Village Tribune Issue 146

Pop goes Tribland: Springs, Spas and Sarsaparilla

AN ATTEMPTED MURDER IN NEWBOROUGH!

COMMUNITY ORCHARD - A ‘BUDDING’ PROJECT

HELPSTONBURY SILENT AUCTION

BLUE PLAQUE FOR JOHN CLARE

MAKE ADULT SOCIAL CARE A NATIONAL PRIORITY

tribune

Hopefully, by the time you read this, the rain (and winds) will have stopped and we can look forward to warmer times ahead!

In this edition, we preview some great events taking place over the next couple of months; get your dancing shoes out of the cupboard and head along to the Ruddy Duck in Peakirk on Sunday 26 May for Duckfest (part one). If you like sweet soul music, you’re going to love this gig! (see page 61).

The festival vibe continues the following Saturday (1 June) with a huge array of events and activities at Glintonfest. (see page 13).

Saturday 22 June 22 sees the return of Helpstonbury at John Clare Primary School – a fantastic family event – but remember, ‘no dogs please’. (see page 53).

Helpstonbury 2024 will see the climax of the Silent Auction, raising funds for a new village hall for Helpston. Check out over 60 ‘lots’ on offer – from driving a steam train, to Twickenham tickets, flights in helicopters and hot air balloons to fishing days and even the chance to be editor of the Tribune! (see page 6).

Talking of a new village hall for Helpston, this issue also contains a feature to bring readers ‘up to speed’, and in Helpston and Etton, this magazine also contains a survey, asking residents to give their views and feedback. (see pages 16-17)

Looking for a local tradesperson? Check out our Pitch Perfect (see pages 68-69). 12 months (6 issues) coverage costs just £49 (no VAT to pay). If you would like your business to appear on these pages, please contact villagetribuneeditor@me for more details.

The deadline for our next edition (July/ August) is Friday 14 June

Enjoy the summer!

 Contributions:

t: 07590 750128 e: villagetribuneeditor@me.com

 Social media:  /groups/villagetribune

 Website: www.villagetribune.org.uk

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

village tribune village



Editor - Tony Henthorn

35 Maxey Road, Helpston PE6 7DP T: 07590 750128 E: villagetribuneeditor@me.com



Advertising Sales - Alison Henthorn T 07702 640361 E: alisonhenthorn@btinternet.com





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

e: gary.aldersonwrites@gmail.com

Reverend Keir Dow, The Nine Bridges Benefice

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

On the cover:

Painting by Will Thompson

Art in the Summertime

(see page 58)



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

Holly Cottage, Wittering Road, Barnack PE9 3EY T: 07523 312387 E: mills.mh@gmail.com

ETTON Anne Curwen

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

 GLINTON Shirley Hodgkinson

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

 HELPSTON Clive Marsh

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

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

 MAXEY Cllr Peter Hiller

E: Peter.Hiller@peterborough.gov.uk

 NEWBOROUGH John Fox

Church Close, Newborough E: john.fox@peterborough.gov.uk

 NORTHBOROUGH Polly Beasley 15 Claypole Drive, Northborough T: 01778 380849 E: polly.beasley@btinternet.com

 PEAKIRK Trish Roberts

9 St Pegas Road

 PILSGATE Sally Hullock

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

 SOUTHORPE Daphne Williams

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

 UFFORD Sally Hullock

3 Hillside Close, Ufford

sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658

The Village Tribune

Advertisers Warranty and Indemnity

The Advertiser warrants: (a) that the advertisement is legal, decent, honest and truthful and that it complies with the British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion, with any relevant codes of practice and with all requirements of current legislation; (b) that nothing in the advertisement is defamatory or constitutes a malicious falsehood; (c) that the publication of the advertisement will not infringe copyright or any other rights vested in a third party; and (d) that the Advertiser has secured all necessary authorities and consents in respect of the use in the advertisement of any pictorial representations or other representations of (or purporting to be of) living persons and of references to any words attributed to living persons. (ii) The Advertiser will indemnify the The Village Tribune Ltd in respect of all costs, damages or other charges arising as a result of the publication of their advertisement or incurred in connection with any actions or claims brought against the Company arising from a breach by the Advertiser of the warranties in this paragraph 1 or otherwise from the publication of the advertisement.

text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing.

Bidding in Helpstonbury Silent Auction

Elsewhere in this edition, you will have read about plans for a new Village Hall in Helpston. As part of the fundraising for this major project, the Helpston and Etton Community Association are running a Silent Auction ending at 7.00pm on Saturday 22 June at the Helpstonbury Festival. There are over 60 ‘lots’ going under the hammer – head along to www.jumblebee.co.uk/helpstonburysilentauction2024 to place your bids

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE AMAZING LOTS YOU CAN BID FOR ...

£250 LOT 40

The Experience of a Lifetime

Take life higher on a spectacular hot air balloon ride with Virgin Balloon Flights. Flight (for two ) leaves from Ferry Meadows.

£95 LOT 38

Take to the skies with Travel Counsellors

There is nothing like the sensation of hovering in a powerful fast-moving helicopter!

£105 LOT 31

Gone Fishing – full day lake or boat (pike) experience

A day guided fishing with two options to choose from.

Be the Guest Editor of the Village Tribune

You will get to help choose the front cover image, take on the page 5 Editor comment piece, be given a full page as your own personal 'soap box' to say what you like (so long as it's legal, decent and honest!) You will also be given another full page to promote the business, organisation or charity of your choice.

£60 LOT 1

£100 LOT 59

Signed Peterborough United Shirt

Signed by players from the current (2023/24) season, boxed and comes complete with a certificate of authenticity.

£105 LOT 31

Burghley Annual

Pass

Take advantage of unlimited visits throughout our open season with an Annual Pass. The pass is for two adults and three children.

£210 LOT 5

Midweek Stay at Robin’s Nest, West Mersea Island

The house is only a one-minute stroll from the beach that leads to boats, bewitching sunrises and enchanting sunsets, pubs, restaurants and the lovely village itself.

Dom Perignon 2008 - a very good year!

Have you got a special anniversary or occassion coming up? Then you might like to check out this superb lot. Dom Pérignon is only available as a vintage champagne and is only produced in exceptional years.

£50 LOT 6

£460 LOT 21

Bar-for-Hire

£175 LOT 46

Rosie refurbished this old market stall trailer in 2020 and by the 2023 season it was jam packed with fabulous eventsparties, weddings, festivals... With some availability left this summer, get bidding if you're looking for a beautiful, and unique bar for your party or event.

England v South Africa Twickenham Nov 16th 17th (TBC) 2024

Steve Borthwick's England are set to welcome reigning World Champions South Africa to the iconic Twickenham Stadium in the Autumn Internationals in November 2024. Two tickets for this showcase event!

£460 LOT 21

Family Visit to Helpston Signal Box

Discover how our local signal box operates with this unique opportunity for four family members to see first hand how one of the busiest boxes in the UK operates

NORTHBOROUGH COUNCIL

Chair – John Dadge ................... 01733 254145

..................................................... 07802 702908

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

Vice Chair – Malcolm Spinks 01778 343585

..................................................... 07870 343562

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

Councillor – Rob Chiva 01733 252823

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

Councillor – Brian Spriggs 01778 342502

Councillor – Tracy Thomas 07720 327145

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

Councillor – Mark Malcolm 07584 877793

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

Councillor – Hayley Flaxman ..... 07957 412897

E: hayley.flaxman@northborough-pc.gov.uk

Councillor – Graham Fowkes 07711 415881

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

Your Parish Council

BAINTON & ASHTON

PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman: Susie Lucas 01780 740 159 susie.hall34@gmail.com

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

Councillor: Cliff Stanton 01780 749 123 cliffstanton@btinternet.com

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

Councillor: Michael Perkins ...........07587 240 607 hawthornfarm@hotmail.com

Responsible for internal finances checker.

Councillor: Irene Walsh 07753 203 844 walshirene@yahoo.co.uk

Responsible for: Planning, staffing/HR and community liaison and road safety.

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

Vacancy: Please see website/notice board for info.

HELPSTON PARISH COUNCIL

www.helpstonparishcouncil.org

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

Current Chair – Joe Dobson 01733 252192 councilmessages@btinternet.com

PEAKIRK PARISH COUNCIL

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

Sally Jackson 01733 253483

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

David Fovargue 01733 254227

Anne Tuley 01733 254114

Sarah Smith.....................................07588055553

Kamal Sisodia 07958053439

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

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

Email: cleark@peakirk-pc.gov.uk

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

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

Councillor – Andy Ratnett 07798 651872 andy@ratnett.co.uk

Councillor – Lee Kaminski ............07725 970070

Councillor – Prem Gyani 07770 833999 premgyani@gmail.com

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

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

GLINTON

PARISH COUNCIL

Cllr Gerry Kirt - Chairman

.................................. 01733 252839

Cllr RW Randall, Vice Chairman 01733 253276

Cllr Helen Aylesbury

Cllr DJ Batty 01733 252749

Cllr CB Bysshe ......... 01733 253164

Cllr Steve Jackson 01733 252409

Cllr David Lane ........ 01733 252593

Cllr Andy Staines 07412 158885

Cllr Sukhvinder Singh

Cllr Liezl Rossouw

Mr J Haste - Clerk 07591 834163

Cllr Rita Joshi-Boparai

rita.joshi-boparai@glinton-pc.gov.uk clerk@glinton-pc.gov.uk

07591 834163 www.glinton-pc.gov.uk

DEEPING GATE

PARISH COUNCIL

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

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

Cllr Jane Hill (Vice-Chair) jane.hill@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

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

Cllr Sandra Hudspeth sandra.hudspeth@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

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

Cllr Nicola Kerr nicola.kerr@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk

Time to take a break?

Visit Norfolk

Set in lovely village, a two-minute walk to the pub, 20 mins from Brancaster & 10 mins from Burnham Market. Sleeps six.Two double beds.

One children’s bunk bedroom. Newly-fitted kitchen & utility. Stylish separate sitting room & dining room with woodburners. Large, enclosed garden with furniture & BBQ. One medium sized dog accepted. Off-road parking.

Three nights low season from £450. Seven nights low season from £575

For further inforomation email tammy.tushingham@btinternet.com

Visit West Mersea Island

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

For further information email mel@dimension6000.com

Glinton

Glinton Parish Council: Climate Change Emergency Working Group

Councillor Helen Aylesbury

Community Orchard - a ‘budding’ project

Firstly, I must ‘apple-ogize’ for the ‘bountiful’ use of orchard puns throughout this article, can you ‘apple-ly’ yourself and find them all? ‘Pear’ with me!

We are excited to share that we plan to plant a small community orchard on the recreation ground with final positioning, fruit varieties and size yet to be decided before this ‘piece’ goes to ‘press’.

Our passion (fruit?) for this project ‘stems’ from one of our ‘core’ aims as Glinton’s Climate Change Emergency Working Group, which is to actively improve the biodiversity of the parish and reduce the

impact of climate change. Research revealing the ‘pressing’ issue of reconnecting humans with nature as well as many case-studies boasting the ‘fruitful’ impact the development of community gardens and orchards have on residents really packs a ‘fruit punch’!.

Research revealing the ‘pressing’ issue of re-connecting humans with nature as well as many case-studies boasting the ‘fruitful’ impact the development of community gardens and orchards have on residents really packs a ‘fruit punch’!.

I found many inspiring case-studies whilst conducting my research and recently spent time in a beautiful community memorial orchard situated at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, which in my ‘crumble’ opinion is well worth a visit!

We believe we need to ‘breakground’, ‘branch out’ and ‘cultivate’ change by initiating this project which has the potential to bring multiple benefits to the community.

We hope the planting and maintenance of the orchard will provide learning opportunities for village school children as they learn about the benefits of fresh produce

whilst ‘cultivating’ interest in where their food comes from and ‘apple-ying’ practical skills. We want to invite residents with ‘green fingers’ to get involved at every stage, including as we hopefully celebrate our first ‘Apple Day’.

Apple Day was ‘seeded’ in Covent Garden’s old Apple Market in 1990 to celebrate the fruit market’s revival and was originally brought about and promoted nationwide henceforth by Dorset-based charity Common Ground. Common Ground’s mission is to restore our connection with nature and encourage us to take responsibility for our environment and green spaces, something we, as a working group certainly find ‘ap-peeling’!

The first Apple Day ‘blossomed’ on 21 October and is now celebrated annually around this date. Celebrations may include the picking of apples, the making and enjoying of apple-based produce as well as a chance to socialise and bring people together.. Glinton’s residents have fed back to us that social events are something they want more of and indeed, many went ‘bananas’ over the Coronation event and Glintonfest, so keep your eyes ‘peeled’!

Please do let us know if you would like to contribute to this ‘peach’ of a project in any way, we would ‘apple-y’ welcome your support!

1. East of England Apples and Orchards Project. Available at: www.applesandorchards.org.uk/community-orchards/.

2. Community Orchards How to Guide. 2011. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-orchards-a-how-to-guide.

3. Common Ground. 2024. Available at: www.commonground.org.uk/apple-day/.

Glinton FriendshipClub

Pam Kounougakis

We have had brilliant talks and slide shows, and sellers of bags and clothes.

Lots of celebrations, wearing Red for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s day and making buttonholes for Mother’s Day. Also, tossing pancakes with the usual flour and flops!!

Easter saw our regular bonnet decoration competition produce works of art headwear! We have new prospective members coming along to visit, and welcome those who join us. They all seem to enjoy our mix of superb meals, tea and coffee, quizzes, games, books, raffles, bingo and trips.

Coming up over the summer is a talk by Deepings Men’s Group, a singing duo, brain training puzzlers, a village stroll, an auction and our Summer outing, a trip to a Wartime Museum and living experience!

Our only issue is that the Hall could be more suitable for our needs now, parking, mobility scooters, storage, access ... a new hall would be great!

To find out more come along to the Village Hall on Mondays. 10am till 2pm.

The honours board records the contribution John Holdich, Peter Skinner, Eric Spendelow and Bob Johnson have made to Glinton.

COUNCIL CORNER GLINTON

Now the rain and poor weather has abated we are set fine for a glorious late spring and summer but as always much has happened in Glinton.

Many residents living adjacent to construction of the Anglian Water pipelines will have been affected due to excessive noise and light pollution created by thrust boring under the railway line. We have held urgent discussions with those responsible who have tried to mitigate as much of the disruption as possible.

Anglian Water have large sumps next to several of their their pumping stations that fill during times of excessive rainfall which are then gradually discharged onward to the Peterborough treatment plant. If the pumps cannot cope, the waste can be discharged into adjacent drainage ditches but should high levels of ammonia be detected it is tankered away to Birmingham for mitigation. Peterborough City Council mentioned to me that, due to excessive cost, they understand Anglia Water will no longer pump out the water. As this will potentially allow raw sewage to be discharged into several of Glinton’s open drains, we will contact Anglian Water and express our concern.

National Gas operate the large compressor station near Waterworks Lane. Over the last few years they have been installing two new compressors that are now undergoing commissioning trials ahead of becoming fully operational. Residents living nearby and downwind have been adversely affected by excessive compressor noise. We have held discussions with National Gas and been assured that if they fail to meet the acoustic design standards, further work will be undertaken to ensure they do.

Work to add protective aluminium skirts to all the wooden play equipment situated in Glinton’s recreational ground is underway by councillors The skirts are aimed at protecting the posts and legs from over zealous strimming and in so doing prolong their life. Hopefully the work will be completed over the coming weeks.

Counsellor Bob Randall is arranging a hands-on defibrillator training session in the village hall that will be publicised once arranged.

Work is underway on the Community Orchard and reported in more detail elsewhere in the Tribune.

Four former members of Glinton Parish Council, with

a combined service of 173 years, have been honoured with the unveiling of a permanent honours board in Glinton Village Hall. The board records the contribution John Holdich, Peter Skinner, Eric Spendelow and Bob Johnson have made to Glinton.

On 19th March 2024 Eric Spendelow unveiled the board as well as cutting the celebration cake - he has a mere 55 years service to his credit!

The old wooden Glinton sign has been gifted to Peakirk cum Glinton Primary School to retain for posterity. The school intends to have the sign sympathetically refurbished and mounted high on the gable end overlooking the playground. Aimee Neaverson agreed to produce a history of the sign covering fund raising by Glinton’s WI, the Neaverson family’s connection and its unveiling on the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. This information will be mounted under the sign. Additionally the Parish Council will work with Aimee to produce a comprehensive digital history of the old sign that will accompany details surrounding creation of the new village sign through to its anticipated unveiling in the summer of 2024.

We would like to thank Councillor Peter Hiller, on

behalf of the whole village, for contributing c.£2300 from the Community Leadership Fund towards the new Glinton Village Sign.

Counting, collating and validation of the Glinton Village Questionnaire has been completed. Over one third of residents, landowners and developers responded, which is slightly up on 2016. The results will published in the next issue of the Tribune and online. The data will inform the Parish Council in terms of its future priorities but also result in Glinton’s Neighbourhood Plan being updated. The results are broadly similar to 2016 - a desire to to remain a low growth rural village, replace the traffic calming and additionally improve the mobile phone signal in the village.

GlintoFest 24 with D-Day commemoration - 1 June from late morning until 11pm. This is split between a free afternoon event kicking off with a Highland Pipe Band at 11:45am in the centre of the village, car and bike show, dog show, competitions galore, Bollywood, Sumba, singers, stalls, BBQ, food and drink, family fun and a large D-Day contingent. This will include Barle of Britain flying display, numerous vehicles, exhibition of military and home front kit, and demonstrations - some loud! When the air raid siren sounds at 4pm it will signal the afternoon element is complete and folks should vacate the school grounds. The fully ticketed music festival will begin at 4:45pm with Kylie, ABBA, Madonna, Skip Intro and conclude with Cosmic Rodney. There will be food outlets, BBQ and bar together with stalls, fairground attractions, plus the auction of a signed Posh shirt.

Left: BBMF Hurricane. Right: BBMF Spitfire.

Blue Plaque for John Clare

In 1817 John Clare left Helpston to work as a lime kiln burner at Great Casterton. Whilst working at Great Casterton and lodging at the New Inn, he met Martha (Patty) Turner. Patty was the daughter of a farmer, William Turner, at Walkherd Lodge. Turner thought that his daughter was too good for Clare.

However, as Patty became pregnant, she and Clare were married on 16 March 1820 at St Peter and St Paul Church in Great Casterton, she was given away by her uncle. Their wedding reception was held at the Crown Inn over the road from the church.

On 2 June Patty gave birth to Anna Maria.

To commemorate the wedding Richard White, a regular at the Crown Inn, who has an interest in Clare arranged for a plaque to be put on the wall of the pub.

Unfortunately, Richard was not able to unveil the plaque on the planned date of March 16 2024. As a result, David Dykes, who was the Curator at the John Clare Cottage in Helpston until his retirement, was invited to carry out the unveiling. The plaque celebrates Clare and Patty and can be seen by all the visitors to the pub.

After the plaque was unveiled there was a performance by the folk group Frumenty in the pub. Thanks to Steve Barker for his hospitality at the Crown

Photographs © David Dykes

Helpston Local History Group

Visitors and Members of Helpston Local History Group, were enlightened by an entertaining and informative talk, titled “The Parish Priest” given by Reverend Gary Alderson in St Botolph’s Church, Helpston on Thursday 21 March.

Gary gave us an insight into the titles given to the priest, the stipend they were given, and the tasks they performed. We heard about two priests from Ufford and Barnack and the Revd. Charles Mossop, Vicar of Helpston and later Rector of Etton.

Charles was appointed Vicar of Helpston by Christ’s College Cambridge, in 1817 at the age of 24. In 1836 he married the widow of the late Revd Edward Booth of Friskney. On the 1841 Census, his wife Lucy, servants, and Mary Mossop, Lucy’s sisterin-law, were recorded as residing in Helpston. Revd Charles was on holiday in Tarbet, Scotland

The slightly more laidback afternoon session, was again punched into life with various live musical acts taking to the mic in the evening, climaxing with dancing on the bar! The success of the festival over the years has enabled a profit (totalling £12900) to be distributed to local charities.

with his stepdaughter Lucy, his sister Catherine, and his brotherin-law.

Charles befriended the poet John Clare who lived opposite the Old Vicarage and assisted him not only spiritually but also by offering monetary gifts in times of need. Charles and John were both born in 1793.

Charles purchased various items for St Botolph’s Church including a silver communion set, an oak box used for holding the silver communion set, and an organ. He also gave the church a small piece of land and to this day, rent is paid into a charity fund managed by the churches of Etton and Helpston.

Helpston's 5th Beer Festival

On 23 March, Helpston held their 5th Beerfest. Once again this was a huge success, attracting beer enthusiasts from far and wide.

This year’s total was £3,200, and will be shared between this year’s beneficiaries which are; Little Miracles and Friends of John Clare School.

The Beer festival committee look forward to welcoming you all again, at next year’s event which will be held on the 22 March 2025.

Charles was a landowner as well as a priest. On the 1873 government land survey, he is registered as owning a total of over 700 acres across Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire.

The stipend in Helpston was only £99 per annum and in 1853 Charles became Rector of Etton and moved into the newly built Rectory with his wage increasing to more than £400 per annum.

Following the death of his first wife, in 1876 Charles married his great-niece, Mary Jane Lewis Harvey, She was 25 and he was 83. She supported him and the parish until he died in 1883 at the age of 90.

Our next bi-monthly meeting takes place in May and is only open to members of the group. We will have a stand at Willowbrook Open Day on Sunday, 16 June and at Helpstonbury on Saturday, 22 June. Do come along to view our displays.

First of all a little history... the current Hall has served the villages of Helpston and Etton for over 100 years and you may (or may not!) be surprised to know that it was originally a Canadian first world war military hut, kindly donated to the villages by the Fitzwilliam family.

The pursuit of a new village hall for Helpston and Etton residents

The wooden hut has occupied its current site in West St since the end of the war, and sits on land also owned by the Fitzwilliam Estate which was rented back to the village on a ‘peppercorn’ rent agreement. The lease on the land actually expired some time ago, and understandably the Estate would like the land back, added to which if you have been inside it in recent years you will probably agree, the Hall is now old, tired, damp, too small, and in so many ways unsuitable

for the growing and vibrant communities of Helpston and Etton.

So the challenge is on, and now is the time to renew and rebuild a Village Hall which can be fit for current times and be sustainable for the future. The team have been working behind the scenes for some years, initially tasked by the Parish Council to find land that would be suitable to create a new home for the Village Hall to be built upon. That part they admit has NOT been easy!

The Village Hall has been at the centre of Helpston for many generations

Members of the project team have visited a number of local facilities including the Duxford Community Centre

Land is difficult to acquire, and there is understandably sensitivity around further housing development in the village. Whilst it may have been tempting to accept land offers from potential developers for a new Hall, the Village Hall Committee have resisted those offers on the basis that they believe unlocking housing development will not be a price the village are prepared to pay for a new Hall.

Whilst they continue to resolve the issue of land, the committee have recently formed a project team to move forward with the concept for a new Hall. They have just embarked on the most important next step which is to gather feedback from the

Internal layout of Duxford Village Hall

residents of Helpston and Etton. A questionnaire is being delivered through letterboxes in both villages to seek their views. The aim is to create a vision for the whole community.

The team have been researching other Village Halls and ‘Centres’ that exist across the region, and have been amazed by the range of new and modern buildings that have been created in recent

years, which has provided them with inspiration which they hope will help to inspire others too - it can be hard to imagine what else the villages might be able to have, when all we have known is what we currently have!

They have incorporated some of those ideas into a questionnaire

Artist impressions of how a new community building could lookdesigned for Pershore in Worcestershire

We will be keeping you up to date in future issues of the Village Tribune and on our new website – www.helpstonvillagehall.co.uk and if you are interested in being involved in the project email helpstonvillagehall@gmail.co.uk

which they are asking Helpston and Etton residents to complete by Friday 10th May. There will be many more opportunities for people to become involved and provide feedback in the coming months, this is just the start.

Members of the Helpston and Etton Community Association giving some TLC to the Village Hall recently

COUNCIL CORNER

Parish Council Elections

Nominations for Helpston Parish Council were received and all 8 candidates who submitted their names were duly elected in an uncontested ballot. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Gill Jolly, David Dykes and Eric Sieker, who are stepping down, for their time, support and commitment to our village over recent years.

We welcome new Councillors Lee Kaminski and Prem Gyani and look forward to their valuable contributions. The first meeting on 13 May will establish the formal roles on the Council for the coming year.

Planning Decisions

Your Parish Council has been incredibly active at the City Council Offices underlining the village’s position on two contentious applications that went to Planning Committee. On both occasions, Parish Councillors and residents argued that the decisions recommended by planning officers went directly against the agreed Helpston Neighbourhood Plan and the City Council’s own Local Plan. These arguments were dismissed and the plans passed. Your Parish Council remains resolute in finding a direction with City Council to ensure the agreed strategy for our Rural communities is translated to actual development.

Glinton Road Cycle Path

With the support of AMVC, Peterborough Highways and the very active Parent Group, work has been completed on removing many years of debris from the

We look forward to a highly active summer of celebration and community spirit. path resulting in it widening by up to 30% in places, a significant improvement. Whilst this is a welcome improvement towards the safety of our children travelling to and from school, discussions continue regarding risk assessments for this travel route, and speed limits on this road. We will continue to press for improvements.. In the meantime, please ensure any incidents or accidents are reported to AMVC through their channels.

HELPSTONBURY - 22 June

The Parish Council are excited to be offering significant support to Helpstonbury 2024. Once again, The Helpstonbury Organising Committee is heavily advanced in their planning of this amazing day that celebrates the best about our village, which has been hugely successful in bringing our community together, alongside raising vital funds for the incredible work our village organisations do. We look forward to seeing you all there.

For further information or if you are interested in supporting, please email helpstonbury@mail.co.uk .

The Village Phone Box

The Parish Council purchased this from BT a number of years ago for £1, to ensure that it remained part of the village landscape for years to come. It is on the Listed Buildings Register for Peterborough and now performs an admirable role as a book and seed swap centre.

Works will be undertaken to replace the door to the box in the coming weeks due to its slow decline. Alongside this, the box

will have a full makeover to ensure it continues its life at the centre of the village.

Can we please ask those who use the swapping service to abide by the simple rules shown in the kiosk so it doesn’t become a simple deposit place for unwanted items. Any books and DVDs to be donated can be taken to the church for their Helpstonbury stall. Peterborough ‘Good

Neighbours Scheme’

We have enrolled Helpston in this community based Rural Peterborough Charity that supports vulnerable or isolated people where family and friends are unable to do so. The aim is to improve people's health and wellbeing, giving the ability to stay at home more safely and for longer in a supportive community. For more details, contact Syd, the Parish Clerk, or look online at www. goodneighboursrp.org.uk

Grant funding

We are grateful to the voluntary organisations around the village that do such great work in giving opportunities for sport, for our children and the community to come together. We continue to accept requests for grants to undertake the great work within our Parish.

If your organization would benefit from grant funding, please make contact with the Parish Council Clerk.

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

During the winter, a group of residents planted spring bulbs around the village, kindly donated by the Langdyke Trust. I’m delighted to report that we had quite a bit of success particularly on the triangle by the village green. A lovely display of crocuses and daffodils.

Since the beginning of March, we have successfully started opening and closing Etton church every day, well, almost every day!!

(There have been a few senior moments!) A big 'thank you' to all the volunteers. Evidence from the visitors' book suggests that we are receiving visitors regularly. The new signage seems to be holding up well too!

Just a reminder that

we now only have one regular service each month at the church. This takes place on the third Sunday at 10.30am. All welcome.

During Holy Week we hosted the Benefice Stations of the Cross on 25, 26 and 27 March. The short services consisted of readings, reflection, and some wonderful music, all led by Reverend Keir. On Good Friday, we welcomed and served

refreshments to the large group of people who were completing the Walk of Witness from Maxey to Glinton via our five churches.

Now that spring seems to have arrived, we hope to get some working parties together to renovate the bus shelter, notice board and phone box. Look out for dates on the Etton FB page. All volunteers are welcome.

Finally, our annual clean up will take place on Sunday 11 August to ensure that all is ship shape for Les and Jackie’s renewal of vows in the church on Saturday 17 August.

Looking forward, the Parish Council are considering organising an event to commemorate the D Day landing in June. If you are interested in getting involved, please let me know.

MOT TESTING NB SANDERS

Hooray! Once again the SOS team started off the year with 'Tea & Cakes', in Northborough & Deeping Gate Village Hall.

We enjoyed delicious homemade cakes and welcomed stalls including home-knitted crafts, cards, re-gifted presents, spring plant’s and a lovely big raffle with Easter baskets, soft toys and more. It was a sunny day and it brought out many lovely people, making it a very pleasant and successful start to the new year!

COUNCIL CORNER

Northborough

John Dadge, Chairman, Northborough Parish Council

Annual Village Meeting

The Annual Village meeting will be held at 10.00am Sunday 19th May at Northborough Village Hall.

Northborough residents are invited and tea and cake will be served. You can hear and have your say, about what’s happening in the village, what’s proposed and hear from local clubs, groups and organisations. We look forward to seeing you there.

Easter Sunday

By Teresa Scott

As mentioned in the last Village Tribune issue, the SOS are now concentrating their efforts on grants, with hope for the restoration work to start this year, but we will continue to support St Andrew’s church with their fundraising.

If you wish to contribute to our SOS Fund you can use this QR code >>

Northborough Festival

The Festival and Village Hall 50th celebration is taking shape.

Frumenty!

This well known local folk group will be performing on 7 June.

Festival 50

A 50th birthday celebration of Northborough and Deeping Gate Village Hall. Ploughman's lunch will be served in the beautiful Priory garden in July.

(Date to be advised).

With our love and thanks, The SOS Fundraising Team.

St Andrew’s Church, Northborough, was filled with daffodils this year ready to celebrate Easter Sunday. Worshippers from across Nine Bridges Benefice gathered at St Andrew’s for a combined service, and the music was enhanced by the contributions of Bradley Smith,

Preparations are in hand for the food, beer and fun festival to take place on the afternoon of Sunday 7 July. A range of food vendors are lined up and delightful beers, including those from the local Bowlers Brewery, and The Pack Horse will be on tap. There will live entertainment and rides and games for all ages. We will need volunteers to help run the day particularly to assist with marshalling and managing children’s rides and entertainment. If you can help, even for an hour or so please drop Northborough Parish Council Clerk a line at :clerk@northborough-pc.gov.uk

the Benefice Musical Director, and the Benefice choir, again drawn from churches across the Benefice.

It truly was a wonderful way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, not to mention the lovely surprise of Easter Eggs for all, thanks to Rev. Keir!

Village Planters and Wildflower s NPC would like to thank those who have again “adopted” planters to provide a welcoming display on the edge of the village. We also look forward to seeing the wildflower areas and green burial area prepared by volunteers reestablishing themselves in the coming months. If anyone has ideas for new areas do let NPC know.

Speedwatch

Speedwatch has restarted in Northborough thanks to a group of volunteers who have made themselves available to be trained and use the equipment. Only two sessions so far but there will be more to come throughout the summer to deter drivers from speeding through our village.

Peakirk COUNCIL CORNER

Traffic

In my last report I floated the idea of a 20 mph speed limit in the village. I received a few responses, mostly against the idea. There is little evidence that reducing the speed limit would actually reduce the speed of vehicles in the village. The cost of changing the 30 mph signs and repainting the roundels on the road surface seemed excessive for an unproven benefit.

Henry Clark, Chairman

Folly River Bridge

We discussed this at the March parish council meeting and decided to buy two new solar powered speed indicating and logging signs, similar to the one at the Sanderlings junction. These alert speeding drivers and record the traffic speeds both approaching and going away from the sign. This will give us valuable data which we can send to both the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Police.

The Bridge on Thorney Road over the Folly River was last painted for the Millennium. The paint has faded and it needs repainting. PCC have offered to provide the paint in the same colours for volunteers to apply. Opinions are divided. Some think the original colours are okay and make the bridge more distinctive than other local bridges. Others think they are too bright and the parapets in particular should be a darker tone. What colours do you think we should have for the parapets and guard rails?

Vacancy for a Parish Councillor

I am sorry to say that David Fovargue has resigned from the parish council after seven years. David played a large part in drawing up the neighbourhood plan and trying to stop speeding in the village.

I would like to thank David for his contribution.

Parish councils are the first tier of government. They provide services to their communities and work with higher authorities to influence their decisions to the benefit of their residents. If you are interested in being co-opted as a councillor, please contact the clerk.

7 Rectory Lane

During the renovation of this property the barn has been found to be structurally unsound. The owners have decided to demolish part of it. Don’t worry about the loss of this old building as the owners are going to rebuild it using the original materials. This will ultimately enhance the character of the conservation area.

If you have anything you would to say about these matters, please contact the clerk Angela Hankins, 01733 253397, clerk@peakirk-pc.gov.uk, or one of the parish councillors.

The Deepings Practice Patient Participation Group

We are getting ready for summer and hopefully the rain we have experienced in spring will have subsided. The PPG haven’t let the grass grow between our webbed feet and have met as a main body on several occasions as well as a meeting on 12 March with The Practice where we received a presentation centred on Appointments, which was given by Doctor Chaudhry. It was interesting to learn about the practicalities of running a complex organisation and we were pleased to hear that The Practice is fully staffed at the moment. It was also particularly rewarding to be joined by four members of year 12 from The Deepings School who contributed to the discussions from a younger person’s point of view. All four students are intending to go into health care in some way. We have also met with The Practice Manager and her Deputy in small group

situations to plan ahead. We have welcomed their support and time as they are very busy people.

As part of this year’s PPG programme we are raising the awareness of defibrillators that fall within the reaches of the Deeping and Glinton Medical Practice. We will be contacting all of the Parish Councils to discuss the possibility of training sessions and also to produce a list/map of the public defibrillators within the Parish Council boundaries.

If you have any ideas or suggestions that will enhance our plans, please contact: HaveYourSay@thedeepingspracticePPG.org

Plans for the future include attending two afternoons alongside The Deeping Lions when Dr Wade will be talking about Bowel Cancer and Dementia respectively. These are to be held at the Coronation Hall on Saturday 11 and 18 May from 2pm to 4pm.

We are planning to publish our first newsletter in the late summer/early autumn and, in 2025 we hope to hold a wellbeing event. In the meantime, we will be contacting groups and Parish Councils as part of our ongoing communication project. Watch this Space!

COUNCIL CORNER

Deeping Gate

Litter Pick

The Spring Litter Pick took place on Sunday 7th April with a mixture of Councillors and residents collecting litter at various locations around the Parish. The event was a success with plenty of litter collected. Thank you to all those who attended! Please keep an eye out on the Parish Council Website, Facebook page and noticeboards for information on the next litter pick and other events and news within the Parish. Volunteers are always welcome!

‘Mini Forest’

from the PECT 30for30 Grant for a bench to be installed at the location so residents can sit and enjoy this beautiful spot in Deeping Gate. This bench is due to be installed this year.

Speeding

A ‘mini forest’ has been planted by the Langdyke Countryside Trust and volunteers from the Environment Agenda on the south side of the River Welland near Peakirk Road. The ‘mini forest’ comprises approximately 700 trees of various native species which have been planted using the pioneering Miyawaki Method from Japan – a tree planting method where trees are planted close together enabling them to work together to create a diverse, multilayered ‘forest’ that results in a resilient and flourishing ecosystem. The Parish Council has secured funding

As you may be aware speeding is an issue in many Villages. In Deeping Gate, there appears to be a particular problem with speeding along Peakirk Road and Deeping St James Road, where unfortunately an otter was killed in recent months. Please be aware of your speed and drive within the speed limits to protect other motorists, pedestrians and wildlife.

Parking

The Parish Council has received reports about vehicles parking close to junctions of Peakirk Road with Deeping St James Road, and Suttons Lane with Lincoln Road. This results in the view for motorists being obscured and vehicles having to exit or enter the junctions from the opposite side of the road. By law, vehicles must not park closer than 10 metres (32 feet) to a junction. Please bear this in mind when parking on Peakirk Road and Suttons Lane.

Councillor Vacancy

The Parish Council has one vacancy for a Councillor. If you have a keen interest in the local area, are passionate about your community and would like to contribute to making a difference please contact the Clerk or Chair to find out more information about being coopted to the Council. Deeping Gate Parish Council is a friendly, welcoming Council that works towards making a positive difference to the residents of Deeping Gate Parish. Meetings are held every month (excluding February and August), and everyone is welcome to attend. Please see the website and noticeboards for the latest agendas and minutes.

Volunteers

Finally, volunteers are needed to deliver the Village Tribune to properties in Deeping Gate: Deeping St James Road, Peakirk Road, Fairfax Way and Riverside. If you can spare a bit of time every two months, even if it is for just one of the roads of part of it, please contact The Village Tribune. The Parish Council is keen for all properties in Deeping Gate to regularly receive this valuable magazine.

BDHC - Bourne Deeping Dragons

Formed by the merger of Market Deeping HC and Bourne HC, Bourne Deeping Hockey Club (BDHC) AKA Bourne Deeping Dragons, have seen some highs and lows since their merger in 2011, In the early days, the 2012 Olympic heroics of Kate Richardson-Walsh and a GB bronze medal win at a home Olympic games, put hockey in the news at just the right time.

The club attracted plenty of new players and picked up promotions to higher divisions in the East League, soon running 5 men’s teams and 3 women’s teams alongside a thriving junior section.

Progression to the semi-finals of the England Hockey Mens Cup in 2016 was a club highlight, gaining national recognition as once again international hockey was hitting the headlines with players like Maddie Hinch becoming household names after the GB team’s gold medal success in Rio.

Four years later and Tokyo 2020 was postponed as the world was engulfed in the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2020-21 season saw some play but 2021-22 saw a full return to play, but in the early days of “Project Restart”, clubs struggled to get

to grips with the new health rules, “strange times” was the mantra, but we’ll get through it. Whatever the sport, most clubs will tell you they were hit hard by the pandemic, lockdown hobbies continued, or they simply relished spending more time with loved ones. For others, the euphoria of simply being out of lockdown was wonderful. Being able to play a game we love, with teammates and socialise afterwards on a warm summer's evening after a hard preseason session, these were things missed, and we try to stop and appreciate them more often these days.

Last season (2022-23) was the first-time life and sport seemed ‘back to normal’ and saw a resurgence in people coming back to team sports. Most returnees give similar

reasons; that they’ve missed the camaraderie of playing a team game, the feeling of being part of something bigger. One positive hangover from the pandemic, is an acknowledgement that winning (or losing!) is not the be all and end all and that being part of a club, part of a team, helps us stay connected, and that can only be a good thing.

If you are aged 13+ and would like to get back into hockey, or just looking for something to do to keep fit and make new friends, BDHC train at Stamford Boys School on Conduit Road every Wednesday evening 7.00-8.30pm (ladies and men together) and at Arthur Mellows Village College in Glinton PE67JX Mondays 7-9 (ladies only) / Thursdays 7-8.30 (men only).

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COUNCIL CORNER

Newborough and Borough Fen

Mark Ormston - Chair of Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council

I wish to start this update by noting a couple of ‘goodbyes’. Bryan Cole resigned from Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council in March. Bryan was a diligent, committed and excellent Parish Councillor and Chair. His knowledge, experience and humour will be missed. On behalf of everyone at Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council, I wish to thank Bryan for all he contributed to the Parish over the years.

City Councillor Nigel Simmons announced his decision to step down a while ago. The April ward meetings were his last and although kind words and goodbyes were said at the time, I wish to take this opportunity to again thank Nigel for all his work over the years and to wish him all the best for the future.

Naturally, with Nigel stepping down, this means we will have a new ward City Councillor in May. I wish all the candidates the very best of luck and whoever gets elected, we look forward to working with them.

Moving on, I wish to mention how pleasing it is to see all the activity surrounding the Neighbourhood Plan.

Survey responses have been coming in thick and fast! Please remember the Neighbourhood plan is for everyone and the working party is open to all. If anyone would like to find out further information or to get involved with the Neighbourhood plan, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

A couple of bits of information to end with. Firstly, the allotment farm plots previously advertised have now been taken and are no longer available. Lastly, I am pleased to confirm there will be another Vivacity family fun day in August, please keep an eye out for further details soon!

• Village Hall, Guntons Road

• Corner shop, Guntons Rd/Fenside Drive

Werrington Bridge Rd.

The story of a farming family and an attempted murder in Newborough!

Culpin's Farm was at the junction of Middle Road and White Post Road. That junction is now adjacent to the underpass that goes under the A16 by-pass. It is not known for certain when Culpin's Farm was built. What we can be sure of is that it was there before 1825 and the residents at that time were John Culpin and his wife Mary.

John Culpin's name appears on a list of residents of Newborough dated 1825, which identifies that there were two people living in the household. There is no indication that John and his wife Mary had any children. The Culpin family in Newborough originate from Waternewton. It is not recorded when John and Mary moved to Newborough. He was described as a successful farmer of 36 acres. John, the first recorded resident of Culpin's Farm was himself born in Waternewton; he was the son of Charles and Sarah Culpin. John’s grandfather, Richard Culpin, had been a successful landowner who had fallen on hard times. It has been said that Richard’s children were renting homes which their father had once owned.

Both John and his wife were mentioned in a very unfortunate incident which was reported as far afield as Ireland. Newspapers reported the incident where

By Paul Cooper

John Culpin's wife was attacked and injured by his nephew William Culpin;

Northampton Mercury

Saturday 14 November 1835

'On Wednesday week at noon, William Culpin, a labourer of Warmington, near Oundle went to the cottage of his uncle, John Culpin in Newborough, near Peterborough, and in his absence most brutally assaulted and ill-treated Culpin's wife. After breaking open a chest and stealing therefrom three sovereigns, about £1 in silver and a receipt of Messrs York and Co for £200, he was in the act of sharpening a knife to cut the poor woman’s throat when a sudden knock at the door alarmed the delinquent and dropped the steel. He put the

open knife in his pocket and ran away. Culpin is about 22 years of age, 5'2" inches high. Walks erect and had a drab coloured coat and gaiters. A reward is offered for his apprehension.'

On Saturday 21 November 1835, the Dublin Morning Register gave further details of that violent incident;

“Upon hearing that his uncle was not at home William Culpin followed his aunt into the parlour where he seized hold of her and attempted to violate her person; but being prevented from doing so by her resolute resistance. He beat her over the head and body in a most brutal manner. He found his unfortunate relative endeavouring to escape from his brutal violence. He again attacked

The location of Culpin's Farm. The road that bears to the right is White Post Road and the straight road to the left is Middle Road

>> continued from previous page her and was in the process of sharpening a knife with which to cut her throat when he was disturbed. He ran away, although almost immediately pursued he affected his escape”

The ordeal was something of a scandal and you can only imagine the trauma it caused for Mary. It is not known for certain if the effects of the attack or the injuries she received contributed to her death which occurred just six months later. In 1841, the census indicates that John was living at Culpin's Farm and had now taken in a housekeeper; a Jane Robinson from Glinton, aged just 20. At this point, John is aged approximately 66, as his age varies on different census dates and his birth in Woodnewton was between 1771 and 1776.

John's grave stone in Newborough Cemetery has his date of death as 27 October 1860 with his age at death as 86 years old, this would give him a birth year of 1774. However, the story is not about his age as much as he still fathered a child with Jane. At Caroline’s baptism in Glinton on 26 July 1840 John is named as the father and Jane Robinson is listed as his wife. Caroline is

listed as Caroline Culpin and not Robinson. She shows up on official documentation as either Caroline Culpin Robinson or Caroline Robinson-Culpin. The 1851 census shows that Caroline is the daughter of the head of the household.

In 1860, upon John's death, the farm was taken over by one of his relatives; Charles Culpin. Charles was almost certainly John’s nephew, along with his wife Sarah and his five children. Whilst at Culpin's Farm, Charles and Sarah had another child, William. Tragically William died aged two years and nine months in 1864. The family lived and worked at the farm until Charles died in May 1877 at the age of 57. He too is buried in Newborough Churchyard. Earlier that year on 30 April 1877 Charles’ son John Thomas married Mary Hart at Sutton St Edmunds in Lincolnshire. By 1881 John Thomas was farming at Culpin's Farm.

John and Charles had a brush with the law in May 1875 when they are summoned for allowing their horses to wander onto the highway. The report in the Peterborough Standard on the 8 May 1875 reads as follows;

'Stray horse - Charles Culpin, cottager of Newborough was summoned for allowing a horse to stray onto the highway at Newborough on 29 April. The defendant said the horse was on the road of which he hired the herbage and a man was in charge of it. PC Glithro saw two of the defendants horses on the road leading to Newborough. One of them stood in the centre of the road for some time and

there was a man lying down on the road but at a considerable distance from the horses, so far in fact that he could not have had control over them. A witness for the defendant said that the horses were in charge of the defendant’s son who was laying down about 24 chains from where they were. John Thomas Culpin Jnr, son of the defendant said he went down the road to fetch his father’s cows and was bringing them back towards where the horses were, when he saw the policeman. Neither of the horses were observed standing on the metalled part of the road, for he did not lose sight of them at all.

The chairman told the defendant that he must keep his horses off the hard standing of the road. He could only hire the herbage and must see that the horses did not stand in the centre of the road. He would have to pay 1s penalty and 14s 6d costs.

Defendant said he would let it stand over for a week; he would do what was right, but he would see Mr Percival about it. He was told that unless the money was paid a distress warrant would be issued. He then paid the money.'

It was not the only time that the Culpin family were in trouble for wandering livestock. The Stamford Mercury on Friday 5 November 1909 reported that;

'Mary Culpin of Newborough was summoned for allowing three cows to stray onto the highway at Newborough on 24 October 24. The defendant did not appear and she was fined 6d per cow.'

By 1914, the entry into Kelly’s Directory of Northamptonshire

John Culpin's grave in Newborough Churchyard

indicates that both Mary and John Jnr were both farming at Culpin's farm, although they do have separate listings. This is probably where he was living at home but had acquired some land of his own to farm. The same directory, dated 1910, indicates that Mary was the sole farmer at that address. Yet, the 1911 census still lists John as living at Culpin's Farm and he is recorded as a farmer still working on the farm. Whilst his sister Lizzie is listed as a farmer’s daughter doing dairy work. Also resident at the farm was Mary’s grandson Leslie Martin. Leslie was the son of Esther Annie Culpin, who was the daughter of John Thomas and Mary Culpin of Culpin's Farm. She married a William Augustus Masters in 1902. Their son Leslie Masters was born in 1905. Tragically, Esther also died in 1905, on 16 August. Her obituary was reported in the Stamford Mercury on 1 September 1905. It is not known whether her death was a result of child birth. Following her death her son went to live with his grandmother. Mary Culpin died in 1919.

John Thomas Culpin Jnr continued to farm from Culpin's Farm. The next record of him appears in 1932. He gave evidence against a bricklayer from Crowland who was accused of stealing a watch from the house previously being lived in by William Robert Jesson. John was overseeing the building work being carried out at his uncle’s house when it was realised that the watch, which was in a cabinet, was missing. The bricklayer was later found guilty but, due

to his previous good behaviour, he escaped a prison sentence. It is unclear when the farm house at Culpin's Farm became uninhabited. We know that John Culpin Jnr had a bungalow built on Guntons Road in 19334 which he moved into with his wife Mary, nee Woolstenholme, whom he married in 1915. The bungalow they named 'Sunnyside'.

They were still in residence in 1939 as they are recorded on the 1939 register. John was still farming though and would regularly advertise his potatoes in the local papers. He would also donate quantities of potatoes for the war effort and the local hospital. John again made the local papers in 1946 when he was elected as a member of Newborough Parish Council; a position he held until his death. John also made the newspapers on 30 May 1952 when a report ran regarding him hanging his coat up in his barn and when he went to wear it again a tomtit had built a nest in its pocket.

John’s sudden death was also recorded in the Peterborough Advertiser on 15 July 1958. The coroner had ordered a post mortem examination on John Thomas Culpin as he had collapsed and died suddenly at home on 13 July 1958.

Living at the farm in 1939 was John and Elizabeth’s older brother Charles who is described as single, and a Charles Sutton. Charles Sutton was a smallholder (Charles also served on HMS Victory during WW1) whilst

All that remains of Culpin's Farm today (2024)

Charles Culpin was a horseman on a farm. Elizabeth, who became a Sutton, is listed as a housewife with land work in her spare time.

There are clues from the 1911 census to believe that John Thomas Culpin was living at Culpin's Farm but farming land in his own right. His older brother Charles and his older sister Elizabeth were also living there and helping to farm the land at Culpin's Farm.

Up to and beyond when John Thomas left with his wife to live in Gunton's Road, Charles and Elizabeth continued to live at Culpin's Farm. However, by 1923, Elizabeth had married Charles Sutton and the three of them lived together as is evidenced by the 1939 register.

Charles Culpin died in 1947 and Charles Sutton died in 1956. Elizabeth Sutton, who was by all accounts the last resident of Culpin's Farm, passed away in 1966. This fits with the records from Rose Dunn who suggests that the building was demolished in the 1950s by Charles Godfrey.

In summary; it is almost certain that members of the Culpin family were the only people to have lived at Culpin's Farm.

Pop goes Tribland:

Springs, Spas and Sarsaparilla

Dr Avril Lumley Prior

Hands up anyone who remembers those heady summers of the 1950s and 60s, when fizzy drinks were dispensed in swing-stopper bottles and savvy kids could earn extra pocket money by returning the empties. For many of us, household names like Schweppes, Corona, Sobrite and Adcocks are indelibly imprinted on our memories, alongside their wares: orangeade; dandelion and burdock; ginger beer; American cream soda and sarsaparilla, all united under the collective term of ‘pop’.

Corona swingstoppers, 1930s ginger beer bottle and case

Adcocks sign

>> continued from previous page

‘Taking the Waters’

However, these sugary, caloriepacked beverages beloved of our youth were not twentiethcentury innovations but were derived from more salubrious and ancient ancestors. We know that the Iron-Age folk or ‘Celts’ recognised the efficacious properties of the hot, saline mineral springs near Bath, wallowing in them and sipping the water. The Romans called the town that developed around the springs Aquæ Sulis [‘Waters of Sul’] after the Celtic nymph who supposedly inhabited them. The ‘spa’ became immensely popular. Tombstones testify that it attracted ‘health tourists’ from as far afield as Gaul [France], which indicates that Sul did not guarantee a complete recovery for everyone!

After the withdrawal of the Roman legions in 410AD, Aquæ Sulis fell into decay, although the knowledge of the curative powers of the spring endured. In the seventh century, Celtic water deities were ‘converted’ to Christianity. Their sacred springs were often used for baptisms and their remembrances perpetuated in place-names such as Holywell [Huntingdonshire], and Sacrewell Farm, eight miles west of Peterborough.

The hot bath at Aqua Sulis was restored by the Anglo-Saxon incomers and, in 1174, Bishop Reginald FitzJocelyn founded a hospice for visitors, relaunching Bath as a health resort. By the fifteenth-century, the medical profession had taken an intense interest in the healing qualities of mineral springs and various treatises were written upon this

‘alternative therapy’. Indeed, for hypochondriacs and the wealthy unwell, ‘taking the waters’ seemed preferable to blood-letting and the appliance of leeches!

In 1606, steaming mineral springs were discovered at Tunbridge Wells and were given the royal seal of approval when they were patronised by King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, in 1630. Epsom (home of the effervescent salts), Scarborough (with the allure of sea bathing) and Harrogate were established as ‘spa towns’ in the 1720s, Cheltenham in the 1730s and Buxton in the 1760s. Closer to home, there was an outdoor chalybeate spa at Kings Cliffe (1670), where hardy participants lingered long enough to carve their initials on the walls of the pool; and another at Braceborough (1740) which claimed to cure the afflicted of leprosy and scurvy.

A Healthier Alternative

Meanwhile, scientists, including Joseph Priestly (1733-1804) and Swiss-German jeweller and amateur chemist, Johann Schweppe (1740-1821), were endeavouring to provide bottled mineral water for the middle classes. Although Priestley was undoubtedly the ‘father of British pop’, he was forced to emigrate to Pennsylvania because of his religious convictions. Ironically, Schweppe opened a shop in London’s Drury Lane, in 1792, and a factory in Cavendish Square the following year, supplying chemists, grocers and restaurants with his products. In 1798, Schweppe’s soda

water was hailed as a panacea by the medical profession and was recommended as ‘ideal treatment for nephritis, fever, nervous illness and indigestion, amongst other complaints’.

And well it might, for in towns water from pumps and wells was often contaminated, especially if they were situated next to a graveyard, cess-pit or polluted watercourse, giving rise to diseases like cholera, dysentery and typhoid. Country dwellers faired slightly better, though pond and stream water could be fouled by slurry and full of parasites. For many, especially the poor, ale, beer and gin were safer, more palatable options but led to alcoholism and all its accompanying evils. Even children drank a weaker version, known as ‘small beer’.

Pubs were opened at 6am to catch workers heading home from night shifts – and those on day shifts too, much to the dismay of the Temperence Movement, which promoted total abstinence from the ‘demon drink’. We learn from

Schweppe’s advert (1930s)

1893 newspaper reports that John House junior, son of the eminent Peterborough restauranteur, nurseryman and soft-drinks manufacturer, discharged a pistol in the bar of the Princess Victoria during a dawn pub crawl and, upon his arrest, smashed the windows of the police station!

The resourceful Harriett Neaverson, landlady of Peakirk’s Railway Inn served beer, breakfast and pack-ups to employees on the Great Northern loop line. Conversely, in 1914, her youngest son, Herbert (1874-1952), already

a successful confectioner and restauranteur, established the Glinton Artesian Water Company in Foxcovert Road, Werrington. There, he created a grotto around a soft-water spring, which spouted six feet into the air, reminiscent of an Icelandic geyser. Herbert changed his firm’s name first to Hydrox and finally Sobrite, ultimately winning two gold medals and ‘the Cross of Honour’ at the Lisbon International Drinks’ Festival, in 1951.

Not all were such large enterprises as John House senior’s and Sobrite. In

Inside Jack Tilbury’s steampowered soft-drinks factory (1900)

Peterborough (typical of other towns), chemists like John Sturton (1809-85), Henry Nicholson (1811-71) and Alfred Glew (1843-75) first acted as Schweppe’s agents before experimenting with their own recipes as sidelines. By 1846, both Sturton and William Brown, a grocer, were advertising their own brands of non-alcoholic ginger and herb beers and, in 1847, Nicholson launched his ‘highly carbonated’ soda water.

‘A Load of Old Codd’s Wallop’

Of course, soft drinks had to be sold in bottles which, initially, were stored on their sides to keep their corks moist and stop the gas or fizz from escaping. By 1809, mineral waters were dispensed in torpedo-shaped ‘Hamiltons’, named after William Hamilton who patented them in England (though it was actually the brainchild of one of Schweppe’s associates).

Six-sided bottles, nicknamed ‘Lincolnshire cucumbers’ after their county of origin, were introduced to Peterborough by chemist, Marshall Heanley, from Branston, near Sleaford. The shape prevented the bottle from rolling.

William Hogarth: Gin Lane (1751)

>> continued from previous page

(c.1846-c.1900)

In 1870, an ingenious design by British engineer Hiram Codd (1834-87) transformed the mineral-water industry worldwide. Codd’s invention involved sealing the bottle by allowing the gas to force a glass ‘marble’ held between two lugs in the shoulders against a rubber washer. Originally, drinkers of beer (known colloquially as “wallop”) derisively defined soft drinks as “a load of old Codd’s wallop” (rubbish).

‘Codds’ continued to be used in Britain by some soft-drinks manufacturers until the 1940s and were immensely popular with children, who smashed them to retrieve the ally inside. Ginger beer was too volatile for glass containers and was sold in stoneware bottles and flagons until the 1920s, by which time the glass-making techniques had vastly improved.

The Birth of Home Deliveries

Of course, bottles and the even heftier flagons were exceedingly heavy to carry, even from the corner shop. So, enterprising soft-drinks manufacturers

introduced home deliveries. Many of us can remember the ‘Corona man’. But he was a latecomer to our area, since the firm (established in Wales by grocers William Thomas and William Evans) did not open its Peterborough works until 1935. As far as we know, the first to offer the service in Tribland were Len and Sarah Adcock, who set up business in Peterborough’s Huntley Grove, in 1911. Corona was also pipped at the post, in 1933, by E. V. Martin of Oundle Road, who originally delivered his beverages by motor cycle and sidecar and whose name is perpetuated in The Martins housing complex built on the site of his factory.

The End of an Era

By 1900, no less than thirteen diverse firms were operating cheek-by-jowl in Peterborough, including Paten & Co (Wine & Spirit Merchants) and Joseph Lazenby whose ‘factory’ was in an outhouse in the yard of the Steam Engine public house in Cromwell Road. By 1963, only two remained. So, what became of them all?

With such competition, many would-be entrepreneurs soon realised that they could not live by soft-drinks manufacture alone and pursued parallel careers as confectioners, grocers and chemists (as we have seen) and as carpenters, cooks, vinegar makers, coal, firewood and manure suppliers, publicans, beer-retailers, wine and spirit merchants, market gardeners and fruiterers. Some, including William Brown, Thomas Griffin and W. H. Major, completely abandoned their ventures, sold their equipment and sought employment elsewhere. Several, like Thomas and Mary Ann Smith (famous for their Cathedral logo), John Richer and James Saunders & Co, overstretched themselves and went bankrupt. Charles Ray, Alfred Glew and the succession of occupants of 6 Long Causeway, namely Hugh Clapham (1827-51), Christopher Babington (1824-57) and Henry Warwick (1825-60), died whilst still in business, leaving their bottles and/or newspaper advertisements as reminders of their endeavours.

The prosperous Sturtons halted production after over 55 years, in 1901, when a fire

Smiths’ Cathedral Codds Charles Cunnington’s flagons (1930s)

Sturtons' ginger beers

at their Bridge Street factory destroyed their apparatus and stock of bottles. They remained practising chemists until John Sturton’s grandsons retired in 1937, although their name continued to grace Bridge Street until 1975, when the shop was sold. By then, food companies and supermarkets’ ‘own brands’ were beginning to encroach upon the soft-drinks’ market, to the detriment of local firms.

The nationwide Corona merged with Britvic, in 1987; its brand name was dropped and the Peterborough works closed, in 1993. Of all the city’s 39 known manufacturers, only Adcocks survived for four generations because they constantly reinvented themselves, ultimately switching to making soda syphons.

Alas! All our local ‘pop’ factories have either been demolished or are altered almost beyond recognition. Yet, down Werrington’s Foxcovert Road, Herbert Neaverson’s Sobrite spring, once the six-foot centrepiece of his grotto, now gently tumbles into a wild-life pond, though I certainly would not recommend ‘taking the waters’.

If you would like to discover more about local pop production, Greg and I have published a hardback book containing 256 pages and 330 illustrations, price £19.95, for a signed copy. Please, message me on Facebook if you would like one or place your bid in the Helpstonbury Silent Auction.

Heanley’s ‘Hamilton’ & ‘cucumber’

Len Adcock’s one-horse open dray (1911)

Sobrite spring, Foxcovert Road

Iconic Corona advert (1936)

FARMING Rosemarys DIARY ’

I find it difficult to start these diary notes without mentioning the weather, it’s now six months since it first began, the most challenging of seasons possible. Looking back it’s a miracle we managed to sow anything. Now at the second week in April we ourselves are left with a good days sowing of cereals, the sugar beet seed to sow and of course the potatoes are yet to be planted, but time is running out. The other jobs of top dressing and chemical application to keep disease and weed control at bay are also affected by the weather.

The grass is growing well and normally we would be turning the cattle out into the grass fields but the ground conditions are so wet the damage the cattle will do with their feet will be detrimental to the growth of the grass fields for the rest of the year and possibly the following one. Planting in gardens has also been affected particularly with the abnormal gale force winds which has stripped anything in it’s way and created an enormous amount of damage depending on how sheltered your garden is, in spite of this the flowering of bulbs, shrubs, trees etc have been at least a month earlier and have given off some magnificent blooms, I think personally some of the best I can remember, nature has a wonderful way of compensating and as the

saying goes there will always be a seed time and harvest - to what degree that will turn out to be we must not lose hope and be thankful for whatever we get. We will be kept in suspense until we see how full or half full our grain stores will be at the end of harvest, when all is safely gathered in!

Farmers are a resilient body of people who generally are used to making the most of whatever life and the weather throws at them, but it has become more apparent than ever before how many individuals and businesses depend on supplying agriculture with their goods etc, the agrichemical, fuel and parts to name a few have been adversely affected by the weather. Some businesses have had to call it a day with lack of sales being the main

reason so what is left are the bigger firms that just get bigger and now don’t carry the stock in this country, it is flown in overnight from abroad which is very efficient until particularly in a season like this one has not been much help. When a component goes down on you at 10pm and everything stops dead on your machine in the middle of the field, the weather changing before daylight it is then 3 weeks before you can continue sowing that crop, I must add in this incident our dealer agents response was faultless, two engineers came out that night, realising it was something more serious and had to have it into their workshop to strip out and fit the new part which took exactly a week with testing to make sure there wasn’t anything else, but

continued overleaf >>

>> continued from previous page thankfully, we were covered by them supplying us a new tractor to keep us going should the weather improve, but of course the rain set in just as we were on our way to continue sowing and complete that field. It’s official, not only was February the warmest month, so has March been as well since records began, needless to say we shall not meet the current targets for climate change of 45% by 2035 and net zero by 2050. Looking ahead to Summer months with some better settled weather we all hope, which hales the season of outdoor events.

We ourselves at the farm shop will be having our Open Farm Sunday on the 16 June (Father’s Day) which may reduce some of our normal exhibitors, but we will be having the very popular

trailer rides with commentary on the various crops which is very popular for all ages, sausage and pork pie making with the day focussing on the environment and how we as a business are addressing this very topic, with the politicians moving the goal posts frequently is rather challenging. On14 September 2024 we will be hosting a Community Sponsored Harvest Supper, plans are coming along nicely with the Hospice at Thorpe Hall being the chosen charity, which I am pleased they are coming on board with to help with arrangements etc, plus several other fundraisers from nearby villages to help make this a success with all villages in Tribuland and beyond supporting us, we are aiming for 300 people plus, and hope if successful most possibly make

this an annual event, please watch out for more information, flyers and posters etc in the next few months.

As I finish these diary notes I'm being constantly reminded of the wonderful sound of birds (the dawn chorus). There are too many species to mention but it reminds us that we are still living in the country and our villages being a living and working environment and must continue to be if we want to keep them; with any developments needed in the future being kept to a very small scale, the infrastructure has not been considered and grown with the developments that planning have allowed over recent years, which now is creating health and safety issues for residents and businesses as well as the enormous amount of through traffic.

Make Adult Social Care a National Priority

WriteAway

The majority of our Glinton and Castor ward’s residents I speak to tell me they want to know from this current Government about when they might be able to choose who will be in charge of our country next. Many cite their concerns particularly around the need for clarity and priority about the Adult Social Care (ASC) provision, after years of urgently needed reform being ‘consistently dodged or delayed’, according to a leading think-tank narrative.

Foot Healthcare Practitioner

PEOPLE MATTER, NOT POLITICS!

In its annual report the well-respected King’s Fund said that financial eligibility for care has continued to tighten, with the threshold for help remaining unchanged for more than a decade. Local authorities like Peterborough are also facing rising costs with the bill for purchasing care continuing to increase faster than inflation according to their report, which is supported by our councillors’ professional body, the Local Government Association.

Personally, like many of you, I think we need to see no more delays in further investment in ASC and a proper programme to boost the workforce, to ensure the best possible future provision for those that are eligible. It doesn’t inspire any confidence in Westminster’s commitment or ability however when a new report from the Commons’ own Public Accounts Committee has warned that the Department of Health and Social Care is failing to provide the leadership required to deliver a social care sector sufficient to meet our country’s future needs. Initiatives to support the workforce have so far only been shortterm and comprehensive workforce planning is lacking, they report. Of serious concern to me is that they go on to state that committee members ‘remain unconvinced’ about whether the department knows if it is achieving value for money from any additional funding going into adult social care. The government, it seems, is more concerned in clinging on to power than providing an essential, properly funded and well-staffed package of care for our mainly older residents who need it.

As people are living longer I think any reforms need to invest positively into education, prevention and recovery in both health and social care in order to be successful. It’s crucial that the impact of any social care reforms on councils are thoroughly assessed and are of course manageable, costed and effectively centred on those who need to use the system.

Cllr Peter Hiller - Glinton and Castor ward

BOOKCASES

SUE YOUNG

by Clair Wordsworth

On the way to Sue’s front door, I’m welcomed by an astonishing array of wild birds, attracted there by well-stocked feeders swaying in the breeze. Sue’s attempting to save the common house sparrow population singlehandedly. Also, as part of the RSPB annual survey, she’s pleased to have spotted a fieldfare (a member of the thrush family that winters in the UK).

Once inside, it’s clear Sue’s book collection contains one of the most eclectic ranges of titles in Tribland. After only a quick glance, I spy a book about the rock band Status Quo, resting next to The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. Then,

Former teacher, journalist & Village Tribune contributor, Sue Young, gives Clair Wordsworth a tour of her bookshelves, in another instalment of this culturally thrilling new series.

beautifully bound collections of poems by Tennyson (18091892) and John Clare (17931864) nuzzle up next to various publications about The Beatles. “That’s a very interesting book,” says Sue, pointing to a copy of John by Cynthia Lennon. Sue loves the music of The Fab Four and has visited every Beatles related museum in Liverpool, including: Paul’s House, John’s House and The Cavern Club.

George Harrison used to be her favourite band member, but lately, she’s switched her allegiance to Ringo, because: “He’s kept his feet on the ground and is kind to animals.”

Yet it’s a big star of an earlier era, whose words have proved most inspirational to Sue throughout her life. The poems of Tennyson were often read out loud by her father on the family’s day trips to the Lincolnshire Wolds. Tennyson grew up in the village of Somersby, a century or so before Sue was exploring the area, with her parents and older siblings. The Brook, she recalls, was her dad’s favourite outdoor recitation, which ends: “I murmur under the moon and stars, In brambly wildernesses; I linger by my shingly bars; I loiter round my cresses; And out again I curve and flow, To join Tennyson Rectory at Somersby with family’s motorbike & sidecar

>> continued from previous page

the brimming river, For men may come and men my go, But I go on for ever.”

Tennyson was Poet Laureate during Queen Victoria’s reign, after succeeding William Wordsworth in that prestigious role. Contemporary critics often described Tennyson’s writing as, “overly sentimental.” Nonetheless, his poems proved extremely popular in his own time, just as the songs of The Beatles would do in theirs.

Alfred Tennyson was born in 1809 when his father was employed as an embittered Anglican clergyman. Being ‘embittered’ wasn’t in the job description, of course. Reverend Tennyson had been pushed into a church career by his socially ambitious father. The life of a vicar wasn’t his calling and, tragically, he took his frustrations out on his wife and 12 children. It seems, young Alfred turned to writing to escape this unhappy family environment.

The Lady of Shallot and The Charge of the Light Brigade are Tennyson’s most famous poems, yet the rather sad Marianna in the Moated Grange is among Sue’s favourites, as is the poignant Crossing the Bar. The latter, she intimates, may one day be read out at her funeral, “I hope to see my Pilot face to face, When I have crost the bar.” It’s clear why that poem may prove fitting for such an occasion.

Other prized poetry collections include those by Louis MacNeice (1907-1963) and Harold Munro (1879-1932). Munro’s poem 'Milk for the Cat' is delightful. It begins: “When the tea is brought at five o’clock, And all the neat curtains are drawn with

When on family holidays in North Wales, as a little girl, she was far more likely to have her eyes fixed on the pages of one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books, than on the beautiful scenery of Snowdonia.

care, The little black cat with bright green eyes, Is suddenly purring there.” Sue’s father often read this out to her when she was little.

For many years, Sue was a roving reporter for the Tribune. This was an unpaid role at which she excelled. During our conversation, it becomes clear why she was so good at it, as she worked as a journalist on a newspaper in Boston before training to be a teacher. Finding good stories runs in the family too, “my father always had his head in a newspaper.” Gerard Periam was Assistant Editor at the Lincolnshire Standard.

Sue’s childhood reading consisted of re-reading Penguin Classics or Puffin books like The Secret Garden. “I’d read them over and over again,” she declares. When on family holidays in North Wales, as a little girl, she was far more likely

to have her eyes fixed on the pages of one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books, than on the beautiful scenery of Snowdonia. Back then, the family generally travelled by motorbike-andsidecar. And, as the baby of the bunch, little Susan would sit in the sidecar with her mum. Today, she recalls her Dad steering the motorbike-and-sidecar with one hand, around steep, windy roads, while gesturing to the mountains with his other,

Jane Pilgrim’s Blackberry Farm series were favourites

“Back

then, the family generally travelled by motorbike-and-sidecar. And, as the baby of the bunch, little Susan would sit in the sidecar with her mum."

shouting: “Look at the view, Susan! Look at the view!” Even this, couldn’t distract her from the more exciting exploits of Enid Blyton’s literary characters. The Wind in the Willows is another dearly loved title. So much so, Sue reads it often, “I find it very relaxing.” And Ladybird titles The Elves and

the Shoemaker and Billy Goat Gruff were among the books she enjoyed reading to her own children. Jane Pilgrim’s Blackberry Farm series with

stories about Sam Sparrow and Ernest Owl were favourites too.

In another room, resting alongside books by Cardinal Basil Hume, is a series of bestcontinued overleaf >>

Patrick O'Brian Collection

sellers by Patrick O’Brian about the Napoleonic Wars. Then, the novels Showing the Flag by Jane Gardam and At Sea by Laurie Graham. Sue describes these last two books as, “full of imaginative storytelling and relatable characters.” She also adores Ronald Blythe’s descriptions of nature and finds Sybil Marshall’s series of semi-autobiographical books set in the Fens as, “beautifully evocative.”

It’s crime books and thrillers though, which draw Sue’s attention most these days. “I do like to get a dead body within the first few pages,” she says with a mischievous smile, “Lee Child books are good for that, so I really like those.”

Lee Child is the creator of the famous Jack Reacher character. Sue likes the movies, starring Tom Cruise, as much as the books and dismisses any suggestion Mr Cruise is too short for the role of Jack Reacher. There’s genuine sadness in her voice, when she reveals there may be no further Reacher titles penned by his originator. “Lee wrote his last book with his brother, Andrew,” she says, “it wasn’t the same.” Other crime/ thriller recommendations include: Bloodline and Rabbit Hole by Mark Billingham and Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewel.

Sue Young

“I do like to get a dead body within the first few pages. Lee Child books are good for that, so I really like those.”

Sue’s reading choices never cease to surprise, for instance, she sought out Britney Spears’ autobiography to separate the facts from salacious media reports about the singer’s troubled relationship with her Dad. In the end, The Woman in Me proved to be unenlightening on familial matters. I suggest, Britney is perhaps saving it up for an even more lucrative sequel.

Bear Grylls, arguably the world’s best-known adventurer, is also a Christian. His book Soul Fuel (a survival guide for the soul) would be Sue’s Desert Island book of choice. She served as a Lay Pastoral Minister at St Botolph’s for 20 years. She prefers to find the joy in Christianity, “For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace;” rather than look for judgement. For daily inspiration, Sue relies on the Common Worship Lectionary and she favours passages about nature.

Local nature-lovers will inevitably be drawn to the writings of John

Clare (1793-1864) and The Thrush’s Nest is Sue’s favourite. The opening reads: “Within a thick and spreading hawthorn bush, That overhung a molehill large and round, I heard from morn to morn a merry thrush, Sing hymns to sunrise, and I drank the sound.“

Sue also expresses sympathy for the woman, who was John Clare’s wife for over forty years. The life of Martha Turner, also known as Patty, is the basis for Judith Allnatt’s novel The Poet’s Wife. “I thought the way the author described everything was wonderful. Her writing about Patty drying her best dress on a hedge, seemed so natural.” Martha is buried behind the church at Northborough, a few miles away from her husband’s final resting place, on the south side of Helpston church.

Before I leave, we discuss the pros and cons of book clubs. Neither of us are fans of groups where members have to read exactly the same book. Yet, we’re not adverse to socialising with other bookworms over a cup of coffee or green tea. So, our ideal group, we decide, would be labelled: The Read What You Want Book Club!

Lee Child is the creator of the famous Jack Reacher character.

Sybil Marshall’s series of semiautobiographical books set in the Fens

Pâtes Napoli is perfect for a mid-week meal or for feeding a crowd. Indeed, in Naples it is the dish of choice for family feasts, holidays and celebrations – simply serve with a light green salad and enjoy straight from the oven.

Pâtes Napoli

This dish may have originated in Campania region of Italy, but here at CP we were almost forced into including this within our menu by the simply enchanting Contessa Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first ever woman to drive in a Formula One race.

The pasta-loving daughter of Italian Count Serino Francesco De Filippis and a Spanish noblewoman, Narcisa Anselmi Balaguer Roca de Togores

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook al dente, about 7 minutes. (It will continue to cook in the oven so you want to undercook it just a bit.) Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Set aside.

• Preheat the oven to 425°F and set the oven rack in the middle position. Heat a large sauté pan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat.

• Crumble the 1½ lbs of sausage into the pan and cook until lightly browned and just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.

• Drain all but about 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan and set over low heat (if you don't have enough fat in the pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil).

• Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly until soft but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1½ teaspoons sugar and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

from the kitchen of

y Ruco y Perpignan, she grew up in the family’s 16th-century Palazzo Marigliano in Naples. My grand-père welcomed her on many times to our family restaurant in Ascot because she had a home on the exclusive Wentworth Estate in Sunningdale, near to her friends Sir Bruce and Wilnelia Forsyth who were also regular diners. Maria loved this pasta dish and ordered it every time she dropped in to Ascot to entertain and eat.

• Add the 1 cup cream, 1⁄3 cup of the pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and 1⁄3 cup basil to the pan; stir until evenly combined. Carefully pour the contents of the sauté pan into the large pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine. Spoon half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup) and half the remaining pecorino Romano (1½ tablespoons). Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella (1 cup) and pecorino Romano (1½ tablespoons).

• Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more basil and serve.

The Contessa would normally enjoy this with a light green salad including black olives and artichoke hearts and invariably choose a lightly chilled Prosecco over our French selection, or indeed would sometimes bring her own wines from the family’s vineyard near Naples.

Ingredients

1 lb Penne pasta; 1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage (removed from casings); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can chopped tomatoes;

1 teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons sugar; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes;

1 cup double cream;

1⁄3 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano) cheese, divided;

1⁄3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving;

8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

I have received a question from Mrs B in Northborough, who wants to know which knives I use at CP? Well Mrs B I own an eclectic collection acquired over the years of working in kitchens but my dayto-day workhorse is a Mercer 8” Millennia Chefs’ knife. These are used extensively in US culinary schools and are surprisingly inexpensive at less than £20, very comfortable for lengthy preps and easy to keep ultrasharp. There really is no need to spend hundreds of pounds on a fancy decorative Japanese item – it won’t make you a better cook!

Nothing is so beautiful as Spring –

When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush…

Gerard Manley Hopkins

The Amblers in Tribland

After a long, wet winter, Spring has finally sprung and we are experiencing more sunny days at last. Wild flowers (Hopkins’ ‘weeds’) have added more interest to our walks; the insects have started to emerge now that the weather has warmed up and ladybirds have been abundant, being spotted in all sorts of nooks and crannies as well as sunning themselves on the new foliage. Bees can be heard humming as they busily search for sustenance, and we have seen a few Brimstone butterflies in flight but they are reluctant to land. The males are very well camouflaged and difficult to spot at rest, due to their sulphur colour, but we keep our eyes peeled, just in case.

Strong winds have also been in evidence, and the Amblers’ stroll along North Bank, Crowland, recently was somewhat of a struggle. It was great to be able to see for miles across the Fens though, and watch the rippling floodwaters journeying beside us, as the wind carried all before it. There is something defiantly exhilarating about battling the elements – as long as we emerge unscathed!

Birdsong has increased with the warmer weather, with Robins,

Great Tits, Chiffchaffs and Skylarks providing cheerful, musical accompaniment to our walks. We regularly see Red Kites above the fields, Grey Herons and Little Egrets on the riverbanks, and occasionally hear Woodpeckers ‘laughing’ at us in the woods or tapping their beaks on tree trunks, as happened during a visit to Bourne Woods in March. We loved being amongst the towering trees, admiring the varied fungi sprouting from decaying branches on the forest floor, the mosses and lichens, and the pleasing mixture of tree species: the contrast between the frothy white blossom of the blackthorn against the dark green foliage of the firs was particularly striking. We saw our first Colt’s-foot flower of the season there too – resembling a dandelion, its flower is a deep yellow but its stem is scaled and has a deep red tinge.

As the rain was so persistent throughout the last few months, we have tended to avoid muddy tracks and stuck instead to footpaths and roadways. One such route is from St Benedict’s Church, Glinton, to Werrington Village, via Foxcovert Road, returning via the old Lincoln

Road and the Glinton footbridge. There were several bright spots along the way where patches of bright yellow celandines and buttercups lit up the roadside verges; purple violets were being visited by a red-tailed bumblebee; and the seemingly insignificant whitlow grass - which grows abundantly in kerbstones – was covered in tiny white flowers (photo greatly magnified).

Another winter favourite is from David’s Close, Werrington, to Marholm, via Hurn Road, calling at St Mary the Virgin churchyard. There are wide vistas, some beautiful cottages to admire along the way, a stunning carved bench, and magnificent cedars with interesting cones amongst the gravestones. We were pleasantly surprised by the colourful display of lobelia overhanging a cottage garden wall, and the warm sun on our return journey. A taste of pleasures to come!

As you will see from the photos, our anniversary expedition to see a starling murmuration at Maxey was a super success.

We watched, enthralled, as a multitude of birds wheeled and soared over the land, creating beautiful, ever-changing patterns in the sky and demonstrating their skills in aerial agility. What a spectacle! At one point they flew directly overhead, and we could hear the fluttering of hundreds of wings – it felt as though we were being invited to join in the fun; a truly magical experience.

This week we went to see the glorious display of bluebells that carpet the woods beside Heath Road, Helpston. They look so beautiful on a sunny day and are a timeless spectacle: the cycle of life being repeated once more, as it has been for centuries. There was plenty of wood anemone too, and celandines, making for a truly colourful show. Sadly, they will be gone by the time you read this, but make a note in your diaries for next year!

tribunediary

9 May

The Arts Society Peterborough’s monthly talk

‘Standing between darkness and lightShadows in Western Paintings’, by Valerie Shrimplin.

Shadows are everywhere but not always depicted in art. Their origins in art and their uses, whether mysterious, ethereal or even divine from early times to present day will be explored.

Held at The Fleet, PE2 4 DL. Doors open at 10.15am for coffee and a chat, the talk starts at 10.45am and lasts an hour, all are welcome, so why not come and join us?

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

Sat 18 May from 1pm

Helpston Lawn Tennis Club

Opening event (club members only)

Sat 25 to Sunday 26 May

The Pre-Helpstonites' Exhibition

Three local artists from Helpston, Jo Leonard, Dianne Pike and Will Thompson are getting together as 'The Pre-Helpstonites'.

They are exhibiting their artwork together for the first time at The Studio, Tanglewood, 22 Maxey Road, Helpston, PE6 7DP.

All members of the Maxey Art Group, Jo, Dianne and Will produce a range of portrait, local landscape and animals artwork. Come and have a look at their work and enjoy a coffee or cuppa. Along with original paintings on sale, there will also be greeting cards and craft work available. Free entry.

Other weekends are planned including the John Clare weekend in July. (See also pages 58-59).

WITH THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR HELPSTONBURY 2024 SUPPORTERS

GOODNEIGHBOURS

RuralPeterboroug h

NEWBOROUGH FRIENDSHIP TEAS

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

New dates for your diary

Thursday 23 May

Thursday 20 June

Thursday 18 July

Thursday 29 August

Thursday 26 September

Thursday 24 October

Thursday 21 November

2 - 4pm | Village Hall

If you require transport call Wendy on 07507635617

HELP NEEDED

At last the weather seems to be improving and all our Leaders are busy putting together plans for this terms activities. We really could use a few extra pairs of hands to assist us.

Rainbows – girls 5 – 7, Brownies – girls 7 – 10, Guides girls 10 – 14.

No matter how much time you have to give there is an opportunity for you. Come and join in the fun, you will be helping all girls know they can do anything. Please do give it some thought. You can contact Morag Sweeney –morag.sweeney@yahoo.com or to find out more visit our website www.girlguiding.org.uk

Peterborough's favourite festival is back!

Peterborough Celebrates Festival, the region’s biggest FREE family festival is back for the third year over the weekend of 16-18 May at Ferry Meadows.

Hosted by Nene Park Trust, the weekend promises to be another fabulous celebration of our city and all the reasons we love it - our culture, our music, our diversity and our talented communities - bringing the city together in a love letter to Peterborough.

The festival weekend will be filled with a wide range of performances and experiences for all the family. From music and

theatre, food and drink, dance and culture, arts and crafts, poetry and literature, health and wellbeing and sports and activities, there will be a packed, eclectic, and diverse schedule of entertainment across the weekend.

The detail of the programme is currently being developed but will be shared soon on the festival website.

First exciting acts announced

As planning continues, the first performance acts are now confirmed: Three female acrobats, a giant balloon spectacle, a dog show with a difference and a comedy giant slug will all be wowing the festival-goers.

Some of the professional touring performers heading to Ferry Meadows for this year’s festival include female acrobatic group Mimbre with their show Weight(less), offering a joyful escape from everyday life, leaving you with a smile on your face and a spring in your step; Dizzy O’Dare, the contemporary circus and theatre company, will be bringing two different shows to the weekend filled with comedy, mayhem and madness. Vanhulle Dance Theatre, the Cambridgeshirebased dance company, will be returning to the festival for the second year, bringing with them their feel good and funny

dance duet Olive Branch and Pif-Paf touring theatre will be causing great hilarity with their highly visual fantastical show SEED.

Many local performers are returning to the festival this year including Gabriella Pineda Rodrigues with her ever popular family concert filled with Disney and show tunes. Xidus Pain will be back rapping and showcasing local young artists and Peterborough Pride will be sharing a joyful celebration of our city.

You can also look forward to a wide range of community performers such as Indian dancing from the Peterborough Diwali Festival, traditional brass band music from the Peterborough Salvation Army, local choirs, Willow Singers and Peterborough Rock Choir and performers from Peterborough College and UCP.

The festival weekend is freeto-attend, but there are some exciting ticketed cinema showings planned in the Big Top on the Thursday and Friday evenings leading up to the festival weekend. Details of these will be announced soon.

A community art project will be installed at the heart of the festival site this year with a number of different schools and

As well as the many music, drama and dance performances, the festival will have a packed and diverse schedule of other entertainment across the weekend – from arts and crafts, sport and adventure to local organisations showcasing what they do in the city, there will be something for all the family to enjoy. There’s still time to get involved in the community heart bunting project too, where schools, care homes and community groups have been busy decorating hearts for an installation at the festival. Find out more about how you too can get involved on the festival web page.

The weekend is free-to-attend, but there are some exciting ticketed cinema showings planned in the Big Top on the Thursday and Friday evenings leading up to the festival weekend. On Thursday 16 May

community groups already involved in decorating love heart bunting in the run up to the festival. If you too would like to get involved, please contact festivals@neneparktrust. org.uk to find out more.

Steph Peachey, Head of Visitor Engagement at Nene Park Trust said, “The best thing about Peterborough Celebrates is that it brings communities from across the

we’ve got Wonka and Grease Sing-A-Long, and on Friday 17 May, enjoy Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Sing-A-Long and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tickets are now on sale via the Peterborough Celebrates

Festival web page and include free parking on those evenings.

Parking charges apply at Ferry Meadows over the festival weekend but Railworld Wildlife Haven and Nene Valley Railway

city together to share things they love with others – performances, food, music. In return we share things we love from the city and further afield – circus, walkabout puppets, theatre and dance. This makes for a weekend filled with joy and happiness, especially when the sun shines! Peterborough is a special place, filled with talent and community spirit and it’s important that we celebrate that.”

have partnered up again to offer FREE parking at Railworld in the city centre and return tickets on the train to Ferry Meadows for £2 over the weekend - a great way of travelling sustainably to the festival.

The full line up is still being developed but will be shared soon on the festival website

The festival is being organised and hosted by Nene Park Trust alongside involvement and support from local communities and organisations. If you would like to get involved, through sponsoring or volunteering at the event, the festival team at Nene Park Trust would love to hear from you.

For more information about the festival, please visit www.peterboroughcelebratesfestival.co.uk

For those Triblanders with a taste for Art, there are some Summer events you might be interested in. After the extravaganza 'Art for Ukraine' in Helpston Village Hall the artists have returned to their studios to create more work to delight your eyes.

25-26 May 11am – 4pm, 7-8 December 11am - 4pm Will Thompson, the driving force behind the Art for Ukraine Exhibition, is opening his studio and has invited local artists Jo Leonard and Dianne Pike to join him. Will and Co are at The Studio. Tanglewood. 22 Maxey Road. Helpston. Will says “My studio is in Helpston and you are welcome to visit. There are original paintings, limited edition prints and greeting cards for sale to meet every budget. Come and have a coffee and browse”.

Peterborough Open Studios will be in full swing this Summer with 83

artists showing in a variety of locations across the Peterborough Area. You can see the full list at :paos.org. uk . Each artist has a page with details of their work. However, there are some closer to home at the following venues:

6 & 7 July

10an – 4pm Steph Bowden Hughes, Wendy Quinell, Emily Bowers, Ellie Sandall, Ruthie Hudson and Elaine Anderson are all together at one venue for just weekendso don’t miss them!

Exhibition address Bainton Reading Room, Barnack Road, Bainton, Stamford, PE9 3AU.

Ruthie Hudson

Wendy Quinell

Steph Bowden Hughes

Will Thompson

in the Summertime

13-14 July 11am – 5pm

Will Thompson will be at Tanglewood. 22 Maxey Road. Helpston.

July 6,7,13,14. Open from 11am - 4.30pm

John McGowan printmaker will be at 39 Church Street

Northborough (entrance on Pingle Lane) after a 5-year absence from PAOS.

He will have a small exhibition of framed work, lots of unmounted prints and all proceeds are going to Cancer Research UK

Emily Bowers

Elaine Anderson

John McGowan

Jo Leonard

Ellie Sandall

Dianne Pike

6 & 7 July

10an – 4pm

Art Exhibition

Steph Bowden Hughes, Wendy Quinell, Emily Bowers, Ellie Sandall, Ruthie Hudson and Elaine Anderson are all together at one venue for just weekend - so don’t miss them!

Left to right: Ruth Hudson/ RH Prints, Ellie Sandall, Wendy Quinnell, Steph Bowden Hughes, Elaine Anderson and Emily Bowers (Photo by Ruth Towell)

Exhibition address Bainton Reading Room, Barnack Road, Bainton, Stamford, PE9 3AU. Please see more on pages 68-69

Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners' Society

Saturday 10 August

Village Show at St Kyneburgha, Castor

Thursday 17 October

Speaker - Joe Bagley - 'The House Plant Doctor'

4th Saturday of each month: 25 May & 22 June

Coffee Mornings in Helpston Church

You are we very welcome to Helpston Church, from 10am until 12noon for coffee, cake & chat.

Saturday 15 June

Come and Sing with Bob Chilcott

Bob Chilcott is coming to Stamford to lead a day of singing at St. Martin’s Church, Stamford, featuring two of his works - Little Jazz Mass and Five Days That Changed The World. The event is being promoted by local choir, Stamford Singers, and all profits will go to Stamford based charity, The Evergreen Care Trust.

Registrations close on 31 May - full details can be found at www.stamfordsingers.org

Sat 4 May 10am - 12 noon

Glinton Horticultural Society

Plant Sale

As I write this the sun is streaming through the window and it seems spring is really here at last. The ground is still very wet, but hopefully a lot more dry warm days will make it ready for planting out in the coming months.

By the time you read this Barbara Stalker will have given her talk on her journey into gardening and the National Garden Scheme, this being the final Friday night talk for the 2023/2024 season. The talks will start again in October and the details of these are given in our website (see below).

Donations of plants to sell are always gratefully received as is help both setting up on the Friday afternoon and selling on the day. If you are able to help please contact our secretary Penelope on 01780 767309 or just turn up on the day. You will be warmly welcomed.

I look forward to the Plant Sale and hope that the weather is dry on the Saturday morning so that people do not have to queue in the rain.

The schedules for the SHOW in September have been sent out to those on our mailing list. If you are interested in possibly entering the show and have not received a schedule please contact Lynne on 01778 342115 for one or visit our website (see below) where there is a copy.

Information on the society and all the details of the events for this year are given on our website www.glintonhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

R L Quinn

Second Friday of every month. On the Edge – The WI

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

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

Email: ontheedgewi@gmail.com

Holy Communion

Celtic Evening Prayer

4:30pm Taizé 9:30am Communion 10:45am Communion 10:30am Communion 10am Ascension Day Communion

9:00am Communion 9:30am Communion 3:30pm Messy Church 10:45am Communion 10:30am Morning Praise

4:30pm 'God in the Garden' 9:30am Communion 10:45am Communion 10:30am Communion

9am Communion 9:30am Morning Praise 10:45am Morning Praise 10:30am Morning Praise

4.30pm Taizé 9:30am Communion 10:45am Communion 10:30am Communion 9am Communion 9:30am Communion 3:30pm Messy Church 10:45am Communion 10:30am Communion

Each day is a gift from God. Make the most of it, and use it wisely in the coming year.”— Unknown

4.30pm 'God in the Garden' 9:30am Communion 10:45am St Botolph’s Day Pet Service 10:30am Morning Praise 9am Communion 9:30am Communion 4:30pm Patronal Festival Service 10:45am Communion 10:30am Communion

4.30pm Communion 9:30am Morning Praise 10:45am Morning Praise 10:30am Communion

ST MARY'S BAINTON ST JOHN'S BARNACK ST BOTOLPH'S HELPSTON ALL SAINTS, WITTERING

Paws for Thought

The Theological Education of Rectory Puppy

Lexie our faithful elderly yellow Labrador has sadly left this world and is now in the arms of God but Jessie’s theological training continues now under Rev Keir who hopes he can offer a fraction of the wisdom and love-filled guidance as Lexie did.

Jessie: Rev Keir, I have been worried about you.

Rev Keir: That’s nice but why?

Jessie: You haven’t been as happy since Lexie died.

Rev Keir: I may be sad, but I am all right.

Jessie: I don’t want to think about getting old and dying.

Rev Keir: Well, that is something we all have to think about at some time or other.

Jessie: But I am not very good at being sad. I like to be happy.

Rev Keir: That is the wonderful thing about the season of Easter.

Jessie: I thought it was Easter Sausages and Doggy Choc drops!!

Rev Keir: Easter Sausages?

Jessie: Yes, the special Sausages that you give us so you don’t feel guilty about all the chocolate you eat.

Rev Keir: Oh, I see. There isn’t really a tradition of Easter Sausages.

Jessie: All traditions start somewhere, this is definitely now a ‘thing’

Rev Keir: OK, but the real celebration of Easter is that Jesus was resurrected and showed the world that death is not the end of things.

Jessie: You mean……?

Rev Keir: Yes.

Jessie: More sausages!!!

Rev Keir: Well, not what I was thinking, I was considering the theology of eschatology.

Jessie: What’s that?

Rev Keir: It is the study of death and the destination of the soul.

Jessie: Oh, that sounds a bit rubbish.

Rev Keir: Well, it is more about understanding the idea of what happens when we die?

Jessie: That’s easy, we go to Devon.

Rev Keir: I think you mean Heaven. It is a bit more complicated than that. Some think that there is judgement and only people good enough go to heaven.

Jessie: That sounds a bit weird, if God loves us all, why would anyone not go to heaven?

Rev Keir: Exactly, God is more about sharing love than judgement or condemnation, that was what Jesus came to teach us.

Jessie: So, we can do anything we want? I am going straight up on the sofa!!

Rev Keir: Well, it is more about living your best life and loving your neighbour.

Jessie: I am not sure that has anything to do with sitting on the very, very comfortable sofa?

Rev Keir: Making other people sad, like leaving hairs on the sofa, isn’t the best way to live for you, is it?

Jessie: I suppose not.

Rev Keir: So, it is not about being judged by God for being on the sofa, but rather making someone sad for doing something that hurts their feelings makes you feel bad as well.

Jessie: I am not sure I fully get the whole eschatology thing, but it is starting to make me think of some questions

Rev Keir: well, I will let you into a secret. No-one gets it. That is why we need faith.

St John the Baptist

On 23 June, at 4.30pm, we’ll be celebrating the Festival of our Patron Saint at St John the Baptist, Barnac. The choir from Barnack Primary School will be joining us, and we will be welcoming the Archdeacon of Oakham, the Venerable Alison Booker.

St John the Baptist (not to be confused with John the disciple, or John the author of the Gospel) was a fascinating man. In his brief life (he was around 30 when he was murdered by King Herod Antipas) he attracted a large following to his simple preaching messages. He told people to repent and be baptised, told soldiers to stop oppressing people, told those who were rich to share with others, and told tax collectors not to exploit their “clients”.

His other message - more radical – was saying that the Messiah was coming soon. And according to John’s Gospel, when he baptised Jesus, he realised that this was in fact the man he was waiting for.

And you can imagine it a bit like when the Beatles broke up. Jesus and John went their separate ways – but imagine if John Lennon had said, “of course, Paul’s better than me. Listen to his stuff.” John the Baptist said “he must become greater

Does your collie need to come to confession? Or your basset need a blessing?

Saint Botolph’s Church Helpston Pet Service

Come and celebrate our Patron Saint’s Day with your furry friends. Bring your hound for a holy hug, or your (well-secured) bunny for a blessing! (Or your pet can send a soft-toy representative).

Sunday 16 June 10.45am for 30 minutes

St Botolph’s Churchyard, Helpston (bring a brolly if damp, inside if it’s soaking). Pets at their owners’ risk.

Dogs on leads, please. Refreshments after the service.

and I must become less.” In these days of egos and political plotting, John shows an incredible amount of humility.

But though he recognised Jesus as the Messiah, that didn’t mean John had forgotten his own mission. He told King Herod that he couldn’t marry his brother’s wife – which was brave, but the cause of his arrest. And then he was murdered after Herod’s niece (traditionally called Salome) did her sexy dance for Herod. When asked by the drunken Herod what she wanted as a reward, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a plate.

So, John is remembered as a great prophet, a person of principle, and a very brave man, whose honour and love of the truth lost him his life. He gets more feast days than most saints (apart from St Mary) and 23 June is the feast of his nativity. So unusually for a martyr, this feast day’s colours are white for his birthday, not red for his death.

St John’s Day was traditionally midsummer day. And the night before was marked with all kinds of rural pursuits – some involving trying to divine who would die in the parish in the next year. In Thomas Hardy’s “The Woodlanders”, St John’s Eve was the opportunity for the young people to head into the woods for the night. Making the most of the long hours of daylight, no doubt. Maybe Salome, at any rate, would approve.

Can you help?

We are looking for volunteers to help with some administrative tasks for the group of churches including Glinton, Maxey, Peakirk, Etton and Northborough. There are many opportunities, but our first focus is that of Safeguarding coordinator.

As a group of churches we take safeguarding very seriously. We are looking for someone who can help us to ensure that all aspects of safeguarding are complete and recorded correctly. This is currently is done by individual churches but we want to centralise the admin. This would involve a commitment of about 1-2 hours per week on average and no experience is necessary

(nor church membership). Full training will be provided. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and willing to learn.

Do you think you might be someone who can help. We would love to hear from you. Please contact Rev. Keir for an informal chat. Details are available on our website www.9Bridges.church

ptp.bathrooms@gmail.com

pitchperfect

We are thrilled to introduce a fresh addition to our magazine – Pitch Perfect, our Classified Section! As we continue our journey of connecting communities across the picturesque landscapes of north Peterborough, we're excited to offer you a platform to showcase your lineage, businesses, services, and events.

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

ARCHITECTURAL

T W Architectural Services

T: 07765 880309

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

BABY & TODDLER

Little Owletts

Baby, toddler and pre-school multi-sensory sessions

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

BUILDERS & LANDSCAPING

Owen Builders and Landscaping

T: 07850994577

E: owenbuilderslandscaping@gmail.com

 Owen Builders and Landscaping

CARPENTRY

CG Carpentry and Building T: 07830 364989

E: cgcarpentryandbuilding@gmail.com

https://c-g-carpentry-and-building.business.site

COMPUTER REPAIRS & UPGRADES

The Wizard’s Tech Lab

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

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

CYCLE SERVICING & REPAIRS

Stamford Cycleworks

T: 07498 010093

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

DATING

MatchPoint Dating

E: matchmaking@matchpointdating.uk

ELECTRICIANS

Tumber Electrical T: 07546912269

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

FARMING & PET SUPPLIES

TL Hall Farming Supplies T: 07940297788

E: les.farmsupplies@yahoo.com

 TL Hall Farm Supplies

FENCING

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

FINANCIAL PLANNING & ACCOUNTING

JB Accounting Services T: 07432 550002

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

Nene Valley Financial Planning Friendly, Knowledgeable, Mortgage, Equity Release and Insurance Advice. Call to discuss or arrange a meeting. T: 07870 611914

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

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

GARDENING

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The 1:1 Diet with Georgette T: 07764 444235

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

The Cove Aesthetics 07872893326

@thecoveaesthetics_

 @Thecoveaesthetics

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

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

E: concepttherapies@gmail.com

www.concepttherapies.co.uk

Heel The Sole Foot Healthcare

T: 07889 798370

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

Leanne King Aesthetics T: 07872 893326

E: leannekingaesthetics@yahoo.com

 leannekingaesthetics

Meta Physiotherapy T: 07946 067439

E: daniela@metaphysiotherapy.net

www.metaphysiotherapy.net

Truly Confident Aesthetics

1c West Street T: 07951 484752

E: trulyconfidentaesthetocs@gmail.com

www.trulyconfidentaesthetics.net

PHARMACY

Newborough Pharmacy T: 01733 811917

www.newboroughpharmacy.co.uk

PLASTERING

King Plastering

T 07817 737277

E kingplasteringltd@icloud.com

PLUMBING & HEATING

Fenland Heating & Plumbing

T 07930 865642

E Fenlandplumbingandheating@hotmail.com

 /Fenlandplumbingandheating

PUBS, RESTAURANTS & MOBILE FOOD

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

 woodfiredpizzauk

Ruddy Duck at Peakirk T: 01733 252426 E nigelcook502@gmail.com

www.ruddyduckpeakirk.co.uk

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

TREE SURGEONS

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

E paulsharpe6610@gmail.com

tribunedirectory

 Ailsworth Parish CounciL

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

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

Jenny Rice 07889 669550

 Bainton Church

Reverend Gary Alderson 07503 975588

 Bainton & Ashton Parish Council

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

 Barnack Church (St John the Baptist)

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

 Barnack Coffee Stop

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

 Barnack Community Association

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

 Barnack Cricket Club

William Armitage, Chairman 01780 740749

 Barnack Home from Home Club

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

 Barnack Men’s Breakfast

Mike Mills 01780 740285

 Barnack Messy Church

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

 Bowls Clubs

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

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

Helpston Carpet Bowls Les Cunnington 07857 835955

 Botolph’s Barn

Kate Hinchliff 07745 116621

 British Legion

Max Sawyer 01780 765507

 Bus & Train Services

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

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

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

 Castor & Ailsworth Cricket Club

Secretary - Josh Weaver 07712 707353 j_weaver@live.co.uk

 Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners' Society

Chair - Ann Huckle 01733 3780745 ann.huckle@cobnut-cottage.co.uk

Secretary - Richard Pearce - cadgsociety@gmail.com

 Cubs, Brownies, Guides, Scouts & Rainbows

General Guiding Queries

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

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

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

Helpston Rainbows, Lindsay Roberts 07399 589333

General Scouting Queries

Martin Hall 07778 707952

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

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

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

 Deeping Gate Parish Council

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



 Fenland Clarion Cycling Club



 Newborough Indoor Carpet Bowls –

Brenda Vessey 07941 308148

 Northborough Church (St Andrew’s)

Clare Strak, PCC Secretary

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

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

 Northborough Parish Council

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

 Peakirk Church (St Pegas)

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

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

 Peakirk Parish Council

Clerk: Angela Hankins 01733 253397

 Peterborough City Council

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

 Police and Emergencies

Police - emergency calls 999

Less urgent crimes 101

Power Failure 0800 7838838

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

 Pre-School & After-School Clubs

Helpston Playhouse pre-school

Lucy Garwood 01733 253243

Helpston Before & After School Club

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

Peakirk Tots

Emma Thornton 07876 822173

Little Lambs Toddler Group, Barnack

Julie Stanton 01780 749123

Sunflower Seed Pre-School, Northborough

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

The Owls’ Nest, Amy Quarizzo 01733 252361

 Schools & Education

Arthur Mellows Village College 01733 252235

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

Barnack C of E Primary 01780 740265

Peakirk-cum-Glinton Primary School ... 01733 252361 Northborough Primary...........................01733 252204 Peterborough Adult Learning 01733 761361

 Tennis Clubs

Helpston Tennis Club 07714 780573

 Ufford Church Enquiries