41 WATER: THE BIG QUESTIONS By Cllr Richard Pavi
Two issues have pushed water on to the Government’s agenda. One is pollu on of the nation’s rivers and the failure of the Environment Agency to prevent this; the other concern is a serious shortage of water in the east of England. This is evident locally where our rivers are being robbed of their flow due to over-abstrac on of the Chalk aquifer. This raises environmental concerns and a big question over the future resilience of our water supply.
Before you wonder, this is not a func on of lack of rainfall. The mean rainfall around the Essex/Cambs border has not changed significantly for the past 60 years. The problem is en rely man-made, resul ng from population expansion and over-development in the south east of England. However medium-longer term climate change could trigger drought conditions.
The north of U lesford sits above a Chalk aquifer that stretches in a narrow arc from Wiltshire through the Thames Basin to north Norfolk and the east coast. For thousands of years this aquifer has produced alkaline water of great purity and near constant temperature year round. The resul ng Chalk streams support a unique biodiversity; but for the past 40 years this has been badly neglected by those responsible for protec ng our environment, principally the EA. This is all more unforgiveable when you consider that most of the world’s 200 or so remaining chalk streams are in England. Ecologically, they are our rain forests, our unique contribution to global ecology.
Chalk streams are highly sensi ve and in our area suffer a double whammy: lack of water + pollu on. The flow of the river Cam, which rises near Debden, is at its lowest since records began 70 years ago. With so little water volume the effects of pollution are massively magnified, making it a hos le environment for the fish, invertebrates, water voles and kingfishers that would normally populate a healthy chalk stream.
For much of the year the Cam has almost no natural spring-fed flow. In the summer, the river-bed is dry from its source un l it reaches the sewage treatment works at Newport where recycled ou low provides most of the water you see in the river. Wenden Brook suffers much the same fate. It is dry before Wendens Ambo and what reaches the Cam is the product of
40 1 soakaways and licensed industrial ou lows (*note). Historically these rivers would have had a proper flow and any pollu on quickly diluted and washed away.
We – that is myself and fellow district councillor, Neil Gregory – are leading a campaign to get Uttlesford’s water supply and rivers situa on taken seriously. In July our mo on at council was unanimously passed, reversing years of complacency. Recently, we proposed the crea on of CURAT (Cam Upper Reaches Ac on Team) to lead a hands-on effort to improve the condi on of the river as it flows through U lesford. You are welcome to join. Details at Curat.org.uk.
On 21st July 2020 UDC Councillors unanimously voted in favour of a cross- party mo on to protect the rivers of U lesford for future genera ons. When presen ng the motion Cllr Richard Pavitt, deputy chair of the Climate Change & Ecology Working Group, said the underground Chalk aquifer feeding the district’s rivers is being over-exploited to supply housing development in Cambridgeshire and U lesford. “As a consequence river levels are cri cally low and this will get worse as climate change reduces rainfall in a region that is already water stressed.” The mo on calls on the Environment Agency to take ac on to avoid the loss of important river habitats; and requires the Council to introduce policies to protect the district’s rivers and make new homes more water efficient.
CURAT is a group of volunteers passionate about saving and restoring the upper reaches of the Cam as it winds through historic villages and meadows.
* note: We have asked the Environment Agency to look into the poor condi on of the brook and will report back in the next edi on of this magazine.
2 39 38 3 4 37 Have you seen the development on The Croat?
Have you seen what’s new on The Croat? Will it cause traffic problems? The answer is new The Bug Hotel; the answer to the second ques on should be ‘no’. We may not actually see any of the residents of this hotel arriving or depar ng as this is a very private and discreet hotel. The lower floor should hopefully encourage hedgehogs to enjoy the warmth and ambience of the fallen leaves. The next two floors are open for all types of residents: there are pinecones, teasels, stones, and layers of s cks, so the prospective customers can take their pick. Behind the hotel one will not find the kitchen dustbins but a pile of small branches for the wood lice and other wood loving bugs. Rather than a penthouse floor or an alpine roof line there is an eco- friendly green roof. Some small perennials have been planted there and, fingers crossed, next year some wildflowers will show themselves and encourage more visitors. The first visitors to this brand new five-star venue have been pea bugs and lady birds.
Although located in the village of Wendens Ambo, the bar at this hotel is non-alcoholic!!! This loca on is designed to cater for creatures with a preference for a five- star standard and, we trust, the hotel is to their sa sfac on. We look forward to return visits year on year.
Thanks to Jill Porter, the Wendens Ambo PCC, Bob Stewart, James Cazenove, Sam Slota-Newson, Kate Butcher, Tenzin, and TKE for the lining of the green roof area.
36 5 6 35 34 7 8 33 32 9 10 31 30 11 Clergy and Others
Team Rector: posi on vacant
Team Vicar : Rev. Alex Jeewan, The Vicarage, Great Chesterford 531153 [email protected] www.camvillages.org.uk
Priest with responsibility for Wendens Ambo: Rev. Tim Hardingham, Steading, Royston Road, Wendens Ambo 542874 [email protected] www.wendenheritage.org.uk
Parish Office: Open: Mon-Fri, 9.30 am to noon 506024 office@stmaryssaffronwalden.org
WENDENS AMBO
Churchwarden: Ms Sue Watson, Kellers, Duck Street 218309 Mrs Zoe Forster, 29 Carters Hill, Manuden 07708 497117 Treasurer: Dr Robert Wilson, Kellers, Duck Street 218309 PCC Secretary: Mr Denis Dunstone, Wenden Place Farm 541595 Mothers’ Union: Mrs E. J. Newbold, The Crockern, Royston Rd 540386 Bellringing: Mr David Kent, The Outspan 540105
LITTLEBURY Churchwarden: vacant Fabric Officer: Mrs Camilla Lethbridge, Granta House, 522191 Treasurer: Mrs J Loughran, 13 Spencer Road, Great Chesterford 530963 PCC Secretary: Mrs Claire Durrant, Kents Farm, 510728 Li lebury Ladies: Mrs Jo Hancock, Northfield House, Roman Way 520469 Bellringing: Mrs Isabelle Page, The Gatehouse, 529089
U lesford Local History Recorders: Mr Mar n Rose, Li lebury and Strethall 524215 Ms Sue Watson, Wendens Ambo 218309
LITTLEBURY GREEN Joint Mrs Rose Johnson, Briarwood, Li lebury Green 01763 838275 Pro-Warden: Mrs. Pam Waters, Merrydown, Li lebury Green
12 29 There were lots of winners in the various Fruit, Veg, Floristry, making and baking classes including William and Catherine Love , Jo Willmo , Gemma Sturges, Clare, Mark, Edward and Emma Samson, Oliver, Chloe, Lucy and James Cazenove, John and Marion Macdonald, Liz and Annie Hartley, Diana Healey, Sam Slota Newson, Geoff and Sue Cur s, Kaye and Violet Mason, Sarah Moffa , Bill and Pat Arnold, Marion Lindsell, Anne Dunstone, Jasper Fraser, Felix and Pippa Butterworth and Sue Watson.
Refreshments were enjoyed. The burgers and the hot dogs were devoured. The pin of Wherry beer was drunk dry. The soft drinks and wine were refreshing and popular.
To round off the day, a well-supported raffle took place with everyone eagerly awai ng the draw. In fact, two took place – one for the children and one for the adults. There were lots of winners and no losers.
WAS, the event supporters, displayed the photographs from the summer’s photographic compe on and the winners received their well-deserved prizes. We have some fabulous photographers in our midst.
We are a blessed community in our village.
A big thank you to the Wendens Ambo Society for their support. A big thank you to FOWAC for the work they undertook (including the logis cs of Coronavirus) and for put ng on the show. Finally, but not least, thank you to everyone who supported this event: those who entered, those who acted as judges, those who donated raffle prizes and those who came along to take part in the fun.
28 13 FOWAC’s first Wendens Ambo Fruit and Veg Show, Saturday 12th September 2020, sponsored by the Wendens Ambo Society
My word, what a lovely day on Saturday 12th September – the sun shone, there was a light breeze and some fun-loving socially-distanced compe tion was enjoyed by all.
Due to the very strange year we have been experiencing many of us have become more involved in nature. Some have grown more of their own fruits and vegetables and the weather has encouraged an abundance of produce in the hedgerows. Flowers and creativity has blossomed in households all around Wendens Ambo.
As a village we have had some good community experiences this year; the Easter Egg Hunt; the teddy bears in the windows; support for the ever changing Bear in the Reynolds’ front garden; VE weekend along with the village Treasure Hunt; the WAS Photographic competi on; the discovery of painted stones around the village. Fabulous. So, to lead us into the autumn and celebrate the labours in our gardens and homes a small Fruit and Veg Show was arranged by FOWAC.
Longest, heaviest, largest fruits and veg were brought along to the village hall by keen gardeners on 12 September. Displays of flower arrangements in teacups nestled beside bunches of herbs in a jam-jar. The battle of the cheesy scones was fought alongside the duel of the homemade scotch eggs.
Some under 16s produced fabulous miniature gardens with swings, ponds including a fish, plants and hedges. Imagina ons took off in crea ng creatures made of vegetables and beau ful cupcake designs--not forget ng the colourful and creative painted stones.
14 27 ii. It was agreed that residents need to email their MP and County Councillor to demand ac on to improve road safety, including the extension of the How a Child Trust Fund works 30mph speed limit out of the village and at the bottom of Rookery Lane. Chair Gibbs and Cllr Rowley resolved to co-opt addi onal support with the Money in a Child Trust Fund account belongs to the child and is ‘locked in’ inten on of forming a community action group, and also liaise with Ickleton un l they turn 18. When a child or young person turns 16 years old, they can Parish Council regarding how they achieved their traffic calming measures. legally take over responsibility for their Child Trust Fund account and can Matters for Further Discussion i. Concern was raised by a resident that they make decisions about the fund (such as switching to another provider or felt that the Parish Council had not adequately responded to complaints transferring it to a Junior ISA). They can do this by contac ng their Child Trust rela ng to works undertaken at The Bell without planning consent and within Fund provider. the Conservation Area. Acting Chair Slota-Newson confirmed that the Parish When the account holder turns 18 years old, they can access and withdraw Council had discussed the issues raised and noted that the public can contact the money in their Child Trust Fund account. HMRC sent the parents (or UDC regarding any complaints and concerns that they have, and asked guardians) of qualifying children a star ng payment voucher of £250 (or £500 whether UDC had been notified. Chair Gibbs confirmed that the issues have if you were on a low income). This voucher could then be used to set up a been raised with UDC by the Parish Council, who said that The Bell were Child Trust Fund account in the child’s name. working with them, although the Parish Council have not been no fied of any Types of Child Trust Fund planning applica ons to date. The resident explained that they felt that it was There were three types of account that could be opened with the voucher: inappropriate to discuss the planning applica on of the Figh ng Cocks, yet 1. Cash Child Trust Fund – where you can make deposits just as you not discuss the lack of planning applica on at The Bell. Ac ng Chair Slota- would for a bank account, which can earn tax-free interest. Newson explained that the Parish Council have a responsibility to consider 2. Stakeholder Child Trust Fund – where the savings in the account are planning applica ons before them and agreed to look into whether further put into a wide mix of stock market investments, with a set of rules ac on is required. The clerk reminded the mee ng that the Parish Council do to reduce financial risk (including that the money would gradually be not make planning decisions and are just a statutory consultee, whereas UDC moved to lower-risk investments when the child reaches 13 and a are responsible for planning matters and any necessary enforcement. cap on the annual charge). Stakeholder Child Trust Funds are charged Residents can contact UDC by letter, telephone, or email to raise any issues based on the value of the fund and capped at a maximum charge of they may have rela ng to planning. 1.5% a year. The next Parish Council Mee ng will be held on 5th October, 2020 at 8pm, A child will have a stakeholder Child Trust Fund account, opened by on Zoom. The public are welcome to a end. HMRC on the child’s behalf, if their parent(s) failed to open a Child Trust Fund account within a year of receiving a payment voucher. Wendens Ambo Parish Council Meetings 3. Shares-based Child Trust Fund – where most or all the money is If you have any points to raise with the Parish Council, please write to the invested in shares, but without the protections of a stakeholder Parish Clerk or drop a note in to any councillor about your concerns and it account. The savings in the account could be put onto the stock can be added to the agenda for the next mee ng. If you would like to join market via an investment fund of your choice or into your own the mee ng using Zoom, please write to the Parish Clerk and she can send investments. you the joining details. If you would like to listen to the mee ng, you can phone in. Contact the Parish Clerk, Amanda Lindsell, 56 Wash Cottages, The amount of money in a child’s Child Trust Fund does not affect any Thaxted Road, Debden, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3LS or benefits or tax credits the child’s parent/guardian receives. [email protected] for more informa on.
26 15 Wendens Ambo Parish Council – Summary Dra Minutes September 2020 Parish Council Mee ng (full minutes are shown on Village website (www.wendensambo.org.uk) District Cllr Neil Gregory reported; i. School transport appears to be working, despite teething issues. ii. The finance director at UDC has worked wonders to stabilise the medium term financial forecast, with UDC in a far stronger posi on than most councils. iii. The District Councillors have £2000 each to distribute as grants between their seven parishes. iv. Scru ny Committee heavily cri cised the lack of measurable progress with the Local Plan at this week`s mee ng. v. The Government`s consulta on on the White Paper - Planning for the Future includes; i. Consultation on changes to the calcula on for assessing housing need - 01/10/2020 deadline. ii. Consultation on changes to the content and prepara on of Local Plans and also to Development Management and how planning applica ons are dealt with. - 29/10/2020 deadline. The Clerk reported; Unfortunately, Cllr Glazebrook submitted his resignation from the Parish Council 17/08/2020. I have no fied UDC and adver sed the vacancy as required. If an elec on is not requested by 5pm 09/09/2020, then the Parish Council will be able to co-opt a new member on to the Council. If an election is requested then it cannot be held un l May 2021, due to current Covid restric ons. Thanks were extended to Clive Glazebrook for his work with the Parish Council. Government Consultation on White Paper - Planning for the Future It was agreed that Chair Gibbs, Cllr Kathryn Butterworth and Cllr Sam Slota-Newson will review the consulta on documents and report back to the Parish Council with a draft response for agreement. Waste Bins: It was agreed that the Clerk would order 2 waste bins and 1 dog waste bin and that Chair Gibbs would co-ordinate their si ng; i. On the main road near Chinnel Lane. ii. At the bottom of Rookery Lane. iii. Dog waste bin to be located on the diagonal footpath off Rookery Lane, close to the verge, avoiding the gateway and footpath. Road Safety - i. It was agreed that a review of the road signage in Wendens Ambo would be considered in the future.
16 25 24 17 18 23 Services for October Church services have resumed but the church is observing the strictest guidelines for keeping covid-secure. This limits a endance and so we are offering a mix of different services. Our offering needs to change as the circumstances change but these are our current plans. Live services Live in-churchservices: Li lebury has services every Sundayin October, Li lebury Green on the 3rd and 4th Sunday as usual and Wenden will have church services every Sunday. For theWenden service you need to“book a pew” because wecan only accommodate about 28. The Wenden service will con nue to be available on Zoom as well. Those attending by zoom will be present in church on the big screen and as fully able to par cipate as people in church. Please e-mail [email protected] to ask for a place. The Address of this service will always be Mee ng ID: 947 5485 9274 Password: wenden. Please ask to be put on the mailing list for the order of service, e-mail [email protected].
St Mary’s, Saffron Walden Services There are services in church and online. You can watch streamed Sunday services by logging into YouTube via the church website or join services by Zoom from your phone or computer. Please book online or by contac ng the Parish Office to reserve seats to a end. Sunday 4 October 8am Holy Communion (1662) Sunday 11 & 25 October 10am Holy Communion Sunday 18 October 10am Family Service (not streamed) Weekday Zoom services Tue. 5pm Evening Prayer Wed. 9.30am Communion Service The church is open for private prayer Sundays, Wednesdays 2 - 4pm. For current informa on call the Parish Office Mon-Fri 9.30am-noon or: www.stmaryssaffronwalden.org/servicesinchurch
22 19 October services Wendens Ambo All these services can be attended either in person in church or on Zoom from home. As Covid restric ons change we shall explore opportuni es opening up over how we sing in church. 4th October 9.30 Harvest Morning Prayer with “Sunday School” 11th October 9.30 Morning Prayer 18th October 9.30 Holy Communion 25th October 9.30 Morning Prayer 1st November 9.30 Morning Prayer with Sunday School 4.30 All Souls Service Littlebury 4th October 10.00 Harvest Family Service 11th October 11.00 Morning Prayer 18th October 11.00 Holy Communion 25th October 11.00 Holy Communion (Archdeacon Robin King visi ng) 1st November 4.00 Service of Commemoration and Remembrance Littlebury Green 18th October 9:30 Holy Communion 25th October 9:30 Family Service
Bible Readings in October Churches may choose to celebrate Harvest in October Harvest Deut. 8:7-18, Psalm 65, 2 Corinthians 9:6-end, Luke 12:16-30
4th October Trinity 17 Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:9-17, Philippians 3:4b-14 Ma hew 21:33-end 11th October Trinity 18 Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23, Philippians 4:1-9 Ma hew 22:1-14 18th October Trinity 19 Isaiah 45:1-7, Psalm 96:1-9[10-end] 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22 25th October Bible Sunday Nehemiah 8:1-4a 8-12, Psalm 119:9- 16, Colossians 3:12-17, Matthew 2430-35
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