Bolingbroke Deanery

JANUARY 2021 ISSUE 535

Faithful, Confident, Joyful

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

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

1

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

FACE COVERINGS IN CHURCH

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

We wish all our readers

and advertisers a very

Happy New Year

When one door closes we may never know why but if we have hope another door will open. 2

READINGS AT THE EUCHARIST

Principal Service

Sunday 3rd January Epiphany (Gold or White) First Reading Isaiah 60.1-6 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 72 [1-9] 10-15 Second Reading Ephesians 3.1-12 Gospel Matthew 2.1-12

Sunday 10th January 1st Sunday of Epiphany (Gold or White) Baptism of Christ First Reading Genesis 1.1-5 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 29 Second Reading Acts 19.1-7 Gospel Mark 1.4-11

Sunday 17th January 2nd Sunday of Epiphany (White) First Reading 1 Samuel 3.1-10 [11-20] Psalm/Canticle Psalm 139.1-5, 12-18 [or 139.1-9] Second Reading Revelations 5.1-10 Gospel John 1.43-end

Sunday 24th January 3rd Sunday of Epiphany (White) First Reading Genesis 14.17-20 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 128 Second Reading Revelation 19.6-10 Gospel John 2.1-11

Sunday 31st January 4th Sunday of Epiphany (White) Presentation of Christ (Candlemas) First Reading Malachi 3.1-5 Psalm/Canticle Psalm 24. [1-6] 7-end Second Reading Hebrews 2.14-end Gospel Luke 2.22-40

3

SERVICES ACROSS MARDEN HILL CLUSTER

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

JANUARY 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

3rd January Epiphany Holy Communion 9.30am

10th January Baptism of Christ Epiphany 1 East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am Hagworthingham Holy Communion 11.15am East Kirkby Service of the Word 3.00pm Old Bolingbroke Holy Communion 3.00pm

17th January 2nd Sunday of Epiphany East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am

24th January 3rd Sunday of Epiphany

East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am

Presentation of Christ in the Temple 31st January (Candlemas) East Keal Holy Communion 9.30am

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

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

4

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

JANUARY 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

3rd January Epiphany Hundleby Morning Prayer 9.30am Spilsby Informal Service 10.00am Great Steeping Holy Communion 3.00pm

10th January Baptism of Christ Epiphany 1 Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am

17th January 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am Hundleby Holy Communion 11.15am Firsby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

24th January 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am

Presentation of Christ in the Temple 31st January (Candlemas) Spilsby Holy Communion 9.30am

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

Deanery Office – 01790 752526.

Eucharist at St James, Spilsby - Every Wednesday 10.30am

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

St Mary, Hundleby Open daily for Private Prayer - 10.00am to 2.00pm 5

SERVICES ACROSS STICKNEY CLUSTER Eastville, Midville, , , Stickney

JANUARY 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

3rd January Epiphany Stickney Morning Worship 11.15am

10th January Baptism of Christ Epiphany 1 Stickford Morning Worship 11.15am

17th January 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Stickney Morning Worship 11.15am

24th January 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Stickford Morning Worship 11.15am

Presentation of Christ in the Temple 31st January (Candlemas) New Leake Morning Worship 11.15am

Services listed are dependent on Government restrictions. If you wish to check before turning up please contact Rev’d Fran Jeffries – 01205 481183

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

6

SERVICES ACROSS CLUSTER

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

JANUARY 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

3rd January Epiphany Scremby Holy Communion 9.30am Partney Holy Communion 11.15am

10th January Baptism of Christ Epiphany 1 Candlesby Holy Communion 9.30am

17th January 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Aswardby Morning Prayer 9.30am Partney Family Service 11.15am

24th January 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Christmas 1 Sausthorpe Morning Prayer 11.15am Skendleby Evening Prayer 3.00pm

Presentation of Christ in the Temple 31st January (Candlemas) Partney Morning Prayer 11.15am

Services listed are dependent on Government restrictions. If you wish to check before turning up please contact Rev’d Teresa McLaughlin – 01790 752344

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

7

SERVICES ACROSS GROUP

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

JANUARY 2021 PATTERNS OF WORSHIP

3rd January Epiphany Tetford Morning Prayer 9.30am

10th January Baptism of Christ Epiphany 1 Tetford Morning Prayer 9.30am

17th January 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Tetford Holy Communion 9.30am

24th January 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Tetford Holy Communion 9.30am

Presentation of Christ in the Temple 31st January (Candlemas) Tetford Holy Communion 9.30am

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

Rev’d Teresa McLaughlin – 01790 752344

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

8

Events in December

Thank you Darcey, Euan and Claire for sending this photo of the Christingles you made.

Hope it inspires others to make one in preparation for the virtual Christingle and Blessing of the Crib on Christmas Eve at 3.30pm.

Please contact Fr Peter for your invitation to attend the service.

24th Silent Night at 6pm or 8pm (TBC)* 24th Midnight Mass online 25th Christmas services – Eucharist at Spilsby, Hundleby, East Keal and Tetford at 9.30am Partney 11.15am Stickney Celebration of Christmas at 10.00am Please see Notice Sheet/Web site for confirmation of services

January Diary Dates 9th Learning Communities meeting 14th Stickford PCC, 2.30pm 18th PAMG meeting by Zoom, 7.00pm

Group Registers: Funerals: Spilsby Cluster Edward Charles Hanson 88 years Halton Holegate died 13.11.2020 Keith Hines 81 years Hundleby died 29.10.2020 Stephen Alfred Smith 71 years Thorpe Bank RIP 06.11.2020

Marden Hill Cluster Eric Thomas 95 years Hagworthingham died 23.11.2020

Stickney Cluster Gracey-Mai Woodhouse-Holland (baby) Stickney died 30.10.2020 John Thomas Tasker 68 years Stickney died 04.12.2020

9

Every Blessing for the New Year

2020 has been challenging and at this point, as at every New Year, we don’t know what 2021 will bring. We hope and pray for a lessening of the hold C19 has on our lives and in particular the success of the vaccination programmes. However, what we do know is that our God will be with us every step of the way and that we are called to serve him in good times and in bad.

It would be so good if all of us take fresh courage and step out in faith. As part of our New Year renewal I am inviting you to the restart of the discipleship course “To Love and Serve the Lord”. My aim is to start on 6th January – the Feast of the Epiphany. I know we can’t physically meet at present but either by ‘phone or Zoom we can work together.

Give me a call and we can work out how we can take part.

Blessings Peter

New Year – New Beginning

As we approach each New Year we often wonder what it will bring for us; no one could have thought that 2020 would bring such major changes as it did. We approach 2021 knowing that there is hope, hope in the form of a Vaccine, hope that life will get back to some sort of normality, whatever that may be. As Christians, we also know that we can place our hope in God. Certainly God has made it possible for the Scientist to work together and discover all of these preventative Vaccines.

Our faith helps us build a future that may be a little different from the normality we once had, but of course we know one thing that will never change, and that is God himself. Many issues have been brought to the fore that have to be addressed, not only in connection with Covid-19, but also with the Sustainability of our Church in our Diocese. This brings many issues to the fore that have to be worked at, with new plans agreed in order for us as a Diocese and this Deanery to go forward.

This New Year offers hope for the future, hope for our families, hope for the Church and of course hope for each one of us to follow our faith. May this New Year bring you Christ’s peace and good health. Blessings Teresa 10

Fran’s Bit

Looking back to the beginning of 2020, I wrote this for the Grapevine: ‘2020 is stretching before us, and none of us can know what the year will bring. But we can all make a commitment to God, and to ourselves, that we will seek to step out on our journey of faith recognising that God goes before us, walks beside us, and supports us through all the barriers that seek to prevent us moving forward.’

Well, whatever we were dreaming about what the year would bring, it probably wasn’t Covid-19 and all the disruption that has caused and is still causing. At the time of writing this, we are still in Tier 3 restrictions and awaiting the first review, not with a huge amount of expectation that things will change. Somehow, the ‘not knowing’ is just exhausting!

But, looking back at my words we can reflect, perhaps on where God was revealed through the pandemic. Communities came together to help those in need, Teachers went above and beyond to ensure that the pupils in their charge were cared for whilst at home. NHS workers were applauded for all the work they were doing in the face of immense pressure. The Kingdom of God was lived, even if people failed to recognise the hand of God in it.

We are still at the stage of rebuilding – the vaccines are beginning to be rolled out, but there is some way to go before we gain a sense of normality, whatever that looks like. We are itching to hurry up the process. We are tired of the restrictions. We will get there, but what is being tested at the moment is our patience.

At the beginning of Advent I attended a quiet day (by the wonders of Zoom) and one of the resources we were given to think through was a creed I had not come across before. It speaks to me of the patience of God, and encourages us to develop that same patience in whatever situation we find ourselves.

We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. The one who is full of patience, who is not afraid of silence, who does not need to fill each moment with activity and noise. The one who is beyond bluster and flurry, and who does not jostle for attention.

We believe in God the Son, Saviour of creation, who slipped into Bethlehem one night, mostly unnoticed, who lived thirty years without headlines or hurry, who frequently took time alone with his patient Father, who waited for the right time to become the suffering servant, 11

who stood quietly before the noise of his accusers, whose silence overpowered their words, who died, then rose again on a quiet Sunday morning.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, empowers, renews and refreshes, sometimes arriving with obvious power, sometimes with the quiet breath of a whisper.

We believe in one God who patiently waits for us, and who longs for us to do the same.

With every blessing for 2021! Fran

Rev’d Joan’s Musings

I've got my eye on you

Does that statement sound a little threatening - I'm watching you, I know what you are up to. It reminds me of something my mother used to say when I was a child. " I have eyes in the back of my head". It was a remark that would stop my sister, brother and me in our tracks. Did Mum really have an extra pair of eyes hidden somewhere under her hair? No, of course she didn't - but it did signal that she was aware that we were probably getting up to mischief as of course we were. As the eldest I was likely to be blamed if wrong was being done so Mum's words gave me the opportunity to reign the others in and like the sweet innocents we were assure Mum we were behaving ourselves. Not that Mum was convinced.

Of course I used the same expression to my own three and I remember when Lindsay was teaching in that she telephoned one day saying "Mum, I'm turning into you". When I enquired how she was managing this feat she confessed she had used "I've got eyes in the back of my head" in her classroom. " What happened? " I asked. "Silence," she said, "They just got on with the task in hand". "It still works", I said rather smugly.

"I've got my eye on you", can be said in a benevolent way. "I'm on your side", "I care what happens to you" and this is what we should concentrate on. To remind ourselves that no matter how difficult life may be, no matter what challenges we may face God has his eye on us, that he cares about us and if we turn to him trust fully, he will give us the Strength and courage to face life's problems.

12

At This Time of Year

At this time of year we usually look forward to the coming months with positive anticipation. This year that positivity is more necessary than normal. We need the vaccine to work for us. We need Brexit to work for us. We need our Country to unite in thoughts of success and not failure. We need to be free to live our lives socially and not be cut off from family, friends and neighbours. The Magi followed a star, Herod was made aware of the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to leave everything that they knew but had faith that all would be well. We need that kind of faith to carry us through the coming year. We need to speak and think up not down. What we say influences what people think and feel. Smile! It will soon be the spring!

Sheila Harwood

Think of a tree… In autumn it loses its leaves but it still stands up tall because it knows in spring it will be just fine.

Greetings from Angela in Birmingham

It is Advent as I write. There is a difference about this Advent. There seems to be more time to think, to be still, to reflect, and to hope.

On my windowsill stands Joseph, head bowed a little, leaning on his staff. Beside him stands Mary, pregnant, looking downwards as she carefully holds the unborn child in her womb. As yet there are no other figures for the full Nativity scene will come later. Beside the Advent candle these two figures give a real sense of expectancy, and in 2020 I feel blessed with the time to savour their presence quietly, each evening, with the darkness outside framing the simple scene.

During these quiet moments I have been looking back through this year. I have so much to thank God for. But I also want to pass on my thanks

13

to you, my friends in . Firstly: ‘thank you’ for Grape Vine, for interesting articles and poetry, for helping me to picture how you have been faring under Covid, for the chuckles at the Caption Competitions’ witticisms (wish my brain could be that sharp!). Secondly: ‘thank you’ to all who have written letters or chatted over the ‘phone, so good to hear familiar voices. Thirdly: ‘thank you’ for sending me copies of Service sheets as well as Grape Vine. Fourthly: ‘thank you’ to my friends at Olive Tree from whom I have ordered knitting wools, books and Holding Crosses which have arrived safely during lockdowns. In the Bolingbroke Deanery you have been treasures indeed.

When you read these words my Willow Tree nativity figures will fill the windowsill. Mary will be resting, cradling Jesus in her arms, Joseph at her side, and donkeys, an ox, shepherds with their sheep and a stray angel will be gathered around. In the eastern corner three noble looking figures with camel are ready to join them. It will give me great pleasure to sit looking at this scene. Sadly, no-one else is likely to share my joy: there are thirty-five occupied flats around, but we can only meet in small numbers outside, respecting spaces between us, certainly not entering one another’s homes.

As the New Year is welcomed I shall think back to the Epiphany Worship our Stickney Ministry Team led together some years ago. A large plain sheet of paper was displayed to represent a new year. People were invited to suggest events we could be certain would happen during the days and moths ahead. Then came thoughts of what we hoped might happen. Gradually the sheet was filled with expectancy and anticipation.

2021 presents much uncertainty. Brexit will bring changes. The come questions: how long will vaccinations last and when will they be fully effective in our country? What will our shopping centres and high streets look like? How will social activities evolve? When will we be able to sing and have physical contact as we share The Peace? When will I feel safe travelling by bus or train? And much more. The certainty is we will need to be very patient, hold onto our Faith, and continue to love, support and care for one another as we have been doing.

I thank you again, dear friends in Lincolnshire, for the part you play on Earth day by day. With love from Angela. 14

U3A SPILSBY

SPILSBY U3A MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

DATE AND TIME: 13th January at 2.00pm SPEAKER: Tim Slater SUBJECT: British aerial photography and photographic interpretation on the Western front during WW1

ALL MEETINGS WILL BE VIA ZOOM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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

Prayer: Epiphany 01 January 2021 Epiphany is a Greek word meaning “manifestation, showing forth, revelation.” This feast proclaims our faith that in Jesus, God is revealed to all people — not just to an inner circle or a chosen few, but to all people, in all places, and throughout all time. Christians believe that in the person of Jesus we see who God is, and in the words and actions of Jesus we see God at work in the world. Epiphany marks a series of occasions at which Jesus was revealed to be God’s Son Jesus, you are the light of the world: May your light open our eyes to see those in need. Jesus, you are the light of the world: May the works of our lives demonstrate your love. Jesus, you are the light of the world: May your wisdom enlighten our decisions. Jesus, you are the light of the world, hear the prayers of our hearts: Here, the people may add particular intercessions or thanksgivings. As you enlighten our lives, May we be light for others. Amen This is an extract from Daily Prayer for All Seasons (Canterbury Press).

15

Shades of a ‘Many Splendoured Thing’

The brilliant novel, of this title’ described very well the social atmosphere in Hong Kong in the 1960’s, from a sailors point of view! I was lucky enough to meet Han Suin, the author, she was then a dignified old lady living in Malaya. Her own history would be a fine story in itself.

Our submarine HMS Ambush spent some time working in the South China Sea, in the months leading up to the Indonesian confrontation, and sometimes based in Hong Kong. We were berthed alongside the naval base in the thriving centre of the city near the Mandarin Hotel. This part of the waterfront is nowadays completely redeveloped, and full of tall new buildings. Everywhere in the Hong Kong area was an exciting place to see and to explore in the 1960’s. We did just that when leave from duty allowed!

The harbour, and the approaches by sea, were busy with merchant ships, loading and unloading into small Chinese craft. The liner Queen Elizabeth was moored off Kowloon and was a sorry sight having been neglected when plans to convert her into a floating hotel and casino sadly failed.

In the ‘Ambush’ we had just five officers and four of us were happily married. It therefore fell to our bachelor to investigate the background of Han Suin’s famous novel! He failed to find the ‘Suzie Wong’ character but he did meet a young lady called ‘Bing Bing’ who had a command of English, and a lovely singing voice. The friendship blossomed until she took our hero to meet her grandmother in Kowloon. The meeting went very well but grandma decided, there and then, that ‘Bing Bing’ might not settle well in Wheathampstead! In Chinese culture the older generation in each family is much respected and obeyed – so that was that.

A happy epilogue to that story was that our hero went on to achieve a very successful novel career and brought up a lovely family of adopted Chinese children. ‘Sinbad’

We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are place here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you. JW 16

Olive Tree News

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

Olive Tree is open from 6th January, 10.00 – 4.00 Monday, and Wednesday to Saturday. Happy New Year! Why not treat yourself to a new Bible for the New Year – try a different translation or a study Bible or listen to it on a CD. We have plenty to choose from. All versions of the Bible are on offer during January so mention this advert and get 20% off your new Bible

Linda, Ann and Peter

17

St Mary’s, Hundleby

If you missed the opportunity to call in to St Mary’s here is an idea of how we celebrated advent.

Each Sunday the church was lit up and on a bleak midwinters evening it became a beacon in the village and looked lovely.

Inside we decorated with nativities and Christmas trees galore and everyone that saw Santa sitting on the font raised a smile.

We hope to be able to welcome you to more events this year.

Happy New Year to you all.

18

SPILSBY

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

(formerly KING EDWARD VI HUMANITIES COLLEGE and

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

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

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

Toynton All Saints December Draw Winners 1st No.38 Alison Stainton 2nd No.41 David Andrew 3rd No.12 Sylvia Richmond

Marden Hill Cluster December Draw Winners 1st No.27 Margaret Clark 2nd No.14 Brian Nowicki

Many thanks to everyone for their support at this most difficult time. Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas Time and New Year Alf Tunnicliffe Lottery Organiser

19

What’s in a name? Author: Geoffrey Lowson An aspect of church life that I know many of us have missed over the last nine months is being able to sing as part of our worship. It is a very communal activity and indeed a very physical thing. You will have your favourite hymns – some perhaps very traditional, others more modern or even a contemporary so called “Praise Song”. I have favourites from all genres. The words of our hymns are much loved and, in some cases, very familiar, but very often, what people recall first is the tune. No matter how profound the words of a hymn, a complimentary tune makes it memorable. Think of Guide me O thou Great redeemer or To God be the glory. Hymn tunes – and I mention this for those who may not know – usually have names. Now, there are books and articles which tell the origin of hymns but finding the origin of the names of the tunes is not always so clear and sometimes requires a little detective work. A Victorian writer of tunes that I greatly admire is the Revd John Bacchus Dykes (1823- 1876). He spent much of his ministry at St Oswald’s Church in Durham and it was there that he wrote many of his hymn tunes, indeed he was a major contributor to the original 1861 edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern. In terms of names of tunes, Dykes is an interesting case study. Here are a few examples. The definitive Trinity Sunday hymn is probably Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty and the tune is Nicaea, after the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) at which church leaders began to formulate the doctrine of the Trinity. Another hymn which is lodged in the collective consciousness of church goers is Eternal Father, strong to save, the so-called seafarers hymn. That familiar tune is called Melita which is the Roman name for the Island of Malta where St Paul was shipwrecked on his journey to Rome. The Roman name came from the Greek which meant ‘honey sweet’ for the island was known for its honey. The words of Praise to the Holiest in the heights come directly from John Henry Newman’s poem, 'The Dream of Gerontius' and so Dykes called the tune quite simply Gerontius.

20

Believe it or not he composed over 300 hymn tunes and many had understandably simple names; the names of local villages; of saints; the tune Hollingside was the name of his cottage outside Durham. We express our faith in a variety of ways, but for many people, music plays an important part. Indeed, it can play a very intimate part; think of the importance of selecting just the right hymn for a wedding or the funeral of a loved one. One final story – Dykes was schooled near Wakefield and knew the nearby village of Horbury. His tune for the hymn Nearer my God to thee by Sarah Adams is called Horbury. But there is an interesting post script; there are three other tunes to the words. A much-debated question - which tune was played as the Titanic sank?

Children of the Epiphany Author: Ronald Blythe Possibly the frozen fields put me in mind of him, but I find myself immersed in Chekhov’s short stories, a paperback that the bookseller found for me in his storeroom. He apologized that it should be such a flimsy edition. But it is perfect. There is a painting of an onion-domed village church on the cover, below which two women chat in the snow. It is 1944, and millions were perishing on the Eastern Front. Should it happen to be the Epiphany, the Magi would have been forbidden entrance to the church. Outside, everything is waiting. I read a story called ‘Children’, one of Chekhov’s best, thought Tolstoy. It is marvellous. The grown-ups have gone out, and the servants are cutting out a dress in the kitchen. Four girls and a boy play an unnamed game for copecks. The girls are ladies; the boy is the cook’s son. It is 1886. Yet it is now. It is the noise of any game, and it could be going on in any stuffy computerized bedroom at this moment, the unfairness, the absorption. In the village, I hear of a friend’s children tobogganing. Wormingford is hilly and slippery and immensely cold. It is Twelfth Night, and dreadful lights will vanish from the gardens. In church, china kings and cows will be wrapped in tissue paper. Someone has protested about the infantilizing of the Epiphany. It is full of children, of course, all those boys being carried up the Temple steps for registration, and soon to be murdered. John and the Christ-child. But it is not a childish feast. Never need one be more grown-up to comprehend 21

it. It is all about recognition. It is about God and people finding themselves in the same situation. Was not life easier when they knew their place? During the Epiphany, early on in this new light, St Paul advises us both to accept and to celebrate our differences. ‘Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.’ Few commands have been more ignored. He had walked and sailed all over the Roman world, and had seen how the empire had been able to absorb every kind of person, and some bizarre religions. Was there a moment when he thought that, if he set out the claims of this one in Rome itself, it would receive a similar tolerance? Rome was an enlightened civilization. Greece had passed on its unquestionable light to it. But then comes this blinding light, with its blinding conviction of a higher authority than Caesar. No emperor was going to put up with that. And so the stamping out of this light began. But it was wildfire, luminous, travelling, flaring up there just when it had been put out here. Eventually, sovereigns in would think it an honour to walk in the footsteps of the Magi who offered gold to a poor child who manifested God on earth. Religious light is a form of darkness to some. ‘Science gives off a clearer light,’ they insist. Others see a dual illumination, the one interpreting the other. I see a steady light, and the brightest and best of the sons of the morning. It is light enough. My parents told me that my first word was ‘dark’. They were carrying an oil-lamp from room to room in the old house, and, as people do, one of them said, ‘How dark it is!’ And the other said, ‘Yes, how dark it is! What a dark night!’ And this several times. And the baby echoed, ‘Dark’. This was not thought to be prophetic. Or, as they were waiting for ‘Dad’, ungrateful. This is from Under a Broad Sky by Ronald Blythe (Canterbury Press).

Alf – A Life Story (cont.) CHAPTER 10 Skating around a bit....

Here we are again with yet another motor cycle event, slightly more serious this time. The time was 0700. The road was the A34 North from Cannock to Stafford. The morning was exceedingly cold with hoar frost hanging from the trees. Hedgerows, telephone wires and the road surface were like glass as there had been no salting by the council. One still has to go to work, so off I went with great care and minimum throttle and with wellingtons to aid my stability. About three miles out I 22

encountered a rather steep bit of road covered in ice making traction almost impossible unless one travelled in the gutter. Without warning my bike decided to slide away on its own, depositing me flat on my back in the centre of the roadway. Before I could collect myself, I was horror stricken to see the base of the radiator of the double decker bus which had been following me slide past my vision. Immediately followed in rather quick succession by the engine sump, the flywheel casing, the gearbox and the transmission with the prospect of a rather bulbous rear wheel differential gear box which left me with no escape route if things didn't improve, thus promising me untold pain and a rather painful death. I thought if I could hold onto a piece of the bus chassis this would improve things and stop the encroachment of the dreaded differential. As I reach up to do this the bus mercifully stopped sliding. As this happened the labourer passengers of the bus leaped down to see where I was and if the results were gory. I must say that the sight of so many shouting and inverted faces induced me to hysterical laughter, so with no more ado a towrope was attached to my left leg and I was dragged unceremoniously sideways from my position and given an already lighted woodbine fag whether I wanted it or not...... The driver was mightily relieved that I was unhurt. So, looking back at this I must come to the conclusion that angels POLYHEDRAL and WATIFF were definitely on duty that day to maximum effect to guarantee the final outcome. I did not impart any of this to Mother (Bless her) as this would have been too much. Needless to say that I did not make work that day and spent it pondering my future!!!!!

CHAPTER 11 A close shave......

In 1972 I became a self-employed manufacturer of technical textiles for the aviation and scientific industries and was very proud of the fact that I could afford a Sunbeam Car to use when making my various commercial sales and deliveries. On this particular occasion, I was negotiating a rather tight Z bend in the middle of the village of Tean in Stoke on Trent when I noticed an articulated lorry emerging from the other direction at what I though was an excessive speed for the space available. Accordingly I pulled well over to my left hand side and stopped. The next thing I knew was that my offside driving mirror, some 8 inches from my face disintegrated and vanished smitten by the offside front wheel of this lorry. The tyre then waltzed down the offside of my car leaving a black carbon line on the bodywork but with no damage to the metalwork. The lorry of course did not stop but it soon became obvious to me that had the tyre been another three inches nearer to me I would have been neatly rolled up and killed. Time for another fag! The speed at which 23

this damage occurred was astonishing, bringing me to firmly believe that my two guardians were once again on the ball as if anything had been different my life would have ended there and then. Thanks!!!!

CHAPTER 12 Motorway hazards......

The time was early in the 1970's it had been a long working day, 11pm I joined the M1 Motorway at junction No. 29 to go south to the turn-off for Long Eaton, little traffic, weather good. Two miles into the journey fatigue took over and I fell asleep at the wheel. My next recollection was being rudely awakened by the loud noise of a lorry engine and a mass of rear red lights. Shaking myself awake I looked at my surroundings. I was some three feet from the rear of an articulated lorry, doing the same speed as he was, some thirteen miles from when I was last conscious. Taking immediate evasive action I cursed myself for getting into this situation which was exactly similar to what happened to my business friend some three weeks before when his Rover departed from the carriageway, down a slope, to end in a crumpled heap which killed him. He had been asleep. It is a complete mystery to me how on earth I could have driven for thirteen miles, following the contours of the motorway whilst being totally switched off. My only conclusion is that once again, my heavenly guardians had taken over to prevent what would have undoubtedly been a most tragic accident leaving a wife and two young children. Thanks again!!

CHAPTER 13 My old friend electricity.

At the age of 55 I closed my business and took up employment in a sheet metal factory, essentially to see my time out to retirement age. My shop floor knowledge gained as an apprentice came in handy when I became a spot welder (for the non-technical among you, my readers, metal can be joined by bolting, riveting, arc welding or spot welding which involved passing a very high electric current through adjoining plates via pointed electrodes to melt the metal and thus form a joint). The machine involved in this operation is powered mechanically by compressed air and the power at the electrodes is extremely high of between 500 and 1,000 amps. To change tool settings the operator has to change the overall power output and to do this has to change the electrical tappings to the transformer housed in the body of the machine. This is done by unscrewing various copper conductor plates to provide the appropriate effect. On this particular day, I opened the access door to the transformer chamber and applied the spanner to the appropriate 24

nut as I had done many times before. The next second my upper body received a most tremendous hammer blow as a bolt of electricity, starting at my right hand (with the spanner) flashed across my upper torso and out through my left elbow which rested on the machine body , providing a path to earth for the current. The immediate effect was to shoot my right arm massively rigid and distorted, flinging the spanner across the workshop and thus breaking the circuit. This event had a most disconcerting effect on my heart rate so I had to rest for some time before becoming reasonable to carry on. My subsequent investigation established that the micro switch fitted to the access door had failed to operate the safety circuit breaker leaving the tappings live. The machine was immediately withdrawn from use for a thorough examination to prevent a recurrence of what, but for the grace of my guardian angels, could have been deadly in outcome without their influence....Thanks....

Well it’s been a funny year

Well it’s been a funny year, Lots of angst and not much cheer. Trips not taken, friends not seen, Lots of places we’ve not been. Cancelled dances, churches shut, Feeling like we’re in a rut. Garden’s looking very good! We’ve spent some time in a wood. Took a walk along the sands. Just us two, holding hands. A big wave came and made us wet! On the beach, that’s what you get! February our last break, A trip to Folkstone we did take. Across the Chanel we went too! And found amazing public loo! T’was the highlight of our trip Which shows how good the rest of it! Now it’s Christmas, what a year! We’re not feeling any cheer. Hopefully we’ll all get through Doing what us British do. So we wish you all good health, And may we soon return to wealth! June Fitz Gibbon 25

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

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

AERO FREDDO STAR BAR BOOST FUDGE TIME OUT BOUNTY GALAXY TOBLERONE CHOMP KITKAT TOFFEE CRISP CLUB LION BAR TOPIC CRUNCHIE MARS TURKISH DELIGHT CURLY WURLY MILKY WAY TWIRL DAIRY MILK PENGUIN TWIX DOUBLE DECKER PICNIC WISPA DRIFTER RIPPLE YORKIE FLAKE SNICKERS

26

CAPTION COMPETITION

DECEMBER WINNER

‘I know you’ve got the hump with me but will you please look at me when I’m talking to you!! Congratulations – Carol Foster

Just for laughs:

“OK! So, we just need 3 wise men, some shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and the baby in a manger, and we are all set for a Nativity starring us!” – June Fitz Gibbon

‘The donkey has got the hump because there is no nativity due to Covid.’ – John Crowhurst

‘It’s been a bad year for me, but he's got the hump!!!’ – Phyllis Pape

‘When they said 'Stand here and look cute', we thought it was for an hour. Now they tell us it will be until after Christmas. That knocked the stuffing out of us.’ – Veronica Stonehouse

Donkey: "I was speaking with your Mrs yesterday, she said you got the right hump!" – Christine King

‘Now Stanley, look what a mess you have got us into!!’ – Richard Swithenbank

Thank you to everyone who has sent in captions and/or photos over the last year. All my judges have had a good laugh despite having the very hard job of deciding a winner. As you will see from the above entries we had a brilliant response to December so I thought every entry should be printed so you all could have the laughs that the judges have had.

Please keep the entries coming in 2021 and if you have a photo you think would make a good ‘Caption Competition’ please send it in but please obtain permission from those in the photo (or their owners)!

27

JANUARY’s CAPTION COMPETITION PHOTO

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

or email to [email protected]

28

29

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

30

31

PETE WATERSON

DECORATING Massage Therapist Tel: 07500 946611 SERVICES

• Full Body Massage/Deep Tissue Massage

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

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

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

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

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

❖ available for hire Disabled facilities

❖ up to 120 catered for Our rate is just £7.50 per hour, with ❖ excellent kitchen facilities special weekend rates for weddings ❖ fully heated. and reduced rates for regular bookings. For charges and to book call Contact Hall Manager Sindy Prince on 01790 752076, 01790 755436 or 07780 220913 01790 752249 or email or find us on Facebook [email protected] 32

33

Advertising

Space

Available

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

DARREN SHARP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Local Builder/Decorator Over 30 years experience

General Maintenance of in the building trade

Home and Garden

All aspects of Property Maintenance Painting – Interior and exterior undertaken

Fencing NO JOB TOO SMALL! Hedge trimming and tree work

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

PHIL WHITE 73 Halton Road

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

34

SPILSBY GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME

Doing things good neighbours do…

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

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

Routine Foot Care Finger & Toe Nail Trimmings

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

Vascular & Neuro Assessment Cracked Heels Corn Removal Callus Reduction

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

Fenwold Veterinary Practice

Caring Compassionate and Professional Care for your Pets

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

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

35

Partney Ray Ford Church of England Carpentry & Joinery Aided

Bespoke/Heritage Primary School

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

• Unique opportunities for your child

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

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

Garden Machinery Kitchenware 

Housewares  DIY  Tools

Paint mixing now available

1 High Street, Spilsby ~ Tel: 01790 752548

36

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 Email: reputation for our work and can 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 have always wanted. /8 page - £40 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

37

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

01205 760638 Anytime All major credit cards accepted

Jacky & Simon welcome you to EYE CARE

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

Repairs and on site glazing for a fast

service

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

38

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

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

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

to discuss your cat’s requirements. 01790 752 575

[email protected]

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

MNM Pest Management

NPTA Accredited Technician

Problem with wasps, ants or flies

moles, rats and mice?

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

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

Please call for any help and advice

39

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

41

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 42

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 Chaplain Mr Paul McLaughlin Tel: 01790 75234

44