AboutHuntingdon Town Council News Issue 57. September 2012

TBrought toO you in yourwn home by your Town Council

Published by Town Council Editor: Cllr J Sarabia In this issue... Cllrs T Forster; C Hyams; S Mulcahy; K Sumner; R Subhan. Co-opted Members, Mr Chris Doyle & Who’s who at the Council 2 A Summer to Celebrate 10-11 Mrs Trish Shrapnel. Youth Councillor C Morgan. Forthcoming events 2 Olympic Torch comes to Huntingdon 12 Layout and design: Austin Bambrook. Double Medals for GB Gymnasts 12 Produced by LGS, 01487 831459 Town Clerk's Chat 3 Advertising Sales: 01480 411883 Councillor profile 4 Huntingdon in Bloom 13 Huntingdon Town Council, Hungarian Dancers 5 Health Matters 14-15 Town Hall, Market Hill, Medway Centre 6 Schools News 16-17 HUNTINGDON, PE29 3PJ Performing Arts 18 Tel: 01480 411883 Unity in the Community 7 Fax: 01480 410388 Heritage Open Weekend 8 Shakespeare at the George 19 e-mail: [email protected] Jubilee Celebrations 9 Sports News 20 www.huntingdontown.gov.uk Town Council News Who’s Who at the Council? Forthcoming Events Images & contact details* for local Councillors Friday 21st September Starz in your Eyes – Friday Night Fever! Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon. 7.30pm with DJ Keith – an evening for young people with special needs. Tickets £5 from Huntingdon Town Hall or telephone 01480 411883. Saturday 22nd September Sid Akthar Alan Cole Stuart Hassell Bill Hensley Colin Hyams Cromwell Museum – “Come gather ye….” 50 years on, East East East East East a concert with readings to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the 07765 880806 01480 392990 07944 156400 07767 823424 01480 276118 Cromwell Museum and the Huntingdon Male Voice Choir. All Saint’s Church, Huntingdon at 7.30pm. Tickets £8.00 available from the Cromwell Museum or 01480 375830 Saturday 22nd September Hullabaloo - Rocking thru’ the 60’s with Time Machine – Montagu Club, Huntingdon. In aid of Young Carers; Special Care Susan Mulcahy Ann Beevor Patrick Kadewere Alan Mackender- Christine Mackender- Baby Unit and HCRfm104. Tickets £5 from the Montagu Club; East North North Lawrence Lawrence Simply Music or on the door. 01480 451604 01480 382428 07546 432183 North 01480 531004North 01480 531004 Saturday 29th September Huntingdon Town FC Concert. Jubilee Park, Huntingdon from 6.00pm onwards. Bands include: Baz Warne (The Stranglers) / Dave Greenfield (The Stranglers) / Violet Bones / Little Night Terrors / Richard Allen II / James Page / Soulweaver. Tickets cost £25.00 and are available from http://www.ticketweb. Andrew Bish Ann Blackwell Andrew Ellington Tanya Forster Tom Sanderson co.uk . For more information, contact Todd Bevan from West West West West West Huntingdon Town FC on 07525 185001 01480 411883 01480 436822 07903 949793 07863 209081 01480 436822 Thursday 4th October – Saturday 6th October Continental Market. Market Square, Huntingdon from 9.00am – 5.30pm. The Market will feature the best of continental produce with over 20 stalls selling goods and produce from France, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Products include sun-ripened olives, tasty tomatoes and fruits Jennifer Sarabia Raj Subhan Kevin Sumner *email addresses are available on our from Italy, cheeses from France, spicy sausage from Germany, West West East website at www.huntingdontown.gov.uk a boulangerie with fresh bread and pastries, and a genuine 01480 380760 01480 411883 01480 391771 tartiflette. Information: Huntingdon Town Partnership T: 01480 450250 E: [email protected] Friday 5th October Burlesque Workshop – Fan Dancing Commemoration Our Forthcoming Meetings Hall, Huntingdon. 7.30pm. Zoe Charles, from “The Cheek Please note, all meetings commence at 7.00pm and take place in the of It”, is from one of the UK’s leading Burlesque Schools. Highly original. Tickets are limited and available at £15 Town Hall, Market Hill, Huntingdon PE29 3PJ unless otherwise stated. For from Huntingdon Town Hall or 01480 411883 or online www. further information, please contact Huntingdon Town Council on 01480 ticketsource.co.uk/patch 411883, or email [email protected] Saturday 13th October Meetings are open to the public and agendas allow time for representation The Romany and Traveller Family History Society and questions from the public. Open Day. Medway Centre. 11.00am-4.00pm £1 entrance fee including free tea and coffee. The RTFHS welcome visits from anyone with an interest in the history and culture of the Date: Meeting: travelling community. It is an opportunity for anyone who has, or September 6th Town Council think they have, a Gypsy in the family tree to come and find out Planning Applications Panel more. Information: [email protected] September 20th Leisure & Community Services Committee Friday 26th October Planning Applications Panel Bösendorfer Piano Concert. Hinchingbrooke Performing Twinning Sub-Committee Arts Centre. 7.30pm Sarah Markham, saxophone & Paul Turner, October 4th Planning Applications Panel piano, offering a mix of duos and piano solos from Bach to Gershwin. Tickets £10; Students £5 from 01480 375678. Grants Sub-Committee Lettings Sub-Committee To promote your event please contact Marilyn October 18th Finance Committee Planning Applications Panel Simpson on [email protected] Town Council November 1st Further information on Events and Activities in Planning Applications Panel Huntingdon and surrounding areas, may be obtained November 15th Leisure & Community Services Committee by visiting: Hinchingbrooke Country Park www. Planning Applications Panel Twinning Sub-Committee .gov.uk/parksandcountryside or call 01480 451568 / Paxton Pits Nature Reserve 01480 November 29th Planning Applications Panel 406795 and www..net or www. December 13th Finance Committee aboutmyarea.co.uk/huntingdon Planning Applications Panel

2 About Town No 57. September 2012 Town Council News Forthcoming Events Saturday 27th October Town Clerk’s chat Egypt – A Musical Journey. Commemoration Hall, elcome to the summer edition of Huntingdon. 7.30pm. Live Music and Dance with Rhythms of Egypt Ensemble and Tabeeya Dance Company. Middle Eastern WHuntingdon Town Council’s community Meze food available and booking is required. Tickets: Children Newsletter, About Town, in which we hope £5 and £6.50 for Adults available from Huntingdon Town Hall or you’ll find a variety of articles and information 01480 411883 or online www.ticketsource.co.uk/patch of use and interest to you. Sunday 11th November As I write, we are due to commence another Remembrance Service and Parade. Market Square, year’s August recess, when with the exception Huntingdon at 11.00am of one scheduled meeting on August 16th, Sunday 25th November Members traditionally enjoy a well earned Huntingdon Christmas Light Switch On. Market Square, break from Council business. In recent Huntingdon. Time TBC. Information: Huntingdon Town months, the main committees for finance, Partnership T: 01480 450250 E: [email protected] and leisure and community services and planning have considered a number of Huntingdon Town Council T: 01480 411883 E: town.council@ huntingdontown.gov.uk matters on your behalf. In response to a consultation on initial options and issues, the Friday 30th November Council supported a medium growth option for housing provision in Bösendorfer Piano Concert. Hinchingbrooke Performing Huntingdonshire in the next twenty five years. Chairman of Planning Arts Centre. 7.30pm. The Rautio Piano Trio with Jane Gordon (violin); Adi Tal (cello) and Jan Rautio, piano. An evening of trios Councillor Stuart Hassell was appointed as the Council’s representative by Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms. Tickets £10; Students £5 to the Steering Group responsible for developing a market town transport from 01480 375678. strategy for Huntingdon & Godmanchester, at a time when government Wednesday 12th December announcements indicate renewed support for improvements to the A14, Mayor’s Civic Carol Service. Further details may be obtained likely to be realised around 2018-20. from Huntingdon Town Council on 01480 411883. Leisure & Community Services have considered the adequacy of maintenance schedules for grass cutting in the town’s open spaces, which has received some level of public criticism this year, though in fairness our Hinchingbrooke Casket extreme wet weather conditions have posed a real challenge to regular maintenance activity. Related to this, areas of the Council’s cemeteries earmarked for the encouragement of biodiversity in plant and insect life have stirred controversy and Council took a decision in July to have these cut back, in response to criticism that the resulting appearance was untidy and therefore not in keeping. Looking to invest some of the Section 106 development monies available to improve leisure facilities in the town, the Council has worked with Young Lives and holiday scheme Fusion to gather local opinion on how best this should be achieved. A working party at the Medway Community Centre continues to oversee the last of a programme of centre improvements, involving provision of curtains and wi-fi access, as well as improved promotion and marketing of the Centre’s facilities. As the owner of the Indoor Bowls Club and Huntingdon Gymnastics Club sports facilities, your Council is in the process of concluding a new

The image of on the front cover of this thirty-year lease with the Indoor Bowls Club and undertaking repairs prior issue has been photographed from the front panel of the Casket. to commencement of a new lease with the Gymnastics Club. A working party of the Finance Committee continues to give scrutiny to Council’s isplayed in the Mayor’s Parlour is the expenditure and has focussed on the outcomes of Internal Audit and D“Hinchingbrooke Casket” presented to the Earl arrangements for insurance cover. Finance Committee of August will of Sandwich in 1899 by the Aldermen, Councillors consider support for formal conclusion of a twinning agreement in April and Officers of the Huntingdon Borough Council to 2013 between Huntingdon & Godmanchester and Gubbio, Italy. commemorate the Earl’s Mayoralty over the previous At the time of writing, whilst London 2012 is in full swing, I’m reminded three years. This Casket is believed to have been of the tremendous support given by the people of Huntingdon to the visit of lost until 1967 when the County Council took over the Olympic Torch on Sunday 8th July. The success of the morning can be Hinchingbrooke House from the Montagu family (the credited to many months of planning and organisation, particularly on the Earl of Sandwich family name) for use as a school part of Huntingdonshire District Council, in partnership with other key local when the Casket was found in a blocked up fireplace! authorities. The Casket is gold plated silver, made by G & S Co. Congratulations are also due to the Huntingdon Business Improvement Ld (Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Limited) who were District Task Group. A “yes” vote in July 2012 established the BID for the established in 1880 at 112 Regent Street, London. next five years and we look forward to its successful endeavours to improve The Latin motto on the chest ‘post tot naufracia Huntingdon’s town centre and to working in partnership to that mutual aim. portus’ means ‘after so many shipwrecks a haven’ - and is the motto for the Sandwich Coat of Arms. Karen Cameron, Town Clerk

About Town No 57. September 2012 3 Town Council News

Councillor Profile – Kevin Sumner efore moving to Huntingdon from Bristol, with my partner Louise, I had long Bexperience of community and inner city based projects. I have managed a relapse prevention centre, worked with young offenders and supervised independent living schemes for young people with disabilities. I am a qualified counsellor and currently lecture in Philosophy, Politics and Psychology at Huntingdonshire Regional College. I am also a trustee of the Huntingdon children’s charity ‘Natural High’. Local communities have always been at the heart of my work and I bring this experience to my role as Town Councillor. When I am not busy with these responsibilities I enjoy working on my allotment in Primrose Lane, visiting the gym, playing football and playing the piano (badly!). When I first left school I trained as a Chef and I still really enjoy spending time cooking and trying out new recipes. I would like to say how proud I am to serve as a Town Councillor for Huntingdon East and thank everyone for their support. The opportunity to serve the community I live and work in is a great honour. So I will ensure that I am readily available to the people of Huntingdon East to hear what they have to say about local issues and represent their interests on the town council. Councillor Kevin Sumner Farewell to Stephen… ll members of the Town Council would Alike to give their thanks and best wishes to Stephen Burton, our former Deputy Town Clerk. Stephen’s hard work and support during his time with the Council has been e-mail [email protected]. greatly appreciated, and he will be missed by Telephone 01480 391771. all. Good luck for the future and keep in touch!

n 14th June, the Senior Citizens of Huntingdon were welcomed by Huntingdon Summer tea party OTown Council to a Summer Tea Party at the Commemoration Hall. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bill Hensley, greeted over 100 guests who enjoyed a selection of summer food prepared by Caroline Catering. The children of Cromwell Park School provided a wide selection of music helped along by teaching assistants and their Deputy Head, Rebecca Gray. This was to be Rebecca’s final musical event before leaving Cromwell Park and we wish her well for the future. Huntingdon Town Council would like to thank everyone who donated prizes for the raffle especially the organic vegetable company, Riverford from Sacrewell Lodge Farm, Peterborough who provided an excellent vegetable hamper and to Deniece Hailey for the hampers of jams and other wonderful items. Special thanks, as always, go to Roy and Malcolm for all their help throughout the day and to the the volunteers who gave their time to help make the day run smoothly. Jack from Cromwell Park School with guests ✁ We look forward to seeing everyone again at the Christmas Lunch in December!

Huntingdon Town Council is hosting a Pensioners’ Christmas Lunch Christmas Lunch on 6th December 2012 at the Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Name for Huntingdon’s Senior Citizens. The afternoon commences at 12.00 I would like (no. of tickets) for the Pensioners’ Christmas Lunch on lines pm, finishing at 3.30pm and tickets are 6th December 2012 commencing at 12.00 pm in the Commemoration Hall. available on a first-come, first-served Names of guests and their postcode: basis. To reserve your place, please complete the form and send to The Town Hall, Market Hill, Huntingdon, Huntingdon, PE29 3PJ or contact the Town Council on 01480 411883.

We are of pensionable age and registered electors in Huntingdon Town. Signed Address

4 About Town No 57. September 2012 Community News A break with tradition Hungarian Dancers Sea Sunday and the Civic Hit the Town Service held together ue to unprecedented Sunday engagements due to the DQueen’s Jubilee and Olympic torch, it was decided to combine the Civic Service with Sea Sunday this year. Members of the Royal Society of St. George, Veterans of the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy and Standards of the Royal British Legion joined the Mayor and Mayoress, local Dignitaries and Chairman of the Huntingdon District and County Councils. Wreaths were laid on the ‘Thinking Soldier’ War Memorial and a minutes silence was held for all those who gave their lives at sea and for the work of those who “go down to the sea in ships”. The participants then moved to All Saints Church for the civic Ceremony. The Rev. Andrew Milton spoke of the sea to a packed congregation. All guests enjoyed the hospitality of the Huntingdon Town Council for a buffet lunch in the Town Hall afterwards. Mr Tony Humes kindly played the organ. ight traditional dancers from our twin town of Szentendre Edanced in Huntingdon’s Market Square on Sunday 8th July, Hunts Blind members enjoy just before the Olympic Torch Parade passed through the High Street. They were the star attraction who joined Morris Dancers, holiday in Weston-Super-Mare Ely & Littleport Riot and other local groups performing in the party of 52 square. Acomprising blind Later the Hungarians also danced in the Town Hall along with and visually impaired, the Morris Dancers to many of the organisers who had taken part their carers and escorts in the days’ activities. and two guide dogs On the Saturday before the Torch Parade the dancers put on a enjoyed a week’s holiday display at the Godmanchester Gala Day. in July at the Lauriston David Brown, Chair of the Szentendre Twinning Group, said, Hotel in Weston-Super- “The Hungarian visit was nearly a year in the planning and Mare. The annual there were many difficulties on the way, however, the dancers holiday is subsidised by were a tremendous hit wherever they performed. It was a great Hunts Society for the experience and the feedback we received was very positive.” Blind and the cost of Whilst the dancers were in Huntingdon & Godmanchester, they transport is covered by also visited Cambridge, Peterborough and London. It was a hectic fundraising activities week end. and grants. The visit was organised by Huntingdon & Godmanchester Society members and their dogs pictured “The Society holiday Twinning Association, who also had guests from Wertheim, enjoying musical entertainment from a local is open to all our brass band in town park in Weston-Super-Mare. Germany, Salon de Provence, France and Gubbio, Italy here for members and this year the weekend. David Brown, saw the largest take up to date” said Helen Bosworth, Society Huntingdon & Godmanchester Twinning Association Administrator who organises as well as escorts the holiday. “We only use hotels which cater especially for guests with a sight impairment so, for instance, hotel information is available in large print and or Braille, each bedroom has a talking clock Roy & Sarah and of course guide dogs are particularly welcomed and even supplied with their own dog bed!” Chandler “The party had a thoroughly enjoyable time with plenty of aturday 23rd June 2012, outings and entertainment to keep everyone happy. No sooner Swas an extra special day than suitcases are put away we start making plans for next for our caretaker Roy Chandler. year’s get away which, based on the success of this and past Roy married Sarah Allen at the years’ holidays, members can once again look forward to.” Registry Office in Huntingdon. All those associated with About Town would like to wish For further information about the services available from Roy and Sarah every happiness Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind please call: 01480 for their future. 453438, visit our website www.huntsblind.co.uk or email Thanks go to John Clements [email protected] for taking the photographs.

About Town No 57. September 2012 5 Community News Medway Community Centre love September and the autumn months. September means I‘Back to School’. It means that the weather will soon change, ushering in the crisp air and the trees will take on a multitude of colours. It means football and rugby season has started. It means planning new things for the new year ahead. So as we all plan our calendars for Christmas parties and the new year, why not consider the Medway Community Centre for occasions or celebration? Our Main Hall is able to host 180 people seated at anniversary or wedding receptions. Or maybe Come and get involved in our Community. you are looking for a venue for your child’s birthday party? With The Medway Centre is available for bookings seven days 10ft high ceilings, a bouncy castle will fit nicely. Or maybe you a week from 8.00am until midnight with four main areas in are thinking of a disco: our license allows for a multitude of the Centre for hire. We offer a clean, well maintained and activities. Come and check us out! friendly venue with a range of rooms and halls for hire at very Maybe you are looking for established groups to join; the competitive rates. The building has a premises license which Medway has close to 20 regular user groups providing wide- allows for many activities to take place, including live music, ranging activity. Boxing, Judo, Schools of Dance, Scouts, Krav dancing, indoor sporting events and retail sales of alcohol on Maga, Zumba, Post Natal Fitness, Slimming World, Breakfast the premises. and After school Clubs, Yongsan Aikkai, Medway Darby & Joan, Carolyn Jupp, Oxmoor Friendship Group, Hartford Darby & Joan, Oxmoor temporary Medway Community Centre Manager Community Action Group, Huntingdon Community Group, Boots & Buckles Line Dance and the Medway Christian Fellowship. We Contact us here at the Centre at 01480 388677, also have groups that hire our facility for their yearly sales such [email protected], or visit as the National Childbirth Trust and the Christmas Craft Fair. www.huntingdontown.gov.uk. Bloomin’ Gardeners loomin’ Gardeners is a programme featured on HCR104fm Bon the last Thursday of each month from 7.00pm to 8.00pm. How did this come about you may ask? Bobby, one of our Already we have learned that the Sebastopol Cannon in keen producers, came up with the idea, having been inspired Huntingdon is a replica made by an ‘In Bloomer’! by several ‘In Bloom’ projects she had come across locally and As our roots grow, we shall be giving topical tips on what to do after hearing about Huntingdon’s Awards last year. in the coming months and answering listener questions using We then decided to be inclusive and involve 4 core our expert, Stephen from Frosts of Brampton. horticulturally active areas in and around Huntingdon, which The ‘In Bloom’ groups are often seeking volunteers, often are Huntingdon Town, Moor in Bloom, Godmanchester and on an ad-hoc basis and we hope this programme will also Brampton. We rotate these over four months, which means that encourage new members to join and keep their branches not only can we focus on these areas and what they are doing growing. for ‘In Bloom’ competitions, but also gather general gardening Listeners can email in on : [email protected] or ring in advice from many different people. on 01480 414104 preferably in advance of the show. Wirtschaftswoche – Wertheim’s 7th Trade Fair untingdon and Godmanchester are twinned with Wertheim as various British items, which commemorated HM The Queen’s Hin Germany, Salon de Provence in France and Szentendre in Diamond Jubilee, were on display and could be purchased. Hungary. Our motto was: Twinning is promoting understanding, knowledge From 21st-25th May 2012 Wertheim hosted its 7th Trade Fair. and friendship. There were some 160 exhibitors. They presented products, services A special highlight was Malcolm Talbot’s Jazz band from and information about kitchen, household, building, renovating, Huntingdon: six enthusiastic hobby musicians delighted their energy saving, furniture, environment, health, wellness, sport, audience whilst playing on the main stage, at restaurant “Ochsen” leisure, fashion, food, beverages and much more. and Wertheim Castle. Twin Towns from England and Hungary proved once again that Members of the IPW supported us on the stand and were able to also they were a valuable addition to this biannual Trade Fair. A gain several new members. local newspaper wrote: Twin Towns are enriching the Wertheim All guests were hosted privately and once again the Wertheim Trade Fair. people’s hospitality and warm welcome was overwhelming and very Six Huntingdon and Godmanchester members manned a large highly appreciated. stall which was decorated with lots of eye-catching Union Jack flags David Brown, and coloured bunting. - Gwen King’s lovely handmade cards as well Huntingdon & Godmanchester Twinning Association.

6 About Town No 57. September 2012 Community News Unity In The Community

he Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr. Colin Hyams officially opened Tthis year’s Unity in the Community on 14th July. He praised the Huntingdonshire Community Group for the good job they are doing to bring people together. The organisers who commit their time and effort to make the annual celebration of diversity happen were also commended. Undeterred by poor summer weather, Unity in the Community was back, with more than 1700 people attending the event at the Huntingdonshire Regional College. . volunteers were awarded certificates to recognise the work they The event offered a fun packed family day with over 50 do within our communities. The Food Hall was excellent and exhibitors, workshops and demonstrations. Four hours of expertly managed all day by Cllr. Stuart Hassell, as volunteer non-stop entertainment from all over the world included co-ordinator. traditional English dance, presented by Wendy Burke, African A big thank you is owed to our sponsors: Cambridgeshire dance, presented by Huntingdonshire Community Group, with County Council, Huntingdonshire Regional College, Urban demonstrations of Kanawaza Judo by Sensei Paddy Swallow, and Civic, Huntingdon Town Council, Luminus, Huntingdon Boxing by Mick Taylor and many more. Freemen’s Charity, Picadel Transport, Cllr. Raj Subhan and all This year was not just about fun and entertainment: people the volunteers. were able to learn more about the proposals for Alconbury For details of future events e-mail unityinthecommunity@ development from Urban and Civic. Army Recruitment Officers huntscg.org.uk or phone 07546432183. We predict that Unity in also provided information and were on hand to talk to visitors. the Community 2013 will be even bigger, with more children’s Local MP Jonathan Djanogly attended and praised the activities and a focus on education and employment. organisers for another successful event. Organisations and Cllr. Patrick Kadewere, Chairman, Unity in the Community. Here 4 Huntingdon: A mammoth task for Methodists. he Methodist Movement, begun by John Wesley in the Tseventeen hundreds, has always had the focus of being there for others. Based on his experience of faith in Jesus and the Bible, John Wesley, alongside preaching and teaching, established ‘health centres’, schools, children’s homes as well as care for prisoners. It was through Methodism that many people were taught to read, speak in public and become leaders. ‘Being there for others’ continued in what became the Methodist Church, now having 70 million members world-wide. It has produced many pioneers in the trade union movement, local and national politicians, including several Speakers of the House of Commons. Locally, nationally and internationally, this dynamic A committed and gifted Steering Group, with the guidance of of the Church continues. other professionals, is heading up the project on behalf of the The Methodist congregation in Huntingdon have a mammoth Church Council. task before them. The plan is to enhance, along with partners, The congregation, who have been invited to contribute towards activities for the well-being of the town and its people, on and the project, are grateful and encouraged by the Huntingdon from the Church’s High Street site. This is an exciting vision for Freemen’s Trust for a generous grant towards the scheme to the future develop the community aspects of the Church’s life. A large congregation attended the formal launch of the ‘Here 4 Here 4 Huntingdon is considered a mammoth task for a Huntingdon’ project, where there was recognition of the potential number of reasons. Its potential for the town and its people is to develop and enhance the present vibrant life of the Church, one. The project’s size, for another. With an estimated cost of along with partners and friends, including all age groups. £650,000 plus VAT is a third. The project’s vision is extension and development of the Rev David King, Minister of the Church, said, “We are using for premises, with additional larger and flexible multi-purpose this project a quote from the Baptist, Pioneer missionary, William spaces for use by the congregation and wider community and a Carey. He said, teaching and learning facility with audio – visual facilities. This ‘Expect great things of God; attempt great things for God.’ will include improved facilities for the ‘Open Door’ project that at In his pioneer mission activity overseas he faced a mammoth present operates Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 12 noon. Everyone task. We are doing something similar today, and like Carey, want is welcome to pop in, have a tea or coffee, and see more details to be there for others and honour God.” on the display board. Rev David King, Huntingdon Methodist Church

About Town No 57. September 2012 7 Community News

Heritage Open Weekend

eritage Open Days are one of England’s biggest and most Hpopular voluntary cultural events. Last year the events attracted around one million visitors countrywide and the days provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy sometimes hidden, often curious and always interesting places in our cities, towns and villages, completely free of charge. Heritage Open Days were established in 1994 as England’s contribution to European Heritage Days, and now there are some 49 countries participating in this event. This year The Huntingdon & Godmanchester Civic Society are inviting people to The Huntingdon Town Hall, in the of course resonates with this very year. Whilst in the Market Market Square, Huntingdon. The Town Hall has recently been Square, take a closer look at our famous War Memorial, “The refurbished and is not normally open to public view with the Thinking Soldier” by Kathleen Scott, wife of Robert Scott (of the exception of special occasions. Our Town Hall, an elegant red Antarctic). The 16th century Falcon Tavern with its bowed oriel brick building, was re-built in 1745 and incorporates a staircase window, was one of ’s Civil War Headquarters from an earlier building. A Grade II listed building, with two law and a building that we would very much like to see restored courts and cells, of the early 19th century; it houses a Council and active in the community again. Pick up a copy of the Town Chamber and a magnificent ballroom, where fine paintings Trail from the Town Hall reception area and enjoy looking at are on display. This building is also now the home of the Town Huntingdon’s many other snippets of history and heritage. Council’s office, on the first floor and on the ground floor there Heritage Open Days are one of the best ways for you to enjoy is a reception area for the public to access information. and understand local heritage a great opportunity to explore Come along on Saturday 8th and Sunday, 9th September from what is on your doorstep, but also to take an active interest 10.00am to 4.00pm and share in your local heritage & history, in the work that is going on to safeguard your heritage in the of which there is a huge amount on your doorstep. On the future. Princes Street side of the Town Hall is the 1887 Jubilee Drinking Looking forward to meeting you on Heritage Open Weekend, Fountain. How many times have you cut through this street 8th and 9th September 2012 at The Town Hall, Huntingdon. to the Library and never noticed this piece of history, which Barbara Brett, The Huntingdon & Godmanchester Civic Society.

The Cromwell Museum – Golden Jubilee

he Cromwell Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this held in the Town Hall. About three thousand visitors flocked to Tautumn with a display and a march through the town by the the exhibition and it was acclaimed a great success. The Old Sealed Knot on Saturday 20th October. Grammar School, which was looking for a use, was bought by The Museum was opened on 19th October 1962, two days Huntingdonshire County Council who soon set about converting after The Beatles made their first appearance on television! it to museum use. The idea of a permanent museum about Oliver Cromwell, in the Since it opened nearly half a million visitors have come building where he went to school, was proposed in 1958. That through the door to see what is regarded as the best collection year marked the 300th anniversary of Cromwell’s death, and of Cromwell material anywhere in the world. Over the years the a week long exhibition of Cromwelliana and local records was Museum has seen a number of changes as museums in general have developed more family-friendly approaches. In the early Image courtesy of Huntingdon Archives, Cambridgeshire County Council. days there were concerns about children bringing pencils into the Museum: now free colouring sheets and crayons are on offer all the time. With intelligent use of space the Museum also offers a changing programme of small temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Until the end of October Perfumes for the Protector is on show which will be followed by a display about the Museum’s first fifty years. The Cromwell Museum is a precious resource, provided by Cambridgeshire County Council, not just for Huntingdon but as an attraction for the whole country to enjoy. Visitors come to Huntingdon from far and wide to see the Museum For more information see www. Visitors to the 1958 exhibition held in the Assembly Room of the Town Hall. and its collections. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/cromwell We do not know the visitor’s names? Can you help us?

8 About Town No 57. September 2012 2012 – A Summer to Celebrate

HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Picnic he four counties of Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, TNorthamptonshire and Rutland came together to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by holding a Diamond Jubilee Picnic at Burghley House, Stamford on Wednesday 13th June 2012. This was a very entertaining day with aerial displays, musical entertainment and dance on a central stage, and a bandstand with military bands. Numerous static displays included a racing car simulator, birds of prey, souvenir stalls and a craft fair. Members of the Town council, who were privileged to be invited along with their guests, joined the Mayor and Mayoress, along with 10,000 people from the region for the day, with the most important guest of all HM The Queen, arriving by helicopter to the delight of the flag waving crowds. While there, HM The Queen was given a tour of the house, signed the visitor’s book, planted a tree in the grounds and met local representatives. Her visit was rounded off by a flyover by the Red Arrows and a slow drive through the crowds and Stamford town centre.

If you would like a copy of this historic Huntingdon Remembers booklet, please visit the Town Hall and his is London. It is with the greatest The publication was as a result of joint “ pick up one while there are still a few sorrow that we make the following research by Richard Meredith of the T copies left. There is no charge. announcement…” This was how the BBC Huntingdon & Godmanchester Civic Society announced the end of an era, the Death and Huntingdon’s Mayor Cllr Colin Hyams. the television boom in this country. of King George VI on 6th February 1952. It traces how the proclamation was done On the Royal event itself there is a And so started the second longest reign in in Huntingdon, actual reproductions of complete list of those in the procession British history and the second Elizabethan The Historic Pageant programme of the from Buckingham Palace to Westminster generation. time, events of the week of the Coronation. Abbey and the return back to the palace. To mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen There is even of picture of the Coronation Another historical event is the oath Elizabeth II Huntingdon Town Council Pageant Maypole Team from Huntingdon spoken by Her Majesty at the Abbey. published a 40 page full colour souvenir County Primary School. There are several pages produced from booklet that was given free to all the Packed with information about what life the Hunts Post showing how the news was children in Huntingdon’s primary schools. was like in 1953 to the event which started reported in our area. Fireworks on the Hill his memorable weekend started off with lighting the Beacon at 10.15p.m. (with assistance Tthe District Council holding a flag raising from members of the Town Council grounds ceremony on the Friday morning and St Mary’s maintenance team) followed by what many people Church holding a Service of Thanksgiving in the have called “the best firework display they had evening. ever seen”. A highlight in the town centre on a wet and For fifteen minutes the sky around Huntingdon soggy Saturday was a Lancaster Bomber flying lit up with a galaxy of colour and bangs cascading over the Town Hall in the early afternoon. overhead. Sunday, we hosted a very well attended family It was estimated that in excess of 1,000 people Jubilee Lunch at the Medway Centre, with some witnessed the amazing display which concluded excellent entertainment by Contrast. Those with rousing cheers for her Majesty the Queen. present did not miss the big event on the River The Town Council was extremely pleased with Thames as a large screen projection showed the the help from the groundsmen, Edward Abraham, festivities. Chris Cowles and John Whitehead, the Sea It was Monday evening that saw the climax of Cadets, Bob Buchan who played the bagpipes for the festivities with our local radio station hcrfm the procession. providing first class live entertainment from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Cambridgeshire bandstand in Bloomfield Park. Fire & Rescue and the St John Ambulance also This led up to a procession down the High provided a presence. And finally to Gala Fireworks Street and the Mayor of Huntingdon Colin Hyams, for their excellent and memorable display.

About Town No 57. September 2012 9 2012 – A Summer to Celebrate 2012 A Summer to Celebrate

10 About Town No 57. September 2012 2012 – A Summer to Celebrate 2012 A Summer to Celebrate

About Town No 57. September 2012 11 2012 – A Summer to Celebrate The Olympic Torch Double Medals for comes to Huntingdon GB Gymnasts! ouis Smith of Huntingdon t was day 51 of the planned Gymnastics Club won 70 days of taking the flame L I Silver in the Pommel Horse around the United Kingdom when Final on Sunday 5th August, Huntingdon received the torch. with team mate Max Whitlock From day one on 19th May when taking Bronze – a double feat the helicopter, carrying the flame unheard of in British Men’s landed at Lands End some 2,510 Individual Artistic Gymnastics days since the 2012 Olympics Silver Medallist Louis Smith (GB) with at an Olympic games for over were awarded to London, it finally Gold Medallist Krisztian Berki (Hungary) 100 years, and a great end to a and Bronze Medallist Max Whitlock (GB) reached our streets. week of competition after their One of the highlights of the Bronze Medal win in the Men’s Team finals on Monday. procession was the stopping at Stepping off the Olympic Podium with his second historic Huntingdon’s Gym. The gym marked the occasion by holding medal of the London 2012 games, Louis said ‘I would like a special awards ceremony at the Wood Green Animal Shelter to thank the people of Huntingdon and Cambridgeshire for the night before the torch arrived. The event was attended by following my journey and showing me so much support. To Olympians Louis Smith, Dan Keatings, Marissa King and other all the gymnasts, coaches and staff at Huntingdon Gymnastics international medallists who emanated from the Gym. Club, to my friends, my family, and my mum - I heard your On Sunday 8th July, I think most of Huntingdon and all the cheers and this result was for you.’ surrounding areas got up very early to line the streets. Even Whilst the Duchess of Cambridge cheered with Team GB before the torch left Cambridge at 6.30a.m. the best vantage in the North Greenwich Arena, over 80 gymnasts, coaches, points in Huntingdon were already taken. volunteers and friends watched on the Big Screen at A tweet on the internet described the scene “8.14 a.m. Flask Huntingdon Gymnastics Club on Mayfield Road on Sunday of tea fold up chairs sitting outside Poundland, how British.” afternoon, with national and local media filming their every nail According to the official list only one person from Huntingdon biting moment and cheers. carried the flame in his own town and that was 31 year old Bryn The popular Huntingdon Club caters for every member of the Percival. community, providing “Gymnastics for All” (in the spirit of its It entered the Old Houghton road at 8.07 am. It stopped at the founder Terry Sharpington). Elite gymnasts like Louis Smith Gym where the Mayor and Mayoress of Huntingdon along with train in the single hall, alongside recreational and development the Deputy Mayor and his Consort were positioned along with gymnasts, toddlers and adults. other local dignitaries. It is estimated some 10,000 people lined Tracy Crosland, chair of the Board of Trustees said “We are the streets of Huntingdon to see the torch. By 8.58a.m. it was all actively seeking funds to build a £650k second hall. We are over and on the Brampton Road en route to Bedford. being supported by British Gymnastics but any funding from The entertainment did not stop there throughout the morning them is dependant on us securing £400k from other sources”. there was entertainment in the town by the RAF Brass Band. In the meantime, the club is planning to establish satellite In the Market Square entertainment consisted of Morris and coaching centres to cater for the demand for high quality Hungarian dance performances, a Zumba dance performance, gymnastics coaching and will continue to build on the success the Blue Vision Twirling Team, the Lindihop Rugcutters dance of the London 2012 Olympic Games. group, a Tai Chi demonstration as well as a Bouncy Castle. Theresa Baird, Press Liaison for Huntingdon Gymnastics Club Thanks also to the Youth Town Council, the Huntingdonshire Lifestyles team and the St John Ambulance. Huntingdon’s Young Torch Bearer

liver Mas, a year 11 student at In the future Oliver hopes to get as many OHinchingbrooke School, was selected to young people as possible involved in the local carry the Olympic Torch on one of the legs of community and encourage them to develop its journey through our region, in recognition their personal characteristics and inspire of his work in the community. them to always try their hardest. He is always Oliver started volunteering when he was volunteering for something and trying to eight years old by working on a local farm improve the lives of others. that was struggling to stay open. He has Mr Winter, Oliver’s form tutor said “He is continued during his free time and during the a fantastic, genuine, humble, funny student holidays for the last seven years. He has taken who is an absolute credit to the school; we on a leading role in a production at the local are delighted to hear that he has this well performing arts centre which raised a lot of deserved opportunity”. money for charity and he also works with the Mrs Wotherspoon, local Scout group.

12 About Town No 57. September 2012 Community News Huntingdon in Bloom July 25, 2012 Rain and grey skies did not deter Anglia in Bloom judges, Nolan Mills and Brian Gardner and the In Bloom volunteers from stepping out in the town on 16 July to view planting in the George Hotel, on Market Hill, the Bus Station, St Mary’s Church, Castle Hill House, the Methodist Church and the pristine beds at the Bridge traffic island to the Hartford Road roundabout. The topical Olympic symbol, a joint project between Town and District Councils was admired as was the Jubilee planting of red geraniums, white lobelia and blue salvias around the Thinking Soldier war memorial. But is not just about flowers. The judges want to see evidence of conservation, biodiversity, resource management, heritage of the town and community involvement – a lot to pack into 3 hours! The tour started in Hinchingbrooke Country park in the new Apiary, now open to public viewing, a visit to Cromwell Park School to see their vegetable patch and plant a Jubilee flag, a tour of the hospital garden which has been restored by volunteers, a quick walk around the rose garden and perennial border at Hinchingbrooke House maintained by the Friends’ Group. Neighbourhoods were viewed in Dartmoor Drive and with the award winning St John’s Almshouse, pride of place was evident. After the town, a visit to the Primrose Lane cemetery and allotments and the Hartford River Meadows, now cut for hay. The busy morning ended in Hartford Church Hall with welcome hot drinks and sandwiches supplied by The Barley Mow, before judges departed and Huntingdon left to prepare for Britain in Bloom judges on 8 August. Many thanks to all those involved in presenting Huntingdon as a town worthy of a Gold Award! Results are announced at the presentation on 11th September in St Ives.

Further information: Ann Colbert, [email protected]

Oxmoor Urban Community’s Judging – Anglia in Bloom

n Tuesday 10th July 2012, the Anglia In bus, which drove the group to St Johns C of E OBloom judges George Dawson and Brian primary school ‘Smiley Faces’, then the Multi- Swift were able to see a pictorial of wild life and Use Games Area, the Allotments and Mayfield rare flowers in Huntingdon’s North Ward, the Road, with a finish to the two-and-a-half hour like of which has not been seen for a long time, tour at The Medway Community Centre. A thanks to our summer of rain and its impact on window of sunshine all the way it made the tour grass cutting programmes. a shining example. The tour of Oxmoor started at the Maple Thanks go to the large number of people Centre and a walk to Sapley Park gave the that helped add something extra to Oxmoor judges time to look at the wild flowers as well Urban Community Jubilee year. Special award as the “best front gardens”. From there they certificates will be presented on behalf of Anglia went on to visit Primrose Hill Care Home, In Bloom to both primary schools for the hard Coneygear Park and Thongsley Fields Primary work and time they have given to the school and School, home of the Junior Wardens. Then its community. it was all aboard the Luminus ‘Out n’ About’ Jill Watkin Tavener, Oxmoor Community Action Group (Moor in Bloom)

About Town No 57. September 2012 13 Health Matters

he next time you visit your GP, you might be referred to a ementia Information Points have been developed to provide Personal Health Trainer. emotional and practical support and information to people T D Acorn Surgery, Priory Fields Surgery and Charles Hicks who have memory problems, their carers and families. in Huntingdon, have taken on “Personal Health Trainers” to Dementia Information Points offer you the opportunity to call offer free specialist advice and support on lifestyle changes, in to ask questions, receive information and/or seek advice, such as stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, switching or to find out further details of other services that the Society to a more balanced diet and or increasing the amount of provides. Please contact Davina Hogben on 01733 893853 or activity taken each week taking appropriate forms of exercise. at [email protected] if you would like further Importantly, they support and help individuals to set targets information or are interested in calling into any of our sessions. and goals that are realistic, making it far more likely that they are achieved. Huntingdon Dementia Information Point Fiona Poignand Community Development worker, Mytime Health

Huntingdon Library, Princes Street, For further information please contact the Huntingdon, PE29 3PA Community Development Worker for Huntingdon, 10.30am – 12.30pm, on the Lesley Cuthbert on 07540 703645. Or visit our last Tuesday of every month. website. www.personalhealthtrainer.org.uk

Alzheimer’s Society Unit 8, Flag Business Exchange, Vicarage Farm Road Fengate, Peterborough. PE1 5TX Tel: 01733 893853 Diabetes UK Email: [email protected] djusting to the knowledge that you or a member of your Afamily has diabetes takes time. It can often be helpful to meet other people who live with the condition and have been through a similar situation. Diabetes UK is the leading UK Cornerstone Pregnancy charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. Crisis Centre Diabetes UK Huntingdonshire Voluntary Group hosts informal meetings, where a number of speakers attend to help people that want to know more about diabetes. Meetings start at 7.30pm on the last Tuesday of every month. Anyone is welcome and all meetings are free of charge.

Please contact Martin Davies on 01480 350868 or email [email protected] for further information. Diabetes UK Huntingdonshire Voluntary Group Meeting Point, The Millennium Community Centre Burberry Road, Buckden, PE19 5UY

GABRIEL NEWTON’S EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Photo: The Hunts Post. Scheme made under the Charitable Trusts Acts (Registered Charity Number 311822) ornerstone’s Open Day was held at their new premises, The Scheme was founded for the benefit of boys and girls residing Suite 1, Graphic House, Ferrars Road, Huntingdon on C in the beneficial area of Huntingdon and Hartford who, in the 6th July 2012. The pregnancy crisis centre operates as part opinion of the Trustees, are in need of financial assistance to of Christians Together and acquired their new premises in promote their education, or further education, including educational Huntingdon to continue their excellent work in supporting travel, or to assist their entry into a profession, trade or calling. women and girls who are facing an unplanned (crisis) pregnancy or those suffering from post-abortion syndrome. Application forms, together with a letter of support, should be sent to: The opening ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Hontingdon, Cllr. Colin Hyams. Mrs H Dowsall, Clerk to the Trustees, 31 Veasey Road, Hartford, Huntingdon PE29 1SX

14 About Town No 57. September 2012 Health Matters Acorn Surgery promoting activity and health by endorsing sport.

he Acorn Surgery is delighted to support a local youth Tfootball club and is sponsoring the Stukeley Meadows Tiny Stukeley Meadows Tacklers Training ‘team’. Following discussions with members of the Committee earlier in the summer, a decision was made Youth Football Club to support a brand new football development training group e are a Youth Football club born in Stukeley Meadows for 4-6 year olds designed specifically to be fun, light hearted W2007, although we train and hold matches at Judith‘s and non-competitive which will see youngsters getting into Field in Godmanchester until we move up to our new pitches something positive and being active from a young age. in the future. We have been a relatively unheard of club until The Club strives to deliver high-quality soccer training and recently having just two teams, an U10s and U14s and the develops strong foundations on which young children can build club was on the verge of potential collapse. However since by learning the basics of football in a fun way, enjoying being a recent advertising drive we now have an U16s, expanded part of a team, developing sportsmanship skills and respect U10s and U14s together with an U8s. We also have our for others and to progress skills to eventually join the Under Tiny Tacklers which will be featured in the Acorns Article, a 7’s football team – and beyond – if that is what the youngsters football development training session for 4-6 year olds. At want to do. The ethos of the Club is about passion and the moment, we are currently trying to get enthusiasm rather than ability and they want to offer more girls on board for our U13s girls team local children in the community the opportunity to – we really are trying to get girls who will be become active via football. going into Year 8 in September to join in an Trish Hawitt Palmer, the Acorn Manager said “we attempt to get them to enjoy football, and were approached by the Club back in July to consider get fit at the same time. sponsoring their Under 16s Youth Team which Our club is very much about inclusion, our has just entered the Colts League. However, after motto is “ability is not important, passion discussing the work of the Club with their Chairman and enthusiasm is everything” and we focus and Secretary, we decided that backing the concept very much on teaching the kids how to play of sponsoring a group of younger children learning football rather than how to win. Every child to be active from an early age, very closely supports gets to play a match regardless of their skill, our philosophy as a practice and the work we do with ability or talent. associate colleagues in promoting health, including the change4life programme.” Contact details for any one who is interested in joining the club For further information on the change4life is [email protected] programme visit www.nhs.uk/change4life or Mobile for Secretary 07753 251196 pick up an information pack at the Surgery. News from the Priory Fields Surgery e are delighted that our new appointment system, implemented in March Wthis year has achieved what we wanted; giving our patients greater immediate access to their doctor. We would like to thank all our patients for adapting to the new access system. It has resulted in many patient issues being resolved by talking to the doctor over the telephone, which is quick and convenient both for the patient and the doctor; and has allowed the doctor more time to spend with patients that do need to be seen. We are able to respond to patients throughout the day, and can always offer a telephone call back from the doctor or nurse the day you call or on a day and time that is convenient for you. To provide this level of access to our patients we have recruited a further doctor. You may already know Dr Plimmer, who has trained with us for the past year. He will now become a permanent doctor from 24th September and the staff and his patients at Priory Fields are very happy that he has taken this position. Our Patient Evening, hosted by Dr Diana Hunter on 19th June was an outstanding success. Her talk, on “the menopause” attracted over 80 people. Further information about our patient group can The simple no nonsense presentation was hugely helpful in dispelling myths be found on our website www.prioryfields.co.uk and giving sound practical advice. Our next Patient Evening is on Tuesday For more information or comment please contact 20th November at 6.00pm, when Mr Rupert Bourne will be talking about eyes. [email protected]

About Town No 57. September 2012 15 Schools News The Olympic Rings

n Thursday 12th July, Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon Ocelebrated the coming of the Olympics to London. Having already planted the coloured symbol into a bank on the school field, the Sports Council of this 1900 strong sports college decided that they wanted to go a step further. The Sports Council of the school, a group of young sports ambassadors, came up with the idea of commemorating the Olympics with the whole school going down to the field and forming themselves into the Olympic rings. Each student and member of staff took a coloured piece of card and placed it on top of their heads and waited for the plane to fly over and take photographs. Grace Sice of the Sports Council commented, Jason Turnbull, Head of PE and Peter Brennan, Director of “There are 1500 students down here and all the staff came too; the Sport Specialism, marshalled all the students into place, teachers, caterers and support staff. Our friend Sophie has a each year group taking a ring and its colour. The results were father who flies and takes aerial photographs, so he agreed to impressive and Acting Head, Di Beddow said, “It was incredibly come in his plane – it’s amazing!” moving; Hinchingbrooke is a huge school and we do not have a Poppy Hall, whose father coaches Olympic gymnast, Louis space large enough to bring all the students together, so it was Smith at the Huntingdon gym said, “It was an idea we had a very special to see them all in the shape of the Olympic rings while ago and I never actually thought it would happen and now and from the air.” it has!” Jason Turnbull, Hinchingbrooke School We are open for learning he Town Hall opened its doors to a school trip of a class from St. Anne’s C of E Primary TSchool in June. This is part of plan of arranging school tours of the refurbished building. The group of over 25 pupils and teachers split into two groups interchanging with a visit to the Cromwell Museum. They started the trip in Court Room One with a re-enactment of being judge, jury and barristers. There was no shortage of volunteers to be the criminal on trial in the witness box until they were all shown the very dark and uninspiring cells. They were shown the Council Chamber and other public meeting rooms, with an explanation of the historic paintings that are on display. They were then escorted into the private Would you like your class to look area of the Mayor’s Parlour and proudly round the Town Hall. if so please showed how knowledgeable they were when contact Huntingdon Town Council on discussing the twin towns that are linked with 01480 411883 or email Town.council@ Huntingdon and Godmanchester. huntingdontown.gov.uk

A Day to Remember n July 12th Huntingdon‘s Mayor Cllr to their seats, some OHyams and the Mayoress Cllr Mulcahy started there and then to visited Spring Common School to present look inside, others made over 150 pupils aged from 4 to 19 with comments like “This is to their very own personal ‘Huntingdon keep, it’s special” and “My Remembers’ booklet. Assembled in the Mum will look after this for hall, the pupils gave a rousing cheer me”. As we left yet again as we entered. The boys and girls as another cheer, it was real always were very excited, but even more joy to see so many happy so seeing the Mayor’s Gold Chain. The faces and it made me booklets were presented to each class realise that we had given and the behaviour and politeness of the them a lasting treasure. children still not in receipt of a copy, one pupils was excellent. The Head teacher During July, all primary school aged can be obtained from the Town Council and staff should be really proud. pupils in Huntingdon should have Offices in the Town Hall. As the pupils took their booklets back received a booklet. If there are any Cllr Mulcahy, Mayoress of Huntingdon

16 About Town No 57. September 2012 Schools News Young Carers at Young Carers Festival hanks to funding received from a break from their Tthe Cambridgeshire Community caring duties and Foundation, 12 young carers from the to relax and have Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire Young fun. The Festival Carers Projects went to the Young Carers also gave the young Festival at YMCA Fairthorne Manor, carers a chance to Southampton on 29th June-1st July. try activities that The 12 young carers participated in they would not various activities such as the climbing normally do and wall, abseiling, canoeing, arts and crafts achieving success and a football tournament plus there was through these live music on stage, a disco and fireworks helped to improve display. their confidence The Young Carers Festival gave the and self-esteem. carers support and essential time away young carers from Huntingdonshire The vulnerable young people who from home as well as raising awareness and Fenland an opportunity to interact attend these life changing trips find them about caring. and build relationships with other young valuable and are very grateful for the carers from around the country that are in charitable donations that we rely on to If you would like to find out similar situations to themselves and have fund them. more, volunteer for the Projects their voices heard about issues that affect Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire is a or give a donation please them. St. Ives based charity that helps carers of contact Sonja Dutton on 01480 The Young Carers Festival was aimed to all ages. Their Young Carers Projects in 499058 or email sonja.dutton@ give young carers the opportunity to have Huntingdonshire and Fenland give young crossroadscarecambridgshire.org.uk

Arsenal Double Club Song for the Olympic Games - Together in the Language of Sport

n Monday 2nd July, eight Hinchingbrooke OSchool students were among 250 pupils from across the UK at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium to celebrate nations uniting for the London 2012 Olympic Games. They were there to perform a multilingual song, called ‘Together in the Language of Sport’, for the filming of a music video. The lyrics to the song were written by the pupils themselves as part of a competition combining languages, sport and music and include verses in French, German, Greek, Italian and Spanish, with a chorus in English. With tuition from London’s Kaos Signing Choir for deaf and hearing children, they were also able to perform the chorus in sign language. The competition was funded by two of Arsenal’s language partners, the Goethe-Institut London and the European Commission Representation in the UK and challenged secondary school pupils from Winners from six UK schools, dubbed “Team Harmony” were across the UK to write the lyrics for a multilingual Olympics- invited to sing at a recording session in London in March, before themed song, accompanied by a catchy melody penned by the the 2nd July event at Arsenal’s Football ground. Arsenal FC German electro-indie band Fotos. manager Arsène Wenger, who is fluent in five languages himself, Over 450 children from over 50 schools took part in the attributes his language ability to his career success. competition, which one teacher praised as an opportunity for The video documentary / music video of this event was children to “stretch themselves as musicians and as linguists launched and disseminated on the Arsenal Double Club and work together as a team”. “I really enjoyed coming up with Languages website http://www.arsenaldoubleclub.co.uk/fun- the words to create a song in a language that we’ve learned!”, zone/competition on Wednesday 18 July, just in time for the end said one pupil about the experience. of term and the beginning of the Olympic Games!

About Town No 57. September 2012 17 Drama and Entertainment Musical Stars for Huntingdon Drama Hinchingbrooke Club news untingdon Drama Club recently completed another Performing Arts Centre Hsuccessful production, with a unique staging of Graham Greene’s “Travels With My Aunt”. The play saw Bob Pugh and Ann Monk as nephew and aunt travel from sleepy Southwood to exciting Paraguay via intriguing and mysterious encounters in Paris and Istanbul. The set, which was bare but for a backdrop, some raised platforms, and ten wooden cubes, was used to great and imaginative effect to suggest the cast’s location at any point. Thirteen club members moved, at one point or another, from taxi cabs to pubs, from a church-held funeral service to a graveyard in France, and from a South American packet steamer to a Paraguayan jail. Huntingdon Drama Club’s autumn presentation will be another play, the title of which will be announced soon, running from 22nd to 24th November inclusive at the Commemoration Hall in Huntingdon. Tickets will be available online through Ticketsource at http://www. ticketsource.co.uk/huntsdramaclub or from the club Chairman, John Morgan, on 01480 454486. You can catch up with what’s going on with the club at our website http://www.huntingdondramaclub.org.uk/, where you untingdon will, this winter, again host a galaxy of musical can subscribe to our mailing list; on Facebook; and a well- stars for the sixth series of Bösendorfer Piano Concerts followed Twitter feed at @HuntingdonDrama. H held at the Performing Arts centre, Hinchingbrooke. This Scott Hutchinson, Huntingdon Drama Club ongoing annual event takes place under the umbrella of the Old Huntingdonians Association (formed of past students from Huntingdon Grammar School and Hinchingbrooke School) in memory of former Director of Music, Kenneth Brown. The series is made possible only by the very existence of the Performing Arts Centre, a state-of-the-art venue, itself the

result of the vision and perseverance of former headmaster

Peter Downes and, significantly, by the resident Bösendorfer

concert grand piano. As one of the ‘Rolls Royces’ of pianos, the

Bösendorfer was given to the school by members of the OHA.

The five concerts, taking place between October and March,

begin on October 26th with classical saxophonist Sarah Markham

and pianist Paul Turner offering an eclectic programme of duos Rocking thru’ the ‘60s and piano solos ranging from Bach to Gershwin. Following this, on November 30th, three individually stunning multi Rolling thru’ the generations! prizewinning young performers appear in combination as the with already internationally acclaimed Rautio Piano Trio. After the

Christmas break January 11th will see the very welcome return

of Japanese pianist Masayuki Tayama whose impressive pianism

and genuine warmth of communication have earned him a

permanent place in the hearts of Huntingdon audiences.

Each summer cellist Jamie Walton’s North York Moors Festival Saturday 22nd September offers a wealth of music in Yorkshire for tourists and ‘locals’ 7.30-11.00pm at and , on February 22nd is generously lending us a group of his finest artists to bring us a concert of piano quartets. Last but, The Montagu Club by no means least, on March 22nd, all-time favourite, Georgian Hartford Road, Huntingdon pianist, Marina Nadiradze promises another display of her fine Tickets £5 from The Montagu Club, pianistic skills and sensitive artistry in a musical feast of Liszt, Simply Music + on the door Mozart and Schumann. In aid of Young Carers, Special Care Baby Unit & HCR The town is, indeed fortunate in being able to host such a rare display of stardom in a convenient venue with tickets at a reasonable price and generous concessions for young

people. Ring 01480 375678 for details

18 About Town No 57. September 2012 Drama and Entertainment Shakespeare at the George – Love’s Labour’s Lost very summer, since E1959, the people of Huntingdon have been able to look forward to a production of one of the Bard’s plays, performed in the open air at The George Hotel. The unique staging in the old Jacobean courtyard creates a setting much as would have been used in Shakespeare’s own time, although the modern audience has the benefit of raked seating! This year’s production was the comedy Love’s Labour’s Lost, which concerns the King of Navarre and his three lords, who vow for along with live music and dance and received an excellent review three years that they will give up love and earthly pleasures, to from Sardines Magazine (for Amateur Theatre) with the reviewer devote themselves entirely to academic study. However, this is promising to come back for more next year. Some other audience immediately put to the test by the arrival of the beautiful Princess feedback: of France and her three lovely ladies in waiting. “Fantastic performance! We thoroughly enjoyed it! Well done to Despite the changeable weather conditions, the play all involved!” was performed to full houses for nearly all of the eleven “First night was stunning. Well done everyone” performances, meaning that over 2000 people came along to see “A hugely enjoyable production” this year’s production. Shakespeare at the George was honoured to count many dignitaries amongst those who attended, including Auditions for next summer’s production of Macbeth will Sir John and Dame Norma Major, who said after the performance be held at the George at the end of November, with the “I never cease to wonder at the professionalism of Shakespeare at performances 25th June to 6th July 2013. For more details the George”, along with the chairman of the RSC, Nigel Hugill. see www.satg.org.uk or SATG George Facebook page https:// The performances were a great success, with plenty of laughter, www.facebook.com/ShakespeareAtTheGeorge

Confessions of a Butterfly The Lion & Unicorn Theatre presents ffenders at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire have discovered a new talent as Othey have taken on the task of building a theatre set for a show premiering later this year in London. Designed by Brian Barnes of St. Ives, construction took Confessions around two weeks. The set is for the new play, ‘Confessions of a Butterfly’ written of a Butterfly by Huntingdonshire man, Jonathan Salt, and produced by Ojemba Productions of St. Ives. It tells the story of Janusz Korczak, who pioneered the whole field of Children’s’ Ojemba Productions Rights and spearheaded a revolutionary orphanage movement in pre-war Poland, both for Jewish and Catholic children. The offenders working on the set had a session on set design as well as the background to project. The main design and idea for the central image being used to The Lion & Unicorn market the production was produced by one of the Young Offenders, who researched Theatre

a lot about the background to the piece.“It is tremendous that these guys are putting 42-44 Gaisford Street Kentish Town so much effort into this work,” said Jonathan Salt. “It gives them the opportunity London NW5 2ED to reflect on the fate of the innocent victims of one of the worst crimes of the 20th Website: www.giantolive.com Century. The production has been written especially to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of his death, and it is very appropriate for a prison to be involved as he spent much of his time before the war visiting prisons, and especially juvenile offenders. “ For further information and Confessions of a Butterfly premiers in to book your tickets, please the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in London in contact 08444 771 000 or go to September. www.ticketweb.co.uk.

About Town No 57. September 2012 19 Sports 500 residents benefit from Huntingdonshire’s Sports Festival in the Park 2012 ver 500 people flocked to Hinchingbrooke Country Park on Sunday 22nd July to take Opart in the Huntingdonshire’s Sports Festival in the Park. This event was organised as part of the London 2012 open weekend’s programme which looks to celebrate the countdown to the start of the games in London. The Festival provided a great opportunity for families to participate together. A wide range of activities were available to challenge people, and allow the opportunity to experience new sports. Activities included Archery, Street Dance, Tennis, Kayaking, Golf, Badminton, Football, Martial Arts, Hockey, Mountain Biking, Sailing and many more. The Festival was organised by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyles Team with support from the Countryside Services. All activities were delivered by local clubs for families to enjoy. Thanks must go to Badminton England, Forces Fit, BRJ Running and Tri Club, John Letters Golf Academy, Grafham Water Centre, Huntingdon Outdoor Bowls Club, St Neots/St Ives Tang Soo Do and Aikido Clubs, Huntingdonshire For more information on any of Football Association, St Ives Cycling Club, Paxton Lakes Sailing Club, Stageworks Studio’s these sports or opportunities to join Performing Arts, Huntingdon Hockey Club and Huntingdon Tennis Club. their clubs contact the team or visit Cllr Tom Sanderson said “ I thoroughly enjoyed attending the day, it was good to see so www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/dash many families taking part in all the activities on offer” Huntingdon Outdoor Bowls Club untingdon Outdoor Bowls Club held an Open Day in May The first Open Day H2012 and afternoon tea was served to visitors at the event to was very successful help raise funds for the club. and thanks to all the The Club hopes that the introduction of Open Days, Beginners volunteers, the Club Clubs on Friday nights and a Tuesday afternoon session will all hosted 20 members encourage more people in Huntingdon to become involved in and 26 guests, outdoor bowling. gaining 6 new members for Huntingdon Bowls Club. The Club has recently gained sponsorship from Not the Big A second Open Afternoon took place on May 27th, between 4, which is part of the DASH project run by Sports & Active 1pm and 4pm. And the Club joined other local voluntary sports Lifestyles at Huntingdonshire District Council. Club Co-ordinator & leisure activity groups at the Sports Festival at Hinchingbrooke Angela Kenny also reports that the Club joined Bowls England, Country Park Festival on 22nd July, promoting outdoor bowling run by the BDA “bring a friend” day and Potters Holidays came as a leisure pursuit. The field was specially mowed to allow the to the Open Day to give out holiday packs. public to have a go. ✁ Angela Kenny, Huntingdon Outdoor Bowls Club. The Mayor of Huntingdon’s Community Shield o you know a local person who you Dfeel is a shining example to their Your name: community? Is there someone lives near you who Address: gives their time voluntarily to help improve the circumstances or quality of Contact Number: life of others? Would you like to see their efforts I would like to nominate: recognised publicly by a special award? Name: Then complete the application form below and return it to Huntingdon Address: Town Council, Town Hall, Market Hill, To receive the The Mayor of Huntingdon’s Community Shield. Huntingdon, PE29 3PJ by 17th November Please tell us briefly your reasons for this nomination: 2012. The Shield will be awarded to a Huntingdon resident on the basis of the number of nominations received and will be presented at the Council’s Civic Carol Service in December. Please return to Huntingdon Town Council at the address given left.

20 About Town No 57. September 2012