CHATTERIS CENTRE POINT Issue 67 - March 2020 The King Edward Centre

CHATTERIS MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL FROM FAIRIES TO FUN RUN 25th - 28th June 2020

Exciting new attractions are being planned for the 2020 Chatteris Midsummer Festival which will run from the 25th to 28th June 2020 at the Furrowfields Recreation Ground. Following the theme of this year’s Festival, Fairy Tales & Folklore, the Fairyland Trust will have a special tent at the Festival where youngsters will be able to create their own Fairy and Elf Crowns from wildflowers. Young faces should light up when they see a unicorn leading the parade. The unicorn will stay on the event field so youngsters can meet him and having their photos taken. Following the folklore theme, a horse-drawn travellers’ caravan will bring up the rear of the parade. Applications are already coming in from those planning to take part in the walking parade but there is always room for more participants so groups are being urged to get their forms in (contact details at the end of this article). Many youth groups and organisations already support the parade year on year, but the Festival organisers would like to see more adult group members dressed up and walking through the town. The main arena attraction on the Saturday this year will be professional sheepdog demonstrations. Visitors will be able to marvel at the dogs’ prowess and listen to an amusing commentary. Once again the very popular Party in the Park with local bands, singers and DJ Laura Dennis - not to mention the foam cannon - will bring the Saturday’s festivities to a close. A bold new attraction for the Sunday will be a colour fun run around the Festival site. Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to take part but be warned you will end up multi-coloured! Other festivities on the Sunday will include the dog show, the tug of war competition and the popular cream teas. Another pamper evening is planned for the Festival Thursday evening and on the Friday there will be entertainment from mind reader and illusionist Dean O’Dell, music from the Ramshackle Daddies and a chilli supper in the marquee, all for just £12 a ticket.

For more information about the Midsummer Festival and to register for the parade please contact Joanna Melton on 01354 695166, email [email protected], view the Festival or Chatteris Town Council websites or the Facebook page The Official Chatteris Festival 2020

WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP!

We are looking for volunteers to help us deliver this quarterly newsletter to every home in Chatteris. Even if you are only able to help with one or two streets, or even just part of your local estate any help would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in helping us to ensure this popular magazine gets delivered locally please contact Anne Wells - King Edward Centre Manager on 01354 692658

- Thank you -

COPY DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE — 5:00pm Friday 1st May 2020 PLEASE SEND YOUR COPY BY E-MAIL TO BEN SEWARD at [email protected] ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO CHRIS POPE 07702 733219 or [email protected] Published by the King Edward Community Centre Association, King Edward’s Road, Chatteris, PE16 6NG, Tel: 01354 692658 Website: www.kingedwardcentre.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] 1

EMMANUEL CHURCH CHATTERIS FORTRESS CHATTERIS CHURCH

East Park Street, Chatteris Sunday Worship

East Park Street, 8:00 am Holy Communion Chatteris PE16 6LD Church phone: 9:00 am Catholic Mass 01354 536272 Contact: Majors Richard & Pauline 10:30 am Morning Worship + Children's Club Cook 07871 923337 or Toddler Praise: Fridays at 1:15 pm term time

E-mail: Gerald on 07730 123313 www.chatteris.org [email protected] Visit our website for further information Sunday Worship @ 5pm or Café Church about Chatteris Food Bank, Home Groups, Website: @ 4pm every 4th Sunday in the month Messy Church and Special Events.

emmanuel-chatteris.org Follow updates on our Facebook page. Monday: Fellowship Meeting @ 5.00pm DIARY DATES Sunday’s 10:30am Wednesday: Luncheon Club (£4.00) @ Saturday 7th March, 9:45 am: Family Service 12.00pm Communion on 2nd and 5th Sunday’s 22nd March Messy Church Love

Chatteris Salvation Army Saturday 7th March, 4 pm: Tuesday’s 10:00am Dominoes Night Informal worship and prayers Mother’s Day Café Church 4pm Saturday 4th April 10:00 am - 8 pm: Wednesday’s 7:30pm Charity Shop: Awakening Conference (tickets) Prayer time 38 High Street, Chatteris, Friday 10th April 10:00 am PE16 6LD Opening hours: Good Friday Walk of Witness Friday’s 10:00am - 12:00 noon Friday 10th April, 10:30 am Open Door & Prayer Chapel Monday - Friday 09:30am to 4:00pm Saturday 09:30am - 1:00pm Good Friday Children's Activity Saturday 11th April 9:45 am: Messy Church Mystery Come and Be Heard Saturday 11th April 7:30 pm is a local group for anyone with CHATTERIS COMMUNITY Easter Vigil hearing difficulties. We have around 20 CHURCH Sunday 12th April, 8 & 10:30 am members at our monthly meetings where Worship Services: Sundays 10.30 am Easter Services we have a variety of speakers, a game of at KEC, King Edward's Road, Chatteris Saturday 9th May, 9:45 pm

bingo or a quiz. Messy Church Good Friday - 10th April Hearing Help visit twice a year to get your Service 10.30 am hearing aids checked out. Support and advice is freely available. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study Craft & Chat

Wednesdays 7:30 pm Tuesday — Friday morning We meet at Lyon’s Court on the last Craft & Chat meet at Friday of the month, 2.00pm - 4.00pm (Please contact for details of venue) Contact: Pastor Robert Read Rainbow Valley, 25B High Street and could arrange transport for you. from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Telephone: 01354 694393 If you would like to chat to someone, call E-mail: [email protected] Bring along your craft to work on while you Hilary on 01354 695317 to find out more. while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Or just come long for a cuppa

Ms K.A. Coppin, M.Ch.S., D.Pod.M, (Chatteris based) HPC and State Registered Accredited BACP Counsellor Chiropodist and Podiatrist and Supervisor 20 Gordon Avenue, offers a Confidential Service for a March, Cambs, PE15 8AJ wide range of issues including: Telephone: 07850 481 766

Stress Hours by appointment only Anxiety [email protected]. Anger management Child Related Alcohol/Drug Addictions Depression TOOTSIE TUTORING Relationships Private tuition in English and Maths for Work related Bereavement Children up to GCSE level. Preventing burnout Experienced teacher with B.Ed (Hons) Self development All resources provided Please call Sibling discounts 07962 444168 for further information Or visit www.gillturton.co.uk 129 High Street, Chatteris 01354 694835 or 07827 751083

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Support for older people, their families and carers

· Free Confidential Information and Advice including: health, social care, housing, income & benefits, leisure activities and much more

· A range of Practical Services: Housework, gardening, handyperson

· Opportunities to Socialise. Day club at Lyons Court, sharing time with home visiting, volunteering

Tel: 0300 666 9860

2, Victoria Street, Chatteris, PE16 6AP Mon-Fri 10am - 3pm

Email: [email protected] www.ageukcap.org.uk

Age UK Cambridgeshire and is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission for and Wales with registered charity no. 1165856

The Friday Group, Salem Court, Chatteris CHATTERIS GOOD COMPANIONS

- for people with early dementia and their carers Calling all over 50’s! Our group is run entirely by volunteers who all have Why not try our friendly club? experience of dealing with people with dementia. We aim to

provide support for sufferers of low to medium dementia and Our meetings are on the last Monday in the their carers in a loving, respectful and happy environment. month (except Bank Holidays) at the WMC We are a very friendly group and meet every Friday from from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. There is always a 10.00am to 3.00pm at Salem Court. cup of tea, a friendly chat and a raffle. A range of interesting, stimulating activities and We extend a warm welcome to you to join us. entertainments take place and we have a two-course lunch all for just £6.50 for the day. We try to have two trips during the If you have a transport problem, we may be able to help you in getting to the Meetings. year. Carers can stay with the group or leave their loved ones in For more information, contact the Secretary, our care for a few hours and have some ‘me time’. Loreli Law. Introductions are made by the care agencies but you can just turn up or give us a call. Your first day is free! Her email address is:- [email protected]. We would also love to hear from you if you can spare a few and her contact number is 01354 693740. hours to help. It doesn't have to be every week!

Mike Hill 07910 557199 Anne Chambers 01354 740225

CYCLE COACHING FOR ALL ABILITIES TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS ADULTS AND KIDS COACHING - WATTBIKE TESTING - Private Tuition BASIC BIKE FIT Elizabeths Florist Maths & English, Keystage 1 & 2 Prop: Andrea Moat 20 years experience teacher, 12 High Street, Chatteris DBS Certified. Tel: o1354 696326 Contact: Ruth Franklin Email: Telephone: 01354 279779 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Find us on Facebook

Richard Holmes DipFA Co-operative Funeralcare air 2plan Wealth Management incorporating H Independent Financial Adviser J. H. Landin Funeral Service Investments - Pensions - Life Assurance Traditional and alternative funerals and monumental services On the Please contact me to arrange an appointment. Tel: 01354 692606 Mob: 07889 729172 25 Park Street ark Email: [email protected] Chatteris P Web: www.richardholmes.2plan.com 2plan wealth management Ltd is authorised & Cambs regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is on PE16 6AD Tel: 01354695516 the FCA register (www.fca.gov.uk) reference 461598

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Chatteris Town Council

Support for Youths Chatteris Councillors were so impressed by the group of youths who attended the January Town Council meeting that they agreed to fund their youth club on a bus. The youths had all attended the Connections Bus in Jack’s car park throughout the autumn term but County Council funding for the bus ran out in December and the service was forced to close. Initially the Town Council refused to take up the financial burden as the Council already funds a youth club in the town, for 7 to 13 year old's, which meets at 6.15pm on alternate Thursdays at the King Edward Centre. However, the young people who attended the bus felt so passionate about the loss of the service that they not only put pen to paper to try and persuade the Town Council to change its mind, they also turned up en masse to address Councillors and read out extracts from their letters. They pointed out the bus, which is open to all young people aged from 13 to 18, helped to keep them out of trouble by giving them somewhere to hang out and play games. Staff from the bus explained that the youngsters had access to advice on safe sex, the dangers of drugs and how to access training opportunities. Councillors were so impressed by the commitment of the young people that they agreed to fund the bus for a year and arrangements were made with Council for the bus to be re-located to a more central position in the town. The bus is now open on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7.30pm in Furrowfields Car Park. Shuttle Bus Chatteris Town Council has sadly taken the decision to call a halt to the Ely Shuttle Bus service due to a lack of customers. However, the free bus monthly service to St Ives, on a mini bus supplied by FACT, will continue whilst there is demand. But it will be a case of use it or lose it. In the meantime the Council will meet again with FACT to discuss ideas for new bus routes which will hopefully prove to be more popular than the Ely run. The St Ives bus runs on the second Monday of every month leaving Furrowfields car park at 11.15am (and East Park Street bus stop at 11.20) and arriving in St Ives at 11.50am. The return bus leaves St Ives at 3pm. Passengers must book on to the bus in advance by ringing FACT on 01354 661234 by 12 noon the previous Friday. Local Plan

Chatteris Town Council submitted a lengthy response to the Fenland Local Plan consultation. The Council’s main concern was to encourage growth in the town through the provision of new homes, employment and facilities. The Council would particularly like to see more manufacturing and technical (IT) jobs created, mixed housing developments, better roads infrastructure, better public transport and a country park provided. Defibrillator Chatteris can now boast another life-saving heart defibrillator thanks to the Town Council. The Council has purchased a defibrillator and cabinet which is to be sited at the Apple Green garage at Slade End roundabout. Community Defibrillators for Chatteris had applied to the Town Council for grant funding towards the cost of another defibrillator and Councillors decided that they would fund the entire cost of a machine and a locked cabinet to house it and were advised that the Town Council had the spending power to purchase the equipment under the Public Health Act 1936 Spending power S234. Working with Community Defibrillators for Chatteris, a defibrillator was chosen and Councillors decided they would like to see it located in the northern part of the town, as existing defibrillators are located more centrally. Community Defibrillators obtained agreement from Apple Green that the cabinet could be erected on an outer wall of the garage.

Chatteris Town Council—Contact details Council Officers : Clerk, Mrs Joanna Melton, Financial Officer, Angela Papworth, Tel: 695166, 14 Church Lane, Chatteris, PE16 6JA, e-mail [email protected], website: www.chatteristowncouncil.info Birch Ward Slade Lode Ward Cllr Ian Benney, T: 460334, 42 Wood Street,, Cllr Astrid Charrier, T: , Chatteris,

Cllr Bill Haggata, T: 694822, 2 Hazel Close, Cllr Alan Gowler, T: , 12a Station Street, Cllr Ian Taylor, T: 07712 778997, 19 Curlew Avenue Cllr Mark Petrou, T: , 29a Road, The Mills Ward Wenneye Ward Cllr James Carney T: 692256, 10 Church Lane, Cllr Linda Ashley, T: 692666, 133 London Road, Cllr Ann Hay T: 694265, 5 Millfield Close Cllr Florence Newell, T: 651001, 7 Turnbull Road, March, Cllr Julie Smith T: 694289, 161 London Road Cllr Peter Murphy, T: 692582, 12 Ash Grove

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News from the Library

Are you a Cluedo fanatic or is Scrabble your choice of game? The library has started to run a new Adult board games club on a Monday afternoon 2:00 - 3:30. All adults are welcome to come along and choose to play from a selection of games we have on offer – or bring your own and challenge a partner. In addition another new regular event is Creative Friday. Every Friday morning we invite people who like to sew knit or have any other handicraft skill to come along to meet with like-minded people share ideas, bring a project to craft and enjoy a chat in the library. It runs form 10:30 - 12:00. There is no need to book for the Board Games Afternoons or Creative Fridays and there is no charge. Just come along and enjoy. The library is once again hosting more Arts Council funded events this spring under “The Library Presents” banner. Our first event is on Saturday March 14 at 10:00am. This is the date to remember if you would like to attend the Linocut Printmaking workshop – suitable for those aged 16 years plus. On 2 May at 7:00pm the library will be rearranged to provide a unique setting for a performance “Common Lore” – an exciting fusion of rap, projections and live electronic music. This unique show sees modern life and fairy tales collide. It’s suitable for adults and young people 12 years plus. Saturday 16 May at 2:00pm the library welcomes back The Opera Dudes who will be running a Vocal fun workshop come to join them for a relaxing and friendly singing session, leaning to sing better breathe better and forget your worries for a couple of hours. If you would like to come to any of these “The library Presents” events Youcan buy tickets on line www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/arts. Pop into the library and pick up a brochure listing all the events at Chatteris and other Cambridgeshire libraries. Staff are happy to help with further details and ticket purchase. Finally, if none of these events take your fancy perhaps a taste of the open countryside will fit the bill. On Tuesday 14 April 2:30 - 4:00pm, come and listen to Mark Peck, Cambridgeshire County Council Rights of Way Officer talking about public footpaths, bridleways and byways. Refreshments are provided, donations welcome and there is no need to book.

Pocket Park Opening Plans

A youngster from Chatteris will help officially open Chatteris’s first Pocket Park on the 25 April 2020. The youngster, who will be chosen through a drawing competition, will cut the ribbon when Little Acre Fen Pocket Park is officially opened at a special ceremony. Another young winner will open the dipping pond at the park. Children are being invited to submit an A4 drawing of their favourite, native wildlife creature by the 27 March. Entries (which should include the entrant’s name, age and contact details) should be sent to FLAPP competition, Council Chambers, 14 Church Lane, Chatteris, PE16 6JA The Mayor, Cllr Linda Ashley, is expected to welcome everyone to the opening event at 10.30am on the 25 April and give a brief history of the park which has been created on by Chatteris Town Council and is now being developed and maintained by volunteer members of FLAPP (Friends of Little Acre Pocket Park). Visitors will be able to join a guided walk around the park to see how it has developed from waste land to a tranquil green space where residents can enjoy the vast open skies of . Young visitors will be able to take part in an activity trail and be one of the first to try their hand at pond dipping in the new pond. Everyone is advised to come on foot (as parking is limited) and wear their wellies! Little Acre Fen Pocket Park can either be accessed from West Street (turn right along the drove at the end of West Street) or from the Old Railway Line Footpath. For more information about the open day e-mail [email protected]

Baileys Specialist Plastering M J ASHLEY PLASTERING Lime Plastering, Skimming, manufacture & installation of decorative plasterwork. Domestic and Commercial Cornice/Coving. Venetian/polished plaster. Telephone: 07944 492087 Telephone: 07966 036591 [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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“Tea Scones & Cake” Day Supporting TSC : Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Wednesday 22nd April 10am to 4pm at the King Edward Community Centre. Following 2 very successful fund raising events last year for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) supported & enjoyed by the local community we are repeating these in 2020. An update on Olivia my great grand-daughter, who will be 2 in May. She was diagnosed at 8 months with TSC & it has been a full on year with consultations, MRI’s & brain scans. By the time you read this Olivia will have had her first consultation at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Hopefully they will have been able to deal with the tumours on her brain to enable her to progress further. She will be tasked with starting pre-school following her 2nd birthday & many thanks must go to the pre-school, her childminder & all of the health visitors for all their support in her future progression. Olivia gave us the best Christmas present ever by starting to walk & is now learning to communicate. All monies raised by these events go to the TSA to help other sufferers & their families, they have been wonderful in their support of Olivia & her family. They often call on her mum, Clarissa, to assist with some of their forward thinking projects. As you can see from the photo, Olivia is a very happy & cheerful little girl, & deserves our help. We look forward to seeing all the friends & supporters we made last year at our events again this year, where tea, coffee, scones, cakes & sausage rolls will be on sale, together with the Tombola. Thank you for all your support. Jan Baynes

Man & Van TRS Light Haulage & Removals * House & Office Removals * Deliveries & collections * Light Haulage work - Luton Tail lift Van For Children aged 2 - 5 years Covering the UK Mondays - Fridays Call Trevor on 07782 359050 or email [email protected] Funded places for 2, 3 & 4 year olds

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Chatteris Women’s Chatteris U3A

Section RBL Research Illustrates that U3A has a positive, cost-effective and sustainable

Our Ladies enjoy their monthly impact on the wellbeing and future of retired people in the UK. Membership meetings held on the first Monday is open to all who are reducing their working career or who have ceased full of the month 7pm at the Working time employment. Therefore, qualification for joining is defined by this Men’s Club. We welcome women period of life rather than a particular age. Interest Groups, covering a of all ages whether you have fantastic range of topics and activities, are formed by the members for the served in the Armed Forces or not. members. Family and friends are welcome to The Chatteris Group organise a incredible scope of local activities within the several of our events. These town plus trips/theatre events where travel facilities are also arranged. Our include a Birthday party, aim is to enjoy life, have fun and continue learning. For more information Ploughman’s Supper in aid of the you can attend an open meeting at the King Edward Centre on the third Poppy Appeal, Christmas party. Thursday of the month from 10.00am until 12.00am. Telephone 07716 Several of our Ladies have been 858286 and/or visit our website at https://u3asites.org.uk/chatteris members for many years and all enjoy their evenings out each month. Why not come along and have a natter to our Ladies, a cup of tea, and see if you would like to join us. Our next meeting is the Birthday Party on Monday 2nd March. We work alongside the Branch at many events regarding Remembrance, and in May we will be joining with the Branch in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. Next year as the Royal British Legion celebrates 100 years Chatteris Women’s Section will be celebrating their 75th Birthday. Plans are already underway to mark this milestone event - up- dates in the next issues of Cen- trepoint. Anne Wells, Secretary 07488 270230

Farrington Scents Handmade using Soy Wax

Wax Melts Candles

Tea Lights ‘Be slim for life’ Wax Burners Tuesday’s in Chatteris Thursday’s in Chatteris Natural Soaps at at www.farringtonscents.co.uk 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm & 6.00pm at the Conservative Club 07815 747390 in the Bricstan Room King Edward Road www.facebook.com/ (next to the Parish Church) farringtonscents For details phone Georgina on For details phone Sarah on Debit and Credit cards accepted 01354 694234 or 07425 156890 or Based in Chatteris JUST TURN UP! JUST TURN UP! Elizabeth Farrington

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Chatteris Christmas Lights

Chatteris Christmas Lights’ Switch-on took place on the 30th November and Bella Osipovs, a pupil from Glebelands , helped Santa turn on the display. The weather was again very kind and there was a large crowd to enjoy the event. Variante Ensemble played their festive music in front of the Church and Sooty Edwards entertained the waiting crowd from the stage. The hard work of the Volunteers was rewarded by another very successful display. Things were made more challenging due to the need to hire a cherry picker to provide high reach access, but the training for the 3 of the volunteers was used to good effect. One major change for 2019 was the screen built by Richard Leney in the box modified by Chris Savill, which was displayed to great effect on Switch-on and throughout the season on the end of the Gables Care Home. Chris Savill, Jem Finch or Richard Leney turned out, whatever the weather, to deal with any technical problems but gladly again there were few this year and the weather was generally kind. The team started to dismantle the display on Saturday 11th January and work was completed and most of the equipment returned to the store by the end of a very long weekend. The volunteers were very tired but had successfully saved the cost of cherry-picker hire for another weekend! On the morning of the 18th a few of the team took down the remaining fittings, re-organised the store and closed up for the season. If you feel you are able to help with fundraising, give a few hours as a volunteer or just want to keep yourself abreast of events, visit the relaunched website www.chatterischristmaslights.co.uk where Committee contact details are also available.

Chatteris Rotary Club

The President and members of Chatteris Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who came to the door and made a donation during our Christmas collection, you helped us to achieve one of our best results ever. Once again we are grateful to the help from several people around the town who freely gave their time and energy to boost our efforts. The whole point of doing this is to help support groups and organisations in the town. This year we are giving donations to the following groups in Chatteris the Cycling Club, Salvation Army, Food Bank, Youth Club, Bowls Club, Netball Club. Further donations may be added later. The Rotary Club is an international organisation with branches all over the world where we are working to end the scourge of Polio, send help when required after natural disasters also help relief of hunger. We meet at the George Hotel at 7.30pm on the 2nd 3rd and 4th Monday each month, usually inviting various speakers plus social and fund raising events. If you are interested in the work of Rotary please contact me on 01354 692371. Rotarian Donald Ashmore - Membership Chairman MOORE FEET CARE CHATTERIS PRIVATE HIRE Mobile Service in the comfort of 4 Passenger Registered Vehicles Your Own Home Exclusive Indian Cuisine All enquiries welcome Full Foot Assessment. Nail Trimming, Corns, Callus, Special Night - every Tuesday Phone: 01354 696607 In Growing Nails, Athletes Foot Starter, Main Dish, Side Dish & Diabetic foot care advice Rice or Nan - £11.95 per head Mobile: 07917 734062 *Please phone for an appointment* 01354 760049 (Extra for King Prawn £3 - Fish £3) [email protected] Find us on Facebook Registered with RFHP & Alliance Take away orders 15% discount on orders over £15 on collection only

Free delivery on orders over £15 THE GREEN-FINGERED HANDYMAN E.PAYNE & SONS within 6 miles BUILDING & GROUNDWORKS All aspects of gardening undertaken. Open 12 - 2pm. 5.30 - 11pm Flat-pack furniture assembly & light DIY. Extensions Garage Conversions 7 days a week 10 years experience and fully insured. Driveways, Patios including Bank Holidays Ring for free quote - Simon Hubbard Fencing

07392 745672/ 07795 670270 52 High Street, Chatteris Tel. 01354 695013 [email protected]. Call 01354 697866 / 697877 Facebook: The Green-Fingered Handyman

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George Clare Surgery CHATTERIS TOWN BOWLS CLUB

You can now find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ If you would like to have an GeorgeClareSurgery.GCS introduction to playing The surgery Facebook page will be regularly updated with useful information and bowls, please come along to notifications to patients. The surgery website has recently been updated: our Open Drives which start https://www.georgeclaresurgery.nhs.uk/ on Monday 20th April at The surgery welcomed Dr Katherine Woods & Dr Ruth Batson to the team in 2.15pm and run throughout November, Dr Woods & Dr Batson are taking over the care of Dr John Szekely’s the season. patients following his retirement. The ground is in Wood Dr Alexandra Glen retired at the end of December 2019 and we are still trying to Street, Chatteris. recruit for the position. Dr Paul Darer has announced he will be retiring at the end Experienced players are also of March 2020. We are currently in the process of trying to recruit and have most welcome. already arranged for cover by Dr Mina Rizkallah (one of our recently qualified GP

Registrars) and Dr Stephen Watts (former Partner at the Surgery) from the middle For further information on of March when Dr Darer will stop seeing patients. The Patient Participation Group the Drives, or if you want to has recently been restarted. Julie Pope is currently chairing the group and we are join the club, please contact: in the early stages of establishing the way forwards. If you would like to get involved with the Patient Participation Group you can by either attending the next Richard Davies meeting on Thursday 19th March at 5pm at the surgery or contacting the PPG on 01354 693463 or the following email address: [email protected]. [email protected]

Chatteris Walking Football This is aimed for people who have attained the age of 50+ and still have the child inside that wants to have fun, enjoy some banter and play football. It is a gentle way to play the sport as running and physical contact are disallowed. We put entertainment high on the agenda, divide those attending into two teams, and play with lots of laughter. After the game we put the kettle on for a hot drink with biscuits and even more banter. We meet every Monday morning at the Chatteris Town Football Ground on West Street at 10.00am. We do not supply boots and/or kit, however, any clothing or trainers/boots you have are acceptable. We play outside on the grass. You will be given a warm welcome. If you wish you can visit to observe to ascertain if this is suitable for you. For further details find us on Facebook (Walking Football - March and Chatteris) or contact Steve Wright on 07768 197279.

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Chatteris WI Chatteris WI meets at the King Edward Centre on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 7 – 9.30pm. If you are feeling lonely and would like to have a chat with friendly ladies and enjoy listening to a speaker, participate in a raffle, also enjoy tea/coffee and slice of cake. Come along and visit us and at the same time make some new friends. You never know you might enjoy the experience and want to become a member. Visitors and prospective new members are always welcome at meetings and we hope you’ll like us enough to join. If this seems a little daunting, give Sharon a ring and we will make sure someone is waiting to welcome you. We have a book club which meets on the 4th Thursday of each month. Also, a walking group that meets on alternate Tuesdays (summer time only). We are not all ‘Jam and Jerusalem’ although we usually hold two produce stalls each year in the High Street, in June/July and October. Normally a Friday from 8am –12.30pm (weather permitting). Over the years these have proved very successful we hope the people who purchased items from us enjoyed them. On the Saturday of the last weekend in June, we normally have a WI stand at the Furrowfields site in the Chatteris Midsummer Festival marquee. Come and visit us and help yourself to a free magazine and find out what we are all about. Again, this year, on the last Saturday in July 14.00 – 16.00, we will be hosting an afternoon event in the King Edward Centre - ‘A Cream Tea’. Thank you to those of you who enjoyed and supported us at our previous Cream Teas - it allows us to show what the WI, are good at – cakes, jam, tea and coffee!! We also visiting on a Saturday afternoon Tolthorpe Hall where we had a picnic in the grounds followed by ‘The importance of being Ernest’ in the open-air theatre. So far, we have been lucky with the weather. Our 2020 programme is now complete with some exciting speakers booked. If you would like to hear our speakers please let Sharon know. A small fee will be requested. For further details about future meetings please contact Sharon on 01354 460450. Please check the local press and/or the diary dates on the back of ‘Centrepoint’ for further meetings.

Chatteris Community Defibrillators

We are extremely excited to announce that Community Defibrillators numbers 3 and 4 have now been placed in the town, these will be available 24/7 in times of need. Our thanks go to all who have contributed to our fundraising whether it be by attending an event; making a donation; having a collection box on their premises or holding an event on our behalf. Every penny collected goes towards the purchase and maintenance of these units. Special thanks go to The Chatteris Town Council who paid for both the cabinet and defibrillator which is placed at Apple Green Service Station, Slade End. Fundraising continues now for unit 5. We will be holding our usual afternoon teas, March (Mother’s Day); September (late Summer) and November (Not quite Christmas) plus a Bacon Butty breakfast morning in June for Father’s Day. Alongside these we will hold another Art Show; Race Night and coffee mornings- dates to be confirmed. Due to some misunderstanding amongst town residents on the use or need of a defibrillator and CPR we will be holding several 90 minute 'Awareness Chats' when you can come along to see, feel and use a training defibrillator and manikin. Refreshments will be provided. These chats are also open to local groups and clubs who may wish to make their members aware of this subject.

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Chatteris Morning WI

As most of you know, we are a group of ladies who meet up twice a month, drink tea and coffee, eat cake and lunches, raise money for local charities, chat and generally have a good time. To be a member you don’t need to be a certain age, size, political or religious persuasion just be yourself. We have a membership of over 55 now and seem to be going from strength to strength so we must be doing something right. If you want to check us out, please feel free to pop along to any meeting or coffee morning, we don’t bite, well, only a little bit!!!!Our Monthly Meetings, with a speaker, are held on the second Friday of each month at the King Edward Centre. These meetings are held from 10am till 12 noon. We also hold regular Coffee Mornings and Lunches on the fourth Friday. During the year we have trips out to various places and some members join in ten pin bowling, darts, whist, scrabble and jigsaw puzzle mornings. There is something for everyone. For more details contact President Mrs. Jan Avenell on 01354 693150.

So here we go again, another year and already it feels like we are hurtling towards Christmas!!! The new programme is now complete, thanks to Sandie Jackson, and looks to be very entertaining, as always. In January members took time to catch up with each other and we had a Coffee Morning to raise funds for The Chatteris Family Centre. February’s speaker was Dr Eric Somerville who talked about “A Norfolk Nurse”. In March we have “Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue Dogs” with Wayne Bent at our Meeting and a Coffee Morning. Members will be having the monthly meeting early in April so we don’t clash with Easter. We will be voting on our resolutions and looking at our own wedding photos in May. The June meeting will see Bronte Graver speaking about “The East Anglian Children’s Hospice. (Check dates in the diary on the back page of Centrepoint) The W.I. can be a very good way of meeting people and making new friends, especially if you are new to the area or just find yourself needing some company.

Chatteris Cromwell Thursday Badminton Club

We are a friendly group of adult players. We meet every Thursday at the Cromwell School sports hall between 7.30 and 9.15pm.

If you are interested in playing then please contact Simon on 01354 693525 to get more details.

Chatteris Independent

Funeral Services CHAMBERS HEATING 25A High Street LTD Pilates classes at the Chatteris Chatteris Osteopaths. PE16 6BG The only Vokera agent for Specialising in Injuries and Tel: 01354 696740 Cambridgeshire & Women’s Health. (24 Hours) Northamptonshire

[email protected] * SERVICE * REPAIR Daytime and Evening * REPLACEMENT Classes. Professional and On all Vokera boilers

caring service Sophie 01354 691416 07870 589824

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Chatteris U3A

We hold an Open Meeting on the third Thursday each month at the King Edward Centre from 10.00am until 12.00am. This is an opportunity to meet other members, enjoy refreshments, discover the wide range of interest groups available and listen to stimulating talks. Upcoming Topics for our talks from selected speakers include: 'Titanic', 'Gardening', 'Medical Milestones', 'Sandringham'. A wide range of Interest Groups cover; Painting... Table Tennis... Family History... Singing... and many more. Also a variety of Trips and Theatre Visits are organised with local pick-ups. Membership is open to all who are reducing their working career or who have ceased full time employment. All the fantastic range of activities above are organised by Chatteris Members for Chatteris Members. Our aim is to Enjoy Life, Have Fun and Continue Learning. Please note a date for your planner. We are holding an 'Open Day' to highlight all our activities on Wednesday 3 June at the King Edward Centre. For more information you can: Attend an Open Meeting as detailed above where we promise a warm welcome; Telephone 07873 537717; and/or Visit our website by entering 'Chatteris U3A' in your internet search engine.

Save Wenny Road Meadow Hits 1000 Milestone

The ‘Save Wenny Road Meadow’ group are continuing their campaign to save a unique part of Chatteris from being developed. The meadow is currently listed for housing development by Fenland District Council. The SWRM group has been raising awareness of this special space, and has now collected over 1000 local signatures on a petition against any development of the meadow. Last year, the SWRM group nominated the meadow to be listed as a Local Green Space (LGS) as part of the new Fenland Local Plan being prepared by Fenland District Council. An LGS designation would help to protect this beautiful space from development. Many of the trees in the meadow are protected by a ‘group TPO’ (Tree Preservation Order). The SWRM group, along with ‘Chatteris Past, Present & Future (Civic Society)’, are working with the local tree officer to increase this protection by having a separate TPO for each exceptional tree. This includes damaged trees whose hollows and broken limbs are an excellent habitat for wildlife.

During the coming year, the SWRM group will be taking part in the public consultation of the new Local Plan, presenting to local Civic Societies, applying for protection of the meadow, and collecting more petition signatures.

You can find out more information on the group’s website; http://savewennyroadmeadow.org/ or Facebook page Save Wenny Road Meadow.

Instant Mobility WELLY We supply new & used Mobility WEARERS Scooters. Country Store We also supply parts, batteries & Designer Country Clothing and servicing for all makes of Mobility Honeysome Rd, Chatteris PE16 6RZ Scooters. Equestrian Supplies Joules clothing for all along with gifts See me at the following markets: * Domestic Heating Oil St Ives, Royston, Ely, and equestrian items * Oil Tank Replacement Service PLUS coffee and cakes! & Chatteris OPENING HOURS (last Friday of the month). Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm * Oil Boiler Servicing & Repairs Please contact me on Sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm 07979 782411 or 01354 694342 Wed, Sun and Bank Holidays: CLOSED Call us Free on Wenny House, Iretons Way, Email: Chatteris PE16 6UZ [email protected] 0800 083 7863 Tel: 01354 692171 • Mob: 07787 504452 Email: [email protected] www.wellywearers.co.uk

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Chatteris In Bloom A massive thank you to Leon Jones, who runs monthly quiz nights to raise funds for Chatteris in Bloom, is extended by fundraising co-ordinator, Gloria Prior. Last year, the quizzes raised a fabulous total of £690, which all goes towards the great work done by the In Bloom team for the benefit of the whole town. Everyone who comes along to the quizzes are extremely grateful to Leon for his continuing support. Leon makes each month different by delivering a variety of rounds, and a great mixture of easier and more challenging questions. You never know what will be on the agenda each month. Our quiz nights will continue through 2020. The date of the next one is Monday February 17th 7:30pm at The Working Men’s Club in Chatteris. Why not come along and challenge the regulars Beez Neez, Hollow Chocolate Bunnies, Thrupenny Bits, Upstart Crows, Silver Surfers, Dale's Devils, Dumb and Dumber, Up Yours and 4 All. The entrance fee is £1 each, with teams up to four players. There is also a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by the teams. Another way to join us is coming along to be part of the Great British Spring Clean. Our Street Pride volunteers will be marking the event on Saturday 4th April. We meet at 10am in Church Lane car park, and work until noon. All equipment is provided. You can bring children and dogs too as long as you stay with them throughout. On a less fun note, sadly, we are continuing to see theft from and damage to the planters around the town. If you do see damage, please let us know via our Facebook page.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

Chatteris St. Peter's Tennis Club is a friendly, thriving Club which offers excellent facilities and a friendly welcome to everyone. Located in St. Peter's Drive, just off New Road in Chatteris, the Club has four hard tennis courts, two of which also have floodlights enabling year round play. In addition, there is a Clubhouse for members' use, toilets and ample parking. We have tennis racquets available for those who don’t have their own, along with tennis balls and a ball machine. The Club offers both social tennis and league matches for competitive players, plus regular tennis coaching programmes for juniors and adults at very reasonable prices. With organised weekly club sessions and several Club tournaments during the year, members new and old, are welcome to join the Club and experience tennis in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Club nights are Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm and from 10am on Sunday mornings. Social tennis is also played on Thursday afternoons at 2pm. These afternoons are fun; a regular group play and really welcome new faces. The Club also has a busy social scene too, with events throughout the year including BBQ’s, Quiz Nights, Halloween ‘Monster Smash’ event, Open Tennis Weekends and ten-pin bowling evenings. For further information on the Club please phone 01354 695014 or visit www.chatteristennis.com

Chatteris Town Butchers

16 Park Street Chatteris PE16 6AF 01354 694861 / 07883021942

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Chatteris Branch - Royal British Legion

Members are reminded that Branch meetings take place on the SECOND Monday of each month (Except August). 7:30pm at The Working Men's Club. Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support for those who have served and their families, come and join us. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not. Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support those who have served and their families, come and join us. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not. Everyone Welcome. Bar Open. Includes Raffle- Please bring along a prize if possible. On Saturday March 28th the Band of The Royal Anglian Regiment will once again return to Chatteris for a concert. In previous years this has proved a very popular event & we would urge anyone to purchase their tickets as soon as they become available to avoid disappointment. Concert will take place in the Parish Church, commencing at 7:30pm Tickets will be available from Lovell & Ward, The Old Bakery & members of the RBL Committee -Price £10.

Other notable dates: 8th May VE Day: The Branch will join with the local community to lead the 75th Anniversary Commemorations. These will include a service at the War Memorial, afternoon tea, bell peal & beacon lighting. 21st May: Final “Every Man Remembered”. The Branch have commemorated every Chatteris soldier who lost their lives serving in WW1. The final commemoration will take place for Edmond Cooper on Thursday 21st May at his graveside in the New Road cemetery. RAF Memorial: The project is still underway. The stone has been purchased & is currently safely in storage. The publication is moving towards the print stage. Members of the committee have recently decorated the RBL window on Market Hill, in the premises previously Maxey Grounds estate agents. The display contains WW2 & RAF memorabilia as well as info about the project. Funds are still being sought to help complete all aspects of the project. Donations can be made via GoFundMe - www.gofundme.com/f/chatteris-raf-memorial OR direct to the group bank account: RAF Memorial Chatteris Group. Sort Code: 30 95 45 Account Number: 31314060 Full details about Branch activities can be found in the Branch newsletter, available from: Norman Larke BEM- 01354 694375 Lorna Jones - [email protected] OR on the FaceBook page or website. www.facebook.com/groups/ChatterisRBL/ http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/chatteris

PIANO and THEORY LESSONS Chatteris Associated Board Registered Wall and Floor Tiling Specialists Beginners to Grade 8 All Ages Welcome Alan Dickens Also Available for Accompanying For a free, no obligation, quotation call Tel: 01354 692339 John de Groot Ltd. Mobile: 07971 623013 01354 278569 or 07812 853246

HOUSDENS OUTSIDE CATERERS BESPOKE BEDROOMS 12, PROSPECT WAY, CHATTERIS Fitted Bedroom Telephone: 01354 693775 Specialists Email [email protected] Tel: Chatteris 693392 Or www.chatteriscateringhire.co.uk Over 25 years experience www.bespokebedrooms.info

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The groups listed below are open to all and new recruits are welcome - Please telephone the listed contact person for further information

PETER PAN PRE–SCHOOL Love Pilates Mrs Amanda Holmes Liz Dolman Daily in term – time Wednesday’s 10:30am—11:30am Tel: 01354 693432 Mob: 07768 155278

Come and Learn More in Chatteris (CALM)

Mrs L. Hodson Lecture series Elaine Rosenthal L.L. DANCE & Mob: 07738 787438 Tel: 01354 692423 PERFORMING ARTS Wednesday’s 10:00am (Not summer Term)

Monday’s & Friday’s

Youth Group 10 -13 year olds Joe Papworth

Alternate Thursday’s 6:15pm - 8:00pm Mob: 07821 770913 U3A—Art Classes Ted Croucher 4th Monday’s 2:00pm – 4:00pm Tel: 01354 691256 U3A Family History Georgina Plumb 1st Thursday in month 10:00am-12.00pm Tel: 01354 694234 CHATTERIS TOWN BAND Phil Brown Monday’s 8:00pm Mob: 07818 030573 SHORT MAT BOWLS Ken Barber Thursday’s 2:00pm (not Summer Term) Tel: 01354 669271 TUESDAY MORNING GROUP Ann Grainger Tuesday’s 10:00am Tel: 01354 694804 U3A Open Meeting John Davis 3rd Thursday in month 10:00am-12:00pm YOGA Steve Shortland Mob: 07873 537717 Tuesday’s & Thursday’s 10:00am - 11:30am Tel: 01354 741317 CHATTERIS WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Dorothy Davies Tel: 01354 695664 U3A Table Tennis Ken Robson 2nd Thursday 7:00pm

Tuesday, 10.00am Tel: 01354 741592 Allgood School of Dance Elaine KARATE for CHILDREN Lee Nash, Adrenaline Martial Arts Saturday mornings Mob: 07710 539571 Tuesdays 5 - 6.30pm Tel: 01954 211682

CHATTERIS MORNING WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Jan Avenell Chatteris & Dist. Rainbows Tuesday evening 1st Chatteris Guides Tuesday evening Linda Tilbrook 2nd Friday 10:00am Tel: 01354 693150

3rd Chatteris Brownies Wednesday evening District Commissioner 6th Chatteris Brownies Thursday evening Tel: 07394 290359 COMMUNITY CINEMA Contact: 07759 049619 for reservations 3rd Chatteris Rainbows Wednesday evening E-mail: [email protected] 2nd Saturday each month or further information.

Robert Read Chatteris Community Church U3A Guitar Group Steve Wright Sunday’s 10:30am - 12:00pm Tel: 01354 694393 3rd Thursday in month 1:00pm - 3:00pm Mob: 07768 197279 U3A Quiz Evening Georgina Plumb 4th Monday in month 7:15pn—9:00pm Tel: 01354 694234

15 The Chatteris Diary

MARCH 2020 2 Women’s Section RBL - Birthday Party 7pm / WMC

2 CPR & Defibrillator awareness 7.30pm- 9pm (Room 2) / KEC Looking to join a local 3 Mother’s Union Meeting - 2pm / Bricstan Hall running club? 9 RBL - Branch Meeting / WMC

12 CPR & Defibrillator awareness 2:-00 - 3:00pm (Room 2) / KEC Free beginner run session every Tuesday 12 Chatteris WI- Anglian Water (Keep it Clear) 7-9pm / KEC helping you go from couch to 5k. 13 Chatteris Morning WI- KEC Cambs Search & Rescue Dogs / Wayne Bent 3 club training sessions weekly for those 19 U3A - Open Meeting 10:00am History of gardening in Britain / Nigel Start already running from 5k distance onwards. 18 CPR & Defibrillator awareness 10:00 - 11:30am (Room 2) / KEC Membership is £35 for the year and you can sign 26 Chatteris WI- Book Group 7-9pm / KEC up as an England Athletics athlete for an extra 27 Come & Be Heard - AGM £15, you get a profile, discount on races and 27 Chatteris Morning WI- Coffee Morning / KEC sports goodies. 28 RBL - Royal Anglian Concert All our club sessions are free to members.

30 Good Companions - 2:30 - 4:30pm Wildlife on the Isle of Purbeck / WMC We have a licensed Coach in Running Fitness and two run leaders, a committee and 40 plus APRIL 2020 members. 3 Chatteris Morning WI- KEC (T.B.A.) Head to the website to find out more 6 Women’s Section RBL - Beetle Drive 7pm / WMC www.bodymoderunningclub.co.uk 6 Mother’s Union Meeting - 2pm / Bricstan Hall Email: [email protected] 9 Chatteris WI- Active Fenland 7-9pm / KEC

16 U3A - Open Meeting 10:00am When was it best to be ill? Speaker Andrew Relf

24 Chatteris Morning WI- Lunch / KEC 24 Come & Be Heard - Demonstration of equipment from Social Services

25 RBL - ANZAC Day

25 Chatteris Music Society 7:30pm St Peter & St Paul Concert 27 Good Companions - 2:30 - 4:30pm Replica of the Bayeux Tapestry WMC MAY 2020 4 Women’s Section RBL - Cheese & Nibbles Evening WMC

5 Mother’s Union Meeting - 2pm Bricstan Hall Sunday Rides leave at 9.00am* from

8 Chatteris Morning WI- Resolutions & Wedding Photos The Sportsman, Chatteris.

8 VE Day Commemorations Group Rides for all abilities -

14 Chatteris WI- Resolutions, and ‘Bring & Buy’ 7-9pm / KEC Ladies Only Rides – Kids Coaching

18 Good Companions - AGM (with tea & cakes) / WMC [email protected] 21 U3A Open Meeting 10:00am Sandringham- Speaker Susan Barnett www.chatteriscyclingclub.com

21 RBL—EMR for Edmund Cooper (the last Chatteris Soldier to die after WW1) Find us on Facebook: chatteriscyclingclub (community group) 22 Chatteris Morning WI- Coffee Morning / KEC

28 Chatteris WI- Book Group 7-9pm / KEC

29 Come & Be Heard - Fenland Recycling (Amy Robinson)

Kirsten Steward Beauty Therapy Est.1989 Holistic facials / iCon Ultralift / advanced electrolysis Acrylic nail design / Footlogix spa pedicure / Eve Taylor stockist

E-mail: [email protected] 01354 694599 / 07899 755998 79 New Road, Chatteris PE16 6BT www.kirstenstewardbeautytherapy.co.uk for prices, policies & availability - check website Find me on Facebook and Instagram

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