There’s still time to get your free face masks! See page 13 for details.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Volume 33 Number 2 July 20201 50p where sold COLIN EASSON (Motors) Ltd

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2 HELLO ALL! INSIDE THIS ISSUE Heartfelt thanks to those of you who told us how much they’d enjoyed last month’s “Link”. The last great plague Pages 6-7 It was a big edition, produced under pressure June at 90 Page 7 and within all the stringencies of lockdown, and many folk were amazed we’d produced Have ball, will travel Page 8 an edition at all, for which we must thank our Free masks Page 13 marvellous printers and advertisers. Master of arts Page 22 Things have moved so swiftly since we began Litter lady Page 26 July’s magazine that we’ve again been David Penny Page 31 pushed to keep up. If this issue has been Holiday ideas Page 40 overtaken by events we can only apologise. Parish update Pages 42-43 Meanwhile, stay healthy and keep in touch! Bystander Page 48 Regards, JENNY

Throwing away used masks, gloves and other PPE If you wear masks, gloves or other personal protective equipment (PPE) please do not throw them in the recycling bin because they cannot be recycled. Throw them in the household waste bin instead. Also, if you have coronavirus symptoms, or live with someone who does, you need to take extra precautions before throwing away your PPE.

CHANGES DURING THE CORONA CRISIS From 6 July: New shop opening hours Monday - Saturday 7.30am - 6.30pm Sunday 8am - 12 noon

Post office opening hours Monday - Friday 9.00 – 5.30pm Saturday 9 - 12.30

We have daily deliveries of fresh meat, including Steak, Bacon, Chops, Sausages, Fresh bread

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TEXT Amanda 07871 310979 to place an order.

Tel: 01572 812322 3 THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation – Coronavirus Support Fund This fantastic charitable organisation gave us (Cottesmore Link Magazine) a grant of £1500 so that we could still produce a magazine with all its vital information for the residents of Cottesmore

The Community Foundation rarely asks for cash. We’re not fundraisers as such: our job is to provide an inexpensive, knowledgeable platform for companies and individuals to give locally, and match their crucial support to the small charitable groups which work so hard to keep Leicestershire and Rutland healthy and thriving.

But these are difficult times. Lockdown is hard for all, and we’re seeing first-hand that for many it’s disastrous. Local charities and community groups need help to deal with people facing loss of income, new debts, cramped accommodation, domestic violence, worsening mental health, isolation, lack of internet access. HOW AMAZING ~ LOOK AT THE HELP THEY HAVE GIVEN TO SO MANY! TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: 91 29.05.2020 TOTAL £ AWARDED: £363,196.50 29.05.2020 Without their help we would have had no option but to cancel the magazine. We are a not-for-profit group and rely solely on our advertisers to pay for printing costs. As many of our loyal advertisers have been affected by the virus and lockdown the only fair thing to do was to freeze their advertising until they are able to work again. We are so grateful for the support of the Community Foundation which has completely paid our printing costs for May, June & July. This has enabled us to help many residents in Cottesmore providing information about shopping, prescriptions collection, farm shop deliveries, local shop deliveries, scrubs and masks, mental health info, domestic abuse helplines, corona virus updates etc. Juliet, Jenny, Janice, Jean, Barbara, Hilary & Shirley Village Link Team

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5 “I HAD A LITTLE BIRD, ITS NAME WAS ENZA. I OPENED UP THE WINDOW AND IN-FLU-ENZA” *

COTTESMORE soldier Jeremiah Smith had every right to congratulate himself as the year 1918 dawned. For four bloody years the young Royal Artillery gunner had witnessed the First World War at its worst. Now the end was in sight and he was looking forward to returning to his family in his home village. Alas, it was not to be. With the Armistice just two months away, Gunner Smith contracted influenza and was never to see Cottesmore again. One of several children of a well-known local family, the former farm worker’s name is on the village war memorial, along with all the other the magnitude of the disease was initially brave heroes who also laid down their lives for suppressed by Britain’s major media outlets, their country. ostensibly to avoid leaking details to the enemy Jeremiah, whose parents Jeremiah and Matilda, at a time of war but mainly because the lived at Cottesmore Lodge, then Buswick Lodge, politicians were unaware of the danger of the enlisted for the disease and had no idea how to control it. This Army in Oakham in censorship was meant to help protect the May 1914, four public’s morale, but it didn’t help protect their months before the health. Sounds familiar. war started. Despite The symptoms in most people were similar – being exposed to al sweating, sickness, a dry cough and a gradual the dangers of the breakdown in circulation. The illness mainly most merciless targeted the young and able, including one conflict in history, he sweet young nurse, Phyllis (“Hillie”) Burn had shown a (pictured, right) who died, aged 20, having Jeremiah Smith remarkable capacity selflessly left her family home and moved to a for survival. nearby house to avoid distressing her next of Then he caught the Spanish Flu (a misnomer as, kin. apart from one of its early victims being King The flu was no respecter of persons. Victims Alfonso XIII of Spain, it didn’t start in Spain) and included Sir Hubert Parry (composer of the was treated at the 21st Stationary Hospital in Proms’ favourite, “Jerusalem”) and the diplomat France on September 24 1918. Sir Mark Sykes (co-creator of the Sykes-Picot Doctors were amazed when he recovered when Middle East treaty) who was only 39. Those who other young men, nurses and medics were dying survived the flu worldwide included David Lloyd- in droves, but the disease had weakened his George, Walt Disney, Greta Garbo and Gandhi. system and he died on January 29 1919 of Rutland was largely spared the excesses of the appendicitis and was buried in France. He was pandemic, which was thought to have started in just one of many. insanitary conditions at a military hospital at More than 50 million people worldwide are Etaples, France. Reports of the time suggested estimated to have died from a pandemic which that its first wave in Britain started in Glasgow was to see no equal in its ruthless rampage until and the ports of North-West of England before the arrival of the current Covid-19 strain of working its way through the major industrial coronavirus earlier this year. cities of the Midlands, where it was rife among The Spanish flu arrived in Europe in 1918 and, crowded, insanitary, working class homes. after several peaks and troughs (and false One survivor, a farmer who lived until the ripe euphoria when it appeared to have gone, only to old age of 98, recalled: “Doctors were powerless. reappear) finally petered out in 1920. News of Strong men and women died in a matter of 6 days.” In Rutland the Earl of Lonsdale took the which did more harm than good. One precaution of having a personal physician based overworked GP merely left a prescription form at Barleythorpe Hall; while at nearby Langham, at the very first house in a long terraced street Hugh Smith had a nurse on his payroll. for the rest of the street’s residents to pass on Langham School (already hit by pupil absence in to neighbours. the days when farm work requirements took Many mothers and babies died; those who died priority over lessons) had to close briefly when at home were often not counted as flu teachers went sick, and then for a longer period casualties, just marked “died in childbirth.” for a whooping cough epidemic. There was a Names of members of the Armed Forces who more serious flu outbreak at Uppingham School died in Britain after returning from the in which 400 out of 470 pupils were affected, battlefields with flu were grouped with those plus several members of staff. One teacher killed in action. More than 1,600 adults and died. Oakham had a small cottage hospital in children died of influenza and associated Mill Street, though it was not open to everyone; illnesses during three outbreaks in Leicester. By those on parish relief could only be admitted the summer of 1919, when the virus had with a recommendation from the hospital’s subsided, ladies’ committee. The really poor were 228,000 condemned to be treated at the workhouse people (five clinic, from which they seldom emerged. Some times the patients were sent to Stamford or the LRI by current UK horse ambulance or rail or, from 1918, pandemic Oakham’s first motorised ambulance. death rate) A pamphlet recommended people to give up had died in shaking hands and kissing. Publicans were Britain. A urged to thoroughly wash the lips of glasses in further running water, rail travellers were asked to take wave Phyllis Burn later trains (after rush hour) to avoid infection appeared in from passenger congestion, and cinemas were 1920 but had far less impact. required to self-ventilate for 30 minutes every It wasn’t until 1933, with the invention of the three hours and show a Government-sponsored electron microscope, that scientists deduced information film “Dr Wise and the Foolish that the Spanish flu was caused by “an Patient.” extremely infectious virus (H1N1A)”, and that Quack cures were numerous, including alcohol, droplets from coughing and sneezing had nasal douches, raw onion, electric shocks or Dr helped to spread it. A vaccine was developed for Williams’ infamous “Pink Pills for Pale People”. that particular strain. Now, in 2020, we must One man claimed to have cured himself by pray for another miracle. –BPM using paraffin oil. Many people relied on folk A playground chant from the remedies, beef tea, mustard plasters and lots of * fresh air. Some doctors over-diagnosed aspirin, pandemic years 1918-20.

June Wardell from Gainsborough Court celebrated her 90th birthday on 8th June. She had a small social distancing picnic in the garden, a beautiful cake made by Christian from the Sun and a video with birthday wishes from family and friends. It was not the birthday party that had been planned, but she still had a fantastic day.

7 RAFA Rutland RAFA RUTLAND: Next meeting 1st July 2020 by Zoom Guest Speaker: Lieutenant Colonel W J Meddings: Commanding Officer | Second Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment Subject: ‘2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment: operations and training in 2020 and 2021” Wednesday 5th Aug 2020. Guest Speaker :Adam Lowe. Subject : "Rutland Lockdown". Cycling around Rutland and exploring the many Pill Box structures hidden away. Wednesday 2nd Sep 2020 Wings Appeal Meeting. , Phil Marston (Branch Secretary), "Northern Ireland Experience Derek Bury

least we can enjoy the produce! Cottesmore Gardening Group Next month, you will find the schedule for the We’re looking forward to September 6th when show in the Link. It was printed in April's Link if we hope things in this crazy world will be you need to refer to it. We will not be delivering normal enough for us to stage the Craft and it to every house as we have done in the past Produce show. The committee are continuing but ask that you use it to plan your entries. with our preparations and hoping for the best. We have rescheduled July's talk for next year. The recent rain has meant that the tomatoes Perhaps if things change we will be able to and beans (the only things I have room for in have an outdoor get-together later this my compact garden) are growing well. I hope summer. I have really missed our meetings! your proposed entries are doing the same. The Ros Kenny great thing is that, if we can't have the show, at

Curzon on the Dutch/German border, in 1971 COTTESMORE AMATEURS on Jersey on the Channel Islands, in 1980 and 1981 at Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and in FOOTBALL CLUB 1982 at Dunkerque in France. Hi from all at the Cottesmore Amateurs Football The games played in Ostend, Curzon and Jersey Club and we trust you are all keeping well in the saw the Amateurs emerge with 100% records. current lockdown situation. We’re now well into The 1980 and 1981 excursions to Amsterdam the month of June and the recent easing of were both tournaments against other European Coronavirus instructions has meant that the nations, both of which saw the lads bring home lads are able to start training, albeit with certain the silverware!! reservations. At this point in time however, we The success story finally came to an end ( unlike have no idea as to when the local leagues can Britain’s other famous sortie) in Dunkerque, start in earnest. with a 1-2 defeat to our French hosts. So in that case let us reminisce and take a look Along the way, back at base, we have been back at the times and places when the club privileged to entertain top clubs such as West proudly carried the Cottesmore banner to Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, Lincoln City and foreign, as well as home, fields. Nottingham Forest, not forgetting the Croatian A government-sponsored Sportsmatch award in national squad who trained at the then Rogues 1993 saw the then main club sponsor/first Park during the Euro 1996 Championships. team manager Chris Duggan and myself attend As a small local football club we are proud to a reception at Buckingham Palace after making have entertained and visited such clubs over the representations at the Royal Geographical years, and to have carried the name of Society in London. Cottesmore not only throughout our own East Going further back in the history pages saw the Midlands area but also to other far-flung shores. club participate in European International Allan Westray Tournaments in1970 at Ostend, Belgium and 8 CLUBS & SOCIETIES COTTESMORE INVESTMENT CLUB is right. Following the tos and fros of the Stock Market The Investment Club has been lying pretty low provides plenty of interest, and indeed plenty of during the last month. As you’ll have noticed, challenges. We are on the lookout for new the economic news isn’t great, and we can’t members; if you feel you could be interested in help feeling there are shocks still to come in joining us, we would normally suggest you the Stock Markets – so caution is the order of could come along and sit in on one of our the day. We can’t meet face-to-face right now, meetings. That’s clearly not possible right now of course, but keep in close touch with each – but to contact us, or get information about us other remotely – and will be ready to spring into and our activities, you are welcome to ring investment action as soon as we feel the time Secretary John Meara on 812350.

owned and used by a dog walking & pet sitting THE DOG RAMBLERS company and the other is at Braunston and is used for THE DOG RAMBLERS ARE RAMBLING AGAIN. dog training, animal rescue and general hire. We are We’ve all missed our group walks but when the so lucky to have these two meeting places, and as you lockdown restrictions eased a little we were able to can see we are certainly making full use of them, and meet in groups of six. Two of our loyal members who many old doggie friendships have been renewed. have local dog businesses have offered us ’safe’ If you would like to join this group please contact me paddocks where we will have exclusive use. One is on 811038 or see our Facebook page. Jenny Laidler

9

Hello fellow villagers, What strange and uncertain times we are living in!! Hope you are all well and finding time to re -energise and reconnect with family and friends through various multimedia channels. Thank you to those who I have spoken to or have sent kind messages regarding myself and my business. Definitely a tough time in the travel industry at the moment. I’ve so been busy changing people’s future travel plans or working on amendments and cancellations for the past month. I am secure and happy with the service I have provided my customers and I’m sure they are glad they have had me to handle all the chaos and not having to deal with it themselves. This summer may be a travel write off, but I’ve seen over the last few days an interest in enquiries for this winter and summer 2021. Now is never a better time to start planning your next adventure. I want you to have the best experience possible which is why it’s so important you have access to all the relevant travel information and advice needed for your future trips, as well as total peace of mind knowing your bookings are backed by ATOL protection and our unique financial trust. I cannot emphasise enough that your money is fully protected. If the travel ban is still in place (in line with FCO advice) there are options to defer, take a credit note or have a refund for all your plans. We all will definitely need a holiday after this! Whatever the future of travel will look like, people will still travel. I’m very optimistic about the future and I’m open for business. Stay safe and be kind!

10 change as time progresses. Cottesmore Wine Circle We have August in sight for our scheduled Well what can I say about our Wine Circle, meeting when hopefully we will be able to apart from in line with Government guidelines resume our jolly Circle. Thereafter, if we have not met since February. Our permitted, there will be a lot of missed members were all prepared to have a fabulous meetings to catch up on before the year end. tasting presented by two valued members in Due to member changes in The Circle we now April but it was not to be so; we are hoping have a very small waiting list, so do please be they have stored the wine for the time when encouraged to discuss with Janine Rees on we can meet, and not been tempted to have it 812167 or via [email protected] and all themselves! Our summer get-together, still add your name, it really is a fun and relaxed in the diary for the 18th July, is not looking evening with a jolly group of local residents. promising but we are ever hopeful things may Janine Rees

Cashless society More payments than ever are being made by contactless card during the current pandemic. Retailers are welcoming debit or credit cards like never before because of their use as part of an instant transaction. Regular usage of banknotes and coins fell 15 per cent last year, with cards making up more than half of all transactions for the first time. Some seven million people now use cash only once a month.

JOAN EDWARDS of Cottesmore was Rutland Radio’s “Hero of the Month” in May for her tireless work for the community in connection with the virus aid programme; Amanda Lewis of the village shop received the same honour in June. Sally Hunt, stalwart of Market Overton store, was interviewed on Rutland Radio about the shop’s 10th anniversary.

11 COTTESORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 SUPPORT ROUP

Are you self isolating or shielding? We’re still here to support you!

We will help you with Shopping, Posting Mail, Food Bank, Urgent Supplies and Friendly Telephone Support.

See contact details below; we’re only a phone call away.

COTTESMORE 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. COTTESMORE CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT GROUP 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 12 FREE MASKS FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF COTTESMORE….. Have you got yours yet?

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.

Joan Edwards

NEW FACEBOOK PAGE FOR COTTESMORE RESIDENTS

If you would like to keep up to date with local news and what’s going on in Cottesmore, please “like” the new Facebook page “Cottesmore Times”. Now the focus is easing from Coronavirus and numbers are reducing let’s keep up the great community spirit that we’ve seen in recent weeks with a new Facebook page that will benefit everyone in Cottesmore.

We welcome you to share anything relevant to the people of Cottesmore. Suggestions for posting include — lost & found, what’s on, incidents in the village, general enquiries, useful information, gifting or wanted, Coronavirus support enquiries, clubs & societies, request for help. Tradespeople are welcome to place adverts too.

13 may feel isolated or lonely, as well as collecting RECOGNITION FOR RUTLAND almost a tonne of donations for the Rutland Foodbank over the past month. HELPERS IN VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK Coun Alan Walters, Cabinet Member for Adult People who have given their time freely to help Social Care and Health at Rutland County individuals, families and communities affected Council, said: “COVID-19 has taken a terrible toll by COVID-19 are being recognised as part of this across the country. It has also brought out the year’s National Volunteers’ Week. very best in our communities and highlighted the National Volunteers’ Week is an annual event incredible lengths that people will go to help and that celebrates the huge contribution made by support one another. The response to COVID-19 millions of people across the UK through here in Rutland has been nothing short of volunteering. amazing. Local food delivery and medicine This year’s National Volunteers’ Week took on a collection schemes could not have worked special significance because of the volunteer without the time and energy of dedicated effort that has been mobilised in response to the volunteers, working with the Council, Parishes COVID-19 pandemic. and good neighbour groups. Thank you to Around 200 volunteers have come forward in everyone who has come forward to volunteer Rutland to support those affected by COVID-19. their help and support.” This includes volunteers who have been working Rutland Community Wellbeing Service is with Parish Councils or good neighbour schemes continuing to build up a network of volunteers to to collect shopping and medicines for people join voluntary and community sector partners in who are self-isolating or being shielded because supporting Rutland. If you would like to find out of the virus. more or register as volunteer please visit: Volunteers have also been involved in providing www.rutlandwellbeing.org.uk/covid. friendly phone call services to help people who

FARM PARK PLEA FOR HELP Oakham’s Rutland Farm Park has re-opened but is still appealing for help in maintaining food supplies to its animals. A combination of two harsh winters, the death of founder Daphne Ball, and the coronavirus restrictions have hit it hard. Earlier this year the owners were forced to put a range of animals up for sale. The 19-acre venue has been in the Ball family for five generations. It focuses on conservation and education while trying to preserve rare breeds of sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry. Now it is appealing for public support to help it buy animal food. “With all the dry weather we’ve got no grass in the fields and we’re having to give animals extra food to compensate” said an official. The need is for sheep food, sugar beet, cattle food, mixed corn for the birds, salad and fruit for birds, grass nuts and lamb creep. Rutland Farm Park may be contacted on 01572 722122. Please call Rutland Pet Supplies (07860 112583) to deliver on your behalf.

“Lost cards” alert An Army spokesman has said that an incident involving a senior military figure who was said to have lost vital business cards on a Cottesmore street has been “properly resolved.” The cards allegedly belonged to the commander of an anti-virus disinformation brigade based in Berkshire and were said to contain office and cell phone numbers as well as an e-mail address. The brigade is being used to fight disinformation spread by foreign powers about the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

14 THEY’RE OPEN! Anglian Water says over the past few weeks, it has 'worked tirelessly' to ensure health and safety requirements can be met for all its water parks. However, a spokesman said that to protect the local Rutland community, the company asks people not to visit in large groups and not to rush to visit either. " There will be plenty of opportunity over the coming weeks. We are keen to avoid a large influx of people arriving at the same time. There “We would like to thank those of you who have will be limited parking onsite to ensure that we been supportive throughout this time, it means can monitor the flow of people coming to visit everything to our teams." and ensure social distancing is possible. “We will continue to monitor the Government’s “There will be changes across our parks to make advice and the situation as the summer sure Government guidance can be maintained progresses. and to protect visitors and our colleagues. Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County "The waterside and harbour cafes will remain Council, commented: “Rutland County Council closed, along with the Rutland Belle. We also fully supports Anglian Water’s decision to re- won’t be opening the beach this summer." open its facilities at Rutland Water to the public. Other facilities that will remain closed include "A significant amount of detailed planning has the nature reserve, all children's playgrounds, taken place to ensure the re-opening is as safe mini-golf and there will be no water sports hire. as possible for, staff, volunteers, residents and Rutland Cycle will operate a click and collect tourists. service through its website. “We recognise that, after so many weeks spent The spokesman continued: "It is clear that there in lockdown, people will be keen to visit the is still a long road ahead in respect of living with reservoir. But, we would urge everyone to Covid-19 and it’ll come as no surprise that, as exercise restraint, and consider the potential with all walks of our current lives, things will look implications an influx of visitors could have. a little different for some time to come. "All of Rutland’s tourist attractions, restaurants, "We know this has been a long and frustrating coffee shops and bars are now gearing up period and we would like to thank everyone for reopen in the summer, depending on their patience. What makes us love doing what Government guidance, so there will be plenty of we do, is seeing and experiencing the pleasure time to visit then, but now we must all play our all our visitors get from their experience on our part in ensuring our vulnerable residents and the parks. wider public are protected from the virus.”

Anyone with a season ticket for the car parks at Rutland can take their card to the information centre at Whitwell and they will extend your subscription for three months to allow for the recent closure.

LANGHAM Street Market, planned for August Bank Holiday Monday (August 31), has been cancelled because of problems with social distancing. Burghley Horse Trials are cancelled. Burghley House gardens are open. Rutland Water opened during the first week in June. Carphone Warehouse is closing its Oakham High Street branch as part of a nationwide shutdown of 531 stores involving 2,900 jobs.

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16 17 SUPER SHOP DISPLAY WINS VE PRIZE Greetham Village Shop was one of the three winners of a “virtual” Rutland Radio competition to find the best display to mark the 75th anniversary of VE-Day. Around 200 stores and homes from around the county sent in photos on aspects of VE-Day (including historical pictures and artwork) as part of a contest which was devised by Rutland Radio in conjunction with Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness, High Sheriff Richard Cole, Rutland County Council and the Oakham Armed Forces Breakfast Club. Entries were judged by Sarah, Richard and radio presenter Rob Persani. Nicole-Marie Brown’s colourful spectacular of flags and memorabilia, which framed the frontage of her Greetham shop, shared top billing with the Lewin family’s contribution in Edith Weston and Hugo and Milo Barley’s offering from Uppingham. All three finalists were awarded £50 Amazon vouchers. The idea for the competition followed a conversation between Rob and the breakfast club’s Tracey Taylor. “We felt we had to do something to mark the occasion, even during lockdown, and it proved to be an enormous success,” he said. Entries were judged from photographs which ranged from pix of street parties to artwork by HMP Stocken and displays at Army bases, including Kendrew Barracks. Organisers said it was particularly gratifying to see so many contributions from children.

keeping the store going but for coping with all A LABOUR OF LOVE the stress of the pandemic while finding time RUNNING a village shop can be tough, to deliver vital supplies to the old, vulnerable particularly during a pandemic, but there are and housebound for miles around. compensations. First, it’s the vital hub of the So it’s only fitting that regular shopper Eleanor village, a natural gathering point for locals as Bland of Main Street should contact Rutland well as a handy stop-off for passing trade. Radio to pay tribute. “Nicole has been a STAR,” Second, at a time of crisis, local stores have she said. “She has brought in essential proved their worth by continuing to offer a products such as flour, toilet rolls and lots of pleasant, no-fuss, alternative to supermarkets. hand sanitisers, masks and gloves as well as Third, there’s the personal touch; customers care packages. She also keeps the post office can express their gratitude face to face. It’s a going, which has been very busy. hard life for proprietors in making ends meet “As well as selling essentials, she has been and working all the hours God sends. It’s high delivering packages to vulnerable people all time their hard work was recognised. Greetham is fortunate in still having its village around the area; cleans, organises and runs the shop, and proprietor Nicole-Marie Brown has shop’s library (something of a novelty in such a earned great praise from villagers for not only small store); and still found time to festoon the 18 shop windows with bunting and artwork to recorded an interview with Nicole at the shop mark the VE-Day 75th anniversary. It was a fine which was broadcast on June 12. show which rightly won the store county-wide “I am very grateful for the nominations for Hero accolades. (The shop currently features a Covid- of the Week,” she told the Link. “I believe it’s 19 themed display which has also attracted a important that not just we retailers but all key great deal of praise). workers, who are normally working hard day to “Nicole works non-stop, and her hard work is day but are being put under extra pressure by greatly appreciated in the community. Despite this coronavirus, should get suitable publicity having health issues, and being a high-risk and thanks for all the hard work they’re doing. person, she is constantly on her feet and would “Times are still tough, but we’re coping. I’d like do anything for her customers and for the to thank my Dad Bill for continuing to do all the passing trade on which the shop relies so hours he does in keeping the shop going. If it heavily during this dire period. She deserves wasn’t for him, and for the wonderful maximum recognition for all her efforts.” community support we’ve had over the years, Radio presenter Rob Persani was happy to read we would have closed a long time ago.” out Eleanor’s letter on air while praising all *The shop is for sale. Contact Nicole and her shopkeepers who’ve struggled to commit to the team for details. community during the coronavirus saga. He JOKES  A bear walks into a bar and says: “Give me a whisky and er, er, er, soda.” The barman asks: “Why the long pause?” and the bear says: “Dunno, I guess I was just born with them.”  This actor fell through the floorboards. No worries. He was just going through a stage.  Heard about the claustrophobic astronaut? He just needed a little space.  Why did the chicken go to the séance? To get to the other side.  “Doctor, doctor, I think I’m Tom Jones.” “It’s not unusual.”  What sits on the bottom of the ocean and twitches like mad? A nervous wreck.  A man tells his doctor: “I need help; I’m addicted to Twitter” and the doctor says: “Sorry, I’m not following you.”  What kind of exercise do lazy people do? Diddly-squats.  What did Dickens keep in his spice rack? The best of thymes, the worst of thymes.  What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.  “Doctor, doctor, I’ve got lettuce stuck in my ear.” “Ah, that’s just the tip of the Iceberg.”

THE YEAR IN QUESTION 1. Sexy Dutch actress Sylvia Kristel, famous for her “Emmanuelle” films, dies at 60. 2. Wonder horse Frankel wins his 14th straight race before retiring. 3. Austrian Felix Baumgartner plunges 23 miles from a hot-air balloon to become the first man to break the sound barrier from space. 4. Roy Hodgson becomes England soccer manager. 5. Richard III’s skeleton is found under a Leicester car park. 6. American astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man on the Moon, dies at 82.

7. Many parts of Rutland are submerged water after torrential rain. 8. RAF Cottesmore prepares for a name change to Kendrew Barracks.

9. Centenary of Scott’s tragic demise at the South Pole. 2012 10. Victory parade is held in London for GB’s Olympic Games athletes. Guess the year. Answer on Page 48. 19 LOCAL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 MAPPING FIGURES Oakham East suffered 11 deaths from Coronavirus in the run-up until the start of June. The figure is released in new mapping data from the Office of National Statistics, which also reveals the worst or best hit areas down to postcode level in the months of March, April and May. Six deaths happened in April and five in May. Oakham West, Langham and Whissendine suffered two deaths in April. Uppingham, Lyddington and Braunstone suffered one death in April and two in May. Market Overton, Cottesmore and Empingham didn't suffer any deaths at all!.

PHARMACISTS report a huge increase in customers seeking treatment s for hands irritated by the constant washing required to fight Covid-19. Emollients or moisturisers are recommended as antidotes. Hands should be patted dry after washing, rather than rubbed, to avoid abrasions. DID YOU KNOW? You could fit 100m viral particles on the head of a pin but would only need to be exposed to a few thousand to be infected with Covid-19.

CHURCHES OPEN FOR PRAYER Britain’s churches have re-opened for personal prayers, funerals and weddings, after the Catholic Archbishop of Southwark, the Most Rev John Wilson, wrote to the Prime Minister, calling church closures “an infringement of both religious freedom and equity.”

THE EU is expected to reject demands for stronger legal protection for UK branded products, such as Melton Mowbray pork pies and Stilton cheese, despite Britain promising to protect such Euro delicacies as champagne and Parma ham.

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ICS Member Cottesmore’s former postman 20 The ten weeks of lockdown have put a major focus on the nation‘s mental health. Pepper’s - A Safe Place has been open for the last 18 months and offers a friendly space for all those with on-going and serious mental health conditions. It allows them to meet, share stories and have a fun time with others in similar situations, whilst enjoying some light refreshments. Not surprisingly, we have been closed for the past few weeks but can’t wait to open once again. We open every Tuesday between 10.30-14.00.

We know that over recent weeks many in Rutland have found just leaving home scary and are apprehensive about going out and meeting people. For them socially integrating again is proving to be too difficult.

So, we want to provide support for everyone who finds themselves struggling post-lockdown. To do that we plan to open at least one extra day a week. But, to do so successfully, we need more volunteers. Do you have a couple of hours to spare once a week, or fortnight? All we ask is for you to come along to Pepper’s at 2a High Street in Oakham to lend a hand - to talk to new arrivals and make them feel welcome, help with the teas and coffees or even complete a jigsaw puzzle together!

This is an incredibly valuable thing to do and it will make a major difference to many local people. If you would like to offer your support, please contact us at Pepper’s.

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www.peppersrutland.co.uk | [email protected] | 07891 866130

HURCHES are open for private prayer and (eventually) funerals and weddings. Zoos, farm C parks, drive-ins and other outdoor attractions have re-opened. Pubs, coffee shops and restaurants have been given the go-ahead for July 4 but are seeking reductions in the two-metre rule. Hairdressers and other hospitality venues, including theme parks, can re-open the same day; caravan parks hopefully soon. Only one-third of dentists had returned to work (with due precautions) in early June; many more are still working on distancing and anti-virus precautions. Like the NHS, they face an enormous backlog.

EWARE the Covid cons. Don’t sign up for virus testing kits, vaccines or alleged miracle cures; B only the NHS is providing certified tests and there are currently no vaccines or cures. Fraudsters are also door-stepping the vulnerable by offering temperature tests and help with shopping. Householders are always urged to ask for IDs.

21 CLINTON’S PET PROJECT GREETHAM artist Clinton Croson is an award-winning painter and exhibitor whose work is getting increasingly well known throughout the East Midlands. The 39-year-old son of Gaby Croson of Cottesmore, Clinton has attracted warm reviews for his vivid depictions of everything from still life to a gloriously glossy depiction of a Triumph Spitfire. His portraiture has been described as “extraordinarily realistic”, and his diverse list of “sitters” includes Rutland sepsis victim Tom Rayand the enigmatic and alluring “Rose” in repose. He also specialises in landscapes, one of the finest being a richly golden hayfield at harvest. His work is photographic in style, a feast of introspective detail which picks out every nuance but still packs more punch than the average photo. A proper piece of art goes far deeper than any snap, he explains. “A well-painted work in oils has a depth which cannot be achieved with a photo,” he says. “Part of this is probably due to the tactile nature of the paint itself as well as using coloured glazes during the painting process. “A photograph captures the moment and is manufactured within this particular moment in time. A painting, on the other hand, is created piece by piece, layer by layer, over a long period of time, so there is a fundamental difference in process.” Clinton has exhibited in many leading galleries and has sold works at Batemans in Stamford. He is constantly in demand for his portraitures. He is also a fine illustrator of animals, not the easiest subject in the world for any artist to capture. One of his finest is “Mrs Mayfield’s Boys” from 2016, a loving and exquisitely detailed doggy tribute to our best friends. Clinton Croson would welcome the chance to portray your pets for posterity. His prices are reasonable and the quality assured, and you’ll be left with a stunning legacy of an unsurpassable friendship. Contact him on 07933 303279 or on clintoncroson.com. *(pic)”Mrs Mayfield’s Boys” by Clinton Croson.

STEPPING OUT SAFELY? I received a letter from a Cottesmore resident regarding anti-social cyclists and runners on footpaths, which has prompted me to write of an experience I had recently. I was walking down a footpath with tall hedges from Cresswell Drive towards Mill Lane. I had my two dogs with me and as we stepped out onto the footpath on Mill Lane a boy came hurtling from my left towards me on his fairly big bike. He bumped into one of my dogs but fortunately no harm came to either of them. His mother was running swiftly along the footpath on the opposite side of the road with a dog on a lead and another child cycling behind her on the footpath. This created four obstacles for pedestrians to negotiate. While I have no objection to young children cycling or scooting along a footpath, however I do think larger children cycling at a running pace could be encouraged to ride on the side of the road next to their running parent(s). The footpaths are not a playground and are barely wider than the bicycle handlebars, so where are pedestrians, pushchairs or toddlers meant to go? People like myself are unable to jump to the side quickly and safely as we could end up on the road causing an accident with a couple of dogs. All I am asking for is for some consideration and courtesy from people for other footpath users. Jenny Laidler - Editor

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24 Schools reopening ‘won’t raise virus rate’ ALLOWING all children to return to school will not cause a second wave of coronavirus, states a modelling forecast by the University of Warwick. Some schools are due back on September 15 despite some scientists warning that the R rate, at which the virus reproduces, is still too high. Many children have not been in school since March following fears that social distancing measures in some schools are not acceptable. There is still no confirmation as to whether pupils at either primary or secondary levels will be going back full-time. At the start of term, St Nicholas School head teacher Daniel Alfieri told parents that “the measures they were taking may seem extreme, but were all being put in place to look after the health and wellbeing of the school community.” All term trips were being cancelled, as were parents’ evenings. There would be no staff training nor visits by volunteers. Arrangements were in hand for those pupils who could attend school. For those that couldn’t, Mr Alfieri told parents: “We do not have the capacity to send homework for individual children. Please continue to read with them, get them to work on times tables and spellings, and encourage them to complete quick maths questions daily.” Only around 11 per cent of primary pupils nationally went back on June 1. Some secondary schools had planned to re-open on June 15, but the two-metre distancing rule remains a major obstacle. It’s been suggested that such buildings as libraries and empty offices could be used as “pop-up schools” to ease class congestion, with retired teachers being asked to return to help with cover.

*A-level results are being published on August 13, GCSEs on August 20. Cottesmore Millfield Academy is back in operation.

25 when she started the job 14 years ago. GABY CLEANS UP “Everywhere was terrible; I was having to dispose of old TVs and burnt-out radio sets. It’s a lot better now. I used to start off with two COTTESMORE bags, which was quite a weight, and I remember SHE’S a familiar figure in her bright yellow one kind lady offering to help me by taking one tabard, carrying her litter pincers and clutching bag in her car. Now I have just the one bag (or her trademark shiny big black bin bag (or two two smaller bags) which, when filled, goes in the smaller grey bags) as she briskly walks the big bin behind the Village Hall. It gets heavier streets of Cottesmore. and heavier the longer I walk but I’m pretty Gaby Croson has been village litter lady since tough. I can cope with that.” 2006, and it says much for her stamina and Dog faeces are always a problem; human sense of purpose that she still loves the job after faeces too. “Many years ago I was watching this all these years. She must have walked hundreds old gentleman riding his bike and he got off the of miles in that time. “It keeps me fit,” explains bike and went into some bushes, and when he the 72-year-old who lives on Wenton Close. “I’ve came out I found human excrement. It was lost count of how far I’ve walked but I still take disgusting, but then at that time all kind of stuff pride in doing a thorough job. I can’t stand litter. was being dumped.” Never have. I think it’s unsightly.” Her regular route includes Austhorp Grove, Gaby was born at Kempten near the ski resort of Wenton Close, the area around the bus shelter, Oberstdorf in Germany and still retains traces of The Spinney, Heath Drive, Nether Close, the her Bavarian accent despite having lived in Village Hall, the bins outside the tennis court Rutland for many years. Now a widow, she was and Scout hut, and at the far end of the village married to Victor for 44 years. near Eassons garage. It’s quite a journey at the Employed by the parish council, she covers the height of summer, but even worse in winter village each Tuesday and Friday, also walking all when many folk might prefer to stay home. the way up to Kendrew for collections on Gaby lives with son Billy in Wenton Close. Her alternate Fridays. It’s a fair trot, but she’s never artist son Clinton is a brilliant painter who now been happier. “It gets me out and it keeps me lives in Greetham. A daughter lives in Germany fit; I play badminton and table tennis at the and there are two grandchildren, aged 18 and Village Hall. I know people appreciate what I’m 16. “I visit them as often as I can but of course doing because so many folk stop for a chat.” the Covid-19 crisis has made things rather Though Britain is notorious for being a awkward. At least I can still speak to my family throwaway society (as instanced by those by phone and ask them how things are. In morons who flocked to the nation’s beauty spots Germany they are more relaxed than Britain over the Bank Holiday weekend and left piles of about the issue. I would love to go over there as rubbish) Gaby reckons the litter problem in soon as I can but we just have to wait and see.” Cottesmore is nowhere near as bad as it was –BPM.

LET US HAVE YOUR NEWS, VIEWS, STORIES & ADVERTS BY THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH! Send your stories to the editor Jenny Laidler 29 Cresswell Drive (Tel. 811038) Email: [email protected] Our advertising rates are very competitively priced and we welcome new adverts, either one-off or booked for 12 months for the price of 11 months. For advertising enquiries contact Juliet Burgess Ray on 812898 or 07903 021063 Email: [email protected] 26 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR VILLAGE LINK April 2019 to March 2020 Receipts Payments

Brought forward £ 1024.82 Printing £ 7258.00 Advertising £ 7239.00 Postage £ 141.60 Donations £ 9.58 Miscellaneous £ 34.00 Subscriptions £ 27.00 Carried forward £ 866.80 ------£ 8300.40 £ 8300.40 ------The Link distribution is 700 copies per month plus almost 200 which are sent out by email. Behind the scenes is a team of very loyal volunteers: Jenny, the fabulous Editor; Juliet, the Advertising Manager; Jean, the Distribution Manager; Janice, the Treasurer, plus Barbara, Hilary and Shirley; and then all those who go out in all weathers to ensure that every village home receives a Link by the first of the month. New volunteers are always welcome. The accounts have been examined by David Wallace and found to be in order. This is a not- for-profit organisation: aimed at producing a vibrant magazine with the costs covered by advertising income. No salaries are paid but incidental expenses such as petrol and postage are reimbursed. As we went into the new financial year we were facing a period of great uncertainty but our advertisers have stood by us and we were awarded a community grant so we proceed confidently into the remainder of this year. Thank you to everyone who helps in any way to make this one of the best local publications. The Link Team, June 2020

27 Church opening We’re always saying that the church is people, not buildings! To serve the people in our community, it has been our custom to unlock our church building during the day. People have prayed here since Norman times and you will soon be able to do so again. However, recent easing of Covid 19 rules comes with various restrictions for our safety. At the time of writing, we must have people present in church if it is unlocked. And our ancient building is never easy to clean. The church in Cottesmore will be made available for personal, individual prayer at the following times. Saturdays 10am to 1pm and Tuesdays Noon until 5pm. Please do follow all the current Government guidelines about keeping safe when using the church – keep your distance, don’t touch anything, including books and keep to the designated areas. Everyone is welcome to use the church in this way and don’t forget that our weekly Church service video is available online at www.NorthRutlandChurches.org.uk. We will review this regularly as the situation changes. There will be an up-to-date notice on the church gate.

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30 GARDENING JOBS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY I have been asked how and when to prune gooseberries and as July is the earliest one should prune ‘goozgogs’ this is a good time to mention it. In general, as with all shrubs and trees the objective is to ensure no branches rub against another so if a stem is growing toward another or has already begun to rub then remove one of the stems. The plant should be pruned to allow the free passage of air throughout, pruning should leave the middle of the plant nicely open, this will minimise the chance of disease and damage and allow fruit maximum light and air. Goozgogs do have a habit of drooping (who doesn’t?) so prune to give the branches an upward appearance a bit like the upturned palm of your hand. Pruning should take place twice a year as follows: ~ Summer: In the first week of July (not earlier), trim all new side-shoots down to 5 leaves. There's no need to prune the tips of the leading stems unless they have mildew. ~ Winter: During the winter, cut back the If you remove the side shoots of dahlias they will leading stems by half of their new growth. Now produce larger blooms. shorten all the lateral side-shoots that you took Secure sweet peas as they shoot up your bean down to 5 leaves in the summer: this time, cut sticks or they will flop back to ground. them back to two buds. If you cut them back to Remember to water your lawns if practicable, all three buds, you will get more but smaller fruit. new lawns should ideally be watered in the Harvest seasonal vegetables and early salad morning and in the evening when less water is crops. lost to evaporation. Pick fruit from trees in particular plums to Feed hanging baskets, containers and pots to lighten the load on the branches to avoid them ensure a stunning show. breaking or certainly support any heavily laden Feed Clematis with clematis feed please. boughs. All climbers will be growing fast so train and tie Greenhouses will get very hot now so ventilate at in regularly. every opportunity, place a bowl or a bucket of Tall annuals will need supporting or staking with water on the floor to slowly evaporate in order to plant supports or just twigs. keep the area moist during the day. TOP TIP If you are going away get a friend to Weeds are everywhere so aim to pick a bucket water your containers but make it easier for of weeds a day to stay on top of the lovely little them by collecting the pots etc in one place, chaps. preferably near the tap/hose. Dead-head bedding plants for repeat flowering, Deadhead, mow and tidy your garden shrubs will also benefit. throughout, before you go on holiday that way Ponds and pools will be evaporating at an you will return to only short growth. alarming rate so keep topping them up. All early flowering clematis should have been cut Allow philadelphus and delphiniums to fade but back hard by now even the lovely seed heads then quickly hard prune. will be gone. If not already done, please do it When lupins' have faded cut them hard at the now! base to ensure healthy plants and a good display David Penny next year.

31 THINGS I WON’T MISS ABOUT LOCKDOWN *Inane TV advertising; at a time when thousands were dying there were continuous ads for funeral plans and life policies. I also got “compassion fatigue” from charities begging for funds, fawning programmes about the Royal Family, and anything involving Gregg Wallace and/or Dr Michael Mosley. *Trying to avoid people who seemed totally unaware of social distancing. *Panicky shop assistants who turned into fascists while imposing regulatory numbers on customers. *Medical “experts”, of whatever ilk, telling us what’s good for us. *Chancers who made money out of the crisis while claiming to be doing it for charity. *Clapping for the NHS. I would only clap for the NHS if its gallant frontline staff were standing right in front of me. I don’t need anyone to tell me how marvellous they are; they saved my life 30 years ago. *Politicians lying through their teeth. *Statisticians manipulating figures. *Anyone who compared Britain coping with a pandemic with the way we tackled the Second World War. *Quack cures: more alleged coronavirus remedies than snake-oil nostrums. *Washing my hands 20 times a day.

WHAT I WILL MISS ABOUT LOCKDOWN *Fresher air; reduced traffic pollution. *Strangers saying “Good morning.” *Takeaway curries from the Market Overton pub. *Re-discovering village shops while spurning bossy supermarkets; chatting to fellow queuers (at a suitable distance). *Re-reading Samuel Pepys’ Diaries and Max Hastings’ “All Hell Let Loose.” *Being fascinated by the various home backgrounds when “talking heads” appear on TV via Zoom. *Following the progress of national treasure Captain (now Sir) Tom Moore as he did circuits of his garden to raise money for the NHS. *Seeing vintage soccer matches again on the telly, with teams composed almost entirely of British players. *Catching up with the gardening; driving along near-empty roads at my own pace. *Pubs. *Having my hair cut. -BPM

A Doctor Writes . . . Dexamethasone , so loudly trumpeted on TV news as the saviour of us all, may not be quite what it seems. First of all, it is NOT a vaccine – so don’t kid yourself that headlines such as “50p-a-day Pill To Conquer Covid” are strictly accurate. It is merely a step in the right direction. What it IS is a game-changer. Tests have found that Dexamethasone, a common steroid, can cut deaths among the sickest virus patients. By how much is hard to guess. Some estimates put it at a third. One scientist estimates that 5,000 lives could have been saved had the drug been used at the very start of the pandemic. But it can only help patients in certain situations, such as severely ill Covid-19 patients. Not everyone will benefit from it. If your liver is packing up it probably won’t help, though it can reduce inflammation. One patient who had encephalus reckoned it saved his life. Trials found it cut death rates among 75% of hospitalised coronavirus patients; reduced mortality among people on ventilators from 40% to 28%; and cut the death risk for patients requiring oxygen from 25% to 20%. Already used to treat a range of conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions and asthma) it essentially provides the biggest benefits to those at the biggest risk

32 33 Genuine track and trace people won't ask for any financial details. Be aware of this scam that is going round at the moment. Good morning, I'm calling from the NHS track and trace service. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.' 'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?' 'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.' 'Right. Um... so ....' 'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?' 'Ok (gives address)' 'Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to you.' 'Sorry - a payment card? I though this was all free?' 'No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of £500 for the kit, and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.' 'No - that's not right. This is part of the NHS so there's no charge.' 'I'm afraid there is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.' Puts phone down. This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it. Don't fall for it...!

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34 SOME USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS NHS 111 Online www.nhs.nhs.uk or 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 More Useful websites & phone numbers: Silverline helpline for older people available 24 hours a day every day 0800 470 80 90 Police Non emergencies 101 - In an Emergency, Police, Fire, Ambulance 999 Samaritans 116 123 Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline: 0800 888 6678 Turning Point for alcohol and drug problems & Last orders 0116 223 7366 Gamcare National Gambling helpline – 0808 8020 133 Refuge advice for dealing with domestic violence 0808 2000 247 Rutland Food bank 07582 783363 RSPCA animal cruelty & advice line 7 am—10 pm 0300 1234 999 Mind mental health charity info line 0300 123 3393 SANE mental health charity operating a leave a message line 07984 967 708 Lets Talk local NHS mental health service 01509 561 100 Age UK Local Contact Details Oakham and North Rutland - Yvonne Rawlings 077388 20910 or 01572 770 324 (answer phone– checked daily –weekdays) [email protected] Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland Advice Line free, confidential & independent for anything affecting your quality of later life 9am to 1pm – weekdays 0116 299 2278 or dedicated Corona virus helpline 9.00 -5.00pm Monday to Friday for practical and emotional help - 0116 299 2239 35 Church Thoughts The bus slowed, stopped, moved forwards somewhat uncertainly and then, in obedience to the arrow on the “road closed” notice on the desired route, turned left. George looked concerned.

George was a passenger on the bus and was on his way to the annual meeting of the local History society of which he had been a member for many years. This year the meeting had been moved to a new location in a small town he had never visited before. The letter announcing the change said “The hall is easy to find. Get off at the Red Lion Inn. It is a short walk as shown on the map.” He had puzzled over this “map” just a few hand drawn squiggly lines with” Red Lion”, “Cross Lane” , “church” and “hall” in various places - but no scale, or even a north arrow to tell you which way round it was. The bus was now making its way through narrow backstreets and stopped at a crossroads with a pub on the corner. Hoping it might be the Red Lion. George decided to get off anyway and found himself in a maze of tall terraced houses. He looked at the map. Perhaps one of these streets might be Cross Lane, but it wasn’t. Which way to go? He walked a few yards up each street, hoping he might spot the Red Lion. No luck. Then, just poking over the top of one house, he saw a weathervane on top of a spire - the church. This landmark would set him in the right direction and sure enough, a few minutes later, he was in his seat at the meeting. We sometimes face unsettling times like this in our lives- perhaps even now during this coronavirus outbreak . Times when there seems no obvious answer to simple problems or so many possible answers that you do not know which to choose. In the same way that that church building, simply by being there as it had for hundreds of years, helped fix a direction for George and provided a successful outcome to his difficulty, so the church is there to help us at these times. The church, of course, really means the people who use the building we also call a church as their meeting place . Groups of Christians have been called “churches” ever since they began to meet together a few weeks after Jesus was put to death in Jerusalem. Everybody is welcome to join them. Jesus himself issued that invitation during his time on earth. “Come to me” he said “and I will refresh you”. The bible tells of many people that He helped and He continues to do that through his churches today. DM ______

Photograph: “The church in the church” Photo: Miles Ramsden.

During the lockdown the link to our 30-minute Sunday service on You Tube can be found on the benefice website www.northrutlandchurches.org.uk . Do join us.

36 37 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WHERE’S OUR COMMUNITY SPIRIT? When we moved from London to Cottesmore 18 years ago we knew we had made the right choice. Friendly, kind and helpful people made everything wonderful and we had nice neighbours. The RAF held many events for local people such as Christmas dinners, raffles, bingo and open days. They are sadly missed. By contrast, what is Kendrew Barracks doing to help the community during this current pandemic? At least the village still has its quota of brilliant stalwarts and caring volunteers who are ready and willing and able to assist us during this crazy phase. Thank you so much Amanda and Co at the village shop; Joan Edwards and the team of volunteers; and Sally, Sarah, Joan and Juliet for their phone assistance. Yet the Exchange Table, with its books and games etc, was a great idea which has now gone; while only six in our road joined in clapping the NHS on Thursday evenings. Bingo is also closed because of poor attendances. I am so disheartened because all these events are being organised by willing and helpful people who are giving their time, care, love, patience and money, yet with the exception of the Gardening Club, whose events are well advertised via newspapers, notices and radio, they are so poorly attended. Why? They ask for no reward for their efforts, but some feedback would make all the effort worthwhile. I make craft work and sell it for Cancer Research, but with the exception of church and WI events I have no venue in which to sell it. Please, please, please, Cottesmore; get your community spirit back! Stay well, stay safe, stay happy. JEAN L BODDINGTON Nether Close.

LEARNING LESSONS So the worst is over. We’ve learned our lesson. Cottesmore has survived, more or less intact. It has been a sobering experience. Forget Boris’s “broad sunlit uplands;” there will be tough times ahead. So what have we learned? The main lesson is that we’re vulnerable in emergencies. There’s also been a lot of fake news and statistics based on wishful thinking. The timing of certain remedial measures has been extraordinary; the Government has been reactive rather than proactive. The treatment of NHS staff has been cavalier. The depth of the care homes crisis has been appalling. There needs to be a public investigation into what went wrong, alongside rewards for all those who have worked so selflessly in the midst of confusion. There needs to be a searching retrospective into how the whole sorry mess was handled. Rationalisation is required but, being Britain, you can guarantee heads won’t roll. Which is a pity. Because, God forbid, we may have to go through this whole sorry saga again in the near future. BRIAN MARTIN

Dear Editor Recently I have noticed pedestrians some quite elderly being harassed by cyclists, either single or in family groups who are riding on pavements as if they had right of way. Well how socially irresponsible can you get? Try Main Street sometimes and be confronted by a cycling group of 4 with a dog and 2 runners who refuse to give way. What price social distancing there? The government has encouraged outdoor activity while expecting the public to play its part in social distancing and respect for others. Either that message has not reached some local folk or it has but taking their example from Mr Cummings they have decided it doesn’t apply to them. Name supplied

38 BACK IN BUSINESS Rutland County Council received £35,627 of Government funding to organise re-opening preparations and implement social distancing measures for the county’s “non-essential” high street stores. The RCC is saying a special thank you to all the “hidden heroes” behind the county’s Covid-19 response. Council leader Oliver Hemsley praised health and care services who have worked tirelessly to help those at greatest risk of being affected by the virus. Oakham Town Council has thanked Kendrew Barracks for supporting the Rutland Memorial Hospital’s PPE project. Rutland has been chosen alongside Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council to “lead work and share best practice” on the Government’s new trace-and-test service.

Rutland County Council has launched a sustainable electric bike scheme and is encouraging residents to sign up.

Through the scheme, people living in Rutland can hire the bikes for travel to work, school, training, or social activities they would otherwise be unable to attend. The scheme provides an alternative to public transport, which government guidelines recommend should currently only be used for essential travel to limit the spread of COVID-19. It also supports the government’s cycling and walking investment strategy, which aims to make sustainable transport a natural choice for shorter journeys, and as part of longer journeys. An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is pedal-powered and has an integrated electric motor, which can be used to assist a rider. Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This brilliant initiative has been a year in the making and we’re really pleased to be able to launch it now, at a time when use of public transport has been severely disrupted by COVID-19. “The scheme will give people a new way of getting about that is not only good exercise but sustainable too, ensuring the impact on our beautiful local environment is minimal. The e-bikes are available for hire now and we’ve already received applications. If you’re interested, we’d urge you to get in touch to find out more.” Anyone who lives in Rutland can apply to use the scheme, which offers bikes for adults and young people over the age of 16. A short training session will be provided by a qualified instructor before the hire commences. To apply, or for more information, call the Rural Transport Officer at Rutland County Council on 01572 758138 or email [email protected].

39 take in the fabulous Snape concert hall HEAD EAST FOR THE HOLS (transformed from a barn) and savour a FAMILIES throughout the land are scenting takeaway from Aldeburgh Fish & Chips. freedom after weeks of lockdown. Seaside There’s more erosion around the coast of holidays have become a priority, the nearer the Norfolk, particularly on the cliffs north of better. The coast beckons, but which one? Set Cromer, but the quality of the unspoilt coastline your Satnav Eastward. from Wells to Hunstanton remains a natural Try Skegness for starters. For generations dear draw. Thankfully Norfolk is still a county of big old Skeggy has been a Godsend for the frazzled, skies and quiet lanes, with quality fishfood and it remains the best place to go for families restaurants such as the one at Salthouses. with kids. Totally undemanding, Lincolnshire’s Blakeney remains a cosy maritime gem, with bright-lights “Jolly Mariner” resort has enough regular voyages to the nearby seal colony. sand, sea, amusements, shows and Wherry Bitter is one of the best beers in Britain. refreshments to see you happily through a week Further up the coast, in Yorkshire, stately or two, whether it swelters or saturates. Scarborough is still the Queen of Resorts with Sprightly Skeggy knows the formula for success. the castle outstanding on its hill overlooking Help the old gal lift its recent Covid blues and twin bays. Charlotte Bronte’s grave is in the local give yourself a treat. And while you’re at it, churchyard. Charming Whitby (famous for its jet motor just a few miles down the coast and ornaments and Dracula connections) and explore the serenity of Gibraltar Point, a straggling Robin Hood’s Bay are musts on the charming nature reserve with mysterious rock trek north. pools and miles of pristine sand. En route you’ll Wherever you go, do your bit to help the local traverse an intriguing wildlife haven. And there’s economy. The locals have had a tough time an excellent links golf course just up the road. coping with lockdown. Hotels, pubs, craft shops, A newly-opened coastal path links Chapel St self-catering sites, food outlets and tourist Leonards with Mablethorpe. Enjoy superb views attractions need your support more than ever. seaward and visit the world’s first Cloud Bar, a concrete construction moulded to human form, just off the beach at Anderby Creek. Just lay back, look at the changing sky and let your troubles drift away with the cirrus. Suffolk boasts some wild shorelines. Get there before they’re all eroded. Most of the old city of Dunwich (once the third largest port in Britain) now lies under the sea; the leper hospital, originally built on the outskirts, now stands in splendid isolation. See Aldeburgh for its connections with Benjamin Britten,

For more information regarding hours and service please contact Sue:

40 CAPTURE NATURE ON CAMERA LOCAL photographers are being encouraged to take part in a competition aimed at showcasing the area’s incredible wildlife and habitats. The event is being organised by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, and all entries must be taken in either of the two counties. Anyone of any age can take part. Photos can be taken on any camera, including a phone, but must be high resolution. To enter, submit your photo in digital format to [email protected] or via WeTransfer, along with the location of your photograph and relevant info about yourself and the subject. Only one photo can be entered per person. Deadline is July 17. The winner will feature on the front cover of Wild Leicestershire and Rutland, on social media, on the Trust website homepage and in the Trust’s e-newsletter. For further details refer to the website lrwt.org.uk/photo-comp.

*Students and staff at Whissendine School and a team from Brooke Priory have been working with the Rutland Osprey Project and the Osprey Leadership Foundation to create a unique partnership with schools in Dorset and Cumbria who have been corresponding with children and teachers in African schools in tracing osprey journeys from start to finish FOR SALE Tel 01572 812916 Cottesmore Fridge/Freezer Welsh dresser– Cream Metal dog crate £160 was £285 3 draws 2 cupboards £15 Hi sense 2 small leaded windows W18“ x L 24” x H 20 “ Under 1 years old Very good condition H 73” x W 24” x D 25” H 67” x W 55” x D 20”

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41 VIEW FROM PARISH COUNCIL that were constructed, in the nineteenth/early twentieth century, to link the Cottesmore and CHAIRMAN – JULY 2020 Exton ironstone workings to the railhead at what is now the Rocks By Rail Museum. Also we would So we have now had our third Zoom meeting of like to encourage any resident with long the Parish Council, this one involving some memories, or people who know others with residents as well. We are certainly establishing historical knowledge of where footpaths used to something of a ‘new normal’. The Local Support be, to flag up any of these former footpath links, Group in Cottesmore continues to provide help however tenuous, so that we can begin to build and direct support to those residents who need up a more complete picture. it. A ‘shout out’, as we say now, to Suzanne Britten who has been tirelessly working to co- Part of the context for this (and also a time ordinate the Medicines Collection scheme in constraint) is that the 1st January 2026 has Cottesmore. This has become even more been set as the date on which the next national challenging, in recent days, as the relaxing of the Definitive Footpath Map will be published. This restrictions on movement has meant that the will include all adopted new footpaths identified pharmacies have largely suspended their Covid- by this date. It will not be possible, however, to 19 delivery services. Meanwhile, material has add other new ones after that until the next been flooding in to help the team of people who review – likely to be many years hence. Whilst have volunteered to make the face masks and 2026 is a long time away, for any new such also other protective garments. The targets, opportunities to be taken will require which I referred to last month, have been considerable work and long lead times! achieved (or will have been by the time you are Just so people know we haven’t forgotten, in all reading this!). that has been going on, the Parish Council I also mentioned last time that one of the continues to be actively pursuing finding a interesting outcomes, arising from the Covid-19 suitable local site for allotments. We are also, in experiences, is the increased amount of walking parallel with this, looking further into the details around the parish, and the subsequent focus on of what we will need to do to implement this footpaths, or rather lack of them in the area. I aspiration. This will save time once a suitable site thought I would provide an update on the current is found. position on this and where we hope that this Turning next to our proposed ‘Village Fun-Day’ work is going. We now have a group of which has already had to be rethought on several colleagues looking into it and, as a first step, occasions, firstly following the change of the May collating the known links, primarily within the Bank Holiday to link up with VE Day village itself. These include obvious routes such commemorations and then, of course, Covid-19. as across the Paddock from Hall Close; the We have decided, therefore, to return to the footpath from Greetham Road to Nether Close; original idea of a free-standing event. It has been the path past the play area linking Westland postponed until next spring. Our current working Road to Heath Drive; Clatterpot Lane; and date is Saturday 22nd May 2021 and I am sure Cresswell Drive to Mill Lane. We will be exploring you will appreciate that, in these times, whether these can be included as modifications arrangements still have to be infinitely flexible! to the official statutory Definitive Footpath Map. Whilst talking dates, we have decided to hold an However, for a lot of people, it is the footpath additional Parish Council meeting in July this year routes in the countryside around the village that – it will again be virtual and the date is the usual are of more interest. This is clearly more third Monday in the month – so 20th July. complicated and will require further research and in due course, discussion, as to whether new I have also said I would keep residents up to date routes can be established and/or old ones re- on the Rutland Local Plan Review time-table. You instated. Old ordnance survey maps, particularly will be aware that, as the jargon calls it the since the 1930’s, are useful sources, as indeed Regulation-19 Local Plan, was published on the is the current 1:25,000 scale map, which RCC web-site earlier in the year, in anticipation of includes a wealth of information. We will also be a consultation period in late winter/early spring looking at the historic industrial ‘tramway’ routes 2020. Covid-19 put paid to that time-table, 42 although the Plan can be found on the RCC 24hr Callout web site. Recently the County Council issued 07703321530 its latest update, which indicates that the Lidbetter Plan will now be subject to a period of consultation running from 3rd August to the 14th September. I will not rehearse again in & Hicks Ltd. detail the issues particularly relevant to Electrical Engineers & Contractors Cottesmore. They are set out in some detail Industrial. Commercial & Domestic in my contributions in the January and March editions of ‘the Link’. In summary, there is first up the major changes proposed for the Rutland’s tried and Spatial Strategy of the county, arising in particular from the designation of a new trusted electricians green village community, adjacent to Edith Weston on the St. George’s Barracks site. for over 30 years This will mean that many significant opportunities for new employment and You can always rely on us for a housing (particularly affordable housing) opportunities could be lost in other parts of prompt, friendly professional service Rutland. This, of course, could be seen as a good or bad thing, depending on your Our engineers are fully qualified and trained to the viewpoint. Specific issues in Cottesmore highest standard and will keep disruption to a mini- include a new housing development proposal, with access adjacent to 11 Main mum, while working in and around your property.

Street; changes to the Planned Limits of Development (more jargon I’m afraid) designation to include Harrier Close; and •Domestic enquiries •P.A.T. Testing policies on the environment and climate change. Residents, who wish to respond to •Industrial / Commercial •Maintenance RCC, are being advised strongly to ensure •Testing & Certification •Peace of Mind that they download and use the official response forms. So keep safe and here is hoping that the From lighting, fittings and fuseboards weather holds for the start of summer. to complete property rewires…. Queuing for those non-essential shops in the pouring rain will be no fun even in summer temperatures! Who knows, we may even get some cricket! Call us now on 01572 722204 Chris Donovan (Chairman 2020/21) for advice you know you can trust

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44 Don’t attempt any first aid as this can do more What to do harm than good. BECAUSE SNAKE BITES MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS if your dog RISK TO YOUR DOG’S HEALTH, PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR VET TO ENSURE IT IS SAFE FOR YOU is bitten by TO USE PIRITON IN THE CASE OF AN an Adder EMERGENCY. YOU The European adder is the only venomous snake MUST CHECK AGAIN native to the UK. Adults are up to two feet long IF YOUR DOG’S and have a black or brown zigzag pattern along HEALTH ALTERS. their back and a V-shaped marking on the back Piriton is the only over-the-counter antihistamine of their head. They can be found throughout which might be suitable for your dog but please mainland Britain. There have been many note, as above, that these notes are for guidance sightings in the Rutland area. only and you must check with your vet whether Unfortunately, dogs are particularly at risk of your dog is able to have Piriton. adder bites due to their curious nature. The usual dose recommended by a vet is: Urgent treatment may be needed if your dog has · 4mg for a small/medium dog (usually one been bitten by an adder, so contact your vet as tablet) soon as possible · 8mg for a larger dog (usually two tablets) Carry your dog to reduce the spread of the Please note that this advice is for emergency use adder’s venom around your dog’s body. only but you must immediately take your dog to Bathe the wound in cold water to help control the vet, as in the case of a snake bite the vet will the swelling. usually give further treatment, such as steroid Keep your dog warm, but not too warm, and injections. There is always the risk that even quiet as you transport him to the vet. after having an antihistamine a dog may go into Do not panic as this will cause your dog to panic shock (anaphylactic shock) so, again, you must too. always consult with your vet immediately. JSL

USEFUL TO KNOW There are 3 main ingredients in slug baits: Metaldehyde, Ferric phosphate and Methiocarb. The sale of Metaldehyde was due to be banned from Spring 2020 but unfortunately this ban was overturned last year and it is still very commonly used. Pets only need to ingest a small amount of some types of slug bait (particularly Metaldehyde) to cause toxicity and because of the rapid onset of symptoms in these cases, prompt action is essential. Metaldehyde can kill pets such as cats, rabbits, ducks, and dogs. It also poses a health risk to toddlers, babies, and children in general. Even for adults, certain doses can be fatal. Birds too are affected if they eat a slug or snail that has previously eaten the poison.

45 EXTRACTS FROM THE DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COTTESMORE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 18 MAY 2020 Appointments Mr Donovan was elected as Chairman and Mr Meara as Vice Chairman Parish Council Representatives to the Village Hall Mr Meara, Mrs Patient, and Mrs Edwards. The Planning Committee Mr Barker, Mrs Patient, and Miss Simmonds. Grass Cutting and Gardening Co-ordinators Mr Hyde and Mr Barker. Play Area Co-ordinators Mr Barker, and subject to receiving the necessary training, Miss Simmonds. Webmaster Mr Hyde. Employment and Appeals Committee Mr Hyde, Mr Meara and Mrs Patient. Appeals and Grievance Committee Mr Barker, Mrs Edwards, Mrs Smith and Miss Simmonds. Independent Adjudicator Mr C Donovan. Kendrew Barracks Liaison Committee Mr Hyde, Mr Meara, and Mr Donovan. Police Liaison Committee Mrs Edwards, Mr Hyde and Mr Meara. Village Improvement Working Group Mrs Edwards, Miss Simmonds and Mr Meara. Availability of Public Footpaths and Rights of Way In and Around the Village Concern was expressed about the lack of availability of public footpaths and rights of way in and around the village, which has been highlighted by the number of people walking on the roads during the current coronavirus outbreak. It was pointed out that under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, on 1 January 2026, the government intends to close the definitive maps to the claim of historic paths that existed before 1949. With this in mind, it was suggested that the necessary action should be taken to ensure that any that have fallen into misuse are logged on the definitive map, prior to investigating whether they can be reinstated. It was agreed this is an important and key area of work for the Council and success in the form of the reinstatement of any paths would add value to the village. It was agreed that Mr Jon Mitchell be co-opted on to the Parish Council Village Improvement Working Group in relation to its work on footpaths. The Cottesmore Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak Mrs Edwards reported that she and the team of volunteers are very busy. Forty two sets of scrubs have been made and donated to hospitals and care homes in Rutland and Leicestershire, and work is just beginning to make between seven hundred and a thousand face masks which will be given free of charge to residents. Thanks and congratulations were offered to Mrs Edwards and the team of volunteers who are working hard for the village. Subscription to the Zoom Platform to Allow Unrestricted Connectivity Mr Hyde reported that he had registered for Zoom Pro at a cost of £119.90 plus VAT. This gives an unlimited meeting time and the facility for the meeting to be accessed by telephone by individuals without access to a computer or mobile technology. Thanks were offered to Mr Hyde for organising this. Receive and Note the Annual Internal Audit Report for 2019/20 It was agreed that the Annual Internal Audit Report for 2019/20 be received and noted. Approval of the Annual Governance Statement 2019/20 It was agreed that the Annual Governance Statement 2019/20 be approved.

46 Approval of the Accounting Statements 2019/20 It was agreed that the Accounting Statements 2019/20 be approved. Meeting Dates for 2020/21 It was agreed that meetings would take place on the third Monday of each month, apart from July, when there will be no meeting, and December, when it will be on the second Monday. Use of the Multi-court for Tennis It was agreed that the court could be used for tennis, and that the net should be put up and taken down by the users, as opposed to being left up all the time. Concerns were expressed about the net being vandalised, or otherwise damaged, if it were permanently up, particularly with the court being used for other activities. It is obviously advisable that precautions are taken, such as the wearing of gloves, when accessing, erecting, and putting the net away. Councillors will monitor the procedures, particularly the putting away of the net after use, and would consider changing the code to access the box containing the net, if it were felt the guidelines were not being followed. Condition of the Closed Area of Rogues Lane Cemetery Mr Hyde advised that complaints had been received about the condition of the closed area of Rogues Lane cemetery. He advised that a cut had been missed and it was thought that it would improve following the next cut. (It was pointed out that this is the responsibility of RCC and comes under its contract.) Condition of the Grassed Areas at Harrier Close Mrs Edwards advised that the grassed areas at Harrier Close were very overgrown. It was suggested that it be reported to RCC so that it can contact the developer. Speeding Traffic Within the Village Mrs Edwards advised that residents were concerned about the speed of traffic in the village. It was suggested that 30 mph signs be painted on the road on Main Street and Rogues Lane. It was questioned whether highway’s legislation allows for this in the locations mentioned. This is to be investigated. Planning (T1) Fell 1 No. Beech Tree. (T2) Fell 1 No. Cherry Tree. Telephone Exchange, Main Street, Cottesmore. There was no objection to the felling of the Cherry Tree, but the Council does object to the felling of the Beech Tree. The photograph provided of the Beech Tree is somewhat misleading and it is in good leaf now. The Parish Council would like to see a crown lift on this and TPO put on the tree. If the trees are removed, the Council would insist on suitable replacements. Remove 1 no. Acer platanoides (purple leaved variant). The Stables, Main Street, Cottesmore. There was no objection to this application. The Council is pleased to see that a more appropriate replacement is proposed and would insist that a condition to this effect is imposed. Notice of Decision in Respect of a Section 211 Notice Proposing Work to a Tree or Trees in a Conservation Area Remove 1 no. Juniper Tree. Fountains Barn, 32A Main Street, Cottesmore. 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. Clatterpot House, 4 Clatterpot Lane, Cottesmore. Rutland County Council District Council decided not to exercise its powers to make a provisional Tree Preservation Order in these instances. Next Meeting The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 20 July 2020.

Remember you don't have to be isolated from others to feel lonely. If you feel like you need someone to talk to or to listen to your worries, the Samaritans are there day or night - just call 116 123. FREE PHONE 47 ENVIRONMENTAL pollution is the lowest it’s been for years. So why were all the cars in our corner of Cottesmore covered in a coating of GOOD to see most Oakham shops back in wind-blown dust most mornings in May? business on June 15. Shopping was steady, though no store had got what I wanted. Pubs SEVENTY years of “The Archers”, and I can still and loos need to return for the complete remember Robin Jacques’ delightful line experience. I grieve for those who’d spent time drawing in the “Radio Times” heralding the very marking out 2metre blobs; social distancing first episode. It’s also the 100th birthday of could be eased within days. Rupert Bear. As a lifelong fan of Rupert, Bill Badger, Tiger Lily and all those other animals in IT WAS interesting to see how shops tackled trousers, I wish the old boy a cracking crowd control. Oakham Co-Op was heavy on celebration. routing and signage; at least two smaller shops had minimum restrictions. A fourth employed BACK in February when Britain was being lashed red, green and amber lights. A fifth just stuck a by storms and half of Yorkshire was under water tetchy shop assistant by the door. I wrote: “What’s the betting there’ll be a hosepipe alert by June?” And so it came to pass. A SUSSEX school has responded to the recent What, pray, do the useless water authorities do transgender bust-up by changing the name of with all that liquid? one of its Houses from J K Rowling House to . . . Blackman House. Right on. IT’S an old problem; what to do with vintage family photos if no-one else wants them. THE image that will live in the memory long Rubbish skips are full of discarded treasures; it’s after London’s riotous anti-racist demos was of all history lost forever. The best suggestion is to the riderless police horse galloping wildly down select the best, label them and paste them in a Whitehall. In WW1 horses were killed by the single album for posterity. As for the rest, scan thousand. Why should innocent creatures be them digitally. made to suffer for the virulence of mankind? I NEVER watch BBC3 and seldom watch BBC1. THE lockdown began on March 23. How strange The BBC2 channel is increasingly dominated by that pubs could be re-opening before schools. quizzes and repeats. So why would the Beeb SIXTY statues of historical figures with alleged want to axe BBC4, its most esoteric outlet, links to racial exploitation face being toppled which recently carried a superb Tom Jones 80th from their plinths. It’s not a decision for mob birthday tribute? The Great God Ratings is the rule; that’s anarchy. It’s for local councils to answer. decide. CHATTED with a former colleague the other day A WILTSHIRE council seeks to halve crossing who reckons he’s busier than ever since working times for pedestrians at zebra crossings to stop from home. “Best move I ever made,” he roared people congregating on the pavement and thus (we were 6ft apart), “but, gosh, don’t I miss the risking virus interaction. So a 30-second hiatus banter!” becomes 15 seconds. I suspect some old folk might struggle to do it in half the time. THE Prince of Wales suggests, in good faith, that those who have been furloughed or lost their WE all have our own ideas how we should jobs because of coronavirus should enlist for a celebrate when this whole sorry saga is over. My “Land Army” to ease the desperate shortage of suggestion is that we all gather near the re- fruit pickers. Similarly NHS chief Sir Simon opened Sun, hoist bunting, sing “There’ll Always Stevens calls upon jobless aviation workers to Be An England”, forget social distancing - and train for jobs in care. Two problems. Fruit mingle like we’ve never mingled before. pickers earn pitiful wages; care workers –BPM likewise. Both groups do vital work. But why *YEAR IN QUESTION answer (from Page 19) is should anyone wish to join them? 2012.

48 MEET THE LINK TEAM Jenny Laidler, Editor [email protected] 811038 Juliet Burgess-Ray, Advertising Manager [email protected] 812898 Jean Heath, Distribution [email protected] 812709 Janice Patient, Treasurer [email protected] 812424 Barbara Cameron, Committee 813055 Shirley Smith, Committee 811069 Hilary Malone, Committee 812360

Please let Jean Heath know if you would be willing to deliver a few magazines either monthly or on an adhoc basis. We always need volunteers and we are very grateful to those who help us.

THIS magazine has no connection whatsoever with Cottesmore Parish Council or St Nicholas church, whilst retaining cordial relations with both.

BUS TIMETABLE – RUTLAND FLYER 2 (RF2) Revised January 2020 Monday to Saturday – No Service Sunday or Bank Holiday Cottesmore (opposite Sun Inn) - Oakham 07.15 09.40 11.55 13.55 15.15 16.25 17.35 18.31 Cottesmore (Kendrew Barracks) - Oakham 07.17 09.42 11.57 13.57 15.17 16.27 17.37 Oakham (John Street) - Cottesmore 08.00 10.20 12.30 16.05 17.05 18.10 Centrebus (0116 2460030) Cottesmore (Kendrew Barracks) - Melton Mowbray or 08.27 10.47 12.57 16.32 17.32 18.37 phone Traveline for more Cottesmore (Chip Shop) - Melton Mowbray information - 0871 2002233 08.30 10.50 13.00 16.35 17.35 18.40 Melton Mowbray (St Marys Way) - Cottesmore 06.50 09.15 11.30 13.30 16.00 17.10 18.05

SERVICE OPERATED BY MARK BLAND TRAVEL OAKHAM TO GREETHAM (186) Monday to Friday (no service public holidays) Oakham, Barleythorpe Rd/ Huntsman Dr roundabout 1435 Wednesday only Oakham, John Street Bus Station 1440 Burley 1445 Cottesmore, opp Sun Inn 1450 Kendrew Barracks 1453 Greetham, Wheatsheaf (terminates) 1458 Operated by Mark Bland Travel (01780 751 671 or markblandtravel.com

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

49 VILLAGE DIRECTORY Village website http://www.cottesmoreparishcouncil.org.uk/ Amateur Dramatics Alan Lane 01572 768040 Air Cadets – Tues & Thurs 7pm-9.30pm. Cadet Centre, Penn St, Oakham. Contact: Flt Lt J Lawrence [email protected] 01572 723624 Bowls Winter Wednesdays - Brian Abbott [email protected] 01572 768468 Bell Ringing – practice Wednesday 19.30 01780 460523 Kerry Nimmons [email protected] Beavers Mondays 17.30 to 18.30 (Ages 6-8years) 01775 714211 Gary Clulow 07958 769899 or Ben Leaver 07800834636 Brownies – Thursdays 18.00 to 1930 01572 812956 Bernadette Wallace [email protected] CHAG (local history) – second Wednesdays 19.30 01572 812854 Chris Whitton [email protected] www.thelivingvillage.co.uk Church - St Nicholas CE www.northrutlandchurches.org.uk. Web editor - Duncan Ball: [email protected] Churchwarden - David Morgan [email protected] 01572 756647 County Councillors - Abigail MacCartney [email protected] 07739 361008 - Samantha Harvey [email protected] 01572 345028 Create More - Crafts. Third Tuesday -Tessa Oram [email protected] 07736 378051 Defibrillator – information and training 01572 812898 Juliet Burgess-Ray [email protected] Dog Ramblers - group dog walks, Jenny Laidler [email protected] 01572 811038 Dogs Trust & Dog School East Midlands [email protected] 01509 882316 Football – Cottesmore Amateurs - Allan Westray 01572 724275 Gardening Club – second Mondays Roni Proctor [email protected] 01572 812785 Handbell Ringers – Mondays 19.00 Pat Hoyles, 01572 813034 Investment Club – third Thursdays 19.30 01572 812350 John Meara [email protected] Parish Council – Parish Clerk, Kerry Nimmons 01780 460523 [email protected] Rainbows alt Saturdays 3-5 pm Sam Shorten [email protected] 07540 664847 Ramblers – second Sundays 10.00 John Meara [email protected] 01572 812350 Schools: Cottesmore Academy 01572 812278 Headteacher, Mrs M Lucas Email Address: [email protected] St Nicholas' Church of England Primary 01572 812337 Head teacher, Daniel Alfieri [email protected] Scouts, Beavers & Cubs Katie Smit — [email protected] https://scouts.org.uk/get-involved/groups/2nd-cottesmore-(st-nicholas) Sports and Social Club - Darren Feeley 01572 813486 Village Hall – bookings, Anna Davis [email protected] 01572 812371 Wine Circle – Janine Rees [email protected] 01572 812167 Women's Institute – first Tuesday 19.30 Secretary: Pat Hart 01572 812854

50 We also offer a remote support service

51 Stamford Roofing Commercial / Domestic / Difficult Access Flat Roofs / Glass Roofs / Slating & Tiling / Maintenance Contracts / GRP Flat Roofs & Warm Roofs

WE BUILD YOUR DREAM ROOF

Tel/Fax: 01780 754498 Stamford Roofing Company Ltd, Mobile: 07930 529905 20 Chatsworth Road Email: [email protected] Stamford, Lincs. Web: www.stamfordroofing.co.uk PE9 2UN

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