Celebrating Village Hall week

Cowbit Village hall celebrated Village Hall week in January by having our outdoor storage lodge built. This will be used by the Cowbit School, Cowbit Tiny Tots, the village hall, & community. Donations was given to us by lotto funding, Cowbit Parish council , Village Hall and SHDC councillors (Cllrs. Anthony Casson, Andrew Woolf & Rodney Grocock) charity budget.

Cowbit Village Hall

Great news as Cowbit Village Hall has received  £10,000 lotto funding
to improve our car parking and community storage
Plans can now move forward in the next few weeks for the start of the
construction work; and planned to be completed by the end of the
summer
This will see a creation of 2 disabled parking bays plus drainage to
help with flooding by the front door and new storage blocks for the
school, Tiny Tots and the Village Hall to use.
The project is part of a wider scheme to improve the facilities and
look of the front of the hall which includes extra lighting, bigger
and secure storage while improving facilities for disabled visitors.
 

Val Day RIP

New Residential development - approximately 45 dwellings

Residential development - approximately 45 dwellings, including re-alignment of Mill Drove to Stonegate Road junction

Location: Former Station Yard & Croft House Nursery Mill Drove South Cowbit Spalding PE12 6FS

SHDC planning - H01-0871-18

Biffa Award scheme

Users of Cowbit Village Hall will feel the benefit after the full cost of installing a new heating system was met by the cash from the Biffa Award scheme.
Since 1997, Biffa Award has awarded grants totalling more than £156 million to thousands of worthwhile community and environmental projects across the UK. The programme administers money donated by Biffa Group Ltd through the Landfill Communities Fund. The hall qualified due to being just within the qualifying distance from Biffa Group Ltd’s landfill site in the former quarry at Eye.
The application was processed by Village Hall Committee chairman Darren Harper and treasurer Chris Elliot.
The process involved carrying out an audit of the existing system’s efficiency, preparing an online application and then two competing quotes.
The work was carried out by local company, Complete Heat, of Whaplode Drove.
Mr Harper said: “The new heating is the latest in a series of improvements we have made to the hall in the past year, and we are extremely grateful to Biffa Award for fully funding the new heating.
“There are also other upgrades in the pipeline including new lighting.
“Cowbit Village Hall has been a popular and well-used facility within our community since 1988, and the whole committee is keen that it remains fit for purpose for the next quarter-century and beyond”.
The system that has been replaced was the original one from 1988 and obtaining parts and servicing support was becoming difficult.
It was also outdated in terms of heat output and energy usage.
The new system, besides being better at providing heat, is also more controllable and energy-efficient, meaning hall running costs will be reduced.

Biffa Award Scheme

The village hall now has a new and state-of-the-art heating system in readiness for winter. This has cost in excess of £5000, and been paid for following successful application for funding from the Biffa Award Scheme for local communities.

This will both improve the heat levels within the building and reduce the annual fuel bill significantly. Together with the redecoration, new tables and chairs and other improvements, the village hall now has a fresh new look and feel

A big thanks to Colin at the Cowbit village stores for the donation for a great gift for our Cowbit bingo Christmas raffle, with the winner Pauline

Next Bingo is Friday 12th Feb 2016 7.30pm

Messy Church is at the village hall on Friday 29th Jan after school. Open to all primary school children (not just Cowbit School) and their parents

for more information  please ring Mrs Mary Haresign 01775 724928

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Cowbit Flower Festival

Friday 25th September 10:30 to 16:30.

·         Flowers to view all day

·         Visit of Bishop of Lincoln 14:00 to 1600 and bless the restored clock

Saturday 26th September 10:30 to 16:30.

·         Flowers to view all day

·         Holbeach Brass Band 13:30 to 14:00

·         Talk by clock repairer Time Assured 14:00 to 15:00

·         Punt gun salute 15:00

Sunday 27th September

·         Flowers to view from 10:30 to 16:30

·         Holy Communion 09:15

·         Recorder music 13:30 onwards

·         Harvest Songs of Praise 16:00

Tower Tours are also Available

Mothers' Day – Sunday 6^th March

This year Cowbit Church will be holding a messy breakfast this Mothering Sunday followed by crafts and a short service in the village hall

Starts at 10,am and would be great to see lots of children bring their Mums both young and old, for more information please ring Mrs Mary Haresign 01775 724928

Cowbit Church Clock Appeal

Don't stop the clock on Cowbit church !! You will probably have noticed that it is not working.
£10,500 is required for essential repair and improvement. Of that, part has been donated by local council, our dedicated team is working to secure funding from charities and the lottery, but we shall not achieve our target without help from individuals and businesses in the local community.
If you have enjoyed the presence of a functioning clock, however accurate, in your village, want to ensure its continued survival, want to ensure you're on time for your christening, wedding, worship, or whatever.

Dog Fouling

In response to recent concerns about dog fouling and some other canine-related incidents within the village, South Holland District Council’s dog warden Rachel was invited to attend the meeting and answer villager’s questions. She said that she fully recognised that some areas of Cowbit had a particular problem with fouling, fully understood villagers concerns, and explained in some detail what wardens can and cannot do, and the precise extent of the law with regards fouling.

The overall message was that if the more evidence there is the easier it is to do something; anyone witnessing dog fouling on roads subject to a 40mph or lower speed limit should report it to the warden – email is quickest and best at dogwarden@sholland.gov.uk, though those without internet access can phone in information on 01775 761661.

Rachel also stressed that all reports are completely confidential and complainants details are never revealed. Concern was also expressed about some people who do clear up after their dogs have messed but then leave the bags somewhere; they should be taken home or deposited in a bin. Rachel also pointed out – and this was confirmed by District Council – that bagged dog mess can be deposited in normal litter bins; it does not have to go in a dedicated poo bin, as both types are emptied in the same way

Could you help deliver this vision of the playing field?

We are looking for three new committee members!

Are you able to give just an hour or two per week to help organise fund raising events and children's activities?

If being a committee member does not appeal, but you would still like to help with events, or believe that you may be able to contribute in any way, then please do give us a call to discuss your possible involvement.

About Us 

The Playing Field Committee was formed in July 2012 by four village parents who were concerned about the facilities and activities available to the local children.  Our mission is

"To redevelop and equip Cowbit Village Playing Field for the benefit of Cowbit children and their friends and families, by purchasing new equipment which is suitable for all ages of children and complies with Health and Safety and Disability Discrimination Acts. To facilitate and run events and activities for both adults and children within the village in order to promote community interaction and raise funds for the future maintenance costs of the Playing Field."

Cowbit Village Hall AGM

The Village Hall Committee had is AGM this week and Darren Harper was re-elected as Chairman. 

We also have some new members join but we don't have a secretary, if anyone would like to take on the role please contact us or email admin@cowbitvillage.co.uk

Nominations open for Cowbit Parish Council

Who can stand for election as a Parish Councillor?

You don’t need qualifications or experience - you do need to be over 18, a British Citizen or citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union and satisfy some very straight forward residency criteria.

How do you go about standing for election as a Cowbit Parish Councillor?

You will need to complete a nomination form (available from South Holland District Council Offices) and find a proposer and seconder who are willing to support the nomination. This has to be submitted to SHDC by 4 pm on Thursday 9th April. You will also need to sign a Consent to Nomination form in the presence of a witness.

What happens next?

The elections (Parliamentary, District Council and Parish Council) take place on 7th May. There are five seats on Cowbit Parish Council. If insufficient people put their names forward then those that have done so will be ‘elected unopposed’. Any seats remaining vacant will be filled by co-option. Councillors have to complete a Register of Interest Form within 28 days of taking office If you want further info about becoming a Parish Councillor feel free to contact either the Chairman or Clerk for an informal chat.

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS - THURSDAY 7th MAY 2015

Charity Race Night

A big thank you to everyone that helped and supported the Charity Race Night at the Cowbit Village Hall last night.

You have made £1200 profit on the night to be split between the village hall and church clock appeal

Everyone that bought a horse, came along to our community event and also to the sponsors of each race,
Mike Smith, Oil & Gas heating 07961 314883
Bluebell blinds, Peak Hill 01406 380482
Brian Frisby Butchers, Moulton Chapel 01406 380385
Post Office Services, Cowbit. 01406 380398
Drive by websites, Website Design & Marketing
Paul Smith - Learner Driving Centre, Cowbit. 01406 389084
Thorpe’s Garage, Cowbit. 01406 380347
Longstaff R & Co estate agents. 01775 766766

Backgate housing Development, now passed

Plans for 37 new homes in Backgate, Cowbit passed 13-1. Ward member Coun Anthony Casson voted against

The application does not include the shop that was on the original plans on display at the village hall on 24th January 2014.

Mother's Day - Sunday 15th March

Cowbit Church are holding a very special Mother’s Day service at 10am on Sunday 15^th March

After the service there will be refreshments and flowers for the mums. This is later than the normal time and we would like to celebrate with you on your special day  

for more information  please ring Mrs Mary Haresign 01406 380795

Messy Church is at the village hall on Friday 13th March after school. Open to all primary school children (not just Cowbit School) and their parents

for more information  please ring Mrs Mary Haresign 01406 380795

Open Evening

In early December an extremely successful Open Evening event was held at the hall, in order to show villagers what has been done so far and to gain feedback on this and our future plans. A number of very useful suggestions were received which will be of great use in helping implement the next stage of the improvement programme.

Village draw

Winner of £200 Draw was number 26 Mr Stuart Wyllie of Cowbit.

The number was pulled out by Mary Fear, who was on the committee when the village hall opened in 1987

If you would like to buy a draw ticket for 2015 please click here 

Cowbit Christmas Bingo

Very big thanks to Colin at the general store for his donation to the Cowbit Christmas bingo. The other big winner on the night took home £15 for a full house in the cash bingo. Next one is Friday 9th Jan, rollover bonus is now at £10

The Village Postcard Project

What a wonderful end to the project! Over 70 people came to see us at Cowbit Bus shelter –  swapping stories, bringing maps and photos down to share and transforming the humble shelter into a vibrant community space for the day – loved it!

A huge thanks to the bus shelter team Manya, Emily and Martin and everyone that was able to join us popping up over the last few days.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Thank you to everybody who came to the Macmillan coffee morning on Saturday 27^th Sept. We managed to raise £74.55

The 1st Macmillan Coffee Morning raised a hugh £260. Well done to everyone for organising them 

Cowbit School BAG2School Collection

Another textile collection is being held on Wed 8th Oct. Please have a look through your cupboards and help raise money for the village school.

Please can all bags be taken to Cowbit Church before 9.00am in the morning of 8th Oct.

The new Cowbit broadband upgrade is complete

Statement form OnLincolnshire:

We  have just had a further update from BT Openreach to confirm that the cabinet in Cowbit (MOULTON CHAPEL 2) is now ready for service (RFS); I have double checked on the BT wholesale availability checker which also states that FTTC is available in Cowbit.

Because BT's network is an open access network and regulated by OFCOM; BT are required to inform all internet service providers of the availability of services. This process can take up to 2 weeks.

More information about OnLincolnshire click here

To view BT infinity broadband click here

Cowbit Post Office Opened

Cowbit’s new Outreach Post Office service was officially opened by  local member of Parliament for South Holland and the Deepings john Hayes MP on Friday March 14. In his short speech John Hayes stressed the importance of maintaining local facilities  of this kind, and confirmed his commitment to supporting same.

The outreach post office operates from Cowbit Village Hall on Tuesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and Thursdays from 11.00am-1.00pm. 

Please be aware that Market Homes have now submitted a new Planning Application ref http://www.sholland.gov.uk/doitonline/plandev/details.aspx?oref=H01-0466-14.

This application is more or less identical to the initial application and we hope that as with their first attempt to get planning for the 9 houses on the Dun Cow site, you will all make your objections known to SHDC Planning Department. Please resubmit your original objections with any additional information you see fit. Let's continue to stick together as a community and fight Market Homes on their application

The SHDC Planning Department will now accept objections to this planning application up until 29th July 2014

Superfast broadband is coming

Onlincolnshire is working on bring Superfast Broadband to Lincolnshire. The first part of phase one including an upgrade to the Moulton Chapel exchange that serves Cowbit is live already (there is fibre optic cable from Moulton Chapel exchange back to the Spalding exchange). Western Power have also installed a cabinet in Cowbit from which connections to your home are taken. Onlincolnshire have not given a “go live” date other then phase one would be complete by spring 2014.

Once your home line is upgraded you will be able to order a new broadband package from any Internet Service Provider (IPS).  The upgrades are not 'automatic'. It works the same way as gas and electricity, you choose the Internet Service Provider with the best price and package for your needs, even though the data will always come down the same BT network.

We will publish the ‘go live’ date here on the Cowbit village website as soon as we are notified of it by Onlincolnshire.

The cabinet in Stonegate is all but complete, just needs the backup Batteries fitting and this is a “priority job” for BT

Ye Olde Dun Cow

As may would have seen on the Cowbit Village facebook group page that the Ye Olde Dun Cow has now been demolished by Market Homes. Many residents have expressed that they are not very happy with the building being pulled down and closing the path alongside the pub without notice or warning.

More photos are in the Village Photo Gallery

The Outreach Post Office service is now open at the village hall

The service will be provided every

Tuesday from 2pm – 4pm

Thursday from 11am – 1pm 

Cowbit Bingo

Val Day, who has run the village bingo for the past ten years, stood down at the end of 2013. The village hall committee presented Val with a crystal vase with the words “it’s a wrap”which is a bingo term for the end of the evening. The committee  would like to thank Val for all her hard work running the bingo.   

The village hall committee are still looking for a permanent successor to Val, in the meantime Darren Harper (380774) and Jonathan Matthews are filling in (380683) if you are interested in supporting the bingo please get in touch.

For times and prices click here

Proposed Traveller's Camp

South Holland District Council is proposing to build a permanent traveller’s camp of 30 sites on the edge of the village next to the A16 (Drain Bank North).  This may affect properties in Cowbit. 

You have until 10th January to add your comments to SHDC.

Further details of the site can be found on the South Holland District Council website click here.

More information and to comment please go the Traveller's Site A16 Development page on the left,  or click here

Maureen Martin leaves Cowbit St Mary’s

Mrs Martin has been with Cowbit School for almost 16 years and admits leaving will be a wrench. She said: “I will miss working with the children because children do give a lot of pleasure. “When you see children progress as people and in terms of educational success, those are the best rewards you can have.”

Mrs Martin hopes to continue working as an educational consultant.

She’s worked in education for almost 30 years, starting out at an upper school in Market Harborough and later working at Boston College, St Thomas’s Primary School, Boston, and as a literacy consultant for the county.

Mrs Martin leaves on March 27 for “semi retirement”

Cllr. Andrew Woolf- Finished in 5Hrs, 32min, 45sec

Good luck to Cowbit District cllr. Andrew Woolf who is running in the London Marathon on Sunday 21^st April 2013 in aid of Diabetes UK

If you would like to you can still donate here.

Lorry Park Planning Appeal Dismissed!

The appeal against refusal of planning permission for a lorry park on the ‘car boot’ site at the corner of Moulton Chapel Road and the A16, has been dismissed by a government-appointed planning inspector.

Sam Kandola applied for permission to build a lorry park on the site in January 2012, having had a number of other applications, including one for a golf range, rejected in the past. South Holland District Council refused permission for the lorry park in June 2012, however in December Mr Kandola submitted a formal appeal.

Cowbit Parish Council, Notice of Audit

A copy of the statement of accounts and the auditor’s certificate and report are available from Monday 23^rd Sept to 4^th Oct 2013 2pm-6pm by arrangement. Please ring  Susan Wilson on 01406 370846 to book