I'd Rather Be In Deeping October 2022

Newton Fallowell are proud to offer for sale with NO ONWARD CHAIN this superb three bedroom detached house with a large SOUTH FACING GARDEN backing onto the RIVER WELLAND. Externally there is a shared driveway which provides vehicle access to the rear garden. The well-kept rear garden must be viewed to be appreciated and includes fruit trees, planted borders, a wellconstructed summer house, timber sheds and ends with a gentle slope down to the South facing bank of the River Welland.

Visit us on: www.newtonfallowell.co.uk

Call us on: (01778) 345978

Back in May 2018 we wrote about Carrs the Butchers in the Market Place and the seven sisters who were brought up there. They were all great horsewomen, as pictured above, and one, Joan Calvert Brown, has recently featured in the news because of her racing prowess; turn to page 11 to read her story. They say that horse racing is the sport of Kings and it would be impossible to put this issue together without mentioning the spectacular funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, matched only by her reign and her 70 years of loyal and dignified service to us. There were moments during that day of days that were particularly memorable and it is fitting that one of those was the wait for the cortege by the Queen’s fell pony, Emma. Recollections of that day and of the Queen’s life from the people of the Deepings are included in this issue.

Judy Stevens

Emma

Editor: Judy Stevens

Sub-Editor: Susan Hibbins

Designer: Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design

Features Writers: Judy Stevens, Ray Pawlett, Will Bowell, John Parsonage, Ann Taylor and Tamsin Bennellick

Research: Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman

Photography: Ian Baxter, Stuart Render and Will Bowell

Publisher: Judy Stevens

Printed by: Warners Midland PLC

Cover: ‘The Old Bridge, Deeping St James’ by Maggie Mckay

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.

Contact: 01778 348859

Email: idratherbeindeeping@gmail.com

Deeping @BeInDeeping

Residents of West Deeping, spanning four generations, came together to plant thousands of Daffodil bulbs. Funding initially came when a village lending library was established and the sale of surplus stock raised funds. Then a generous sponsorship from the Breedon Group made the large-scale planting ambition possible.

Talented artist and photographer, Emily Bowers takes the Deeping Youth Group for a photographic tutorial at the Deeping Lakes.

Have you signed up for the Little Black Dress Christmas Challenge with the Spinroom yet?

www.spinroomstudio.co.uk

Community stalwarts, Betty and Bob Parmenter retired from Age Concern at the end of August having managed the buses, produced the newsletter and helped to organise and run events. Said Bob, ‘We have enjoyed our role at Age Concern for many years but we do have to hand over sometime and we think that this is it.”

In happier times Princess Anne talks to her daughter Zara at the Burghley Horse Trials.

Image: Emily Carter

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

MON-SAT

PE2

Carr’s butchers and the seven Carr sisters were a feature of the Market Place in the 1950s and in the pages of this magazine (issue 036), but the youngest, Joan CalvertBrown, now 77, has hit the headlines again.

Joan was the first female rider to ever win a race at Chester racecourse, ‘The Rodee’, in 1973. This followed the success the previous year of the many women jockeys who battled for equality in racing. Joan was one of the founding members of the Lady Jockeys Foundation and is still a strong force in the world of horse racing today, working closely with the Injured Jockey Fund. Joan rode ‘Uncle Edward’ in the inaugural Ladies Race, trained by her late husband Jack Calvert and named after the owner Edward Scott, who agreed to support her. The race sponsor was Ellis Barker Fashion who gifted the prize of a fur coat. Remembers Joan, ‘Uncle Edward was a mile and a half horse and the race was ten furlongs. As the ground was soft I knew that that would be a great advantage to me. It was amazing to win the race not least because of the high regard I have for Chester racecourse – it’s unique and has so much history.’

At the Ladies Day meeting on Saturday, 20th August this year, the Chairman and Board of Directors invited Joan to join them in their box to view the afternoon’s racing, accompanied by her husband Gary Brown. .Joan selected the best turnedout horse in the paddock before the race and presented trophies to the owners, the trainer and the winning Jockey (who rode the horse she had selected as the best turned-out). The race was The Joan Calvert-Brown Handicap Stakes. Louise Stewart, CEO, Chester Racecourse said: ‘To host Joan at Ladies Day after all this time is a total delight for the team here. She was one of the many women jockeys that battled for equality in racing, and we are so grateful for her – and her cohort – who relentlessly championed women in the sport against a great deal of scepticism.’

Much loved Deeping St James resident, Nancy Titman, 104, signs copies of the book of her life ‘Swift to Tell’ at the Deepings Library. Copies now available from the Library.

Tracey Muscroft, great grandaughter of Arthur and Mary Seabrook, landlords of the Waterton Arms 1932-1957 sent us their picture following the feature last month..

They were originally from Erith in Kent where Arthur had been a gardener and in charge of unloading Thames barges.

Their son, also named Arthur, went on to run the New Inn (now The Stage) with his wife Lily nee Fowler.

This tablecloth was embroidered by Pat Gibbons in the 1950s for the DSJ WI Presidents table and was in use until 2014. The group is celebrating its 70th anniversary next year and would welcome any anecdotes or memorabilia. Contact President, Sue Sheppard 01778 344195.

Deepings’ swimmer Kerys Arundell represented Great Britain at the European Masters swimming championships in Rome competing in the 35-39yrs age group in both the 400m and 800m freestyle. In the 800m, she won her heat in 13:19.55 to finish 25th overall, while in the 400m, she swam a time of 6:30.78 to come 22nd. deepings@swimclubmanager.co.uk

Mayor of Market Deeping Town Council, Cllr Wayne Lester and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Bob Broughton at the Town Hall as people gather to hear the Proclamation of Charles III.

Autumn approaches - time for a boiler service!

Tennis player, Chase Burgess from Deeping St Nicholas won two silver medals (16U and 16U doubles) representing Team GB in Austria at a World Championship Event this summer. After starting to play tennis at the Deepings Tennis Club at 7 years old Chase won a 2021 National Racketlon event (table tennis, badminton, squash and tennis) at Stamford school.. He has gone on to become British number one for 16U winning 10/10 National events (4x 16U, 1xJuniors, 1x Mens C, 1x Mens D and British Championships Mens D singles, 16U singles and Mens C doubles).

Vine House Farm Cafe Manager Karen ran the Great Northern Run in memory of her friend Teresa in support of Breast Cancer Now.

Sam Peroo made it a family affair when she became the new head coach at the Deepings Swimming Club. Both her sisters swim for the club while her Mum is the PB and records officer and her Dad recently returned to poolside coach and is also deputy chair.

Jennie Sharman and her daughter Wendie enjoyed their experience at The Grange Spa, Pointon for 2 people recently won by Jennie. ‘Upon arrival, a welcome cup of tea before a tour around. Dressing gowns issued, then off to our chosen treatments, a back massage for Wendie and hand, arms,shoulders and head for Jennie, followed by swimming, finishing in the quiet area to relax. A glass of Prosecco all inclusive. A wonderfully relaxing time thanks to I’d Rather Be In Deeping’ said Jennie.

Deeping St James Parish Council walkers set off from Frognall.

Image: John Muzzy

New cards from local artist, Maggie McKay feature Welland Fishermen and the Old Bridge, Deeping St James and are available to buy from Deeping News, Deeping Library and Market Gate Deli.

From Dorothy to Beryl in Eastgate in 1949 - spotted on facebook and the recipient identified by Paul Burton as his Mum and Douglas and Rosemary as his Uncle and Aunt! I wonder if anyone knows who Dorothy was?

A coffee and cake morning organised by Theresa Gillett (left) and Natalie Torrens at the Empire Gym raised a massive £4252 (with some still to come!) for Sue Ryder.

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INSURANCE

Parsonage

The majority of the harvest is in; no more tractors, dust clouds, state-of-the-art harvesters or golden bales to draw one’s eye. The public now tends to forget about agriculture, food production and even more so, about those responsible for it…

Farming is predominantly a birthright industry whereby successive generations continue in their family footsteps to produce the food we so desperately need as a nation. Yet it is an industry which has also seen its fair share of change driven by technological advancement and market forces. This change has been even greater over the last 100 years.

A century or more ago our local towns and villages would have had a great many residents and businesses directly connected to agriculture, many of them our direct descendants. So why is it now, that many feel so disconnected from agriculture? Decades of local and family history lost to the mists of time like a slowly drifting dust cloud on an August evening….

If we are so quick to forget those connections, families and characters then it is little wonder so little thought or value is given to the fabric of the farm buildings themselves.

If I should never see the moon rise blood red across the harvest fields...

If I should never see the return of Swallows on a Summer’s morn...

If I should never again hear the clinking of the harness or the muffled voice of the ploughman...

If I should never smell the sweetness of the new mown hay or the earthiness of the wheat...

You will know I have left this world and I am for one better still!... Anon

The barns, sheds, outbuildings and similar structures of an established farm hold a history comparable to that of the headstones in the local graveyard. Built by skilled hands driven by want, pride and commitment over the centuries, each has its own story to tell. Many have their own unique vernacular architecture dependent upon the area of country in which they stand. The vast oak and thatch barns of the southern counties differ greatly to the knapped flint and pantile barns of Norfolk. The latter vary again when compared to our local limestone/Collyweston slate/pantile barns. Then come the barns of Scotland, Wales and Ireland, all unique in their own special way, After the main barns come a variety of other smaller buildings but all equally important in their time and all reflective of the need and wealth of their owners at any one particular point in time.

A personal favourite of mine are the Fen barns, not necessarily those of stone, flint or oak but those of timber, zinc and brick, much of it repurposed from elsewhere or recycled buildings from the war. Many built to stable horses after a day in the field, others to house bellowing beast or provide cover to the all important grain and more recently to cover those new fang-dangled tractors which had started to turn the fenland soils. Nick Tearle, a local artist from West Deeping, often captures the essence of these buildings within the fenland landscape as they cling to the landscape after each successive winter storm. Most now serve little purpose to agriculture yet they are not without their value.

In a world of increasing order and especially a countryside of increasing tidiness these buildings and their surrounds offer a small oasis or paradise for wildlife set within a manicured landscape.

The door hangs ajar inviting the explorer in…. observant eyes struggle to absorb all that is in front of them. Wide, waney-edged boards form the cloaking of the barn along with sections of soft red brick and honeycoloured limestone

set within soft lime mortar. Zinc sheets and bitumen paint also feature as previous weatherproof coatings but, alas, the passage of time has taken its toll.

Roof tiles are missing, timbers rotten and the barn itself sits awkwardly rising from the soil, trying to proudly maintain its once vibrant stature. Ivy runs throughout, at first thick at the base, its roots like a buttress to the decaying timber. Then smaller stems entwine the structure of the barn, forcing here and binding there…then at the very top the canopy of green leaves creates a natural umbrella whilst the old leaves carpet the floor below.

Old machinery, bales and various items lie in and around the barn and more lie in the nettles and brambles beyond. When it rains the cracked downpipes and broken gutters discharge their contents into the depressions of the surrounding yard and in amongst it all wildlife thrives.

Wrens nest deep within the ivy. Little Owls hide themselves away in any convenient crevice. Rats and mice come and go through the gnarled, gnawed holes, watched intently by the all-seeing eye of the Barn Owl above. Spiders, moths and butterflies tuck themselves away in every available space. In summer, swallows swoop through the broken windows and head up to their nests in the eaves, whilst whitethroats nest in the surrounding bramble. Masonry bees mine out new burrows in the lime mortar whilst tadpoles swim in the wet depressions. The old straw stack offers additional habitation for those which can’t find shelter in the barn. Badgers and foxes burrow deep underneath, grateful for the thatched roof above and, of course, the scene wouldn’t be complete without the robins nesting in amongst the shelving and at dusk the mystical silhouette of a hare waiting

for the moon to rise blood red above the harvest fields.

We need to understand and we need to remember that what we see isn’t just a snapshot of today. It is an intrinsic and complex web of social and physical factors derived from decades of time.

It’s a photo of social, family and industrial history. A construction detailing craftmanship, techniques and materials. A wildlife reserve which isn’t signposted on any map but is equal to some 50 times its size. Above all we need to make sure such places are protected and preserved, not to be replaced by tarmac, concrete and questionable landscaping.

Friday 21st October

Glinton Horticultural Society: ‘The Countryman’s Garden –Gardening for Wildlife’ by John Parsonage – a countryman’s version of gardening. Glinton Village Hall, 7.30pm

HARMACY

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 PHARMACY

DEEPING ST JAMES PHARMACY

Call in to book your flu vaccination with us!

Deeping St James PE6 8NT 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.

Our other services include

JANUARY 2021

WWe 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.

• 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

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

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

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.

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

● 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 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.

● 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.

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

● 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.

James PE6

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

The Greenwood Quire

’Twas so mortal cold that year that they could hardly sit in the gallery. So Nicholas brought a gallon of hot brandy and beer, to church with him – just a thimbleful in the Absolution, and another after the Creed, and the remainder at the beginning o’ the sermon. When they’d had the last pull they fell asleep, every man jack of ’em; and there they slept on as sound as rocks’ Thomas Hardy

With their home at St James, Aslackby, the Greenwood Quire was established in 2011 by Pete Shaw to carry on the tradition of the West Gallery musicians. The term ‘west gallery’ derives from the wooden galleries which were constructed at the west end of churches from which the choir, made up of locals, would perform. The coming together of these choirs was in response to the virtual elimination of singing in church in the 1600s. The west gallery choir, distinct from the clergy, would face the altar in the same way as the churchgoers. The Victorians, known for their strict, more ‘proper’ ways, disapproved of these galleries and most were removed during the 19th century.

The first performance of the Greenwood Quire was on Plough Sunday; it was thought that there needed to be as a minimum two people for each singing part and an instrument for each part. This original group gathered together with the mission to tell the story of the West Gallery Choir and to do that they needed to dress up! Their costumes date from the first part of the nineteenth century and are typical of townsfolk at the time, men in hats and ladies in bonnets.

Members of the Quire have collectively acquired the necessary knowledge for the creation of costumes which is not too serious a pursuit and help is most definitely on hand for new recruits!

Rehearsals are held once a month at Aslackby and are usually directed at an upcoming performance while keeping other items in their repertoire up to date – charged with bringing the Quire to a performance level is conductor, Brian David. Typically three or four events are planned each year, sometimes to support church services and others as standalone concerts. Chairman of the Quire, Mike Stevens sees his job as helping people to come forward and to facilitate their contributions.

During the lockdown of the recent pandemic there were virtual coffee mornings to echo the tea, coffee and biscuits that are available at in-person rehearsals.

The Quire encompasses all age groups; whole families have been involved, some starting as trebles and becoming basses. Material is not exclusively religious and some material sung by the Quire emanates from the Nonconformist movement which itself started with John and Charles Wesley in Lincolnshire. Musical instruments played include the Trombone, Bassoon, Recorder, and members of the string family: Violin, Viola, Cello and Violone (a large bass instrument).

The pleasure that people get from making music together and the benefits it has on the brain have been well documented;

The release of oxytocin contributes to the sense of being socially bonded with others, and dopamine, from musical expectation and anticipation is thought to be pivotal in the sense of motivation. The stress hormone, cortisol, is diminished when people sing together or listen to music together in groups. So far from re-enacting the antics of the bawdy revellers that the Victorians sought to abolish, the Greenwood Quire is taking forward the spirit of the amateur musicians who instinctively knew of the health giving benefits that they contributed to the religious gatherings of a past age.

The Greenwood Quire will be performing at the Priory Church, Deeping St James PE6 8NP on Sun 16th Oct, 3pm, Tickets £8 (children free) incl. light refreshments, from V. Worthington 01778 343860, J. Astle 01778 346879 or at the door.

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

Now stocking the luxurious Sanctum brand of beds from Highgrove Bedscombining traditional British craftsmanship with natural fillings and modern pocket spring technology.

Doris Finch aged 15 was given this invitation from her schoo,l Baylis secondary school, Manor Park, Slough. Doris and others from the school were taken to The Mall to watch the parade. Now a member of Age Concern she can still remember seeing all the coaches and horses.

Michael and Colin Wookey were presented to Her Majesty at a reception at Bletchley Park in 2011 when she commemorated the work of those that had worked there during the War. Their mother, Joan Wookey (nee Leggoe) had been one of those that worked there.

The Queen visited Burghley for a garden party as part of her Diamond Jubilee Tour in 2012. Here Mayor of Stamford, Cllr Robert Sandall offers his pen.

Clare Wookey and daughter Kayleigh attended the Party at the Palace for the Diamond Jubilee and snapped this one in a million picture!

On 22nd March 1978 - the Queen at the official opening of Bretton Library. and The Cresset -Maggie Ashcroft.

Betty Constant, mother of local Lin Sutton and Grandma to Lee (Deeping United), Jamie (The Health Cabin), Donna (Phil Mills Plumbing) received her birthday card celebrating her 100th birthday from the Queen on the day that she died.

On Wednesday 14th July 2004 the late Neil Olson won a ballot to meet the Queen when then Frognall based Ampy won the Award for International Trade, part of The Queens Award for Enterprise, and was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace. He attended with Director, Jonathan Elmer and Sales Manager Paul Taylor.

Press day at Chelsea was extra special this year as Her Majesty the Queen came to view the gardens.

‘A woman, striding fierce and ambling gentle her words resonate across oceans’

Kat Beeton, Poet Laureate- Paterborough

Maggie Ashcroft

Image: Gladwell & Patterson

‘A son sits in his mother’s shadow the movie of her life still playing’

Kat Beeton, Poet Laureate- Paterborough

Donna & Phil Mills - Sandringham

Clare Wookey at the lying in state with the Queen’s grandchildren.

Coffin through the crowds at Constitution Hill - Dave Jellis

Louisa Crowson in the queue for the lying in state.

Tamsin Bennellick - Sandringham

Gyles Brandreth by Dave Jellis

Annie Spriggs and Deeping Scouts at Sandringham

Sandringham - Judy Stevens

SandringhamDonna McKean-Smith

Crowds at Buckingham Palace - Emma Lannigan

Image: Dave Jellis

London - Caroline Guest Rickards

The Granary is the perfect, adaptable backdrop. Whether you want your special day to be wonderfully romantic, dreamily intimate or daringly different, here you can let your imagination run wild.

Brandon Mattless

Plumridge

Iced Cakes by Hannah

Shalini Austin

Artist - Elaine Anderson

Felter - Nikki Victoria

Bex Gosling

The Merryweather Artist

After the Gold Rush

The Stationmaster with gold in his veins

What has the frenetic Australian gold rush got to do with the relatively calm backwaters of James Deeping station? You may well ask.

From a small sheep settlement Ballarat had grown into a major town, news spreading quickly of rich alluvial fields where gold could be easily extracted. Unlike many other gold boom towns, the Ballarat Fields sustained high gold yields for decades. Within months 20,000 migrants had rushed to the district. Francis Olle was one who had gone out to join his brothers with the six children from his marriage to Hannah Liles, who had sadly died in 1854. He married Mary née Durrant in 1857 and it was here in Ballarat that John Durrant Olle was born, their first son. This new family returned to England on the Lincolnshire in 1862 and settled near Bury St Edmunds. In 1871 the census showed that Francis, now a man of some means, was a publican,

the owner of the Bear Inn, Beyton, Suffolk, as well as running an export business. John was educated at the King’s Grove Hall College in Ipswich.

Much later, in a newspaper interview reflecting on his career, John said ‘I took a fancy for railway work and joined the Great Eastern Railway as a Clerk at five shillings a week. I worked from 7.00 am till 8/9.00pm daily and Sundays 10.00 am to 7.00pm. I had nearly two years there, left and went to London to seek work. I went to try the Midland Company but they wanted me to go to Derby, but I wanted London life so I went and asked at King’s Cross Goods (Mr Yard) and started work the next day. The Farringdon Street offices were then about being opened and I was asked to go there as Clerk on night duty and remained there for five years. Then I came to Sleaford as Goods Clerk and have been in the Lincolnshire district ever since – Clerk and Stationmaster for the Great Northern Railway Company for 25 years.’

Mary, Florerence, John

According to the 1891 census John Durrant Olle was the Station Master at Sutton in the Marsh before his promotion to Station Master at St James Deeping. When asked, ‘Do you like the Railway?’ John answered ‘Oh yes, I like railway work only the tie is too great.’ He then went on to say, ‘What’s my opinion of the staff at country railway stations? Well, speaking honestly and fairly it’s not worked fairly; or should I say not staffed fairly… if this was a joint station I would have double the staff. But there I am transgressing. I will not say more. I have no animosity whatever against the railway Company. I have two sons still with the Company, and might have more in time.’

John went on to reveal that he was a local agent for The Railway Passengers Assurance Company. He had already paid out two claims under the Farmers and Workmen’s Compensation Act and most of the farmers in the district were insured with him. He was also agent for Messrs Fattorini & Sons of Bradford and The Liverpool and Victoria Insurance Company. John was keen ‘to work hard and get a bit of money. I have been ill myself and had no end of illnesses in my family and this has kept me a poor man.’ John was undoubtedly a go-getter; as Secretary of the Deeping Foal and Root Society for two years he was proud of the £20 balance in hand from this year’s show and in the future he was keen to open out the classes. As well as specimens having acreage prizes in root classes, he was hoping it would be a first class show in a few years’ time.

Mindful that GNR would want another 16 years work out of him before he got a pension, John was using his experience on the railways to good effect and was taking up a position as Manager and Clerk for Mr John Needham, general provender, cake, hay, straw, coal merchant of Market Deeping. He explained, ‘Most of these big businesses are clerked by railway officials and it makes all the difference what experience a man has had on the railway. What about railway rates? … The new rates entailed no end of extra work on the clerkage staff generally in the country and we reaped no benefit whatsoever.’ Politically John ‘would gladly rejoice to see all railways under Government. There would be no more red tape than now.’ But John was keen to work for his new master, giving him all the benefit of his railway experience. He was planning to attend markets, visit farms and get out amongst the farmers. ‘Yes they are a jolly lot of men, the fen farmers, no false pride.’

On leaving the Company the railway Superintendent, Mr Shaw from Boston, spoke very highly of John, ‘I am having a testimonial from the Company and mean to have it framed.’ He had also been presented with a testimonial by the farmers and traders when he left Hubberts Bridge. John was to start his new position with John Needham on the first day of the new century and was to reside at St James Deeping. At this point a sudden call for Mr Olle had interrupted the interview and it was terminated.

Five years later the Lincolnshire Free Press reported that Claude Olle, the son of John, had resigned his appointment as Clerk at Boston passenger station and was sailing for Canada. Claude had been employed by GNR for ten years, joining the telegraph department in Retford in 1896 and appointed Clerk at Mapperly in 1898. He had acted as Clerk at Deeping, Skegness, Horncastle and Sleaford going to Boston the previous October. At Horncastle he had been an enthusiastic member of the Rifle Corps and had joined the Artillery Battery in Boston and had been quickly promoted from Bombardier to Corporal. The Boston staff had collected for him and the Stationmaster, Mr Halliday, presented him with a set of razors, a silver watch chain and matchbox attached, a pipe and a supply of tobacco.

Research: Joy Baxter, Tom Fidler

Photographs: Tom Fidler, Ian Baxter

Email:

Metal Energy

In the world of Energy and healing, we split the year up into five seasons - water, wood, fire, Earth and metal. Deep winter is water, spring is wood, summer is fire, harvest time is Earth and late autumn is metal.

Each of these ‘elements’ has correspondences to our body, mind and spirit. The common name for this idea is ‘Five Element Theory’.

At the moment, the season is in ‘metal’ energy. A way that I often describe it is that metal energy is the energy that cuts the leaf away from the tree so that it can go into winter hibernation to be reborn in the springtime.

Metal energy allows us to let go of what we no longer need so that we can take in new energy. Our large intestine lets go of what we don’t need any more as do our lungs when we exhale. For that reason, the lungs and the large intestine are strongly associated with metal energy.

Traditional ancient wisdom says that when we die, we get rid of that which we no longer have use for – our

bodies, so that we can re-emerge in the spring time of the spirit after winter hibernation.

Healthy metal energy has us believing in a brighter future. If our thoughts tend towards grief, nostalgia for ‘the good old days’, depression and introversion then our metal energy has become weakened. The strength of the energy flowing through the metal energy organs and meridians has become compromised. This time of the year is when we are most affected but it is also the time of the year where we can do the most to help our metal energy. To do this we must

start with the belief that we can do something about it - creating a brighter future for ourselves.

Just thinking it is a start but not enough. Something like a Shiatsu treatment would really kick start things but we also need to make our own interventions. Most of them are quite simple and focus on the energy of the lung and large intestine. Try some of these to enhance your metal energy and feel brighter:-

• Eat leafy green vegetables daily – things like cabbage and kale that does not wilt quickly

• Eat mild pungent foods such as ginger, horseradish, radish, onions, mustard and garlic.

• Connect with sources of inspiration and humour

• Aerobic exercise such as swimming and vigorous walking

• Try chanting, singing or anything that involves expressive use of the voice.

If this kind of self improvement ‘speaks’ to you, there is much to learn. Please contact me if you would like to find out more or join my mailing list via email ray@ki-ways.co.uk or give me a ring on 07413 620344 or look at the website www.ki-ways.com

Found in Spalding

Stocking brands including Softinos, Fly London, Joseph Seibel, Clarks and ecco, Gibbs of Spalding also offer a shoe fitting and foot clinic service. 22, Hall Place, Spalding. www.gibbsshoes. co.uk or call 01775 723091

Cosmetics at Coneys offer a mix of elegant, fine fragrance right on your doorstep! Chanel, Estée Lauder, Clarins, Lancôme, Clinique and more! Experience the glamorous atmosphere of a traditional department store with expert advice from a range of beauty consultants. And while in store visit the luxury prosecco bar. A perfect way to the lift the spirits, heighten the senses, laugh and have fun! Coneys of Spalding 18/19 Broad Street.

Element 78 - Family jewellers offering yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, sterling silver and costume jewellery. Watches, clocks, artwork and handbags. Jewellery and watch repairs. All tied up with complementary luxury gift wrap with hand tied ribbon and a charm with happy birthday, heart, flower etc. 5 Market Place, Spalding.

Landlines by Raynor Winn - just one of the many titles stocked in Bookmark an independent bookshop for over 25 years. While The Coffee House serves hot and cold treats all day. 18-20 The Crescent, Spalding www.bookmarkspalding.co.uk

Autumn Products now coming in store and online...Charmed Interiors, 15 Bridge Street, Spalding www.charmed-interiors.co.uk

Flowers’n’ things -

door Penningtons

Shop! 3

Square

Going quakers at the Deeping Duck Race

Images: Stuart Render

Sick as a Sea Bird… In The Deepings! Words and Pictures by William Bowell

I love the change in seasons and in particular, the oncoming autumn. Don’t get me wrong, I love the summer, but this year’s has been a lengthy one.

The long hot, days, which saw record temperatures hit Britain, certainly took their toll on our countryside. Grass died back, meadows full of flowers burnt brown and whole hedgerows and mature tree leaves started to turn, not due to the change in seasons but because these veteran plants were dying before our eyes.

The rain of late August and September brought great relief. The local landscape seemed to bounce back, as so often nature does. The lawns went green; hedgerows with berries seem to be bursting with fruit. Autumn still felt early with fallen leaves but at least the rain had replenished our parched landscape.

As summer turned into autumn, the seabirds left their colonies, which was as much of a relief as the preceding rainfall. The news from the coast has been grim, from the spring, right through the summer. Not because of the drought but because of an invisible foe that became all too visible as the breeding season went on.

Birds of a pelagic nature often breed in close-knit colonies. These are great as they offer protection from predators and groups of these birds will go out fishing together. Overall, this leads to a better chance for the next generation of their species.

A High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Bird Flu was reportedly sweeping through seabird colonies. At first it seemed that Shetland was hit worst but

soon it began to emerge that this deadly virus was decimating colonies right down the east coast of Britain. And then not just Britain; Europe and even America too.

I was relieved when visiting Shetland in late August not to find tons of birds with HPAI flapping about helplessly. Indeed, we didn’t see any. Although we saw several dead Gannets and Kittiwakes floating in the sea, lost to bird flu, we didn’t see the carnage I expected This is most likely due to the fact many colonies had already departed for the winter on the sea.

You can therefore imagine my surprise, that when I had returned to the Deepings for less than a week, I stumbled upon a Gannet at Deeping Lakes! My surprise turned to dread when it became apparent this beautiful, special seabird had clearly got the dreadful virus. The eyes were dark, when the iris should have been blue and the bird was approachable and although Gannets can get driven inland during inclement weather; on a clear sunny day, with little wind, this majestic bird simply shouldn’t have been there!

As I watched the bird haul itself out the water and have a rest on the shore, it fell asleep, perhaps for the last time, I thought. But this plucky bird woke up and an inquisitive and angry local swan got a nasty nip when it tried to have a go! This encounter between the two was a

double-edged sword. A) I will never see a Swan and Gannet interact again and B) the Gannet could have given the Swan the virus, which in turn could see trouble for the masses of freshwater waterfowl that seek refuge on the reserve.

Eventually, after a little preen, the bird took off but only to crash land back on the pit, unable to see where it was heading. Later than evening it had hauled itself onto an island, where its body remained the next morning. Thanks to the quick work of the Lincs Wildlife Trust, the body was retrieved to try to mitigate the risk to the local wildfowl and predator/ scavenger populations.

A few days later, another visit to the reserve and I found another sick seabird, this time a Kittiwake. This cute, neat gull is the original seagull, breeding exclusively on the coast and spending all year on and over the waves of the sea. Sadly, once again, by sundown this moribund bird had succumbed.

Britain is home to some of the world’s most important seabird colonies. They are important because they hold such huge quantities of the world’s populations of some species. For example, Scotland is home to 56% of the world’s population of Great Skuas and

Gannet

Kittiwake

around two-thirds of the world’s population of Northern Gannet breed on the British Isles.

Last year news from across the Europe and America of various populations of bird being affected by the disease was quite distressing. Hope that this year the virus would be weaker and less virulent were soon proven otherwise as reports filtered in from various colonies right up and down the east coast being decimated by the deadly peril. Indeed, it’s affecting birds and causing them to get lost inland and potentially spread bird flu to new populations.

As you can imagine dear reader, this hasn’t been the easiest thing to write about. Nor is it the happiest

thing to read about (don’t worry; normal service will be resumed next month!). Although the virus poses little threat to humans, it’s been quite a challenge seeing the photos of bin bags

full of birds from the coast on social media over the summer and certainly has played on my mind; are we witnessing the start of the populations collapsing? Can nature bounce back like it did after this summer’s drought?

Whatever the answer, this summer has shown to me how fragile our natural world around us. It

commands our respect, for its future. And ours. And there are worse things to do than write to your local government representatives and ask them to demand better conditions in intensive poultry farms, where the bird flu originates…

If you find a live or dead bird and suspect it of having bird flu then please follow the government guidelines which can found at www.gov.uk/guidance/avianinfluenza-bird-flu

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.

Great Skua

Shepherds Hut

Staying in a shepherd’s hut at Bircham Windmill delivers you into the rural idyll of the North Norfolk countryside. Be charmed with the ingenious use of space, dinky tables and chairs and cosy up on the pull-out double bed. The perfect weekender – breakfast is served in a cafe accompanied by the sounds of swallows, fresh bread is on hand and there are farm animals to admire… and you are on the doorstep of all the quaint villages, interesting churches and country walks that characterise this part of Norfolk. https://www.birchamwindmill.co.uk/

Dutch Barge

Hotel Barge Waternimf, a 1902 Dutch barge moored on the Great Ouse at Ely, is a real find and an absolutely ideal location for exploring Ely. It is a treasure of a place, well worth a stop-over and just an hour across the Fens. Set in a bustling riverside location, Ely’s riches include a cathedral, independent shops galore, a craft market, antiques centre, a museum and a plethora of delightful old buildings. Waterfowl swim past the bedroom porthole, a first-class breakfast is served on deck or in the galley and you can relax in your own lounge. Be the envy of train passengers trundling by on their way to Cambridge! It’s not noisy at all but you do need to be agile. http://barge-waternimf-annesdale.thecambridgeshire.com/en/

Five unusual places to stay

Railway Station

The Station Guest House, Woodbridge is sited on the Lowestoft to Ipswich line and trains pull in regularly under bedrooms with magnificent views across the River Debden to Sutton Hoo (featured in the film The Dig). Right at the heart of this vibrant community, housing the Whistle Stop cafe which serves hearty food enjoyed by locals, residents and passengers, it’s a great place for people watching and ideally placed to explore the streets of this ancient town dominated by the working Tide Mill, one of only two in the UK. www.stationguesthouse.co.uk

On the edge of Bodmin Moor, the Jail was built in 1779 by Napoleonic prisoners of war. The prison closed in 1929 and reopened last year as a tourist attraction and 4 star boutique hotel. Stylish rooms, previously three cells, include original doors and bars on the windows but with all the comforts you would expect of a luxury hotel and a sumptuous bathroom. Staff are super friendly and the food is delicious, but as one of the most haunted buildings in the UK there are plenty of unexplained events, smells and cold patches throughout the hotel! Prepare to be pampered and a trifle scared! https://www.bodminjail.org/discover/experience-more/the-bodminjail-hotel/

When it comes to unusual places to stay an ex-army Westland Lynx Mk 7 Attack Helicopter that has seen service in Afghanistan certainly qualifies! This one has been niftily converted to create a cosy space for two. It has a sofa which converts to a bed, a TV and coffee table. Outside a decking area is equipped with a BBQ and chimenea with separate kitchen and bathroom facilities nearby. Sited on the old RAF Wainfleet base, there are plenty of other unusual options for a stay away, including an RAF bombing range control tower, an RAF bunker and a combine harvester converted into a glamping pod! Skegness is only a ten-minute drive away and there is a local pub/restaurant and tea room. www.rafwainfleet.uk.

Jail

Interested in the history of the signal box? People - events - stories!

Come along and chat about the progress being made behind the scenes as plans for the rebuild are developing

We look forward to seeing you!

The Institute, 38, Church St., DSJ (next to Riceland)

After the Gold Rush: John Durrant

what’s on

West Deeping Heritage Group

Tues 4th Oct 7 for 7.30 pm

£3 to include tea and biscuits Linkisheer Dialect

In honour of Lincolnshire Day on 1st October The East Lincolnshire Dialect Society will entertain when a number of members will reveal gems from the Linkisheer dialect. West Deeping Village Hall, King St.

Willoughby Gallery

Weds 5th - Weds 26th Oct

Szilvia Ponyiczki

Half Broken Hopes

Painting and Sculpture

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday 19 November

The Deepings Snow Ball returns to bring local businesses together to celebrate at this black tie evening and to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. The three course dinner and evening entertainment is held at the Black Horse, Baston from 7pm. For Tickets & Sponsorships contact deepings.snowball@gmail.com.

Deeping Mens Group - Social Section

5th Oct 7.30 for 8.00pm

John Dewis talk

‘Jack Binns, local hero” an illustrated presentation of a remarkable individual , born in a workhouse, employed by the Railway, progressed to become a nationally acclaimed maritime hero and ultimately the president of an American Corporation.

Grantham based artist, Szilvia’s work explores the personal and the collective unconscious through art. She gains a deeper understanding of this world by painting figurative dreamscapes or abstract dream-carpets; sometimes giving these a sculptural form. She thus incorporates unconscious thought into her art processes, building a parallel world and generating a new and exciting visual language.

Admission free www.willoughbygallery.com

2nd Nov 7.30 for 8.00pm

‘They Spread Their Wings’ a talk by Alastair Goodrum The first in a series of talks held at Masonic Hall, New Row, DSJ

The annual subscription is £15 incl all speakers or £4 each talk - you can join at your first meeting. All welcome.

what’s on

Murdered to Death

from the Peterborough Players

Key Theatre, Peterborough 5th-8th Oct

Weds-Sat 7.30 pm Sat Matinee 2.30 Tel 01733 963557

An hilarious spoof mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. Tickets £17 Concessions (under 16 over 65) £15.50 https/keytheatrepeterborough.com/events/murdered-to-death

Priory Church Hall

Deeping St James Saturday 29th Oct 10.00 am - noon

Coffee & Cake

All welcome

Entertaining talk with Francis Pryor

author of ‘The Fens

Sunday 15th Nov 2.00pm

The Green School, Market Deeping

Tickets £10 to include cream tea available from the Deepings Library 01778 346528

Fun QuizDSJ WI

Priory Church Hall Saturday, 22nd October at 7pm.

£10.00 to include a Ploughman’s Supper. Bring your own drink

The Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Sat 10th December. Doors open 6.00pm cencert from 7.00 pm

Kingsgate Community Church,. 2 Staples Way, Peterborough

Tickets £30 from CO OP travel Market Deeping, Londis Godsey Lane and Oakwood High Street or www.ticketsource.co.uk/thedeepingrotary Limited free travel for Deeping residents contact 01778 343927 or 07780 854119

The Deepings Walking Group WE NEED YOUR HELP

The Edge of England

Derek Turner talks about his new book which explores the fascinating county in which we live.

Weds Oct 12th 7.00pm Bookmark, The Crescent, Spalding. Tickets £10 to include a glass of wine or fruit juice Available from the Shop or www.bookmarkspalding.co.uk/

Walk Leaders Needed (Training given on Walks)

Could you possibly spare some voluntary hours on Thursday afternoons to help us run our very popular and friendly walking groups?

PLEASE contact us for more INFORMATION

Tel: 07897 215826

Facebook: The Deepings Walking Group Web Search: the-deepings-walks Email: thedeepingwalks@hotmail.com

Our goal is to build longterm relationships with every one of our clients. We take the time to get to know our clients and to understand their objectives and priorities. We know that the world of

financial services is complex and can sometimes feel daunting. We will work for you in simplifying the process and we will communicate with you in terms that you will understand.

If you would like to speak to one of our advisers regarding any of these areas of financial planning, then please contact our office to arrange a FREE initial discussion as follows: