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©Kirton News 2026
October 2026
The Editors Letter
What a bumper issue for October and a little artistic licence on our part on the front cover! So many events happening as we career into Autumn! Don’t let those darker evenings put you off getting out and supporting our community. St Peter & St Paul’s church and our Town Hall especially have so many fun events to attend!
If it does look a bit drizzly and cold outside, here’s a warming, autumnal recipe that you might like to try!
5-ingredient Butternut Squash and Sausage Pasta Bake!
Ingredients:
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into small bite-sized cubes
• 300g short dried pasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
• 4 pork or veggie sausages, skins removed and meat crumbled
• 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube dissolved in 400ml boiling water)
• 100g cheddar or mozzarella cheese, grated
• Optional basics: 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
1) Brown the sausage: Heat the oil in a large ovenproof skillet or deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the crumbled sausage meat for 5 minutes until browned.
2) Boil the pasta and squash: While the sausage cooks, boil your pasta and the squash cubes together in a large pot of salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the squash is tender. Drain, but reserve a splash of the cooking water.
3) Combine and simmer: Toss the drained pasta, squash, and sausage together in your pan. Pour in the stock and your splash of pasta water. Simmer for 2 minutes over medium heat, mashing a few squash cubes with your spoon to thicken the stock into a creamy sauce.
4) Melt the cheese: Scatter the grated cheese over the top. Pop the pan under your oven’s grill for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
We’re looking for lots more businesses and people to feature as our Meet the Local for 2027! If you would like to take part, please get in touch as we always welcome new contributions and it’s completely free publicity! If you have anything you’d like to say, someone you’d like to thank, a poem, a recipe or a puzzle you’d like to share, get in touch! We’re always contactable at Editor@kirtonnews.co.uk.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
Meet The Locals
This month we are talking to Carl from Oakwood House Independent School.
For just over two years, Oakwood House Independent School has been proud to call the former nursing home at Woodlands Court in Kirton our home.
As a school supporting children and young people with special educational needs, we are very aware that becoming part of an established local community is important. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to the people of Kirton and the surrounding area for welcoming, accepting and supporting our school and our pupils.
Our pupils have a wide range of special educational needs, and for some, being part of a community can be particularly meaningful. We want Oakwood House to be more than simply a school located in Kirton. We would like it to become a positive and contributing member of the wider community, building friendships, sharing experiences and finding opportunities for our pupils to take part in local life.
We believe that the parish magazine is a wonderful way to begin building those connections. We would love to hear from local organisations, community groups, residents and businesses who might like to work with us, whether through projects, visits, volunteering, shared activities or simply opportunities for our pupils to learn more about the community around them.
The History of Oakwood House
We are also keen to discover more about the history of the building itself.
We understand that Oakwood House was built by the Dennis family and that, before becoming our school, the building had a long history as a nursing and care home. We would love to piece together that history and create a timeline celebrating the people and stories connected with the building over the years.
Perhaps you worked at Oakwood House or the former nursing home. Perhaps a parent, grandparent, relative or friend received care there. Maybe you remember the Dennis family, the building being constructed, changes that were made over the years, or simply have photographs, documents or stories that you think might help us understand its past. We would particularly love to hear from anyone who has a memory or connection to Oakwood House.
Our aim is to gather these memories and, where possible, create a record of the building’s history for the benefit of both the school and the local community. We would be delighted to speak with anyone who can help us fill in the gaps, identify people in old photographs or tell us stories about life at Oakwood House.
We hope that, by learning more about the building’s past, we can also play our part in its future.
Oakwood House has already become a special place for our pupils, and we would love to build on that by developing strong and lasting links with the community around us.
If you have memories, photographs, documents or stories about Oakwood House, or if you would like to explore ways in which you or your organisation could work with the school, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Please get in touch with Oakwood House Independent School – we would love to hear your story.
Thank you once again to everyone in Kirton who has welcomed us over the past two years. We look forward to becoming an increasingly active part of this wonderful community and to discovering more about the history of the place we are now fortunate enough to call home.
For more details please contact: info@oakwoodhouse.school
Letters to the Editor
Good morning, I do a lot of family history research and recently came across a photo featured in an edition of the kirton news dating back to 2012.
It was the Kirton Town football team 1949 (playing for The Kirton Cup ) in which my Dad played, Douglas Burden. I would love to know if any of the team are still alive, sadly my dad is not.
Any help would be appreciated.
Kind regards
Back row: Sid Lyon, Doug Burden, Horace Everett, Len Breathwick, Jack Hall, Gordon Hicks and Don Foreman.
Front row; High Curtis, Arthur Sellars, Eddie Box, Dick Ward & Jack Baxter.
Fraud Prevention Talk
Sharon Hall is the Fraud Protect Officer for Lincs police. She is a member of police staff working within the Prevention Hub and part of her role is to engage with community groups to raise awareness of fraud.
The fraud presentation is a 45-minute talk about how to recognise fraud, reject fraud, and more importantly to encourage people to report fraud. It explains how fraudsters engage with their potential victims and what to do in those situations.
Navigating your first steps in the
world of work
I finished school in the summer and since then I’ve applied for countless jobs, but I’m not having any luck - most companies don’t even bother getting back to me. It’s really getting me down - what can I do to be more successful?
Navigating your first steps into the world of work can be really daunting. If you’re struggling to find a job, you’re not alone. Nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training. Clearly, there are some big structural and economic issues that are making it hard for young people to find work, but there are still things you can do.
When you’re applying for a job, it’s vital to do your homework. Make sure you’ve done your research about both the role and the employer, and adjust your CV to fit the position you’re applying for. Employers will usually want to know why you’re interested in working for them specifically, so take some time to look into who they are and their values as an organisation. Then discuss how they align with what you’re looking for in a role in your application.
Be cautious about using AI. When you’re feeling the pressure to get out as many applications as possible, it can be tempting to turn to AI to help you write your CV, cover letter or application form. But employers can usually tell when you’ve used AI, and some may use AI detection tools when screening your application. It might put them off wanting to progress your application, so it’s best to always use your own words.
If you’re worried about your lack of experience, one way to make your CV stand out from the crowd is to try volunteering. Not only will you gain vital skills and work experience but also make a positive difference to people’s lives. For example, volunteering in your local Citizens Advice service can give you office experience and customer service skills - you can find out more about volunteering at Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire on our website: www.camidlincs.org.uk
If you’re struggling financially, you should check what benefits you’re able to get. If you’re over 18 (or in some cases 16 or 17), not in education or training, and you have less than £16,000 in savings or other investments, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. You might also be able to get ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance for up to six months while you look for a job. You can check what benefits you can get on the Citizens Advice website.
And lastly, job hunting can take a real toll on your mental wellbeing. Endless applications, back-to-back rejections or - worse - being ghosted entirely can all chip away at your self-esteem and affect your mental health. If you’re finding it tough, there’s help and support available. You can reach out to organisations like StudentMinds, try YoungMinds or get in touch with Mind - you don’t have to face it alone.
You can contact Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire for free support via telephone 08082787942 or email outreach@citizensadvicemidlincs.org.uk
For information about our service and how we can help you, please take a look at our website www.camidlincs.org.uk
Frampton History Group
Monday 5th October 2026: Lincolnshire’s RAF stations - Graham Chater
Graham makes a welcome return to conclude his tour of Lincolnshire RAF bases. Last year he worked his way up the coast so now we move inland
Monday 12th October 2026: The Secret Army - Colin Hayes
Colin has researched the groups that were secretly formed ready to fight if the Nazis were successful in invading England in WW2. There were groups in Boston and Kirton so this really is a local story.
Monday 9th October 2026: Swineshead’s History - Roger Welberry
Swineshead is one of our nearest villages and has a fascinating history which is not too well known to ‘outsiders’. Roger is just the person to enlighten us!
Meeting information
Meetings are held in St Michael’s Church Hall PE20 1QZ starting at 7.30pm and cost £4. For more details call 01205 722744 - Everyone is welcome!
Kirton Parish Council Draft Meeting Minutes - August 2026
Present:
Cllr M Sohail, Chair, Cllr M Elston, Cllr Hartfil-Allgood, Cllr D Jarvis, Cllr L O’Connor, Cllr Pryke & Cllr K Shipp. Clerk D. Fairweather. Borough Cllrs Pryke and Rylott.
County Cllr B. Daish & fifteen members of the public.
Public Forum
Residents from Manor Road wanting further support for objections to the 40-house development.
Parking in the village, particularly Kings Street wanting assistance from Highways or Mr R Tice MP. PC to try and assist getting a response.
Bingo at Kirton Holme clashes as Kirton has decided to run one in August now. To be discussed as per Agenda item.
Reports From Elected County Councillors & Borough Councillors
Cllr B Daish updates on consulting with TRO team on issues of King Street/ Edinburgh Drive. A further assessment had been undertaken but the site does not meet the criteria for the introduction of restrictions. Advised residents to keep reporting obstructive parking to Police who have the powers to investigate. Transport Services may investigate slight amendments in bus timetables to help alleviate buses in the same location at the same time.
Has requested Parking Services to attend area again and issue fine to vehicles contravening parking laws.
Cllr C Rylott – BBC balanced 2025/2026 budget with a slight surplus. Current year on track, but £1.5m savings required next year. Only one year left of Boston Borough Council so some reserves may be spent.
Capital projects pf £31.5m over two years: Rosegarth Square underway. £15m revamp of Boston Leisure Centre, whilst remaining open.
From April next year: MRI scanner at new clinical diagnostic centre (£25m) on the site of the old Boston United ground.
Town Funds: £13.5m to Boston College and new refuse lorry depot on St Johns Road.
Community Governance Review: Autumn Full Council will make the final recommendations with it being a Town Council.
Delighted Boston Central Park has been accredited the Green Flag Award for significant improvements.
Cllr R Pryke – Details circulated of allowances paid to Borough Councillors.
Black Sluice IDB now have Biodiversity Action Plan.
Pride of Place levelling up funds available.
Continuing to pursue retired Police building as alternative premises for library but slow progress.
Planning changs coming into effect in October whereby Parish Councils cannot request applications to go to committee.
To Receive Apologies For Absence And Reasons Given
Were received and accepted from Borough Cllr Middleton and County Cllr Lock.
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 7th July 2026
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7th July 2026 Proposed Cllr Jarvis seconded Cllr Hartfil Allgood. Unanimous.
To Receive Clerk’s Updates From The Minutes And Matters Arising
Town Hall JC Consulting from Boston – PH rang – advised contacting me, awaiting date for inspection.
Lincoln Structural – waiting for them to come back with a date.
British Damp Proofing – had to pay a deposit. They will call with an appointment. Mark has agreed to be on site with them.
DSS – Swing broken and a panel from skate ride now missing – Graham Presley from OZ UK to inspect Friday 7th August.
To Adopt The Council’s Code Of Conduct
6.1 states Councillors must attend new councillor training with LALC. Cllr Pryke suggested many of the Councillors may have similar training in their other positions. It was agreed to amend wording to ‘I undertake Code of Conduct training provided by LALC or similar official body’ Proposed Cllr Jarvis seconded Cllr O’Connor. Unanimous.
To Adopt It Policy
Proposed Cllr Elston seconded Cllr Pryke. Unanimous.
To Receive Event Updates
As bingo was to be discussed, Cllr Jarvis proposed agenda item to be taken in closed session at the end of the meeting, seconded Cllr O’Connor. six in favour one against.
Finance
a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule proposed Cllr Harftil-Allgood seconded Cllr R Pryke.
b) To Discuss Tree Works from survey in Churchyard & Cemetery. Clerk had been advised by BBC there was a diseased and dangerous tree at the Lych Gate in the Churchyard. Also three along footpath and two on front line require attention. Although no TPO’s in churchyard planning permission will still be required as conservation area. Quotation for £1,600. Proposed Cllr Sohail seconded Cllr O’Connor.
Grev Bray had conducted a tree survey on churchyard and cemetery. Advised any tree guards can be cut away.
Further works on canopies required at Cemetery, non-urgent.
Additional work required of crown reduction in Churchyard and a split tree at the war memorial which is not PC responsibility.
Agreed for emergency work to be done but to wait until autumn and leaf fall before quoting for other works.
c) To Discuss Areas of Wildflowers in Town Hall Rec & Cemetery
Offer of donated wildflower seeds and daffodil bulbs for areas at Dame Sarah Swift around the boundary and at the Town Hall. Area requires clearing. Clerk to investigate if any grants available. Try and engage school/community groups for site clearing and planting.
Martyn’s Law, course for legality. All agreed Clerk to attend.
Planning
To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting
B/26/0287 – block extension, The Weir, Skeldyke Road. – no objections.
B/26/0300 – proposed residential development land east of Horse Lane.no objections.
To Receive Members Reports
ME – suggestion the results of CSW should go into Kirton News. All agreed.
DJ – assisting a resident in Bucklegate with road surfaces and local farmer slurry dumping. To speak with George Crisp at BBC.
RP – suggestion of details of siting of defibs in the Parish. Where to display?
Information is on nationwide database.
To Receive Correspondence Received Since Last Meeting
Complaints again of stones/bottles thrown into adjacent property at Town Hall. It was felt netting would not be affective. To try and put out something on social media.
Complaints of verges not cut at the end of Kings Street. Clerk to report to Highways, again.
AGAR support – Voluntary digital 2027AGAR. submission. Details to follow. Testing to see pitfalls etc as this will be obligatory in 2029. Clerk to nominate Kirton.
Advised by resident in Ostler Walk the fencing that runs along the back of their property, on boundary of Dame Sarah Swift needs attention. Clerk to report to Amplius as it is believed to be their responsibility.
Several complaints of H.G.V.’s not adhering to advisory speed signs.
Speed of vehicles near the junction of West End Road and Boston Road, where pathway does not extend to end of the road.
Complaint of high level of HGV’s using Kirton End as a short cut to A17. Companies named. Clerk to forward to Cllr Lock.
Community Speed Watch details for information
Date Place No. of vehicles No. speeding Average speed Maximum speed
16/7/2026 Kirton End – Donington Road No of vehicles: 101, No speeding: 47, Average speed: 36 , Max speed: 46
23/7/26 Kirton End – Holmes Road, No of vehilces: 189, No speeding: 54, Average speed: 37 Max speed: 47.
Date of next meeting
1st September 2026.