Village Tribune 148

From the Editor

Communities come in all shapes and sizes. My wife recently took on a (half) allotment at the Bainton and Ashton Allotment Society (next to Plants Eggs).

Not only do we enjoy the fruits of our labours (sorry, no pun intended), but we have the pleasure of meeting and socialising with a new group of locals.

Last month the Society organised an Indian evening at the allotment – over fifty people, young and old, sampled excellent food provided by the allotmenteers and raised money towards the upkeep of the allotmentsthe date of next year's event is already set for 28 August.

The Society will also be holding coffee and cake events and will be holding an Apple and Sausage festival at the White Hart in Ufford on 12 October starting at 1.00pm – Triblanders are invited to bring along some apples to press.

 Contributions:

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 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

Rector Gary Alderson, Rector of Barnack with Ufford, Bainton, Helpston and Wittering

e: gary.aldersonwrites@gmail.com

Reverend Keir Dow, The Nine Bridges Benefice

The Rectory, 11 Lincoln Road, Glinton PE6 7JR t: 01733 669 810 m: 07980 412 345

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

sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658

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

 MAXEY Cllr Peter Hiller

E: Peter.Hiller@peterborough.gov.uk

 NEWBOROUGH Cllr John Hill

Speechley Drove, Newborough

 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

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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

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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,

Eileen Le Voi, Safe Local Trades

Make sure that IT security is high on your holiday checklist

The long summer holidays are in full swing, and many of us will be taking a well-earned break – either some down time with our other half, friends or a family adventure with the kids. However, the chances are (and particularly if you have teenagers) that your mobile phone or tablet will be catching that flight or ferry with you.

You may be needing to catch up on work emails or simply want to flood your social media channels with photos of your getaway.

But how do you look after those devices like laptops and PCs that will most likely be staying at home?

Home insurance and/or travel insurance will cover most cases of theft or accidental damage (be sure to check your policy) but it's still a good practice to take a few simple steps to make sure your devices are as safe as they can be.

• Backup your devices! It’s so simple and it should be something you do regularly anyway but let's be honest, it’s easy to forget. Make it a priority to get everything backed up before you leave. Accidents happen and it’s

easy to lose all your important data with just the slip of a hand. Don't just back up to the cloud, consider having a backup to a separate hard drive.

• Update your software Again, a simple task that’s easily forgotten but can make a huge difference if anything goes wrong. Making sure you have up-to-date security software is paramount!

• Secure your devices Use a PIN, pattern lock or 2-factor authentication. Don’t forget to add security authentication to your laptops and PC’s and please think carefully about any passwords you are using.

• Be wary of which Wi-Fi you connect to. It's tempting to connect to any free Wi-Fi when you’re away and save using up your valuable data allowance but really think carefully before connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi. There’s a huge risk that your devices could be hacked, sensitive data stolen or get infected with malware.

• Be careful what you share on social media You might think you’re just making your friends envious with your beach or overseas foodie photos - but if you make it public, you’re away from home any thieves will be able to take advantage of your absence. Now is a great time to check who sees your posts and consider making it private to friends only so you know only those you trust can see where you are.

• Above all – make sure you enjoy your well-earned downtime knowing that your tech security is all taken care of.

Safe Local Trades member Ben from File Genie and his team can offer a wealth of advice and support whether updating your software and backing up your devices or if you think your device is not operating correctly. Get in touch here Computer, Laptop & Netbook Repairs in Peterborough | Reviews and recommended by Safe Local Trades

The Amblers in Tribland

Quiescence: a state of quietness, stillness, or tranquillity, often characterised by a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

By Anne Lees

As I sit here typing on an extremely hot afternoon in mid-August, I find myself in a state of quiescence: in the sun-baked garden, the long grasses and the leaves on the trees sway silently in a gentle breeze; indoors, the cat is asleep, the clock ticks and an electric fan keeps the air circulating; through the window, random movements catch my eye as large white butterflies explore the foliage, and sparrows alight on the shrubs before disappearing into their cover. Everyone has gone to ground, and I don’t blame them – today is a day for conserving energy.

We waited a long time for the summer this year, but looking back over the Amblers’ last two months we have covered a lot of ground, both locally and further afield. We have tried two new-to-us routes: an evening stroll from Stamford towards Uffington and back; and a beautiful sunny morning amble from the lovely old village of Cotterstock, to Oundle and back. Both were four miles in length, both followed the Nene, and both were very peaceful. In Stamford we were accompanied by the distant sounds of leatheron-willow coming from the cricket ground; and considering

that the busy A605 runs close by the Oundle route, you would never guess it – the only sounds on that day were those in nature and the trickling of water at the two weirs along the way, with the hum of a boat engine as we watched someone navigating Cotterstock Lock. Some of the group saw not one, but two kingfishers – definitely a highlight.

Sadly, I didn’t manage to capture their image, but I have taken hundreds of other photos! There are far too many to share here, so I have condensed them into montages. They were all a joy to see.

As the weather warmed up, July brought out the insect life, conspicuous by their absence until then (I have named in order, from top to bottom, left to right):

• Favourites – banded demoiselle damselflies, with their metallic blue bodies and ‘thumb printed’ wings; butterflies - gatekeeper, speckled wood, red admiral, green-veined white, peacock, small skipper and meadow brown; plus the vivid black and red, six-spot burnet moths (mating at Barnack Hills and Holes during our amble at dusk)

• Other winged species –hoverflies (sphaerophoria, marmalade and hornet wasp mimic); bees (red-tailed, bufftailed, common carder); flesh flies; eriothrix rufomaculata; and common red (orange) soldier beetles (often seen mating on yarrow and hogweed flower heads)

• Creeping, jumping and crawling creatures – swollenthighed beetles (which also fly!); snails (one being particularly lithe); grasshoppers;

beetles; and caterpillars (fox moth, cinnabar moth, brown tail moth).

This has been a particularly good year for wildflowers, noticeably along the roadsides. We were delighted to discover a field growing something blue near the bridge on the Barnack Road, Uffington. I had to do some research on the lilac coloured, curled flowers: they turned out to be phacelia (aka ‘fiddleneck’), part of a government

Farming Initiative which both encourages wildlife and enriches the soil when it is ploughed back in before the next planting cycle. The seed mix also included buckwheat; another pretty flower loved by insects.

And then, of course, there have been such beautiful views on our walks – I really should write a book! Until then, I’ll leave you with just a selection… Happy ambling!

Sustainable

(With thanks to Judy Staines for fly and hoverfly ID)

1. Demoiselle, butterflies, moths

2. Hoverflies, bees, other winged

3. Creeping, jumping, crawling

4. Views

Parish Council

Contact Details

DEEPING GATE PARISH COUNCIL

Cllr Philip Thompson (Chair) philip.thompson@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Martin Trude Vice-Chair martin.trude@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Jane Hill

jane.hill@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Geoff Purllant geoff.purllant@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Louisa Griffiths louisagriffiths@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

Clerk - Elinor Beesley ................ 07713 194173 clerk@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

GLINTON PARISH COUNCIL

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 ..... 07412 158885

Cllr Sukhvinder Singh

Cllr Liezl Rossouw

Mr J Haste - Clerk 07591 834163

Cllr Rita Joshi-Boparai rita.joshi-boparai@glinton-pc.gov.uk clerk@glinton-pc.gov.uk 07591 834163 www.glinton-pc.gov.uk

MOT TESTING NB SANDERS

NORTHBOROUGH COUNCIL

Cllr John Dadge (Chair) –john.dadge@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Malcolm Spinks –malcolm.spinks@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Steve Parker-Brown –stephen.parker-brown@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Graham Fowkes –graham.fowkes@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Tracy Thomas –tracy.thomas@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Robert Chiva –robert.chiva@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Mark Malcolm –mark.malcolm@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Patricia Pearce –patricia.pearce@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Elinor Beesley 07713 194173

Clerk to Northborough Parish Council clerk@northborough-pc.gov.uk

PEAKIRK PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman: Henry Clark...................01733 253203

Sally Jackson...................................01733 253483

Emma Crowson ..............................01733252200

David Fovargue 01733 254227

Anne Tuley 01733 254114

Sarah Smith 07588055553

Kamal Sisodia .................................07958053439

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

Visit: www.peakirkvillage.co.uk

Email: cleark@peakirk-pc.gov.uk

BAINTON & ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL

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, 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 for info.

HELPSTON PARISH COUNCIL

www.helpstonparishcouncil.org

Parish Council Clerk – Syd Smith helpstonpc@hotmail.co.uk

Current Chairman – Ali Peat 07399 532266 alastair@alfrescolandscaping.co.uk

Current Vice-Chair – Andy Ratnett 07798 651872 andy@ratnett.co.uk

Councillor - Alastair Bradley .........07941 570653 alastairbradley@hotmail.com

Councillor – Joe Dobson ...............01733 252192 councilmessages@btinternet.com

Councillor – Lee Kaminski ............07725 970070 lee@choicewindows.info

Councillor – Prem Gyani ................07770 833999 premgyani@gmail.com

Councillor – Arthur Cross...............01733 252291 arthurcross@vivaldi.net

Councillor – Rosemary Morton .....01733 252243 g.morton526@btinternet.com

Discovering Deepings

The Deepings Practice

Patient Participation Group

The time has passed very quickly since our last report. Our main focus has been on our Volunteer Drivers’ Scheme.

On 2 July we held a Thank You evening at The Deepings Sports and Social Club. It was well attended and members of The Deepings Practice joined us. Dr. Phipps gave a vote of thanks and told us a little of the history behind the scheme.

The catering was provided by Sonia Scullion and it was delicious. A draw was made for an MOT which was donated by Towngate Tyres. It was won by one of the volunteer drivers to be used when the MOT certificate was due.

The photo above shows the group of drivers and the PPG plus members of the Deepings Practice.

The PPG Newsletter will be published in early autumn. Please look out for it. It will be on line and hard copies will be available at the surgeries in Deeping and Glinton.

We will also help with the vaccination days in October.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. Autumn will soon be here!

COUNCIL CORNER

Deeping Gate

Philip Thompson, Chairman

Councillor vacancies

Following the announcement of the resignations of Councillors Hudspeth and Kerr, we again find ourselves with vacancies for two councillors. If you have a keen interest in the local area, are passionate about your community, and would like to make a difference, please contact our Clerk or Chairman to find out more information about being co-opted to the Council.

Deeping Gate Parish Council is a friendly welcoming council working towards making a positive difference to the residents of Deeping Gate. Meetings are held monthly with the exceptions of February and August. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please see our website and noticeboards for the latest agendas and minutes.

Footpaths

Following our report in the last edition of Village Tribune, we have had no explanation for the lack of maintenance of the verges beside Lincoln Road and no action has been taken. We continue to seek an answer and some positive action since all other verges in the area have been cut more than once recently. (see above right photo)

Lost Forest of Deeping Gate

As reported in the May/June edition of Village Tribune, a ‘mini forest’ was planted early in the year on the south bank of the River Welland near

Peakirk Road. The planting was carried out using the pioneering Miyawaki Method from Japan. This is a method whereby trees are planted close together enabling them to work together to create a diverse multilayered ‘forest’ resulting in a resilient and flourishing ecosystem.

Earlier in August a meeting was arranged with The Environment Agency to agree the siting of the proposed bench and information board. It seems that those who undertook the planting had not provided The Environment Agency with any precise locator, and on the day the forest could not be found. A later expedition by members of Deeping Gate Parish Council, using a number of photographs showing the

volunteers at work carrying out the planting, found the lost ‘forest’ which was concealed by stinging nettles which had also thrived, reaching heights 50% taller than the trees! Now that the lost forest has been found, we hope to arrange another meeting to agree siting for the bench and information board.

Village Tribune Distribution

We are very grateful to our volunteers (longstanding and new) who have enabled the whole parish to receive this valuable magazine.

Litter Pick

Please keep an eye on our noticeboards for details of an autumn litter pick.

The ‘forest’ among the nettles

Verge beside Lincoln Road

COUNCIL CORNER

Peakirk

Grass Cutting

I am pleased to say that Mr Harding, our former grass cutting contractor, has come out of retirement and is now cutting the grass for us again. As you can see, he is doing an excellent job.

Vehicle Activated Signs

The old sign on the Deeping Road has been replaced with a new one, which records vehicle speeds in both directions.

The one on St Pega’s Road that faces traffic coming from Glinton has been repaired. The speed data from all four speed signs is sent to the Police and Crime Commissioner for analysis.

Proposed Planning Applications

Gladman Developments have submitted an application, reference 24/00483/OUT, for

Henry Clark, Chairman

250 dwellings on a field on the Peakirk/Glinton border. This would mean approximately 125 extra houses in Peakirk. This would increase the number of households by about 65%. Peakirk Parish Council has made a strong objection to this.

Larkfleet Homes are consulting on a possible development in Glinton, off Lincoln Road south of the recreation ground. Peakirk Parish Council are participating in pre-application consultation in order to get a better understanding of what is being proposed. This is to help us make an informed submission to PCC, should a planning application be made by Larkfleet.

Peterborough Local Plan

Peterborough City Council are in the process of drafting a new local plan which will shape the development of the area over the next 20 years.

PicturingPeakirk

The Local Plan Review will address a range of issues that include (but not limited to):

• Climate change

• Housing

• Employment

• Retail

• Natural environment

I recommend you have a look at city council’s website to get a better understanding of what it means.

https://www.peterborough. gov.uk/council/planning-anddevelopment/planning-policies/ local-plan-review

Many sites have been put forward for development near to Peakirk. The city council will evaluate each and decide whether they should be included in the new local plan. It is important to understand the pros and cons of these sites.

There will be an opportunity to make your views heard in the forthcoming consultation.

We need ideas from residents. What is important? What should we do? What shouldn’t we do? What would you like to do to help? Please contact Sally-Ann Jackson on sajackson186@gmail.com or 01733 253483 if you’d like to be involved.

Your friendly gardening club Glinton Horticultural Society It’s Showtime!

79th Open Show - Fruit, Flowers, Vegetables, Preserves, Baking, Photos, Beverages, Handicrafts & Children’s classes

By Bob Quinn – GHS

The Show is open for all to enter and has something for everyone with many classes for the average gardener in vegetables fruit and flowers as well as those for the exhibition growers.

Also, if you make jam or pickles, bake cakes or bread, brew wine or beer, draw or paint, knit or sew, take photographs or make craft items there is a class for you to enter.

There are also special classes for children in age groups: up to 4, 5 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 16 with a guaranteed rosette for each child who enters. If you would like to enter please contact Lynne Best by phone on 01778 342115 or email lynne.best89@ yahoo.co.uk for a schedule. The schedule and entry details are also all on the society website www. glintonhorticulturalsociety.org. uk where you can also find details of all the Society’s activities in 2024/25.

Saturday 21 September, 2pm – 5pm Arthur Mellows Village College

We would not be able to hold the Show without the help of a number of volunteers who help to set up on the Friday, help during the Show and assist with the closing down on Saturday evening. The society is always grateful for any support at this event, so If you would like to help, we would be delighted to welcome you. Please contact Penelope Hopkins on 01780 767309 or email: penelope. hopkins@gmail.com re your availability

All are welcome to visit the Show on the Saturday from 2pm. So even if you can’t enter make a note of the 21st in your diary and come along and see the many varied and outstanding exhibits.

On 18 October, we will be holding the first of the new season of Friday night talks – A Flower arranging demonstration by Stella Joyce The talks are held in Glinton Village Hall and start at 7:30pm.

COUNCIL CORNER GLINTON

I hope your summer is going really well. The pace of life within Glinton doesn’t seem to slow.

Cllr Gerry Kirt Chair Glinton Parish Council

Glinton FriendshipClub

Pam Kounougakis

If you are interested in joining or helping, please pop along to the Village hall any Monday after 10am.

Early work on defining the specification and costs relating to first phase village hall refurbishment has begun. This includes better insulation, new flooring, new bi-fold doors, replacement of the curtains with insulated/black out blinds, investigation into a new projector with screen for large village meetings

Summer has come and gone and the group have weathered the season in the village hall, surprisingly cool and pleasant. Probably got the heating on by now but there we are.

We've had some great talks recently, from a guide at Flag Fen telling us about its history, a wonderful display of flower arranging by Stella who kindly donated her creations for our raffle, and a talk and show of Post Boxes by Helen, which was really interesting with lots to learn.

We’ve celebrated two long standing club member couples Diamond Weddings and a

and possible film nights. Once complete we intend to investigate grant funding.

As perhaps many are aware, four traveller families purchased, converted and moved onto a field adjacent to the Lincoln Road on the edge of our Parish boundary. This caused considerable distress to

special 80th birthday, so many congratulations to everyone. Coming up after our two week holiday break in August, will be a trip to Rushden lakes shopping centre and an auction to boost our funds! Alongside our regular activities of games, raffles, bingo, books, sales, quizzes and of course our super regular two course meals.

Thanks to all those who cook, help, serve, wash up, prepare, tidy, put out tables and chairs and put them away again, and to all our wonderful regular members who make it all worthwhile!

the 13 families living along that road. The despite the associated planning application being recommended for acceptance by the planning officer, it was unanimously refused at July’s planning committee.

The recent planning application from Kisimul for the care home sited on Rectory Lane has been refused. This may be the final chapter in the long running saga which has caused considerable distress to residents and neighbours during the many years it has been in operation.

Details of the proposed Glinton Community Orchard were revealed in the last issue. This has now been developed into a formal proposal for 28 mixed fruit trees in a gated area on the recreation ground. The proposal is under consideration for grant funding by the Strategic Pipeline Alliance.

We have finally installed signage around our nature recovery area on the land on the left as you enter Glinton from the McDonalds roundabout. A programme of work has been established that includes protecting the rare bee orchids, planting of wild flower plugs and turf lifting and wild flower seeding.

While we are looking at works around the village we have now slabbed the area in front of the recreation ground dog poo bin in order to remove the big puddle that forms during wet weather. We will probably replace the flashing bend sign on the High Street, near the village shop, with a variable speed sign courtesy of our Ward Councillor Neil Boyce.

Discussions have taken place with PCC regarding siting CCTV in the village to capture antisocial behaviour and fly tipping. Consideration will now be given to potential options.

We are planning to organise the long awaited hands-on defibrillator training to take place in September. Details will be advertised on noticeboards on FB.

GlintonFest 24 was a considerable success but rather than just repeating the formula for 2025 we are considering splitting it into a daytime event called GlintonFayre 25 that may take place in June or early July next year, and an evening music festival called GlintonFest 25 on 6 September 2025. Cosmic Rodney, pictured above, have already been booked.

THE GLINTON GARAGE SALE returns on 15 September from 10.30am until 3.00pm starting and ending at the village hall. As before there will be a children’s treasure hunt with prizes, breakfasts, full refreshments throughout the day. To have your garage put on the map - post £5 with contact details through the doors of addresses shown on the notice boards and Glinton Social Events fb page. The combined treasure map and garage location map will be available on the day £1. (please see more information in Tribune Diary.

Networking Northborough

What a June for a Strawberry Cream Tea, held this year in the beautiful Priory Garden in Northborough.

By Teresa Scott

ATTENTION ALL DISHWASHERS AND TEA-TOWEL COLLECTORS!

By Teresa Scott

Available from St Andrew's Church, Northborough

Dictionary description of a tea-towel: A cloth, made of cotton or linen, for drying dishes and glassware.

St Andrew found a tea-towel, For him it had no use Until it started raining And was used to fix the roof! (Apologies to John Clare!) tea towel graced the highest tables of the land. They were soft, linen

cloths, embroidered with pride by grand ladies of the time, who were more than happy to the drying-up of their expensive bone china and glass, protecting them from clumsy servants. When not drying crockery they played an important part in 'The Great British Tea Ceremony', keeping the pot warm or covering the sandwiches & cake to keep them fresh.

With gazebos at the ready we set up in the rain which miraculously ceased at 3pm and holding off for the next three precious hours.

We served 60 guests with home-made scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, delicious local strawberries and a cup of tea, all washed down with a nice glass of bubbly! What more could you ask for?

Then it was time to look at the a plant stall, buy a bargain Canna Lily or two, take part in the raffle, which included a delicious Afternoon Tea donated by Waterside Garden Centre as first prize, followed by a gentle meander around the wonderful garden. Thank you to our hosts, Clare and John, for inviting us to your lovely garden and a big 'thank you' to all who came out on a wet summer’s day to support us.

Fundraising News

We are hoping that the first phase of the restoration work on St Andrew’s Chancel roof can start this autumn and we are deeply grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust for their grant offers. With others grant applications in process, along with the £31,500.00 in the SOS fund, things are looking a lot brighter for St Andrew’s Church repairs.

Foot Healthcare Practitioner

Treatment Room at Feathers Holistic Centre.

Mobile home visiting service. Professional and friendly.

Classic treatment:

Toenail cutting & ling. Removal of callus, and hard skin.

Moisturising foot rub.

Other treatments include: Corn removal. Diabetic healthcare advice.

COUNCIL CORNER NORTHBOROUGH

John Dadge Chairman, Northborough Parish Council

Northborough Village

Festival Success

Despite intermittent downpours the Northborough festival was success with food being provided by a variety of vendors, Coco Caribbean, HK Hitwraps, Antonino’s Pizza and Gabby’s cakes and beers from Bowlers Northborough Brewery. A DJ provided music and MC’d the event. Live music was provided by the splendid Ukulele Band and Peterborough Rock Choir.

Displays were provided by local Dance and Karate Clubs. Refreshments by the On the Edge

The Village Hall celebrated its 50th birthday with an archive display and raffle for a splendid commemorative cake in the form of the Village Hall, there were pub games and stalls from local community groups free rides and face painting for the children.

The weather was a challenge, but feedback from participants and attendees alike was very positive and offered encouragement for a similar event next year.

Well done to all those involved in organising and running the event.

HighlightingHelpston

Helpstonbury 2024 – You were epic!

What better way to spend an afternoon and evening in your village than standing/sitting/dancing and smiling your way through hours of local entertainment put on by the community for the community.

22 June was blessed with sunshine to see the cubs, scouts, guides, brownies and Rainbows parading in the Helpstonbury flag to the sound of Monty Python’s Flying Circus before presenting it to Helpston’s very own Olympian, Louis Smith to raise to the top of the flag pole and kickstart a day of celebration.

The Choir of Helpston School beautifully sang hits from the Musical Oliver before Spiderman and Elsa charmed the preschoolers in the audience with some incredible singing.

The afternoon continued with performances from Charlie Bruce’s Dance Academy as well

as Love2Dance, both of whom run classes in the village. Tunes were provided by Danny Shackle, an alumnus of Helpston Primary School and now a successful cabaret singer across the world on cruise ships. Supported by DJ sets from The Tone Deaf Cowboy on his maiden outing and familiar village legends - The Specs Pistols.

The entertainment on the stage set the tone for an afternoon of chilling, chatting, sampling the nectar from the Beerfest bar laid on by the Friends of John Clare School and the food, be it BBQ or cakes, laid on all day by the Church team.

At one point you couldn’t move in the stall area for children successful on the Teddy tombola, drop sliders, bouncy castlers, wine winning adult tombola-ers or those finding a good read at the ever expanding bookstall. The Preschool Committee couldn’t rest for the amount of face painting, duck hooking and sweetie finding. Some fantastic bargains were amongst the incredible 90+ lots in the Silent Auction – an unbelievable achievement by the Henthorns in getting these together to bolster funds ahead of new village hall planning.

The talent in the village was further underlined by the

number and level of entries in the Helpston Homemade competition highlighting the creativity that is hidden amongst the residents of this amazing village. Nancy Dudley retained her Open Title and remains the one to beat next year!! Thanks to Jo, Claire and Annabel for organising this so well

Throughout the day it was estimated nearly 1,800 people came to enjoy the hospitality that Helpston had to offer. Being a free-to-enter event, it meant there were no restrictions to anyone in the village, or their friends and family coming to celebrate the best of our community.

That celebrating resulted in a record total raised on the day of nearly £17,000 split cross

all the village charities that helped organise the attractions – an incredible total from our incredible guests.

Special thanks must go to Helpston Primary school for hosting us and allowing the use of the school field, to the Helcats for organising everything on the stage for entertainment, to Gav and his steam train on the playground, to Mr Weston and his team putting on an afternoon filled with sports challenges culminating in the annual spirited Tug-of-War competition and not forgetting the generosity of Anne and Bob Bennet who provided all the power to stage and lighting from their strategically placed house.

The evening entertainment started with The Violets and their amazing harmonies and finished with Helpstonbury’s resident Live band – DB5, who blew the crowd away with their epic festival anthems. What a day – What a night!

The Helpstonbuy Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer who worked tirelessly planning, erecting marquees, setting tables, collecting kit, baking cakes, rigging lights, hanging posters, making signage, cleaning toilets, emptying bins, pouring pints, DJing and cooking food, that’s even before packing down, clearing litter, wiping tables, returning huge amounts of equipment.. oh – and cleaning more toilets.

A huge shout out also goes to Helpston Parish Council who contributed significant grant funding to facilitate the day which in turn was multiplied 8 fold for the benefit of village organisations. These events would not be possible without the financial contribution to the setting up costs from the all companies who sponsored the event. Please ensure you support those who support you.

If you fancy it next year – 21 June 2025 is your date for the diary… come and experience something special!

COUNCIL CORNER

HELPSTON

What a summer in our Parish. The sun shone on us all for the Annual Helpstonbury festival and then came back out for August.

Helpstonbury 2024 – The Community celebrates

Once again, the Parish Council were proud to offer grant funding, which, coupled with generous local company sponsorship, enabled the hugely successful village festival to entertain the entire village and beyond. We would like to thank the core Helpstonbury Committee and all the volunteers who supported them to create this milestone in the village calendar that also raised an incredible £17,000 for the village charities. The day demonstrated the strength

of our community and the incredible initiative that so many within it show.

LP42 Housing development firmly back on the Agenda

Recent weeks have seen a stagnation in the decisionmaking progress with Peterborough City Planners on the 20 house development on West Street, still ‘awaiting decision’. However, in recent weeks, the adjoining bit of land, previously pushed forward by Barrett David Wilson (BDW), has now been taken on by Balfour Beatty as the new

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developer on the site. Balfour Beatty are in the early stages of putting together a scheme to include 61 properties on the land off Broadwheel Road (BDW previously finished on 73 properties).

Your Parish Council is seeking an early meeting with Balfour Beatty to ensure that the interests of the village are firmly at the forefront of the discussions and that full engagement by the developer through active Public Consultation and collaboration is achieved. With the number of houses now within the limits

set out in the City Council Local Plan, the focus of the Parish Council will be on the best solution for the village as a whole. Once again, we will look to you all for support in achieving this. With nearly 250 comments to the previous unsuccessful application, the weight of public opinion clearly had an effect on that outcome.

Grant Funding

October sees the budgets for the new financial year being created. The Parish Council have released over £30k in grant funding over the last 10 years for village projects and initiatives. We would urge any village organisations seeking to invest in their facilities or equipment to apply for small grants with a view to further improving the clubs and services in the community.

Helpston’s 'Community Action Plan'

The Parish Council is resurrecting our Community Action Plan that was put together a few years back and acted as a “wish list” for the village. The plan creates specific projects that reflect

the wishes of the residents, reflect the strategic nature of the Neighbourhood Plan and give your Council a framework for seeking funding initiatives going forwards to further invest in the village and it’s facilities and resources. If you have any ideas around this then please contact one of your Councillors.

Phone Box renewal

Back in 2022 Helpston Parish Council purchased the village phone-box from BT for the princely sum of £1 on the basis that its position in the village as a heritage asset was maintained. With this comes a responsibility for its upkeep. Later this year we have committed to the installation of a new door to the box with a full renovation and painting of the box itself. Thus it can function as a book and seed swap for many years to come and remain as a focal point in the centre of the village.

Village Speed Limit Review

The recent discussions around speed limits across all the villages in the Barnack ward continues to progress. Three villages are in active

consultation, with Helpston being the next on the list to receive all the information on the proposed speed limit changes in and around the village.

You will be contacted directly by the City Council on this matter for your opinions on how we can better protect the rural nature of the village and protect our pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, particularly our Children to and from school. We welcome your support in driving forward this initiative and your feedback on it.

Assistance on Glinton Road Safety at the Railway Crossing

Could we please seek the assistance of the residents in the last few hundred meters of Glinton Road before the railway line to encourage any deliveries (Tescos/Sainsburys/Waitrose in particular) to park on driveways while they unload? There have been reports of cars getting stuck on the crossing with the barriers coming down as vehicles are unable to pass parked vans with queuing traffic – much appreciated!

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.

EverythingEtton

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Max and Suzanne Warren who have taken over the management of the The Golden Pheasant.

Johno and Kirstene closed the doors on 30 June and handed over the keys to Martin Brook and Gav Kennedy. With Gav and Martin residents of Etton and Max returning to the village he grew up in, the pub truly is a community supported venture.

The Pheasant reopened on 12 July with experienced Chef Max showcasing his speciality sausage rolls, scotch eggs, and a taste of the fine food he is planning to serve. If you haven’t tried the menu already or dropped in for a drink at the bar or in the gardens, then I recommend you do so soon. A warm welcome will be waiting for you. Good luck to everyone with your new venture.

On Sunday 11 August, thirty residents of Etton gathered for the annual Etton village/church clean up. The 30mph speed signs were made clearer, the telephone box spring cleaned, the churchyard transformed, and the church made tidy for Les and Jackie Warr’s renewal of wedding vows on 17th August. Thank you to all who contributed to making our village that little bit nicer. The sun shone for our tapas and home-made pizza lunch at the Coach House!

Many residents will be aware of the problem of cars speeding, as they enter and leave the village, particularly in the morning and evening during term times. The Parish council have been asked

to look at ways to slow the traffic particularly from the triangle to the end of the road. Please check your speed and respect the 30 mph zones.

Our next monthly Etton Family Service will take place on 15 September at 10.30am. This will be our Harvest festival and we will be collecting goods for the food bank. Contributions can be left in the box in the porch at the church. Thank you in advance for any donations.

In my last article, I mentioned that an initiative, implemented by a kind resident to enhance the village green, had caused quite a stir. Advice has been sought by the Parish Council and a way forward proposed. However, I know the piece caused some upset, even if completely unintended, and would like to apologise for any offence caused. Anne Curwen

During the weekend of 4, 5 and 6 October, The Golden Pheasant will be hosting the inaugural Nine Bridges Beer Festival. With about 15 ales and a few ciders in the Marquee, live music Friday and Saturday, and a quiz, along with the BBQ and all the usual food and drink available in the pub, there should be something for everyone! Please come along and support your local pub, the church and Little Miracles, the Pheasant’s chosen charity.

All change at The Golden Pheasant

An award winning chef and his wife have taken over the running of a popular village pub and restaurant.

Max and Suzanne Warren are looking forward to meeting customers old and new at the Golden Pheasant at Etton.

For Max it will be a return to the village he grew up in and where his parents still live. In fact his first experience of catering was at the age of 14 when he worked as a kitchen porter at the nearby Werrington’s Cherry House restaurant. Since then his career has taken him all over the world including spells at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall and at Lucern in Switzerland where he worked with a two-star Michelin chef. He also spent time at the Travellers Club in London where he won a young chef of the year award.

For a brief spell in 2011 he worked at the Great Northern Hotel in Peterborough before leaving

to spend time in Australia gaining experience in a fine dining establishment.

Suzanne has an extensive career in restaurants and bars - most recently in London where she was a senior general manager of a pub group.

Max said: “Our menu will offer excellent food and will feature locally grown ingredients.“

Suzanne added “We are planning a full range of beers and wines which we hope will appeal to a wide selection of customers.“

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

If you would like to help your community with any of the services listed above, we would love to hear from you. To volunteer, or to find out more, please contact Cate at Good Neighbours; coordinator.gnrp@gmail.com 07735 810139

Visit our website: www.goodneighboursrp.org.uk Good Neighbours Rural Peterborough are proud to support

• Newborough Pharmacy, School Rd. • Mandairs Estate Agents • Village Hall, Guntons Road • Corner shop, Guntons Rd/Fenside Drive • Werrington Bridge Rd. (bus shelter near Law’s Close)

All accessible on the outside of the buildings.

A History of Newborough Village Hall Part1

By Paul Cooper

The original village hall in Newborough was built in 1906. It was constructed using bricks that were manufactured at Eye Brickworks and built by father and son; William and Arthur Kew from Milking Nook. The hall was built specifically for the Newborough Friendly Society, which had previously used the Bull Public House as their headquarters. The hall was a simple construction consisting of a single room which was the hall itself. The only entrance was at the Guntons Road end of the hall, and the double doors opened inwards. The size of the original hall was 53ft 3ins X 22ft 6ins. The toilets were outside and rather rudimentary. This is significant, as a fire safety report by Mr Green; the sanitary inspector from Peterborough council, in 1931 stated; that he considered the hall to be a death trap, he

reported that; “should there be a fire inside the hall the inward opening door would hinder the escape of the occupants”. His solution to the problem, as it was not a very big hall, would be to change the door to an outward opening door. The same report also condemned the sanitary facilities at the hall.

It is interesting reading the report as the correspondence was with the chairman of the Newborough Friendly Society. This society had effectively ceased to be in existence since 1912 when the new National Insurance Act became law. The Friendly Society was not one of the societies that were licenced by the then Labour Government. In order to comply with the Act, the Friendly Society merged with the Ancient Order of Foresters, who were licenced. As a consequence of the merger

the Ancient Order of Foresters agreed to purchase the hall and all of the chattels for £700. The hall which was originally lit by oil lamps and heated by a coke stove, had electric lighting installed in 1940. The Foresters continued to own the hall until 1960. During a public meeting held on 1 February

In this early picture of the Newborough Village hall, dated 1907, the shape and size of the hall is clearly seen. The door on the end is clearly visible as an inward opening door which was condemned in 1931. The chimney for the coke stove can also be clearly seen in the middle of the hall. The inclusion of a brick chimney would indicate the inclusion of an open fire. In the picture dated 1907 the characters in the large insets are: Left, Mr John Wright and Right Mr W. H. Saywell.

1960 the parish council, in order to avoid the hall being sold on the open market, proposed that the village should buy the hall as one was very much needed for village events and organisations. All those present, including many representatives of the numerous village organisations and sports clubs unanimously agreed to purchase the hall.

The sale of the hall to the Newborough Parish Council was completed on 29 December 1962. Bert Kettle and Edward Pilgrim represented

The picture above is dated 1960, which would be just before it was sold by the Ancient Order of Foresters to Newborough Parish Council. The obvious changes are that a porch has now been added to the front door and the coke stove chimney has been removed.

the Foresters as registered trustees. The purchase of the hall by the parish council required the forming of a registered charity which would take up responsibility for running the hall. Effectively what this did was to transfer the ownership of the hall and the land to the trustees. As the hall and land was now in trust for the use of all, there was a requirement for the trust to have the title deeds held by a custodian. The parish council in turn would act as custodian trustees for the charity. This point is quite important and will arise again in 1999 when, after the new hall was built, the links the new hall had with Peterborough City Council were to be surrendered. The conveyance for the sale made it quite clear what the structure of the trustees would be. In

the first case there would be four elected trustees from the village. A further twelve members will be appointed as trustees from the village organisations. The charity was registered with the Charities Commission on 13th May 1970 and assigned a charity No 302651. The final cost of the purchase of the hall from the Foresters was £700. One clause that was specified in the conveyance was the right of way, at all times, along a roadway of 12 feet in width from Guntons Road to the field laying to the east of the village hall property. The roadway now would be against the boundary of the village hall land and the rear fences of Quorn Close. Although the roadway is no longer used, it is still on the title deeds.

Newborough Village Hall dated around 1995. The original part of the hall can clearly been seen with the apex roof. The extension with the flat roof to the right hand side is the extension which was added in the early 1960s. The flat roof section, with the green double doors, on the left had side is the extension added during the early 1980s. The green storage containers were added late 1980s by the parish council for additional storage space.

Soon after the hall was purchased it was decided that something urgent was needed to bring the toilets up to date, enable the hall to conform to fire regulations and to include a kitchen. There was also a committee room built on the south east corner which doubled up as a changing room for the groups who used the stage. In 1962 the first stage of the extension took place. On the south side of the hall an entrance lobby was planned which would lead to the hall, the new kitchen and ladies and gents conveniences. Once plans were passed the parish council took out a loan in order to carry out the building work. During the modernisation work the heating was upgraded to electric bar heaters suspended from

the ceiling. These were chosen because they give an instant heat when switched on, they can be switched on by the user who was using the hall rather that have the hall heated when the hall was unoccupied. The other advantage was that the heaters were connected via a coin slot meter so that anyone hiring the hall had to factor in the number of coins required to heat the hall for their hiring. By the early 1970s there were signs that the hall was starting to show its age and succumbing to the effects of the land movement that is widespread in the fens. The floor was starting to sink and cracks were appearing in the east wall. These were being monitored to establish the rate of decline and to determine what needs to be done to rectify it.

The picture above shows the plans from 1981. Phase I extension was built between 1981 and 1982. However, the phase II future extension did not materialise.

At this time the hall was a popular venue. It has actually been well used during its history. Apart from the foresters and friendly societies using it for meetings and events, many other village organisations used the hall. The cricket and football clubs would regularly use the hall for their presentation nights. There were also dances and later discos held there. The hall was also well utilised during WW2. Many fund raising activities were held there for the war effort. It was used by the home guard and the Red Cross for temporary housing refugees and evacuees.

Despite the warning signs that the hall was deterioration another extension to the north side of the hall was planned and built in 1981. This added an additional section to the main hall which ran its total length of 53ft and 10ft in width. As the existing north wall was supporting the roof, two large arches were formed to connect the old hall and the new extension together. At the east end of the extension two store rooms were formed, one was designated as a cloakroom and the other as a playgroup store. Plans for a further extension to the south side did not materialise.

The Village Hall continued to be a popular place to hire for most of the village organisations including groups such as; W.I. Playgroup, Gardening Club, Over 60s, Young at heart, Mums and Toddlers and many more. Entertainment shows have always been a regular feature at the hall. Many were written and produced by the members of

What was attractive about these productions is that a majority of the actors were local people. I actually played the dame for nine consecutive years. The only caveat to the role was I was NOT allowed to sing.

Newborough and Borough Fen WI. 1988 saw a different kind of show. A series of sketches under the same format as the then popular TV show; “The Wheel Tappers and Shunters Social Club” was produced. With a real live Yorkshireman and work colleague of mine Peter Lees as compare. The show was a hit.

A year later another show, 'Foolish Follies', was produced which was a series of sketches. Each sketch was created and enacted by members of individual village groups. Again the show was a sell-out. A group of villagers came up with an idea of producing a pantomime instead of groups doing their own sketches. After a series of meetings the panto was agreed.

From these series of meetings NEWDs was formed (Newborough Dramatic Society). A pantomime was produced and presented at the old hall every year until it was closed for demolishment in 2004. What was attractive about these productions is that a majority of the actors were local people. I

The picture above was of one of the more interesting of the acts at the 'Foolish Follies' show. The infamous brothers Barry (left) and the late Geoff Carter (right) perform a rather hilarious rendition of Swan Lake. The third 'ballerina' (centre) is Nick Pocklington. The compare for the night was; Richard 'Super Butcher' Barben.

... after the last performance it was time to let it all out. The word spread about the party and in order to try and muscle in on it; the Saturday night performance was often sold out hours after the tickets went on sale.

actually played the dame for nine consecutive years. The only caveat to the role was I was NOT allowed to sing. The new hall that opened in 2005 did not have a stage. However, the NEWDS group applied for grants and were successful in being able to purchase a sectional stage. As they say; “The show must go on.” One of the attractions of the pantos was the after show party. On the Saturday night and after

four performances, all of the work going into rehearsing, the adrenaline overdose of performing, Saturday night after the last performance it was time to let it all out. The word spread about the party and in order to try and muscle in on it; the Saturday night performance was often sold out hours after the tickets went on sale. I am pleased to say that NEWDS is still going strong and annually perform at the hall.

(To be continued in the next sedition of the Tribune)

David Holmes, ex-Chairman of Directors of Huntingdonshire Cricket Board Ltd presenting, on behave of ECB Ltd, the certificate to Josh Weaver, Secretary and Groundsman of Castor & Ailsworth CC.

Castor & Ailsworth CC

For the first time since the England and Wales Cricket Board's inception of all cricket clubs having an accreditation in 2003, Castor & Ailsworth CC has achieved the standards required for such a certificate.

It may have taken 20 years for all aspects and structures required by volunteers to put in place, but is a very worthwhile achievement. It will be for the period until 2026 when the club will apply for re-accreditation.

This confirms the Clubs commitment to being a safe, welcoming and family friendly Cricket Club.

Parents now have the knowledge of the welfare and safeguarding of their children when they attend all youth coaching and matches.

Keeping a tight rein on safety

The British Horse Society urges road users to work together to stay safe

Due to the shrinking bridleway network, most equestrians will have no choice but to take their horse(s) on the road at some point. It could be to reach an off-road route or even to connect one bridleway to another.

Either way, it is important for all road users to work collaboratively together to ensure horses, equestrians and drivers remain safe.

With the number of equine related incidents continuing to rise, this has never been more critical. Last year, 3,383 equine incidents on the roads were recorded across the UK via The British Horse Society’s (BHS)

on our roads

Horse i app. Sadly, this includes 66 horse fatalities and three rider fatalities.

It’s important to understand that horses are flight animals, and their instinctive response to danger is to react and move quickly away. Even the most experienced and well-trained horses can be startled by unexpected movements or loud noises, like a car passing at great speed.

As part of their Dead Slow road safety campaign, the BHS continue to inform and involve road users on how to pass horses safely as well as how impactful passing horses too quickly and closely can be.

The equine charity are urging drivers to pass horses at no more than 10mph and to leave at least two metres distance when passing. These key behavioural messages align with the guidance set out in the Highway Code. Further advice and guidance for motorists is available here: bhs.org.uk/ deadslow

The British Horse Society is dedicated to making the world safer for all horses, and those who love them. With your support, they can continue to raise awareness and ultimately, reduce the number of incidents, and fatalities, involving horses and equestrians on our roads.

How to pass a horse safely - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9448XgHDpI Are you ride safe ready? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOx__K2xsu0&t=35s

Thank you for agreeing to publish information to help improve the dire situation horse riders are currently facing on our rural roads. I believe the increased development all around our villages and in our villages is a massive contributing factor, and unfortunately so many drivers have no idea how to pass a horse and rider safely. Let’s hope this helps. Ellie Stafford

FARMING Rosemarys DIARY ’

The last two months seemed to have flown by and the weather is just as unpredictable as ever, however, farm work continues using the good sunny days to make the second cut of silage, catching up on those chores which one never seems to get to. Harvest for us started on 18 July with the oil seed rape, the winter barley was next, followed by the winter oats with obvious weather breaks in between. Even with these stoppages, at 5 August we are now ready to start the winter wheats which is our largest acreage, however at this stage we might have to have a change of plan, as weather and soil type dictates.

Crops grown on our lighter land are going to be ready before the heavier land’s crop. As I mentioned earlier in the year, we ourselves have had to change the rotations around because of the atrocious weather with relentless rainfall last autumn, spring and into

some of the summer, if we are blessed with some sunshine to ripen the corn (3 weeks-ish) we should be able to be cleared up by the end of August (I hope this doesn’t turn out to be wishful thinking) today with modern machinery you can cover a lot of acres in a day, as

long as the crop is fit and down to 13.5% moisture – a good long harvesting day without breakdowns. When you get into September the combining days get much shorter with less daylight hours and heavy dews. We have managed to carry out light cultivations with

©Simon’s photography

minimal soil disturbance on most of the cleared land. With traditional farmyard and other manures which is helping the environment, all produced on our farm with our straw being fed to cattle, pigs etc, less food miles, a lot of benefits, although some people don’t seem to understand the benefits. Animals have always played a big part on our farm and still do in this modern age. Everyone is encouraged to recycle their waste from wheelie bins too electric vehicles, garden products and agriculture is no exception. Farm yard manures from the animals have always been part of our waste recycling programme, not just in my lifetime but over the centuries, digest systems and human waste are all being utilised in our cropping rotation – this is vital for our industry as well as for example (Thames water authorities catastrophe) with billions of sewage going into the river and sea and many more adverse major issues, everyone’s small contribution to this environmental deadline is paramount.

I am afraid not all visitors and residents appreciate what we endeavour to achieve, I hasten to add these people are new to country life. All DEFRA guidelines are being followed to shorten the length of time to incorporate the natural manures into the soil, using mini-til with less disturbance. The main spreading of these materials is this time of year when land is cleared which I suppose is when people like to visit our beautiful villages (holiday time). We ourselves have checked for

level of smell and I must say have found minimal odours. Extra tests and wind direction tests also increased after a very rude, abusive, threatening person accused us of spoiling a visit to a friend in village saying she had to wash her hair and clothes etc but would not give her name, so to anyone who feels we as farmers spoil their life please think before ranting on as we produce most of the food on your table and in the shops, you also contribute to the waste in all manners of ways.

I hope I have put this across so not to offend the lovely appreciative people most of who understand this is country life and our villages have always and must be a living and working environment. Sunday 11 August, very pleasant temperatures, a good harvesting day and the third day into the Winter wheat, only just fit to harvest, Monday 12 August “the glorious 12th” Grouse shooting starts in Scotland, we used to hear a lot about it but not heard so much about today.

On 14 September 2024, The Community Harvest Supper is being held in a marquee in the grass field adjacent to Willow Brook Farm Shop and the Granary Café, the supper will consist of a ploughman’s style supper with meats carved by James a highly respectable chef with tables and chairs or benches outside for those who prefer, opening at 2pm with food served from 3pm-6pm. The support both financial and bringing different activities on the day have been overwhelming!

There will be local bands/ musicians, a dip into the history under our land with a pop up museum by Cambridge Charity Museum in conjunction with Tarmac who will be exhibiting archaeological finds that have been found when digging for minerals over the last hundred years, there will also be some vintage to modern machinery, trailer rides through some of the fields with commentary on how we farmers are addressing the environmental issues, raffle and tombola and more for all ages. We are aiming to sell 300 tickets with any profits going to our local Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall who caters for all ages covering a large area when people need that little extra professional help, we chose this as our charity for this year, thought if when putting the supper on for the community we could also be helping a local charity. Tickets are available for cash transactions only in the farm shop, or you ca pay digitally via our website or on Eventbrite online.

Looking forward to a lovely day on 14 September, harvesting all done and in the barn and everyone can enjoy a few hours with colleagues, friends, village neighbours and a catch up with what’s going on around us. If this is a success our plan is to make this into an annual event to keep bringing our communities together.

Traditional Norfolk Cottage

South Creake

Set in lovely village, a two-minute walk to the pub, 20 mins from Brancaster & 10 mins from Burnham Market. Sleeps six.Two double beds. One children’s bunk bedroom. Newly-fitted kitchen & utility. Stylish separate sitting room & dining room with woodburners. Large, enclosed garden with furniture & BBQ. One medium sized dog accepted. Off-road parking. Three nights low season from £450. Seven nights low season from £575

For further inforomation email tammy.tushingham@btinternet.com

Visit West Mersea Island

4-bedroom house (sleeps up to 8). Picturesque and tranquil summer breaks. Only footsteps from the spacious beaches, and a short stroll to the village pubs & restaurants. Enjoy enchanting sunsets and beautiful scenery. Environmentally unique and full of wildlife. Child friendly. Dogs also welcome at the house, most of the pubs and on the beaches.

For further information email mel@dimension6000.com

Mustard Seed Project

We have lots to share this time as our supporters continue to help us provide quality education to disadvantaged children in Mgongeni, Kenya.

Firstly, did you know that England football star, Jude Bellingham, began raising funds for our school in 2019 when he played for Birmingham? Miche Bora pupils were among those – like us – rooting for Jude in the recent Euros, and were equally disappointed after the final. We are honoured that Jude chose to become an advocate for MSP, and are grateful for his valued support.

Miche Bora will soon become a fully certified Junior Secondary School which, combined with

the Primary School cohort, will enable us to continue taking pupils aged from 5-14. The Kenyan government had to backtrack on their plans to move pupils at age 12, due to a lack of provision, so they introduced changes instead. The new status meant that we had to employ a graduate Maths teacher for the older pupils: Emaculate joined our staff at Easter, and we are confident that the children will continue to do well under her tutelage. In addition, Junior Secondary students must wear

different uniforms to the primary sector (including ties) – they look very smart.

In addition, the Kenyan education department is constantly changing its curriculum –very frustrating – but we are committed to keeping up-todate and we have an ally in fellow trustee, Joshua, who is headteacher at another school. However, Miche Bora’s exam results last year once again hugely exceeded the national averages for our 12- and 14-year-olds which is extremely rewarding for all, and resulted in 150 applicants

The Kenyan government had to backtrack on their plans to move pupils at age 12, due to a lack of provision, so they introduced changes instead.

when word spread that we had vacancies!

Our latest project in Kenya has been to secure land adjacent to the school to be used as a playground. The Kenyan landowner has been renting it to us so that the pupils have an outdoor space for physical activities and playtimes. The great news is that various fundraising initiatives, plus a grant from a generous donor, have enabled us to purchase some – and secure the rest of –the plot at a competitive price. The site is surrounded by a wall, making it perfectly safe for the children, and in the future – ideally – we would like to provide play equipment for our

pupils; some of whom will never have seen swings and slides.

Gender equality was part of the teacher training during my last trip to Kenya, and it raised some issues about provision at Miche Bora which need to be addressed but, at the end of the session, staff bravely discussed equality in their homes – suffice to say, there is still some way to go – which resulted in lots of merriment. It is heartwarming to be able to interact on a personal level with the teachers, and a welcome antidote to all the bureaucracy and red tape!

And finally, a shout-out to local schools who support MSP:

The great news is that various fundraising initiatives, plus a grant from a generous donor, have enabled us to purchase some – and secure the rest of – the plot at a competitive price.

• Market Deeping Primary School donated story books and a reading scheme, which I delivered on my last visit. These were very well received, and excited sharing and conversation ensued – it was like Christmas morning!

• Northborough Primary School ‘stepped up’ on the last day of the summer term to donate their outgrown school shoes, so that our Kenyan students can begin next term looking suitably shod. I can already visualise their happy smiles; for families who struggle to find enough money for food, shoes come way down the list of priorities.

We are truly grateful for the longstanding commitment these schools have shown to Mustard Seed. Well done, all – you are doing great things for your fellow overseas students!

Further information – and the Jude Bellingham link – can be found at https://mustardseedproject.co.uk.

Arthur Mellows Village College

As we draw the curtain on another academic year, I am delighted to reflect on the numerous achievements and experiences that have enriched life at Arthur Mellows. The past months have been a testament to the resilience, talent, and dedication of our students and staff.

John Gilligan, Head of College

We successfully navigated through the GCSE and A Level exam season, a period that always brings both challenges and opportunities for our young learners. The completion of these exams marks a significant milestone in our students' academic journeys, and we eagerly await the results days in August. Year 13 and Year 11 celebrated in style with their proms both of which were fitting occasions that marked their accomplishments.

Our school calendar has been brimming with memorable events. We've embarked on numerous curricular and extra-curricular trips, that have taken our students to local, national and international destinations such as Austria, Belgium battlefields and the USA, broadening horizons

and creating lasting memories. The Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and Combined Cadet Force camps have pushed our students to new heights of personal development and teamwork.

We have also had the privilege of hosting Alison Cope, whose powerful anti-violence presentation left a lasting impact on our community. Our sporting calendar has been equally vibrant, with Sports Days, Swimming Galas, full representation at City Sports, and various fixtures showcasing the athletic prowess of our students. Several students have also achieved success individually and in teams in their own pursuits outside of school, something which we are also incredibly proud of.

It's been particularly heartening to see our students excel in diverse areas. The Dorset Walk for The Malcolm Whales Foundation raised an impressive sum of over £9000. This coupled with the very many charity fundraising events throughout the year demonstrates our students' commitment to making a difference. The Royal Shakespeare Society production, A Level Film Premiere Event, and the Art and Textiles exhibition have all showcased the creativity and talent within our school. Students have also been busy getting involved in other curriculum-based activities such as the regional finals of the French and Spanish Spelling Bees, the UK Maths Challenge and reading events in school. Reading is a particular focus at AMVC and we have celebrated this by enhancing our library space with impressive wall art.

I like to thank and reward our students for making a positive

difference by awarding Head’s Commendations to them every Friday. These are publicised on our social media accounts and those of you who follow us will have noticed that we have seen record numbers of students receive their certificates in recent weeks. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of the wonderful students of AMVC.

It was also a privilege to honour and thank the very many staff who have given so many years service in our staff long service celebration evening. In a climate where schools are struggling to recruit and retain teachers and support staff, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of our colleagues who make such a positive

difference every day, some who have done so for more than 25 years at Arthur Mellows.

Looking ahead, I'd like to remind everyone of some important dates. GCSE results day is on Thursday 22 August, while A Level results will be released on Thursday 15 August. The new academic year will commence on Wednesday 4 September.

As we close this chapter, I want to express my gratitude to our entire school communitystudents, parents, and staff - for your continued support and engagement. Working together we help our young people thrive and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that await us in the coming academic year.

Newton-in-the-Willows: ‘Double’ dovecote

by Dr Avril Lumley Prior

Dovecotes

My interest in dovecotes was kindled when I went to stay in my friend, Patricia’s, conversion in Wiltshire back in the 1980s and I have been ‘collecting’ them ever since. Driving home through Northamptonshire, I discovered a ‘double’ or semidetached version in Newton-in-the-Willows (with space for 2,000 nesting pairs); and two cylindrical ones complete with rotating ladders called ‘potences’ (for collecting adult birds, squabs and eggs), at Eaglesthorpe and Wadenhoe. Newton and Wadenhoe are open to the public although all of our local dovecotes apart from that next to John Clare’s cottage, Helpston, are on private land. However, most can be viewed from the road or footpath. Each one is unique in style, size and building materials and some even bear a datestone with the initials of the original owner.

Dovecote, Station Road, Barnack (1789)

Wadenhoe

Wadenhoe: interior with rotating ladder

The Living Larder

Dovecotes or rather pigeon houses were introduced to England by the Romans, who called them columbaria. Their tenants provided a more succulent, year-round alternative to salted meat. After the Norman Conquest, dovecotes became the preserve of the elite - bishops, abbots (in charge of monasteries) and manorial lords.

In 1761, restrictions were lifted and dovecotes began to sprout in farmyards and in the gardens of country houses and rectories. Tribland seemed to be particularly well endowed, with over two dozen survivors, including four in Barnack and five in Ufford! All are square or rectangular and built of local stone. Many, such as those in: Peakirk; Sutton; Home Farm and Village Manor, Castor; and Jack Haw’s Lane and Station Road, Barnack, had a lantern or cupola in the roof, allowing free movement of resident birds whilst excluding predators. Others, as at Ailsworth, Ashton, Nunton and Northborough Manor, had flight openings in their gables. Most, as far as we know, have retained at least some of their nesting

boxes or ‘pigeon holes’ together with their stone perches. At Ailsworth’s dovecote, at the far end of Main Street, there were even landing platforms on the exterior walls.

Castor: Village Manor

Castor: Home Farm (from Water Lane)

Bainton: ‘pigeon holes’ & perches

Of course, we are not talking about ornamental white doves, which were kept as status symbols, but humble rock pigeons reared for the table. As by-products, feathers were used for pillows and feather beds, whilst guano (dung) made a rich fertiliser for barley, softened leather and was a source of saltpetre, a vital ingredient for gunpowder. Moreover, an ointment concocted from pigeon poo and watercress was prescribed to cure baldness and gout!

Barnack: blocked pigeon holes,Feoffes’ Cottages

Dovecotes in Tribland

Thirteenth-century manorial records reveal that there were three dovecotes within the estates of Helpston’s Woodgate Manor alone, all of which have disappeared. Some may have been little more than nesting boxes in gables as at the fifteenth-century Feoffes’ Cottages [the almshouses], opposite the Millstone at Barnack.

Architectural features suggest that Tribland’s oldest freestanding survivor is at Home

Farm, Castor (which can be viewed from Water Lane), constructed during the seventeenth century. However, the earliest dovecote that we can date precisely graced Newport Farmyard, Ufford. Now situated in the garden of the converted barn, Barncot House, it bears a tablet declaring that it was erected by T. G. [Thomas Gee] in 1727. The next oldest, from 1760, stands in the garden of John Clare’s cottage. Since both these Ufford and Helpston dovecotes pre-date the 1761 Act, it seems that some yeoman farmers were already flouting the rules.

The decayed dovecote in the erstwhile Glinton Manor farmyard presents an enigma. Its walls are of Barnack ragstone though its recycled datestone near the roofline declares that it was commissioned by ‘R. W.’ [Robert Wyldbore, lord-of-themanor] in 1594, roughly 150 years after the Barnack quarries were closed. However, a second

(now illegible) tablet above the doorway, stated that the structure was raised in 1789, presumably of stone salvaged from its 1594 predecessor, which in turn had been robbed from an even earlier building.

Undoubtedly, there was some ‘keeping up with the Joneses’. Dovecote Cottage’s namesake, in Ufford’s Main Street, has been converted into a double garage. Now roofed with Collyweston slate, the steep pitch and coped gables suggest that it was originally thatched. A few gardens away another ‘pigeon house’ lies in ruins, its nesting boxes exposed. Northborough, boasts three extant survivors, at the Manor House (undergoing conservation work) and at Nos 24 (also with coped gables) and 34 Church Street.

Sutton’s dovecote (best seen from the churchyard) has been carefully restored, apart from the asbestos roof and lantern. In the eastern gable is a section of

Glinton’s ruined dovecote

a late Anglo-Saxon cross-shaft and a stone plaque that tells us that it belonged to W. H. [William Hopkinson], one-time lord-of-the-manor, who had it raised in 1803, surprisingly late, as we shall see. Later still, is Glinton’s second survivor, formerly in Scott’s farmyard, with a datestone of 1807.

Dovecotes in Decline

The golden age of dovecotes was undoubtedly during the late eighteenth century. By 1800, there were an estimated 26,000 of them in England, housing over five million pigeons and their squabs, all guzzling on the nation’s crops. Yet, anyone caught killing or stealing a bird or eggs felt the wrath of the local magistrate, who probably was a dovecote keeper himself!

With the French Revolution (1789-99) underway across the Channel and unrest at home, farmers became increasingly mindful that their pigeons’ voracious appetites were

causing resentment among neighbouring smallholders and (more importantly) reducing their own yields. Consequently, many dovecotes were abandoned. Roofs were removed to discourage roosting or they were completely dismantled and their stone used elsewhere. The threat of a tax on dovecotes, in 1800, and the advent of the railways

Helpston: from the Bluebell carpark Sutton: from the churchyard

Derelict dovecote, Bainton

Robbing stone from Peakirk dovecote, 1965 (J. A. Marshall)

and better access to fresh meat, were the final nails in their coffin.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, many dovecotes succumbed to housing developments: Peakirk’s square structure in Firdale Farmyard was demolished in 1965 to make way for the Firdale Close; another disappeared to build Bainton’s St Mary’s Close. A second dovecote was discovered in Bainton, after work started on the Badinton Lane development, in 1996. It is now in a sorry state of disrepair. Likewise, Glinton’s dovecote in Manor House farmyard. Its pyramidal Collyweston-slate roof has been stripped or has fallen in and it is in urgent need of conservation.

In contrast, several Tribland dovecotes have been redeployed as garages and garden sheds and kept in good order. Others, thanks to thoughtful developers, have been incorporated into modern houses, like at Ladds Lane, Maxey, or carefully renovated as garden annexes, as in Dovecote Way, Glinton, and at Barncot House, Ufford.

From Pigeon Pie to Pampered Pets

Pigeons have always been more than just a tasty meal. Three thousand years ago the ancient Egyptians recognised rock pigeons’ homing instinct and

used them to carry messages. Latterly, they were pressed into service by the British during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-15) and again during WWI (1914-18) and WWII (1939-46).

Although dovecotes are no longer the ‘official’ abodes of pigeons, they continue to adopt them as roosts – even at the roofless Glinton. Pigeons seem to be as prolific as ever and are regarded by many (including me) as nuisances. (Our own fault, perhaps, since we domesticated them.) They raid allotments, scavenge around pavement cafés, defecate on buildings, monuments - and people - and bask on my TV aerial and bomb my back door!

Yet, there is a legion of pigeon fanciers across the country, particularly in the North, where

racing pigeons are lodged in cosy, brightly painted sheds called ‘crees’. It seems that pigeon-keeping has descended the social scale from the ruling elite to the landed gentry, then to the military and, finally, to the working-classes who treat their birds as cherished pets and would rather starve than eat pigeon pie!

PS. I would like to thank the dovecote owners/ custodians who allowed me to inspect their properties. I applaud their sense of responsibility in conserving these iconic landscape features for future generations.

WWI bus converted into a pigeon loft

Listed building: pigeon ‘cree’, Ryhope, Tyne & Wear

Local thatcher, Chris Dodson gave a lively and informative talk about 'The Art of Thatching' for July's Open Meeting. A large audience heard how thatching evolved, from early farmers using locally available materials, to the craft it is today.

Helpston Local History Group

The Art of Thatching

Chris is a fourth generation thatcher and currently has a three year waiting list. Chris says he enjoys his relationship with the owners of the thatched buildings he maintains, and is a very entertaining speaker, “I feel, I’m continuing to keep this country’s heritage alive. What I’m doing, won’t be very different from what generations before me were doing.”

The Dodson family has been thatching for just over one hundred years, starting with his great grandfather, who fought in the First World War.

COMING SOON ...

Chris demonstrated different thatching materials (long straw, combed straw or reed, reed being the most expensive and long lasting) and tools (a leggett and two different types of mallet). He also talked about the challenges posed by listed building regulations today and sourcing specialist straw or reeds that are no longer harvested traditionally. In fact, most materials involved in thatching today, sadly come from China.

Chris touched on the controversial fashion for straw

Historic Sights and Sounds of the Village

finials (little straw statutes) on top of some thatched roofs. In some other areas, there is a ballerina and a vulture, for instance and, closer to home, you’ll see: hares, cats, dogs, a book reader and even an elephant. Do look out for the DIY Thatching Trail for Half Term in this issue of the Tribune. Chris is clearly a man, who’s still in love with his job. “I love what I do,” he says, “I still enjoy getting up and going to work as much as I did 26 years ago. I love it. I really do!” How many of us can say that about our jobs?

Our next meeting 'Historic Sights and Sounds of the Village' on 19 September at 7pm in Helpston Village Hall will be for members only – please go to www.helpstonhistory.org.uk to find out about joining! We’ll share a range of archive film, including the Helpston Millenium Video and a short cine extract showing Mr Quincey with his grandson Peter in the 1960s, together with an audio tape recorded in the mid 1990s of Bill Martin talking about his childhood reminiscences of growing up at Royal Oak Cottage.

Schooldays in Helpston

On Saturday 26 October, we will be launching our new project 'Schooldays in Helpston' in the Helpston Village Hall. Entry is free to all between 1pm and 4pm. We particularly hope to receive visitors who can tell us about their memories of attending the old village school, the new John Clare school, Sunday School or other local schools of which we have little knowledge. Any memorabilia or anecdotes from pupils or teachers would be welcomed.

from the kitchen of

Soupe de Legumes

Ingredients

For 6 guests

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 small onions, chopped; 2 carrots, cut into ¼-inch pieces; 2 celery stalks, cut into ¼-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons tomato puree; 8 cups chicken stock; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 bay leaves; 2/3 cup orzo pasta; 1 small courgette cut into ¼-inch pieces; 1 cup frozen peas; ½ cup shop bought pesto; Parmigiano-Reggiano, for grating over soup

Hi all you nice people in the rural villages I hope you’re in good health and eating well, non? As I mentioned in a previous issue I am asked often about soups and a Mrs H from Helpston has mentioned she would like to try one of the offerings from the CP menu. This soup has been an entrée here for really many years, changing little from the original by my grand-père’s time in Ascot. This was very popular with the many notable guests he had then patronising his restaurant, particularly the lovely Diana Dors, who lived nearby in Sunningdale with Alan Lake. Grand-père told me of an occasion in the late 1960’s when they arrived with a number of ‘showbizzy’ people and Ms Dors recommended they had the set menu ‘Plat du Jour’ which included his house soup and they all ordered seconds! He was proud of the simple

• Heat the oil in a large casserole pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and celery and cook, stirring often, until the onions are soft and the vegetables are partially cooked, about 10 minutes. Do not brown; lower the heat if necessary.

• Stir in the tomato puree and cook, stirring frequently, for two minutes more. Add the chicken

but beautiful French country food he and his chef created over the years and pleased to share his passion with so many patrons. Miss Dors would often order this soup to be made for her own dinner parties and she would collect on the morning for that evening. She created quite a scene in then genteel Ascot High Street parking her huge American convertible car outside the restaurant on a Saturday morning I can tell you. It was a publicity coup for the

stock, salt, pepper and bay leaves and bring to a gentle boil. Add the orzo, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 minutes. Add the zucchini and frozen peas.

• Adjust the heat to bring back to a simmer and cook until the orzo is al dente and the vegetables are all tendercrisp, about two minutes more. Remove the bay leaves.

restaurant with photos being taken of this glamourous film star shopping wearing haute couture!

This is a basic soupe de legumes with the addition of pesto. It is like many served all over France in restaurants, cafes and bistros but none is identical. You may of course add ham, chorizo, chicken or other things like a swirl of single cream to it if you wish but please do always serve with a decent crusty bread and grated cheese as a side.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (keep in mind that the soup will probably taste a bit bland before the pesto and Parmigiano-Reggiano are added).

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a heaping tablespoon of pesto and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Pass more pesto and cheese at the table.

Half Term DIY Thatching Trail

Can you find these finials on top of thatched houses across the area? Don’t forget to drive safely! Also, did you know that the pattern and shape of each roof ridge is unique to the Thatcher? It’s considered to be their signature!

a

what do you think?) is

Reader (some

is

ANSWERS You’ll find:

Hares in Helpston (and in Barnack too), Three Cats and another Cat on adjacent rooftops in Bainton, an Elephant (not native to the UK by the way) on

rooftop in Ailsworth, the Dog

on a rooftop in Marholm and the young Book

might say he looks a bit like John Clare,

resting on against a chimney in Helpston.

tribunediary

12 September

‘The Genius of Rene Lalique’ with Andy McConnell of Antiques Roadshow fame René Lalique was the 20th century's greatest glass designer/entrepreneur. Lalique's extraordinary work was unrivalled, combining his unique visual sense with a perfect understanding of glassmaking technologies and revolutionary approach to marketing.

Andy McConnell has dealt in antiques since adolescence. After working in music, film and television, he returned to writing in 2004 as the author of the acclaimed tome The Decanter, An Illustrated History of Glass From 1650.He continues to write regularly for journals and runs Britain's largest antique and vintage glass gallery in Rye, Sussex. He is best known as the distinctly humorous glass specialist on BBC's evergreen Antiques Roadshow.

10 October

‘Great British Parks’ with Paul Rabbitts

This really is a fascinating insight into the history of one of our greatest ever institutions - our Great British Public Park. We have all enjoyed them at some time in our lives but what do we really know about them? What are their origins? This is a highly illustrative lecture accompanied by slides with examples of parks from across the UK and their designs and architecture.

The above talks are held at The Fleet, PE2 4 DL. Doors open at 10-15am for coffee and a chat, the talk starts at 10-45am and lasts an hour, all are welcome.For more information and details of how to join the society, visit: www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk

CASTOR, AILSWORTH AND DISTRICT GARDENERS' SOCIETY

NEWBOROUGH FRIENDSHIP TEAS

A chance for local residents to get together for a chat and a cuppa!

Thursday 26 September 2024

Thursday 24 October 2024

Thursday 21 November 2024

Christmas Party!

Thursday 12 December 2024

2 - 4pm | Village Hall

If you require transport call Wendy on 07507635617

Thursday 17 October

The Houseplant Doctor at the Cedar Centre Joe Bagley

ON THE EDGE - WI

Second Friday of every month. 7.30pm at Northborough Village Hall

Our aim is to provide something of interest for everyone with our varied activities and speakers. In addition, we run walking and craft groups, a lunch club and a book club for the likeminded. We currently have spaces for new members so, if you’re looking to make friends and try new things, come and join us! Email: ontheedgewi@gmail.com

Helpston Church Coffee Mornings

Coffee Cake and Chat.

10 am to 12 noon

Saturday 28 Sept and

Saturday 26 October

Love to see you all!

Dixielanders Jazz Band

Friday 4 October at 7.30pm

Come and join us for a fun evening with Dixielanders Jazz Band in St. Benedict’s Church, Glinton.

Tickets are £12.00, from Julie 01733 252712 or Helena 07802 279756

Drinks Available

Proceeds to St Benedict’s Church, Glinton

Glinton Horticultural Society 79th Open Show

This year on 21 September we will be holding our 79th OPEN SHOW again in Arthur Mellows Village College. The show has something for everyone with many classes for the average person and children as well as those for the exhibition growers, so help us to get back to the pre Covid level of 1000 entries by getting a schedule and entering. If you would like to enter please contact Lynne Best by phone on 01778 342115 or email lynne.best89@yahoo.co.uk for a schedule. The schedule and details of how to enter are also all on the society website www.glintonhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

Maxey Art Group

Painting by Lindsey Preston exhibiting at MAD 2024

Free parking | Disabled access

Friday 4 Oct 10am till 8pm

Saturday 5 Oct 10am till 5pm

FOR SALE

By our artists: Original artwork Greeting cards

Signed limited edition prints Tea, cakes, & coffee Raffle prizes

Examples of artists’ previous work

Go MAD in Maxey

Let us make an exhibition of ourselves!

Maxey Art Group and Deepings Art Club combine again for their joint MAD autumn exhibition at Maxey Village Hall where there will be artwork by many local artists on display to choose from.

Maxey Art Group has been pleased to support Art 4 Ukraine and Helpstonbury events in Helpston in recent years, and we hope to see many of our local villagers visiting our open weekend.

Maxey Village Hall, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9EL

Fashion Show & shopping event

Friday 6 September

7pm at Glinton Village Hall

Ex-High Street ladies' clothing sale & fashion show

Great clothing for all seasons; smart & casual, for ages 1660+ . Sizes from 6-24

NO SECONDS

TOP BRAND NAMES BARGAIN PRICES

Teas and coffees available. Plenty of car parking. Wheelchair accessible. Hope to see you there!

Raising money for St Benedict's Church

Tickets to be purchased before event. All items sold and paid for on the night. Cards accepted where phone signinal is good.

Julie 01733 252712 or Helena 07802 279756 @lincsfashions www.lincsfashionsboutique.co.uk

inspire

From the Vicar

The 9 Bridges Benefice

www.9brideges.church

I write this in the garden on a particularly hot day and I consider how lucky we are to live in such a place where there is variety in the weather. I know it may well be cold and rainy when you read this, but it is important to reflect on the blessings we have. We live on a planet that is referred to as in the goldilocks zone – not too hot and not too cold. I think the same can be said for Britain. And the variety gives us something to talk about (how very British).

One of the things we are not very good at talking about is money. As a church we seem to be constantly asking for money and fundraising which sits in juxtaposition to the idea that the church is very wealthy. IN the nine bridges benefice we have lots of valuable assets (the historic churches) but also the bills and responsibilities that go with that. On top of that we need to fund our ministry which is detailed on the diagram of our benefice mission:

This means we, as a group of churches, need to find about £100,000 per year just to keep open and doing the work that we do. The majority of this comes from regular churchgoers and our fundraising efforts. We think it is important to ensure that the churches are open and available to everyone who wants to come in, we believe that everyone has the right to request a special service (baptisms, weddings, etc), and we believe that everyone can request some help in difficult times. To do all this we need to keep the funds coming in. If you think you could spare a few pounds a month to help keep the churches open, then we would be very grateful. Feel free to get in touch or simply go to www.parishgiving.org.uk to give a one-off donation or to set up regular giving. Thank you to all those who give in both money and time for the work of the church.

Every blessing, Rev. Keir

Paws for Thought

The Theological Education of Rectory Puppy

Rev. Keir

Looking forward to our summer holiday, Jessie had the opportunity to remind themselves of what beach weather might be. Jessie is ever excited about learning new things. And Rev Keir is still very tolerent of Jesse’s ‘enthusiasm’

But Jesse’s theological training continues under the watchful eye of Rev Keir

Jesse: I love the hotter weather.

Rev. Keir: So do I, but sometimes I find ait a bit too hot

Jesse: but you can always jump into the sea

Rev. Keir: but we don’t live near the sea

Jesse: yes but any water will do

Rev. Keir: I suppose

Jesse: especially those really muddy and smelly ditches

Rev. Keir: hmmmm, I don’t like you going in there

Jesse: I know, but it is such fun and very cooling

Rev. Keir: At least you are able to shed your winter coat.

Jesse: Is that why so much hair is everywhere in the house

Rev. Keir: yes, we try and clear it up but we just keep shedding

Jesse: Cool, can we choose a different colour for our summer coat?

Rev. Keir: No, it just grows through the same

Jesse: but I wanted to go all rainbow colours, that would be awesome

Rev. Keir: people might look at you a bit funny

Jessie

Jesse: I don’t care, you are always saying that you are loved just for being you

Rev. Keir: That is right, but a rainbow puppy would be something quite unusual

Jesse: People colour their hair, I saw a woman who had a wonderful rainbow hairstyle

Rev. Keir: Yes, but she was going to Peterborough Pride.

Jesse: So I cannot go all rainbow colours unless I go to Peterborough?

Rev. Keir: No, Pride is a time when people celebrate who they are, particularly the LGBTQA+ community

Jesse: But I am proud of who I am Rev. Keir: Yes but some people find it hard to celebrate who they are

Jesse: why is that?

Rev. Keir: Well society can put pressure on people to be like others. Which can make people feel like they don’t fit in

Jesse: That is really sad, we should celebrate everyone for who they are.

Rev. Keir: Exactly, especially what you know that 68% of LGBTQA+ teenagers have had suicidal thoughts as opposed to 28% of straight teens

Jesse: That is awful, and the way to beat this is to have a big party with rainbow colours

Rev. Keir: Not just that but it is important to recognise the importance of Pride

Jesse: Right, that does it, I am going to dye my hair rainbow

Rev. Keir: Lovely gesture but I am not sure dye will take to your black fur…

The 9 Bridges Beneficeforthcoming services

Sunday 1 September

9:00 Holy Communion

10:30 Harvest Festival

18:00 Taizé

Sunday 8 September

9:00 Holy Communion

10:30 Family Communion

18:00 Joyful Journey

Sunday 15 September

9:00 Harvest Festival

10:30 Harvest Festival

18:00 Celtic Evening Prayer

Sunday 22 September

9.00 Holy Communion

10.30 Family Communion

18:00 Evensong

Sunday 29 September

10:30 United Benefice Service and Harvest Festival

Sunday 6 October

9:00 Holy Communion

10:30 Family Communion

15:00 Messy Church

18:00 Taizé

Sunday 13 October

9:00 Holy Communion

10:30 Harvest Festival

18:00 Joyful Journey

Sunday 20 October

9:00 Holy Communion

10:30 Family Communion

18:00 Celtic Evening Prayer

Sunday 27 October

9.00 Holy Communion

10.30 Family Communion

18:00 Evensong

Sunday 3 November

9:00 Holy Communion

10:30 Family Communion

15:00 Messy Church

18:00 Taizé

St Benedict, Glinton

Peakirk Village Hall

St Peter, Maxey

St Pega, Peakirk

St Andrew, Northborough

St Benedict, Glinton

St Peter, Maxey

St Stephen, Etton

St Andrew, Northborough

St Andrew, Northborough

St Benedict, Glinton

St Pega, Peakirk

St Benedict, Glinton

St Benedict, Glinton

St Pega, Peakirk

Peakirk Village Hall

St Peter, Maxey

St Pega, Peakirk

St Andrew, Northborough

St Benedict, Glinton

St Peter, Maxey

St Stephen, Etton

St Andrew, Northborough

St Andrew, Northborough

St Benedict, Glinton

St Pega, Peakirk

St Benedict, Glinton

St Pega, Peakirk

Peakirk Village Hall

St Peter, Maxey

Sunday 11 August – To be confirmed check www.9bridges.com

10:30 Act of remembrance (+Holy Communion) Northborough

10:45 Act of remembrance on the village green Etton

10:45 Act of remembrance at War Memorial Glinton

10:45 Act of remembrance at War Memorial Maxey

10:45 Act of Remembrance at War Memorial Peakirk

Every blessing, Rev. Keir

What is the point of wasps?

“What are wasps for?” I was asked. Funny question. As the person asking was not someone of faith, and yet the question assumes there is a purpose to things. We seem to have a built-in need to find purpose, to find a point. Arguably the point of wasps is the sharp bit on their behinds, and you don’t want to go finding that too often. But we need to find the reasons behind things – to make patterns and make things make sense – and I believe this human instinct underlies both science and faith.

There’s normally plenty of wasps about in the autumn. I can’t speak for this autumn of course, as I’m writing this halfway through the school holidays, and it’s not been much of a year for insects. But when you have a lot of apple trees in the garden, you normally find them, buzzing around drunk and angry, having wolfed their way through some fermented windfalls.

But they are more useful than their reputation for spoiling picnics would perhaps lead you to believe. “Useful” is another word that presupposes purpose. So maybe “useful to humans” would be better.

They eat bugs. About 14,000 tons of them each year in the UK! Or, to be exact, the wasp larvae do, after the adults have caught them. While the adults wolf up fallen fruit. All that sugar that fills them with energy in the cooling autumn evenings.

And they build the most amazing

little nests out of paper – paper they make by chewing up pieces of wood (again – a double-edged sword if the wood is your rafters).

And they pollinate plants. Some kind of accidentally, as they buzz past. But have you heard about fig wasps? There are more than 850 species of wild fig. And each is pollinated by its own species of fig wasp. The female wasp is attracted to just the right kind of fig by its smell. She climbs in through a tunnel at the base of the wasp. She lays her eggs, and dies. And then her children hatch out, eat, mate, then fly out, picking up pollen from their host. And go off to find their own figs to lay their eggs. The most amazing relationship.

Cultivated figs don’t do any of this by the way. So don’t worry. If you’re eating a nice juicy fig, you’re not also eating a dead wasp.

So what are wasps for? They certainly fill a number of niches

Revd Gary Alderson

in the ecology. They’re great pest controllers. But in a scientific sense they’re not “for” anything. Except maybe making other wasps. They happen to do quite well in the niche they have made for themselves, and that means they can keep the wasp family line going.

But in God’s eyes? They’re another part of God’s amazing creation. Which is both more beautiful than we could have imagined ourselves, and yet also more terrifying than we would really like.

So worth a thought as a wasp buzzes by, or chases you round the living room. What is it for? What are you for? Are we merely accidents, or does the Creator rejoice in us? And is that rolled-up newspaper really necessary?

Harvest Festivals during September, as we celebrate God’s goodness in creation, give thanks for the work of the food supply chain –from farmers to Helpston Convenience Store –and pray for wisdom in our care of creation. We then continue to remember God’s creation with a special service at St Mary’s Bainton on Sunday 20 October at 4.30pm – marking “Apple Day”. The humble apple gets such a bad press because of Adam and Eve – but is the apple innocent? And what is meant by the “apple of your eye”? What can we learn about God’s world by considering the apple? With refreshments afterwards (including apple juice, apple muffins, and even a drop of cider!)

Revd Gary Alderson

Everything you might need for your pets and large animals

Call: 01733 810888 / 07940 297788

10am-5pm Mon–Fri, 9am-4pm Sat, Closed Sun

15 September

St Mary, Bainton

St John, Barnack

St Botolph, Helpston All Saints, Wittering

St Mary, Bainton St John, Barnack St John, Barnack St Botolph, Helpston All Saints, Wittering

16:30 Harvest Festival St Mary, Bainton

9:30 Harvest Festival St John, Barnack

10:45 Harvest Festival St Botolph, Helpston

10:30 Morning Praise All Saints, Wittering

22 September

9:00 Communion St Mary, Bainton 9:30 Morning Praise St John, Barnack

10:45

Morning Praise St Botolph, Helpston

16:30 Harvest Festival St Andrew, Ufford 10:30 Communion All Saints, Wittering

29 September

16:30 Evening Praise St Mary, Bainton

9:30 Communion St John, Barnack

10:45 Communion St Botolph, Helpston 10:30 Communion All Saints, Wittering

6 October

16:30 Taizé St Mary, Bainton

9:30 Communion St John, Barnack

10:45 Communion St Botolph, Helpston 10:30 Morning Praise All Saints, Wittering

13 October

9:00 Communion St Mary, Bainton

9:30 Communion St John, Barnack

10:45 Communion St Botolph, Helpston

10:30 Communion All Saints, Wittering 20 October

14:30 Apple Day Service St Mary, Bainton 9:30 Communion St John, Barnack

10:45 Communion St Botolph, Helpston

10:30 Mornig Praise All Saints, Wittering

27 October

9:00 Communion St Mary, Bainton

9:30 Morning Praise St John, Barnack

10:45 Morning Praise St Botolph, Helpston 10:30 Communion All Saints, Wittering

Revd Gary Alderson

news from St Pega’s Peakirk

The Family Fun and Fund-Raising Skip-A-Long

A small group of young and not so young regularly supported our fund-raising fun skip-along. Between them, they skipped a magnificent 25,000 skips in three weeks.

Maya, Mark and Brian were the ‘skipping champions’ in the various age categories while the most unusual skipping locations were : in the bath, on a trampoline, in the library and on a boat.

A big thank you to those who sponsored our skippers and to those who made donations. So far, we have raised £1244.42!

Afternoon Tea

Although heavy rain early in the afternoon meant that our afternoon tea was held indoors instead of in Rod’s beautiful garden, everyone had a most enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to everyone who supported the event and who prepared, served and washed up! Special thanks to Rod and Penny for hosting such a lovely afternoon.

Hymns and Pimms

It was wonderful so many came for our Hymns and Pimms service in July. Members of the congregation chose their favourite hymnsstirring rousing ones, quiet reflective ones, comforting ones and childhood favourites were all chosen by members of the congregation. Thank you to David for accompanying the singing which was heard, through the open door, across the Village Green.

PS The Pimms went down well too!

forthcoming events

Harvest Festival Weekend

Saturday 31 August. 12.00pm – 4.00pm

Visit our village church, decorated for harvest. Stalls bacon baps, cake and drinks and a harvest trail

Harvest Holy Communion with contributions by the children from Messy Church.

Sunday 1 September 10.30am

Refreshments after the service with the September draw of The100 Club.

Church Clean-Up

Saturday 28 September Autumn Church Clean Up 10.00am – 12.00pm

Clear the cobwebs, polish the pews and weed out the weeds. Help to refresh our church and churchyard. If you would like to join in please let either Pauline or Christine know.

Sausage baps served when we finish.

Quiz And Fish And Chip Supper

Saturday 12 October. 7.730pm in Peakirk Village Hall

Who will be the Wise Owls of Peakirk?

Tickets from Sheila Lever 01733 252416 Bring your own drinks.

The church is for all the local community and is open seven days a week between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome to ‘drop in’ for a moment of peace, to offer a prayer or just to admire the wonderful architecture and wall paintings

writeaway

Digital Social Care Demands Choice from Users

Cllr Peter Hiller, Glinton and Castor Ward

Over the years I’ve been involved with the council a question I’ve often put to the professionals in Social Care is: what do the users prefer when it comes to technology enabled care? It seems to me the providing organisations and the companies who make the stuff don’t actually know

early on, what exactly they want from it. When gadgets are imposed on people, particularly individuals who lack confidence around technology, without good conversations about their ambitions, this often leads to frustration and low engagement. He tells me of many stories of people

because they rarely ask the end user what best suits them and their ability to use it. Our rural ward’s villages enjoy a close community spirit certainly, but I have had occasions to assist residents with specific needs, including staying in touch during times of limited mobility.

A good friend of mine is among over two million people in the UK using technologyenabled care (TEC) - from telecare pendant alarms to home monitoring sensors –and he tells me most people are allocated certain types of TEC, rather than being asked,

putting their tech device in a drawer and leaving it there – an abject waste of resources and a disengagement with the user.

Evidence from a recent academic study draws the same conclusions. When social policy researcher Dr Sarah Alden began to examine what people want from TEC, she found most studies included views from care staff and care organisations but not people who draw on care themselves. Determined to rectify this she conducted nearly 50 interviews and focus groups with people, families and unpaid carers,

and examined more than 100 sources of evidence to explore the different ways technology was used to support the lives of those in need of care.

Her findings were recently published by the TEC Action Alliance – a group of around 30 care organisations, including the LGA, Care England, Homecare Association and the TEC Services Association –whose aim is to put the voice of people, carers and families centre stage when technologyenabled care services and solutions are developed.

Personally, I’d also like to see simple language used when talking to people about unfamiliar TEC equipment they might need and explaining features in terms of how they can benefit them. The use of varied, often technical, terminology is commonplace between service providers and suppliers. Replacing this with easy-to-understand definitions, recognised by everyone, would support more people, families and health and social care professionals to understand and find appropriate digital care solutions. These basic foundations really should be in place without delay when digital support is provided, so the folk who need it can lead the lives they deserve assisted with the kit they can use properly.

Ruddy Duck Peakirk

Ruddy Duck at Peakirk, gratefully receiving the Gold Award from officials of CAMRA for serving consistent and quality real ales in the first year of trading under landlord Nigel Cook.

Rob Morton

To the residents of Maxey/ Helpston, after receiving a phone call and a message from a very rude lady who told me she had visited friends in Maxey yesterday and there was a terrible smell. She didn’t even live in Maxey. We are sorry for any issues from the smell, but once fields are cleared from the previous crop, we apply organic manure from a pig farm which is an old traditional way of farming instead of using artificial fertiliser. We abide by regulations set out by Defra regarding spreading and incorporating the manure within 24hrs of applying it to a field. It occurs only once a year and we do try and spread when the wind direction is away from residential homes but as you know wind direction can change very quickly. On finishing note us British Farmers produce crops to make sure there is food on your plates.

Simon Clayton

Thank you to Brian Lever for hosting a lovely day at Old Warden ModelAir event, provided by the Nine Bridges Benefice Fundraising team via their auction last Christmas. Brian was a gracious and engaging host, and it was also a pleasure to meet his friend and fellow aero modeller, Julio. It was also amazing to bump into my old neighbour, Peter Gibbons, who I had not seen since 1976 when my family moved out of Welland Road. He was and is an amazing aero modeller and he was very kind to me as a boy.

writeaway

Dear Editor,

It is with a feeling of disappointment that I feel the need to write this letter regarding the article in the last issue of the Village Tribune and the dealing by Etton Parish Council with the planting/ removing of the shrubs on the village green.

I feel extremely let down by the Parish Council for not inviting me to the ‘consultation’ regarding the planting of the shrubs after they gave me full permission to do the planting. Then, a few weeks later, the decision was made to dig them up and replant them elsewhere.

I get the impression that a couple of complaints came in, probably with no relevant grounds from people with nothing better to do with their time than moan about someone trying to improve the look of the village (at zero cost to the Parish Council) and that the Parish Council just caved in as it was easier than standing up for what was a perfectly fine situation.

The article mentioned consultation – what consultation? I certainly haven’t seen or been made aware of any consultation within the village. This really didn’t need to be a big issue, why would anyone complain about shrubs?

Did anyone consider all the positive comments that I have received? Whilst watering and tending to the shrubs, I have had many people, both in the village and people passing through, compliment me on the look of the green now that it has a bit more colour to it.

All in all, I feel extremely let down after all the work I do in and around the village to improve it. I feel the gung-ho attitude taken to undo my good work was very undemocratic and left a lot to be desired.

Kevin Fordham

Dear Editor,

This is a response to Barbara Holdich’s letter in Issue 147.

Glinton Village Hall - I thought it important to respond to Barbara’s Holdich’s letter in the JulyAugust 2024 - 147 issue of the Village Tribune, in which she highlights the need to invest in a new village hall for Glinton.

Firstly I would like to thanks her for her support. Glinton Parish Council, particularly the author, is totally behind the concept of a new village hall if there is overwhelming resident support and/or a sizeable group of enthusiastic residents willing to deliver and operate a new facility. To date neither has happened - both village questionnaires and a specific poll detected no better than low interest. We completed feasibility study some time ago for a new build project but when broad community support failed to materialise it was shelved. Further research revealed successful community centres often require a strong income stream derived from non-hire related means such as weekly car boots sales, a sports club or social club. Glinton has none of these. We also investigated how such a project might be funded which included grant funding and borrowing £1.5m - £2m. Both are possible, the latter would increase the precept element of the council tax for many decades which I believe needs the overwhelming support of residents before we proceed.

The current success of Glinton village hall is down in no small way due to Sue Lane who runs it brilliantly and the extremely low hire rates which is linked to low overheads. We are currently considering a modest spend on the hall that hopefully will be grant funded and lower overheads still further.

In summary, the Parish Council sympathise with Barbara’s concerns. We could invest a considerable sum but without significant resident support Glinton could be left with a very expensive white elephant! However, If a group of like-minded enthusiastic residents wish to drive the new village hall/community centre project forward please come to a Parish Council meeting and let your views be heard!

Cllr Gerry Kirt

The one-and-only Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is coming to town with Classics at the Cathedral, performing live for one night only against the stunning backdrop of Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday 21 September.

Classics at the Cathedral with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Showcasing a breathtaking programme of British classics including Holst, Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Stanford, the event will feature performances from celebrated mezzo-soprano Karen England of popular classical crossover duo The OperaBabes, baritone James Quilligan and city choirs Peterborough Male Choir and Peterborough Voices... definitely not to be missed!

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is at the forefront of music making in the UK and internationally, typically performing around two hundred concerts annually. With its broad repertoire and popular appeal, it is the UK’s most ‘in-demand’ orchestra, attracting a worldwide live and online audience of more than 60 million people.

In addition to its annual season of concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall and its Cadogan Hall home, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a respected cultural ambassador and enjoys a busy schedule of touring, performing at concert halls and festivals worldwide, and this year Peterborough is firmly on the list!

The Orchestra’s mission is to make live music as accessible as possible, enriching lives through musical experiences and creating a space for live music at the heart of modern society... goals which are firmly aligned with those of the choirs, with their extensive programme of outreach work across the city, from pop-up choirs to school singing days.

Given their shared vision, it’s no surprise that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the city choirs are old friends: they partnered in 2015 to premiere a specially-commissioned piece of music by celebrated composer Errollyn Wallen MBE at St John’s Smith Square, London, and subsequently at Peterborough’s Broadway Theatre as part of sell-out event Spectacular Classics; and their last Classics at the Cathedral collaboration in 2022 was another sell-out event – that’s over 1000 tickets – so be sure to get yours today!

It’s not every day that a world class concert orchestra comes to town, and who knows when they’ll be back... don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see the ‘nation’s favourite orchestra’ perform here on home turf and celebrate all that our wonderful city has to offer!

© Ben Wright

Sing for Life

Please call/email first to register and book your time-slot. The Sing for Life concert will be at The Cresset, Peterborough on Thursday 14 November (7.30pm)

Launching in September, Sing for Life will sign up 40-plus local women - women just like YOU - to take part in a ten-week pop-up singing project, working towards a fantastic live performance event at The Cresset in November, supporting charity partner Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. You’ll learn to sing, meet new people, challenge yourself, perform live on stage AND raise money for this much-loved local charity – what’s not to like?!

Absolutely no previous singing experience is needed, just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, get stuck in and give it a go… it’s all about the journey! “Sing for Life is not about finding the next Adele; it’s about helping ordinary women find their voice” says project director Will Prideaux. “So many people lack confidence or genuinely believe they can't sing, but deep down just about everyone secretly has

a favourite karaoke number… we promise we’ll have you singing, and loving it, in no time!”

Over one hundred brave women took part in Sing for Life 2023, all eager to learn to sing and raise money for Thorpe Hall Hospice - and they smashed it, giving the performance of their lives and raising nearly £14k for the charity, a fantastic total and more than the project has ever raised before!

For more information about Sing for Life visit www.peterboroughsings.org.uk, email info@ peterboroughsings.org.uk or call 01733 425194. Introduction sessions will be on Thursday 5 September (7-9pm), Friday 6 September (7-9pm) and Saturday 7 September (2-4pm) at The John Mansfield Campus Dogsthorpe PE1 4HX.

pitchperfect

AT-A-GLANCE

By featuring your lineage adverts for 12 months, spanning six issues, we will get your details in front of over 10,000 village residents But wait, there's more! As a bonus, advertisers in our Classified Section will also gain access to our vibrant online community. With over 4,000 active members on our Facebook group, you'll have the opportunity to share promotional messages with a wider audience on the last Friday of every month for an entire year.

ARCHITECTURAL

T W Architectural Services

T: 07765 880309

E: tonywilliamson61@btinternet.com twarchitecturalservices.co.uk

BABY & TODDLER

Little Owletts

Baby, toddler and pre-school multi-sensory sessions

M: 07834 837017 E:info@littleowletts.co.uk www.littleowletts.co.uk

BUILDERS & LANDSCAPING

Owen Builders and Landscaping

T: 07850994577

E: owenbuilderslandscaping@gmail.com

 Owen Builders and Landscaping

CARPENTRY

CG Carpentry and Building T: 07830 364989

E: cgcarpentryandbuilding@gmail.com https://c-g-carpentry-and-building.business.site

BC Carpentry

T: 07710 328848 E: Info@bc-carpentry.co.uk www.bc-carpentry.co.uk

COMPUTER REPAIRS & UPGRADES

The Wizard’s Tech Lab

We are dedicated to providing computer repairs, upgrades, advice and services to our customers

T: 07544 277 544 E: russell@wizardstechlab.co.uk www.wizardstechlab.co.uk

CYCLE SERVICING & REPAIRS

Stamford Cycleworks

T: 07498 010093

E: matthew@stamfordcycleworks.com www.stamfordcycleworks.com

DATING

MatchPoint Dating

E: matchmaking@matchpointdating.uk

DOG WALKING AND PET SITTING

Marathon Mutts

Dog walking and pet sitting services

T: 07484683268 E: mymarathonmutts@gmail.com www.marathonmutts.co.uk

ELECTRICIANS

Tumber Electrical T: 07546912269

E: tumberelectrical@hotmail.com tumberelectrical.co.uk

FARMING

& PET SUPPLIES

TL Hall Farming Supplies T: 07940297788

E: les.farmsupplies@yahoo.com  TL Hall Farm Supplies

FENCING

Webwood Fencing Services & Supplies

Fencing Supplies & Installations. Superior workmanship. Quality Materials. Excellent customer service.Open to the public. T: 01733 639111 E enquiries@webwooduk.com www.webwooduk.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING & ACCOUNTING

JB Accounting Services T: 07432 550002

E: jb_as@outlook.com  JB Accounting Services jb-accountingservices.co.uk

Nene Valley Financial Planning

Friendly, Knowledgeable, Mortgage, Equity Release and Insurance Advice.

Call to discuss or arrange a meeting.

T: 07870 611914

E: info@nvfp.co.uk www.nvfp.co.uk

To advertise here, please call Alison Henthorn 07702 640361 e: alisonhenthorn@btinternet.com

GARDENING

Adcock Propery & Garden Maintenance Services T: 07787 556817 E: adcockspgs@gmail.com

 Adcocks Property & Garden Interior Decorating, Garden Maintenance & General Handyman work offering a reliable service at competitive rates.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The 1:1 Diet with Georgette T: 07764 444235

E: dietwithadifference@gmail.com www.one2onediet.com/GeorgetteL

The Cove Aesthetics 07872893326 @thecoveaesthetics_

 @Thecoveaesthetics

E: thecoveaesthetics@icloud.com www.thecoveaesthetics.com

Concept Therapies (Counselling and Hypnotherapy Services) T: 07369 249876

E: concepttherapies@gmail.com www.concepttherapies.co.uk

Heel The Sole Foot Healthcare T: 07889 798370

E: Suewillcox01@gmail.com www.heelthesole.uk

Leanne King Aesthetics T: 07872 893326

E: leannekingaesthetics@yahoo.com

 leannekingaesthetics

Meta Physiotherapy T: 07946 067439 E: daniela@metaphysiotherapy.net www.metaphysiotherapy.net

Truly Confident Aesthetics

1c West Street T: 07951 484752

E: trulyconfidentaesthetocs@gmail.com www.trulyconfidentaesthetics.net

PHARMACY

Newborough Pharmacy T: 01733 811917 www.newboroughpharmacy.co.uk

PLASTERING

King Plastering

T 07817 737277

E kingplasteringltd@icloud.com

PLUMBING & HEATING

Fenland Heating & Plumbing

T 07930 865642

E Fenlandplumbingandheating@hotmail.com  /Fenlandplumbingandheating

PUBS, RESTAURANTS & MOBILE FOOD

Amo La Pizza T: 07514 771388 E info@amolapizza.uk  woodfiredpizzauk

Ruddy Duck at Peakirk T: 01733 252426 E nigelcook502@gmail.com www.ruddyduckpeakirk.co.uk

The Pack Horse, Northborough T: 01733 913155 E: mail@northboroughpub.co.uk www.the-packhorse.co.uk

TREE SURGEONS

Paul Sharpe Tree Surgeon

All Aspects of tree work undertaken & seasoned hardwood logs for sale. M 07432 308225

E paulsharpe6610@gmail.com

tribunedirectory

 Ailsworth Parish CounciL

Anne Perkins (Chairman) ..........................01733 380541

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

Jenny Rice 07889 669550

 Bainton Church

Reverend Gary Alderson 07503 975588

 Bainton & Ashton Parish Council

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

 Barnack Church (St John the Baptist)

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

 Barnack Coffee Stop

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

 Barnack Community Association

Sally Hullock ..............................................07795 565658

 Barnack Cricket Club

William Armitage, Chairman 01780 740749

 Barnack Home from Home Club

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

 Barnack Men’s Breakfast

Mike Mills 01780 740285

 Barnack Messy Church

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

 Bowls Clubs

John Broadbelt..........................................01780 740133

Glinton Bowls: Jeff Bell .............................01733 252395

Helpston Carpet Bowls Les Cunnington 07857 835955

 Botolph’s Barn

Kate Hinchliff 07745 116621

 British Legion

Max Sawyer 01780 765507

 Bus & Train Services

Delaine Bus Services ................................01778 422866

Stagecoach ...............................................01733 207860

Train Services ............................................0845 7484950

 Castor & Ailsworth Cricket Club

Secretary - Josh Weaver 07712 707353

j_weaver@live.co.uk

 Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners' Society

Chair - Ann Huckle 01733 3780745

ann.huckle@cobnut-cottage.co.uk

Secretary - Richard Pearce - cadgsociety@gmail.com

 Cubs, Brownies, Guides, Scouts & Rainbows

General Guiding Queries

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

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

....................................................................07778 707952

Helpston Rainbows, Lindsay Roberts 07399 589333

General Scouting Queries

Martin Hall 07778 707952

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

Helpston Cubs, James Metheram ...........07399 252033

Helpston Scouts, Mark Crookes...............07808 633018

 Deeping Gate Parish Council

Clerk...............................clerk@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

 Doctors

Deeping Practice (Main line) 01778 579000

Deeping Practice (Appnts.) 01778 579001

Glinton Surgery 01733 252246

 Etton Church (St Stephen’s)

Churchwarden: Anne Curwen 01733 253357

 Etton Parish Council

Clerk: Elinor Beesley. 07713 194173 clerk@etton-pc.gov.uk

 Fenland Clarion Cycling Club www.fenlandclarion.co.uk

 Glinton Friendship Club

Pam Kounougakis 01733 252018

 Glinton Church (St Benedict’s)

Churchwarden: Veronica Smith 01733 252019

 Glinton Parish Council

Mr J Haste - Clerk .....................................07591 834163

 Helpston Church (St Botolph’s)

Rector: Gary Alderson ..............................07503 975588

 Helpston Helcats

Phil Roberts................................................07925 720195

 Helpston Parish Council

Clerk: Sydney Smith .................................01733 252903

 Horticultural Societies

John Best - Glinton ...................................01778 342115

Debbie Martin - Barnack Show 01780 740048

Kirsty Scott - Peakirk 01733 253952

 Hospital

Peterborough City Hospital 01733 678000

 Langdyke Countryside Trust

Richard Astle 01733 252376

 Maxey Church (St Peter’s)

Churchwarden: Mandy Loveder 01778 343100

 Neighbourhood Watch

Maxey Neighbourhood Watch

Dick Wilkins 01778 348368

Bainton & Ashton Cliff Stanton 01780 749123

 Newborough Parish Council

Mark Ormston

Mark.ormston@newboroughandboroughfenpc.org.uk

 Newborough Good Neighbours -

Cate ...........................................................07735 810139

 Newborough Pre-school Playgroup

Debbie ......................................................07423 519890

 Newborough Indoor Carpet Bowls –

Brenda Vessey 07941 308148

 Northborough Church (St Andrew’s)

Clare Strak, PCC Secretary

Jane Knott, Church warden......................01778 345101

Polly Beasley, Church warden ..................01778 380849

 Northborough Parish Council

Elinor Beesley............... 07713 194173

 Peakirk Church (St Pegas)

Churchwarden: Sheila Lever .....................01733 252416

Churchwarden: Pauline Cooke.................01733 253116

 Peakirk Parish Council

Clerk: Angela Hankins 01733 253397

 Peterborough City Council

Peterborough City Council ......................01733 747474

 Police and Emergencies

Police - emergency calls 999

Less urgent crimes 101

Power Failure 0800 7838838

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

 Pre-School & After-School Clubs

Helpston Playhouse pre-school

Lucy Garwood 01733 253243

Helpston Before & After School Club

Roz Sowinski ..............................................01733 253243

Peakirk Tots

Emma Thornton 07876 822173

Little Lambs Toddler Group, Barnack

Julie Stanton 01780 749123

Sunflower Seed Pre-School, Northborough

Kirsty Wislawski .........................................01733 253685

The Owls’ Nest, Amy Quarizzo 01733 252361

 Schools & Education

Arthur Mellows Village College 01733 252235

John Clare Primary ...................................01733 252332

Barnack C of E Primary

01780 740265

Peakirk-cum-Glinton Primary School ... 01733 252361

Northborough Primary...........................01733 252204

Peterborough Adult Learning ..............01733 761361

 Tennis Clubs

Helpston Tennis Club 07714 780573

 Ufford Church Enquiries

Peter and Sally Hudson 01780 740475

 Village Halls

Barnack Village Hall Bookings

Sally Hullock ...........................................07795 565658

Glinton Village Hall Bookings

Sue Lane 07923 475966

Glinton Whist, Joyce Heathcote ...........01733 253790

Helpston Village Hall,

Caryn Thompson ...................................07801 260240

Maxey Village Hall, Jacqui Barnard 07902 536476

Northborough Village Hall: www.northboroughvillagehall.co.uk

Peakirk Village Hall (Bookings) 07938 386226

Ufford Village Hall

Fiona Spire (Bookings) 07795 111319

 Village Tribune

Editor, Tony Henthorn ...........................07590 750128

 Ward Councillors

Barnack David Over ..............................07920 160053

Glinton & Castor Peter Hiller 07920 160487

 Women’s Institute (WI)

Northborough WI

Tracy Thomas (Secretary) 07720 327145

 Youth Clubs

Barnack Youth Club, Colin Morgan 07850 366528

Maxey Youth Club: Tina Lapinskis 01778 347280