Feb 16 - Laxton Open Field Magazine

50p
February 2016
Plough Sunday at Laxton Church, 10th January 2016
The monthly publication
of the parish of Laxton & Moorhouse
www.openfield.org.uk
Priest in Charge
Churchwardens
LAXTON
MOORHOUSE
KNEESALL
WELLOW
WELLOW
P.C.C:
Chairman
Minutes Secretary
Deanery contact number
Rev Chris Levy
Mrs Brenda Noble
Mr Simon Hill
Mr Ian Thorn
Mr Ben Wells
Mrs Jean Crofts
Rev. Chris Levy
Mrs Kate Critchley
01623 860522
01777 870541
01636 822777
Parish Council:
Clerk
Parish Councillors: Chairman
Vice Chair
Members
Mr Ken Shepherd
Mr John Godson
Mr Michael Manning
Mr Roy Hennell
Mr Mark Hennell
Mr David Brown
Mrs Jean Hennell
01777 870605
Magazine Editor
Flowers and Brasses Rota
Mrs P Freer & Ms L Gadsby
Mrs M Noble & Mrs A Dutton
Mrs J Bartlett & Mrs J Cooke
Magazine Advertising
Photography
01623 861309
01623 860522
01636 650063
Mr Simon Hill
Mr Jem Hill
01777 870276
31st January & 7th February
14th & 21st February
28th February & 6th March
Mrs Joy Allison
01777 871506
Email: [email protected]
Janet Cooke, Dik Allison, Joy Allison
www.openfield.org.uk
Your contributions are always welcome.
We can help if you are not sure how to
write what you want to say.
Photographs of children appear in Open Field and on
the web site with the consent of their parents / carers.
Open Field appears on the Web in its entirety plus
additional photos. If in doubt, photos are not used.
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE WITH THE EDITOR BY
16th FEBRUARY PLEASE
Cover photo: Plough Sunday
Photo by Janet Cooke
Letter from the Revd. Chris Levy
to discover what it was that God
wanted Him to be doing in order to
be fulfilling His will. In the same way
The memories of Christmas and
New Year can fade very quickly. For we look at our spiritual journey and
try to discern what it is that God
many once the holiday period is
over it is time to look forward to plan may want us to do.
for what will happen in the coming
By reading our Bibles, or some
months. Within the Church’s year
other Spiritual writings, we are also
there always seems to be a rapid
able to learn more about God and
movement from one significant
come to see the kind of people that
festival to another. No sooner do we he wants us to be. Lent is a time for
worship the Christ child than we
self-examination and more
encounter him as a grown up aged importantly resolving to change. To
30 starting his ministry. This begins discover that say for instance, we
with His Baptism and then there is a have fallen into some bad habits is
time to withdraw from the World.
only good in the long run if we
Time to be alone with His Father to acknowledge that and then do
contemplate what he needs to do
something about it.
and how He is to set about doing it.
Jesu drew near to His Father by
This period is what we call Lent. A
spending many hours in prayer. As
period of forty days leading up to
we know prayer is important as it is
Easter. Traditionally it is a time of
a time in which we can
penitence. A time for all Christians
communicate with God. This entails
to look at their spiritual lifes. To see not only asking God to do things but
where, perhaps, we are going
being still and quiet in order that we
wrong or not doing some things as might hear what God has to say to
well as we could. A time to make
us. Prayer must be a two-way
resolutions to try and do things
process. If we are doing all the
better. A time to draw closer to God. talking this is not prayer.
We usually do this by self-denial,
Lent begins on February 10th. So
reading and prayer. Many people
what do we need to be doing?
talk about ‘giving up something for
Firstly try to start Lent in Church.
Lent.’ Usually it is something we
This year apart from our10.00
particular enjoy, so not having it for service we are holding a large group
forty days can prove to be a
Service in St Paulinus at 7.30.
hardship. This is good discipline for Secondly we need to be thinking
both the body and the Soul. Jesus
ahead as to what we will be both
did not eat or drink for the time He
giving up and doing extra this Lent.
was in the wilderness. He
Once again there will be a service
concentrated all His efforts on trying each Friday at 12.00 in Walesby so
Dear Friends,
that we can be still and reflect
upon aspects of Our Lord’s
Passion. Can we not find time to
be with Him this Lent just as He
found time to withdraw and be
with His Father. Thirdly think
about setting aside time for private
Bible reading and Prayer. God
cannot speak to us if we are busy
or noisy. We need a space where
we can have few distractions and
silence. Even in this busy World it
is possible to find both.
Whatever you resolve to do may
God assist you and enable you to
‘keep a good Lent.'
Yours,
Christopher.
In Our Prayers
We send our very best wishes to Pat Shepherd
during her current illness. We hope you are soon
well and back home Pat.
Several villagers and friends experienced periods
of illness or had surgery over the Christmas
period. We are pleased to see that Anne Haynes
and Roger Cottee are now fit and well again and
Dik Allison is on the mend. Nora Kent continues
to recover from her illness and is now living
nearer to her daughter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
Thank You 1
Dik and Joy Allison would like to say a big thank you to everyone who
has visited to wish Dik well after a Christmas he will not forget in a
hurry. We can’t imagine ever experiencing such warmth and concern
‘down south’ and it only reinforces the wisdom of our decision to move
here for our retirement.
Particular thanks must go to those who bravely came and sat with us
while the wind whistled through the house as the windows were
changed. Friends indeed, and all very much appreciated.
Thank you all
Dik & Joy
Plough Sunday
Our traditional
Plough Sunday
Service was held in
church on 10th
January, when we
were joined by
congregation
members from
Kneesall, Wellow,
Moorhouse, Kirton
and Ollerton.
Thanks to Mike
Jackson and Ina
Thorne for reading.
Thanks to Stuart
Rose for bringing
his plough to be blessed and to Roy Hennell and Keith Morton for
carrying the churn.
Thanks to Tessa for playing the organ and to Janet for providing the
cheese scones, serving the tea and taking the photos. It was nice to
see so many people there and everyone staying for a cuppa and a
chat.
Thank You 2
Many thanks to Pat & Jeff Naylor and Jean & Keith Morton for taking
the time to plant bulbs around the village for the enjoyment of all.
Thanks also to the WI, who selected crocci to plant in the area near the
seats on the green at the top of the village to mark the national WI
centenary in 2015; to the Parish
Council and the Village Hall
Committee who also donated
bulbs for other parts of the
village.
Thanks to the same dedicated
gardeners who keep the plants
above the Pinfold looking good.
Coffee Morning
Thanks to Roberta and John for hosting the annual
Christmas Coffee morning at their home. Everyone
enjoyed the decorations and the seasonal nibbles
and chat.
The future of the Coffee Mornings was discussed
and everyone decided they would like them to
continue, so they will. We hope to see you all at
the next one at Jean Hennell’s home, Corner
Farm, which is the last property on the right as you leave the village
towards Kneesall.
Everyone is welcome. We are particularly pleased to see new
villagers so we can get to know each other.
Bulb Planting in Laxton
In October Jean and Keith with Pat and Jeff spent some
hours planting bulbs in a variety of 'green' spaces around
the village. Some of the bulbs were planted in areas used
last year to boost the effect and the rest were placed in a
variety of grassy areas. In some spaces, depending on
location and amount of sun, they are already evident.
The generosity of the Parish Council, Village Hall
Committee and Laxton WI have made this possible and we
hope everyone gains some pleasure from the resulting
flowers.
It would be helpful if grassy areas could be avoided
currently until the bulbs have a chance to flower and
subsequently delaying mowing until they have built up their
strength ready for next year.
We hope you enjoy the display.
Pat Naylor
Christmas Post
Thanks to everyone who donated money to
have their Christmas cards delivered again
this year. A total of £158 was raised for
church funds.
Thanks to Tessa and John for emptying the
boxes every night, to Janet for sorting the
cards and to Janet, Jeff and Pat for taking
time to deliver them around the village.
Brenda
Thank You 3 - Open Field
I would like to say a massive ‘Thank You’ to Jean, Joy and Dik for all
the hard work and time they put into producing the ‘Open Field’
magazine for us.
To Joy who collates all the articles, photos and adverts and produces it
ready for proof reading before sending it to the printers;
To Dik who proof reads every month and sorts out any IT issues
caused arising form the formats in which things are submitted;
To Jean, the Editor who also proof reads and has the ultimate say so
over what appears. She receives the printed copies, sorts them and
delivers them to the distributors and also posts more to people outside
the village and is also responsible for collecting the subscriptions.
A lot of work goes into the publication every month, so thank you once
again for producing a great magazine for everyone.
Brenda
Mothers’ Union
There will be two meetings in February. On 1st members will be
enjoying a meal at The Dovecote and on 29th there will be a talk from
Rev. Zoe Burton. Everyone welcome.
The Dovecote Inn at Laxton
Your Local Village Pub
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th February
VALENTINE’S NIGHT WEEKEND
Where nicer to bring your partner for a truly wonderful and
romantic Valentine meal? 3 deliciously sexy courses for
£35 per person
Monday 29th February
Steak Night between 6pm and 9pm
Sunday March 6th
12 noon until 7.00pm
MOTHERING SUNDAY
2 courses of the finest home cooked food for £17.95
or 3 courses for £19.95.
(Children’s portions and menu also available)
Tuesday 6th March
Pie Tuesday 5.30pm to 9.00pm
A choice of chef’s lovely homemade pies served with an
inclusive glass of best cask beer or a glass of wine to suit
£13.00 per person
Bookings now being taken on all these events. For further
information of our events or to book a table, please call us
on 01777 871586, visit the Website www.dovecoteinn.co.uk
or find us on Facebook.
Look forward to seeing you all soon at your local pub,
The Dovecote Inn at Laxton
The Dovecote Inn New Year’s Eve party
“Oh what a night”…………
New Year’s Eve 2015 at The Dovecote Inn, at Laxton, oh what a night
indeed!
You really had to be there. A massive thank you to
everyone that did turn up, and make this probably the
best and busiest party we have ever thrown in our 9
years at the Dovecote. Everybody had a truly
fantastic time, and danced and partied until the small
hours of the morning, helped along by the brilliant
Andrew Channing DJ extraordinaire!!.
A huge thank you to my wonderful staff also, who
managed unbelievably to work their socks off AND
still party and enjoy their evening along with everyone
else.
A couple of photos folks of the
“before” picture in the marquee, but
sorry very few, during or after shots,
as it was just too busy and hectic.
A few photos attached of some
familiar faces entering into the spirit
of the night!
We had 65
guests for
dinner, then, an estimated 150 further friends
arrived to party the night away.
Our policy on New Year’s Eve is always to throw a
free party with free buffet and entertainment, one,
because David and I LOVE a good party, but more
importantly, as a big thank you to all our
customers for your continued support and custom
throughout the year. We were truly honoured this
year that so many of you chose to welcome in the
New Year with us, at The Dovecote Inn.
(We definitely need a bigger marquee next time!)
Finally all that is left for me to say is “a happy and prosperous new
year to you all”
Our very best wishes
Linda and David
LAXTON VILLAGE HALL
Present Their
QUIZ NIGHT
Friday 4th march
At 7.30pm
Price £7.00 includes Hot
Supper
Ring 870844 to book your team
Please note to bring own drink
but glasses will be available
This month will be on 11th
February at Corner Farm, the
last property on the right leaving
the village towards Kneesall.
Everyone is welcome to this
informal group. You don’t have to commit to monthly
attendance and are welcome to pop
in to enjoy some friendly, cheerful
company.
Plenty of tea, cakes, chatter and
warm welcomes for newcomers
Can You Help?
I am a volunteer co-ordinator for the British Hen
Welfare trust, which needs your help.
We recently lost our rehoming centre at Swinderby
due to our volunteer host moving house. We are
now looking for a new host site to enable us to
continue saving hen lives in the North Lincs / Notts area.
We ideally need a farm / small holding / stable block with good road
access all year and parking / turning space for around 20 vehicles over a
4 hour period.
Hen collections are held roughly each six weeks and always at
weekends. We also need storage for the poultry crates and an outside
water supply to allow us to hose the crates.
I have a team or volunteers who will arrive for the day laden with cakes
and nibbles. All we ask for is a cuppa or two.
If you have any suggestions about local venues, I could approach, I
would be very grateful. If you are interested and would like to know more,
without obligation, please call me on 0786 141 8842.
Many thanks
Sam Wortley
Things to Do this Month
Jan 28th Parish Council, Visitor Centre, 7.30pm
Feb 10th WI - Surprise speaker. 7.30pm, Village Hall
Feb 11th Coffee Morning
Feb 17th History Group Visit to the Queen’s Royal
Yeomanry Museum, Thoresby Courtyard with
optional tea to follow. Meet there 2pm. Call
870276 to book
Feb 29th Mothers’ Union talk. Call Tessa for details
GOSH GALLERY
Contemporary Art Gallery
six rooms—collectable art / prints
Fine gift Books for Children / Adults
9 Eldon Street, Tuxford, 01777 870580
Open Wed - Fri 10 - 3pm, Sat 11 - 4pm
Mondays / Tuesdays by appointment
www.goshgallery.com
www.gosh-online.com
FB Gosh gallery
Sunday
January 31st 2016, 4pm
Group Holy Communion Service
Laxton Church
with the
Rev. Zoe Burton and Rev. Chris Levy
This will include the large group of Laxton, Moorhouse, Kneesall,
Wellow, Walesby, Kirton, Egmanton, St. Paulinus - New Ollerton, St
Giles - Old Ollerton and St Matthews - Boughton.
Please come and join us.
Everyone is welcome.
Supper Dance
Friday 18th March
7.30 pm
Laxton Village Hall
Tickets £7 from Jean, Margaret or Brenda
Supper included
Please bring your own drink and glasses
DARLTON LAUREL HEDGES
PRUNUS LAUR ROTUNDIFOLIA - LAURELS
7.5 LTR POTS 2 YEARS OLD – BUSHY
10 LT RPOTS 3 YEARS OLD –BUSHY
10LTR POTS
3½ YEARS OLD - VERY BUSHY
30LTR POTS
4 YEARS OLD – BIG PLANTS
30 LTR POTS 4 YEARS OLD – VERY BIG PLANTS
100 LTR SPECIMENS AIR POT FOR INSTANT HEDGE
HT 2’ £4.00
HT 3’ + £6.00
HT 4’ + £8.00
HT 5’ + £10.00
HT 5’ + £16.00
HT 6’ + £85.00
PRUNUS OTTO LUYKEN - DWARF LAURELS
7½ LTR POT
2½ YEAR OLD
BUSHY
10LTR POT
3 YEAR OLD
VERY BUSHY
£4.00
£8.00
CASH & CARRY PRICES – QUANTITY DISCOUNT
TO COME AND SEE THE PLANTS PLEASE PHONE FIRST
01777 228058 OR 07836 717859
DARLTON HALL NURSERIES
We can deliver - Plant - Pleased to Quote
History Group Booklets
Two of the booklets are now being prepared for printing. Andy
Columbine, who is doing the graphic design, has provided us with
some sample text and we have chosen a style and size which we hope
people will find easy to read.
Being rather larger than the first draft, it will mean the booklets will be
longer, but we all agreed that more pages is much to be preferred to
type nobody can read. Few of us on the working group would claim our
eyesight is acute as it once was, so we chose the size for comfort as
we wanted our readers to enjoy the results of our research.
If you live in Laxton or Moorhouse; are a member of the History Group
or have helped with the project, you will receive a copy of the full set. If
you would like to buy additional copies for friends or family we need to
know before we order from the printer. Please let Joan or Roger know
if either you want more copies or if for any reason you don’t want one
by calling 871137. They
should be available in the
middle of the year.
A Look Behind the Archive Doors and
Creating New Recordings.
Once again this month we have a look into the archives to learn more
about what was happening in the village during the period 1900 - 1920.
Having looked at the houses last month, new building is the topic this
time.
We are also still adding to our archive of voice recordings. Joan and
Roger Cottee are willing to visit anyone who would like to record their
recollections of Laxton. If you have a story to tell and want to make sure
it doesn’t get lost in the mists of time, they would be very pleased to
come and talk to you about how you can either make a voice recording or
have help to write down what you recall.
If you have any information from your own family about how they lived,
training they received, things they did for leisure, employment, just to
make ends meet, or anything else / photographs / objects from the period
it is still not to late to get in touch and tell us. Please contact Roger or
Joan Cottee on 871137.
Laxton History Group
A chilly evening with a forecast for hard frost didn’t
put people off attending the first meeting of the
year, when Janet Carr brought her talk on Wellow
Maypole and thoughts of warmer weather.
Like most members, Janet became involved with the Maypole
Committee when her daughter was small and started dancing in this
traditional annual event. Over the years she has held various roles
and now takes responsibility for the Press, Publicity and Archives.
Janet began by giving an insight into the history of maypoles in this
country and elsewhere, mostly gleaned from illustrations of dancing
events which showed maypoles of various types. The earliest she has
found dates from about 1500 and shows a small scale, informal event
with country dancing around what appears to be a tree decorated with
garlands hung on cross pieces. There are no ribbons on this pole.
An illustration from 1617 showed a continental event featuring a pole
at the centre of the activities. The museum at Kingston on Thames
has a stained glass window depicting a black and yellow striped
maypole at the centre, surrounded by characters from the celebration
who include jesters and a King and Queen of the May.
The Puritans, who objected to most forms of merrymaking, objected
strongly to maypoles and in 1644 Parliament ordered them to be
chopped down with the risk of severe penalties for those who
disobeyed. Most maypoles were duly chopped down. Janet quoted a
record she had found of Peter Roos of Laxton being heavily fined for
admitting participating in the May game on the Sabbath in 1605.
Records show that maypoles existed in New England in 1627 / 28,
but the Puritans there also objected and they were removed.
The Restoration brought the return of maypoles to many communities
and illustrations show they were decorated with garlands of flowers
and a top decoration of some kind. They were frequently cut from a
nearby wood and erected just for the event. In Yorkshire it became
something of a sport to steal the maypole erected by a neighbouring
community and erect it in your village.
In 1661 maypole dancing was central to celebrations of the
coronation. So began a tradition of celebrating major events around
the village maypole. An illustration shows the 134ft cedar tree
maypole towering over The Strand in London. This pole was cut down
in 1771 but part of it was pressed into service by Isaac Newton, who
used it to support his telescope.
The Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Victoria featured
celebrations for which maypoles were painted in red, white and blue
stripes, becoming a tradition in many communities including Wellow.
A 1750 illustration from Weybridge shows a maypole still without the
ribbons we regard as traditional. The first sign of ribbons is in 1859 at
Ranelagh Gardens, Chelsea. This illustration of a Jubilee Ball for the
Prince of Wales inspired a later event at nearby Cremorne Gardens in
1858. This was a formal event with a large audience and is depicted
featuring a maypole with ribbons and at least 24 dancers. This turned
out to be a significant event, which set the pattern of maypole dancing
for the future.
The poet Dante Gabriel Rosetti was in the habit of drinking in these
gardens and he told his friend John Ruskin about it. Ruskin was heavily
involved with a ladies’ teacher training college, Whitelands College, and
he introduced the idea of an annual event with an elected May Queen
who watched dancing around a decorated maypole with garlands and
ribbons. It is supposed that when the ladies left the college and began to
teach in different places they took the tradition with them and set the
pattern of modern day maypole events.
The earliest known documentation relating to maypole dancing in
Wellow dates to 1856 and a celebration of the end of the Crimean War.
The earliest photograph is from 1911. The first May Queen recorded in
a photograph is Mabel Bowman in 1923, and she is shown with her
maids of honour.
The village has had a succession of maypoles, sited on the village
green, which is common land and in a conservation area. One was
burned down in bonfire night high jinx. Janet showed illustrations which
showed work on maypoles in the days before ‘Health and Safety’. One
featured a man on a ladder half way up the pole sawing off the top half
which had become dangerous. Another showed a scaffolding tower
surrounding the maypole with two planks strategically placed to allow
the men pictured near the top to paint it.
The maypole dancing stopped in 1936 and the War prevented it
restarting until 1950. Dorothy Sheridan, the 1936 May Queen crowned
her successor fourteen years alter when maypole dancing returned with
great enthusiasm and a crowd reputed to be 3,000 people. Scheduled
buses ran from Ollerton and Mansfield to bring them.
When the tradition of maypole dancing returned to Wellow, the
procession left from the original Memorial Hall, but otherwise the format
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was much as it is now. At that time there were sufficient children in
Wellow that the dancers all came from the village. This has had to
change over the years as the numbers have gone down and now a
large number of surrounding communities provide girls to dance.
The facilities have improved over the years. The original ceremony
took place on what was half a boxing ring, which was very heavy.
Modern, lighter, staging is now used and more recently it has been
covered at the sides and top to provide the Queen and her retinue with
some protection from the elements. The young dancers also have
protection now in the form of transparent raincoats which can be worn
over their pinafores. The pinafores were introduced in the 1980s when
the dancers’ dresses were becoming too diverse and it is said hot
pants appeared. Dancers are still asked to wear a pretty dress and
ribbons or flowers in their hair.
The May Queen is traditionally elected by a secret ballot of villagers,
although in recent years there has only been one candidate in the age
range of 11 to 16. The lower age was 12, but has ben lowered in
recent years.
The organisation of the event has become mired in bureaucracy over
the years and now demands much of the volunteers’ time. Sylvia Rose
from Laxton, herself a former May Queen and mother of Jessica who
was also May Queen, continues the pattern of former holders of the
title teaching the dancing for each year’s celebrations. With dancers
coming from further away and different schools this has become
logistically harder as the children don’t know each other until the meet
for practice, which is just six weeks.
Janet explained some of the complexities of the dancing from keeping
the right tension on the ribbon to memorising the pattern of steps. The
younger children perform the easier routines and older girls tackle the
more difficult, including Jacobs Ladder, a new dance introduced for the
Millennium. The music and dances performed to that date come from a
book dated 1910.
The latest addition is the Wellow Jack, who with his Bogeys, creates
mayhem during the celebrations including making off with the newly
crowned Queen’s crown.
Regulations cover the safety of the swingboats, donated and
completely restored in 2010, risk assessment, road closure, parking
management, child protection etc. The cost of staging this free event is
now around £5,000 a year, necessitating fund raising events as part of
the activities around the green.
If anyone has or knows the whereabouts of any programmes or photos
of Wellow Maypole Celebrations over the years, please let any History
Group member know. The Committee would love to add to its
collection, even if only with copies of originals.
Holy Communion
8.00 am Walesby
9.00 am Kirton
10.30 am Kneesall
10.00 am Walesby
7.30 pm St Paulinus
9.00 am Walesby
10.30 am LAXTON
8.00 am Walesby
9.00 am Egmanton
10.30 am St Matthews
8.00 am Egmanton
9.00 am Wellow
10.30 am Kirton
8.00 am Walesby
9.00 am Kirton
Family services
Other Services
4.00 pm
Walesby – Evensong
6.00 pm
Egmanton – Evening Prayer
4.00 pm
Walesby – Evening Prayer
10.30 am - Kneesall
Family Mothering Sunday
Service
4.00 pm
St Paulinus – Messy Church
UNITED BENEFICE OF KNEESALL, LAXTON with MOORHOUSE, WELLOW with RUFFORD
FEBRUARY 2016
February 7th
Sunday Before
Lent
February 10th
Ash Wednesday
February 14th
Lent 1
February 21st
Lent 2
February 28th
Lent 3
March 6th
Mothering
Sunday
4.00 pm
St Paulinus – Messy Church
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
2016
Jan 28th
Parish Council
Feb 1st
MU Meal at The Dovecote
Feb 10
th
Feb 17th
Feb 11
th
Feb 29th
WI
History Group
Coffee Morning
MU
Forward Planning
Mar 4th
Mar 18
Quiz Night
th
Southwell Ploughing Match, Farnsfield
th
Church Dance
Sept 24
Nov 18
Church Dance
th
NB New entries appear in bold italics for the first month.
If you know the date of a meeting or an event, please pass it on so
that others can take it into account when planning.
Copy Date for March: 16th February.
We cannot guarantee to include items received after this date.
SECURITY GRILLES, RAILINGS, SCROLLWORK &
GATES FOR HOME & BUSINESS
GENERAL BLACKSMITHING
IRONWORK REPAIRS & WELDING
BOTTOM FARM, LAXTON
TEL: 01777 871702, www.laxtonnotts.org.uk
HYDE BARKER
PODIATRY
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Southwell Sports Injury Clinic
3 The Ropewalk, Southwell, NG25 0AL
01636 816 222
Ollerton Clinic
Middleton Lodge, Church Circle, Ollerton
07870 729 117
01623 835 013
Registered Chiropodists & Podiatrists
Routine professional foot care including
Biomechanics and orthotic & insole prescription
Heavy Duty Tanalised Fencing & Gates
Free estimate or advice
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Tel Kenny 01777 870337,
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Vicarage Cottage, Laxton
Laxton WI
A chilly hall greeted members when we arrived this
month to find the heaters had gone out. Thankfully
the electric blowers soon warmed things up and a
good attendance did wonders to dispel the cold.
We were pleased to welcome Cynthia Beale, who has now become a
member, and visitor Jeanette Tate from Egmanton .
Brenda began the New Year by thanking everyone for their support
over he previous year, which had been particularly busy with the
national Centenary celebrations during which we had got a lot done.
The members who had formed our team at the Village Hall Quiz had
enjoyed the evening despite being sceptical about their results.
Brenda shared all the news which had arrived since the last meeting,
including an invitation to join Sutton on Trent at their party. Our
collection in a water bottle for the Associated Countrywomen of the
World (ACWW) had amounted to £30 which has been sent to county to
add to the total. They were already well on the way to their target of
just over £1500 by December, and with the institutes opening their
collections at the year end, this should be reached. Over 1000 projects
have been supported since the scheme began in 1977.
This year’s Spring Council Meeting will take place in the Royal Centre
in April, and Paul Haynes from BBC’s Antiques roadshow will be the
main speaker. The chair of ACWW will also speak.
Everyone who had contributed to the food for our supper at our
December AGM meeting was thanked and asked to submit expenses.
We are already planning ahead for the coming year and will hold our
party on April 27th in the Village Hall. Arrangements are in hand to
Wagstaff Construction
Installation of Log Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves
Twin Wall Chimney Systems
Flexible Flue Liners
Fireplace Design and Build
Pre Installation Surveys
Service and Maintenance
Tel: 01777 872707
Tuxford
Lawnmower CentreLtd
Specialist in all types of Garden Machinery
Sales, Service, Spares & Repairs
01777 871983
Come & Visit our Showroom Today!
Ashvale, Tuxford. NG22 0ND
www.tuxfordlawnmowercentre.co.uk
[email protected]
PRIME LOCAL
LAMB
Michael Mawer
Whole / 1/2 lamb
Ready for the freezer
To order or for more information
please ring Jem
07917 694579
Advertising in
‘Open Field’
A standard 1/6 page box costs £15
per annum for 12 issues in B&W .
Larger sizes pro rata e.g. 1/2 page
£45
From the October issue colour will
be available at £30 per 12 issue
year for a standard box
Please contact
[email protected] or
call 01777 871506 for details and
info on web pages / links.
have a caterer for the event and Sandra is trying to book an entertainer.
Suggestions welcome. Sandra would also like suggestions for the
summer outing in June.
Joy was congratulated on having two photographs selected for the
county calendar for 2017. They show the mill stone from the inside of
Laxton Church with the WI tree in blossom above it and Wellow
Maypole, fitting the theme of ‘Nottinghamshire Treasures’. It is the third
consecutive year Joy has had a photo in the calendar.
Our task for the evening was to work on the layout of the photobook we
are making to record the celebrations of 100 years of WI. Cuttings,
photos, reports, magazines, tickets and many other items had been
gathered and were distributed among members in pairs to decide how
they would like the items they chose to include set out. Joy and
Elizabeth have the task of turning this into a reality on screen to
produce our book. This will begin with the Baton relay which came to
Laxton in June 2014 and include all the many events we took part in
during 2015.
On the theme of photographs, members had been asked to bring in a
photo of themselves as a child. The competition was in the form of a
quiz for everyone to try to guess whose photo was which. The results
gave the lie to the thought that we haven’t changed a bit as the winning
score was 7/13 achieved jointly by Rosemary and Anna. Sally and
Sandra scored 6 in second place and a surprised Janet was third with 4
points.
Next month will be a surprise. The competition will be a quiz. Everyone
is welcome to join us at 7.30pm in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10th
February.
Redroofs Holiday Barns
& Bed Breakfast
Stan The Sweep
Local Professional Vacuum
Chimney Sweep
Newly converted barn
We can accommodate up to 12
guests in two beautifully
converted barns sleeping 4 or 8
Ideal for group bookings
Old Great North Road
Solid Fuel, Oil and Gas, Aga,
Stove Bricks, Glass & Rope
supplied & fitted, Bird guards,
Chimney liners, Pots, Specialist
equipment for sweeping wood
burners & liners. Certificate
issued.
No Mess & fully insured
Contact Stan Hutchinson on:
Newark NG23 6TS
07831 661304
01636 821466
01777 871477
[email protected]
Weston
07971 400950
www.redroofsholidays.co.uk
Member of the
guild of master
sweeps
Recent Bonus Ball Winners
Date
19/12/15
26/12/15
2/1/16
9/1/16
16/1/16
No
42
20
52
48
38
Name
Johnny Godson
Jock Jolly
ROLLOVER
Dave (Dovey)
Dorothy Cree
Thank you all for your continuing support for our Sports
Field. The National Lottery has increased the number of
balls to 59 from 49. We have allocated numbers 50, 51 and
53 but the other are still available for anyone wishing to join
or have an additional ball.
If so please contact either Ken Shep on 870605 or myself on
870844. Thank you.
Michael Manning
Group Oil Order
The world situation has seen the price of oil fall
consistently throughout the winter, quite contrary
to previous years. Projections since Iran had
sanctions lifted indicate that this will continue.
At the time of writing we are in the first prolonged
cold spell of the winter, but as yet nobody has
indicated that they need oil urgently.
The next order will be organised in March unless
anyone kick starts the process sooner. Please
get in touch if you are in need of a delivery in the
near future as getting several requests is
normally the best guide to when people in general need a top up. People
already on the list will be emailed when an order is imminent. If you
need oil, just get in touch and say so. You could be the one to trigger the
order.
If you are a new reader or want to join the group, please email your full
name, address, land and mobile numbers to [email protected]
Fed up with your energy bills?
Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark can help by showing you just
how much you could save by switching your supplier or tariff. It is now
easier than ever to make changes. Attend an Energy Best Deal
appointment with us and we might be able to save you up to £200 a year.
If you have any problems with your energy supplier or you are struggling to
pay bills, we could help with that too.

Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark is a local advice charity, part
of the national Citizens Advice network.

Our service is independent, impartial, confidential and free

We won’t push you to do anything you don’t want to do

You won’t get sales calls, emails or texts
Speak to Kirsty or Jane on 01623 869081 and ask for an Energy Best Deal
appointment.
All you need to bring with you is the annual statement from your supplier or
a copy of your energy bills.
For information on the above or advice on any subject, visit your local
Citizens Advice at:
NEW OLLERTON (5 Forest Court) NG22 9PL
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm
NEWARK Keepers Cottage, Riverside Park, Great North Road
Tuesday & Thursday: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm
Outreach Service Opening Hours:
Monday: Bilsthorpe, The Surgery, 35 Mickledale Lane 9:30am-12:30pm
Tuesday:Clipstone, Crown Medical Centre, Crown Farm Way, Forest
Town, 10:00am-12:30pm
Wednesday: Blidworth, Blidworth Surgery, 59 Mansfield Road
10:00am-1:00pm
Advice Line (0344-411-1444) Monday to Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
EGMANTON
PLANT HIRE LTD
For a full list of hire equipment
please see:
www.egmantonplanthire.co.uk
Andrew Banks
Phone/Fax: 01777 872316
Mobile: 07971 627588
VAT registered
See website for current price list
Sherwood Forest
Rotary
Supporting the Local
Community
07711 802683
Meeting most Wednesdays
at South Forest Leisure
Robin Hood Crossroads,
Edwinstowe
Visitors always welcome
www.rotary.org/1220
ACCOUNTANTS
KSR Accountants
The Old Buttermarket
Market Place
Tuxford
NG22 0L
01777 872078 / 07710
430593
Health Matters
How To Access Healthcare at Tuxford Medical Centre – Feb 2016
Before we were joined at Tuxford by Dr Neil Harris in August 2015,
we were forced to trial a number of different ways in which patients
could access healthcare and advice, given the limited availability of
medical staff. We firmly believe that we have significantly increased
the access for our patients to medical advice, enabling us to see or
speak to a far greater number of patients each week. Since 1998
there has been a 25% increase in the number of GP consultations
each year, and patients see their GP on average six times a year,
double the frequency of a decade ago. Whereas twenty years ago
many chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and COPD (chronic
pulmonary lung disease) were managed in hospital outpatient clinics,
these are now routinely managed in primary care, and a standard 10
minute GP appointment is rarely sufficient to manage these conditions
effectively, a matter made worse still if a patient has a number of
different conditions. This month we highlight the different options
available to help our patients source the advice they need as
efficiently as possible.
Emergency Problems:
If you suspect that you or a family member has had a stroke or
significant chest pain which could be a possible heart attack then
please ring 999 and request an emergency ambulance – this is
standard practice across the UK.
If you have another medical condition which you feel requires
immediate medical review the same day and there are no urgent
appointment slots left, please give our receptionist a brief description
of the problem and you will be allocated an emergency telephone slot.
Your call will be prioritised in order of medical need, and one of the
doctors will phone you back to arrange an appropriate face-to-face
review if required, often the same or next day, and if clinically
necessary immediately.
Urgent Problems:
Next day face-to face appointments for urgent problems can be
booked on the telephone from 8.30am on the morning before. These
are meant for acute illnesses such as possible chest infections, ear
infections, tonsillitis, abdominal pain, skin infections. These do book
up quickly and you may not be able to see your preferred doctor. You
may be surprised to know that we do get a number of patients who do
not turn up having only booked it the day before! If all slots are gone
by the time you ring and you feel that you have a condition that you
consider fulfils the remit of an urgent problem, then please leave your
details and a brief description of the problem with the reception and the
doctors will endeavour to phone you back after surgery – often many
minor problems can be sorted out over the phone. If you suspect you
may have a urinary tract infection then if you drop a urine sample at
reception, with a description of symptoms and a contact number (there
are dedicated forms at reception) before 11am your sample will be
dipsticked and treatment will be prescribed if this is suspicious of
infection. If the dipstick is equivocal then the sample will probably be
sent to the laboratory for testing.
Telephone Appointments:
If you need to speak to a doctor for advice then please book a
telephone consultation with reception, leaving a brief description of the
problem and an up to date telephone number. We are often the last
organisation to know when you change your telephone or mobile
number (revealed by failed encounters trying to contact patients), so
please keep your contact details up to date. Telephone consultations
take place between 12pm and 3pm, and will depend on service
demands within the practice. The doctors are unfortunately unable
attempt to return calls repeatedly, so please try to be available to
receive your call back. If you need to book a telephone consultation at
your convenience in the days ahead, this can also be accommodated.
Routine Problems / Chronic Disease Management / Medication
Review:
Routine appointments can be booked up to 2 months ahead, and we
encourage patients to plan ahead for this and not leave it till the last
minute. The dispensary staff will remind you when you have a
medication review approaching, and we would remind you to make
sure that you have had any necessary blood tests prior to seeing your
doctor – it is impossible to perform a medical review on a patient with
diabetes for example, if there are no recent blood results with which to
make management decisions. Routine appointments are mainly
available in the afternoon, but we also have some available in the
mornings to allow patients to work round their other commitments.
Routine appointments are bookable online – you will need to register
at reception to use this service.
Nurse Appointments:
Nurse appointments are regularly available within 24-48 hours notice
for more acute problems such as dressings, but can be booked up to 2
months ahead for routine problems such as childhood vaccinations,
travel vaccines, cervical smears, diabetes reviews, health advice, ear
irrigation and smoking cessation. The nurses offer a range of
availability over the week to allow for patients who work.
Health Care Assistant (HCA) Appointments:
Our HCA is available on Tuesday to Thursday afternoons for new
patient medicals, general health checks, blood pressure checks,
weight management, ECG, spirometry B12 injections and INR
measurement.
Blood Tests:
Blood test appointments are only available in the morning as our
samples are collected on hospital transport just after 11am, and there
is no facility to transport samples to the hospital labs after this time.
These can be booked up to 2 months ahead and have recently been
made available to be bookable online.
Dukeries Singers
As February marches on and winter, hopefully,
begins to recede, two phrases come to
mind; February-fill-dyke, and as it is chucking it
down with rain at the moment, I think that prophecy
is self explanatory. The other, much more hopeful,
regards the Fair Maids of February. These are snowdrops. So we'll hope
for less of the former and more of the latter!
Choir rehearsals have started up again after our Winter break and we are
enjoying learning new music ready for our future performances. We have
two "in pencil" for March/April;
A joint concert with Newstead Abbey Singers, to be confirmed. This a
new venture happily anticipated .
A joint concert with The Dukeries Concert Band, also to be confirmed. So
looking forward to this......can't wait.
Please visit our website thedukeriessingers.com It is regularly updated
and gives all details about the choir and concerts, confirmed or proposed.
Now then! My usual appeal for gentlemen singers. Where are you
all? Don't sing in the bath, hum in the shower or warble at Karaoke, come
and sing with us. There is no necessity to read music and no audition is
required. If you just enjoy music and singing, come and give us a try-out.
In fact all are welcome regardless of age or gender. We meet every
Wednesday above the Concert Hall from 7-30 until 9-30 at The Dukeries
Academy in Ollerton. This is accessed by the Leisure Centre entrance
and car park.
Our Concert Secretary Phil on 01623 822070 would be pleased to hear
from you if you are planning a do that would be enhanced by our
harmonious presence.
A Look Behind the Archive
Doors - Building in Laxton
Last month we looked at excerpts from the
University of Nottingham's uncatalogued Manvers
Collection documents, which gave an insight into the state of the
dwellings in the village. The interest in buildings and property extended
to new builds and other buildings as well.
In 1907 W Moody is told by the Estate Agent, Mr Wordsworth that he
will have the tiles on his cottage seen to as soon as possible, but a new
bedroom cannot be promised.
In 1909 James Hole & Co, Castle Brewery rent The Dovecote Inn,
which is held by the landlord, J Price. He has put in a request to cover
the yard and to build new loose boxes in April 1909. The rent for the
property prior to the proposed building is £67.11s.6d, which will
increase to £75 per annum after the building is complete. At this time
and for some years to come The Dovecote was still a working farm.
Some of the buildings were converted later and remain as we see them
today.
Miss Florence Bennett applied to take over the shop from Sam
Laughton at a rent of £9 per annum in March 1911. Last month’s
extract showed how the property deteriorated, but with the advent of
the War, it was to be repaired. At the time she took over the property
Mr Wordsworth told Miss Bennett ’As I am hoping before long to build a
new shop, you must please understand that I am not prepared to spend
money in doing the present buildings up.’
In July 1912 the village joiner was John Duckworth, who lived with his
mother in one of the Estate’s properties. He received a letter from Mr
Wordsworth about both proposed new building and his own behaviour,
which was a cause for concern and which is referred to a number of
times in the correspondence. Mr Wordsworth says:
‘I think it right to let you know that Lord Manvers has decided to build
some cottages fronting the road in the grass field between your home
and garden and Hewitt's freehold so that we shall take a strip off the
field next spring in order to do this. As I am writing I am sorry to have to
say that I hear very bad accounts of you in the way of intemperance ...
...I cannot have the joiner's premises at Laxton occupied by one who is
really of no benefit whatever to the tenants.'
Mr Wordsworth is looking to assign tenants to the new cottages even
before they are ready for occupation. He corresponds with James Cook
in April 1913 offering him one of them, saying they should be ready for
occupation about October and adding that at that time he has no other
small places either vacant or likely to be so at present.
It appears James Cook took up this offer but decided to move again. In
January 1916 Mr Argles, the new Estate Agent, corresponded with Rev.
Collinson about the Common Right attached to his cottage:
'Many thanks for your letter of this morning about Common Rights. I am
writing to James Cook offering him Coupe's place from Lady Day (25th
March) next with a Common Right. I am glad to hear that old Coupe agrees
with us that it would be a mistake to let the place to his soldier son. With
regard to the Common Right attached to the new cottage now occupied by
Cook - I have looked into the matter and as far as I can make out Mr
Wordsworth transferred a Common Right to this cottage at the time that the
Church Cottages were bought in 1892 with Common Right attached.
Cook's cottage was built in the next field and the Common Right attached
to the Church Cottages was put to it.'
‘Engines’ were coming into the village and people wanted buildings to
house them. W Bennett wrote in July 1907 to ask for a brick engine house.
Mr Brooks wrote in Mr Wordsworth’s absence saying that as requested a
concrete bed will be put down for the engine. Mr Hill, the Clerk of Works,
has been instructed to do this and will advise when it has set enough for the
engine to be fixed.
On 22nd November 1919 J Price was in correspondence again, this time
with regard to an engine house for his premises. He was told he could have
some of the lime sent through to Laxton by Thoresby for this. He wrote
‘I am sorry to hear you cannot build an engine house for me, as I
understood you to say you would. I find out it will take Barnes (the Estate
Builder) about 8 or 10 Sat afternoons to finish the place, as he can only
work about two hours each afternoon. I shall have to put it in the barn again
as I want it at once.’ He adds that if it is built at his own expense, he will
have it added to his valuation.
He received a prompt reply with a change of heart. 'I sent you a short note
yesterday morning. I did not intend to construct any new buildings on Lord
Manvers' property, as I think that in almost all cases the existing buildings
are more than sufficient, but I will make an exception in your case, and
allow Barnes to build you a small engine house inside your barn, and am
instructing Mr Goodacre, the Clerk of Works, to call and see you, and set it
out as soon as possible. I note that you undertake to cart all materials, and
that there are sufficient old bricks at your farm to do this work. If a few more
bricks are required, I must ask you to cart them from Mr Clipson's yard at
Kneesall.’
Unfortunately all did not go to plan:
'I regret it is impossible to
finish off your engine house
G.D. HALL LTD
(Independent Funeral Directors)
Newark Road
TUXFORD, Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG22 0NA
13 Bridgegate
Retford
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DN22 6AE
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Tel: 01777 701222
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until I am able to obtain some cement for the floor. This has been on
order for several weeks, and I am pressing the makers to send along a
small quantity at once. When it arrives I shall ask you to send along
one or two carts to Thoresby for cement, door frame, and other building
materials for the village. It would be a great help if you would kindly
send two carts.'
Thomas Bailey experienced a similar response from Mr Spink in Mr
Argles’ absence in October 1920:
'Your letter asking me to build an engine house shall have attention, but
in these times it is difficult for me to grant your request owing to the
very high cost of all building materials and labour. As the existing
buildings on Lord Manvers' Estates are already so ample and good, I
had decided not to put up any more new farm buildings.'
However, when Mr Argles returned he wrote:
'As I have agreed to put up a small engine house for you at your
buildings, I am writing to ask you, in return, to promise to plash the
hedge between you and Mr Price, and adjoining your turnip field. This
fence badly needs attention, and as a temporary measure I am putting
up a few poles to enable Mr Price to turn stock into his grass field.'
Maplebeck Village Hall Events
A new venture for children has started in Maplebeck Village
hall.
To enable children to have the opportunity to regularly watch films on
the big screen, there will be showings on Sunday afternoons at 3.30pm.
The films will be free; but there will be drinks and biscuits for the
children to buy. You are invited to bring your children and/or
grandchildren and stay if you wish. All the films we select work on
different levels, so grown-ups can really appreciate them as well.
The notice was received too late to include the first screening on 24th
January, but we hope to include future events. If you are interested you
can also look on their web site. See below.
Pilates / Light Aerobics
Please be advised that these weekly sessions have been moved to
Monday afternoons from 1.00pm to 2.30pm, in the new Village Hall,
which we hope will be a better time for more people.
If you haven't given it a whirl yet, it comes highly recommended.
Contact: 01636 636421 / 636185
See also www.maplebeck.org.uk
Britnell Tree
Services
All Aspects of Tree Works
includes felling, crown reductions
crown thinning, crown lifting, pollarding
Gardening & Landscaping
Reliable & Trustworthy Fully Insured &
Qualified
All works carried out to BS3998
Call Will today for your free quote on
07821 342942 or 01636 702807 or
email
[email protected]
Proud to
support
ROBERTA PURLE
Silver Award
ITEC BABTAC ITHHT ICHT
CROSSHILL HOUSE
BED & BREAKFAST
4 Rooms, all en-suite
Double, twin and triple options
Full English, Continental and
healthy option breakfasts
Vegetarians catered for
Non smoking establishment
Crosshill House, Laxton,
Newark, Notts, NG22 0SX
Telephone: 01777 871953
Mobile: 07971 864446
[email protected]
www.crosshillhouse.com
Open Field
Grounds Maintenance
providers to Local Authorities
and commercial organisations
around the East Midlands.
08450 170899
www.tacg.co.uk
email [email protected]
Woodclose Farm, Baulk Lane, Kneesall,
Newark, Notts, NG22 0AL
“FEET FIRST”
MOBILE
CHIROPODY SERVICES
Sharon Foster
M.Inst.Ch.P.
HPC Registered No:
CH18101
Telephone
Mobile: 07946 587190
for a home visit
Egmanton Village Hall
www.egmantonvillagehall.org.uk / 01777 871171
Please check the EVH web site or call for latest details.

Tuxford Young Farmers - no meetings booked in February

Yoga with Greg – Tuesdays at 7:30pm

WI - Thursday 18th

Computer Problems? - Call 01777 871171.
If your computer is misbehaving or you need help setting up a new
one, please call. Donations to Egmanton Village Hall in lieu of fee.
Police
PC Gary Sipson
Useful Contact Details
07525 226575
or 101 x 800 7673
Email : [email protected]
PCSO 4741 Keith Crowhurst
07889 702823
or 101 x 8007671
Email : [email protected]
Web, showing other contacts: www.nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
Danger to life or crime in progress
Otherwise police switchboard
Crimestoppers (anonymous crime reports)
999
101
0800 555111
Medical
Tuxford Medical Centre
Sutton-on-Trent Surgery
Ollerton Surgery - Middleton Lodge Practice
Newark Hospital
Bassetlaw Hospital
King’s Mill Hosptial
01777 870203
01636 821023
01623 703266
01636 681681
01909 500990
01623 622515
Fire Safety Advice (Tuxford Fire Station)
01777 870381
Parish Council website: www.laxtonandmoorhouseparishcouncil.co.uk