About Town is published by
Huntingdon Town Council.
Produced by LGS, 01487 831459
Editorial: Chairman – Cllr J Sarabia; Cllrs S Akthar (Mayor); D Dransfield; A J Mackender-Lawrence; S M Mulcahy; C J Osborn with Sally Hutchinson. Layout and design: Austin Bambrook. About Advertising Sales: 01480 388688 Huntingdon Town Council, 1, Trinity Place, Hartford Road, HUNTINGDON, PE29 3QA Tel: 01480 388688 Fax: 01480 388686 e-mail: [email protected] www.huntingdontown.gov.uk THuntingdonO Town CouncilWN News Issue 41. September 2008
In this issue...
Page 6 Page 12 Page 18 Why should I Thongsley Fields Wertheim Trade save energy? Choir Fair
Who’s who at the Council 2 Looking for a venue? 7 Performing Arts 13 Forthcoming events 2 Huntingdon in Bloom 8 News from RAF Wyton 14 Town Clerk's Chat 3 Unity in the community 9 Lola celebrates 50 years 15 Councillor Profiles 4 Maths Success 10 Sports News 15-17 New Mayor 5 Youth Film Festival 11 St Barnabas Learning Centre 19 Town Centre News 6 Huntingdon Town Hall – future? 12 Christmas cover competition 20 Town Council News
Who’s Who at the Council Huntingdon Town Council – List of Councillors Forthcoming Events Saturday 6th September The Death and Funeral of Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell Museum. Oliver Cromwell died 350 years ago on 3rd September 1658. The Cromwell Museum will be marking the event with a special exhibition that runs until the end of 2008. The exhibition is a fascinating free event at the Museum, when the process of casting a death mask will be demonstrated. Doug Adams Saeed Akthar (Mayor) Gina M Cruickshank Chris Doyle To find out more call in at the Museum or check the West. 01767604706 East. 07765880806 East. 435587 West. 391148 website on www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/cromwell Tuesday 9th September, “Drop In” consultation on the development of a Master Plan for land east of the former Sapley Square. St. Barnabas Learning Centre, Medway Road, Huntingdon. 10:00am - 12:00noon. Hosted by Oxmoor Community Action Group, Huntingdon District Coun- cil will present proposals and want to know what YOU David Dransfield Paul D Harris Laine Kadic Brian J Luckham want for YOUR community. East. 07890984563 East. 388688 East. 388688 East. 414744 Friday 12th September “Unforgettable” – Commemoration Hall. 7.30 pm. PatCH and Spun Gold Promotions presents an evening of 50s and 60s musical memories including Nat “King” Cole, Matt Monro, Sinatra, The Beatles, Elvis, Perry Como and more. Further information and tickets from Lydia on 01480 455167 or the Card Gallery.
Alan J Mackender Helen S Mallett John T Morgan Susan M Mulcahy Sunday 14th September Lawrence, North. 394630 East. 52067 North. 454486 East. 451604 Honey Show - Hinchingbrooke Country Park. Noon – 4.30 pm. Discover honey-the varieties and colours as well as the tastes. Learn about the role of the beekeeper and how important the bees are for our plants and animals. Further information from 01480 451568 Sunday 14th September Wildlife Trust Plant Sale - Hinchingbrooke Country Park. 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm. Everything for the garden including bird and bat boxes. Further information Christopher J Osborn Tom Sanderson Jennifer Sarabia Maggie Wheeler from 01480 451568 North. 52009 West. 436822 West. 380760 North. 395487 Saturday 20th September Mayor of Huntingdon’s Last Night of the Proms Huntingdon Town Council A Brass Band Concert with The Somersham Town Band. Commemoration Hall at 7.30 pm. All enquiries Forthcoming Meetings to the Town Council offices on 01480 388688. Please note, all meetings commence at 7.00 pm and take place in Saturday 20th September the Commemoration Hall, High Street, Huntingdon, unless otherwise Wine Evening – Hinchingbrooke Country Park. 7.30 stated. For further information, please contact the Town Council on pm. The Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park 01480 388688, or e-mail [email protected] invite you to their fundraising wine evening. Cost £10 Meetings are open to the public and agendas allow time for per person. To book call 07967 991006. representation and questions from the public. Thursday 25th September Date: Meeting: AGM of the Huntingdon Commemoration Hall Charity. Huntingdon Commemoration Hall, High September 4th Town Council Street, Huntingdon, 7.00pm. . A public meeting to Planning Applications Panel hear an annual report from the Trustees and to elect September 18th Leisure & Community Services Committee representatives for the next two years. All welcome. Planning Applications Panel Saturday 27th September Twinning Sub Committee Huntingdon Commemoration Hall, High Street, October 2nd Planning Applications Panel Huntingdon, 7.00pm. Huntingdon Youth Town Grants Sub Committee Council’s Youth Film Festival Awards Ceremony. For Lettings Sub Committee more details contact Jonty Bell, e-mail jontybell1@sky. com or telephone 07515 144894. October 16th* Finance Committee Planning Applications Panel Saturday 27th September Family Funday and Human Table Football October 30th Town Council Championship, at Sacrewell Farm, Peterborough. Planning Applications Panel Organised by Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK and Age November 13th Leisure & Community Services Committee Concern Peterborough, there will be activities for the Planning Applications Panel all the family including the chance to meet some real Twinning Sub Committee life Star Wars characters, face painting, bouncy slides, archery, animal feeding and much much more. The November 27th* Planning applications Panel Human Table Football Championship consists of 32 December 11th* Finance Committee teams of five players competing for the winners cup. Planning Applications Panel For more information on the Funday Day and Human Table Football Championship tel 01733 894495 or *These meetings will take place in the Town Hall, Market Hill, Huntingdon. e-mail [email protected] 2 About Town No 41. September 2008 Town Council News
Forthcoming Events Town Clerk’s Chat Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th October elcome to the 41st issue. As a result of Continental Market – Market Square and beyond, the growth of your town in the last two Huntingdon. For the sixth year running the W continental market will feature the best of Continental years, our door to door distribution service produce with over 30 stalls selling goods and produce provider, Royal Mail, has advised us that we’re from France, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Austria not providing them with enough magazines to and Switzerland. Further information from Katy go around. At the same time we have received Sismore 01480 450250. some reports of households receiving more Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th October than one copy. Please help us to manage our Old Time Music Hall. Commemoration Hall. Tickets magazine delivery service, therefore, by letting Wednesday/Thursday £9 and £7; Friday £10 and £8; Saturday £10. Available from the Card Gallery. us know about any problems by 21st September. Tel 01480 388683. Town Clerk, Sunday 19th October Karen Cameron Apple Fair at Coneygear Park – 11.00 am-3.00 The Council’s first business of this new local pm. Celebrate the good old English apple with government year was to elect your Mayor, Cllr local varieties. Homemade cakes, badge making, Saeed Akthar. His moving acceptance speech at the Annual Meeting competitions and fruit trees for sale. Everyone of the Council received resounding applause and we wish him well welcome. Further information from 07795 237727. during his Mayoral year when he will be balancing the demands of Tuesday 28th October work, family and Mayoral duties assisted by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Brian Big Draw at Hinchingbrooke Country Park – 11.00 Luckham. am-3.00 pm. Families are invited to trail around the Park and take part in various artistic activities. The Council appointed 31 representatives to local community Equipment is provided and the event is free. To book groups and organisations at the meeting on 15th May, when the main call 01480 451568 committees of Finance, Planning & Leisure & Community Services Wednesday 29th October were also appointed, whose Chairmen this year are Cllr Doug Adams, Big Pond and Dyke Clear-Up at Spring Common – Cllr Chris Doyle and Cllr Tom Sanderson respectively. 10.00 am-3.00 pm. Join the rangers in giving the pond The Leisure & Community Services Committee continues to aim and dyke a facelift to benefit the wildlife. Meet at the to meet local community needs for play with adequate facilities. pond wearing ‘wellies’, gloves and old clothes. Following improvement works at Sapley Road and Nursery Road, Friday 31st October partnership work with the District Council is to continue to develop “Dark Tales from the Misty Fens” by storyteller Polly Howat. PaTCH presents Polly Howat’s facilities near Kent/Surrey Roads and in Hartford, between the chilling tales; Sitting on the cold dark stage of the “Birds” estate and the A141. A scheme to provide a safe bus stop on Commemoration Hall. Intrigue and fascination! Sallowbush Road at the Recreation area is at the drawing stage and Information and tickets from Lydia on 01480 455167 several locations where streetlighting needs improving have been or from the Card Gallery. identified, namely at Coneygear Road, Literary Walk and the High Wednesday 5th November Street. Discussion continues on the creation of a footpath linking Fireworks 2008 – Organised by Oxmoor Community Portholme with Castle Hills. Action Group (OCAG). After a very successful 2007, Fireworks 2008 will again be held at Coneygear Park Aside from its usual business, the Finance Committee has reviewed Gates open at 5.00pm. Fire lighting at 6.00pm and and updated its programme of capital expenditure to allow for recent firework display 6:30pm. Free glow wands at the main decisions, among others, to contribute £75,000 to safety improvements gate, no need to bring sparklers or fireworks. Low cost at the A141 junction with Kings Ripton Road and around £85,000 food and rereshments will be available. to repairs at the Huntingdon Indoor Bowls Club. In July, the Grants Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th November – Sub Committee recommended awards totalling £5500 to holiday “Ghost Writer” by David Tristram. Commemoration activity providers FUSION, Huntingdon Nursery School and FunZone Hall. 7.30 pm. Huntingdon Drama Club presents this thriller which is crossed with “Hamlet” and Out of School Club. Our Lettings Sub Committee is overseeing the “Blithe Spirit”. Definitely a production not to be Council’s interest in planned developments at the Clayton’s Way Field missed! Tickets £8 and £6 available on line on www. off Mayfield Road involving the St John Ambulance Centre and the huntingdondramaclub.org.uk or telephone 01480 Huntingdon Olympic Gym Club Ltd. 454486. Members of the Planning Committee have considered and opposed Saturday 22nd November plans for development of 30 houses at Mayfield Road and were Mayor of Huntingdon’s Charity Murder Mystery evening. Commemoration Hall. told about the District Council’s plans to improve the Riverside Further information to be confirmed but all enquiries Park between February 2009 and August 2010. The Planning Panel to the Town Council offices 01480 388688. continues to consider planning applications fortnightly, which have Sunday 23rd November included large developments proposed for land off Ullswater, Stukeley Christmas Lights Switch On – 2.00 pm-5.00 pm. Road and the site of the Regional College. Entertainment at Market Hill and Chequers Court. For I hope that a great many of our readers will be interested in taking more information call 01480 450250 or 01480 388688. part in our consultation about the Town Hall (on page 12). The Tuesday 9th to Saturday 13th December provision of Community Halls is a large part of our service to you “The Snow Queen” – a production by Huntingdon and the future sustainability of these amenities depends on your Youth Theatre. Commemoration Hall. Further information from 01480 455167 or check the involvement and support. next issue of About Town. Wednesday 10th December OurOur ccoverover tthishis iissuessue ffeatureseatures ppaintingsaintings bbyy AAllanllan RRamsayamsay ooff GGeorgeeorge IIIIII ((1738-1820)1738-1820) Civic Carol Service. St Mary’s Church Huntingdon andand ooff CCharlotteharlotte SSophiaophia ooff MMecklenburgecklenburg SStrelitztrelitz ((1744-1818),1744-1818), QQueenueen CConsortonsort ooff GeorgeGeorge IIII.II. BBothoth ppaintingsaintings aarere llocatedocated iinn tthehe TTownown HHall.all. AAlsolso ppicturedictured aarere tthehe TTownown at 7.30 pm. Information from Jenni Jones on 01480 HallHall iitselftself aandnd tthehe CCrestrest mmountedounted iinn tthehe ccourtourt rroom.oom. 388687
About Town No 41. September 2008 3 Town Council News
Councillor profiles Councillor Councillor Brian John Luckham Maggie am 53 years old and have lived in Goshawk IClose, Hartford for over 14 years with my wife, Wheeler Chris, and our 3 children. Over the last 7 years Councillor Maggie Wheeler they have all been away to University. My wife was born and raised in Shepherds Bush, London, into is the Ward Sister on Holly Ward (the children’s Ia family of 5 girls. I enjoyed a very good education in ward) Hinchingbrooke Hospital and she has also a London grammar school and left in the Sixth Form to completed a degree in child health during this pursue a secretarial career. I moved to Huntingdon in period. 1974 where I had my son; he now lives in Southern Spain I joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1971, with my two lovely grandchildren, aged 10 and 5. I visit at the age of 16, and served for over 25 years, as often as money and cheap air fares allow. I have been Councillor retiring from active duty in January 1997 at the working in Hinchingbrooke Hospital now for almost 9 Brian John Luckham completion of a 3 year assignment at RAF Wyton. years as an Administration Manager; it’s a privilege to I then transferred into the Civil Service and continued my association work with such dedicated and hard working people with with the RAF, working at RAF Wyton, for 9 years; within this time I an excellent standard of care. completed a 3 year RAF assignment with Boeing, in Seattle, USA where I My passion has always been dancing, treading the was responsible for ensuring compliance with contracts that the team at boards at the age of 8 years, and still enjoy my weekly tap RAF Wyton had placed with the company. I now work in central London dancing lessons at the Ivo Centre. I have been involved in as the manager of a large IT Upgrade Programme for the Probation Service. amateur dramatics for almost 30 years now – the pantos I was first elected to the Town Council in May 1999 and served as are great fun for the cast as well as the audience ! I was Mayor in 2000/1. On my return from Seattle I stood in, and was elected secretary for the Rowdies for many years and started the in, the May 2006 election and re-elected in May 2007. brick and window money raising scheme for their club Of particular concern to me is the lack of youth amenities locally, house. I was on the committee of the Boots & Buckles although the soon-to-be-completed skateboard park at Stukeley Meadows Country & Western Club, based in the Medway Centre, should reduce the numbers of youngsters who feel the need to skate when we were raising up to £10,000 each year for local and board in Chequers Court. The closing down of the nightclub was a charities, with the emphasis on LOCAL. particular disappointment; who’d have thought a nightclub would be My main priorities on the Town Council have been noisy! with Leisure and Development, and trying to ensure that I am greatly concerned at the rate of growth being undertaken in the older residents’ needs and wishes are incorporated Huntingdon without an appropriate increase in local facilities and and realised. Health and Safety is also important to me infrastructure capacity. The core economy of Huntingdon depends on and I am glad that the issue I raised regarding the scant the residents shopping locally and we need to greatly improve the retail hard standing at the bus stop in Sallowbush Road is now offering. nearing a successful conclusion. I am committed to balanced development in the town and recently I consider myself fortunate to be living in such a well campaigned and spoke at the Planning Appeal, against the Amusement run, historic town; people are friendly, streets are clean, Centre in the Market Square. The principle of an amusement centre was good schools are on our doorstep, the cemetery, parks, acceptable to the Town Council, it was always the location which we, and gardens and roadsides are abundant with beautiful floral a number of other groups, felt was inappropriate. displays, the crime rate is low and our health is well This year, I am proud to have been appointed as Deputy Mayor and will looked after by a choice of hospitals within reasonable do my best to support the Mayor in his work. distance. Huntingdon Town Council Committees Manager am delighted to have been service users, local groups and authorities. In particular, I Iappointed Committees Manager will be responsible for the production of this magazine and for Huntingdon Town Council in would welcome your feedback on About Town. I would also June and to have the opportunity be pleased to hear of any items that you would like to be to work with the Council and its included in the magazine and that would be of interest to leading officer under the current the local community. Sally Hutchinson administration. I am originally from a farming background in Bedfordshire I have worked in local government for over 10 years and and my family have a long history of working in local I am sure that my experience will help support the Town government. I am a working mother with two teenage sons Clerk and all the very committed staff at Huntingdon and recently ran in the Race for Life! Town Council in providing high quality services to the Sally Hutchinson, residents of Huntingdon, which we will continually strive Committees Manager, tel 01480 388683, to improve. I also look forward to working with you, the e-mail [email protected].
4 About Town No 41. September 2008 Town Council News Councillor Saeed Akthar Mayor of Huntingdon aving lived in Huntingdon for and it excites me to know that the Hover 40 years I have had the building blocks and foundations are pleasure of growing up and working already in place to build on further in a wonderful town with such a for the future. rich and diverse history. I have had I will be supporting three charities the good fortune to have lived in over the next year which do a most parts of Huntingdon, from the fantastic job for Huntingdon and its Town centre, then the Oxmoor and people. These are Huntingdonshire finally now settled in Hartford. I Holidays, Macmillan Nurses attended Local Schools and only left (Huntingdon branch) and the Huntingdon for the years I spent at Dreamdrops appeal for Holly Ward University. at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. I have seen this small market town Huntingdonshire Holidays has grow into a major town with well helped and are helping many served road and rail networks and a local families, who through very healthy economy. unavoidable financial, medical or Recently, Huntingdon has seen other circumstances have not been the opening of a brand new court able to take a holiday away from building, incorporating the new Huntingdon. Huntingdon Crown court. Work Macmillan Nurses help care for on a new library has already cancer patients and Dreamdrops started, which will see in a much appeal provide over and above care needed, updated and modern for children at Hinchingbrooke library that will be big enough to Hospital. serve the increased population of I will be holding a number of Huntingdon. fundraising events over the next It is a very vibrant town that is year to raise money for my chosen pleasant and enjoyable to live in charities and I invite you all, and and has many sites of interest for hope you will join me in helping tourists and visitors to our town. raise much needed funds for these good causes. During my Mayoral year I hope to continue to build bridges I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and between communities in and around Huntingdon. There is a all those who have stopped and wished me well for this year. diversity of cultures that we can all use to our advantage and I am hoping to meet and talk to as many of you as possible ultimately result in a richer and highly integrated society. this year. The mere fact that I am Mayor this year hopefully shows Wishing you all and Huntingdon well for the future. that we already live in a free open and democratic society Cllr Saeed Akthar, Mayor of Huntingdon Annual Pensioners Lunch he Mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor again entertained by “The TSaeed Akthar, welcomed over 100 Merrymakers” with good sing- guests to the annual senior citizens lunch a-long tunes, stories and poems. organised by Huntingdon Town Council The afternoon continued with a in the Commemoration Hall on the 17th bingo session and our caller was June. caretaker, Roy Chandler. Local residents enjoyed a two course The beautiful floral table lunch, provided by Caroline Catering, of arrangements were then raffled beef pie with accompanying vegetables, to the guests and the afternoon followed by delicious chocolate meringue concluded with the raffle. pie. The lunch was served by the Mayor Over 50 prizes had been kindly and assisted by Town Councillors and donated by local businesses, shops and thank everyone who helped at the lunch staff who also helped to decorate the individuals and even included a selection and for making it a very special event in hall with flowers and balloons giving of fresh vegetables and fruit donated by the Mayoral calendar. a wonderful party atmosphere. Hotel the Allotment holders in Sallowbush If you missed out on this year’s lunch, Chocolat kindly donated boxes of Road. join us next year. Advance information chocolates to enjoy after the meal. The Mayor and Members of will be available in About Town in the After lunch, we were once Huntingdon Town Council would like to New Year.
About Town No 41. September 2008 5 Town Centre News
Christmas in the dark this year? Why should I It’s going to cost around “no lights”. Of the 220 £15000 to provide the same questionnaires only 17 were lights and entertainment returned. A big thank you save energy? this year as for 2007 with to the businesses that replied We all use energy every an additional high cost in and pledged £1900 (see day – at home, at work testing the safety of wall list). £9000 has also come bolts and cross street wires to from other organisations and when we travel. hang the lights. including Huntingdon Much of this energy is In March, a questionnaire Town Council, Huntingdon generated by burning went to all businesses Town Partnership and fossil fuels such as within the ring road giving Churchmanor Estates. coal, oil and gas options from “the same However, £4000 is still which releases climate lights as 2007” through needed to give the same changing carbon to “five lights in the Christmas Lights event as last dioxide (CO2). Market Square” and finally year. Making your home energy efficient Will the festive spirit be helps the environment by reducing Christmas Lights donations continued in Huntingdon or will the town be in the CO2 emissions by around two tonnes Thanks to: Waitrose, Cambridge Building dark this Christmas? Can and could save around £270 on your Society, Card Gallery, Alexanders, Victoria Lewis you help? Call today - 01480 energy bills. To make the most of your Recruitment, Specsavers Opticians, Wilkinsons, 450250 or email christmas@ energy consider: Francis Wain, Workman & Partners, Premier huntingdontownpartnership. • Cavity wall insulation will reduce Travel, Luminus Group, GIA co.uk heat loss by around 60 per cent and save you around £90 a year. • Loft insulation - over 30 per cent of Extended Sunday opening your heat can be lost through an under-insulated loft. Having 270mm or 10.5 inches of insulation could for 7th Continental Market save you around £110 a year. or the seventh year running, the Austria, Switzerland and Portugal. • Get your energy from renewable Fhugely popular Continental Market Visitors can once again enjoy Dutch energy systems such as solar, returns to Huntingdon on Thursday 2nd pancakes and French cheeses, savour the wind, biomass and heat pumps. to Sunday 5th October. flavour and aroma of herbs and spices, These harness energy from the The Market, organised by Huntingdon olives and garlic, sweets and visit the environment generating hot water, Town Partnership, has year-on-year mouth-watering mobile boulangerie electricity or energy to heat your attracted thousands of visitors from with its fresh bread and pastries baked home. across the region. It features the best in the heart of Huntingdon. • Use energy efficient lighting - of Continental produce with over Jewellery, leatherwear, handbags and energy saving light bulbs last up to 30 stalls selling goods from France, fashion items including cashmere and 10 times longer than ordinary light Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Greece, pashminas also bring a cosmopolitan bulbs; each one could save £60 over atmosphere to the market, with the the lifetime of the bulb. perfect chance to buy gifts with a • Choose a more efficient boiler - high difference. efficiency condensing boilers are the “Last year, more than 12,000 people most energy efficient available. visited Huntingdon over the three-day • Simple actions such as closing your period. This year we’ve extended it so curtains at dusk and only boiling the Market will be here on the Sunday as much water as you need in your too,” explained Town Partnership kettle will make a difference to your Manager, Katy Sismore. “Huntingdon energy use. is one of the most popular Continental For government funded free Markets in the country and promises impartial energy saving advice call the visitors a real taste of Europe.” Energy Saving Trust on freephone 0800 512 012 or visit the website at Huntingdonshire Food & Drink Festival www.energysavingtrust.org.ukwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk Taking place is being held at Wood Green Animal during British Food Shelter, Godmanchester on Sunday Fortnight from 25 -29 28 September (10am – 4pm) and will September, food and showcase local producers, suppliers and drink revellers can retailers demonstrating the quality of expect the events to local food and drink on offer right on tantalise their taste buds. The festival is our doorstep. Fun for all the family! a celebration of the area’s local food and Shopmobility vehicles will be available its main aim is to encourage people to at the festival for disabled visitors. buy local and to reduce their food miles For more details: www. to help the environment. huntingdonshire.gov.uk/ The showcase event, Food Fest 2008, foodanddrinkfestival 6 About Town No 41. September 2008 Looking for a VenueVenue
Additional venue available for hire is the Huntingdon Medway Centre. Huntingdon Town Hall To book call 01480 388677. he Civic Suite of the Town Hall is situated on the second Tfloor and comprises the Council Chamber, Mayor’s Parlour and Assembly room. The Suite is available for hire for formal functions and meetings and enquiries should be made in the first instance with Bookings Manager, Jenni Jones, telephone 01480 388687 or e-mail [email protected]. Here’s what some of our recent hirers have to say about the hall: Sarah Wilkinson, Spotlight Productions “The Assembly room in the Town Hall, with its sprung dance floor, provided a fabulous rehearsal space for our young people in preparation for their show. Coming from all over Huntingdon and its surrounds, our large group of eighty students would have been difficult to accommodate in many of the small halls available. We couldn’t use the Commemoration Hall on a Tuesday evening as it was in use then by the Huntingdon Youth Theatre, but our young people loved the historic ambience created by the chandeliers, the Table of charges old paintings and the Mayoral Board. We’d certainly use it again.” Sarah Wilkinson, Spotlight Productions Monday to Thursday £12.90 per hour (commercial rate £39.70 per hour) Monica Brown, Huntingdon WI “Our WI group meeting involved 5 groups from Friday to Sunday £18.75 per hour Huntingdonshire totalling 85 guests and we found the (commercial rate £39.70 per hour) Assembly Room an exceptionally nice setting for our meeting, which included a speaker, refreshments and Peter Stephenson, Cambridgeshire County Council some entertainment. Some of our less able members did “We hired the civic suite for Schools Admissions Appeals have difficulty with the stairs, however, as well as those because of its central location and the space it afforded to who carried props up to the meeting. We usually hire the host our appellants. There was no access to the Council Commemoration Hall, but this was booked on the evening Chamber for disabled people, nor was there parking at the we wanted it”. building for disabled drivers”. Huntingdon Commemoration Hall re you planning a which stands high above the entrance to the hall. Awedding, party or special The hall, which is ideally placed in the centre of the anniversary, or does your town with car parking behind, can seat an audience of 180, club or organisation need accommodate upto 175 people for a dinner/dance, 285 for space to hire for a meeting or a disco, and 230 for dancing. The Minerva room is ideal activity? for small meetings or exhibitions. There are good kitchen Then the Commemoration facilities and toilets for both audience and performers, and Hall in Huntingdon could includes a disabled toilet in the foyer. be the answer to your For more information contact Jenni Jones on 01480 problems. It is available for 388687. hire to community groups at discounted rates and to Table of charges commercial users for business Main Hall £16 per hour meetings, conferences and to include use of Stage, Dressing Room, use (commercial rate £40 per hour) of kitchen and foyer exhibitions. The hall has some great Kitchen and use of foyer only £6 per hour facilities and has recently had new chairs and café style (other hirers may pass through) (commercial rate £15 per hour) furniture as well as new equipment in the kitchen including a Dressing Room only £6 per hour chill cabinet and ice-making machine. Additional lighting as (provided there is no inconvenience to (commercial rate £15 per hour) hirers of the Main Hall and stage) well as new sound equipment has also been installed. The Commemoration Hall is an important part of Workshop space £6 per hour Huntingdon’s heritage, starting life in 1842 as the Literary (lower ground floor) (commercial rate £15 per hour) and Scientific Institute. The auditorium, stage and Minerva Room £10 per hour dressing rooms were added after the Second World War to for meetings and/or exhibitions (commercial rate £25 per hour) commemorate those who served during it. Discounts of 25% for weekly hirers and 10% for monthly One of its most attractive features is the octagon shaped foyer with the Minerva Room above, so called in homage New website address: to the statue of Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom and the Arts, www.commhall.org.uk
About Town No 41. September 2008 7 Community News
Moor Huntingdon in Bloom he judges from Anglia in in Bloom TBloom, George Dawson, Chair of Judges and Brian Thornton, visited Huntingdon on 8 July to assess the 2008 entry. The tour started at Hinchingbrooke Country Park where the new access paths leading through the trees to the café and Education Centre were admired. After presenting The sun shone on Oxmoor – the Best Front Gardens Cup 15th July – Moor in Bloom – everyone for 2008 to Mrs Williams has worked hard since January preparing at 1 The Glades, the tour continued to and views over the river. Once again, no to present Oxmoor to the Judges. Sprucing Cromwell Park School. Here, members of litter to be seen, no doubt helped by the up flower beds, allotments, organising 20 the Reception group proudly showed us litter pick organised by the Girls’ Brigade a hanging baskets to adorn the Oak Tree few days earlier! their vegetables – cabbages large enough to Centre. The eye-catching carpet bedding It seems every part of the estate was in win a prize, runner beans, courgettes and celebrating 90 years of the Royal Air Force the picture; Thongsley Fields, St John’s strawberries. in the Park was planted by Paul Smith and Primary and St Peter’s Secondary schools, On to view the 2008 project of Adopting his team from the District Council, along showed the effects of ECO gardens and Huntingdon Railway Station with the with immaculate displays at Moat Place. healthy eating. Blooming beautifully were sponsors listed outside the station and The sun shone, and all went well Sallowbush Allotments, Mayfield Shops, hanging baskets and containers on the – and in their summing up, both judges Medway Centre, St Barnabas and all around platforms. Posters from local schools congratulated the town on its cleanliness, Oak Tree and Maple Centres. Groups were on the themes of Trains, Welcome to lack of litter and graffiti – and its united in showing Unity in our Community Huntingdon and on the green aspects of community involvement along with the by Oxmoor Community Action Group and travelling by train were on display in the stunning flower displays and said it is a Oxmoor Opportunity Partnership. booking office, with the café garden and town to be proud of. Well done everyone, Medway User Groups arranged its exotic plants looking its best. for your support to enable Huntingdon demonstrations for the Judges to see how The route through the town took us to to have become one of the cleanest and very important the use of Medway Centre see the planting at the Sebastopol Cannon brightest towns in East Anglia! is. Amongst the groups is a newcomer, and into the High Street, passing the The 2008 Portfolio can be seen in the Huntingdonshire Community Group. This railing baskets and containers in Walden Town Council Office. group stole the show and entertained the Road. The George Hotel was colourful with judges with African music and dance and many containers and baskets and retailers later offered tasters of African food at the in the town including the winners of the Maple Centre combined so well with the Commercial shield, Gathercole & Ward, Moor Centre Café providing English tea. Optometrists, were at their brightest. Not Both the Medway and Maple Centres a scrap of litter was seen, and the judges showed the work of everyone over the past commented on the efforts of the District 12 months developing Moor in Bloom 2008. Council Streetscene team in cleaning Oxmoor is very grateful to the service chewing gum off the pavements and providers in particular Huntingdonshire setting up the gum boards to make a District Council for providing trees, plants difference. and conservation work for at least six The planting at The Walks Huntingdon in Bloom 2008 with the Town Council’s corn months and the Luminus Group, whose Garden vouchers or Certificates were awarded to: work with the residents of all ages came drill and the two new beds shining through. on the corner of St Mary’s Best Front Garden and winner of the Street provided colour – with Whitney Cup spectacular planting in front Mr A Williams, 1 The Glades, Hinchingbrooke Park of Castle Hill House and at St Mary’s Church. Shops Other finalists through the High Street Mrs James, 41 Sallowbush Road displayed school posters and Mrs Marjorie Barr, 14 Aspen Green the sunflower In Bloom logo to Best Neighbourhood Display show their support. John & Carol Sanders, and Pamela Bruce, On to the Primrose Lane 19A and 19B Ambury Road Cemetery where the new 32-50 Oliver’s Walk House and 41-53 Dartmoor Drive arbour and hanging baskets provide a quiet place for Best Hotel/Public House reflection, a look at the The Marriott Hotel, Kingfisher Way (Certificate) allotments – over subscribed Best Commercial/Town Centre entry now, and to Hartford where Gathercole and Ward, Opticians (Certificate) a walk through the river meadows to the Riverside Park Schools Cup provided a different view of Huntingdon Junior School Huntingdon, with biodiversity 8 About Town No 41. September 2008 Community News
Natural High’s Community Allotment & Food Education Project Bid bid to the BIG LOTTERY to fund a primary schools and their respective feeder ACommunity Allotment & Food Education nurseries, initiated by the ‘Hunts for Good project has been filed by Julian Ayres, who Food’ programme in 2004. If the C.A.F.É. is the co-ordinator for Natural High based Project bid is successful, it aims to help in Huntingdon. The plan is to continue the sustain these existing gardens, create new work done by Huntingdon Youth Centre ones where appropriate and provide the with young people on the local allotment opportunity for pupils moving up from site, develop a dedicated food garden within primary to secondary school, to continue the grounds of St Peter’s Secondary School practising the skills of growing, preparing and reach out to every age group in the local and cooking good food for themselves and community to promote an understanding the people around them. The project will of good food and a balanced diet, through also put particular emphasis on assisting partnership working. novice allotments holders on all local Other organisations including: allotment sites. Cambridgeshire Community Services; Huntingdon District Council; Huntingdon Contact Regional College; Huntingdon Town If you are interested in becoming involved Children’s Centre; Huntingdon Town Council with the C.A.F.E. Project, please contact Daniel Bevan, St Peter’s Secondary Year 9 and Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations Julian Ayres – Co-Ordinator, NATURAL student, worked with Huntingdon Youth are lending their support to the scheme, HIGH, The Maple Centre, 6 Oak Drive, Centre on Sallowbush Road Allotments in which is hoped to be launched in September HUNTINGDON. PE29 7HN. 2006 and 2007. This summer he and his 2009, covering a five year period. Telephone: 01480 420620 family have taken on an allotment plot of their own, and plan to have it fully Food gardens have been developing in e-mail: [email protected] cropped by spring 2009. Huntingdon, St John’s and Thongsley Fields [email protected] Unity in the Community 2008 ore than 1,500 people attended an exciting event Morganised by the Diversity Forum this year in June at St Peter’s School, Huntingdon, where many cultural events took place: International music, dancing and food. Unity in the Community has proved that it is the main project that can unite people from different backgrounds in society and build community stability. Local organisations had the opportunity of introducing their services direct to local residents whilst groups from different countries who are residing in Huntingdonshire had the opportunity of sharing their talents in dancing, drumming, music and world food. A big thank you goes to community volunteers such as members of the Huntingdonshire Community Group for providing refreshments in the food Hall. Also to photographers Sonia Dyne & Mayi Reid, as well as the young community photographers of which Robyn, Tara, William Hawkins are intending to lead the start of a photographic
project managed to share their experience. Organisers Anne- Marie Waterston of the District Council & Neighbourhood Manager Diane Lane, who made the event successful. And a very big thank you goes to everyone who participated and helped to organise. We hope 2009 will be achieved successfully as well. The Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly and most of the Town, District and County Councillors attended the event this year to mark a good relationship between members in the community and their top official leaders. Hopefully next year we will receive more support on this project. Patrick Kadaware, Huntingdonshire Community Group
About Town No 41. September 2008 9 Schools & Young People
United Kingdom Maths Success – Mathematics Trust Challenges Hinchingbrooke School Senior Maths Challenge – AlthoughAlthough HinchingbrookeHinchingbrooke SchoolSchool isis a SportsSports College,College, November 2007 for Years 12 and 13. 29 students took part in this with 19 of them gaining it looks for ways to celebrate the achievements certificates (5 gold, 5 silver, 9 bronze). The highlight of young people in whatever they do. This report here was Ramsay Nashef making is through to the British from the Maths department shows that in a Mathematical Olympiad Round One. nation of dwindling numbers of mathematicians, Intermediate Maths Challenge – manymany HinchingbrookeHinchingbrooke studentsstudents areare stillstill keenkeen andand FebruarFebruaryy 2008 for YearsYears 9, 10 successful in this area. and 11 Sawtry Maths 4646 sstudentstu took part in this with 37 dents took part in this with 37 ofof tthemhem ggaining a certificate (9 gold, 16 Maths Team Challenge Challenge – aining a certificate (9 gold, 16 March 2008 in Cambridge for Years 8 and 9 silver,silver, 1122 bbronze)ronze) HHereer we had 9 students making it Having held a selection heat which was June 2008 e we had 9 students making it tthroughhr to the next stages of the attended by 26 keen and enthusiastic year 8 Andrew Bunting, Alastair Hannah ough to the next stages of the cchallengehal – Katherine Heeley, Tom and 9 students, a team consisting of Christina and Nick James (Year 9) have won lenge – Katherine Heeley, Tom Day, Jack Fielding (both year 8), Michael Laws SSargent,argent, Alison Young, James Gemmell the inaugural Maths Challenge Alison Young, James Gemmell and Maddie Thornton (both year 9) competed (all(all yyearear 11 entered the Pink Kangaroo held at Sawtry Community College, 11 entered the Pink Kangaroo withwi Katherine and Alison Young in the Maths Team Challenge against 30 other defeating 5 other schools with th Katherine and Alison Young earningear Merit certificates, a huge schools. Following the completion of the first their dazzling presentation on EAN ning Merit certificates, a huge achievement),ac Matthew Kesseler round, they were in 3rd position, after round barcodes and how they work. hievement), Matthew Kesseler 2, they held joint andand VVictoriaicto Stanworth (year 10 also to ria Stanworth (year 10 also to 2nd. By the end thethe PPinkink KKangeroo; Jack Brydon and Alex angeroo; Jack Brydon and Alex Further Maths results MurrayMurray (year 9 into the grey kangaroo of the day, they Year 13 – 7 students have successfully completed AS (year 9 into the grey kangaroo narrowly missed a withwith AAlexlex ggaining a merit certificate). But Further Maths in one term, achieving 4 A’s, 1B, 1C and aining a merit certificate). But top 3 finish, ending thethe sstartar ooff the show was Andrew Bunting 1D (although this students missed a C by 2 marks). 6 of the show was Andrew Bunting up in 4th out of 31 fromfrom YYearear 9 who made it through to the these students will complete their A2 in Further Maths 9 who made it through to the IMOKIMOK Olympiad where he achieved a schools, finishing with hopefully similar success. Olympiad where he achieved a behind Perse Boys, DistinctionDistinction CCertificate (only the top 25% of Year 12 – 14 students (our largest cohort in history) ertificate (only the top 25% of Comberton and studentsstudents eenteredn into the Olympiad earn a have completed their AS Maths in one term achieving tered into the Olympiad earn a distinction)disti Ipswich School. 6A’s, 3B’s, 4D’s and 1E (this student missed a D by 2 nction) A fantastic result marks). 12 of these students will complete their A2 in JuniorJu Maths Challenge – which has seen these nior Maths Challenge – Maths this summer. There are also a number of resits MayMay 2008 for Years 7 and 8 students awarded taking place of these already completed modules, so 2008 for Years 7 and 8 46 students took part in this with 31 the first non- these results will only improve as the students are more on them gaining a certificate (5 gold, 14 sporting HBK pins in settled into life in the fast lane and their confidence has gaining a certificate (5 gold, 14 silver,silver, 12 bronze). The highlight of this is recognition for their 12 bronze). The highlight of this grown. Charlie Powlson in year 7 who has now is achievements. These Powlson in year 7 who has now Bearing in mind that we teach Further Maths on qualified for the Junior Maths Olympiad pins are awarded for the same number of lessons as ‘ordinary maths’, for the Junior Maths Olympiad on the 17th June, a 2 hour paper full of contribution to the 17th June, a 2 hour paper full these results are super and these students should be interesting, yet difficult problems. of sports college ethos. congratulated and praised for their efforts. yet difficult problems. Abbots Ripton aandnd SStt JJohn’sohn’s C E PPrimaryrimary PPartnershipartnership ver the last year, Abbots Ripton the effectiveness of transition. Helen day finished with a communion led by OC E Primary School and St John’s Wilman, Head of Abbots Ripton, and Tim Elbourne- this was a phenomenal C E Primary School have developed a Helen Curtis, Head of St John’s, both and very moving way to cement the partnership which has had an incredibly agreed that theirs would be an ideal relationship between the schools and positive impact on pupils’ social skills partnership as both schools are church launch the partnership in a very real way and understanding of the diversity of schools and of a similar size. To date, we for our school communities. our local communities. As two church have had 4 days together, all of which Our next venture was to share in schools in very different locations we have been wonderful in their own way. a joint Christingle celebration. We wanted to help the children have a The support of local clergymen Brian ‘swapped’ a coach of children and the sense of belonging that, no matter who Atling, Mark Savage and Nick Devenish children worked in mixed groups to make you are or where you come from, people has been a huge advantage to this work Christingles (materials kindly donated by are the same-unique, talented, equally and has ensured that the spiritual focus Waitrose) and then light them in a service valued and able to make a positive of the days have not been lost. in church. There was not a dry eye in the contribution to society. We aim to raise We started BIG in July 2007 with a house when the candles were lit- a real the children’s own spirituality so that day to celebrate ‘Belonging.’ All staff ‘awe and wonder’ moment. we can build within them resources that and pupils from Abbots Ripton spent Next came- you’ve guessed it- Easter! they can fall back on throughout life. the day at St John’s. We started the Abbots Ripton managed to ‘reign in’ a The idea originated from work done in day with worship and then children local pony (after a great deal of fruitless the HuntSNet Continuity group to pair worked in mixed groups to focus on donkey searching) and the Year 2/3 up schools with a view to enhancing aspects of belonging to the church. The children from St John’s spent the day at
10 About Town No 41. September 2008 United Kingdom Huntingdon Youth Mathematics Trust Challenges Young People of the Year Town Council eld in Huntingdon first in 2005 and extended to the rest of Senior Maths Challenge – HCambridgeshire, this contest aims to award recognition to young November 2007 for Years 12 and 13. people who give to others and those who have overcome adversity to 29 students took part in this with 19 of them gaining better themselves. certificates (5 gold, 5 silver, 9 bronze). The highlight Youth Film Festival There are cash prizes totalling £2000 to be won by young people aged here was Ramsay Nashef making is through to the British 16-25 in the County who have given to others and made a difference, with the top Mathematical Olympiad Round One. prize £1000. Half is intended for donation to a good cause and the other to be retained Intermediate Maths Challenge – by the winner. Supported by local agencies the Cambridge Building Society, Cambridgeshire February 2008 for Years 9, 10 HYTC Constabulary, and Kimbolton Computer Company EACS, the campaign is still seeking and 11 Youth Film key sponsors in the Huntingdon area. Festival 46 students took part in this with 37 Supporter Prime Minister, Gordon Brown said, “The Young People of the Year of them gaining a certificate (9 gold, 16 competition is a wonderful celebration of Britain’s youth. It is looking for the kind of silver, 12 bronze) The quest to find heroes who live next door, and in the next street, and throughout our neighbourhoods Here we had 9 students making it through to the next stages of the Huntingdon’s budding film – the kind of heroes other young people might want to become.” challenge – Katherine Heeley, Tom makers has begun, with around Anyone can nominate a young person for a YOPEY, including young people Sargent, Alison Young, James Gemmell twenty entries in preparation themselves. To find out more log onto website www.youngpeopleoftheyear.org or www. (all year 11 entered the Pink Kangaroo consisting of animated, yopey.org; write to PO Box 103, Hare Street, Ware, Herts SG9 0XD; Telephone 0845 with Katherine and Alison Young documentary, drama and 838 2640; or e-mail [email protected]. Entries are welcomed until the earning Merit certificates, a huge comedy films, all created by autumn with the awards ceremony being held at Cambridge Airport in December. achievement), Matthew Kesseler young individuals and groups and Victoria Stanworth (year 10 also to with their sights on cash prizes the Pink Kangeroo; Jack Brydon and Alex Murray (year 9 into the grey kangaroo with Alex gaining a merit certificate). But on offer from Huntingdon the star of the show was Andrew Bunting Youth Town Council. from Year 9 who made it through to the An awards ceremony will IMOK Olympiad where he achieved a take place at Huntingdon’s Distinction Certificate (only the top 25% of Commemoration Hall on students entered into the Olympiad earn a September 27th in the evening, distinction) when the winning films will be Junior Maths Challenge – screened for all to see. May 2008 for Years 7 and 8 46 students took part in this with 31 on them gaining a certificate (5 gold, 14 For further information silver, 12 bronze). The highlight of this is about entry or the Awards Charlie Powlson in year 7 who has now Ceremony, contact Chairman qualified for the Junior Maths Olympiad Jonty Bell, e-mail town. on the 17th June, a 2 hour paper full of [email protected]. interesting, yet difficult problems. uk or telephone 07515 144894. Gordon Brown is pictured with past YOPEY winners at 10 Downing Street. Abbots Ripton and St John’s C E Primary Partnership The Leprosy Man By Sammie from Abbots Ripton and Abbots Ripton school. The “Cheer and went into the day by pupils: Charis, Toni, Baylee and Josh from St John’s Jeer” day was based upon the emotions All classes shared their work at St of Holy week and children learnt how Barnabas- this went from the sharing of I heard that Jesus can really heal, different groups of people made choices ttunauna wwrapsraps ((breadbread aandnd ffishes!)ishes!) ttoo ‘‘rowrow tthehe My skin is so bad, no one knows how I feel. It’s not my fault that I have leprosy – during that time and why they may have boat’ (calming of the storm) and some Everyone laughs and points and stares at me. done so. Pupils’ confidence at working very powerful drama/ storyboards. What with each other had clearly grown felt really special about this day was the I’ve now been cured, I’m so relieved. significantly by this point and we were jjoyoy oonn ppupils’upils’ ffacesaces aatt sseeingeeing ttheirheir ffriendsriends Before I never would have believed! Jesus has cured me, I have no pain. delighted that children from both schools aandnd tthehe wwayay tthathat cchildrenhildren ffromrom rreceptioneception My happiness and joy have risen again. were confident to share their work with uupwardspwards ccompletelyompletely ssupportedupported eeachach ootherther everyone- at the same time as reflecting for the whole day. • Raised pupil awareness of diversity in about the Easter Message. We are delighted with the partnership our society Our most recent event was held at we have formed- but what impact has it • A lot of excitement and fun!!! St John’s and was based around the had? Where do we start! • Giving children a sense of belonging ‘Miracles of Jesus.’ 6 children from Abbots • Raised spiritual awareness amongst staff that hopefully will stay with them Ripton joined each class at St John’s and and pupils of both schools throughout life. worked to produce art, drama and poetry • Greater pupil confidence Helen Wilman, Headteacher, related to a miracle- for example the • Stronger links with the church Abbots Ripton CE Primary and feeding of the 5000. The poem (right) is • Staff networking and support- vital in Helen Curtis, Headteacher, testament to the quality of thought that small schools St Johns CE Primary School, Huntingdon
About Town No 41. September 2008 11 Schools & YoungYoung People Thongsley Fields Primary and Nursery School SING UP! Thongsley Fields Choir then left at 8.00am for the two-hour journey on a Friday morning for the famous concert hall at Snape. Once there and after some refreshments, the children made their way to the concert hall through the ‘artists only’ entrance. On the huge stage, where Gareth Malone was already waiting, the size of the auditorium instilled a hushed awe amongst them. The combination of Gareth’s energy and humour and our children’s enthusiasm and excitement was quite a match made in heaven! We played vocal games, and laughed, and rehearsed and laughed some more, and polished and laughed again...After 45 fantastic minutes, the audience arrived. A hush e were extremely excited when we received a phone call fell on the vast concert hall as they filed in. The Thongsley Wasking if we had a school choir interested in working Fields Choir sat still, silent and in anticipation. with TV’s ‘The Choir’ Gareth Malone. We said “Yes!”. There has After an introduction by Gareth, the Year 6 boys and girls always been great enthusiasm for musical activity at Thongsley began the performance with the first part of ‘Somewhere over Fields School and our children’s singing is wonderful. the Rainbow’. The audience were entranced and our children As we didn’t have an official choir - just many children who stood sparkling and singing sweetly. ‘Polly Oliver’ told of a tale enjoy coming to sing together for particular occasions, we set of mixed identities, war and love conquering all and after ‘O out to drum up some enthusiasm and audition to find ‘the What a Beautiful Morning’, there was hardly a dry eye in the best’. We thought we could afford to take one coach to Snape house! Thongsley Fields Choir were given a standing ovation in Suffolk to meet Gareth. 84 children aged 4 to 11 came to and even had to perform an encore! audition. They bravely sang nursery rhymes and favourite The weary children continued to sing, despite the long songs either solo or with a friend and the task of choosing and journey home. It was an amazing day to remember. telling half of the children that they couldn’t come wasn’t easy Postscript: for us. However, thanks to some generous donations from staff The school and other community members have applied and their families we were able to take a second coach. The to be in the next BBC series of “The Choir”, showing Gareth faces of our 84-strong choir were delighted when they heard Malone building a community choir over 9 months. At the they were all successful. time of writing we are delighted and excited to announce that Over two weeks at school we rehearsed to word perfect the Oxmoor has been selected as one of 6 communities that three songs: ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’, (my favourite!), a have been short-listed out of hundreds of applications. folk song called ‘Sweet Polly Oliver’ and ‘O What a Beautiful Fingers-crossed! Rachel Myer, Headteacher, Morning’. Thongsley Fields Primary and Nursery School Huntingdon Town Hall – What Future? In 1974 Huntingdonshire District Listed Grade Two Star, the building’s the courts, due to listed building status. Council succeeded the Borough Council running costs are in the order of Members of both the Town & District of Huntingdon and Godmanchester £50-60,000 per year and are met by Councils have been considering whether as the titleholder in public trust of HMRC, with the exception of those for a Building Preservation Trust could be Huntingdon’s Town Hall. The building is the interior and windows on the 2nd set up to look after the building, which currently leased for a term of 999 years floor, which are the Town Council’s could attract grant funding not available on terms set down in leases dated 1840. responsibility. Any future use needs to either Council directly. The current leaseholder, since 2005 to satisfy lease terms that require the As three publicly accountable bodies, is HM Courts Services (HMCS), which building’s continued availability for Town Council, District Council and up until September last year used the public use. HMCS together in partnership have a building to provide Magistrates Courts A survey carried out by the District & tough challenge to ensure that the Town and to house the Area Offices, now Town Councils in partnership suggests Hall in Huntingdon remains available situated in new premises situated on that substantial investment of up to £1.2 for public access in a safe and suitable Walden Road in Huntingdon. million will be required in the building condition, whilst not becoming an Huntingdon Town Council has a over the coming years to ensure its unjustifiable drain on public expenditure. leasehold interest in the second floor of good order and to replace services. Please talk to your locally elected the building, where the Assembly Rooms Further, more intrusive surveys have representatives from Town or District and Civic Suite are located. Council recently been carried out. Limitations Councils if you have a view on the Town meetings take place here occasionally on its use make commercial viability Hall’s future or call the Town Clerk on and the facilities are available for public extremely difficult, taking into account 01480 388680. hire, though access via a stairwell makes costs of conversion for new use and Karen Cameron, for limited use by the less able. given constraints likely, particularly in Town Clerk
12 About Town No 41. September 2008 Performing Arts
Blue Vision Twirling Team n 20th May 2003, Hayfever & Othe Blue Vision Twirling Team was formed Fireworks and over the past 5 years they have gone from This year’s fireworks has started with strength to strength, a BANG. On 25th July, the BRJ Club in this year they gained Sallowbush Road hosted Huntingdon Drama 76 trophies at National Club’s “Hay Fever” by Noel Coward, on Championship Level, behalf of Oxmoor Community Action Group which proved to be our “FIREWORKS 2008”. best year yet! This was fundraising with a difference and The Troupe are very the first time The BRJ has hosted a dramatic much a competing performance event. Troupe taking part in two This worked extremely well for audience regional competitions and and actors, enjoyment oozing from both a National Championship which is held for a week over the Easter holidays sides of the stage. At the end of the show at Pontins, Camber Sands. people stayed, having a drink and chatting to A Troupe photograph was taken to celebrate both Troupe and personal the cast; no one seemed to want to leave the success that they have attained over the 5 years with all the trophies that magic of the evening. they have ever won. The Troupe is open to both boys and girls and they Both audience and members of the club train twice a week at Hartford Junior School. took part in a quality raffle of donated prizes, Blue Vision had a very busy summer season this year. They performed at which included a large box of Woodland the Riverside Gala Day, Godmanchester Gala Day, Buntingford Carnival, Farm organic vegetables; a meal for two at Unity in the Community and will also be performing at the Christmas Lights Prima Huntingdon and at the Falcon Inn; plus Switch On in November. many bottles of wine and chocolates. Jo Bathurst said “Its great to see that the Troupe has done so well over Oxmoor Community Action Group send the past 5 years there is a lot of hard work that goes into making a Troupe heart felt thanks to the BRJ for the venue, to a success right through from members, parents and Committee members the Director, cast and Town Councillor John and things would be a lot harder without help from our sponsors Freemen’s Morgan of the Huntingdon Drama Club. Charity and Sports & Fashions. Oxmoor’s Councillor Morgan is working There is a large emphasis on getting children and young adults into sport in the community to raise funds for the or activities which promotes a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise but there fireworks which will take place Wednesday seems to be no financial help from local councils for this. All the helpers and 5th November at Coneygear Park. trainers are not paid for their time and all money raised is put back into the The fireworks are enjoyed by all residents Troupe funds towards new equipment, or uniform. To help finance costs over of Huntingdon; last year 4000 spectators the past year we have done some bag packing at Waitrose, Huntingdon and witnessed the splendour of the show. Each Morrisons in Cambourne. Without this extra support from local businesses year gets better than the last with the it would be a struggle to make ends meet and I would like to say a big thank introduction of new vendors & entertainment you to everyone for their continued support. for the young audience. The free glow sticks If you are interested in finding out more about joining Blue Vision or if are enjoyed by all ages. you are interested in booking Blue Vision for a fete or carnival, then please Jill Watkin Tavener, Chairman, contact Jo Bathurst/Troupe Leader on 01480 436516. Oxmoor Community Action Group. The Winters Tale – William Shakespeare The George Hotel, Huntingdon hakespeare at The George 2008 was another outstanding Dame Norma Major, Patron of Shakespeare at the George, Sproduction greatly enjoyed by those who came to see it. hosted the performance on Thursday 26th June and was This year’s production was The Winter’s Tale, directed by joined by many of the local civic leaders, including the John Shippey. The weather was mostly kind although on Mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Saeed Akthar. Dame Norma one occasion the production had to be taken into All Saints said, “I was thoroughly enchanted by The Winter’s Tale. As Church. Nearly all the performances were acted in front of a usual the casting was excellent and we were all enormously sell out audience. impressed by the quality of the acting.” The Winters Tale is one of Shakespeare’s late plays, one of 2009 sees the 50th anniversary of Shakespeare at the a group which sits comfortably in neither the ‘tragedy’ nor George. The Taming of the Shrew will be performed between the ‘comedy’ category as it has elements of both. The play Tuesday 23rd June and Saturday 4th July. Advance booking is would have stretched the imaginations of his contemporary advised. If you wish to be included on our mailing list please audiences. John Shippey’s superb talent and imagination contact Cheryl Cook who is Secretary to the Shakespeare at supported by an enthusiastic cast and a magnificent back up the George Trustees on 01223 872099. team ensured the success of the production. Item provided by Sir Peter Brown.
About Town No 41. September 2008 13 News from RAF Wyton
Pathfinders Honoured in the 10th Annual Pathfinder March he Pathfinder March is an annual long- Around 80 walkers dropped out at various Tdistance endurance event in which check points because of blisters, strains and walkers aim to complete 46 miles inside 20 other related pains. hours. The route links the four historical RAF This year’s event, like others before, was Pathfinder Force Stations of Wyton, Graveley, extremely successful with many walkers Oakington and Warboys and was conceived raising money for charity. The Station to perpetuate their memory. would like to thank all the participants, the Around 250 walkers took part in the March organising committee, all the volunteers this year, despite signs of a drizzly rain at the who manned check points throughout the Main Gate when the registration tent opened day and of course the RAF Medical Branch at 3:30 am and which continued throughout personnel and St John’s Ambulance who the walk. Wing Commander Mike Bale provided much needed first aid cover. started the walkers off at 4:15am and a The event is funded by walkers’ registration Flight Lieutenants John Liston handful of runners started out at 7.00am. fees of £10 each. Next year the Pathfinder and Chris Ramsden who raised First back in a time of 8:32 was Mr Mike March has been provisionally set for Saturday over £300 for the Help for Wolfenden from Godmanchester and the 20 June 2009. For more information, visit Heroes charity. last walker crossed the finish line in 19:30. www.pathfindermarch.co.uk Visit by National Service Veterans to RAF Wyton embers of the National Service (RAF) Association, Cambridge Area MGroup visited RAF Wyton on 20th May. All had served National Service from 1939 to 1962 and one had served his time in the Air Traffic Control Tower at RAF Wyton itself. They visited the Pathfinder Museum and affter lunch in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, the visitors were taken to receive a brief on Elementary Flying Training in the Royal Air Force, conducted at Wyton by Number 2 Squadron of 1 Elementary Flying Training School. A look around the Grob Tutor aircraft followed, with an explanation of some of the controls and procedures that a new pilot has to become familiar with. A trip up the Air Traffic Control Tower finished the visit off. For more details about the Pathfinder Museum, visit www.raf.mod. uk/rafbramptonwytonhenlow or contact the Curator at: The Pathfinder Force Museum, Royal Air Force Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 2EA. Members of the National Service (RAF) Association, For more information about the Cambridge Area Group of the National Cambridge Area Group outside the Warrant Officers’ Service (RAF) Association, visit www.nsrafa.org or contact Tony Shipp, and Sergeants’ Mess at RAF Wyton. Tel: 01223248639. Huntingdon Sea cadets his year Huntingdon Sea cadets have This year alone Cadets have been away Tgone from strength to strength. The on a Training ship (TS John Jerwood), in Sea Cadet Unit is based at RAF Wyton and August cadets attended summer camp is held twice a week on Wednesday and in Portsmouth aboard HMS Bristol, and Friday evenings from 7pm-9pm. in October 2 cadets will be attending It has been a very busy year for the Sea training on HMS Royalist for a week. cadets who have attended civic functions The Sea Cadet Unit is a national youth both locally and in St Ives and St Neots, Charity providing young people from The Huntingdon and District Sea performed the hornpipe for youth 4 10-18 years with life skills of teamwork Cadets wish to thank the following youth production at the Commemoration self respect and social responsibility, organisations and supporters for their help throughout the last year which Hall. The Sea cadets have been involved the core qualities of good citizenship. has enabled the unit to achieve the in numerous fundraising activities, They provide youth opportunities with status it now holds as a developing holding flag days collections, running a training programme ranging from youth community group. charity, attending Sea Sunday and seamanship and boating skills cookery Cllr Jennifer Sarabia ( Mayor 2007- Remembrance Sunday services and communications and IT. 2008), Cllr Bob Eaton (Mayor of St Neots), Cllr Swales (HDC), Derek parades, running charity stalls and so For more information about Adams Community Development much more. Huntingdon and District Sea Cadets Officer (Medway Centre), Freemen’s Recent events include guard of honours please contact: Commanding Officer Charity, Gabriel Newton Foundation, at the St Georges/Trafalgar night and Nick Gilkes: 07980 725 116 or Unit Harry West Paxton pits sailing club, Jack Waterfall (Riverside Gala), and Mercy ship celebrations, participation in Management Secretary Zelda Barter- Huntingdon Town Council for their area kayaking competitions, riverside gala. Rayner 0796 805 7094 continual support.
14 About Town No 41. September 2008 Sports News Lola’s Golden Celebrations on Streets of Huntingdon
From left to right: Lola directors Howard Dawson and Paul Turnbull, Ted Bocking - Lola Consultant sat on wheel, Mayor of Huntingdon 2007-8, Cllr Jennifer Sarabia, Eric Broadley, Mark Blundell, Martin Birrane - seated, Cllr Phillip Swales, Chairman of Huntingdon District Council 2007-8, Lola directors, Andrew Manahan - seated and Rupert Manwaring News and further details of the event will be issued by Lola. n Sunday 12th October, Lola will celebrate 50 winning under the Lola colours. Oyears with a Huntingdon town centre parade to mark the Executive Chairman Martin Birrane purchased the company Golden Anniversary of Britain’s most prolific manufacturer of in 1997 and has invited local resident Eric Broadley MBE, the racing cars with a symbolic parade of racing cars. founder of Lola Cars, to be an honorary guest for the day. Lola has produced almost 4000 race cars during 50 golden Martin Birrane commented, “With so many of our workforce years in the fast lane, some of which have won races in based in the Huntingdon area we wanted to create an event Formula 1, Le Mans, Daytona 24 Hours, Can-Am, Champ Car that would enable our staff, their families, friends and the and Indy 500. A star-studded line-up of race cars and drivers Huntingdon community to join in our 50th celebrations and from past to present, including Martin Blundell, is guaranteed to see some of our great heritage at close quarters. Lola is very to support this landmark event, when a selection of famous appreciative of the support provided by the local authorities Lola racing cars will set off from Lola’s St Peter’s Road and we aim to make this a day that the town of Huntingdon headquarters and travel through a designated route via ring can be proud of.” Free copies of an A1 sized limited edition road finishing with the cars forming a spectacular paddock in 50th anniversary poster depicting one Lola car from each Huntingdon’s historic market square. of the fifty years will be available at the event. For more Lola will host a public ‘Q & A’ session in the town centre, information, visit www.lolaheritage.co.uk or call Sam Smith featuring Lola Chairman Martin Birrane, the Mayor of from Lola Group on 01480 359590 or Glen Gibson from Huntingdon, and current and former drivers that have raced Jardine International on 0208 607 3910. New nets for Huntingdon Cricket Club t was typical English cricket weather (very wet !), but rain Ididn’t stop play on this occasion when Huntingdon Cricket Club saw the unveiling of brand new training nets at its ground on the King George V playing field on St Peter’s Road. The new nets were unveiled on July 5th by Huntingdon Mayor, Cllr Saeed Akthar. Funding for the nets was from a National lottery award and from the Freemans charity. If you visit the playing field you cannot miss also the new white cricket screens which were funded by Huntingdon Town Council and which should make the sighting of the cricket ball much better when a full match is under way. Young cricketers are always welcome to attend the coaching sessions at the St Peter’s Road ground from 6-8pm Tuesdays, Wednesday (Under 11’s) and Thursdays. Photo courtesy Hunts Post
About Town No 41. September 2008 15 Sports News
Huntingdon’s World Tang Soo Do Club boast much success at the 2008 World Championship was the camaraderie and brotherhood which World Tang Soo Do is known for. As many competitors do not speak the same languages, their communication is through their understanding of the same martial art and it was great to see children and adults making friends from many different countries. The first event of the championship was the weapons hyungs (patterns). The Huntingdon students started off the championship well, with the youngest member of the Huntingdon Team, 12 year-old black belt Safiya Khan, getting Gold. Zhane Lister, blue belt, gained Silver and Father and Son, Kit & Jordan Lee, who are both black belts, gained Bronze. The Weapons event was followed by empty hand forms. Once again Huntingdon proved to be a strong team with Safiya Khan again gaining Gold, followed by Stephanie Pratt, 2nd Dan Black Belt, who got a Silver medal. The last event of the two days was the Free Sparring, where Huntingdon members did well once again. Safiya Khan gained yet another Gold, followed by Stephanie Pratt, embers from the Huntingdon World Tang Soo Do Jacquelyne Pratt and Zhane Lister all winning a bronze medal. M(Korean Karate) club who qualified to represent Great To finish off a great two days for the Huntingdon Tang Soo Britain as part of the team of 50 members from throughout Do club, during the closing ceremonies of the championship the U.K. recently took part in the 2008 World Championship Safiya Khan was announced as the 2008 Youth Female Black in Orlando, Florida. Belt Grand Cup Winner, having won 3 Gold Medals. What a The championship is held bi-annually and lasts for great way for the Huntingdon Club to end a very successful two days. It was attended by members from 27 different World Championship. countries. There were 1800 competitors in all and double the The Huntingdon club meets every Tuesday and Thursday at amount of spectators. The atmosphere was something you Huntingdon Leisure Centre. Anyone interested in joining the could not explain unless you were there. Most noticeable winning team can contact Master Khan (01480) 451621. Hinchingbrooke School – Artificial Grass Pitch Development inchingbrooke School is pleased to five-a-side/mini Hannounce that the refurbishment soccer pitches or of its Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) is 1 full size football nearing completion. This is part of pitch. Whilst ongoing improvements to the sports predominantly facilities used by both students and the focussing on local community. football there are The project, which includes a new aspirations to use 3rd generation carpet, complete the facility for floodlighting and two new changing other long grass facilities, is the culmination of 18 sports for both training and where new facilities for the development of month’s planning between the appropriate competitions. their youth teams. School, The Football Foundation, The project has been successful in The AGP will be available for Huntingdonshire County Football not only attracting local football clubs hire from early August. For more Association and various other local but also partnership agreements have information contact Hinchingbrooke community organisations. been developed with both Peterborough School Sports Lettings Services on 01480 The AGP remains one of the largest United Football Club and Histon 375700 ext 5758. in the area allowing use of either 4 Football Club who intend to use the Mick Forsdick
16 About Town No 41. September 2008 Sports News Huntingdon Bowls Club y the time this article goes to press, we shall have Bcompleted our 2008 season, and thoughts will be turning to bowls indoors. Once again this has been a very successful year, ending with our “open triples event” and the finals day on the 7th Improvements are continually being made to our facilities. September. This goes some way to explaining why several of the inter- We have been fairly successful during the course of the county competitions are held in our grounds. Members year with several of our members winning their way through do go out of their way to give all visiting players and their to the finals of the EBF. The club is affiliated to both the supporters a warm welcome. EBA and EBF and many of our members take part in their Membership continues to flourish and we are endeavouring competitions, up to District and County levels. At the same to persuade colleagues from other ethnic groups and races to time a considerable number are content to take part in the try out the sport. There are no bars to anyone, regardless of various league games within the District, as matches are sex or age, playing bowls and tuition can be arranged. The held against local clubs, both home and away. There is a full beauty of bowling is that it is all inclusive and easy to learn, calendar of friendly games and plenty of opportunities to so why not give it a try? enter the open competitions arranged by other clubs. Contact Charlie Cullen on 01480 391845.
conjunction with the Huntingdon Town Huntingdon Boat Club Partnership and the Rotary Club. The highlight of the event was going to be raft racing on rafts made from four-pint milk cartons but sadly dangerous river conditions meant the event had to be cancelled. However people still had a fun day out with a variety of stalls, displays, a bar and barbeque to entertain the local community. In addition to these achievements the boat club continues to accomplish untingdon has had a boat club since equivalent of 400 miles and raised nearly wins at regattas such as Shrewsbury, H1854 although the position of the £2300 through sponsorship and private Loughborough and Ironbridge. The club boathouse has changed over the years. donation. The club is also actively also has a thriving social scene with The club is for both rowing and sculling seeking sponsorship for refurbishment of regular quiz nights, poker nights and live and members of all ages and abilities are boat and gym equipment to ensure our music in the friendly bar. welcome. promising young rowers have the best The boat club is always looking for Huntingdon Boat Club has had a busy opportunity to succeed. new members, both rowing and social, couple of years following a large increase Huntingdon Boat Club were proud and anyone wishing to know more in membership and more involvement to be associated with the Huntingdon can look at our website http://www. in community activities. The club now Riverside Gala on the 7th June in huntingdonboatclub.co.uk has a large and thriving junior squad who are training for races from single sculls right up to eights. The club is also Boat Club hosts German rowers keen to teach the junior members to cox The Huntingdon Boat Club had nine boats, a quadruple four, coxed and a boats where appropriate and some have visitors from Germany in July. The nine double skull, coxed and were warmly already been representing the club at guests were all from rowing clubs in welcomed by the members of the races. the northern part of Germany (lower Huntingdon Boat Club. The Oldenburg The increased membership means the Saxony). They were participating in the Rowing club has 460 members and was club needs a new trailer to get to events Oldenburg Rowing Tour 2008, which founded in 1909. and to raise funds for this a 24 hour is a two week rowing tour around the row was organised on the 21st June. South East of England. This started off From 1pm Saturday until 1pm Sunday by visiting Bedford then Huntingdon. crews constantly rowed the stretch from They also visited rowing clubs in Ely Godmanchester Bridge to Houghton and Kings Lynn before spending seven lock to raise money for the new trailer. days rowing on the Norfolk Broads. Additionally two senior rowers did the Over the two weeks they enjoyed whole day between them on a rowing two days off from rowing to visit machine and covered the equivalent of Cambridge and Norwich. 196 miles. The club as a whole rowed the The visitors arrived in their two
About Town No 41. September 2008 17 Twinning News
Wertheim Trade Fair 21st – 25th May 2008 (Wertheimer Wirtschaftswoche 21.– 25. Mai 2008) he 5th Wertheim Trade Fair started on May 21st at 2pm – kindly donated by Graham Lynn – and lovely animal local time. The Mayor of Wertheim, Stefan Mikulicz calendars from Woodgreen Animal Shelter. Next to us were Tand political representatives as well as representatives the Salon-de-Provence Tourist Information and Twinning of trade and commerce were invited to officially open this Association. A wonderful display of colourful table cloths, important WWertheimertheim event with 2 talk sessions – closely place mats, napkins, hand-made dolls, baskets filled with followed by local radio and lavenderlavender,, scented soaps, special olive oils and much TV channel – and thereby more made this a truly eye catching stand as well. giving a certain splendour Hungary was represented by 2 businesses to the occasion. displaying hunting jewellerjewelleryy and iron wroughts. Shortly after, the gates Peter Kallay, former Mayor of Szentendre, were opened for the public. accompanied the group and helped with About 130 exhibitors communications between Germans and Hungarians. covered a wide range of With the large HGTA banner and the 2 eye- businesses, products or catching pop-ups our stand looked both professional, services, f. ex. household attractive and inviting and left articles, communication no doubt what and whom we techniques, industrial were representing. and craft products, health, sport and leisure Many people asked about equipment, media, existing and alternative England and the TTwinningwinning energy suppliers, the Wertheim hospital informed Association. Several people about health issue, but also banks, associations that already were or became and last not least Wertheim’s 3 Twin Towns: interested in England whilst Huntingdon/Godmanchester, Salon-de-Provence visiting our stand and were and Szentendre were present. considering joining the Sunday evening about 32,000 visitors had German IPWIPW.. During the 5 days passed through the gates. Some of the exhibitors members of the German IPW might have wished for more business and helped to man the stand. seriously interested customers. But as for the Huntingdon A variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment such and Godmanchester Twinning Association (HGTA), we had 5 as music performances, belly dancing, children’s events, highly successful days crowned by mainly nice weather. hypnosis show, pony riding and much more offered 5 members of the HGTA were manning the stand: Gesine something to all ages. And several food places made sure that DeVere, Gwen and David King, Maggie Williams, Marian no one had to leave hungry. Walls - over the weekend joined by Malcolm Lyons and Trish Once again the English delegation was overwhelmed by James. All were busy handing out leaflets in German telling the hospitality of the Wertheim people. Official and private about what to see and do in and around Huntingdon and dinner invitations didn’t leave much time to rest: a dinner Godmanchester. with the Mayor at the “Bach’sche” Brewery, other dinners The main attraction, however, were Gwen King’s hand- took place at the Wertheim Castle, in a genuine Biergarten, made cards. A long frontage space made it possible for Gwen a fantastic private invitation brought many of us to lovely to display her lovely cards as well as making them to order Dörte Peter’s home. Dörte’s husband, Volker, invited us to a on the spot. Lots of people were gathering around Gwen classical concert at the beautiful renovated “Schlösschen im to admire her skills. Many of them were also interested in Hofgarten” where also porcelain from Napoleon’s time and hearing why Gwen started her special “hobby” and that all beautiful paintings were exhibited. profits from her work go directly to Breast Cancer Research. All in all a very busy - but also wonderful, memorable, Impressive sales of over 400 EURO made her efforts and successful week making it truly worthwhile participating in commitment worthwhile. this 5th Wertheim Trade Fair 2008. In the meantime, children were attracted by free sweets Report by Gesine DeVere, Chair Wertheim Committee Best Kept Allotments Competition untingdon Town Council’s at the Annual Allotment Holders’ allotment plots at Hartford Road, Forum in the Commemoration Hall Results: H on Thursday 7th August 2008 and will Sallowbush Road, North Street & First Prize, Mr P Dobson of Plot Primrose Lane were visited on Monday benefit from years’ free plot rental in reward for their labours. Number 8 Sallowbush Road; 14 July 2008 by judges Trevor Peacock Second prize, Mrs Sandra Wilcox of of Cranbrook Plants, Somersham & Plot Number 34a Sallowbush Road; Paul Smith, Supervising Inspector of Huntingdonshire District Council’s Third Prize, Mr A Adams of Plot Operations Division. Number 40b Sallowbush Road. Winners were presented with Best Newcomer, Mrs Lisa Moody of certificates, garden vouchers & trophies plot Number 32a Sallowbush Road.
18 About Town No 41. September 2008 News from the churches St Barnabas Learning Centre
t the heart of the Oxmoor the St Barnabas ALearning Centre provides the ideal location to undertake training and self development. The Learning Centre and Church boasts a 12 computer up-to-date IT suite as well as meeting room space and a crèche. Learndirect courses run Mondays and Tuesdays between 9.30 am and 4 pm and thanks to the Learning Centre’s close relationship with the Huntingdon Children’s Centre we are able to offer a free crèche on these days between 9.30 and 11.30 am. Courses offered at St Barnabas by Learndirect include Skills for Life, Literacy and Numeracy and ITQ which is a nationally recognised standard in computer skills. Open Access is also available on Mondays and Tuesdays subject to availability of computers. Deborah Martin, one of our Learndirect learners said “I plucked up the courage to attend an open day, The Learning Centre and Church rooms are often used by and was surprised to find so many different courses, I started Children’s Centres for courses which help to support parents with an introductory 1st time online computer course and and children from things such as Ready Steady Lunch to help now I am doing Skills for Life Literacy, when I have finished ensure parents understand about food and nutrition to Post that I will be doing Numeracy” she went on to add “the Natal Support providing support for new Mums. All courses courses are easy to understand as they are broken down bit by run by the Children’s Centre at St Barnabas are supported by bit and there is always someone there to help, they are easy the free crèche so parents can learn, secure in the knowledge access and I can chose to do them at St Barnabas or at home, that their children are also developing new skills and having but I always chose St Barnabas as I feel so at ease there” fun. Within the centre we can provide you with support Cambridgeshire County Council use the centre for training in returning to work, helping you create your CV and and development for adults with learning difficulties and understanding how to complete application forms and disabilities because the centre is all on one level and offers prepare for interviews, using the links we have with other easy access to wheelchair users, as well as having some providers in the community we can also help you plan for specially adapted computers with larger screens for those who your career or further training. are vision impaired. In the main hall and church there is a Working closely with the adjoining church means there hearing loop and we have a disabled toilet. is additional room space offering a larger range of activities Children’s activities in the Learning Centre and Church and meeting space. We are able to cater for large courses or include Beavers on Mondays and Rainbows on Wednesday conferences and offer facilities for refreshments and lunch for evenings. these events. Julie Swallow, Learning Centre Manager, tel 01480 437048 Huntingdon Methodist Church – The Open Door What is The Open Door? difficulties (some helping with A Place where people can meet for kitchen duties on a Wednesday tea/coffee and have a chat morning) – pupils and staff Where is it? from Spring Common School The Methodist Church, High – members of CRUSE who gather Street, Huntingdon together on a Wednesday for a When? chat and many others who pop in Monday to Friday, 10.00am to when they see the Church open. 12.00noon Refreshements are served free of Who comes? charge but donations can be made Anyone passing by is welcome and money collected each month to come in and check it out. We is donated to various charities, especially welcome service users eg EACH, MS, the local branch of from Huntingdon Community Carers UK, TOYBOX and many Centre and Stanley House, Day others. Centres for adults with learning Jess Hutchinson, Coordinator.
About Town No 41. September 2008 19 Community News
About Town Christmas Cover Competition What Does Christmas Mean to You?
��������������������������� ������������������������� he About Town Editorial Team are looking ������������������������������ ������������
�������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������� ��������������� for a cover picture for the December ����������������������������������� ������������������������������� ������ T ������������������������ �������������������������������� �������������������� ����������������� ����������������� issue to suit the festive season. To enter ������������������������������������������ ������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� �� the competition, send your image of what ��������������� Christmas means to you to Huntingdon Town Council, 1 Trinity Place, Hartford Road, Huntingdon, PE29 3QA, stating your name and your contact address by the closing date, which is 22nd October 2008. Photos, drawings
& paintings are all suitable for our use. Photograph by Jade Bambrook, LGS, 01480 436651 ������������������������������������������������ Vouchers to the value of £50 will be awarded ���������������� ������ ������ ������ ����������� �������������� ����������� to the winner chosen by the Newsletter Sub- ����� ��������� ��������� ����������������� � ������������� � ��������������������� �� ������������������ � ���������������� ��� ������������������������������ �� �������������������������� � ������������������������������������ �� ���������������������������������������������� � ��� Committee. The winning entry will feature on �������������������������������������������������������������� � �������������������������������������� ���� �������������������������������������������� ���� ���������������������������������������������������� � ������������������������������������������������������ � ��� �������������������������������������� ���� the cover of the December issue of About Town. about town 34 Master.indd 1 10/11/06 23:19:09 Competition Rules Staff, members and relatives of members of the Huntingdon Town Council will not be eligible to participate. Personal details must be clearly stated. Illegible entries will be disqualified. Entries must be received by the closing date. Only one entry per entrant is permitted. Proof of submission will not constitute proof of delivery and no responsibility will be accepted for lost, delayed or mislaid entries. In the event that the judges cannot agree on a winner, the Chairman will exercise a casting vote. No correspondence will be entered into. The decision of the judges About Town shall be final and unchallengeable. Huntingdon Christmas covers Rev. Gerald Myhill’s photograph won from 2006 (top) About Town’s “What does Christmas TTownown Council reservesreserves the right to publish or issue to the presspress the namename and 2005. of the winner and the winning entry. All entries shall be the property mean to you Competition” in 2007. of Huntingdon Town Council and will not be returned. By entering the competition entrants are agreeing to abide by these rules and any conditions set out in the competition instructions. Are you receiving your About TOWN
����������� ������������������������������ ������������ ���������� ����������� ����������������� ����������� ����������������� �� ������������� ����������� ����������������������������� ����������� ������������ What does Christmas ������������� �� ����������� ��� ����������� ����������������� ��������� ������� ������������ � �������������������������� ������� ���� ����������� ������������ ������������� �������������������������� ����� ����� �������������� ��������� magazine? ������������ ��� ������������������ ��������������������������������� ���������� ����������� �
����������������������������������������������������� ������ ���� �������� ���� ������������� � mean to you CompetitioCompetitionn ������� ������������ �� ������������ ����� ������ ������������ ��� ��������������������������� �� ������������������������� �������� ��� �� ���������������������������� ��� �� Please complete details in block capitals and return, with your ������������������������ �� �� ������������������������������������������������������� � ��������������������������� � ��������������������������������������������� � ��������������� � � � �������������������������������� ������ ��������������������
������������������������������ artwork, by 22nd October 2008 to Huntingdon Town Council Office, ������������������� ������������������������ ��������� �������������������������������� ������������������� ����������� � �������������������� �� ���������� ����������������� �������� ��� ��� ����������������� ������������������������������������������ � ������������������������������������������ � 1 Trinity Place, Huntingdon, Cambs PE29 3QA �������������������������
�������������������������������������������������� ���������� Title and full name: � ������������������ ������� ������ ���������� ������� ����� ���� �������� � ������� � ���� ��� � ����� ���� ������������� ����� ��������������������������� ��������� ��� ������ � ���������������� �������������� ������� ������������������������ ������� Full Address: ����������� ����������������� ������������������������� ����� � �������� �� ������������������� ����� ��������������� �������� ������ � �������� ����� �� ������������������� ��������������� ����� ���������������������������� � � ������ ���������������� ������������������������� � � ������ � �������� ����� � ���������������� ����������� � ������������������������ ��������������������� ����������������� ��������� �� � ��������������� ���������� �������������������� �� �� ����� �� ���� ������������ ����������� ������������ ����� �������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ��� ����������������������� ������ ������ ���������������������������� ����������� ���������������� ��������������� ������������������������� ������������ ������������� ������������������ ������������� ������������������ �������� ���� ���� �� �������������������� ���� � ���������������� �� ���������� �� �������������������� �� � ��������� � � ��������������� ��������������������������� ������ � �� ��������������������� � ������������������������ �������� �� � � ��������������������� ������������� � ������������������ ����������� Postcode: ����������������� � ���������������������� � �� �������������������������������� ���������������� � ����������������������� �������������� � ������������� �� ���������� ��������������� ����������� �������� � ���������������������� Telephone Number:
Signatures: Do you have a neighbour, friend or work colleague who Additional Details: lives in Huntingdon and does not receive their copy of “About Town” magazine? If so, please let us know their address (house number and postcode) by calling us on 01480 388688. We can then take this up with our distributors. 20 About Town No 41. September 2008