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

ISSUE 068 / JANUARY 2021

e n i l n O ion Edit

INSIDE

FEATURE

A story

from a postcard

West Deeping in

Objects

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Welcome All over the Deepings ingenious ways to cheer us all up are being put into place - our very own Deepings Yarn Bomber has been leaving cute knitted items in bags ‘4U’ delighting the recipients, as well as decorating bus shelters and railings with knitted bunting. Rhianna Smith has been giving away handmade rainbow pendants from a board outside of her house while Tom Clare has been adding to the Little People’s Village to entrance passers by. Elsewhere photographers from the Facebook group Deeping (& surrounding areas) Photography have provided stunning photos for #cheeringupjanuary banners that have been seen around the area. Meanwhile the Food Bank, Feed Deeping, Age Concern, DSJ United Charities and the Feofees of Market Deeping have been working hard to keep Deeping fed and local businesses supported by the Deeping Business Support Group. It’s tough out there but we’re fighting our corner here! Judy Stevens 3

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40 22 30

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

Research:

Judy Stevens Susan Hibbins Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design Judy Stevens, Will Bowell, Si Fox, Alan F. Judge, Jill Gibb, Ann Taylor, Yvo Heaton and Maggie Ashcroft Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman

07-13 News 14 A story from a postcard 18 Profile: Ajay Tegala 21 Poem 22 Found in Deeping 25 St Valentine, has he had his day? 27 Lockdown Pursuits 30 Deeping Youth Group Photography: Publisher:

Ian Baxter and Will Bowell Judy Stevens

Previous issues available on www.idratherbeindeeping.com Cover: Cover: Stag by Dave Radcliffe

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.

35 Deeping Repair Shop 37 Burghley Walk 40 Birds 43 Deeping Business Support Group 45 Online Courses 48 New Writers for Old Tales 50 West Deeping in 5 objects 52 What’s on

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NEWS Previously known as Deeping Kitty Kare, Lizzie Hudson has now recognised the breadth of services she offers in her new logo Hudsons Pet Care; not only does Lizzie look after your cats and puppies when you go away but she also supplies natural dried pet food. See her on www.hudsonspetcare.com

This year of all years more families came out of their homes (at a safe distance) cheering and applauding as Santa passed by. On certain nights some of the elves were moved to tears by the response they received. In total the Santa & Sleigh collections were £9,500 an amazing total considering the circumstances. The money will be used by the Lions and Rotary to help those in need during the year. The elves would like to say a very BIG thank you!

President of Nene & Welland Oddfellows, Christine Sargeant (right) presents a cheque for £4709.89 to Jayne Reed, Chairwoman of Deeping Youth Group following a successful second year as the Oddfellows Charity of the Year.

To reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed’ is one one of Lions International Global Causes and local Lions Clubs throughout the world contribute to this aim. Deeping Lion Nicki Waldie, challenged club members to join the UK Diabetes Assoc to paint their nails blue for World Diabetes Day. For all those who had their nails painted and shared their photos she would donate five pounds. Lion Dave Turner, a dedicated Blackburn Rovers fan, painted his nails in his team’s blue and white colours. Even Rory, the club’s mascot, got in on the act!

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A new craft brewery in the Deepings! Bowler’s Brewery has been set up by John Bowyer and Dave Gowler. ‘We have been delighted with the reaction to the beers,’ says John, ‘The first batch of our ‘Trusty Steed’ IPA sold out more quickly than we could have imagined and the feedback has been fantastic’. Bowler’s beers are vegan friendly and are available at Sam’s of Deeping and Bourne and NISA in Glinton. They can also be ordered online at ThirstBourne (www.thirstbourne.co.uk).

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NEWS

A fox on a newly thatched roof in Deeping Gate.

Male teachers at Market Deeping Community Primary School successfully grew some excellent moustaches for ‘Movember’ and raised a whopping £420 for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust - £120 above target – in thanks for their care of Mr Abrahams, a Year 6 teacher, during his treatment for cancer last year.

The Village School in West Deeping closed on April 6th 1971 and Maggie Ashcroft is eager to receive any memories of pictures that previous pupils have - if anyone can identify the children at this 1950 Christmas Party at the schoolplease contact Maggie on 344768 or email wdheritage@hotmail.co.uk

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The husband of Pet Stop owner Paula Machin, Anthony was working with the game keeping team on the Barholm Estate when he saw a fawn trying to follow its mother over a fence. The animal got caught in the wire but quick thinking Anthony released the fawn using wire cutters. The animal esaped with minor cuts from the wire.

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Ever wondered what are all those WW2 pillboxes doing around Newborough, Thorney, Whittlesey and along the banks of the Welland opposite Deeping High Bank? A new book by Dr Mike Osborne and Andrew Gardener explains the local 1940 anti-invasion defences, analyses how they would have worked and describes what there was and what is left. The booklet is obtainable by calling 01778 343653; on ebay; on Amazon; or from bookshops ISBN: 9780954037895. The price is £7.50 inc p&p, and £7 if ordered from bookshops or collected locally.

It may have been Christmas Day, but it didn’t stop neighbours from Bourne coming to help the Deepings fire engine pump water from people’s gardens protecting their properties from rising flood waters. Locals provided food and drink to the fireman and on Boxing Day Cllrs Bob Broughton, Judy Stevens and Xan Collins with an army of helpers were filling sandbags to prevent floodwater from entering homes on the riverside.

NEWS Ladies of the Inner Wheel made a donation of Christmas boxes filled with goodies to the Deeping Foodbank. Pictured l-r Graham Thompson, Rita Brown, David Morgan, Carole Dyehouse, Margery Morgan, Sally Wilson.

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We were honoured to have featured Ted in this magazine, last year when he spoke about his personal recollections of VE Day, and previously when to celebrate her 90th birthday, the Queen distributed Maundy Money to a select number, including Ted, at Windsor. He was chosen by the Lincoln Diocese in recognition of his many years of service and his eldest daughter, Katharine, joined him on that proud day. He had his medals refurbished for the event, having managed with safety pins for decades. Kate bought a hat for the occasion and Ted said that she had purposely bought a black one so she could wear it at his funeral. She did! On leaving school Ted went to work at Perkins where he stayed for the rest of his working career with a break when he served in the RAF as a radio technician. He studied

hard at night school and became qualified as a Cost and Management Accountant. He retired after 45 years in 1982. He married Isabella Ford and had four children. They soon outgrew their terraced house in Dickens Street in Peterborough and moved to Market Deeping in 1963. Ted quickly settled into village life and became a prominent member of St Guthlac’s Church. He was a Lay Reader until last year, and he had prepared intercessions for the Sunday after he was taken into hospital which sadly he was unable to deliver. Ted was a keen beer and wine maker and when not drinking his own beer, would enjoy a half or three with friends on a Sunday lunchtime in the dugout at the Bull. He stayed active and celebrated his 97th birthday in September with a trip to the National Arboretum with Kate. As a keen cricketer I’m sure he would have loved to have reached a century, but 97 is a pretty decent knock.

Image: David Pearson

World War II Veteran and much-loved chorister at St Guthlac’s Church Ted Roberts passed away recently.

Ted Roberts 1923-2020

FEATURE

A story

from a postcard Told by Jill Gibb It all started with an old postcard. I recently bought an interesting one from an internet seller. The photograph shows St. Guthlac’s Church in Market Deeping and Church Street before The Orchard and The Avenue were built. The houses opposite the church are thatched. The card was posted in Market Deeping on 10th January, 1912, to a Miss E. L. Rutland at Wood Norton Rectory in Norfolk and the sender was someone with the initials O.M.L. who was staying at the rectory in Market Deeping. The text was most interesting so I decided to do some internet research. The postcard, signed O.M.L. was sent by Olive May Lucinda Lipscomb, the wife of the rector of Wood Norton, East Dereham, Norfolk, one Charles Burton Lipscomb. She was then 28 years old, her husband was 20 or so years her senior. They had met when Olive’s father, the Reverend William Melville Pigot, was the incumbent at Eaton, on the outskirts of Norwich, and Charles was his curate. The recipient of the postcard was the cook at the Norfolk rectory, Emma Lavinia Rutland, then aged 31 years. From the text on the postcard, I deduced that the Lipscombs planned to stay in Market Deeping at the rectory for several days after attending a party there on the previous day.

All Saints Church Wood Norton The rector of St. Guthlac’s at that time was Paul Ogilvie Ashby. He had been born in Cobham, Surrey, on 14th January, 1867, and had married Ellen Maud George in 1899 at Horncastle. He was awarded the Military Cross in January 1916, for conspicuous bravery at Ypres (pictured left). Paul Ashby had volunteered for service at the beginning of the war and had been chaplain to the 4th Lincolns. The party at Market Deeping Rectory, to which the Lipscombs had been invited, was probably to celebrate Paul Ashby’s 45th birthday. His birthday fell on a Sunday, when both men would have been fully occupied in their respective churches, so celebrations took place a few days early. continued >

FEATURE

The staff members living in at Market Deeping rectory at that time were Lucy Pell, the cook, aged 22 years, Ethel Mary Mowbray, the housemaid, aged 19 years and Lucy Emma Reynolds, the between-maid, aged 18 years. The gardeners or handymen were probably Market Deeping residents who came in on a daily basis. The staff of four living at Wood Norton rectory consisted of Emma Rutland, the cook ,who was 31 years old, Edith Amelia Dady, the housemaid, 22 years, Albert Edward Scott, the chauffeur, aged 29 years and Alfred William Nunn, the gardener, aged 28 years. It is interesting to note that romance was blossoming there. Alfred Nunn married Emma the cook in the year after the party and they had three sons – Leslie, Eric and Laurence.

Both rectories still stand but are now in private ownership, the one at Wood Norton as a single residence. The two men gave lasting gifts to their respective churches during their incumbencies. Paul Ashby donated the large clock on the wall at the back of St. Guthlac’s Church in memory of his father, Richard Wallis Ashby, who died on 31st May 1911. After more than 100 years, it still keeps excellent time. Charles Lipscomb presented a handsome silver communion chalice to All Saints Church in Wood Norton at Christmas in 1909. It, too, is still in regular use. Paul Ashby of Market Deeping died in 1937. Charles Lipscomb died very suddenly on 6th October, 1928, after a happy day playing bowls at Hoxne.

Text of postcard:The Rectory, Market Deeping.

I found an interesting snippet about Olive Lipscomb’s clergyman father. Apparently The Beehive public house, still operating very successfully in Leopold Street, Eaton, was in 1898 a shop owned by a Mrs. Caroline Dix. She had applied for a beer house licence to be transferred to her premises from the Bird in Hand, King Street, Norwich. Fifty-two people had signed a petition in support. Olive’s father was the only person to oppose the application! 16

Jan:10.12 I had not a minute to send you a card yesterday as we had to get ready for the party directly we arrived. We got here at 3.30 and had a splendid run though the roads were bad. I forgot to tell you that Auntie might want a couple of fowls one day this week, if so Phoebe would let you know & will you see that they go off by rail as C could take them to Foulsham with Joan. He knows which they are – she may not want them yet. The house is just behind the church & this is the chief street. Notice thatched roofs on left! OML.

My thanks to Greg Ford, Alison Lord, Elizabeth Parkinson & Joy Baxter of Market Deeping and Deeping St. James, and to Jenny Marchant of Wood Norton.

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PROFILE FEATURE

Ajay Tegala - Conservation Champion That the Deepings Lakes is the jewel in the crown of the Deeping St James is undisputed and so it is of no surprise that the Deepings Prince of Conservation should have spent many of his formative boyhood years exploring and gaining inspiration from the area. As a teenager Ajay Tegala became a volunteer at the Lakes under Dave Vandome’s careful instruction; it was he who taught Ajay to identify every tree and it was Brian and Norah Littler who instilled the love of wildflowers which in turn led to the topic for Ajay’s dissertation while at Nottingham Trent University. This involved bringing green hay from nearby Thurlby Fen to Deeping Lakes to spread wildflower seed, which worked well and made the Lakes an even more attractive spot for wildlife. During his Environmental Conservation course at the University, Ajay took a volunteering placement with the National Trust in Norfolk and on graduation became a seasonal Ranger based at Blakeney Point living in the old lifeboat house. While at Blakeney, among other activities, Ajay worked with seabirds, in particular with terns, charting their breeding behaviour and contributing to a national monitoring programme. Of course he was also fascinated by the Grey Seal population at Blakeney Point and during his time there the breeding population reached the dizzy heights of 2,000 for the first time. This reached the ears of Countryfile and Springwatch and led to Ajay’s first television appearances!

One of his roles at Blakeney was to work with children and he embraced this task with enthusiasm – keen to engage the conservationists of the future! It was a magical moment when leading a group around the reserve showing them the shingle where the Oystercatchers lay their eggs that a chick actually hatched out in front of their eyes! It is his easy manner and joie de vivre which is infectious and it is this which captures the imagination of his young charges. Enduringly beautiful it may be but isolated and remote Blakeney most certainly was and so when the opportunity came to move to Wicken Fen he jumped at the chance and is now involved in the management of this ancient landscape. With an ambitious programme to extend the Fen and to curtail the intensive farming of the area there are plans to rewet the area. To facilitate this 100 Konik horses and 50 Highland cattle graze the land. It is Ajay as Ranger who is responsible for the welfare of the stock, which are resilient breeds but require regular welfare checks. Bats are a particular passion of Ajay’s, having taken bat walks in his Deeping days and furthering his interest by conducting Bat Walks for young people in Norfolk. Taking a bat detector out on a walk with young people is a great way to inspire the naturalists of the future. It was of no surprise then that he was asked to present the BBC 2 documentary Inside the Bat Cave with Lucy Cooke of Springwatch and bat expert Professor Kate Jones. He spent four months filming in a

rare Greater Horseshoe Bat maternity roost in the grounds of a Dorset private school managed by the Vincent Wildlife Trust. ‘Seeing these bats emerge from their roosts at dusk was such a magical experience,’ he remembers, ‘watching dozens of them fly over our heads.’ Filming also took place over the border in Scotland at Linlithgow Castle near Edinburgh, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, where he joined an all-female local bat group monitoring the castle ruins. ‘My role in the documentary is presenting the citizen science angle – how anyone can get involved with their local bat group and looking at new bat recording technology being developed. Recording bats in a spooky castle in the early hours of the morning is something I will never forget,’ reminisces Ajay. Studying Biology, Geography and Art at A Level at the Deepings School, Ajay was initially interested in studying Art at uni but his passion for the environment, cultivated under the watchful eye of Geography teacher Mrs Blades, saw his career develop in a different way. He recalls one of the most amazing sights in his time at Blakeney on a misty day when the annual migration of song thrushes, redwings, blackbirds and fieldfares came out of the sky – exhausted, disorientated by the sea mist, hungry and thirsty – and a robin landed in a fellow Ranger’s pocket. A decision worth taking!

PROFILE FEATURE

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100% wool Handmade by Nikki Oliver Tel: 07939910250 A huge thank you to everyone that voted for us in the Deeping Business Awards 2020/2021. I was thrilled to receive it for the best Cafe/Restaurant category. After going through such uncertainty this year, it has given me the extra boost that I’ve needed to carry on, even if it’s only doing takeaways. I’m so proud of what Lillis has achieved over the last nearly 7 years and being part of the Deeping community. We have had such amazing support from regular customers and even new faces popping in for a takeaway while out walking. This is our fourth award since they began and believe me, nothing is taken for granted ,a lot of hard work is involved continuously coming up with new and exciting ideas for the shop. Thank you once again to everyone that took the trouble to vote and look forward to hearing all the hustle and bustle back in shop in the future. ... Sarah

07342 781230 3 Market Gate, Market Deeping PE6 8DL For orders and enquiries please contact us through our Facebook page or email sarah.cakelove@gmail.com

When you watch your T.V programmes, I leave you well alone, But when I try and watch mine, you call friends up on the phone. I’m useless in the garden, whilst it’s your pride and joy You nurture growth and development, I accidentally destroy! Your roses are magnificent, with their delicate perfumes Yes, (said in the voice of Sid James) “I’ve always admired your blooms”! Your bathroom beatification rivals Cleopatra, the last true Pharoah, But a rogue bit of skin cream in the shower has me doing full Bolero! As I skate around the shower tray, trying to keep composure, I pray my life isn’t reaching an unexpected, sudden closure! Put us in the kitchen, and give us both a knife, This cooking lark demands respect between a man and wife! You chop and peel, grate and whisk, do all the prep work for me, I just stand and stir and sizzle, but you let me take the glory. Last year could’ve been the end, we spent so long together, As the future remains uncertain, we’ll still go on forever. Faced with another lockdown, and perhaps another furlough We talk things out and sort it, and don’t reach for the Gin and Merlot. Not a lot will break us, certainly not Corona! It’s safe to say, we’ve got The Knack, you’re definitely My Sharona! Si Fox

*all characters portrayed in this poem are fictitious. Any resemblance to any spouse is entirely coincidental. No identification with actual persons is intended or inferred. 21

FOUND IN DEEPING

In time for Valentine’s the Fig & Fox Company are supplying a Valentine’s Box. Bursting with goodies it includes; chocolate brownies, chocolate fudge, cocoa caramel popcorn, caramel bon bons, and a chocolate bomb from All About the Cakes, Crowland. There is a vegan and a dairy free version. £29.92 orders before Friday 5th Feb dispatched Monday 9th. Visit wwww.thefigandfoxcompany.co.uk/ product-page/the-chocolate-box

Bringing in the Spring - a variety of felted birds from Nikki Victoria £10 each Tel: 07939910250

Don’t forget to put your special order in for Valentine’s Day! Seasonal posies and bouquets available to send some flowery love. Www.the-wild-garden.co.uk 22

And for the ultimate read for Valentine’s Day as recommended by our own Book Blogger Linda Hill A beautiful and emotional love story that asks, how far would you go for a second chance at first love? https://lindasbookbag.com/2020/07/14/the-lifewe-almost-had-by-amelia-henley/

Ceramic oil burners handmade on the potter’s wheel by local artist Fiona Swepson of Hopscotch Pottery. A range of gifts and pottery experience gift vouchers to treat your valentine, are available from her website www.hopscotchpottery.com.

Smother your loved one in sweetness by Katie Lou Bakes - A box of 6 cupcakes filled with chocolate ganache are £15 A treat box with 2 choc bombs 2 cupcakes Fortune cookies Meringue kisses and mini love hearts is £15. Some can be personalised too. Orders in by 8/2 . Order via face book, Instagram Email katieloubakes@gmail.com

FOUND IN DEEPING

Spoil your loved one with a limited edition print from Fenland artist, Nick Tearle. Available to order as a limited edition print either rolled in a tube or framed in a white frame or and oak frame with double mount. the prints can be framed with or without titles showing. There are a range of sizes - standard sized prints are £49 unframed and £89 framed. Larger prints are available. Call 07843913201 or - n.tearle@gmail.com

This beautifully packaged tasting experience is the perfect way try gins from the Cambridge Distillery - a curated collection of 12 outstanding 5cl gins, such as Truffle Gin, Lemon Verbena Gin, and even a Breakfast Gin (Lady Grey & Marmalade) – each created using the freshest of botanicals and the distillery’s groundbreaking distillation methods.Accompanied by a delicious serving suggestion for each gin with a Cambridge Distillery gin glass available from The Cigar Box in the Market Place. Nest box week coincides wirth Valentine’s Day this year! buy a new Nest Box to celebrate the occasion - there are a variety available at Vine House Farm and to help you decide which nest box to choose visit https://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/nest-boxes

The ultimate sweet treat for Valentine’s! wwwdeepingfudge.co.uk

A whole selection of Valentine’s goodies from your local friendly store! Sams of Rycroft Avenue, Deeping St James

Have a fabulous 12” Valentine cookie personalised for your loved one! Lilli’s Tearoom & Cakery 07342781230 23

SAMS Premier & Post Office Sams Premier & Post Office I would firstly like to thank all the staff at Sam’s for there dedication, providing the highest service to our customers in the Post Office & Shop. The Post Office services have been in huge demand since lockdown and with further bank closures. This has now peaked since the closure of Market Deeping Post office in January. We strive to provide a safe and secure service in such times and thank you for your co-operation. Shop times: Mon-Sat 7am-8pm Sun- 8am -8pm Post office: Mon- Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am-1pm

At Sam’s we continue to work with local suppliers and have welcomed Bowlers Brewery to our selection, brewed in Deeping Gate. We also stock Drynks non alcoholic crafted drinks backed by Dragons Den! Deeping fudge continues to be successful along with fresh daily deliveries of bread and cakes from Peterborough Continental Bakery. Not to forget Grassmere Farms and Hawkins Gingerbread.

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The Cigar Box on the Market Place is a compact, boutique-style establishment literally stocked from floor to ceiling and is owned by the knowledgeable and friendly Howard Callow.

A bespoke, handmade, wall-to-wall humidor is home to a classic collection of Cuban cigars. Complimenting this is a matching cabinet stocked with an array of unusual spirits including whiskies from around the world, brandies, rums and liqueurs. Specially selected botanical gins and vodkas add to this fascinating range which suits every pocket. This lovely little shop is the place to go for that special something or a tantalising treat.

5 Market Place, Market Deeping PE6 8EA www.thecigarbox.uk Tel: 01778 343430 24

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St Valentine has he had his day? asks Alan Judge I have never received a Valentine’s card. It’s not because I’m unloved. I’m sure somebody out there loves me, even if it is just the taxman and, more importantly, my cat. But what is the story behind this strange behaviour and why do the senders want to remain anonymous? Most historical reports about Valentine seem to be rather inconclusive and have varying versions of his life and times. It seems he could have been two people, but nobody knows who the other one was – unless he had a split personality, of course. It seems that in 1969, the Catholic Church decided to dump him on the grounds that there were no confirmed reports about him or his abilities as a saint for epileptics, beekeepers and lovers. That is quite an eclectic collection for somebody who, in the 3rd century AD, could have been a Roman priest, a martyred bishop or a complete nobody. So, has he perhaps had his day now? Don’t forget, some Roman emperors had not much time for saints and were inclined to remove, with extreme prejudice, those who became a bit of a nuisance. In Valentine’s case, his persecutor was probably the Emperor Claudius II Gothicus, aka Claudius the Cruel, born 10 May 213 AD, (but how do they know the date? The modern calendar hadn’t been invented). No, I’ve never heard of him either, but it would seem that whichever emperor was issuing the instructions, martyring a priest at regular intervals could keep one in his, the emperor’s, good books. This time, it was Valentine, who had been chucked into the local jail or, in the vernacular: ‘qui missus est ad vincula locorum’. His number had come up (Numerum ascendant) because he had agreed to marry couples so the husbands would not have to go to war. His last missive, before his head was removed (priusquam remotum est caput eius) was to the daughter of his jailor, which he signed ‘from your Valentine’ although he probably wrote it thus: ‘ex Valentini’, which doesn’t have the same ring in Latin as it does in the English – ‘Lots of love from your Valentine’– does it? And adding ‘kisses’ (XXX) might have made them wonder why he added the number ‘thirty’. Anyway, it was Claudius who probably ‘remoted

his caput’ on 14 February 269. Not to be left out, the fates decreed that Claudius the Cruel should succumb to a plague which ravaged the local area in the following year, 270 AD. No, really, it wasn’t Covid-270, was it? Whatever, it served him right. Why are the senders anonymous? Well, there’s undoubtedly a bit of Anglo-Saxon paganism in there, but it wasn’t the cruel Romans who started it, and it is generally accepted that, although the first greetings card was probably delivered as early as the 15th century, the first Valentine, or ‘lover’s knot’, may have been sent in the late 17th or early 18th century. But it was probably the prudish Victorians who really put the mockers on it because they didn’t want their daughters – all of whom, in the parents’ eyes, thought their boring daughters may have had a passing resemblance to a young Barbara Windsor – to receive unsolicited mail from other males without Mum and Dad being able to first vet the contents. Hence the desire to leave out the name of the sender. Of course, there is always the possibility that some bored Victorian Mums, secretly lusting after a lusty young lover, might have believed the card was for them. I’ll leave that idea hanging…

LOCKDOWN PURSUITS So it’s winter, cold and grey and the days are long and you may well have already discovered why that long abandoned project in the work basket was abandoned! Some of us, like the designer of I’d rather be in Deeping magazine, Gary Curtis, can turn their hand to creating the best part of a Regency Terrace with card, straws and glue but the rest of us have to keep ourselves gainfully occupied and now is the time to blow the cobwebs off a pastime that you had lodged at the back of your mind for a rainy day…. The rainy day, my friend, is here! When you are absorbed in finding the correct piece to fill a tiny hole in the picture then other thoughts and anxieties are definitely pushed to the back of your mind - and there is a great sense of achievement when the last piece goes in and the picture is complete! Occasionally I’d rather be in Deeping offer local puzzles for sale – keep an eye on our Facebook page or if you would like to be added to a list to be informed when this is the case then call 01778 348859. When the weather outside is frightful… What is delightful is to wrap a brightly coloured scarf around your neck and so much the better if it is one that you have knitted yourself! Ruth Ellis, The Wool Artisan, recommends knitting yarn with 4mm needles or if you prefer a chunkier yarn with larger needles. Garter stitch is a good place to start and this is a great you tube to start you off www. youtube.com/watch?v=lzwOucPBygo For supplies go to Pippins Patchwork on face book www.facebook.com/PippinsPatchwork or call 07855236686 – they also offer free local delivery. Remember how our gardens lightened the load last summer? Well, it is still possible to spread some of that love! All over the country in recent years ‘seed swaps’ have been taking

place – Seedy Sunday in Brighton being considered the first of its kind. This year it is not possible to hold any of these events, but if you have squirrelled away any seeds from your garden – I always have lots of honesty seeds as they are easily gathered when splitting the seed head to make the shimmering penny faces used so prettily in Christmas arrangements and wreaths – find those odd-sized envelopes that you have been holding on to and pop them in the post to cheer up a friend. And this summer, when the seeds start to form, don’t forget to save them to do the same thing (maybe in person!) next year. That pile of Christmas cards that are glowering at you in the corner while you make the step to pop their hopeful messages and time honoured images in the recycling can very easily be made into very acceptable cards for next Christmas! And you will be so pleased you got ahead and did this when the season comes around! Locally Riverside Crafts offer a click & collect service for card blanks and all the glue and glitter glue you need to enhance even the plainest card - a sharp pair of scissors and you will soon be in production! continued >

LOCKDOWN PURSUITS

Peter Scotts painting is available on a postcard on www.idrathebeindeeping.com

The therapeutic qualities of cross-stitching are well known and there are some crafters here in the Deepings who produce magnificent works of art, but it is possible to start small. Apple Tree Junction Crafts are selling kits by Bothy with clear instructions making a polished finished product achievable for newbies. Count twice and stitch once is the mantra and be sure to find the centre of your pattern and fabric! Free local delivery is available. Visit www.facebook.com/atjcrafts/ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to take part in the Great Garden Birdwatch organised by the RSPB on 29-31 January. Just select an hour of the day and find a comfortable chair by a window and just watch! You will be amazed at just how many birds will be in your garden at any one time that

you may not have noticed before! Keep a record of the different species you see in your garden at one time and enter it online or in the post. Bird identifiers can be downloaded from www.rspb. org.uk/get-involved/ activities/birdwatch/ everything-you-needto-know-about-biggarden-birdwatch/ Put pen to paper! Emails, Facebook and Twitter are one thing, but there is nothing quite like getting a card or a letter in the post! Last summer four Deeping artists put their thinking caps on to design a series of postcards for you to send a bit of Deeping magic! They are still available on www.idratherbeindeeping.com Keep a lockdown diary! Record the weather; the wildlife that you see around you; any phrases or situations that make you smile; what you have seen on the TV; your meal choices of the day. One thing that this Pandemic has taught us is to treasure the little things and one day in the distance a family member will be intrigued about the things that today we find commonplace!

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DEEPING YOUTH GROUP

DYG celebrates 50 golden years! After the new Deeping St James Primary School had opened in Hereward Way the old Cross School fell into disuse. In a bold move Kesteven County Council vowed to spend £2,500 on decorating and improving the school to provide the first Youth Centre for the area in a building which would also provide space for a pre-nursery school play group and a teachers’ centre. Details of the youth centre were slow to come to fruition but the Education Committee eventually decided to have a part-time paid youth leader to run the centre. The school buildings were owned by Deeping St James United Charities and negotiations took place between the two bodies to allow for the conversion. Sharon and Frank Wright, with their helper Jenny, were thought to be the first paid Youth Workers at the newly opened Youth Club. The Old Cross School shared a caretaker, Mr Askew, with the new Primary School. With little else to do locally the young people of the Deepings thronged to their new venue. Members included; Gary Webb, Steve Pickett, Barry Griffiths, Nigel Jones, Alan and Judith Avison, Ann Berry, Elaine Camm, Diane Barton, Louise Fisher, Valerie Orton, Terry Griffiths, Beverley Proctor, Nick Pocklington ,David Wilson, Glyn Flatters, John Robinson Paul Geeves, Tommy Stevenson, Julie Currie, ,Andy Currie, ,Kevin Leighton, Gail Laughton, Sheila Scofield, Susan Miller, Susan Lyon, Gail Chetleborough, Sonnie Elliot. Young people travelled from West Deeping, Langtoft, Baston, Bourne and Stamford. 30

Adrian Fox remembers, ‘A lot of time was spent on the river in canoes, and there were trips to Nottingham Ice Rink and once month there was a disco. Memorably we had an old car, an Austin A35, and Mr Askew was going to show Terry Griffiths and I how to repair it. Before that could happen I started it up and filled it with girls driving round and round on the play area showing off! And promptly drove it straight through Mr Saunders’ wall which had caravans his side. You can still see where the stone wall was repaired!’ During the early 80s, when current Deeping St James United Charities Trustees Carol Precey and Peter Ward were volunteers, there was an additional Youth Club at Market Deeping and Langtoft and a full-time qualified Youth Worker oversaw all three clubs. There were also Clubs at Bourne and Spalding and regularly a mini bus was hired (Peter Ward at the wheel) for members to visit for sports and entertainment. Competitive indoor inter-club hockey games were popular. With the age range extending to

24, many of the young men in particular would ride their motor bikes, circling the Cross and annoying the neighbours. With health and safety still a thing of the future, activities included abseiling, sleepovers and rock climbing. Night hikes were a favourite, when young people were dropped off somewhere with a map and instructed to find their way back! Some of the town’s current prominent business people were attendees at that time; the Ash family, the Foxes, Adrian Starsmore and Carole Lannigan being among the regulars. The Club was closed for a short time in 1983 due to a Police incident unrelated to the Club but it soon resumed activities. Sara Page, Andrew Marsay, John Willis and Paul Hanson all worked at the Club during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2010 a group of girls banded together with volunteer helpers Becky Cooke and Sharon Pedder to compete in the Race for Life at Burghley Park. All wore matching pink T-shirts, paid the £10 entrance fee themselves and completed their own sponsorship forms, raising quite a bit of money for charity. For a couple of months at this time, Cheryl Baskeyfield held yoga classes at the Club, a sight for sore eyes with arms and legs going everywhere. Cooking supper was a nightly activity as was and is a game of pool. Regular football tournaments were held on the Astroturf funded by SKDC. With a band room, drums and a mixing studio, there was often a queue for young bands to use the music room. Band nights were held and on one occasion there was audience of 90. A roundtable discussion was held during one half term with Peterborough DJ Keith Dalton, and certainly the interest in music cultivated at the club ensured that there were a healthy number of bands to entertain at summer events.

As long time member at this time Luke Exton recalls; ‘Youthie formed a solid part of my teen-hood. Put simply, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all the experiences I was fortunate to have. DYG allowed me and a whole multitude of my friends to explore, practise and record music. Equipped with a full music room and studio and the ability to host gigs, DYG meant I was able to gig with various bands around Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. This completely changed my life, even moving me from a severe introvert to a surprisingly outspoken extrovert; a once in a lifetime experience! ‘I was able to hone my skills in Table Tennis (a skill I surprisingly still utilise at my work today) and even had the opportunity to play, get thrashed and ultimately learn from the Under 16’s UK Pool champion, Jackson Andrews, who was actually a member of DYG too! I still thrash all my mates in the pub. ‘I was also fortunate enough to engage many times with the local community, namely I was able to participate in the Deepings Raft Race! Building and racing down the River Welland, nothing will quite compare! Special thanks again to Headkase barbers for the sponsoring the raft! ‘Where am I now? Well, now I work at Capital One bank as a Senior Software Engineer. DYG gave me confidence and helped me continually to build my skills, which I then took into my university experience and really started to flourish. ‘Above anything else I made some great friends with a huge age variety. Some I even still talk to today, you just don’t get that from many places nowadays. ‘If you’re thinking of joining DYG, do it! You won’t regret it!’ continued >

DEEPING YOUTH GROUP

In 2011 with the onset of the years of austerity the plug was pulled from Youth Clubs nationally and DYG was no exception with LCC withdrawing their support. Paul Hanson, who was still a Youth Worker at the time, set up the Youth Group as a charity with a group of Trustees largely dependent on Deeping St James and Market Deeping Town Council for funding. Before the Towngate Inn closed the girls from DYG, having been coached by Kate Redhead from Priory Players, staged a fashion show, with clothes supplied by the Red Cross Shop. Keith Dalton compèred the event and raised £500 for the charity. Shortly after Peter Davis became the Youth Worker and later Kate Jacobs took on the role. Matt Bessant and Tom Waterhouse made up the team during these years. Along with the annual entry into the Raft Race and litter picking, Halloween became a high point in the calendar with pumpkin carving and young people experiencing the chance to become a ‘prisoner’ locked up in the Cross!

Luke Exton second left, Luke Whitby right

Having worked with Kate, Cass Wales took over as the Youth Worker helped by Anil Sharma (Sonni). Working with SKDC, young people from the club worked with street artist, Kaine Kulkzac to create images reflecting the wildflowers at the Deepings Lakes to cover up unsightly graffiti there. There have been sessions on internet safety with PCSO Rowena Everitt, rafts at the Raft Race, DYG’s own Award ceremony for sponsors, and members have paid back to the community with their participation in Walk Happy, with litter picking, a market stall, making parcels for the homeless and

distributing care parcels at the outset of the pandemic. Members Corey Cuthbert and Katie Hawes both represented DYG at Oddfellows events and helped solidify a partnership which saw DYG become their charity of the year for two years and receive substantial financial help from the Society. Now Cass, Sonni and chair of the Trustees Jayne Reed host regular Zoom meetings, murder mysteries, scavenger hunts and bake-offs, all popular activities, and they work with the Library where they can. Author Georgia Twyntham will be joining the joint Zoom session on World Book Day on 4th March when Georgia will be giving tips for the Deepings Literary Festival 500-word short story competition ‘New Writers for Old Tales’. Without the professional staff support offered by Lincs County Council, as it was at the outset, and without assured funding the survival of DYG is not a given – but with the enthusiasm of the Workers and the determination of the Trustees , DYG hopes to be able to offer the safe place to ‘chill with my mates’ that has been offered now for over half a century!

Judy Stevens Trustee

Paul Hanson Trustee

Jayne Reed Chair of the Trustees

Si Fox Trustee

Xan Collins Trustee

Christine Halls HR Trustee

Helen Clarke Secretary Lisa Cuthbert Fund to the Trustees Raiser & Trustee

Anil Sharma (Sonni) Asst Youth Worker

Cass Wales Youth Worker

As a Parish Councillor of 30+ years I consider the Library and the Youth Club available to all underpins the community here in the Deepings and I have and will defend both as a priority.

I am proud to have been involved with DYG for nearly half of its fifty years and I am commited to it being a part of the fabric of our society, young people need a safe place where they can develop into young adults.

Up until 3 years ago I didn’t know much about Youth Group. Now I am there every week providing a safe environment where young people can have fun and just be themselves!

I’ve run a few music quiz nights to raise funds for DYG and occasionally stepped in to help Cass out on youth nights. It’s very rewarding to be part of something that gives so much for so little.

I have been a Trustee of DYG for eight years now and as Mayor of Market Deeping DYG has been one of my charities and I have raised over £3000 for them.

As a Councillor and volunteer at the Police Station I like to keep in touch with the community and the valuable work DYG does.

I’m self employed focusing on providing support to businesses with their HR and L&D needs. Born and raised in Deeping, I’m passionate about the development of the Youth Group for today’s generation and the next.

With over 15 years experience working with under 18’s as a residential support worker, and having 3 daughters it has given me the skills I need to help encourage the young people who attend the DYG. It’s been a pleasure to work with each member!

Having spent several years working with young people in care, I am a qualified youth mental health first aider and am about to qualify as a psychotherapist. I love working for the Deepings Youth Group providing support for our local young people and watching their friendships and confidence grow.

I have been involved with the Scouting movement for seven years and as my son Corey has been at DYG I have got increasingy involved. My mantra is that kindness does not cost anything!

Are you, or do you know someone who is in financial need at present? If you live in Deeping St James or Frognall,Deeping St James United Charities may be able to help. Our office is open if you think we can help, please telephone*, write, or e-mail (no visits at present).

Areyou, you,orordodoyouyouknow know someone in financial at pres Are someone whowho is inisfinancial needneed at present? *Please leave a message if not answered personally and we will get back to you.

Anything that you say will be treated in confidence and we exist to help the parishioners of Deeping St James and Frognall so please, if you need help, contact us. Email: dsjunitedcharities@btconnect.com Tel: 01778 344707 The food bank is now only contactable by phone and all food is delivered. Please contact 07516 717346.

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DEEPING REPAIR SHOP

Lighting up the world….bringing a chandelier back to life I well remember in the very early 1960s my parents returning to our house in London clutching a box the contents of which had just been acquired in Portobello Road Antiques Market. Out came a splendid antique chandelier that was to grace our sitting room for the next 20 years. When the house was sold the chandelier came down and went into a box again. And there it has lain undisturbed for nearly 40 years, having moved around the country with me but never quite finding a suitable home. With lockdown boredom setting in it seemed like the ideal opportunity to open the box and let the light out, so to speak: a garage project in waiting inspired by The Repair Shop – that ever popular TV programme where treasured memories are brought back to life. The light style is called a ‘bag’ because of its shape. It consists of 36 strings of 8 graduated individual lead crystals called droplets. Each droplet is cut to both sides. This creates a mass of prisms or facets which are what give the incredible sparkle to the light when hanging. These are all hung from a brass frame and brought together in a glass dish as you can see in the photographs. This creates a very heavy piece of lighting indeed. The addition of lead to the glass-making process increases the weight significantly. After so many years of being moved around most of the crystals had become detached from each other and were mixed up in their box. The first task was to clean them one by one, lay them out and start to piece them together like a giant crystal jigsaw. Surprisingly this was achieved in just a couple of hours and without too much swearing. As

I’d expected, many of the links were broken and needing repair. In my tool box I knew I had a couple of hundred pliable brass pins that had been given to me 25 years ago when an earlier restoration had been on the cards. Out they came and were put to their original purpose. With only one or two exceptions 36 strings were re-made and only one or two needed extra first aid from pliers and fine wire. Once every crystal string was completed they were laid out in readiness for re-attaching to the brass frame. We are fortunate to have a garage with sturdy beams I could hang the frame from and then work at eye-level. Of course, all I could see in my mind’s eye was the famous scene from Only Fools and Horses when Del Boy, Rodney and Granddad cleaned a very grand chandelier in a stately home with horrific consequences! Within a couple of hours everything was back in place and a fine glittering chandelier graced our garage. By turning out the main lights and shining a torch through the suspended piece we were able to get an idea of how it would look when fully completed and rewired. What I had initially thought would be a task beyond me turned out to be less than a day of concentrated effort with a lovely result. It now awaits the final touches by a qualified electrician. I can’t wait to see it illuminated again as it deserves. Sadly, our low ceilings won’t permit its hanging so it will need to find a new home where it can sparkle and bring delight to others as it did to us. There is a very ready market for genuine and old lead crystal chandeliers and I expect this will soon form the centre piece in a new location. Yvo Heaton 35

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BURGHLEY WALK

A winter’s walk in Burghley Park to look foward to... with Ann Taylor Being only 10 miles from Deeping means we are close enough to be able to enjoy Capability Brown’s wonderful Burghley Park. A backdrop to the magnificent Burghley House, which is now being used as a double for Windsor Castle in Neflix’ ‘The Crown’, a location recently relocated from one of our other Lincolnshire treasures, Belvoir Castle. Park in the main car park, Pilsgate Lodge entrance, off Barnack Road. Take a moment to appreciate the magnificent trees and especially the clouds of seasonal mistletoe. Keep a look out for the herd of fallow deer, so dogs on leads. In the late 18th century Capability Brown, the most famous of all landscapers, was bought in to ‘update’ the park, by creating Serpentine Lake and planting many of the oaks you will see today on your walk. Burghley House was built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1557. The splendour of the place speaks for itself, especially when the sun catches the stunning Golden Gates. continued >

BURGHLEY WALK

From the car park, as you face the house, head right. The main tarmac path is especially good for little people’s bikes or scooters and for buggies. There are refreshments at The Orangery in the House, and having a cup of tea gives you a sneaky peek into some of the House’s secrets. Check it’s open before you go, so you can take a picnic if you need to! Heading towards Stamford, you soon have the option of diverting left to Lion Bridge over Serpentine Lake. Returning, you will eventually reach a cattle grid and imposing gates, passing some amazing oaks on your left and an avenue of trees on your right. Soon you will see the skyline of Stamford and its many churches on your right. You can count at least five on a clear day. Bearing left after the gates, head for the Main West Gate and the quirky round Bottle Lodges, built in 1801 to celebrate the Earl of Exeter becoming the Marquess of Exeter. Behind them you can glimpse Ketton Cement works, fortunately in the distance. 38

Then right, down picturesque St Martin’s, enjoying the Georgian street scene as it flows down the hill to the Welland, unchanged in centuries. In 5 minutes, look out for a left turn down Burghley Lane and re-enter the Park by the small quirky hand gate in the corner. Then it’s back to the car, knowing you have enjoyed one of England’s most magnificent Country Houses and perfect Georgian towns and all for free. No matter how much we love where we live, our close neighbour Stamford is very special.

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Flying Start

BIRDS

The search to see as many birds as possible in a year... in the Deepings Words and Pictures by William Bowell I don’t need to tell you that back in March last year, all of our lives changed, one way or another. The COVID-19 lockdown started at the end of the month and we were all told to stay at home and only leave home for essentials and for one bit of exercise a day. As restrictions gently lifted towards the late spring and summer, we were still encouraged to stay local. This had quite a profound impact on my hobby, birding. I became obsessed with something called ‘nocmig’ and visited Deeping Lakes, my local patch, without fail, everyday. Things would never be the same again. Indeed for the rest of the year, I dutifully watched my local patch and had one of the most enjoyable Drake Goosanders are always one of the real highlights of a winter walk by the river or local pits in the Deepings. year’s birding ever.

New Year resolutions Inspired by last year and wishing to be that little bit ‘greener’ in 2021, I have decided that seeing as many species of bird in the Deepings area shall be my ‘New Year’s resolution’. The Deepings area is compact, starting in the south-west at Bainton Pits, heading up to Thurlby Fen via Greatford; down to Deeping Highbank south of Deeping St Nicholas and back along the Maxey Cut to Bainton. Back in the day, I used to religiously record how many birds I recorded in a year in the whole of the UK. This was mainly on the back of chasing rare birds. Each rare bird would in turn lead to the opportunity to seeing local specialities that are hard or impossible to see elsewhere in Britain. For example, a trip to the Outer Very lucky to have Long-eared Owls, year round on Hebrides for a lost Harlequin our doorstep. 40

A drake Smew- a rare visitor to the Deepings these days. Deeping Lakes and Baston & Langtoft Pits were famous as being one of the best places in the country for these delightful winter visitors. Duck from Canada was perfect for seeing White-tailed Eagles, Whitebilled Diver, Corncrakes and all four species of Skua. Heading to Anglesey for a Black Lark, Britain’s second and from the Middle East; had a supporting cast of Black Guillemot, Puffin and Chough. Going down south to Devon for Britain’s first Long-billed Murrelet from the Pacific Ocean, was within January saw just the fourth Great Northern Diver a stone’s throw of Cirl Buntings locally, in twenty years. Remarkably the second and Woodlarks. this winter! My tactic for local year listing will, of course, be somewhat different but will involve visiting key sites, with bird rich habitats, regularly. We are in the middle of yet another lock down and once again Deeping Lakes is my regular exercise route. Come the spring, I will once again be partaking in the odd spot of ‘nocmig’ in my garden (basically listening for migrating birds that are flying over after dark). Overall I hope the experience will be relaxed and enlightening as I re-engage with local individual bird territories, which of course makes spotting the more unusual ones easier.

BIRDS

You see, dear reader, to get a good year list, you need to mop up on the ‘core’ species (the ones that are regular and common) of course. But to get a really good year list you need to score heavily on the ‘elites’ and these two elites are an encouraging start to this year. The sea version of our regular Tufted Duck, Scaup are just about annual locally.

Off to a flying start Tradition dictates that on 1st January one must go birding all day to see how many birds you can see on day one. The weather was kind and I saw some great Deepings ‘elites’. Elites is a term one of my friends coined many years ago to describe the less usual visitors to the area, or the ones that needed a little bit more work than most and were not guaranteed every year. New Year’s Day highlights included two drake Smew at Baston and Langtoft GP, Long-eared Owls at Deeping Lakes, Nuthatch at Tallington and two Ravens over my patch – the last two both firsts for me! Deeping Lakes continued to deliver early on in the month, with a first winter drake Scaup, which stayed into the middle of the month, and the Reserve’s second-ever Great Northern Diver. Both of these are coastal species; the former just about annual in the Deepings but the latter is only the fourth in the past 20 years!

As I write this in mid-January, I currently stand on 89 species in the Deepings. What will I end up on? Well, I know that 180 around the whole of Peterborough is a challenging and good score, so somewhere in that region would be phenomenal. But honestly, the end total, although interesting, won’t matter to me. I am a changed man; you can keep your running off to far distant parts of Britain for a year tick. For 2021, I will have spent a quality year sticking local and enjoying what is on my doorstep. It doesn’t get better than that. In fact, I would go as far as to say.... I’d rather be in Deeping! Will Bowell will continue his progress a few times over the year in I’d Rather Be in Deeping. 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/

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 41

Cllr Barry Dobson

EMPOWERING BUSINESS OWNERS

Lincolnshire County Councillor for Deeping St James and Langtoft

Straight talking support for you & your business for 2021. One to One Consultancy Marketing Strategy Sessions Marketing Growth Campaigns Online Marketing Course www.emmalannigan.com | @emmalannigan BA (Hons) PGDip M, ABNLP

Women In Peterborough Awards Finalist 2020

Formerly Deeping Kitty Kare now

I am here to help with advice or any issues you might have - especially if you are a member of the business community which has been so hard hit in these difficult times. Business owners look out for the monthly Business Tea Breaks on the InvestSK website and for more help and advice visit https://investsk.co.uk/business-resilience-continuity/ cllrb.dobson@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Introducing mobile hairdresser Yunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scissors With twenty years experience of hairdressing for men and women; colouring, highlights, colour corrections, balayage... For all occasions; proms, weddings and vintage hair dos Most of all Yuna listens to what the customer wants!

We look after your cats and pups when you are away from home and we now also supply a range of natural dried pet food for dogs, cats and small mammals. Visit www.hudsonspetcare.com/shop Call 07999 890866 Email info@hudsonspetcare.com 42

www.facebook.com/Yunasscissors

MOZZYMAK

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - AGRICULTURAL LANDLORDS - EQUESTRIAN - SCHOOLS/NURSERIES

07958 202223

For a fast, friendly & reliable service mozzymakpestcontrol@gmail.com

The Deeping Business Support Group helping local businesses navigate their way through the Covid Pandemic. Who are we?

A group of community activists who aware of the work that Feed Deeping were doing decided to set up a group specifically to address the problems being experienced by local businesses. DSJ United Charities via Kate Shinkins- Hoppe are proud to be involved with this group. We have been able to help individuals and local businesses in a variety of ways. If you feel that we may be able to help you too, please contact a member of the Group or call us on 01778 344707.

Steve Holt , President Deepings Lions. ‘It is a privilege to be an active part of DBSG offering practical pro-bono support to businesses in The Deepings and surrounding areas at a time of great need. Lions and myself feel duty bound to preserve the great SME and sole trader operations that exist in our community and wish to aid Deepings people affected by this awful pandemic.’

Many of the things that the Rotary Club of the Deepings does in the local community would be so much harder to achieve without the invaluable help given to us by local businesses. This is why we have felt it essential to offer our assistance to the work being done by the Deepings Business Support Group, which is helping local business at this difficult time.

Andy Pelling represents the Deepings Business Community – ‘DBC (formerly Deepings Business Club) are committed to supporting the Deepings Business Support Group (DBSG) both financially and with human resources. DBSG perfectly fits with our core objectives of helping local businesses, at the moment to survive but in the longer term to thrive.’

Cllr Bob Broughton (Market Deeping & SKDC) I have served the community here for over thirty years and I am pleased to be able to contribute to DBSG helping businesses now when they need us most. Chairman of DSJ Parish Council Steve Gilbert ‘As a local businessman of many years standing I am very pleased to be able to support businesses through the Deeping Business Support Group during these unprecedented times.’

How are we doing this? Having sought and successfully obtained funding and support from Deeping St James Parish & Market Deeping Town Councils, DSJ United Charities, Rotary, Lions, Deeping Business Community, Cllr Trollope-Bellew, Cll B Dobson, Cllrs Broughton, Stevens and Thomas we approached professionals able to help over a broad spectrum of skill sets and produced a skills matrix. A Governing Principles document was produced and training was given by InvestSK to enable the signposting of applicants to various national and local government support schemes.

Cllr Judy Stevens (DSJ & SKDC) The impact of this terrible pandemic will be with us for a long while but in setting up the DBSG I wanted to try and ensure that we smooth the way as much as possible for the businesses in the Deepings.

What have we done? The type of business support given FREE to the applicant has covered a myriad of skills including; membership of the Federation of Small Businesses, marketing, strategic planning, employment issues, practical Covid advice, mindset coaching and financial advice. These are just some of the local businesses we have helped

Can we help you?

Call us on 07780854119 or email deepingbsg@gmail.com 43

Our Showoom, is open by appointment only. To book, please call 01778 347267, text 07860 203002 or email classicfp@aol.com

44 Peacock Square, Blenheim Way, Northfield Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, Lincs. PE6 8LW 4-5

Sketching Classes with Karen Neale

ONLINE COURSES

Crafting with Jane Schofield After the success of our Festive Craft sessions, our first foray into online craft and stitch workshops, we are pleased to present our winter programme of 1-hour stitch sessions.

Join Karen Neale weekly on Thursdays from 11am to midday for interactive zoom sketching sessions of ‘what is on your table’.

Cheryl’s Fitness and Yoga Live, interactive classes via Zoom are run from a photo studio, with excellent technical capabilities, which has made the classes the next best thing to real life. As well as everyone being able to see Cheryl clearly, she can see everyone really well and is able to make corrections to participants as ifit were in a “live” class. Hatha Yoga with meditation – Mondays – 7:15pm, Wednesdays 9:30am. If you are stressed out and full of aches and pains, this is the class for you. Dancefit, Step, Strengthen and stretch – Mondays 6pm & Fridays @ 9:30am. (You need a step and light weights for this class. There are a few low and medium height steps and weights for locals to borrow, free of charge for home use, fully sanitised.) The classes cost £6.00 per lesson with discounts for more classes booked. Full details on the classes can be found@ www.cherylfitness. co.uk Or on Fb: Cheryl’s Fitness and Yoga 07587 709270

Karen’s passion is sketching the world around her, she says ‘Now that our worlds have shrunk to our homes why not draw your coffee mug or bowl of fruit...Drawing can be a great soother for anxious and stressed brain cells, and if you can hold a pencil and write your name, you can draw. All you’ll need is a pencil or pen (the one in the back of the drawer will do) and a piece of paper.’

We are offering a series of Quick Stitch sessions on Saturday morning run by Jane Schofield who is keen to help us all access our inner tailor with a series of 4 small projects that can be completed in an hour as well as a 2-session introduction to patchworking with hexagons.

Workshop is held on Zoom, link will be emailed out to customers the day before event.

It also feels good to be creative, green and thrifty - all at the same time - so creating gorgeous designs with old bits of fabric and wool that might be heading for the bin is the theme of this continuing collaboration with Stamford and Guildhall Arts Centres.

Tickets: £3.50. More Details and book online: www.stamfordartscentre.com

Tickets: £3.50. More details and book online: www.stamfordartscentre.com

Free Online Tai Chi Lecture Series January 21st – Taoism and Nine Star Ki January 28th – Movement and Healing for the Body, Mind and Spirit February 4th – What is Tai Chi? February 11th – Self Healing techniques February 18th – the Healing Power of Nature February 25th – Meditation, Simple and Uncomplicated. Theory and Practice. 3pm for about 30 minutes free of chatge Here is the login details:- Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79968349722?pwd=SnBsbk9oNTFlcVY5bDRTZ2JsYmtqdz09 Meeting ID: 799 6834 9722 Password: 8U5Ker 45

ONLINE COURSES

Beginners Ukulele with Chris Gammon The popular absolute beginners ukulele course is now available online!

Art Stars Art Stars offer online after school classes for 4-16 year olds - email artstarsdeeping@gmail.com and visit https://artstarsdeeping.com/online-classes/

Learn to play ukulele through this fun and informal course where no prior knowledge is required. The fully online guided course will include 6 sessions and have you playing this fun instrument in no time at all. Tuesdays beginning 19 January 7.30pm - 8.30pm We’ll start from the very basics of how to hold the instrument then move on to playing your first chords and songs. From there we’ll progress to expanding your chord knowledge and we’ll show you how to strum allowing you to play more songs. By the end of this course, you’ll have learnt the most commonly used chords and then put them to work in some catchy and fun songs. The course is held on Zoom, you will be emailed the link to each session the day before it is due to take place.

Riverside Crafts Riverside Crafts are offering a series of courses including free Wednesday Facebook live tutorials and a free Kumihimo class too, details are here... www.riversidebeads.co.uk/ product-category/workshops/

Tickets: £25 for all 6 sessions. More details and book online: www.stamfordartscentre.com

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 46

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New Writers for Old Tales We want your stories! School’s out and parents and guardians looking for creative inspiration need look no further! We are looking for young authors to write a story of about 500 words creating an imaginative twist on a well-known nursery rhyme or tale in the competition staged by South Kesteven District Council with Deepings Literary Festival. The competition is for two age groups, 5-8 and 9-15 years. Deepings Literary Festival Committee Member, Ros Rendle, said: ‘We want children and young people to really use their imaginations by taking a popular tale and giving it an unusual spin. Perhaps the wolf in the three little pigs was simply misunderstood? Or maybe the witch in Hansel and Gretel was just lonely? The possibilities are endless. We hope the initiative will encourage Elly Griffiths children to revisit some of their favourite stories and look to retell them in unusual and entertaining ways.’ Fresh from judging the Chris Evans 500-words story competition, Lynda Hall will be one of the judges for New Writers for Old Tales. A shortlist of the best entries will go to Festival Patron and international best-selling author Elly Griffiths and wellknown local children’s author, Hannah Gold, to decide the overall winner. The first prize will be a £50 voucher and signed copies of children’s books by the judges and book prizes for 2nd and 3rd places too.

Lynda Hall

For more details and to submit entries email: enquiries@deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk by: 31st March 2021.

World Book Day Author of ‘Thirteenrh’ series of books Georgia Twynham will be attending a Zoom session at 7.00pm on 4th March World Book Day and talking about her writing experience and handing down some tips for your New Writers for Old Tales story Zoom Details ID 82421772054 Passcode 666416

Deeping Literary Festival Committee member and award winning Book Blogger, Linda Hill talks to author and Competition Judge Hannah Gold Welcome to I’d Rather Be in Deeping, Hannah. You’re a local author so would you introduce yourself briefly please? So obviously my name is Hannah Gold and I live in Stamford with my husband, cat and tortoise. I’m not a local lass as I was actually born in Hertfordshire, and ended up here in 2012 (via 10 years abroad in southern Spain) when I met my lovely husband, Chris. And because we love it so much here, now my parents and my brother and his girlfriend also live in Stamford too!

write something which was set in the here and now, and instilled the message that it’s not too late. I think the world can be a frightening place for children particularly and I prefer to leave them feeling hopeful and inspired rather than disengaged and feeling as if it’s too late. If we’re talking dream author goals, then I would really love to see my book in schools, libraries and even on the curriculum to inspire and empower children (and grown-ups) that no-one is too small to make a difference.

Hannah Gold

Your debut children’s book for middle grade readers, The Last Bear, will be published by Harper Collins on 18th February. Could you tell us a bit about the book? The Last Bear is the story of 11-year-old April who accompanies her scientist father to this remote Arctic island. There are supposedly no polar bears left but one endless summer’s night April spots something distinctly bear-shaped loping across the horizon. He is starving, lonely and a long way from home. Determined to save him, so begins the most important journey of April’s life. HarperCollins (my wonderful publisher) describe it as a celebration of the love between a child and an animal, a battle cry for the environment and an irresistible adventure with a heart as big as a bear’s. (I always love that last line!) Why did you choose this subject? The Last Bear is a book very close to my heart and is basically about everything I love most in the world – nature, the planet and that unique, instinctive bond that especially exists between children and animals. I think when you’re starting out as a writer, you can fall into the trap of following trends or trying to write something you think will be popular. I’ve tried that and it didn’t work. This book, I just really wanted to be 100% true to myself and write about subjects that made my heart sing. Fundamentally for me, this book is my own personal quest to make a difference. You’ve made The Last Bear ultimately optimistic. What do you think those of us living in the Deepings can do on an individual level to help the planet? At the time of writing this book, there was a lot of dystopian middle-grade and young adult fiction on the market – and a lot of it is very good. But I wanted to

Renowned children’s author Michael Morpurgo has said that The Last Bear is ‘an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable.’ How did that endorsement make you feel? I cried! Seriously, Michael Morpurgo has been my author hero for quite some time and someone whose books I deeply admire. So, when my editor sent me the email (it was a Friday afternoon) I opened it and was just so unbelievably happy. The Last Bear has glorious illustrations by award-winning artist Levi Pinfold. How important was it to you to have the right kind of image in your book? For a start, I’m just lucky to have an illustrator at all! It’s not a given that a middle-grade book will have an illustrator, especially one of his calibre. I know I’m biased, but the cover is quite simply one of the best I’ve ever seen and I can’t quite believe that’s my book! You’ve very kindly agreed to help judge The Deepings Literary Festival children’s writing competition alongside festival Patron, Elly Griffiths. Why did you accept that challenge? I am a huge advocate for reading and writing for pleasure – so children can throw off the shackles of grammar and trying to get it ‘right’ and instead just enjoy the artistry and imagination of creativity. I’ve been a judge on the BBC’s 500 Short Story Competition and love what zany ideas children come up with! You can find out more about Hannah at www.hannahgold.world or follow her on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHannahGold; Twitter: @HGold_author; Instagram: @hannahgold_author

WEST DEEPING

West Deeping in 5 objects by Maggie Ashcroft

This coin, a ‘quinarius’ dates from the short reign of Emperor Allectus (AD 293-296). It’s one of many Roman coins found in the village over the years – not surprisingly, as the Romans were in the area for over 350 years. During the Boudican revolt in AD 60/6, King Street is known to have been a route for the 9th Legion between their campaign base at Longthorpe and their fortress at Ancaster, near Lincoln. The inhabitants of the Romano-British farmstead, on the site of Rectory Farm at West Deeping, would no doubt have been using Roman coinage. By the end of the 3rd century AD, under its usurper emperors like Allectus, Britain was a breakaway state from the rest of the Roman Empire. By AD 410 we had been left to fend for ourselves against Saxon invaders.

This 19th-century waterwheel, at Molecey’s Mill on Stamford Road, is still working thanks to several restorations by past and present owners. The watermill was one of four first recorded in 1086 for King William I’s ‘Domesday’ survey and had many changes of owner before John Molecey installed this ‘undershot’ wheel for his flourmill. It was probably not long after its design was invented by the French engineer, Jean Victor Poncelet, in 1823. West Deeping Mill near the church dates back to pre-Norman times too, but sadly no longer has its wheel.

The font in St Andrew’s Church is said to date back to the 1300s, the time of Edward III and his son the Black Prince. Its octagonal basin has a heraldic shield carved into each face, thought to represent local families – wealthy landowners and patrons of the church. Many antiquarians and heraldic experts over the years have tried to identify all eight shields, but only agree on the Wakes, the Clares (founders of Deeping St James Priory) and the Beauchamps (whose daughter was Lady Margaret Beaufort). Internet resources have proved useful in checking out the rest of the shields – watch out for a future article!

WEST DEEPING

This hand-bell was bought in 1918 for Miss Grassam, the newly-appointed headmistress, by the Managers of West Deeping Church of England School. At that time there were around 50 pupils but by 1969 numbers had fallen to only 17 and closure was being discussed. The school finally closed on 5th April 1971 and the remaining children were presented with a New English Bible as a memento. After the Easter holidays, they would be attending the William Hillyard Church of England Primary School in Market Deeping. Mrs Smith, the acting headmistress, gave the handbell to a former pupil, Nick Sandall. He looked after it for nearly 50 years before deciding, earlier this year, to send it back to be displayed in the former school, now used as the Village Hall. Further information about the history of West Deeping can be found on West Deeping Heritage website https://wdheritage.wordpress.com/ or contact Maggie Ashcroft 01778 344768.

This is one of the four Ordnance Survey ‘bench marks’ that can still be found in West Deeping. The horizontal line over the upward-pointing arrow is chiselled into the stonework of the porch at St Andrew’s Church, in the same way (and at a similar level) as others at Wheatsheaf Cottage, the Red Lion Public House and King Street Bridge. Although they are no longer maintained and will gradually disappear with redevelopment and erosion, they mark the positions originally used by the Ordnance Survey to measure height above sea level. Their significance in West Deeping’s history becomes apparent when you check the 1887 large-scale map – the church was 41 feet 6 inches (12.65 metres) above sea level at the reference point, Wheatsheaf Cottage 40 ft (12.2 m) and the Red Lion 40ft 7ins (12.37m). Rising sea levels caused by global warming pose a serious threat to West Deeping’s long-term future! 51

what’s on It’s a real coup for the Deepings Literary Festival to host award winning romantic novelist Erica James. Will Fowler will be setting the scene with beautiful piano music and festival committee member and novelist Ros Rendle will be talking to the internationally acclaimed writer at 2.45pm on Sunday 14th February. This will be via Zoom and tickets are on sale at www. stamfordartscentre.com. They are only £3 and going fast. There are several Deeping businesses offering flowers or takeaway afternoon tea that weekend too if you fancy a really romantic afternoon for your loved one. Get your Lego out! Each Monday on the Deepings Community Library facebook page at 10.00 am a lego challenge is announced - you build and take a picture and the Library will place it on the online photo gallery.

Valentine’s Day Sunday 14th February

2.45 pm for a piano prelude played by Will Fowler. 3.00pm popular romantic novelist

Erica James

Zoom Session Tickets £3.00

The Nene & Welland Oddfellows, at Church Street Market Deeping, are unable to hold their usual open to all events in their hall BUT all are invited on Wednesday afternoons at 2pm for the on-line Zoom events, quiz, games, chats etc. About an hour is passed enjoying friendship which is something we all need at this time. Come and find out how much the Oddfellows have to offer in support and friendship. Links ID 9808859304 Call 07729519122 or email Andrew.spencer@oddfellows.co.uk Treat your Mum (or yourself) to an afternoon of romantic chat and travel with award winning novelist Isabelle Broom on Mother’s Day March 14th . After twelve years as Books Editor with Heat magazine, Isabelle Broom now writes contemporary romantic fiction with a sense of adventure and an evocative sense of place from Sri Lanka to Jersey. This promises to be an entertaining event filled with laughter and romance. Have your questions ready! Via Zoom tickets are available on www. stamfordartscentre.com. Booking is essential.

Mothers Day Sunday 15th March

Week commencing Feb 1st there will be a mini celebration of all things Harry Potter with a trail and free online printables see www.facebook.com/ friendsofdeepingscommunitylibrary

2.45 pm for a piano prelude played by Will Fowler. 3.00pm Novelist, adventurer and journalist

Isabelle Broome Zoom Session Tickets free booking essential

For tickets visit wwwstamfordartscentre.com 52

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin! What a wonderful way to sit down on a Wednesday afternoon at 2.00pm with your little one and listen to one of our army of expert story tellers tune in on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ deepingscommunitylibrary

I'd Rather Be In Deeping January 2021

Articles inside

What’s on

Online Courses

West Deeping in 5 objects

Deeping Business Support Group

New Writers for Old Tales

Birds

Burghley Walk

Deeping Repair Shop

Found in Deeping

Deeping Youth Group

Poem

St Valentine, has he had his day?

Profile: Ajay Tegala

Lockdown Pursuits

News

A story from a postcard