This month’s bumper 52-page issue is packed with information to help you through the pandemic, plus information on what’s going on round and about.
Volume 33 Number 1 June1 2020 50p where sold HELLO ALL! INSIDE THIS ISSUE Hope you’re well and staying safe. At least there are some benefits of staying home because it gives us all the chance to tackle that irritating “To Do” list. I VE Day 75: Page 4 bet your house looks like the ones in Good Masks for all!: Pages 6-7 Housekeeping and the garden is looking Young news makers: Page 8 magnificent.! I expect you’ve mastered all aspects of 10 years a store: Page 16 fruit and veg gardening and have learned all about home cooking. Whatever you’re doing, look after Back to school?: Page 21 yourself. Safety first: Page 22 Inside this month’s Link you’ll find messages of Prize competition: Page 24 thanks to all at the village shops who’ve done so Church update: Page 26 much for the community. Let’s add our own thanks to all the “unsung” helpers like the postie, the Bystander: Page 29 milkmen and the refuse collectors, and all the Thanks a lot!: Page 36 community helpers. They’ve been a Godsend! Fight for survival: Page 39 Regards JENNY
Your local nursery, growing plants for gardeners
Herbs both traditional and unusual Wild flowers for bees and butterflies Border perennials and alpine plants Scented-leaf Pelargoniums a speciality.
Vegetable plants: for full list see website Wide range of seasonal flowers including fuchsias, geraniums, basket and patio plants.
Open Gardens cancelled. Please see website for up to date information Tel 01572 767658 www.herbnursery.co.uk
The Herb Nursery We have now reopened on normal opening hours. Visitors are welcome but please maintain social distancing. Numbers in the greenhouses will be restricted were appropriate. We are asking customers to park outside on the road, giving extra space to spread out. Extra hygiene measures will be in place to keep staff and customers safe. For vulnerable people we can prepare your order for collection with card payments over the phone. Please ring between 5pm and 6pm (we only have one line!) or email your order through. 2 CHANGES DURING THE CORONA CRISIS
New shop opening hours Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 8am - 12 noon
Post office opening hours Monday to Friday 1pm– 5pm Saturday 9 - 12.30
We now have daily deliveries of fresh meat, including Steak, Bacon, Chops, Sausages Fresh bread We are offering a FREE delivery service in the village. You can also pre-order Bread, Eggs and Milk for collection or delivery.
TEXT Amanda 07871 310979 to place a delivery order. Orders need to be in place the day before delivery.
Tel: 01572 812322
Greetham Village Shop and Post Office are now a local collection point for Rutland Foodbank
Foodbank shopping list The Foodbank currently have Coffee plenty of the following, so please Dried potato (smash type) don't donate these at the moment. Jam Pasta Small bags of sugar Baked Beans Tinned potatoes Soup Small sponge puddings Porridge UHT Juice Cereals Tins of Custard Please note they we cannot accept Shaving gel Fresh items washing up liquid Items needing refrigeration or freezing Non- Bio washing capsules Alcohol Toilet rolls Items issued on a prescription 3 Flags for celebrations marking the VE-Day 75th anniversary in Cottesmore were supplied by Shirley Smith (pictured left) and displayed by Michael and Joan Boddington. Shirley contacted Hambleton Bakery and asked if they would kindly donate some cakes for the residents of Cottesmore to mark the day. She also wishes to pass on thanks to Amanda and all at the village shop for their sterling efforts in delivering supplies to residents during the current emergency. Photos by Miles Ramsden
Westland Road residents held a social distancing street party with a singalong, music from the 40’s and free party food.
It was great to see some enthusiastic villagers pitching in and decorating their houses and gardens for VE Day. The flag being flown below was spotted in Harrier Close.
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5 The Cottesmore Contribution to ‘Scrubtastic Rutland’. “ We find it is the SMALL everyday deeds of ORDINARY folk that keep the DARKNESS at bay…… Small acts of KINDNESS and LOVE” With the absence of critical PPE available many groups of volunteers have sprung up around the UK sewing much needed scrubs for front line workers in Hospitals, Care homes, surgeries and pharmacies. Rutland is no exception. When ‘Scrubtastic Rutland’ was launched by Jean Denyer MBE of Oakham, a much respected local volunteer, the Cottesmore ladies were keen to help. Co-ordinated by Joan Edwards, we would all like to thank Shirley Bell, Caroline Simmonds, Pat Hart, Elaine Huq, Anne Cox and Sue Hudson for representing Cottesmore in this. They are part of a team of 60+ hardworking residents living in
Hall, Oak House, Greetham, Market Overton and Somerby Surgery, Empingham surgery, and the Oakham surgery and pharmacy. Scrubtastic Rutland have become known for producing a good standard of garment and Rutland has shown that we are thinking of, and helping, others. A fund-raising page was launched for the cause and we would like to thank all the Cottesmore villagers that contributed. Along with Joan Edwards, her husband Keith and the Uppingham Rotary Club, a total of £400 was sent to Jean Denyer for the purchasing of fabric and supplies. And it doesn't stop there……….. Our local, talented ladies are offering to make Rutland that have made 394 scrub sets, 691 Cottesmore residents a fabric face laundry bags and 85+ hats. mask FREE. Material has been donated and we Thanks to Robert Broad, also of Cottesmore, for have an army of village volunteers helping with printing and keeping the sewing that can deliver to you. machines in good working order! While the Government has said that it is not A huge thank you to Joan Edwards, our local compulsory to wear masks, and they are not Parish Councillor, for picking up and medical grade,it will at least offer you and those delivering to the hard-working Jean at around you a sense of security and of course Scrubtastic who has ,along with her wonderful they are made with LOVE. team, delivered to Leicester Royal Infirmary, Glenfield Hospital, Rutland Care Village, Manton
6 It’s not for money, it’s not for fame It’s not for any personal gain Its just for the love of fellow man It’s just to lend a helping hand Its just to give a tithe of self that’s something you can’t buy with wealth It’s not for medals won with pride It’s for the feeling deep inside It’s the reward down in your heart It’s that feeling that you’ve been a part Of helping others far and near That’s makes you be a volunteer Anon
FREE MASKS FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF COTTESMORE….. For residents of Cottesmore, the Parish Council are providing funds to ensure that any resident of the village who would like a face mask can request one free of charge. Different designs available. Please ring the COVID-19 Support Group contacts named on the card you received in March or see page 12 to request one. The Cottesmore- based volunteers will be taking a break from helping Scrubtastic to make these masks instead.
We are looking for some volunteers to help with the making of these face masks. Patterns, instructions and material provided. If you can help please phone me on 01572 813317.
7 The magnificent double rainbow featured as a background to this feature was taken just minutes before the 8pm clap for NHS and Keyworkers on Thursday April 30. This month we feature another of our local starlets. Grace of Clatterpot Lane, Cottesmore has been playing flute for the NHS every Thursday just before the 8pm clapping, including sensitive versions of such wonderful songs as "Somewhere over the Rainbow" “You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Imagine." Grace started to play for the St. Nicholas Church services before lockdown and has volunteered for the local Saturday Rainbows and Brownies for over a year. She still contributes to church online services when required. Grace (17) is currently studying Music, History and English 'A' levels, and along with her passion for composing plays the flute, saxophone and bassoon. She hopes to complete a performance diploma this year. Many thanks to Grace for her marvellous melodies.
*Phoebe Key Warburton, also of Cottesmore, continues to sing for the NHS on Harrier Close each Thursday evening at 8pm.
Here we have the work of another young person from the village, and this time it’s 14-year- old Ellen Wilson. Ellen decided she wanted to do something to help the NHS, so she set to and is currently making these colourful headbands for staff to wear. The buttons on them hold the medical face masks in place. The headbands do two things; they keep your hair out of your eyes, which is a big issue, and obviously they anchor the face masks on. Well done, Ellen. I’m sure your hard work will be greatly appreciated. JSL
8 CLUBS & SOCIETIES COTTESMORE INVESTMENT CLUB than amateur investors, but seeking out good investments does provide us with plenty of Even though we’re not able to meet face-to- entertainment and challenge. If you would be face, the Investment Club is keeping busy – interested in joining us, as things are now we very busy, in fact. Through the magic of e-mail, obviously can’t offer you the chance to come we can (and do) put forward ideas for new along and see us in action. However, if you investments, and vote on which of them to run would like further information about us, you are with. Conditions in the market are pretty welcome to ring Club Secretary John Meara on volatile right now, but this can provide good 812350. opportunities for the making of a bit of profit! John Meara Of course, we don’t claim to be anything other
THE DOG RAMBLERS home with you for disposal if you don’t want to open a waste bin lid. Group walks are not taking place for now but If you need any support with walking your this is what you need to remember when dog walking during the crisis. dog during isolation you can phone one of the group volunteers (see Page 12). Though there is no evidence of dogs, cats or other pets in the UK catching coronavirus and/ After burying the remains of their marrow bones or passing them on to humans, if you’re a dog somewhere in the flower border, my Spanish owner like me, and you do not have symptoms rescue dogs of coronavirus, remember these steps when Snoop and you’re walking your dog(s), or if you’re walking a Berry are pooch for a friend or neighbour: seen Keep 2 metres away from other people and enjoying animals making the In busy places keep your dog on a lead to most of help you stay away from others lockdown while Wash your hands before and after handling observing a dog. guidance on If using gates, try and use a stick to open social the catch and if possible use hand gel if you distancing! have touched anything that could be Jenny Laidler contaminated. You can’t be too careful. You still need to pick up dog poo! Take it
Cottesmore Gardening Group I was looking at our schedule for this year and our June talk was going to be about the Wildflower Gene Bank in Leicester. We are very blessed with our glorious hedgerows and verges,full of so many wild flowers, that brighten my daily walks. I am also reminded of our visit to The Botanic Gardens in Leicester last summer. Ros Kenny
9 RAFA Rutland Branch Meeting - Zoom RAFA Rutland Branch members were connected on Wednesday May 6 by Zoom, the video conferencing app, for their monthly meeting. The software’s compatibility with PC and mobile devices enabled members to see and hear Richard Foster’s excellent presentation “Around the World in 35 years 229 days.” The next meeting will be on Wednesday June 3 and all RAFA Rutland members are invited to join.To be part of the meeting contact Phil Marston, branch secretary, before the event to obtain the link to the meeting. Derek Bury
10
11 COTTESMORE CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT GROUP
Update from the COVID-19 Support Group: If you do need help we still Hi to you all in Cottesmore! have more volunteers than Well thank goodness for the lovely weather we people who need support, so have been enjoying! I hope that those of you please don’t feel that you who have been isolating for weeks on end have can’t ring and ask. been able to sit in the sunshine for a while at Finally I just want to let you least. know that Cottesmore Parish I just want to say a huge thank you to everybody Council are going to provide funding to enable who continues to shop for and run errands for Cottesmore residents to receive free face Cottesmore residents who need a little help at masks. These masks are being made by this time, I know how grateful the people that volunteers based in Cottesmore. If you would you help are, because some of them have been like one, please ring the COVID-19 support kind enough to ring and say thank you and I’m group on any of the numbers below and we will happy to pass that message on to the people deliver to your door. who are doing all the work. Joan Edwards Are you self isolating? We’re here to help!
Sally Hartnoll 9am - 1pm 01572 812824 or 07516 708008 ~~~ Sarah Day 1pm - 5pm 0773 095 2951 ~~~ Joan Edwards 5pm - 9pm 01572 813317 or 07497748734 ~~~ Juliet Burgess Ray 01572 812898 or 07903 021063
Who can be tested Everyone aged five and over is now eligible to be tested for coronavirus if they are showing symptoms, which have been expanded to included a loss of taste or smell. Health Secretary Matt Hancock drastically increased the number of people who can get tested for Covid-19 across the UK on Monday, with the Government trying to track the spread of the disease in order to ease the lockdown. His announcement came after the chief medical officers added the loss of, or noticeable change to, taste and smell to the NHS's list of coronavirus symptoms,. Anyone suffering the newly-added symptoms, or a continuous cough or high fever, should self-isolate for seven days to risk the spread of infection, and anyone they live with should stay home for 14 days. Previously only essential workers, the over-65s and individuals who live with them could apply for coronavirus testing on the NHS website if they were showing symptoms. CURRENTLY THERE IS A REGIONAL TESTING SITE IN PETERBOROUGH AT THE SHOWGROUND. DO NOT VISIT YOUR GP’S SURGERY!
12 COTTESORE COMMUNITY MEDICINES COLLECTION SCHEME Prescription medication can be collected for you from Empingham Medical Practice | Uppingham Surgery | Market Overton Surgery | Somerby Surgery.
is co-ordinating the scheme for Cottesmore
If you need medicines to be collected, please: Email: [email protected] Call: 01572 813380 Mobile: 07956529997
If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer or need help yourself, please get in touch.
You may be isolated, but you’re not alone.
Market Overton and Somerby surgeries are asking patients, where possible, to order repeat prescriptions 10 days in advance. Because of reduced staffing levels, they are struggling to deal with the usual volume of requests.
13 Andrea Naylor art I’m very thankful that I managed to move to the lovely village of Cottesmore a week before lockdown...just in the nick of time! It’s given me a great opportunity to unpack, settle in and explore. Sadly I haven’t been able to carry on with my pastel workshops, demonstrations or private lessons but I have still been able to work on commissions and I’m now setting up online art classes on Zoom. I predominately specialise in pastels and create realistic portraits of pets, people and wildlife. Art is
my true passion and I still get as enthusiastic about portraits as I did when I first started 18 years ago.
My latest pastel creation was of the amazing and truly inspirational Captain Tom Moore, which I have donated to Empingham Medical Centre. Following Tom Croft’s initiative ‘Portraits For NHS Heroes’, I also offered two free portraits to Frontline NHS workers as a thank you for their hard work and dedication. For more of my work or to enquire about commissions or online lessons please visit: andreanaylor.co.uk Andrea Naylor 14 addition to the shop. Wool and haberdashery orders are still being taken through our Facebook and Instagram page, with free delivery in the local area. We’ve got a special offer for Cottesmore residents, as well as free delivery, we are offering 10% off all knitting and haberdashery orders. Our most popular knitting kit at the moment is the Rainbow Kit, which includes 7 bright, fun 50g balls of Double Knitting yarn and an optional 5mm crochet hook. For the kit including the crochet hook it’s £9, for just "When you step into Darn Knit, you’re entering the yarn it’s a world full of vibrant colour, texture and cheer. £7. To create It’s like entering Aladdin’s cave, but full of wool these and haberdashery, with a secret lair out the rainbows you back where magic happens… And by magic, just need we mean clothing alterations. basic crochet Formerly named Altered Images, the shop’s skills, and had a little updating this year with a name they look so change to Darn Knit! Same cosy treasure trove lovely hung in the window or in a new baby’s as always, stocking a range of quality knitting room!" yarns, an extensive collection of knitting Learn to Crochet patterns, as well as all your everyday 1 hour • £15 haberdashery needs. Want to learn to crochet? Well NOW is your We’ve also got everything you might need to chance! Book a one hour class with me over look after your clothes for the long term, from Zoom to learn the basics of crochet, how to darning wools to fabric patches, but also we’ll hold your hook and yarn, how to start off and quite happily mend or alter your clothes for you finish, the three basic stitches of crochet; too, giving them a whole new lease of life. chain, single crochet and double crochet. What We’ve been well known for doing clothing are the benefits of learning one to one? I'm on alterations since 1998! Although, at the hand to help you with any problems you might minute, we aren’t taking clothing alterations in face, we can go over things as many times as during the pandemic, we have been helping you need, and you can ask me questions as we the Scrubtastic Rutland team by supplying go along. Need the kit to start learning? I've them with the equipment they need, and also put together a beginners kit for £7 which helping do some sewing for the hard working include a ball of wool and a hook. NHS staff. We’ve been loving teaching people Sian to knit and crochet virtually, which is a new
15 th and part of Happy 10 Birthday to the exterior of the The Market Store, building as Market Overton well as a complete On Friday May 15 The Market Store in Market shop re-fit th Overton celebrated its 10 birthday. We didn’t and manage to celebrate this momentous event in purchase of quite the way we had anticipated, given the a whole new range of stock. All of which was current pandemic restrictions, but we did have a completed within an AMAZING four months. So team of local bakers making individual on May 15 2010, The Market Store was open for cupcakes. Everyone who came in on May 15 business! had their own cake to help us celebrate our A big THANK YOU to everyone who comes into wonderful community store and, judging by the the store for Jane & Rosie’s homemade cakes, comments we received, they were very popular. for Helen’s scrummy chocolates, for Julia’s If we cast our minds back 10 years, then many home-made sandwiches, Sally’s Herb Nursery of you will remember that following an plants and for all the other essential items that announcement that the village shop was to we stock. Most of all, thank you to our fabulous close, the community met and formed a staff and volunteers; you are doing such an committee to establish a community shop. A amazing job in this time of crisis, ensuring that building next to the former shop was offered for all the vulnerable and self-isolating people in our its use by our wonderful landlords, Lynn and community can get their shopping delivered and Alan Lane. Thereafter came a huge amount of that those that visit the store in person are able work to raise funds from subscriptions and loans to shop safely. for stripping and rebuilding most of the interior JR
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16 the porch and plants obstructing the French A tale of an amateur windows. It was so good to get everything outside in the greenhouse in May, despite the risk. gardener I have four kinds of tomatoes, cucumbers, I found myself lighting candles on Wednesday courgettes, and butternut squashes, as well as evening. No, this wasn’t a preliminary to lettuce, tender annuals, dahlias and small prayer. I’d just been watching the news, which versions of things that won’t mind a bit of cold was followed by the weather forecast with a but need looking after. Each year I try serious frost warning. A few candles in our something new: this year it’s tithonia, or unheated greenhouse could make all the Mexican sunflower (thank you for that difference. suggestion, Monty Don!). So there I was at 10.45, coat on, with matches, Inevitably there is the odd empty pot, or gap in a torch and the tallest, fattest candles I could a seed tray. Perhaps that snail I threw out last find. I had the remains of a thick, plain candle. week had something to do with it? And did I There was a malodorous ‘scented’ one in a see ants? If I ever write something like this wide, low tin, and here was a great opportunity again, perhaps the title should be ‘Why things to make good use of it! I added a tall candle didn’t grow in my garden’. But later in the year for good measure. When I’d finished lighting there will be some pleasant surprises. Those these, the effect from a antirrhinums with few yards away was dark foliage look quite dramatic, as especially promising. reflections made it look Back to where I as if a much larger started. The morning number of candles were after my candle- burning. lighting session, our I’ve always enjoyed gadget that monitors growing things, in a the greenhouse strictly amateur way. temperature from It’s good to have indoors showed that it something to look hadn’t dropped below forward to, especially at freezing. Two of my the moment. Most of three candles were what I plant comes up. When I was teaching, still burning. The plants were fine. And – yes, I you could tell the stage of the school year from do pray, minus any candles. what I had or hadn’t done in the garden. These A group of us plan to continue our regular days I’ve less excuse, but I still do things when meeting to pray for our community, our world, the weather or when I feel like it rather than and ourselves, using Zoom. Do get in touch if when I should. This year we ended up with you want to. plants on the kitchen windowsill, plants inside Anne Adamson [email protected]
“STAYING In is the new Going Out” says Rutland Radio, which is offering a fully co-ordinated and up-to-date service relating to local organisations and advice services, plus a whole list of things listeners can do while being stuck at home.
May 20 while I was finishing off the magazine on the hottest day of the year (so far) I was interrupted by a CV17 Globemaster flying low over the village for quite some time. Did you see it? It had been flying between Brize Norton and Wittering while practising touch landings at Cottesmore. What a beautiful plane. JSL 17 So, What is a travel Counsellor? Well, I am a fully independent travel agent which means I am totally impartial and will only search for holidays that are right for you and at competitive prices. Whatever your budget or style of holiday, I will find something to suit you and your requirements. I will save you valuable time and take the stress out of searching for a holiday. As well as your flights and accommodation I can also book insurance, transfers, airport parking, lounges, excursions and much more, to give you the best travel experience.
A truly personal service I am based in Somerby with over 20 years experience in the travel industry, having travelled to over 50 countries myself. From your initial enquiry to the moment you return from your holiday, I can take care of everything for you. So if you are looking for any of the following, please get in touch! - Ski holidays - Fly Drive/Touring - Cruises - Tailor made itineraries - Golf/sports events - Honeymoons - City breaks - Family & group holidays.
18 NORTH LUFFENHAM WASTE & RECYCLING CENTRE HAS REOPENED BUT BE PREPARED FOR CHANGES Rutland County Council has reopened North Luffenham Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC). This follows the UK government changing its guidance on the closure of recycling centres, encouring councils across the country to re-open such facilities. These sites can now reopen only for bulk waste that cannot be stored safely at home or disposed of through other legitimate routes. Rutland Council says staffing constraints mean it is not possible to reopen both of Rutland’s HWRCs at this time. North Luffenham was chosen because it is larger than its sister site at Cottesmore. North Luffenham HWRC will open six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday), from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Although the site is reopening, it will not be a return to normal service as a number of special measures are needed to maintain social distancing and keep people safe. These measures include: A maximum of four vehicles unloading on-site at a time, with no more than two persons per vehicle. Visitors must observe social distancing and stay two metres away from each other and site staff at all times. The site will close for 15 minutes at 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm each day so that it can be cleaned. No trailers will be accepted on-site because of the need to move vehicles in and out as quickly as possible. Visitors are asked to pre-sort their waste and separate out materials like metal, wood and plastics before traveling to the site Staff at the site will provide instructions but cannot help to unload or put waste items into containers. Further information and guidance around the reopening of North Luffenham HWRC can be found online . This includes tips on how to manage your household waste and recycling while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.
NEWS FROM HARRIER CLOSE Mark Lister has grown some sunflowers and shared the seedlings with the neighbours in Harrier Close, he stated “we are having a competition to see who can grow the tallest / largest by the end of the summer.“ Mark Lister
19 meal. GARDENING JOBS FOR THE After flowering hard prune lilac, Kerria japonica, MONTH OF JUNE and flowering currents...be brave. SPECIAL TIP Lightly prune wisterias. If you are growing runner beans also plant a few You are probably mowing every week now; the sweet peas in the same area. It will look blades of the mower may be lowered. brighter, smell sweet and increase the chances Copiously water newly repaired or newly laid of a better crop due to increased pollination. lawns to avoid the turves drying out. As the sun gets stronger ponds may become Plant marrows, cucumbers, runner beans and French beans outside. Feed and weed lawns with either liquid or granular lawn feed you will be amazed at the improvement. Dig out individual lawn weeds by hand and put them in the bin not on the compost heap. Unless you want to grow lots of lovely weeds to spread on to the garden. Pick sweet peas every other day to keep them flowering and smelling sweet, you can use the petals to make food look pretty. You can now mow off the daffodils in the lawn. Lift and divide spring bulbs and replant the new green so remove any green algae from ponds by stock elsewhere in the garden to increase the twisting it around a cane or a rake then add it to display for next year. the compost heap. Be on the lookout for greenfly, black fly etc, June is the month to hard prune the early treat early rather than waiting until the little flowering clematis that have flowered. blighters appear in packs or swarms. Strawberry plants should be pegged down to As the temperature rises be sure to ventilate encourage layering also spread straw around greenhouses etc to avoid scorching of the plants the stems to keep the developing fruit clear of within. the soil and therefore clean. Pond plants benefit from a pond plant fertilizer Hanging baskets and bedding plants should be and top up of the pond when necessary. safe from frosts now so put them outside. Check climbers to see if they need training Remember to go on slug patrol every night upwards and sideways onto the trellis. when the lovely chaps are out for their evening Happy Gardening, David Penny
Stadium confirms end of greyhound racing in Peterborough after 75 years
The final lap of greyhound racing has been
completed after the city’s stadium confirmed OPEN FIRES AND there would be no more racing there - even WOOD BURNERS after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
01572 787881 01780 430287 07807 390348
ICS Member
20 BOOKS ON WHEELS – AND THERE’S DVDs TOO! THE Rutland Mobile Library has long been a feature of local life, transporting a comprehensive selection of books and DVDs to villages (including Cottesmore, Barrow, Market Overton and Greetham in addition to Kendrew Barracks) as well as providing a useful source of information on county services. Long-time driver Martin Radley has become a familiar face to generations of rural borrowers. We asked Linda Healey of Oakham Library about the background to this invaluable service – and its future. 1. How long has the mobile service been operating in Rutland? Rutland's first Mobile Library was launched on 5th October 1959, so the service has been operating for 60 years! 2. How long has Martin Radley been the driver? 12 years 3. How long does he stop at each village? 10-20 mins at each stop, with multiple stops in larger villages 4. How many miles does the service cover (approx.) on a tour of duty? Approx. 350 miles over a 2 week rota 5. Does the service still include books for adults and children, talking books, large print and DVDs for hire? And does it still have a request service for items not readily available? Yes all those services are available 6. Does it still operate wheelchair access? Yes 7. What does the service cost to the taxpayer? The mobile library budget is £35,400 per annum 8. Does it remain relevant in a computer age? Absolutely! The mobile library had over 7,000 visits last year, and it loaned over 17,000 titles - there is a huge appetite in Rutland for reading. 9. Who decides which books or periodicals to allot for the journey? Our Stock Librarian choses books and discusses what customers have asked for. 10. Is there a possibility that it could be temporarily suspended for mechanical checks? Yes, although we try to plan all servicing around the timetable schedule 11. What is the future of the Rutland Mobile Library? With the continued popularity of the service, we hope it will be going strong for many years to come. 12. Who are the mobile library users' favourite authors? Adult - Lee Child, James Paterson, Phillipa Gregory. Children - Daisy Meadows, Adam Blade, Jacqueline Wilson.
PARENTS SENT LETTER ON SCHOOL OPENING Staff at St Nicholas CE Primary in Cottesmore have been advised that the school will be opening on June 1 to resume the school curriculum in line with Government guidelines. It is understood that head teacher Daniel Alfieri met with school governors on May 19 and that a letter was drafted for circulation to all parents asking for their comments on the current situation. It is known that parents throughout Britain (many of whom have been involved in home tutoring their children during lockdown) still have misgivings about sending them back to school despite Government assurances on child safety during the coronavirus pandemic. The St Nicholas school has been teaching children of parents who are deemed to be critical workers for the past few weeks. They include pupils from the Cottesmore Millfield Academy, which has been closed since March 23. 21 Keep Safe Place Scheme A Keep Safe venue is somewhere a person can go if they feel vulnerable (upset, scared, worried, confused or distressed, or ill) and need immediate support whilst they are out in the community. Below is a list of all places within our community in Rutland.
Shop/Premise & Contact details Shop/Premise & Contact details Opening Hours Opening Hours Rutland County Council RCC, Catmose Brightways Huntsman Drive Mon-Thurs 09.00-17.00 Oakham Mon-Fri 08.30-16.00 Oakham Fri 09.00-16.30 LE15 6HP LE15 6RP
The Railway Pub Station Road Age UK 45a to 45b High St Mon-Sun 11.00-23.00 Oakham Mon-Sat 09.00-17.00 Oakham LE15 6QU Age UK LE15 6AH Oakham Library Catmose Street Uppingham Town Hall 49 High St E, Mon-Fri 09.30-17.00 Oakham Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00 Oakham, Sat 09.30-16.00 LE15 6HW LE15 9PY
Tesco Oakham 96 South St, Uppingham Library Queen Street Mon-Sat 08.00-22.00 Oakham Tues 09.00-12.00 & UPPINGHAM Sun 10.00-16.00 LE15 6BQ 15.00-18.00 LE15 9QR Weds 14.00-17.00 Fri 09.00-12.00 & 15.00- 18.00 Sat 09.00-12.00 McColls/Post Office 30-32 High Street Coop Uppingham 22 North Street E, Mon-Sun 07.00-20.00 Oakham LE15 6NT Mon-Sat 06.00-23.00 Uppingham, Sun 10.00-16.00 LE15 9QL Catmose Sports Huntsman Drive The Falcon Hotel 7 High St E, Mon-Fri 06.30-22.00 Oakham Mon- Sun 07.30-23.00 Uppingham, Sat-Sun 07.30-18.30 LE15 6RP Oakham, LE15 9PY Wetherspoons 55 High Street Smalls Menswear 15 High St E, Sun-Thurs 08.00-00.00 Oakham Uppingham, Fri-Sat 08.00-01.00 LE15 6AJ LE15 9PY Café Nero 17 Market Place Uppingham Surgery Northgate, Mon-Sat 07.30-18.00 Oakham Mon to Fri 8.15 to 6pm Uppingham Sun 08.30-17.30 LE15 6DT LE15 9EG
Barrowden Com Shop Wakerley Rd, Ketton Library High St , Mon-Fri 08.00-18.00 Barrowden Weds & Fri 08.30- Ketton, Sat 08.00-16.00 LE15 8EP 12.00 /14.00-17.30 PE9 3TE Sun 10.00-13.00 Sat 10.00-13.00 Costa Coffee 4 Church Street Mon-Sat 08.00-18.00 Oakham Sun 09.00-17.00 LE15 6AA 22 Repairs Service Installations
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23 Calling younger members of Cottesmore! It’s competition time! Here’s your chance to win a super LEGO Harry Potter Brick Headz All you have to do is draw or paint a picture of some wildlife in your garden. You can email me your entry ([email protected]) or you can pop your entry through my letterbox at 29 Cresswell Drive. The winner and runners-up pictures will be published in next month’s Link. Don’t forget to add your name, age and contact details. About the prize….. Conjure up some magic with LEGO brickheadz Harry Potter and Hedwig These buildable LEGO brickheadz construction characters feature decorated eyes and authentic details from the original blockbuster movie Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone, including Harry’s round black spectacles and a magic wand LEGO brickheadz Harry Potter comes with its own buildable collector's baseplate Mash up and build with other LEGO brickheadz construction characters from your favourite films, TV series, games and comics to create supercool hybrids or your own amazing characters.
Spiderman has been spotted in Empingham delivering the post around the village!
24 RUTLAND HEATING B Based in Cottesmore and covering Rutland
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25 St Nicholas Church So the building is locked. But the church is far from closed! You may have thought it is a sad sight as you walk to the Village shop, or the fish and chip shop, to see the notice up on the church gates to say that you can’t go in to the building. The village church has long taken up a central and prominent place in the village, and many villagers have memories of weddings, never been quite sure what to do about it. Or christenings, funerals, celebrations, and you would like to know what the Bible really precious times of solitude within the building. says before you make your mind up one way or Yet we are following the law of the land, and the another. Perhaps you have had to think church, in locking the doors – to ensure that the drastically about what comes next, or you are church building does not unwittingly become a struggling to cope with what this pandemic has place which spreads disease, misery and even thrown your way. death. As a church we would love to invite you to join The reality is that in this strange interruption of us, whatever your belief or lack of it. We are life, the church is becoming more of what it was starting a ten week free online course, for one always intended to be, not less. It never was hour a week, where we meet up, watch an about a building. The very first church met in Alpha video about one aspect of faith in God, small groups in homes, and was recognised not and then have a chance to chat about it, thrash by where it met, but who it worshipped. Those of out ideas and questions, whilst getting to know us whose habit is to go to church are far from a small group – all virtual, yet still very real. This upset about the new state of affairs regarding is a no-strings attached course - you won’t be the building.…because this is the time that any judged, pressurised, asked for money or past grievances, misconceptions and prejudices hassled, we promise! It is just an opportunity to about ‘the church’ can disappear, and the nitty talk about the bigger issues of life that we are gritty of faith can be rediscovered. We are all thinking about right now. And have a bit of putting a simple service online every Sunday fun and make some new village friends in the that you would be very welcome to watch…find process. it on the church website (https:// If you would like to join us, we are starting two northrutlandchurches.org.uk/) or the facebook courses at the beginning of June – one during page https://www.facebook.com/groups/ the day and one in an evening. Just email us at Cottesmorebenefice. [email protected] and register Are you one of the thousands of people across your interest. the UK who has started to pray recently? We are really looking forward to seeing you! Perhaps you have always believed in God but ANTHONY ORAM Rector
26 DAIRY BARN WE ARE OPEN Our luxury ice cream is made in our ice cream kitchen in our Café.
Ferneley's Essentials Supplies Shop Open 7 days a week, 9.30am-7pm. Supplies we are offering: Loodal Farm Eggs Bloomsbury Bakery Bread Manor Farm Yogurts Frozen homemade soup Owen Taylor Bacon, Sausages & Burgers Ferneley's Fresh Milk from our vending machine Ferneley's take home tubs of ice cream Packs of cones & wafers Butter
Please note: our Café is currently closed due to Government Guidelines relating to Covid-19. Our essentials supplies shop is open. Whissendine Rd, Leesthorpe, Melton Mowbray LE14 2XJ
27 REORT FROM OUR LOCAL BEAT Dear all, The following crimes have been reported on Rutland North beat for April: - Theft - Barnsdale, Hambleton, Theft of vehicle - Langham Theft from vehicle - A1 x 2 Burglary (business) - Whitwell Burglary (residential) - Ashwell Criminal Damage - Essendine, Ryhall Assault - Cottesmore With the current COVID-19 situation we are working hard to keep everyone safe and at home and I am very happy to say that the residents of Rutland have been amazing in the support they have shown to us the police and all other Emergency Services. We very much appreciate all the efforts of our community in doing their part to #SaveLives. We for obvious reasons are not currently holding any Beat Surgeries but we are still available and out on our normal duties. If you would like to make contact with myself or PCSO Di Freeman please feel free to contact us on our email addresses [email protected] or [email protected] or call us on 101. Be Safe Laurie PC 1742 Appleton
RUTLAND Police say that “with the luxury of having more officers than vehicles” they have taken the opportunity to pay more attention to villages around the county. “It’s a great way to engage with residents and ‘sneak up’ on anyone who is up to no good,” said a spokesman. Officers have visited Manton, Edith Weston and Whitwell in recent weeks.
Creating a wildlife sanctuary hazel and hawthorn, and they added a further 200 native trees to create “a proper little Husband and wife Phil and Liz England of woodland.” Market Overton have transformed a two-acre The couple then installed a pond (doing the paddock into a haven for wildlife. Both are digging themselves, with advice from the Trust) featured in the current edition of “Wild”, the which attracted amphibians as well as providing Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust’s water for other animals. It was hard work, but quarterly magazine. worth it. Swallows began taking mud for their The Englands recall how they first planted nest and soon linnets and yellow wagtails were bushes for wildlife and added water to provide also arriving. A green woodpecker “yaffled” birds with bathing and drinking. They then constantly and the Englands spotted a great installed nest boxes, peanut feeders and spotted woodpecker on the feeder. They’ve even coconut halves; and placed bits of apples on seen ospreys over the garden. trees for blackbirds. “When we first moved in we Next step is a barn owl box. “We don’t see all had just a tiny garden, some grass, a tree and a this as ‘conservation’, it’s creation,” say the hedge; nothing else. Now we’ve got a variety of Englands, who take as many photos as they can birds visiting, including a semi-resident blackcap of their feathered friends. “It’s like entering a and even coal tits.” different world. Just being able to see nature, They started by putting up a wooden bird- right there, even in the tiny garden, has made all feeding station and nest boxes. Then they the difference. It’s our little piece of heaven and planted 75 trees, following advice from Hugh, a we feel at peace here. We’d recommend anyone local native tree expert. Initial species included to try it.” cricket bat willow, alder, guilder rose, wild pear, BPM
28 donation amounts to £5,000 worth of PPE. Hoorah for local initiatives during these troubled THE best thing about the lockdown is the times! freedom. Suddenly you have all the time in the FORMER Rutland councillor Robin Schlich died world to dig the garden, walk the dogs or take in at Leicester Royal Infirmary on May 13. He was all those nice little details of scenery you never 85 and served as a county councillor from 1993 noticed before. The birds seem to be singing at to 2002, as well as being a councillor in full throat and the flowers have never smelled Uppingham, his home town. I got to know him sweeter. We’re even told that the moon looks a well. Robin was studious, erudite and scrupulous fraction larger because pollution has been in his attention to detail. He was a Rutlander reduced. We’re on the cusp of beating this thing. through and through. Pity his surname was spelt There may be bad times to come; yet, wrongly in the RCC tribute piece. paradoxically, many of us have never felt MANY people have been googling “Rutland” of healthier. One thing puzzles me. I went for a late, seemingly mystified by its continuing brisk walk the other day, having been advised to existence. Sample question: “Is Rutland still a inhale and exhale more deeply without breaking county?” Answer: “Yes, it’s the smallest historic step. The effect was to take in glorious intakes county in England and the fourth smallest in the of fresh air and blow it out, so the whole system UK.” Second question: ”Is Rutland posh?” felt rejuvenated. Coronavirus attacks the lungs, Answer (by an unknown contributor): “Too posh so why couldn’t our learned scientists have been for Chicken McNuggets but not yet to be part of more upbeat in recommending breathing the Cameron set.” The last question is probably exercises? the best: “Which county is Oakham in?” IT’S also been a great time for rationing one’s TV IF YOU have access to You Tube, I urge to watch input. I have learned to catch the initial list of Matt Lucas’s amusing parody of Boris Johnson, headlines on the TV news and then switch off. I wild hair and all. Typical Borisissms include: “If don’t want to hear the familiar catalogue of you’re working from home, you would perhaps mismanagement, incompetence and falsified be better going to work. And if you’re at work statistics. At least lockdown has taught us to you should really be at home while this relish our many freedoms lockdown continues, protecting both the NHS MY choice of reading during the great pandemic and yourself.” has been Samuel Pepys’ Diaries, with particular CAPTAIN, colonel, and now Sir—it’s hard to keep relevance to the great London plague of 1665. up with the marvellous Tom Moore (sorry, SIR We think WE’VE got it tough; in those days they Tom Moore), the Bedfordshire centenarian and barricaded whole families in their own homes if former soldier who epitomises the very best of one of ‘em as much as coughed. the wartime generation. The knighthood was THE Oakham-based Sentura Group has donated fully deserved. Let’s hope that all the £32m he 200 face shields to Rutland County Council raised from his daily walks goes in its entirety to which will be distributed to health workers. exactly where it was intended - to NHS frontline Sentura plans to donate 1,000 more shields to staff. local people in the coming months. The total BPM
Rutland Cycling has set up a temporary pop-up bicycle repair shop and workshop on South Street Car Park in Oakham. The initiative aims to help get residents out and about safely on two wheels to support their daily exercise. The shop will deliver workshop services, essential products for cycling, and a click & collect service for orders placed on Rutland Cycling’s website. Furthermore, bicycle safety checks and workshop labour will be provided free to all NHS and key workers to ensure their safe and healthy travel to and from work. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the UK government has taken steps to encourage cycling as a safe, healthy and an environmentally friendly alternative to the private car or public transport. By ensuring people have access to bicycle repair services and accessories, it is hoped that more of Rutland’s local community can make use of the good weather and quiet roads and hop on a bike. 29 ABC Garden Machinery Repairs Tel: 07815 88 9992 Email: [email protected]
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30 Coronavirus crisis: Why is Rutland Water still closed?
Rutland County Council and Anglian Water are currently closed to the public at this time. urging people not to travel to Rutland this “We know our leisure attractions are loved by weekend to visit Rutland Water. many and protecting the health and safety of Following changes to national lockdown our colleagues and visitors is our top priority. restrictions by Government last Sunday, “Balancing the needs and wishes of all our allowing people to travel to exercise, there has active communities is always a challenge and been a significant increase in the number of all are keen as each other to get back to some people visiting Rutland to exercise at Rutland sense of normality. We must be certain that Water, which remains closed. when we reopen, we can do so safely, meeting Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County all the guidance on social distancing. Council, comments: “Anglian Water has closed “Please respect the difficult decision we have Rutland Water to protect its staff, volunteers made at this time. Protecting our colleagues and the public and we have been advised that it has been at the forefront of our minds since the will remain that way for the foreseeable future. lockdown began, even though hundreds are out “We recognise that after a number of weeks at working every day to keep essential services home people are keen to exercise in different flowing. surroundings. But Rutland’s visitor attractions, “We don’t want our colleagues to face abuse as bars, restaurants and coffee shops are still has sadly been the case recently. If you were closed. It is therefore important that people do hoping to visit soon please postpone as we will not travel to the county so we can continue to not be open and all tracks and car parks are protect our vulnerable residents from the virus closed." and reduce the pressure on our emergency He added: "For those of you who have been services and the NHS. supportive throughout, thank you so much. It Jake Williams, Head of Parks and Conservation means everything to our teams.” for Anglian Water, said: “Sorry, but our sites are Oakham Nub News
31 alongside the Village Hall-Tennis Courts-Cricket Club, our permanent and long sought- after home!! Since we arrived here in 1987 we have been, and forever will be, governed by the rules of the Football Association. As FA rules alter i.e. Sadly, as with last month’s Link and for the more player substitutes allowed, so dug-outs foreseeable future, no football to report. and changing rooms have to be enlarged - rails In response to the “Paradise Lost” letter to The around playing areas installed. At Cottesmore Editor (April Link) which refers to the recent as we look to progress, the requirement is for developments at Cottesmore Amateurs football the ground to be cordoned off by a permanent, ground, I would like to respond as follow: professionally erected fence. (1) The initial reasoning behind the newly If these rules are not adhered to there is no erected fence (following meetings with the progress. Parish Council) was to overcome the never- The reason for the fence is twofold, prevention ending problem of dog fouling of the pitches. of dog fouling (A health and safety issue) and We would emphasise, yet again, this despite the natural progression of a currently successful innumerable requests for dog owners to please club. clean up after their pets. We would also like to think that the more (2) Aa a club we are always looking to improve people of all ages participating in sport the less our facilities and thereby, hopefully, increase obesity problems there will be for current and the numbers of people able to enjoy their future generations to deal with. football at Cottesmore. One final point, whilst we must accept that The introduction last season of Boys Under 11 nothing lasts for ever, the “bubble” has been and Girls Under 15 teams being a good around for 79 years and hopefully it will remain example and also encouraging. so for some time to come. As for being left with The progress made since the formation of the a white elephant instead of the “once green club in 1941 has been slow and involved many pastures” we would point out that some ten years of hard work and dedication by many, years ago a situation developed whereby both many people. We have moved on from going the football club and the Village Hall were in cap in hand to local farmers (many thanks to danger of being priced out of the required rent Mr. Cecil Hollis in particular) for allowing us to for the land in question. If this situation had use one of his fields for the season (facilities- carried through to fruition the “green pastures” our own wooden shed 24ftx12ft to change in- would have been returned to agriculture usage no running water or electricity-clear cow and probably ended up under the plough. So it droppings from the pitch prior to playing) these could be reasoned that with the football club pitches on Greetham Rd. And Rogues Lane arriving in 1987 and it taking over and were followed by a spell at RAF Cottesmore. We maintaining the top field on the demise of the eventually settled, with the backing of the cricket club, the football club actually created Parish Council among others, at our current the green pastures in question in the first place. location. At last a part of the Village and Allan Westray
DOMESTIC ABUSE Domestic abuse and violence is unacceptable and addressing the issue is and supporting the victims is a priority. Rutland County has a dedicated service that can offer advice, support and assistance to those affected by domestic abuse. This includes support services from other agencies to help address the risks posed by the perpetrator / partner, improving home security or finding alternative accommodation. You can contact the domestic abuse support help on 08088 020 028 or email [email protected]
32 33 A short story - How the Butterfly became beautiful.
A long time ago, butterflies never used to be colourful, but instead were only white. This is the story of how the butterfly gained its colourful wings.
Once upon a time there was an old painter. One day he was preparing to start his work. He had set up a big, white canvas, gathered his brushes and a pot of water ready to begin. He only needed to collect the paints, and he went off to find them. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the painter had decided to leave his window open. In flew a butterfly, weary from flying. It went and sat on the white canvas, to rest its tired wings. When the old man returned with his paint, he did not notice the white butterfly and so began his artwork. When he was finished he walked away to wash his hands. When he returned he saw, to his surprise, that there was now a white spot on the canvas which had not been painted. It was in the exact shape of a butterfly. That’s when he spotted the creature flying back out the window, with its wings covered in the beautiful paint. G.Ellen
SpaceX Starlink: How, when and where to spot the satellite trains in the sky. This is a cluster of 60 satellites that were launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. These 60 satellites are part of the current network of 420 satellites in orbit around Earth that SpaceX has launched over the last two years. Starlink will deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive or completely unavailable. If you have not spotted a Starlink train yet, there are still many opportunities to do so. With no complex equipment required and as long as a clear sky is ensured, you can still check out when the next train might be visible from your location. The Find Starlink website (or the Find Starlink Satellites app) will allow you to find the precise times when a Starlink train will be visible -- you only need to enter your location. The application prioritises bright passes of newly-launched satellites, ensuring you have the best chance to view the train. 34 SOME USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS NHS 111 111 Patient advice and liaison services 0116 295 0830 East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG 0116 295 3405 Boots Pharmacy (Cold Overton Road) 01572 770 101 Day Lewis Pharmacy (High Street) 01572 722 083 Boots Pharmacy (High Street) 01572 722024 Rutland Late Night Pharmacy 01572 723368 Rutland Memorial Hospital 01572 722 552 Melton Mowbray Hospital 01664 854 800
University Hospitals of Leicester (Leicester Royal Infirmary, 0300 303 1573 Leicester General Hospital and Glenfield Hospital) Peterborough City Hospital 01733 678 000 Stamford and Rutland Hospital 01780 764 151 Grantham and District Hospital 01476 565 232 Kettering General Hospital 01536 492 000 Spire Hospital Leicester 0116 272 0888 Nuffield Hospital Leicester 0116 274 3753 Fitzwilliam Hospital 01733 261717
SURGERIES Empingham Medical Centre 01780 460202 37 Main Street, Empingham LE15 8PR (Dispensary) 01780 460003 www.empinghammedicalcentre.co.uk
Market Overton Surgery and dispensary 01572 490399 Thistleton Road, Market Overton LE15 7PP www.marketovertonandsomerbysurgeries.co.uk
Oakham Medical Practice and Rutland Acute Treatment Centre Cold Overton Road, Oakham LE15 6NT 01572 722621
CHURCH CONTACTS For general enquiries please telephone: 01572 812202 (answer phone only) or Email: [email protected].
Please contact a member of the ministry team for pastoral needs or urgent matters. Rev Anthony Oram Email: [email protected] T 01572 812948 Anne Adamson Email: annecadamson@aol. T 01572 812816 Diane Creasey Email: creaseygreetham@aol. T 01572 812079 Cathy Dyson Email: [email protected] T 01572 812497/ 07970568305 Colin Johns Email: [email protected] T 01572 812221 Website Benefice: www.northrutlandchurches.org.uk
35 THANK YOU!!!
So many people have helped during this awful virus, Community spirit is very alive here in Cottesmore!
Just some of the people who have gone the extra mile.
Ali Kerr Keith Edwards Amanda and the team at the Kelly Bull shop Lisa Saunders Amy Sanderson-Askew Natalie Anne Charlotte Hollis Natalie Roberson Claire Wells Pat Hart Dave Perrin Robert Gallaher Dave Smith Sally Hartnoll Debbie Smith Sarah Day Denise & Duncan Bell Sewers making scrubs etc. Jean Denyer Suzanne Britten Jenny Laidler Suzanne Rex Jim & Elizabeth Bolton Tania De La Porte Jo Smalley Tessa Oram Joan Edwards The Pipers Joanne Popple The Roberts family Jon Mitchell Vicki Stevenson Julie Green Volunteers who deliver the Link Juliet Burgess Ray magazine. Kay Rainsby
All those who come out to clap for NHS and keyworkers on Thursday evenings I’m sure there are lots more that we don’t know about, it would be lovely to share your kindness stories – please send them in to us here at the LINK Juliet Burgess Ray
36 37 VIEW FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL unfortunately, though predictably, resulted in a CHAIRMAN – JUNE 2020 small minority of drivers speeding even more We have now entered a new municipal year, than usual. This has led to at least one serious having just held our latest remote Parish Council accident in Cottesmore and is something the meeting using zoom technology. As is customary police are addressing, with increased use of on these occasions, I would like to place on speed guns and their mobile units. record publically to thank my colleagues for all More interestingly, however, is that the increased the hard work that they have put in over the last, emphasis on daily exercise has resulted in more somewhat challenging, year. We ourselves would people walking around the parish. This ought to also like to thank our tirelessly working Parish be good news for people like us with countryside Clerk, Kerry Nimmons, without whom the Council all around. Unfortunately, as we have discovered would just not work! Also you would have seen previously, many walks in and around our litter-picker and highway cleaner-in-chief, Cottesmore end up using the verges and edges Gaby Croson, around the village working in all of our roads. Why? Well a look at historic weathers – and our thanks go to her also. ordnance survey maps shows that there used to I focused my ‘View’ article in the May issue of be many more footpaths around the parish than the Link on ‘Thanks’ to all those who are helping currently exist. With the help of at least one in so many different ways, either as part of the resident, the Parish Council is going to look into wider picture working in the NHS, schools and all this again. I can definitely say that there will not the other essential services and all those who be any easy solutions to this one, but we are are organising and volunteering locally within the committed to looking into it further. parish. Everything I said to you , on behalf of the Residents have asked us about the use of the Parish Council last month, continues to apply. multi-court for tennis, now that tennis has been The local group of volunteers continues to specifically identified as one of the recreation expand its repertoire very impressively. So now, activities that can start again. The Parish Council as well as all the direct help to people with has agreed that the net can be put up and (I specific needs in the parish, a cottage industry is emphasise) taken down by potential users. The emerging. So villages are beginning to revert net should be put up by players, using gloves and back to their traditional role of providing goods taking sensible precautions, and returned after directly for local consumption! Over 40 sets of the game and the box locked. If we find that the scrubs have been produced in the village already net is being left up, we will think again!! and now volunteers are setting out to produce We have now held our second remote Parish face masks, which will in due course be Council using Zoom technology (as you have to available for local people to use, especially if this say, other technologies are available!). It is a becomes a requirement in certain places as the different experience to one held in the Village next phases of releasing the lockdown can, we Hall. I can imagine we might reflect at 10.00pm hope, be implemented. The target is to produce on a cold night in the middle of winter that 700-1000 masks. My Councillor colleagues Joan having the meeting on line has its advantages! Edwards and Caroline Simmonds are heavily Personally, I think that face to face contact is involved in these initiatives, along with others important. We are continually tweaking the organising the Coronavirus response in arrangements, partly to reflect the emerging Cottesmore. (Contact information is available advice to Parish Councils on remote meetings. elsewhere in ‘The Link’). Members of the public can join the meeting at One thing that has been very obvious over the any time – information on how this is available is last couple of months is that, at least until on our web-site. We are also conscious that recently, there has been a clear drop in traffic residents without a computer should also be levels. Complementing this there has been a able to have access. So, at a recent trial run noticeable increase in people walking around through, we tested phoning in to be a part of the the village, also noticeably often on the side of meeting and found that this also works. the road. To some degree these are the opposite So Keep Safe and here’s to the start of summer sides of the same coin and we discussed both (though this spring’s weather at least will take these issues at our last (May) meeting. Taking some beating!) the traffic issue first. Less traffic has Chris Donovan (Chairman 2020/21) 38 MP’S FIGHT TO SAVE PUBS Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has pledged to fight on for publicans after a major pub owner announced a relief package, including partial rents, for its tenants. Many pubs are reeling as the government-imposed lockdown is preventing them from making a living, yet the owners of the buildings they operate in are still demanding full rent. Many owners of the pubs, such as breweries, have announced a 'rent holiday' but some companies like Stonegate have not. This led Mrs Kearns to lead a campaign , attracting the support of around 60 MPs, to demand such a holiday for their tenants. Stonegate has since announced a multi-million pound aid package for its tenants, with partial rent relief amid other measures, but Mrs Kearns believes this does not go far enough. The MP said: "I promised to fight for my local pubs who’ve landlords demanding rent during lockdown. Local pubs at risk include The Plough at Greetham, The Railway in Oakham and the Noel Arms at Whitwell. “I brought together MPs to call for support for pubs across the country including 7 local pubs. I welcome Stonegate / Ei announcements of multi-million £ packages but will push for a rent holiday."
* * *
ALICIA is also thanking all those pub tenants in her constituency who have provided free meals to self-shielding individuals, NHS workers and all the many others who are doing their bit to keep Britain running during the current crisis.
* * *
THE MP has launched the “Rutland and Melton Unsung Heroes” awards to thank local businesses and individuals who are helping to fight Covid-19; see nomination details on her website. On a separate issue, she has condemned all those people who gathered in London’s Hyde Park recently to protest against the lockdown. “They not only defied social distancing by crowding together, they also put the lives of police officers and their families at risk,” she said.
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ALICIA has urged the nation to buy Stilton after figures released by the Stilton Cheese Makers Association show that sales have fallen by up to 30% as a result of COVID-19. The decline in sales is as a result of the necessary health measures put in place by the Government. Stilton is the UK’s most popular blue cheese and the only cheese in the UK with a certificated trademark to protect its British heritage. * * *
39 How To Make A Paper Frog.
You’ll need Paper (pink and green) Two googly eyes Scissors A glue stick Markers (black and red)
Instructions
Step 1 From one corner of your pink paper, cut a strip about half an inch wide and two inches long, like a thin rectangle. Set the rest of the paper aside and curl your strip upward from one of its shorter ends, holding it vertically and rolling the entire piece until you get to the other end. Set this little curl aside for now to use later. This curl will be your frog’s tongue.
Step 2 Holding your green paper portrait-wise or vertically, cut strips about half an inch wide and the full length of the page along your side edge. Cut four strips in total and set them aside for a moment with your frog’s tongue. These strings up will make up your frog’s body and will also be what give the frog bounce.
Step 3 On the rest of your green paper, use your pencil to draw your frog a head and two back feet. Draw your frog’s head like a semi-circle with rounded corners and a small mound on each side of the top. You can also give your frog cute rounded toes because the cartoonish look is better, but you can do more realistic looking pointed and webbed feet if you prefer. The head is about two inches wide and an inch tall and each foot was about an inch long and about half an inch wide at its widest point. Once you’ve drawn these pieces, cut them out.
Step 4 Outline the edges of your frog’s head and feet with black marker to make them stand out, define them a little better, and emphasise that fun cartoonish look mentioned above. Place your pieces on your scrap green paper leftovers so you can get your marker right close to the edges of the shapes without getting black ink all over the table top.
40 Step 5 Complete your frog’s face! Use your glue stick to place a googly eye in each one of the mounds at the top of your frog’s end. Next, use your red marker to draw a smile near the bottom of your frog’s face and your black marker to give the frog nostrils near the centre on either side above that. Finally, apply glue to the outer end of that pink curl you made earlier and stick it right along the frog’s smile like he’s got his tongue curled up and ready to snap out and catch a fly any second! Set the frog’s head aside for now with the feet.
Step 6 Apply glue to the spot where all your green strip ends meet up once more but this time stick the backside of your frog’s head down there. Turn the frog onto its back so you can see the bottom now and apply glue to the two feet you cut out earlier. Stick them to the strips there on the bottom. When you stand the frog up, the feet will provide a flat surface for it to sit on and the strips will bounce a little if you poke or nudge the frog.
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41 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE Food waste isn't just harmful to our wallets, it hurts the planet, too. Luckily you can do your bit with these simple suggestions for reducing the amount of food your family wastes and throws out each week. We've all done it ... reached for food in the fridge and thrown it out because it's past its best. The same goes for leftovers on the kids' with a whole load of things that you never plates – it's sooo much easier to scrape intended to buy – and they'll probably be unwanted and untouched veg into the bin, forgotten about once you get home and never rather than store them for the next day, right? eaten. But wasting food isn't just harmful to your bank That's where a good old-fashioned shopping list balance – thanks to buying more than you can help. actually need – it's also harmful to the planet. Whether you use pen and paper or an app on That's because the food we throw out sits in your phone, keep a shopping list on the go that landfill where it emits methane gases, one of you can amend, ready for each time you shop – the most damaging greenhouse gases driving and then stick to it. climate change. Getting the kids to help tick off the list so they're Reducing our food waste is key to stopping this not distracted by the things you don't need and – luckily – doing so is easier than you may should help, too. think. 3. Store food carefully and correctly From some simple meal-planning to savvier If you're chucking out food because it's gone food shopping habits, here's how you can cut stale or spoilt in the fridge, make sure you're down your family's food waste – and save the storing it correctly by investing in some reusable planet – starting today. airtight containers or freezer bags to keep things 1. Shop more, buy less as fresh as possible. You'll really notice the Most of us rely on a weekly shop to feed the difference! family but eco experts recommend shopping Food experts also recommend lining your salad more often and buying less each time. drawers with kitchen roll to absorb moisture, Although it may be convenient to shop weekly, keeping fruit and veg fresher for longer. the downside is it can make it harder to use Keep bananas away from other fruit to stop things up in time. It's also more likely than you'll things ripening too quickly. And store herbs in a buy more than you need. glass of water on the window sill, not in the Shopping 'little and often' will mean you get into packet it comes in. the habit of buying what you need and replacing 4. Make clever choices it when it's been used up, which can help reduce What you put into your shopping trolley can your weekly food waste. make a huge difference too. Give it a go! For instance, Quorn products such as Mince 2. Make a shopping list (and stick to it) Pieces and Nuggets have been certified by the Going to the supermarket with kids in tow can Carbon Trust. Enjoying meals made with these mean you're easily distracted. Especially with means that, over time, they'll help you reduce cries of 'Mummm, can we get this?' every two your carbon footprint – a clever choice for the minutes. health of the planet and your family, too. Before you know it, you've reached the check-out
42 Other clever choices to avoid food waste include check you REALLY need to. stocking up on wonky vegetables. If it has a 'best before' date on it and seems ok They often go to waste because people don't like and looks ok then keeping it an extra day or two the look of them. But the kids won't know any is fine. Just remember to use it asap! different once they're chopped into their 'Use by' dates do work a bit differently. As these favourite soup or stew – and they'll probably give are devised for safety, the Food Standards everyone a giggle, too! Agency doesn't recommend keeping foods past 5. Learn what to do with leftovers this date. Getting creative with leftovers is key when it comes to cutting down your family's food waste so why not try these tips: If no one fancied tonight's broccoli or you made too much fish, don't throw it – save it for a stir-fry tomorrow. Got loads of veg left that you haven't managed to get through this week? Make a soup and freeze it. Blitz up stale bread into breadcrumbs for homemade fish fingers. Too many mushy bananas left uneaten? Roast them, bake into banana bread or muffins ... the possibilities are endless and there are tons of ideas for using up leftovers online. It says: 6. Waste not, want not (when eating out) 'The food could be unsafe to eat or drink, even if There's no need to waste food when you eat out it has been stored correctly and looks and smells either. fine.' If the kids are often defeated by huge portions in However, it also says that some foods like meat restaurants or simply aren't hungry, take along a and milk are fine to freeze on or before the 'use Tupperware and ask to take it home for later! by' date so if you're not going to get around to Just make sure you chill it in the fridge and using them, freeze them – don't throw! reheat it until it's piping hot, before you eat it. Have you recently changed your views on food 7. Think before you throw waste? Will you try to follow any of these Before you do throw away food, just double suggestions?
FRIENDS and family and the wider Uppingham community are in mourning for well- known Rutland businessman Geoffrey Pointon, who died at Kettering General Hospital in April after contracting coronavirus. Mr Pointon (82) was a director of Uppingham First and president of the Rutland Biz Club.
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44 The leader of Rutland County are not out of the woods just yet. We must continue to be extremely careful. Council fears the easing of "I know some people are concerned that easing restrictions on travel and exercise will bring lockdown restrictions could pose visitors back into the county from other areas at a threat to residents if it brings an a time when many of our residents are still extremely vulnerable to the virus. influx of visitors. Coun Hemsley continued: "Tourism is a big part Changes to government guidelines allow day of our local economy. However, local visitor trips and unlimited exercise outdoors, amid attractions, such as Rutland Water, remain other changes, leading to concerns this could closed, along with cafes, pubs, restaurants and have on England smallest county. shops in both our market towns. The council says this has led to concerns that "We have a large population of older residents increasing numbers of visitors may return to for whom COVID-19 is a much greater risk. We Rutland, despite the fact that local shops, cafés could also do without a sharp increase in traffic and attractions remain closed. on rural roads at a time when emergency Council leader Oliver Hemsley said: “While it services remain severely stretched." was reassuring to see the government sketch He added: "All told, I think we have to be honest out its roadmap for exiting the COVID-19 and say that Rutland is not ready to welcome lockdown, I think everyone would agree that we visitors back just yet.”
NEWS FROM KENDREW BARRACKS The countdown is on! In 4 days the Soldiers and Officers of 7 Regiment RLC will begin Challenge 24/7 Regiment. A continuous run covering 1,777 km, the distance from Kendrew Barracks Cottesmore to St Maximilian Kolbe’s birthplace in Poland. Since the start of the pandemic, coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a major impact on children's lives. Childline has experienced an unprecedented demand for its services - with a rise in calls from children increasingly concerned about their mental, emotional and physical health. During these challenging times it is important to recognise the vital work charities undertake and our support of them is crucial. Please SHARE and DONATE what you can at the JustGiving link below. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/challenge24-7regiment
THE RUTLAND OSPREYS Just a reminder that you can log in to the Rutland Osprey Webcam to take the tedium out of lockdown. All the action is live-streamed from Rutland Water straight into your home via your phone, laptop, computer. Last year the Manton Bay nest fledged a record-breaking four chicks; to date they are once again rearing four chicks, which is amazing and very unusual for Ospreys. At time of writing all four chicks are doing really well. JSL
45 We hope everyone is keeping well and safe Based on the government announcements this week we would like to just let you know where we stand. Hopefully if all goes well, we will be able to open up again in July. On reopening we will continue to follow covid - 19 guidance and we will keep everyone updated on this. In the mean time we shall continue to share pictures and videos of the animals and please keep supporting us with donations if you can, even if it's those veggies that are starting to go past there best you can drop off at the farm gates for the animals. Again we want to thank everyone for their continued support and we hope to see you 'll again soon.
46 Student land army urgently needed! The UK is rapidly approaching the peak harvest season and 80,000 seasonal workers are needed to help bring in the harvest from the end of May and across the summer, to bring in the UK harvest on British farms. A LEP call is therefore going out for a Student Land Army – targeted at 6th formers, further education colleges, and Universities and higher education facilities across Lincolnshire for students on a break from education to join the national push. A Student Land Army can have a significant impact on the national effort to overcome the pandemic emergency, whilst earning an income with their peers, and supporting personal goals. We are encouraging students to share with their friends and join the #StudentLandArmy today!
47 EXTRACTS FROM THE DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COTTESMORE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 20 APRIL 2020 The Cottesmore Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak Mrs Edwards reported that arrangements were all in place and running well, with 28 volunteers. It was noted that 9 of the volunteers have not yet needed to be allocated under the ‘buddy system’ part of the programme. A bank account had been set up with a debit card for use in situations where residents having shopping done for them, don’t have any cash in the house. Mr Donovan offered the thanks of the Council, and residents, to Mrs Edwards, and all the volunteers, for the support being provided. Water Collecting on the West Side of the New Build Out on Main Street Mrs Harvey reported that the lack of action with regard to the required work had been escalated to director level within RCC. Allotments It was advised that the area of land adjacent to the multi-court was not large enough for the proposed allotments and that the Council will need to find some land that can be purchased for the purpose. The Planting of Trees Along the South Side of the B668 Between Cottesmore and Greetham Greetham Parish Council provided details of the proposal to plant around 80 trees, mainly on the south side of the B668 between Cottesmore and Greetham. These will be maintained by RCC at no cost to Cottesmore Parish Council. The Council welcomed the initiative and asked that Greetham Parish Council liaise with Mr Barker, as the project progresses. Planning Construction of 5 no. detached dwellings. Land Off Main Street, Cottesmore. It was agreed that the Parish Council objects to the proposed development in this form for the reasons set out below. 1. It is outside the Planned Limits of Development, as established by the current adopted Rutland Local Plan. 2. It has been identified in the Regulation 19 Draft of the reviewed Local Plan. However, and accordingly, the principle of development on this site has not yet been established, given that the Local Plan has several key stages to go through. So this proposal is premature. Furthermore the draft Local Plan suggests that the site should include a maximum of 8 houses, at least 2 of which must be affordable. This clearly reflects the importance that RCC places on new affordable housing in Cottesmore. Seeking therefore, to provide 5 large houses, is clearly an attempt to circumvent this potential commitment to the requirement to provide affordable housing, were the principle of housing development to be established on this site, which of course would only happen if the Local Plan proposals for this site were to become, in due course, adopted. (It should also be noted that this response in no way should be taken as any indication of the Parish Council’s response to the principle of development on this site - that will properly covered by our response to the Reg. 19 Local Plan later in the year). 3. Proposed development on this site has been refused in the past. One of the reasons for this has been the limited access to the site, something we do not consider this application has adequately resolved. 4. The proposal is contrary to the adopted Cottesmore Neighbourhood Plan. It is, as noted above, outside the existing Planned Limits of Development. In particular, it is also contrary to policies COT H2 and COT H3. The first of these, COT H2, reflects the key priority of the residents of the need for a mix of 3 bedroomed and 1/2 bedroomed starter homes. No exceptional circumstances are made, as the Neighbourhood Plan requires, for developments of over 3 bedroomed houses. COT 3 supports the need for affordable housing and we object to this proposal in trying to avoid these obligations.
48 5. We also note you have consulted the Village Hall Management Committee. They will no doubt address, amongst other issues, the long-term held view that if this site were ever to be developed, a proportion of it should be used for community activity related to the Village Hall. A - 1 no. Yew tree - Cut overhanging branches overhanging neighbouring property Hywalls, Clatterpot Lane, Cottesmore by up to 3 metres back to the wall. B - 3 no. Tall self-seeded unidentified trees - Cut overhanging branches overhanging neighbouring property Hywalls, Clatterpot Lane by up to 3 metres back to fence, please note there is concern that the trees are in danger of falling if fence is removed. Clatterpot House, 4 Clatterpot Lane, Cottesmore. It was agreed that there were no objections to this application. Remove 1 no. Juniper Tree. Fountains Barn, 32A Main Street, Cottesmore. It was agreed that there were no objections to the removal of this tree but the Council would want to see it replaced with a suitable tree. Next Meeting The next Parish Council meeting will be held at 7.30 PM on Monday 15 June 2020. ≈ ≈ ≈
RUTLAND GARDEN CENTRE With the government restrictions being lifted a little, we would love to welcome you into our garden centre. For your safety and the safety of our colleagues we have implemented the following changes at our Garden Centre: We are limiting the number of customers who can enter the garden centre at any one time. Entry to the Garden Centre is now made via the Gates leading to the Retail Village. A queueing system is in place from these gates to the main entrance of the Garden Centre. You will be invited in to the centre once numbers allow. The small carpark next to the Potting Shed café will be closed at all times for now. There is a one way system in place through the main building. The Tills are now located in the wooden cabin next to the entrance. Only one customer / family to enter the till building at a time, when invited to do so.
This little Robin probably thinks his mate got all the worms.
49 WORDSEARCH - FRUITS
WHAT A LEARNING CURVE I've learnt so much during this crisis….. All teachers deserve a pay rise (an epic pay rise!!!!) My A levels are about as much use as a chocolate teapot when it comes to home schooling. Trying to scrub a six year old with soap is like trying to baptise a cat. If you keep a 6 year old indoors all day you need to put them on an extending dog lead for everybody's safety when you finally pluck up the courage to take them out. There's a shortage of tonic water (a serious shortage). You use the same amount of yeast for making a 1lb loaf of bread as you do for a 2lb loaf . You can make jam with the frozen plums you find at the bottom of the freezer when you're looking for ice cubes (for the gin). You can make plum gin with frozen plums (no tonic water needed ) I can't run as fast as a small child can scooter. I'm hopeless at riding bicycles. There's a national shortage of flour. Shopping at the market is way better than the supermarkets and I'm never going back to my l lazy ways of shopping. It's an education all round….. CED 50 We also offer a remote support service
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