About Town is published by

Huntingdon Town Council.

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Editorial: Chairman – Cllr J Sarabia; Cllrs S Akthar (Mayor); D Dransfield; A J Mackender-Lawrence; S M Mulcahy; C J Osborn with Sally Hutchinson. Layout and design: Austin Bambrook. AboutAbout Advertising Sales: 01480 388688 Huntingdon Town Council, 1, Trinity Place, Hartford Road, HUNTINGDON, PE29 3QA Tel: 01480 388688 Fax: 01480 388686 e-mail: [email protected] www.huntingdontown.gov.uk THuntingdon TownTown CouncilWWN News Issue 42. DecemberN 2008 In this issue...

Page 5 Youth trip to Hungary

Pages 10-11 Huntingdon in Bloom

Page 19 Lola’s 50th anniversary parade

Who’s who at the Council 2 Forthcoming events 2 Town Clerk's Chat 3 Last Night of the Proms 4 Top Community award 5 Fusion 6 GCSE Success 7 Coneygear Park 8 New church wall 9 Oxmoor in Bloom 10 Green Santa 11 Recycling centre closes 12 Continental Market 13 Energy Doctor 14 Food and DrinK festival 15 Pantomime time again 16 Youth Film Festival 17 Olympic Success 18 Christmas servicesservices 20

Image: Mrs Claire Flynn – winner of About Town’s “What does Christmas mean to you Competition”. TownTownT ownCouncil Council News News

Who’s Who at the Council Huntingdon Town Council – List of Councillors Forthcoming Events Friday 5th and 19th December Christmas Shopping at the Farmers’ Market – Market Square, Huntingdon. 8.00am to 2.00pm. Traditional seasonal goods, all locally produced. Friday 5th December Christmas Music – All Saints’ Church 7.30pm. An evening of Christmas Music with “Tapestry” and Doug Adams Saeed Akthar (Mayor) Gina M Cruickshank Chris Doyle Hinchingbrooke School Chamber Choir. Featuring well West. 01767604706 East. 07765880806 East. 435587 West. 391148 known traditional carols, anthems and motets as well as modern pieces. Entrance is free with a retiring col- lection for the Friends of All Saints’ Church. Tuesday 9th December Mayor’s Charity Performance of “The Snow Queen”. Presented by the Huntingdon Youth Theatre. Commemoration Hall. 7.30pm. Tickets £6 and David Dransfield Paul D Harris Laine Kadic Brian J Luckham Concessions £4. Tickets and information from Jenni East. 07890984563 East. 388688 East. 388688 East. 414744 Jones at the Town Council offices on 01480 388687 or email [email protected] Wednesday 10th December Civic Carol Service. St Mary’s Church, Huntingdon. 7.30 pm. Further information from Jenni Jones at the Town Council offices on 01480 388687. Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th December Mother Hubbard. Brampton Park Theatre. Presented Alan J Mackender Helen S Mallett John T Morgan Susan M Mulcahy by the Brampton Choral Society. A Panto with lots Lawrence, North. 394630 East. 52067 North. 454486 East. 451604 of action. 7.30 pm plus Saturday matinee at 2.30 pm. Adults £8 Concessions £6 Children £4. Box office 07974 082604. Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th December Huntingdon Youth Theatre presents “The Snow Queen” – Commemoration Hall. 7.30 pm. Skilfully adapted from the story by Hans Christian Andersen. Gerda, a little girl, searches for her friend Kai after Christopher J Osborn Tom Sanderson Jennifer Sarabia Maggie Wheeler he is bewitched and imprisoned by the Snow Queen. North. 52009 West. 436822 West. 380760 North. 395487 Tickets £6 and Concessions £4 available from The Card Gallery. Huntingdon Town Council Friday 19th December “Tapestry” Christmas Concert. St Barnabas Church, Forthcoming Meetings Medway Road. 8.00pm Please note, all meetings commence at 7.00 pm and take place in Saturday 20th December the Commemoration Hall, High Street, Huntingdon, unless otherwise Craft Fair – Commemoration Hall. 10.00am – 4.00pm. stated. For further information, please contact the Town Council on Saturday 20th December 01480 388688, or e-mail [email protected] Hunts Phil – in conjunction with the Royal British Meetings are open to the public and agendas allow time for Legion. Performing Arts Theatre, Hinchingbrooke. representation and questions from the public. 7.30pm. An evening of choral and orchestral festive Date: Meeting: music and song with audience participation. Tickets 2008 £10 and £6 available from 07711 885795 or 01480 469369. December 11th* Finance Committee Planning Applications Panel Saturday 26th December Boxing Day Walk – Hinchingbrooke Country Park 2009 11.00 am. Free. January 8th* Town Council Sunday 27th December through to Saturday 3rd Planning Applications Panel January Commemoration Hall. Various times. Its January 22nd Special Finance Committee (Budget) Panto time! Panto ’89 presents Robinson Crusoe. Special Town Council (Precept) See article on this year’s production on page 16 or Planning Applications Panel check the website on www.pantomime89.co.uk February 5th Leisure & Community Services Committee Thursday 1st January Planning Applications Panel RSPB New Years Day Ice Breaker at Paxton Pits. February 19th Finance Committee 10.00am to sunset. Further information from 01480 Planning Applications Panel 406795 March 5th Town Council Monday 12th January Planning Applications Panel Huntingdonshire Holidays. Annual General Meeting at the Buttsgrove Centre, Huntingdon at 1.00 pm. All March 19th* Planning Applications Panel are welcome to attend. Further information from Mrs *These meetings will take place in the Town Hall, Market Hill, Huntingdon. Ann Beevor on 01480 414766.

2 About Town No 42. December 2008 TownTown Council News

Forthcoming Events Town Clerk’s Chat Friday 23rd January e hope you enjoy reading this latest Sound Check 3 - Commemoration Hall. 7.00 pm. “A issue of “About Town” Magazine, Girl Called Kate” together with local bands and one or which we continue to provide to you two new names! For tickets, at £5, call 01480 455167 or W free to your own home in Huntingdon. Your The Card Gallery. www.cremm.co.uk comments and contributions are always welcome. Friday 23rd January Please send these using the cover contact details. Bosendorfer Piano Concert – Performing Arts Centre, As your democratically elected local council, Hinchingbrooke. 7.30pm with Masa Tayama, an Huntingdon Town Council continues to international multi-prizewinner returning for a third concert at Hinchingbrooke by request. Box office 01480 represent your interests and to participate at 375678 the local level in ensuring sustainable and high quality public services and standards of living Town Clerk, Saturday 31st January Karen Cameron “Abbastravaganza” – Commemoration Hall. 7.30pm. in your town. Our public meetings always provide Featuring the Super Troupers, one of the first tribute you with an opportunity for comment and you can bands in the country. They have supported Jools see our agendas published in advance of meetings on our website at Holland, Ian Dury, Atomic Kitten to name just a few. www.huntingdontown.gov.uk. Legislative changes are happening now Don’t miss this exciting concert of Abba classics. designed to empower all our readers as local citizens and encourage Information and tickets (£10, concessions £9) from Lydia you to actively participate in making decisions about promoting the on 01480 455167 or The Card Gallery. sustainability of your community. Be part of it and get involved. Talk to Saturday 7th February your local councillors. Come to our meetings and let Councillors know Sculpture Exhibition – Commemoration Hall. An what you think about local services and how they can be improved. exhibition of beautiful stone figures by Hilary Manuhwa, Your Council’s Planning Committee continues to be consulted on local the son of the world renowned sculptor Damian planning matters and has heard about plans to re-develop bungalows at Manuhwa. This exhibition should not be missed. Thongsley & the Whaddons and the surrounding area. Development of a Friday 13th February Master Plan for development of the land to the East of the former Sapley Hot Lips & Chilli Fingers – Commemoration Hall. Square also received the consideration of Members, who are interested 7.30pm. Local harmonica wizard Steve Lockwood and to see if contributions will be negotiated to improve and extend the rock, blues, slide and ragtime guitarist Chris Newman present a seamless roller coaster ride through traditional Medway Community Centre as part of any development. Draft plans for music, presenting a mix of original and cover songs safety improvements at the A141 junction with Kings Ripton Road have from the last 80 years. Information and tickets (£6.50, been seen and construction is planned for March/April next year. concessions £5.50) from Lydia on 01480 455167 or The Finance Committee has approved grants awards totalling around Card Gallery. £3500 to local organisations, including the Huntingdon Volunteer Friday 27th February Bureau, Huntingdon Community Radio, the Oxmoor Community “Emma” by Jane Austin – Commemoration Hall. Action Group and Pantomime 89. Funding has been agreed to provide 7.30pm. Another exciting adaptation from Heartbreak lighting in the car park of the Indoor Bowls Club; to complete the Productions. The classic story of Emma, a “handsome, Primrose Lane Cemetery Extension; and to repair failing cornices in the clever and rich” and “slightly” spoiled young woman ceiling of the Assembly Room of the Town Hall. who throws herself perils of misconstrued romance. At the meetings of the Leisure & Community Services Committee, Outstanding cast creating an array of colourful your Councillors have provided comment on development of the characters bringing them vividly to life. Information and Coneygear Park & Riverside Park improvement proposals. Plans to tickets (£10.50 concessions £9.50) from Lydia on 01480 455167 or The Card Gallery. improve the Council’s Town Park are being drafted and some repair and improvement work is planned at the Castle Hills site, home of Sunday 8th March the Beacon. The Council has agreed to organise a Historic Festival Harmonica Workshop – Commemoration Hall. 10.00am and 2.00pm. This workshop is run by Steve celebrating five eras of Huntingdon’s history, to take place by the Lockwood who has released more than 60 albums. The Riverside in 2010, with the permission of the District Council. class is for anyone wanting to learn to play the harmonica Collapsing Burial Caskets in the St Mary’s Closed Churchyard are to be and those who already play and need some advice. repaired rather than laid flat as they are considered part of the town’s Information and tickets (14-18 yrs old £15, over 18, £20) heritage. Our Allotment Holders Meeting in August was lively and well from Lydia on 01480 455167 or The Card Gallery. attended. Thursday 12th March 2009 The Council is now at the start of its annual consideration of budgets “Roll Out the Barrel” – Commemoration Hall. of expenditure for the next financial year and we’d encourage you to 2.30pm. This hugely successful show “Roll out the approach your local ward councillors, contact details for whom are Barrel” has been lighting up theatres all over the UK. published on these pages, if you have any comments or suggestions that With a delightful mix of music and memories, this is you think your Council needs to take into account looking at the next a gloriously happy show full of pure musical nostalgia. eighteen months. Terry Bradford and Sussie Arvesen take the audience Karen Cameron, Town Clerk on a joyous and unforgettable journey. Something for everyone! Information and tickets from Lydia on 01480 Are you receiving your 455167 or The Card Gallery. STOP PRESS...... About TOWN magazine? Riverside Gala, Saturday 6th June 2009 Do you have a neighbour, friend or work colleague who lives in Huntingdon Mediaeval Festival, June 2010 – watch this space for and does not receive their copy of “About Town” magazine? further details. If so, please let us know their address (house number and postcode) by calling us on 01480 388688. We can then take this up with our distributors. About Town No 42. December 2008 3 Town Council News

Mayor of Huntingdon’s “Last Night of the Proms” Concert

n Saturday 20th September the Mayor hosted a Brass OBand Concert to raise money for his Mayoral Charities. Somersham Town Band, led by Bandmaster David Chambers, performed a varied programme of music which included something for everyone finishing with the traditional “Proms” style sing-a-long. Over £550 was raised for the Mayor’s Charities: Huntingdonshire Holidays, Macmillan Cancer Support and Dreamdrops (specifically for Hinchingbrooke Hospital Holly Ward). Remembrance Sunday A Christmas Remembrance Sunday is the Message from day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have the Mayor’s given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. Chaplain On this day people across the nation pause to reflect on the As I write this sacrifices made by our brave in October the Service men and women. credit crunch is This year’s Remembrance well-developed Sunday Parade and Service and according to was held on the Market analysts we are Square, Huntingdon, on just entering a Sunday 9th November. real depression, Photograph – RAF Brampton / Wyton which is beginning to affect the economy as well as the money markets. Which means that Ken Beaton memorial some of you reading this may have lost your jobs recently and most of you will be feeling the pinch in some way bench dedication or another. It is very tempting at Christmas time he Ken Beaton Memorial Bench to celebrate in ways we have become TDedication was conducted by the used to year on year and to spend Reverend Mark Savage. On his right just as much if not more than we have Rotarian John Upham spoke on behalf done previously, which for some of of the Rotary Club of Huntingdon. On us was too much already! I know that his left Kyne Beaton (now 96, in the I dread dealing with all the bills that wheel chair), John Beaton, her son, come in shortly afterwards and often behind her and his family. Current wonder how it amounts to so much. president, Maggie Galan, on the left, I hope and pray that for you talking to our first woman member and Christmas will be simply a happy and first woman President, Doreen Lewis. enjoyable celebration as we think The bench is situated in the quietest again about the wonderful gift of God part of the cemetery of All Saints’ in his Son Jesus Christ. Church, Hartford, where Ken Beaton If, however, you find yourself was Church Warden for 52 years. He running into debt (and indeed at was also a founder and member of our any time, not just Christmas) there Club for over 60 years. The inscription is an organisation called Christians on the bench reads “Ken Beaton 1914- Against Poverty who provide free 2007 Church Warden and Huntingdon debt counselling locally through Rotarian”. Huntingdon Community Church. Dan Connan, Details can be found on page 13. PRO Rotary Club of Huntingdon. Andrew Milton

4 About Town No 42. December 2008 Town Council News

Huntingdon and Godmanchester Town Twinning Association, Youth trip to Hungary t 4.30 am on the morning of the 22nd of September, we were all Asitting bleary eyed on a minibus to Luton airport. Our group was made up of six students from Hinchingbrooke school, six students from St Peters and our two teachers. We were all really excited about the week ahead. After a two and a half hour flight, we arrived in Budapest ready for the hour journey to Szentendre. Our party were the first to arrive at the accommodation. We stayed in cabins on a campsite which sat on the edge of the river Danube. We were joined later that day by students from the twinned towns of Salon-de-Provence in France, Wertheim am Main in Germany and Szentendre in Hungary. Staying with so many people we had never met seemed strange at first but we all soon got to know each other. Photograph by David Brown During our week’s stay we took part in many events as Throughout the week we made many new friends and really part of the town twinning youth culture festival 08. Our enjoyed the opportunity to get to know people our age of Hungarian hosts organised activities including museum and other nationalities. gallery tours, social events, mayoral functions, traditional We would like to say a big thank you to the town twinning Hungarian dancing lessons and we even had a competition to association for giving us the opportunity to have an amazing make our national dishes in the town market square, which experience in Hungary. caused quite a stir with the locals. The pupils of Hinchingbrooke School. Winners announced in search for top communities in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough uring the six months to September 2008, the search Dwas on for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s top communities of 2008. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Community Life Awards, sponsored by Calor in association with Archant and others, were launched in February and volunteers, community groups and community buildings across the county busily submitted entries for consideration. Awards organiser, Cambridgeshire ACRE, hosted a special presentation Image provided by Philip Mynott on behalf of Cambridgeshire ACRE. Cambridgeshire of behalf on Mynott Philip by provided Image evening at the Burgess Hall in St Ives Cllr Tony Orgee, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council; Cllr Doug Adams, Huntingdon Town Council on Tuesday 2nd September. All those and Mr Michael Williamson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire groups and individuals shortlisted were Council in May 2007 and who has John Yates said “This year’s awards have invited to see the winners presented commendably risen to the challenge been a huge success. At Cambridgeshire with their awards by Mr Michael of increased emphasis on community ACRE we have long believed that Williamson, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant participation. He was recognised as community spirit is strong across the of Cambridgeshire and other VIP guests giving freely of his time to a number county and these awards enable us to from those organisations that sponsored of local charities and organisations publicly recognise this and share these the awards. and thereby making a substantial and good news stories with everyone in Among the winners was Cllr Doug positive impact on the lives of a great Cambridgeshire. We are very grateful to Adams, who was elected to represent number of people. all this year’s sponsors whose generosity the west ward for Huntingdon Town Chairman of Cambridgeshire ACRE, has allowed us to do this.”

About Town No 42. December 2008 5 Schools & YoungYoung People

St John’s C E Primary School hits Grafham Water Centre! Children from Years 4, 5 and 6 from St John’s School recently spent a superb 3 days at the Grafham Water Centre. This account, Thanks to all partners that contributed by Robert and Kiera, summarises some of the highlights of the towards another fantastic summer at FUSION. trip. Thanks to the financial support from the Water! Town Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, The wonders ofof GrafhamGrafham Water! Cambridgeshire County Council ‘Positive Activities for Young People Project’, Lottery Grafham Water is not far Funding, The Police, Oxmoor Neighbourhood from our local area. The Management Team, Community Safety activities at Grafham Partnership and Cambridgeshire Fire Service, are extremely fun and 385 different young people aged 8 –18 years help build teamwork and have been able to access youth work provision confidence. The activities between 2pm – 8pm for 5 weeks of the Summer are very suitable for kids. Holidays at Huntingdon Youth Centre and There are activities such Coneygear Park. Another great year of organised chaos in a fun as rock climbing, whammel and safe environment was delivered !!!! Activities sailing, speed boating, have ranged from Sport Coaching, Arts and games, problem solving, raft sailing, archery, Crafts, Archery, Pampering Sessions, Fashion biking, raft building, mountain biking, raft building, raft sailing, archery, Shows, Inflatable Fun, T-Shirt printing, a Disco, orienteering and the Grafham Challenge. The Grafham Dance, Drama Sessions, Skate Boarding, Mini Challenge includes a blindfolded assault course. Beast – Wild animals @ HYC. The list goes on and Grafham water persuades children to work well in groups to on.... solve problems. Grafham Water staff are very fun, polite and Five of our Senior Members have successfully completed their V-Involved Training and a further safe. The food at Grafham is very delicious and nutritious. 10 young people followed in their footsteps The rooms at Grafham are good and you get your own en suite by obtaining their CYS Award for 50 hours of bathroom. Grafham has made a very safe rhyme that goes, If it’s grey, stay away.’ voluntary work supporting staff to run activities. it’s blue, it’s for you! ‘If it’s blue, it’s for you! If it’s grey, stay away.’ and very Highlights this year included the Big Brother Grafham is very fun and very House, which involved renovating a room at active. It will get youryour HYC into the BB House. Senior Members then children into all kinds of ran auditions, demo sessions and selected 10 and fun activities and sports and fun activities and young people to enter the House for a week. The games. project included the real set up of a CCTV camera Robert and Kiera, Year 6. system to monitor the room, Diary Room entries and loads of fun tasks. The Winner this year of St John’s C E Primary School rhyme refers £250 ‘Matt Pond’ has donated the full amount s note: the very safe [Editor’s[Editor’ note: the very safe rhyme refers back to FUSION to support some pampering workshop doors.] to the workshop doors.] sessions for the young people in Oct ‘08. Other highlights were the new Outside Graffiti Project, The Hunstanton Trip which included 163 young people and staff enjoying a rain free day at the coast, and the Dragons Den at the Riverside Park with HDC workers and local Harvest Councillors discussing possible developments for the area. In October we celebrated This year we have generally seen an the bounty of harvest with improvement in behaviour, and levels of children and parents at a participation. This has resulted in over 100 young special assembly. people obtaining a learning outcome and 30 CYS Children sang harvest accreditation certificates on top of the Senior songs and spelled out the Member Achievements. message of thanks for the October FUSION funding has already been food we eat using the letters secured and plans for this work will soon begin. that make up the word Thanks again for everyone’s support not only in HARVEST. fanatically backing the project, but also to all the Monies raised are being partner agencies that actually attended the trips donated to ‘Seeds for and days at FUSION to support the sessions. Africa’ and with other fund raising activities this year we hope to raise If you would like any further information please enough to plant an orchard of fruit trees in an African village. contact Steph Webb, Youth Work Co-ordinator. Yvonne Lamb, Huntingdon Infant School Huntingdon Youth Centre 01480 375030.

6 About Town No 42. December 2008 Schools & YoungYoung People Hinchingbrooke School celebrates achievement n Thursday 25th September, Hinchingbrooke School OGCSE students celebrated their success in the summer examinations during an event in the Performing Arts Centre. Certificates and Prizes were awarded for individual subject areas and overall performance. Special prizes were given for Community Service, Citizenship and Leadership. Winner of the music prize and the prize for the highest performance at GCSE Matthew Howes, played the magnificent Basendorfer piano and student Megan Tapp performed a voice solo. Ex student Mathew Bullimore, a graduate from Oxford University and national gymnast spoke to the students about his time at Hinchingbrooke and what success means to him. The next morning, in a special assembly, many KS3 students also gained prizes for their hard work in their Year 9 SATs examinations. At GCSE, one student was especially proud; Victoria Katherine Tyson was amongst the top ten students in GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art, according to Edexcel, the UK’s Winner of the music prize Matthew Howes played the magnificent Basendorfer piano. largest awarding body. Out of 9763 candidates, Victoria best in GCSE results this summer, gaining 79% five A* - C Katherine achieved one of the highest overall marks. grades in a cohort of nearly three hundred students. At the Hinchingbrooke, a sports college, achieved a personal celebration, Keith Nancekievill, the Head, told the students, parents and staff that the success was a combination of their hard work, teaching commitment; an improved ethos in the school and good leadership, both from the Head of Year and the Sports Specialism.

Far left: Naomi Harwin, Nayera El-Refee, Ellen Thornton and Fiona Mutter. Left: Greg Southgate, Tristan Lawrence, Adam Paton and Andrew Sweetenham. Huntingdon Nursery summer 08 playscheme untingdon Nursery ran another Hsuccessful playscheme this year for children aged 3-8, thanks to the support it received from Huntingdon Town Council. The nursery facilities and resources are ideally suited to play activities for this age range. Children were able to come to the Nursery for 2 weeks during the summer holidays and attend morning or afternoon sessions. The whole of the nursery was opened up to provide a range of play, the opportunity to partake in quieter an additional sibling. We also offered a imaginative, craft and sporting activities. activities like craft, games and puzzles weekly saving scheme to help families to As the playscheme is organised and and at the end of the sessions were budget over the year for the play scheme. run by staff who work at the Nursery offered a choice of group activity which Some of the parents comments it is possible to offer the very highest included singing, parachute games, story include: ‘really good value for money’, standard of play provision for children. and aerobics. ‘why can’t they stay all day’, ‘my child is In addition, older children helped and We have always tried to keep the up and ready to go to playscheme before supported the younger children and this cost to parents for the playscheme to I am’, ‘he’s very proud of the things he year, football, table football and table a minimum and were delighted to be has made’ ‘she tried to make some of tennis was added to the list of activities able to do so again this year charging the things at home and asked me to save on offer each day. Children also had £15 per child per week and £12.50 for boxes and buy special glue.

About Town No 42. December 2008 7 Community News

What’s happening at Coneygear Sensory Beds Park Apple Fair

Raised sensory beds have been constructed on the northeast corner of Coneygear Park opposite Skeels Court. The beds are constructed from pine railway sleepers (supplied from sustainable forests) and hold approximately 16 tons of earth. During the August school holidays the beds were planted up with roses, lavender, hibiscus and other shrubs and plants that were donated by Huntingdon Youth Centre. The plants were planted with the help of several children who attended the Huntingdon Youth Centre’s Fusion summer scheme. Outdoor Gym

The 3rd Apple Fair was held on Coneygear Park on 19th October 2008. Visitors to the event were invited to sample 15 varieties of apples which are not commonly available. The apples were sourced from the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale, Kent. Other activities on the day included apple pressing, a fruit shy, apple trail and badge making. August saw the Besides being very windy and chilly the official launch of event was once again a great success. the outdoor gym equipment at Coneygear Park with Cllr Saeed Akthar, Mayor of Huntingdon, and Councillors from both District and Town Councils attending. Some were brave enough to have a go on the equipment. Members of the Leisure Development team were also in attendance to give advice on fitness and were supported by local Healthy Walks groups. Rachel Cooper from the Leisure Development team at Huntingdonshire District Council will be offering advice to users, co-ordinating activities and establishing group sessions on the gym equipment for all abilities. Interested residents can contact Rachel on 01480 388469 or by email [email protected]

8 About TTownown No 42. December 2008 Community News

Churchyard Wall gets a facelift epairs to the St John’s Closed Churchyard Wall Ron Huntingdon’s High Street has been completed, following a 12-week programme of work carried out by local contractors Haymills. Funded and managed in partnership by Huntingdon Town and Huntingdonshire District Councils, the aim of the £30,000 project has been to address safety concerns brought to the Town Council’s attention by Conservation Officers in 2006 and to ensure ongoing stability of the wall, steps and gates whilst improving the appearance of this High Street amenity. The Church of St John, where eight of Oliver Cromwell’s children are known to have been baptised, was demolished towards the end of the 1650s and the Churchyard remaining is a small part of the original grounds. Whilst still in the ownership of the Diocese of Ely, the small green area offering respite for town centre visitors between 69 and 70 High Street is now managed and maintained by Huntingdon Town Council. Cllr John Davies, Chairman Huntingdonshire District Council; Cllr Saeed Akthar, Mayor Works involved raking out, re-pointing and of Huntingdon and Barry le Bailly, Architect, Huntingdonshire District Council. repairing, together with the replacement of a substantial exceeded expectations in terms of improvement to the wall’s number of bricks & some stonework using locally sourced appearance. Huntingdon is a rapidly developing town, with quality materials, where possible reclaimed, such as new and modern structures dominantly featuring around Cambridge white & red handmade bricks, together with cut the ring road forming the boundary to its historical centre. stones and moulded copings from the Clipsham Quarry at Local authorities are pleased to play a part in ensuring the Oakham, Rutland. conservation of important heritage sites such as the St John’s Town & District Councils are extremely pleased with Closed Churchyard for local townspeople and visitors alike in the works, which are near to completion and which have tune with this climate of change & improvement. Would you report a Hate Crime? ould you know where to go to report a Hate Crime Wor even what a Hate Crime is?? Many Hate Crimes go unreported each year leaving victims feeling isolated, fearful and unsure as to where to turn for help. Many victims feel unable to go to the police for many different reasons and this can often mean they will be at risk of repeated incidents. So what is a Hate Crime? A Hate Crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender’s hatred of someone because of their: • race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins • religion • gender or gender identity reporting scheme which provides victims and witnesses • sexual orientation of Hate Crime with the opportunity to report incidents in • disability complete confidence. The Open Out co-ordinator, based at What forms does it take? Huntingdonshire District Council, works with the victim or • physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to witness to develop an action plan to resolve the incident/s. property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson Many different organisations work together to produce a • threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive positive outcome these include Huntingdonshire District or obscene telephone calls, groups hanging Council, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious Housing Associations such as Luminus Group complaints and the Muir Group. • verbal abuse or insults - offensive leaflets and OPEN If you would like more information about the posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish Open Out Scheme please contact: Anne-Marie outside homes or through letterboxes, and Waterston on 01480 388262 (office hours) or bullying at school or in the workplace OUT! e-mail [email protected]. What can you do about it? uk. For out of hours assistance please contact In Huntingdonshire we have a scheme Cambridgeshire Constabulary on 0845 4564564. entitled Open Out. Open Out is a third party In an emergency call 999.

About Town No 42. December 2008 9 Community News Huntingdon in Bloom

ell done everyone! A second Silver WGilt Award for the town and a Nomination for an Environmental Quality Award, together with a Nomination for Hinchingbrooke Country Park for Conservation were presented to the Mayor, Councillor Saeed Akthar at the annual Anglia in Bloom awards ceremony held at Gorleston-on-Sea on 9th September and passed on to the Town and District Councils on 8th October at Hinchingbrooke Country Park. The Cromwell Park School which was visited by the Anglia in Bloom judges and was presented with a Special Award for Best Front Garden – 1 The Glades, Hinchingbrooke Park. their Garden Club. The judges reported that Huntingdon has made a great effort to enhance the town for the benefit of visitors and residents alike and the sense of pride is shown in cleanliness and Best Hotel or Pub – Marriott Hotel. floral decorations of the town. Peter Jackson, the Chairman of Huntingdon in Bloom said that “The committee is pleased with the result which represents 2 Silver Gilt awards

From left-right back row Cllr John Morgan; Sally Hutchinson, Huntingdon Town Council; Paul Smith, Huntingdonshire District Council; Peter Jackson, Chairman Huntingdon in Bloom, Front row Wendy Allen, Moor In Cromwell Park School and pupils; Karen Cameron, Town Clerk; Sooh Boocock, Countryside Services and Cllr Saeed Akthar, Mayor of Huntingdon. Bloom Oxmoor Community Action Group - Moor In Bloom are delighted to have achieved a Silver Gilt award this year which was received at a presentation on the 6th November 2008. If you are interested in becoming a member of the group in 2009, which begins meeting in February, please contact Jill Watkin-Tavener on 01487

Photo: Mayi Reid 823082. Moor in Bloom judges with Brian Gardner, Park Ranger Many hands will make the flowers Photo: Mayi Reid at Coneygear Park; Jill Watkin-Tavener, Chairman Moor grow. In Bloom; Cllr Chris Osborn. The Medway Centre 10 About Town No 42. December 2008 Community News Huntingdon in Bloom Primrose Lane Allotments - Sunflower Competition

n a rainy Saturday afternoon, OPrimrose Lane allotment holders held their tallest sunflower competition. Roger Heathcote won the first prize – his sunflower bloom measured 10ft 2ins. Violet Coleman was second with Along the riverside her sunflower measuring 8ft 5ins. Of the seventeen people attending, seven were children who had a great in succession and time. Thankfully the rain had stopped would like to thank in time for the fabulous job of judging everyone who by Gerry Myhill. contributed to the Everybody thoroughly enjoyed success including themselves, despite the weather, and the Town and are already looking forward to the Huntingdon Railway Station District Councils, schools, competition next year. community involvement, local businesses and business Could you sponsors. The nomination for Environmental Quality proves that our town is participate one of the most tidy in East Anglia and that is down to local residents and in 2009? businesses”. The judges are looking for more Best Hotel or Pub – Marriott Hotel. The judges were particularly community involvement. If you are in impressed by a group connected with your Church, • The floral displays for summer and School or a club and have a project or Green Santa the spring displays shown in the would like to do a litter pick, or with and Christmas portfolio. neighbours would like to enhance your • Commercial support for the campaign, street or community area then let us TreeTree shredding! particularly the floral displays such know – you can make the difference at Hinchingbrooke as Cox Clothiers, the George Hotel to gain those few extra points for the CountrCountryy Park and Gathercole and Ward and the Gold Award for 2009. Sunday 11th JanuarJanuaryy sponsorship of hanging baskets at Further information please contact: 10.30am – 3.00pm Huntingdon Railway Station. Ann Colbert, Secretary, Huntingdon Bring your • The sustainable planting in the car in Bloom, Tel: 01487 822591 or email Christmas tree for parks and recycling facilities available. [email protected] shredding and take • The standard of private gardens. away some chippings • The carpet bedding celebrating 90 for your garden AND add years of the RAF in the Riverside Park. Valuable suggestions for future any unwanted presents • The allotments and cemetery in development were to continue working to Green Santa’Santa’ss sleigh. Primrose Lane with the business sector and schools They will be donated to • The Riverside Park. and to continue to keep on top of the local charities. • Litter picks involving the Girls’ vandalism we have experienced this year. For more information Brigade. For example, damage in the Town Park, contact Cambridgeshire • Public awareness with In Bloom theft of hanging baskets in the High Community Reuse and posters, press coverage and the school Street and the destruction of a willow Recycling Network. poster displays on the theme of the tree planted in April along the riverside Tel: 01354 742300 railway station. at Hartford to launch In Bloom for 2008. www.choose2reuse.org.uk

About Town No 42. December 2008 11 Community News

A knockout New Year’s resolution nce again we are approaching the festive season Forget your mental image of bank managers indulging in and the New Year, the traditional time to make life long lunches! This club is very much Rotary for the twenty Ofulfilling resolutions. If you would like to improve first century. your social life and, at the same time contribute to your With a similar number of men and women members, they town’s wellbeing, you could do worse than considering meet once a fortnight for a Wednesday breakfast meeting at Hinchingbrooke Rotary Club of Huntingdon. the George Hotel and two Wednesday evenings are dedicated to community service, from environmental projects to bingo with the disabled, usually followed by a pub meal! November saw the club’s first Town Quiz which it is hoped could become an annual event. This year’s profits will go to the HInchingbrooke Hospital’s Baby Unit Appeal and towards Huntingdon’s Lisa Kent Trust who are building a school in the Gambia, a venture also supported by other local Rotary Clubs. Santa has been invited to man his annual grotto in the Town centre and his sleigh is being readied for flying visits to local estates. Club members have recently enjoyed a weekend walk in Fotheringhay, a ‘Dandy and Beano’ fun afternoon, a guided walk of Kings Lynn, the Ramsey Story Tellers at the Cheshire Homes and continuing environmental work at the beautiful Brampton Wood. There was also a candle lit Georgian supper with a guest appearance by Napoleon himself! If you would like to know more about Hinchingbrooke Rotary Club of Dee Wormald-Rotary Club President; Mick Taylor-Cambridgeshire Police Amateur Boxing Club and Huntingdon, please call Nicola Rule on Rotarian Ken Skinner. 457115 or Mike Humphrey on 436444. The Gabriel Newton’s Buckden Recycling Educational Foundation Centre closes he Gabriel Newton’s Educational Foundation Buckden Recycling Centre in Brampton Road closed on dates back to the turn of the last century, and was Friday 31 October 2008, when the current contract expired. T founded by Alderman Gabriel Newton to help boys For further information on recycling in Huntingdonshire, and girls residing in the beneficial area of Huntingdon go to www.huntsdc.gov.uk and Hartford who, in the opinion of the Trustees, are in For further information on the closure of Buckden need of financial assistance to promote their education, Recycling Centre, go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/buckden or further education, including educational travel, or to assist their entry into a profession, trade or calling. A group of Trustees meets to consider applications from GABRIEL NEWTON’S young people who have educational needs. Originally this was mostly to assist with the purchase of school EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION uniforms, but as years have gone by requests and needs Scheme made under the Charitable Trusts Acts have changed and now grants are awarded for such (Registered Charity Number 311822) diverse issues as books, musical instruments, ballet shoes The Scheme was founded for the benefit of boys and girls residing and other specialised clothing, computers and educational in the beneficial area of Huntingdon and Hartford who, in the travel. opinion of the Trustees, are in need of financial assistance to All requests have to be accompanied by an application promote their education, or further education, including educational form and a letter of support from someone other than travel, or to assist their entry into a profession, trade or calling. a relative (usually a teacher). They are discussed by the Trustees, usually twice a year, and awards are made at the Application forms, together with a letter of support, should be sent to: discretion of the Trustees in accordance with the terms of Mrs J Nicholls, Clerk to the Trustees the Foundation. 9 Glebe Road, Perry, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 0DG.

12 About Town No 42. December 2008 Community News

Funzone Woburn trip Huntingdon unzone Out of School and Holiday in! The children and adults also had Continental FClub were delighted to be awarded the experience of Foot Safari round financial assistance from Huntingdon the Wild World Leisure Area where exciting animal encounters such as: Market 2008 Ronnie – “The animals on the Monkey Business, Australian Walk t was another successful visit for ‘drive thro’ were awesome” About, Penguin World, Sea Lion IThe Continental Market during the and Parrot show with keeper’s talks first weekend of October. The market Town Council giving us the opportunity and Birds of Prey flying demonstration which was brought to Huntingdon for to take the children were enjoyable the 7th successful year is organised to Woburn Safari Amber – “The best bit of the as well as by Katy Sismore, Huntingdon Town Park during the day was the sea lion show” educational. Partnership Manager. The opening Summer holidays. The children ceremony was conducted by the Mayor The children were absolutely amazed also got the opportunity to use the of Huntingdon, Cllr Saeed Akthar who with all the animals they saw, what they indoor activity centre as a treat!!! We was shown around the market by Shar ate, how they lived, what the rangers’ were blessed with a dry warm day. Norton the Market Manager. job was and why they had to The highlight of the four day market patrol the area. The children were Owen – “I really liked seeing was Saturday, when the High Street in hysterics when the monkeys the lions so close especially became an array of colours from the climbed on the windscreen of the stalls and the aromas of cooking wafted bus and then onto the roof top, while they were feeding.” down the street – bringing Europe to found the sun roof and peered the heart of the town. Debt Counselling Centre opens in Huntingdon hristians Against Poverty, the a life sentence of debt repayments. Cnational debt counselling charity, Matt Barlow, UK CEO, Christians is opening a dedicated debt counselling Against Poverty, said: “We are thrilled to centre in Huntingdon. Individuals in the open our latest centre in Huntingdon as town will now be able to take advantage the UK continues to battle against the of the charity’s free, specialist advice. increasing tide of personal debt. Using its successful combination Bringing hope of practical and sustainable financial “We aim to bring hope and a free, The Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Saeed Akthar and Katy solutions, coupled with sensitivity to practical solution to the problem of debt, Sismore, Huntingdon Town Partnership Manager with individual and personal needs, the whilst helping individuals through the Didier Scmidt at his olives and herbs stall. charity aims to bring hope to those often traumatic consequences, which can trapped by debt in Huntingdon. The include divorce, going hungry and even Centre has been launched in partnership attempted suicide. with Huntingdonshire Community “Eileen and her team will be a Church, where it is based. fantastic asset to us as a charity, as we Faith not required seek to help even more people across the Heading up the CAP centre is Eileen UK and we have every confidence that Paul who will work with all members the local community in Huntingdon will of the local community, regardless soon feel the benefits of having a CAP of religious belief, negotiating with centre on their doorstep.” Free creditors to work out a realistic budget Eileen Paul, CAP Centre Manager in for clients, which prioritises food and Huntingdon said: “Debt is an increasing Firework essential bills to ensure they will be debt problem in our society but individuals free within four years. can receive the help and support Eileen and her two fellow debt they need through Christians Against display advisors will also be supported and Poverty’s work. managed by the charity’s Operations “The worst thing someone in debt can A free firework display organised by Centre in Bradford, so that they are also do is stay silent, so I would urge anyone Oxmoor Community Action Group able to offer clients a CAP Account and in financial difficulty in the area to and Huntingdonshire District Council insolvency services should they need. contact us. Being in debt is nothing to was enjoyed by many Huntingdon The CAP Account acts as a simple be ashamed of and I know we can work residents at Coneygear Park on the bank account to help people pay their together to provide a lasting solution.” 5th November. Other entertainment priority debts and the Insolvency Service For more information and opening included children’s rides, free glow provides a solution to those, who even hours, visit www.capuk.org or call on wands and a competition for the best with careful budgeting, would be facing 0800 328 0006. designed Guy Fawkes

About Town No 42. December 2008 13 Community News The energy doctor writes be estimated from the amount of money you pay. It is worth searching against price and customer satisfaction to get a clear picture of what is on offer. If you don’t have internet access at home just pop into your local library where there is free access for all. Each supplier offers Social Tariffs aimed at qualifying households with a low income, those who are disabled or aged over 60. In addition to enhanced customer service there can be some financial benefit! These tariffs may be extended to include all lower income households so it will be worth looking out for new offers. Green tariffs For those of you interested in the environmental impact of your energy choices, Green Tariffs are increasingly available. At present, there is no agreed definition of Green Tariffs, but it is generally classified as when some proportion of the re you confident you have the best deal available for energy generated is from renewable energy sources such as your gas and electricity? At any one time there are over solar panels or wind turbines. More detailed information can A600 tariffs available so it can be hard to know for sure. be found at www.greenenergyswitch.com . I hope with the following information you will be more able Remember if you do have problems paying you bill contact to answer this question confidently. your supplier as soon as possible. There are also charitable Savings are available without needing to change your trusts that can help people in difficulty. energy supplier. Duel fuel tariffs; the practice of buying both your gas and electricity from the same supplier, is often rewarded by a discount in the price. Paying by direct debit, paperless billing Top Tips and” internet only” accounts can also offer further discounts. To really ensure that you are getting the best deal and Households who use pre-payment meters to help budget avoiding unnecessarily high bills follow these tips: fuel cost, could find changing payment to direct debit or a • Check the bill or statement when it comes in, if it is an payment card account will reduce their bill. estimated bill read the meter and request an accurate bill. Price comparisons • If you are paying by direct debit / standing order increase The variety of internet based price comparison sites has payments when the price changes to prevent a debt now given customers the power to compare different fuel accruing which will cause a large payment hike later. companies. But with so many on the web which are the • If you are not using a device switch it off! best to use? The newly formed Consumer Focus (www. • Use your heating controls to prevent over heating. By consumerfocus.org.uk) brings together Energywatch, reducing your room temperature by just 1°C you could cut Postwatch and the National Consumer Council. Its aim is your heating bills by up to 10 percent. to campaign for a fair deal for consumers and it has links to • Call the Energy Saving Trust Act on CO2 helpline on 12 accredited comparison services. To get the best from this O800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for you will need to know the amount of energy you are using. free impartial advice on the changes you could make to This information will be on your bill or statement but it can minimise your fuel bills. LINk – A stronger voice for better care Cambridgeshire residents are The launch was open to everyone about their health and social care being invited to take part in a new and gave people the chance to learn services and give them the chance government initiative, which will more about the LINk and the ways to suggest ideas to help improve give them the chance to have their in which you can help. In addition services. say on improving health and social to the formal duties of the meeting, • Investigate specific issues of care services. two keynote speakers gave details concern to communities. Cambridgeshire Local Involvement of developments in the health and • Use its powers to hold services to Network (LINk), part of a national social care sector. account and get results. initiative to create a network of The LINk will help communities • Ask for information and get an local people, organisations & groups within Cambridgeshire have a answer within a specified amount to work towards better health and stronger voice in their health and of time. social care, launched on Thursday social care services. A LINk will: • Carry out spot checks to see if 25th September 2008 in St Ives. • Ask local people what they think services are working well.

14 About Town No 42. December 2008 Community News

Crowds flock to Huntingdonshire Food and Drink Festival 2008 to get a taste of the action untingdonshire Food and Drink Festival 2008 was deemed an outstanding success as crowds flocked to Hthe festival’s main event, Food Fest 08, on Sunday 28th September. Around 2,500 people attended the main event at Wood Green Animal Shelter and over 30 local producers and businesses exhibited their produce and offered samples for visitors to taste. Visitors treated themselves to hog roast, real ales from local brewers and pubs, special homemade fudge, ordered themselves an organic veggie box and tasted a wide selection of cheeses, meats and homemade breads. Good quality local food The main theme was a celebration of the good quality local Charlotte Ward cooked a wonderful meal for two featuring food available in Huntingdonshire, encouraging people to Parma ham wrapped chicken stuffed with parmesan and buy local and thereby reducing their food miles to help the mozzarella. environment, as well as promoting a healthy diet. The hunt for the best sandwich in Huntingdonshire is over. Chefs from the Marriott Hotel took part in a live cookery The three finalists were all young children from nurseries in contest ‘Get Set Go Cook’ with food provided by Waitrose St Ives, Huntingdon and Ramsey. The three nurseries battled in St Ives which proved incredibly popular along with the it out on Saturday at the Saxongate Centre, Huntingdon and wine tutorial, the chocolate fountain and the butchery made their sandwich once again for the judges. In a close demonstrations. final Ramsey Nursery won the overall prize of £150 with their Visitors young and old enjoyed the education zone and had excellent sandwich of ham, chutney and salad. a go at milking a cow, the bicycle powered smoothie maker The Huntingdonshire Food and Drink Awards 2008, run and pressing apples to make fresh apple juice along with the in association with the Hunts Post, aimed to uncover the exciting interactive exhibits, competitions and games. district’s best in food and drink. The winners were: Charlotte Corrine Garbett, Sustainable Economic Development Ward aged 13 years – the young chef award, Fullard’s Farm Manager; “We’re delighted that the festival has been such a in Woodhurst – the best breakfast award, The Bridge Hotel, fantastic success with both exhibitors and visitors enjoying Huntingdon – the best restaurant award, The Oliver Cromwell themselves. This is the second food and drink festival and we in St Ives – the best pub award, Top Banana in Buckden – the are delighted that our visitor numbers increased by around best independent retailer and Nutty Tarts in St Neots – the 1,000 this year. Many people commented that they especially best food and drink producers award. These awards celebrated enjoyed the demonstrations and learnt more about the farm the fantastic range, quality and diversity of delicious food, to fork process.” drinks and great beer there is on offer in Huntingdonshire. Competitions and Awards All the finalists were treated to an excellent awards evening The young chef’s competition unearthed the district’s supported by The Old Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon, in cooking talent among 11 to 14-year-olds. The winner September hosted by the BBC’s Look East News team.

• Make reports and the LINk does & wish to be made For further information and a recommendations & receive a aware of progress & work, but have registration form please contact LINk – response. no spare time to physically commit the office on 0300 365 1245 (low • Refer to higher authorities issues to LINk work. In addition they will cost) or 01480 465316, FREEPOST A stronger voice for better care where service providers seem be contacted for their views and RRXK-BLAT-ZXKG, Cambridgeshire reluctant to accept findings & take opinions. Stakeholder Participant LINk, 5 Crown Street, St Ives, action. is for those who represent or are Cambridgeshire, PE27 5EB or email By regulations, LINk participants employed by an organisation with [email protected] will have the power to enter and a pecuniary interest in health and We look forward to hearing from view service delivery in provider social care. you. premises but must do so under This really is a new way for conditions which reflect the everyone to have their say in the individuals’ rights. way in which services should be LINk offers 3 styles of participation. provided and improved. “We want Active Participant is for volunteers the project to be a success and give who have the time to commit to the everyone – patients, users and carers LINk and will undertake visits & work alike – every opportunity to improve as required. Interest Participant is for health and social care” says Mike those who are interested in the work Cornwell, Host Manager.

About Town No 42. December 2008 15 PerformingPerforming Arts Ahoy There! – It’s Pantomime time again untingdon Pantomime’89 is back for its 21st season of In the years since the small group of dedicated enthusiasts Htraditional, family entertainment. created Pantomime’89 we have raised over £15,000 for local This year we are presenting Robinson Crusoe. Directed by charities through the goodwill and support of local people. Chris Topham, assisted by Kellie Whitworth, this traditional This is our 21st season and the tradition of good quality, pantomime is based on the well-known book by Daniel family entertainment in Huntingdon continues with Defoe and this version is by the late John Morley, doyen of Robinson Crusoe. Pantomime’89 is proud to work in pantomime writers. As usual our cast of Pantomime’89-ers association with Huntingdon Town Council, whose continued includes many new faces and some old ones, ably supported support plays a major part in our success. by a troupe of dancers from AJ’s School of Dance. Come and enjoy the show, boo the baddies, cheer for the Come and see Robinson Crusoe and his family, Man Friday, heroes, laugh at the clowns and join in the songs! assorted sailors and that wicked Black Patch and his pirate Look out for the Grunting Gorilla!! crew all involved in treasure hunting, shipwreck and life on Tickets (adults £7, children/concessions £5) can be booked a desert island - even Lord Nelson puts in an appearance. on the ticket hotline by calling 07504 358 413 or look on our There’s a Grunting Gorilla as website www.pantomime89.co.uk for an email booking form. well but you will need to see Refreshments, including ice cream and sweets are on sale and her/him/it for your self!! The a licensed bar is available. sea demon Oylslick is nasty There is a range of show dates and times to suit all. and twisted but of course the Saturday 27th December 2008 at 7.00pm good sea fairy Detergenta will Sunday 28th December 2008 at 2.00pm clean him up, won’t she? Oh Tuesday 29th December 2008 at 7.00pm yes she will!! Thursday 1st January 2009 at 5.00pm Once again Pantomime’89 Friday 2nd January 2009 at 7.00pm is supporting East Anglia’s Saturday 3rd January 2009 at 2.00pm Director, Chris Topham leads rehearsals Children’s Hospice at Milton. Saturday 3rd January 2009 at 7.00pm New Board of Trustees for Commemoration Hall Charity he Annual General Meeting of the attended, comprising existing Charity the community; familiarity with the THuntingdon Commemoration Hall Trustees, Members of Huntingdon Town Hall and its operation; dedication in Charity elected Trustees to its twelve- Council, representatives of User Groups a voluntary capacity; leadership skills; strong Board at a public meeting at of the Hall and other community interest in developing the night-time the Hall on Thursday 25th September. organisations. economy of the town; passion for the Around thirty members of the public Current Chairman Terry Downing performing arts; and enthusiasm and gave a report on the Board’s activities networking skills. for the year and spoke about hopes All those nominated were and aspirations for Huntingdon’s town unanimously elected by the meeting centre community hall in the future. for a period of two years. The new Nominations were received in support board differs markedly from the one of Mr David King, of the Huntingdon & established two years ago by the Godmanchester Twinning Association Huntingdon Town Council, which as and Caledonian Society; Terry Downing, sole Trustee had managed and operated of the Huntingdon Commemoration the building since 1974. Hall Charity and the Huntingdonshire Membership of the board by the Business Network; John Morgan, of the appointed Members of Huntingdon Huntingdon Drama Club; and Mike Town Council has been reduced from Gledhill of the Huntingdon Youth six to four members in the latest of Theatre. Also for Collette Nicholls; a series of steps taken since 2006 John Nunn; Dominic Whitehead & Dee to separate the Charity from Local Wormald, who are all active members Authority control. Appointed board of the town’s community, but elected in Members from Huntingdon Town their own right at the AGM. Council are Cllr Doug Adams, Cllr Chris Among the reasons given for Doyle, Cllr Dave Dransfield and Cllr nominations were tireless work for Jennifer Sarabia.

16 About Town No 42. December 2008 Film Festival

Huntingdon Youth Town Council –

HYTC Film Festival 2008 Youth Film Festival small but enthusiastic audience enjoyed a quality based performance “Stomp”, featured the four creators evening’s entertainment on Saturday 27th September, making their own rythmns and dance out of sweeping the Aat the Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon, at the patio with long-handled brooms. “Denizen of Paranoia”, Huntingdon Youth Town Council’s by Nathan Rogers, was a trailer for what first Youth Film Festival. promised to be a tale of intrigue, cover- Attended by the ups & violence in the pharmaceutical Mayor and Mayoress of industry. “Green Days” by Briony Huntingdon, Cllr Saeed and Hasseler was a poignant comment on Mrs Tasneem Akthar, ten teenage drug abuse. “Joe” by Rachael short films were introduced Pett was a humorous information by Youth Council Officials film warning about the risks of Jonty Bell, Laurence Kennedy being overweight and the need for a and Natalie Kelsey. balanced diet & exercise to maintain “Creep” by Jade Slator good health. “A Bad Day” by Kelsey had as backing music Whittey, Kirsty Doyle and Daniel Radiohead’s song of the same Livermore, was a tongue-in-cheek look name and was reminiscent Youth Cllrs Rebecca Harrold; Laurence Kennedy; at a girl’s “bad” school day owing of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Natalie Kelsey and Chairman Jonty Bell. to a series of misfortunate incidents Homesick Blues” video, using ranging from slapstick and ridicule to key words on cards such as embarrassment and unrequited love. “creep”; “weirdo”; and “belong “Haunted”, by Scott Bray, featured here” to emphasise teenage the filmmaker in the leading role of angst about conforming a man spending the night in a newly and acceptance. “Courage” purchased property, alleged to be by Amber Walker featured haunted and had the audience at just Superchick’s song about the right level of suspense before its anorexia and expressed in film shocker end. the pressure on young females The films were judged according to attain a perfect body image to their technical and sound quality as portrayed in the media and Cllr Saeed Akthar, Mayor of Huntingdon, with as well as on their overall interest to self loathing and abuse that can Chairman Jonty Bell and winner Scott Bray. the viewer and judges Graham Hammond result from feelings of failure to do so. Alex Carson’s “Shade” of the Huntingdon Youth Theatre, Laurence Kennedy of the was a suspense-film, with alternating camera angles between Youth Town Council and the Mayor had a difficult task to a threatening “Shades” character and a young couple visiting agree first, second and third place winners. In reverse order the more densely forested areas of Hinchingbrooke Country these were A Bad Day; Courage; and Haunted. Park. And Daydream, by Kelly Seargent, set to I Monster’s In a closing address, the Mayor praised the film makers “Daydream in Blue”, portrayed a girl’s daydream featuring and the audience and thanked all those involved in the scenes from Huntingdon’s natural and built environment organisation of what was a very successful event, conceived, whilst her apparent focus was on a blank piece of paper. planned and presented by local young people and one which “Stumped” by Beth Abraham, Emma Chisolm, Jess the Youth Town Council would like to organise again next Homewood and Caroline Parker, inspired by the percussion- year. Clean Sweep for St Peter’s School HYTC t Peter’s School was extremely said “We were all overwhelmed Youth Film Sproud this week as the talent of its when we won”. Amber Walker’s Festival A Level film makers was recognised in hopeful exploration of anorexia came the Huntingdon Youth Film Festival. second, followed by a slapstick comedy Following their screening to a range of from Kirsty Doyle, Daniel Livermore invited guests as part of the School’s and Kelsie Witty. Head of English Anni Screen First programme, seven students Matthew said: ‘We are extremely proud entered their films to the competition. of all the students who have given us The group are St Peter’s first cohort of just a taste of what they can achieve – we A Level Media Studies and the School have high hopes for their A2 projects has state of the art filming and editing which will be released in the Spring.” equipment for their use. Scott Bray won The second cohort started this September first prize, £200, with his rather scary and will be inspired by the standard set Kelsie Witty, Daniel Livermore, Kirsty Doyle, Mrs Ford, Scott Bray and Amber Walker film, Haunted. The eighteen year old by their award winning predecessors.

About Town No 42. December 2008 17 Sports News Olympic success Coming home I was privileged to go down to London on the day the Olympians returned and it was a wonderful experience to feel the buzz and excitement of watching the aeroplane touch down and to see Paul and the rest of the team come out one by one. The press was out in their numbers. I now know what it feels like to be surrounded by many whirring and flashing cameras – not to mention the television cameras! And now many weeks after the games, we are still being inundated by television crews, newspaper journalists and requests to host any number of events! For those who may not have heard, I am of course referring to Louis Smith, Bronze The gymnasts and coaches who went to Beijing: Back row left to right – Sam Oldham, Paul Hall, Monica Desalermos; Front row – Marissa King, Kayleigh Cooke, Daniel Keatings and Louis Smith. medalist on the Pommel horse, Daniel Keatings, 20th all-round finalist and Marissa King, ended my last article in the About Town magazines with member of the women’s team. Our fourth gymnast, Kayleigh the words: The sky is our limit! Little did I know then Cooke was first reserve for the women’s team. Ithat a few months on I would be sitting down in front Gymnastics available to all of my computer to report on the fact that not only did 4 It goes without saying that despite all our international of our gymnasts and 2 of our coaches attend the Olympic recognition, we still continue with all our existing gymnastic Games but that one came back with a Bronze medal – the goals – i.e. to make the sport of gymnastics available to all first Olympic medal for British Gymnastics (BG) in 100 years, children of all ages and abilities. To this end, our recreational another made it into the All-round final – still a junior, and classes are working towards their BG badges and will end off coming in at number 20, and yet another gymnast one of the the year with a weeks worth of festive gym sessions. Our other women’s team who came 9th overall – the best record ever gymnasts are busy making their mark in the county and the by a BG Women’s team. What a result! Our coaches Paul Hall region as we clock up more medals at this level. and Monica Desalermos were out there with our gymnasts, Funding making sure that they were in peak condition to take on Many people ask me whether the success at the Olympics this most impressive of challenges. Back home, gymnasts, have made any difference to the funding situation for our coaches, parents and friends sat with bated breath and new gymnasium. I would love to be able to report that we watched the story unfold. have been inundated with offers to finance the gym – but unfortunately this has not been the case. It has however given us a huge amount of credibility and is a good springboard from which to launch our requests for money. I can say with Cup winners confidence that there are many very important people who know that we need a new gym! In the meantime we have put Hartford Junior Schools football team who were joint in an application to the Big Lottery fund for £1 million and winners of the Hunts District Primary Schools Football hope to hear from them in the first quarter of next year. There Association Autumn Term Large Schools ‘A’ Team is the possibility of more money from other sources which Tournament which was held in St Ives, on Saturday, 11th will be looked into over the next few months. October 2008. In February this year we were awarded £500 000 from Cambridgeshire Horizons, a housing development fund. The money needed to be used in its entirety for one project and we therefore split our plans into 2 phases in order to accommodate these conditions. Even though there is no visible progress on phase 1, I can confirm that there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes – and we hope to start moving earth before Christmas. Phase 1 will give us a new reception area, a new entrance via Mayfield road and various changes within the building to make more effective use of existing space. Thank you The only thing that remains for me to say is a big ‘thank you’ to all our supporters who have helped to get us this far! The sky is still our limit! Erica MacKenzie, Facilities Manager, The boys are left to right: back row - Callum Brown, Jamie Harrold, Connor Lewis, Manu Machaya; front row - Fraser Jones, George Smith, Jacob Williams, Travis Nightingill. Huntingdon Olympic Gym Club Ltd

18 About Town No 42. December 2008 Sports News

Thousands of fans pay tribute to Lola’s Golden Anniversary

Cllr Saeed Akthar, the Mayor of Huntingdon, officially starts the parade

Racing cars representing 50 years of motorsport heritage parade on the streets of Huntingdon

n Sunday 12 October, an estimated 10,000 spectators Mark 1, the first car built by Lola driven by James Leslie, son of packed the streets of Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire to the late, great David Leslie. Osupport Lola Cars landmark 50th Anniversary parade At the end of the route the cars parked up in a specially of racing cars. The impressive display of 16 cars represented constructed paddock area that had been assembled in the marque’s most iconic models from the past half century Huntingdon’s historic market square. As the crowd eagerly through to Lola’s all-new 2008 designs. awaited a glimpse of the first Lola cars to enter the paddock Some of Lola’s most successful drivers were reunited with the they were treated to a display from the Blue Vision winning line-up of cars supporting Lola’s Golden celebration. Huntingdon Majorette team and a demonstration from the The Lola legends included John Surtees OBE, Richard Attwood, Huntingdon Olympic gymnast club, that trained Louis Smith Hugh Dibley, Teddy Pilette, Chris Craft, Mike Blanchet, James who recently claimed a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. Weaver, Julian Bailey, Anthony Reid and Peter Ashdown. Motorsport presenter and personality Tony Jardine hosted a Current racers included Le Mans Series driver Mike Newton, number of interviews on the Town Hall balcony overlooking Malaysian A1 Grand Prix driver Fairuz Fauzy and Danny Watts. the packed out paddock area, with Martin Birrane and the At midday and in brilliant autumn sunshine, Cllr Saeed founder of Lola cars, Eric Broadley joining racing legend John Akthar, the Mayor of Huntingdon, waved the Union Jack Surtees for an enthralling Q & A session. Lola has been located to officially start the parade from Lola’s state-of-the-art in Huntingdon since 1970 and continues to be an important headquarters in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The roadside business for the local community. was packed with spectators from start to finish as the snake of 16 cars travelled up the 1.6 route via the local ring road and in to the historic market square where Oliver Cromwell rallied his troops during the Civil War. Heading up the parade was the all-new RML MG-Lola LMP2 Coupe dressed in the patriotic red, white and blue livery, followed by Lola’s latest track day car B07/90 which had Jonathan Djanogly, MP for the Huntingdon constituency enjoying a passenger ride with sportscar driver Calum Lockie. Other star participants included a Lola T70 Mk111B that cemented the marque’s status in world motorsport during the 1960’s, Sir Jackie Stewart’s 1967 Indy 500 Lola T92 driven by Lola owner and Executive Chairman Martin Birrane and the

About Town No 42. December 2008 19 Community NewsChristmas Message from The Mayor of Huntingdon

ay I take this opportunity of really and truly care, can be the biggest wishing you my sincere best present of all. Mwishes for Christmas and a Christmas is also a time to think of prosperous new year. God through prayer and remembrance Over the last year we have seen a and show how much of a friend you are gradual economic downturn in the to him. After all, best friends will always country by which most of us have been look out for each other during good and affected one way or another or know bad times. someone who has. Since having the honour of becoming I truly hope and believe we can get Mayor, I have been truly overwhelmed through this period by helping and by the number of good wishes and supporting each other through our comments by people I know but even unselfish actions and kind words. more so by people I have never seen or I believe Christmas is not always met before. Thank you for all your kind about giving and receiving big and thoughts and good wishes. expensive presents but about a time to Thank you to everyone who is helping think about others and to show some me to raise money for my chosen local extra love, friendship and goodwill. charities and for everyone who has In Huntingdon and Godmanchester So perhaps, this Christmas, especially, supported me by attending fundraising invite you to their will be a good time to write those extra events and giving and sponsoring so Annual Christmas Day Lunch and Tea at Huntingdon Medway Community Centre kind words and messages inside your generously. May God bless you and Trinity Free Church and Medway Christian Christmas cards to show how much reward you for all your efforts and Fellowship are organizing a lunch and tea for you care about your friends, family and generosity. people who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. loved ones. Lastly, I would like to wish everyone Please do not be lonely this Christmas. Do come, This may not be a material or physical in Huntingdon a happy Christmas filled make friends and enjoy Christmas this year. present as we have grown to know, but with peace and love and hope we all Transport will be available. it would mean a lot to those who are have a prosperous new year. Full details and essential booking form from Mrs Pearl Phillips Ogle. Phone 01480-454892. suffering at the moment because of the Sincere best wishes, Guests are invited from 12 noon. current economic climate; To know Cllr Saeed Akthar We plan to finish about 4pm. that you have family and friends, who Mayor of Huntingdon. Christmas Church Services in Huntingdon Sunday 7th December Monday 22nd December 4.00pm Oxmoor Community Carols, Joint Carol Service 6.30 pm Carol Singing in the streets behind St Mary’s at St Barnabas Church, with Trinity Free Church and Medway Christian Fellowship and pupils from Wednesday 24th December Thongsley Fields, Hartford Junior and St John’s 4.00pm Crib Service at All Saints’ Huntingdon Schools. Refreshments and everyone welcome. 4.00pm Nativity Play with Carols at All Saints’, Hartford Wednesday 10th December 6.30pm Mass at St Michael’s Roman Catholic 7.30 pm Civic Carol Service at St Mary’s, Huntingdon 7.00pm Family Communion at Huntingdon Methodist Church Friday 19th December 11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Mary’s, Huntingdon 7.00pm Tapestry perform at St Barnabas Church (Preacher Rev’d David Shaw) Sunday 21st December 11.30pm Midnight Communion at All Saints’, Hartford 10.00am “Worship the King”: Christmas guest Service 11.30pm Mass at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church with Huntingdonshire Community Church at the Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke. Thursday 25th December 10.30am Nativity Service at Huntingdon Methodist Church 9.30am Christmas Day Eucharist at St Barnabas Church 11.00am Family Carol Service with the Medway Christian 10.00am Christmas Communion Service at All Saints’ Fellowship at the Medway Community Centre Huntingdon 3.00pm Christingle Service at St Mary’s, Huntingdon 10.00am Mass at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church 4.00pm Christmas Carols at All Saints’, Hartford 10.00am Christmas Morning Service with the Medway Christian Fellowship at the Christian Centre, Nene 6.00pm Candlelight Carol Service at Trinity Free Road Church,Huntingdon 10.30am Christmas Celebration at Huntingdon Methodist 6.30pm – Carol Service at All Saints’ Huntingdon Church 6.30pm – Carol Service at Huntingdon Methodist Church 10.30am Christmas Praise at Trinity Free Church, 6.30pm – Service at Huntingdon Spiritualist Church Huntingdon 11.00am Christmas Family Service at All Saints’, Hartford

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Huntingdon Town Council

20 About Town No 42. December 2008