Living
Villages
March 2014 Stibbington, Sutton, Wansford, Water Newton & Thornhaugh
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2 EDITORIAL CONTENTS Flooding seems to have dominated the news from Christmas through to mid-February, and the after- Contacts . . . . . 4 effects will continue to dominate many lives for many Worship lists . . . 5 months to come. Although in our area we have Reflections . . . . 7 escaped the worst, the Nene’s floodplain has been inundated. Brian Gibson’s photo on the front cover News reports: was taken from Wansford bridge, looking downstream at the flooded gardens which are no longer Friends of churches: “riverside”. David Stuart-Mogg’s fascinating article Wansford & on pages 20 and 21 recalls serious flooding incidents Thornhaugh . 9, 11 in the local area in times past. Water Newton . . 9 Stibbington . . . 13 This month we say a big “thank you” to young Horticultural . . . . 15 blogger, Marcus Arnold who has decided to retire at WI ...... 16 the ripe old age of 14. Marcus has been a regular Communicare . . . 18 contributor to our younger readers’ page for almost Christie Hall . . . . 18 four years—quite an achievement! Ten year old Karina has recently begun contributing regularly, but Parish Councils: we would welcome contributions from other young people too. Anyone interested should ask a parent or Wansford ...... 23 guardian to contact me or any other member of the editorial team. Special features:
50 at 50 ...... 18 Whilst I have now managed to overcome many of the Local History . 20, 21 technical problems I was grappling with last month, Pharmacies . . . . 25 there remain a few issues with my new technology Health & Fitness . 27 that are presenting challenges: some of the text and Nature Notes . . . 29 images in this magazine may not be as sharp as they In memoriam . . . 31 should be, for which I apologise; and my reminder Younger readers . 32 message to regular contributors remained stuck in Stibbington Quiz . 35 my outbox, so congratulations are due to all who sent Ladies lunch club. 35 their contribution by copy deadline! I hope to resolve Letters to the Editor these remaining issues by next month. 36, 37 Rosie McDonnell Diary Dates . . 38
Editorial team For contact details see p 4 Regular features writers: Editor: Rosie McDonnell Reflections: Canon William Burke Advertising manager:Carole Whincup Rev Michael Matthews Distribution manager: Rod Sortwell Local History: David Stuart-Mogg Reporter: Martin Lewis Nature Notes: Graham Blagden Photographer: Charles Brown Health & Fitness: Dan Whiter Printing and collation: PPS/ Print Younger Readers: Karina Chappell
Read your magazine on-line at www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk 3 DIRECTORY OF CONTACTS @ Living Villages Editorial Team
Editor Rosie McDonnell 01780 783639 [email protected] Advertising Manager Carole Whincup 01780 783055 [email protected] Distribution Manager Rod Sortwell 01780 783403 [email protected] Reporter Martin Lewis 01780 783668 [email protected] Website: www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk
Parish Councils
Sutton Peter Lee (Vice Chair) 01780 782703 Wansford Wendy Grey (Clerk) 01778 441312 Sibson-cum-Stibbington Wendy Grey (Clerk) 01778 441312 Thornhaugh Deirdre McCumiskey (Clerk) 01780 782668 Water Newton (Parish Meeting) Tony Capon (Chairman) 01733 237500
Churches
Ministers: Thornhaugh & Wansford Rev Michael Matthews 01780 782271 [email protected] Stibbington & Water Newton Canon William Burke 01733 380244 [email protected] or Parish Office, [email protected] Churchwardens: St Andrew’s Thornhaugh: Stuart Foreman 01780 783220 Liz Kemp 01780 782333 St Mary’s Wansford: Paul Tate 01780 782965 Alan Jones 01780 783205 St John the Baptist, Stibbington Richard Winfrey 01780 782431 Carol Lindsay Friends: St Mary’s & St Andrew’s Dora Baker 01780 782519 St John the Baptist Helen Facer 01780 782932 St Remigius Water Newton Tony Capon 01733 237500
Other useful contacts
Neighbourhood Policing 101 Horticultural Society 01780 782446 Wansford Surgery 01780 782342 Royal British Legion 01780 782200 (Out of hours 01733 293838) Stibbington & Wansford WI .. 782510 Wansford Pharmacy 01780 781616 Communicare 01780 470437 H’don District Council 01480 388388 P’boro City Council 01733 747474
4 St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh St Mary’s, Wansford WORSHIP
MARCH 2014
Date Time Location Service 2 Mar 9.30 am St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh Parish Communion 10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
4.00 pm St. Mary’s Wansford Family Service: Leaves of life
5 Mar 7.00 am & St. Kyneburgha, Castor Ash Wednesday 10.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am St Mary’s, Wansford Communion with ashes
7.30 pm Nassington Benefice service with distribution of ashes 9 Mar 9.00 am St. John the Baptist, Morning Worship Lent 1 Stibbington 9.30 am St Mary’s, Wansford Parish Communion with choir
16 Mar 9.30 am St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh Morning Prayer Lent 2 with hymns 10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
23 Mar 9.00 am St. John the Baptist, Holy Communion Lent 3 Stibbington
9.30 am St Mary’s, Wansford Morning Prayer 30 Mar 9.30 am St Mary’s, Wansford Mothering Sunday Morning Prayer 10.15 am St John the Baptist, Stibbington Holy communion
6.00 pm St Remigius, Mothering Sunday Service Water Newton Every Monday, 3pm Wansford — Afternoon Prayer
Wednesday Morning Prayer during Lent – March 12, 19 and 26 and April 2 and 9 – will be at 11.30am
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6 REFLECTIONS
By Canon William Burke A BROAD CHURCH
The Church of England has again revisited the matter of women Bishops and it now looks as though that they have agreed proposals that will allow women to be consecrated as Bishops, yet allow space for those who struggle with the idea for whatever reason, ( theological, or with regard to its effect on the unity of the church). The Bishops have also revisited the matter of homosexuality and ordination and have in effect reserved judgement on the matter—loving disagreement - at least that I think is the principle as I understand it. There is an acceptance by the bishops that there is a wide range of views. Most people in the parish will be aware that we have here always blessed homosexual couples in committed relationships and will continue to do so while the discussion continues. I am convinced in my own heart not only is this right and sound theologically but that it is a decision in the next few years that the Church of England will formally endorse as appropriate. The science is quite clear that sexual orientation is decided before birth and that we have as much control over that as we have over our skin colour, the colour of our eyes, or gender etc. We are all made in the image and likeness of God.
The decisive argument for me is what Jesus says in his mission statement as he starts his public ministry in Nazareth which we can read about in Luke’s Gospel (4:16-20)
Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
If we, the church are to reflect Jesus’ mission statement we should be bearers of good news that sets people free and should not be oppressing them be they men, women or children of every type. I realize not everyone will agree with me and that is fine but I am more than happy to discuss it with anybody,
7 8 FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S AND ST. ANDREW’S
This year’s FRUGAL LUNCHES DURING LENT are starting on Wednesday, March 12th at 12.15 in the Christie Hall, Wansford.
They will take place every Wednes- day during Lent for 5 weeks and will be preceded by a service at St. Mary’s at 11.30a.m.
Please, come and support us again. Entry is free. All donations are going to Christian Aid and are supporting the Syria Crisis Appeal and in particular the Orphan Children, with food packages, blankets and other essentials.
Last year we were able to donate over £600 to a programme of building 3 wells in Africa. This year we ask for your kindness and generosity again. Together we will be able to make a difference.
We promise you warm hospitality and a lovely time with friends and neighbours as well as an inexpensive but good, nourishing meal. We look forward to seeing you there at all 5 lunches !!
There will be a short meeting of The Friends after the Ash Wednesday Service at St. Mary's on March 5th at 10 a.m. Dora Baker, Secretary
FRIENDS OF ST REMIGIUS, WATER NEWTON
The next service at St Remigius Water Newton will be at 6pm on Mothering Sunday, 30 March. As always, all are welcome from surrounding villages. The service will follow our usual theme of offering light refreshments to all following the service.
Other forthcoming events include a Strawberry Fair and US Independence Day service at 6pm on Sunday 6th July followed by an American themed supper.
And, we will hold our 2nd Water Newton Music Fest on Sunday 31st August. This follows the hugely successful event held last year. We have already secured some great local acts. Book the date in your diary. Further details will be released in the coming months. Tony Capon
9
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10 FAMILY SERVICES AT WANSFORD
The first of the new monthly Family Services was held in February; see photo by Liz Kemp.
The next Family Service with the theme of The Leaves of Life will be on Sunday 2nd March at 4pm.
The emphasis is on singing (with our new keyboard) and children’s participation. After the half an hour informal Service refreshments are provided.
Everyone is welcome; see invitation.
Other special services during the coming month include Ash Wednesday services on March 5 and Mothering Sunday Services on March 30. For details see page 5.
Alan Jones
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INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR WORK
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12 FRIENDS OF STIBBINGTON CHURCH
FOSC COMMITTEE EVENTS
After a very pleasant evening at the Papermills in January to round off 2013 the committee have met to plan the 2014 events. The highlight will be a Festival to celebrate the Patronal Festival on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd June with a themed flower festival, church service and a barbecue to which everyone is welcome. More information nearer the time.
Helen Facer
FRIENDS OF STIBBINGTON CHURCH 101 CLUB
Good news and a great start to 2014 for two lucky people! In January Steve Davis carried off the £50 prize and in February Mark Hull did likewise. Surely all you readers out there want to have the opportunity to do the same? Why not buy a ticket...it will cost you £12 for the chance to be entered into twelve monthly draws. Someone has to win - why shouldn’t it be you? Contact Carol on 01780 782338 and grab that ticket.
LENT IN THE BENEFICE
For Lent this year the benefice theme is entitled ‘REFLECTION ON THE PASSION THROUGH ART’. There will be four Reflections on the Passion in Art sessions led by a variety of people. Each session will last between 35 and 45 minutes ending with short prayers and simple refreshments. The sessions will take place in four separate venues within the Benefice as follows.
First Reflection 7 pm Thursday 13th March in Sutton Church Second Reflection 7pm Thursday 27th March Stibbington Church Third Reflection 7pm Thursday 3rd April Marholm Church Fourth Reflection 7pm Thursday 10th April Castor Church
There will also be a Lenten Reflection as part of the evening service at 6pm at Castor on Sunday 23rd March led by Fr Haydn Smart
There will be a Stations of the Cross at Castor on Sunday13th April at 6pm
Carol Lindsay
STIBBINGTON CHURCHYARD SPRING CLEAR UP
It’s that time again to prepare for Spring, and those of you that can spare a couple of hours to give a hand to smarten up the graveyards, would be very much appreciated.
Please bring your barrows, rakes and secateurs and join in, all children are welcome , there will be light refreshments as usual in the church porch.
The date has been set for Sunday the 27th of April, 10am until noon.
Suzy Story
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14 WANSFORD HORTICULTURAL & CRAFTS SOCIETY
As I write, our first meeting of the year, at the Elton Walled Garden Centre, has still to take place, but we are delighted that it is clearly proving to be a popular venue, as we have reached our maximum number of participants – 55! As well as hearing plans for redevelopment from Nick Smith, the new manager, and after I became chairman. At the time suggestions for new planting in our Mark was just responsible for gardens, we shall be enjoying a buffet Lyveden, but he is now the Trust’s supper of goulash or lasagne, served General Manager for up by Nick’s wife, Christine, and her Northamptonshire and Rutland. An team in the pleasant cafeteria. In eminent speaker, he worked with previous years our early talks and Chris Beardshaw a few years ago to visits have been fraught with travel uncover and restore more of the garden. difficulties and cancellation due to wintry weather. It is hard to believe You may well have seen Mark being that we have escaped unscathed, if a interviewed on “Look East” recently little soggy, this year! having won a victory in the High Court
Our second meeting, to be held on to prevent wind turbines from being home ground at the Christie Hall is a erected on land adjacent to the talk by Ursula Buchan entitled “How Elizabethan Garden at Lyveden New England’s Gardeners Fought the Bield. As he pointed out, the National Second World War”, based on her Trust is committed to renewable most recent book. It takes place at energy and by 2020 will source 50% 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 13 March. We of its energy from renewables, but are immensely lucky to have a writer this shouldn’t be at any cost and has to work in the landscape. and horticulturalist of Ursula’s calibre and acclaim living on our doorstep With our annual Plant Sale scheduled and know that she will deliver a for 10 May, closely followed by our fascinating and at times surprising two coach trips – to R.H.S. Garden insight into her subject. Wisley on 31 May and Hidcote Manor
This will be followed on 24 April by a Garden and Baddesley Clinton on 22 talk from Mark Bradshaw of the June - there is plenty to look forward National Trust entitled “Lyveden to in the coming months, so do join New Bield – 12 years on, the us! latest changes and discoveries.” Gill Fisher In fact, by the time he speaks to us, it [email protected] will be 13 years since Mark came to 782446 Wansford as the very first speaker
15 STIBBINGTON & WANSFORD WI At our meeting last month we Day will again be welcomed Nicola Dunkin who was held at St Ives in instrumental in the formation of the April and this Stamford Foodbank in July 2012. A year’s guest network of over 380 foodbanks speaker will be Eric Knowles of the throughout the UK are seeded by The Antiques Roadshow. Visits planned in Trussell Trust and work in partnership the coming months include tours of with local churches and communities, Deene Park Hall, Browne’s Hospital in helping to feed and support over Stamford followed by afternoon tea at 300,000 people. The Stamford The George and for our members branch is fully staffed by volunteers night in July we will be at Tolethorpe and relies on donations of dry and Hall seeing a performance of ‘Alice in tinned food to provide a ‘three-day’ Wonderland’. parcel to all those who arrive with the Following a request from Living requisite voucher. In a lot of cases Villages for recipes we have the recipient also wants the submitted half a dozen which when opportunity to talk to someone and published, we hope readers will enjoy there is always a good listener there preparing and eating. on hand to help. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 11th Our craft evenings on the last March 2014 when the guest speaker Monday of each month are proving will be the Reverend Peter Morrell – popular – members are enjoying his talk entitled ‘Life of a Judge’ - an producing their own pieces of account of the time he served as a patchwork under the guidance of high court judge – a career he subs- Judith our experienced seamstress. equently retired from to take up his Reminder for members - the Spring current path in life as an ordained Walk in April will be hosted by minister in the Church of England. Helpston WI - the Annual Federation Wendy Spencer
THE CHRISTIE HALL COMMUNITY LOTTERY
Great support for the Hall has again been provided by over 400 of our residents who have bought Lottery tickets.
Thanks are due not only to them but also to the distributors who visited so many addresses, sometimes calling several times in the recent wet and windy weather in order to find someone at home.
The monthly draw starts in March and prizes totalling £2,100 will be distributed through the forthcoming ten monthly draws. The remaining net income will continue to provide valuable funds for the maintenance of the Hall.
The hall supports many functions including Yoga, Karate, Pilates, Renaissance and Lindy Hop Dancing as well as Mothers and Toddlers and is available for parties. Details are on the website at www.christiehall.co.uk Anyone wishing to hire the hall should contact Gill Fisher on 01780 782446 Mat Free, [email protected]
16 17 COMMUNICARE (Wansford & Kings Cliffe Surgery Patient Group)
The next meeting will be held at Wansford Surgery on
Wednesday 5th March 2014 at 6.30pm Guest Speaker: Angela Burrows
Chief Operating Officer Healthwatch Peterborough
Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public. Healthwatch will play a role at both national and local level and will make sure that the views of the public and people who use services are taken into account.
All patients are invited to attend this meeting and take an active part in the proceedings and discussions. Regular agenda items include finance, transport, healthcare matters, equipment purchase and AOB
50 at 50
As ‘midlife crises’ go, Kieran Nally is embarking on a significant one. Having turned 50 in January, he has decided to run two marathons in April - just a week apart - to raise money for charity.
Kieran, from Wansford, has been training for several weeks, running with the Stamford Striders by night for much needed support and advice. By day, as a maths teacher at Stamford School, he has also received support from his pupils, who are urging him to go the distance.
“Doing two marathons in quick succession is a daunting prospect, especially as I have not run such distances ever before. Thankfully, my pupils have been on hand with some sterling advice – most commonly, to get some comfortable shoes. The running club has also been very encouraging, giving me much needed advice and inspiration.”
Kieran will be raising money for two charities; in the London Marathon, for The Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy, and in the Brighton Marathon, for Younger people with Dementia. “I have seen loved ones in my family with these conditions and have felt powerless to help. These runs are a very small way I can help to make a difference. Having never run a marathon before, I know it sounds like a bit of a crazy enterprise, but I wanted to set myself a challenge for my 50th birthday - and one that was worthwhile.”
If you would like to join Kieran in raising money for these worthwhile causes, you can go to his giving pages for the London marathon – http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KieranNally - and for the Brighton marathon - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KieranNally1
18
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19 LOCAL HISTORY By David Stuart-Mogg RIVERSIDE LIFE
The subject of water has received almost at Wansford Bridge where the height of unprecedented attention in the media the water was regulated and the silted- over recent months as swathes of the up water channels were ordered to be Thames valley and the Somerset levels cleared and cleaned at the expense of have remained inundated, with the landowners. Before the 18th century, meaningful relief and resolution still a the head of navigation for the River Nene distant future prospect for many. It is was downstream at Alwalton, so the only therefore, perhaps, unsurprising that Her craft plying the river hereabouts would Majesty’s Government turned to the have been shallow, punt-like craft that Netherlands for expert opinion given the could be manhandled around the many preponderance of that country that is mills, leats and stanches upstream situated below sea level. At first sight towards Northampton. Between 1710 two early features of the advice offered and 1724 the Duke of Bedford was appear deceptively obvious: ‘learn to live involved in initiatives to improve river with water, don’t fight it’ and ‘widen conditions upstream of Alwalton. rivers to facilitate greater outflow’. Consequently, after 1724 when locks were built, Wansford saw a gradual Over recent months residents living in increase in barge and lighter traffic as its the Living Villages communities of convenient location at the convergence Sutton, Stibbington, Water Newton and of major cross-country highways saw its Wansford have understandably watched development into a thriving little port. the fluctuating levels of the River Nene By 1761 the river was navigable to with varying degrees of interest, or Northampton enabling the transport of concern, dependent on the location of sea coal from Newcastle. This period their homes. To date no serious flooding would have seen the development of a has immersed us such as occurred in network of tow paths, to enable heavy April 1998 when the floods lapped the horses to pull barges, criss-crossing the doorstep of Wansford Post Office in Elton river to suit the vagaries of terrain and Road and ten arches of Wansford Bridge landowners’ consents. served a raging torrent. Many will remember seeing the proprietor of the My second edition (1901) copy of a local former Pot Shop, opposite the Haycock, Ordnance Survey map shows the river paddling his kayak up and down the apparently flowing through nearly all frontage of his premises in London Road. Wansford Bridge’s arches with fords One of the earliest records of substantial crossing the River Nene no less than four local flooding dates to 1571 when a times between Wansford Lock and Flaxen tempest washed away three arches of Ford, the latter situated about halfway the then wooden Wansford Bridge and between Wansford Bridge and Sutton. It waters reached the bedrooms of the was not until 1937 that, with the demise three-storey Swan Inn, as The Haycock of horse-drawn traffic, the river was was then known, and drowned horses dredged to permit the passage of deeper tethered in its stables. draught, motor-powered craft through a single channel under the old bridge. Up In 1633 a Commission of Sewers, which until this time it was possible to wade today might be called a Drainage Review across the width of river on stepping Board, sat at Kettering to discuss stones at Wansford Bridge during most damage to lands abutting the River of the year with the water only reaching Nene. As a consequence a survey began about knee-height. 20 century, the head of navigation for the River Nene was downstream at Alwalton, so the only
London Road, Wansford during the flood of August 1912. Note the large pig by the horsemen. So what, of late, causes the now days of horse-drawn barges, that bank increase in barge and lighter traffic as its familiar flooding of the former towpath having been identified as the one less on the Huntingdonshire side of the river likely to be compromised in bad weather. when, pragmatically, in days gone by I appreciate that all the foregoing is such would have not been the relatively simplistic and unscientific, but it does regular occurrence of recent years? open up the interesting question as to Part of the answer may be possibly whether Wansford, and villages found on the earlier mentioned 1901 downstream, might be better served if Ordnance Survey map. Upon a first, one or more of the old bridge arches was cursory inspection Wansford Lock looks dredged out and the river allowed more much the same as now. However one space in the manner so recently notices that on the Northants side of advocated by the Dutch hydrology the river the Nene then still meandered experts and mentioned in my first My second edition (1901) copy of a local along its old course parallel to, and paragraph: ‘widen rivers to facilitate around, the more recent lock. Today greater outflow’ and ‘learn to live with this old river bed is entirely lost under water, don’t fight it’? It would certainly fields, which now regularly flood and add to Wansford Bridge’s picturesque crossing the River Nene no less than four become natural water meadows in charm and thereby possibly encourage times between Wansford Lock and Flaxen times of heavy rain. At Wansford after more visitors to the ultimate benefit of the short post-1937 period when the local businesses. The fact that the between Wansford Bridge and Sutton. It newly-deepened, single navigable northern bank - and Wansford Bridge in was not until 1937 that, with the demise channel was used to any extent, a its entirety - are within the jurisdiction of subsequent dearth of traffic has the Peterborough Unitary Authority dredged to permit the passage of deeper assisted in ensuring that the other arch whilst the Stibbington towpath lies within channels progressively silted up until the remit of Huntingdonshire District now they only (partially) function for Council would surely bring an interesting, their designed purpose during extreme additional layer of bureaucracy to the weather conditions. It would appear table. reasonable to deduce that this increases the likelihood of the opposite bank [email protected] flooding than was the case in the 21 GARDEN SERVICES KEITH PIKE ATT, ACIB Garden & Personal Taxation Adviser Ground Maintenance ------Contract Work Are you worried about…. Commercial & Domestic completing your Annual Tax Return
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Nene Valley Railway
2014 EVENTS
Sunday March 30: MOTHERS DAY Chocolate express and posy for Mum on the train
Monday April 21: EASTER EGG HUNT
Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6LR Tel 01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk Registered charity no 263617
22 WANSFORD PARISH COUNCIL
The Second Meeting of 2014 was held on 10th February 2014. It was chaired by John Stannage; present were Laura Fox-Clipsham, Nick Meredith, Tim Pearson and Graham Stevens. There were apologies for absence from Cllrs Clarke, Forward, Holdich, Lamb and PCSO.
Planning: No new applications received. The clerk is going to ascertain the legal requirements regarding alteration and adjustment applications that are received between meetings i.e. those applications that have been previously reported on.
Speedwatch: Two nominees have very kindly put forward their names to be trained for Speedwatch. Once we have a third nominee then training will commence and we will hope to have Speedwatch in action soon after.
Litter warden: The need for a litter warden in Wansford was discussed. The position was last advertised in 2009 but without success. Cllr Pearson has kindly offered to take on this position for a 6 month period, during which he will define the role so that it can be re-advertised later this year.
Leasing of land in Nene Close: Correspondence from PCC has been received, requesting additional information from Wansford Parish Council, with respect to the maintenance of the land and any equipment that may be placed on the site.
Village notice board: The idea was proposed that the village notice board could be opened up as a school competition for local students and the winning design will be made and erected in the village. Local schools will be contacted once a brief has been drawn up.
Old Leicester Road: Further concerns have been raised by villagers regarding the surface between Robin’s Field and the Kings Cliffe Road. Wansford Parish Council is going to attempt to ascertain when the surface was laid and by whom, with a view to rectifying the current drainage prob- lems.
Street lighting: Two street lights have been reported as being out at the bottom of Robin’s Field.
Next meeting to be held on Monday 10th March 2014. Wendy Gray
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24 MAKE USE OF YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST
Residents over 60 in the Peterborough area are encouraged to seek help from their pharmacist with bad coughs, colds and sore throats to prevent them developing into something more serious.
Minor illnesses such as these are usually harmless but if they are not getting better, it’s a good idea to seek some help from your local pharmacist. Pharmacists can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment.
Dr Paul Van den Bent, GP in Peterborough, said, “There are 150 pharmacies in Cambridgeshire, based on your local high street or in supermarkets. Pharmacists have five year’s professional training and can provide advice on medicines and advise you about how to manage a long-term condition.
“We really urge you to go and see a pharmacist if you are feeling under the weather and have a bad cough, trouble breathing, a cold or sore throat. Most pharmacies have private consultation areas and their opening hours tend be longer than GP practices. They can also tell you if they think you should see a doctor.”
This is part of the ‘Earlier the Better’ campaign run by NHS England and is being supported by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Helen McPherson, Communications Manager Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group 01223 725325 [email protected] www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk Lockton House, Clarendon Road, Cambridge. CB2 8FH
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HEALTH & FITNESS GROWING OLD By Dan Whiter GRACEFULLY
Growing old does not have to mean feeling old. One we can’t avoid, but the other we can. There are things everyone can do to improve their lives and not allow old age to stop you doing what you want to do. As we age, there are changes to the way our bodies repair damage, react to external changes and to how our metabolism functions. This is inevitable and is just the way our bodies have evolved.
Well I’m not going to tell you that you can stop the aging process, but I can tell you that you can slow it down and improve the quality of your life into your later years.
Coronary Heart Disease is one of the biggest hazards of obesity and improv- ing your heart and lungs will significantly reduce the risk. 3 thirty-minute sessions a week of moderate exercise is the minimum recommendation – this means getting your heart rate up to the point where you’re breathing hard and starting to sweat a little. This small increase in activity will dramatically increase your heart and lung fitness.
Muscular strength, and muscular endurance are closely related but different. Strength equates to “How much can I lift?” and endurance is “How long can I keep lifting it for?”. Both decline as we get older, but by doing just 2 sessions of resistance training per week (a few press ups, a few sit ups, squats, chucking a ball around, lifting up your children or grandchildren – even gardening) we can slow the decline in our muscular ability.
Motor skills are essential to everyday tasks, from washing to preparing food to getting dressed. There are several components of motor skills (balance, coordination, agility etc) but if we don’t use them regularly, the brain decides we no longer need them and throws them out. It doesn’t matter how strong or fit we are if we can’t carry out those ordinary, everyday tasks. Inactivity is the enemy – take up a new hobby, learn a new skill, do some- thing different. The more you stimulate your mind and body to learn, the more it will respond and retain.
No-one wants to shuffle rather than being able to stride out. Humans were never designed to sit down – they were designed to stand, squat or run. Look after your hip flexors and hamstrings – take 5 minutes, 3 times a week to stretch them off. Look after your posture – too many people have spent an entire career hunched over a desk or machinery, leading to a stooped posture. Do some exercises to tighten up your shoulders and upper back and you will pull yourself back into alignment.
Take your body back. You only need 3 hours a week and it will be the best investment you ever made. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/activities-for-the-elderly.aspx http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/strength-training/6-strength- exercises-to-improve-posture.html#b
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NATURE NOTES By Graham Blagden MURMURATIONS
Late one afternoon my neighbour called round to report a huge flock of starlings she had just seen to the east of the village. She showed me images on her smart phone of thousands of these birds exhibiting the wonderful patterns and swirls in the sky which they display before roosting. You may have seen examples on television or YouTube of these amazing sights commonly above the Somerset Levels, where millions of birds fill the sky with their intricate patterns and calls before descending on the reed beds to roost for the night. Their collective name is a 'murmuration' of starlings, although I have always found the sound to be somewhat louder than a murmur. Maybe this term was coined following a distant sighting of such a display.
Fifty years ago I well remember that Central London hosted millions of starlings every night. They flew into the city every evening from the surrounding suburbs to roost on the ledges of the stone buildings surrounding Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus and the plane trees in Leicester Square. The sound of these birds chatting to one another was deafening. Unfortunately the 'fallout' was pretty unpleasant and measures were taken to get rid of the birds and these eventually met with success, for the authorities if not the starlings! Nowadays these concentrations are formed by winter visitors from the continent seeking a less harsh climate and safer roosts. These birds would have been just such a flock and they provided a wonderful spectacle before they would have descended into the reed beds beside the river for the night.
The country's starling population has drastically reduced over the last century and the bird is on a danger list. We have a small flock in Yarwell which has been increasing in size over the last few years and now amounts to about sixty birds.
They commonly nest under the eaves of buildings but also make use of holes in trees. Although always looking ungainly when walking on the ground, their dark, spotted plumage is quite beautiful, changing slightly in age and season, but well worth a close inspection.
Starlings have a variety of calls but they are also renowned mimics. There are many instances of people answering the telephone only to find the call emanating from a starling. In the village a few will fly up to a chimney or television aerial and make their clicky calls, or use the church tower or tall tree to look down upon the world. They may then descend upon a lawn or bird feeder, temporarily dislodging other birds, but leave again quite quickly and peace will be restored.
We should be proud of our little flock. Many communities no longer have starlings at all and must wait for that occasional, but rare, murmuration to appear.
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IN MEMORIAM ERIC REGINALD REEVES th th By Rod Sortwell 25 May 1917 – 30 January 2014
Eric and his younger brother Neville were sons of a Gloucestershire farming family and as children and young adults enjoyed country and school life to the full. Since farming between the wars was in decline the boys were persuaded to follow a career in banking during the period up to 1939, following which they joined the services, Eric in the army and Neville the RAF.
Eric spent the duration as a frontline soldier, often under fire, as he became a specialist in bailey bridge building. Although he was mentioned in dispatches, and had the privilege of meeting Montgomery, in later years he was reluctant to speak about the war.
At the end of hostilities Eric returned to his banking career and was assigned to Newbury where he joined a Country Club for golf and leisure pursuits. In a short time he became aware of an attractive young brunette called Valerie who was a fellow club member and a pharmacist at the local Boots. Although he had already courted an Admiral’s daughter he thought Val was rather special and made a gentlemanly approach. A year later they became Mr and Mrs Reeves. In due course Jonathan, Carolyn and Clive were born, following which Eric was posted to the National Provincial branch in Whittlesey as deputy to manager.
In succeeding years Eric was offered several managerial positions around the country but declined them because their children’s education at Oundle and Wisbech might be compromised. Shortly after, the manager retired and Eric was promoted to this role in Whittlesey. He was able to put his farming knowledge to good use and built up a very substantial client base for the bank in an agricultural region. He also became Treasurer of Whittlesey Agricultural society as well as a Rotarian and a golfer at the Ramsey Club.
When he was 57 the merger between his bank and The Westminster took place thus creating NatWest as we know it today. Any manager within 3 years of retirement was allowed to take that option and Eric duly obliged. He had recently purchased the Old Rectory and moved the family over to Stibbington.
In Stibbington Eric served on the Parish Council and worked hard for the village. He was also Treasurer to the Parochial Church Council for many years and he managed to get the Council to maintain the churchyard. He even cut the grass with a small mower himself.
Eric was regarded by all who knew him as a True English Gentleman out of the Top Drawer. He was described thus by Peter Harrison who compiled and read the tribute at Eric’s funeral and to whom I am indebted in the preparation of this obituary.
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YOUNGER READER’S BLOG
A Book Review by Karina Chappell (10)
THE THIRTEENTH UNICORN
By W.D Newman
This story is an adventure story about a little boy called Ben who goes to his grandma's house over the summer and of all the strange and wonderful things that happen to him while he is there. He discovers a portal to a different universe and lots of strange mystical creatures not at all like himself.
But there is one problem: evil is at hand and Ben is the only one that can stop the beautiful land from being destroyed. In this land exists the thirteenth Unicorn and this magical creature is being hunted down by the evil characters in the story. Ben needs to prevent the evil witch from killing the unicorn and therefore taking over Camelot and ruling it along with the evil wizard Modred. What will he do?
There were a couple of chapters that just added a back story to the main plot and helped to develop the characters a bit and added a bit of social life of the people in Camelot. On this dangerous quest, Ben and one of his companions have a crush on each other. This gives the book a touch of ro- mance and love that evolves, tak- ing Ben on an emotional journey alongside the adventure but to say more, would give the plot away.
I think this book is "unputdownable" (I made up that word but it fits!) and would recommend it for ages 9 and over. I have also read reviews for Black Dragon, the next in the series. It sounds exciting.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
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STIBBINGTON CENTRE QUIZ NIGHT
Friday 7 March, starting at 7.30pm
At the time of writing Stibbington Centre’s Quiz Night is almost fully booked. To reserve the last few places at £8 per person tel 01780 782386 or email [email protected]. Teams should consist of up to six people. A hot supper will be served during the interval. Bring your own drinks.
Funds raised at the event will go to Stibbington Centre’s charitable trust which aims to improve the Centre’s facilities and to provide bursaries to enable children from disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in educational visits to the Centre.
STAMFORD LADIES LUNCH CLUB Stamford Ladies Lunch Club has been haven’t tried them before, we are dining out for 30 years. Now sure you will find them perfect for benefiting from an exciting new enjoying both great food and great menu, they would like to share those company. You may also discover on delicacies with new members! joining that you have a new friend just round the corner, whom you At Stamford Ladies Lunch Club there would like to travel with; many of our is a diverse menu that caters for members share the driving. polished taste buds and inquisitive minds. High quality food and enter- Topics are varied month on month tainment keeps our members coming and are selected based on members’ back for seconds. You don’t have to similar interests and thirst for take the plunge on your own; knowledge. From calendar girls to however, there are plenty who do, local history, along with talented and tables for new members make writers and singers, we are sure there that an easy step with conversation is something to tempt your taste flowing easily in no time. Equally we buds! We are offering you a chance sometimes find group reservations in to join us for lunch at the discounted our diary, friends who join together member’s price of £17 to see what is looking for something to stimulate on offer. Lunches start at 12 for more than just their taste buds…and 12.30 and last 3 to 3.5 hours, and our speakers offer just that! The icing include a two-course meal and a on the cake, so to speak (we don’t do speaker. Plenty of time to chat with baking!), is that we welcome other members and tasters like your- members from all around the area, self and if you come away feeling full not just in Stamford as the name of both food and life then you can may suggest, and currently have sign up for more. We also host members from Oakham, Uppingham, informal coffee mornings for mem- Oundle, Stamford and their bers at The William Cecil in Stamford. surrounding villages. We meet every Contact either Mary or Hazel and they other month at one of three local will be delighted to tell you more. venues; The Haycock Hotel in Wansford, Toft Country House Hotel Mary Smith 01476 552329 and Greetham Valley Golf Club. If you Hazel Wood 01780 753441 35
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hi Rosie,
Dear Editor, I have decided to resurrect the
It would be great if you could mention village litter pick owing to the state our community event in your next of the verges in and around the publication. Details below. village and would be obliged if you could put an announcement in Nassington Village Hall Table Top Sale: Living Villages for me. Saturday 1st March, 10am—2.30 pm.
Make some money from your unwanted The pick has been scheduled for the gifts, household items, homemade 6th April. If volunteers could meet wares, toys, clothes and bric-a-brac. outside the Church at 10.30 we can then get underway. I will have a Small tables £5, large £10. To book your pitch contact Rebecca Downey word with the Paper Mills to see if 01780 782465 or email: they can do the usual food for us. [email protected] If volunteers could let me know by Set up from 9am. Free entrance. e mail I would be very grateful.
Many thanks, Rebecca Downey Best regards, David Cracknell Nassington Village Hall administrator [email protected] ELTON GARDEN TRAIL
Having been rested for a number of years, the Elton Garden Trail returns on Sunday 29th June. For many years the Trail led the way and regular visitors came from distant places to visit the village. A national magazine gave the Trail a glowing revue describing the event as "being the very best of its type". It is hoped that many of the features which set it apart will again be on the programme. The aim is to offer something for everyone whatever their age. Entertainment in some of the gardens will include country dancing, plus a recorder orchestra playing music first heard hundreds of years go. Children will have the chance to take their own ever-popular "I-Spy" Trail with clues to be found in every garden. Visitors will have the opportunity to buy plants from village gardeners and pho- tographers are invited to take pictures illustrating the "spirit of the Trail". The best will be published in the Village magazine. Teas will be served all day. The event opens at 12noon until 5pm. Cost to take the Trail will be £5 - accompanied children free.
Further information call David Housden on 01832-280-097. More information available from the President, Jean Yerbury on 01780 782510 or contact wen- [email protected]
Thank you to Caroline Worth for sending this photo from her husband, David, “our man in The Philippines”. David gave a presentation to a packed audience in Stibbington Centre in January before heading out to The Philippines where he is currently volunteering. His work involves teaching at a school and helping with repairing damage caused by the recent hurricane. He has been involved in restoring the water supply at the school, much to the delight of these children.
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This month’s recipe is one of a selection kindly sent in by the ladies of the Stibbington and Wansford WI. Dear Editor, Readers who have a favourite recipe Calling all local dog lovers! suitable for Easter time are invited Many of your readers will know the to send in their contribution Rescue Kennels on the A47, close to for publication net month. Wansford; and quite a large number of you probably own dogs that you have rehomed from these very kennels.
Animal Helpline have been rehoming GINGER SHORTBREAD dogs for over 30 years – they INGREDIENTS operate on a shoestring, and always do the best they can for the 6oz butter constant stream of incoming dogs that 7oz plain flour need help. 4¼oz caster sugar This letter is about the poorly dogs who 2tbs chopped stem ginger arrive at the Kennels – those who have Milk to glaze it tougher than most – those who need greater care, METHOD attention and funds, to recover sufficiently to be rehomed. There is In a large bowl, cream the but- good news for these little guys – we ter and sugar. now have a dedicated space on site to Mix in all the other ingredients, nurse them back to health, it’s called and bring together with your The Mutt Hutt. hands until it forms a dough. A small team of us look after this well- Shape into a flattened round equipped, warm environment – but we and put into a 7” tin. need more help. If any of your dog loving readers can spare about an hour Brush with milk. any morning around 9/10am to help Bake at 200C/Fan 180C/gas 6 with the cleaning, feeding, walking and for 20-25mins. or until golden at TLC - we’d love to hear from them. the edges. We are trying to get teams of 2 to cover the morning shift for every day of the week – any commitment would therefore be useful. We can pay for this help. My name is Terry, and I’m a member of the Mutts Nutts team that is working to ensure the Mutt Hutt continues to make a difference. I’d be very happy to hear from anyone who might be able to spare some time to help us with this; my number is 07802 634050 Thank you so much for printing this letter. Kind regards, Terry Cook Charity number 1152155
37 DIARY DATES – MARCH 2014
Date Event Time Venue Contact Phone p
10am— Nassington Rebecca 01780 Sat 1 Table Top Sale 36 2.30pm Village Hall Downey 782465 The Leaves of Life St Mary’s church, Church- Sun 2 4.00pm 11 Family Service Wansford wardens Ash Wednesday Services Church- Wed 5 5 at local churches wardens Friends of St Mary’s & Wansford Wed 5 10.30am Dora Baker 782519 9 St Andrew’s meeting Community Hall Wnsford Wed 5 Communicare meeting 6.30pm Wansford Health 782342 18 Health Sibson cum Stibbington Stibbington 01778 Wed 5 7.30pm Wendy Gray Parish Council meeting Environment Centre 441312 Stibbington Rosie 01780 Fri 7 Quiz Night 7.30pm 35 Environment Centre Edwards 782386 Wansford Parish Council Wansford 01778 Mon 10 7.30pm Wendy Gray 23 meeting Community Hall 441312 Wansford Jean Tues 11 WI meeting 7.15pm 782510 16 Community Hall Yerbury Wed 12, The Christie Hall, Frugal Lent Lunches 12.15pm Dora Baker 782519 9 19, 26 Wansford Thornhaugh Parish St Andrew’s church, Deirdre Wed 12 7.30pm Council meeting Thornhaugh McCumiskey Reflection on the Passion St Michael’s church, Carol Thur 13 7.00pm 13 with Art Sutton Lindsay Horticultural Society The Christie Hall, Thur 13 7.30pm Gill Fisher 782446 15 meeting Wansford Reflection on the Passion St John the Baptist Carol Thur 27 7.00pm 13 with Art church, Stibbington Lindsay Mothering Sunday Church - Sun 30 5 Services at local churches wardens
Sorry, no room for looking ahead to April Copy deadline next month: Friday 21 March
This magazine is available online at
www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk
38 Ian Brumfield MBEng Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07951 114126
Architectural and Structural Design Services Comprehensive Planning and Building Control Applications
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