The editors wish you all a jolly Christmas and a Happy New year. They would like to thank Julie and Chris, Joyce, Gay, Wendy and Brian, Debbie and Tony, Fay, John, Genie, Judy, Chris, Gordon and Vince for delivering the newsletter around the village. Thanks also to our advertisers without whom there would be no newsletter.

49 CLUB
The winners of the 49 club national lottery bonus ball draw for the weeks 19th October to 16th November were as follows. Each winner receives £25

Sat 19th Oct  Bob Davis
Sat 26th Oct  Jean Powell
Sat 2nd  Nov  Frank Bailey
Sat  9th  Nov  Mike Fulforth
Sat 16th Nov  Wendy Robinson

All proceeds go to the Memorial Hall

 

THANKS
A very big thank you to everyone who attended Terry’s funeral, it was very heart warming to see so many people there. Your kindness and generosity was very much appreciated, donations totalled £587 for Parkinsons UK. Also thank you for all the cards I received.
Brenda

HECKINGTON AREA VOLUNTARY CAR SCHEME

HAVCS are looking for drivers to take patients to hospital and doctor’s surgeries. Do you have a few hours to spare a week to do this worthwhile job? 45p per mile is paid. Contact Richard Higgs on 460027. The voluntary car scheme is for patients who do not have access to a car of their own or are unable to drive due to illness. The telephone, 460809, is operated from 8.30 am to 10 am Monday to Friday and there is an answer phone service after 10 am. Do not ring the drivers.

PRESCRIPTION DELIVERIES TO THE POST OFFICE OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Last orders must be at the surgery by 5pm Friday 13th December. The next delivery will not be until 8th January 2014.
Please make sure you have prescriptions to cover Christmas and New Year for the 18th December delivery.

BINS AT HOLIDAY TIME
Our only change is that green and black lidded bins will be collected on THURSDAY 2ND January and not on New Year’s Day. As in recent years side waste will be collected with this collection.

VILLAGE GREEN

It has come to the attention of the Parish Council that cars are being parked on the Village Green at evenings and weekends causing damage to the grass surface. The Parish Council asks that this practice be discontinued at once.

"Helpringham Group Children's Choir

It's a well-kept secret that every Monday in term-time a small group of just under twenty children meet from 5.00-5.45pm in Scredington parish church to "sing with a smile" under the direction of Stephen Weller and Teena Twelves.  The choir - the ‘Helpringham Group Children's Choir’ - is approaching its first birthday, and the doors are still widely open to welcome new members.
Teena Twelves, who leads the choir with Stephen Weller explains: "The choir grew out of the adult choir which supports services in Helpringham, Scredington, Burton and occasionally other churches in the Heckington and Helpringham Group of parishes. Stephen is a professional musical theatre actor, and I have sung in choirs throughout my life, and we felt it would be good to bring on a new generation of singers."  The group sings with and without the adult Group Choir at occasional services in the churches in the group, especially during Easter, Harvest and Christmas festivals, and also at concerts.  A concert for the Children's Choir alone is planned for February next year.
Rehearsals involve the children learning to sing pieces which would be suitable for performance at services and/or concerts, and a selection of hymns and anthems.  In its first year, the repertoire has include items as diverse as Mozart's Jubilate Deo, John Rutter's arrangements of 'For the Beauty of the Earth' and 'All Things Bright and Beautiful',  'We Go Together' from the musical Grease and a medley from the musical 'Annie'. "The aim is to introduce children to singing for the fun of it, whilst at the same time instilling the basics of good vocal technique and musical education - those who want to pursue goals, such as the Royal School of Church Music's choristers medal scheme, will be encouraged and supported to do so, but if a child simply wants to come along and sing every week that is just wonderful too."

Any parent wishing to hear more about the choir should contact Teena Twelves on 07735398040 or t12s@sky.com or come along to see a rehearsal on Mondays at 5pm at Scredington church.  Membership of the choir is free."
 Helpringham Poors’ Land Charity
For those of you who may be unaware, there is a local charity which was given a plot of land many years ago to rent out in order to provide a fund to help Helpringham residents of any age who may be in hardship, need or distress.
According to the articles of its formation, the purpose of the charity is "to relieve either generally or individually persons resident in the parish of Helpringham who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress". It is to do this "by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to reduce the need hardship or distress of such persons". The restrictions are that it "shall not apply any part of the income directly in relief of rates taxes or other public funds" and shall not commit itself "to repeat or renew the relief granted on any occasion in any case".
For many years the charity had fallen into the habit of making an annual Christmas payment to those of pensionable age in the village, known to some as 'coal money'. It was wrong to do this on two counts. Firstly with many pensioners now enjoying a comfortable lifestyle without need or hardship, this obviously contravenes the purpose of the charity. Secondly, such payments certainly shouldn't be repeated year after year. With these facts having recently come to the attention of those of us who are now trustees, it is our duty to cease these annual payments forthwith.
However, Helpringham residents of any age who are in real need, hardship or distress, may apply for a grant to help. A simple form is available from the Clerk to the Trustees of Helpringham Poors’ Land Charity - Robert Webb c/o Chattertons, 5 Market Street, Sleaford, NG34 7SQ. Such requests will then be considered by the trustees at their next meeting, or in urgent cases, immediately.              
Rev Chris Harrington
Chairman of the Trustees

CALLCONNECT  UNWRAPS ‘SANTA SUNDAYS’ SCHEME
Lincolnshire County Council’s CallConnect rural bus service is launching a new service in December.
For the first time ever, the demand-responsive service will be operating each Sunday in December up to Christmas Day.
That’s four Sundays (starting December 1, 2013) on which CallConnect passengers can travel to festive events throughout the area, do their Christmas shopping or see friends and family members in the run-up to the big day.
The ‘Santa Sundays’ initiative will bring a further seasonal boost to the service which recently announced that calls and emails to its Lincoln-based Booking Centre had risen by nearly 2,000 per month throughout the summer period compared to last year.
The Sunday service will operate from 9.30am to 5.30pm and bookings can be taken from Saturday 23rd November. To find out more about CallConnect or the ‘Santa Sundays’ scheme, contact the Booking Centre on 0845 234 3344 from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

What is CallConnect Bus Service?                                                    

CallConnect is a unique bus service whose timetable is not fixed but responds to passenger requests. This means its routes are different each day depending on the bookings made by passengers.  Journey requests can be made by telephone, online or by SMS text message. The service is designed to improve transport opportunities in rural communities and some market towns where there is an infrequent conventional bus services.                                                                                                 

 Who can use CallConnect?                                                              
Everyone! All are welcome to use the service regardless of age or status. You can use the service as frequently as required for anything from shopping or travelling to work or school to a social event or medical appointment. Even if you are on holiday in Lincolnshire and need a bus, contact our booking office and find out how we can help you.                        

How do I book a journey?                                                                      
You can book a CallConnect journey by calling our booking team on 0845 234 3344. When requesting a bus journey, have your membership number and journey details ready. You can also submit your travel requests online or via SMS text messages. You can make a booking up to seven days in advance. You can also request same-day journeys but please give a minimum of one hour’s notice. All bookings are subject to availability.    

Fares                                                                                                        
The amount you pay to travel depends on your journey. Each service area is divided into zones – the further you travel, the more you pay. Booking office staff can tell you the cost of your journey so that you can have the correct fare ready. Children aged under 5 travel free with an accompanying adult. If you hold a valid concessionary bus pass due to age or disability, you can use it on CallConnect buses. Passes issued outside Lincolnshire are accepted during off-peak travel (after 9.30am).                

Opening and Operating Times                                                      
CallConnect operates 7am-7pm, Monday-Friday, and 8am-6pm on Saturdays. Details of any local variations are available from the booking office. The booking office is open from 8.30am-7pm, Monday-Friday; 8.30am-5pm on Saturday; and closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.          

Need a little help?                                                                                   
Our vehicles are fitted with low-floor steps and tail-lifts to ensure they are as easy as possible for everyone to use. Wheelchair users must inform us of the make and model to ensure it meets our safety standard of being impact-tested. Travel in a wheelchair is subject to availability and approval.

 

 

 

MEMORIAL HALL NEWS
As 2013 draws to a close it is time to say a huge thank you to everyone who has continued to support the Memorial Hall. We have had a successful year thanks to this support. There are so many of you who have helped in so many ways from attending events to being helping hands at functions. Our sincere thanks go to you all. Throughout the year the Memorial Hall has been very well used.
Our regular clubs have continued to prosper and have been augmented by two new ones. Sadly Darby & Joan held their last meeting earlier in the year; they will be greatly missed. The Lunch Club has as ever been a popular regular event. At the recent Environmental Health Check in November we are pleased to report that once again our kitchen and the Lunch Club Team under the leadership of Lesley Turner have retained their Five Star Rating for Food Hygiene & Safety. 
Throughout the year there have been several well supported events, and two fairs, with increasing numbers of stalls and support. Quiz Night in June was very well attended and enjoyed by all. Our Open Day in July showcased the various clubs and gave us a chance to use our new gazebo, so kindly donated by Eric Stammers, in the secure garden for the cream teas. The Remembrance Sunday Exhibition by the History Society grows every year and was really appreciated by all.
Private hirings of the Memorial Hall have increased with many functions including children’s parties; a Golden Wedding and sadly funerals. It is also pleasing to report that many village organisations have continued to use it for their events too.
The Committee of the Memorial Hall has continued to work hard to ensure that the facilities are maintained and improved but can only do this with your continued support.
Some dates to put in your new diaries for 2014
SPRING FAIR SATURDAY 29TH MARCH, QUIZ NIGHT SATURDAY 7TH JUNE, SUMMER FAIR SATURDAY 12TH JULY, REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY EXHIBITION 9TH NOVEMBER and THE CHRISTMAS FAIR SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you all at the Memorial Hall.

To book the Memorial Hall for all your family occasions telephone Mick on 421853 or Laraine on 421110.

HALL DIARY April 2013

To hire the hall for all your functions, weekday rates are £6.50 per hour for clubs
and £11.00 per hour for fund raising and weekends, plus £10.00 for use of the
kitchen and £10.00 for use of the bar.
Hire of Conference Room £6.00 per hour
Daily Hire of complete Hall £140.00
These prices include heating or air conditioning.
For Bookings please telephone Mick 421853 or Laraine 421 1 1 0

Sunday	1	st	PRIVATE PARTY
Monday	2	nd	Vitallity	1:30pm
Tuesday	3	rd	Arts and Crafts	1:30pm
			Ballroom Dancing	7:00pm
Wednesday	4	th	S. lIncs Shadows Music Club	7:30pm
Thursday	5	th	Ballroom and Sequence for beginners	6:30pm
Friday	6	th	Kung Fu	7:00pm
Monday	9	th	Vitallity	1:30pm
Tuesday	10	th	Arts and Crafts	1:30pm
			Ballroom Dancing	7:00pm
Wednesday	11	th	Petticoat Club	7:30pm
			Parish Council	7:30pm
Thursday	12	th	Lunch Club Christmas Dinner	12:30pm
			Ballroom and Sequence for beginners	6:30pm
Friday	13	th	Kung Fu	7:00pm
Monday	16	th	Vitallity	1:30pm
			Hall Committee	7:30pm
Tuesday	17	th	Arts and Crafts	1:30pm
			Ballroom Dancing	7:00pm
Wednesday	18	th	School Panto	11:30pm
Thursday	19	th	Ballroom and Sequence for beginners	6:30pm
Friday	20	th	Kung Fu	7:30pm
Saturday	21	st	PRIVATE PARTY
Tuesday	24	th	Arts and Crafts	1:30pm
			Ballroom Dancing	7:00pm
Tuesday	31	st	PRIVATE PARTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enquiries re Baptism, weddings etc. should be made to The Reverend Chris Harrington on 01529 460904.
For other Church queries in Helpringham please contact John West on 421871

NEWS FROM THE PEWS

Is it here yet?
With decorations in shops now put up in October, bookings for meals taken in September and the general onslaught of Christmas adverts rolling out in November it’s a wonder we aren’t sick of Christmas by the time December arrives, let alone the day itself. Traditionally the season of Advent has kept the church from indulging too early in the Christmas festivities, with its message of being ready to meet Christ at His second coming. But with eight churches to look after, it means December is another jam packed month, full of Christmas Fair's, Concerts, Christingle and Carol services plus the usual Sunday services. Yet despite the over commercialisation and busyness of this annual festival there is still something of the Spirit of God that continues to draw and touch us with hope and love. After all as someone said, without Christ all we're left with is M&S, and that's not Christmas, that’s just sad, so make sure you don't lose the reason for the season in your Christmas festivities. The church is here to help.
St Andrew, Advent and St Nicholas.
We begin our celebrations our on St Andrew's Day, 30th November, with our annual gift day at Helpringham. The church will be open for refreshments from 10am with crafts for children at 11am and dressing the Tree at 1pm until 2pm. At 4pm there's a special St Andrew's Day service at Scredington church, with a Winter Fayre afterwards in their village hall and where the beacon will be lit. On Sunday 1st Dec at 6pm there's a service of Advent carols at Heckington church, and to celebrate St Nicholas day (the real Santa Claus) there is a concert at Burton Pedwardine Church on Friday 6th Dec at 7pm featuring the Helpringham Group choir and others.
Beer & Carols
There will be another 'Beer & Carols' night at the Nags Head here at Helpringham on Sat 14th Dec at 7pm, where I will be playing carols and Christmas pop songs on the guitar and retelling the story of the Inn with no room for a king.
Christmas Cards
Special Helpringham Church Christmas cards are now on sale at the village Post Office at 75p each or pack of 10 for £5.50.
Carol Services
The school are coming to church for their carol service and Christmas presentation on Tuesday 17th Dec at 6pm. All are welcome. Helpringham Church carol service will be on Christmas Eve at 6pm with a story for the children around the crib. There will also be a Midnight Communion service at church this year which starts at 11.30pm.
Nativity Festival
We are holding our first Nativity Festival in Heckington church on 21st & 22nd Dec and would like as many Nativity Sets as possible on display with a story of why it is special to you or when and where you bought it or were given it. Please bring your Nativity set in a box with your name address and story in it to Heckington church by Friday 20th.
Ian Bland (469376) is co-ordinating the drop off & collection.        
Healing Service & Wedding Fayre
On Sunday 29th at 11am we are holding a Healing service at Heckington church where I will be anointing with holy oil those who need prayer or want prayer for loved ones.
For those planning their marriage, or wedding blessing, in the New Year, we are holding a wedding Fair at Heckington church on Sat January 25th to showcase what is on offer in a church wedding. 
See website for details www.heckingtonandhelpringhamgroup.org.uk
Everyone is welcome at any of these services and events and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. 
Rev 'Capt' Chris (460904)
CHURCH SERVICES IN DECEMBER
8th DEC at 4pm Evensong
15th DEC at 9.30am Holy Communion
22nd DEC at 11am Morning Praise
24th DEC at 6pm Carol Service + 11.30pm Midnight Communion

www.heckingtonandhelpringhamgroup.org.uk

PETTICOAT CLUB NEWS
Thanks go to all of you who supported our coffee morning to raise funds for Lives, Heckington First Responders in November. Special thanks go to the Gill Grace for letting us once again use Anvil Cottage as the venue, Abbey Parks Farm Shop, Aztec Signs, D&D Motors, Dodd& Musson, Robert Doughty Consultancy, Harlequin Packaging, Helpringham Post Office & Store, Robert Watts Ltd and the residents of Helpringham and surrounding villages and members who provided the raffle and tombola prizes. Their continued support is so much appreciated. The event raised in the region of £300 for Lives, a great achievement.
At our November meeting we were treated to a demonstration of wrapping gifts and making gift boxes by Doreen Davies. This was both entertaining and great fun as we all struggled with paper and saw how awkward pieces can be made to look beautiful and gifts given that special touch with handmade boxes.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 11th December where members will be having a social evening with festive treats and surprise entertainment. A very Merry Christmas is wished to all and we look forward to another successful year in 2014.

SOUTH LINCS SHADOWS MUSIC CLUB

There was another good turnout in November on what was a cold, wet and windy night.
Besides the varied selection of tunes that were played during the evening, David Martin brought along his Oasis Strat and treated us to a short talk about the guitar. The guitar is one of a very limited edition built by Fender master builder Greg Fessler to a very exacting specification. It is as near as possible a replica of the very first Fender Stratocaster that was brought over by Cliff Richard and imported from America for Hank Marvin to play. The original is now kept by Bruce Welch and was loaned to Howard Gillespie of Oasis Music who then commissioned Fender to build 54 replicas. David was number 54! The original was taken apart, measured, weighed and carefully analysed for all the critical items including colour and finish. The replicas were then built using components and techniques as close as possible to the original.
After treating us to a couple of tunes David then offered to let anyone play the guitar- a genuine act of faith and generosity considering how much it cost!!
Meetings are held at the Memorial Hall on the first Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Light refreshments are provided.
If you like the guitar music of The Shadows why not pop along and see (and hear) what it is about.

HELPRINGHAM AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

In October
Members welcomed back Nicholas Watts from Deeping who gave a talk on growing crops organically.
At one time nearly 75% of his farm was growing crops organically but fluctuations in demand and grants made them less feasible and now he has reduced production to about 25% of his farm. Nevertheless, he had much wisdom to impart and also brought along some cabbages and cauliflowers for members to enjoy.

There will not be a meeting of the club in December but all members will be most welcome to the first meeting of the New Year. January 22nd in the Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm for a Social Evening and a look at what the Committee has planned for the coming year.
A Merry Christmas to everyone from Club and Committee!

Tea and Coffee are provided
Visitors always welcome

HELPRINGHAM HISTORY SOCIETY

The Society would like to thank all those who helped with the exhibition Remembrance Sunday 10th November, remembering our War heroes and celebrating the life of women and all who served at home during wartime.

for information please telephone Laraine on 421110 or Julie on 421265. We look forward to hearing from you.