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©Kirton News 2025
December / January 2024
Well, 2024 is very nearly at a close. Blink and you’ll have missed it completely! There are loads of festive events being advertised this month so please go along to show your support and get involved in our community festivities! The Kirton News Christmas tree will be featuring in not one, but two Christmas Tree Festivals this year, both in Kirton and Frampton! These are wonderful events and a chance to soak up the festive atmosphere, support your local churches and to catch up with your neighbours. Kirton’s Festival will be held on Sat 7th and Sun 8th December and our neighbouring village of Frampton will open theirs on Saturday 14th December.
We will be hosting our annual Coffee Morning for our wonderful band of Distributors on Saturday 14th December in the Upsall Room at Kirton Town Hall. We hope to see you all there and be able to say a huge ‘Thank You’ in person! If you would like to join our group of distributors, please send me an email!
We join St Peter and St Paul’s Church in welcoming Father Paul Norwood and his wife Carol and we hope they will be very happy in Kirton. Fr Paul has sent a letter to you all during this festive period:
As Christmas approaches we begin to think of our families, we long for the past where all our families would gather together around the fire exchanging presents, with snow on the ground and the sound of a choir singing carols. This of course, a romantic view of Christmas, an image that we only find on the television, on the front of Christmas cards, but there is an element of truth in it. As I have grown older my want for presents has been replaced with the want for presence of my family around me, seeing them has become of greater value.
In many ways this is the message of Christmas, God wants us his children to be present, to be with him, not just at Christmas but always. This is why God sent his only son, his very self to be with us, as one with us, so that we may know God and God may know us. God’s present to us is his very self, not just for Christmas, but for all time.
Show your love to your family as God shows his love for us, not in expensive presents but by your very presence.
Please do send through any letters, announcements, recipes or reviews at Editor@kirtonnews.co.uk.
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy 2025!
Meet The Locals
This festive issue, we're talking to the owners of Decor Home Furnishings, Stephen and Magdalena!
Our business was born out of necessity when my wife (Magdalena) and I moved into our new home and couldn't find anything that was good quality, modern and affordable. So after a lot of researching my wife reached out directly to a manufacturer abroad. I was sceptical but the furniture turned up within a blink of an eye and was of such a good standard I was astounded. Naturally our friends and family saw our new purchases and before we knew it we were ordering for them....and so our business 'Decor Home Furnishings' was born.
My wife and I made the decision (as most companies seem to be selling online nowadays) and we took a risk and opened up an actual showroom where people can come in to see examples of what we offer. Also, just as importantly, talk to us to get honest, unbiased advice. I don't know about you but if I'm going to spend my money on something as important as furniture, I want to see what I'm spending it on first (not just order something from a website and if it's wrong, then have to mess around with returning it etc). In addition, we also buy from the same manufacturers that the big named UK retailers purchase their items from. Because our overheads are much lower, we can sell the same products much cheaper. We're not talking about returns or damaged stock either...it's all brand new products, made for you and delivered directly from the manufacturer.
Once we have the orders at our showroom they are checked and sent out directly to the customer. We offer a genuine free delivery service within 20 miles of our showroom with a charge of £40 up to 40 miles away. We collaborate with an independent furniture assembly company that offer discounts through us for those that feel the need for help with building their purchases. We also work with Boxes of Hope, so if you have something you wish to donate to make space for your new purchases, as long as it falls within their parameters of what they can accept we will pass your unwanted furniture on to them.
So far the response has been fantastic considering we have only just opened! With comments such as, "We didn't even know furniture like this existed", "Your prices are amazing, are you sure they're right?", "I love everything in here!" and "we didn't even come here to buy but now we're going home to measure and we'll be back!" with customers waiting for us to open the next day and scrolling through our 500+ products.
Also we've tried to do things a little different and be incredibly environmentally conscious so we don't have catalogues in our showroom, we have a touch screen kiosk for customers to come in, scroll through and place orders if they so wish.
All in all we're trying to make the entire process as easy and as stress-free as possible. We're family run and family owned and we just want to bring back that level of customer service that seems to be slowly dissipating these days.
Our details are: Decor Home Furnishings
Unit 5, Avalon Business Park, Avalon Road, Kirton, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 1QR.
We're open 10-4 every day apart from Monday. Our website is www.decor-home.co.uk, Telephone: 01205 21244.
How do I keep my Christmas spending under control?
My children love Christmas and they’re already picking extra treats off the shelf when we go shopping, and telling me what presents they want. I really want to make it a special time for them, but times are tough and I can’t help worrying about overspending and getting into debt. What can I do to manage my finances during the holiday season, and where can I turn if I find myself struggling?
The festive season can be a financially challenging time, and often borrowing money or using a credit card to fund Christmas can seem like your only option. But there are steps you can take to keep your spending under control and avoid falling into debt.
The first thing to do is make a budget and stick to it.
Consider who you're buying gifts for, what other seasonal expenses you have, and how much you can realistically afford to spend. Always keep receipts, or ask for gift receipts, in case you overspend and need to return something. And remember that household bills may be higher during this period due to colder weather and spending more time indoors.
If you've built up debt, please don't ignore bills or letters. Speak to the organisation you owe money to, as they may let you pay smaller amounts.
Pay 'priority debts' first, like rent, mortgage arrears, council tax, and energy bills. For other types of debt like credit cards or loans, gather all the information on what you owe, create a budget, and contact your creditors to set up an affordable repayment plan. This might seem scary, but it’s an important first step.
If your budget just doesn’t add up and you need help to afford essentials like bills and food, see what cost of living support is available on the Citizens Advice website.
It’s especially important to check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, which will now only be paid to those who receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. If you make a claim for Pension Credit by 21 December, you might still receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
If you do find yourself struggling financially during or after the holidays, don't panic. Support is out there, and Citizens Advice can help you understand what’s available. We’re here to help you find a way forward.
If you need support or advice, you can contact Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire on 08082787942. Alternatively, you can email your query to: outreach@citizensadvicemidlincs.org.uk or attend one of our face to face drop in sessions.
For information about our service, drop in opening times and how we can help you, please take a look at our website www.camidlincs.org.uk
If you would like to support Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire, you can do so by scanning the QR code. Your donations will allow us to continue to help more people within our community.
Kirton Church Fund
Congratulations to both our winners who have both had previous wins.
Numbers are always well mixed up and winners are drawn after our Sunday service on the last Sunday of each month by members of the congregation while having coffee. However our December draw will take place on Sunday 22nd December so there is still time to join the Kirton Church Fund monthly draw in time for Christmas. Wouldn’t a Christmas win come in handy?
Anyone over 18 may take part. Just give Fay a ring for a registration form (01205 723529) or collect one from the back of church or from Paula’s Gifts at the bottom of Station Road.
You can of course join at any time during the year. Each number is £5 per month. This can be paid £60 annually, £30 for 6 months and £15 for 3 months. You can of course pay the £5 monthly if you wish. The price of the numbers hasn’t changed at all since the Kirton Church Fund started in June 2012. I can’t think of anything else that hasn’t gone up in price in the last 12 years! Do let me know if you can!
The prize fund each month is 1/4 of the money taken each month. The rest of the money currently goes into our Roof Appeal Match Funding to enable us to get grants for the up–keep of our beautiful church building.
The more people that join the higher the prize fund and the more money we raise for the church.
The November draw winning numbers will be printed in the next Kirton News magazine which is in February. The winning numbers for December will also be printed in the February magazine.
For more information about the Kirton Church Fund, please give Fay a call on 01205 723529.
As this is my last report of the year I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and also send my very best wishes for a happy, healthy and especially lucky 2025.
October 2024 Winners
1st PRIZE - £49.69 - TICKET NUMBER: 103
2nd PRIZE - £16.56 -
TICKET NUMBER: 85
Data protection. All information (name, address and phone number) of Kirton Church Fund members is held solely for the purpose of managing Kirton Church Fund and is not passed on to any other organisation or used for any other purpose.
Letters to the Editor
Kirton Parish Church Roof
Dear Rachael and Kirton News readers,
I would like to give Kirton News readers an update on what is happening regarding the Kirton Parish church roof.
Readers will be aware that money is being raised to replace the lead on the roofs of the north and south aisles and that of the chancel.
When quoted for in 2021 the cost was nearly £250,000. Kirton Church Fundraising team has been working very hard to raise this money and we have now been successful, with the help of Heritage Lincolnshire, in obtaining a grant to do some remedial work on the church roof. This work will be starting before the end of this year and hopefully stop some of the worst leaks.
However, I must stress that this will not fix the roof as the lead still needs to be replaced. Money still needs to be raised to do this and of course the cost will have increased since 2021. Heritage Lincolnshire will continue to work hard to secure grants for us but we still need to raise the money to match fund these grants. £60,000 was the amount Heritage Lottery asked us to raise to secure the grant that we had in 2012 to replace the lead on the Nave roof. I expect that the amount will be significantly higher to secure a grant this time.
Members of Kirton Church, will continue to work hard as we can to raise money for our beautiful church but we do need the support of the village to do this. Please, please, please support our fundraising!
Our next fundraising event is our Christmas Tree Festival on 7th and 8th December and I really hope you will support this.
Yours very sincerely,
Perfect Poppies
The knitted Poppy display inside Frampton Church this November to remember all who lost their lives at War. What a wonderfully unique tribute.
An apology
Kirton News would like to apologise to Kirton Bowls club for an advert that appeared incorrecty within the November 2024 edition. To remind readers, greens at the club close in September for winter maintenance until the following May as outdoor bowling in a summer sport.
Regret for a Life - A short story by Bill Crewdson
One evening George was looking particularly miserable, so Harold asked him what was up. "I've met this girl" he said, and I really wanted to go and see her tonight but I'm on standby for the Brig".' Not to worry mate, said Harold "I'll stand in for you if you like, if that's ok with Bill" He knew it would be, because he and Bill were good mates. "I've been stuck in stores since I got here so I'd welcome the chance to get out for a bit, but knowing my luck nothing will happen.
Just after midnight Harold was woken by Bill who said "Come on mate, look lively, we' been called out! They raced outside to the Brigadiers staff car a big Ford Zephyr6, then it was off to HQ to pick up the Commander. "All hells let loose " said Bill "someone rang the news desk at the Belfast Telegraph to say that a soldier has been kidnapped by the IRA, the Brig wants to go to the soldiers unit in central Belfast to speak with the location Commander, it's not a good area to be in, there's been a lot of rioting during the night and there are still a lot of people on the streets,
The place they going to was an RUC Police station that the Army was sharing.
When they arrived they could see a large crowd of surly looking men and boys all milling about a short distance away. No one within the station seemed to be aware of their arrival, for the big wooden gates were closed and there was no sentry in front of them.
"Jacobs " said the Brigadier, a short dapper man with Quick intelligent eyes and a way of speaking that reminded Harold of the celebrated Clement Freud. "Nip around the back and tell those idiots we're here!
It was with much apprehension that Harold stepped from the car for the crowd seemed nearer than before and much more aggressive. As he ran round the corner of the building he slipped and fell heavily and the Stirling Sub-machine he was carrying went off, and as is the way of such weapons at times, emptied its full magazine into the crowd.
The mob scattered immediately but to Harold's horror one body remained on the ground, that of a young boy of about twelve. The next thing he knew was that a detachment of soldiers in full riot gear appeared and held back the crowd whilst others dealt with Harold and the unfortunate young boy.
The court of enquiry which ensued declared a verdict of misadventure on the death of the boy, and Harold narrowly es aped a Courts Martial, but resigned from the service a broken man.
The young boy's family had strong ties to the IRA and boasted that the organisation would find out the name of the soldier responsible for their son's death and he would be called to account.
In the years that followed Harold managed to put his life back together, he met and married Brenda, they had two children, Richard and Mary, he studied hard and gained the relevant qualifications to become a Civil Servant and landed a post at the M.O.D.
Now many years later, as he stands on his doorstep on this chilly winter night he wonders wheter the past has caught up with him at last.
A he tiptoes down the hall and pushes gently at the sitting Room door, all the lights go on and the first thing he sees is his wife and family and all their friends , and the big banner that said: "Happy Retirement Harold!"
Frampton Gardening Club
We had a different, but interesting take on gardening, when our speaker for the April meeting of Frampton gardening club, was Hannah Sylvester, who is a medical herbalist.
Hannah trained in Western Herbal Medicine at Lincoln University and graduated with a BSc (Honours) in 2010. Hannah has been in practice for 13+ years, helping people with her individually tailored herbal prescriptions, and has helped people with a range of illnesses, including, skin conditions, neurological, muscular- skeletal and reproductive health.
We learned about herbalists through the ages, and talked about connecting with plants and how to use them safely, explaining how herbs work.
Hannah also brought a selection of dried herbs and tinctures with her, which were passed around for us to see, along with empty t-bags, which are used to put the herb of choice in to make a tea.
Certainly the list of plants which could help us if used safely, would include some that many of us already have in our gardens. A very interesting and informative talk.
Our next meeting is the AGM on May 30th. All are welcome to attend, especially anyone who would like to join us on our committee.
On June 27th our secretary, Maggie Welberry has kindly offered to host an ‘open garden’ at her home.
In July we are joining Phil Haines coaches for an outing to Cambridge Botanical Gardens, so our next meeting at Frampton Village Hall will be on August 29th, when the speaker is talking about Lincolnshire cheese. (Annual subscriptions are also due in August)
For more details about the club, contact Ray Harding on 01205 723181 or Maggie Welberry on 01205 722382.
Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- September 2024
Present: Cllr P Watson Acting Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr F. Baillie, Cllr A Bowen, Cllr M Elston, Cllr P Head & Cllr L O’Connor. Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather, Borough Cllr Middleton, County Cllr Brookes & four members of the public.
Public Forum
Local resident advising of the recent accident on zebra crossing and the poor parking of the deliveries to the kebab shop. Advised many complaints received from residents, PC were aware, and action is proposed. Also parking outside vets is causing complaints.
Presentation From Katie Edwards – Place Development Officer From Boston Borough Council
Katie’s post is helping to promote Boston and events in the Borough. Had attended our Picnic in the Park and is to help with the art trail. Agrees that there are many projects in Boston and would like to assist Kirton with any projects we may have to make sure smaller parishes are not forgotten. Has received comments there is nothing for the youths. Will investigate funding and report back if non available. Cllr Elston mentioned the availability of transport to some of the events in Boston with the local bus service not good out of hours.
Is hoping to bring workshops to Kirton.
PC advised the BBC website was not good and a direct link to Community Officers would be helpful for clerks.
Reports From County Councillors
MB - Boston Road. Development land opposite vets. Surface made good and ramped both sides of entrance as temporary measure ahead of reserved matters for crossing point when considered in reserved matters planning application.
Kirton End. Proposed 30mph speed limit. Is out to public consultation which closes on 9/10/24. No objections received to date.
Willington Road. Kirton End to Kirton, National speed limit section. Assessment for a reduction in speed limit has been completed and it meets the criteria for a reduction to 40mph. Due to go out to public consultation after the 14th October.
Boston Road junction of West End Road and Middlegate Road. Still awaiting assessment for pedestrian crossing.
Boston Road near Costcutter. E mails from two members of the public requesting a crossing forwarded by Cllr Peter Watson. Will take this up with the highways manager and report back to the next parish council meeting.
Reports From Borough Councillors
DM – advised the Borough Council are to offer planning training for Councillors to assist in responding to planning applications.
TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs Jarvis, Pryke, Rylott, Sohail & S Watson All resolved to accept reasons given.
To Receive Declarations Of Interest Under The Localism Act 2011
Cllr Baillie – as UKSP panellist.
To Approve Notes Of Previous Meeting On 3rd September & Eom Of 11th September 2024
Proposed Cllr Astill, seconded Cllr O’Connor that these be accepted as a true copy to be called minutes. Unanimous.
To Receive Updates From Clerk
CSW – awaiting confirmation from Lincs Road Safety Partnership of areas to be surveyed.
CCJ – Nothing further to report
UKSP – application submitted for play equipment independently from Heritage Lincolnshire.
To Discuss Training
Cllr O’Connor requested this as it was felt the training offered from LALC and other outside bodies was not being utilised as it should be. Clerk to advise Councillors of relevant training opportunities and a record of qualifications to be held by Clerk. All training to be booked via the Clerk.
To Discuss Dame Sarah Swift
Discussed again at length. Councillors are aware they have a duty to provide open spaces of which there is Dame Sarah Swift and the Rec.
If agreed to hand back to Charity, PC would have to bring back to original state which would require reinstating fencing and trimming all trees.
Majority felt keep but as an open space and any additional equipment installed would be vandalised.
Agreed to await decision of grant application before making final decisions on way forward. Clerk to obtain further quotations for repairing skate ride.
To Discuss Steetlights
Discussed again with figures available of savings. Clerk to ascertain if quotation is still valid and contractor is still willing to do work in three slots. Agreed not willing to borrow from BBC.
Finance Committee to discuss what commitment the PC can make at this point.
To Receive Updates On UKSP Grant Funding
Heritage Lincolnshire had asked for the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed to confirm to BBC the PC are committed to work with HL on the works.
PC concerned no specifications for works have been received and the amount is now considerably less than originally proposed at presentation.
The only work to be done to the war memorial was to clean, remove coating on steps and make good names. The painting of the railings had not been mentioned, nor some of the other options offered initially. As money had to be spent my end of year, they would like to commence work as soon as possible. PC agreed, with the guarantee that work would be finished or area left in a safe condition for the remembrance service.
PC concerned of how much money now available and agreed to add an additional line on the MOU to that effect. Delegated powers given to Clerk and Cllr Elston to discuss matters further with HL.
To Receive Event Updates
a) Remembrance Day – plans going well with RBL, Church and PC. Councillors available for the parade to be at Town Hall for 10.30. Cllrs Astill and Bowen to organise refreshments. More traffic management required.
b) Christmas Light Switch On – Cllr Elston advised may not be possible at war memorial with all works, including the electrics. Clerk to source another site.
c) Senior Citizen Meal – Grant application made through ASDA. Band, caterer booked. Tickets ready, poster to be put on FB. Councillors required to set up in morning and help in evening.
Finance
a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per Schedule. Proposed Cllr Bowen seconded Cllr Baillie
b) To Approve Purchase of Secondary Bin – Cllr Bowen advised there is a need for another bin at the Town Hall. Agreed again to wait for grant decision as a bin had been included in application.
c) To Discuss Maintenance Payment from LCC – contribution this year for the PC to maintain LCC grassed areas is £2132 - £915 last year. All agreed for PC to continue maintaining areas.
d) To Discuss Village CCTV – deferred to next meeting due to time.
Planning
To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting
Clerk reiterated the importance of responses from the Council.
Although discussions should be face to face if PC amend standing orders to a round robin response can be taken with emails and the Clerk can then confirm comments to planning ‘it is the majority decision’ as opposed to ‘at a meeting of B/24/0385 proposed additional accommodation, Evergreen, Wash Road
Members Reports
ME – dead tree branch on Hardwick Estate
FB – reminder of the Christmas tree displays in Church.
PH – finger post at Horseshoe Lane/Skeldyke Road requires attention.
LO – proposed that all incidents of Anti-social behaviour etc. to be reported to Police, for them to be aware.
To Receive Correspondence
New Life – looking at dates for this year’s carol service. 21st December agreed.
Date of next meeting: 5th November 2024.
The Registers
Baptisms - We welcome them all into the family of the church:
13th October - Emilija Vitunskaite
Weddings - We offer our congratulations to:
None this month
Funerals - May they all rest in peace:
10th October - Alexandra Watts
25th October - Brian Roberts