Rector's Thoughts Last month I emphasised the importance of “Use it or Loss it” in relation to the churches. This applies across the Diocese. “Reshaping the Diocese of Lincoln for a new Era” has just been published as a discussion document for November Synod (the Churches Parliament) with a view to full proposals by June 2003. Many people agree with the Diocesan analysis that short fall in income over expenditure cannot continue as reserves will be spent in about three years at the present rate. It is also agreed that unless every congregation doubles its size it can not raise the income needed to meet rising costs and that is unlikely. So something has to change! The start of the solution from the Diocese is the loss of 20 priests over the next 10 years (5 years more likely). Every community will be responsible for its own worship and pastoral care - a priest will visit occasionally (the nearest probably in Alford). There is much talk of financial resources to Deaneries with local responsibility and accountability. Our local Deanery is from Mablethorpe to Skegness across to Wainfleet up to Burgh through Willoughby to Alford and all the villages in between. However this will probably be amalgamations so that the Deanery stretches from near Grimsby to beyond Boston. Suddenly “local” does not feel so local. Why am I telling you this? How does it effect you? That depends on how you feel about community and what made you buy or rent a house in the villages. Did you fall in love with the house, a job, to be near family? Or did other factors come into play; school, pub, amenities, a sense of history, a sense that people care for one another, a church that is cared for and loved. The Church buildings are the most significant buildings in the villages, they are the soul. They have played a part in the fate of generations. Are you going to the generation who let it slip away? We need your help. We need you to recognise the value of your Churches not just as a building but as part of cohesiveness of the community. A few years ago the stones at the top of the tower of Mumby church were unsafe, you could rock them with your hands, threatening to wipe out the Nave roof or worse a passer by. They are now safe because we did something about them and provided a Community and Arts Centre, the envy of many churches in the Diocese, at the same time. Are you willing to put your head above the parapet and say the church is valuable to you? You would like to see what it stands for develop. If you are not sure what its role is don’t hide, show yourself and we will help you and that will help others. The Church is the centre of the parish, there for everyone who lives within its boundary’s not just its regular congregation. We need your help Rev Daffyd Robinson The Rectory, Station Road, Willoughby, Lincs, LN13 9NA 01507 462045 rector@willoughby-lincs.org.uk Bingo Linda and Mavis would like to thank everyone who supported Monday nights, especially Ivy, Joyce and Mary for the most welcome cuppa. Keith for calling this last session, Sharon, Adrian and Francis for doing every other thing necessary. We thank you all. Funds raised last session was £443.36. Have a good summer. Linda Seymour Birthday Kyle Seymour Smalley will be 6 years old on 3rd June. He lives at Gunby but spends a lot of his time in the village with this Grandparents. He is often seen with a sweeping brush, cleaning up after events in the Village Hall. St Helena’s Primary School Congratulations to the staff and pupils of St Helena’s Primary School, Willoughby, for their excellent Ofsted Report. Community Jubilee Service in the Village Hall on Sunday June 2nd, at 2:30pm. Come and give thanks for the Queen and her life of faith and service. The service will be followed by tea and cake. Funerals: Beatrice Beall (W) Gordon Bell (W) Doris Knight (M) Jackie Roberts (M) Come and Join Us Please come and join us at the Grand Opening of our Refurbished Willoughby Village Hall. Come and see what has been done to our village hall, and what further improvements will be taking place in the future. Come and see what it was like when it was first opened, how it was used in those early days and what goes on there now. Come and see if you would like to use our hall for a party or some other function. See if you’ve been lucky in the Draw and enjoy a free cuppa with us. Come and join us on Saturday, June 29th at 3.00 pm- Please! The Village Hall Committee Booklet At the plant sale, in the Village Hall at Willoughby, on Saturday 25 May, starting at 2pm, copies of a booklet that has been compiled by members of the Garden Club will be on sale priced £1.50. It has all kinds of interesting quotes, recipes and poems especially written in celebration of the Queens Golden Jubilee, and will be a lovely souvenir of this great occasion. Alice Advanced Warning Book this date!! August 16th Jazz is coming to Willoughby. A COUP!! Chris Burke (clarinet) and his muscutt (Banjo) from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA are guests from the Crescent City of the Mahogany Hall Stompers led by John Paddon, (Trumpet) Richard Marshall (bass) Chas Hudson (Trombone) and Avon on Drums. They will be performing in the Church and then in the Village Hall till late. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear first class New Orleans Jazz. Tickets are £6.50 and limited to 80. Refreshments will be available and the Willoughby Arms will man the bar. Willoughbees Seventeen ladies assembled to hear “A River Story” told and illustrated by Mrs Parker. We glided down the Thames from its source in the Cotswolds, first in a leisurely punt, stopping for family picnics, gathering watercress in Ashton Keys, later in a Canadian canoe, seeing otters returning to the upper reaches, peeking at the lock-keepers beautiful garden as he lowers us, now in our cabin cruiser, with Sue and Kim (family pets) as crew. The quaintly named ‘New Bridge’ (actually the oldest on the Thames) dapples our deck as we progress dreaming of the mill- wheels and weirs of bygone days, past Oxford’s “dreaming spires” and abbeys on the banks. We pass thatched cottages on raised footpaths to the “Barley Mow”, following in the literal footprints of Jerome K Jerome’s “Three Men in a Boat”. Then as Kingfishers dart from our prow to feed in the clear water, where salmon and trout play, Henley Regatta and “Swan- Upping” colour our journey. We pass historic palaces and castles till we reach the estuary and find familiar fen and marsh. Mrs Parker’s excellent paintings and amusing slides enlivened our evening. Raffle Winners - Eileen Sharpe and Glennis Evertan Next month - June 14th Speaker Pauline Flower - solicitor, wills, etc. Competition - Flower of the month. Glennis Smith St George’s Day Celebration Over sixty people were in Willoughby Village Hall on April 23rd, in celebratory mood to partake of stew and dumplings followed by treacle and custard, apple pie and cream or sherry trifle. In the concert which followed Vera Webb played in “A Golden Coach, The Dambusters, Elizabethan Serenade and Nimrod’. Keith Brooker gave us nostalgic ‘Wartime and English Melodies Medleys’ with which we all joined enthusiastically. Joan Fletcher delighted us by singing ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely, As long as He Needs Me and the Bird, Woman of St Paul’s’ Eric Vaughan rendered ‘Bless’em All and Lambeth Walk’ on his cornet. We then rose to wave our flags and sing a rousing ‘Jerusalem, There’ll always be an England, I Vow to Thee My Country and land of Hope and Glory’. This made a fitting end to an evening, sharing a patriotic finale with like-minded people, proving that England is not dead, especially in this corner of Lincolnshire. Thanks to all who attended we raised the sum of £200 for the Lincolnshire Ambucopter and £105 for Willoughby Village hall Refurbishment Fund. Many thanks to for the hard work of all helpers for providing the excellent meal, the musical performers’ brilliant concert and supporting helpers. Well done! Glennis Smith Ladies Luncheon Club On the 7th May, 10 Ladies enjoyed lunch at the Red Lion, our first visit there as a club. The usual lively conversation heightened their pleasure, together with a good menu. “There is no love sincerer than the love of food” wrote G B Shaw, a sentiment with which we all agreed. Raffle winners Sandra Turner and Vera Webb. Next venue Woodthorpe Grange on 11 June at 12:30 - everyone welcome. Sheila Kemp Jokes in a box: Why are monsters' fingers never more than 11 inches long? How do you greet a three-headed monster? What kind of pole is short and floppy? What were the only creatures not to go into the ark in pairs? (Send me your jokes and tales on 01507 466201) Willoughby Village History Group. Where are they now? We are researching the history of Willoughby School for the Village Book and for future archives. On Saturday July 6th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 m in Willoughby Village Hall. There will be an opportunity for all ex-pupils of the school to meet together to renew acquaintances and share experiences. There will be no entrance charge but light snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. There will be a raffle for the History Group funds.Willoughby Playing Field Association The end of April saw the new slide with safety surface installed. (The old one obviously has been missed, judging by the popularity of the new one). A grant from the County and District Councils has been allocated. Further funding came from the Parish Council, The Ancaster Trust, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, The AEEU and our own fundraising, which will always be needed. The cost of the slide was £6,796.73. To all our funders we are very grateful. Thank you. Linda Seymour Willoughby and District Parish Council has welcomed two new Councillors Ted Wherry and Bob Buxton, the Council has all its seats filled now with then members. At the May Annual Parish Council meeting Councillor Stephen Eyre was re- elected Chairman and Councillor Mrs Mary Pridgeon Vice Chairman. The Planning Committee was chosen as Councillors Eyre, Dowlman, Mrs Kemp, Wherry and Buxton and the Allotments Committee as Councillors Eyre, Mrs Pridgeon, Mrs Kemp, Mrs Jones, White and Bradshaw. The Council approved donations to the Willoughby Jubilee Celebrations and the Sloothby Jubilee Celebrations of £175 each. Mr Bob Bowe a Planning and Economic Development Officer from ELDC attended the meeting and addressed the Council on the 10 year local plan, this is to be an ongoing agenda item. Prior to the Annual Parish Council Meeting, the Annual Parish Meetings were held. One Parishioner attended, a new lady to the village was warmly welcomed. All parishioner are entitled to and would be welcomed at all parish Council Meetings, they are held in the Village Hall at 8pm on the 3rd Thursday in each month, expect August and December. Agendas for the meetings are displayed on the notice board in Willoughby. The Chairman can be contacted on 462397 and the Clerk on 463859. Marie Willoughby Arms Come and celebrate Jubilee with us. On Sunday 2 June, we have a 50’s night - Fancy dress, 50’s Quiz, spot prizes and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Willoughby Arms. Monday 3 June, Car Park Street Party, fun and games for everyone. 12 pm onwards. Tuesday 4 June, Charity BBQ to coincide with the Village Fun Day. All proceeds to the Playingfield Association. Saturday 29 June, A Night At The Races, All proceeds raised to the St Helena’s School. A big thank you to everyone that came and supported the May Ball which was held on the 4th May. £140 was raised for St Helena’s School. It’s going towards a Digital Camera for the pupils. Tom and Kerry St Helena’s Ofsted Inspection Report 2002 According to the evidence collected during the recent Ofsted Inspection at St Helena’s, Willoughby, the Reception and Pre- reception pupils are likely to exceed the early learning goals because of the good standard of teaching and learning in the reception class. Particularly noted was the care and thought that has been taken to provide a stimulating classroom environment. Indeed across the school the Inspection recognises that “With good monitoring it has improved the quality of teaching and learning and raised pupils’ standards. Teamwork is a strong feature and teachers plan an interesting range of activities to motivate and stimulate the pupils in their care”. As a consequence “the pupils’ attitudes, enthusiasm for school and their relationships with each other and staff are very positive”. The improved stability of teaching in Years 3 and 4 is evident in many aspects of the report and particularly in the raised levels of achievement by pupils. Indeed the report states “A good proportion of the high quality teaching is for children in the infant and lower junior classes, where it is very good in two out of every three lessons with no unsatisfactory teaching seen.” A significant strength of the school is identified in the provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral and social development. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and there are good opportunities for them to display that sense of responsibility and citizenship around the school. The range of extra curricular opportunities, provided by a rolling programme of lunch-time and after-school clubs, is acknowledged as good for a small rural primary school. Pupils enjoy these clubs, is acknowledged as good for a small rural primary school. Pupils enjoy these clubs and attendance at them is good. Also noted of particular benefit is the annual residential experience for pupils in Years 5 & 6 along with other visits outside school. The head teacher provides sound leadership for the work of the school and is supported by a governing body that plays a very active role in shaping the direction of the school. In spite of its rural location the school is still equally subject to what is also a national problem regarding attendance. Levels of pupils’ attendance is an area identified as one that could be improved and will be one the school works on in collaboration with parents. A further focus for improvement will be building on the improved levels of provision of ICT and thereby raising standards in the subject, particularly for 11 year olds. St Helena’s being a church school; it also underwent a Denominational Report, which commended the school on “presenting all pupils with the opportunity of a learning environment within a caring and supportive ethos. Collective worship offers an important contribution to the daily life of the school”. Whilst there are areas for improvement it is important to highlight the strengths and positive features of both reports which contribute to the overriding aim of providing the children with a board base on which to build their future lives. The head teacher, teachers, non-teaching staff and governors will all continue to share a keen commitment to further school improvement and the further raising of pupils’ standards. Lincolnshire Evening This annual event ran true to form when 69 diners arrived expectantly in the Village Hall on Saturday May 18th, complete with their own forms of tonsil lubrication. A delicious meal of ham and chine - cooked and served by John & Audrey Tuplin, with salad and new potatoes - prepared by Mavis and Francis, and served on attractively decorated tables, enhanced by Linda’s’ flower arrangements, was followed by apple pie and cream, plum bread and cheese, and tea/coffee. (Pies baked by the ladies of the PCC) A veritable feast, which was enjoyed by everyone. Suitable wined and dined, Daffyd introduced our guest of the evening - Alan Stennett, a former local radio reporter, now freelance, his special interest being farming. A lively and interesting talk, taking us through his family background and into his working life, interspersed with many amusing anecdotes, which held the audiences interest throughout. The ever popular raffle followed, drawn by Daffyd, before everyone left for home, fully appreciative of a wonderful evening. As always, our grateful thanks to all those who worked so hard to make the event such a success, including our “Queen of the washing up bowl” - Sharon, and to all who came to support and enjoy. St Helena’s Church benefited by £266 - a tribute to everyone and a fillip to our Treasurer - Mavis. Sheila Kemp MUMBY NEWS Compiled by Steve Mugglestone, “Rayell” Parklands. Tel. 01507 490552 Items for inclusion in the next issue should reach me by the Monday previous to the 19th of this month Children’s letters to God. Dear God, Why do I have to pray when you know anyway what I want? But I’ll do it if it makes you feel better. Sue. Art Exhibition The May Day Bank Holiday weekend saw our 9th Annual Art Exhibition in full swing. After three days of frenzied preparation, the display stands were erected, the “Holy Roll Café” set out and the paintings hung and numbered ready for the opening. On Saturday morning, as the Ladies were preparing and laying out the food, early bird visitors started to arrive - Regular visitors from away who expected our previous years opening time of 10am. This year we had decided to try out new times - 11am to 4pm - to eliminate the unpopular first and last hours and it seems to have proved to have created less strain for the people committed to being on duty all day each day, without effecting the attendance of visitors. 312 pictures, using many mediums, were on display with prices ranging from £5 to £200, and quite a few were purchased. All were the work of local Artists, residing within 20 miles of Mumby. We had a steady stream of visitors through the days, although Monday was much more quiet this year. (It was noticeable that the A52 through the village had very little traffic on it till late afternoon, as holidaymakers headed home. This seemed to echo the findings of other attractions in the area.) Our visitors seemed to enjoy their time with us, taking time to admire the Church as well as the exhibition, then relaxing with a bit of fun on the tombola and sampling the menu in the “Holy Roll Café. This is the major fund-raising event of the year for the Church and the hard work, of those who helped in any capacity to make it a success, is very much appreciated. Now, what about next year’s 10th? Community Voluntary Car Service Reminder- The Co-ordinator’s phone number has now been changed to a single number - 442502. Will you amend your card accordingly? If you have not got a card, they are available from Becket’s, the Red Lion, or most Parish Councillors. Church concert The Marden Hill Choir, under the leadership of Heather Sullivan, provided us with a wonderful hour of entertainment for our Concert on Friday, 10th May. Singing mainly well- known religious items, accompanied by Edward Willerton on our church organ, (It is a treat to hear it put to use!) the choir demonstrated its versatility. Soloists, Bryony Jones and Leah Sullivan, two young ladies with fine voices, sang two pieces - “Lead me Lord,” and “Stabat Mater,” the latter accompanied by E. White playing the Viola de Gamba, and the organ. The finale, sung from the back of the Church, was “Before the ending of the day,” Plainsong from the Office of Compline. History. The Marden Hill Choir is part of the Marden Hill Group of Parishes, a mixture of Wolds and Fen villages. It is one of the musical elements used in worship throughout the Group, their repertoire covering music from Medieval Plainsong to the very contemporary. In 1998 some of the choir travelled to Fresney sur Sarth, near Le Mans, to sing in concert in the Parish Church. Members regularly lend their voices, and other musical skills, in support of other choirs and Groups, singing in the Cathedral and assist in Concerts given by Schools. The choir was formed 10 years ago and has been under the Musical Direction of Heather Sullivan from its first rehearsal. Crafty Afternoon Club It’s “all systems go” to prepare for our Grand Summer Fayre on Saturday 22nd June, from 2pm to 4pm in Becket’s community Centre, Mumby Church. We are busy making and preparing all sorts of goodies for sale. There will be plenty to buy and stalls to interest everyone - cakes, bric-a-brac, tombola, plants, handicrafts, lucky dip and refreshments. We have a surprise guest on Monday 10th June at 2pm, who will be entertaining us with a captivating session entitled: KENNY’S KRAFTY KNACKS AND KNOWHOW. Want to know more? Then please come along on the day and find out! Prepare yourselves for an interesting and amusing afternoon. Eileen Gilburd.Church concert Sure Start Sure Start East Lindsey Coastal Ribbon is about families with children under 4 years; about improving services; about listening to what families say; and about helping to provide new services. You can register your children with the Sure Start programme if they are under 4 and live in or in the vicinity of villages on the coastal strip, which includes MUMBY. All our registered children receive a WELCOME PACK and all we ask is that you have a little time to help us with our survey of local services. We don’t expect you to become involved in anything you do not wish to do. We publish a regular newsletter, highlighting Events & Opportunities. Ring in with your name and address, the names and ages of your children and we will do the rest. Tel. 474411. Email: surestart.elcr@ic24.net The Sure Start office is at: Mablethorpe Business Centre, Enterprise Road, Mablethorpe, LN11 1NB Sure Start Manager; Angela Hicken. What’s on in Mumby? Saturday, 8th June, in Becket’s: Table- top Sale. 10am - 12 noon. Tables @ £4.00 each if booked in advance or £5.00 on the day. A table donated to Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Ring Eilean for details on 490878. Friday, 14th June @ 7.30pm: Church Concert. Change from Programme Kathryn (Fiddle) and Richard (Guitarist). Easy listening with a mixture of songs, harmonies and an opportunity to sing along. Saturday, 22ndJune, in Becket’s: Crafty Afternoon Club’s Midsummer Fayre. 2.oopm to 4.oopm. Usual stalls and refreshments. Saturday, 6th July, in Beckets: Church Day, Small Parishes. 10.00am to 4.00pm. Rev. David Hewlett will lead discussions. Friday,12th July: Church Concert, @ 7.30pm. Derek Rushmer, Folk Singer and guitarist, with a wide range of material, will entertain usYOGA CLASSES Every Wednesday @ Willoughby Village Hall 7.00 - 8:30 pm £2.50 per session Please bring a blanket or mat and wear warm loose clothing For information tel: Jessie 01507 490179Strawberry Fête On June 23rd, at 3pm, in Willoughby Church Entrance fee £2.50 pay at the door Strawberry Tea ~ Games ~ Raffle ~ Stalls Proceeds to Willoughby Church Sloothby News This will be held on Monday 3rd June from 2pm to 8pm GAMES Sack race,egg-n-spoon,relay race,three legged race, obstacle race,cricket, rounders,balloon passing,spoon passing, charades, statues, musical chairs, blind mans buff, to mention but a few. FOOD AVAILABLE ON THE DAY / A COLD FINGER BUFFET / B.B.Q TEA AND COFFEE/SOFT DRINKS Fancy dress is optional but it will add to the fun. Please remember to get those entries in for the garden competition. Don’t forget it takes YOU to make the day, a day to remember in SLOOTHBY. Jokes in a box Answers: Because if they were 12 inches, they would be a foot. Hello, hello, hello. Hiss-tory. A tadpole. Maggots. They went in an apple.