In Lincolnshire we are very accustomed to ‘times and seasons'. We are aware that there is a time and a season for everything. Things come to birth and grow, and then they die away. And, in many respects the dying away is as important as the growth and the coming to life. Yet, for many reasons, we are often reluctant to see things change or die, even though such things are inevitable and sometimes necessary.

As I write this, I am conscious that one season that is about to pass away is the time that we have shared with our curate, the Rev. Chris Harrington and his wife Julia, as they move to pastures new. And their departure will surely be a sad time. And yet it is also right and proper for them to move on after this final part of Chris' training, not least so that others might, by grace, profit from their ministry in the future.

It is a good opportunity to publicly give thanks for their faithful witness and ministry amongst us over the last three and a half years. Chris has been an excellent colleague and, as I am sure all of you reading this will testify, he has covered every inch of our large group of parishes visiting and leading small groups. He has worked tremendously hard, and we are all grateful for that. One area of ministry in which Chris has been particularly involved whilst he has been with us is in the publication of this magazine. He was there at its conception, and studiously edited it himself for two and a half years. During that time he has written numerous articles, and ensured that it has held a very high standard. He has passed on the baton to Anne, our present editor, to make sure that the work can continue to grow and develop.

To celebrate Chris and Julia's time with us we are planning an evening where we can say farewell. This will be at Middle Rasen Village Hall on Saturday, 3 rd March at 7.00pm. The evening will include a Bring and Share meal, and entertainment from the ‘Guitar Group' at Newtoft, of which Chris has been a member all the time that he has been with us. Please join us if you can.

Chris will also be involved in leading services in as many Churches as possible around the Barkwith and Middle Rasen Groups during his last month with us, culminating in his final service at Middle Rasen Parish Church on Sunday, 4 th March at 10.30am. Again, of course, you are all welcome to any of these services.

I am sure you would want to join with me in wishing Chris and Julia every blessing as they move to the Heckington and Helpringham Groups of Parishes, and trust that they will continue to be fruitful in their ministry there.

The Venerable Jane Sinclair Archdeacon of Stow & Lindsey is coming to preach at Middle Rasen Parish Church on 12th February at 10.30am .

On behalf of the editorial team I would like to thank everyone who came to the celebrations; it was wonderful to see so many people there. It is a year since I took over as editor and I would like to thank everyone for their much valued support. Throughout the year I have come to realise how much the magazine means to so many people. It is very rewarding to think that we, all the volunteers that make it happen, bring so much pleasure and happiness to so many people. Anne Walker

Do you remember birthday number 2 ?

How the time has flown. It is now over 2 years since the first issue of Community Spirit rolled of the press and last month the Production Team held their 2nd Birthday Party to thank all those involved in producing and delivering this community magazine. Editor Chris Harrington thanked the army of distributors organised by Val Wright and Veronica Chamberlin, our many advertisers found by Joyce Rhodes, our Parish Council sponsors at Middle and Toft, and all those who have contributed stories, articles and news for the magazine. Special thanks went to our designer Rob Clark who has done the artwork free of charge on every copy and to Systematic who make sure it gets printed on time. It is a real team effort and wouldn't happen without it. This year our circulation has increased from 930 to 1300 copies which are delivered free of charge as we now include news from the Barkwith Group in the magazine. The number of pages has also increased from 20 to 28 and of course costs have risen too from £350 to over £570 per issue. Amazingly it all comes in thanks to advertisers & sponsors.

This year community spirit awards were given to Joyce Heath in Middle Rasen for hosting the Horticultural Show in her garden for over forty years and to Chris Wilson at East Barkwith for his work behind the scenes at many community events in East Barkwith and beyond in helping to make them the success they are and in helping to raise money for both the church and village hall as well as many other community groups. Well done to them for being the unsung stars that they are. Here's to next year. By the way if you fancy becoming the next editor please do let me know. Chris Harrington (01673 844657).~

Would you like to help?

25 year old David is a severely disabled young man who is looked after by his mum, Muriel. From time to time both David and Muriel attend outpatient clinics at local hospitals and other health professionals such as dentists and opticians. David has his own specially adapted vehicle for such occasions which his dad, John, used to drive, however, since John's death, they have been unable to use the car much as Muriel doesn't drive. They rely on family members to help out when and if they can. To make sure that David can keep his appointments Muriel is now looking for an experienced driver who is willing to take them in David's VW Caravelle. Help will only be needed occasionally and usually just for a few hours for each appointment, there are no caring duties as Muriel escorts David on all journeys. Will anyone with any interest please contact Muriel on 843328 for more information? Thank you

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LOCAL SUPPORT FOR M.S. SUFFERERS

by Chris Harrington

Around 100,000 people in the UK have Multiple sclerosis (MS), and is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. MS is the result of damage to 'myelin' a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. MS affects everyone differently, for some it is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. However for everyone, it makes life unpredictable. For those who are looking for support, there is the MS Therapy Centre, 50 Outer Circle Drive, Lincoln, LN2 4JH (Maureen Patten 01522 543333) which is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.

The MS Society Website also has a lot of helpful information www.mssociety.org.uk

For many years a local support group for those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis was run in the Market Rasen area by volunteers Sue Pearce and Freda. However, since that group finished over a year ago, there has been nothing to replace it. For those who might be looking for a social support group there are two that run in the wider area.

The MS Society runs a social evening at the MS Therapy Centre in Lincoln on the first Tuesday evening of the month at 7.30pm. The other group meets at Louth at the Salvation Army Centre near the bus station in Church Street, again on the first Tuesday of the month. This however, is a lunchtime meeting that runs from 11.30am till 1.30pm with a lovely buffet lunch provided (for a small fee of £1). It is a friendly and helpful group that is well supported with people that come from far and wide. If anyone would like to know more, please contact the group organiser Mr Keith Sharp, 24 Horncastle Road, Louth, LN11 9LD (01507 604104) keithsharp7@btinternet.com

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Articles from earlier issues

A THREE FOLD CORD OF FRIENDSHIP & FAITH

Rev'd Chris reports on the 2010 visit of our friends from Belgium

Coinciding with the visit of the Pope to Britain last month we welcomed Roman Catholic friends from Koekelare (Cook-A-Lar-A) in Belgium, as we seek to develop the link between our groups of Anglican parishes here and the group of Roman Catholic parishes which Fr Charles Lommens looks after in Belgium. It is part of a larger link which the Lincoln Diocese has with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belgium and Nottingham. It was a joy to have Marie-Paule, Lieve, Marcel, Ilse,Toon and Fr Charles with us for the weekend, and thanks to all who offered hospitality during their visit.

After a BBQ on Friday evening, they visited Lincoln Castle and Cathedral on Saturday and Doddington Hall on Sunday afternoon. We also enjoyed two opportunities to worship together - On Saturday evening we joined with local Roman Catholics at the Mass at the Henage Chapel in Hainton (see photo), which helped Fr Charles to meet Fr Tom Breslin, the local priest at Market Rasen, and to begin to develop the three fold friendship with our local Roman Catholic friends there. Afterwards Mrs Roberta Henage kindly provided warm hospitality at Henage Hall before we enjoyed a meal at the Advocate Arms. On Sunday morning Fr Charles preached at the family service at Middle Rasen Parish Church where Woody Mason was baptised. It was a busy weekend together and we look forward to returning to Koekelare, near Brugge, to visit them sometime next year.

All together outside the Henage Chapel after Mass at Hainton

BEER, LACE & CHOCOLATE

Report on the visit to Bruges in 2009, Elaine Jennings.

In September 09 seven members of Middle Rasen Parish Church journeyed to Belgium to meet the people of St Martinus RC Church, Koekelare on a possible twinning visit. (Click Links)

Bruges ~ Outside St Martinus ~ Tyne Cot

Koekelare (cook-a-lar-A) is about 15 miles from Bruges the beautiful capital of the West Flanders province of Belgium . Father Charles Lommens, the RC priest there, had visited us back in January with the view to forming a link between the churches as part of an on going relationship between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham & Bruges, and the Anglican Diocese of Lincoln.

Driving down on Friday afternoon, Rev'd Charles, Linda, Clare, Margaret, Joyce, Gordon and Elaine, caught the 6pm boat from Dover to Dunkerque. Arriving at St Martinus, Koekelare the next morning, first impressions were that both town and church were a lot bigger than Middle Rasen and St Peter & St Paul 's. Father Charles introduced our respective hosts, who gave us a very warm welcome and provided generously for us all weekend. After breakfast and a tour of the Church, it was off to explore the wonderful romantic city of Bruges . With its fantastic buildings, streets of Flemish styled shops and houses, many quite grand churches, with galloping horse drawn carriages and the sound of bicycles and hooves on cobbled streets. The variety of language from her foreign visitors and the swish of boats using the canal set the scene for the visit and the weather was perfect all weekend.

On Saturday evening after Rev'd Charles had preached at a local RC church in nearby De Mokker, we left to catch last post at the Menin Gate; a truly moving and sobering experience. We joined visitors from across the commonwealth, many laying wreaths against the thousands of names of the missing and fallen. Looking around the lovely square in Ypres with its historic Linen Hall, it is virtually impossible to believe that the area has all been rebuilt since 1919 as WW1 had completely reduced to it rubble.

On Sunday morning we joined around 250 people for a communion service in Flemish (except for Rev'd Charles' sermon), where we were introduced and received a very friendly reception from the congregation. After lunch, a visit to the war cemetery at Tyne Cot (Passchendaele) the largest Commonwealth war grave in Europe . Walking and looking at the graves of so many young men, some with no identity except that of their regiment, it brought home the hopelessness of war. Then, sadly, it was goodbye to our new found friends whose welcome, warmth and good humour will stay with us. A link between our churches had definitely been formed and we look forward to returning their generous hospitality sometime next year. Oh, and by the way, did we mention the beer, the lace and the chocolate!

Short history of St Martinus Church, Koekelare

In 1878 the former middle tower of St Martinuskerk was dismantled and replaced by a neogothic tower and spire. Other parts of the old church dated 1790-1791, were demolished in 1910. Unfortunately when the Church was reconstructed, the new build was in conflict with the church's original 18th century furniture. So, because of the prevailing values of the day, it was only with great difficulty that much of the older traditional fitments could be saved and re-used in the new structure.

What you see today from the outside is an impressive modern building built in brick but in a classic style. Inside it enjoys modern tastes but housed sypathetically with original artifacts and furniture in a large vaulted structure which accommodates the congregation in a functional but warm environment.

CONFIRMING FAITH

On 16 th May 2010 the Bishop of Grimsby came to Middle Rasen to confirm people in the Christian faith. Although many people in this country have been ‘baptised' or ‘christened' (they mean the same thing) as babies or young children, a good number have never taken the step of ‘confirming' the decision their parents made for them to become a Christian, once they have reached adulthood. As a result they may feel unsure of their spirituality and religious beliefs and lack the inner confidence to take the sacred elements of bread and wine during a service of Holy Communion when they occasionally visit a church. Some may also feel that they aren't quite ‘proper' or ‘full' Christians because they haven't been ‘confirmed'. Baptism, of course is the universally, and historically recognised initiation rite, in most churches, for anyone wanting to become a Christian. What the additional rite of ‘confirmation' does, is to help build up a persons confidence in their own faith and identity as a Christian. For as well as owning the decision their parents made for them at baptism, the bishop confirms them as Christians by confirming Christ's love for them through the laying on of hands and the anointing with oil. It is of course not something to be entered into lightly, but after thought, prayer and a period of study. A recent national poll suggested that although over 70% of the people in this country consider themselves Christian over half remain ‘fuzzy' about their Christian beliefs. Confirmation provides the opportunity to become clearer about what you believe through a short course of study and discussion with the chance to ask questions about the Christian faith beforehand.

So if you have been baptised, but have never been confirmed as a Christian in the Church of England, but would like to be, or would simply like to know more, please contact Rev'd Charles Patrick (842249) or Rev'd Chris Harrington (844657).

Bishop lays hands on Editor

August's front cover featured The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Dr John Saxbee, with Rev'd Chris & Julia Harrington on the steps of Lincoln Cathedral after Chris's ordination as an Anglican priest on 5 th July.

Rev'd Charles & Chris & The bell ringers who welcomed Chris back to Middle Rasen with a forty minute peal of bells .

TRAINING FOR MINISTRY

Rev'd Charles Patrick Reports

As you might be aware Quinn Hough has had a calling to Reader ministry recognised by the Church and has just begun a three year training programme. His training will be partly academic, partly formational and partly based here across our two groups of parishes. The formal learning about tradition, scripture and doctrine will be taught centrally and assessed by written assignments. Upon successful completion of the three years he will be awarded a Foundational Degree through the School of Theology by the University of Lincoln. As well as this he will be training here in our parishes; performing particular ministerial tasks and reflecting upon them theologically with Rev'd Charles and a specially convened group of people. Please support him with your prayers and helpful advice.

More recently Peter Cook another of our congregation at Middle Rasen has been licensed as a Lay Reader by Rt Rev'd John Saxbee, The Bishop of Lincoln at Lincoln Cathedral on 9th October. Peter, who is also a local farmer, is seen here with Linda Patrick (left), Quinn Hough (third from left) and members of his family outside the Cathedral in his new ministerial robes. He will soon be preaching and leading a variety of non-communion services across both groups of parishes and beyond. We wish him well in his new ministry. Please do support him in your prayers.

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MIDDLE RASEN TO INVERNESS

(VIA LANDS END & JOHN O'GROATS)

Well it's all over now and certainly proved tougher than I had imagined it would be. It was the toughest assignment I have taken on in my whole life. But I am glad I did it and have learnt a lot through it. I had planned the journey so that I could stay most nights with friends or relatives, and those visits proved to be the highlight of my trip. I set off on Monday 31 st May from Middle Rasen. The first week was comparatively easy, with a gentle northerly breeze behind me hurrying me on my way. But the endless hills of the Cotswolds and Devon and Cornwall soon presented daily challenges. I reached Land's End on Sunday 6 th June, somewhat disappointed at the present commercialisation of its environment.

Then I started the main section of the ride, Land's End to John O'Groats. The next day was the only continuously rainy day of the whole route, though mercifully the wind was behind me. That evening I arrived at my friends house near Bude soaked to the skin and shivering. I was so thankful that I was not having to pitch a tent. I decided from then on not to camp in Scotland when I ran out of friends but to B&B. I started trying to follow ‘the tour book' but soon found myself getting lost in the country lanes. I reverted to following A & B roads which enabled me to get on quicker, though I could still enjoy the varying countryside. But then once I reached South Wales I began battling against a head wind which lasted nearly all the way to John O'Groats, sometimes it was fairly gentle, other days much stronger, especially the further north I got. That was wearing, and as aches and pains were not allowing me to get much sleep, tiredness was relentlessly building up. One particularly depressing day was after I had cycled 95 and 88 miles the previous two days and was looking forward to an easier day of 45 to 50 miles from Rosemarkie to Helmsdale via the Cromarty – Nigg ferry, only to discover that the ‘new' ferry had not yet been delivered. There was therefore no option but to go back all the way round the Cromarty Firth – an extra 32 miles. But in spite of that I did manage to reach John O'Groats the next evening – 21 st June. I had succeeded in doing the great ‘end-to-end' ride.

But as I turned back to B&B at Wick, I realised that the wind had also changed direction and I was going to have to fight it again all the way home! So after a night at Wick, I set off on the homeward journey, but on the second day, with the wind growing stronger by the hour, on reaching Inverness, I finally ‘seized up' and knew I could go no further. My friends Allan and Jan from Nethybridge came and rescued me. When I saw the doctor the next morning, he told me, “You have been pushing yourself way beyond the limits. You must stop now. No more cycling for at least two weeks”. I knew he was right! So I rested with my caring friends for six days before returning home by train. I had completed 1619 miles, without a proper rest day. That was my big mistake. So now three weeks later at the time of writing I am still painfully aching.

I would like to thank you all sincerely for your wonderful support, concern and prayers, which kept me going for so long. I would also like to thank you and friends from all over the country for your amazing generosity in sponsoring me for the people of St George's Church, Baghdad. I don't have final total yet but adding together donations that have come to me personally and through the ‘justgiving' website, and amounts which I know are on the way, the total is already over £5,000. Marvellous. Thank you so much.

1619 miles collecting for St Georges Baghdad

ART FOR IRAQ

Over the weekend 7 th & 8 th November, Middle Rasen Parish Church held an art exhibition to help a church in Iraq . The churches have a connection in that both their vicars, Rev'd Charles Patrick (St Peter & St Paul, Middle Rasen) and Rev'd Canon Andrew White (St George's, Baghdad) trained at theological college together. St George's Baghdad has recently suffered the effects of two huge bomb blasts from suicide bombers, killing at least 155 passers-by and injuring hundreds more. Virtually every member of the Baghdad congregation, which numbers around 3000, has lost family members during the conflict there. The church provides medical assistance, schooling and many other forms of practical help to those in desperate need regardless of creed or colour. The two explosions also inflicted serious damage to the schoolrooms and church, blowing out doors and window frames, and destroying expensive medical equipment in the clinic. As a representative from St George's was due to speak at the Sunday service at Middle Rasen parish church at the end of November the congregation wanted to be able to pass on a gift for those in Baghdad . So it was decided to hold an exhibition of paintings and photographs by local artists in the church hall to raise the money. The local Middle Rasen primary school also got involved and held an art competition called ABC – Art for a Baghdad Church , in which the children were given the challenge of designing stained windows. All the children took part and their work was on display in the exhibition over the weekend. Afterwards they presented their work to Peter Marsden, the rep from St George's when he visited the church.

Some of the art from Middle Rasen School + Pia with her favourite picture (by Lizzie)

Rev'd David Post sold ‘prints while you wait' of his photos from Antarctica whilst explaining about St Georges to visitors. Several local artists generously donated pictures, which were auctioned off during the weekend, helping to raise over £550 for St George's , including Lizzie Thody who donated six. Chris Wilson from East Barkwith kindly supplied all the easels, and members of the ‘Ronnie Morten Art Group', which meet at the church hall every Monday evening, provided many of the pictures. Many thanks to them, and to all who supplied pictures, cakes, and those who kept the kettle on for the many who came to enjoy this excellent exhibition in aid of a worthy cause.

LizzieThody with two of her pictures, ‘The Blitz' by Lizzie, James Parry's striking picture

Les and Angela Mayne from LANDA Video Services continue their filming of ‘A Year in the Life of Middle Rasen' and will be recording the Community Carol Service at the parish church on 20 th December and the Nativity service on Christmas Eve for posterity. If you are looking for presents this Christmas why not buy the DVD of the 50's & 60's talent concert that was held in the parish church back in May of this year. Copies are still available at the Crossroads Post Office, priced £10, with half the proceeds going to the Parish Church . It is another historical record of village life as it was in 2009 and something perhaps worth holding on to.

The DVD of the 50' and 60's concert held at the Parish Church back in May and featuring our own local talent has just gone on sale. Les and Angela Mayne from Landavideoservices have produced the DVD, which costs just £10 and are now available at the Post Office/Crossroads Stores. Half the proceeds from each copy will be donated to the church funds. Les and Angela who you may have seen filming events in the village for a ‘Year in the life of Middle Rasen' DVD to be released next year said, “Origiallyn we were planning to include a few clips from the concert in the village life DVD but we had so much excellent material from the concert that we felt it would be a shame to waste it”. So if you want to re-live the excitement of watching your loved ones perform in public – some for the first time – or would like to share the joy with other family members around the country, nip round to Crossroads and get a copy before they all go!

Retired and full of Vitality?

A new keep fit class aimed at the over 60's begins on 2 nd March at Braemar Close Community centre in Middle Rasen. It is joint venture between Acis & the Vitality Project. The new classes will focus on gentle exercise set to music and will be held every Monday from 10.30 to 11.30am. The cost is £1.50 per session (£1.20 for sheltered housing residents) including tea & coffee. For more details contact Louise Thompson (01529 411194) louise.thompson@leisureconnection.co.uk

Is it just me, but driving around the area I often see ivy laden trees which look very much like figures of men and women and animals, especially in the winter when the trees are bear. In ages past such figures may have taken on sacred significance and hence folk traditions like The Green Man evolved. When Christianity eventually reached these shores, in order to get people involved with the Church, carvings of The Green Man were put in obscure places within church buildings. This was to encourage people that their beliefs could exist side by side with Christianity. Which is perhaps why there are over thirty carvings of the Green Man in Lincoln Cathedral and there are very few old churches without at least one. The Green Men are mostly faces with foliage springing up from ears eyes and mouth. A sign of renewal of life coming out of death, which links in with the Christian message of Christ's resurrection after his death on the cross.

A Village Doggerel (villages on the roads parallel with A15) Quoted by Liz Margrave

Liz tells us, “My husband used to repeat it years ago but after a while I could only remember a few odd lines. I mentioned it to Jessie Hather, who of course remembered it well. I would be interested to find out if anyone knows the origin of this poem, who the author was, and whether there are any other lines which even Jessie might not have known”. So if you can help please do contact Liz Margrave (844047) she would be interested to hear.

Local Memories

Early School Days

As recalled by Jessie Hather

The school I attended was opened in 1873. My father was one of the first pupils. I stayed at the same school until I left in 1927 aged 14. As it was a Church of England school the day always started with a hymn and a prayer. The catechism had to be gone through every morning. Sometimes the Rector would be there to take charge. We had a really good grounding in religious knowledge and periodically had a Scripture exam from the Rural Dean. He was a really nice old man and well liked by everyone. We had a particularly good infant teacher who was very strict, but kind. She stayed with us for many years, unlike the head teachers. Having so many head teachers was to me an advantage rather than a drawback as they all had a different approach to subjects and different ideas. One eccentric headmistress introduced us to algebra, geometry and physiology but unfortunately had no idea of discipline, so occasionally the school was in chaos. During these disturbances, the good lady would kneel down and pray for us all, or alternatively, call upon the devil to take us. Sorry to say she had to go after only a few months, not surprisingly suffering a nervous breakdown. She was followed by two very strict headmasters who brought us into line again.

The school buildings comprised two rooms. The ‘Big Room' and the ‘Infant Room', with adjoining cloak rooms. The toilets were very primitive, with no hand washing facilities. The Infant Room was really cold unless you were lucky to sit by the fire. I think we all suffered from chilblains. Many children had a long way to come to school across muddy fields. Some were from very poor families and had no protective clothing. It was a long day for them and there were no hot dinners then. They could have hot drink if they brought some cocoa. No milk was provided. I with my brothers and sisters used to run the half mile home for dinner, and run back as we only had one hour. I do remember getting the cane for being late. I also had the cane for making inkblots on my writing and arithmetic books. This was when I had to use pen and ink. Prior to this I had written on a slate. Reading , learning poetry and writing compositions were my favourite subjects. One essay for which I gained first prize was about the British Empire . That was something we were all familiar with as there was a huge map of the world on one wall – much of it coloured pink. Much has changed since then, and sorry to say, my old school is no longer used as a school.

For those interested in history there are still some copies of ‘A Village School' by A.E. Dennis detailing the early history of Middle Rasen School and are quite funny with comments from the old school log books. They are available free from Middle Rasen School , though a small donation would be appreciated.

The year was 1920, and I had already been attending Spridlington Methodist Sunday School since the age of three. Life was getting back to normal after the First World War and an enterprising and mechanically minded family had acquired an omnibus, which had been used in the war effort. Someone had the great idea of hiring this vehicle and organising a day trip to Cleethorpes. What excitement. Cleethorpes to us then seemed like a far country. To go over the other side of the Wolds was as great adventure as going to the moon. I always imagined wild and uncivilised creatures living on the Wolds .

The great day arrived. It was a lovely sunny morning. We all assembled in the village about halfway between the chapel and the church. An enormous hamper was loaded onto the back of the bus. It was full of sandwiches. I don't know anything about drinks, but there wouldn't have been any crates of ale! How many adults accompanied us I can't recall, but I know my parents came and two of my older sisters. I remember most vividly arriving at Caistor and having to dismount so that the bus could negotiate the hills. I was sure we would be left behind in what seemed like a foreign land. The same thing happened on the way home at night. I was even more worried then, and I think my mother was a bit apprehensive too.

We duly arrived at Cleethorpes and saw the sea for the first time. I don't think my mother had been to the seaside before, but my father had been to Scarborough by train. We enjoyed paddling and running about on the sands. We had rides on the roundabouts and swings. My memories of a ride on the helter-skelter are amusing to look back on, but not at the time. I had a penny clutched in my little hand to pay for the ride, but was too small to reach the kiosk so never paid. I must have slipped past unnoticed. I finished up at the bottom still clutching my penny but had lost the mat I was supposed to slide down on. I may have suffered somewhat, but all I could think of was the penny I owed. One of my sisters was paddling under the pier and lost her purse containing nine pence, quite a considerable sum at the time. I wondered who found it. We arrived home very weary.

We had other Sunday School outings which were enjoyable but never as adventurous. The weather always seemed kind to us.

A regular place for an outing was Hackthorn Park by kind permission of the Squire, Mr E.W. Cracroft. Local farmers loaned pony traps to take us there. We joined up with children from Hackthorn Methodist Chapel and played cricket and rounders, followed by a picnic in the idyllic surroundings. Another outing I remember, although it was nothing spectacular, was a visit to Normanby by Spital. A family had recently moved there from Spridlington. It ws nothing new for the majority of us to play in a farmyard, but we enjoyed the ride and change of scenery. Swings had been fitted up in a safe place and a good tea was provided. It was here that I first heard a gramophone playing, it seemed like utter magic. It didn't play the usual flat records but cylindrical shaped objects.

MEMORIES OF THE D-DAY LANDINGS

Extracts from the personal memoirs of Rev'd J. Peter Patrick

So the great moment had arrived and it wasn't long before we were on the move with a short train journey to New Haven, the port of embarkation. On the 14th June we boarded one of the steam ships that had been requisitioned and as darkness fell she steamed out of port. The ship was an ordinary coaster and some makeshift provision had been made below deck for anyone wishing to catch a few hours of sleep, but I spent most of the trip on deck occasionally standing with my back to the smoke stack for a warm up. We arrived before dawn and the ship anchored about a mile off shore. As it grew light I was surprised how many ships were anchored around us of all shapes and sizes, with a strong British Naval presence amongst them. There was the French coast stretching out in front of us with a pall of smoke rising from a fire burning over on our left that was slowly drifting along the shore line, making it look rather forlorn and a little menacing. We had been issued with spew bags and as the ship remained anchored well into the morning you could see the reason for them. At last the assault craft came alongside the ship and we were taken off. This was quite a tricky procedure as the smaller boats were rising and falling several feet beside the side of the ship and we had to jump by turn as they rose up. We scrambled off as the assault craft beached, waded ashore waist deep in water and holding rifles high to keep them dry. Climbing up the low cliffs in front of us it was evident from the debris and oil spilt around on the beach that we were now in a war zone! Very quickly we marched off and spread out in the surrounding fields. (p33)

A friend from the Battalion Intelligence Section, Bill Hamilton, and I were walking together, a short distance behind three Churchill tanks which, one after another, ran over mines which brought them suddenly to a halt, knocking them out of action. The crews scrambled out and took cover behind their vehicles, some of them wounded. As we passed them we saw tracer bullets streaming from the hedge in front and we looked apprehensively at one another but kept going forward. Then Bill suddenly stumbled in his step and lay still on the ground. His body was not recovered for a fortnight because of the minefield in which he fell. (p35)

As we started out that morning someone had said how similar it all was to being on one of the schemes on the Yorkshire Wolds. But it was scenes such as this that made you realise how different the real thing was to the exercise. Indeed the whole exercise somehow, felt unreal, lifting you into a state of heightened consciousness making you aware that something momentous was happening around you; as indeed it was. Because it was through such battles as this that Europe was being liberated from four years under Nazi rule. (p36)

Copies of Peter's book 'Songs in the House of my Pilgrimage' are available at the back of Middle Rasen Parish Church please feel free to take a copy, and if you are able, leave a donation towards the work of the church . Peter is the father of Rev'd Charles Patrick.

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Fighting a War, but Thinking of Home

Tis' evening as on my bed I lay

I think of home, so far away

In a nice little village, so trim and neat

I picture my home and garden so sweet

I think of my dear ones, my wife and my son

As daily through life they still carry on

Thinking of Daddy, far over the sea

And praying for him, where 'ere he may be

There in the garden I've spent many hours

Picking out weeds and tending the flowers

Trimming the hedge, too busy for words

And keeping an eye on the troublesome birds

Busy as ever a gardener can be

Till sonny called out, "Come, Daddy for tea"

Many more days, I hope to spend

When this cruel war comes to an end

And bitterness and hatred in all men will cease

And people of all nations are once more at peace.

John Higham served as a member of the Royal Medical Corps with the Eighth & First Armies in Africa, Italy & Austria during WWII. A keen poet, this was a poem he sent home to his wife Jessie and son Maurice whilst serving with the Eighth Army in North Africa.

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'BIRDMAN OF BARKWITH' SAVED BY BOMB

World War II memories of being a POW in Austria by Reg Hickson

It was 1944 and I was well into my third year as a prisoner of war. We were a mixed bunch of chaps, some from Australia, New Zealand and England. We had finished our stint of working on the railway for the day and were doing our daily chores. As I sat out in the sun, I thought how peaceful it was. Hard to believe there was a war raging somewhere. Then suddenly the peace was shattered by the sound of planes. The sound got louder and then we saw them, nine bombers in a tight V formation. I knew then that this little town of Villack was about to get its first taste of cruel war. As the bombs started to fall it was like a dozen trains letting off steam. The noise of the planes faded away and the dust and smoke from the railway settled. I wondered how many lives and home had been destroyed.

It was about 6pm when the guards came into the hut. "Everyone on parade outside" came the order. We were once more counted and found to be correct. Our Sergeant asked the German Corporal, why we were on parade? "Your American friends have made many holes with their bombs at the railway station, and you are going to fill them", came the order. So once more back to the station. As we got our shovels, the railway foreman said, "Follow me". We made our way towards the bomb craters. Suddenly the first time bomb exploded about two hundred yards away. It stopped everyone in their tracks as the fountain of rocks fell to earth. Once the dust had settled we moved on, but we hadn't gone many yards when the second bomb exploded, this time much nearer. As we were about to proceed the third bomb exploded about fifty yards away sending stones into the air. A lot of us took cover under railway waggons, some were caught out in the open and all they could do was to put the shovels over their heads. As the last stone fell I heard someone say, "That was a near thing". Amazingly no one was hurt.

It was decided that we were not going any nearer the bomb craters, and so it was shovels away as we were recounted and marched back to the POW camp. As I settled down on my straw mattress, I thought about what had happened in the last few hours. I recalled the person saying, "That was a near thing", and realised that if the two other time bombs had not gone off when they did to halt our progress, some of us would have received the full blast of the third bomb. We had a guardian angel with us that day on the railway station at Villack and she stayed with us until the war was ended.

Born in 1918, Reg joined the Royal Signals Regiment of the British Army at the age of 17 and served his country in Egypt, Palestine and Crete. It was in Crete whilst helping to evacuate a hospital that Reg was captured by the Germans, having been left stranded on the beach. In a way he was fortunate as the landing craft he should have got on was bombed and sunk along with several others. As a Prisoner of War he was duly marched all the way from Greece to Austria where he spent the rest of the war. The POW's were sent out to work on the railways until the camp was liberated in 1945. The place where they were kept had no heating and they were very poorly fed and during the cold Austrian winters it was a wonder he didn't freeze to death. It was only the food parcels sent by the Red Cross that kept them alive. After being liberated from German captivity in Austria Reg returned to England and married Cicily in 1948. They settled in East Barkwith and he spent the rest of his working life as builder. He enjoyed taming the birds in his garden to eat out of his hand. This 'Birdman of Barkwith' sadly died earlier this year on 12th March aged 91. He was a lovely old character.

Reg Hickson taming the birds

Community Spirit

The Community Magazine for the Middle Rasen Group of Parishes

Issue 41 February 2012

Rev. David Post's Journey

Do you remember birthday number 2 ?

BEER, LACE & CHOCOLATE

MIDDLE RASEN TO INVERNESS

Retired and full of Vitality?

Local Memories

Early School Days

As recalled by Jessie Hather

MEMORIES OF THE D-DAY LANDINGS

Fighting a War, but Thinking of Home