Lincolnshire's Lost Railways

Nocton Village Hall Management Committee

 

invite you to

 

A Mid-Winter Evening of Lincolnshire Delights

 

Monday 27th January 2014 commencing at 7pm

 

Nocton Village Hall      
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A Supper of Lincolnshire Savoury Delicacies

 

Followed by Alan Stennett’s Presentation

“Lincolnshire’s Lost Railways”

 

Concluding the evening with lots of Tempting Homemade Desserts

 

Tea or Coffee included – Other drinks will be available to purchase from the Bar.

 

Tickets will Cost £7.50 each and be available after Monday 6th January from

Nocton Post Office, Sue Morris 321455,  Ann Kennedy 322739 or Joan Franklin 322902

 

Proceeds for the Nocton Village Hall Funds

Our Village Hall

Introduction

I thought the readers of this blog might be interested in some of the background history to our Village Hall, how it came to be owned by the Parish Council and then managed by a Village Hall Management Committee. Much of the information contained below has been gained from my own personal research, during which time I discovered there was a problem with the Title to the land.

Volume 2 of ‘Nocton – The Last Years of an Estate Village’ has been a useful reference, but I have tried to supplement this with other information. All of this data is available in the public domain for those who take the trouble to research it, but as far as I am aware, it has never been brought together in one place in a linear date form. For some it will be old news, but for others it may be of interest.

This will be the first of three blog entries.

Early Days

1936
On the 1st May 1936, James Herbert Dennis sold Nocton Estate to Smith's Potato Crisps (1929) Ltd & Smith's Potato Estates Ltd. During their tenure, a certain Mr Ireson became General Manager. Both he and his wife fulfilled a philanthropic role in the estate community, where they were instrumental in locating an old corrugated iron building from Sleaford Market Place that could be used as a village hall for Nocton.

The building had previously been used as a community centre during the war, housing at one time the Sleaford YMCA. After much negotiation with Sleaford Council, the building was purchased and suitably transferred to Nocton and located on the current site. The Ireson’s also sourced two other Village Halls, one for Dunston and another for Wasp’s Nest.

1946
Smith’s Potato Estates Ltd was the major employer in the area and had a number of tied properties in the village. Many villagers worked on the Estate, spending their leisure time in the Village Hall. There are still fond memories of those times.

Nocton Village Hall was officially opened on 28 September 1946 and soon became the social hub of the community. Over the years many village organisations have used the hall for their activities e.g. Arts Group; Baby Clinic; Bowls Club; Friendship Club; Heritage Group; Parish Council; Social Club; Tufty Club; Women’s Institute; Young Men’s Club and Youth Club. More details can be found in the publication mentioned in my introduction.

1970
All this was about to be threatened though. On the 26 March 1970, Smith's Potato Estates Ltd sold the Nocton Estate to a subsidiary (The Smith's Food Group Ltd) and this soon entered liquidation. The Liquidators sold Nocton Estate to Toms Foods Ltd on 5 February 1971.

Nocton Village Hall and a recreation ground to the rear of the building had only been leased to Nocton Parish Council, but fortunately this was continued by Tom’s Foods Ltd. A new lease was prepared, dated 25 March 1973 and scheduled for 30 years, but before long the Nocton Estate changed hands again, this time to British Field Products Ltd.

1975
The sale of Nocton Estate to British Field Products Ltd took place on 4 August 1975 at a cost of £3,098,000. British Field Products was actually a subsidiary company of the Guardian Royal Insurance Group and traded as 'Nocton Farms Ltd'.

It was during their period of ownership that Nocton Village Hall came to be owned by the Parish Council. British Field Products Ltd made a generous offer to legally transfer the Village Hall and its associated land to the Parish Council for the benefit of the local community.

1979
Discussions were actually under way to draft a Conveyance, when the hall was tragically burnt down on 2 January 1979. It was subsequently discovered it was underinsured.

With the cost of rebuilding the hall standing at £38,000 and the insurance only paying out £28,000, there was a significant shortfall. Jim Smart (who was General Manager of Nocton Farms and responsible for the Conveyance) felt it was now up to the villagers to find the balance. As a result, the whole village rallied to the cause and within two years a new brick-built hall was constructed and it opened to the community on 1 November 1980.

1980
Jim Smart (who retired from Nocton Farms in December 1980) was Chairman of Nocton Parish Council when he signed the Conveyance document dated 13 July 1981, alongside George Thomas Dickinson – Clerk. The recreation ground to the rear of Nocton Village Hall remained subject to a leasehold arrangement though.

[to be continued]

Nocton Flower Festival

Celebrating Nocton Church's 150th anniversary
(Friday 29 June to Sunday 1 July 2012)

This finest Gothic Revival church in Lincolnshire is undergoing repairs to preserve it for future generations.

Friday, 7.30 pm - Flower Festival Preview Evening
Admission by ticket only - £5 - Wine and canapés

Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm - Church open
Refreshments and plant stall

Saturday, 7.30 pm - Concert
Lincoln Minster School Chamber Choir (Choir of the Year 2012 - category finalists)
Tickets £9, Under 16s free, Supporters £8

Complimentary glass of wine

Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm - Church open
Refreshments and plant stall

Sunday, 6 pm - A Service of Songs of Praise
Closing the Festival

Why not buy a combined ticket to the Flower Festival Preview on Friday 29 June and the concert on the next night for just £12?

Tickets from Sue Morris
(01526 321455) or email: sue@sjmtjm@myzen.co.uk

www.noctonfestival2012.vpweb.co.uk


Lincoln Minster School Chamber Choir Concert

Six months ago this choir premiered a new work by Howard Goodall CBE, composer of the signature tunes for Blackadder, The Vicar of Dibley and Mr Bean. In Westminster Abbey they sang the first performance of Every Purpose Under the Heaven, with words from the King James Bible. They will sing selections from this piece as part of a varied programme of choral music at the Nocton Church Flower Festival concert.  From songs by modern composers like John Rutter and Bob Chilcott to old favourites like Verdi’s Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves and Allegris’s Miserere, there is something for everyone in this programme.

Don’t miss the chance to hear this outstanding choir, in which many ex-Lincoln Cathedral Choir choristers sing.
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Village Hall Xmas Fayre 2011

Yet another brilliantly organised event by the Village Hall Management Committee - thanks to Philip, Joan and all who were involved.

Some really wonderful stalls, lovely tea, coffee and cakes... and friendly faces. It was super to have my family along to support this event as well; my two grandchildren, my son, daughter-in-law and daughter... and of course my wife too.

As they were otherwise engaged in looking round the stalls, I grabbed myself a pot of greengage jam from Sue Morris, I failed miserably in my attempt at winning a bottle of wine and so consoled myself with a mulled wine and mince pie. Following accusations of only thinking of myself, I repaired the damage and paid for my family's refreshments. At least they weren't able to keep grousing at me with mince pie in their mouths!

It was nice to be able to introduce my family to Mrs Sheila Redshaw, who kindly came to sit with us during the event.

The outside Christmas tree lights worked first time and people were taking photos with their own families placed in front of this festive spectacle. Father Christmas did his magic with the kids and each child was given a present, which was a really nice gesture.

I'll share a little secret with you - I even returned later for a sneaky visit to see how the Christmas tree looked once it was properly dark. The Parish Council should be well pleased with the decision to go with this... which is a nice addition to the village for Christmas 2011... and helps to start get us all in the spirit, given the depressing news on TV about the Eurocrisis affecting the UK.

What's On

Sat 29th October - 'Halloween Fun Night' - 7.30pm

Come and join the Social Club for free Juke Box, apple bobbing, fancy dress competition etc and have a 'scarily' good evening, all ages welcome.

Tues 1st November - 'Parish Council meeting' - 7.00pm

Nocton Village Hall

Tues 1st November - 'Village Photographic Competition'

Last day for entries to this years competition. The competition is open to all age groups who are resident in Nocton Parish (the Village, the Heath, the Fen and Wasp's Nest). Photographs of anything to do with Nocton, past and present... must have been taken by a resident of Nocton Parish. Photos no larger than A4. Winning photos and a selection of others will be displayed in the Village Hall throughout the year, until next year's competition.

Entries cost £1 per photo - please write your name and contact number on the reverse. Should be submitted to Philip Franklin, 3 Wellhead Lane (01526 322902) or Peter Askew, 31 Wellhead Lane (01526 322074).

Winning entries to be announced at the Village Hall Christmas Fayre in November 2011.

Sat 5th November - 'Church Guide Book' - 9.30am

This new book will feature photographs of the Church and is intended as a community project. If you have any photos you would like to be considered for inclusion, please bring these along to the Village Hall. The photos should be postcard size with your name on the reverse.

For more information, contact Sue Morris - sue@sjmtjm.myzen.co.uk

Sun 6th November - Church 'Clean Up'

Help required during the afternoon to clean up the church for Polly Hardy's wedding. Any volunteers would be most welcome. Contact the Churchwardens for details.

Mon 7th November - 'Welcome Winter Lunch' - 12.00 noon to 2.00pm

Lunch will be served between 12.15pm to 1.00pm in Nocton Village Hall. The Menu will include: Soup, Jacket Potatoes with Cheese filling, a selection of puddings and Tea or Coffee.

Pre-order your tickets (£4.00) from Ann 322739, Peter 322074, Sue 321455 or Joan 322902.

Tue 8th November - 'Cricket Club AGM' - 8.00pm

If you are interested in playing or helping the Club in any capacity, you are welcome to attend Nocton Village Hall - contact Joan on 01526 322902.

Mon 14th November - 'Nocton Women's Institute' - 7.15pm

No longer just jam and 'Jerusalem', Nocton WI welcomes new members young and old at the Village Hall. This month's speaker will be giving a talk on how dogs are trained to help the deaf.

If you are interested, come along or contact Doreen Green 01526 322323 for more details.

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/8829090/Theres-more-to-the-WI-than-jam-and-Jerusalem.html

Wed 16th November - 'Nocton Church Flower Festival' meeting - 7.00pm to 8.30pm

A preliminary meeting to discuss the 2012 event. This particuar meeting is to establish if there are enough people with the interest and skills to put on a Flower Festival in Nocton. Anyone interested in flower arranging from this or the surrounding Parishes should meet in Nocton Village Hall.

Primarily the meeting is for flower arrangers, but also for anyone who feels they would like to help in whatever capacity e.g. catering, selling tickets etc. Any offers of help would be gratefully received.

The Flower Festival will be used to raise funds for the All Saints Church roof and other repairs. The proposed date for the Flower Festival is from 29 June 2012 to 1 July 2012.

Fri 18th November - 'Race Night' - 7.30pm

For more information, please contact Nocton Community School direct.

Sat 19th November - 'Vintage Fashion Show and Tea Party' - 2.00pm to 5.45pm

You will see a fabulous collection of vintage items on the catwalk as well as having the opportunity to buy from vintage sellers. You will also be treated to delicious high tea served on only the best shabby chic china! One lucky ticket will win something to treasure...you will kick yourselves if you miss it.

Tickets £5 (includes the Afternoon Tea) from the Post Office or by contacting Julie at jpartridge369@btinternet.com (supporting Nocton Festival 2012)

The main event of our Queen's Jubilee Day celebrations will be the 'Royal' Garden Party on The Green on Monday 4th June 2012, followed by a 1950s Dance in the evening... so make sure you attend the Fashion Show to buy that special article of clothing.

Sat 26th November - 'Christmas Fayre and Craft Fayre' - 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Come and meet Santa. Craft stalls £7.

For more information, contact Philip (01526 322902) or Peter (01526 322074)

Sunday 18th December - 'Village Carol Singing' - 5.00pm

Meet at Nocton Village Hall.

Every Monday afternoon - ' Nocton Community Library' - 3.00pm to 3.30pm

The Year 6 pupils of Nocton Community Primary School have a wide selection of books for adults and children, including both fiction and non-fiction. Please support your local library.
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The History of Nocton

NOCTON
PUBLIC LECTURE

ENTITLED

"The History of Nocton"

in Nocton Village Hall on

Wednesday, October 12th 2011

BY

Dr Nicholas Bennett, as Maurice H Footman, Esq

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This was a really enjoyable event, with a super turnout, for a very interesting presentation. Wine and delicious desserts were served and a raffle held, all for a good cause - the Nocton Church Fundraising Committee.

The introduction was delivered by Carol Bennett at 7.25pm. Sheila Redshaw supplied most of the photographs and also has Maurice Footman's original text in an exercise book, which is hand-written with his personal notes (Eileen Moulds copy typed the original text back in 1988).

The pictures of the Georgian church of St Peter were taken from "A History of Nocton" written by Maurice Footman and Kate Norgate in 1900.

Other photos supplied:

• Joseph Noble and the Chestnut Tree (Chris Parnell)
• The inside of All Saints Church and some of the Vicarage and Gardens (Hilary Healey)
• Nocton Railway Station (Trevor Peacock)
• The James Gilroy's Cartoon of Lady Buckingham (Carol Bennett)
• The 1st Earl of Ripon painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence ; George Hodgson; photos of the Ellys monument and the West Window (Sue Morris)

Powerpoint presentation:

• By Sue Morris.

Maurice Henry Footman was born in Ipswich in 1860. He was the eldest child of Canon Footman who was Vicar of Nocton from 1881 to 1902. He married Lily Harriet Bridges in Stepney, London in 1889. The same year, he had published in Lincoln "The Orchard of a King" a romantic play in one act.

By 1891, he was a solicitor and living with his wife and his younger sister Hannah, who was studying to be a school mistress, at 1 Greetwell Gate, Lincoln St Peter in Eastgate. During March 1900 he was appointed Coroner for Kesteven County Council and one of his Inquests was held in October 1908 at Dunston, concerning two local young men who had died by misadventure by suffocation while examining a pipe in a well in Dunston Vicarage Garden.

Maurice's father, Canon Footman, died in 1902 and his mother and sister would have had to vacate the Vicarage at Nocton. Maurice was an Alderman for many years and in December 1903 he was elected Mayor of Lincoln. By the time he presented his Lantern Slide Show to the Nocton audience in 1911, he was living at Nocton House in Wragby Road, with his wife and 4 year old daughter, Catherine and his older sister Catherine.

Maurice died in the December of 1923 in Lincoln.

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Village Life

Book tells stories of village life

'Nocton – The Last Years of an Estate Village: Volume Two comprises a number of accounts and photographs from Nocton residents.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Book-tells-stories-village-life/story-12746463-detail/story.html

 

'Nocton - The Last Years of an Estate Village' display

 

Sue Morris

 

Book launch on Village Green

 
Rural communities sceptical over Cameron's Big Society

'PEOPLE living in rural communities have major concerns about the benefits promised by the Government’s Big Society and believe plans for local people to deliver local services must be better thought through, a study has revealed.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/rural-life/country-view/rural-communities-sceptical-over-camerons-big-society/39665.article
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June Events

To coincide with the launch of Volume 2 of 'Nocton - The Last Years of an Estate Village' by Sue Morris,  the All Saints Church, Nocton will be open for teas, coffees and cakes from midday to 5pm on 4th June.

This coincides with the installation of a modern sculpture by Lincolnshire Artist 'Martin Griffiths' which will be on display in the church grounds throughout the month of June. Martin will also be giving a lecture entitled 'Finding the Spiritual in Art' at Nocton Church commencing at 7pm on Saturday 18th June (free entry). Refreshments will be available.

Nocton Social club are also having a 'Mr & Mrs' night on June 10th Commencing at 8pm and a Quiz Night on 24th June (teams 4-6, £1 per person)

On the 25th June there is a concert in church by 'The LincEffect' - check them out at http://www.lincseffect.co.uk/. Tickets for this event will be available on the night and are available from Carol Bennett and Ann Kennedy. £12.50 (Concessions £10) paid up supporters of Nocton Church £8.50.

25th June 2011 is also Armed Forces Day http://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/default.aspx
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What's On

Forthcoming Events (courtesy of the Parish Magazine)

Week commencing 16th May

Nocton Village Trail and artsNK CREATIVE DAYS in Nocton Village Hall

Monday 16th May: 9.00 am - 12 noon
Wednesday 18th May: 9.00 am - 12 noon
Thursday 19th May: 9.00 am - 12 noon
Friday 20th May: 9.00 am - 12 noon
Saturday 21st May: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm

Whatever your age or level of skill, you may wish to attend these workshops. If you enjoy making pottery light containers, spectacular willow masks or creating your own flags, this is the event for you. All items will be used in the SaFire Event at the Cathedral on 28th May.

Saturday 28th May
Rhubarb Theatre and artsNK are also seeking willing volunteers to create a piece of shadow puppetry for the SaFire Festival at Lincoln Cathedral and Bishop's Palace.

There are three rehearsals on Saturday, May 7th, 14th and 21st all running from 12 noon to 2.00 pm. The rehearsals will be held at Impart, just off Lincoln High Street, (near the Shakespeare Pub).

The actual event is during the evening of 28th May, but you will need to be available for a dress rehearsal on the 27th May and all the rehearsal dates above. It will be a very exciting event and they are looking for a good number of adults for this extravaganza.

If you are interested, please contact: info@rhubarbtheatre.co.uk. Telephone: 01400 275133.

Wed 1st June
‘Light Sculptor Martin Griffiths’ puts one of his latest pieces on display at All Saints Church. The work will be on display throughout June.

Tue 7th June
‘Parish Council Meeting’ in the village hall at 7pm.

Notes from the previous Nocton Parish Council meeting held on May 3rd at 7.00pm

Nocton Village Plan.
The meeting opened with a lively discussion on the proposed Nocton Community Plan proposal. Several residents wished to clarify what involvement the Parish Council had and what exactly was being proposed. The Parish Council confirmed they have no formal involvement at this time, and the initial meeting of Nocton Residents on 20 April was to see if such a Plan was of interest to the community.

The Parish Council Chair commented that the turnout of 42 residents from the parish was a credit to the organisers. Cllr Williams commented on the enthusiasm for the presentation by Fiona Lowe from Lincs Community LED. A Steering Committee has been formed and the first meeting is at the end of May.
Dog Warden.
Mrs Hill is continuing to patrol the public areas and signs for the general public outlining the laws on dog fouling are to be posted in the worst affected areas. Mrs Hill’s correct telephone number is 01526 322015. Please do contact her with any dog related issues in the Parish.

Annual General Meeting 2011
All Councillors have been returned unopposed and Deborah Wilson was re-elected as Chair with Ian Goldsworthy as Vice Chair for the following 12 months. There is still a vacancy for a Parish Councillor position and an official notice has been posted on the Parish Notice Board. If you wish to be considered
please apply in writing to the Parish Clerk Doreen Green (indicating why you wish to be a
councillor, what you can offer the Council, committee experience etc) by May 27th.

Highways.
Cllr Goldsworthy reported that the previous month’s meeting with Highways had been somewhat successful as the kerb by the Post Office was due to be “dropped” sometime in the coming week with others planned in the next few months. It is hoped Mr Brown will be visiting Nocton very soon for “a walk round” so he can see at first hand the various issues that need to be addressed.

Diamond Jubilee.
Cllr Williams requested that we start thinking about Nocton’s celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next June. It was proposed that all the various clubs and groups in the village, including the School, get together and decide how Nocton is to mark this special occasion.

Village Hall.
Cllr Askew reported that the Cottage Nursing Home Coffee morning had been very poorly attended and that the recent Help for Heroes’ Village Hall event although well supported, the attendees were mainly from outside the village. This seems to be a continuing and growing problem in Nocton where attendances at “local” events are low. Communication was deemed to be a major issue.

Nocton Hall
A report on the various options for its future is expected soon. The initial report was posted here on the Nocton Blog a couple of days or so ago, if you wish to read it.

Major Stakeholders.
Over the next few months the Parish Council will be inviting Mr Sowerby (developer of Nocton Park). Mr Willes (Nocton Dairies) Mr Hardcastle of LEDA Properties (owners of the Hall and derelict hospital site) to attend a Parish Council meeting. If you wish to hear what they have to say or put your own questions to them, make sure to attend. The information will be posted on the Parish Notice Board and communicated via the Parish Newsletter when these dates are confirmed.

If you want your say or just to know what’s afoot come to your Parish Council Meetings!

Councillor MaryAnn Williams

Wed 8th June
‘Village Hall Coffee Morning’ 10-12 Midday. Free Tea & Coffee.

Sat 18th June
Sculptor and Artist Martin Griffiths will give a lecture entitled “Experiencing the Spiritual in Art”. This slide talk, first given by Lincolnshire artist Martin Griffiths in the Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, will explore high points in western art, and celebrate selected examples of Italian Renaissance art and architecture, 17thC Dutch realism, 19thC English Romanticism and outstanding examples of 20thC international metaphysical art. The talk will also introduce parallels between the visual arts and literary and musical creativity, and show how 'the spiritual' may manifest in a broad range of artistic ideas, forms and movements.

Start at 7pm. Refreshments available. There is no admission charge, however donations to All Saints’ Church are welcome.

Sat 4th June
Sue will launch her new book (NOCTON - The Last Years of an Estate Village, Volume 2) on the Village Green on 4th June.

At 1.00pm there will be a Hog Roast Lunch for contributors, followed at 2.00pm with a toast and the cutting of the launch cake when all villagers and friends are invited to attend.

Volume Two will have 50% more pages than Volume One and consequently more photos - there are 34 pages of colour photos!

The book has a cover price of £25.00 but there is however a special launch price of £20.00. Anyone unable to come on the 4th and would like a copy please contact Sue Morris by phone 321455 or email noctonbooks@sjmtjm.myzen.co.uk.

Wed 15th June
‘Nocton PCC Meeting’ in church at 7.30pm.

Sat 25th June
‘The Lincs Effect’ A Concert.
This concert has arranged been further, to continue to raise funds for the All Saints Church reroofing project. The Lincs Effect close harmony group is made up of singers from Lincoln, and friends, who are steeped in the Anglican choral tradition. But guess again if you think they sing only serious music. Lincs Effect’s range runs from Bach to the Beatles, from Tallis to the Temptations. This will be an entertaining, light-hearted evening, in the finest Gothic Revival Church in Lincolnshire.

Attendance: 7.30pm at All Saints Church. Tickets £12. Concession £10 (paid up supporters £8.50).

Refreshments and complimentary wine are included. To book tickets, phone Carol on 01526 322930, or Ann on 01526 322739.
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Nocton - The Last Years of an Estate Village

This excellent book - Volume 1 - is a wonderful read. Sheila Redshaw has amassed a huge amount of local information about Nocton for future generations to read about. The data was compiled by Sue Morris, without whom the book could not have been published.

The book can still be purchased from The Post Office, Nocton or Tucann Design & Print, 19 High St, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1RG - price £20.

Email: sales@tucann.co.uk
Tel: 01522 790009