Christmas Message via Holdingham Sleaford

This was originally written by an American solider but just as valid despite the tweaks!!

  

T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,

 HE LIVED ALL ALONE,

 IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,

 MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,

 WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,

 AND TO SEE JUST WHO,

 IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,

A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,

NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,

NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,

 JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,

 ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,

 OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,

 AWARDS OF ALL KIND,

 A SOBER THOUGHT,

 CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

 FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,

 IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,

 I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,

ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,

 SILENT, ALONE,

 CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,

 IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,

THE ROOM IN  DISORDER,

 NOT HOW I PICTURED,

 A TRUE BRITISH SOLDIER.

  

WAS THIS THE HERO,

OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?

 CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,

THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALISED THE FAMILIES,

 THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,

 OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,

 WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,

 THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,

 AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,

 A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,

 EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,

BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,

 LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

  

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER,

 HOW MANY LAY ALONE,

 ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,

 IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,

 A TEAR TO MY EYE,

 I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,

 AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,

 AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,

 "SANTA DON'T CRY,

 THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,

 I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,

 MY LIFE IS MY GOD,

 MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS...."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,

 AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,

 I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,

 I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,

 SO SILENT AND STILL,

 AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,

 FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE,

 ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,

 THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR,

 SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,

 WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,

WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,

 IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,

AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,

AND TO ALL A GOOD  NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of the service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.  Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

Bus Shelter and Stop/Start

I took this photograph today (12 December 2011).

The lady this side is waiting for the Bus coming up from Town. If things go as they seem the unfinished Bus Shelter may stay unfinished - whilst the Lady, and many others, will have to find a pick-up point elsewhere. The road safety partnership I believe may have stepped in. I will check.

Now we have two spare bus stops on Covel Road and Chapman Road so why not use them (again)?

 

Successful Town Meeting: Bus Shelter Hold-up Criticised!!

It was a good town meeting with the usual key issues being discusssed: Rec Road/Mareham Lane Bottle- neck and Station Crossing being top of the agenda.

However there were one or two from Holdingham criticising the apparent stoppage (and wasted expenditure) on the Bus Shelter on Lincoln Road. So why not, they said, use the now disused Bus Stops on Covel Road and Chapman Road and takethe buses round that estate again.  The main reason for the cesssation, on the Lincoln Road, seems to be the dangers to cyclists, near the cycle lanes, and traffic on the road itself, by having buses stopping and starting.

Too many cooks spoil teh broth as they say (or used to say)!!

Public Meeting Sleaford

There is a public meeting next Wednesday (Dec 7th)  at the Source starting around 7.00pm. Ward Councillors will be attending. Maybe it is the first stage of the Big Society.

Here is the offical line but basically come along and tell the Council all the things you would like to change.

"TOPSY TURVEY TOWN THINKING.


Sleaford Town Council is to start applying some radical new thinking to identify the needs and skills in the community.

The Council will be adopting elements of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) methods of creating a community Asset Inventory. This challenges the traditional approach to solving urban and rural development problems It focuses service providers and funding agencies on the needs and deficiencies of neighbourhoods, towns and villages. Community assets are key building blocks in sustainable urban and rural community revitalisation efforts.

These community assets include:

 the skills of local residents

 the power of local associations

 the resources of public, private and non-profit institutions.
In a practical sense this means that people called community connectors work in their communities to find out exactly what the community wants and what skills exist.

For Town and parish Councils this is an ideal way to connect directly with their residents.

The first steps will be taken in the Town Meeting on December 7th. The Town Councillors can be considered as community connectors and start to compile an community asset inventory.

Councillors will ask residents :

“What would you like to learn? (individually or as a group)”

“What would you be able to give or teach? (either skills, time, dog walking, part of an unused garden etc).

“What would you like to see in your community?” (Improved services, new groups etc).

This will be the start of forming a community inventory, which will match needs to offers. It is hoped that a future Town Plan will emerge from these first results.

It is the same approach as some organisations such as the U3A, are already taking, but this approach is set to be rolled out nationally.

Charitable organisations and other groups as well as local governments are being encouraged to use this approach. Communities can then start to come together:
A young couple in a flat wanting to grow their own vegetables – could be put together with an older person who can no longer manage their garden. Someone wishes to learn a language – can be put together with someone who speaks it.

An ‘older group’ who collectively with to learn more about computers could be put together with a school project group who have that as a target."

Bus Stop

ER - I am getting messages that the work that has been done so far is now redundant. The Shelter is to move back towards the mini-Roundabout.

Honest - that is what I have been told. If so I wonder how much that has cost?

Laffletics get Cupboard Love!

So much work is done in Sleaford, by Charities, that it is hard to pick one out for special praise. I have my own charities and this year they are the Laffletics Club and Home Start. Both do great work for children and grown-ups alike. So it was with great satisfaction last week to be able to formally open the new Storage Lockers, at the Northgate Sports Hall, to the Laffletics Club - lockers provided by Balfour Beatty, who are regenarating St George's Academy. My thanks to them. Here is a Précis of the Press Release.

"The Laffletics Club of Sleaford (Athletics Club for Able & Disabled People) who are one of the Mayor of Sleaford’s chosen charities this year, opened their new storage locker facilities at the Northgate Sports Hall last Tuesday. The Lockers, provided by construction contractor Balfour Beatty and fitted by Farrarcrest Construction Ltd, will be presented to the Laffletics Club by the Mayor John Charlesworth.

The Laffletics Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Balfour Beatty for their kind gesture.”

For the record those in the photo, apart from me, include.
Thelma Smith: Secretary Laffletics
Samantha Northover: Balfour Beatty Public Relations
Rebecca Baldwin: Balfour Site manager
Sally (Chloes Mum - and Chair of the group)
Paul and Kathy are our two main coaches
Regular helpers are Gill (Pauls wife) Sally (Sophia’s mum) and Brett (who’s doing his
DOE award)

Ciao!

Sleaford Remembers!

I posted this on another Sleaford Blog. It was about the Sleaford Remembrance Day yesterady (13 November 2011).

Sleaford Remembers.

Well done everone and particular thanks to Sleaford Cadets (Airforce and Army).

Lincoln Road Bus Stop/Shelter - competion November 11th expected.

Still Waiting

 Monday: It is still under construction but the foundations seem to have been completed. This week then?!

Just spoke to the workmen building the new Bus Stop and Shelter. They expect to be completed by this week-end (November 11th).

Sleaford Developments: good for Holdingham?

I picked up these links - which you probably already knew - but also rumours as to re-siting of the Railway Station (only rumours unless someone know differently).

Anyway look at the links re Albourne Properties & Tesco & Other Towns including Sleaford.

Albourne & Tesco & Sleaford

Albourne & Tesco & Brixham

Ciao

Lincoln Road Bus Stop: Holdingham Sleaford

I took this photo this morning (24th) of the position where a new Bus Stop is expected. There will still be a drop off/get on position on the opposite side of the road near Stokes Drive (I am told). Keep an eye on this one as it is expected to be installed soon.

Sleaford SOS!?

I received a Newsletter today from the Save Our Sleaford Group (SOS). The group is welcome and good luck to them. It is all part of todays society of communications through Social networking and other means.


It reminds me a bit of the FABS Group (For a Better Sleaford) that formed a year or two ago. Saving the recreation ground from development is one of its stated aims - hence the comparison to FABS.

However there are one or two misquotes which need to be put right: "Sleaford Town Council support our campaign against the closure of the crossing and have now decided not to sell any of the Rec for the new road." Just to put the record straight: the Town Council has never supported the the Rec road with its associated loss of trees (about 20 to over 100 with the latest somewhere just under 50) in the past few years. On August 24th it reaffirmed the decision of late 2008. The Station Gate is a matter for Highways and Network Rail.

The Station Gate cannot practically be closed if there isn't a road through the Rec. The only way that could be realised I supposen (just) is if a bridge for traffic and pedestrians were built.
Even then some might quite rightly argue that it is not the same thing.

Sleaford West & Leasingham Election Result

The result of the County Council election covering the Sleaford West and Leasingham division, held on Thursday 13th October, was as follows:



David Suiter: Independent 454 (32%)
David Harding-Price: Lib Dem 45 (3%)
Jim Clarke: Labour 315 (22%)
Andrew Hagues: Conservative 614 (43%)


2 spoiled votes
So the candidate of the Conservative Party was the winner.



The LCC web site confirms this but look at the low turnout. If a Town Poll had returned such a low turnout the wags would have been saying that it didn't ought to count.


% are approximate and relate to those who voted.

Sleaford Wood and Boston Road Rec Trees! Microclimates!

I have posted this on the Sleafordchat web blog. It applies to the Holdingham, Sleaford Wood and Boston Road areas in particular. Ok so the Woodland Trust is responsible for Sleaford Wood but the importance holds. Our trees, and clusters of them, are valuable beyond whatever cost is attached to them individually.

Microclimates are important!

Lincolnshire and Sleaford: NIMBYs? Holdingham too?

There is an article (or two) in the Lincolnshire County News which reflects future changes in Holdingham and the rest of the Sleaford area. One is about the future of our schools/ Academies etc (front page) and the other about the Not in my Back Yard" culture. The latter is about the growing movement against changes to the population of Sleaford - and the effects of the Masterplan. All against a backdrop of a large increase in the size of the population of the area in general. Also there may be a re-balancing of the age profile as more young families move in from outside the area.

Page 15 is about NIMBY's (not in my backyard). A bit unfair because I recollect people being encouraged to come and live in Sleaford to get away from it all - which is exactly what a lot of people did.

Computers - ain't this the truth?

This is not all new – it’s been around a while in different forms but still very true!!

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on.

At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.

"In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating, "If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash, twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a manoeuvre such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive, but would run on only five per cent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single, "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning light.

7. The airbag system would ask, "Are you sure?" before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. You'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off.

P.S. I'd like to add that when all else fails, you could call 'customer service' in some foreign country and be instructed in some foreign language how to fix your car yourself!!

P.S.S. No one over the age of 65 could drive more than one mile before having to have a grandchild come and restart the car.Please share this with your friends who love - but sometimes hate - their computer!

Holdingham & Sleaford under attack?

It is all happening. What with accusations by the Town Council is being wronged by the Leader of NKDC: to the placing of a waste food depot on Pride Parkway, we have many fights on our hands.

The waste food depot, on an Enterprise Park, shows some derailment of community involvement. Busineses, some involved in food (Restaurants etC) may be affected. At the end of the day surely the Environmental Health authorities must become involved. Air borne particles, noise or other health related deposits may endanger public health.

We are in for a fight: big society means big changes in more ways than one - some seemingly out of control.

Holdingham Sleaford & Boston Road Recreation Ground

Postnote: I was interviewed on BBC Radio Lincolnsire yesterday (7th) and by BBC Look North this morning (8th) - on the Boston Road recreation ground. I explained why the Town Council voted against selling the rec land. The argument goes that the rec in its entirety is conrolled by a Covenant. With Sleaford expanding it is essential we develop the Rec for all the people and not risk having it split up.

If we set high standards and quality of life, on our open spaces, then this entices people to want to come here, educate their children here - and have highly skilled jobs if they wish to remain here.

The TC decision not to sell has been widely praised.
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So that's it then. The Sleaford Town Council has voted against the sale of part of the Boston Road Play Ground to facilitate a road. The proposed road had grown bigger over the years and, at the same time, the Station Gate closure had appeared on the agenda. Key issues were summed up as:


"They learned that the original intention for the link road was for the development of the Bass Maltings and several retail opportunities. The current proposal involves increased tree loss and land take and only a single retail outlet on the former Advanta site - Tesco.

The current proposal may now involve the closure of the Southgate Level Crossing and councillors remain concerned about the adverse effect this may have on accessibility and traffic flows in and around the town. These views were previously expressed formally to the relevant authorities in December 2008 and again in May 2009."
Importantly for Holdingham, and other parts of Sleaford, the Town Council hopes (money being a problem) to develop all its open spaces for the benefit of all age groups.

The pay off is that residents take care of the play areas.

Chiao!

Protecting ourselves from riots?

I picked this link up from Neighbourhood Watch. It is a reaction to the events in London last week. Overall I do not think this part of the world was affected. However try this questionnaire if you have time. The more the merrier!

Sleaford Regeneration! Will Holdingham benefit?

The debates about the Sleaford Regeneration and closure of the Southgate Railway crossing appears to be coming to boiling again. Judging by the local media. How it will affect the rest of the Town and Hondingham in particular, if and when it comes to fruition, is still unclear to many. However, make your views known through Councillors.

I can see plusses and minuses for Holdingham.

See also Sleafordchat.

No Silly Season this year!

Post Note: August 7th
The front page of the Target (this week) is interesting.

It is the Tesco view on the suitability of closing the Southgate Station Crossing (positive in their view) and other aspects of the Sleaford Plan including the Maltings.
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I was hoping for a quiet summer holiday season and just posting some of the better jokes that get sent to me. However, from the correspondence I am getting (including this blog) I have a feeling things will start to happen soon. Play areas, Station Gate, Rec Road et al. The outside world looks a mess financially and ready money in short supply.





Thanks to all those who add their opinions!

I hope this image is readable. But I thought it was a good one! Seems to remind me of occasions I have known.

Food Waste?

I was away last week and came back to see the following headline in the local press. Calls to Bin Waste Storage Yard Plan. I cannot believe that it would even be thought of in other places near to Sleaford.

A Sleaford Green Thing? Do we have it?

I thought the attached 'joke' was worthy of a run. I received it from an ex-work friend who sends me stuff when he receives it from his mates around the world.

The Green Thing!

Bonner House is important to Sleaford

I was invited to Bonner House down Mareham Lane on Saturday afternoon. The weather was iffy with lots of showers. It was their Amenity Fund Summer Fete and was held jointly with the 3rd Sleaford St Deny's Scout Fund.

It was opened by 105 year old Nora Hardwick, a lovely lady, whose history goes back obviously to the early 1900's. She filled me in with a lot about life in that era and life from Swineshead, Rauceby and Sleaford.

Anyway I managed to win a coconut on one of the Scouts stalls. My throwing ability has not left me altogether.

The Deputy Mayor was there with the Kesteven Morris Dancers. Nice one Trev.

It is all tinged with sadness unfortunately due to the impending closure. I feel at times we have lost our sense of priorities: especially when you read the national news about how big international companies have come to dominate our lives.

Howard Webb Visits Sleaford

I was very pleased to be introduced to Howard Webb, the World Cup Referee, when he attended and opened the Sleaford Church Lane Primary School new nursery and garden. The kids really enjoyed it and the weather just about let us off the hook with only a few showers.

The theme was Alice in Wonderland and I willl never see the teachers in the same light again. There are lots of pics in the local presss. Thanks Howard and thanks to Helen Fulcher the head teacher.

Holdingham Mead Petition

This item is now on Wednesday 6 July Town Council agenda.

HOLDINGHAM MEAD RESIDENTS’ PETITION. (Chairman).

Residents of Holdingham Mead request the Town and District Councils to provide a suitable and safe open space in the near vicinity of their homes.

This in relation to Recreational Open Space for children

Play Area need Holdingham Mead

Latest: The petition seems to be saying:

Holdingham Mead Residents Petition

Recreational Open Space for Children

Residents of Holdingham Mead request the Town & District Council to provide a suitable and safe Open Space within the near vicinity of their homes.

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I have received, from Lianne, a post to re-iterate that a petition is under way re "the need for a Play Area - as ASB is increasing". Put the petition in to the Sleaford Town Council or at least inform them when it is ready. I have also contacted the Sleaford PCSO's as first it is important to deal with any trouble makers through the community.

Also my e-mail is johncworth@aol.com and Cllr Fernandes is ken.fernandes@sleaford.gov.uk

The Sleaford Neighbourhood Policing Team has posted this message. I believe it is/has been a problem in the Holdingham area. Contact the number below if you have problems or knowledge.

"We have recieved reports of people driving around sleaford in an anti-social manner. This is mainly happening in the evenings and we have had reports of large groups of people gathering in different carparks during the evenings. Please report any information to Lincolnshire Police on 0300 111 0300.

Thank you from PCSO Amy Michie."

Outside "Play" Equipment for Older Users

One item proposed at this weeks Council meeting was the idea of outside 'play' equipment for Older users. I suppose this mean't 30's and over and more particularly the 60 and over age group. But first we need the space to put them on. Maybe Lincoln Road or Boston Road or new open spaces that may come along.

Now - would it get used?. The idea is that living standards may be falling and people cannot afford Gym usage etc. Well maybe! I've seen it happen in Hong Kong where there is a culture for outdoor exercising. I am not too sure if it will work in this country. Our winters don't help.

Any thoughts anybody?

Holdingham to Sleaford Waste Recycling and Disposal

(Station crossing)

I often go from the Lincoln Road Holdingham to the Sleaford Tip (Waste Recycling & Disposal Unit), which takes me down Mareham Lane: this when I need to clear out all the excess rubbish that accumulates every so often.

I travel from the Holdingham Roundabout down the A15 and then along the Grantham Road towards the railway crossing. Unfortunately when the station gates are shut I often have to queue until they open again due to the fact that the outside lane, which takes me along Mareham Lane past the Carre Arms, is inaccessible if the traffic queue is above say 50 yards. In other words if the queue is further back than the Grantham Road/London Road intersection.

So this is the conundrum: how does the Station Gate remain open (which is what the poll was about) and at the same time have a new road across the Rec? The two would seem unavoidably linked.

Not that the sale of the land through the rec has been agreed at this point in time!

Is Holdingham affected by the proposed station gate closure?

The argument whether or not the Sleaford Southgate East railway crossing should be closed still continues. However I hope it isn't just about traffic being able to go through Southgate and up the Lincoln Road to the Holdingham Roundabout - but about getting to facilities in Sleaford, including the Town Centre, north of the Station Railway crossing.

Here is a letter I have had published in the Standard. (Making it to the Sleaford Town Centre)

Neighbourhood Watch

I picked this up on te Neighbourhood Watch Link. Anyone with any useful information please contact the CPSO concerned.

A living room window has been damaged on Winchester Way, Sleaford. The outer shell of the window has been damaged by unknown means. The damage has occured between 17:00hrs on the 10th June and 09:00hrs on the 13th June. Incident 123/13/06/11 refers. Please report any information to Lincolnshire Police on 0300 111 0300. Thank you from PCSO Amy Michie.

Holdingham Play Areas

There is a petition going round, so I am told, for better play area facilities near the Holdingham Roundabout. For advice to those involved: send it to your local Councillor(s) (me or instance) or to the Town Clerk. It will then get debated.

I recollect organising a petition years ago, about the Lincoln Road, when I first joined the Council. It took a while but the Lincoln Road Open Space/Play Area has improved beyond recognition since then.

Station Gate closure will affect Holdingham

Some suggestion in the local press were to the effect that Holdingham was perhaps the least likely to vote in the Town Poll because it had no relevance here.

I do not agree. The amount of traffic going up and down the Lincoln Road through Town, or just going to Tesco, will be affected.

Again I repeat my comment that the turnout for the Town Poll re the closure of the Railway Station Gate was high: given the time allowed to vote (5 hours) - the number of polling stations open (3) - and the period of time ( 3 to 4 weeks) that residents had to become aware that the poll existed. Let alone knowing which polling station to attend!

Sleaford Town Poll - was it apathy?

You can't win! The poll last week saw people queuing outside the Jolly Scotchman from 4.0pm onwards trying to vote. Some were turned away because they had come to the wrong pollling station. Averaging across the 3 polling stations in Sleaford, over the 5 hours available, over 160 people voted per hour. This, on a poll that was only called in late April.

Had we been restricted to only one polling station (the Source) as was originally decided, the turnout would have been lower. But apathy no! So I was surprised to see the the comments in the local Sleaford Target: "High Level Voter Apathy".

I do agree however that the cost of these polls is enormous and the money, in view of the patronizing statements made, could be better spent on vital services.

Sleaford Station Crossing Poll

I went to vote yesterday on the Town Poll called to allow residents to voice there opinion on the proposal to close the Station crossing. The Poll, asking residents if they approved or disapproved of the proposal to close the Station Gates, was as follows: Yes approve: 200; no: 2,274. On my reckoning the percentage saying no was 91.9%.

There were queues at the Jolly Scotchman when I went at about 4.25 pm. Some were turned away as they had come to the wrong polling station.

I have covered this topic in more detail here!

May 5th Election Result

The District Election result for Holdingham was:

Sleaford Holdingham: Becky Dunbar-Beckford (Cons) 254, Peter Haysum (Ind) 470 - elected.

The Town Council Result was:

Holdingham: John Charlesworth (Ind) 378 - elected, Becky Dunbar-Beckford (Cons) 310 - elected, Ken Fernandes (Lincs Ind) 491 - elected, James O’Toole (Ind) 153.

Sleaford Children and Youth Centre Combined

I went down to Money's Yard yesterday and was pleased to see that the new centre is operational. Well done Connexions et al including County. The local press are also covering this event in todays papers.

The first Youth Club meeting is tonight (Wednesday). The centre at St Georges is now closed permanantly I presume - it certainly was yesterday.

Station Gate Poll

Update: Latest: Three polling stations are proposed for the 19th to be open between 1600hr (4.pm in old money) and 2100 (9.00pm). However availability of the venues (Quarrington, The Source and north Sleaford) is still being investigated. Let us hope the Jolly Scotchman is available.

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The final details of the Station Gate Poll should be made this Wednesday (27th) - at the Town Council meeting. The details will include the number of polling stations and where.

Sleaford Town Meeting: Station Crossing

Should the SouthGate East Railway Crossing be closed?

Postnote: the expected Town Poll appears to be 19th May. But watch out on the news as the wording seems different to that proposed - so things might change.

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A Town Meeting took place last night (Thursday 14th) on the subject of the Station Crossing at the junction of Grantham Road and Southgate. It (the meeting) was almost unanimously in favour of a Town Poll on the question of whether or not the Gate should be kept open.

This concern obviously was a reaction to the proposed Bridge. The only question is, and an important one: why hasn't this involvement by local people been done before (NKDC approved it in 2009 on Sleaford's behalf) - and will this impact on the SE Regeneration Plan and the associated proposed road through the Boston Road Recreation Ground?

Anyway watch out for the poll date. It has to be held within, I think, 25 working days.

Is Holdingham the best side of town?

I ask the question just to raise an issue - resulting from articles, and the letters, going backwards and forward in the local press. namely all the hoo-ha going on about Bass Maltings, Rec Road, new Tesco et al.

Most of these issues have been going on for years and some headlines appear like re-runs of old movies. Promises of jobs here and there but everything really going on and on as before.

Full Steam Ahead for the Holdingham May 5th Election

Here are the candidates for the May 5th Local Elections. There are two Independents, one Lincolnshire Independent and one Conservative Party Candidate.

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• John CHARLESWORTH NG34 8BT Independent

• Becky DUNBAR-BECKFORD NG34 7DH Conservative Party

• Ken FERNANDES NG34 8AH Lincolnshire Independent

• James O'TOOLE NG34 7AX Independent

I hope as many voters as possible turn out to vote. There are three seats, on the Town Council, in Holdingham.

At District Level it is a straight contest between Peter Haysum and Becky Dunbar-Beckford for the one Holdingham District Council seat.

Protecting Open Spaces Holdingham and Sleaford!

I was interested in the initiative for Jubilee year to protect open spaces and playing fields across the UK.

Here is the site address: Diamond Jubilee Open Space protection.

The attact on open spaces is a serious issue and I think Sleaford should use it to offset policies being adopted which could put our open spaces at risk.

Care Home Entrance

I took this photo on 18th March at the point where the new trees and shrubs have been planted. All in all 15 trees and several dozen shrubs.

This looks as though it will be the entry point to the Care Home (if it goes ahead).

Bus changes Lincoln Road

It appears (but not yet confirmed?) that the Hail & Ride scheme, along Lincoln Road, will start on April 6th. This is via the Sleafordian in-Town service. It may be that fairs will rise in the near future due to the rising cost of fuel (Diesel etc). ( April 4th update: The point at which the Hail & Ride scheme is working is at the end of Stokes Drive next to the litter bin).

Meanwhile there is still a plan to put official bus stops along the Lincoln Road presumably for the out of town buses.

So what do we do with the expensive bus stops and raised pavements, along Covel Road and Chapman Road which will become redundant?

Care Home and Dementia Centre

A site of just over 1 acre seems to be favourite to become a Care Home/ Denentai Centre next to the housing development near the A17. It will be just against the Cycle track to the Farm Bridge that goes over the A17.

Not much foreword thinking obviously as they have just planted 15 trees, and one or two dozen shrubs, as part of the housing site. I hope it doesn't cause a problem, both in construction and when finished, to those wanting to cross the Farm Bridge.

What is needed surely, before any of this, is an open space and play area for the residents.

Holdingham Lincoln Road Hail and Ride?

I have received some information about the likely proposed new bus service on the Lincoln Road.

The bus service is expected to be "Hail & Ride" i.e anywhere that is safe for the convenience of passengers and other road users. The mini roundabout will be the turning point for the bus with again "Hail & Ride" being the method of getting on and off the bus.

I do not know if this idea will also extend to those buses going out to Leasingham and beyond as a bus stop already exists across from McDonald's and it was anticipated that one might be put near the Jolly Scotchman. I will keep this Blog posted.

Census Security

I received this from Amy Michie of the Sleaford CPSO's relating to the forthcoming census.

Doorstep crime prevention tips from the Sleaford Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Lincolnshire Police are aware that the 2011 census may give potential distraction doorstep burglars or rogue traders an opportunity to target vulnerable persons in the community.
It is important to remember the following.

If you have completed your census form and returned it- no person should call at your property.
If you forget to complete your form and someone knocks asking for information check their identity and photo to ensure they are valid.
If you are in any doubt of the persons identity- close the door and do not let them in. Always use your door chain when answering the door.

If you suspect the person is not genuine, try to record some of the details such as name, person description, telephone numbers, vehicle registration or vehicle numberplate.

Ring Lincolnshire Police immediatly on 0300 111 0300 to report any suspicion. Bank or building society details should never be disclosed.

Bus Route and Shelter Lincoln Road

Postnote: I have contacted the Sleafordian over the new bus routes and the position of bus stops. There is a growing reaisation that a bus stop is also needed on the Stokes Drive side of the Lincoln Road. However all the possibilities face problems with traffic flows against single or double white line. One option may be to have a bus stop near the litter bin on the Lincoln Road. I will try and keep this going. The mini Roundabout is likely to be the turning point near Holdingham Lane.

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I see that the Sleaford Target are reporting a change in the bus routes. This will be linked to the new bus shelter (see previous) near the Jolly Scotchman and the cessation of buses along Stokes Drive.

It says (the article that is) that it will offer a service to the residents of Holdingham. It will pass the end of Stokes Drive without going onto that Estate (not enough people use it I suppose).

It is all part of massive cuts in funding. The times of the buses look like being affected.

Crime Statistics around Holdingham Sleaford

I notice that the police web site has changed the way in which the recorded crimes in the area are reported.

See what you think of this site! Crime Sleaford/Holdingham: it can be configured to produce whatever is required (I think). Put in your postcode and go to Crime Maps.

The old site is at Crime Statistics (I presume it will not be updated in the future)!

Bus Shelter Lincon Road

This is fairly hot news: I have received a message that a new Bus Stop (maybe a Shelter) is to be provided (if agreed) along the Lincoln Road near the Jolly Scotchman.

The previous one was taken up by the new mini Roundabout.

What will have to be ascertained is where it will actually be: as the Lincoln Road is busy with double/single white lines in places and a footpath and cycle track for pedestrians and cyclists.

Anyway I hope the new residents and the people of Holdingham Lane will be pleased at the outcome.

Masterplans, Holdingham and Sleaford

The masterplan for Sleaford is out and hasn't changed much since I saw it a few months ago. It is all about the future and whether or not it comes off is up in the air. The Town Centre plan is here! The wide view plan is here!

In my opinion anyway: it looks like a smokescreen for other things.

The bikeable distances shown are very nice but we need bikeable weather. New housing development is expected within the confines of the A15 and A17 mixed in with potential economic hotspots. The economic areas will somehow feed onto the A15 and A17 bypasses (something I thought you cannot do) which in the past has been rejected.

For Holdingham the development goes all the way down to East Road at the top side of Sleaford Wood. If any one is interested in more detail or comment let me know.

By the way I have just come back from one of the boom areas of the world (Hong Kong). This link gives some insights as to why they are booming. Maybe there are lessons, and business opportunities if taken, that could affect Sleaford and Lincolnshire! See Map!

Survey of Parents, of young Children's: needs.

I note that there is a survey within Sleaford (possibly elsewhere) about the needs of those with Children under 5. I sent an e-mail to the PCSO's and checked with ST George's childrens centre and it is genuine. I presume it is related to the relocation into Money's Yard.




Those knocking on doors had badges re Lincolnshire County Council as part of the SURVEY to ascertain young childrens needs.

I realise info is hard to come by re Children but it seemed odd to be knocking on doors for this.

A better Childrens Centre for Holdingham and Sleaford?

With new residents at Holdingham, and some with young children/toddlers, the news that a new Childrens Centre is being built in Moneys Yard may be of interest. Originally the idea was that it would be built at the Army Cadets place down the Drove but, at the last minute, due in part to funding the present Youth Centre in Moneys Yard is being renovated to include a Childrens Centre as well!

The building work is expected to be completed by the of March 2011 but the date of it formally opening may be later.

I have covered this at the following site. Sleafordchat!

Cheers.