Happy New Year!

It looks like a tough year. Here are some good, mainly one-liners, from New York Police. I think they are clean. These are true. Best wishes to all residents. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ These are actual comments made by 16 Police Officers. The comments were taken off actual police car videos around the country: 1. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through." 2. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them a while." 3. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document." 4. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired." 5. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you." (LOVE IT) 6. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?" (MY FAVORITE) 7. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?" 8. "Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket." 9. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?" 10. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop." 11. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven." 12. "In God we trust; all others we run through NCIC." ( National Crime Information Center ) 13. "Just how big were those 'two beers' you say you had?" 14. "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can." 15. "I'm glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail." AND THE WINNER IS.... 16. "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't.. Sign here."

Neighbourhood Watch Message

Here is the most recent Neighbourhood Messages!

1. There has been two attempt breaks into cash machines in sleaford. The first was at Hockmeyers, Lincoln Road, incident 32/12/10 refers and the second at the Spa Store, Grantham Road incident 47/21/12/10 refers. Please report any information to Lincolnshire Police quoting the relevant incident number.

Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

2. A sleaford resident has recently recieved a phone call from a possible asian sounding male stating that his anti-virus software is out of date and that he needs to purchase a "security kit" at £99 to make his computer secure. The male went on to ask for credit card details and personal information. This is a scam, should you recieve such a phone call please hang up your phone.

Humour

I have posted this elsewhere but it is still funny although 7 months since the election/

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With the general elections mere hours away we thought some voter education would be fitting.
While walking down the street one day a 'Member of Parliament' is tragically hit by one of those really safe and wonderful bendy-buses and dies. His soul arrives at the Pearly Gates and is met by St. Peter.

'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'

'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'

'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the lift and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly and nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realises it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises. The lift goes up, up, up and the door opens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realises it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'
The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.' So St. Peter escorts him to the lift and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the lift open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning...
Today you voted.

Christmas Humour!

I am trying to find some suitable humour. This is an old one but still worth remembering.

If I get any more I will post them.

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H&S Christmas Humour

Health and Safety guidelines for Carol Singing

The Rocking Song
Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir;
We will lend a coat of fur,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you:

Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur, and for ethical reasons. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative.

Please note, only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus. Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rocking commences.


Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.


While Shepherds Watched
While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around

The union of Shepherd's has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts. Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.


Little Donkey
Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.


We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc, gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher.

We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.


Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

First Day For New Residents?

I went up to the housing site today (Friday 10th) and there appeared to be some activity. So I hope some residents have managed to move in OK! It was extremely muddy with still some patches of hard slush.

The forecasters reckon it will get colder again in the next week: with another risk of snow especially towards the week-end (17-21st).

Ciao!

Icy Rink Bridge: slow move into Houses!

Post Note: I recorded MS 8.7c on my thermometer last night (Monday). Not much change tonight either: however by Friday temperatures look as though they will be well above 0C and it will feel relatively mild. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

I went for a "recce" to the Farm Bridge today (3 Dec) to see the effects of the snow. I took the attached photo. Nice for the kids but not much use for cycling.

I also went to see the Site Manager: he told me the moves today were not going ahead because of the snow and ice (about 6 were expected) and the moves would most likely happen next week - as well as others planned for then.

A cold Holdingham

I was one of the helpers at the Christma Market on Sunday and the temperature was way below freezing (as low as MS08 in the early morning). Anyway well done to all the helpers: and all those who attended - as that is what makes it seem worthwhile.

The cold weather looks set to stay for the rest of this week and over the weekend. I hope it improves (less cold with some snow melt) as December gets under way. There is a chance. Keep an eye of the link provided. Mind the pavements as they are treacherous in places.

Holdingham Wintry Scene: November 2010

Post Note: I went to the Christmas Market today (Sunday) and the ice was worse than yesterday and many pavements treacherous! Be careful! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I took these photographs (27 November) near where I live. The pavements looked icy so I caught the local bus into Town to go and see a Christmas Tree display in the Methodist Hall in Northgate. Quite a few kids were building snowmen on the Lincoln Road play area.

Next week looks to be staying cold but with a stronger easterly, coming off a relatively warm sea, and it all could turn to sleet down the east of the country.

Keep watching the telly.

Latest Neighbourhood Message: Postal Scam

I got this message which is fairly standard for Christmas but still worth noting if you get a call.

POSTAL SCAM AS CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING
It has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are
making people aware of the following scam:

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.
If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will
already have been billed £315 for the phone call.
If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal
Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.

For more information, see the Crime Stoppers website:
http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/helping-preventcrime/
scams/postal-delivery-scam

Buses and Stops

I have a feeling that the availability, or more likely unavailability, of buses will become an issue once residents start moving into the new Holdingham houses and flats.

A bus stop has been requested, by the District Councillor, but so far no reply. The regular bus route only goes as far north as Stokes Drive before going back down the Lincoln Road and onto York Road. The frequency is about once per hour - weekdays.

If anyone has any queries then contact local Councillors - or NKDC - or the bus company!

Safety Tips Holdingham

After the recent Neighbourhood Watch messages here is some advice that they have passed to me. Hope this helps. Cheers!

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Please read or listen to the following tips on home security.
Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.

Have an approved alarm system installed- ask your local police and insurance company for advise.

Dont leave valuables, like your TV, laptop of DVD player, where people can see them through windows.

Ideally keep photographic records of all your valuable items and keep them in a safe place.
Make sure that you have up-to-date household insurance.
Consider fitting a letterbox cage or outer restrictor, which prevents thieves putting their hands through and trying the latches from the inside.

Most burglars get in through a back door or window. Make it difficult for them by locking all side gates and adding trellis to the top of walls and fences. Fit lights that come on at night to cover the sides and back of your house.

Put all tools away so they cannot be used to break into your house and lock your garage and shed with proper security locks. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a close shackle padlock or heavy-duty chain.

PROPERTY MARKING KITS AND SEGMENT LIGHT TIMERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR FREE FROM SLEAFORD POLICE STATION.

Thank you from PCSO Amy Michie 07796 262 097.

Neighbourhood Watch Message

Not the best of news but be careful now that Christmas is approaching.

The Neighbourhood Watch has passed this message re Holdingham and around St Denys Avenue on 15th November..

Please be aware that there has been a series of burglaries, and attemps, over the week-end. The details are a s follows: Friday 12th November between 1930 and 2230hrs: a burglary occured on St Denys Avenue - kitchen window forced open by unknown implement. An Advent Netbook and engagement ring were stolen!

Friday 12th between 1945 and 2215hrs: a burglary occured on Durham Avenue - a laptop was stolen after forcing open the patio door with unknown implement.

Saturday 13th November between 1730 and 1925hr: a burglary on St Botolphs Road - entry was gained by the rear patio Doors - two laptops, £400 cash, TV, Nintendo and a pair of HD Hair straighteners were stolen. Also an attempted burglary on St Denys Avenue and Winchester Way. on the same night via Patio Doors.

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Be careful you don't broadcast any personal details as someone may be taking note.

What was said about Woodside Open Space?

I checked on the report, presented to the Town Council, about what was said about the Woodside Open Space/ Play Area in a recent Working Group report. The report le4d to some new play equipment and, by the way, is good news for the kids down that end of Sleaford. However, access is and will remain a problem if the Open Space is to be used for other useful purposes.

Here is one of the Conclusions of the Working Group:

" -- access to the play area was limited and it was felt that the Council had missed an opportunity to provide another entrance when the housing estate to the north was developed. "

I am concerned that we do not repeat this by making similar mistakes elsewhere.

Electrically Charged Holdingham

19 Nov: I spoke to the site Manager today and he was aware that things are moving. It is pretty muddy at the moment: the entrance road is badly affected by the lorry movements and the weather isn't helping. Hopefully they will be able to clean it up a bit.

Post Note: Having read todays local papers I have had a go at the Authorities for lack of planning (Lots of wind but not enough energy) and including the Holdingham development.

Still no confirmation of when the housing at the Holdingham Roundabout will be ready for residents. I am informed that it is still the electricity supply that is the problem. There may be other issues as well in dealing with this.

Keep pressing! I will also keep asking questions!

Tricking and Treating!

Post Halloween: It seemed to go off OK although some kids (older ones) were not supervised. I think we used up all our sweets/chocolates ( 2 bags) and about a dozen groups of kids - about 4 or 5 per group - (in their very clever Halloween Make-up) knocked on our door. It seems this event is taking over from Bonfire Night. Well done everyone.


I picked up this message from the Neighbourhood Watch for Halloween night. It seems sensible advice!


Halloween Tips for adults.

Know the route your children are taking!

Explain the difference between tricks and vandalism! Throwing eggs for instance may
seem fun but think about the problems of cleaning it up and the anxiety it may cause.

Make sure an adult is supervising the evening!

Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home and you have been able to check what they have been given! Telll children not to approach houses with "No trick or treating" signs. They are there for a reason.

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Yep I know we all did it and perhaps things seemed safer in those days. But maybe not - we may have been lucky! I hope.

Have a nice weekend.

New Houses near Holdingham Roundabout

I have re-opened this topic as it is still dragging on!

The make-up of the residents will be that (as far as I am aware): Sleaford and district first and then others if and when the local list dries up. As far as the start date, and the solution to the Eletricity supply has been overcome, it is most likely to be in the early New Year. I hope it is before Christmas for the sake of those requiring the housing - but I have not received any firm assurance on this matter. Maybe it is all part of a chain of moves which will release other properties for use or redevelopment down the line. I will keep my ear to the grapevine.

If anyone out there gets any news: please let me know. Best Regards.

Holdingham Woodside Open Space and Play Area

I was pleased that the new play equipment destined for the Woodside Play area/Open Space has now been installed. This, at last and after much campaigning, will be of great benefit to the local residents. Hopefully it marks the start of making much better use of the 5 acre open space area.

The view is from just inside the main gate.

Lincoln Road Horse Chestnut Trees

I noticed the trees along the Lincoln Road went brown pretty early this year - as they sometimes do. However in view of the national alarm about them I have asked questions as to why this is and "should we be worried?"!

I understand that other Horse Chestnut trees are, or may be, in trouble around Sleaford including the Boston Road.

Lincoln Road Play Area Hedge

I have received one or two comments about the cutting of the hedge along the Lincoln Road which forms part of the boundary with the Play Area.

Views are mixed: some dismayed at the scale of cutting. Others are pleased to see that the Police will be able to see if any Anti-Social Behaviour is taking place as they drive up and down the Lincoln Road. This, as I recollect, has been the advice all along as a means to reduce ASB on all public open spaces.

I took a couple of photos, one inside the play area and one from the Lincoln Road, and spoke with the workmen who were clearing up the packages of crisp bags and take-away cartons (some half full) which are deposited in the open space.

The hedge will grow again - so I am in favour of the cutting to allow the police and PCSO's to

see what is going on!

Electricity Supply A17 Housing Holdingham

I have made some further enquiries about the Electricity problems on the new Housing site - and as a result delaying the take up of the housing.

Apparantly a new transformer is needed. How long this will take is not clear.

Latest Farm Bridge

Here are the latest Farm Bridge Photos which I took today: the day before the official opening tomorow on the 12th October.

I also was able to see the site manager of the new housing development and expressed my interest (and concern) as to when the Houses would be available to new residents. The date unofficially still just before Christmas but electricity supplies seem to be the problem.

Tuesday 12th October Farm Bridge

I have received confirmation that the photo opportunity is still on for next Tuesady at 14.00 hours (2p.m. in old money) to mark the completion of the Farm Bridge and footpath/cycleway between Sleaford and Leasingham.

The weather (hopefully!) is looking OK.

97 Houses Update

This is taking longer than was originally expected. The latest noises I am getting is that it could be just before Christmas for the first houses/flats to be available (say Dec 22/23rd).

I still think, from info that I have received, it is to do with the electricity supply.

Cheers.

30 September Bridge Update

The photos this morning (30 September) seem to indicate that people are using the bridge. Plenty of mud around!

How big will Holdingham and Sleaford Get?

I went to a Masterplan Briefing/Workshop/forum on the future of Sleaford last week - at NKDC. We are at the sky-blue thinking stage!

Without going into too much detail, the main objective was to get peoples views on how Sleaford should develop in the next 30 years or so. Developments at Holdingham and adjacent areas featured: mainly because, at the outset, the emphasis seemed to be about what we, as a Town, would focus on given that our population and housing stock will rise sharply.

Potentially Holdingham could connect, by housing development, the neighbouring parish of Leasingham. Simultaneously it could be connected to East Road via an inner ring road.

What seemed to emerge was a belief that Sleaford should develop as its main economic and business interests developed: i.e. we need a town with the population, age distribution and skills, required to meet our reason for existing. The main downside was that, if we are not careful, we will resurrect and re-enforce, the problems that have come about from the first wave of housing development 10-20 years ago.

Let's not repeat the same mistake again!

Opening Delay?

Here is the new housing develpment on 1st September. Not yet ready as you can see!

By the way: I have just received a message to say that the opening on the 30th September has been delayed.

New date not yet arranged but expected around mid-October!

I will keep this blog up to date as I get news!

Farm Bridge

Still looks like the end of September 2010 (30th) for the official opening and photo shoots. This is about as near as I can get at the moment. It has dried up since I took this one!

Holdingham and Sleaford

This Blog is a twin to SleafordChat which I do through Sleaford Today. The Today page format has changed, and direct access at the time of writing this seems to have disappeared - so here is the link again!

Cheers!

Holdingham Bus Stops and Shelters

A question has been asked by the local District Councillor about the need for a bus stop/shelter on the side where the previous shelter was located - i.e near the end of Holdingham Lane and the same side as MacDonalds. At present there isn't one and the Town Buses only go as far as Stokes Drive. If they went to the new Estate then I am assuming they would turn round at the mini Roundabout rather than the main Roundabout.

I visited the Estatev today and spoke with the site manager. It is impossible for a Bus to enter the new Estate and turn round so Lincoln Road is the only viable place. When I visited Cranwell by bus a few months ago they dropped me off near the Jolly Scotchman - but this is opposite double white lines.

Farm Bridge Latest

Farm Bridge Delay?

I visited the site today (24 Aug) to find mud everywhere. The recent heavy rains have taken their toll. Mid- September was the original completion date.

I spoke to the Site Manager about completion dates and, reading between the lines expect a delay of at least a week. It could even be early October before everything is tidied up.

Holdingham Houses and Flats near A17

I managed to get to speak to the Site Manager the other day: and he informed me that the first occupents should be in by late October. Initially it should have been September but that date is likely to be missed due to electricity supplies to tje site.

The first houses to be taken by new residents will be those near the A17 - the flats nearer the B1518 (Lincoln Road and mini-roundabout) will not be inhabited for the time being as there will be vehicle movements there.

Hope this makes sense!

Starting work on the Farm Bridge!

I was stopped today from going onto the Farm Bridge. Work has just started! There is a barrier across the bridge itself - I assume work will be complete by September 14th.

Woodside and farm bridge updates

Things are moving for both places. The Woodside open space has plans afoot for possible allotments (on part of it) - whilst some money (106) has been earmarked for a limited amount of play equipment: completion within this finacuial year.

The Farm Bride has been let to contract and - although slighly behind schedule - should be completed by mid-September - just after the kids have gone back to school. The slight delay is due to the checks, on such things as Health and Safety, that have to be made these days.

Allotments on Woodside?

One of the top recommendations for better use of the Woodside Open Space area has been to consider turning part of it over to Allotments.

This would be in tandem with having an improved play area for youngsters. The other issue is to determine which other points of access could be achieved other that Beech Rise. I will keep you posted.

A17 Bridge: Work Due to Start soon - over by September?

Farm Bridge Improvements

The latest I have on this subject is that work should start on the bridge improvements in July and be finished by late August. Obviously in time for the Autumn term. The poster designs have been agreed and look good - so everything is looking OK!

The Houses are under completion and some look nearly ready but Estate roads are still under construction (see photo).

April Update Holdingham

Farm Bridge, Woodside, Housing

The Woodside Open Space (play area) is still being assessed and residents have passed comments. One issue is the enforcement of a covenant: this shows the area perhaps as for residents recreational use only. I will keep this blog posted on this one when I get more information.

There is no discernible progress on the Farm Bridge: the rightside photo is of the track around the field on the Leasingham side. The adjacent field is getting pretty grown up now with the crops.

The leftside photo is of the houses/flats behind MaDonalds. I am assuming mostw ill be ready to live in by Christmas.

Election Posters and Signs

Watch out for party political posters being set up in spots which would never get through the planning regulations.

I spotted two: one near the Holdingham Roundabout and one on the Farm Bridge overlooking the A17. Both were removed - before I could get a photo of them.

Pressure on A17 Holdingham

This might seem distant but it has implications for the A17 bypass at Sleaford, and the traffic around the Holdingham Roundabout.

As well as the impending development of the biofuel factory at Kirkby La Thorpe and the 50 in and 50 out Lorries - there is a proposal for a British Rail Depot near Spalding. It will affect the A17 and lorry movements around to the A16.

I kid you not.

Farm Bridge Update

There is a photo opportunity next week for the Bridge, from the A15 near Leasingham to Holdingham, which now officially has been taken over by Highways. Obviously this has implications for the land alongside ther A17.

I will keep you posted.

Holdingham Educational Attainment

I was interested to see the latest Key Stage 4 (KS4) attainmant statistics for 2008/09. It is good and not so good really.

Whilst these are only one measure out of many - and education is only one aspect of community life - it is still a case of the jury is out. Here they are for Holdingham:

% 5 A* - C: ------------------- 73%
% 5A* - C (inc Maths and English): 45%

1. The Lincolnshire average is 76% and 56% respectively
2. The England average is 70% and 50% repectively.

Other wards of Sleaford generally perform better except perhaps the Castle Ward!

: data from the Lincolnshire Research Observatory

Woodside Open Space: Options?

The options suggested for Holdingham Woodside Open Space area, at last weeks Strategy meeting, were:

• Mixed housing: affordable and privately owned!


• Part Housing and Recreational Complex


• Wholly rented Allotments


• Recreational Purposes: all ages and including a small skate park and youth shellter


• Mix of affordable housing and a small pay area


• Mix of a Community centre and play area for all age groups


• Extend Sleaford Wood: in collaboration with the Woodland Trust


• Do nothing!

There were several residents at last Wednesdays meeting and District Councillor Peter Haysum also attended. A small working group was set up to look at the issue.

There are others that I would add but I am always intrigued by the idea of an area that attains a Green Flag award! At least it sets a standard and one that a community can be proud of. Other suggestions have been a running track and tennis courts.

Woodside Play Area - Open Space

I have written a blog on Woodside Open Space: Sleaford Wood on the SleafordChat Blog.

There are many issues to be considered at the Town Council Strategy Committee tonight (24 February) which will need to be answered at some stage. Holdingham, on that side of the Lincoln Road, is pretty well enclosed and objections have been successfully raised, against further developments, that will increase traffic onto the Lincoln Road.

I am not on this committee but will be interested to hear of what is proposed as a way forward.

Holdingham Snow 21st February

The snow of 21st February wasn't, to my recollection, forecast on the Saturday evening.

I travelled back from Leicester at 9.00 p.m and listened to several Weather bulletins on the radio.

So I was surprised to see the amount of snow that was lying when I woke up next day (Sunday).

Amended Holdingham Roundabout Plans

I see there is an amended plan coming up before the Council: "Erection of 5 Advertising panels (for roundabout sponsorship). The application was turned down, by the Town Council, at its last outing.

This is an amendedment, not withdrawal. The application is by the BID grouip.

Advertising Boards Holdingham Roundabout?

Not the brightest of ideas!

Plannig applications before the Town Council this week included two for the Holdingham Roundabout - made on behalf of the BID group. I was pleased that Town Council voted almost unanimously to reject them.

1. Erection of 10 Advertising Panels (for Roundabout sponsorhip). They were to be about 3 metres high.

2. Erection of Advertising Panels for the same reason.

They were turned down for the very simple reason that this is a very busy roundabout and the last thing needed is a distraction such as these panels. Let us hope NKDC do the same!

What are Parish Councils For?

The reason I ask this is to bring some sense into the ongoing debate about the future of local Government. I lived near Rotherham in my younger days and we has a Vicar called the Rev Atherton. He was also responsible for an excellent Sunday School, lots of trips to the Seaside, and a Sunday Evening Youth Club. Here is what he told the local Brinsworth Parish Council there in 1960 and I think it still stands. He was not well received at the time.

Maybe we could take in some of what he said all those years ago.

Drainage Problems etc

I noted local newspaper reports of Sewage outflows near Sleaford and the suggestion that things might get worse. This is just one and it puts focus on Anglian Water.

Sewage and flooding fears

Our own local pumping station is in need o repair. So keep me informed if you are having problems. We may be (or are) building too many houses for the infrastructure to cope.

A changing Holdingham?

The Sleaford Standard reported this week of the fact that: when funds are available the Woodside Open Area is next, after Boston Road, for refurbushment.

I am interested if there are any surprises in store!

One thing that will affect Holdingham (at some point in the future) is developments further down the line from the Farm Bridge renovation. Rumour (pretty strong) is that a new Sleaford plan will look at an inner road from the new mini-roundabout, on the Lincoln Road, to East Road. Guess what that might be part of?

Still if it reduces through traffic down the Lincol;n Road it will have some advantages!

Snow Holdingham

Things are moving down the Lincoln Road and across the Roundabout near Hockmeyers. Here are a couple of photographs I took on January 8th. The main road is generally OK but pavements and Estate Roads are treacherous!

Latest Property Update near Holdingham Roundabout

It looks as though the work on the new houses (nearly 100) is being delayed.

Various factors are delaying the likely date, for the first residents to move in, including the weather. May 2010 now seems to be the earliest we can exopect anyone to move in. At the same time I am awaiting an update on the development, and availability, of the Farm Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians to get across the A17.

Challenges facing Holdingham 2010

No I am not talking rubbish but that aspect is important to Holdingha. I took the photographs today on 1st January of the mess in the sidings along Galley Hill. These are all self-inflicted wounds as they cost the community, in the damage it does to the appearance of Holdingham, and also in the cost of cleaning it up.

I call these negative costs as the money could be better used elsewhere.
The other impacts on Holdingham this next year or so will be the developments near the Holdingham Roundabout and the impact, if and when, of the proposed regeneration of Sleaford! This could involve the Tesco siting and the access to Southgate.

More than that: the use of the Woodside area is a concern - very few seem to use it - which might cause a rethink by the planners on the potential for developing it.

I will keep you posted.