2019 Election the Purple Poppy Was First Million Horses Died in World War Country Encouraged the Group to Introduced in 2006 by the Charity, One, Alone

Oundle Chronicle

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Refill Revolution aims to change our shopping habits Sunny Woodend Refill Revolution's goal is to make sustainable shopping mainstream. Refill Revolution was originally founded in Market Har- borough by Beth Lambert, a young mother who was concerned about reducing the waste that her family created. Camilla Sherwin, a founding member of Oundle Waste Less, went to speak to her about her initiative. “I really wanted to have a sort of trial, one pop-up shop, but she said she didn’t do pop-ups.” And so, although the initial intention was just to organise a one-off pop-up, Mrs Sherwin opened the shop once a fortnight during the summer. And then, following popular demand, the shop's open hours were increased to three days a week. Refill Revolution, located at Oundle Wharf, is a packaging-free shop where customers use their own containers to stock up on loose For this year's Remembrance commemorations, purple poppies were displayed at the Oundle and Ashton War Memorial food items, toiletries and to pay tribute to the animals that have died while in war time service Continued on page 12

Purple poppies inspire tributes to animals in war Legion are delighted with the remembrance events. positive response to the addition of Over the years, they have knitted Millicant Riordan The former director of Animal the purple poppies to the bollard elaborate decorations for over In November, the Oundle War Aid, Andrew Tyler, said: “Animals cover display around Oundle's war twenty events, some just for fun Memorial was made ready for used in warfare are indeed victims, memorial." and some to raise awareness for a remembrance commemoration not heroes. They do not give their The Knit and Natter group number of causes. One of the most events with the addition of a lives; their lives are taken from responsible for the display, meet notable was the Great Oundle Yarn display of purple poppies alongside them.” regularly at Fletton House, and Bomb, when the Market Place was the familiar red poppies. Although A menagerie of animals were inspired to commemorate completely decorated with fanciful, little known, the purple poppy including horses, dogs, pigeons, the contributions of animals to bright creations. has been adopted to pay tribute elephants, camels, cats, canaries the two world wars by their own to the animals that have served in have contributed to the war efforts appreciation for animals. Other conflicts around the world. of the 20th century. Over eight displays in towns across the 2019 Election The purple poppy was first million horses died in World War country encouraged the group to introduced in 2006 by the charity, One, alone. In memory of their do something to honour them. Animal Aid. Since 2016, animal service to conflict zones, Oundle They first began decorating charities, Murphy’s Army and included purple poppies in the the war memorial for the Blue Cross for Pets have joined the knitted decorations of the Oundle Remembrance services around four purple poppy campaign to raise and Ashton War Memorial. years ago. It took two months for funds, whilst Animal Aid have Stephen Abbott, press officer the knitters to create the current Turn to pages 8 and 9 for full turned to raising funds with the for the Oundle British Legion, memorial display, which will be coverage of our local candidates sale of purple enamel paws. said: "The Oundle Royal British permanently included in Oundle’s and the issues they stand for. 2 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter The Opinion: the view from here What's On Chronicle in the coming months Saul Agar Ward has changed. January 5, Stahl Theatre: Team When I originally sat down to For many moderate Labour Oundle Cinema will be screening write this article, I was going to voters, however, the prospect of the extraordinary story of Rudolf urge a vote for the Conservatives. a Corbyn leadership makes them Nureyev, a Russian born ballet I may not like their policies, I uneasy. But there are other reasons dancer whose defection to the thought. I may not like their to think twice about backing blue. West at the peak of the Cold War leaders, I may not like the party, The Conservative manifesto has its in the 20th century stunned both but at least they’ll get Brexit done. fair share of problems, such as its the USSR and the world. Opening However, I have now shifted to lack of focus on anything not Brexit, the double bill, will be the recently what I suspect is a minority view. as well as its lack of actual policy released docudrama The White Let’s look at the Tories and and beliefs. Helping to secure a Crow, in which Ralph Fiennes see why this one string to their Conservative majority will not just captures the brilliance of Nureyev. bow is more of a rubber band. allow Boris’ withdrawal agreement This will be followed, by a Boris Johnson is, if nothing to be passed, it will open the door never-before-seen HD restoration THE EDITORIAL TEAM else, untrustworthy. Not only to five more years of Tory policy. of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Gwyneth Angel did he notoriously write two What about Labour then? It is performed in 1966 by Rudolf Zac Atkinson completely opposed articles on undeniable that in this election, Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn at Alice Blackmore EU membership for the Telegraph, Labour is more radical than they the Vienna State Opera. Ben Clayden and publish the pro-leave one have been for years. But is Brexit Meagan Iu on what seems like the flip of a any less radical? The question is Esme Kroese January 15-18, Queen Vic Hall: political coin, but he also has had what type of radical change would Millicent Riordan Oundle Amateur Theatre a less than impressive record in be better or worse. Millie Trotter Society will be performing government. This is the man who, The constant refrain is that Sunny Woodend Sleeping Beauty, The Pantomime as Mayor of London, spent £43 Corbyn would “ruin Britain”. by Peter Denyer. The group has million of taxpayers’ money on his But would an actual Labour been performing a pantomime ADVERTISING failed garden bridge project, and government really be all that annually since 1985. Tickets for the Zac Atkinson his carelessness as foreign secretary bad? Labour's policies promote a show are currently on sale at the set back the case for the detained compassionate kind of government Oundle Box Office on New Street.

British citizen, Nazanin Zaghari- that we haven't seen in this Ratcliff. He now refuses to release country for years. Their proposed January 17: St Peter's Church a report on Russian interference in National Care Service and pledge Poet, playwright and activist UK elections. to build more council housing Benjamin Zephania speaks candid- Then there’s his claim that will do real good. Yes, the charges ly about his life at the forefront of he will get Brexit done without of antisemitism levelled against social justice campaigns, as part of any further “dither and delay”. party members give pause. I the Oundle Festival of Literature. Depending on what you mean would argue, however, that public by “Brexit”, this is likely not outrage has done much to force January 24th: Queen Victoria Hall true. What Boris has now is a the party to take action. Let’s hope VicsGigs presents a rocking music withdrawal agreement, and while the Equalities and Human Rights evening with Pandamoanium, this could be passed in a Tory Commission investigation will winners of the 2018 Visual Radio majority government, it won’t shed light on this pressing issue. Arts poll, and finalists in the Herne settle the issue. We will still have Labour is at fault here, absolutely, Bay Rocks 2019 competition. years of negotiation before we but this doesn’t absolve everyone settle our future relations with our else of blame. Discrimination and February 6: Queen Victoria Hall main trading partners. Leaving bigotry are not just the failings of Transition Oundle hosts energy the EU will actually create more, Labour, and we should address industry experts to talk about not less uncertainty. So a vote for the problems within all parties. "Net-zero carbon by 2050? Energy the Conservatives to get Brexit The Conservatives have not done initiatives to keep UK on target". done, will not actually resolve anything to stem the growing Brexit and the UK’s global trading xenophobia and Islamophobia in February 7: Amps Wine Merchants relationships. their party, while racism scandals A tutored tasting by Philip Amps of Many readers in this have already surfaced within the mature vintage ports, accompanied constituency will be Conservatives, short life of the Brexit party. by a selection of pies, nuts, cheeses and feel that this election will Corbyn is less popular now and fruit. finally be the chance for a Tory than in 2017, and this time he is majority government after years in facing off against the Brexit Party February 24-29, Queen Vic Hall: compromised relationships with and a charismatic Conservative This year’s Gilbert and Sullivan the Lib Dems and then the DUP. leader. Labour will likely not win a production is The Pirates of But the Conservative Party is no majority, but if there was a tactical Penzance. The Gilbert and Sullivan longer the party it once was. It vote to block the Conservatives, Players’ first performance in 1959 is no longer the party of caution there might not only be a better was The Pirates of Penzance. This and centrism and scepticism and chance for a proper (delayed) year’s production will mark their practicality, but the party of Brexit Brexit deal, but also a coalition 60th anniversary. Oundle Chronicle at all costs. We have seen the purge government that will execute Cripps Library of the 21 MPs trying to stop a the compassionate policies that Church Street March 28-April 4: various venues no-deal Brexit. These were loyal distinguish Labour’s platform. The Oundle Festival of Music and Oundle Tories, including Ken Clarke, the I am not yet old enough to vote Drama presents a competitive Peterborough most loyal of all in his 49 years in in this election, so my future lies in festival for amateur performers of PE8 4EE the Commons, but they were cast the hands of an older generation. I all ages. The syllabus is available E: [email protected] out because they refused to be as have to hope that others will make at the Oundle Box Office on New dogmatic with regards to Brexit as the right decision for the future of www.oundlechronicle.co.uk Street. their leader wanted. The Tory party all young people. ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 3 Bike racks improve access for Work to begin on North Bridge

cycle parking around town Meagan Iu demonstrating a lack of urgency to The green light to begin deal with the issue. There has been Meagan Iu During 2018, the proposals Oundle’s North Bridge repairs has concern that various delays will After years of planning, in were shared and supported by the finally been given. In late October, drag on as they did with the repairs September 2019 the council was council which identified potential the then MP, Tom Pursglove, wrote to South Bridge, which had the able to install new bicycle racks grant funding opportunities. that planning permission had been same weight restrictions imposed and shelters in locations around The town council applied to East granted and that work would begin for years. town, including the Market Place, Northants Communities Facilities in mid-November. Residents have complained opposite the Greedy Piglet, outside fund and successfully obtained The promised start date of about how frustrating the Tesco, the Co-op, the Queen £7000. They also put aside funding September for the repairs, said to inconvenience of negotiating the Victoria Hall, Fletton House, the for bike parking from a Section 106 take over 100 days to complete, had bollards is on the width-restricted Courthouse and at Barnwell Park. fund that was allocated from recent been pushed back for months. bridge, in addition to the increase The North Bridge on Station of heavy traffic that has been Road in Oundle was closed to diverted through the town’s heavy goods vehicles in May, after conservation area. a 2014 inspection report concluded The bus routes have also been that seven of its thirteen arches had changed, and buses have to take a structural faults. longer route into and around town. Because of this, Businesses have been affected Northamptonshire Highways because of reduced access for their imposed a three-tonne limit, and vehicles. The increase in heavy installed bollards to enforce width goods vehicles through town has restrictions of 2.1m at each end of posed risks of damage to buildings the bridge. on the narrow streets. Despite availability of £1.3m The planned works to strengthen funds from the central government, the arches will be carried out under the repair work to the Grade II the bridge, and will not affect road listed bridge was further delayed users. because of planning issues to do Highways are keeping traffic with its listed building status. management to a minimum to The planning authority at East reduce disruption. The southern Northamptonshire Council and footway will be closed but Historic England had been accused pedestrian access will continue on Cycle rack outside The Greedy Piglet on North Street by residents and the local council of the other side of the bridge. This idea was first proposed housing developments. by Transition Oundle in the The council was approached 2014 plan for transport as part of by a Corby business, Macmain the neighbourhood plan, and a Amstadt, which has experience proposal for a cycle parking was in creating architectural street made by the Oundle Business furniture. The designs were Association late in 2017. The developed to include standard objectives were to provide more Sheffield racks and smaller but parking facilities for local shoppers stylish loops similarly designed and town users, as well as facilities to stand bikes against, which for groups of cyclists riding were installed by areas where through on weekends from local shoppers visit. Outside the cafés, cycling clubs. It was also hoped to accommodate a large number that this project would encourage of bikes more efficiently, bar-style support of local businesses by racks from which bikes hang from helping to maintain a vibrant high the saddle were installed. street. All racks have now been installed across town and in Barnwell Park. There are about eighty spaces in total. Many look like traditional bike stands, with some also providing shelter, and some are the type of stand more often found at cycling events where bikes are hung on the bar by their saddles, and can be secured using a bike lock. Paul Eveleigh, who organised the installation project, said: “As part of the neighbourhood plan there is an aspiration to create cycle ways so that residents need not wrestle with traffic for road space and younger cyclists can feel more up to confident at making a journey 60% off "Hopefully, more people will cycle and alleviate some of the traffic stress and pollution that we New racks outside Fletton House see at peak times in town.” 36 Market Place ▪ Oundle ▪ 01832 275414 4 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter The future of Fletton Field is still Elton quarry plans near the in dispute by council and community A605 face objections In the face of fierce opposition “We support the principle Gwyneth Angel gravel and sand over seven years. from the Oundle community of an extra care scheme close to A recent planning application Mineral extraction will occur and the Oundle Town Council, the centre of Oundle, but from a for mineral extraction may see a in four phases, across different Northamptonshire County Council housing perspective are not certain busy new quarry operation off the sections of the land. Each phase is continuing its efforts to sell if this is the right site for such a A605 near Warmington. In May will include reclamation of the land Fletton Field for development. scheme given the above factors.” 2019, The Elton Estate submitted and restoration to arable grassland. The NCC’s latest planning The application does not detail plans to develop the area by the The plan may be good for local application seeks outline planning how the expected personal care roundabout, turning 23.2 hectares building projects and companies, permission for the development services or the 24-hour staff support into a gravel and sand quarry, with but local residents are unhappy of 33 extra care apartments for would be accommodated. The a working lifespan of nine years. about the proposed development, older people, along with associated planning application also proposes The area is currently pasture calling it an “insane plan”. parking, community green space that the development could suit land, with a public footpath Residents have warned that and landscaping. The development specialist support for dementia enjoying unbroken views of the it will destroy the “fabric of would comprise self-contained care, although such care is usually countryside towards Fotheringhay. [their] village forever,” and are apartments, both for sale and for provided in a secure care home The town of Oundle and particularly worried about the rent, with 24-hour staff support on environment, not in extra care the Northamptonshire area impact this will have on traffic premises. units. has a long history of mining. along the A605. The application In 2016 a planning application The Oundle Recreation and Northamptonshire is built on estimates that 25 articulated HVGs for 13 dwellings was refused by Green Spaces Group has been rock formations dating back to will move in and out of the site East Northamptonshire Council campaigning to retain the field as the Jurassic age, and Oundle itself every day. planners. However, ENC did a green space for use by the wider was built on the sedimentary rock The Council for the Protection indicate that the planning authority community. They calculate that if oolite, making it a perfect area for of Rural England strongly objected would look favourably on a the site was developed, the town mining, and is the reason why the to the plan on grounds of its scale planning application for extra care would lose forty percent of its older buildings in Oundle, such as and the adverse impact on local homes. accessible green space. They argue Cobthorne House, are built from residents, wildlife, public rights The field was designated by the that the NCC had not submitted locally sourced stone. of way, increased traffic on the ENC as an Asset of Community “robust evidence to support Given the high demand for A605 and historic and ecological Value in 2016, for its role in the assumption that the site is housing nationwide, a gravel pit landscape setting. furthering the social wellbeing of redundant”. will increase production of locally "The scale of the operation, the local community. Their argument is supported by sourced material for construction. covering over 20 hectares, has The Draft East the Town Council, which points Northamptonshire is a net importer the potential to have far more Northamptonshire Local Plan out that the site is marked in the of both sand and gravel and adverse impact on the historic and (DENLP) identifies the most draft Oundle Neighbourhood crushed rock; imports outweighed ecological landscape setting than pressing need facing the district Plan as a local green space and exports by 23%. The Minerals and the existing site. The scope and is the growth in older person is not allocated for residential Waste Local Plan that was adopted timescale of the proposed extension households and the need for development in the existing local in 2017 identified the Elton site over the planned nine-year period retirement housing and extra care plan. The OTC urged that no as suitable for extraction. The will result in irreparable damage accommodation. The NCC believes application should be considered Elton plan is an extension to an being inflicted on the wildlife their plan for Fletton Field fulfils prior to 2021 and the adoption existing operation, and will help to that currently enjoy these flood the DENLP policy requirements of a new local plan and Oundle maintain a balance of supply across meadows, as well as considerable to meet the needs of an ageing Neighbourhood Plan. The council the county. They anticipate a total disruption to the quality of life for population. also questioned the haste in which extraction of up to 900,000 tonnes of local residents.” It is not clear that the size of the NCC is pushing forward the site would be suitable for an this application. It wrote: “OTC extra care facility, however. In further questions the disposal of education provision from three of education, and existing land comments made to the application, the land by NCC at the present tier to two tier in 2016, Oundle’s registry documents raised the Housing Strategy Manager said time and considers that no such primary school was relocated to ambiguities about whether the that a scheme of 33 units might not assets should be disposed of prior the former middle school site on diocese or the county had a claim to be enough for a viable facility. to the coming into force of the Cotterstock Road and the original the land. “Extra Care schemes usually new Northamptonshire unitary site on Milton Road was left Mr Toriati said: “There were a provide in excess of 40 units authorities.” vacant and surplus to educational number of interests in this land but and often between 60 - 80 units. Fletton Field was sold to the requirements. they were resolved by the vendor Schemes often provide a number Guardians of the Poor of the The NCC appeared to take satisfactorily prior to sale.” of related services on site for Oundle Union in 1899. The NCC charge of the site, and in 2016 it In the short term the school will residents in order to be sustainable. acquired the land for free, and it submitted a planning application need to secure the site from further However, a larger scheme would was used by the primary school as for the conversion of the buildings deterioration, and conduct a full require more storeys and may not a playing field, and by the residents to a development of townhouses, survey and review of the property be sustainable from a planning of Oundle for a variety of recreation apartments and mews cottages. to determine what can be rebuilt or perspective on a site of this size. purposes over many years. The planning authority remodelled. indicated they would grant While the school has no firm permission, and the town council long-term plans for the site, it Milton Road primary site has been at the time raised no comments or will form part of the strategic objections. However, the NCC did development plan for the school. not progress the application and it “We think that this site could sold to Oundle School was dropped by 2017. potentially unlock a range of The former primary school the town. It represents an exciting There is no current planning options. We aim to bring in a site on Milton Road has been opportunity for Oundle School, but permission for the site. specialist team to help us define purchased by Oundle School, we are sensitive to its place within The sale of the former school those options over the coming ending speculation about its sale to the town and our responsibility to site was complicated by questions months,” Mr Toriati said. property developers. move forward with regard to our about its ownership. The primary The school’s property adjacent Dom Toriati, the School Bursar obligations.” school was established by the to Abbott House on Glapthorn said: “It is a strategic site which sits When Northamptonshire Church of England long before the Road is in the process of being sold. both at the heart of the School and County Council reorganised its local authority took on oversight ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 5 New undertaking for former pub Controversial planning permssion put on hold Facing a large audience of public have submitted 84 comments Sunny Woodend listed status and location in the concerned residents on November about the site, drawing attention Despite some hopes that a long- conservation area. They estimate 13, East Northamptonshire to traffic issues and the smell from running pub would find an owner that three to four funerals will take Council Planning Management the adjacent Anglian Water sewage to reopen it, planning permission place at the venue each week. Committee considered two works. has been granted to the Kettering highly contentious applications In light of residents’ concerns, firm Averil Phillips to convert the for large housing developments the decision was made to defer a building on 4 St Osyth’s Lane to an in Oundle. The applications for decision until independent traffic, undertakers. Located next to the sites on Cotterstock Road and St drainage and odour assessments Co-op, the building was previously Christopher’s Road were both could be made. the Angel Public House. deferred until independent surveys Planners had expressed Between 2009 and 2016 there could be undertaken, and further reservations about the plan by were nine tenants who had tried submissions reviewed. Persimmon for 65 houses and to run the pub successfully, but Plans for the construction by an extra care unit of 65 units on struggled to make profit. The pub Gladman Developments of up St Christopher’s Drive, a site ceased trading in 2016 and the to 130 homes on a 16-acre site at which is also not in OTC’s draft grade II listed property was put on Cotterstock Road had been tipped Neighbourhood Plan. The planners the market. for approval by ENC planners. The raised concerns about the proposal In its approval for a change council had written: “The principle for an extra care facility, which of use, the planners noted that of developing the site is considered was offered as an alternative to its history as a pub was not to be acceptable as there is an the required affordable housing inherently significant. It was not identified need for housing in without demonstrating that an used as a public house until the Oundle in accordance with the extra care provision was actually a 1960s, and was reported to have Before planning permission adopted Development Plan." realistic option for the site. been previously used as a smithy, was granted, the Oundle Town There has been strong resistance At the meeting, Persimmon grocery and inn. Council raised concerns about the to the plans. The Oundle Town submitted a 60-page amendment Averil Phillips and Family, an short-term parking that would be Council has raised objections arguing they were not required to independent funeral director, has required, in addition to the space because the development demonstrate viability. They also been based in Kettering for many required for the movements of a does not form part of its draft said they had contingency plans for years. The cellar will be converted hearse and funeral cortege in a Neighbourhood Plan, which affordable housing should they not to a mortuary, and internal work location adjacent to a supermarket, calls for smaller developments proceed with the extra care units. done on the ground floor to serve but the planning officers judged at different sites to satisfy the The council agreed to review the the business. The proposed work that the impact would be relatively required 172 houses that need to new submissons before making a is sympathetic to the building’s limited. be built by 2031. Members of the decision. The impact on the local economy Legal challenges to Future of private schools in debate is significant. The school employs Millicent Riordan repercussions would be irreversible more than 750 staff, including Neighbourhood Plan Although rumours have long and far-reaching.” catering, domestic and grounds Oundle’s Neighbourhood circulated about Labour’s ideas The effects of such a move positions, who find secure Plan has progressed to John about the independent school would impact both the educational employment and who spend Parmiter, the independent sector, the alarm was raised at system and the local economy of money in the local economy. Mr examiner appointed to review the September party conference, communities where private schools Toriati said that on average, £1 whether the plan meets “the basic when the Labour Party voted in are based. million per year is spent just on conditions” and other relevant legal favour of a proposal that would food, with as much as possible requirements. “integrate all private schools into going to local suppliers. Local An unexpected obstacle to the the state sector”. According to the craftsmen and tradespeople plan’s success emerged at the motion. they intend to “redistribute are employed to help maintain Examiner’s public hearing on democratically all endowments, the school buildings, which are October 29 when developers with investments and properties held by maintained and improved at a cost current planning applications at private schools”, and dismantle the of £2.5 million per year. stake sent lawyers to challenge the Ofsted system. Oundle’s activities do not plan. Lawyers for Gladman and Confusingly, John McDonnell, cease at the end of term when Persimmon contend that because the shadow chancellor, played its boarding pupils return home, the plan adopted amendments down the notion that the state The Independent Schools generating further trade with local after the Regulation 14 consultation would seize private schools’ Council (ISC) said that independent businesses. During the holidays, process without further assets. He said the proposal was schools save taxpayers £3.5 billion £1.5 million is turned over by consultation with the community, potentially illegal and that he per year, as well as contributing Oundle Enterprises, which lets “the Plan is unlawful and cannot would not support legislation. £11.6 billion to the UK economy school premises to thousands progress any further”. “Everything will be done on the and supporting 257,000 jobs. of visitors attending residential Oundle Town Council’s lawyer basis of consultation, and often this The economy of Oundle holiday camps. Additionally, it argued in response that “any isn’t about seizing property, it’s has been entwined with the helps to manage use of facilities, sensible consultee would be alive about having access to services and independent school at its centre for such as the sports centre swimming to the fact” that given the objectives facilities,” he said. hundreds of years; a relationship pool, by members of the public. of a consultation, some changes Nevertheless, the proposal has that has perhaps grown more While the town of Oundle would be made. spooked the independent sector. vital in the last half century as does not depend on the school, The OTC said: “The objections Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of the economic contributions from any plan to break up the business raised must be seen in the light the Independent Schools Council, traditional market place businesses would have a profound impact on of the vested interests of the said: “Labour’s plan would breach have declined. Dom Toriati, the the local economy. It is doubtful developers who are aggrieved that the European Convention on bursar at Oundle School, said the that the Labour Party will actually the plan does not allocate their sites Human Rights on the right to school spends £37,000,000 annually pursue such “draconian” measures, for residential development.” choose education. on wages, goods and services in but the proposal does sharpen The Interim Report into the “This does not improve East Northamptonshire and the the debate about the value of the Examination is due in early our education system. The surrounding area. independent sector. December. 6 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter Keyless car theft leaves Police beat Millicent Riordan on the driver’s side on Creed owners mystified The summer saw a spike in Road by unknown person(s) on Millicent Riordan unlock the car using a recognisable crime incidents reported, with September 12th. On Friday 19th July, a surprised signal and drive off while the an increase from 24 in July to 32 Four counts of shoplifting in car owner on Ashton Road owner is still in possession of the incidents in August. Oundle occurred in October; three discovered that their BMW M3 had fob. A winch was removed from a were reported at the Co-op in been stolen from their driveway. A spokesman from the Society of vehicle on Bellamy Road, Oundle Oundle and one was reported at The owner was still in possession of Motor Manufacturers and Traders during the week of 18th July. The Oundle Waitrose. The police have both sets of keys. The victim posted told The Times: “Technology can winch must have been unscrewed, no suspects at this time. on social media: “It’s a pretty noisy only do so much… we call for as well as having the connecting A Sprinter van was stolen from car to start and drive off, so god action to prevent the open sale of cables cut. King's Road between 11pm on knows how they did it.” devices used by criminals.” On July 19th a car was stolen October 9th and 6am the following Such keyless car thefts are the Simple and inexpensive Faraday between midnight and 7:20am morning by unknown means. wave crime to hit car owners. The pouches are a sound way to from Ashton Road. This is believed There was an attempted Association of British Insurers prevent further keyless car theft. to have been a keyless car theft. burglary at a house on Wakerley reported a national rise in keyless They act similarly to Faraday cages, Another car was stripped of items Close during the night of October car thefts to The Times: 16,000 which block signals from car fobs that evening just after midnight 27th. A building on Barnwell Road insurance claims were settled and contactless cards using special on St Christopher’s Drive. Further was burgled on November 4th at within the first three months of materials and sewing techniques. cases were reported during the 14:35. 2019. The cost totalled £108m, an This means that there is no signal night of July 23rd and 24th: items There were three burglaries increase of 22% from last year. for criminals to track. Some car were stolen from a vehicle on reported in Oundle during manufacturers have installed Benefield Road, and from a car on September and October. A burglary features that mean a car key will Wakerley Close. on Monson Way was reported in no longer broadcast after it has not A woman was approached by August. However, the suspect was been moved for a set amount of two unknown men at 1pm on the unable to be prosecuted in October. time. afternoon of August 2 on St Osyth’s A silver teardrop trailer was Thatcham Research, a research Lane. They asked to borrow her stolen from a private, communal firm, published findings that phone and she replied that she did car park on Glapthorn Road during Mazda 3s, Volvo V-60s and Toyota not own one. They then climbed the week of November 4th. RAV-4s are vulnerable to thefts into the passenger side of her On Oundle Road in Stoke Doyle, using relays. However, Volvo, vehicle and stole her handbag. It an attempted theft of a vehicle Toyota and Mazda have concluded was recovered and returned to her. on November 10th was reported. that they will invest in higher Six businesses located in the The rear window was broken and security measures, in order to Oundle Marina suffered thefts of the boot was damaged, although protect their customers. Tracker several items on August 8th. These nothing was taken. Security has concluded that BMW items were located and returned. On November 18th, two men X5s, 3 and 5 Series, and Mercedes- However, the offenders have not attempted to steal a car from an Benz C and E classes are the most been located. The rear headlights Oundle driveway at 9:30 pm but Faraday pouches are an inexpensive likely to be stolen. of a car parked on Benefield Road were chased away when the owner option to keep your car safe In an interview with Whatcar? were also removed on August 8th. was woken by the sound of a saw, Magazine, David Jamieson, The crime rate decreased and shouted from his home. They In the last five years, two police commissioner for the West dramatically from 32 crimes proceeded to drive away in another confirmed keyless car thefts Midlands said: “Last year, 7452 cars reported in August to 19 in vehicle. involving relay devices have were stolen in the West Midlands; September. However, there was an The police are collaborating with occurred in East Northants. that’s nearly three times as many as increase to 24 reported incidents National Pub Watch on the Ask for According to the police, one of the in 2015.” He has begun a national in October. During September Angela campaign, which will help vehicles was recovered. campaign calling for car-makers to and October incidents of violence people who feel threatened on a Keyless car theft is a new increase the security they provide. and sexual offences accounted for date. technological approach undertaken In East Northamptonshire there the majority of reported crimes. As part of Operation Snap, by thieves. Usually two relay boxes have been three key-less car thefts Of the seven incidents reported police are asking drivers to submit are used to boost the signal of a car since 2017, and Police have made in October, one suspect has been dash cam footage of traffic offences fob inside a house, so the theft often two arrests in connection to this charged, four incidents are still to their website, as this may be involves two perpetrators. One type of car theft. To the relief of the under investigation, and in two helpful to take action against relay box is held near the house Oundle car owner, two men were cases, the police were unable to drivers found to be breaking the whilst the other is planted near the arrested by Cambridgeshire police, prosecute the identified suspects. law. Police caution that any footage car door. As the vehicle is started on 30th July, in connection with the A car in Lower Benefield should not be placed on social with a button, this allows them to BMW M3 stolen from Ashton Road. was stripped of possessions on media as this could affect their September 16th. A car was keyed efforts to make a legal case.

A Mercedes Sprinter van was stolen from a drive on King's Road in October A silver teardrop trailer was stolen from a private car park in November ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 7 plan and pledged to maintain full Barclays pledges to post office services, including cash North Shoes introduces new clinic withdrawals, for three years. stay open - for now Uppingham lost its Barclays Millie Trotter branch earlier this year. Customers of award-winning Esme Kroese Barclays says that it is reluctant footwear store North Shoes will Barclays Bank is the last bank to close local branches due to the have an extra spring in their step in town, following the closures consequences and inconvenience with the launch of a special clinic of NatWest and the Norwich and to local areas, and Barclays is at the Oundle shop in the Market Peterborough Building Society. trialling means by which it can Place. However, Barclays has issued a work with communities, including The NC Foot Health Clinic time-limited promise: the company flexible opening hours, and will be launched on Saturday 7 will keep open Oundle’s branch new technologies such as video- December by 30-year-old Ryan until at least October 2021 as a banking. Clements, a qualified foot health commitment to rural communities Adam Rowse MD of Branch practitioner. Mr Clements, who is and towns where they are the last Based Banking at Barclays said: manager of the North Shoes store round one-stop shop for customers, remaining bank. “We are constantly exploring new at Bourne, qualified through the with our staff as qualified shoe The bank had announced in ways to evolve the role of the Maidenhead-based Smae Institute. fitters and the clinic there to October that customers would no branch. He holds a diploma in advanced address foot health and walking longer be able to withdraw cash "By maintaining last in town bio-mechanics from the College problems,” Mr Clements said. from post offices from January or remote branches over the next of Foot Health Practitioners and Mr Clements is also a runner 2020, which caused widespread two years, and working with the is also a member of the Society of with five marathons under his belt, upset. community, we hope to increase Shoe Fitters. and with his experienced know- Within a few weeks, the demand and keep these branches The clinic will help people how, offers the clinic service to company stepped back from that viable.’’ with all sorts of nail problems, plus corns, verrucas and hard sports clubs and fitness groups. skin and, using the latest 3D All treatments cost £30, a bio- First Responders get behind the wheel scanning technology, can also mechanic 3D scan is £65 and address foot pain and walking bespoke footwear insoles can be Gwyneth Angel sent to locations from which 999 problems by supplying bespoke prepared, if needed. In September, Oundle has been called within a ten-mile footwear inserts. It can also speed Clinics will be held on Community First Responders were radius of Oundle, and they treat up referrals to specialists like Thursdays and Fridays between able to upgrade their emergency the patient as much as possible. physiotherapists. 9am and 5pm and appointments response vehicle to a new estate car. Mr Brackley said that a first “The launch of the clinic at can be booked in the shop or via Local businesses were responder’s job involves “keeping Oundle means we will be an all- their Facebook page. approached to raise £3500 a year the patient alive to the best of our for three years, and four businesses ability until the paramedics arrive”. agreed to donate £500 each for Becoming a first responder three years. The responders will involves a four-day course to reach ~ Est. 1981~ need to continue raising the the first level, along with a refresher Rockingham Landrovers 18 Main Street, Rockingham. LE16 8TG

Land Rovers have come a long way since 1948 but no matter which Land Rover or Range Rover you drive we can service and repair it. Our skilled staff, 4 workshop ramps and genuine Land Rover equipment ensure a quality service and rapid resolution to any Land Rover problems.

Here at Rockingham we service and maintain all models of Land Rover and Range Rover without affecting the vehicle’s warranty.

We offer a free collection and delivery service for all Land Rovers booked in for Service / MOT and Repair. With support from local business, First Responders were able to upgrade their car Land Rover T4 & WDS diagnostic equipment to diagnose remaining £1500 a year to support course every year, and meetings and re-set faults on Air Suspension, Engine Management, running the vehicle. every month. Mr Brackley has been ABS, Gearboxes, Keys & Fobs etc….

The support from local involved for 14 years and is a level businesses came from: Barton 3 first responder, along with four Renovation and refurbishment to suit your requirements. Chassis replacement for all Defender and Series. Petroleum, Pete Barford others in the team of eleven. Productions, Nene and Welland Andy Skinner had his first Genuine Land Rover and OEM parts available for purchase. Oddfellows, CI Consultancy, Pest experience with first responders Professionals, and MPB Structures when his father had a serious fall. Ltd. The new car has more storage After calling for an ambulance, Office & Workshop Opening Hours for their equipment and is more the first responders arrived in robust. minutes. He wrote on the NextDoor Monday - Thursday : 8.30am – 6 pm & Friday : 8.30am – 4 pm “The day after we got the car platform: “At a time when the we had a call saying a farmer had ambulance services nationwide are Telephone : 01536 770109 / 770078 Email : [email protected] been crushed by a cow,” said Paul stretched to breaking point, with Brackley, a first responder. “We long waiting times for less serious A family owned independent Land Rover specialist for over 35 years. would not have been able to get up emergencies, Oundle residents the roadway if it had not been for are very lucky indeed to have the new car.” this service which certainly isn't The first response team are commonplace for many people.” 8 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter There's all to play for in Corby and East Northants election Millie Trotter constituents. party also saw a 6.3% increase in or the Brexit Party, raising the This election is arguably the Since 1983, the Corby and East the share of the vote, while UKIP’s question of who those supporters most important one of the last Northamptonshire constituency has voter share decreased by 11.2% will vote for. decade. Not only are voters swung back and forth between the from the 2015 election. The Green Will voters tick a box for their choosing the next government, Conservative and Labour parties. Party won only 1% of the total vote. convictions, or vote strategically? but they are taking a position on In the 2017 election, the This constituency voted in Will voters consider the contentious how Brexit will be handled. And constituency had a high turnout favour of leaving the European national picture, or vote for a from a local point of view, voters of 73%. Conservative candidate Union, with 64.2% of the vote. candidate to represent local issues? are deciding on which candidate Tom Pursglove won a majority This election has only three With a choice between equally can represent the constituency by 2690 votes, a change of 6.5% candidates on the ballot, with no deserving candidates, it looks like and act for the best interests of its for the Conservatives. The Labour representatives from the Green many votes could be up for grabs.

Beth Miller grew up in Corby Tom Pursglove has represented Originally from Romford, Essex, playing football for both Corby and East Northamptonshire Chris Stanbra moved to Corby in Corby Cougars and Rushden since 2015. During his time in 1981. Mr Stanbra is an accountant & Diamonds, and values her Westminster he worked for the who has served as borough early work experience in a local Parliamentary Private Secretary councillor and a county councillor cafe, hair salon, warehouse and to the Minister of State for in Corby. He was elected in 2009 McDonalds. For the past six Immigration at the Home Office to Northamptonshire County years, she has worked on policy in 2016, and was appointed as Council for the Oakley Division. development and campaigns in Parliamentary Private Secretary As a member of the council he Parliament, with a recent focus on to the Secretary of State for worked on a number of committees implementing post-crisis financial International Trade and President and worked closely on local issues, reforms at the Bank of England, of the Board of Trade. Mr including climate change and including measures to improve Pursglove was also appointed as library closures. In line with his governance of banks and more vice chairman of the Conservative party, he is committed to stopping effective regulation of the financial Party for the Youth in 2018. In Brexit. services industry. 2019 he was appointed Assistant Government Whip.

Remembering Lady Brassey, president of Oundle Festival of Music and Drama

Millie Trotter attitude and a real passion for Forces, Bill Howell said: “Lady The long-serving president of helping others in the community. Brassey’s passing has left a void the Oundle Festival of Music and Her contributions and effort were that will not easily be filled.” Drama, Lady Caroline Brassey died appreciated by all those around Mr Howell said: “She is aged 74 in August 2019. her. sadly, but fondly missed and her Having joined the Oundle Known fondly as Midgie, she kindness, friendliness to all she Festival of Music and Drama in and her husband, Lord David met and her support for Fishing for 1991, she was the festival’s longest Brassey, also opened their home in Forces will be remembered for a serving president. In 2015 she Apethorpe to Fishing for Forces, very long time.” received the 25 years Long Service a charity that provides fishing Lady Brassey was the former Award from the Federation of therapy to war veterans. Caroline Evill, third daughter of Festivals. As patron, she organised and Lieutenant-Colonel Godfrey Evill Festival Chairman, Gwen welcomed a huge number of people and Nesta Herbert. Radcliffe said: “She showed great to her home, and even placed a In 1978 she married David interest in the Festival. We will large selection of her glass and Henry Brassey, 3rd Baron Brassey never forget her gracious manner porcelain for sale to raise money for of Apethorpe, who died in 2015, and her enthusiasm.” the charity. and is survived by two daughters. Lady Brassey had an energetic The founder of Fishing for ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 9

prosperity we create, where our Amongst other things, I am Beth Miller public services provide support particularly proud of the work Chris Standbra and protection, especially for the I did in supporting Fairline Labour most vulnerable. I believe that, employees when the company ran Liberal Democrat ultimately, we all benefit from a into trouble and it is terrific to see more egalitarian society. the successor company doing so I will never forget the well today and regularly taking opportunities which where on new staff. I fought with the given to me by the last Labour community to get the emergency government: the investment in my funding for the repairs to the North comprehensive school, and the Bridge from the Government and Education Maintenance Allowance I welcome that the works are now which allowed me to fund my beginning. It was fantastic to open studies. It worries me that so much the new science block at Prince progress in education has been William School, which represents destroyed in the last nine years a significant investment in state of under Conservative governments. the art facilities to help broaden I want to see nursery education educational opportunities for properly funded to give every I grew up and went to school in our young people. I campaigned I want to Stop Brexit. If the child a good start in life. Student Corby, and I would be immensely successfully alongside local people country elects a majority Liberal finance must be reformed to lift honoured to represent my home to keep the Corby Urgent Care Democrat government on the burden of debt from those in area as a Member of Parliament. Centre open and for East Northants December 12th, its first action will higher education. We must support I have worked at both the Bank residents to still be able to access be to revoke Article 50 to Stop innovation and change in our of England and in Parliament, first-class care as quickly as Brexit. In all other circumstances, economy by providing for lifetime contributing to policy development possible. I will support a People's Vote learning, giving people the means on better banking regulation. I have also been pleased and campaign to Stop Brexit. As to acquire new and improved I understand the diversity to actively support the Refill a nation we are better off in the skills and knowledge throughout within this constituency and the Revolution shop at Oundle Wharf, EU. We are more prosperous, and their careers. We must also invest importance of representing all of and it was great to be at the launch safer and stronger because we are in higher quality apprenticeships, its citizens and their interests in of the Oundle Repair Café. Both working together with our friends. ensuring that these effectively every town, village and hamlet. If are important local grassroots I think it is right to pool some of combine education and training elected, I would have an office in initiatives which prove we can our sovereignty to achieve this. The to create the most productive the constituency and hold surgeries all do our bit to do right by our EU isn't perfect, but we can make it workforce for the future. across the area so that I could meet environment at a local, national and better by working from within. people face-to-face and seek to international level. We have a housing crisis. In help them with problems that they Moreover, I have always stood Corby and East Northants there wish to raise with me. I would Tom Pursglove up and been counted when it are over one thousand families commit to addressing all issues comes to the need to protect on the waiting list for a council that are brought to me, whether Conservative the rural character of Oundle. I house. I want to see those council communicated by email, letter or have been vocal on the issue of houses built, so that every family telephone. unwanted over-development and on the waiting list gets the I believe that it is essential that a have opposed the sale of green chance to have a council house. local MP works closely with other open spaces at Fletton Field and In addition, whilst respecting the tiers of government. The Tories at Oundle Primary School on wishes of local people, we need drove Northamptonshire County Cotterstock Road. to get housebuilders building, so Council to the point of bankruptcy, I am committed to working that there are more homes to buy and the county is now planning alongside other elected at a price homebuyers can afford, for two new unitary authorities to representatives to ensure the especially first time buyers. be set up in its place. As the MP, concerns are heard. In my view, We have to deal with the climate I would maintain regular contact local people should decide where emergency. As a Northamptonshire with councillors on the North development is acceptable. county councillor, I proposed Northamptonshire Unitary, as well Finally, I am determined to the motion that declared a as those on the county, district follow through on our clear climate emergency across and borough councils before commitments which tie up with the Northamptonshire, and committed their abolition. I would also look Despite the challenging national key priorities raised in the weekly the council to becoming carbon to work closely with town and political climate, in the last four conversations I have to put more neutral by 2030. In September parish councils, like Oundle Town and a half years as a Member of police on the beat, invest more in I was one of many Liberal Council, especially on issues like Parliament, I have always worked our local NHS services, including Democrat party members who house-building and maintaining a tirelessly on local issues and am boosting the availability of GP overwhelmingly approved party vibrant market place. proud to have helped thousands appointments, and further increase policy that will mean minimum I believe that this General of local people with all manner of funding for our local schools to interim targets of 75% by 2030 and Election will set our country's problems and concerns in that time. ensure that every young person 93% by 2040. direction for a generation, not Throughout, I have been readily has the very best start in life. As Other issues that are a priority just for five years. Boris Johnson's accessible, as I believe in getting out someone who went to a local for me include: creating mental Brexit deal is bad for business, for there, listening and campaigning comprehensive school, that matters health services parity with physical employment and for the unity of hard on the issues that matter. It to me enormously. health; maintaining international the UK. If passed into law, it will has been my practise to regularly I am honoured to have been re- aid at the 0.7% of GDP we spend; create further uncertainty and knock on doors in the town and the selected as the Conservative Party's ending the wait for benefits and risk the catastrophe of a No Deal surrounding villages throughout candidate for the General Election, treating people fairly; giving young outcome at the end of 2020. the year, not just at election time, and I very much hope that Corby people the opportunity to attend At a time when our society and I have held my weekly advice & East Northamptonshire residents their nearest school and that every is more divided than it has ever surgeries across the constituency, will again put their trust in me school is a good school; reforming been in my lifetime, I believe including in Oundle at No 1 St and allow me the opportunity our electoral system; ensuring that we need to reconsider what Osyth's Lane, whose kind welcome to continue to work hard and that the new system of local sort of place we want Britain to and hospitality for me and those campaign on the issues that matter government in Northamptonshire be. I want to work for a future coming to see me, I have always most to local people - listening, works properly - we can't set it up in which everyone shares in the greatly appreciated. campaigning and delivering. to fail. 10 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter Another resident wrote angrily: Clear and unequivocal demands for change for a sustainable future “Our WHOLE street has been red Gwyneth Angel personally abusive about her researchers at Oxford University tagged… THE WHOLE STREET Scientists are warning that we Asperger's syndrome, OCD and found that the meat and dairy IN OUNDLE… Not acceptable… cannot wait to take action to combat selective mutism. Her response: industry produces sixty percent MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL STOP the climate change crisis. More than “That basically means I only speak of agriculture’s greenhouse gas PAYING OUR COUNCIL TAX.” 11,000 scientists from 153 countries when I think it's necessary. Now is emissions and cows produce about One resident decided to call East say that urgent change is needed in one of those moments." forty percent of the annual methane Northamptonshire Council, who the way we live our lives, and it is Some adults have attacked her budget. These factors, as well as sent a council worker to inspect the young generation that is joining for virtue signalling, histrionics others, such as deforestation and a the uncollected bin. He explained them to insist on transformative and empty rhetoric and they accuse rapidly increasing population, do the council’s precautions. “The real change. her of terrifying children with not just damage our environment, issue with contaminated bins is Sixteen-year-old Greta Thunberg exaggerated claims about the threat but threaten the planet. the extra cost involved in sorting has emerged as a motivating leader to the planet’s survival. However, In November, scientists wrote in them.” for young people around the world. Greta doggedly points to the BioScience: “We declare clearly and The council replied to residents After taking solitary strike action science. unequivocally that planet Earth is via Facebook, explaining that outside her school, her convictions She is not wrong: research facing a climate emergency." because of the extra sorting costs, have mobilised a series of global indicators show that climate change Political leaders and contaminated bins would end school strikes which have taken poses a very real threat of rising sea policymakers around the world up going to landfill, rather than place on Fridays in over 2000 cities levels, increasing temperatures and have a responsibility to act through recycling. “We appreciate it can worldwide. It is estimated that extreme weather events. education, regulation and taxation be frustrating not having your bin nearly 1.5 million young people Terrifying statistics are to help change behaviour. On a emptied, but contamination of from around the globe have emerging. According to the UN local level there are many ways recycling can mean tonnes of waste participated in these events. Environment Programme annual in which individuals can assess that could be recycled, going into In September she spoke at the report issued in November, global their habits and make changes landfill.” United Nations Climate Summit, emissions must fall by 7.6% every that contribute to the global effort. The council explained that confronting the inaction of the year from now until 2030 to stay Consuming less, reducing waste, bins occasionally have to be world’s politicians with a striking within the 1.5C cap on temperature and responsible recycling is checked. In May, the council condemnation: “How dare you?” rises necessary to prevent dire and easy, as is cutting down on meat carried out district-wide patrols Her emotional speech provoked disastrous consequences. consumption. Changing habits, for contamination and stated that a chain of reactions worldwide. Meat consumption is one such as simply switching off lights, in total 2259 bins were looked at, While many were very positive, threatening contributor to climate walking or using public transport and 374 were rejected and received others were critical and even change. A study last year by can all make a difference. a red tag. They also explain that food waste was found to be the worst contaminant, with 47% of Supermarkets ramp up efforts to reduce plastic waste bins not emptied due to it. More Esme Kroese replaced them with clear recyclable that the practice is part of their surprisingly, they also found dirty Consumers are to object to the plastics, saving over 17 tonnes of shopping routine. nappies. over-use of plastic packaging, and plastic landfill. They have also Oundle’s other supermarket, Charlotte Tompkins, Waste leading retailers are taking action. created a fibre-based tray as an The Co-operative has also Service Manager at ENC, said that The reasons for urgent action alternative to the black plastic introduced new policies to reduce the green bin inspections are meant are compelling. About ten percent used in microwavable meals - a plastic waste. They have been to provide an opportunity for the of the plastic we use ends up in the supermarket first. carrying non-plastic cotton buds council to re-educate residents ocean. This means that per year They have removed plastic for eleven years, have banned use about what should and should not there are nearly 700 billion plastic straws and cutlery from all of micro-beads in own products go in the bin. bottles or items in the sea. their shops and cafes, and have and eliminated plastic straws. They While dirty nappies should be In the North Pacific Ocean there replaced all single-use fruit and have removed polystyrene disks an obvious item not to put in the is six times more plastic rubbish veg bags and carrier bags with a from pizza bases, and replaced recycling bin, there is still confusion than plankton, which marine home compostable alternative. By plastic packaging on some ready about what plastics and packaging animals accidentally eat, thinking Christmas 2020, their own-label meals with a card tray and sleeve or you can actually recycle, and how it is food. About 100,000 marine cards, wraps, crackers, tags, flowers a foil tray and sleeve. can you avoid being “red-tagged.” creatures die each year from getting and plants will be glitter-free. With an increase of recyclable The council has published a caught in plastic, while over a Waitrose is currently conducting packaging from forty-six percent to list of plastic items which can million seabirds die from eating or a trial called Waitrose Unpacked seventy-four percent, almost three- and cannot be recycled. The “No getting caught in plastics. in two shops where they have quarters of the Co-op's packaging is Thanks!” items include: all black In the middle of the North removed packaging from a range of now recyclable. food trays, pet food pouches, Pacific Gyre, an area called the products and introduced features plastic bags, food packets for crisps, Great Pacific Garbage Patch is made such as a dedicated refillable zone sweets, coffee, biscuits, pill blister up entirely of plastic. This plastic with dispensers for dried products, Can your waste be packs, plant pots and cling film. island is the size of India, Mexico, frozen ‘pick and mix’, coffee, wine Tetra Paks are also not recyclable and Europe combined. and beer refills, as well as detergent recycled? by the ENC because the foil and Not only do we use too much and washing up liquid refillables. plastic layers are too difficult to plastic packaging, but often the More than ninety percent of the Gwyneth Angel separate. Removing the thin plastic packaging is made up of a type of customers that Waitrose surveyed There is not only an increasing windows from paper envelopes is plastic that cannot be recycled. said they would continue to shop momentum these days to reduce a small detail that helps to reduce Waitrose is one of the leading Unpacked, and Waitrose plans to our use of plastic, but also concern contamination. supermarkets to change its policies launch Unpacked in two further about recycling what we do use. They also emphasise the in response to this growing crisis shops from November. There remains, however, a lot importance of ensuring that all and are committed to removing or At Oundle’s Waitrose, the shop of confusion about what sort of food has been removed, and items redesigning plastic and single-use encourages customers to bring in plastics are actually recyclable. are rinsed before being recycled. packaging. their own refillable containers to In July residents of Oundle Mrs Tompkins said she uses One big problem in food the deli and fish counters to help took to Facebook to express their the “scrunch test” to determine packaging is the use of black trays, reduce single-use plastic. Few irritation when their green top whether a plastic item is recyclable: which are not recyclable because of people have taken up this option bins were given a ‘red tag’ and not squeeze it and if its springs back the dark carbon pigments. Waitrose so far, but as the notion of using emptied. One resident remarked, into shape, it is not recyclable; has swapped all black plastic lids refillable containers becomes more “It’s a joke, and not a very funny if it remains squashed, it can be on its own-brand products and mainstream, shoppers will find one.” recycled. ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 11

of 17.7kg. Donate old Without proper recycling, Keep on giving after Christmas with landfills become toxic mines of phones to Oxfam dangerous substances, which can the Tree-cycle charity scheme be hazardous to human health for recycling and the environment, as they Alice Blackmore trees are collected from the curb start contaminating soil, polluting Wondering what to do with side and then chipped into mulch Meagan Iu water sources and entering food your Christmas trees this year for use in the gardens of Sue Ryder Have you replaced your phone, supply chains. Heavy metals, ozone after the festivities are over? One Thorpe Hall Hospice and at farms but do not know what to do with depleting chemicals and lead glass solution is Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall near Oundle. your old one? will decompose in landfills which Hospice’s charity tree-cycling Participation in the scheme not Most people upgrade their can cause serious environmental scheme. This is a way for people only supports people in vital need phones every two years and stash problems in the future. to recycle Christmas trees in an of hospice care, but also reduces the old ones in their drawers. Charities such as Oxfam offer environmentally friendly way landfill and helps local farms. According to a survey conducted a recycling scheme where they while raising funds for the charity. “Every tree that is collected and by the Royal Society of Chemistry, turn every mobile phone into cash every donation that is given will there are about 40 million pieces of to buy supplies for impoverished help our Sue Ryder nurses, care technology hidden in drawers all communities, such as water tanks, teams and support staff be there over the UK. wells, tools, seeds, school books when it matters,” said Lucy Stone Mobile phones contain and more. This applies to iPods from Nene Valley Tree Services. many valuable materials and and tablets as well, which can “We are delighted to be able to components, 80% of which can be be refurbished, repackaged and raise funds for Sue Ryder again this recycled. Smart phones contain reused, or taken apart into separate year, and do something to benefit valuable scarce elements from components by specialist recyclers the community as a whole. This is a mines, like gold, silver, copper, to be reused in the industry. Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and green, practical and ethical solution indium, tantalum, palladium and Their recycling partner Nene Valley Tree Services launch this year's charity Tree-Cycling scheme. to the common problem of what to platinum. The metal, indium, is company, CMR, repair, recycle do with your tree after Christmas used to make conductive coating or recondition the phones that This scheme, which was first and donations will go towards for sensitive touch screens and can are donated and also wipe them launched by Nene Valley Tree ensuring people will get the care also be used to make solar panels, clean of all data including names Services last year, raised over £400 they need.” while tantalum can be used in a and numbers that are stored on for the hospice. This year, the Christmas tree collection can variety of vital medical devices. the phones. Working phones are service is collecting Christmas trees be booked at www.sueryder.org/ The UN estimates around £7 given a new life, and are sold from the 4th to 11th January. ThorpeTreecycling. billion worth of gold is currently abroad; some even end up in In return for a £10 donation, the lying in landfills worldwide and developing countries and can help the total value of recoverable parts communication in areas where could be as high as £34 billion. landlines do not exist. Council introduces elecronic waste collection In the UK alone we are You can donate up to five responsible for around 1.5 million phones to the Oxfam shop in Meagan Iu Residents will soon be able to tonnes of electronic waste, and Oundle. Or visit the Fonebank The East Northamptonshire’s leave their electronic waste in bags only recycle around 17 per cent website to find out the value of Waste Electrical and Electronic or boxes alongside their bins for of this. The Environmental Audit your unwanted mobile, and how Equipment (WEEE) collection pilot collection. Committee says that the UK is to trade it in for cash and make scheme began in September in The council will collect a wide producing 24.9kg of e-waste per a donation to Oxfam at the same Raunds and was planned to run variety of items alongside the person, higher than the EU average time. until the end of 2019. According normal weekly pick-up: electrical to the council, if this trial was items such as hairdryers, small successful, the scheme would be kitchen appliances such as toasters Dental products waste can now be recycled rolled out across the district. and kettles, electronics such as According to Charlotte DVD players and phones, small Meagan Iu as recycling solutions available for Tompkins, the ENC Waste Service electrical DIY tools and electronic Oundle Waste Less, an purchase for almost every form Manager, very early on the trial toys and chargers. environmental conservation of waste. By volume, TerraCycle was shown to be a success, and The collected material will be organisation, has joined the recycles over 97% of the waste that WEEE collection will be extended sent to a UK facility that will break Colgate Oral Care Recycling they collect. the items down into the component Scheme, a programme organised Once the waste is collected, the materials with magnetic and by TerraCycle. Refill Revolution oral care products and packaging electric currents, and will then at Oundle Wharf and Oundle are separated by polymer type, be sent on for recycling into new Library are the designated drop-off cleaned, and extruded into plastic products; the plastics will be sorted locations for dental recycling. pellets to make new recycled into the different types by eddy The accepted items to be products. TerraCycle uses only current separator, near infra-red recycled include any brands of circular methods (reuse, upcycling and other technologies. toothpaste tubes and caps, plastic or recycling) for repurposing the East Northamptonshire Council toothbrushes and any of their outer waste collected through their said they do not receive any packaging, empty floss containers programmes. across the district. income from the sale of materials and their outer packaging, electric TerraCycle will award points The council judged the amounts of this scheme. “As a council, and battery toothbrush heads only, based on the weight of the waste collected, how many households we are committed to helping and any toothpaste cartons. All collected, which can be redeemed participated and their feedback residents with their recycling in excess product must be removed by Transition Oundle into on the scheme’s usefulness. It also East Northamptonshire. With a from the tubes before recycling. financial donations to participating needed to determine whether growing number of electrical items TerraCycle is an innovative organisations such as local schools. it would impact on the time to in households due to technologies recycling company that has Transition Oundle is a non-profit complete the regular collection constantly changing, this trial become a global leader in organisation to help local residents rounds, the profile of tonnages is the next step in ensuring that recycling typically hard-to-recycle take small practical steps towards collected over time and whether the as many items as possible are waste. They offer a range of free lower carbon living, by running capacity provided for the storage sent to recycling facilities,” said programmes that are funded by projects which focus on transport, of the material on the collection Steven North, Leader of East conscientious companies, as well energy, food, work and lifestyle. vehicle would be sufficient. Northamptonshire Council. 12 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter Exploring new ways to live with Refill, Repair and Restore

sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi, volunteers who are skilled at which have many reported health repairing household goods. People Restore benefits, such as boosting immunity Repair can bring items such as bikes, A new wellness centre at the and improving digestion. Zac Atkinson clothing, electronic appliances Wharf in Oundle has opened “Fermented foods balance out Repair Cafes have burst onto and toys. Repairers will provide opportunities for people to explore the bacteria in your gut and have the community scene, tackling common tools like screws without holistic pathways to better health lots of related benefits toward our throwaway culture, and now charge, but if an item needs a spare and wellbeing. The Restore making you feel well,” she said. there is one right here in Oundle, part, it can be ordered and brought Wellness Centre has a suite of The fitness programme includes organised by local environmental to the next café for repair. well-designed rooms, with a full a wide range of yoga sessions for group, Transition Oundle, as part At the most recent Café in programme of fitness classes, all abilities and preferred styles, of their National Lottery funded November, forty-two people and a roster of therapists offering including sessions for children Oundle Waste Less project. booked a slot to have items consultations. and teens, alongside strength and The centre is run by Fi Phillips conditioning classes. and Francis Leader who both grew Practice services include one- up in Oundle, and later practised on-one sessions with qualified law. They met after returning to practitioners offering reflexology, the local area to raise their young reiki and nutritional therapy, children and found they shared including Lorisian food intolerance interests in health and wellbeing, and Genova Diagnostics testing. as well as ambitions for a wellness A medical herbalist is available centre that would provide an to consult on metabolic and opportunity to do something local stress-related disorders as well as and contribute to the community. hormone-related conditions. “I had always had a dream of The therapists schedule setting up a studio space. Frances consultations during the week, and has focused more on the shop side, classes run throughout the day and the consultation rooms to bring with flexible payment plans. The in therapists,” said Ms Phillips, space at Restore is also a centre who teachess yoga. for workshops and events, with Ms Leader has a particular forthcoming sessions to include Volunteers at the repair cafe work on the electrics of a broken iron interest in gut health and meditation sessions, kirtan and makes fermented foods such as choir singing. Repair Cafés are community repaired, ranging from a food events that match people who need mixer, digital clock and bedside stuff fixed with people who like lamp to necklace clasps and new fixing things. The international coat buttons. repair café movement kicked off in While there are no guarantees, Amsterdam, and has now grown to the repairers will give it their best over a thousand worldwide, with effort, and are even keen to help more than 115 in Britain. They are teach people how to do a repair completely non-commercial, and themselves. their aim is simply to encourage The Repair Café has a booking people to consider getting items system to allocate time slots with repaired before throwing them out a suitable repairer; or one can wait so as to reduce waste and extend a with a cup of tea until a repairer product’s use. becomes free. “Do you have something that Email the Repair Café organisers needs fixing? Perhaps a CD player, at [email protected]. coffee machine, pair of jeans, uk with a short description of the favourite necklace, bicycle, much item, and what is wrong with it. loved toy…don't bin it - bring it Oundle’s Repair Cafes take place Fi Phillips and Frances Leader have partnered to open new wellness centre along and we will do our best to at Fletton House on Glapthorn fix it while you watch/help!” said Road. The next session is planned Andrea Wood. to coincide with a national day for nance and production and we'll do The Cafes are run by local Repair Cafes on February 15. Refill our best to answer.” continued from page 1 The supply system also works and would prefer that many peo- “Reducing unnecessary waste hand-in-hand with the refill ethos. ple think about the impact of their is a small piece in the whole envi- household cleaning liquids. In The products are supplied in a cir- purchases, rather than Refill Revo- ronmental jigsaw, but we hope that addition to these refillable goods, cular packaging system where the lution providing the solution to the Refill Revolution provides a place carefully sourced sustainable containers are reused and go back very conscientious few. where people can start to figure out items are available to buy, such as to suppliers to be refilled. Those some of the puzzle.” bamboo cutlery and toothbrushes, that cannot be refilled go back to The store has also provided an cotton produce bags, washable nap- suppliers to be recycled. opportunity for customers to share pies, washing up items made from Mrs Sherwin said: “Large bags conversations about green initia- coconut husk. and sacks, and cardboard boxes are tives and has allowed other small, In most cases their prices are reused until we can’t squeeze any like-minded businesses to promote equal to the branded products that more life out of them.” their services. The Refill Revolu- can be bought in the supermarkets; The Oundle Refill Revolution tion team have started to share their in some cases they are cheaper, in team want to make it clear that they business space with Restore, a new some cases they are more expen- aren’t “radical zero-waste lifestyle wellness centre at Oundle Wharf sive. “Our products are carefully promoters”. that opened in November. sourced and have good credentials. Mrs Sherwin said: “We provide Refill Revolution is open in We invite our customers to ques- an alternative way of shopping, Oundle on Tuesday, Friday and tion their contents, source, prove- and do our best to walk the talk, Saturday from 9am to 4pm. ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 13

advice about management of the Phil Sewter is one resident who Letting wildlife flourish in verges growth cycles. is keen to work with the council In January, Mr Clark plans to to promote wild verges, and has mark off around six to ten trial applied for free wildflower seeds Esme Kroese declining insect populations. In the areas of two metres by two metres for public areas from Kew Garden. While some people complain UK, one-third of the bee population that the Highways department has disappeared in the last ten does not mow roadside verges years. enough, there is a growing lobby Planting wildflowers on verges to let the grass grow and actively provides a habitat for bees and manage wild growth by the sides insects to feed off and pollinate of roads in order to encourage the plants, helping the local plant insect populations. Oundle is population while increasing one community that is initiating the population of the insects a trial for a new approach to the themselves. Insects help keeps the management of roadside verges. soil healthy, recycle materials and There is no doubt that the control pests. Without them, whole world’s insect population is in ecosystems could be drastically jeopardy, with forty percent of impacted. insect species in decline and over The Bee Friendly Trust is one a third of the insect population organisation that transforms endangered. The speed of the rate neglected urban spaces to create of extinction of insects is more than a bee-friendly or insect-friendly eight times higher than that of any habitat. They have built flower beds other mammals, birds or reptiles. in many train stations along the The total mass of insects has been London North Eastern Railway, A roundabout near Peterborough has patches of unmown areas planted with reduced by two and a half percent including one at the Peterborough flowers that encourage insect populations a year, and some sources state they station. Found at the site of the old wide around the fence line of the Cllr Clark hopes that through this could possibly have vanished by coffee shop, it is a cross-shaped recreation ground. In February the initiative, the council can encourage the end of the century. planter with popular pollinator- plots will be dug over and raked more volunteers to help maintain There has been a ninety-eight friendly plants such as rosemary to create level seed beds. The plots wildflower areas. percent fall in ground insects over and lavender sourced from Tandee will lie dormant for around six Along with the many benefits the last 30 years due to insecticides Nursery, in Barnwell. weeks while they are monitored for for wildlife, communities who containing neonicotinoids and Oundle Town Council is growth of perpetual weeds, and the make similar initiatives to manage fipronil which damage and sterilise pursuing a plan to trial wildflower seeds will be planted in March or wildflower verges and urban spaces the soil and kill grubs, discouraging planting at the recreation ground April. The suggested seed mix has a say that it improves the area, and further plant growth. on New Road. Led by Councillor high density of yellow rattle which helps to also bring people together Bees are at the forefront of Ian Clark, they will follow the Plant Mr Clark believes is important to and encourage greater awareness of environmental concerns about Life’s Management Guidelines, for keep grass under control. our natural environment. 14 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter Contenders, plus Jake Cunnington, nothing to do in Oundle at night. a young local singer-songwriter. “We’re trying to find stuff for They are still finding their feet people to do, to make a Friday or a VicsGigs got the beat for what sort of audience they Saturday night out.” Meagan Iu in the 1970s, and Oundle School can build on from the residents The music scene has always A new initiative is aiming to put hosted progressive rock band Van of Oundle and beyond. “The first built on its grassroots origins, but Oundle on the map for live rock Der Graaf Generator in 1972, and gig was almost like a practice gig it needs the small venues to thrive. music performances. VicsGigs was the ‘industrial’ band, Throbbing to work out what you have to do, VicsGigs is hoping to be that much- created by Anth Hodson-Curran Gristle in 1980. because I didn’t have a clue to be needed stepping stone. and Bob Cheatham, who both There used to be hundreds of honest. There were a few from In the coming year, their share a love of live music and an small clubs, halls and pubs that Oundle but there weren’t as many programme begins on January 24th ambition to bring some excitement hosted music, and most bands as the responses on Facebook,” said with Pandamoanium, winners of to Oundle’s night life. built their success touring across Mr Cheatham. the 2018 Visual Radio Arts poll, and Mr Cheatham retired a couple the country and playing at small For their November gig they finalists in the Herne Bay Rocks years ago and moved to Oundle, venues. But with a third of small and was disappointed that there music venues in the UK closing was no live music to listen to. He down in the last decade due to has friends and colleagues who noise objections and increasing organise music gigs in Leicester costs of overheads, such as business and Corby, and thought it would rates, there are fewer platforms be fun to join in and promote from which bands can build a live music around town. He first reputation and progress to bigger punted the idea of live music on venues and festivals. Facebook to see whether there was The vision for VicGigs is to an audience for it, and that is where break that trend. They are not in he met Anth, who had also recently it to make money – and there is retired to Oundle, and shared his a good chance they could lose love of music. money - they are just trying to They decided to use the Queen establish a new venue for bands. Victoria Hall as their live music The dream is to get VicsGigs venue, and have promoted their recognised around the country and programme under the name of attract a momentum for music of VicsGigs. all different styles, starting with “It says fun and it says music. progressive rock, and diversifying Bob Cheatham and Anth Hodson-Curran are bringing a music scene to Oundle We try to give people more of an in the future, with a following used the back room at the Ship just 2019 competition. option in Oundle to do things in from people in the local area and to try a different venue for heavier Upcoming shows at the Queen town, and the stuff that Bob has nationally. 70s rock covers with Eight Foot Victoria Hall include Lifesigns, done so far and that we’ve got When Mr Cheatham first Under, a tribute band to classic a big progressive rock band, on planned really start to build a range presented the idea on social media, 70s rock music, playing a selection March 13th; Letz Zep, Europe’s of music, stuff with different taste. the response from Oundle residents of songs and bands from AC/DC official number one Led Zeppelin We kind of want to bring modern was very enthusiastic. to ZZ Top, Black Sabbath, Deep tribute act, will perform on May progressive rock into town and “But actually turning that Purple, and Led Zeppelin. 29th; a fantastic Prog double header build up another venue for bands,” into real people turning up is a “We were playing it quite safe, on June 26th featuring The Gift, said Mr Hodson-Curran. challenge. My strategy is to get using a tribute band theme, because a symphonic progressive rock They feel that Oundle should be some regular events happening for whatever reason people want band based in London, and the a good fit for a new music scene. almost once a month at least, and to go see something more familiar John Hackett Band, created by the “Oundle has got a funny little kind we’re well on the way for that next than something entirely new. And brother of Steve Hackett, the lead of left field music history to build year.” it just helps us get an idea of what guitarist of progressive rock band on, with Billy Bragg having lived They have been to a lot of gigs people are prepared to pay for Genesis; the Pure Floyd Show, locally and back in the 70s the in the past, and have got quite a some live music a five-minute walk a Pink Floyd tribute band based then infamous Doctors of Madness few connections, which has enabled from where they live,” said Mr in South Wales, will perform on played at Oundle School,” says them to book some well-known Cheatham. October 17th. Anth. progressive rock bands. Mr Hodson-Curran noted that Information about their The drummer Ginger Baker was Their first gig in September some people in the Oundle Chatter programme is available on the a familiar sight for a short while featured a band from Corby, The group have discussed how there is VicsGigs Facebook page. ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 15 Back when "Hellraiser" Ginger Baker came to town

Millie Trotter Robert Stigwood Challenge Cup, on were even worse.” was no way I could pay anyone,” The death of drummer Ginger but like many events in his life, Mr Baker lived large and was he wrote. Baker in October 2019 was covered chaos and mismanagement caused not only battling drug addiction For those to whom he did not at length by national newspapers, it to be cancelled. at the time, but he overstretched owe money, Mr Baker, with his and the news sparked memories of The most amusing anecdote himself buying, selling and keeping “mucky boots”, was “a legend”. Jon him by people who encountered in Hellraiser about his time in horses, and had dodgy dealings Pywell said: “I remember riding him when he lived in Polebrook in Polebrook is his description of with mobsters and stolen polo through Oundle on me moped and the 1970s. accidently finding himself in the horses. His Ashton polo club seeing a strange thin bloke with Known for his outstanding Fitzwilliam Hunt. “One day when I adventure was short-lived. The last red hair walking through town drumming skills, fiery temper and was out riding on my young horse a fondness for polo, Mr Baker’s Project I met with what seemed like life as a rock star was not short of a hundred people on horseback all corruption, drugs, and scandal. In congregated outside the Chequered his autobiography, Hellraiser, he Skipper pub in Ashton Wold. I breathlessly detailed the numerous was invited to join the hunt, even scams he claimed to have been though, dressed as I was in jeans the victim of, and the chaos of his and an anorak, this was by no professional and personal life. means the correct attire. It seemed However, he fondly reminisced churlish to refuse, so I joined them, about his time in Polebrook and stayed well back and my horse Ashton from 1977-78, where he jumped everything. I was in the developed his love for polo, horses middle of a bunch of people saying and the countryside. it was ‘Jolly nice, pip, pip’, hurtling He became involved with polo along the tarmac roads to the sound while recording in Nigeria, and of the hunting horn; then galloping despite no previous experience over the plough. We caught a fox The Robert Stigwood Challenge Cup was never held with horses, it soon became an all- on the estate, which can’t have consuming, expensive obsession. gone down well with Miriam or her straw was when he fell out with wearing purple cord flares and a He was introduced to the area by sister – they loved foxes.” Charles Lane, Lady Rothschild’s fur waistcoat. It was Ginger - totally his friend, Kevin Slavin, and kept Of those who remembered him, son, about his horses’ loss at out of place but cool as f***. I did his horses on the Ashton Wold some disapprovingly recalled his the Blue Coat Cup. In 1978 he a double take. I'd never seen nowt estate, where he was encouraged by reputation for outrageousness. “He abandoned the project. like him before, especially not in a Miriam Rothschild to set up a polo was not the most pleasant person “My polo dream had gone to sleepy Northamptonshire market club. One of the most prestigious I have ever met. Rude, arrogant, pieces and I left Polebrook owing town! Top man and a fantastic matches that he organised was the ignorant and some of the hangers- money left, right and centre. There drummer! RIP Ginger!”

Your Christmas All Wrapped up at Hambleton Bakery, Oundle Wharf, Peterborough PE8 4DE Tel 01832 358529 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 16 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter from a local bookshop, and buying them online. “When you buy Customer service is key to Colemans' success something off the internet, you’ve Millie Trotter books surrounding a comfortable large shops like Waterstones got to know exactly what you’re Colemans stationers and seating area where the idea of “try have hit local bookshops, the looking for. But the joy of coming the Oundle Bookshop are two before buy” is encouraged. Oundle Bookshop remains a well- to a bookshop is that you can irreplaceable shops in Oundle. The shop is also a busy hub supported and successful business browse and pick books up you’ve The Coleman family have been promoting local authors. Joey because of its focus on customer never heard of.” running their chain of stationery Patterson-Gordon, who is the service and careful planning. Ms But the key to success when shops in Northamptonshire for managing director of the business Patterson-Gordon said: “We’ve running a small business, she said, 50 years. John Coleman started as is to be “very visible, absolutely a newsagent in Higham Ferrers love what you do, and love serving in 1969, and the family lived at customers.” the back of the shop. He sold Mr Coleman, Ms Patterson- that business, and set up selling Gordon and their team clearly have business machines and typewriters a passion for good customer service before expanding into office and it is clear to see that there is a supplies. They now have shops in loyal clientele for their shops. Ms fourteen towns. Patterson-Gordon agreed. “We are When Colemans first arrived very lucky in this town that we in Oundle in 2002, it took over the have a loyal customer base.” premises of King's on New Street, “His customers are his life and which had been a stationers and blood,” said Ms Patterson-Gordon printers for over one hundred about her father, who can often years. Colemans of Oundle now be seen in the town in his leather caters for all office-related needs, apron from his picture framing back-to- school stationery, as well work. as fine art and craft supplies. The That is a quality about the shop is so packed with such a Colemans’ shops that their variety of stock, there is literally customers recognise and something for everyone, along with appreciate. Many shoppers in the friendliest staff, who are always Oundle do not go to the bookshop on hand to help. Joey Patterson-Gordan manages a busy operation across Northamptonshire just to buy a book. The welcoming Down the street in the Market environment means they can just Place, is the Oundle Bookshop. The and daughter of Mr Coleman said: had to be very focused on what browse and also socialise with beautiful Georgian building is an “We like to support local authors we’re good at, and not diversify other people. iconic feature in the Market Place. who may not have the resources to too much.” It is a brand that people Ms Patterson-Gordon said: It has been a bookshop since 1923, publicise themselves elsewhere, so have come to know and trust in the “Once the socialisation of and was acquired by Colemans in we like to offer publicity for them.” county. retail disappears, a piece of the 2010. While competition from She highlighted the main community and community spirit There is a huge selection of online services like Amazon and difference between buying books disappears with it.”

Buying | Selling | Renting | Developing | Surveying

Talk to the local experts With offices in Oundle and London woodfordandco.com ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 17 A trip to Kikisams never gets old for generations of children and parents

Alice Blackmore in one room with designer baby eye on her changing customer base extends from play and party wear For children growing up in clothing brands, such as Elle, and their shopping preferences. for infants to young teens for both Oundle over the last 20 and more Levi’s and Ralph Lauren. When She spends a lot of time going to boys and girls. years, Kikisams has long been a Timberland launched its baby exhibitions and shows to source Early success encouraged her to favourite shop filled with the magic clothing brand in 1997, it proved so the latest styles. Her aim is to be “a stock traditional wooden toys and of playtime, brimming with toys popular that people were “buying little different from the high street Ty beanie babies, which helped her to cherish. For their parents, it has it out the box”. shops”. grow her business, and now the been a much needed emporium three rooms of her shop overflow for hard-to-find quality children’s with a huge selection of toys. clothes. One of the most popular brands When Chandrika Swann moved is TOPModel, a range of creative to Oundle in 1994, there were no materials for anyone interested in shops with children’s clothes, and fashion and styling. It has proven to she discovered the need for one be so popular that she has to order when her son was born a year later. new stock at least once a month. Before long, she decided to open But the pleasure of owning Kikisams on West Street. a boutique shop is not only in Although Mrs Swann had choosing her stock, but in the worked part-time in retail while relationships she has built over the at school, and had run a jewellery years with her customers. She said: shop for three years during her 20s, “I enjoy talking with customers, working with children’s wear was finding out what they need.” new. Having a small shop is a virtue, Her colleague, Niki Hodgson, because she can pack it with quality began working with her when they stock. “I have customers that have met in the shop and became friends travelled from Scotland, France, fifteen years ago. Mrs Hodgson Germany, Cambridge, Huntingdon used to shop for clothes for her and Oakham, because it’s a unique Chandrika Swann's shop, Kikisams, introduced good quality children's own children in Kikisams. She now shop.” clothes and toys to Oundle buys clothes at Kikisams for her Kikisams is a firm favourite for grandchildren. Running a business over the Sustainability is important, a new generation of parents who “The business is based around long-term means Kikisams has and she stocks as many organic have fond memories of being in the unique, good quality clothing,” evolved over the years. Mrs Swann products as possible, particularly same shop as a child, and who now Mrs Swann said. The shop opened follows the trends and keeps an for young children. Her range return to treat their own children. New boys in town offer a First Class cut and shave

Ben Clayden were teenagers. Customer care trendy cuts such as the popular by famous role models such as While there is plenty of choice is their first concern. “We always skin fade cut, they offer wet shaves, David Beckham who features in for women who use hair and worry about how we can make our beard styling, eyebrow threading advertising for grooming products beauty services in Oundle, now customers feel comfortable,” the and nose and ear waxing. on a global scale. men have a new destination for manager Hilmi Kutlubay said. “It’s different to the traditional Men are increasingly taking traditional men’s grooming. Lots of barbers can provide a English way,” he explained. more pride in looking after Originally from Turkey, they themselves. Brazilian blow-dries set up their first shop in Market for men are up by two-hundred Harborough. The services of percent, waxing up by eight-five Turkish barbers have a proven percent. According to the app demand across the country, and the Treatwell, which is an online family have found there is a market booking platform for beauty and to expand their own business. The hair in Europe, twenty-five percent brothers visited Oundle for a day of men have regular manicure and thought it was a lovely town. appointments. Despite the competition of other barbers, they thought they could offer something different. Some might question the introduction of a new salon to what seems a crowded market place, but in the United Kingdom, barbershops are the fastest growing retail business. In the United States, the National Association of Barber Manager Hilmi Kutlubay and his brother Jela with George, who already considers Boards estimates that the industry himself a regular customer will be worth $26 billion by 2020. First Class offers a great barber First Class Turkish Barbers is good cut, but they provide more The world of men’s grooming experience, one which comes a new family-run barbers in the than a haircut. First Class pampers is growing, and people are more highly recommended by young and Market Place, offering a full service customers with the services of innovative and creative about ways old, and early reviews have been menu. a traditional Turkish barber. to improve haircare for men. It has entirely positive. “Cracking bunch The shop is staffed by two Customers are welcomed with a hot become part of a general movement of guys, really good cut and shave, brothers and their cousin who have drink, and are treated to massages for men to be more aware of their would recommend,” wrote Alex all been cutting hair since they and hot towels. In addition to self-care and wellness, promoted James on Facebook. 18 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter The perils of pampering pets Watch out for the hedgehogs Esme Kroese as there could be a hedgehog Winter bonfires provide a festive underneath.” opportunity to gather family and Some large bonfires need a friends round, but they are also a length of time to be built in advance death-trap for our spiky garden and would be very hard to move. friend, the hedgehog. One preventive solution is to place Hedgehogs are already in chicken wire around the bottom of

serious decline due to the reduction the bonfire right after construction of their habitats by farming and to prevent a hedgehog from Oundle dog owners are sensible about their pets. Maria Earl at Leo's in development; we have lost half the burrowing in. Oundle said she stocked Pawsecco last year, but no one wanted it. Her shop hedgehog population in the last What more can we do for focuses on stocking healthy options, such as super premium, grain-free foods. two decades. To avoid contributing hedgehogs to make sure their to their decline, we can be more population does not decline Esme Kroese hours. Mouldy food also makes aware of the dangers that we create further? Many people treat their pets as dogs ill with mouldy bread and for them. To help hedgehogs prepare for a member of their family, and this nuts containing lots of toxins. Bonfire piles create an ideal their hibernation season in the love is demonstrated by how much Dairy products can be especially habitat for hedgehogs, and the winter, set out dog or cat food and we spend on them. sickening as dog’s don’t have risk is that they will crawl into water so they can build up their Consumer spending on pets significant amounts of the enzyme the attractive, dark recesses of the fat reserves to survive the winter. and related products rose from lactase that breaks down lactose bonfire material. Keep gardens safe by avoiding use £2.5 million in 2005 to £4.9 million in milk, which means that feeding The British Hedgehog of slug pellets, and create a habitat, in 2018, with much of it spent on a dog dairy products can cause Preservation Society says: “If such as a wild corner or a small specialty food for dogs, such as dog diarrhoea and other stomach material is stored on open ground shelter for them to nest in. ice cream made by companies such problems. in advance having a bonfire, it’s In the 1950s, there were an as Waggy Doggy Doodahs. Yeast dough is also dangerous crucial to dismantle it and move it estimated 3.5 million hedgehogs Another luxury trend is alcohol for canine consumption as it can to another spot just before lighting. in Britain. Population numbers are substitutes for pets. For example, cause gas to accumulate in your Ensure it’s moved to clear ground estimated to have since declined by Pawsecco is a safe pet version of dog’s digestive system and lead it – not even on top of a pile of leaves, more than half. rose wine for your pampered pet. to expand and rise which can cause Woof & Brew makes ‘champaws’, a stomach or intestine blockages and champagne substitute for dogs and is extremely painful for your pet. cats. Corn on the cob also creates However, in our urge to pamper intestine blockages for dogs as our pets, could we be endangering it is not easily digested by them their health by mistake through and can cause vomiting, loss of exposure to toxic foods? Research appetite, absence of faeces and a shows that dogs are allergic to sore stomach. An inspiring independent co-educational day many different common foods. Bones can be dangerous to dogs school for children aged 4-11 years. For example, chocolate contains if uncooked and easily splintered a chemical called theobromine so make sure if you give your dog which is similar to caffeine, and a bone for a treat that it is sturdy, can have toxic effects on dogs such cooked and unlikely to splinter in as agitation, hyper-excitability, your dog’s mouth. For this reason, tremors convulsions and heart chicken bones should not be given disturbances. to dogs. Grapes, raisins and sultanas Another very dangerous food also are linked to kidney failure, for dogs to consume is blue cheese, while onions have a toxicity that which as a dairy product is already causes lethargy, elevated heart and difficult for dogs to digest. It also respirator rates, pale gums and contains dangerous substances even physical collapse. called roquefortine C which can Garlic consumed in large cause vomiting, diarrhoea and amounts can also cause these tremors, twitching, seizures and symptoms for some dogs. high temperatures if consumed in Other foods that make dogs ill large doses. OPEN MORNING Call or email Ms Lesley Taylor, Registrar are macadamia nuts, which within Respected veterinary online 9.30am – 11.30am T: 01832 277159 twelve hours of digestion can cause sites and services state that if your E: [email protected] dogs to experience weakness, dog shows any of these signs of Friday 7th February 2020 depression, tremors, vomiting and exposure to toxic foods, you should www.laxtonjunior.org.uk an increased body temperature, seek emergency veterinary advice. with symptoms lasting up to 48

LJS - Oundle Chronicle Advert revised.indd 1 27/11/2019 13:30:24 ISSUE 51 - Winter Oundle Chronicle 19 New Oundle School Sports Centre makes Community awards for sporting contributions preparations for launch Millie Trotter Prince William School won More than one hundred and the award for Secondary Sports It will not be long before the City Women FC and Notts County fifty sporting stars and physical School of the Year; Ian Gow, who cranes are dismantled and the Women’s FC Super league. activity champions from across has organised the weekly runs at hoardings removed to reveal the Ed Tate will already be familiar East Northamptonshire attended Barnwell Country Park won the new Oundle School Sports Centre. to many as he has worked at the the very first district-wide Sports award for Community Coach of Opening in Spring 2020, the new Oundle pool for nearly 14 years and Physical Activity Awards the year; Rachael Lever from Prince Sports Centre will offer first-class and now moves to the role of ceremony on 17 October to William School won Sports Person facilities for health and fitness and Operations Manager. He lives in celebrate the sporting achievements of the Year with her achievements swimming. The existing website Higham Ferrers and has worked in of people of all ages and abilities. as a double British U17 and U18 (www.oundlesportscentre.co.uk) the leisure industry since the age of The sporting awards recognised fencing champion, and swimmer will be revamped on 16 December, 16. A club captain and competitive individuals and clubs that have William Roberts won the award for giving full details of membership swimmer when younger, he made significant advances in their Disabled Sports of the Year. packages, facilities and activities completed the challenge of areas of sport. At the Northamtonshire Sports available. swimming the Channel in 2013. From the eight award categories, Awards in November, Ian Gow was In preparation for the opening, He has now hung up his trunks there were four award-winners also presented with the award for members of the Sports Centre’s to spend time with his family and from Oundle. Community Actrivator of the Year. senior management team have four-year-old twins. been busy lining up staff to work Alexis Gray lives in Oakham across a busy programming and brings over 15 years’ schedule, including duty managers, experience to the role of Front of receptionists, lifeguards, fitness House Manager, ten of which she and class instructors. spent at Uppingham School Sports For regular users of the Centre. Alexis also has knowledge Sports Centre, the new senior in various areas of the industry management will be on hand including fitness and coaching. to keep the operation working She has gained her black belt in seamlessly. kickboxing and has competed on The new Activities Manager the continuous circuit for many is Beth Goodman who lives years. She now trains and coaches in Bourne. She has worked in the world of Crossfit, competing in the leisure industry in a occasionally. variety of roles, beginning with In advance of the launch of lifeguarding, fitness and then the new Sports Centre’s fitness moving into management. A keen programme which will ultimately sportswoman, Beth was ranked have over 30 weekly classes, there In September, William Roberts participated in the 5th Down Syndrome Interna- fifth as a competitive swimmer will be a schedule of taster classes tional Swimming Organisation European Championships in Sardinia, where he in Lincolnshire. She currently available to try out at The Acre was a member of the Down Syndrome Swimming GB squad. He achieved six new plays football for Ketton Ladies (Oundle School’s current sports personal bests from his seven races (breaking two of them two weeks later back in FC, and has played for Leicester centre), starting in January. Corby), and made it to the final of the men’s 200m backstroke, coming sixth.

CLASSES A taste of things to come

We are delighted to launch a New Year taster programme, enabling you to come along and trial some of the classes on offer at the new Oundle School Sports Centre, opening Spring 2020.

Over 30 weekly classes are planned (full timetable will be published in March) so this is a great opportunity to meet our staff, find out about membership options and shape up for the New Year.

Circuits and HIIT Aqua and HIIT 13th January 25th February - 12th February - 18th March

Classes cost £5 and you can pay per session.

All Taster classes will take place in the current Sports Centre on Milton Road in Oundle.

Enquire and book your space today: Our new website launches December 2019, giving details of membership packages, 01832 277150 facilities and activities available www.oundlesportscentre.co.uk 20 Oundle Chronicle ISSUE 51 - Winter Let us introduce you...

Basil, Higgs the Dog Particle, and Milo, Belle Lurchers and Golden Retriever 12-year-old Springer Spaniel

Sam Toffee 13- year-old retired racing Greyhound 1-year-old Red Fox Labrador and Golden Retriever

Millie Winnie German Shepherd 14-year-old retired service Border Terrier

Pearse Queenie 4-month-old Deerhound 8-year-old Dachshund