Cottenham Newsletter issue 172 - August/ September 2019

Cottenham

Newsletter

ISSUE NUMBER 172

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

Fen Edge Festival 2019

FEN EDGE FESTIVAL Thank you everyone for supporting the Fen Edge Festival with such enthusiasm. Hundreds of people were involved in some way or another – in the organisation, the stewarding, in running activities or actually involved in the exhibitions and performances. As always, the event was a wonderful demonstration of our community spirit and the vast array of talent that lives in our midst.

Our formula for the Festival works well. It is not just about raising money for good causes; it does that but many of the activities are provided free or subsidised so that they remain affordable. The Committee also seeks to offer something for everyone, whether that is bingo, retro-gaming, live music, dog tricks or learning about the history of the village. The Committee, led this year by Lucy Dumbrell, was a remarkable team. Above all, they achieved the ultimate goal, which is to ensure that everyone, young, old or middle-aged, enjoyed the weekend.

Success brings challenges and we had a few of those this year. Apologies to anyone who was held up in traffic or irritated by inconsiderate parking. The only thing that I can say is that it wasn’t because we didn’t try; the volunteer crew even went out at 6:30 am on Saturday to put out parking cones. Everyone you saw in a fluorescent jacket was a volunteer and they deserve huge credit for keeping the event running so smoothly.

It is difficult to know how the weekend could be bettered but I am sure that the Committee for the 2021 Festival will strive to do exactly that. Some people have already come forward and expressed an interest in getting more involved. If you would like to help to make it happen in 2021, please send me an email – chairfenedge@gmail. com. It will be one of the most rewarding things you could do in 2020/21.

Neil Gough, Chair – Fen Edge Community Association.

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COTTENHAM LIBRARY In a library (not so) far far away…

Get ready for an out of this world adventure with Space Chase. Prepare for lift off as we travel across the galaxy on a very special reading mission: it’s the Summer Reading Challenge 2019!

Taking part in the Challenge is simple – pop along to the library with your children and we’ll sign them up.

For more information, pop into the library and staff will be only too happy to explain the scheme further or to answer any questions you may have.

Meet the Rockets! This super cool family lives on a satellite station in space. They love spending time at their local library on the Moon. But wait! All of a sudden books have started to disappear from the Moon Library, and soon there won’t be any left… A mysterious ship has been spotted on the radar – could these naughty aliens be behind the trouble at the library?

Each participant will receive their very own Space Chase mission folder to get them started. Read six library books (or more!) over the holidays to collect special stickers to add to their folder. Collect all the stickers to find the aliens, save the missing books and complete the Challenge. If they do complete the challenge, they’ll be invited to a special awards ceremony in September.

The Rockets are going on a very important mission to save the missing books from these alien bandits, and they need your help!

So, grab their space suit and take a giant leap into the library this summer! (Dressing up optional!)

Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge and join the Rockets on a chase through space to find the aliens and save the Moon Library.

Glynis Pilbeam

Thank you for supporting your local library!

BOOK REVIEW ‘LIFE AFTER LIFE’ One of the reading groups at Cottenham Library has just finished reading ‘Life after Life’ by Kate Atkinson.

The story follows Ursula living different lives. It starts with her being born and dying in a snowstorm and then an alternative life starts when she does not die at this stage but carries on into childhood. Then another alternative life begins. As Ursula gets older the author begins her life at different dates during the twentieth century. We follow her as she meets Hitler and through the Blitz in London. Many other scenarios are presented. The characters are well described and you can see all sorts of different people. Her family are intriguing personalities and their relationships are well constructed. It is interesting to discover how the author links the characters she introduces and various times in the book.

Ursula’s final life brings everything together as she becomes aware of the butterfly effect of different consequences. An interesting twist at the end.

It takes a little while to get used to the story restarting at a date again but the well written book draws you in and you can’t put it down.We recommend it as a very good read.

Ask at the library about our reading groups.

Glynis Pilbeam

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PARISH COUNCIL REPORT Neighbourhood Plan Following the Regulation 16 consultation we have provided a response to some clarification questions by the independent examiner. We are now working through the response to the broader set of public representations and expect this part to be completed over the summer.

Major Building Developments At the time of writing Bellway are finalising works on the highway changes that move Oakington Road a metre or so to the south-west to make room for a combined footway/cycle (and ditch) on the development side of the road. Some market homes are complete and a batch of 20 affordable homes are due to be handed over shortly. No s106 contributions have yet been made, although some are overdue. Stage 2 roadworks (between The Rowells and Oakington Road) to widen the existing footway on the north side to allow shared walking and cycling is scheduled to be completed by 1 September.

Persimmon is working through sign off of its conditions.

Apart from the 121 houses permitted on site, they will undertake the radical re-engineering of the Oakington Road/Rampton Road roundabout and various trafficcalming measures along those roads later this year.

Gladman has not yet made clear how it will meet its 9 August deadline for submission of an acceptable Reserved Matter application.

This-Land met us several times in an attempt to find an acceptable way to meet both their and our concerns. The

Issue Number 172 • page 4

meetings were constructive and the proposals seemed to align closely with our aspirations for development of the space. However, problems have now emerged and the talks stalled. The problem could be due to planning obstructions to encroachment into Les King Wood, the proposed housing density, acceptability of a floodlit, allweather surface etc. We will need to consider prioritising our needs before This Land submit a pre-application discussion with SCDC and Reserved Matters application.

Village Hall/Nursery update Following receipt of six sets of tenders for the project, none of which were affordable within our debt envelope of “borrowing up to £2.8 million for up to thirty years, financed by the supplementary precept of £1/week/Band D home etc.” a “value engineering” exercise has been undertaken involving representatives from our architects, consulting engineers and the preferred builder.

The exercise reviewed the various features and functionalities, testing whether each is really necessary and/or can be achieved more cost-effectively in some other way, while retaining the general appearance and functionality of the design as we know it, even if the longterm capacity may have to be restricted in some way.

At the time of writing a long list of suggestions is being evaluated alongside a closer look at contributions from our financial reserves, probable s106 developer contributions, borrowing powers, possible grants and likely net income to see if the gap can be closed sufficiently to bring a modified proposal to Council over the summer.

Highways Further to our successful LHI bid, County Highways are now preparing draft designs for the traffic calming on Histon Road.

If you see any problems, please report them directly to County Highways at: https://highwaysreporting. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ or by calling 0345 045 5212.

You can also see what roadworks which are being carried out – go to www.roadworks.org. You can change the view to see what’s going on today, next two weeks, three months etc. By clicking on the envelope icon to the left of the page you can set up alerts to your email address.

New Councillor We are pleased to welcome Peter Hewitt on board following the resignation of David Mudd. David was a long-standing member of the Council and we thank him for his contribution over the years.

Defibrillator In case you hadn’t noticed, the community access defibrillator has been installed in the phone box near the Denmark Road/High Street junction. In an emergency when you dial 999 you will be given the access code for the equipment.

Staff news We’re delighted to announce that both our Clerk and RFO have passed their CiLCA qualification (Certificate in Local Council Administration). By having officially qualified staff the Council is now eligible for the General Power of Competence which gives us greater powers.

Sports Pavilion Hire If you’d like to hire the Sports Pavilion multi-purpose room (up to 40 people) for your birthday party, christening, anniversary celebrations, classes etc. please contact us 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 9:45am and 12 noon. Appointments are available outside of these hours by emailing or phoning – details below. The Clerk is contactable between 9:30am and 2:30pm weekdays only and messages can be left outside of these hours. Please note that our staff don’t work on weekends or public holidays.

Jo Brook, Parish Clerk Email: clerk@cottenhampc.org.uk Phone: 07503 328401 www.cottenhampc.org.uk www.facebook.com/cottenhamparishcouncil

COTTENHAM VILLAGE SOCIETY The Village Society visited the Military Museum at Waterbeach. The museum was set up by the Royal Engineers in 1985 to commemorate the men and women who served at RAF Waterbeach Station from 1941 until 2013. Prior to the closure of the Barracks, the museum was taken over by a group of villagers, who established a Trust to secure the collection.

The museum in its former home by the entrance to the Barracks, has been refurbished to include an exhibition area and community space for meetings and events. We also went to the tithe barn at Landbeach.

We had lots of interest in the display of old pubs in Cottenham at the Fen Edge Festival. The pubs could be found all over the village from Twenty Pence Road to Histon Road. Many were people selling ale from their front room.

Following our successful summer party we start our autumn programme with the AGM on 13 September. After the business there will be a talk by Ralph Carpenter about his search in old newspaper cuttings for quirky articles about Cottenham and what he found. We meet at All Saints Church Hall, Cottenham, CB24 8SA at 7:45pm.

For more information contact the secretary on 01954 251544 or email cottvillsoc@gmail.com

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 October and November.

Issue Number 172 • page 5

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT In his spring statement the Chancellor of the Exchequer allocated £45 million to the European Bioinformatics Institute at the Wellcome Genome Campus at Hinxton. Cambridge’s worldwide reputation, and the quality of life offered by a compact historic city in a predominantly rural setting, continues to attract talented young men and women from the rest of the country and from overseas.

This is one reason for average house prices being thirteen times average earnings.

The Cambridge travel to work area has expanded more than any other in England since 2001 as people move further and further out in search of somewhere they can afford to live.

Surveys regularly record that affordability of housing is the biggest risk factor for businesses in and around Cambridge.

That’s why we are building Northstowe, and the Local Plan inspector found another new town at Waterbeach and a new village at Bourn Airfield both to be sound proposals.

Consultants commissioned by the parish council in preparation for the Neighbourhood Plan concluded that 700 extra houses would be needed between 2011 and 2031. The permissions for Bellway, Persimmon, Gladman and This Land meet most of this need. There have been concerns about increased traffic congestion, further pressure on doctors’ surgeries and school places.

Yes, it will bring all these things (though arriving families will bring new pupils after the loss of Waterbeach pupils from Cottenham Village College) but the block of land between Oakington Road and Rampton Road was always going to be the site of the next expansion of Cottenham (as indicated by a previous Local Plan inspector). It is located on the south side

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of the village and so traffic to and from Cambridge misses most of the village. Cottenham is also among the closest places to Cambridge just outside the Green Belt, and Cottenham is the fourth most sustainable village in South Cambridgeshire in terms of ready access to services and facilities. The new houses will also bring another 2,000 people into the village, ensuring the survival of our small shops, helping to finance improved services, and giving us a stronger voice in district and county matters.

In particular, “the Cottenham question”, as it has become known, is now shorthand for how to improve public transport for villages other than those on the principal transport corridors, such as the Busway or the railway line. I kick-started the Bus Services Review, which is now in its second phase, and I attended the latest meeting of the Cambridge Area Bus Users group which is campaigning for improved services. One estimate suggests doubling the number of buses and subsidizing the network in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire by £20 million a year.

(Currently Cambridgeshire and Peterborough spend just £3 million a year across the whole Combined Authority area.

As one of the County Council’s representatives, I chair the Greater Cambridge Partnership Joint Assembly and attend Executive Board meetings. Many major infrastructure proposals are before us at the moment and over the last few months we have been considering: Histon Road & Milton Road bus, cycling and pedestrian improvements, the Chisholm Trail and other new cycleways, including one to a possible Rural Travel Hub at Oakington Buses. High quality, mostly segregated, public transport links are being planned from Cambridge to Cambourne, Waterbeach, Newmarket Road P&R and Granta Park.

These are known as the inner corridors, ultimately forming part of the Cambridge Autonomous Metro, and linked under Cambridge by tunnels joining two underground stations at the city centre and central station, with four portals to the surface. The long-term aim is to reach St Neots, Alconbury, Mildenhall and Haverhill.

In 2018 the Combined Authority commissioned the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review, which began by delineating three economies, centred on Cambridge, Peterborough, and the Fens. The report forms the basis of the Local Industrial Strategy, which naturally features Life Sciences and Digital, especially Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data.

Digital connectivity is essential and we are investing in reaching the last 4% of the county with superfast broadband, rolling out ultrafast broadband, in particular fibre to the premises, and 5G. We are also working on improving mobile coverage, initially seeking to eradicate “notspots” along A-roads.

With climate change and air quality among the motivations, we are working on electrification of transport and autonomous vehicles.

Among the road schemes on the way, the A14(M) is well on the way towards completion, with some sections of the A1307 local access road already open.

Buildout of the new town at Waterbeach will require an upgrade of the A10 (and will also bring a cycleway from Cottenham to the relocated railway station). The A505 is possibly more urgent, with the Wellcome Genome Campus at Hinxton itself proposing a major expansion.

As part of the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway, the A428 is to be dualled from the Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet, and the intersection with the A1 is being designed to permit free flow along both the A428 and the A1.

East-West Rail is working out where the central section, linking Bedford to Cambridge again is to go. Meanwhile the Combined Authority is exploring whether a new Cambridge South, serving Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Addenbrooke’s Hospital Station can be brought forward sooner than in conjunction with East-West Rail.

Current forecasts suggest that the local economy (in effect the GDP of Cambridgeshire) will double within 25 years, that is by 2042. This cannot all be employment led but rather must include a significant rise in productivity. The highest revenue generators in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region are not technology organisations, but those in other sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing and logistics.

Raising productivity in these industries will lead to higher real wages and a broader sharing of the rise in local prosperity.

It is essential not to build up resentment among those who could feel they are being left behind, and this lies behind our commitment to inclusive growth.

Tim Wotherspoon

Issue Number 172 • page 7

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORT There are some important planning and infrastructure developments that we would like to highlight in our report.

Please contact us for any further details or take a look at our Cottenham and Rampton Facebook page.

Cambridgeshire Minerals and Waste Plan This is an important consultation with particular relevance to Cottenham. We submitted comments on three main areas: • The lack of clarity on the scale and plans for the proposed allocation of new sand and gravel extraction to the north of Cottenham. In particular, the intended routing for HGV traffic must not be through the village • The need for a protocol on notification of planning applications to residents that better reflects the impact on residents and the level of concern with respect to this type of allocations • The need for clarity in the policy that the adverse effects of HGV traffic associated with any developments will be assessed and considered along the full route.

Cycle Paths We have recently received an update from the GCP on the Oakington to Cottenham cycle path.

• The preferred side of the path is the South/East (Histon) side of the road • All landowners have been contacted • The survey work is now completed.

Work is currently being undertaken on the preliminary design and then each landowner will be approached. The work scheduled to improve the cycling path between Rampton and the Busway has been deferred to September.

Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) – Choices for Better Journeys The 6 June meeting of the GCP Assembly received a report on the Choices for Better Journeys survey. 455 of the 5144 responses came from the CB24 postcode.

The top 5 things respondents wanted from public transport were: • A reliable service • A faster service • Accessibility for all users • A comfortable journey and • Cheaper fares.

The next step will be the formation of a Citizens’ Assembly to consider evidence about how to reduce congestion and better support public transport.

Amey appeal The deadline for submitting comments to the Planning Inspectorate was 21 May 2019. Our comments focussed on the following concerns: • The rural setting of Denny Abbey • Increased HGV movements that could result and the resulting deterioration of air quality • The proposed facility will do nothing to promote recycling or reduce the use of non-recyclable materials • The need to ensure that Amey commit not to initiate further openings of new landfill facilities should the energy from waste facility be approved.

Setchel Drove We are pleased that South Cambs have now consulted on the installation of a gate to Setchel Drove to deter fly-tipping.

This is the culmination of our work with the local farmers, residents and the Councils.

Last year CCTV was installed with warning notices that the area was under surveillance. While the gate would be locked 24 hours a day, authorised key holders and emergency service vehicles will be able to get through it at any time.

The Council is taking a more proactive approach to clamp down on people who illegally dump waste without any regard for the environmental consequences or cost of clearing it up.

Neil Gough: neilgoughcrw@gmail.com (07919 990299) Eileen Wilson: eileenwilson@gmail.com (07825 770899)

Issue Number 172 • page 8

11 Cambridgeshire Hearing Help are looking for volunteers in Cotten

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Cambridgeshire Hearing Help is a charity that provides NHS hearing aid maintenance and is hearing lossthat information and advice Cambridgeshire Hearing Help a charity provides NHS hearing aid m in the heart of local communities. This work is a lifeline for those who face barriers to accessing mainstream audiology services hearing loss information and advice in the heart of local communities. This because they are older, frail, have other disabilities and/or live in rural areas. If you live in or around Cottenham and you are looking those who face barriers to accessing mainstream audiology services beca for an enjoyable volunteering role through which you can meet others, feel part of a supportive team (many of whom have shared frail,those haveinother live in rural do areas. experience of hearing loss) and enjoy the rewards of helping need disabilities in your localand/or community, please get in touch! No experience is required as full training and support will be given. All you need is good dexterity and eyesight (with glasses).

If you live in or around Cottenham and are you looking for an enjoyable vo www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk through which you can meet others, feel part of a supportive team (many Tel: 01223 416141 Text: 07852 699196 experience of hearing loss) and enjoy the rewards of helping those in nee Email: enquiries@cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk community, please do get in touch! No experience is required as full traini given. All you need is good dexterity and eyesight (with glasses).

Well Pharmacy Cottenham are doing private and NHS Everyone is welcome to attend one of our upcoming www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk vaccines this year!

Tel: 01223 416141 Text: 07852 699196 meetings: Call or pop in to book now. Tel: 01954 250556 Wednesday 7 August: 2pm-4pm at Cottenham Club Email: enquiries@cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk

Lambs Lane.

COTTENHAM WI

TIME FOR FLU JABS

Come and join us for a relaxing afternoon with tea, 12 Sustainable Cottenham (199) homemade cakes and scones.

Book Stall and raffle.

Wednesday 11 September: 7:30pm Cottenham Village College in the Tony Cooper Suite.

Sally Crawley will speak about how to get rid of phobias and build strategies to aid memory.

You are warmly invited to come and join us for this meeting but there will be a small charge for non members of £3 towards the cost of the speaker.

Penny Mansfield

Issue Number 172 • page 9

GARDENERS’ CLUB August is traditionally holiday season – perhaps a time to take a break from your own garden and go to admire someone else’s. Although there is no regular meeting, we have our Evening Drinks Party for members, in the garden of Jean and Trevor Lawrence, on Friday 9 August from 6:30pm.

This year the club has organised a coach trip to RHS Wisley on Sunday 8 September. Many changes are going on at Wisley – a new visitor centre opened in June, and it will be the last day of their annual flower show. The coach will pick up from Wilburton and various stops in Cottenham. The cost to club members is £20, non-members £22, which includes entry to Wisley.

Later in the month, on 27 September, Tim Fuller, horticulturalist, will talk on Award Winning Plants – The Process of Trialling and Judging Them. Tim previously gave us an entertaining and informative talk on grasses.

The club usually meets on the last Friday of the month at Franklin Gardens Community Room. Refreshments are served from 7:30pm, with a talk starting at 7:45pm. The evening closes with a raffle, with prizes donated by members.

From September, half-price membership is available for £7, lasting until February. Visitors can try a single meeting for £2, before hopefully joining the club.

For further information please contact Sarah Dumont Tel: 01954 260482

SUSTAINABLE COTTENHAM

At a recent Parish Council Meeting Andrea Cowley presented an idea about creating a Sunday Social event in order to bring Parish Council Meeting Andrea Co Cottenham residents together. AtAsa recent a result of this Andrea, Social event in order to bring Cottenham resid Chris Ward of Sustainable Cottenham, and Sarah Bellow Ward of Sustainable Cottenham, and Sarah B from Care Network have been putting together some plans. together some plans.

Cottenham Connected is in the process of being formed.

Cottenham Connected is in the process of be We have submitted a funding bid to help get our initiative ‘off help get our initiative ‘off the ground’ and look the ground’ and look forward tothey telling you more about our unfold. plans as they unfold.

Ultimately, we want to bring people together, b

Ultimately, we want to bring people together, build networks self-reliance and resilience and move our community towards self-reliance and resilience. .

Our first event will be held on Sunday 15 Sept Our first event will be held on Sunday 15 September at The Street. Please do join us – full details below.

British Legion Hall, on the High Street. Please do join us – full details below.

We also hope to provide a regular skillshare e

opportunities to recycle not only our own perso We also hope to provide a regular skillshare event, a coffee (https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/) – contrib morning and village-wide opportunities to recycle not only and reconnecting our community at the same our own personal skills, but also our rubbish (https://www. terracycle.com/en-GB/) – contributing aims out of more, or fan If you aretowards interestedthe in finding please email our us atcommunity cottenhamconnected@sus Sustainable Cottenham and reconnecting at the same time.

If you are interested in finding13out more, orCommunity fancy joining Cottenham Centre (595) the team who organise these events, please email us at cottenhamconnected@sustainablecottenham.org.uk It is 10 years since the charity that runs it was

anniversary, we held events for 10 days from able to come and enjoy some of these - this ye just £10 for an individual (unless you are a reg

The back kitchen and toilets have been re-roo replaced and the formal opening of these facil tolerance and understanding of our hirers and Parish Council, Amey, FECA, ARM, the Co-O

For full details of our many classes on each da (where you will find times and contact details)

Issue Number 172 • page 10

It is 10 years since the charity that runs it was established and to celebrate CCC’s tenth anniversary, we held events for 10 days from 15 to 24 March 2019. I hope that you have been able to come and enjoy some of these. This year, to celebrate the ten years, membership costs just £10 for an individual (unless you are a regular hirer).

The back kitchen and toilets have been re-roofed and refitted, and three windows in the hall replaced and the formal opening of these facilities held. We are very appreciative of the tolerance and understanding of our hirers and the financial help we have received from the Parish Council, Amey, FECA, ARM, the Co-Op and others.

Wednesdays: Hatha yoga at 10am and 5:30pm and Beginners Pilates at 8:15pm in the studio. Post-natal yoga at 11:30am and an after-school club (ArtastiCambridge) at 3:45 to 4:45 in the hall. And monthly, Crazy Crafty Chicks at 7pm and monthly Photo club at 7:30pm in the coffee shop Thursdays: Pilates workout at 7pm and Yin yoga at 8pm, both in the studio. And monthly, Crazy Crafty Chicks 1pm to 3pm in the hall.

Saturday and Sunday For Colour Awareness workshops, Defibrillator and First Aid training, bookings miranda@mi-time.eu; Dads’ Play 10:30am to 11:30am (second Saturday of month); Arts Night in coffee For full details of our many classes on each day and evening, shop, 7:30pm to 9:30pm (second and fourth Sundays); The see ‘classes’ on our website (where you will find times and 14 COTTENHAM BOWLS CLUB (194) or under Roost (in coffee shop and main hall third Sunday) 3 to 4.30pm; contact details) http://www.cottenhamcc.org/ Community Cinema usually First Sunday of the month at “Function Rooms”, then refer to the room (hall, studio or 7:30pm and sometimes, for families, 2pm. Information from coffee shop) booking calendars. Most classes have spaces.

The outdoor bowls season is nearly to an end. It is great to be in the fresh air and enjoy some website: www.revcoffee.net or https://www.facebook.com/ NEW CLASSES gentle exercise in thePilates sunshine.

Not so goodclass when CottenhamCommunityCinema it rains.

Mondays: a Beginners class at 12:15, a Barre or email simon.oliver@cantab.net at 7:15pm and a Seni Ki Ryu martial arts class at 8:30pm in the studio. In the hall Mucky pups have returned at 10am and Community Activity? There were 20 teams, On 8 June the Cottenham Bowls Club held an OpenNew Triples Competition. there is a Bounce Dance class at 8.30pm.

Do you have an idea for a community activity that needs

of three players, each playing four games of six ends to battle for a semi-final place followed by Tuesdays: Vinyasa yoga 7am to 8am, Hatha yoga at 5:30pm access to a room but can’t get off the ground because of a final.

The top new fourday teams all7:30pm, winning Thereuncertainty was a lot ofincome rain in the morning and AllDance’s and time all inprizes. the studio. over to cover room hire? but Monthly Business in the Community meetings at 12 to 2pm everyone kept going. It was a full day of bowls and refreshments.

Cottenham Community Centre would like to hear from you. from 16 April in the hall.

We charge for using these facilities, but we are keen to encourage community activities and would be flexible towards Season which goes through until early April. If organisations looking to try out new community projects.

In October it is the start of the Indoor Short Mat you are interested in playing short mat bowls you can contact Eric Hobbs. There is a If you would like to know more, please contact Mike Smith on membership fee of £15, no extra cost and just 50p for tea and biscuits. It is aorgood to spend smithmichaelstanley@hotmail.com 01954way 251915 the winter months.

Coffee shop opening times are 10am to 4:30pm Monday; 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Saturday (except around Bank Holidays, Christmas and late August). members from Cottenham and surrounding

Cottenham Bowls Club is a very friendly club with To become a member, and receive a free beverage after 10 villages so come and give us a try. Everyone is welcome.

CONTACTS: DAVE PARRACK 01954 230732 ERIC HOBBS 01954 251956 CHRISTINE FORSTER 01954 200720

drinks bought and a 10% discount on a room hire, download a membership form at https://www.cottenhamcc.org/ membership/ www.cottenhamcc.org Charity Number 1128604

15 Rotary Car Parking in Cambridge at Christmas 2018 raises £33,000 (161)

Issue Number 172 • page 11

ROTARY CAR PARKING AT CHRISTMAS 2018 RAISES £33,000 A huge thank you to all our Cottenham volunteer helpers and to all the people who parked with us.

The Rotary Club of Cambridge South and lots of friends manned the three car parks for 12 days in Cambridge during December and raised the wonderful amount of £33,000.

Volunteers filled over 280 time-slots! Of course, the huge added advantage is that the money all goes to very good causes, including Cottenham Mobile Warden scheme and international charities. More volunteers are needed for next year (it only happens because of volunteers!) if you could spare a few hours and would like to help with the car parking at Christmas 2019 please contact me at smithmichaelstanley@hotmail.com

Please see the website http://www.cambridgesouthrotary.org.uk.if you would like to know more about Rotary – whose motto is “Service above Self”, and main worldwide aim to eradicate Polio world-wide within the next few years.

Mike Smith, Rotary Club of Cambridge South

CU FOOTBALL CLUB Cottenham Utd FC have two senior teams that play in the Kershaw Senior A division and the Mead Plant & Grab division 3b in the Cambridgeshire leagues. We are a friendly club who are always looking out for new players to join us. Pre-season training started on Tuesday 18 June from 6:45pm at the Village College and is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the start of the season in mid August.

For more details follow us on: Facebook - Cottenham United Football Club Twitter - Cottenham United Football Club Official Instagram - Cottenham United Football Club www.pitchero.com/clubs/cottenhamunited Or contact us directly by cottenhamunitedfc@hotmail.com asking for Ian Stuchbury, Chairman

Issue Number 172 • page 12

COTTENHAM THEATRE WORKSHOP

You can always guarantee that a warm welcome awaits audiences when you arrive at Cottenham Village College for an evening of entertainment provided by Cottenham Theatre Workshop. Two one-act plays by Tom Stoppard, very well directed by Kerry O’Connell, were the spring offering for 2019 on 9 to 11 May. I am often left with mixed feelings about some of Stoppard’s work, but the choice of these two plays was excellent, providing the audience with a funny, thoughtful but above all an entertaining evening.

The first play was ‘A Separate Peace’, which was first shown on television in August 1966. John Brown arrives at a country nursing home with a suitcase of cash expecting hotel style service. He is rather a mystery to a profession geared to treating the sick and elderly. John appears to be physically well and apparently not mentally ill ... in fact, he seems to be someone who just wants peace and quiet, combined with some tender loving care.

He is reluctantly given a room by the confused staff and settles comfortably into the routine and cocoon-like security it provides.

The staff speculate about his real identity “why does he want to be here?”.

One of the nurses, Maggie Coates, becomes his favourite and spends time talking to him. During these talks there are times when the audience might consider that John may have suffered from post-war depression, when he reveals that he was a prisoner of war for four years. He has no interest in family, but the diligent Doctor and his team eventually track down John’s family and invite them to come to visit the nursing home to see him. This is not an outcome which is welcomed by John and he immediately packs his bags and leaves.

One could not help feeling sorry for this man my simple interpretation was that all he wanted was space, peace and quiet – don’t we all at times!

All of the characters in this play were very well cast! John Unwin was excellent as John Brown and he played the part with a range of emotions conveying his frustrations, needs, and naivety very well. I could not help feeling empathetic towards him.

The Nurse was well played by Jane Holliday, who tried really hard to discourage John from taking up a bed in the nursing home. She clearly ran the reception area in an efficient manner.

Chris Field played the Doctor, who spent a great deal of his time on the phone playing detective, and trying to discover the true identity of their unusual resident. Nurse Maggie Coates was the real detective thoug: she found out more about John than anyone else, and he trusted her and relaxed his guard, revealing a few secrets. The Matron, played by Mary Garside, looked the part, but was gentle and persuasive with John convincing him that he might like to take up painting! Consequently, John

painted a lovely mural on his bedroom wall. I do hope the home kept it for the next resident!

All of the performances were supported well with a simple but effective set and good lighting. Well done to all concerned, a short but thought provoking piece of theatre.

The second half of the evening was a slightly longer play written

by Tom Stoppard between 1961 and 1962. It is one of his funniest plays.

The plot in ‘The Real Inspector Hound’ follows two theatre critics Moon and Birdboot who are watching a ludicrous set up of a country house murder mystery, portrayed in the style of a whodunnit. By chance the critics become involved with the action, causing a series of events that parallel the play they are watching. Eventually Moon is shot whilst on stage and the real Inspector Hound proves to be ...?

Again, this play was very well cast, demonstrating the fantastic range of talented actors there are in CTW. Tim Kelby played the part of the pretentious Moon and was impressive. How he managed to learn the script and deliver it with such speed and clarity was amazing.

Birdboot was played by Mark Nolan, portraying the part of a serial philanderer convincingly, inviting actresses out after each show, but at the same time maintaining that he is faithful to his devoted wife Myrtle ... in public, on stage!

Mrs Drudge, played by Chloe Watson, was a definite contender for a part in Acorn Antiques! She gave a great performance which was equally matched by the lady of the house Cynthia Muldoon, played by the talented Barbara Duckworth. It was such a relief when she was reunited with her husband Magnus Muldoon, played by Duncan McCallum. We suspected he was in disguise because of the wig and beard! Well done Duncan!

Simon Gascoigne, well played by Chris Field, was a mysterious man who has dumped Felicity Cunningham, delightfully played

by Emma Ward, and he has now fallen for Cynthia Muldoon.

Inspector Hound played by Ben Shimmens arrives on the scene, searching for a madman, and the company finally (!) notice the body which has been under the sofa the whole time!

When they all search the house, Simon comes on stage, examines the body and is shot. Who killed Simon and why?

As the show continues, both theatre critics are gradually drawn onstage, with catastrophic consequences.

Both plays were a pleasure to watch with good direction, a great cast, imaginative sets and as usual, a fantastic technical team.

Congratulations to everyone, we look forward to your panto!

Well done CTW, a great night out.

Gloria Milne.

Issue Number 172 • page 13

COTTENHAM BAPTIST CHURCH

COTTENHAM BOWLS CLUB The outdoor bowls season is nearly to an end. It is great to be in the fresh air and enjoy some gentle exercise in the sunshine. Not so good when it rains.

On 8 June the Cottenham Bowls Club held an Open Triples Competition. There were 20 teams, of three players, each playing four games of six ends to battle for a semi-final place followed by a final. The top four teams all winning prizes. There was a lot of rain in the morning but everyone kept going. It was a full day of bowls and refreshments.

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

In October it is the start of the Indoor Short Mat Season which goes through until early April. If you are interested in playing short mat bowls you can contact Eric Hobbs.

There is a membership fee of £15, no extra cost and just 50p for tea and biscuits. It is a good way to spend the winter months.

Cottenham Bowls Club is a very friendly club with members from Cottenham and surrounding villages so come and give us a try. Everyone is welcome.

CONTACTS: DAVE PARRACK 01954 230732 ERIC HOBBS 01954 251956 CHRISTINE FORSTER 01954 200720

Issue Number 172 • page 14

CC CINEMA Cottenham Community Cinema aims to show a broad range of films, to appeal to as many people as possible.

We hope we have shown something that has interested you recently.

In recent months, we’ve seen Glenn Close questioning a life lived in the shadow of her Nobel Prizewinning husband in “The Wife”. Emily Blunt brought a touch of magic to the Community Centre with “Mary Poppins Returns”. “Stan and Ollie” gave us an affectionate portrait of the classic Hollywood duo. And finally, Hirokazu Koreeda’s “Shoplifters” showed us a moving story of life, love, and family in Tokyo.

We’re taking a short summer break in August, but we return on Sunday 8 September with two films.

Letters to the Editor: New style Newsletter doesn’t find favour Just received new newsletter, and again we are commenting that is isn’t like the old one, this is colour again, why? No letters anymore well one. I am assuming you won’t print this as it would be really nice to know if others agree. Used to love receiving sitting down with a cup of tea, reading Jasper’s bird reports and the letters.

Don’t see the point anymore, why don’t you ask what people think and what they might like?

Alison Kitching

........

Thank you I would like to thank all the people who came to my SPECIAL BIRTHDAY in July for their presents and dood wishes. I hope they all enjoyed themselves.

Pat Harold

First, at 2pm, we’re showing “The Kid Who Would Be King”. Written and directed by Joe Cornish, the film tells the story of Alex, a young boy who finds King Arthur’s legendary sword Excalibur and must stop an ancient enchantress from destroying the world.

Our evening film will be “Wild Rose”, starring Irish singer and actress Jessie Buckley as a young Scottish woman who dreams of escaping Glasgow and making it big as a country music star. The supporting cast includes Julie Walters as disapproving mum Marion, and Sophie Okonedo as Rose’s encouraging employer-turned-friend.

If this has whetted your appetite, we would love for you to join us. You can find out more on our Facebook page (www. facebook.com/CottenhamCommunityCinema/), or look out for posters around the village. We have a bar fully stocked with drinks and popcorn to help you enjoy the show, and at the end there’s an opportunity to chat with others about what you thought of the film should you wish (it’s entirely optional).

Hope to see you there!

Chris Walsh

Deadline: FOR NEXT ISSUE 20TH AUGUST

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.

ADVERTISING To discuss your advertising requirements Contact Liz Porteous on 01954 250468 cottenhamnewsletter@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 172 • page 15

COTTENHAM FEAST PARADE SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER 2019 A new team has been formed to organise the Cottenham Feast Parade. We are grateful for the hard work put in by Julie Percival and Deanna Raven in previous years.

A procession of floats will be leaving Brookfields Industrial Estate at 2pm, arriving at the Green at approximately 3pm.

There will be a fair and refreshments on the Green from 1pm. If you would like a stall there, please email me on Emma.Bodsworth@googlemail.com.

Funds raised by the parade event will be shared between local non-profit organisations. If your community group would like to apply, please contact me at the above address.

Emma Bodsworth

NEW COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR The new community defibrillator is now fully operational. It is located in the phone box on the corner of the High Street and Denmark Road. In an emergency, when you dial 999 you will be given the access code for the defibrillator.

Poetry Corner: Sun Cycles ​​ Mother nature cradles her sun​ As it dips below the tree line​ Their branches hold it tenderly​ For a few moments of time​ Turning the blue sky to an artists canvas​ Shades of purple and yellow​ The suns last light of colours and hope​ Says “i´ll be here tomorrow”​ The birds come to rest and nestle on down​ And watch from the boughs of the trees​ As the sun glows its last warmth upon them​ With a freshness of a delicate breeze​ A clear night is promised​ Full of stars and wonder​ With a full Moon alight​ By the suns glow yonder​ And the owls awake and bask in its glory​ And the muntjacs bark does sound​ While the moths collect pollen from moonlight flowers​ As the sun drifts under the ground​ Gently the sky turns from black to blue​ The Moon dims to a white ghost​ Like the sun promised, it’s here once more​ A gracious and dedicated host​ The birds awake from their nestled boughs​ And sing so delicious a song​ As each awakes to the suns first light​ It builds to a choral throng​ The daylight flowers open to greet​ As the afternoon sun does rise​ The warmth grows hot as it blazes down​ With a blue sky so intense on the eyes​ All life comes forth and dances​ Amongst the rays so bright​ As its light moves across the Earth​ We move with its fulfilling might​ As the sun comes to rest​ In the tree branches, so sure​ Now, we realise it never leaves us​ As it sinks beneath us once more Laura Berry

Issue Number 172 • page 16

Small ads: HALO HEATING SERVICE LTD We aim to provide the most ethical, sustainable and cost effective heating and plumbing service to Cottenham and the surrounding area, whilst maintaining the highest standards and exceptional customer service. Please call Sam on 07745 551588, email: sam@haloheat.co.uk or find us on Facebook .........

TOM’S TECH SUPPORT. All your technology needs covered. Setup, troubleshooting and advice for computers, laptops, mobile phones, printers, Internet/Wi-Fi, and TV’s. Call 01954 775004, Email: tom@ient.me .........

TUITION. ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (EFL).

Teresa Haymer Cert Ed TEFL MA – General English, all levels, Business English, other ESPs; Homestay Immersion Courses.

Email: teresahaymer@gmail.com or text to: 07410 978290 .........

HANDYMAN SERVICES COTTENHAM Need help fitting a kitchen or bathroom? Leaking washing machine, sink or shower? Need a blind fitted or guttering repaired? Call Mike on 07768 931810 .........

SENIOR MATHS/SCIENCE TUTOR (FEMALE) – COTTENHAM Several years of experience tutoring Maths & Science for all levels up to GCSE and Maths for A level. Mode of teaching driven by the student’s prime need: Focusing on challenging topics, plugging gaps in knowledge, exam preparation, reinforcing topics. Qualifications: Educated to PhD level (Image processing, UCL) BSc Physics First Class Honours and Masters in Computing Science from Imperial College London. Contact: asmachaud@hotmail.com, 07786 059693 .........

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 John on 07584 578315 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 .........

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 .........

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

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

FENCING – P MARTIN FENCING, all types of fencing undertaken, over 30 years trading, please call 07802 440494 or 01954 250568 email pmartinfencing@gmail.com for a free no obligation quote and advice. ​.........

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 .........

CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST Henry Tullie. Degree qualified home visiting chiropody service for the treatment of nail cutting, hard skin, corns and callus. Tel 01223 277834/07906 625088, www.cambridgechiropodist.co.uk ........

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.victoriamorrisupholstery.co.uk .........

DOG DAY CARE IN COTTENHAM. Open Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm. Great area for 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. Lingwood Farm, Cottenham, CB24 8PX Tel: Erica 07956 406643 or visit www.lingwooddogs.com .........

AGRIPEST If you’re looking for a friendly, reliable and competitive pest control service then please get in contact with AgriPest today! Rats, mice, wasps, moles and much more! Please call Neil on 07889 018041 or email AgriPest@ outlook.com. Thank you. https://www.facebook.com/ AgriPestcambs/ www.agripestcontrol.co.uk .........

THE VILLAGE FOOT CLINIC Wilburton Clinic & mobile chiropody for: nail cutting/nail thickness reduction, corns, callous and cracked heels, diabetes etc. Assessment and treatment £29. Marisa Jolley MCFHP MAFHP. Tel: 07909 943171 .........

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

10p per word, with some proceeds going to the MAGPAS charity. Send advertisements and payment to the Advertising Manager.

Cheques should Newsletter’.

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Issue Number 172 • page 17

CONTACTS:

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

Police General Switchboard Doctors

101

Dr. T Blumenfeld, 188 High Street Firs House Partnership, 42 Telegraph Street

Urgent Care Cambridge (formerly Camdoc)

District Nurse Team Cottenham CareCar

250079 251180 0330 123 9131 01223 726469

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

251929

Cottenham Community Centre 202109 Cottenham Charities 250387 Cottenham Day Centre 200873 Cottenham Gardeners Club 260482 Cottenham Tennis Club info@cottenhamtennis.co.uk Cottenham Toy Library Christina Koester 270334 Cottenham Village Society Glynis Pilbeam 251544 cottvillsoc@gmail.com Cottenham WI Gillian Ballard 250605 Dentist Wiese and Associates, 40 Margett Street 251696 Chemist 222 High Street 250556

Child, Teen & Family Counselling

Julie McCrae www.juliemccraecounselling.com 07482 723265 Counsellor & Therapist Ruth Barnett, ruby61247@yahoo.co.uk 202556, 07961 644006 Samaritans Cambridge Centre 01223 364455 Veterinary Surgeon Village Vet Cottenham 252122

Schools

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

Pre–School

288944 250227 251066

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

0345 045 5222 0345 045 0500

District Councillors Neil Gough Eileen Wilson

cllr.gough@scambs.gov.uk, 07919 990299 cllr.wilson@scambs.gov.uk, 07825 770899

County Councillor Tim Wotherspoon

timwothers@aol.com,252108 01223 301426

British Red Cross Shop Citizens Advice Bureau

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

Railway Station Cambridge Passenger Enquiries

0845 7484950

Driving Instruction TOPS Driving School 252239 Taxi Panther Taxis 01223 715715/424424/523523 Library Margett Street 0345 0455225 Library at Home Service (formerly Doorstep)

0345 045 5225 your.library@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 583651 252298

Office hours: 9:30am-2:30pm Wednesday and Friday Baptist Church Church Office 252378 Catholic Church St Laurences Church 01223 704640 Methodist Church simon.oliver@cantab.net

07554 202929 Salvation Army Majors Graham & Pam Barratt 252419 Royal British Legion Ann Scott 251468 ann.scott23@ntlworld.com Cottenham Brass Band

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

Parish Church Revd. Lynda Davies Parish Administrator Matt Unwin-Riches

Cottenham Dissenters’ Cemetery

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

EDITOR & ENQUIRIES:

Adrian Ient, 2 The Wrens, Cottenham CB24 8XD. Tel: 01954 775004 e–mail: cottenhamnewsletter@gmail.com

BUSINESS MANAGER:

Peter Robertson, 30 Lyles Road, Cottenham, Tel: 01954 200080

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Liz Porteous, e–mail: cottenhamnewsletter@gmail.com Tel: 01954 250468 WEBSITE:

Issue Number 172 • page 18

www.cottenhamnews.org.uk

NATURE WATCH – THE ANYTHING-BUT BEIGE BRIGADE Ask most people to describe a moth and usually terms such as dull, grey, brown, night-flying, drab, dingy, useless, clothes eater, are the terms they will use. Some might go so far as to describe them as the boring relatives of butterflies. Well, nothing could be further from the truth the Lepidoptera (meaning scaly winged) are a vast group of insects far more diverse than just the butterfly sub-group. Many of the 2500 recorded different species in the British Isles are anything but dull and grey, many of them fly during the day and most of them have quite exotic names.

Perhaps the most vivid and bright of the British species is the (Small) Emperor Moth. This is the only member of the Saturniidae family, the silk moths, found in the British Isles.

The males are very brightly coloured. You could easily mistake him for a butterfly. The females have a similar patterning with four “eyes” one on each wing. The male flies during the day, sniffing out the sex pheromone of the female, which will be passively reclining in heath or fenland undergrowth (she only flies at night).

Another local moth that uses its wings to fool predators into seeing a bigger face staring back is the aptly named eyed hawk-moth. With its wings folded it looks like a wellcamouflaged moth that might be mistaken for a leaf among the leaf litter. Startled, however, it moves its forewings forward revealing the bright “eyes” on its hind wings.

As we have moved on to the hawk-moths, a quick shout out for this small, but perfectly formed, group of large moths.

Among their number, we have the lime hawk-moth, the privet hawk-moth, and the poplar hawk-moth, the larvae (caterpillars) of which feed on those respective trees and shrubs. The adults are all quite well-patterned, but their larvae can be even more so. Also among their number is the hummingbird hawk-moth, which we occasionally see in this country when Southerlies blow them in from warmer climes. There is also the death’s head hawk-moth, which to our eyes takes seeing faces where there is no face to a darker level: this enormous dark moth appears to have the blank, staring face of a skull on its back.

Then, there is the stripy olive-green and cerise elephant hawk-moth, which resembles a dangling fuchsia flower when hanging from a twig on its favoured species for

light emerald moth

lime hawk moth laying its eggs…the fuchsia. Incidentally, its name has no relation to its large forewings looking like elephant’s ears, nor any allusion to pink elephants. The caterpillar is long, thick, wrinkled-looking and grey-brown… and simply looks like an elephant’s trunk (but with a couple of pairs of eyes at one end!).

We do have an odd relationship with moths; there is lots of folklore and symbolism, especially around the likes of the death’s head hawk-moth. Some people may well have mottephobia, a fear or loathing of moths, but they do have their place in the natural world. continued overleaf

Spottin’em in Cottenham: Recent sightings In a departure from our normal programming, here is a short list of some of the moth species seen in Cottenham at the time of writing: willow beauty, small magpie, mottled rustic, common pug, garden carpet heart & dart, heart and club, treble lines, white point, dark arches, shuttle-shaped dart, white ermine, vine’s rustic, rustic shoulder knot, large nutmeg, peppered moth, lime hawk-moth, eyed hawk-moth, privet hawk-moth, elephant hawk-moth, poplar hawk-moth, common swift, common wainscot, gold triangle, burnished brass, large yellow underwing, brightline brown eye, flame shoulder, light brocade, light emerald, treble brown spot, small seraphim, sallow kitten, puss moth, oak hook-tip, chocolate tip, buff ermine, white ermine...the list goes on.

Issue Number 172 • page 19

Despite their larvae often being plant pests, often the nectar-loving adults are important pollinators on a par with bees and flies. The aforementioned larvae are a great source of protein for a wide variety of birds, such as our garden favourite the robin, as well as a lot of carnivorous mammals. The flying adults represent the staple diet of bats. A single pipistrelle bat might use its sonar to hunt and eat several hundred moths every night. Of course, people eat moths and their larvae too. The famous Witchetty grub will be familiar to anyone who has visited Australia or watched “that” challenging reality TV show with the socalled celebrities.

Admittedly, there are many, many species that are variations on the theme of basically beige, but with different patterns of speckle. However, there are so many more that are far more fascinating with their hearts and darts, their chocolate tips, their silver Y and satellites, their punctuation marks and Hebrew writing, their resemblance to twigs, their disguise as a bee or a wasp, and yes in the case of the lime-speck pug and the Chinese character their resemblance to a bird dropping. There’s even a dingy and a buff footman. angle shades moth

small emperor moth Incidentally, of all the 2500 or so species of moth we find in the British Isles, the larvae of just of a few eat natural fibres such as wool and cotton. So, feel free to dangle some stinky moth balls in your wardrobe to protect your D&G and your Calvin Kleins, but don’t attempt to swat that big “logger” flying around your bedroom light, it could well be as beautiful as a butterfly and it might give you a start if it stares back at you when it flies off.

David Bradley https:/sciencebase.com/moths Please send your wildlife sightings to nature@sciencebase.com

eyed hawk-moth

CONTACT THE EDITOR:

Adrian Ient, 2 The Wrens, Cottenham CB24 8XD. Tel: 01954 - 775004 e-mail: cottenhamnewsletter@gmail.com

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