FOCAL POINT Issue No. 337

December 2008

Ed's Comments

It was with much sadness once again that the village mourned the loss of another of its stalwarts in Hector Young. There are several tributes to Hector in this issue and rightly so. I would add mine:-

There are some who just live in Winthorpe. There are others who share and give support to the village activities and then there is a small band of people who work tirelessly to enhance our lives.

Hector was certainly one of the latter.

He was the quintessential chairman, a man who had the ability to co-opt people onto his various committees and keep projects moving forward, always with his main objective being the improvement to the village amenities.

Even whilst not in good health he was writing to the District Council to try and get our roads resurfaced and writing to help try and prevent closure of the Post Office.

In Homer's Iliad, Hector was a ‘Prince of Troy'; here Hector was a ‘Prince of Winthorpe'. So thank you Hector for enriching my life here and God Bless Joan and may she draw comfort and pride knowing how much he managed to achieve whilst living amongst us.

On another topic, I am sure those who were at the blessing of the Priest Stone would agree with me that it was a lovely little service much enhanced by the attendance and singing of the schoolchildren from Winthorpe School. Jamie the new head of the school seems to be determined to make the school more inclusive in village life - which is lovely to see. I wonder if he would like to move to Winthorpe?

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas & a Happy and Healthy New Year

Cliff Newbold

Closing date for the January issue is early:-- 12th December

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Hector Young

On behalf of the Trustees of the Community Centre and all of the current users of the Centre, I would like to pay tribute to Hector Young who died in November.

Hector was instrumental in forming a steering group which took the project on which resulted in the Centre being built and opened for the millennium. He then went on to chair the Trustees and Management Committee until ill Health forced him to retire. I think everyone will agree that the Centre is fitting memorial to Hector's memory and will be appreciated by all who use it for many years to come.

LUNCHEON CLUB

The Christmas Lunch will be at 12.30pm on Monday the 8th December.

The menu will be:-

Carrot & Coriander Soup with Croutons

Fruit Juice

Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings

Roast Pork with Apple Sauce

Grilled fillet of Trout with Almond Butter

All with

Roast Potatoes, Roast Parsnip, Spouts and Peas

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce

Chocolate Cheesecake & Cream

Coffee and After Dinner Mints

The cost is £8 Please ring Jean and Peter Foden (704241)

not later than Thursday 4th Dec. to reserve your place and make your choice from the menu

Happy Christmas

Christmas and the New Year are almost upon us. I would like to thank everybody who had used the Centre over the last year. Also, my thanks to the support team who made sure that the Centre is well maintained and managed.

I would also like to wish everybody

a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Francis Kelly, Chairman

TUESDAY CLUB

Only one meeting in December which will be our Christmas Party on Tuesday, 9th December, at 2.30pm in the Village Hall.

Please bring an item of food and a wrapped Christmas parcel (approximately £2 in value).

We will also have a Christmas card box for cards between members only.

Thank you to all members and friends who supported our recent Coffee

Morning in aid of the League of Friends of Newark Hospital.

A total £130 was raised for ongoing projects.

May we wish all Focal Point readers a very Happy Christmas

Jean Foden.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH

Flower ladies

Christmas has arrived again! The School children are having a service in the church on the 19th Dec and we feel it would be nice to have the Church decorated to include this occasion.

The Church will therefore be open on the 12th Dec at 1 30pm onwards for you to work your magic.

Please let me know if you have any difficulties about decorating your usual area.

Thank you so much

Sylvia Lloyd - Tel 703271

W.I. REPORT FOR NOVEMBER

It was very good to welcome back our President, Mrs Sylvia Lloyd, this month after her accident, although she was still relying on her trusty crutches.

There was not a speaker, as we had invited the Gifts and greetings team to bring along their products for the members to view and buy. They had brought the usual greetings cards and novelty gifts as well as Christmas cards, wrappings and gift tags. They were very pleased with the worthwhile visit. The committee ladies had been busy during the afternoon, setting out the tables for a social time. A good selection of cheese and biscuits were arranged on the side and wine and orange juice was served to the members. Although this was a social evening, there was some business to be discussed and boards were passed round for choices of carols for our Christmas Festival of readings and carols in the Village church on December 4th at 7-30 pm when husbands and friends are invited.

In February we will be entering teams for the County Quiz. Some members will be attending the American Lunch in the Town Hall and others will be taking part m the Christmas Celebrations in Southwell Minster on December 6th.

Mrs Rose Dickinson won a competition for a Card with Mesdames Pat Nelson and Barbara Callicott second and third. Mrs Linda Richardson had entered a Christmas card sent by her Grandfather to her Grandmother from the First World War.

Our next event is the Festival of readings and Carols on December 4th in the Village Church, Anyone who wishes to attend is invited.

Our Christmas Party is in the Village Hall on December 1st at 7-30 pin when the Speaker is Canon Haydock. Members will provide the Finger Buffet refreshments. The Competition is a Pretty parcel, which will be the exchange of gifts. Our Annual donation envelope is for the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Daphne Marshall

WINTHORPE PRIMARY SCHOOL

I must start this article by thanking Steve Jackson for inviting the school to the blessing of the Priest Stone. The children loved performing their song and learning about the history of the stone. Pat Finn kindly wrote a piece about the Preaching Cross for me to share with the children before the blessing and the children in class 3 have used a Preaching Cross in a play they have written about the plague in Eyam.

Many thanks to all who attended our second pensioners' lunch; good food and company were enjoyed by all. There will be no lunch in December as it is an extremely busy month for the school; however the next lunch will be on Wednesday 14th January at 12pm.

Our infant children will be performing a nativity play on the afternoon of Thursday 11th December. All in the village are welcome to come and watch the performance, which starts at 2pm at the Community Centre.

Again, all are welcome to join us for Carols around the village on the evening of Wednesday 17th December. We will be leaving the school at 6.30pm and returning for mince pies and mulled wine.

Jamie Macintyre,

Head teacher --(01636) 680060 ---School.office@winthorpe.notts.sch.uk

Winthorpe Champions!

On Saturday 15th November the school's netball team took part in the Mick Ashton Autumn Netball Tournament. There were 10 teams competing, all larger schools than ours.

The first match was against John Hunt and we won 4-0. Our next opponents were Chuter Ede; we lost 2-1, we were still asleep! Our third match was Bishop Alexander; we played brilliantly winning 7-0! Next we played Coddington who we triumphantly beat 7-2.

Our good results took us through to the semi-final, where we were against Holy Trinity. After a hard match we were drawing 1-1. In extra time we scored 3 taking the score to 4-1 and us through to the final.

We were up against Chuter Ede again, but this time we beat them 4-0 to become the Newark area champions!

Our squad was: Rachel Cammack (captain), Sophie Hudspeth, Lucy Hales, Maggie Shuckburgh, Fern Knowles, Abbie Underwood and Bea King.

Our thanks go to Mrs Marshall and Miss Fell our coaches.

By Rachel Cammack and Sophie Hudspeth.

Winthorpe Cricket Club

This months report is somewhat bittersweet affair as at the start of the month we were looking forward to our Presentation Evening and then unfortunately we heard the very sad news of the death of Hector Young.

Hector has always been a great supporter of the club and was also a former Chairman, he will be greatly missed by the Club. On a more personal level, he was one of the first people I met when I moved to the Village. I remember him knocking on our back door and before I knew it he soon had me involved in a number of activities, I think I was "press ganged" but just didn't realise it at the time, such was his manner. Most recently he came to the crisis meeting at the Cricket Club in the summer where he put me and all other attendees of the meeting to shame with his determination and boundless enthusiasm. We all left with a flea in our ear determined to follow Hector's example.

Our Annual Presentation was held on Sunday 9th November at the Lord Nelson. It was an excellent evening with numbers being well up on previous years and the pub did us proud with the food. Our new President and his wife, Vincent & Maureen Dobson, both attended which we were very pleased about, hopefully we didn't bore them too much with all the talk about batting and bowling averages and all those games over the season that we shouldn't have lost!

This year the fielding award went to Chris Wragg (again), Jamie Macintyre topped the batting average and also featured in the Divisional averages in 5th place. Ashley Locke topped the bowling averages for both Club and Division, which was an outstanding achievement, plus he was also voted Clubman of the Year.

We are currently looking at how we can encourage more players and members for 2009 so, if anyone out there has any ideas or would like to volunteer, please get in touch. If there is anyone who would like to help in any capacity whether it be serving on the committee or if they could spare a few hours per week to help out at the ground or on match day they would be most welcome. I will as always keep Focal point posted on our progress.

One particular aspect that will be difficult for the 2009 season will be the maintenance and preparation of pitches as our former groundsman has parked up his wicket mower after many years of excellent service. The Committee and Club would like to thank Ashley for all his work over recent years in preparing the match day pitches. This also means that we are on the look out for a new groundsman or men or women. Unlike recent years we now have all the necessary equipment to undertake the task all we need is a person or persons to undertake that task. If you could spare a few hours every other week or so we could certainly do with your help. Anyone who may wish to consider becoming groundsman on a more formal basis the Club are currently considering making the role subject to payment. Should you be able to assist or know of anyone who may be able to help please don't hesitate to contact a member of the Club or one of the contacts below.

With regard to net practice we will be deciding shortly where and when they will be taking place. I will put details in the Focal Point and also on the website, so if you fancy a go please come along you never know you might enjoy it.

Thank you to all of those people who take part in the weekly Bonus Ball that provides us with much needed funds. The draw is still very active so please if you are in the Lord Nelson and fancy a flutter please have a go. Just have a word with the bar staff who will be happy to assist - it's all in a good cause. The Club would at this point also like to offer its thanks to Mike Casterton for yet another year of sterling service in administering the Bonus Ball which has the added Bonus of him having to visit the Lord Nelson once a week.

Don't forget if you would like to find out more about the Club please take a look at the Cricket Club webpage on the Village website and also take a look at our own website on www.winthorpecc.co.uk which has now been brought up to date.

Other than that the Club would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thank you for your continued support without which we could not survive.

Contact Details

Should you wish to contact the Club please call any of the following or alternatively there is a "Contact the Club" facility on the website.

Andy Fereday - 678622 - Ashley Locke - 703988

Peter Bateson - 704787 - Simon Potter - 612968

Andy Fereday

Hector McNiven Young

It was with great sorrow and sadness that we learnt of Hector's death on Sunday, 2nd November. Speaking on behalf of his very many friends in Winthorpe and beyond, we offer our deepest sympathy to Joan, his dear wife, to his children, Karen and Stuart and their spouses and to his grandchildren, James, Nicholas, Brandon and Brenna, for their tragic and unexpected loss.

Hector was born in Scotland but came to Newark as a boy. He went to the Magnus Grammar School and kept his association with that school for the rest of his life; as a governor, a member of the Thomas Magnus Foundation and the Old Magnusians' Association, of which he was the president for 4 years.

After leaving school, Hector went to Loughborough University and following his graduation he taught in England for two years before leaving for Aden. There he stayed with his family for 12 years and continued working in education.

Whilst there, he organised and managed an Aden team of athletes and took them to the Commonwealth Games in Australia in 1962 and Jamaica in 1966.

On their return to this country, Hector and Joan came to live in Winthorpe. He continued working in education at Grantham College. Also at this time, he became a magistrate, a position he held until retiring in 1999.

He was also very involved in Winthorpe with its various organisations, such as, Winthorpe Wanderers, the football club, the cricket club, the Parochial Church Council and the tennis club, of which he was a founder member. He was on the Parish Council for 8 years, most of that time as chairman and whilst there he initiated and saw to completion, the purchase of the Woodlands ‘play' area for the village. He was also involved with the Youth Club, which started life in a wooden prefabricated building on the site where the Community Centre now stands.

Hector was very much involved with the Community Centre project. It was Hector's idea that it would be a fitting celebration of the Millennium.

He started things going and with the help of many others, raised the money, agreed the design and helped to oversee the construction of the building.

Hector was chairman of the Trustees from its initiation until he was forced to resign due to ill health. What a wonderful memorial to this lovely man.

Hector was a kind and gentle person who served Winthorpe well, always willing to help individuals as well as the community as a whole. He will be greatly missed for his ever willingness to assist anyone and by so many of us for his true and lasting friendship. Hector, may he rest in peace.

His Friends

Thankyou

The letters, cards and telephone calls have been so overwhelmingly supportive at this sad time for me and my family at the loss of Hector.

I do thank you all most sincerely and know that I will draw great comfort in the time ahead knowing that I have such village support.

Joan Young

The Village Hall Party 5th December 2008.

Due to lack of interest in this event, the Trustees have decided to cancel the party. I'm sorry about this, it would have been a pleasant evening.

Barbara Woodcock

Bonfire Night

The Youth Club members and committee would like to thank all those who helped and supported the village bonfire event.

We would like to make a special mention to Chris Perkins and his pyrotechnical team ,the representatives from the Parish Council, Community Centre and the Cricket Club, Martin and Jo and of course, our hosts the ‘village school'.

Your efforts were much appreciated. It was so unfortunate that the weather was so wet and dismal this year, causing visitor numbers to be low

Denise Day

THE CHRISTMAS ROBIN

The Little Robin flapped his frozen wings faster as the severe frost invaded his entire body. He flew over the rooftops of the town as night was falling, trying desperately to find a place to shelter from the bitter cold December weather. The more powerful birds had driven him away from his roosting place in one of the few trees left in the barren wastes on the outskirts of the small town.

Finally, almost completely exhausted, he alighted on the roof of a stable, as the flickering snowflakes bounced off his frozen feathers. He edged his way in between a tiny gap in the roof, and found himself in a large stable. The stable was empty, except for a huge ox and a donkey huddled together in the straw fast asleep. Silently the robin flew down and lay between the ox and the donkey. The warmth from their bodies thawed out his chilled bones, and induced by the gradual heat. He fell into a delicious sleep.

He was awakened some hours later, by a blinding light and then, he heard the pitiful cry. He flew around the stable frantically in search of the source of the sad sound.

In a manger of straw he spotted a tiny infant sobbing bitterly. Beside the manger lay a young man and a beautiful young lady stretched out on a bed of straw, fast asleep. He hovered over the infant, and saw that he was shivering with the cold. He flew down at once and pressed his warm breast against the cold cheeks of the infant. Immediately, the baby ceased crying, but the robin could feel that his entire body was cold all over, and try as he may, his tiny body couldn't keep the baby warm. He needed help.

He quickly flew to the rear of the stable where the ox and donkey lay sleeping and called out, "Wake up, wake up," pecking at the donkey's ear. "What's the matter?" The startled donkey exclaimed as he stood up on all fours, disturbing the ox with his sudden movement. There's a tiny infant in the manger over there who is crying bitterly because he is too cold to sleep the robin explained. I tried to keep him warm by lying close to him but alas, my body is too small to provide enough warmth.

"Well," said the donkey, annoyed at being woken from his deep sleep "What do you expect us to do? If we lie beside him our bodies will surely crush him, as we are much too heavy, so, I am afraid much as we would like to we just cannot help." "Hold on a minute," the ox said rubbing the sleep from his bovine eyes, "Let me think."

We must do something quickly or the baby will die from exposure the ox then commanded Come on, he said, Follow me.

He led the donkey and the robin over towards the manger. The ox then commanded Come on, he said Breathe down heavily upon the infant.

Gradually the colour returned to the infants cheeks and he looked up and smiled at the kind animals. The little robin was so pleased that the infant was no longer cold, that he sang his sweetest song as a lullaby to the smiling infant, and the infant went back to sleep. The singing of the Robin awakened the slumbering parents. The lady stretched out her hand and the Robin alighted on it still singing. The lady spoke the Robin saying "Thank you brave little Robin for performing such a kind and unselfish act in bringing comfort to my only son."

"You are one of the smallest of Gods creatures, but your kind heart is bigger than all the other creatures of the air. From this day onwards you will never suffer from the winter cold again, as your proud red breast will always keep you warm, with the warmth of compassion and love."

"You will be known throughout the universe as the messenger of the Christ child, the true herald of Christmas. You are destined to travel the world fore telling the advent of the savour of mankind, and you will be part of the message of Christmas until the end of time and will always be known as the Christmas Robin."

Courtesy of Pat Finn

NEWARK CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION -

WINTHORPE BRANCH

Invites you to a

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING

At WINTHORPE HOUSE

(By kind permission of Mrs Alison Smith)

On Saturday 6th December, 10.30 am - 12.00 pm

Come and meet with your constituency MP

Mr Patrick Mercer OBE

Cake stall - Gift Stall - Raffle Prizes

(All contributions for the stalls& raffle gratefully received)

Tickets £2.00 from: John Tinsley Tel-01636-611576

or at the door

DearAll,

As you read this all of us will be affected by the pre Christmas syndrome * ‘bomb' It may be a period of avoidance or engagement, but we will all be challenged by it.

This year I have tried to get ahead preparing Christmas cards and buying gifts.

As I cross another item off an ever lengthening list Christmas seems a very long march and when I arrive what will I feel? My fear is that I will be crossing an item off the list ‘no. 356 Enjoy Christmas Day' sometime after the event. I will realise that I have so planned the festival day that in doing so have organised out the joy and real flavour of the event.

Jesus' birth was expected and preparations of a sort would have been were made. Inevitably it was painful and messy, as all births, everyone was edgy and concerned. All would have been relieved beyond measure when Jesus was delivered safely.

Planning and making arrangements in advance is important, but must not detract from the reality of the natural chaos and exuberance of the day.

News in whatever media is nearly always presented in a mannered stylised often reassuring way mixing hard fact with celebrity. There are a number of real news items filling our TV screens, newspapers and radio broadcasts. Wars and rumours of wars across the globe, climate and political change amongst many. Then there are items that occupy much of the media's time, articles about self publicists and all kinds of celebrities. The later stories are often a distraction, sometimes welcome, from news that is cruel and violent, but they must not be confused with news. I watched live Barack Obama make his acceptance speech. This was news with too many firsts to list. Why did I get up at 3am to watch?

The answer is - America - it is the only super power in the free world and how its people are led will affect much of the world we inhabit. The United States of America is an extraordinarily diverse nation and gathers many cultures and creeds. It is largely a Christian nation. For good and bad the majority of Americans own the Christian story using it as their moral compass.

Around the world Christmas remains an important news item and every year it is widely reported.

The story has not changed, empires and nations have come and gone, international boundaries have been recast, but the story of Jesus' birth continues. The Bethlehem event is a story of struggle, humility and personal triumph. Why do millions of people around the world stay up on Christmas Eve to celebrate Jesus' birth?

Whether a faith follower or not, Christmas remains one of the world's defining moments. Pompeii, Chracatoa, the rise and fall of many Empires amongst many other events provide us with dates and the reality that something happened. Jesus' birth, his life, work, death and resurrection continue to change and remake our world and continue to be part of the spiritual heart of many countries and varying cultures.

At the end of 2008 a year which will have been for many an ‘Anis Horribilis', 2009 will be approached with trepidation. Remembering the news of Jesus' birth continues to remind us of human chaos and struggle but at the heart universal hope.

Hope in the joy of new life,

Hope in the light of human determination.

Hope that can encourage everyone whatever their situation.

During 2009 I will become responsible for a further three churches. In the light of the increased work load various changes will be made with regard to how the group is managed. One significant development will be that from January there will be two occasions each month when anyone wishing to arrange a wedding or baptism will be able to do so. On the first Monday of each month at the Rectory from 7.30pm until 9pm and on the second Saturday at South Scarle Church from 10.15am until noon. Please phone the Rectory beforehand 01636 892 682 to make an appointment. In the case of medical emergency for a baptism special arrangements will be made.

‘bomb' = Buying outrageously money burns.

In Christian Love,

David

Church Notices

On Sunday 9th November we held our annual Service of Remembrance. Sylvia & Keith Lloyd's family played an important part in the service. Sharon who is the Assistant District Commissioner for Lincoln led in the Union Jack flag carried by her children Liam accompanied by Rebecca , both Scout Explorers. Mrs Audrey Craven laid the wreath on behalf of her husband John and members of the congregation read the prayers. Major Eric Dickenson gave the tribute to the fallen in all wars.

A moving service was led by the Revd Michael Briggs and well supported by the village.

All are invited to the W.I. Carol Service on December 4th at 7.30pm, which will be led by Revd David Milner. I am sure it will be an enjoyable evening.

David's Jolly will be held in the Community Centre on Saturday 13th December 7.30pm - 9pm. All will be welcome - no tickets required.

All are invited to the school Christmas Service on December 19th at l0am and should anyone wish for more carols, the Village Carol Service is on Sunday 21st at 3pm in church where we shall be joined by the Benefice Choir led by Carol Needham. We hope to send you on your way with mulled wine organised by Christine & Ian Hasman.

We were shocked to read about the sudden death of Peter Brooks. In earlier years he had been a regular attender at church and was well known to many in the village. The church was full for his funeral service that was held on Wednesday 19th November and conducted by the Revd Ken Potter Our thoughts are with Kate, Simon & Sarah.

On the 20th November we said ‘Goodbye' to a very dear friend and a valued member of our community. Hector Young's enthusiasm and innovation over the years has achieved much for the village of Winthorpe and we have many reasons to give thanks for his life amongst us. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with Joan and all the family.

We are pleased to say that both Alan Hill and Malcolm Shelmerdine are much better and hope to be home again soon. We send our best wishes to John Nelson ( Woodlands) and Keith Lloyd who are to have knee replacements shortly before Christmas.

We have just heard that Isobel Chipperfield has been in hospital but is now home again. We send her our best wishes and hope that she will soon feel well again.

Our good wishes to all those others who are unwell at this time.

The church will be open for Christmas decorations on

Friday 12th December at 1.30pm

Church Bells :- they will ring for practices on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm until 9pm and possibly for the following:-

December 4th - 7.30pm, W.I. Carol service.

December 14th -10.l5am, Holy Communion service.

December 21st - 3 pm, Village Carol Service.

December 24th - 7.30pm, Christmas Communion.

From the registers

November 1st Holy Matrimony - Philip Turner & Anne Hulse

November 19th R.I.P Peter Brooks

November 20th R.I.P Hector McNiven Young

Brass Cleaners

Mrs Burton, Mrs Chipperfield.

Alan & Ann

Up-to-date notices of our church services and those of the other church services in the Benefice are displayed in the Post Office.

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

CHURCH CLEANING VOLUNTEERS

December

5th Mrs Stone, Mr McClymont - 19th Mrs Foden , Mrs Hill

SERVICES FOR DECEMBER

Thursday 3rd

7.30pm WI Carol Service, Winthorpe.

Sunday 7th - 2nd Sunday in Advent

NO SERVICE IN WINTHORPE

9am Holy Communion, Holme.

Sunday 14th - 3rd Sunday in Advent

10.15am Holy Communion, Winthorpe.

6pm Carol Service, Holme.

Thursday 18th

10am Holy Communion, Winthorpe.

Sunday 21st - 4th Sunday in Advent

9am Holy Communion, Langford

3pm Village Carol Service, Winthorpe.

Friday 19th

10am School Service, Winthorpe.

Wednesday 24th - Christmas Eve

7.30pm Christmas Communion, Winthorpe.

Thursday 25th - Christmas Day

9am Holy Communion, Langford

Sunday 28th - 1st Sunday after Christmas

8am Holy Communion, Winthorpe.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Monday 1st WI Party, 7.30pm - Village Hall

Green Bin

Thursday 4th WI Carols, 7,30pm All Saints Church.

Monday 8th Luncheon Club 12.30pm - Centre.

Silver Bin

Tuesday 9th Tues. Club Party, 2.30pm - V.H.

Thursday 11th School Nativity, 2pm - Centre.

Library Van

Friday 12th Church open for Flower Ladies, 1.30pm

Monday 15th Green Bin

Wednesday 17th School Carols around Winthorpe

SATURDAY 2Oth -- Silver Bin

Monday 29th Green Bin

January

Wednesday 14th School Lunch

‘

Focal Point - December 2008