©Kirton News 2023

March 2019

The Editors Letter

It’s still very much February as I write to you but today has had a very Spring-like feel to it! Just that little bit warmer and a good dose of sunshine. It does wonders for the soul! I hope you’re all feeling the benefits too.

Did you know that the number 1 restaurant to visit in Boston (and the surrounding area) is right here in Kirton? Kirton Cottage has rightly gained a fantastic reputation for serving high quality, locally sourced food in very comfortable surroundings. It’s testament to the hard work Ambrish, Laura and the team have put in to an establishment we should all support and be proud of (statistics taken from TripAdvisor – Feb 2019).

It’s also great to see some other businesses have taken the plunge and opened their doors in our village. The Golden Fryer opened within the last month and the reviews have been really good so far. Plus, they deliver which is so useful to many who fancy a cheeky chippy tea! It’s great to see those vacant spaces filling up and long may this continue. I take my hat off to anyone willing to try and make a go of it.

As you can see from our front cover, work is finally starting on The Old King’s Head. The National Heritage Lottery Fund have funded part of the project but they are still asking for a number of donations. Please take a look at www.heritagelincolnshire.org/okh for further information. All being well, this wonderful building will be transformed into a coffee shop, B&B and a micro brewery.

Heritage Lincolnshire are asking for photographs, pictures, illustrations or memorabilia in any form ready for the guide book to accompany the project. Please send any snippets you have through to okh@heritagelincolnshire.org with full contact details, information about your photo/memorabilia and your consent for use (please do not send through originals that you do not wish to lose as they cannot guarantee that they will be able to return them in the original state). You can also share your findings on social media (Heritage Lincolnshire have a Facebook page) or please post to Heritage Lincolnshire, Old King’s Head Photos, The Old School, Cameron Street, Heckington, Lincs NG34 9RW.

The Old King’s Head project is very significant as Heritage Lincolnshire will work together with local producers to reopen The Old King’s Head as a community hub. Without our help this building won’t survive. Fingers crossed, the property will be a space with a bright future and, as they hope to stock local produce as part of a thriving business, it will also be part of creating more opportunities for our community. More information about the history of the Old King’s Head can be found on page 7.

Rachael

Sailor Up For Social Care Award

A former naval communications officer has been nominated for a top social care award.

Gaynor Jones, 45, spent seven years in the Royal Navy, before joining the team at Cedar House, in Spalding, which provides respite care for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Gaynor was nominated for the Lincolnshire Care Awards Rising Star award by both her manager Julie Watson and Trish Wilkinson, the mother of one of the people she cares for.

Trish’s son Scott, 19, has stayed for short breaks at Cedar House around 20 times over the last 18 months. She said she put Gaynor forward for the accolade because she felt it was important to let someone know when they are doing a great job.

“It was hard for me when Scott turned 18 and had to move from children’s to adult services,” she said. “He can’t communicate with me to tell me how he’s feeling, but as soon as I heard Gaynor singing to him, I knew he’d be fine.

“Gaynor is so warm and friendly and approachable and she was the first person we met at Cedar House. She made us feel instantly comfortable. She’s a real problem solver and you know whenever you mention anything to her she will sort it out.”

Originally from South Wales, senior support worker Gaynor now lives in Kirton, and has been employed at the centre, which is operated by adult health and social care charity Making Space, for the last two years.

Julie Watson is Gaynor’s manager and the registered manager at Cedar House. She said: “Gaynor is always happy and the people we care for love our little Welsh lass. Best of all is when we see people who can’t communicate come to life when they hear her voice.

“Working in social care is hard, but Gaynor is always a total professional. Nothing phases her at all.”

Gaynor said: “I had no idea I had made such an impression on Scott’s mother and was over the moon to be nominated. I emailed Trish right away to thank her.

“A good support worker needs to be caring, patient, imaginative and good at communicating. Being in the Navy was excellent preparation as I leaned organisation skills, problem solving and logistics, all of which are also important in health and social care roles.”

Cedar House is also in the running for a second Lincolnshire Care Award. The whole team of 13 has been nominated for the outstanding care team of the year.

Cedar House, on Pinchbeck Road, provides short term respite care for up to seven people at a time. Thirty-three adults with physical disabilities, autism and learning difficulties use the service at different times of the year.

It was rated ‘good’ by social care watchdog Care Quality Commission (CQC) in August 2017

Gaynor and the rest of the team will find out if they have won at a gala awards evening at the County Assembly Rooms in Bailgate, Lincoln, on 28 February.

Sara Teiger

Add your Child to the Kirton Nursery School Register - Not the Waiting List

If your child’s birthday falls between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016, they are eligible to start Kirton Primary School’s Nursery this September. Ensure your child receives a head start for school by enrolling them now.

Kirton Primary School’s Nursery introduces children to all the skills they need for Reception, such as phonics, number skills, and early reading and writing skills – and all this is provided by a fully qualified, school teacher who is supported by highly qualified teaching assistants.

In December 2018, Ofsted said of Kirton Nursery School: Children in the Nursery Year settle quickly and make a good start to their school life. Staff build effective relationships with parents to meet children’s learning and care needs well. Relationships between adults and children throughout the early years are nurturing and positive. Well-structured routines and procedures mean that children enjoy their time in school and are kept safe. They cooperate with each other and behave well.

Children are entitled to 15 hours of Nursery education absolutely free but, should you require more, additional sessions may also be purchased where available at a current rate of £11.50 for 3 hours. You will find this to be extremely competitive. We are flexible about provision, so please speak to us about options. Lunch provision is also available if required. Don’t leave it too late. The Nursery fills up quickly!

For further information and admission forms, or to book a visit, call in at the school office or contact the school on 01205 722236.

Green Burial site for Boston

Boston Woods Trust has for many years been creating woods and parkland for the benefit of people and wildlife in our area. Our latest major development has been the landscaping of an area designated as Beech Wood Green Burial …..”At one with nature” The land has been planted with over 4000 native deciduous trees with an open ride and wild flower areas which are maintained as burial glades.

We can now offer either full burial or interment of ashes in a beautiful setting of trees and wild flowers where birds and mammals live in harmony and our loved ones can be “At one with nature”. This area is adjacent to our established Beech Wood and will be a growing, living memorial, gaining in beauty as the years pass and will provide pleasure and benefits to future generations. The wood will continue to change and develop over several decades as the trees grow to maturity and the wildlife increases. The land will be managed by the Boston Woods Trust, a local independent charity working to improve the landscape around Boston. This frees relatives from the worry of tending a formal grave in the future as the site will be maintained as a part of The Boston Woods.

Beech Wood Green Burial is for people of any faith or none. The Burial Ground is non-denominational but individual plots may be consecrated. Traditional funeral patterns do not have to be followed and the funeral can be carried out with or without the involvement of a funeral director. Each plot will be marked with a piece of Lakeland Green slate engraved with the deceased details and a plan of the site maintained recording every burial. If you want to make plans for the eventual future a plot may be reserved so your wishes are known.

The Beech Wood Green Burial site forms part of The Boston Woods Trust Fenside Woods and is freely open to all visitors at any time. There is ample car parking and the whole area is accessible to all with 1.6 km of all-weather paths through the established wood and around the more recently planted areas. Dogs and walkers are welcome. It is located beyond the residential area on Fenside Road. Sat Nav location PE21 8LA.

The site is unattended but a member of the Trust would be happy to show you around and explain our ethos. There is more information on our website at www.bostonwoods.co.uk/green-burial or contact Frances on 07845 481621 or 01205 723040 or BostonWoods.Fran@gmail.com

The Old King’s Head - History

The inn is a rare example of the Fenland Artisan Mannerist style, a building technique which reveals a unique history of the ebb and flow of Britain’s people. The Old King’s Head tells us about the forgotten importance of the road from London to Boston, once a hub for those who traded, travelled and warred by sea.

Kirton, now a small village was once a hectic town, the third largest settlement in the county. The history of the Old King’s Head and its custodians reflect the cultural heritage of the local area, prosperous landlords, vigorous rivalries, between the church, barmen and even their own clientele!

In 2016, responding to local fears over the well being of the building, we successfully fundraised to purchase, and carry out emergency works for the Old King’s Head. Murder Mysteries and a Food Festival have been inspired by The Old King’s Head. And we have received countless testimonies to its significance in the community.

The Old Kings Head is a stunning, rare example of medieval coaching inn. The inn has a vibrant and sometimes scandalous history as each of the 36 known landlords moulded it in their own image.

Kirton is located on the once bustling route from London to Boston. Boston was an important international port from 1100s onward, it made sense for the Wybeard family, first known owners of the Old King’s Head in 1625, to build an inn that stood proud at the heart of Kirton, making the most of this busy highway. The pub was built in the now extremely rare Fenland Artisan Mannerism style (If you look up Fenland Artisan Mannerism, the Old King’s Head comes up as the first result!). Seeing a the red-brick building in the fenlands would have been awe-inspiring as brickwork had only recently been re-learned in the UK in the Tudor period, furthermore, in relatively isolated Lincolnshire fashions would often take many years to catch up, making innovation significant.

Kirton Church Fund

The February draw takes place on Sunday 24th and the winning numbers will be printed in the April magazine.

The March draw takes place on Sunday 24th and the winning numbers will be printed in the May magazine.

Having received the books back after their annual audit I have again checked through them to update you on the winning streaks! In all this last year we have had 21 people winning with 3 of them winning twice! We have paid out £3825.41in prize money since we started the draw in June 2012 and had a total of 58 different winners with 42 of those winning more than once. Currently we have 50 players and very few of them are yet to have a win. Of our January winners, both have had previous wins. Congratulations to both of them.

You too could join the Kirton Church Fund (KCF) monthly draw and win! Anyone over 18 may take part. We still have plenty of room for more members and there is a very good chance of winning in the Kirton Church Fund monthly draw. Registration forms are available from Fay, (01205 723529), or call in Kirton Church.

The prize fund each month is 1/4 of the money taken each month. The rest of the money goes to the Kirton Church Fund. The more people that join the higher the prize fund and the more money we raise for the church. As you may know we are currently raising money for the very costly repairs which are necessary to the roof of both side aisles and the cancel roof of our beautiful church, all of which are leaking quite badly.

If you would like more information about Kirton Church Fund please give Fay a ring on 01205 723529.

January 2019 Winners

1st PRIZE - £40.17 - TICKET NUMBER:79
2nd PRIZE - £13.39 - TICKET NUMBER:1

Add your Child to the Kirton Nursery School Register - Not the Waiting List

If your child’s birthday falls between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016, they are eligible to start Kirton Primary School’s Nursery this September. Ensure your child receives a head start for school by enrolling them now.

Kirton Primary School’s Nursery introduces children to all the skills they need for Reception, such as phonics, number skills, and early reading and writing skills – and all this is provided by a fully qualified, school teacher who is supported by highly qualified teaching assistants.

In December 2018, Ofsted said of Kirton Nursery School: Children in the Nursery Year settle quickly and make a good start to their school life. Staff build effective relationships with parents to meet children’s learning and care needs well. Relationships between adults and children throughout the early years are nurturing and positive. Well-structured routines and procedures mean that children enjoy their time in school and are kept safe. They cooperate with each other and behave well.

Children are entitled to 15 hours of Nursery education absolutely free but, should you require more, additional sessions may also be purchased where available at a current rate of £11.50 for 3 hours. You will find this to be extremely competitive. We are flexible about provision, so please speak to us about options. Lunch provision is also available if required. Don’t leave it too late. The Nursery fills up quickly!

For further information and admission forms, or to book a visit, call in at the school office or contact the school on 01205 722236.

Kirton Church Fund

The February draw takes place on Sunday 24th and the winning numbers will be printed in the April magazine.

The March draw takes place on Sunday 24th and the winning numbers will be printed in the May magazine.

Having received the books back after their annual audit I have again checked through them to update you on the winning streaks! In all this last year we have had 21 people winning with 3 of them winning twice! We have paid out £3825.41in prize money since we started the draw in June 2012 and had a total of 58 different winners with 42 of those winning more than once. Currently we have 50 players and very few of them are yet to have a win. Of our January winners, both have had previous wins. Congratulations to both of them.

You too could join the Kirton Church Fund (KCF) monthly draw and win! Anyone over 18 may take part. We still have plenty of room for more members and there is a very good chance of winning in the Kirton Church Fund monthly draw. Registration forms are available from Fay, (01205 723529), or call in Kirton Church.

The prize fund each month is 1/4 of the money taken each month. The rest of the money goes to the Kirton Church Fund. The more people that join the higher the prize fund and the more money we raise for the church. As you may know we are currently raising money for the very costly repairs which are necessary to the roof of both side aisles and the cancel roof of our beautiful church, all of which are leaking quite badly.

If you would like more information about Kirton Church Fund please give Fay a ring on 01205 723529.

January 2019 Winners

1st PRIZE - £40.17 - TICKET NUMBER:79
2nd PRIZE - £13.39 - TICKET NUMBER:1

Kirton Kids Club

Happy New Year and Happy 20th birthday to Kirton Kids Club!

How times flies when you are enjoying yourself – when I think back it is impossible to remember every child that has gone through our doors in that time but I bet every child remembers the Kids Club.

I am proud and amazed that the years have flown by so quickly and it is wonderful that they club has made it to this huge birthday.

Thanks to staff, committees, parents and children who have been involved with the club and helped make it the success that it is today.

Time for a party!

If you wish to check on availability of places please phone 07583 762072 – breakfast club is £4.00 per child per session and after school £6.00 per child per session with a 10% discount for related siblings using the same session on the same day.

Breakfast club includes breakfast and after school includes a high tea in the price.

Kirton Primary School is the best state-funded primary school in Lincolnshire

…for the fourth year running - and there are 319 primary schools in Lincolnshire!

The following quote comes directly from Lincolnshire Live:

Kirton Primary School is the best state-funded primary school in Lincolnshire, according to a comprehensive new guide. The Real Schools’ Guide 2019, compiled by Research PLC’s data unit, aims to give a far more comprehensive picture than traditional league tables. It takes into account 44 different data points – including not just KS2 results but factors like progress, pupil-teacher ratios and absence rates.

Kirton Primary School out-ranked all other schools in the county in 2016, 2017, 2018 and now - 2019.

What an amazing achievement!

The Royal British Legion Kirton
and District Branch

Hello Readers, thank you to all the residents of Fosdyke, Sutterton, Wigtoft, Kirton and Frampton for their support to the Poppy Appeal

It’s about time l updated you on the results so far for the poppy appeal 2018/19, all is going very well again with your generous donations the poppy boxes were opened and the money counted. Donations from various organisations and individuals have raised £ 3,902.44 to date.

Rush hair salon of Kirton had a cake and coffee stall on remembrance Sunday which gave the poppy appeal a generous donation of £ 77.15. The Trefoil Guild, Guide Association members instead of sending out Christmas cards decided to make a donation to a charity of their choice and this year it was the poppy appeal, so a generous donation of £69.00 was added to our collection.

Both the district Primary schools and Middlecott Academy did very well with their collections. I would also like to thank the manager of Kirton co-op for allowing the Armey Cadets to have a stall outside the store on remembrance weekend they were able to collect from generous shoppers a total of £350.00 for the poppy appeal.

In the coming months’ The Kirton and District Branch of TRBL will be holding funding raising events to raise funds for both the branch welfare fund and the Poppy Appeal. I am also looking to see if we can organise a coach trip to the Bomber Command memorial at Lincoln and if there is enough interest also to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. If anyone is interested in a coach trip of this nature or would like to help in our branch activities please contact me on 01205 722 501 or on email to roland.reece@btinternet.com

All the best regards for now your poppy appeal organiser

Roland Reece

Lent 2019 in The Kirton Group of Parishes

ASH WEDNESDAY – March 6th

Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes in All Saints, Fosdyke at 12 Noon.

Sung Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes at SS Peter & Paul in Kirton at 7:00pm.

At the time of going to print Algarkirk Church is still closed for Dry Rot removal.

Saturdays in Lent The Way of the Cross at 10:00am.

This devotion begins on March 9th.

Wednesday evenings at The Vicarage starting at 6:30pm from March 13th we embark on a cinematic journey to discover where we see God in everyday life events. Topics covered will be suffering, vocation, love, faith, difference and diversity, sexuality and belief. We will watch the movie, then discuss in a group the themes and theological questions raised for us this Lent.

Space is limited! Please sign attendance sheet.

March 13th - The movie: Simon Birch

March 20th - The movie: Shadowlands

March 27th - The movie: Priest

April 3rd - The movie: The one hundred-foot journey

April 10th - The movie: Unfinished Song

Help to keep you warm in winter

Chillier weather is forecast but practical help is available to those who may have difficulty if keeping warm in their homes.

Lincolnshire Community Foundation now manages the Responders to Warmth scheme which offers practical interventions such as oil-filled radiators, heated over blankets, hot water bottles etc. 

The Scheme runs until March and the Responders to Warmth helpline (0845 6064566) is open from Tuesday to Thursday.  The team is also able to signpost to other agencies who may be able to offer financial support with the cost of boiler repairs or replacement.

The Foundation responds quickly and provides support to those people left vulnerable as a result of having inadequate, or no form of heating, during the winter.

Referrals can be made easily via the helpline number and applicants only need answer some very simple questions to see if they are eligible to receive support and, as a result, keep warm.  Referrals can also be made from local agencies, support workers etc. on behalf of their client/service user.

Families and individuals across the county have been helped so far this winter. For example, Cheryl (aged 35) has a family and struggles to pay for the cost of electric storage heating at her property. She is on Income Support and has multiple medical issues. Cheryl and her family were provided with oil-filled radiators, heated mattress toppers and electric blankets. Francis (88) lives on his own. His heating system is waiting to be replaced after breaking down. He is in poor health and has mobility difficulties which are worsened by cold weather. Francis requested and was provided with an oil-filled radiator and electric over blanket.

To assist with the cost of future support, the Foundation would like to invite those who receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but are financially stable, to donate this to them and they will ensure it helps others, less fortunate, to keep warm in future years.

To apply to Responders to Warmth, or to donate your Winter Fuel Payment, please call 0845 6065466.

Emma Staff, Communications and Marketing officer, Boston Borough Council Tel: 01205 314261.

Kirton Brass Band

Kirton Brass Band are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a joint concert with Boston Salvation Army Band. The event follows on from a similar event two years ago held at the Boston Citadel which was a sell out.

The concert will be held at Kirton Parish Church on Saturday 16th March at 7.30pm

Tickets for tickets for the event, which we believe will be quickly snapped up, can be bought from Costcutters, Boston rd, Kirton. Or you can contact 07583673550/07764741037.

Tickets will be available also on the door priced at £8 and includes refreshments.

Tony Fell

Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- November 2018

Public Forum

4 residents came to object to the planning application B/18/0500. (Cllr Rylott at this point declared an interest (see minute 188/18 for full declaration)). The main reason was that the residents all have it in their deeds that no businesses can operate from the dwellings. They believe this applies to the whole of the road. The other objections were that the road is unsuitable for HGVs (Highways sign to this effect backs this us) plus the building will be built at the rear of one resident’s bungalow with a direct view into the rear of her property removing privacy.

The residents were told by the Chairman that they must object directly to Planning at the Borough too, which they confirmed that they had done.

Two residents came to inform members that the Methodist Church has received a legacy and is using the money to update the building to enable its use all week, not just for Services. They also asked for the Council’s help in securing additional parking to alleviate the parking problems whenever the Church is in use. They have approached the Kier directly who do not want to sell some of their land to the church.

Two residents came to ask for help contacting residents of Kirton End/Holme who are experiencing problems with their broadband. They have been told that BT need to know how many residents are affected before they will do anything further.

Chairman’s comments

The Chairman thanked all those who organised the 3 festive events this month which were hugely successful and also thanked those who attended to help.

Receipt of any declarations of interest

Cllr Bemrose declared a personal interest in Town Hall on the agenda as her mother is Chairman. She also declared a personal interest in planning item B/18/0500 as the applicant is personally known to her.

Cllr Ransome declared an interest in Planning as she is Vice Chairman on the planning committee at the Borough, she will take no part in discussions in this item. Cllr Ransome is also a member of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan committee.

Cllr Rylott declared an interest in Planning as she is on the planning committee at the Borough, she will take no part in discussions in this item. She is also Vice-Chairman of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan committee.

Cllrs Smith, Sharp and Turner declared personal interests in planning items B/18/0468 and B/18/477 as the applicants are personally known to them.

Cllr Sharp declared a personal interest in planning item B/18/0432 as the applicant is personally known to him.

Police Matters

PCSO Williams reported 6 crimes had been reported since the last meeting: 1 x assault which had resulted in one arrest, 1 x theft from a motor vehicle where tools had been taken – closed undetected, 1 x damage to a dwelling – closed undetected, 1 x attempted theft of a vehicle – ongoing investigation, 1 x drugs class B – drugs warrant issued and one arrest made, 1 x shed burglary – under investigation

PCSO Williams reported that anti-social behaviour is down on last year figures. Plus, he warned of bogus callers and reminded everyone to be vigilant.

Members asked PCSO Williams about whether anything could be done to stop the parking outside the Kebab shop which causes residents to have to walk in the road which is dangerous. Plus, vehicles are having to go around parked vehicles at the side of the road which are obscuring the view of the crossing ahead. PCSO Williams said he would speak to the kebab shop owners again.

Viewpoints on questions from members of the public

Regarding the Methodist Church request for support. It was resolved by a vote of 4 for 4 against, one abstention – deciding vote by the Chairman against – that the Council would not write a letter of support to the developers or Kier for a community carpark at the side of the Methodist Church as this was a financial matter between the Church and the developers and not one that the Parish Council should be involved with. Members were fully supportive of the refurbishments to the Methodist Church itself and were pleased to see the investment made.

Members resolved to publicise the poor Broadband via the Parish Council Facebook page and asked the residents who attended to email the Clerk information that they would like the Parish Council’s help collating.

Matters for the attention of Lincolnshire County Councillors
Boston Borough Councillors

Cllr Austin reported that although he roundabout is now fully restored by way of signs and lights, the ongoing issue of why the damage to the signs keeps happening is ongoing.

She reported that there is a real possibility that the village end of Skeldyke Road may become a 30mph road with investigations/discussions ongoing.

Cllr Austin wished to double check where the grit bin that has been removed from the corner of Horseshoe Lane and Skeldyke Road had been sited.

Cllr Brookes reported that a 3rd verge cut has been included in the budget for the next financial year. This will also result in a pro rata increase in the amount the LCC gives the Parish for cutting some of the verges for them.

He also reported that Sykemouth Drove has been issued a ‘stopping up’ order, meaning that the section of road which had been blocked by the landowner is now going to be returned to them.

Cllr Smith reported that the rest of Sykemouth Drove is in a terrible state of repair with some parts of it disintegrating completely. Clerk to report to LCC.

Accounts for payment

It was resolved that the Clerk would email all the accounts for payment as per payment sheet.

All were given the budget report from the November Finance Committee meeting with the suggested precept figure. It was resolved to accept this recommendation. Clerk to submit the precept request to the Borough.

Cllr Turner asked that the budget include the planting of another tree to replace the dead one outside the Town Hall.

Report from the minutes of the previous meeting/Clerk’s report

Potholes reported on A16 at the roundabout to LCC REF:4108129 Monitor

Overgrown bushes/hedges at A16/Station Road reported again to LCC ref: 4107319

Been in touch with the roofer that redid the Town Hall roof. Informed him of the leaks, he will be touch to come and look.

Update: Roofer seen the problems and promised to rectify them within a week/10 days.

Still nothing heard from roofer. Written to him and informed him that if the remedial work is not completed properly by the end of September that he leaves no other option than for the work to be given to another roofer and he will be liable for the bill.

Roofer says he has inspected the roof and the chimney needs pointing.

Contractor has started the pointing, I asked whether he could let me know asap whether the recent flooding issues were due to flashing or pointing at the chimney. He suggested removing the chimneys and continuing the roof slates. This needs to be confirmed by Planning whether it is possible, plus does the Council want the chimneys removing?

Chimneys lowered in height and larger slabs laid on top of chimney to make the drip off area further away from the edge of the chimney. Flashing found to be come away from the chimney which would lead to the flooding which occurred through to the Town Hall main hall. This has been repaired.

Roundabout damaged again by vehicles reported to LCC

Lighting on roundabout damaged reported to LCC

Pothole on Manor Road reported to LCC.

I have been chasing up the training to be offered to those volunteers who wished to be involved with the speed gun training. I will be getting in touch with the volunteers in the next week to get suitable dates for them to attend training as I now have a trainer available.

Facebook request for volunteers sent as only 2 of the residents previously stating an interest have confirmed that they want training. Confirmation needed from members whether to pursue this or not. Broken wooden rail at bus stop between Manor Road and Woodside Road reported to LCC. This has now been repaired .

Uneven pavement reported on the pavement on the Frampton side of Horseshoe Lane, in poor state of repair. Was scheduled to have been done but never carried out. Reported to LCC ref 342401. LCC report that they need to investigate this matter further

Correspondence received which the Council are invited to resolve on

a) Thank you letter from Christ Church, Kirton Holme for providing the refreshments following the lighting of the beacon on the 11th November.

b) Letter received from Frampton Parish Council’s Chairman. Complaining that Kirton Parish Council did not object to the name of the development off West End Road that is close to a name already in Frampton – Frampton did not get the letter from the Borough Council.

c) Update from Enforcement Officer regarding concerns raised within the Conservation Area of the village.

All matters raised are being monitored and businesses contacted for issues which need permission.

Cllr Ransome reported that the Enforcement Officer, Alan Watts, has offered to attend the January Council Meeting. It was resolved that he should be invited to attend.

d) South East Lincolnshire Local Plan – further main modifications consultation

Town Hall

Cllr Hannay was not pleased that the decision to reduce the height of the chimneys on the Town Hall had been taken. Members had been contacted regarding the chimneys by email and the majority were for the full removal of the chimneys when asked. The Chairman approved the height reduction after taking advise from the builders. The matter of just reducing the height of them was ratified by the remainder of members.

The Clerk had spoken to the Grave digger regarding the possibility of storing some of the signs/bollards etc which are used now for Remembrance Sunday. The grave digger’s hut is not big enough to store much in it. After a suggestion by the Chairman that the Parish Council purchase a small container and paint it to blend in within the cemetery it was resolved that the area behind the one at the entrance to the cemetery should be measured up with a possibility of housing the signage.

Cllr Turner requested that the Parish Council look to extending the pathways within the cemetery to enable use of the newer section to be accessible to all.

Parish matters

1) Reports from committee meetings held since last Council meeting - None held.

2) Update on Park Inspections: Parts identified by Clerk/Chairman have been ordered and now arrived. Will be fitted in due course.

3) To discuss crossing the road/the crossing near to the Primary School (Station Road)

Two issues affect the crossing. One is the inappropriate crossing of the road by parents rather than using the crossing. The second is the issue of how dark this area is and although the crossing itself can be seen, people waiting to cross on the crossing cannot. It was asked whether lighting could be incorporated more into the crossing, possibly by way of lighting up the column itself. Cllr Austin will take this matter away. Clerk to contact Road Safety Partnership regarding this plus Highways.

4) At a request from Cllr Hannay - Free water outlets from local businesses to help reduce the use of plastic bottles.

5) To consider requesting the Borough Council to instigate an article 4 direction for the conservation areas within the Borough. This restricts the scope of permitted development rights and a planning application will be required for development that would otherwise have permitted development. Applications are not applied retrospectively. In the cases of advertisements, the council (Borough) can impose and Area of Special Control to further restrict the ‘deemed consent’ rights.

It was resolved to wait until after the Enforcement Officer’s visit in January to take this matter further.

Reports for Various Bodies

Cllr Bemrose asked whether the Council could contact the developers of Thomas Middlecott Drive regarding the play equipment being replaced.

Planning applications:

Application for prior approval for the erection of a cold store at Windy Ridge Veg Ltd, Station Road, Hubberts Bridge – NO OBJECTIONS

Application under s.73 for the removal of condition 2 (Agricultural Habitation Clause) of planning permission B/04/0547 (construction of agricultural workers house and garage) at Swallowfields, Donington Road, Swineshead – seen at Planning Committee held on 27th November – OBJECTIONS

Erection of 31 dwellings including demolition of existing dwelling at Land off Station Road, Kirton – seen at Planning committee meeting held on the 27th November – OBJECTIONS

Retrospective application for the change of use of existing log cabin to holiday let accommodation to be used in connection with the dwelling known as Tenacre at Tenacre, Drainside North, Kirton – NO OBJECTIONS

Proposed two storey extension to existing garage at Windy Ridge, Hubberts Bridge Road, Kirton – NO OBJECTIONS

Outline application for residential development (up to 4 dwellings) with all matters reserved for later approval at Land west of Millview, Donington Road - OBJECTIONS

Single storey rear extension and new pitched roof over existing rear wing at 48 Station Road, Kirton – NO OBJECTIONS

Erection of a 1.5 storey workshop and storage area in garden to the rear of dwelling at 12 Connell House, Meeres Lane, Kirton – OBJECTIONS

Planning Decisions:

Erection of 2 no. detached dwellings (1 two storeys with integral garage, 1 bungalow with detached garage) and new vehicular access at 52 Station Road, Kirton – REFUSED

Erection of 2 semi-detached and 4 detached bungalows and detached garages and associated site works at land rear of 60 and 62 Willington Road, Kirton – GRANT

Outline application with some matters (layout, appearance, landscaping and scale) reserved for later approval for up to five residential detached dwellings and private access road at Land north of Millstone, Donington Road, Kirton End – REFUSED

B/18/0346 – Outline application for residential development (up to 8 dwellings) with all matters reserved for later approval at Land west of Millview, Donington Road, Kirton – REFUSED

B/18/0407 – First floor side extension for form a bedroom and garage conversion to form a kitchen dining area at 37 Grosvenor Road, Frampton – GRANT.

Frampton Gardening Club

Frampton Gardening Club is a friendly and informative club of approx 50 members, who meet on the last Thursday of each month at Frampton Village Hall at 7.30 pm, with the exception of June and July, when we visit interesting gardens, and December which is too close to Christmas.

The meetings vary with speakers who provide insight into the world of horticulture and practical advice on growing trees, plants, flowers and vegetables.

We have an Annual Flower and Produce show in August where members show off their own efforts in the garden, wheneven the plant nurtured on your windowsill can win a prize along with cakes andpreserves, which we all get to sample.

At the February meeting Mr. Trevor Rogerswill give a timely talk on the correct pruning of fruit trees, after which memberswill be able use their secateurs with confidence with the hope of improving theirfruit production.

The meeting on Thursday 28th March brings back a popularspeaker Mr. Tom Holland who starts off our “gardening year” with advice on howto introduce colour into the garden this summer.

He brings with him a selection ofhomegrown plants and shrubs for members to buy, with important informationabout how to keep the flowers happy and thriving.

There will be a coach trip toPeters Beale’s Roses near Norwich, in June, and in July we hope to visit a beautifulgarden which was created to attract butterflies and other wildlife, followed byafternoon tea.

Our meetings are gardening based and are designed to inform and entertain ourmembers, who are both young and old, with various levels of horticulturalknowledge.

It is not necessary to have garden to join us, a window sill or smallpatio container can give just as much pleasure and still needs looking after.

If anyreader would like to come along to our meetings, you will receive a warmwelcome, with the first meeting being free, subsequent meetings cost £1.00, witha £10.00 yearly subscription.

Please ring secretary Maggie Welberry 01205 722382 for any further information.

The View from the Vicarage

As your Vicar I am often asked about what I do all day, of course the idea being that Vicars only work one day per week!  I guess the question is often asked with tongue in cheek aware of the background suggestion that TV clergy seem to have an idyllic and often interesting relaxed lifestyle.  Just think of the Vicar of Dibley, Fr Brown, Fr Ted, Sidney on Grantchester and Adam Smallbone in Rev to name only a few. Perhaps we need to remember that this is fiction, and what they appear to do in their respective fictional programmes is entertainment for us.  Sleuthing clergy, meddling in murders and mystery, fun and frolics in Dibley and sorting out crime in Grantchester is not, I hasten to add, the norm for most clergy in the real world. So, this begs the question, what does Fr Paul do with his time in Kirton, Fosdyke and Algarkirk?

My average working week runs from Tuesday to Sunday with one full day off per week on a Monday.  I try to be at my desk from 8am each morning to sort out emails and write the weekly Newsletter which covers the three churches and congregations that I am responsible for – Kirton, Fosdyke and Algarkirk and to catch up on any pressing and vital correspondence.

I open the Church in Kirton at around 8:30am each morning ready for the daily service of Morning Prayer at 9:00am when I am always joined by parishioners. On Thursdays, we also have a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 9:30am followed by coffee for around 15 – 20 people. On two days in the week I also offer a short and simple Celtic form of Midday Prayer in Fosdyke and Algarkirk Churches, here around 6 – 8 people sing, pray and reflect on the theme of the day or season being commemorated. Of course, every evening we close the day with the service of Evening Prayer at 5:00pm before going on to various evening Church Council meetings or local events.

Most days I have a list of pastoral visits to perform across the three parishes, these encompass home visits for the elderly and housebound, hospital visits to Pilgrim Hospital in Boston.  Each month in the afternoon we offer worship and Holy Communion to the Nursing Homes within the wider parish, with many other visits to take Holy Communion to a group of regulars who either live alone or in the sheltered housing schemes of the parish and who cannot now attend Church.

Our Churches are well used for baptisms and funerals as well as marriages, and so each bereaved family is visited and funeral services arranged, families are interviewed for Baptisms and time is spent with couples as they prepare for their upcoming marriages, all in all a busy and full working week.

Beyond the pastoral duties of a parish priest, I have many other duties connected to the fabric of our historic and ancient Churches and their maintenance, plus as the Vicar of three parishes, I also sit on several ancient charitable foundations that care for and manage alms houses, care for the poor and support several worthy causes. I never get bored, what with school assemblies and class work, school visits into Church, talks given here and there, and the unexpected calls on my time that seem to occur with great regularity. So, I never have time to do I all I would want to do in an average week – frequently working over 60 hours a week. In 2018 we celebrated some 5 Marriages and two marriage blessings, some 35 Funerals and 25 Baptisms with many exciting opportunities to serve the wider community.

My actual Sunday duties are probably the lightest and easiest of all my working week with at least two or more services attended by some 50 – 60 people and being totally honest I can say hand on heart, being a parish priest is a vocation I love and really enjoy most of the time!

 Fr Paul

Scout & Cadet News

Dear Parents, friends and supporters, our Treasurer is retiring in April this year and we are looking for a volunteer to take his place, This person must have experience of book keeping and/or accounting. And of course be good with figures.

The duties are varied and sound quite a lot but only take about an hour per week and attending meetings once every six weeks or so during term time.

Duties include: Keeping up to date records of all financial transactions, Banking money as necessary, Paying monthly, quarterly and annual bills as they arise, Providing up to date year end information for the auditor and for the AGM.

If you would like to volunteer you will need a good knowledge of computers and excel spreadsheets. Be prepared to be interviewed by leaders and have a criminal records check performed.

Some training about the Scout movement will be necessary but it all adds up to a very enjoyable volunteering experience providing a very valuable service to the community.

If you are interested please contact me on01205 722976.

Yours in Scouting

Lesley Lanfranco, Group Scout Leader