I'd Rather be in Deeping November 2023

ISSUE 098 / NOVEMBER 2023

INSIDE

FEATURE

The Stage

5

favourite shops

MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED CONTACT US FOR YOUR FREE VALUATION SO ST LD C

CLAYPOLE DRIVE £315,000

Newton Fallowell are proud to offer for sale with NO ONWARD CHAIN this three bedroom detached house in the desirable Village of Northborough.

The accommodation briefly comprises of a lounge with open fire, a dining room opening to a conservatory and a kitchen. To the first floor there are three bedrooms and a modern shower room. Externally the front and rear gardens are well stocked with mature trees and plants. Viewing is essential to realise the potential of this property.

GRANVILLE AVENUE £315,000

Newton Fallowell are proud to offer for sale this exceptionally well presented four bedroom semi detached house. The property has been extended to the ground floor to provide extra living space and the loft has been cleverly converted to create a fourth bedroom. With ample parking to the front and a generous garden with a workshop to the rear this property is a must view.

AG LE RE T ED

AG LE RE T ED

LAMPORT CLOSE £1350

Newton Fallowell are proud to offer for long term let this three bedroom detached house which is finished to an exceptional standard. This is not your average rental property and viewing is essential to appreciate what is on offer. The modern kitchen comes with fully integrated appliances, there is data cabling to the lounge and bedrooms and both the en-suite and family bathroom are finished to the same high standard.

SO ST LD C

HIGH STREET £1800

The refurbishment of this three bedroom detached house is nearing completion.

The property is situated on a generous plot, with a mature orchard and comes with additional garden space on the bank of the River Welland. The works that have been carried out include a refitted kitchen, refitted bathroom and new flooring through out. The kitchen and utility room come with fitted appliances and externally there is ample parking and a double garage.

Visit us on: www.newtonfallowell.co.uk Call us on: (01778) 345978

Images: Mark Atkins

Welcome

Chris Lowe, Sealed Knot Photographic Team

On a late summer morning standing outside of Northborough Castle and watching members of the Sealed Knot in their authentic costumes marching through the archway it was possible to imagine that Oliver Cromwell himself would make an appearance! Later, standing by the grave of his wife, Elizabeth, in the church where she herself would have worshipped was a reminder of how the sands of time quickly close behind us. A reminder to seize the day and to do something, no matter how small, which will leave a positive legacy! A big thank you to the organisers of this weekend of events which brought the past alive to all those fortunate enough to witness it!

Judy Stevens 3

Secure your property Secure your property with style! with style!

Garage Doors Garage Doors

Blinds Blinds

New, Repairs & Servicing for&all types, for all types,Made toMade Measure, Roller, Venetian, New, Repairs Servicing to Measure, Roller, Venetian, including Roller & Sectional.

Vertical, Roman & Vision. including Roller & Sectional.

Vertical, Roman & Vision.

Automate existing doors

Automate existing doors

Professional, friendlyfriendly Professional,

Insect Screens & personal Insect Screens Shutters & service personal service Shutters No obligation No obligation Free quotations Free quotations

Lets air & light in,Lets keeps air &the light in, keeps the insects out. Compact design, insects out. Compact design, internally/externally fitted. internally/externally fitted.

Domestic & Commercial, Domestic & Commercial, full height or cafe style, full height or cafe style, various colours. various colours.

Call:337647 07709 337647 Call: 07709

28 Cowslip Drive, Deeping St James, PeterboroughPE6 PE68TE 8TE 28 Cowslip Drive, Deeping St James, Peterborough

www.garagedoorandshutterservices.co.uk www.garagedoorandshutterservices.co.uk

4

25 33 39

20 09-15 News 18

The Stage

29

The Big Christmas Shop 44

24

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

Judy Stevens Susan Hibbins Gary Curtis at Zerosix Design Judy Stevens, Ray Pawlett, John Lincoln, Mike Heath and Paula Machin Joy Baxter, Nancy Titman

39

33 35 37 Photography: Publisher: Printed by:

Bargain Hunt

42

Profile

Frost Fair

Life and Times of Annie Williams

The Deepings and the Fens

46

Wilson’s Walks

Five favourite shops

48

Ray Pawlett

Ian Baxter, Stuart Render and David Pearson Judy Stevens Warners Midland PLC

Cover: The Merryweather Artist 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.

What’s on

Deeping

WINNER

I’d rather be in

Contact: Email:

2021/2022

DBC The Media Award 2016

DBC The Media Award 2019

DBC The Media Award 2021

01778 348859 idratherbeindeeping@gmail.com

I’d rather be in Deeping

@BeInDeeping

5

CAR HIRE

Budget Cars ● Small and Large Cars 7 Seaters Manual & Automatic Petrol / Diesel Customer driven Customer driven......

NOW OFFERING

SELF STORAGE

77Seaters Seaters Manual Manual&&A CAR FOR PRIVATE OR BUSINESS USE CARHIRE HIRE

Budget BudgetCars Cars ●● SS

NO N

SELF SELF

FOR FORPRIVA PRIV

Vans Vansand andcars carsideal idealfor forthe thejob jobyou youneed. need.

Brand new weather proof storage units ● 10ft units & 20ft units ● High security & HD CCTV ●

●● Brand Brandnew newweather weatherproof proof

storage storageunits units

●● 10ft 10ftunits units&&20ft 20ftunits units ●● High Highsecurity security&&HD HDCCTV CCTV

New weatherproof internal units ● Electric roller doors & internal lighting ● Key pad entry ●

SHORT SHORTWHEEL WHEELBASE BASEVAN VAN Load Loadlength length2.4 2.4meters meters

LONG LONGWHEEL WHEELBASE BASEHI-TOP HI-TOPVAN VAN Load Loadlength length3.4 3.4meters meters

●● New Newweath wea ●● Electric Electricrol ro

●● Key Keypad paden e

So Sowhether whetherm m aabusiness businessw w self self

BOX BOXSHOP SHOP

NOW NOWOPEN OPENFOR FORALL ALL So whether moving home or running YOUR YOURPACKAGING PACKAGINGAND AND REMOVAL REMOVALNEEDS NEEDS a business we can help with all your self storage needs

VV isit isitus usat atBoundary BoundaryGarage, Garage,Main MainRoad, Road, PE11 PE113DL 3DL(opposite (oppositespeed speedcamera) camera)

EXTRA EXTRALONG LONGWHEEL WHEELBASE BASE HI-TOP HI-TOPVAN VAN Load Loadlength length4.2 4.2meters meters

WINNER

2021/2022

LUTON LUTONVAN VANFITTED FITTEDWITH WITH ELECTRIC ELECTRICTAIL TAILLIFT LIFT

(supplied (suppliedwith withsack sackbarrow barrowand andropes) ropes) Load Loadlength length4.2 4.2meters meters

For Formore moreinformation informationcall call01 0

Email: Email:info@deepingcarandv info@deepingcarand Visit Visitour ourwebsite: website:www.deepingca www.deepingca

For more information call 01778 344493 Email: info@deepingcarandvanhire.co.uk Visit our website: www.deepingcarandvanhire.co.uk

HOUSE REMOV ALS HOUSE

BY DEEPINGREMOVALS CAR & VAN HIRE

BY DEEPING CAR & VAN HIRE Are you looking to move house ?

Look no further than our professional, affordable and reliable house removal service Rest assured all of your items will be fully protected ensuring they arrive safely at your new home.

Small Smalland andLarge LargeCars Cars Automatic Automatic Petrol Petrol//Diesel Diesel

OW OFFERING NOW OFFERING

FFSTORAGE STORAGE ✓ Dedicated team of removers

VATE VATEOR ORBUSINESS BUSINESSUSE USE

✓ Dedicated vehicles

✓ Protective equipment always used ✓ Professional uniformed staff

Call friendly team nownow for a free quotation Callour our friendly team for a free quotation

01778 344493 01778 344493

herproof internal atherproof internalunits units ller doors oller doors&&internal internallighting lighting ntry entry

moving movinghome homeor orrunning running we wecan canhelp helpwith withall allyour your fstorage storageneeds needs

,

BOX SHOP

Let us take the stress out of moving

We have a brand new box shop open providing all your packaging and material needs.

We sell the following items:

1778 344493 01778 344493

vanhire.co.uk dvanhire.co.uk arandvanhire.co.uk arandvanhire.co.uk

✓ Boxes ✓ Wardrobe Boxes ✓ Bubble Wrap ✓ Wrapping Paper ✓ Tapes ✓All other accessories

Available to purchase individually or as a bundle.

Feel free to pop into our shop or alternatively give us a call.

Visit us at Boundary Garage, Main Road, PE11 3DL (opposite speed camera)

In-Ctrl IT Support AFFORDABLE ONSITE PC/IT SUPPORT FOR HOME USERS / BUSINESSES IN THE DEEPINGS

call nick: 01775 725755 mobile: 07719 853633 www.inctrlitsupport.co.uk nick@inctrlitsupport.co.uk VERY LOW RATES, NO VAT, NO CALLOUT FEE & A PROVEN 16YEAR EXCELLENT REPUTATION THAT YOU CAN TRUST SPECIALISTS AT TUNE-UPS, VIRUS/MALWARE REMOVAL, INTERNET ISSUES, DATA RECOVERY, BACKUPS, INTERNET SECURITY & GENERAL COMPUTER PROBLEMS ON-SITE OR REMOTELY SOMETIMES THE SAME DAY Issues resolved from as little as £30 an hour remotely or £40 an hour on-site.

We also sell refurbished laptops and desktops too, so if you’re thinking of replacing/upgrading ‘hassle-free’, get in touch

OVER 8400 HAPPY CUSTOMERS SINCE 2006 AND COUNTING 😃😃

8

Property

Wills & Probate

Crime

Dispute Resolution

Family

Business

Camrascan House, Isis Way Minerva Business Park Peterborough PE2 6QR Telephone: 01733 865880 www.mcp-law.co.uk

NEWS These Shaggy Ink Cap Mushrooms grow at Vine House Farm it is possible to cook them but if they are ‘on the turn ‘ they will not taste good and turn everything you are cooking with them black.

They can however be used for making ink! Mushrroms generally should be treated with care as some varieties are very poisonous.

Karen and Rob Burrell became the latest new members to join the Deepings Lions Club, jointly sponsored by Nicki Waldie (far right) and Club President Dave Turner (left).

Deeping Rotarians and their friends recently rode approx 90 miles raising over £400 for Prostrate Cancer UK. Thanks to the Spin Room for the loan of two static bikes for the event.

Deeping St James micro pub, The Thirsty Giraffe has received the accolade of being featured in the 2024 CAMRA Good Beer Guide. The Guide tells you to ‘expect interesting beers and lively banter’. Steve Williams, who set up the pub with John Lawrence, believes their success comes from offering a ‘friendly, traditional pub ideal… but slightly different’.

WindowDoctor

Whatever Your Problem - It’s No Problem

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

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

www.windowrepairslincs.com

A gift of Travel Vouchers was made to departing Deepings Library Manager, Louisa Crowson.

Louisa joined the Library when it first became a Community funded Library in 2016 and now the Library is considered one of the most successfui in the county.

kevinbates

bathrooms, heating & plumbing services Heating specialist with 30yrs experience boilers/radiators/fires - installation/repairs/servicing upgrades to the latest designs Cookers/Hobs, LPG and Unvented Cylinders Landlord Certificates & servicing Bathrooms/Showers Supply installation and upgrades incl disability bathrooms Contact Kevin on 07905 506061 or 01778 343081

9

Proceeds go towards Lincolnshire NHS Charity in support of Johnson Community Hospital

A16 SPALDING Book now to avoid disappointment: springfieldsoutlet.co.uk/events 10

T&Cs apply. Visit website for details.

Image: Andrianna Curtis

NEWS

Molly Clegg previously of Murano, Market Deeping is now in St Mary’s Stamford and selling a collection called Studs of Hope which donates to schools in countries around the world to help underprivileged children access education. In collaboration with them, she has created a ‘Stamford Stud’ which will donate to local charity, Bumps and Beyond (featured in the October issue of I’d rather be in Deeping magazine)

A local friendly society are providing a warm space for residents to socialise over the winter months, with free refreshments and board games.Nene and Welland Oddfellows, part one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK, is opening its hall to the public at 57 Church Street, Market Deeping, so that people can stay warm in good company. Dates are 9th Nov, 7th and 21st Dec from 2.00pm. No need to book, just pop in!

Info Karen.Earth@oddfellows.co.uk or 01778 342 006.

The presentation of the cheques after the successful Duck Race to Zoe Dean of Alzheimer’s UK and Danie Reeves of Dementia Support South Lincs was attended by the Chairperson of DSJ Parish Council, Kate Shinkins-Hoppe (right) and Sean Rowcliffe (far left) partner Solicitor with Hegartys, main sponsor of the Race.

Celebrating food and drink heroes in the East Midlands, the Great Food Club recently crowned the Red Lion, West Deeping as the best Pub of the Year.

• Body Repairs • Machine Polishing • Light Scratch Paintwork Services Removal T. 07801 494 311 E. avb1@hotmail.co.uk Unit 7, Peacock Sq. Northfields Ind. Est., Market Deeping

Celebrating their second anniversary, Deeping Men in Sheds (part of a worldwide movement) have turned part of an old stable block at Swine’s Meadow Garden Centre into their shedquarter’s.

This provides a community for shedders to work together, to learn and pass on skills, to support other coimmunity groups and a chance to chill out over a cuppa. Open 10-2.00pm Tu-W- Th.

Thompson Skip Hire

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

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

Bank Holiday Service

Same or Next Day Delivery Open 7 Days a Week 11

Pam’s Page

Information and updates Keep handy for future reference

Early November is a special time of year when we remember and pay our respects to the many Forces lives lost in the service of our country. It is always humbling to reflect on the incredible sacrifices made by those who put themselves forward to defend our citizens and to protect us from harm. This loyalty is

something we should never take for granted and there will be many families and friends who continue to feel the loss of loved ones very deeply. Wearing a poppy and making a contribution to the Royal British Legion and to other Armed forces Charities, are ways we can all show support for families and veterans.

An open invitation to the Deepings Remembrance Garden at the Boundary. This will officially be opened for residents to pay their respects on Sunday 5th November at 2.45pm. The following week will be the Remembrance Day Parades on Sunday 12th (with short traffic waiting on Church Street MD and Church Street DSJ). Then the Memorial Garden Closure Service will be held on Sunday 19th November at 2.45pm.

Please dress warmly as these events will take place outside.

*Deepings Community Library Good News* On behalf of the Management Committee, staff, volunteers and library members, we would like to offer a very big Thank You for your votes as Deepings ‘Charity of the Year’ at the recent Business Community Awards event. The trophy can be viewed in the library and the unexpected donation will be put to good use!

Prepare for colder and wetter weather.

After some glorious late summer warmth, the weather has changed now and the next few weeks will put additional financial pressure on many of us as we consider how to balance the cost of heating, eating, socialising and Christmas spending. If you have vulnerable neighbours, family members, or are under pressure yourself, November is a good time to make contact with others and check to see what help is available to ensure everyone gets safely through the winter. In particular, we can all make the effort to be patient and kind to one another by generously offering our time and a listening ear – not just for winter but all year round.

Help is here.

We are very fortunate that there are many local organisations that are available to provide help if needed, or to direct you to the best places to get assistance.

Examples are given below and other help may also be available.

Market Deeping Town Council (MDTC) 01778 343170

DSJ United Charities 01778 344707

Deeping St. James Parish Council (DSJPC) 01778 343266

Feoffee’s Charity (contact MDTC) 01778 343170

South Kesteven District Council 01476 406080

Deepings Lions Club 03458 337489

Age Concern Deepings 01778 345558

Deepings Rotary 01536 201535

Deepings Men’s Group (mobility equipment) 07902 510471

Deepings Community Library 01778 346528 Deepings

Deepings Churches look up individually

Community Centre 01778 381770

Deepings Food Bank (Trussell Trust) 07516 717346

Deepings Business Community 01778 342255

Save the dates and we’ll see you there: Deepings Christmas Market on Sunday 3rd December with Tree lights switch on at 5.00pm Carols in Jubilee Park on Friday 15th December.

Carols in the Market Place on Thursday 21st December pam.byrd@southkesteven.gov.uk

12

NEWS The Deepings and Langtoft always embrace the Macmillan Coffee morning with gusto!

Members of Age Concern recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby.

Highly recommended!

Image: ACS Photography

True

Langtoft Village Hall Deeping Sports & Social Club

Celebrating award winning businesses in the Deepings!

Winter’s coming - time for a boiler service!

As the night’s draw in now’s the time to make sure that your boiler is ready for Winter £65+VAT

13

14

NEWS Twenty years ago Jason Whiley (31) and Justin Smith (30) made their dream a reality when they opened their motorbike shop Gear 4 in Halfleet, Market Deeping. The buisness was a KTM dealer focussing on Enduro Super Moto and Motorcross bikes and products. They have now expanded to include Husqvarna, GASGAS, WP, Honda and Montesa and have moved to their modern dealership in Northfields.

Recently over 500 customers and associates came to a celebratory event. I’d rather be in Deeping was pleased to be able to photograph the whole team at an anniversary meal at the Taj Mahal.

15

16

17

The 18

Stage

FEATURE

The New Inn, as it was called, was built by Joseph Mawby in 1802 as a coaching inn, but the early years were all about the larger-than-life personality, Oakley Speight. Oakley followed Thomas Abbott, the first manager of the New Inn, in 1811 having been a waiter for 14 years at the Greyhound, Folksworth. He promised ‘Unremitting attention to the comfort and convenience of the traveller, good horses, neat stabling and every other accommodation to be depended on.’

In 1825 he was still conveying his ‘grateful thanks to the nobility, gentry, his commercial friends and thought it was only right to notice that only eleven post miles will be charged from Market Deeping to Spalding to those changing at the New Inn.’ The Boston Perseverance Coach Louisa Fowler (nee Bennett) reached the New Inn from London at 6.45 with the coach to London breakfasting at the Inn at 8.30, arriving the same evening at nine.

In 1826 aged 45, Oakley married Frances Mawby (1791-1859) and shortly after the couple left the New Inn and moved to Stamford, Oakley becoming a book keeper. The couple then took on the Lion Inn in Spalding, an unsuccessful venture as it turned out as he is recorded in 1834 as being in the court at Lincoln for insolvent debtors. True to form, Oakley showed true resilience, cleared his debts and returned to the Stage, though this time after Joseph Mawby had sold his new build to Thomas Sharpe in 1836.

Oakley continued to welcome notables to his Inn. John Clare met his friends Mr and Mrs Emerson on the premises in September 1825, and in 1836 the Duchess of Northumberland came with two carriages and changed four horses on her way to Alnwick Castle. Later that year the Countess of Newburgh stayed at the Inn on her way from Buxton to London. Oakley was keen to look after his customers and in 1836 asked his customers to tell him how many head of cattle they wanted provision for in the upcoming Fair, as he had already had

several applications for his closes of fine pasture.

In 1840 the couple left the Inn, moving to East St (Stamford Road) where Frances, a confectioner, had a shop. Oakley died five years later and Frances in 1859.

Jane Barber (1800-77) had trained under Oakley and Frances, starting as a kitchen maid when she left school and working her way up to Cook before taking over as Manager of the Inn in 1841. Her catering was renowned but she was also known as a strict taskmaster and Browning Fowler the Inn’s reputation grew. With a preference for employing locals there were very few staff living in. Marston’s Brewery bought the New Inn in 1856. Jane retired in 1864, moving to the High Street where she died in 1877 aged 77. In glowing terms her obituary claimed, ‘Those yet surviving will not fail to honour her memory with pleasant thoughts of the past.’

When Swaffham-born John Markwell (1801-75) arrived in Market Deeping in 1841 he brought with him a love of horses which he raced at Newmarket. He was also a horse dealer and a starter of races at Newmarket and elsewhere. He had moved into 23 Church Street, a four-bedroomed house (now known as Portland House), renting at first but when the opportunity to buy came up in 1848 he purchased it. After his marriage to Hannah Catlin (1822-96) of Abbots Langley in 1851, the couple moved to Mill Lane (now Stamford Rd) and 23 Church St was put up for auction.

In 1864, when the New Inn needed a new Manager, John and Hannah took over. Or rather Hannah took over as John carried on with his horse dealing.

In 1866 John instigated the Market Deeping Races. He encouraged the gentry to award cups, and racehorses came from all over the country to take part for an entry fee from five shillings to five sovereigns. The first race took place on 24th July on a grass field about half a mile from the town, lent

by Maxey farmer Edward Johnson for the occasion. The air was filled with anticipation as a flag was hoisted on the Church Tower and the bells rang out, and by noon many flags appeared on the houses in the town. The day was fine and there was a good attendance on the course including most of the gentry from Deeping and the surrounding villages. Traders decorated their booths and all did a good trade, especially the New Inn, selling drinks. The event was continued >

19

FEATURE held annually, growing to include cycle races, but in 1870 it was postponed due to bad weather and 1871 was the last year that it was held. John was in declining health and died in 1875 aged 74. Hannah, however, continued enthusiastically to run the New Inn with the help of her niece Martha Fox, with Stephen Smith a groom and ostler, and Caroline Smith and Alice Lilley as maids.

A high point in Hannah’s tenure at the Inn was in 1877 when she held a grand ball to celebrate the extension of the Inn. Tickets took the form of a small printed pale-blue book with gold lettering at ten shillings each which included supper. Dancing commenced at 9.00 p.m. and most of the elite of the town and district were in attendance.

The Inn was the venue for meals for the cricket club and when, after a very unsuccessful season in 1880, a planned end of season match between married and single men was called off because of wet weather and the meal was deemed to be the only saving grace!

In 1879 Hannah turned her hand to looking after farm workers who been unable to work on the frosty land for six weeks. She prepared hearty soup for all comers and cans and pitchers were seen daily carried by scores of grateful women and children. A plea was put out for contributions of meat and vegetables to enable her to continue her work.

After her retirement in 1883, with an appropriately grand meal, Frank Johnson took over with a dinner on the 20th December at which Edward Waterton Esq was in attendance. The usual toasts were given, patriotic songs sung and compliments were given to the new incumbents. The Johnsons did not stay long though and by 1891 Henry (1847-1914) and Eliza Senescall were at the helm.

Eliza (née Searle) had been brought up in Market Deeping where her father was a master shoemaker in the High Street. The couple were not to be thwarted by two relatively unsuccessful concerts they held in April 1893 (apparently local residents did not appreciate concerts held on a Sunday) and went on to hold a well-attended brass band soiree to celebrate their third anniversary in 1894.

Their son Alfred became a subpostman and in 1901 married Ethel Holland (issue 87) from Towngate, the couple settling in Fotheringhay. The following 20

The Fowlers

year, Henry and Eliza moved to the High Street, Henry becoming a gardener; he died 12 years later at the age of 67.

Parish Councillor, previously of the Bull, Fred Cave (1859-1937) took over in 1902. He was the son of John, a farm bailiff in Towngate. Fred had started working life as a mason and a builder, and in 1885 married Annie Forman from Helpringham. Fred was well known in the area and put his contacts to good use hosting the Sick & Dividing Club, Market Deeping Brass Band and becoming a regular stop for cycling clubs. With an eye to the main chance he was an agent for T. Mays & Sons Manures, and purchased land which he farmed. Son Fred (b.1891) and daughter Fanny (b.1888) assisted in the business and his widowed mother-in-law, Rebecca, came to live with them. In 1916 the family left and moved to a house in the Market Place which he named after his birthplace, Thorney House.

After a brief interlude when Henry Pepper took the reins, the Fowler family ran the Inn for 32 years after Deeping St James-born Browning Fowler (18641946), the son of shoemaker, John and Matilda (née Reynolds) bought the property in 1919 for £825.

Browning had had a career on the railways, joining as a porter at St James Deeping Station after working as an agricultural labourer. Sent to London where he worked at Tottenham and Islington Stations and met his future wife Louisa Bennett (her father Charles was a cab proprietor). Louisa (1862-1962) had been a cook for the Duke of Northumberland before her marriage. The couple had five children, two of which died as infants. By the time of the 1901 Census Browning had started his own business as a fishmonger but holidayed in Deeping every year as he loved his childhood home. It was while on holiday that he bought the New Inn, moving in with Louisa and his youngest daughter Lily who worked as a shorthand typist in Peterborough before leaving to help full time in the business. Louisa was in her element, her great loves being catering and rearing poultry.

The Fowlers

NEW BEDROOM SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

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

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

Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday - By Appointment Only

FEATURE It was an idyllic time for the Inn. In 1923 it was officially given RAC accreditation. Teas were served on the lawn leading down to the river; bowls, boating and fishing were all available. In his book, The Fen Country Christopher Marlowe enthuses about his stay at the Inn in 1925: ‘The great glory of Market Deeping is the hotel. The New Inn stands in the Market Place and backs onto the river. An archway leads to a delightful lawn where alfresco meals are served in the summer. You can fish from the grounds and boat to your heart’s content.’ He was most impressed ‘by the hospitality and good fellowship of the landlord and by the plentiful and excellent fare provided for the modest cost of six shillings and sixpence for supper, bed and breakfast’.

Browning was now also a pensioner and Lily worked full time in the Inn when she married Arthur Seabrook, son of Arthur and Mary of the Waterton Arms (issue 85) The couple ran the Inn with Browning until his death in 1946 when he left over £6400 in his will. The family dynasty at the Inn came to an end when five years later the family moved to Horsegate where Louisa died in 1962, three weeks after her 100th birthday.

Lily died in 1976 at their new home at 8 Burghley Close. Arthur died in 1994.

The Northampton Brewery Co bought the New Inn in 1951, installing Stuart Hucknall and his wife as licensees. They advertised the Inn as ‘on the road to the coast; facilities included large rooms for meetings and wedding receptions, catering for bus and coach parties and meals for non-residents’. By 1963 the incumbent had changed to Bebe Mould who was at the Inn for eight years, promoting boating, horse riding and dinner and dance evenings in the ballroom. Under the new licensee, John Watts, the New Inn Group of Conservatives and their friends was formed with John as Chairman. This was short lived as the Inn closed for alterations in 1974. South Kesteven Rural Council had adopted the recommendation of the Sanitary Committee demanding the installation of a proper drainage system in 1933 and this was now fully implemented. New tenants Audrey and Tony Allen were installed a year later.

The couple had been at the Cobden Arms in Peterborough, demolished as part of the city’s development plan. Mrs Allen said, ‘We are trying to preserve the feel of a comfortable old hostelry without resorting to instant antiques.’ The Inn had undergone a £30,000 22

refurbishment and opened with a new name, The Deeping Stage. During the laying of new drains a five-foot well had been unearthed and was retained and glassed over. The original bow-fronted window was kept and old stonework and beams were retained.

The couple were at the Deeping Stage for just over a decade, one of great change within the Deepings. They were a force within the District Licensed Victuallers Association, Tony becoming Vice Chairman in 1977 and Audrey a former chairman of the East Midlands Branch. Fundraising for the National Homes Appeal for retired licensees was one of their causes, along with RAFA and Magpas, and Frog Racing was one of their favourite ways of raising funds.

‘I never let on they aren’t real frogs,’ said Tony, before revealing that the frogs are in fact wooden cut-outs. In 1979 Halfleet resident, Bill White won a Ben Truman Treasured Tale Award for the story of a stagecoach travelling from London to Lincoln that disappeared as the ground opened up and before the ostler’s eyes.

It is said that at 6.00 p.m. the eerie sound of the clatter of horses’ hooves can still be heard. Locals may also remember the 300-plus postcards that adorned the reception area walls along with pictures of some of the cabaret artists that performed at the pub.

In 1986 Margaret and Dermot Ryan of Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, were granted a licence for the pub. The couple introduced a country music evening every Thursday and dances on Friday and Saturday, and in December of that year served 28 residents of the Manor Court Flats a traditional Christmas lunch accompanied by an accordionist. In September 1988, Ginette Cave opened a new business centre in one of the function rooms. Cave Business Services offered a setting for organised seminars, lunches and business breakfasts as well as a wide variety of business services. In 1990 customers entered the slightly straightlaced Margaret Ryan in the landlady of the year competition. Dermot is remembered as more of a ‘jack the lad’. Around the turn of the century the couple retired to Holyhead, Wales, where they bought a bed and breakfast.

Tony Allen

The question remains, ‘Have you heard the clatter of horses’ hooves at 6.00pm?’ Next time you’re in – have a listen!

DEEPING ST JAMES

PHARMACY

Glinton

W

Now offering flu vaccinations

e are an independent pharmacy giving patients a one-to-one service, We like to model ourselves on the old community pharmacy where patients get to know us and you will always see a familiar face.

Here at ‘The Chemist Shop’ we are proud to be part of the community and are always striving to give the community the best service available to them.

W

Did You Know?

We can help with the following, no doctor’s appointment or referral necessary.

• Men’s Health Hair retention,fasterectile dysfunction and efficient wholesaler service to enable us to

e are an independent pharmacy giving patients a one-to-one service. We like to model ourselves on the old community pharmacy where patients get to know us and and you will always see a familiar face. Here at Deeping St James Pharmacy, we are proud to be part of the community and are always striving to give the community the best service available to them.

Our other services include

fulfil all the prescriptions promptly. We also keep a

range of over-the-counter medicines and also • Women’swide Health vitamins and mineral supplements

Ourand other services include Delayed period menopausal ● We offer blister pack medication to symptoms patients who meet the criteria.

winter as a pre-book or drop-in service.

• Skin Problems Flu vaccinations will be available this

●

NHS unwanted medicine service, where you

Dermatitis and Eczema can return all unwanted medicines to the

We understand how important it is to speak faceto-face with a pharmacist about your medicines and prescriptions. Our services give you the chance to chat to a pharmacist about your concerns, while getting expert advice on how to improve your health in our private consultation room.

• We offer blister pack medication to patients who meet the criteria

●

pharmacy where we will dispose of them safely.

Emergency supplies: if you need one of your • Asthma - Salbutamol regular medicines in an emergency and you are unable to contact your doctor, we may be able to help.

• Help to stop smoking • Are you over 39? Then come in for a free Blood We stock a wide range of prescription medications and dressings from all the main brands. We keep Come in and say hello, we’d be very glad to see Pressure Check a comprehensive stock of all• medicines and use a you and assist you with anything you need.

Free Blood Pressure check ●

• NHS unwanted medicine service, where you can return These are just a few of the services we all unwanted medicines to the pharmacy where we will are licensed to help with, please call us dispose of them safely.

21 Rycroft St James PE6 8NT toAvenue, find outDeeping what else is available and 58 D I S C O V E R I N G Deeping • Emergency supplies. If you need one of your regular JANUARY 2021 01778 349646 how deepingstjamespharmacy@aah-n3.co.uk we can help medicines in an emergency and you are unable to contact your doctor, we may be able to help.

• Travel Vaccinations and health advice service

01733 253433

Call with your NHS number and we can set up your prescription account over the phone Offering a fast and friendly service 21, Rycroft Avenue, 4 Rectory Lane, Deeping St James PE6 8NT Peterborough PE6 7LR www.thechemistshoppeterborough.co.uk

23

PROFILE FEATURE

Keep calm and cycle on A child’s-eye view of the Blitz

‘There aren’t many of us left,’ says Tom Gibbons, now 92, ‘who can say that they looked out at St Paul’s Cathedral surrounded by the smoke and flames of burning buildings in the Blitz.’ A tear still comes to the eye of this man who acknowledges that he has been hardened by his upbringing in war-torn London as he remembers standing on the doorstep of the family home in Hackney as his father muttered ‘The City of London has taken a bashing tonight boy!’

Tom is a cockney, born to a poor family, his father having been badly injured in the First World War and becoming a house husband looking after Tom, his brother and sister.

To supplement the family income he would clear snow and later became a wood machinist.

Child mortality was higher in those days, measles was rife and could be a killer and so Tom was lucky to survive the disease as a one year old; the first as it turns out of one of his nine lives. Aged two on the family’s annual trip to the seaside at Southend, Tom ran up the gang plank of a boat in the sea and was knocked off, to be rescued from the waves by a passerby. There was little traffic in 1934 and milkman, coalmen and rag-and-bone men rode horse and carts and so Tom, now three, felt safe as he played in the gutter with a bucket and spade. Wrong! A horse knocked Tom under the wheels of the milk cart. He was taken to the Metropolitan Hospital in Kingsland Road in his mother’s arms on the back of the cart and he remained there for three months with a suspected crushed pelvis and a damaged kidney.

24

Tom can remember being evacuated to Melksham like it was yesterday, herded into a train with crowds of other kids. Now seven and a half Tom only knew one other, a girl who lived up the road from him, aged ten. The children lined up and Tom was the last to be chosen.

He considers that he was very lucky as the family were kind to him and had two boys of his own age and a girl to play with. The walk to school through meadowland was a novelty but the small school room presided over by a vicious master was terrifying, especially to Tom’s neighbour. She suggested they walk back home and, easily influenced, he joined her. The problem was they had no idea which way to go and had walked six miles in the wrong direction when they were picked up by a police car and taken back to Melksham. Concerned that her charge was unhappy, Tom’s carer had informed his father who hastened down to collect him.

Back in London there was so much chaos that it took two months before the authorities discovered that George and his friend Derrick had decided that Ecclesbourne Road School, Islington, was not for them and had attended Tottenham Road School Dalston instead. Tom’s mum, employed full-time as a mattress maker was not amused!

Fearing the Blitz. Tom, his sister, mother and her friend and daughter evacuated again, this time to a farm near Carmarthen.

Tom and Maureen, his younger sister, in an idyllic interlude, played in haystacks, collected eggs from the chickens and the farmer taught Tom how to gut a sheep as it hung over the fireplace.

The women were homesick and they returned home.

But by now things were even worse. Displaced dogs roamed the streets – Tom’s family had four including a German Shepherd called Queenie, a cat, rabbits, chickens reared from chicks bought on Club Row and a couple of ducks for Christmas. Pupils were walked home by their teachers, the school day was reduced to mornings for boys and afternoons for girls, railings were taken away for the war effort, an Anderson shelter dug into the garden. Tom’s mother slept there for one night but suffering with rheumatic fever once was enough! ‘If I die I die in my own bed!’ she said. Aged just seven, Tom walked two miles in thick snow to take himself to the school dentist.

Five thousand bombs were dropped on the first night of the Blitz, and on the next day Tom, now nine, walked into the devastation where familiar houses and shops were razed to the ground, his walk peppered with corpses and body parts.

Money was tight, Tom persuaded his mother to buy Brooke Bond Tea for the coupons that could be redeemed for cash.

He saved up enough to go to the Dalston Junction Cinema, obtained permission from his formidable mother and took the ten-minute walk. After quarter of an hour the sirens rang out and a message appeared on the screen – stay and watch or keep your ticket, go home and watch another time. A big decision for an eight year old. He remembered his mum and went home – running as fast as he could as shrapnel rained down.

PROFILE FEATURE

Like many East Enders the family went hop picking in Kent and from mid August to late September 1940 they watched the Battle of Britain raging overhead.

Left to his own devices, when Tom developed an abscess on his arm he went to hospital and had it dressed but there was no follow-up care and when the inevitable happened his sister’s husband in the Royal Army Medical Corps declared, ‘There are prisoners of war treated better than this!’ When chasing a friend up some steps he put his hand through a glass door and with a two-inch cut across his wrist once again took himself to hospital.

Having passed their eleven plus, Tom and Derrick attended Parmiter’s School in Bethnal Green which at the time provided education for grammar school boys from all over East London, one of which was Ralph Goldsmith who became a lifelong friend.

George had assembled a bike from a frame bought for £1, and when doodlebugs started to fly over the City, he and his friend Jackie would chase them on their bikes waiting for the flames to stop and the bombs to drop, lying in the gutter with their hands over their ears. A V2 exploded near the school, killing everyone who lived in both adjacent houses, blowing all the school windows out, but the boys remained unfazed.

Lessons were held in an air raid shelter. Not to be deterred, after the war the boys continued to cycle; to Chelmsford and Colchester and as far as Gorleston.

On one notable occasion when the boys cycled to Cambridge, Tom’s bike developed a puncture but without a repair kit they managed to limp home.

Tom watched as the sky turned black when the 1,000 bomber raids flew across London and out to the Channel on their way to bomb Cologne, Berlin and Dresden. Happier times were to come and on VE

Day, Tom now 13 and Jackie went into the West End and witnessed the kissing and cuddling in Piccadilly Circus, completing their trip with a visit to the Windmill Theatre, known for its naked showgirls. The pair happened to be outside of Buckingham Palace when the, now King, Charles was born in 1948.

Taking his father’s advice in seeking a career, Tom went for safe not big money and started his working life as a tea boy for Hackney Borough Council.

Beguiled by an ad for a job with the Midland Bank, Tom was posted to Stratford, East London. He had another two close calls on his bike, one coming too close to a bus on Victoria Park and another slipping on wet cobbles, when he was nearly run over by a lorry.

This dispatched two more of his nine lives but on both occasions he got up and kept cycling on!

25

! s a m t is r h C r o All you want f

Blenheim Way, Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping , Peterborough PE6 8LD

Massive Fireworks Sale ignite your imagination...

SAVE UP TO 50% OFF RRP

Weddings - Parties - Festivals - Bonfires - etc

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

Tel: 01778 347500

We are seeking entries for our forthcoming auctions

68 Church Street, Deeping St James, PE6 8HD Tel: 01778 342219 Email: thewatertonarms@hotmail.co.uk

Sue and Kevin Laughton would like to thank all their staff and customers and all those who voted for them in the Deeping Business Awards. They have now won the Best Pub Award for four times in a row!

If you would like to join our team (various shifts available) contact us

01778 342219

Visit our website for more details www.thewatertonarms.co.uk 28

The Big Christmas Shop Hampers celebrating the Best of British from Moor Farm Shop, Newborough

BIG DUCK LUCKY’S CALENDAR 2024

Treat your pooch - a great selection at Pet Stop

Big Duck Lucky’s 2024 A4 Calendar with photos Have aLions “ quacking” goodDuck year Race of the Deeping world famous from allCommunity of us at Centre or via - £4.99 from Deepings The Deepings Lions the Deeping Lions facebook page.

Ope Eveninn 17th N g ov

Super selection of crystals at Riverside Beads and Crafts

Winter Berry Light Up Snow Globe Baubles from The Cigar Shop 5 Market Place W-F 10-6 Sat 10-5

From the home of Bird Lovers - Vine House Farm Shop

Fabric Baskets from Made by Beck. Perfect gifts for all with many more designs available! £12 each or 2 for £20. Local pick up or post for extra. email: hello@madebybeck.com Facebook: Made by Beck

Facebook.com/CreativelyModernByFi Instagram.com/creativelymodern Etsy.com/shop/creativelymodernbyfi 07525170225.

29

The Big Christmas Shop

Eco range of Christmas stationery at Insideout Home Store

Support the RSPCA with their Christmas cards and Christmas selection, The Precinct Market Deeping

Deeping-based wildlife photographer, Iain Toombs, has created an A4 charity 2024 calendar featuring 12 stunning images of our local birds and mammals. All proceeds go directly to Wild Things Rescue - a wildlife rehabilitation centre based in Langrick, near Boston. Just £10 +£2 p&p available from www.wildthingsrescue.uk

Spode for Christmas! From Market Deeping Antiques

Spoil your pets this Christmas - a great choice at Pets Pantry, Market Gate

Exquisite bags handcrafted in Deeping

by Bex Gosling. 07842 586383 or bexcraftcorner@yahoo.com 30

Someone say cheese? With such a wide range of cheese available at the award-winning Market Gate Deli by Grasmere Farm, there is no where else to go for your Christmas cheese board! Cheese hampers are also available, and the friendly staff will make them up while you wait.

And it doesn’t just have to be cheese, there are plenty of gift ideas in the Deli that can all be made into a hamper.

The Cigar Box Enticing yuletide spirits for your delectation

£29.00

OFFER

£29.00

£33 for a box of 6

Buy a box of 6 Winter Berry Light Up Snow Globe Baubles with the Christmas Globe or the Sixpence Pud Gin for £55 or one of each for just £70!

Wednesday - Friday 10am - 6pm

I

Saturday 10am - 5 pm

www.thecigarbox.uk 01778 343430 5 Market Place, Market Deeping PE6 8EA

ORDER NOW FOR

PRE-CHRISTMAS DELIVERY

Deeping Branch: 3 The Deeping Centre, Market Deeping, PE68FG 01778 341827 32

e: enquiries@crowlandcarpets.co.uk

Bourne Branch: 11 Victor Way, Bourne, PE109PT 01778 424294

Visit: www.crowlandcarpets.co.uk

The Magic of Molecey Frost Fair & Gallery in the Garden Fri 3rd Nov 5-8 Sat & Sun 4th & 5th 10-4.00pm

What is it about the Frost Fair at Molecey Mill on Bonfire weekend that makes this the most magical way to kick start your Christmas? Is it the historic building and the glorious grounds?

Or is it the talented craftspeople who have been beavering away to bring you a cornucopia of gifts?

Maybe it’s the Gallery in the Garden bringing you fine art and sculpture from all over the globe? Or maybe it’s the friendly welcome and the opportunity for you to ponder your purchases in a beautiful environment? Whatever it is - we look forward to welcoming you to the Frost Fair and Gallery in the Garden on Fri 3rd Nov 5-8 Sat & Sun 4th & 5th Nov 10-4 - admission free,

Create Your

Living Space

Visit Showroom Ultra-low energy running cost Innovative new building system 10 day build 25 Year guarantee

Prices from £13,995

01778 346092

hello@inova-group.co.uk

www.inova-group.co.uk 33

FREE COAT & HARNESS FITTING

CHRISTMAS COATS/ JUMPERS ADVENT CALENDARS CHRISTMAS TOYS & TREATS

FOLLOW US petstopmarketdeeping.co.uk Peacock Square, Northfield Industrial Estate Market Deeping, PE6 8LW T: 01778 218228

34

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Pet Stop

Wilson’s

Fineshade Wood

Walks

Woof ! Here we go for our next adventure. Mum took me to a forest with all those lovely woodland smells – perfect for my sniffer senses.

After a short 30 minute drive we arrived at Fineshade Wood. Once parked, Mum clipped my long line lead.

There are three walking routes at Fineshade and we combined two routes to make a good long walk. Both walks start from the bottom of the car park which is near the visitor centre. Easy for our humans to use the toilets and get a coffee before the walk or at the end.

Fineshade Wood, Top Lodge, Fineshade, Near Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 3BB

www.forestryengland.uk/fineshade-wood Parking is £7.00 for the whole day or free to National Trust members

Fineshade Wood has a Forest Dog Code to keep us dogs and our owners safe. Leads are not compulsory; however, they advise that, while forests are a great place for us to enjoy, our humans need to know when to use the lead. (Forest Dog Code is on their website.)

Fineshade Woods Visitor Centre and Cafe is open from 9:30am to 4pm weekdays and opens at 9am and closes at 5pm over the weekend.

We took the Mill Wood Walk for 6 miles following the pink arrows and it’s really well signposted.

This walk takes you away from the busier parts of the woods and is much quieter. The path is well trodden and smooth underfoot and can get pretty muddy, plus there are lots of stinky streams and puddles to get into!

Then we took the Dales route for 3 miles and followed the purple arrows. Mum decided to add an extra mile by not turning left at the last purple arrow. Instead we carried on straight ahead and then took a left further down the route.

The path is well laid and mostly hard standing and is a busier route with lots more dogs.

walks and in the forest – bag and bin your waste to keep forests clean. There’s a lovely onsite dog friendly café.

(Mum recommends the hot chocolate!) They also have a kiosk outside in the courtyard too.

I stayed on my long line lead because in the forest you often can’t see far ahead, so Mum can let me run off, and I can’t get lost (or in trouble!).

This is a lovely walk if you’re happy to be around other dogs. If you prefer to be on your own we found the Mill Wood Walk was quieter.

We loved our visit to Fineshade. There were poo bins at the start and end of the

Time to travel: Approx 30 mins Length of walk: 5.5 miles, 4 miles Time of walk: 2.5 hours and 1 hour Paw rating for ease: Sniff rating: Off lead: Follow the Forest Code www.forestryengland.uk/dog-code Dog friendly cafe / pub near by: On Site Cafe and Kiosk In Wilson’s bag: Poop bags, treats, water bottle Poop bins: Bag and Bin it Other wildlife: Birds and small mammals including deer

Overall woof rating: 4 out 5

Pet Stop, 10 Peacock Square, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8LW 01778 218228 35

At True Skin & Laser we specialise in using only the most advanced equipment available and offer a range of treatments from Laser Hair Removal to Morpheus8 Skin Tightening. We only offer results driven treatments and these are bespoke and tailored to each individual client we see. Our team are highly qualified and experienced to help you achieve the most incredible transformations.

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Mention this advert and receive 10% off all full price treatments www.trueskinandlaser.co.uk 1 Horsegate, Deeping St James 01733 913236 / 07712 890463

Laser Hair Removal Bespoke, tailored facials for a range of skin concerns Skin tightening for loose, sagging skin Dermalux LED Phototherapy Anti-wrinkle and dermal fillers with a qualified medic Blemish and Skin Tag Removal Medical grade skincare range Consultation are offered to ensure you achieve your skin goals and interest free payment plans are also available.

DON’T WAIT TIL JAN 2024 TO KICK START YOUR FITNESS RESOLUTIONS.. MAKE A START IN DECEMBER

OFFER DECEMBER £10 JAN 24 £25 FEB MAR & APR £42 PER MONTH 30 CLASSES A WEEK TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING CIRCUITS

BLASTS

CLASSES

KETTLE BELLS HATTON BOXING 30 CARDIO

PUMP ABS

BEGIN2SPIN INDOOR CYCLING AND MUCH MORE

BE BRAVE BE ADVENTUROUS AND GET FITTER WITH US ...

FREE PARKING • ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE

36

NO ADMIN FEES •

AFFORDABLE PERSONAL TRAINING 1-2-1 OR COUPLES WELCOME

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

Ruffles of Market Deeping We are now stocking Cards, Gifts, Home Interiors along with the Ladies Dress Agency that has been here for nearly 10 years....

01778 344677 follow us on facebook for opening times

LET US TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF YOUR FEET! Degree trained Podiatrists/ Chiropodists with extensive NHS and Private experience.

See an HCPC Registered Podiatrists/ Chiropodist, Legally protected Titles for the protection of the public

Daytime, evening and some Saturday Clinics are available The Community Centre, Douglas Road Market Deeping PE6 8PA

For Bookings at Market Deeping Ring

01778 342110

Website: www.deepingpodiatryandchiropody.co.uk

RAY PAWLETT

Find Your Inner Balance I have been privileged to have worked with many older people during my time as a Tai Chi Instructor. It makes me feel very happy to see a person who previously had been sedentary become more active and enjoy their life more, with the health benefits to body and mind that are associated with higher activity levels.

I sometimes see the opposite. When a person has ‘a fall’, it frequently breaks their confidence more than their bodies.

They often become afraid of falling again, causing them to stiffen their bodies and become less inclined towards exercise.

It’s an obvious cycle really.

If we improve our balance and posture then we get more confident. When we become more confident, we do more and our balance gets better.

This is not just something for older people though.

In studies, there is a measurable decline in balance when comparing between an average 30-year-old person and an average 50-year-old person. This does not suddenly kick in at 50; it started at an earlier age.

Some studies put the age where we start to lose our balance as low as 30.

This is why younger people like to use skateboards etc., and us oldies are not quite so keen! The younger people have better balance.

If we think about things holistically, then balance is not just a physical thing.

Balance also relates to our lifestyle, emotions and ability to move forward in our lives.

The word ‘grounding’ is sometimes used. If we stare into a computer or smart phone for long periods, our energy is all in our heads and we can easily feel like we are ‘away with the fairies’ or ungrounded. No matter what age you are – if you feel like this, you are risking it! You are far more likely to have some sort of an accident.

All is not lost though! Balance and grounding are like invisible muscles in our bodies. They can be made stronger with the correct sort of exercise.

Standing on one leg is a good start. Train your body to have better balance by standing on one leg for a while. Try it with your eyes closed. Most adults over 50 cannot manage 10 seconds – but if you practise you get better and reap the benefits of better balance.

Try this simple grounding exercise that we use in Tai Chi:• • • • • •

Stand up Put your attention to your feet.

Can you feel your heels?

Press your toes into the carpet. Can you feel your toes?

Can you feel the balls of your feet, and the outside edges?

Can you feel the arch in the middle of your foot?

A good feeling for where your feet are on the floor assists balance. It makes sense: if you can’t feel your feet for any one of a number of reasons then your balance will be affected.

The slow and mindful way that we move in Tai Chi helps restore the connections between the soles of our feet and our brains. After a while practitioners gain better balance and feel more ‘grounded’.

If you would like to learn more about Tai Chi, holistic health meditation or any forms of stress reduction, please contact me via email ray@ki-ways.co.uk or give me a ring on 07413 620344 or look up the website www.ki-ways.com

37

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9Ͳ5 & Sundays 10Ͳ3

Breakfast & lunch menu Homemade cakes Tea & Coffee

Farm Shop—Butchery—Deli—Tea Room Order meat now for Christmas collection

Free Range bronze turkeys, grass fed beef & lamb, pork, cockerel, goose, venison & duck is available on the butchery counter. Pork pies, scotch eggs, homecooked ham, Moor Farm beef, local cheeses and lots more lovely produce available on our deli counter.

Christmas Trees and wreaths for sale 38

01733 259645 www.moorfarmshop.uk moorfarmshop@outlook.com Moor Farm Shop, Decoy Road, Newborough, Peterborough, PE6 7QE

Christmas open evening — Friday 17th November

6pm—8pm

BARGAIN HUNT

(l-r) Saran & Bernie from Lilli’s, Jessica Spencer, Clare Stubbins, Sue and Jayne from Pets Pantry

The Deepings Bargain Hunt 2023!

It’s October so it’s pumpkins and ploughing and Deeping’s own answer to TV’s Bargain Hunt!

each one different and crafted for more than 150 years as a toy for children. Their simplicity appealed to the pair and when the stand holder was contacted and agreed a price of £14 each down from £19 the sale was in the bag!

This year two teams from Market Gate lined up in opposition; Sarah and Bernie from Lilli’s Teashop and Cakery, and Jayne and Sue from Pets Pantry.

Jessica had noticed a Chinese Ginger Jar manufactured as export ware in the 20th century – perfect for the Lilli’s team to develop an oriental theme! It has to be said that Sarah was less than enthusiastic and preferred the chrome-lidded 40s biscuit barrel (she might have sneaked this into her own shopping to add to her personal collection!). But Jessica and her professional advice won the day and the Ginger Jar at £8 was included.

As always Jessica Spencer from Stamford Auction Rooms was on hand with her expert advice and Claire, Barbara and Jo from Market Deeping Antiques lined up to assist the teams – all that was left was for ‘I’d rather be in Deeping’ magazine to present the two teams with £50 each and they were off to select items that would make a profit for their respective charities; Lilli’s for the National Autistic Society and Pets Pantry for the Deeping Men’s Group.

First off the starting blocks were Sarah and Bernie from Lilli’s with two vintage Japanese Kokeshi dolls,

Meanwhile the team from Pets Pantry had settled on a pot from West Germany but when Jessica pointed out the damage and also that mid-century items were not enjoying the popularity that they did five years ago, the team moved on! They found instead a J. H. Wood of Burslem hand-painted 1930s jug, with just a tiny chip.

The pair, under the guidance of Clare of the Centre, managed to negotiate a price of £4.75, down from £6.75. With jugs becoming a theme, they found a silver jug sporting an image of the Eiffel Tower, continued >

39

BARGAIN HUNT but when Jessica pointed out it was silver plate the team followed her direction to a Graf delicate pedestal bonbon dish modelled with a butterfly. Down from £16 to just £12, Jessica declared it a bargain and it made its way into the Pets Pantry hoard.

Hidden away on one of the shelves just waiting to be discovered by an eagle-eyed Jessica was an Art Nouveau collectible 191020 Royal Doulton tin-glazed vase. With an attractive impressed floral border it was declared a bargain at just £14 and completed the selection from Lilli’s.

Not to be outdone, Jayne and Sue has bagged a late 1800s harvest jug with a dog shaped handle, fitting for the time of the year though sporting some damage. The substantial item was a great find, kindly reduced from £19 to £10 by the seller.

With Christmas in mind, Jayne had spotted some 1960s Animal Rummy and Old Maid Playing cards – perfect stocking fillers at £5.50 each. And with all the bird lovers among us, the Pets Pantry couple could not resist the Beswick Kingfisher reduced from £20 to £8!

With just a little of their £50 left Pets Pantry were undecided on an Art Nouveau photo frame or a filigree flower formed brooch at £3.80 which in the end formed the last item in their haul.

Now all that remains is to see who is triumphant at the Stamford Auction Rooms November 25th auction! Winners will be announced in the Jan/Feb issue out at the beginning of February.

Winners of the Deepings Business Awards 2023 Best Eatery & Outstanding Customer Service Sarah and all the team at Lilli’s would like to thank all their customers and everyone who voted for them in the 2023 Awards

07342781230 3 Market Gate, Market Deeping PE6 8DL Enquiries please contact us through our Facebook page or email sarah.cakelove@gmail.com 40

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.

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

41

BOOK

Life & Times of Annie Williams Author Mike Heath’s book, chronicling the life and times of a remarkable woman – the last of a local family dynasty! See him at Deepings Library!

Mike taught locally for 37 years, specialising in History. He was a member of Peterborough Rugby club and played mixed hockey and tennis competitively too.

This book is based on 25 hours of intensive interviews and examines, largely in Annie’s own words, her life at the Borough Fen Bird Decoy near Peakirk. Despite living in the middle of nowhere, she led an atypical life which saw her attend one of the last dame schools in the country in Peterborough and then on to a boarding school for girls at Kettering where she was taught how to ‘become a snob’ as she phrased it. Annie also worked briefly as a nurse in London during the Great War. While not an active feminist, she claimed she was equal to any man.

She often visited London where she was an active theatregoer. She balanced this with working at the Decoy Farm which she eventually ran with husband Billy.

42

Annie witnessed many great changes in society in her days from 1890 till her death in 1986 and comments on them in her individual style. She is full of wit and whimsy which comes over well in her story. Her wedding and honeymoon are full of incident. Billy’s life before he married Annie is fascinating too. His life in Canada and in the army in Mesopotamia is very interesting.

Second World War provides an interesting outlook on life in the country at that time. There is a focus on the horrific winter floods of 1947 and Annie’s role in the event giving incidental information about Crowland. Life in Peterborough features throughout the book, too, and there are amusing stores about her father’s shopping methods and his encounter with a tram driver.

Annie met a number of famous and important people during her lifetime; the most notable was Peter Scott, the noted naturalist and wildlife painter, with whom a lifelong friendship developed from the winter of 1932 when he spent the time ensconced at the Decoy.

It was here that he helped to adapt Annie’s love of painting, Ice skating and cinema-going were other past times she indulged in.

Annie spent her last years at the Decoy Farm before moving to Peakirk where the Wild Fowl Available fro m Amazon for £12 Trust was developed and opened to the public.

The book is mainly biographical but has strong social history links, too. Her words are used wherever appropriate revealing the depth of character of an amazing woman.

She was a committed monarchist and held strongly grounded Conservative opinions. Hers was a world of black and white with little room for grey. The

Mike Heath, The Deepings Library, 9th Nov 7.00pm £5 incl refreshments. To book pop in M-F (not Thurs) 10-5 and Sat 10-3 or call 01778 346528

With three decades of experience in bed manufacturing, the experts at Wheatcroft believe that every detail matters for a seamless night’s sleep. They combine traditional craft skills and pride in standards with forward-thinking design and product development, continually seeking to enhance the customer experience and provide unrivalled value.

With three decades of experience in bed manufacturing, the experts at Wheatcroft believe that every detail matters for a seamless night’s sleep. They combine traditional craft skills and pride in standards with forward-thinking design and product development, continually seeking to enhance the customer experience and provide unrivalled value. That commitment is reflected throughout their ranges, which combine a host of contemporary performance features with outstanding material quality.

We offer FREE DELIVERY on all beds and mattresses within a 25 mile radius 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

Eventide Disturbance in Deeping Fen

The Deepings and the Fens I love thee nature, in my inmost heart; Go where I will, thy truth seems from above, Go where I will, the landscape forms a part Of heaven – e’en these fens, where wood nor grove Are seen, their very nakedness I love, From John Clare’s poem - Child Harold.

44

I have lived in Deeping St James since 1987 when I moved with my family from South Bedfordshire to take up a post with the Nature Conservancy Council, (subsequently re-named English Nature, (in England), and since changed again to Natural England).

The flatlands, big skies and ubiquitous drainage channels have provided me with considerable ‘grist’ to my artistic ‘mill’ and, moreover, shortly after my arrival, I was introduced to the poetry and prose of John Clare, resident of Helpston in the early nineteenth century.

Since my arrival in south Lincolnshire and particularly following my retirement from the civil service in 2004, I have looked to the Deepings and the surrounding fen landscape for inspiration and occasional ‘escape’ from the pace of modern life and to enable me to engage with the landscape and its contents in the production of a wide range of drawings and paintings. I have no doubt that the landscape around the Deepings, including Deeping Fen, Deeping Lakes and the banks of the Rivers Glen and Welland, have had a profound effect on my output as an artist.

Since the late 80s I have spent many hours walking ‘Clare Country’ and recording my observations in many drawings and paintings. Some of these artworks became the content of a recently, privately printed, book – A meeting of two Spirits. Throughout my wanderings, I have envisioned in my mind’s eye a mystic presence, the result of human intervention over millennia that is central to the history of the fen landscape. Indeed, I have created my own mystery and myth derived from combining my experience of walking the countryside in and around the Deepings with a modicum of imagination and intuition.

John Lincoln

Fen Poppies

Down by Deeping Lakes

We’re specialists in high quality bird food, growing much of the bird seed we sell here on our farm. We also stock a wide range of bird feeders & accessories.

We are always available to offer advice on how to feed your garden birds MON-SAT 8AM - 5PM SUNDAY 9AM- 4PM DEEPING ST. NICHOLAS, SPALDING, LINCS, PE11 3DG

PHONE 01775 630244 ONLINE VINEHOUSEFARMSHOPCAFE.CO.UK IRBID half Ad Nov23.indd 1

Supermoon in Deeping

Orders are now being taken for Christmas veg boxes. Order your Christmas meat from our instore butchery Join our Christmas Wreath Workshop Tuesday 5th Dec 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Booking essential!

Warm up in the Café with our seasonal specials or try a gingerbread hot chocolate with a slice of homemade cake 17/10/2023 12:32:07

45

Bookmark, Spalding Independent bookshops are well worth supporting so that we do not lose them, and we are lucky to have a well-stocked, friendly one just up the road in Spalding, which has been at the heart of the town for over 25 years. As well as selling up-to-date titles across a wide range of subjects, plus books by well-known and well-loved authors, Bookmark stocks a wide range of gifts, toys and greeting cards. As well as all that there is a café selling mouth-watering snacks, cakes, hot drinks and the odd glass of wine, as well as all-day breakfasts, main meals and vegetarian options. There really is something for everyone! Bookmark hosts regular reading groups, talks, and also events in their Literary Lounge, where authors talk about their books. Tickets for these evenings are £10 which includes a glass of wine/juice. For all the latest news go to https://bookmarkspalding.co.uk/

Five favourite shops

Bourne Toys There is something about a toy shop at Christmas that wakens the feelings of anticipation and wonderment in all of us! We are lucky enough to live just 20 minutes away from Bourne Toys in the centre of the town and conveniently placed for parking, with a handy cafe in store for a warming cuppa on a cold day.

From jigsaws to Warhammer, Playmobile to Sylvanian families, the shop strives to cater for all interests and ages and does so in a gentle, traditional toy shop sort of a way!

46

Inside Out If you run out of just about anything in the Deepings then The Insideout Home Store probably has it in stock! What would we do without this emporium that masquerades as a garden centre, a stationers, a haberdashery, a grocers, a furniture store, a car spares store, a hardware shop and a pet shop? This corner shop with a BIG difference is on Blenheim Way up on Northfields and is open 7 days a week 9-6 (Sundays 10-4). Now where did I put the super glue?

Market Deeping

Antiques & Craft Centre Come for a while & you’ll stay a while longer!

Market Deeping Antiques It’s one of our iconic shops with a good reputation both far and wide. It brings trade into the Deepings. It’s somewhere to mooch around when you need a break, and you very rarely come out with what you went in for! It’s a great shop, and for fire grates, cheese graters or even books on Great Britain or Great-crested Grebes, our lovely Deepings Antiques has it all, it really does. With knowledgeable and respected staff who know their stock, and a clientele of regulars as well as passersby , it’s somewhere to visit with a friend, or a visitor, or on a wet Saturday afternoon. You can spend a £1, or you can spend hundreds. That’s the beauty of it. Thank you Deepings Antique Centre for being at the heart of our community for so many years.

The Grasmere Deli In the first years of the newly built Market Gate, after the remodelling of the Market Place which made it into mainly a car parking area, the ‘new build’ didn’t seem to compensate for what had been lost. But then things changed, first with the arrival of Grasmere, the butcher’s, followed by Lilli’s Tearoom and, finally, the Grasmere Deli which I’d say is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of retail food outlets in the Deepings. From cheeses, (tremendous variety and taste), to the bakery, the first-class ice cream, Grasmere’s meat pies, jams and the creamiest yoghurts to be found anywhere locally, to really good English wines, (yes wines!), it’s the tops. And a staff, as essential to a shop’s ambiance as the goods on the shelves, who know and care about what they are selling. To me, without any doubt, the Grasmere Deli is the best thing that’s happened to the Market Gate since the year dot!

Sta

by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss

23-25 23-25 NOV NOV 2023 2023

pers

wstop

Sho mford

BARN BARN HILL HILL METHODIST METHODIST CHURCH CHURCH STAMFORD STAMFORD

TICKETS: stamfordcornexchange.co.uk/six-teen-edition A: £15, U16: £13 (inc fees). Thurs 7pm, Fri - 7pm, Sat - 3pm & 7pm.

50-56 High Street, Market Deeping PE6 8EB Tel (01778) 380238 Open 10-5 Mon- Sat, 11-4 Sun & Bank Holidays.

WINNER

2021/2022

Try something new make new friends - join one of our craft workshops!

Pop in or look at our website for details 83 High Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8ED www.riversidebeads.co.uk 01778 344550 www.riversidecrafts.co.uk

47

what’s on

‘My Fair lady’ Weds 8th – Sat 11th Nov at 2.30 & 7:30pm, The Arts Centre Stamford Following on from their sell out production of The Sound of Music, College Players are delighted to present Lerner & Loewe’s award winning musical, My Fair Lady.

Tickets Stamford Arts centre box office or online at www.stamfordartscentre.com

Pre-Advent Coffee Morning

Christmas Tree Festival

CHURCH LADIES FELLOWSHIP

Sat 18th Nov 10.00- 11.30am Priory Church DSJ Priory Church Hall DSJ Nov 30- Jan 6th 10-4 daily A magical evening of music and readings for Advent and Christmas Raffle, Card Stall and Chocolate Tombola.

(11.30 Sundays) including music by Howells, Holst, Vaughan Williams and Finzi.

All proceeds to be donated to local charities.

Admission free

On Christmas Night

The Rise of the Micropub Open Exhibition Weds 1 Nov- Fri 24th Nov Willoughby Memorial Trust Gallery Moreley’s Lane, Corby Glen, NG33 4NL 12 – 5 pm. Tues – Sun Free admission

On Christmas Night S 2 D 7.30

THE PRIORY CHURCH, DEEPING ST JAMES PE6 8NP ATURDAY ND

ECEMBER

PM

Priory DSJ,£5) Sat- AV2nd DecIN7.30pm TICKETSChurch, £12 (CHILDREN AILABLE ADVANCE FROM

VICTORIA WORTHINGTON 01778 343860, JO ASTLE 01778 346879 OR ON THE DOOR

MULLED WINE AND MINCE PIES WILL BE SERVED St.Peter’s Singers, director Jeremy Jepson Jeremy Jepson, Director with organist Chris Brown, return to the Christopher Brown, Organ Priory with a magical evening of music and readings for Advent and Christmas.

Including works by Holst, Vaughan Williams and other leading early 20th century English composers. £12 (child £5) incl mulled wine and mince pies from J Astle 01778 346879, V Worthington 01778 343860 or at the door.

48

Coffee Morning in aid of St Barnabas Hospice Tues 7 Nov 10-12pm The Stage, Market Deeping.

Delicious homemade cakes and excellent raffle.

All the entries to this competition are exhibited.

Open to adults and young people living in the county of Lincolnshire or within 30 miles of Corby Glen, this makes an exciting and varied end to the exhibition season at the Gallery, showcasing a wealth of artistic talent from the area. Paricipate in the Visitors Choice Award and select your favourite.

A talk by Steve Williams of The Thirsty Giraffe Glinton Horticultural Society, Fri 17th Nov 7.30pm. Glinton Village Hall Refreshments. Members £4 Visitors £5

Rotary Club of the Deepings Quiz Night Deeping Community Centre Sat 18th Nov Teams of up to Six / £5 per person. To book a table Contact Mary Martin on 01778 343927

The Arts Society Peterborough

Stamford Pottery Market

RD ARTS CENTRE REET, STAMFORD, LINCS .

PE9 2DL

Image: David Pearson

9th Nov Doors open 10.15 for coffee and a chat, talk lasts one hour (first talk free). The Fleet, PE2 4 DL. ‘The State of British Crafts’ by Dr Jonathan Foyle (As seen on BBC2 ‘Climbing Great Buildings’) www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk

Christmas Cards 2023

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

Choose from our stock designs or supply us with a photo, drawing or image and we will produce your unique Christmas cards. Your company, or personal, details will be printed inside.

A6 Cards 25 - £40.00 + VAT 50 - £45.00 + VAT 100 - £55.00 + VAT 150 - £65.00 + VAT

A5/150mm sq Cards 25 - £45.00 + VAT 50 - £50.00 + VAT 100 - £70.00 + VAT 150 - £90.00 + VAT

All cards supplied with envelopes, delivery extra

potterymarket.co.uk Stamford Arts Centre CEBOOK & INSTAGRAM Saturday 11 Nov 10.00-4.00pm Free entry

Also call us about Calendars & Personalised Wrapping Paper

Over 25 local potters displaying their work.

West Deeping Heritage

Unit 17 King Street Ind. Est., Langtoft, Peterborough. PE6 9NF T: 01778 560261 E: mail@graytones-printers.co.uk

Tues 21st Nov 2 pm.

Molecey Mill, Stamford Road, West Deeping

Winter Fair

Priory Church Hall DSJ Fri Nov 24th 6-8.00pm, Sat 25th Nov 10-4.00pm with refreshments

Note change of venue and topic!

“Re-discovering the Stamford Canal” with Graham Magee and Maggie Ashcroft.

Numbers are limited to space so please let Maggie know you would like to come. wdheritage@hotmail.co.uk or text/ phone 07808 585189. Admission at the door £3, incl light refreshments.

Francis Pryor will talk about his new book ‘A Fenland Garden’ Thurs 2nd Nov 7.00pm Bookmark, 18-20 The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AF This is the story of how this famous archaeologist created a haven for people, plants and wildlife in a remote corner of the Fens.

Tickets £10.00 to include a glass of wine or juice available on 01775 769231 or instore.

CREATIVE TOUCH INTERIORS & DESIGN BESPOKE CURTAINS, BLINDS, SHUTTERS, RUGS, WALLPAPER, PAINT, POLES & ACCESSORIES. rder Last O r Date fo 023 mas 2 Christ th 10 ber Novem

Your Local Specialist in Soft Furnishings & Home Interiors.

Visit our Friendly Showroom or Book a Free, No Obligation Home Consultation.

01778 345777

www.creativetouchinteriors.co.uk info@creativetouchinteriors.co.uk

Blenheim Way, Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping PE6 8LD

49

• Wills • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Probate • Estate Planning • Trusts • Inheritance Tax Matters • Deed of Variation • Care Cost Advice Wills Why do I need a will?

Wills are important to ensure that your assets pass to those you would like. If you are not married, your partner will not automatically inherit your estate.

If you have children, you can also use a will to nominate guardians to ensure they are looked after if the worst may happen.

Lasting Powers of Attorney What are they?

Lasting Powers of Attorneys (LPAs) are documents that allow someone that you nominate as your attorney, to deal with your financial or health affairs on your behalf.

These are used when you lose mental capacity but must be created while you can still make decisions. If you do not create these in time, then unfortunately the solution is more costly and time consuming.

Probate What is it?

When a person sadly passes away, some banks and institutes require a Grant of Probate to enable you to collect in their assets. If you are selling a house, a solicitor will require this to complete the sale.

We are licensed to assist with the probate application on your behalf, as well as distribute the estate, making everything simpler at this difficult time.

Please contact us to arrange a FREE initial discussion

Call 01778 342291 www.libertyestateplanning.co.uk 50

104 Church Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8AL

Chartered Financial Planners

We offer highly qualified Financial Advice on a wide range of planning areas including:

Investments / Pensions / Mortgages / Wills / Lasting Powers of Attorney Inheritance Tax Business Planning / Cashflow Modelling Our goal is to build longterm relationships with every one of our clients. We take the time to get to know our clients and to understand their objectives and priorities.

We know that the world of

financial services is complex and can sometimes feel daunting. We will work for you in simplifying the process and we will communicate with you in terms that you will understand.

Your Finances If you would like to speak to one of our advisers regarding any of these areas of financial planning, then please contact our office to arrange a FREE initial discussion as follows:

Liberty Partnership

Chartered Financial Plann e: advice@liberty-partnership.co.uk t: 01778 342291 www.liberty-partnership.co.uk Liberty Partnership … for all of your financial services requirements 51

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS DEEPINGS ONLY INDEPENDENT ARLA REGULATED PROPERTY LETTING AGENT