HI HUB

News and Information for

Posts published from 1st November 2020 to 30th November 2020, with Categories: Features, News, from www.hihub.info.

Thanksgiving comes to Histon & Impington By Amanda Borrill 26 November 2020 Categories: Features

There are of course plenty of downsides to the story of settlements in North America, not the least being the devastating impact on the First Nations or American Indian communities. Nevertheless, Thanksgiving Day has somehow survived throughout the ages as one of the most treasured days for families to gather around a huge meal and express their thanks for all their blessings. It is a holiday that immigrants embrace as they join the melting pot that is America. Rebecca’s husband and daughter are immigrants to the US and have happily adopted the tradition of a big turkey and all the trimmings Christmas isn’t the only festival offering seasonal dinner once a year. cheer in these dark days of winter. Canadian and American expats Rebecca Lent and Kit Seaman explain why they will be carrying on the family tradition of Thanksgiving in their adopted home of Impington.

It is a highlight of the annual calendar on the other side of the Atlantic, though the North American tradition of Thanksgiving Day is not so well known – and seldom celebrated – in the UK. But that won’t stop local residents Rebecca Lent and Kit Seaman from celebrating this uniquely New World holiday right here in the village. They explain:

“The history of this holiday is that following the very difficult initial years of the arrival of settlers in North America, a special feast was held to give thanks for the bounty offered by a resource-rich new world. Thanksgiving occurs earlier in Canada (2nd Monday in October), where harvests are Rebecca’s daughter, Kajal, tries her hand at homemade earlier, whilst in the US it is later (4th Thursday Thanksgiving pies. Photo Rebecca Lent. in November). One of the wonderful things about Thanksgiving is that unlike other holidays – and despite the recent development of ‘Black Friday’ – it is a truly family-oriented celebration that has resisted being taken over by commercialism.The emphasis is on family and therefore, the four days around Thanksgiving are the heaviest travel dates of the year. Thanksgiving is also a time when we remember those less fortunate and families provide food donations and cooked meals to those in need.

Kit Seaman hosts a Canadian Thanksgiving in Impington. Photo Kit Seaman In this year of COVID, of course, the challenge is the swapping of special dishes left on doorsteps. having a safe gathering and there is much Despite a very difficult year, even smaller concern that Thanksgiving will add a surge to the gatherings of family, some of us here in the rise in infections already underway in North villages, are taking the time to stop and ponder America. There are already adaptations being our blessings, and a brighter year ahead.” implemented, such as family Zoom calls to do the round of ‘what I am thankful for’ and even

Get creative for a great cause By Amanda Borrill 26 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: Art, Camtrust, Children, Competition, Fundraising

The village’s children and teenagers are being invited to showcase their artistic talents for a great cause with an art competition, set up by a teenage volunteer to raise money for a local charity.

aving helped out a few times at Camtrust fundraising sales and seen An art competition has been set up by a local teenager the great work done by this to help raise funds for Camtrust. H Impington charity – which specialises Image: Nicholas Warrington in teaching life skills to adults with physical disabilities and learning difficulties – IVC student Nicholas, who lives in Histon, is inviting children Nicholas Warrington was very keen to help boost from Reception age up to Year 13 to submit an their fundraising efforts in these difficult times original artwork on the theme of and has come up with the idea of an art Christmas/Winter in one of three age categories: competition. Camtrust offers a wide range of Reception-Y2, Y3-Y6 or Y7-13. Works of art can programmes and activities teaching skills for be completed in any medium, such as independent living, helping its clients feel watercolour, pen and ink, sculpture etc, as long confident in their abilities and reach their as it can be submitted in the form of a photo for potential. Fundraising helps them to continue this the judges. great work.

The closing date for entries is midnight on 10 December* and photos should be submitted, along with your name and school year to [email protected]. The suggested donation is £2+ per entry and details of how to donate will be given to you by Nicholas on receipt of your entry. Entries will be judged by the staff and clients at Camtrust and the winners will be awarded with prizes shortly afterwards. Prizes to be won include gift vouchers and a bike, refurbished by Camtrust.

For further information please email Nicholas at: [email protected] *Please note the deadline for entries has been extended from 5 to 10 December.

52% favour Fen Ditton as the site for a new sewage plant By Liz Hill 26 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: Planning

site. Only 8% favoured the site north of Butt Lane, and 11% the site closest to Impington .

Those figures, however, are likely to have been heavily influenced by the location of the respondents. Feedback was inevitably greatest from residents in the bigger populations of Histon & Impington and Milton.

By far the most frequently mentioned issues relating to the sites near the village were air quality, noise and vibration. Other issues of A consultation with local people has firmly concern included: rejected proposals for a waste water treatment plant to be located near Histon & Impington, but Traffic and access that isn’t the only fact that will determine its Impact on local amenities eventual location. Landscape and views Local ecology and biodiversity esponses to the consultation on a new site for the Waste Water Less frequently mentioned were archaeology and Treatment Plant have been published, local heritage, flood risk and water quality and R but the decision on which location will climate change. be chosen won’t be completed until late January 2021. Anglian Water has responded to the most common issues in a summary report being Three potential new sites are being considered delivered to homes locally, which can also be for the sewage works, including two on land close found online. In the report they explain how they to Histon & Impington. Feedback on proposals is are proposing to address the points raised, being ‘considered’ in the site selection and design though few specific details are given as to how processes for the relocation project, but will not the problems identified by local people would be be the only basis for the decision. Anglian Water, resolved. which is leading the project, has pointed out that environmental, planning, operational and Two further phases of consultation will follow economic assessments will also help determine after the site is selected. They will contribute to a which site will be chosen. final Consultation Report that will be published with an official application for Development Over half (52%) of those who took part in the Consent, which is planned for 2022/23. consultation identified the land between Fen Ditton and Horningsea as the most suitable new

Walking towards Christmas By Liz Hill 26 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: Advent, Church, Walking one of the themes it brings, such as hope and joy. And there will be purple crowns and hidden letters to search for in the windows. Unjumble the letters and you’ll find the names of some of the Nativity characters.

“You can either go out every day to look for them or search for a few at a time. We are grouping them together in four areas so that if you do a You know what an Advent Calendar is – but what few at a time you won’t be walking or cycling is an Advent Window? Tim Blake introduces a across the village and back again several times! new Christmas event that will be radiating a And don’t feel you have to do them in order as warm and joyful glow from homes around the they are not designed that way.” village as Christmas approaches.

Don’t worry that you’ll end up walking round in t Andrew’s Church, Histon has come circles looking for them either. A Trail Map with a up with a great seasonal idea to list of addresses where you will find the windows combine the daily walk that gets us will be posted on the St Andrew’s website on S out of our houses and off our screens Friday 27 November. with a chance to enjoy the creativity of local people in the run-up to Christmas and right Telling the whole story through to the 12th day of Christmas.

And there’s even more during Advent for Advent window trail everyone in our village. Each day St Andrew’s will be releasing a series of Meet the Nativity videos Each day, beginning on Advent Sunday, 29 on YouTube, hosted by Tim the storyteller and his November, a new Advent Window will open at a puppet friend Chewy. They will be telling the location somewhere in our village, creating a whole story of Christmas from the characters’ growing Advent Window trail for us all to enjoy points of view. as we ‘take the air’.

He explained: “We have set the story in modern Each year the church normally invites young and times and have investigated the original words of old alike to ‘Meet the Nativity’ in the village, with the Bible thoroughly to share as accurately and different characters from the Christmas Bible faithfully the true story of the first Christmas. stories stationed in different venues around the Expect to find a few surprises along the way of High Street. But as it’s not possible for groups of things you might not have known and expected – people to gather safely this year, the Advent and some things that are missing! We hope this Window trail offers a lovely COVID-safe will bring a bit of joy to our homes for each day alternative. of Advent this year.”

Tim Blake, Youth and Children’s Team Leader at The Advent Trail map will be online here from St Andrew’s, explained: “The windows on the Friday 27 Nov. Advent Trail will be lit from 5-8pm each day, many decorated as stained glass, but sometimes The series of Meet the Nativity Videos on made in other creative ways. YouTube will begin on Tuesday 1 December and the trailer is already there! “A new window will be ‘opened’ each day, revealing an image from the Christmas story or

Community leaders call for vigilance as Covid cases rise By Liz Hill 19 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: covid-19 village over the past 7 days highlights the ease and speed at which infection can be spread. Community leaders are warning against complacency.

Parish Council Chair Denis Payne has called for everyone to do their bit to protect the village from the escalation of cases. He told HI HUB: “We’ve thought of Histon & Impington as ‘safe’ – and it is safer than some areas. However, cases Covid cases in Histon, Impington and Orchard at all of our schools, and a rising number in the Park have seen a further rise, with 20 new cases community have reminded us that nowhere is over the past week – an increase from just 7 two really safe. Our shops and businesses are weeks ago. following the latest rules and guidelines from the Government, and we need to do the same.” This figure is currently the highest of all South villages, though per head of He continued: “And at a time when many are population it is lower than its smaller neighbour, stressed, worried about the future, worried , where there were 227 new cases per whether they will see loved ones at Christmas, 100,000 population. This compares with 165 in please, stay safe and be kind.” Histon, Impington and Orchard Park, but only 84 in the area. The average for South His call is echoed by Cambridgeshire County Cambridgeshire as a whole was 119. Councillor David Jenkins, who is urging everyone to take extra care when they leave home for The local schools continue their battles against shopping: “We’ve been well served by our local the spread of the virus. A new class ‘bubble’ on shops in both lockdowns and this means that the junior school site is self-isolating, and despite all the other constraints we don’t need to Impington International College has announced a worry about buying what’s necessary for our day return to off-site learning for all of the 6th form. to day life. There’s been no panic buying and the A new outbreak has affected eighteen students shelves have remained well-stocked. and one member of staff, all currently confirmed positive with COVID-19. “The best way to show our appreciation for what they have done is to observe the rules: don’t Principal Victoria Hearn has announced that the enter the shop when its social distancing limit college has taken the difficult decision to close all has been reached, wear a face covering and on-site provision for the International College don’t pick stuff up if you’re not going to buy it. A students until Monday 7th December 2020 and smile and a ‘thank you’ for the check-out staff move to a full programme of online learning. would be nice too.”

She explained: “An increase in the number of District Councillor students self-isolating and studying from home, Pippa Heylings has highlighted the challenge coupled with increased staff absences, and the everyone is facing to their wellbeing and mental excellent feedback received to the College’s health: “We need to remain vigilant as these new online programme, were major considerations in figures show. We all need to remember: Hands. the decision made by senior leaders and Face. Space. Getting outside and being able to trustees, supported by Public Health and walk and chat with one other person is hugely the local authority. important for our physical and mental health, but Public Health advice is that we must at all times “This short-term closure will help to protect the remember the 2-metre rule for socially health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff distancing. In this way, we can help the NHS at the College and limit further risk of COVID-19 keep capacity to treat both COVID and non- infection, while ensuring that students continue COVID patients.” to receive the benefits of the excellent teaching and learning the College is known for.” Support networks are in action

At Impington Village College, on-site learning will As in the Spring, local people are stepping up remain open for years 7 to 11 as usual, and as again to ensure that all those who are self- advised by Public Health England. isolating have access to the services and support they need. Don’t be complacent The HICovid19 response team is back in action, Although South Cambridgeshire as a whole has a as is the Street Coordinator network and the lower incidence of Covid cases than some other Helpline, so all residents can access practical help parts of the country, the upward trend in the simply by dialling 01223 320420. The HI Friends wellbeing team is continuing to with siblings, and also to spread awareness of offer village residents help with non-medical other support available in the village. With the wellbeing needs, including help for those help of others, she is sending a message to struggling with their mental health. Smart parents in WhatsApp groups encouraging mutual phones can be loaned to those who want to see support and highlighting the existence of the friends and family again, but don’t have the right street coordinators and the helpline. equipment for video calls. Nicola explained: “I am also encouraging the Individuals too are stepping up – including the people who are sending the messages on my Street Coordinators, but also those who are behalf to reach out to anyone who isn’t on their thinking up other ways of spreading the word WhatsApp group with the information too, if about the help available. possible, since they may be the people most at risk of isolation.” She wants them “to feel it is ok In response to possible struggles facing parents to ask for help if they need to. For many this with children who have to self-isolate, local message may be unnecessary, but it seems resident Nicola Popplewell is using her WhatsApp important to do what we can to help those who contacts to encourage parents to support each are in need.” other when people need help with essentials and

Local cat owners warned to remain vigilant following two upsetting incidents By Amanda Borrill 19 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: Cats, Histon, Orchard Road, Police

“Romeo never goes far, only in my front drive. He craves a stoke from passers by, he’s so friendly. He came in at 10pm. He was covered in wet black what smelt like gasoline fuel and diesel grease; we called the emergency vet and rushed him to the Village Vet at Milton. The vet could not believe how bad he was. My husband and I sat in the waiting room until 1.30am. Romeo had to be sedated so they could wash him. They came back and told me it was going to take hours to clean him properly, and they had to do so many tests Two very similar incidents involving pet cats for ingestion, x-rays and blood tests. They being found coated in black oil have prompted a believe this has been done on purpose to him warning for vigilance to the wider community. HI and that he was held under. He has defensive HUB reports. wounds on his head where he has tried to fight them off. etween 8.30pm and 10pm on the evening of Tuesday 17 November, “I had to sign a DNR and a Humane euthanasia two cats in Orchard Road Histon form in case they felt he wouldn’t make it. He is were found drenched in oil. Romeo, 10 years old so age is not on his side: that’s the B who lives with Kelly and Paul Grant, hardest thing I’ve ever had to do”. along with Harry, owned by Alex Nunes and Rob Dixon, were both rushed to the vet for urgent, and what would turn out to be very costly, life- saving medical intervention. They are now back home being cared for by their owners.

HI HUB has been talking to the owners of Harry and Romeo about this shocking incident in the hope that somebody may have some relevant information to share with the police.

Kelly Grant is the owner of Romeo. She shares her harrowing experience: a cone to prevent him from licking the oil and was kept in overnight so that he could be cleaned and monitored, as at this stage they didn’t know if he had ingested any of the toxic oil”.

Bengal Harry on arriving home covered in oil. Photo Alex Nunes.

Romeo back home but with his previously white fur tainted Although Harry is back home now, Alex and Rob from the oil. Photo Kelly Grant. are very concerned about him.

Romeo is back with Kelly and Paul at home now Alex continues: “He has not been his usual self but the distress continues. Kelly says his coat is all day, instead he has been resting in the lounge now grey where it was white before, and Romeo licking his wounds. We contacted Kelly, who has is scared to leave her side. On top of this she is been told that it was very apparent that Romeo now faced with a bill of over £800 which will had been dipped in oil due to the fact that there cause her severe financial hardship. The police was an obvious black line on his white body. have told her that unless CCTV evidence or further information comes forward, there is “We then also contacted the police and the nothing more they can do. RSPCA and have an active case with both. We have also been approached by a few neighbours Harry, the second cat involved, lives with Alex who have said they may have CCTV which could Nunes and Rob Dixon. Alex shares their story: help our case”.

“We were first alerted to Harry’s distress at HI HUB has also been alerted to a third, as yet around 10pm on the 17th by our lodger. I was unconfirmed, similar incident in Willingham. working in Sweden at the time. Rob called and asked me what he should do and I suggested Crime numbers have been issued for both of that he should try and clean it off of Harry as these cases. If you saw anything suspicious, or quickly as possible. are aware of any other similar incidents please do contact Cambridgeshire Police quoting these “Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that crime reference numbers. Without further this was not possible and appeared to be making information the police are unable to pursue their it worse. With Romeo in such a serious condition investigation. and needing lengthy medical attention locally, we were asked to take Harry to the Whittlesford With regards to your report of Criminal Damage veterinary surgery. On arrival they advised us where unknown offender/s have drenched your that we were looking at anything from £400- cat (HARRY, BENGAL) in oil between 20:30 and £800 in vet bills, but we were obviously just 22:00 17/11/2020, your crime number is concerned with getting Harry the help he needed 35/78352/20. so asked them to proceed. Harry was then given With regards to your report of criminal damage 17/11/2020, your crime number is 35/78349/20. where your cat (ROMEO) has been submerged in what appeared to be oil/diesel at 22:00 on

Under pressure? There’s help at hand By Liz Hill 19 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: Community, covid-19, Wellbeing

space for mums of babies up to 2 years to get together and talk about the ups and downs of motherhood. This group is still meeting successfully online.

Paul, the Older Peoples Worker, is continuing to offer support to older people and those looking after them, and working alongside him is Margaret, the Village Dementia Worker, who can provide emotional support and co-ordinate provisions and other practical necessities for any type of informal carers and people living with Is this lockdown feeling even worse than the dementia. last? A lot of people are under pressure right now, but Histon and Impington is luckier than New to the team are Emma, the Community Play most communities, offering a lot of opportunities Therapist mainly helping children in the Early to connect with others and give your mental Years Centre and Infants school, and Sophie who wellbeing a much-needed boost. Liz Hill reports. will be focusing on community engagement and is already planning some great activities to keep The weather and the short hours of daylight are everyone connected in the run-up to Christmas. challenging all of us in this lockdown. None of us are living life to the full, and some are struggling Online options under the weight of new worries and responsibilities that they would normally be The village is also very lucky to be a thriving sharing over a coffee with friends and family, or centre for clubs, societies and community feeling lost without their normal social activities activities led by an army of local volunteers. and contacts. There are 67 of them listed in the HI HUB Directory, and while some have had no choice You have Friends but to close for a while, a lot are soldiering on in the digital world, keeping their members If you – or someone you know – need a friendly connected. Scout groups, the WI, the Village ear to listen right now, then local is a good place Society, the Diabetes Support group and many to start. others are holding online meetings and offering resources that are giving their members a HI Friends (Friends of Histon & Impington welcome break from evenings in front of the TV. Community) is at the heart of a village-wide For some, especially those living alone, these are support service. Their Mental Wellbeing Worker, vital opportunities to engage with other human Sefanit, is working to ensure everyone has beings – possibly the only time in the day. someone to share their worries with: “We understand that this may be a time when you Each week HI HUB lists the events we hear about might be feeling particularly worried or anxious. that are offering opportunities in the village to If things are feeling a bit difficult at the moment get together – virtually at the moment – and be and you would like to speak to someone in part of something going on that can raise the confidence, or if you would just like more spirits. information how to look after your mental wellbeing at the moment, we are here to listen. Maybe you’re worried about screen time though. Please do contact me.” She continues to work If so, then there’s a free short course (online – with children in the Junior school as well. ironically) at the University of York that offers advice on Digital Wellbeing. It explores how to Ren, the activity leader of the post-natal support balance online and offline activities, how to stay group, has set up HI Mothers Circle – a safe safe physically and virtually, strategies for dealing with information overload and creating a current restrictions end. You’ll be sure of a warm positive digital identity. welcome, and having something to look forward to is part of the battle to get through these dark Something to look forward to times.

If you’re not currently a member of anything, Whatever happens don’t suffer in silence. We’re why not start planning ahead? Even if activities all in this together, and the love and support is are currently on hold, you can browse through out there if you reach for it. the list of local groups, contact the group organisers and arrange to join them when the

Bonre Burn runs virtually for 2020 By Amanda Borrill 19 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: BonfireBurn2020, Charity, Community

To enter, register here. Upon registration you will be emailed a participation form to complete and then submit once you have completed your personal 10k.

Taking part costs just £10. All proceeds will go to HI Friends (charity number 1185578) and upon completion you will receive a Bonfire Burn participator medal in recognition of your achievement.

This year, the organisers have opted not to award prizes for the fastest but everyone who enters and competes in the event will be entered into a prize draw with several great prizes available to be won.

If you would like to use the event to raise money for HI Friends, you can set up a fundraising page or simply donate by clicking here.

For full details of the event please visit the Bonfire Burn 10k 2020 website here.

The organisers would like to give thanks to the Stopped in its tracks by the pandemic following local sponsors: restrictions, the 10th anniversary of this popular event sees it running in a very different format Neil Marsh Health & Fitness for 2020. HI HUB reports.

Pegasus Group Organised by local charity, Friends of Histon & Impington Community, this year’s event will take Histon Chop Shop place over the weekend of 21/22 November and see people run, walk or gently stroll a The Indian Ocean distance of 10k. Unlike previous years, where the community has come together to run together, M & M Heating & Plumbing Services this year’s event will see individuals choosing where they run or even whether they run at all. The only stipulation is that a distance of 10k is covered. Triumph through adversity for Infant School PTA By Amanda Borrill 19 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: covid-19, Fundraising, Infant School, PTA

“This year’s Autumn Quiz was in the calendar for Friday 13 November… not at all unlucky for us as it turns out. This popular annual event falls at a perfect time of year for new reception parents to get to know each other a little better and for returning parents to showcase their general knowledge skills under the eye of quiz master and Infant School Head, Mr Newman. Add to that the always plentiful supply of wine and the much renowned cheese plate and you can see why it is such a success.

For the Infant School PTA, 2020 fundraising has “Although the pandemic has made most of us taken on a very different style. Amanda Borrill very familiar with Zoom for meetings or staying has been speaking to Treasurer Karen Coyle in touch, hosting a quiz for 200+ people with about how, in spite of the very many obstacles separate breakout rooms for each of the 23 thrown in its path, true determination along with teams was quite a daunting undertaking. Luckily some creative thinking has helped to keep the one of our committee members, Amy Cowan, is money coming in… an event planner and was able to set everything up from her ”. s for so many other local charities, this has been a tough year for our Amy Cowan explained how she overcame the school PTAs. Set up with the challenge: primary role of organising events aimed at bringing people together to A “Since March I’ve made a complete flip to raise funds, a pandemic, its subsequent lockdown producing digital events (including a wedding via and vital social distancing rules have all thrown a zoom and a conference for over 7000 delegates) massive curveball into the fundraising but this was my first quiz night! The format lends playground. itself so well to going online and I don’t think any of the usual jovial atmosphere was lost – An ex PTA member myself, I remember fondly hecklers, disputes and cheers still had their the feeling of satisfaction for parents and moments. My co-pilot, Jenny Blakesley, and I teachers alike coming together with one mutual kept things running smoothly behind the scenes aim; to enhance and enrich school and life within so the quiz master could concentrate on for its children. entertaining the audience!”

In a typical school year, the Infant PTA might A community affair host six to seven events funding a huge variety of otherwise unaffordable extras, including Hosted by Infant Head, Jonathan Newman, and puppet shows, music workshops, skipping Assistant Head Lisa Moule, this year’s virtual workshops, new IT equipment and software, and event was joined by Junior School parents, IVC even play therapy. This year the high earning parents, and current, as well as now retired, Summer Fair fell in lockdown, meaning it couldn’t teachers all logging in across the community happen, and the annual community Fireworks from their living rooms and kitchens. The Event, which donates considerable sums to all obviously very sharp witted bunch zoomed in three of our village schools, was also cancelled with team names including Professor Quiz Whitty, leaving another funding shortfall. The Quarantinis, Hands-Face-Disgrace and Big Trouble in Little Histon. Eight tricky rounds of Going virtual questions, mountains of snacks and a crate or two of wine later, the title of Quiz Champions was Despite all of these setbacks, the team that awarded to, aptly named, The Fourmidables. makes up the Infant School PTA was determined that one particular, popular and very lucrative Becky Scott from The Fourmidables enthused: highlight in its fundraising calendar, the Autumn Quiz, would not be a casualty of the COVID “This was our 7th year as The Fourmidables restrictions. Treasurer, Karen Coyle, tells more: team; we started entering the quiz when our eldest children were in Mr Dando’s class 4 and each quiz has been one of our favourite outings of the year. This year was just as fantastic, even that they have still been able to do this during though we were all virtual participants. We loved the current lockdown”. all rounds and Mr Newman and Miss Moule did a brilliant job as hosts. Thank you all for giving us Fundraising Triumphs such an entertaining Friday night and for all the effort that must have gone into the organisation”. Quiz entry funds came in via a Paypal pool, set up with a suggested donation of £5 per person, Quotes from other teams included “Best although many gave much more. 23 teams took lockdown quiz so far”, “Three cheers for all of part with an astonishing £1104 raised, which you, great quiz!!!” and “Well done everyone Karen tells me eclipses even their most involved! Brilliant job”. successful in-person quiz ( £1077 in November 2018).

The money raised will go towards the purchase of new reading books. New COVID precautions insist that books children take home must be ‘quarantined’ when they are returned, leaving the pool of available books for early readers considerably depleted. This money will ensure a ready supply of reading material is always available.

In addition to this very successful quiz night the Infant School PTA has succeeded in triumphing through COVID-related adversity with several other high earning events this year. One of these was a lockdown sponsored skip which raised a mind blowing £3355. Karen elaborates:

The beautifully crafted ‘Loser’ wooden spoons, created by Ros Hathorn of Impington business Stabo

Winning team members each received a bottle of bubbly while losing team Hands, Face, Disgrace received the highly sought after, locally crafted, Infant School PTA wooden spoons.

PTA co-chair Jo Milton was delighted at the night’s success and told us:

“With COVID-19 putting a stop to in-person events we’ve had to adapt. Mr Newman as Quizmaster always draws a crowd and last week’s virtual quiz was no exception. We raised a significant amount for the school and created a great social opportunity for the parents. Such a Infant School Summer Treasure Hunt Map fun night and many requests for the next one – thank you to everyone who made the evening “Every year the PTA pays for a skipping workshop such a success. Watch this space!” to be held at the school (usually in February) and then following on from that the kids do a And, Quiz Master supreme, Infant School Head sponsored skip over a couple of days during Mr Newman had the following message for school time. This year we’d had the workshops readers of HI HUB: “The HIIS PTA do a truly before the schools closed and then over lockdown phenomenal job in supporting the school, both those kids that were still in school skipped there with fundraising, but also with organising events and those at home either skipped, trampoline that help to bring our school community together. bounced or kicked footy goals to raise the It is a reflection of their dedication and ingenuity money”. Add to all of this the very clever idea of a cross As a community we can all very easily help village Treasure Hunt over Autumn half-term, support our Infant School PTA by donating when seeing 134 maps sold and a whopping £993 shopping at our village Co-op store. Along with raised, and you have what adds up to a pretty Ladybird Play & Toddler group and our healthy bank balance going into 2021. Community Orchard, the Infant School is one of their Community Fund local causes and Co-op How you can help members can support the school every time they shop.

Parents report others breaching self-isolation rules after COVID cases at infant & junior schools By Bridget Davidson 12 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: covid-19, Education, Infant School, Junior School, Older People

Year 2 pupils are taught there, despite being part of the Infant School.

School frustrations

But some in the community are under fire for not taking the situation seriously, after the Infant School was informed of a number of parents allegedly having been seen out with children who had been told to self-isolate. In an email, seen by HI HUB, sent to infant school parents on 9 November, Headteacher, Mr Newman said: As primary schools respond to cases in the classroom, some parents are calling for better “As you will be aware we have had to shut our communication and blowing the whistle on those Class 10 bubble as well as asking a small number who are breaking the rules and putting others at of other children to self isolate. risk. Bridget Davidson reports.

“We don’t take this step lightly and act in the wo new cases of COVID-19 have been best interests of the children and on the advice of confirmed at the village primary both the Local Authority and Public Health schools, one in the infant school and England. The amount of extra work that shutting T one in the junior school, but some a bubble generates for staff at the school, as well parents of children instructed to self-isolate are as the inconvenience it causes to you as parents apparently ignoring instructions and have is huge. It is therefore hugely disappointing to allegedly been seen out and about with their me and incredibly frustrating to have been made children. aware of at least three parents who have been seen out with children who should have been at On Saturday 7 November parents of children who home self isolating.” attend the village primary schools received the same letter from the Head of Histon & Impington The message went on to warn all parents of the Infant School, Jonathan Newman, or Head of consequences of not following official guidance: Histon & Impington Junior School, Helen Lorimer, stating: “We have been informed of a confirmed “It is the responsibility of all us to work together case of COVID-19 at both the Infant and Junior to beat this virus and this kind of behaviour is Schools.” not at all helpful. Potentially you risk being reported to the police. The letter went on to say: “Those children and staff members who have been in direct prolonged “Please act responsibly for the sake of everyone contact with the confirmed case will have within our school community.” received an individual letter advising them to self-isolate in line with the national guidance.” Worrying virus trend

The cases, one from Year 2 and one from Year 3, The new cases mean a doubling of confirmed are both confirmed at the Junior School site, as numbers across the Histon, Impington & Orchard Park area from five to 14 cases in the seven days Addressing worries about siblings in relation to to 6 November. They come as a worrying picture confirmed cases the statement went on: “Unless of the spread of the virus emerges across the parents/carers receive a letter identifying their county. Cottenham enforced an child as a close contact, their child is not advised emergency closure on Tuesday 10 November due to self-isolate on account of a positive case. The to rising numbers of cases. Members of staff process for action on each positive case is agreed having to isolate due to coming into contact with in consultation with the Local Authority, whom we confirmed cases left the school with too few staff take guidance from. In every case we will always to look after children safely. Across identify those who have been in direct prolonged Cambridgeshire, 50 schools have recorded cases, contact with the confirmed case and contact their including 11 in South Cambridgeshire, another parents/carers to advise them to self-isolate for 11 in East Cambridgeshire, and nine in 14 days since their last contact with the Cambridge itself. confirmed case.

Although our schools have been swift to inform “All the schools in Cambridge Primary Education parents and the school community of the cases, Trust (CPET) have developed a robust risk there is frustration among some local parents assessment that has been personalised for each that advice for children who might have come school. All of our schools have prepared their into contact with the siblings of confirmed cases, environments; updated their health and safety has not been clearly communicated. arrangements to ensure that social distancing can be adhered to as much as possible; revised In an email to HI HUB, a local parent who wishes their cleaning arrangements; purchased PPE and to remain anonymous wrote: “…both the classes additional cleaning products; and ensured that with cases have been sent home from school their staff are familiar with all new procedures (don’t know duration). That info was not and protocols such as increased handwashing communicated in the letters so we as parents and cleaning. Clearly procedures for children or don’t know what preventive measures the adults who show COVID-19 symptoms will schools are taking. continue to be strict, as are quarantine guidelines. We appreciate the ongoing support of “Also no clarity on mechanism. So if my child in our community, particularly the positive class sits next to a boy whose brother sits next to comments we have received on the way the confirmed COVID case in class , no indication as schools have facilitated the move to remote to whether I would be informed of increased risk learning for those children now self-isolating at or not, even if I had a family member who was home.” extremely vulnerable and the school were aware of this. Dangerous and worrying.” Wider communication issues

Noting that unofficial communication channels Outside the school community there are concerns are taking the place of official ones, the parent that the wider village isn’t being made aware of continues: “ no clear mechanism of changes in the spread of the virus that could communication so all information is being passed potentially impact them. This includes older, around in WhatsApp groups so massive vulnerable people in the community who believe opportunity for rumour and misinformation to they should be made aware of school cases so take hold.” they can make informed decisions about what steps to take to protect themselves. HI HUB showed this email to the heads of both the infant and junior schools, asking for their In an email to HI HUB, another local resident response and received the following statement who wished to remain anonymous writes: “There from CEO and Executive Principal of Cambridge are a lot of people in our village who are very Primary Education Trust (CPET) Lesley Birch: vulnerable and in the last lockdown would have been shielding. They’re now having to make “Following the confirmed cases of COVID-19 at decisions about whether it’s safe for them to HIJS and HIIS, both schools have taken the leave their homes at all. The more they know necessary precautions acting upon the advice of about COVID cases in the village, the better they the Local Authority and following Public Health can judge that for themselves. The school England guidance. We have written to children will probably show no symptoms, so parents/carers whose children we have identified information from the schools will be vital to as a close contact of the confirmed cases and helping them make those decisions. It wouldn’t advised those children to self-isolate for 14 days reflect badly on the schools if they admit to in line with national guidance. Relevant staff having these cases. Absolutely anyone could pick members have also received a letter to the same up the virus and spread it without knowing. The effect. We have also written to all other only important thing is to do absolutely parents/carers to keep them informed of the everything we can to help everyone in the village situation.” stay safe.” But not all vulnerable residents feel it is the Cambridge Primary Education Trust (CPET) have schools’ responsibility to tell the village of all new been invited to inform HI HUB directly and/or the cases. One such resident, who also wished to community as a whole about new COVID cases in remain anonymous, and who has both a heart its schools. However, news on all aspects of the condition and has had part of a lung removed school community at both HIIS and HIJS is due to an earlier lung cancer operation told HI published in the schools’ weekly newsletters, HUB: “If I was a parent of an infected child, the available to the general public, as well as last thing I’d want is some sort of ‘plague parents, on their websites. warning’ all over the village. I think the schools are right not to scaremonger. It doesn’t help anyone. If you’re supposed to be isolating, then stay in or at least away from everyone. If you don’t that’s your problem, not the schools’.”

Covid Vaccination Programme – the facts so far By Liz Hill 12 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: covid-19, Medical, The Firs, Vaccinations

Whereas flu jabs are delivered in individual syringes and can safely last in a vaccine fridge for several months, Covid-19 vaccines will be very different. They are not yet ready to be distributed though, and no one knows when that will be.

To start with, each person will need two jabs, 3-4 weeks apart. The vaccines need to be stored frozen in special dry ice, colder than a home freezer (about -70°C). Surgeries don’t have those freezers, so the vaccines will be delivered Media headlines earlier this week spoke of ‘Covid whilst they are defrosting for use. Administering vaccine by Xmas from GPs’, but what does that them will take about 20 minutes and need two mean for residents of Histon and Impington? Firs members of staff. House Surgery has issued a statement putting the record straight. To begin with, NHS England thinks that areas will have one central Covid-jab centre, which may or irs House Survey has responded to the may not be in a local practice – which may or news announcement earlier this week may not be in Histon and Impington. No details that pharmaceutical company Pfizer has of those plans are available yet either. F successfully tested a 90% effective Covid-19 vaccine that will be available shortly. Under pressure

This announcement has raised a lot of Although the Government says it wants 40 speculation and the surgery has issued a million people vaccinated – which means 80 statement clarifying the local position. million 20-minute appointments – Firs House Surgery points out that the NHS has “no spare The surgery confirms that it “absolutely want to GPs or practice nurses.” be involved in any vaccination campaign” but it has no information itself yet and contrary to It continues: “Putting that into context, every media reports no ‘deals’ have yet been done. year there are 40 million A&E attendances and They are expecting more information soon. 360 million GP appointments… we don’t yet know how we are going to plan for this on top of what The statement also highlights some of the we are doing now – managing hundreds of acute challenges ahead for the surgery as it gears up and chronic patients every day: on the phone, for the vaccination programme. over video and being brought into the surgery by invitation. It’s not like the flu jab “… what we don’t know, is what we might have to consider stop doing, to free up time to provide this vaccination service, given that we are “Even when it comes, it won’t prevent Covid, it working at 150% compared with this time last will only make its effects milder. So please bear year, according to our LMC’s survey.” with us – we are in the dark too.

Available by Christmas? “And there is still every reason to think ‘Hands, Space, Safe’ for a long time to come. Stay Safe, If the vaccine is available by Christmas there will Be Kind.” only be a very small number of doses available, and the Surgery thinks the Government might suggest protecting Care Home residents first.

They issue a final warning: “Whatever you read in the paper or online, don’t forget – this is going to be very difficult. We need to make sure there is a safe system and a safe vaccine first.

The festival of Diwali approaches and we are all invited By Amanda Borrill 12 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: Community, Deepavali, Diwali, Festival

“For me personally, it has always been a festival celebrated with the community. We might be in lockdown, but we can still make it wonderful by lighting a few oil lamps, or candles and leaving them by the front of the door or in the window – wherever makes them visible and I invite everyone to join in with their own personal display. I usually draw kolam, a South Indian street art, in front of the house, make my own rice-dough oil-lamps, and make bay leaves decorations as a replacement for mango leaves decorations.”

n the middle of this second lockdown falls the festival of Diwali/Deepavali and we are all invited. Amanda Borrill talks to I Histon resident Premalatha Balan about how her family celebrate the occasion and her wish for us all to come together and shine a light of hope across our community this Saturday.

Saturday 14 November is Diwali/Deepavali, the Indian festival of lights. It usually lasts around five days and is celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Community spirit

With 2020 having been one of the darkest years many of us can remember, and with so many celebrations cancelled, what could be nicer than uniting for this festival with a lamp or candle in our doorways? Premalatha shares what the celebrations mean to her: Bay leaves ready for sculpting. Photo: Premalatha Balan Getting involved Following a comment by 1st Histon Cubs Akela, Hilary Foster, that one of their badges is to take Premalatha’s invitation to the community, shared part in a celebration or festival, Premalatha’s son on local social media, was greeted with a warm Aaron took in the lamp and decorations and and enthusiastic response with many people talked to them all about Diwali. And Sue Free, wanting to know more about this festival and Leader of the 2nd Histon Brownies had plans too how they could join in the celebrations. saying: “I will definitely be encouraging our Brownies to take part. Not sure there is a specific Impington resident Penny Todman was reminded badge but developing our beliefs is central to the of past travels and recalled: “…you reminded me Guiding Promise and finding out about the beliefs of flying into Delhi on Diwali. I could not believe of others, in all contexts, is very much part of the fireworks, welcoming paths of candles and this.” beautiful Rangoli patterns. I will be lighting candles, thank you for the memory.” Sharing the joy

Loving the idea of taking up Premalatha’s Premalatha is very happy to demonstrate these suggestion of dressing up, Sarah Rix wrote: “I activities, within social distancing guidelines of home educate my daughter and we have been course, to anyone interested and also has festival discussing Diwali this am. We’d love to borrow clothes to share with those who wish to dress up. some clothes as my daughter is currently draping If you would like to take her up on these offers, herself in scarves! We’ll head out for a village please do get in touch with her via Facebook walk on Saturday and put some lights in our Messenger. windows. Thank you for offering your ideas.”

Histon & Impington’s village Cubs and Brownies have also been exploring the topic in their groups this week.

Diabetes and COVID-19 – what are the risks? By Liz Hill 12 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: covid-19, Diabetes, Health & Wellbeing

If you do catch the virus, your chances of suffering more seriously will be higher than someone the same age, gender, ethnic background, weight etc. who does not suffer from diabetes. However, the increased likelihood may not as high as you might think.

Risk factors

Age appears to be the highest risk factor of all. Statistics have shown that an 80-year-old is 1,000 times more likely to suffer badly from Saturday 14 November is World Diabetes Day, so COVID compared to a 20-year-old. Those with it’s a good time to assess your risk of acquiring Type 1 diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to be this condition and think about how to stay badly affected than those without, according to safe. Mike Willis explains how. current estimates, while for Type 2 diabetes it is more like 0.5-1.5 times. For now it remains here have been many reports in the essential for everyone, particularly the elderly, to media of the increased risks of COVID- minimise their chances of getting the virus by 19 for those with diabetes – and the following the well-known hygiene practices: T people of Histon & Impington are no hands – face – space. exception. It’s worth remembering that your chance of getting the virus is likely the same as Although diabetes sufferers are classed as everyone else’s and depends on the incidence ‘vulnerable’ to illness from COVID, most are not rate in the local area, good hygiene, maintaining in the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ category. social distance from others and wearing a mask. But those who are – and were previously shielding – need to take extra care, even though shielding is currently paused across the UK. The Government has shared more information on reason will do, as long as you lose those pounds what to do if you were previously shielding but from around the tummy. It’s excess fat around Diabetes UK has been also been calling on the liver and pancreas that has been shown to government to fast-track a standardised reduce the production of the natural hormone approach to assessing people’s individual risk, insulin that regulates the blood glucose in the based on their own circumstances and unique body. risk factors. Better still, try to avoid diabetes in the first Ongoing research projects are attempting to place. There is strong evidence that a healthy quantify the risks to everyone with diabetes, and diet, increased physical activity and successful what they mean. To hear more about this topic, weight loss can delay its onset in those at risk, or our local diabetes support group, Histon & prevent it altogether. You can check your risk of Impington Type 2 Diabetes Support Group, is developing Type 2 diabetes within the next 10 welcoming Eddie Johnston, Research years using the Diabetes UK online risk tool. Communications Officer for Diabetes UK, to an online meeting at 7pm on Thursday 12 November Find out more to discuss some of the research carried out during the first wave. Histon & Impington is extremely fortunate to have this peer support group, which meets Might you have diabetes? monthly. Invited speakers help group members understand more about diabetes, its treatment, Around nine out of 10 people with diabetes have how to improve the condition through diet and Type 2, which comes on gradually, mostly in exercise and how to get into remission. The middle age. Many people are unaware that they group works with kind help from Firs House have Type 2 diabetes. It’s often discovered when Surgery, Histon & Impington Parish Council and you have a check-up at a surgery, or health Diabetes UK. Many group members have now screening elsewhere. But aware or not, the gone into remission and are off medication. You outcome is the same. Raised blood glucose levels can find out more about the group and past in your body will, if left unchecked, cause a slow meetings on its website here. deterioration in your health. Some symptoms are an inconvenience, like having to get up for the To join the Histon & Impington Type 2 Diabetes toilet in the night, but if left untreated, high Support Group meeting with Eddie Johnston, sugar levels in your blood can seriously damage email Mike Willis at [email protected] for a parts of your body, including your eyes, heart link to the Zoom meeting at 7pm on Thursday 12 and feet. November.

If you’ve had a diagnosis, then probably your GP Mike Willis is Facilitator for Histon & has told you to ‘lose some weight’. This is in fact Impington Type 2 Diabetes Support Group. a proven way for many to stop the progress of diabetes and take it back to a pre-diabetes condition, known as remission. Any diet within

Bringing a piece of local history home By Amanda Borrill 12 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: Community, History, Membership, Village Society

n normal times, the Histon and Impington Village Society (HIVSoc) meets monthly at Impington Village College for unique and interesting talks given by regional I experts. Due to the pandemic Ever wished you knew more about the history of restrictions, HIVSoc has swiftly adapted the village you live in? Well now you can as its approach to ensure members still get their fix membership of the Histon and Impington Village of colourful historical facts and stories about our Society is being offered free of charge to all village and its surroundings during these tough Cambridgeshire residents. Village Society times. member Katherine Mann told HI HUB about the plans. HIVSoc is a friendly society with over 70 members who have a shared interest in the local history of the area and in conserving important elements of the past for future generations to involved in other ways. “Ideas for new projects enjoy. One of its aims is researching, collating and books, donations of old photographs and and recording historical information on Histon suggestions for speakers are always welcome. and Impington to share with the local Why not submit your own articles too?” suggests community. Katherine Mann.

During the past 6 months, members have been If you take advantage of this free membership sent regular emailed articles on specific elements there is zero commitment and you can of the villages’ colourful past. This has varied unsubscribe at any time. All you need to do is fill from a 1st hand account, by Frank Unwin, of in your name and email address! It’s as straight Unwins Seeds business which was based in forward as that. You could even subscribe on Impington; facts and stories about the wonderful someone else’s behalf, and you can print off the Histon Giant; through to detailed historical articles to take to an older resident or friend who accounts of local roads and houses. These doesn’t use email**. articles include old photos and fabulous anecdotes complemented with robust facts and Society Chair Max Parish has put out a personal figures. message, encouraging local residents to take advantage of the wealth of history – and the free Histon and Impington Village Society (HIVSoc) is subscription. keen to make all these riches available to many more people, so the Society has announced it is “We are so pleased to offer this access to our opening up membership FREE OF CHARGE to all membership widely and without cost and hope Cambridgeshire residents. There is usually a the articles we send out provide interesting and £12.00 annual fee, but this is being waived for stimulating reading for all as the winter months the first time ever, as the committee tries to help draw in. We are as frustrated as everyone that others during this Covid-19 crisis. Membership we can’t hold our monthly meetings, but we hope will start immediately on registration and expire this will be the next best thing until those times in January 2022*.” return. We look forward to coming back with a bigger and even more enthusiastic membership” Planning ahead Click here to sign up now and take advantage The society is also investigating how talks and of free membership presentations could be delivered through Zoom, hoping to feature representatives from the To get in touch, email [email protected], National Trust, local Historians and other telephone 07956 720023 or visit the website speakers. While pandemic restrictions are in here. place, the Society hopes this will replace some of the monthly talks normally held at Impington *Established HIVSoc members are entitled to a Village College. Members will receive articles rollover 12 months free membership due to directly to their inbox, and be the first to hear Covid restrictions. This will happen automatically, about these potential HIVSoc Zoom talks. and you do not need to get in contact if you paid for membership this year. As well as giving us all a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the place where we live, the **HIVSoc adheres to a strict privacy policy in line Society is also keen for local people to get with GDPR data protection

Breadcrumb Media competition offers marketing and video help for local businesses By Chris Cox 12 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: Breadcrumb Media, Marketing “As a marketing and media agency, our skills lie in building businesses up and accelerating growth, so it seemed that’s the one area that we could offer support.

“We are offering a FREE 2-hour marketing consultation along with a FREE 30-second video to help promote the selected business and get a plan of action to either evolve, diversify, or simply come back stronger.”

The offer is open to 2 businesses and all you need to do is go to the post on Breadcrumb Media’s Facebook Page – like, share and tag a nominee (including yourself) letting them know the reason for your nomination.

They will select 2 businesses at random on November 13th to receive this FREE offer.

Good luck! Breadcrumb Media, a HI HUB sponsor, has launched a competition to help businesses recover from the impact of the lockdown restrictions and has two free consultations to give away … but you will need to be quick! Breadcrumb Media tells more:

“We know what a huge impact this second lockdown will be having on small and independent businesses, so we wanted to see what we could do to help those businesses who need it the most.

Have your say – grants available to encourage community cycling By Amanda Borrill 11 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: Community, Cycling, Grants, Parish Council

Sharing to community Facebook group HI People, Parish Councillor Ros Hathorn announced: T “We have been made aware of significant grants available to local communities to encourage cycling. The Parish Council is very keen to submit bids and would love your ideas on what to bid for.

With British Cycling offering money to local “If you would love to cycle more, what stops you communities to encourage increased bike use, and what might help you do it? All suggestions our local Parish Council is keen to take advantage are welcome; from hi-viz vests, to personal of this golden opportunity, but you will have to coaching through to major infrastructure. We be quick. HI HUB reports: want to hear your thoughts? If the issue is outside this community e.g. there aren’t enough he Parish Council has been alerted to grants bike stands in central Cambridge please just let available to encourage cycling and is keen to us know it’s only by talking about problems that optimise on this opportunity for our community. people know what changes to push for”. Grants being offered are significant and include sums of between £1,000 and £50,000 to charities, clubs, community organisations, and education establishments for the development of new or the improvement of existing cycling facilities in communities across England.

With the deadline for applications being 16 November 2020, time is of the essence and your input is needed as soon as possible.

If you have a suggestion on ways to encourage community cycling, please email [email protected] by Friday 13 November.

For more information, visit the British Cycling website here.

Street coordinator network back in action By Liz Hill 5 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: Community, covid-19, Network, Volunteering

essential’ shops, and the village hairdressers will also have to shut their doors and reschedule appointments. Places of worship can be used for individual prayer, but not for services.

On the bright side, this time we can continue visiting outdoor public spaces – including streets, parks, countryside, public gardens, allotments – with one person from another household. Parents of younger children will be pleased to know that the outdoor playgrounds in the village will be kept open. But sports fans will be disappointed to Histon and Impington is braced for a further four find that the gyms and even outdoor sports weeks of lockdown, but virus cases locally have facilities, including tennis courts, are closed. fallen and more facilities and services in the village remain open than in March. Shops selling food and medicines will continue to operate normally, and no one is expecting the s the new lockdown begins, the type of the stockpiling challenges that arose in HICovid19 response team which March. Our precious , restaurants and cafes worked tirelessly to support the village though will be limited to take-away service only. A through the first wave of the pandemic is back in action, with the street coordinator The mobile library at Histon Baptist Church will network* ready to support those in need and a carry on with the same opening times, Monday Helpline to answer questions – 01223 320420. 10 – 2 and Thursday 2 – 6. The ‘select and collect’ or reservation service will continue but on New national restrictions imposed to stop the board browsing will not be permitted. spread of the virus will put an end to meeting friends and family indoors or in your own garden, Food donations will continue to be coordinated by unless they are part of your household or support local teams and the Salvation Army. If you need bubble, but some of the other restrictions that to make use of this service please call them on we got used to last time around have been 01223 233492. relaxed.

The full list of restrictions has been published on This time schools will remain open, and everyone a government website. is being encouraged to continue working or volunteering unless their business is on the The local picture closure list. These closures include all ‘non- Politicians are saying these new measures will couple of different vaccines that might be used apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday and no details have been released yet to The Firs 2nd December, after which we will return to a Medical Practice – they’ve only seen what’s in the regional approach. But it will depend on the media. But they are already planning how they spread of the virus whether the previous ‘tiered’ will do this, and if it proceeds, priority will be system of restrictions will resume as planned. frontline workers and those who are seen as Prior to the latest lockdown, Histon and “extremely clinically vulnerable”. Impington was in Tier 1, the lowest level of restrictions. Anyone in this category will soon be receiving personal advice for this latest lockdown from the Locally, the data is looking promising now, with government and the County/District Council. If less than half the number of cases in the village you are in this category and are remaining at than a few weeks ago. Only four people in Histon home, help is available for shopping or & Impington (including Orchard Park), Girton and prescriptions. Just get in touch with the COVID Oakington tested positive in the seven days to helpline on 01223 320420. October 30th, which equates to a rate of 33 per 100,000 resident population. *Street coordinator network: can you help? The HICovid19 response team is still seeking This was slightly below the average for England coordinators for: as a whole, and only a tenth of the rate in some parts of Cambridge, where over 350 per 100,000 Milton Road had the virus. But even this was just half of the New Road east of B1049 (Rec to IVC) incidence in some parts of Manchester, where the Oak Tree Way rate was over 650 per 100,000. Poplar Road Medical matters St Andrew’s Way

If you can offer help for any of these streets We have been advised that the Government has please contact Don Kelly at announced they will be starting COVID [email protected] vaccinations from early December. There are a

New community debrillator installed at Histon Baptist Church By Liz Hill 5 November 2020 Categories: News Tags: Defibrillator, Histon Baptist Church

Recreation Ground. All three are available for use by anyone in the village of Histon and Impington in the event of someone having a cardiac arrest.

“The one at Histon Baptist Church is located between the two others because it is vital to have quick access to an AED”, explained George Voyias, an elder at the church. “A delay of more than 5 minutes will reduce someone’s chance of survival to almost zero. Before the lockdown approximately 600 people were using the church buildings each week and the church is in a busy defibrillator was recently installed at part of the community with many people walking, the entrance to Histon Baptist Church. driving and cycling past every day.” It’s a potential life-saver for the A community, made possible thanks to a How it works donation of £1,000 from the Histon Feast charity last year, which covered half the total cost. A defibrillator is designed to give a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in This new defibrillator – or Automatic External cardiac arrest. This shock is called ‘defibrillation’ Defibrillator (AED) as it is formally known – is and is an essential part in trying to save the life one of three now in the community. There is one of someone who’s in cardiac arrest. at the St Andrew’s Centre and another at the The new defibrillator at the Baptist Church was wouldn’t feel confident enough to act if they saw installed by The Community Heartbeat Trust and someone having a cardiac arrest. So a little is kept in a high-visibility weatherproof cabinet training and preparation can only be a very good with a key code for access. Obtaining the code thing – though it’s not a requirement for using for any public access defibrillator is easy. If you the device. call 999, ask for the ambulance service, and tell them that a patient is unresponsive and not The Community Heartbeat Trust had been breathing, they will ask for your location and tell planning some free training for the village in you the code for the nearest available November, to provide hands-on experience of the defibrillator – and where to find it, if you’re not AED. Due to the new lockdown the training is sure. now on hold until Saturday 30th January 2021, 11.00am – subject to any more Covid19 The device comes with crystal clear instructions restrictions nearer the time. The training will take on how to attach two defibrillator pads to the just over an hour and anyone in the Histon and casualty. Through these pads it assesses their Impington community is welcome to attend. heart rhythm and will instruct you to deliver a Covid-19 restrictions mean there will be a limit of shock if it’s needed. Fortunately for all of us, it’s 15 people, and the church’s Covid-secure impossible to deliver a shock accidentally as it measures will be in place. will only allow you to shock if it is needed. To book your place for the training, contact Don’t be scared – be trained! George Voyias on 01223 560255 or email [email protected]. And keep an eye open Nonetheless, being faced with the need to use an on HI HUB, where we’ll remind everyone of the AED in a life-and-death emergency is likely to be details nearer the time. a daunting thought for even the most confident among us. In a survey by the British Heart Foundation, three quarters of people said they

The only palaeontologist in the village? By Amanda Borrill 5 November 2020 Categories: Features Tags: Dinosaurs, Palaeontology

came to live in Impington having spent several years living in central Cambridge and have immersed themselves in village life. I began by asking Paul what led him into a career pursuing dinosaurs:

“I have been interested in the natural world for as long as I can remember. When I was three years old, I was given a PG Tips Tea booklet on ‘Prehistoric Animals’ – the idea was that one collected cards in the tea packets and stuck them Impington resident Paul Upchurch, Professor of into the album. I enjoyed the collecting part, but Palaeobiology and Head of Department for Earth became fascinated by the weird looking creatures Sciences at University College , has been such as T. rex and Triceratops. Of course, many talking to Amanda Borrill about life as a children catch the dinosaur bug, but for me this palaeontologist and how he overcomes the did not fade with age. In fact, an initial narrow personal challenges of visual impairment in the interest in dinosaurs subsequently blossomed scientific world. into much wider concerns: the evolution of life; how evolution works; plate tectonics; climate ur community is home to many change, and so on. interesting and talented people, and one such individual is Paul Upchurch, “At the age of 10, I discovered that there was a O Professor of Palaeobiology and Head career called ‘Palaeontology’, and I knew then of Department for Earth Sciences at University that this was going to be my future”. College London. Overcoming setbacks I was first introduced to Paul through his wife Samantha. The couple and their young family For a young boy with such big ambitions, doing well at school was very important, so the discovery of a visual impairment that would adversely impact his learning was a huge shock. Paul explained:

“When I was eight years old, my performance at school plummeted. After some investigation, it was realised that I had lost a substantial portion of my vision over the space of several months. I’m sure I do not need to describe the emotional effects on myself and my family, but like most people with disabilities, I adjusted and found ways to cope. Artistic reconstruction of the Middle Jurassic Chinese dinosaur Lingwulong. This 10 m long sauropod dinosaur (relative of “It has certainly not been easy to pursue a career Diplodocus, Brontosaurus etc.) was named by Paul Upchurch in science with a severe visual impairment. I rely and his colleagues in 2018. It’s Paul’s favourite dinosaur right heavily on technology, human assistance, now! collaborations with colleagues, and sheer stubbornness at times. Now that I have an “Then, there’s the travel! I’ve been fortunate established career, I’m turning my attention to enough to have visited China and the USA many the wider issues of equality, diversity and times, as well as Argentina, Australia, Japan and inclusion, not just for people with disabilities, but most of , in pursuit of dinosaurs. Of for all groups who are under-represented in course, some of the excitement has been science. So, when I’m not chasing dinosaurs, I unintentional, such as the day in New York when work with organisations like The Royal Society to I managed to melt my camera with too powerful promote greater diversity. For example, look out lighting, got separated from my luggage at Grand for UK Disability History Month starting in late Central Station, and dropped my credit card in November – we’ll be releasing articles illustrating the back of a taxi! The most wonderful thing the contributions made to science by people with about travelling for work though, is the disabilities”. opportunity to make friends across the world, see how the people of those countries really live, and A graduate in Natural Sciences from Cambridge, experience different cuisines. I’m still not a big specialising in Geology and Zoology, Paul then fan of Sea Cucumber, but Mandarin Fish is great”. went on to do a PhD on dinosaur evolution, setting himself up perfectly for an academic With climate change such an important issue in career. Posts followed in Cambridge, Bristol and our world today, and Sir David Attenborough ultimately University College London (UCL). such an awe inspiring figure, Paul recalls with great joy what he views as the highlight of his Career highlights career to date; a day spent with Sir David.

I asked Paul whether being a Professor in the “Sir David came to UCL in April 2018 to formally world of Palaeontological research was as open our refurbished Department. He’s every bit exciting as it appears from the outside. He as entertaining and interesting as you’d imagine, confirmed what many of us possibly already with a fierce interest in the natural world and a suspect – that the media portrayal is somewhat real passion for publicising the dangers of climate more exciting than the real thing: change”.

“Palaeontological research requires a lot of Wise words painstaking detective work, building up data until we have enough to be confident we’ve got Paul’s deep passion for dinosaurs shows no sign something new. My current role means I spend a of diminishing with age and he has the following fair amount of my time doing admin and helping words of wisdom for anyone thinking about a staff and students achieve their goals, but I still career in Palaeontology: find time too for my own research. “My advice is quite straightforward. Work hard, Nevertheless, of course there are exciting focus on science (but do not neglect English and moments – such as the discovery of new a foreign language). Get a degree and a PhD in dinosaurs (pictured below). I’ve named eight! biology or Earth Sciences, then find a university or museum to employ you. Keep an eye on the big picture – we already have plenty of people who know the minutia of how a T. rex is built and lived, but the really important and interesting stuff lies in research looking at how climate, sea level, plate tectonics etc. interact with evolution to cause extinctions and bursts of diversification. You can read more about Paul and his research If we can understand this in the past, we‘ll have at University College London here. a better idea of how our own actions will affect our future, and that of every other living thing on the planet”.