©Kirton News 2024

February 2010

The Editors Letter

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all a good new year.

Well what a harsh winter we are having so far. The paths have been like skating rinks and some of the roads not much better. It might be great fun for the kids but please spare a thought for some of our elderly friends.

If you know someone who might be having trouble getting out why not just pop in to sees if you can help in anyway.

If you can spare a few minutes you could nip to the shop for them or just stop and have a natter with them. I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated.

If you have a story to tell or wish something to be added in kirton news please contact me I will do my best to get it in for you.

Catrina.

A Brief History of Boston

The Middle Ages: Boston was not mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086. Boston was well situated to trade with Europe and it soon became a busy little port. Boston also became a focal point for the surrounding villages. It grew into a market town.

As well as weekly markets Boston had an annual fair by 1125. In the Middle Ages fairs were like markets but they were held only once a year. Merchants came from all over Europe to buy and sell at a Boston fair.

By the 13th century wool exports from Boston were booming. In the early 13th century Boston paid more tax than any other town except London.
In the 14th century only certain towns were allowed to export wool. They were called staples. In 1369 the king made Boston a staple.

However in the 15th century the River Witham began to silt up which hindered shipping adding to the decline of the port. In the Middle Ages Boston was surrounded by a ditch called the Barditch. Bar is the old word for gate. Just to make life complicated the street name ‘gate’ as in Bargate is derived from the old Danish for street ‘gata’.

St Botolph’s church was constructed during the 14th century. The tower, known as the Boston Stump was added between the early 15th century and the early 16th century. It stands 272 feet tall. For centuries it acted as a landmark for sailors.

In the late 13th century friars came to Boston. The friars were like monks but instead of withdrawing from the world they went out to preach There were 4 orders of friars in Boston, the Dominicans (known as black friars because of the colour of their costumes), Franciscan or grey friars, Carmelites and (from the early 14th century) Austins or Augustines. (The refectory or dining room of the friary was made into a theatre in 1965. It is now Blackfriars Arts Centre).

There was a ‘hospital’ just outside the town called St John’s Hospital. It was run by an order of monks called the Knights Hospitaller. Here they cared for the poor and the sick as best they could.

In 1281 Boston suffered a fire, which destroyed much of the town. (Fire was a constant danger in Medieval towns as most of the buildings were made of wood with thatched roofs).
Several buildings have survived from the Middle Ages. Shodfriars Hall probably dates from the 14th century. Pescod Hall is part of house built in the mid-15th century. St Mary’s Guildhall was also built in the 15th century. Hussey Tower was built in the mid-15th century as part of Hussey Hall. (It was named after Lord Hussey who once owned it).

Boston in the 16th & 17th Centuries: Henry VIII closed the friaries in Boston.Despite its importance in the Middle Ages Boston was not made a borough until 1545 when King Henry VIII granted it a charter (a document giving the townspeople certain rights). From 1552 Boston sent 2 MPs to parliament. Boston Grammar School was founded in 1555.’

During the 16th and 17th centuries the population of Boston continued to grow. (This was despite outbreaks of plague in 1587-88, 1603 and 1625). Maud Foster drain was dug in the mid-16th century. Then in 1604 James I granted Boston a new charter.

Boston in the 18th Century: In 1794 the River Slea was made navigable from Sleaford to the Witham, which increased the amount of traffic travelling through Boston. The Grand Sluice in Boston opened in 1766. In 1713 a charity school opened in Boston. It was called the Blue Coat School because of the colour of the uniforms.

A new Customs House was built in Boston in 1725. Fydell House was built in 1726 by William Fydell who was mayor of Boston 3 times. In 1776 an Act of Parliament formed a body of men called Commissioners with power to light the streets of Boston and to appoint watchmen to patrol the streets at night. In 1774 Boston gained its first bank In 1795 a dispensary was opened where the poor could obtain free medicines.

Boston in the 19th Century: The Maud Foster Mill was built in 1819 and in 1884 new docks were built downriver of the town which greatly boosted business. From 1825 Boston had gas light and a waterworks company was formed in 1845. The railway reached Boston in 1848. A volunteer fire brigade was formed in 1855. Also in 1855 a Corn Exchange was built in Boston.

Boston in the 20th Century: In the 20th century Boston was still a busy port. Grain, fertiliser and animal feed were imported. So was timber. Wheat, potatoes and beet sugar were exported. Industries in Boston included making tags and labels, food canning and making beds and pillows.
The first cinema in Boston opened in 1910, The Centenary Methodist Church opened in 1911 and a new town bridge was built in 1913.

Then in 1919 the council bought Central Park. In 1924 Boston gained electric light.
A War Memorial was erected in Boston in 1921. County Hall was built in 1927.
Also in the 1920’s the first council houses were built in Boston. The Guildhall was turned into a museum in 1929. In 1938 the American Room in Fydell House was opened by US Ambassador Joseph Kennedy.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Catrina,

My husband and friends were doing their community work, getting the memorial etc ready for Remembrance Sunday, when a young girl and her little boy brought 2 bags of doughnuts and offered to buy them a cup of tea as she thought they were doing such a good job. What a lovely gesture from the younger generation.

Thank- you to whomever you are.

Dear Catrina,

May I through the medium of your letters page, please thank all the people in Boston and District who have supported the care home project, India. They have enabled us to raise £26,000 to date. This money has gone direct to the Claretian Fathers to help in their endeavors to give support to the innocent victims of HIV/Aids. This charity is rescuing and supporting mothers, babies and children by providing shelters, medication, food, education and counselling. It is a 24hr 7 days a week continuous support by a dedicated group of people, who urgently need our help.

On 21st Jan 2010 I am going out to India to get an update on how our money is being spent. I will write a report with photos on my return. Thank-you.

Maureen Bray

History of Valentines Day - The Man Valentine

Is the history of Valentines Day expressed in the current celebration of yummy chocolates, lovely cards, and sparkling engagement rings? What is the story behind such a highly-retailed celebration?

Some say the day is named after a bishop named Valentine, who was stationed in the Roman Empire. Claudius II was the Emperor at that time. He thought that unmarried men made better soldiers, so he decided to make it a law that young men could not marry. Around 270 A.D., Valentine took pity on the ostracized soldiers who were not permitted to marry or see their sweethearts.

He became an advocate of these young lovers and began to perform secret marriages. He was soon found out and jailed. Emperor Claudius II attempted to convert Valentine to begin worshipping the Roman gods, but Valentine refused. Instead, he tried to convert Claudius to Christianity and Valentine sentenced to be executed on February 24, 270.

Another version of the history of Valentines Day tells that Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. Just before his death, he sent her a note and signed it “from your Valentine.” An aura of romance surrounded his demise and those who knew about it spread the tale. Bishop Valentine became Saint Valentine with his fame extending to England and France.

After his death, Valentine then became what is known as a “Patron Saint.” Some considered him the spiritual overseer of an annual festival in which young Romans would distribute cards of affection to those they wished to formally see. This festival was held each February 14. There are Valentine cards in museums worldwide that date back to 1415. February has been the month to celebrate love ever since the Middle Ages.

History of Valentines Day - Symbols of the Day

Even though the history of Valentines Day is unclear, it has become one of the most popular holidays among lovers and florists! The common symbols of Valentine’s Day in this era are cupids, hearts, roses, teddy bears, and words of adoration. Children exchange valentine cards decorated with current comic and cartoon icons. Adults have continued this tradition of card giving which makes this day, behind Christmas, the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.
Cupids with bows and arrows represent Roman mythology. Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. The shot of the arrow would strike the unsuspecting desired person or god, making him fall in love.

Kirton Kids Club

What can I say but – ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR’- from the children and staff at Kids’ Club.

The glitter pot has been out for weeks during art sessions at the club. The children have been taking part in the Christmas tree event at the Church. They have decorated tiny cardboard hands to hang in the branches as well as having their photos taken to adorn decorated snowmen and reindeers. They have also been making glittered baubles all of which should make their Christmas tree really sparkle!

The tree will be put into Kirton Church along with all the others from people taking part and hopefully, you will be able to have a look at it – I know our children will be very excited to see their handy work.

Each year the clubs finances are rigorously scrutinised and the decision made to increase the fees for the following year – and by now much. This year however, we are very aware of the ‘credit crunch’ and the effect it is still having on parents and carers of children at the club. Because of this the decision has been taken to not increase our fees in January 2010!

We feel to increase them would only add to the problems faced by parents who need good childcare for their children. The Club is run as a charity and does rely heavily on grants and donations so this decision was not taken lightly. To help us though – please book your children in for more sessions. Use the club when ever possible and recommend it to your friends.

We celebrate out eleventh birthday in January! Big thank you to everyone who has supported the club – staff helpers, local businesses, schools, parents and children.
We really appreciate your input and we are all very proud of the club and its success over the last eleven years. Here is to the next eleven!

Art is an important part of the children’s session time – and they all seem to love it!
The club is open during term time – 7.30am to school and after school to 5.45pm.
The holiday sessions run from 8.30am (please ask about earlier times) until 3.30pm. The club will be open: Feb half term, the first week of the Easter Holidays and the last three weeks of school summer holidays 2010.

We have tried to work around other holiday providers so we do not all open at the same time. Kirton Kids’ Club offers very ‘hands on’ sessions for children – nursery to fourteen years with small groups and qualified, caring staff. We offer many activities including, art, trips, sport, games, IT, music, visits and consoles. Please phone 722426 in session times for more details.

Personal Messages

New to Kirton News. If you would like to send a happy birthday/anniversary message to someone you know. Now you can.

All you need to do is write your message: e.g. ‘Happy 10th birthday to Joshua Smith on the 5th June, lots of love Mum and Dad’ or Happy Mothers or Fathers Day. Pop it to Fossitts 'The Green' or 38 Edinburgh Drive with £1 and we will print it for you. Please remember if you wish your message to be in the next issue we need it by the deadline date.

“We would like to say
thank you to the gentleman;
sorry we don’t know your name, who found our cat Holly
on the 3rd/4th December. 

When you found her
in Edinburgh Drive you
enabled us to say goodbye
to our beloved pet.

Steve and Wendy

A date for your diary

‘On Stage in Frampton’ presents an evening in concert with Chris Garrick (violin) and John Etheridge (guitar) on Saturday 13 th February 2010 at Frampton Village Hall 7.30 pm.

Armed with both acoustic and electric instruments, these two virtuoso performers promise a memorable mix of jazz / folk /classical and rock music, suitable for all ages.

Tickets are £8 and available from Blackfriars in Boston and Fossitt & Thorne and Scout Aid in Kirton. This event is promoted by Lincolnshire Rural Touring, subsidised by Lincolnshire County & District Councils and Arts Council England. www.lincsruraltouring.co.uk

Age Concern healthy eating course for older people

The latest programme of the above course has recently taken place at Kirton Town Hall. Ten over 60’s attended the 6 week course which was designed to offer healthy eating advice, help with knowing what to look out for when shopping, a chance to practice cooking skills and most important of all eating what was produced in good company!

Age Concern Boston and South Holland has gained funding from Lincolnshire NHS
to put on four programmes in Boston Borough of which Kirton was the second.
During 2010 it is anticipated that a further two programmes will be held in Boston Town and Sibsey/Stickney.

All sessions are free and we are looking for those who are on their own or in a couple wishing to eat more healthily and learn new ideas as well as those who have cooked all their lives but are now on their own and are willing to share their expertise with others whilst enjoying cooking and eating in company again.

For further information on future courses please contact: Sue McLaughlin 07702847009 or email: faafbsh@btconnect.com.

Pictured above: Some of the Kirton participants proudly displaying their certificates of attendance.

The Story Begins

Last week I was in  West London attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. 
I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. 

Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. 

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I’m not alone. I’m not the only red blooded Briton who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work, and enjoy our home without fear of reprisal. 

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers.  He knelt down and said ‘hi,’ the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.  The young soldier didn’t look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. 

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter’s name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now.  As the mum was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.  When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. 

Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. 
They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. 
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, ‘I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.’  He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a Kiss on the cheek. 

He finished by saying ‘Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.’  The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum. I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded.  As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. 
That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. 

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.  At the end of the day, it’s good to be an Englishman. 

RED FRIDAYS  - Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday - The reason?  Englishmen and women who support our troops used to be called the ‘silent majority’.  We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for Country and home in record breaking numbers. 

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.  Many English people, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of  Britain supports our troops. 

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every Briton who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. 

By word of mouth, press, TV, let’s make Great Britain on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football team  If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, It will not be long before Britain is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once ‘silent’ majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. 
The first thing a soldier says when asked ‘What can we do to make things better for you?’ is...’We need your support and your prayers’... 

Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Lest we Forget. 

Notice of Vacancy for Parish Councillor

If you want to do more for your community, if you want to spend your time productively, and if you can think, listen and act locally then apply to become a Parish Councillor. 
If you think you have got what it takes to become a Parish Councillor, please contact: 

Mrs Belinda Buttery
Clerk to Kirton Parish Council
Spring Cottage,
Asperton Road
Wigtoft
Boston
PE20 2PS
or email: belindabuttery@hotmail.com

Banoffee Pie

Cooking Times: 50 minutes Serves: 6

Ingredients:
Base: 225g (8oz) digestive biscuits
85g (3oz) butter, melted
Filling: 397g can Carnation Caramel
3 small bananas
150ml carton whipping cream, softly whipped
cocoa powder to finish
You will also need: 6 individual 9 cm (3½in) loose-bottomed flan tins
Alternatively use a deep 18 cm (7in) spring-form cake tin, greased

Method:
• Crush the biscuits in a blender or in a double-lined bag with a rolling pin.
• Combine the crushed biscuits with the melted butter.
• To make the pie bases use the back of a teaspoon to press the mixture into the base and sides of the tins. Chill for about 20 minutes.
• Divide the Carnation Caramel between the bases.
• Remove the pies from the tins.
• Slice the bananas, reserve six for the top and fold the rest into the softly whipped cream.
• Spoon the mixture over the caramel, decorate with a banana slice and dust with the cocoa.

Tips:
Turn this recipe into a sundae idea – layer the crushed biscuits (without the melted butter) and other ingredients into sundae glasses and chill until ready to serve.

Local Policing

I would like to introduce myself as the new Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for your neighbourhood. I have been a PCSO for 2 years working on the Boston Urban West beat and now moved to the South Rural beats of Boston. PCSO Adam Eden and PCSO Neil Williams who were the previous PCSO for the area, have left Lincolnshire Police and are now working for Boston Borough Council in their new role as Anti Social Behaviour Case Workers.

I will be joined by a new Community Beat Manager PC Martyn Appleby to replace PC Mick Judge who has now become a dog handler. I will be introducing Martyn to the new beats in February 2010.

Boston Neighbourhood Policing Team also has a new Sergeant to work with Sergeant Cordwell, who is responsible for the urban and town Neighbourhood Policing Team. Sergeant Gary Joynes has been a response and patrol Sergeant for 4 years. He now joins the Neighbourhood Policing Team and will be Sergeant for the Boston Rural beats.
The Boston South Rural Neighbourhood Policing team will also have 2 new PCSO recruits in the near future, which means we will be back to a full team based at Kirton Police Station.

In the mean time I will be working with PCSO Nicola Stuchfield from the Boston North Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team. Nicola will be temporarily based at Kirton to give a helping hand until the new PCSOs are trained and out and about.
Myself, PCSO Stuchfield and PC Appleby are based at Kirton Police Station and will be out on patrol in your neighbourhood.

If anyone has questions, queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
Kirton Police Station, Station Road, Kirton, (01205) 722002. Mobile 07825725319 or alternatively you can email me at BostonSouthRural@lincs.pnn.police.uk
Sergeant Joynes can be contacted at Boston Police Station, Lincoln Lane. Boston. 01205 312249.

Hope you all had a relaxing Christmas and Happy New Year.

PCSO Nicole Page

The Registers

Baptisms - We welcome into God’s family:

no Baprisms listed this month

Weddings - We ask God's blessing on:

no Weddings listed this month

Funerals - We commend to God’s keeping:

no Funerals listed this month

 

Donations

The magazine committee wish to say ‘Thank-you’ for the following donations which are much appreciated:-

Frampton Charities....................£25

Donations for the magazine may be taken into Fossitt & Thorne (The Green), enclosed in an envelope.

Kirton Youth Club

We are looking for more volunteers to help out on a Wednesday night or Friday night at kirton youth centre between 7pm and 9pm. If you are interested please contact me on 07804241339 or email at catrinasmith266@btinternet.com

We are open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7pm till 9pm for all 10-16 year olds at the youth centre downstairs. Entrance is only 50p.

We have various activities such as wii, playstation 2, pool, table tennis etc for you to enjoy or you can chill out with your mates listening to the latest tunes. If your peckish we have a tuck shop serving various sweets and drinks for you to buy.

Congratulations to Jordan Burton for getting a certificate of achievement. Jordan got this for being so friendly, polite and helpful during the year. Well done Jordan!!

Catrina