Haxeyfeb2015

Including Misterton, Wroot, & Owston Ferry

February 2015

Issue 87

www.arrowpublications.co.uk

2

Please mention “The Arrow� when responding to advertisements

Welcome to the February issue of the Arrow.

If anyone fancies a trip out, The Haxey Amateur Dramatic Society are holding their annual production “Out of Focus”, by Peter Gordon.

Performances will take place on March 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th in Haxey Memorial Hall so make a date for an evening of great entertainment. Ticket enquiries to 01427 754294. I have been to many of these productions and I can guarantee an evening full of fun and laughter!

The deadline for the March issue is Wednesday 11th February. If you would like to advertise our advertising rates start from only £20 per month!

Enjoy the read and Best Wishes Carolyn (editor) carolyn@arrowpublications.co.uk Tel: 01302 532676 Mob: 0791 2643 010 www.arrowpublications.co.uk

Interior & Exterior Painting Based in Belton

Lee Hardy

07845 324433 For a Free Quotation

K. Shingler Plumbing & Heating

Local friendly plumber Boilers-fires-cookers. Installation-Service 24hr Breakdown Repairs No job to small. No call out fee (Epworth Based) Tel:

07967 2078 4227 528886

Laminate Floor, Kitchen & Bedroom Fitting, Spindle Staircases, Doors (internal and external),Tiling-Wall and Floor, Gates and Exterior Joinery Work (made to measure if required)

Fully Qualified 01302

775184 01427 892 892

Grove House Farm Grove Wood road Misterton (next to Dovecote Cafe)

Jewellery repairs and manufacturing.

Made to order. Work done on premises.

We have our own jewellery range incl. of the Misterton Cross.

www.thegemshed.co.uk

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

3

Community News Are you over 40? Do you feel a little unfit, lacking exercise and don’t know what to do about it?

Dates and locations for all of the new dances this Spring are: Thursday 5 February Thursday 12 February Thursday 19 February Thursday 26 February Thursday 5 March Thursday 12 March

Epworth, St Andrews Church Epworth, St Andrews Church Epworth, St Andrews Church Crowle Pavilion, Godnow Road Crowle Pavilion, Godnow Road Crowle Pavilion, Godnow Road

Each dance starts at 2.30pm and lasts for 2 hours.

There will be a small admission charge of £2.

Look out for more local publicity or for more information contact Peter Barnard on 01427 873937 or Kate Billmore on 01427 753363.

Isle Group of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust News Our next indoor meeting is to be held at The Stephen Jones Hall, Low Street, Haxey on Thursday 5th February 2015 at 7.30 pm.

Our Guest speaker is Geoff Trinder, Chairman of The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

Come along and enjoy one of Geoff's informative and entertaining slide shows.

We look forward to welcoming all our members and new visitors.

For further information please contact Geoff or Chris Trinder 01427 872051.

March meetings of West Butterwick and District Gardening Club There will be 2 gardening club meetings in March due to an early Easter in April. The 1st meeting in March of West Butterwick and District Gardening Club takes place on Monday 2nd March at West Butterwick Village Hall at 7.30 There is a talk by Steve Hickman on ‘Agapanthus’.

The 2nd meeting in March is the 30th.. David Matthewman is the speaker and his subject is ‘Sweet Peas’ Everyone is welcome – all ages and all levels of gardener.

Members£2, non members £3 The April meeting will be on 27th and Doug Stewart will speak on ’10 ways to improve your garden’.

4

Epworth Music Day 2015 This year’s Epworth Music Day falls on Saturday 20 June and we are starting to put the plan together to make it as much as success as it was in 2014.

Last year we attracted over 40 different groups of performers across a wide range of musical genres and we hope to be able to provide a platform for a similar array of musical talent in 2015.

We already have had expressions of interest from 20 groups. If you would like to perform in Epworth Music Day 2015 we would like to hear from you as soon as possible. Please email us at peter.barnard@me.com or call Peter Barnard on 01427 873937.

The Isle of Axholme Gardening Club will celebrate its 25th Aniversary this year. It’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 10 February 2015 where Committee Members will be nominated. Steve Hickman from Hoyland, Barnsley, will also be giving a talk on “Agapanthus”.

If you have some spare time and are interested in gardening please come and join us. There will be a fish and chip supper with tea and coffee. Also there will be a competition of five snowdrops in any vessel.

The meeting will take place at 7.30 pm at the Imperial Hall, Epworth. Annual subscriptions are £12. Visitors £2. All are welcome.

Date for your Diary To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, the Club has invited the very popular Christine Walkden to give a talk entitled “The Life and Times of a Gardener” on Tuesday 14 April 2015 at 7.30pm at the Imperial Hall, Epworth. Christine is a BBC Television Gardener and writer, best known for her appearances on The One Show and Paul O’Grady Show. Her recent book is “No Nonsense Vegetable Gardening”.

Price for the talk is £10 for non-members, £5 for members to include tea/coffee and homemade cake. Call Janet on 01427 874126 or Chris on 01427 728063 for tickets which are now on sale.

All welcome.”

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

Local Game Available!

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

5

PC Mark Raper

PCSO Sue Fahy

PCSO Stewart Pearson

ISLE OF AXHOLME - SOUTH POLICE REPORT CONTACT DETAILS:PC Mark Raper email – mark.raper@humberside.pnn.police.uk PCSO Sue Fahy email – susan.fahy@humberside.pnn.police.uk PCSO Stewart Pearson email – stewart.pearson@humberside.pnn.police.uk Neighbourhood Policing Priorities as agreed by the Neighbourhood Action Team (meeting Tuesday 2nd December 2014):- Full details can be viewed on www.humberside.police.uk Ongoing Issues Horses on the South area of the Isle – Reports were raised regarding horses straying onto the road in the Candy Corner area of Wroot.

Update = Reports have subsided of late but the Local Neighbourhood Team are still regularly patrolling the area to monitor the situation and speak to the horse owners if they do return.

Non Dwelling Burglaries Update = Please continue to report any suspicious activity as and when it is seen on telephone number 101. We will attend these reports and challenge anyone who is seen acting suspiciously in the area.

Also if you require any crime prevention advice also feel free to make contact with the Local Neighbourhood Team.

Parking in Haxey – Reports were received regarding parking along Church Street/High Street/Low Street areas of the village, vehicle were identified as blacking driveways and parking on the pavement thus causing obstructions for pedestrians, those with mobility issues, pushchairs and wheel chair users.

Update = There continues to be a lack of calls regarding this issue in the area, the Neighbourhood Team continue to monitor the situation and will deal with any issues when seen, please use a car park if one is available as offenders will be dealt with positively. Residents who may experience any of these types of problems in the area are encouraged to report any incidents at the time, so that it can be dealt with promptly and appropriately. The non-emergency number for Humberside Police is 101.

Information.

The Local Neighbourhood Team are asking residents to be extremely careful as at the present time there are “rogue traders” working within our area. They are targeting elderly and vulnerable people.

These people will offer to do household repairs and then charge you an exorbitant amount of money. Do not hesitate to ring the police if any such caller knocks on your door.

6

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

*As always our non-emergency number is 101, and in an emergency please dial 999* Regards Mark, Sue and Stewart.

Attitude Theatre Arts For Dance Drama & Singing Westwoodside Village Hall Saturdays 9.00-9.45am Melody Bear Movement Class ages 2-5years £3.50 per Class Learn to dance with Melody & Milligan Bear, make new friends & win dancing awards such as Medals and trophies

Saturday Classes from ages 2.5 to 18 Contact Miss J. Marston F.I.D.T.A.

078 627 22 653

Various other classes available: Ballet, Tap, Modern, Theatre Craft, Gymnastics, Freestyle & Musical Theatre

Qualified International Association of Infant Massage Instructor and a Qualified Nursery Nurse Baby massage is a beautiful way to be "in touch" with your baby and is a wonderful way to communicate both verbally and non verbally with your baby so they feel loved valued and respected. Baby massage can bring great benefits for both of you.

The benefits for you and your baby

       

Skin to skin contact promotes bonding with your baby and releases a feel good hormone called oxytocin Relaxes both you and your baby Aids baby’s sleep Gives baby relief from wind, colic, constipation and teething discomfort Improves baby’s circulation Develops baby’s body awareness and co-ordination Helps develop a secure and happy baby Helps you become more in tune with your baby

Baby massage classes coming soon to the Isle of Axholme beginning in March on Saturdays. 5 week course for mums, dads, grandparents and carers! If you are interested please contact

Terri on 01427 238916 To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

7

Quality Blinds FOR EVERY TYPE OF BLIND AND AWNINGS, CANOPIES AND FLY SCREENS

* * *

FREE Advice FREE Home Visit FREE Fitting

Call Paul 01724 712445 or 07761 141562 Based in The Isle of Axholme

Security Alarms Extra Sockets Full Re-Wires New Builds Showers Fuse Board Upgrades RCD Upgrades Electrical Inspections Solar Panels

8

Need an Electrician?

For a reliable local Electrician call Roger and his team

01427 872414 or 07939 201122 Free quotations and estimates Emergency call outs

www.rolec-electrical.co.uk

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

Supplying blinds for 30 years GEM COMPUTER SERVICES Internet/broadband problems Virus Removal Computer repair & Diagnosis General support & Advice without the technical jargon

For all your computing needs call Unit 3 Kirk Sandall Ind. Est. Sandall Stones Road Kirk Sandall Doncaster

01302 887106 or 07776 995 310

Greg 07903 235934 www.gemcomputerservices.co.uk

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

9

Community News

Are you over 40? Do you feel a little unfit, lacking exercise and don’t know what to do about it?

Perhaps you feel that signing up for a gym membership is not for you, but you want to try something a bit different that’s not too strenuous? Isle Dance for Health could be just the thing for you – as funded by a North Lincolnshire Council Community Grant Programme.

After the outstanding success of the first four programmes of country dances held in Westwoodside, Epworth and Crowle, local folk dance band Lys St Georges are gearing up for another programme of 9 dances, starting in Westwoodside Village Hall on 15 January.

Dates and locations for all of the new dances this Spring are: Thursday 15 January Thursday 22 January Thursday 29 January Thursday 5 February Thursday 12 February Thursday 19 February Thursday 26 February Thursday 5 March Thursday 12 March

Westwoodside Village Hall Westwoodside Village Hall Westwoodside Village Hall Epworth, St Andrews Church Epworth, St Andrews Church Epworth, St Andrews Church Crowle Pavilion, Godnow Road Crowle Pavilion, Godnow Road Crowle Pavilion, Godnow Road

Each dance starts at 2.30pm and lasts for 2 hours.

You don’t need a partner nor any experience in country dancing and the dances will be suitable for all levels of fitness.

There will be a small admission charge of £2 for each dance.

Look out for more local publicity or for more information contact Peter Barnard on 01427 873937 or Kate Billmore on 01427 753363.

Gala Valentines Ball in aid of The Mayor's Appeal Fund supporting Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support @ The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, Saturday 14 February 2015. Tickets £35 each to include a three-course meal & coffee Entertainment by Generations Apart & Perfect Pair For a booking form contact the Civic Office 01724 296346 or email anne.torn@northlincs.gov.uk

10

Owston Ferry Society will be holding their AGM on Wed 11th Feb at

The Coronation Hall.

Start time 7.30pm; followed by Aubrey Lindley's slide show, and Jean Sims Cheese & Wine.

Non members welcome.

Owston Ferry WI By the time you read this article Christmas will seem a long time ago. However, those of you who joined us for our Christmas Meeting will have enjoyed the singing and playing of Carols and Christmas music by the Gainsborough Salvation Army Band and Songsters. A collection was taken and I have beenold by them that £141.09 has been used in their Community Programme helping the underprivileged in the Gainsborough area. Thank you to all who came along that evening.

Our February meeting is to be held at the Coronation Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18th February when Barry Cundill will be talking to us about "The Hidden Dickens". All are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served. There is a fee of £3.00 for non members.

St. Martin's Church, Owston Ferry.

The Services for February are as follows: 1st February - Candlemas family service at 3pm.

8th February - 9.15am Sung Eucharist 15th February-9.15am Sung Eucharist 18th February - Ash Wednesday -7pm Service at St. Nicholas, Haxey.

22nd February - 9.15am Sung Eucharist.

If you would like a great night out an Abba Live Tribute Band night & Disco is being held at Haxey Memorial Hall on Saturday 7th March. Fancy dress is optional and there will be a licensed bar and food. The event is being organised by the 1st Isle of Axholme Scout Group and all proceeds will be donated to the group. Tickets cost £15 and are available from Sara on 07710436293 or 01427 753619

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER? GAS & OIL BOILER SERVICES Boiler Breakdown & Repair Boiler Replacement & Upgrades Burst Pipes & Leaks Oil Tank Replacement Services Fast Response and No Call Out Charge Friendly & Reliable

TVM PLUMBING SERVICES 01724 862266 07766 688 111 To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

11

Bespoke Gates & Railings . Security Grills Gate Automation . Sliding Gates Unit 10 Misson Mill Misson Bawtry Doncaster

0783 3230 825 01302 710862 Email: trevorward571@yahoo.co.uk

12

Please mention “The Arrow� when responding to advertisements

For the second successive year, a black beauty in the shape of Dillon the donkey stole the limelight at the annual Carol Service at Crowle Methodist Chapel.

Around 100 parents and youngsters turned up to see Dillon being led into church by his Haxey-based owner Susan Owen.

And once again he was on his best behaviour for over half an hour inside the carpeted chapel leaving a stand-by shovel and bucket redundant!

Mrs Owen was presented with a bouquet of flowers by chapel steward, Pat Briggs as a token of thanks on behalf of the congregation whilst Dillon was treated to a bag of juicy carrots.

A cheque for ÂŁ50 from the collection is on its way to The Donkey Sanctuary charity in Devon to help less fortunate donkeys.

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

13

14

Please mention “The Arrow� when responding to advertisements

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

15

News from Haxey Amateur Dramatic Society.

The play has been chosen and cast and rehearsals are about to begin for Haxey’s Spring production. “Out of Focus”, by Peter Gordon. It is an hilarious comedy which begins with a mix up over bookings for the local Church Hall. Although tempers are frayed, all assembled are persuaded to take part in a production of Cinderella, but with no experience, patience is tested and clashes of personalities mean the show may not go on !

Well known faces will take to the stage in the shape Jeremy Cooper, John Spittlehouse, Colin Emery, Diane Corbett, Joan Young, Pat Ellison, Sheila Morrey and Ilene Pearson. The producer is Lenny Lowe.

Performances will take place on March 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th in Haxey Memorial Hall so make a date for an evening of great entertainment. Ticket enquiries to 01427 754294.

16

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

17

Haxey Parish Council, Newsletter, January 2015

Parish Clerk - Deb Hotson Email: haxeypc@live.co.uk Postal Address: The Foreman Carter Centre, Westwoodside Playing Field, Westwoodside, DN9 2DX Telephone: 01652 618306 / 0784 220 1877 Website: www.haxeyparish.org.uk

HAXEY PARISH COUNCIL PRECEPT - 2015/16

Following on from last month’s brief on North Lincolnshire Council’s (NLC’s) published policy on the devolving of the Government Grant for Town and Parish Councils and how the Band D figure charged for each household is arrived at, the following is a summary of the recent decision by Haxey Parish Council on the precept for 2015/16.

First of all, Residents are again reminded that the Parish Council has maintained the same precept for the last 5 years. The Parish Council Finance Committee met in early December 2014 to consider the accounts, set the budget for 2015/16 and made a recommendation to the Full Council for the precept for 2015/16 at its meeting on 16th December 2014. The recommendation to increase the precept from £35,000 to £40,000 was accepted by the full Council unanimously. The following is the precept calculation and affect on the Council Tax charge Residents will see on their Community Charge bills, which will be sent out by NLC in March 2015.

In the interest of providing more information and clarity to Residents, the following are condensed details of the Parish Council budget: Expenditure for 2015/16 was estimated at just under £63,000 and based on, amongst other outgoings, Section 137 grants, salaries, National Insurance and Council administration, Officer and Councillor training, the annual over 70’s function, property/ground maintenance, St Nicholas Closed Churchyard maintenance, Parish cemetery establishment, community planting and reserves and contingency funding. Total estimated remaining funds for 2015/16, which included amongst other items, Parish land rents (which have recently been reviewed and increased) and VAT returns were calculated at just over £22,000 leaving a precept required of just under £41,000, which was rounded down to £40,000. A full detailed breakdown of the precept calculations for 2015/16 is available on the Council website.

The current Parish precept of £35,000 is based on the Band D Council Tax for Haxey which for the current financial year (2014/15) is £20.43. The increase in precept to £40,000 (declared precept of £37,222 plus the full grant from NLC of £2778) for 2015/16 will increase the Band D Council Tax for Haxey to £23.57, an increase per household of £3.14 per annum, which whilst this will show up on the Council Tax bill as an increase of 15.37%, it will actually be just over £3 per household per year for Band D properties!

In summary, the Parish Council has worked hard to maintain the precept for the last 5 years; however, this has resulted in a decrease in mandated reserves and contingency funding, which now needs to be stabilised to ensure that Parish Council funds remains on a sure footing. It is hoped that Residents will understand the situation and accept that the small annual increase in precept is a prudent way forward.

18

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

JONERY PLUS +

GLEW PROPERTY SERVICES

Ltd

All work undertaken from design to completion Professional & Reliable Kitchens Supplied & Fitted Flooring PVC/Timber Windows & Doors New Builds 1st & 2nd Fix Bespoke Joinery

Tom Glew

01427 872730 0754 0873 577 Email: gpscontractor@btinternet.com

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

19

20

Please mention “The Arrow� when responding to advertisements

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

21

Grade Leap of Faith Wow, what a year it’s been at ‘The Dean Headland School of Piano’! With several students attaining great exam results earlier in the year, then there was the annual Summer Concert and the last 6 months have been full of hard work to ensure students taking their ABRSM piano exams in December were ready for the challenge. For those who don’t know the Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music is the benchmark of success for all leading examining bodies. So remember students if you want to make the grade, you have to practise each day even when you don’t feel like it. Like most things in life, you only get out what you put in. Deans’ top tip is to remember that that the slower you practise the quicker you learn the piece.

The two students who took exams in December both worked to short deadlines and achieved great results thanks to their hard work and the faith and dedication of their teacher Mr Dean Headland. In less than five months 19yr old Holly Anderson has gone from Grade IV to Grade V ABRSM and 16yr old Dan Griffiths has managed a massive achievement in music terms by leaping from Grade I to passing his Grade III ABRSM Piano in just five months! With hours and hours of practice and weekly tuition from the inspiring Mr Headland these students’ results represent just some of the fantastic work being achieved at The Dean Headland School of Music. Each year student’s efforts are recognised when the student who has showed the most all round growth is presented with the ‘Dean Headland Progress Trophy’. This year it’s no surprise that the name being engraved on the trophy will be that of Dan Griffiths.

Mr Headland would like to congratulate all of his students for their hard work throughout the year with special congratulations going to those who have taken and passed exams and not least of all of course to Dan who has made such an impressive and rapid improvement.

Towards the end of last month the annual Christmas concert was held in ‘The Music Room’ where five of the schools’ younger students performed with great flair and confidence. They were required to choose three pieces of music which they had either perfected for recent exams or were their own personal favourites. All of the piano students who attended then went on to perform an improvised and fun duet at the piano with Mr Headland. It is Mr Headlands’ desire to see a better piano available in a local village hall so that the number of people able to attend the concerts could be increased.

22

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

23

LOCAL TRADESMAN ALL UNDER ONE ROOF Chris Broad Local Domestic Appliance Engineer Repairs & Sales *Washing Machines *Tumble Dryers

* Dishwashers * Cookers* Refrigerators *Vacuum Cleaners All work guaranteed.

We offer a professional and personal service.

01427 752146 / 07786 512158

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICES FIRST CLASS CLEANING Fully qualified & insured Rooms from £30 Suites from £12 per seat The Best Job At The Best Price!

01427 612111 / 07802 889951

ADDLESEE SKIP HIRE House & Yard Clearance Also FENCE PANELS Concrete Posts, Gravel Boards, Slabs etc.

Tel: 01427 873004 www.addleseeskiphirescunthorpe.co.uk

24

Pete Oliver Joinery All Joinery Work Undertaken Doors, Windows, etc Kitchens fitted and supplied Tiling [walls and floor]

01427 875234 07790 03 45 93 Lockwood Bank Epworth

LOCK PROBLEMS? Locked Out PVC Door Problem All types of Locks Fitted Lock Upgrade to B.S.SPEC Contact Andrew James your local locksmith

07970 758326

Book your ‘FREE’ security check now Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

martinrichards5@yahoo.co.uk

0754 7900 181 Epworth Based

JP Gardening Services Domestic & Commercial Mowing.

Garden Tidy Up. Routine Garden Maintenance. Strimming.

Small Tree & Bush Pruning.

Hedge Trimming To arrange a free visit & quotation

Tel

Fits Alarms

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

25

26

Please mention “The Arrow� when responding to advertisements

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

27

Elmfield Landscapes DESIGN-PLANNING-CONSTRUCTION

FENCING. PONDS. TURFING DECKING. PAVING. DRIVEWAYS WATER FEATURES BLOCK PAVING ORNAMENTAL TIMBER

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

Full Design and Planning Service Garden Landscaping and Construction

James Kelsey Based in Westwoodside

01427 752888 or 07788 187613 email: elmfieldlandscapes@btinternet.com

www.elmfieldlandscapes.co.uk

28

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

29

30

Please mention “The Arrow� when responding to advertisements

“ This lovely boy is Louis, a four year old Yorkshire Terrier Cross, who is looking for his new home. Louis is a lovely, friendly dog who loves company and enjoys playing ball and going for walks. He is ok with older children, and although he has lived with other dogs, we feel he would be best as an only dog. He does not like cats. He would make an ideal companion for an older person. If you are interested in meeting Louis, please contact Isle Rescue on 01427 728705.�

PROBLEM DOG ?

I CAN HELP YOU TURN YOUR UNRULY DOG INTO AN OBEDIENT FRIEND !

Does your dog suffer from behavioural problems?

Is it aggressive towards your family or other dogs ?

Does it chew furniture or wallpaper?

Does it mess in the house or is it just disobedient ?

For All Aspects Of Puppy Training

01427 880823

The Complete Dog Grooming Service

Bath & Blow Dry Clipping Trimming Hand Stripping Nail Clipping Ear Cleaning Collection and Delivery Service

Lauren Drayton City and Guilds Qualified

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

31

This month and every month read

THE W.W.2 DIARY OF CLIFFORD SPENCER 1764164 Gunner. SPENCER Clifford 27 L.A.A. (Light Ack Ack) Regt, R.A. (Royal Artillery) (107 Bty. (Battery)) Adapted & edited for publication by Anthony E. Catherall

Royal Artillery Badge

In July we went to Shipton, Yorks. A week there and then I got my second 7 days leave which was my Embarkation leave, also my last, didn’t even manage to get a 24 hour one. That last week we had together was perfect, except for the silent thoughts we both had, that it would be the last time we would be together again for a long time, neither of us know what was to be ahead.

Back again to Shipton where we got our K.D. (Khaki Drill) clothing and so our fears of going away looked bad. A few wanted to go but most didn’t. Still there was a chance that at the last moment it would be cancelled, but no, on Aug 15th. We departed for Eastbourne.

The last night I spent at Shipton I had a lucky escape, and took it as a good omen that I would go right through safely, and I thank God, that up to the time of writing I have.

CROSSING THE OCEANS TO THE MIDDLE EAST We arrived at the docks at 8am. Aug 16th. and before me there was the Strathmore, what a monster she looked, up the gangway we went and the hopes of cancelling were gone, no more to see my darlings, for, well I didn’t know how long and still don’t. There were to be no more letters to receive or send for months. We stood up on the deck and watched men from all kinds of Regiments, also hundreds of airmen; all told I think it was 4,500 on when we got going.

At last we did get going, down the Clyde. People were waving to us from the windows and their thoughts would be (how many of those poor lads will come back) well some won’t, as I know of, in fact two died on the boat before we got to our destination.

(At Greenock, the Strathmore linked up with five other ships to form a small convoy.

They were; 11L Strathnaver – 31A Orion – 12L Palma – 22L Brisbane Star – 32A Port Jackson. The convoy was listed as WS 10X. (WS was an abbreviation for Winston’s Specials) There were several ships on local escort but the main Ocean escort was the Heavy Cruiser, HMS Dorsetshire from The Clyde to Freetown Sierra Leone We soon got out of sight leaving our loved ones behind, but hoping it wouldn’t be long before we were coming back. That night we went to sleep thinking the same and hoping and praying for a safe crossing. We slept in hammocks on ‘L’ deck. We should be just about on the water line, the port holes closed, fresh air came down through funnels, but it still was hot and hotter still as we got further on, we were packed like sheep.

The weather was lovely and a lovely calm sea, right until we got to the Cape; (Capetown, South. Africa). My job was getting the food from the cook place, which was two decks up from where we were a big place with fire ranges. The cooks were mostly black. Anyway, I missed all guards and PT (physical training) through having that job. After meals we had to clear away and wash up, the rest of the time was my own which I spent up on the open deck.

There were four of those, there was a wet and dry canteen, in the dry one you could buy most things Please one wanted, plenty“The of chocs and cigs, cigs was duty frees, many other things.

32 mention Arrow” when responding toalso advertisements

Well we sailed along past Ireland and on to Freetown where we had our first stop but did not go ashore;(28.8.1941) by the way we had in company THE STRAFFHAVEN ORIENT. (SS Strathnaver) Peter Jackson with the Battleship HMS Revenge (not accurate see below) as escort to Cape Town.

What we could see of Freetown was that it looked very wild, few houses. Black boys came in little canoes up to the boat-side selling bananas, and oranges, but we were not allowed to buy from them, the hose pipes used to be turned on them, they were like fish for diving and swimming. Chaps used to throw coins in, down they went for them, and always came up with it, and shout “any mo” or “any mo glassco tanna”. Oh boy was it hot, the sweat just simply rolled down your body down into your sandals, we only wore PT shorts and never went into the sun.

The nights were beautiful, such lovely sunsets, we used to sit on the top deck, and the only thing was, that on the open deck we had no lights.

After getting going again, we had the crossing of the line ceremony. (crossing of the equator) By the way, there was an open-air swimming pool, there were plays, also boxing and concerts, and one poor chap I remember, a good singer, got killed up the blue. He did a turn on the stage at Cape Town. What bit of time we were there, it looked very good.

At last we reach Cape Town, (11.9.1941) arrive about 4 pm. After about six weeks.

We went ashore the first night after a lot of messing about. We spent three days there and had a good time, had a talk with a chap who used to live at Doncaster. Went to pictures, parks, etc, the people were very kind, lots of the men were taken home and given good meals and a jolly good time.

But all good things come to an end, and once more we got going (14.9.1941) where the next port of call was Aden, this time we had the Dorchester (see next paragraph below) which I believe has since been sunk.

HMS Dorsetshire & HMS Cornwall both sank 200 miles SW of Ceylon, after being attacked by Japanese dive bombers, pictured from a Japanese aircraft 5 April 1942.

We did not go ashore there (27.9.1941), still it was nice to see land once again, and there we had all the black boys again round the boat doing the same as at Freetown.

From there we went up the Red Sea, on our own, because each time a convoy went up it was attacked.

We reached the end of our sea voyage and arrived at Port Taufiq (1.10.1941). Very thankful to God for a safe crossing. There were one or two scares of submarines about, and one night the (Heavy Cruiser HMS Revenge) cut across and tried to cut in between our boat and the one behind (The Light Cruiser HMS Orion) but barges into the front end of the one behind and made a big gash in it, but it carried on alright and got repaired at Cape Town. (I Made an error The Dorchester (HMS Dorsetshire) escorted us from England to Freetown, The Revenge from Freetown to Aden, arrived Port Taufiq Oct 1st.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 33 TO BE 643010 CONTINUED NEXT MONTH

Football Tournament News – St Martin’s School Owston Ferry On a dull, damp winter morning the St Martin’s team set off from school to play football at the Appleby Frodingham Ground, Scunthorpe. All the group fixtures were played for 10 minutes and we were up against some stiff competition.

The first game was against St Augustine Webster School. Jack made many tackles and defended his position. It was a well fought match but St Martin’s were unable to keep up with the fast paced Augustine players and the final score was 0-4. Next we played Leys Farm and the football training kicked into play as the team passed the ball and defended well with Ewan successfully blocking shots on goal. Yarred was a brilliant goalie, saving several shots on target. Within this game, Joseph passed to his team-mate Abigail in a super cross and she was able to blast the ball in the net. Abigail’s goal was stunning and on target. The final score was 1-1.

They then had to get ready for the final match, they couldn’t relax yet. The game was against Hibaldstow School and this was a well fought match with lots of great football skills being displayed. The defenders, Cameron, Melissa and Daniel had to work hard, ensuring the opposition didn’t score a goal. In the end the final score was 0-0.

Our final game was against Bottesford Junior School. The defence again had to work hard and the majority of the play went in the oppositions favour. Ffion and Jackson tried really hard up front to score a goal. The final score was 0-4.

The team spirit displayed at the tournament was amazing and St Martin’s School played some of the best football of the season. Let’s hope this is the start of something good for St Martin’s football team.

Mrs Francis – PE Subject Leader and Teacher of Years 5 & 6

34

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements

Danum Tyre Services Ltd New Car Tyres.

Puncture Repairs.

Wheel Balancing. Truck Tyres

ALL AT GREAT PRICES!!

Family run business with over 30 years experience

Unit 9 Sandtoft Ind Est Belton Doncaster DN9 1PN

Tel. 01427 874505 Mob. 0789 9910 230 Email: gtaylor795@btinternet.com

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

35

What’s On In Your area in the Isle of Axholme Activity

Meeting place

Time

Wed

18th Haxey Cubs

Scout hut Behind Haxey Church

6:30 - 8:30 pm

Contact 01427 752250

Mon

Isle of Axholme Wolf cubs

Westwoodside Village Hall

6.00-7.30 pm

01427 754120

Mon

Isle of Axholme Scouts

Westwoodside Village Hall

7.00-9.00 pm

01427 754120

Tues

All Stars Tae Kwon Do

Coronation Hall, Owston Ferry

6.00 - 8.00pm

01427728162

Tues

Isle of Axholme Beavers

Westwoodside Village Hall

6.00-7.30 pm

01427 754120

Tues

Line Dancing

Westwoodside Village Hall

7.30-9.30 pm

01427 873778

Wed

Mother and Toddler

Westwoodside Village Hall

9.00-11.00 am

Mon/Thur Owston Ferry short mat Bowls

Coronation Hall (September—April)

1.30—3.30 pm 01427 728590

Wed

Social Club—over 60’s

Westwoodside Village Hall

2.00-4.00 pm 01427 752524

Fri

Tae kwan Do

Westwoodside Village Hall

5.00-7.00pm 01302 311174

Tues

18th Haxey Beavers

Scout hut Behind Haxey Church

6:00 - 7:30 pm

01427 752250

Fri

18th Haxey Scouts

Scout hut Behind Haxey Church

7:00 - 9:00 pm

01427 752250

Mon

Preschool— Playgroup 2.5—5 years

Memorial Hall

9:15-:3:15 pm

01427 754330

Tues

Aquafit

Misterton School Pool.

10.00-11 am

01427 754772

Tues

Preschool Playgroup 3—5 years

Memorial Hall

9:15-3:15 pm

01427 754330

Tues

Bingo

Memorial Hall

7pm—9pm

01427 752636

Wed

Preschool– playgroup 2.5—5 years

Memorial Hall

9:15- 3:15pm

01427 754330

Wed

Sunshine Yoga

Epworth

1:15-2:45pm

01427 873730

Fri

Tae Kwan Do

Memorial Hal

5:45-6:45 pm

1st Wed

Haxey Woman's Institute (WI)

Memorial Hall

Wed

Swing Band Rehearsal

Stephen Jones Community Hall, Haxey

7:30-930 pm

Thurs

Owston Ferry Bowling Club

The Green, Owston Ferry (Roll Up & Drives)

2.00-4.00pm

01427 728590

Thurs

Sunshine Yoga

Coronation Hall, Owston Ferry

7:00 - 8:30 pm

01427 873730

Thurs

Preschool—Playgroup 3—5 years

Memorial Hall

9:15-3:15 pm

01427 753162

Thurs

Happy Circle (over 60’s)

Haxey Church Hall

2:00—4:00 pm

01427 752636

Thurs

Bambi—Playgroup 1—3 years

Memorial Hall

9:45-11:45 am

01427 754830

01302 311174 01427 753062

3rd Thurs Ferry Folk Group

Crooked Billet, Owston Ferry

Thurs

Aquafit

Misterton School Pool.

8pm start

01427 728643

6.45-7.45pm

01427 754772

Thurs

Kick Boxing

Fri

Preschool—Playgroup 2.5—5 years

Memorial Hall

6:00 - 8:00pm

01427 875051

Memorial Hall

9:15-3:15 pm

Wed/Fri

Epworth short mat Bowls Club

Epworth Leisure Centre (September—April)

01427 754330

3.30—5.30 pm

01427 728781

Fri

Musical Monkeys 0—5 years

Memorial Hall

10:3012:noon

01427 753787

Fri

Ballroom Dancing Classes

Memorial Hall

3:00 10:00pm

01427 873532

Fri

Nordic Walking

Epworth Garden Centre

9.30 start 01724 297280

Thurs

Epworth & Isle of Axholme Rotary Club

The Mowbray Arms, Epworth

6.15pm start

01427 752464

Thurs

Musical Movement - Toddlers 12months +

Epworth Thurlow Pre School

9:00 - 10:00 am

01427 875016 01427 875016 01909 480087

Thurs

Musical Movement - Baby Group

Epworth Thurlow Pre School

10:00 - 11:00 am

Sat

Slate House Market & Carboot

Nr Messingham, Scunthorpe

1pm start

The Stephen Jones Community Hall - Pam Layton (Bookings)

01427 752783

Bookings of the Memorial Hall

Email: haxeymemorialhall@hotmail.co.uk (caretaker 07504 883614)

0744 3493 059

Bookings of Westwoodside Village Hall

Vivien M’Itwamwari

01427 753856

36

Please mention “The Arrow” when responding to advertisements01724 783125 Beryl Ash

Bookings of West Butterwick Village Hall Bookings of Westwoodside Pavilion

Deb Hotson

www.westwoodsidepfa.co.uk

01652 618306

Chris Yeardley Roofing Services ▪New roofs ▪ Re-roofs ▪Extensions ▪Lead work ▪ Repairs ▪ Flat Roofs ▪ Fascias & Guttering Friendly and reliable service from a local tradesman 24 years roofing experience All work guaranteed

01427 754197 07974 140344

WESTWOODSIDE CARS WE BUY ANY CAR

Tel: Nick 07836 222210 To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

37

Advice

Business Directory

Pensions Helpline

0800 991234

Electricity Emergencies

0800 375 675

Transco - Gas Leaks Yorkshire Water

080 111 999 0845 1242424

Care in the Community Age Concern

0800 009966

Childline

0800 1111

Neighbourhood Watch

01482 444466

Health Visitor Team for under 5’s

01724 298088

SSAFA Forces Help www.ssafa,org.uk

, 01476 569764

NSPCC

0808 80050000

RSPCA

08705 555999

NHS Direct

0845 4647

Owston Ferry LIVES (information only)

01427 728324

Community Crime Stoppers

0800 555 111

Carers Support Centre

01652 650585

Isle of Axholme Lions

01427 752139

Isle of Axholme Osteoporosis Support Link—Anne Broster

01427 875752

Epworth & Isle of Axholme Rotary Club

01427 752464

£30 + VAT for 12 months Contact Carolyn

01302 532676

Boarding Kennels/Training Croft House Kennels & Cattery

01427 890235

Business/Finance/Accountants Sterry & Co Chartered Certified Accountants

01427 752958

Hurstons Accountants & Bus. Advisors

01427 873737

Health/Fitness /Swimming Minnows Swimming Club, Misterton School Pool Catherine 01427 754240 or Annette 01427 754772 Aquafit - Misterton School

01427 754772

Pilates classes covering the Isle with Jill Allen

0790 338 4065

Funeral Directors Fields Funeral Service, Westwoodside

01427 874424

R Butoid Funeral Service , Misterton & Dist

01427 890317

Local Taxis Axi Private Hire up to 8 passengers www.axiprivatehire.co.uk

7866 859963 01724 798877

A & H Taxi (based in Westwoodside) up to 8 passengers 07817 068199

Tuition Maths and English Tuition Dyslexia Specialists

Trade/Craftsmen Brooks Homecare Improvements 01427 875314 /07973142963 Chris Yeardley Roofing services 01427 754197 / 07974 140344 Axholme Decorating Centre 'Mixing Paint For You' sales@axdeccentre.co.uk 01427 238941

Education and General Epworth Country Primary School

01427 872345

Haxey C of E School

01427 752294

Westwoodside C of E Primary School

01427 752355

Westwoodside Mobile Library

01724 865675

Haxey Library - Memorial Hall

01724 753239

Fountain Court florist

01427 872106

Entertainment/Children’s Care

Willows Dental Practice—Belton

Martin Johnson Plumbing & Heating Repairs

01302 845978 07817 300662

Orton Electrical Domestic/Commercial Installations 01427 752197 07850 087696

Home and Garden Axholme Pest Control

01427 873608 / 0776 6747245

All Aboard Children’s Club -Westwoodside

Leisure

01427 874831

01427 753676

Computer Services

Epworth Leisure Centre

01427 873845

Haxey Cricket Club

01427 752394

38

01427 752077

IT To Go Computer Services

01302 352352

Please mention “The Arrow” whenwww.ittogo.co.uk responding to advertisements07719 660777

To advertise please call 01302 532676 or 07912 643010

39

40

Please mention “The Arrow� when responding to advertisements