Storage Towers & Spires

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UFFINGTON WESTWEST DEEPING DEEPING UFFINGTON

St Martin’s St Martin’s StSt Thomas’ Thomas’

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St Margaret’s St Margaret’s

BARHOLM BARHOLM GREATFORDGREATFORD

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BRACEBOROUGH HAL L RETIREMENT HOME PAUL GREEN An elegant, Victorian residence set in 1.5 acres of beautiful grounds that provides comfort, care and security whilst encouraging Painting and Decorating – Interiors and Exteriors residents to pursue their own lifestyles. Domestic and Commercial 24 hour care provided in a calm friendly atmosphere for long term, 5 star Customer feedback rating on Dulux Select Decorators respite and convalescent residents. Two years Dulux backed guarantee Single en suite, single and companion rooms. For a FREE estimate Fees fully inclusive of hairdressing, chiropody, outings and social activities.

For brochure or informal visit please contact Mrs Julia Fountain Tel: 01778 344478 Mobile: 07974 939120 Tel: (01778) 560649 or 560831

Need help with your chores? The Deepings Flower Club

Welcomes New Members & Visitors  Cleaning DG We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the months  Dusting Diane Green March to November at the  Ironing Cleaning Services Priory Church Hall, Deeping St James  Hoovering 7pm for 7.30pm Providing professional tree T: 01778 344478 Raffle of all the Arrangements. Weekly – Fortnightly services since 2003. or one off Spring Clean. M: 07734 319738 Visitors £6 References available [email protected] Enquiries: Sue Lee 01778 560362 NPTC QUALIFIED FULLY INSURED TOWERS & SPIRES VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES -Tree Surgery ADMINISTRATION Barholm with Stow - Mrs C Baldwin. Tel: 01778 560586 -Tree Removals and Reductions CLERGY: -Hedge Cutting Father Aran Beesley Braceborough - Mrs F Grindey, Tel Tel: 01778 560570 -Stump Removals E-mail : 07590 055905 Greatford – Mrs Lois Webb : [email protected] Call our office on 01780 784 055 EDITORIAL SECRETARY Tel: 01778 560437 Email: [email protected] to arrange your free quote. Mrs Gail Genever, www.willow-tree-services.co.uk Uffington Tel: 01780 765005 Tallington - Mrs L Pollock [email protected] Tel 01780 740445 th [email protected] Please note that all copy must reach Gail by the 16

of the month to be included in the next month’s B e n F r e e m a n Uffington – Mrs Gail Genever, issue Please e-mail your copy (in MS Word) to Your Local Supplier of Topsoil, Turf, Hardcore . Tel: 01780 765005 [email protected] & Aggregates from 1 to 20 tonne. [email protected]

Landscaping, Hedge Management, Driveway ADVERTISING West Deeping – Jean Stowe Maintenance and Contract Work undertaken. Tel: 01778 346779 For a Competitive Free Quote contact If you want to advertise in this magazine or [email protected] or have any enquiries about our advertising or Ben on: 07703337128 or 01780 238376 [email protected] or 01778 345887 leaflet delivery service, contact Gail Genever as detailed above. also find us on Facebook; Wilsthorpe - Mrs V Stuart, email [email protected] Brook House, Wilsthorpe or go to www.benfreemanuk.co.uk

Remember when?

I am very grateful that we had the chance to hold acts of remembrance at all of our Churches. We had already changed the original plan to make it Covid safe. Then the Government changed the advice allowing outdoor Remember services. when?Do you remember when it was easier to go to Church? We found a way to let 270 people safely remember. I pray that we can ﬁnd ways to honour what Christmas means in both recognition of community life and the hope that ﬁrst nativity created.

I am very grateful that we had the chance to hold acts of remembrance at all of our I hope you know thatChurches. although We we had cannot already worship changed in Church the original (perh aps plan from to makethe 6th it Dec Covid we safe. Then the can), your Church is on hand to help and support as we did doing the first lockdown. Two Government changed the advice allowing outdoor services. Do you remember when it was of my worries during the pandemic are both very practical. The first is, are we able to help easier to go to Church? We found a way to let 270 people safely remember. I pray that we all those who need help? During the first lockdown there we many volunteers to help, and many requests for cansupport. find Iways know to we’vehonour still what got Christmasenough willin meansg volunteers in both recognition with plenty of of community life and energy to help wherethe needed.hope that first nativity created. We are encouraged by the confirmation that places of worship will soon be able to reopen for public worship in all tiers and in all parts of the country. Hopefully this means that we The second worry willis paying be able for to the return maintenance to ‘in church of our ‘ services building and and approach the ministry Advent (help, and Christmas with prayers and support) that we provide. We fund our churches - many of us choose to more certainty; a time when we know many people will look forward to attending services support them financially, and volunteer their time to maintain and run them. There are celebrating the birth of Jesus. We will let everyone know once we have confirmation of many parables about this, but every hour of help and every penny given is deeply appreciated and putwhere to good and whenuse. Across our services the seven will take villages, place soI don’t please know look one out communityfor notices, on social media that isn’t strugglingand to affordemail. what it needs to pay for whilst worrying about what it should be doing to serve itsThe community. second worry I’m issure paying that forour the prayers maintenance will be answered of our building and more and the ministry (help, volunteers and sourcesprayers of andfunding support) come that forward. we provide. If you’ve We got fund questions our churches about what - many I do, of us choose to or how Church is runsupport and paidthem for financially, then, please and ask volunteer me. their time to maintain and run them. There are

many parables about this, but every hour of help and every penny given is deeply appreciated and put to good use. Across the seven villages, I don’t know one community I hope we can ﬁnd a way to celebrate Christmas in a way that’s meaningful for you. The run-up to Christmasthat Day isn’t was struggling terriﬁc lastto afford year. Awhat great it mixneeds of to Lessons, pay for Carolswhilst worrying and Crib about what it should services topped offbe with doing midnight to serve mass, its community. a traditional I’m and sure formal that early our prayersmorning will service be answered and and more family communionvolunteers at 10 where and the sources children of fundingand I ran come wild. forward. It was great If you’ve to make got questions it to the about what I do, Bertie to relax andor celebrate how Church before is run lunch, and followedpaid for then, by the please Que en’sask me. speech. I hope we can find a way to celebrate Christmas in a way that’s meaningful for you. The run-up to Christmas Day was terrific last year. A great mix of Lessons, Carols and Crib We won’t be able toservices repeat topped all of this off inwith 2020. midnight If we canmass, meet a traditional inside, or andoutside formal Church early themorning service and services will be veryfamily different, communion but I hope at 10 the where message the children will be andthe sameI ran wild. - each It was year great we get to make it to the so excited about theBertie birth to of relaxour Saviour. and celebrate The message before lunch, of hope, followed and theby theimage Queen’s of light speech. We won’t be overcoming the dark.able May to repeat the light all ofof thishope in burn2020. bright If we canfor you.meet inside, or outside Church the services will be very different, but I hope the message will be the same - each year we get so excited about the birth of our Saviour. The message of hope, and the image of light overcoming the Fr Aran dark. May the light of hope burn bright for you. Fr Aran Parish Priest ([email protected] Priest ([email protected] or 07590055905) or 07590055905) BARHOLM WITH STOWE St Martin’s Church. Lest we forget. We stood in silent prayer near the memorial in St Martin’s Churchyard on 8th November. Rev’d Martin Brebner conducted the service when we remembered the fallen from Barholm in the two Great Wars. On this Remembrance Sunday, poppy crosses were placed on the memorial to Thomas Carew Trollope, 3rd Baron Kesteven and on the War Graves of George William Pickering and John W. Tomblin. Rev’d Martin reminded us of the church clock, given in memory of Charles Cyril Staplee, by his mother in 1919, and is still giving us accurate time today. The names of all those who died from Barholm were read and they may be seen on the beautiful memorial in the church. Previously, during the week, The Royal British Legion visited to commemorate and to place poppy wreaths on the War Graves. Donations amounting to £74.75 were gratefully received at the Remembrance service. Thank you to Chris and Lorna who have kept the grass in good condition. You may have noticed that the grass seed along the footpath is already germinating. We hope to see the snowdrops, very kindly donated, in flower next year near the church gate, perhaps just a little sign of hope that 2021 may be a good year. We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas.

TALLINGTON. 200 Club Winners in October: The 200 Club draw was made by Mrs Anne Knox and the winners were 1st Prize No 11 Mrs Millie Tilson, The Stables, Main Road and 2nd Prize No 100 Rose and Stephen Brown. Remembrance: Our thanks are due to Ken Otter and Shirley Taylor for the display of poppies throughout the Village and on the graves of two soldiers from the Great War where the annual Remembrance Service was held this year. Flying the Flag: The Union Jack Flag was flown on Sunday 8th November and again on Wednesday 11th November in thanks to those who served in the Armed Forces and the Auxiliary Services during two World Wars and other conflicts. The Union Jack flag was also flown at half mast between 16th and 20th October and 6th November in memory of Margaret Fuller, a much loved member of our Village, who passed away peacefully at home on 16th October.

Mobile Library: The Mobile Library fortunately came to the Village just before our present lockdown. Hopefully it will be with us again on Monday 24th January at its usual place in Church Lane between 11.00 am and 11.45 am. BRACEBOROUGH Church Services As a result of the current lockdown our church services are temporarily suspended. As soon as we have details of our next service we shall contact as many people as possible to let them know our plans. In the meantime please join in the Zoom services which are regularly advertised. Remembrance Sunday, 8 November Father Aran led a very moving, socially distanced outdoor service of prayers in the churchyard to commemorate Remembrance Day on Sunday 8 November. We remembered our fallen, and Alex kindly played the Last Post and Reveille. A collection of £150 was raised for the Royal British Legion. Thank you all for your support. Remembering…. It is with great regret that we learn of the recent passing of both Ann Blanchard and Dick Woods. Our thoughts and condolences are with their families and friends. They will be sadly missed. Village Hall AGM The AGM for the Village Hall Committee was held, via Zoom, on 9 November. Sue Cook, Sue Holloway & Ben Fennell were respectively re-elected as Chair, Treasurer & Secretary and the standing committee was re-elected in its entirety. Christmas Celebrations – Sunday 20 December Christmas Celebrations will take place in the village on Sunday 20 December! Details of all the fun-filled activities and competitions are yet to be finalised, but put this date in your diary and watch your emails and letter boxes for further information. The elves are busy getting everything ready as we speak! Village Archive The Village Hall Committee is keen to launch a project to create a Village Archive for both Braceborough & Wilsthorpe. There is a rich history in both these village communities and it is felt that we should seek to preserve and be able to share any stories, photographs, records etc. which relate to our local heritage. If you have any relevant material, or memories, no matter what form they might be in, please consider sharing them with us. Please contact Sue Cook, or any Committee Member if you would like to contribute - either with material, or an offer to help. ‘Local’ Christmas Cards Sue King & Jennifer Gralka will, once again, receive any charitable donations this year from folk choosing not to send Christmas Cards to local friends and neighbours. This year all donations will go to the Royal British Legion. Thank you, in anticipation of your support.

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Tallington Village Hall The Oil Tank Company Open all year off the A1157 MAIN ROAD between West Deeping and Tallington Mondays 9.30am – 10.30am Two well stocked coarse fishing lakes We install the latest, efficient and Carp, Roach, Tench, Bream, Rudd, Chub, Crucians. Classes are £8, please bring a mat. We £8 per day, £6 concessions are a friendly group; a mixture of men environmentally safe PLASTIC Tanks for (Lower Winter Rates. 10% Discount Service Personnel) & women, abilities and ages, all are Domestic, Industrial and Commercial use. Parking behind most pegs welcome even if you haven’t tried Want to hold a fishing match here? Call Andy on 07801 090458 Pilates before. Come to improve your New Tanks Installed. fitness, increase core strength & muscle Old Tanks Removed. BRANCASTER tone. I have over 10 years Pilates teaching experience, trained to the Oil Transferred. Curlew Cottage highest standard in the UK. 2 bedroom holiday cottage. Emergency pump out service. Off road parking and small secure Contact Louise on 07827 665916 or Single and Double skinned tanks available garden. 15 minutes walk to the beach email [email protected] for and 5 minutes to The Ship Hotel. more information. Free site visits and estimates.

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Greatford continued:

Bellringing all practices are cancelled until further notice because of the self-isolation COVID 19 virus, in guidelines from Lincoln Guild. Not sure about the May 8th VE ringing now I planned to do the same as we did in November 2018 for WW1, watch Towers and Spires May just in case we are ok. There will be an attempted full peal of the bells on Monday morning July 27th. Hopefully!

Greatford Village Hall ([email protected]) We are pleased to inform villagers that the “toilet refurbishment project” for which so many of you have given generously at various events has been given the go-ahead and we hope it will be completed in the not too distant future.

Greatford’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE day was to take place on Friday 8th May. But, because of the coronavirus threat and self-isolation rules, this sadly will have to be cancelled. It may take place at another time later in the year! Apologies, we were all looking forward to it.

Coronavirus Even though our villagers have always silently looked after their neighbours, we should be extra vigilant for those who need help or support during a “self-

MANOR FARM PRE-SCHOOL isolation” period, by making sure that any vulnerable people are safe and catered for in the way of shopping, prescriptions and chores etc. If you are in need of help in any way I n B a r h o l m please don’t hesitate to let someone know. Make sure you have a list of telephone Offers children a happy, caring and stimulating learning environment, in a lovely rural setting. Housed in converted barns numbers you can phone. There are many who are willing to help. We suggest everyone on a working farm, with a Large walled garden for lots of fun. lets their neighbours know they will be available if and when needed. Just pick up the

phone. Wishing you all keep safe and well. For children aged from 2yrs. See our ‘OUTSTANDING’ Ofsted Report! (Feb 2011) Do come and visit us! An Ofsted Awarded Flying the Flag: Mark any special event by having the Union Flag or St George’s Flag 'Outstanding Pre-School' flown at the Village Hall (to Village Hall Funds) or outside the Church (in aid of Church Mrs A Flint Ad. Dip Ed Funds). Please contact Cyril Webb on 560437 www.manorfarmpreschool.co.uk Tel: 01778 560887

Litter bins. In windy weather would everyone please make sure their bin is not

overloaded as the lid needs to be tightly closed because during heavy winds they are being blown open, rubbish coming out and being strewn across the roads. BARRY BAKER

VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPAIRS STOWE ROAD Mobile Library . Visits are on Mondays near the phone box from 12.00 and 12.45. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME The next visits are on Monday 20th April, and May 18th. Please GREATFORD STAMFORD PE9 4PS support this or the service will be lost

Low Bake Spray Booth Parish Council. The next meeting will be the APCM on a Tuesday in May (not yet booked Tel: 01778 560404 Body Jigging Facilities at the time of going to print) in the village hall from 7.00.pm This, of course, may have to Fax: 01778 560777 Computerised Wheel Alignment be postponed because of the coronavirus too! Clerk: Lois Webb Courtesy Cars Available

Braceborough continued. Local Contacts if you need help Our 3 key contacts should you need assistance such as with shopping, collection of medication, or just a chat are: Sue Cook on 01778 560636 [email protected] Susannah Holloway on 07801 724894 [email protected] Keith Wright on 01778 560258 [email protected] We have some 20 volunteers available to provide support for you should you need it. Fly The Flag It costs just £5 to fly the flag to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any other memorable or special event. Please contact Sue on 560636. GREATFORD HC services in Greatford at 9.00 am. We are awaiting confirmation about when we may resume our Holy Communion Services. In accordance with Covid Rules the Church regrettably had to be kept locked for November, with the Remembrance Service being held outside in all parishes. Should you wish to go in to pray, or visit, please contact Lois Webb 01778 560437. Should anyone wish to follow our services on line please contact Lois for zoom information details. We thank Fr Aran and Carole Martin for all their work in making our services possible. Especially our Remembrance Service in the Churchyard. Church cleaning and flowers are presently done by a team of PCC volunteers. Should you wish to volunteer, we would welcome you! The more we have the less onerous it is! Please contact Bridget Everitt. 01778 560473 Christmas Service. As yet we do not have any idea what if any service we can do at this time, but will keep the village informed as and when known. Food Bank. We had an excellent response for our Harvest Food Bank, and now we are asking for donations as a village for Christmas themed food bank. Please drop off your contributions at Lois’ (1 Bridge Cottages, opposite the Hare and Hounds) anytime before and up to Sunday 13th December 4pm And at the Village Hall on Sunday 13th from …10-11.30 and 15.30-17.00, assuming we are back in Tier One of course!! Items required: Tinned salmon, Tinned ham. Small jars coffee. Jars of jam. Savoury crackers. Christmas cakes,Christmas pudding. Boxes of biscuits and any christmassy little gift perhaps (eg soaps/ bath gels, chocolates = stocking fillers?) Church pews There are a small number of church pews which are now out of commission due to the refurbishments. They are available to villagres who would cherish them in their home on a long-term loan basis. If you would be interested, please contact Chris GW, Nigel, Bridget or Lois. Meet your Neighbours Sadly we are still unable to start this up again because of the Covid lockdown rules. We were hoping to meet our new families in the village and properly welcome them! Hopefully in 2021 ! WI meetings are now done by zoom. If interested please contact Bridge Everitt. 01778 560473 Greatford continued. Parish Council The next PC meeting is on Tuesday 17th November. The Agenda and meeting joining details are on the noticeboard and are also available from Helen [email protected]. A paper copy of the agenda can be given to you; just ask Helen (clerk) on 01778561075 or call in at The Old School. Items include meeting the Welland Rivers Trust Community Officer, discussing the gravel planning application, weight-limits through the village and the potential for a summer play scheme for children. Everyone is warmly welcome to join the meeting. The following meeting is scheduled for 26th January 2021. If you are not yet on the emailing list for PC matters and would like to be, please let Helen know your details. Village website All village websites in Lincolnshire are now unsupported and so uploading documents is not achievable. The new websites go live on 1/1/21 and so normal service should resume then! If anyone wishes to see Minutes etc, please contact Helen. Greatford Village Hall News We are hoping that you have already signed up to take part in the fun competitions we have organised instead of our normal Christmas Fayre, aimed at raising money for the Village Hall Fund and a Christmas Charity. If you haven’t, please contact Greatford [email protected], or call Margaret on 560147 or Alison on 561040! The Santa Hunt will open on 5th December, windows and snow globes should be ready by Sunday 13th December for judging, and any donations of bottles for the raffle should come to Margaret or Alison before 13th. These plans could of course change as we come out of this lockdown, so look out for emails and notices on the village boards and in the telephone box! Alison still has some surplus original Christmas cards at £1.50 each (all profits to the funds above), so call her or email if you would like any. At the time of writing we are thinking positively about Christmas and wish everyone the best time they can manage, despite the circumstances! Greatford Village Hall Committee Mobile Library There will be no library in December. Sorry. Flag Flying: please contact Cyril Webb 01778 560437 (or email : [email protected])

Bumble Bee Barn Self-Catering Holiday Let. A high quality stone built barn conversion with lots of character. Set in the idyllic village of Greatford nr Stamford Available for bookings. Contact us by Telephone : 07762304762 Or Email: [email protected] www.bbeeholidaylet.co.uk The Santa Hunt will open on 5th December, windows and snow globes should be ready by Sunday 13th December for judging, and any donations of bottles for the raffle should come to Margaret or Alison before 13th. These plans could of course change as we come out of this lockdown, so look out for emails and notices on the village boards and in the telephone box! Alison still has some surplus original Christmas cards at £1.50 each (all profits to the funds above), so call her or email if you would like any. At the time of writing we are thinking positively about Christmas and wish everyone the best time they can manage, despite the circumstances! Greatford Village Hall Committee

Mobile Library There will be no library in December. Sorry. Flag Flying : please contact Cyril Webb 01778 560437 (or email : [email protected]) SIGN UP FOR THE GREATFORD VILLAGE HALL

CHRISTMAS CHARITY EVENT Despite the latest lockdown, let’s ensure the Village Christmas event gives everyone some fun as well as supporting the Village Hall Fund and a Christmas Charity. £5 for 1 or 2 person households, or £10 for 3+ households or to include your wider family will enable you to

 to have 2 or 4 tickets for the bottle raffle  take part in the Santa Hunt around the village  take part in the Christmas window challenge  enter your own snow globe in a competition

Email [email protected] or call Margaret on 560147 or Alison on 561040 to pay your entrance fee and/or donate a bottle

and get more details

Competitions will open on 5th December and culminate (we hope!) on 13th December withvoting, judging and the bottle raffle in the Village Hall between 15.30 and 17.00 GREATFORD VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE

If you want to contribute further to the Greatford Village Hall Christmas Charity Event, please order some original Christmas cards designed by Alison Horton. They cost £1.50 each, and ALL profits will go to the VH and Christmas charity. You can see them in the Noticeboard outside the Village Hall and in the Telephone Box. You can order them by contacting Alison on 561040 or [email protected] before 22nd November C(colouredhr ibaubles,stm reda baubles,s C robin,ar mountains,ds 2020 snow scene) Choose from our stock designs or supply us with a photo, drawing or image and we will produce your unique Christmas cards. Your company, or personal, details will be printed inside.

01778 560261 A6 Cards A5 Cards G R AY T O N E S Unit 17 King St. Industrial Estate, 25 £30.00 + VAT 25 £35.00 + VAT 50 £40.00 + VAT 50 £45.00 + VAT [email protected] 100 £50.00 + VAT 100 £65.00 + VAT 150 £60.00 + VAT 150 £85.00 + VAT P R I N TE R S www.graytonesprinters.co.uk All cards come supplied with envelopes

BEGINNERS YOGA CLASSES Nourish Small group classes set in a beautiful private studio in Greatford. Absolutely no experience required, nor is a level of fitness or body “bendiness” needed! All equipment is provided.

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Uffington NEWS FROM UFFINGTON VILLAGE HALL Season’s Greetings to you all from the UVH Committee and our very best wishes for happy and healthy 2021 when we hope to welcome you safely back to the village hall for some fun social events. We are excited to announce that the sketch of Uffington by Stamford Artist Karen Neale has now been completed and details of how you can buy a copy are on a flyer-please look out for it. This delightful and unique piece of art encompasses the highlights of our lovely village. Thank you again to Cllr Rosemary Trollope-Bellew for helping to fund this initiative via her Ward Member Grant Scheme. A preview will go on FB Uffington Village Lincolnshire and our website Uffington.org. Please email Vanessa Kimberley on hallbookings@uffington.org or phone 01780 239463 to make arrangements to preview or order your copy. Our sincere thanks to everyone who has already renewed their membership of the 175 Club for 2021. A whole year for just £12 is a vital but simple and fun way to support the village hall and make up for its loss of revenue from bookings. Thank you to Neil Jones and Susan Genever-Jones for doing the admin on this club. For details contact Neil:neiljones37@ outlook.com The bumper draw will be held in mid-December. Thank you also to those villagers who have bought tickets for the SK Lottery @£52 a year, 50% goes straight to UVH. The top weekly prize is £25K and yes multiple prizes have been won in Uffington (But alas not the jackpot- so far!) Contact: Nick Kimberley: [email protected] / 01780 239463. For your Comfort and Joy in December, Uffington is going star crazy. This year’s Christmas activities include: Uffington School On-Line Auction 4th- 8th. To donate prizes or bid at this virtual Christmas Fayre contact:[email protected] or 07496953881 Village Hall- add a star on the outdoor Christmas Tree from 1st December. Star Walk- you are invited to put a star in your window or garden to add a bit of sparkle to a walk around the village. There will be big stars on the Church and Rectory to herald this festive season. It is hoped to do some carol singing (if permitted), please check FB and village notice boards, where details of the Christmas Collection for Stamford Foodbank and what’s on at The Bertie Arms can also be found. HAIL AND FAREWELL. May I, through the pages of “Towers and Spires”, express my grateful thanks to the kind people who organised a farewell tea party for me at the Bertie Arms on 21 October. It was a lovely occasion and, despite the Covid safety measures, a number of people attended to thank me for organising and conducting the last thirteen Christmas carol choirs at Uffington Church. We had a very happy time, with a delightful afternoon tea being served in the marquee. Michael Crow said a few words on behalf of the choir and then – to my complete surprise – presented me with some extremely generous gifts. To say that I was overwhelmed is an understatement! Linda and I will very shortly be moving to the North Norfolk coast and we shall take away with us only the very happiest memories of Uffington Christmas carol services. Tim Hurst-Brown.

NEIL PARMENTER

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[email protected]

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OF ATTORNEY Conservatories - New Windows 01778 342658 or 07711812881 For a sympathetic and Electrics – New Doors – Plastering professional service call New Kitchen – New Heating HIGH QUALITY–FRIENDLY SERVICE New Bathroom – New Boiler Tiling – Flooring – New Fireplace Verticals from 3 for £210* 01780 723400 – Extensions - Decorating OUR EVERYDAY PRICES ARE USUALLY New Fascias/Soffits etc BETTER THAN THE 50% OFF SALE PRICES OF  Free home visits - saving you time & Or any combination of the above. money NATIONALY ADVERTISED COMPANIES  Legally qualified advisor - retired Complete refurbishments ROLLERS, VENETIANS & VERTICALS for re-sale or letting solicitor ROMANS, PLEATS, PERFECT FIT, etc  Competitive fixed fees & no VAT - Don’t know who to turn to first? GREAT DEALS AVAILABLE ON save 20% in tax Let me manage it all for you,  Regulated & Insured - for your under one package. WOOD VENETIANS peace of mind Quotations for all specifications Much work gained via recommendations  No risk - no obligation initial visit & and budgets available ALL Quotes incl. Fitting + Guarantee no pushy salesmen Over Ten Years’ experience and NO HARD SELL – That’s a PROMISE Give us a call and see what you think Tim Dyer LINCOLNSHIRE WILL COMPANY 01778 219242 or 07534 943726 *Selected fabrics –Offers may change without notice

[email protected] Happy to support Towers and Spires

COOMBE FARM BOARDING KENNELS MATTHEW MILLS Wilsthorpe near Greatford Established family business for over 40 years Open all year. REGISTEREDDogs walked twice PLUMBER daily. Large,24 HOURinsulated, SERVICE heated kennels. Fully licensed. Inspection welcomed. For Details please telephone NO JOB TO SMALL Lawrence Knipe on TEL:01778 560574 01778 or 07531 347308 304616

www.coombefarmkennels.co.uk

INCLUSIVE CHILDMINDER (OFSTED Registered)

Full or Part-time care offered at Tallington All your child care requirements met in a safe and friendly home environment. Call Anita on 01780-749373

New Pilates class at

the Please ring for details 07749221746 or www.stamfordpilates.co.uk email [email protected] Oil Tank Company Ltd Tel (01780) 782255

NEIL PARMENTER

CONTRACTORS

Langtoft Lincs

All aspects of building from extensions to driveways / drainage / digger & dumper hire/ Septic Tank Fitting & Repairs

Builder / Groundworker / Landscaper

Tel: 07718665206 [email protected]

T.J.Dyer 4mostBLINDS WILLSLASTING & POWERS POWERS OF ATTORNEY QUALITY FABRICS @ AFFORDABLE PRICES Domestic Project Manager A sudden or unexpected event like the Coronavirus may have brought the need to have a Will and or a LastingOF Power ATTORNEY of Attorney in place to greater Conservatories - New Windows 01778 342658 or 07711812881 Forprominence a sympathetic in your mind. and Electrics – New Doors – Plastering I am a professionalretired solicitor and offerservice a professional call and New Kitchen – New Heating HIGH QUALITY–FRIENDLY SERVICE sympathetic service as I extend my full support at New Bathroom – New Boiler this difficult and challenging time. Tiling – Flooring – New Fireplace Verticals from 3 for £210* 01780 723400 – Extensions - Decorating Social distancing rules observed 3 OUR EVERYDAY PRICES ARE USUALLY New Fascias/Soffits etc Regulated and insured 3 Fixed fees 3 BETTER THAN THE 50% OFF SALE PRICES OF  Free home visits - saving you time & Or any combination of the above. moneyNo VAT 3 Video conferencing available 3 NATIONALY ADVERTISED COMPANIES  Free Legally no obligation qualified initial advisor consultation - retired 3 Complete refurbishments ROLLERS, VENETIANS & VERTICALS solicitor for re-sale or letting ROMANS, PLEATS, PERFECT FIT, etc Since 2011 over 99.3% of my clients have said  theyCompetitive would recommend fixed fees my services. & no VAT - Don’t know who to turn to first? GREAT DEALS AVAILABLE ON save 20% in tax Let me manage it all for you,  So, Regulated take that first & step Insured and contact - for me your to see if I can help. under one package. WOOD VENETIANS peace of mind Quotations for all specifications  Much work gained via recommendations No riskTel - no01780 obligation 723400 initial visit & and budgets available ALL Quotes incl. Fitting + Guarantee no pushy salesmen Over Ten Years’ experience and NO HARD SELL – That’s a PROMISE Lincolnshire Will Company Give us a call and see what you think Tim Dyer LINCOLNSHIREwww.lincolnshirewillcompany.com WILL COMPANY 01778 219242 or 07534 943726 *Selected fabrics –Offers may change without notice [email protected] Happy to support Towers and Spires

Uffington CE Primary School, School Lane, Uffington, Stamford, PE9 4SU

An Outstanding Church School (SIAMS 2018)

ADMISSIONS 2021

We are now taking COVID-secure bookings for school visits for prospective parents from Thursday 3rd December.

Come and see for yourself what Uffington School has to offer:

Caring, family atmosphere High academic standards Strong reputation for school sport Wide range of extra-curricular activities and visits

For further information, please contact Sarah on (01780) 756236

www.uffingtonprimary.co.uk

‘There is an exceptionally strong focus on promoting pupils’ personal development and positive mental health.’ OFSTED February 2020

Uffington continued. Stamford Foodbank - Christmas Collection We are organising a collection for donations to the Stamford Foodbank, wanting to support families particularly at Christmastime. As well as the usual necessities, the Foodbank work especially hard at Christmas to spread some Christmas cheer by putting together special hampers which include treats like crackers, chocolate biscuits, tinned ham, tinned fruit, Christmas puddings, special toiletries etc. Please see the list below for ideas* The collection point is Uffington Church porch, where you will find a large box for any donations you are able to make. If you would like to make a donation but are unable to get to church then please do give me a call and I will happily come and collect from you. The closing date for the collection is Saturday 12th December. Thank you very much for your support! Les Baillie 01780 765908 Shopping list… eg… Christmas crackers, cakes, chocolate logs, Christmas puddings, brandy sauce, tinned salmon, large tinned ham, tinned fruit, special toiletries or gift packs… * Please note that everything needs to have a sell by date of January or later.

WEST DEEPING St. Andrew’s Church The Church continues to be open daily for private prayer from 9am until dusk. Please scan the QR code on the outer door, if possible, for Covid-19 traceability purposes and observe all prevailing government rules. The porch is always open for sharing books, DVDs and jigsaws etc. and to receive donations for The Deepings Food Bank. An All Age Service was held via Zoom on 1st November at 11am. The next one via Zoom will be on Advent Sunday, 29th November at 11am. Due to the current uncertainty any plans for services during December will be publicised during the month. An Act of Remembrance was held in the churchyard at 12.30 on Sunday 8th November, led by Canon David McCormack and attended by 16 people. West Deeping remembers 1919, a book written by Maggie Ashcroft was published in October – in good time for Remembrance Sunday. It commemorates 60 men of West Deeping who served in the First World War – but it is not just a Roll of Honour. It would make an ideal Christmas present for anyone interested in the general history of the village. The book has a cast of over 200 characters! Several of them are connected with other villages in this group of parishes – like farmer John Teesdale, teacher Florrie Genever or Ellis and Everard foreman Albert Goodliffe. There’s a village trail too - of over 60 houses and other buildings that were here 100 years ago, including the “new” council houses built in 1921. West Deeping remembers 1919 is on sale at Deepings Community Library or direct from the author, at £18.50. Email [email protected] or phone 01778 344768. Poppy Sales for Remembrance Sunday have been organized in West Deeping by Brian Marsden for many years, with door to door calling and attending a Village Hall coffee morning. These were a casualty of Covid, but Brian made £47 from poppy sales from his house. He then gave the collection box and poppies to Elizabeth to take to Barholm church West Deeping continued. and she got over £100 in sales there. A further sum of £97 for The Royal British Legion was obtained at the Remembrance Service held in St Andrew’s churchyard on Sunday 8th November. Travelling Crib. Another casualty of Covid, it is planned to display a crib in the church, for which residents of the village, of any age, are invited to make figures of the characters and animals. They should be of similar dimensions to the existing ones in the travelling crib; no taller than 20cm. Alongside it there will be a Christmas tree. It is intended that it will be decorated with angels. More details will be put on the West Deeping Facebook page by Ruth Bowman. Please get creative, making angels, crib characters and animals so these two features are spectacular and help spread the message of love, peace and hope this Christmas. Bible Studies The series of Bible studies for Advent began via Zoom on 3rd November followed by 17th November. The remaining two will be on 1st and 15th December. The Zoom link is valid for both sessions and is circulated on the Uffington Group weekly prayer sheet and is available via email from Susanna Aldred, Roger de Toney or Allan Crowson. All are welcome! Ask Susanna Aldred (01778 380140) for the link. West Deeping Walkers We had a good walk on 1 November just before lockdown. It was about 6 miles - longer than usual, taking in Bainton, Ashton, the outskirts of Helpston and home again. If lockdown finishes in early December walk dates would be 13th and 27th meeting at the village Hall 1.45pm. Annie says ‘After the last lockdown we had bumper turnout of walkers so let’s hope for the future.’ She has distributed a document for Winter 2020-Spring 2021 dates looking for leaders to organise a walk. If you would like to be on her email list contact [email protected] The Village Hall We had to close the Village Hall on November 4th in anticipation of the nationwide lockdown that commenced November 5th. We hope to reopen on December 2nd particularly for our Mothers & Babies group (Messy Play) run by Ali. Other activities may remain restricted depending on the provisions put in place after December 2nd. We will keep users informed of developments especially with Christmas/New Year activities in mind. Enquiries to Anna Thompson(01778 701095/[email protected]). Rambling Readers (book club) At the September meeting two excellent books were supplied by Lincolnshire Libraries - The Hoarder by Jess Kidd and The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. It was agreed that in the event of a further lockdown the next meeting to discuss them would be by Zoom on the last Thursday of the month, ie 26th November, 2.30pm Roger and Joy de Tony agreed to host it. (Eliz 01778 344674). Nature Notes. Volunteers from the village completed raking the area meadow area in the Henry Tinsley Field in early November. A cowslip flowering out of season was observed. The yew trees in the cemetery have been beautifully clipped by Garry’s Gardens. JS December issue 15th November. 2012. Email [email protected] WILSTHORPE Before the second lockdown of 4 weeks was announced on the 4th November, the next Holy Communion service at St Faith’s had been arranged for Sunday 6th December at 9am. The lockdown is due to end on the 2nd December but at the time of sending this report, we have not been advised if this service will go ahead. Therefore an update will be sent to as many people as possible when we have received further instructions about this service and of course Christmas!!! If the service is on the 6th December, all restrictions will apply as for the service in October, which was very well attended, so we do hope you will join us again. Weare limited to approximately 25 people, taking into account some are in family groups or ‘bubbles’, as we keep everyone safe with social distancing and please note face coverings are now mandatory. Please contact either Susan ([email protected] or 560720) or Peter (560491) or Carole Martin [email protected] (07484 201413) Remembrance Sunday 8th November There was a short outdoor service in the churchyard at St Faith’s, led by Fr Aran, for prayers to commemorate the Fallen. This service was very well attended and very moving. A collection was taken for the Stamford Branch of the Royal British Legion. St Faith’s is now open on a Monday and Friday 10am to 4pm for private prayers, book and jigsaws. Please leave contact details or use the QC barcode if you have downloaded the NHS App. Please use the Sanitiser on entry and leaving. BT Telephone Box This has now been adopted by the Parish Council, for which we thank them. BT has now removed the telephone and it will be repainted in the spring. The Defibrillator has now been moved from the church to the phone box. If you have any queries please contact James Shorrock, The Orchard, Wilsthorpe. The newspapers will continue to be delivered to the phone box. Raffle A huge thank you to Marilyn for arranging and selling raffle tickets to raise money towards the cost of the electrical work and heating recently carried out in St Faith’s. To date nearly £400 has been raised, so thank you Wilsthorpe, your families and friends for being so generous. The draw will take place on the 12th December and winners notified on that day. The first prize is a basket of goodies, followed by several other prizes, generously donated. Please refer to emails which have been freely distributed to regular worshipers & others in order to access service orders and ways of either joining online services or praying at home. If in doubt please contact Father Aran, whose contact details are shown in the Towers & Spires. St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Uffington and St Andrew’s Church, West Deeping are now open at certain times for private prayer. Please see the Towers & Spires magazine and the notice on St Faith’s church notice board for details. We hope that everyone is managing as well as possible and receiving the village updates and news. If any villager, who is not included in the Neighbourhood Watch and village news emails, village news emails, please contact Susan; [email protected] or telephone 01778 560720

For brochure or informal visit please contact Mrs Julia Fountain Tel: 01778 344478 Mobile: 07974 939120 Tel: (01778) 560649 or 560831

Need help with your chores? The Deepings Flower Club

Welcomes New Members & Visitors  Cleaning DG We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the months  Dusting Diane Green March to November at the  Ironing Cleaning Services Priory Church Hall, Deeping St James  Hoovering 7pm for 7.30pm Providing professional tree T: 01778 344478 Raffle of all the Arrangements. Weekly – Fortnightly services since 2003. or one off Spring Clean. M: 07734 319738 Visitors £6 References available [email protected] Enquiries: Sue Lee 01778 560362 NPTC QUALIFIED FULLY INSURED TOWERS & SPIRES VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES -Tree Surgery ADMINISTRATION Barholm with Stow - Mrs C Baldwin. Tel: 01778 560586 -Tree Removals and Reductions CLERGY: -Hedge Cutting Father Aran Beesley Braceborough - Mrs F Grindey, Tel Tel: 01778 560570 -Stump Removals E-mail : 07590 055905 Greatford – Mrs Lois Webb Call our office on 01780 784 055 : [email protected] Tel: 01778 560437 EDITORIAL SECRETARY Email: [email protected] to arrange your free quote. Mrs Gail Genever, www.willow-tree-services.co.uk Uffington Tel: 01780 765005 Tallington - Mrs L Pollock [email protected] Tel 01780 740445 th [email protected] Please note that all copy must reach Gail by the 16 of the month to be included in the next month’s B e n F r e e m a n Uffington – Mrs Gail Genever, issue Please e-mail your copy (in MS Word) to Your Local Supplier of Topsoil, Turf, Hardcore . Tel: 01780 765005 [email protected] & Aggregates from 1 to 20 tonne. [email protected]

St Faith’s

St Andrew’s St Michael WILSTHORPE & All Angels

St Lawrence’s

WEST DEEPING UFFINGTON

St Martin’s St Thomas’

TALLINGTON

St Margaret’s

BARHOLM GREATFORD

Manor Farm Storage Tel: 07736 958755

[email protected] www.manorfarmstorage.com BRACEBOROUGH

Family run, farm based containerised storage facility within easy access of both Stamford and Bourne. Towers & Spires

We offer you storage solutions in brand new 20ft containers all of which have been treated with a Grafo-Therm coating for

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For more information contact Sue on 07736958755 APRIL 2020