Latest district news from Louth and surrounding areas

On Thursday, January 21 there was no meeting at Trinity. Instead the Louth and District branch of Parkinson’s UK were entertained in the newly refurbished Utterby Village Hall by the Ukulele Band of Louth.

They gave the branch a very good afternoon of music from a variety of instruments as well as the ukulele and some vocals, too. All who attended enjoyed the music as much as the refreshments and it was thought by the members to be a good start to the year.

On Thursday, February 4, the branch held its normal monthly meeting at the Holy Trinity Church in Eastgate and once again it was very well attended.

The group were fortunate to have Sid Dennis, a well known comedian and after-dinner speaker who kept them all laughing throughout his time with the local branch and it was much appreciated.

Also, tickets are going fast for the Parkinson’s Players forthcoming show ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Strife’ at The Playgoers Riverside Studio Theatre on Thursday, April 21 at 2pm.

Thursday, March 3, is the branch’s annual general meeting, to be held at the usual venue in Eastgate. For further details about the group, contact the secretary, Lesley Swift, on 01472 591071.

Ludford

Fever – The life and loves of Peggy Lee with the voice of Sarah Moule, and Simon Wallace on piano, will be presented at Ludford Village Hall on Friday, February 26. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £8 in advance or £9 on the door on the night. Please call Caroline on 01507 313335.

Seniors forum

Margaret Brown and Janet Croft have represented the Louth and District Seniors Forum at meetings of the Association of Lincolnshire Seniors’ Forums (ALSF) and the East Midlands Later Life Forum(EMLLF).

They reported that after March, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will no longer fund the regional forums such as EMLLF.

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) will also cease their grants to local forums such as LDSF at the same time.

These actions put the future of forums in great need of funds and in great danger of closing. If anyone can help with the search for funds, LDSF would be grateful to hear from them.

Other matters at the meetings included presentations from the Centre for Ageing Better, who received a £50million grant from the Big Lottery for research into the health, finances and social life of older people.

There was also a presentation from Loughborough University, who received a grant of £1.5million for research into digital inclusion. Neither of these organisations will fund local forums such as ours. Further details from Margaret at [email protected] or Janet at [email protected].

Fulstow

Well-known Grimsby railway author and historian Alf Ludlam will be giving an illustrated talk on the Railways of North East Lincolnshire at this year’s annual general meeting of the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Society.

The meeting, which is open to all, will be at Fulstow Village Hall on Sunday, February 28, starting at 2pm. A range of books onthe history of Lincolnshire’s railways, published by the LWRS and written by Alf Ludlam, will be available on the day.

Manby & Grimoldby

On Thursday, February 23, members of the Manby and Grimoldby WI met for their annual general meeting, after the general business took place. The roll call for the evening was ‘Your favourite cookbook’ and a motto for the coming year.

Norma Booth read out the annual report, outlining the activities and speakers throughout the year.

The treasurer’s report was given showing the group’s finances are in robust health.Elaine Whetton read out a letter from Sue Holmes, retiring President, as she was absent for personal reasons.

After the selection of the committee for the forthcoming year the vote for president was taken. Sue Holmes was voted back into the position unanimously, despite her absence. The awards for the competitons for 2015 were presented with Pat Needham winning the overall flower of the month, Barbara Bragg came in second and Jane Riggall third. In the monthly competition Pat Needham was again first with Jane Riggall second and Barbara Bragg third.

A light-hearted food quiz then took place with everyone enjoying the fun. Gill Brooker judged the monthly competition – a “bake-off” challenge hallenge swiss roll, recipe supplied. There were 10 entries and the standard was high. Angela Wyse and Babs Graham were joint first, Pat Needham second and Wendy Henderson third.