Living Villages
December 2014 Water Newton, Stibbington, Sutton, Wansford & Thornhaugh
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2 EDITORIAL CONTENTS Having mistakenly described last month’s front cover photo as being from the 1930s, I have been expecting Contacts . . . . . 4 eagle-eyed readers to point out that it in fact it dates Worship lists . . . 5 from the 1950s. I suspect that others may have Reflections . . . . 7 noticed, but it was only my colleagues on the editorial team, Rod Sortwell and Martin Lewis who alerted me News reports: to my error. November’s cover photo, along with Friends of churches: Martin’s report on the former Little Chef prompted two Wansford & items of follow-up: postal subscriber, Bill Watkins Thornhaugh . 9, 11 sent further details about the “New Mermaid” of the Water Newton . 11 1950s, and Rod investigated the history of Wansford Stibbington . 13 at that time. Their fascinating articles appear on Horticultural . . . . 15 pages 34 and 35. WI ...... 16 Communicare . . 19 For this month’s front cover photo, thanks go to Lottery ...... 25 Willie of Church Lane Stibbington whose impressive RBL ...... 29 illuminated Christmas star must be the tallest in the district at 30 feet high. Parish Councils:
Our December magazine is packed with news of Wansford . . . 23, 25 seasonal events. It is of course a very busy time at Stibbington . . . . 27 our local churches: There are details on pages 5, 9, Special features: 11 and 13 of services, from Midnight Mass to Carol Services, Christingles and more, and there’s mention Christmas Fayre, of lots of mulled wine and mince pies to be enjoyed 1914 . . . 20, 21 after the services too. Wansford Party . . 29 Nature Notes . . . 31 Due to closure dates at our printers, January’s edition City Centre events32 of Living Villages may not reach letter boxes until the Saga of the ex- 7th or 8th of the month, so diary dates on page 38 Little Chef . 34, 35 include the first week of January. Letters to the Editor 36, 37 Finally, best wishes for a very happy Christmas to all our readers from the Living Villages Editorial Team. Diary Dates . . 38 Rosie McDonnell
Editorial team For contact details see p 4 Regular features writers: Editor: Rosie McDonnell Reflections: Canon William Burke Advertising manager:Carole Whincup Rev Michael Matthews Distribution manager: Rod Sortwell Local History: David Stuart-Mogg Reporter: Martin Lewis Nature Notes: Graham Blagden Photographer: Charles Brown Health & Fitness: Dan Whiter Printing and collation: PPS/ Print Younger Readers: Karina Chappell Read your magazine on-line at www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk 3 DIRECTORY OF CONTACTS @ Living Villages Editorial Team
Editor Rosie McDonnell 01780 783639 [email protected] Advertising Manager Carole Whincup 01780 783055 [email protected] Distribution Manager Rod Sortwell 01780 783403 [email protected] Reporter Martin Lewis 01780 783668 [email protected] Website: www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk
Parish Councils
Sutton Peter Lee (Vice Chair) 01780 782703 Wansford Wendy Grey (Clerk) 01778 441312 Sibson-cum-Stibbington Wendy Grey (Clerk) 01778 441312 Thornhaugh Deirdre McCumiskey (Clerk) 01780 782668 Water Newton (Parish Meeting) Tony Capon (Chairman) 01733 237500
Churches
Ministers: Thornhaugh & Wansford Rev Michael Matthews 01780 782271 [email protected] Stibbington & Water Newton Canon William Burke 01733 380244 [email protected] or Parish Office, [email protected] Churchwardens: St Andrew’s Thornhaugh: Stuart Foreman 01780 783220 Liz Kemp 01780 782333 St Mary’s Wansford: Paul Tate 01780 782965 Alan Jones 01780 783205 St John the Baptist, Stibbington Richard Winfrey 01780 782431 Carol Lindsay Friends: St Mary’s & St Andrew’s Dora Baker 01780 782519 St John the Baptist Helen Facer 01780 782932 St Remigius Water Newton Tony Capon 01733 237500
Other useful contacts
Neighbourhood Policing 101 Horticultural Society 01780 782446 Wansford Surgery 01780 782342 Royal British Legion 01780 782200 (Out of hours 01733 293838) Stibbington & Wansford WI . . 782510 Wansford Pharmacy 01780 781616 Cricket Club 01780 782109 Communicare 01780 470437 H’don District Council 01480 388388 P’boro City Council 01733 747474
4 WORSHIP - DECEMBER 2014 Date Time Location Service 7 Dec 9.30 am St. Andrew’s, Celebration of Creative Arts Thornhaugh Service 10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion 4.00 pm St. Mary’s, Wansford Family Service 14 Dec 9.30 am St. Mary’s, Wansford Holy Communion with choir
6.00 pm St. John the Baptist, Carols around the tree with Stibbington mulled wine and mince pies 19 Dec 7.00 pm St. Remigius, Carol Service followed by Water Newton refreshments 21 Dec 9.30 am St. Andrew’s, Morning Prayer Thornhaugh with hymns 10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion 6.00 pm St. Mary’s, Wansford Community Carol Service with choir, followed by mince pies & mulled wine 24 Dec 3.00 pm St .Andrew’s, Christingle Service Thornhaugh 4.00 pm St. Kyneburgha, Crib Service Castor 11.00 pm St. Mary’s, Wansford Midnight Mass 11.30 pm St. Kyneburgha, Castor Candlelit Midnight Mass 25 Dec 9.00 am St. John the Baptist, Holy Communion Stibbington 10.00 am St. Andrew’s, Holy Communion Thornhaugh with carols 28 Dec 9.30 am St. Mary’s Wansford Morning Prayer with hymns 10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
4 Jan 9.30 am St. Andrew’s, Holy Communion Thornhaugh 10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion 4.00 pm St. Mary’s Wansford New Year Family Service 6.00 pm St. Remigius, Epiphany Service Water Newton followed by Supper Wansford: Mondays 3.00 pm Prayer Group Wednesdays 10.00 am Morning Prayer 5 GRIFFIN WANSFORD COMMUNITY HALL Solid Fuel Merchant Peterborough Road, Wansford Supplier of Pre Packs This hall accommodates parties of up to Coal Bunkers Charcoal Compost 36 people seated. Ideal for Meetings, Flo Gas Logs & Sticks Salt Workshops, Aerobics etc
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6 REFLECTIONS EVEN UNTO
By Canon William Burke BETHLEHEM
“Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, that the Lord hath made known unto us.”
When Elijah, the Old Testament Prophet was at his most isolated, in the greatest despair, he was thrown onto his own resources in his search for God. Most of the people of Israel had forsaken him and the God of their fathers. And there was a great storm; there was earthquake, wind and fire. But the Lord was not to be found in the storm, the wind, the earthquake, or fire. Instead he was to be found in the quiet and stillness that followed. And so too, was it to be at Bethlehem.
“He came all so still, so still, “wrote an English poet 600 years ago. “I sing of a maiden that is makeless; King of all Kings to her son she ches; he came all so still, where his mother was, he came all so still where his mother lay; he came all so still, so still, as the dew falleth on the grass.”
In the stillness and darkness of night in a village in the Near East, God came among us; not in power and majesty; but as one of us; in the ordinariness of his creation, among the muck and straw of his creation, the ox, the ass, and Mary and Joseph, in the travail of childbirth. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given: - the gift of divine love, the promise that whatever befalls us, our lives will be redeemed, that the creation is an act of love.
“And is it true, and is it true, this most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained glass window’s hue, A baby in an ox’s stall? The maker of the stars and sea, Became on earth a child for me?
We some of us, may be in church this Christmas, half-hoping, half believing, part wishing, part wanting it to be so; the reasons don’t matter. God acts regardless of our own beliefs:
No love that in a family dwells No carolling in frosty air, Nor all the steeple-shaking bells Can with this simple truth compare, That God was man in Palestine And lives today in Bread and Wine.
That birth in the still night, so long ago, was not the end of the gift. He is still Emmanuel, God with us. He is still with us, in the muck and straw, the brokenness of our own lives. At Christmas he both reminds us, and recalls us, and further meets us, in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, still Emmanuel, still God with us. Thanks be to God Amen. 7 Tickets £29.95
8 FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S AND ST. ANDREW’S
This is a very busy time for There will be no official meeting on “The Friends”. the first Wednesday, the 3rd as we will have to say Farewell to our Having held a successful Harvest wonderful, and long-serving Lunch, we are now preparing for the Treasurer, Brenda Bennett, who is Christmas Bazaar on November 29th, moving to Ely to be near her making cakes and mince pies and daughter. We shall all miss her preserves. terribly, but we are happy for her We are also helping at the Craft and her daughter and will make this weekend at Thornhaugh on 6 and 7 a celebration rather than a sad December, providing refreshments, occasion, with a little party at and then the Carol Service will be Sibson Inn after Morning Service. upon us, when we will again provide It seems incredible. But Christmas refreshments and decorate our two is approaching. I wish all our dear churches for Christmas. friends, who have supported us with In December we will have one official their generosity and kindness, during meeting, on Wednesday, 10th at the year, a very blessed Christmas. 10.30 in the Community Hall after And Peace on Earth in the New Year. Morning Prayer at 10 a.m. Dora Baker, Secretary
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES
As usual this year there are a number of special services over the Christmas period in Thornhaugh and Wansford churches.
On Sunday 21st December at Wansford at 6pm there will be the popular Community Carol Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Lessons will be read by representatives of local organisations, and Wansford church choir will be singing some specially prepared items. This will be followed by mince pies and mulled wine.
Christmas Eve provides two contrasting services. At 3pm we expect Thornhaugh church to be once again full of families with young children for the atmospheric Christingle Service, when all the children will be presented with symbolic oranges. The 11pm Midnight Mass with communion and carols at St Mary’s, Wansford, is a peaceful way to welcome Christmas and all that it represents.
Then on Christmas Day at 10am there is a Communion Service with Carols at St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh.
We hope that you will join us at these special services.
Alan Jones, Churchwarden
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10 CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY A Celebration of Creativity is to held in St Andrew's Church Thornhaugh on 6 and 7 December.
Over the weekend there will be an exhibition of photographs and crafts, many by local people. Some of the images are quite stunning and would make wonderful Christmas gifts. They will be on sale at modest prices. There is no charge for entry, so come along and feast your eyes!
On the Sunday there will be a special service to celebrate our local artists and craftspeople.
Refreshments will be provided by The Friends of St Mary's and St. Andrew's. Liz Kemp
FRIENDS OF ST REMIGIUS WATER NEWTON
Our Annual Christmas Carol Service will be held on Friday 19th December at 7pm. Following the service, we will be serving mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal delights. All are invited from surrounding villages to both the carol service and the ‘after the carols’ fellowship.
On Epiphany Sunday - 4th January at 6pm, we will be holding our Epiphany Service, again followed by great hospitality to include an 'Epiphany Supper’ in the church. We plan to heat up the church so we’ll all be warm as toast. Please BYO preferred liquid refreshment. A small donation will be requested to cover the cost of the supper. All are invited; so please do join us for ‘legendary’ Water Newton hospitality. Tony Capon 11 M * R * H Gardening Services
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12 FRIENDS OF STIBBINGTON CHURCH
Remembrance Service
Stibbington Church held a Service of Remembrance in conjunction with the Royal British Legion which was well attended, with the congregation enjoying refreshments and a good catch up afterwards. It was a thought provoking and moving service as the names of those lost in battle who lived in our local villages was read out. Helen Facer
Winner of the 101 Club
November's winner is Mr Simon Grice, the £50 cheque is on it's way, Well Done.
Stibbington Church Clear Up
I would like to thank everyone that came along to the clear up last month, it was amazing how much we all achieved in two hours, and it was so nice to catch up with you all again.
A special thank you goes to Mike and Charlotte Bradshaw for the annual loan of their huge trailer, which we almost filled. The photo shows some of our helpers; unfortunately, some had already left and missed the shoot!
On another note, thanks to Willie for “lighting the way", with his ingenious lighting system, it makes the entrance to the church so inviting.
Thank you all once more and hopefully see you next year. Suzy Story
Special service at Stibbington
A special service of Holy Communion will be held at St John the Baptist Church, Stibbington at 6.00pm on Sunday 25th January 2015.
This will be Canon William Burke’s final chance to celebrate the Eucharist in Stibbington prior to his departure from the Parish.
After the service we can all enjoy a glass of wine and some shortbread (it is Burns’ Night after all!)
Please note that there will be no service at Stibbington on Sunday 28 Dec. Carol Lindsay, Churchwarden
13
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14 WANSFORD HORTICULTURAL & CRAFTS SOCIETY
Our coach trip to Chatsworth on Sunday, 16th November, a new introduction to our programme, went without hitch and was very enjoyable. Although a misty and murky day as we were travelling up to the Peak District, the weather improved to just grey skies. Though the sun didn’t come out for us, at least it was not windy or cold and we were still able to enjoy the glorious views.
The event was certainly popular, as we had to join a long queue of other visitors’ cars, but we arrived as scheduled at 11 a.m. and were soon able to start browsing the Christmas Market stalls, the many lovely gift areas in the stables and, my personal favourite, the splendid gardens of the Chatsworth Estate. We made the tour of the “Alice in Wonderland” themed rooms in the house and were fortunate to benefit from seeing a newly set up exhibition relating how the two World Wars affected the Estate, which was most interesting and moving. Then there was just time for a final cup of tea (or Glühwein!) and some last minute purchases before returning to the coach.
Images show the famous cascade water feature, the dormouse in the “Alice” exhibition and the grand entrance area.
Tickets for the A.G.M. and Christmas Party, which takes place in the Christie Hall at 7 p.m. on Saturday, 13th December, are now fully booked. We look forward to enjoying an evening with good company as well as good food! We regretfully say goodbye to 3 committee members: Bill White, as expected last year, has moved to Yorkshire and is sorely missed. Also Sue Meacock and Janie Berry, who have both worked so hard for us for 4 and 9 years respectively, have decided that other commitments call, and we thank all three for their support. We do however welcome Anna Alderson onto the committee, who I know will be a tremendous asset, and hopefully others will join us too. Gill Fisher [email protected] 782446
15 STIBBINGTON & WANSFORD WI
Members and visitors taking part in the willow weaving workshop held at the beginning of last month spent a very enjoyable day, with excellent tuition and returned home armed with many creative pieces suitable for Christmas decorations.
The normal meeting in November was followed by the AGM when reports were received from the President, Treasurer and Committee reflecting on a busy year - a varied and interesting programme of speakers had been enjoyed and members had been able to take part in many other social activities – theatre visits, outings, craft evenings, the book club and bi- monthly meals at various local restaurants.
The President, Jean Yerbury, was re-elected for a further year’s term of office and six of the existing committee will continue to serve with the addition of one new member. Jean paid tribute to a retiring member of the committee, Shirley Oakley, who had held the post of minute secretary for some years – she was presented with a floral arrangement in recognition of her long and much appreciated contribution.
Reminders: The next meeting at the Community Hall on Tuesday 9th December is our Christmas Social – a chance to enjoy a seasonal quiz and some festive fare, followed by our annual Christmas lunch on Saturday 13th December at The Red Lion, Warmington – make sure you have filled in your menu choice and paid the appropriate amount to the Treasurer. Everyone attending the meal is asked to bring along a ‘secret santa’ present to a maximum value of £2.
The next book club will be held at the end of January and the Supper Club are planning their next outing in February, possibly to Peterborough Regional College ‘Parcs’ Restaurant for a Valentine themed meal on Thursday 12th – both these event dates to be confirmed. Wendy Spencer
16 17
18 COMMUNICARE
We were pleased to welcome as guest speaker at last month’s meeting, Jan Sharman, a patient representative from the Jenner practice in Whittlesey on the Borderline Patient Forum. She gave a very entertaining and informative talk about ‘Managing your Medicines’ drawing on her vast experience during a career in pharmacy. There was an amusing and concise power point presentation highlighting the various pitfalls patients fall into when taking prescribed medicine and also how many foods have a bearing on effectiveness of drugs, some of which can be very detrimental. Jan passed on much advice and help for those taking commonly prescribed items to maximize the positive aspects and minimize possible side effects.
Dr Takhar reported that the practice are currently changing their online computer system from EMIS to SystmOne/SystmOnline and that the old service will be terminated shortly. Several concerns from the floor regarding security of patient data were alleviated by confirmation that all records are held in a secure central location and not divulged without patient permission. Appointments are now being made using the new system and all practice staff have received full training which has been funded by the NHS.
The successful bidder for the Older Peoples Programme has been announced – United Care Partnership – who will take over on 1st April 2015. Dr Nally has been appointed deputy chairperson of the Borderline LCG, thus giving the practice firsthand involvement with discussions and decision making.
A new form was circulated – The NHS Friends & Family Test – produced by NHS England to be launched on 1st December to obtain feedback on patient experience when visiting their practice. Results will be submitted monthly to NHS England and will be used by practices to improve their service, based on the three main elements highlighted by patients requiring attention. It was agreed that if forms are only placed in reception, very few patients will take the trouble to fill them in – the suggestion was made that doctors and nurses should perhaps hand the form to a patient when they leave their room, although this could result in their allotted time running over as the doctor/nurse might have to explain the format. To this end, further details about the new questionnaire will appear in next month’s report.
The social group do not meet in December but look forward to their post- Xmas lunch in January.
Wendy Spencer
19 Visitors are invited to join us at Stibbington Centre
on Saturday 13 December when we will be turning the clock back to re-create life on the Home Front at Christmas time, 1914.
Throughout the day there will be lots of activities and attractions for all the family:
Find out about local people in 1914, including those who served their country during the war
Handle artefacts in an exhibition of memorabilia
Take part in lessons, Christmas 1914-style
Use wash tub and mangle at the laundry
Play with replica toys from 1914
Have a go at traditional Christmas handicrafts
Enjoy 1914-style seasonal refreshments
Visit the gift stall and enter the draw for a hamper
Sing traditional carols around the Christmas tree at midday and 3.30pm
20 This special local history event will run from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. Admission: Adults £3, Children/concessions £2
Stibbington Centre is part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Environmental Education Service The Christmas Fayre 1914 is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is being co-ordinated by Stibbington Centre’s Charitable Trust, registered charity no 1097019. Contact tel 01780 782386 or www.cees.org.uk. cees.stibbington@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk. The Centre is located in the old school building beside the A1 at PE8 6LP.
The poppy memorial installation at the Tower of London may be more extensive than Stibbington Centre’s, but our local memorial will last longer – until 1918 – and every visitor on December 13 will have an opportunity to contribute a piece to our own special World War I memorial installation.
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22 WANSFORD PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council Meeting was held on Monday 10 November 2014 in the Community Hall, commencing with an informal information meeting at 7pm, open to the public, where Simon Heaton and Nick Bullimore outlined and clarified plans concerning limestone extraction under planning application 14/01716/MMFUL
The Council Meeting commenced at 7.30pm, with Cllrs M. Handley, T Pearson, V Thorley and J Stannage present. In attendance were Cllr Diane Lamb, Parish Clerk and one member of the public. Apologies from Cllrs J Holdich and R Clarke.
Planning 14/01826/HHFUL, 26 Old Leicester Rd, no objections raised. 14/01902/ADV Sacrewell Farm, no objection to this. 14/01371/HHFUL Rivermead Bridge End, no objection to revised application.
Minutes of Meeting of 20th October 2014 The minutes were approved and signed.
Matters arising from the Minutes Following the walk-round the village with PCC Highways, confirmation was received that all items raised are being dealt with. A letter has been delivered to residents outside the immediate parish boundary on Yarwell Road and Kings Cliffe Road, to invite them to our next Council Meeting, to discuss a proposal to extend Wansford Parish Boundary. The litter bin adjacent to the seat on the village green is to be re-instated as a litter bin, with a dog waste bin to be sited further from the seat. The WPC have invited the PCSO to come to the next meeting to discuss Cold Caller signage, Neighbourhood Watch, traffic speeding and providing a more detailed police report for Wansford There has been no response received for the Parish Councillor vacancy …. Your opportunity to make a difference? A request is to be sent to trim back overgrown tree branches on Yarwell Road.
Finance Two invoices were presented and agreed for payment.
Leasing of Land The agreement is with Roythornes solicitors, who will progress this with Peterborough City Council
Website It was agreed we would look in to acquiring the website www.wansford.co.uk which the Wansford surgery no longer uses. Continued on page 25
23
24 Continued from page 23 Correspondence A report was received from the PCSO, which was less detailed than would have been expected.
Reports from Councillors WPC would contact PCC to clarify the responsibility for the Sallow Brook bridge on Yarwell Road.
The proposed A47 road changes seem to take no account of Wansford, therefore a meeting has been requested with the Highways Agency.
A letter to be sent to Peter Tebb, PCC Highways and our MP Shailesh Vara, concerning the toilet block on the A47 picnic area.
A request has been forwarded to PCC Highways to improve the status of the cycleway from Peterborough to Wansford.
A request has been made to secure funding from PCC Community Fund, to assist the Wansford Community Hall.
It was agreed to approach Sibson-Cum- Stibbington Parish Council with the view to a joint venture to employ a Litter Warden.
Date of next meeting: The WPC will meet on Monday 15th December 2014 at 7.15 pm, in the Community Hall. All are most welcome. John Stannage
THE CHRISTIE HALL COMMUNITY LOTTERY
The winners of the £60 Mrs A Hollis November 2014 draw are listed here. £50 Mr K Clipsham
Many thanks to £40 I Turner Maggi at £30 J Manners The Barn £20 S Meredith Elton Road Wansford £10 R Smith for drawing the tickets.
Mat Free, Administrator [email protected]
25
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26 SIBSON-CUM-STIBBINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Please note Sibson-cum-Stibbington Parish Council now hold their meetings on a Tuesday and the meetings commence at 7 pm
The Meeting of the Parish Council was held at The Environment Centre, Stibbington on Tuesday, 4th November 2014 at 7.00 p.m. All Councillors were in attendance. Four members of the public were also in attendance.
Public Forum: resident from Yew Tree Cottage, Church Lane had submitted planning application which was turned down; reason given not enough information was completed on application. He would like to submit a new application and it was agreed that the Parish Council would look at this and offer any advice before submission to planning. Overhanging trees between bend in Old Great North Road/Roman Drive – advised in September that further work was to be carried out between the bend in Old Great North Road closest to Roman Drive and Community Centre side gate – Parish Clerk to ascertain when this work will be done. Precept 2015/2016: it was unanimously agreed that there would be no increase for the next financial year.
Planning: Two new planning applications were received: 1401388FUL – Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey replacement extension at 35 Church Lane, Stibbington PE8 6LP – no objections were raised. 1401437FUL – Construction of a new single storey two bedroom dwelling and detached double garage on land to the rear of 69 Elton Road, Wansford, Land at and including 69 Elton Road, Wansford – no objections were raised.
Church Lane Stibbington, Waiting Prohibited: letters had been posted to all residents within Church Lane in the first instance. A resident had carried out an “Opinion Poll” and had spoken to all residents in Church Lane and the result was that the majority were opposed to Double Yellow Lines in this area. The Parish Clerk to confirm the result to highways.
Correspondence from residents: Community Centre - have had some problems in the village (near the Community Centre) where vehicles are turning in to the centre car park (HGV's) trying to find their way back to the south bound A1 (some damage has been caused to fences which have now been repaired). There is also lack of signage near the Stibbington Diner for vehicles also wanting to find their way back to south bound A1. Parish Clerk will contact highways to request possibility of additional signage. Light on junction and Flooding – Cllr Beuttell was meeting with Les Middleton from Highways on 5th November, will discuss ongoing problem at meeting. Reports: Cllr Beuttell has been assured that bollards are scheduled to be installed imminently.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th January 2015 commencing at 7.00 p.m. Wendy Gray, Parish Clerk 27 HEATH & FITNESS By Dan Whiter EAT YOURSELF FIT!
This month I thought I’d do something different. If you ask me why I exercise, I might just give you lots of reasonable sounding stuff like, “It improves your circulation” and “The endorphins and serotonins produced by exercise will elevate your mood and make you more open to feelings of elation and happiness”. These are true. But if I’m honest, I exercise for cake, run for pies, and sweat for beer.
Beef is a great source of iron, which will keep red blood cells healthy, which helps fight fatigue and slow performance. So, for a healthy, easy dinner, which usually leaves plenty for a simple lunch the next day.
Grilled Beef Fajitas – serves 6
Fresh Coriander Juice of 2 limes Pinch of ground cumin, garlic powder and smoked paprika 2 cloves of crushed garlic 900g steak (flank or brisket) Extra virgin olive oil 2 peppers (any colour, the brighter the better) cut into thin strips 1 large onion, thinly sliced 18 corn tortillas 2 diced tomatoes 1 diced avocado
Combine the coriander, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder and paprika in a large plastic bag, shake it well, then put in the steak, reseal and shake up again to thoroughly coat the meat. Leave it for at least 40 minutes, or even better, overnight. Heat the oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat and fry the peppers for 5 minutes and place in a serving bowl. Cook the onion in the pan for 10 minutes or until soft and beginning to brown. Grill the steak at a medium-high heat for about 7 minutes per side, so it is still pink in the middle. Leave it to rest for 5 minutes while you warm the tortillas in the oven. Thinly slice the meat, and serve inside the tortillas, with the tomatoes, peppers, onions and avocado, with some soured cream in a bowl.
If it was me, I’d eat this with a glass of Rioja or Malbec – something robust enough to go with the red meat and spices.
If you have any questions about this, or would like to add something, please let me know at: [email protected]
28 WANSFORD CHRISTMAS OPEN PARTY
Friday 12th December is the date for this year’s Christmas party. Maureen and Peter have kindly offered to host at 18 Waters Edge PE8 6LH. For those not familiar with the location just head out of Wansford past the Haycock towards Elton and about a half mile along on the right are the gates (which will be open) into the marina development. Continue down the internal road to its first junction and bear left. Number 18 is a little way along then on your right.
All are welcome to come along any time from 7.30pm. As usual please bring your own drinks and some festive nibbles for sharing. Please do come and join the festive fun. For anyone who has not been before, you are assured of a warm welcome and a relaxed evening with friends and neighbours from our village.
For further information contact tel 782965 or [email protected]
Paul Tate
STIBBINGTON & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
2015 Calendar Order Form
From photographs by Marcus Arnold of views from the Villages of Nassington, Yarwell, Wansford, Thornhaugh and Stibbington.
I would like to buy quantity ______Calendars at £5.00 each or £6 to be posted to you.
I enclose payment of £______cash/cheque
Name & Address ______
______Calendars can be purchased from 19 Elton Road, Wansford PE8 6JD, or Wansford Post Office or on line from [email protected]. Card payments may be taken over the phone on 01780 782200
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R E Newton Ltd (Nassington)
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Contact Tel 01780 784484 Mobile 07843 226510 Email [email protected] More information on www.classiecars.co.uk
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NATURE NOTES MUSHROOM By Graham Blagden OR TOADSTOOL?
Our autumn, or is it summer, is coming to an end in a mass of colour this year and not only through the wonderful colours of the trees. There is also a kaleidoscopic crop of mushrooms and toadstools. Not just variety in colour but shape, size and taste. What is the difference between the names you ask? Strictly nothing at all, although there is a sort of understanding that mushrooms can be eaten but toadstools can't. Or mushrooms are dull and toadstools have bright colours. This may generally be the case but there are so many variations to these sayings that it is a very dangerous practice to eat all dull coloured mushrooms and a disappointment to miss out on some very tasty coloured toadstools. Or so it is said!
Mushrooms/toadstools are the fruiting bodies (fructifications) of fungi that spread through the ground or dead plants in a mass of filaments, or hyphae. The fungus helps to rot the dead vegetation and makes the elements available for new plant growth. In the autumn natural conditions initiate the production of these fructifications which erupt in many forms which, when mature, spread millions of tiny spores into the air to further the fungi's existence.
Nowadays most of our edible mushrooms come in plastic packs of button mushrooms from supermarkets, grown in huge, dark mushroom houses. It wasn't so many decades ago that the standard mushroom, a field or horse mushroom, was a plate size meal gleaned from horse pastures, white on top and dark brown/black beneath. These can still be found in shops now but more importantly are still a common find in the morning in our local pastures and provide a very tasty meal. I do not propose to comment on any other edible fungi as you should know a lot more from an expert before eating any other variety. Suffice to say many are very tasty too.
I mentioned colour earlier, as one of the commonest toadstools at present is the Fly Agaric This has a bright red cap with white spots and is commonly found beneath birch trees. It is, however, poisonous. Bright red is a com- mon symbol in nature for danger, keep away! So take heed but simply marvel at the bright colours. As a child I recall the Fly Agaric as the common toadstool of Disney cartoons, often surmounted by a caterpillar or a fairy. There are not too many of the latter about now but this concept may have given rise to the mush- room's other name - toadstool. One really can find a toad on a stool, as the accompanying photograph proves! 31
A glittering Christmas lights switch-on party attended by more council car parks. The council is also reminding people they than 8,000 people marked the beginning of an exciting period can use the city’s online car sharing website to find matches of festive shopping, dining and entertainment in Peterborough. for their journeys, saving them money on travel and parking.
From Wednesday 10 December until Tuesday 23 December Annette added: “We’ve made sure that shopping in a market featuring decorated chalets is set to transform Peterborough is now not only an exciting experience, but one Cathedral Square into a winter wonderland of festive shopping that is easy and stress free, with the car share scheme, road and dining in the run-up to Christmas Day. works paused for the Christmas period and cashless payment for parking. And with the festive market and the beautiful lights There will be stalls tempting shoppers with a range of gifts, adorning the streets, the centre will be bursting with Christmas arts, crafts and clothing, as well as a wide choice of culinary cheer.” delights, mulled wine and spiced cider. Food and drink on offer at the Christmas market will include a Annette Joyce, Assistant Director of Commercial Operations at warming hog roast, duck wraps, sweet Spanish churros, Peterborough City Council, said: “This is a wonderful, magical traditional British sausages and speciality coffee. There will time of year that brings people from across Peterborough and also be a festive tavern and a bar area. the wider region together to see our stunning city centre - illuminated in all its historic glory - and to enjoy our extensive Gifts and clothing on sale will include handbags, scarves, hats, variety of attractions, shops and restaurants.” gloves, felt slippers, bottled craft beers and hampers, ceramic pans, lamps and decorative bowls, wooden and metal To improve visitors’ experience in Peterborough city centre handicrafts, garden ornaments and cheese gift boxes. further, the cashless payment system RingGo is in place at
32 33 THE SAGA OF THE FORMER LITTLE CHEF
Two letters (below) and a report (opposite) were prompted by Martin Lewis’ article in last month’s magazine, and by the photo that accompanied it (wrongly identified by me as dating from the 1930’s— Ed).
A note from Rod Sortwell:
Having looked at the photo in more detail, it’s clearly not a 1930’s shot but 50’s for several reasons:
The A47 is still crossing the A1 by the Little Chef on its way through the present picnic site, and there is an AA Box on the corner (shown in my 1959/60 members handbook). No bridge for the A 47 is visible because it was built in 1964. A lovely old 50’s Bedford Dormobile with door open as usual is about to cross the A1.
Martin’s article may provoke some comment about the various names for the building and there will be residents better informed than me. The building obviously started as a Knight of the Road, became the Mermaid Pub after the original building opposite the church where the seat stands was demolished because it was deemed unsafe during the war. It changed from Mermaid to Little Chef in early 60’s I think.
A letter from Bill and Dinah Watkins, postal subscribers from Orton Longueville
“The Saga of the Former Little Chef”
We enjoyed the article in the November Issue of Living Villages regarding the building that was known as the ‘New Mermaid’.
Perhaps, to add to the information, I would like to point out that in the late 1940s a Mr Marsden was the licensee. The car parked nearest to the Mermaid is a Rover 14 belonging to him which my father, Tom Watkins, borrowed to take my family to see my aunt and uncle living in Essex.
There were also several well-known people who stayed overnight at the Mermaid, one of which was a famous racehorse trainer named Jack Jarvis, who was on his way to a race meeting in the North of England.
Around 1950 Mr Marsden retired and a Mr Tooke became the landlord. I spent many happy hours at the Mermaid as a youngster as my mother, Elizabeth Watkins, used to help with the catering when there was a large party, which happened quite often in those days. I can remember some of the rooms, for example the large kitchen and the bedrooms with their own bathroom – unheard of in the days the Mermaid was built – and a bell presumably for room service.
Many thanks from both of us for an excellent magazine.
34 WANSFORD IN THE 50’S
Martin Lewis’ about the Little Chef site and the nostalgic photos of the A1 prompted me to look in more detail into life for the traveller in those post- war days. The deserted two-way A1 reminded me just how sparse trunk road traffic could be and people only travelled if it was really necessary. I think it was the Duke of Wellington in the 1840’s who remarked that the railways encouraged the lower classes to travel more than they need.
A bit like Michael Portillo and Bradshaw’s, I got out my well thumbed AA members book for 1959 and researched Wansford and what it offered the traveller. It tells me that the population was 206 and it was 84 miles from London, so only about three hours away, and with petrol at 4/6 a gallon, not a difficult destination then. Furthermore, early closing was Saturday and a breakdown service was run by Colliers Garage (see photo, courtesy of Charlie Brown) on two sites, the original A47 now Old Peterborough Rd and the A1, now the scrapyard site. Even better if you had an Austin or Morris because they were agents for those makes.
If you needed somewhere to stay then the Haycock was listed by the AA as a two star establishment with 20 rooms and 12 lock up garages. It had TV, and children and dogs were accommodated. The post-rationing diner clearly wanted to know prices so budgets could be set. We are informed that bed and breakfast was 20/- to 35/- per person per night with the latter price including hot and cold running water and central heating. For daily visitors lunch was 10/6 to 15/- per head with dinner being 12/6 to 20/- per head a la carte, but without drinks. A minimum charge of 10/6 was made irrespective of menu choice for all meals. The weekly tariff was given as 11 to 16 guineas per person en pension, but afternoon tea was extra!
For the drinkers, licencing hours were 10.00am until 2.00pm and 6.00pm until 10.00pm on weekdays while Sunday hours were restricted to midday until 2.00pm and 7.00pm until 10.00pm.
In those pre-internet and mobile phone days, communication was most frequently by letter and we are informed that the last postal collection was 5.40pm on weekdays and 4.20pm on Sundays. There would have been earlier collections on weekdays.
If all this sounds too good to be true, then perhaps you should reflect on wages for the period. Many farm workers earned less than £5 for a 48 hour week and school teachers got by on £10 a week. These wages did not deter one Wansford resident who was found drunk and clinging to a lamp post on Peterborough Town Bridge. He was fined 10/- and severely admonished by chairman of the bench Lord Brassey. Readers might enjoy converting the prices to current decimal equivalents. Rod Sortwell 35
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Many locals took the opportunity to say au revoir to Wansford’s favourite postie at a special event in the Christie Hall on the 8th November.
Sadly a petition and tireless efforts to make Royal Mail see sense and let Martha Powell stay in the job until her retirement came to naught. A collection box had been in the village shop for the past few weeks and, thanks to very generous donations, Martha was presented with a ceramic hare that she had been coveting for quite a while, wine and champagne and a big bunch of flowers to thank her for 12 years of delivering the post to the village. She will be greatly missed by everyone who has come to depend on the service she delivered, which was way above and beyond the call of duty.
At the same time in the Christie Hall a fund raiser had been held which raised over £300 for Wansford Cricket Club.
Ann Bradshaw
Dear Rosie I am working in Australia for a while and wondered if there is any way that I can access Living Villages online? It would be nice to see what the village is chatting about. Cheers, Richard Clarke
Having been directed to our magazine at www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk, Richard replied:
Thank you Rosie. I have now caught up with what is going on. Here in Oz I am living on the Mornington Peninsula and the weather is incredibly changeable. 30C one day and 13C and raining the next. Tuesday is Cup Day when the whole of Victoria has the day off to celebrate a horse race (only in Australia!). The forecast is for hail which should sort out the posh frocks and fascinators. Keep up the good work with Living Villages. Cheers (I have found a supply of decent beer at last!) Richard
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Dear Rosie, school, which had been in Barnaby Reading November’s Living Villages, I House opposite The Haycock, had was interested in the archivist’s article closed by then. I also had several of which mentioned Miss Bailey and Miss their books and the school prospectus. Annis keeping the “Wansford School My brother wrote an article about the for Young Ladies” in the early 20th school which was published in 1981. century. I knew them very well and Yours sincerely, as a child I often visited them. The Mary Gilbert
YOUNG READER’S BLOG MATILDA, By Karina Chappell, 11 THE MUSICAL, PART 1
On the 5th November I went to see Matilda, The Musical, at a theatre in London. We arrived at school but didn’t start classes as normal. Instead we stayed in our house bases, (mine is Discovery House which is painted all yellow), then made our way to the cafeteria where we would be registered before getting on the coach. Because there were three coaches we were sorted into groups by house and finally we left school at 9:30am and began our journey with my friends to London.
Somewhere near London we stopped at a service area for a toilet break and to eat our packed lunches. I haven’t a clue where we stopped because as you know, I like to read and had my nose firmly stuck in a book called Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. I’ve seen the film but never read the book before and found it engrossing and it helped to pass the time on the journey.
When we arrived in London it appeared to me to be some random layby and once we all got off the bus it weaved away into the traffic. The teacher told us we could go off in pairs to look around Covent Garden which was awfully exciting. There were massive red baubles the size of cars suspended from the ceiling, along with glitter balls making the whole indoor area sparkle. In the middle of the outer square was a gigantic Christmas tree decorated with red and silver ribbons and twinkling lights making the whole atmosphere full of Christmas spirit.
After a few minutes of wandering about we made our way to the theatre which was about a five minute walk away. We queued up and finally we entered the theatre. Inside it was decorated with giant scrabble tiles and looked amazing. I’ll tell you about the show next time but I have to say that the performance was one of the best I have ever seen and would definitely recommend it to anyone of all ages. The singing was actually really good and the story made me laugh and cry all at the same time but I’ll tell you more next time.
37 DIARY DATES – DECEMBER 2014
Date Event Time Venue Contact Phone p Friends of St Mary’s & Wed 3 10.30am Sibson Inn Dora Baker 782519 9 St Andrew’s social Wed 3, St Mary’s Wansford 19A Old Leicester Eddie 7.30pm 783639 10, 17 church choir practice Road Wansford McDonnell Sat 6, 10—4 St Andrew’s Church Celebration of Creativity Liz Kemp 11 Sun 7 Sat Thornhaugh Thornhaugh Parish St Andrew’s Church Deirdre Mon 8 7.00pm Council meeting Thornhaugh McCumiskey WI Christmas social Wansford Jean Tue 9 7.15pm 782510 16 meeting Community Hall Yerbury Friends of St Mary’s & Wansford Wed 10 10.30am Dora Baker 782519 9 St Andrew’s meeting Community Hall
Fri 12 Wansford Open Party 7.30pm 18 Water’s Edge Paul Tate 782965 29
Rosie 20, Sat 13 Christmas Fayre 1914 10—4 Stibbington Centre 782386 Edwards 21 Red Lion, Jean Sat 13 WI Christmas lunch 782510 16 Warmington Yerbury Horticultural Society AGM The Christie Hall, Sat 13 7.00pm Gill Fisher 782446 15 and Christmas party Wansford St John the Baptist Church- 5, Sun 14 Carol Service 6.00pm Church, Stibbington wardens 13 Wansford Parish Council Wansford 01778 Mon 15 7.15pm Wendy Gray 23 meeting Community Hall 441312 St Remigius Church Church- 5, Fri 19 Carol Service 7.00pm Water Newton wardens 11 St Mary’s Church, Church- 5, Sun 21 Carol Service 6.00pm Wansford wardens 9 Wed 24 Christmas Eve and Church- All local churches 5 Thur 25 Christmas Day Services wardens JAN Epiphany Service and St Remigius Church Church- 5, 6.00pm Sun 4 Supper Water Newton wardens 11 Sibson cum Stibbington Stibbington 01778 Tue 6 7.00pm Wendy Gray 27 Parish Council meeting Environment Centre 441312
Copy deadline next month: Monday 22 December
This magazine is available online at www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk
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