Discovering Bourne issue 174, February 2026 by Discovering Magazines

Welcome to your February issue...

February of course sees us celebrating Valentine’s Day, where we can shower our loved one with tokens of our affection. I once read that “Love” means nothing in tennis, but it’s everything in life. Songwriters have already been here many times before, and yes, it is indeed a “many splendored thing” and many would agree that “Love is all you need”. Some of you might even remember glam-rockers, Sweet, suggesting “Love is like oxygen” in 1978 – (not that I do, though!!)

Inside Highlights

4-5

Hoppers Jewellers have extended “Next Door”. 6-7.......... Swanky Rags: Prom dresses.

8.............. Valentine’s Day feature.

With the recent dreadful weather seeming to have just taken a break from freezing/ drenching us all, it is most encouraging to see our gardens starting to show some signs of spring on the way with bulbs poking through what was a covering of snow, only a few days ago. Let’s hope that the better weather puts a smile on everyone’s face and that those Valentine’s Day treats coming our way make us smile even more – (big hint, Chris! xx)

The wonderful thing about following sport is that it teaches you that for every silver cloud, there’s often a filthy old black cloud not far behind to dash your hopes. Think England’s recent Ashes debacle … again! This month, though will see the England men’s rugby team challenge for the Six Nations championship. Surely an unbeaten run of eleven games since losing to Ireland on February 1st, 2025, ought to mean that now is the time for a Grand Slam … or is it?

Not forgetting Valentine’s Day of course, here’s Nat King Cole’s perfect line from ‘Nature Boy’: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” Enjoy all the treats on February 14th! And finally:

● I’m so good at sleeping, I can do it with my eyes closed.

● I never take my dogs to the park as the ducks keep trying to eat them. That’s what you get for having two ‘pure bread’ dogs!

Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton

01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214

Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Group Editor John Schwarz | editor.bourne@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Design Graham Copestake | Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Booth

Sales Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 | Sally Anne Davis: 07737 026594

Events Hilary Bloomer | hilary@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Discovering Bourne is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care

the time of going to press; however, we cannot take any responsibility for loss,

12 Food & Drink: Honey.

13 The Griffin at Irnham: February offer. 14 Crown Hall Farm: Events and weddings venue.

16 Lucy Conley, CEO of SLAT gets MBE.

17 ............ Almshouses vacancy.

18 ............ The Carers Sitter Service.

24 Foot Bliss Bourne.

27 Sound Advice Hearing Centre: Open event.

30 Local History: St Gilbert and Sempringham Priory.

32 Legal issues: Double & Megson.

34 ........... Community Matters: Ellis Parker.

36 ........... Longstaff & Eckfords: New premises open.

37 Len Pick Trust: Seeking new Trustees.

38 Path Mortgages.

42-43 Consumer Advice from Safe Local Trades.

46-51 Roadshow in Deeping: Come and sell your valuables!

62 ........... W & P Legal.

74 ........... Lovebirds’ Quiz.

76-78 Events Guide.

80 Men United in Song: Male voices needed.

82 Words from the Mayor. 89-94 Business Directory.

With thanks to

Richard Wood, Liberty Partnership, Colin Pattison, Peter Baker, Ali Ray, Jason Treadwell, Christine Beardwood, Nick Ash, Eileen Le Voi, Rob Schwarz.

Deadline details

Copy deadline for the March issue is Thursday 5th February 2026.

copy or scan anything from this publication. For a copy of our contributors’ guidelines please email info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Hoppers Celebrating a Century and Looking to the Future

“Hoppers Jewellers of Lincolnshire” was established in 1926 by Arthur Thompson Hopper, great-grandfather of today’s owner, Fiona Hopper. Hoppers now have two shops, one at 11 Watergate in Grantham, and the other at 35 North Street, Bourne.

In this very uncertain climate of “High Street” shops in market towns closing, in the face of fierce competition from online and supermarket forces, it is most encouraging to hear from the enthusiastic Ms Hopper her plans, and her desire to “keep it local”.

Recent refurbishments to the Bourne shop have involved incorporating a neighbouring unit, to become “Next Door”. Fiona explained how, for something so crucially important as choosing the correct ring, be it for an engagement, a wedding, or for “eternity”, her customers deserve, by appointment only, to have total privacy, a relaxing comfortable ambience, and some welcoming refreshment, in the form of tea, coffee or something with more bubbles!

The bespoke, one-to-one consultation helps you find your “dream” ring in a friendly environment, without any pressure or obligation to purchase. Hoppers give you the expert information to make the best choice, whether you’re focused on a particular look or want to explore the fascinating world of gemmology. They offer a range of customised options for those looking for something truly unique, which include remodelling precious heirlooms and creating bespoke designs, perhaps involving engraving.

This consultation suite, “Next Door”, will also see future events, such as “Gemstone Evenings” where an international gemmologist will strive to inform and entertain. Fiona’s concept of a private “Wedding Fair” at the venue sounds particularly exciting and supportive too of several of our other local retailers. An array of wedding rings and gifts for the groom would be on display, in a collaboration with the likes of Blush Bridal, Stephanies Flowers and Jason Anthony Hair Salon.

Within the shop and on Hoppers’ superb website, you will find a wealth of beautiful gold, silver, sterling silver, and platinum jewellery, (necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings) many adorned with precious gemstones; rings; diamonds; and watches. In addition, there is a selection of giftware and pre-owned items.

As befitting a business whose livelihood depends on quality, trust, professionalism and integrity, Hoppers also offers a range of services, including valuations, insurance claims, gold and fine gemstones purchases, and engraving. Furthermore, a full repair service for jewellery, clock and watch repairs, alongside restoration and conversion work, helps complete an extraordinary offering to the public.

Redesigning old jewellery breathes new life into inherited or unworn pieces. Hoppers’ remodelling and redesign jewellery process preserves your memories in a unique way. Whether you want to remodel an old “hand me-down” engagement ring or transform an old brooch into a necklace, the options are endless, and the expert goldsmith and knowledgeable staff at Hoppers just love to be able to make all your dreams come true.

Treat your Valentine with a touch of sparkle

Time to Think Prom Dresses

The 2026 “prom year” is officially here, with still a massive selection of dresses to choose from, in a variety of different colours, styles and sizes. Here at Swanky Rags, VIP appointments are not exclusive … they are our standard!

We always provide you with a 1: 1 appointment, providing our specialist advice and care. This helps you find the perfect dress style, colour and size, that matches your personality and that is within your budget.

At your appointment there is no limit as to how many dresses you can try on; within the hour, you can try on as many as you want, whilst the Swanky Rags team will pick some out for you and listen to your opinions so that you find your perfect dress.

Swanky Rags have now introduced Gift Vouchers, which make the perfect gift for your family or friends. Why not use it towards your dream dress or accessories?

If you require an “out of hours” appointment, we are happy to accommodate you; please get in touch to discuss this.

Valentine’s Day

What’s It All About Then?

When February 14th comes along, we can expect to exchange messages of love through thoughtful cards, flower bouquets, perfume, jewellery, and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. But why do we celebrate Valentine's Day in the first place, because it hasn’t always been a celebration of love?

Who was St Valentine?

At least two men named Valentine could have inspired the tradition. One Valentine was a priest in third century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriage (he thought it distracted young soldiers), illegally marrying couples in the spirit of love until he was caught and sentenced to death. Another legend suggests that Valentine was killed for attempting to help Christians escape prison in Rome, and that he was the first sender of a "Valentine" message himself while imprisoned, writing a letter signed, "From your Valentine."

However, Although some historians believe that Valentine's Day commemorates the death of St. Valentine on February 14th, others believe that the holiday has its origins in a Pagan fertility festival called "Lupercalia," which was celebrated in ancient Rome. Dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Roman founders Romulus and Remus, the day was celebrated by sacrificing animals and smacking women with animal hides, a practice that was believed to encourage fertility!

In the 1300s,

it officially became a holiday associated with love.

At the end of the 5th century, Roman Pope Gelasius officially declared the date of February 14th “St. Valentine's Day." It wasn't until the Middle Ages, though, that the holiday became associated with love and romance, a tradition that first started from the common belief in France and England that birds started their mating season on February 14th

The first Valentine was sent in the 15th century.

The oldest record of a Valentine being sent was a poem written by a French medieval duke named Charles to his wife in 1415. One of the lines in the poem read, "I am already sick of love, my very gentle Valentine,” penned while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, aged just twenty-one. People were exchanging cards and handwritten letters to both lovers and friends during the 17th century, but it was in the 1840s that the first Valentine's Day cards were mass-produced.

Flowers…

The tradition of giving Valentine's Day flowers dates back to the 17th century, but the act of giving flowers then became a popular trend during the Victorian Era, including on Valentine's Day, with red roses symbolizing deep love.

…and Chocolates !

The first heart-shaped box of chocolates was introduced in 1861. It was created by Richard Cadbury, son of Cadbury founder, John Cadbury, who started packaging chocolates in fancy boxes to increase sales … and the rest (as any dentist or dietician will tell you) is history!

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HALLAM TRAVEL STILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SEATS AVAILABLE:

Cirque Du Soleil – Ovo (afternoon show)

Only 3 left Fri 23rd January £130

Hercules (afternoon show) Only 12 left Thurs 29th January £85

Sunny Afternoon (afternoon show) Thurs 19th February £77

Natural History, Science, & Victoria and Albert Museums Fri 20th February £34

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift Weds 25th February £66

The Woman in Black (afternoon show) Weds 11th March £61

The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Experience Fri 13th March £68

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour Sun 15th March Adult £63 Senior £59 Child £54

Thriplow Daffodil Event and Country Fair Sat 21st March £36

Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour Sun 22nd March £69

Coronation Street Experience Sun 12th April £70

Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile (afternoon show) Thurs 16th April £65

Hampton Court Palace including the Tulip Festival Fri 17th April Adult £64 Senior £59 Child £50

Ely Leisure Day Sat 18th April £27

RAF Museum, Cosford Sun 19th April £32

York Shopping/Leisure Day Weds 22nd April £31

St Paul’s Cathedral Sat 25th April Adult £59 Senior £57 Child £45

London Leisure Day Sat 25th April £35

Harrogate Spring Flower Show Sun 26th April Adult £56 Child £32

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (afternoon show) Thurs 30th April £73

The Bodyguard Tues 14th July £79

Great Yorkshire Show Thurs 16th July Adult £65 Child £45

Galway Bay Hotel – 6 days Sun 19th July £899

RHS Sandringham Flower Show Sat 25th July Adult £61 Child £27

Bakewell & Matlock Bath

Holt Sunday Market & Sheringham

Sat 2nd May £31

Sun 3rd May £28

The Princess River Cruise Experience includes 2 course meal Weds 6th May £56

Haworth and Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Sat 9th May Adult £46 Child £39

Aldeburgh & Southwold

Highgate Cemetery

My Neighbour Totoro (afternoon show)

Sun 10th May £31

ONLY 20 LEFT Weds 13th May £52

Thurs 14th May £75

The View from The Shard Sat 16th May £62

London Leisure Day Sat 16th May £35

Makers Central Sun 17th May Adult £44 Child £29

Legally Blonde (afternoon show)

Strictly the Professionals

Weds 20th May £78

Tues 26th May £90

Gravity – Starring Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman & Rachel Tucker Fri 30th May £79

Portobello Road Market/London Leisure Day Sat 30th May £35

Rushden Lakes Sun 31st May £28

Fawlty Towers – The Play Thurs 4th June £75

Southend on Sea Weds 10th June £34

Saltaire Village Experience Sat 13th June £40

London Zoo Sun 14th June Adult £58 Senior £57 Child £51

Les Misérables The Arena Concert Tour (afternoon show) ONLY 20 LEFT Sun 14th June £117

Royal Ascot – Ladies Day ONLY 18 LEFT Thurs 18th June £112

RHS Garden, Bridgewater Sat 20th June RHS Member £35 Adult £50 Child £40

Great Yarmouth Leisure Day Sun 21st June £29

Wroxham & Summer Jazz Cruise Sun 21st June £51

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance ONLY 7 LEFT Thurs 25th June £81

Skipton & Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) Sat 27th June £64

Skipton Leisure Day Sat 27th June £35

Kew Gardens Sun 28th June Adult £56 Child £42

Moreton in Marsh & Bourton on the Water Tues 30th June £34

Jersey Boys (afternoon show)

Weds 1st July £84

Kinky Boots (afternoon show) ONLY 1 LEFT Thurs 2nd July £94

Blenheim Palace, Gardens and Parkland Sat 4th July Adult £68 Child £53

Grassington and Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Sun 5th July Adult £50 Senior £49 Child £44

Oulton Broad 2 course lunch and Boat Weds 8th July £64

Avenue Q (afternoon show) Thurs 9th July £79

Colchester Zoo Sat 11th July Adult £55 Senior £54 Child £49

East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens and Wroxham Sun 12th July £46

Operation Mincemeat (afternoon show) Weds 29th July £86

Althorp House and Gardens Sat 1st August Adult £56 Senior £49

Cannon Hall Farm Weds 5th August £42

Crich Tramway Village Sat 8th August Adult £48 Child £43

Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder at the London Palladium ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 15th August £106

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Sun 16th August £64

Hever Castle and Gardens Weds 19th August Adult £51 Senior £50 Child £41

Tower of London Thurs 20th August Adult £71 Senior £65 Child £55

London Leisure Day Thurs 20th August £35

Dirty Dancing (afternoon show) Fri 28th August £80

Whitby Leisure Day Weds 2nd September £35

Annie (afternoon show) Thurs 3rd September £78

Canterbury Cathedral Sat 5th September Adult £53 Child £47

Canterbury Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th September £35

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £55 Young Person £48 Child £45

Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £85 Young Person £67 Child £60

London Leisure Day Sun 6th September £35

The Devil Wears Prada (afternoon show) Weds 9th September £83

Barnum the Circus Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 10th September £75

Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show Sun 13th September Adult £74 Child £30

Cromer Pier Summer Show (afternoon show) Weds 16th September £56

Sheringham 1940s Sat 19th September £30

Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra ONLY 18 LEFT Sat 19th September £175

Michael Ball: Glow UK Tour ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 19th September £117

Waitress (afternoon show) Weds 23rd September £78

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventure – The Car Man (afternoon show) Thurs 24th September £83

Churchill War Rooms Weds 30th September Adult £69 Senior £65 Child £52

Household Cavalry Museum Weds 30th September Adult £47 Senior £45 Child £44

London Leisure Day Weds 30th September £35

Beetlejuice (afternoon show) Fri 2nd October £79

The Piece Hall Sat 3rd October £44

Halifax Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 3rd October £34

Abba Voyage (afternoon concert) Sun 4th October Seated £130 Dance Floor £90

Leonardo Hotel, Liverpool – 4 days Weds 7th October £249

Mamma Mia! (afternoon show) Thurs 8th October £83

High Society (afternoon show) Weds 4th November £73

Mean Girls (afternoon show) Thurs 5th November £80

Simply Christmas, Sewing for Pleasure, Creative Craft, Cake & Bake International Shows Sat 7th November £39

Ely – Christmas Gift and Food Fair Thurs 19th November £40

Bakewell Christmas Market Sun 22nd November £30

The Fifties & Sixties Christmas Party (afternoon show & 2 course lunch) Tues 24th November £89

York Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Fri 27th November £31

Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 28th November £30

Lakeside Shopping Centre Sun 29th November £31

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th December £31

Windsor Leisure Day Sat 5th December £36

Christmas at Windsor Castle Sat 5th December Adult £65 Young person £55 Child £51

Leeds Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sun 6th December £31

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular Thurs 10th December £82

Cromer Pier Christmas Show (afternoon show) Fri 11th December £57

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre Sat 12th December £65

I’ve always loved the outdoors, gardening and of course flowers, and Fairview Florist is my way of sharing that passion with others.

I believe flowers have the power to comfort, celebrate, and inspire. From seasonal wreaths to heartfelt tributes and wedding bouquets and installations, I design each piece with care and a deep passion for nature’s beauty.

With Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day on the horizon, share the love with a beautiful wreath or floral bouquetall handmade and available to order now.

To make any enquiry or order, please contact Becky on: Mobile: 07415 764881 Email: Fairviewflorist1@outlook.com Socials: @fairviewflorist

Holidays & Day Excursions by coach from your area

HOLIDAYS

Monday 6 April

Northumbria Coast & Country

- Back in Tyne

5 Days HB from £589

Sunday 19 April

Charming CornwallCountryside & Coast

5 Days HB from £599

Friday 24 April

Royal Treasures & Tulipmania

3 Days HB from £369

Friday 1 May

The Cairngorms & The Splendours of Speyside

6 Days HB from £749

Friday 15 May

Potters - All Inclusive Break

4 Days All Inclusive from £549

Thursday 28 May

Charming Cheshire

5 Days HB from £599

Holidays, Tours & Private Hire

Monday 8th June

Summer on the South Coast

5 Days HB from £689

Friday 3 July

Torquay - Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa

4 Days HB from £489

Thursday 9 July

Whisky & Water in The Western Highlands

5 Days HB from £729

Sunday 26 July

Shropshire - A Short Break

Back in Time

4 Days HB from £469

Friday 14 August

Le Weekend on The Cote d’Opale

4 Days HB from £639

Sunday 30 August

Suffolk’s Boats, Beaches & Gardens

5 Days HB from £699

Tuesday 1 September

Delights of North Devon & RHS Rosemoor

5 Days HB from £699 COMING SOON 2026 Day

Honey a culinary delight...

BBy Trevor Langley

ees collect valuable nectar from plants, trees and ﬂowers, including clovers, heathers, lavenders, roses, herbs, and fruit trees. Honey is widely recognised as an important ingredient in a vast number of culinary (and other) productions.

I located multi award-winning Honeyland, a company, established in 2024, that provides raw classics, creamy spreads and delectations which I found to be hugely admirable and appealing to my senses enormously, with Family Collection, Creamy Stars, Winter Wellness, plus others that include Acacia, Hazelnut, Matcha, Mango, Sunﬂower and more. Maryna heads the team at Honeyland and Maryna’s father has been a beekeeper since 1982. Honeyland’s LOVE THE BEES PURE ACACIA HONEY is very popular with many families. Harvested from lush white Acacia groves, I found this production to be light, pure and smooth, with a perfectly balanced ﬂoral sweetness and ideal as a ‘regular use’ honey. Honeyland’s CREAMED HONEY with MATCHA and ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) suited my taste buds greatly. This fusion of delight has smoothness, with vibrancy from Matcha, plus probioticrich Apple Cider Vinegar, that combine to create a memorable, extended tanginess. A most versatile Natural Flower Honey, whether neat, from a spoon, drizzled over pancakes or yogurt, plus numerous other uses, this

production has pleased many since its introduction.

Honeyland’s CREAMED HONEY with HAZELNUT and COCOA I found to be a great creamy blend of Natural Flower Honey, Premium Hazelnut Paste and Rich Cocoa. A splendid addition, to spread on baked items and toast, and it makes a wonderful dip too, bringing a highly acceptable nutty taste to the fore, with no palm oil, soya or added white sugar. These are just some of the Honeyland range of honeys. Their very informative website has more details and further information about Honeyland, including their other honeys and stockists. Online ordering is easy, with all orders being dispatched quickly and efﬁciently. The Honeyland Wellness Club has special offers and allows early access to new productions. I found excellent, authentic tastes, with products being very attractively presented. They are perfect for gifting too. Highly recommended.

Honeyland Family Ltd. Tel: 07467 634560

Email: maryna@honeyland.uk www.honeyland.uk

12pm -1.30pm/6pm8.30pm

12pm-2pm/6pm8.30pm Sunday: 11am-4pm

Mrs Lucy Conley Awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List

The former Chief Executive Officer of South Lincolnshire Academies Trust, Mrs Lucy Conley has been recognised in the New Year's honours list. Mrs Conley, who retired at the end of 2025 after thirty-five years of working in education has been recognised for services to education.

The honours are given by the King and recognise the achievements of people from across the United Kingdom. The MBE is awarded to those who make substantial contributions at the local or regional level, with around eight hundred awarded each year.

Whilst Chief Executive Officer of South Lincolnshire Academies Trust, Mrs Conley has transformed three failing, non-selective secondary schools who were previously graded by Ofsted as 'Inadequate' or 'Requiring Improvement' before they moved into the Trust. Under her leadership, Spalding Academy, Giles Academy (in Old Leake) and Cowley Academy (in Donington) have all rapidly improved educationally, pastorally and financially, and were all graded 'Good' within their first Ofsted inspection.

WE HAVE A WINNER

Congratulations go to Hanna on becoming the first adult to win £100 in one of our regular Novelty Treasure Hunts. The December issue of Discovering Bourne challenged our readers to match up the images placed in shop windows around Bourne with those in the magazine.

Westbourne Park resident, Hanna was the first name out of the hat, and her intention is to take her winnings and enjoy a super meal at Bourne’s popular Nepalese restaurant, Gurkha 91, on North Street, as she has yet to taste the delights of this amazing place. (Great choice, Hanna! - Ed.)

South Lincolnshire Academies Trust has an outstanding reputation with the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) being ranked top in the East Midlands area by the Department for Education and in the top 6% of all MATs in England. It is also the only Multi Academy Trust in the East Midlands to be performing 'well above average'. Many of the schools now outperform many grammar schools in Lincolnshire, with Bourne Academy ranked as the top performing non-selective secondary school in the whole of Lincolnshire.

Mrs Conley said, "I feel so honoured to receive recognition for my work within education and this is the perfect end to my time as Chief Executive Officer. I have always put the wellbeing of students and families at the heart of everything we do, and it has been the most rewarding career seeing so many students flourish and succeed. The future of the Trust will continue to be incredible as it has a highly experienced and talented team of leaders who will build upon my blueprint of providing high quality education with exceptional pastoral care."

Mr Will Hawkins, Chair of Trustees for South Lincolnshire Academies Trust said, "It's a pleasure to have worked with Lucy and testament to her leadership and vision that every school in the Trust is now oversubscribed, as parents want to send their children to the four academies. Her legacy of ensuring every child receives the best possible education and the brightest future will continue. On behalf of the other Trustees and Governors, I am delighted to congratulate her on this achievement."

Almshouse Vacancies

Applications are currently invited to become a resident of the Almshouses, which are located on West Road in Bourne. Bourne United Charities’ Almshouses, provide homes within a community for local residents requiring charitable accommodation due to financial need.

Applicants must be aged 60 or over and have lived in the Parish of Bourne for no less than 10 years to be eligible for appointment. Potential residents must be able to demonstrate their good health and ability to live independently, in addition to giving full disclosure of their financial situation, such that the Trustees can fully assess need.

An initial application can be made by emailing admin@bourneunitedcharities.co.uk to request an application form. Alternatively, call in at the Red Hall, South Street between 9am - 1pm Tues to Thurs to obtain a form.

Almshouse Residents are required to contribute a fixed monthly fee towards the cost of maintaining the property and the services supplied.

To apply online, please scan this QR Code.

Exciting Times Ahead for The Carers Sitter Service

The Carers Sitter Service is a voluntary organisation which provides a service to assist carers and their families in Bourne, Stamford, the Deepings and surrounding villages. So many people are practically housebound because of the 24-hour care they are providing for dependent relatives and friends. The Service, therefore, attempts to meet the needs of carers, on either an occasional or a regular basis.

Just think how difficult it is for a carer to get to the hairdresser, to the shops, or even just to meet a friend for a coffee? Caring for someone at home 24/7 is a challenging task, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

With the help of the Carers Sitter Service, a volunteer sitter can enable that carer some much-needed time out. This service is unique, free and has been operating successfully for over thirty years. In 2025, the service covered approximately one thousand ‘sitting hours’, saving carers hundreds of pounds that they would have had to have paid for social care, or alternatively chosen not to go out.

The Carers Sitter Service now needs your help please

With the increase of referrals and recognising that carers need more time out, they want to expand the team to improve that service. It is a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers; some are trustees, some are sitters, a few do both. This call out is for more trustees and sitters.

◆ Have you a couple of hours a month to spare?

◆ Do you enjoy having a chat and being sociable?

◆ Do you fancy being a sitter to one of the service's “cared for” in their own home?

(Please note this is an insured sitting service and does not provide personal care).

◆ Could you help with fundraising, networking and/or promoting events?

◆ Do you want to support the service with donations?

If so, then the Carers Sitter Service is here for you.

And if you are an unpaid carer, living at home supporting a dependent

◆ Do you find it difficult to get time to yourself?

◆ Do you find yourself juggling each day and just wanting some time to yourself?

◆ Do you want to find time to meet a friend or just get to the hairdresser?

If so, then the Carers Sitter Service is here for you.

For more information regarding any of the above, the Carers Sitter Service is always happy to chat and can make an appointment for you to visit their office at Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9AE.

Please drop either Paula and Sara an email at carersitterservice@ gmail.com or call 01778 420257.

Opening Times Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9.30 to 1.30.

CHERRYHOLT MOBILTY

Hypnotherapy for Relationships

Relationship hypnotherapy is fast becoming one of the most effective ways to get your relationship back to how you would like it to be. When our relationships are in danger, we can become deeply affected as we are social beings needing healthy connections, intimacy and conversations. When communications in a relationship start to fade, everything else follows!

Conflict in relationships is normal as we are not always going to agree with one another, and it can be healthy for us to challenge each other; it can allow us to see from the other’s perspective. However, it’s when conflict becomes a constant presence in relationships and arguments become spiteful, aggressive with no resolution, that the most damage is caused.

“Communicate effectively”

And it’s not just for couples - it can be used for any two people who are struggling to relate to each other:

◆ Best friends who may have fallen out

◆ Getting over a break-up to move on

◆ Difficult personalities

◆ A parent and child

◆ Brother and sisters

◆ Working relationships

◆ A step-parent and a step-son or daughter

◆ Toxic relationships

Arguing can become a habit and an impulse, creating repeated patterns of behaviour and causing you to have the same argument, again and again. These patterns are held in our subconscious brain, and we become familiar with them so much that they happen almost automatically. Hypnotherapy can help you learn to cope with conflict and manage difficult emotions more easily. It can help you build confidence and self-esteem, to help you to communicate more effectively.

“Learn

to respond how you want to and when”

Becoming less affected by the words and the behaviours of others will give you the ability to become more tolerant and resilient to the opinions of others, as well as dealing with confrontation. This allows any anxiety, anger or resentment to calm down, allowing you to take control of your emotions and feelings. When you have a better sense of self-worth and emotional resilience, it helps you move forward to achieve a better relationship.

So, if you learn how to change your thoughts, you can change your feelings and then you can change your behaviours effectively. Hypnotherapy helps you to do this smoothly and effortlessly.

“Reach

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Clinic Care for all your Foot Health Needs

Foot Bliss Bourne is a predominantly clinic-based foot care service, although home visits are available within Bourne and the surrounding villages.

Nicola London understands the pressure we put on our feet and the damage that everyday wear and tear can have on our overall foot health, from her long experience as a runner. Foot care is for everyone, young and old. It is important to maintain good foot health at an early age to avoid complications later in life.

Good foot health involves you looking out for: any changes to your feet, both physical changes and pain; cracked, dry skin; sore ingrown toenails; and thickened and discoloured nails, which could indicate a fungal condition. Diabetics should take extra care, as any changes could be an early indication that there is an underlying issue.

From her welcoming, relaxing clinic, based in Burchnell Gardens in Bourne, Nicola’s treatments include fungal nails, thickened nails, verrucae, ingrown toenails, general foot health and nail trimming, diabetic foot health assessments, neuropathy testing, corn removal, and callus reduction.

All Nicola asks is that “You bring only yourself and your medical history to the clinic; I do the rest while you sit back and relax and enjoy a complimentary foot massage at the end of your treatment. Many clients comment that they leave feeling they are walking on air!” There is currently capacity for new clients and Nicola is happy to discuss any foot health concerns that you may have.

Services Offered:

Callus removal

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Fungal nail treatment

Verruca treatment

Diabetic foot care

Neuropathy testing and Athlete’s foot

Nicola London LD Dip RFHP

Fully qualified, registered and insured for all of your foot health needs.

Burchnell Gardens, Bourne 07765 005981

Care Visits At Home

● Care visits in the comfort of your own home, promoting and supporting independent living.

● Personalised care packages

● Meal preparation

● Cleaning

● Home care

● Medication support

● Domestic support inc. shopping

● Befriending and companionship

● Wellbeing checks

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Open Event at Sound Advice Hearing Centre!

Sound Advice Hearing in Market Deeping is your go-to choice for all hearing healthcare matters. This award-winning, independent audiology company is a family-run business. As such, they can give the very best impartial advice to their patients, whilst offering a friendly, competitive service with aftercare that is second-to-none.

Being independent means that they can offer much shorter waiting times than many other options people face when looking for hearing tests and advice on hearing aids. It also means that they work with multiple, world-leading manufacturers, offering patients a fantastic range of hearing aids, including all the latest technology, and not limited to just one or two brands.

Hearing loss can have negative impacts on individuals for many different reasons. Looking after your hearing can ensure you don’t miss out on those important social, leisure and communication opportunities. Sound Advice Hearing is here to discuss your individual needs with you, and find the right solution for you, your lifestyle and your budget.

16th- 20th February 2026

Sound Advice Hearing is hosting an “Open Event” at their Winchester Hearing Centre, running from Monday 16th to Friday 20th February. Come along and meet the friendly team and see how you can transform your hearing and your quality of life! The premises at 37 Market Place in Market Deeping has free, accessible parking to the front and rear, with major bus routes right outside.

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St Gilbert and Sempringham Priory

By Ali Ray, Chair,

The Aveland History Group www.theavelandhistorygroup.com

February 4th is the feast day of St Gilbert, a quite remarkable man who was born in Sempringham, north of Bourne, in c1083. He is the only Englishman to have founded a monastic order, The Gilbertines. Starting out as a nunnery in 1131, by 1148 he had added Canons Regular, therefore becoming the only monastic order incorporating both men and women in shared communities.

Gilbert was the first-born son of a Norman knight, Joscelin de Sempringham, who had married a Saxon Sempringham woman of “lower rank”. Rather than following his father into knighthood, he was sent to France to study Theology.

On his return in 1120, he began schools for the village boys and girls, and his truthful, just, chaste and sober virtues were recognised by all. He was instituted by Robert Bloet, Bishop of Lincoln, and had been ordained by the time of his father’s death in 1131.

In 1139, Gilbert de Gant, Lord of the Manor of Folkingham gave Gilbert land in Sempringham, south

of the church of St Andrew’s on which to build a priory. Work began on it that year. The same year Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, gave him Haverholme Priory, near Sleaford. Thomas Becket, during his escape from Henry II in 1164, is thought to have sheltered here; a good turn that could have cost Gilbert his life.

Gilbert died in 1189 at the age of 106 years, by which time he had established thirteen communities. He was canonised in 1202. The Gilbertine Order had twenty-six Houses across England, but the Dissolution marked its permanent end.

However, in 1983, nine hundred years after his birth, several people in the East Midlands established a new secular order, the Gilbertine Oblates. In that year, a Brazilian priest obtained permission to set up a small community, the Fraternidade Sao Gilbert near Sao Paulo, Brazil, and in 2017, ‘The Companions of St Gilbert of Sempringham’ was established in Canada.

A worldwide connection to our small pocket of Lincolnshire.

Hear more about this remarkable man at our “Celebrities of the Aveland” talk in May. Further details available at www.theaveland historygroup.com.

Gilbert of Sempringham flanked by two nuns Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Present day St Andrew’s Church Sempringham, built by Joscelin on the site of a Saxon Church. It contains some fascinating medieval remnants. Courtesy of Ed O’Keefe Photography Creative Commons Licence

The Remains of Haverholme Priory Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Happy Legal Valentine’s Day 2026

Romance may abound all year but with an emphasis in February. We all love flowers, especially roses, but what can sometimes be overlooked are those everyday things which we need, in order to prosper with our loved ones.

The law applies to romance in many more ways than you might think.

● Ensuring that your will is up to date can be fundamental to enjoying a protected, safe life. In a case where there are unmarried couples, they particularly have reason to make wills due to the rules of intestacy not protecting their partner.

● Many people do not ensure that they have nominated their partner in their pension or life insurance and these benefits can pass outside a will.

● In a property purchase, creating a Deed of Beneficial Interest can protect the parties, if they

fall out, and the so called “Bank of Mum and Dad” where they have lent funds to their offspring.

● Pre-nuptial agreements can be an attempt at trying to protect the parties if there happens to be a breakdown of the marriage.

● Using the benefits of the Inheritance Tax allowances can be a loving gesture. Knowing and using them correctly to include the “spouse exemption” can really assist.

● Tying down property matters and especially on a purchase is important for all couples.

Double and Megson at Bourne can assist with advice on these matters and other subjects close to our loved ones’ needs, such as employment issues.

‘Family Life’ is at the heart (no pun intended!) of what we advise on.

We wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

Double & Megson

WORDS FROM RICHARD WOOD

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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 07837 499061 sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Bourne Runner Goes the Extra Mile (and some!) for Charity

Bourne Town Harriers’ member, Ellis Parker has completed an extraordinary personal challenge, that of running a half marathon every single week for an entire year, all in support of two charities close to his heart, Hope Into Action and Four Winds Equestrian Centre.

Hope Into Action works in partnership with local churches to provide housing and long-term support for people experiencing homelessness. Four Winds Equestrian Centre, meanwhile, is a truly grassroots organisation which Ellis describes as “flying under the radar,” despite the profound impact it has on young people in the local area.

Through the British Horse Society’s Changing Lives Through Horses programme, Four Winds supports young participants who are facing challenges in their lives. By working with horses and developing practical life skills, participants experience increased confidence and self-esteem, while also forming lasting friendships. Ellis has seen first-hand the transformative effect of the programme and speaks passionately about the difference it makes.

Ellis is equally enthusiastic about Hope Into Action. Having previously raised funds for the charity during the Great Eastern Run, and through working closely with the organisation, he has witnessed the remarkable progress achieved by its dedicated team in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Throughout his fifty-two half marathons, Ellis has been supported by friends and fellow runners. To mark this outstanding achievement, he was joined on one of his final runs by members of Bourne Town Harriers, completing a celebratory half marathon around Morton and the surrounding villages.

Ellis has now raised over £2,000 for the two causes. Anyone wishing to donate, or to learn more about his challenge, can visit his blog at www.52-52-52.net.

Bourne Town Harriers offer training sessions for runners of all ages and abilities. Senior training takes place on Tuesday evenings, with junior sessions (ages 9 – 16) held on Fridays. Further details can be found at www.bournetownharriers.org.

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• Spalding:

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Official Opening of “New” Estate Agency office in Bourne

On a particularly cold winter’s evening on December 11th, it was indeed a very warm welcome that was offered to a party of local business guests to officially recognise the amalgamation of R. Longstaff & Co LLP and Eckfords.

R. Longstaff & Co LLP are a long-established firm of Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers and Valuers, who, in 2022, acquired Eckfords, a popular estate agency that had been established in Bourne in1990 by Rex and Angela Eckford.

Over thirty local business owners and representatives were hosted in grand style in the recently renovated premises at 23 North Street. Copious amounts of fine food and drinks were served amongst the

assembled gathering, as everyone was making the most of the opportunity to “network” with people associated with their own particular area of expertise.

The guests were proudly shown around the sumptuous new offices by Kit Longstaff (Partner), Angela Eckford (Residential Sales Manager) and Jane Willis (Senior Valuer and Assistant Sales Manager), ably assisted by other Partners and colleagues. It was wonderful to have Rex Eckford present, as indeed it also was to see Mr and Mrs Richard Simpson, who, as most of Bourne will still remember, were key figures in the town when their clothing shop, Jessie Bellamy’s, occupied the high street premises now housing Longstaff Eckfords.

Would you like to help your local community, and help the people of Bourne?

The Len Pick Trust is looking for new trustees to join our friendly team, and award grants for the benefit Bourne. The role is voluntary for an initial four year period, and would involve monthly evening meetings, visiting applicants and supported groups, joining sub committees, and other tasks as needed.

We're looking for people from all parts of our local community, and particularly welcome experience in ICT, marketing, and financial management.

•Do you have an interest and awareness of the needs and aspirations of our community?

•Are you able to attend monthly meetings of the Trust?

•Can you communicate effectively and work with others to achieve the objectives of the Trust?

Applicants are subject to full DBS Disclosures. The Trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the local community.

Please visit our website for more informationwww.lenpicktrust.org.uk For an application form, please email enquiries@lenpicktrust.org.uk

Why You Should See Your Mortgage Adviser Six to Nine Months Before Your Fixed Rate Ends

Mortgage advisers can secure a new rate up to nine months before your current fixed deal ends.

This means you can lock in a competitive rate early, protecting yourself from potential increases. The best part? If interest rates drop before your new deal starts, your adviser can switch you to a lower rate, ensuring you always get the best possible deal.

Here’s an overview of mortgage rates over the last eighteen months, from the Bank of England Database:

Here’s what a mortgage adviser can do for you:

For example, on a £300,000 mortgage over twenty-five years, with a fixed rate ending soon. Your adviser secured a new mortgage

rate on 4.07%. Six weeks later, rates had risen to 4.38%.

Because you locked in early, you avoided this increase, saving £51 per month. Over a year, that’s £612, and over a five-year fixed term, you’d have saved a staggering £3,060!

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MARKET INSIGHTS FROM

The latest consensus economic forecasts from HM Treasury provide a clear picture for what to expect for the economy and therefore the housing market in 2026.

Whilst economic growth is expected to be modestly weaker over 2026 (at 1.1%) this is close to the level that has historically been sufficient to drive positive house price growth.

The surprise drop in inflation in November (to 3.2% from 3.6% a month earlier) strengthened the hand of the Bank of England to reduce interest rates in December. The Bank Rate is forecast to be 3.5% by the end of 2026, suggesting one further 0.25 point cut this year.

Resilience in earnings growth as well as earnings running ahead of inflation is a positive for household finances and housing demand.

Both lower interest rates and continued wage growth are combining to improve mortgage affordability. Overall therefore, for the housing market this economic backdrop should amount to a solid year for price growth (low single digit growth forecast).

Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, Homeowners Alliance 2025, Rightmmove.

Consumer Advice

Romance Fraud – Don’t Let Scammers Steal More Than Just Your Heart This Valentine’s Season

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

Romance fraud is a growing crime that targets both the heart and the pocket. It ranks among the top ﬁve scams reported to Action Fraud, where criminals trick people into sending them money by pretending to be in a real relationship. In the UK's 2024/2025 ﬁnancial year, romance fraud saw a 9% rise in reports, with over £106 million lost – that’s an average £11,222 per victim!

Hardest hit ﬁnancially was the 50-59 age group and while more men reported cases, women faced higher losses, often stemming from loneliness and occurring on social media/dating apps. Fraudsters trick victims into sending money or gather enough personal information to steal their identities, resulting in ﬁnancial and emotional misery.

But it is not just ﬁnancial misery that takes its toll; there is emotional devastation with victims experiencing anger, embarrassment, and loss of trust, with many discouraged from future relationships.

How to stay safe from romance fraudsters:

• Be suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have never met in person, particularly if you have only recently met online.

• Be cautious about how much information about yourself you are sharing online and who you are sharing it with.

• Speak to family or friends to get advice. Fraudsters will subtly isolate you for their own purposes.

• Proﬁle photos may not be genuine. Performing a reverse image search can ﬁnd photos that have been taken from somewhere, or someone, else.

• Don’t rush into an online relationship – get to know the person, not the proﬁle: ask plenty of questions.

• Analyse their proﬁle – check the person is genuine by putting their name, proﬁle pictures or any repeatedly used phrases and the term ‘dating scam’ into your search engine.

• Stay on the dating site messenger service – don't use email, phone, social media or other messaging apps until you’re conﬁdent the person is who they say they are.

• Fraudsters sometimes re-establish contact with previous victims claiming that they can help them recover lost money; this is just a secondary scam. Hang up on any callers that claim they can get your money back for you.

If you, or someone you know, may have been a victim of romance fraud, contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.reportfraud.police.uk/ reporting-a-fraud

Preparing beds before sowing begins in spring is one of the most important February jobs.

In doing so, you’ll help to aerate, drain and warm the soil. When digging over, be sure to incorporate plenty of homemade compost or composted manure.

If you haven’t already done so, cover in plastic or cardboard for a few weeks to reduce weeds and to warm the soil. Clay soil will beneﬁt from spreading with a mix of organic matter and grit over the surface which when dug in will open up the soil structure. For early crops, prepare and rake level the soil and put cloches in place a few weeks before sowing which will help the soil warm up.

If you intend to grow leafy brassicas such as kale, cabbages, cauliﬂowers etc, add lime to the soil a few weeks prior to planting and allow the rain to wash it into the soil, then before planting add some ﬁsh, blood and bone, raking it into the topsoil.

Other jobs for February include:

• Make sure winter cabbages, cauliﬂowers and broccoli are netted against hungry pigeons.

• Prune autumn raspberry canes by cutting right down to the ground and then mulch.

• Feed and mulch fruit trees and bushes.

• The compost heap might beneﬁt from a bit of attention. Rake it through with a fork

to aerate it, add water if it seems dry and then re-cover it to keep it warm.

• All your seed potatoes for the year should have been purchased by the end of this month and spread out in egg boxes or seed trays for “chitting” in a cool light room. It is recommended to remove all but three of the “chits” as it is believed that this produces larger potatoes.

• If your rhubarb crowns show signs of activity, now is an excellent time to force an early sweet harvest by covering with a big bucket.

• Sow seeds indoors e.g. Broad beans, Brussels, leeks, onions, salad leaves, tomatoes, peas, spinach, summer cabbage, sprouting broccoli – to name but a few.

• If the weather allows, you can start a composting trench for your runner beans, courgettes or pumpkins. Mark out the area you will be planting and then dig a trench 60cm deep which you can then start to add layers of organic kitchen waste, covering each layer with soil.

• This time of year, can be unpredictable, so be prepared to cover sensitive plants or bring seedlings indoors if a cold snap hits. The flowers on any early flowering fruit bushes or trees will need protection if there is a frost – cover with horticultural fleece.

Happy gardening!

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Whether it is separation or divorce, an incident of domestic abuse or putting in place arrangements for children, we are expertly placed to advise on your rights, and to help bring about the best solution.

To make a free 20-minute appointment call 01778 230 030 , email emma.mcgrath@hegarty.co.uk or visit hegarty.co.uk/familyclinic

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Every Tuesday we offer free 20-minute family law advice appointments at our offices in Market Deeping and Bourne, to discuss your situation with our family solicitor, who can offer advice about your options and recommend next steps. Legal support for business, for family, for life

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2026 Starts with a Bang at W & P Legal

We’re kickstarting 2026 with some big news: W&P Legal is welcoming Bright Legal Solicitors into its highly respected group of Legal Services companies.

Bright Legal Solicitors, based in Leicester, is led by Parvien Akhtar and has earned a strong reputation in Leicester and beyond for providing expert advice across Family Law and litigation.

Speaking about Bright, Nick Ash, Managing Director of the W&P Legal Group, said, “Welcoming Bright Legal Solicitors into the group is the logical next step for W&P. We have specialised in wills and probate for over twenty years but, for a long time now, our clients have been asking us for more. Parvien and her team at Bright bring acknowledged expertise in Family Law, conveyancing and litigation, a perfect expansion of our portfolio of services.”

Nick continued, “Parvien shares our values and, like me, is active in the governance and ongoing education of the legal sector. She currently serves as a Council Member for the Law Society of England and Wales and is an examiner for the solicitors’ qualifying examinations.”

The search for the right firm took W&P Legal over three years, and we both believe this partnership will ensure clients have access to both specialist

NICK ASH, Managing Director W&P Legal

estate planning support and general legal advice. The continuation of high-quality services and dedication to client care means our services can be delivered across a wider location, making expert legal services more accessible.

Bright Legal will continue to operate from their offices in Leicester, adding the W&P portfolio of services to their core offering.

W&P Legal will continue to grow at its Market Deeping base, and has recently welcomed Tracey Allen, former Financial Director of Suremove, to its management team. Tracey brings over twenty years of legal financial management experience to the team.

What this means for you:

Whilst this is great news for W & P, you might be wondering what this means for you as a client. Put simply, we are going to be able to offer you more help and advice, in greater depth than ever before. Be it divorce, family issues, conveyancing or one of our more traditional areas of law (will writing and probate) you can be confident that the team at Bright or W & P will have the answers for you.

Call us on 01778 252301 to find out more about what we can offer.

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The Day The Zoo Came to Wood Grange

Wood Grange Care Home, in Bourne, was full of animal mischief one day in early January when the mobile zoo turned up. Residents were pleasantly surprised to see animals such as a snake, tarantula, cockroach and gecko roaming around their dining room as ZooLab paid a visit.

General Manager, Katya said, “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. We knew that having ZooLab here would be a

bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus. We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Resident, Pat was very excited and touched by the animals, commenting, “I have been on a few holidays where I saw some of these animals. It’s just reminded me of those days.”

Answers

1) You Tube, 2) Aquarius, 3) Amour, 4) Paris, 5) Richard Cadbury, 6) Oliver Cromwell, 7) Italy, 8) Cupid, 9) ethyst,Am 10) Dove, 11) Robert Burns, 12) Swizzles,

13) Al Capone, 14) Chicago, 15) Keira Knightley, 16) Brokeback Mountain, 17) Elvis Presley, 18) The Supremes, 19) Adele, 20) Simon Pegg.

LOCAL CLUBS, GROUPS & EVENTS

1st - Open mic at The Hare and Hounds, Haconby, 8pm. PA and soundman provided - hosted by Nick Gomm - 01778 571428

1st and every Sunday - Bourne Wheelers club ride leaves the Bourne Post Office car park on Burghley Street at 9am

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

2nd and every Monday - Toolbar – help for unemployed people, update your CV or get a new one. 10am – 12 noon, at Wake House, North Street, Bourne. See us on Facebook or www. toolbar-bourne.org.

3rd and every Tuesday - Junior Chess Club at Wake House 6.30pm - 7.30pm, £2.

3rd - The Rebuilding Wellbeing Friendship Group meet on the first Tuesday of each month between 1.30pm – 4pm at The Sugar Mill, Milestone Road, Bourne PE10 9ET. Come along and re-connect with others over refreshments.

3rd and every Tuesday - Bourne Town HarriersSenior training sessions listed on Facebook page. Further details at www.bournetownharriers.org.

5th and every Thursday - Chess Club 6.30pm9.30pm Wake House 01778 782224. All ages and ability welcome. Free parking. Refreshments available.

5th - This month’s talk at Nubourne W.I is from Joe Whitehead about Burghley Gardens. 2pm, at Bourne Abbey Church Hall. Visitors are welcome £5, light refreshments included. The WI is open to all women who have reached the age of maturity. More information 07760 468052.

5th and every Thursday - Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Spaces drop-in session at the Sugar Mill, Milestone Road, Bourne, PE10 0ET, from 10am – 12 noon.

6th - Nibble and Natter in the Bourne Abbey Church Hall. 10am - 12 noon. Stalls to include books, raffle and refreshments. All welcome. Proceeds to Bourne Abbey Church funds. Further details from Ann Northen 01778 423353.

6th and every Friday - Bourne Town Harriers –Junior training session for ages 9 to 16. 6pm at Bourne Grammar School. For further details www. bournetownharriers.org/training/juniors or join our Facebook page.

7th - Live Country Music evening at Masonic Centre Hall, 1-2 Roman Bank, Bourne, PE10 9LQ. This month Derek Darby, 7pm - 10pm. Entrance £10, no bar, so bring your own drinks. For further

information, call Donna 07718 972329 or email DCALiner@aol.cmo.

7th and every Saturday - Bourne Wheelers social ride leaves Coggles Causeway at 9am Beginners ride leaves Bourne Leisure Centre at 9am.

7th - Nene and Welland Oddfellows. Family History: A Case Study 6pm. Free talk. Oddfellows Hall, 57 Church Street, Market Deeping PE6 8AN. Donation for refreshments. Book on 01778 342006.

8th - St Firmin’s Church, Thurlby Refresh Café: 2pm4pm (in the church). Tea, cake and chat.

9th and 23rd - Option B, a bereavement group for those who have lost their husband, wife, or partner, meet at Don’t Lose Hope Café every second and fourth Monday, from 4pm - 6pm. If you need further information, please contact optionbdlh@gmail.com.

11th - Second Wednesday of each month - Models 4 Heroes. Free model making sessions 6pm – 9pm. Supporting former and current Armed Forces and Emergency Service personnel. For further information, contact Pete m4hbourne@yahoo. co.uk or Models4Heroes Bourne on Facebook

11th - Lincs Wildlife Trust, Bourne Area Group, welcome Libby John who will talk about her “Cycle tour of Lincolnshire Nature Reserves.” Bourne Methodist Hall, 7.30pm. Non-members welcome. Donation of £3 requested for adults, children free. Refreshments available.

12th - Bourne Worth It W.I - Abbey Church Hall 7.30pm - 9.30pm. This month is their Annual General Meeting, also a talk about Bourne Community Orchard. Visitors £6 including refreshments. All welcome.

13th - Bingo at Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne. Doors open 7pm, Eyes down 7.30pm. Tea/coffee and biscuits. www.wakehouse.org.uk.

13th and 27th - Art group at Wake House, North Street, Bourne. Beginners and anyone who would like to draw, paint in watercolours, oil, acrylic, and use pastels are all welcome. Help and advice are on hand throughout the session. 10am – 12 noon. Cost £5. For more information, contact Wake House Office Manager (Adele) on 01778 782224.

14th - Nene and Welland Oddfellows - Oh La La! French Night, 6:30pm at Coronation Hall, Market Deeping. PE6 8DB. £12 (£10 members). Includes a dinner. Dress up ‘Allo ‘Allo style encouraged. Book with Jenny on 07788 534290.

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

15th - Enjoy a free afternoon of quality music with Pennyless at Mama Liz’s, Stamford. 4pm - 6pm.

16th - The speakers at this month’s U3A meeting will be Alison Carr and Ali Ray of the Aveland Historical Society with a talk entitled ‘Bourne and the surrounding area in World War 2.’ Doors open 1.45pm for 2.10pm start. Bourne Corn Exchange.

18th - Knit and Sew Friendship Group at Bourne Abbey Church Hall. 2pm - 4pm, £2 which includes tea, coffee, and biscuits. For further details, contact Rosie 01778 423569.

18th - Bourne Organ Club’s guest this month is David Ingley. 7.30pm at Bourne Corn Exchange. Tickets on the door - £8 members, £9 visitors, all welcome. For more details, call 01778 424947.

18th - Third Wednesday of every month, Dementia Support South Lincs Coffee Morning: 10am – 12 noon at Bourne Corn Exchange, £3 donation will be greatly appreciated.

19th - Third Thursday of every month, Dementia Support South Lincs evening support group for carers and those with dementia from 6.30pm8pm at The Cedars Care Home.

21st - The Alamo Country Music Club at Edenham Village Hall PE10 0LS. “Darren Busby Duo.” Tickets £7 - Doors open at 7pm for 8pm start. Tea/coffee and refreshments available; bring your own drinks. Call Graham on 01529 455449 / 07984 161738 or Mags on 07879 26143.

22nd - St Firmin’s Church, Thurlby Repair Café –2pm to 4.30pm. The Repair Café will be held in Thurlby Methodist Hall. A meeting place to come and repair your broken items, seek professional advice and get inspiration and it is completely FREE! So, bring along something to repair or just come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of delicious cake.

FEBRUARY 2026

7.30pm followed by a presentation from the Plant Lovers Garden. All Welcome. Further details from Ann Northen 01778 423353.

28th - Bourne Town Hall Pop-Up events present an evening of live music at Bourne Abbey Church Hall and are delighted to welcome back local musicians KTN who sold out at their last Old Town Hall gig. KTN comprises Kevin, Tim and Nick who are a locally-based trio who regularly perform at the monthly Hare and Hounds Open Mic nights. Doors at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start. Licensed Bar. All proceeds to the Bourne Town Hall Regeneration Project. Tickets £10 from www.bournetownhall.org. uk. Get your tickets soon!

28th - NSPCC Tabletop Sale and Coffee Morning at Bourne Corn Exchange. Doors open for the public at 9.30am. Tea, coffee, filled rolls and homemade cakes are available. To book a table, ring Audrey on 01778 426487. All proceeds go to the NSPCC.

28th - Pennyless at The Anchor, Eastgate Bourne, from 8pm

MARCH

28th - Corby Glen Events welcome Mark Carey with a new ghostly theatre show “Dead on Cue.” Written and performed by Mark Carey, it is a spooky thriller set in the same theatre dressing room, during the same play, at the same theatre, but 60 years apart. During both time periods the theatre is hosting a performance of Hamlet where “time is out of joint.” 7pm start at Corby Glen Village Hall. Tickets £13 plus booking fee – concessions for group bookingswww.ticketsource.co.uk/events-corby-glen or call Terry on 07801 865780.

Bourne Hereward Probus

Bourne Corn Exchange.

24th - Bourne Branch of Lincs. Family History Society meet every fourth Tuesday in the Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm (doors open from 7pm). This month, Tony Stubbs will talk about his travels tracing his family in China. Members and nonmembers welcome. For more information, contact Shirley on 01778 425613.

25th - Friends of Bourne Woods AGM, 6.45pm, Room 7, Wake House, Bourne. For more information, call 07760 468052.

26th - Bourne and District Flower Club Annual Meeting in the Darby and Joan, Hall, South Street.

9th - There is no speaker this month which means more time to spend in the company of old Probus members and time to get to know the new members who joined in 2025. As always, there is a first-class lunch followed by a first-class raffle.12:30pm.

10th - Coffee Morning, 10am, all welcome.

We are always on the lookout for members, so pop along to the main meeting or the coffee morning?

For more details contact Malcolm on malcolmkenwood@mac.com or 01778 441271.

Bourne Motor Racing Club

Bourne Farmers’ Market

15th - 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.

Royal British Legion Club

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

6th - Party night with Eddy - £3 entry - doors open at 7pm.

27th - Music from Dunne & Rusted - £3 entrydoors open at 7pm.

The Vocal Club

A weekly singing club for women who want to sing and socialise. Sessions run each Wednesday 7pm - 8.30pm. No previous experience needed! AV Room, Witham Hall School, PE10 0JJ. Email: hello@thevocalclub.co.uk Facebook / Instagram: @thevocalclubuk Website: www.thevocalclub.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.

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

8th - This month’s guest speaker is rally driver, Seb Perez. Doors at the Bourne Corn Exchange open at 7pm, presentation at 8pm. Guests and visitors are welcome. For further details, please visit www.bournemotorracingclub.co.uk. Fancy an Enhanced Listing?

Email Hilary on hilary@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Auction of Promises Supporting Bourne’s Old

Town Hall

A dedicated team of volunteers has been working tirelessly to bring something truly special to Bourne – an Auction of Promises to raise vital funds for the regeneration of the Old Town Hall. Their enthusiasm has attracted an incredible array of lots, each one offering a unique experience or opportunity.

Imagine yourself learning choreography or singing with members of the Strictly Come Dancing team, enjoying tickets to dazzling West End shows, or taking part in exclusive local sports promises. Perhaps you’d prefer art, music tuition or live gigs, or even private tours of local facilities and heritage sites. The list is long, varied, and full of surprises – there really is something for everyone!

The promises and event ticket booking will be launched on January 24th, with the auction online from March 1st, giving you the chance to browse and bid at your leisure. It will all culminate in a vibrant live event on March 20th at the Corn Exchange, Bourne, where auctioneer, Stephen Knipe will take to the rostrum, ensuring an evening of excitement, entertainment, and spirited bidding.

This is more than just an auction – it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and generosity.

● Full details of the auction and promises can be found at: www.bournetown hall.org.uk/events

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this joyful occasion – place your bids, join the fun, and help make history in Bourne!

Watch this space!

More details coming in March’s edition.

MEN UNITED IN SONG 2026

Supporting Prostate Cancer UK

If you’re looking for something new, exciting and very rewarding in 2026, then Men United in Song is it!

We’re looking for around forty ordinary men –just like YOU –to join a fun, nineweek singing project launching in March. There’s NO audition and you don’t need any experience – just your enthusiasm to jump in the deep end, try something new and give it your best shot!

Working towards a fantastic live charity event at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday May 16th, you’ll learn to sing, meet new people, forge new friendships and perform live on stage - with plenty of laughs along the way - AND

raise lots of money for our charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK.

Plus, of course, there are the well-documented physical and emotional benefits of group singing, which have been scientifically proven, time and again, to improve confidence, wellbeing, productivity and even immune response... what’s not to like?!

Project Director, Will Prideaux, explains, “It’s not about finding the next Gary Barlow or Alfie Boe. It’s about helping ordinary men find their voice. So many men truly believe they can't sing, but we promise to have you singing - and loving it - in no time!”

Men United in Song kicks off with sign-up sessions on Thursday March 5th (6.30pm - 10pm) and Friday March 6th (6.30pm - 10pm). This is NOT an audition, just an opportunity to find out more and get involved. Get in touch TODAY, book your time slot, and start YOUR singing journey!

For further details contact Jo on 01733 425194 or email menunited@peterboroughsings.org.uk.

Here’s what some of the men who took part last year have to say about the project:

“The hard work paid off! Thanks for finding something in us that most didn’t know we had!”

“Fantastic experience from the first rehearsal... thanks for getting us all through the journey!”

“What a great experience, would do it all again in a heartbeat!”

Sign-up sessions will be at The John Mansfield Campus, Peterborough, PE1 4HX. Please call or email first to register.

• Rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings, 7.45pm - 9.45pm, at The John Mansfield Campus, starting on Thursday March 12th.

• The Men United in Song event will be at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday May 16th.

Words from the Mayor

In the lead up to Christmas, Fiona and I were delighted to be invited to attend the “SKAMP” production of “Puss in Boots” at the Corn Exchange. What a truly wonderful time we had and yes, we even ended up on stage for a “Team Mayor” versus “Team Consort” sing off, courtesy of that cheeky duo act of “Jethro and Jasper”.

Thank you to all the cast, crew and helpers, directors and everyone involved in putting on such a colourful and entertaining production. We have been to several over the years and think this was their best one yet. It was a sincere pleasure to meet many of the cast after the performance. ‘Bravo’ to you all and particular thanks to director, Ade Worgan who was very engaging.

We also had the greatest of pleasure in attending and supporting the Christmas Tractor Run, an excellent turnout of some eighty-nine decorated tractors and vehicles. On a cold, raw but thankfully dry day, it was wonderful to see such a turnout, along with all the crowds of people lining the roads into town and along the route. Thank you to all the supporters and volunteers; what a truly great spectacle and event these Tractor Runs have become! Well done to Lisa and Tim Sleight, along with the support of John Furlong / JJ Mac.

We were also kindly invited to the Methodist Church Carol Service shortly before Christmas, and I was only too happy to be part of the service with a reading. A lovely afternoon, rounded off with tea, mince pies and warming conversations.

Although we are now well into 2026 and with daylight hours already lengthening, thankfully, Fiona and I wish you all a safe, happy and healthy new year ahead.

Until next month, and for the love of Bourne,

Colin

Councillor

Colin Pattison

Tallington Lodge Care Home recently hosted a ‘Resident and Relatives Christmas Party’ with a delightful difference. Staying true to its personcentred approach to care, the team at Tallington Lodge decided to create an event that was not only festive, but also meaningful and memorable for residents. The result was a 1940s-style fashion show, bringing history, personality and plenty of festive cheer together under one roof.

Members of the wellbeing team carefully sourced authentic, 1940s-inspired clothing, giving residents the opportunity to dress up and take to the catwalk, accompanied by members of the wellbeing and care teams, who also dressed in 1940s-style attire for the occasion. Residents fully embraced the idea, proudly showcasing their outfits and personalities as they made their way down the runway to cheers, applause and encouragement from fellow residents and visiting family members.

The celebrations continued with live entertainment from Ryan Hornett, who took a break from his day job in IT to perform a range of musical hits from the 1940s onwards.

Residents and relatives were soon in the party spirit, enjoying singing, dancing and reminiscing together. Finally, everyone enjoyed a festive Christmas buffet, featuring a selection of traditional finger foods, sweet treats and refreshments.

Natalie White, Home Manager at Tallington Lodge, commented, “It has been a wonderful afternoon. Seeing the residents in their fantastic 1940s-inspired attire, and watching them have so much fun dancing, singing and reminiscing, has made it all worthwhile.

I would like to thank all our staff for taking the time to organise such a special event for our residents.”

www.countrycourtcare.co/our-homes/ tallington-lodge-care-home

Grant Funding

The Bourne Working families scheme

The WFS is available for anyone residing in the Parish of Bourne where there are one or more working adults in a household and in receipt of benefits of less than £200 per month

Grant Aid

The Cinnamon Trust Needs Additional Dog Walking Volunteers in Morton

Could you volunteer to offer some support to an older Morton resident and their delightful dog who would love a walking companion. If the answer is yes, we would be delighted to hear from you.

You would become part of a small team of volunteers assigned to a particular owner and their dog walking on a rota basis to suit your availability, the aim being that the dog gets a good walk several times a week.

Volunteers also foster pets as one of their family when owners face a spell in hospital or respite care. They take pets to the vet, even clean out the budgie's cage or the cat’s litter tray.

● If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please take a look at our website for more details about the Trust and what we do: www. cinnamon.org.uk.

● You can also complete and submit our volunteer registration form through the website or email us at appeals@cinnamon.org.uk.

● If you would like to have a more indepth chat about becoming a volunteer, please call us during office hours (MondayFriday 9am - 5pm) on 01736 758 701.