Blowtoft Crossing Closures

There are some significant closures to Blowtoft Crossing 25th July to 11th August full details here (Click)

49 CLUB
The winners of the 49 Club from weeks 17th May through to 14th June were as follows each winner received £25 all proceeds go to The Memorial Hall 
17th May M Bothamley
24th May L Thompson
31st May M Hartley
 7th June Joyce Drake
14th June Bob Davis

MOBILE LIBRARY
The mobile library comes to Helpringham on the 4th Friday of the month at 11.45 till 12.15. USE IT OR LOSE IT.

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

What a great night Quiz Night was last month.  Thanks go to Paddy and Jo our quiz masters, Janette Bothamley for the supper and all those who supported the event.

At the AGM in June it was reported that the Memorial Hall had a good year last year and thanks were recorded to all our regular clubs and users who continue to support the hall. Thanks were also recorded to all the volunteers who give up their time to make every occasion a success. The Chairman, Mick Bothamley, Vice Chairman, Ian Parry, Treasurer, Mike Hartley and Secretary, Laraine Wright were all re-elected. The Committee members are Lindsay Cousland, Vince Stocking, Roz Prior, Margaret Stewart, Marian Stocking, Stephen Wright, Roma Parry and Dave Moore.

Our next event is
THE SUMMMER FAIR ON SATURDAY 12TH JULY 10a.m. to 3p.m. The garden will be open and there will be a café and a variety of stalls. Do come and support us. Admission 20p.

Lunch Club
Every fortnight this is held at the Memorial Hall, where a three course home cooked meal is provided for between 40 and 60 members. We need more help, with cooking, preparation, serving and clearing up. So if you can spare the time 10 a.m. to 2pm. on alternate Thursdays and feel you could help please give Lesley Turner a ring on 421138 or Laraine on 421110. We would really appreciate it as this is such a valued feature of village life for so many.

JULY 2014 HALL DIARY

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 John West on 421871

NEWS FROM THE PEWS
As I write this on a beautiful blue sky morning in June with bird song floating through the open windows the title of a Bruce Springsteen song comes to mind. "The summer's here and the time is right for …………"
For Bruce it was "racing in the street" but for the rest of us it might be getting the BBQ out, enjoying the garden, going on holiday. When I look in my diary I see it's pretty full with another action packed summer, of fetes, feasts, concerts, weddings and baptisms. We are fortunate to live in an area where there are lots of community events to enjoy. Sometimes it can all seem relentless, but then I think that is all tomorrow, this is today, enjoy this present and precious moment. A recent song by The Script reminds me that "As we sing away in the future these will be the good old days". So whatever you are doing this summer, and whatever the weather, remember to take time to live the moment, enjoy it, or these good old days may be gone before you realise they were.

Helpringham Feast Weekend  -  8th to 10th August
This year the theme for the Helpringham Feast is of course the centenary of WW1. Vintage Brass will be playing a war years programme of tunes at the Church on Friday 8th. The church will be open with displays by the history society and our local flower arrangers. There will be other stalls to and refreshments of course. The weekend finishes with a Songs of Praise in Church on the Sunday evening so do let our church wardens Marian & Vince know your favourite hymns.

Church Open every day and services every Sunday at 11am
After many years of being closed during the week St Andrew's church is now open every day for visitors and to take time to ponder in the peace it provides for the whole community. There is also now a service every Sunday at 11am, with the new family service on the 2nd Sunday providing an informal opportunity for children and adults to enjoy worshipping together. Last month we had a balloon race in the service led by Capt Chris on the guitar. Holy Communion is on the 1st and 4th Sundays and morning praise led by John West on the 3rd Sunday. Evensong is on 2nd Sunday at 6pm. Come and enjoy your beautiful village church.       
Rectory Garden Fete
The annual Rectory Garden Fete for our group of parishes is on Saturday 19th July from 2pm till 5pm. There will be lots of stalls and games in the garden at The Rectory, 10 Cameron Street, Heckington. Teas will be served in Heckington church. Do come and enjoy yourself. It's for everyone.

Coach trip to Walsingham
On Monday 11th August we are once again organising a coach trip to Walsingham in Norfolk. The price is £22 which includes coach and lunch at the Anglican shrine. It's a lovely day out as we walk or ride the holy mile together (small disability scooters and wheelchairs can be taken on the coach). In the afternoon there is Stations of the Cross and Sprinkling from the Holy Well for those who want to, but some just like to come and enjoy the peace of the gardens and village. Coach leaves Heckington church at 9am and will pick up in Helpringham at 9.15am. We return at around 8pm after stopping for fish & chips at Wells next the Sea on the way home. It's a popular trip and all are welcome so don't leave it till the last minute to book or you may be disappointed. To book your lunch and a seat on the coach contact Jenny Charlesworth at 23 Potesgrave Way (461167). Enjoy the summer and don't forget to give thanks for all life's many blessings. 
Rev Chris           460904

www.heckingtonandhelpringhamgroup.org.uk

 

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

CLERK’S NOTES OF THE MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, 11 JUNE 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 the Clerk, Mrs P Ireland

The meeting started at 7.30pm as nobody attended the public speaking time.

• Apologies – None
• Declarations of Interest – None
• New Parish Clerk – The Chairman introduced Paula Ireland, who had been selected through the interview process undertaken after the last meeting.  Cllr Frizzell proposed and Cllr Spencer seconded that her appointment be agreed.  All in favour.
• Signing of minutes –
• Minutes of the Annual meeting held on 14 May  - Prop AB, Sec RS All in favour
• Minutes of the monthly meeting held on 14 May – Prop RS, Sec AB  All in favour
• Minute of the Annual Parish meeting held 14 May – Approved as notes
• Planning Matters
• No new matters had been received
• It was agreed to leave the application concerning 25 Station Road, Helpringham, off the agenda until further notice was received about an appeal.
• Correspondence
• NKDC – Correspondence received explaining about ongoing contractual issues with grass cutting contractors. 
• Memorial Hall – Letter of thanks received for the recent donation from the Parish Council. 
• Playing Field Committee – Letter of thanks for funding received.
• St Andrew’s Parish Church – Correspondence received requesting that the recent donation from the Parish Council be reallocated and used for kitchen flooring instead of the original purpose of restoring of the Roll of Honour.  This was due to a donation being made to cover the cost of the restoration.   Cllr Robinson proposed that this be agreed.  Sec Cllr Frizzell.  All in favour. 

Cllr Bourne made comment, that in future, before consideration is given to donation requests from village organisations, a set of audited accounts should be made available.  This was noted by all present. 

• Community Wildlife Grant – Cllr Johnson to consider. 
• Chairman’s report
• School Lane Project – Footpath extension to start in July.  It was suggested that photographs be taken, before the work starts and as it progresses.
• Blotoft Level Crossing – Clearance width to be clarified.  Plans had been circulated.
• Central Lincolnshire Plan – Incomplete at the recent launch, which the Chairman had attended.
• South Fen Bridge – Recent complaints received about the varying width of the bridge, creating a potential risk of cars colliding.  It was felt that this was partly due to vegetation overgrowth. It was agreed that as this was an ongoing issue, although not on the agenda, the Clerk to write to Network Rail and convey concerns.
• Vice Chairman’s Report
• Speeding Indicator Device (SID) – Cllr Johnson reported that he had set this up in the village recently after a period of non-activity.   It was agreed that this was more effective if only used on an occasional basis.
• Cemetery Matters
• Cllr Bourne to forward agreed changes to the Clerk for circulation to Funeral Directors
• Replacement of Parish Council Noticeboard 
• Options circulated.  Cllr Robinson proposed that a hardwood board be purchased from Greenbarnes at a cost of £1140.72 plus VAT.  All in favour.
• Parish Trees
• The Council moved into Closed Session for discussion of this item. 
• Three quotes were received and discussed.  Cllr Robinson proposed that Simpson Arboriculture be asked to complete the work.  Sec Cllr Frizzell. All in favour.
• Details of contractors quotes in confidential minutes.
• CAB Liaison
• Cllr Frizzell reported that she still waiting to hear how this would progress.
• Financial Matters
• Financial Report – Previously circulated.  Agreed. 
• Allowance for equipment use – Cllr Bourne proposed that an allowance of £15 per month be paid.  This to be backdated for one year for the outgoing Clerk, Mrs J Bleach and reinstated for the new Clerk.  Sec Cllr Frizzell.  All in favour. 
• Outgoing Clerk – P45 and End of Tax Year Return completed.
• New Clerk – Hours of work to be 25 per month @ £8.43 per hour as agreed at the previous meeting.
• Bank mandate to change address for correspondence – Signed by GF and AB.
• Cheques signed at meeting

            

Cheque no	Payee	Amount	Relating to
001506	J M Bleach	£146.77	Clerk’s Salary May 2104
001507	Rick Webster	£576.00	Grass cutting April 2014
001508	J M Bleach	£8.43	Clerk’s Expenses May 2014
001509	Anglian Water	£16.69	Supply to cemetery Feb - June
001510	J M Bleach	£180.00	Equipment allowance

 

• Discussion of Matters from Public Speaking – None
• Matters of Urgency
• Trees on junction of East Road and Hale Road – suckers and overgrowth causing visibility problems.  Clerk to contact Highways. 
• Oak Tree on village green – Cllr Robinson in contact with Peter Manning
• Date of next meeting – Wednesday 9 July, 2014.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.25pm.

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

Another good meeting in June.

The club is not yet a year old but we seem to have settled to a fairly stable core membership with others attending as and when they can according to their other commitments.

News of the club also seems to be spreading by word of mouth and we had more new members pop in to see us this month.

I always stress that the main aim of the club is enjoyment of the music of The Shadows, both listening and playing. It is not a competition for best/loudest/quickest player; it is a club for all abilities.

There is always encouragement for players young and old, and it is nice to see improvements in the confidence and playing of less experienced members.

All in all it was another very pleasant evening with, as always, some great playing and great music.

Meetings are held at the Memorial Hall on the first Wednesday of the month from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Light refreshments are provided.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 2nd July.
If you like the guitar music of The Shadows why not pop along and see (and hear!!) what it is about.

Dave Moore.

PETTICOAT CLUB NEWS

In June members were given an interesting and informative talk on the many causes of the First World War. In this centenary year it was thought provoking to ask the question why it happened and to learn of the personalities and situations at the time that resulted in such a horrific loss of life and changed the world as people knew it.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 9th July at 7.30pm. When John Pullen will be “Talking About Silver” and giving us a chance to value many of our own little treasures.
Everyone is welcome do come along and join us.

HELPRINGHAM AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - 2014

13th. July  - Garden Trail -  Visit  the gardens of volunteer members - plus refreshments
Members free - Non Members £2.00

30th. July - Evening trip to Swines Meadow Farm  Nursery - Market Deeping
Own Transport
Members free - Non Members - £2.00 

27th. August - Talk by Mary Porter - Herbs, Bees & Butterflies - 7.30pm  at the Memorial Hall

14th. September -  Coach Trip to Gressenhall Farm &  Workhouse

24th. September - AGM & Social at the Memorial Hall - 7.30pm

Information concerning any of this programme - Members & Non Members -  Ring  01529 421 946

 

HELPRINGHAM HISTORY SOCIETY

ADVANCE NOTICE
FEAST WEEKEND 9TH &10TH AUGUST 2014

The Society will be presenting an exhibition of Helpringham in 1914 at St. Andrews Church. There will be many exhibits depicting life in the village before the outbreak of the First World War, with many “new” photographs of the time and an Edwardian Photographer’s Studio. Do put the date in your diary and come along.