Village Tribune 140

NENE VALLEY CARE HOMES

Garden Lodge Care Home in Glinton

Three small family run care homes in Peterborough and Market Deeping providing a real home-from-home environment with exceptional care from devoted, trusted carers.

Garden Lodge

in Glinton is a detached chalet style bungalow with a very attractive and peaceful garden.

9 ROOMS

Florence House

in Peterborough with all en-suite bedrooms. Situated just a few minutes walk from central park where the residents can enjoy the café and watching the world go by.

19 ROOMS

Garden Lodge: 01733 252 980/07801 273 804 or e-mail: managers@gardenlodgecarehome.co.uk

Florence House: 01733 315 900/07801 273 804 or e-mail: info@careatflorence.co.uk

The Laurels: 07801 273 804 or e-mail: thelaurels@nenevalleycarehomes.co.uk

www.gardenlodgecarehome.co.uk

The Laurels

in Market Deeping (taken over by us in February) is a beautiful Grade-2 Listed Building within walking distance to Market Deeping town centre.

20 ROOMS

Pre-order the 2024 Charity Calendar by going to https://py.pl/2CLFtW

FROM THE EDITOR

I would like to start this month’s introduction by thanking those local businesses who have enabled us to start planning our 2024 Charity Calendar.

They are; Princebuild, Willowbrook Farm, Helpston Garden Centre. The Granary, Garden Lodge Residential Home, PPS Printing, Shaw’s of Maxey, Nunton Lodge, Athene and Transworld. Their support means that we can cover off the majority of design and print costs of the calendar. In turn, this enables us to donate most of the money raised through sales of the calendar to our local “Helping Our Ukrainian Friends” charity –set up by Richard Astle and supported by many individuals and companies throughout Tribland. The cost of each calendar is £7.50.

We are enlisting the help of twelve local artists who have given us permission to use one of their images in the calendar – each of these images will depict scenes in and around our local villages. Many thanks to; John McGowan, Rose Thorn, Angela Trotter, Peter Scott, Will Thompson, Nick Tearle, Jacqueline Stockman, Dehlia BarnardEdmunds, Carry Ackroyd, Ann Ardron, Dave Radcliffe and Katy Dean.

GET IN TOUCH

 Contributions: 07590 750128 e: villagetribuneeditor@me.com

 Social media:  /groups/villagetribune

 Website: www.villagetribune.org.uk

The calendar will be available later in the year from many of the shops, pubs and cafes through our villages. However, if you would like to guarantee your copy, you can pre-order by going to https://py.pl/2CLFtW

Please help to support this very worthy cause, the Tribune Charity Calendar will make a great Christmas gift for friends and relatives!

Until next time, enjoy the start of summer next month and let’s hope it’s a cracker!

www.villagetribune.org.uk

 Advertising: Alison Henthorn 07702 640361 e: alisonhenthorn@btinternet.com



Editor - Tony Henthorn

35 Maxey Road, Helpston PE6 7DP

T: 07590 750128 E: villagetribuneeditor@me.com

Advertising Sales - Alison Henthorn

T 07702 640361

E: alisonhenthorn@btinternet.com



Distribution

 AILSWORTH Saqib Farooq

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

 ASHTON Hilary Smith

Thatched Cottage, Ashton E: hilly.smith@virgin.net

 BARNACK Mike Mills

17 Bishops Walk, Barnack PE9 3EE

T: 07523 312387 E: mills.mh@gmail.com

 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

 HELPSTON Clive Marsh

Clive Marsh, 34 Maxey Road, Helpston clive.marsh815@btinternet.com M: 07511 011662

 MARHOLM Saqib Farooq

10 Peterborough Road, Castor, PE5 7AX

 MAXEY Cllr Peter Hiller

E: Peter.Hiller@peterborough.gov.uk

 NORTHBOROUGH Polly Beasley

15 Claypole Drive, Northborough

T: 01778 380849 E: polly.beasley@btinternet.com

 PEAKIRK Trish Roberts

9 St Pegas Road

 PILSGATE Sally Hullock

3 Hillside Close, Ufford

sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658

 SOUTHORPE Daphne Williams

The Old Dairy Barn, Main St. T: 01780 740511

 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.

8-14,

Advertising /

Stay Safe

Deadlines

16

On

Bainton Primrose Festival

5,400 copies of the Tribune are distributed free of charge in Ailsworth, Ashton, Bainton, Barnack, Castor, Deeping Gate, Etton, Glinton, Helpston, Marholm, Maxey, Newborough, Northborough, Peakirk, Pilsgate, Southorpe & Ufford.

Much More Than Just a Recommendation

You may have heard of Safe Local Trades and even seen the logo on vans and vehicles around your local area. But who are they and what do they do? We caught up with founder and owner

Eileen Le Voi to find

out more…

Is Safe Local Trades a National Company?

The biggest misconception that people have is they think we are a national company!

Having won Peterborough’s Best New Business Idea in 2008, the service has, and always will be, exclusively for Peterborough and an approximate 30-mile radius. We do get calls from around the country AND overseas from adults who have older or vulnerable parents in the Peterborough area and know they can trust us to look after their needs in terms of getting them a safe trader.

Safe Local Trades has also been Highly Commended for Contribution to the Community in the Telegraph Business Awards. For me, it is all about ‘keeping it local’.

Why Did You Set-up Safe Local Trades?

I felt passionate about providing the people of Peterborough with a one-stop shop where they can access a register of vetted and approved tradespeople, thereby protecting them from rogues and cowboys. In addition, I am delighted to say that our tried and tested traders have helped to avert misery for some vulnerable

customers, targeted by rogue traders, on many occasions.

Why Would I Choose Safe Local Trades Over Similar National Companies?

There are several key aspects to Safe Local Trades that makes us unique. Firstly, we always want to ensure that all our members are honest and reputable local tradespeople that do a good job for a fair price.

Since 2008, each individual is interviewed by me in person, followed by a stringent vetting process which includes a DBS check. It is critical that they are prepared to adhere to our Service Charter and are monitored on an ongoing basis, thereby giving customers complete peace of mind. Secondly, as well as our work with the trades, much effort is placed on safeguarding the more vulnerable people in our communities by working personally and directly with other caring and concerned parties in the 'local' community such as Peterborough City Council, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Watch, Cambs Police Crime Prevention, Age UK, The Bobby Scheme, Disability Peterborough, Care Network,

CAPASP (Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Against Scams Partnership) and many more.

How Do I Locate the Right Tradesperson for My Job?

Simply visit our website www.safelocaltrades.com and search for the trade in the drop-down box and then enter your postcode. This will give you instant access to the traders in that particular category along with information on how to contact them with your enquiry as well as the chance to view their profile and reviews.

With 65 different trades and over 17,000 reviews, Safe Local Trades has more trusted members in more trades and services across the PE postcode area than any other service, including the national companies. To see what some of your neighbours think about the service, see www.safelocaltrades.com/ consumers/testimonials

Should you require any assistance, you can also call us on 01733 530019. Don’t forget to follow and like us on our social media channels Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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.

By Eileen Le Voi

Updates from Etton

On Friday 7 April a Rowan Embley (Sorbus Commixta) tree was planted in the churchyard, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, to commemorate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Described as ‘exceptionally glamorous in the Autumn’, with leaves that turn yellow then fiery orange/red. It should have white flowers in the next few months and berries later in the year-so butterfly, bee, and bird friendly too!

New village gate signs have finally been installed at either end of the village, kindly financed by Tarmac. For some unknown reason, Highways have not removed the old signs on the road to Maxey, but the Parish Clerk is investigating on our behalf, and we hope this will be rectified soon.

The new Remembrance bench has arrived and will be installed on the village green very soon. Would you be interested in joining a ‘knit and natter group’ to help our plan to knit a hundred poppies for a glorious display on the village green

this November? I have a simple knitting and crochet pattern I can share, let me know if you are interested.

Hopefully by now you will have received your invitation to join the village picnic to celebrate the Coronation of our new King, Charles III. The event is being held on Sunday 7 May, at the Black Barn, between 2pm and 5pm with live streaming of the Coronation concert, celebration cake, a right Royal quiz and pin the crown on the King!

Since a working party was set up to regularly do maintenance in the churchyard, progress has been made with re-laying the churchyard path and the water butt has been replaced. With thanks to Andrew, Fred and David for the work so far. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Andrew 07836 213 406. They meet on Tuesday morning but the time flexes depending on availability!

On 31 May a representative from Anglian Water is joining the Parish Council meeting to

answer questions about the pipe laying work currently happening around Etton village. Open to residents, further details about the meeting will be circulated locally.

On 18 June, the Langdyke Trust have a ‘Father’s Day, Fun in Nature’ event at Etton High Meadow from 10am to 2pm. With experts on hand you will have a chance to explore nature and record what you find, plus guided walks. For more details visit:

www.langdyke.org.uk

On 30 June we are planning to hold a village Cheese and Wine Quiz to raise funds for the church(details to follow). Money is still needed to fix the Chancel roof after the lead theft and to pay Parish Share. If you would like to donate to the upkeep of the church building, you can do so by online: www.parishgiving.org.uk (our parish code is 280628321) or ringing 0333 002 1271 or using the QR code on the notice board at the church.

Finally, our church clean-up this year will take place on Sunday 10 September followed by lunch.

COUNCIL CORNER www.northborough-pc.gov.uk

NORTHBOROUGH

Cllr Malcolm Spinks, Parish Vice Chair

Save the Date

There will be a visit by the Police Community Engagement Team on the 19 of August at 11am in Northborough and Deeping Gate Village Hall to which all parishioners are cordially invited. This is our chance to question the Police on issues affecting our village.

The parish council is supporting the Children’s Air Ambulance by the siting of a clothes collection bank adjacent to the Village Hall car park.

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 T: 01778 342502

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

John Dadge, Northborough Parish Council Chair presenting the award to Archie Tarver for his volunteering in the community.

Maxey Classic and Bike Show

Saturday August 19

Willowbrook Farm, Scotsmans Lodge, on the Marholm to Ufford Road (PE6 7EL)

Time To Rev Up Again

Maxey’s Classic Car and Bike Show is being held on Saturday 19th August at its new venue. One of the most popular regional shows, the long-established Maxey event is sure to attract a large entry of gleaming two and fourwheelers. It’s also a great day out - with live music, a real-ale bar, pizzas and BBQ. Admission is just £5 with free entry for exhibitors and children under 14.

“It was difficult to move the Car Show from Maxey to Willowbrook Farm last year after such a long time, but with the extremely hazardous dry weather conditions and the

growing popularity causing access issues to the show, it made the decision easier for us to make in the end” said Matt Thompson, Chairman of the organisers.

The show opens at 11am, with judging taking place between 12.30 pm and 3.00pm. As usual, the organisers have recruited several national motoring journalists to help with the difficult job of picking the winners.

It’s organised by the Maxey Charity Club and raises money for local and regional good causes. The club has been running fundraising events since 1998.

The Maxey Car Show started in 2001 with a 100 vehicle turn-out.

It has become increasingly well-known over the years and last year attracted over 500 vehicles. These included a wide range of classics, exotics like modern Ferraris, kit cars and a 4x4 category. We also have a class for classic motorcycles and this category proves more popular each year. Our motto is: ‘If you drive it or ride it and you love it – come along and show it’.

There is no need to book your vehicle in, just turn up on the day. We just ask you to arrive between 8.30am and 10.30am before the gates open to the public.

23–25 June

Maxey Midsummer Madness Weekend

On Friday it all gets going with The Deeping Dixielanders in concert.

A fun Jazz evening at the Church. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Bar available, tickets £12. Raffle on the night. Transport yourself back to the Roaring 20’s, fancy dress optional, cocktails a must! Contact Tina for tickets on 07960 644 145.

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th a Roaring 20’s themed Flower Festival in the Church, 10am to 5pm. £2 entry. Light Lunches served and Afternoon Teas

and Tower Tours on Saturday, all must be booked and paid for in advance. Contact Tina for details/tickets on 07960 644 145.

Sunday 25th June, St. Peter’s Patronal Service @ 9am. Come and sit in our beautiful Church for the service surrounded by flowers! Tea and coffee available and Tower Tours in the afternoon.

11am (to 3pm) sees the start of the ‘Where’s Wally Hunt’.

Pick up your clue map for £5 from the village hall and wander around the village looking for clues. Completed maps will go into a prize draw. BBQ food and refreshments will be available at the village hall and an awesome raffle! Contact Sarah for more details on 07590 847 365.

Let’s get together to have a great weekend. Funds going to Maxey Community Association and St. Peter’s Church.

Your friendly gardening club

In March Colin Ward of Swines Meadow Nursery gave us an interesting talk on Spring perrerinials and new introductions with the actual plants rather than pictures.

As I write this we are anticipating the April talk on the 21st by David Burton on Bees and Gardening. This will be our last Friday night talk until the new season starts in October. Also hopefully the weather wiill improve with the risk of frost gone by the end of April so we can start replanting the garden with the plants from the Society Plant Sale held in the Village Hall on Saturday 29th April, We will also have a stall as part of the Glinton Golden Orb coronation celebration in the village centre on May 6th.

If you are on our list you should have received a copy of the new schedule for the 78th Show in September. If you have not received one it can be viewed on our web site www. glintonhorticulturalsociety. org or if you would like a copy please contact Lynne Best lynne.best89@yahoo.co.uk We are hoping to make this another great show so why not get yourself a schedule and look to enter something in September. There are

Glinton Horticultural Society Never Too Young – Never Too Old

classes for showing vegetables, fruit, flowers floral art, preserves, baking, photography, handicraft and various ones for children, so there is still time to plant, take a picture or prepare an entry for the show.

The trip to RHS Harlow Carr is now fully booked, but if you are interested in future trips consult the website for further details.

Full details of the Talks, Show, Plant Sales and all future events are available on the Society’s web site: www.glintonhorticulturalsociety.org

You may remember a stunning picture captured by Dave Radcliffe of a Spitfire in front of the moon over Burghley House last year, which he shared here in the Trib.

Well, this image was used by Glinton father-son filmmakers Mick and George Child in the poster of their latest film documentary Never Too Young, Never Too Old. Dave (Left) is pictured here presenting the poster to the last remaining York Normandy Veteran, Ken Cooke aged 97, at the premiere of the film at Yorkshire Air Museum on Saturday 25 March. Also pictured is Nick Beilby, the organiser of York Normandy Veterans.

The film immortalises York’s Normandy heroes, and was completed following the passing of George’s great grandad Sid, himself a Normandy Veteran, on

Remembrance Day last year. It includes footage captured by George of his great grandad.

Mick was interviewed prior to the screening live on BBC Look North and BBC Radio York.

Photo credits; David Harrison Photography & George Child

Glinton FriendshipClub

Pam Kounougakis

Merry Spring/Summer to all members, helpers and friends, past and present!

Well, what a time we’ve had since the last report… and it’s mostly positive.

We were truly in the doldrums since the end of last year, with numbers dropping, the loss of some faithful members, Barry and Linda, helpers with problems, issues within about our future prospects… every group has been there I’m sure. But we stayed optimistic and organised an Open Day with a free lunch and games etc. and we welcomed several new prospective members and guests. Well these ladies, and one gentleman, have now joined us and with some regular new helpers we are thriving! In fact I had to print 10 extra game papers as I hadn’t done enough ! During these tough times we have to thank our stalwart regulars, programme organisers, caterers, servers, washers up, welcomers, book-balancers,

prize buyers and dogsbodies all for keeping things cheery and positive. Now the club is moving forward with a superb Coronation meal and entertainment, Craft sessions, Bingo, Armchair exercises, a singer, a talk

on Blue Plaques, and a trip along the River Trent including a meal! If you would like more information come along to Glinton Village Hall and meet us every Monday from ten till two.

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

Hopefully everyone is up to speed with the day’s activities having seen the dedicated Facebook page (Glinton Golden Orb), superb banner on the primary school railings and read the program. Here are some of the highlights: DJ, Zumba demonstrations, Bollywood dancers; Bhangra drummers and live music from 3pm to late. Many stalls and a wide range of food outlets. Climbing wall and bouncy slide. Competitions galore including new village sign, photos, village crest, fancy dress, classic cars, motorbikes and tractors. Several fairground games. Please remember monies will be donated to the primary school and upgrading the village hall - so please come along and enjoy yourselves and buy a raffle ticket which could win you one of our brilliant prizes!

We have been very fortunate in securing sponsorship from Country Court Care for the Coronation Celebration and a lottery grant. The lottery

Glinton Coronation

grant will be used in part to support this and future community events over the next twelve months. With this in mind, besides the possible November fireworks event, if anyone has any thoughts on community events they would like to see happen in Glinton please let us know via clerk@glinton-pc.gov.uk

To commemorate the King’s Coronation, we are presenting each child attending

Peakirk cum Glinton preschool and primary school with a special mug. These will be distributed at a celebration worship to be held on 5th May at the school by Cllrs Gerry Kirt, Helen Aylesbury and Rita Joshi-Boparai.

With the support of Cllr Peter Hiller a new recreation ground bench has been installed much to the relief of those who regularly use it for a rest on the walk to and from the Lincoln road bus stop.

Having installed a defibrillator at the village hall some years ago, we are concerned that in the event of a medical emergency those living at either end of the village may be compromised due to the time taken to access the device. We have approached the same legacy fund that provided financial assistance for the first unit, asking them to support two additional defibrillators. Cllr Bob Randall is determining, based on population density, the optimum positions for the units. We will keep you updated on progress.

On another health-related subject. We understand that The Deeping’s Practice Patient Participation Group has restarted and as a result we have nominated Cllr Andy Staines to represent the views of Glinton residents. Once it has met we will provide you with feedback on the discussions.

We are all hoping for good weather on Saturday 6th May when Glinton’s much anticipated Coronation Celebration kicks off.

Caption Amelia, Patrick, Stacey and Debby selling Coronation Celebration Raffle Tickets outside the Glinton Post Office

Trains, Boats and Cranes,

comes to Peterborough City Gallery

June 3rd – August 6th 2023

Many of you will have known me as an Art Teacher at AMVC as pupils or parents. I have to say that those fifteen years at the school were the highlight of my teaching career. All through that time I made art in my spare time and enjoyed making exemplar prints and paintings to demonstrate a particular process or project. Retirement in 2007 gave new latitude to my artwork and that allowed me to follow my nose in whatever directions came to mind.

Much of that new work was based on local scenes: initially the buildings of Northborough and Glinton. The “Northboro’ Prospect” print was well received and sired an edition of the St. Andrews image to raise funds for Church renovation. Other threatened buildings - the local Signal Boxeswere my next focus and there too, I

became involved with local activist groups who strived to save them.

I had my first one-man show at John Clare Cottage in the summer of 2014 and in 2017 held an exhibition in the Yarrow Gallery in Oundle and in 2018 at the Alfred East Gallery in Kettering. These were big exhibitions with 90 or more works.

In 2023 I was invited to show my work in Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, where there is a strong focus on my Canal prints. I offered the exhibition to Peterborough City Gallery and was delighted when they accepted. That exhibition will have many more local works and quite a few of the individual pieces created during my teaching career.

The three rooms in the gallery will give me space to show and explain the different threads of my work and its links to other artist’s work. The City Gallery is at the rear of the Peterborough Museum in Priestgate.

I hope you will take a trip into town and take a look at 50 years of my work. There are lots of original prints for sale (framed and unframed), starting at £10 for a handmade linocut or drypoint. There are cards as well. Monies from the exhibition sales will go to Cancer Research UK.

Acclaimed Motionhouse Dance-circus

Group to Perform at Dizzying Heights for Peterborough Celebrates Festival

Motionhouse dance-circus group, Autin Dance Theatre and an interactive singalong cinema experience are all confirmed as key acts for Peterborough Celebrates Festival in May.

Peterborough Celebrates Festival is a three-day free-to-attend, community and feel good, familyfriendly festival at Ferry Meadows that will bring together and celebrate everything great about Peterborough over the weekend of 19th, 20th and 21st May 2023.

Alongside well-known and familiar festival attractions, the festival will showcase the city’s vibrant and diverse mix of food, drink, culture, arts, sports, activities, music and performance across a packed and eclectic schedule with these and other notable world class performance acts.

Motionhouse, the acclaimed dance-circus group, will be performing their hit outdoor production of ‘Wild’ four times throughout the weekend on a purpose built stage and scaffolding on Coney Meadow. The show explores our relationship with the natural environment and performers use dynamic choreography, acrobatic movement and hand-to-hand partnering to move through a ‘forest’ of scaffold poles to dazzling effect.

Autin Dance Theatre will be bringing their interactive family show ‘Out of the Deep Blue’ to the festival, which features a 13-foot Sea Giant Puppet, inspired by the

themes of the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis. You’ll be able to catch this show at the festival on Saturday 20th May.

On Friday 19th May, an exciting collaborative ‘Singing Schools’ event will launch the festival, where a number of schools from across Peterborough will join together in the big top to learn songs, building up to an afternoon performance for family and friends. A public launch will follow, with music and a ticketed singalong interactive cinema experience in the evening –more details to follow soon.

Music will feature across the weekend with a number of local bands and community groups performing. Groups involved include the Bengali Sanskriti Club, the Polish Music Centre, the East Timorese Association, the Ukrainian Community and Peterborough Pride. Exciting Bradford-based drumming group Punjabi Roots are also involved across the weekend and will be leading a mass participation moment on Sunday 21st May at midday.

The festival site will become a riot of feel good colour with our ‘Field of Colour’ installation. Schools, groups and many individuals are already on board busily creating colourful flowers out of recycled plastic bottles. These will be displayed on the meadow for the Festival weekend, creating a stunning colourful festival carpet. There is still time for everyone to get involved, and there’s also the chance to

participate in Peterborough Presents’ ‘Spread your Wings’ competition to create colourful birds of paradise to be displayed at the Festival. A number of local communities have already signed up to create ‘Colour Cubes’ to decorate the festival site and showcase what makes their community happy.

Creative Producer of Peterborough Celebrates Festival, Simon Hollingworth, said:

“I’m very excited to be working on Peterborough Celebrates Festival again. It was such a brilliant event last time with such an amazing atmosphere and so many people enjoying themselves. We have tried hard to retain all the best aspects of the first festival, while at the same time adding some new and exciting ideas too and we think people are going to really enjoy it. Many people commented last time that it was like the whole city had come down to Ferry Meadows and we really hope that it will feel like that again…. and of course the weather is going to be perfect!"

The festival is being staged by Nene Park Trust, with the support of key organisations across Peterborough, sponsors, supporters and volunteers to bring it to life. Nene Park Trust is still keen to hear from businesses who are able to sponsor the event in some way and is also calling for more volunteers to help with the smooth running of the festival.

To find out all the information about festival as it is announced or to offer your support and volunteer, visit peterboroughcelebratesfestival.co.uk

Local People Behind the Camera

To coincide with Tony’s 25th anniversary, we have news of another exciting development, as the Village Tribune ventures into film!

Regular readers may remember meeting Mick Child – director of Forge Photography and Film Production Ltd – in a previous issue, when he spoke about his love of photography and filmmaking. He is the person responsible for this forthcoming project.

Mick has been a local resident onand-off since 1973, attending both Northborough Primary School and AMVC before starting a career with the railways. 30 years later, in 2017 – having worked on the East Coast Main Line electrification scheme as a railman and risen through the ranks to become a Railway Overhead Line Engineer working in maintenance and on major projects all over the country – he took early retirement and was able to turn his lifelong passion into a career.

Mick says, “I have written and produced documentaries which have screened at film festivals worldwide – although a festival win or broadcast deal still elude me –and I have ongoing documentary

work that is being entered into film festivals throughout 2023-24.” Maybe this will be Mick’s year! We are very grateful to him for initiating the idea for this series and giving up what little spare time he has out of his busy schedule to produce these films.

“This Tribune project is a bit of fun for me,” says Mick. “It’s my way of recognising the pleasure I have had from reading the magazine, whilst celebrating the contribution that Tony Henthorn and his team regularly make to our local community. Tony has personally led production of the VT for 25 years now, a massive commitment not many people would undertake voluntarily.”

The film series, consisting of 3-4 episodes each roughly five minutes’ duration, will be an introduction to some of the local photographers who share their wonderful images and articles in the magazine, taking us to their favourite places around Tribland and surrounds, whilst talking a little

about themselves and their passion for photography.

The films also feature musical soundtracks specially composed and performed for us by talented young musician, Rohith Varadarajan, 13. Rohith attends The Peterborough School and aims to build a future career in music. He says, “I heard about the project through my English tutor, Anne Lees, who told me about her involvement and invited me to take part too. It was totally unexpected, but I was very happy to be asked.”

Rohith has been playing piano for eight years and says he listened to the musical accompaniments to nature documentaries to get an idea of what would sound right. “It took around two hours to compose the first piece, then 20-30 minutes for the others once I got used to the process.” He is considering moving to India eventually to become a Music Director as music is very varied there, and consequently provides greater scope with a larger audience. We are indebted to him for his contributions, we think he has done a fantastic job, and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you, Rohith!

Episode 1 features local photographer, Dave Radcliffe, who takes us on a circular walk from Deeping Gate along the south bank of the River Welland, to its confluence with Maxey Cut. Dave explains how he got started with photography, and how he pictures the images in his mind before he takes the shot. Watch the first episode here:

And look out for details of further episodes in future issues. We hope you enjoy them.

Episode one YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/HHyH-5u_J9o

COUNCIL CORNER

Bryan Cole, Newborough and borough Fen Parish Council

Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council

I hope you’ve all had a great Easter and enjoyed the break. We have now started the long journey towards pulling together a Neighbourhood Plan. I say “long journey” as typically this can take 2 to 3 years to pull together and get full approval. Over the next 12 months you can expect to see a stand seeking your views on how you see our community going forward and explaining just what a village plan is (and what it isn’t). The steering group is on a steep learning curve so we may not have all the answers straight away but will do our best to answer where we can. We will also be writing to each household and business seeking views that we aim to include in the final document. Once completed, you will all get to vote and agree (or not) with the Neighbourhood Plan, but all that is a long way down the road. It is important that you take every opportunity to give us your views.

You don’t need me to tell you that the condition of the roads in and out of both the village and wider

Borough Fen are atrocious. Not a week goes by where somebody doesn’t mention this to me, and I can only agree.

Upkeep of the roads is not costed for by the Parish Council, with this responsibility sitting with Peterborough City Council who hold the budget. We have 3 paid City Councillors who look after our interests in the City Council and we have raised this with them. As always, money/budget is an issue for the Council, but we will continue to put pressure on them to try and ensure our community is fully considered for the upkeep of the roads. I have never seen the roads in such a poor condition and fear we are getting to a point of cars being damaged and worse accidents, purely as a result of the poor state of the roads.

We continue to push for an improved bus service, especially now that the building of Roman Fields is nearing completion and seeking the possibility of utilising the service through the new estate. Again, this does

not sit with the Parish Council, so we have to look to the City Councillors to fight our corner.

As the weather gets warmer (okay, slightly warmer) the grass starts to grow more. I don’t want to be in the position we were in last year where our contractors let us down, so our Parish Clerk has already been in touch with the contractors regarding regular cutting. Fingers crossed when you get to read this you will have seen the grass being cut!

Bank holidays are like buses (but not in our village!) in that they all seem to come at once. The weather is also predictable for a bank holiday, in that it seems to deteriorate as the holidays arrive!

Here is hoping that for the King’s Coronation we have good weather on the 6th of May so all can make the most of planned events.

Newborough and Borough Fen have an ‘Afternoon Tea Party’ planned on the 7th May from 2pm-6pm in the Village Hall.

Chairman: Susie Lucas

01780 740 159 susie.hall34@gmail.com

Responsible for: Staffing/HR, Community, Allotments Association, PCC Liaison and Good Neighbours Scheme.

Councillor: Cliff Stanton

01780 749 123 cliffstanton@btinternet.com

Responsible for: Nature Recovery Plan project, Village assets and maintenance and website.

Councillor: Michael Perkins

07587 240 607 hawthornfarm@hotmail.com

Responsible for: Internal finances checker.

Councillor: Irene Walsh

07753 203 844 walshirene@yahoo.co.uk

Responsible for: Planning, Staffing/HR and Community Liaison and Road Safety.

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

Vacancy: Please see website/notice board when applying for this position.

BAINTON AND ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL

Newborough Public Houses

Hi everyone and welcome to part two of the series of articles about Newborough Pubs. Thanks to everyone who has said they enjoyed reading the first instalment of the series. As described in part one Newborough has had eight public houses and Inns in the parish since 1800. In part two we will have a look at two more pubs. This time we will concentrate upon the pubs and inns that have been along Thorney Road.

There were actually four but we covered the Bull Inn last time and I plan to include the Fitzwilliam Arms on Thorney Road next time. I first moved to Newborough in 1979. At the time I was working in Peakirk, so I would travel along Thorney Road at least twice a day. I remember on many occasions seeing two old gentlemen outside a house just past Werrington Bridge Road junction. They were well advanced in years yet, still farming with very old farm equipment. It was later that I was to know them as Matt and Fred Adams and the house they lived in was formally a public house.

The Royal Oak

Traditionally the name “Royal Oak refers back to the English Civil War.

The war did not end with the execution of Charles I, His son, also Charles continued fighting until his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. After he was defeated he eventually escaped to France. However, during his escape he was forced to hide, for the night, in an oak tree in Shropshire. Charles returned to England in 1660 as king. Many pubs were named Royal Oak in his honour following his exploits

in the oak tree. In addition there have been many Royal Navy ships named “Royal Oak”.

There are no records to indicate that The Royal Oak, on Thorney Road, was open before 1841. In fact the earliest mention of the pub being there is its entry into the Post Office Directory for Northamptonshire dated 1854. The publican at the time was George Morris. George was also a farmer. He ran the pub with his wife Mary until shortly after 1879 when Mary died. Between 1879 and 1930 there were five different landlords who ran the Royal Oak. In

Paul Cooper

Part 2

Royal Oak Pub: Picture taken in 2000 just before it was demolished

1930 it was John and Mary Adams who took up the role of publicans. John died soon after taking up the tenancy; Mary continued to run the pub after her husband’s death. Mary was to be the last person to hold the license there.

The picture on the left was taken in the early 1950’s. Mary Adams is the 2nd from the left

The Phillips Brewery Company, from Stamford owned the freehold of the Royal Oak until its eventual closure. In part one we looked at the rivalry between pubs, especially in the area regarding traditional pub sports. This is where the Royal Oak was different. Yes it did have the darts, dominos, skittles and other traditional sports but the pub also had its own cricket team. It was called the Newborough West End Cricket Club; its cricket pitch was in the field behind the pub. There was also a Newborough Cricket Club that was running at the same time. Going back to the two old gentlemen I mentioned at the beginning Fred and Matt were both members of the Newborough West End Cricket team in their younger days. The period I am talking about is just before the Second World War. Also a member of the team was a third brother; Cecil Adams. Cecil was the youngest of the brothers and extremely competitive. As their sister Rose explained to me; “If Cecil was given out it was always a poor decision by the umpire rather than anything he had done wrong”

Rose also explained that the cricket pitch was in the paddock behind the pub. On match days the cows had to be taken out of the field and their deposits cleaned up before play could commence. In early 1938 the chairman of The West End Cricket Club had a very narrow escape. On the 28th January at 9.30 in the morning Mr Cecil Wright was carting some poultry to Peterborough. Whilst travelling along Guntons Road, a tree weakened by the previous night’s storm, crashed down on his cart, landing between the cart and the horse. The cart was badly damaged but miraculously, despite being pinned to the ground, the horse escaped injury. At the outbreak of WW2, Cecil Adams joined the army and was posted to the 5th Green Howard’s and sent to France. His regiment was the part of the “rear guard”, fighting to allow others to escape. Cecil was one of the last to be evacuated from Dunkirk. He was then sent with his regiment to North Africa and ordered to defend Gazala. He was sent out on a patrol as the Germans attacked. That patrol probably saved his life as the Regiment was overrun and most of his colleagues killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Cecil’s luck ran out on 3rd September 1943 when he was killed shortly after landing during the invasion of Italy.

The Royal Oak finally closed its doors to its customers during 1958. Matt and Fred continued to live there and farm the small number of fields they had. The building stood, although by now it was falling into disrepair, until shortly after Matt Adams died in 1999. It has since been demolished and now the new house in its place is home to the Singh family.

The Red Cow (The Decoy)

Just a short distance away from the Royal Oak and on the junction of Werrington Bridge Road and Thorney Road was the Red Cow Pub. The pub is an older business than its close neighbour The Royal Oak.

It was open before 1841 when the census of that year identifies Robert Bailey as the landlord alongside his wife Elizabeth. The next records that identify the Red Cow is the 1861 census which now has John Dale in charge. As with most public houses in the Newborough area the Red Cow was a regular centre for auctions of both land and agricultural produce, with advertisements appearing locally on a regular basis informing of a pending auction. It was during the tenancy of John Dale that the first record of an inquest took place. On the night of Tuesday 13th December 1859 James Jackson, an agricultural labourer, had been drinking in the Red Cow. He left between 7pm and 8pm in quite a state of intoxication. He never made it home. The next day a young lad named Robert Bailey found James in a ditch face upwards. He was submerged in water and the water surface had frozen. It was recorded that he had fallen into the ditch and been too helpless to able to extract himself.

Red Cow Pub dated around early 1940’s

>> Jesse Monk was the next landlord from 1862. However, whilst he was the landlord the Red Cow became another centre for an auction. On Monday November 20th 1865 The Red Cow public house was the auction room to sell the Red Cow public house. The pub was described as; stone built with a slated and tiled roof, three rooms downstairs and a cellar, four chambers over, a skittle yard and garden.

during his work with the horses he was injured and sent home on leave. Whilst at home one evening he decided, (31st July 1915) to go swimming with his mates in the River Welland. Being a non-

to a social evening being held at the Decoy Pub in 1962. During his time at the Decoy and Red Cow, Ted built up quite a reputation for his wit and sarcastic, but good natured, insults to his regulars.

Flowers Brewery bought the freehold and Jesse continued to run the pub until mid-1880 when he moved to Lincolnshire. His position was filled by Robert Fisher who ran the pub until his death in 1898 aged just 48 years old.

During WW1 Edmund Browning was the landlord. This was to be the start of the Browning name over the door which would last until 1970’s when Edmunds son Edward (Ted) retired. It was during Edmunds reign as landlord that perhaps the saddest inquest was to be held at the Red Cow.

George Henry Beasley lived at Milking Nook prior to being called up for service during WW1. His eyesight was insufficient to allow him to serve on the front line. Instead he was assigned to a Remount Regiment (Working with horses, his civilian occupation)

swimmer George got into trouble in the deep water and drowned. The inquest was held at the Red Cow and the coroner, Mr WheatcroftBuckle, on 2nd August 1915, concluded that George’s death by drowning was accidental. Edmund Browning was listed as one of the jurors for the inquest.

Edward (Ted) Browning retired in late 1970’s he claimed in an article for the Real Ale magazine that since Ted had been serving behind the bar at the Red Cow it had seven different breweries. It was one of these breweries which changed the name from The Red Cow to The Decoy around 1960. An article in the Peterborough Standard refers

It truly was a pub for the locals. The Decoy remained a public house with a number of different landlords until the early 2010’s when it was bought privately and became a free house. Sandra Kabia was one of the last tenants before the pub closed its doors. However, this was not to be the end of the line. The pub reopened soon after as an Indian Restaurant. Unfortunately this venture only lasted a couple of years and the Decoy finally closed its doors as a hospitality venue in 2015. The building was sold a year later to become a private dwelling. The new owners have done the building justice and turned it into an impressive home.

In the next issue of the Tribune I will look to cover two more pubs. One of the projects I am working on at present is to build up an old photo collection from the village. It is an attempt to keep the memory of the old buildings and past residents alive for future generations. If you or your relatives have any old photos of the village or village life and you would be happy for me to copy and catalogue them then please get in touch. Preferably by email in the first instance: paulac5jun@gmail.com

Edmund Browning

Decoy Pub taken around 1960

Plans Submitted for New Sports Pavilion at Woodlands, Castor

The sports pavilion will provide dedicated changing facilities, a large community space for indoor exercise activity or meetings and a kitchen which can be used by local sports teams and the local community. This will be the first building for Nene Park Trust outside Ferry Meadows, with the ambition of improving the health and wellbeing of more people across the city.

The plans also include a yearround Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) on site which will offer users a place for sport and recreation in all weathers throughout the year.

The Trust has worked with local architects BBA and landscape architects Sheils Flynn to produce a scheme that will sit sensitively in the surrounding landscape, meet the needs of current users, enable a more diverse range of sports participation on site and provide the community with a

Nene Park Trust has now submitted plans to Peterborough City Council for a new sports pavilion and Multi Use Games Area on the Woodlands sports pitches in Castor.

welcoming and accessible space for meetings, classes and events.

The sports pitches are currently used by Thorpe Wood Rangers Football Club and Bretton and Bharat Cricket Clubs. The new proposed facilities will improve the experience for these clubs and many other users across the city and local community. Castor and Ailsworth Tennis Club are planning to join Woodlands and they have well developed plans to enhance the tennis sporting offer on the site, including five artificial grass courts with environmentally-friendly floodlighting, two pickleball courts and two padel tennis courts. The courts will be open to all.

Tony Buckingham, secretary of Bretton Cricket Club says: “When the proposed state-of-the-art clubhouse is built, Woodlands will once again become the flagship that all sports centres will look up to by providing sports and leisure

facilities that will be second to none, in a safe and picturesque environment.”

Jonathan Bigham from Cricket East says, “These facilities are so vital for the Peterborough sporting community in helping to bring people together and to help develop and enhance the excellent current provision that is currently offered at Woodlands.”

Andrew MacDermott, Deputy CEO of Nene Park Trust states that “Nene Park Trust is delighted to be one step closer to realising the vision at Woodland for local sporting clubs and communities. Securing the site in 2017 we were able to protect this valued green space to ensure long term sustainable activity on the site in line with our charitable objectives. The new building and Multi-Use Games Area will provide facilities for a diverse range of activity and sport enabling the Woodlands site to be fit for purpose today and in the future”

More information on these plans along with further images and FAQs can be found at: www.nenepark.org.uk/woodlands-sports-facilities

Anne Lloyd (nee Jakes) presented the 'Alec Jakes Cup' to the current secretary of Castor & Ailsworth Cricket Club, Josh Weaver, in memory of her father Alec Jakes.

Caster & Ailsworth Cricket Club

This took place on Sunday 2nd April 2023 at the Club Ground on Castor Recreation Field.

Alec would have been a 100 years old this year and his two daughters thought this would be an ideal time to present this award. His eldest daughter Lynne was unable to attend.

Alec joined the Cricket Club as a 13 year old in 1936 until his passing in 2003. He played for the club 38 years, mainly as a bowler but a hard hitting batsman late in the team order, usually wearing no batting gloves and certainly with no head helmet! They were not heard of in those days. He was the club secretary

for 30 years and was a member of numerous organisation in Castor and Ailsworth, including the Gardening Club and Parish Council.

With Alec being a prominent and fearful bowler, the award will be for the Cricket Club's 'Best Bowling Performance' of each season.

The John Clare Festival

The John Clare Society would like to invite the residents of Helpston and all the surrounding villages to join us for the annual Festival celebrating the life and work of Helpston’s famous poet, John Clare. This year marks the 230th anniversary of his birth on July 13th 1793. He died aged 70 in May 1864.

There will be all of the usual attractions, and not only is everyone welcome - Members and Non-Members alike, - but all of the events, except the Saturday evening concert, are free to attend

On Friday 14th July the children of The John Clare Primary School will once again come to St.Botolph’s Church in Helpston, bringing their Midsummer Cushions in class groups. Prizes for the annual Poetry Competition are then awarded for the top 3 in each age group. Parents, carers, family, friends and visitors are all welcome. The prize-giving for Torpel (year 6) and Buttercross (Reception/year 1) is at 1pm, Woodgate (years 1& 2) at 1.20pm, Broadwheel (years 3 & 4) at 1.40pm and Swaddywell (years 5 & 6) at 2pm.

The afternoon is free to enjoy local attractions, or go home to rest, ready for the evening entertainment. At 7pm there will be a Choral Evensong in St. Botolph’s, featuring the choir of All Saints’ Church, Northampton. To round off the day there is a folk evening in The Bluebell, Helpston, with entry any time between 7.30 and 10.30 pm.

Saturday 15th will, we hope, dawn bright and clear for the main day of festivities. There will be a Welcome Tent on the Green near the Monument, where you can buy Programmes to guide you through the day. These will also be on sale prior to the Festival in John Clare’s Cottage (open on Thursdays and Mondays) and in The Bluebell, or we may be able to arrange for one to be delivered to you, or posted for £3 (contact details below).

There will be so much to see and do, so please come along to enjoy the picnic area, lunches and teas in the Village Hall, book sellers, open gardens, Morris dancing, exhibitions, walks, talks and much more. Everyone is welcome.

To end the day there will be a concert in church by The Big Fiddle Band from 7pm until 8.15pm, for which tickets are £7. The weekend finishes with a Communion service in St. Botolph’s Church on Sunday 16th at 10.45 am, which is led by Rev’d. Gary Alderson.

For Programmes (available from June), Tickets or further information please contact Ann Marshall, Festival Organiser 01522 788656 or e-mail

annmarshall2@btinternet.com

Jackie Robinson

Helpston Local History Group

On Wednesday 16th March Helpston Local History Group welcomed members and visitors to St Botolph’s Church, Helpston, for a talk delivered by David Crayton DipFAA of John Lucas Funeral Directors.

What could have been quite an emotive subject – ‘A Wry Journey into Funeral History and Customs from Flowers to Falling Cows,’ was in fact an enjoyable and informative evening’s entertainment.

David spoke about some ancient customs and myths concerning burials and cremations and answered questions from the audience. He mentioned the Burying in Woollen Acts of 1666-80 which required the dead (with the exception of plague victims and the destitute) to be buried in pure English woollen shrouds rather than linen which at the time was mainly being imported from Europe. He described the use of triple coffins, for example, when

Pope Benedict was buried, he had three coffins made from different materials. The first coffin was made from cypress wood, to symbolise his humility, this was then placed inside a zinc coffin sealed closed and finally encased into a wooden casket.

He explained that coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are wide at the shoulders whilst caskets are rectangular in shape.

Our next meeting is a ‘members only’ event but do look out for our future ‘open meetings’ or better still come and join us. Membership is £12

per annum for single membership and £18 per annum for a couple in the same household.

We are still looking for artefacts and stories for our Home Front project. Please contact us (email address below) if you have anything you could contribute and a big thank you to those who already have.

There are new stories on the website – Thomas Dolby, The Helpston Blacksmith (an article by Stuart Tilney) and Collyweston Stone Slated Properties. The website really is very good – check it out!

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

Hero of Helpston - Jack the Jack Russell

Historically a Helpston Hellraiser - feared by postmen and Delaine buses! Lifetime Helpston resident and village celebrity.

Owners Clarice and Brian Rook of Woodland Lea both died in 2021 within a few weeks of each other. Clarice’s good friend Anna agreed to take Jack - he has always been part of the village so it’s lovely that he could stay here, with Anna taking him through his twilight years. We have all enjoyed seeing

2004-2023

them on their local walks together in recent years. Anna entered Jack into the gala dog show last year and the judge gave him a special 'Hero' award which delighted all the gala visitors, but in particular his devoted carer who has done a remarkable job looking after him.

Clarice and Jack spent hours walking or sitting around the village, especially on the seat opposite the shop and she loved taking him into the woods where he is now at rest. RIP dearest Jack

Helpston Parish Council

Housing Development Update

At the time of writing, the original 82 house proposal from BDW has not been revised and submitted to planning, we will inform everyone should this be reissued. In the meantime we have had closed discussions with the developer with a view to influence the next release and believe that it will contain fewer properties and more green space.

The second parcel of land has had an outline planning application made, to which the parish council and over 125 villagers have made objections to the City planning office. It is clear that the key issues of a lack of master plan, requirement for open green space, impact on the school and creating development in keeping with the village generate huge public feeling. We thank the Housing Action group for their energy in communicating the facts to the individuals who wish to be heard.

As a Parish Council we continue to lobby the city planners directly, to our local MP and other public bodies to ensure that the development that will happen is complimentary to the place in which we live.

Parking in the Village

With the increase in housing and use of the local amenities comes the impact of parking on local businesses and residents. We have been seeking solutions to these over the years and once again are trying to facilitate constructive dialogue with the City Highways

department to ensure that parking on key roads does not impact the ability for businesses to operate.

The Kings Coronation

The Parish Council is giving its full support to the Helcats for organizing a relaxed event in the village on Sunday 7th May. They will be publishing details, however this is a great opportunity for the village to come together in a very relaxed format to mark this significant event. We look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.

Helpstonbury

2023

– Our Village Celebration

The Parish Council are part of the facilitation committee for this milestone event in the Village calendar. Bringing together members of all our community organisations including the Church, School, the Helcats, Village Hall, Preschool, Scouts and Guides as well as generous sponsors, to supplement the funds that the Parish Council are investing in it. The Village Gala and all it’s stalls have been absorbed into what will be a huge celebration of the best of our community.

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 if you wish to explore

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: 07515 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 www.helpstonparishcouncil.org

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 above actions and initiatives. 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.

We are truly grateful to the people of the village for their continuing support of the matters that are affecting us all. As a Parish Council we strive to act in a formal capacity, but welcome and rely upon the momentum that comes with active community support.

Helpston Beerfest

25 March, Helpston Village Hall

Helpston Beerfest was back again, raising money for two local charities – Little Miracles and Friends of John Clare school.

Even with the mixed weather on the day, this did not stop the Beer drinking community coming from far and wide to sample one of the 12 ales available. The Beerfest is proud to champion local breweries from the local area (all within a 10-mile

radius). In addition to the beer, our Wobbleboard and Shuffleboard games proved a big success with our younger community.

Its fair to say that this year was the most successful so far, with total money raised amounting to £4600 (which includes fantastic match funding support from BGL Group Peterborough) . The great turn out and support from our sponsors

Nola Crowson, 90

Village life in Helpston has always been central to Nola Crowson, who celebrated her 90th birthday in April.

A birthday party was held at the Village Hall hosted by the ‘Knitter Natter’ Group, which was attended by many old friends. Joining Helpston WI in 1965, Nola held the offices of Press Secretary, Treasurer, President (twice), as well as being on the committee for many years. A first class organiser she was very involved with putting on the annual shows which were popular for many years and raised money for a Pensioners’ event. A busy mother of two, Stephen and Michael, grandmother to six and a great grandmother to seven, Nola has had, and continues to have, a full life.

She met her husband, George, through family links to Helpston where her grandma, and Aunt Em lived down the Golden Drop. She knew the village well from an early age of making visits here from her hometown of Northampton.

Joining St Botolph’s church choir at the time Rev Brian Blade came to be Rector of Etton with Helpston, she was a member until 15 months ago. She played a big part in raising funds for the church restoration project when the building needed

thousands of pounds to make urgent repairs. Still a regular churchgoer and firm Christian, Nola was confirmed at St John’s in Cathedral Square, Peterborough, along with Grace Murphy (nee Ingram), on a snowy December day in 1963.The pair are now close neighbours.

After her wedding to George in 1957 at All Saints’ Northampton (where John Clare used to sit in the porch when allowed out from the Asylum), the couple lived initially with his parents, later moving to 91 Glinton Road, where the boys were brought up and she remained until; moving to the Almshouses in 2015. After the death of her mother, she had her father, Walter Osborne to live who remained with the family for twenty years until his death. Thinking about changes to the village, Nola, of course well remembers the Arborfield Paper Mill, now a housing estate. Amazingly she was able at one time to take her baby in the pram on the train to Peterborough, catching the train from Helpston Station!

made this achievable, and we thank you all for your support.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped in the organising and running of this event, from the Beerfest committee – Hope to see you all next year!

Pictured left: A ‘royal’ wave from Nola Crowson of Helpston who got a nostalgic ride round the villages in Joe Dobson’s vintage Citroen prior as part of her 90th birthday celebrations in April.

Pictured right: After a trip around the villages in a vintage Citroen, Nola Crowson of Helpston had a big surprise. Her friends from the Knit & Natter’ Group and many other friends from the village gathered to help her celebrate her 90th birthday. They are pictured following a happy time of talking over old times and eating a lot of cake!

George was also well known in the village. Following an apprenticeship at Brotherhoods, and a spell doing National Service, he worked at the Mill and later at Perkins.

Now, at 90, Nola is reluctant to put her feet up. She keeps walking, and busy with her family. A member of the Helpston Belles and the Knitter Natter Group, she is a lady well loved and respected in her villlage who is still playing an active part. May she roll on to the 100!

A Personal ‘Thank You’

on Monday 20th March I had an unfortunate accident on our farm at Willowbrook in which I broke my lower leg while bedding up our cattle, a bail of straw disintegrated on me, the morning was torrential rain and my coat hood blocked my view from seeing it coming down on me.

I am writing this to say a huge thank you to all that helped me on that morning, Helen from the Helpston Plant Centre who lay in the wet straw while help arrived, Colin and Sam especially who helped secure the cattle preventing further injury to myself, the emergency services and the people initially helping me (and possibly saved my life from being trampled). Also, the MAGPAS crew, MAGPAS doctor, ground ambulance crew, air ambulance crew, paramedics, fire crew and heart - who all did a brilliant job in the farmyard conditions in making me comfortable in the cattle yard,

Peterborough Anglo-French Association

Jackie Robinson

It was heads down for a beetle drive for our March meeting.

Normally calm people were getting very animated when the beetle was near completion! The competitive element soon sets in.

Our next meetings include a fish and chip supper to loosely celebrate ‘Le poisson d’avril’April Fool’s day, a French food

and getting me to hospital, where the Edith Cavell emergency staff and surgeons took over my care. On Tuesday I underwent a 5-hour operation by a surgeon who ironically use to be a farmer, later training as a surgeon, to repair my leg. On Thursday afternoon I was discharged from ward B and have since remained at home recovering.

I would like to say a big thankyou to my partner Jo who has been doing a wonderful job looking after me and our puppy ollie as well as her work in the Granary, her staff

for helping her, my son James who has been looking after the farm with help of my daughter Grace who has also been working in the shop and café.

For a farmer with a business to run, life still has to go on around the farm, with cattle to tend and crops to sow. Thank you, also fellow farmers who quickly rang to offer any support, they could and our family, friends and staff for their well wishes

A big thankyou to all, Robin Morton Scotsman’s Lodge farm Willowbrook

experience and a summer (hopefully) walk and pub meal after.

In July our French friends from Bourges will visit us and it will be good to see them after 4 years of cancelled twinning visits. One of the events we are putting on is a display of Mia Hansson’s Bayeux Tapestry – if you have not heard of her she is on Facebook and her embroidery

is amazing. If you would like to see her tapestry and meet the French when they come over, you can email our Social Secretary for details; there will be a small charge, and we are having fish and chips after.

We are looking forward to getting our visits back on track and hope our friends will invite us back to Bourges next year.

Have great summer everyone.

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

Social Secretary Ann Elliott: ameuk@btinternet.com

The Amblers in Tribland

by Anne Lees

‘All the wild world is beautiful, and it matters but little where we go… So universally true is this, the spot where we chance to be always seems the best.’ So said John Muir (1838-1914), a Scottish-American naturalist, author and environmental philosopher. He had a lovely way with words and has hit the nail on the head: on none of our walks have we ever said, ‘Well, that was rubbish! We won’t come here again.’ On the contrary, we are always keen to repeat the experience at our earliest opportunity.

Like many of you, the Amblers are glad to see the back of winter and the bursting forth of Spring. We have encountered some very muddy walks over the last couple of months, but things are looking up now, with the beautiful yellows of celandine, daffodils, cowslips, dandelions and primroses to attract nectarseeking insects and butterflies; the blues of a sunny sky, grape hyacinths, periwinkle, bluebells and alkanet, and the wonderfully frothy blackthorn hedgerows and blossom trees. We have already seen our first brimstones, peacocks, small tortoiseshells and a comma, not to mention several busy bees – nature is alive once more and promises such riches in the countryside. Muir’s passion shines through his writing. He wrote, ‘In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks… Nature’s peace will flow into you, as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves’. I think we would have enjoyed a walk in his dynamic company!

We had a splendid morning in Bainton recently, drinking in the delights of St Mary’s churchyard: as Spring arrives, the ground is carpeted with pretty primroses, celandine, purple, white and apricot violets and delicate blue scilla flowers. We also discovered a newto-us flower there: yellow Nonea. Despite the cold temperatures, we were fortunate to have sunshine for our visit – which allowed us to witness the sundial stone in action –and we then extended our walk into the countryside, beside fields to the north, until the cold wind drove us back.

Sunshine featured on our Good Friday walk too, encouraging us to take our time to appreciate the beauty around us. We started from Paradise Lane in Northborough, headed east along Maxey Cut (crossing Deepings Road halfway), then north towards the Welland River and part way along the Deeping Low Locks footpath until we reached the second metal gate and headed west, back to Northborough where there were views stretching for miles beside fields of gold. (Not everyone

welcomes the return of the rape crop, but it does make a spectacular sight in Spring, and the flowers are beautiful.) Along the journey we paused on the Cut bank to watch a heron stalking – and succeeding in catching – its prey before taking off in graceful flight. We saw swathes of red deadnettles on the bank, glowing brightly in the sun. The blackthorn bushes covered in frothy blossom looked like clouds fallen from the sky. The Welland’s banks

were covered in celandine, and a bold clump of marsh marigolds blazed at the river’s edge. The chiffchaffs were singing, as well as a skylark, and a pair of kestrels perched on the owl nesting box, allowing us to get quite close before they flew away. The azure sky was dotted with cotton-wool clouds, the sun shone brightly, and we had a taste of things to come: a joyful reminder of brighter, warmer days ahead. We cannot wait!

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 around 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.

These popular dishes are cooked using just one heavy casserole or large frying pan and combine the flavours of good quality ingredients with a slow cook in sauces or natural juices. This is of course easy for you busy chefs at home to produce great plates of food for family and friends to enjoy.

The dish this issue is coming from an area of western France around Montauban, just north

Poulet

 Heat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.

 Add a good knob of butter and 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and, when butter melts, add chicken in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until golden brown in places but not cooked through, about 5 minutes.

 Transfer to a plate.

 Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, and thyme to skillet; cook until fragrant, 10 seconds.

 Stir in stock and soft cheese; cook until mixture boils and cheese melts.

 Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.

 Stir in artichokes; cook 1 minute more.

 Return chicken and accumulated juices; sliced pepper and lemon slices to skillet.

 Simmer, shaking pan occasionally, until sauce is reduced and thickened slightly and chicken is just cooked through, about 5/8 minutes.

 Remove from heat and sprinkle grated cheese and rosemary to serve.

 Voila! At CP we accompany this dish with sauteed potatoes and microwaved (2 mins) broccoli spears wrapped in Parma ham. A recommended wine choice will be a lightlychilled chardonnay.

Easy to prep and finish, it should go down very well with your guests.

For this time of year at CP we are still preparing the winter dishes for our guests and often using what we call our ‘One Pan’ menu. It is very simple choices for diners and easier for us back of house, as most can be prepped ahead.

of the city of Toulouse. I think the Spanish influence affects this recipe beautifully with the introduction of lemon, artichokes and peppers and I have eaten many times this type of chicken in the region over the years in France and have it on our menu here for along time too. My grand-père told me that in the early 1960’s his restaurant was visited by the President of France Charles de Gaulle and his wife Yvonne (famous for trying to outlaw miniskirts in France) and that he had specifically asked for this dish, recommended to him by a regular patron Georges Pompidou.

So, easy to prep and finish, it should go down very well with your guests as indeed it does with ours here. Ok, sauteed chicken thighs cook fast, and soft cheese provides a little richness with less fat than heavy cream.

For Four:

 12 Good Sized Boneless Chicken Thighs

 Salt and Pepper to Season

 Plain Flour for Dusting

 2tbsp Olive Oil

 Butter

 3 Minced Garlic Cloves

 1tbsp Fresh Thyme

 1½ Cups of Chicken Stock

 3oz Soft Cheese

 10oz Spinach

 1 Tin Artichokes Hearts (Halved)

 ½ a Thinly Sliced Red Pepper

 ½ Thinly Sliced Lemon

 2oz Grated Parmesan

 Rosemary Sprigs to Finish

Montauban from the kitchen of

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COUNCIL CORNER

PEAKIRK

www.peakirkvillage.co.uk

Henry Clark, Parish Council Chairman

Speeding Traffic

We continue to do Speedwatch around the village. Every time, there are a significant proportion of motorists who are exceeding the reporting threshold of 35 mi/hr. Their registration numbers are given to the police who will follow them up.

The speed indicating sign on St Pegas Rd near the Sanderlings continues to record vehicle speeds leaving and entering the village. I am sorry to say that the excessive speed record has been broken again with a speed of 89 mi/ hr leaving the village on a Thursday afternoon in May. If caught by the police, a speed in excess of 51 mi/hr in a 30 limit can result in a disqualification from driving.

Best Kept Village Sign

We have decided that the 1993 Best Kept Village sign near the Monument is well past its best by date and should be replaced. Does anybody have a suggestion what we should replace it with?

Archaeology

PAST will be digging some more test pits on the Village Green later this year. The objective of these pits is to find the edges of the Car Dyke. Previous geotechnical surveys have given a fair idea of the path of Car Dyke but further investigation is needed to locate it more precisely. More details of the dates will be published later and everyone is encouraged to come and have a look and even help with the excavation.

Allotments

We have several new tenants on the allotments made possible by retirements and sub division of plots. Please make them welcome if you see them toiling on their plots.

Four of the six fruit trees are looking healthy after last summer’s drought. The two Lord Burghley apple trees are not showing much sign of life but may yet improve.

VARIOUS EVENTS ARE BEING PLANNED FOR THE CORONATION WEEKEND:

Sunday 7 May: Church service (11am), Church bell ringing (12pm), A loyal Toast led by Derek Harris (12:15pm), Picnic on the Village Green, Games (1pm) including tug of war, sack race, three legged race, wheelbarrow race, hook a duck, cake stall for charity, biscuit decorating, treasure trail and face painting.

Monday 8 May: Meet on Village Green for Litter picking, Church cleaning and Village Hall window cleaning (11am).

We have removed the turf from the area around the fruit trees and are going to plant suitable pollinator-friendly plants.

Annual Parish Meeting

The annual parish meeting will be held on 15 May. Organisations that are active in the parish will give reports on their activities. It is also an opportunity for you to have your say about the parish and help shape its evolution.

Details of events will be posted on the notice board by the Village Hall, on the website: www.peakirkvillage.co.uk and on the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/peakirkvillage/

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

Princebuild join Peterborough group ‘Helping Our Ukrainian Friends’ traveling to the Ukrainian border to deliver food, medicines and Easter boxes

Recently, four vans set off for the Ukrainian border full of food, medicine, camping stoves and approx. 1,000 Easter boxes to be distributed to refugee communities in Poland and front-line communities in Ukraine, including villages near Bakhmut, Lyman and Sumy.

Two of the vans were driven by Princebuild Directors Mark and Dale Asplin who supplied three of their company vans to make the journey.

Princebuild have raised almost £20,000 and collected the Easter Boxes through their network of suppliers, staff and sub-contractors. This is a welcome boost to the trip which is the 8th delivery that the Peterborough group ‘Helping Our Ukrainian Friends’ have made.

The group have been generously supported by a long list of local companies, organisations and individuals and in total have raised close to £150,000 which has been used to purchase essential goods and food including:

 37 generators for use by churches, schools, orphanages, charities and cafes across Ukraine

 Two tonnes of general medical supplies, such as bandages, sutures, surgical gowns and gloves to the Kyiv Heart Institute

 Specialist medical equipment for the Kyiv Heart Institute, particularly 15 heart valves and over 600 sutures for use in heart surgery

 Head torches, power packs and hi-vis ribbons to help a charity for the deaf in Odesa

 Supporting 160 Ukrainian refugee children to attend a residential summer camp in Poland, providing them with much needed respite and a

They have also delivered around 20 tonnes of donated food and 600 gift boxes which were given to children at Christmas.

range of activities with children their own age (two members of the UK team also attended this camp and worked as volunteers)

 Supporting 90 Ukrainian refugee children to attend week-long day camps in Gliwice, Poland

 Supporting financially three individual families of refugees in the first days of the war to establish their families in Poland.

They have also delivered around 20 tonnes of donated food and 600 gift boxes which were given to children at Christmas.

Richard Astle, spokesperson for Helping Our Ukrainian Friends said; “The people of Ukraine need our help now more than ever. They are the victims of a brutal invasion and it matters to all of us that they should succeed in repelling violence and regaining their homes. I am constantly told that for many of the people we have helped, it is the fact that we are supporting them at all that matters. It demonstrates that they are not alone or forgotten. Every time we go to Poland or Ukraine, we are struck by how much help is needed and want to do more. Their stories and their bravery inspire us all.”

Mark Asplin, Director of Princebuild also commented; “Last year we made our own collection of goods and made a donation to the DEC, we also assisted with the purchase of two generators, however we really wanted to do more. With the opportunity to work with Helping Our Ukrainian Friends and also the chance to travel to the border and meet some of the people we are working to help, we really feel like we are making a difference.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response to our fundraising and Easter Box collection and we have far surpassed our initial targets. We are so pleased to be able to support the group in this way and myself and Dale really looked forward to making the trip.”

The donations were delivered to the town of Gliwice in Poland. From there two members of the Helping Our Ukrainian Friends team drove as part of a convoy of Polish lorries across the border to the town of Rivne. From there Ukrainian teams distributed the supplies to communities on the front line.

Thank you again for all your help and support! It is much appreciated!

The Helping Our Ukrainian Friends project was set up immediately after the Russian invasion and made its first delivery of medical supplies to the Kyiv Heart Institute in March 2022. More details can be found on its Facebook page - www.facebook.com/HelpingUkrainesSurgeons

Videos can be found on the group’s YouTube site https://bit.ly/HelpingOurUkrainianFriends this link shows the supplies being delivered to these communities.

This issue we are pleased to be able quiz former Mayoress of the City Cllr Judy Fox, one half of the formidable Foxes team with her husband John.

Both Peterborough First City Councillors, for nearly 20 years they’ve supported the residents of their Werrington ward. Latterly they are also both active members of their home Parish Council in Newborough.

So, Judy, what brought you to Tribland?

I moved from the City to Northborough and lived there for 17yrs until I moved to Newborough some 30 years ago. John and I have loved living here ever since. We both love the location as it is a rural setting but close enough to the city to enjoy what that offers.

Where were you born and raised?

Mayors Walk, Westwood with my Nan, Grandad, Mum & Dad, eventually moving to Jubilee Street in Woodston, then to Sycamore Avenue in Dogsthorpe, before settling down in Northborough.

What did you do as a career?

I left school at 1963 at the age of 15, starting work as a clerk at Baker Perkins, Westwood Road, leaving in 1980 to have my daughter, Rachel. I returned to work as a receptionist about 15 years later at APV Baker, (formally Baker Perkins), in Manor Drive, Gunthorpe, retiring in 2017.

Being elected as a city councillor was a great highlight of my life but when I had the honour of becoming the Mayoress alongside John as the Mayor of Peterborough it was such a super time working together to generate an amazing amount of money for our chosen charities.

What makes you angry or sad?

Vandalism and wilful destruction of both private and public property. There’s no logic to this mindless, seemingly ongoing behaviour and it really upsets me to witness the resultant damage.

What makes you happy?

Looking after my twin Grandsons Archie & Finley, who are my pride and joy and always bring a smile to my face when I see them. Also spending time with all my family and friends when we get together.

Being elected 19yrs ago as a councillor for Werrington has over the years brought me huge satisfaction and pride in representing residents who have placed their trust in John and me. Similarly, we are now both Parish Councillors in Newborough, working alongside a dedicated team trying to make a difference within the area we live.

Most famous person you've met?

I’ve met several famous 60’s pop groups playing at the Gaiety Club in Ramsey, including The Hollies, Lulu, Herman Hermits and The Animals. It was a great venue back then and so exciting to be there with my friends.

Hobbies?

I enjoy reading mostly, my favourite writer is Danielle Steele. I still enjoy gardening in my downtime but try to avoid the heavy stuff nowadays.

Most treasured item you've owned?

My wedding ring, it means the world to me.

Favourite film?

I love Pretty Woman without a shadow of a doubt, and I recently visited London’s Savoy Theatre to see the stage show, which was fantastic.

Favourite music?

Mostly music from the ’60s. It’s a big part of my early life and has pretty much stayed with me as I’ve grown older. I think it’s a sound that will never die, even the younger generation enjoy listening to it.

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By Dr Avril Lumley Prior

The Demise of the de la Mares:

Devious Deeds in Medieval Northborough

Galdfrid or Geoffrey de la Mare IV (died 1327) had a truly illustrious pedigree. His ancestor, Ralph, had fought alongside William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings, in 1066, under the banner of Turold de Fécamp, a military monk. When William bestowed Peterborough Abbey upon Turold, in 1069, the abbot gave Ralph the manors of Northborough and Woodcroft and half of both Maxey and Thurlby [Lincolnshire], in exchange for 40 days’ annual military service of three knights for the king’s army in times of war.

In 1085, Ralph was appointed constable in charge of the Peterborough knights, whose duty was to lead them into battle. This entitled him to lodge at the abbey indefinitely, with a retinue of three squires, six grooms, six

horses and two greyhounds and be supplied with ‘bread, wine, beer, meat, fish, hay, oats, and all other necessities, and two robes from the abbot’s wardrobe’. Ralph was also allowed to take timber from Peakirk Wood for

fuel and for repairs to his manor houses at Maxey, Woodcroft and Northborough. Moreover (albeit in exchange for his destrier, his accoutrements of warfare and a third of his worldly goods), he would be buried with full military continued overleaf >>

Norman knights of Ralph de la Mare’s ilk in action at Hastings (Bayeux Tapestry)

>> honours within the Lady Chapel at Peterborough Abbey (virtually at God’s right hand) and perpetual Masses said for his soul. The constableship of Peterborough Abbey was jealously guarded by the de la Mares, passing through eight generations, namely: Ralph II (1130), Geoffrey I (1146), Hugh (1170), Geoffrey II (1190), Brian (1212), Geoffrey III (1226), Peter (1268) , Peter II (1272) and, debatably, Peter’s brother, Geoffrey IV (1282). However, from the twelfth century onwards, it seems that the de la Mares preferred to pay an annual ‘scutage’ fine, which exempted them from military service. The money went to fund mercenaries to fight for the king on their behalf.

In 1272, the de la Mares suffered a major downturn in their fortunes. Peter II and his neighbour, Joanna Wake of Deeping, were summoned to Edward I’s court for running a clandestine fishery on the Welland, near Walderam Hall, Northborough, for twenty years without paying any rent to the abbey. To receive a pardon and avoid his estates being seized as retribution, Peter ‘volunteered’ to join the king’s Welsh campaigns and was drowned crossing the Menai Straits, in 1282. His younger brother, Geoffrey IV, automatically inherited his lands, but apparently not the constableship. Geoffrey pursued Abbot Richard de London (127495) for what he regarded to be his hereditary right, but eventually was persuaded to relinquish his claim in return for ‘sixty marks sterling’ [roughly £40], paltry compensation considering the perks that he had lost!

Nevertheless, Geoffrey IV was determined to leave his mark on

the landscape. In 1294, he purchased a charter from Edward I, permitting him to hold a weekly Wednesday market and an annual three-day fair at Northborough from 14-16 August. The events proved so popular that they deflected business away from the town of Peterborough, leading to complaints from the abbot, Geoffrey de Crowland (1299-1321), who was seriously strapped for cash because of his own ambitious building projects. He petitioned the king and, subsequently, the Northborough market and fairs ceased in 1301.

name is not recorded (quite usual for these times), produced two sons, Geoffrey and Brian, both of whom predeceased their father, and two daughters, Joan and Mabel. Joan married Ralph de Cromwell, whilst Mabel wed John de Folville, whose six younger brothers formed the notorious Folville Gang of highwaymen and terrorised Leicestershire and beyond. Outlaws rather than wellconnected in-laws!

Undeterred, Geoffrey IV built himself a mortuary chapel at St Andrew’s church, Northborough, and upgraded his manor house, strategically positioned next to the old road to Lincoln. He erected a fine, single-storeyed great hall flanked by private apartments to the east (now lost) and a kitchen, pantry and parlour to the west. Entry was through an impressive gatehouse. In an age when wattle-and-daub dwellings were the norm, who could fail but to be impressed by such splendid edifice – or marvel at how Sir Geoffrey could afford it!

Despite his perceived wealth, the thrice-married Geoffrey’s personal life was far from idyllic. His first marriage, to a lady whose

When his wife died, Geoffrey took a younger bride (possibly Margaret but we can’t be sure). She bore him a daughter, Maud, who eventually married Hugh de Cressy. Later, Geoffrey discovered that his second wife had been secretly betrothed to and had ‘carnal knowledge’ of Geoffrey junior, so Geoffrey IV divorced her. Fast approaching 70 with his sons (Geoffrey and Brian) having died without issue, Geoffrey IV procured a third wife, Cecily de Gerberge, with the prime objective of fathering a male heir. Cecily swiftly fulfilled her obligations only for Geoffrey to die soon afterwards, in 1327.

Sensing trouble, she fled to the sanctuary of Peterborough Abbey, where Geoffrey V was born. He became the ward of Abbot Adam of Boothby (1321-38) until he was old enough to manage his own affairs, whilst Cecily was

The de la Mare (later Claypole) Chapel, Northborough Church

Northborough Manor today, with its 17th-century wings and upper floors

given the manor of Thurlby as her dower (widow’s retreat). A month later, young Geoffrey was abducted by Sir John Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex, on the grounds that his father had owed him ‘knight’s services’ in lieu of rent for the lands that he held from him. Despite Abbot Adam paying 100 marks [approx.£60] ransom, Bohun refused to release the infant, until King Edward III intervened on his behalf.

Meanwhile, Geoffrey V’s halfsisters (Joan, Mabel and Maud) and their powerful husbands were furious that his birth had robbed them of their share of the de la Mare estates. So, they claimed that Maud’s mother was far too mentally deranged to have agreed to a divorce from Geoffrey IV. Therefore, their father and Cecily could not have been legally married, resulting in Geoffrey V being born out of wedlock with no right of inheritance.

After much ado, during which Thurlby was seized by Hugh de Cressy, the matter was finally settled at Edward III’s court in Westminster, in 1345. The half-sisters and their surviving spouses were ‘ordered to desist’, Geoffrey’s estates were restored and Cecily was re-instated at Thurlby, in exchange for 200 marks. Just to be on the safe side, Geoffrey, still considered a minor, was hastily married to an anonymous daughter of Geoffrey le Scroope, Chief Justice of the King’s Bench!

Once in control, it appears that Geoffrey V commissioned two life-size effigies of his parents, with Geoffrey IV attired as the King’s Forester for Kesteven, another hereditary role. His mother, Cecily, is portrayed as pregnant, her hands resting on her swollen stomach. The monuments have

reposed in at least three different locations, including the de la Mare chapel in Northborough church, before they were relegated to Glinton churchyard, where they suffered from exposure to the elements. They now stand to attention in St Benedict’s porch.

Geoffrey arrived well prepared, clutching a ‘receipt of payment’, purportedly signed by Bishop Roger, who promptly denounced it as a forgery. Consequently, Geoffrey was outlawed and all his assets seized, including his manors at Northborough, Woodcroft, Maxey and Thurlby.

The grave-slabs were evicted from Northborough either when John Claypole (Oliver Cromwell’s fatherin-law) requisitioned the chapel for his own family, or when Geoffrey V fell from grace. For, in 1351, he defaulted on the repayment of the 100 marks that he had borrowed from his distant cousin, Roger de Northborough, Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, and was summoned to King Edward’s Court to give an explanation.

Geoffrey V died, c. 1373, impoverished. There was no lavish funeral or burial next to his kinfolk in Peterborough Abbey for him or even a place at Northborough next to his father. His once proud dynasty, that could trace its roots back to before the Norman Conquest, had been brought to its knees within three generations by avarice, extravagance, hunger for power, sheer dishonesty and a sense of entitlement. Have times really changed that much?

Cecily’s effigy, Glinton church

Geoffrey IV’s effigy, Glinton church

DIARY FARMING Rosemary’s

The cereal crops (corn) along with winter beans, grassland, trees and hedges are all benefitting from warmer weather. The gardens are coming back to life, but there are a few plants/ shrubs which don’t appear to have survived the exceptional low temperatures that occurred before and after Christmas.

The usual winter/ early spring jobs have gone ahead with some sowings of cereals very early, but ground conditions were ideal which is the important window in farming with such extreme weather patterns are almost becoming normal as this year we are into the second quarter with very little opportunity to cultivate and sow, we are now in a late planting situation with no prospects of the wet weather relenting. What we don’t need is a very hot, prolonged summer without some rain. The late sowings won’t have the root structure which is vital for the plants not only to survive, but will also affect the yield and quality of that crop. With lack of grass for the livestock sector, gardens, in fact the very survival of everything living, but we are where we are, and as usual we just have to get on with it and do the best we can, the weather has the last say. For those of us who planted very early – most farmers were able

to, it now seems to have been the right decision.

The agricultural sector has, and is coming up with some very advanced technology, with different varieties of cereals having more tolerance to the hot summers which can survive in very hot and dry situations and can also handle much later sowings. More advanced machinery, again with the environment also in mind, cutting the carbon omissions we are living in a very changeable time which farmers are embracing and once we have all got our heads around it I feel it’s very exciting. Having been brought up with traditional ways, I for one was sceptical about change, as many farmers are, but I can now see the advantages of these opportunities which are at our disposal to embrace and implement and I hope it is proven to be the right decision – only time will tell if this giant step forward has worked.

Our open farm Sunday was so popular, I was asked when the next one would be. This year will be bigger, with the emphasis on Farming through the ages helping farming and education reconnect communities with better understanding of where and how their food on the table comes from and also how to enjoy and be safe in the countryside

– it is of course a living and working environment. We will be celebrating the environment with ‘Rural’ and ‘Local’ at the centre of this with crafts like dry stone walling, weaving, leather work, pottery and wood carving to name but a few. There will be the educational trailer rides around the farm which were so popular last year, along with the display of tractors. We will also have some Dales ponies here on the day, this rare breed were a pivotal part of farming in days gone by. So make a note in your diary – Sunday 21 May, let’s hope the weather behaves itself with everyone enjoying a lovely day. We are still in the process of tying up a few loose ends but anticipate that entry will be free, with collecting boxes for donations to MAGPAS (air ambulance) who do a fantastic job – we were in that unfortunate position one Monday morning recently where my son Robin was in need of their help. Therefore it is his, and the family’s wishes that all proceeds on the day go to this charity.

With March turning out to be quite an eventful month, the wettest since records began, Robin out of action and all family and staff stepping up to cover. The weather might be more helpful this next week, let’s hope it does improve. The gardens are again in full bloom with bulbs and other plants and shrubs brightening up the days after a very long and dreary winter. I am sure we all find it all very uplifting, I certainly do.

As I begin these diary notes (end of March) it seems to have been a long time coming, but gradually the whole transformation of the countryside is looking spring like which is more normal for this time of year.

Northborough School

Many thanks to all the staff who have worked really hard to organise these events which add so positively to the children’s experience at school.

We had some amazing experiences in our science week which included visits from Richard from Anglia Water who spent the day teaching Year 4 and Year 6 about the important work that Anglia Water do to provide clean water; Year 1 and 2 had a visit from Mr Raavji and the paramedics from the Air Ambulance; Foundation had a visit from Hannah, a veterinary nurse from Animates; Year 3 had a visit from Paul from Bug’s Life and Year 5

had a fab lesson with Mrs Bryant, a science teacher from AMVC. Every class experienced a fab planetarium session in the Wonderdome. Many thanks to all our providers – we were inspired by you all! Any visitor to school has commented on the positive atmosphere in the school, how hard the children are working and how eloquently the children discuss their learning. One of our governors, Lyndsey Taylor said: “I had a very positive visit to observe mathematics being taught within school. From early years throughout the school children were welcoming, polite and showed

fantastic engagement with their work. Classrooms were calm and I observed a mix of both independent and collaborative working. The children were willing to share their knowledge and methodology relating to the task in hand, demonstrating a solid understanding.”

We are delighted that we now have a new PTFA team who have become fabulously involved in school life. We have loved resurrecting old traditions such as the Egg Hunt, which was made even more fun with the incentive of the chocolate eggs provided by them. A big thank you to you all.

We are very busy as always at Northborough School, however, in our experience, the special events and curriculum enrichment days are what inspire children and what they remember!

Sport Stars!

Helpston Playhouse are helping to promote a love of movement and activity for early years children.

Every Wednesday Helpston Playhouse welcomes a very popular visitor. Richard from Roar Stars introduces our preschool children to many fun games and activities that all involve getting physical and moving their bodies. The children absolutely love these sessions and here’s Richard to explain why….

What exactly is Roar Stars?

Roar Stars is an early years and primary sports provider. We aim to give children a fun and exciting introduction to the world of sports and physical activity. Our cross curricular style of delivery ensures that we focus on the key areas of child development whilst always engaging the children in an exciting environment.

What skills does it teach and why should children do it?

Our programme aims to give children the best opportunity to develop a love for physical activity through exciting learning opportunities. The children cover a range of activities which support their physical, mental and social development. This is delivered mainly through the medium of football and activities that include throwing and catching, passing, shooting, movement, balance, coordination, and team games, as

well as using their imagination to enhance their learning journey!

What age is it suitable for?

We run sessions for children from 18 months up to 11 years in a range of formats and settings. Our programme is also widely delivered in local SEND settings. We also deliver a very popular Holiday Sports Camp for a couple of days each half term suitable for primary school aged children. Can you give an example of an activity that parents could try with their toddler or preschooler at home?

At Roar Stars, we love nothing more than basing our sessions on one of our favourite stories. One of the best has to be We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Using this story, we go on an adventure. Try a bear hunt of your own by laying tea towels on the grass to be your squelchy puddles, or how about creating some long, swishy grass using

anything you have to run in and out of? Get creative and have fun!

What feedback do you get from the children who take part?

Children have been loving coming to our sessions over the past nine years and we can confidently say Roar Stars has sparked their love of sport and physical activity for years to come! Our programme does not aim to create only footballers, but simply harness that love for being active.

Have you seen a rise in young girls wanting to play football?

The success of the Lionesses is definitely having its ripple effect and we love to see girls coming to take part in our programme. Locally, we’ve seen more girls’ teams starting and we are proud that Roar Stars can be the beginning of their sporting journey.

For information about Roar Stars visit www.roarstars.co.uk

For more information about Helpston Playhouse contact us: 01733 253 243 | www.helpstonplayhouse.org.uk

Being out in Kenya again in February was wonderful. Seeing all the pupils and staff at Miche Bora school looking so happy reminds me why Mustard Seed Project is so important. The economy in Kenya is suffering badly and government increases in income tax, health and pension payments, has swallowed up much of our teachers’ recent pay rise.

Mustard Seed Project Update

Staff tell me people go to the shop to buy food but come home with very little as prices have rocketed, so the MSP feeding programme is even more necessary for our youngsters. School for our pupils means so much more than

learning: it is a place where they are cared for in every sense. As usual, I had a list of tasks to do during my stay, ably supported in school by UK trustee Charlie. Like me, she has teaching experience and

is invaluable as an observer and mentor in the classrooms, giving feedback on lessons and offering support. She finally managed to set up our appraisal system and everyone was given time to either be the appraiser or appraisee during one of the

two training days we undertook. Our teachers recognise that they have a ‘dream’ job – with smaller classes and better resources – and are keen to show their appreciation, taking everything on board and giving of their best. The parents also recognise this, and our parents’ meeting was at maximum capacity, as usual, to show their gratitude.

Another of the jobs I had to do was to meet with an engineer dealing with the ‘snagging’ work

and of course his skill at building relationships with everyone he met was so important.

One of the highlights this time was being visited by former pupils who started with us as three-year-olds and have just completed their final year at secondary school. One such is James – pictured here with Charlie, who worked with him on her first visit as a (then) volunteer. James returned to share his success, express his

and who had not previously been to school. In truth, his class at our school was full, but I could not turn him away. Ironically, if I had been in the UK I would have said categorically they he could not come (which was probably the right decision) however my heart won over and then I saw the excitement erupting from him when I said he could come and…

It is always a pleasure to see the Kenyan Trustees on these occasions (pictured here with

in the newly erected building. It turned out that he had known my late husband (and co-founder of MSP), Geoff, for a long time and had been very fond of him; it is delightful for me to see just how much respect and love the Kenyan people had for Geoff,

thanks, and consider his future. He and Patience want to go into hospitality and I managed to arrange for them to meet with HR at the hotel we stay in, and we are all hoping they will be offered work experience there.

I was delighted to be able to meet in person with a desperate mother to give her good news: a UK donor wanted to donate £100 to 10 needy people. The woman’s husband had abandoned her a month before, with no warning. She has four children and is determined that they will all finish school – unlike herself, who had to leave after two years of secondary school. However, she is clearly a very bright and enterprising woman, as she has set up an order-andcollect catering business using WhatsApp. She was overcome with emotion when she heard the news.

As a result of one of these meetings I offered a place to a six-year-old boy whose mother had no money for his education,

me after one of our meetings). They are so supportive, and I couldn’t manage without them. They understand how things work in Kenya and have been invaluable when dealing with the authorities for various reasons. Their government recently decided that secondary school education should start at age 12, rather than 14 years, which means that some of our pupils would have to leave us and find a new school where they would be taught in class sizes of 100 pupils (ours are 30). We applied to become a Junior Secondary school but were turned down because we had no land for a playground amongst other reasons. A good friend we have made out there – head of a large secondary school – arranged for another inspection and we wait to hear the result. I would not have tried so hard to get the decision reversed if it were not for the fact that our parents were devastated that their children would have to leave Miche Bora two years early so we wait to hear the result.

Wildlife Gardening

Do you want to get into wildlife gardening? Not sure how to progress beyond pollinator-friendly flowers and feeding the birds and hedgehogs?

Maybe you are a little put off by the thought that a “proper” wildlife garden is scruffy and uninteresting? Well, it doesn't have to be. It's true that nature isn't too keen on tidiness, but there is a lot you can do by making just a few changes and still have a pretty garden. Every type of creature needs space to feed, breed and rest, from the tiny invertebrates found in soil, to the more charismatic type of animal like foxes and birds - and everything in nature is used by something. Invertebrates known as detrivores eat rotting vegetation and other waste matter. Larger invertebrates, birds, small mammals and amphibians eat the detrivores and other insects.

Larger mammals and birds eat the smaller ones. In return, populations are controlled, seeds are spread, flowers are pollinated, flower, fruit, and eventually die and rot, and dung and guano is produced by the mammals and birds, all of which feeds the detrivores and fertilises the plants. It's a beautiful balancing act which we humans are busy unbalancing. But as gardeners we can really make a difference. Here are a few small but important changes you can make:

• Provide a water source. If it can be a small pond, you'll also be providing breeding space for frogs, newts, toads etc.

• Make space for trees and hedges. They are just so valuable

Judy Staines

to nature that I haven't space to name the ways in which they help. Suffice it to say that an Oak tree supports a massive 2,300 species of wildlife! And the important thing is that trees actually become more valuable as they age and begin to decay. Hedges provide nesting and roosting space for birds, and should not be cut between March and the end of August unless you are absolutely sure there are no nests.

• This brings me neatly to dead wood. If you can find space in your garden for a little log pile you can offer a resting and breeding space for countless animals from invertebrates to amphibians, and even the odd wren or robin.

for Beginners

Ferns look particularly good planted nearby and help to give more cover. Dead leaves and dead flower stalks are an under-rated resource for wildlife: many types of beneficial insects overwinter inside them, for instance tiny bees and ladybirds. Try to leave them in place until the weather has been consistently above 10 degrees C for at least a week, and if you must cut and tidy before that keep them in the garden, stacked out of sight in a corner. Leaves?

• Leave them where they are for the earthworms to drag underground where they will fertilise and aerate your soil. Don't want them on the lawn? Pop them on the compost heap, or stuff them loosely into jute leaf sacks and lay them singly onto the earth at the back of the border.

• Compost heaps, by the way, are also havens for wildlife. A good compost heap will provide food and breeding site for many invertebrates

and the occasional amphibian or grass snake. Try not to turn it, but let them all be until it's all rotted down.

• Now for the grass and the flowers. The lawn can be a wonderful wildlife resource if you don't treat it with chemicals or shave it too closely. There are some very pretty wildflowers which tolerate mowing, for instance Self-Heal, Buttercups, Daisies, Clovers, Birds-foot Trefoil, Cinquefoil, Black Medick,

Violets. And if you can leave some tall, rough grass at the edges, you'll provide a home for the many butterflies and moths which breed in longer grass and the insects like crickets and grasshoppers which eat it. Voles also use long grass as safe 'highways' where they can remain hidden while they travel.

There is a huge range of pollinator-friendly garden flowers so take your pick – just avoid the hybrids (which often produce little or no nectar) and try to pick open, single flowers which offer easy access. Native wildflowers are especially valuable because they not only provide nectar but they are also food plants for insect larvae, some of which are surprisingly fussy about what they eat. I have three different types of Figwort weevil on my patch just because I have the Figwort, but

The lawn can be a wonderful wildlife resource if you don't treat it with chemicals or shave it too closely.

there are both garden variety and native plants in my garden. One final word about invertebrates. These tiny 'creepy crawlies' are at the very basis of almost every food chain and we need to encourage them. They feed the birds and hedgehogs, and ultimately, they feed us. We have lost 70% of our insect biomass in the last few decades and this trend is continuing, but we let them die out at our peril. Wildlife gardening is important!

Bainton Primrose Festival

Reverend Gary Alderson

The stars of the show were hampered by the cold weather, but just about sprung up in time to give us a colourful churchyard!

But the Bainton Primrose Festival at St Mary’s Church nevertheless was well-attended, with people popping in through the afternoon to see the churchyard, work with Kathryn Parsons to make some pop-up nature art, see the competition entries, and see wonderful photographs by Dave Radcliffe. Among all the entries and winners of prizes, I’d particularly like to draw out Constance Tighe’s acrylic painting of a Helpston summer day; her

brother James’s technically amazing photo of a Hummingbird Hawkmoth; Julie Stanton’s photo of a cheeky squirrel; and Charlotte Swann’s photo of a piece of wood, which shows the sheer amount of life you can find everywhere, if you only look! Our God is a creative God, and nature sings God’s praise.

Thanks to everyone who helped, and everyone who entered.

St Botolph’s Day Pet Service

Once again, we’ll be holding a pet service at St Botolph’s, Helpston, to give thanks for our animal pals and the wonderful world around us.

This will be held at 10.30am on Sunday 18 June – which is the nearest Sunday to St Botolph’s Day.

So bring along your dog, horse, pony, or other moveable pet. Ensure any smaller friends are safely in their cages. Please don’t bring a cat! Never a good idea to bring a cat. You can bring a representative cuddly toy if you’ve a cat or other animal you’d rather not bring in person. If the weather is unpleasant, we’ll hold the service indoors. In this case, please don’t bring a horse.Refreshments afterwards, as usual.

St John the Baptist – Patronal Evensong

To celebrate the saint’s day of St John’s Barnack, we are pleased to welcome the return of the Stamford Singers.

They led us in a beautiful Choral Evensong last year, and we look forward to an equally wonderful time. This is on Saturday 24 June, at 4pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards. As this is a church service, there is of course no charge.

James Tighe, aged ten. Charlotte Swann, aged seven. Cheeky squirrel - Julie Stanton.

A Summers Day Near Me - Constance Tighe.

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Specialising

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THE ARTS SOCIETY - PETERBOROUGH’S MONTHLY TALK

10.15am, 13 April

The Fleet, Peterborough PE2 4DL

The First Atlantic Liner - Brunel’s Great Western, by Helen Doe.

The first liner to establish a regular steam service across the Atlantic - the Concorde of its day carrying the rich and famous, including stars of the London stage. Doors open at 10.15am for coffee and a chat, the talk lasts an hour, your first is free so why not come and join us? All welcome.

10.15am, 11 May

The Fleet, Peterborough PE2 4DL

Music in Art, by Sophie Matthews. Many historical references for musical instruments exist in art. Sophie explores them and gives live demonstrations on replicas of the instruments depicted. Doors open at 10.15am for coffee and a chat, the talk lasts an hour, your first is free so why not come and join us? All welcome.

For information and how to join the society, visit: www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk

ON THE EDGE WI ACTIVITIES

12 May Deaf Awareness

9 June Meet the Alpacas

HELPSTONBURY - A FESTIVAL IN A DAY

Saturday 17 June

A celebration for the village, by the village.

NEWBOROUGH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP

7–9pm Doors 6.30pm, Saturday 13 May

Psychic Night With Marion Wade & Sam Reed. Tickets £10 each including refreshments.

7.30pm onwards, Saturday 17 June

Adult only Race Night. Tickets £5 each. Bring your own drinks and nibbles.

1.40–3.30pm, Saturday 1 July

Open Day for potential new families looking to join.

2–4pm, Saturday 15th July Summer Fayre

7.30pm till late, Saturday 16 September

Adult only live music event. Tickets £10 each includes supper. Bring your own drinks.

All will be held at Newborough Village Hall PE6 7RX.

CASTOR/AILSWORTH GARDENERS SOCIETY

Saturday 5 August 2023

Castor and Ailsworth Village Show at St Kyneburgha Church and the Cedar Centre. Organised by CADGS. Show schedule available from early May.

Download schedule: www.cadgs.co.uk

Tuesday 10 October

Speaker: Nick Bailey. This will be a ticketed event. New members welcome, please contact: Susan Edwards, 01733 380 110 or e-mail info@cadgs.co.uk

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