I'd rather be in Deeping feb 17

Deeping ISSUE 021 / FEB 2017

I’d rather be in

Prince

of Wales Pub

INSIDE

5

great insights into Mary Queen of Scots

Image: Mark Fordham

FEATURE

EXECUTIVE – COUNTRY – EQUESTRIAN

Cherry Tree Cottage, Maxey

£325,000

Newton Fallowell are proud to offer for sale this well presented and maintained Grade II listed cottage in the Village of Maxey. The property offers period charm with flexible accommodation and multiple reception rooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and generous dressing room. There are two further bedrooms and a ground floor shower room.

The property also has the potential for further accommodation (subject to planning) by way of converting the garage.

Externally there is a beautiful cottage garden and a fantastic studio offering a whole host of opportunities. Viewing of this property is essential to appreciate how it could work for you.

Executive, country and equestrian properties required www.newtonfallowell.co.uk

For a discreet market appraisal call: 01778

345978

The 2017 Gang Show Gang

Welcome It made national headlines, disrupted a Virgin London- Edinburgh train journey over the New Year - ended up caught in a fast food carton but now people of the Deepings can be proud to know that this bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is now in the care of Pam Mansfiield at the Exotic Pet Refuge in Deeping St James. Said Darren Mansfield, “Not a deadly venomous species but with a sting equivalent to 3 wasp stings it is not one to be taken lightly. After it hitched a lift from Sacatepequez, Guatemala and made its presence known on the train the lady who had no idea it was hiding on her glasses case in her bag, gave it to transport police who brought it here. It is now safely housed in a specially heated vivarium.� It can be seen on the first Open Day on Easter Sunday.

Open Days: Sundays 16th April, 21st May, 18th June, 16th July, 17th September, 22nd October.

3

Now accepting

15 year’s experience in the security industry having been trained at the highest level. No call out charges within a 10 mile radius of PE6 8HT. Very competitive rates please call and ask for Jamie. Free site survey and no obligation quote.

Police checked and fully insured. SSAIB accredited in Intruder and CCTV.

JC security UK offers customers that little bit extra.

Problem with your existing alarm?

No problem, we offer a complete takeover service e: jcsecurity@outlook.com

t: 01778 349432 Yell.com Safe local trades JC security UK @jcsecurityuk

www.jc-security.co.uk

COVERS ALL AREAS INCLUDING: • MARKET DEEPING • BOURNE • STAMFORD • LANGTOFT • BASTON • SPALDING • PETERBOROUGH

• DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL • INTRUDER ALARMS • CCTV • ACCESS CONTROL • AUTOMATED GATES • FIRE ALARMS • SECURITY LIGHTING • 4

33 29 42

16

Inside Editor: Sub-Editor: Designer: Features Writers: Research:

Judy Stevens Susan Hibbins Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design Judy Stevens, Dr Pam Byrd, Andrew Bowell and Emma Shearman- Smith.

Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman, Dorothea Price and Mary Pendred

07-11 News

29

12

Prince of Wales

33 Norway

16

Profile: Erica James

37

Nest Boxes

19

Medieval Wedding Customs

38

Five great insights into Mary Queen of Scots

24 Weddings

40

What’s on

26

42

Sleep Solutions

Antiques for Valentines

Photography: Publisher: Printed by:

Ian Baxter, David Pearson Judy Stevens Warners Midland PLC

Cover picture Taken by Mark Fordham local postman for over 21 years.

Hannah Smith

Deeping I’d rather be in

DBC - The Media Award 2016

PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111

Disclaimer. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of I’d rather be in Deeping. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, I’d rather be in Deeping assume no responsibility as to accuracy and shall not be liable for any omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance of information in this publication .Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of advertising material.

Contact: 01778 348859 Email: idratherbeindeeping@gmail.com I’d rather be in Deeping

@BeInDeeping

5

NATIONAL WINNER Field to Fryer 2014

/

REGIONAL WINNER

Best Independent Take-Away East Midlands 2014

NEWS

When Rotarian, Dawn Heath from Wisconsin USA was finding it difficult to have a gift delivered to her mother-in-law, Maureen Heath who lives in Market Deeping she turned to the Rotary Club of the Deepings for help. Not only was Amrit Mistry of the Spar Shop in Godsey Lane able to organise for none other than Santa himself to deliver the present but it turns out that Maureen had worked in his shop for years before her retirement! Deeping Rotary added a bouquet of flowers to the gift which made Maureen and Dawn‘s Christmas complete!

The 2017 Whittlesea Straw Bear

Geronimo - the 2017 panto for all ages from the Priory Players.

Intrepid Thorpe Hall Hospice nurse Sylvia Reid from Deeping St James will be putting her best foot forward this summer to spend five days camping and trekking across the lava fields of Iceland in celebration of her 60th birthday. With two colleagues she is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to support incredible care at the Sue Ryder hospice in Peterborough where they work. To find out more visit www.sueryder.org/ thorpehall or call 01733 225999.

Recent production of 13 at the Deepings School

7

DEEPING ST JAMES PHARMACY New year new chemist? Changing your chemist won’t cost you anything but WILL save you time.

THE AREA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT HIRE COMPANY

THE AREA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT HIRE COMPANY

Dak and his son Amrish are taking part in the London Winter Run in aid of Cancer Research UK. This 10 kilometres run takes place on Sunday 5th February 2017.

The run will cover the main landmarks of Central London.

“We wish to thank our customers for their generous donations. You can pop in to the pharmacy to donate or use the website

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Amrish10kLondonWinterRun

VAN HIRE

VAN HIRE Small Vans VAN HIRE Short wheel base vans

Small Vans LongSmall wheelVans base vans vans Short wheel base & Hi-top Long wheel base vans LutonShort Vans with Tail Lift wheel & Hi-top Van Sales /vans Car Sales base Luton Vans with Tail Lift Tyre Fitting and Servicing Van Sales Car Sales Long wheel/ base vans Tyre Fitting and Servicing & Hi-top

01778

CAR HIRE

CAR HIRE SmallHIRE Cars CAR Large SmallCars Cars Manual / Automatic Large Cars Petrol / Diesel Manual / Automatic Small Cars Delivery Petrol / Diesel Collection Large Cars

Delivery Collection

Manual / Automatic 01778

01778 01778 Luton Vans with Petrol / Diesel 344493 347827 Tail Lift Short and Long term hire available Delivery 344493 347827 Visit us Sales at: www.deepingcarandvanhire.co.uk Van / Short and Long term hire available Collection Car Sales

Visit us at: www.deepingcarandvanhire.co.uk

Tyres Fitting and Servicing.

01778 344493

01778 347827

Short and Long term hire available

Visit us at 8

www.deepingcarandvanhire.co.uk

Deeping St James Pharmacy will match your donation so the amount raised for Cancer Research UK will double!”

21 RYCROFT AVENUE DSJ PE6 8NT TEL 01778 349646 M-F 9 - 6.00PM SAT 9 - 1.00 PM

NEWS

The Poppy Appeal for Langtoft & The Deepings District Royal British Legion organiser, Sue Stephenson is delighted to report that the 2016 Remembrance season raised £13,442.82 with some monies still to collect. This exceeds the total for the whole year from November 2015 to September 2016 by £352.10! Every penny helps to give welfare to ex-military personnel, their families and those still serving in the military locally and nationally.

Local primary school children from Deeping St James Community Primary, Market Deeping and Baston schools attended the national Young Voices Concert at Sheffield Arena in January. Organised by local primary music co-ordinator Sarah Young, this amazing event involved 5,011 young people.

A well attended private view of the work from Art Stars was held at Black Cab Framing, DSJ. Visitors were very complementary and illustrator Ellie Sandall said, “I’m really proud of all the children, who’ve worked extremely hard and produced some amazing paintings!”

Each year the Friends of Chernobyl’s children offer a summer home for either a month or two weeks to children who all live in highly contaminated areas as a result of the Chernobyl disaster.

This time in the UK can transform the lives of these children.

If you would like to hear more about sponsoring or hosting a child call 07779 264591 and speak to Cecilia Hammond.

The Deeping Sports & Social Club Charity Summer Ball is back! Having previously raised £20,980 with four Balls benefiting Parkinsons UK, Deeping Mens Group, Dementia Support South Lincs, Lincs & Nottingham Air Ambulance, Deepings Youth Club and purchasing two defibrillators for the local community. This year’s black tie event arranged by Sharon Roberts Chairman of the DSSC Charity Summer Ball Committee and her team for Sat 24th June will include a 4 course meal and 10-piece live band.

Proceeds are for Dementia Support South Lincs and Peterborough Hospital Breast Unit. Call Jackie for your golden ticket now 07713085482 or email sharon@simplyhathire.com

Doggies in the window

Max and Gracie covering all the angles.

9

TOWNGATE TYRE & SERVICE CENTRE LTD

Proud winners of the DBC Award 2016 Practical Excellence Award Deepings Business of the Year

Whitley Way, Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping Tel: 01778 347973 Open Mon-Fri 8am - 5.30, Sat 8am - Midday

GREAT PRICES ON: 4 o 4 o 4 o 4 o 4 o 4 o

ALL MAKES & MODELS SERVICING & REPAIRS

TYRES EXHAUSTS BATTERIES REPAIRS MOT’S From £35 (APPOINTMENT ONLY) BRAKE PADS & BRAKE DISCS

OFFER Buy Buy Buy Buy

1 2 3 4

Tyre - MoT £30 Tyres - MoT £25 Tyres - MoT £20 Tyres MoT FREE

MOT & WINTER SERVICE FROM

£94.95

COURTESY CAR AVAILABLE

www.mcvehicles.co.uk Email: Towngatetyres@aol.com

Shutting it in or shutting it outWhatever You Need, We Have The Solution...

Garage Doors -

New, Repairs & Servicing.

All types supplied includingRoller & Sectional.

Automate existing doors.

Blinds - Made to Measure.

Pleated, Roller, Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Vision and Intu/Perfect fit.

Other Services: Insect Screens Internally or externally fitted.

Lets air & light in, keeps insects out.

Shutters Plantation, Security or Decorative.

Commercial, Industrial & domestic.

Security Jail Bars Retractable grilles

Professional, friendly & personal service.

No obligation Free quotations

NEW WEBSITE www.garagedoorandshutterservices.co.uk Call: 07709 337647 Securing your property in style!

28 Cowslip Drive, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8TE

Are your 8 years up?

Widely understood to be the healthy life of a mattress!! Don’t worry we can help! We offer years of expertise, friendly advice and we have a full range of beds and mattresses in stock for same day delivery!

We offer FREE DELIVERY on all beds and mattresses within a 25 mile radius We offer FREE DISPOSAL of your old bed We offer a large selection of beds in stock that we can deliver SAME DAY Please come and see our fantastic range of beds instore today! Call us: 01778 347961 48 High Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8EB 10

NEWS

The first coffee morning of the year at the Methodist Church raised £160 for the Peterborough Soup Kitchen.For great cake and convivial company put the first Saturday of the month in your diary 10 am - noon.

Eden Loweth from New College Stamford has been labeled as one of “British fashion’s brightest talents’ by the Sunday Times Style Magazine as he prepares for his Fashion Week debut! Eden is now part of the Fashion East Movement who will be showcasing at their Pop Up Store in Selfridges, London from January to March. His designs have featured at London’s Graduate Fashion Week, in leading glossy magazine, ‘LOVE’ which has featured Cara Delevingne, Margot Robbie, Georgia May Jagger, Kendall Jenner and even Cher! If you dream of a career in the Fashion industry, courses at New College Stamford offer GUARANTEED interviews to the University of the Arts London for Fashion courses and are an attractive alternative to A Levels. www.stamford.ac.uk or call 01780 484311

Louise Doughty author of the best selling and gripping ‘Apple Tree Yard’ serialised on BBCTV is appearing at the Deepings Literary Festival. www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

G R AY T O N E S P R I N T E R S

For aLL yoUr PrINTINg NEEdS

Christmas Cards , Invitations, Calendars Posters, Prints, Thankyou Cards Unit 17 King Street Ind. Est., Langtoft, Peterborough. PE6 9NF T: 01778 560261 E: mail@graytones-printers.co.uk www.graytones-printers.co.uk

Thompson Skip Hire

Camp Farm, Six Score Road, Langtoft Fen, Market Deeping

Tel: 01778 346624 or 24 hour mobile 07930 548172 • Any size of skip • Site Clearance • Aggregates & topsoil • We can load it for you • Local family business

Bank Holiday Service

Same or Next Day Delivery Open 7 Days a Week 11

12

PRINCE OF WALES

It finished with a wedding, became a family home for over fifty years but once opened its doors proudly as one of the many public houses in Market Deeping; the Prince of Wales.

In a 1844 ad in the Stamford Mercury the Prince of Wales was described as having a small compact brewhouse, carpenters shop, yard and garden in the occupation of Thomas Palmer. Notoriously five years later the Pub became the scene of a crime when Mary Kilburn aged 37 and Eliza Templeman aged 23 were convicted of having stolen a bucket from the back of the house, the property of William Nicholls. Nothing had been heard of the missing bucket until it was found in the possession of Eliza Templeman who said that Mary Kilburn had given it to her.

Another indictment charged Mary Kilburn with stealing a wah tub at the same time and a hearth rug from Thomas Palmer sometime in 1844. The prisoners in their defence said that they had found the tub and bucket in the street one night while searching for their husbands who were at the Pub. They were found guilty, Mary Kilburn receiving a sentence of 3 months imprisonment and Eliza Templeman, one month.

‘Edward William Halford, like most landlords at that time an agricultural worker by day running the Pub in the evenings and at weekends’

In 1849 the Pub was advertised to let again, The tenant at the time was Thomas Love and it was described as having a large room suitable for a club, a paddock, garden, piggeries, stable, a good cellar and brewhouse where a good trade had been done for several years. Later that year the Pub was sold to William Charity a butcher and farmer of Helpston. He kept it for 6 years and then sold it when he moved to take over the Wheatsheaf, later the Waterton Arms, Deeping St James.

In 1856 the landlord was Edward William Halford, like most landlords at that time an agricultural worker by day running the Pub in the evenings and at weekends. His second daughter Sarah Jane was baptised in St Guthlacs Church Market Deeping on 10th May 1868. In August 1876 Edward was summoned by Superintendent Pidgeon, Inspector for Weights & Measures for having incorrect earthenware measures. They were destroyed in Court and Edward had to pay 2 shillings and sixpence for each one and costs.

Later in 1890 there was some good news when Sarah Jane was married at St Guthlacs by the Dean of Stamford to Henry son of Philip Waters, publican of the Red Lion, High Street, Market Deeping. Edward remained at the Prince of Wales and was summoned for allowing drunkenness on the premises. Inspector Pawson entered the Inn one evening in October 1903 and discovered a man named Gilbert sitting in the tap room singing and making a terrible racket. Both the landlord and his wife said that they had refused to sell him any more drink but he still had half a glass in front of him. The witness who bought the drink didn’t realise continued >

13

PRINCE OF WALES how drunk Gilbert was, neither did the landlord but Edward Halford was still fined £1 and 2shillings costs by the Bourne Petty Sessions Court. This impacted badly when Edward’s license came up for renewal three months later and a representative from the owners, Philips & Co Brewers of Stamford was called and the renewal only went through due to the efforts of V.G Stapleton solicitor from Stamford representing the brewery. Sadly Edward died in 1907 having spent nearly 40 years at the Prince of Wales.

He was followed by pig dealer, Charles Yates who initially ran the Pub without incident - apart from being pick pocketed at the Peterborough Bridge Fair while attending one of the cinematograph shows where he lost a purse containing £7 in gold, a shilling and a threepenny piece. The Policeman who took notification of the crime said it was a common occurrence with pickpockets coming from as far away as London to the Fair.

By 1927 Charles had started to drink heavily and was in trouble with the Police on two occasions. Once having had an altercation with Felix Fowler over who should buy a packet of woodbine cigarettes and the next drink on feast day in the Rose & Crown Deeping St James. When the case came to court on 20th August, Felix let the Court know he had been in the Army and if he had wanted to hurt Charles Yates he could have done having been taught to fight. He went on to say that he had been mentioned in dispatches and showed his medals. The Chairman of the bench concluded that they had both had too much to drink and dismissed the case.

Just a week later Charles was again in Court this time for seriously threatening his wife as witnessed by a neighbour, Mrs Steele. This time he was bound over to be on good behaviour for 12 months with sureties of £10 and two £20 each in default 14 days imprisonment. He was given a month to pay £2 costs.

In October that year his son Charles found him hanging from a beam in the chaff house. His wife Margaret was heard to comment, “ sadly with the excessive drinking and creditors chasing him for the mounting debts it all got too much.” He was just 49 years old.

Charles Yates was followed as landlord by William Wright Mackman and his mother Eleanor Mary. In 1930 just before his sister Doris married 14

Charles Jibb (pictured above right), William died at Peterborough Memorial Hospital aged just 29. The wedding was described in some detail in the Grantham Journal , ‘The wedding took place on Saturday of two well known residents, the bridegroom being Charles Henry Jibb of St James Deeping and the bride, Miss Doris Eleanor Mackman.

The bridegroom is the popular veteran of Deeping United Football Club and known to his friends as ‘Turk’. The service was held in St Guthlacs Church conducted by the Revd Pigott.

The bride was given away by Mr T Morton, family friend and was attired in white satin with wreath and veil trimmed with orange blossom. Her shoes and stockings were to match qnd she carried a bouquet of white rosebuds and maiden hair fern. She was attended by four bridesmaids; Miss Katherine Cole, Miss Florence Abbott, Miss Mabel and Miss Frances Cottingham, cousins. The reception was held at the brides home. The happy couple were the recipients of many useful presents. Their home will be with the bride’s mother.’

In September that year the licensing committee in agreement with the owners decided not to renew the licence as there were two other public houses in close proximity and the Pub closed in January 1931. Eleanor Mary purchased the house from the brewery and when she died in 1938 she left the house and £259.

12shillings to her daughter Doris and Charles. This remained the Jibb family home until 1983.

Research: Joy Baxter Photographs: Mick Burton, Debbie King

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

43-45 Bridge Street, Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8HA Tel: 01778 346415 www.devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk

PROFILE FEATURE

Erica James

talks to author Ros Rendle I’m extraordinarily excited to know that the Erica James is coming to the Deepings Literary Festival. As an award-winning, internationally acclaimed author, she has written 20 books which women around the world enjoy reading.

Erica speaks of not reading her reviews because ‘my skin is not thick enough’. On her website she writes of her fear of public speaking and here I quote, ‘Many a time I’ve heard someone say, “She’s not very big, is she?” See, even before I’ve opened my mouth, I’m a disappointment.’

BUT we know that good things come in small parcels and Erica most certainly will not be a disappointment when she comes to Deeping on 29 April. She has an overwhelming number of excellent reviews.

She is a passionate supporter of libraries. You will know better than I that Deeping is ‘the library that wouldn’t die’ and thanks to the overwhelming support of the community it manages to grow from strength to even greater strength. This community, therefore, deserves the very best of visitors for our Deepings Literary Festival. Erica will be coming to Lilli’s teashop for lunch and you will be able to eat too at this most charming of venues while asking questions and listening to what this top women’s author has to say.

‘Song of the Skylark’ is her most recent book. It 16

was published in hardback last March. Not many authors receive that accolade. It is now available in paperback and e-book too. While generally termed an author for women – and the brilliant characterisation in her books reflects this – Erica tackles serious subject matters and a good plot is also a key element of her novels.

Erica James seems to be a complex mix of the very brave, determined and forthright while also being modest and apprehensive at times. I have already referred to her stage fright and she is most certainly not flippant about her success, often wondering if anyone at all will come to listen to her speak.

However, she will not shrink from getting on a plane to New York to see REM perform, visit the F1 in Monaco, travel around the world to visit her readers or deliberately choose a new and unknown area in which to buy a new house. Anyone who has moved house will know how difficult that can be.

When I asked Erica for her responses to a quickfire 7 her answers gave insight.

I asked Erica: ‘To what extent are your books autobiographical?’ Her response was ‘The first novel is always deemed to be autobiographical and ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ – published way back in 1996 – did have a fair bit of me in it. But really all of my novels feature aspects of my personality, or life experience. What might really surprise readers, though, is that even my so-called ‘baddie’ characters will contain an element of my own thinking or viewpoint. But perhaps better not dwell on that!’

Night out or evening in – An evening in bingeing on The Crown or The Young Pope beats a night out every time.

She started writing as a hobby but the first book developed while she was bringing up her two boys.

This was written at a time of deep unhappiness but it became the key to great success.

Roast beef or Caesar salad – Roast beef with Yorkshire puds and all the trimmings!

Trousers and top or a dress – Depends on the weather.

Reading or television – Both, but never at the same time.

Sunbathing or swimming – While I need to be warm at all times (I hate to be cold) sunbathing is a limited activity for me as I burn to a crisp so easily. I enjoy swimming in warm water.

G and T or J2O – Neither. Vodka martini or Prosecco Houseboat or speedboat – Both have their appeal, but having recently hurt my back in a speedboat, I’ll opt for the houseboat.

Erica James comes across as a warm human being who is a complex mix. Her varied interests as well has her writing will give much scope for a lively and entertaining chat over lunch.

Do join us. Tickets are on sale now via Stamford Arts Centre or visit our website: https://www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

PROFILE FEATURE

‘Erica tackles serious subject matters and a good plot is also a key element of her novels’

17

Stove and Gas Fire Installation Specialist

MEDIEVAL WEDDINGS

Karen Maitland is fascinated by the murder and magic of the Middle Ages, here she gives an insight into the customs surrounding Medieval Love & Marriage.

Karen has written seven dark historic thrillers, most recently ‘The Plague Charmer.’

This month the shops are full of Valentine’s cards and gifts. But though Valentine was a Roman festival, many of today’s customs surrounding love and marriage come from the superstitions of the Medieval period. Chaucer repeated the belief that birds choose their mates on Valentine’s Day. But medieval girls had to be especially careful when looking out of the window on Valentine’s morning, because the first bird they saw on that day foretold what kind of person they would marry. A sparrow meant she would wed a poor man, but be happy. If it was a dove, she would marry a man who would bring her money and joy and if she saw a robin first she’d marry a sailor.

If a medieval maiden wanted to be sure of catching the man of her dreams, she decorated her bed on Valentine’s Eve with ribbons tied in lovers’ knots which, from Saxon times, were thought to have the power to ensnare and hold a lover captive. In a custom, which first began in Roman times, on Valentine’s Day itself the names or the tokens of unwed

women were put in a pot and bachelors had to draw out the name of the girl they were to pay court to for the rest of the year. In the Middle Ages, this was taken seriously, since it was believed God or fate had selected the marriage partner, and ill-fortune would follow if the couple ignored the choice. Girls would also bake special cakes for their lovers on this day, known unromantically as ‘plum shittles’.

Karen is appearing in the Deepings Literary Festival.

Tickets are on sale now via Stamford Arts Centre or visit www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

If the courting begun on Valentine’s day went smoothly, a wedding would follow and many of our traditional wedding customs have come down to us from medieval times. In the Middle Ages, brides were considered to be both in-danger and dangerous. For this reason, her face was veiled, to protect her from any malicious person looking at her with the ‘evil eye’ and cursing her. But the bride’s veil also protected those around her, as she was thought to be full of dangerous power on the day of the wedding until she was safely at the altar and could bewitch any man she looked at into believing his manhood had vanished. There are records of medieval men taking women to court for robbing them of their manhood just by looking at them.

Today, brides often wear a lucky garter under their wedding gowns.

In ancient times, the bridal garments were considered ‘blessed’ and the bride would have all her clothes ripped from her by the guests on the wedding night as everyone tried to snatch a piece. continued >

19

MEDIEVAL WEDDINGS Gradually attention came to focus on the bride’s garter-ribbon, a symbol of sexuality and fertility. In Medieval times, unmarried men fought for the bride’s garter to ensure they would be the next to find a beautiful and fertile wife. Bachelors even mobbed the bride as she stood at the altar, throwing her to the ground and ripping the garters from her during the wedding ceremony. The Church naturally protested at this unseemly behaviour and the custom evolved to the groom removing the lucky garters from his new wife in the bridal chamber and tossing them down from the window to the men below who shouted encouragement.

There were always two entrances to a medieval churchyard. The lychgate (lych meant corpse), through which coffins were brought and the ‘bride’s gate’, for if a bride entered through the lychgate, either the marriage would die or the bride or groom would be in a coffin before the year was out. On leaving the church, some obstacle such a wedding garland, sticks or a ‘petting stone’ was laid in the bride’s path. By leaping over it, she left all her bad luck and her bad temper behind her.

Back in Roman times, the wedding cake was made from wheat, fruit, nuts and honey, symbols of wealth and fertility. The cake was broken over the bride’s head to ensure a fertile and prosperous marriage and the guests scrambled to pick up the crumbs of good luck, which is why even today, small pieces of wedding cake are sent to guests who can’t attend.

Some modern brides are returning to the medieval custom of having a stack of individual cakes instead of a single large one. In the Middle Ages, these were fruit buns, heaped up in a high stack, which the bride and groom had to leap over without toppling, if they wanted to ensure a happy and fertile marriage. By Tudor times, the stack had transformed into a single tiered cake which the bride cut, 20

usually with the groom’s hand over hers, in the belief that if the bride didn’t cut the first slice, the marriage would be childless. The bride also had to be sure she kept a fragment of the wedding cake to ensure her husband remained faithful.

In Lincolnshire, a plate of wedding cake was flung over the bride’s head as she returned from the church. Her future would be read in the way the plate broke. The number of pieces foretold the number of children. If the plate didn’t break this was a bad omen, but usually the first person to reach it would smash it to try to break the bad luck.

Finally, the bride would be carried over the threshold of her new home. In the Middle Ages, they believed that evil spirits and restless ghosts gathered around doors trying to find way in. For this reason, many amulets such as holded stones (hagstones) or horse shoes were hung on doors to protect them. A virgin bride was particularly vulnerable to jealous spirits, which would want to harm her and so it was important she didn’t tread on the threshold, otherwise they might attach themselves to her.

Whatever you are doing on Valentine’s Day may you find your own special love and happiness. www.karenmaitland.com

V

arrive vintage 95x95 advert.qxp 14/01/2016 13:49 Page 1

ARRIVE V VINTAGE

Vintage

Show Winning Volkswagen Wedding Vehicles Call 07861 578451

AVAILAB L TO HIR E Bramble, E Daisy an Wedding d Max

pa ÂŁ295 furt ckages from h can be foer details un our websi d on te

www.arrivevintage.com

Perfect Valentines Gifts Wrapped Up!

5 Market Place, Market Deeping 01778 347007 www.muranosilver.com molly@muranosilver.com

Giftwrapped free!

Ruffles Hair Design 3 Halfleet, Market Deeping PE6 8DB 01778 344677 At Ruffles we have a highly skilled team of creative stylists, in a very welcoming environment.

Contact us on 01778 344677 to book in for your Ruffles experience.

Also at 3 Halfleet you will find

Ruffles

Dress Agency 01778 344677

where you can buy or sell your top quality garments... Mother of the Bride/Groom, Prom Dresses, Eveningwear, top end daywear, bags, hats and shoes... Pop in for a browse

Beautiful floral gifts for your Valentine to suit all tastes and all pockets!

Don’t forget a special treat for Mum on Mothers Day

Plants & Flowers for all occasions Birthdays - Anniversaries - Funerals - Weddings a speciality!

Call Natalie for your free consultation e: valeriesflowers@outlook.com

01778 346949 | 5 Market Gate, Market Deeping 21

Professional Carpet Cleaning

Book Online

www.dailypoppins.com

Available

It doesn’t have We can provide a regular daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or one to be spring to off cleaning services to meet with your needs spring clean BOOK TODAY TEL. your home 01733 286305

Relax and unwind at Salon Jessica!

Offering a range of beauty treatments including Massage & Reflexology, Makeup, Waxing and Tinting, Manicure, Pedicures and Facials.

Local, professional therapist with over twelve years experience.

Come and be pampered and revitalised in this local salon where only the best brands are used; Dermalogica, Jessica and Jane Iredale.

...we poppin so you can pop out

Æ

www.dailypoppins.com

❤

Treat someone you love to a gift voucher for a beauty treatment

Visit www.salonjessica.co.uk Call 01778 346767 Email jess@salonjessica.co.uk

Clothing alterations Bridal/eveningwear a speciality fitting room available

01778 342230 25A The Precincts, Market Deeping

• Happy child friendly studio • No time constraints on shoot • Many many satisfied customers • Relaxed stress free environment • Family shoots/sessions just £50 (all photos supplied on a disc prints available for small extra charge).

• Children Party Shoots just £60 (bring birthday cakes, party poppers, balloons, props and any ideas • Music and video available.

TOM CLARE PHOTOGRAPHY

22

Paula Meeks: 07747 393 940 Cambridge Weight Plan Paula Meeks

07827 225812 01778 346128 tomclare@live.co.uk www.tom-clare.co.uk

2015 Regional Awards Winner - Above & Beyond

Godsey Lane, Market Deeping

paula.meeks@btinternet.com

Please contact me for Special February offers

every woman wears the same until dressed by...

PRIVATE KOLLECTION

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm closed all day Mondays appointments by arrangement 8 Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE6 8EA Tel: 01778 346226 Mobile: 07920 492215 eileen.bradfordfawsom@btinternet.com

WEDDINGS

Ruffles Dress Agency 3 Halfleet, Market Deeping PE68DB t: 01778344677 24

Pictures by David Pearson Wedding and Events Photographer www.davidpearsonphotography.co.uk/

Lynne and Colin Pummell 4, Tattershall Drive, Market Deeping 01778 347730 / 07930 266631 info@weddingcars-peterborough.co.uk www.weddingcars-peterborough.co.uk

Are you a former Deepings School student?

The Deepings School are working with Future First and seeking former students who may like to support the school to inspire and advise current students. There are many ways in which you could help, or maybe you would simply like to receive up-dates about school activities.

To find out more please sign up to our growing alumni community.

Go to www.futurefirst.org.uk Made-to-measure curtains, Roman blinds & soft furnishings.

Your own fabric made up or choose from my books.

Free home visit to measure and advise.

Tracks, poles, accessories & fitting service available. madebybeck.com

01778 550015

  @madebybeck

Scroll to the ‘Join Us’ section Click ‘Former Student’ Type in ‘The Deepings School’ Or scan this QR code with your phone…

An Alumni Community for Every School & College

25

ANTIQUES

Look to the past for your Valentine’s gift and you will never look back!

Emma Shearman- Smith of Athena Antiques advises.

An early hand-made puzzle purse valentine, from around 1790. (Private Collection/Bridgeman Images) Naked people running through the streets spanking the backsides of young women with leather whips supposedly to improve their fertility was practiced on the Roman pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia around the 1315th of February and is thought by some to be the origin of the current celebration.

imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. The first Valentine’s cards were sent in the 18th century.

Handmade as pre-made cards were not yet available.

Lovers would decorate paper with romantic symbols including flowers and love knots, often including puzzles and lines of poetry. These cards were slipped secretly under a door, or tied to a door-knocker.

More tamely, some think it arose from the deaths of two Christian martyrs named Valentine during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, and others believe the tale that St. Valentine performed forbidden Christian weddings for soldiers. In 496, Pope Gelasius I marked February 14th as a day to honour St. Valentine’s martyrdom, bringing together the Pagan and Christian celebrations.

It was in Georgian Britain that pre-printed cards first began to appear, though these were not yet as popular as they were eventually to become. Perhaps the oldest surviving example dates from 1797: this card, held at York Castle Museum is decorated with flowers and images of Cupid, with a verse printed around the border. It was not until the 19th century that mass produced cards came into production. Thanks in large part to marketing campaigns, Valentine’s Day has today become a time not only for sending cards, but for giving that special gift. Antique cards are available to buy - a one off collectible tribute to a loved one?

Consider a beautiful piece of glass, a vase for those special roses, a silver plate cocktail shaker for those margaritas! Perhaps a silver drinks label or a pair of crystal glasses to pour a glass of celebratory champagne!

Early maps are always affordable, individual and make a great impact. Silver or silver plate picture frames are a fantastic idea easily personalised. For the man in your life consider the elegant ephemera of a more elegant age; cufflinks, chessboards, compasses or barometers, these are always found in antique shops and fairs. But the most important thing to do is always by what you love and appreciate (and of course the best quality money will allow!).

The giving of a unique gift adds to the romance of the Day. Buying and collecting antiques can lead to a life time obsession, a time travel through history to

Athena Antiques Market Deeping Antiques & Craft Centre, St Martins Craft Centre Stamford & online

Geoffrey Chaucer is often accredited with being the first author to associate romance and St Valentine’s Day in his “The Parliament of Birds”. While Shakespeare also helped romanticise Valentine’s Day, mentioning it in Ophelia’s lament in Hamlet. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written

by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife, while he was 26

understand its past or simply adorn your beautiful home. The reason for purchasing an antique is always as individual as the person buying them. The pleasure they can bring is infinite; whether it be a magnificent piece of Georgian furniture, a stunning art deco tea service or a beautiful piece of Victorian jewellery.

Do you value your time?

Let us help!

High Street broker Competitive quotes Large range of insurers Wide product range

Contact us on 01778

341658

Planning for the future with help from Braeburn Lodge At this time of year many people start to consider care for themselves or a loved one.

At Braeburn Lodge Care Home we know planning for the future can be a daunting process and we’ll do everything we can to help.

Our dedicated team are always on hand to show you around our home and answer any questions you may have.

Nursing Care • Residential Care • Dementia Care • Respite Breaks Thousands of families trust Barchester Healthcare to care for their loved ones. For advice on planning for the future, pop in and pick up one of our free guides, or call our friendly team:

Call: 01778 752 517 Braeburn Lodge Care Home, Braeburn Road, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8GP

HANNAH SMITH

Paraffin was kept in a tin bath in the outhouse, vinegar was decanted into bottles from a jug and table salt came in a brick which had to be bashed with a rolling pin. At the back of the large shop window brightly coloured boiled sweets stood in a long row of tall glass jars with various household commodities taking pride of place in the front of the window. During the Second World War they never seemed to be short of anything and items could be purchased here which couldn’t be found anywhere else in the village.

l-r back row; Ernest Lilley , Pastor Jaeger Baptist Minister, Mr Thurston, Mr John (Jack) Blessett front row; Rowland Wade, Hannah Smith, Mr Thurson

Hannah Smith was for all intents and purposes an unremarkable woman but she has gone down in the history of the Deepings as a woman who did a very remarkable thing.

Born at 88 Bridge Street where her parents had lived since the mid 1800’s, her father, Matthew and later her brother, Matty were market gardeners. Hannah trained to be a dressmaker but eventually took over the running of the busy little shop at number 88 after her mother Sarah and elder sister Mary Jane had died or ceased to be able to do so. In pre-supermarket days, the shop sold everything from paraffin to pegs, household items to sweets. The shop itself had no electricity but was heated with a paraffin stove, lit with a gas mantle, the floorboards were bare and there was nothing as sophisticated as a till. Instead adding up was done with a stub of a pencil on a crumpled sweet bag and money was kept in a drawer.

Neither Matty or Hannah married but lived together in their parents old home. By sheer hard work and living a frugal lifestyle the pair became owners of an orchard comprising of two acres on Horsegate, which on Matty’s death was bequeathed to Charles Hudson Baker (Bert) Vellum for his faithful service for upwards of twenty years.

Bert had a house built on part of the land but the orchard was retained. Their land in Broadgate Lane was farmed

by Les Taylor of Eastgate and their land at Northborough was eventually developed.

Using a horse drawn trolley Matty would take his produce to Peterborough where he bought faggots which were popular in the shop back home in Deeping. He also visited Stamford and Spalding markets.

Hannah had been raised to be Plymouth Brethren and took her religion seriously and in 1945 a newspaper announcement was made ’ As a mark of gratitude for safe preservation through the dangers of war and in memory of her mother, Mrs Sarah Smith and sisters, Misses Mary Jane and Susannah Smith, Miss Hannah Smith of Bridge Street has donated £1000 to Stamford infirmary continued >

29

HANNAH SMITH to endow a bed.’ Later Hannah donated the same amount to Peterborough Memorial Hospital to endow a bed there.

In April 1945 Matty passed away in his 76th year. He had begun his active life as a groom gardener for the late Mr G.H Dean but he had gone on to work as a market gardener and he had also farmed 80 acres. As a tribute to her brother, Hannah had six bungalows built at the top of Broadgate Lane on land that had been owned by the family and farmed by Les Taylor. These were officially opened on the 12th June 1956 by the Marquis of Exeter, members of the Parish Council and South Kesteven Rural District Council.

Current Trustees: l-r John Blessett (Vice Chairman), Pamela Stevenson, Dr Roderick Tweedie (Chairman), Jane Hill (Clerk), David Ledger, Graham Charity, John Castley.

A board of seven Trustees was formed under the name of Providence Homes Charity. The present trustees have recently overseen the building of a seventh bungalow on the site. Hannah Smith had laid down strict stipulations as to who would qualify for residency of the property, having to have been resident in the parish of Deeping St James for two years immediately prior to their application or having been born in the said parish and to be married couples, widows or spinsters over the age of 50 years.

30

When Hannah Smith died on Boxing Day 1959 it is hoped that she would have had some idea of the wonderful and enduring legacy she had left to the people of Deeping St James as important now as it was sixty years ago.

Research: Nancy Titman, Dorothea Price, John Blessett, Jane Hill Words: Nancy Titman, Judy Stevens Pictures: John Blessett

The Deepings Carpet Centre

Acorn Joinery & Kitchens For top quality bespoke joinery Domestic and commerical clients catered for.

Kitchens, Staircases, Doors, Windows Free no obligation quote contact 01778 342517 e-mail: keith@ajkltd.com www.ajkltd.com

We supply carpets and floor coverings from all the leading manufacturers and also have the largest fully stocked local showroom.

We have been supplying and laying floor coverings in the Deepings and surrounding areas for over 30 years. We offer a personal and friendly service with the original pattern book facility.

Showroom: Unit K, Bentley Business Park, Blenheim Way, Northfields Ind. Est., (opposite Inside outside store) Open Mon-Fri 9.00 - 4.30 Sat 9.00 - 2.00 Tel: 01778 346918 www.homechoose-carpets.co.uk

Twyman Financial Solutions Ltd Mortgage, Protection & General Insurance Advisers 01733 609500 07912 494778 james@twymanfs.co.uk

Moving House or purchasing a BTL? Looking to remortgage or consolidate debt?

LIGHT UP YOUR HOME T UPLIGHT YOUR HOME UP YOUR HOME 10 Saville Road,

Concerned about funeral costs?

Visit TheThe Largest Independent Visit Largest Independent Lighting Showroom Buildings & contents / landlords insurance due for renewal?

Visit The Largest Independent Lighting Showroom in Cambridgeshire Lighting Showroom

Cambridgeshire ininCambridgeshire

T: 01733 T: 01733264391 264391

10 Saville Road, Westwood, Westwood, 10 Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough PE3 7PR 7PR Peterborough,PE3 E: sales@tlsw.co.uk E: sales@tlsw.co.uk (Next door Party www.thelampshadewarehouse.co.uk (Next doortotoThe The7PR PartyPlace) Place) W: Peterborough,PE3 W: www.thelampshadewarehouse.co.uk E: sales@tlsw.co.uk

T: 01733 264391

Want to review your life assurance / critical illness income protection polices?

We offer a comprehensive range of mortgages from across the market and insurance policies from a range of insurers.

(Next door toOpen The Party Place) Opening Times Times Tuesday to Saturday W:Opening www.thelampshadewarehouse.co.uk Open Tuesday Tuesday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Free car park

to Saturday

Open Tuesday toFree Saturday car park Free car park

Tuesday to Friday Saturday 9.00am to9.00am 4pm to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 4pm

Opening Times Tuesday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 4pm

Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.

Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

31

ADAPTBUILD

For all your building requirements & maintenance.

Over 20 years experience

• Extensions • Conversions • Refurbishments • Renovations

• Maintenance & repairs • Conservatories & orangeries • Paving and patios etc • All work guaranteed

DBS certified IPAF

IOSH

First aid

Call 07855 847 209 / 01778 348 909 adapt.builders@outlook.com

Property

Wills & Probate

Crime

Dispute Resolution

Family

Business

Get away from it all on a relaxing holiday.

Let us do all the hard work for you. Leave your car keys at home and glide along in comfort and style on an Impression Holiday. We offer UK and European holidays from 3 to 11 days complete with half board accommodation, full excursion programme, luxury coach travel throughout and our door-to-door service.

Or why not try a Great Day Out to one of the many destinations we offer.

18 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JN Telephone: 01733 865880 www.mcp-law.co.uk

A selection of our holidays – Many more available Mon 6 Mar Springtime in Paignton – 5 Days Sat 11 Mar Edible Garden Show – 2 Days Sun 21 May Eastbourne & Sussex Coast – 7 Days Fri 30 Jun In Victoria’s Footsteps – 3 Days Fri 18 Aug Beamish & Heartbeat Country – 3 Days

£289 £125 £519 £245 £199

Great Days Out . Enjoy a great day out – Many more available Mon 3 Apr Bakewell Market Day & Scenic Derbyshire Sat 22 Apr Harrogate Flower Show Sat 10 Jun RHS Chatsworth Flower Show Sun 30 Jul Peak Tour Sat 9 Sep RAF Scampton Air Show

£21.00 £41.50 £51.50 £24.00 Adults £52.50, Child £20

To find our more call 01733 267025, e-mail enquiries@impressionholidays.com or visit our Travel Shop.

Impression Holidays, The Travel Shop, 14 Westgate Arcade, Peterborough PE1 1PY

www.impressionholidays.com 32

The drive that puts you on top of the world!

February and Norway is covered in snow, snow that arrives horizontally on the wind like a trillion stars soaring through the galaxy. The wood that has been carefully sawn and stacked reassuringly during the year is now warming wooden houses throughout the kingdom and the wool and embroidery silks that have been lovingly chosen from the handicraft shops, one of which can be found in every town, are being pressed into action as blankets, mittens and jumpers knitted companionably by the fire.

One of the most beautiful road routes in the world is said to be the Atlantic Road, Norway and local resident, Andrew Bowell recorded this journey which he undertook during the summer when the route was passable.

NORWAY

The “Atlanterhavsvegen” as it is known to the locals has been described as the world’s most beautiful drive. Although only just over 5 miles long it meanders at the ocean’s edge, connecting Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands linked together by eight bridges.

Starting at the picturesque fishing village of Bud at the southern end of the Atlantic Road, this unique highway will take you out to the very furthest point where the land ends and the ocean begins. Once there the boundless majesty of the ocean will provide you with a sight you will never forget.

Only a stone’s throw away to the west is the notorious “Hustadvika”, a stretch of open sea, dotted with many little islands and reefs where numerous ships have come to grief on the seabed, bearing silent witness to the dramas of the past. continued >

33

NORWAY Look to the east and you will see the majestic snow capped Romsdalsalpane Mountains the home of Trolls and reindeer.

Along the Atlantic Road you can park your car at designated stopping places.

There you can have a picnic or climb a hillock, enjoy the salty air and the magnificent view. This area is also a mecca for divers. The waters around the Atlantic Road are crystal clear, with giant kelp forests, numerous wrecks and rich marine life. Flora and fauna is abundant due to the warming waters of the Gulf Stream. Here you can go snorkelling with seals, or diving with orca.

Details of Andrew’s travels in Norway from Oslo to the Atlantic Road can be found in his book “Norwegian Adventure” which is available for £15 from 43 Burchnall Close, Deeping St James. You can order a copy by emailing:andrbw@aol.com

The magnificent Storseisundet Bridge passes through an archipelago as it links mainland Norway with the island of Averøya. At 850 feet long and with a maximum sea clearance of 75 feet it is the largest of the eight bridges along the route, and was once described as “The road to nowhere” by the Daily Mail.

At the northern end of the road is the “Atlanterhavstunnelen”, an undersea tunnel linking the island of Averøya to Kirkelandet Island in the town of Kristiansund. The tunnel passes 820 feet under the Bremsnesfjorden making it one of the deepest undersea tunnels in the world.

For treatment of back, neck and joint pain, sport injuries and any musculo-skeletal conditions...

www.piperphysiotherapy.co.uk 01778 380191

34

We provide a kind, safe and reliable care service to promote individual wellbeing and independence in your own home.

We offer assistance with: •

Specialist senior care, companionship, encouragement, chaperoning

•

Personal care, medication prompting, meal preparation, respite for carers

We support people of all ages in the local Deepings area and in the surrounding villages of Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire.

•

Post-operative recuperation, convalescent support, disability enablement

•

Pregnancy care, confidence with a new baby, support for busy families

All our home care practitioners are qualified and experienced in providing personalised non-medical support.

•

Short, flexible or long-term commitment to suit your personal circumstances - contact us to arrange a free initial consultation

www.mulberryhomecare.co.uk or call 01778 343 060 Registered Manager: Dr Pamela Byrd

formed for lnshire.

The Lincolnshire Credit Union was formed in 2004 and is the ethical bank for everyone living or working in Lincolnshire.

o provide g as well those in

We are here to help - call us for more information and remember...

07518 776950

s from 10 – 12 noon at t James.

Join the Credit Union now because...

~ Together we can drive out illegal doorstep loan sharks. ~ Don’t fork out exorbitant interest rates to Pay Day Lenders.

For more details leaflets are available in the Town Hall or contact us Tel: 07518 776 950 or email deepingscu@gmail.com This advert is funded by Bob Broughton, South Kesteven District Councillor

Are you struggling to come up with options after GCSE's/A-Levels?

Why not study an traineeship/apprenticeship or full time course with Riverside Training. We provide various short and full time qualifications which will suit your interests.

Riverside delivers high quality courses in the following subjects: - Early Years - Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools - Business Administration - Customer Service - Health & Social Care - Team Leading - Management To find out more information contact us now:

Saturday 25th March 12.00 - 16.00

By Appointment Afternoon cream tea

Sunday 26th March

- enquiries@riversidetrainingspalding.co.uk - 01775 710945

12.00 - 16.00 Bookings only Sunday Lunches

St Nicholas House Main Road, Deeping St Nicholas 01775 630366 35

Sarah’s Dream

Now stocking

Exclusive line to Deeping!

Valentine Stuffed Balloons!

Also variety of helium balloons, childrens gifts, Vivid Arts and Avon corner of Godsey Lane and High St.

Call 01778 348105 Sarahs-Dream

WindowDoctor

Whatever Your Problem - It’s No Problem

For all your Repairs to Windows, Doors and Conservatories • Patio – Not Rolling • Door Dropped • Misty Units • Broken Hinges • Draughty Windows • New Locks • Sticking Tilt & Turn Windows • Extra Security • Broken Handles • Leaking Conservatory

Ring For A FREE Consultation On 01778 343865 Email: windowdoctor1@aol.com

www.windowrepairslincs.com

Winter Service and MOT from £94.95

36

NEST BOX WEEK

Nest Boxes at Pets Pantry Market Gate from £9.99

Nest Boxes at Kennedy Wild Bird Foods with a wide range of feeders and seed

Nest Box Week The first signs of spring at last! Delicate snowdrops begin to emerge accompanied by primroses, katkins appear on the hazel trees as do the dark red elder buds and blackbirds, rooks and mistle thrushes collect moss and twigs to make their nests.

Now is the time to help the birds in the garden out! The 14th February is not just Valentines day but also the start of nest box week. Select the right kind of box for the bird that you want to attract. The tit family, sparrows, nuthatch and pied flycatcher will be attracted to a small nest box with a hole. While the robin, pied wagtail and spotted flycatcher will prefer an open fronted box. The swift makes his home in a

medium sized box with an oval hole and the little owl, starling and greater spotted woodpecker will prefer a large nest box with a hole.

Then it is necessary to select a place to put up the nest box; not too close together which will encourage aggressive behaviour. Shelter the box from the weather, angle it slightly downwards to prevent rain from entering and away from direct sunlight. Place it 3 metres from the ground to detract cats and predators but ensure that the hole is not obscured by foliage. Consider a metal plate round the hole to deter squirrels. Open fronted Vine House Farm boxes should be hidden from view. Keep it away from bird feeders to give some privacy to the nesting pairs Use galvanised or stainless steel screws that won’t rot and consider a nest box fitted with a cctv camera so that you can conduct your own springwatch in the comfort of the front room!

With the fantastic selection of nest boxes available locally from a large range of wooden to those made of Woodcrete and Woodstone© and some equipped with cameras available at Vine House Farm (see www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/our-shop/nest-boxes) there is no excuse not to give our feathered friends a home this Spring!

Kennedy Wild Bird Foods

37

Five great

insights into

Deepings Literary Festival Alison Weir is the top selling woman historian in the UK and has sold over 2.7 million books worldwide. She will attend the Deepings Literary Festival on Saturday 29th April when she will speak about ‘Fotheringhay and the Fall of Mary Queen of Scots’ at St Guthlac’s Church. She will be accompanied by Musick Rediscover’d who will perform music that was heard in Mary’s private chamber.

Visit: www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk/

Mary Queen

of Scots

The Talbot Inn Oundle Thought to date back to the 7th century this imposing hotel in the attractive stone market town of Oundle was modified in the 16th century with a gallery, complete with original graffiti dating back to the 1700s etched into its windows. The hotel is famous for its New Street and inner courtyard facades, which were built with stone from Fotheringhay Castle in 1630. The stone mullion windows and timber staircase overlooking the inner courtyard are, reputedly, also from Fotheringhay Castle. The staircase is believed to be that which Mary Queen of Scots famously descended on route to her execution at the castle on 8 February 1587. Local history has it that a mark on one of the staircase’s newel posts is an imprint of the queen’s ring. More sinister records are of sightings of the Queen on the staircase many years after her demise.

38

Fotheringhay Castle Mary carefully dressed for her execution in black with a scarlet bodice and petticoat; colours chosen to represent martydom. She had been brought to the remote Norman Castle in the marshes at Fotheringhay and after a show trial she was found guilty of treason against her cousin, Queen Elizabeth 1 and immediately executed.

History has it that the executioner was nervous and took several blows to sever her head. Another account says that the head rolled away from the body, the executioner picked it up by the hair only to find it was a wig, Some reports say that her little dog hid beneath her skirts and refused to leave her body. On his accession, James 1 was said to have ordered the destruction of the castle, the place of his mothers death but it was said to be falling into disrepair anyway.

Today you can see the earthworks and conical motte and a piece of tartan cloth that flutters in the wind. It is a peaceful setting with good views across the Nene.

Peterborough Cathedral Mary Queen of Scots was buried in Peterborough Cathedral 5 months after her execution at nearby Fotheringhay Castle.

The Dean, Richard Fletcher presided over both events. Later in 1613, her son James 1 wrote requiring the mortal remains of his mother to be removed from Peterborough to Westminster Abbey. The original letter is in the Visitor Centre at the Cathedral. She was moved to a magnificent marble tomb in Westminster Abbey in the South Aisle of the Lady Chapel. There is a fine white marble effigy under an elaborate canopy. She wears a close-fitting coif, a laced ruff, and a long mantle fastened by a brooch. The sculptors were William and Cornelius Cure. A crowned Scottish lion stands at her feet.

Garden Lodge Residential Care Home in Glinton

We offer real person centred care to our residents in tranquil settings surrounded by beautiful gardens This is a real family environment and our values permeate all we do for our residents.

We are a very small home with maximum of 9 residents.

t: 01733 252980

Garden Lodge

37a Lincoln Road, Glinton, Peterborough, PE6 7JS e: gardenlodge37a@aol.com

Peterborough Museum Relics of Mary Queen of Scots formed part of an exhibition about her held in Peterborough Museum in 1887, 300 years after she was executed at Fotheringhay. These included a lock of her hair and a square of her bedding cut from her bed. It is difficult to say if these are genuine or not as the provenance of a collection of this age is difficult to determine but it is interesting to see them in a new exhibition entitled ‘Tremendous Tudors’ nonetheless. There is also a piece of the castle itself which was demolished by her son James 1 because he didn’t want the place of his mother’s execution to remain standing. The exhibition will run from 21st Jan - 2nd April at Peterborough Museum. www.vivacity-peterborough.com

“Great beers, great food and a great atmosphere” Traditional pub food but so much better!

Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Bluebell.

Sunday 26th March Traditional Sunday Lunch 12.00-5.00pm Afternoon Cream Tea 3.30-6.00pm

www.bluebellhelpston.co.uk

See our website for more details 39

what’s on

The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership is holding a workshop Waterside Garden Centre Saturday 11 February to let you know more about their work and how you can help to shape your natural environment. They are also holding a practical event on Saturday 11 March at Willow Tree Fen. Learn more about wildlife friendly gardening and how to dig a garden pond for wildlife. Please contact Amanda Jenkins at slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk to find out more and book a place. www.lincsfenlands.org.uk

Snowdrop Week Soup and a Sandwich Thursdays in Lent from March 2nd 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm Priory Church Hall, DSJ 40

Easton Walled Gardens. 11th-19th February.

With walks and talks by Jackie Murray A Galanthophile is a lover of Snowdrops and there is no better place to enjoy them than the world-renowned Snowdrop Week at Easton Walled Gardens.See swathes of snowdrops, as well as innovative spring planting schemes, all spread over the 12 acres of beautiful restored grounds.

Events calendar at www.deepings.co.uk

9 To 5 Peterborough Operatic & Dramatic Society The Cresset, 21-25 March Following the phenomenal success of 2016’s sell-out production of ‘Hairspray’, PODS return with the regional premiere of the Broadway smash hit musical comedy 9 To 5 based on the 80’s musical starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin as three co-workers, Judy, Doralee and Violet.

Tickets are on sale now with great group and family discounts available www.cresset.co.uk 01733 265705.

300 years of Spalding Gentlemen’s Society

Try a new Craft - pop in for a workshop leaflet needle & wet felting, card making, scrapbooking and jewellery making, with all the craft supplies you could need on your doorstep!

Next Charity Crafting Dabble Day Sunday 4th March Market Deeping Antiques and Craft Centre

www.riversidebeads.co.uk t: 01778 344550

West Deeping Heritage Group Village Hall, King Street, West Deeping Wednesday 8th February 7 pm for 7.30 p.m. £2.50 at the door.

Present this advert for a 20% reduction in your first monthly Direct Debit. £35 pcm for 2 classes per week £40 pcm for unlimited classes

A classes only fitness venue.

Dedicated to providing you with choice, variety and fun motivational classes that will help you reach your fitness goals.

Allow exercise to be part of your lifestyle and benefit from feeling Happier & Healthier, it also boosts your immune system and helps maintain a Healthy Heart.

CLASSES AVAILABLE: Indoor Cycling, PUMP, Zumba, Kettle Bells, Insanity, Step Aerobics, Clubbercise, HIIT training, DDMix, Circuits, SPABS, RPM, Begin2spin, Pilates, Fitness Yoga and PiYo. We also run Kids Circuits..

Coming soon Spin4kids Contact the studio for further information.

Customers said:“Best non-judgmental place.

Great place to form friendships.

The best staff” “Extremely friendly group who make you feel very welcome the minute you arrive. Really fun classes and easy online booking system so you can see everything that available, the people there make you want to come back again and again”

£5 PAYG OR MONTHLY OPTIONS AVAILABLE. ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE

41

SLEEP

What would you give for a good night’s sleep?

Dr Pam Byrd asks the question...

Stage 2: Selection of specific issues. This stage can be rather daunting - when you have drawn up your own lists, look through to see if there is anything that you think could be an issue for you. You may find it helpful to rank each item as low, moderate or high impact on your sleep quality. Try to focus on one issue at a time even if you think several might apply.

Be positive about the prospect of improvement.

Stage 3: Decide on a change. Acknowledge that you are the person in the best position to make changes to your life and circumstances, then discuss with others if you feel it would help or if you need their support and cooperation. Try to stay positive and worry less about lack of sleep.

There are some fortunate people who regularly enjoy a good night’s sleep. However, for many of us this can be a rare and wonderful thing. It is easy to underestimate the benefits of good quality sleep for our sense of well-being. Poor quality sleep distresses the sufferer and impacts on those we care for and those around us.

Our ability to fulfil our caring responsibilities to others can be put at risk for a day or two after just one disturbed night. Frequent sleep disturbance can also have a negative impact on mood, memory and motivation. If you are a poor sleeper and keen for an improvement, it is possible that a change could help.

In reality, there are no easy solutions. However, *“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.” Another really useful question might be - What would you give up for a good night’s sleep? Start the improvement by identifying your own personal issues and then make some changes. Try the 5 stage Change Plan.

42

Stage 1: Reflection. Take some quiet time in the morning to reflect on the matter of sleep and draw up lists of possible factors affecting you using the following headings: Physical issues: e.g. indigestion, noise, restless partner, excess sugar, room temperature, light levels, alcohol intake, uncomfortable bed, sensitive bladder, other discomfort, disturbance from children.

Thinking issues: e.g. racing mind, problem solving, thoughts about the day, mentally calculating, planning the future, obsessing, clock watching, going over actions from the past, over-stimulation from computer/phone.

Emotional issues: e.g. caring responsibilities, work pressures, money worries, arguments, fear, frustrations, guilt, confusion, disappointment, loneliness, excitement.

Stage 4: Implement the change. Commit to the change for at least a month so that you can assess if it is making any difference. Simple examples might be to avoid all sugary food after 7.00pm to prevent a sugar rush; turn off your phone/computer at 8.00pm to prevent over-stimulation; or formulate a plan for regular problem-solving during the daytime to have peace of mind at night. Incorporating simple relaxation techniques can also be helpful - try relaxing with deep, slow breathing.

Stage 5: Maintain the change. When you find something that really helps to improve the quality of your sleep, continue to integrate it into your lifestyle.

Everyone is different and you may wish to change more than one aspect to find a solution that is unique to you.

Sweet dreams.

*Quote is variously attributed to Albert Einstein, Henry Ford and Tony Robbins.

Dr Pamela Byrd Director: Mulberry Home Care (Deepings and surrounding area) and The Mulberry Bush Childcare and Education Centre (Stamford)

01778 218 269

DT Stoves keeping you warm this winter

58 High St., Market Deeping info@dtstoves.co.uk

www.dtstoves.co.uk

Tues - Fri 10.00 am - 17.00 pm Sat 10.00am - 16.00 pm