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©Kirton News 2025
The Editors Letter
Well, if you can’t find an event to pique your interest in this issue, my name’s not Rachael! There is something for everyone this month, from live music at the Town Hall to a Rummikub tournament at St Peter and St Pauls church! Thank you to everyone who has sent these through to us.
I’ve now been Editor of Kirton News for over 8 years and it’s something I’m very proud of. I hope that you all find it useful, sometimes entertaining and representative of our whole community. But of course, it’s only as good as you make it. I would really appreciate more contributions, and we are always looking for businesses to take part in our Meet the Locals feature every month. This is completely FREE publicity, delivered to over 2,600 homes and shops in the village. Our advertising rates have remained largely unchanged since my time as Editor so do get in touch if you’re interested in a regular spot!
Thanks so much for the adorable front cover photograph, taken by Zoe Decesare. We have precious little time to spend with family, especially if we’re working in the week so it’s important to carve out some time, away from the TV and the phones to do something a bit simpler. Here are a few easy ideas!
• Slow village walk with no destination — just wander and notice things you normally ignore in Kirton!
• Sit outside after dark with blankets. Look for stars, satellites, bats, owls.
• Family litter pick walk. Surprisingly satisfying and gives the walk a purpose!
Take care of yourselves.
Avoiding Retail Scams from Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire
I bought a jacket online and when it arrived it looked nothing like the images shown. The company said if I want a refund I must pay to ship it to an address in China, but the website claimed the brand was UK-based. Is this a scam and how do I avoid it in future?
This is a really frustrating situation and unfortunately it’s becoming more common than you might think. It is in fact a type of retail scam and often leads to customers having refund rows with sellers who are misleading people.
These companies are known to convince people they’re based in the UK by using deceiving brand names and having UK websites or postal addresses. Some create AI-generated images of fake products and boutiques - and even go to the trouble of making up backstories about the origins of the brand.
What they actually do, as in your case, is ship low-quality items from overseas that can look nothing like the images advertised. Shoppers are then asked to fork out for expensive international shipping fees if they want their money back.
Understandably, many people don’t bother, because the cost of shipping takes a huge chunk out of the refund they’d receive. The scammers know this, and it’s how they take advantage of people.
When sellers turn out to be based overseas, UK consumer laws are far harder to enforce, so it can be difficult to recover your money.
There are a few steps you can take to help you spot and avoid these scams:
• Research before buying from a company you haven’t used before - check reviews on search engines and third-party websites
• Watch out for heavily discounted, too-good-to-be-true prices and “huge closing down” sales
• Be mindful of the targeted shopping adverts in your social media feeds - this is often how customers are drawn in
• Consider whether images used to advertise an item were created by AI. This can be difficult, but look for overly airbrushed images, inconsistent textures or distortions on the face and body
• Check the company’s website delivery information. Overseas stores offer shipping to the UK in a much longer timeframe than a genuine UK-based brand would
If you have been caught out by this type of scam and you paid by debit or credit card, you may be able to get a refund. If you paid by debit card, ask your bank to use the ‘chargeback scheme’. If you paid by credit card and the item cost less than £100, you can ask to use the same scheme.
If you paid by credit card and the item cost between £100 and £30,000, tell your credit card company you want to make a ‘section 75’ claim to get your money back.
The more people that recognise and report these scams, the more can be done. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has the legal power to enforce UK consumer laws against traders which target UK shoppers but are based abroad, but they rely on people reporting it. If a company has broken the law, they can impose fines and website takedowns. You can report an issue to the CMA but they can’t help people with individual cases.
Citizens Advice can offer support with individual situations and we advise you to report scams to us too - please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. You can also report an advert you think is a scam to the Advertising Standards Agency.
If you need help with a scam, please contact Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire on 08082787942.
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 and how we can help you, please take a look at our website www.camidlincs.org.uk
Meet The Locals
This month we talking to Rob from ARN Architectural Ltd
We both have nearly 10 years’ experience in the Architecure field and so took the decision to setup ARN Architectural Ltd in May 2023 to not only have a much better work/life balance but also to provide friendly and professional architectural and energy assessment services throughout Lincolnshire. We are both local to the area so understand the local needs and requirements and really enjoy helping people make their dream home come to life.
Our services include drawing packages for planning permission or building regulation applications and for construction, management/coordination, submission of planning and building regulation applications for extensions, conversions and new builds – no job is to big or small. We are coming up to the end of our second full year of trading and already have a proven track record of innovative designs, effective problem solving and attention to detail and our goal is to meet and exceed the expectations of every client.
We take on all types of jobs from small domestic work to larger commercial projects, all carried out to the highest standards, and at very competitive prices. For more information or to discuss your upcoming project please call or email us on info@arn-architectural.co.uk to organise a FREE no obligation initial consultation. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Blue Elephant Yoga
When you hear the word ‘Yoga’, you probably think of young, fit people making different shapes with their bodies. As I’ve mentioned plenty of times before, yoga actually comprises many different components, of which the poses are only a small part. And that’s the thing about yoga… it can be exactly what you want it to be. So, if for you it simply means coming to a class each week for physical exercise, whilst ignoring breathwork, moral principles or meditation, then that’s absolutely fine.
However, I make no secret of the fact that I personally consider meditation to be the most beneficial part of yoga for me. That may surprise you, particularly if you’ve tried it and failed. It all sounds wonderfully simple when explained by calm people on podcasts. Sit quietly. Focus on the breath. Clear your mind. Unfortunately, the average human brain tends to have other ideas.
The mind is a strange thing. For instance, if I asked you not to think about something… say a blue elephant… what’s the first thing you think of? A blue elephant, right? The same thing happens when we are told to clear the mind and stop thinking. It’s almost like a green light for thoughts to flood in. Exactly the same happens during meditation when we tell ourselves not to think… it simply doesn’t work!
Something that has helped me enormously is recognising that we are separate from our thoughts. We are on one side, our thoughts on the other. We are separate. In other words: WE ARE NOT OUR THOUGHTS!
If they appear during meditation, try thinking of them as clouds passing across the sky, or leaves floating down a stream. That separation between ourselves and our thoughts is significant, and potentially a real game changer if you struggle with meditation.
However, it doesn’t end there. To deepen that sense of separation comes a simple phrase suggested by Eckhart Tolle in his 1997 book The Power of Now. Once a thought drifts past, silently repeat: “I wonder what my next thought will be?” And that’s it!
Soon enough, another thought will appear and, when it does, simply watch it drift by and repeat the phrase again. Asking the question seems to reinforce that separation and, in between those thoughts, is that special meditative space.
Yoga and meditation were never really about becoming thoughtless. The mind thinks… that’s its job. The interesting part is learning that we don’t have to follow every thought that appears.
So, even if you’re a seasoned daily meditator, I’m willing to bet that every time you settle down… BANG! The thoughts arrive. But trying this really can be a game changer!
Likewise, I’m guessing some of you gave up meditation long ago because of those wandering thoughts. Well, perhaps now is the time to give it another try, armed with that one simple phrase.
Good luck, you’ll need it as meditation isn’t easy, but very much worth pursuing!
Letters to the Editor
An explanation, an apology and
a thank you!
Last Wednesday, (6th November), I was locking up the north porch after a funeral and had just fastened the padlock to the gate when I realised that the church door had closed behind me. This door when it closes has an atomatic bolt and is impossible to open from the outside when it closes. So I was trapped as my keys for the padlock were in church. Stupid thing to do but these things happen.
Now for my apology. I’m really sorry if I disturbed your afternoon with my shouting and banging but this was my only way to alert someone to my predicament. (Yes, my mobile phone was in church too as I had no pockets in what I was wearing!)
Several people stopped and looked towards the church but I don’t think they could see me as the porch is rather dark. I was was begining to despair of a rescue when two lovely ladies, Sarah and Alex from Kirton Kids Club came running across the grass towards me and shouting we’re coming.
Thank you so much ladies for coming to my rescue. You really saved me as no one knew I was there.
They call us a nation of animal lovers, but, are we though? I wonder, we look in horror and maybe even anger at animal charity ads portraying dogs cats etc who have clearly been given a hard time, we tell ourselves that we would never treat our four-legged friends so badly, and perhaps make a donation to the said charity to salve our conscience.
But then the firework season comes around and you can’t wait to get out there and buy the one with the biggest BANG! and do this not only on the designated day, but days before and after and every time you do this you deeply terrify and traumatise the creatures you said you would never harm you should be ashamed.
A Chilli night...in a warm hall!
Wyberton & Kirton Gardening Club met again on 8th May, where we were joined by the people behind Chilli Chump. Shaun has become increasingly obsessed with chillies ever since he began growing chillies 20 years ago. He then began experimenting with chilli sauces and has now given up his job in ICT to focus on his business. He now grows over 50 varieties of chilli, and makes a wide range of sauces which he ships internationally! Shaun explained about how he grows them, the surprising technology he uses, and about how the heat varies so widely. Some of us were sweating at the thought of eating some of those chillies!
Afterward, we finished off with our monthly plant swap - we bring along any spare plants we've got to share.
As a fairly informal group, any new faces are always welcome. Don't forget to check our Facebook page for information about any additional group garden visits too. Our next meeting will be 12th June, Kirton Holme Church Hall, £3 entry including refreshments. We have a guest speaker again, this time from the Community Growers, based at Spilsby Road Allotments, to tell us about what they do and how they provide access, education and support in a market garden setting. We hope to see you there!
Boston Classic Car Club
Annual Show 2026
Following on from our most succrssful 35th Anniversary Show last year, Boston Classic Car Club will again be holding their annual Show this year on Sunday 9th August.
To date there are around 150 exhibitors pre-booked to attend, with nearly 30 Trade stands already committed to attend. Pre-booking is essential for free entry to the show to exhibit classic vehicles and those interested should contact, Graham Lunn the Show Co-ordinator on 07719 996795 or by email, glunn1960@gmail.com. Alternatively, full details with a downloadable booking form and location map, can be found on the Club website, htts://bostonclassiccarclub.org.uk .
The venue, again, is the Orchard Park field, Hubbert’s Bridge, Boston, PE20 3UQ. On the day there is free parking for visitors, with admission at £7.50 for each adult and accompanied children, under the age of 14, free.
Awards for those classics who have entered or judging will be presented near the end of the Show. Additionally, there will be live music during the day as well as known celebrities attending.
The event promises to be another excellent day and if previous Shows are anything to go by, will attract visitors and exhibitors from around the county and further afield.
The Royal British Legion in Kirton
Every year on the Sunday nearest the 11th of November a remembrance parade and service is held in the village to remember those men and women who either paid for our freedom or have suffered injuries that they suffered in British conflicts in years gone past.
The parade is led by members of the Kirton Branch of the British Legion and serving members of the armed forces. The parade is organised by the Legion with the support of the Parish Council. The village can be rightly proud of the support of our community who turn out on that day. Very few places can be equal to the hundreds who attend both the parade and the church service.
Time has taken a total on the members of the Legion with a number of its membership who cannot march but still stand proudly at the Memorial.
As well as the occasion held every year the Legion works tirelessly to collect money by the Poppy Collection to help aid the needs of both men and women who have suffered injuries and mental stress because of their actions in war.
The birth of the Kirton branch dates back to 1939 when its membership stood at 0ver 100. As time goes by the membership has fallen, although the Branch still carries out its tireless work. It has its own welfare officer and a few members of the armed forces who become part of the Boston branch.
I certain that there members in the village who at present are active members of the armed forces or parents of those who are at this moment have sons or daughters who are serving at present.
You do not need to have a direct connection with the forces to become a member of the Legion to become a member, although I did come from a family of naval service.
This article is a direct appeal for new members to become involved, to help collect for the poppies or help in the day to day running of the Legion in the village. What every you think you could do to support our Branch would be gratefully received.
If you would or feel you can help the Branch continue please contact David Hodgson on 722906 or email him on redonionman46@gmail.com
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.