Living
Villages
May 2014 Stibbington, Sutton, Wansford, Water Newton & Thornhaugh
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2 EDITORIAL CONTENTS The season of Lent, leading up to Easter weekend was a busy time for local churches last month. Contacts . . . . . 4 Reports on church events up to Easter are included in Worship lists . . . 5 this magazine, along with news of a variety of events Reflections . . . . 7 for the whole community which are being hosted at our churches in the coming weeks. The front cover News reports: photo of St Remigius church, Water Newton, resplendent with “a host of golden daffodils”, was Friends of churches: kindly sent by Philip Robinson. Wansford & . . . 9 Thornhaugh . . 11 Now that the Summer season is fast approaching, the Stibbington . . 13 list of events in our community is growing. We are Lottery ...... 11 pleased to include in this issue details of what’s on in Horticultural . . . . 15 the five villages covered by our magazine, as well as WI ...... 16 those in neighbouring locations, including Yarwell, Communicare . . . 18 Nassington, Elton, Castor and Fineshade. With talks, Cricket Club . . . 27 exhibitions, concerts, visits, May Fayre, Strawberry Parish Councils: Fayre, garden trail, and sports events to choose from, there must be something for everyone. Wansford ...... 23 Sutton ...... 25 The month of May is also annual renewal time for many of our advertisers. Whilst compilation and Special features: editing, design and layout, budget management and distribution are all accomplished by volunteers, it is World War I event 18 the financial contribution of advertisers that covers Local history . 20, 21 the cost of printing enough magazines to supply it Who’s who? . . . . .29 free of charge to more than 700 homes. We Health & fitness. . 31 currently have an impressive total of 60 advertisers Younger readers . 32 who keep advertising manager, Carole Whincup very Local events . . . . 35 busy. Carole will be pleased to hear from those Letters to the Editor whose ads are currently due for renewal, and 36, 37 advertisers should send payment for re-subscriptions, Diary Dates . . 38 as well as any changes to existing ads to her ahead of copy deadline for next month’s magazine, Thursday 22 May. Rosie McDonnell
Editorial team For contact details see p 4 Regular features writers: Editor: Rosie McDonnell Reflections: Canon William Burke Advertising manager:Carole Whincup Rev Michael Matthews Distribution manager: Rod Sortwell Local History: David Stuart-Mogg Reporter: Martin Lewis Nature Notes: Graham Blagden Photographer: Charles Brown Health & Fitness: Dan Whiter Printing and collation: PPS/ Print Younger Readers: Karina Chappell Read your magazine on-line at www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk 3 DIRECTORY OF CONTACTS @ Living Villages Editorial Team
Editor Rosie McDonnell 01780 783639 [email protected] Advertising Manager Carole Whincup 01780 783055 [email protected] Distribution Manager Rod Sortwell 01780 783403 [email protected] Reporter Martin Lewis 01780 783668 [email protected] Website: www.livingvillagesmagazine.co.uk
Parish Councils
Sutton Peter Lee (Vice Chair) 01780 782703 Wansford Wendy Grey (Clerk) 01778 441312 Sibson-cum-Stibbington Wendy Grey (Clerk) 01778 441312 Thornhaugh Deirdre McCumiskey (Clerk) 01780 782668 Water Newton (Parish Meeting) Tony Capon (Chairman) 01733 237500
Churches
Ministers: Thornhaugh & Wansford Rev Michael Matthews 01780 782271 [email protected] Stibbington & Water Newton Canon William Burke 01733 380244 [email protected] or Parish Office, [email protected] Churchwardens: St Andrew’s Thornhaugh: Stuart Foreman 01780 783220 Liz Kemp 01780 782333 St Mary’s Wansford: Paul Tate 01780 782965 Alan Jones 01780 783205 St John the Baptist, Stibbington Richard Winfrey 01780 782431 Carol Lindsay Friends: St Mary’s & St Andrew’s Dora Baker 01780 782519 St John the Baptist Helen Facer 01780 782932 St Remigius Water Newton Tony Capon 01733 237500
Other useful contacts
Neighbourhood Policing 101 Horticultural Society 01780 782446 Wansford Surgery 01780 782342 Royal British Legion 01780 782200 (Out of hours 01733 293838) Stibbington & Wansford WI .. 782510 Wansford Pharmacy 01780 781616 Cricket Club 01780 782109 Communicare 01780 470437 H’don District Council 01480 388388 P’boro City Council 01733 747474
4 St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh St Mary’s, Wansford WORSHIP
MAY 2014
Date Time Location Service
4 May 9.30 am St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh Holy Communion
10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
4.00 pm St. Mary’s Wansford Family Service 11 May 9.00 am St. John the Baptist, Morning worship Stibbington 9.30 am St Mary’s, Wansford Holy Communion with choir
18 May 9.30 am St Andrew’s, Thornhaugh Morning Prayer
10.15 am St. Kyneburgha, Castor Holy Communion
25 May 9.00 am St. John the Baptist, Holy Communion Stibbington
11.00 am Rogation Sunday Benefice Holy Communion Service in the Grain Store, Manor Farm, Thornhaugh
Every Wednesday 10.00am Wansford Morning Prayer St John the Baptist, St Remigius, Stibbington Water Newton 5 GRIFFIN WANSFORD COMMUNITY HALL Solid Fuel Merchant Peterborough Road, Wansford Supplier of Pre Packs This hall accommodates parties of up to Coal Bunkers Charcoal Compost 36 people seated. Ideal for Meetings, Flo Gas Logs & Sticks Salt Workshops, Aerobics etc
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6 REFLECTIONS “SUMMER IS By Canon William Burke ICUMEN IN”
“Summer is icumen in, Lhude (loud) sing cucco” . This is the first line of a poem written in about 1200AD and is the first entry in the Oxford Book of English Verse. It recalls for us the pleasure our ancestors felt at the first signs of summer; the cattle turned out into the fields as the grass grows, pleasure in the warmth and the light after the dark and drear of winter and the signs of new life all around. And for many people Easter is among other things an anticipatory thanksgiving for that new life. The poem continues (changed to modern English) thus:
The seed is growing And the meadow is blooming, And the wood is coming into leaf now, Sing, cuckoo! The ewe is bleating after her lamb, The cow is lowing after her calf;.
It is hardly surprising that for many of us, May is the loveliest time of the year, the sheer freshness of the new growth, the sudden abundance of life having shot up from nowhere, the delicate beauty of the colours of Spring flowers, the hope of a warm summer to come (Deo volente!). Of course we also know that under the seemingly dead soil of winter, new life has been stirring for some time. Rogation Sunday falls in May (the Sixth Sunday of Eastertide) when we give thanks for the new growth and ask God’s blessing on our work in the coming year, our homes and the new crops in the fields. And May concludes with another festival, the Feast of the Visitation, a celebration of growing new life when Our Lady Mary greeted her pregnant cousin Elizabeth (she herself also being pregnant) and we read the baby leapt in Elizabeth’s womb. This event itself celebrates signs new life for the world that will change world history, a new way of looking things, new possibilities.
“Look at the birds of the air;” says Jesus “ they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not neither do they spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these.” (Matthew 6:25-30)
At the end of term many of us, while watching the egg-rolling in the school field, were doing exactly that; considering the birds of the air as we watched seven red kites, swoop and glide in the sky above us. There is something magnificent and enthralling and even hopeful about watching these great birds, once so populous in this land and now making such a comeback. There is something too about being absorbed in the world of nature, in the created order that does indeed help reduce our anxieties, perhaps because by being absorbed, we are at that moment living in the present, not worrying about the morrow, which does indeed have cares enough of its own. Sometimes for our own well-being, as Jesus said, we do just need to be captured by the present moment in our lives and enjoy the created order.
7 8 WANSFORD & THORNHUGH CHURCH NEWS The Palm Sunday service on 11 MEN WANTED (ladies welcome too)! April at Wansford began with a We would be pleased to welcome new procession across the Bridge singers at Wansford church choir. We meet (see below), and after the every Thursday evening at my home at service the cross was carried 7.30, and we sing at the services on the from the church to Thornhaugh, second Sunday of every month. Please the first stage of the “Walk of phone me on 783639 if you would like to Faith” across all the villages in know more about our friendly and informal the Watersmete Benefice. group of singers. Eddie McDonnell Alan Jones
PRAYER AT ST MARY’S CHURCH WANSFORD
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst’ Matthew 18v20
We have been truly blessed by the Holy Spirit in recent months, because we have been getting together for up to 30 minutes of prayer for individuals, our community, our nation and our Church.
We meet on Mondays at 3pm in church (vestry when it is cold!). We are a small group of prayerful people who follow God’s word. Do join us. (if you have a query please call Maureen on 07919157645)
“If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” Matt 21v22 Maureen Woodd 9
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10 FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S AND ST. ANDREW’S
A VERY GREAT THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE LENT LUNCHES. They raised the unequalled sum of £740 towards the Christian Aid " Syria Crisis Appeal" and will support the refugee orphans with food packages, blankets and other essentials. Apart from raising all this money we also had a lovely time with neighbours and friends. Some guests came again and again - a real party atmosphere, the last one being the best. Nobody wanted to go home.
All so worthwhile and such good fun.
The meetings during May are as usual: on the first and third Wednesday of the month, the 7th and 21st at 10.30 in the Community Hall after Morning Prayer at St.Mary's at 10 a.m. Dora Baker, Secretary
THE CHRISTIE HALL COMMUNITY LOTTERY
The winners of the £60 Mrs J Bannister April 2014 draw are listed here. £50 Mr P Sharpley
Many thanks to £40 M Moore Dagmar at Boheme, London Road £30 Mr J Peake Wansford £20 Mrs S Meredith for drawing the tickets. £10 Mrs J Rogers
Mat Free, Administrator [email protected]
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12 FRIENDS OF STIBBINGTON CHURCH
Following the successful Village Fete last June, this year on Sunday 22nd June the Friends of Stibbington Church are holding a Flower Festival from 1 to 5pm, a brief Church Service from 5 to 5.30pm followed by a BBQ at Stibbington Hall 5.30 to 8.30pm.
It would be wonderful to see villagers, friends and family from the local area at all, or part of, the above events. If anyone would like to know more about entering the flower show please get in touch with Jo on 01780 784749. To confirm numbers for the BBQ phone 01780 782932. There will be music & a bar to accompany the feast! Adults £6 and children £4. Helen Facer
101 Club
Top news! Two more lucky winners, Christine Turner in March and Suzy Story in April. How can I get on to this band wagon of lucky names I hear you say? For just £12 per year your name will be entered into twelve separate monthly draws. The cash prize each month is currently £50; just think-if we sell out of tickets the prize money may well increase! Please ring 01780 782338 to get on to that lucky band wagon. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Carol Lindsay Art exhibition
Seven local artists will be exhibiting at Stibbington Church to raise funds for Friends of St Johns on 28/9 June and 5/6 July. Ann Ardron from Castor will also be exhibiting on the same weekends. For more details phone 07930307180. Garth Bayley 13
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14 WANSFORD HORTICULTURAL & CRAFTS SOCIETY
I have just returned from our talk on Lyveden New Bield by Mark Bradshaw, the National Trust’s General Manager for Northamptonshire and Rutland. As expected, the turn out was high for such an eminent speaker with over 50 people attending, and they were not disappointed! In a wide ranging talk which covered many aspects of the National Trust’s work, Mark revealed the fascinating sources of much of our knowledge about this 400 year old garden – from hidden letters to core samples of silt from the moat and even aerial photographs taken by the Luftwaffe in the Second World War! Two of our members who attended emailed me afterwards: “ Absolutely fascinating - such a good speaker, and so knowledgeable. So enthused were we that we came straight home and are now NT joint life members.”
Our annual Plant Sale is the next event on the calendar and takes place on Saturday, 10 May at Stone and Willow, 59, Elton Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As always we will be offering very reasonably priced plants, most of which have been growing in our gardens, so are guaranteed to be suitable for local soil and conditions. Please do come along and view our stock, as I’m sure you will be tempted by something to fill a gap or add interest. If you have any surplus plants whilst tidying your plot or have germinated too many vegetables or tomatoes, please do donate them to us for the sale. They can be left at any time in the drive or porch at the above address.
This is followed by two of our coach trips, firstly to R.H.S. Garden Wisley on 31 May, for which there are still a few seats at £15 all inclusive. The second trip to Hidcote Manor Garden and Baddesley Clinton on 22 June is fully booked now and we have a short reserve list, but do get in touch if you have missed out just in case anyone has to cancel at the last minute.
Barely a week later on Saturday 28 June we will be holding our annual summer party starting at 7 p.m., also at Stone and Willow, and as usual a two course supper with wine will be served. Last year we even toasted marshmallows on the fires too! This is always an enjoyable social occasion, so do make a note of the date and watch out for full details in the next issue of the magazine. Gill Fisher [email protected]. 782446
15 STIBBINGTON & WANSFORD WI
At the April meeting we welcomed our local PCSO (Police Community Support Officer), Barry Chamberlain who explained his background and current role in the community and also gave valuable advice on various potential problem situations. There was a lively discussion about particular local ‘hot spots’ some of which Barry was already monitoring – others he undertook to investigate when appropriate.
Our first cake stall sale on Saturday 12th April was very successful and we would like to thank all those who came along to buy and support us. A date for your diary – the next one will be on Saturday 28th June at our usual venue.
Seven members enjoyed a good day out at the Annual Federation Day at St Ives last month – as well as the normal business chaired for the last time by Josette Kermath who is stepping down after four years’ service, we were entertained by a visiting choir and three guest speakers. The afternoon speaker was Eric Knowles, expert of ‘Antiques Roadshow’ fame, who captivated the audience with his wit, humorous anecdotes and amazing tales of various ceramic and glass pieces which had achieved eye-watering prices at auction.
The Spring Group Meeting was held at the Christie Hall on Thursday 1st May.
Reminders:
Visit to Browne’s Hospital in Stamford with afternoon tea at The George is on Saturday 31st May.
Tour of Deene Park House will be on Sunday 8th June – lists for both these events are now in circulation for those wishing to attend.
Our next meeting on Tuesday 13th May 2014 is the Resolution Supper – this year’s nominated resolution is the need for more organ donorship – members attending should bring along a plate of food to share – at the Community Hall 7.15pm.
Wendy Spencer
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COMMUNICARE (Wansford & Kings Cliffe Surgery Patient Group)
The next meeting will be held at Wansford Surgery on
Wednesday 7th May 2014 at 6.30pm
Guest Speaker
IAN WELLER
of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group Engagement Team will give a short presentation on the public consultation currently taking place on Older People’s Healthcare & Adult Community Services
All patients are invited to attend this meeting and take an active part in the proceedings and discussions. Regular agenda items include finance, transport, healthcare matters, equipment purchase and AOB
Wendy Spencer
WORLD WAR I CENTENARY
In the build up to the start of the First World War, July 1914 was a time when music hall entertainment was at its peak of popularity. Many music hall evenings were used to stage charity events in aid of the war effort and there was much enthusiasm for using songs to help recruit to the armed services. It was only later when the reality of war began to sink home, that the enthusiasm waned and recruiting songs all but disappeared.
One hundred years on, a special event is to be held at Wansford church to mark the centenary of the start of the war. The team that last May brought the very successful “Keep Smiling Through” World War II entertainment evening to Wansford will be joining forces again to put together an evening of music hall entertainment, 1914-style.
Staff and volunteers from Stibbington Centre will be working in partnership with representatives from Wansford church and members of the local community to compile the programme for Friday 18 July. Further details will appear in next month’s magazine, but in the meantime, anyone interested in being involved should contact me at Stibbington Centre on tel 01780 782386 or email [email protected]. Rosie Edwards
18
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19
LOCAL HISTORY By David Stuart-Mogg HELMETS, BELLS AND A MYSTERIOUS STONE CHRONOMETER
An article in Easter Day’s edition of the Stamford museum which had never Sunday Times drew attention to a church chosen to exhibit it. In fact I had to in Hampshire where the Parochial Church clamber over various agricultural Council (PCC) had determined, without implements and similar in a storeroom reference or recourse to the requisite to view it. My good friend the late ecclesiastical channels, to sell a 16th Canon Thomas Christie told me he had century helmet that had hung above the recommended a suggestion that it was tomb of Sir Thomas Hooke in that church retrieved and put on display, for the since 1677. Indeed, proceedings had benefit our local communities and got as far as the acceptance of a visitors alike, but that the PCC had not £54,000 bid from an American collector been inclined to pursue the idea. It is before the Church Buildings Council surely an inherent part of our local apparently became aware of the heritage and should be protectively proposed sale and the transaction was cherished in trust for the instruction successfully challenged through the and enjoyment of generations to come? Court of Arches, the Church of England’s It could so easily ‘disappear’. The scrap highest court. Harold Macmillan’s value alone must be significant. famous and much paraphrased cri de coeur likening Margaret Thatcher’s A paddock adjoining the church of St. privatisation programme to ‘selling the John the Baptist, Upton was formerly family silver’ is brought to mind. How part of an Elizabethan walled garden could such an apparent act of cultural between the church and the Manor and social vandalism be contemplated House, the latter now reduced in size other than as a desperate act of last and architecturally modified to reflect resort? On occasion, all too easily it changing needs and resources during seems; even within our own Living the intervening centuries. Within this Villages community. paddock stands a remarkable and intriguing carved stone edifice, some In 1974 the Rector, churchwardens and two metres in height, the precise nature the PCC agreed to sell the helmet of Lord and purpose of which has been long Russell that similarly hangs above his forgotten. It is presently recorded tomb in St. Andrew’s, Thornhaugh. Most simply as a sundial, but resembles no fortunately, a Church Consistory Court at other sundial seen or recorded else- Peterborough denied permission. Around where and the very character of its that time Lord Russell’s helmet had been precise geometry appears to imply given a pre-sale estimate of between celestial calculations that would be far just £700 and £1,000. from simple in nature. It dates from sometime during the reign of King In an admittedly personal opinion, it Charles 1st, 1625 -1649. Canon William appears manifestly wrong that the Burke, with whom I had the pleasure of (modest-sized) bell cast in 1619 by the visiting St. John’s recently, told me that famous Stamford founder Tobie Norris a visiting Royal Society representative that hung in St. Andrew’s for over 350 had been unable to add much to the years was found lying unwanted and sum total of existing knowledge, still unremarked when last I saw it a couple less unravel the complexity of its of years ago. Years previously it had workings. There are clear indications been placed on loan with the now closed that once the structure was set with a
20 HELMETS, BELLS AND A MYSTERIOUS STONE CHRONOMETER
number of metal fitments, presumably sundial dating back to 1642 - the reign at least some of which were gnomons of King Charles 1st and so common in to cast the required shadows. It is period to the Upton dial - on which each believed that by such means the west zodiacal point displays two symbols: face displayed the hour seven times that of the zodiac itself and that of the from the seven planes contained in the planet traditionally associated with that main partition. The number seven symbol. Contemporary belief at that enjoys high status with both religious time held there were seven (that and occult observances. Were the number again!) planets, the Sun, Moon, missing metal fitments perhaps Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and demountable so that their use and Saturn. The methodology of combining meaning could remain the strict these seven ‘planets’ with the twelve preserve of an initiated, or minority, zodiacal signs is that the true planets elite? From such musings rural myths appear twice and the Sun and Moon and enjoyment of generations to come? readily spring, but none such appear to only once each. Such symbols may just have adhered to this structure which is possibly have been incised on some of somewhat strange, upon reflection, the now missing Upton metalwork. given that it must surely have provided Perhaps someone local with the a natural source of fascination and requisite interest, knowledge and attraction to generations of local mathematical turn of mind may be able children. It has also been mooted that to add new insight into the intended one or more of the missing gnomons uses of this mysterious stone may have marked the passage of the chronometer? moon across the night sky.
In the Museum of History and Science, Oxford there is a complex pocket instrument, with two metres in height, the precise nature an inclining dial and a direct reading sun and moon dial, as well as a compass and a table of the latitudes of 24 places that was manufactured in Nuremburg by a Hans Gruber in about 1570. Thus relevant contemporary knowledge and available technology was far from being an issue; so why has an 1649. Canon William understanding of the mechanics and usage of the Upton sundial s recently, told me that so far eluded cogent explanation in the 21st century? It occurs to me while writing this, as doubtless it The Upton sundial. John Bridges. History has to others previously, that astrology and Antiquities of Northamptonshire. may provide at least a part of the 1791. answer. The Old Court at Queen’s College, Cambridge has an ‘astrological’ email: [email protected] 21 GARDEN SERVICES KEITH PIKE ATT, ACIB Garden & Personal Taxation Adviser Ground Maintenance ------Contract Work Are you worried about…. Commercial & Domestic completing your Annual Tax Return
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22 WANSFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Planning - Before submitting a planning application it is a good idea to consult Peterborough City Council to get their advice. With regard to the 2 storey rear extension at 6 Old North Road, the Parish Council supports the comments and recommended rejection by the Conservation Officer. With the proposed removal of poplar trees at 17 Old Leicester Road, the Parish Council will be guided by Tree Officer’s recommendation.
Street Light outside the Doctors Surgery - beyond the brook at the bottom of the dip in Yarwell Road you are in the East Northants Council area which is under the jurisdiction of Northamptonshire County Council (but they seem to think that a street lamp would be the responsibility of Peterborough City Council [which is a Unitary Authority and not under the jurisdiction of Cambridgeshire County Council]). We are therefore waiting for a response from Yarwell PC who we would like to pursue the matter.
Erection of a War Memorial and the installation of a footpath across the green to Old Leicester Road from the new entrance to the church to improve access for the disabled. The Parish Council supports both these proposals and will consult with Alan Jones, Church Warden. We will also ask Peter Tebbs from PCC to have a look at the feasibility of a footpath and the possibility of it linking to a Pelican Crossing across Old Leicester Road.
The next meetings are as follows: Monday 12th May - The Annual Parish Meeting (reporting on the past year) and a normal Parish Council Meeting. Monday 9th June 2014 – The AGM (to appoint officers from the new Councillors elected in the May elections) and a normal Parish Council Meeting.
Litter: We would like to thank all those residents who take the trouble to clear litter from the proximity of their premises. Any enhancement of the environment increases the pleasure of living in our village and the removal of litter (and not creating any) certainly does that. The Parish Council Litter Warden strives to reduce this pollution in all areas, including commercial fly-posting. Tim Pearson, Parish Councillor
WANSFORD VILLAGE LITTER PICK Wansford resident, David Cracknell organised a very successful litter pick around the village last month and he would like to give sincere thanks to all who helped, “I think all will agree it was astonishing just how much litter was picked, our beautiful village certainly looks better for it.”
23
24 SUTTON PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Parish Council took place on 27th March. Cllrs Dan Rose, Melvyn Hill, Peter Lee, and Clerk Patricia Stuart-Mogg were present as were City Councillor Mrs Diane Lamb and 1 resident. Apologies received from Cllrs Rob Hilton and Michael Caskey.
Road safety in Sutton Peterborough Highways Services had intended to begin road narrowing works on Nene Way by the Nene Way/ Manor Road junction to improve intervisibility before the end of March 2014. City Councillor Lamb reported that the work had been deferred. More information would be forthcoming.
Planning applications Applications had been received to fell a cedar tree at 9 Manor road and carry out a range of tree work at 4 Graeme Rd. No objections were raised. A planning application to construct a detached garage and convert the existing garage to residential accommodation at 10 Nene Way had been received. As all councillors present were near neighbours and therefore had an interest, the Council decided to make no comment. It was noted though that the scheme was very similar to a previous one on the site to which the Council had made no objection.
Parish Land Tenders having been received for grazing on the north and south allotment, Mrs Bodily had been granted the south allotment and Mrs Grange the north.
Neighbourhood Plan A discussion with the Chair of Ailsworth Parish Council was reported. Ailsworth and Castor Parish Councils were in the preliminary stages of considering whether to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for their parishes. In view of the considerable costs and work involved careful thought needed to be given to the matter. It needed to be assessed in the light of the on-going major land ownership in the area by the government’s own Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the attitude of central government to pressing for major house building. Peterborough City Council’s position was also a key factor in view of their need soon to be preparing a revision to their Core Planning Strategy to allocate development land post 2026. In view of Sutton’s proximity to Castor and Ailsworth and the extensive area of HCA-owned land in the Parish north of the A47, it was agreed that an exploratory meeting take place with the chairs and vice-chairs of the three parishes.
Next Parish Council meeting. It was noted that elections would be held on Thursday 22nd May. The Annual Parish Council meeting would be held on Thursday 29th May at 7.30pm followed by the Annual Parish Meeting, both in St Michaels Hall (the church nave). Peter Lee 01780 782703
SUTTON STRAWBERRY FAYRE Saturday 21 June 2014, 2 pm. at The Paddock, The Drift, Sutton Strawberry Teas Stalls Games Bouncy Castle Competitions Music Admission: Adults £1. Children Free. Proceeds in aid of Sutton Church/St. Michaels’ Hall Fund
25 26 WANSFORD IN ENGLAND CRICKET CLUB
The new season is finally underway and Wansford Cricket Club Christened the new wicket on 13th April with a convincing win against neighbours Castor.
Our first 11 lined up for a team photo to show off our refurbished ground before taking to the field for a superb afternoon of Cricket.
Vidit and James opened the batting, securing a 50 partnership. James fell after an impressive debut but Vidit went on to score an aggressive opening innings of 74 runs, retiring to let others have a go.
Other pick of the batting was Captain Darren Sweary who just fell short of 50 runs with 46.
WCC went on to score over the 200 before the end of 40 overs with Vice Captain Kev demonstrating some stealth-like running between the wickets before Tea.
Following a welcome Cross Keys tea the club took the field filled with sandwiches.
Opening bowlers Sharaf and Kelsey kept Castor in check followed by a display of depth throughout the WCC team bowling attack. Wansford bowled Castor out in the 39th, securing victory and winning by 50 runs. Pick of the bowling was Sharaf with 4 wickets for 19 runs off 8 overs.
With our first victory under our belts it is hoped that our form will continue and that the club will thrive over the coming season.
We welcome anyone who is interested in joining, playing or spectating. Players are on site at the pitch on Tuesday evenings from 6pm for practice nets or why not come to watch us on a Sunday? There is no better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon and who knows you might even get a cup of Tea!
Next home game will be against Deeping on 18th May 2014.
Jim Boulton and Matt Mitchell Wansford in England Cricket Club
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28
WHO’s WHO YOU’VE GOT By Martin Lewis MAIL!
Recollections of Retired Postie Janet Mallet
The Royal Mail, a vital and much loved institution, has been in the news a lot of late. Now part-privatised by the Government, the press has been filled with stories of effi- ciency drives, automation, competition, our mail arriving at odd times of the day, different shift patterns and delivery routes timed to the minute. The world has certainly moved on since Janet Mallet, now 77, delivered the mail in Wansford for 21 years until her retirement in March 2002.
In 1981, following the retirement of Janet’s predecessor, Postmaster Rod Vernon recommended her for the job. She received only 3 days training, a bicycle and some waterproofs for her role delivering mail to the whole of Wansford. During the course of the next 21 years Janet wore out 3 bicycles and upon her retirement the Royal Mail rang her up and asked for them all back.
In those days Wansford Post Office also acted as a sorting office for local villages. Janet used to cycle from her home in Thornhaugh, where she still lives, to the Post Office at 5.30 in the morning and sort the mail for her round. She then packed the letters into bags (four usually, eight at Christmas), carefully ordered, and set off on her delivery round, one bag at a time, held in the tray on the front of her bike. Nowadays sorting takes place in Peterborough.
Unlike today, Janet was responsible for delivering both letters and parcels. Her most difficult parcel was a commode chair, which she balanced carefully on her bicycle tray. She was also responsible for delivering all the Yellow Pages (which were much larger back then) in Wansford but could only manage 8 at a time, and so it used to take a little while to get around over 200 residences. Other Postmen, with rounds farther afield, used to deliver newspapers as well as mail.
The weather played a big part in Janet’s life. Wansford became flooded several times during Janet’s tenure, but even in the worst year she still managed some- how to get to all but 4 houses. There was a three week period when the snow was so bad that Janet had to abandon her bicycle and walk around Wansford using a sled to carry her mail bags. In one week she calculated that she had walked 90 miles. And during one sultry summer the heat caused the local dogs to go crazy and she was bitten three times in rapid succession by different dogs.
Janet loved her job but like any other it had its ups and downs. Punctures were a problem (she was responsible for fixing them) and because she was often the first person around in a morning, Janet would sometimes discover break-ins and burglaries, especially when her customers were on holiday.
Upon her retirement, a surprise party was organized for Janet in the Christie Hall with singers from a local Male Voice Choir. She was presented with a huge bouquet of flowers and a cheque for £700 (with which she bought a well deserved holiday) collected from the grateful people of Wansford to whom Janet Mallet had faithfully delivered mail for a generation.
If you know of anyone who has a life story that may be of interest to our readers please contact Martin Lewis on 01780 783668 or [email protected]. 29
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HEALTH & FITNESS INCREASE YOUR By Dan Whiter MOTIVATION!
We all have plenty of good intentions – whether it’s taking time for yourself, eating a little better, drinking a little less or exercising. I am terrible for snacking, and usually on expensive, unhealthy things! So once you’ve decided what you want, here are a few tips for increasing your determination levels:
Grit your teeth and clench your fists Sounds a bit daft, but it really can help. If you want to really maximise your chances, combine it with Number 2.
Visualisation Conjure up a mental image that challenges the craving. Imagine yourself walking past the cake shop, or taking a healthier option instead. See yourself crossing the finishing line on a race. Visualise what else you would do with the £3.95 if you didn’t spend it on that pork pie. Even imagining someone congratulating you!
‘Fine’ yourself Every time you do the thing you want to stop, fine yourself £1, £5 or even £10, and put the money aside somewhere you can’t get it without making an effort. Take the money out of your pocket and imagine throwing it away.
Reward yourself Every time you resist your temptation, reward yourself with something. It could be a cup of tea and a biscuit, or it could be an episode from your favourite TV series. Just remember to be strict with yourself and only allow yourself the treat when you’ve been good!
Get sponsorship When it means as much to someone else as it does to you, then the motivation to do it is doubled. Imagine telling someone that you can’t do it, and seeing their disappointment.
Partner up Find someone else who wants to do the same thing, and share the effort. A little bit of natural competition will go a long way. If you can find more than one person, that’s even better. If you’re feeling tempted by something, phone up your partner in crime and discuss it. If I’m thinking “I don’t really need to do that run, or that session”, I know what my friends would say, and I know what I should do – even without calling them.
Look at someone who has done it – pick a role model If you can find someone (the closer the better – no celebs!) who has been there before and succeeded, use them as a motivator, and think to yourself – “What would they have done, and what would they say to me now?”. Chances are, you know what the answer is already.
It is very simple in the modern world to take the easy option. We all know what we should do, but it’s very hard to put it into practice. If you want it, do it. The only person stopping you, is you.
31
YOUNGER READERS’ BLOG MY RESIDENTIAL By Karina Chappell (10) EXPERIENCE
I'm in my final six year at Elton Church of England Primary School and just before the Easter holiday, most of us set off to Kingswood in Staffordshire for our residential. Five fun packed days with exciting activities away from family.
We shared a dormitory with bunk beds, and excitement kept us awake till late on our first night, but as the week unfolded, orienteering, quad biking, aeroball on trampolines, caving, team challenges, problem solving, giant zip wire, power climbing, abseiling, disco, mini Olympics, scrap heap challenge and camp fire party... we slept quickly through exhaustion the rest of the week.
My absolute favorite, was abseiling , it was a little bit scary at first but once you do the initial lean back, the feeling of free falling yet staying in control was really exciting. Next on my list was the giant zip wire, the exhilaration of the height and speed was awesome. And caving was epic, we had torches attached to our helmets, but it was still dark and scary, all wonderful experiences.
We all had a really fantastic time.
32 33 34 ARTIS AND ARCHAEOLOGY Edmund Tyrell Artis 1789-1847 A remarkable and talented man
An illustrated talk by Geoffrey Dannell F.S.A. and Dr. Stephen Upex F.S.A.
Friday, May 16th at Castor School Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm
Edmund Artis was a 19th century man of science, employed by Earl Fitzwilliam, who worked for many years in the area around Castor. His major work was the excavation and recording in the 1820s of the Roman remains in and around the Nene Valley to the west of Peterborough, and their publication in his illustrated volume, ‘Durobrivae’.
Join us to hear two leading local archaeologists, Geoffrey Dannell and Stephen Upex, tell of the life of this remarkable man, his archaeological achievements and of the unanswered questions that still remain about him and his work. Tickets £10, including a glass of wine. Tickets may be booked at [email protected] or phone Sarah on 01733 380107. In aid of St Kyneburgha
Building Preservation Trust A ZEPPELIN OVER YARWELL There will be a formal opening of the Word War 1 exhibition with the Royal British Legion Standards and a duty bugler on Parade on Monday May 5th at 2p.m. at the Tithe Barn Museum, The Prebendal Manor, Nassington. The exhibition will then be open on Wednesdays and Sundays 2 – 5 p.m. for the rest of the season. Entrance is free and will remain so for the residents of Nassington, Yarwell, Apethorpe, Woodnewton, Wansford and Stibbington. We have sent out invitations to the opening event to all those who have loaned us items for display, or who have assisted us with information for which we are very grateful indeed.
Jane Baile, Prebendal Manor, Nassington
35
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Rosie,
Dear Editor, We have recently had the "pleasure" of
From 20-26 June, there will be developers building at the rear of our property an exciting new way to and in the light of our experience, I want to let experience Fineshade Woods, villagers know that they need to be very through Living Symphonies, a vigilant.
sound walk exploring the The developers blatantly ignored the approved forest’s "thriving activity of plans which were set out to protect aged wildlife, plants and atmospheric trees. They dug through the no dig zone within conditions" created by a few feet of the tree trunks and refused to composers James Bulley and stop. It was very upsetting and frustrating. Dan Jones, presented on-site, in Fineshade Woods. You can Having had a huge amount of contact with the find out more and see a great council we have learnt that the video about it here: monitoring of builds relies on input from www.livingsymphonies.com. neighbours. There simply isn't the man power
This is a great opportunity for a to closely watch builders’ movements. day out with the family, where These particular developers had to refill the children can learn about their large trench they had dug and we all have to local forest in a fun and hope the trees survive. The council are unlikely interesting way. On this unique to prosecute and I sense the developers know trail, there’s also a chance to that the council have very limited "teeth". meet the artists themselves, who can provide more I am sure the savings made by short cuts information about the project to negate the risk of any potential fines. We can't visitors. undo the damage here but hopefully by making readers aware that if builds are going on near All the best, you make sure you know what is protected, Julia Baker and be vigilant. The council are very grateful Digital, Development and for any formation. Communications Assistant Good luck! Sound and Music, email: Nikki Higgins Dear Rosie, [email protected] Another letter from me, this time For information on Dear Rosie, a cautionary tale. Last month a friend parked her car for 5 events, exhibitions, Having been rested talks, and family fun minutes at Grange Farm and in for several years that time two people smashed days around the Elton Garden Peterborough, visit her window and took her hand- Vivacity Libraries and Trail will be held bag. The 2 people had been seen Heritage website at this year on sitting in a parked car. It appears : www.vivacity- Sunday June 29. they were waiting for a victim. peterborough.com Details next month So be warned, do not leave your or phone Many thanks. bag or purse in your car even for Laura Fanthorpe David Housden a few minutes . The villains, who were strangers, were not caught. on 01733 864 158 01832 280097 Nikki Higgins 36
Inspired to stand for council Dear Editor, Dear Rosie, Calling all local dog lovers!
My name is Alex Firstly, a big thank you Terry and I would Our last letter to your publication like to introduce bought us three new volunteers myself to readers who have made a tremendous of Living Villages because during May I difference to our work at the will be out canvassing in Sutton, Rescue Kennels on the A47, close Thornhaugh and Wansford, in the run up to Wansford. Just goes to show that to the local government elections on May community spirit is alive and well in 22. I am a lifelong Conservative but the local area! when it comes to local government I do not think party political pressures are Because of this success we thought appropriate, so I will be standing as an we’d ask just one more time for Independent for the Glinton & Wittering some help – but this request is for Ward. a self-employed person looking to add some regular income in return I enjoy bell ringing at St. Benedict's for a regular role. We need Church in Glinton and live just down the someone prepared to give us one road in Milking Nook with my husband and half hours a morning, five days Paul. a week to provide the continuity we As a founder member of the Newborough need for the dogs in our care. In Landscape Protection Group, I am return we can provide a great passionate about protecting rural environment to learn about the communities, which is why I am standing. care of dogs – and of course, an I’ve been central in preventing two hourly fee. Our preference is Mon inappropriate developments in my to Friday 9.30 to 11am – but other community and have spoken a number of options are certainly possible. times at council. If you have any interest in helping us to look after a small number of I played an integral part in writing the Rescue dogs in a purpose built Peterborough Independents’ “Vision for facility – cleaning, feeding, walking Peterborough”, which can be seen at and providing comfort and care – www.peterboroughindependents.com and then please call. presents the case for micro-generation renewable energy schemes and a plan for No experience necessary – but a promoting Peterborough nationally. love of dogs, essential + transport to get you to and from the kennels If you see me, please come and say hello, which are 2 miles from Wansford. and let me know any particular issues concerning you. I can be contacted at And, if there any more volunteers [email protected] or on out there we’d be delighted to 07474873208, and my campaign can be welcome you onto our team! followed at www.independent- Thank you so much for printing this. woman.net. Terry Cook on behalf of The Mutts Nutts Tel; 07802 634050. Alex Terry 37 DIARY DATES – MAY 2014 Date Event Time Venue Contact Phone p The Christie Hall, Jean Thur 1 WI Orton Group meeting 782510 16 Wansford Yerbury Prebendal Manor, Mon 5 WWI exhibition opens 2.00pm 35 Nassington Tue 6, Cricket Nets 6.00pm The Haycock Park John Stones 782109 27 13 20 27 Wed 7, Friends of St Mary’s and Wansford 10.30am Dora Baker 782519 11 21 St Andrew’s meeting Community Hall Wansford Wed 7 Communicare meeting 6.30pm Wansford Health 782342 18 Health Sibson cum Stibbington Stibbington 01778 Wed 7 7.30pm Wendy Gray Parish Council meeting Environment Centre 441312 Thornhaugh Parish St Andrew’s church, Deirdre Wed 7 7.30pm 27 Council meeting Thornhaugh McCumiskey Thur 8, Wansford Church Choir 19A Old Leicester Eddie 7.30pm 783639 9 15, 22 practice Road Wansford McDonnell Horticultural Society 10.00am 59 Elton Road, Sat 10 Gill Fisher 782446 15 Plant Sale — 2pm Wansford Wansford Parish Council Wansford 01778 Mon 12 7.30pm Wendy Gray meeting Community Hall 441312 Wansford Jean Tue13 WI Resolution Supper 7.15pm 782510 16 Community Hall Yerbury 01733 Fri 16 Artis and Archaeology talk 7.30pm Castor School Sarah 35 380107 From Sat 17 Nassington May Fayre Nassington School 35 11.30am Sun 18 Cricket match vs Deeping The Haycock Park John Stones 782109 27 Hermitage Singers Tue 20 7.45pm Nassington Church Dec Downey 781777 35 Concert Manor Farm, Church- Sun 25 Plough Sunday Service 11.00am 9 Thornhaugh wardens Sutton Parish Council St Michael’s Hall, Thur 29 7.30pm Peter Lee 782703 25 meeting Sutton WI visit to Browne’s Jean Sat 31 782510 16 Hospital, Stamford Yerbury Horticultural Society visit Sat 31 Gill Fisher 782446 15 to RHS Wisley JUNE WI visit to Deene Park Jean 782510 16 Sun 8 House Yerbury
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