We have a feeler from NK about using space on St John's square for housing. Does the village need more? Will the infrastructure stand more? The amount of recreation space in the village is below the recommended amount, to reduce it even further does not seem to me to be a good idea. Or, cynic that I am, does this deflect attention from the old hospital site?

Youth club again, it now seems that they are meeting on Wednesdays and Thursdays, there is no volunteer available for Tuesday which I recall was for the younger group.

St. John's
A bit of controversy over the proposals for the old hospital site, 250 new dwellings are planned, 150 in the old buildings and another 100 completely new builds. There are plans for only 230 parking spaces, according to the builders, that will comply with government guidelines.
No one seems to have given much thought to the school, it's already full, where will any new children go? It seems that there could be a time when children living a certain distance from the school will not be allowed there. There are no plans for new school buildings. There will be a presentation by the builders on 8th November in the village hall. Expect fireworks!!

Gala 2005

Report by Alan Clark; photograph by kind permission of Tom Cryer:

Gala Day 2005 — held as ever on the recreation ground

To decide what to write — it’s been six years and six gala days, only made possible by every last one who helps out. The necessary preparation and everyones’ work being needed — not just on the day but long-term, be it preparing tombola tickets, or a splat-the-rat stand, or ... Everything linking and depending on something or someone else.

It’s a real team effort and as this is a bloggers page it has less detail than published in the Parish Magazine, or the report to the Parish Council.

There are endless names and help-teams who, on Gala Day work from 6.30 am till night. Marquee and quiet tent; seeing to the 101 jobs including car-parking signs, helping others erect gazebos; the tea-ladies team, the barbecue; and the raffle — all providing money to part-meet the running costs.

The day itself — 2005

— Bill Rawson declared the Gala open. The Waddington Pipe Band and Dancers followed — splendid; the fancy dress competition and amongst them we found: White Rabbit; Pinnochio; Robin Hood; a Mermaid; Cinderella; Star-Wars characters; Sleeping Beauty; and Crazy Frog.

A fun item of the egg and spoon race. Majorettes from Metheringham, the Starlight Twirlers. Vintage and Classic vehicles. 1922 Morris Cowley 1923 Bentley, Hillmans, Fords, a Road-Car bus from the Vintage Vehicle Society and others. 17 vehicles in all.

Flypast of the clipped-wing Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

School Paintings. Our school children each contribute a painting and prizes are awarded.

The Ambucopter stayed most of the afternoon.

A Karate demonstration by Heighington Bushido Kai — a consuming performance watched by everyone.

Tug o’ war — won by the Blacksmith Arms / or was it John Bull against a somewhat formidable Hunter’s Family Butchers team.

1237 Squadron ATC did the impressive and necessary job of organising the car parking.

Goodwill and willingness from everyone carried us through. Thank you. We still remember those who could not be there, or have helped so much in our previous years.

And finally our thanks to the Recreation Ground Committee and the Parish Council.