Lincolnshire readers’ views on our news
Readers have had plenty to say on what’s in the news.
Here we share some of the letters, emails and comments that have come in over the week, including this cartoon from John Elson looking at the weather.
Don’t forget, you can always get in touch by emailing news@lincsonline.co.uk
Fifty years of dancing fun
I’m sure many of your readers will be aware that Rutland Morris is celebrating its 50 years of dancing in the county of Rutland this year. To mark the event, Rutland Morris put out a general invitation to Morris clubs that it has been associated with to join them on their ‘Day of Dance’ on Saturday October 12; and to their surprise nearly 140 Morris dancers accepted their invitation. As a result, 3 coaches full of Morris dancers will be touring our county on that day. Full details can be found on their website www.rutlandmorris.org.uk, but some highlights are detailed below.
Dancers will gather at Oakham castle between 9.45am and 10.30am, to be welcomed by the High Sheriff, before making their way to their coaches. They will then each travel to two dancing spots each (see website) before gathering en masse at Exton at about 1.30pm for a spot of lunch and some dancing adjacent to the village green. They will then each depart from Exton at 2.30pm for more dancing in various locations (see website) before returning to Oakham at about 5pm. Those with a little time and some energy left will probably dance outside the ‘Wheatsheaf’ and may even play a tune or two inside. Who knows!
Rutland Morris are always grateful for the support they receive from the Rutland community and look forward to dancing for them at the various locations on Saturday October 12. We hope some will be inspired to join us, we are always welcoming new members, both dancers and musicians!
Dave Casewell
Rutland Morris Squire
Concert was wonderful
On Saturday, September 28, a wonderful concert was played in Oakham School chapel by our own orchestra, Rutland Sinfonia. It was an exhibition of the music of British composers.
The opening work by local violinist Becky Taylor was given its premiere. It was a cheerful piece which gave the players a chance to enjoy themselves. A second piece by local oboe player George Brown featured a solo trumpet. His Irish background was revealed by reference to Danny Boy. The contemplative second movement used the more mellow flugel horn. The highlight of the concert was Elgar's cello concerto played by Jonathan Aasgaard, leader of the cello section of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This concerto has become one of the most loved for cello and Jonathan produced an intensely moving and technically brilliant performance of this work. What a privilege for the audience to hear this in the ideal acoustic of the chapel.
The final work was the Second Symphony of Malcolm Arnold which needs playing more often. It is full of optimism and gives a chance to every section of the orchestra to show their skill.
John Bagley
Oakham
My offering for National Poetry Day
National Poetry Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of October every year so I thought you might like my offering.
Just Me
I’ve a burning ambition to climb the Eiger,
Or to ride bare-back on a Bengal tiger.
I’d like to race wildly around Brands Hatch,
For me Stirling Moss would not be a match.
I wish I could dye my hair to get in the ‘swing’.
Have tea at the palace and meet the King.
Be a celeb and switch on Blackpool lights.
Bungee jump - but I’ve no head for heights.
White water rafting sounds extremely exciting.
While parachute jumping is really inviting.
Rollerblading, wing walking would be ideal.
Get Mary Berry to cook me a meal.
Be an astronaut and fly into space.
Have nips and tucks for a brand new face.
Drive Route Sixty-Six on a souped-up bike.
Don a tu-tu and dance ballet swan-like.
To play tennis at Wimbledon would be a dream.
To win a gold medal for the winning team.
To paint a masterpiece to hang in the Tate,
Or sing with Bryn Terfel, that would be just great.
Dance the can-can at the Folies Bergere.
Ride like Godiver on an old grey mare.
On second thoughts I’m content to be me,
I’ll try to grow old … disgracefully.
Joyce Lucas
Oakham
I don’t accept gifts
I see that Keir Starmer has finally decided that he and his wife are not going to accept any more gifts of free clothes. About time too, even if he isn't giving anything back. Keir Starmer has accepted rather a lot of freebies in the last few years. While it does not reach Boris Johnson levels, it is not a good look. These things are not really free. There are always implied strings attached.So, as an elected town councillor, I would like to play my own part in trying to raise standards in public life. Therefore, through your Letters page, I hereby declare that I will not accept any free gifts of clothes or glasses.And, unlike Keir Starmer, I won't accept any money from private health companies, either.
John Morgan
Grantham Town Councillor, Grantham St Vincents ward
A heartfelt thank you to residents
I write to say a heartfelt 'thank You' to several residents of Long Bennington who were so kind to me last Saturday after I inadvertently ended up waiting alone outside a care home in Long Bennington for almost three hours. I did not get their names but they included several people walking their dogs, friends out for a stroll and a runner. One lady asked if I was cold and so many complete strangers showed genuine concern. This is such a rare thing in this day and I wanted to somehow share my gratitude for their kindness which I shall never forget.
J Wardell
By e-mail
