Cottenham Newsletter Issue 158 - April/May 2017

ISSUE NUMBER 158

APRIL/MAY 2017

REQUESTING ACHIEVEMENTS

I am delighted to say that the very first issues of the Newsletter are now available to view online. All the back issues from 1990 to 1997 have now been uploaded to the website: www.cottenhamnews.org.uk. The first issue from August 1990 was only eight pages long and was typed out and then photocopied. The first editors were Ruth Rogers and Bridget Walker. I think the mission statement of that first issue still holds true:

“It will be widely available in the village, with the aim of keeping everyone informed of the various activities, meetings, forthcoming events happening in Cottenham, as well as topical news of general interest.”

However, in this day and age of Facebook, Twitter etc, news is instant so I wanted to try and reflect that in this issue and also the achievements of residents. First of all it is with great pleasure to see that Eddie Murphy, my predecessor, has been recognised for his service to our village and the Newsletter in the South Cambridgeshire annual community awards held on 9 March. Not only that, Sustainable Cottenham won third place in the Environment Awards. Well done!

It’s congratulations to the girls of Cottenham Village College who are now the district netball champions after winning the tournament on 9 March. I think it is only right to highlight the achievements of our young women as a celebration of International Women’s Day which was on

the day before. It is good to see that the girls’ football team have received new equipment from Cambridgeshire Football Association with the help of their coaches David and Simon. On the subject of the ‘beautiful game’, Cottenham United Colts Under 14s team is looking to recruit players for the 2017/18 season.

Air pollution has been in the news recently with an article on the BBC website saying that the lives of roughly 40,000 people a year are shortened because of it, mainly because of the effect on people with heart or lung problems. So it was with alarm that I saw a post from ‘Cottenham Cyclist’ on Twitter: ‘This week on the Cambridge commute: A pedestrian walking along Madingley Road wearing a pollution face mask.’ Is air pollution a problem in Cottenham? Will it become more of a problem in the future with more people and cars in the village? Something to think about perhaps.

On a more positive note, I am looking forward – as I am sure you are – to the Fen Edge Festival which this year is being held on June 23, 24 and 25. It’s going to be a great weekend, as it always is, and if you would like to be part of its success and have time to volunteer, please get in touch with the organisers.

Finally, I would like to thank Liz Porteous who has stepped up to take on the role of advertising manager. Thank you Liz. Adrian Ient

Dates: April 4th 6th 12th 18th 20th 21st

25th 28th 29th

Parish Council, Full Council, Village Hall Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm Cottenham WI: Wildlife conservation with live animals, CVC, 7.30pm.

Parish Council, Community & Leisure Facilities meeting Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm Cottenham Village Society: Eleanor Whitehead, “The History of Chivers and Sons Manufacturers of Preserves 1873-1919” Parish Council, Finance Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm Cottenham Gardeners Club, Franklin Gardens Community Room, 7:30pm Fen Edge Footpath Group walk: Therfield Heath, Royston, start at CVC

May 2nd 4th 9th 10th 13th 16th 18th 23rd 25th 26th

Parish Council, Full Council, Village Hall Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm Annual Parish Meeting Cottenham WI: Resolutions with refreshments, CVC, 7.30pm Village Yard Sale Parish Council, Community & Leisure Facilities meeting Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm Parish Council, Highways Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm Parish Council, Finance Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm Cottenham Gardeners Club, Franklin Gardens Community Room, 7:30pm

ARTICLES, DATES AND ADVERTISEMENTS E–mail, CD, memory stick and paper submissions are all welcome. Please contact the editor if you have any questions. Dates of events to be advertised in the next issue should span the months of June and July.

Small ads: TOAT – “TOM OF ALL TRADES” Tom Wykes Handyman. No job is too big or too small – garden/house clearance, shelving, plumbing and so on – call Tom for a quote on 01954 250324, 07762 559259 .........

FRESH GRIMSBY FISH Fresh and smoked fish, shellfish in Cottenham every Thursday morning. Est. since 1989. Call Ray on 07702 830308 to arrange a call to your office or home. No order too small. .........

HOUSE/PET SITTER, fully insured and CRB checked. Tailor made service having your pets looked after in their own home with anything from daily visits to living-in, assuring security.

This is a reliable/discreet/confidential business with visits in an unmarked vehicle. Excellent references. Email: ginnyr38@gmail. com Tel:01223 232972 or 07980 042601 .........

BRIDGEMAN MAINTENANCE HANDYMAN SERVICE We offer a variety of services in Cambridge and surrounding villages from garden clearance and maintenance, painting and decorating, appliance fitting or general property maintenance and repairs, emergency callouts.

Call for a free quote 07824312732 or 01954 770308 julian@ bridgemanmaintenance.com .........

FURNITURE POLISHING AND REPAIR Polishing and restoration of antique (and not so antique) furniture by a local Cottenham restorer. Rob Ellis: 01954 250153 .........

Issue Number 158 • page 2

KEEP CALM AND LEARN TO RELAX Weekly drop-in sessions – Mondays (term-time only) at The Barn, 184 High Street, Cottenham – 1:30-2:30pm. £7 per session Ring 07901 774660 or Email dee.loakes@tesco.net – Mindful Meditation Teacher/ Reiki Master .........

C HILSDEN DECORATING SERVICES all aspects of painting and decorating, tiling and home maintenance carried out to the highest standard. Free estimates and excellent rates. Carl Hilsden – Mobile: 07590 517882 Home telephone 01954 250446 www.hilsdendecorating.com .........

IN NEED OF A BABY SITTER? I am a responsible, reliable and capable 18-year-old with childcare experience. Available most weekends and holidays, and weekdays after 5:00pm. Contact Caitlin on 01954 251700. E-mail: murphycaitlin5@googlemail.com .........

COTTENHAM LOCKS AND KEYS Mobile locksmith. Domestic, commercial and retail lock fitting, lock opening, key cutting, UPVC door and window problems. 24x7 emergency lockout service.

Fully insured. Free quotations and surveys, highly competitive prices. Tel: 07952 747279. Email cottenhamlocksandkeys@ gmail.com or visit www.cottenhamlocksandkeys.co.uk PEAT’S GARDEN SERVICES Lawn and hedge cutting, pruning, planting, rotovating, turfing, weekly and monthly visits, all garden work undertaken. All garden waste removed. For a free estimate call Pete Bullen 01954 250771 or 07749 863047 .........

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN? Lawn care, pruning, planting, hedge cutting and general garden maintenance. For a friendly, reliable service – contact Bob on 07903 189639

DOG DAY CARE IN COTTENHAM Open Mon – Fri, 8am to 7pm. 2 x 1 hour walks on our 150+ acre farm and 100% attention all day at home and in our enclosed garden all for £15.00 a day.

Dog walking, pet sitting also available prices from £7 Lingwood dog walkers/sitters, Lingwood Farm, Cottenham, CB24 8PX Tel Erica 07956 406643 or visit www.lingwooddogs.com .........

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIAN Part P registered, local, reliable, over 25 years experience. Design, installation, inspection & testing work carried out, no job too small. 10% discount for senior citizens. Call Peter for a free, no obligation quote on 01954 775003 / 07796260735 .........

R J BENSON CARPENTRY Local fully qualified reliable carpenter. Please call 07961811454 or email robbenson15@ gmail.com for advice/free quotes.

2ND COTTENHAM SCOUT GROUPS Did you know you don’t need to have a child in one of the 2nd Cottenham Scout Groups to be a volunteer?

You don’t even have to meet any of the kids! Anyone, of any age, with a few hours to spare and an interest in helping out will be welcomed with open arms. We need people to join us on our various committees – so if fundraising is your thing, let us know. If you’re a whizz with accounts or can organise to within an inch of your life, we need YOU! Handy with a lawnmower? Can you wield a paint brush (or perhaps washing-up brush)? You can volunteer to cut the grass, paint the Scout hut, clean the kitchen – any and all maintenance help will be gratefully received.

We need your help. Contact the Secretary at 2ndcottenham@googlemail.com if you think that you might be able to volunteer. No offer of help is too small, even if it’s only for a couple of hours a year manning a stall at the jumble sale – we need YOU! The annual ‘Mile of Pennies’ will be held this year on Saturday May 20th, 9:00am-11:00am in the High Street.

Bring along your bags of loose change and help us raise funds for Cottenham Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

There will be a Grand Raffle to win a hamper of goodies as well as cakes, drinks and games.

Every penny raised goes to the 2nd Cottenham Scout Groups to subsidise some great activities, maintain our Scout Hut and to help make some unforgettable memories for our scouts! We really do appreciate your continued support.

ANTIQUE, MODERN & BESPOKE UPHOLSTERY using traditional materials and techniques. Based in Cottenham, Victoria Morris Upholstery offers a professional (AMUSF Qualified) and reliable upholstery service for your most treasured antiques or favourite chair. For all enquires and/or a free consultation, contact Victoria on 01954 270050 or 07547 496931 or by email: vmupholstery@hotmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/ vmorrisupholstery .........

OAKINGTON DOG DAY CARE CENTRE LTD, Dry Drayton Road, Oakington, 07704 729299 At work all day? Need a day out? Let us care for your dog. We have a well-equipped play area featuring our fantastic ball pool and a large variety of indoor play equipment. Outside we have a fully enclosed grass paddock and a large field containing sand pits, paddling pools, tyres, etc. Dog loving staff, fully insured and safe. We also offer limited field hire at weekends for somewhere safe to exercise your dog. Please contact us for more information, contact details are on our website www.oakingtondogdaycare.co.uk or visit our Facebook page to see photos of happy dogs having a great time ​.........

Why not advertise in the Newsletter! Items for sale, announcement of family events, local products and/or services...

5p per word, with all proceeds going to charity. Send advertisements and payment to the Advertising Manager.

Cheques should be made out to ‘Cottenham Newsletter’.

WANTED – VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTOR The task involves collecting approximately 20 sets of bagged newsletters and distributing them to deliverers around the village. A car is essential and the round takes around one hour every two months.

The newsletters will usually be available on the first Friday of the publication month and ideally require distribution either that day or early on the Saturday morning to allow the deliverers time to get them out that weekend. Would suit someone who has Friday afternoons free and wants to play a key role in the distribution of this important part of village life. For more information please contact Phill Ford, Tel: 01954 251529

Issue Number 158 • page 3

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS AND OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Most of us like living in Cottenham. Property developers want another 1,000 people to join us in the next few years.

Their planning applications are, despite our opposition, working their way through the District Council’s system and may be resolved – one way or the other – in the next few months.

Most problematic is their location on the edge of Cottenham. These homes will be too far to walk easily to our schools, shops and businesses, making their residents even more car-dependent than those of us living nearer the High Street and Citi8 bus stops.

If approved, they will bring much heavier traffic and damage to the appearance of Cottenham from the village approaches and enormous pressure on our Primary School, medical and other community facilities. Increased flood risk is inevitable.

Against the challenges, they could bring some affordable homes and financial contributions towards the cost of improving our community facilities, including the proposed Village Hall & Nursery.

Whether or not they are approved, we still need to improve community facilities and provide some truly affordable homes that can be reserved for local people forever.

We have an opportunity to take more control of where and how future development happens here. Our

Issue Number 158 • page 4

Neighbourhood Development Plan can allocate land for our future housing needs and, if approved by a Planning Inspector and you in a referendum, it will prevent unwanted development.

Some of you will have attended the recent Public Meetings called to discuss all the above.

We have now invited: landowners willing to have plots considered for development to put them forward for independent appraisal, and potential Trustees of a Cottenham Community Land Trust whose brief will be to build some of the needed community facilities, including truly affordable homes in the village.

The Plan is not yet final. The “Pre-submission v2.x” draft is available in various amounts of detail on the Parish Council website www.cottenhampc.org.uk under “projects”. This includes the “golden thread” of the draft Neighbourhood Plan, outlining how the vision for Cottenham in 2031 has been used to define five objectives, each of which has a number of planning policies to achieve it. Once at least some of sites have been allocated, we will announce the first formal consultation. The accompanying Traffic & Transport strategy sets out how we can improve these aspects of living here.

Frank Morris, Cottenham Parish Councillor

THE BEST COFFEE IN COTTENHAM? ...PROBABLY

Drop into the Coffee Shop at the Community Centre opposite the Co-op any day (except Sunday) between 10 and 2 and you’ll experience a real buzz. There’s likely to be a variety of people socialising there: young mums with their children getting together for a chat, some older folks knitting or playing board games, couples enjoying a morning break, an informal business meeting going on in the corner, a group relaxing after their exercise class in the studio upstairs, and perhaps one or two ‘working at home’ on their laptops. All are welcome and it’s a great place to meet others from the village.

What’s more the coffee (or tea if you prefer) is superb however you like it, the home-made scones and cakes are to die for, and the daily specials, soups, baked potatoes, sandwiches and ciabattas make an ideal light lunch. If you’ve not already visited, give it a try – you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

company of their colleagues, like meeting and helping our customers and giving something back to the community.

If you have some spare time that you’d like to use to do something useful and rewarding, you could help out at the Coffee Shop too. You don’t have to commit to working regular days or shifts; you can do as much or as little as you want, when you want. You’ll get some basic training to start with, learn some new skills, meet a lot of interesting people and be part of a great team. You’ll even get a smart T-shirt to wear.

If the thought of volunteering appeals to you, why not call in at the Coffee Shop and have a word with Jane to find out more.

At the centre of the Coffee Shop activity are our paid staff, ably supported by willing volunteers. The professionals: Jane our manager, Jo and Tricia, ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible and that the food and drink is prepared to the highest 5-star standards. But we couldn’t manage without our volunteers who give up their time to help with a range of jobs. They might be taking orders at the till, acting as baristas once they’re trained on the use of the coffee machine, delivering the food and drinks to your table, or clearing up and washing up. One thing all our existing volunteers have in common though is that they enjoy the

Issue Number 158 • page 5

PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Budget 2017/18 The precept for 2017/18 has been set at £324,289. A large proportion of the increase is to be used to finance a loan for the new Village Hall. Full details of the budget can be found on our website or are available on request.

Grants As part of the budget for 2017/18 we have awarded grants to Fen Edge Community Association (towards the Fen Edge Festival), Cottenham Primary School PTCA and the Mobile Warden scheme.

Village Hall & Nursery At the time of writing a decision on our planning application (South Cambs reference: S/3163/16/OL) has been pushed back by SCDC until late March. The main remaining issues are the proposed height and scale of the building which will, technically, be in the open countryside. The application includes use of a temporary building to allow some continued “Hall” operation during the construction.

Major developments Gladman 1 – inquiry on the 225 houses + 70 homes with care is now scheduled for 4th April.

Gladman 2 – went to SCDC Planning Committee in February but decision delayed due to lack of heritage statement regarding the impact of the 2 lane roundabout next to the listed Almshouses. Item was rescheduled for 1st March but withdrawn at the 11th hour so the application can be advertised publicly for 21 days because the proposed roadworks affect the setting of a Listed Building.

Persimmon – they have also submitted a somewhat flawed heritage statement regarding the Almshouses. No new date for a decision at the time of writing.

County – have also submitted a heritage statement. The application may also be affected by the Local Plan hearing regarding the designation of Local Green Space (the third field at the Recreation Ground falls into this category).

Neighbourhood Development Plan Thanks to everyone who commented recently on the draft policies. We have now developed two documents. The Neighbourhood Development Plan focuses on “where and how” land is developed in the parish, while the Traffic & Transport Strategy mostly involves collaboration with third parties such as Stagecoach and the County Council Highways department.

The Pre-Submission Neighbourhood Development Plan has been published (on our website under www.cottenhampc. org.uk/neighbourhood-plan) for “local consultation”. Any valid representations received on the dedicated gmail address (cottenhamnp@gmail.com) will be formally documented and may lead to further revisions to form the Submission Plan which will undergo further public comment and formal examination in the next few months.

We have also published a draft Traffic & Transport Strategy with its own suggested policies on dealing with these issues. This will be reviewed by our Highways Committee and, eventually, be adopted by the Parish Council to guide its work in the next years.

Issue Number 158 • page 6

Tenison Manor adoption by County Council Maintenance works have been continuing on Broad Lane/ the Balancing Pond and the area is now a lot clearer with the ditches working properly. Persimmon and Bovis are still considering our suggested amount necessary to maintain the ditches and pond in future. Once agreed, legal documentation has to be prepared so the title of these can move to the Parish Council. That opens the way for potential adoption of the roads by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Recreation Ground improvements To enable us to improve pedestrian access we have removed the hedge alongside the access road. This will allow us to install a properly segregated and wider pedestrian access alongside the widened roadway. Once planning permission is granted we will extend the car park and install a pedestrian access path to the Pavilion. During the Village Hall building works the section of parking in front of the building will be fenced off hence the need to get the extension done prior to works starting. As part of the Hall works additional disabled parking spaces will be installed in front of the building along with a pedestrian route to the front entrance.

Tenison Manor Tree Belt All works to the Tenison Manor tree belt are now complete.

The ditch has been cleared so can now act as a flood drain if needed. Additionally there is now access along the ditch line itself. At present, there is no public right of way along this pathway.

The Moat, Tenison Manor We have now installed a mobility-friendly access gate on the Bullfinch Way side. The old gate will be recycled at WARG Field (Histon Road).

Highways We have written to local hauliers, to request that they and their sub-contractors, adhere to a Commercial Company Covenant (a Voluntary Code of Conduct), a communityowned initiative supported by CCC – if they agree to the code, we will add their name to a published list of hauliers willing to reduce avoidable adverse effects of HGV traffic on local communities.

CCTV We have now had cameras installed at the Pavilion following security issues. Images from these are automatically recorded at all times.

Annual Parish Meeting It’s been a busy 12 months! Residents are invited to the APM on Tuesday 9th May at 7.30pm in the Village Hall at the Recreation Ground. This is your chance to chat to Councillors and hear reports by the Parish, District and County Councils on what has happened over the past year and put forward questions to all parties. There will also be an opportunity for local registered charities to provide an update on their activities. Refreshments will be available so please come along and join us.

Continued on page 7

Continued from page 6 Village Hall/Sports Pavilion Hire If you’d like to hire the Village Hall (up to 120 people) or Sports Pavilion multi-purpose room (up to 40 people) for your birthday party, christening, anniversary celebrations, classes etc. please contact Sam (asstcottenhampc@ gmail.com) for rates and availability. You can also check the diary and make provisional booking enquiries via our website.

Office Opening Hours The Parish Office is open every Monday between 9.45am12 noon. Appointments are available outside of these hours by emailing or phoning – details below. The Clerk is contactable between 9.30am-2.30pm weekdays and messages can be left outside of these hours.

DANCING IN COTTENHAM On the 6th May the Whirl & Twirl dance club will be holding an Open Day at the Cottenham Community Centre. The event is free and you will be able to visit anytime between 10:00am and 1:30pm, while the Coffee Shop is open.

Dancing is great for health, fitness and socialising. We dance to a variety of rhythms like Rumba, Cha and Waltz.

You will be able to watch or join in the choice is yours.

So come and have a go we have no age restrictions.

Issue Number 158 • page 7

FEN EDGE FESTIVAL – IT’S GETTING CLOSER! This year’s Fen Edge Festival is only a couple of months away! Preparations are in full swing for the seventh Festival... and once again we have a great programme for everyone to enjoy The weekend of 23rd, 24th and 25th of June is going to be packed with activities for all ages, refreshments and food, market stalls, live music and demonstrations and performances from many of the fantastic groups we have within the Fen Edge villages.

Cottenham Toy Library kicks the Festival off with its PreSchool Fun Day on Friday 23rd. Bingo in the main marquee on Friday afternoon will be followed by the Cottenham Primary School PTCA Summer dance. This year’s headliners are Swagger who are sure to get the weekend off to a great start. Tickets are going to be in demand and will go on sale in May so watch out for more details.

Bring your friends and family, chairs and rugs and enjoy the great free entertainment on Saturday and Sunday evening on the Village Green. There will be a great choice of food on offer plus a bar in the main marquee.

On Saturday evening, party with Big 10. Renowned for their huge Ska and 2 Tone sound with 8-10 musicians on stage, including the brass section and singers, Big 10’s performance will be a real treat for the senses!

On Sunday night, Keith Pearson Trio provide the musical entertainment and will bring the Festival to a more mellow close.

Grab a glass of Pimms or a pint of beer and settle down to be entertained at The Venue, our setting for live music and performances. We have a great line-up in store for you.

There will be lots of fun things for the kids to enjoy including rides, games and bouncy castles plus some great surprises.

Issue Number 158 • page 8

Magician Mr Marvel and Professor Diamond’s Punch & Judy will keep the young (and the young at heart) entertained.

On the Village Green there will be a wonderful mix of more than forty market stalls, activities and live demonstrations.

Lots of local groups, including Tyrannochorus and Cottenham Theatre Workshop to name just a couple, will entertain you alongside sporting and dancing demonstrations.

As ever, staging an event the size of the Fen Edge Festival requires those with the energy and willingness to help out. We need lots of volunteers across the weekend to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves and be safe while doing so. If you are able to help, for however short an amount of time, please contact: volunteer@ fenedgefestival.co.uk Once confirmed, all event details will be published on the Fen Edge Festival website at www.fenedgefestival.co.uk – You can also track the latest updates by visiting our Facebook page.

The Fen Edge Festival is organised and promoted by the Fen Edge Community Association which is a registered charity.

The Association encompasses the villages of Cottenham, Landbeach, Rampton, Waterbeach and Willingham.

It’s going to be a fun weekend.

It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be exhausting.

Make sure you’re part of it. Mark the weekend on your calendar now!

And... The Fen Edge Festival is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. Voting is open in stores throughout March and April. You can cast your vote using a token given to you at the check-out in store each time you shop.

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORT At the end of last year, all district councils in Cambridgeshire, as well as the county council and Peterborough City Council, signed up for the most generous devolution deal in the country. (In addition, in the Autumn Statement the Chancellor signalled a shift towards directing government spending where it is likely to generate the highest return, not least for the Exchequer.)

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will set up a combined authority, reinforcing the close joint working established over the past decades, enabling the councils to work together ever more efficiently. The leaders of the councils and the Local Enterprise Partnership are meeting regularly so that they will be ready to work with their new chairman as soon as the mayor is elected, on the same day as the county council elections this May. The role has already attracted a lot of interest!

A new £20m annual fund over the next 30 years (£600m in total) will support economic growth, infrastructure and jobs. Road improvements will include things like dualling the A10, partly to increase capacity for additional traffic from a new town at Waterbeach. Rail investment will unblock Ely North Junction, provide new rolling stock, and strengthen the case for a new station at Addenbrooke’s.

Cambridge City Council will get a specific £70m housing grant. Another £100m for “affordable housing”, homes for rent and part-ownership provided by the council and housing associations, will be targeted in South Cambridgeshire. We think we can make close to 2,000 of these houses available over the coming five years. These are not extra houses to those in the Local Plan, but we will be bringing them forward earlier than otherwise and within reach of more people.

Local control of the skills and apprenticeship budget will offer opportunities for our young people. The next stages in the handover of powers from Whitehall to town hall will extend to community safety (including police and fire services) and integrating local health and social care.

2016 saw several milestones passed at Northstowe: widening the B1050, excavating balancing ponds to reduce flood risk to Longstanton, building new pumps at Webb’s Hole Sluice to reduce flood risk to Mare Fen, opening the first primary school, constructing the first houses; and ending with completion of the legal agreement for phase 2. The first half of the town, 5,000 houses, will be accompanied by financial contributions more than £100m towards education and community facilities, as well as transport improvements including funding for more links in the Cambridgeshire cycleway network. Over 2,000 houses will be offered at prices and/or rents below market rates.

of the Industrial Strategy is sharing prosperity, both across the country and among all sections of society.

The second was the Housing White Paper. While there may have been some disappointment with the emphasis on requiring local authorities to get houses built, when landbanking by big housebuilders and controlling the release of houses to keep prices up are commonly cited as contributory factors limiting the number of new houses, two shifts were generally well received. The first is a set of measures to make it easier for small building firms to get back into the business of building houses, and the second is a greater willingness to allow local authorities to build houses again. (The public sector used to build half the houses the country needed.) Councillors and staff have already had several meetings with Gavin Barwell, the Housing and Planning Minister, and more are expected as we put together a package of measures best suited to the circumstances of South Cambridgeshire.

At the meeting on 23 February the district council element of council tax was increased by five pounds a year on a Band D property. We are still one of the lowest-spending local authorities in the country. Remember that the bill you get from us includes the amounts being charged by the other councils and public services, in particular the county council, the parish council, police and fire.

As our grant from the government is steadily reduced to zero, we have been successfully substituting revenue from commercial activities so that we can maintain the high quality of our services. As well as continuing our core services such as emptying the bins, planning, housing and environmental health, our corporate plan for the coming year includes: Enhancing our Rates Relief system to give more help to our local shops and businesses.

Making plots available for people to build their own homes.

Setting aside extra money to help with Neighbourhood Plans.

Allocating £675,000 for renewable energy schemes.

Recruitment of a new chief executive is well under way – and it is possible that an appointment may have been made by the time this issue comes out.

Tim Wotherspoon

This year began with announcement of two major pieces of government policy. The first was the Industrial Strategy green paper. This takes forward the ideas of empowering local areas to boost their own economies, that were initiated and elaborated by Michael Heseltine, Peter Mandelson and Vince Cable in previous administrations. Cambridge and its surroundings are well placed to benefit both from an area-based approach – especially tying in with London and Oxford and points in between – and a sector deal concentrating on life sciences. One of the main objectives Issue Number 158 • page 9

COTTENHAM CARECAR Founded in 1994 as one of the new Social Car Schemes being supported by Cambridgeshire County Council, we are currently the busiest village scheme in Cambridgeshire.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the original intention was, and still is, to be able to offer lifts to other villagers, of all ages, who have real difficulty in using public transport to get around for both medical appointments and social trips.

To this day approximately half of all trips are medical and half social. The scheme covers both Cottenham and, in special cases, Oakington and Westwick until such time as Northstowe gets a scheme going.

Last year we travelled nearly 41000 miles! One of our current drivers has stayed since the start, nearly 23 years!

The most frequently requested medical trips are to Addenbrooke’s, which, following recent changes to the bus service, have gone up by nearly 40% in the last year.

Also to the local doctors which amounted to nearly 300 trips in the last year, many of which, no doubt, saved our already overstretched Doctors from having to make house calls.

In addition, every weekday we take people to the Over Day Centre which specialises in dementia cases, thus giving their carers some much needed respite.

Consequently, we always need more volunteers, drivers, escorts, and deputy coordinators from the villages, including Oakington, to come and join us. Drivers are fully reimbursed for all expenses incurred from the contributions the passengers make for their trip and, at present, the County Council subsidy. They are never committed to any particular day or time as they are given a choice of jobs on a weekly basis, from which they can choose what they want to do. We have a number of volunteer escorts for those people who have no one to look after them when attending long sessions at the hospital or for shopping trips etc.

Lastly, we would like to find at least one more Deputy Coordinator to help out covering holidays, sickness etc.

This person need not be a driver but needs to have some admin experience to operate a very simple system. It would even suit someone who is housebound.

New clients need to contact the coordinator and give a few details about themselves so that he can assess whether they meet the criteria and take them on. This only takes a few minutes and he doesn’t bite!

Please contact Gerry Brett on 01954 251929

COTTENHAM TENNIS CLUB

On 14th December Cottenham Tennis Club celebrated their year with an excellent dinner at the Curry Palace. (thanks Curry Palace, excellent food and service as usual).

Thanks go to the Chequers who have reliably provided excellent chips and sandwiches post matches and a warm welcome for a pint after social evenings.

We have had a good year overall. We have fielded a men’s team in both the summer and winter Cambridgeshire leagues and a mixed team in the summer league. This latter had some success – winning 3 out of six matches, but were also humiliated by whitewashes against 2 teams! The men fared better winning several matches and possibly gaining promotion.

For next year we hope to continue in good form with a lively social programme and friendly competitive activities.

Outside competitive play (if you can call it that) we have enjoyed social tennis on Wednesday evenings and at the weekend, and coaching by “Over and In” continues to be a success on Sundays, providing coaching for both juniors and adults.

Whilst the club has seen some growth in membership we also welcome new players of all standards from beginners to experienced.

Issue Number 158 • page 10

Come and join us behind Cottenham Village College around 7.30 on a Wednesday evening when the weather warms up a bit – and if it is dry. You will be made welcome and can try us out before signing up. I look forward to seeing you on the courts.

Cilla Hughes

COTTENHAM COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB – 1ST ANNIVERSARY The Photography Club is celebrating the end of its first year of activity, meeting on the first Wednesday of every month in the Community Centre Coffee Shop. This first year has seen us gather up members as diverse as seasoned professionals to complete beginners in photography, young and not so young, male and female.

It seems the enjoyment of photography in Cottenham spans many divides. The ethos of our group is to provide a friendly environment for the development of our members, photographic skills through self-help and shared learning.

In other words, we help each other out in a collaborative, non-competitive setting.

The format for our meetings usually includes the presentation of ‘monthly theme’ pictures, where members show their interpretation of the ‘theme’ agreed at the previous month’s meeting and the group provides input on the good things about the pictures as well as how they might be improved in a helpful and constructive manner.

For instance, the theme for February this year is ‘Food’, in preparation for the project we are hoping to undertake with the Community Centre Coffee Shop. We are also lucky in having accomplished Photoshop and Lightroom users who regularly provide help in making the most of photographs using post-processing techniques.

When the weather permits, we are keen to try outdoor and location shoots. During 2016 we visited All Saints Church and were amazed at the way members interpreted the subject completely differently, it was almost possible to believe they

had been to different churches. On another occasion a trip to the Village Green at twilight allowed us to experiment with higher ISO levels with some interesting results.

Recently the club has been donated a 3 head Studio Flash system, along with background stands, which will enable us to develop our portrait and still life skills. These are both topics that members have expressed an interest in, but we have up to now been unable to effectively pursue. Our thanks go to Ian Hay who lives locally and is a Director and professional aerial photographer at aboveallimages.co.uk for his generous donation, it will certainly help widen our photographic horizons.

Our thanks also go to the trustees of Cottenham Community Centre, who have been most understanding and helpful during the formation of the club. We hope to be working closely with them this year helping their efforts to recruit more volunteers for the immensely successful and popular Coffee Shop.

During 2017 we would like to do more location shoots on club evenings and at weekends, if you have an interesting scene such as a farm or local business and wouldn’t mind giving a small group access, we would be most happy to hear from you. We would also be interested in taking on photographic projects for Charities and Not for Profit organisations. If you have something in mind, please let us know.

If you have an interest in photography and want to develop your skills or share your knowledge, why not come along and join our group. Whether you are just starting out in photography or have been at it for years, you will find a warm welcome and willingness to share experiences in our club. Come along to any of our monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm at the Community Centre Coffee Shop. First club meeting attendance and under 16s free.

Phill Ford, Tel 01954 251529 Contact: cottenhamphotoclub@outlook.com

Issue Number 158 • page 11

MAKE A WILL AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE Making or updating your Will can seem like a big challenge. However, it can be a lot more affordable and straightforward than you may think.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’s annual Make a Will Week takes place this year from 24th to 28th April. A group of local solicitors and Will-writers have kindly agreed to waive their usual fees and write or update a simple Will, in return for you making a donation to change patients’ lives at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals.

To find out more simply call Katharine on 01223 217757, email: hello@act4addenbrookes.org.uk or visit www. act4addenbrookes.org.uk/makeawill.

WILLINGHAM BEER FESTIVAL The Willingham Beer Festival is being held between Thursday 29th June – Saturday 1st July. It is a joint village venture between The Willingham Action Group, The Bank Micropub and the Willingham Social Club bringing you 25+ real ales and ciders, wines and food all with live music over the three days – Alchemy, Steve Lockwood and Keith Pearson among others.

Willingham Beer Festival Committee

Poetry Corner: A winter’s observation It was just a little poo left on the pavement, It was just a little poo trod on by the child.

It was just a little poo that was walked into the classroom, It was just a little poo that made the children sick.

If it’s just a little poo then why not clean it up then?

If it’s just a little poo then put it in the bin!

Tom Robinson

NATIONAL THROMBOSIS WEEK – BLOOD CLOTS AND DVT National Thrombosis Week (NTW) runs from 2nd to 6th of May – know the symptoms of blood clots and Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to protect yourself.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, usually in your legs, but sometimes in your arm. The signs and symptoms of a DVT include: • •

• •

Swelling, usually in one leg (or arm) Leg pain or tenderness often described as a cramp or Charley horse Reddish or bluish skin discoloration Leg (or arm) warm to touch

These symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charley horse,” but may differ in that the leg (or arm) may be swollen, slightly discolored, and warm.

Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away Dr Tanya Blumenfeld.

Issue Number 158 • page 12

GET READY FOR COTTENHAM’S GREAT VILLAGE YARD SALE Sustainable Cottenham is organising a village-wide yard sale in Cottenham because we want to make it easy for people to reuse and recycle as much as possible.

The event will take place on Saturday 13 May from 10:30am-3:00pm. Everyone in Cottenham is invited to take part, whether as a buyer or a seller or both. Other villages in our area have done this with fabulous success, so please join in! We need lots of buyers and sellers to make it a fun day.

Maybe you will decide to give away some items simply to find a new home for them (‘freecycling’), or sell them or to swap them! Or you could sell things on behalf of a charity.

As this is our first event of this type there is no charge for taking part.

Your yard sale can be as big or as small as you like, so have a think about anything in your house, garage or loft that you’d like to find a new home for – maybe baby clothes, toys, a sofa you no longer want, books or bric a brac?

Perhaps you have such green fingers that by May you will have too many seedlings to plant in your own garden? If you don’t think you’ve got enough to be worth having your

own sale, you might want to share a yard sale with your friends and neighbours.

Of course, we also need the bargain-hunters to make a note of the day (Saturday 13 May) and come along to see what is on sale. Maps will be available, both online at www.sustainablecottenham.org.uk and printed, showing where the yard sales are. We will invite the sellers to tell us the sort of thing they have, so you can find the kind of things you are interested in buying.

We already have a good number of sellers who are keen to be involved. If you’d like to join in and have a yard sale please get in touch via email: Catherine.burch@ntlworld. com or chris.ward@increment.co.uk or phone Catherine Burch on 01954 201684. The deadline for registering a yard/stall is midday on Thursday 4 May. Another date for your diary: have any of you noticed improvements to the Histon cycle path since early January?

That was due to the hard work of volunteers organised

by Sustainable Cottenham. The next village litter pick and cycle path tidy up will be on Saturday 8 July 2017 2pm at Village Hall.

Sustainable Cottenham

Issue Number 158 • page 13

BOWLS CLUB USES FECA GRANT TO BUY DEFIBRILLATOR

Cottenham Bowls Club is a village outdoor and indoor bowls club open all year. The club currently has 42 full members and 34 social members who include both working and retired men and women, mainly over 60.

Bowling does not require great physical effort and as a consequence many bowlers are still bowling well into their eighties and even their nineties. Due to their age profile, the Club recognised that the biggest safety risk for their members is that they might have a heart attack whilst at the Club and that immediate help would not be at hand when time is of the essence.

Thanks to a grant of £1,000 from the Fen Edge Community Association the Bowls Club has been able to buy a defibrillator so that they are now in a position to provide immediate assistance to anybody who requires help.

Cottenham Bowls Club has kindly agreed that the defibrillator will be made available to the Fen Edge Community Association for the Fen Edge Festival and other FECA organised events.

Neil Gough, Chair of the Fen Edge Community Association, presents a cheque for £1,000 to Bernard Goodin (Chairman) and members of Cottenham Bowls Club.

The outdoor bowls season will soon be upon us. If you like spending time in the fresh air and enjoy the summer

Issue Number 158 • page 14

afternoons and evenings then why don’t you give bowls a try.

We are having two open days this year when you can come along and have a go.

They are: Sunday 23rd April 2:00-4:00pm Saturday 29th April 2:00-4:00pm The season runs from May until September and you can play socially or competitively.

We are a successful and friendly club so come and give us a try.

Contacts: Dave Parrack 01954230732, Eric Hobbs 01954 251956, Chris Forster 01954 200720

LADYBIRD PRE-SCHOOL Ladybird Pre-School is situated next door to Cottenham Primary School. We take children aged from 2 years until they begin their journey through school. We have funding of 15 hours per week for all 3-and-4-year-olds and some funding is available for some 2-year-olds.

We offer excellent learning opportunities for all children who attend and Moving On sessions for children who are in their pre-school year. These sessions prepare the children so the transition to school will be smooth and enjoyable for them. All our sessions are play based and staff plan activities, next steps and targets for every child that are individual to them and which support and extend each unique child’s learning. If you would like your child to attend Ladybirds or you would like to come and have a look around please call us on 01954 250891. You could also visit our website at www.ladybirdpreschool.org or find us on Facebook – just search for Ladybird Pre-School, Cottenham and click ‘like’.

As a charity Ladybirds rely heavily on fundraising to purchase new equipment and to subsidise the shortfall in costs from the Local Authority funding that we receive.

Therefore we are very grateful for any donations (large and small) that we receive and for the support that the community shows us when we hold fundraising events.

Events that are coming up include our annual bunny bounce, pancake race and our Easter egg hunt.

Ladybirds are committed to providing a high level of care and as a result we are very supportive of further professional development. A number of staff have recently embarked on their level 3 in child care qualification while employed at Ladybirds and we wish them well in their further studies. All staff have achieved or updated their paediatric first aid and their child protection training.

40 YEARS OF COTTENHAM THEATRE WORKSHOP 2017 is a special year for CTW as we celebrate our 40th anniversary! As usual, our calendar is incredibly full. We’ve just performed our incredible rendition of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ which went down a storm at the College and was well received.

On the 24th June, we’ll also be at the Fen Edge Festival in Cottenham, performing a special medley of our ‘greatest hits’ from our productions over the years. We’d love to see as many of you as possible – just come to the large marquee to enjoy the live entertainment.

Later in the year, we will be performing our usual festive production, which will be Aladdin (with a twist!). Directed by long-standing member Kerry O’Connell, this show promises to bring all the usual laughs and scenarios, with a few special changes… want to know what they are? Well, you had better come along and find out. Read-throughs will be at the College on the 30th June and auditions will follow on the 4th July. The performances themselves will be held at the College on the 27th-30th November 2017.

Keep an eye on the website for more details as they follow.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CottenhamCTW to stay up-to-date with all things CTW! We’re always eager to have new people join us, whether it be acting, helping backstage or in front of house, everyone’s skills can be put to good use. For more information, please email: cottenhamtheatre@gmail.com

Issue Number 158 • page 15

BIRD REPORT As I write this towards the end of February, there are clear signs that the winter is over (but we all know how the weather can play tricks). The days are noticeably longer; snowdrops, daffodils and crocuses are out; birds are beginning to sing (robins of course, but also dunnocks, chaffinches, great tits and blackbirds); and the rooks and jackdaws are building their nests in the tall trees on the Broad Lane junction and on the Green. Incidentally I see that some rooks have moved from the Green itself to the trees nearer the Village College. I have no idea why. And this morning I heard the first indications of a dawn chorus – a really welcome sound.

Once again our winter has been comparatively mild. We have had virtually no snow and very little ice. However, I did see the birds in Milton Country Park having some problems on the partially frozen lake. Swans were landing on what they thought was water, but skidded clumsily on the ice, and some ducks walking on the ice had difficulties – amusing for us but not for them! Winter birds have been scarcer than usual this year.

Fieldfares, redwings and mistle thrushes have all been in the village, but not in their usual numbers. However, the Cambirds web site has shown that quite a few less common birds (mainly ducks and geese) have spent some time in this area, and it has been a good year for the spectacular waxwings. We saw some at Anglesey Abbey, and apparently there has been a large flock in the area where the guided bus route joins Milton Road, but I have not heard of any in Cottenham this year.

I am grateful once again to receive news of birds seen in this area. A kingfisher has been seen several times near the Rampton Road bridge, and a barn owl was seen in the same place. Several people have seen a green sandpiper along

the cut, and a tawny owl has been heard in Margett Street.

We have had long-tailed tits in the garden, and the other day a buzzard flew over the house. On Long Drove I have been trying, without much succes, to identify the famous LBJs (Little Brown Jobs). These are usually a mixture of sparrows, finches and buntings, feeding together in the fields or in the hedges. However I did take a particular interest in a field of about fifty birds, looking slightly different from the usual ones. They turned out to be skylarks, which apparently often form large feeding groups at this time of the year. A little odd for a bird which is usually solitary.

On the same day I came across a puzzle. I saw, close to, a bird which I knew to be a moorhen, but instead of the usual red beak, it’s beak was white. No, it wasn’t a coot, which of course does have a white forehead (bald as a coot, as the saying goes). It was definitely a moorhen. Any explanations?

This made me think a bit about moorhens, which are intriguing birds. To start with, the name is misleading. They are not really hens, and they don’t live on moors, unless we remember that the word “moor” originally meant a marshy place. Moorhens are multi-talented. They can climb trees, walk or run on flat ground, swim, wade and clamber through undergrowth. Yet they never seem to be quite at home.

They move awkwardly and their big feet get in the way. They are among the few British birds able to swim well without webbed or lobed feet. They are usually seen near water, but they also wander far, and can often be seen on or near the road where Church Lane joins Long Drove.

Most birders have a favourite spot for watching birds. I have a liking for an unexpected place. It is at the far end of the car park for the Oakington Garden Centre. There are several bird feeders hanging on a tree, and it always seems to attract lots of birds, particularly greenfinches, which seem less common than they were.

I wonder how many people in Cottenham took part in this year’s Big Birdwatch at the end of January. I always look forward to this event as a welcome opportunity to sit and look for birds in the garden, without having a guilty conscience. But I am nearly always disappointed at the turn-out, until I remember that this is a survey and not a competition, and that missing birds are just as important for the survey as those which appear. This year I only saw one blue tit and no great tit, which must mean something.

And now I must make sure the bird boxes are ready for inspection.

Jasper Kay February 2017

Issue Number 158 • page 16

YESTERYEAR ROAD RUN Well it’s that time of year again when we look forward to the Cottenham Yesteryear Road Run. For those of you new to this event, this road run is for vehicles, not joggers!

We have had in excess of 300 vehicles, motor bikes, cars, commercials and tractors on all of the runs we have organised so far. The vehicles are classic or vintage and if you would like an invitation to put your motorbike, car etc in the run just contact the committee: vivien.lampard@ ntlworld.com for an entry form or preferably download one from the website: www.yesteryearroadrun.co.uk Because of ongoing location difficulties we will no longer be able to accept any vehicle over 3 tons and you will no longer be able to enter on the day.

This time the Road Run will take place on Sunday 23rd April 2017, starting as usual on Cottenham village green, setting off at 10:00am.

In the past two years we have been able to raise a great deal of money for charity and hopefully we will be able to raise a good deal more money this year for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, but only with your help.

This will be the fourth year the current committee has organised the event and we would like to invite more people from the village to join us in this venture, to lighten the load and bring new ideas and experience, to our fundraising efforts.

Because the size of the procession is too big to park safely in many of the villages en route, the committee has agreed with the relevant Parish Councils to only stop at Rampton, Willingham and Histon. On its return to Cottenham, at lunch-time, there will be another chance to see the incredible vehicles for a prize giving and entertainment.

We hope that this year the problems of the past two years will have been ironed out. Trying to please all the people all of the time has proved impossible, and after banging our heads on some proverbial brick walls, we hope we have hit on a great compromise.

POLICE SET UP WEBSITE FOR PARKING CONCERNS There is now an easy way to report parking problems in Cottenham which has been set up by South Cambs Constabulary. The information that you give the police will help them build up a picture of the exact hot-spots for parking issues. They will then use this information on targeted ‘crack-down’ days. There is some good evidence that crack-down days work in other areas of policing so the police are going to try it for parking.​ The web page is live right now and you can find it here: http://tinyurl.com/SouthCambs-Parking

There are many ways you could help: on the committee, helping with publicity, marshalling the route in any of the participating villages, putting up gazebos, organizing the craft stalls this year, car parking duty in the morning or at lunchtime. In fact anything you can do to help will be much appreciated, by us and the charity. Email vivien.lampard@ ntlworld.com if you feel you can lend a hand in any way.

The Cottenham Yesteryear Road Run takes place on Sunday 23rd April​and will visit Rampton, Willingham, Over, Swavesey, Longstanton, Oakington and Histon. The route will be signposted and may be slightly different from last year. No midway lunch stop is planned so this means ending on Cottenham Green for a hog roast.

Issue Number 158 • page 17

COTTENHAM VILLAGE COLLEGE When I was invited to contribute a few words to the Cottenham Newsletter, I jumped at the chance. Having moved to the area 18 months ago to take up the Headship at Cottenham Village College, I worried about feeling an outsider.

I need not have worried. Staff, students, parents and the community have been welcoming. I’ve loved forging a positive relationship with people who pass us in the mornings as we look out for latecomers, or people who phone the school to compliment us on the conduct of our pupils.

At a very early stage my predecessor Steve Ellison (now Executive Headteacher of the Cottenham Academy Trust) impressed on me that I must read up on the vision of Henry Morris, the founder of the village colleges. The idea that the college is in the heart of its community, but has the community at its heart is one that I find compelling.

Furthermore, a school educates a whole community, but is educated about that community. It is great to see a wide range of adults taking part in our adult education sessions, using our sports centre or facilities, and long may it continue.

I am very proud of the school, and I know parents and students are equally proud. Our ethos and expectations result in huge successes, a small part of which are the exceptional results – the best in the school’s history last year. We host visitors from all over the country regularly, including three of the most powerful people in education over the last twelve months. These people, other educators, prospective parents and other interested parties invariably ask us “is it always this calm?”

I hope that most people know about our results, but I hope to further build your awareness of many of our other facets – for example our SHINE programme – our inhouse ‘Duke of Edinburgh’-style leadership and achievement programme that we work in partnership with three local primary schools. With this programme, we are always looking for opportunities for our pupils to take part in leadership opportunities in the community.

We have been working very hard to improve our capacity to cater for our pupils, families and the community further.

We hope that in the next month or two we will be able to reveal plans and partnership to further develop our position and the Henry Morris vision – in the heart of the community, with the community at its heart – and mean that we are a source of pride across the area.

Meanwhile, I am aware that there are neighbours and members of the community without secondary age children who might not be aware of the great things that happen at our school and the amazing things our pupils do. I am keen to invite you in. So, if you need a space to run something for the community, please contact us. If you have talents you wish to share with young people, please contact us. If you have voluntary leadership opportunities you can offer our young people, please contact us.

And if you’re a member of the community who just wants to know what happens at CVC, and you’d like to come Issue Number 158 • page 18

in for a cup of tea and a tour to see for yourself, please contact us and I look forward to meeting you.

Stuart Lock, Headteacher, Cottenham Village College headspa@cvcweb.net

GARDENERS’ CLUB Cottenham Gardeners’ Club meets at Franklin Gardens Community Room, usually on the last Friday of the month.

Refreshments are served from 7:30pm, followed by a talk at 7:45, chosen from a broad range of topics.

On 28th April the speaker will be Paula Dyason with a talk entitled ‘Strictly Daylilies’, the name of her nursery at Histon. She will have plants for sale after the talk.

In May the subject is ‘Judging Anglia in Bloom’ by David White, horticulturist and Vice Chairman of Anglia in Bloom, on 26th.

I am writing before the February AGM, but it is likely that the current annual subscription for membership will remain at £14. Visitors are very welcome to try a single meeting for £2. In addition to the monthly meetings, other benefits of membership are the summer garden party in July and an evening drinks party in August. This year we hope to arrange a visit to a college garden in the summer and a visit to Strictly Daylilies as a follow-up to the talk, in July.

Club members can also join in with Willingham Gardening Club trips, which have a pick-up point at Cottenham Green.

Trips just announced are to Goodestone Water Gardens and Oxburgh Hall on 10th June, Loseley Park on 29th July, Belton House on 30th September and Canterbury on 8th November. Details will be available at our club meetings.

For any further information please contact Aubrey Bould Tel: 01954 250119.

COTTENHAM WALKING GROUP There are some fine walkers from Cottenham, Who thought that the rot had gotten ’em, So they donned some stout boots, And with plenty of hoots, Found that the world was less bothersome!

Please come and join our free walks, meeting at 11am every Tuesday at Cottenham library. Everyone, whatever ability, is welcome to join our Sustrans Volunteers for fun, cheerful company and gentle exercise.

There are also plans afoot to have an occasional walk slightly further afield, such as Histon. These will be through spring and summer and have easy bus/cycle access from Cottenham. Please speak with the Volunteers for details of these walks and public bus service.

Claire (Walk Leader)

Letters to the Editor: Postbox problems Since the postbox was removed from the High Street when the post office moved higher up the street, many people find it difficult to walk to any of the other ones in the village, and have requested a postbox be installed again nearby to the original postbox so that everyone can still keep ‘in touch’ by post. Petition notices are in the shops on the High Street and if enough support is given, the Royal Mail management could be persuaded to have a change of heart!! The area of the High Street where the shops are is the hub of the village and the postbox will serve most of the residents in Cottenham.

Postbox problems 2 When I moved here three years ago I was baffled because there didn’t seem to be a red postbox on the sheltered housing estate. That’s because there wasn’t. I found that I could just manage the post office with my rollator, but when the post office moved off further down the High Street it was not possible.

It sounds easy to say ‘Ask someone else to post your letters’, but in the colder weather there’s often just no-one about. Wouldn’t it be possible to have a small postbox on the wall at the community hall in Franklin Gardens? No doubt post is collected from there on a regular basis.

Name and address supplied

A concerned resident.

Purse found thanks to Facebook

Letters for publication may be sent to the Editor, and should include the name and address of the sender, although this may be omitted from publication if requested.

Please keep correspondence short and topical. Please note that the Editor may use his discretion regarding publication, and his decision is final. The views expressed by correspondents and other contributors are their own and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Deadline:

FOR NEXT ISSUE 25TH APRIL

ADVERTISING To discuss your advertising requirements Contact Liz Porteous on 01954 250468 lyz.porteous@gmail.com Artwork, if required, is charged separately, minimum £5.00. depending on the amount of work involved.

Quotations are available on request

Issue Number 158 • page 19

CONTACTS:

Parish Council Jo Brook, Clerk 07503 328401 clerk@cottenhampc.org.uk

Police General Switchboard Doctors

101

Dr. T Blumenfeld, 188 High Street Dr. M. Grande, 42 Telegraph Street

250079 251180

Urgent Care Cambridge (formerly Camdoc)

District Nurse Team Cottenham CareCar

0330 123 9131 01223 726469

Co–ordinator, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Gerry Brett

251929

District Councillors Lynda Harford Simon Edwards

Tim Wotherspoon

cllr.harford@scambs.gov.uk, 251775 cllr.edwards@scambs.gov.uk, 01223 233682 / 07711 079089 timwothers@aol.com,252108

County Councillors David Jenkins

Mike Mason

david.jenkins@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 01223 236232 / 07739 758859 mjmason@virginmedia.com 250391 Cross Shop 01223 301426

Cottenham Community Centre 202109 Cottenham Charities 250387 Cottenham Day Centre 200873 Cottenham Gardeners Club 250119 Cottenham Toy Library Christina Koester 270334 Cottenham WI Gillian Ballard 250605 Dentist Wiese and Associates, 40 Margett Street 251696 Chemist 222 High Street 250556 Child, Teen & Family Counselling

British Red Citizens Advice Bureau

Julie McCrae www.juliemccraecounselling.com 07482 723265 Counsellor & Therapist Ruth Barnett, ruth@counselling-cambs.co.uk 202556, 07961 644006 Physiotherapist Tiffany de la Cour 07879 642697 Samaritans Cambridge Centre 01223 364455 Veterinary Surgeon Village Vet Cottenham 252122

Driving Instruction TOPS Driving School 252239 Taxi Speedy Taxis 294929 Library Margett Street 0345 0455225 Library at Home Service (formerly Doorstep)

Schools

Cottenham Village College and Community Office County Primary, Lambs Lane Under–Ones Baptist Church

Pre–School

288944 250227 251066

Railway Station Cambridge Passenger Enquiries

0845 7484950

0345 045 5225 your.library@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Parish Church The Rectory, 6 High Street 250454 Baptist Church Church Office 252378 Catholic Church St Laurences Church 01223 704640 Methodist Church simon.oliver@cantab.net

Ladybirds Pre–School, Recreation Ground 250891 Kids Only (Out of School Club) 250025 Ballet School tutusrus@ntlworld.com or 200533 Brownies 1st Cottenham Lisa Nicoll 201575 2nd Cottenham Julie Percival 200854 3rd Cottenham Chris Hurworth 203764 Guides Deanna 250388 Scouts 2ndcottenham@gmail.com Newsagents Shaun’s News 250398

Council Offices

County Council Switchboard SCDC Switchboard

66 Devonshire Road, Cambridge, CB1 3BL 0844 848 7979 Social Services Histon Team 01223 718011 Mobile Warden Scheme 200080 NSPCC Cottenham Area Team 01733 558245 RSPCA 24 hour cruelty & advice line 0300 1234 999

0345 045 5222 0345 045 0500

07554 202929 252419 251468 ann.scott23@ntlworld.com Cottenham Brass Band Colin Watson 250813

Diana Braverman (Sec.) dianabraverman@hotmail.com Bridge Farm Riding School 252284 Allotments Cottenham Charities 01353 749830 Sustainable Cottenham Christine Ward 251813

Salvation Army Royal British Legion Ann Scott

Cottenham Dissenters’ Cemetery

Kate Lees 252378, minister@cottenhambaptist.org.uk Sarah Berenger 07484 221369, s.berenger@btinternet.com

EDITOR & ENQUIRIES:

BUSINESS MANAGER: ADVERTISING MANAGER:

Adrian Ient, 2 The Wrens, Cottenham CB24 8XD. Tel: 01954 775004 e-mail: cottenhamnewsletter@gmail.com Peter Robertson, 30 Lyles Road, Cottenham, Tel: 01954 200080 Liz Porteous, e-mail: lyz.porteous@gmail.com Tel: 01954 250468

PRINTED BY:

TARGET PRINT LTD, Broad Lane, Cottenham, Tel: 01954 251189 e-mail: print@targetprint.org www.targetprint.org