Helpringham Village Newsletter December 2014

    Produced monthly, the newsletter is a round up of events and activities. Past Newsletters can be found here (Click)

  • General News

  • Memorial Hall

  • Church News

  • Parish Council

  • Club News

Hi, this is a message from Sleaford Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Come and Join us at a Crime Prevention Afternoon.

The neighbourhood Policing team will be holding a Property Marking afternoon at Great Hale Village Hall on Sunday 25th January between 15:00 and 18:00.

Property marking kits and Crime Prevention packs will be available to anyone who attends from the Sleaford and rural area. Please note there is a limited supply of these packs so they will be issued on a first come first served basis.

Should you wish to bring smaller items such as mobile phones, tablets etc we would be happy to property mark them on the day.

We look forward to seeing you on the day.

PCSO Patrick Welby

THANK YOU
Vince and Marian would like to thank everyone who supported their 'It's a Piece of Cake' coffee morning in aid of St Barnabas Hospice on October 31st.  The sum raised was £200 and this has been passed on to St Barnabas who were very grateful.

Sleaford Medical Centre, Boston Road, Sleaford. Urgent care centre.
Open weekdays 6.30pm to 8pm, Sat, Sun 8am to 8pm
For patients of Millview Medical Centre Heckington.
It’s a walk in centre no need for appointment

'Love Sundays' in the run up to Christmas with CallConnect
Following the success of last year's 'Santa Sundays' service, the 'Love Sundays' service will run every Sunday till Christmas. The service can be used by anyone, no matter their age, status or reason for travelling.
The 'Love Sundays' service will operate from 9am to 5pm and journeys can be booked now.
Same-day bookings can be made by calling the CallConnect centre from 9.30am to 3.30pm for the Lincolnshire area.
The demand-responsive CallConnect bus service already helps people of all ages to travel around the county. To find out more about CallConnect or the ‘Love Sundays’ scheme, contact Lincolnshire CallConnect on 0345 234 3344

The winners of the 49 Club
18th October to 15th November were as follows, each winner received £25.
All proceeds go to the Memorial Hall
18th October       Doreen Davies
25th October       Irene Foster
1st November     Roma Parry
8th November     T. Bailey
15th November   Marian Molloy

FIBRE BROADBAND

Whilst many areas of the country and county are being wired (or should it be fibred?) our local exchange which services Helpringham and Swaton is not. If you visit   http://www.superfast-openreach.co.uk/where-and-when/  you can express your interest in having super fast broadband. If enough people do this maybe BT and LCC might speed things up for us.

ROADS AND PAVEMENTS
Every year the Parish Council has a walk about with LCC Highways, so can you please let us know of pot holes etc. which need sorting out. Email on pjasoc@soil.freeserve.co.uk or put a note through the door at 25 High Street.

THE VILLAGE LUNCH CLUB............
takes place at 12.30 on the first and third Thursday of the month in the Memorial Hall. Do come along and join this sociable gathering. Three courses and tea or coffee for £3.50. Last week’s menu was leek and potato soup, savoury mince with mash, roast veg and peas, followed by treacle sponge and custard. That’s terrific value. Drinks can be bought at the bar.
See you there!


MOBILE LIBRARY
The mobile library comes to Helpringham on the

Village Green 19 Dec 2014 10:00 10:30
16 Jan 2015
13 Feb 2015

 

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.

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.

Lincolnshire Energy

The Lincolnshire Energy Switch scheme is back – so now you could also stand a chance of saving up to £300 on your annual gas and electricity bill.

That’s how much some already stand to save having made the switch first time round. You could join the 1,000 households in Lincolnshire who look set to save an average of £167 on their energy bill. For more detailed information Click Here

Memorial Hall News

The end of another year and we take time to reflect and plan ahead. It has been a good year for the Memorial Hall and we would like to thank all those people who have helped make it so. Huge thanks are due to all our volunteers, who run the cafes, help at Lunch Club, man the raffles and help out at all the events.
Our events this year have ended with Remembrance Sunday, when the History Society mounted an excellent exhibition on the Fallen of the First World War. This was well attended and greatly appreciated. It is amazing that such a small village as ours has built up such a large archive of local history.
Our Christmas Fair saw Santa enthralling the children and thanks go to all our stall holders and volunteers who made it such an enjoyable day.
We also need to thank the 19 of you who have nominated us as your Community Champions with the Lincolnshire Co-op, as we received a very welcome £25 cheque from them. If you are a Lincolnshire Co-op member and would like to be added to our list of supporters, please contact Laraine on 421110.
The second-hand book sales at the hall have continued to be a well-used resource and have raised the funds this year to buy all the gifts for the children in Santa’s Grotto as well as various event raffle prizes and minor equipment and repairs.
Lastly we must thank ALL of you who have supported us by attending the events and the clubs that regularly use the hall and the many private bookings.
The Committee (all volunteers) has worked hard to maintain and improve the hall throughout the year and appreciate the support we have received from the people of Helpringham.
Now we look forward to your continued support in 2015 with many events already planned, please make sure you check the notice boards and newsletters for details.

We wish you all a happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. 

For all your family occasions, bookings can be made with Mick on 421853 or Laraine on 421110.

 

DECEMBER 2014 HALL DIARY


Mon. 1st

Vitality

1.30. p.m.

Tues. 2nd     

Arts and Crafts
Sequence Dancing Beginners

1.30. p.m.
7.00. p.m.

Wed.  3th  

South Lincs Shadows Music Club

7.30. p.m.

Fri. 5th   

Kung Fu

7.00. p.m.

Mon. 8th    

Vitality

1.30. p.m.

Tues. 9th
  

Arts and Crafts
Sequence Dancing Beginners

1.30. p.m.
7.00. p.m.

Wed. 10th

Petticoat Club
Parish Council

7.30. p.m.
7.30. p.m.

Thurs. 11th

Lunch Club

12.30.p.m.

Fri. 12th

School Panto
Kung Fu

12.00 - 3.00. p.m.
7.00. p.m.

Mon. 15th   

Vitality
HALL COMMITTEE

1.30. p.m.
7.30. p.m.

Tues. 16th
 

Arts and Crafts
Sequence Dancing Beginners

1.30. p.m.
7.00. p.m.

Fri. 19th   

Kung Fu

7.00. p.m.

Mon. 22nd

Vitality

1.30. p.m.

Tues. 23rd
 

Arts and Crafts
Sequence Dancing Improvers

1.30. p.m.
7.00. p.m.

Sat. 27th

Private Children’s Party

11.00-1.00. p.m.

 

To Hire the Hall for all your functions, weekday rates are £7.00 per hour for clubs and £12.00 per hour for fund raising and weekends, plus £10.00 for use of kitchen and £10.00 for use of Bar.
Hire of the Conference Room £6.00 per hour.
Daily Hire of complete Hall £140.00 (Refundable deposit of £50 may be required)
These prices include heating or air conditioning. For Bookings please telephone Mick on 421853 or Laraine on 421110.


Enquiries re Baptism, weddings etc. should be made to The Reverend Chris Harrington on 01529 460904.
For other Church queries in Helpringham please contact Marian and Vince Stocking on 01529-421395

standrew.helpringham@gmail.com

NEWS FROM THE PEWS

Along with putting up the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, and writing Christmas cards, one of the things I enjoy most about preparing for Christmas night is getting out the nativity set and arranging the figures around the crib. Just as it’s never easy arranging the lights on the tree or getting the angel to stay upright on the top, so setting out the nativity set is never quite as simple as just plonking the figures in the stable and hoping it looks ok. It takes time to make sure the gaze of each figure is focused on the child in the crib and not on the donkey or the wise man with the gold or just staring into the back of the stable where the TV might have been if Jesus had been born today. It helps me to remember that as precious as my family is and as exciting and wonderful all these other things are that sparkle and dazzle and lay wrapped up under the tree, surely our gaze should be upon the child who was born on that special night in Bethlehem all those years ago. He is the light who still illuminates the darkness of winter, our world and the darkness of our lives with the brightness of God’s love. For those who do turn their gaze upon Him will find in his face the look of love and the real reason for everything else. Enjoy your Christmas.
It’s of course another busy season of events in our group of parishes including:
Heckington Singers Concert in church
The Heckington Singers are performing their annual Christmas concert at Heckington Church on 6th December at 7pm. Tickets for numbered seating are £7 (469140). 
Christmas Pop Rock & Blues Charity Concert
I am trying a new venture this Christmas with a charity pop, rock & blues night at Heckington village hall on Friday 12th December at 7pm. Tickets are £7 on the door and include a Lincolnshire hot dog in the interval and there will be a licensed bar too. ‘Blackbridge Jones’ who played at the summer rock & pop night at church will be playing in the first half with their renditions of pop rock songs by the Eagles, Van Morrison, Doobie Brothers etc complete with lovely vocal harmonies. In the second half the Rocking Rev’s -myself and Rev Dave Maylor from Barnack, and band will be performing some rock, pop and blues numbers and a few Christmas pop songs to sing along to. All the profits will be going to Canine Partners, the local MS support group, and St Barnabas hospice at home cancer care. Hope you can come and support these worthwhile charities.       
Nativity Festival in church
Heckington Church are holding another Nativity Festival in church this year from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st December from 10am till 3pm. We are looking to borrow local Nativity sets with a story of where you got it. You will get it back before Christmas. Last year we had a display of over 50 sets from around the world. Come and see. 
Carol Service at Helpringham on Christmas Eve.       
As usual our family carol service is in Helpringham church on Christmas Eve at 6pm.
Midnight Mass at Heckington
Midnight Mass is at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve at Heckington. All are welcome.
Christmas Day services
There will be a service of Morning Praise at Swaton at 9.30am and services of Holy Communion at Scredington at 9.30am and Heckington at 11am on Christmas Day.
Military Wives Concert at Burton Church
On 31st January 2015 there is a concert by Cranwell Military Wives Choir at Burton Church at 7pm. Tickets are £10 and available from Mary Tilley (461113).

Have a Happy Christmas.  Rev Chris

Services during December & January at St Andrew’s Helpringham
14th Dec at 11am – Holy Communion
24th Dec at 6pm – Carol Service
28th Dec at 11am – Christmas Praise
11th Jan at 11am – Holy Communion
25th Jan at 11am – Morning Praise
www.heckingtonandhelpringhamgroup.org.uk
Rector - Rev Chris Harrington (01529) 460904

****NOTE***** These are contemporaneous notes, subject to scrutiny and ammendment, to be adopted as minutes at the next meeting.

HELPRINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MEETING DATES 2015
ALL MEETINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7.30PM (UNLESS SHOWN OTHERWISE) IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM OF THE MEMORIAL HALL.  OTHER THAN THE PARISH OPEN MEETING, THERE WILL BE TEN MINUTES PUBLIC SPEAKING TIME AT 7.30PM
IF YOU WISH TO PLACE AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA, THIS SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND SENT TO THE CLERK
JANUARY 14, FEBRUARY 10, MARCH 11, APRIL 8

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
  PARISH OPEN MEETING STARTING AT 7PM
ALL WELCOME
This will be followed by the Annual Parish Council meeting

JUNE 10, JULY 8, AUGUST 12, SEPTEMBER  9, OCTOBER 14, NOVEMBER 11, DECEMBER 9


Clerk to the Parish Council                                                   helpringhampc1@gmail.com                                                             

Paula Ireland, Heath Farm
North Rauceby
NG34 8QR 01529 488409

 

CLERK’S NOTES OF THE MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, 14 JANUARY 2015 AT 7.30PM AT HELPRINGHAM MEMORIAL HALL

Present:  Cllr G Hotchkin (Chairman), Cllr A Bourne, Cllr P Johnson,  Cllr R Spencer, Cllr W Watts and Cllrs S Ogden and S Tarry (District) (left after item 7),  and the Clerk, Mrs P Ireland

Public Speaking Time – Two members of the public were present, one being a representative from NKDC.  They spoke with regard to ‘The Nags’ which had recently closed.  A venture had been started to form a cooperative to take it over.  To create time to do this the group had applied to NKDC on the 22 December for an ‘Asset of Community Value, to be placed on it.  NKDC have 8 weeks to consider this application. 
Whilst the application is being considered the group concerned have six weeks to submit an expression of interest.  This freezes the sale for six months to give time to the cooperative to put a bid together.
If NKDC decide that the building is to be placed on the Community Asset register, that would ensure no change of use could take place for 5 years.

The Chairman opened the meeting and it was moved that Item 8 on the agenda be brought forward.

8.   ‘Save our Nags’
The Chairman suspended standing orders so that discussion could take place.     
The sum required to buy the building is £250,000 plus VAT. The possibility of selling shares
is being explored by the group.
After discussion it was agreed that the situation would be monitored. 

Both members of the public left and standing orders were resumed.

  • Apologies – Cllrs Frizzell and Robinon
  • Declarations of Interest – Cllr Spencer –  DPI in Item 13 (The Playing Fields Committee)
  • Signing of minutes:

Minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2015 were accepted as a true record of that meeting. 

  • County/District/Police Matters:
      • Barrier on School Lane Footpath – In place
      • Council Tax Consultation Events – The Chairman to attend on 28 January
      • Property Marking Day – Sunday, 25 January, 3-6pm in Great Hale Village Hall. 
  • Planning applications:

Plans received:  None
Plans approved:

  • Chairman / Vice Chairman’s report:
  • Noticeboard – The handover of the publicity cheque had taken place.  As a matter of urgency the other board needs to be removed. 
  • Footpath Sweeping:

       Further to the letter sent to NKDC, agreement had been reached that certain areas
would be cleared.  However, he moss and weed growth, pre-dominantly on Station Road,
(being classed as living matter) had been referred back to Highways. 
The Clerk to follow up.
It was agreed to write and thank Gillian Jones from NKDC and to request that she
inform the council when the work has been completed.
Outstanding works to Station Road footpath – The Clerk to seek clarification of when
this work will start.     Copy to Cllr Young.

Cllrs Ogden and Tarry left the meeting.

  • To renew membership of the LALC Training Scheme:

  Cllr Johnson agreed that this be renewed.  Seconder Cllr Watts. All in favour.

  • To set meeting dates for 2015/16 – These to continue on the second Wednesday of every month. The Clerk to send dates to the Memorial Hall Committee.
  •  Cemetery Matters:
  • Topple testing - Ongoing
  • Soil heap – A quote had been received.  It was agreed not to proceed at the current time.  In the meantime Cllr Bourne to make sure that all the undertakers are aware of the new place to leave any soil.

 

   12.   Correspondence:                      

      • Lincolnshire Mineral and Waste Plan – noted
      • Community Lincs – Funding to be removed.  Objection to be sent
      • Letter from a parishioner regarding the positioning of the bottle banks – It was agreed that this was a private matter and the PC could not get involved.

 
13.  Clerk’s report and update on outstanding matter:

      • Light on War Memorial – still needs adjusting.  Cllr Robinson
      • Swaton Road Bridge – The Clerk to contact Network Rail again
      • Grounds Maintenance Contract – Awaiting replies

  14. To receive requests for funding:
 Applications were considered.  It was resolved to award grants to the following organisations:

  • Helpringham and District Petticoat Club
  • Helpringham Playing Field Committee
  • Heckington Area Voluntary Car Service
  • Helpringham Memorial Hall Committee
  • Citizens Advice Bureau

15.  To set the Precept for 2015/16:
Cllr Johnson (RFO) recommended that the precept and grant remain at the same level.   Prop Cllr Hotchkin.  Seconder Cllr Bourne.  All in favour.

  • Finance:
  • Financial report - Proposed and seconded.  All in favour
  • Cheques for signing / expenditure approval 

Cheque No

Amount

Payee

Relating to

1547

£45.87

P Ireland

Suspension files and computer use

1546

£210.75

P Ireland

December salary

1548

£37.50

Helpringham Memorial Hall

Rent – 4th quarter

1549

£35.00

Data Protection Reg

Renewal

1550

£75.00

LALC

Training Scheme

 

17. Discussion of Matters from Public Speaking – Already discussed

18. Matters of Urgency:

  • Helpringham Primary School – The Headteacher is retiring
  • Date of next meeting and items for inclusion on the February agenda:
  • Wednesday 10 February, 2014

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9pm.

 

CLERK’S NOTES OF THE MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, 10 DECEMBER AT 7.30PM AT HELPRINGHAM MEMORIAL HALL

Present:  Cllr G Hotchkin (Chairman), Cllr A Bourne, Cllr J Frizzell, Cllr P Johnson, Cllr M Robinson,  Cllr R Spencer, Cllr W Watts and Cllr S Ogden (left after item 7),  and the Clerk, Mrs P Ireland

Public Speaking Time – None

  • Apologies – Cllr Tarry

 

  • Declarations of Interest – Cllrs Frizzell, Robinson and Spencer all declared a DPI in item 13)
  • Signing of minutes:

Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2014 were accepted as a true record of that meeting. 

  • County/District/Police Matters:
      • Barriers on School Lane Footpath – An email had been received prior to the meeting from NKDC.  This had explained that due to confusion over the type of barrier, it had delayed matters.  Installation would take place as soon as possible.

 

  • Planning applications:

Plans received:

After discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council were in support of both of the above applications.

  • Chairman / Vice Chairman’s report:
      • The Chairman had attended a workshop at NKDC about planning the budget and precept. 
      • The Vice –Chairman had been working towards a self-help scheme of administering salt for footpaths within the village.  Unfortunately this was unlikely to progress further as no suitable undercover storage place could be found for a one ton bag of salt.
  • Report from village walkabout:

Cllrs Bourne, Hotchkin and Johnson had attended a walkabout with Area Highways Manager, Rowan Smith.  The points below had been raised at the meeting.  Action pending.

  • Potholes on Burton Road Bridge
  • Blind Summit signs on Burton Road bridge needed
  • Outstanding works to Station Road footpath
  • Potholes on Swaton Road
  • School Lane barrier
  • Damage to verge outside 22 School Lane
  • Hollow collecting water outside Orchard House, George Street
  • Missing kerb on Ladbroke Close
  • Hedge at Eastern side of Highgate, where it meets High Street needs attention
  • Severe moss infestation on south side footpath in Station Road. 
  • Leave on several areas of pavement, most notably outside the old shop on the Green
  • Tree on green area needs cutting back.
  • Footpath across the Green needs levelling where tree roots have lifted surface
  • General deterioration of footpaths.  Northerly side of Hale Road a priority
  • High Street sign on Chapel Forge needs changing

The Clerk to write to NKDC and reinforce the need for a footpath sweep.  Copy to Cllr Ogden.

Cllr Ogden left the meeting

  • Replacement Trees:

Cllr Robinson reported that this was in hand

  • To review the grounds maintenance tender:

 It was agreed that the current one fulfilled requirements.  The Clerk to check the level of liability insurance needed. 
To be circulated to interested parties, for return by the Feb meeting.        

  •  Cemetery Matters:
  • Topple testing - Cllr Johnson circulated a risk assessment for topple testing.  All Cllrs signed  this.  
  • The Clerk reminded the Council that a general risk assessment was still needed for any member of the public visiting the churchyard or cemetery.  Cllr Frizzell to look into this.    
  • Soil heap – This still needs to be moved.  Cllr Hotchkin to get a quote for hiring a mini digger.

 

11.   Correspondence:            

      • Letter from Lincolnshire Police - noted

 

  • Clerk’s report and update on outstanding matter:
      • Light on War Memorial – still needs adjusting.  Cllr Robinson
      • Swaton Road Bridge – A possibility that the wrong bushes have been cut down. To be monitored.
      • Manhole cover outside 22 The Green – reported
      • Noticeboard – The Chairman thanked those responsible for installing the new board. A publicity cheque to be handed over on the 15 Dec. The old board still needs removing.

 

  •  To receive requests for funding:

 Applications were considered but it was decided that final decisions would be made at the    
January meeting.

  •   To agree the draft budget for 2015/16 and set the precept for 2015/16:

  It was agreed to do this at the January meeting when final figures would have been
received from NKDC.         

  • Finance:
  • Financial report - Proposed and seconded.  All in favour
  • Cheques for signing / expenditure approval:

    


Cheque No

Amount

Payee

Relating to

1543

£27.00

P Ireland

Stamps and computer use

1544

£210.75

P Ireland

November salary

1538

£192.00

R Webster – Grounds Maintenance Ltd

October - grasscutting

1545

£15.52

Anglian Water

Sept - Dec

 

16. Discussion of Matters from Public Speaking – None

17. Matters of Urgency:
None

  • Date of next meeting and items for inclusion on the January agenda:
  • Wednesday 14 January, 2014

 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.45pm.

 

Helpringham Vitality CLASS Needs YOU!

Vitality is a Lincolnshire based programme of exercise and movement to music classes for the over 60’s, subsidised by Lincolnshire County Council and approved by the NHS.

The classes focus on having fun with gentle seated and standing exercises set to music that aim to increase flexibility and strength whilst also improving posture and coordination.

Vitality is for men and women who want to exercise in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere at low cost. Whatever your ability, our experienced, qualified instructor will make sure you exercise safely and have fun.

Helpringham Vitality takes place on Mondays between 1.30pm – 2.30pm at the Memorial Hall. 

There’s no need to book, just come along.  Your first class is FREE, then costs just £3.00 per class or £9.00 per month. Refreshments are provided after class.

It’s a great way to exercise and you’ll receive a warm welcome as well as feeling full of vitality afterwards. So come along and join us!

For more information call Vitality on 01529 411194 or see our website www.vitalitylincs.co.uk.

 

SOUTH LINCS SHADOWS MUSIC CLUB

November 2014 Meeting.

An expected low attendance at this meeting, as I had received several apologies due to holidays, hospital appointments and Guy Fawkes.
There were, however, enough of us there to enjoy the evening and to fiddle with, and enjoy, the new PA system.
Last month I mentioned that Dave Jessop had brought along his new PA system and I was so impressed that it just might be going on my Christmas list. Well I decided to take the plunge and buy one.
This is a big step up in sound quality for us, especially with the backing tracks, as we are no longer having to play everything through a guitar amplifier.
Everyone played several numbers each and we all had a laugh and a good old chinwag.
Meetings are held at the Memorial Hall on the first Wednesday of the month from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Light refreshments are provided.

Entry is just £3 for players and £2 for non players.

Next meeting is Wednesday 3rd December.  I don’t think Santa will turn up, but there just might be some mince pies!!!

Dave Moore

PETTICOAT CLUB NEWS

In November we were once again treated to Doreen Davies visiting to show us how to make decorative gift boxes. Much merriment was caused as members got into small groups and began to tackle the paper card and glue. The naughty table, no prizes for guessing who was on it!!! managed to glue themselves as well as the boxes. A fun practical evening was had by all and many lovely boxes were produced, perfect for gifts.
Our next meeting will be on WEDNESDAY 10th DECEMBER at 7.30pm.
When we shall be having our annual social with live festive music and much more, do come along and bring a friend.
On January 14th Mary Clarke will be giving a talk on assistance dogs which promises to be very interesting.
Everyone is welcome do come along and join us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

HELPRINGHAM AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

Lorraine Bellis came to the Garden Club to talk about Gardening in the Community. She emphasised the benefits of communal effort and the sense of wellbeing that comes with shared effort and the rewards of food. The Allotment movement has certainly benefitted townspeople but, in a village like ours where everyone has a reasonable sized garden there is not much demand.
The next meeting will be on the 26th November:
Jackie Sturgess will talk about
Clematis and Climbers.
NO Meeting in DECEMBER
The next meeting will be in January- the Social! Party Time- cakes and ale- silly games                   
Meetings are held in the Memorial Hall at 7.30.pm on the third Wednesday of each month.
New members are always welcome

Tea and coffee always provided.

HELPRINGHAM HISTORY SOCIETY