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The 8th May is the 80th anniversary of VE Day – commemorating the end of Wold War II in Europe. As we reflect on this significant milestone, we honour the bravery, sacrifice and resilience of those who lived through the war. Let us remember their stories, their strength and the peace they helped secure, which continues to shape our lives today. May the legacy of hope and unity from then inspire us all to strive for peace in today’s war torn countries and support those still longing for safety, freedom and a better future.
Wishing a very happy 100th birthday on 2nd May to our oldest resident Kath Thackeray. Reaching a century is an incredible achievement! We join with friends, family and all who know her in sending our warmest congratulations and best wishes on this remarkable occasion! Happy Birthday Kath we hope you have an incredible day!!
Flooding update – the Billingborough Flood Group (BFG) has continued to provide information to the Environmental Agency and have done the following – 1 undertaken drone flights utilising the drone owned by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue (LF&R) for mapping the Lode within the village boundaries and the topography of Billingborough with all the images being used by the EA for their ongoing analysis following the flooding in January. 2 arranged for detailed mapping of the Lode between Folkingham and Billingborough using the LF&R drone to be undertaken on the 7th April and this was successfully undertaken and the images are currently being processed ready for publication to the BFG and EA in the next couple of weeks. 3 are arranging for similar flights along Donnington Road in Horbling, flying from The Plough car park to Horbling Fen turnoff which should give them further good information on water flows during the January flood along that road. This is planned for the end of April when the drone is next available. 4 arranged a visit from the SKDC Environmental Protection & Private Sector Housing Manager who is helping them to identify the various drainage systems within the village boundaries so they can develop a village drainage map indicating which authority is responsible for maintaining each drainage system so they can maintain pressure on ensuring regular maintenance (this will include Anglian Water) 5 are currently in discussion with LCC in obtaining money to purchase some additional flood resilience assets such as pumps and other recommended assets which will be owned by the village and used together with the sandbags they have obtained, So far there hasn’t been any specific feedback from them. 6 The EA have completed the initial report on the flooding event on the 6th January which is currently being scrutinised before being issued to LCC and IDB for their comments. The BFG will receive a copy for review in early May and once reviewed all the agencies (EA, LCC, IDB, Crown Estates) will be meeting with BFG to answer their queries before general publication. This report is separate to the mandatory Section 19 referrals which are currently being processed and will be made public in the summer. 7 they invited the three main Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Candidates to the village to meet with the BFG and residents who had been affected by the floods and for them to understand the extent of the damage to the village and surrounding areas. All three have promised, if elected to attend the meeting with the agencies to discuss the initial report and provide support in ensuring that the agencies take the necessary actions concluded from that report to mitigate against future flooding events as well as representing our interests with Central Government to help achieve long term solutions to flooding in South Lincolnshire. LCC – have agreed to replicate the previous government flood grant assistance, which means that every property that has reported flood damage would be eligible for a £5k grant. BPC – has secured further free sand and bags as well as purchasing further supplies of both and arranged for these to be stored in the West Rd container. Anglian Water – have undertaken camera surveys in Vine St and Station Rd, however; to date the outcome of these hasn’t been shared with BC, LCC or BFG.
Be prepared – upcoming Emergency Planning Training opportunity 11th June from 6pm – 8pm in Billingborough Village Hall – whether it’s a natural disaster such as flooding, a power outage or some other emergency, preparation is key! Consequently we are excited to offer this valuable emergency planning training session that is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to respond effectively in a crisis and know who to contact for support/help. The training is being delivered by Steve Eason-Harris, the Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer, with Lincs Fire & Rescue and is open to everyone, so why not come along and see what it’s all about? If you feel inspired afterwards to be part of an emergency team that would be brilliant and would open the door for further training opportunities and experiences.
Your Annual Village Meeting - will be held on 13th May at 6pm in the Recreation Ground sports pavilion. This is not a council meeting but one organised by us to give parishioners i.e. YOU the opportunity to voice your opinions on what you want for the village or tell everyone about your club, organisation etc. no matter of its size or membership. So why not take this opportunity to voice your ideas or present a report on your club or organisation? As always our clerk will be happy to read them out on your behalf. This meeting will be directly followed by The Annual Council Meeting, which you’re welcome to attend.
Your village needs people like YOU! – To step forward & become a Councillor – hesitant you’ll not have the right credentials – well we’re sure you will have! As people from all backgrounds and with different skill sets become Councillors and all bring something important to the role. If you’re tempted you’ll find our brief application form online, which will only take you 5 mins to complete. Selection will be by co-option at our meeting on 13th May.
The Village’s wild flower patch - in the far north eastern corner of the recreation ground playing field, has been seeded. So it won’t be too long before it’s bringing a rainbow of colour and food for hungry pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while creating a vibrant, natural haven for us all to enjoy. As the months pass it will gradually transform as native wildflower species begin to sprout and bloom, not only enhancing this corner but also supporting sustainable ecosystems. To enable this to happen we politely ask that we humans do not trample in the area or let our dogs run free there or use it as a toilet. The buzz word is enjoy not destroy!
VE Day Celebrations – 10th May commencing at 1pm in the Village Hall – the VH committee will be hosting a community party in the hall, with free hot & cold drinks & sandwiches & cakes being served from 1 to 4pm. During this time there will also be a free craft corner for children with face painting & balloon modelling, a live singer performing songs from the era, with a sing along, a raffle, a 40s style fancy dress competition for adults & children, two stalls selling cakes & jam, cars from the 40s & a ‘memory tree’ for people to write messages for their lost loved ones. Post 4pm there will a Post-War Boomer Disco, with music from the 1950s - 80s & the bar will be open all day. This will be a brilliant community event so make sure to save the date!
Village hall refurbishment - brilliant news the committee has secured lottery funding to replace the flooring throughout (NB - the hall will need to close to undertake this work) and they intend to apply for further funding to upgrade the kitchen & toilets. Work has already commenced on refurbishing the bar area.
Church News – Two dates for your diary – 7th June Village Garage & Table top sale, 10 am to 2pm. To book your place please call Trevor on 01529 241325 , £10 per garage/table. Refreshments including bacon baps & cakes will be available in the church along maps at a £1. 5th July Music for a Summer afternoon by Elaine Huckle at 3pm followed by a Strawberry Tea, tickets £10. All proceeds to be split between the church & the Air Ambulance. 100 Club – is back, it’s £52 pa you can pay weekly, monthly or yearly. If you’d like to join please contact Georgina Collyer gecolyer@hotmail.co.uk. Church Treasurer required – this is a voluntary post. If you’re interested or would like more information please call Trevor or email trevor_wells@btinternet.com. Cleaning help – if you’ve a little spare time, your help would be gratefully appreciated to help clean the church on the 1st Saturday of the month at 10am – many hands make light work. Please feel free to come into your church, it is open daily from 10am to 4pm should you want a look around or sit in a quiet space to reflect.
The Big Poppy make – amazing news we’ve almost reached our first 1000 poppies! So a massive thank you to all those that have contributed so far! However; we still need more poppies, so if you’d like to contribute to help create a magnificent display in the church & Spring Wells area to commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day you still have time as we will be collecting poppies up to October. If you require a pattern please call Debbie on 07709 198524. There is a collection box in the church for you to drop off your completed poppies & you can also drop them off at the village hall on a Wednesday at ‘Pop in Too’. Apologies that the meeting planned for the 19th April, to discuss the design or assembly of the finished Poppy Project, had to be cancelled. A new date to meet is yet to be confirmed.
Billingborough Allotment& Garden Society – are holding an open day at the allotments on Birthorpe Rd on 1st June between 10am & 12 noon, everyone’s welcome.
The Aveland Art club – would like to thank all those who supported their Spring Market which raised £765 for the village hall refurbishment fund, which brings the total raised by their last 12 events to an amazing £7985.00.
Debbie says a massive thank you to everyone who helped and supported the recent Spring Fair & Coffee Morning, which raised an amazing £1000 for Brain Tumour Research.
Billingborough Cricket Club - committee details - Chairman – Barriey Light. If you wish to join or would like more information please call him on 07506 739413 or email at barrieylight@yahoo.co.uk. May fixtures – 3rd - 2nds playing Spalding A, 10th – 1sts playing Orton Park 1st A, 2nds playing Frieston L&L 2nd H, 17th – 1sts playing Long Sutton 2nds A, 2nds playing Skegness H, 24th 1sts playing Burghley 2nds HHh, June 7th 1sts playing Ancaster H, 2nds playing Uffington A, 14th 1sts playing Burghley Park 2nds A, 2nds playing Heckington 2nds H, 21st - 1sts playing Boston 2nd H , 2nds playing Boston 3rd A , 28th – 1sts playing Freiston L&L 1sts H, 2nds playing Freiston L&L 2nds, A. All matches start at 12.30pm.
Village Hall Bingo - the next session of their very successful cash bingo will be held on Friday 9th May. It will then have a break until the autumn. Doors open 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm, (Over 18s only). Bar & refreshments are available.
Ladies Wednesday Club – if you like meeting up for a coffee/tea and a natter while learning about various topics in a light hearted way, then why not pop along to the Village Hall, at 7.30pm, on the first Wednesday of the month? You can either attend as a guest £4 per meeting or become a member which costs £20 pa. 7th May the speaker is Sue Jakeman – The Life of Ants, 4th June, TBA..
Library van dates - Vine St –none in May, next one is 23rd June 15.30 to 16.15 Village Hall – 21st May and 18th June, 9.45 to 10.45. There’s also Books to your door - for more details about this service please call 01522 782010 or email benjamin.tatton@gll.org.
Wellbeing walks – take place on the second Thursday of the month at 10am, meeting and ending at the church with tea & biscuits. The walk is approx. 1 hr long & is suitable for all abilities. For more information please contact Jennifer.pitt3@nhs.net or call 07789 533703.
Us ducks go a little ‘quackers’ – when it’s the mating season and often don’t look where we are going or realise that we are sitting in the middle of a busy road! So we politely ask that you drive with caution so as not to mow us down – quack quack - thank you!!
Please have pride in your village & surrounding countryside – by putting your litter in a bin or by taking it home with you. Please do not just discard it wherever you happen to be. Thank you.
Your opinions & ideas matter to us – so please take a moment to share them with us, Thank you.
Clerk billingboroughparishclerk@gmail.com 07415 842591 Chairman bwoodheadbillingboroughpc@gmail.com 07810 861089
Website https://Billingborough.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/council-business/contact-us/2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Billingborough-Parish-Council-107945005250794