ourselves on the old community pharmacy where patients get to know us and and you will always see a familiar face. Here at Deeping St James Pharmacy, we are proud to be part of the community and are always striving to give the community the best service available to them.

Our other services include

• We offer blister pack medication to patients who meet the criteria.

fast and efficient wholesaler service to enable us to fulfil all the prescriptions promptly. We also keep a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and also vitamins and mineral supplements

● We offer blister pack medication to patients who meet the criteria.

● Flu vaccinations will be available this winter as a pre-book or drop-in service.

We understand how important it is to speak faceto-face with a pharmacist about your medicines and prescriptions. Our services give you the chance to chat to a pharmacist about your concerns, while getting expert advice on how to improve your health in our private consultation room.

fast and efficient wholesaler service to enable us to fulfil all the prescriptions promptly. We also keep a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and also vitamins and mineral supplements

• Flu vaccinations will be available this winter as a pre-book or drop in service.

Our other services include

● NHS unwanted medicine service, where you can return all unwanted medicines to the pharmacy where we will dispose of them safely.

● We offer blister pack medication to patients who meet the criteria.

Our other services include

● Flu vaccinations will be available this winter as a pre-book or drop-in service.

• NHS unwanted medicine service, where you can return all unwanted medicines to the pharmacy where we will dispose of them safely.

● Emergency supplies: if you need one of your regular medicines in an emergency and you are unable to contact your doctor, we may be able to help.

● We offer blister pack medication to patients who meet the criteria.

We understand how important it is to speak faceto-face with a pharmacist about your medicines and prescriptions. Our services give you the chance to chat to a pharmacist about your concerns, while getting expert advice on how to improve your health in our private consultation room.

We stock a wide range of prescription medications and dressings from all the main brands. We keep a comprehensive stock of all medicines and use a

• Emergency supplies. If you need one of your regular medicines in an emergency and you are unable to contact your doctor, we may be able to help.

● Flu vaccinations will be available this winter as a pre-book or drop-in service.

We understand how important it is to speak faceto-face with a pharmacist about your medicines and prescriptions. Our services give you the chance to chat to a pharmacist about your concerns, while getting expert advice on how to improve your health in our private consultation room.

We stock a wide range of prescription medications and dressings from all the main brands. We keep a comprehensive stock of all medicines and use a

We stock a wide range of prescription medications

● NHS unwanted medicine service, where you can return all unwanted medicines to the pharmacy where we will dispose of them safely.

Come in and say hello, we’d be very glad to see you and assist you with anything you need.

● NHS unwanted medicine service, where you can return all unwanted medicines to the pharmacy where we will dispose of them safely.

● Emergency supplies: if you need one of your regular medicines in an emergency and you are unable to contact your doctor, we may be able to help.

● Emergency supplies: if you need one of your regular medicines in an emergency and you are unable to contact your doctor, we may be able to help.

Come in and say hello, we’d be very glad to see you and assist you with anything you need.

*Come in and say hello, we’d be very glad to see you and assist you with anything you need.

The Boundary Club

The Deepings best kept secret

When Frederick Gibbons bought the Granary in Market Deeping in the early 1920s to house his expanding agricultural machinery business, he needed most of the space (Issues 31&32) for the office, the granary, the maltings, the workshops, the forge, the garages and the petrol pump! But he still found room for a billiards room, where he founded the Market Deeping Billiards Club. He enjoyed the sport and was proud of the Club which is why he had the magnificent wroughtiron gate made in his forge, bearing its initials. Of course, he was the first Chairman of the Club and in 1925 he became President.

Records show that in November 1931 the annual meeting took place in the Clubroom with Mr Dexter presiding. Accounts showed a balance in hand of over £15 which was considered very satisfactory. Frederick Gibbons was again pronounced President. The Committee consisted of Messrs Eastgate, Palmer,

Dexter, Prentice, Otter and King and Dr Barrett. The subscriptions were reduced from 10 shillings to7s 6d.

In May 1950 there were 30 entrants in the Club Snooker handicap at the Club and R. Exton emerged as the champion for the second year, defeating J. Wordsall by two frames. Tom King, the Club’s veteran chairman, presented him with the Stacey Cup.

Tom had been a keen billiards player for over 30 years and up to the age of 84 he cycled to the Market Deeping Club from his home in West Deeping. Born in Newborough in 1870, he worked as a farm bird-scarer for Mr Vergette until the age of 17 when he went to the horse training business of Mr Boniface in Thorney, which he later took over after a six-year stint as a groom and gardener for the Revd. Simmonds, Vicar of Thorney. Tom ran the horse training business for eight years. It was here that he met and married Rose who was a parlour maid to one of the stewards on the Duke of Bedford’s estate. She had provided lodgings for customers who brought their horses for training

and to young men sent to Thorney by the Duke for training in estate work. The couple had two daughters, Nellie and Lillian. In 1928 Lillian married farm labourer, Frederick Payen, son of Auguste Payen, born in France and the Farm Bailiff at Holland’s Distillery in Market Deeping (Issue 03).

The family moved to a smallholding in King Street, West Deeping, which the couple ran until Tom’s retirement in 1955. He had retained the stack yard and buildings, keeping poultry and pigs until a year before his death when a severe illness rendered him partially blind. As well as billiards, Tom had been a member of the Market Deeping Bowls Club and had been a well-known runner in his younger days, winning many prizes. On one occasion in Whittlesey a man challenged him to a three-mile race between Thorney and Eye for £5 and Tom proudly recounted that he ‘finished in 16 minutes and 2 seconds; the other chap gave up with half a mile to go’.

An all-round community champion, Tom was a parish councillor, foundation manager of the West Deeping School, trustee of the village charity and churchwarden at St Andrew’s for 46 years. Rose was a member of the West Deeping WI. Rose and Tom celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary in June 1960. Both having been recently in hospital, the day was celebrated with a modest drive in the car with their daughter and son-in-law. Tom died later that year and is buried in the King Street Cemetery, Rose died six years later and is buried in the adjoining plot.

Fred Gibbons died in 1941 and his sons, Tom and Walter, continued with the business. Daughter Connie lived alone in the house after her mother Annie’s death

Snooker Marathon 1987 l-r Peter Rice - Mark Huspeth - Brian Pacey- Mark Ketteringham and Dennis Ketteringham

Tom King

in 1953. The Billiard Club continued to meet at the Granary. In November 1970, Mr Harrison presided and Mr Stacey, while retiring as secretary, reported a successful year with a membership and table takings the highest for three years (Issue 48). Mr Harrison was elected as chairman, Mr Knight as secretary, and Mr Tomalin as treasurer. Sam Bloomfield was presented with the knock-out cup and it was decided to provide a new table cover and new floor covering.

Connie died in December 1972 and as the family were more involved with quarrying they decided to sell the Granary and associated buildings to Market Deeping Building Company and the Billiards Club had to find a new home.

Eventually the Club found land on Bridge Street, Deeping St James, near to the Three Tuns pub and the building occupied by the Red Cross and Army Cadets. Originally it opened seven days a week with two tables. In March 1987 five players from the Club competed in a 24-hour marathon completing 60 frames and raising more than £210, a third of which went to Sense and the rest towards the extension of the Club’s premises.

Several local families have been members of the Club, now with a broader remit and known as The Boundary Club after briefly being known as the Snooker Club. Richard Wilson is one of the original members since the 1970s and the McGhees, the Walkers, Smiths and the Suttons have long been supporters of the Club

along

The Club now has three snooker tables and played host to the late Willie Thorne as well as Nicole Lawrence of Britain’s Got Talent. There is karaoke on the first Friday of every month and the Club have staged their first Open Mic night. The Club can also be hired out for events and parties.

Opening hours are 18.45 - 11.45 Tuesday - Friday, Sat 18.45 - 12.45 and Sunday 2.00- 23.45. 124 Bridge St, DSJ, PE6 8EH 01778 346115. www.boundaryclubdeeping.com

with vice-chairman, Andy Cunningham and his family.

L-r is Yvonne Sutton, Lee Sutton, Donna Wilson, Jim McGhee, Linda Cunningham, Paul Spittlehouse and Andy Cunningham

Easter 7th - 10th April

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-6. SUNDAY 10-4

Tel: 01778 347500

Molecey’s Wedding Album

Stephen & Ellie

Dottie & Russell

Kate & Lewis

Georgie & Chris

Chloe & Adam

Laura

Charlotte & Simon

Steph & Alex

Let’s Celebrate!

Bursting back on the scene with all the anticipation and excitement that we remember from pre-lockdown weddings, families and friends are at the heart of the events being booked this year! Graham Magee of Molecey Mill says, ‘The trend seems to be for couples to really push the boat out and our bookings are showing that now more than ever the unique spaces that we can offer in the grounds from Owl Island to tepee encampments are being use to their fullest extent.’

Prior to the pandemic, you could only get married outdoors in England and Wales if your wedding venue had a licensed structure, such as a pagoda or bandstand. However, the COVID-19 pandemic saw lots of couples opting for outdoor weddings for safety reasons so temporary permission was granted to allow licensed venues to host ceremonies outdoors – whether they had a structure outside or not. This proved to be so popular that it became a permanent thing and now, providing your venue has a wedding licence, as does Molecey, you can marry in any location outdoors!

Says Jack Barton of Pretty Quirky

Hire of Langtoft, ‘I really believe that a wedding should reflect a couple’s personality and they shouldn’t be expected to have to conform to a package. They now have so much choice from their venue to their ceremony, their food choices and decorations to name just a few. All of which is fabulous because your wedding should be as unique as you.’

For Laura Duddington of Big Bird Catering that is never truer than in the wedding breakfast. She says: ‘Weddings are getting bigger and a lot more casual, less traditional and perhaps more personal. More couples are interested in sharing type meals rather than the traditional sit down wedding breakfast.’

In predicting wedding trends Vogue magazine remarks on the ‘destination wedding’ requiring brides to host their guests on Friday and Saturday. What better prelude to a day of partying than to sit with your loved ones and tuck into a fish and chip supper in an idyllic setting? A memorable feature of the wedding of Chloe and Adam Edwards at Molecey Mill.

Jan Fisk Churchwarden at the Priory Church, Deeping St James has commented on the increasing popularity of the Church Hall and informal gardens overlooked by a handsome Georgian Vicarage as a reception venue

Big Bird Catering

Simply Hats

after a more conventional church wedding. Set with vintage china, handembroidered tablecloths and pretty bunting strung from the rafters, this can provide an affordable location and a relatively informal place for families to make memories.

Sustainability is the watchword of the age and as a result there are some trends that have fallen by the wayside. The days of welcome bags are behind us. Vogue quotes Rebecca Gardner of Houses and Parties who succinctly comments: ‘No one needs another branded canvas tote bag.’ Instead Rebecca advocates the more thoughtful approach of a handwritten

note to each guest or couple. Pushing back against anything that is unnecessary, it seems, has become a common theme. The magazine comments ‘A more sustainable wedding is not only firmly in, but it’s a trend that is here to stay.’

Home grown is increasingly the case when it comes to choosing wedding flowers, says local grower and florist, Mel Greville of The Wild Garden, ‘With environmental issues becoming more and more important, couples are increasingly seeking out local and British flowers. Natural, simple styling, using fewer flowers, is not only kinder to the environment, but a lot easier on the budget.’

And when it comes to choosing a wedding outfit that watches the pennies and the planet then Ruffles has pre-loved shoes, hats and occasion dresses. Simply Hats offers a rental service for hats but if you have decided on a unique creation then they can also help with a personally designed fascinator or hat too.

Pretty Quirky

An interesting development is the return to the morning wedding ceremony followed by an evening reception. Jackie and John Kennedy, Princess Diana and Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate all did this. Says Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events, ‘We are seeing our clients wanting to take this classic route. Choosing a morning ceremony followed by a thoughtfully curated lunch and inviting guests back for an evening reception with dancing and dessert lets couples truly have a unique celebration all day long.’

And as for the arrival, vintage vehicles continue to be popular and in our more rural community arriving on a tractor is a fun statement

of a link to the countryside. Donna Howitt of Arrive Vintage observes, ‘Vintage wedding cars are popular due to the strong sense of nostalgia they evoke along with the classic experience they give.’

There is a nod to the nostalgia of the 80s as well which ‘set the tone for some of the most head-turning bridal styles at the Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week,’ says Anna-Marie DeSouza, Editor of the UK’s leading bridal trade magazine, Bridal Buyer. ‘The 80s are back, and with a level of finesse that makes the dramatic detailing have an elegant flow. Viktor & Rolf had lots of texture and movement in their new collection, with some rah-rah skirt-inspired detailing on their shorter styles.” And Marie Robertson of Deeping’s own

This dress is due to arrive at Willow & Grace in the coming weeks by their newest designer Milla Nova

Willow & Grace agrees: ‘2024 we expect to see current trends like statement sleeves and short dresses continuing to be popular, with the addition of statement bows and more plain/ simple fabrics like satins and mikados. Plain definitely doesn’t mean boring – the Honey dress shown here perfectly shows just that!’

Eileen Bradford-Fawson of Private Kollection, who has decades of experience in dressing the principle wedding guests, has ‘welcomed the opportunity to stock beautiful clothes to make the special day zing with style and colour’.

For bridesmaids the day of a single hue same style dress may be coming to an end as individual outfits become more popular. Wedding planners are suggesting that

bridesmaids will be given a lot more freedom in choosing their dresses, saying that it creates a ‘more chic aesthetic’.If sustainability is the order of the day a bridesmaid’s dress that you are happy to re-use is definitely on trend!

Belton’s Bakery, as described earlier in this issue was the go-to bakers for wedding cakes in the mid century. Here in the Deepings now, Lilli’s Tearoom and Cakery has taken on that mantle with several other wedding cake makers locally. The statement cake with a dramatic topper shows no signs of abating this year with decorating techniques becoming ever more sophisticated. Whatever else may change, it seems that the era of the creative wedding cake is here to stay!

Ruffles Hair & Beauty

3 Halfleet, Market Deeping PE6 8DB

01778 344677

We are now stocking Cards, Gifts, Home Interiors along with the Ladies Dress Agency that has been here for nearly 10 years....

At Ruffles we have a highly skilled team of creative stylists and beauty therapist in a very welcoming environment. follow us

01778 344677

Hajnis Cakes

Market Deeping Antiques & Craft Centre

Found in Deeping for Mother’s Day FOUND IN DEEPING

St Germain French Liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, handpicked once a year in the late spring. Every bottle contains up to 1,000 of the very best elderflower blossoms, resulting in a finely crafted, perfectly balanced and refined liqueur.£26.00 from The Cigar Box, Market Place.

The Mothers Day Gift that keeps on giving! Buy

and you know that the funds will go towards helping those in dire trouble all over the world.

Homegrown posies and bunches perfect for Mothers Day from www.thewild-garden. co.uk

Crafternoon teas at Riverside Craftswhat a great treat for your Mum! https://riversidebeads.co.uk/product/ crafternoon-tea-workshop/

Mothering Sunday is always a special day at the Boundary’s River Restaurant and once again they offer Mums their main course absolutely free (sides not included). It’s their way of celebrating all the things that Mothers do for their families and those around them. So make your booking for 19th March, bring your Mum and celebrate together! 01778 342201

www.boundaryfishandchips.co.uk

Mandarine Napoleon Liqueur £30.00 highly recommended by Howard at The Cigar Box, Market Place.

Market Gate Deli in Market Deeping is a great place to buy something special for Mother’s Day. Stocking locally made, handmade chocolate, cut flowers, locally made gins, artisan wines and even handmade cards. All perfect for building your own hamper, which their friendly staff will make while you wait, or choose one of our pre-made gift hampers, perfect for mum!

New notes in old frames from Market Deeping Antiques with this chalkboard frame.

from the Red Cross Shop in Church St Market Deeping

Bunches of local blooms for Mum from Vine House Farm Shop.

Available from Moor Farm Shop, Newborough - tea to look forward to!

Health benefits of Tai Chi

For the Chinese New Year, Dementia Support South Lincs kindly invited our Tai Chi group to provide a demonstration for their Square Hole Club at the Deeping Sports and Social Club.

I led a team of five people and we demonstrated the traditional Yang style sword routine. Some members of the group had a go whilst others enjoyed watching the performance.

I have been doing similar work for Dementia Support South Lincs with great success since 2011. I have also used Tai Chi to help improve the fitness of those who are already fit to those on palliative care. There are not many conditions that I have not helped!

So what is going on? Why is Tai Chi such a successful intervention in so many cases? I could certainly write a book on the subject but, more succinctly, Dr. Michael Mosley recently did a 15-minute programme on Radio 4 all about Tai Chi and its health benefits. Here are some of the findings of the programme.

Tai Chi may lengthen your life

The ancient practice of Tai Chi is particularly popular in Hong Kong, where residents have one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Those who practise Tai Chi regularly live significantly longer than those who don’t, according to a 2022 Shanghai study which followed 60,000 men for five years.

It’s good for your heart

In a recent study, comparing Tai Chi to brisk walking, the martial art was found to be significantly better at reducing blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease, like blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

It can

boost your immunity

Tai Chi could also benefit your immune system. In a Californian study where half the participants were told to take Tai Chi classes, half took health education classes, and everyone received a shingles vaccine. It was the Tai Chi trainees whose immunity was measuring twice as high as those in the other group nine weeks later.

The Tai Chi group also showed greater improvements in physical functioning, vitality, mental health, and reductions in bodily pain.

Tai Chi improves brain function

Tai Chi has been found to improve brain function (like memory and mental flexibility) faster than other exercise. It actually changes your brain

It seems to train up your brain as well. There has been evidence from brain imaging studies that suggests that Tai Chi training causes changes at both the structural and functional level. Conventional exercise changes the brain a little bit but not to the extent seen from Tai Chi training.

It burns the same number of calories as conventional exercise

It looks like very gentle, slow, smooth movement. However, someone practising Tai Chi burns a similar number of calories to someone who appears to be working out a lot harder.

Tai Chi can help you lose fat as quickly as the gym

Tai Chi is about as effective as conventional exercise, including aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, for reducing the waist circumference in the individual with central obesity. Central obesity is a sign of visceral, internal fat surrounding our organs.

Don’t just take my word for it – have a listen yourself. All of the health claims made here are backed by proper research:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ articles/18gmYMx2ntW6Sdyl3fTH0Gw/the-surprisinghealth-benefits-of-tai-chi

If you would like to learn more about Tai Chi, holistic health meditation 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

Living Life in Full Colour says Zoë Kornfeld

Becoming a Rainbow Guide allows girls between the ages of 4-7 years old to enjoy their first adventures in the wonderful world of the Girl Guiding movement – one which encourages them to learn and grow through a diverse programme of exciting activities. There has been a Rainbow Unit in Deeping for the past 30 years, but it recently gained a renewed energy through the new leader Kirsty Gregory and her enthusiastic team, who restarted the unit postCovid. They now meet weekly on Wednesdays between 5 and 6:15pm, at The Deeping Scout and Guide Headquarters on Wellington Way, Market Deeping.

Being a Rainbow is all about girls having a safe space to be themselves, to realise and use their own

voice, and to make a positive contribution to their communities. Girls are given the opportunity to take part in a range of different activities with others their own age, whilst developing selfconfidence and making lots of new friends. They can work towards interest badges, where they can learn about everything from recycling to storytelling, and start their skills builder journey, developing core skills by trying new things like camping, leadership and first aid. Here are some of 1st Market Deeping Rainbows sharing their favourite things about being a Rainbow Guide…

If you’d like to know more, or get involved, please contact Kirsty on 1stmarketdeepingrainbows@gmail.com or by following the Girl Guiding Deeping District page on Facebook.

The Signalman

by Susan Hibbins

from a true story of a Deeping Signalman

He couldn’t believe he was back again. He’d vowed he never would be, after the last time. And yet here he was, sitting in the darkness, listening to the cries and shouts, feeling the fear and despair surrounding him. Some of it was his.

Last time had been all his own fault. He’d had a good job then, as a postman, pounding London’s grimy streets, and he was doing well; he had good prospects. But betting on horses had been his weakness, even though he lost a lot more than he won. Losing didn’t make him stop. Just one more bet… He got into debt, borrowing from the wrong sort of people, and when they called in what he owed, he hadn’t got it. They weren’t the sort of people you crossed, or pleaded with. He became desperate. He would have to get the money somehow.

He knew by experience which letters he delivered were likely to contain banknotes, he could tell by the thickness. It took but a moment to put it swiftly into his pocket. How was he to know that its intended recipient was watching from an upstairs window and saw everything… as his awaited money went to the postman instead of through the letterbox? Back at the post office the police came calling, and his world began to fall apart.

Dismissal, the Old Bailey, sentenced, in prison for a year. And the hard labour of the treadwheel. He had never imagined such torture. The agony of lifting his legs three feet at a time, over and over; it could not be borne – and yet it had to be. When an inmate fell and was crushed, he was removed without comment; just a nuisance in the way. The guards were stony, implacable; the insufficient food uneatable; misery seemed to have permeated even the prison walls. Never again, he’s said, on his release. Not ever. If the treadwheel was designed to deter a man from crime, then it had worked for him.

And he’d kept his word. He worked, and applied himself as never before. He’d managed to get a job as a railway porter, and because he was willing

and dependable, he was offered training to become a signalman. A step towards a better life. Before long he was qualified, and he was proud of how he’d turned things around. When he married Emily, a shy English rose of a girl he met at a church fete, he did not think life could get any better – until his children were born.

Something about their helplessness, their need of him, and the love they brought touched him as nothing had before. Emily teased him and said he was soft, running to their cribs the moment they whimpered, but he didn’t care. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them; he lived to make them and Emily happy. The Old Bailey and prison belonged to someone else’s life.

By 1912 he and Emily, now with a family of five, had moved to Lincolnshire, where he became a signalman at Deeping St James station. It was a pleasant village and soon they were all settled, the elder children attending school. At weekends, when he had the time off, he would take them fishing for minnows in the river; in the autumn they went blackberrying so that Emily could bake a fruit pie for tea. When Christmas came they joined in the villagers’ carol singing and had snowball fights.

The winter was freezing, and in January all the children caught a nasty cold, which Emily picked up too. After a few days she took to her bed, and so did their youngest daughter, Katy. She had always been frail, prone to infection, and now she did not seem to have the strength to fight. After doing his best to care for them all, and frantic with worry, he went for help.

‘Nearly the whole village has this,’ pronounced the doctor, stomping down the narrow stairs. He looked grave. ‘Your wife will be all right, in a few days. The child… she’s another matter. Not many reserves. Give them this,’ he handed over a bottle of medicine, ‘and I will come again. Light a fire up there, though. Room’s like an ice box.’

He did as he was told, lugging the coal upstairs and piling it into the fireplace in the bedroom. Worry about money joined his worries about Katy. He would have to pay the doctor. And there was little coal left in

the shed outside. His pay wouldn’t stretch to fires in the bedrooms, not with seven people to feed. He couldn’t think about that now, though. He took the bottle of medicine and helped Emily and then Katy to drink, making sure they swallowed it.

Two days passed, and Emily began to recover, though she coughed constantly. The doctor came back, but said very little. Katy lay still in her cot, as though the effort to get better was too great. After the doctor had gone, he sat by his child, stroking the damp hair away from her forehead, willing her to live. A pain grew beneath his heart.

The fire was low and he went downstairs to fill the coal bucket, but there was barely anything left, and it was mostly dust. He had spent his weekly wage – there was nothing due for another three days. There was just about enough food in the house till then, but Katy – Katy needed her medicine and the warmth of the fire.

He didn’t even think about it. At the station there was a huge pile of coal – they wouldn’t miss a few buckets of it. And he was careful, he only took a small amount, just enough to keep fires in the kitchen and bedroom going. It was only until he was paid, he told himself. It would be all right. His child – all his children – had to come first.

But the station master, going home late one night in the darkness, did not see it that way. He saw only one of his signalmen, hitherto a trustworthy employee, stealing coal.

‘You were sent to prison the first time to learn a lesson,’ said the judge. ‘Clearly the lesson needs to be longer this time. Three years with hard labour. Take him down.’

It was the day of Katy’s funeral. He sat, head in his hands, as moonlight crossed the narrow space of his cell.

Image: Peter Scott

Getting Wise on Owls

Words and Pictures by William Bowell

In mid-February, my dear wife, Amy, and I went for a walk around Deeping Lakes. It was one of those sunny, mild days you often get in February, the kind when you can smell spring just round the corner. Usually this is followed by an immediate cold, grey, miserable day, just to keep you grounded. We had seen the usual flocks of wildfowl on the lakes, heard the first song of Song Thrush and then there were the Owls.

In short, we saw nine individuals of three species of Owl, all exceptional views, in their own way. We got talking to a visiting photographer, from Devon, and talked about other places around the Deepings to see Owls. After a while of chatting the visitor said, ‘It’s a bit good for Owls around here, isn’t it?’

Which got me thinking. I was cock-a-hoop, because I had just seen a diurnal hunting adult Long-eared Owl and had enjoyed point blank views. I have been watching Long-eared Owls for 20 years or more at Deeping Lakes. I have had some amazing encounters. I have found them out in the middle of the day, sat out wide open, but never close. I have seen them displaying at dusk. I have seen them go out hunting in the murk of twilight, but I had never seen one hunting in the day time. And not just at Deeping Lakes– anywhere!

News of this showy bird, roosting near the entrance of the reserve, had reached us whilst we were at home, enjoying lunch, already planning to go for a walk. I assumed it wasn’t that obliging though; as we all know, Longeared Owls usually aren’t. But on arriving at the car park, we met Bob and Sue Titman (who have mythical Uncle and Aunty status around these parts, to some local birders) who were leading Peterborough Bird Club (a great organisation, which nurtured my interest in birds in my late teens) and showed us outstanding photos of the Owl, in the wide open.

We continued our walk around the reserve, quickly seeing the four usual roosting Long-eared Owls near the hide, showing really well, compared to the half a wing, bit of a head, ‘is that a tail?’, sort of view you usually get. But I must admit, dear reader, I wasn’t happy. I had just seen what we could have won… and it was on the back of someone else’s camera, not mine!

Our walk continued to the Little Owls, where both were out, in their usual willow. Diminutive and with amazing eyes that follow your every move, they really do cute and creepy, all rolled into one. It was the first time I had seen the pair this year and lovely to see… but….

‘You never know,’ I said as we got back to the car park, ‘the Owl might be back at the entrance.’ As we drove along, we spotted the Devon photographer ahead and then Amy said the words every birder loves to hear, when searching for an unusual bird, ‘There it is!’.

Sat on a post, right by the track, the views were shocking. Not as in bad, you understand, but as in, I was in shock! I didn’t really expect it to by-track and I didn’t know what to do! Take a photo? I couldn’t, I was at the wrong angle. Enjoy the views? Oh, go on then. The Owl flew, with its long wings, and buoyant, butterflylike flight back to the trees.

Amy and I shared outstanding views of this LEO for over two hours. Thoughts that it might be unwell went through my mind. But it had a little afternoon nap in the sun (who can blame it?) and then when the clouds came in, woke up and hunted the coppice, up and down, catching several prey, so seemed perfectly fit and healthy, just a little hungry!

Leo

After a while it flew over the river and we watched it hunt the ditches in Cambridgeshire, just like the closely related Short-eared Owl would, by which time my father, ‘Pops’ (or as some know him, Parker or if you are Julia the nice dog walker calls him, Uncle; you might call him Ray). A couple of Barn Owls sharing the same ditches barely got a mention, as we all watched this unique event, in awe, until it disappeared out of sight.

Round at Newborough Fen, there were five Short-eared Owls roosting, apparently. In the previous days, I had seen up to six Barn Owls along the Highbank. And if we had stayed on till dark, we would have no doubt heard a Tawny Owl hoot. All just a few miles from Deeping.

I reckon, ‘It’s a bit good for Owls around here’, might just be understating it a little!

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.

Shop local this Mother’s Day! We’ve gifts galore from local suppliers or enjoy afternoon tea in our Café, booking essential! Your garden birds will be nest building too, ready for the breeding season, so will need a steady food supply.

5 great Betjeman links to Lincs!

Stamford

Woodhall Spa

Said Betjeman of Woodhall Spa

‘Something unexpected, that half timbered Bournemouth like settlement, among silver birches, heather and rhododendron. With its tree lined streets, the unique Kinema in the Woods and the Headquarters of England Golf, Woodhall is a gem in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside.’ The town features in his poem ‘House of Rest’ which confronts the feelings of loss and loneliness in old age.

‘Outside the Church at Woodhall Spa

The smiling groom and bride, And here’s his old tobacco jar Dried lavender inside.’

Lincoln

In his Collins Guide to English Parish Churches John Betjeman wrote ‘The county town and cathedral city of Lincoln is ancient on the hill and industrial in the valley.’ With its cathedral, castle, Roman heritage and rich history it is a major tourist destination. When Betjeman spoke at a conference in the city in 1963 he said, ‘Uphill Lincoln has great charm. I have got a really comfortable feeling to think that I am in Lincoln in the heart of Lincolnshire..’

“Lincolnshire is like a separate country. It is off most main roads, a wide rolling landscape of silvery church towers, villages of old red brick with groves of beech and ash and lime outlined against enormous skies.” John Betjeman

Image: Pamela Kelly

Image: P@theoldbuilding

Betjeman recognised Stamford , the first conservation town in England in his immortal words ‘the finest stone town in England.’

Spalding

John Betjeman was brought up in Gospel Oak North London, his father Ernest a prosperous silverware maker of Dutch descent. His mother Mabel nee Dawson hailed from Spalding in Lincolnshire and John spent time in the town researching his family history.

An Englishman’s Home

Appearing in the BBC TV series A Bird’s Eye View from 1969, John Betjeman takes a whistle-stop trip round Britain’s homes, from humble cottages via castles and stately homes through to modern housing developments – all filmed from a helicopter. One short sequence shows the River Welland and Deeping St James’ bridge, when Betjeman declares: ‘Far over in England, how peaceful are names Like Deeping St Nicholas, Deeping St James, Long string of rich soil and low houses of men Where slow flows the Welland through Lincolnshire fen.’

While we are still trying to get our bearings, our pilot whizzes off to the Cotswolds for the next segment. An Englishman’s Home appears on a DVD compilation and can also be found online including on BBC iPlayer.

Deeping St James Church is also included in Betjeman’s Best British Churches (New Edition) published by Collins, 2011.

We offer real person centred care to our residents in tranquil settings surrounded by beautiful gardens

This is a real family environment and our values permeate all we do for our residents.

Garden Lodge Care

Home with 9 residents only in Glinton, Florence House in Peterborough with 19 residents and The Laurels with 20 residents only.

t: 07801 273804

Garden Lodge

managers@gardenlodgecarehome.co.uk

what’s on

West Deeping Heritage Group

March 21st. 2 for 2.30 pm West Deeping Village Hall. £3 incl refreshments.

Mike Heath will talk about Annie Williams; last of a fenland dynasty. Former history teacher , based his book on interviews made in the late 1970s with Annie Williams, the last of a farming family which had lived in the wilds of the Lincolnshire fenland for well over two centuries, operating the Borough Fen duck Decoy near Newborough. She spent her latter days working at the Wildfowl Trust in Peakirk.

The First Atlantic Liner - Brunel’s Great Western, by Helen Doe

held by The Arts Society Peterborough 13th April. The Fleet PE2 4DL

Doors open 10.15 for coffee and a chat, the talk is an hour. First Talk free

The first liner to establish a regular steam service across the Atlantic - the Concorde of its day carrying the rich and famous, including stars of the London stage. www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk

Coffee Morning

Weds 22nd March 10-12pm, The Stage, Market Deeping

in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. Home made cakes and raffle.

2023 Season opens at the Willoughby Gallery

Weds 22nd March - Weds 12th April

Moreley’s Lane, Corby Glen, NG33 4NL. 12 – 5 pm. Tuesday – Sunday

Admission free

Outer images. Inner thoughts. Paintings by Peter Wood

Internationally exhibited and collected figurative painter Peter Wood is showing a wide variety work including landscapes, flower pieces and interiors.

Painting and Furniture by Patrick Douglas

This is the first exhibition of young gifted artist Patrick Douglas, showing his work as a painter and craftsman in wood. www.willoughbygallery.com

Oddfellows March Diary Dates

Tues 7th 6.30 pm - Cold Pudding Club. Oddfellow’s Hall. Book on 01778 347876. A range of homemade desserts and/or cakes to sample along with a cuppa at a cost of £2 if tasting, free if you bring a pud.

Weds 8th 1.00pm - Craft Club

Great Cathedral Anthems

St Peter’s Singers, directed by Jeremy Jepson with Chris Brown at the Priory Church’s fabulous organ. Sat 11th March 7.30pm. This exciting programme will feature many wonderful pieces including Parry’s famous anthem ‘I Was Glad’. Tickets- £12 (children £5) including light refreshments from 01778 346879, at the door or from www.stpeterssingers.org.uk

Oddfellow’s Hall contact Georgina on 01778 347876 to book. This month project is Easter boxes, all materials and a cuppa included £3

Weds 15th Friendship Lunch 1.00 pm. Crown Inn in Surfleet contact Christine on 07714 096801 to book.

Thurs 23rd 2.00pm Surprise Bingo Oddfellow’s Hall contact Jenny on 07788 534290 to book Only £1 a book with cuppa included, Winners pick from a selection of wrapped prizes

Weds 29th 12.30pm Let’s do Lunch Thorney Golf Club. contact Barry on 01778 560059 to book

Coffee & Cake

Sat 25th March 10.00-12.00 noon

Priory Church Hall

Live music and Easter Gifts

M.A.D. goes to Stamford

Maxey Art Group and Deepings Art Club are holding another joint exhibition of paintings at Stamford Arts Centre. Tues 7 March until Sat 1 April. 9.00am-5.00pm Mon-Sat. High quality artwork by local artists available to buy. Entry is free.

Grimsthorpe Castle

30th March

Castle, Park & Gardens open on select days until Oct.

Coronation Exhibition, celebrating past coronations leading up to King Charles coronation, opens on select days. www.grimsthorpe.co.uk/ events-now/

March 29th & April 26th

March 6th & 20th & April 3rd & 17th

never be the same again...

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.