I'd rather be in Deeping Oct 16

Deeping ISSUE 017 / OCT 2016

I’d rather be in

INSIDE

Pumpkin Carving Competition FEATURE

Air Crash 1944

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great coffee shops

Image: David Pearson

Langtoft Fen

INSIDE

FEATURED PROPERTY

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Externally the stabling, extensive storage and gated paddocks are ready for use. Viewing of this unique property is highly recommend and is by appointment only.

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Welcome

There are as we go through life, rites of passage, first pair of shoes, first day at school and so on. One of those rites is definitely Presentation Day at your secondary school. This year the Deepings School held theirs in early September in the presence of the new Headteacher, Richard Lord, hosted by School Governor Sharon Green and with Cassidy Little as the Guest Speaker. Lance Corporal Cassidy Little as a Commando in the Royal Marines is a classic boys’ own hero. Both handsome and charming, he went away to war and when an Improvised Explosive Device exploded, he lost the lower part of one leg, while the other was badly damaged, in a scene of carnage where many of his compatriots lost their lives. He came back from what only can be described as a period of unimaginable pain and suffering to win the People’s Strictly Come Dancing with dance partner, Natalie Lowe. Out of all his trials and tribulations Cassidy shared five rules for life with the students of the Deepings School and I now share these with you.

Never lose your pride, or your determination, this can get you everywhere you need to go. In the precise words of Cassidy, ‘Don’t half ass anything!’ Show resilience and give life your all. Lastly show cheerfulness in the face of adversity - if you see someone not laughing, get them laughing because if you’re not laughing you’re crying!

With these words ringing in their ears the Class of 2016 left to follow their respective destinies with the goodwill of the Deepings behind them.

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

Judy Stevens Susan Hibbins Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design Judy Stevens, Keith Townsend Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman, Dorothea Price and Mary Pendred

07-09 News

33 Hedgehogs

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Langtoft Fen Air Crash

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The Grey Lady

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Profile: Julia Jarman

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Fairy gardens

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Winter Night Skies

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The Granary, West Deeping

Flying Saucers seen over Tallington

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Winter Fair

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Pumpkin Carving Competition

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Five great Coffee shops

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What’s On

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Road safety

Photography: Publisher: Printed by:

Ian Baxter, David Pearson, Judy Stevens Warners Midland PLC

Cover: Taken on location at The Granary 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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NEWS Correction & more!

Football tournament presentation. Johnny Brown Farmer of Stowgate presents a prize to Matthew Sellars.

Other members of the team shown are Paul Mitchell, Nick Williams, Paul Cradock and Peter Holmes. The trainers are John Sellars (left) and John Mitchell (right). The team started as a DSJ Cubs team and later became the Walnut Tree team and eventually joined Deeping Rangers Juniors.

They used to play on a pitch near the station owned

by Johnny Brown. With thanks to Jill Holmes.

Ann and Ken Boylan celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary with Deep in Friends

Thurlby working vintage machinery open day on Hallam’s land organised by Andy Wyer for Sue Ryder.

In early July ex-Deeping School pupil Steve Marsh suffered a life altering accident whilst out on his mountain bike. He was immediately admitted to intensive care after suffering a spinal injury. Fast forward 12 weeks and after an intense regime of pyshio and occupational therapy, Steve is gearing up to finally being able to come back to the home that he shares with his new wife Sam Eve Marsh. Unfortunately (l-r Edward Broom, Kevin Barwell, Jack Watkins, Olivia Humby, Sam Eve Marsh, as much as Steve is looking Dominique Barwell, Philip Taylor) forward to getting back to some sort of normality, the house is not in an adequate position to enable that. This is where the Le Tour De Marsh team step in. They have decided to road cycle from London to Paris in only 24 hours, a huge feat. in itself, nine complete novice cyclists aside, they have only given themselves 12 weeks to train! The team are all doing this to help Steve and Sam fund the essential adaptations to their home.

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NEWS

New era for the Deepings School as Richard Lord takes over at the helm.

Deeping St James, official home of the Duck Derby!

What better way to spend a wet Saturday afternoon than exploring the rich heritage of Church St Market Deeping with Deepings Heritage guides, Elizabeth Parkinson, Pauline Redshaw and Keith Simpson followed by delicious afternoon tea served in the Town Hall.

Children’s author Will Hussey, of Spy Dog fame, presented 65 children with their certificates and awards for completing the summer reading scheme this year, up from 29 last year!

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Rosie, pictured at Swines Meadow, is not for sale!

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NEWS The first anniversary of Rose Lodge was celebrated when Chairman of Country Court Homes, Mr Kachra raised a toast to the home at a garden party. Pictured (l-r) Cllr Rosemary Wolley, Cllr Martin TrollopeBellew, Mr Abdul Kachra, Cllr Wayne Lester, Cllr Steve Gilbert, Al-Karim Kachra, Julie Britten.

Celebrating 25 years of Thorpe Hall Hospice, local performers staged ‘ A Show for Sue’ at the Stamford Corn Exchange. The extravaganza of dance and music was supported by A Handful of Harmonies, Rock You Theatre School, Langtoft Junior Players and the Ministry of Dance.

The Deepings Literary Festival Committee are very proud to unveil the new logo that has been designed in conjunction with SKDC. Look out for this in the magazine over the coming months as we reveal the exciting array of authors and events lined up for the Festival which will take place from 27th April - 1st May 2017.

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Langtoft Fen

Air Crash

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FEATURE

On 8 September 1944 a B-176 Fortress 42- 31238 511 BS named Devil’s Ball and coded DS-A took off from Polebrook Airfield for Ludwigshaven am Rhein.

The aircraft was named in the tradition of many of the 511 Bomb Squadron by incorporating the name of Ball after the Squadron’s first Commander, Clinton F. Ball, and flew on 64 combat missions. The details of the missions are still available online and included bombing an aircraft factory in Leipzig, an electrolytic hydrogen plant in Peenemunde, an aircraft assembly plant in Augsburg and a ball bearing plant in Schweinfurt.

It was a wet morning, Jack Starr’s lorries had been put off from collecting the corn and at about 7.30, local farmer, Eric Sharpe looked up at the sky and saw a plane approaching Langtoft Fen at a worrying angle, quick-thinking he called to his wife, Edna to get out of Crown Lodge Farmhouse, and she scooped her two daughters in her arms and took refuge in the dyke just before the impact. The aircraft crashed after the pilot, 2nd Lt. John C. Haba, lost control due to icing on the airframe which built up during formation assembly in overcast conditions. The aircraft dived into field of sugar beet and burned out. Wreckage from the aircraft caused serious damage to buildings at Crown Lodge Farm and the family had a lucky escape, climbing into their car in the cart hovel and taking refuge at the Craythornes in Six Score Farm nearby. Eight Americans, including the pilot, were killed. The Sharpe family moved into Grandma Sharpe’s cottage in Church St, Market Deeping, near the Oddfellows Hall, while the house was rebuilt.

There are still memories of the macabre findings around the farm and Steve Thompson recalls that his father, Horace told him the area was soon sealed off by the RAF. However, Horace had cattle to look after and, concerned about their condition later that day, he made his way up the dyke to the yard opposite the crash site where the wreckage was still sizzling and popping. Neville Palmer remembers that the washhouse wall was peppered with holes from the bullets. Many years later live bullets were still to be found in the fields, and some were polished and taken home. Mrs Palmer used one to keep a nail-file in; one morning was livened up in the family home when it dropped in the fire, exploded and burning coals were blown out onto the rug! A piece of the aircraft, with BOEING still clearly marked on it, is still in Steve Thompson’s possession today. However a propeller which served as a sandpit toy for many years disappeared in the sixties.

Don Holigan was the only survivor of the crash. A tail gunner, he was prevented from going to help his mates in the stricken aircraft by farm worker Henry Palmer, who could see the danger still in the burning wreck. Don’s letter home to his mother survives, although he himself died in 1989. continued >

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FEATURE ‘Dear Mom, You have wanted to hear what happened so here goes. We were forming one morning in September, and I won’t tell you the target or the bomb load, but we had climbed by instruments through fog from 200 ft to 14,000 ft. Red McGlohan called for an oxygen check. I spoke for Roy Morrison and Ray McCloskey and myself that we were at 14,000 feet.

All of a sudden the ship started to shake. I was sitting across from Roy and Ray looking out of a waist window. The ship went into a snap roll threw me right at the waist door next to my chute. Roy and Ray did not have theirs on. It wouldn’t have done any good anyway. The ship was in a spin and they couldn’t move. I managed to get the escape door open and finally got my leg out, but got stuck in the door. Finally the slip stream carried me out into space but I think I hit the tail with my arm anyway. I got the chute open just in time. The ship beat me down and exploded when it hit. I bailed out at about 200 or 250 ft. as I was only in the air for about 5 or 6 seconds. Anyway I hit pretty hard and my hand was bleeding and there was blood over everything.

I couldn’t move while I was on the ground, but finally some farmers came over and picked me up. Just as they were carrying me away from the burning wreck the bombs went off and threw us to the ground. We didn’t get hit but we were pretty scared.

They put me in hospital and then to a rest camp. The rest of the guys didn’t have a chance. I saw the burial at the American cemetery at Cambridge.

I’m okay now so please don’t worry any more.

Love from Don .’

Polebrook, near Oundle, had been opened in 1941 as an airfield for use by the RAF during the World War II, but was redeveloped in 1942 for use by the United States Army 8th Airforce, and designated Station 110. The runways were lengthened to accommodate heavy bomber aircraft and more accommodation sites were added for just fewer than 3,000 personnel. It was first used by the 97th and then by the 351st bomber groups, of which a famous member was Clark Gable.

Clark had enlisted in the US Army Corps in 1942 as a private at $66 a month at the age of 41. After basic training at Miami Beach he attended the Gunnery School at Tyndall Field in Panama City, finishing his training at Spokane, Washington, where he received his aerial gunner wings. After more training at Biggs Army Base, Texas, he joined the 351st bombing group at Pueblo Colorado, and was sent to Polebrook in 14

Steve Thompson with a remnant of the plane near the crash site

1943. Officially now Captain Clark Gable, he was to make a short gunnery colour training film but it was never finished. In an American newspaper dated 13 August 1943, it was reported that Capt. Gable was back from his third Flying Fortress raid over enemy territory. ‘I didn’t get any good pictures,’ Gable explained. ‘You get up there and get your camera on something you think this is really the thing and then something else happens, a shrapnel burst that hit the top of the turret missed me by two feet. I saw lots of hits,’ he said with a brief smile, ‘but I didn’t see that baby. I did see one clearly,’ Gable went on, ‘it was a hit on our radio antenna, a whip antenna and it curled that thing up. I was fairly busy,’ he said, ‘because between the times of working the camera I was helping fire signal flares to other groups of our boys, and on the two previous raids over Paris and Antwerp, I was firing guns.’

He saw plenty of action; in other raids he went on he would stand behind the pilot’s seat almost doubled up and would thrust his camera whenever he could get it out of the windows, for about six hours at a time.

For four hours and 40 minutes he would be on oxygen, along with much younger men who were with him on these flights. He knew exactly what all the crews of the Fortress aircraft were facing the moment they took off from Polebrook.

Gable was awarded the air medal and later the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was discharged as a Major and resumed his civilian life as an American hero.

Research; Joy Baxter, Neville Palmer, Ray Palmer, Ellie Green, Steve Thompson Words; Judy Stevens Pictures; Ian Baxter, David Pearson

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PROFILE FEATURE

Children’s author Julia Jarman in conversation What are your connections to Deeping?

I was born in 1946 in Deeping Gate in my grandmother’s house, Walnut Cottage; sadly long gone, demolished when I was a teenager. I was ready to protest but Grandma Burton, (always known as Grandma Deeping to distinguish her from dad’s mother, actually grandmother, Granny Durham) said, ‘What are you talking about, Julia? They’re moving me to a bungalow with running water and central heating.’ Walnut Cottage had a three-seater outdoor lav and a tap, cold water only, by the back door. I loved Walnut Cottage with its feather beds and brass bedstead. I loved staying with my grandma.

But back to my birth. I was delivered, weighing in at 10¾ pounds, by Dr Douglas who lived and worked at Fairfax House by the bridge. Allegedly he held me up by the heels and said, ‘Well done, Alice. I think the next one will be a stone.’ He’d also delivered my brother and sister. I was my mum and dad’s third child and the last. Mum wasn’t going to risk an even bigger baby.

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The Burtons in the Deepings go back 200 years at least. Hemp dressers – yes, cannabis sativa – and rope makers, they lived by the river. The river was one of the places we played when we visited Gran, which we did frequently. I grew up six miles away in Walton, a suburb of Peterborough, but most of my childhood memories are of the Deepings: Deeping Gate; Deeping St James; Market Deeping mainly, with forays to West Deeping and Deeping St Nicholas to visit more far-flung members of the family. I think my love of food and cooking came from Grandma.

She was a self-taught cook by profession, and regaled me with stories of the eleven-course meals she had cooked for the big house. (Sorry I don’t know where that was.) Gran’s food was delicious. A faddy child at home, I would eat anything cooked by Gran. I have spent a lifetime trying to replicate her mashed potato.

Stuffed bullock’s heart is one meal I particularly remember.

There was a field at the back of Walnut Cottage with a spinney in the bottom corner where we played circuses, we being me my brother and sister and any cousins who might turn up unannounced because, of course, we didn’t have phones. More of the field later. There were also orchards, one either side of the cottage, where we climbed trees and stuffed ourselves with fruit: apples, pears and plums: Golden Drops and Victorias and Greengages.

Walnut Cottage was a sort of heaven to me. Staying with Gran was bliss, a respite from home which was a bit pressured. We kids were expected to work hard both at school and in the home. Gran didn’t nag me to tidy my bedroom or help with the

washing up or even be clever. She just let me be. She also just let me read, as much as I wanted, and she fed my imagination with stories.

I think my time spent in Deeping, time spent just being and imagining, led to my becoming a writer.

Which of your books have been inspired by the Deepings?

Pillywiggins and the Tree Witch is the first that springs to mind. The seed for this book was sown long ago when Grandma Deeping warned me not to step into the fairy ring in the field at the back of the cottage ‘or the fairies would get me’. The seed grew a bit when Grandma’s cottage was demolished and the land, including the field at the back, was sold to a local business man. (Gran didn’t sell it by the way. She was only the tenant.) Several houses were built on the field and one was built over the fairy ring. When I saw that house a picture came into my head and stayed there for nearly 50 years – of a girl coming downstairs in the night to get a drink of water and seeing the fairy ring growing through the sitting room carpet. (If you don’t know what a fairy ring is please buy the book or borrow it from the library.) I will tell you more about this on 15th October when I am giving a talk in the Deepings Library at 1.30 pm.

The Ghost of Tantony Pig One of the reasons we came to Deeping so often, cycling there usually, was that my parents kept pigs in the field at the back. I like pigs. We kids made pets of them, which didn’t help mum and dad make money. One of my most thrilling memories is of seeing piglets born, holding the lantern for dad, while he wiped the piglets clean and put them to suckle or nestle safely behind the farrowing rails. When I grew up and had children of my own I wanted them to have

PROFILE FEATURE

“When I had my three children I took a few years off and started writing stories for them”

the kind of childhood I had, a rural childhood, and my husband and I bought a house in a village in Bedfordshire next door to a small farm with pigs!

This eventually led to another book, one of my best I think, but it is sadly out of print.

You can buy all my books, even the out-of-print The Ghost of Tantony Pig from Amazon, and all my in-print books from good booksellers, though you may have to order them.

What was your career path?

I became a teacher of English and Drama after doing a degree in English and Drama at Manchester University. When I had my three children I took a few years off and started writing stories for them. I was first published in 1985 by Andersen Press (Random House) and have been published by them and other publishers ever since.

I started writing novels for 8 to 12s, moved on to teenage, and then when I became a grandmother myself I started writing picture books.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I think my greatest achievement is keeping going in a precarious profession. I wanted to be a writer from the age of eight, managed it by the time I was 39 and I am still writing 31 years later. Apologies for the cliché but it has been a dream come true.

Your latest book?

My latest book is Lovely Old Lion, a picture book about a grandad lion with dementia, which I was asked to write by a librarian who told me there was an urgent need for a book to explain this worrying condition to children.

When will be able to learn more about your books?

I’ll be talking about it and several of my other books including Pillywiggins and the Tree Witch on 15th October. I am very excited about the literary festival In 2017 when I’ll be visiting several local schools.

What are you currently working on?

There are two new picture books in the pipeline: Fussy Freda and Class One Farmyard Fun, a prequel to my popular Class Two at the Zoo and Class Three All At Sea. I am currently writing a book for grown-ups.

Julia will be part of the Literary Festival 27th April - 1st May 2017 www.juliajarman.com 17

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Winter Night Skies October sees the end of British Summer Time and the return of astronomical darkness, when the wonderful sights of the winter skies are visible once again. In November, Jupiter can be seen low in the eastern sky shortly before dawn and while binoculars might show some or all of its moons; it is so low that the Earth’s atmosphere makes it a difficult target. Saturn, Venus and Mars are just visible, low in the west before sunset, but soon disappear in the twilight. Mercury is not easily visible at all, being too close to the setting sun.

The Moon is full on 16th October, gradually shrinking towards the new crescent on 29th though barely visible as it is too close to the sun setting in the west. It rises steadily higher and gets gradually bigger through to the 14th November when it is full again, like a giant headlight in the southern sky, becoming what is known as a ‘Super Moon’ because it is at its closest to the Earth. Despite the hype and

THE NIGHT FEATURE SKY

rumour and while it is a fraction bigger and brighter than normal, to the naked eye it will seem much the same.

Two meteor showers peak in November - the Taurids on the 12th and the Leonids on the 17th. Both are likely to be spoiled by the bright moon, but worth trying to see as midnight approaches.

A few splendid binocular objects can be found. First is the ‘Perseus Double Cluster’. Look south and high in the sky to find Cassiopeia, the five bright stars that form a W, and orientate yourself so it appears as in the picture below. To the left is a bright star in Perseus called Mirphak. Trace a line between this and Ruchbah in Cassiopeia (see below) and just over half way along from Mirphak, you will come to two beautiful clusters of stars, known as ‘open clusters’. These may just be visible to the naked eye from a very dark site.

Whilst in this area, trace a line from the two stars on the right arm of the W (A Shedir and B Caph in the diagram below) and then follow that direction for a little more than the distance between those two stars, to find the ‘Salt and Pepper’ cluster - another lovely binocular view.

Again, see the images below.

continued >

THE NIGHT SKY This month also sees the rise in the south-east of the magnificent Orion constellation known as The Hunter, whose three belt stars are a familiar sight in the winter darkness. The bright red star to the upper left is Betelgeuse, a massive red supergiant, which if it were our sun would be so big it would extend out to the orbit of Jupiter, consuming all the inner planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.

Below the three belt stars lies another wonderful sight, the Great Orion Nebula. This birthplace of stars is faintly visible to the naked eye but forms a delightful sight in binoculars and small telescopes. Within the swirling clouds of gas and dust, young hot stars are being formed, just as our own sun was 4.6 billion years ago. The ancients saw this as Orion’s sword and that concept remains with us today.

A final challenge for binocular users, look to the south and find the ‘Square of Pegasus’ - four bright stars that form a definite square pattern. Look above and to the left of that square for the bright star Mirach in Andromeda and then, with your binoculars, follow the sequence below to locate the faint smudge in the sky, known as Messier 31, the Andromeda Galaxy.

The bright white star Rigel lies opposite Betelgeuse and is another massive star, some 250,000 times brighter than our sun. It has exhausted its supply of hydrogen and swollen to over 100 times the radius of our own sun. As a result, it is near the end of its life.

This spiral galaxy is about 2.5 million light years away from us and is the closest major galaxy to our own, The Milky Way. Visible to the naked eye from a very dark site, such as we have in the Fens around Market Deeping, the view is only marginally improved through binoculars and even most telescopes struggle to gain much of a view due to its huge size.

With sophisticated imaging however, the true beauty that is hidden from us can be revealed.

Finally on a clear and dark night, the Milky Way can be seen running East/West through the zenith (directly above you) with a myriad stars and clusters to be seen. Here you are looking outwards to the universe, past many of the stars in our galaxy. A truly amazing sight 20

Keith Townsend is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a keen amateur astronomer.

He is Treasurer of Peterborough Astronomical Society and has lived in Deeping St James for 28 years. For details of his talks and presentations please visit his website: www.astronomymatters.co.uk.

If you would like more information about the PAS, please visit their website, www.peterborough-as.co.uk

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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

Make it Yours

Local embroidery and printing services, completed in-house.

embroidery to T: 01733 264391 Personalised give your home individual

style and panache!

(Next door toOpen The Party Place) Opening Times Times Tuesday to Saturday W:Opening www.thelampshadewarehouse.co.uk Open Tuesday Come and visit us at Unit 13 Peacock Square, 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

Blenheim Way, Market Deeping PE6 8LW, email enquiries@makeityoursuk.co.uk or telephone us on 01778 349494.

Full range of beds and mattresses in stock for same day delivery!

We have been providing expert advice to all our customers for over 30 years now, we are sure to have the right bed for you so please come and see us in store to view the whole range of beds and mattresses.

We stock a whole range of beds from many different brands and offer extremely competitive prices on all our beds and mattresses.

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 21

Pets Pantry An extensive range of pet products on your doorstep

Jayne & Roger offer a personal friendly service and are happy to source your specific needs where they can!

Creative Touch Half.qxp 10/08/2016 11:00 Page 1 Pets Pantry, Market Creative Touch Half.qxp 10/08/2016 11:00 Page 1

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Creative Touch Half.qxp 10/08/2016 11:00 Page 1

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BESPOKE SOFT FURNISHINGS, MADE IN OUR OWN WORKROOM BESPOKE SOFT FURNISHINGS, MADE IN OUR OWN WORKROOM BESPOKE SOFT FURNISHINGS, MADE IN OUR OWN WORKROOM

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22

THE GRANARY FEATURE West FEATURE Deeping

Familiar with the pommel horse in the Olympics? This one has been pressed into action as an oversized coffee table, from Newark antiques fair, iacf.co.uk. The leather arm chairs came from Gumtree and at £90 for three were a steal. Dough bowls found at Market Deeping Antique and Craft Centre, from £30, lend a rustic finish to the large window sills, giving more than a nod to the building’s industrial heritage.

Lucille van Geest would swing her 1922 Wolseley car through the gates off the Stamford Road, drive through the old cart entrance and into the garage, to park under a beam dated 1781, before entering the imposing house that fronts the road. In the days when this was a milling complex, this was the industrial end of the building, housing the water wheel, milling machinery and the grain store.

It is known that a mill has been sited here since the time of the Domesday book in 1676 Mr Sharp was the miller. In 1773 John Molecey completed the building of the Granary, not only a miller but an astute business man whose son went on to own or rent a huge acreage in the area. The family fortunes were linked to the use of the Welland Navigation, the canal running past the Mill where fenland lighters bought in grain from the Lincolnshire corn fields and took flour away to the growing population.

In recent work a tiny scrap of wallpaper was found on one of the beams, probably part of an office where one

of the Molecey girls would perform the clerical duties associated with the burgeoning business over which her father presided.

From 1896, the Fullard family milled here until just before the Second World War. Eventually the house was sold on to the van Geests who lived here in some style until the 1980’s. Subsequently a local character, Mrs Mitchell bought Molecey House and Mill. She divided the building up preferring to live in the Granary, which at that time became a house in its own right.

Local designer, Sophie Allport and the rural simplicity of her housewares perfectly compliments the bolder statement pieces of furniture. The call of pheasants in the fields around the Granary made these lamps an easy choice from her range.

When Graham Magee and his partner Glenn Fuller decided to look for a bolthole of their own outside of London, they focused on finding a similar property to the Mill House owned by their friends at Water Newton.

The Granary on the fen edge twixt Market Deeping and Stamford presented the ideal project. Already restored, the pair could see the opportunity to further link the property with its history and industrial past and with the aid of a cast of artisans from the local villages have created a vibrant home which echoes the past while bringing it firmly into the twenty first century.

The St. Andrews room named and themed after the University attended by Glenn. Each room has its own personalised style which makes decorating and designing them so much easier.

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THE GRANARY FEATURE

Out with bulky wardrobes and in with ancient coffer chests, stylish cast iron hooks, and wooden coat hangers these with dinky tape measure ribbon bows from Market Deeping Antique and Craft Centre.

Unloved and unfashionable Unloved and unwanted dark oakheavy furniture, dark wood may furniture, not be appropriateespecially for smaller20houses, chairs!but is not hereappropriate in its 18thfor century smaller setting houses and accessorised but with here accessorised upholstery and withcrushed upholstery velvet and roman crushed blinds velvet from Creative romanTouch, blindsmake from itCreative look very Touch muchlooks at home. perfectly Jobatlothome. of 22 French chairs, £14Table each from and chairs the-saleroom.com £14 each from saleroom.com

Named after Graham’s alma mater, Cambridge is painted in Blue Ground from Farrow & Ball and has an obvious rowing theme. An old 1960’s cocktail chair from his grandmother was recovered by Creative Touch with a duck fabric to fit in with the River Cam feel.

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A collection of old maps of the area purchased from the Stamford Auction Rooms and expertly framed by Michelle Allott of Black Cab Framing, Deeping St James.

THE GRANARY FEATURE

With the flavour of the neighbouring town, Stamford, this room was decorated in Sudbury Yellow Gold from Farrow & Ball by Phil Gardner a fantastic Spalding based decorator the boys found through safelocaltrades.com. The room colour echoes the stones of merchants houses and the mercantile theme continues with shoe lasts as table lamps and a spirit level as a coat rack.

Richard Harris played Albus Dumbledore in the early film adaptations of Harry Potter, he also lived at the Savoy Hotel.

When the Hotel underwent extensive renovations this Chair taken from his room was sold off. Graham has rescued it, Creative Touch have reupholstered it with Small Owls in linen from Voyage and it now presides over the reading corner in the sitting room known, of course as Dumbledore’s chair.

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THE GRANARY FEATURE

Mr. Molecey was an important businessman in the nineteenth century, with the Mill buildings and land at three farms at West Deeping; Crown, Rectory and Tythe. The Garret bedroom on the fourth floor of the Granary has a farming theme with soft furnishings from Creative Touch depicting farm animals.

The date stone on the gable end of the house is dated 1773, the year of the Boston Tea Party, the year that James Cook undertook his second expedition to Antarctica in his ship Resolution. Graham has carefully taken up these themes in this bedroom designed with children in mind which has a decidedly nautical theme.

Bed linen from Dunelm, paintings by Ronny Moortgat from Gladwell and Patterson art gallery.

The grain chute was buried in the floor, now opened up it is lit and has pride of place in Mr. Molecey’s suite of rooms at the top of the Granary. The newly finished bathroom was courtesy of Craig Compton of Compton Heating Ltd in Bourne.

This years brood of swans make their way to be fed, “What I most love about this place” confides Graham “is how friendly people are. I love it that Jayne from Pets Pantry bumps into me in the Co-op and lets me know that the swan food is in!”

At the top of the stairs a reminder of the buildings industrial heritage. Glass staircase by Acorn Joinery

Glenn and Graham are making the Granary available for self-catering escapes. The main house sleeps 14 making it an ideal place for large family get togethers or weddings.

Find out more about how you can wake up to a watermill at www.thegranarydeeping.com 26

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

Super selection from Peterborough’s premier carpet supplier Crowland Carpets is a family run business with over 40 years within the flooring industry.

We offer a FREE estimating service and FREE advice and we can supply and fit: Carpets Vinyls Laminates Flotex, Sisal, Seagrass, Coir, Underlays, Rugs, Mats and mat-wells, and we can even up lift at a cost.

We cater to all budgets with products ranging from £8psm - £99psm.

Crowland Carpets, 3 The Deeping Centre, Market Deeping PE6 8FG t: 01778 341827 e: enquiries@crowlandcarpets.co.uk Visit: www.crowlandcarpets.co.uk

No Sales - No Gimmicks - Just good honest prices 27

PUMPKINS

It’s Pumpkin Carving Time!

There were some fantastic carved pumpkins in last year’s pumpkin carving competition and this year we are expecting even more!! Open to all from the very young to the very old, categories are listed in the ad below. Last year local businesses carved some of the most artistic pumpkins that we have ever seen! If pumpkin carving isn’t quite your thing but you would like to get involved in this seasonal activity then try a handicraft that features a pumpkin or two. We have noticed some pumpkin themed cards in the shops and there will be some available with other crafts for sale on Saturday 29th October - the day of the judging.

Label your pumpkin with your name, age and contact details and deliver to Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, top of Linchfield Road from Thursday 27th October (open 9.00 am 4.00pm) Saturday 29th at noon is the latest time to bring your pumpkin.

Seasonal refreshments will be available, a panel of judges have been lined up including ex-Chelsea player, Bert Murray. Judging will take place between 12.30 and 1.30 and will be followed by a presentation at 2.00pm .

Entries are £1.00 each with proceeds going to Deepings Youth Group which meets at the Cross School, Deeping St James. For more information visit facebook page Deepings Youth Group

Locally grown pumpkins for sale while stocks last.

Great range of spring flowering bulbs including unusual alliums. Friendly advice always available.

Proud to host the Deeping Pumpkin Carving Competition.

Open 9.00-4.00 (Mon -Sat) 10.00-4.00 Sun Tel 343340 Junction of Outgang and Linchfield Rd.

Deepings Pumpkin Carving Competition Sponsored by

Deeping and I’d rather be in

Categories Child (up to 11) Teen (up to 18) Adult Senior Citizen (over 65) Business Group Best overall carved pumpkin Best handicrafted item to include a pumpkin design For more info from idratherbeindeeping@gmail.com or call 01778 348859

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Pumpkins £1 each entry to be taken to Swines Meadow Farm Nursery from Thursday 27th – noon Saturday 29th October.

Judging 12.30 - 1.30 pm Viewing 1.30 - 3pm Pumpkins to be collected from 3.00pm Seasonal refreshments available

All proceeds to the Deeping Youth Group

Amazing people ...deserve amazing care

Braeburn Lodge Care Home is a wonderful place – filled with amazing residents, not to mention our dedicated staff and inspiring volunteers.

We're told our care and support is second to none, but it's the fantastic food, stimulating environments and unique social activities that make Barchester the best choice for the people and families we support.

Nursing Care • Residential Care • Dementia Care • Respite Breaks Thousands of families trust Barchester to care for their loved ones. To find out about our amazing people, visit www.barchester.com or call us anytime to benefit from over 24 years' experience.

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

ROADFEATURE SAFETY

Be Safe Be Seen this winter!

Says the Active4ever Team Be Safe Be Seen is a great way to think as the winter draws nearer and the nights close in.

Those who commute to and from work soon find their sunlit ride home is now darker or, if they work late, pitch black.

A few things to remember when choosing cycling as your preferred sport. Make sure you have a full understanding of the Highway Code and know how to keep yourself safe. Key rules from the Highway Code for cyclists to follow • Helmet – Your cycle helmet should conform to the current regulations, be the correct size for your head and be securely fastened. Cyclists often attach lights during the darker evenings.

• Appropriate fitted clothing – Your clothing should be tight-fitted to prevent it getting tangled in the chain or wheel of your bicycle.

• Light clothing – Light and fluorescent clothing will help you to stand out in both daylight and poor light.

• Reflective accessories – Strips on the helmet, as well as armbands and ankle bands will help you be seen in the dark.

• Snowy/Icy conditions – Avoid riding in these conditions as it is very slippery and dangerous.

• Always ensure your lights are working before you head out on a ride. It is illegal to ride in the dark without lights.

• Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear.

• Keep both feet on the pedals.

• Be considerate to other road users, taking extra care around blind and partially sighted pedestrians.

Use your bell when necessary to signal you are nearby.

• Ride single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.

• Carry a few essentials. Having your ID (either a card or a wristband, like RoadID) can be invaluable. Write your blood type on the inside of your shoe.

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Be sure not to...

• Ride more than two abreast.

• Ride close behind another vehicle.

• Carry anything that will affect your balance or get tangled up in your wheels or chain.

• Wear headphones whilst cycling, you need to be able to hear the traffic at all times.

If running is your preferred sport stay safe and • • • • • • • •

Run against traffic. ...

Wear light colours especially at night.

Run behind vehicles at intersections.

Don’t wear headphones.

Wear a billed cap and clear glasses.

Vary your routes.

Run with a partner.

Try to make eye contact and acknowledge a driver.

• It’s safer during the day. Darkness makes it more difficult to identify potential threats; there are also fewer people around. Particularly before sunrise or after sunset, it’s best to run in populated and well-lit areas with clear lines of sight.

• Trust your instincts. If your first impression is that someone might pose a threat, avoid that person and keep moving. Better safe than sorry.

• Be loud, if necessary. Don’t be embarrassed to yell to call attention to the situation. Some runners carry a whistle or an inexpensive personal alarm that will let out a loud shriek at the pull of a ripcord.

• Know your route. Consider plotting your run in advance (such as by usingMapMyRun) to see where safe refuges are, and to avoid routes that run through isolated areas.

• Keep your valuables at home. If you must carry your phone, it’s best to keep it out of sight.

• Headphones are problematic in multiple ways. Not only do headphones significantly restrict your awareness, they also indicate you are carrying something valuable. If you must it’s better to save them for the busier times of day, and when you do wear them, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear what’s going on around you.

• Carry a few essentials. Having your ID (either a card or a wristband, like RoadID) can be invaluable. Write your blood type on the inside of your shoe.

• Purchase strobe lights, arm lights or lights spurs to light you up if you choose to run in the dark.

Fortnightly Sunday 8am rides next ones 16th and 30th OctoberAll abilities welcome.

Contact 07850 304120 www.active4everltd.co.uk

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: 017888 346415 www.devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk

Oakwood Financial Services

Oakwood Insurance Brokers

Oakwood Property Management

Pensions, Mortgages, ISAs, Equity Release, Life Assurance, Critical Illness House, Motor Travel. Shop, Public Liability and More.

Property Lettings, Full Management

HEDGEHOGS

Hedgehogs – love ’em or lose ’em The truth is that Mrs Tiggywinkle may be drinking in the last chance saloon! Since the 1950s, when the hedgehog population was 36.5 million, numbers have now dwindled to less than one million.

The good news is that there are real ways that we can make a difference to the plight of the hedgehog, easily and at very little cost! Firstly, log any sightings of hedgehogs (dead or alive) on http://bighedgehogmap. org/ Secondly, and most importantly, see your garden as a minefield for hedgehogs and act now! Cut a small hole in your fence or leave one in a wall if you are constructing one – it is thought that the plight of the hedgehog is partly due to lack of connectivity as people fence off their gardens. Of course, for the sake of all wildlife, make sure that any preservative you use

is environmentally friendly. Provide an escape route for hedgehogs out of ponds and make sure that ponds are topped up in warm weather, and then they are less likely to fall in. Paddling pools with water left in are lethal for hedgehogs!

Netting and barbed wire can be dangerous too – make sure that it is a foot off the ground and that football and tennis nets aren’t left for hogs to get tangled in. Be very careful when turning compost heaps and lighting bonfires: check for hedgehogs and ideally only build the bonfire the day that you light it. Slug pellets can kill; ideally just leave the slugs to the birds and hogs will eat them for you! I know what I would prefer to see in my garden! For more information visit http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/leaflets/L16Gardening-with-Hedgehogs.pdf I’d rather be in Deeping photographer David Pearson has been using a trail camera in his garden and has had hours of fun this summer watching the antics of hedgehogs after nightfall with the infrared. He has learnt that Spikes semi-moist hedgehog food is a favourite and can be bought in Pet’s Pantry, and that

shallow, heavy dishes are best for food and water.

Pottery dishes are available from Swine’s Meadow Farm Nursery at only £1.95 and are perfect for food or water and to stop eager hoggies from tipping the bowls over. To keep cats away it is best to place them under an upturned plastic box with two tunnels cut in. Please do not put out bread and milk; they will eat it but the animals are lactose intolerant and it will cause them major health problems and even death.

Chicken cat food, in jelly not gravy, is also a suitable food for the hedgehogs and always leave a shallow bowl of clean water near the food.

It is also possible to over-winter hedgehogs that are too small to hibernate. I have done this successfully on two occasions. They do have special requirements, and you need dedication and patience, but if you would like further advice on how this can be done then visit http://www.hedgehog-rescue.org.uk/ overwinter.php or call me on 01778 348859 A trail camera similar to that used by David Pearson can be found at Aldi – Maginon £69.99 33

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GHOST FEATURE STORY

The Grey Lady Looking at pictures of the Manor House in Deeping St James situated opposite the river, with its many windows and chimneys, it is not surprising that Ann Thompson commented that she had got used to an unnatural presence in the house when she finally moved out in 1973. The Lincs Free Press of 20th November that year had reported that Ann had often heard the sound of a young woman sobbing in an unused part of the building. When her husband Horace discovered that they had slept within inches of a 300-yearold double gravestone built into a wall, it really did send a shiver down her spine!

Long before the Thompsons moved into the Manor, which was built in 1785 and was once the weekend home of the Marquess of Exeter, tales of the tormented grey lady had abounded. Many residents of the locality claimed to have caught a glimpse

of the apparition which always appeared to look sad. Local dairyman William Haynes delivered milk daily to the Manor and on one particular occasion as he approached the tradesman’s entrance he saw the figure of a lady dressed from head to toe in grey walking down the passage towards him. He called out to her and as he did the figure disappeared never to be seen by him again.

The gravestone, built into the front first floor wall with the inscription facing inwards and a sundial on the outer face, was perfectly preserved and read: ‘Ann ye daughter of Thomas and Mary Bunning who departed this life ye 17th day of January 1692. Hoping for a joyful resurrection and Mary ye daughter of Thomas and Mary Bunning who departed this life 13th day of October 1689 hoping for a joyful resurrection.’

Keen to find answers to the mystery of

the gravestone built into the house, Mrs Thompson pored over the ancient and yellowing parish registers. Unfortunately although the records also bore witness to the deaths of the two sisters, as residents of the parish, it does not say where they lived or how they died. Part of the inscription might be significant, Ann concluded, as ‘It tends to suggest they were tormented in life, dying within three years of each other.

I wondered about the circumstances of their death.’

The most frightening experience was when the whole Thompson family heard a woman sobbing loudly, the sound emanating from a room that was seldom used. Shortly afterwards the grand old building was demolished and made way for Hereward Way, the new Alison houses on Church St and Brownlow Drive. In recent years little has been heard of the ghosts of the two sisters – or was it their mother who was sobbing?

35

FAIRYFEATURE GARDENS

Sprinkling fairy dust to add a little magic to your life!

Just as the nights draw in and there is a chill in the air is just the perfect moment to bring a little fairy magic into your home or into the life of someone you know who needs cheering up!

A fairy garden can be but doesn’t have to be just for bright sunny garden spaces but can be brought into the home as well.

the beach, sparkly buttons, beads from broken pieces of jewellery (be careful not to let little fingers too near so that they are tempted to put these in mouths) break up the small petals of silk flowers that are no longer used, press small pieces of satin and voile ribbon into action. In short your fairy garden can be all you want it to be!

All that is left to do is to assemble your garden. Mark out the course of a path through the garden using a cut up transparent box (a grape box did the trick for me) to contain the tiny stones. For the stones I used aquarium gravel available in a variety of colours from Pets Pantry. Then gently shovel in the potting compost using a large old spoon rather than a trowel which will be too big. Then plant a selection of indoor miniature pot plants, I got mine from 75p from Baytree Garden Centre. Small silk flowers could also be used instead.

First of all find a shallow bowl - not too deep but not to shallow either so it can accommodate a depth of about 2 - 3 inches of potting compost. Then collect all the little pretty things that you can to create your own garden. Those little pink shells that you find at

Then look for a selection of miniature fairy doors, tiny toadstools and even fairies to add to your garden. These can be found locally from Sarah’s Dream on the corner of the High Street and Godsey Lane.

To add a little more sparkle I bought some indoor LED fairy lights from the Insideout Store for £1.99 with some batteries for £1 and gently added them to highlight certain points in the garden!

Hey presto! It is now ready for the first fairies to move in!

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

Good Food, Real Ales, Great Entertainment

We’re pleased to be included in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2017.

Join us to sample our local and regional real ales.

The Golden Pheasant -

1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough, PE6 7DA

Tel: 01733 252387 Email: info@thegoldenpheasant.net www.thegoldenpheasant.co.uk.

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

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Do you want the fairies to clean your oven?

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FROM 3RD - 16TH OCTOBER

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NOW TAKING XMAS ORDERS!

37

Fusion Interiors

Regular varied and captivating workshops with friendly tutors

New Autumn/Winter Collection by Harlequin

4 week jewellery making evening class starts October.

Reader Half price starter jewellery making class-£10.

Offer Valid until Dec 2016.

in the of the Deepings Antique & Craft Centre, High St.Market Deeping

www.riversidebeads.co.uk

Professional Carpet Cleaning Made to measure Curtains & Roman Blinds Venetian/Roller/Vertical blinds Wallpaper/Little Greene Paints

Book Online

www.dailypoppins.com

Available

Book a free home visit to measure and discuss your requirements or visit our high street shop Please place your orders early for Xmas!

3 High Street, Market Deeping Deeping August 2016 - Impression_Layout 1 15/08/2016 01778 14:51 344202 Page 1 email fusionshop@hotmail.co.uk www.fusiondeeping.co.uk

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 ...we poppin so you can pop out

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Impression Holidays & Excursions is a family run company in Peterborough specialising in day excursions and door-to-door holidays from Peterborough, The Deepings, Stamford, Wisbech and Huntingdon areas, as well as coach hire throughout the UK and Europe.

Next time you`re visiting Peterborough city centre please call in and see us at our new travel shop at Westgate Arcade.

Our Autumn 2016 - Spring 2017 Quality Coach Holiday Brochure is now available. From Autumn breaks, Christmas Market tours, Turkey and Tinsel breaks, Christmas and New Year holidays through to Winter Warmer, Spring breaks, Easter tours and entertainment breaks

Please call 01733 267025 or email enquiries@impressionholidays.com 14 Westgate Arcade, Peterborough PE1 1PY • www.impressionholidays.com 38

Save time & petrol we have an extensive stock of craft supplies! t: 01778 346810

www.dailypoppins.com

Deeping I’d rather be in

Calendar 2017

Out Now!!

Featuring the stunning work of the Deepings own photographers selected by Lady Ursula Cholmeley and I’d rather be in Deeping’s photographer, David Pearson. Images reflect the vibrant character of the Deepings during all seasons and remind of us why we’d rather be in Deeping!

This year the calendar is A4 with space to write, it is wiro bound with a hanging loop and a plain back board.

Just £5 from Black Cab Studios, opp The Cross, Church St. DSJ, Deeping News in the Co op Car Park, Cloud Nine, High St., Market Deeping, Market Deeping Antique & Craft Centre and from judy.stevens1@btopenworld.com or call 01778 348859

Winners in the 2017 Calendar Competition are: John Blessett, Phil Dilks, Georgia Goodrum, Danny Johnson, Dave Pendry, Lydia Pinfold, Paul Plumridge, Helen Rowcliffe, Marianne Rowcliffe

The Stage Restaurant - Boutique Hotel - Bar & Lounge Freshly baked cakes served all day long. Try our delicious afternoon tea (bookings only) and our warming winter afternoon tea which includes mulled wine (Nov & Dec only).

Monday Pie & a Pint £10 Tuesday/Wednesday Early bird special 5.30 - 7.30 pm Dishes from our special menu just £7.00 Thursday Homemade Pizza from just £6.00

Friday & Saturday Look out for special additions to our menu this winter!

Saturday Buffet breakfast - all you can eat £6.00 Sunday Carvery Noon - 4.00 pm From £10.00

• Happy child friendly studio • No time constraints on shoot • Many many satisfied customers • Relaxed stress free environment • Family shots just £40 (all photos supplied on a disc, prints available for small extra charge) • Children Party Shoots just £50 (bring birthday cakes, party poppers, balloons, props and any ideas • Music and video available.

Christmas Menu now available www.deepingstage.com

THE PHOTO STUDIO

t:01778 343234 e:info@deepingstage.com 16 Market Place Market Deeping Peterborough PE6 8EA

07827 225812 01778 219138 tomclare@live.co.uk www.tom-clare.co.uk New Studio now open!!

3 Halfleet, (above Ruffles) Market Deeping, PE6 8DB

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PLACES AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE START Take your next step towards your career Study a qualification with Riverside Training NCFE/CACHE, Apprenticeships, Traineeships Teaching Assistants, Early Years Health/Social Care Qualifications Sign up for the new CACHE Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advance Practice Student Loans Available subject to status

Contact us now www.riversidetrainingspalding.co.uk 01775 710945

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

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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

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Flying Saucers seen over Tallington It was mid afternoon, October 1950 when John Merrill of Deeping St James looked up into the sky and saw three discs high in the atmosphere. Said Merrill, an engine driver on a barge at Tallington Gravel Pits; “I came up on deck and saw three disc shaped objects high in the sky, they were each the size of a dinner mat and silvery in colour. They were higher than anything I have ever seen and were travelling tremendously fast. As I watched, one broke off from the others and became very silvery - they looked metallic.”

Although they were travelling at great speed, Merrill was able to call two fellow workers, Mr R B Lee, Skipper of the Barge and Len Robinson of

Deeping St James to see the objects. Mr Lee, an old sea Captain commented, “ they were shaping a south westerly course and looked like dirty white balls. It was a clear day and they were so high that no gun could have reached them.”

When he became more prosperous he built a bungalow on a large piece of land in Wyong where he kept lots of small animals and had an aviary and pigeon loft. He loved his large garden and could always be found wearing a flat cap!

The reporter from the Lincolnshire Free Press suggested that the trio might have seen aeroplanes but Mr Merrill replied, “I have served in the Royal Air Force for several years and no they were not aircraft. Had they have been they would not have passed out of view so quickly no matter how fast they had been travelling.”

Never loosing his affection for his home village, he named his homestead, Deeping. I wonder as he sat on his porch looking up at the blue sky, did he remember the day that three flying saucers had flown overhead in the old country back home?

On the same day, six workmen having their mid morning break in Ramsay Isle of Man reported that they had seen a cigar shaped object travelling noiselessly at terrific speed. It seemed transparent yet parts of it were dark and solid.

John Merrill was living in Horsegate Terrace with his wife, Vera at the time. The pair moved to Grantham until they emigrated to Australia on the £10 assisted packages scheme. After a while John found work driving a road roller during a programme of road widening and improvement in New South Wales.

Research: Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman Words; Judy Stevens Photographs: Nancy Titman, Ian Baxter 41

I’d rather be in Deeping Winter Fair

Kathryn Parsons

Friday 11th December Priory Church Hall, Deeping St James 5.00 - 9.30 pm Deeping is in for a treat with this Winter! We have selected some of the best handcrafted products in the area for you to choose your Christmas presents right in the heart of Deeping St James. No need to travel far just come along and join us for a glass of winter pimms and get into the Christmas spirit among friends and neighbours!

Swines Meadow

Deeping Fudge

Ruth Ellis

Winter Service and MOT from ÂŁ94.95

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Bex Craft Corner

Blenheim way, Northfields industrial estate, Market Deeping , Peterborough PE6 8LD

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-6. SUNDAY 10-4

Tel: 01778 347500

Great selection of fireworks with 50% off RRP. Pop into our stylish coffee shop serving delicious cakes and light lunches!

A great place for a catch up!

Five great Coffee The Stage Market Place, Market Deeping

Shops

At the heart of Deeping is the Stage, hosting generations of travellers it remains a location of choice for family and friends to meet up and enjoy a coffee and slice of mouthwatering homemade cake. Behind its handsome facade, in summer resplendent with hanging baskets and in winter lit up with sparkling white lights, is an interior which rivals counterparts in up-market city locations.

Exploiting the Farrow & Ball colour chart to its fullest, decor is stylish and exuberant. There are offers too, many staying on for the Seniors special lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday is especially popular with locals visiting the market. Visit www.deepingstage.com/

The Hideout Insideout Home Store Northfields Ind. Est Market Deeping Open: Mon-Sat 9.00 am - 4.00 pm Sun: 10.00 am - 3.00 pm Tucked away at the Insideout Home Store is the Hideout.

Lime green and contrasting mocca, the interior is fresh and stylish and there is plenty of room to sit and read your paper (free WiFi is also available) while a great selection of tea, coffee and hot chocolate is served. Very popular is the delicious, deluxe hot chocolate and for those with a sweet tooth there is homemade chocolate and lemon cake, victoria sandwich, scones with jam and cream, muffins and brownies.

Gluten free options are also available. In the afternoon there is a special of free tea or coffee with the purchase of a slice of cake or a scone with jam and cream.

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Cinnamon The Precincts, Market Deeping. Open: Mon- Sat 9.00 am - 4.30pm As you would expect from the Deepings very own specialist coffee shop, there is a wide variety of coffee on offer at Cinnamon. But the signature coffee is the recommended ‘skinamon’ latte made with skimmed milk and flavoured with cinnamon. A mouthwatering selection of flavours are available for coffee frappes, which can be served iced, including hazelnut, tiramisu, white chocolate, apple pie, blueberry, amaretto, toffee nut and pina colada. Served with a selection of homemade cakes including a splendid cheesecake there are also gluten free options available. Sit outside and enjoy the pavement culture in the sun or relax inside with friendly smiley staff and stay for some lunch. I don’t mind if I do! .

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

The Granary Willowbrook Farm, Helpston Heath. Tues- Fri: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm.

Sat: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm. Sun:10.00 am - 4.00 pm Sipping your morning coffee while tucking into a slice of Jo’s delicious homemade cake while looking out over the breathtaking views at Helpston Heath is one of life’s definite pleasures. Just a stones throw from Deeping through Helpston Village and out towards Ufford, many have discovered the full English breakfast made with sausages from the farm. There are tables and chairs outside to better enjoy the landscape on warm days but inside the atmosphere is cosy with local photographs and paintings on the wall for purchase.No better location to enjoy the autumn colours locally this is a place loved by cyclists, walkers and photographers. And while you are here you can purchase produce fresh from the farm at Willowbrook Farm Shop.

Lilli’s Tearoom & Cakery Market Gate Market Deeping t: 07736 322393 Sarah Pope is a classically trained confectioner with a career at Browns Hotel and the Grosvenor House Hotel in London as well as the George at Stamford behind her. It is of no surprise then that she has created a gem of a meeting place, tearoom and coffee shop in her now home town of Market Deeping. Residents are blessed with an establishment that boasts chintz with a contemporary twist, mouthwatering cakes, second to none served by waitresses dressed as you may have imagined those at Lyons Corner House dressed. Service is, of course, with a smile!

THURSDAY 13TH OCTOBER THEME SUPPER EVENING. Four courses £24.00 per person

FRIDAY 21ST OCTOBER GIN TASTING EVENING.

A journey through time with Gin. Tickets £18 to include canapes.

Tickets for both events on the website

www.bluebellhelpston.co.uk

SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY LUNCH. If you have served or are serving in the British Forces, then come and have lunch on us! Book early for this popular event. www.bluebellhelpston.co.uk

BOOKING NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

Whether it is a small family gathering or large work party we have it covered Take a look at our menu and call us on 01778 347629 or send us a message on Facebook.

We are expecting Friday and Saturday nights to sell out quickly so reserve your table now!

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what’s on 70th Deeping Ploughing Match Sat 29th Oct. Ploughing starts at 9.30 - horse ploughing finishes at 2.00 pm Prizegiving at 3.00 pm Baston Road, Greatford by kind permission of A R Ivatt & A C Freeman Horse and Tractor ploughing will take place with the demonstration of ploughing skills from across the country as ploughmen compete for silverware in 9 classes and 17 special cups. Around 75 tractor ploughing entrants will be in action many of whom will be vintage tractor classes some dating back to the early 1900’s. Refreshments available.

Dabble Day 10.00 am - 3.00pm drop in Deepings Community Centre Sunday 9th October Try out a new craft with expert help from local tutors from Riverside Beads and Crafts.

Just £6 entry for 3 dabbles to include card making, beading and felting. Refreshments and raffle. All proceeds to Sue Ryder.

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Anne Smart Stamford Arts Centre 1st-31st October Be sure to check out the solo art exhibition of popular local artist, Anne Smart this month. www.stamfordartscentre.com

The Ghosts of Deepings Library: a Murder Mystery evening presented by Professor Horace Cope and chums Thurs 27th Oct 7.30 - 9.00pm Tickets £5 incl. light refreshments from deepingscommunitylibrary@gmail.com Age 14+ The evening will comprise of a lecture and tour of the Deepings library.

Occasionally, there are strange goings-on during Professors lectures, and sometimes there is a mystery to solve, so he hopes that you will come prepared for anything!

What’s in a name?

Sunday, 16th October, 3pm.

The Priory Church, Deeping St James.

WHISTLE STOP INN

A talk by Rev Sonia Marshall which unravels the mysterious origins of some of Lincolnshire’s distinctive place names interspersed with Lincolnshire folk songs.

TALLINGTON CROSSING, PE9 4RN T: 01780 740557

A family run pub serving Quality Ales and Honest Home Cooked menu with food

Tickets £6 (incl. refreshments) available from 01778343860 or at the door.

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Sat 8th Oct Popular duet ‘Courtyard Jukebox’

Thurs 13th Oct Quiz night 28th Oct Karaoke

Biker Night Every Tuesday

Check our Facebook Page for upcoming entertainment

OPENING HOURS

Monday - Saturday 12.00 - 2.30pm & 5.00 - 8.30pm Sunday lunches 12.00 - 4.00pm for £7.95 OAP Special 10% off lunches Monday to Friday 12.00pm - 2.30pm 47