Discovering Bourne issue 153, May 2024

YOUR ROYAL FOOT RITUAL INCLUDES:

● A delicious foot soak with oils of ripe pomegranate and fig extract

● A blended mineral sea salt scrub to exfoliate, polish and hydrate your skin

● A relaxing leg and foot massage to improve circulation and restore energy

● A tension release scalp massage or hand and arm massage

● A cuticle tidy and perfect polish for your toes with sparkling gems if you wish!

PLUS A Hydra Quench Facial whilst your feet bask in a deep dermal mask and heated booties

treat and upgrade your treatment with a FILE AND POLISH for fingers or a GEL POLISH for your toes for only £14.50

Is it really a year since the coronation of King Charles on May 6th, 2023? However, so much seems to have happened since then, especially regarding the health issues of the royal family, as both the King and the Duchess of Cambridge fight their own battles against cancer. It is often said that we all take our good health for granted and it is only when we, or those close to us, are diagnosed with something potentially life-threatening, such as cancer, that we stop and think just how precious life really is and how every day should be seen as the opportunity to do something special, however trivial or inconsequential it may appear to be!

I know I’m not alone in enjoying the fabulous opportunities that having dogs (or any other pets) can give us, especially at this time of the year, as those long walks easily become such a crucial part of our day, admiring the handiwork of other garden-lovers, and taking in the sounds and scents of our local patch!

Enjoy this month, and every day in it.

What a fabulous few weeks of sporting activity in our area! Congratulations to Bourne Town FC who left the rest of the UCL Division 1 “trailing in their Wake” (couldn’t resist that one, sorry!) as they sealed promotion to the UCL Premier League.

Pleased to report that I was amongst the 20,000 Posh fans shouting ourselves hoarse at Wembley as we sent the mighty Wycombe “wandering home”. Unfortunately, I was unable to witness Mrs S beat her last year’s London Marathon time, as she and our daughter, Polly, cruised their way through the streets of Brighton – a case of older, wiser … and quicker!

And finally,

● When I heard that Bourne Bookshop was offering a third off all titles, I bought a copy of “The Lion, The Witch”.

● “Do you paddle left or paddle right when you’re in your canoe?” he asked. “Either oar”, she replied.

Enjoy the read!

John

The Plastic Brain The Importance of Brain Plasticity

Neuroplasticity (the ‘plastic brain’) is the ability of our brain to change its connections or rewire itself. Our amazing brain is continually moulding and modifying itself to our environment, events in our lives, words, feelings, and the people around us. Without this ability, any brain, not just the human brain, would be unable to develop from infancy through to adulthood or recover from brain injury.

Our brain is so exceptional and what makes the brain exceptional is that, unlike a computer, it processes sensory and motor signals in parallel. It has many neural pathways that can replicate another’s function so that small errors in development or temporary loss of function through damage can be easily corrected by rerouting signals along a different pathway. Different pathways form and fall dormant, are created and cast-off, according to our personal experiences. So, this vibrant process allows us to learn, develop and adapt to our ever-changing experiences.

Every time we learn something new, we create new connections between the neurons, and this is happening to all of us, all the time. This process can be encouraged and stimulated, allowing us to learn, relearn and direct our lives, thoughts and behaviours, creating exciting possibilities.

This process can be so useful to us enabling us to reinvent ourselves, move away from our current state of things, or to overcome past traumatic events which create anxiety/stress or depression and fears which may lead to avoidance behaviours which then hold us back from living life to our fullest. By learning how to adjust our thought patterns and behaviours, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps you to create the changes you want in your extraordinary brain.

“You cannot create a new future by holding onto emotions of the past”.

If a person believes he or she can get smarter, better or more skilled at something through sustained effort, this is how neuroplasticity works, enabling us to purposefully rewire the brain, achieving what we really want. Learning a new language or a musical instrument works in this way too, no matter what the age.

The degree to which we apply the brain’s nearmagical abilities is also dependent on how committed we are in encouraging neuroplasticity and how we approach life in general.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you rewire your brain to make the best version of you.

If you would like to book an appointment or find out more about hypnotherapy, contact Christine on: 0780 9690 964 or contact@beardwoodhypnotherapy.co.uk

DAY EXCURSIONS

Wednesday 15 May

Bag a Bargain at Barnsley Market

Thursday 23 May

Derbyshire Scenic Tour & Pub Lunch

Monday 3 June

Cromer & Sheringham Seaside Special

Wednesday 12 June

Bury St Edmunds & Lavenham

Sunday 16 June

Bressingham Steam Museum & Gardens

Wednesday 10 July

Blickling Hall

Thursday 25 July

Wells-Next-The-Sea & Hunstanton

Wednesday 31 July

Sandringham Flower Show

Friday 2 August

Summertime Mystery Tour

Saturday 24 August

Bridlington via The Yorkshire Wolds

HOLIDAYS

Summertime Mystery Coastal Break

Monday 8 July

5 Days HB from £519

Exmoor & The Somerset Coast

Monday 5 August

5 Days HB from £609

Kynren ‘An Epic Tale of History’

Friday 30 August

3 Days HB from £349

Delightful Dawlish & Devon Coastline

Sunday 8 September

5 Days HB from £599

York & North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Sunday 29 September

2 Days HB from £189

Bournemouth - Long Weekend Break

Friday 18 October

4 Days HB from £389

Do you have blocked ears? Tinnitus? Itchiness in the ear? A cough? Earache? It could just be wax! To book an appointment with Bourne Ear Care please contact Julia Brown RHAD MSHAA Telephone 07596 100471 Email bourne.earcare@outlook.com www.bourne-earcare.com

Delivering care in Stamford and Bourne. We are a leading independent care provider supporting customers in the comfort of their own homes.

Delivering a range of services to our customers to include;

• Personal Care

• Nutrition and fluid support

• Medication assistance

• Domestic support

• Companionship care

• End of life and dementia care

• We pay above and beyond the living wage

• Mileage and uniform expenses all paid

• Contracted hours

• Flexible hours available

• Qualifications offered

‘We meet incredible people, It doesn’t feel like a job at all!’

- Fiona

• All training provided

• Ongoing support every day

• Pension scheme

• Weekend rates of pay

• Well-being programme

• Bonus scheme

EIf care is your calling and you would like more information about our current vacancies, please contact us today…

WHY WORK FOR US:

• Award winning Mercury business team of the year.

• Rated outstanding by the CQC

• High rates of pay and contracted hours.

• Family ethos providing high levels of care.

• Promotion and growth offered.

• Regular incentives.

• Awarded top 20 home care provider in East Midlands.

Hay Fever? We Are Here to Help!

If you are anything like me, then you are fully aware just how much hay fever can ruin your spring and summer months. Last year, I was excited to be able to offer a treatment that I know personally changed my life. With one pain-free injection, it is possible to eliminate your symptoms for the affordable price of £70... and it lasts for up to three months!

I am a registered pharmacist of over twenty-five years, and, during my practice, I became only too aware of just how serious the symptoms can be, and how many of you out there suffer unnecessarily. The injection is no longer provided by the NHS, so many people find themselves administering multiple products per month with minimum relief.

TREATMENTS WE OFFER

Dermal fillers ✦ Lip fillers ✦ Bunny lines

Downturned corners of the mouth ✦ Gummy smiles

Profhilo (turkey neck) ✦ Hay fever injections

Fat dissolving ✦ Vitamin B12 injections

Anti-wrinkle treatments ✦ Hand rejuvenation

Smokers' lines ✦ Profhilo (five-point face lift)

Vitamin D injections ✦ Under eye treatments

Brow lift ✦ Cheek filler ✦ Excessive sweating

✦ Masseter Botox (teeth grinding) ✦ £70 per hay

The hay fever jab has helped me so much this summer. It's helped ease my symptoms. Alistair and Julie were so friendly and chatty, they put me at ease straight away and made me feel so welcome. Will definitely be returning!"

Last year at the clinic, I and hundreds of our clients managed to remove the need for all medication, both over the counter and prescribed, after this simple treatment. We found last year that our clients were typically spending over £30 per month on multiple products. We are able to treat, not only adults, but also children who suffer during their school terms, as long as they are aged six and over, subject to consultation. As we all remember, summertime is exam time!

So, why not spare ten minutes of your time to reclaim your summer and make it “hay fever-free”?

DISCREET LOCATION

Brampton

Ennerdale

Radcliffe

• Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Canoeing

• Open Water Swimming

• Jet-Skiing

• Water-Skiing

• Wakeboarding

Dry Ski Slope

Climbing & Abseiling Wall

and so much more

Pro Shop

A purpose built Nursery building with a bright, welcoming learning space.

● Covered outdoor play and a large garden area.

● High quality learning resources.

● 15 and 30 hour funded sessions available for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.

● Term time only.

● 9.00am – 3.00pm with additional wrap around care available for children aged 3+ years.

● Together we can give your child the best start to their education with a warm, welcoming and enriching environment.

Hand in hand, together we can Respect, Achieve, Enjoy, Believe

Matters

We bring you items of interest for your home and community. If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch with Tori :

01778 421427 or 07498 588487

info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

‘Pregnancy Connect’: Share Your Journey in Bourne’s New Community Group

Anew community group for pregnant women has been launched in Bourne by two local maternity businesses. Meeting every other Wednesday evening at ‘Full of Beans’ on Elsea Park, ‘Pregnancy Connect’ is a free event, created by Sophie Knight and Lauren Hotchkin-Jones, both from Thurlby. Sophie is a hypnobirthing teacher and runs ‘Bourne Hypnobirthing’; Lauren is a doula (a trained professional who provides expert guidance for the service of others) who runs ‘The Stamford Doula’.

Both women have children of their own and know how isolating and lonely being pregnant can be. “We wanted to create a regular group for

pregnant women to meet other women going through the same experience,” said Sophie. “There aren’t many ways for pregnant women to meet up in a group, unless you join a class such as the NCT.”

“In our work as antenatal teachers, we were aware of a lack of safe spaces for pregnant women to talk about their concerns,” added Lauren, “so we wanted to create that safe space. Plus, there’s great coffee and cake available while we chat!”

Pregnancy Connect meets every other Wednesday at Full of Beans, PE10 0YD, from 6.30pm - 8pm. It’s free to join and you don’t need to book your space.

For more information, check out the Pregnancy Connect Bourne group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/3157971054336069) or follow Sophie and Lauren on Instagram (@bournehypnobirthing and @thestamforddoula).

Left: Sophie Knight / Right: Lauren Hotchkin-Jones

Big Birthday Celebrations for Wood Grange Resident

Celebrations have been in full swing at Wood Grange Care Home, as one of its residents reached her 105th birthday in style on April 2nd.

Ethel Smith was joined by staff, relatives, and friends for a celebration at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Radovan. Ethel also received a card from the King and local MP, Gareth Davies.

Ethel served in the RAF many years ago where she made friends for life. Her colleagues, friends and family always called her ‘Aunt Happy’ because she was always smiling.

Wood Grange Care Home had asked the local community and businesses in the area to send a card for Ethel’s big 105th; in total, Ethel received sixty-five cards, one coming from as far away as Scotland. Ethel and the home would like to especially thank Bourne Westfield Primary Academy, Sue Hutchinson Age UK, Paint-aPot Place, Card Factory Bourne, Rosedale Property Agents, and The Sweet Stop who all kindly sent cards. Ethel was also visited by Dr Pears and Denika Wilmot from the Hereward Medical Practice as they came to celebrate their eldest patient’s birthday.

Ethel is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more stories.”

Wood Grange Care

Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Wood Grange provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for residents, from respite care to long-term stays. For more information, please contact Georgia Johnson, Customer Relationship Manager, Wood Grange.

M - 07425 425635

E - georgia.johnson@barchester.com.

Katya Petrova, General Manager of Barchester Wood Grange added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone.

Red Herring RutlandMurder Mystery Events

We proudly present “Quantum of Malice” on Saturday May 11th at The Red Hall, South St, Bourne PE10 9LY - Tickets are £45 to include a delicious dinner during the show. If you haven’t been lucky enough to be part of a Red Herring Event, be sure to catch this one.

We had the pleasure of being part of the “Felons, Flappers and Foul Play” show in January and, from the moment the evening started, we felt part of the totally immersive experience, helping to solve the murder - or trying to - with lots of fun, laughter, intrigue, and excellent acting, with a fabulous meal to boot. A truly wonderful night’s entertainment!

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit www.redherringrutland.com.

Paula Kirtland - Sales Account Manager - Discovering Magazines

BOURNE BOOKSHOP

Abroad in Japan

BY CHRIS BROAD

When Englishman Chris Broad landed in a rural village in northern Japan he wondered if he’d made a huge mistake. With no knowledge of the language and zero teaching experience, was he about to be the most quickly fired English teacher in Japan’s history?

“Abroad in Japan” charts a decade of living in a foreign land and the chaos and culture clash that came with it. Chris takes us from the lush rice fields of the countryside to the frenetic neon-lit streets of Tokyo. There’s a terrifying North Korean missile incident, a mortifying experience at a love hotel and a week spent with Japan’s biggest movie star.

The Household

The Myth of Normal

BY GABOR MATE WITH DANIEL MATE

We tend to believe that normality equals health. Yet, what is the norm in the Western world? Mental illness and chronic disease are on an unstoppable rise. How did we get here, and what lies ahead for us?

Gabor Maté connects the dots between our personal suffering and the relentless pressures of modern life – showing that ill health is a natural reflection of our disconnection from our true selves. Drawing on four decades of clinical experience, and stories of people transforming their bodies and minds, Dr Maté offers a hopeful pathway to reconnection and healing.

BY STACEY HALLS

London, 1847. In a quiet house in the countryside nearby, the finishing touches are being made to welcome a group of young women. The house and its location are secret. Offering refuge for prostitutes, petty thieves and the destitute, Urania Cottage is a second chance at life.

A few miles away in a Piccadilly mansion, millionairess Angela Burdett-Coutts, one of the benefactors of Urania Cottage, makes a discovery that leaves her cold. Her stalker of ten years has been released from prison, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before their nightmarish game resumes once more.

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm

Perfect for fans of Skandar, Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl.

Peregrine Quinn has always loved hearing her godfather Daedalus Bloom’s stories about his life as an immortal, but that’s all they were – stories. That is, until the portals that connect the Terran Realm with the Cosmic Realm mysteriously shut down and Daedalus is kidnapped.

BY ASH BOND

With help from dryad librarian Rowan Strong and Olympus Inc. liaison Callimachus Thorn, they must fix the portals and rescue Daedalus before an ancient evil rises and chaos takes over.

Time is running out and the fate of all the realms is now in Peregrine’s hands...

Option B celebrating their second anniversary

How time flies! At Option B, we are celebrating our second anniversary of providing support for people who have lost their husband, wife, or partner. Our name comes from the fact that our preferred life (Option A) with our ‘other half’ has been taken away from us and we have no choice but to go with Option B.

We meet on the second and fourth Monday of the month, 4pm – 6pm, at the Don’t Lose Hope Cafe and, with the support of Don’t Lose Hope, The Cedars Care Home, RJ Scholes of Bourne and Co-op Funeralcare, the structure of our group has been able to evolve enormously. Initially, we offered chat and friendship with people ‘on the same journey.’ Now, thanks to some brilliant fundraising, we offer a variety of activities - aromatherapy, meditation, Tai Chi, the Tuneless Choir, talks on personal security, nutrition, and sleep, to name but a few.

We don’t claim to have all the answers to what is one of the most daunting challenges in life but, between us, we have a variety of approaches and strategies, and we’ve found that sharing these can ease the pain and give a sense of direction.

If you think that this could be just what you’re looking for, you are most welcome to join us. Please don’t feel that you have to stay for the whole session; this is a confidential service, informal, flexible in terms of content and a place where all are respected.

The Option B Team

Our Purpose Together Is Offering New Beginnings

Email: optionb2022@gmail.com

• Domestic Help; housework, laundry, ironing, shopping, gardening

• Befriending and Sitting Services; individually tailored for content, timings and duration.

• General/Personal Care; assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, assistance with daily living

• Elderly people with reduced physical capabilities.

• Our trained carer will maintain the comfort and safety of the person. They will aim to promote the retention of skills using practical sessions and aim to reduce anxiety

• Adults with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, trauma caused through injury and learning disabilities.

• People su ering from mental health problems such as depression, stress, behavioural

ByTrevorLangley

GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT

Gin and gin cocktails are amongst the most popular alcoholic beverages available and enjoyed today. These productions are loved very much indeed, and this has been the case for years –certainly, from originating during the Middle Ages.

Many different gins are widely available, and flavoured delectations have become increasingly popular during recent times. A lot of gin lovers add a tonic and/or a slice of lemon, to their preferred tipple. “Gin & Tonic” is a renowned ‘classic’.

The award-winning Jin Reaper Distillery is located in Sheffield, and their productions are known for consistency and high quality. The gins are produced in small batches and recall thoughts of myths and characters from past times, with labelling and presentations displayed accordingly. The handmade bottles used by the Jin Reaper Distillery contain gins to suit the tastes and palates of numerous gin connoisseurs, at all levels, with botanicals and ingredients being the finest available.

Jin Reaper London Dry Grim Gin (42% ABV) is a Signature Production, that I found to be crisp for the mouthfeel, which continues on to the palate’s delight. Jin Reaper London Dry Evangeline Gin (42% ABV) evokes thoughts of the Reaper’s Bride, coming through as a spicy gin and – reading into it – equating to the passion, desire, hate and love, from the spirits of the depicted characters. Cardamom and Cumin are amongst the botanicals utilised, to great advantage, for this delectation. A sweetness of liquorice adds to the enjoyment.

Jin Reaper London Dry Ferryman Gin (57% ABV) is their Navy Strength production. Yes, it is powerful, it is strong, and it is intense, for both the mouthfeel and palate. Ferryman is a further, very popular gin, from the Jin Reaper Distillery.

I found these craft gins to be most interesting and very much worthwhile taking the time to locate such distinctive productions. For more details, (stockists, online ordering, plus free delivery, and information about the Jin Reaper Loyalty Scheme) please contact and/or visit the website. Email: info@jinreaper.co.uk www.jinreaper.co.uk

Hiring!

CURRENT POSITIONS AVAILABLE

PART-TIME KITCHEN PORTER (16+)

Duties to include: pot washing, veg prep, help plate desserts when busy, weekly deep cleans. Mainly Monday - Saturday lunchtimes, occasional midweek evenings

PART-TIME BAR STAFF (18+)

Mainly evenings and weekend shifts

PART-TIME CHEF (18+)

Lunchtimes, evenings and weekends

Email Richard with current CV at rmoore154@hotmail.com or call 01778 343200 We’re

Dine & Drink

Richard Moore, as Chef Patron, has run this traditional country pub in Langtoft for the past 8 years. It offers an eclectic mix of modern pub dishes created from fresh local ingredients.

The Waggon & Horses can happily cater for your function or celebration.

THE WAGGON & HORSES

1 Peterborough Rd, Langtoft, PE6 9LW Open from: 10.30am Tue to Sat.

Food Service Times: Tue: 12-2pm & 6pm-9pm Wed: 12-8pm

Thu/Fri/Sat: 12-2pm & 6-9pm Sun: 12-8pm

Our popular carvery is served Wed 12-8pm and Sun 12-5pm

Making a table reservation is always recommended and can be made by telephoning 01778 343200

Please visit our website for menus & other information

waggonandhorseslangtoft.co.uk

What’s available in May...

It’s always a waiting game for our home grown, organic asparagus to be ready! Growing asparagus is a labour of loveeach spear is harvested by hand when it reaches just the right height. Other produce for your Spring menu include locally grown new season potatoes, carrots, beetroot & salad. Look out for locally grown broad beans too. We’ve plenty of seasonal dishes on offer in the Café & we serve afternoon tea every daybooking is essential. May is all about wild flowers in the Wildlife Garden & the breeding season, so stock up on live mealworms!

MON-SAT 8AM - 5PM SUNDAY 9AM - 4PM

Café hours: MON-SAT 8.30AM - 4.30PM SUNDAY 9AM - 3.30PM

Rydal 4-Seat Set

Everything for your garden, including furniture, water features, barbecues, plants, trees, pots, landscaping and more.

MEGAPETS

Find a wide selection of pet food, treats, toys and accessories, for your cat, dog and small pets as well as wild bird feed and accessories.

BETTERTACK

Everything for horse and rider, including bedding, feed, and new spring/summer equestrian clothing range

VIP CARD HOLDERS SAVE £30

Rydal Bistro Set

THE MOWER CENTRE

See our wide range of mowers and garden machinery, including rotary and ride-on mowers, scarifiers, strimmers and more.

Iris 6-Seat Dining Set

£1199

RRP £1399

www.birchgrovegc.co.uk

RRP £599 £549

Rydal Lounge Set

£1199

RRP £1399

Local History

A D-Day Poet and a Local Celebrity

by Brynley Heaven

Eighty years ago, the BBC, broadcasting in French to occupied Europe, picked a particular extract from Paul Verlaine’s poem, “Chanson D’Automne”, one of the bestknown poems in the French language. It was a pre-arranged coded signal to the French Resistance that D-Day was imminent. Ten years after the poem was written in 1865, the still-youthful Paul arrived in fenland Lincolnshire to teach French, Latin and Drawing.

William Andrews, the headmaster of William Lovell School in Stickney, sent a pony-chaise to pick up his new recruit at Sibsey Station, the first stop after Boston. Verlaine would later conclude this teaching post was one of the best times in his life. Did the headmaster fully comprehend who he had recruited? His new village schoolteacher was a veteran of the Paris Commune and fresh out of Mons prison in Belgium. He had been sentenced to hard labour for shooting and wounding his sometime lover, Arthur Rimbaud, another top French poet. It was a sorry tale of drunkenness and dissipation. In Verlaine’s own words, he came here “to recover from his past idiocies”.

One hundred and thirty years later, another leading poet moved to a fenland village in Lincolnshire, this time Moulton Chapel near Spalding. Not to stretch

the comparison, but like Paul Verlaine, Benjamin Zephaniah had seen the inside of prison, G Wing at Winson Green, having been convicted of burglary.

Fortunately, we have “The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah”, his autobiography to guide us. “It was the kind of village I had been dreaming of”. This consummate Brummie soon became an honorary ‘Yellow belly’. He was a familiar face in local schools as a memorable performance poet. Echoing Paul Verlaine, he writes “I’m very glad I made this one big change in my life, even though it was a risk and plenty of friends and family thought I was crazy”. Next door to a village butcher, this famous vegetarian would tend his smallholding and listen to Gardeners’ Question Time. A local business selling golliwogs is noted with disapproval. Some of his observations are unpredictable: “In small villages kids can’t even hang out in the street because when it goes dark, it really goes dark, and they need to see who they’re snogging”.

Verlaine and Rimbaud’s words were important influences on Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, and Jim Morrison. Benjamin Zephaniah’s words will entertain children and adults for generations to come. We can be proud of our celebrity poets.

Paul Verlaine in1867 painting by Frederick Bazille

Benjamin Zephaniah, who died aged 65 on December 7th, 2023

Introducing …

Hello! I’m Rob, one of the three faces behind Finova Money; an exciting, fresh-faced, financial planning business, helping our clients to make better choices with their money.

Igrew up in Bourne and moved back to the area about a year ago to be closer to friends and family. Community is really important to me, which is why I want to help more people who live here. I’m delighted to be contributing to the Discovering magazines and I look forward to sharing lots of valuable financial planning insights over the months to come!

For month one, here’s more about us and what we do…

Who are Finova Money?

I co-founded Finova Money to challenge the status quo of what people traditionally associate financial advisers with…

+ Only accessible by the wealthy

+ Focused on selling products

+ An expensive and opaque service

We grew tired of the ageing industry we were working in, in and around London, so decided to build our service around…

+ Adding lots of value

+ Delivering great client outcomes

+ Professional, fixed-fee pricing

Who do we help?

I love to work with clients when they are making big life decisions around…

+ Buying or selling property

+ Reducing or stopping work

+ Exiting a business

+ Planning for the next generation

Our proactive planning helps clients work through their options so they can confidently make the right decisions for themselves.

What do we do?

The way I work with clients can be broken down into the following three steps:

1Design – The initial planning process is all about building confidence and showing you whether you’re on track with your money. I’ll help review your current arrangements and provide advice and recommendations on how to improve your position.

2 Build – I’ll then build you a bespoke plan of how to achieve what you want in life. These are the actions you need to take and may include tax-efficient investments, such as ISAs and pensions, as well as ensuring your plan is well protected if anything goes wrong.

3 Progress – once built, we understand your life and priorities may change. That’s why our subscription-based service is designed to keep your plan on track and provide valuable ongoing advice throughout the year.

What next?

If any of the above sounds of interest, I’d be delighted to offer a free initial, 30-minute call to see how I may be able to help – just scan the QR code below. See you next month!

Tales from a Legal Land

WORDS FROM RICHARD WOOD

When I decided to become a solicitor, the world was ‘recovering’ from a time of flares and punk rock. Abba and Queen were at their best, hitting the heights. Since then, a lot of water has passed under the bridge but, hopefully, the guiding principles that attracted me to the profession remain.

At Double and Megson, we are down-to-earth people who believe in, and are passionate about, what we do. The law may change, but our mission is to serve our clients and to always offer a quality service. We believe that law should be embraced, as it encompasses all our rights. It concerns protection and guidance for all of us in everchanging and uncertain times.

We have acted for families over generations. We meet new and old, established clients who we see very much like friends, and we believe in personal relationships that are long-lasting. Technology and austerity have been challenging for our profession, but it is the people who count. The computer may try to say “No” but, with every new change, we are there for you to explain and guide you and your loved ones through the maze. Whether it be property, wills, estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney, family breakdown or employment, we will act for you in a down-to-earth way.

Through the years, comical moments have lit up the ‘legal life’, whether it be the bat that once got into the office and had to be rescued, or funny moments in Court, of which there have been many!

Remember that “Our Business is Minding Yours”.

May is one of our busiest months, but days are getting longer, giving you more time to carry out all the jobs that need doing.

Warmer (?) weather also favours weed growth (hoe regularly) and a variety of pests – how about planting flowers to attract beneficial insects and pollinators? Some suggestions are marigolds, sunflowers, cornflowers, lavender, sweet peas, and nasturtiums.

Seeds sown last month, such as carrots, beetroot, parsnips, to name a few, will need thinning out whilst they are still very small. Once they have been thinned out, water along the row to help the disturbed seedlings settle back in. When watering young plants and seedlings, water less frequently but more thoroughly, as this gets down to the roots. Also, carefully hand weed between the seedlings to avoid damaging the new seedlings. They may also require protection from very wet weather (or even a late frost) or pests and diseases.

Indoor sowings such as leek, sprouts and summer cabbage can be brought out now but take care to harden off plants that have been grown indoors or under cover before planting in their final growing position. A cheap way to protect tender young plants is to use “bottle cloches”, cutting down the two litre plastic drinks bottles; they are useful for protecting young runner beans and peas. Leeks should resemble a pencil in size. Make a six-inch-deep hole with a pole or similar and pop the leek seedling in and fill the hole with water. There is no need to fill in the hole with soil. This will happen naturally.

Other jobs to do this month include:

• Earth up potatoes; when the leaves are about 20cm tall, draw up the earth on either side to form a ridge approx. 15cms high: this will protect the foliage from frost and stop the tubers going green and poisonous.

• Pick flowers off new strawberries to prevent them cropping in their first year.

• Put some straw underneath the developing strawberry fruits to keep them off the soil and try to avoid watering overhead to reduce any problems with mildew.

• Cover carrots with netting to stop carrot fly damage.

• Pot on growing plants.

• Some crops may require a support ready for their growth, such as beans and peas and climbing plants. Ensure it is sturdy enough to take the weight once the fruits have formed, as well as the foliage, and that it can withstand any winds.

• Seeds to sow out are too many to mention, but include carrots, beetroot, French beans, lettuce, spring onions, salad leaves and peas.

• Try “succession sowing”, a small batch of seeds every two or three weeks, and you should have a steady supply rather than a glut: it will also help to maximise your chances of successful germination.

• Indoors, you can sow chillies, courgettes and squashes, runner beans, sweetcorn, aubergines, and cabbages.

Let’s hope for some good weather for growing and planting: enjoy!

HELP CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME

Locally based, and with over 35 years’ experience, Exton Home Improvements can make yours a “dream home”. They can supply a large range of bifold doors, French doors, windows and doors in various materials, colours, and styles to create a traditional or contemporary flair to your property, along with conservatories, roof lanterns, soffits and fascias, carpentry work and much more.

● Installing A-rated windows will help enhance your insulation, minimizing heat loss and reducing the need for constant heating or cooling, leading to substantial savings on energy prices.

● A new warm roof would put an end to your conservatory being freezing cold in winter and boiling hot in summer, creating a useable space again.

● Increase your living space by having a garden room installed by Exton Home Improvements. A versatile space that can be used for a home office, beauty salon, bar, outdoor kitchen, a quiet retreat, and so much more. With the added benefit of most garden rooms not requiring planning permission.

Certass registered and all glazing work carried out comes with an insurance backed guarantee. Quality materials and workmanship of a high standard mean that you will be delighted with their work. Many excellent reviews, like the following, will perhaps help make up your mind!

“Very happy with my pool house cladding. Professional job done to high standards. Will definitely be using this company again.”

“We’ve had our complete windows and doors replaced and I cannot fault the professionalism of Neil and his team! A real sense of attention to detail and nothing has been too much to sort. Thank you!”

• Family run company • Free, no obligation design service • Supply only or supply with installation • Siemens and Neff Master Partner

Time for a Spring Clean? Time for “New Clean”

“N

ew Clean” Lincolnshire is a trusted and reliable cleaning company, providing professional carpet cleaning services and upholstery cleaning in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas. This family-run business is in the capable hands of Wayne Phoenix, who has over a decade of experience in the industry, and his son Alfie.

New Clean appreciate that carpets and sofas are essential features of your home or business. Over time, dirt, dust, allergens, and stains can build up on carpets and furniture, and that’s when New Clean can step in, using the latest cleaning techniques and equipment to deep-clean and restore your carpets and upholstery to their former glory. They use eco-friendly and safe cleaning

products that are gentle on your fabrics and do not pose any health hazards to your family or pets.

The “truck mount” cleaning system which is used provides many advantages over most portable carpet cleaning machines. There is better suction due to a belt-driven blower. What’s more, the higher heat and pressure generated ensures a much deeper clean, extracting as much soiling as possible, resulting in cleaner carpets and, importantly, faster drying times.

New Clean are committed to delivering exceptional results and providing a personalised customer service, whether you need a one-time, deep cleaning or regular maintenance cleaning. Their vast array of 5-Star reviews speak volumes for the quality of their work.

Two Decades on and Stronger Than Ever

This month marks the twentieth anniversary of SureMove Property Lawyers Ltd appearing in Bourne

After major refurbishments, this popular and highly successful conveyancing firm now occupy the building at 11 North Street, formerly the home of Barclays Bank and Andrews, Stanton and Ringrose, Solicitors.

Kelly Fleming founded the business in May 2004 with three members of staff and one file! Originally from a customer services background, working in the travel industry for seven years, Kelly went back to college part-time to study and a qualify as a property lawyer. Working in both traditional solicitors and a conveyancing factory, Kelly soon realised how she wanted to bring together all the good aspects of each model. Furthermore, her background in the customer services sector inspired her to launch a new kind of conveyancing, focusing on excellent customer service.

SureMove’s mission statement describes just what the last two decades have managed to create:

“A coherent, concise legal service from cutting-edge conveyancers who care”. SureMove Property Lawyers Ltd offer a modern and fresh approach to conveyancing, providing a thorough, fast service with the emphasis on 100% customer satisfaction at a competitive price. A very knowledgeable, professional, and committed staff, supported using the most up-to-date technology, means that they can offer a first-class conveyancing service.

The glowing testimonials and consistently top-rated Trust Pilot and Land Registry scores clearly underline the fact that Kelly’s team are particularly good at providing the public with the very best. The SureMove website is particularly helpful with sections devoted to the conveyancing process, along with a very useful “jargon buster” section, helping to remove some possible confusion and anxiety, resulting from what many would say is one of life’s most stressful activities … moving homes.

According to Kelly, “Our team is our secret weapon. We are keen to home grow our staff and offer an excellent training facility, focusing on personal growth and promotion. Indeed, our directors have all been promoted to their current roles. Some staff 11

have been with us twenty years and many over ten years. Most of our fee earners started as legal assistants with us, studying and training on the job.” The fact that SureMove are so keen to support staff in completing their CLC qualifications to become qualified property lawyers, confirms the notion that here is an excellent career path – You no longer need to go to university to be a lawyer!

Not Just Successful Conveyancers!

The last year has seen SureMove celebrate their twentieth anniversary by raising money for “Don’t Lose Hope” and other worthwhile charities, alongside concentrating more than ever on teambuilding activities. The impressive list includes “Dress Down Fridays”, raising money for Don’t Lose Hope; an office ‘street party’ to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles; a Summer Fete; “Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness”; “Wear Yellow for Mental Health Awareness;

volunteering in the Don’t Lose Hope Garden; collecting for the Food Bank; and Selina climbing Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) to raise even more sponsor money!

Thanks are Due to Many

Kelly can look back fondly on the last two decades and how her initial goals are being achieved by her great team around her, but she is keen to also heap praise on family members who have stepped up at times of crisis, especially during the Covid period, three to four years ago. She is grateful too that SureMove can call upon many great independent estate agents, mortgage brokers and developers to provide as trouble-free a journey as possible for their many clients, 40% of whom are ‘returning customers’ – a clear indication that SureMove are surely moving in the right direction!

Maximum effort, minimum fuss.

Your move is our business.

Local sal e s

Bourne, Lincolnshire

As pa r t of ou r cu st omer ser vice pr omise, w e invest t ime a nd ener gy int o h elping ou r client s ma ke infor med decisions O u r ma r ket r epor t s t a ke a n a na ly t ica l a ppr oa ch in pr esent ing la t est insigh t on t h e UK pr oper t y ma r ket , w it h a mor e det a iled focu s on t h e Bou r ne a r ea ma r ket Ta lk t o u s t o lea r n mor e

B ou rn e a

Jason Treadwell Newton Fallowell

O v er t h e la st 12 mon t h s t h e a v er a ge sa les pr ice in t h e B ou r n e a r ea w a s £245, 037, w h ich compa r es t o £227, 486 a cr oss t h e Ea st Midla n ds R egion .

Th e h igh est v a lu e r ecor ded by t h e L a n d R egist r y ov er t h e pa st 12 mon t h s w a s £310, 000 for a a t a n d £890, 000 for a h ou se

House pri ce s

Th e a v er a ge pr ice for a pr oper t y in J a n u a r y w a s £281, 913, dow n -0 6% y ea r -on -y ea r bu t u p 0 5% on t h e pr ev iou s mon t h (O NS)

T ra nsa ct i ons

Th e HMR C r epor t t h a t 82, 940 sa les t ook pla ce in F ebr u a r y, t h e h igh est lev el sin ce Sept ember 2023, bu t dow n -5 6% on la st y ea r s lev els

How to Spot a Rogue Trader on Your Doorstep – or on that of a Vulnerable Neighbour

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

Spring is here and many of us are looking to spruce up our property, including the garden, driveway, fascia, and cladding. Whatever the job, big or small, don’t be tempted to give the work to someone who cold calls you at your home, claiming to be “carrying out similar work in the area”.

Sadly, the 70-79 years age group is one of the most targeted, and according to Age UK, each year, around 1 in 12 (940,000) older people fall victim to a scam. Whatever your age, please be aware of these more common red flags:

• A van or vehicle that has been parked outside the house for some time or which frequently comes and goes.

• Your neighbour being kept talking on the doorstep for what seems an unusual length of time.

• Work being carried out with no obvious signs of health and safety – e.g., workers on the roof with no protective clothing or scaffolding.

• Work that looks shoddy, untidy, or unfinished, even to the untrained eye.

• Multiple ‘workmen’ on site, with frequent engagement with the homeowner with no apparent work being done.

Doorstep rogue traders have a knack of catching people off guard. Remember:

1) Don’t be talked into something on the spur of the moment.

2) Don’t take their word for it when they claim urgent work or repairs need doing.

3) Do ask them to qualify who they are and to leave you a contact number.

4) Never hand over any cash as a deposit for work which they say they will return to carry out.

5) Feel free to ask to see their credentials and/or examples of their work.

6) Always ask them politely to leave if you feel uncomfortable with their approach.

7) If you want to get rid of them but don’t feel confident in asking them to leave, take a leaflet and report it to the trading standards or 101 if you suspect something isn’t quite right.

So, if you are in the market for a new driveway or patio or are dreaming of a new lawn or garden for the summer, then always use a professional. No reputable tradesperson will come knocking on your door ‘touting’ for business.

If you would like to find a reputable and recommended tradesperson in your area, visit www.safelocaltrades.com and together we can root out the rogue traders!

If you have ever been curious to see what we do and what we are about email our Helpdesk at helpdesk@warners.co.uk to arrange a free tour! 01778

Create ‘Kerb Appeal’ and Add Value to Your Home

This Holbeach-based firm are establishing a very impressive reputation for the quality of their work and the service they provide, across a wide area of South Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties. This can be clearly confirmed by the huge number of very favourable recommendations from satisfied customers on their website, www.lincolnshireresindrivesltd.co.uk, but especially on their Facebook pages.

Resin driveways are a long-lasting and easy-tomaintain option to transform the front of your home. An eco-friendly alternative, thanks to the non-toxic materials used, and available in a range of colours, a resin driveway is naturally draining, meaning no more puddles from heavy rainfall. They are highly resistant to rust, oil, corrosion, salt, and cracking, and are also the safest option, being resistant to abrasion, slipping, indentation and ignition.

The business owner explains how important it is to have a sound foundation, upon which the resin is to be applied. He recommends

RECOMMENDATIONS:

❝ … the men worked very hard, they were polite and very tidy and were able to answer all questions we asked them - a big thank you to Mark and his staff - well done!” (C.H.)

❝ From my very first meeting I felt I could trust Mark to ensure a professional job would be done. The team were very hard working and a pleasure to work with.” (P.H.)

❝ Mark’s team were very professional, tidy, and really friendly - cannot fault any aspect of their work from start to finish. They have transformed the front of our bungalowcannot recommend highly enough.” (S.S.)

to his clients the method which involves the excavation of the existing surface and installation of a permeable, tarmac sub-base, before a mixture of stone aggregate and a resin bonding solution is to be applied.

Whether you are looking for something subtle or eye-catching, Lincolnshire Resin Drives Ltd are confident you will find a driveway, path or patio that fits your requirements and complements your home. Their prices are very competitive, and their service is friendly, professional, with high quality, experienced installers.

To discuss your requirements or for a free quote, please call 01406 308201 and check out their gallery at www.lincolnshireresindrivesltd.co.uk for examples of their work.

Resin, Block Paving & Landscaping Specialist in Lincolnshire

See the reviews on our webpage from our happy customers

At Lincolnshire Resin Drives Ltd, we create resin driveways, resin paths, block paving and pathways. Resin driveways and paths give the finishing touch to your property.

We are trained in resin bound surfacing and understand that any work undertaken can be a big decision.

Our work is always to the highest standard.

With many years experience helping customers design and create their perfect driveways/patios hassle free.

“I

Have Been Diagnosed with Dementia; Can I Still Update my Will?”

With an ever-growing and aging population, along with prolonged lifespans, an increasing number of wills are being disputed due to doubts over testamentary capacity.

Dementia is a condition predominantly linked with the aging population, and the number of people diagnosed with the disease is set to rise to over one million by 2025. Those familiar with it understand its impact on both the individual with the diagnosis and their loved ones.

Contrary to popular belief, receiving a dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean a person cannot make a will to say who their money and possessions should go to after they die. Instead, it depends on whether a person can understand and make decisions specifically about the will.

So, what would someone with a dementia diagnosis need to know and understand before you update your will?

You need to understand:

1 that you are making a will and the effects that doing so will have. This means you should realise that the will has no effect during your lifetime, but that it will dictate who looks after your affairs and who will receive your assets after you die.

2 ... what you own to be given away. You don’t need to know to the exact penny, but an appreciation of the value of your property (if you own one) and the amount of money that you have in the bank, or any investments is important. You would also need to consider any valuable chattels that you own.

3 the make-up of your family and those who might have a claim on your estate. This doesn’t mean that you must include everyone, but it does mean that you need to consider them and whether or not you want to leave them something.

If you can understand these three things, you can probably make a will. If there is any doubt, your advisor might ask that you undertake a capacity assessment with an independent expert. You shouldn’t be worried if this is suggested; it is just an extra level of protection that means you and your decisions will be respected.

If you need any help or advice around this tricky topic, call W&P Legal for a free initial discussion on 01778 252301.

Are you looking to move house

Look no further than our professional, affordable and reliable house removal service

Rest assured all of your items will be fully protected ensuring they arrive safely at your new home.

✓ Dedicated team of removers

✓ Dedicated vehicles

✓ Protective equipment always used

✓ Professional uniformed staff

Call our friendly team now for a free quotation 01778

We sell the following items:

✓ Boxes ✓ Wardrobe Boxes

✓ Bubble Wrap ✓ Wrapping Paper

✓ Tapes ✓All other accessories

Available to purchase individually or as a bundle.

Feel free to pop into our shop or alternatively give us a call. Let us take the stress out of moving

We have a brand new box shop open providing all your packaging and material needs.

INSTANT CASH WATCHES, JEWELLERY, GOLD, SILVER,

ALL MILITARY WATCHES WANTED, ALL BRITISH & FOREIGN COINS WANTED, ANY AMOUNTS BOUGHT.

PAID FOR SILVER, BANK NOTES, COINS ETC...

JOIN OUR TREASURE HUNT: Do you have cash in the attic? Come along to our Antique Roadshow – if the offer is OK, flog it!

So come on down, this is the Real Deal! From scrap gold to the finest antique jewellery, we’ll take it. We purchase all quality watches and jewellery – gold and silver is at an all-time high, so cash in. From old silver coins to antique silver tea sets, we want them all. WANTED – all Aviator diver/military watches. Best price paid.

LOCAL CLUBS, GROUPS & EVENTS

1st - Grimsthorpe Castle Army Benevolent Fund Tour and Talk with Guy Deacon. An exclusive garden tour with the head gardener and private tour of the castle with the curator. Followed by a talk by Guy Deacon CBE about his life with Parkinson’s Disease. 4pm-7pm. Please visit www.armybenevolentfund.org/ events/grimsthorpe-castle-visit for details.

1st, 15th, and 29th - Pregnancy Connect. A free group for pregnant women to meet up and make friends, in a safe space to chat about “all things, pregnancy and babies”. Hosted by Sophie (from Bourne Hypnobirthing) and Lauren (The Stamford Doula) who can answer all your pregnancy-related questions. Every other Wednesday evening at Full of Beans in Bourne, 6.30pm - 8pm. Free to join, with excellent coffee and cake available! Find us on Facebook, no need to book.

2nd and every Thursday - Chess Club at Wake House, all ages and ability welcome. 6.30pm - 9.30pm for more information, phone 01778 782224. Free parking. Refreshments available.

4th - Nibble and Natter in Abbey Church Hall: 10am - 12noon. Stalls to include -raffle, books, and refreshments. Everybody always welcome. Proceeds to Bourne Abbey Church.

5th and every Saturday - Bourne Wheelers ‘Social ride’ leaves Coggles Causeway at 9am and ‘Beginners ride’ leaves Bourne Leisure Centre at 9am.

7th and every Sunday - Bourne Wheelers ‘Club ride’ leaves the Bourne Post Office car park in Burghley Street at 9am.

5th - Join Friends of Bourne Woods to enjoy the blossom in the Community Orchard. Bring a picnic, blanket or chair and enjoy the peace and beauty. Some children’s activities (weather permitting). 12 noon - 2pm, off Beech Avenue. Free, but donations welcome.

7th and every Tuesday - Friendship Cafe at the Bourne Methodist Church Hall, 2pm - 4pm for anyone who would like to drop in for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

7th - Rebuilding Wellbeing Friendship Tea at The Windmill Room, Wake House, from 2pm - 4pm. Make new and lasting friendships over tea cake and conversations. All welcome.

7th and every Tuesday - Hypnobirthing group sessions by Bourne Hypnobirthing. Learn how

to be calm, confident, and in control for your pregnancy and birth. A full antenatal programme plus the chance to meet other expectant parents. At Wake House in Bourne, 6.30pm - 9pm. Booking essential. For more details visit www.bournehypnobirthing.co.uk or contact Sophie 07725 751775.

8th - Bingo at Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne. Doors open 7pm, Eyes down 7.30pm. Tea/coffee and biscuits. www.wakehouse.org.uk.

9th - “Music in the Aisles,” Jazz at St Firmin’s Church, Thurlby, starring The Church Street Stompers. Admission £15, bar available. Doors open at 6.45pm event starts at 7.30pm. To book tickets, visit www.eventbrite/music-in-the-aisle or call 07432156298 The Church Warden.

9th - Bourne Worth It W.I. welcomes Anne Lawtey to tell you about ‘Hats and How to Wear Them’. Bourne Abbey Church Hall 7.30pm. All welcome. Visitors £6 includes refreshments.

10th - Bourne Scrabble Club at 2pm in 1HUB, Queens Road, Bourne. For further details, contact: Angela 01778 426617 or 07706 993886.

11th - Delaine Bus Museum, Spalding Road.

PE10 9LE. Open 12noon-4pm. Admission: Adults £2.50, accompanied U16s free. Heritage Bus Rides at 1.15pm & 2.45pm. Further details at: www.delaineheritagetrust.org.

11th – ‘Red Herring Rutland - Murder Mystery

Events’ proudly presents “Quantum of Malice” at The Red Hall, South St, Bourne PE10 9LY - Tickets £45 to include a delicious dinner during the show. If you haven’t been lucky enough to be part of a Red Herring Event, be sure to catch this one. For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit www.redherringrutland.com.

11th - Rotary Club of Bourne Grand Quiz Night at the Bourne Abbey Church Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm start, teams of four £5pp. Bring your own refreshments. Email Richard Wells rexcons@aol.com.

13th - Option B, a bereavement group for those who have lost their husband, wife, or partner, meet at Don’t Lose Hope Café, from 4pm - 6pm.

If you need further information, please contact optionb2022@gmail.com.

15th to June 5th - Willoughby Memorial Trust Gallery have two new exhibitions, “Duende,” paintings, drawings and prints by Phil Bowman and “Drawings etc.” images using pencil, ink, and acrylic by Alison Atkins. Open from 12 noon – 5pm.

Events are brought to you by Hilary Bloomer. To send in yours please contact hilary@discoveringmagazines.co.uk or phone 01778 421427 / 07837 499061

Tuesday – Sunday, Moreley’s Lane, Corby Glen, NG33 4NL. Admission Free.

25th-26th - Ultra Marathon at Grimsthorpe

15th - Knit and Sew Friendship Group at Bourne Abbey Church Hall. 2pm - 4pm, £2 which includes tea, coffee, and biscuits. For further details, contact Rosie on 01778 423569.

15th - Bourne Organ Club. This month Tony Stace, 7.30pm at Bourne Corn Exchange. Tickets are available on the door £7 members, £8 visitors, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call 01778 424947.

16th - Bourne Garden Club welcome Geoff Bates who will talk on the subject of “Great British Gardens” 7.30pm at Bourne Abbey Church Hall. Visitors welcome £5. For further details, contact Marion Durrands 01778 421023.

16th - Amazing opportunity to enjoy the beautiful singing voice of Sarah McQuaid. 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Irnham. “One of the most recognisable voices in current music... Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” - Neil March, ‘Trust the Doc’. Tickets just £13pp. Box Office: www.ticketsource. co.uk/irnham-community-entertainment/

16th- Surprise Bingo! Oddfellows Hall, 57 Church Street, Market Deeping. 2pm. £1 for a book of 10 games. Contact Brian on 01778 423332.

16th - Bourne Garden Club is running a plant stall from 8.30am - 1pm at Bourne Market to raise funds for their Horticulture Show.

18th - Plant Sale and Coffee Morning, at Bourne Abbey Church Hall. Doors open at 9.30am. Lots of plants, including bedding plants. Any donations of plants welcome after 8am. Filled rolls and homemade cakes, teas, and coffees available. All proceeds to go to the NSPCC.

20th - U3A AGM 2pm, followed by a Quiz. Teams of six or come and join a team. Good prizes!

20th - Three Counties Dog Rescue Talk. Oddfellows Hall, 57 Church Street, Market Deeping. PE6 8AN at 3pm. Free, includes light refreshments. Book with the office on 01778 342006 or sarah.hitchcock@oddfellows.co.uk.

22nd - Bourne Branch of Lincs. Family History Society meeting in the Baxter Room, Wake House at 7.30pm (doors open from 7pm) This month the Chair will be hosting the meeting. Also available help with your own Family Tree. Members and Non-members welcome. For more information, contact Shirley on 01778 425613.

Castle. A multi-distance event of solo and team races. Expect a mix of estate roads, limestone tracks and grass trails. Spectators welcome on Saturday, but the Castle and Gardens will be closed. £5 car park fee per car for spectators. Open as usual on Sunday, Castle, Park, and Gardens prices apply. www.grimsthorpe.co.uk.

30th - Bourne and District Flower Club. Flower demonstration in Darby and Joan Hall, commencing at 7.30pm. Demonstrator will be Ann Purt with her theme “Cup of Tea.” There will also be a club competition with the same title, and a stall with scarves and brooches. Visitors and new members always welcome. Further details from Ann Northen 01778 423353.

Bourne Bridge Club meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Masonic Hall, Roman Bank, Bourne, 6.45pm for a 7pm start. All levels of Bridge players are welcome. For more details, please contact Sue on 07857 468732.

Bourne Motor Racing Club

9th - Club Night this month explores the field of artificial intelligence with the entrepreneur, William Sachiti who formed The Academy of Robotics. The company is based within the former RAF base at Neatishead, Norfolk and is in the forefront of developing autonomous vehicles and helper robots. “Kar-Go” is a van using sensors and AI to learn its surroundings, enabling it to reach almost any urban address.

Doors open at 7pm for 8pm. Guests and visitors are welcome. For further details visit www.bournemotorracingclub.co.uk.

Bourne Hereward Probus

Bourne Corn Exchange.

13th - General Meeting at with lunch, 12 noon. The speaker this month is Brian Thornthwaite who will be talking about “The History of the former RAF base at North Witham”.

10th - Probus Coffee Morning at 10am

Probus are always on the lookout for new members; why not come to the main meeting or the coffee morning? For more about Probus, contact Malcolm Kenwood 01778 441271.

Royal British Legion Club

18th - Live music with The Shaughrauns. Doors open at 7pm entrance £4 for members, £5 non-members.

The Monthly Meat Draw is on the second Sunday of each month at 1pm.

Annual membership is still only £10 per year!

Bourne Farmers’ Market

Bourne Spiritualist Centre

Evenings of Mediumship are £5 to nonmembers and £3 to members. The Saturday Divine Service is free, but there is a free-will offering plate and a raffle.

There are two healers available on a Saturday for those who would like hands-on healing free of charge. Tea, coffee, cake and biscuits will be served after the service.

1st - Evening of mediumship Ann Anderson. 7.30 pm.

4th - Saturday Service Rita Rymer & Elaine Jennings. 6.30pm.

11th - Saturday Service Olive Byrne. 6.30pm.

18th - Saturday Service TBC. 6.30pm.

25th - Saturday Service Trish Bennet. 6.30pm.

LDC Dance Company

Specialising in teaching a wide variety of dance styles to all ages and abilities. (3yrs+).

18 Abbey Road, Bourne.

Telephone: 07984 381153

Email: lauren@ ldcdance.co.uk Website: www.ldcdance.co.uk

Apollo Dance

Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acro, Musical Theatre and Cheerleading. 35 Wherry’s Lane, Bourne PE10 9HQ

Telephone: 07907 008362 Facebook: apollodance2 Email: info@apollodance.co.uk

Bourne And District Lions

Charitable Trust Fund. Meetings monthly on the 2nd and 4th Monday at The Royal British Legion, 7a Burghley Street, Bourne. Contact us at www.bournelions.org or 0345 833 2810.

19th - Indoor Farmers’ Market held at Bourne Leisure Centre (Queens Road, Bourne, PE10 9DX) from 10am-2pm on the third Sunday of every month (except January). Free admission. See www.facebook.com/ bourneindoorfarmersmarket for full details. 80

Bourne Hereward Probus

Are you new to the area or recently retired? We are a group of retired and semi-retired men who meet monthly to enjoy a good meal, companionship, and an entertaining talk in Bourne Corn Exchange. We welcome members’/ former members’ wives, partners and guests to monthly coffee mornings, plus biannual lunches. Contact the Secretary by email at bourneprobus@gmail.com or call 01778 441271.

Kokoni Creative Workshops

20th - Jewellery workshop: Chunky silver bangle with a charm. Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne. 10.30am - 2.30pm. £70 per person

Email: kokonicreative@gmail.com.

Thursday 6th June  8.30pm - 10pm The Wellhead Park,

For more information visit: bourne.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Sponsored by

Bourne Round Table are pleased to announce that we are just weeks away from this year’s Bourne Festival.

Last year’s Bourne Festival was an incredible event with huge support from the town and surrounding areas. It raised a huge amount of money for local, worthy causes. As a charity, Bourne and District Round Table host Bourne Festival to fundraise so that we can support and assist those who are in need; but we also do this to put something on for the community of Bourne to enjoy.

Over the years, Bourne Round Table has donated tens of thousands of pounds to help local groups, communities, and individuals and none of this would be possible without the local community coming down (rain or shine!) to support this event. Furthermore, Bourne Round Table could not host this event without the huge support we get from local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors who work tirelessly to make the event as successful as it is; giving up their time, money, and energy to bring the event to life!

The 2024 event will be taking place at the Wellhead Park on Friday May 31st, Saturday June 1st and Sunday June 2nd and we look forward to seeing you all again!

The Schedule

Friday May 31st

Saturday June 1st

Longest Day Golf Challenge

Your Chance to Help Macmillan Cancer Support

For four local golfing enthusiasts, the Summer Solstice 2024 will mean just one thing … seventy-two holes over seventeen hours, walking the equivalent of a marathon, over one of the most unforgiving local golf courses! The objective is to raise an enormous amount of money for Macmillan Cancer Support, and to achieve this, the request is going out to everyone in the vicinity to take part in the raffle for “The Macmillan Golf Challenge Mega Hamper”.

Furthermore, it is hoped that many of you will join the many local businesses and individuals who have already made significant contributions to make this the best prize anyone could ever wish for!

Gary Ellis, Ben Peck, Mark Peck and Craig Bradford have brought together their years of experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to the cause, (chasing that little white ball around for miles), with a fantastic level of selflessness to create the “Twist, Pulse and the Flatliners” team.

Raffle tickets will be sold across the town, with all the money going direct to the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity 261017. There is a way people can donate directly to the team page in the link below if they want to, rather than buying tickets...or they could do both!

W: longestdaygolf.macmillan.org.uk/Team/ twistpulseandtheflatliners

Where the fundraising goes

It will help Macmillan Cancer Support to provide vital physical, financial, and emotional support when it’s needed most. For example, around £500 could fund the Support Line for an hour, meaning up to twenty-five people could get the support they need from the Cancer Information and Support Team. Around £1,200 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for one week, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical, and emotional support.

The event will be held on Thursday June 20th, the longest day of the year, at the Toft Golf Course, starting at approximately 4am and finishing at approximately 9.30pm (hopefully!).

How you can help

The team are in the process of putting together a massive hamper, to include all sorts of delights, including food, drink, meal vouchers, and days out, alongside any other services the local community can generously donate. To promote the generosity shown, the team will be wearing polo shirts with the names of those contributors clearly shown.

Why they’re doing it

There are very few people who have not been affected by cancer, either themselves or a close family member or friend. The team have all lost loved ones, way before their time, and have struggled with them through their darkest hours. The Macmillan Support teams not only help those we love but help us deal with what inevitably may be the outcome. The team will also be giving a huge shout out to the glorious greens and fabulous fairways at Toft – their wonderful home for the day and hoping that friends and family come and cheer them on.

The draw for the “The Macmillan Golf Challenge Mega Hamper” will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday June 22nd at the Toft Golf Club.

SUNDAY 16TH JUNE 2024

20% DISCOUNT for stays during May, quoting ‘DISCOVERING’

Family owned & run since 1957, Islawrffordd Caravan Park offers the very best in quality. Situated at the southern end of the magnificent Snowdonia National Park coastline in the village of Talybont, Islawrffordd is an award winning, 5 star luxury caravan park, benefitting from a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, restaurant and bar, children’s activities and adventure play area.

2 Bedroom Luxury Holiday Home

• Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach

• Decked balcony with stunning mountain and sea views

• Available for Weeks / Mini Breaks

• Master Bedroom with en-suite bathroom

• Smart TV’s with DVD in every room

• Fully Insulated and double glazed

• Fully Centrally Heated

• Free wi-fi, (inc. Amazon Dot)

• For information visit www.islawrffordd.co.uk Call 01341 247269 or Email info@Islawrffordd.co.uk

Words from the Mayor

We are all hoping for some decent weather as there are lots of events coming up in our town. Bourne Town Council are planning for the eightieth anniversary of D-Day which will take place on June 6th on the Wellhead. Keep an eye on Bourne Town Council Facebook page for details. Bourne Festival will soon be upon us, and this is always a very popular event. Then, on June 16th there will be the Picnic in the Park on the Wellhead, incorporating a Classic Car Show which will be held behind the Red Hall.

In the early planning stage for next year is the very exciting ‘Charles Worth Centennial’ celebration in October 2025. There is a group of people from societies in Bourne already planning this event, and if you want to get involved, please contact Martin at Wake House.

I have several events to attend before the end of my term of office and hopefully my health will hold out. I have not been able to fulfil all my obligations

COUNCILLOR BRENDA JOHNSON

recently, due to ongoing health issues, and send apologies to anyone I may have let down.

I would like to give a shout out to Steven Giullari for all the effort he has put in over the Easter break with his ‘Big History Hunt’ including Easter Egg Hunt. This was all-inclusive and was done in conjunction with ‘Bourne2Shine’, an amazing group of people fighting for the rights of disabled children in our area. They are a great help for families with children with all kinds of disabilities. Take a look at their website to get involved; like all charities, they are always ready to welcome new members.

It has been an interesting year representing Bourne and so different from the first year when I was elected to this position. How times have changed, and life has moved on post-Covid! I hope you can all get out and about and enjoy our beautiful town over the next few months; take time to sit in our open spaces, use our local facilities, and enjoy every day, as tomorrow is not promised. Bourne is beautiful … embrace it!

Islawrffordd Caravan Park, Talybont, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL43 2AQ

Restoration Day “Keys of the Kingdom”

Saturday May 18th: 10am – 4pm

Elsea Park Community Centre, 1 Sandown Dr, Bourne, PE10 0US

The Church is facing its greatest spiritual battle since its inception, and believers that do not understand this, or minimise the reality of the battle of the ‘end time’ facing the Church, are at a disadvantage. Troubling and disturbing world events indicate that Jesus Christ is returning soon, which will be a fulfilment of biblical prophecies, written many centuries ago.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DAY

• To provide biblical perspectives on the keys that have been given to the Church.

• To understand the authority that we carry as followers of Jesus Christ.

• To explore our role in helping ourselves and others overcome and break negative cycles.

• To encourage believers’ confidence to stand firm in their Christian faith.

Restoration Days are hosted by Colin and Yvonne Mason. Colin and Yvonne are leaders of Love House Fellowship, a house-based church in Bourne. They have been involved with church ministry for over fifteen years and relocated from London to Lincolnshire in 2020. They have a heart to see the wounds we carry, especially the deep spiritual ones, healed by the love and power of God.

Each Restoration Day consists of teaching and prayer ministry, in order to commence healing, wholeness, and restoration.

Booking: FREE registration online

www.lovehousefellowship.org.uk.

Onsite parking is available with additional parking in the surrounding area.

Please bring your own packed lunch - Tea and coffee will be provided during breaks. Contact:

We offer highly qualified Financial Advice on a wide range of planning areas including: Investments ✦ Pensions Mortgages ✦ Wills

Lasting Powers of Attorney ✦ Inheritance Tax Business Planning ✦ Cashflow Modelling

Our goal is to build long-term relationships with every one of our clients. We take the time to get to know our clients and to understand their objectives and priorities. We know that the world of financial services is complex and can sometimes feel daunting. We will work for you in simplifying the process and we will communicate with you in terms that you will understand.

If you would like to speak to one of our advisers regarding any of these areas of financial planning, then please contact our office to arrange a FREE initial discussion as follows:

Phone: 01778 342291

Email:

advice@liberty-partnership.co.uk

Wills

Why do I need a will?

Wills are important to ensure that your assets pass to those you would like. If you are not married, your partner will not automatically inherit your estate.

If you have children, you can also use a will to nominate guardians to ensure they are looked after if the worst may happen.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

What are they?

Lasting Powers of Attorneys (LPAs) are documents that allow someone that you nominate as your attorney, to deal with your financial or health affairs on your behalf.

These are used when you lose mental capacity but must be created while you can still make decisions. If you do not create these in time, then unfortunately the solution is more costly and time consuming.

Probate

What is it?

When a person sadly passes away, some banks and institutes require a Grant of Probate to enable you to collect in their assets. If you are selling a house, a solicitor will require this to complete the sale.

We are licensed to assist with the probate application on your behalf, as well as distribute the estate, making everything simpler at this difficult time.

Vans and cars ideal for the job you need.

SHORT WHEEL BASE VAN Load length 2.4 meters

EXTRA LONG WHEEL BASE HI-TOP VAN

Load length 4.2 meters

LONG WHEEL BASE HI-TOP VAN Load length 3.4 meters

LUTON VAN FITTED WITH ELECTRIC TAIL LIFT (supplied with ropes)

Load length 4.2 meters

Jobs Fair Success

The first-ever jobs fair to be held in the town attracted over two hundred visitors, jobseekers, and those seeking a career change. The event was organised by TOOLBAR (the local charity that helps people into work) in partnership with Job Centre Plus Stamford and Spalding and was held at the Bourne Corn Exchange between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday March 19th.

Nineteen employers and support organisations took part, including Lincolnshire Police, the Army, large local employers (Johnsons Laundry and Bakkavor), as well as three care companies and two training organisations. They represented a varied range of industries, offering many opportunities for those seeking employment.

One of the unique features of the event was the three free workshops on ‘How to Prepare for an Interview’, given by a leading local HR professional. The sessions were all well attended with many saying that it had been very useful and beneficial. All participating companies reported receiving a good response from the visitors, with some reporting having

candidates following up with job applications and looking forward to being able to make offers of employment. They all made positive comments about the venue and organisation, with all saying it was well worth attending.

The jobs fair was made possible by a generous donation to TOOLBAR from housebuilder, Allison Homes, whose Mays Place development is taking shape in Manning Road, Bourne.

TOOLBAR is planning to hold another jobs fair next year, and hope to make it an annual event.

The Easter Bunny Hops to Witham Hall School

The first Witham Hall Charity Easter Egg Hunt was an “eggcellent” success with over 250 visitors.

We were blessed with a beautiful spring morning, perfect for children to explore the grounds and search for clues to be rewarded with a tasty treat in the pop-up café.

We raised a fantastic £500 for Tommy’s Arc, a children’s cancer charity. Thank you to everyone who visited, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Bourne In Business

The April meeting of Bourne in Business was held at the popular Smith’s in Bourne, and businesses from the area were treated to a great key speaker – Flick Hamnett-Day who covered the subject of Social Media for business in a very engaging session that prompted great discussion around the tables. Having a clear strategy and target market we all know is important but the session brought out much more!

Bourne in Business meets generally on the first Tuesday of the month and is quickly reestablishing itself with vibrant engaging meetings with a good cross section of businesses attending – find out more at www.bournebusiness.co.uk

20% more homes for sale

Growth in homes for sale boosts buyer choice

Source: Dataloft Poll of Subscribers, Zoopla. March 2024

MARKET INSIGHTS

• There are a fifth (20%) more homes available for sale compared to the same time last year, boosting buyer choice.

• Despite rising confidence, buyers remain price conscious and continue to negotiate on price. Two-fifths of sales agreed in March were at least 5% below the asking price.

• Encouraged by the usual spring bounce and a 9% annual increase in property sales, more people are putting their home on the market.

• 61% of agents reported an increase in supply in the sales market over the last three months, while 23% reported similar levels.

Source: #Dataloft Poll of Subscribers, Zoopla, March 2024.