Bolingbroke Deanery

DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE 534

Faithful, Confident, Joyful

Our calling from God is to work together across the Bolingbroke Team to reconnect dispersed communities with the transforming love of Jesus through our FELLOWSHIP, INCLUSIVENESS & SERVICE

Our Vision We aim to have more visible links between people of faith and our local communities by working together in a ministry of encouragement across boundaries 50p

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READINGS AT THE EUCHARIST

Principal Service

Sunday 6th December 2nd Sunday of Advent (Purple) First Reading Isaiah 40.1-11 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 85.1-2, 8-13 [or 85.8-end] Second Reading 2 Peter 3.8-15a Gospel Mark 1.1-8

Sunday 13th December 3rd Sunday of Advent (Purple) First Reading Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-end Psalm/Canticle Psalm 126 or Canticle: Magnificat Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24 Gospel John 1.6-8, 19-28

Sunday 20th December 4th Sunday of Advent (Purple) First Reading 2 Samuel 7.1-11, 16 Psalm/Canticle Canticle: Magnificat or Psalm 89.1-4, 19-26 [or 89.1-8] Second Reading Romans 16.25-end Gospel Luke 1.26-38

Sunday 27th December John, Apostle and Evangelist (White) Christmas 1 First Reading Exodus 33.7-11a Psalm/Canticle Psalm 117 Second Reading 1 John 1 Gospel John 21.19b-end

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Every Blessing this Christmas

There is a great deal of talk as I write this piece as to whether or not people will be allowed to Celebrate Christmas. Can I say here and now YES WE CAN. However, it is very important that we get the way we celebrate right. I know the debate is about how we can get together, as families, friends and communities. Do we need a large turkey? Will I see my grandchild? How will our expectations be disappointed? Yet at the heart of Christmas the message is not really about how people can come together (however good that is) to see the Christ Child. Be that shepherds, wisemen, Choirs, worshippers, carol singers, families; rather it is to celebrate the fact that God comes to us where we are. He comes not as we expect or plan but in the most surprising ways.

This Christmas can we make him welcome wherever we are and delight in the fact that our Lord Jesus is with us now? If we are on our own, or with family, or at work we can (and must) celebrate the God who is with us.

Maybe this is an important lesson to learn because I know I and many others also believe that it is really important that we come together to worship, Sunday by Sunday, for the Festivals and at other times as too.

This year I am really conflicted. I would love to have all our Churches open for Public Worship, to have all the amazing services we have at this time of the year, school nativity plays, carol services/singing, midnight Mass, the Bethlehem Service and Christingle as we normally do. Yet even if the ban on Public Worship is lifted for December is it really right to encourage people to come together at this point in the campaign against Coronavirus? It would seem really important that with the light at the end of the tunnel, which the three vaccines begin to make possible, we remain careful over this special time of the year. I know many people have decided that they will stay at home and worship there. That is good and caring. Others feel that in small numbers with great care it is important to meet together for worship. That is also good and caring.

We wait for the decision on public worship but as a team we decided to leave the Sunday Services as they are recognising that they might not happen. However, we will not push the special services if they are allowed with exception of those on line and the ones we hold in other ways. 3

If you would like to keep up to date with developments then copies of our Weekly Newssheet can be collected from St James and are published on our Website http://lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/spilsby/index.php If you are not on our emailing list for the Newssheet and would like to be send me an email and you will be.

Blessings

Fr Peter

STOP PRESS: Bishop welcomes announcement on resumption of public worship 23/11/2020

The Bishop of , Sarah Mullally, has welcomed the publication of the Government's Covid-19 Winter Plan, detailing that places of worship will be permitted to reopen for public worship from 2nd December. Bishop Sarah, who Chairs the Church of 's Recovery Group, said: "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.

Bolingbroke Churches on line:

We will continue to publish a short video on YouTube and linked to our website.

Our Web Site http://lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/spilsby/index.php Back copies can also be seen on our YouTube Account - Bolingbroke Team Churches https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqTDWzvL2jxeB6ESF- aP9Nw?view_as=subscriber

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FACE COVERINGS IN CHURCH

Face coverings must be worn by all those attending a place of worship, including ministers, worshippers, staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors. Social distancing and hand sanitising/hand washing must still take place.

We wish all our readers and advertisers a very happy and blessed Christmas.

It may be a different Christmas this year but let’s hope we can make it a joyful difference

Bolingbroke Grape Vine

Please can all articles be with the Editor by the 14th of the month. Anything received after this date cannot be guaranteed space.

They can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to The Grape Vine, The Vicarage, Church Street, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 5EF

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SERVICES ACROSS MARDEN HILL CLUSTER

East Keal, , , , , , , Lusby, Old Bolingbroke, , Toynton St. Peter,

DECEMBER 2020 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

6th December 2nd Sunday of Advent Holy Communion 9.30am

13th December 3rd Sunday of Advent East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am Hagworthingham Holy Communion 11.15am East Kirkby Holy Communion 3.00pm Old Bolingbroke Service of the Word 3.00pm

20th December 4th Sunday of Advent East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am

27th December John, Apostle and Evangelist Christmas 1 East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am

Services listed are dependent on Government restrictions. If you wish to check before turning up please contact the Deanery Office – 01790 752526.

St Helen, East Keal Open daily for Private Prayer - 10.00am – 3.00pm

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SERVICES ACROSS SPILSBY CLUSTER

St James Spilsby, St Mary , Holy Trinity Raithby, All Saints , and the three St Andrew’s: , &

DECEMBER 2020 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

6th December 2nd Sunday of Advent Hundleby Morning Prayer 9.30am Spilsby Informal Service 10.00am Great Steeping Holy Communion 3.00pm

13th December 3rd Sunday of Advent Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am

20th December 4th Sunday of Advent Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am Hundleby Holy Communion 11.15am Firsby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

27th December John, Apostle and Evangelist Christmas 1 Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am

Services listed are dependent on Government restrictions. If you wish to check before turning up please contact the

Deanery Office – 01790 752526.

Eucharist at St James, Spilsby - Every Wednesday 10.30am

St James, Spilsby Open daily for Private Prayer - 8am – 12 noon

St Mary, Hundleby Open daily for Private Prayer - 10.00am to 2.00pm

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SERVICES ACROSS STICKNEY CLUSTER

Eastville, Midville, , , Stickney

DECEMBER 2020 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

6th December 2nd Sunday of Advent Stickney Morning Worship 11.15am

13th December 3rd Sunday of Advent Stickford Morning Worship 11.15am

20th December 4th Sunday of Advent Stickney Morning Worship 11.15am Stickney Carols by Candlelight 4.00pm

27th December John, Apostle and Evangelist Christmas 1 New Leake Morning Worship 11.15am

Services listed are dependent on Government restrictions. If you wish to check before turning up please contact

Rev’d Fran Jeffries – 01205 481183

St Luke Stickney Open Thursdays for Private Prayer - 10.00am – 11.00am  St Helen Stickford Open Thursdays for Private Prayer - 10.00am to 11.30am  St Jude, New Leake Open Tuesdays for Prayer & Bible Study - 2.00pm

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SERVICES ACROSS CLUSTER

Ashby by Partney, , , Dalby, Langton w , Partney, , ,

DECEMBER 2020 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

6th December 2nd Sunday of Advent Partney Holy Communion 11.15am Scremby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

13th December 3rd Sunday of Advent Candlesby Morning Prayer 9.30am

20th December 4th Sunday of Advent Aswardby Morning Prayer 9.30am Partney Family Service 11.15am

27th December John, Apostle and Evangelist Christmas 1 Sausthorpe Morning Prayer 11.15am Skendleby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

Services listed are dependent on Government restrictions. If you wish to check before turning up please contact

Rev’d Teresa McLaughlin – 01790 752344

St Nicholas, Partney Open Thursdays for Private Prayer 11.30am to 12.30pm

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SERVICES ACROSS GROUP

Bag Enderby, , , , , Harrington, Haugh, , Maidenwell, , , , Somersby, South Ormsby, & .

DECEMBER 2020 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

6th December 2nd Sunday of Advent Tetford Morning Prayer 9.30am

13th December 3rd Sunday of Advent Tetford Holy Communion 9.30am

20th December 4th Sunday of Advent Tetford Morning Prayer 9.30am

27th December John, Apostle and Evangelist Christmas 1 Tetford Holy Communion 9.30am

Services listed are dependent on Government restrictions.

If you wish to check before turning up please contact Rev’d Teresa McLaughlin – 01790 752344

St Mary, Tetford Open Thursdays for Private Prayer - 2.00pm to 3.00pm

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Events in December All subject to National Covid permissions! 1st Rediscovering Prayer by Zoom, 7pm (Rev’d Teresa) 8th Advent Course at New Leake 8th Rediscovering Prayer by Zoom, 7pm (Rev’d Teresa) 15th Advent Course at New Leake 15th Rediscovering Prayer by Zoom, 7pm (Rev’d Teresa) 16th Stickford Christmas Draw 20th Carols by Candlelight at Stickney at 4.00pm 22nd Advent Course at New Leake 22nd Rediscovering Prayer by Zoom, 7pm (Rev’d Teresa) 24th Christingle via Zoom (Contact Fr Peter for an invite) 24th Silent Night at 6pm or 8pm (TBC)* 24th Midnight Mass online 25th Christmas services – 9.30am Eucharist at Spilsby, Hundleby, East Keal and Tetford. 10.00am Celebration of Christmas at Stickney 11.15am Holy Communion at Partney

Please see Notice Sheet/Web site for confirmation of services

*Silent Night is an initiative which may be going County wide, or even National. Just like the Clap for Carers in the summer, people are encouraged to open their doors and sing Silent Night to one another on Christmas Eve. Radio may be playing Silent Night and the timing is dependent on what they are doing (or one of the National stations).

In addition, we are currently writing a Nativity Trail which will be on offer at The Ark in Stickney and will include the animals! If the Ark is able to open, I anticipate that the trail will be available for the 2 weeks leading up to their Christmas closure (and possibly after Christmas)

We are also encouraging people to put Nativity pictures in their windows to create a trail through the village

Advent Study – Light in the Darkness

This Advent, the night sky will offer something special. If you look to the southwestern horizon on a clear evening, soon after sunset, you should see two bright lights: the planets Jupiter and Saturn. Each evening, they will move slightly closer. Just before Christmas, Jupiter will pass in front of Saturn: what astronomers call a ‘Great Conjunction’. On the longest, darkest night of the year, the two will seem to merge into a single light that shines with truly exceptional brightness. 11

Our Advent Course this year aims to help us reflect, at the darkest time of the year, on our calling to be Lights for Christ. We’ll consider what that means and looks like; and how that light may shine more brightly at the close of this year.

The course is designed for the four weeks of the Advent season, but it can be used flexibly. It is for individual or group use – so this course beats any lockdown!

Traditional Advent themes are present, but not the major focus of this course. Its main aim is to help us reflect on our experience during an extraordinary year which is now drawing towards its close. In doing so, we also look forward as we enter a new season and new year. The four parts are based around four words which have been central to many people’s experience during all the upheavals of 2020.

DISTANCE • SAFE • TRUST • NORMAL

We have the course available for anyone who wants it. We can email or post it out to you, or hard copies can be left in the box at the Vicarage in Spilsby. Just get in touch and we will make sure you receive a copy.

Fran’s Bit

As I write this, we are still in lockdown with a couple of weeks to go. Then, who knows? We may come out of lockdown on 2 December, but with the numbers of Covid-19 patients on the rise, it may be some time before we have the freedoms we used to enjoy.

So where does that leave Christmas? Well the good news is that Christmas is most certainly NOT cancelled – but planning for it, when we don’t know what lies ahead even in the next week, is tricky. Christmas will definitely happen, and it will definitely be different!

But different does not mean worthless or meaningless. Somehow, the pared back worship we have been enjoying through the summer has felt more meaningful than normal – reading the words of the hymns as we listen to them played has enabled us to think more deeply about what the words mean, and what truths they are hoping to convey. It has also meant that we can have songs and hymns that are, currently, unknown. After one such song one person remarked ‘The words are brilliant, but I’m glad we didn’t have to sing them.’ And they were correct. Some hymns are best

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left to the professionals – but during lockdown we can experience them freely.

The liturgy is the same – You may have noticed that, in preparing the Sunday Worship for our pew sheets, I have largely steered clear of the standard Common Worship wording. That was a deliberate choice I made – not because I dislike Common Worship (I don’t) but because there is a whole lot of creativity around which we miss if we simply restrict ourselves to what is ‘normal’.

There is, of course, comfort in the ‘normal’. And sometimes we just need to feel comfortable. But not always.

I have a new Advent Calendar (well, it is not quite finished yet, but will be before Advent begins). In each pocket there will not be any chocolates! Instead there will be a card containing an activity to help me focus on the Advent journey to Christmas – and they are all activities which take place outside. Activities like star gazing, standing in a rain shower or creating leaf pictures. All activities designed to take me out of the comfort zone that is my living room and into the world God created – even in winter. My hope, as we approach Christmas, is that we might all learn something new about the Christ-child even though that might take us outside our comfort zones.

So, enjoy doing things differently, and have a wonderfully different Christmas. Fran

REDISCOVERING PRAYER

Advent will soon be upon us, a time of preparation, a time of waiting, And importantly a time of hope. This second Lockdown, should in theory, end on the 2nd December so sadly not in time for Advent Sunday, but that does not stop us from observing advent. Prayer is an important part of life at Advent, not only that, it is in an important part of our Christian Spiritual Life.

Prayer may be something we personally find difficult; it may be that we feel God is too busy to listen to our prayers in a world that has so many crying to him for help. During Advent, Paul and I will be looking at certain aspects of prayer (On Zoom of course) starting on Tuesday 1 December at 7pm. We will consider various issues such as: What is the point of

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prayer? How can I be sure God listens? How do we do it? What types of prayer are there? How can I rekindle or deepen my prayer life?

It will be a chance to share thoughts and ideas with each other or simply to listen and to ponder. I do hope that you will join us, wherever you are in the Deanery. If you are interested in joining-in please let me know then I can send you a link for the meeting. Then all you have to do is make sure you have zoom loaded on your computer/iPad and simply click the link that I will send you.

If you would like to be part of things but are not into computers please do let me know so that we can arrange something with you. Blessings Teresa

The National Church has prepared some exciting material for use through Advent to Christmas and New Year. Much of it will be available online, but printed resources are also available if you want to make use of them. The theme of the material is Comfort and Joy.

Comfort and Joy holds together the hope that Christmas will bring joy and celebration after a uniquely difficult year with an acknowledgement that – for those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods, or who are potentially still not able to be together with loved ones – it may be the Church’s role, both nationally and locally, to provide consolation, rather than assume everyone will be ready to join in jubilation.

This Christmas the Church will need, in the words of St Paul in Romans 12.15, to ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep’. We will aim to celebrate where we can together in one place – but also embrace a wider community that wants to join in the celebration but may not be physically able – or emotionally ready – to do so. We hope that Comfort and Joy will enable us to build a campaign that both enables us to reconnect with the rich and joyous traditions of the past and to offer God’s consoling love in the present.

There will be weekly reflections published on social media and available by email and app for each Sunday of Advent. We have 14

partnered with a number of public figures to produce short reflections exploring the theme. There will be Comfort and Joy: Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas which mirrors the structure of a traditional carol service, exploring both biblical texts and the words of much-loved Christmas carols. There will be daily reflections for each day from Christmas Day to 2 January There will be nine online services throughout Advent and Christmas. This will include an online service for each Sunday of Advent, a Christingle with the Children's Society, nine lessons and carols and midnight services.

The resources, including the services, will also be available on the Daily Hope phone line (0800 804 8044)

Group Registers: Funerals: Spilsby Cluster Elsie Hezzell 83 years Firsby d. 29.09.2020 Sydney Martin Scarborough 96 years Spilsby d. 10.10.2020 Sandra Elizabeth Roberts 81 years Firsby d. 14.10.2020 Marjorie Ely 89 years Spilsby d. 22.10.2020 Edith Joan Abbey 97 years Halton Holegate d. 21.10.2020

Stickney Cluster John James Scott 95 years Stickney d. 09.10.2020 Elsie Elizabeth Shaw 102 years Stickney d. 13.10.2020

Grape Vine Subscriptions

Grape Vine subscriptions will remain at £6.00 for the year – payable to your distributor or PCC treasurer.

Postal subscriptions will be £13.80 for the year – please send a cheque payable to Bolingbroke Deanery with your contact details. If you prefer to pay by BACS please email the editor.

Online copies – we are happy to send you an electronic version. Please send you email address to the Editor at [email protected] 15

Hundleby Remembers

St. Mary’s did manage to put a small reflective exhibition in church this year for remembrance before lockdown, it coincided with our regular Sunday service. The five Tommies represent our five lads who didn’t return home from the First war. Hundleby is still open daily for private prayer for anyone wishing a quiet moment.

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A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. They gave their tomorrows So we can have our today….. Lest we forget Halton Holegate C of E Primary School 2020

Class 2, along with their teacher Miss Markham and Mrs Kirk, walked up to St Andrews church to pay their respects to those men from the village who served and lost their lives during both World Wars. Poppy crosses, with the names of each individual written on them were attached to the porch door. As each one was placed, the name was read out and the children said a respectful ‘Thank you’ to each and every person. The wreath and crosses will be taken into church and displayed along with the newly designed interpretation boards, that have been produced as part of the St Andrews National Lottery

Heritage Funded community projects.

Current Covid restrictions mean that the church celebration event to showcase the work that has been done over the past few months has had to be postponed. A date, yet to be confirmed will be announced in the Spring.

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Rev’d Joan’s Musings

Remember, remember ...... Remembrance Remembering

So many people, so many events to occupy our thoughts at this time of the year. Bonfire night ...... A bit of a damp squib this year and I wonder just how many of those who have enjoyed bonfires and fireworks in the past have known the background of Guy Fawkes and the decisions he made. Remembrance Sunday this year was unlike any previous year and yet with online and outdoor services, the wonders of Zoom and videos, and the telephone, the dead in conflicts past and present have been remembered and honoured. Memorial Services on line have made it possible for those who have died in the past year to be remembered and family and friends to know that they are not forgotten.

Periods of lockdown revive so many memories and for Margaret Cook, Jane Parker and me some of those memories centre around the Family Service which was held at St James on the 1st Sunday of every month. It is 20 years since the Family Service came into being on an Easter Saturday when, in words and music, we told the story of Easter from Good Friday to the resurrection. The 1st Sunday of April 2020 was to have been a celebration of those 20 years. Invitations were sent to those who had been part of the service in the past as well as the present. Hymns had been chosen, a celebration liturgy prepared - and then lockdown. Hopefully we will be able to meet and celebrate at some point next year.

Disappointing as this has been we have some happy memories of those 20 years. There were two families who requested that we provide services for families with young children as well as the usual congregation. We will always be grateful to the late Eric Dennett for his support, encouragement and for printing our service sheets, to Father Peter for his support when he joined us in Spilsby, to David Smith for his support and to John Hobson who printed Pew Sheets and always seemed able to produce quotations appropriate to our theme.

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Jane, Margaret and I have had fun deciding on themes and haver never repeated a theme. We have sung hymns (at least Margaret and I have). Margaret and Jane have concentrated on a slot for the children and have appreciated the involvement of Jane Howsam who has supervised craft work with help from Christine.

Over the years youngsters have acted as acolytes, carried the processional cross, read lessons, written prayers and received the offertory. Each year we celebrate at least one Family Service Eucharist and in 2019 Martha and Rachel agreed to train as servers and carried out this role with dignity.

We should not forget to pay tribute to the congregation at St James who as well as enjoying the occasional breakfast (including bacon baps) , lunch thanks to Jane Howsam and Janet her sister, but have also been enthusiastic in playing an active part in the services especially on the ONE occasion in those 20 years when we had an absence of children. Service sheets and craft work have been displayed in church month by month with themes like Turning over a leaf, Button, All Sorts, Whizz, Bang, Sparkle and many more.

So many young people drift away from church as they become teenagers and we pray that our youngsters will have happy memories of the Family Service and realise that God is a reality and that worshipping Him in community need not be dull but alive with meaning and a positivity which becomes a true faith.

New Leake Prayer Group This is Irene Gale’s testimony from the New Leake Bible Study Group. ‘I have always believed in God. It's perfectly feasible to me that an unprecedented power created our great universe. I don't need proof of this; similarly, I don't need proof that water will flow from a tap when I turn it on. I simply accept it, as I have accepted the presence of God. I pray secretly and often silently in the knowledge that my thoughts and words are heard, and given answers. Sometimes these come in such simple ways that I don't always recognise them instantly. These are not just co-incidences. In happy times I feel the love of God surrounding me and in difficult times I feel his support, knowing that he will never let me suffer more than I can cope with. God is my strength as he pushes me onward through life. I am thankful for his presence and try to listen when I feel guided. I cannot imagine life without the hope God freely offers.’

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Advent

Advent is a time of waiting. Waiting for God's Son to come, Not as babe born in a stable But as Saviour, Lord and God. Coming to the earth in triumph All will bow the knee to Him, As we wait and watch and wonder Let's prepare ourselves for Him.

So we'll go ADVENTURING Journey on to meet our God, There's no need of map or compass, Just travel where His feet have trod. What we need is faith and patience, Trust and kindness, self control, So when He comes, our hearts will know Him, And He'll take us as His own. Rev’d Joan

St Marys Hundleby

If you call in for private prayer after 1st December you will see we have been preparing for Advent.

We wish you all the compliments of the season

Throughout December Hundleby Church remains open daily for private prayer.

Please observe the Covid restrictions in place.

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Halton Holegate 100 Club October winners

E Skinner J Moore D Cammack

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Brushstrokes of Joy Lucy Mills

It was often unexpected: the places his feet wandered, those whom he came to save, those he hung out with, those who got to witness the wonders up close. The shepherds were sitting there, idly watching the sheep, shuffling, exchanging the odd risqué joke, swearing at the weather (possibly? I wasn’t there). Then mayhem erupted in the sky, her darkness broken by shining angels, singing about peace on earth. They were announcing the impact of incarnation. God made flesh. Immanuel, God with us. Amid all our ‘churchianity’ and Christianese, the rough and readiness of it all is both uncomfortable and reassuring. For the story told in the bible, by two good-news letter writers (Matthew and Luke), has brushstrokes of simplicity. (And the writer known as John, writing later, summarises it in one stroke: ‘the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us’.) I can relate to the power of a simple brushstroke, as I immerse myself deeper into art, while embracing a different future on a personal level, after a series of stressful and life-changing events. As I paint, I find it extraordinary how the simplest strokes can be the most powerful. They can change the whole picture. What happened to the shepherds after this, after they had seen the angels, visited the baby, then ran round the neighbourhood telling all they met? Did they make this their main campfire tale in years to come? Were they changed irrevocably by the experience, or did the memories dim with time? Did they doubt it later? Did they argue over the details? Was the rest of life an anti-climax, or did it launch them into a new reality, one in which the minor details and mini-paint marks became less important in the light of the sight of angels splashed across the sky? It was a launch event like no other, an opening ceremony to an event which only had a very small audience… but would go on to impact the whole world. Whether our lives are full of the mundane or the traumatic or a mixture of both, God ‘incarnates’ in all our lives, the bigger brushstrokes creating impact in their simplicity. We focus too easily on the niggles, the minor issues, the ‘rights and wrongs’ of the less important things. Perhaps this Christmas we can remember the simple joy of God with us, God made flesh, God in the neighbourhood – inhabiting our lives regardless of our circumstances, undaunted by darkness, by restrictions, not limited by anything at all. This is our saviour, the one who comes to us as Christ the Lord.

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Look up. Look up, see the angels and listen to them sing. Glory to God in the highest!

More Musings from Rev’d Joan

I love autumn and it brings back memories of childhood. On my way to my Primary School I walked past a long stone wall with overhanging branches, at this time of year there would be a wonderful carpet of crunchy leaves with amazing colours. Memory tells me the leaves were always crunchy perhaps this wasn't quite as true as I recall it. Now, surrounded by trees with carpets of leaves beneath them I have been disappointed because these past few days with misty moist mornings the leaves are somewhat sodden and unsafe for me to walk on. However, there have been compensations. The tree opposite my daughter's kitchen window, we refer to it as the cat tree because when you look carefully at a leaf it looks remarkably like a cats face, ears included, one by one the leaves are drifting to the ground, and surrounded by a cloak of silence individual leaves can be heard as they touch the ground. Then there are the colours, from yellow, to gold then bronze and finally a rich red. So even amidst the challenges Corvid presents us with there is still much to thank God for, the friends who keep in touch by text or telephone, and let's not forget that not everyone has access to computers or iPads so telephones can literally be a lifeline, and let's not forget letter writing. We can be thankful for scientists, researchers and lab staff who have been working long and exhausting days to find vaccines that can make a difference to our lives in the future, and thanks to our NHS service from porters, cleaners to highly trained senior Consultants. Autumn is a wonderful season, the colours, the skeletons of trees coming into view, crisp mornings with bright sunshine and even early misty moisty mornings watching the mist as it wreaths the trees gradually giving way to the sunshine. Of course winter will come but then the earth will be renewed when spring arrives. So let's thank God for all those creative and recreation powers which can bring such joy and meaning if we allow it to.

A warm greeting from HOP. What an unusual year this has been and, while we have not been able to get together for our activities, we have not forgotten you all. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support. We are very much looking forward to being able to see you all again soon and welcome any ideas for future get-togethers. Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas. 23

Olive Tree News

High Mill, Kirkby Hill, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, PE23 4HP Telephone: 01790-763 627 Mobile: 07870-646 015 email: [email protected]

When Government restrictions permit Olive Tree is open 10.00 – 4.00 Monday, and Wednesday to Saturday. The tearoom is now open for drinks and cakes. Christmas is nearly upon us. The first 20 customers who mention this article will receive a small book – with love from God to you. We will be open until 24th December and re-open after Christmas on 6th January, government restrictions permitting. We are operating a 'call and collect' service while we are closed. Give us a call on 01790 763627 and order and pay for whatever you wish and we will have the package ready for you to collect. You can view items on our website www.olivetreelincs.co.uk which includes books, cards. Diaries, calendars, CDs, DVDs etc. Larger gift items, wool, embroidery silks and fairtrade food are not on-line. In the uncertain times we trust God and pray you will keep safe. May you have a hopeful and peaceful Christmas. Linda, Ann and Peter

U3A SPILSBY Spilsby U3A meeting on 9th December has been cancelled.

The meeting on 13th January 2021 ( Watch Volunteers) is likely to go ahead via Zoom only - but watch this space!

For further information please contact Paul on 01790 756834 or email [email protected]

U3A Reflections of Spilsby 10 – booklet telling stories by the U3A Creative Writing Group. For your copy, costing £1 contact Jenny on 01790 752208. All profits go to L.I.V.E.S. 24

CHRISTMAS OF YESTERYEAR

‘tis Christmas Eve, excitement at its height, for children everywhere know that Santa comes tonight. Cottages and households abuzz with preparations no matter rich or poor, ‘tis a time of celebration. ’tis off to market now to fetch a goose and seasonal fare, a busy afternoon ahead with food to prepare. The children don their warmest clothes, which could be better, next year, who knows?

Mullioned sweetshop windows with their dimpled glass decorated for Christmas in times long passed. Ragged clothed children gaze at glistening sugar mice, oh my, what shall they choose, shall they choose pink…or white? In sacking aprons and woollen shawls the traders full of jollity call from barrows and from stalls. Added to the bargains are sales of plump geese to prepare for the roasting of Christmas Day feasts. * Late afternoon now…market closing down, hustle, bustle, cheeriness and laughter all around, pack up, stow their wares and clear the way, long is the night and short is the day. The gas lighter man now joins the busy fray, and the gas light from streetlamps shed a golden haze. Around the great Christmas tree ‘tis time for carollers to sing, holding up their music sweet voices begin. Ancient and timeless carols help them celebrate for the true heart of Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. The roast chestnut seller stays on a little later serving folk taking warmth from the coke filled brazier. Others leave the marketplace to wend their way home gaily avoiding snowballs through the swirling snow. Through the windows of each abode evening lamplights share their gentle glow. Candlelight flickers on Christmas trees whilst bright yule fires add to fairytale scenes. * With hearts full of love and expectancy weary children hang up their stockings, for ‘tis

CHRISTMAS EVE. 25

SPILSBY

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

FOUNDATION CURRENTLY HAS FUNDS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST FORMER PUPILS OF KING EDWARD VI

(formerly KING EDWARD VI HUMANITIES COLLEGE and KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL, SPILSBY) with their exceptional costs if they are presently in further/higher education or training and are over 18 and under 25 years of age on 31st December 2020. Applications from former pupils of Spilsby, Great Steeping, Halton Holegate, Partney & Toynton Primary schools who went elsewhere for secondary education will also be considered.

To see further details and to download a copy of the Criteria and Application Form go to www.spilsbygsf.org.uk

APPLICATIONS must be received by 12 noon on Monday 25th January 2021

Alf – A Life Story (cont.) CHAPTER 6 Troodos Mountains 1957:

Following the intervention of Watiff in protecting 5040434 LAC Tunnicliffe from the fearsome fireball he had to be prepared to leap in again where angels do tread to ensure that I would emerge unscathed from another event which literally made my hair stand on end. The year was 1957 and the site, a long steep gully in the Troodos Mountains. Some pilots, unaccustomed to the Mediterranean climate, misjudged their flying close to the ground resulting in a crash and loss of life.

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When this type of thing happened off base, a team of (ERKS) were tasked immediately to reach the crash site to collect every bit of the aircraft (and pilot), plot it's position and pack up the findings for immediate shipment to Farnborough in the UK where the whole lot was re-assembled to assist in the subsequent enquiry.

Troodos Mountains are over 10,000 feet high with various peaks and ravines. I was in a group of about six fanned out to search this particular slope, collecting bits and logging them on a map-log for the record. All seemed to be going well as we all were rather subdued by this task when we all started to feel uneasy and oppressive. Suddenly a massive ball of lightning appeared at the base of the gully starting at the bottom and quickly flashed past us with what seemed like a purple rod of energy about three feet of the ground to expire in a shower of sparks at the summit. We all were by this time flat to the ground and frightened to death as the air was reeking of the metallic smell of ozone. Although we had all seen the magnetic storms from afar from our camp we had no idea of the ferocity of the storms which echoed round the mountains at certain times of the year depending on the prevailing winds descending on the island from Turkey. After a couple of fags we resumed our search with a weather eye on a possible repetition...... I am sure that my two guardian angels were on watch that day for which we all offer our eternal thanks for the outcome.

CHAPTER 7 The Hunter Hunted....

We hosted several squadrons of English and other allied aircraft at our Nicosia base as a resting place after the debacle of SUEZ. Consequently the need for security was high with guards, like us, being posted day and night at all sensitive areas on the station. It was a glorious day when IT happened. My particular duty for that day was to guard the massive amount of Iron Bombs, stored in the open quite safely, adjacent to the station Butts. To those of you unfamiliar with this term the butts are where you may legitimately discharge a firearm, the projectile being lodged in an area of sloping sand with no rebound. On this day, a Hawker Hunter Mark 6 had been towed to the butts and lashed down in the approved fashion to test the aiming and action of the four 20 mm cannons contained in the fuselage, just under the cockpit. Watching with basic interest I saw the red flag go up as a warning followed shortly after by the tearing sound of cannons being fired simultaneously at the sand bank. Suddenly, without warning the shackle on the starboard leg failed which resulted in the aircraft veering over to the right whilst still firing. My immediate reaction was that these shells were being aimed very shortly at me so, with the alacrity well known in the Tunnicliffe family, I vaulted over the three high

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stack of bombs and kept my head down. The armourer, in the cockpit seemed to be paralysed as he kept his thumb on the firing button resulting in several shells whizzing through the space previously occupied by yours truly. The last few shells departed across the airfield to be lost in the rocky areas boundary. The final two were more devastating insofar as one demolished the back end of a Land Rover in the MT Compound and the other entered a crate in the same area wrecking a crate of RAF Motor Bikes. Fortunately I was not involved in the subsequent enquiry but I am quite sure that both my Guardian Angels were on the ball that day....Thanks again for beating the odds.

CHAPTER 8 Back to the hazards of Civvy Street.

After demob I was obliged to continue the remaining portion of my apprenticeship as a trainee buyer for the Group HQ of the English Electric Co Ltd. at Stafford. This involved many evenings of night school, up to four nights per week to study all the appropriate subjects, both technical and commercial, necessary for my future performance. At this point I did not own my own transport which meant that I had to rely on bus transport to and from my home some ten miles away. This got too much so in spite of dire threats from my Mother, purchased a decent motor bike, trained and took my test successfully. This transformed my life and opened up my vista of travel within the bounds of the Midlands and Wales..5619 RF was FREEDOM. Why am I including this? Unknown to me disaster was looming in the horizon. It was a lovely sunny evening, studies had been done for the day and I was aboard my trusty bike en route to home about two miles away. I was looking forward to my 'taters and gravy' awaiting on the kitchen table. Whilst driving in a partly built up area at 30 MPH (Honest) a very substantial Staffordshire Bull Terrier ran out from one of the houses without warning straight into my front wheel. Everything then seemed to go into slow motion as I went over the handlebars, landing face downwards in the pavement edge and gutter with these surfaces grinding chunks of palms, nose, forehead and chin together with both knees and the toes of my low shoes. My bone dome took most of the impact to my head but the bike, itself described a graceful arc landing partly on my back anointing me with petrol and hot oil.

When I struggled upright, I found to my surprise that apart from the scuffs mentioned earlier nothing seemed to be broken. At this point a rather distressed lady ran across the road to express her sorrow at the antics of her dog and was I alright???? My reply, in the heat of the moment was unprintable as it appeared that the lady had deliberately let the dog loose ostensibly to greet its master getting off the works bus just up the road.

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The dog seemed to be uninjured but it had done over £500 of damage to my pristine bike and put me on the sick for a week. My father and my brother, warned of the incident, collected me and the machine to get to the safety of home. The attending policeman suggested that I might like to ride the bike home???? With front forks at 45 degrees and a dodgy front wheel...he would probably have nicked me if I had done this by driving an unsafe vehicle. In retrospect, I feel that once again my guardian angels had come up trumps again as motor cycle accidents can be fatal if things go wrong. Mother, bless her refrained from overdoing the scolding about motor bikes, so both the bike and me were duly repaired in good order for the future.

CHAPTER 9 Right hand down a bit!

As I have already indicated, riding a motor bike on British, roads can be hazardous as many drivers, cocooned in glass and steel do not have the affinity with the outside world as does the motorcyclist. Many drivers do not use their mirrors properly, particularly when changing road position or preparing to turn in either direction. I was en route to work as usual driving in a suburban area when, as the situation was clear ahead, made my move to overtake a large bread van. As I drew alongside, the driver without warning turned abruptly to the right, pushing me to the other side of the road where I was faced with the prospect of trying to brake safely. However I was immediately faced with disaster. My trajectory aimed me directly into the open end of a concrete bus stop filled with factory girls all waiting for the next bus. Seeing what looked like the inevitable I shouted to the girls to scarper, which they did popping like rabbits from the far end of the bus stop. Luckily my handle bars and bike screen were just 4 inches less than the width available so still braking and eyes staring I proceeded down this corridor finally stopping about 6 inches from the end. Trapped there I was given a push out by the girls to much mirth and leg pulling. Talking to the driver afterwards, I made strong references to his lack of parents to which he replied that he always turned right here every Thursday to deliver bread to the local shop. Mercifully, Polyhedral and Watiff had done there bit to guard me from what could have been a fatal accident, so many thanks again!

Your life is your garden, Your thoughts are the seeds. If your life isn’t awesome, You’ve been watering the weeds.

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Toynton All Saints November Draw Winners 1st No.7 Eileen Rushby 2nd No.10 Frances Carr 3rd No.50 Jane Walls

Marden Hill Cluster November Draw Winners 1st No.31 Judith Day 2nd No.4 Rosemary Nawicki

I am very pleased with the renewal responses by the members of the MHG Lottery. Some new members have joined to enable us to maintain the winning prizes. Keep safe Alf Tunnicliffe Lottery Organiser.

Prayer: Blessed Joseph Blessed Joseph O blessed Joseph, happy among men, in that it was given unto thee not only to see and hear the God whom many kings desired to see and saw not, to hear and heard not, but also to carry and embrace him, to clothe and protect him! O God, who hast given unto us a royal priesthood: vouchsafe, we pray thee, that as blessed Joseph was found worthy reverently to hold and carry in his arms thine only-begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, so thou wouldest make us in purity of heart and innocence of deed to serve thy holy altars, that we may this day worthily receive the sacred Body and Blood of thy Son. Amen. From the Preparation for Mass, The English Missal (1958) (shortened) From The Church Times Book of 100 Best Prayers, edited by Rachel Boulding (Canterbury Press).

Thanks Partney

I would like to thank everyone for welcoming me to the village. Special thanks to the ladies for all their help in lockdown and of course this help will be ongoing. Special thanks to the Olivers for all their help and support. Please pray we will all stay safe and well. Eveline - The Laurels. 30

Christingle Celebrations

Unfortunately we are unable to hold the usual Christingle and Blessing of the Crib service in St James, Spilsby. However, you can join Fr Peter for Christingle via Zoom – contact him for an invite. Have a go at making your own Christingle.

You will need:-

Orange Red ribbon or tape 4 Cocktail sticks Sweets or dried fruit 8cm square of foil Candle

1. Fasten the red tape/ribbon round the centre of the orange. 2. Cut a X in the top of the orange. 3. Take the foil and wrap it around the base of the candle to form a cup to catch the candle wax and push it into the hole. 4. Place a several sweets on each of the cocktail sticks and push into the orange in four different directions. 5. Light your candle (safely – please make sure children are supervised). 6. Think about the meaning of each element. Let the light shine bright and don’t forget to smile.

Orange – this represents the world Red ribbon (or tape) – symbolises the love and blood of Christ Sweets and dried fruit – represent all of God’s creations (and the four seasons) Candle – when lit represents Jesus’s light in the world, bringing hope to people living in darkness

Christingle via Zoom (Contact Fr Peter for an invite)

Close your eyes, take a breath Inhale calmness, exhale stress. Make a cuppa, sink into a chair, Pick up a book, disappear.

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ADVENT WORDSEARCH

C O M F O R T P A T I E N T P R H Y C E L E B R A T I O N S T A R T A H I F B E S M K G H J R Y I L N E R L S J E S U S E A A V S I O E P E A D V E N T V D V P T C K L I C E S X E C I O J E R M B E G S T I N R T H S L S L A A G N I T I A W C U F A I J L Y S C A N A O L P H Y O I H O P E I X U D R N M M O D S I W Y O R L P R E P A R A T I O N V Q X C B E L I E V E R F H X A G A M E T R E F A I T H F U L N E S S K J X E R C J E H A P P I N E S S W O N D E R F U L M E B I R T H

ADVENT PATIENT BELIEVE PEACE BIRTH PRAYER CELEBRATION PREPARATION CHRISTMAS REFLECTION COMFORT REJOICE FAITHFULNESS SAVIOUR HAPPINESS STAR HOPE TRAVEL JESUS WAITING JOY WISDOM LOVE WONDERFUL

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CAPTION COMPETITION

NOVEMBER WINNER “With no visitors due to Covid, I can relax and let it all hang out!” - Congratulations to June Fitz Gibbon

Just for laughs: ‘While you are all comparing the market. We are comparing our suntans.’ – John Crowhurst

‘Oh the bliss of lying on warm sand.’ – Jenny Williams

DECEMBER PHOTO

Please send your captions by 14th December to ‘Caption Competition’ The Vicarage, Church Street, Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 5EF

or email to [email protected] 33

Life as a Mercury Boy 1949-1951

I thought to start this article with a memory of the many inspirational characters on the staff. Just one will be chosen to avoid boring my readers! Captain C. B. Fry was our figurehead. He was an old man in my time, but his reputation as an England cricketer, a Soccer blue and an outstanding athlete created an atmosphere of respect and example that lives on. The cricket field at the Mercury had seen C B Fry’s eleven taking on Hampshire and Sussex. Playing cricket on that field was a great inspiration.

Religion took a prominent part in our lives, “Every Sunday and three hours on Good Friday.” Had it not been for the great personality and gifted story telling of our padre, the time in our church of St Agatha would have seemed a trial, it was not. The local village folk were made welcome to join in our services. When one old lady died during my time she was given a ‘gun carriage’ funeral. A hundred strong parade of Mercury Boys escorted her cortege from St Agatha’s down Satchel Lane to the Saxon church in Hamble. I have always felt that she would have been pleased – the on looking villagers were certainly impressed!

Snoring can be annoying in any company, it certainly was in the crowded hammock ranks on board our ship HMS Gannet! The remedy was swift and effective. The snorer’s hammock was temporarily supported by several ‘sufferers’ whilst he, unawares, was held wrapped up inside. The head rope of the hammock was untied and hander to the newly awakened snorer! He was suddenly aware that his suspension at the head end was in his hands! The only solution for him was to lower himself, head first, down towards the deck. The result was an untidy heap of snorer and bedding. I can personally certify that his treatment tended to cure the snoring menace!

On a more pleasing note, each evening ended on board with my pal John (he of the silver bugle) playing the Last Post from the main deck. Those emotional notes echoed down the river towards Southampton Water. That rounded off the day for every soul that heard it. ‘Sinbad’

Something magical can happen when you read a good book. J K Rowling

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. C.S. Lewis

The secret to a well-balanced life is a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other. 34

GRAPE VINE MAGAZINE

All copy for next month's issue to be with the Editor by the 14th of the month. The Vicarage, Church Street, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 5EF

Email: [email protected]

Grape Vine Advertising Prices per year

1 /8 page - £40 1 /4 page - £60 1 /2 page - £90

Full page - £160

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LOUTH PLAYGOERS Julia M. Holliday RIVERHEAD THEATRE

Visiting Chiropody/Podiatry FORTHCOMING PRODUCTIONS

Service

by Health & Social Care Professions Registered Practitioner. H.C.P.C Reg No 5859 Due to the current situation

the theatre is postponing all Practitioner has 35+ years experience as a productions. Chiropodist/Podiatrist in:- * NHS, Please contact the theatre direct for * Industrial further information. * Private Practice * Care Homes and with all types of client base including:-

* Learning disabilities & challenging behaviour Box Office 01507 600350 * Diabetes * High Risk Patients www.louthriverheadtheatre.com

Receipts recognised by most major Health Insurers.

Prices & availability on application. Tel: - 01507 527551

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PETE WATERSON

DECORATING Massage Therapist Tel: 07500 946611 SERVICES

• Full Body Massage/Deep Tissue Massage

• Back, neck & shoulders massage • Head, neck & arm massage ~ painting ~ • Seated Acupressure chair massage ~ wallpapering ~ • Indian Head Massage ~ tiling ~ • Thai foot massage • Facial Rejuvenation

• Hot Stones • Spa wraps 07432 563722 • Warm Bamboo 01205 480434 • Myofascial Release [email protected] • Nutrition Advice

• Facials Any size jobs considered Any treatments can be tailor made to fit requirements Free no obligation quote Email: [email protected] BTEC Level 2 Painting and Decorating The Lodge, Partney, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 4PF

RAITHBY VILLAGE HALL Planning a wedding, a party or just a family get together? PRIVATE HIRE

Book our historic village hall for your Looking for a venue? private function or for a meeting, lecture, or regular classes. Look no further Full kitchen facilities, crockery and glassware with seating and tables for TOYNTON VILLAGE HALL up to 50-60 people.

❖ available for hire Disabled facilities

❖ up to 120 catered for Our rate is just £7.50 per hour, with ❖ excellent kitchen facilities special weekend rates for weddings ❖ fully heated. and reduced rates for regular bookings. For charges and to book call Contact Hall Manager Sindy Prince on 01790 752076, 01790 755436 or 07780 220913 01790 752249 or email or find us on Facebook [email protected] 39

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Advertising

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5%5% Off Off aall llservices services withwith this this Advert Advert whenwhen quoting quoting GrapeGrape Vine Vine  [email protected] www.arborash.co.uk

DARREN SHARP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Local Builder/Decorator Over 30 years experience

General Maintenance of in the building trade

Home and Garden

All aspects of Property Maintenance Painting – Interior and exterior undertaken

Fencing NO JOB TOO SMALL! Hedge trimming and tree work

Bathroom and kitchen fitting Telephone: 01790 753253 or 07875 643 851 Tiling for a All maintenance jobs considered FREE NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATE

PHIL WHITE 73 Halton Road

Spilsby Mobile 07422 515681 Lincs Email: [email protected] PE23 5LD

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SPILSBY GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME

Doing things good neighbours do…

If you need help or know of someone who would appreciate support please contact: Telephone 07716 127186 or email [email protected] Simply leave your name, address and ‘phone number with brief details of the help required and we will get back to you.

Julia’s “Happy Feet” Foot Health Practitioner Dip.FH. MCFHP. MAFHP

Routine Foot Care Finger & Toe Nail Trimmings

Health Advice Ingrown Toe Nails Diabetic Foot care Athlete’s Foot

Vascular & Neuro Assessment Cracked Heels Corn Removal Callus Reduction

Providing care in the comfort of your own home Book for appointments with Julia Moore Tel: 01790 753161 07900 914897

Fenwold Veterinary Practice

Caring Compassionate and Professional Care for your Pets

Boston Road Heath Road 110 High Street SPILSBY PE23 5HD PE25 3ST LN12 1BG

Tel. 01790 752227 Tel. 01754 767444 Tel. 01507 478182

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Partney Ray Ford Church of England Carpentry & Joinery Aided

Bespoke/Heritage Primary School

• Beautiful rural setting on the edge of the Mob: 07776 288639 Tel: 01790 754006 • Only a couple of miles from Spilsby • Distinctive Church School character 9 Winston Road, Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 5HJ • Strong links with our local community • Active Parent Association • Friendly, supportive, caring Staff and Governing Body

• Unique opportunities for your child

• Lots of extra-curricular activities Eresby Hall is situated in Spilsby providing available resident ial care for older people offering high ‘A real small school family atmosphere’ quality long and short-term care and flexible day Come and judge for yourself! care in a homely environment. Our tea room is open: Maddison Lane, Partney, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 4PX Thursdays 10am–11.30pm Sundays 2pm–4pm Tel: 01790 753319 Please contact Zoe Randall on Email: [email protected]

01790 752495 for more information. Headteacher: Mrs Sue Kay Registered charity no 1048355 www.partneyschool.co.uk

Garden Machinery Kitchenware 

Housewares  DIY  Tools

Paint mixing now available

1 High Street, Spilsby ~ Tel: 01790 752548

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The Compleat PAUL

Gardener Ltd We are, qualified gardeners working for domestic and EVERARD commercial clients throughout the area. REGISTERED PLUMBING AND HEATING CONTRACTOR We have established an enviable reputation for our work and can THE BUNGALOW, TOYNTON FENSIDE, offer you a quality service backed SPILSBY, LINCS., PE23 5DB Telephone/Fax: 01790 753101 by garden design expertise Mobile: 07774 661017

We are also able to provide a Email: [email protected] total lawn-care package to give Est. 1973 – Time served City & Guilds you the emerald green lawn you Tradesman serving the area for forty have always wanted. years.

For further information and a free FOR ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING AND estimate – without obligation, HEATING REPAIRS AND HEATING please call CONTACT PAUL FOR FREE QUOTATIONS Mark Fort on 01790754479 AND INFORMATION

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J & J FUELS (BOSTON) Your local suppliers of Domestic Heating Oil & Farm Diesel ------Family owned and run for over 30 years. ------Prompt delivery Competitive prices Friendly service ------Contact us on

01205 760638 Anytime All major credit cards accepted

Jacky & Simon welcome you to EYE CARE

BLUELINE COTTAGE NHS and Private Eye Examinations BED & BREAKFAST Includes Digital Retinal Imaging Budget to top designer frames 37 HUNDLEBY ROAD Single Vision spectacles SPILSBY PE23 5LP from £19.95 complete Tel: 01790 754970 Bifocals and Varifocals Mobile: 07958 650927 from £59.95 complete

Repairs and on site glazing for a fast

service

3-4 Market Place Horncastle LN9 5HD Tel: 01507 526527 [email protected]

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Let your cat stay in the comfort of its Halton Holegate own familiar surroundings when Church of England you are away from home. Primary School

Halton Holegate is a good (Ofsted “The Cat Lady” 2014) school with a friendly, family will visit your home atmosphere, encouraging children to daily while you are reach their full potential. away and attend to We are proud of our whole school your cat’s needs. community and invite you to make an appointment to look round and have a Less stressful for your cat and chat. cheaper for you than cattery fees. Head teacher – Andrew Leeman

Contact: Phone Sally, “The Cat Lady”, on Station Road, Halton Holegate, 07793 551380 Spilsby, Lincs PE23 5PB

to discuss your cat’s requirements. 01790 752 575

[email protected]

or visit our website: www.haltonholegateprimaryschool.co.uk

MNM Pest Management

NPTA Accredited Technician

Problem with wasps, ants or flies

moles, rats and mice?

Prompt, affordable, service, covering the Coast and Wolds in Agricultural, Commercial and Domestic Premises

Contact your local Technician, Mick Dales (RPPT) on: 01754 890637 or 07904 170033

Please call for any help and advice

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Family run independent company providing a personal memorial as a lasting tribute to a loved one in everlasting granite, slate, marble and stone

Visit our showroom: 110 Horncastle Road, Boston PE21 9HY Call us for a brochure: 01205 362652 or visit our website at: www.williamkent.co.uk

Betty’s Sewing Box

Vesta House, Roman Bank, Skegness (next to bingo hall)

Cushions/Curtains/Clothing

Alterations and Repairs

Tel Betty Lilley on (07593)

372104/(01790) 752071

R & P

Decorating Services All Painting and Decorating

work undertaken. Over 10 years experience.

For advice or quotation Ring Rob –

Office 01790 756877 Or Mobile 07950 244219

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GM Electrical

Registered Domestic

Electrician

For all domestic electrical work.

From the simplest of repairs to complete re-wires.

Call Graham on 01754 830654

or 0791 7058230 Part P Qualified, Fully Insured.

For a friendly & professional service.

PARKER’S FUNERAL DIRECTORS

For personal, caring and sympathetic service.

Family business established over 100 years.

Contact:

SANDRA PARKER

VICTORIA PARKER-HILL DipFD

Choice of Prepayment Plans – Private Chapels of Rest – 24 Hour Service.

16 St. John Street, Wainfleet, Telephone: 01754 880334

4 Church Street, Spilsby, Telephone 01790 754700 And 1, Sea Road, , Telephone 01754 873035

www.ParkersFuneralDirectors.co.uk 49

BOSTON ELECTRICAL SERVICES UNIT 2, COWBRIDGE BUSINESS PARK, COWBRIDGE BOSTON, LINCS PE22 7DJ

TEL 01205 350737 CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE bostonelectrics.co.uk

WE ARE A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS SERVING CUSTOMERS IN THIS AREA NOW SINCE 1985.

WE REPAIR MOST ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES FROM VACUUM CLEANERS, MICROWAVE OVENS TO COOKERS AND WASHING MACHINES.

IN OUR EXTENSIVE SHOWROOM WE HAVE ON DISPLAY ➢ over 100 fridges and freezers ➢ over 40 washing machines and dryers ➢ over 40 cookers and over 40 ovens and hobs. ➢ vacuum cleaners ➢ microwave ovens ➢ cooker hoods ➢ all colours of kettle and toaster ➢ food mixers and fryers ➢ table lamps and light fittings

WE CAN OFFER EXTENDED GUARANTEES AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES

DELIVERY AND CONNECTING (NOT GAS) PLUS REMOVAL OF THE OLD APPLIANCE IS FREE OF CHARGE

WE ALSO SELL • lots of different sorts of lamps including pearl light bulbs, fluorescent tubes and fittings • salt for water softeners • cooker hood filters and • spares for washing machines • plus lots of unusual bits and pieces

COME IN AND BROWSE NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN BOSTON YOU WILL FIND US FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL

Due to redevelopment we have moved to a bigger showroom, more choice, better parking and not so far to come (What used to be Ashcroft Fabrics) We also have a Murdoch Troon kitchen display in our showroom

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BOLINGBROKE DEANERY MINISTRY http://lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/spilsby/

Acting Bishop of Lincoln The Rt. Rev. David Court Team Vicar & Tel: 01522 50 40 90 or 01522 534701 Curate to South Ormsby Group Office: Edward King House, Minster Yard, The Rev’d Teresa McLaughlin Lincoln LN2 1PU The Rectory, Skegness Road, email: [email protected] Partney, Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 4PG Tel: 01790 752344 email: [email protected]

Archdeacon of Lincoln Assistant Curate The Venerable Gavin Kirk The Rev’d Jean Coates 01522 504039 Contact via The Vicarage, Spilsby [email protected] email: [email protected]

The Rural Dean of Bolingbroke Deanery Synod The Rev’d Canon Peter Coates Joint Chairmen: The Vicarage, Church Street, The Rural Dean and Lay Chair Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 5EF Mr. Bill Rose Tel: 01790 752526 email: [email protected] Bolingbroke Deanery Administrator & Grape Vine Editor Jane Howsam Bolingbroke Deanery Group The Vicarage, Church Street, Team Ministry Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 5EF Marden Hill, Partney, Tel: 01790 752526 Spilsby & Stickney Clusters email: [email protected] [email protected] Team Rector Mon-Fri 9.30am–1.30pm The Rev’d Canon Peter Coates (address as above). http://lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/spilsby/ Retired Clergy The Rev’d. Joan Thornett Gardener’s Cottage, Harrington, Team Vicar Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 4NH The Rev’d Fran Jeffries Tel: 01790 754151 The Rectory, Lane, email: [email protected] Stickney, Boston, Lincs. PE22 8DQ Tel: 01205 481183 email: [email protected] Reader & Community Chaplain Mr Paul McLaughlin Tel: 01790 752344

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