The Mid-Elloe Villager
&
The Free Community Magazine for Fleet, Gedney, Holbeach St. Marks & Holbeach Hurn 2020
1 No.443 DECEMBER 2020 Parish Contacts
The Rural Dean
Revd. Rosamund Seal 01406 424989 [email protected] Authorised Lay Ministers
Mr. David Smith 01406 363388
Deanery administrator – Caz Dennis – 01406 423460 [email protected] (Office hours Monday – Thursday 9.00-1.00) For all enquiries about Baptisms, Weddings and funerals Churchwardens:
Fleet
For any enquiries contact: PCC Secretary, Gill Graper 01406 423803
Holbeach Hurn
Mr. David Baker 01406 362420 Mrs. Kay Jenkinson 01406 424428
Gedney
Mr. William Webb 01406 363673 Mrs. Jill Duffey 01406 365586
Holbeach St. Marks
Doris Johnson 01406 701250 Nick Worth 01406 701459
2 Useful Community Contacts
The Pilgrim Hospital 01205 364 801 Queen Elizabeth Hospital 01553 613 613 Holbeach Hospital 01406 422 283 Johnson Community Hospital Spalding.. 01775 652 000 Peterborough City Hospital 01733 678000 Long Sutton Medical Centre 01406 362 081 Boots Chemist Long Sutton 01406 362 331 Samaritans 116 123 National Rail Enquiries 0845 748 495 Registrar Long Sutton 01522 782 244 Sir John Hayes 01775 711 534 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Cllr Nick Worth 07866 415688
South Holland Parish Volunteer Car Service (Mon - Fri 09:00 - 12:00 / 13:00 - 16:30) Call Sharon: 01406 366820 or 07834 634336
3 It is hoped to produce a magazine MAGAZINE EDITOR: MARK ELSOM each month which will go on the [email protected] website and be emailed to as many people as possible. We Copy for the magazine should be with Mark hope you will understand that in by 18th of the previous month, marked Mid Elloe Magazine. these difficult times it may not always appear at the beginning of ADVERTISING EDITOR: GILL GRAPER a month and the content will be reduced. People who wish to [email protected] submit items should still do so by 01406 423803 18th of the previous month.
For all enquiries about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals please con- tact the Deanery Administrator, Caz Dennis, on 01406 423460 (office hours Mon- Thurs 9.00-1.00) For urgent pastoral issues please contact the Rural Dean – Rosamund Seal – 01406 424989 For all other enquiries please contact the churchwardens - details are in the Mid Elloe Community magazine.
SEE US ON THE WEB
The Magazine and details of services will be put on the new church website every month so please do check there for details of what is going on in your Parish and in the Benefice.
Fleet: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/14562/
Gedney: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/14564/ Holbeach Hurn: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/14569/ Holbeach St Marks: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/14564/
4 5 6 Belfry News
Fulneys Timepiece
It’s always a pleasure to visit towers other than ones own and many of these have, in addi- tion to bells, a church clock, not generally of great interest to bell ringers. They are there, chime the hours, some the quarters, some get in the way as at Tydd St Mary where a muffled curse is sometimes heard from the tenor ringer as his or her elbow clouts the too proximate clock case. Despite this they are wonderful old pieces of skillfully made ma- chinery, that at St Pauls Fulney being a prime example.
A product of William Potts of Leeds it was installed at a cost of £142.7s 3d and commenced service on October 7th 1885. Weight driven, hand wound, an hour chimer it requires wind- ing at seven day intervals. Last July after clearing the debris from the bell chamber we noted damage to the chiming hammer. It appears that the tenor on some past date had been rung with the clock hammer in the “on” position, hitting and driving the hammer under the bell and hard up against its sound bow. Bearing in mind that this bell weighs just short of three quarters of a ton and assuming it was rotating through 360 degrees , whoever was on the rope must have had quite a shock. However the clock movement is in good condition and with a little lubrication on bearings and escapement, a gentle swing of the pendulum, off it went. Unfortunately although the movement is serviceable it had not run during the past 10 years, but for what reason?
I think the problem at Fulney is one facing us all, ageing congregations, willing but with the usual problems of age. The time train clock weight must come in at about 100 lbs or so and has to be cranked up some 40 feet every seven days. A young lad or girl could “eat it”, but for aged persons like myself it requires quite an effort. In short they had no one to ascend the tower and wind the handle on a regular weekly schedule. Luckily their PCC secretary , Jackie Nicholson has a willing and able son, Aron, who has volunteered to do this task. As for William Potts, his company founded in 1833 ran until 1934 when it was sold to Smiths of Derby. During that time the firm made 510 hour chiming clocks of which that at Fulney is just one example. Long may it continue to tick, tell the time and when the hammer is repaired, sound the hours.
John Bennett
7 FLEET CHURCH NEWS
50/50Club Winners November
1. Bert Howell 74 £25 2. Stanley Knight 50 £15 3. Wendy Goose 88 £5
Subscription renewals for 50/50 Club are due at the end of the year. Letters will be sent to all our present subscribers. For 2021 it has been decided to charge £10 for each number purchased, but also to raise the prizes to £30, £20 and £10 every month. Please find the proforma for subscribing and full details of how to pay on a separate page in the magazine. We are most grateful to everyone who supports the church in this way, particularly following this very difficult year where we have suf- fered a huge decline in income, having been unable to organise a Flower Festival or Arts and Crafts Festival.
CHRISTMAS DRAW
The Draw for the Christmas Raffle, organised by the Friends of Fleet group, will take place on Saturday, 12th December. Please ensure all sold ticket stubs are returned to Eileen Gilliatt at least a week before the Draw. The PCC of Fleet Church is very grateful to the organisers, for arranging this raffle and agreeing that the proceeds are to be giv- en to the Church. The full results of how much was made will be given in the Feb- ruary magazine. We would like to thank all those who have donated prizes (over 70 in total, including a television, an Alexa and £50); also our thanks go to everyone who has helped to sell the tickets and who has bought tickets – a real community effort. The money raised will ensure we can pay for the inside deep clean necessary so that the church can once again be opened in 2021. There have also been some extra costs, not paid for by insurance, but to repair roof joists before the reroofing could take place. We hope that everyone who has contributed in any way to the Raffle will be pleased to know that the proceeds have helped to ensure the church building is once again safe and in a good state of repair. 8 FLEET CHURCH NEWS
November has been a busy and successful month. The Reroofing work has been completed and we are very grateful to the architect, Tim Benton, and the contrac- tors, Careys, for the efficiency and hard work that has resulted in the renewal of the area of roof that was stolen in January, before the worst of the winter weather sets in.
A tremendous amount of time and effort also had to take place, completing all the necessary permission forms and the Faculty required, before any building work was allowed to take place. This voluntary labour of love was meticulously carried out by Peter Graper (former churchwarden) and Peter Bush (PCC Treasurer). An alarm system will be in place by early December and we are very grateful to the Mary Bass Charity for funding this necessity which will keep the insurance costs for the church lower.
The Lych/Kissing Gate has not been forgotten. Finally, we have secured the ser- vices of the thatcher who worked on the thatched roof 15 years ago. He is able to carry out the work hopefully early in 2021. We are awaiting quotations from local builders to carry out the other work necessary. We are fairly certain that our Insur- ers will pay for all this work.
The list of jobs in order to reopen the church is not complete yet. We need to get a professional deep clean done of the inside of the church, which has been somewhat taken over by the bat population! Then there is a risk assessment to be completed because of the present pandemic and finally we look forward to a time when the church can be opened for private prayer and perhaps one service every month.
A year ago the PCC had been discussing some major fund raising with a view to having an inside toilet and new servery, so that Fleet Church would be able to offer an area where a variety of community events could take place regularly, alongside it being a place of worship, mission and outreach to everyone in the community. A delegation of five experts from the Diocese visited the church in November 2019 to assess the needs for the long term future of the church. It was a useful and produc- tive meeting with members of the PCC and it is certainly to be hoped that the reins of this next challenge can be taken up in the not too distant future.
The church was put on the ‘Heritage at Risk’ register in recent months, largely be- cause of the stolen roof lead. However, it is also a wonderful historical building that is at risk if we do not find ways to sustain local support and increase the monthly revenue, so that it once again becomes a well loved, precious and valued building in the local community. Our thanks go to everyone in Fleet and beyond who has shown that support over the years and are helping now with raffles and fund raising activities.
9 ST MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH, FLEET 50 / 50 CLUB Please consider supporting this scheme which will help to secure the future of the church building in Fleet. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FOR JANUARY – DECEMBER 2021 £10 PER NUMBER PRIZE DRAWS EVERY MONTH: £30 £20 £10 PLEASE PRINT THE DETAILS CLEARLY ADDRESS:______POST CODE:______TELEPHONE NUMBER:______E MAIL: ______
NAME NO. OF TICK- TOTAL
Cheques payable to: PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF FLEET or CASH £______ENCLOSED OR DIRECTLY TO BANK Sort Code: 20-80-78 Account No: 20689408 Description: FLEET 5050
Please return with payment to Gill Graper by the end of December. Diamond House, Roman Bank, Holbeach Clough, Lincs PE12 8DJ OR [email protected] to inform me you have paid directly to bank, giving your contact details and how many tickets you are purchasing Forms and payments may be put through The Rectory letter box, which is checked each week for post
10 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO ALL OUR READERS Christmas Day is a day of celebration when we remember the birth of Jesus Christ. It is worth remembering that He came to change the world. Yet, we realise that throughout history the world changes continuously in so many ways, but it is actually down to us as human beings to decide on the changes and how best to carry out the changes we believe to be necessary and right. God gave us the freedom to make those decisions, but that can often be a very painful and difficult experience. This year has certainly been a year of change, when we have all had to make huge adjustments to the way we live our lives. People have shown great strength, forti- tude and commitment in adapting to these changes. Certainly within our local communities we have witnessed tremendous generosity, resilience and love in the face of huge adversity. For many prayer and faith have helped. For others a deeply held belief in the importance of helping people in need. Celebration of Christmas this year will inevitably be different, but I hope we can still find ways to celebrate and enjoy the festive season. Whilst we cannot partici- pate in Carol Services or Christingle events or meet and party in large groups inside or outside, let’s be thankful for the ways in which people can show their joy and gratitude. In Fleet we should celebrate and give thanks to all those people who have done so much throughout this year to help those in need in the local community. It is very much appreciated. You have helped to change the lives of many in the local community. In the birth of Jesus we also are made aware of the sacrifice He ultimately made for us all on the Cross. There are so many who will find it very hard to find joy this Christmas and who will feel there is nothing to celebrate because their lives have changed so much for the worse this year - those who have lost loved ones; those who are ill and suffering; those who are exhausted because of the work they have had to do; and those who are struggling to survive because of financial problems. All these people will be remembered and held in our prayers. The PCC of Fleet send our good wishes to everyone in the community and in the Mid Elloe Benefice. We hope you will find peace, comfort and joy in the Christ- mas season and that 2021 will bring much greater happiness and peace to everyone. Gill Graper
11 ST MARY MAGDALENE NEWS
TABLETALK LUNCH
Tabletalk Lunches are cancelled until further notice but we do hope you all stay safe and keep well. We look forward to welcoming you all back once this worrying time is past. Please let us know of anyone who might be feeling isolated and appreciate a phone call.
You can contact us either by phone or email on-: Jane Webb – 01406 363673 [email protected] Jill Duffey – 01406 365586 [email protected]
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2019
Well, we weren’t able to hold our Remembrance Service this year but the occasion was still marked at Gedney Church. The porch was decorated with poppies and the Act of Homage took place at 11.00 on Sunday as usual. We also visited the war grave in the churchyard and laid a wreath.
CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE AND OTHER WORSHIP AT GEDNEY
Gosh, we are going to miss the Carol Service, one of the high spots of our year of worship and enjoyed by so many. It has been cancelled of course.
At the time of writing we are unsure what services, if any, will be permitted over the Christmas period but we do hope to be allowed a Christmas Eve Mass. We will do our best to keep everyone informed of developments but our first priority must be safety. The weekly pew sheet will continue to be published and if you would like to receive it by email but currently don’t, then let Jane know. The email ad- dress to contact is – [email protected] Up to date details of all services are sent with the pew sheet. OBITUARY We are sad to record the death of Mrs. Barbara Goose, widow of Howard Goose, former Churchwarden of Gedney. Barbara will be sadly missed as a stalwart of our Church and keen supporter of our fund-raising events, particularly the Flower Festival. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
12 ST MARY MAGDALENE NEWS
GEDNEY CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARDS As mentioned in previous years, packs of Christmas cards showing Gedney Church are available. There are now only a few packs left. The picture is a photo taken by Dave Gentle showing the chancel by candlelight during the Carol Service. Please bear this in mind as the nights pull in and thoughts turn to the Festive Season. There are five cards in a pack at £2.50 per pack. Some contain a Christmas Greeting and others have been left blank for your own message. Please contact me on 01406 363673 if you would like more details or to see a sample.
TRAVELLING NATIVITIES Because of Health and Safety, the Travelling Nativities will have to stay in hiberna- tion this year but I’m sure they will be eager to reappear in 2021.
GEDNEY PCC
On behalf of all members of the Parochial Church Council we should like to thank everyone for their continued support of Gedney Church throughout 2020. Sadly, we are unable to hold Sunday services at present but following official guidelines the Church is open daily for private prayer. We take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year, and hope and pray for a much brighter future in 2021. Jill Duffey and William Webb CHRISTMAS WREATHS AND FLORAL TRIBUTES The Parochial Church Council would remind you that Christmas wreaths and floral tributes should be removed from the Churchyard by Candlemas which is February 2nd. This marks the end of the Christmas Season in the Church’s calendar. Thank you for your help in this matter.
Magazine Editor On behalf of everyone in Gedney, I would like to thank Mark for editing the Parish Magazine. We all really appreciate your help and expertise. Special thanks to Gill Graper who has overseen the advertising but is now stepping down. Jane Webb
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS EDITION COVERS DECEMBER AND JANU- ARY. LET’S HOPE THE NEWS WILL BE BETTER BY FEBRUARY 13 FLEET BAPTIST NEWS
Mid Elloe Villager Fleet Baptist Church December 2020/January 2021 Pastor: Ross A Dean Phone: 424556 ‘The Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him Emmanuel.’ Isaiah 7 v.14. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed the Word of the Lord to the Israelites for over 40 years from 740BC (some 2,760 years ago!). His words quoted above briefly but accurately indicate God the Father’s plan for entering directly into the fractured human situation. The prophet Micah a contemporary of Isaiah, revealed that Bethlehem, one of the smallest towns in Judah, would be the birthplace of this (young ruler) infant. Micah 5 v.2. As we celebrate ‘Christmas’, at this difficult and uncertain time, let us nevertheless reflect on the love and generosity of God the Father in his gift of the Lord Jesus Christ to heal, restore and redeem our broken humanity, foretold so many centuries ago. In prayer, we give thanks for the many daily blessings we enjoy. And ask for patience, strength and resilience for all feeling the adverse effects of this continuing pandemic. When permitted, we shall continue to hold a worship time in the chapel each Sunday from 2.30 to 3.30pm. following government guidelines. These services are open to all. However, no other meetings or events can yet take place. We wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a more hopeful New Year.
14 ST LUKE'S NEWS
StLuke's Church, Holbeach Hurn
15 NEWS
16 NEWS
All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas) is the day after All Hallows' Eve (Hallowe'en). It is a feast day cele- brated on 1st November by Anglicans and Roman Catholics.
It is an opportunity for believers to remember all saints and martyrs, known and un- known, throughout Christian history. As part of this day of obligation, believers are required to attend church and try not to do any servile work. In many countries it is a Bank Holiday, so that people are not expected to work.
Remembering saints and martyrs and dedicating a specific day to them each year has been a Christian tradition since the 4th century AD, but it wasn't until 609AD that Pope Boniface IV decided to remember all martyrs. Originally 13th May was desig- nated as the Feast of All Holy Martyrs. Later, in 837AD, Pope Gregory IV extended the festival to remember all the saints, changed its name to Feast of All Saints and changed the date to 1st November.
ADVERTISING EDITOR REQUIRED for MAGAZINE
Is there anyone in any of the Mid Elloe parishes who would be prepared to take on this role?
You do not have to be a church member You do have to have some computer literacy skills and be able to send emails The main part of the job has to be done in November, December and January when fees for the following year are due You will be supported and helped by the current Advertising Editor, who has eve- rything stored on computer You will also liaise with Peter Bush, Treasurer for Fleet and Mark our Editor You will have the satisfaction of playing a vital role in ensuring our Magazine can continue to be produced Please contact Gill Graper if you are interested and would like to find out more details: 01406 423803 or [email protected]
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Events
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20 21 GEDNEY VICTORY HALL
Monday. Rehab 10.00-12.00 contact Jack/Rosemary on 01406 424831 Keep fit. From 6.30 contact Karen on 07957440333 Thursday. Keep fit 9.30-10.25 contact Karen on 07957440333 Rehab 1.30-3.30 contact Jack/Rosemary on 01406 424831 Friday. M&A Auction. Viewing from 4.00 Auction starts at 6.00 contact Annette/Michelle on 01406 371024 or 07936109884. Any other questions please e mail me. Regards Chris
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Adaptable Counselling 07904 075063 [email protected] ABOUT US As the name suggests this is counselling but adaptable to suit your individual needs. It is suita- ble for all ages, one on one, couples, families and is held in a calm and safe environment. You can make an appointment at a time to suit you, to fit in around work and family commitments as evening and weekend appointments are also available. For anyone who is unable to travel to an appointment I also offer a telephone, on line and video calling service. Hourly sessions include CBT by a fully qualified counsellor. DBS checked and registered with Lincolnshire County Council as undergone an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. Fully Insured. HELP WITH Adaptable Counselling is your gateway to finding help for anxiety, stress, depression, panic attacks, addictions, phobias, post traumatic stress, bereavement, anger management, eating disorders and anything else you may feel you need to talk about and need help with. CBT actually stands for Cognetive Behaviourial Therapy. By using this method you are able to learn new ways of thinking and seeing things from another perspective. Once this has been learnt you can use it in all aspects of your life and can open up so many more options for lead- ing a more positive life. I am also able to show you various coping strategies that you can use between sessions and once learnt can use them any time a situation may call for them. The first and most important are breathing exercises that can be used anywhere and under any circumstances, such as panic attacks, phobias, anger management and many more, the aim being to slow down your breathing which in turn will relax and calm your body and mind. There are practical strategies too that I can show you or explain such as fidget cubes, colour therapy and mindfulness. A healthy diet, exercise and regular sleep patterns are also things we will work on. You can also find us on Face Book using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/Adaptable-Counselling-2200760803290657/
23 24 GEDNEY VICTORY HALL
EXCELLENT VENUE FOR - Wedding receptions, Parties, Meetings, Clubs etc.
For more information
Phone: Chris Pearson on 07715872464
(located just off the A17 Gedney roundabout )
25 SIMON’S ROOFING Roofing Contractor ~~~
Phone 01406 490262 / 07742 173058 Email: [email protected] Over 30 years experience
All types of Roofing work undertaken Specialist in Flat Roofing and Lead Work
Will cover all areas of South Lincolnshire All work fully guaranteed
Very Competitive Prices Please call for a no-obligation quote!
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We are local, accessible and experienced providers of legal services in- cluding: -
Buying and selling property Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney
Estate administration Divorce and family problems Employment advice Disputes Commercial Law
Find us at:
10 Spalding Road, Holbeach PE12 7LP Tel: 01406 422651 and 30 Market Place, Long Sutton PE12 9JH Tel: 01406 363212
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number (SRA Number 52592)
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DAVID OSBORNE Our reputation is built on customer recommendations.
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discuss your requirements 01406 424504
TEST OUR HOT TUBS TODAY! 29 Charity No. 1068857 PRELOVED FURNITURE UNITS
Please donate your unwanted furniture to help local elderly Unit 6 Flaxmill building Unit 33 Flaxmill Lane Fleet Road Ind. Estate Pinchbeck Holbeach PE11 3XN PE12 8LA
• Prompt free Local Pickup & Delivery
• OPEN MON TO FRI 9.30 to 3.30
• www.themeadowsspalding.co.uk
• Everyone welcome
30 31 South Lincolnshire Registered Charity Blind Society
Number 1182486
JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN TO END LONELINESS AND SOCAL ISOLATION South Lincolnshire Blind Society provides support and advice to help visually impaired people, improving their independence and increas- ing their quality of life. We have people living with sight loss who have been waiting for 6 months or more in your area!! Do you have a few hours to spare and enjoy making new friends?? Why not become a Volunteer?? We are looking for Volunteers to join our Home Befriending service within the Spalding area. If you are friendly, outgoing, have a good listening ear and a bit of time to spare then please call us today… Together we can end Loneliness. Call: 01476 592775 or e-mail: [email protected] visit our website: www.blind-society.org.uk Open Tuesday to Friday 9am – 5pm
32 Defibrillators in Fleet & Counselling in Gedney There are now two defibrillators in Holbeach Fleet. Natalie Blanchflower The first is on the outside of the Rose and Crown, Fleet Hargate, and the sec- Integrative Christian counsellor ond is at the Branches Lane side of the working with a range of issues: Fleet Road Garage. depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, A defibrillator now exists outside Victo- loss, trauma, relationships difficulties ry Hall, Gedney. etc. They also exist at the Co-Op food stores Contact me via email for more of Holbeach, information: Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge. [email protected]
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Secker Welding - Holbeach Domestic Oil-Fired Boiler Servicing and Repair
Local engineer with 35 years of experience providing efficient and friendly service at extremely competitive prices.
Call Linden on 07811 919 596 or 01406 423424
34 APPLIANCES REPAIRED IN CUSTOMERS HOMES
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PANDORAS BOX JEWELLRY & GIFTWARE Silver and fashion jewellery to suit all tastes; range of gifts; scarves and purses. FREE POST, LOCAL DELIVERY www.pandorasboxonline.co.uk
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