This took place in the Voltigeur Suite, York Racecourse, on Monday 5th. November 2018. Joyce Hall, myself and Chris Astill our driver, were invited to attend by the family of Harold Jackson VC.

Yorkshire Regiment have 24 holders of the Victoria Cross from World War One, each was allocated a table and up to ten guests. On each table was the name of the VC and the medal carved in a wooden plaque. Also at each table was a Regiment NCO host,  on our table it was Sgt. Mark Harrison, who made us very welcome and interesting to talk too.

Introduction was by Colonel of The Regiment, Brigadier A.T. Jackson, who commenced by saying:

“Today’s unique occasion is an opportunity to remember 24 of our Regimental ancesters who performed extraordiary acts of courage in the heat of battle, with no regard for the possible consequences. Their valour was recognised by the award of the Victoria Cross. They are an important part of the story of the Yorkshire Regiment and remain an inspiration to today’s generation of Yorkshire soldiers.  I am very grateful to the families who have joined us to share their stories.”

The Colonel was followed by: General The Lord Houghton, GCB; CBE; ADC; GEN; former Chief of the Defence Staff and founding Colonel of the Yorkshire Regiment, who gave a very moving speech.

Finally The Reverend Canon David Wilkes CB; OBE, said prayers followed by the National Anthem played by the Army Band.

We then returned to our tables and enjoyed an exellent buffet lunch.  Each of us received a book with the stories of the bravery of all 24 holders of the VC.  We were priviliged and honoured to have been invited to this unique event, but humbled by the stories, they were a unique breed of men.

It is worth noting that 14 other members of the Regiment have received the award in othe conflicts.

Stanley Naylor

Discoveries at the Old King’s Head

The archaeological excavation at the Old Kingís Head in Kirton has come to an end. As part of Heritage Lottery funded rescue works to save this historic building, The Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire has run a community excavation with the assistance of the Mick Aston Archaeology Fund (Council for British Archaeology) in the grounds of the site to order to discover more about its fascinating past. Volunteers of all ages helped to dig down, finding beer bottles, Victorian cess pits, Medieval pottery and animal bone.

Lydia Hendry, Community Archaeologist, said 'This has been such a fantastic project to run, from day one we have had finds coming out the ground, telling the story of the Old King’s Head as a place for meeting and relaxing. It has also been good to see how many people have helped us with the project, from young families, to interested locals and even career starters who have started their first archaeological jobs through the project.'

The association of locally produced beer bottles and clay pipes brings to mind the modern outdoor seating areas of pubs today, the Victorian cess pit is a lovely example of Victorian engineering and is a reminder of the practical considerations that are required to run an inn, whilst the animal bone has butchery marks, suggesting small-scale meat production. The whole site tells a story of local village life from the view of the pub.

Next tasks included checking the paperwork and recording, and backfilling of the trenches. This will be followed by the office based post-excavation work, sorting, analysing and reporting on the finds, records and photographs. This will be used to create a site report, which will be made publically available. 

Step forward to lead walks for the 15th Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival

Organisers of the popular walking festival are urging organisations and businesses to contribute to their programme of walks and activities for the 2019 festival, which will run from 18th May to 2nd June.

2019 will be the 15th Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, and to celebrate the programme is being extended to include some outdoor activities. Festival Co-ordinator Natalie Lunt explains:

“We want to offer a rich and varied programme of walks and activities which features something for all ages and abilities and celebrates what the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has to offer.

We are keen to inspire young people and families to take part in the festival, so along with the relaxed strolls and challenging hikes we want to offer activity walks, themed walks, tours and taster sessions.

This is an ideal opportunity for local business and attractions in the area to, quite literally, get their name on the map and showcase what they have to offer!”

The festival, which is co-ordinated by Heritage Lincolnshire in partnership with the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, attracts in the region of 3,000 participants each year and is one of the largest and best-attended events of its kind in the UK.

If you have an idea for a walk or activity please contact lwwf@heritagelincolnshire.org or you can submit your idea online at https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/event/lincolnshire-wolds-walking-festival-2

Hurry! The deadline for submissions is fast approaching.

Kirton Church Fund

A first time winner again this month! Congratulations to both our winners.

We had a new member join in October – welcome aboard. This makes 50 numbers currently taking part.

There is still time to join the Kirton Church Fund monthly draw in time for Christmas. Wouldn’t a Christmas win come in handy? We have plenty of room for new members and there is a very good chance of winning. Anyone over 18 may take part. Just give Fay a ring for a registration form (01205 723529) or call in Kirton Church.

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.)

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.

The November draw winning numbers will be printed in the next Kirton News magazine in February.

The December draw takes place on Sunday 23rd The winning numbers for December will also be printed in the February magazine.

Talking of Christmas, I would like to wish you all a very happy one and also my very best wishes for a happy, healthy and especially lucky 2019.

For more information about Kirton Church Fund please ring Fay on 01205 723529.

September 2018 Winners

1st PRIZE - £39.92 - TICKET NUMBER:77
2nd PRIZE - £13.31 - TICKET NUMBER:35

Last Night of the Proms Refunds

Due to the cancellation you can obtain a refund by presenting your ticket at the Town Hall office on Tuesday mornings between 9-10am or contact Belinda on 01205 460618.