Bolingbroke Deanery

APRIL 2021 ISSUE 538

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

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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.

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

God gives us two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak.

In every day, there are 1440 minutes. That means we have 1440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.

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READINGS AT THE EUCHARIST

Principal Service

Sunday 4 April Easter Day (Gold or White) First Reading Acts10.34-43 or Isaiah 25.6-9 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 118.1-2, 14-24 [or 118.14-24] Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15.1-11 or Acts 10.34-43 Gospel John 20.1-18 or Mark 16.1-8 The reading from Acts must be used as either the first or second reading.

Sunday 11th April 2nd Sunday of Easter (White) First Reading [Exodus 14.10-end; 15.20, 21] Acts 4.32-35 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 133 Second Reading 1 John 1.1-2.2 Gospel John 20.19-end The reading from Acts must be used as either the first or second reading.

Sunday 18th April 3rd Sunday of Easter (White) First Reading [Zephaniah 3.14-end] Acts 3.12-19 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 4 Second Reading 1 John 3.1-7 Gospel Luke 24.36b-48 The reading from Acts must be used as either the first or second reading.

Sunday 25th April 4th Sunday of Easter (White) First Reading [Genesis 7.1-5, 11-18; 8.6-18; 9.8-13] Acts 4.5-12 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 23 Second Reading 1 John 3.16-end Gospel John 10.11-18 The reading from Acts must be used as either the first or second reading.

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SERVICES ACROSS MARDEN HILL CLUSTER

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

APRIL 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

4th April Easter Day Holy Communion 9.30am

11th April 2nd Sunday of Easter 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

18th April 3rd Sunday of Easter East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am

25th April 4th Sunday of Easter East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am

Maundy Thursday service at East Kirkby, 7pm

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

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

APRIL 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

4th April Easter Day Hundleby Morning Prayer 9.30am Spilsby Informal Service 10.00am Great Steeping Holy Communion 3.00pm

11th April 2nd Sunday of Easter Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am

18th April 3rd Sunday of Easter Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am Hundleby Holy Communion 11.15am Firsby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

25th April 4th Sunday of Easter Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am

Maundy Thursday – 7pm Spilsby – Eucharist of the Last Supper and Watch to 10am Good Friday – 12 noon Reflection 3.00pm Liturgy of the Day Easter Saturday – 10.00am Spilsby Easter Garden 7.00pm Spilsby Vigil

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 5

SERVICES ACROSS STICKNEY CLUSTER

Eastville, Midville, , , Stickney

APRIL 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

4th April Easter Day New Leake Morning Worship 11.15am

11th April 2nd Sunday of Easter Stickford Morning Worship 11.15am

18th April 3rd Sunday of Easter Stickney Morning Worship 11.15am

25th April 4th Sunday of Easter Stickford Morning Worship 11.15am

Good Friday – Reflections at the Cross, 10.00am Stickney

Easter Eve – 7.00pm Stickford

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, , ,

APRIL 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

4th April Easter Day Partney Holy Communion 11.15am Scremby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

11th April 2nd Sunday of Easter Candlesby Morning Prayer 9.30am Skendleby Holy Communion 11.15am

18th April 3rd Sunday of Easter Aswardby Morning Prayer 9.30am Partney Family Service 11.15am

25th April 4th Sunday of Easter Sausthorpe Morning Prayer 11.15am Skendleby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

Good Friday – Partney Meditation & Prayer 2.00pm

St Nicholas, Partney Open Thursdays for Private Prayer 11.30am to 12.30pm 7

SERVICES ACROSS GROUP

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

APRIL 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

4th April Easter Day Tetford Holy Communion 9.30am

11th April 2nd Sunday of Easter

18th April 3rd Sunday of Easter

25th April 4th Sunday of Easter Tetford Holy Communion 9.30am

Good Friday – Tetford Morning Prayer 10.00am

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

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HOLY WEEK 2021 Monday 29th 8.00pm Via Zoom Compline Tuesday 30th 11.00am Lincoln Cathedral Chrism Mass 8.00pm Via Zoom Compline Wednesday 31st 10.30am Spilsby Eucharist 8.00pm Via Zoom Compline Eucharist of the Last Maundy 7.00pm Spilsby Supper and Watch Thursday to 10am 7.00pm East Kirkby Service 8.00pm Via Zoom Compline Good Friday 8.00am Spilsby Morning Prayer Reflections on the 10.00am Stickney Cross 10.00am Tetford Morning Prayer 12 noon Spilsby Reflection 2.00pm Partney Meditation & Prayer 3.00pm Spilsby Liturgy of the Day 6.00pm Via Zoom Stations Easter Saturday 10.00am Spilsby Easter Garden 7.00pm Spilsby Vigil 7.00pm Stickford Easter Eve

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Group Registers: Funerals: Spilsby Cluster Joe Hezzell 85 years Halton Holegate died 10.02.2021

Marden Hill Cluster Jean Dorothy Walton 88 years East Kirkby died 15.02.2021 Jeanette Mary Hollingsbee 74 years East Kirkby died 18.02.2021 Emma Morrell Churchill Masterton 82 years East Kirkby died 06.03.2021 Gillian Denniff 82 years died 14.02.2021

Partney Cluster Evelyn Betty Kidd 91 years Partney died 25.01.2021 Cynthia Boulton 81 years Skendleby died 05.02.2021 Rick Watson 77 years Candlesby died 14.02.2021

Fran’s Bit

Clinging to hope! That might be our motto for Easter this year. After all, vaccination is well under way, we are beginning to head out of Lockdown 3, and spring flowers are heading skywards.

But I have another motto suitable for Easter – and it is the traditional greeting we use on Easter Sunday: Alleluia! Christ is risen He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

It feels as if we never actually left Lent behind last year – Churches were closed, and we were shut behind closed doors. This year, by whatever means we can, we will experience resurrection! For some of us, that will mean worship in Church, for others it will mean making use of the services we have provided throughout the year. For still others, it may be a walk in the Wolds or along the coast as we experience God in nature.

The time to take stock of what has happened over the past 12 months is probably not now. First there has to be a ‘recovery’ stage, which, we are told, will last through the summer. By September, though, if everything

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proceeds as planned, we will be seeking to learn lessons from the Pandemic alongside working through the issues arising out of Resourcing Sustainable Church (Discussions have already started, but it will be a long process).

Until then, we are encouraged to look after ourselves. Enjoy life. Keep looking out for one another. And above all, enjoy the love of our Crucified, Died and Resurrected God!

Alleluia! Christ is risen He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Rev’d Teresa’s Piece

This year we have a wonderful opportunity to fully celebrate Easter together, which of course we were unable to do last year due to our churches being closed. This year we may feel hesitant about coming into church after all that has transpired this year. The Good news is that we are a resurrection people, we know that death is not the end that there is the offer of eternal life. Not only does that apply to our faith but also to our church life. As we know Spring is a time of growth, a time of renewal and hopefully this year we will see things start to re-emerge in our church life. What may have appeared dead, will be brought to new life. Later this year hopefully there will be time to reach out afresh out to our communities, to meet new people and share our faith, which in turn this will help our churches to grow not only numerically but grow in the depth of our discipleship.

Easter Blessings Teresa

Toynton All Saints February Draw Winners 1st No.14 R Richmond 2nd No.36 H Vaughan 3rd No.48 E Moss

Marden Hill Cluster February Draw Winners 1st No.15 S Lumb 2nd No.26 P Butler

Thanks to all for your important support. I am pleased to say that the new numbers for this year have all been taken and we have no reduction to the number of tickets sold. Thanks to all at TAS. Alf Tunnicliffe, Lottery organiser. 11

Quirky Easter Facts • The tallest chocolate Easter egg ever was made in Italy in 2011. It was 10.39 metres in height and 7,200 kg in weight, making it taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant. • When eating a chocolate bunny rabbit, 76 per cent of people bite the ears off first. • Eggs have long been associated with the spring equinox, having been seen as a symbol of life since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Persians. • The word ‘Easter’ occurs only once in the King James Bible (Acts 12:4). Elsewhere in the King James version, ‘Passover’ is used. • Before chocolate eggs, Pretzels were originally associated with Easter. They are thought to be invented by ancient German monks and were created in a pattern to represent two folding arms in prayer. • In Corfu, Holy Saturday is celebrated by traditional Pot Throwing. In the morning people throw pots, pans and other earthenware out of their windows, smashing them on the street.

May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your windowpane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. Irish Blessing

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Rev’d Joan’s Musings

In the Gospel reading for the second Sunday in Lent we hear how Jesus told his disciples that he must undergo great suffering. Peter found this information difficult to accept and many of us find the notion of suffering difficult to understand especially when the person suffering is someone we know. I suppose that if we believed in a God who was cruel or vindictive we might not have such a problem with suffering but because we believe God is good and living and cares deeply for human beings it's hard to reconcile this with the suffering we see around us, in individuals and in the suffering caused by war, the pandemic or natural disasters. The question Why? is often wrung out of a deep agony of soul. It may be our faith which presents us with the problem though paradoxically it is that same faith which can offer the strength to cope with the pain and problems when they occur. James Shillito a First World War poet, reflecting on the suffering and carnage he saw around him wrote:-

If we have never sought we seek Thee now, Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars. We must have sight of thorn pricks on Thy brow, We must have Thee O Jesus of the Scars.

The heavens frighten us, they are too calm, In all the universe we have no place. Our wounds are hurting us, where is the balm? Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars we claim Thy grace.

If, when the doors are shut, Thou drawest near, Only reveal those hands, that side of Thine, We know today what wounds are, have no fear. Show us Thy scars, we know the countersigned.

The other gods were strong, but Thou wast weak: They rose, but Thou didn't stumble to a throne. But to our wounds only God's wounds can speak. And not a God has wounds but Thou alone.

James Shillito saw his answer to the problem of suffering in the cross. In a God who didn't stand aloof from people or offer sympathy from the safety of heaven, but in a God who entered the depths of human suffering and became for a suffering world a man on a cross. Perhaps 13

the uniqueness of Jesus wasn't in his preaching and teaching nor in the miracles he performed but in his scars. Jesus wounds were God's wounds and so they speak to our woundedness. A God who suffers is a difficult thought to contemplate yet on the cross Jesus cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me"? In that moment he experienced the deepest despair mankind can experience. Jesus death on the cross teaches us that God's love for us is not aloof and detached it is totally involved. The Christ of the Scars isn't shut up in his divinity but enters into human suffering in a very real way. Suffering affects God the Father and God the Son in different ways. The Son suffered and died. The Father watched it happen so God knows not only what it is to suffer but what it is to watch someone you love suffer and die. There is no easy answer to the problem of suffering but there is a challenge - to keep hope alive within us when life is grim and to pray for ourselves and for others as we do in our intercessions and personal prayers. To hold our broken world to the love and compassion of God and to do so in the name of Jesus of the Scars, our Lord the Suffering Servant.

SPILSBY U3A MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING DATE AND TIME: 14th April at 2.00pm SPEAKER: Graham Harrison SUBJECT: Science & Superstition – medicine in the Roman Empire

ALL MEETINGS WILL BE VIA ZOOM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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

Halton Holegate March 100 Club winners

S Clarke S Marsh M Bourne

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Tales from We Rabbits

At the start of Lockdown in 2020 I started a light hearted weekly story to cheer us all up. This has grown a bit like the Archers into a Rabbit Saga: Not far from here is a Warren whose exact whereabouts must remain secret. There lives a community of rabbits. You may not be aware that rabbits can understand what we say, but believe me, they can. Because they are friendly with a domesticated rabbit called Thumper, who lives with the McGregor family in the house behind their meadow, they are able to take a vicarious part in some of the activities of our human world. Over the past year their schoolmaster (for rabbits like us need an education) has put together a weekly resumé of events and if you would like to go on the email list to receive the ‘Tales from We Rabbits’ each Saturday, please let Jane know (e: [email protected]) If you prefer to read it in paper form there will be a hard copy available from the office to borrow. Here is the start of We Rabbits and a couple of recent episodes but if you’re intrigued to know what happens between please get in touch….. Bill Rose

Chapter 1 Eggs In The Burrow

We rabbits are not necessarily the brightest of God’s Creatures, I admit, but I was very surprised when my wife, Flufflytail as I call her, told me she had found two eggs in our burrow. I know birds lay eggs and it seems some of them make burrows in the sand dunes. I learned this from Thumper, an escaped tame rabbit, who had seen it on one of David Attenborough’s television programmes. Thumper said he wasn’t really sure why he had escaped. It was just that the door to his cage was open and he hopped out to see what might be through the door. Next thing he knew he was in the garden and a large black and white cat was showing rather too much interest in his movements. So he scampered into the hedge and thence made it into the field. He’s not very good at fending for himself and he is thinking of slinking off home and getting back into his hutch and pretending that he’s never been away. ------But anyway back to these eggs. We’ve never had an egg in our burrow before. We’ve had more than three sets of little ones, probably many more than three. But that’s as far as we can count. 1, 2, 3, many. And none of them came out of an egg. Fluffytail says these eggs are bright

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and shiny, covered in colourful paper and pretty big to contain a little bunny. What can they be? And why are they in our burrow? They’ve got a funny, chocolatey, vanillary smell to them. Not the sort of thing we rabbits would go for at all. So I’m going to ask Thumper if he can shed any light on the matter. That is if he hasn’t hopped home yet! ------These eggs Thumper tells me are Easter Eggs. Never mind what they’re in aid of. They sometimes hide them in the garden. By ‘they’ he means humans, like the ones who look after him and feed him. At least they did before he escaped. They hide them in the garden for their children to hunt for them at Easter Time. He reckons a squirrel must have found them and dropped them on his way back to his drey. He says he’ll take them back to their garden when he tries to get back to his cushy billet in their kitchen. I hope he does – nasty, shiny, smelly things. There’s no place in my burrow for Easter eggs. Whatever next! ------I’ve just heard some squeals of delight coming from the garden. The children must have found their eggs. Thumper hopped off at breakfast time taking the eggs with him. We didn’t hear any frantic black and white cat noises. So we’re hoping he made it back safely to his hutch and let’s hope all’s well that ends well. Fluffytail tells me there’ll be some more little bunnies before long. Heigh Ho!

Chapter 50 A Welcome In The Warren

We rabbits are hospitable creatures. You will remember how we welcomed Gaston and Marie after their traumatic arrival from France. We also took Thumper to our hearts when he came exploring from his garden and this has led to our admittedly one way 16

involvement with the lives of the McGregors. Then there was the National Rabbit Federation Games which we hosted here at the White Stone Warren through which Wide Eyes met Harry Hopper and they now have had their first litter of bunnies.

The move from their original warren to the new premises is great for us as it’s only half the previous distance away. A little group of us went over to lend a hand (or a paw) with the initial burrowing at the Warren on the Brow. It’s a lovely site and I must say I could have felt envious of them for this exciting new project were I not such a well adjusted, contented and established member of the White Stone Warren.

Thumper tells us the children have made Mother’s Day cards for Sandie for this Sunday. ‘ Flora has appropriately designed a pattern of flowers on hers, whereas Euan has adorned his with a portrait of his Mum,’ said Thumper, ‘ which is not as flattering as Sandie might like when he presents it to her with a little pot of miniature daffodils. He has her looking as if she’s been at the Botox and with cross eyes but I’m sure Sandie will take it in the spirit it is intended consoling herself that it’s the thought that counts.’ Some of us thought it might be nice for our bunnies to do something special for their mothers and they have been encouraged to gather together prettily shaped leaves, fir cones and moss and arrange them into neat little offerings which I’m sure the does will love. We are looking forward to a happy family-oriented day. I know Wide Eyes is planning to come over with the little ones. Fluffytail will be really pleased to see them.

Yesterday we were rather surprised to find a stranger come to call (and even possibly to stay) - a hare. Not a big hare, but a hare nonetheless. I don’t think we could say he was exactly an asylum seeker but he was still looking for refuge. The problem seems to be that it is March. As you may be aware a certain madness grips male hares in March and they often indulge in boxing matches to decide who’s who in the hieracy and mating stakes. Hare as a language is not too different from Rabbit. They both belong to the leporine group. So we could understand Hubert pretty easily. Seems he isn’t keen on boxing, or rather about being boxed about the ears and face. He has decided he would prefer be seen as a big rabbit rather than a puny hare. ‘May I stay here with you folks?’. he pleaded. ‘I wish to identify as a rabbit from now on. A sort of transitioning if you like. I’ll be happy to learn your peaceful ways and muck in with all the work and so on.’

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Well, as I said, we’re a hospitable lot and he did ask ’May I stay here?’ rather then ‘Can I?’ We’ll just have to see how things go. He’s decided on a new name – Rupert Rabbit. Might get shortened down to Rupe, I suppose. Heigh Ho!

Chapter 51 Que-sera-sera

We rabbits can read between the lines. Well, no we can’t really. We can’t read at all, but you know exactly what I mean. Thumper overheard Sandie on the phone to Sophie. ‘I’m really enjoying this no house work for Lent lark,‘ said Sandie. They really made an effort with the Mothering Sunday meal and presents and cards. I think they were hoping I might relent and fetch out my apron again, but I haven’t.’ ‘Wish I’d thought of it first,’ put in a rueful Sophie. ‘George tries to help but is pretty clumsy. Broke a vegetable dish yesterday and was very apologetic. I didn’t tell him I’d always hated it and therefore was secretly pleased he’d dropped it. Alan’s mother gave it to us and whenever I used it I used to get an image in my mind of her advancing with it in full naturist fig (or lack of it, if you see what I mean.) And Alan is quite hopeless around the house, always has been. Never mind. They did give me a bottle of champagne. Al drank most of it.’ Reading between the lines Thumper is not at all sure that come the end of Lent Sandie is going to resume her erstwhile domestic duties. She’s got rather accustomed to more time for reading, Jane Austen productions on IPlayer and her new hobby of painting.

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Rupe (I was right his new name has quickly become abbreviated) has settled in with us remarkably easily. Great Grandpa Bertram (oddly no one has ever called him Bert) seems to have taken him under his wing. ‘Jus’ you arst me if there’s anythin’ you can ‘t sort out, Rupe,’ he told the newly transitioned rabbit. ‘Us ‘ll get along fine.’ He’s already told Rupert no end of his stories. ’Mate o’ mine was friends with a fox, you know. Hit it off like an ‘ouse on fire. But that ole fox he told my mate best not to hang about if he was feelin’ hungry like. ’E wouldn’t feel ‘appy about eatin’ someone he knew. Fred thought he was jokin’ but one day the fox made a grab for him. He only just got away by harin’ off, sorry Rupe, racin’ off into the bushes. Never quite got along so well after that.’ I think Rupe will be a positive addition to our community. He can get to the Warren on the Brow and back in a fraction of the time it takes us and he’s very happy to undertake any of the errands that we give him. I’ve asked the pigeons to take a message to Brother Samuel. You never know. Rupe may not be the first hare to seek rabbit status. It’s possible the National Rabbit Federation may have already passed resolutions to cover this situation. Lopears and I privately refer to Rupe as our Hare In Residence although he insists he is now a rabbit but it will be important to explain to him that when the next National Rabbit Federation Games are held we can’t let him take part, as he’d win every event by a huge and embarrassing margin. However he could perhaps perform a solo display of leaping, racing and dancing. One thing’s for sure. He won’t be doing any boxing. Heigh Ho!

MR. & MRS. GEORGE BALL FUND 2021

(HUNDLEBY)

BECAUSE OF COVID -19 THE FUND WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNTIL WE ARE ALL SAFE (APRIL/MAY)

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AUNTIE’S KITCHEN

To sit in her kitchen where my senses delight in a world full of treasures gleaming in the Welsh sunlight. As that grand old lady enters the room ‘midst all the clutter of vegetables and fruit, my eyes light up, there is joy in my heart as she sets about her daily tasks. Nothing goes waste in this fine lady’s home, she will make drink from a leaf, make broth from a bone. Her cupboard she will share with its preserves of many kinds, for her table to be bare never have they known a time. Her family, most times, like kings have dined on the best of fare and the fines of wines. I glance around at pots of jam, at stacks of waiting pots and pans, at all the fermenting demijohns when the new wine is nicely coming along. Such a wealth of knowledge this dear old lady has to impart, my Great-Auntie Agnes, so close to my heart.

Ema Fields

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Spirit of Sutterby Spring Challenge: New Beginnings. A call to verse!

As we burst into Spring, may we encourage you to compose your vernal thoughts into words. We challenge you to write a short poem (no more than ten lines) or limerick based, however loosely, on one of these photos. The three photos reflect the prelude to new life and new beginnings as displayed at St John the Baptist, Sutterby: 1. The font, for the beginning of the Christian journey, which has baptised so many villagers over the centuries. 2. The barn owl egg, a symbol of Easter itself, but also of the new life tucked away in the west wall. 3. The blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) blossom with its promise of Spring days, but also of sloe autumn delights. Your entry can be fact, fiction, funny, fanciful - can capture the joy of a new tomorrow or the challenge of a new beginning. No external judging or indeed prizes - we ask you to take part just for the joy and fun of it. Entries will be featured on the website and beyond. To enter please send your poem or limerick by email to [email protected] or by post to: Spirit of Sutterby c/o Fen View, Fen Lane, East Keal, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 4AY By Friday, April 30th We do require your name and contact address when you submit an entry, but you can choose to subsequently remain anonymous! Entry is taken as consent to publish on our website and social media platforms.

www.spiritofsutterby.co.uk 21

More Musings from Rev’d Joan

The sun was shining, birds happily attacking the fat balls, snowdrops fading but crocus and daffodils blooming. I watched a pheasant making his stately way across the pasture when he suddenly began to run as if he had suddenly remembered an important appointment and was running late. In the distance the hare was lolloping across the pasture whilst near by a squirrel was scampering across the grass. Time for a walk I thought but which way to go? Do I head towards the donkey field in which case I ought to take some carrots. Alternatively, I could walk down the drive or even combine the two. Decisions, decisions.

Whilst trying to decide the sky darkened and the rain began so no walk. However, exercise was necessary so how to go about it. The answer was to undertake a circular tour around the ground floor. Do I begin in the sitting room, stroll through the porch and into the dining room, into the kitchen then back to the sitting room. I could reverse the route or, could be adventurous and start in the kitchen but then would need to decide dining room first or sitting room. Decisions, decisions!

A Time of Many Miracles by Helen Steiner Rice

Flowers sleeping ‘neath the snow, Awakening when the Spring winds blow; Leafless trees so bare before, Gowned in lacy green once more; Hard, unyielding, frozen sod Now softly carpeted by God; Still streams melting in the Spring, Rippling over rocks that sing; Barren, windswept, lonely hills Turning gold with daffodils… These miracles are all around Within our sight and touch and sound, As true and wonderful today As when “the stone was rolled away” Proclaiming to all doubting men That in God all things live again.

A loved poem sent in by reader Joan F (Joan, if you would like the postcard returning please send us your address) 22

Little Steeping

It seems to have been a long dreary winter, cold rainy days, grey cloudy skies, not to mention the high winds and the lashing rain. Let’s look on the brighter side the spring bulbs are in full bloom, we’re now well into Spring, last years happenings are slowly fading. When the authorities allow us to meet outdoors, I would like to try, yet again, to bring together a small volunteer work party to clear various areas around the churchyard. There are also one or two other issues we shall be able to address. At the moment it’s not possible to put a date to this in the Magazine, but if anyone is willing to be a part of it do let me know. I can easily put up some notices as and when. Our churchyard along with others is a beautiful space for people to walk around, pause, contemplate and enjoy nature in all its forms. Some may also walk their dogs around the area. I must point out that, ALL DOGS TO BE KEPT ON A LEAD AT ALL TIMES. Please remember that we have valuable livestock adjoining the boundary. Also as with any other communal space PLEASE PICK-UP AFTER YOUR PET. It’s always good to see grave spaces tended by their loved ones by an arrangement of flowers . However it has been noticed that there is an awful lot of non-recyclable items, such as plastic flowers, shrubs, lights, wreaths and pots etc. These are not good for nature or the fragile eco- systems. Could the people tending grave spaces please remove them and take them home for disposal. Then when necessary replace with recyclable/eco-friendly alternatives. Thank you for your understanding. Basil.

Halton Holegate Hardwicke Drummond Rawnsley, 1851-1920

Canon Rawnsley, as he was universally known during his lifetime and for at least 50 years after his death, had a very special place in his heart for Halton Holegate. Here he spent many happy months of his youth on holiday at the Rectory with his grandparents. Here he enjoyed the wide open spaces of the Wolds, so different from Shiplake-on- Thames where his father was the incumbent. Many years later, writing of his childhood in his Memories of the Tennysons, he recalled, “The sand hills of the Lincoln coast, the levels of the Lincoln marsh, the windmills of the Lincoln wold, and the cornfields in the shining fen, which Tennyson, in his boyhood, had known.” The Tennyson family had long been friends, and the choleric Dr.Tennyson (father of Alfred, who was to become Poet Laureate) incumbent of the neighbouring parishes of Somersby and , was a close friend of Hardwicke’s grandfather the Revd. Thomas 23

Hardwicke Rawnsley. In due time the Tennysons and the Rawnsleys were to become more closely connected when Alfred married Emily Sellwood from , the first cousin of Hardwicke’s mother Catherine Franklin. Catherine was evidently very fond of her father-in- law, writing of him, “I never saw before and probably never shall again a man more truly loveable; his pleasant smile, his finely modulated voice, his courteous and courtly manner and his great conversational power, with a most rare gift of mimicry and fun, (not a particle of ill nature with it), made him a companion much sought after by high and low.”

In 1861 when Hardwicke was ten years of age, his grandfather died and his father the Rev. Drummond Rawnsley was offered the living of St. Andrew’s. Thereafter the Rectory at Halton Holegate became the permanent family home, and the centre of the network of Rawnsley Lincolnshire connections. Hardwicke’s brother Willingham Franklin recalled in Highways and Byways of Lincolnshire (1914) as many as forty cousins at one Spilsby ball! Hardwicke Rawnsley was educated at Uppingham and Balliol, eventually making his home in the , where in 1883 he became Vicar of Crosthwaite, Keswick and a of Carlisle Cathedral. He was to remain at Crosthwaite for 34 years. He became best known as the saviour of the Lake District and a founder of the . It is not always realised that he was also active in many other fields: a pioneer of co- education, he was among the first County Councillors for , an informed lecturer on a multiplicity of topics, a prolific if minor poet, author of some 40 books, including ten on the history and topography of the Lake District, innumerable pamphlets and letters to the Press, and not least a friend to . Through him, as Beatrix Heelis, she was to become a major benefactor of land to the National Trust. A new, extended biography of Hardwicke Rawnsley, by Michael Allen and Rosalind Rawnsley will be published by Methuen on 27th April.

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Outside the lines Author: Lucy Mills

It can’t be done. These are words we often hear, both from the world around us and inside our heads. I can’t. It is just… impossible. Some things are hard to compute. There are too many lines drawn inside our minds, too many hurdles between A and B. Sometimes we see no way through at all. It can’t be done. As we celebrate Easter, we come face to face with impossible things. It can’t be done. Nonetheless, it turns out that God colours outside the lines. The way through is the most audacious one possible; the place that seems the hardest, the muddiest, the most blocked, becomes the path to freedom. We keep waiting for the right combination of factors, not understanding that there is no other way except to face the impossible and walk forward. In the story we tell on Easter Day, the stone was rolled away. Life broke through death. The impossible was made possible. It is difficult to comprehend. In the garden, Jesus walked. This is the central premise of the Christian hope, the lynchpin, the tipping point. Without it our “faith has been in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:4). Believing the impossible is what we signed up for. Are we ready to embrace that? How can we live our lives differently because of this? We are good at collecting self-limiting beliefs. Our minds are trained to accept things by habit. We can cling to our opinions out of sheer defensiveness without actually believing in them. Our doubt is often the thing that makes us afraid to consider things differently. We say the words, but our hearts remain closed; the stone is still in place. What barriers have we built or reinforced by our thought patterns? What hurdles have we focused on, believing our legs are too weak to carry us over them? We often suffer from what I call ‘perfect condition syndrome’. We tell ourselves when certain conditions are met, only then are the best things possible. But that’s not our story; our story is one of strength through weakness, of unlimited grace beyond the constriction of circumstance. In the time of Covid-19, many structures and routines have been pulled out from under us. But our story still stands, and stories have power. How do we live this story? Where have we idolised our belief systems rather than the person we claim to believe in? What do we need to shed in order to experience life in all its fullness? Perhaps we need to let go of some of the things we have clung to, stop focusing on colouring inside 25

the lines and instead plunge into the joy of creative expression and unhampered love. Perhaps we need to de-tangle faith from religiosity. Perhaps we need to take one big deep breath and believe in the impossible: that the stone can be rolled away and the tomb truly is empty. Lucy Hannah Mills is a writer and artist www.lucyhannah.com

The War, Great Aunts and Evacuation

My infant school years, in the early 1940’s, in Hull were quite eventful! In my eyes, all the wartime events were exciting rather than frightening, or disruptive! St Johns Newland was the school, and we children were all in the shelter during a day time air raid. We were busy tucking into the tiny boiled sweets, when there was a very loud bang nearby and lots of dust. The school had received a direct hit! My lasting memory after the ‘all clear’ was of a flock of agitated ‘Rhode island reds’ looking for their chicks.

One other event captivated my imagination from those days. Hull was defended, partly, by a dozen Barrage balloons which looked quite impressive floating above the city. Unfortunately, one day, the cloud base descended to below the balloons. Before the distant controller had ordered the group to be brought down, a lone German raider had spotted the balloons and shot them all down! The wires from the balloons fell across the rooftops and the roads of the city. The damage inflicted to the chimney pots and the telephone connections and the trolley bus wires was as disastrous as a bombing raid!

My evacuation from Hull to Mansfield in 1942 turned out to be a very pleasant experience. I met several distant relations and friends of my parents, who all made me very welcome. There were four great aunts, of the Fox and Smith families, who ram the popular bakery and cake shop in the town. A sad revelation for me was that three our of the four great aunts had lost their potential husband in World War 1. That fact I discovered by visiting the Sherwood Forester fine memorial Crich stand overlooking the Derwent valley. Out at Shirebrook, a village nearby, lived my mother’s best friend from her nursing days. Flo and Percy became my new ‘uncle and aunt’ and their daughter, Pam, my friend for life!

After the war my parents moved back to Hull. I set off to a naval school and a subsequent career in the . However, I never forget my happy days of ‘evacuation’! ‘Sinbad’ 26

‘BEST OF LUCK’ WORDSEARCH

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

ANGEL JADE BLACK CAT LUCKY HEATHER BLESSING MASCOT BREAK A LEG POT OF GOLD CHARM RABBIT PAW CLOVER RAINBOW COIN SHAMROCK CRYSTAL SHOOTING STAR FATE THIRTEEN FINGERS CROSSED TOUCH WOOD HORSESHOE WISHBONE

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CAPTION COMPETITION

MARCH WINNER

‘Fame at last, but I don’t think they’ve got my best side!’ Congratulations -June Fitz Gibbon

Just for laughs:

‘Today’s film starring Al Pacino is Dog Day Afternoon!’ – John Crowhurst

‘Who said home-schooling was hard work!’

‘I’m a little husky today but I can still sing along!’

APRIL PHOTO

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

or email to [email protected]

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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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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 SERVICES Tel: 07500 946611

• Full Body Massage/Deep Tissue Massage • Back, neck & shoulders massage ~ painting ~ • Head, neck & arm massage ~ wallpapering ~ • Seated Acupressure chair massage • Indian Head Massage ~ tiling ~

• Thai foot massage • Facial Rejuvenation • Hot Stones 07432 563722 • Spa wraps 01205 480434 • Warm Bamboo [email protected] • Myofascial Release • Nutrition Advice • Facials Any size jobs considered

Any treatments can be tailor made Free no obligation quote to fit requirements 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] 33

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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.

5%5% Off Off aallll services 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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Partney Ray Ford Church of 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 GRAPE VINE MAGAZINE

All copy for next month's issue to Gardener Ltd We are, qualified gardeners be with the Editor th working for domestic and by the 14 of the month. commercial clients throughout the The Vicarage, Church Street, area. Spilsby, Lincs PE23 5EF We have established an enviable reputation for our work and can Email: offer you a quality service backed [email protected] by garden design expertise

Grape Vine Advertising Prices We are also able to provide a per year total lawn-care package to give you the emerald green lawn you 1 /8 page - £40 have always wanted. 1 /4 page - £60

For further information and a free 1 /2 page - £90 estimate – without obligation, Full page - £160 please call

Mark Fort on 01790754479

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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 HORNCASTLE EYE CARE

BLUELINE COTTAGE NHS and Private Eye Examinations BED & BREAKFAST Includes Digital Retinal Imaging Budget to top designer frames 37 HUNDLEBY ROAD SPILSBY PE23 5LP Single Vision spectacles 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 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 40

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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

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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 43

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, Horbling Lane, email: [email protected] Stickney, Boston, Lincs. PE22 8DQ Tel: 01205 481183 email: [email protected] Reader & Community Mr Paul McLaughlin Tel: 01790 752344

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