April 2026
RIPPINGALE NEWSLETTER APRIL 2026
Contact: rippingalenewsletter@outlook.com
Editorial
Thank you for all the items submitted this month, demonstrating the many social
groups and events that make Rippingale such a pleasant village in which to live.
Whilst the Newsletter is not as instant as Facebook, etc., it is still appreciated by
those residents less reliant on social media or who just prefer the printed format!
Whatever, it’s a great way to promote the various clubs and groups to others and you
can keep us up to date with a short article sent to the email address above.
The Mobile Library visits on Wed. 22nd April at 1.45pm and Liz Houlden from
Lincolnshire Libraries, sent a message to indicate an increase in footfall noted last
month.
Finally, as I get older and remember all the people I’ve lost along the way, I think
perhaps I wasn’t the best of tour guides after all.
We look forward to receiving any items for the May Newsletter by Wednesday
22nd April 2026.
Church Development Open Weekend
St Andrew’s Church, Rippingale
We are just 2 weeks away from the launch weekend of the Church Development
display, where villagers will be able to view the ambitious plans to refurbish the
church, construct some new facilities and create more space for events and
activities. The project has been underway for 17 months and the Church
Development Team (CDT) are finally in a position to present the results of their hard
work.
Since the concept was first discussed in October 2024, we have accomplished a
great deal. The the architects have now been on board for several months with full
support from the Lincoln Diocese and a hugely enthusiastic PCC. We are optimistic
in starting construction in late Summer, subject to funding.
The display will be available to view in the church from the 10 th to 30 th April and
members of the CDT will be present to answer any questions you may have during
the first weekend (see dates/times below). We look forward to seeing you.
6.00-8.00pm on Fri 10 th April
10.00-12.00 noon on Sat & Sun mornings
11 th & 12 th April 2026
Parish Council News for April
1. We still need new Councillors
Our parish is shaped by the people who care about it — people who want to protect
what makes our community special while helping it thrive for the future.
Although we now have a vibrant and active team of Councillors, we are, once
again, still looking for residents who are willing to step forward and become Parish
Councillors.
You don’t need special qualifications or years of experience. You simply need a
genuine interest in your community and a willingness to listen, learn and contribute.
Why join the Parish Council?
• To help influence decisions that directly affect local life, from planning matters to
community events, green spaces, road safety and local services
• To be part of a team that works to improve the parish for everyone
• To gain new skills, meet new people and make a real difference
Who can apply?
Anyone over 18 who has lived in the parish for at least 12 months. People from all
backgrounds are welcome, in fact, a mix of voices and backgrounds makes the
council stronger and more representative.
How much time does it take?
Most Parish Councillors attend a monthly meeting and spend a small amount of time
between meetings following up on local issues. It’s a manageable commitment that
has a meaningful impact.
If not you, then who?
Our parish deserves a council that reflects the community it serves. If you’ve ever
thought “someone should do something about that”, perhaps you are that someone.
If you’re interested or would like an informal chat about what the role involves,
please get in touch:
Laura Davies, Parish Clerk rippingalepc@gmail.com
Barry Ross, Chair chairmanpc4@gmail.com
Tony Creek, Vice Chair tonycreekrpc@gmail.co
2. Jubilee Playing Field
Cllr Sarah Earl has now got the bit between her teeth in taking forward the many
proposals for improving the use of our playing field. She, along with a small
dedicated team, has been working with SKDC to seek ratification from Government
to utilise the grant we have already received for providing facilities on the playing
field.
The team are investigating the costs to remove the old storage unit and have
received positive and helpful advice from experienced residents regarding
disconnection of services, demolition costs etc. We are also looking into the viability
of refurbishing the existing building, so please get in touch if you can assist in this
endeavour.
3. Drainage/Flooding
The Emergency team continues to keep a watchful eye (eyes) on the dykes and
grilles around the village to ensure they are flowing as freely as possible. LCC has
been asked repeatedly, via FixMyStreet to clear the gulleys along the East part of
East Street, but has not yet done so. We have therefore had to ask our County
Councillor Martin Hill to raise this directly with the relevant department within LCC.
There have been 3 requests over the past 5 months, which I am sure we all agree is
totally unacceptable. Please, if you see an issue with a drain, gulley or dyke, report it
via www.fixmystreet.com.
Anglian Water has placed straw bales at the manhole at the bend on East Street,
apparently to restrict the flow of sewage into the adjacent dyke. Unfortunately, this
has resulted in the area looking very unsightly. We will continue to press Anglian
Water to resolve this and the other drainage issues we have in the village. After
being very communicative initially, the representatives from Anglian Water have
advised that improvements are being further delayed and have disappointingly
become very uncommunicative. Hopefully these issues will ease as we experience
drier weather.
4. Allotments
Our thanks go to the RGAG committee who has helped enormously in achieving the
situation where we now only have a few plots untenanted.
Water harvesting phase 1 has shown that the process is viable and work on Phase 2
is underway. The Parish Council will be contributing to the costs involved as it had
already committed funds to providing a water supply to the site. Some residents
have already contributed timber etc for use in constructing the “Stations” and we
thank them for their help. We will need more materials and ask that residents who
can offer timber, guttering etc to contact the RGAG Chair (rgagchair@gmail.com)
5. Parish Planning Update
There is no change in the status of significant developments this month. The Parish
Council met with South Kesteven Planning Department and our new Aveland
Councillor, Kyle Able in February, key points included:
• Agreement to improve communication including possibly working with policy team
to update the Neighbourhood Plan.
• South Kesteven’s new local plan is due at end of 2026
• Nationally, housing targets are not being met and that is putting pressure on local
planners to find ways to help achieve them.
• Discussed the unprecedented increase in applications for new housing over last
year (circa 42 new homes which is 12% increase in village housing stock).
Numbers are above 1% increase in Neighbourhood Plan and current South
Kesteven plan.
• We reported feedback from villagers that officer reports have not always addressed
issues raised by community. We agreed to monitor reports going forward.
• We raised concern that the 2 applications at the Old Surgery have remained
undecided since 2024/25 respectively. The planners agreed to investigate.
• Tony Creek, lead councillor for emergency management and flooding raised issues
with flooding in the village. Planners said it was important that villagers report all
incidents to authorities to ensure full record of flooding
Rippingale Gardening Club
After our refreshments of homemade cakes and tea or coffee, notices were read and
the winners of the competitions announced. The finished pots, decorated last month
at our Paint a Pot event, were handed out and we were amazed at how much
brighter they looked after their firing.
Next month the Annual Meeting will be held at Rippingale Village Hall at 2pm after
which Lucinda will show us how to “Sparkle from Within: Confidence, Presence and
Joy” which should prove interesting. If you would like more information about the WI,
or would like to come along for a free taster session, please telephone Janet on
07552 699848.
Row Garden Allotment Group: Water Harvesting
The RGAG have completed phase 1 of a water harvesting project. We are currently
putting plans together with the Parish Council for a potential phase 2, to increase
water collection for all plot holders.
Water harvesting stations on allotment plots provide many significant benefits,
including not requiring a mains water supply, improved plant health, increased
climate resilience, and reduced environmental impact.
By capturing rainwater from roofs, sheds or polytunnels, plot holders can ensure a
steady, free supply of water even during hosepipe bans and dry summer periods.
The stations we are looking at implementing will supplement the rain water plot
holders already capture.
We have benefited from donations of guttering and other materials from village
residents, which we are very thankful for and ask if you have anything that you feel
we could reuse or indeed have any skills that you would be happy to put to good use
to help us build these stations, then please email us on rgagchair@gmail.com.
(Items such as, guttering, roofing sheets, wood, water butts, pallets etc.).
And if you would like to take on an allotment plot, we still have a couple available,
please contact the Parish Council at rippingalepc@gmail.com
Willows Coffee and Natter Events
There were several reasons we set up the Willows Coffee & Natter Morning events
though principally to enable the residents to socialise. Socialisation boosts cognitive
function, slows decline and reduces anxiety, depression and isolation.
Secondly to try and integrate the residents and local community. It’s nice for them to
feel a part of the community they are living in.
Just having these new faces to see and talk to, has been a benefit for the residents.
It’s created a lot of smiles and laughs.
We also have a few residents that like to assist in the setting up and tidy up, thus
giving them a sense of purpose and occupying their hands & minds.
The Tuesday before the coffee morning, the residents will decorate the
biscuits/cakes in preparation and excitement for the morning.
Any donations received go toward the residents’ activity fund which supports
supplies for activities
The Coffee & Natter Morning is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month
from 10.15am-11.45am. Everyone is welcome and it would be lovely to see more
faces from the village.
Hayley (Activities co-ordinator)
St Andrew’s Church Community Coffee Morning
We started our new year off with pancakes. The batter was home made as you
would expect, with fresh and very local eggs. Once the cooks got the hang of the
process they were of expert quality, a real winner and enjoyed by all.
The fresh vegetables were of a superb standard especially as at this time of the year
its difficult to find such a good selection.
NEXT COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING TUESDAY APRIL 7TH AT 10.15
Very many thanks to everybody who helped in making the occasion so very special
and from my point of view a privilege to be part of a community who are always
pleased to help one another.
Please note: the Easter Sunday Eucharist is on Sunday 5th April at 6pm
Jonathan Newell
The 200 Club Lucky Winners
The January, February and March results, drawn at the Community Coffee Morning
on 3 March are as follows:
January 2026 Draw
£30 ticket number 9 Mrs R Main
£20 ticket number 45 Mr K Cotton
£15 ticket number 92 Mr P Mylchrest
£15 ticket number 112 Mrs B Machin
£15 ticket number 78 Mrs D Fowler
February 2026 Draw
£200 ticket number 3 Mr I Misselbrook
£100 ticket number 193 Mrs K Charlton
£50 ticket number 181 Mr M Baylis
£50 ticket number 109 Mrs P Grey
£50 ticket number 135 Mr S Johnson
March 2026 Draw
£30 ticket number 136 Mrs D Pitcher
£20 ticket number 13 Mr P Ward
£15 ticket number 29 Mr N Jervis
£15 ticket number 158 Mr P Ward
£15 ticket number 41 Mr C Shepherd
RADWI News
We met this month in Rippingale Village Hall to listen to Martin Siddle who gave us a
very informative account of the life of Charles Worth. It is amazing that, against the
odds, a boy from Bourne went on to found the most famous couture house in
Europe, used by royalty, the rich and famous. It was a fascinating story but Martin
told us about Wake House (which one member said should be called “Worth House”)
where Charles Worth was born and spent his early years. National Lottery funding is
helping to finance renovations lovingly overseen by Martin and his team.
After our refreshments of homemade cakes and tea or coffee, notices were read and
the winners of the competitions announced. The finished pots, decorated last month
at our Paint a Pot event, were handed out and we were amazed at how much
brighter they looked after their firing.
Next month the Annual Meeting will be held at Rippingale Village Hall at 2pm after
which Lucinda will show us how to “Sparkle from Within: Confidence, Presence and
Joy” which should prove interesting. If you would like more information about the WI,
or would like to come along for a free taster session, please telephone Janet on
07552 699848.