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©Kirton News 2025
April 2026
The Editor's Letter
A very Happy Easter to you all from Kirton News. If you’re looking for something to do with younger family members during the week leading up to Easter, look no further than St Peter & St Paul’s church! The Big Easter Egg Hunt is on from 28th March to 5th April and is open for children up to and including 11 years of age. Find the Easter Egg shapes with pictures, hidden around the church and in the windows of our local shops and businesses to win a prize! Pick up an entry form (with instructions) from St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Paula’s Gifts and the Scout Shop in the village. Entry fee is £1. The winner will be announced on the 6th April at the church.
I don’t know if you have any family traditions at this time of year – when do you give out the chocolate? Is it first thing on Good Friday or do you wait until Easter Sunday? Do you always have fish & chips on Good Friday? And I can’t ever remember that old wives tale about not hanging your washing out, is that Good Friday too? If I don’t have to wash clothes and eat fish & chips on the same day, I’m all for it!
I do have to make a very short but well-meant disclaimer. Please ensure you check your contributions before sending these through to me for print. We do not have the capacity to check every article or letter. Please also check that if names are mentioned in your article or letter, you have checked with that person beforehand. Thank you.
If you have always had a dream of seeing your name in print, or even having a regular column, please get in touch, I’m all ears! I’m always contactable at Editor@kirtonnews.co.uk. We also have very competitive advertising rates (please look at our website for further information).
Take care of yourselves and each other, and remember, when you eat chocolate over the Easter period the calories don’t count.
A Message from Father Paul
The other day I was sitting in a coffee shop in Boston watching the world go by, when I noticed a willow tree on the other side of the road. There was a real beauty to this tree, with its soft hanging branches that gently danced in the breeze, swaying with every breath.
What caught my attention most was the bright green of the newly forming leaves that was just starting to show, how fresh this new growth seems full of excitement for the coming year.
This time at the beginning of April is full of sings of new beginning, the trees and the plants they have laid dormant over the winter, the animals that have hidden themselves away from the harshness of the winter weather have begun to show life again as the world becomes alive.
These signs of spring are often symbolised in our Easter Celebration, being symbols of new life, the new we find in Christ Jesus. The forty days of Lent can seem long and hard, a time of fasting when where we search our souls to see where we fall short of the love of God, a time of testing and temptation.
This comes to its conclusion during Holy Week where we learn of Jesus betrayal, how his disciples abandoned and denied him, with the darkest time of all being his passion and death on the cross. This darkest of times where it seem that all our hopes are lost are soon surpassed by God’s love as he raises his Son from the dead to everlasting life.
In his love for us, God gave us his only Son to be like us in all ways accept sin that he may know us and we can come to know him. In his resurrection, we come to know and understand our own resurrection to eternal life with him, for through our shared humanity with Jesus we can share his divinity.
When we see the signs of new life this spring also think of the life we find in Christ at Easter.
Meet The Locals
This month we meet Rebecca Grimston, owner of Beau Beauty and Skincare Specialist Ltd in Sutterton!
Beau Beauty And Skincare Specialist Ltd brings over 15 years of spa industry expertise to Sutterton, Lincolnshire.
We strive to deliver a vast range of treatments and packages to suit all budgets. With commitment to using only the finest brands and providing exceptional hair and beauty services tailored to your needs.
Offering a comprehensive range of treatments designed to enhance your natural beauty and promote well-being. From haircuts and styling to skincare and spa treatments, there is something for everyone. Please contact us to book your appointment!
Our treatment list is regularly available as well as a website hosted by Fresha, where treatments can be viewed and booked!
Opening Hours
Monday: 09:30 - 14:45 19:00 - 22:00
Tuesday: 09:30 - 14:45 19:00 - 22:00
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
Friday: 19:00 - 21:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: CLOSED
Contact: 07946 180105
beaubeautyandskincarespecialist
@hotmail.com
or find us on Facebook 'Beau Beauty And Skincare Specialist'
An Appeal for Volunteers
Kirton Parish Church aree looking for Volunteers - To run the coffee shop on a Thursday, help with keeping an historic building clean, flower arranging and applying for Grants for restoration of the building.
If anyone is interested they can let us know how they can help - Email Fr Paul at office@pilgrimgroup.uk
Blue Elephant Yoga
Spring has a way of nudging us toward fresh starts. The evenings stretch a little longer, the gardens begin to wake up, and many of us feel that quiet urge to do something positive. Go for a walk. Try a stretch. Start something new.
The strange thing is that the hardest part is rarely the activity itself. It’s the moment just before it. The moment when the mind begins its familiar chatter: I’ll do it tomorrow… I’m a bit tired… I’ll start next week. Before long, the good idea quietly drifts away.
Recently in my yoga classes we explored something called the Five Second Rule, a simple idea made popular by Mel Robbins. The rule is very straightforward. When you feel the impulse to do something helpful or positive, you simply count backwards in your mind: 5–4–3–2–1… and then act.
The reason it works is that counting interrupts that little spiral of overthinking. Instead of letting the mind talk you out of something, you give yourself a tiny push to begin. And often beginning is the hardest part.
You see this in yoga classes all the time. People sometimes arrive saying they nearly didn’t come. It was cold outside, the sofa looked comfortable, or the day had been long. But almost without exception, by the end of the class they say the same thing: “I’m really glad I came.”
The Five Second Rule isn’t about forcing yourself into huge changes. It’s about those small moments of choice that appear during the day. Perhaps you think about going for a short walk. 5–4–3–2–1… put your shoes on. Maybe you feel the need to pause and take a few calm breaths. 5–4–3–2–1… slow the breath.
Spring is often described as a season of growth, but growth rarely arrives in dramatic leaps. More often it begins with small decisions repeated quietly over time.
Sometimes all it takes is five seconds. And a willingness to begin.
Guidance from Citizens Advice
I’ve found myself in a really difficult financial situation and I don’t know where to turn. I was made redundant recently and now I'm finding it hard to keep up with my bills and am getting into debt - what can I do?
Money problems can feel overwhelming, but the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to face this alone. We know that times are incredibly tough for lots of people right now, and Citizens Advice is here to help you find a way forward.
Make sure you’ve been paid everything you’re entitled to by your former employer. You can check what your rights are on the Citizens Advice website.
If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of bills, free budgeting tools like the one on the MoneyHelper website can help you understand what money you have coming in and going out each month, and where you might be able to cut costs.
Before you start, try to find your most recent bank statements, payslips, debit and credit card statements or bills, and receipts for things you usually pay for in cash. Make sure you include all your expenses, for example money you spend on your partner or family.
If your budget just doesn’t add up and you need help to afford essentials like bills and food, you can find out how to get help with your bills as well as what cost of living support is available on the Citizens Advice website.
Please don’t ignore bills or letters about money that you owe. You should collect and organise all debt-related documents to create a comprehensive list of all your debts. It might feel overwhelming when you see everything written down - but try not to worry, the important thing is that you're taking action to sort things out.
If you’re behind on household bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences. Take a look at the Citizens Advice website for more information about what bills to prioritise and how to manage debts. You can then speak to the organisations you owe money to – they might let you pay smaller amounts or take a break from payments.
For other types of debt like credit cards or loans, gather all the information on what you owe, create a budget, and contact your creditors to set up an affordable repayment plan. This might seem scary, but it’s an important first step.
Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s worth checking what you can get on the Citizens Advice website. Claiming benefits might also let you get access to other financial help like cost of living payments and discounts on energy and transport.
Whatever your situation, you don’t have to face this alone - get in touch with a free support service like us at Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire. Our advisers can help to check if you’re eligible for any benefits or financial support, and explore all the options for dealing with your debts.
If you need help with managing debt, please contact Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire on 0808 2787942.
Alternatively, you can email your query to: outreach@citizensadvicemidlincs.org.uk or attend one of our face to face drop in sessions. For information about our service, drop in opening times and how we can help you, please take a look at our website www.camidlincs.org.uk
Friendly advice for those
affected by Dementia
Hi Rachael, There is a lot in the media at the moment about dementia. Rather than a recipe, this month I wanted to share my experience in case that may help someone else.
Firstly, my wife of 36 years died four years ago, come April. She was 19 (!) years older than me, but we had been happily married for most of those 36 years. I put it like this because, whilst, for the first 15 or so years of marriage we NEVER had an argument, there were several later in the marriage.
The thing was, I never knew why, until after she had died. There is a sign of dementia that is not mentioned, and this is one point I want to make. You hear about people visiting their spouse in care and coming out crying. But it seems that the cause of this is not mentioned or investigated.
It is because dementia affects a certain part of the brain (no, I am not a doctor) which affects empathy – thinking how others feel. So very hurtful words come out when, without dementia, they would not have been said. For some years before dementia was diagnosed, my wife was like that. From a lovely, elegant (one time at Christmas she was called ‘Exquisite’ by a stranger) woman who had thoughts for all, she changed gradually and would say things without thinking. Sometimes the comments were hurtful to me and others and other times they were funny. But it was clear she was talking without thinking what the words meant or how they would be felt.
I would just like your readers to look out for a change in personality such that a lack of empathy is present when it was not there before.
The other point I would like to mention was grief. My wife and I did not have any children between us, but she did have a son from a previous marriage. Given the age difference between us, he is only 3 years younger than me and he lives in Hertfordshire.
Another point is that we moved to Kirton on a Monday and on that Thursday night, three nights after moving in, she was taken to hospital and died there three weeks later. That meant that the house and community were all new to me. Who is there to talk to?
So, I let friends from other areas know what was happening by email. Then I expanded it and here is the bit I want to say, I sent it BCC – blind carbon copy – to all. This meant that I could talk to everyone and they could talk to me, but I would not get someone commenting on someone else’s comment.
For me, this worked. It allowed me to put my feelings down on an electronic piece of paper, and I talked through my grief. It allowed me to tell everyone how I was feeling, what I was doing in my ‘new’ house, and how I was getting on at work. All without being judged. In fact, that daily BCC email is still going out for immediate friends and relatives. After my wife’s funeral I gave recipients the option of remaining in the emails – opt in, not opt out.
The reason for that was the opt in means that they must have read the email. If they were not reading them, then they would not know to opt in and would not receive them. It meant that they could drop out of the emails with no request to do so. Better for all, I thought.
So, in summary, I would urge people to watch out for a change in personality where empathy changes significantly, and if it does – I am not a medic – seek professional advice.
If the worst happens under any circumstances and a loved one dies and you haven’t immediate support, consider sending BCC emails to all. It worked for me; it may for you.
Thank you.
Barry
Freemasons’ charity backs UK’s first-of-a-kind baby bank with £60,000 donation
A Friday afternoon conversation has kick-started a unique service to improve the lives of families in south Lincolnshire.
And the ‘let’s do it’ moment of optimism has been backed by a donation of almost £60,000 from Freemasons’ charity the MCF, which will guarantee support for more than 500 families over three years.
The conversation was amongst Louise Buckingham and her team at Citizens’ Advice in Boston, which now operates the UK’s only combined Citizens Advice centre and Baby Bank. She said: “It was obvious what people coming to us needed, and we wanted to help, but we were worried about how to fund it – but one Friday afternoon we simply said ‘let’s just do it anyway’.”
That leap of faith has led to a service providing clothes, toys, prams and other babycare equipment for families with children up to the age of three – all supplied from a room stacked to the rafters with supplies. There’s even a stock of nappies. As Lousie explained: “Some of the stories we hear are harrowing. We support people who have to limit the number of times their baby is changed because they don’t always have the 75p necessary to buy a pack of Size 1 nappies from Lidl.”
Support and supplies continue to come from other sources. Individuals make donations of outgrown or unused items, the team uses cash donations to buy supplies, and staff at the Tattershall Recycling Centre rescue perfectly good items from going into landfill and pass them on for re-use.
Everything is stored in their office within Boston Borough Council. Louise points to a collection of prams and buggies that look like a shop showroom. “They’re all in perfectly good order, and we’ve checked them and cleaned them. We sometimes get things so new they still have their tags. They’ll all be a godsend to the families who take them,” she said.
They’re not able to re-use everything. Electrical goods are a ‘no’, as are child car safety seats, as they may have been in an accident or no longer meet safety requirements.
The team also provides collections of toiletries for mums going into hospital to have their babies. “Often they don’t have the basics,” she said, citing the example of a woman escaping domestic abuse. “A donation of £500 would mean we could buy as many as 50 sets.”
The team has also made its own safety video about how to make second-hand items fit for use, and has worked closely with the National Baby Bank Alliance, operating nationwide to develop national partnerships to support baby banks in helping more families.
The head of Lincolnshire’s 3,000 Freemasons Dave Wheeler said: “It’s only by talking to people like Louise and her team that you begin to realise the scale of the problem and the work going on to address it. Their commitment goes to show what can be achieved if a group of people has the courage to say ‘yes if…’ to something that’s never been done before.
“Freemasonry has been pleased to recognise the bravery of that commitment with a substantial donation that, alongside others, will help to sustain a service clearly of enormous value to people in Boston and North Kesteven.”
Boston Classic Car Club
Welding Workshop 2026
Boston Classic Car Club members enjoyed the fifth annual Welding Workshop on Saturday 21st February 2026.
This, much appreciated event, was held at the large garage at the home of John Simpson, the Chairman of the Club and addressed the practicalities of both welding and bodywork on cars. Once again Paul Chafer gave his time and experience to explain and demonstrate MIG, TIG, aluminium welding and plasma and those present were given the opportunity to try out each technique for themselves. Paul is a welder with a wealth of professional experience and delivers the information in a calm and unhurried manner allowing each person to go forward at their own pace.
Graham Lunn demonstrated the black art of lead loading as well as the techniques of removing bumps from a damaged car wing with the experienced and judicious use of the appropriate bodywork hammer. The owner of said wing was delighted with the outcome. The lead loading aspect of the demonstration was fascinating for all, showing, as it did, the benefits to be gained from repairing bodywork using the method rather than resorting to body filler on every occasion.
Mick Rollins spoke on how to make tools for creating the appropriate shape of bodywork without spending a large amount. Lateral thinking was to the forefront of his talk as well as the awareness of how easily shapes can be created with very little cost and not a lot of effort. Most members present appreciated his comments that, what is viewed as ‘scrap’ by one person, could become an essential and inexpensive tool for body repair by another.
The workshop has developed since it first ran five years ago to cover more elements and different techniques. Those present also greatly appreciated the drinks and refreshment supplied by Sandra Simpson during the day.
Frampton Gardening Club
We had a different, but interesting take on gardening, when our speaker for the April meeting of Frampton gardening club, was Hannah Sylvester, who is a medical herbalist.
Hannah trained in Western Herbal Medicine at Lincoln University and graduated with a BSc (Honours) in 2010. Hannah has been in practice for 13+ years, helping people with her individually tailored herbal prescriptions, and has helped people with a range of illnesses, including, skin conditions, neurological, muscular- skeletal and reproductive health.
We learned about herbalists through the ages, and talked about connecting with plants and how to use them safely, explaining how herbs work.
Hannah also brought a selection of dried herbs and tinctures with her, which were passed around for us to see, along with empty t-bags, which are used to put the herb of choice in to make a tea.
Certainly the list of plants which could help us if used safely, would include some that many of us already have in our gardens. A very interesting and informative talk.
Our next meeting is the AGM on May 30th. All are welcome to attend, especially anyone who would like to join us on our committee.
On June 27th our secretary, Maggie Welberry has kindly offered to host an ‘open garden’ at her home.
In July we are joining Phil Haines coaches for an outing to Cambridge Botanical Gardens, so our next meeting at Frampton Village Hall will be on August 29th, when the speaker is talking about Lincolnshire cheese. (Annual subscriptions are also due in August)
For more details about the club, contact Ray Harding on 01205 723181 or Maggie Welberry on 01205 722382
Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- February 2026
Present: Councillors
Cllr M Sohail, Chair, Cllr A Bowen, Vice Chair, Cllr J Barton, Cllr M Elston, Cllr Hartfil-Allgood, Cllr P Head, Cllr D Jarvis,Cllr L O’Connor, Cllr Pryke & Cllr K Shipp. Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather. County Cllr B. Daish.
Reports From Borough Councillor
B. Daish – advised £3.6k has been set aside for potholes and general road maintenance in the coming year. BBC Council tax to be recommended at 2.9% increase.
To Receive Apologies For Absence And Reasons Given
Received from Borough Councillor’s Middleton & Rylott. County Councillor Lock. Cllr Baillie. All resolved to accept reasons given.
To Approve And Sign Minutes Of Meeting Held On 6th January 2026
Proposed Cllr T Hartfil-Allgood seconded Cllr P Head that these be accepted as a true copy to be signed.
To Receive Clerk’s Updates From The Minutes And Matters Arising
£24,999 grant received, as cost of equipment is more than that. An end of grant report to be completed once equipment is in place.
Town Hall
Underfloor inspection conducted. Surfaces were not all wet. Some patches of black mould. Persistent wet area from tower to storeroom, although drying out slightly inside.
To move last drainpipe at front. To check where flow of water travels from right hand side of tower once drainpipe is redirected.
Insurance: Insurance company and legal team have confirmed claim is not acceptable for either damage or repair. The problem has been ongoing for some time and not a one-off event. On survey it was noticed re-rendering of the wall of the tower proving someone at some point knew there was a problem but did not rectify it.
Councillor also suggested a combined insurance policy with buildings and contents on one policy. This would be a conversation to be had with the THMC.
Bus Shelter
Has now to go to Highways for permission of siting on their land.
Reactive Speed Signs – reply from Frampton, stating they are open to discussion and
have we got any further or is it initial stages. Grant to Triton Knoll submitted.
Church Bollards – Carol had applied for a faculty and received notification that all is good
to proceed. Asking Contractor for cost. Carol to discuss if PCC can contribute towards work as they are their replacements even though PC purchased them.
To Co-Opt New Member
Proposed Cllr Pryke, seconded Cllr Bowen that Philip England joins the Parish Council.
Declaration of Acceptance of Office duly signed.
To Receive Event Updates
Party in the Park – to coincide with the official opening of the new play area. Cllr Head advised food outlet company approached. Bouncy castle company have assorted styles of castle, they man them, provide drinks. Provisionally booked to save date. They charge the children but may make a donate to the PC. (On another note, they may be available to run a school holiday programme, coming one day a week, in DSS).
Cllr Hartfil-Allgood felt too many decisions had been made between Cllr Head and Clerk without consultation with the full Council.
An outside bar suggested – Some Councillors not happy with alcohol being available on the day.
Secretary to Mayor requested if there is availability for an official opening. Cllr Bowen believes there should not be a dignitary but, as PC has put the effort into the project, PC open event, i.e. Chair and Clerk.
Council would prefer to run castles and face painting, like last year, to be free of charge to the children.
Agreed that working group last year continue to take this forward. Cllrs Sohail, Bowen, Head and Clerk.
Anyone has any thoughts for events, please advise Clerk.
New Play Area - installation to commence week commencing 2nd March. PC to hire skip in readiness for spoil.
Quotation for removing railings from DSS to bring to Town Hall £2.5k to £3k. Should PC have outside contractors or attempt inhouse. Clerk to ascertain with THMC for workmen to have access to the toilets.
Idea of resurrecting the Best Kept Garden Competition.
To Discuss/Approve Town Hall Maintenance Group
Council greed the need for a documented maintenance programme to support any future claims but to be initiative-taking in prevention of further maintenance weaknesses. (i.e. checklists, schedules, records) Proposed Cllr Elston, seconded Cllr Bowen.
Group to consist of Cllrs A. Bowen, M. Elston, P. England, P Head, D. Jarvis, who has contacts in the building trade, and Clerk.
Whilst discussing Town Hall, Cllr Hartfil-Allgood mentioned again he feels it is wrong the Parish Council paying to use their own asset.
Finance
a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule. Proposed Cllr Bowen, seconded Cllr Jarvis.
Invoice for BBC streetlights received. £11260.41 last year £11,351.52 this. Officer checking details of lights replaced. This will be deducted from precept and must be refunded.
Planning
To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting
B/25/0431 extensions to dwelling, The Orchard London Road – no objections.
Wash Road development continues to cause concerns with ongoing parking on roadside of delivery vehicles.
To Receive Members Reports
AB – attended an interesting finance for Councillors training session. With regards Town
Hall maintenance, he believes will be a ten-year project.
JB - Willington Road parking, still a problem with difficulty with vision. Problems with
Wash Road junction. Kirton Seadyke to Buckelgate Road surfaces also dangerous. Clerk to report to Highways.
THA – meeting with West Lindsey’s Community Officer and officer for LHP. Key pointscoming from meeting:
• Certain issues can be reported to officer for anti-social behaviour.
• Abandoned vehicles in Hardwick Estate – removed.
• Neighbourhood watch signs and leaflets available.
Also advised that PCSO coverage had been reorganised and Kirton had lost their PCSO and will be covered across a wider area.
RP – sharing his Borough Councillors grant between Kirton and Frampton. Complaints of potholes on Marsh Road. A couple of requests if Kirton in Bloom, or Best Kept Village were to be instigated again. Something the PC have thought of.
Can PC advise residents when planters in village are to be replanted?
Residents concerned the funding for SEND may be reduced by LCC.
Requests when roads/footpaths are to be salted? Details of dates on BBC website.
No resources will be issued to Kirton for speeding vehicles as there is not sufficient incidents reported showing a problem.
To Receive Correspondence Received Since Last Meeting
Amendments to Grass Cutting Agreements, they are wanting cuts to be in line with theirs.
Kirton will continue to cut more regularly. Dates of their cuts to be advised later in February.
Parish Council liaison meeting – 5th February
Pre-Application Consultation for base station upgrade in Wash Road. Any further comments. Cllr O’Connor had requested further information.
NALC – request from Parishes if there are any unadopted estates/roads in our parishes.
Only one that PC are aware of.
Date of next meeting
3rd March 2026.