April 2019 1 Issue 168 Grafham Gossip Issue 169 Early Deadline: Midnight Thursday 11th April Editors’ note… Spring is here at last! Don’t you think it’s the most exciting time of year when everything in our gardens and surrounding countryside changes daily as trees and plants come back to life after the winter? We have several articles about nature this month. On page 7 you will find, ‘Bluebells’ by Gregory Belcher as well as ‘Woodland Management’ by the Wildlife Trust reserves team and voluntary wardens of Brampton Wood. There’s information about the Fauna and Flora Society on page 11 and a piece on ‘Sniffer Bees’ by David Cudby on page 13. Are you concerned about plastics in the environment? If so, on page 11 look out for ‘Pump Packs’ by Carole Baber and on page 8, details of how you can watch ‘The Plastic Ocean,’ a film released in 2017, about the story of ocean plastics. We have some dates to remember in April so there are plenty of excuses to visit the Grafham Trout in- cluding April Fools Day on 1st, the Grand National on 6th, the Boat Race between Oxford and Cam- bridge Universities is on 7th, St George’s Day is 23rd which is also Shakespeare’s birthday. Lent continues through April finishing on Maundy Thurs- day 18th followed by Good Friday on 19th with Summary of Events in March and April Easter Sunday on 21st and Bank Holiday Monday on 22nd.  Thursday 28th March Charity Quiz 7.45pm Please send in your news, views, photos and gossip at The Grafham Trout See page 8 for details in good time for May’s early deadline, midnight on  Thursday 4th April Short Walks 10am every Thursday Thursday 11th April. Meet at Buckden Surgery See page 8 for details Happy Easter!  Friday 5th April The Plastic Ocean - a film Editors, [email protected] 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton See page 8 for details Contents Church Services / View from the Pew…….………… 2  Friday 26th April a piano recital by Bo Lyu Parish News / Parish and County Cllrs details...…….…… 3 7.30 Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre Notices / Village Hall Activities / Lent and Easter notice.… 4 See page 12 for details Talking Shop / Twitter Account for Rural Crime Team.. 5  Sunday 28th April Notices/Shop hours / Bin Collections / Useful Phone Nos.. 6 10.30am Bluebell Walk at Brampton Wood Bluebells, Gregory Belcher…………………………….…… 7 2.30pm Portholme Meadow Walk Woodland Management, Wildlife Trust BCN……….……… 7 See pages 8 and 10 for details Notices………………...………………………………..… 8  Church Services for the month are listed on page 2 Woodland Management cont / April Lawn Care, Prolawn... 9 including 31st March 10.30am Adverts / Notices / Pub Opening Times…………...……10 Mothering Sunday Service at Brampton. Lions Safari Walk 40th Aniniversary...……………...…..…10 18th April 3.00pm Maundy Thursday Pump Packs, Carole Baber / Fauna and Flora Society…....11 Communion at Grafham and Adverts / Notices ……………….………………...………12 19th April 10.30am Good Friday Reflection/Meditation at Sniffer Bees, David Cudby / Healthwatch…..……………...13 Grafham. Adverts………………………………………...…………… 14  More Lent and Easter Services are included for Bramp- Grace not Gifts, Jason / A14 News..…………………..…15 ton, Ellington and Grafham in the notice on page 4 Local Activities / Babysitters…………………………..……16 Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] April 2019 2 Issue 168

Grafham All Saints Services Every Wednesday morning 09.00 - 09.30 Morning Prayer – a short service open to all. Download the Daily Prayer app from the Church of England website available for iOS and Android to join us in spirit from home if you wish, but preferably please come along to the service 31st March (5th Sunday) 10.30 Mothering Sunday Service at Brampton ------7th April (1st Sunday) 10.30 Family Service - Lay led 18th April (Maundy Thursday) 15.00 Holy Communion led by Mike Bigg 19th April (Good Friday) 10.30 Reflection and Meditation 21st April (Easter Day) 10.30 Holy Communion at Brampton 28th April (4th Sunday) 19.00 Taizé service with music and candles ------5th May (1st Sunday) 10.30 Family Service - Lay led

Future mid week Holy Communion services are on Thursdays: the next one is 9th May at 10.00 On Fourth Sundays, an ‘All Together’ Holy Communion Service rotates between the three churches For more information on church services and other events, visit www.eastleightonstone.com and click on Calendar Contacting the Clergy Revd Jason Taylor (Rector) Rectory, 15 Church Rd, Brampton PE28 4PF [email protected] 01480 453341 or 07807 118070 Revd Mike Bigg (Curate) [email protected] 07380 809377

View from the Pew Our first service in March was on Transfiguration Sunday celebrating the occa- sion when Jesus and three of his disciples went up a mountain where they saw Moses and Elijah arrayed in radiant light with Jesus and they heard the voice of God. At our service, a dialogue between Si- mon Peter and an interviewer was related to the con- gregation, to bring alive this special day. On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent a small con- gregation received Holy Communion and a cross marked with ashes on our foreheads. This signifies repentance as we approach Jesus' 40 days in the wil- derness. On Maundy Thursday (18th April,) Mike will lead a Holy Communion service at 3pm. On Good Friday (19th April,) there will be a short act of devotion at 10.30am. At the time of going to press we don't have any musicians to play for us on Easter Day. Therefore it is as yet undecided whether we can offer an act of worship on that day. If this can be ar- ranged, it will be advertised on the notice board on the green triangle at the junction of Church Road with Breach Road and also on Facebook. However, there will be an Easter Day Holy Communion service at Brampton at 10.30am. The theme for this year is hobbies and you are very Our flower ladies will have decorated the church for welcome to join the flower arrangers however much Easter so do pop in to see the flowers, even if you can- or little experience you have not manage to get to a service. Please contact Jill Tyack: Don't forget that this year, the Mothering Sunday ser- vice on 31st March, will be at St Mary Magdalene, [email protected] or 01480 810157 Brampton at 10.30am.

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 3 Issue 168

sets out proposals for communities to undertake PARISH NEWS March 2019 activity previously done by the CC, but which can longer be funded by the CC. The document At the March meeting of the Parish Council, Martin Joyner presented information from a meeting with does not mention parish councils directly. Cambs County Council Energy Investment Unit There is still a vacancy on the Parish Council staff with reference to the installation of electric and we would welcome any approach for co- car charging points and solar panels at the village option. hall. Up to £140,000 in grants may be available for Hedge cutting on Brampton Rd - Cllr Watson has spo- development and construction of qualifying bids. Grant ken to the farmer, who is intending to use the oppor- schemes make reference to local plans and any links tunity of the pending road closure to allow him to safe- to a council’s intentions to reduce emissions and im- ly cut the hedges whilst no traffic is flowing. prove energy efficiency. Closure of Brampton Rd - Peter Downes has provided Kevin Sharpe, on behalf of the Grafham Trout commu- information that the closure is to repair two collapsing nity pub, presented proposals for a patio to be built to culverts at the eastern end of the road, between the the east of the pub entrance, utilising the waste space Brampton Wood car park and the A1. Access for cy- beyond the wooden fence. Discussion has been held clists and walkers will apparently be maintained. The with the village shop on potential mutual benefits. The Brampton Wood car park may still be accessible from camp site has offered to provide their old tables and Grafham. benches which are being replaced. Kevin is meeting with the A14 integrated delivery team stakeholder lead Cllr Harold provided information on a quote received officer to seek support. Hopefully this will meet with for construction of raised flower beds at either end of everyone’s approval. Breach Rd and on the traffic island in the centre of the village, amounting to c.£4000, to be integrated into A request was made for a grant of £200 to support the traffic calming measures. There is the caveat that hard church flower festival, on the basis that the event at- features on the central island might not be permissible tracts significant numbers of visitors to the village, to as they may present a traffic hazard. The Council were the benefit of the shop and other local enterprises. The happy with the principle of the proposal. Council agreed to make this grant. Following a recent request, the addition of football A question was asked about the state of verges and pitch markings on the all-weather court would cost ap- an update was provided by Cllr Watson who is liaising proximately £500. It was agreed to liaise with football with the grass cutting contractor with specific reference teams that hire the all weather facility to seek their to road verges on the southern approach to the village. views. Cllr Peter Downes has been approached by the man- The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on ager of the Old Manor caravan park, with a complaint th Tuesday 9 April at the village hall at 7.30pm. regarding overhanging brambles on Church Road. He undertook to forward the relevant email. Cllr Downes Margaret Life, Parish Clerk gave councillors copies of a document prepared by the 07780 119311 [email protected] County Council entitled “Think Communities”, which Grafham Parish Council You may contact your parish councillors through the parish clerk or directly. Philip Allingham Chairman 01480 811516 [email protected] David Russell [email protected] Ian Gardener Vice Chair 01480 812821 [email protected] Roy Harold [email protected] Alastair Watson [email protected] Jo Dunn [email protected]

Grafham’s County Councillor Grafham’s District Councillor Darren Tysoe 01480 388310

Peter Downes darren.tysoe@huntingdonshire.gov.uk Grove Cottage, Malting Lane, Ellington, PE28 0AA 07765 833486 Follow me on Twitter@darrentysoe and peter.downes@ twitter.com/darrentysoe cambridgeshire.gov.uk Receive my updates on Facebook www.facebook.com/cllrdmtysoe

Early deadline this month! Midnight on Thursday 11th April Send your news, views, photos and gossip to [email protected] by midnight on Thurs 11th April

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 4 Issue 168

Good quality paperback books in clean condition Deadline We love to receive your paperback books to stock Please send us all your adverts, notices, our church bookstall. Please leave them in the church porch. news, views and gossip ASAP and definitely by midnight on Yes  No x  Paperback books in  Hardbacks x Thursday 11th April good condition   Manuals x  Magazines x for the May issue  Encyclopaedias x Thanks, Ed [email protected]  Other items x The book stall is a fantastic fund-raiser for our village Grafham church, but we‘ve found that we can sell only good Activities & Classes 2018 quality, clean paperbacks and find it difficult to lift, Village Hall carry and dispose of other items. Thank you for your continued support! Mondays Line Dancing 7.30pm

Tuesdays Pilates 9.45am

Art Club 1.30pm

Wednesdays Little Fishes 10.00am (pre-school children)

Yoga 6.15 - 7.15pm

Karate 7.30pm

Thursdays Kick Boxing 7.00pm Chinese Martial Saturdays 10.30am Arts For enquiries about classes and about booking the hall, please telephone 07711 769911 Read more about village hall activities on page 16

Parish of East Leightonstone To join the mailing list and receive the regular newsletter visit http://www.eastleightonstone.com and click News Playtimes Pre-school We offer: Breakfast club 8am - 9am Ferriman Road, Spaldwick PE28 0TQ Preschool 9am- 3pm Tel: 01480 890077 www.playtimesplaygroup.co.uk Out of school club 3.30pm - 6pm

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 5 Issue 168

Did you know? Talking Shop  We have a new bakery supplier, The Bakers Best Spring is in the air! The sun is shining from St. Neots. We have an extensive list of prod- and the bulbs are all popping up to ucts we can order from them so keep an eye on our remind us that warmer weather is just shelves and let’s see what we can tempt you with. around the corner. The daylight hours are definitely  We have a selection of sweet and savoury organic getting longer which can only be a good thing. We look baby food from Ella’s Kitchen. These have no add- forward to welcoming the many visitors we are fortu- ed sugar or salt and no artificial colouring. nate to have to our village and, of course, we are glad  We stock a range of gluten free products including to see the re-opening of the Grafham Water Caravan biscuits and savoury crackers and Motorhome Club site. Primarily, of course, we are  Sales of our vegetable and potato bags are going here to serve the residents of Grafham and surround- well. These are available to order with deliveries ing villages and we greatly appreciate the wonderful being made to the shop on Wednesdays and Satur- support we have had during the difficult winter months. days. The vegetable bags will be a selection of This time of year brings many things in the calendar to what is currently in season and are supplied by a look forward to, so don’t forget Mother’s Day on 31st st local farm. Vegetable bags cost £5.00 and a 4kg March and Easter Sunday which this year falls on 21 bag of potatoes is £2.00. Pop in or call us to place April. We have Easter eggs priced from £1.75, Crème your order. Eggs and boxes of chocolates. For something a bit different, we have a selection of locally made pure New in beeswax candles. These would also make excellent  A selection of herbs and spices in handy pots for teachers’ presents. £1.70 each  American hot dogs jar of 8 ready to eat at £3.00

Have you bought your raffle tickets yet for the giant Easter Egg? This is in support of the Grafham Water Lions, with a proportion of sales going to the shop. Tickets cost £1.00 each so get yours while you can.

Our Easter opening times are:  Good Friday 19th April 9am – 2pm Happy Easter everyone and we look forward to seeing you in the shop.  Saturday 20th April 8am – 5pm Lynn and Paul  Easter Sunday 21st April 9am – 2pm nd  Easter Monday 22 April 9am – 2pm Usual Opening Times Also a reminder to put your clocks forward an hour to Mon-Fri 8.00 - 6.30 Tel: 01480 810119 British Summer Time before you go to bed on 30th Sat 8.00 - 5.00 [email protected] March. Sun 9.00 - 2.00 www.grafhamvillageshop.co.uk

Cambridgeshire is largely a rural county, there is Twitter account launched an appetite for seeing more rural policing This for rural crime team account allows us to engage with the audience The Cambridgeshire Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) who most relate to the work we do.” has launched a new Twitter account in order to better You can find the account on Twitter by following engage with rural communities in the county. @CambsRuralCops and also searching the The social network will be used to promote the brilliant hashtag #RCAT. work the team does to keep rural areas of Cambridge- Please note the Twitter account is not a means for shire safe and will enable officers to engage directly with reporting crime and will not be monitored 24/7. If you those interested in rural crime. have any information on incidents or need to report a PC Sam Thompson, from RCAT, said: “The feedback crime please visit:www.cambs.police.uk/report from our rural communities is they want to hear about our In an emergency where life is in danger or a crime is successes, updates and advice, however they are not in action always dial 999. necessarily interested in what’s going on in the more ur- Visit https://www.cambs.police.uk/ to find out more about ban areas of the county, just matters which directly affect Cambridgeshire Constabulary. them as a rural resident or business owner. Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 6 Issue 168 Grafham Community Shop Opening Times Tel: 01480 810119

Mon-Fri 8.00 - 6.30 Email: [email protected] Sat 8.00 - 5.00 www.grafhamvillageshop.co.uk Sun 9.00 - 2.00 See page 5 for shop news and Bank Holidays 9.00 - 2.00 Easter Opening Hours in ‘Talking Shop’

Has the bin man bin Mam?”

Wednesdays Blue bin (recycling) and Black bin (refuse) - alternate weeks Every other Thursday - Green bin (garden waste) If you require any further advice or information about waste and recycling services, call 01480 388640 between 8.45am and 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am and 4.30pm on Fridays or visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/bins

Grafham Oil Syndicate Buckden Gardeners Association The syndicate continues to grow, keeping more Buckden Gardeners Association meets on the third Tues- money in the village. day of the month from October to April in Buckden Village It’s FREE to join and we Hall. Topics focus on gardening but also in- must keep a bulk order clude related subjects such as wild flowers, bees and birds. In the summer months we attractive enough to receive organise outings to gardens and related areas. a discount, so simply email All are welcome. For more information please Simon: visit our website www.buckdengardeners.info [email protected] or call 07887 628528 or just come along. Rosemary Surridge, Secretary

Useful Phone Numbers Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 To stop unwanted phone calls 08450 700707 All emergencies 999 Crimestoppers 0800 555111 (anonymous) To stop unwanted mail Non-emergencies 101 To report anti-social behaviour in 08457 034599 Cambridge Constabulary HQ Grafham 01480 388379 or 387097 or Power cut Call 105 or 01480 456111 e-mail: 0800 31 63 105 or Minicom for hard of hearing [email protected] or text POWER and 01480 422493 [email protected] your postcode to 80876

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 7 Issue 168 Bluebells Nothing says Britain in spring like the blue carpet of flowers that appear in our woodlands. Also known as Cuckoo’s Boots, Lady’s Nightcap and Witches Thimbles the bluebell can indicate an- cient woodland i.e. a site of woodland for over 400 years. Being a woodland flower is the main reason bluebells flower early, allowing them to capture more light before the trees come into leaf and block most of the energy available. A newly planted woodland. The es- perennial flower, the bluebell can take between five and cape of the closely related Spanish seven years to develop from a seed to a bulb capable Bluebell, introduced as a garden of producing flowers. plant, has allowed hybridisation, Like many plants the bluebell had many uses. It is this changing both the shape and colour bulb that man has sought to use in the past. In the of wild plants. Finally grazing of both Bronze Age crushed bluebell bulbs were used to glue the leaves and flower heads by the the flights to arrows. This stickiness led to bluebell ‘glue’ increasing deer population, particu- being used in a number of different ways, varying from larly the introduced Muntjac, mean bookbinding to starch for the classic Elizabethan ruff. that otherwise safe populations can The bulbs also have medicinal properties being both shrink if the correct management isn’t carried out. slightly styptic and diuretic, however it is not advisable There are a number of woods managed by the Wildlife to attempt to use them because they contain glycosides Trust that have good bluebell displays particularly the making them poisonous to humans, dogs, horses and woods around Grafham Water and Brampton Wood. cattle. Mid to late April is the best time to visit a bluebell wood. Britain has over 50% of the worlds’ population of this The voluntary wardens at Brampton Wood run bluebell flower but this does not make it safe on these shores. walks, details of which can be found on the Wildlife Threats from habitat loss, hybridisation and grazing Trust website. www.wildlifebcn.org pressure are all having an adverse effect on the UK population. The clear felling of woodland deprive the Gregory Belcher bluebell of its habitat and it cannot compete with the Senior Reserves Officer Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust BCN course grasses that tend to make up the ground flora of Cambridgeshire Photographs by Gregory Belcher Northamptonshire

been successful in maintaining populations of some Woodland Management species, although many still suffer as a result of the by Wildlife Trust BCN Reserves Team and Voluntary Wardens limited and fragmented nature of their habitat.” Huntingdonshire has very few woods, so the few that Ancient Woods such a Brampton Wood would have remain are precious. Fortunately, Natural England, been intensively managed for many hundreds of years, Woodland Trust and the Wildlife Trust BCN own and including instances of whole areas being clear-felled. manage many of them including some Ancient Woods - Most native broadleaf trees will regrow from the stumps woodland that has been in continuous existence since - the roots and ‘stools’ of many of the trees in our 1600. This article is partly prompted by recent work in woods are much older than the trunks and branches. A Brampton Wood, but applies to any native woodland. tree will often live longer if you keep cutting it down! The best way to start is to quote from the latest ‘State Particularly in woods that are Sites of Special Scientific of Nature’ report: Interest (SSSI), the management regime has to be “Decreasing forest management has had a substantial agreed with the Forestry Commission and Natural Eng- negative impact on woodland species. In the middle of land. To maximize biodiversity, woodlands should be the 20th century, 50% of our broadleaved woodland managed to include significant proportions of a wide was coppice or shrub, but with the abandonment of range of conditions, from permanent open areas, young traditional management methods, such as coppicing, dense growth, dense shady stands of young trees, ma- that figure is now below 1%. Many woodland species ture trees with dense undergrowth and over mature rely on open woodland habitats, with access to sunlight, large trees, as well as dead trees and fallen rotting a varied under storey, and the mosaic of different habi- trunks throughout. As most woods are even aged and tats produced by the rotation of coppicing throughout a only have small areas of some of these structure types, woodland. The targeted reinstatement of coppicing management is required in various ways such as cop- within nature reserves, and through grant schemes, has picing, thinning, cutting rides and glades. Continued on page 9 Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 8 Issue 168

HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY Rotary Club of St Ives Sunday 28th April 2.30pm Presents Field Trip to Port Holme Meadow a Leader: Pat Doody Port Holme Meadow, designated by Natural England Charity quiz as a site of special scientific interest, is a ‘lowland at hay meadow’ with a rich history of human use for: hay; sheep and cattle grazing; as a racecourse and The Grafham Trout as an airfield. It supports a rich flora and is a haven for a number of breeding birds in summer, e.g. Corn Village Pub Bunting and Skylark which are now absent from much of the more intensively farmed Cambridgeshire th landscape. It also supports large populations of Thursday 28 March 2019 at 7.45pm ducks, waders and gulls when flooded in winter. The plan is to visit early in the year to see the display of For the ‘Quizmaster Cup’ Snake's Head Fritillaries, a great rarity. Kindly sponsored by Please wear sturdy footwear and appropriate cloth- ing. Park in the car park next to the Chinese Bridge in Wellington Wise Estate Agents Godmanchester, grid reference TL244705. There is another car park at grid reference TL244707, a little Entry £3 per person: no limit to team size! further down the road towards Huntingdon. First Prize £250 to Charity of winners choice For more details please contact Sarah Orbell on with a case of wine for the team members 01480 383567 or Barry Dickerson on 01480 475689. For more information about the Society visit Prizes for Charity for top 9 teams www.hffs.org.uk Also, see the article on page 11. Support our team Help win a prize for a charity of our choice THE ROTARY CLUB OF KIMBOLTON CASTLE in conjunction with If you can spare an hour once THE PLASTIC OCEANS FOUNDATION (UK) every few months to help dust and presents at the vacuum the church please contact: [email protected] MANDEVILLE HALL KIMBOLTON at 7.30pm on 5th April A PLASTIC OCEAN The global issue of plastics in our environment will be given the cinematic treatment with the showing of the multi-award-winning film A Plastic Ocean. Released in 2017, the film tells the story of ocean plastics and the effect it is having on fish, birds, ma- rine mammals and ultimately, us. The Plastic Oceans Foundation aims to drive be- haviour change through raising awareness and challenging our modern consumer lifestyle. The hosted screening, with Dr Geoff Brighty from the Plastic Oceans Foundation, will be followed by a panel discussion on the problem, and solutions to help stop plastic pollution within a generation. Admission by ticket only from David Watson email [email protected] phone 01480 890650 or from Joel Weaver email [email protected] or from Kimbolton Flower Shop (Tickets are free; donations to The Plastic Foundation are appreciated)

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 9 Issue 168

Woodland Management continued from page 7 Currently in Brampton Wood most of the wood consists of dense shady young stands which is the least valuable for wildlife and so we are aiming for around 10% of a wood to be in a 20 year ‘coppice cycle’ and 50% overall to Tree clearing on a ride side coppice plot be managed to create the full range of natural woodland conditions with 50% left to mature to large old trees and deadwood. Coppicing in Brampton is normally done next to the rides, which gives the added benefit of more light getting to the grasses and wildflow- ers. The edges of the rides support a high biodiversity espe- cially the large proportion of British species that enjoy warm sunny edge habitats. The wide rides in Brampton Wood cer- tainly date back to the 1700s but may well be even older. In the Spring and early Summer listen out for birdsong - most will come from the areas of younger regrowth. Managed woodland supports more invertebrate species including the butterflies that many visitors enjoy. Studies show that neglected wood- land has significantly fewer species than managed woodland. Some concern is expressed about the loss of big trees in ‘ride- side-coppice’ areas - there are plenty of others left and the lat- A Harvester removing conifers est management plans include identifying trees that will be- come future veterans. Ash die-back is having some impact but many trees seem to have some immunity and the feared devastation has not yet occurred. In Brampton Wood last year’s work included a contractor removing a large number of the remaining conifers. These trees were mostly non-native and were planted in the early 60s. Because the wood is ancient woodland, the areas will regenerate naturally. The Wildlife Trust is investigating the possibility of getting some income from the ‘products’ from the conservation management (as done successfully by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust at Bradfield Woods), but the primary aim is improving the ecology; any income will be a much-needed bonus. Hayley Wood is the best local example of a wood that has A clearing created after tree removal areas of current hazel coppice. Join us for the Brampton Wood walks in April and May and also Waresley Wood in JuneDogwood to learn about the man- agement as well as enjoying the wildlife. Photographs by Tim Fryer, Voluntary Warden at Brampton Wood

Bedfordshire (Bluebell Walks will take place in Brampton Wood on Sundays 28th April at 10.30am and Cambridgeshire 5th May at 2.30pm. The Waresley Wood Guided Walk is on Saturday 8th June at 10.30am) Northamptonshire

In 2019, ProLawnCare celebrates 20 years in business! Lawn Care actions required in April That’s 20years of  Mow lawn at least once per week on a dry day with a sharp blade; leave 1” stem at least improving lawns  Apply organic spring fertiliser; nutrients will wash through in the winter  Spray weeds in lawn with selective herbicide – dandelions, clover, daisies and broad based weeds are thriiving  Spray patio and drive with our long lasting treatment before the weeds get a hold and become an eye sore; ask us to quote you, as we use stronger products that work and last Call Deborah, Fiona or Richard on 01480 812393 For a FREE Lawn Care Health Check - “TLC from PLC” go to www.prolawncare.co.uk Lawn fact: “58 m2 of lawn gives enough oxygen for one person for a day”

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 10 Issue 168

Help!

We are very 20 short of volunteer tea/coffee makers for our Little Fishes Stay + Play Tots Group, which meets on Wednesday mornings in the village hall. If you can spare an hour, now and then, we would be most grateful for your help!

Please contact Hazel 810326

or email: [email protected]

Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club Safari 2019 40th Anniversary of Lions Safari Walk Sunday 12th May Since 1979 Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club have held their Everyone taking part can be as- annual sponsored Safari Walk sured that every penny they raise around Grafham Water. for the Lions will go to the Appeal, as costs for the day are covered by In the past, the walk has raised the Lions other fundraising or over £200,000, benefitting many sponsorship. If you wish to help local charities and worthy causes. with these costs you can become This year we are hoping to raise one of our sponsors and receive a interest from local charities, clubs mention in the event programme. and individuals, wishing to raise Any clubs or individuals interested money for their own worthy cause. in taking part, either for their own Walkers retain 90% of the money cause or The Lions project, or to raised for their cause, and 10% is help sponsor the event, please donated to the Lions Club. The contact: Lions deal with all the organisation Lion Bernard Dable required for a successful day. All that participants need do is to ob- 01480 810704 or tain sponsorship, do the walk and [email protected] collect the money. Lions Clubs work together to help Alongside the walk we will be hold- others in their local and ing a Car Show giving enthusiasts global community and the opportunity to show off their further information about cherished vehicle at Marlow Car the organisation can be Park Grafham Water. found at www.lionsclubs.co

Bedfordshire Sunday 28th April 2.30pm Portholme Meadow Spring Walks Cambridgeshire Sunday 28th April Northamptonshire This is a joint venture with the Hunts Flora and Fauna Soci- Huntingdonshire ety. Dr. Pat Doody will lead this walk and he will focus on 10.30am Brampton Wood Local Group one of Portholme’s specialities, the Snakeshead Fritillary. The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust in- There are more details in the notice on page 8. vites you to experience some highlights of traditional Eng- Please meet at Godmanchester Lock TL241704 near the lish spring on our traditional bluebell walk at Brampton Chinese Bridge in Godmanchester. Wood. This will be led by the Warden, George Cottam, who will show us the rich variety of flora and fauna, focusing on Everyone is most welcome to attend these walks. There is the bluebells. no charge but donations are welcome. ------Please meet at Brampton Wood Car Park, Grafham Road, Part of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Brampton at 10.30am. GR TL 184698. Northamptonshire Registered Charity No: 1000412 Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 11 Issue 168

pack packaging. Pump packs are substantial, bulky Pump Packs structures, with each one becoming rubbish after the Do you worry about plastic in the environment, about use of relatively small quantities of product. Think how the amount and type of packaging on many of the many are disposed of every day. Think how much long things that you buy? I do. lasting and bulky waste is produced. David Attenborough has certainly given us all a bit of a Pump packs can be attractive and are very convenient wake up call about plastic recently and many of us want for dispensing liquid products such as hand soaps, to help change things. toothpaste, cleaning products and more, but do we real- We have all been made aware of plastic carriers and ly need them? A bottle or a tube without the pump con- great strides have been made there, and progress is tains much less plastic and materials that will go still being made. It is difficult sometimes to spot other straight into landfill. For something like hand soap, a bar small changes that we can make because we are so wrapped in paper, or even plastic produces much less used to, or take for granted, the way things are made or waste; if the plastic was biodegradable (and it can be if presented. the manufacturers would choose it) that would be even Plastic packaging can have its advantages and recently better. it has been defended for increasing the shelf life of cu- Perhaps there is a sacrifice in terms of aesthetics, or cumbers which reduces wastage. It also is used to pro- may be not? There maybe a sacrifice in terms of ease tect fruit and vegetables from damage and so reduces of use? Also may be not. If there is no sacrifice for you, waste; so it can be complicated and there is a balance will you give up pump packs as your contribution to the to be had. Having said that, there are alternative materi- reduction of packaging? If it is a sacrifice for you, can als to plastic that may do the job whilst not contributing you make the sacrifice, on all products or even just one to this indestructible form of rubbish. now and again? I would like to make a specific appeal, to reject pump Carole Baber

Huntingdonshire Fauna and Flora Society Are you interested in finding out more about the wildlife around Huntingdon and Peterborough? Perhaps you are already sending records to one or more of the online sites such as iRecord or posting plant and animal photographs via a Facebook account or Twitter page. If so, why not join the Huntingdonshire Fauna and Flora Society? Founded in 1948 the objective of the Society is to promote the study, conservation and recording of wildlife through- out Huntingdonshire and Peterborough. Membership is open to all with an interest in the wildlife living in our local area. In the summer months specialists in groups of species, which in- clude flowering plants, mammals, fungi, insects and all kinds of other in- vertebrates, visit specific sites. They are joined by enthusiastic amateurs, some with extensive knowledge and others just starting. In 2019 we in- tend to visit sites as far apart as Portholme Meadow (Brampton) and Therfield Heath (near Royston). Although we set out to record wildlife, the meetings are informal and give an opportunity to learn and contribute to our better understanding of the value of our countryside. Ultimately this contributes to the conservation of Grizzled Skipper our environment. a butterfly of ancient meadows In the winter months we have open meetings in the Hinchingbrooke Countryside Centre where illustrated talks on natural history provide additional information. Subjects in 2018/19 range from European butterflies, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve and Phenolo- gy, the study of seasonal rhythms in plant and animal life cycles. There is a small charge for non-members. Publication of the results of research and survey form an important part of our contribution to the conservation of species and sites. Books describing the distribution of plants throughout our area and the wildlife of Brampton Wood are amongst the more recent. Huntingdonshire Grasslands were the subject of a volume to commemorate the Society’s 60th birthday. Just pub- lished is a book about the orchids of Huntingdonshire and the Soke of Pe- Flowering Rush terborough. A book on butterflies is in preparation. Annual reports provide shorter a plant of river and lake sides descriptions of other interesting features of wildlife interest. We have a website, http://www.hffs.org.uk/ which includes details of walks and talks for 2019 and a Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288750741769891/ If you like what you see come to one of our meetings. If you would like to join us, membership forms are on the web site or contact: Stuart Irons, Hon. Treasurer & Membership Secretary, 4 Appleyard, Stanground, Peterborough, PE2 8JH Tel. 01733 760441 or email: [email protected] Photographs by P Doody

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April 2019 12 Issue 168

Tina Theodorou in conjunction with Greatdays Holidays Ltd offers trips to Barcelona in Autumn 2019 & Valkenburg in Spring 2020 By Air Barcelona City Break Friday 11th to Monday 14th October 2019 3 nights/4 days Guideline Air Package £595.00 per person (based on two people sharing) Price includes: ATOL Protection/ Re- turn transfers from Grafham to London Luton / Easyjet return flights London Luton to Barcelona / Coach transfers from Barcelona Airport to hotel and return / 3 nights bed and breakfast at a 3* hotel in central Barcelona By Coach and Ferry Friday April 26th at 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre Valkenburg City Break Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May 2020 Tickets: Adults £15 Students £5 (under 25) 4 nights/5days www.ticketsource.co.uk/hinchingbrookepac or 01480 375678 9am to 3pm) Coach and ferry package £470.00 per person (based on two people sharing) Price includes: ABTA Protection/ Return coach hire from Grafham to Valkenburg/ 4 nights bed and breakfast with a 3 course evening Bo Lyu meal at the 3* Hotel Walram, Born in 1995, Bo Lyu began playing piano at the age of Valkenburg seven and now studies piano with Professor Joanna Mac- Gregor and chamber music with Andrew West at the Royal For further details and to register your interest, please Academy of Music in London. He was awarded a full schol- contact: by email [email protected] arship for his B.Mus degree in September 2014 and he or by mobile telephone: 07711 012957 commenced his M.mus degree in September 2018. He has Please note single rooms supplements apply for both tours been generously supported by the Help Musicians UK. Prices are based on a minimum of 30 paying passengers per tour Bo graduated from the Shenyang Conservatory of Music. and at an exchange rate of £1 = €1.12. 14 weeks prior to departure While studying in China, he was invited to perform in the we will re-cost the tour elements and apply and surcharge/reduction closing ceremony of the Beijing International Music Festi- due to the change in the value of the pound (£) greater or less than val, the 60th anniversary concert for the Shenyang Con- 2%. Flights, coach hire, ferries, guides and visitor attractions subject to availability and are not guaranteed. servatory of Music and Franz Liszt’s 200th anniversary memorial concert in Shanghai. All coaching subject to confirmation of final itinerary. These holidays are operated by Greatdays Holidays Ltd whose He has participated in masterclasses with many great pia- booking terms and conditions apply. nists and was given a Yamaha Scholarship and Liaoning Greatdays Holidays Limited are a member of Provincial Government Scholarship while at the high school. ABTA (Y0380) which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. We use ABTA’s approved ADR to resolve complaints. See www.abta.com Greatdays Holidays Limited has an ATOL licence (4279) and all of our air package tours are protected under this licence. In the unlikely event of our insol- vency, the Civil Aviation Authority will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any monies you have paid to us for an advance booking. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this document are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other ser- vices) is listed on it. Greatdays Holidays Ltd. Registered in England No.1903941. VAT Registration No. 437 5834 25. Registered Office: Chapel House Borough Road Altrincham WA15 9RA Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 13 Issue 168

sensor that holds thirty-six trained bees gently re- Sniffer Bees strained in six cassettes inside the device; each is About 15 years ago, before I became a beekeeper, I taught to recognize a particular odour and associate had a role in the Region’s Life Sciences Community. that smell with a food reward; the researchers have This gave me access to the Biotechnology and Biolog- already trained their honeybees to detect a wide varie- ical Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), funded re- ty of explosive compounds and mixtures, including search establishments. On one memorable visit to Semtex, C4, PE4, TNT, DMNB, gunpowder, and hy- Rothamsted Research I was shown a project exploring drogen peroxide the use of honeybees as detectors of volatile chemi- The device they finally came up with astonished secu- cals. My clear memories of that visit include the ques- rity experts, both for its radical approach and for its tions that went through my mind on first seeing the levels of accuracy. colony of bees housed inside a laboratory building, contained in a fine plastic mesh ‘tent’ with a pipe lead- “Our sensor integrated live honeybees as the main ing to the outside. component,” said lead researcher Mathilde Briens. “For a long time people really wouldn’t believe that this  How can you employ wild creatures that are both was serious work and, even now, many people are fragile and dangerous (stingers)? amazed by what we’re doing - we usually get a few  How can one train a primitive animal to do anything smiles and often some raised eyebrows.” useful? “We see the bee more like a tool in the machine ra-  Is this practical? Is this cruel? ther than an insect,” said Briens. “Combining biology  Why use honeybees for this work when we already and engineering together like this makes the system have sniffer dogs? far more reliable. For instance, we know there are a lot  Once I saw the purpose made cassette in which of issues with sniffer dogs because of their relation- the trained bees were mounted I was more in- ship with the dog handler. If you use some engineer- trigued. How did these cassettes complete with ing instead, it makes the human factor disappear.” complex electronics ever get designed and made? Honeybees are ideal detectors because they are inex- pensive, widely available, and can be trained within My knowledge of chemistry made it easy for me to minutes. They also have extremely low limits of detec- grasp the idea that volatile chemicals such as those tion, with trace vapours being picked up in parts per present in explosives and drugs might be detectable trillion levels, comparable to the accuracy of a sniff- by bees whose physiology, behaviour and very exist- er dog. They have also been successful in training ence depends upon their ability to detect tiny amounts their bees to detect hydrogen peroxide, which is one of volatile substances given off by flowers. of the compounds known to be used in home- New device uses sniffer bees to detect explosives made explosives. - Published 6 April 2011 David Cudby The unassuming honeybees have a hidden talent — Source: HomelandSecurityNewswire an even keener sense of smell than anyone first ex- http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/new-device- pected — which could make them one of the U.K.’s uses-sniffer-bees-detect-explosives most ruthless and worst-feared weapons against ter- For more information on sniffer bees visit: rorism; researchers developed a portable handheld https://www.soci.org/chemistry-and-industry/cni-data/2012/9/ sniffer-bees What would you do to improve health services in Cambridgeshire? The NHS is developing a local plan and needs your help. How would you make it easier for people to look after their own health and wellbeing? Fill in this survey from Healthwatch and have your say on local services. In particular, Healthwatch wants to hear your ideas about:  Making it easier for people to access support closer to home and via tech- nology.  Doing more to help people stay well.  Providing better support for people with cancer, mental health conditions, heart and lung diseases, and other long-term conditions.  Providing better support for people as they get older and experience condi- tions such as dementia. Share your ideas Your local NHS needs to hear from you about what it should do to make care better for your community. Feedback online at https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/what-would-you-do Call your local Healthwatch on 0330 355 1285 or text 0752 0635 176 or visit www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk You can also share the survey on Facebook, on your profile or on any page or group that you belong. Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

April 2019 14 Issue 168

Grafham Plumbing Paul's Private Hire and Chauffeur Service and Heating Ltd Van Diemens Way, Grafham, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE28 0GB  Oftec registered technician Tel. 01480 811594 Mobile 07795 296281  High efficiency condensing boilers fitted Email [email protected]  Oil tanks fitted complete with bases Travel in style via Mercedes cars  All boilers serviced to your destinations  All plumbing undertaken  Vaporising appliances fitted and serviced BSM Driving Instructor BSM DSA Approved, Pass Plus Registered Service and maintenance plans available Living locally in Grafham Professional, friendly and reliable Call John Sisseman for details [email protected] Tel. 07806 941675 01480 812590 07799 640476 JEZ ASHCROFT LTD PET & WILD BIRD FOOD All your decorating needs including: GRAFHAM WATER Coving, Internal Decorating (NEXT TO THE VISITOR CENTRE) Drylining & Plastering WIDE RANGE AT LOW PRICES OPEN WEDNESDAY- SUNDAY 09.00-17.30 FREE ESTIMATES TEL:01480 819730 Please Call FREE PARKING & FREE DELIVERY Tel: 01480 812461 Mobile: 07708031493 www.petfoodsdirect2u.co.uk Kevin Hutchinson • Reliable Local Carpenter and Joiner • All carpentry work undertaken • Fitted kitchens, new doors, wood flooring and much more Free back door, • No job too small when ordered with Tel: 01480 811863/07889 414274 5 or more windows Cinnamon Bar and Indian Restaurant For a free, no obligation quotation Open 7 days a week 5pm to 10.30pm please contact your local representative Also lunch time if pre-booked Jon Goodchild on 07825 238240 or email for 5 or more people [email protected] Call 01480 812211/811316 WINDOWS DOORS ROOFLINE Thursday Night is 'Banquet Night' CONSERVATORIES 1 starter, 1 main, 1 side. GARDEN ROOMS FLAT ROOFS Any rice or any nan £13.50 www.gaphomeimprovements.co.uk King prawn or duck £1.50 extra http://cinnamonhuntingdon.co.uk/

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April 2019 15 Issue 168

couraging his readers to rejoice not

Grace not Gifts in gifts but in grace. What he means I don’t know about you but my life experience to date by this is that gifts are tangible, im- has taught me that life is a mixture of good times, aver- permanent things we encounter age times and bad times. In his letter to the church at along the way; we often take gifts for Thessalonica, St. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to: granted and are miserable when Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all cir- they are absent. Examples of gifts could include freedom of speech, cumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Je- sus. democracy, good health, family and friends, a good Giving thanks in all circumstances and rejoicing always job, money, our homes and the fact that we generally is pretty easy when life is good, it’s more difficult when have enough to eat and drink. things are just OK although I can sometimes manage All of the things I have listed, and other things like that too but when things are going horribly, I find it al- them, are gifts from God to us. Most of us have en- most impossible. How am I supposed to rejoice when joyed these gifts in varying degrees from birth. When someone dear to me has died or when someone that we have plenty of them we are happy and thankful to really matters to me is having a tough time? Am I sup- God and when we have less than we think we ought to, posed to thank God for sickness and injury? And what we pray earnestly to Him to help us out. about the myriad disappointments life throws at us? For Christians the real gift is the grace of God through Surely I am not supposed to be grateful for those as salvation. We are assured that our names are written well? in God’s book of life and that we will one day see Him Paul was just an ordinary bloke who had an extraordi- face to face. Whatever our circumstances this is some- nary encounter with Jesus. He had more than his fair thing that can never be taken away from us and it share of trouble and difficulty and yet he writes that it is should be more than sufficient cause to rejoice and God’s will for us that we should rejoice in all circum- praise God. Locating our happiness in gifts, as we so stances. Surely Paul wasn’t rejoicing when he was often do, is folly because happiness comes and goes shipwrecked or imprisoned for following Christ? Well, but the grace of God is constant and unwavering. apparently he was able to rejoice even in the most ad- When we learn this truth we may find that we can in verse circumstances and he seems to think that we fact rejoice in all circumstances. should as well. Jason Recently I was reading a book and I read something that made me stop in my tracks. The author was en- (Contact details for Jason can be found on page 2. Ed)

A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme

The 750M long River Great Ouse Viaduct is now structurally complete. A time-lapse video of the construction can be found on the Highways England website in Latest News or by clicking on the picture below.

Details of the planned road closures, diversions and latest news can be found by visiting: www.highways.gov.uk/ A14C2H or stay updated by following: https://twitter.com/a14c2h and https://en- gb.facebook.com/A14C2H There is also a dedicated A14 Public Helpline 0800 270 0114 Details of the planned road closures and diversions are also available on the Grafham village web site www.grafham.org.uk Ed

Send your news, views, photos and gossip to [email protected]

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April 2019 16 Issue 168 Coffee Morning .Come and join the Grafham Social Committee invites you to GRAFHAM LINE DANCERS Coffee Mornings at 10.30am on the third Beginners are welcome Wednesday of the month: Monday evenings in the Village Hall 17th April - Pat Watson, 26 Inhams Way 7.30 – 9.00pm This is an informal social occasion for residents of the village. Please come along For more information ring Julia 01480 811613 or for a cup of coffee and a chat. Text Penny 07986 509481 Grafham and Ellington Art Group http://grafhamandellingtonart.weebly.com/ Grafham Little Fishes Grafham Village Hall, Every Tuesday 1.30-4pm Calling all who want to meet and paint with Toddler and Baby like minded people on a regular basis. stay and play session Beginners and those with more skills are all very welcome. All Welcome Cost: About £2 to cover hall hire/refreshments. Come along with your paints and equipment! Wednesdays 10.00 to 11.20 term time only Please ring me for more details. Jackie Woods 01480 890279 Grafham Village Hall Free play time followed by a short bible story, Across the Churches Bible Study action songs and simple craft. We are a small group meeting Just turn up on the day twice a month (Tuesdays 7.30pm) for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Little Fishes is very short of helpers to make tea/ We come from different churches coffee. Please contact Hazel 810326 or email: and are always happy to welcome new members. [email protected] if you can help. For more information, please contact Rob or Jean Clark See also the notice on page 10 01480 890033. Ellington Grafham Church Flower Club and Grafham WI We are available to decorate the church for weddings and other church occasions. meets on the first Tuesday of the month in Ellington Floral arrangements for: pedestal, village hall. Membership is £41 per annum but you altar, font, windowsills, pew ends, pillars. are most welcome to come as a visitor. The programme is varied and interesting with Please contact Hazel Powell on 01480 810326 for details and quotes. speakers or events every month. If anyone in the village has foliage in their garden that they April A ventriloquist would be willing to donate for church decoration for If you would like more information please contact: festivals, please let us know, we would be very grateful. Sue 01480 896139 [email protected] or Ann 01480 891192 [email protected] The Mobile Library Route H24 visits Breach Road, Grafham Grafham Wildlife and Conservation Group on the 4th Wednesday of every month Regional winners of the BTCV Green Award from 10.40 to 11.00. Next visits - 24th April 2006 & 2007 invite you to carry out For renewals/ enquiries call 0345 045 5225 or click here woodland conservation. Call Sam Malt: 01480 811654 / 07849 082870 or email: [email protected] GRAFHAM VILLAGE HALL www.gwcg.btck.co.uk/ has a Public Entertainments Licence for music, dancing, performing arts and can accommodate 92 guests seated in rows or 150 at a dance/disco - an ideal venue for children's and family parties. Babysitters There is a playing field for sports activities and Bryony 22 yrs 812354 experienced with the hall has small changing rooms with shower facilities. newborn to 14yrs For details or to book, tel: 07711 769911 Mya 15 yrs 819326 Nicci 17 yrs 811279

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Opinions expressed in the Grafham Gossip, including past issues, are those of the writer and not the editors. Printed by Easiprint 01733 602302