Middle Rasen and District Bowls Club

Click here for more information, history and news & here for the indoor section

The outdoor bowling season is now well under way with matches being played in three leagues: Barnetby; West Wold and Louth Wold. As well as club competitions there are the following open competitions still to be played:

Saturday 9 th July 10 am Cottingham Cup. Teams of three, all playing singles, doubles and trebles. Saturday 13 th August 10 am Wilkinson Trophy. Three wood pairs. Monday 29 th August 10 am Jossals Challenge Trophy, teams of six all playing singles, doubles and trebles (with joker!). Refreshments are available throughout the day at all competitions. If anyone wishes to enter any of the above competitions please contact Ken Miller by ‘phone on 01673 844702 or by e-mail at k.miller1204@yahoo.co.uk

All welcome to come along and have a go! Please wear worn trainers (not heeled shoes)

Bowls Indoor 842553 Village Hall

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Parenting Group

Thursday Church hall

Toddlers

Church Hall

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WOMEN'S OWN

Methodist Chapel Schoolroom

Every Wednesday 2.30 pm at Middle Rasen Methodist Church

The Women's Own is a group that started in October 1940.  Originally, the group visited each of the then 3 Middle Rasen Chapels in turn.  The ladies have continued meeting every Wednesday afternoon since then. Some of the founder members still go the meetings, although they now only meet in one Chapel as the others have long gone.  Today there are around 25 members, Alice Surfleet is the secretary who, in and amongst her many other roles, invites speakers to come and talk to the group covering a wide range of subjects. Rev Marty Presdee is a regular speaker, usually at the meetings once a month.  The group holds an annual charity event where they raise much needed funds for local charities.  This year they supported The Foyer, a local charity that works with homeless young adults, working tirelessly to re-home them and get them into work.  The photograph shows the chairperson, Vera Hankin, presenting Anita Goodyear of the Foyer with a cheque for just over £200, money that was raised by the group on March 7^th. If you are interested in becoming a member, a warm welcome awaits you, even if you can only come every now and again, we will be pleased to see you.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Weight Watchers

Saturday 10 - 11am Village Hall

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Yoga

Wednesday 7.30pm Village Hall

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Choir Practice

Friday 8pm Church

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Football & Cricket

Village Hall 842744

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Nags Head

Pool, Darts, Dominoes

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NEW COMMUNITY CHOIR AND MINSTREL GROUP

FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS

IN MIDDLE RASEN

Click Here

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

West Rasen Events

West Rasen Village Hall and Heritage Centre

Meets monthly

1st Tuesday 7.30pm

Details from Maureen Sowray(844564)

&

Green Man Day

1st Monday Bank Holiday in May

1pm - 4pm

Details Liz Margrave 01674 844047

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Horticultural Society

2nd Thursday 7.30pm Church Hall 843206

( Sweet pea show 3rd Saturday in June & Main show 3rd Saturday in July )

More >>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pre School

everyday term time 844131 more

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Primary School

everyday term time 843250 more

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Camera Club

SAY CHEESE OR WATCH THE BIRDY

Market Rasen camera club meet in the community room at Middle Rasen village Hall on Wednesday 10 th February at 7.30pm. The theme for the evening is ‘Winter Wonderland' and members and visitors are invited to bring up to ten prints or slides to show and discuss. We hope to do a feature on the club for the next issue but if you want to see and hear what they do, please contact Ray Halstead the camera club secretary on 842142.

BEE KEEPERS

News from Carole Raynor

Market Rasen Beekeeping Club was set up some years ago by Brian Oxborrow, our current Chairman, and the late Brian Ayres. Their aim was to promote beekeeping, provide an opportunity for prospective beekeepers to find out about the craft and to encourage best practice in beekeeping. Those aims remain in place today.

Setting up as a beekeeper can be expensive, so it makes sense to find out first whether or not it's for you. There is no better way of doing this than by having a go for yourself and with Market Rasen Beekeepers (MRBK) you can do just that. We have our own apiary; that is several colonies (hives) of bees. Newcomers can learn about the equipment, how to handle and manage the bees, how to harvest and process the honey and will also make valuable contact with experienced beekeepers. In addition we have some larger pieces of equipment that members can borrow.

MRBK is a district member of the Lincolnshire Beekeeping Association (LBKA,) which in turn is part of the British Beekeeping Association (BBKA). Membership of MRBK includes membership to both of these organisations and also provides insurance for your own apiary. You will receive regular newsletters and the latest information on beekeeping.

In the active beekeeping period, April to August, we usually meet at the apiary at Legsby at 6.00pm to do any work necessary. During the busiest times, May to July, this is often weekly. Sometimes we have evening meetings to process the honey, which we sell to boost club funds. During the winter, September to March, we meet at Middle Rasen Church Hall at 7.30pm on the first Thursday evening once a month, when we have beekeeping talks and some social events. If you are interested in finding out more about beekeeping you will receive a warm welcome at MRBK. For further details please contact me, Carole Raynor, Club Secretary (885326).

AGE CONCERN LUNCH CLUB

From 12-1pm on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month.

Additional helpers are invited to join the teams who prepare and serve the meals. Contact Morris Abbott (842707) for details

Please be aware that there is a waiting list to join the club

NEWS

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Art Group

every Monday 7.30pm` Church Hall

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Braemar Close Community Hall ( you don't have to be a resident) 843606

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bell Ringers

SIXTY YEARS OF BELL RINGING

By Steve Wright, Middle Rasen's Tower Captain

It is now sixty-three years since I began the ancient art of bell ringing. I first learnt to ring in 1947 with my sisters Peggy and Elaine. It was in response to an appeal for a new band of bell ringers by Norman Chaddock , the tower captain at our local church in Whiston, near Rotherham . I became a member of the Yorkshire Association of Bell Ringers in 1948. Ringing has always been quite a family affair, with mum and dad providing tea for the regular meetings of the Yorkshire Association, and my three daughters all learning to ring and the eldest being a member of the Surrey Association. Over the past sixty years I have rung in many, many churches across the country. With around 5000 churches with their own sets of bells, bell ringing provides the opportunity to visit some beautiful churches and historical buildings. Every church and its set of bells are different, some presenting quite interesting challenges. Once you know how to handle a bell you will receive a warm welcome at any tower, whatever your ability.

Being a committed service ringer, my aim has always been to ensure the church bells are rung for church services throughout the year and on special occasions. I started ringing in Lincolnshire following the augmentation of eight bells in Caistor Parish Church , and rang regularly at there until I became involved with the re-hanging of the bells at Market Rasen church. Since then I have actively supported and encouraged ringing in Market Rasen, Tealby and Claxby, and latterly here at Middle Rasen. Some of the highlights for me have included ringing a peal for the funeral of King George VI in 1951 and ringing for the Civil Defence Core during my national service in Surrey during 1953-54. In Lincolnshire the highlights have been co-ordinating the re-hanging of the bells at Middle Rasen and training a new band of Middle Rasen Ringers.

(LtoR) Steve, Karen, Angela, Charles, Gill, Colin, Jane & Linda

English style church bell ringing is a fascinating activity that requires physical co-ordination, a sensed of rhythm and good listening skills. It provides mental and physical stimulation, along with the social aspect of working with other ringers. Ringers represent the whole range of society, male and female, young and old and from all walks of life. Ringing is a genuine all-age activity and you are judged by your ability not your social standing whether you are 8, 18 or 80. The ringers of St Peter & St Paul are typical of many bands. We now have a band of eight ringers at Middle Rasen but newcomers are always welcome to learn the art. If you are intrigued, want to learn more or just ‘have a go', do come along to our practice night on Mondays from 7.30pm.

Ding, Dong, Merrily on High!

Linda Patrick explains the attractions of Bell Ringing

There is something very poignant about standing in the bell tower ringing bells that have rung out for thousands of weddings and church services for hundreds of years. Bell ringing keeps alive one of England 's oldest traditions and Middle Rasen village should feel proud that its Church has such a wonderful ring of bells. I started bell ringing four years ago and have found it to be a very rewarding hobby. It is not just about ringing peals. I also enjoy the company and fellowship, especially at the Monday night practice sessions, which begin at 7:30pm. We always have a good laugh.

On 30 th November, the Middle Rasen ringers, accompanied by two friends from Grimsby took up the challenge to ring their first peal of ‘Plain Bob Minor', to mark the beginning of the Christian season of Advent. It is a peal that takes approx two hours and forty-five minutes to ring and is the first to be rung by a local band for many years, and on the new Millennium bells. As our Tower Captain, Stephen Wright, points out, “Peals are rare to hear as the complicated method involves 5040 different changes. The length of time to ring a peal requires not only a great deal of concentration, but is very tiring, and is attempted only by a band of dedicated and proficient ringers”. We will also be ringing in the New Year, beginning at 11:45pm on New Years Eve.

So if you are 12 years or older and would like to try your hand at this most joyful of hobbies why not pop over on a Monday night and have a go. We would love to see you.

For more details contact Linda on 842249 .

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Library Van

2nd/4th Friday

10.05am - 10.30am Dovecote

10.35am - 10.55am Braemar Close

11.00am - 12.05am School

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Good News Van

1st Wednesday 10-11am Church Hall

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

All Clubs would welcome New members & Helpers. Just turn up or telephone contact telephone number.

If your group has been missed out or the information is incorrect please contact 842645 or 842744

Contact MRPC or the Web Manager

Market Rasen

Ballet Market Rasen

Bridge Club every Thursday 7pm. Market Rasen Social Club 849647

Dancing Club Wednesday 7.30pm Festival Hall

Flower Club 3rd Monday 7.30pm Festival hall

Youth Club Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday. De Aston school

Sports Hall Market Rasen

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BEEKEEPERS SHOWING IN MIDDLE

The Market Rasen Branch of Lincolnshire Beekeepers Association meet at Middle Rasen Church Hall on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm between September and April. The December meeting was the Fun Honey Show with a wide range of classes for judging. There were a good number of entries in all 18 classes,. This included 8 different classes of Honey Jars, judged by local judge Arthur Adams of Legsby. Arthur carefully explained the process of judging, stating exactly the criteria from each element that formed the basis of his decision in identifying a winning jar. Members and visitors were invited to taste samples from other classes and vote for their favourite. These ranged from honey cakes and biscuits, to chutney's and jams. Other classes included candles and photography with some amazing photos including some of swarms of bees.

Arthur Adams judging jars of honey

Keep Fit

ZUMBA

A group of around 20 ladies meet up at Middle Rasen Methodist Church every Thursday afternoon to enjoy an hour long session of Zumba fitness training. Zumba is a fun way to keep fit, working out to Latin American Music. If you feel like joining in the fun come along you will be made most welcome. Between 2 pm & 3 pm @ £3 a session

A keep fit class aimed at the over 60's is being held 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

RONNIE MORTEN ART GROUP

Revd Chris looked in

THE RONNIE MORTEN ART GROUP

The art group was started in 2003 by Ronnie Morten and for the first 2 years the group met in Market Rasen. Very sadly, Ronnie died but the art group that he started has carried on and to this day they still meet once a week. They now meet in Middle Rasen Church Hall every Monday evening at 7.45 pm and finish at 9.45 pm. There are 7 regulars in the group, sometimes as many as 10 come along. It costs £3 per session or £10 paid in advance for 4 sessions. All artists supply their own materials. This is a group of experienced artists who all work individually on their own pieces of work, often advising and encouraging each other and giving each other tips. Occasionally they do invite other artists in to demonstrate techniques in specific areas to continue developing their skills. The wealth of talent in the group is amazing with specialists in oils, water colours, pastels, sketching all covering a range of subject areas. They exhibit their work in Market Rasen and Newton by Toft annually. It is an art group and not an art class, if you are interested in joining the group please contact Moira Garrick on 01673 885470.

Middle Rasen & District Bowls Club

The outdoor bowling in Middle Rasen will start on Saturday 16 April at 2 pm, as long as the weather is suitable!  If you would like to know more about the club, or you would like to become a member or you are interested in entering any of the competitions please contact the Secretary, Ken Miller on 01673 8447021 The committee are always pleased to welcome new members.

Chris Harrington checks out the lay of the land for the Winter break

With the evenings now drawing out and the wonderful smell of freshly mown grass in the air it must be time to enjoy a good relaxing games of bowls. When we moved here last June I bought a set of woods in anticipation of an occasional game on the Middle Rasen bowling green , which is but a stones throw from our house. I didn't get around to it last year, but now that the club secretary Ken Miller has sold me a pair of bowling shoes (which have to be flat) I no longer have an excuse, especially as the green re-opens this month for its 59 th year. The picture below shows the first wood being bowled on the green by bowling veteran Mr G.H. Timms aged 84, on 7 th June 1950 during the first match between Market Rasen and Middle Rasen, which Middle won by nine shots to six. It was a Wednesday evening and has set the pattern for match days ever since.

The club president is Maurice Higham, who kindly allowed us to use this picture from his extensive collection, and whose father had first placed an advert in the Rasen Mail on 3 rd July 1948 asking for anyone who may be interested in forming a bowling club to contact him. The first meeting was subsequently held on 25 th Feb 1949 and the first grass seeds for the green were sown later that year on 15 th September. The green is now owned by Gordon and Ann Veal, whose house overlooks the green and are both long time members of the club. It has been in the family for some time as Gordon's father had bought the green from its original owner Mr Roe. The new club sponsor is ‘Sparkly Marks'.

Full Membership of the club is now £28.50 giving eligibility to play in club competitions and league matches which are played on a Wednesday afternoon. For Junior members under 16 years it costs £5, as does social membership. If like me you just want to play occasionally it costs just 75p per two-hour session. The club are holding a couple of free open days in May to encourage new members on Sat 9 th at 2pm and Wed 13 th May at 6.30pm, (subject to confirmation – call Ken Miller 844702).

WINTER BOWLERS

During the winter months (Sept to April) the Short Mat Bowling Group meets to play indoors twice a week at Middle Rasen Village Hall - Mondays (1:30pm till 4:30pm) & Thursdays (7pm till 10pm). Bowling woods are available but new members need to bring a pair of flat shoes or slippers as trainers or heeled shoes are not permitted. The activity has been running since 1989 and a core group of experienced bowlers are on hand to help beginners. Membership is £8 for the season and it is just 35p per game. It is a great social and sporting activity that is suitable for all ages. For more details contact Roy Kitchen (842553) or just come along.

UNDETERED BY THE WEATHER

Revd Chris went to visit some intrepid bowlers

Come rain, snow, wind or shine, the weather cannot deter the Middle Rasen Bowls Club from enjoying a good game. That's because during the winter months (Sept to April) members play ‘Short Mat' bowls indoors at Middle Rasen Village Hall. They meet twice a week - On Monday afternoons from 1.30pm till 4.30pm, and on Thursday evenings from 7pm till 10pm. Visitors, beginners, children and adults are welcome.

Bowling woods are available, but visitors and new members need to bring a pair of flat shoes or slippers. Trainers or heeled shoes are not permitted. It is a friendly group and there are plenty of experienced bowlers are on hand to help beginners. Membership is £8 for the season + just 35p per game. It is a great social and sporting activity that is suitable for all ages. For those who like to play to win, local matches between clubs are played most weeks. Middle Rasen Bowls Club has two teams ‘Drax' and ‘Tupholm' named after the monastic patrons of the two original parish churches in Middle Rasen - St Peter & St Paul . For more details contact Roy Kitchen (842553) or just come along and have a go.

Age Concern Lunch Club

The annual general meeting was held on 12 th February and attended by 32 members. Since its formation in 2002 this very popular Luncheon Club has continued to grow and we now have our maximum number of 48 members + one person ‘in-waiting'. The efforts and commitment of those who prepared and served the meals on a fortnightly basis were greatly appreciated by all present. As were the efficiencies of Morris Abbott, Nancy Vernam, Ann Veal and John Baxter our chairman & vice chair, secretary and treasurer all who were re-elected for a further year along with the rest of the committee who were also re-elected ‘en bloc'. Thanks were also expressed to the Methodist Church for allowing the use of their facilities, and to all those who have provided transport.

Due to rising costs the meal price has had to rise to £2.50 which is still excellent value. Lunches will continue to be served on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 12.30pm, which during April will be 8 th & 24 th . If you cannot make one of the lunches, please do remember to ring Morris (842707) on the Tuesday before if possible as it is important to know how many to cater for. As the old motto went ‘waste not, want not'.