©Kirton News 2025

March 2026

The Editors Letter

know it’s another snowy front cover, I know! I do love a good aerial shot though and Chris Crisford does them so well! I sit here writing to you, very much looking forward to Spring, even though we had some pretty hefty snowflakes fall the day before! Spring is my second favourite season, after Autumn. Summer is my least favourite and before you roll your eyes, hear me out! I am a woman of a certain age who does not like the heat and I also have a strong dislike for wasps. It wouldn’t do for us all to be the same now would it? What a boring world it would be!

Here are some facts about the month of March:

• March was known as Hlyda, or Lide in Old English, which means ‘loud. This was referring to the March winds, which were considered very noisy.

• The flower of March is the daffodil and the birthstone is the aquamarine

• It was in March 1889 that the Eiffel Tower was officially opened to the public. It was the tallest building in the world for 41 years before being surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York City.

• Alexander Graham Bell made the first ever phone call on 10 March 1876. He called his assistant and said “Mr Watson, come here. I want to see you.”

There are many Spring events in this issue so thank you to everyone who has contributed. In our Meet the Locals feature on Page 8, we are chatting with Sam from Slimming World in Kirton and if you’re thinking of taking up a new hobby in 2026, maybe consider bowling? Find out more on Page 19.

On Page 7, you will see that the Kirton Church Fund has now been re-named, the Kirton Church 100 Club! Kirton News would like to thank Fay Baillie for contributing to the magazine and the local community for many years. We wish her all the best for the future.

We always welcome contributions. Whether you have a recipe you want to share, you want to tell everyone about a great book or you have a family announcement! I’m always contactable at Editor@kirtonnews.co.uk. We also have very competitive advertising rates (please look at our website for further information).

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Rachael

Church Fund is now 100 Club

We would like to thank Fay for all the support and work she had done for Kirton Church over the pasted years. We wish her well as she moves to a new home with her husband.

January’s winners are M. Stebbings and A. Booth – winners have been notified.

We have rebranded the KCF to Kirton church 100 club – If you already have a number, you will have received a letter, we will continue to honour all who have paid. The rules will be as follows –

£5.00 a month, one prize of £100, it will be drawn online on the last Sunday of the month and only over 18 can take part. For details on how to join please email office@pilgrimgroup.uk or text Carol on 07828814299.

We will be drawing February - online so watch the space online – Facebook – The Pilgrim group.

Meet The Locals

This month we are chatting with Sam, Kirton’s Slimming World consultant!

Hi, my name is Sam and I have been a Slimming World member for several years. The generous eating plan has helped me lose 4st, and, importantly, keep it off.

Whilst food optimising, I ate fabulous meals, never felt hungry or deprived and also enjoyed my favourite treats too.

Based on scientific research, Slimming World has been helping people lose weight for over 55 years and can help to support you too.

Now, as a Consultant myself, I genuinely understand how you feel; from the moment you first walk through the door, to the moment you achieve your dream weight.

As a Slimming World member, you will learn how to make better choices and lifestyle changes which will transform you into a fitter, healthier and slimmer version of yourself.

You'll have access to a website, app and podcast, but most importantly, the support of like-minded people who truly 'get it' too.

We are all on the same journey... Our Slimming World group is a warm and friendly place and I would love to welcome you there.

Pop in to say hello and see what healthy weight loss is all about.

If you would like more information, or want to know about our current membership offers, please get in touch, I'd be happy to help. 

Kirton Town Hall, Station Road, PE20 1LD. Every Monday at 5.30pm or 7pm
pr contact Sam directly on 07803 161482.

Blue Elephant Yoga

Gentle Movement for Stiff, Tired Bodies

March is a funny old month for the body. The days are getting lighter, there’s talk of spring everywhere and yet many of us still feel stiff, sluggish and not quite ourselves. Winter hasn’t fully loosened its grip, even if the snowdrops are trying their best to convince us otherwise.

At this time of year, I often hear people say they feel creaky, heavy, or unusually tired. It’s easy to assume something is wrong, but often it’s simply the after-effect of months spent sitting more, moving less, and bracing ourselves against the cold. Our bodies seem to adapt brilliantly to winter, but they do need a bit of help waking up again.

One of the biggest myths around movement is that it has to be energetic or sweaty to “count”. In reality, gentle movement is often exactly what stiff, tired bodies need. Especially if you’re feeling out of practice, short on energy, or a bit wary of aches and pains.

Gentle movement doesn’t mean a full workout. It might be stretching your arms overhead when you first get out of bed. Balancing on one foot while the kettle boils. Standing up and sitting down a few times from a chair to wake up your legs. Turning your head slowly from side to side after you’ve been reading or watching television.

Walking is another underrated gift. A short stroll down the road or around the garden still helps circulation, joint mobility and mood. It doesn’t have to be fast or far. Five or ten minutes is enough to remind the body that it’s meant to move.

What matters most is not how much you do, but how often you do it. Little and often works far better than an occasional burst of followed by days of soreness. The body responds well to kindness and consistency.

It’s also worth remembering that stiffness is not always a sign of damage. Very often it’s simply a sign of inactivity. Gentle movement increases warmth and lubrication in the joints, helping them feel freer and more comfortable. Many people are surprised to find they feel better after moving, not worse.

As spring approaches, there can be pressure to suddenly become more active, more productive, more everything. But bodies don’t work on calendars. They work on patience. If yours still feels slow and heavy, that’s okay. You’re not behind.

So if you take one thing from this, let it be this: movement doesn’t have to be perfect to be helpful. A little stretch, a short walk, a moment of standing tall and breathing deeply all count. Your body isn’t asking for heroics. It’s just asking to be gently reminded that it’s alive.

And that my friends is more than enough.

Namaste

Parish Church Easter Raffle

We are running an Easter Raffle; there will be a variety of prizes. 1st prize will be a large stargazing hare which is over a meter high – made of solid wood. 2nd Prize, large easter egg. 3rd prize: Easter egg hamper.

Tickets can be purchased from the church when open, Email office@pilgrimgroup.uk or from Paula gifts. It will be drawn on Easter Sunday 5th April at 1.30pm and Winners will be notified.

Kirton Bowling Club

Kirton Bowling Club 2026 (102nd) Season. The green opens at 1.30pm 18th April, with a Bowls Drive weather permitting.

Interested in bowling – then please come along and have a chat. New members welcome. Club access is via the Kirton Leisure car park and through the gate. Further details on our website and facebook pages: https://sites.google.com/view/kirton-bowling and https://www.facebook.com/KirtonBowling

Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- October 2025

Present: Councillors     

Cllr A Bowen, Acting Chair, Cllr F Baillie, Cllr M Elston, Cllr Hartfil-Allgood, Cllr P Head & Cllr K Shipp. Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather, Borough: Cllr D. Middleton, County: Cllr B. Daish

Public Forum

Cllr Bowen welcomed all to the meeting, acting Chair as Cllr Sohail had personal issues and could not attend. He also advised the meeting that Jack Hall, 103, had unfortunately died at the weekend. Clerk to speak with family regarding a commemoration of his dedication to the village,

Letter from residents raising several issues with the pensioners Christmas Meal. Disjointed service, little choice of drinks and no tea and coffee. Question why Frampton residents were allowed when a Kirton one was refused. Perhaps raffle could be drawn at the end of the event as several people left once it had been done. Chair advised the PC would take on board comments and the Clerk will reply directly.

Disappointment also expressed with Christmas tree location at Town Hall. Poor display of lights. PC acknowledged that whilst originally it looked good when the children turned on the lights, with the poor weather, and lights being blown from tree, there is room for improvement. This has already been discussed with the events group and arrangements will commence earlier in the year in 2026.

Asking for update on the bus shelter requested at a previous meeting. Clerk had been advised there is a grant available.

Reports From Elected County Councillors & Borough Councillors

Both Cllrs Daish and Middleton advised that their Councils will be commencing full meetings next week and financial decisions will be part of their discussions.

Cllr Bowen reiterated it was important if comments made by Borough Councillors, these be recorded in the minutes.

To Receive Apologies For Absence And Reasons Given

Were received from Cllr M Sohail, Cllr J Barton, Cllr D Jarvis, Cllr L O’Connor, Cllr R Pryke. County Cllr P Lock. All resolved to accept reasons given.

To Receive Declarations Of Interest Under The Council’s Code Of Conduct Relating To Business On The Agenda

None.

To Approve And Sign Minutes Of Meeting Held On 2nd December  2025.

Proposed Cllr Hartfil-Allgood seconded Cllr Head these be accepted as a true copy and signed accordingly. 

To Receive Clerk’s Updates From The Minutes And Matters Arising

Town Hall -Communicating regularly with Chris, regarding underfloor damp, which is improving gradually. To instruct a second opinion on cause, to both initiate resolutions and to reassure Insurance Company actions are being taken. Proposal to set up a focused working group, with the Town Hall Management Committee, for future maintenance requirements. Cllr Elston still asking if a full drainage inspection could be caried out, to ascertain if any underground drains are damaged or broken.

Play area – order placed – awaiting date for commencement of works.

To Co-Opt New Councillor

Due to notice required postpone until February meeting.

To Receive Event Updates

a) To Agree Dates of Coming Yeas Events

Agreed to hold Picnic in the Park to coincide with the official opening of the new park equipment. Date arranged for Saturday 23rd May. Discussion on various dignitaries you may be able to officiate.

Other ideas of events to be discussed by the events group to bring to the next meeting.

Bingo – a highly successful night for Christmas. Clerk receiving requests for age limits. Due to licencing laws under 18’s cannot win cash prizes, and it was agreed this to be noted on future banners.

Finance

a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule

With the removal of a duplicated payment, proposed Cllr Bowen seconded Cllr Head.

b) To Approve Precept Recommendations as Proposed by Finance Committee

Proposals from Finance Committee distributed. Following discussion, and a couple of amendments, it was agreed with the recommendations to increase precept by £10,000. Revised print of figures to be forwarded by Clerk. A contingency must be in place for any future maintenance programmes required at any of the Parish Councils assets, particularly the Town Hall. Proposed Cllr Head seconded Cllr Hartfil-Allgood to request precept of £107900. All in agreement.

Revised, expectantly reduced, electricity invoice for streetlights not yet received.

East Coast have put in revised figures for this year. £1370 per cut now, £1575 for the coming year. Spraying, as required and tree work to be charged as and when. Requesting if contract could be renewed for a two-year period. Cllr Elston proposed, on the provision that all small tasks required be included in the tender in order there will be no unexpected expenses in the year. Could watering of the flower tubs also be included in his contract? Clerk to have confirmed by contractor, that hedges, borders etc will be included. Seconded Cllr Head.

Cllr Baillie asked if church pathway could be included in budget this year as seems to have been forgotten. Clerk to speak with Vicar regarding this and bollards for church path.

Planning

To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting

Wash Road Development. Cllr Pryke comments his concerns the developers are flouting conditions by not routing their larger vehicles via Station Road. This was causing blockages adjacent to the site. He felt the notice to the Parish Council regarding proposed changes to trees and vegetation lacked details.

B25/0506 – construction of new self-storage facility at Stonebridge Business Park, Avalon Road.

B/26/004 – Advertisement consent for painted lettering, land used for storage, Baytree Lodge, Burnham Lane.

To Receive Members Reports

AB – Felt a thank you was for East Coast who, in preparation for our new play equipment, had been crown reducing the trees in very wintry conditions.

FB - footpaths and overhanging trees in Hardwick Estate had still not received attention.

THA – Community Safety & Neighbourhood Watch. Abandoned and untaxed vehicles on Hardwick Estate reported to Police. Enforcement notices have been issued, and vehicles will be removed if no actions taken. Grant approved to purchase signage and membership packs. Cllr Hartfil-Allgood encouraged residents to sign up for the scheme. Dennis Estate also now completed along with Hardwick for inclusion in the scheme.

KS – finger post at finger post on Skeldyke Road/Horseshoe Lane, still not heightened for safety.

RP - handwritten comments. Complaints of dog mess in various places. No cash machine in the village. Live & Local, which Cllr Pryke had spoken of in the past, would not be performing as Boston Borough Council had ceased their subscription to them. Conducting survey of salt bins in parish.

To Receive Correspondence Received Since Last Meeting

Advised RBLI changed to RBVE Royal British Veterans Enterprise. Changed name but not mission.

Date of next meeting

3rd February 2026.