Friends of Bolingbroke Castle Newsletter
Dear All,
Hopefully, you will all have enjoyed your summer break. A summer that has ensured
we are all out of hosepipe restrictions ! Presently, we are enjoying delightful weather
which is very welcome and long may it last.
You will all be aware of our involvement in the Castle Moat Project. During June Ben
Burgess from Creative Nature returned to assess the site and was pleased to note
the significant numbers of Great Crested Newts. Hopefully, his forthcoming report
will confirm the success of everyone’s efforts in excavating, planting and
rejuvenating the Moat Site.
The Friends organised the Village Jubilee Celebration on the Castle on the afternoon
of June 4th attended by most of the village. Thankfully, we were blessed with the only
fine day in a very rainy week.
Activities included Splat-the-Rat, Hoopla, Hook-a-Duck, Skittles, Crown Making,
Apple Bobbing and Pedro the Clown. The Sponge Stocks were very popular
especially when Maurice Bradbury sat in them as he threw the sponges back at his
assailants ! The crowning glory was the wonderful jubilee cake made by Gay
Crawford (see above).
We were again blessed by good weather for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ held on
June 24th . The Friends brought The Chapterhouse Players to the Castle for this
Shakespearean Performance which attracted some 300 people. The setting and
performance provided a magical combination which produced a truly memorable
evening.
Unfortunately, the weather finally caught up with us on July 4th when we were due to
have our annual stand at Spilsby Show. The Show was cancelled due to the waterlogged showground. On the plus side our booking fee is transferred to 2013 so we
are already booked for next year’s show.
It is sad to report the passing of Tom King last month and our sincere condolences
and best wishes go to Maria in this difficult time.
As you already know , Maurice Bradbury produced a book entitled ‘Old Bolingbroke
1908-1914’ which is a photographic record using James Crampton’s Photographs.
The books have proved very popular as gifts and copies at the bargain price of £3.50
can still be obtained from me (tel.01790763088 or e-mail holmes46@hotmail.com )
The ditch bordering the Castle Grounds on Hagnaby Road has recently been cleared
as it has become significantly overgrown. This will be a relief to all living opposite
although it might still require the removal of excess vegetation in some areas.
The Friend are planning the future events programme and would welcome
ideas for future activities. Please contact me if you have any. The Annual
‘Carols Round the Christmas Tree’ will be on Wednesday December 12 th at
6.30 pm accompanied by Mareham-Le-Fen Silver Band.
There will be a Curry & Quiz Night in the Village Hall on October 26th which will be a
fundraiser for LIVES (First Responders). Tickets, £7.50 per head, will be on sale with
me shortly. You can contact me at 01790763088 or e-mail holmes46@hotmail.com.
Hope you will come to support such a good cause.
The Friends Christmas Social in the Village Hall will be on December 14 th at 7.30 for
8.oo pm. I look forward to seeing you all at the Friends Annual Festive Gathering.
June Irving is arranging a Lincolnshire Archive Film Show for after Christmas. These
have proved popular and I will give details when the event is booked. Presently, the
Committee are looking at possible events for 2013 which include a Skirmish by the
Sealed Knot and another Drama Performance on the Castle. As I say, if ou have any
further ideas let me know.
To finish here are a couple of historical, not hysterical, jokes that you might like;
Why does history repeat itself ? Because we didn’t listen the first time
Who invented fractions ? Henry 1/8th
The next Committee Meeting will be in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm on November 15th.
Regards,
John
John Farrow – Chairman
September 2012