Issue No. 71 May/June 2014

Village Voice The newsletter of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton

The Centenary Project

The success of the Bottesford Community Heritage Group in their bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant of £34,100 will support a two-year community programme of research and events commemorating the centenary of the First World War.

This project provides opportunities for anyone living in, or connected with, Bottesford, Easthorpe, Normanton and Muston, to help in preserving the mem-ory of the First World War. Did a member of your family serve in the First World War? The Centenary Project will focus both on those who served from the four villages of today’s Parish and those who served from families who live in the Parish now. Did the women in your family do war work in ammunition factories, public services or on the land? Do you have memora-bilia e.g. photographs, letters, post-cards, medals and personal belongings relevant to the First World War? Commemorative biographies will be written about the people who served in the armed forces from the villages of the Parish: over 220 men including the 40 who lost their lives. Concerts, bell ringing, heritage trails, school activity days and newsletters will recreate and illustrate the massive com-munity effort that went into supporting soldiers at the front. In addition, exhibitions and publications will open a window on village life in a time of war. This will be made possible through the support and involvement of organisations includ-ing Schools, Scouts and Guides, U3A, Gardens Association, Churches and Chapel. A significant feature of this project is that everything collected and recorded will be permanently accessible on the Bot-tesford Living History website: www.bottesfordhistory.org.uk

The aim is to preserve the hidden history of the First World War - the family memories from those who live in the Parish now of the people who served from the Parish, including those on the home front who loved, cared and coped. Please get in touch with the Centenary Project and let them know your family stories. Have your WW1 family memorabilia recorded for posterity. The Bottesford Com-munity Heritage Group welcomes the involvement of vol-unteers and community organizations. For further information, contact David and Sue Middleton at bottesfordww1centenary@gmail.com or call 842215. Look at the Bottesford Parish WW1 Centenary web pages on www.bottesfordhistory.org.uk and the Community Heritage Noticeboard outside the Coop on Queen Street. Follow them on Twitter: @BottesfordWW1 and facebook: BottesfordWW1Centenary

Bottesford Squad mobilisation - 1914. Photo courtesy of Christopher Harris

Village Voice reporter Sue Middleton with Margaret Taylor

Bottesford Local History Society The Society said a fond farewell to its long-standing Joint Presidents, Drs Mi-chael and Diana Honeybone, on March 13th. They had nurtured interest in local history in Bottesford by establishing the Society some forty three years ago. They are ad-mired for their enthusiasm and ability to communicate their wide historical interest and Michael is also well known for his books. This year’s talk, on “The Local History of Bottesford and the Vale of Bel-voir”, had an enthusiastic audience of 56 members and guests. Changing family circumstances have caused them to stand down and Michael and Diana will be greatly missed. We wish them all good fortune in their new home in Edinburgh. The full article can be found on Village Voice extras

Anniversary Reports 100 years ago in November 1913, the Grantham Journal reported that Colonel Yate, the MP for Melton Mowbray, had told a meeting in Bottesford that ‘these are very critical times. No one knows whether there will be peace or war’. 50 years ago Charles Gregory, manager of the Co-op, was granted an off- licence facility. A petition of 180 signatures supported the Co-op as purchasing alcohol would not be self-service and would not be sold on a Sunday. There were three objectors – the landlords of the Rutland Arms, the Bull and the Red Lion. 10 years ago the Village Voice reported that Lite Bite had started at the Method-ist School Room. A bowl of soup with bread and a delicious home made pudding was available for just £1.50.

Liz and Michael Bradshaw Liz and Michael recently posted this photo onto the Village Voice Facebook page. It was taken at Joy and John Simpson’s house in 1985 during Liz and Michaels visit from their new home in Adelaide, South Australia and was “in honour of the original founders of Bottesford Playgroup” (now Pre-School). Liz and Michael say, “Your publication is a great way of keeping up with our former home of Bottes-ford. Pleased to see from afar it is still going well. Should you require any further information about the early days of the Playgroup, or want to get in touch with us please contact us by email lizandmick42@gmail.com. It would be great to hear from you!”

Michael and Diana Honeybone (courtesy of Ted Rayson)

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Heraldry in St Mary’s Church Anyone visiting St Mary’s church in Bottesford cannot fail to notice the many colourful crests and coats of arms which adorn the walls and tombs. Heraldry is defined (on Wikipedia) as "the shorthand of history" and "the floral border in the garden of history". Those in the church show the changes to the family at Belvoir Castle over the centuries, including their links to the Plantagenet royal family. At the recent AGM of the Friends of St Mary’s, chairman John Daybell described the project he

has undertaken, assisted by Neil Fortey who has been photographing all the heraldry, and together they are trying to identify as many as they can. In order to share their findings they are organising an exhibition in the church for late April. If anyone in the Parish has any knowledge of heraldry they would really appreciate your input. For more information go to: www.stmarysbottesford.co.uk/friends-of-st-marys-bottesford/friends-events St Mary’s for the Community St Mary’s Church is embarking on its most significant face-lift since Victorian times. The west end (back) is to be refitted to provide a more flexible and welcoming space for both church members and the whole community. Floors be re-laid with stone slabs with underfloor heating. A small meeting room will be formed under the tower and a kitchen will be installed in the body of the church. Schools and village groups will be encouraged to make use of the new facilities when they are completed to ensure this beautiful Grade 1 Listed building meets the needs of the community for years to come. Plans are on view in the church along with a comments box or contact Malcolm Owen on 843113 or ms.owen@which.net Volunteer Wanted The Age UK Well Being group is held at Warwick Flats, Granby Drive on Thursdays between 9am-3pm. Volunteers are supported by two members of staff and need to have a caring attitude towards the elderly. Two referees and a criminal record check will need to be obtained through the Volunteer Administrator at Age UK. For more information contact Mel on 07761747 or Pam Cooper on 07967398719 Vale of Belvoir Out of School Club The club is developing a wooded area and would gladly accept any donations of old garden gnomes, wind chimes, bird boxes, old pieces of wood (no nails), log piles, bark chippings, tools and bits of drainpipe. Also games, bikes, scooters and helmets. It is amazing what they can find a use for. People with a talent, hobby or interest to share with the children are also most welcome (a free volunteer DBS check - formerly known as CRB - would be needed). A Summer School is planned for the weeks beginning 28th July and 4th August, 8am to 6pm. Booking forms will be available from the club in May. Call 845006. New Chairman for Vale of Belvoir U3A Mrs Gwendoline McCormick and her husband moved to Allington about 18 months ago and before long joined the U3A, where Gwen enjoys being part of a large group of like-minded people. At the AGM in January, when Christine Smith's three-year term was completed, there was the danger of the group closing unless a new Chairman could be elected. Gwen thought this would be a travesty and offered her services despite having no relevant experience. The 180-plus members are very grateful she did and also thank Christine for her three years of service. The U3A is a friendly, relaxed group for retired people who share skills and interests and are prepared to share these on a voluntary basis with others. Meetings are held once a month, details are in VV ‘What's On’. For more information about U3A, please phone Gwen on 01400 328103.

Isobel Cooks Up a Storm In January local resi-dent Isobel Coombs, aged 13, became the East Midlands Cham-pion in a national cookery competition run by the Springboard charity. At the national final, against 11 others who had come through from the original 8,000 entrants, Isobel chose to cook pan-fried sea bass with new pota-toes and wilted spin-ach served with crispy pancetta, a sun-dried tomato tapenade and a sauce vierge. For dessert she prepared a melted chocolate fondant, homemade raspberry ripple ice-cream and pistachio praline. Isobel clearly has a natural talent but has also been helped by Joe, one of the chefs from the Staunton Arms and Darren Creed, a chef tutor from Loughborough College. Despite not becoming overall champion in the final in London in March, as a national finalist, she won personalised chef whites, a professional knife set, a selection of cookery books and £100 cash. Isobel was the youngest person to reach the national final in the competition's 14 year history - a great achievement.

African Adventure  Maddie Sharpe, born and brought up in Normanton, is travelling to Mwandi, Zambia, this summer as part of a group of medical students involved in Mission Zambia, a charity that cares for orphaned children. Mwandi suf-fers from a missing middle generation. Many parents have died of AIDS and 50% of the villagers are HIV positive. The Lozi culture won’t abandon these children to orphanages, preferring to house them with elderly family members. Mission Zambia will help build huts for these families and provide assistance in the medical centre. “I am really excited about the chance to get involved in something worthwhile that is so different from my own culture and experiences. It won’t be comfortable or easy but I hope to gain knowledge and acquire new skills”, she said. Maddie is paying for her own flight and also raising money for the charity. Please visit her ‘My Donate’ page where donations, however small, are gratefully received: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/madeleinesharpe1 Bottesford C of E Primary School The School is very proud of its sporting achievements to date this year. The Basketball team came 5th at the Vale Schools' competition and the Football team reached the semi-finals of the Melton Large School competition, finishing in third place. Five children were placed highly in the Melton Primary Schools' Cross Country and will be representing Melton area in the County Championships. In addition, they have two gymnastic teams who have qualified to represent the Melton area in their County Championships. Finally, the Indoor Athletics team excelled at the Melton Competition, especially the running events. There are many opportunities to participate in extracurricular sport including tennis, netball and football clubs at lunch time, and Irish dancing and tennis after school.

Isobel with TV chef Brian Turner

Maddie Sharpe

Barbara and Charles have had three major ‘life moments’ in the past 12 months. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in February 2013 and they both celebrated their 90th birthdays in February 2014. They enjoy good health and active lives, keep up with current affairs, are involved in the church, the village and with their daughters and grandchildren. As a young girl from North Kesteven, Barbara worked in the textile trade in

Nottingham before joining the ATS in WW2. Charles, from Lancashire, served in the RAF for 28 years as a wireless, and later, an electronics officer. They met at the ‘Palais de Dance’ in Nottingham in 1952 when he was on leave from his base in Cornwall and were soon married. Married life was spent in Cornwall, Scotland, Wales, Warwickshire and Huntingdon. Along the way their two daughters were born. Charles left the RAF in 1968 and went to college before enjoying a career as a primary teacher in Bourne. They lived near Stamford for 46 years and were involved with the community and the British Legion, before moving to Bottesford six years ago. Their recipe for a long life and long marriage is to ’give and take’ and to ‘keep busy’. We wish them many more happy, active years together.

SPOTLIGHT ON…. Barbara & Charles Cameron

East v West - a Football Match Breaks Out in Normanton Taking advantage of the recent road closure in Normanton, residents congregated on the empty highway for an impromptu football match. Thirty five residents formed two teams, with four dustbins serving as goal-posts. There were certainly some silky skills on show, with one particularly impressive header from Sharon Smith (especially as the ball, at that moment, had just been recovered from the adjacent ditch, and was covered in dirty water).

After a thrilling half hour, East Normanton recovered from an early loss of two goals to run out victors 5-3. Team captain Felix (aged 3) was delighted to win the inaugural trophy – a box of Marks and Spencers chocolate biscuits. Great fun for all, and a big thank you from everyone to Bob, Britta, Poppy and Daisy Bayman for organising the match.

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The winning team... ...and the runners-up

What’s On in May....

Important: To publicise your event in the ‘What’s On’ column for July or August, please email t.taffs@btinternet.com, or ring 844823, by 29th May.

And in June…..

Thurs 1st 2 - 8pm Neighbourhood Planning Meeting in the Fuller Rooms. Thurs 1st 2.30pm Methodist Friendship Group, Church Schoolroom. Hilary Hanson

will recite amusing light verse, then refreshments. All welcome. Further details Glenys Bradshaw, 842893.

Sat & Mon, 3rd & 5th, 10–4pm, Sun 2-4pm

VoB Art Soc Spring Exhibition, Methodist Church Hall, Devon Lane, Bottesford with original art for sale. Gill Thomson, Sec VOBAS

Mon 5th & 26th 10.30am – 4pm

Grantham Canal Boat Trips, Harlaxton Warf, NG32 1AE. £3 adults, £2 children. Support your local canal and their volunteers.

Weds 7th 2.30pm Mothers Union “Weddings through the Ages” Rev Sharon Consta-ble.

Thurs 8th 7.30pm Local History Society. Fuller Rooms. 'The Sherwood Forest Group' – Rowena Edlin-White.

Mon 12th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting in the Old School Room (adjacent Fuller Room).

Tues 13th 2pm U3A Robert Holland takes ‘A light hearted look at funerals’.VC Hall Thurs 15th 2.30pm Methodist Friendship Group, Church Schoolroom. Demonstration

of First Aid by Belvoir First Aid Responders. Refreshments served. All are welcome. Further details Glenys Bradshaw, 842893.

Sun 18th 1.30 - 4pm Dove Cottage Open House Afternoon and Fete. Doors will be open to all and there will be tours of the lovely new facilities. Stalls & refreshments, Pimms & afternoon teas. All welcome, bring family-and friends! Contact 01949 860303 or www.dovecottage.org

Mon 19th 2pm Good Neighbour Scheme - afternoon tea, cake and a natter at the Fuller Rooms.

Monday 19th 7pm Annual Parish Council Meeting in the Old School.

Tues 20th 7.30pm W.I. Resolutions & Annual Supper in VC Hall. Contact Marion Orr 843629

Weds 21st 10am VoB Ramblers. Denton reservoir, Harlaxton Hall and Viking Way, 7.5 miles. Call 0115 9825600 for a free programme, or check ram-blers.co.uk/walksfinder.

Weds 21st 2pm Police Team Beat Surgery. Zaro’s Coffee Shop, Queen Street. Come along and have a chat to your Local Police Beat Team about community matters .

Thurs 29th 2.30pm Friendship Group, chapel schoolroom, Devon Lane. Talk by Lynn Wood on living and working in Papua New Guinea. Refreshments served. 842893 or 859845 for details.

Sun 18th 2.30pm East Midlands Orchid Society. VC Hall. Nick Gillian—Bletillas

Weds 4th 2.30pm Mothers Union. Visit to Barkestone Church. Contact 843427. Mon 9th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting, The Old School. Tues 10th 2pm U3A – Carol Williams talks on ‘Dragons, Monsters & Chopsticks’. -

VC Hall.

Weds 11th 2pm Police Team Beat Surgery. Zaro’s Coffee Shop, Queen Street. Chat to Local Police Beat Team about community matters.

Thurs 12th 2.30pm Bottesford Methodist Friendship Group. Informal meeting, for fur-ther details contact Glenys Bradshaw 842893.

Thurs 12th Local History Society - Annual Summer Outing

Tues 17th 7.30pm W.I. VC Hall. Sun 22nd 10am VoB Ramblers. Tour of Vale Villages, 11 miles. Contact:

0115 9825600. Sun 22nd 2.30pm East Midland Orchid Society. VC Hall. Monthly Meeting – Topic to

be announced. Thurs 26th 2.30pm Friendship Group. Brian Hanbury talks on Grantham Food Bank.

Donations of food are requested. Meeting in chapel schoolroom, Devon Lane. Refreshments served. Call 842893 for more details.

Village Voice Photo competition 2014 We were so pleased with the entries for our first photo competition in 2013 that we have decided to run it again. The topic is Heritage and the photos could be of people, buildings, groups etc so start taking pictures now. Mark Pugh has kindly agreed to judge the competition and the winning entries will be published in our January issue. There will be three age groups: under 11, 12 – 17 and 18+. Closing date will be 30th October.

Good Neighbour Scheme

Bottesford Parish Good Neighbour scheme is delighted to report that since it was launched in early January it has completed 31 jobs, mostly transport related, but also spring cleaning, gardening and a dress alteration. If you would like our help we are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. To volunteer, contact us on 07849 311740, as the more popular the scheme becomes the more volunteers we need.

Destination Bottesford Following the success of last year’s fantastic event, a second market is planned for August bank holiday Monday. The aim is to showcase local businesses and to encourage people in the Village to come and see what is available on their doorstep. If you are a producer or seller of goods or services in the village (or the Vale), get in touch to book a stall. Village groups and clubs are also invited to showcase what they do and recruit members. Volunteers are needed to help with the planning and running of the August market. For more information call Nicola Young on 843699 or email: nicola.young86@hotmail.co.uk

Dove Cottage Opening hours in the last issue of Village Voice were incorrect and should read: Bottesford Market Street 01949 844467 Monday to Saturday 9.00-4.30 Cotgrave Main Street 0115 8372628 Monday to Saturday 9.00-4.30 Stathern Canal Lane 01949 861950 Monday to Friday 10.30-4.00 Saturday & Sunday 10.30-4.30 Note: the Team Room at Stathern, but not the shop, is open on Sunday. Bottesford Mayday Gala is back this year with new attractions and old favourites to entertain all the family. Entrance fee is £2 with children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult. The fun starts at 11am on 5th May. To enter a team for the tug-of-war, or to support the Gala please contact Teresa on 07858001952. Bottesford Cricket Club

Outgoing Chair, Lorraine Hutchinson reported a successful year both on the field and socially, at the AGM. New Chair, Godfrey Sutton, is keen to encourage more participation in a wider range of activities. For a full report go to Village Voice extras or contact the club through Mike Meech at meechfamily@yahoo.co.uk The Club can also be followed and contacted through Facebook/Bottocc The Club also needs people to provide teas for 26 people on Saturdays from May to August. This is a paid position. If you are interested in being involved with the Club please contact Andy Norris (Ist 11

captain) on 07827 810488

For more articles about the Cricket Club go the ‘Extras’ page on the Village Voice website www.villagevoice.bottesford.org.uk

Godfrey Sutton

Neil Smith & Dad Plumbing & Heating

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Village Voice Contacts Advertising: Email vvadverts@hotmail.com or phone 842141 Editorial: Dilys Shepherd on 843505 or Susan Meech on 843402 Deadline for July/August Edition (Issue 72): 20th May. E-mail: vv@bottesford.org.uk Facebook: ‘Village Voice, Bottesford’ Website: www.villagevoice.bottesford.org.uk includes our ‘Extras’ page Whilst every care is taken in the printing of notices and advertisements, the committee accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or consequences which may arise from them. Views expressed in the Village Voice do not necessarily reflect those of the committee.

Bowls Thank to the skill and effort of members, particularly Roger Payne, John Millington and Russell Hibbert, improvements have been made to the clubhouse and green. Monday Night Club starts 12th May. Newcomers are welcome to come and have a go. This season the Club has a very full calendar, including four leagues, Cup Matches, Gala, Festival and friendly games. Plenty of play for all! Subscriptions Night is on Thursday 17th April. For further information contact, Pauline Palmer 01949 842212.

Belvoir Karate Group – 1st Dan Black Belt Grading Success After training for an average of 5 years, Jim Anderson, Garry Brown and Adam Smith have been awarded their 1st Dan Black Belt Grades. Garry and Jim now join the Senior Black Belt ranks, whilst Adam, at 14, is the groups first ‘Junior’ 1st Dan. Congratulations from the instructors and members of BKG. Anyone interested in starting Karate can contact

Graeme Walden on 01476 571677 or visit the website: www.belvoirkarate.co.uk Bottesford Football Club Great news... Bottesford Football Club has been awarded 50% funding towards the cost of five FA Level 1 coaching courses and the Sunday girl’s side has been awarded £427 from the Leicestershire Legacy Fund to pay for a new kit. Design the new Bottesford FC Club Badge The Club is running a competition, open to all children, to design the new badge. Entries by Friday 11th July to any committee member or team manager or email Nick Dobney at bottesfordfc@outlook.com for all the details.

Picture-From left Sensei Brian Seabright, Jim Ander-son, Adam Smith, Garry Brown and Graeme Walden