©Kirton News 2025

Hello and welcome to Summer! It will be strawberry season and Wimbledon before you know it! I have featured a letter below from Paula Davies who wishes to thank everyone who took part in the Big Easter Egg Hunt!

Thank you to all who entered the Big Easter Egg Hunt around the village and in Church during the 2 weeks before Easter, 27 children entered the fun!

Unfortunately not everyone could win, so we had a draw in church on Easter Sunday, to pick 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th winners.

First prize was a Book Token from Waterstones won by Zoe.

2nd prize was won by Jacob. 3rd prize was won by Jaxon. They each won a large Easter Egg! A 4th prize of chocolates was won by Paige. The Church was open for a few hours each day for the hunt. If you could not gain access, we are sorry. We would love to be able to open the church more often but we have very few volunteers these days and obviously are unable to leave the church open and unoccupied for security reasons.

We hope you had fun and all being well, will do it again next year!

I must also thank Paula’s Gifts and the Scout Shop for giving out and collecting the forms and all the businesses in Kirton for displaying the Easter Egg shapes in their windows again. Money raised goes towards the church restoration fund.

Paula Davies.

Our local communities supported the 80th anniversary of VE Day and I attended the celebratory Afternoon Tea at the Town Hall. This was incredibly well attended. The food was delicious and the entertainment took everyone down memory lane! A huge well done to Kirton Town Hall Management Committee for putting this on.

I hope you’re enjoying reading the reports from Jax’s Ark and I believe some curious ferrets have made an appearance this month! Kyle Sellars features in Meet the Locals and we hear from David Culley on Page 5 who bemoans about something I think we can all empathise with!

If you have anything you’d like to say, someone you’d like to thank, a poem or a puzzle you’d like to share, get in touch! I’m always contactable at Editor@kirtonnews.co.uk.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Rachael

Help with Debt from Citizens Advice

I’m worried about my debt and rising bills, and I want to know what support is available. Do you have any advice on managing rising costs and what to do if you fall into debt?

With energy, water and broadband bills on the rise, it’s getting increasingly difficult for many people to cover their expenses. It’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and that financial support might be available to help ease the burden.

Checking benefits eligibility

A significant number of eligible people don’t claim the benefits that are available to them, so it’s important to understand what you’re entitled to. You may be able to claim benefits if, for example, you’re at working age and on a low income, you’re sick or disabled, are of State Pension age with a low income or no income, or if you’re a carer.

You can check the Citizens Advice website for information on what benefits you might be eligible for.

Reducing outgoings

If you claim benefits or are on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax. Discounts can also be given to students, those living with a carer, or people who live alone, to name some examples. If you have children and claim certain benefits, or are on a low income, you may qualify for free school meals, transport to school, or support with the cost of uniform.

Your local council may be able to help you pay for things like energy and water bills, food or other essential costs. This is called ‘welfare assistance’ or the ‘Household Support Fund’. Each council runs its own scheme, so you’ll need to contact your local authority to see what type of support you can get.

To reduce other expenses, you may be able to switch to a cheaper broadband deal, get a water meter fitted, or access discounted travel options. Find out more about ways to get help, including advice on saving money heating your home, on the Citizens Advice website.

Creating a budget and prioritising bills

If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of bills, budgeting tools like the one on the MoneyHelper website can be very useful in helping you understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. If you’re behind on bills, you should prioritise paying rent, mortgage payments, Council Tax and energy bills, as these are known as ‘priority’ debts which have the most serious consequences if missed.

Once you’ve got priority debts under control, you should look at credit card or store card debts, missed Buy Now Pay Later payments or payday loans. Whatever debt you’re dealing with, it’s important to speak to the person or company you owe money to as early as you can. You could show them a copy of your budget to let them know what your financial situation is and then see if there are any steps you can take to start dealing with your debt.

Just remember, there’s lots of help out there and you’re not alone. If you feel you need support with this, get in touch with your Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire on 08082787942. Alternatively, you can email your query to: outreach@citizensadvicemidlincs.org.uk or attend one of our face to face drop in sessions.

For information about our service, drop in opening times and how we can help you, please take a look at our website www.camidlincs.org.uk

If you would like to support Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire, you can do so by scanning the QR code. Your donations will allow us to continue to help more people within our community.

Kirton Church Fund

The May draw takes place on Sunday 25th and the winning numbers will be printed in the July magazine.

Our March winners, both numbers have had previous wins. Congratulations to both of them.

Having now received the books back after their annual audit I have again checked through them to update you on the winning streaks as promised. In all since the beginning of last year we have had 24 different numbers winning with 6 of them winning twice! We have had several first time winners during that time.

Since we started the draw in June 2012 we have paid out £8102.15 in prize money and had a total of 93 different winning numbers with 84 of those winning more than once.

Currently we have 53 numbers played by 37 members as one member has now withdrawn. Only a four members are waiting for their first win. The other members have all won at least once and many have won several times.

Come and join us and you too could win. As the saying goes you have to be in it to win it and as you can see there is a very good chance of winning.

Kirton Church Fund is one way we raise money for the church. You could help us do this and be in with a chance of winning the monthly draw. We have plenty of room for more members Anyone over 18 may take part. It’s still only £5 a number each month as it was when we started way back in June 2012. Not much else has stayed the same price since then! Most of the members pay annually (£60), some pay £30 for 6 months, some £15 for 3 months or you can of course pay the £5 monthly if you wish. The choice is yours. You can also have more than one number as our first prize winner has. Anyone over 18 may take part. The more people that take part the higher the prize money and the more money we raise for the church. Registration forms are available from Fay, please ring 01205 723529, or pick up a form from the back of the church or from Paula’s Gifts on Station Road. If you would like more information please give Fay a ring.

March 025 Winners

1st PRIZE - £49.69 - TICKET NUMBER: 86
2nd PRIZE - £16.56 - TICKET NUMBER: 42

Data protection. All information (name, address and phone number) of Kirton Church Fund members is held solely for the purpose of managing Kirton Church Fund and is not passed on to any other organisation or used for any other purpose.

Meet The Locals

This month we're meeting Rachel Theobald, director of Curo-Lincs!

We run a therapy farm and farm rescue centre. All our animals are free range and our project is run by the community. Everything is built and decorated by people who come to visit.

We aspire to improve people, young and old, with their wellbeing and mental health.

We offer carers groups, craft groups, mental health workshops, home education groups, functional skills, Animal Care courses and life skills including cooking and budgeting.

Our new project is a food pantry which is open to all. This is a warm hub offering Autism support, menopause group and crafts.

Volunteer opportunities are always available.

We also offer resilience support on either a one to one basis or within small groups.

We have therapy dogs that can visit local schools and our farm animals can visit too, if there is an outside area.

With so many types of sessions available, get in touch if you'd like to book. We also have a Facebook page - Curo-lincs.

Book via admin@curo-lincs.co.uk or call 07432102451.

Letters to the Editor

The Old Kings Head
A Letter To Lincolnshire Heritage

It was really sad and disappointing to learn a while ago that the Old Kings Head was closing its doors. When it opened it was such a welcome boon for the village and so desperately needed. Everyone using it was so impressed with the sympathetic restoration, decor, fitments and fittings. I think most people in the village are aware of the huge costs that were involved in the work. However, although some might question those costs, I think most people would agree that it is of great historical value to Kirton, as well as providing a much needed service.

I expect you will tell us why it closed at the meeting, but at a guess, it has not been financially viable of late.

When it opened, all seemed well, although the complaints about the so-called Lincolnshire sausages went unheeded. We have so many good butchers in and around Boston, most of whom deliver to the village (who, I’m sure, would have been only too pleased to supply local sausages on a regular basis). I have spoken to so many people in the village and beyond, who, of late, were disappointed in the service and the quality of the food. Especially when the prices were really more appropriate for high end dining. The scones were hard and the cake was dry. I had fish pie which I couldn’t eat. In most places meat pie would include accompaniments. Also the coffee was very often lukewarm. It’s such a shame it fell short of expectations. On the plus side it’s a lovely place to meet and chat. The staff were always friendly and welcoming.

Above all, Kirton needs the Old Kings Head. There is nowhere else nearby to get breakfast, a coffee or a cup of tea and to meet up with friends and family in excellent surroundings.

If there is any way it can be opened again; and with good management, be made to be financially viable, I am sure local people will continue to support it.

Paula Davies.

Lacey’s Holiday at Jax’s Ark

Once upon a time, in a cozy corner of a bustling little town, lived Lacey, a Bearded Dragon with scales that shimmered like the warm golden sun. Lacey had a very important job: she was the queen of her own tiny kingdom, and her kingdom was wherever she called home. But today, Lacey was on holiday!

Lacey had come to stay at a magical place called Jax’s Ark. It wasn’t just any ordinary pet hotel—no, this was a paradise for creatures of all kinds, from lizards to rabbits, tortoises to ferrets. There was always something happening at Jax’s Ark, and Lacey loved it. Every morning, she would wake up to the sound of friendly chatter from all her animal friends and the delightful smell of fresh food being prepared for breakfast.

My name is lacey. I am a Bearded Dragon, not to be mistaken for a breaded dragon! I am having my holiday at Jaxs Ark, and I have to say life is most interesting as there is always a lot going on in the Ark.

I am a creature of habit, and I must have my food at the right times. “Not demanding at all!” I would say with a smug little wink, I knew I was being spoiled—but in the most delightful way.

I particularly like the locusts I am given; sometimes they are hand-fed to me (which I think is s an extra-special bonus), and waxworms, which were a rare and delightful indulgence. But I am not demanding at all!

I occasionally get given roaches, but they are not jaxs favourite to fed me as they give her the shudders. I like my leafy greens and Jax knows I like them in small pieces with a sprinkling of supplement and minerals.

My favourite time of day is when Jax would gives me a warm bath, followed by a cuddle session. I am so not demanding!

Bearded dragons have become popular pets. They are often compared to reptilian dogs because they can respond to their owners.

When we are little, we are seen in groups in pet shops, but we prefer to be living on our own as we grow older. When we are little, we just want to develop all our muscles and grow big so our diet changes as we get older. Jax makes sure I don’t eat to much as I do like my food, but I am not demanding at all. I like to wait by the door with much eagerness to see what delights are on offer today.

Jax has all the top-notch life support for me, she even helped my mummy set my home vivarium up correctly.

I remember when Jax helped mummy set up my new vivarium. “T5 desert UVs and deep heat projectors are a must,” Jax had explained, making sure everything was perfect for me.. Mummy was so grateful, and I could tell she was happier now that I was in the best hands.

“I do enjoy my holidays here at Jax’s Ark. Mummy is happy, and I get to experience new things every day. What could be better than this?”

For inquiries or reservations, please send a message, contact Jax directly, or visit her Facebook page – Jaxs Ark Small Animal Home Boarding. Follow her page to always have access to her contact information.

Blue Elephant Yoga

Here at Kirton News, we like to share ideas that might just make life a little easier, healthier, or more enjoyable. Sometimes, the most important things are the ones we rarely think about - until they start to change.

This month, all Mark has told me is that we’re exploring something simple yet essential, something that affects us all but often goes unnoticed. So what is it?

Balance is something we often take for granted - until we start to lose it. Whether it’s a stumble on an uneven pavement or feeling unsteady reaching for something on a high shelf, balance plays a crucial role in our daily lives. Yet, as we age, it naturally declines. The good news? With a little attention and practice, we can improve it.

The Hidden Challenge

From around our 40s onwards, balance starts to diminish due to factors like muscle loss, joint stiffness, and changes in our inner ear. This can lead to an increased risk of falls, which are one of the most common causes of injury in older adults. But the decline isn’t inevitable—just like strength and flexibility, balance can be trained and maintained with regular practice.

A Quick Test

Want to check your balance? Try this simple test: Can you stand on one foot for 10 seconds? If it’s harder than expected, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people find their balance isn’t as steady as they thought. But just a few minutes of daily practice can make a big difference.

Easy Ways to Improve Balance

You don’t need special equipment or long workouts to work on balance. Try these simple habits:

• Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.

• Balance on one foot while waiting for the kettle to boil.

• Walk heel-to-toe (as if on a tightrope) across the kitchen.

• Rise onto your tiptoes and slowly lower down while washing up.

How Yoga Can Help

Yoga is one of the most effective ways to improve balance safely. Through gentle poses and mindful movement, it strengthens the muscles that support stability, improves coordination, and increases confidence in movement. The best part? It’s accessible to all levels and can be tailored to your needs.

If you’d like to explore ways to improve your balance in a supportive, friendly environment, why not try a yoga class? It’s never too late to find your steadiness - and with a little practice, you might just surprise yourself.

So don’t be surprised if you spot me balancing on one leg at the supermarket checkout - maybe you’ll even join me!

For class details, visit: buk.ie/bey

Frampton Gardening Club

We had a different, but interesting take on gardening, when our speaker for the April meeting of Frampton gardening club, was Hannah Sylvester, who is a medical herbalist.

Hannah trained in Western Herbal Medicine at Lincoln University and graduated with a BSc (Honours) in 2010. Hannah has been in practice for 13+ years, helping people with her individually tailored herbal prescriptions, and has helped people with a range of illnesses, including, skin conditions, neurological, muscular- skeletal and reproductive health.

We learned about herbalists through the ages, and talked about connecting with plants and how to use them safely, explaining how herbs work.

Hannah also brought a selection of dried herbs and tinctures with her, which were passed around for us to see, along with empty t-bags, which are used to put the herb of choice in to make a tea.

Certainly the list of plants which could help us if used safely, would include some that many of us already have in our gardens. A very interesting and informative talk.

Our next meeting is the AGM on May 30th. All are welcome to attend, especially anyone who would like to join us on our committee.

On June 27th our secretary, Maggie Welberry has kindly offered to host an ‘open garden’ at her home.

In July we are joining Phil Haines coaches for an outing to Cambridge Botanical Gardens, so our next meeting at Frampton Village Hall will be on August 29th, when the speaker is talking about Lincolnshire cheese. (Annual subscriptions are also due in August)

For more details about the club, contact Ray Harding on 01205 723181 or Maggie Welberry on 01205 722382.

Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- March 2025

Present: Councillors

Cllr D Jarvis, Chair, Cllr A Bowen, Vice Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr M Elston, Cllr T Hartfil-Allgood, Cllr P Head, Cllr L O’Connor, Cllr Pryke, Cllr C Rylott and Cllr M Sohail. Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather. Borough Cllr Middleton. County Cllrs Austin & Brookes and 8 members of the public

Public Forum

Stuart Evans, candidate for Lincolnshire County Councillor, to introduce himself.

Resident giving thoughts regarding the closure of Dame Sarah Swift Park. Believes that closure would be the wrong decision and there must be something for the children. Kirton Parish Council is failing in its duty to offer such services. The original park was self-funded, and it should be renewed.

Reports From Elected
County Councillors & Borough Councillors

MB – The request for a reduction of the 40mph speed limit to 30mph on London Road has been turned down as when assessed, it does not meet the criteria laid down in Lincolnshire County Councils Speed Limit Policy.

Willington Road reduction to 40mph. The signage is now all in place.

Kirton End reduction to 30mph. Was supposed to be completed at the same time as Willington Road. An e mail has been sent to the contractors requesting a completion date.

All other matters are the same as previously reported.

Petition handed in for zebra crossings and these have been forwarded on for assessment. Clerk to forward to Highways.

Mike, having enjoyed working with Kirton over the years wished Kirton Parish Council well for the future, this is his last meeting as will not be standing for elections this year. Chair wish him well and thanks for his work during his time spent at Kirton.

AA – Concerns being raised by a resident regarding footway along Boston Road, towards Middlecott Close. There are two places in poor condition due to tree roots. Has been reported. Alison is also not standing for elections on 1st May and the Chair wished her good luck and thanked her also for time given to Kirton.

CR – Loose of manhole cover at Frampton Lane in Hubberts Bridge. Residents have reported to Anglian Water with no success. Cllr Rylott had visited site and reported to Fix My Street.

Kirton Holme residents, Little Side Road bridge was damaged by Black Sluice. No weight restrictions on road. Bridge is to be repaired, residents advised.

RP – two residents complaining of speeding and loud vehicles on London Road.

Resident in Drainside South is building a wall on land not owned and leaving rubbish in dyke. Cllr Pryke has reported.

Residents also in Drainside South are still concerned that County Council will not take responsibility for the dumping of waste last year and has not been cleared. His now being reported to the complaint department Cllr Pryke to report once again.

Continual complaint of resident on corner of Church Lane having moved road signed to drop pavement for access to his property.

Request from resident for an allotment. Council has investigated this previously but no land available. Unknown number of residents wanting allotments.

Out Dowsing updates from recent meeting. Number of complainants affected, reducing significantly. Still amounts of land in dispute. Substation to be built on land at Weston Marsh. Likely to be an increase of projects being fed to site. Compensation schemes will be available but not for another two years.

Old Kings Head – advert advising food is again being served. Unsure if this correct.

New Social Housing opening day behind Methodist Chapel. Some of properties are almost 100% energy efficient.

New Grant available for rewilding areas close to SSIs.

LCC has been severely criticised for not promoted the coastal path.

Credit received for COVID event; will it be an annual event?

To Receive Apologies
For Absence

Received and accepted from Cllr Baillie

To Co-Opt New Councillor

Proposed Cllr Astill, seconded Cllr Elston, Tom Hartfil-Allgood co-opted to Council. Declaration of Acceptance of Office Signed.

To Receive Declarations Of Interest Under The Councils Code Of Conduct Relating To Business On The Agenda

Cllr Rylott, being planning officer.

To Approve Notes Of Previous Meeting Held
On 11th March 2025

Proposed Cllr Bowen seconded Cllr Head that these be accepted as a true copy to be called minutes. Unanimous.

To Receive Clerk’s Updates From Minutes And Items
Not On Agenda

Plaque – additional payment for early delivery, refund received.

Hemington Way – still awaiting a site visit with Highways.

Maintenance Payment – still invoice outstanding for broken fence on Lighton Avenue. Contractor to visit site once again.

Skate Park – gentleman demolishing had been in hospital and would be out of action for a couple of weeks.

Clerks’ appraisal hadn’t taken place as HR committee felt they required training to carry out appraisal satisfactorily. Cllr Bowen felt this perhaps should have been sorted before the day of the appraisal. Cllr Astill responded there had been quite a few errors and having spoken with LALC realised that there had been incorrect advice given. Advised there was training. Clerk had been advised of a remote training session available and would forward link to HR committee.

To Receive Events Updates

MS Picnic in The Park -Town Hall are letting PC use Hall free of charge. Face painting booked. Awaiting date to meet with bouncy castle company.

FH – consulted with Royal British Legion who will attend and read proclamation. Poster available for FB. Cllr Elston advised BBC are providing flags for the occasion.

CA advised two Town Hall Committee members are putting an afternoon tea with the brass band playing in the evening.

Finance

a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule – proposed Cllr Astill seconded Cllr Rylott

b) To Approve Donation to Town Hall for additional CCTV. Following an incident reported last month a quotation for to new CCTVs at the door of the Town Hall had been sourced. £595.79. Cllr Astill had also received quote for an additional CCTV on tower to link with those in the village. Not for discussion as not an Agenda item.

After much discussion Cllr Astill advised no donation requested now.

c) To Approve Governance & Accountability Statement

d) To Approve Annual Report of Accounts Clerk not happy to complete as awaiting

Planning

To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting

B/25/0056 proposed wooden summerhouse, Culham House, Boston Road.

B/25/0136 single garage extension to attached outbuilding, Hallweir Cottage, Skeldyke Road, Kirton.

B/25/0112 Change of use from mixed use of residential and bed and breakfast.

Members Reports

DJ – BBC – feels perhaps local surrounding Parish Councils should get together to take wants and needs. Whilst all agreed, within two years, there will not be a Borough Council and perhaps not worth taking further at this stage.

ME – planters- use perennials in village planters, therefore saving funds annually.

Couple of people happy to join the church wall renovation group from the Church.

THA – DSS – felt appalled, gates hanging off. Ramps covered in graffiti; equipment damaged. Clerk to give Cllr Hartfill-Allgood an update of the history of the park.

Allotments – Vice Chairman of Wyberton West Allotment Association. His team would be willing to assist Kirton if land was found.

PH – Best Kept Garden competition. Mrs Leverington would be happy to chair a group to help organise our event.

Youths kicking ball at wall memorial. Tried to be moved on but given abuse.

Mentioned previously Youth Council. Is there chance of using some of the youths to start one? Clerk to look into Youth Council opportunities.

LO – attended Women Against Matrimonial Abuse, has poster for FB

RP – Kirton/Frampton ward has the lowest level sign-ups for flood warnings. Hopefully will be brought up again at next meeting.

There is to be a replacement UKSP fund but no further details available yet.

New Mayoral Combined Authority have announced anything unspent of UKSP in Boston by the Autumn will be clawed back by them. Cllr Pryke has asked if there is any money not yet spent.

Is there to be planters in, are benches wrong and what has happened to gates. Planters need to be put in place and filled at the same time. Benches will not be changed. Gates at present are in storage as the Royal British Legion were favourable for them not to be put back.

BBC Leader had spoken with Cllr Pryke advising they are extremely annoyed over the streetlight situation.

Asked recently if goals posts are to be erected at the Town Hall or elsewhere? Contact is not in country at the moment. Cllr Head to an update as and when known.

CR – Disagreed with BBC Leader’s comments regarding streetlights. No discussions on grass cutting tenders. Clerk awaiting a couple of prices and hopeful to have a separate cemetery keeper. Too many plants last year ordered from local nursery. None ordered, will buy on a ‘as and when required’ basis. Winter planting also late.

To Receive Correspondence

Parish Liaison Notes – next meeting 26th June. Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan – have your say.

Health & Safety Risk Assessment Course £78. Clerk would like to attend regarding future events. Doesn’t form part of ATS.

NHS – new stickers for defib cabinets to aid returning if used.

Eden Project – Annual big lunch is on 7/8th June.

BBC new software for viewing and reporting on planning applications.

Complaint of unkempt state of Garden of Rest. Many additional artefacts now being placed. Agreed clerk to forward cemetery regulations to funeral directors before funerals in order that residents are aware of restrictions.

LALC – Model Standing Orders Updates – revised to be adopted. Clerk to distribute when received, advising Councillors of changes.

. gov.uk email addresses being suggested again, does Kirton wish to investigate the cost? More secure and emails belong to Council not Councillor when they leave Council.

Kirton Community
Group Hub

Clerk has the opportunity of two ladies attending the coffee mornings hub to do an art session. Small items that can be made and taken away within two hours. Only cost would be materials, clerk has put in grant application for some funding. All agreed acceptable to have them attend.

Cllr Head and Clerk had discussions regarding a bingo for fund raising with a known ‘caller’. Licence not required if cash prizes and are not above a specific amount.

Clerk had previously purchased books etc so if in agreement any helpers would be appreciated.

Date of next meeting

Tuesday 6th May 2025.

The Registers

Baptisms - We welcome them all into the  family  of the church:

13th October - Emilija Vitunskaite

Weddings - We offer our congratulations to:

None this month

Funerals - May they all rest in peace:

10th October - Alexandra Watts
25th October - Brian Roberts