Living Villages
June 2014 Water Newton, Thornhhaugh Stibbington, Sutton & Wansford
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2 EDITORIAL CONTENTS It was in his “Reflections” last month that Canon Contacts . . . . . 4 William Burke wrote of how “Summer is icumen in”. One month on and it seems that summer has well Worship lists . . . 5 and truly come in, and it has come much earlier than Reflections . . . . 7 we might have expected. The water lily featured on the front cover put in an appearance on a recent News reports: sunny afternoon, at least a month ahead of its usual Friends of churches: flowering time. Wansford & Thornhaugh . . 9 The many summer season events that began to Sutton ...... 9 appear in the May magazine are proliferating this Water Newton . 11 month, with even more contributions from our own Stibbington . . 13 villages and the surrounding area. There is plenty of Lottery ...... 11 scope for photo reports next month if participants in Horticultural . . . . 15 June’s events would like to send images that capture WI ...... 16 the spirit of the summer celebrations. If emailing Communicare . . . 18 photos though, rather than sending a selection, do RBL ...... 20 choose your one or two favourites. This should help to avoid inbox overload at my email account. Parish Councils:
We are increasingly being asked by individuals and Wansford ...... 23 organisations to publish “one-off” ads, so our editorial Thornhaugh . . . . 25 team has decided that we should make a nominal Stibbington . . . . 27 charge for such entries. This policy will ensure that we are treating fairly both regular advertisers who Special features: pay for their space, and all the local organisations Where are they? . 21 whose news is featured every month and who make WREN fund . . . . . 29 an annual contribution to the costs of printing the Nature Notes . . . 31 magazine. Those who would like to place “one-off” Pack up your ads should contact Advertising Manager, Carole troubles . . . . 32 Whincup (see contact details page 4), and ensure Local events . . . . 35 that she has a cheque payable to “Living Villages” or Letters to the Editor a bank transfer is made prior to copy deadline. 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 Cricket Club 01780 782109 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
JUNE 2014
Date Time Location Service
1 June 9.30 am St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh Holy Communion
10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
4.00 pm St. Mary’s Wansford Family Service
8 June Whit Sunday and Pentecost 9.00 am St. John the Baptist, Morning worship Stibbington 9.30 am St Mary’s, Wansford Holy Communion with choir
15 June Trinity Sunday
9.30 am St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh Morning Prayer
10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
22 June 9.30 am St Mary’s Wansford Morning Prayer
5.00 pm St. John the Baptist, Patronal Festival Stibbington Evening Service prior to BBQ at Stibbington Hall 29 June 10.00 am Woodnewton Sung Communion Benefice Service 10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
Wansford:
Mondays 3.00 pm Prayer Group Wednesdays 10.00 am
St John the Baptist, Morning Prayer St Remigius, Stibbington Water Newton 5 GRIFFIN WANSFORD COMMUNITY HALL Solid Fuel Merchant Peterborough Road, Wansford Supplier of Pre Packs This hall accommodates parties of up to Coal Bunkers Charcoal Compost 36 people seated. Ideal for Meetings, Flo Gas Logs & Sticks Salt Workshops, Aerobics etc
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6 REFLECTIONS ST GEORGE
By Rev Michael Matthews AND ENGLAND
The red and white flag of St. George can be seen everywhere this summer, as we wish our National English football team well in its bid to conquer the world. In the same way, in most of our villages we will brighten up the lamp posts and our village streets with bunting to announce the happiness and joy of our village Fetes or Fairs. All of them are remarkable outward demonstrations of how we feel; as individuals, and as local village communities.
Local, National and International symbols are the symbols of a particularly proud, confident and inclusive community, in a way that unites its people. This unity is based on a common pride, which is incited by these different images that are immediately recognisable to us all.
The symbol of the Red Cross of St. George will be used everywhere this summer to inspire a positive sense of belonging. The flag includes every member of our national community, regardless of colour or creed. England enjoys many national symbols, which are used extensively in political, social, cultural and even religious spheres, to represent this diverse land.
In 2012 our generation hosted and led the joy and celebration of the Olympics, a time when the national flags and individual 'parochialism' of nation states were forgotten and merged into the Olympic flag. The symbol of the national flags was replaced by the multi-coloured and interconnected rings of the Olympic Flag, bringing people of all faiths and none together in unity and friendship.
So when we see and celebrate this summer, encouraged by all of the rousing flags and symbols, let it reveal what St Paul says to the Philippians about “all that is true, honourable, just and commendable in God’s world”.
ST. MARY’S PRAYER BOARD
As we continue to pray in church on Mondays at 3pm, we are delighted to pray specifically for the needs of people in our community. Our prayer board (on the pillar opposite the main church door) serves to collect prayers from everyone. we will hold a name or issue in our prayers - just write your messages on cards provided and leave on the board. If you prefer to receive prayer in your home or elsewhere, do contact Fr Michael or Maureen Woodd (01780 789908) Maureen Woodd 7 8 WANSFORD & THORNHUGH CHURCH NEWS
FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S AND ST. ANDREW’S
The Friends of St. Mary’s and St. Andrew’s are planning two outings for members during the summer. The first one is booked for June 11th at John Clare Cottage at 2 p.m. and will include a guided walk through the cottage followed by “cream tea”.
The second one will be the Summer Lunch on July 16th. The venue for this will be decided at our next meeting.
SUTTON STRAWBERRY FAYRE
Saturday 21 June 2014, 2 pm
at The Paddock, The Drift, Sutton Strawberry Teas Stalls Games Bouncy Castle Competitions Music
Admission: Adults £1. Children Free.
Proceeds in aid of Sutton Church/St. Michaels’ Hall Fund
9
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10 FRIENDS OF ST REMIGIUS, WATER NEWTON
Mid Summer Strawberry Service, Sunday 6 July, 4.30pm
Come and celebrate summer at our next service in the idyllic riverside setting of the Church of St. Remigius, Water Newton.
Following the service, enjoy a strawberry cream early evening tea with us by the river - Now that’s quintessentially English!. A small charge of £5 to cover the cost will be requested for your delicious cream tea.
Everybody welcome.
Music Fest
Planning is well under way for the Water Newton Music Festival; see details, right. Tickets will be going on sale soon, but meanwhile they can be pre-booked by email to events@ waternewtonvillage. co.uk
Tony Capon
THE CHRISTIE HALL COMMUNITY LOTTERY
The winners of the £60 Mr M Lewis May 2014 draw are listed here. £50 Mrs J Brown
Many thanks to £40 Mr P Wilkinson Wansford Horticultural Society at their £30 Mr G Garner Annual Plant Sale Wansford £20 Mr M Edey for drawing the tickets. £10 Mrs P Belton Mat Free, Administrator [email protected] 11 M * R * H Gardening Services
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12 FRIENDS OF STIBBINGTON CHURCH
Patronal Flower Festival and BBQ
We are looking forward to hosting the Flower Festival and BBQ on Sunday 22nd June; see details, right. Do let me know numbers of those attending the BBQ by Friday 20th so we can ensure there is plenty for everyone!
Helen Facer 01780 782932
Art exhibition
Seven local artists will be exhibiting at Stibbington Church to raise funds for Friends of St Johns on 28/9 June and 5/6 July. Ann Ardron from Castor will also be exhibiting on the same weekends. For more details phone 07930307180. Garth Bayley
Churchyard tidy up
I would like to thank all 19 people that gave up their Sunday morning to help with the churchyard tidy up last month. It was amazing what we achieved in such a short time; I have nev- er seen so much heavy ma- chinery. Hope no one was try- ing to have a lie in - apologies if so! Thanks to Mike and Charlotte Bradshaw for the loan of their trailer once again and for the removal of all the rubbish.
Well done everyone Suzy Story
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14 WANSFORD HORTICULTURAL & CRAFTS SOCIETY
The annual Plant Sale on Saturday, 10 May raised over £200 for the society’s funds which will enable us to subsidise forthcoming outings and talks and boost our reserves. As ever the weather was not ideal. Although sunny, it was very windy and tall plants proved problematic, but people need to be planting with Spring arriving so early this year and they certainly found some bargains and good suitable plants for our local gardens.
The first of our coach trips, to R.H.S. Garden Wisley on 31 May, will have taken place by the time this magazine arrives on your doormat. Naturally we hope for glorious warm and sunny skies; only time will tell, but the splendid glasshouses at Wisley afford shelter if the weather is less than perfect! Our second trip to Hidcote Manor Garden and Baddesley Clinton on 22 June is fully booked now and we have a short reserve list, but do get in touch if you have missed out just in case anyone has to cancel at the last minute. Indeed, our newly introduced November coach trip to Chatsworth for the Christmas Market and to visit the House, decorated on the theme of “Alice in Wonderland” this year, is also already fully booked.
On Saturday 28 June we will be holding our annual summer party starting at 7 p.m, in the garden at Stone and Willow, and as usual a generous two course supper with wine included will be served. Last year the toasting of marshmallows on the firepits and chimeneas proved popular at the end of the evening and will no doubt be repeated! This is always an enjoyable social occasion, so do make a note of the date and contact me or your distributor for tickets, now on sale at £8 for members and £9 for non members.
Finally, advance warning of a return visit to the Walled Garden at Blatherwycke on Tuesday, 22 July at 6.30 p.m. We first toured Joe Whitehead’s ambitious restoration of this atmospheric garden two years ago. Those attending were so enthusiastic about the project that they asked to go back and see the great strides that Joe has made since then. I am confident that there will once again be the opportunity to look around the rest of the estate such as the private chapel, the lake and the stables as well as admiring his flourishing fruit and vegetables. There will be a charge of £2 for this event, as Joe will be offering us tea or coffee.
It has been very gratifying to see two of our speakers from the 2013 programme win Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show this year – Adam Frost’s show garden, “Time to Reflect” for the Alzheimer’s Society, the plans for which he revealed to us back in November, and Linda Smith’s Waterside Gardens stand in the Great Pavilion were both deemed to be worthy of the highest accolade by the judges. Gill Fisher [email protected] 782446
15 STIBBINGTON & WANSFORD WI
On Thursday 1st May we welcomed WIs from the Orton Group to the Christie Hall for our Spring Group Meeting. Sadly Farcet WI has now closed, but despite this, the turnout was extremely good with over 60 attending. A hot supper was served which was much appreciated - sincere thanks to all members who helped with the preparation and serving of the meal, in particular to some of our committee: Gail who undertook the task of producing the delicious menu, Sue who assembled the flower decorations and Christine for helping with the shopping. Our guests enjoyed jacket potatoes, with chilli or vegetable quiche and side salad, followed by individual pavlova, crème fraiche and red berries.
Our guest speaker Tim Stubbs entertained us with anecdotes and memories of his childhood spent in a Lincolnshire village, where his father was the local baker. As bread delivery boy he encountered many residents who perhaps unwittingly provided a whole fund of amusing stories. Tim, owner of The Red Lion pub in Warmington was a double star of the night – as he arrived early, he set to in the kitchen helping with the washing up – truly appreciated!
Our meeting in May was the Resolution Supper – this year’s national resolution is the need for more discussion about organ donation. A visit to Browne’s Hospital in Stamford with afternoon tea took place on Saturday 31st May and a small party is taking a tour of Deene Park House with lunch on 8th June. Because of these outside events, it has been decided to postpone the next supper club until October. However two diary dates – visit to the National Stud at Newmarket on Saturday 6th September and our Christmas lunch hopefully on Saturday 13th December at The Red Lion, Warmington.
We have been invited to contribute a display at Stibbington Church Flower Festival on Sunday 22nd June and our next cake stall (outside Wansford church) is on Saturday 28th June at 10am – Members of the public please note - come early if you want your favourite cake or pastry – stocks sell out very quickly!
Wendy Spencer
16 17 COMMUNICARE
Our guest speakers at the May meeting were Sue Last and Ian Weller from the Engagement Team currently working on the consultation process for the provision of Older People’s Healthcare and Adult Community Services covering our area. Under restructuring plans, four organisations are now tendering for a five year contract and following a public consultation period which is due to end on 16th June, information will be passed back to them to finalise their bids. The selection will be made in September and the successful bidder will commence in January 2015 with an approximate twelve month transition period. Copies of the public consultation document and questionnaire are still available at the surgery or, if more convenient, patients can complete online by logging onto the website and follow the links: www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk
Dr Nally reported that issues regarding the siting of a pedestrian path from the proposed new car park have now been resolved, but the contractor has submitted an estimate far exceeding the original budget to complete the job. This has been refused and the completion work has gone out for re-tendering in an effort to limit costs to as near the original budget as possible. The Treasurer reported an increase in funds of approximately £350 – there were no requests for funding for new equipment at the present time.
Following a request by patients living at Kings Cliffe the next meeting will be held at the Kings Cliffe Active Sports Complex Hall on Wednesday 2nd July 2014 at 12.30pm. Extensive advertising will be done to promote this new venue in an attempt to increase attendance.
The Social Group continue to hold their monthly coffee mornings at the Kings Cliffe Active Hall on the third Friday at 10am.
The spring short break holiday is currently taking place in Pembrokeshire and the next day trip is scheduled for Wednesday 18th June to Sandringham & Hunstanton £15 per person – for more details and booking please contact Clare on 01780 470437 or email: [email protected] Wendy Spencer
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19 20
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? THOMAS WOOLSEY By Martin Lewis CHARITY
Continuing with our series In this edition we catch at Sheffield Hallam (‘96). in which we catch up with up with 43 year old Kirsten now lives in Ely the lives of ex students of Kirsten Bennett, origin- and works in the charity all ages originating from ally from Thornhaugh, sector as Chief Executive our villages who have who studied for a B.Sc in of Cambridgeshire ACRE received support from the Agriculture at Writtle and Mepal Outdoor Centre Thomas Woolsey Charity College (1993) and then a (all will be revealed to help purchase books Masters in Countryside later!). Here is her story, for their studies. Recreation Management told in her own words. I was fortunate to receive assistance identify hidden housing needs which twice from the Thomas Woolsey will hopefully led to the building of Charity, for each of my degrees. I still affordable homes held in perpetuity for have the books and they have been Wansford residents. well used having been lent to others A rather different career challenge undertaking similar studies. came my way in 2012 when Camb- My interests have always been in rural ridgeshire ACRE took over the manage- life, particularly from a community ment of Mepal Outdoor Centre in perspective. I was fortunate to get a Chatteris (an activity centre offering job in project development at Cambri- fun, challenging outdoor experiences to dgeshire ACRE (Action with Commun- schools, colleges, youth groups and ities in Rural England) on leaving charities). Sadly it was going to be college. This is the Rural Community closed with the loss of a vital comm- Council for Cambridgeshire and Peter- unity resource. A lot of time and effort borough and the Charity’s objective is has been necessary to start to turn the to help rural communities to help centre around but it has been reward- themselves in the management of their ing to work with volunteers, staff and local community assets. After two new trustees to secure its future. years, I was appointed as the Chief A final word about the Rev Thomas Executive and since then 15 years have Woolsey Charity. It started life as a passed by very quickly. My role is very ‘Poors Charity’ with its objective to diverse but the main elements are to alleviate conditions of hardship or keep the organisation running smoothly distress amongst local people. Across overseeing finance, HR, strategy, the Country many parishes still have funding and marketing. In recent such charities sitting sadly moribund, years, Charities have also had to benefitting very few. My father, John become more commercially focused Bennett, worked with the other and this means we also run a payroll Trustees to help satisfy the Charity service for 80 other charities and Commission’s requirements in order to provide membership services through amalgamate the two Thornhaugh and advice and support to Village Hall Wansford Poors Charities and give the Committees and Parish Councils. We Rev Thomas Woolsey Charity the monitor rural services and infrastruct- objective it has today. The legacy of ure such as public transport, village this work is that students living in shops/pubs, post offices and the rollout Thornhaugh and Wansford will continue of superfast broadband across Camb- to benefit in years to come. ridgeshire and P’boro’s 280 parishes Note: The Thomas Woolsey Charity helps Provision for affordable housing is a big residents in the parishes of Thornhaugh and issue in most Parishes across the Wansford who embark on further education County. At the moment we are by providing financial assistance towards working with Wansford Parish Council, books/ equipment to support their studies. undertaking a housing need survey to 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
7 June: SUMMER STRAWBERRY SPECIAL
21 June: STEAMING BLUES
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 Parish Council and Parish meetings were held on 12th May 2014, in the Community Hall, at 7.30pm. Present were Cllr’s L Fox-Clipsham, R Clarke and J Stannage, Cllr Diane Lamb, the Parish Clerk, PCSO’s M Hurley and M Courtney- Hunt, and two members of the public.
Parish Meeting: The Parish meeting concluded at 7.45 pm, after the May 2013 minutes were approved and signed, the Chairman’s report received, and the Financial report approved and Annual Accounts signed off.
Parish Council: The Parish Council (WPC) meeting then followed with a report from the PCSOs discussed, most involving vehicle theft, abandoned vehicles and such like. The Speed watch programme to be undertaken by three Wansford volunteers was discussed, as was ways of addressing speed reduction. An updated Local Policing Team leaflet was requested for the village.
Planning Applications: 14/ 00637/ FUL and 14/ 00643/ OUT, both for the former Little Chef site, were discussed and agreed by the WPC. 14/00672/ CTR was for tree works at The Hollow, Riverside Spinney, and subject to the Landscape Officer’s approval, was agreed. 14/00474/HHFUL was discussed, with no change from previous comments.
Minutes: The minutes of 14th April 2014 were agreed and signed.
Matters Arising : The 30mph wheelie bin stickers are with the Chairman for any resident requiring some. The 20 mph speed limit proposal will require further consultation. Grit bin on Nene Close to be further discussed at the next meeting and the hand rail for the steps on the footpath to Nene Close is being progressed. A street light on the footpath to the Wansford Surgery is ongoing. The route of the Vtesse cable laying has been inspected by WPC, some remedial work still required to some areas and west end of Old Leicester Rd. The suggestion of a War Memorial for Wansford was welcomed, the thought was that the Royal British Legion would be the driver for this. A new footpath to the church was discussed. P’boro Highways to be consulted Thornhaugh Liaison Committee is meeting, sometime in June, WPC is invited.
Finance: Two invoices were received and approved for payment.
Leasing of Land: A lease is to be drafted, with Cllr Lamb to speed things up, for something that has taken around two years to conclude!
Toddlers Play Area: WPC to liaise with Nene Valley Tots to progress.
Correspondence: Sibson cum Stibbington Parish Council are keen to join with WPC to progress a Village Plan, and the WPC welcome this.
Matters for Consideration: The condition of the A47 underpass was brought to the attention of WPC by a resident. This totally unsatisfactory state will be progressed by the WPC with Peterborough City Council and Highways and will be an item on the agenda for the next WPC meeting.
The meeting closed at 10.15pm, with the next meeting on 9th June 2014, at 7.30 pm, in the Community Hall. All are most welcome. John Stannage, Chairman, WPC
23
24 THORNHAUGH PARISH COUNCIL
The Annual General Meeting of the 2014/2015 Thornhaugh Parish Council was held on 7th May 2014. It was chaired by William Rogers, present were Liam Higgins, Ian Molesworth and Brian Watts and in attendance were John Holdich and Diane Lamb, Ward Councillors, two members of the public and the Clerk. There were no apologies for absence.
Election of Chairman, Vice Chairman and Representatives Chairman - William Rogers (This post and all below: no change) Vice Chairman - Ian Molesworth Thornhaugh & Wansford Burial Ground Cttee - Robert Reeve & Ian Molesworth Representative on Thornhaugh Environmental Association - Liam Higgins Representative on Augean Community Liaison - Martin Witherington Representative on Christie Hall Management Committee - Brian Watts
Public Participation A member of the public raised his concerns about the number of motorists who speed down Old Oundle Road (the part in Thornhaugh Parish). He was worried that this will get worse if the proposed housing development on the edge of Wittering is built. The Clerk will ask John Holdich to request that speed calming measures could be considered to help deal with the problem.
Police Matters There were no police representatives present.
Home Farm Matters Martin Witherington had decided not to stand as Parish Councillor due to other commitments. It was agreed that it would be desirable if a resident of Home Farm would be willing to be co-opted onto the Parish Council.
Time Capsule It had been established that a Time Capsule was put into the Bell Tower of St Andrew’s Church in 2000 and therefore there will be no further action on this matter.
Village Improvements Five hanging baskets had been purchased by the Chairman and put up by Brian Watts. It was agreed to purchase two more hanging baskets. It was agreed to purchase two more benches, one to be sit- ed at the woods and one to be sited near the Telephone Box. It was agreed to refurbish the two village noticeboards.
Footpaths It was noted that dog fouling is a problem on the foot- paths. John Holdich agreed to provide some stickers warning that any dog owner who does not clear up dog foul could be fined.
Speed Limit Reduction in Local Villages Diane Lamb stated that the work to reduce the speed limit to 20 mph in local villages had started with the village of Sutton.
Date of Next Meeting The Annual Parish Meeting followed by the In- augural Meeting of the 2014/ 2015 Thornhaugh Parish Council will take place at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 16th July 2014 at St Andrew’s Church, Thornhaugh.
Deirdre McCumiskey, Parish Clerk
25 26 SIBSON-CUM-STIBBINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Annual Parish Meeting 7th May 2014
During the last year we accepted the resignation of Paul Styles who had served the Council well during his tenure. I am happy to report that we have one additional Councillor Ricky Cawood who was warmly welcomed.
During the year we have had 15 planning applications. Three of these were in retrospect, and this is something that the Council wishes to discourage. Of the applications received 8 were permitted, 2 withdrawn and 5 pending.
We received funding for the erection of bollards outside the entrance to Chapel Court, and these were duly erected. This was to stop irresponsible car parking taking place, which blocked the view of anyone trying to leave Chapel Court. However, several were knocked down in quick succession and some of these by local residents who were witnessed. We are in the process of erecting new more robust bollards, and I am assured that this is in progress. I apologise for the unsightliness of the existing site and assure you that this work is in hand with the Highways Agency, together with HDC. Some residents are parking on the hatched area around the entrance, and their numbers have been handed to the police. As previously mentioned this could result in a £60 fine.
We have also erected a new interactive speed sign, which appears to be working. I am able to monitor the traffic speed, and the average for the last three months is 33.5mph. The police will only take action when speeds are reached of over 36mph, but the sign is acting as a deterrent for traffic approaching from the Elton side. I believe that the traffic coming from the north side is proving more speedy, and this needs to be addressed.
The village sign was destroyed by a car in November, and we have erected a new one in its place. I am aware that the Wansford sign has not been replaced so far, but am assured that this is also in hand. The Elton road sign is due to be replaced in conjunction with this sign.
I would once again like to thank all our parishoners who take the time and trouble to attend our meetings. Their valuable input is much appreciated. Finally thank you to HDC, CCC, the Highways Agency, all my fellow councillors and especially to Wendy for all her hard work.
The meeting of the Parish Council was held at the Environment Centre Stibbington, on Wednesday 7th May, 2014.
Present: Cllrs. M Beuttell, M Bradshaw, R Cawood, D Price, N Cook, I Turner.
Apologies for Absence - Cllr. J. Wright.
The meeting was duly opened. No declarations of interest were declared.
During the public forum a question was raised as to who owned the seat near the entrance to the allotments. Cllr. Bradshaw said he would be happy to clear the vegetation growing around the seat.
Mr Williams from 21 Church Lane, enquired if the bus shelter near cottages belonged to the PC. This to be investigated, as Mr. Williams has offered to clear the site and remove the shelter for personal use. Continued
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28 Sibson cum Stibbington Parish Council continued The Minutes from the meeting of the 5th March, were duly signed by the Chairman. There were two matters arising from those minutes. SIBSON AERODROME had been visited by Cllrs. Turner and Beuttell, who met with the Owner. They discussed grievances received from parishoners and he has informed them of some changes he is going to make, which would help alleviate those concerns. Surrounding residents have been given incident sheets to complete and return to the Council with a three month period which will provide a further basis for discussion with the Aerodrome.
The VILLAGE PLAN was again discussed and the Parish Council agreed to contact Wansford Parish Council with a view to doing a letter drop in the vil- lage to gauge interest.
The Financial Accounts were shown to the Council and payments approved.
There was one letter from a resident complaining that a street light had been removed without any prior warning. The Council had not received any warning or plan either. Cllr. Beuttell to meet with Balfour Beatty to discuss. There had been a quote to change two lanterns, which the Council has decid- ed not to proceed with.
Questions were again raised re flooding around the village and litter left around the Haycock after advertising signs had been removed.
The next meeting will be held on the 4th June, 2014. Marge Beuttell
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR PETERBOROUGH COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Community groups in Peterborough are being urged to apply for thousands of pounds of funding that could help transform local communities and improve environments in the area.
Not-for-profit environmental body WREN distributes grants worth between £2,000 and £75,000 to community projects across the UK on behalf of waste management company FCC Environment.
WREN has awarded more than £3.5m to 144 projects in Cambridgeshire since 2006, but less than 20% of these (28) have been located in Peterborough. WREN’s dedicated Grant Manager for Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, Sarah Gosling, wants to see application numbers rise and more of the city’s communities benefitting from the funding. Sarah is eager to meet community groups in Peterborough who have projects WREN can help make a reality. She commented: “I’m keen to hear from community groups about all sorts of projects ranging from improvements to public parks, community centres, village halls and local nature reserves, right through to projects for children and young adults.”
WREN is able to provide community grants thanks to money paid into the Landfill Communities Fund by FCC Environment. More information on WREN and the application process is available at www.wren.org.uk.
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NATURE NOTES By Graham Blagden NESTING TIME
Spring is here, and with it our birds display different habits to their normal behaviour. This is, of course, when birds are looking for a mate: either by singing from a tree to attract a female or, when they have found one, protecting their 'catch' from other males.
This week a Mistle Thrush was singing in a tree in the garden. I realised it had been doing so for some days, through all the winds in the previous week or two. Another name for the bird is the Stormcock, called after its habit of singing from a tall tree in the roughest of weather.
It has similar colouring to the smaller song thrush but appears noticeably greyer in the field and with larger spots. It is also larger, bigger than a blackbird too, which is why I noticed it in silhouette that misty morning. During the winter they stay much more in the fields, in pairs or in larger flocks, feeding on the ground. But now their calls will attract a mate and they will be settling down to build a nest and start a family.
A very common bird of freshwater areas is our wild duck, the Mallard. However, over the years, having lived in three separate houses, I have been pleasantly surprised to see two mallard in my garden, usually sitting on the lawn and always in March. This week I awoke to hear the quiet quacking of Mrs Duck on my lawn closely attended by not one drake but two. The date is the clue. It is breeding time. But on this occasion Mrs Duck had two suitors.
Mallard will be found near water throughout the year but in the spring will often search out other areas and seek a nesting site in a tree, or bush or in a garden. They were at present prospecting mine. On the third morning; (they disappeared during the day) one male was fighting off the second one but was also harassing the female. She may have been quite young and inexperienced but after my breakfast they had moved on to somewhere more to their liking.
However I noticed something odd on the lawn. She had left me a present. A perfectly formed egg. It was only the size of a normal hen's egg but it was a beautiful pale blue in colour - duck egg blue.
I do so hope she manages to find a quieter spot with her single mate, lays a nestful of eggs and brings up a large family. I will be looking out for her - and the ducklings.
Photo courtesy of Charlie Brown
31 PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES on Friday 18 July
Turn back the clock 100 years to July 1914 and join us for a summer’s evening of Music Hall entertainment
In the build up to the start of the First World War, July 1914 was a time when music hall was at its peak of popularity. Entertainment evenings were held in aid of the war effort and there was much enthusiasm for using songs to help recruit to the armed services.
One hundred years on, a special event is to be held at Wansford church to mark the centenary of the start of the war. The team that last May brought the very successful “Keep Smiling Through” World War II entertainment evening to Wansford will be joining forces again to put together an evening of music hall entertainment, including drinks and supper 1914-style.
Staff and volunteers from Stibbington Centre are work- ing with representatives from Wansford church and members of the local community to compile the programme. We already have a superb range of “acts”, but it’s not too late to offer your party piece. Proceeds will be shared between the church and Stibbington Centre’s charitable trust. Tickets will be available later this month and can be pre-booked using the contact details below. Rosie Edwards 01780 782386 [email protected]
32 33 34 LIVING SYMPHONIES at STAMFORD CHORAL SOCIETY FINESHADE WOODS Sing we and chant it From 20-26 June, there will be an exciting new way to experience Fineshade Woods, An enchanting programme of through Living Symphonies, a sound walk music for a summer’s evening, exploring the forest’s "thriving activity of with part-songs, madrigals and wildlife, plants and atmospheric folksongs including music by conditions". Details at Vaughan Williams, Gibbons, www.livingsymphonies.com Elgar, Quilter, and Sullivan.
Saturday 28 June Barn Hill Church Stamford Tickets £8 from Stamford Arts Centre
Apethorpe Village Open Day Saturday 21st June
with street fayre, teas, historic visits and tours to local gardens and houses.
All welcome.
PASSION & ENERGY AT SUMMER CONCERT
A wonderful concert characterised by energy and passion, from three composers at their absolute best, is promised by the City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. The concert on Saturday, June 14, 7.30pm, features works by Mendelssohn, Saint -Saens and Holst and will be staged at The Voyager Academy, Walton.
Passion and brilliance are there in equal measure in the wonderful Saint -Saens cello concerto, which is regarded as the very greatest cello concerto of all time. Mendelssohn’s whirling 3rd Symphony, The “Scottish”, is full of tremendous panache, while Holst’s popular St Paul’s Suite includes the famous tune Greensleeves.
Tickets are £12.50 and £10.50 (concessions) and are available at www.cpso.org.uk and on the door.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SUNDAY TEAS AT Dear Rosie YARWELL VILLAGE HALL
East Anglian Air Regular visitors to our Sunday teas will be pleased to Ambulance received learn that this year we started a little earlier in mid-May outstanding sponsor- and are also continuing into October. We shall only be ship from several local serving teas on the third Sunday of each month – the companies which next date is Sunday 15th June 3.00—5.00pm - a list of enabled us to raise the monthly dates is posted at the village hall. £7,500. This could not have been done The reason for this change is to maintain the high without their support, standard of home baking – we only have a limited and was much number of volunteers to make cakes, scones, etc, so to appreciated by EAAA ensure we have enough to offer a good selection it was and Peterborough decided to run the event on a once-a-month basis.
Minster Rotary Club. Our village hall is an ideal place to enjoy a Sunday In particular I would afternoon outing – there is plenty of car parking space like to say a big thank and teas can be taken either in the hall or, if the sun is you to our local car shining, there are tables on the grassed area outside. wash on the A1 at Stibbington. I was Wendy Spencer present on 10 May when the guys at Nassington Open Gardens Weekend Catalin worked an 11 hour day and donated 14th & 15th June 2014 - 2pm to 6pm all their takings as part Enjoy one of Northamptonshire's finest rural villages of the event. Working and its oldest remaining dwelling - Prebendal Manor. beside a busy and dangerous road they 20+ gardens - plant stalls - allotments - church were fully aware of the book, jewellery & gift stalls- tea & home made cakes need for such a vital Tickets: £5.00 per day/£8.00 for the whole weekend. service. Well done Money raised will go to the Chancel Roof Fund. guys, your effortswere very much appreciated Call 01780 781777 or email [email protected]
Rod Sortwell for more information
Dear Rosie, Oundle-based Antler Languages offers language courses locally but also runs summer residential courses for young foreign students. We have a network of 'host families' who live in the area so our students (ages 13-16yrs) stay with an English family for a week. I’m sure you'll appreciate how worthwhile it is - not just for the youngsters to practice their English and return home knowing so much about our English culture and way of life, but also for the host families who find it a rewarding experience too. A payment of £175 per student per week keeps costs covered. We would like to source a few more host families. Anyone interested should contact Antler on 01832 275319. Thank you, Diane Gifford 36
ELTON GARDEN TRAIL
Having been rested for a number of years the Letter to the Editor Elton Garden Trail returns on Sunday 29th June. It has been commented The aim is to offer something for everyone on before in this whatever their age. Entertainment in some of the magazine that dogs gardens will include country dancing, plus a which are not on their recorder orchestra playing music first heard leads have been hundreds of years ago. Children will have the attacking other dogs in the vicinity that are on a chance to take their own ever-popular "I-Spy" Trail lead. with clues to be found in every garden. Visitors will have the opportunity to buy plants from We have now had village gardeners and photographers are invited to complaints of a dog take pictures illustrating the "spirit of the attack where a spaniel was badly bitten and Trail". The best will be published in the Village needed veterinary magazine. Teas will be served all day. treatment.
The event is open from 12noon until 5pm. Cost to Also a child was bitten, take the Trail will be £5, accompanied children free which resulted in hospital treatment, by a David Housden 01832 280097 dog that again was not on the lead. Dear Rosie, We understand that dogs Please would you put a message in Living Villages being walked need the to let readers know about Mums and Toddlers in freedom of being off the Nassington? lead. However, if you are Our group meets on Mondays at 2pm in Nassington aware that your pet may church (Term times) for songs, games, story, have aggressive tea, biscuits and lots of fun. tendencies, perhaps a Everyone across our “Watersmete” benefice is muzzle would be appropriate. most welcome. The next meeting is Monday June 2nd. We would also like to remind readers that as Thanks for this, All good wishes, Jan Downey the cricket season has begun all dog owners Rosie should remove any mess
St Mary's Church, Woodnewton is holding a Flower left by their animal and Festival over the weekend of 20, 21 and 22 June, put it in the bins provided. from 10 am., to 5.00 pm. The theme of the floral designs is 'Celebrations and Anniversaries'. The Many thanks for your co-operation. Flower Festival is being opened by Bishop John Flack at 2.00 pm on the Friday, and concludes at John Stannage -
5.00 pm., on the Sunday evening. Chairman - The Festival is part of the Village Open Gardens, Wansford Parish Council which is also taking place on the Saturday and Margery Beuttell - Sunday, 12 noon to 5.00 p,m. Chairman - Sibson-cum-Stibbington Many thanks. Marilyn Jenner, Churchwarden Paish Council
37 DIARY DATES – JUNE 2014 Date Event Time Venue Contact Phone p St Maray’s church, Church- Sun 1 Family Service 4.00pm 9 Wansford wardens Sibson cum Stibbington Stibbington 01778 Wed 4 7.30pm Wendy Gray 29 Parish Council meeting Environment Centre 441312 Th 5,12, Wansford Church Choir 19A Old Leicester Eddie 7.30pm 783639 19, 26 practice Road Wansford McDonnell Wansford Parish Council Wansford 01778 Mon 9 7.30pm Wendy Gray 23 meeting Community Hall 441312 Friends of St Mary’s and Wed 11 2.00pm John Clare Cottage Dora Baker 782519 9 St Andrew’s visit Sat Open Gardens 2—6pm Nassington Village Dec Downey 781777 36 14,15 Peterborough Symphony Sat 14 7.30pm Voyager Academy 35 Orchestra Concert Wendy Sun 15 Yarwell afternoon tea 3—5pm Yarwell Village Hall 36 Spencer Commnicare visit to Clare Wed 18 470437 18 Sandringham Hunstanton Wagstaffe Communicare Coffee Kings Cliffe Wendy Fri 20 10.00am 18 Morning Active Hall Spencer Woodnewton Flower Woodnewton Marilyn 20—22 10—5 37 Festival village Jenner 20—26 Living Symphonies Fineshade Woods 35
Sat 21 Apethorpe Open Gardens Apethorpe Village 35 St Michael’s Hall, Sat 21 Sutton Strawberry Fayre 2.00pm 9 Sutton St Mary’s Church, Sat 21 RBL Band Concert 7.30pm Sue Arnold 782200 20 Nassington Stibbington Flower 1pm, 5, Stibbington Church Sun 22 Helen Facer 782932 13 Festival, Service & B-B-Q 5,30pm and Hall Outside Wendy Sat 28 WI Cake Stall 10.00am 16 Wansford Church Spencer Garth 0793030 28, 29 Artists Open Studios Stibbington Church 13 Bayley 7180 Stone & Willow, Sat 28 Horticultural Society Party 7.00pm Gill Fisher 782446 15 Elton Rd Wansford Sing we and chant it Barn Hill Methodist Stamford Sat 28 7.30pm 763203 35 Stamford Choral Concert Church, Stamford Arts Centre Noon— David 01832 Sun 29 Elton Garden Trail Elton Village 37 5pm Housden 280097
Copy deadline next month: Friday 20 June
This magazine is available online at www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk
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Ian Brumfield MBEng Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07951 114126
Architectural and Structural Design Services Comprehensive Planning and Building Control Applications
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