Rippingale Village News

MARCH 2024
Editorial: Jamie Petch
69a Station St, Rippingale
rippingalenews@hotmail.com
ST ANDREWS CHURCH RIPPINGALE
The Revd Neil Bullen; 01778 219626 or 07729 004642 revdneil@yahoo.com
Website; www.ringstonegroupchurches.org
Coffee Morning. The last coffee morning was held in the Bull. We are very grateful to Leo and Deana for 
such a warm welcome in several ways! The fresh vegetables were first class considering the wet weather we 
have been experiencing recently. I can't emphasise enough how grateful we are to our bakers/cooks for 
providing such delicious bread rolls and cakes etc. The morning went on longer than expected due to people 
being warmer than in the Church.
Next Coffee Morning Tuesday 5th March in the Church. We will be attempting, all going well, to have 
pancakes cooked to order.
We are looking to hold a meeting in the near future to discuss how we can move forward in raising funds to 
keep the Church open and maintained for the occasional service. We will confirm the date in the village 
newsletter and post on the village facebook page in due course.
If you wish to discuss any ideas on the above with me, I will only be too pleased to listen.
Jonathan Newell 07771 825422 or ripps.standrew@gmail.com
200 Club January Winners 
£30 Mrs S Jagger (160)
£20 Mrs J&K Breary-Fogerty
£15 Mrs R McDonald (137) Mr K Cotton (49) Mrs S Atkinson (71)
February Winners 
£200 Mrs Naomi Needham (133)
£100 Mrs D Rouse (20)
£50 Richard Pike (198) Mrs K Lewis (166)
£30 Mr E Jessop (81)
Rippingale & District WI report for 1st February 2024. After not having a meeting in January it was lovely 
to use the occasion of our WI’s 86th Birthday to catch up & socialise. We started with refreshments and a 
piece of birthday cake. Afterwards, birthday cards were given out to members celebrating this month. The 
raffle was drawn & competition winners announced. 
Rebecca our President then reminded us that in April at the AGM, the current committee will be standing 
down because of various other commitments. Members therefore have only the month of March left to come 
forward to volunteer in time for our AGM. 
Rebecca then organised us into groups to play a variation of speed dating with us being given various topics 
to chat about. It raised a lot of laughs & I think we all learnt new things about each other even after being 
friends for so many years. 
On the 7th March our speaker will be from Sleaford Museum. I’m sure we will all learn about some local 
history. Visitors will be made most welcome. 
Further information can be obtained about our friendly group at radwi@btinternet.com. 
Row Garden Allotment Group. Following our recent meeting on 10
th Feb, just to let members and others 
know that we are intending holding a Table Top Sale in Village Hall on March 31
st. We will add details about 
the event and how to book a table via the Rippingale Facebook page and in the next Rippingale newsletter. 
The group will be having a table to raise funds and there will be a range of refreshments available. We hope 
we can follow up our successful Open Day last summer with another community-based event.
After a prolonged wet spell called “winter”, a new growing season is just around the corner with all its benefits 
and challenges. At this stage we still have fruit and vegetables in the freezer, jams and chutneys in the 
cupboard under the stairs, and of course, onions, garlic and red potatoes in the garage. We are fortunate that 
we have access to allotment land that is relatively inexpensive and allows you to grow a range of fresh 
produce and flowers for use at home. 
If you don’t have a plot, live in Rippingale and are interested in starting your own patch, contact the 
Rippingale Parish Council Clerk rippingalepc@gmail.com Tel: 07375 364742. There are some plots 
available. (Rental agreements begin April 1st). Once you have your plot, you might want to join the Row 
Garden Allotment Group and take advantage of several benefits associated with membership - such as 
access to manure, chipping for pathways, rotovators, membership of the National Allotment Association with 
benefits that include offers on seeds, plants and equipment and a quarterly Allotment Magazine. The group 
also maintains the grass roadways on the allotments. All this for £10 a year. If you’re interested in joining the 
group or would like an informal look at what’s available at the allotments, contact the RGAG secretary, Iain, 
at janeiain@yahoo.co.uk
Rippingale & District Friendship Club. Wednesday 7th February saw our first meeting of 2024. It was an 
informal meeting, and our members chose from our range of games to keep themselves amused until 
teatime. We held our raffle before tea and biscuits were served. We welcomed three potential new members 
to the meeting, which was encouraging. 
Over the Christmas and New Year break there have been several committee meetings and emails going 
back and forth. Our aim is to have more interesting activities and games. 
Our March meetings are.
6
th
. A Demonstration and Sale of Artificial Flower Arrangements. These are very popular, and Lesley will also
take commissions for her larger displays.
20th
. Easter Fun and Games. We will have an Easter Bonnet or Basket competition. Plus we will have a Cake
Demonstration and hopefully cakes with our tea.
Our April Meetings are.
3
rd
. Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer (Part 1)
17th
. Something Beginning with ….. This will hopefully get our old grey matter working.
Halfway through the afternoon we have light refreshments, a raffle and a few games of Bingo.
At a loose end? Want to meet new people and have a laugh, then why not come along to our meetings.
Please Note:- Our meetings will now start at 1.30 and finish at 3.30.
Parish Council News
Chairman – Cllr Chris Charlton; chairmanrpc4@gmail.com 07908 540683
Parish Clerk (General enquiries) – Laura Davies: rippingalepc@gmail.com 07375 364742
Website – http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Rippingale
LESSONS LEARNT FROM STORM HENK – 2
nd JANUARY 2024 – RIPPINGALE PARISH COUNCIL -
AFTER PUBLIC MEETING 28
th JANUARY.
Where relevant, some of the following points have been forwarded to SKDC, Lincolnshire County Council 
and Anglian Water for necessary action:
• Rippingale has an Emergency Plan (which includes a Flood Prevention and Action Plan) available on 
its Village website https://rippingale.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/download/47/rippingaleemergency-plan-updated-jan-2023?downloadID=47
• It was formulated some years ago after flooding in the Village. Initial assessment has found it fit for 
purpose. It will be subject to its annual review in March. 
• There is a need for Flood Wardens to administer Flood Prevention. 
• It was evident that many drains and dykes had not been cleared sufficiently to allow effective 
drainage during such heavy rainfall:
• SKDC is responsible for most of the drains and dykes in Rippingale. One clearance a year is not 
sufficient. This is especially so at the grated culvert on Station Street outside the Willows Care Home, 
which was blocked during the storms and was the main cause of the heavy surface water torrenting 
at a depth of 2 feet down Station Street. This adversely effected 4 properties at the East end of 
Station Street. This grate needs clearance by SKDC on at least a weekly basis (presently undertaken 
by volunteers at a health and safety risk). Frequent requests to SKDC for this to happen have thus far 
been unsuccessful.
• After the Storm Henk all dykes now have a great deal of accumulated silt/debris/stones/bricks on their 
bottoms driven there by the floodwater which affects efficient drainage. SKDC have been requested 
to clear the dykes they own.
• Some grated drains maintained by Lincs County Council were also blocked by heavy overgrowth. 
LCC website states that ‘We perform the following annually to reduce the risk of highways flooding: 
Clean all gullies and kerb drains. Looking at the LCC drain map for the Village this seems untrue as 
many have not been cleared for a number of years, covered in overgrowth and silt. Some have been 
cleared through ‘Fix my Street’ requests, though others are still not effectively clear; further requests 
for clearance will be made.
• During periods of heavy rain, the area Sewage Farm cannot cope with the ingress of heavy rain into 
its drainage system. The sewage system pumps are turned off and sewage water backs up into the 
Village and overflows through many manhole covers, adding to the surface water already flooding 
through the Village. Anglian Water are now investigating this (and have been for a number of years!) 
as it appears some water courses and culverts (owned by LCC and SKDC) may be accessing the 
sewage system. It is imperative that all bodies co-ordinate together to ensure their drainage systems’ 
effectiveness, to not inhibit others.
• Control of traffic is an issue during heavy surface water flooding; unaware traffic and unwanted selfish 
voyeurs drive through flooded areas and cause a wave effect which heightens the flood levels. The 
present system of LCC issuing ‘flooded area’ signs is ineffectual. The Parish Council are investigating 
authority to temporarily close flooded areas to alleviate this problem. 
• Landowners need to ensure their dykes are clear of debris so as not to impeded water flow through 
the Village e.g. Grinders Lane area.
• Householders can receive prior notice of flood warnings through messaging etc by logging on to 
https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
Flood Wardens. After the Public Meeting on 28
thJanuary, we thank Theo Ray and Tony Creek for 
volunteering to undertake the duties of Flood Warden in accordance with the Flood Prevention Plan. They 
will monitor the state of the Village’s drains and dykes and initiate the Flood Plan when required.
Dog waste. Incidents have been reported of some owners allowing dogs to foul waste around the Village. 
This is an unhygienic and unnecessary practice. All dog owners should retrieve and bag their pets’ waste 
and dispose of it in one of the many bins around the village. Residents can report incidents of dog fouling 
to SKDC online, to identify dog owners who do not pick up waste after their dogs in public places 
- https://pre.southkesteven.gov.uk/reportdogfouling. 
Dog fouling is an environmental crime. The law allows SKDC Environmental Crime Enforcement Officers to 
give anyone seen not clearing up after their dog an on-the-spot fine, a fixed penalty notice (FPN), currently 
£100.
New Parish Councillor. We welcome Mr Tony Creek as a new Parish Councillor. He has a wealth of 
expertise in project and programme management. We are sure he will be asset to the Council, and he looks 
forward to playing an active role.
Vacancy for Parish Councillors. There are now three vacancies for Parish Councillors by co-option. This 
role is stimulating and fulfilling but not onerous. We are seeking volunteers of any skills and background, 
who think they could contribute to administering the Village. If you are interested in supporting your Village, 
and would like greater information, please contact me. To be eligible, you must be over 18, on the electoral 
role and have lived or worked within 3 miles of the Parish for at least 12 months.
Hospital Car Service. The HCS relies on volunteer drivers to effectively run the system and transport 
patients to their medical appointments. For various reasons the HCS now requires replacement volunteer 
drivers to efficiently administer the service. Drivers, who need to be properly insured, are fully recompensed 
with a 65p a mile allowance. If you have the spare time and wish to volunteer for this very worthwhile support 
role, please contact the scheme administrator, Chris Ross, on 07806 327362. Please note the HSC is for 
personal medical related use only.
Allotments. The Parish Council maintains a number of allotments near the entrance to the Village off Station 
Street. Tending an allotment is a healthy and relaxing way to grow cheaper and delicious produce. The plots 
are available for rent to Rippingale residents only, at a reasonable cost. There is a thriving allotments 
association which provides advice and assistance. Please contact the Parish Clerk for more detail.
Parish Councillor contact details and responsibilities:
Chairman: Cllr Chris Charlton 440986/07908 540683 or chairmanrpc4@gmail.com. Welcome Pack: 
Rippingale News & Council Newsletter: Finance: Grant applications.
Cllr Jamie Petch 440497/07808 094317. Parochial Church Council Liaison. 
Cllr Barry Ross 07740151601 / 01778440996. Allotments Liaison: Jubilee Playing Field and equipment.
Cllr Tony Creek 07886 622349 Flood Warden
Meetings: 
Monday 11th March 2024
Policy Review Meeting
Monday 8th April 2024
Previous Year’s Accounts 
approval
Monday 13th May 2024
Annual Parish and Annual 
Council Meeting
Meetings to be held in the Village Hall at 7.00 pm unless otherwise stated. Please see the Council 
Noticeboard and Website for the Agenda and details of any changes. 
Latest Planning Applications (view at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8170): 
Mr Chris Charlton, Chairman
Please submit entries by the 14
th of the month to the Editor: Jamie Petch at rippingalenews@hotmail.com 
Items for the Village Website: Please mark your email ‘Website’