Village Tribune 138

It’s definitely been time to get the thermals out over the past few weeks! As I write this introduction to our latest issue, another dusting of snow is settling on the garden outside and I’m keeping my hands warm around a cup of steaming milky coffee. The presents are bought (but not yet wrapped!), the Christmas tree and decorations are up and bookings made to see the lights at Belton House and for Arthur & Percy to travel on the Santa Express – I hope all our readers are enjoying a fun festive time and I wish you good health and happiness for the New Year.

It has been a torrid couple of years for us all – dealing with Covid, the rising cost of living, sky-high energy and fuel bills and strikes, so let’s

hope that 2023 brings peace in Ukraine, some sensible fiscal direction and inflation coming under control.

Thank you to all our editorial contributors, you really have ‘raised the bar’ in making the Village Tribune the stand out local magazine in terms of delivering thoughtful, entertaining and relevant content for our readers in the 17 local villages we serve. A huge ‘thank you’ also to the businesses and trades-people of Tribland, without whose advertising revenue we would not be able to produce the magazine. And finally, THANK YOU to the small army of village distributors and delivery teams, who ensure your magazine arrives through your letterbox.



Editor - Tony Henthorn

35 Maxey Road, Helpston PE6 7DP

T: 07590 750128 E: villagetribuneeditor@me.com

Distribution

AILSWORTH Saqib Farooq 10 Peterborough Road, Castor PE5 7AX saqib.farooq@peterborough.gov.uk

ASHTON Hilary Smith

CASTOR Saqib Farooq 10 Peterborough Road, Castor, PE5 7AX

ETTON Anne Curwen

The Coach House, Rectory Lane, Etton T: 01733 253357 E: acurwen@hotmail.com

GLINTON Shirley Hodgkinson 30 Websters Close, Glinton T: 01733 252351 E: hodgkinsons@talktalk.net

MARHOLM Saqib Farooq 10 Peterborough Road, Castor, PE5 7AX

MAXEY Cllr Peter Hiller

E: Peter.Hiller@peterborough.gov.uk

PILSGATE Sally Hullock 3 Hillside Close, Ufford sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658

SOUTHORPE

The

UFFORD Sally Hullock 3 Hillside Close, Ufford sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658

The views expressed within this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor. All copy is believed correct at time of print but no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. No part of this publication and/or website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing. The Village Tribune own all rights to contributions, text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing.

The Amblers in Tribland

4,500 copies of the Tribune are distributed free of charge in Ashton, Bainton, Barnack, Castor, Deeping Gate, Etton, Glinton, Helpston, Maxey, Northborough, Peakirk, Pilsgate, Southorpe & Ufford.

Don’t Fall Foul of the Selfassessment Scammers

For many, the start of new year often means tackling that job that has been pushed to the back of the to-do list – filling out their Self Assessment form!

But as we approach the January deadline, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging Self Assessment customers to be on their guard against fraudsters and scams that ask for their personal information or bank details.

The warning come as many customers start to think about their annual tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and follows startling statistics surrounding reported scams in the 12 months to August 2022.

During this time, HMRC:  Responded to 181,296 referrals of suspicious contact from the public - some 80,662 of these offered bogus tax rebates.

 Responded to 55,386 reports of phone scams.

 Reported 10,565 malicious web pages to be taken down.

 Worked with the telecoms industry and Ofcom to remove 48 phone numbers being used to commit HMRC-related phone scams.

Criminals claiming to be from HMRC have targeted individuals

by email, text and phone with their communications ranging from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion. Contacts like these should sound alarm bells – HMRC would never call with threats of arrest. Here is some advice from HMRC for customers:

 If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.

 Tax scams come in many forms. Some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a rebate. Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on GOV.UK

 Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more likely to be in contact with HMRC, which is why Self Assessment customers should be extra

vigilant to this activity and be aware of suspicious texts, emails or calls offering a refund or demanding unpaid tax.

 The deadline for filing paper tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year is 31 October 2022, and 31 January 2023 for those filing their tax return online. Customers who file their return online via GOV.UK should not share their HMRC login details.

Anyone contacted by someone claiming to be from HMRC in a way that arouses suspicion is advised to take their time and check the scams advice on GOV.UK

Customers can report any suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk

Any tax scam phone calls can be reported to HMRC using the online form on GOV.UK or telephone Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

By Eileen Le Voi

Safe Local Trades has a number of tried and tested reliable tradesmen who can carry out a range of property improvements that can save you money, as well as those who specialise in energy saving solutions for your home or business.

www.safelocaltrades.com

Women from the Deepings National Womens Register NWR (NWR) group met recently to walk in Burghley Park.

NWR is a national organisation bringing women together for lively discussion, friendship and fun. New members are very welcome. To discover your local group please visit www.nwr.org.uk

Beverley Tegala,

Etton news December

What a fantastic turnout for this year’s Remembrance Ceremony on the village green. With the impressive DUKW as a backdrop we tuned into the broadcast from the Cenotaph. Our oldest resident, Maurice Wright read the Kohima Epitaph and Clemmie Bristow played the Last Post, beautifully, on her flute. A wreath was laid at the Memorial and on our War Grave in the churchyard.

On 22 November we welcomed 26 U3A members to the church for a talk and afternoon tea. With Maggie Warren and Helen Morton on teas and our best china out, we seemed to make quite an impression. We look forward to welcoming more groups as they are an important source of funds for the church at this difficult time.

Thanks to all those who contributed either warm clothing or goods for the recent Ukrainian appeal. Fred Morton was one of 6 drivers who took three van loads to Poland. In addition, the money raised was able to provide nearly 20 generators to help the people of Ukraine.

On the same weekend, Colin, Andrew, Graham and team did a fantastic job, sorting the electrics

and lights, and securing and erecting our village Christmas tree. Thanks to Jackie and Les for their help, decorating the bus stop and sign and for allowing us to use their electricity. Willing volunteers are vital to keep these traditions going. Thanks to all.

You may have noticed quite a bit of activity in the fields around Howe farm. Anglian Water are starting their infrastructure project to install a huge water pipeline from Grantham to Bexwell in Norfolk. Locally, the pipeline will run from the north of Etton, through the Landdyke reserve on the edge of the Tarmac works;

cross the road north of the cut, then goes under the cut and the gas pipeline through the fields to the east of the village. It then crosses to the right of Howe farm continuing to the Waterworks, before doubling back to the south of the farm and crosses the A15 where the works are towards Glinton left of the A15 By-pass. An Anglian Water representative will be attending the Parish Council meeting at the end of January. More details are available at www.anglianwater/spa

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Anne

Etton Diary Dates

Thursday 22 December: 7pm

Nine Lessons and Carols, Etton Church, followed by refreshments.

Saturday 24 December: 5pm

On the Village green, short simple Nativity with refreshments.

Sunday 1 January Please note there will be no services!

PEAKIRK PARISH COUNCIL

For all Peakrik news, minutes and agendas visit: www.peakirkvillage.co.uk

Chairman: Henry Clark – Tel: 01733 253 203

Sally Jackson – Tel: 01733 253 483

Emma Crowson – Tel: 01733 252 200

David Fovargue – Tel: 01733 254 227

Anne Tuley – Tel: 01733 254 114

Sarah Smith – Tel: 07588 055 553

Kamal Sisodia – Tel: 07958 053 439

Clerk: Angela Hankins – Tel: 01733 253 397, Email: clerk@peakirk-pc.gov.uk

NORTHBOROUGH COUNCIL CORNER

COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS

Chair: John Dadge

T: 01733 254145 M: 07802 702908

E: john.dadge@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Vice Chair: Malcolm Spinks

T: 01778 343585 M: 07870 343562

E: malcolm.spinks@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Councillor: Rob Chiva T: 01733 252823

E: robert.chiva@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Councillor: Brian Spriggs

Councillor: Tracy Thomas T: 07720 327145

E: tracy.thomas@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Councillor: Mark Malcolm T: 07584 877793

E: mark.malcolm@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Councillor: Graham Fowkes

T: 07711 415881

E: graham.fowkes@northborough-pc.gov.uk

St Pega’s Annual ‘Spring’ Clean

This was the first major clean up since Covid and the village responded to the call for help armed with mops and Marigolds.

This was the first major clean up since Covid and the village responded to the call for help armed with mops and Marigolds. Fortunately, it was a glorious Saturday and as well as dusting those hard to reach places inside we were also able to tidy up the churchyard.

And proving the old adage ‘where there’s brass there’s

muck’ (or something like that!) this is Jennie Wickham burnishing the church brass. We were all rewarded with the satisfaction of having done a very worthwhile job and a tasty hot dog with unlimited tea.

Please do visit our lovely, and sparkling church. You will find it open during the day every day.

Benefice Choir Christmas Concert

Well over a hundred people came to Sissons Barn (by kind permission of Ben and Laura Harris) for an evening of Christmas carols and songs.

As well as the seasonal favourites that the audience sang along to lustily, the Choir also sang some beautiful choral carols to entertain them.

Towards the end of the programme there were some fun items including two versions of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Derek Harris read John Julius Norwich’s take of the words and the audience joined in with the traditional version with January birthdays

singing about the partridge in the pear tree, February about two turtle doves, etc.

Another fun item was an arrangement by Bradley Smith of “When Santa got stuck up the chimney”, listed in the programme as “Sanctus Nicolaus in camino adhaesit”!

Bradley also conducted and accompanied the Choir and also compered the evening.

There was an auction of promises, organised and run by Simon Richards that raised over £1,500 as well as a raffle organised by Clare Strak and her team.

The whole evening, including the mulled wine and mince pies at the interval, was a great success. It showed that our churches can all work together for the benefit of the Benefice, a point reinforced by Rev Michael Moore, the Rural Dean, in his vote of thanks.

David Hankins

Derek Harris

Photo of Jennie

www.glintonparishcouncil.org.uk

Glinton Parish Council Report

Goodness the new year already! I wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2023. This year we have a number of events to look forward to:

• The first event is Glinton’s celebration of the Coronation of Charles III (Operation Golden Orb) on Saturday 6th May 2023. The event will be held between 3pm and 10.35pm and centre around the Primary school grounds, the village pump and the Bluebell pub. There will be live music from Cosmic Rodney; hopefully a bhjanda performance and Bollywood dancing; Zumba; DJ; hog roast; pizzas; curries; stalls; photography and drawing competitions. As more detail emerges information will be posted around the village and on our new Facebook page (search for Glinton Parish Council). We are urgently seeking volunteers to assist with this event. Please contact via glintonfb@glinton-pc.gov.uk or clerk@glinton-pc.gov.uk

COUNCIL CORNER

• The second event is later in the year when we are hopefully planning to reintroduce the annual bonfire night display which will also include food and drink. This will depend to some extent on the overall cost and the success of Golden Orb.

• Work is progressing on our new Village sign. Cllr Bob Randall is leading the project and has enlisted the help of the local art group in producing Glinton related schemes, and students from the primary school in the design of a village crest. We are planning to exhibit all entries at the Golden Orb Event.

• The Parish Council’s new Facebook page, developed by

Cllr Steve Jackson, is now operational.

• We have met with the City Council to discuss and agree a variety of works around the village including a new litter bin by the old stone bridge and resurfacing some pavements.

• PCC has yet to decide whether we can acquire the Ashburn play park but given they agree Cllr Helen Aylesbury has already identified suitable new equipment to enable the project to be completed rapidly.

• Cllr Gordon Wright is liaising with Sue Lane regarding the upgrade of our village hall. This involves improving its energy efficiency; carrying out outstanding maintenance and enhancing its usability.

• During 2023 our Nature Recovery areas at Clarendon Green and the triangle by the Lincoln road/bypass roundabout will be ablaze with spring bulbs and wild flowers. This is the result of outstanding work undertaken by volunteers, PECT, Judy Staines and the PCC.

Cllr Gerry Kirt, Parish Council Chairman 07591 834163 www.glintonparishcouncil.org.uk

Cllr Gerry Kirt - Chairman - 01733 252839

Cllr RW Randall, Vice Chairman 01733 253276

Cllr Helen Aylesbury

Cllr DJ Batty - 01733 252749

Cllr CB Bysshe - 01733 253164

Cllr Steve Jackson - 01733 252409

Cllr David Lane 01733 252593

Cllr Andy Staines

Cllr Sukhvinder Singh

Cllr Gordon Wright Mr J Haste - Clerk - 07591 834163

Cllr Rita Joshi-Boparai rita.joshi-boparai@glinton-pc.gov.uk clerk@glinton-pc.gov.uk

GLINTON

GLINTON COUNCIL CORNER

Cllr Gerry Kirt, Parish Council Chairman

Cllrs Gerry Kirt and Steve Taylor both assisting in the preparation of the nature recovery area

Glinton FriendshipClub

Pam Kounougakis

Happy New Year to all Tribune readers for 2023. And we’re sure it will be for the members and helpers, past and present, of the G. F. C.

We’ve had a very good solid year after all the scares and fears since we began meeting regularly again in Sept 2021. We’ve had new members, new helpers and sadly lost past members, but we’ve had a very full and active programme, including speakers, quizzes, games, celebrations, sales of clothing, gifts, accessories and books, and been entertained by a very intriguing Mentalist!

We’ve been served magnificent meals, had jubilee feasts, and had super Seasonal Festivities with a huge party buffet and a wonderful traditional lunch with all the trimmings including a mystery Santa.

But it’s all been due to the hard work behind the scenes of those who plan, purchase and prepare the meals, who plan and write up the programme, and the outings, book coaches, do the accounts,

buy prizes, serve drinks, wash up the many plates and cutlery, put out the tables and chairs, clear away the meals and tidy the room, store and care for the games and equipment… endless thanks to them.

And we have a full programme for the coming year so if anyone wants more information pop along to the Village Hall on Mondays and see if we are your cup of tea.

Glinton Horticultural Society Your friendly gardening club

The Society would like to thank the Tribune for allowing us this regular spot enabling us to let you know about past and future activities.

When you read this it will be a new year so we wish everyone a “Happy 2023” despite the countries current difficult conditions.

In 2022 the Show in September was a resounding success. Both Exhibitors and visitors said how pleased they were to have the show back and a number of the judges said how impressed they were with the quality of the entries. Jamie Morris, manager at The Barn by Cherry Lane in Paston, said: “We were delighted to sponsor three categories in the Show. The show is a fantastic local event and the quality of the entries this year were superb. As a local business, we were very pleased to offer our support. Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up.” This success was mainly due

to the dedicated hard work by the committee along with the considerable help of a number of volunteers and our thanks are given to all those involved. More details and a list of the prize winners can be found on our website www. glintonhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

The Society annual general meeting was held in November when John Best was elected as the New Chairman and David Holmes was welcomed onto the committee. Full details of the committee are also available on the website given above. The year ended with a Christmas evening enjoyed by all and setting up a Society Christmas tree in St. Benedict’s Church tree festival. For 2023 there are talks arranged for Fri 20 Jan – Deeping Lakes and Fri 17 Feb – Gardening

in a changing climate. Both in Glinton Village Hall at 7:30pm. Also a couple of advance dates for your diary – Sat 29 April The Plant Sale in the village hall and Sat 16 Sept 78th Annual Show in Arthur Mellows Village College.

Lovely Leeks

Delightful Dahlias

BAINTON AND ASHTON COUNCIL CORNER

Jenny Rice, Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer

Parish Council Report

Reducing Speed Through the Villages

This has been an issue for many years and included on many past agendas of Parish Council meetings. The Parish Council has consequently introduced and discussed various speed reduction measures in both villages and had meetings with Highways at the Peterborough City Council to discuss further measures. Recently, it seems that the villages have seen an increase in the volume of traffic, since Covid lockdowns eased, and a corresponding increase in speeding vehicles. Measures are costly though and the City Council has a limited budget and will address areas with the worst statistics first. Previous years have seen higher City Council budgets and different measures introduced with varying effectiveness/success and popularity. Speedwatch volunteers have all helped to provide data and the PC thanks them for their continuing hard work.

The Parish Council has held two, open meetings recently for residents to express their concerns and the issue has been raised at Ward Group meeting level and the leader of the City Council has been invited to attend the next one, as the issue extends across all nearby villages. The Highways department has given more information on costs and effective

Chairman: Susie Lucas

Responsible for: Parish Council Liaison Group, HR, New Projects. 01780 740 159 susie.hall34@gmail.com

Councillor: Cliff Stanton Responsible for: Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Speedwatch, Village Assets and Maintenance, Parish Council Liaison Group. 01780 749 123 Cliffstanton@btinternet.com

Councillor: Irene Walsh 07753 203 844

Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer: Jenny Rice 07889 669 550 bainton.ashton.clerk@live.co.uk

measures, but all measures are to be paid for by the Parish Council via the budget/precept as the evidence is not sufficiently damaging to warrant action and payment by them at this time.

A working group is set up for representatives from the Parish Council and residents to work together and discuss preferred options and budget setting and precept for next year will be proposed and hopefully agreed at the next monthly meeting. If you have any comments or feedback, please do get in touch via me, the Clerk. Details of meetings are on the website and notice boards. The Parish Council Facebook page now has 59 followers and provides an alternative source of information and messages – please check it out, it is useful.

Parish Councillor Changes and Remaining Vacancy

The Parish Council has had three resignations recently for personal reasons – big thanks go to them for their hard work and contributions. As such, it has recruited two new members and welcome Irene Walsh and Michael Perkins to the Parish Council. There is still one vacancy to be filled, so if you are interested in getting involved and making a difference in the community, please do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

Sheepwash Area

The renovations to the Sheepwash will be starting early 2023 with new fencing, sign and grill. One couple want to donate and dedicate a new bench in that area to their daughter who very sadly and suddenly passed away. This is a very lovely gesture and discussions are taking place as to the style and size and will be installed asap. It is hoped it will be a place for reflection and peace for many passing through.

Maintenance Issues

Just a reminder that residents can use the “Fixmystreet.com” to report issues such as flytipping, obscure or broken road signs, potholes, planning issues, overgrown branches etc to the Peterborough City Council. Please use photos wherever possible, it helps the City Council to prioritise the issues. Thank you.

Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council

I can’t believe I am writing an update for 2023 already! So let me start by wishing you all the very best for the year ahead.

Following the successful regeneration of the newly named Crown Garden the Parish Council was able to install a Christmas Tree for the community and we have received some great feedback. I would like to add my thanks to all who helped make this happen both in the Parish Council and also our great community of volunteers.

The Parish Council has been approached by members of the community who want to help out/ volunteer/assist with some of the areas we have responsibility for. This is fantastic and the Parish Council is keen to support and encourage any help offered. This is in areas such as looking after Crown Garden, various areas of grass outside their gardens and more. It says a lot about the great people in our village and I know I speak for everyone with a big thank you from us all. In supporting these initiatives, we need to protect both individuals and the Parish

Council. With this in mind, we would ask that if you are/ would like to volunteer could you please contact the Parish Council Clerk (contact details below) who will give you a letter of authority to cover you in the unlikely event you were to be questioned regarding authority to undertake the voluntary work and this would also cover Parish Council legal obligations. A full risk assessment will also need to be completed.

Regarding the questionnaire we asked you to complete, these have now been collated and we have a better view on what you want us to focus on. These will be looked at in full at our next meeting in January (2023!). Some of the ideas/asks do not sit within the responsibility of the Parish Council. However, where this is the case, we will pass on our findings for the City Councillors to take forward. That does not mean we won’t be monitoring and lobbying for the ideas mentioned on

your behalf. My plan is we take a regular review in the year to able to ensure that we don’t lose sight of the actions/asks and the progress being made. Making use of the Village Tribune we will share this information so you can also see what is being done as we move forward.

The Parish Council is keen to receive resident opinion regarding the possibility of introducing a village wide 20mph maximum speed limit. Please let us know your views surrounding this and let the Clerk know your thoughts either in writing or by email.

In November the Parish Council held its meeting to discuss and agree the annual budget (Precept) that we need in order to function in the new financial year (2023/24). As mentioned in the last update we have kept the budget to a minimum, significantly below the rate of inflation. The exact figures will be given once confirmed by Peterborough City Council when they also set the wider Council Tax cost.

COUNCIL CORNER

Bryan Cole, Newborough and borough Fen Parish Council

COUNCIL CORNER

By Irene Healiss (Clerk)

clerk@newboroughandboroughfen-pc.gov.uk

2022 At A Glance!

2022 was a busy year for the Parish Council, and the May elections last year saw a full Council being elected with some new Council members.

We are now also reaching the community with updates and

news through ‘The Village Tribune’ which is distributed bi-monthly throughout the parish.

(If any willing residents are able to please volunteer with distribution, please contact the Clerk - details above)

Last year the Council started renovating the newly named Crown Garden area by the village sign, with a new phone box book exchange and re-landscaping work being completed, including two new benches, one of which is due to arrive soon. The Parish Council received a gratefully received donation towards one of the benches from Newborough and Borough Fen Gardening Club which disbanded last year, commemorating the Queens platinum Jubilee in 2022.

band and fun and games resulted in a successful day of celebration.

The Parish Council collaborated with VIVACITY this past May and August to hold free family fun days for residents to enjoy at Coronation Field in Newborough. There was a fantastic turnout, and the Parish Council received some wonderful feedback from those who attended.

There was also a Jubilee fun day in June honouring our late Queen at the ‘The Bull’ Pub where a live

The Parish Council were active in receiving a grant towards the costs, which included Jubilee t-shirts for the staff, banners, cupcakes, and games on the day.

A new defibrillator and notice board were also installed within the bus shelter at Milking Nook, and these now join the other parish Council owned defibrillators including one outside the chemist on School Road as well as the shop on Guntons Road.

The Parish Council recently engaged with the Anglian

Water Strategic Pipeline alliance group in November who offered volunteers, advice and seeds for wildflower planting at various locations around the village. We are very much looking forward to enjoying the bright colours and wildlife that these flowers will attract moving into the Springtime.

Areas for planting included:

 The area surrounding the base of the village sign at the newly named Crown Garden

 Fernie Close Park

 The community allotment (Peterborough Road)

 The raised beds at the rear of the cemetery.

Close Park which look very smart and offer increased security.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council over the past year.

The Parish Council meet on the first Thursday of the month at 6:45pm in the Village Hall, Guntons Rd, Newborough PE6 7RT (excluding the months of August and December.)

The Parish Council also erected their first annual Christmas tree at Crown Garden for all the community to enjoy over the Christmas period.

The decorations included some handmade touches, which were beautifully made by Newborough’s school, pre-school children and local groups.

The Parish Council recently asked residents what improvements/new projects they would like to see in Newborough and Borough Fen.

If you are interested in becoming a Councillor, there is a vacancy for co-option.

Please contact the Clerk for further information.

New gates have now been installed at the entry way to Fernie

We will be collaborating with the City Council as we move into 2023, to make a positive difference to our community and have more planned for this New Year.

The Parish of Newborough is conceived

Paul Cooper

By early 1800’s there was still some work to do. In 1812 an Act of Parliament (No 52) set out the procedure for the draining of lands to the North of Peterborough known as Great Borough Fen Common and Four Hundred Acre. The first part of the Act identifies the persons who may have claim to right for common or pasture of the newly drained land; these included such persons as; Right honourable Allayne lord Saint Helens, John Lord Henniker, William Burslam, and Evan Foulks as devisees in trust. The land, they claim was willed to them by the late Honourable Henry the Marquis of Exeter. As none of these persons were able to confirm their title to the land it was forfeited to King George III. Many other people

made claim or declared an interest in the new lands including Lord Fitzwilliam and a multitude of church dignitaries from Peterborough, Crowland and Lincolnshire.

The Act included details of how there were to be three commissioners to be employed to oversee the draining of the land known as Great Borough Fen Common and Four Hundred Acre Common. The role also gave the commissioners the right to raise taxes and levies from the land users in order to fund and execute the drainage of the two areas of common ground and also to maintain the existing drainage. The Act also includes the maintenance of all Bridges, cuts, drains, dykes,

Entry for Stamford Mercury dated Friday August 14 1812.

rivers pumps and engines employed in keeping the land drained. For their efforts they were allotted the sum of 3 Guineas per day (£3.15p) although they had to pay their own expenses and were only allowed one day to travel to a meeting and one day to return. In 1812 three guineas was a considerable sum of money for a day’s work.

The commissioners were tasked that by 1st July 1813 they will have carried out, through surveyors, a valuation of the newly reclaimed lands and apportioned the ownership to the interested parties as they saw fit. The survey was also to include an enclosure element, where disputed ownership can be apportioned to whole fields and the bringing together of fields rather than tithes and strips, as was the previous system, this was in order to make identifying ownership easier and more efficient use of the land. The commissioners also had the power to settle disputes which may occur over the ownership of the land or the enclosure of the land. A series of notices were posted in the Stamford mercury and the Peterborough Standard newspapers between 1812 and 1822 that an Act of Parliament is being debated to form the parish of Newborough.

The Act also included the following section: Section 28 of Act 52 (1812) now moves to the provision of a parish for the newly reclaimed lands. “Whereas the drainage, enclosure and

improvement of the common and waste land shall have been completed and made perfect, the owners and occupiers of houses and premises now standing or that shall hereafter be built thereon, will be subjected to great inconvenience with respect to civil and religious purposes, unless the said common and waste land were formed into a parish, and a proper parish church be erected for the use of the inhabitants, upon some convenient part thereof, and it will be

St Bartholomew’s Church, Newborough, dated around 1940. Picture courtesy of Mrs Dunn necessary that such new parish shall be under the like Laws and Regulations as parishes are now subject to. Be it therefore enacted, that when and so soon as the commissioners shall have ascertained the rights and interests of several persons, bodies, politic, corporate and collegiate interested in the said common and waste land, the said common and waste land shall be formed into and be made and become a parish. To be called the Parish of Newborough in the county of Northamptonshire and in the Diocese of Peterborough and Archdeaconry of Northampton”.

So officially on the 9th June 1812 the parish of Newborough was conceived. In the years leading up to 1830 land was sold and the proceeds allocated to the building of St Bartholomew’s Church. The church was consecrated on August 24th 1830 (St Bartholomew’s Day).

In February 1980, whilst serving in Cambridgeshire Constabulary, I was stationed as the village Bobby at Eye, covering the wards of Eye and Newborough.

There were two Police houses with a small Office in the middle, joining both houses to our place of work and in some ways making it a 24/7 job because people called at all times of the day and night, not knowing if you were on duty or not.

I spent just over fourteen years there and those years were an experience I will never forget. It was what I would later come to appreciate was proper Community Policing, because not only did I cover Eye and Newborough but also patrolled other rural areas. I covered for villages’ police officers and watched over a large area from Alwalton up to the Stamford boundary and all the way over to Thorney. Back then we had a team of a Sergeant and ten Rural officers covering most of this area, working day and night, living on the respective patches in Police houses with

Rural Policing

Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Councillor John Fox

attached offices open to the public. Officers were stationed at Alwalton, two at Wittering, one at Barnack, one at Helpston, one at Castor/ Ailsworth, one at Peakirk and two others at Thorney. I knew the two Officers at Crowland and most of them at Market Deeping, forming good working relationships in our common fight against rural crime.

In those days we didn’t have the benefit (?) of social media, Google Earth, WiFi and smart phones so when I first started in my rural patch I brought an ordnance survey map of the area and searched for every nook and cranny on the byways and highways and found my way around all the back roads and where to find people when I needed. To get to know even more about the area I spent a lot of time talking to residents, business owners and especially the farming community, learning the lie of the land and picking up the local gossip, rumours, ‘pointers’ and information about historical crime patterns and local ‘folk of interest’ in and out of the area.

I spent many a happy hour speaking with them over a cup of tea and homemade cake, whilst visiting their homes to renew their shotgun licenses and, because we lived amongst the community, my own children went to the local schools, Brownies and Guides and we attended the local churches. We always felt and indeed were made to feel part of the community, yet still had to Police it in a firm but fair and impartial way, which was not always the easiest of tasks. We couldn’t demand respect, we had to earn it knowing that for obvious reasons

we wouldn’t achieve this from every member of the community.

Community policing forty years ago was a proactive mission to get to know the problems and issues on your beat. We got to know the local movers and shakers, the local councillors, posties, publicans, shopkeepers and milkmen – all people who knew what was going on, with bits of information we could collectively put together and create a general picture. My concern is that today, now all the village bobbies have gone, policing our villages and rural communities is reactive (rarely swift) responses once crime or ASB has already happened and a crime number for the insurance. I genuinely ask who is liaising with the community to get to know how the land truly lies, to put in place community and neighbourhood support programmes and to know who the regular wrongdoers are and understand their methods? My good friend and fellow rural councillor Peter Hiller shares my concerns. He regularly meets with our PCSO’s and understands the resourcing pressures lack of funding brings. We are like-minded.

Peterborough has trebled in size since my time in the Police but sadly the Police numbers have not grown alongside it. The lack of regular Police presence in both our City centre and rural communities in particular is sadly lacking. In my opinion whatever Government is in power, now or in the future, they need to get to grips with the rise in rural crime and finance the police to the true level that our communities once had and should expect, so we can once again see them more regularly patrolling our neighbourhoods, reducing not only crime but the fear of crime.

COUNCIL CORNER Alastair Peat, Vice Chair, Helpston Parish Council

Helpston Parish Council

www.helpstonparishcouncil.org

It is a pleasure to take the chance to update everyone on the actions and issues within the Parish.

BDW Development Response

The sense of community has been at a high as the village came together in their objection to the 73 houses proposed by Barratt David Wilson. As underlined in the responses by the Parish Council and a large number of the public comments, we are not against development that complies with the City Council’s Local Plan and is kept to the housing numbers and principles within it. However this is not the case here with the excessive numbers and density.

We thank each and every member of the village who took the time to issue their comments about the scheme. The Parish Council’s measured and detailed response received very positive feedback from the village, and alongside over 250 objections from the community, we seek to continue to apply further pressure on the integrity of the scheme.

Community Investment

The Parish Council have recently issued grants to a number of village organisations to further the good work that they do. In addition to this, they have partnered with Tarmac to get the church path upgraded to ensure that this hub of the village remains accessible to all members of the community for many years to come.

Our Village Celebration

Following the huge success of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee party earlier in the year, the Parish Council have ensured there are funds in place to create a village festival in 2023. It was felt that the community spirit generated by such an event was immeasurable as it brought different generations together to enjoy what the village had to offer. “Helpstonbury – A festival In a Day” will take place on the 17th of June 2023. It will be a celebration of the village, organised by the village, for the village. Details to follow.

Traffic

Through the Parish Council funded Speedwatch initiative, a huge amount of data regarding speed and numbers of vehicles has recently been gained, much of which has been shared with the Highways department as well as the Police and City Planners. This data allows proactive discussions generating additional Police presence to combat the significant risks to the public.

Communication

We would like to underline that there are grants available to village organisations and clubs to promote initiatives or procure equipment for the benefit of the village – Please get in touch with a councillor

Parish Council Clerk: Syd Smith

E: helpstonpc@hotmail.co.uk

Chair: Joe Dobson T: 01733 252 192

E: councilmessages@btinternet.com

Vice Chair: Ali Peat

T: 07399 532 266

E: alastair@alfrescolandscaping.co.uk

Councillor: Alastair Bradley

T: 07941 570 653

E: alastairbradley@hotmail.com

Councillor: Andy Ratnett

T: 07798 651 872

E: andy@ratnett.co.uk

Councillor: David Dykes T: 7515 288 606

E: david.dykes@btopenworld.com

Councillor: Eric Sieker T: 07464 092 273

Councillor: Gill Jolly T: 07713 329 141

E: ghaigh6d@hotmail.com

Councillor: Leslie Newitt

T: 07766 616 961

Councillor: Rosemary Morton T: 01733 252 243

E: g.morton526@btinternet.com

if you wish to explore these (grant requests are invited in September for determination in October each year).

Your Parish Council works hard behind the scenes to represent the community as has been seen with the BDW strategy. Monthly meetings are open to all village residents and we welcome input so we can continue to keep Helpston the community we all wish to live in.

Robinson

Helpston Local History Group

The members of HLHG met on 17 November for their AGM and discussed, amongst other items on the agenda, how the new project ‘Helpston’s Home Front’ was progressing.

The public launch of the yearlong project, in the village hall, on the 1st October 2022, allowed both members and visitors to see displays about Helpston at home during WW2 .There were artefacts from the period including sand and water buckets, a candleholder,

identity cards, a diary and a WW2 gas mask. Our member Brian, took along his collection of aviation wartime magazines from England, France and Germany, and they provoked much discussion. Ambience was provided by wartime dance music playing in the background.

The group committee are compiling our events programme for 2023, including open meetings, with a variety of interesting speakers. These meetings will be advertised locally and open to

Breaking News

The group are excited about the discovery of stonework in the garden of the former Royal Oak Beer House. We will update you as soon as we have more identification information. Brian, the owner of the property was interviewed on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire about the mysterious find.

Photos of the home guard and a wartime wedding, brought in by a visitor, were scanned; this information is invaluable to our growing archive. The launch and associated discussion enabled the group to identify some other areas for research - we learned about local evacuees who settled in the village after the war and

others who returned to London where they were killed. Please can you look in your lofts and cupboards to see if you have any photos, ration books, war time telegrams, identity cards or any other relevant archive relating to 1939-1945 which would enhance our exhibition planned for November 2023.

the community to attend. Look out for updates around the village and on the Community Facebook Page. The first open meeting in January 2023 will be a talk about the archaeology of the Maxey Pits; date and more information to follow.

The website is constantly being updated; don’t forget to take a look. There is an option on the site for ‘Contributions’. We look forward to receiving your articles.

If you would like any information about the Helpston Local History Group, would like to enquire about becoming a member or be on an email list for upcoming events please contact us via the links below. Website: www.helpstonhistory.org.uk E: helpstonhistory@gmail.com

MESSAGE TO ALL HELPSTON GROUPS

Send your group details to the village tribune for the next Tribune edition.

Are you in a Helpston group that needs new members?’

Do you have a story to tell which you would like to share?

Jackie

Getting Involved

Knit & Natter is held in Helpston village hall from 2pm until 4pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month. A small fee helps to pay for the hall hire & for refreshments. We currently have around 18 crafters but there’s always room for a few more. If you need any further information please contact Ann Bell on 07925 330 982 or just turn up to a knit & natter session.

Helpston Carpet Bowls Club play every Wednesday evening in the village hall from 7.30pm until 9.30pm between September & April. The first night is free for new members who want to give it a try, after then it is £3 an evening. We play in the North Cambs league in Division 1 and have had 4 new members join us this season so we have players at different abilities. All new players are most welcome & no previous experience is necessary. If you’d like any further information please contact Les Cunnington 07857 835 955.

The HelCats are a group of volunteers in Helpston who donate their time, and fundraise for local causes and organisations and recognise the achievements and contributions of local people. We currently have 10 members & would welcome others to join us. Uniforms are provided. You may have seen us as the Christmas Tree & the Santa sleigh event. If you’d like to be part of this group please email helpstoncommunityactivityteam@ gmail.com

Helpston Speedwatchers do hourly sessions in teams of 3’s to record any drivers speeding 5 miles an hour over the speed limit. We report their registration numbers, speed, car types, car colour & time to the police so they can take the necessary action. We cover different roads, times & days of the week. So if you’d like to join this team please email csw.helpston@yahoo.com so they can pass on the training videos. Help make our village a safer place to live in.

The Helpston Belles meet on the first Thursday of every month from 7pm until 9pm in the summer months & from 2pm until 4pm in the winter months in Helpston Village Hall. They are hoping to encourage both working & retired ladies. We normally charge £2 for an event. The lady members take in turn to organise different kinds of events, from cheese & wine, crafting, speakers & Christmas meals. A fun time is usually had by all. If you’d like to join us you can be added to the WhatsApp group to find out what events are taking place. Contact Ann Bell on 07925 330 982.

The Langdyke Countryside Trust is always looking for volunteers. A work party takes place at Swaddywell (just outside Helpston, next to Stamford Stone) on Thursdays from 9.30am until around 12.30pm if you are looking for some physical volunteering. Swaddywell is a Langdyke Trust reserve & is home to many rare species, the site is maintained to give the best conditions for them. So if you want to learn about nature as well as getting a full body work out, this would suit you. We have a break half way through for a chat & cake!! We also have nature walks on the fifth Thursday of the month.

There is a similar work party at Etton looking after the reserves in that area every Monday morning.

The Trust also needs help for all kinds of clerical tasks as well for those who are not able to do outdoor work.

For any more information please contact Ann Bell on ann12@me.com

It would be great to hear about what community groups and activities are available in our other Tribland Villages – please send details to villagetribuneeditor@me.com

Ann Bell

Castor Lodge Care Home Celebrates 1st Birthday with James Bond Casino Party.

26 October 2022; The residents of Castor Lodge Care Home in Castor were delighted to welcome members of the local community, families and The Mayor of Peterborough to celebrate the first year of opening for Castor Lodge Care Home.

The care home hosted a sparkling James Bond themed party complete with casino, refreshments and stalls from local businesses.

In keeping with the theme, and marking 60 years of James Bond, the care home was transformed with Land Rover Defenders on the drive, a redcarpet entrance and bubbles upon arrival. Both guests and residents enjoyed testing their luck on a range of casino tables including Black-Jack and Roulette and indulged on canapes and martinis.

Laura Mills, Customer Relations Manager, commented on the

day: “Thank you to everyone who came along to help us celebrate such a special occasion. It was wonderful to share this day with our local community. It was lovely to see local businesses getting involved with our celebration and guests enjoyed browsing stalls from Korkor Yehoda, Cardyke Soay Sheep and Nene Valley Gin.”

The day was brought to a close with the cutting of the 007 themed cake created by Chef Manager Claudia Goode. The honour of which was given to Castor’s

Come and join the Club

very first resident John Carr and Home Manager Natalie White. John was delighted to be asked and thanked the staff team for all their hard work in looking after him and the other residents.

One guest also commented: “Well done to everyone that helped at the Birthday Bash –excellent do – everyone was having a good time and the helpers were brilliant.” – Chris Gilbert

For more information about Castor Lodge Care Home or to make an appointment to view the home please contact, Laura Mills on 07725 799 217 or email laura.mills@countrycourtcare.com

Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners Society are a friendly and welcoming group who have regular outings.

(1 and 3 days visits) to gardens at various locations locally and further afield. We have speakers and social events as well as our Annual Show which attracts entries from both members and non-members. We are pleased to welcome new members. For further information please contact membership Secretary Susan Edwards 01733 380 110.

Ah, bonjour to all you village people in Tribuneland I hope you are well and season’s greetings to you all from the busy Kitchen of Chez Pierre.

Over the years I have had much response as to how you seem to enjoy my recipes and I must tell you it gives me much pleasure to read your emails. One in particular was complimentary regarding the ratatouille making last issue but also asked about wine with food and the old chestnut questions about ‘what wine with what dish..’? Well, to Mrs D from Glinton, I can tell you the right bottle of wine will elevate any meal and choosing the perfect bottle doesn’t have to be complicated. But, dear reader, as our Napoleon once opined: “A decent meal without a glass of wine just seems tragic to me somehow...”

Food without like a Day without

 Match flavour intensity and character - similar food and wine flavours complement each other. For example, fish with lemon sauce and pinot gris both have citrus flavours and work well together. Match big, flavourful foods with big, flavourful wines. For example, pair pepper steak with a spicy, bold shiraz. Similarly, you generally want to match the richness of food with a rich wine. For example, pair a rich chicken in cream sauce with a rich chardonnay.

 Think about acidity - high-acid wines, such as young riesling, are often used to cleanse the palate when eating oily food such as Indian curry or rich, buttery sauces. If you’re eating a dish with a strong acidic content – like a salad with vinegarbased dressing- pair it with a crisp dry pinot grigio. Remember also, rich creamy sauces will usually clash with an acidic wine like a sparkling. Think about it this way… if you squeezed lemon juice into a cup of milk, would you drink it? Non.

 Soften bitter tannins with richer, heavier food. First of all – what the heck is tannin? Well, tannins come from many places, most notably the skins of

My grandfather once said to me “Wine Pierre, because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad...”

You write that you love to enjoy a glass or two of wine with your supper, but find choosing the right bottle baffling? With so many different offerings, selecting a bottle of wine can be daunting I agree, and over my years working in restaurants, I picked up a few tried-and-true tricks for creating great food and wine pairings regardless of your budget or what’s on the table. When selecting wine, it’s helpful to think about general food categories — appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, etc. — because the foods in these categories often share many of the same characteristics, and the same wine pairing works every time. Below you’ll find my top choices for most food categories, as well as a few basics to know before you make your selections. I hope this primer demystifies wine selection and helps you find your perfect pairings! Remember: ‘life’s too short

to drink bad wine..’ so don’t always look for the cheapest on the wine list – ask!

 Keep food and wine at a similar weight – when I say weight, I don’t mean kilos. In terms of matching food weight to wine, we’re talking pairing lighter food (typically lower in fat) to lighter style wine, and heavier, richer food to heavier weight wine. Lightweight food like poultry and fish are complemented by more delicate wines. While a white wine is an instinctive choice, light, low-tannin reds also work a treat too. Prawns and chardonnay are both mediumweight and rich so they complement each other. Rich, heavier foods such as red meat casseroles need full-bodied wines, such as shiraz.

without Wine is without Sun...

the grapes used in winemaking, but also the wood barrels that wine is aged in. Tannin tastes similar to the flavour you would get if you sucked on a teabag – mouth-puckering! This astringent flavour is what helps cleanse the palate of a rich meal, which is why cabernet sauvignon and shiraz work so well with steak.

 The general rule of thumb is to serve a wine at least as sweet or sweeter than the food being served. Sweet foods make dry wines seem overacidic and tart. Sweet wines with a good level of acidity, such as Sauternes, are a perfect match for rich foods like pâté. The acidity will cut through the fat in the pâté and the wine’s sweetness will complement the richness of this food. Sweetness also balances salt which is why sweet wines are classic companions of blue cheeses. remember this factoid next time you drink a port with Stilton!

 Spicy foods need spicy wine. Sweeter wines offer relief from spicy foods. Strong spices, such as hot chilli peppers in Thai or Indian food, can clash and destroy the flavours in a wine.

from the kitchen of

Karl Marx

In most cases, wine is not the ideal thing to drink. However, if wine is your thing, consider something spicy and sweet itself such as an offdry Gewürztraminer or Riesling.

Lastly, for now, try pairing the wine to the sauce served, using your matching and complementary pairing techniques. For example, match delicate citrus sauces with sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, try cream and mushroom sauces with chardonnay, and pair red and meat sauces with shiraz. No sauce? No problem! Just match your wine to meat, fish or poultry when serving without a sauce.

My friends, the best thing to remember that food and wine pairing is subjective. Yes, there are some simple guidelines to matching food and wine but these are not hard and fast rules; match to what you love, and you won’t go wrong. My grandfather once said to me “Wine Pierre, because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad...”

Bonne chance, Pierre x askchezpierre@gmail.com

Christmas at Northborough Primary

We have had a blast practising and performing our Christmas Productions.

It is the first year, for what seems like a very long time, that we have been able to perform in front of our parents, friends and family. The children gave their all, even when they were tired and excited. We thoroughly enjoyed presenting the Christmas Story in EYFS and KS1 and the Cinderella Rockafella pantomime in KS 2. It is always great to see otherwise quieter children suddenly become super- stars!

Other highlights have been Ms Garland’s mum coming to visit to talk about her experience of World War 2 – she was impressed with our questions. Year 3 had a fabulous trip to Flag Fen. Chris led our exploration of the Bronze Age. We felt privileged to be walking on ground that would have been walked on by Bronze Age people.

We have continued to develop our outside area by planting

500 blue bells, snowdrops and wild garlic bulbs. Many thanks to Mike Horne and Tony Cooke from the John Clare Trust and PECT for their support. Our aim is to make our grounds as sustainable to wildlife as we can so that we can study the environment and creatures in it first-hand.

We are looking forward to 2023 and all the exciting opportunities it will bring us!

by Anne Lees

The Amblers in Tribland

Happy New Year! As I write this, we have just had the first really cold day and, venturing into the garden this morning, I was treated to the delights of frosty foliage and icy patches. Winter has arrived.

There is a pureness to the air in the cold. It can take our breath away in more ways than one. Yes, we do need to wrap up warmly –although we soon start peeling off layers once we get walking – but we are also struck by astonishing sights: the graceful delicacy of intricate webs frosted with rime, strung between twigs, stalks and gateposts; the crunch of frozen leaves underfoot; or the wonder of spotting an unusual bird ‘just passing through’ as a winter visitor from colder climes.

Last winter, I got up and went out early when the first snow arrived so that I could experience the brand new, unsullied landscape at sunrise. I was not disappointed. That subdued hush that accompanies the blanketed ground is another experience that takes one’s breath away – it inspires a pause to appreciate this rare phenomenon, awesome in the truest sense. The red, glowing orb spreading warming rays across the sky was a real contrast to the blue-tinged snow and freezing temperatures beneath my feet. And, of course, there is nothing like the scrunching sound of snow underfoot, or the childlike joy of lying in it to create a ‘snow angel’.

I hasten to add that snow angels are not in the Amblers’ general repertoire – you are more likely to find us hugging a hot chocolate

than crawling around on the ground. That said, it takes challenging weather conditions to prevent us from getting out and about. During the colder weather we try to stick to paved or tarmacked routes and one of our favourites is Glinton to Etton, which we did recently. It was a misty day. The sun struggled to break through the grey clouds and, after a five-minute burst, eventually gave way to drizzle. But we saw Kestrels and Buzzards perched in treetops surveying their hunting ground, watched Great Tits playing ‘tag’ between the hedgerows, and enjoyed the company of a very tame Robin along a lane.

Whatever the weather, there are wonderful sights to be seen in the countryside. One of these – which we may take for granted as a feature of the Fens – is the wide, open skies: on a clear day we can see for miles and get our bearings by identifying local landmarks. When it is inclement, we tend to look down more and notice the little things like feathers and animal tracks, and in bright, low-level sunlight – or mist – features are silhouetted against the sky and take on an ethereal quality. We never cease to be amazed by the beauty all around us, and we are thankful to be able to appreciate it.

So, 2023 is here and we wonder what it will bring. This year especially, the Amblers have cause to sincerely hope it will bring us all good health to enable us to keep walking, so that we can continue to share companionship and natural wonders. Maybe you have made a resolution to get fitter?

We amble on Friday mornings in various Trib’land locations and you are welcome to join us. If you would like to come along, or offer to show us round your locality, text the Amblers on 07714 021 131 for more information, or PM me on the Village Tribune Facebook page. We look forward to meeting you!

Helpston Village Hall was resplendent as the scene of a hugely successful “Art 4 Ukraine” exhibition of local artists on Sunday 27 November.

Art 4 Ukraine

Huge community success to help Ukraine

The event was to raise funds and awareness of the local villages’ Ukraine Christmas Campaign. This campaign allows us to send 3 large vans to Poland driven by local residents. The vans leaving on 1st December will transport donated food, clothing, children’s Christmas gift boxes, medical and sanitary supplies and, for the first time, electricity power generators.

Over 30 local artists participated, with many exhibition visitors surprised at how many lived in this village alone.

As always, the community and local businesses rallied around to donate raffle gifts, help move equipment, set up artwork and run the kitchens. Art 4 Ukraine is especially appreciative of support from Maxey Art Group for letting us borrow their display equipment.

We had over 250 visitors and raised enough funds from artwork sales, raffle and teas/cake to purchase a power generator for use in Ukraine where their local electricity national grid infrastructure is being systematically destroyed.

Scott gets a surprise gift from his grandma, an original painting of his team, Liverpool FC, celebrating their Champions League victory.

The ”Engine Room” ladies tirelessly keeping everyone going with coffees, teas and homemade cake.

Popular attendance at Art 4 Ukraine.

Team effort – L to R. Helpston resident Andrey from Odessa, Ukraine, Etton resident Angela from Maxey Art Group, William from Helpston, Poet in Residence Langdyke Trust.

Our Village Person this issue is long-term resident of Maxey and retired RAF Wing Commander Dick Wilkins. A very active member of the local community, Dick is passionate about where he lives and has been involved in Parish Council activities, Neighbourhood Watch and Speedwatch.

So Dick, what brought you to Maxey?

The Royal Air Force. Wanting somewhere to settle the family, while commutable to current and future postings.

Where were you born and raised?

Born in Poole, Dorset, finally ending up in Dorchester until joining the Royal Air Force.

What did you do as a career?

Thirty years in the Royal Air Force travelling around the world; retiring as a Wing Commander and then within the private sector as a Director with Anteon (UK) Ltd based in Peterborough.

What makes you angry or sad?

Bullying, vandalism, intolerance, liars, unacceptable level of speeding in Maxey and the difficulty in getting the authorities to be proactive regarding mitigation measures and frustration with the

Council’s Planning Enforcement, or lack of it.

What makes you happy?

Spending time with my wife and family, watching my children thrive in whatever they are doing, shooting, walking ‘my’ favourite dog Gus, helping people.

Claim to fame?

Probably the only member of Speedwatch ever to be dismissed by the Cambridgeshire Police for asking a persistent speeder living in the village to slow down before they caused an accident or injured somebody. Rather ironic and a somewhat fatuous action by the Police at the time.

Hobbies?

DIY, dog walking and shooting. I also enjoy the company of like-minded people, having great conversations and my regular interaction with our ward councillor Peter Hiller – who shares my values and sense of humour!

Most famous person you’ve met?

During my service within the RAF I was privileged to have been presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II twice and also to Prince Phillip.

Most treasured item you’ve owned?

To answer the question in a roundabout way, it is not a material item that I treasure most, but the sense of right and wrong that was instilled in me by my parents from an early age. It’s stood me in good stead over the years.

Sun seeker or stay-cation?

Neither. More fly-drive and exploring places. Most adventurous holiday was our 6500-mile trip in 1985 from our home in Denver (Colorado) to the US East Coast, via Florida and various East Coast destinations, to Niagara Falls and then back to Denver. It’s a big country and I thoroughly enjoyed our time living there.

Fair Trade in

Medieval

By Dr Avril Lumley Prior

Speed’s Map of Peterborough (1612). ‘H’ marks the market place.

Conversely, in medieval times, fairs had a much more serious function. Yet, like their latter-day counterparts, they were set up for the exchange of goods or services for profit as well as providing a few light-hearted distractions.

Exchange and Mart

People have probably been bartering with one another since time began. However else could a Neolithic flint axe from the Thetford area find its way to the Alps? It is also highly likely

that the Iron-Age ringwork or lowland fort, bisected by Decoy Road north of Milking Nook near Newborough, became a trading post during the periodic gatherings of tribes for ritual feasting. And we know that the Romans had been trading with Britain long before the invasion of 43AD.

Domesday Book reveals that 60 markets were operating in 1086, including Leighton Buzzard [Bedfordshire] and Warsop [Nottinghamshire]. Permission to hold them could

only be given by the king to the lord of the manor and upon payment of a hefty fee. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle would have us believe that ‘King Eadgar’s’ charter to Peterborough Abbey of 972, granted a market ‘in the same town’ and hints of others at Stamford and Huntingdon. Unfortunately, ‘Eadgar’s’ charter is an early-twelfth-century forgery. The first hard evidence of a market in Peterborough is not until 1146, when Abbot Martin de Bec realigned the

Nowadays, fun fairs, antiques fairs, collectors’ fairs, craft fairs, steam fairs, stamp fairs, village fayres, church fetes, etc. are all associated with the pursuit of pleasure, pastimes or the prospect of procuring a bargain. Tribland

Helpston Butter Cross

town and repositioned the old marketstead from the east side of the monastic precincts to the present Cathedral Square.

By the 1300s, locally produced combed wool, fleeces, skins (for leather and parchment) and meat were among the goods on sale together with live sheep and cattle and geese reared on Borough Fen.

The market ceased trading during the visitation of the Black Death in 1348/9 but was soon revived, with the abbot raking in the revenue from the rentals of booths and tolls on goods entering the town from all directions, including across the town bridge (constructed in 1308). Toll-dodgers were heavily fined and/or had their goods confiscated.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, in 1539, the market fell under the control of the Dean and Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral who continued to harvest the profits in the same old style. By then, many of the stall-holders or stallengers had moved into shops with living quarters above, near their old pitches and again leased from the Dean and Chapter. The purveyors of meat were to the west of St John’s church in Butchers’ Row; hides and fleeces were traded in Cumbergate [lost to Queensgate shopping mall] and the cattle market was in Long Causeway. Butter was sold beneath an arcaded hall, replaced in 1686 by the present Guildhall, which was still referred to as ‘the Butter Cross’ as late as 1927!

Out in the countryside, the products on offer were not dissimilar to those found at a present-day farmers’ market. The Farmers’ Cross (of which only fragments survive) on Castor village green, Bainton Butter Cross (another shadow of its former glory) and its counterpart at Helpston, would have made attractive unofficial ‘pop-up’ venues with merchandise laid out on their steps. According to oral tradition, Helpston’s structure was enclosed by a timber penthouse or shelter until c.1850, adding weight to the theory that goods were traded here centuries ago. Conversely, there is no documentary evidence relating to trading at Castor, Helpston or Bainton. Indeed, there are only two references to chartered markets in the whole of Tribland, whilst a further two were established at Northam and Oxney (both near Eye). In 1264, Henry III allowed Ralph Camoys of Torpel to hold a Thursday market and an annual three-day St Giles’ Fair (temporary market) from 31

August until 2 September. It is generally understood that both market and fair took place on the manorial site, now known as Torpel Field, next to the old Roman thoroughfare, King Street. Unfortunately, Ralph’s grandson, John Camoys, went bankrupt in 1281 and his assets were seized by Edward I. Upon the king’s death, Torpel manor passed to his son, Edward II (130727), who bestowed it upon his companion, Piers Gaveston. It is unlikely that the market and fair lasted beyond 1309, when Gaveston exchanged Torpel and Upton for land in Cornwall and it would certainly have disappeared when the plague struck, in 1348/9, after which the settlement was abandoned. Our second Tribland citation of a market is in 1294, when Godfrey de la Mare of Northborough procured a charter to hold a Wednesday market and an annual three-day fair commencing 14 August, from Edward I, who was perpetually short of money due to his military campaigns. Both were so successful that they

Butter Cross, Chichester

Peterborough Guildhall (formerly the ‘Butter Cross’)

drew trade away from the town of Peterborough and incurred the wrath of Abbot Geoffrey de Crowland (1299-1321). Ultimately, he persuaded his de la Mare namesake to surrender his royal charter on pain of Eternal Damnation, a fate worse than death which terrified many Christians until well into the twentieth century.

All the Fun of the Fair Fairs or marts attracted bone-fide traders and hawkers from a much wider area, including overseas. A fusion of a Christmas market, an agricultural show and the tented village at Burghley Horse Trials, they were usually held on the feast day of the saint consecrated at the local parish church.

In order to raise funds for his disastrous Crusades to the Holyland in 1189, Richard the Lionheart granted a charter to Abbot Benedict of Peterborough for the annual St Peter’s or Petermas Fair in the abbey precincts, commencing immediately after Mass on 29 June. Henry III (1216-72), sanctioned St Oswald’s Fair, lasting eight days from the second Sunday in Lent, in honour of the seventh-century Northumbrian king whose undecayed right arm was a lucrative Peterborough pilgrim attraction. Whilst the Bridge Fair, privileged by Henry VI in 1439, stretched from the present Bridge Street across the Nene into Huntingdonshire and was held from 21-23 September. Fairs proved such a welcome relief from the dreary daily grind for the local peasantry that

The remains of Castor’s Farmers’ Cross

many were tempted to sneak away from working on the lord’s demesne in order to attend.

For those who went AWOL, the punishment was dire; they were hauled back to the fields by the bailiff and banned from returning for the fair’s duration.

There were no fortune tellers, ‘freak shows’ or exotic animals until Tudor times and fairground rides did not arrive until improvements to the steam engine in the nineteenthcentury. Neither were there hoopla stalls, coconut shies nor rifle ranges, where you could win a cuddly toy, a tawdry ornament nicknamed a ‘fairing’ or, until recently, a goldfish in a plastic bag.

Instead, medieval punters were entertained by contests of strength and prowess, especially wrestling and archery (in preparation for the next war). Goods were on sale that usually could not be purchased at a weekly market. They included spices, textiles, pottery, weapons, tools and, inevitably, ‘cheapjack’ or tat for the poor. Troublesome teeth could be extracted, quack doctors consulted, panaceas and love potions purchased, money lost to tricksters and letters and wills

Butter Cross

written by scribes for members of the largely illiterate public. Refreshments were dispensed from fast-food stalls with pies selling like hot cakes. (In those days, the often-inedible pastry served as a throw-away wrapper.) And there was neither tea and coffee nor burgers for they were yet to arrive on our shores. But ale and mead were plentiful as were drunkenness and anti-social behaviour!

A Sad Farewell

Alas! All of our Tribland markets and fairs vanished centuries ago. Moreover, in spring, after nearly 900 years of trading, Peterborough’s market was lost to a housing development and has been reduced to a handful of stalls on Bridge Street. Only the Bridge Fair prevails. The fairground has moved to Peterborough Embankment and is now run by John Thurston & Son, with side shows and stalls selling sweets and candy-floss. This September, it boasted hair-raising rides such as the Extreme Orbiter, Freak Out and Jumping Frog along with old favourites like the Ghost Train and the Dodgems. A far cry from the medieval trade fairs but a still a whole lot of fun!

Bainton

DIARY FARMING Rosemary’s

Rethink food, a plan for action – over the past two years, Covid 19, Brexit, the war in Ukraine and the global market turmoil have revealed the fragility of our food system. Many farmers are struggling to survive under unprecedented cost increases. At the same time we have experienced the threat and reality of empty shelves and supply chain disruptions.

Nature friendly farming means changing how we farm, but also what we farm. Farmers are being encouraged to be more diverse and capitalise on opportunities to grow crops that can fulfil demands for dietary changes. I picked this up recently, being a project supported by the European Foundation, which makes interesting reading and goes on suggesting what needs to be done to help save the environment.

Farmers were instructed during the 1939 - 45 war years to produce more food for the nation, every acre was to be cultivated and sown in an effort to feed everyone which farmers HAD to do and they did so. After the war finished the big ask was for us to provide plenty of cheap food. The advent of the land of plenty was upon us, with no mention of how this may affect the environment, plentiful cheap food is what was called for. Successive governments have encouraged this for the last sixty years, it didn’t matter how it was produced as long as there was plenty and quite often produced below the cost of production, especially with the supermarkets, who left growers with lots of produce on farm by simply saying they didn’t want anymore, despite contracts being in hand - that’s why the vegetable and fruit market along with livestock farmers have diminished and won’t be coming back. Some of us have managed to carry on, in

many cases with sacrifices along the way. There are as we know many other industries that have had a big impact on the environment – what are they doing about it?

The farming community have taken enormous strides in the last ten – twenty years to put in place a more sustainably friendly environment. Gone are the days when a farmer was judged for ploughing a straight furrow, hedges trimmed every year, with plenty of organic matter going back into the soil. A certain amount of pride was very important. You could have your tenancy terminated as this was deemed to be bad management. The incoming tenant could claim for dilapidations as it took time and money to put the land back into good condition. There were other issues where the landlord could get you off his land as well – the landlord had the last say. So much pleasure and pride did this hold amongst the farmers and the workers that the advent of ploughing matches was born, we even have one locally, the Deeping ploughing match – normally held the last Saturday in October, with around 100 contestants taking part. Originally heavy horses pulling the plough and then tractors being the main contender, but there are still a small entry of horse drawn ploughs taking part, coming from a wide area, I was amazed at how far they travel, but what a sight to behold.

Hedge laying was another winter time job, also with competitions for the best laid hedge, thatching the corn stacks in the yard to keep them dry until they were thrashed during the winter and spring, the straw being used for bedding and eating for the cattle, oat straw for the horses, the chaff (ears of grain, outer covering) was also used for animal feed, with the grain going mainly for bread making to the local village mill and animal feed, the grain was weighed off into 18 stone sacks for storage in the barns. The thrashing team needed about six people, one taking the corn off, one looking after the chaff, two on the straw stack, two on the corn stack. The operator was cutting the sheaves of corn before feeding this into the thrashing drum – that was the minimum number, some had more helpers, there are other old competitions and crafts with very few food miles needed as all of these were supplied locally, cut from the wood, stone mined locally and so on, no need to worry about delivery.

It is essential that our own food security is in place and all producers need to be encouraged financially to provide as much as possible to the already high standards we have adhered to for years.

Most of food imported doesn’t carry such rigorous, high safety standards. Flooding our market with substandard goods. These are some of the issues facing British Farmers today. All we ask is for is a level playing field in place.

One week of December gone we seem to be on top of winter jobs but once the cattle come into the yards it’s surprising how that slows other jobs down, even though we are better organised this year. I think the main problem is the daylight hours are very limited –some jobs you still need daylight. All field work on the arable side was completed in good time this year, is ‘well up’ and I don’t expect the winter beans will be long before they show, just leaving

sowing after the sugar beet is lifted, with some of this land being sown for spring cereals. With the run up to Christmas brings extra jobs and making sure there is plenty of food and straw for the cattle, repairing lights, replacing new bulbs etc, with numerous other small jobs in readiness for our customers to the farm shop, tea room and garden centre, endeavouring to supply our customers with that little bit extra to make Christmas as cheery as is possible. As always our loyal staff across all areas have risen to the challenge. With all the challenges that appear to threaten the festive season I am personally amazed at how people come into the shop in positive

mind-set, it makes the job all worthwhile after a difficult year.

On a lighter note, it is pleasing to see all the birds returning to the garden to feed, including our cock pheasant who now is a regular visitor, two or three times a day. I think this is the fourth winter he has been coming. The garden has its winter appearance with holly berries, yellow berberis, the different shades of green on the shrubs etc and the bulbs are already appearing, so not long now before the lighter days in January, with spring just around the corner. Here’s wishing you all a better new year with some normality returning to make our lives more pleasant than we have seen lately.

Mustard Seed Project

Part of the reason for this was that it was founder Rita’s first visit to the community since her co-founder husband, Geoff, passed away a year ago. Geoff was committed to, and loved by, the community and its elders, and he had requested that his ashes be scattered in the sea behind the hotel that

was his and Rita’s home-fromhome during their previous stays. Rita was accompanied by two MSP trustees from the UK, plus family members and two grandchildren. 20 people went out in a glass-bottomed boat – family and some local friends – to scatter ashes. They sang and scattered red roses

(bought by a friend) before singing and talking about his life. Afterwards they gathered with other friends where they spoke of their relationship with him and what he had achieved. It was

Trustees of the charity recently made an overdue visit to Mgongeni, to see first-hand the completed school building, and were moved by the emotional welcome they received: children cheered and waved from the balcony, and the staff were so kind and attentive.

a peaceful and poignant occasion, and a fitting tribute.

Over the last 13+ years since Rita and Geoff set up the charity, there have been many changes to Miche Bora School and the support it provides. The underprivileged pupils enjoy small class numbers, quality teaching, excellent resources and regular meals prepared on-site. They now have a brand new, purpose-built school to attend and one of the jobs Rita had to do on this trip was to purchase thirty new laptops for the older children, thanks to the donations received through a previous Big Give campaign, and a grant from the Gilchrist Foundation. These will add a welcome new dimension to the children’s education and were obviously very gratefully received!

Another welcome donation came courtesy of the Bahari Rotary club (Mombasa) but with less fanfare: hygiene

We could not do it without you. We know times are tough but please, if you can, consider making a donation towards the feeding programme. These people are desperate. Thank you. www.mustardseedproject.co.uk

essentials such as soap and sanitary towels. Sadly, these basic items we take for granted are just another expense for this poor community. One of the saddest aspects of this visit was discovering that the cost of basic foods – maize meal, beans and oil – has doubled due to drought in East Africa, war in Ukraine and the loss of businesses caused by Covid and these disadvantaged families are genuinely struggling to feed their children.

MSP relies on donations to fund a feeding programme to ensure that our pupils get two good meals per day at school and in many, cases this is the only food they will eat. In December the online charity fundraiser, The Big Give, ran a match-funded challenge during which any donations made were doubled. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised £17,562 (with Gift Aid) and this will be allocated entirely to the feeding programme. But it will not be enough to cover the cost for the whole year.

On the brighter side, two of Miche Bora’s very able Teaching Assistants are being provided with in-service teacher training and we are all very pleased. It is nice to be able to give such opportunities to people who deserve them. New tables and chairs were ordered for the Nursery and Reception classrooms and, during her stay, one of the trustees, Lynne, worked closely with the staff in lower school on performance management and to sorting and labelling resources. And the youngest family member Sophie, 11, made herself useful too, by reading to the class – an event thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

The Mgongeni community are so grateful for their children’s opportunity to have a quality education at Miche Bora School, and to know that they are being fed and cared for. Every time we visit, we hold a parents’ meeting and it is always extremely well attended. MSP is truly thankful to our supporters for your generous donations that help us to keep going.

Pictured left: Miche Bora Primary School

Peterborough AngloFrench Association

Twenty members and guests pitted their wits against each other with the fun quiz and enjoyed some French patisserie at the same time.

Teams were blind picked for a sweepstake of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the England team

In November the PAFA met at Netherton for a Croissant, Café and Quiz evening. Feel free to look up our Facebook page, Peterborough Anglo-French Association (don’t forget the hyphen) or copy and paste www.facebook.com/groups/697608323628779

‘picker’ is keeping their fingers crossed for a good run all the way to the final.

There was a ‘Bring and Share’ Christmas evening in December with lots of singing and a glass of wine or two!

Jackie Robinson

The Cycle of Housing Target Policy

Love where you live

As I suggested within my article in Nov/Dec’s Tribune, the PM has reportedly now climbed down on key planks of his planning reforms in the face of rebellions by backbenchers.

The Prime Minister apparently ditched compulsory housebuilding targets for local areas after a groundswell of MPs threatened to vote against his flagship Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. This is potentially very significant for our Glinton and Castor ward residents as, many will remember, a few years ago a governmental ‘lifting’ of the then punitive house building targets for our area was the catalyst to enable me, as

!

ward councillor, together with members of the Protect Rural Peterborough group, to help prevent the onset of a massive new housing estate blighting the beautiful countryside north of Castor and Ailsworth.

The climbdown on housebuilding saw Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, agree to change his Bill to make it clear that centrally-dictated targets are merely “advisory”. They become “a starting point, a guide that is not mandatory”. Importantly, the new rules will mean town halls will be allowed to build fewer homes than Whitehall believes are needed

‘if they can show that hitting the targets would significantly change the character of an area’ Also Mr Gove has pledged to make it clear that more homes will be built in urban areas and in the North and the Midlands as part of the Government’s vision to level up the country.

An additional promise from government, and an anomaly I’ve lobbied-on for years, is Mr Gove agreeing to crackdown on developers keeping land unused even though it has been granted planning permission – a cynical lack of action that keeps prices high and puts pressure on councils like ours to find even more land to build on.

Cllr Peter Hiller – Glinton and Castor ward

Planet v Pocket

I think it’s generally accepted we are blessed with much flora and fauna in and around our Tribland villages; woodland abounds, fields and meadows proliferate.

As a Langdyke Countryside Trust trustee and Rural councillor I’m particularly aware that the quality of our environment and air quality is enviably high and, like many of us, I want to help keep it that way. However, the current energy prices increases and escalating cost of living has, it’s reported, affected people’s attitude to the importance of dealing with climate change as it relates to the cost to household budgets. With oil, gas, electricity, petrol and diesel prices rising, it is reported half of Brits are in favour of increasing the amount of energy generated from high-carbon sources, such as coal, to keep costs down, according to recent research by YouGov. Just a year earlier, over three-quarters were in favour of COP26 pledges to phase out coal.

This suggests that immediate concerns about the rising cost of living are outweighing concerns about the environment. Indeed, 73% of individuals polled by YouGov agreed that the Government should prioritise spending to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. However, a quarter of Britons think that the UK Government has a great deal of scope to alleviate cost-of-living issues

before it has to cut into the amount it spends on tackling climate change, while a further 30% believe it has some capacity to help out.

Personally, I don’t think this is an either/or. Tackling climate change is often pitched headto-head with other issues such as the cost-of-living crisis; we are frequently made to believe that we must choose which issue to address. Perhaps it shouldn’t be quite as binary a choice as is often presented. Ultimately, both challenges have the same root cause – a reliance on expensive fossil fuels – and the same solution.

Research by University College London (UCL) indicates that failing to act on climate change not only locks the country into higher energy prices in the medium term, but it will also have a long-term impact on the cost of living. The impact of climate-related events such as heatwaves and floods will be increasingly severe, taking the UK longer to recover from them.

Phasing out oil and gas would reduce bills, as well as improve energy security and improve the world for the next generation.

As a result, UCL predicts that the cost of climate change could be as much as six times higher than previously believed, with the result that GDP could be 37% lower by the end of the century than it would be if we focus on reducing carbon emissions.

A shift to renewable energy, focusing on better insulating Britain’s homes to reduce energy consumption and accelerating the adoption of alternative fuels and electric vehicles, would tackle both emissions and reduce fuel bills. I had many emails in response to my piece in September’s Tribune about the council’s now 100% use of low Co2 emission HVO fuel for their fleet of diesel-engine vehicles. Virtually all agreed that we shouldn’t be fixated just on expensive electric vehicles, rather perhaps facilitating our existing diesel-engine cars and trucks to be instantly cleaner without upfront expense. First though, economic support from the Government (through incentives and tax breaks) is needed for us as individuals to be able to make choices without the financial pressures.

Cllr Peter Hiller – Glinton and Castor ward

By Helen Aylesbury, Glinton Parish Councillor

Air Source Heat Pumps – merely ‘hot air’ or a serious contender to keep us toasty?

As we are all too aware, the cost of fossil fuels is rising sharply.

Current figures suggest fitting a new A-rated gas or oil boiler today may be more cost effective in terms of annual savings (especially if replacing like for like) but this is likely to change with time as fuel costs rise further*.

Heat pumps are expected to become the cheapest, ‘greenest’ source of domestic heating within the next decade or so**. In line with this, technology is advancing rapidly with better efficiency, quieter operation and sleeker design. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) are already installed in thousands of homes in the UK and can be a viable option when replacing old heating systems*.

Most ASHPs work by extracting heat energy from the air, concentrating it and transferring it to a circulating water system which in turn heats radiators, under-floor heating pipework and domestic hot water, etc. The amount of electricity used in this process is far less than the amount of heat produced. Most systems produce 3-4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used*.

Average cost of installation is £10,000. There are several different types of ASHP systems which vary in terms of installation

References and for more information:

and running costs - the more complex the system and higher the water temperature, the higher the cost. Payback time in terms of annual savings depends on funding eligibility, system design, the system it is replacing, average air temperature (the colder the air temperature the more electricity consumed), your electricity tariff and home insulation efficiency. It’s advisable to get at least three different quotes before proceeding and request installer’s user reviews. Also request data from the potential installer including how many kilowatts (kw) heat is produced compared to kw electricity used. This should be specific to the design for your home and will tell you how efficient the system is*.

It is worth noting, as with any heating system, you will save money and retain more heat with optimal home insulation. It may be worth having a thermal imaging survey carried out and seeking advice on enhancing home insulation when considering your options. Visit Peterborough City Council’s, Local Energy Advice Partnership page on their website for more information and to see if you are eligible for financial assistance with these services***.

*Energy Saving Trust: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Pros:

• Best option for reducing carbon emissions.

• May lower annual fuel bills. Four times as efficient as conventional electric heating.

• Great option in rural areas where gas is unavailable.

• Can utilise existing central heating systems with minor changes**.

• Grant available for £5,000 lump sum up front. Benefit recipients may be eligible for free installation****.

• Compatible with other low carbon installations i.e., solar panels**.

Cons:

• Sufficient outdoor space allowing good air flow with a drainage point is required to install external unit (located on ground or fixed to a wall). Space locally can get very cold. Most systems feature an internal unit in addition.

• Potentially large outlay cost with slow payback.

• Space required for hot water storage. Can’t replace combiboilers.

• Replacing with an ASHP is unlikely to be a realistic option for those whose existing systems fail unexpectedly – especially in the colder months. Planning ahead is required*.

** BEUC: The European Consumer Organisation: www.beuc.eu/press-releases/goodbye-gas-heat-pumps-will-be-cheapest-green-heating-option-consumers

***Peterborough City Council: www.peterborough.gov.uk/council/campaigns/local-energy-advice-partnership

****Government website: www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme

Creating History Within the Construction Industry for More Than 50 years.

Princebuild

Originally known as Eccleshare Construction Ltd, the company was founded by Derek Asplin and Stuart Pudney and was initially located on Princes Street in Peterborough.

Over the years the company has consistently maintained an excellent reputation for reliability, efficiency, high quality and enviable customer relations. From the humble beginnings of its small Peterborough office back in 1971, Princebuild Ltd has extended its operations so that today it delivers a national, multi-disciplined service.

In addition to the Peterborough head office, Princebuild also has branches in Spalding, Cambridge, London, Northampton and Market Rasen and also operates specialists divisions; Princeenergy and Princeinteriors.

The company has remained a strong family affair, with Derek and Stuart’s sons Mark Asplin, Dale Asplin, Jon Pudney and Matthew Pudney now taking the company forward as shareholders, along with board members Paul Baker and James Manning. Mark and Dale also have sons working in the business two of whom have recently received promotions to Senior Project Managers.

Founder Stuart Pudney commented “It has been amazing

to watch the company develop over the years and both myself and co-founder Derek Asplin are proud of the business it has become.

“I have had the pleasure of working with some fantastic staff and although admittedly it has been hard work at times, we have always pulled together as a team and got through it.

Over the past year Princebuild have been celebrating their 50 year anniversary with staff and in the local community, setting an ambitious target of raising £50,000 for charities and good causes over the year. This target was surpassed by some margin and the money has gone to many community groups, charities and good causes in and around the Peterborough area.

Princebuild has a reputation for caring about the communities they interact with and has always worked in partnership with them to make a positive impact –economically, environmentally and socially.

Some of the highlights include; raising £28,000 with a glamourous fundraising evening featuring Toyah Willcox and Frank Bruno, fund matching several staff fundraising efforts from white collar boxing to 50 mile runs, working with PCRFM to highlight the work

of community champions and donating to their causes to name just a few.

In addition all Princebuild staff received a 50 year pin badge and a commemorative t-shirt, there was a staff draw held every month to win vouchers and the very first Princebuild Family Fun Day was held at Ferry Meadows for all employees and their families.

Matthew Pudney, Director, commented: “We have had a great year celebrating our anniversary and providing support to our local communities, as we have always done.”

The directors would like to thank the clients, employees, sub-contractors, supply chain, friends and families for sharing the company’s journey and for helping Princebuild become the successful company that it is today.

Princebuild are not resting on their laurels however, construction is an ever changing industry and the business is constantly adapting to new opportunities and trends. They have a forwardthinking business plan for growth and improvements to their service offering that will secure a continuing and improved future for employees, clients and the business as a whole.

Limited is a family-run business that has been caring for, maintaining and building properties since 1971.

Keep the Date:

2023 Bainton

Saturday 18 March

We will hold the Second Bainton Primrose Festival at St Mary’s Church.

More information will be forthcoming in the March-April edition of the Trib, but in the meantime – Maybe get some nice wintry landscape photographs for the photo competition!

Reverend Gary Alderson

Primrose Festival For the Beauty of the Earth...

Happy New Year! Way back in prehistoric days, when I was young and at a primary school, though it was not a Church of England primary school, nevertheless we had to sing hymns in assembly.

And sometimes it was something like Lord of the Dance, which I really disliked. Partly, I think, because I misheard it as “Lord of the Dun Settee”. And I thought that was an odd colour for a sofa. Though in later life I’ve developed more theological reasons not to like it.

And sometimes it was For the Beauty of the Earth. I grew up loving “For the Beauty of the Earth”. It comes to two different tunes. One that everybody else always picks. And the one that I love –because your earliest loves stay with you, and this was what we sung at school – a tune called “England’s Lane.”

I loved that tune. I really liked its name as well. Although I’m a townie, it was only ever a twenty minute walk to the countryside, and the lanes around Dunstable, as they roam over and round the Chilterns, are often very lovely,

hedge-lined, wandering old fashioned country roads.

So naturally with that name, I assumed the hymn tune was a reflection of the beauties of the English countryside – maybe an English lane with primroses in the verge, birds nesting in the hedgerow, blackberries to pick in Autumn, all that kind of thing.

And in my late 40s I went back to commuting to London for a second time, and started taking my bike with me – it had been too dangerous to do that when I first worked in London, in the 80s and 90s – and started exploring the area around Camden, where I worked.

And so I found myself in England’s Lane.

The tune was written, or at least adapted from a folk song, by Geoffrey Turton Shaw, organist at St Mary’s Church, Primrose Hill. He lived in what is now Primrose Gardens, in

Hampstead. And England’s Lane was at the end of his road, and on his walk to work. And that is how his tune got its name.

So my juvenile ideas of a pastoral lane were blown up, as I looked at that typical NorthLondon mix of very expensive stucco’ed housing, wall-to-wall traffic, and takeaways. But Geoffrey Turton Shaw found there – in the days when London was black with coal smoke, instead of choked with diesel particulates – an inspiration for a tune so pretty it could make anyone think of open fields and rolling countryside.

On a damp, dark day in January, when it’s 12 months to Christmas and 4 months minimum to a decently warm day, beauty is still where you find it.

You just have to keep looking and expecting.

SUN 1 JAN

SUN 8 JAN No Service

Benefice Holy Communion at St Benedict Glinton 10:30am Rev'd George Rogers

All Age Holy Communion 9am Rev'd George Rogers

Parish Praise 10.30am Mark Hotchkin

Holy Communion 10:30am Rev'd George Rogers

All Age Praise 10:30am Freda Skillman

SAT 14 JAN No Service No Service No Service No Service No Service

SUN 15 JAN

Holy Communion 8am Rev'd George Rogers No Service

SUN 22 JAN No Service

Holy Communion (BCP) 9am Rev'd George Rogers

SUN 29 JAN

SUN 5 FEB

Holy Communion 10:30am Father Michael Matthews

Morning Prayer 10:30am Derek Harris

Worship4All United with St Pega's in St Benedict's 10:30am Derek Harris / Simon Richards

Benefice Holy Communion at St Stephen Etton 10:30am Rev'd George Rogers

Parish Praise 10.30am Mark Hotchkin No Service

Holy Communion 10.30am Rev'd Charles May Evensong 6pm Mark Hotchkin

Messy Church in Peakirk Village Hall 3pm

Holy Communion 9am Father Michael Matthews

Family Communion Praise 10:30am Freda Skillman & Rev'd George Rogers

Holy Communion 9am Rev'd George Rogers

SAT 11 FEB No Service No Service No Service No Service No Service

SUN 12 FEB No Service

SUN 19 FEB

All Age Holy Communion 9am Rev'd George Rogers

Holy Communion 8am Rev'd Charles May No Service

Parish Praise 10.30am Mark Hotchkin

Holy Communion 10:30am Father Michael Matthews

WED 22 FEB No Service

Holy Communion 10:30am Rev'd George Rogers

Morning Prayer 10:30am Derek Harris

All Age Praise 10:30am Freda Skillman

Holy Communion 9am Father Michael Matthews

Ashing Service 12pm

SUN 26 FEB No Service

Holy Communion (BCP) 9am Rev'd George Rogers

Worship4All Café Style United with St Benedict's in Peakirk Village Hall 10:30am Derek Harris / Simon Richards

Family Communion Praise 9am Freda Skillman & Rev'd Charles May

ST STEPHEN ETTON

ST PETER MAXEY ST BENEDICT GLINTON ST PEGA PEAKIRK ST ANDREW NORTHBOROUGH

No Service Taize 4.30pm No Service

Communion 9.30am

Communion 9am

Communion and Covenant Service 11am Holy Communion 9.30am

Communion 10.45am No Service Holy Communion 9.30am

No Service No Service No Service No Service Coffee Shop In Church 10.30–11.30am

Communion 9.30am

Morning Praise 9.30am

Evensong (BCP) 4.30pm

Communion 9am

Communion 10.45am No Service Holy Communion 9.30am

Morning Praise 10.45am Evening Praise 6pm No Service Morning Worship 9.30am

Holy Communion 9.30am

Communion 9.30am

Communion 9am Communion 10.45am No Service

All Age Family Worship Children’s Crafts 3pm Short Service 4pm

Communion 9.30am Taize 4.30pm Communion 10.45am No Service Holy Communion 9.30am

No Service No Service No Service No Service Coffee Shop In Church 10.30–11.30am

Communion 9.30am

Communion 9am Communion 10.45am No Service Holy Communion 9.30am

Communion 9.30am Evensong (BCP) 4.30pm No Service No Service Holy Communion 9.30am

Ash Wednesday

Communion and Ashing 6pm No Service No Service No Service No Service

Morning Worship 9.30am

Morning Praise 9.30am

Communion 9am Morning Praise 10.45am No Service

All Age Family Worship Children’s Crafts 3pm Short Service 4pm

ST JOHN'S BARNACK ST MARY'S BAINTON ST BOTOLPH'S HELPSTON ST ANDREW'S UFFORD ST BARTHOLOMEW'S NEWBOROUGH

Langdyke

Super walk with Langdyke Countryside Trust folk this afternoon along Maxey Cut to look at the land we hope to buy, to create a wildlife and nature haven. So much knowledge within our small group about birds and wildlife we observed along the way. Fascinating stuff.

Peter Hiller

Steam Train 

The Sir Nigel Gresley Class A4 Pacific Steaming hard through Helpston Level crossing Friday night. It's not that good as trying to get shots of a Black Locomotive in the dark of the night when its steaming hard and fast wasn't the best scenario for a good image.

But this image reminds me of WH Audens great Poem Night Mail: This is the Night Mail, crossing the border, Bringing the cheque and the postal order Letters for the rich, letters for the poor

The shop at the corner, the girl next door, Pulling up Beattock, a steady climb, The gradients against her but she's on time, Past cotton grass and moorland boulder Shoveling white steam over her shoulder. That's all I can remember of it from learning it in school many years ago...

Dave Radcliffe

REHABILITATION, FITNESS AND MASSAGE

THE ARTS SOCIETY, PETERBOROUGH

12 January

10-45am at The Fleet, Peterborough.

David Hockney: ‘the old master of the modern world’, by Douglas Skaggs. A talk following the career of an artist whose wit and imagination have never faltered.

Come early and enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat with like-minded people, your first talk is free, so come and join us!

9 February

10-45am at The Fleet, Peterborough.

Faberge Eggs pre Romanovs, by Tony Faber.

Between 1885 and 1916, Carl Faberge made fifty jewelled eggs - Easter presents from Russia’s last two emperors to their wives. A richly illustrated talk. Come early and enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat with like-minded people, your first talk is free, so come and join us!

For more information visit: www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk

CASTOR, AILSWORTH and DISTRICT GARDERERS' SOCIETY

Saturday 21 January

Seed swap, Cake and a Cuppa

2-5pm Cedar Centre , Church Walk , Castor PE5 7AX Members and Non members welcome for a Seed Swap, Natter and Chatter , Cuppa and Cake. Please start collecting your seeds,pack and label them and bring along to swap on 21 Jan. No seeds? then come along for a social cuppa and cake.

Tuesday 21 February

7.30pm Castor Primary School , Stocks Hill , Castor PE5 7AY

'Trees a Cut Above the Rest'

An illustrated talk by TONY KIRKHAM MBE VMH former Head of Arboretum, Gardens and Horticultural Services, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. The talk is about trees and topical issues like tree selection, planting and pruning with a history of plant collectors and modern day collecting. Members £10 , Non Members £12

ST BARTHOMEW'S CHURCH, NEWBOROUGH

14 January & 11 February (and the second Saturday of each month)

Coffee Shop in Church. 10.30-11.30am Bric-a-brac & book stall. Raffle. Refreshments with homemade cakes.

ON THE EDGENORTHBOROUGH WI

We meet at the Northborough Village Hall once each month at 7:30 pm. Our aim is to provide something of interest for everyone with our varied activities and speakers. We also run walking and craft groups, a lunch club and a book club for the likeminded.

We currently have spaces for new members so, if you’re looking to make friends and try new things, come and join us on:

13 January

Resolutions - Putting the world to rights, one national WI resolution at a time.

10 February Bangles and Beads - Crafty bracelet making Email: ontheedgewi@gmail.com

Helping Our Ukranian Friends 

Photo from last night’s party for 120 Ukrainian refugee children in Gliwice, Poland.

Carvings 

Had a wonderful walk with Langdyke Countryside Trust, looking at a potential new nature reserve on an ancient meadow. The frost made the old bridge carvings really easy to see, and the sunset was playing with the colours in the sky! According to poet John Clare (writing in 1841) the carvings were made by cow-tending boys, horse tenders & shepherds as 'idle amusements'.

Kathryn Parsons - Artist

Graffiti 

After sorting resident's issues in Marholm a lovely walk to admire the beautiful parish church St Mary's. Fascinating to see 300 years old 'Graffiti' on the sandstone wall. I wonder who they were?

Peter

Hiller

Cold Moon



Taken tonight 07.12.2022 The name for December's full moon, the Cold Moon, is attributed to the tradition of the Mohawk people, according to the Farmer's Almanac. The name reflects the frigid conditions of December and the increasing grip of winter.

Cathy Hannan

Hedgehog 

Just a reminder that hedgehogs and other wildlife are desperate for water due to the freeze. Please put out shallow bowls of water during the day and again in the evening. Hedgehogs will appreciate some cat biscuits too. Hedgehogs used to hibernate but not all of them have read the manual these days and badly need your help.

Cecilia Hammond

Christmas Lights 

I finally made it to a Glinton Christmas lights switch-on! Great start to the festive season, with a lovely community feel: bell-ringing, carol-singing and refreshments too. Thanks to everyone involved for all their efforts.

Anne Lees

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tribunedirectory

Ailsworth Parish Council

Joan Pickett (Chairman) ............................... 01733 380457

 Bainton Church

Reverend Gary Alderson 07503 975588

 Bainton & Ashton Parish Council

Clerk Jenny Rice................bainton.ashton.clerk@live.co.uk

 Barnack Church (St John the Baptist)

Gary Alderson, Rector .................................. 07503 975588



Barnack / Bainton Church Organist

Elizabeth Snowball 07821 460505

 Barnack Coffee Stop

Carol Pickering ............................................. 01780 740438

 Barnack Community Association

Sally Hullock 07795 565658

 Barnack Cricket Club

William Armitage, Chairman ........................ 01780 740749

 Barnack Home from Home Club

Niamh Holman................................hfhbarnack@gmail.com

 Barnack Men’s Breakfast

Mike Mills 01780 740285

 Barnack Messy Church

Julie Stanton ................................................ 01780 749123

 Bowls Clubs

John Broadbelt 01780 740133

Glinton Bowls: Roy Pettitt 01733 252049

Helpston Carpet Bowls Les Cunnington ..... 07857 835955

 Botolph’s Barn

Kate Hinchliff 07745 116621

 British Legion

Max Sawyer 01780 765507  Bus & Train Services

Delaine Bus Services .................................... 01778 422866 Stagecoach 01733 207860 Train Services 0845 7484950  Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners' Society

Chairman - David Edwards .......................... 07881098742 ...................................................... .y1dnemaffit@gmail.com

Secretary - Christine Murrell.........cadgsociety@gmail.com



Cubs, Brownies, Guides, Scouts & Rainbows

General Guiding Queries

Helpston Brownies, Morag Sweeney ......... 07801 357701

Helpston Guides, Lindsay Roberts............... 07399 589333 07778 707952

Helpston Rainbows, Lindsay Roberts 07399 589333 General Scouting QueriesMartin Hall ..................................................... 07778 707952

Helpston Beavers, Alison Cook.................... 07437 909735

Helpston Cubs, James Metheram 07399 252033

Helpston Scouts, Mark Crookes 07808 633018 Northborough Guides, Nicola Kerr 07739 098113  Deeping Gate Parish Council Clerk...............................clerk@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk  Doctors

Deeping Practice (Main line) 01778 579000 Deeping Practice (Appnts.) 01778 579001 Glinton Surgery 01733 252246 

Etton Church (St Stephen’s)

Churchwarden: Anne Curwen .............. 01733 253357  Etton Parish Council Clerk: Emma Tajar .................................. 01733 234542  Fenland Clarion Cycling Club Rides Secretart: Ian Todd 07548 885748  Glinton Friendship Club Pam Kounougakis 01733 252018  Glinton Church (St Benedict’s)

Churchwarden: Veronica Smith ............. 01733 252019  Glinton Parish Council Mr J Haste - Clerk 07591 834163 

Helpston Church (St Botolph’s)

Rector: Gary Alderson 07503 975588  Helpston Helcats Phil Roberts............................................. 07925 720195 

Helpston Parish Council Clerk: Sydney Smith .............................. 01733 252903  Horticultural Societies

John Best - Glinton 01778 342115 Debbie Martin - Barnack Show 01780 740048 Kirsty Scott - Peakirk .............................. 01733 253952  Hospital

Peterborough City Hospital .................. 01733 678000  Langdyke Countryside Trust

Richard Astle 01733 252376 

Maxey Church (St Peter’s)

Churchwarden: Mandy Loveder 01778 343100  Neighbourhood Watch

Maxey Neighbourhood Watch

Dick Wilkins ............................................ 01778 348368

Bainton & Ashton Cliff Stanton 01780 749123 

Newborough Church (St Bartholomew’s)

Vicar Revd. Colin Hurst 01733 222 334 

Newborough Parish Council

Bryan Cole - Chair .................................. 07554 210824 

Newborough Good NeighboursCate ........................................................ 07735 810139



Newborough Pre-school Playgroup

Debbie 07423 519890 

Newborough Indoor Carpet Bowls –

Brenda Vessey ....................................... 07941 308148 

Northborough Church (St Andrew’s)

Clare Strak, PCC Secretary

Polly Beasley, Churchwarden 01778 380849 

Northborough Parish Council

Elinor Beesley...............clerk@northborough-pc.gov.uk 

Peakirk Church (St Pegas)

Churchwarden: Sheila Lever 01733 252416

Churchwarden: Pauline Cooke 01733 253116 

Peakirk Parish Council

Clerk: Angela Hankins ........................... 01733 253397 

Peterborough City Council

Peterborough City Council 01733 747474  Police and Emergencies

Police - emergency calls 999

Less urgent crimes

Power Failure

0800 7838838

Samaritans ................................... Freephone 116 123 

Pre-School & After-School Clubs

Helpston Playhouse pre-school

Lucy Garwood ........................................ 01733 253243

Helpston Before & After School Club

Roz Sowinski 01733 253243

Peakirk Tots

Emma Thornton 07876 822173

Little Lambs Toddler Group, Barnack

Julie Stanton ........................................... 01780 749123

Sunflower Seed Pre-School, Northborough Kirsty Wislawski 01733 253685

The Owls’ Nest, Amy Quarizzo 01733 252361  Schools & Education

Arthur Mellows Village College

01733 252235

John Clare Primary 01733 252332

Barnack C of E Primary

01780 740265

Peakirk-cum-Glinton Primary School 01733 252361

Northborough Primary 01733 252204

Peterborough Adult Learning .............. 01733 761361  Tennis Clubs

Helpston Tennis Club

07714 780573  Ufford Church Enquiries

Peter and Sally Hudson 01780 740475 

Village Halls

Barnack Village Hall Bookings Sally Hullock 07795 565658 Glinton Village Hall Bookings: Sue Lane 07923 475966

Glinton Whist, Joyce Heathcote ........... 01733 253790 Helpston Village Hall, Caryn Thompson 01733 252232

Maxey Village Hall, Jacqui Barnard 07902 536476

Northborough Village Hall: Karen Cooper ......................................... 01778 347464

Peakirk Village Hall (Bookings) ............. 07938 386226 Ufford Village Hall Fiona Spire (Bookings) 07795 111319  Village Tribune Editor, Tony Henthorn ........................... 07590 750128  Ward Councillors

Barnack David Over 07920 160053 Glinton & Castor Peter Hiller 07920 160487  Women’s Institute (WI) Glinton WI

Julie Fitzjohn (Glinton WI Secretary) .... 01733 252712 Sarah Thurlow (Glinton WI President) 07534 028097 Northborough WI Tracy Thomas (Secretary) 07720 327145  Youth Clubs

Barnack Youth Club, Colin Morgan ...... 07850 366528 Maxey Youth Club: Tina Lapinskis 01778 347280