I'd Rather Be In Deeping October 2021 by zerosix design

ISSUE 076 / OCTOBER 2021

FEATURE

The Potato

Railway

5 INSIDE

great ways to connect with the Natural World

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Church Street, Market Deeping – GUIDE PRICE £650,000 - £675,000

Newton Fallowell are proud to offer for sale this charming period home located on Church Street, Market Deeping. This Grade II listed Georgian town house has been lovingly renovated in recent years. The ground floor accommodation briefly comprises of a sitting room with a multi fuel stove set in a polished stone surround. The formal dining room’s fire place mirrors that of the sitting room and there is a connecting door from the dining room to the kitchen. The kitchen boasts a bespoke kitchen with a large island and breakfast bar, integrated appliances and a traditional AGA. Contact us for further details….

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Image: Chris Halley

Welcome

A rich assortment of pets were blessed in the Priory Church Hall Gardens recently.

Facebook is often unpopular, but sometimes it comes into its own! Such was the case when Deeping St James budgerigar breeder Karen Clare lost two of her prized lavender birds when they seized the opportunity and escaped when a door catch became faulty. As she saw them fly out of the garden and into the wide blue yonder, Karen thought the chances of their recapture were slim. But ever hopeful she posted on all the Facebook pages that she could and kept her fingers tightly crossed! Three weeks later both birds are now back in a quarantine cage and Karen is counting her lucky stars and the power of Facebook! The female bird had travelled up the A15 beyond Bourne to Morton where it was captured in a garage, and the male had flown east and was found over eight miles away in Cowbit. Now the male bird has been renamed Houdidni! Says Karen ‘Considering the number of predator birds we have overhead in the area and some inclement weather, it was nothing short of a miracle that they were found and are now safely home.’ Judy Stevens 3

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2020/21

Image: Stuart Render

20 39 09

Inside Editor: Sub-Editor: Designer: Features Writers:

Research:

Judy Stevens Susan Hibbins Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design Judy Stevens, Ray Pawlett, Nancy Titman, Simon Hoppe, Will Bowell and Leigh Johnson Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman

47 09-15 News

1920’s Harvest

The Potato Railway

Shop Stamford

One man and his family 44 Otters of dog 47 Mental Health Lincolnshire Day 48 Five Great Ways to

27 31 33

Photography: Publisher: Printed by:

Know your…potatoes

The Coming of Age of English Wines Ian Baxter, Stuart Render and Will Bowell Judy Stevens Warners Midland PLC

Cover: Taken from the ‘The Sanctuary’ artwork completed by Emily Bowers as part of her artist in residency at the Deeping Lakes

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Disclaimer. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of I’d Rather Be In Deeping. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, I’d rather be in Deeping assume no responsibility as to accuracy and shall not be liable for any omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance of information in this publication .Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of advertising material.

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NEWS

Image: Stuart Render

Cleo and Evangeline having a ‘wheel’ treat at the Robertson’s Tractor Run

Robertson’s Tractor Run was held in memory of Glinton residents Graham Robertson and Adam Siggee and in support of the charity Mind and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/robertsonroadrun

Twenty five years serving the community - Oakwood with the Mayor of Market Deeping, Cllr Josh Yarham.

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This small bowl, valued at £500, fetched an eye popping £320,000 when Jessica Wall of Stamford Auction House had it under the hammer. The buyer had travelled up from London for the auction, identifying it as being from the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) with only a small number of pieces in private hands.

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Deeping Rangers Under 10’s goalkeeper, Charlie Pennells, suffered a broken wrist in the opening minutes of a pre-season match. Likely to be sidelined until October half term, his team mates clubbed together and presented him with a framed goal keeper’s jersey signed by the whole team and a personalised pair of goal keeping gloves.

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NEWS

On Sunday 29th August it was time, sadly, for the last date, at least for this year, to meet with Emily Bowers, who has been Artist in Residence at Deeping Lakes during the whole of July and August. Emily’s enthusiasm and expertise in painting wildlife and its natural environment has been infectious. I doubt whether I was the only one who was inspired by her talk, (in July in the Priory Church garden), and her ‘art walk’ around the Deeping Lakes, to think of trying their hand at painting wildlife, especially birds, as well as the landscapes – in this case ‘waterscapes’! – that they inhabit. But Emily knows her stuff, and her guided walk was informative on all levels. To the fairly uninitiated, like myself, it was intensely rewarding also to be able to recognise species of birds (the sandpiper, for example), and their likely locations and flight, that one was not familiar with. The setting of the lakes (once upon a time, gravel pits, but you would never guess it now) is beautiful and tranquil, a tonic for body and soul. The only sounds are the sounds of nature and wildlife, wind through grasses or reeds, or the honking of swans or geese, and the clamour of their wings in flight. Impossible not to think of Yeats’ poem, ‘The Wild Swans of Coole’ and the nine-and-fifty swans, ‘wheeling in great broken rings/ Upon their clamorous wings’. There may well be as many as nine-and-fifty swans on Deeping Lakes, together with cormorants, Greylag geese, lapwings and peewits, and many others. And we hope you will come again, Emily, another year. Maggie McKay

Image: Zoe Kornfeld

The 2021 Memorial Match played on President’s Day at the Rugby Club was between the President’s XV v RAF XV - the RAF winning 19-17.

Image: Stuart Render

The President’s Day Memorial match was preceded by the presentation of an Epitaph to past President, the late Sean Turner from the RAF. Sean had played for Deeping, the RAF and the Leicester Tigers and passed away suddenly after a short illness.

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Deepings Lions Club welcomed new member Peter Alcindor. He said that he had been looking to join a community club and was attracted to the Lions’ slogan, “Ordinary People Doing Amazing Things.”

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Langtoft Festival! Bands, food, stands and most of all lots of locals all having a much enjoyed day together - how events like this have been missed! Thanks to Liz Jarman and Diane Valentine for their impeccable organisation.

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NEWS

who looked after us throughout – I cannot say how welcome the tea/coffee was just after dawn; and George Parish for creating an amazing photographic record of the event. It is truly humbling when people drive out with drinks and chocolate at 10.45pm and then return with more sustenance at our 3am stop!

This year when people said to Sharron BairdParker ‘what did you do on your birthday? this is what she replied: My husband and I were fortunate to join the Don’t Lose Hope 24-hour charity walk, starting Saturday 28 August at 10am and ending the next morning, Sunday, at 10am. There were set checkpoints and many walkers joined us for segments of the route. So whilst many walkers took part, just 14 of us completed the whole 24 hours. We walked 44.2 miles across fields, down tracks, across a disused airfield and along country roads. Choosing not to use our headtorches in the night led to some cautious footwork by the light of an amazing starscape. We all hit some lows along the way, mainly blisters, strains, aches and pains, but the amazing support, camaraderie and teamwork helped us to keep ambling along. A massive thank you to the team

that supported us – there’s too many to mention… the 4X4 team that crawled at 2mph along the country roads day and night; the village hall and pubs that opened their doors to us; the Don’t Lose Hope team

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What was the best bit? It was such a privilege to walk alongside such an amazing group of people that I have never met before, I was fascinated to hear their stories as we all challenged ourselves to our limit and, of course, the massive sense of elation when the team stepped over the finish line in Bourne. A huge thank you to Dom Brister for being our guide and motivator and for providing the opportunity to raise funds for such a worthy cause. Sharron Baird-Parker is fundraising for Don’t Lose Hope (justgiving.com) And, no, I haven’t decided what I’m doing on my birthday next year! Afternoon tea maybe!

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The Potato Railway

Michael Portillo interviews Nicholas Watts at Vine House Farm.

FEATURE

At the dawn of the twentieth century the land on the fen was being successfully farmed; only a century earlier it had been a morass, but the draining of the land and the building of cottages for the agricultural labourers had transformed the landscape. Hard-surfaced roads were built to make communications possible but on the farms cart tracks linked the buildings with the flat open fields which relied largely on manmade drainage and pumping. During the winter months fields were often a quagmire in which conventional haulage methods were beset with difficulties. This raised particular problems with getting the potato crop to the market, made worse in wet winters. To solve this problem landowners turned to the use of light railways. The first such railway was started in 1909, thought to be the brainchild of George Caudwell, a farmer who lived in St Lamberts Hall, Weston – it is considered that he had the first of these railways on his land. The first railways used horses to pull the trucks but later steam engines were used. Other lines were built before and during the First World War and proved their worth at this critical time. continued >

FEATURE One of these was at the W. Dennis Estates land at Deeping St Nicholas which had 2,000 acres, including Shrubbery and Goosehill Farms which mostly grew potatoes. By 1916 they had established a 2ft light gauge railway covering almost 11 route miles to their sidings and warehouse at Littleworth Railway Station. Every day 20-40 railway trucks carrying 2 tons of potatoes each were transferred to the main railway line to be sent on to various destinations. The railway came into its own during the First World War, supplying the troops on the front line in France. The Army Service Corps were pressed into action to lift the potatoes on the home front. Not fit for front line service for a variety of reasons, these men who had previously been agricultural workers were put to work. William Underwood from Deeping St James, and Charles Davis from Frognall were two among many sent to work for Mr Dennis.

Initially just four miles of one foot eleven and a half inch gauge was established at Nocton on the heavy fenland soil east of Wasps Nest. After 1926 it was extended in order to connect to the railhead on the Lincoln-Sleaford main line. The weight of the line at Nocton because of extensive use of locomotives was 20lb per yard.

This light gauge railway was also used in France to service the front line and when the government sold it off at the end of the war, Lincolnshire farmers clamoured to purchase it as they had seen how useful it had been on the farms that already boasted a potato railway. W. Dennis & Sons purchased some narrow gauge line from an army service depot in France for their Nocton Eatate which they established in 1919. This was a large estate of 8,000 acres and along with 2,000 acres at Kirton and a further 2,000 at Deeping St Nicholas their annual production by 1950 was 17,000 tons of food consisting mainly of potatoes!

In the end the route amounted to almost 23 miles of track on the Nocton Estate alone; eventually they were to operate over 30 miles of line in total. Almost every field on their large estates was reached so produce could be loaded onto trucks as soon as it was harvested. The Estates main customer was Smith’s Potato Crisps and it was this company that bought the land from W Dennis & Sons in 1936. After the Second World War and the growth of road transport, the rural roads had improved allowing articulated lorries to gain access to each farmstead. By 1960 almost all the fields were accessible by road and so the death knell was sounded for the light railway. Many of the farm workers from the Deepings who worked on the farms in Deeping St Nicholas were sad to see it go, especially when Littleworth Station closed in 1964. By 1969 all light railways in Lincolnshire were redundant but a piece of the track at Vine House Farm has been restored by Nicholas Watts. The engines and rolling stock from Nocton can be seen at the Lincolnshire Coast Light railway near Cleethorpes.

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PROFILE FEATURE

One man and his family of dogs The story of the Hoppe family’s lifelong relationship with Border collie dogs started one sweltering hot day in 1969, when Oldrich and his son, Lance drove to the local shops and saw a collie cross dog in the unventilated driver’s cab of a parked lorry. When the driver returned, and following a heated discussion, the cab door opened and the collie registered his displeasure leaping straight into the Hoppe family’s car. Blackie had chosen his new home. Son Simon was born a year later, by which time Blackie had become a much-loved family member, visiting Sheringham for caravan holidays and delighting in chasing seagulls along the cliff, skidding to a halt just as the cliff disappeared into the sea.

In autumn 1979, Blackie escaped to visit the farm dog across the road from his home in Glinton, and nine weeks later, Simon was introduced to a fluffy litter of pups. The farmer wasn’t too happy to find that Blackie had broken his pedigree line. Nine-year-old Simon, pleaded with his parents to keep one of Blackie’s puppies, the one who would not leave him alone in the barn where they were kept. Simon’s parents, Oldrich and Pat, agreed to give ‘Jasper’ a home. So began one of the most loving and enduring friendships between a boy who became a man and his dog. Simon enrolled Jasper in dog training classes, and learnt the principles of dog training that he would apply for the rest of his life. They earned a score of 16/20 in the final

assessment, which Simon was not happy with, as Jasper the pup had become distracted by the other dogs. For Simon, though, Jasper would always score top marks! Simon walked or ran Jasper together with the farm dogs at least twice a day, every day, for 16 years, later returning every weekend from university, to see his beloved dogs! When Simon took up running aged 12, becoming Peterborough schools’ champion, county representative and later, Team GB triathlete, Jasper was firmly at his master’s side, never needing a lead, even as the path ran out and as traffic whizzed by on the Peakirk Road as they completed their circuit from Glinton to Market Deeping and back again. As they took their daily walk in Glinton, a Great Dane used to watch from the window of a bungalow, leaping at the window to get to Jasper, with never a homeowner in sight. On one almost fatal day, the dog was seen outside his home for the first time, being taken for a walk by its owner, and upon seeing Jasper it broke free, running towards Jasper, sinking its teeth into his neck. Simon couldn’t break the life-threatening grip, was badly bitten himself. He then ran at the dangerous Dane and kicked him as if he were a football. This did the trick, when the dog yelped and released its grip. Simon scooped the bleeding and apparently lifeless Jasper into his arms and ran to the Glinton vets, laid him on the bench and pleaded with the vet to save him! No mean feat for a 13-year-old to run half a mile with a 20 kilo dog in his arms, but his efforts were not in vain. Jasper responded to treatment and the bond between the boy and his dog grew even stronger. The pair became inseparable, Jasper sleeping in Simon’s bedroom, and starting their day with a 6.30am walk every day. Occasionally when Simon’s Mum wasn’t paying attention and the house gate was left open, Jasper would seize the opportunity and follow his master’s scent all the way to the Arthur Mellows school, running up the High Street, sitting and waiting at the pelican crossing until the cars had stopped, before crossing as

PROFILE FEATURE

own sons, Spencer and Sebastian, born in 2000 and 2002. Misty shared all the extra family activities that came with having two young boys, including football, dry slope skiing, triathlon club and cycling. When Sebastian played football for Deeping Rangers, Misty would watch every training session and match, in true sheepdog style, following every ball, but knowing never to cross the white line! When Dusky died in 2004, Simon found out whilst preparing for the European Triathlon Championships in Switzerland. Simon was racked with grief, but resolved to dedicate his performance to Dusky’s memory, which inspired Simon to a lifetime equalling best performance to win a silver medal, just a few tantalising seconds from gold – all those early morning runs with Dusky had paid dividends!

he’d been trained to do. Then he’d wait until the main school doors were open, running along the corridor and waiting patiently outside the classroom door until someone noticed that Jasper had come to visit (again!). Jasper even went on to feature in a TV programme, about swimming, cycling and running with Simon, as he trained for his triathlons. Keeping the blood line in the family, Jasper mated with one of the dogs from the farm in Glinton, in 1987. Churnie arrived at the Hoppe house, but his life was tragically cut short when he chased a bitch in season and was hit whilst crossing a train line. Simon searched day and night for Churnie, and eventually found out his fate. Simons parents were on holiday, so his brother and Grandad insisted on fetching Churnie from the train track, burying him in the garden.

Then came Dusky in 1989, another of Jasper’s sons – this one more of a family dog now that Simon was away at university, but another dear and beloved member of the family line. Jasper passed away in 1995, aged 16, on Christmas Eve, having suffered a seizure whilst out on one of his daily walks with Simon. Again, Simon carried him home, laying him to rest under a headstone in the garden. Simon was heartbroken, as he’d lost his most beloved friend, his constant companion with whom he had shared so many happy memories. Misty was born in 1996 to extend the family line into a fifth generation of this bloodline. Misty was another special dog for Simon, in the same loyal mould as Jasper. She also became a beloved family pet for his

When the once in a lifetime opportunity came for Simon and his young family to take a two-year work secondment to Australia in 2006, it was the most agonising decision as to what to do with Misty. But with the prospect of quarantine on both sides of the journey and the idea of Misty having to travel in the hold for such a long flight, Simon decided that Misty would remain at home with his parents. However, when his parents came to visit the family on the other side of the world, Misty was left with Simon’s brother and sisterin-law in Deeping Gate. Later it emerged that during this stay, Misty had escaped and ran back to Simon’s family home, waiting patiently on the doorstep for three hours, until he was found and taken back to his temporary home. This event was decisive for Simon; he ended the secondment nine months early and returned home to be reunited with Misty. Despite close links being forged with the rest of the family, Simon knew by the expression in Misty’s eyes when they travelled back to the family home together for the first time, that they would not be separated again. It was a magical moment, when no words were needed. Misty died younger than her predecessors at just 12 years old and Simon often wonders if the stress of separation continued >

PROFILE FEATURE

was the root cause of her cancer. Unlike previous dogs, the succession had not been planned, due to her early demise. So, in May 2009 and for the first time in his life, Simon and his family were left without one of their precious Border collies. Simon prayed for another dog from his family line, with no real prospect of this happening. But fate intervened in summer 2009 when, at his son’s school summer fete, Simon met Maureen Kirk and her two Border collies – one of whom happened to be one of the pups Simon had homed from one of the litters that Jasper and Dusky had sired. Maureen bred with her dog, Billie, and so Minxie became the sixth generation of Hoppe family dogs. Minxie was the mirror image of Misty in looks, personality and their special bond. The boys were still young, and so Minxie enjoyed all the same family activities that Misty had, as if nothing had changed. She loved playing ‘field football’ with the Dads and lads on the field near their home, carrying an old, burst football in her mouth, to avoid her biting the ball they played with! When Simon won the Wells next the Sea Triathlon in 2016, Minxie escaped from Simon’s wife, Angela, to catch up with Simon on the final 10k run leg of the race, and proceeded to cross the line first, to become the first dog to win a triathlon in the UK (just a couple of steps ahead of Simon)! Determined never to be in the same situation without a family dog, Simon tried several times with different dogs to breed with Minxie, but it was unsuccessful. Undeterred, Simon then approached the owner of the other farm in Glinton with a view to breed with Minxie’s brother, Rocky, to ensure the succession. There was an initial reluctance on the part of Rocky’s owner, so Simon mounted a charm offensive while attempting to find a bitch to mate with a dog for which he did not yet have the owners’ permission. Not easy. Eventually, after 200 attempts a willing breeder from Doncaster came forward, Rocky’s owner reconsidered and gave permission and all was set. For two days nothing happened and just as hope was ebbing away, and the snow began to fall in November 2020, a neighbour lent their double garage and the deed was done in just a few seconds – just like magic, or perhaps it was fate!

Jasper junior was born on 5th February 2021 and just like his namesake back in November 1979, he chose his owner by showing him more attention than all the other pups, and so this extraordinary bond between one man, his family and this wonderful family of Border collie dogs is continuing for at least another generation. Jasper Junior is now 7 months old, fully trained and displaying those same characteristics, which his ancestors and Minxie have always shared – an unbreakable bond that has existed between one family and their seven generations of dogs. It is a story of a special friendship between one man and his dogs, and his determination to keep the family line going throughout his lifetime.

While you are away treat your pet to a friendly and comfortable holiday with us

When the end comes for your beloved pet we are able to give them a digniﬁed, caring ﬁnal chapter Contact us on 01778 424953 for more details and to make a booking

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10 Peacock Square, Northfields Estate, Market Deeping, PE6 8LW

Expert Help & Advice Free Local Delivery Service Free Parking Outside The Door Huge Range Of Food & Accessories For Dogs, Cats, Reptiles, Small Animals & Chickens

Over 20 Different Styles of Harness In Stock Weigh Your Pets In Store Very Competitive Prices OPENING TIMES

Monday - Saturday 9.15 - 5.30 & Sunday 10 - 4 23

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Register your interest at upp.com or scan: * The average speeds you will receive are based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). The actual performance of your broadband service will be determined on the quality of your WiFi connection and the time of day. 26

LINCOLNSHIRE DAY

We celebrate Lincolnshire on October 1st ... and all year too! These cheeseboards not only feature the Deepings but they are made in Lincolnshire too! £12 plus p&p from www. idratherbeindeeping.com and available at the Frost Fair at The Granary West Deeping on November 26th 5-8.00 pm 27th and 28th 10-4.00pm November

Tripod planters in matt white stoneware are made in Deeping by Fiona Swepson of Hopscotch Pottery £20 each. from fiona@hopscotchpottery.com 07717 258492

The Stamford Notebook Company creates luxury personalised and branded notebooks, diaries, leather journals and lifestyle books. Hand bound with the finest British milled paper in their bindery in Stamford. Find them on www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk or in Anand Shoes of Stamford. 8 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BB

New from Fiona Gurney, is a range of fenland field inspired earrings and pendants made with etched and vitreous enamelled copper with silver findings. Prices from £18. Available exclusively from Bookmark, Spalding and from Unique Cottage Studios from October onwards.

Ferns Cushion. £45 with insert /£40 cover only 45 cm square vegan suede cushion featuring the felted art design by Eve Marshall: Artisan Felter https://evemarshall.co.uk/shop/product/fernsvegan-suede-cushion/

From the “Posh Pendants” range from maker Lesley Adolphson Pendant with handcrafted silver components, grey pearls, labradorite, jet and crystal beads on a long chain. Available from Shop - Murano Silver, Stamford Websites www. lesleyadolphson. com www.fensandcoast.co.uk www.peterboroughgiftshop.co.uk

Balancing Bernie is the latest book from Deepings author and illustrator, Ellie Sandall. ‘Bernie is a dog with a very special talent- he can balance absolutely ANYTHING! A playful, bouncing read-aloud story, full of dogs of all shapes and sizes.’ Due to be published on 25th November in hardback.and available online and from all good bookshops. Signed copies and original artwork and prints also available at The Frost Fair at The Granary West Deeping November 25, 26 and 27th. continued >

LINCOLNSHIRE DAY One of the best well known cheeses, is the Lincolnshire Poacher. This distinctive cheddar is a cross between a traditional west country cheddar and a continental alpine cheese. It’s rich flavour and smooth texture make it a favourite on cheese boards.Available from The Market Gate Deli.

Did someone say Ginger Nuts?! They are a delicious introduction from Hawkens Gingerbread of Grantham and available at Godsey Coffee

Traditional Lincolnshire Sausages are one of the most iconic British foods. Sage and herbs give a bit of kick, whilst their high meat content is another defining trait. It’s not a true Lincolnshire Sausage if it is under 70% meat content.Available from Grasmere Butchers in Market Gate, Market Deeping.

Deeping Fudge are passionate about their homemade Fudge. Using local ingredients they aim to give a creamy melt in the mouth experience. Order from the website and keep a look at for it at good local stores http/:deepingfudge.co.uk

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The seasonal change is well underway & we now have an abundance of autumnal produce, including English apples, pears, squashes, pumpkins & more. We’ve pumpkins a-plenty along with other Halloween goodies & look out for our Autumn trail taking place in the wildlife garden during halfterm.

MON-SAT 8AM - 5PM SUNDAY 9AM - 4PM New cafe hours: MON-SAT 8.30AM - 4.30PM SUNDAY 9AM - 3.30PM DEEPING ST. NICHOLAS, SPALDING, LINCS, PE11 3DG PHONE 01775 630244 ONLINE VINEHOUSEFARMSHOPCAFE.CO.UK

New Shop and cafe

o X be rder mas ing s n tak ow en !

New Shop Now Open!

01778 218 269

Stove installation and care

58 High St., Market Deeping info@dtstoves.co.uk

www.dtstoves.co.uk

Please call us to make an appointment

dt stoves.indd 1

01733 259645 – moorfarmshop.com – moorfarmmeats@hotmail.com Moor Farm Shop, Decoy Road, Newborough, Peterborough, PE6 7QE Selling home grown, free range beef and lamb alongside local pork and free range chicken. Lots more local produce available too. Open Tuesday -Saturday 9-5 Sunday 10-3

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ROLLERS • SHUTTERS • VENETIANS • VERTICALS

book online via our website or give Michelle a call www.blackcabstudio.co.uk 01778 345425

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Beautifully Bespoke Curtains, Shutters, Blinds & Accessories, Wallpaper and Paint

01778 345777 www.creativetouchinteriors.co.uk info@creativetouchinteriors.co.uk Blenheim Way, Northfields Ind Est, Market Deeping PE6 8LD

Know your… potatoes King Edward Potatoes are commonly available and just coming to an end of their time in stores now. They have creamy coloured flesh with red blushes and shallow eyes and are often oval in shape. The flesh is firm and cream in colour and when they are cooked they have a fluffy texture. The potato had an inauspicious start. Bred by a Northumberland gardener who called it Fellside Hero, it was passed into the hands of a Yorkshire grower who in turn passed it to a potato merchant in Manchester, who gave it to John Butler of Scotter in Lincolnshire who, recognising its worth bought all the seed stocks available and multiplied the variety on 50 acres before renaming it King Edward, as it was introduced at the same time as the coronation of Edward V11 in 1902. Popular for mashed potato, roasting and baking, it is a good all rounder and can be used for chipping, sautéing and steaming. It had its moment in the sun when Delia Smith

POTATOES

anointed it as the best potato with which to make gnocchi and ‘perfect’ for mashed potatoes. Not only is Holland the birthplace of the artist Vincent Van Gogh who famously painted the picture The Potato Eaters, it is also the home of the The Potato Eaters Vincent Van Gough 1885 Picasso Potato – now coming into the shops. Again it is oval in shape with smooth white skin, pink eyes and creamy flesh and great taste! Widely acknowledged to be the best kind of potato for the jacket potato they are perfect as a basis for an autumn supper – served with piles of grated cheese or baked beans they are nutritious and a filling but inexpensive meal. Also good for chips and boiling, Picasso is a good all rounder as we go into the season of filling suppers and stews! Picasso potatoes are now in stock at Moor Farm Shop, Newborough.

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Molecey Mill, Stamford Road West Deeping, Lincolnshire PE6 9JD thegranarydeeping.com | 07855242356 thesquire@moleceyestates.com

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The Coming of Age of English Wines

WINES

The middle of June each year heralds the start of English Wine Week, an annual promotion by WineGB to showcase all that is wonderful about English and Welsh wines. The UK’s oldest commercial vineyard opened in 1952 at Hambledon Vineyard in rural Hampshire, along the South Downs. Although much of the UK’s fine wine growing regions run along the South of the country, you might be surprised to learn that East Anglia provides just over 10% of the UK’s vineyard acreage, and Midlands and the North, which includes Lincolnshire, a further 4%. Across the UK, there are now 800 vineyards, 178 wineries and 8.7 million vine plantings. Around 75% of the plantings are to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the three classic Champagne grapes, almost all of which go to making our world-class English sparkling wines. The remaining 25% are largely the traditional varieties used in the UK for still wine production, Bacchus, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Gris and Rhondo. However, we are now seeing an increasing planting of higher quality international grapes for still wines too. One of the largest difficulties for English wines historically was the fact that in most years, we just didn’t have a long enough, suitable, growing season for grapes to reach full ripeness. It is not a huge problem for sparkling wines as they can benefit from a slight lack of ripeness, leading to high acidity and a light nose and flavour profile, which all adds to the effervescence and lift. However, for still wines, it could lead to green notes, insufficient balance and excess acidity. In an unusual turn of fate, global warming has improved the prospects for English still wines immeasurably and now, with a warmer and longer growing season and with better and more sophisticated plantings and of the right varieties in the right places, English still wine is definitely on the up. Perhaps the principal headwind for English wines is the perceived high cost. It is a simple fact that our vineyards tend to be smaller scale enterprises, with proportionately higher fixed production costs than many of our European counterparts. Additionally, UK labour costs are higher than many places around the world. All of this has to be factored into the end price for the consumer. Sparkling wines tend to be priced between £25 to £35 per bottle and still wines between £12 and £25. Nevertheless, you are getting a very high quality beverage and almost all sparkling wines are made using the traditional double-fermentation process that is adopted in Champagne. Measured on this basis they compare very favourably on price, but not so when compared to a cheap bottle of Prosecco! In effect, you are paying a fair price for the excellent quality.

WineGB, with records taken by DEFRA, indicates that the UK will sell in excess of 6 million bottles this year, around 10% of which is exported around the world. Selling English wines remains a hard sell with only around 54% being made via the trade (supermarkets, wine merchants and restaurants). To get around this, wineries have to sell from their own on-line shops, visitor centres and at craft shows and these now account for almost 30% of wine sold. We are very fortunate to have quite a few wineries within very easy reach and the following are two very good examples. The first of these is Ovens Farm Vineyard, based at Harrington, roughly between Louth and Skegness. Husband and wife team Simon and Bridget White first planted vines in 2015 and saw their first real harvest come to fruition in 2019. They grow several grape varieties, all well suited to the English climate, including the aromatic Bacchus, an early ripening Solaris (for the whites), a medium- bodied, full-flavoured Rhondo (for still red production) and Pinot Noir for their sparkling wine. Despite their relatively recent entry into the wine business, they have already scooped a number of awards and business is growing year on year. Their silver medal-winning Bacchus has a lovely aroma of cut grass and gooseberries and a fresh, citrusy dry flavour, delicious on its own or with a goat’s cheese salad. It sells for around £14 per bottle. Simon tends to take care of the viticulture, as he has an agricultural background, and Bridget takes care of the winemaking, once the grapes are harvested. For more information visit www.ovensfarmvineyard.co.uk. continued >

WINES Another very successful winery within striking distance is based at North Creake, around 10 miles inland from the North Norfolk coast. Burn Valley Vineyard is also a family owned venture, set up in 2015 by John Robinson, who has now been joined by daughters Laura and Samantha to run the business, both of whom hold wine-specific qualifications from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust. Additionally, Laura attended Plumpton College, the UKs foremost Wine college and research centre, and passed with flying colours. They have undertaken detailed soil analysis and this has enabled them to grow very specific varietals on parcelspecific plots with the aim of producing the highest quality of fruit possible. They have nine varieties of grapes, carefully chosen for the making of still white and red wines, rosé and a sparkling wine. The Pinot Blanc and the rosé have both won awards this year and come highly recommended. I can also recommend the Pinot Noir still red wine. This wine receives a proportion of its maturation in oak barrels and this gives the resulting wine a roundness and suppleness

without diminishing the vibrancy and lift of the fruit. The palate shows a pronounced note of wild strawberries and brambles and it has a lovely long finish. Ideal with local cheese, Norfolk White Lady, sea trout or lamb, this wine retails at around £21. Vineyard tours and tastings are available, as are dinners with wines. Their website has full details of these: www. burnvalleyvineyard.co.uk. English wine really is a class act these days and I would encourage everyone to sample a few bottles. With Cobble Hill and Burn Valley within very easy reach, I can think of no better places to start! Leigh Johnson is an avid wine enthusiast and collector. He holds the Advanced Certificate from the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust. You can follow his wine reports on Facebook at Bells Farm Vintners

We can accommodate most motorhomes for services & MOT OPENING TIMES: Mon- Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm and Sat 8.00am - 11.00 am

We are open during these difficult times and precautions are being taken 34

Afternoon tea SAVOURY OPTION Mixed sandwiches Homemade sausage rolls Pork pie wedge Quiche Scones £17 per person

THE STAGE

SWEET OPTION A selection of sandwiches Scones with jam and clotted cream A selection of cakes and tarts Tea and/or coffee £17 per person

We also offer a glass of prosecco for an additional £7 per person Booking required Available by appointment only 3-5.00pm 16 Market Place, Market Deeping Peterborough, PE6 8EA

01778 343234 info@deepingstage.com www.deepingstage.com 35

Market Deeping

Antiques & Craft Centre Come for a while & you’ll stay a while longer!

We are seeking entries for our forthcoming auctions

50-56 High Street, Market Deeping PE6 8EB Tel (01778) 380238 Open 10-5 Mon- Sat, 11-4 Sun & Bank Holidays.

1920’S HARVEST

Centenarian Nancy Titman recalls the harvest as it was before the days of the air conditioned cab on the combine harvester… How different the harvest was in the 1920’s when it took the physical labour of a small army of workers as many weeks to gather the crop. The threshing could be months later. The farmer was thankful to see a row of stacks in his yard and the workmen looked with pride on the results of their labour. The wives knew that the children would have new boots and other necessities from the extra wages. It was time to say a heartfelt thank you to God who had sent the sun and rain and blessed the inhabitants of the village with a plentiful harvest. How better to decorate God’s house with choice examples of produce from gardens and fields? Ladies of the Church Workers Guild had chosen traditional key points in the church to decorate, but they relied on generous gifts of flowers, fruit and vegetables from everyone. A couple of strong lads let out of school ran errands for them and carried buckets of water from the pump at the Cross. Vases, baskets, dishes and jam jars were filled and arranged to the best advantage, the coconut matting that covered the aisles was given a good sweep with the cane brush and all was ready for the eagerly anticipated service. Not a religious festival of the church but the most popular and the best-attended service of the year, the Harvest Festival at Deeping St James took place on the first Sunday in October. However Sunday was not enough – the Festival began with a popular service on

Friday evening which was always packed as it enabled people from other parishes and churches to attend along with others who only went to church on that one occasion. The vicar always invited one of his colleagues to preach a rousing sermon to congratulate and encourage the captive congregation. Entering the church was like stepping into Aladdin’s cave. It was a feast for the senses, the profusion and the mixture of colour, shapes and smells a unique Harvest Festival memory. Inside, on the right, large open sacks revealed earthy potatoes while opposite, in the space around the font, stood the miniature stacks, perfectly made and expertly thatched by Mr Bill Blessett. Banks of flowers filled the space; asters, dahlias and Michaelmas Daisies of every shade from white to purple, and among them were displayed choice vegetables; carrots, parsnips and fat marrows. Not forgetting the fruit; especially apples of every size and variety arranged in pyramids or piled on the window ledges among the flowers. Huge sprays of pampas grass festooned the pillars. A more spectacular feature was the banks of flowers on the sloping walls beneath the windows on the north aisle. Mrs Sally Howitt and Mrs Olive Bennett spent hours weaving the flowers into a wire frame that had been made to fit the space. It was incredible and so was the pulpit which was completely covered in crimson geraniums. Miss Crowson filled the collection of paste jars with flowers and hung them on to tacks by means of string collar and loop. Not good for the pulpit but fantastic to look at. At the bottom of the pulpit was a dozen eggs in a nest of hay. More simple offerings were sprays of bramble with plump blackberries and small boughs of

hawthorn. Wild rose, glowing with hips and haws and even bulrushes and reeds could be seen. The chancel was resplendent with more exotic blooms, lilies and gladioli, and on either side of the altar full-sized sheaves of corn, while on the altar itself was the giant-sized loaf baked by Mr Oldham, and the luscious bunches of grapes from the vicarage greenhouse conservatory. The service on Friday evening was a joyful thanksgiving. Everyone wore their best clothes and all the ladies and girls wore hats. Some men who were only seen in their working clothes were hardly recognisable in their serge suits and without a cap, weather beaten faces in sharp contrast with the pale forehead and a head of hair or a bald pate. Eventually the ‘last bell’ had been rung and the service began. (After the peal before a service, there were several tolls on one bell – no doubt a relic of the days when the clocks and watches were unreliable; it meant ‘hurry up or you’ll be late for church’). The service was about to begin; Fred Patchett pumped the old organ and Mr Tomblin, the Miller from Broadgate Lane, struck up the first hymn. The choir processed, then the two rows of boys sat facing each other across the aisle; on the south side was a row of ladies, not in choir robes, and behind them the choir men. The congregation enjoyed the chance to sing with enthusiasm ‘Now thank we all our God.’ Harvest Festival, Priory Church DSJ Sunday 3rd Oct 10.00am 37

Murano Silver

32 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS

SHOP STAMFORD

Here in Deeping we are a hop, skip and a jump away from the quirky individual shops that line the streets of Stamford, punctuated by plenty of pit stops for coffee and cake! Here are some to whet your appetite!

Charismatic interior pieces from Margo & Plum, 39 St Mary’s Street.

Alex Monroe Baby Bee Necklace, £156, handcrafted in the UK from recycled sterling silver and 22ct gold plate available from Rubirox 14, St Marys Street

Loomes, extraordinary British watchmakers, 4 St Mary’s Hill

You of Stamford, 30 St Mary’s Street.

Pilgrim Jewellery, high quality timeless plated jewelllery with a fantastic price point from Murano, 32 St Marys St.

Collection of quirky and traditional items to be found at Hoptroff & Lee, 4 Cheyne Lane and The Corn Exchange Stamford www.hoptroffandlee.co.uk 39 continued >

SHOP STAMFORD

Made for Stamford Strings by a local tailor these silky violin bags are made by a local tailor out of offcuts from car covers,so they are an eco-friendly product as well as being local! It is a good idea to keep your violin in a bag to help keep it at an even temperature, protecting it from hot and cold weather, and also protecting it from knocks and scratches. The bags are £14.50 each. The shop also sells pure sillk scarves at £40 each. Stamford Strings, 3 St Leonards St. A collection of ethically sourced handmade jewellery, perfect for special gifts. Murano, 32 St Marys St.

Keep you clothes safe! From Harrison & Dunn - hardware

storeTrees and Stamford institution! 3 All Saints’ Street Hedgehogs &

Dawson of Stamford has a wide selection of jewellery, from pearls and diamonds to signet rings and cufflinks. 6 Red Lion Square

Open 7 days a week, with over 70 Dealers the Centre has a variety of antiques unmatched in the surrounding area.

A charming collection of homewares and accessories, this beautiful design celebrates woodlands and parks featuring Sophie’s illustrations of magnificent hedgehogs and mighty oak and pine trees. We are so pleased to be working with the National Trust on this wonderful collection. Together we will help ensure that woodlands and parks will thrive again, by planting and conserving trees to provide a haven for wildlife.

23a High Street, St Martins, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2LF (01780 481158) www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

Hedgehogs & Trees the Autumn/Winter collection from Sophie Allport Homeware and Lifestyle Gifts 26-27 High Street

Animal planters are proving popular at Nook this season! Sheep Market

A WARM WELCOME FROM HOPTROFF & LEE, ANTIQUES IN THE ALLEY - SELLING COLLECTABLES AND GIFTS TOO!

Traditional family jewellers offering a wide range of 18ct gold and platinum jewellery over two floors specialising in fine antique jewellery and silverware. Comprehensive valuation and repair service.

Open 10am to 4pm Weds to Sat. 4, Cheyne Lane, Stamford PE9 2AX www.hoptroffandlee.co.uk Tel 01780767447/07908052337

6 Red Lion Square, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2AJ

Also Hoptroff & Lee Antiques in the Arcade The Corn Exchange Cafe and Shops, Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PX. Open October 1st Tel 07908052337

Telephone (01780) 754166 Fax: (01780) 764231 email: dawsonsofstamford@hotmail.com www.dawsonofstamford.com

Ser ving Delicious Brunch, Lunch Ser ving Delicious Brunch, Lunch or After noon Tea

Ser ving Delicious Brunch, Lunch or After noon Tea

Relax on our sunny south facing terrace or come inside and enjoy the comforts of our cosy coffee shop. We serve the best coffee, delicious cakes, freshly prepared Relax on our sunny south facing terrace or come ins seasonal lunch options and afternoon tea all with a warm welcome.

of our cosy coffee shop. We serve the best coffee, del

Open Monday – Saturday 9.00am 4.00pm Enjoy the comforts of our cosy coffee shop. Onto the menu we have Hambleton Relax on our sunny south facing terrace or come inside and enjoy the comforts seasonal lunch options and afternoon tea all w The Hayloft, Copthill Farm, Uffington, PE9 4TD Call: 01780 753351 Email: info@thehayloft.coffee Bakery sourdough bread toasties, scones, teacakes, delicious home made cakes, of our cosy coffee shop. We serve the best coffee, delicious cakes, freshly prepared soup of the day, and savoury light lunches. Open Monday – Saturday 9.00am seasonal lunch options and afternoon tea all with a warm welcome.

The Hayloft, Copthill Farm, Uffington, PE9 4TD Call: 01780 753 Open Monday – Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm

The Hayloft, Copthill Farm, Uffington, PE9 4TD Call: 01780 753351 Email: info@thehayloft.coffee 41

CLOCK & WATCH Restoration and Repair

Discover the latest and greatest in decorative homewares, lighting and statement furniture at Margo and Plum

House visits, all domestic clocks repaired, high grade repairs to all makes of watches. Insured, qualified, guaranteed. 4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319 www.robertloomes.co.uk

Ruffles Hair & Beauty 3 Halfleet, Market Deeping PE6 8DB 01778 344677

39 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS www.margoandplum.co.uk

G R AY T O N E S P R I N T E R S

Christmas Cards 2021

Choose from our stock designs or supply us with a photo, drawing or image and we will produce your unique Christmas cards. Your company, or personal, details will be printed inside.

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

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

A6 Cards 25 - £30.00 + VAT 50 - £40.00 + VAT 100 - £50.00 + VAT 150 - £60.00 + VAT

A5/150mm sq Cards 25 - £35.00 + VAT 50 - £45.00 + VAT 100 - £65.00 + VAT 150 - £85.00 + VAT

All cards supplied with envelopes

01778 344677 follow us on facebook for opening times

Unit 17 King Street Ind. Est., Langtoft, Peterborough. PE6 9NF T: 01778 560261 E: mail@graytones-printers.co.uk

OTTERS BUSINESS HUB

Situated in a recently renovated Grade 2 listed building in the heart of Stamford, Otters Business Hub has responded to post Covid work requirements and combines services such as serviced offices, hot desking, virtual office facilities and conference hire. Since opening earlier this year office manager, Terri Coley has been surprised at the take up for the virtual office, “People working from home sometimes need an address for their emails and website which is not their own - we can give them that prestigious address as well as a raft of other facilities including mail scanning and emailing on.”

Hot desking takes on a whole new dimension in the tastefully refurbished building, workspace with access to power and USB points, wifi, kitchen facilities with unlimited complimentary tea and coffee, phone chargers, shredding facilities and all within a two minute walk of the centre of Stamford and all of the shops, cafés and riverside walks on offer there. The Business Hub ask for a donation for printing and with the attention to detail that is prevalent throughout the building the money box is….an otter of course! All proceeds collected via the ‘otter’ bank will be sent to the Deepings Foodbank. Another beneficiary of the Otter Business Hub’s first year in operation has been the residential therapeutic school just outside of Oakham, Wilds Lodge. The Hub has recently sponsored the football kit for the school team. Popular Stamford artist, Nick Grove has a studio in the building and so there is no shortage of his renowned Stamford views on the walls adding to the ambiance of a quietly cultured but friendly alternative to the work office of old! Not only is Stamford one of the best places to live in the country but Otters Business Hub offer one of the best places to work as well! https://ottersbusinesshub.co.uk/

Nick Grove

Now stocking the luxurious Sanctum brand of beds from Highgrove Beds combining traditional British craftsmanship with natural fillings and modern pocket spring technology. We have been providing expert advice to all our customers for over 30 years now, we are sure to have the right bed for you so please come and see us in store to view the whole range of beds and mattresses. We stock a whole range of beds from many different brands and offer extremely competitive prices on all our beds and mattresses.

We offer FREE DELIVERY on all beds and mattresses within a 25 mile radius We offer a large selection of beds in stock that we can deliver SAME DAY

Please come and see our fantastic range of beds instore today! Call us: 01778 347961 48 High Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8EB

CATION OF PRACTICE

N STAINES Bsc (Podiatry) MchS

Moved from the Wellhead Practice August 2014just along the road to RENU at 27 Abbey Road Bourne PE10 9EN

Let your feet do the talking!

ings at Bourne or Market Deeping

ring - 01778 342110 Degree trained

& Fitness

evening and some Saturday Clinics are ailable throughout the week.

Podiatrists/ Chiropodists with extensive NHS and

ained Podiatrists/Chiropodists with Private experience. NHS and Private experience, Post Qualifications. See an HCPC Registered t and Chiropodist are theChiropodist, ONLY titles Podiatrists/ under British Law- This is for the Legally protected Titles for rotection)(HCPC) the protection of the public gister-http://www.hpc-uk.org/check/

Daytime, evening and some Saturday Clinics are available

our foot problems, Biomechanical gait problems and Nail Surgery ocal anaesthesia). FULL RANGE OF TREATMENTS AVAILABLE.

The Society of Chiropodits and Podiatrists

TAINES BSc (Podiatry) MchS., & Michael Centre, Staines BSc.,Douglas (Podiatric Medicine), The Community Road MchS, (Non-Medical Prescriber) and Associates

Market Deeping PE6 8PA

For Bookings at Market Deeping Ring 01778 342110 Website: www.deepingpodiatryandchiropody.co.uk

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BACK LANE, DEEPING ST. JAMES, PE6 8RT TEL: 01778 346946

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MENTAL HEALTH

Coming Home with Ray Pawlett Have you ever thought about what the word ‘Home’ means to you? If you have ever been forced to leave your home, you probably didn’t think about much else! Yet, somehow, we easily forget how important the feeling of coming home is. I was born in Bourne; my parents and my grandparents were/are from South Lincolnshire. This means that my Lincolnshire roots go back for many generations. This gives me a strong sense of ‘home’, and the settling qualities of that feeling. Yet there is much more to it than that. I love going to Cambridge Folk Festival. When I go there, it feels like going home. There are several other places that give me that feeling. Not places that I have ever lived in but certainly places where I feel comfortable. Let’s dig deeper. When I practice Tai Chi, meditation or have a Shiatsu treatment. I feel like I have ‘come home’ to myself. This, I think, is the crux of the matter. We all need to have that feeling of coming back to ourselves. Coming home. Home is literally ‘where the heart is’ – not necessarily ‘wherever you lay your hat’.

In Oriental medicine, our heart is like our spiritual compass. If we are aligned with the energies of our hearts then we are aligned with our ‘true self ’. Heart energy also stands for joy, love, communication with others and self. When we have feelings of joy, love and communication then the heart is singing. On a very deep level, our souls hear this song. I was lucky. My childhood was full of all of the positive feelings of love and joyfulness. It makes sense, then, that being in the area that I grew up in will resonate with those feelings. Likewise with the folk festival. It is a place of great joy and communication to me. My heart feels it and enjoys that feeling. Not everybody is so fortunate! There are many reasons why the simple measures that work for me may not work for you. Nevertheless, our hearts all desire love and joy for their good health. So, what can you do? A simple answer would be to try a Shiatsu treatment to bring you home to yourself but whilst you are waiting for that appointment, have a try at this:

Chose a moment when you will not be disturbed for around 30 minutes Sit and be quiet Ask yourself ‘What do I feel like when I come home?’ Allow thoughts and images to travel through your mind. You will probably find a lot more than just the house you live in! Feel into your heart – any thoughts and images that cause a feeling of joy in your heart are putting you on the right track.

This is simple but powerful. It can help you to unlock your unique ‘heart code’ and open the way to a deeper level of joy and love within your heart. If you would like to learn more about healing, Shiatsu, Taoism, Tai Chi, 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 47

Five Great Ways to Connect with the It’s well recognised that connecting with the world around us good for our wellbeing. We aren’t talking hippy, let’s dance around a tree or sitting around a daisy, singing ‘Kum ba ya’, dear reader. If that’s your jam, then absolutely fine, but I am talking about something altogether different. We are fortunate to live in an area where the natural world isn’t very much more than a stone’s throw away. Indeed, it might be in your garden, certainly down your street; and if you walk along the river you will definitely find it. The natural world has always been an important part of my life. I find it relaxing and calming, and being in it is usually a great time to just think. There is also beauty and wonderment to be found which is breathtaking and astounding. And the great thing about it? Every experience is different and it can be a constant journey of learning.

Feed the Birds Where else to start? Investing in a few feeders or a bird table can bring so much joy. With the winter months approaching, more and more birds will be seeking grub. All birds have different behaviours and watching them in your garden, you will learn and enjoy them. Regular watching might mean you get to know individual birds and perhaps, even better, they get to know you. Some of my earliest and best memories of connecting with nature are from within my grandparents’ garden with Blackbirds and a Jackdaw that were so conditioned to humans, they would be hand-fed and even enter the house. My top tip is don’t be a hater of the Magpies, Wood Pigeons or Starlings – they all need food and just check out that stunning iridescent colouring in their plumages. Drink in the colours, especially during those dull winter days.

At the start of the first lockdown, many people found solace and space in nature. During the past difficult 18 months, the natural world has become important to many people as a form of escapism from what is increasingly, a mad world (as Tears for Fears would say – kids, ask your parents). But let’s not get political – let’s get back to nature! A walk out in the countryside can produce some amazing encounters with wildlife. Sometimes they check you out!

Even newly dug ponds will attract visitors very quickly, such as Frogs and Newts.

Just add Water! Whilst on the subject of gardens, why not cater for more than just birds? Planting flower meadows or borders with nectar-rich flowers is seemingly not just important for us but could be a lifeline to our insect populations. Seeing butterflies visiting your garden will instantly raise the spirit and this is great time to plant it! Another significant thing to add to the garden, to attract the wild in, is water! A pond doesn’t need to be big – it can even be just a sunken washing up bowl – but whatever the size, it will attract all manner of life! From Frogs and Newts, to Dragonflies and perhaps (if you are reeeeally lucky) a Grass Snake! Add a wildlife pond in your garden and I dare you to try and stand away from it – it will become the centre of your garden and enjoyment of it... and all visitors!

Natural World

Words & Pictures by William Bowell

Take a Walk on the Wild Side Around Deeping, nature is accessible to all. We are so fortunate! On a walk along the river, you might see a flash of blue from a Kingfisher or a plunge from an Otter, and not to forget the ‘FRANK’ shout as a Grey Heron flies off! Deeping Lakes will be brimming with wildfowl by the end of the month and hundreds of Thrushes from the continent gobbling berries from the bushes. A drive along the Highbank will find hundreds of graceful swans, including Whooper Swans – a true wildlife spectacle. Even the grounds around our churches in Deeping will be brimming with wildlife and ever so peaceful. Relax and watch what is going on: there is always something to see!

Stop, Look, Listen! Whilst looking for wildlife it is important to stop! Look! And listen! The whole point of enjoying the natural world is to enjoy the natural world. When you are watching the birds in your garden, really look and enjoy them. You might notice a different colour in their plumage or a different behaviour. When you are out for a walk, stop and look at the stillness of the river and reflections in the autumn light; and how the small birds start going mad when the Sparrowhawk flies over. And why not stand

outside in your garden at night time on a clear night and hear the ‘tseep’ call from a Redwing as it arrives from Scandinavia! And then properly marvel on that – if that doesn’t make you feel happy then nothing will!

Connect with People Interacting with people is also important. Exercise is great, not just for the physical side but for mental wellbeing. The Langdyke and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts have work parties with like-minded people, who care for nature, wanting to create habitats for wildlife locally. The Peterborough Bird Club is another local organisation that have walks locally, with knowledgeable people leading, who will teach more than what bird just called. The people leading these walks will teach you more than just what bird that was. A shared experience of nature is special and one to be enjoyed. Whatever way you enjoy nature, we are surrounded by it. We are a nation of nature lovers, so embrace it. There is so much joy out there. 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.

The Warehouse, 74 Station Rd, Deeping St James PE6 8RQ Tel: 01778 342665

General Pet supplies and speciality Wild bird food Visit us for the greatest selection of dry dog foods in the Area. All at the cheapest prices

Many other brands available, ring and ask! Cat food and treats, dog treats and chews, rabbit and guinea pig food and bedding Chicken layers and growers pellets, chick crumb, parrot, parakeet, budgie, canary etc Finest selection of straight and blended seeds for garden birds Fatballs, suet products, feeders, nestboxes and lots more. All at the best prices in the area 49

what’s on Harvest Lunch at St Michael’s in Langtoft Saturday 23rd October at 12.00 noon Fun, Food and Fellowship at our Harvest Lunch Menu: Ham Salad, Jacket Potato. (Veggie option Quiche) - Fruit Crumble - Tea or Coffee. Price: £10.00 per person. There’s also a quiz and a raffle!. Tickets available from: Langtoft Convenience Store or Debbie Howard 01778 349576 or any church member. Or: St Michaels any Saturday 10.00-12.00 - and any Sunday 11.00. Saturday coffee mornings at 10am including Bacon Butties every 3rd Saturday.

Come and share your school-day memories - former pupils of West Deeping Church of England School will be warmly welcomed! Exploring the Pupils of West Deeping School in the 1950’s history of education in West Deeping with original archives and photographs - is the topic for West Deeping Heritage Group’s meeting on Tuesday 26th October, from 7 for a 7.30 p.m.start - in the former school, West Deeping Village Hall, King Street. Contact Maggie Ashcroft (07808 585189 or wdheritage@hotmail.co.uk) for further details.

Deepings Community Wellbeing Forum Friday 8 October 12.30 - 2.30pm. Deepings Sports & Social Club.

* * * * * *

Oddfellows Diary Dates

2nd: Oddfellows Brass Band In concert. St.

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1Hf John’s Church Hawthorn Bank Spalding.

Contact Andrew 07729519122 SECRE 6th: Friendship Lunch Waggon & Horses

Langtoft. Contact Virginia 07711 883938 13th: Craft Club, Oddfellows Hall Market Deeping. Contact Janice 01778 560059 All residents within C�D the Deepings and surrounding villages 20th: Friendship Lunch, Crown Inn are invited to join this first community Surfleet. Contact Christine 07714 096801 forum to discuss a new mental health 22nd: Surprise Bingo, Oddfellows and wellbeing hub within the Deepings. Hall, Market Deeping. Contact Virginia Bring your lunch and stay. Having your 07711 883928 say will help us together build a hub 27th: Come and meet the Oddfellows we all need for our area. Info email Members. The Hub, Pinchbeck, Spalding. deepingscommunitywellbeing@gmail.com Contact Christine 07714 096801.

OCTOBER

SEAMSTRESS

Northborough Goes to the Movies

SATURDAY HEADLINE BAND FOO FIGHTERZ TRIBUTE RAISING FUNDS FOR SUE RYDER THORPE HALL HOSPICE

Check out our website FOR music announcements.

www.ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk

The King of Instruments An organ recital by Chris Brown Sunday 10th Oct 3.00pm, The Priory Church Deeping St James

The Priory has a superb organ and an accomplished Director of Music to play it. In this recital it will be easy to hear why Mozart described the organ as ‘The King of Instruments’. Chris Brown was formerly organ scholar at Ripon Cathedral and Director of Music at Halifax Minster. Tickets £8 (children free) incl. light refreshments from Jo Astle 01778 346879 or Victoria Worthington 01778 343860 or at the door.

Sunday 17th October. Trail Maps £1.00 available from Village Hall. This autumn a little glitz and glamour will be coming to the area as Northborough Goes to the Movies with their Scarecrow trail. Cakes, jacket potatoes and refreshments on sale from 2pm until 4pm. Updates will be available via our Facebook page @NorthboroughWI. On the Edge (Northborough’s WI) are also delighted to be resuming our meetings in person, and at our new home of Northborough Village hall on the 2nd Friday of the month at 7.30pm. We have an exciting programme planned for 2021 and all ladies are welcome to our friendly group. For more information please email ontheedgewi@gmail.com

Fabulous Flute

Craft Fair

A recital by Deeping-born flautist

Abigail Fletcher with

Chris Brown piano and organ.

23rd October 2021 - 10am to 4pm Manor Farm Community Centre 70 High Street, Eye, Peterborough, PE6 7UY

Sun. 26th Sept, 2021 at 3pm,

Community Café Craft Fair

ComeStand see over 20 stalls of local talented crafters, Priory Church, Deeping James Why not take Tickets £8 (children free) incl. lightshowcasing refreshments from homemade J Astle fudge, sweets, sewn items, crocheted 23rd 5 October minutes to 2021 01778 346879, V Worthington 01778 343860 or at the door. enjoy the day and All proceeds towards the For everyone’s protection, wearing gifts, a mask is jewellery, strongly advisedresin artwork, cards and much more. With 10am to 4pm work of Priory Church Abigail would like to thank Deeping St James United Charities cakes for its sandwiches, and refreshments, supplied by the Eye. atmosphere invaluable support of her flute studies. All proceeds towards the work of Priory Church

thesecretseamstress@outlook.com

Manor Farm Community Centre

www.facebook.com/thesecretseamstress

70 High Street, Eye, Peterborough, PE6 7UY

Come and see over 20 stalls of local talented crafters, sho homemade fudge, sweets, sewn items, crocheted gifts, je

I'd Rather Be In Deeping October 2021

Articles inside

What’s on

Mental Health

Shop Stamford

The Coming of Age of English Wines

Know your…potatoes

1920’s Harvest

One man and his family of dog

Otters

The Potato Railway

Lincolnshire Day