Historic Stickford rocking its way into 2020

Where once homes were scattered along winding roads, Stickford is now divided by the busy A!6 bypass, which takes huge volumes of traffic to the coast and the Wolds each summer.

The bypass was built in 1992 and split the village into three sections - Church Road, Fen Road/Cul de Sac and Hagnaby Road. However, in spite of this division, the village's community is thriving.

"It's very quiet here but there is a lot going on," says the chairman of Stickford Parish Council, Pam Bryant. "That's what we want to get across because it's important in villages like ours that people do not feel isolated."

Stickford was first recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086 appearing as Stichesforde. The name indicates ‘river crossing giving access to the Stick’ an ode to the neighbouring village, Stickney.

Historians argue stick could indicate ‘sticky’ due to the marshy wet lands before it was drained - so it is not surprising the village has a number of allotments which are all well-used by local residents..

Now the home to around 400 people - mainly retired or middle aged - and every newcomer receives a welcome pack full of useful information to help them settle in.

The characters of the residents are as rich as the fertile land surrounding the village.

A number of representatives of local groups arranged to meet up with me at the Community Centre - which, with its nursery and other meetings, is bringing life back to a former local school that no longer exists.

Among them is a retired teacher, city worker and careers adviser - and there's even the wife of a former real British 'James Bond'.

Now they spend their leisure time organising activities for groups, such as the History Group, the Keals Club and the WI.

The local WI has grown from strength to strength since Jennie Hamer and Teresa Blair took over a year ago. It now boasts 20 members, who enjoy a friendly and less formal environment..

Last year, iThe WI celebrated its 60th anniversary with a 50s style party and entertainment.

"You won't see us making many cakes," said Teresa. "We love going on trips, though, such as to the theatre and would love some younger members to join in our fun too.

"We have a lot of experience to share."

Jennie added: "We also support the hospital with knitting prem baby bonnets and twiddle muffs for dementia patients."

St Helen’s Church stands proudly on the west side of the A16 - a grade 2 listed building dating back to the 13th dedicated patron saint of new discoveries.

Following a number of successful grants it has been able to install water, a disabled toilet and a new servery for refreshments.

"We aim to use the church as a community building along with the community centre," said Cheryl. "We have a regular congregation and at Christmas had 90 people at our carol service.

Inside, the church proudly displays a medieval bell - one of the fascinating facts for local historians, along with a war memorial clock tower.

"It's unique because we believe it to be the only one in the country with a clock," said Cheryl Steele, who is chairman of the History Group, as well as secretary of St Helen's Church and the producer of the village newsletter..

"We would love to see it working for its 100th anniversary in 2023"

The History Group has written four books about the village, "There are so many fascinating facts about the area we try to focus on local history and invite speakers from the county," said. Cheryl. "We are particularly proud of out books which have been very popular."

The refurbishment of the clock it set to be on the agenda of the next Parish Council meeting in March.

"We've had some experts look to see what can be done to get it working," said Pam. "Our councillors have a wealth of experience in different fields, which is probably why we work so well together.

"We are especially proud of our charities, which provide financial help for the residents of Stickford. Relief in Need provides vouchers to help local families buy school uniforms, gives birth grants, cash payments to pensioners at Christmas and even assists with repair bills and funeral expenses.

"Twice a month it provides a free bus service to Boston and Horncastle for those without transport or who have a genuine need..

"This is especially important for those who do not drive so they do not feel isolated.

"There is also an Educational Charity, which makes book and equipment grants to further and higher educational students."

Working hard to organise events for the over-55s is the Keals Club, which has also celebrated its 60th anniversary and has 40 members who travel from the surrounding area.

As well as guest speakers, they go on outings, hold auctions, raffles, games afternoons and well as a flower of the month competition.

John Spencer is the club's chairman. who has been in the village 20 years after discovering he had family in the area through a Channel 5 programme. "The club has members from around the area, he said.

Secretary Pamela Thorn added: "It's all about companionship really. Getting together and having a good time."

Now attracting punters from a wide area is the Red Lion pub, which is dog friendly, serves traditional pub grub, is another hub for the village hosting groups such as the Magic Circle, is fast becoming known as a live music 'Venue' and is busy planning its own Mini Fest in the summer.

It was taken over a year ago by landlady Katie Buncombe and her partner, who prefers to take a back seat these days after moving from a busy pub in Northamptonshire.

"We came here for a different pace of life and tried a cafe and shop last summer but that didn't really take off," said Katie.. "But our music nights are really taking off. We drip fed the village to start with having an accoustic night, then we had a duo and introduced our first group for Hallowe'en. We didn't know if people might think it was too loud but they loved it.

"We've a lot more planned for this year - especially for the garden area. We'll be rocking there in the summer with the Mini Fest."

For more details about Stickford and local events, visit the Stickford Village and Stickford Memories Facebook pages.

UPCOMING EVENTS GUIDE

STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Meets first Tuesday of the month. Next meeting March 3.

Venue: Stickford Community Centre

ST HELEN'S CHURCH

Stickford has a monthly Service of Holy Communion 11.15am on the 4th Sunday of the month but people are encouraged to worship each Sunday in a neighbouring church. The 2nd Sunday of the month is always Stickney at 11.15am which is a Service of the Word and the 3rd Sunday of the month New Leake 3pm Holy Communion. On the 1st Sunday of the month the 9.30am service alternates between Stickney and Stickford.

So for March there will be a service at Stickford on March 1, 9.30am, and March 22, 11.15am..

KEALS CLUB

Meets 2nd Tuesday of every month

Venue: Stickford Community Centre

STICKFORD HISTORY GROUP

Meets every 3rd Thursday except August)

Venue: Stickford Community Centre

RED LION PUB

Indie And Soft Rock Cover From Blackout UK, February 29, 8pm

Toadi Playing Their Rock Set For Russ' 30th (60th) Birthday!, March 14, 8pm

A Night Of Soul And Diva Classics From The Amazing Celena Deans, March 28, 8pm.