Advertising and Circulation The Newsletter Committee have included the advertisements from our sponsors as usual even though this edition of the Newsletter is being distributed on line via a link from the “Geddington.net” website. We recognise that some regular readers may not get to see the Newsletter and that some businesses are not currently operational due to lock down restrictions. The adverts are presented in good faith and this edition will not be taken into account in the annual renewal arrangements. Having taken on a new mode of distribution to circumvent the restrictions that face us, the Newsletter Committee would appreciate feedback from all our readers so that we can assess how acceptable this mode of communication is to villagers until we are able to resume a normal printed version. [email protected]

2 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Chair Remarks Contents Summer 2020 Edition: Jane Tysoe, Newsletter Chair. Cover - artwork by Justin Brice Welcome readers to this Summer edition of The Newsletter, which based on a style created by Richard Crouse 1 is in a different format. Chair Remarks 3 What a difference a few months The decision was made to go digital makes. At the time of the last issue, as while it would have been positive Features inc. Local History, 4-21 I don’t think any of us were thinking to deliver the newsletter in its usual Remembering..., Past-times, we might be in the situation we have format, it cannot be considered as Animal Tales, Hanger Games, now been in since March. essential. We hope as many of our Back to Nature Two issues ago I wrote about looking usual readers as possible will read it, If Only Our Local Pubs Could Talk (part 4), back to the start of the Millennium and we’d like to hear your feedback Northamptonshire Place Names, and how the world had changed on the accessibility of this issue. Geddington Ghosts, A Mystery… since then. Now, in a very short The Secret Aerodrome 1941-45, We recognise that some readers will space of time, it has changed again. I was a total fraud!, Charlie Johnson, not have access to it. So, if you are The COVID-19 virus has led to a Run of the mill!, New cat on the block, aware of anyone without access and lockdown in society with hardships Quantas Queries, I’ve got Worms, are able to assist them I’m sure that for many people and businesses. On The Bee-Fly would be most appreciated. behalf of the Newsletter Committee Democracy in Action 22 I’d like to thank all the key workers We hope that this edition provides Philip Hollobone MP that are keeping things going and some distraction from the current especially those on the front line, and difficulties. In this edition,Peter Hill A Celebration! 23 all of the people in the villages who regales more tales from local pubs V.E. Day 75th Anniversary are assisting others. I hope that all of in his final article of this series, Church and Chapel 24 our readers remain well and are Fudge is introduced as a new St Mary Magdalene and The Chapel managing to live well during these character in the village and we say challenging times. We’re lucky to live a sad goodbye to long time village Pre-School 25 in a beautiful area and have walks resident, Charlie Johnson. Udder Pre-school Day Nursery on our doorsteps which I hope many There are articles on a different kind Local Infrastructure Project 26 of you have enjoyed in the recent of farming, a secret on Cobley Lodge sunshine for your daily exercise. Gigaclear Farm, windmills and the bee fly, Amongst the Newsletter Committee, Clubs and Organisations 28-34 as well as amusing anecdotes from we had a full discussion, safely via Brickyard Garden, Knitting Club, Quantas airlines. There is poetry and emails, about how to produce this 1st Scouts, Support Group, GVFB, advice on lockdown exercise. Also, edition. Whilst it may have been Live Performances and the WI find out why Jackie Binley considers difficult but possible to go to print, Café and Pub Talk 35 it was felt that distribution of a hard herself a fraud?! Café Oak and The Star Inn copy would be against the current So, hopefully, something for every- advice of the government to stay at one. I hope we’re in a more positive Wellness 36-37 home except for essentials. situation by the next edition. Lockdown Exercise, Staying Young, Drifting Thoughts and Thoughts THE GEDDINGTON NEWSLETTER WELCOMES AND Village Life 38-39 APPRECIATES ALL READERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS Out and about… - your input makes our Newsletter relevant to all so please send in Puzzle Time 40-42 your articles (a hobby/interest, charity support, any local ‘goings on’), letters to the Editor, congratulations etc. Masthead and advertising rates 44 Contributions to The Newsletter can be submitted as emails to: Solutions 45 [email protected] or in hard copy to any of our Back cover 46 committee members, see Masthead for committee contact details.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 3 Local History

If Only Our Local Pubs Could Talk (part 4) - Peter Hill

Many a scheme or plot have been At the subsequent inquest it was The diarist also recorded, with his hatched in local pubs, one of the stated the deceased had died from usual wit, a number of fights in the most spectacular being at the over-exertion! town’s pubs. One took place (aptly) Cleveland Arms (now Vane Arms) at The three offenders were tried at on Boxing Day, 1778: Sudborough in 1837 when a group of Northampton and found guilty, but ‘A Good Battle was fought twenty-five men planned a daring on account of having large families to tonight at the Dolphin between raid at Deene a few miles away support, together with good character John Henson, alias ‘Fow Tankard’ where rabbits were supposed be in references, their sentence was cut from and Sam Barnes, watchmaker. abundance. Unfortunately for them, transportation to a year’s hard labour. After some fairish knocks, victory a gamekeeper from that estate In the previous century the British was declared in favour of Henson, overheard them and informed the army and navy were frequently but his shirt was torn all to steward who subsequently arranged undermanned and had to find ways of pieces which caused him to get for fourteen workers to lie in wait for finding recruits aged between fifteen his Wife’s Blessing’. an ambush at the appointed time. and forty five. One way was to form Another form of humour can be As they walked across one of the a ‘press gang’ who would target found in the form of graffiti, such as fields, the would-be poachers pubs, a prime target for tipplers who that discovered by workmen during were pounced on. In the ensuing would be oblivious to the ‘King’s the demolition work in Corby village confrontation, many of them fled, shilling’ being dropped into their in 1960. The Black Horse in Church leaving behind three who were beer mugs – a sign of acceptance of Street was one of five original pubs taken into custody, and the volunteering. One incident, albeit in in the village and was said to be disembowelled corpse of another. jest by some friends, was recorded in patronised by the more ‘sporting’ the diary of John Clifton (see Spring types of local men. edition) at the Three Lasts and other pubs in Oundle in November 1776, in which they ‘dress’d themselves in the Masquerade task and set off as a press gang’.

The Black Horse, Corby, c1950

4 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Whilst the workmen were As a result, Dingley referred to them In the south of the county at dismantling some of the furnishings as Sodom and Gomorrah! Paulerspury during the 1880s, ‘Perk’ they had a chuckle at some of the Much has been written about the Smith, the landlord of the Barley graffiti on the doors of the men’s Talbot in Oundle and its supposed Mow was a well-known character, toilets, including this one: association with Mary Queen of not averse to taking up dares like Rockingham on the Hill, Scots who was imprisoned locally at climbing the church battlements, Oakley in the Vale, Fotheringhay prior to her execution. or indulging in a session of brutal Kettering for silly B------s, Masonry and furnishings from the ‘kickshins’, a local ‘sport’. On one Corby for Ale! castle are said to have been brought occasion whilst brewing, he had just This colourful language either in to the inn after demolition of the put the wort in the copper, and as he graffiti or rhyme form was nothing former. Inevitably, legends sprang up added the hops (which needed time to new with our ancestors, when it came after this event, including ghostly sink) he heard of a prize fight about to local inter-town/village rivalry, phenomena, seen and heard by staff to take place in a nearby field, and asserting superiority on some way, and guests on many occasions. subsequently left the brewing some of which one might say is Despite this being far-fetched in temporarily. The problem was the still goes on today? If a village was most cases, one particular incident fight lasted longer than expected. ‘closed’ (with a resident lord of (which has been verified) cannot be When he returned, the copper had the manor to keep an eye on the explained: In the 1960s, four friends boiled dry and he saw his beer behaviour of its inhabitants) as sat down at a table in one of the running down the street. When one opposed to an ‘open’ village rooms with their drinks, awaiting of the onlookers asked how he felt (where the lord of the manor lived their meals, when one of them asked about what had happened, he smiled elsewhere) there could even be jokingly ‘Where’s Mary?’ whereupon saying he would not miss a good jealousy in some form. Such was the an old portrait of the queen fell from fight for anything! case with Dingley and its solitary the wall behind them! Coincidence? pub, the Horse and Jockey, looking enviously at nearby Wilbarston (with an amazing nine pubs at the time) and Stoke Albany (with three).

Regency period engraving of The Talbot, Oundle Images sourced by Dr Peter Hill, FSA.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 5 Local History

Northamptonshire Place Names - Deborah Armitage Do you live in the enclosure of Gedda’s clan, the clearing of oaks, or the new homestead? Successive waves of invaders have stamped their linguistic footprint on the names of Northamptonshire’s towns and villages. Learning how to ‘read’ local place names opens a window into the past, giving us clues about which ancient people’s stomping ground we now occupy, and helping us understand Northamptonshire’s ‘frontier’ role, sitting along the dividing line between the Anglo-Saxon and Viking kingdoms.

Let’s start with a few general principles about place names... 1. Place names are usually built from the following 2. But place names are unreliable guides to history: components: a. The people who named a settlement might not a. The person or people who claimed ownership have been the same people who built the things over the land (Essex = East Saxons; the place is named after. For instance, if the King’s Cliffe; Paulerspury - a corruption of Anglo-Saxons named something -burh for a fort the Paveley name). (Orlingbury; Wellingborough; Desborough), The ‘person’ element often comes first. we don’t know if this was an Anglo-Saxon, b. Human-made additions (Castle Ashby; Roman, Celtic or British fort. And unless the Market Harborough; Achurch). archaeological or historical record can prove c. The natural features of the landscape there had been a fort there, did someone simply (Rothwell; Bugbrooke; Kelmarsh; Woodford). add -burh to a place name because they thought it sounded cool?

6 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter b. Words get recycled, often losing their original (Lancaster, Manchester, Leicester, to name a few), meaning in the process. The Romans used all are derived from castra, the Latin for ‘camp’. -castra to indicate a camp (Cirencester; In Northamptonshire, we find this ending attached Lancaster; Irchester) - but the later Anglo- to places with known Roman settlements, such as Saxons helped themselves to the word, adding Towcester and Irchester. The name of Chester Farm it to place names, regardless of whether there between Wellingborough and Rushden, now known to had been a Roman fort or camp there. be the site of an important Roman town, provided a c. The languages spoken by the Anglo-Saxons rather large clue to archaeologists. and the Vikings shared the same linguistic roots, The ‘Week’ of Weekley could be an Anglo-Saxon making it harder to distinguish who might have personal name. But a more interesting theory is that named a place. The ‘Roth’ part of Rothwell could the ‘Week’ is a corruption of the Latin ‘vicus’ – a root have come from either the Viking for red (rauthr) also shared by places ending in -wich/wych/wick or the Anglo-Saxon for clearing (roth). (Norwich, Aldwych, Gatwick). Vicus seems to have d. The spelling of placenames varied, depending been adopted for settlements with a reputation for trade, on who did the writing. In the Domesday Book, hence it appearing often in the names of ports. the Germanic placenames were written down by Given we know there was a Roman settlement in Norman scribes, writing in Latin, who had the Weekley, we can speculate as to the nature of its trade – task of wrestling the local pronunciation into Iron? Dairy? The famous pottery of the Roman period Latin spelling conventions. Inconsistent spelling known as Nene Valley Ware? plagues our understanding of placenames right The comparative lack of Roman names in the up to the modern period. county is something of a mystery, not least given Northamptonshire’s position on Watling Street, Northamptonshire placenames the major Roman thoroughfare. Pre-history to c.500 AD 500 AD onwards - the Germanic tribes arrive For all their fine artistic heritage, the Celts left (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes), speaking a language remarkably little impact on the place names of England we know as Anglo-Saxon (or Old English). outside of Cornwall and Cumbria. The names of It’s from this period that the majority of our local English rivers are the main Celtic linguistic legacy - Northamptonshire place names derive, including all the Avon, Severn, Tees, Thames, Trent - as well as our own names of villages that this newsletter reaches. river Nene - although these names could have been coined by even more ancient occupiers of these islands. Starting with Geddington. Reading backwards, we have: There’s only one Northamptonshire settlement name -ton or -tun Anglo-Saxon for farmstead, settlement, routinely considered to be Celtic, Crick. or enclosure Celtic languages continued to live on in other parts of the ing / ingas Anglo-Saxon for ‘the people of’ or clan UK, particularly the fringes such as Wales and Scotland, although placenames starting ‘Pen’ (as in Pendle Hill in Gedd Uncertain - but probably derived from Lancashire) are often Celtic in origin. someone’s name 100AD - the Romans arrive, bringing Latin From this, we can make a guess that Geddington means something like the farmstead of Geit’s clan When the Romans arrived in the first century AD, (Geit being the name recorded in the Domesday Book), they had significantly more impact on our place names. accepting that the exact name of original patriarch or The Romans gave us the -coln of Lincoln, the -pont matriarch has been lost to time. What’s unusual about (bridge) of Pontefract, the -strat (street) of Stratford, Geddington’s name is that the village’s most prevalent and the -port of Stockport. natural feature - the ford - wasn’t worthy of inclusion It’s also thanks to the Romans that we have so many (compare Oxford, Chelmsford or Hereford). place names ending in -caster, -chester, -cester

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 7 Local History

Northamptonshire Place Names (continued) - Deborah Armitage

By reading backwards, you can see a similar pattern One of the most common Viking elements in placenames occur in other place names - Paddington, Washington is -thorpe (village or farmstead) – as in Scunthorpe. and, of course, Kettering, again working on the In our area, we boast Apethorpe, Deenesthorpe, Thorpe assumption that the first syllable is derived from an Malsor, Kingsthorpe, Althorp, and many more. ancient person’s name. The suffix -by (settlement, but later town) also indicates a The Anglo-Saxons also introduced the suffix-ham to Viking settlement – famously in places like Whitby and place names (Northampton), which also indicates a farm Grimsby. Again, locally, we are surrounded by these: or small settlement. From this, we can see that places like Corby, Wilby, Long Buckby, Catesby, and Kilby. Birmingham and Nottingham follow a similar pattern We also have plenty of hybrid placenames – combining to Geddington. Birmingham was the farm belonging to an Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse element. The many Beorma’s people, and Nottingham the farm belonging to villages with Ashby as part of their name (Cold Ashby, Snot’s people. (Later Norman scribes struggled with the Canon’s Ashby) are evidence of this: the ‘Ash’ element ‘Sn’ sound, so thankfully, Snot became Not). is Anglo-Saxon (ash tree), whereas the -by is Viking. If we understand -ton in Geddington, then the name And the Vikings also came first too: theCarlton in East Newton is straight-forward to understand - the new Carlton and Strixton both start with a Viking name farm or settlement. The same -ton also appears in (Karl and Strikr) and end with an Anglo-Saxon element. Grafton Underwood, with the ‘Graf’ meaning ‘grove’ and Warkton, where the ‘Wark’ was most likely a 1066 AD and beyond – personal name. Although the Normans stamped their authority on the In Oakley, it was the natural features that merited country, they had minimal impact on our placenames. recording in the placename. The ending -ley (or -leigh/ Where we do find Norman placenames, the Norman -lea) came to mean a pasture or clearing, so Oakley element tends to reflect the name of the local aristocrat – was named for a glade of oak trees. The -ley also appears such as in Paulerspury, derived from the name in Weekley. de Paveley. The ‘Bec’ element of Weedon Bec also points to the French monastery, Bec-Helloiun, granted Other Northamptonshire towns named during this ownership of the land. period include Daventry (name + treow ‘tree’), Finedon (the valley (don) where assemblies (things) were held), As we move forward in time to the later medieval period, and Raunds (rand ‘border’), and Brackley (possibly placenames are adjusted to reflect new additions to their the clearing of bracken). The roots of the name, Oundle, landscape. From this time, we get the Chapel in Chapel however, remain a mystery. Brampton, and the Canon in Canon’s Ashby. A few local oddities from this period include all the From this period, we also have more places incorporating ‘hoes’ - Cogenhoe, Wadenhoe, Aynho - with the ‘hoe’ the name of the local landowner – Barton Seagrave and thought to mean a ‘heel’ or ‘spur’. For reasons lost, Stoke Doyle being two local examples. the majority of these ‘hoe’ placenames occur in There’s also one village in Northamptonshire that has Northamptonshire – perhaps a trend started here? a special moniker, granted to only a handful of places in England, which received royal patronage. When 800 AD – the Vikings start to raid, and then settle, the village of Grafton passed into the possession of speaking a language we know as Old Norse Henry VIII in 1527, it became known as Grafton Regis, The frequency of Viking names in the county suggests meaning ‘Grafton of the king’. the Norse people settled here in large numbers. Yet head south, west or east of the county, and you’ll find Viking names few and far between. This is testament to Northamptonshire’s prime position along the ‘Danelaw’, the boundary dividing England between the Anglo-Saxons in the south and west, and the Vikings in the north and east.

8 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Geddington Ghosts - Steve Brown

As a follow on from my request for local ghost stories that I could report on in the Newsletter, I was pleasantly surprised to have some pretty decent feedback, so much so that I might have to do more than one article! So here goes... My first foray into Geddington’s supernatural annals As they drove into the main car park, which is off Wood took me (and my intrepid and glamorous assistant, Street and at the front of the building where the main Leila Knight) to Castle Gardens on Wood Street. This entrance is, Cynthia, who was in the front passenger seat, building was erected back in the ’70s on land that once said to her companion, “Who’s that?” Both ladies could (allegedly) was occupied by part of the Royal Hunting then see a woman sitting in one of the chairs in the shared Lodge of mediaeval times, and adjacent to more recent lounge, by the big picture window that looks out over the cottages and a pub called ‘The Royal George’. They are car park. She appeared to be reading, and neither of them now no longer standing, and Castle Gardens now serves recognised who it was. as assisted living for some of our more mature residents, Cynthia then got out of the car while her friend reversed and it was to two of these, Cynthia Bishop and her friend, into a space to park. She went into the entrance hall and that I spoke with of their experiences here. directly into the lounge... and no-one was there! At no There have been unusual happenings around the place stage could anyone have left the room without being for several years, with residents being disturbed by seen and Cynthia, a redoubtable lady, was foxed. They knocking sounds from their particular flat door... compared notes, and described the woman as older, with on investigation the corridor outside is always found grey/blonde hair, average build and wearing reasonably to be empty, with no explanation forthcoming. On one modern non-descript clothing... and none of the current occasion a resident of many years heard her door open residents at that time matched the description! whilst she was elsewhere in the flat, but on immediately As a footnote, Cynthia had been warned some 15 years going to where her front door was, saw no one and the prior, when she first moved in, that the place was haunted. door was closed! There have also been reports of a Next time I will tell of another experience Cynthia had female figure seen in passing outside the door of flat 9, at one of her previous properties, which may strike a but only fleetingly so no full description was noted. chord with more recent occupants, but for now keep safe One autumn afternoon, not very long ago, Cynthia and and as they say in circles paranormal - ‘Don’t make a her friend were returning to Castle Gardens following a spectre of yourself!’. visit into Kettering.

A Mystery... - Peter Goode

Our house was originally owned by John Ambery, It weighs more than two men can pick up, we had to a Geddington builder. He was something of a collector edge it onto a sack barrow when we moved it into its of stone objects, probably from sites he worked on. current position. For example in our garden we have a stone font, stone If anyone is able to shed light as to it’s origins. I’d be mullions and the large sandstone tablet in the photos. intrigued to know peoples thoughts. I have tried the Facebook Secrets and Tales of Kettering and took photos of it into the heritage identification at Kettering Library but cannot identify where it might have come from or its significance. The slab is 41” wide, 35” tall and up to 6” thick (the tape measure in the photograph is set to 500mm). There are two loose 6” x 5” inserts at the bottom. The design is a forearm with an archer’s wrist guard (a bracer) holding Ideas or suggestions on this can be sent via email to a branch, laurel? [email protected]

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 9 Local History

The Secret Aerodrome 1941-45 - Trevor Harker

The actual Grafton Underwood airfield site. Runway 06/24. Looking south west from Geddington Road near the Memorial. Pic: Richard E Flagg (www.ukairfields.org.uk). One of the top secrets of World War II was the “dummy” Ron also told me that his brother Harry, who was a airfield next to Geddington Chase up at my farm in gunner at Brigstock Camp, played football with all of Little Oakley, Cobley Lodge. them, including Bill Shankly, the Liverpool manager. It covered three fields, about 82 acres of grass and was A unit of ten men were billeted to control the searchlight composed of angle-ironed building structures, runway and maintain the dummy aerodrome. This consisted of lights and miles of rubber-coated copper wire, all joined nine men with one NCO in charge. up to a petrol generator. They all obviously became friendly with my grandparents Its secret aim was to be lit up during a raid, whereby and my dad and his sister Peggy, who were living at the German planes would bomb my fields, thinking it Cobley, often helping out on the farm in exchange for was Grafton Aerodrome. some milk or eggs. Just in front of my house there were six huts in a row Many a night when my father was out with the Home and opposite a searchlight. Next to that was the Guard, my grandmother and Aunt Peggy (on the piano) “pill box” with six rifle openings built out of brick would ask the lads off duty in for a sing-song around with an 18inch reinforced concrete roof. The searchlight the fire. base and the pill box are still there and I remember as a I can see them now, mostly lads of only 19 years, child playing soldiers with my brother Jim shooting out huddled together in the farmhouse, hooks still in the of the windows with our home-made rifles – I still have ceiling for the paraffin lamps and in the dim, smoky haze, mine. We also played in and out of the wooden huts and them all singing along, eating Gran’s cakes and drinking pretended to light the old cast-iron stoves. Grandad’s beer. In 1940, the North and South Staffordshire regiments It really must have been a most welcome distraction were the first to be billeted in the huts and they were from the boredom, but extremely important work they followed later by the Warwickshires. were doing for the secret aerodrome and ultimately I was told by Ron Bellamy from Kettering that some of protecting the USAAF 384th Bomb Group B17’s the lads in the North and South Staffs were footballers, at Grafton Underwood. playing for Stoke City and Port Vale, two in particular Just some indication of the fun they all must have shared being Stanley Matthews and Jock Kirkton. is in the following song sheet I have just found:

10 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Better than the A.R.P. (Tune: John Brown’s Body – B flat)

Chorus: For we are only manning searchlights We are only manning searchlights We are only manning searchlights An ARP warden at the start of the Second World War. 1938 Edward McKnight Kauffer. But it’s better than the A.R.P Imperial War Museum. London Transport Museum Collection.

Now No 1’s an NCO and he Number 5 is called the S.L.O Number 9 he is the driver with a commands the site, and operates the light, Lister or a Guy, He’s got a sound locator and a He cleans it every morning and At night he makes the volts and amps Lister and a light, mucks it up at night, which brighten up the sky, And a blooming little Lewis gun But we never get on a target And he takes the others to the pub in case he has to fight, ‘cause his focus isn’t right, each day when he feels dry, But it’s better than the A.R.P. Still it’s better than the A.R.P. But it’s better than the A.R.P.

Chorus: For we are only manning Chorus: For we are only manning Chorus: For we are only manning searchlights etc searchlights etc searchlights etc

Numbers 2 and 3 are spotters with Number 6 stands by his ring sight Number 10’s the most important their glasses to their eyes, with telephone on chest, fellow that we’ve got, They recline in comfy easy chairs And directs his Number 4 to put He roasts the beef, and then puts and gaze into the skies, the beam where he thinks best, all his bones into the pot, But they never see an aeroplane But he never gets on target any But you’ve got to keep an eye on or anything that flies better than the rest, him, or else he’ll pinch the lot, But it’s better than the A.R.P. Still it’s better than the A.R.P. But it’s better than the A.R.P.

Chorus: For we are only manning Chorus: For we are only manning Chorus: For we are only manning searchlights etc searchlights etc searchlights etc

Number 4 is at the long arm, Numbers 7 and 8 are listeners with So, join the modern army, and he wanders round and round, stethoscopes on head, and keep the country strong, Waiting till his number 6 directs They’re supposed to pick up targets We’re here for the duration, him by the sound, very quickly, so it’s said, but we hope it won’t be long, Though he wags his beam across But they couldn’t find one, though Provided targets never come, the sky, the target’s never found, it’s loud enough to wake the dead, we can’t do anything wrong, Still it’s better than the A.R.P. Still it’s better than the A.R.P. But it’s better than the A.R.P.

Chorus: For we are only manning Chorus: For we are only manning Chorus: For we are only manning searchlights etc searchlights etc searchlights etc

Story by Trevor Harker. Song lyrics written out by Peggy Harker.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 11 Local History

I was a total fraud! - Jackie Binley

In 1961, when I was at Kettering Derek Slater, the Chemistry teacher I’m sorry, but I was a bit of a High School for Girls in Bowling were avidly involved in Space dreamer, so I was not quite sure what Green Road, I opted to do A-level interest and Sputnik and the Russian/ I was doing! You can tell, by me just Physics and Pure Maths. The High USA Space Race, so much so that scraping through with a D in Physics School didn’t have a teacher so 2 of they rigged up equipment using and a C in Pure Maths!! us schoolgirls (and later 2 more) had shortwave radio CB’s. They had Mr Perry, who later on became the to go for lessons at Kettering Boy’s a group of enthusiastic boys who ITN, go-to expert on Space Travel, School in Windmill Avenue. You’d joined in helping listening to the called me in and said ‘You’ve got have thought that would be fun with rocket launches and Sputnik ‘bleeps’ a posh voice, record these tapes for 2 girls and 600 boys, but no, the boys by utilising the Doppler Effect. my lectures’. ignored us completely, (as boys do!) One day, Mr Perry asked why we I remember saying ‘This is Valentina We weren’t allowed to go into the were sitting in the corridor and said Tereshkova on her maiden flight’ Sixth Form Common Room (that was come into the Physics Lab and note and many other tapes. Years later, th voted for by the 6 formers) and so down all the bleeps and put it in the when he was famous, he said that my we had to have our packed lunch in log book, so that he could have time voice had gone all around the world the corridor. to go for lunch. So every lunchtime to various lectures he had done. Mr Perry, the Physics teacher and we did just that, noting the time etc.

Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph, Wednesday December 21st, 1966.

12 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter I was by then a radiographer and be a carpentry based project with mother of three children so it all the Australian head of Astrophysics passed me by. in Woomera. I found out later that Cut to 2001, over forty years later, he was explaining his own Big Bang Gordon and I were outside the Post Theory involving a bursting large Office, when Derek Slater drove by. balloon and a piece of string. Jeff Perry had died the year before A scruffy mad Professor rushed up and I missed the funeral because we to me, barged in and shoved a large were at the Olympics in Australia, plastic bag of metal objects at me. and Derek lived in Geddington ‘I guess you know what this is’ Grange with his wife. he said. “No” I replied. “It is only He said ‘Ah, I’m so glad I’ve found part of a Soyuz rocket!!!”. you, PLEASE come to my Summer “Wow” I said. Barbeque for The Kettering Group’. I opened it up and examined it I said we were going out to dinner carefully. “Gosh”, said another lady, but we could pop in to make up the “You were lucky, he hasn’t opened numbers. Obviously the Kettering up that plastic bag for anyone”. Group is a group of old nerds Apparently he went on holiday to reminiscing school days and I Russia and was being driven around wouldn’t remember anyone, I when he noticed the familiar shape of thought to myself! Gordon said that a Soyuz rocket launcher which had he was sure he said I was the Guest been cut lengthways and were being of Honour. I laughed and laughed Keith Waite, Daily Mirror 1971 - Source: spacecentre.co.uk used as pig shelters! He rushed out, and said he must have misheard! scooped up a small piece and had Slater and Perry became so expert However we quickly found the smuggled it back home to England! at recording, and working out which DVD and watched the Channel 4 country’s rocket was launched and Finally, after a lovely meal, programme, so that we could at where it would land that when the Derek Slater announced that he least chat to people. We noted that Russians rocket landed in a certain had the original CB radio equipment the Professor of Astrophysics at place, using his daughter’s blow up and invited me to sit with it for MIT* looked remarkably young and globe, Perry was convinced that photographs. I had no idea what to had long hair. they had a new secret Rocket site. touch or move. A flurry of flash He announced it to the Press who We drove to Geddington Grange, bulbs followed. spread it around the world! The parked the car and walked in. Two As we took our leave, we silently next day, American Secret Service surreal things struck me. One, the drove home without a word being turned up, convinced that they had long-haired Professor of Astrophysics said. Finally Gordon spoke: a spy in their midst! at MIT was walking toward us and “Did that just happen?”. two, everyone was clapping. The country was so enamoured by In the National Space Centre, all this that Channel 4 did a drama/ Derek Slater introduced us to the Leicester, there is a mention of me, documentary all about it in 1987 Kettering Group (which turned out Jacqueline Lewis, but really, called ‘Sputniks, Bleeps and to be an international group of Astro I’m just a fraud, a total fraud. Mr Perry’. It showed the start of scientists who meet every few years). Perry and Slater’s adventures. As I walked amongst them, It was interspersed with interviews chatting and desperately wondering with real Professors in Astrophysics what to say, I glanced at Gordon *Massachusetts Institute of in American Universities recounting who appeared to be gesticulating Technology. the amazing story. in a circular motion, what I assume to

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 13 Remembering...

Charlie Johnson - Paul Johnson

Having taken the reins as Newsletter This was almost palatial given where A conversation recently reminded Submissions Co-ordinator about a the family had been living. just how much the Smiths had looked year ago, I’ve had the pleasure of Charlie began working on the Smith’s after Grandad and his family, and in getting a sneak peak at all the articles farm as a young boy, alongside his return he was a faithful and totally submitted by the many contributors father Harry. The Smith’s farm yard committed employee. that make the Newsletter the brilliant when he first started working, was In the mid 40’s, Grandad met the one publication it is. situated on land between West Street and only woman for him, my Nan, While I sit here dealing with and Queen Eleanor Road. Sisters, Margaret. Margaret was from the ‘Newsletter business’ at this very Emily and Mary Smith, took over metropolis that is Kettering, and it is strange time, I feel compelled to running the farm from their father, fair to say was a complete ‘townie’. share with you some thoughts and and I had the pleasure and honour of This did not get in the way and in memories about my Grandad, spending many hours with these two 1949 they married, and Nan moved John Charles Johnson, aka Charlie. ladies as a young boy, little under- to Geddington to become a farmer’s Sadly ‘Charlie’ passed away on the standing until I got older, why my wife. She would though have been th 11 of April, and I sit writing this Grandad held them in such esteem. the first to say she never really took piece on the eve of his funeral. Their small stature was deceiving as to rural life, but she was always It will be a strange affair with limited you couldn’t get a more formidable supportive and spent many an hour numbers allowed to attend (those pair of women. Mary however, the walking across fields (under protest) that can, social distancing of course), younger sister, had a mischievous to ensure Grandad and other farm and a live broadcast on the internet. streak, and her antics and cheeky workers were adequately fed and Charlie was born in 1928 at home, comments often caused disapproving watered particularly during harvest in a small cottage on Lees Way in looks from her elder sister, Emily. time when the hours were long, and Geddington. One of four siblings, This was a great source of amusement the weather hot. She could however as you could imagine space was tight. for my sister and me, but their home- clean for Britain, and this was a At an early age, along with his family made cakes were beyond compare. constant challenge for her given he moved to a yet smaller house in Star Lane. The houses in Star Lane have since been demolished, but the space was shared with a stable block and the butcher’s abattoir. Grandad remarked the smell was often foul, especially on warm summer evenings, and I, being one who likes to use The Star decking, am thankful it’s no longer there. The tiny houses in Star Lane were little better than a slum, with no running water or the amenities that we take for granted today. Fortunately he wasn’t there for long and the family moved to a newly built property on Wood Street, which was a three bedroom house (with outside loo!) and with a large garden backing onto open fields. Demolition of the Star Lane cottages in 1937. Yankie Toesland is at foot of ladder. Source: David Valentine.

14 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Charlie and Margaret had 4 children, where you have to try and miss the and other than a short move to a tied bails apparently?!). Why Grandad cottage in Pytchley spent their entire and his friends at that time needed to lives living in Geddington, only play the game in women’s clothing moving from another tied cottage on is beyond me, but perhaps it makes a West Street to one on Grafton road, lot of sense for those that have seen before moving to Halls Close after my gold stilettos during numerous Grandad finally retired from farming. Music Hall outings. Even then, he would not sit still, and Grandad loved wildlife and I spent if he wasn’t found working on his many happy hours listening to him garden or allotment, would be in his inform me about native birds and shed woodworking or painting and wild flowers, a passion that was with drawing, the latter of which he took him through his entire life. up more and more in later life as he As a farmer, he was committed to was less able to do the physical tasks. finding a balance, and Geddington He became very accomplished and Farms was one of the first in the ended up with what seemed like a country to introduce wide ‘field full gallery in his living room. Every margins’ to give space to wildlife. time I went see him over recent He also dug a number of ponds on Charlie at his allotment. Pic: Michelle Moss. years, there would be another sketch the land he farmed to encourage Grandad’s work on the farm and his book full of drawings and paintings more wildlife. I’m positive that he love of his garden and allotment. to view. was well ahead of his time in taking When the farm moved from the area As a young boy, I spent a lot of my this approach. that is now Queen Eleanor Road, spare time with Grandad on the farm, In what is often the all too fast paced to Chase Farm (next to the infant and was never happier than when world in which we now live, Charlie school) Grandad moved with it. He I got to ride in the Land Rover, or was the epitome of a slower, simpler worked his way from a labourer to sit up in the brand new, shiny green time. Never happier than knowing his foreman, a role that he stayed in, Deutz-Fahr tractor, all very exciting family were safe, while watching a even when the farm changed owners, for an eleven year old. Even now, in black and white Western and sipping moved yet again (to its current site my working life I aspire to have the a glass of the finest Whisky (with just on Grafton Road) until the day he same work ethic and commitment a dash of water of course). retired in 1990. to my role as I saw in him. Grandad Following Grandad’s passing I He was joined on the farm by his always expected the best from his received a lovely condolence card son, my uncle, Phillip who is still grandchildren, and while at the time from Brenda Chapman and her is working the same land today. seemed like he was being too harsh, family, which commented that Over the 60 odd years he saw many now I look back and am thankful for Charlie Johnson was a perfect changes to farming but adapted with the lessons I learnt, and he was the gentleman, and that is exactly how all of them and seemed to love every major influence of the man I became. I will remember him too. A true day of it. He worked constantly, A couple of years ago I was shown a gentleman, and a man who loved except the occasional holiday and a photo of Grandad wearing women’s Geddington. Well why wouldn’t you? serious cancer diagnosis, from which clothing in preparation for a game A reminder maybe as to how lucky he bounced back and went back to of Puddock (Herein lies a totally we are, especially in these times. work as soon as he was physically separate article on the wonder that able, albeit probably too soon for is the game Puddock, but easiest to Nan’s liking. say it is a strange version of cricket

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 15 Past-times

Run of the mill! - Justin Brice

Like many people at this time I have The late Frank Gregory (the foremost I soon got acquainted with the been furloughed from my job. This expert on Sussex mills) was still on vice-chairman Peter Hill and fellow has given me the opportunity to chip the scene at the time and I remember member Simon Potter, and when away at a project I’ve been working a rather memorable visit to Shipley Robin Jones announced he was on for many years. Mill where he managed to persuade stepping down from producing their It all began back in the late 1980s me to venture out onto the rickety newsletter I offered my services when I was attending Art College and old fan-carriage even though I’m and as a result in April 2012 I took was tasked with finding a subject for terrified of heights! over as Editor of their newsletter, a a photography project. Whilst looking The project was a success and helped quarterly publication. Incidentally for inspiration in the college library me pass the course. the April 2020 edition was the I happened upon Arthur Smith’s Fast forward 20 years and I happened 32nd issue I’ve presided over! survey of Sussex Windmills that he to rediscover the project in our old My personal project escalated when produced in the 1970s. loft and decided to rekindle my Peter Hill allowed me to copy his I suppose this appealed to me as I’d interest. I began revisiting the mills photograph collection and possibly grown up in Rottingdean, a small to see how/if their situation had more importantly he allowed me village near Brighton which is rather changed. I became aware of the access to a collection of 2000 pages dominated by its windmill on the hill. Sussex Mills Group and contacted of unpublished work from the 1930s I felt they’d be a great photographic them for help with my research. onwards by the mill historian subject, so was inspired to follow Herbert Edward Sydney Simmons. in Arthurs’ footsteps and as a result, I embarked on collating all this I began to research, visit and photo- along with my own research and graph all the mills and remains that by cross-referencing all available I could find. sources I now have recorded around In those early days I was still reliant 720 windmills that have stood in the on my parents for transportation, county at one point or another! so a lot of planning was involved. Especially in those pre-internet / Google maps days.

Shipley Windmill back in May 2008 when still open to the public. This mill may look familiar as it was used as the home of Jonathan Creek, the fictional TV detective. Pic: JB.

16 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter To futher enhance my knowledge Here’s a few things I’ve come across • Another royal encounter occurred I joined team of volunteers at ‘Jill’ during my research: in Winchelsea in August 1297 when Windmill and it was fun showing • King’s aka Vincent’s Smock King Edward 1st horse was startled the members of the public round Windmill at Shipley was the real by a windmill causing it to leap and answering their queries. life home of poet Hillaire Belloc down an embankment - a drop of Obviously now that we are living in as well as being the residence of about 12 feet! Geddington it’s hampered me from fictional detective Jonathan Creek • In 1919 the converted base of the being able to visit Sussex mill sites in the BBC television series. old Lewes Town Windmill was myself but this is where social media • If Camberwick Green’s Chigley purchased on a whim by novelist has become invaluable. I’m able to was indeed based on Chailey Virginia Woolf (1882-1941). post enquiries onto Facebook groups then it’s fair to assume that Windy • Hogg Hill Windmill at Icklesham and usually there are local people Millers’ windmill was inspired by is owned by ex-Beatle Sir Paul who are able to assist with providing its North Common windmill. McCartney and he’s adapted the knowledge or are even willing to go • At Clayton, ‘Jill’ the white post mill buildings into a recording out and explore sites on my behalf! windmill, has made numerous TV studio. It was a favourite place of People often ask if I’m now tempted appearances whilst neighbouring his wife Linda whose ashes were to look into the Northamptonshire ‘Jack’ tower mill starred in the scattered under the steps of the mill. windmills but at the moment I’ve 1974 film “The Black Windmill” • During WW2, Waterhall Tower still more than enough on my plate starring Michael Caine. Windmill at Patcham was used as with the Sussex ones! However I do • In 1264 King Henry III’s brother the H.Q. for the Home Guard. confess my curiosity led me to track Richard, Earl of Cornwall, took • At Framfield, two men drinking down a copy of Trevor Stainwright’s refuge in a windmill during the in the Barley Mow Pub, were “Windmills of Northamptonshire” Battle of Lewes. Upon being watching Mount Ephraim Windmill which reveals that nearby Kettering surrounded he was taunted with at work. One wagered the other had two windmills. “Come out... thou bad miller!”. that he wouldn’t run between the revolving sails; the challenge was accepted, and he accomplished the feat in safety, however on turning round and making a second attempt he was struck by a sail and was killed on the spot! • In January 1799 at Pevensey, Westham Windmill was visited on several nights by thieves. Tired of their unwelcome attentions, the ‘Jack’ + ‘Jill’ windmills at Clayton. Pic: JB. The rebuilt Ashcombe windmill. Pic: JB. grinder was instructed to place a spring gun loaded with shot before leaving each night. This the miller did for several nights. However, one morning forgot it was there, with the result he was seriously injured! Note: Windmills, like ships are referred to in the feminine - this is presumably due to both once having canvas sails. Windmills have been Hogg Hill Mill at Icklesham owned by Kettering Post Mill - site is covered Kettering Tower Mill - site is covered Paul McCartney. by Tesco Express in Windmill Avenue. by terraced houses in Dryden Street. described as “ships of the land”. Source - Justin Brice. Source - Trevor Stainwright. Source - Trevor Stainwright.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 17 Animal Tales

New cat on the block - Jane Tysoe

You may well have met Fudge as She is definitely a cat with Previously, she lived in Kettering and she loves to wander. She arrived in character and considers that the at one point decided to move out and Geddington in November 2019, world revolves around her. adopted another family a few streets a new cat in the village. Within a Independence could be her middle away. She took a lot of persuading to couple of weeks she’d rapidly name. If she doesn’t like something come home! familiarised herself with her new (or someone), she will spit and curse Fudge is a cross breed, half Birman locality around Wood Street and to let you know. Mostly however, and half something else unknown. beyond, making herself known she’ll allow you to be friendly Birman species cats are renowned for within the neighbourhood. with her and loves a tummy rub. their loving and affectionate character, A number of residents wondered She loves to go walkabout and enjoys they are sociable, smart, quietly where she’d appeared from as she going to the park with her family spoken, curious and people oriented. is very friendly and chooses to and often joins the dog walks up They are the “sacred cats of Burma”. visit any household who offer her the Chase. She has been “rescued” So if you meet her when she is out a kind word, a friendly stroke or, from the Chase, being brought back and about, she appreciates a fuss and best of all, food! by people thinking she’s lost but she even if she looks lost, she most likely But be assured she does have a home just likes to survey her new large isn’t and will choose to go home at number 45 and that’s usually territory. Her family describe her when it suits her. where she chooses to sleep at night as a free spirit. with her family that includes 2 other cats (which residents in the area probably haven’t noticed as they do not wander like Fudge) and a lively dog.

Meet Fudge! Source: Jane Tysoe.

18 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Hanger Games

Quantas Queries - Pam Hopkins

After every Quantas flight, pilots always complete a‘gripe’ sheet which conveys to the mechanics, problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight, that needs repairs or correction.The pilot completes the top part of the form listing the problem, the mechanics read it and then respond in writing on the lower half, what remedial action was taken, so the pilot on the next flight of that plane can review the form before taking off. Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humour, here are some of the actual logged complaints and responses...

Pilot: Left inside main tyre almost needs replacement. Pilot: Number 3 engine missing/skipping. Mechanic: Almost replaced left inside main tyre. Mechanic: Engine found on right wing after brief search. Pilot: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough. Pilot: Target radar hums. Mechanic: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft. Mechanic: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics. Pilot: Something loose in cockpit. Pilot: Suspected crack in windshield. Mechanic: Something tightened in cockpit. Mechanic: Suspect you’re right. Pilot: Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a Pilot: IFF Inoperative. 200ft per minute descent. Mechanic: IFF Inoperative. Mechanic: Cannot reproduce problem on ground. Pilot: Mouse in cockpit. Pilot: Evidence of leak on main landing gear. Mechanic: Cat installed. Mechanic: Evidence removed. Quantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 19 Back to Nature

I’ve got Worms! - Ian Schulz

You might not think this is a good way to start a conversation however, here we go... I’ve got WORMS!! I keep tens of thousands of them and Fact... Vermicompost as an additive Wigglers withstand a wide range in forever try to expand that quantity but, increases yield in some fruits and climate and are top feeders diving before you stop reading this article, veg by as much as 30 to 50% and down no more than 10 – 15 cm, please let me try and explain why. can produce much larger vegetables, so they suit the boxes I wanted to Firstly worms are a food, I wouldn’t this has been well documented. house them in and, more importantly, recommend eating them but how many Vermicompost is the best 100% how I wanted to feed them. times have we seen a blackbird natural, chemical free, fertiliser. It They have a simple diet, they eat tugging a worm from the lawn or can be mixed in with regular compost decaying rubbish or at least the seen the annoying molehill where or a few tablespoons can be spread microbes that the rubbish produces. these little fellows are hunting them around the base of a plant. They don’t have a mouth with teeth, out. Fishermen have long known the Alternatively, a small amount can just imagine them as mini vacuum benefit of a wriggling bait and the be spooned into the ground or pot cleaners sucking up their grub, different species of fish they attract. as you sow your seeds. It doesn’t they have a gizzard like a chicken so My only reason for keeping worms take that much to make a very they also have to take in something at present is for their poo. noticeable difference. coarse to grind their food... Like little waste disposal units, perfect for the Why would you want worm poo? How and why?... With much recyclers amongst us. Simple answer... COMPOST. research into this project and a vast Most home worm farmers feed their amount of sound advice, I opted To those who know, there is worms vegetable scraps, farmyard for a species commonly known nothing better than worm compost or horse manure, fallen leaves, as Red wigglers (Vermicompost). It acts as a slow newspaper and cardboard. It’s not (Esineni fetida). release feed for your plants, wise to give them anything acidic. fruit and veg throughout the Although they can take small growing season amounts, it’s not good for them or the worm bin environment. They need to live in a neutral PH level and a bedding moisture content of around 70 - 80%. I’ve just skimmed across the surface of Vermicomposting, I’ll let you get over the shock of someone farming worms, but the results speak for themselves.

20 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter The Bee-fly - Pam Hopkins

One of the more pleasant aspects of This year I have noticed many more However, it does have a darker side, being retired, and a gardener, is that Bee-flies. This tiny insect, its body is the larvae of the Bee-fly are nest you can spend more time just sitting only 10-15mm long, is part of the fly parasites of ground-nesting and in your garden. community, and not only looks like solitary bees, feeding on the bee In this present lockdown period, a bee, but hums like a bee. It’s most grubs. The female bee-fly flicks and with the lovely warm and sunny noticeable feature, if you can see it her eggs towards the entrance holes weather we luxuriated in during close-up, is its long proboscis, which of solitary bee nests to allow the most of April, I certainly spent even is nearly half of its length. Its wings larvae to hatch in the right place. more time in the garden. I won’t say beat extremely quickly and watching But hey! We’ve all got to survive, entirely relaxing, as there’s always a one hover 8” above some blossom in our own way! job that needs doing even if it’s only petals, the wind from is wings was a weed that needs pulling. But to moving the petals. survey your efforts, whether for It flies in April – May and visits 5 mins or an hour, is very satisfying flowers to feed on nectar, flowers for mind and soul. such as primroses and violets. Another aspect is that whilst sitting in the sun, with my cup of tea and my book, and occasionally looking around, the insects are more noticeable.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 21 Democracy in action

Philip Hollobone MP

The latest 14 day average is 12 new This has co-ordinated food and COVID-19 cases a day with the rate medicine deliveries to those being beginning to slow. 2,326 tests have shielded with the help of a small been carried out. There are presently army of 14,000 public-spirited local 104 COVID-19 patients in KGH volunteers. Almost 5000 COVID-19 (out of 550 beds) with a suspected -related calls have been handled by 61 other cases awaiting test results. NCC including over 2000 requests I’ve kept closely in touch with KGH for food, medicine and other support. which has responded magnificently Kettering Borough Council has also

© Graham Martin. to the crisis. At the very beginning of pulled out all the stops, in particular in managing the various direct cash Thank you very much indeed to the the outbreak there was a possibility grant payments from HM Treasury Newsletter team for being determined that under a ‘reasonable worst case direct to local small businesses. to keep publication going during these scenario’ both KGH and NGH could At the time of writing almost 1300 difficult times. This is very typical have ended up with all their 1200 payments totalling £15m has been of the resilience being shown by so beds full of COVID-19 patients, channeled direct to local businesses many local people as all our lives but thankfully due to local people in record time, making KBC one of have been turned upside down by adhering to the lockdown guidance the very best councils in the whole the global pandemic. And a massive and a superb response from both country for distributing this much thank you too to all our local NHS hospitals this has not happened. needed financial support. and care workers for whom we go However, we’re not out of the woods out to clap on our doorsteps every yet and there’s a real risk of a second During the crisis I’ve been fielding Thursday evening. Not forgetting all wave perhaps later in the year unless hundreds of local enquiries from our local supermarket and small shop that rate of transmission can be kept local people worried about their own employees, council workers, postal as low as possible until a vaccine is personal situations and the local and workers, police officers, firefighters, developed. Whilst all this has been national picture and responding as teachers, nursery providers, small going on HM Government has best I can within such a fast moving business owners, volunteers and substantially strengthened KGH’s situation. I’ve also been updating HM everyone else who have been finances with a complete write off of Government on the local situation determined to keep doing their very the Trust’s £167m debt. I have been and liaising closely with local NHS, best in these challenging times. liaising with the Hospitals Minister councils and emergency services. At the time of writing (15th May), out during the outbreak. There is no doubt that we all have of our county population of 780,000 The local Clinical Commissioning a way to go yet, but I am optimistic in Northamptonshire there have been Group and Northamptonshire County that if the response of local people is 1180 identifiedCOVID-19 cases Council have both been working anything to go by then as a country and very sadly 442 deaths of whom magnificently together to co-ordinate we will overcome this challenge 338 have been in our two hospitals the local public health response and bounce back as and when the and 108 in the wider community. through a Local Resilience Forum. virus is tamed. I am always available to assist local Philip Hollobone MP, Member of Parliament for Kettering Constituency residents where I can, so please do contact me by phone or email and I As always, if any reader of the Newsletter feels that I may be able to help would be pleased to do my best. with a particular issue, please do let me know via Thank you. Best wishes, 01536 414715 or 07979 850126 Philip Hollobone. [email protected]

22 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter A Celebration!

V.E. Day 75th Anniversary

This year the May bank holiday was moved to Friday 8th May to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Whilst the majority of the planned community events were cancelled people were still able to adapt their celebrations...

Source: Nick Batchelor. Source: Nick Batchelor.

Nick Tysoe. Source: Pam Hopkins, Geddington.net Mick ‘Bilko’ Redden + Deborah White. Source: Tim York. Dexter Newell with the jeep. Source: Kelly Newell.

Skeffington street party. Source: Mike Wilson. Cheers! Pete and Paul. Source: Kim Faulkner. Source: JB.

Brenda Chapman improvised! Source: Jane Tysoe. Source: Steph Watkins. Tom and Steph Watkins. Source: Tom Watkins.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 23 Church and Chapel

St Mary Magdalene

Our Church Building may be closed during this period but the Church is still very much there for you. If you would like prayers said for yourself or a loved one or you have need of spiritual support, please do get in touch with Rev. Gillian or one of our Lay Ministers, Penny Griffin or Valerie Peel.

Worship online: You can find details of upcoming services on our website. Some services are streamed via our Facebook page and some via the Zoom app.

Or by phone: For anyone unable to join online church services during this period of restrictions the C of E has set up Daily Hope - a free phone line available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – offering hymns, prayers, and reflections.

Giving to the Church During this time support is available for young people and families If you would like to support the church please visit our website donate page. Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm on 01536 518339

Parish Priest: The Revd. Gillian Gamble Days off usually Mondays & Tuesdays

Vicarage: Lay Ministers: 01536 742200 Penny Griffin 01536 743552 or 07990 521830 Valerie Peel 07803 172973 [email protected] Churchwardens (Geddington): www.geddingtonweekleychurch.org.uk Jane Rowley 07920 006721 www.facebook.com/StMaryMagdalenechurch John Bennett 07789 206427

Message from the Chapel

COVID-19 is affecting most Upholding our values. activities or programmes planned • We are each other’s keeper. In that we pride. for this year. Safety is number one • Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you. That we do. concern the government has for • Love your neighbour as you love yourself. That we desire. all its citizens. As a church we are • Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother. That we uphold. following the government’s advice • Tabitha, called Dorcas, was known for her good works and acts of charity. on how to respond to COVID-19. Doing good is in our DNA. It is with deep emotion that I • After all who is Apollos? Who is Paul? United we stand. announce the cancellation of our Flower Festival and Music Hall this • In times of troubles. We work together. year. In these unusual times may I • For those in the frontline. We clap. leave you with my randomly picked • For those who have lost their lives. We remember them. thoughts from the Bible. • Dignity, respect, tolerance are our values. By Rev Samuel Silungwe.

24 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter School reports

The Udder Pre-School Day Nursery

While the school has been closed my children have been learning at home. One of the things they are doing is taking part in weekly poetry lessons via Zoom. This work is inspired by the beautiful book ‘The Lost Words’ by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. These are acrostic poems, referred to as spells, which are based on plants and animals. Each week the children read a poem and discuss it and then are set a writing task with a focus. I have attached my children’s work from the week focused on the Dandelion poem. They were asked to write their own acrostic poem about a dandelion, but to give the dandelion a new name. Edward chose ‘Chick flower’ because of its bright yellow colour and Lyra chose ‘Bunny tail’ because of its fluffy appearance when it becomes a dandelion ‘clock’. I thought their work was lovely (but of course I am biased!) and is a great reminder that although we are in ‘lockdown’ we can still enjoy the beauty of nature.

Chick Flower By Edward Harker, Aged 5.

Cute, Floating seeds, Happy, Large, Intelligent, Or tiny, Colourful, Wind blows, King of the flowers. Ever beautiful, Royal.

Bunny Tail By Lyra Harker, Aged 9.

Bouncing seeds, Time teller, Umbrella the stalk, As bright as the sun, Nature’s friend, Inspiring flowers, Nice to see. Lovely to smell. Yellow as the sand.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 25 Local Infrastructure Project

Gigaclear

Rural communities will go ultrafast, but can WiFi keep up? At the end of last year Gigaclear While Gigaclear provide a Gigabit WiFi is essentially spread around finished building the infrastructure capable broadband service, most a home as a digital radio signal, for your full fibre ultrafast broadband use that service over WiFi so just so things like thick metal girders, network. Connections were made an important as your infrastructure concrete, stone walls, large rooms available earlier this year and they is the router you use to connect. and unusual property layouts would like to welcome their new Gigaclear partnered with Linksys inhibit it - all things common to rural customers hoping that you are to install their customers with the properties. It’s all well and good all getting the best from your Gigaclear powered by Linksys to have the capacity to download broadband connections. Velop router. There are many factors a full HD movie in 2 seconds flat, In the four short months since which can affect your WiFi but if you can’t connect to the WiFi, January, we have all been affected performance, primarily the size that capacity is wasted. by the lockdown and a fast, reliable and structure of your property. Our Smart Router is a mesh broadband connection has proven to As Gigaclear specialise in bringing WiFi router designed specifically be just as important as toilet paper as full fibre broadband to rural for traditional country homes. we all cope with living, working and communities we know that many It works by effectively throwing schooling from home. of the homes we bring our service a WiFi ‘bubble’ over a building, From working, staying connected to are built using older construction rather than disseminating the to family and friends over virtual methods which does not facilitate connection as a digital radio signal channels to ensuring the kids good WiFi coverage. that could be disrupted. For big complete their home school work and Traditional WiFi routers may work properties, Mesh WiFi networks trying to stay up to date with news, well in the flats, cafes and train can be expanded using boosters current events and entertainment, stations of towns and cities, but most or “nodes” that you can place in most things have moved are just not up to the challenge of strategic spots throughout your online now. rural homes. property to extend the coverage of your WiFi, meaning no matter where you are in the property, you can log on. Internet access is so vital to modern life that living in the countryside shouldn’t put you at a disadvantage in terms of flexible working, communication, entertainment or education and never more than now has that been more important. If you’d like some help getting the best out of your WiFi set up, they have published a Home Networking Guide (https://gc-production-s3. s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/2019- 06/homenetworkingguide.pdf)

Whole house coverage with Gigaclear. to help you.

If you’d like to learn more about Gigaclear, please visit their website on www.gigaclear.com and use the postcode checker to see if you are ready for service.

26 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 27 Clubs and Organisations

Geddington Brickyard Garden

Thanks to funding from Kettering Borough Council and the work of MW Builders our new water catchment project has been completed. We now have large containers behind the project workshop and shed. They will make a huge difference to the amount of water we can store and will meet our needs during a long hot summer.

The new containers are installed and ready to begin catching water. Source: J Brice.

The water containers. Source: J Brice. Ready for collection! Source: J Brice. We now also have water butts installed behind the compost toilet. Source: J Brice.

The activity hut is currently closed to visitors. Source: J Brice. Patsy loves a bit of gardening! Source: Nicola Brice.

28 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Regular volunteer, Hayley, is in the process of creating a As Youthworks, and other groups, haven’t been able to bog garden in a previously untouched corner of the garden. visit, Brenda has been developing an allotment garden Thank you for your donation of plants for this project using recycled containers and sowing Japanese Greens which will certainly increase the biodiversity of insects and Chinese Cabbage seeds in the hope of getting some and wildlife. Oriental edibles in the next few months. Prior to Lockdown, YouthWorks, a local charitable Lynette, Hayley and myself are cultivating wild flower organisation that supports young people, started a project seedlings. As the soil is poor (it was a brickyard after all!) to develop a vegetable patch which they are enclosing we’ve had little success scattering seeds before so this year using recycled picket fencing. We look forward to seeing we’re experimenting by nurturing the seedlings in pots at the fruits of their labour when they’re able to visit again. home until they are strong enough to plant out, thus giving We were pleased to be contacted by Waheeda McNally the plants the best possible chance of survival. We strive to from the Northampton Healthcare Trust who visited the create swathes of wildflowers across the bank! garden with a group of young people to plant blackcurrant bushes and sunflower seeds.

Thank You, Ian! Ian Kelman, one of our original directors has stepped Wild-flowers have been planted on the bank. Source: J Brice. down after nearly six years. Without him the garden During these strange times the garden continues to simply wouldn’t have got provide fresh air and space for visitors adhering to social off the ground. distancing and in this time of Lockdown it’s been even Thank you Ian for everything more of a haven for birds, bees, insects and butterflies you have done! totally unaware of COVID-19. Ian pictured helping at the 5 year celebration in June 2019. Source: J Brice.

Huge Thanks To the many individuals, donors and local businesses who continue to provide seedlings, plants & shrubs and recycled resources that keep GBG going with minimal costs. If you’ve anything of use, please get in touch. How to contact us… Lynette: 744 734 (mobile 07553 482907) Brenda, Nicky or Lynette at [email protected] www.geddington.net/geddington-brickyard-garden/ Geddington-Brickyard-Garden-441898105969537

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 29 Clubs and Organisations

Geddington Knitting Club

GVFB representative James McLean being presented with the hats. Source: Pam Hopkins. The Club was able to continue to keep to The commission complete, the GVFB not only paid for its community project philosophy when, the wool, but gave a generous donation on top of it, in January, the Club was ‘commissioned’ which allowed us to buy the wool for the next project. by the Volunteer Fire Brigade to make Many thanks to our fire brigade, we hope the hats will 25 warm and woolly hats for the firemen keep those heads warm for many years to come. in their Brigade colours. Despite being in lockdown, the Knitting Club is still busy, Despite it being in the Eventually however, but at home of course, and knitted wraps for wheelchair middle of a British winter, persistence won out and users, made from 6” squares in dusty pink and blue, are the colours – burgundy soon many members being prepared for care home residents. and gold – were not easy were having fun with All we need is the freedom to acquire. different knitting styles to visit the homes again. and sizes - pom-poms Planning the completion were discussed, but wisely, and a detail of one of the perhaps, decided against. patterns are in the images. A presentation was made to Pam Hopkins. the GVFB representative, James McLean, one Friday morning in mid-March.

All images: Pam Hopkins. When we are able to move around safely, and when Café Oak can open, we hope to be found there knitting and nattering every Friday morning from 10am to 11.30am. Can’t come too soon!

30 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 1st Geddington Scout Group I hope that you are all well during this lockdown period. We don’t know when we will be able to meet again in We have started a virtual group on Facebook and are person but when we do it will be quite different as both putting up different activities each Wednesday that your Sue Clipstone and Jo Parris have decided to step down Beaver, Cub or Scout can do and that can be put towards as leaders. Both have been with the group for a number their badges. Take a look if you haven’t already. of years and we thank them for all their hard work - Scouting continues whether we can meet in person or not! particularly in the last year when they both ran their On 23rd April, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief own sections and kept the Cub section going. We will be got together for their Big Day In on Radio and their looking at thanking them in person when lockdown does Big Night In on TV. This was a massive fundraising eventually finish -Thank you Sue & Jo! special to celebrate the incredible people making a This does leave us with a shortfall in leaders. Paula and difference in communities across the UK, and to Kerry will continue the fab work they have been doing as support people who need it most during the corona-virus Beaver leaders and Jane has offered to step back into the crisis. Scouts, along with friends and family, collectively Cub leader role alongside Jeff but we do not have a Scout walked more than 240,000 miles (the distance to the Leader. Abi & Claire will continue to support the Scouts Moon), raising £329,222 for the event. but both are unable to commit to becoming a leader. And on 30th April our group took part in the Camp at We are not allowed to have scout meetings without a Home where Scouting all over the world came together leader so it does look likely at this point that we will have to beat the Guinness World Book of Records – highest to close the Scout Section unless anyone comes forward number of people camping on one night. 68 Countries to volunteer for this role. We will be speaking to the took part in #CampAtHome and 95,342 people from District to see if there are an opportunities for working all around the globe to set a record for the largest with other groups but we would urge you to think about camp EVER!! 24 of our Beaver, Cub and Scouts took whether you might be able to step up or whether you up the challenge! know anyone who might be able to. It can be hard work and there is some training involved but there is a lot of positives to get out of being a leader.

If could be you please do get in touch with Becky Askew or Jane Rowley to have a chat.

Geddington Support Group A lot of readers will be aware of efforts on social media These co-ordinators will be looking to match up people to co-ordinate the community in helping the village get in need with available volunteers to assist with any tasks, through these trying times, the “Geddington Support such as shopping dog walking etc. Group” Facebook group has been a main hub for this for So far it has been a real success and thanks to all those the last couple of months. who gave their time so far, people have been able to For those who have not yet seen it, or perhaps need a get food, medicines and reminder, there is an email address to write to register peace of mind in the your interest in volunteering to assist and support your current situation. neighbours if you wish to – A real show of [email protected]. Geddington Spirit! Each area has it’s own street co-ordinator who should have already left a leaflet with you giving their details in March when the group was initially set up, should you need any help please contact them or the central team through the email address above.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 31

B

F V Clubs and Organisations G

Geddington Volunteer Fire Brigade G.V.F. B

This edition of the GVFB contribution to the newsletter normally consists of updating the village with recent activities we have undertaken, our new appointments, and setting out our calendar of events for the rest of the year. Well, two out of three isn’t bad so let’s start on the bits I can do.

The Litter Gang 1. Pic: Simon Clubb.

Pete Faulkner. Pic: Simon Clubb. Tree surgery! Pic: James McLean.

The Litter Gang 2. Pic: Simon Clubb.

The Litter Gang 3. Pic: Pam Hopkins. Kettering Road haul. Pic: J Brice. Some members of the school clean-up team. Source: Jane Rowley.

First off, we spent some time having an early spring/late Secondly, as is tradition, the Fire Brigade congregate in winter clean of the village with a co-ordinated litter pick the early part of each year for our AGM and at this meeting of the roads coming in and out of Geddington along with the officers for the year were confirmed. This yearColin a large number of eager volunteers over two weekends. Issitt is our new CO (Commanding Officer) and the new This was, as always, a great success and a significant Communities Officer (or Commy) is myself, replacing amount of rubbish was cleared. Mark Byers and Jack Harker respectively. In the aftermath of storms Ciara and Dennis (remember As part of my role I am the liaison between the brigade, them?!) we helped to clear up the school grounds of other village groups and the community so I was delighted fallen debris and made the surrounding wooded areas to be the recipient of the lovely hats made for us by the safe where a number of large branches had precariously knitting club in early March and make my picture debut broken free. See attached (pre-social distancing) photos in the prestigious Geddington.net. Another part of the of the successful teams. Commy’s role is traditionally the organising of the “Battle of the Brook” tug o’war competition.

32 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter This brings me onto the third area of concern, our usual From a personal point of view the way that the village annual events such as the Trundle and the Battle of the communities have pulled together in this time has been Brook and of course, the Squirt. It fills us all with great incredibly uplifting and examples of this are too many to sadness that as it stands, we can’t seemingly go ahead mention so I will just focus on a couple. A large number with any of these given the current guidelines and as we of our brigade members have signed to the Geddington are yet to find a way in which they can be conducted over Support Group (details of which are contained elsewhere Skype/Zoom, until further notice the diary remains blank. in this newsletter), this group was put in place in a matter We have had a few ideas as to how the brigade may try of days and received a huge amount of volunteers eager and lift spirits locally, particularly for VE Day, but sadly to support their neighbours in the first uncertain weeks of the current restrictions have thwarted us at every turn. the “lockdown” and continues to operate strongly to date. When the time is right, rest assured, we will look to serve Secondly, the brigade were happy to be able to provide and entertain the village in the usual manner but for now some storage racking to ‘The Shack’, a not-for profit Eleanor must remain in her station. operation which has been set up with great success In these difficult times however, the loss of these events providing villagers with the opportunity to purchase (as fun as they are) is insignificant as we all face these essential groceries without having to leave the village to unique challenges and therefore the key message that the visit busy stores or supermarkets. brigade want to convey is that our primary function to So, until the next edition of this publication, stay safe serve the community remains absolutely open for business. and we’ll see you all on the other side. Obviously our ability to assist is hampered by the restrictions, but if there is anything that any of you feel James McLean, Communities Officer, that the brigade can assist with do not hesitate to reach [email protected] out to me (contact details at end of this piece) or any brigade member and we will do all we can to help.

Live performances

The COVID-19 crisis will have huge reverberations We will obviously have to see how things develop as beyond our own individual social isolation. Once we’re we proceed through this strange new world, and live able to break out of our homes, the world will be a performances of any kind will be hard to plan. We have different one and there’ll be all sorts of challenges to face. a number of other exciting bookings in the autumn and And here in Geddington, amongst other things, we will spring, which I hope will still be able to go ahead, and have to make new plans for performances from the great I will keep you all informed. musicians and theatre companies we’ve been able to Performances in the village hall have benefited other welcome to Geddington over the years. These actors local causes, and recently we were able to contribute and musicians will be facing massive difficulties, with £100 to Kettering Foodbank, which is now obviously performances inevitably cancelled for months and some all the more important. venues closing down, and we’ll do what we can here to Getting together as a community is something I value support them. hugely, and performances in our village hall really help In June we were hoping to see Mabon, the great Welsh us to do this. I know how much our audience appreciate band, return to Geddington in their farewell tour, but it and that all of our visiting actors and musicians have I’ve had the expected news that the show has had to be loved to come to Geddington, and have commented cancelled. In September we have the Monster Ceilidh on the great reception we’ve given them. It would be a Band booked, but again it is almost certain that it won’t shame if it isn’t able to continue, so I will be pulling out go ahead, particularly given the difficulties of social all the stops to make sure it does, in whatever form. distancing at a ceilidh! Once we are able to announce plans, please support us and our performers. They will need you. Keep safe until then, John Padwick.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 33 Clubs and Organisations

Geddington and Newton Women's Institute

As with other organisations, after March, all Meetings The other year our WI collected children’s shoes for a were cancelled and, as yet, we have no advice from Charity in Western Kenya, so that children did not get National WI concerning resuming our programme. infected feet by going barefoot. However the medical However our President, in Geddington, Joy Tingle, has situation has improved so much that this Charity has been very busy keeping in touch with us all. Regular been wound up. A Hospital has been constructed and emails pop up with a cheery, encouraging message and they are self sufficient. also useful information about how we might occupy our We would now like to support a Charity in Sierra Leone time - anything from Arm Knitting to ordering plants for which is providing school clothes for 11 - 18 year old the garden from Ise Garden Centre and Bosworths, both boys and girls. They need white shirts/blouses and navy of whom will deliver. trousers/skirts.

We managed to fit in two Speakers before we had to finish...

In February, Nick Speed spoke to us In March, Janet Jones took us back in time to the Geddington of about the admirable and necessary 1911, the year of a Census. First we had 10 Information work done by Amnesty International. Panels set up for a Quiz about people and events in Geddington, over the years, to remind us about the village.

Then from 1911, we heard the stories at our particular one to meet friends of three ladies in the village with and neighbours and share our very different roles - a pauper, the information, compare notes and have village Headmaster’s wife, who was further discussion. a teacher herself, and a well educated With the emphasis on women it was lady of private means who was also an interactive, fascinating and very a musician and harpist. worthwhile evening. It was pain- Following this, each Member stakingly researched and presented. received a letter to a villager in a Thank you Janet. particular street. This contained Little did we know that evening information about her taken from the important part the community the Census and in some cases, of Geddington was going to play Army records. There were ‘streets’ again in supporting and helping around the Hall and we gathered its villagers.

34 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Cafe Talk

Café Oak

Café Oak would like to take this opportunity to thank Bernie is making fresh cakes daily and as much as he each and every one of you for supporting us over the can we are offering a gluten free cake (Flour dependant). last 8 weeks as we have turned our lovely teashop into We are posting our weekly specials board on our a takeaway! Facebook page so do look out for those. We truly live in a fabulous place with wonderful We are very much looking forward to welcoming you supporting residents, I love how we are all helping each inside once it is safe to do. In the meantime we will other out and swapping bits and pieces as we need them, continue with takeaways! Café Oak included. We have swapped Guinness for flour, yeast for pizza and much more. We will continue to offer you your favourite takeaways for as long as we can. Our opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 6pm, but closing at 4pm on a Sunday. Where you can please call us on 01536 745040 to pre-order (especially Friday and Sunday, fish and chips and Sunday roasts are so popular)! Deliveries are possible in Geddington - just ask and we will do our best to deliver to you safely distancing! We are still serving at the shop door and card payments and cash are both fine! Thank you for respecting social distancing at the door whilst you wait. Deliveries are cash payments only but no charges for delivery!

A huge thanks once again, Stay safe everyone. Sharon & Bernie, Café Oak.

The Star Inn

We have been racking our brains to think of ways we The Pub offers a place to meet, be with friends or simply can get things back to some degree of normality but escape from the confines of home and sit, perhaps alone unfortunately we seem to be road-blocked at every step. with a drink, but somehow amongst company. It has made us dwell on what a pub offers to the Unfortunately this is precisely what we are forbidden to community and what makes a village pub such an provide by this dreadful virus. There is no-way around it essential facility. - we simply cannot provide take-away companionship. Is it the overpriced drinks for sale? It is going to be a long road back but we will be here for Is it the predictability of the food menu – regardless of you when we emerge from the other side. I am not sure your location in the UK? we will be back with you for any of the summer and we are prepared for the worst. When we do open it will not Is it the slightly shabby décor and cold echo of the toilets? be quite the same at first but things will return to normal The reason we have not been able to provide an answer and, with your support, we’ll be here for is that pubs offer something unique and the provision of as long as you want us to be. food and drink is merely an aside. I hope you are all well and keeping sane. We look forwards to welcoming you back. Love to you all, Richard, Helen, Stephanie, Jonathan and Alexander P.S. We are now taking bookings for Christmas 2021.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 35 Wellness

Lockdown Exercise - Sarah Treanor

I just wanted to add a contribution to the newsletter On top of exercise other really good things to think about about keeping active where we can and making sure we are keeping our immune system strong, fresh fruit and keep using the muscles and joints that we did before veg and supplements to support a healthy lifestyle. lockdown, as much as we can. If people do smoke, lockdown may not be the best time If people can, make the most of the hour outside and to quit, but just cutting down will help and managing besides being in a beautiful setting, there are so many alcohol intake (despite the stress) will also help keep the benefits to walking and getting fresh air. This is easier immune system strong. said than done with kids at home, shopping to manage www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/ and wider family concerns but any small steps we take now are better than nothing. www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop- smoking-services-help-you-quit/ Sport England has produced a really good set of exercises and activities for all ages and abilities and they can all be www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/ found under “Get Active at Home” on: All of these things are hard enough to do in what we www.sportengland.org/stayinworkout used to call ‘Normal Times’ but if they are of interest They even extend to sitting exercises and fitness videos and support, great. especially for those with limited mobility.

Cheers, Sarah Treanor, Vice-President Development and 4th Team Coach, Leicester Hockey.

Staying Young - Pauline Evans

According to all the experts sorry can’t go out. goodness, to keep young and fit no clothes to wear someone is at the door! I have to put on some trendy kit all in the wash basket – over there. Oh I really haven’t time exercise and train to let them in until my limbs complain my head is in such a spin I decided to quit when no cake, no biscuits stretched to my limit. dear me, no shopping according to all the experts cupboard bare to stay young, I must use my brain to the full can’t possibly watch the T.V. pretend I am not here! to keep my mind alive no time to listen to have they gone? I have something new devised. the answering machine / radio 3 what a relief, I’ll carry on my friends are surprised at my demise hardly have time to eat writing poetry must come first as my new adventure my weight is dropping a treat while all else slips into the universe has taken over my lifestyle. not much time to shower I can’t put it down dishes in the sink – what will they think or bath to contemplate the next hour I mustn’t slow down haven’t time to pack the dishwasher have my hair and nails done for how long can this go on? oh dear the dust is thicker gosh no- out of the question Still I’m only eighty one. the floor – I haven’t time to fill the steam cleaner is this a plot to deter my intentions? n.b. husband has gone – left a note saying carpets – Haven’t time to use the vacuum cleaner then I must tell you - “he was sorry he couldn’t remain laundry piled high I am very determined but could no longer take the strain I’ll put - “washer out of use” which month is it? of my raving brain. ironing piled even higher what day are we on? It was driving him insane! iron – “ has fused” whose birthday? no time to cook sorry can’t possibly party I’m losing weight I have too much to do baking – “ ingredients out of date” I have also misplaced my shoe.

36 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Drifting Thoughts - Pauline Evans

I am here sitting with paper and pen poised ready to begin – Their neighbours in the bank are the badgers and otters. but on what? I cannot think of a thing – not a jot! I’m not quite sure where the lair of the fox is! oh dear! have I got writers block? The woodpecker is very noisy this morning! surely not; words are supposed to flow, not just simply - go. flitting from tree to tree. There has to be something for me to discuss I wonder where the kingfisher is? I’m determined not to make a fuss but my mind is a blank, usually he’s very busy down here flying up and down the river, I know, I will take a break, although I haven’t begun or, sitting on his overhanging branch, peering at the water, and don’t deserve one, nevertheless, I will make a drink, ready to dive in for his catch. sit by the river to think. It is hot down here by the water, sheltered from an icy cold wind No joy here! normally my source of inspiration, but not today, making the ripples run and chase each other. it does not usually let me down, nothing mundane and artificial here! my mind begins to wander, as I start to look around - My thoughts have somewhat digressed, now, I find it so interesting sitting here. no longer what I had intended; I can see the Kites their wing span large and beautiful but I am not a computer - no On/Off button on me. with magnificent red tones, I’ll lunch in the garden, down here shining so brilliantly in the morning sunlight, in my favourite spot by the river, circling round and round until landing in the tree relaxing in the soporific feeling it brings. close to me, whistling to its mate; I’ll put on the answerphone. feeding, perhaps not the mate, but a fledgling - “Sorry I’m not here to answer your call, what excitement to see! please leave your name and number It always seems special down here at the bottom of the steep bank, and I will get back to you!”. well out of sight, mysterious, peaceful, part of the scene, a venerable sun trap, all serene, fascinating with its grasses, reeds and wild flowers - safety for shy little creatures to hide from the prying eyes of predators - and me! I must be really silent, the grass snake is swimming in the river making rivulets in the sunshine as he passes me by; apparently, they should be called river snakes, as they spend more time in the water than in the grass. I have seen him before, he lives in the bank. I picked up a baby one in my hand, when collecting twigs blown down by the wind, black, just like the twigs. I jumped - when raising his head shooting his tongue out at me; very cute, very brave - soon dropped him and watched as he stood his ground, before sliding away into the long grass.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 37 Village Life

Out and about...

The sun emerging amid a rainy backdrop - Rainbows have long been seen as a symbol of hope, and recently they’ve been popping up around the village as a reminder to stay positive. Children have been responsible for drawing most of them but it’s good to see the adults joining in as well, and not just in the windows as can be seen from this gallery...

Source: JB.

Source: JB. Source: Rachel Newell. Source: JB.

Anne knitted these for her grandchildren and their teddies! Source: Anne Clay. Rainbow where ever you go! Source: Catherine Parris.

38 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Source: Kate Smyth-Stephens. Source: Andrea Colley.

Ruby Arthur, age 9, with her creation. Source: Eve Berridge. Source: JB.

Source: Rachel Newell.

Source: Catherine Parris. Source: Jo Checkley. Source: JB.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 39 Puzzle Time

Village Trail - Peter Goode

How well do you know Geddington village? All these are viewable from, and photos taken from, public rights of way. See how many you can find.

01 02 03

04 05 06

07 08 09

Answers can be found on page 45

10 11

40 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter A Figure of Speech - Donna Niccolls

This chap looks like he’s rushing to perform at the Village Hall! Hidden on or around him are figures of speech. There are 27 to find.

Answers can be found on page 45

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 41 Puzzle time

Crossword

Apologies for the error in the last edition where the wrong grid was supplied.

Across Down 1. Counting device (6) 1. Turned away or aside (7) 4. A forceful consequence (6) 2. Similar (5) 9. Deport (5) 3. Kitchen implement (7) 10. Relished (7) 5. Commissioned military 11. Act of deliberate officer (5) betrayal (7) 6. Unfathomable (7) 12. Movable staircases (5) 7. Periodic rise and fall of 13. Easily handled or sea level (5) managed (6) 8. Deceive by mock action (5) 15. Lithe (6) 14. Assemble in proper 19. Device in a brass wind sequence (7) instrument (5) 16. Scoundrel (7) 21. Oval (7) 17. Promote (7) 23. Slowly moving 18. Prolonged period of time (5) ice mass (7) 19. Undefined (5) 24. Large artery (5) 20. Live (5) 25. Throws out (6) 22. Sum of money offered 26. Sternutation (6) as a prize (5)

Sudoku

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, you need to use logic to place numbers so that each row, column and 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 - 9.

Answers will appear in next edition.

42 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 43 Newsletter Masthead

The Newsletter is produced and distributed FREE of charge by volunteers Newsletter Committee Jane Tysoe Chair Queen Eleanor Road, Geddington NN14 1AY 07875 266 930 Joy Wilson Secretary 5 Skeffington Close, Geddington NN14 1BA 01536 742 448 Brenda McCraith Distribution 6 Bright Trees Road, Geddington NN14 1BS 01536 743 994 Mark Tebbutt Advertising 46 Skeffington Close, Geddington NN14 1BA 01536 744 733 Justin Brice Editor 46 West Street, Geddington NN14 1BD 01536 746 034 Sylvia Pitts Treasurer 8 New Road, Geddington NN14 1AT 01536 745 350 Paul Johnson Submissions Co-ordinator 12 Queen Street, Geddington NN14 1AD 07540 124 365 Terry Teale Vice Chair 35 Newton Road, Geddington NN14 1AY 01536 460 929

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Are available so that non-residents of our village can keep up with the village news. Whilst renewed on an annual basis, you can become a ‘new subscriber’ at any time by contacting Brenda McCraith via the number above or email [email protected] Subscription rates are as follows for 2019 / 2020 (i.e. 4 issues) UK subscriptions – £6 per year European subscriptions – £16 per year All other overseas – £21 per year

Views and opinions

All views and opinions that appear in The Newsletter are not necessarily those held by the committee. They apologise in advance for any errors that always seem to unwittingly creep in and for the inevitable omissions. Whilst contributions for publication are welcomed, publication in a particular issue cannot be guaranteed. The Editor reserves the right to edit any submission for clarity and space. Copyright of original articles remains with individual authors and The Newsletter Committee. None may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without written permission. Articles submitted are accepted in good faith for their factual content.

Geddington Post Office - extra services Dry Cleaning - can be dropped off at the Post Office, who are agents for a dry cleaning business, any day it’s open. The Post Office also offer their Cashpoint Service, which allows customers to withdraw cash for free.

The LAST date for sending copy in for the next issue is 24th July 2020.

44 Geddington - The Newsletter Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter Puzzle solutions

Village Trail Figure of Speech 01 Date over round arch on bridge 01 In a nutshell. (though obviously not the date it was built). 02 Bald as a coot. 02 Shield on conduit house in front of Queen 03 A screw loose. Eleanor Cross. 04 Earworm. 03 Weathervane on Church of 05 Stiff upper lip. St Mary of Magdalene. 06 Silver spoon in mouth. 04 Finger clock in the wall of Church of 07 Big cheese. St Mary of Magdalene. 08 Red herring. 05 Weathervane on school. 09 Spilling the beans. 10 Served on a silver platter. 06 Cast ornament on arch over gate 11 Time flies. into Church. 12 Playing his cards close to chest. 07 Pinnacle of Queen Eleanor Cross 13 Ace up his sleeve. (showing repairs). 14 Wearing his heart on his sleeve. 08 Ornament on top of United Reform Church 15 Tying the knot. (the Chapel). 16 Enough room to swing a cat. 09 Hole in street wall of Café Oak. 17 All his eggs in one basket. 18 In a pinch (cat’s tail). 10 Only lettering remaining on sign over rear 19 Cat’s got your tongue. entrance to White Lion. 20 Cold feet. 11 Detail of school from village sign on green 21 Walking on egg shells. by Kettering Road. 22 Rags to riches (his clothes). 23 Pull your socks up. 24 Kick the bucket. 25 Piece of cake. 26 Cherry on top. 27 Shadow of his former self.

From Spring 2020 edition

Crossword Sudoku

Puzzles downloaded from www.puzzlechoice.com

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 45 Sunlit churchyard. Source: JB.

Please call 01536 268 991 or email [email protected] for up to date opening information.

Summer 2020 Geddington - The Newsletter 46