The heart of Holbeach St Johns could be the point where the church, village hall and The Plough all meet.
It could just as easily be found though at R F Welding Ltd, where Karen and Robert Frost (also known as Jack or Frosty) run a family welding and fabrication business that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
They are also involved in the community, Robert as chairman of the village hall committee and Karen on the committee for the Rainbow Club, which looks after older residents.
Their business is remarkably varied, mending and making anything in steel, aluminium and stainless steel.
Work might be providing security grills and railings, a growing business these days, repairing tractors or working on much bigger projects.
For instance, the company built a new firing range for Oundle Rifle and Pistol Club and, more recently, has done work for celebrity clients in a sub-contract role making bespoke furniture.
They also make staircases, gates and railings for builders in Lincoln and are currently manufacturing 26 spiral staircases for a block of flats in the city.
More locally, the firm is responsible for keeping what is known as Smith’s flour mills in Holbeach going because it looks after maintenance.
The company is 30 years old and some of its employees have been with Robert almost from the beginning. For instance welder/fabricator Darren Crofts received a racing bike as a gift this year as reward for his 25 years with the company. Next year, his colleague Jamie Murley will achieve the same milestone.
Robert said: “I do think it is very important to have good, trustworthy and loyal employees because it does reflect on the business. You need to know that any job is going to be manufactured to a high standard.”
Much of Robert’s spare time is spent on village hall affairs, and the committee is currently fundraising for a new ceiling with a weekly meat raffle at The Plough, with proceeds split between the church, the WI, Rainbow Club and the village hall.
Various fundraising events have been held through the year, such as a fete and vintage tractor run, and a Christmas bingo is planned – date to be announced.
The annual Christmas gift and craft fayre is being held at The Plough on Sunday, December 9 (10am to 4pm), with local crafts and homemade products being sold to raise money to support local facilities.