©Kirton News 2023

November 2019

The Editors Letter

Hello again and I hope you’re all keeping well and warm as Autumn is now very much here! Whether you love or loathe Trick or Treating and fireworks, it’s very hard to ignore the two at this time of the year. I always like to go Trick or Treating with my daughter and only knock at the doors with the inviting pumpkins! I have heard that someone is very kindly giving away hotdogs this year so I may have to change my usual route!

As for Bonfire night and not to sound like a sourpuss, but it’s definitely not what it used to be. Every village used to have it’s own bonfire and display and it was very much a community affair. Everyone was there! Cold noses, sparklers, warm soup and a neverending blaze brings back such lovely memories for me. Unfortunately with health and safety madness, we have lost this from our villages and the bigger displays just don’t feel the same to me. So, we’ll probably watch for the fireworks from our bedroom windows as we do usually get a good view out here in the sticks!

On that note, the recipe I’ve chosen for my letter this month is a lovely seasonal, warming soup. To all of you out there who swear by your soup makers, here’s another one to add to your repertoire!

Spiced Root
Vegetable Soup

2 tbsp Olive Oil
2 onions, finely chopped
2 sweet potatoes, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 parsnips, chopped
1 red chilli, roughly chopped
1 tbsp ground cumin
75g dried green lentils
1.3 litres vegetable stock
425ml milk
100g greek yoghurt
1tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onions and fry for 5 mins until soft. Tip in the remaining veg and cook for a further 5 mins, adding the chilli and cumin for the final 2 mins. Add the lentils and stock to the pan. Bring to the boil, then lower heat and simmer for 25 mins until veg are tender and lentils are soft. Blitz until smooth with the milk and a little extra water or stock if needed. Season, then reheat until piping hot. Ladle into bowls and serve with a dollop of greek yoghurt and a sprinkle of coriander. Enjoy!

I won’t harp on about the issues with the ill-fated playing field as there were so many opinions being voiced that weekend. I’ve never seen the Community Facebook page so busy, it’s a shame it was for that reason. I think the children and families of Kirton still very much need somewhere to play and possibly this needs to be somewhere more central and not where this behaviour can be so easily hidden.

Just a reminder that I will be attending the meeting mentioned in my last letter at the Sportsman on Rosebery Avenue on 18th November if anyone would like to join me.

Thank you for your continued support with Kirton News. I do hope you’re still enjoying reading it and as always, my inbox is always open for ideas (or recipe feedback)!

Rachael

Meet the Locals:
In this issue, we’re talking to Paula Allen who runs Paula’s Gifts in the centre of the village. Don’t forget to pop in for your Christmas cards, wrapping and gifts! 

1) When did Paula's Gifts open?

I opened my business in November 2013 and moved to my present shop in October 2017.

2) What gave you the idea for the business?

I was diagnosed with a heart problem and started making jewellery, which I then sold. I was asked if I could hide an engagement ring under costume jewellery in a hamper. Paula's Gifts just evolved from there into the opening of my shop.

3) What have been the best/worst things about having the shop? 

The best has to be meeting and getting to know my customers and having a chat. The worst has to be the bad weather as it's more difficult for some customers to come out.

4) What are your best sellers?

Most definitely my cards, as all cards are only £1. Also the many varied gifts suitable for any occasion. I also run a service where I will save products on a saving plan to help spread the cost. 

5. Any plans for the future?

Hopefully to be serving the people of Kirton for a long time, and provide as many varied products as the local people need.

6. What are your opening hours?

I am open Monday to Friday 9am till 4pm, Saturday 10am till 1pm. I also open by appointment for anyone needing items after hours.

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Kirton Church Fund

The October draw takes place on Sunday 27th October with the winning numbers printed in the December magazine. The November draw takes place on

Sunday 24th November and the winning numbers will be printed in the February magazine.

Well done to both winners, especially our first prize winner who has her second win since joining in June. The second prize winner has also won before.

As you will notice the prize money has dropped slightly this month. As I said in my report in last month’s magazine, a member with two numbers was no longer in the draw. We have welcomed a new member this month but we are still one number down on our previous draws. So far I have not managed to recruit any further members. Can you help us get the prize fund back up? If you would like to join in the Kirton Church Fund monthly draw you could be lucky and win one of the two monthly prizes and of course the prize fund will go back up.

We do have plenty of room for more members and there is a very good chance of winning in the Kirton Church Fund (KCF) monthly draw. Why not come and join us? Anyone over 18 may take part.

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 Kirton church.

The church is still trying to raise the money to repair the roof of both side aisles and the cancel roof which are all leaking badly, especially with all the rain we have been having recently.

You can join Kirton Church Fund Kirton Church Fund at any time during the year and you can do it monthly if you wish at only £5 per month. (£50 if joining for the whole year and £28 for 6 months.) Registration forms are available from the back of church, from Paula’s Gifts on Station Road, from Kirton Library or from Fay, please ring 01205 723529, or for more information about Kirton Church Fund please give Fay a ring.

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.

September 2019 Winners

1st PRIZE - £40.86 - TICKET NUMBER:82
2nd PRIZE - £13.62 - TICKET NUMBER: 52

Letters to the Editor

Hi Rachael

We held the Fosdyke Tractor Run & Charity Event on 12th May 2019 and now have all the money collected in and would like to let everyone know how much was raised on the day.  This year the event raised a fantastic £4311.86 for local Macmillan Cancer Support.

Thankyou to everyone who supported the event and for all the generous donations.

Russell Nicol

Kirton Kids Club

This term started out so well – bright sunshine, warm days and lots of sessions playing outside. The children would sooner be outside and enjoy all the amenities the Kids Club offer them.

Now however, the rain clouds have gathered and we have to take our play inside.

It is no less enjoyable though as we have an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of toys and equipment to use and play with.

The children also enjoy getting involved with art activities more when we are inside.

They made wonderful bird and bee feeders from lovely sunflowers – donated by Kirton Coop (thank you so much for your continued support Coop and Staff).

We are decorating our club with everything Halloween at the moment too, with handmade bats and pumpkins and will be decorating real pumpkins to take home in the next few days.

The children are also involved in ideas for ‘saving our world’ and making art work to display in the hall.

We all feel this is so important for the future of our world and children.

Breakfast club is again filling up fast but there are some places afterschool.

If you wish to find out about availability please phone 07583 762072 and we will be pleased to advise you.

Kirton Primary School Recognised in the Parliamentary Review

Kirton Primary School featured in a three-page spread in the prestigious Parliamentary Review, showcasing the best schools across the country. The report may be accessed through our website. The following statement is taken from a press release:

Co-chaired by Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett, The Parliamentary Review is an indispensable guide to best practice across a variety of different areas, showcasing various examples from steadfast organisations in the public and private sectors. Its principal aim is to raise standards within said industries by producing a template for future reform.

The co-chairman of The Parliamentary Review, Lord Pickles, commented that as Britain undergoes changes, it is “essential that politicians have a firm understanding of the challenges with which British organisations must contend” and that The Review once again provides a perfect platform for this.

Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: This is quite an accolade for one of our schools to be highlighted in the Parliamentary Review and I am sure MPs and Ministers will delight in seeing the innovation which is driving up attainment in this school.

Heather Sandy, Interim Director for Education in Lincolnshire, said: Kirton Primary School, I am sure, will be an inspiration for other schools and they thoroughly deserve this national recognition.

A Thank-you

Barbara Westwood, Village Caretaker and friends would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all those who donated towards their raffle at the recent Sausage and Mash charity dance. After expenses such as The Wrinkly Rockers band a total of £960 was raised for the Lincs/Notts Air Ambulance. Once again, many thanks. 

An Apology

Apologies but the number in last issue’s directory for The Samaritans was incorrect. They now operate a national number which then gets transferred through to the nearest operator. Their telephone number is 116 123.

What’s happening
at Kirton Parish Church?

On All Souls Day, Saturday 2nd November at 11am: Kirton Parish Church will hold a special Memorial Requiem Eucharist honouring all the departed. During this special and moving service we will remember those who have died during this past year. All are welcome.

The Remembrance Day Civic Service in church follows the annual Remembrance Service held at the Kirton War Memorial on the morning of Sunday 10th November. Both services will be lead by Rev Ann Lett, the Kirton Methodist Church minister.

The Kirton Church Christmas Tree Festival Dates: Saturday 30th November 11am – 4pm, Sunday 1st December 12 noon – 4pm, Saturday 7th December 11am – 4pm.

The church will be filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees all sponsored by local groups, organisations and businesses.

Thank you to the following sponsors who will be supporting the Kirton Church Christmas Tree Festival this year and placing a decorated Christmas Tree in the church.

Kirton Primary School, Kirton Methodist Church, Kirton Parish Council, The Monday Club, The Royal British Legion Kirton Branch, The Kirton Bowling Club, The Kirton Kurlers, The Kirton Walking Group, Kirton Library, The Kirton Town Hall Management Committee, The Kirton Art Group, The Kirton Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, The Frampton WI, Kirton Ladies Luncheon Club, The Kirton News, The Salon Hairdressing and Beauty, Rush’s Hairdressing, Allen, Briggs and Turner Vets, White Gables Nursing Home, Woodlands Court Care Home, The Scout Shop, The Kirton Firemen, Kirton Mothers’ Union, Kirton Church Choir, Wilson’s Motorcycles and many more.

Any business, organisation or club that has not taken part before, but would like to sponsor a Christmas tree, please contact Margaret Ormston, Churchwarden, on 01205 722052 for further information.

Following many requests individuals and families can now take part in the festival by sponsoring a small cut-out glitter Christmas Tree, as provided by the church, and displayed during the Christmas Tree Festival. To take part in this way please visit the Church Office on a Thursday or Saturday morning 10am – 12 noon as soon as possible before the festival. A small donation to the church would be expected.

Christmas Carol Service with the Kirton Brass Band: Kirton Parish Church - Sunday 8th December 3pm – 4pm.

Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- July 2019

Public Forum

One resident attended as she had applied to be co-opted and wanted to just observe the meeting. Two residents attended to speak about planning application B/19/0317 – Erection of 31 dwellings, new access and infrastructure following demolition of existing dwelling at Land off Station Road, Kirton. Both residents were not complaining about the actual housing side of the application, but they were both opposed to the development having the access onto Station Road. There were two reasons, one was that Station Road is already busy, the access is close to the roundabout and it would cause traffic to back up onto the A16 at busy periods. The second reason was the removal of the lime trees which have tree preservation orders attached to them.

Chairman’s comments

The chairman wished to thank Mr Peter Booth for his help in the assembly of the new storage facility at the Cemetery which is to be used to store the traffic bollards/signs for Remembrance.

Apologies for absence and reason given

Cllr N Welton sent his apologies and reasons for absence which was accepted by the Council. Cllr Blackman did not send his apologies.

Members resolved that the Clerk should write to both these Borough Councillors who have only attended Kirton once since the elections. The Parish Council had offered to change the day of the meetings to accommodate them attending as Frampton also has their meeting on the same nights and they declined. Members felt it was a poor show and that they weren’t getting supported by two of their 3 Borough Councillors.

Receipt of any declarations of interest

Cllr Bemrose declared a personal interest in Town Hall on the agenda as her mother is Chairman.

She is also a parent governor at the Primary School.

Cllr Watson is on the Boston Borough Planning Committee and will take no part in item 16 on the agenda (planning).

Cllr Sharp declared an interest as he is on the Kirton Youth Challenge as a trustee, he is also on the Scout Committee.

Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting

It was resolved that the notes of the meeting held on the 15th August 2019, previously circulated, should be recorded as the minutes.

Consider co-option of 2 applicants

It was resolved to co-opt Carol Lidgett to the Parish Council, 7 voted for 1 against. The other applicant has not yet been seen by the panel yet. There is another applicant to also be seen. The remaining 3 vacancies still stand.

Police Matters

No Police attended but PCSO Williams did send the following information:

Reported crimes since your last meeting are as follows: Burglary to garage, Jubilee Close – items recovered, under investigation, assault, Hardwick Estate – 1 arrest, under investigation, assault, Nightingale Road – under investigation, theft of mini digger, London Road – under investigation, assault, Dennis Estate – 1 arrest, under investigation.

Cllr Turner had called into the Police Station to speak to the Police about the youths who are riding around the village with no lights on and ‘playing chicken’ with cars in the road. They are also riding wheelies in the day time too in the middle of the road. The Police will take action. It was also resolved that the Chairman would go into Thomas Middlecott School and speak to the Headteacher about it.

Viewpoints on questions from members of the public

Cllr Austin declared that whilst the residents speaking about the Station Road development were talking, she engrossed herself in her iPad as she is a member of the planning committee at the Borough Council and did not take any notice of what they said.

Matters for the attention of Lincolnshire County Councillors/Boston Borough Councillors

Cllr Watson reported that the Enforcement Team visited Kirton twice in the last 7 days regarding fly tipping/litter etc. It is not known if/how many fines were issued.

Cllr Brookes reported that the County Council now has a new website that is running parallel to the old one. They are keen for feedback. The site is pre.lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Cllr Sharp gave Cllr Brookes information regarding Kells Drove being in a state – Clerk to report and copy Cllr Brookes in to the reply from LCC.

Cllr Austin reported that the grass outside Thomas Middlecott is now on the maps held by LCC after being left off. The Parish Council asked Cllr Austin to find out whether highways will pay the Parish Council to maintain this for this year, or whether they will only do it from next year.

Cllr Watson asked Cllr Austin for an update regarding extending the 30mph on Skeldyke Road – she had no further information but said she would enquire.

Cllr Turner complained that the potholes he has mentioned previously have not been fixed. He will take some pictures and send them to the Clerk to report on Fix my Street.

Cllr Austin reported that the crossing has got no further with the relevant people. Members are frustrated that the infrastructure is in place but is not working. They asked her to go back and ask again to repair/replace the fixtures inside the columns so that they can illuminate. She agreed.

Cllr Austin told members that she was surprised how few Kirton Councillors use fix my street themselves, rather than giving the work to the Clerk. Cllr P Watson, at the approval of the Council will put the link on Facebook which will hopefully encourage more to report directly to Highways.

(Cllr Austin left the meeting)

Accounts for payment/Finance

It was resolved to accept the payments as per payment sheet dated September 2019 6 of 12.

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

Potholes reported on A16 at the roundabout to LCC. Cllr Austin agreed to chase this up, Monitor.

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.

LCC report that they need to investigate this matter further, Cllr Austin agreed to chase this up.

Cllr Austin informed members that this work has now been scheduled to be done, the update on the LCC site is: This fault will be assessed for the possibility of future permanent works and prioritised according to our Highways Asset Management Plan.

Contacted Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership regarding the crossing issues on Station Road, I have asked for their help in enforcing the double yellow lines outside the Kebab shop plus have asked about the possibility of having the columns to the ‘z brites’ changed to illuminated ones.

Road Safety (Accident Investigation) Manager is in talks with Andy Wharf at Highways at the Borough.

He will also ask the parking Enforcement Team to visit the village over the next few months as a priority. Cllr Austin agreed to chase this up.

Cllr Austin told members that this matter was not deemed high on the priority list by Highways, but it could be looked at again when the evenings get darker. Cllr Hannay will forward a photograph of the columns on the crossing which clearly show that the columns could support being lit.

Clerk emailed Mr Wharf to ask for an update.

Overgrown Hedge into the road on Willington Road outside Old Vicarage reported to LCC ref 348076

Highways called the Clerk who passed on resident’s phone number to direct them in to the exact spot. Grass opposite the secondary school where the buses turn has not been cut at all this year. The same applies for the triangle to Edinburgh Crescent hampering vision as you try and leave Edinburgh Crescent. Reported to LCC.

LCC says it is not their land and reported the matter as closed with them. Clerk informed them that it is on all maps as LCC and asked that they cut the grass and add to their maintenance schedule.

Correspondence received which the Council are invited to resolve on

a) Lincolnshire County Council – Temporary Traffic Restriction – Skeldyke – for essential works by Telec Utilities (in place on Skeldyke Road between Burnham Lane and a point 320 meters northwest and Burnham Lane between Skeldyke Road and Nidds Lane.

b) Lincolnshire County Council – recommendations for new contractors for Highways

c) Enforcement Officer, Boston Borough Council – re Kier site next to the Methodist Church, Mr Watts will ask the owners to tidy the site although it is not at enforcement level yet. Re Acorn House, it ongoing at the moment. He is currently seeking advice.

d) Lincolnshire County Council – Project Edward – Community Speed Watch proposed day of action.

It is hoped that all the CSW groups around the country will hold sessions on the same day to try and get a picture of the issue of speeding.

e) Lincolnshire County Council – Temporary road Closure – Bucklegate Lane, between 380 metres and 510 metres east of Seakdyke Road – for essential works by Anglian Water.

f) Figures received from Boston Borough Council regarding the number of fines issued by the enforcement teams in 2017 and 2018

These were informed to members. It was also informed to all by Cllr Brookes that

g) Email received from resident who was complementary about the level of litter in the village

h) Defibrillator now in place at Hubberts Bridge, Wheatsheaf. Thanks, received for donation towards this.

i) Boston Borough Democratic Services – Elections estimations costs for precepting. Invoice for this year’s elections will follow.

Members were astounded how much the contested election and also the uncontested election fees were. Cllr Watson will make further enquiries at the Borough to see what he can uncover.

Town Hall

Cllr Sharp updated members on the recent meeting of the Town Hall Management Committee. They have managed to recruit a new committee member.

The THMC has offered £200 towards the recent work carried out at the Town Hall. Members resolved to accept this generous offer. Clerk to write to the Chairman of the Town Hall Committee and thank the committee for their offer, the Council would like to accept it.

The Town Hall has upcoming events which continue to be popular.

They do, however, have an issue with youths hanging around the rear of the Town Hall.

Cemetery

The buffer/maintenance strip between the new development and the cemetery needs attention. It was resolved to ask the grass contractors to give a quote to do the work.

Parish matters

1) Reports from committee meetings held since last Council meeting - The Neighbourhood Plan group have now done and advert which basically asks residents whether they want a Neighbourhood Plan. This has a consultation period running until the beginning of December.

- The banners and tickets will be going out for Last Night of the Proms

- The Xmas committee has managed to acquire a Christmas Tree for the War Memorial area, it is a donation from a resident who has it growing in their garden. A meeting is due to be held to discuss getting additional xmas lights from the Boston Christmas Lights Group.

2) Update on Park Inspections - The RoSPA report has just been emailed over to the Clerk. There are a few issues which need attention. Clerk and Chairman will meet with the park inspector to discuss them

Clerk to chase up the handy man who was going to do the jobs in the park.

Reports for Various Bodies

Cllr Bemrose reported overhanging bushes at the entrance to Thomas Middlecott Drive. Clerk will report.

Cllr Turner reported overgrown branches obscuring the street light outside 74 Station Road, the Clerk has seen number 1 is the same and will report both to Highways.

Planning applications:

Erection of 31 dwellings, new access and infrastructure following demolition of existing dwelling at Land off Station Road, Kirton - objections: access onto station road is problamatic now, it will only get worse with a development entering/exiting here. the narrowing of the carriageway is dangerous. there is no accounting for affordable housing within the application. there are 3 trees with preservation orders on them that will need to be cut down to accommodate the access to the site – this is not acceptable. additional traffic from a16 to station road will cause back up traffic on the a16 at peak times.

Outline application with all matters (Access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale) reserved for later approval for erection of a single dwelling at Land off Kirton Holme Road, Kirton Holme – NO OBJECTIONS

Erection of one detached dwelling and detached garage approved under application at 84 Boston Road, Kirton – NO OBJECTIONS

Retention of 1 externally illuminated fascia sign at the Golden Fryer, 1-3 Station Road, Kirton – NO OBJECTIONS

Application for the approval of reserved matters for 3 detached dwellings following the grant of outline planning approval. Details of the appearance, layout, scale, landscaping and access for 3 detached two storey dwellings. 2. Submission of details and discharge of conditions 5 (surface water drainage scheme) and condition 9 (hedges and trees) of outline planning approval B/17/0491 at Land to the rear of 84 Boston Road, Kirton – NO OBJECTIONS

Determined Applications

B/19/0295 – Single storey extension to rear of garage (retrospective) at Hedge Row, Donington Road, Swineshead – GRANT

B/19/0296 – First floor rear extension at Acorn House, Holme Road, Kirton Holme – GRANT

The View from the Vicarage

As this is my final letter to the Parish of Kirton, Fosdyke and Algarkirk, I wanted to share something of my experience based on my travels to Italy. I have always been taken by the amazing skill and artistic genius of the Italian painter, Giotto.  He is often appreciated for his innovations in painting. Painting had got into a rut, and Giotto created a first impetus for the Italian Renaissance.

Giotto imbued all his figures with real personality and tried to give expression to their faces and bearing, as is clearly visible from his major works: the frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, a place that literally took my breath away, but also in his amazing work in the Basilica of Assisi. Giotto may very well have been the first painter succeeding in creating unified compositions: there is unity between the figures and their surroundings and unity among the figures, interacting as they do through gesture and emotion.  

Its because of this that I offer you as my final contribution in Kirton News this amazing picture of an angel opening to the world the New Jerusalem, in other words the mystery of heaven. The angel seems to be fighting with a great scroll, not unlike the stone being rolled away from the tomb. This picture and image is all about hope, new beginnings, revelation and enlightenment .

As I say my goodbyes to you in this parish and move south to Ramsgate, I want you to be aware that for you and me that angel, that messenger of God, is still pushing back boundaries for us, the very veil between heaven and earth. How then can we not see what God is putting before us?

 I often ask myself,  how can we be so small minded, so closed minded, so blind as to what is being revealed to us of the Kingdom of God.  

Over the years I have come to appreciate more and more the writing of T S Eliot. Just read these words from the very last lines of  his work entitled, East Coker one the Four Quartets.

Love is most nearly itself
When here and now cease to matter.
Old men ought to be explorers
Here or there does not matter
We must be still and still moving
Into another intensity
For a further union, a deeper communion
Through the dark cold and the empty desolation,
The wave cry, the wind cry, the vast waters
Of the petrel and the porpoise.
In my end is my beginning.

Longing for God is a universal experience,but that longing may also be as tender as human love and a gentle relationship with those we deeply care about. For me the essence of what I have tried to do during my time in Kirton has been to encourage us to be more open.  

We often say that as one door closes another opens. Doors are essential and beneficial. They are used for opening and closing. Doors provide a passageway to where we want to go. They give us privacy and offer protection from unwanted elements. They help to keep us safe and secure. Doors are also instruments of power. They have the ability to shut out or admit in. They can serve as strong barriers or as welcoming stations. Doors are even used to help us define where we are physically: indoors, outdoors, next door, at the front door or back door.

I believe each of us has a "sacred" door. It is the place where we meet the Holy One in our midst. Jesus stands at a door and knocks. It is the door of the human heart to which Jesus comes and awaits an invitation to enter. It is our choice to open to him. Readiness to open the door is essential for a meeting to occur. Attentiveness to the divine presence is a must. 

It is in our most ordinary moments that the Holy One stands at the door, startling us with hope.  The divine visitor is at the door. We need only to open it wide with our welcome. In my two years here with you, I have tried to be faithful in helping you be even more open to that Divine visitor who awaits entry both here at the door of our Churches, but also at the door of your hearts.

Yours in Christ,

 Fr Paul