I'd Rather Be In Deeping May 2020

ISSUE 060 / MAY 2020

e n i l n O ion Edit

FEATURE

The Signal Box

that wouldn’t die

6 INSIDE

Silver Linings

Are you sitting comfortably.... then I’ll begin!

Have you got a story to tell?

If you are aged between 5 and 9 years we would like to hear your story about a Lion Aged 10 to 15 years then it’s the Environment Deepings Lions Club are holding a short story competition. Stories must be max 500 words in English and in 12point font word count at bottom of page. They should contain no obscene or defamatory material and should be wholly written by the entrant only. The competition is open to residents of the Deepings and the surrounding area.

Submit your story to storycomp@deepingslions.co.uk include your address, school, your age and permission to publish the story on The Deepings Lions Website and other associated materials. (only one entry per person). Entries will be judged according to originality, plot, characterisation, language and enjoyment.

The first round will be judged by The Deepings Lions and they will submit the top ten entries in each age category to independent local authors who will then decide the First, Second and Third places in each age category Prizes of £40, £20 and £10 cash will be awarded in each age category.

The prize winners will be announced on Deepings Lions Facebook page on 15 June 2020.

Each entry also receives a certificate.

Full rules and entry details will be on Deepings Lions website and Facebook page from 1st May. www.deepingslions.co.uk

Welcome

Determined to provide some happy memories of the lockdown for his friends and rugby mates, wedding photographer David Glover has taken to his bike to record these extraordinary times for posterity. Working as an onion packer by night David has already captured 125 locals on camera with the aim of publishing a book that will provide an historic album of the year that time wrote off! Not just David but a whole community that has pulled together to make scrubs and support those that are unable to get out themselves with food packages, shopping and prescription collections, the creatives have worked hard online to keep us entertained. As Bob Broughton said to me at the outset, ‘The world has taken a breather!’ and there are aspects of life now that in spite of the grim statistics and undoubted suffering are worth cherishing. The diminution in traffic - air pollution - the time that families have had together - the building of relationships with neighbours and the opportunity to smell if not roses then cherry blossom! Let’s hang on to some of those silver linings - we will certainly need to support each other long into the future.

Judy Stevens

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WE ARE OPEN TUES-SAT 12-8.00PM COLLECTION SERVICE AVAILABLE Place your order and you will be given a collection time (payment by card over the phone or in the shop) Order will be ready and placed on a table for you to collect with a separate exit from the shop

Staff will be wearing protective gloves changed after every order is made up Social distancing guidelines will be in place A delivery service will also be available during these hours of opening

Phone the shop directly on the numbers above

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Phone 01778 342201 or 01778 347080

We will take payment over the phone where possible.

If you can only pay with cash, please put the money in an envelope and we will leave the order at your door and Put the envelope at the door and take the order in.

You can also download the JUSTEAT App service to order which is easy to access A minimum order value of ÂŁ10 is in operation and only a ÂŁ1 delivery fee will be charged to help towards the costs of a van and driver

We will have our menu on the website and on social media as well as it appearing on the JUSTEAT App. Availability of some products will depend on supplies, however we hope to have as wide a menu as possible

During this difficult time, we cannot offer any shop promotions, however our menu pricing is exactly the same as the take away shop pricing

WE HOPE YOU WILL USE OUR SERVICES AND ENJOY OUR FOOD.

www.boundaryfishandchips.co.uk/

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

Research:

07-13 News 15 Adam and Eve - the True Story 16 St James Deeping Signal Box 20 Profile: Rachel Bea 23 Semi Self Isolation 25 Lockdown Life Refections 26 Paisley Art 29 Butterflies 33 Molceley Estates 34 John Parsonages pictorial lockdown journal

Judy Stevens Photography: Ian Baxter, David Pearson Susan Hibbins and John Parsonage Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design Publisher: Judy Stevens Judy Stevens, Maggie McKay, Zoe Kornfeld, Printed by: Warners Midland PLC John McGowan, Si Fox, Ann Taylor, Kingfisher in Flight’ Graham Clegg Roger Favell and Jessica Wall Peoples Choice at the 17th Annual Deepings Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman Camera Club Exhibition

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.

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37 Two Deepings’ Walk 39 Everyday drinking wines 40 Exercise 41 Teacher Training 43 Step by step Rainbow Kumihimo Braid 44 Found in Deeping 45 Six Lockdown Silver Linings 48 Stamford Auction Rooms 49 Stamford 52 The Priory

Deeping I’d rather be in

DBC The Media Award 2016

DBC The Media Award 2019

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

@BeInDeeping

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TOWNGATE TYRE & SERVICE CENTRE LTD Whitley Way, Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping Tel: 01778 347973 Open Mon-Fri 8am - 5.30, Sat 8am - Midday

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Property

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Crime

Dispute Resolution

Family

Business

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NEWS

The inspiration, commitment and loyalty to his country did not go unmarked by the young people of the Deepings Youth Group who sent him this card.

Image: Christine Howlett

Diversification has been the name of the game for DSJ entrepreneur Lizzie Hudson who, when seeing her cat sitting business decline as holidays were cancelled, put renewed effort into her dog and cat food business deliveries within a ten mile radius of Deeping are free. see page 12.

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice has launched a Coronavirus Emergency Appeal. Before the Coronavirus struck, statutory funding only covered approx. one third of the costs involved in running the charity’s end of life care. Sue Ryder bridged that gap with fundraising and income from its 450 shops. Joely Garner, Head of Hospice Fundraising, said “We were relieved to hear the recent announcement that the Government will help to support hospices such as ours with some funding. Together, this will go some way to plug the gap in our funding – but not all the way.” You can find out more about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and support the Emergency Appeal at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ThorpeHallEmergencyAppeal You can also get in touch by emailing Thorpe.Fundraising@ sueryder.org or calling 01733 225 996.

The General is back presiding inscrutably over High Locks!

Colin Morley captured the storm over Deeping St James on Easter Sunday - the night when nature reflected life!

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The young people at Deepings Youth Group were out quickly with care packages for the elderly!

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NEWS Staff at SKDC stepped up to the plate when allocated £31.5 million from the government to distribute to businesses and within three weeks had allocated £22.15 million to 1,838 firms, making 900 payments in 24 hours. The authority ranked 24th out of 315 authorities nationwide in the speed of their response.

More details about the grants and a link to the declaration form for eligible businesses to complete is at www.investsk.co.uk/businessgrants

Country Court delivers ‘Care Packages’ to thank care staff in its care homes in Stamford and The Deepings.

Molly of Murano Silver has just launched her own brand of jewellery - Connie Bear! With designs perfect for adding a touch of detail to any outfit and with a price range from around £15-£40 it is an ideal gift or a pick you up self purchase in difficult times! Instagram - @connie_bear_jewellery Website - conniebear.shop

The pink supermoon lights up the sky - named after a northern Native American early-blooming wildflower first seen as spring begins.

• Local, reliable, friendly, flexible and smoke free environment ironing service.

• We are able to collect and deliver (The Deepings is free of charge. £3 charge for surrounding areas).

• £10 INTRODUCTORY OFFER, then £15/£20 thereafter per level basket.

• We will happily hang your clothes on your own hangers and use protective covers.

• Available for regular slots or just one offs.

For more information or to book:

Find us on Facebook or call 07872340736

David Pearson is well known for his photography in this magazine and for his love of hedgehogs see their night time antics here!

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County Councillors Rosemary Trollope-Bellew and Barry Dobson serving the Deepings and surrounding area would like to draw your attention to the Lincs County Council Covid-19 Community Fund Scheme providing funding for local projects during the coronavirus pandemic.

Each county councillor can allocate ÂŁ3,000 towards initiatives which benefit the community.

They can award the fund to a variety of groups and organisations, including: registered charities community groups voluntary groups social enterprise groups For more details click the link below

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ communityfund

I am available to residents of Market & West Deeping by email at bob.broughton@southkesteven.gov.uk or by phone 07584 897244 during the Covid Crisis and after Wishing you all well - stay safe Cllr Bob Broughton

Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew T.01778 560634 E.cllrr.trollopebellew@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Councillor Barry Dobson T. 07855 309615 E. cllrb.dobson@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Deeping St James United Charities The Institute 38 Church Street, Deeping St James, PE6 8HD 01778 344707 dsjunitedcharities@btconnect.com Our office is currently closed but we are still here to help residents of Deeping St James and Frognall Please contact us by telephone or email if you need help For full details please visit our website

www.dsjunitedcharities.org.uk

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NEWS

Life in Frognall continued at a leisurely pace.

Do you love the songs from the musicals? Local actor/ singer Jordan Howlett has got behind the mic at home to perform some of the greats while he is not able to work at the moment for the Haven Theatre Company at their flagship holiday park, Primrose Valley In Yorkshire!

Listen to them here!

Image: Janet Jones

Image: Julia Morley

Nothing like a flotilla of ducks to herald the spring!

Graham Magee from the Granary West Deeping placed a Cross in the door way of St Andrews Church and invited people to come and decorate it in time for the virtual service on Easter Day.

Spring is on it’s way - time for a boiler service!

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Come and meet the team ready and waiting to serve you during this Covid crisis Fresh local supplies from Grasmere, Peterborough Dairy & Continental for bread, cakes and milk and eggs...

FREE COLLECTION & LOCAL DELIVERY

From Gluten free,Grain Free & hypoallergenic.

Pet food supplies available to book online.

www.deepingkittykare.com Come on in have a look around and talk to one of the team who are ready to serve whether in the shop or your Local Post Office.

Keep in touch and check out our Facebook page ‘SAMS Premier & Post Office’ for further updates.

Social g distancins measure in place

Fresh produce from local farmers and growers

MOOR FARM, DECOY ROAD, NEWBOROUGH PE6 7QD

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Deeping Kitty Kare has large range of Natural Dried pet food for your cats and dogs .

For more information: Email: deepingkittykare@gmail.com Call Lizzie on - 07999890866

Find us on Facebook or visit our website www.deepingkittykare.com

NEWS Healthcare staff are getting through far more scrubs than they would normally as they try and prevent the spread of any germs. Local companies and individuals have stepped up to the mark in donating fabric and utilising their sewing skills to make and supplement supplies. Rosie Harris from Creative Touch Interiors has been using her sewing machines and workroom which has been out of commercial action during the lockdown and says ‘I am pleased to

Image: Lynda O’Neil

be helping the NHS at this difficult time.’ Graham and Glenn from The Granary from West Deeping have been pleased to donate fabric that has been previously earmarked for glamping tents at the Deepings newest wedding and events venue. Tracy Williams of West Deeping encouraged villagers and staff at Arthur Mellows to get involved when her friend, ITU nurse Libby Tanner explained that there was a shortage. In Deeping St James, soft furnishings manufacturer, Beck Johnson has been working with ‘For the Love of Scrubs’ set up

by The Stamford Shakespeare Co. costume designer Miriam Spring Davies with a team of locals to add to the supplies!

The Pride of Deeping - Simon Bateman (centre) from Round Table, Amrit Mistry (Rotary) and Justin Gray (Rotary) have worked tirelessly with others from Deeping United, Age Concern, the Foodbank and from DSJ Parish Council and United Charities to deliver care packages, to collect prescriptions and shop for those under self isolation.

Libby Tanner

Home Manager Natalie White, with resident Elizabeth Whitehouse.

Rose Lodge Care Home in Market Deeping have been listed as a Top 20 Care Home for the East Midlands in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 awards. These awards are based on 90,000 reviews from residents and their friends and families. Rose Lodge scored an impressive 9.9 out of 10 from an average of their reviews.

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LEMONS

Adam and Eve - the True Story Adam was the boss, of course, since all this happened three thousand years ago. But only now, at last, can the truth be told… what REALLY happened in that beautiful garden?

Well, ...Adam wanted pancakes, he was desperate for pancakes.

He called Eve out of their cave kitchen and told her he wanted pancakes.

“But I haven’t got all the ingredients,” she protested.

“Have you got flour?”

“Yes, I’ve got flour.”

“Have you got milk?”

“The very best billy goat milk, yes.” (Don’t say you’ve never lied to your spouse.)

“Have you got eggs?”

“Ooh yes, free range eggs.”

“So what haven’t you got? Why can’t I have my pancakes?”

“No lemons!”

“But, there’s a beautiful big lemon tree in the middle of this garden.”

“It’s ‘out of bounds’.”

“Not if you’ve got your *Attestation de Déplacement…”

“I might be stopped by *Dupont, he’s everywhere!”

“Then pick two lemons and give him one!”

Adam got his crèpes – and Eve went down for stealing forbidden fruit – and bribery. Isn’t that just like the thing?

Maggie - waiting for Godot - McKay 29 March 2020

*Attestation de Déplacement Dérogatoire is the signed and dated form we have to have with us every time we leave the house - it’s a ‘Permit to go out’ for certain specified reasons (e.g. to shop for food or take a short walk for exercise) Detective Dupont was one of the two not so bright policemen in the Tintin stories by Hergé.

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“The Signal Box That Wouldn’t Lie Down”

by John McGowan

The Story of the St James Deeping Signal Box: Its birth, death and eventual reconstruction.

The Lincolnshire Loop Line opened in 1848 and was, for a short period, the main route to the North and Scotland. The final section, from Peterborough to Boston, is the only section that remains open today and it has been upgraded to allow more freight traffic to pass along it.

The Deeping St James Station opened on the 1 August in 1849. It was renamed ‘Crowland /St. James Deeping’ in 1850 and then changed again to St James Deeping in January 1851.

The train station was closed to passengers in 1961 and to goods traffic in 1964; the main produce to travel from Deeping St James was potatoes. The station also served the nearby brickworks owned by the Great Northern Railway. A campaign to reopen the Deeping Station was launched in 1995 but failed due to the fact that the station is a long way away from the town. In 2000 plans were made to bring a link from the station into the Deepings – that also failed.

In 1876 a Signal Box was built to control train movement by signals and allowed the signalman a good view down the line to his signals. He controlled the progress of trains along the Loop line, which was regulated by a ‘block system’, between the Peterborough power box and the Littleworth signal box and this continued until the line was automated.

The Deeping box also controlled the Fox Covert Crossing after the Peakirk signal box was closed.

The box’s design represented another variation in Great Northern signal box design.

Whilst having a lot in common with the boxes of the same era not many miles away, 16

FEATURE

these 1875-78 examples retained the large roof overhang. Another unusual feature was the provision of sash windows for the locking room. (From the ‘Signal Box’ website.) The signal box received a new lever frame in 1941, marked LNER. The signal box house, where the signalman and his family lived, was still there in 1973 but by 1982 it had been demolished.

‘In July 2013 the then Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced the preservation of 26 ‘highly distinctive’ signal boxes.’

In July 2013 the then Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced the preservation of 26 ‘highly distinctive’ signal boxes. Almost at the same time Network Rail released plans to close and demolish the signal boxes along the Lincolnshire Loop line as part of a £280m modernisation of the line between Doncaster and Peterborough, part of the previously mentioned upgrading. The crossings were to become automated and controlled from a distant central hub.

A local campaign was started in an attempt to preserve the Deeping box and a meeting was held in September 2014 between the Deeping public and Network Rail, who explained that the protest had come too late, as all the appropriate permissions had been obtained and a schedule of work was underway. The new continued >

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FEATURE

automatic gates were to be sited inside the space currently occupied by the box. There was to be no reprieve for the existing box and it was duly demolished on the 23 October 2014.

The campaigners had put forward another plan, supported by the local Members of Parliament, requesting that the box be sensitively deconstructed and the component parts stored, until a plot of land could be purchased for the box’s eventual reconstruction. A government grant and DSJ United Charities helped that plan on its way and land has been purchased not far from the old station master’s house, along Station Rd in Deeping St James.

Currently the various parts of the box are stored in containers on a farmer’s field nearby the eventual site of reconstruction.

The eventual aim of the campaign group, now called ‘St. James Deeping Signal Box Group’ with charitable status and a Facebook page, is to rebuild the signal box and use it as a heritage centre, linking with other local 18

amenities such as the Exotic Pets Refuge and the Deeping Lakes Wildlife Trust.

In March 2018 the turf was lifted by Sir John Hayes MP at the start of the reconstruction.

Work has now commenced on the site with participation from students from Stamford College and local trades people, including Bob Broughton, Gavin, Mark Ducker, with help from Breedons, Prentice Bros, Reg Addy and local councillors as well as the construction team currently working at the Deepings School.

A funding application has been made to the National Lottery with help from Alison Berwick and Claire Saunders at SKDC. At the moment, in the light of the current health crisis, work at the site has stalled as has the application.

Local Artist John McGowan became aware of the box’s planned demolition in July 2013 and set about making a series of limited edition screenprints that would capture the unique qualities of the Victorian boxes. He has made four prints which feature the Deeping Box and has made a reproduction of his St James Deeping print available to the ‘Support Our Signal Box’ group to raise funds for the project.

l-r Edward Hayes, Sir John Hayes MP, Cllr Stuart Hall

You can see images of his work at www.johnmcgowanprintmaker.co.uk/signalbox/

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

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PROFILE

‘We’ll meet again’ Rachel Bea

This had followed on from the ‘Holiday at Home’ that the Methodist Church in Deeping St James had put on for local residents – they asked Rachel, a member of the congregation, if she would lead a singa-long and they loved it!

When it was time to embark on a university career, drama was the natural choice and Exeter University was the venue as the west country was a second home; Rachel’s maternal family came from from the south west. After graduation Rachel and her partner moved to Peterborough in search of a teaching career. Rachel worked from home at first in IT and then she took a teaching qualification at Homerton College, Cambridge. Her love of music and drama continued and she became an enthusiastic member of Peterborough Operatic and Drama Society (PODS) where she performed in many productions including Hairspray, Annie Get Your Gun (she was understudy lead and did two shows in the role of Annie), The Witches of Eastwick, 9 to 5 and most recently Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Her vintage and velvety tones are perfect for the songs of the era and her singing career has grown over the last four years with private gigs and concerts, including again at the Ironhorse with Alison Bruce (pictured below) as part of the first Deepings Literary Festival. This summer was set to be her busiest yet.

Now with a child, Beatrice, of her own, Rachel is a teacher in early years at Linchfield Community Primary School. While not embracing the whole forties lifestyle which is the case with some reenactors, Rachel does like to shop from the vintage stands at some forties festivals where dresses are

It turns out that I was lucky enough to be at the first forties concert that Rachel Bea ever sang at! It was at one of the Macmillan Coffee mornings held by Di Wheatley at the Ironhorse and the Blitz Dancers performed at the same event. It was this fortuitous liaison that led to a succession of events for this singer, as the Blitz Dancers introduced her to a variety of forties events including the 1940s weekend at Holme and more locally Baston in the Blitz!

Growing up in Barnsley in a theatrical family, Rachel wanted to act from an early age, taking after her paternal grandmother, Winnifred Hamby.

Describing her as a ‘bit of a diva in her day!’, Rachel recalls that she would take part in two or three shows each year at her local Methodist Church, commanding big audiences and much applause. Rachel’s dad, Peter Hamby, was an engineer by trade but loved to play the guitar and was a keen member of folk groups in the 1970s, but he disliked performing in front of an audience and so enjoyed this aspect of the performance by watching Rachel as she embraced the family tradition.

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made from authentic patterns of the day, and she has a cardigan knitted to a forties pattern of which she is particularly fond! There are also a plethora of websites to cater for this growing market and Rachel also buys online. Her hair is worn up in victory rolls - a technique which she has now perfected and so she no longer has to get up especially early to tease her locks in the right way. For school she tends to wear fifties dresses with petticoats under - bringing history to life in the classroom for her young charges! And at home too: her retro patterns and furniture echo her love for vintage.

Last year a family friend won a taster recording session in a silent auction and presented it to Rachel who has gone on from the taster session to begin production on an album with the Steel Works Studio in Sheffield of popular songs in a swing style. In addition to this she has also recently recorded an album of 40s standards ‘Memories of the 40s’ which is available to purchase for £7.50. Contact Rachel on her email sing_along2002@hotmail.com to purchase your copy.

The resonance between today and the war years is obvious; indeed The Queen alluded to it when she addressed the nation: ‘Better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.’

And Rachel Bea has risen to the challenge of entertaining ‘the troops’ with her online concerts one in aid of a charity Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice that is close to her heart and she supports again and again. It can be viewed here: visit www.facebook.com/ rachelbeasings to view upcoming events. https://www.facebook.com/events/s/ve-daycelebration-sing-along/2916978691670848/

PROFILE

‘Her vintage and velvety tones are perfect for the songs of the era’

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New Potatoes Now Available in the Farm Shop Sweet and delicious, perfect for Springtime recipes.

Unwashed potatoes last longer as the dirt protects them.

Vine House Farm Deeping St Nicholas, PE11 3DG 01775 630208 Open 7 Days

eeping New Pots Apr 18 1.indd 1

12/04/2018 14:43:51

We can accommodate most motorhomes for services & MOT OPENING TIMES: Mon- Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm and Sat 8.00am - 11.00 am

We are open during these difficult times and precautions are being taken 22

Semi Self Isolation

POEM

Now, I get the general concept of this self-isolation But it’s driven me to the very edge of progressive desperation.

You see, we’d got it worked out, between me and the wife Our marriage was a strong one cos we both lived separate lives.

But now we’re in the same house, locked down for 14 days And if we’re both alive in 2 weeks, I’ll be honestly amazed.

Apparently there’s rules and regs which make this marriage stable And she has a list of what can be done, sat at the kitchen table!

Jigsaws are not a problem, she’s fine and cool with those.

As is arranging flowers there, and anything else she grows.

But the minute that I wander in, with a greased up carburetor I can see it in her eyes that I’ve probably upset her.

Her left foot starts a-tappin’, and her temple starts pulsating Her eyebrows starts to furrow, and all her teeth start grating.

I offer her a tea or coffee, anything just to please her But she delves into her backpack and pulls out Bacardi Breezer Si Fox

I casually mention ‘calories’, and should she be drinking that?

But she bites the top clean off, and ends our little chat.

I retreat into the lounge, and turn the tv on I know there should be two remotes, but I can only find the one.

“Darling, have you seen the...” I start to shout into the kitchen.

But before the sentence ends, she’s stood there in the doorway, twitching.

From the growling that she’s doing, and hand gestures seldom seen I take my cue, and leave the house, before she makes a scene.

Thirteen more days, and sixteen hours, of watching where I tread!

I thank the Lord and all his angels that I’ve got a garden shed!

Si Fox

Stay

connected

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WE’LL BE BACK AS SOON AS WE CAN BE!

Ruffles Hair & Beauty

The Wild Garden

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

Also at 3 Halfleet you will find

Ruffles

Dress Agency 01778 344677

follow us on facebook for opening times

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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

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Natural, seasonal, eco-friendly flowers for all occasions.

Using the best of British, and beautiful blooms straight from the cutting garden. www.the-wild-garden.co.uk Mobile 07568 514182 email: wildgardenposies@gmail.com

Lockdown Life Reflections

LOCKDOWN

with Emma Lannigan At the time of writing this we are coming to the close of Week 3 of Lockdown Life. A time in our lives when the world turned on its head, and very quickly.

Change isn’t everyones favourite friend. Most of the time change creates stress, fear and resistance. And when we have no knowledge of the outcome, this level of uncertainty can create anxiety or heighten anxiety that was already there before.

Change Affects Us All There was a quote from the government which suggested: “if your life has not changed and been effected by this, then you’re not doing it right.”

We went into sudden loss of not being able to do what we liked when we liked. Our daily routine shifted whether you are employed, self employed, a business owner, retired, at school or university. Somewhere in those following days you will have waited to see what was next, for you.

The plans for this new decade swiftly disappearing from beng postponed to cancelled. A new appreciation of life started to appear, and not just life; of people too.

The neighbour on your street who is a keyworker, you now stand on your doorstep, clap and show your appreciation for their sacrifices.

Were you able to spend more time phoning friends?

Those with vulnerable relatives or friends in hospital, care homes or hospices taking on a whole new emotional battle.

End of the week drinks via video call with colleagues and friends you never had time for?

Everyone feels the impact of these changes.

How you used your one hour of outside exercise per day?

How you spent time within your home?

Were you scolling more on social media or less?

Now we’ve a new normal on the horizon, and we can all play a part.

Appreciating nature

Lockdown Lessons

Making time to relax and laugh more at home?

Having more time isn’t always a blessing, whilst those who are constantly busy crave it! When life isn’t as busy with school runs, clubs, meeting up with friends, work and fitness and ‘life admin’ what are we doing, who are we?

For some, a new appreciation for the school day, the journey to work, conversations with friends and colleagues, all now being acknowledged as you moved to study and work from home.

With more time and nothing to fill it with thoughts can start to creep in, that being busy pushed away.

Alternatively, more time reminds us of the things we often wish we had more time for, like baking, gardening, decorating, relaxing to reading.

Watching as local small business owners and self employed adapt fast to move parts or all of their business online. For most their business and income was stopped within days.

Consider the changes Lockdown Life has presented and whether you have enjoyed them or not.

Did this period give you more time or less?

Spending money on more or less?

Previous stresses and tensions did they get bigger or smaller?

Reflect on what you want to focus less on and more on in the months to come. Get really clear and gift yourself this space to move through these changes, and your life, in a way you will enjoy and appreciate more.

If you need support talk to the Samaritans 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258 or for men contact CALM available 5pm - midnight 0800 58 58 58 and visit https://mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus for more tips and resources.

FB/ Insta: @emmalannigan and visit www.emmalannigan.com (Link: http://www.emmalannigan.com )

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PAISLEY ART

Paisley Arts Lockdown Gallery Bruce Hildred

Rebecca Limb

Students of Paisley Art working in the style of the artist Michael Craig Martin.

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Jo Crawford

Clare from Paisley Art

Frances Barker

Philippa Cherry

Philippa Bardurek Bradbury

Pam Hart

Students of Paisley Art working in the style of Clover Robin

Hayley Hildred

Janette Olive

Janet Baker

Students of Paisley Art working in the style of Lucy Tiffney www.facebook.com/paisleyartclub 27

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Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

BUTTERFLIES Brimstone Butterfly

Purple Emperor Butterfly (male)

A kaleidoscope of butterflies by Roger Favell Butterflies - the very essence of summer. Although some species of butterfly can be seen on almost any sunny day in the year, it is the summer period when the majority are in flight.

The first butterfly usually to appear on a bright warm day in March is the bright yellow Brimstone Butterfly.

They are often on the wing in people’s gardens early in the year.

But as the adults from the previous year over-winter in ivy or shrubbery they can be seen on warm days in the winter.

The next butterfly to be seen in April is the Holly Blue Butterfly. These are the small blue butterflies you see flitting around your garden. They have two broods a year so can also be seen in August. Other butterflies such as Comma, Red Admiral,

Peacock and Small Tortoiseshells over-winter in sheds and outbuildings and can also be seen throughout the year, including the winter months.

Another butterfly seen in April/May is the Orange Tip (only the male butterfly has the bright orange wing tips, the female has blackish wing tips) and they regularly turn up in the gardens of the Deepings area. As the year moves forward to July, this really is the butterfly period with lots of Red Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells, Commas, Peacocks, Brimstones and the occasional Meadow Brown on your buddleia bushes. Some years we have an influx of Painted Lady Butterflies in from the Continent on our garden buddleia; these amazing insects having started their journey to Britain from the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. The last time of a large influx was in 2010, although some were seen last year.

In recent years I have had a Silver-washed Fritillary on my buddleia bush in Deeping St James. This butterfly is large and orange in colour with a pattern of dark spots on all four wings. It is called the Silver-washed Fritillary because the underwings look as if silver paint has been splashed on them. Until about eight continued >

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BUTTERFLIES

Holly Blue Butterfly

Red Admiral Butterfly

years ago these butterflies had been extinct in this area since the late 1960s, but there has been a gradual spread in the last decade from western Britain. They now appear in all the local woods and if you are lucky you might now get one in your garden.

Another butterfly which has turned up in many local woods, i.e. Bourne Woods and Castor Hanglands in the past decade, is the beautiful Purple Emperor. This, like the Silver-washed Fritillary disappeared in the late 1950s/60s.

The Purple Emperor is probably the most magnificent of all British butterflies and was much sought after by the Victorian collectors for their glass cases. Fortunately people nowadays are happy just to observe these butterflies or take photographs.

Butterflies are now protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is therefore illegal to catch them without a permit from Natural England. Let’s hope we have some good weather this year in the summer months and we see a lot more butterflies in our gardens.

Painted Lady Butterfly

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BUTTERFLIES

Orange tip Butterfly (male)

Silver-washed fritillary Butterfly

Comma Butterfly

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Wedding Mr

The Granary is the perfect, adaptable backdrop. Whether you want your special day to be wonderfully romantic, dreamily intimate or daringly different, here you can let your imagination run wild.

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I do...

Be our guest

Feast with us

Marvellous Mill

Molecey Mill, Stamford Road West Deeping, Lincolnshire PE6 9JD thegranarydeeping.com | 07855242356 thesquire@moleceyestates.com

Health & Fitness

Special Occasions

Open for business

MOLCELEY ESTATES

Welcome to the Estate of Play This is the story of a mill and house but this is no ordinary mill. In 1086 Godfrey de Cambrai owned the 4 mills in West Deeping.

Watermills are considered man’s earliest form of labour saving technology. Back in history watermills were used for grinding corn to produce flour for bread, the staple food of the population.

Over the centuries Molecey became a busy place of corn, mice, kingfishers, swans, flour sacks and carts. People arrived by canal from the coast. Ancient stone and giant oaks built the walls and floors. Families came and went with the Molecey’s

completing most of the building works from their arrival in the early 1700’s through to the Fullards, Riley’s and van Geest’s, who secured its local fame and brought the mill through the twentieth century.

Molecey is a huge complex of buildings which stamped its mark on the local area and it still is an arresting sight on the Stamford Road today.

Let us show you the core of the mill, the wheel in action.

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John Parsonages Pictoria

34

al Lockdown Journal

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SPAR GODSEY LANE Shop local, Shop little BESPOKE SOFT FURNISHINGS MADE IN OUR OWN WORKROOM

ROLLERS • SHUTTERS • VENETIANS • VERTICALS

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Beautifully Bespoke Curtains, Shutters, Blinds & Accessories, Wallpaper and Paint

01778 345777 www.creativetouchinteriors.co.uk info@creativetouchinteriors.co.uk Blenheim Way, Northfields Ind Est, Market Deeping PE6 8LD

We at Big Spar are working very hard to keep our shelves stocked so serve the community in these difficult times. We are happy to bring your groceries and other basics to your doorstep free of charge to all those in need.

Please do ring in as and when needed and we will try our best to to serve you as soon as possible.

Thank you everyone for all your support.

Protect yourself and stay safe.

Hitesh and Bharti 88A Godsey Lane

01778 343822

Murano Silver to Launch Sister Brand, Connie Bear Jewellery, this Spring…

VIRTUAL CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA ZOOM. PLEASE BOOK INTO YOUR PREFERRED CLASS VIA MINDBODY AS USUAL AND Connie Bear @connie_bear_jewellery

Visit: www.conniebear.shop

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JOIN US IN KEEPING FIT FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME..

Connie Bear Jewellery FREE PARKING • NO ADMIN FEES • AFFORDABLE PERSONAL TRAINING 1-2-1 OR COUPLES WELCOME ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE

TWO DEEPINGS’ WALK

Library across the Welland Fairfax House

High Locks

Two Deepings’ Walk - A short, family friendly circular route With Ann & Paul Taylor Starting at the footbridge over the river in Deeping St James, this is a circular walk of about 2 miles but you could join it anywhere en route. It’s suitable for families, pushchair do-able, and children’s bikes or scooters friendly, so take a drink and a piece of cake and stop for a picnic! Crossing the bridge into Deeping Gate and turning right, we pass Fairfax House, the original home of the Doctor in Deeping in the 1960s; his surgery was located behind the cream door in the single-storey building. Take in,

too, the display board and find the mark on the bridge showing previous floods. Cross over the road and carry on along the tow path, passing High Locks and eventually coming out into the meadow. Things to look out for in the meadow include an excellent view, across the River Welland, of our lovely Library, War Memorial, and the Fire station. Keep on this path, crossing a small bridge picture leading to a narrowish, fenced-off track. Cross over the drive at the end and into the next grass field through the round footpath

gate (look for the footpath sign), heading diagonally towards a large tree. The path is clearly defined. This tree has a huge girth – give it a hug as you carefully climb over its roots! At the end of this path turn left; you will see the sign welcoming you to ‘Peterborough – Creating the UK’s Environmental Capital’ (an impressive aim!) passing Maxey House on your left.

There are some beautiful fresh, green horse chestnut trees along here, currently without the leaf blight disease – fingers crossed. continued >

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Image: John Parsonage

TWO DEEPINGS’ WALK

Turn left down Suttons Lane: a quiet, rural lane, with fantastic views across the fields. It was here, on the imposing tree stump on the left further down, we heard the most amazing ‘Woody Woodpecker’ drilling noise and saw the Great Spotted Woodpecker, a beautiful black and white plumaged bird with a red under patch, fly off. Approach quietly and you may be rewarded. The lane changes as you carry along, with the pink cherry blossom and 38

late evening sun on the oil seed rape adding to the tranquillity. Carry on along this lane and then turn left. Another lovely scene is before you as you walk back to where our walk starts, with The Bridge and The Bell coming into view. Take the path along by Fairfax House and you are back where you started. And be grateful we live in such lovely location where so many different walks are possible – as the saying goes, “I’d Rather Be in Deeping”!

Suttons Lane

Everyday drinking wines Despite the unpleasantness of social distancing and forced self-isolation, thankfully all is not lost and we do still have some pleasures to enjoy. Many people have commented that all of a sudden, with the lack of traffic noise and sheer volume of moving vehicles, we can all hear so much more birdsong. Isn’t that fantastic!

Equally, the chance to spend simple time in the garden, enjoying it properly and to its fullest extent. These are all things that in our more usual busy lives, we just pass by with a fleeting interest and subconscious awareness. Weekends have now become the everyday and so it is too with wine. It is an opportunity to spread your vinous interests and try a few different wines

WINES

and to actually sit on the patio and think about what’s in your glass and enjoy it.

Thankfully, it is not necessary to spend large amounts of money to find enjoyable wine and that may be acutely important to those who very sadly, fear for their jobs or may be furloughed on reduced pay. Alcohol should certainly not be a crutch to carry the woes of the world but, on the other hand, a glass of wine can lift the spirits and be a rare source of enjoyment in these most difficult of times.

I have looked at the ranges of wines available locally and the following should be available and are good examples at a reasonable price.

Co-Operative Store La Vielle Ferme Rouge, France - £7.75. (Also available in Tesco.) This is an excellent example of southern French red, similar in style to Cotes du Rhone. Incredibly good price for the quality. The wine is largely Grenache and Cinsault based, giving it a softer, rounded profile and chock full of red and black berry fruit. It would be very well matched to BBQ meats and pork pie.

Chateau Beau-Site, St Estephe, Bordeaux 2014 - £22.00 – This is text-book red Bordeaux, with a fine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, from a good year. Ripe damsons and cedar on the nose, quite pronounced. On the palate, the wine shows ripe black fruit, pencil shavings and the merest hint of mint. It’s full-bodied, rich and mineral.

It has elegance and finesse and is very well balanced. This wine would be excellent with any red meat or hard cheese. Although it is a fairly expensive wine for many people, it is a serious wine of some repute and if it doesn’t stretch your budget too much, it is certainly worth trying.

Villa Maria Private Bin, Sauvignon Blanc - £9.50. (Also available in Tesco.) This is classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Lip-smackingly juicy, grassy, tropical fruits and great freshness. Lovely with fish or a tangy goat’s cheese salad.

Co-Op Irresistible Cava, Brut - £7.00. This is a sensational fine wine for the money. Made in the traditional champagne method, this Cava is made from the Macabeo grape variety which gives it a richness and complexity you won’t find in Prosecco. A terrific glass to enjoy on its own as an aperitif on the patio.

Wine Writer Leigh Johnson (with Oz Clarke)

Tesco Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay, Australia - £7.00. Surprisingly high quality for a wine made in such vast quantities. Bright and breezy citrus notes, white stone fruits and green apple. Rich and supple, a tiny note of oak but don’t let that put you off – it’s nothing like the overblown, blousy chardonnays of the 1980s and 90s; this wine retains its freshness and elegance and would be excellent with roast chicken or soft cheese.

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva, Spain - £11.00. This is a very good quality reserva Rioja. The wine has been aged in the cask for one year and a further two years in the bottle, and the extended maturity tells.

This wine shows very good fruit, a level of sweetness to balance the richness and secondary flavours beginning to emerge with notes of leather and earth. It would be an excellent wine with grilled sausages, BBQ meats and hearty bean stews.

Tesco Finest Provence Rose - £9.00. Made from a traditional Provence blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this is an excellent rose, full of strawberry and redcurrant notes with a faint touch of pithy grapefruit on the finish to add complexity and interest. A really good wine with all seafoods and light salads, or just on its own!

These are just a few examples of the very wide range available from the Co-Op and Tesco and of course, there are many more good wines to choose from. These, however, have been recommended because they are genuinely good wines and sold at a competitive price and I am certain you will enjoy them.

Cheers!

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TRAINING MADE PERSONAL

Glenn Roberts professionally trained with the Royal Ballet from the age of 11. With an extensive knowledge founded in movement coupled with a world class training, Glenn has a proven track record of success with clientèle across all walks of life. He built TMP - Training Made Personal to feed his passion of movement through training clients one on one as well as designing and running bespoke fitness classes.

He enjoys approaching the many challenges that clients face from a fresh angle using skills and techniques learned in one of the most physically demanding art forms.

Focus Breathe Go Contact Glenn on 07855 242 356 Tmpretreat@gmail.com

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With schools closed since March – who is training our teachers?

Never fear! Local teacher training provider, The Deepings SCITT, is holding the educational fort and ensuring that September’s new teachers are still on course to qualify. SCITT Director, Nicola Benjamin, says that their 40 trainees are still being trained, from home, and she added, ‘The fact that my fluffy slippers and Oscar, the dog, are occasionally visible doesn’t seem to put them off!’

Like schools, the trainees’ course has now moved online, although they continue to learn their craft and plan lessons in order to be ready to take up their jobs in September. This recognises the hard work and progress already made by the trainees, whilst simultaneously protecting the flow of new entrants into the profession for September.

Teachers need their sense of humour and this was evident last week when Primary Manager, Helen Ackrill, was surprised by her trainees who ‘zoomed’ to sing ‘Happy Birthday’. These are indeed strange times and the stress for trainees has been addressed too with lots of online well-being advice and chats.

Trainees have responded to say that, ‘The organisation and quality of the distance learning is fantastic!’

This week’s remote study package even includes some body stretches for when trainees put their laptops down.

Recruitment continues for the new September cohort via online interviews, and if there any new graduates or career changers looking for a career in teaching with bursaries and student loans available, contact nbenjamin@deepings.anthemtrust.uk.

Nikki Benjamin

Train to Teach with The Deepings SCITT

G IN N T I RU DOW C RE OCK L IL G L Are you a graduate?

ST RIN U D Either recent or looking for a change of career?

If so, why not train to teach in your local schools? Across South Lincolnshire & North Cambridgeshire we offer an on-the-job training programme with a family feel in both primary and secondary phases.

For more information see our website: www.deepingscitt.org.uk or contact: nbenjamin@deepings.anthemtrust.uk 41

Decorating during lockdown?

Want to add some timeless elegance to your scheme?

Source decorative plaster mouldings locally made in Market Deeping.

Call to discuss your requirements on

01778 343600 or 07584897244 42

Step by step Rainbow Kumihimo Braid 1

CRAFTS

7

Turn the disc 90Âş anti clockwise: this will place number 8 at the top of the disc.

8 Cut 4 1meter lengths of cord, Place the 4 strands together and fold them in half, tie the centre with a spare piece of cord.

4 5

Take care to keep the knot in the centre of your cords and don’t over pull any of the cords (they should all be the same length under the disk) Take the cord from 32 down to 14.

9 10

2

Push the knot through the central hole of the disc. (It can be useful to clip our kumihimo weight onto the scrap cord to help to pull the braid down).

3

Arrange the cords either side of N, S, E & W

6

Take the cord from 8 down to 22.

11 Then the cord from 16 up to 30.

Then the cord from 24 up to 6.

Repeat the previous steps by taking the cord to the right of the top cords and bringing it down to the right of the bottom cords and then the cord to the left of the bottom cords up to the left of the top cords and rotating anti clockwise after these 2 moves. A swirly braid will start to come through the centre of the disk

Remove your braid from the disk, bind the end to stop it unraveling and cut to size, glue the end cap on and leave to dry before wearing.

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FOUND IN DEEPING

Sourced by locals... found in Deeping discovers Zoe Kornfeld

Deeping Fudge - delicious handmade in the Deepings! Delivering locally for free and available at Sams’, Rycroft Avenue DSJ. Quote IRBIDO1 for 10% off all orders until 31st May https://deepingfudge.co.uk/ Started on a kitchen table in Market Deeping Freya and Hayley have grown Freya Aromatics into a business supplying luxury soy blend candles, wax melts, room & linen sprays and hand washes and lotions. Try Pomegranate Noir, Lemongrass & Ginger and Black Plum & Rhubarb. Find them on Facebook @ Freya Aromatics or 07961 001616

As assortment of melt in the mouth pastries available at Sams’ Rycroft Avenue DSJ who are also a Post Office, Off Licence and news agent!

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Image: Katie Hawes

Connie Bear Jewellery from Molly of Murano Silver pairs carefully curated vintage components with a contemporary feel to create a look that is as quirky as it is sleek and stylish with a price range from around £15£40. Much of the collection can be personalised, to add extra sentiment to the already beautiful pieces, with initials or dates which is all done by hand in store. Instagram @connie_bear_ jewelleryWebsite - conniebear.shop

‘Memories of the 40s’ CD

by Rachel Bea available now £7.50 payment can be made via PayPal contact Rachel on sing_along2002@hotmail.com

Grasmere Farm has a enviable reputation, nationally, for delicious Sausages.

It was local butcher Alf ’s award winning Lincolnshire Sausage recipe, which first inspired Stuart (Grasmere’s owner) to make high quality, pork sausages, and this recipe was the catalyst for many other award winning flavours for which Grasmere is renowned. But the Lincolnshire Sausage remains at the heart of the business and is still made on their farm in Deeping St James to this day and is available in their shop in the centre of Market Deeping as well as many other local retailers including Sams’ Premier and Marville Superstore. Grasmere Farm 9-10 Market Gate, Market Deeping.

01778 342239.

Six Lockdown Silver Linings

SILVER LININGS

So the saying goes: ‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.’ A pertinent, often clichéd quote that people have been known to casually throw around when times get tough.

Well folks, it’s stormy going out there at the moment. It’s scary, it’s confronting, and even for those of us who are not on the frontline fighting this virus every day, it sometimes feels almost impossible to see the light beyond the storm. Moments in history, such as these, always bring out the best, and worst, of humanity – it has been uplifting to see incredible feats of kindness, empathy and selflessness, from all corners of our community. They also demand that we, as individuals, reflect on our own contributions. The choices we make don’t just make ripples, but can turn into waves: waves of chaos or waves of calm and positivity. Despite feeling that much of our freedom has been taken from us, every single one of us has the opportunity to make choices and create waves. And if our efforts of kindness and compassion never make it past our front door, nobody should ever belittle the importance of them, and the impact they will have in the future. With this in mind, I spoke to a few local mums who have made the choice to savour the extra time with their families, spend time creating happiness, and channel their energy into gratitude, productivity and love. Below, they each share their own personal ‘lockdown silver lining’: the moments of utter joy found amongst the chaos, enjoyed whilst waiting for the storm to pass.

Mandy Woodward I am thoroughly enjoying spending time with my babies. I’m loving having every second with them, they are sweet, funny, and crazy and I love them dearly so I’m treasuring every single moment. Not every second is bliss, but it’s my heaven. We, at the moment, are together, safe and happy. Take care and stay safe – my silver lining is simple, but I’m incredibly grateful.

Jo Proud During these unprecedented times, when there is so much uncertainty on the future, I have often felt guilty about saying (so far) I’ve been lucky and it’s been good for me. I have been able to spend time with my own children. We still have the school work for my eight year old but my fifteen year old is a GCSE child who won’t be sitting his exams so I have loved having time to support him with future choices. We have all spend more time cycling, exploring our natural environment in glorious weather, enjoying the wildlife and keeping fit (ish), lots of gardening being done by all of us so the garden is looking great. Both children have been baking and even making an evening meal, learning new skills and building more confidence in the kitchen – my son is even experimenting with one-minute microwave cookies! Outside, he even built a temporary coop for our chickens (due to a delivery issue) and both love the fresh eggs. It warms my heart seeing them happy and excited as they look and nurture our chickens; it is giving them a distraction from the persistent virus news that (unless managed) was starting to bring them down. They miss their friends, but we have technology that allows some contact. My daughter has learnt origami from a friend via Face time. We have had socials with friends and doing a BBQ dinner party all together this weekend. I love the chance to be creative, think more about humanity, and the environment, take time to breathe – and live... continued >

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SILVER LININGS

Mary Sammons My silver lining is being able to connect to my children at a deeper level and them connecting with each other.

At this slower pace my preschoolers have learnt to dress themselves completely including all shoes and coats and have learnt to make their beds. My four year old’s speech has come on bounds even without his therapy and pre-school and they’re generally just much happier and contented.

My teen has been able to use this time to really establish school work at her pace so that it’s embedded and she is feeling more confident.

She has had time to reflect on where she is and who she is. My eldest, as a key worker, has worked every day: on call 24/7 – he also has some friends with small children, so is shopping for them, he’s making daily checks on his friends’ well-being, and generally being an awesome human being.

Their resilience astounds me every day and I’m so very proud of them all.

Megan Kearney This is our son who is 18 months old. One thing Covid-19 has taught me is that it’s okay to ask for and accept help. I’ve always been a stubborn, independent person who doesn’t like accepting help. Yet, during selfisolation, and then shielding, we still haven’t had to enter a shop for things. We have had neighbours collect his prescriptions, local NHS volunteers deliver medication for me, and parents and friends search and ‘doorstep deliver’ items we are struggling to get on our online shops! The sense of gratitude to anyone that has helped us is immense and moving forward I know I will accept more ‘help’ – probably crucial ahead of baby number two coming later in the year.

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Sophie Knight I’ve been making quilts for about 10 years now but it’s always been something I fit in here and there when I have time, and lately there’s not been much of that since having my son (who’s two-and-a-half now). But since the lockdown there have been such huge amounts of stress and worry, coupled with lots of time indoors with nowhere to go.

To keep a check on my anxiety and worries, I did some sewing, and realised how quickly my thoughts calmed down (because you have to focus so hard with a sewing machine!). I suddenly had loads of time to sit down at my sewing machine and concentrate.

I had lots of boxes of scraps of material and I decided to make a quilt with them all; I do one block at a time and then sew them all together. The quilt is growing and growing – I probably do about 5-10 blocks a week. Heaven knows how big the quilt will be by the time we go back to any sort of normality! I’ve called it the Quarantine Quilt. I might end up making more than one, though! It’s great to have something so productive and creative to put my time and energy into. Making something and being able to say ‘I made that’ is so exciting and fulfilling. Plus I can’t watch the news or browse social media while I’m doing it!

The quilt is very colourful, using all sorts of patterns and types of fabric. It’s probably not very conventional if there was a quilting rule book – but luckily I don’t think there is one. What’s also wonderful is how many memories there will be in the quilt.

Lots of fabrics come from outfits I can remember, fabric from other people there’s a bit of my dad’s shirt, a hanky I had as a child, fabric from a dress my gran made herself... plus there are all sorts of textures to feel. My little boy will hopefully enjoy it too once it’s finished; he has his own quilt that I’ve made him, and he does love it more than his other blankets.

The only trouble is having a hobby like this when the weather is so nice – it gets a bit warm underneath a quilt!!

Jo Fowler

SILVER LININGS

We can’t help but think of all the things we have had to cancel, the events we have missed or are missing out on, the trips and experiences that won’t happen now: so many things we were looking forward to in celebration of our 40th birthdays. But in actual fact this lockdown has brought us closer together, has given us hours together that otherwise we would not have had, and has helped us find renewed joy in the simple things in life. We have baked, walked, shared stories, had our own home school doing what we want and what we are interested in; we’ve had sleepovers, played games, gardened and enjoyed the sunshine, created pieces of art and so much more. 2020 might suck in so many ways, but I will think of it as the year we stayed home to save lives, the year we got the time we always wished we had together, the year life slowed down, we rested, we loved and we laughed. We have so much to be thankful for... our health, and our family, which truly is the most precious thing.

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NHS AUCTION

Jessica Wall Being the Director of Stamford Auction Rooms has been hugely exciting, with both ups and downs over the years, but I never expected to be in this hugely unnerving and difficult situation, that we are all facing together.

I have had to make decisions that I never thought I would have to take, such as telling all my staff to stay at home and stay safe, finding myself running an auction house entirely by myself, running two separate bidding platforms on auction day as well as doing the auctioneering (a particularly interesting experience... which I eventually got the hang of!), having my two dogs in the saleroom (because no one can dog-sit) during the online sale (causing much amusement to the people watching!) and the list goes on.....

But none of this has deterred me, it has made me even more determined to keep providing a service for people to sell items, and achieve great hammer prices, which can help clients enormously at times when money is scarce. A vendor from the online auction on 28 March who is self employed, cannot work, and has no financial help currently emailed me after the auction to say how grateful they were for me raising over £850 from bits of jewellery they did not wear any more… and this gave me an idea....

Postal services are still running! This means I can accept entries for auction, in particular small items such as jewellery, silver, coins and collectables, and so my aim is to make people aware that they may have TREASURE to sell! And while they are stuck at home, wondering what to do with the day, a treasure hunt could be had, and I am here to provide free valuations via email info@ stamfordauctionrooms.com. Often it is the most unlikely of items that is worth the most...

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Stamford Auction Rooms usually raises huge amounts of money for various charities locally, because the charity shops bring some of the more valuable donations to the saleroom and I sell those items commission free - however, because charity shops are now closed, we are unable to do this. I have therefore made the decision to donate 50% of the commission from items we receive as a direct result of this campaign to the NHS. NHS Charities Together – formerly Association of NHS Charities – is a collective experience representing, supporting and championing the work of the NHS. So now it’s over to you! Get hunting! Send those parcels to us! SAR, Unit 7A&B Meadow View Business Park, Uffington Road, Stamford, PE9 2EX

STAMFORD

A trip through time I’d rather be in Deeping designer, Gary Curtis captures one of the finest Georgian towns in the country in print and on film.

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BOOK EXTRACT

The Priory Set in Stamford, taking in some well-known sights such as St Leonards Priory, the Tobie Norris and the willow tree on the meadows... but masquerading as Westford, The Priory is the first full length novel by Jonathan Wheatley.

A copywriter by trade and a novelist by night Jonathan’s work is a mixture of contemporary horror and historical fact.

Born and raised in Stamford, Lincolnshire; son of Deeping’s Peter Wheatley, he is a dedicated dad to his two sons, Sonny and Harlan. He is keen to promote and encourage young and new writers.

Intrigued? Read on....

The girls walked fifty-yards ahead of them. Not that there was anyone in the fields that would have seen them anyway. To their right, the cut hay had left behind sharp, hollow sticks that stuck up like urchin’s spines. Large hay bales, like dominoes, littered the countryside. Tracks of heavy machinery made their way in evenly spaced lines down to where the bushes separated the fields from the motorway.

To the left, through the bracken and stinging nettles, they passed an abandoned cemetery. Crumbling stone graves and carved angels emerged from the grass. The graveyard itself was well-maintained, a large clearing with freshly cut lawn surrounded by tall trees and a brown wooden bench. Fresh white flowers lay on a handful of the graves. On others, just the remains of flowers–a dried up petal here, a crusted vase there.

They had buried no one there for twenty years. As they got further up the field, they only glimpsed the odd gravestone through the trees.

It was quiet besides the non-stop drone of the cars on the motorway. The boys caught up to the girls.

Luke and Petey walked in silence until they were well past the graveyard. Even in the sunshine, dead bodies spooked them. They cut through the break in the bushes and into another larger field. Over the trees 52

and shrubs, they saw the first floors of the red brick houses on the estate. “Race you?” Petey said to Luke.

“Nah, it’s too hot, let’s walk.”

Petey looked down at his feet and continued to walk next to his friend.

Up ahead, the girls had stopped. Lisa stooped over, looking at something to the side of the path; Ruby was crouching. Luke and Petey looked at each other and jogged to them.

“What is it?” Luke asked over Ruby’s shoulder when they arrived.

“I don’t know.” Ruby looked up at Lisa–Lisa shrugged.

It was a hessian sack. It’s top,tied with a tatty purple shoelace. Some of the fabric was stained black, and it was stiff as if a pattern or symbol was once printed on it.

“It’s probably a dog poo bag,” said Lisa, her body pointing towards home.

“Why to go to the trouble of picking up dog poo if you’re then going to leave the bag?” asked Petey.

Lisa shrugged. Luke searched in the undergrowth for a twig and found one six inches long and strong.

He poked the bag and felt something hard inside.

“Definitely not dog poo.” He fumbled to get the end of the twig through the hole where the shoelaces tied the bag, missing once, twice, but succeeding the third time. Lifting the bag off the ground, the twig bent in the middle. “It’s heavy.”

Ruby reached out to the dangling bag. “Ruby, what’re you doing?” asked Lisa, turning back to them. A cloud passed over the sunshine, the field turned dark.

“We should open it,” Ruby said,looking up at them with glazed eyes.

Petey looked at Luke, his head shaking side-to-side.

Luke lowered the bag to the ground in front of Ruby’s feet. She reached forward and untied the shoelaces.

The bag opened, and Ruby emptied the contents onto the dusty, hay-littered path. It was a dull silver dictaphone. And then something else fell out, a black rock, perfectly round,the size of Luke’s fist.

Want to know more?

Visit https://www. amazon.co.uk/PrioryWestford ChroniclesBook-ebook/dp/ B085T8DJKH/

Oakwood est 1996

Thank you to all of The Deepings Key Workers #Thankyou #staysafe Oakwood House, High Street, Market Deeping, PE6 8ED