I am always sceptical when I read those guides to ‘the happiest place to live in the UK’. That description begs a lot of questions for me and it also seems a lot to live up to! But one of the reasons I’d rather be in Deeping is because I firmly believe it is one of the most compassionate places to live in the UK!

Not because we have a thriving library and youth group made possible by volunteers or by the outpouring of help given to the Ukrainian refugees – not only was South Kesteven the district to welcome the most refugees in the county but the Deepings were host to the largest number (and, my goodness, have we been paid back in bucket loads by the people that are now firmly part of our community). Nor just because we are surrounded by beautiful nature reserves at Deeping Lakes, Penfield and Willow Tree Fen, meticulously maintained by volunteers, or because of the myriad active and life-giving charities: Age Concern, Rotary, Lions, Dementia South Lincs and many more. Or because of the people who put their own lives on hold to bring us the Raft Race, the Duck Race, the tractor run and more. But the beating heart of the Deepings resides for me in Pam and Darren Mansfield, Caz and their many helpers who have looked after 300+ animals, not for one year, one decade but for 50 years! Three hundred mouths to feed not every week, every month but every day! So they were deserving of the outpouring of support when hundreds visited on their celebratory open day.