CurrentMagazine

A belated but Happy New Year to you all, the festive activities are now a distant memory and so too possibly are your New Year resolutions! After what seems to have been an incredibly mild winter and a stark contrast to last year, the frost, as this is written on the 14th has not cleared all day from the lawn. So what does lie ahead, the snowdrops are out, buds are looming and the birds have hardly touched the feeds which still hang full around the garden. Have you found this to be the case too? An article in the journal Nature Geoscience has reported that the next ice age has been delayed by 1500 years thanks to global warming, let’s hope it wasn’t meant to be 1499 years ago!! So no Ice age in fact up to now very little ice at all to worry about, so don’t just scratch the surface dig deep into this month’s issue and find out what’s going on out and about in February.

The Editor

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1. Front Cover of Magazine:

This month’s front cover is “Sunflower” by Bunny Allport.

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2. Lincolnshire Police Beat Team View

News

Neighbourhood Panel Meeting - South

The date of the last meeting was Monday 16th January in Norton Disney Village Hall. Priorities agreed will be published in the next issue.

Cycle Thefts

I am sure that many of you out there have either bought or received a bike over the Christmas period; equally there will be many of you that do not have full details of your bike recorded. The theft of bikes is a major issue, as people often do not lock them due to being in a rush, or just nipping into the local store / library. Returning to where you left your bike to find it stolen is a depressing and costly experience. The good news is that with a few simple precautions the majority of these thefts can be prevented and a little work now could greatly increase the chances of getting your bike back if the worst should happen.

Bicycle lock £30. New bicycle £100s

LOCK both wheels and the frame to a cycle stand or other immoveable object

REGISTER your bike details onto online property databases such as Bikeregister.com

KEEP A RECORD of the frame number, make and any other marks that can identify your bike if it’s stolen and if possible a photograph.

If anyone would like a member of the team to security mark their bicycles or any other property please get in touch with one of us.

Thefts from Motor Vehicles & Garages

We are receiving reports of theft from motor vehicles and garages in North & South Hykeham. This is a reminder to not become complacent – Lock everything up at night, DO NOT leave valuables on display and report anything that you deem suspicious.

Facebook & Twitter

We would like you all to be aware that we are now using social networking sites as a means of communicating with our local residents. If you are using Facebook or Twitter you may find it useful to make contact with us.

To find us on Facebook search Hykeham NPT and add us as a friend.

To find us on Twitter we are @HykehamNPT

Witham St Hughs Boxing

The boxing club is now again in full swing. We have had to change venues due to increased numbers and the sessions are now being held at Witham St Hughs Primary School on Muntjac Way. Session times are 6.15pm to 7pm age group

10 to 14 years and 7.15pm to 8pm for 14 years and above. We are also looking at introducing an adult session due to interest shown. If you are interested please give Chris Boyle a contact on the details below.

Witham St Hughs – Real Bus

Every Thursday until the end of March there will a mobile youth drop in bus parked up from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Village Hall Car Park. All welcome to drop in and use the facilities at any point.

For reporting crimes or incidents, that need immediate action, you

should always call 101 for this purpose or 999 in an emergency.

You can email or call direct through to us on the above numbers, these are the mobiles held by the Beat Team when they are on duty. These numbers should not be used for reporting incidents or crimes.

The Beat Team contact details are:
PC Paul Truelove paul.truelove@lincs.pnn.police.uk 07825 100 376
PC Tim Hewson timothy.hewson@lincs.pnn.police.uk 07500 857 989
PCSO Vicky Czajkowski victoria.czajkowski@lincs.pnn.police.uk 07825 100 377
PCSO Chris Boyle christopher.boyle@lincs.pnn.police.uk 07939 312 796
PCSO Jo Mackie joanne.mackie@lincs.pnn.police.uk 07825 100 379
You can email or call direct through to us on the above numbers, these are the mobiles held by the Beat Team when they are on duty. These numbers should not be used for reporting incidents or crimes.

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3. Local Bus Service Information

Lincolnshire County Council has amended the number 47 and 48 bus services in this area (Sep 2011). PC Coaches have invested in 2 brand new low floor vehicles to operate this service with passengers needs in mind. The new time tables for these services can be viewed at www.lincsbus.info and the most up to date timetables and leaflets are also available in the Witham Office, Hammond Hall and Bassingham Post office for anyone to pickup.

To make the www.lincsbus.info website even simpler to use, the county council has produced limited edition smart buttons that plug into your computer and take you straight to the public transport pages with just one click.

To get your free smart button call 782070 or email accessibilityandpolicy@lincolnshire.gov.uk

So don't miss the bus - that web site again is www.lincsbus.info

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4. Save Leadenham And Whisby Waste Disposal Sites

On 10th January, Lincolnshire County Council made a decision to change the distance residents will have to travel to their nearest waste disposal site from 7 miles to 12 miles (as the crow flies). This means that both Leadenham and Whisby sites face possible closure with residents forced to make longer and more expensive journeys to Lincoln, Sleaford or Grantham.

A number of local Parish Councils have voiced their concerns as the review of these sites by L.C.C. was not publicly known and more importantly the residents who use these services have not been consulted for their views. Many Parish Councils are supporting the retention of these sites in some form as they provide an important service to our rural communities and without them fly-tipping could increase significantly. Residents are being urged to register their support to keep Leadenham and Whisby open by writing or e-mailing the Councillors and Officers dealing with this matter at Lincolnshire County Council. A decision is expected to be made on the budget on 17th February so please make your comments known quickly and well before this date.

Please contact the following:- County Councillor Lewis Strange

Portfolio Holder for Waste Services & Green Issues

Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln. LN1 1YL

e-mail: Cllrc.strange@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Sean Kent – Waste Officer L.C.C. e-mail: Sean.kent@lincolnshire.gov.uk

County Councillor Martin Hill e-mail: cllrm.hill@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council

A petition has been introduced at Troops Garage in Leadenham where residents can also register their support. Please go and sign!

Recycling Facilities To Close?

Below is a response from Councillor Strange Lincolnshire County Council Waste Management Department after concerns were expressed by residents following details in the last issue of the Witham Staple.

Dear Resident

Thank you for getting in touch about your concerns regarding the county’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.

As you are aware, due to the national economic situation, the County Council has to find substantial savings to help restore the national finances. Wherever possible, we have tried to protect vital services such as road gritting, and the protection of vulnerable people and children. However, this does require some difficult decisions to be taken. We are determined to maintain the county’s excellent recycling rates, as well as providing adequate household waste recycling centres for the convenience of residents. As part of our current budget consideration, we are thinking of changing the hours of opening at all our sites, as well as being mindful of those sites that have the best performance in terms of cost and recycling rates.

Leadenham, which is managed on our behalf by a contractor, is expensive to run. It costs £108,600 per year for a three day week and has a recycling rate of 50.2% compared with the average recycling rate across other sites in Lincolnshire of 74%.

Whisby is expensive to run, costing £183,020 per year for a 5.5 day week and has a recycling rate of 44.8% compared with the average recycling rate across other sites in Lincolnshire of 74%.

Residents will still be able to use Sleaford, Lincoln and Grantham sites. I know that this potential news is probably unwelcome to you, but we feel that it is a necessary alteration in order to protect other important services which we know are valued. I thank you for your contribution and your views and others will be taken fully into account when we make our decision. We will also be consulting with parish councils and other interested parties.

Yours sincerely Councillor Lewis Strange

Executive Portfolio Holder, Waste Management and Green Issues

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5. Great British Fish and Chip Supper

Friday 18th May 2012

“Hold a Fish and Chip Supper to help spinal cord injured

people live full and independent lives.”

Want to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services.

You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.

SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 7 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5 means you will raise at least £35 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA. Last year we had over 100 suppers taking part in England and Wales and we raised £6,000. In the three years we have been running the event we have raised £20,000 to support spinal cord injured people.

The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead independent lives. Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone.

Community Fundraising Officer, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group. Be a part of something special and make a real difference to help spinal cord injured people gain access to the information and support they need to enable them to live full and independent lives.”

For more information or request a fundraising pack call

Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350

or email fishandchips@spinal.co.uk - visit www.spinal.co.uk/fishandchips

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6. Fibre Optic Broadband

Over the next five years BT is rolling out superfast fibre optic broadband across the UK. If you're not on the announced roll out plan The Race to Infinity gives you the opportunity to fast track your area to get BT Infinity next. BT has announced that they are running a national survey/competition to find out which areas want fibre optic broadband (who doesn't!). The five areas with the largest percentage of votes by December 31st 2010 will win the chance to bring superfast broadband to their area. BT will also donate £5,000 of computer equipment to a local community project." For more details and to vote visit the website www.racetoinfinity.bt.com/

Do You Want Better Broadband?

Lincolnshire has been allocated government funding to improve rural broadband but unfortunately, not every local community will benefit; there just will not be sufficient funds. You can help the chances of improving our local service by registering at:-

www.Onlinelincolnshire.org

Don't delay, do it today!!

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7. Fuel Poverty

Fuel poverty is an issue of national and local importance and a group of seven Lincolnshire County Councillors is examining how best to tackle fuel poverty in Lincolnshire. When completed, a final report with recommendations will be produced. These recommendations will then be considered by the decision makers at the County Council and it is hoped that they will support any recommendations the group make.

One of the main aims of the review is to investigate current initiatives to tackle fuel poverty in Lincolnshire. The group would very much like to hear from any organisations in Lincolnshire that work with those who are in fuel poverty, whether by offering advice or support to individuals or by providing practical assistance through home improvements. For further detail about the review please see the Scoping Document. Or if you are interested in being involved in this review please contact Liz Jones, Scrutiny Officer on 552102 or liz.jones@lincolnshire.gov.uk

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No Mains Gas Discount

Information

I have become aware that many electricity suppliers will grant a “No Mains Gas Discount” to those consumers who are unable to access mains gas supplies and are thus denied the opportunity to claim a discount for dual fuel usage. Several of our villages do not have a mains gas supply. It is worth checking therefore, with your electricity supplier, to see if they would be prepared to grant the No Mains Gas Discount. The ruling was instigated in 2008 and it may be possible to back date the discount. My understanding is that the amount of the discount varies with each electricity supplier but is likely to be in the region of £20 per annum.

J. Rowland

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8. Hill Holt Wood Update

There was a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the Hive Cafe on the opening Sunday; would it bee busy or wouldn't anybody come and experience the Hive's 'famous' Honey Cake or tackle the Forester's Stack, a giant roll crammed with bacon, egg, sausage and mushrooms? Half an hour passed and all was quiet, maybe it wasn't such a good idea, doubts crept in. We needn't have worried, first a couple, then a family who had been for a walk around the wood, then more people gradually filtered in, before we knew it every table was occupied and the outside picnic tables were pressed into operation as well. There was a lovely hubbub of conversation, people sharing stories about the wood, enquiries about the facilities and products that we could offer and a generally convivial atmosphere. It felt really rewarding to see the building being used so productively, a building that I had seen as just foundations and then spent nearly three years assisting in the construction of, great stuff! Do come and experience it for yourself, at this time of year the bird feeders are alive with avian activity, if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Nuthatch or a Greater-Spotted Woodpecker or maybe even a Sparrow hawk ghosting in from the wood.

Nature-wise in the wood this is the time of year when a multitude of Mushrooms and Toadstools start to poke their heads above the leaf litter and damp, mossy woodland floor. Also, although the weather is getting cooler, things start hotting up for Spiders who start looking for a mate. They become more visible to us in the Autumn as the females start fattening up in an attempt to attract a courting male. Spiders have seven different types of silk glands that produce silk with different properties, amazingly this silk is five times stronger than steel of the same diameter! This silk is a key element in the world of the spider. It can be used as a web to catch prey, used as a swathing silk to immobilise any unwilling dinner option, architecturally knitted together to form shelters and egg sacs, and used to tactically manoeuvre between areas through ballooning. As with other insects, spiders do not have bony skeletons and their internal organs are held in place by muscles attached to their outer skin, their exoskeleton.

These seasonal changes in both wildlife activity and the life cycles of the woodland flora and fauna are not only fascinating to observe but also serve as a reminder that we are but a small cog in the overall scheme of things. As George Santayana said, ' to be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring'
Oliver Woodman Head of Operations

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9. Carlton Le Moorland Village Hall

Post Office

A Post Office service has re-started in Carlton le Moorland Village Hall on Wednesdays 2pm to 4.30pm and Fridays 1.30pm to 4pm A comprehensive range of Post Office services is being provided including Vehicle Road Tax and Foreign Currency.

Please come and use your local Post Office!

Christmas Over 60s Lunch. This was a great success and we wish to thank all those who donated, helped, entertained and attended. This was a wonderful community event with over 70 people contributing to its success.

A.G.M

Tuesday 9th February at 7.30pm

in Carlton le Moorland Village Hall

All welcome. Come and find out more about your Village Association.

LUNCH

Monday 13th February at 1pm

in Carlton le Moorland Village Hall

£3.50

Provisional menu is Fish Pie and Sponge Pudding.

BINGO

Friday 17th February at 7.30pm

in Carlton le Moorland Village Hall. All ages welcome

CEILIDH EVENING

Saturday 10th March 7.30pm to 11pm

Live Ceilidh Band in Carlton le Moorland Village Hall, Bar applied for.

Tickets £10 to include light supper must be ordered in advance please, by 3rd March. Book your tickets early for what will be a good evening for all ages.

Contact: John Brogan 07932 806 966, or email johnbrogan21@hotmail.co.uk

Information on the Village Association can now be viewed on the Parish Council Website http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/carltonlemoorland/

Carlton Le Moorland Spring Show

Saturday 28th April

Carlton le Moorland will once again be holding its spring show.

All the usual classes and entertainment from previous shows and more.

The show is run by a small number of volunteers from the village, anyone interested in getting involved or wishing to help out on the day please get in touch, call Paul on 789673. More details will be published in the March issue.

Schedules will be available from mid March at Greens Store, Post Office in Bassingham, a downloadable PDF or by calling Paul on the number above.

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10. Mobile Library Service

The timetable for the Mobile Library service in the area this month is:

Thursday 16th February

Carlton le Moorland Church 1pm to 1.30pm

Norton Disney Village Hall 1.45pm to 2.15pm

Bassingham Five Bells 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Wednesday 1st and Wednesday 29th February

Bassingham outside St. Michael’s Church 3.45pm to 4.15pm

Tuesday 28th February

Aubourn Royal Oak lay-by 11.15pm to 11.45pm

Haddington Dovecote Lane 12noon to 12.30pm

Every effort is made to ensure the mobile library arrives at each stop on time. For the latest news on these routes please contact customer services centre on 782010 or visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

More Free Library Resources For Coaches And Volunteers

Sports coaches and volunteers can utilise a range of new resources in the Coaching Collection at libraries in Lincolnshire. New books have been added to the collection which are free for sports clubs, organisations and individuals to borrow and although the stock currently sits in the Lincoln Central Library, it can be transported to any library within the county on request.

Lizzie Couling, Workforce Development Manager at Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, said: “Resources can be costly so the Coaching Collection enables clubs and individuals to borrow the books and resources for free from any library in the county. In conjunction with our new volunteer programme, Sport Makers, the resources are a great tool to engage new volunteers with your club.”

Books added to the collection include Running Sports ‘Recruiting volunteers from outside your club’, Running Sports Top Tips, Running Sports ‘Valuing your Volunteers’ and Running Sports ‘Managing People’.

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership has recently launched a new volunteer programme called Sport Makers which aims to train 548 new sports volunteers in Lincolnshire over the next two years. It is hoped that the resources will help clubs and volunteers with the programme.

For more information about the Coaching Collection, please contact Lizzie on 585580 or lizzie.couling@lincolnshiresports.co.uk For further information, contact Hayley Cook at the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership on 585580, or hayley.cook@lincolnshiresports.co.uk

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The Carlton le Moorland Library Box Scheme

Advanced Notice

The launch of this mini-Library is on

Saturday 4th February 10am to 12noon

in the Village Hall in Carlton le Moorland

The opening will include a Coffee Morning

What is the Library Box Scheme?

Each month Lincolnshire Library Service will deposit a collection of books for Carlton le Moorland residents to borrow and return! You do not need to be a County Library member.

The book collection can be changed monthly to reflect local interests, so tell us about your preferred types of books.

The provisional library opening times will be:

The first Saturday morning of each month between 10am and 12noon

The second Wednesday of each month between 6.30pm and 7.25pm

We also hope to open on some Wednesday afternoons

The Library will be run by volunteers. If you would like to volunteer to help or have any questions or comments about the scheme please phone Andy Sceeny on 788303.

Hope to see you on Saturday. Come along, drink a coffee and choose a book!

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11. Hammond Hall is Now Open for Bookings

Bassingham Playing Field, Lincoln Road, Bassingham LN5 9HQ

Available for hiring 8am to midnight

The Hammond Hall booking clerk:

Please contact Roger Hales Office : 789758 - Home : 789741 - Mob : 07738 172 449

[For Bassingham Village Hall booking please contact Vanessa Morris on 789244]

BOOKING DETAILS
Main Hall (including use of kitchen)
ELECTORS OF BASSINGHAM & THURLBY
Private & Public Events
(2 Hours minimum)
£15.00 / hour
Regular Meetings (no minimum hiring time)
£14.00 / hour
NON ELECTORS OF BASSINGHAM & THURLBY
Private & Public Events
(2 Hours minimum)
£17.00 / hour

Meeting Room (including use of kitchen)
ELECTORS OF BASSINGHAM & THURLBY
Private & Public Events
(2 Hours minimum)
£10.00 / hour
Regular Meetings (no minimum hiring time)
£8.00 / hour
NON ELECTORS OF BASSINGHAM & THURLBY
Private & Public Events
(2 Hours minimum)
£11.00 / hour

Conferencing facilities available on request
Secure internet access - Fully licenced premises

COFFEE MORNINGS every Monday from 9am to midday

Any help in whatever capacity would be greatly appreciated – no matter how small. The Hammond Hall is for YOUR BENEFIT – please help me if you can. Please contact me to offer your help or chat over any queries. Thank you
Roger Hales (Manager)
Tel. Hammond Hall 789758 or Home 789741. Email: rogerhales@live.co.uk

SPORTS GROUPS AT THE HAMMOND HALL

Mondays 7.30pm to 8pm. Netball £2.50 per session

Tuesdays 8pm to 10pm. Table Tennis £2 per session

Wednesdays 6pm to 7pm. Aerobics £3.50 per session

Forthcoming Events

A Tutoured Wine Tasting

Friday 9th March at 7:30pm

in the Main Hall

Wines from around the world

£10 a ticket to include all wines and cheese and biscuits

Tickets available until the 5th March from

Roger Hales 789758 - Lyn Baker 789031 - Jean Solven 788949

PRIZE BINGO

Tuesday 14th and Tuesday 28th February

Eyes down 2pm

In the main hall - Refreshments available

1952-2012 Bassingham Jubilee Jamboree

Bassingham Village Hall and Playing Field Committee are pleased to announce that celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will take place on

Saturday 2nd June 3.30pm through to 11.30pm

in the Hammond Hall and on the Village Playing Field.

In the afternoon there will be games/races and other activities and in the evening there will be a live band and disco.

A meeting to discuss progress and arrangements for this event is being held on Tuesday 7th February at 7.45pm in the Meeting Room at the Hammond Hall. It isn’t too late to volunteer to help or to put forward your own ideas and suggestions. Please contact Stuart Barnett on 788459 or Jane Root on 788278, if you would like to find out more.

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Witham St Hughs Village Hall Forthcoming Events

Tea Together

Here’s an opportunity to meet others in Witham St Hughs!

Come and join us for tea, cake and chat.

Bring along your own ideas and we will provide the tea!

Every Tuesday 2pm to 4pm during school term

In Witham St Hughs Village Hall

For details call Ann Baker on 868977 or Elaine Eagles on 869062

Make Do and Mend

Bring along any clothing you would like to mend alter etc to the

Witham St Hughs Village Hall on the 1st Tuesday of the month

2 to 4pm in term time. Friendly help will be at hand! Cake and

drinks provided by Tea Together.

Because life just doesn't get better!

All enquiries to withamsthughsvh@live.co.uk or 07501632119

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12. North Kesteven District Council Press Releases

Walk And Talk For Free In North Kesteven

North Kesteven Social Strollers are an accredited health walks scheme, we offer instructor led health walks across the North Kesteven District. There are currently six different walking groups within the scheme which all operate on a weekly basis, offering walks of between 2 and 4 miles in length, generally lasting up to an hour. A health walk is defined as "A purposeful, brisk walk undertaken on a regular basis, as part of a led group". Not only are these walks a great way of improving or maintaining fitness levels, but they are also a fantastic way of meeting new people and making friends in your local community. Come and join NK Social Strollers free of charge at any of the locations listed below:

Day	Time	Walk	Meet Location
Monday	10am	Billinghay	Billinghay Childrens Centre LN4 4HU
Tuesday	1.10pm	Sleaford	Sleaford Leisure Centre NG34 7ET
Wednesday	11.30am	Whisby	Natural World Centre LN6 9BW
Wednesday	1.30pm	Ruskington	All Saints Parish Church NG34 9EL
Thursday	11am	Leasingham	Leasingham Village Hall NG34 8LB
Friday	11am	Metheringham	Metheringham Library LN4 3DZ

If you would like any further information, please contact:
Donna Lill, NK Health and Sports Outreach Officer, on 870252
or email NKHealthandSports@leisureconnection.co.uk

Atrsnk

Please call Muriel Marr on 01529 410595 or email artsnk@leisureconnection.co.uk to obtain more details.

Alternatively, log onto www.artsnk.org.uk 1952-2012 1952-2012

West Kesteven Wildlife Watch Group & RSPB Wildlife Explorers

Saturday 4th February 10am to 12noon

Rockingham Forest

near Corby, beautiful Medieval hunting forest

Wild Red kites – see the aerial acrobatics of one of our most beautiful birds.

Park at Welland Gliding Club 3pm for a special talk, then guided walk with expert Chris Andrews, finishing at dusk about 4.30pm.

All meetings 10am to Noon and £1 per young person, unless otherwise stated

It is better to book, in case there have to be changes to the programme

For details and to book, contact Marianne Overton marianne.overton@biosearch.org.uk - 01400 273323 - 07768 428 769

or Jean Martin – jeanmartin@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Young Leader, Jake Beatty JJbeaty@btinternet.com

THE POD

The POD has various activities including arts, crafts, play, computers, music making, interactive gaming plus lots more. All aged 0 to 8 years must have an adult accompany them but those aged 9 or above can self register.

All POD activities are free and the POD is disability friendly.

The POD is in the area on

Thursday 2nd & 9th February 3pm to 7pm – all ages

The Enterprise Hall Car Park Aubourn

Saturday 18th February 11am to 5pm – all ages

Hammond Hall Car Park Bassingham

Monday 20th & 27th February 3pm to 8pm – all ages

Village Hall Car Park Norton Disney

Friday 24th February 5pm to 9pm – Youth

Village Hall Car Park Witham St Hughs

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13. Carlton Le Moorland and Bassingham Pathway Group

IT’S ALL HAPPENING!

What a delight to see so many people using the Pathway as soon as it was anywhere near usable! So many of us were able to get out and try it over the Christmas and New Year holiday, stopping and greeting people and comparing notes, and the weather has been on our side.

There remain one or two adjustments to be completed, particularly within Bassingham, where for example some of the utility posts have yet to be removed. It will be a while yet before the verges green up and complete the picture. The Pathway Group will be installing seats and other features over the coming months; watch this space!

The Pathway is ours – for us all to use and enjoy: whether on foot or bicycle, wheelchair, pushchair or mobility scooter (Please note: it is not for horses or motorised vehicles). Let us each ensure that we and everyone else appreciates it and shares it considerately and safely. We shall have a celebratory, festive opening in more favourable spring weather. The Pathway Group would welcome any thoughts you may have. You can contact chairman Stan Underwood on 788461 or any member of the committee.

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14. Lincoln Lions Issue Cycling Challenge to all Teenagers

On 29th April Lincoln Lions are organising a Three Twenties Cycle challenge which is open to everyone aged between 11 and 18. The aim for the participants is to cycle 20 miles around the perimeter road inside RAF Scampton and to raise at least £20 each in sponsorship for Teenage Cancer Trust. It’s going to be a brilliant day with over 300 young people from all over the Lincoln area taking part in the challenge in a totally safe environment. Every participant will be given a pink tee-shirt to wear on the day and we are encouraging friends to ride together to make it a real fun experience. Mums and Dads can come along to watch too.

If you would like more information about the three Twenties Cycle challenge please ring 0845 833 9852, email don.barbara1@btinternet.com or look at www.lincoln-lions.org.uk

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15. Cutting Red Tape For Street Parties And Summer Fetes Communities Secretary Eric Pickles wants to “stem the flow of relentless form filling, high costs and red tape for organising summer street parties and fetes” "Summer fetes and street parties are a great British tradition that we risk losing to overbearing bureaucracy. When it comes to putting on street parties, it's like a red tape tombola for organisers depending on which council is processing their application.” Says Mr Pickles there are examples of local communities having to apply for up to five separate licences, pay up to £5,000 for a temporary road closure and obtain insurance cover for £2million for a typical outdoor event. There is often an inconsistent approach by councils who charge different fees and use a number of conflicting regulations, which can present barriers and confusion for small voluntary groups. The Communities Secretary is working across government to agree a consistent approach for councils to follow. This will result in good practice guidance being set out for councils and more upfront transparency on what organisers need whether it's public liability insurance, road closure notices or health and safety assessments. http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/

EQUALITY ACT 2010 The Equality Act will became law in October 2010. It replaces previous legislation (such as the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) and ensures consistency in what employers need to do to make their workplace a fair environment and to comply with the law. The 'Equality Act 2010 Acas Quick Start Guide for Employers', is a good starting place to learn about what is new from October. Download a copy from the Acas website at www.acas.org.uk

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16. Saving Conservation Areas
Living in a 'listed building' we respect and maintain the ethos of a conservation area. It is a pity that the council and relevant authorities, do not do likewise. We were keen to seek out a location which was in a conservation area which would retain the character of the surrounding vicinity and maintain the balance between the buildings, open spaces and trees. Although the traditional red phone box in the village has now been saved after apparently, there was a problem with previous correspondence regarding listing. B.T. were actually in the process of having it removed. Re-submitted application for listing, got approval from English Heritage in March 2010 and the phone box is now officially saved! The integrity of the 'conservation area' is being eroded in such a short space of time though. Apprehensive about development close by left us extremely upset when mature trees were removed from site. We understand that the developer appealed and was given 'the green light' by NKDC, to go ahead. The individual character of the conservation area has been changed and it is only a question of time, before places like The Grange and established, mature walnut trees within its garden, are eventually scrubbed up for new development.

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17. A Plea To All Drivers - Watch Your Speed!

Recently our much loved 13 year old cat was run over at night in what should be a quiet, country lane. Now whilst I accept cats are a law unto themselves, increasingly I hear cars coming up and down our lane and the High Street at ridiculous speeds. This is a “hurry world” that we live in and we all live busy lives, but I suspect the majority of us choose to live in a village because we prefer a slower pace of life. So please just spare a thought when you are returning to the village, SLOW DOWN, cats can't judge speed so well especially in the dark.

From the Woodman Family, Brewery Lane, Carlton le Moorland

Web Editor's Comment: The issue of cars speeding is impacting all our villages and making them less safe and less pleasant environments to walk around. A little consideration for others would go a long way here in addition to safety issues. Please note also that car parking on kerbs, footpaths and verges is both anti-social and potentially dangerous.

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18. Lincoln AGE UK

Helping to keep you safe and independent in your own home.

People aged 60 and over are able to access free information and advice from a range of organisations through one point of contact. The First Contact leaflet contains a simple form which helps people to identify the information and services they could benefit from. Return of the form by post, or e-form if completing on the website, results in the most appropriate organisation/s contacting people at home by post, telephone or a home visit. Depending on the service required, they could be offered advice by Adult Social Care, the Pension Service, Age UK’s Help in the Home or Falls Prevention team, the Carers team, Police, Fire Service, an NHS Health Trainer or District Housing.

First Contact leaflets are available from your local GP surgery, Info Links or Parish Office. Alternatively, you can contact our Central Co-ordinators on 782172 for help with form completion, or to organise a home visit or community talk. You can also visit www.firstcontact.org.uk and click on’ Get Advice’ to access the form.

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Music Grants For Older People

The registered charity, Concertina, makes grants to charitable bodies which provide musical entertainment and related activities for the elderly. The charity is particularly keen to support smaller organisations which might otherwise find it difficult to gain funding. Since its inception in 2004, it has made grants to a wide range of charitable organisations nationwide in England and Wales. These include funds to many care homes for the elderly to provide musical entertainment for their residents. For details view www.concertinamusic.org.uk/Grants.php

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19. Are You in Need of Affordable Housing?

Every household in Carlton le Moorland should be receiving a questionnaire during November to find out if anyone is in need of affordable housing now or in the near future.

Community Lincs is undertaking a detailed housing needs survey to provide reliable evidence to show whether or not there is sufficient need in the village to warrant the provision of additional affordable homes for rent or shared ownership for those people with a strong local connection.
“We've found elsewhere that some local people simply cannot afford to live in their own community and this is an unacceptable situation”, says Roy Pell, the Rural Housing Enabler for Community Lincs. “The loss of rented houses through the Right to Buy scheme, inflated land prices and the housing market's focus on high value general housing have led to a rapid shortage of affordable homes, especially in rural areas. Not only does this make life difficult for those people in need, it makes for an unbalanced and vulnerable community”.

To meet this challenge, Community Lincs need to be certain of exactly how much and what type of housing need exists. So, please read the introductory letter carefully and fill in the questionnaire which can then be returned in the freepost envelope provided. Alternatively, the questionnaire can be completed and returned on-line. The deadline for responses is Friday 2nd December 2011.

Additional affordable housing will only be considered if it is required by people with strong local links. This includes local people who have had to move away because they couldn't find an affordable home in the parish, local youngsters wanting to set up home, families breaking up but wanting to keep in touch and people working in the locality or needing to care for elderly relatives.

Landowners are also being asked to contact Community Lincs if they have any land that may be suitable to meet any identified local affordable housing needs.

The Parish Council will be kept informed at all stages of the survey but if you want any further information, you can go along to the Carlton le Moorland Village Hall between 3pm and 7pm on Wednesday 16th November when a Rural Housing Enabler will be able to answer any questions.
Or you can get in touch with Roy Pell on 01529 302466 or email him at roy.pell@communitylincs.com

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20. TREE TOP CLUB

Bassingham Pre-school. Lincoln Rd, Bassingham Lincoln LN5 9JN

Wrap around Care for children 3 to 11 yrs

Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)

Breakfast Club 8am to 8.50am and After School Club 3.30pm to 6pm

Caring for your child before and after school.

Offering a wide range of activities to suit all age groups

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21. Keep Our Village Safe (Neighbourhood Watch)
The village of Norton Disney is a No Cold Calling Village. The scheme was set up about two years ago by the Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards Service in conjunction with the Police and our Village Neighbourhood Watch Group. We don’t appear to get as many uninvited doorstep callers so the scheme seems to be having some effect. It is recommended that if you are confronted with an unknown caller please tell them politely that this is a No Cold Calling Village and if you have a door/window sticker which indicates and explains that we do not purchase items at the door, then point it out to them.
If you would like a No Cold Calling and Neighbourhood Watch sticker I have a small supply and also if you would like to mark your valuables with your Post Code then pens are also available to do this.
Everyone can be a Watcher to make our Village safe. Top of the Pops list of thieves are Heating Oil (see Village Poster) Electric fence batteries, lead from roofs and scrap metal. If you see anyone suspicious always phone the Police on 0300 111 0300.
For further information phone Gordon, NHW Co-ordinator on 789229.

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22. Bassingham Scout Group - Beaver Leader Needed Urgently

The Bassingham Scout Group urgently need a Beaver Leader For the Beaver Colony to continue a warranted Leader or Assistant Leader is required. The Beavers are aged between 6 and 8 years and meet on a Wednesday night in Bassingham Village Hall. Duties are to work alongside the current Leader in the planning and running of the colony. If you are interested in finding out more please contact Alison Kelley on 788241 or Paul Hubbard on 789673.

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1st Bassingham Brownies Needs You

If you could commit to helping a group of 7 to 10 year old girls on a Tuesday night from 6 to 7.30pm please get in touch. Two of our Leaders are due to leave in July and in order for the group to continue we need 2 new Leaders who are already trained or would be willing to become warranted Brownie Leaders, training is not arduous and help will be given by the District commissioner, Chris Renwick.

Ideally if you would like to start helping immediately alongside the current Leaders this would provide a seamless transition. You will have help from 2 regular Adult Helpers and 2 Young Leaders who will continue after July. However, the group cannot continue if warranted Leaders cannot be found.

Contact Miranda Davis 789365.

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Bassingham Rainbows - Regular helper needed

New Helper needed urgently from April 2012 at Bassingham Rainbows. We are a group of fifteen Rainbows looking for a new helper. We have lots of fun and enjoy making things and playing games, if you can spare 1 hour a week in term times to come and join in the fun it would be much appreciated. We meet every Tuesday during term time 4.45pm to 5.45pm in the Village Hall at Bassingham.

Please contact Mags Smart on 789671 for more information.

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23. Witham Staple Readers in Brant Broughton

For many years Alan Bradley, Family Butcher, has made available in his shop, a small number of Witham Staple magazines for residents of Brant Broughton.

Mr. Bradley has now retired. If anyone in Brant Broughton is interested in collecting a few copies from me on a regular basis, for the benefit of residents in Brant Broughton, please contact Sheila Wood on 788865

Witham Staple Delivery Help Wanted Witham St Hughs

A deliverer is needed please from January to deliver to Hannah Crescent and Gibson Green, Witham St Hughs. The Witham Staple needs an enthusiastic dedicated person to join the delivery team and cover this area from January.

For more details or to join the delivery team please contact Elaine on 869062

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24. Mark Worsdall's Bassingham Pictures - Identification Required

Mark is the son of Robin, grandson of Wallace, he has sent some pictures of Bassingham people in to me and your help is needed to try to identify them. Please contact me at 18 Lincoln Road or Tel. 788220 if you may be able to help. Also don't forget I have 15 books of photographs of local people, clubs, events and places you are welcome to view. If there is a picture you wish me to copy for you I shall be pleased to do so. These photographs were on display in the Heritage Room until it closed.

Helen Ash.

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Witham Staple Web Editor can be contacted by e-mail: info@withamstaple.com