©Kirton News 2024

February 2012

The Editors Letter

Happy New Year to you all. Let’s hope this year is kind to all of us! Kirton News marches on. We’ve got some interesting features coming up over the next few months. This edition sees a fascinating article by Ann Pilbeam - a potted history of her family’s business.

It’s something many of us of varying ages can relate to in one way or another.
Thanks Ann, and I’m sure there are more of you out there who could provide us with such ‘good reads’. Keep them coming.

Over the ‘holidays’ I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Gladys Seabrook (and her amazing hubby, Cyril), one of our regular contributors. As an addendum to my article of December (page 13) I’d like to report my amazement at the huge catalogue of poetry she has amassed since she began her ‘observations’ in the early 1970’s. It has made me more determined than ever that we get some of these into print.

I’m going through the files at the moment but would like to repeat my call for financial backing to get the book published.
I’ve already had one brilliant, though modest, contribution (Anne Onymous - you know who you are, and many thanks) and there’ll be a bit more about that in March. But I could still do with a major sponsor.

Please get in touch; I know you’re out there.
The question directed to the Parish Council about the Armistice Day traffic has sparked an excellent response; you can read it on page 5. It goes to show we can have such a long-distance discourse so, if anyone else has questions to ask, or points to make, send them in, we’ll do our best. It’s also good for the public to see the PC in action.
Apparently there’s some minor sporting event happening this year(!). What, with that and the Jubilee, as a nation, we might be able to lift our spirits a bit. If anyone is planning a special event or celebration, let us know and we’ll give it a splash in ‘The News’.

There’s been a suggestion that we might try to get some regular report in the mag about local sports. Perhaps a monthly run-down of what’s to come or brief highlights of the past month’s glory moments. I’m not quite sure how it would work but, if any body has any ideas and/or would like to put themselves up as a potential “Sports Reporter” get in touch.
That’s about it for now. Please remember, for contributions, next month is short and our deadline is only 9th of February so get scribbling!

Stay healthy and safe. Until next time;

Sam

Old King Coal – A family Business

And indeed it proved to be a family business from the mid 1800’s through to the 1960’s and spanning three generations. The story begins not with carts, lorries or trains but with barges.

My father’s maternal grandmother, Lucy, was a bargee. She was born in 1845. She married Joseph Freeman of Tattershall who was also involved in transportation by barge and packet boats. They married in 1891 and together made a formidable pair. They loaded goods, mostly coal, on to the barges in the Brayford in Lincoln. The coal would have already travelled by the canal from the Tyneside and Yorkshire coalfields. As a little boy my father would be on the barge on the Brayford, fastened by a harness in case he should fall overboard. By the age of seven he would lead the big Shire horse along the tow path as it pulled the barge along.

By the time the barge reached Chapel Hill much of the coal would have been offloaded and other goods would have been taken on board along with passengers, especially on Boston Market days. A good dropping off point was at the steps of the, by now long gone, Queens Head at Bargate bridge. The steps are still there.

After Joseph’s death, Lucy lived at Chapel Hill but she was no longer involved with the barges for the coming of the railway had changed all that.

And so to the next generation. Lucy’s daughter, Annie Freeman Watson, married my grandfather, George Thomas Parker. George had been born in 1876 at the workhouse on Spilsby road as his parents were the Matron and Beadle there. George had not yet started his working life in the coal trade. He had worked as a young man for Johnson’s Seeds but when he left there he went to work for Tom Ridlington, a coal merchant in West Street. After a few years there George became a coal merchant in his own right and became a member of the Peterborough Coal Company. He took his coal business to the huge railway complex on London Road, Boston establishing it at number 28.

He traded under the name of G.T.Parker and Sons ~ Coal and coke Merchants. The railway yard covered an immense area – from London Road right back to Broadfield Lane (now cut in two by the ‘new’ Spalding Road). There were other coal merchants and coal companies also working on that site, a very, very busy place.

My father, John Joseph Parker, born 1906, was one of three bright young lads at Park School who passed the necessary exam to go to the Grammar School that particular year; but my father was denied that privilege. His father demanded that Jack (as he was known) left school to work in the coal business. So it was, working with horse and cart, that my father began in the coal trade.

Long Winter’s days and coming home in the dark after walking miles. My father recalled that, as he and his father were returning home one night, they reached Spilsby Road, at which point my father realised that the soles of his shoes were flapping as he walked. “Can I have some new boots” he asked to which the reply was “Not tonight boy – we need to buy oats for the horse’s supper”.

But horses and carts were on the way out by the time my father was a young man and it was time to invest in more modern transport. In the 1920’s the firm bought a ‘Model T’ Ford - only one of TWO in Boston at that time. It came from America and when Holland Brothers went to collect it from Boston dock it had arrived flat packed!

Still more coal was being sold and two more lorries were bought. The slogan emblazoned on the side of each of the ‘fleet’ was “Quality Is Our Only Advert!”

Gradually G.T.Parker and Sons was growing as a family business and, as well as supplying the Boston area, fuel was being taken down to Long Sutton and the surrounding districts to heat the many greenhouses that were being built in there. Coke became a main fuel for heating greenhouses.

Everything in the 1920’s and 1930’s was run by steam. The land was drained by steam engines; they were also in use for ploughing the land and threshing the corn. As the business grew Parkers had depots from Spilsby to Sutton Bridge. And they had their own rail wagons.

Optimism was high (along with the rest of the Empire) and little was known of the devastation to come . The family business went from strength to strength.....
...to be continued, Kirton News, March 2012!

Ann Pilbeam, nee Parker

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,
The Chairman and members of the Parish Council would like to respond to the comments you made in the last edition of the Kirton News regarding Remembrance Sunday’s parade.

You said that ‘traditionally the centre of the village has been closed to vehicles for a while before, and some minutes after, the vigil.’  This is not the case.  Last year this happened but this was due to only having one PCSO in the village on Remembrance Sunday to direct traffic and close any road whilst the parade moved through the village to or from the War Memorial and to and from the Church.  The roads were closed for a time due only to the lack of Police manpower in the village.

There is no ‘duty’ to close the roads except when there is a danger to the public - which is why roads are closed to facilitate the parade moving.  Unfortunately, you cannot please all of the people all of the time, and this certainly seems to be the case here.  Last year when the roads were closed for a longer period, motorists complained that they could not get through the village. 

The Parish Council fully supports the actions (and the length of time) that the Police closed the roads for this year. 

Mrs Belinda Buttery
Clerk to Kirton Parish Councils

A Big Thank You to JHAY STORES
from Joyce Williams

Many thanks to JHAY Stores who came to my help when I fell and broke my hip at the Remembrance Service on Sunday 13th November (2011) at the War Memorial.
They brought out a stool for me to sit on while waiting for the ambulance. Thanks to all who helped me on that day.

Joyce.

“A little help goes a long way”, they say. Sort of restores your faith, eh? (Ed.)

Reflections from the Methodist Minister

Dear friends, I hope it is not too late to wish you a happy year (no longer new). 2012 seems to be speeding by as I write for the February issue - time really does go faster as we get older!

As the winter passes we will be getting the fuel bills and realise that, despite the warmer than usual winter, it tends to be an expensive time of year, yet what would we do without the electricity and gas that keeps us warm and gives us light in the darker months.
Electricity is an amazing power which enables us to live our lives in the complex modern world. It provides us with light, heat and energy and makes possible industry, transport, commerce and communication on a vast scale; and any power cut immediately reminds us how much we depend on it. But electricity can also be dangerous and shocking and we need to approach it with due respect.

The Bible could be described in similar terms; it is full of powerful stories, poetry and wisdom that needs to be approached with care. How easy it is to misunderstand, for example, the violence if we don’t understand the context or to dismiss the teachings of Jesus as historical and with no relevance. This amazing book (or collection of books) can shock us and inspire us and really does have something for everyone, even in today’s world of technology and discovery.

It can change our values, our lifestyles and our unjust systems through the lives, words and actions of prophets and saints who are inspired by a vision of better things. It gives us the moral dynamic to try and live in the modern world as God wants us to live and to shape our society according to his eternal law of love. Nobody can measure the impact of Jesus Christ on human civilisation over the last two thousand years, but we know that we still need the light of his truth, the heat of his passion for righteousness and the power of his Spirit as much today as ever we did in the past.

The power and light of electricity may let us down, but the power and light of Christ never fails. Plug in to Jesus now and release God’s power into your life.

Blessings

What Granny used to say

Gone are the days when I used tooth brush and paste – now my teeth smile sweetly back at me from the glass on my bedside table!

But tooth paste is not just for teeth – Oh my no………..

Dull keys on a piano can be made to sparkle again by rubbing well with a little old fashioned plain toothpaste.

Use an old tooth brush and rub the paste in well then wipe off with a damp cloth – this works wonders for both old keys and the new plastic ones.

Tooth paste can also work its magic on scuff marks on your favourite pair of leather shoes too.

Just a dab on a soft cloth and a gentle rub is simply amazing. Then wipe off residue with a clean damp cloth – good as new.

Non – gel tooth paste contains a mild abrasive, which is just what you need to scrub the ‘gunk’ off the plate of your iron.

Apply it to the iron while still cool and scrub with a cloth – then rinse well.
So clean you will be able to see you face (and teeth) in it!

Talking of sparkling – well I was in a round about way – when brushing your teeth save a little tooth paste for your diamond rings – a gentle rub with the paste on your ‘bling’ will bring back its sparkle!

Kirton Kids Club

Happy New Year - It is always good, at this time of year, to look back over the previous one – and in my job this is generally done with a smile, remembering some of the activities the children have enjoyed, the fun and games they have played
The Kids’ Club enables all children in our age group the chance to socialise, learn, enjoy and appreciate just being a child.

We give equal opportunities to all children attending; they are encouraged to develop confidence and learning skills that will take them through their school years and beyond.

We have been providing this high class service for the last thirteen years.
We give parents and carers the opportunity to extend their working day in the knowledge that their children are well looked after and happy.
The club charges you per session – not per hour – which means great value for money too!

Before school starts at 7.30am. Children enjoy a choice of breakfast menu plus achance to catch up with their friends. They are escorted to school and staff leaves them at bell time.

After school the children are collected and escorted by staff, back to the club and they enjoy a fun packed session each day which includes a snack and drink. This session closes at 5.45pm.

Breakfast club costs £3.20 per child per session and after school is £5.30 per child per session. There is a 10% discount for related siblings. Tax credit details are available.

The Kids’ Club has an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ or learning and play toys, Wii, Ps2 and Xbox.
If you would like more information or a free taster session for you child/children – please call 07583 762072.

Urgently requested: Treasurer
for Kirton News

Kirton news has lost a stalwart member of the team. Sushma Bragg has been our Treasurer for some time and performed splendidly; but, she has recently decided that, because of family commitments, she is unable to carry on the role, although she'll remain a valued member of the committee.

Anyone out there fancy taking it on? As with the rest of us at The News you'll be doing this for love and not reward. But you get a chance to work with me!
An accounting background would be good - but not essential.
If you fancy having a shot then contact me, Sam C. at the usual address and we'll talk some more. I know you're out there!

Yours, expectantly, Sam.

Royal British Legion Trip

The Royal British Legion Kirton & District Branch are considering organising a coach trip to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in June/July if there is enough support.

Anyone who would like to go on this trip, please let me know so that we can gauge numbers also whether they would prefer a week day or a weekend day out, the cost for the trip would be about (£10)

To date the Poppy Appeal Fund for the District has raised £ 3,416. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and support in helping us reach this sum. This is a wonderful amount considering the financial state of the economy.

The Appeal does not end until September, with your help I would like to try and exceed this by encouraging locals to partake in a sponsor challenge later in the year.
If there is any person who is willing to take up a challenge in aid of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal  please contact me on 01205 722501 or email  roland.reece@btinternet.com

Thank you again for your support on behalf of The Royal British Legion Kirton & District Branch.

Roland.

What’s on at Kirton Library

Saturday 4th February
National Libraries Day

Tuesday 14th February
Half term Adventure, 2.30pm-4pm.
Places are limited, so book early. Tickets 60p

Story time
Tuesday 28th February
10.30am: Peppa Pig

Tuesday 24th March
10.30am: Rhyme Time

Authors of the Month:
Jodi Picoult’s new book Lone Wolf is out this month. She writes riveting plots on love, families and relationships. Simon Scarrow, author of the Cato and Revolution series, has Street Fighter coming out this month, which is book two in the Gladiator Series

Library Opening Hours:
Tuesday 10-5pm
Thursday 1-7pm
Saturday 10-1pm
Tel: 01522 782010
Email kirton.library@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Emergency Planning

The parish council is, together with Algarkirk and Sutterton parish councils, putting together an emergency plan. Volunteers are required who would be able to provide assistance, provide use of machinery, storage, facilities, expertise (eg first aiders) in the event of an emergency. Emergencies could include: large scale road accident, aircraft crash, flood, power out, severe weather conditions etc.

If anyone is able to offer help, in whatever form, or you would like more information, please contact Mrs Belinda Buttery (parish clerk) on 01205 460618 or belindabuttery@hotmail.com

Many thanks in advance.

Community Lincs launches new
countywide Bulk Oil Buying Scheme

Community Lincs has launched a new way for you to buy your oil! Our Bulk Oil Buying Scheme launches today with the aim of maximising the joint buying power of communities to enable them to make significant savings when buying their domestic heating oil.

The scheme is open to individuals, community buildings and businesses that use oil to heat their homes and premises for a small annual membership fee. All they have to do is pay a small annual membership fee of £20 for individual households to £100 for a business and they will then be able to place as many orders as they want for a whole year.

Your community may already have a successful local scheme and if so that’s great. Our aim is not to take it over but they are welcome to join if they wish and they will benefit by saving their time.

We would also like to ask for your help in publicising the scheme and in particular with recruiting a local volunteer co-ordinator for your parish, who will receive their membership of the scheme for free.

If you are on mains gas then you may find this is not relevant to you, but if you know someone who might find it of interest then please pass the information on to them.
To get more information about how the scheme works, for details of how to become a co-ordinator and how to join the scheme please visit the Community Lincs website at: www.communitylincs.com or alternatively give us a call on 01529 301980 or email us at: bulkoil@communitylincs.com

Extracts from The Parish Council Meeting
Held in November 2011

Rails Missing over culvert – reported again to LCC. LCC since confirmed that they will fix this on next Area Team to the village. Members were not happy with the length of time this has taken to get fixed and the number of times it has been reported. Cllr Brookes will take this matter to highways at his next meeting with them.

Former Kings Head: Reply received from Enforcement Officer at BBC. Our letter has been forwarded to the Building Control Team – I have asked them for an update, as yet I have not received one.

Kirton does still have a Conservation Area. This has been confirmed and I have a map/plan to show where it is. Pot hole on Station Road reported to LCC (including crime number for incident)

Correspondence received which the Council are invited to resolve on

Legal Services Lincolnshire – Application to stop up part of the public highway at Kings Street, Kirton – Magistrates Order authorised stopping up made, which means part of King Street now has no public rights of way across it.

Matters for the attention of Lincolnshire County Council

Cllr Skinner had nothing to report. Cllr Smith reported the numerous potholes in Holme Road which have been reported previously but still nothing done to them, plus he reported the culvert off the A5 is still blocked, plus the sign for ‘Little Side Road’ was knocked down and is now missing. Cllr Skinner will deal with these issues.

Cllr Rylott reported that the bush on Ashtons corner has been trimmed but would be better if it was given a really good cut back.

Cllr Lee reported that the footpath from Duckworths garage towards Ropers Lane, Sutterton is in a really poor state. Clerk to report.

It was reported that the proposed site for tyre recycling in Sutterton has been dismissed by both Boston Borough and Lincolnshire County Planning Departments. There is still an ongoing issue with Envirotyre carrying on banding and storing tyres in the village without permission – enforcement is waiting for the official decision from LCC and then it will pursue the action.

Cllr Lee reported that a flagstone had been damaged outside the Church – he reported it to highways and it has been filled in with tarmac, which is not the acceptable solution. Cllr Brookes said he will deal with this issue.

Town Hall: Cllr Carter had nothing new to report as the Committee was due to meet soon.
Thanks was given to Cllrs Lee and Hannay for the clock changing and flag changing.
The union flag had been flown at half-mast for a period to mark the passing away of former Parish Council Chairman, Richard Tunnard who was Chairman from 1973-1976.
Cemetery: The Committee had met to discuss the withdrawal of shortfall funding by the Borough Council amongst other things. The committee recommended to full council that the fees should be 40% higher for non Kirton residents. This was resolved unanimously.
It was also resolved to accept the fee increase from the grave digger.

Reports for Various Bodies:

Thanks were given to Cllr Bourne for his efforts in the recent litter pick. Cllr Bourne also agreed to be a second person for changing the flags.

An emergency planning meeting has been arranged between Kirton, Sutterton and Algarkirk to start the ball rolling. Clerk will report back at next meeting.

Cllr Lee presented a cheque from the Kirton Brass Band for £554.84 which is the proceedings from the recent Last Night of the Proms. Clerk to send letter of thanks and also invite band leader and his wife to the pensioners Xmas dinner.

Parish matters

Recreation Project: Next committee meeting will be held on 29th November. The Clerk updated members regarding the state of play with the contaminated grass on the playing field. This is now likely to be resolved by the middle of December.

Kirton Quiz: Cllr Lee thanked all those who had donated prizes for the quiz.

Jubilee Celebrations: Cllr Lee proposed a beacon be erected opposite the Church at Kirton Holme. The members from Kirton Holme will speak to the group who are working in this area and report back at the next meeting

Too Many Buttons - by Gladys Seabrook

There are too many buttons to press in my life,
No wonder I’m feeling distressed.
I press this one, and that one, and this one
Then cannot recall what I’ve pressed.

There are too many handpieces I have to use
And on them are buttons galore.
Is it this one or that one; or that one or this one?
I ought to know, but I’m not sure.

I sat down one evening to watch the TV
And relax in my recliner chair,
I pressed a button for ITV3
And my legs slowly rose in the air.

Then I heard a ring so I picked up the ‘phone,
I thought I knew what I had done,
But when I pressed a button and said, “Hello there”,
I was channeled to BBC1.

There are too many salesmen with windows to sell,
And too many words I could say.
When I pressed a button to cancel the call,
The screen changed to Match Of The Day.

Now here is a programme I really must see,
So I settle again in my seat.
I press the right button but soon realise,
I am watching another repeat.

There are too many people up there at the top
With nothing to do but impress,
And tempt me to buy all these technical things
With too many buttons to press.

The Registers

Baptisms - We welcome into God’s family:

November 13th - Wilber & Layla Butler
November 20th - Megan Lincoln

Weddings - We ask God's blessing on:

no weddings this month

Funerals - We commend to God’s keeping:

no funerals this month

 

Donations

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

Mr. Costello - £5
Anon - £20
British Legion - £50

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