View from the Hill Thorpe on the Hill News
Issue No 126 – February/ March 2021 Bimonthly Newsletter
Sunset over the Eric East Lake. Photograph by Liz South
The Newsletter is sponsored for you by Thorpe on the Hill Parish Council
Editorial
Hello to all and welcome to our new residents. It must be quite strange moving into the village in the current circumstances as there is no village socialising. We can only accept the way things are and be positive about the future.
Hopefully, the Scouts, Umbrellas, Thorpe Craft and Natter and the Bowls club will be able to restart sometime in 2021; and of course the re-opening of the Oliver Roper Centre which can be booked for social events. For this Issue, details of all these Village Clubs and organisations have been omitted but will, of course, be included again when they are able to open for business.
Thanks as always to the contributors to the newsletter. Lawrie Poole’s article covers some very relevant issues which need to be addressed and I would like to hear any opinions and suggestions to rectify the problems for the next newsletter.
It has been mentioned to me that dogs have been seen off their leads in Whisby Nature park beyond the permitted area. The reason why the rule exists is to help protect the wildlife, so if nothing else let us “lead” by example.
The next edition will be in April as we move towards Spring. Any contributions are welcome as this is your magazine and newsletter. Cut off date for submissions will be Monday 15th March 2021. Anyone who would like to contribute to the magazine please do so through [email protected] or, if you wish to place an advert, the email address is [email protected] .
I wanted to share this picture of the friends who joined Nick and I for a walk around the Lake. All social distancing rules were strictly observed.
Sylvia Lyons
2 View from the Hill Useful Telephone No’s
Business Advertising Crossroads Practice 01522 682848 Rates Richmond Medical Centre
01522 500240 Full Page £72 per year Newark Rd Surgery 01522 537944 Half Page £42 per year Bassingham Surgery Quarter Page 01522 788250
£32 per year Bassingham Pharmacy One Off Half Page 01522 789307 £10 per advert NHS Dental Helpline One off Full Page 01522 515386 £20 per advert ************************* Lincoln County Hospital 01522 512512 For more details Please contact NSPCC Helpline 0800 800 5000 Chris Abrahams 01522 698208 NKDC Environmental Health [email protected] 01522 699699
Mobile Library
Mobile library Visits to Thorpe are:
February 18th March 18th April 15th May 13th June 10th
From 10.30 to 11.00 In Lincoln Lane
3 DOES THORPE ON THE HILL HAVE A GHOST?
This picture of a blocked drain in Station Road, near the railway level crossing, was taken by John Burden. John intended to use the picture to report the blocked drain but then he noticed something strange in the background. Others noticed it too so he had the image enlarged. An enlargement is shown below of the area just above the end of the white picket fence.
Several people who have seen the enlargement say they can clearly see a man in a grey flat cap walking along the railway line. The only problem is that the man would need to be floating along several feet up in the air to be seen over the fence. Some have even said the image of the walker appears to be in black and white, while the rest of the image is in colour.
So, Thorpe on the Hill has a mystery. Was this a phantom, a trick of the light or a stilt walker out for a morning stroll? Suggestion please to the Editor.
4 HERE TO HELP
It continues to be difficult times for everyone but there are organisations that can offer impartial advice and support whatever the problem or issue. One such is Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire (CAML) which has continued to operate in our area. It would normally offer face to face advice in their offices in Sleaford and North Hykeham as well as Boston but all this has been suspended for the foreseeable future. However, advice is being offered via the telephone, website and web chat appointments. General advice is given via the Adviceline which people can reach by calling 0808 2787942. This is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. People can also chat online to an advisor by visiting the website at citizensadvice.org.uk/contact-us. Or, receive advice via email: [email protected] One area of particular importance this winter is the high cost of energy with new research showing that one in three (35%) bill payers say they are using more energy than they usually would at this time of year. Big Energy Saving Advisors are helping local people throughout the winter to follow these three simple steps:
• Check to see if you are eligible for discounts, grants and support
• Switch your tariff or energy supplier to get the best deal
• Save money by becoming more energy efficient You can contact an advisor by emailing them at [email protected] More people are shopping online than ever before which has meant an increase in the number of problems consumers are having with it. If something you’ve ordered hasn’t arrived, if a refund hasn’t been processed, if something has gone wrong with the product or service you've purchased then can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or chat online to an advisor on the website.
We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
5 SHEEPSHANK … NOT THE NAME OF A KNOT … SURELY
Some of these knots have really lovely names and the sheepshank really does ‘take the biscuit’. I suppose it gets its name from the way the knot looks when it’s tied but I must say whoever came up with the name had a great imagination. If any of my sheep had a shank like this I’d be worried it had an appointment for the sheep fold in the sky. It is an interesting knot though not much used these days.
Not so long ago it was common when tying down loads if your rope was a bit on the long side and it was important to be able release the tension easily if needed; very handy if you had the whole thing under tension making untying the securing knot difficult. Untying a knot when there is no room to wriggle it about to get it free is always an excuse to cuss! Shortening guy ropes on a tent when you don’t want a length dangling and getting in the way is a great use for this one. You don’t want to cut the cord in case it’s needed next time but neither do you want a length straggling and a trip hazard. The extra bonus is the quick release element.
Arrange the cord in an easy Z shape making three lines parallel to each other.
Tie a half hitch at one end.
Tie a half hitch at the other end.
6 Pull to tighten.
When you want to release the cord, simply find a central line and pull. Bob’s your uncle and all is loose.
Happy New Year from the 27th Lincoln Scout Group Oliver Chapple. Chairman
BUS TIMETABLE Monday to Saturday THORPE on the HILL to LINCOLN SERVICE 49 Lincoln to Bassingham 6.00 pm from Lincoln Bus Station: 6.03 Debenhams: Arrives TOTH 6.30pm
7 St Michael’s Church of England Primary School
Wow we didn’t expect to be writing from lockdown again! Happy new year to you all! This term we were hoping to get on with the development of the front of school as well as continue our outdoor learning work and further planting. We continue to open for the children of critical workers and vulnerable children but the rest of the school is operating remotely!
It is difficult to know what to write this time so I have decided to add some photos of memories of what we have been doing and hope that soon we will all be back together soon.
Manchester United trip – each year a group of children, staff and parents make the trip to Old Trafford to watch the match – some are avid supporters and many go along for the experience. It is a very late night when they return but it is well worth it!
Guy Fawkes – we have fires regularly at school and often cook sausages or s’mores but one of the great things is when the younger children make their own guy and watch it burn – sometimes there are competitions to find the best guy!
8
Brave the Shave – we support a different charity every half term and have been overwhelmed by the support of our parents and the wider community. Last February we held a brave the shave event and raised nearly £1500. The photo is our deputy head entering into the spirit of the event!
The rest of the photos are of memories of outdoor learning at school – we have so many to choose from so these are just a few of the best!
9 We hope the photos allow prospective parents to see some of the things we get up to.
If you are interested in our school then please look at our website;
www.stmichaels.lincs.sch. uk
Or, contact us on 01522 681923
Or, email, enquir- [email protected]. uk and we will be happy to talk to you.
Normally we would offer you a 1:1 tour of our school but at present we are unable to do this. Please get in touch and we will organise a plan that meets your needs and will allow you to see our school and why we believe St Michael’s is such a special and unique place to learn.
10 Think … Wheelchairs!!
I’ve entered a new world!
Recently, my wife broke her leg. It’s nice for both of us to get out in the fresh air, especially on good days. So I’ve entered the world of … “Wheelchair Pushers”!
But … it’s not that straight forward. There are things which cannot easily be negotiated to allow good, safe and free access along our pavements.
There is not much to be done about some of these things. For example, even on Expedition 1, we noticed the camber on the pavements – it’s alarming now and again as you feel the whole chair could tip over sideways, particularly true for some driveways. However, all I can do is take extra care.
But … there are other issues where perhaps there are solutions. Take the problem of dog poo. Now most dog owners are brilliant and clear up properly. Just the odd person isn’t thoughtful, however. When pushing a wheelchair, one’s vision of the path ahead is restricted. It is mighty easy to roll the closely treaded wheels through the stuff. It’s horrible. To those other few dog owners, please join the majority Is your dog ashamed of you? and do the right thing too.
Another solvable issue is the obstructing of the pavement so that the only way ahead is to use the road. It’s not safe. (Incidentally, it’s awkward getting onto the road from a raised pavement.) So:
Cars parked with one set of wheels well on the pavement are really difficult. Dustbins left out can be annoying. Wheelbarrows, skips, piles of bricks and other equipment left poking out onto the pavement are hard to negotiate.
I’m hoping my situation is temporary. But I’m left feeling really sorry for those who are regular wheelchair or pram pushers who will continue to face these problems. So can I say: please, may we all: Think Wheelchairs! Think Pushchairs! Think Prams!
Thank you – enjoy your walks too! Lawrie Poole
11
The Walking Group Walks 44 to 46 Autumn/Winter 2020
Since March, I have had many physically distanced conversations with walkers on our network of footpaths so I knew that members of the Walking Group (and many others) were continuing to get outdoors for their daily exercise. I wondered which routes had been the most popular during lockdown.
One place which has become increasingly out of favour is Whisby Nature Park. It is now so popular with visitors that the pleasures derived from walking in the countryside (solitude, peace and quiet) are lost. Its main merit at the moment is that the majority of the paths are reasonably free of mud.
The Eric East Lake has been the most popular walk within the parish, either on its own or as part of a longer walk. The footpath running from the top of Clay Lane to Eagle Lane, previously hardly ever used, is now a significant feature and clearly emphasises the lake’s popularity.
Outside the parish, walks in the Doddington area have been enjoyed. A particular favourite is the path running from Harby to the back of Doddington Hall. This gives a completely different perspective of the Hall as it is seen from the back and set in the surrounding agricultural land.
A few walkers have continued to use the new permissive path between Eagle Lane and Whisby Road, accessible from the quarry track (Job’s Lane) opposite Beehive Lane (the road to Eagle Barnsdale).
Over the last few months I have suggested three walks (Walks 44 to 46) for the Walking Group to try. The first, during LYP 2020 part 2, was the Orchard Walk, which explored the orchards in the parish. The second was the Sapling Walk, which looked at the new planting carried out along Clay Lane and at the Eric East Lake. (see separate article) The most recent was the Nature Walk, which visited Tunman Wood to see an example of nature’s ability to regenerate. The walk was inspired by an article in the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s magazine which emphasised the importance of tree planting. However, it also makes the point that, in some places, planting isn’t necessary as nature will do the work.
12 The example given is Tunman Wood in the area where many of the Corsican Pines were removed a few years ago and replaced with native species, protected with plastic tubes. These planted saplings are now dwarfed by those which have self seeded from the surrounding woodland. It is suggested in the article that the planting by the Trust was probably unnecessary and if you are able to walk to the site you will see that it is difficult to argue with this. It’s a very satisfying sight - a pity about all the plastic tubes.
Tony Magri
Project 2020 - The Start of Something Big (1) Sapling Planting - November
You may recall from the last issue of VftH that we were expecting to pick up 812 hedgerow saplings to plant in gaps on the northern side of Clay Lane. These were collected by Bob Sheldon in November and the planting programme got underway. Covid restrictions meant that we had to do the planting in small groups over several days, but with a volunteer team of almost 20 people we managed to fill all the gaps over 4 sessions and remain physically distanced.
It was difficult to estimate exactly how many saplings would be needed for this task so we worked on the principle that it was better to have a few extra. We actually had enough spare plants to form two sections of hedgerow on the eastern boundary of the Eric East Lake.
This was a very satisfying activity which had an excellent sense of community and common purpose and I’m sure the photographs below convey this. As you can see, the children had a great time but we made the adults work really hard.
13
This activity made a small but signifiant impact on the Neighbourhood Plan Parish Priorities (CP16), namely, re-establishing hedgerows along field and parish boundaries, including the filling of gaps with native species; planting native species of trees within hedgerows and within the village. Most importantly, it got the process underway. We have also made a small attempt to mitigate the impact of climate change and loss of biodiversity. As Project 2020 develops, the number of saplings should increase significantly, which means that our impact on climate change and biodiversity will be greater, even more so as the plants grow. You will notice that none of our hedgerow saplings have plastic guards. We took the decision not to include these for two reasons. Firstly, they are as expensive as the saplings, so the cost would have doubled, secondly, just look around the countryside and see how many are still in place in spite of being redundant years earlier. They are environmentally very unfriendly.
Thank you to the PC for its support, especially Bob Sheldon, and to all the volunteer planters who did an excellent job.
Help Needed
Project 2020 is a long term activity, possibly ongoing for years. We are a large rural parish with plenty of hedgerow gaps and many places where trees could be planted. If it is to be successful we need a group of volunteers who can plant, but also to make grant applications and write letters/send emails. If you would like to volunteer would you please contact me by email at the following address with your name and whether you are volunteering for planting, communications or both. If you helped in the first phase and are happy to carry on would you please email to say [email protected]
Thanks Tony Magri
14 Telephone 35 Station Road Lincoln 01522 684825 Thorpe on the Hill Mobile 07850 418744 Lincoln LN6 9BS
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15 A Year in the Life of a Conservation Trainee
This time last year saw me giving up my job as a music teacher in the south to pursue a career in conservation closer to home, an industry where experience means much more than qualifications. To gain experience I started to annoy the warden at a local nature reserve we all know and love, the brilliant Whisby Nature Reserve. Starting as a casual volunteer a couple of days a week to being a more official trainee has been an amazing journey, and one I want to share.
The year started off with so much promise, I managed to secure volunteering with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust by sending a formal email and then following that up with turning up at the reserve and asking the question. From January to March we tackled clearance at the Sandhills, an area with a rich and valuable Lichen Heath community which is constantly under threat of being swamped by the aggressive Birch woodland. I learnt about tree ID in winter from buds and bark whilst clearing up the brashing, and when the birds started to sing I took the opportunity to learn their calls and habits. Just as I was getting settled into a routine and learning the ropes, COVID arrived in the UK. Volunteering was immediately cancelled and I spent the spring wandering the lanes and footpaths of Lincolnshire (along with the majority of the UK) trying to become a naturalist in the midst of a global pandemic.
Six weeks later I was permitted back to Whisby again as the guinea pig for new working practices with volunteers in the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. After much hand washing and waving at people from behind masks I was handed a hay rake and set to work. Summer management at Whisby consists of a lot of making hay whilst the sun shines in the various sanctuary areas, surveying different types of wildlife and checking fences around the reserve. There is more to it than that, but that’s what you might see us up to. After a time other volunteers returned and we had some semblance of normality again, learning resumed and the calluses started to build up. The best part of summer was being taught to drive the tractor, having to drive an assault course backwards with the trailer attached before being let loose.
In autumn I became an official trainee at Whisby. After half a year of being a casual volunteer this was a huge step forward in changing career, a key stepping stone to gaining employment in the conservation sector. Since then I’ve had more responsibility around the reserve, providing holiday cover and really getting stuck into the management of a busy nature reserve. You may have noticed the clearance work that we’ve undertaken at Little Heath from September to November, protecting the one area of Whisby which we believe to be part of the original Lincolnshire landscape surviving from before the quarry; a stunning wet heathland with a carpet of heather. In this clearance we’ve also taken out Willow and Alder invading the reed bed, giving me chance to don my first pair of waders and practice the fashion statement I call “Conservation Chic”. The success of this work in the reed bed can be seen in the return of overwintering Bitterns to the reserve just days after we finished the management and raised the water level. We may be missing Starlings this year, but we’ve had confirmed reports of at least three Bitterns.
16 Throughout the change from autumn to winter we’ve seen ever increasing restrictions in lockdowns and tier levels, as a trainee with the Trust I’ve been permitted to keep working around the reserve throughout, helping out as much as I can. It’s been a turbulent year for all of us, but I’ve had the most amazing fun driving my little red tractor around Whisby. When you see me next, with a big grin on my face to match the big boots on my feet, be sure to give me a wave!
17 ThReds BOOK CLUB
ThReds Virtual Book Group Meeting
Baby Boomer Zoomers Book Group Meeting 35 December 2020
Since March, we have discussed the chosen books by email. With all the fearlessness and sense of adventure of the Baby Boomers that most of us are, we decided to give Zoom a try for our December meeting. Not surprisingly, several members of the group were already experienced Zoomers, having had sessions with friends and family, so after a few minor hiccups we were soon up and running. Although much better than email discussions it is still no substitute for face to face gatherings. Our book was ….
“When Korede's dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what's expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This'll be the third boyfriend Ayoola's dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away.”
This is from the notes on the back of the book which was published in 2019 and longlisted for the Booker Prize. The Times describes the writer as “Fiendishly Talented”, the New York Times describes the book as “Sharp, Explosive, Hilarious” and the Guardian says it’s a “Literary Sensation”.
But what did the Book Group think? These are some of the comments, diverse as always:-
I found the book funny, shocking and sad, I thought the characters were very well described, especially the two sisters, and the story was pacy and kept me interested. The book has an unusual structure.
18 Interesting to read a book set in Nigeria. Easy to read. It raised a lot of issues to provoke further thoughts. But not my sort of book. I found it depressing and predictable at the end.
Not my type of book. Highlights on the back of the book say ‘A Pure Joy’ , ’Delightfully Naughty’,‘Hilarious’, ‘Addictive’. I didn’t recognise any of these! I wouldn’t read it again or recommend it!
An arresting title and a genre busting content to go with it. The book contained a variety of surprises, and if few of the characters were endearing, they developed in unexpected ways. I was left wondering what the future held for these fictional characters, as the irresistible charms and absence of conscience, of the younger sister, must lead inevitably to an endless series of repeat tragedies.
A good read, short and to the point, thought-provoking and darkly funny, an African book which was not "about Africa" but was placed firmly in a recognisable world of mobiles and Facebook.
I’m slightly ambivalent about this book. It drew me in to start with but disappointed me also. I liked the format of very short chapters with descriptive headings and it was an easy read. I looked up some of the food items and dress that were written in the Yoruba language and learnt about some of their customs, so all in all, an interesting book. *******
Now that we’ve been running for over 5 years and we’ve read 35 books I asked group which books had been the most enjoyable so far.
All who responded included in their top five “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman and “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. This made them the most popular by far.
The next book is “The Greengage Summer” by Rumer Godden to be discussed at a Zoom meeting on Friday 29th January.
Tony Magri
19 St. Michael and All Angels Forthcoming Church Dates
For the moment, all face-to-face church services and events are cancelled or postponed.
Andrew posts regularly on the village Facebook page and North Scarle Church Facebook page
Monday to Friday: Morning Prayer 9am: Evening Prayer 6pm
Sunday: Agape Communion Meal, 10.30am
The Revd Canon Andrew Vaughan can be contacted on 687242 Our Church Wardens Felicity Jenkinson on 07949654855 and Bob Sheldon on 685810 Our Treasurer Chris Abrahams on 698208
We are now pleased to say that all administration for Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals is being dealt with at North Hykeham. Please contact: Sally Long, Parish Office (Monday to Friday 9am - 12pm) North Hykeham, Lincoln. LN69AB Tel: 883100
Bell Practice (currently suspended)
Tues Evening Bell ringing lessons 7.30pm - 9pm Please contact: Sandra Underwood on 07710 762458
20 The Revd Andrew Vaughan writes……
Hello everyone
It seems so strange that for nearly 12 months getting together to socialise has been very difficult. Even to do something simple has meant detailed planning, with no room for spontaneity. Yet in the midst of this there are glimmers of hope; we are seeing the roll out of vaccines, the continued development of treatments.
Being heavily involved with football I have come to value Professor Jonathan Van Tam’s analogies, reminding us we are now in the penalty shoot out of a final and have to keep our nerve to see it through to victory.
As you will have seen the Churchwardens, PCC and myself took the difficult decision to suspend public worship on grounds of community safety. While we were confident that our protocols were robust, we simply didn’t want to take risks with the concerns about the variant Covid-19 strain. We are able to hold funerals with about 20-25 in attendance.
Amidst this concern though there is always signs of hope. As I sit in my study writing this I can Hear a Great Tit, with its monotonous, “Teacher, teacher, teacher”, call, a sign of spring, a sign of hope for new life.
I hope and pray that in the coming weeks we can all find signs of hope.
As ever
Andrew
21 An update on The Natural World Centre
Over the Christmas period we have been able to keep out kiosk open from 9.30am- 3.30pm with the toilets being open 9.30am-3pm. Fortunately this is still permitted under current lockdown guidance so we continue to open like this. We are serving hot and cold drinks and a variety of cakes, snacks and sandwiches.
When customers visit us we ask that you follow government guidance and wear a face covering when coming inside to use the toilets. Although it is not legally re- quired we are also asking that everyone wear a face covering when ordering from the kiosk unless you are medically exempt.
We have been so lucky that many of you have continued to visit us during this peri- od and use the services we have. Thank you to all those who are treating the site and others visitors with respect and making space for one another.
It is unknown to us if the current lockdown guidance will change, but we will contin- ue to stay open for as long as we are able to.
Our outdoor play areas are still open, in line with current guidance, but please do remember not to take food and drink into these areas as this is not permitted. We also are not allowed to offer seating for the consumption of food and drink which is why they have all been taped off. As always, we love seeing new and familiar visi- tors through our kiosk. If you have any questions or concerns please call us on 01522 688868 or email [email protected].
Established for over 40 years 27th Lincoln Scout Group
Meet at the Funded places available Oliver Roper Centre
Rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted Thorpe has a Beaver Colony, Fees: £11 per session Scout Troup & Cub Pack.
Open to Boys & Girls We offer a safe, stimulating and 6yrs-14yrs caring environment where your children can learn and play For more details please contact together. Fran Firth Contact Jayne O’Keefe 01522 686616 or 07949 371609 07952 480708
[email protected] www.thorpeonthehillplaygroup.co.uk
22 23 Thorpe on the Hill Parish Council http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ThorpeonTheHill Parish Council Members
Cllr Martin (Chair) Cllr Lyons (Vice Chair) Cllr Sheldon Cllr Scott Cllr Abrahams Cllr Bindley Cllr Williams Clerk: Janet Guest. - email: [email protected]
Officers, Committees and Representatives
Whisby Quarry Liaison: Cllrs Martin and Lyons Whisby Nature Park Steering Board: Cllr Sheldon Neighbourhood Plan Group: Cllr Andrews, Clerk. Finance: Cllr Lyons Allotments: Cllr Lyons Lake Management Committee Cllrs Lyons, Abrahams, Bindley and Sheldon.
Staffing Committee Cllrs Martin, Lyons and Bindley Tennis Court Parish Clerk
Parish Council Meetings
Parish Council Meetings are usually held at the Oliver Roper Parish Centre commencing at 7pm. The dates are advertised on the notice board and Fa- cebook and by way of the Parish email circulation list. If you are not on the list please email the Parish Clerk and request to be added. You can ask for it to be removed at any time. The local Police and District and County Councillors are invited to attend. The agenda and minutes of the current meeting are available, on request, from the Parish Clerk. The Parish Council welcomes members of the public to ask questions or make short statements to the Council during public time at the start of the meeting. All face-to-face Parish Council meetings are currently suspended. The council is holding all meetings using Zoom, a computer application that al- lows remote meetings to take place with each councillor seeing and hear- ing all the other councillors and the Parish Clerk on their computer screen. District Councillor
Sally Appleby email: [email protected] Oliver Roper Recreation Tennis Court If you would like to use the Tennis Court please contact Janet, Parish Clerk, on 07794 471013 or email [email protected] Or call into the office at the ORC Fridays 10am - 4pm A £10 deposit for the key is refundable. Please note the court can only be used for tennis, not other ball games.
24 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
Decision made at the December Parish Council Meeting 9th December. Full minutes are available on the Parish Council website. Just Google; Thorpe on the Hill Parish Council.
• An extra £500 was allocated to support six full colour versions of VFTH. Parish- ioners will be surveyed towards the end of this period to see if they value VFTH. • LCC has been allocated £110 million to allow the Southern Hykeham section of the Eastern Bypass to go ahead. • TOTH Emergency Plan – is almost complete. • A meeting has been held to discuss the removal of hedges on Middle Lane Site. • Further quotes for a new projector for ORPMR will be sought. • 20/1502/FUL: Proposed construction of a holding lagoon for the purpose of holding liquid fertilizer off Clay Lane. The PC agreed to oppose this planning ap- plication. • Cllr Sheldon briefed the meeting on the work undertaken by village residents to plant hedgerow saplings on Clay Lane and on the eastern border of the lake. The PC would like to express its appreciation of the efforts of Tony Magri who managed and co-ordinated this activity. • The website policies and procedures were accepted by the PC and it was agreed to inform parishioners of the new website using Facebook.
Decisions made at the Lake Management Committee 18th November. Full minutes are available on the Parish Council website. Just Google; Thorpe on the Hill Parish Council
• To review extracted actions from ROSPA report and agree priorities / immediate actions. • To review and agree wording and placing of bylaws notices prior to official signs being ordered. • Agreed membership of Wildlife Group as being the Parishioners representatives and their deputies. • The Lake maintenance plan was accepted. • Volunteer strimming policy. After a discussion it was agreed the policy should be a general policy covering all Parish Council volunteers and if necessary, a separate one for the Flyfishing Club. • Parish Clerk and Cllr Lyons will finalise the process for disabled residents to ac- cess the lake. • Priorities for next 12 months: • Finalise list of ROSPA priorities. • Install visual warning signs for back casting. • Flowers and bird boxes on site. • Planting of hedges.
25 Lincoln Radio Sailing Club
What is Radio Controlled Yacht Racing?
Radio controlled yachts are controlled from the shore via a radio transmitter and race around a set course. Radio controlled yacht racing follows the same racing rules as full-size boats and requires similar skills in boat positioning, tactics and tuning.
Lincoln Radio Sailing Club has been in existence for 50 years , this year is our Golden Jubilee, it is a shame that Covid 19 has thwarted some of our activities, but let me tell you about our club when it is in full swing.
The club moved to Scotland farm just off Eagle lane about 7 years ago and quickly established itself as one of the prime venues for our sport, To explain a little about radio control racing , we have a model yacht, and at Lincoln we have three main types of yacht , the largest 1 metre and the smallest 65cm , The radio operates the steering, with the right hand stick , and the left hand stick on the transmitter operates the sail control.
We always have organised racing on Sunday morning from 10 am till around 2pm, and we get around 10/14 skippers on the start line, we set an oblong course so we have a good beat ( going to windward )and a run where the sails are let right out, from the start everybody is racing against each other and they are racing to win. It is just the same as Dingy racing except you control your boat from the lake bank.
Lincoln have been know to have some very prestigious events and back in 2015 had the main “International One Metre” class National championships at the club with the top skippers from this country and some from Europe, 3 World champions were in attendance, This past year has been a difficult year for the club what with
26 the Covid 19 situation but we are already trying to plan for 2021, and in May 21 we shall hopefully be holding the Veterans National Championships for the over 60s and trust me there will be many top skippers in attendance, as this is a sport that you can continue to be competitive the older you get.
Nationals 2015 at Lincoln
If you would like to come down and see us please feel free , and if you would like to have a go at radio sailing I am sure one of our members will be happy to oblige and give you the Transmitter to have a go yourself , we are a friendly and chatty club and welcome new members, our age range is diverse as is our abilities, but there is always somebody ready and will to help and give advice.
Yachts can be purchased new and of course second hand the smallest the DF 65 with all rigs even new could be well within most budgets at around £ 250 .00 but once you have it , it can last for ever as you only have to recharge the batteries each week and look after the boat with the odd bit of polish, the next class up is the DF 95 which is 95 cm and a great yacht to race as the all are, and then we have the thoroughbred I.O.M which can cost a bit more, but you need to be serious about taking up the sport because one of these second-hand can range from , £ 400.00 to £ 2000.00,
You will find people sailing on Wednesdays when we (In normal ) times have a work party to do all the little jobs a club needs to do and also on Saturday afternoons for a couple of hours, so why not pop down and check out what goes on , we are just off Eagle lane on Scotland farm post code nearest is LN 6 9 BP most people know where we are,
27 Just one more thing we do have a website and a Face book page.
www.lincolnradiosailingclub.com
http://www.facebook.com/lincolnradiosailingclub
Also here is a link to a sailing podcast that I am sure you will all enjoy by Shirley Robertson
http://shirleyrobertson.com/tv-media/
And a great Video from the Model Yachting Association, our governing body , that takes you through all aspects of radio sailing with some fantastic action footage.
https://bit.ly/2VogVz9
and some more pics below
DF 95’s racing at Lincoln
I.O.M fleet racing at Scotland Farm
28 29 Eagle Village Store & Post Office
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CLOSING THOUGHT
Hopefully we will all see a light ahead on our paths this year.
Photograph by Sylvia Lyons
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