Earith Echo Issue 26

echo earith

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ISSUE 26 November 2012

Parish Council news • village news • Women s Institue • St Mary s churchyard RSPB update • guide dog update • Ballards of Spain • Paralympics • what s on

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contents | echo 26

Issue 26 November 2012

Welcome…

Cover story

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Echo.

In this issue we find out what the

Women’s Institute has been up to since we last heard from them. We also meet

Lynne Napp’s new trainee guide dog Isaac and Chris Hudson brings us up to speed

with developments at the Hanson - RSPB Wetland Project.

We also have an open letter from ex-

pats Andy and Alison Ballard and hear how

they are settling into their new life in sunny Spain, catfish and all!

We take a look at the Paralympics

through the eyes of one of its Games

Makers, Samantha Washer and discover how a group of volunteers is seeking

to manage the churchyard at St Mary’s

Bluntisham-cum-Earith, creating a haven for wildlife in the process.

So make yourself a cup of tea, put your

feet up and enjoy the issue!

12 RSPB update

Marsh harriers numbers are on the rise at the Hanson - RSPB Wetland Project.

4

Parish Council news

7

Village news

10

Women’s Institute

11

St Mary’s churchyard

Team Echo

Editorial

Creating a haven for humans and animals alike.

Jon Appleton

14 16 19 21

Guide Dog update

Meet Isaac.

The Ballards of Spain

Life on the banks of the River Ebro in Catalonia.

Games Makers

e: jon@appleton-design.co.uk Owen Mc Laughlin

e: owen.mclaughlin@btinternet.com t: 01487 840286 Advertising Penny Smith

e: pennysmith_747@hotmail.co.uk

Paralympic perfection.

Linda Sturrock

What’s on

t: 01487 841719

e: lindelou@tiscali.co.uk

Our regular events guide.

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03 Contents.indd 3

25/10/2012 13:59

echo 26 | Parish Council news

Hate Housework?

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At myh me our approach is thoroughly flexible and customised. Tell us what you want, when you want it and leave the rest to us.

Council is pleased to inform you that:

• The improvements have been made to the two pedestrian crossings following our successful

bid. The major improvement is the addition of

halo LED lights which certainly are much more • The weed spraying and street cleaning along

So put away the rubber gloves, hang up the feather duster and let the professionals at myhome deal with your domestic duties.

• The Parish Council has agreed that the hedge

visible. Additional signs have also been erected. the High Street has been completed.

along the causeway to Bluntisham is to be cut back and we are just awaiting the contractor to start work.

• A Commemorative tree to celebrate the

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has been selected

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and will hopefully be available for planting at the end of November or beginning of

continuing to look at the drains along the

Huntingdonshire District Council

Council have funded this together with a • The Council and the County Council are pavements of the High Street.

• The police surgery which took place in October was attended by a few members of the public who had the opportunity to ask the two many questions.

notified that, since the withdrawal of the

Stagecoach service 21, Whippet are now

looking into the possibility of new timings

which would benefit the bus users of the village.

The Council at present are looking into

purchasing new Christmas lights (unfortunately

last years were vandalised) and also looking into the possibility of these lights being sited in the

Your local choice for savings, mortgages, insurance – and more

Plain Tree at the Village Hall. We are also obtaining quotes for hot water to be installed in the hall.

Please could I ask that all residents who

have hedges which are adjacent to pathways or footpaths ensure that the hedges are kept tidy and do not cause obstructions for pedestrians;

pedestrians should not have to walk on the road due to overhanging hedges.

Julie Seamark – Chairman

Savings

Mortgages

Insurance

2 Station Road, St Ives, Cambs PE27 5BH Email: st-ives-branch@cambridgebs.co.uk Telephone: 01480 377500

THE CAMBRIDGE Building Society

Life essentials

Business hours: Monday 9am – 5pm Tuesday 9am – 5pm Wednesday 9am – 5pm Thursday 9.30am – 5pm Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 12pm Sunday Closed

All communications with us may be monitored/recorded to improve the quality of our service and for your protection and security.

• Allotments • Statutory consultee on planning • Village Hall maintenance and bookings • Some street lighting • Some grass cutting (not the Recreation Field) • Cleaning of bus stops • Cleaning and maintaining the War Memorial • Rubbish removal at Recreation Ground

commemorative tree guard.

the recreation field. Huntingdon District

• At the last Parish Council meeting we were

Take a fresh look at The Cambridge

Earith Parish Council

Contact Mrs Pink Parish Clerk – www. earithparishcouncil.co.uk; mpinkearithpc@aol.com; 01487 843983

December. This will be on the green near

CBS355 Branch Ad Temp 1 25/05/2011 12:08 Page 4 Police Community Support Officers St Ives, A7PG_Layout Huntingdon and surrounding villages visiting www.cambridgebs.co.uk

Who Does What?

• Rubbish collection • Street cleaning • Planning • Housing improvement grants • Environmental health • Community and leisure services • Car parks 01480 388388; mail@huntsdc.gov.uk; www.huntsdc.gov.uk Cambridgeshire County Council

• Education • Roads and traffic • Footpaths • Libraries • Social Services • Park and Ride • Recycling • Street lighting • Trading Standards • Fire Authority • Police Authority 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire. gov.uk

Earith Parish Council Chairman – Julie Seamark (Tel 01487 842731) Vice Chairman – Cllr Ann Brennan Parish Clerk – Mrs Mandy Pink (07717 207533) Parish Councillors

Cllr Ron Hodge (01487 841243)

Cllr Jeff Nicholls (01487 841097)

Cllr Alan Spackman (01487 842316)

Cllr Marilyn Russell, Cllr Keith Hudson Councillors with no telephone number can be contacted through the clerk.

Cllr Jenny Lloyd (01487 841384)

Council Meeting Dates

Cllr Hazel Lambert (01487 841712)

Hall. Minutes and agendas for all meetings

Cllr Hazel Scofield (01487 841712)

Cllr James Woolstenholmes (01487 843223)

1st Thursday of the month, 7.30 at the Village can be found on village notice boards.

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25/10/2012 20:42

thE playErs oF Earith prouDly prEsEnt

a pantomimE For all thE Family

EvEning shows at 7.30pm: Thursday 13th Dec Friday 14th Dec saturday 15th Dec

plus: saturday matinee at 2.30pm

tiCKEts £6 for adults £3 for children availablE From thE barnaDos shop in st ivEs & briDgE EnD storEs or tElEphonE linda 01487 841719 roger 07990983717 Julie 01487 741139

Another faultless show by a truly professional cast?

Panto ad A4.indd 1

25/10/2012 20:47

Morning Groups Tuesdays Burleigh Hill Centre, St. Ives, 10am and 12 noon

Thursdays Medway Centre, off Coneygear Road, Huntington, 10am Tel: Diane 07707 547604

Saturdays St Ives Football Club, Westwood Road, 8:30am Tel: Lol 07766 715533

Evening Group Thursdays Victory Hall, Somersham, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Lol 07766 715533

Slimming World page.indd 1

25/10/2012 20:48

village news | echo 26

Photographic exhibition These are two structures which no longer exist in Earith – the railway station and the suspension bridge. Do you know where either of them were situated?

Earith has a fascinating history and has changed enormously over the years.

Gone are the many farms and orchards, the farrier, the garage and many shops, pubs and businesses. Maybe your house was once one of those structures.

If you would like to find out more about Earith in days gone by then drop in

to the photographic exhibition being held in Rector’s Hall, Colne Road, Earith on Saturday 17th November any time between 10am and 3pm.

Throughout the day there will be villagers who have lived here all their life (or

most of it) willing to chat and share their memories of life in Earith as it used to be.

There will also be soup and cake on sale. Come and find out about where Jewsons, the DIY business, first started, or where in Earith the first hovertrain was trialled. Of the nine pubs that used to be here where was The George and why did it have to

be pulled down? Did ice-hockey really originate on the fen and what is the story of

the plane crash? Come along and find out more about schooling, farming and life in Earith. The entrance to Rector’s Hall can be found off Colne Road by the old school (now Smartdrive), just opposite Chapel Road.

If anyone has old photos they would be willing to lend to the exhibition or

memories they would like to share on the day then please contact Hazel Lambert on 01487 841712 / email:hazellambert@fsmail.net. or Susan, the curate, on revroses@gmail.com.

Back in September several villagers

weekend had spilled over into a street

Brighton. The trip, organised by the

of partying.

enjoyed a wonderful coach trip to

WI, was a great success with many making their first trip to the town.

party with fantastic music and plenty We must do it again!

Included in the very reasonable

price of £15 was a raffle ticket with

cash prizes of £20, £15 and £10. Many squeals of delight ensued!

After a surprisingly quick journey,

people dispersed and did their thing.

Some went to the Prince Regent’s

Pavilion which was wonderful. Some walked around the antique and

jewellery shops in The Lanes. Others

went along the front for fish and chips and some even found the Gay Pride

WITHOUT ADVERTISING

THE ECHO WILL CEASE TO EXIST! There must be someone in Earith land who would love to sell advertising for the Echo.

If you would like to work from home for just a few hours per month and get paid please give linda a ring on 01487 841719.

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25/10/2012 20:53

echo 26 | village news

Recycling

YES please!

You can now recycle your plastic pots, tubs and trays

✓ Yoghurt pots

In the UK, householders use around 1.5 million tonnes

of plastic packaging every year, and, until now, much of this has ended up in landfill. Huntingdonshire District Council

are pleased to announce that everything from yogurt pots and margarine tubs to shampoo and milk bottles can now be recycled as part of your kerbside collection.

Huntingdonshire residents are among some of the

top recyclers in the country, with 57 per cent of our waste being sent for recycling. This is a great achievement and

the council really appreciates all the efforts residents make to sort their waste.

As well as further increasing the District Council’s

recycling rate, the introduction of other types of plastics will

be a welcomed addition to the recycling scheme. Accepting

more plastics will help to remove any uncertainty over which plastics can and cannot be recycled.

Councilor Darren Tysoe, whose executive responsibilities

include the Environment, commented, “We have been keen to expand our recycling service to include more plastics for some time, as have our residents. We are very pleased that

the markets for mixed plastics have grown and enabled us

to make this enhancement, and hope that they continue to

develop so that recycling a wide range of plastics becomes as commonplace as recycling cans or paper.”

For more information on what other materials

are collected, visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/ whatgoesinwhichbin.

✓ Plastic bottles of all types ✓ Margarine or spread tubs ✓ Ice cream tubs

✓ Trays from chocolate and biscuit boxes

NO thanks!

✗ Hard plastic items e.g.

toys, washing-up bowls, storage boxes etc

✗ Plastic film or wrapping ✗ Plastic bags or black sacks

✓ Trays from meat,

✗ Expanded polystyrene

✓ Clean plant pots

✗ Food waste

vegetables and fruit

✓ Bottle tops, lids and triggers

✗ Bubble wrap

✗ Shredded paper

✓ Sandwich packets

✓ Cream and custard pots ✓ Soup pots

✓ Instant noodle pots

✓ Tubs for dishwasher and laundry tablets

Top Tips for easy recycling • Place all the plastic packaging in the blue bin with your plastic bottles. Make sure there are no plastic films, bags or black bags.

• Remember, you can include plastic pots, tubs, trays and bottles from around the house – not just the kitchen.

• Please rinse your containers out with used dishwater before recycling, to prevent food contaminating the other materials.

On Thursday 13th September, the early risers among you may have witnessed nine hot air balloons floating serenely

over the village. Unfortunately, having

hit a bad air pocket, they were forced to land in the Meadow Lane area, three of them in my field.

Thankfully I had already brought

our horses in for their breakfast,

otherwise the consequences could have been catastrophic.

The pilots, who were taking part

in a rally in the area, said they would try harder to stay up the following day. Eventually airborne, they

passed low over the industrial estate and subsequently landed safely on

Haddenham Fen were they were picked up by their ground crews.

Ann Impey

New Location For September 2012 Colne

in COLNE! rivate pool p w e n r le at ou Spaces now availab

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25/10/2012 20:54

village news | echo 26

Farewell EVA Following the Annual General Meeting of Earith Villagers’ Assocation on

11th October it has been decided that, due to the lack of support, there is

no alternative but to close the association down and, as a result, there will, regretably, be no Christmas fayre or New Year’s Day walk.

Introducing the POEs Despite the closure of the EVA, the pantomime, which continues to go from strength to strength, will go ahead as planned. Tickets will be available from 20th November.

In fact it has been so successful that it was thought – why not have a

play mid-year and/or even a children’s theatre? Plans are still under way

for this project so look out for future information with regard to the POEs (Players of Earith).

Anyone who is interested in joining the group either as an actor or

backstage please contact Julie on 01487 741139, Abi on 01487 842304, Mandy on 0785 0331021 or Linda on 01487 841719

Contact Your Travel Counsellor

Songs of praise

Elizabeth Harvey

St Ives police have asked the Echo to

Following the encouraging

Www,travelcounsellors.co.uk/liz

helped out at a traffic incident in St

Praise at Bluntisham church in

September, in which a car crashed

be held periodically across the

Thank You! say a big thank you to all those who

support of the Harvest Songs of

Ives town centre on Thursday 20th

September, similar services will

into a shop and ploughed into

Meridian Benefice.

St Ives, leaving a pedestrian seriously

Songs of Praise will take place

and very much appreciated.

Earith church on 25th November

to gather witnesses details and

the change from Michaelmas

witnessed the incident until their

mixture of traditional hymns,

with first aid and traffic control until

will also be an opportunity to give

fencing around a Cromwell statue in injured. Assistance which was vital

Members of the public helped

The next Seasons Change

at St Mary’s Bluntisham-cumat three o’clock. It celebrates

comforted St Ivo children who

to Advent and will comprise a

teacher arrived. They also helped

songs, poetry and readings. There

the police and paramedics arrived.

to the new flooring fund, and time

commented, “Thankfully these

tea and cake.

reassuring to know that we had

will all be very welcome, so put the

public when it mattered.”

and family to come and join in.

PCSO Rachel Anderson,

situations are very rare, but it is

assistance from members of the

0845 0587 990 / 01487 843802

afterwards to chat together over

Children and adults of all ages

date in your diary and invite friends

Ring Farm Open Gardens Hannelore Latta would like to thank

everyone who was involved for their hard work in making the first Open Gardens

at Ring Farm, Colne such a success. The event raised a fantastic £1700 for the

dialysis unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

A rose was specially commissioned

for the event and the profits from this

went to Earith Villagers Association, Earith Rectors Hall and Colne Village Hall who each received £135 respectively.

For those of you who missed the garden this year, it will open again on

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June 2013, once again local charities will benefit from the monies raised at the event.

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25/10/2012 20:55

echo 26 | Women’s Institute

Calling all ladies Earith W.I. is the place to meet other ladies who are fun loving, artistic or not, ready

to share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine

member you will know what that means, if not perhaps you should join and find out.

The new programme for 2013 is in the

and who enjoy good company and good

process of being prepared and, if all goes

can turn to in an emergency and are always

evenings ahead.

conversation. Its members are people you happy to share a recipe, a remedy or a

according to plan, we have some excellent If you are interested in coming along we

shoulder whenever one is needed.

meet on the third Thursday of the month,

and a lot has changed during that time. It

Hall. If you would like to talk to someone in

Earith W.I. has been in existence 91 years

now has many younger members who enjoy

all the above and are happy painting carnival masks, listening to talks, or, believe it or not,

throwing the discus and javelin! This month we enjoyed a visit from ‘the queen’ with

corgis and James Bond. If you are already a

except August, at 7.30pm in the Village

person to see if it is something you might have an interest in, please contact me on 01487 741454.

Ann Campbell President

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25/10/2012 20:56

St Mary’s churchyard | echo 26

All creatures great and small The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,

The lowing herd winds slowly o’er the lea,

The ploughman homeward plods his weary way, And leaves the world to darkness and to me.

Beneath those rugged elms, that yew-tree’s shade,

Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, Each in his narrow cell for ever laid,

The rude Forefathers of the hamlet sleep. (from Gray’s ‘Elegy in a Country Churchyard’) An old country churchyard has

many delights, as the poet Thomas Gray recognised. Not only is it a

place of rich social history, but it’s a habitat of plants, animals and insects that has remained the

same over the centuries. Moreover, the churchyard often has an

atmosphere of tranquillity within

which to enjoy all this. Such areas

The idea is to balance the

are rare within our increasingly

important factors of tidiness and a

landscape, and are to be treasured.

biodiversity and natural habitats.

cum-Earith a group are seeking

years include the creation of a quiet

people in the two villages visit the

a reinstating of the nature trail for

own family graves, and also to grab

an outside area for the church teenage

The churchyard project aims to

place of beauty and delight.

of the churchyard for everyone in

small regular team of volunteers who

inhabitants such as dragonflies, birds,

together. Starting in September there

noisy, cultivated and built-upon

‘cared-for’ look, with conserving crucial

At St Mary’s Bluntisham-

Development plans for the next few

to manage the churchyard. Many

garden for spiritual contemplation,

churchyard, both to look after their

school children, the establishment of

a few moments of peace and quiet.

group and to make the churchyard a

maintain and develop the potential

The group is keen to grow its

the village, and for it’s own living

always enjoy their mornings work

bees and butterflies.

will be two opportunities to help

each month, either on a Saturday

morning or a week day. Please bring and share your own tools. Both

refreshments and loos are available!

If you think you could offer your

help in this way please contact the curate, Susan, on revroses@gmail. com or 01487 841644.

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25/10/2012 20:58

echo 26 | RSPB update

image courtesy of Hanson

Open for wildlife business

that the nature reserve is now formally open to the

public. Ten years in the making, with over 200 hectares of wetlands in place, the project is already bursting with wildlife.

This celebration coincides with the conservation

success story heralded earlier this year when the

extraordinary sound of booming bitterns was heard from the reserve – perhaps for the first time in a

century or more. Heard up to a mile away, two male bitterns displayed their vocal gymnastics, in a scene almost lost to this part of the Fens.

The promoted access point is via a small car park

off the Bluntisham Road in Needingworth from where waymarked trails lead to two routes. One trail leads to the reedbeds (a 10km round trip), the other to

Barleycroft Lake (8km) from where you can also reach Berry Fen. As these routes are lengthy and rough in places they may well appeal to those looking for a

more adventurous day out but will provide visitors

Breeding birds – boomers, beardies and flappers

Marsh harrier.

For other key reedbed birds, fortunes were also up

this summer with the first successful nesting by marsh harriers in the restored reedbeds – a site total of four

nests and five young marsh harriers or ‘flappers’ as they are called – and the increase to 5 pairs of bearded tit.

They were joined by over 250 pairs of wildfowl, breeding lapwing, redshank and oystercatcher with ringed and

little ringed plover also present as well as nearly 70 pairs of reed bunting, more than 30 pairs of skylark, breeding corn bunting, grasshopper warbler and turtle dove.

nearest Earith, started in 2011 and the biggest yet,

Onward and upward

fifth and sixth reedbeds the RSPB took up the reigns

resumed recently. After Hanson’s planting work on the

Meanwhile Hanson’s restoration work continues

unabated. Restoration on the seventh reedbed mere

site for Earith villagers and follows the perimeter canal round the edge of the developing wetlands. For up to

date reserve information including access information, reserve news and bird sightings visit the project’s new webpages at www.rpsb.org.uk/ousefen.

reeds seedlings. Having lit the blue touch paper, nature does the rest and the reedbeds grow wider and thicker management, work parties are held on the second Saturday and third Wednesday of the month.

With autumn now upon us we can look forward

image courtesy of RSPB

Hermitage Lock (TG391744), is another route into the

with its volunteers this summer to plant thousands more

every day. If you’d like to get involved in practical habitat

Bearded tit.

with waterside walks full of life.

The bridleway accessible from No. 18 Drove, near

image courtesy of RSPB

The Hanson - RSPB Wetland Project is delighted to say

to a wintering birds of prey spectacle, resident

reedbed birds, waders and wildfowl flocking in the

skies and the ever present chance of a rarity! Why not visit and see for yourself?

Chris Hudson,

Project Manager , Hanson - RSPB Wetland Project

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25/10/2012 20:59

Time for shopping? need To sTock up on essenTials? like a few luxuries?

BRIDGE END STORES EARITH POST OFFICE 8 HIGH STREET, EARITH OPENING HOURS: MONDAy - SUNDAy, 7.00AM - 9.00PM

fresh fruit & vegetables in-store bakery hot & cold Pies & Pasties cookies & danish Pastries

national lottery & instants Phone cards barbecue charcoal videos films dry cleaning

Post office services newsagents food off-licence ice creams Postcards

Anything else you need?

Bridge End Stores page.indd 1

25/10/2012 21:00

echo 26 | guide dog update

Meet Isaac In the last issue of the Echo we bade fond farewell to Finbar. Here Lynne Napp introduces us to her latest furry friend, Isaac.

Isaac and I recently visited the Gransden Agricultural

Show. He had a wonderful time meeting innumerable dogs of all shapes and sizes – Madge and Nyle, whom we will soon be saying goodbye to, Sue with Zuckie a beautiful black brood bitch, Ottie a retired shepherd with Arthur and Martine with GD Verity who was

manning the tombola as usual, helped by Mary, which was a total sell out.

We also had the pleasure of watching a Punch

and Judy show and met up with Sally and Ruth who had their usual wonderful display of hand knitted items, crochet blankets and bric a brac, not to

mention the normal range of guide dog merchandise and cards. We even came nose to nose with sheep, literally in Isaac’s case!

This is a truly great show with ginormouse cows

and their calves parading around one ring, sheep

in another, a dog show and fancy poultry alongside magnificent horses and ponies. There were also

numerous stalls selling everything from boots and clothes to tractors and every type of food you can

think of as well as displays of country craft. We arrived

in his deckchair! It definitely made people stop and

point Isaac promptly fell asleep. As you can imagine

Sally, Ruth and Arthur – a lovely social fund raising

at the Guide Dog stall around lunchtime at which

there were lots of “oohs” and “aahs” as he reclined

Finally there was a one man airshow with lots of

look. Lunch was provided by the intrepid three –

twists, turns, dives, and rolls – quite scary at times. In

occasion once again.

only be beneficial to his ongoing training.

one day Isaac certainly experienced a lot which can

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25/10/2012 21:02

echo 26

WILLOWWEAVING WORKSHOPS led by local artist Jane Frost.

Ian Ankin

St Mary’s church room next to Bluntisham church.

Saturday 17th November 9-1pm Saturday 24th November 11-3pm

Professional Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Decorative Wall Coverings & Decorative Finishes

Learn how to make Christmas decorations using willow.

Participants will make decorations to take home and help make angels for the church this Christmas.

This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience who will be able to make larger and more complex pieces.

Telephone Tel: 01487 841183 Mobile: 07734 604867 i.ankin@btinternet.com Cindy Hughes/shutterstock.com

City & Guild Advanced Craft Qualified A Friendly Reliable Service Fully Insured & Free Quotes

Workshop fees £20 plus £5 for materials

For more details and bookings please contact Susan, the curate, at revroses@gmail.com There is a maximum of 12 places so booking is essential.

Deposit of £15 or full payment by November 10th.

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25/10/2012 21:07

echo 26 | Earith ex-pats

Hola! from the Ballards Hello. Remember us? We used to run the shop before we sold up to moved to

exchanged our house on the banks of the River Great Ouse for a finca on the

miss those early starts, we do miss all the good friends we made in Earith. We have

are still struggling to get to grips with the Catalan language, the complicated

sunny Spain. We have been here just over a year now and although we can’t say we

banks of the River Ebro in Catalonia, northern Spain. Not an easy move and we bureaucracy and the ‘Mañana’ attitude. Still, one year in and we are still standing so it has got to get easier. Hasn’t it?

Although Andy is perfectly happy to take early retirement and spend the

days in a haze of tapas and cheap red wine, Ali is far too young and needs to be kept busy. We have set up a fishing holiday business here and have just

finished building a rental unit to add to the caravan that was already here. It has a swimming pool so we can now cool off when the weather gets too hot. The

fishing here is amazing! There are huge catfish in the river and the local guides like our spot so we always have fishermen from the UK at the bottom of our

garden. The biggest from our spot was 180lb but there are fish up to 200lb in this stretch.

We have a bit of land which we have cleared and have managed to grow all

our own veg this year along with fantastic melons, pomegranates and grapes.

We also have quite a few olive trees and our neighbour, who has been really kind to us despite not understanding a word he says, comes and clears the trees and takes the olives to the farmers’ co-op where they are processed for olive oil. We

get a couple of bottles of virgin olive oil as payment. Every morning, when we go for our walk, we see the prints of the wild boar that seem to use our patch as a main thoroughfare.

August here is really hot and nothing seems to move during the day

(including Poppy the ‘guard dog’ who has become expert in seeking out shady spots for siestas!). It is fiesta time though so as soon as the sun goes down the

village comes alive. The ‘fiesta major’ lasts a week and culminates in a spectacular show where competing drum bands from the area march through the town

while the ‘devils’ run amok through the crowds throwing fireworks and generally

causing chaos. The noise is deafening and the atmosphere electric. All the houses and shops board up their windows but last year they still managed to set fire to

the church tower when a rogue rocket shot in there and set fire to the birds’ nests.

Health and Safety is not taken very seriously here!

We still get all the news from Earith as Linda sends us a digital copy of The

Echo and we were delighted to see that Neil Adams played his part in the Olympics and that the local pubs are being revitalised. We have very fond memories of

our favourite village and would love to hear from you. We have a website www. ebromadcats.co.uk and a facebook page www.facebook/ebromadcat .

Andrew & Alison Ballard 16

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25/10/2012 21:06

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25/10/2012 21:15

Paralympic Games 2012 | echo 26

Games Makers

by Samantha Washer

Having not been allocated tickets for

the competitors in the dressage events.

I know myself that I could have spent

Games, I decided the next best way

quite complex tests, and I even had

accommodation for that week alone!

the equestrian events at the Paralympic to watch the event was to volunteer.

Little did I know what an inspirational journey this would be!

Almost overnight London became

a much friendlier place. On my trip to

Greenwich Park each day in my uniform I needed to travel on the tube for a few

We had riders with missing limbs riding the privilege of watching a blind rider

all made to London before the event

stood around the arena at designated

and training process, the experience

markers’. These are essentially people

marks notifying the rider of their position by sound – absolutely amazing!

Indeed, many of the spectators

who came to the park did not come

going, and nearly all said ‘thank you’ for

more due to the availability of tickets

supporting the Games.

I had a situation one morning

where a mother and quite small

toddler became separated on the busy

commuter run on the underground. The mother called over to the child to “stand with the lady in purple” and the child

held on to my leg until the mother could

specifically to watch dressage, but

at the venue. However, by the end of

each session, I did not fail to see a few spectators leave describing dressage

as ‘ballet on horseback’ and even saw a few tears from the new converts. As an

ex-competitive rider and dressage Chef D’Quippe, this was just wonderful.

At the venue itself I was lucky

get back to us at the next stop. I was

enough to be involved in the first day’s

the instant trust my uniform generated.

been more exited about. My role was to

utterly taken aback and very proud at One evening on my way back

to the campsite where I was staying, a transit van pulled over and the

gentleman driver got out and walked to me and said “I just wanted to say

thank you for all you and your teams

are doing”. I replied, “thank you,” and he looked me square in the eyes and

medal ceremony, which I could not have protect and escort the flag for the medal ceremony. I stood just 10 feet away from the flag for the whole ceremony and

my 12 hour shift for the day and was

visiting a clothes shop browsing on my

way back to the campsite, and was in my uniform. The shop assistant came over

and asked me where I was working and if I was enjoying it, and, out of the blue,

said, “you must be shattered, let me get you a coffee!” Of course I felt obliged

a thank you letter from 10 Downing

Street and a regulation athletics baton,

engraved with “thank you to the Game

teams, clubs and events, I would

with certificates to keep as a reminder

in the future. Thank you to all the

Makers” and “made in the UK”, along of this amazing time. We also have

the opportunity to convert our Games

Maker training into an NVQ in customer

service. This is being provided to us free of charge!

It was a life changing experience,

and, although I already volunteer quite a lot of my free time to equestrian

certainly consider doing this again volunteers, spectators and competitors for your keen sense of support and the sense of community you gave to us all

while the Games were on. I believe we

helped to make the games and should all be very proud of our role in the

success of the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics.

of Cadbury – many thanks!) and a rest

area, 24 hours a day. Our team leaders

were great, being both supportive and knowledgeable. I was personally really pleased with the level of organisation at Greenwich Park and there was not a single occasion when I didn’t have

information, snacks or free time during the whole six days that I worked there.

I took the decision to camp for

that a small group of rugby clubs around

commitment and drive from some of

exclusive to the Games Makers, but also

refreshments, fruit, chocolate (courtesy

a genuine act of kindness, and probably I was absolutely blown away by the

course, our uniforms and pin badges

volunteers absolutely spot on. Our

the games as it would have been cost

surprised her as much as it did me.

supporting the Games. We have, of

The organising committee got

to buy something after that, so it may

have been a sales ploy, but I think it was

some unique mementoes of our time

was for our national gold medals.

shifts were clear, we had access to

On another occasion I had finished

Games Makers we were provided with

not gold. I cannot tell you how tearful I

proud.” What a compliment from an

territorial about ‘their’ London town.

has definitely been worth all of it. As

even though it was a silver for GB and

this venue and management of the

Eastender who are usually fiercely

for training, and the two year selection

found myself very emotional and tearful,

said, “I really mean it, you are all doing a great job and making us Londoners

Despite a minimum of four trips we

complete a dressage test using ‘living

junctions. I had people smile at me and talk to me, asking how my time was

the equivalent of a family holiday on

prohibitive to travel each day, and found London had sectioned off whole pitches for Games Makers. We were extended the full use of all of their shower and washing facilities, their own bar and

parking and we had 24 hour security

on site, all for the meager sum of £10 per night, which was a much more reasonable cost for me to bear. My

thanks have to go to the rugby clubs for supporting the volunteers, many

of whom would not have been able to

support the Games without this facility.

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25/10/2012 21:19

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what’s on | echo 26

Events

Your indispensable guide to what’s on in the coming months.

Art & Crafts Craft Event

Where: St Ives Library, 4 Library Row, Station Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BW When: 13 November 2012 , 14:0015:30 Price: Free Have fun making your own Xmas crackers! This is an Engage in the Afternoon event Over Art Group

Where: Over Town Hall , High Street, Over, Cambs When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 7pm – 9pm.

Available to: All enthusiasts of drawing or painting young or old, starters or experienced.

Price: £1.50/meeting We meet at the Town Hall Over on Friday evenings to draw and/ or paint. We do not teach formally but our group is diverse in skills, and discussion with fellow artists is a very good way to learn.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Collage Session

Where: St Ives Library, 4 Library Row, Station Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BW When: 01 November 2012 , 14:0015:30 Price: FREE but Tickets required Join mixed-media artist Marian Savill who will be making The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other creations by Eric Carle.

Cinema & Theatre Fairs, Festivals & Markets Cats Protection Christmas Fair

Where: Free Church , Market Hill, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5AL When: 01 December 2012 , 10am3pm Price: Free, donations welcome We will be holding our annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 1st December. This event is the most important one we hold, as the money we make has to last us until next April, when our fundraising calendar begins again.

Christmas Bazaar

Where: Warboys School, Humberdale Way, Warboys, Cambs, PE28 2RX When: 01 December 2012 , 14:0016:00 Price: £1 per adult, 50p per child Come along to the Warboys CP School (Humberdale Way) where Warboys Underfives are holding their annual Christmas Bazaar for an afternoon of fun, games and festivities. Come and meet Father Christmas and receive a gift,

bounce on the bouncy castle, play games, win prizes, have a go on our tombolas.

Dickensian Christmas Market

Where: St Ives When: 02 December 2012 , 11am6pm Price: Free This year we will be holding a stall at the Dickensian Christmas Market in St. Ives town centre. This will be the very last event on our fundraising calendar for 2012, and will be a wonderful opportunity for us to wish all our supporters a Merry Christmas.

The Saints Crafters Fair

Where: The Free Church United Reformed, The Free Church United Reformed, Market Hill, St. Ives, PE27 5AL When: 03 November 2012 , 9:3016:00 Price: Free The Saints Crafters are in town again for their November craft fair. We have many stalls on offer showing beautiful arts and crafts which include lovely cards, glass gifts, candles, pictures. You’ll also find pearl, crystal and semiprecious stones jewellery alongside fabulously painted porcelain.

The Saints Crafters Fair

Where: Free Church , Market Hill, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5AL When: 08 December 2012 , 09:3016:00 Price: Free The days are drawing in but the there is still much to see and enjoy at our next fair. Regulars and guests will have lots of new arts and crafts for you to enjoy. Such stalls to enjoy are artists, textiles, beading, cards, candles, stained glass, painted porcelain and much more.

St Ives Stamp Fair

Where: Parish Church Hall @ All Saints, Ramsey Road, St. Ives, PE27 5BZ When: 16 February 2013 , 10:0016:00 Price: Free Stamp Fair with Post cards and Cigarette Cards At Parish Church Hall Ramsey Road St Ives PE27 5BZ. 10am-4pm. Refreshments available

Faith & Religion Church Prayer Meeting

Where: The Bridge Church, 4, Bramley Road, St. Ives, PE27 3WS When: Ongoing regular activity.

Fourth week of the month. On Wednesday. 8:00pm.

Why not join us as we all meet together on the fourth Wednesday of each month for prayer and fellowship. We meet at the church office from 8:00 – 9:30pm. For further details call: 01480 498801

Coffee Service

Where: Haddenham Methodist Church, High Street, Haddenham, Ely, CB6 3XA When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 10.30am.

Our informal Coffee Service is held on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 10:30 am Men’s Morning Prayer Meeting

Where: The Bridge Church, 4, Bramley Road, St. Ives, PE27 3WS When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 06:30am.

The men of the church gather every Friday morning, 06:30am at the church office for prayer, fellowship and a time of sharing.

Sunday Service

Where: Haddenham Methodist Church, High Street, Haddenham, Ely, CB6 3XA When: Ongoing regular activity. On Sunday. 10.30am.

Our weekly Sunday Service is held at 10:30 am each Sunday Morning. All welcome.

Fun & Learning Essential Skills

Where: Growing Places Children’s Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 9:30-11:30.

Available to: Families with children under 5 Price: Free Would you like help with English or Maths? Try “Essential Skills”… If you have children under 5, and would like to improve your reading, writing or maths skills then why not try our free classes at Growing Places Children’s Centre.

Gardening Gardens of the National Trust

Where: St Ives Library, 4 Library Row, Station Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BW When: 11 December 2012 , 14:0015:30 Price: Free A talk by Veronica Bennett This is an Engage in the Afternoon event Over Gardening Club

Where: Over Conference & Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridge, Cambs, CB24 5NW When: Ongoing regular activity. Third week of the month. On Wednesday.

7.30pm.

Available to: Residents of Over and surrounding villages – all welcome Price: Annual membership is £10 per year or guests pay £2 per visit We have a wide range of speakers on gardening related topics with occasional plant sales by speakers.

There are occasional outings and visits to local open gardens. We also have occasional social evenings, friendly competitions and a stall at the Over Carnival.

Healthcare Baby Clinic

Where: St Ives Childrens Centre, Wheatfields Primary School, Nene Way, St. Ives, PE27 3WF When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 14:00-15:00.

While your baby is weighed a member of the Health Visiting team will be available to answer your questions and queries.

Child Health Clinic

Where: Growing Places Children’s Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity.

First, Third week of the month. On Tuesday. 9:00-11:00.

Price: Free Child Health Clinic Come along for baby weighing, advice from your Health Visiting Team, information about Children’s Centre services and more. A great place to meet other parents with young babies.

Fenstanton Baby Clinic

Where: Fenstanton Church Hall, Fen Road, Fenstanton, Cambs, PE28 9JT When: Ongoing regular activity.

Second week of the month. On Wednesday. 10:00-11:00.

Fenstanton Church Hall 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10am – 11am. Run by the St Ives Health Visiting Team.

Midwifery Clinic

Where: Sutton Childrens Centre, Sutton Childrens Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 9:10-12:00.

Price: Free Midwives are now holding fortnightly clinics here at the centre. Midwives are available for consultations on: Pre-conceptual care Ante-natal examination Post-natal advice Breastfeeding Appointments are available between 9.10am and 12.00noon and must be booked in advance.

Parkinson’s UK Exercise Class

Where: St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, St. Ives, PE27 5AG When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 11am-12noon.

Exercise classes.

Music, Drama & Dance Salsa Dance Classes

Where: Slepe Hall Hotel, Ramsey Road, St Ives, PE27 5RB When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 7.30pm.

Available to: All levels!

Price: Class & Social £6.00, Social Dancing after Class £3.00 Salsa dance classes take place every Monday night in the Brunel Suite: Advanced/Intermediate: 7.30pm8.25pm Beginners & improvers: 8.35pm -9.30pm Followed by Social dancing from 9.30 ‘til 11pm to the best of Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Rumba, Timba, Merengue, Bachata, Kizomba & Reggaeton.

Tea Dance

Where: Burleigh Hill Community Centre, The Rainbow Centre, Constable Road, St. Ives, PE27 3ER When: Ongoing regular activity. On Thursday. 14:00-16:00.

Available to: Anyone who wishes to dance, chat or just listen to music and have a nice refreshing cup of tea.

Price: £1.00 Burleigh Hill Dance Club is a friendly environment to come dancing, listen to music (some people even sing!), have a chat and a cup of tea & biscuits. We do mostly Modern Sequence with a few of the Classic sequences and a small amount of Ballroom and Latin.

Nature & Outdoor Conservation work party at Somersham Nature Reserve

Where: Somersham Nature Reserve,

Station Approach, Somersham, Huntingdon, PE28 3JD When: 18 November 2012 , 09:3013:00 Price: Free Access to Community Orchard – come and find out how to install a kissing gate in readiness to allow access into our new community orchard. Everyone welcome but please wear old clothes, suitable footwear and a pair of work gloves if people have them.

Falconry Experience day

Where: The Raptor Foundation, The Raptor Foundation, St. Ives Road, Woodhurst, Huntingdon, PE28 3BT When: Ongoing regular activity.

On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

10.30 am.

Price: £80.00 A one day course designed to give you an insight in to the needs, housing and care for a Brid of Prey.

Your day starts with falconry theory and being show how to pick up and handle a bird of prey. A guided tour of the centre with a bird on the fist. Flying various owls, hawks and eagles.

Parent & Child Baby Club

Where: Growing Places Children’s Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity.

Fifth, Fourth, Second week of the month. On Tuesday. 9:30-11:00.

Available to: Families with children under 12 months Price: Free Baby Club A fun session for all babies under 12 months. Make friends and meet other parents with young babies, while you explore and develop play through fun activities.

Share ideas and information and talk with our staff and guest speakers.

Baby Essentials

Where: Growing Places Children’s Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity. On Thursday. 10:00-12:00.

Price: Free A short course for new parents and babies. By invite through the Health Visiting Team. For further information please contact Linda Neaves, Health Visiting Team on 01353 652070 Baby Essentials

Where: St Ives Children’s Centre, Wheatfield Primary School, Nene Way, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WF When: Ongoing regular activity. On Tuesday. 13:00-15:00.

Available to: New mums, by invitation only – Have a word with your Health Visitor.

A group especially for new mums offering lots of guidance – have a chat with your Health Visitor if you would like to come along as this is by invitation only. baby notes music group

Where: Willingham Baptist Church Hall, George Street, Willingham, Cambridge, CB24 5LJ When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 2.30 & 3pm.

Price: £1 donation Baby notes is a music group for babies aged 0-18 months and their carers. If that’s you, you are very welcome to join us! The first session is designed for babies newborn

21

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echo 26 | what’s on to sitting, the second from sitting to walking. We sing songs, play instruments, use puppets and finish with a cup of tea.

Bumps & Babies

Where: Somersham Children’s Centre, Grounds of Somersham Primary School, Parkhall Road, Somersham, Huntingdon, PE28 3EU When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 1.30pm-3.00pm.

Available to: Mums and mumsto-be Price: Free Come and share baby experiences, and make new friends! No need to book in advance, just turn on the day!

Bumps & Babies

Where: Warboys Primary School Hall, Humberdale Way, Warboys, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 2RX When: Ongoing regular activity. On Tuesday. 1.30pm-2.45pm.

Available to: Mums and mums-to-be.

Price: Free Come and share baby experiences, and make new friends! Tuesday 1.30pm-2.45pm at Warboys Primary School Hall. No need to book in advance, just turn up on the day!

Childminder Toddler Group

Where: St Ives Children’s Centre, Wheatfield Primary School, Wheatfields, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WF When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 9.15 – 11.15am.

Pop in and meet other childminders in the area over a coffee while the children play. No need to book.

Childminding Group

Where: Somersham Children’s Centre, Grounds of Somersham Primary School, Parkhall Road, Somersham, Huntingdon, PE28 3EU When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 9.30am-11.30am.

Available to: Childminders, their children, and those they care for.

Price: Free Clap & Sing

Where: Somersham Children’s Centre, Grounds of Somersham Primary School, Parkhall Road, Somersham, Huntingdon, PE28 3EU When: Ongoing regular activity.

On Wednesday. 9.30am-10.30am & 10.30am-11.30am.

Price: Free Make music and sing with your child every week! Sing rhymes and songs to help your child with early counting, and improve their learning and listening skills. These sessions are run by Trisha WigginsBrowne, a qualified teacher of preschool music and movement.

Fenstanton Play & Learn

Where: Fenstanton Church Centre, School Lane, Fenstanton, Cambs, PE28 9JR When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 13:45-14:45.

Price: Free Mondays 1.45pm – 2.45pm Come along and join in activities provided by the Daisy Children’s Centre staff Sessions run: Every Monday at Fenstanton Church Centre Fenstanton Toddler Group

Where: Fenstanton Church Hall, Fen Road, Fenstanton, Cambs, PE28 9JT When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 10am – 11:30am .

Fenstanton Church Hall at 10am – 11:30am

Footsteps

Where: Growing Places Children’s Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 10:00-11:30.

Available to: Children aged 18 months and up Price: Free Weekly themed sessions aimed at helping you have fun with children aged 18 months and up. Ideas for keeping busy toddlers and young children entertained at home with suggestions about how to help them learn, develop and explore the world.

Let’s Play!

Where: Somersham Children’s Centre, Grounds of Somersham Primary School, Parkhall Road, Somersham, Huntingdon, PE28 3EU When: Ongoing regular activity. On Thursday. 10.00am-11.30am.

Price: Free A craft and song themed play session! A healthy snack is provided.

Does not need to be booked in advance, just drop in on the day!

M.A.T.C.H (Men And Their Children)

Where: Growing Places Children’s Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity. First week of the month. On Saturday.

10:00-11:30.

Available to: Dads/male carers and their children Price: Free “Match” is open to all men looking after children under 5 Our free monthly Saturday sessions offer an opportunity to meet other male carers and to enjoy a range of fun activities with your children. Please remember to dress for mess – adults too!

Messy Play

Where: Broad Leas Centre, Broad Leas, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5QB When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 10.00 – 11.00am.

Held term time only at the Broadleas Centre in St Ives, an opportunity for your little ones to get messy with art and craft activities. Booking not required.

One For All

Where: Broad Leas Centre, Broad Leas, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5QB When: Ongoing regular activity. On Tuesday. 09:30-11:00.

A fun session for all the family to get stuck into with ‘Clap and Sing’, stories, and time for free play. pinpoint Conference 2012

Where: St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, St. Ives, PE27 5AG When: 23 November 2012 , 09:3015:00 Price: Free for parents and carers Following a successful first conference in 2011, our 2012 conference will take place on Friday, 23 November in the St Ives Corn Exchange. The conference is open to mums, dads and others with parental responsibility (such as foster carers, adoptive parents and grandparents).

Rhyme Time!

Where: Cottenham Library, Margett Street, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8QY When: 06 November 2012 , 14:0014:30 Available to: Babies from birth to 18 months old

Price: Free For babies from birth to 18 months and it’s FREE!! Come along and join in the fun, sharing songs and rhymes. Parents/carers please to stay with the children. Rhyme Time is provided by a library volunteer supported by Cambridgeshire Libraries, Archives and Information Service.

Rhymetime

Where: St Ives Library, Station Road, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5BW When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 10:30-11:00 .

Available to: Pre-school children with a parent or carer Price: Free Join in with exciting action rhymes and find out what the library has to offer you and your child. Just turn up – no need to book.

Stay & Play

Where: Somersham Children’s Centre, Grounds of Somersham Primary School, Parkhall Road, Somersham, Huntingdon, PE28 3EU When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 10.00am-11.30am.

Available to: All parents and carers, with children 0 to 5 years old.

Price: free Have fun with your children! A variety of play activities are available each week! A healthy snack is provided. No need to book in advance, just drop in on the day!

Childminders only! Bring your children to play with a wide range of toys. Share experiences and knowledge. Kim Purdon (NCMA) will attend the group monthly. No need to book in advance, just turn up on the day!

Story and Song for under-5s

Where: Willingham Library, Church Street, Willingham, Cambridge, CB24 5HS When: 04 December 2012 , 14:00 Price: Free with Sharon Stevens. No ticket required, just turn up, but all children must be accompanied by a parent/ carer Storytime

Where: Warboys Library, High Street, Warboys, Cambs, PE28 2TA When: Ongoing regular activity. On Thursday. 10.30-11am.

Available to: Pre-school children with a parent or carer.

Price: FREE Warboys Library Thursday 10.3011am. Bring your child along to listen to some stories and join in with colouring fun. Find out what the library has to offer you and your child. Just turn up – no need to book.

Unity in the Community

Where: Hemingford Grey Primary School, St Ives Road, Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire, PE28 9DU When: 12 November 2012 to 23 November 2012 Price: Free A range of activities to engage parents and carers in learning activities for two weeks from 12th November. Times to be confirmed Young Parent Group

Where: St Ives Children’s Centre, Wheatfield Primary School, Wheatfields, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WF When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 12:30-13:45.

Come along and meet other young

parents in the area. An opportunity for your babies/children to play while you have a chat over coffee.

Phone Nicola on 07833 535676 for more information.

Social & Community Beacon Cafe

Where: Bluntisham Baptist Church, High Street, Bluntisham, Cambs, PE28 3LD When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 2pm – 4.30pm.

Come and have a chat with friends or just relax in a warm, welcoming and child friendly Café environment.

We serve a range of fresh, quality teas, filtered coffees, hot chocolate, soft drinks and a mouth watering selection of home made cakes and biscuits.

Engage in the Afternoon

Where: Willingham Library, Church Street, Willingham, Cambridge, CB24 5HS When: Ongoing regular activity. First week of the month. On Wednesday.

14:00-15:30.

Available to: Adults only Price: Free but donations towards refreshments Special sessions for adults on the first Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 3.30 pm. There are speakers, tea/coffee/biscuits and a chance to change books and use the computers. It’s free but donations are welcomed towards refreshments.

Sport & Fitness

Saturday. 8.30-11.30am.

Price: Free taster session * NEW FUN * TRAMPOLINE JUMP CLUB (Rebound Therapy) * Special Needs * Adults & Children * Particular Needs * Disabilities * Learning Difficulties * Mainstream Groovfit

Where: Earith Primary School, School Road, Earith, PE28 3QB When: Every Thursday 8pm-9pm Price: £5 a session Its all about the groove! Recent studies have shown that you get better results from exercising to music. This class is designed to get you moving and have fun, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. For more details contact Alex 07817 934 654.

Haddenham/Aldreth Pilates

Where: Arkenstall Village Centre, Station Road, Haddenham, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3XD When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday, Wednesday. Refer to details below.

Available to: Men and women Price: £4.40 To improve posture, flexibility, core strength and general wellbeing.

Suitable to all age groups both men and women. You will need a mat and bottle of water. Haddenham Monday – Mat/Dynaband 6.15pm – Mixed Ability – Arkenstall Centre Haddenham Monday – Mat/Ball/ Ring/Dynaband.

Haddenham Zumba

Where: Longstanton Recreation Ground, Over Road, Longstanton, Cambs, CB24 3DW When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday, Monday, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday. .

We have two senior teams playing in the Cambridgeshire Cricket Association leagues. The 1st XI is in the Senior League Division 3 and the 2nd XI is in the Junior League Division 4. New players always receive a warm welcome. Matches take place on Saturdays from early May to late August.

Where: Arkenstall Village Centre, Station Road, Haddenham, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3XD When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday at 19:15 and Wednesday at 20.00.

Available to: Men and Women, Teenagers from 16 years of age with parents consent.

Price: £4.40 Zumba for all – new dance fitness class designed to make exercise fun! Come along for a taster class.

Will need bottle of water and not too grippy trainers – visit www. lovepilates.co.uk/zumba for more details. Taster session £5. Different payment options available.

Cottenham Pilates

KICK Thai Boxing

Competitive cricket

Where: Cottenham Baptist Church, 156/158, High Street, Cottenham, Cambs, CB24 8RX When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 09:15.

Available to: Men and women Price: £4.40 To improve posture, flexibility, core strength and general well being.

Suitable to all age groups both men and women. You will need a mat and bottle of water.

Fitness Pilates ClasS

Where: Thorndown Junior School Hall, Hill Rise, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 6SE When: Ongoing regular activity.

On Monday. 6.30-7.30pm and 7.458.45pm.

Available to: Men and women welcome. All ages and abilties Fitness Pilates class for all ages and abilities in St Ives and St Neots area. Run by Clair Humphrey, an experienced and qualified instructor with over 10 years experience in the fitness industry. Friendly class which has been established for over 5 years.

Fun Jump Club Trampolining

Where: One Leisure Indoor, Westwood Road, St Ives, PE27 6WU When: Ongoing regular activity. On

Where: Broad Leas Centre, Broad Leas, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5QB When: 01 January 2012 , 17:30 – 19:00 to 31 March 2013 Available to: Years 9-13 The KICK Thai Boxing club is run in partnership with KICK and CCC youth workers. Staff include professional Thai-Boxing instructors.

The programme teaches Thai boxing skills and self-defence, emphasising personal fitness, health and wellbeing, self-discipline etc.

Multi-sports Earith

Where: Recreation Field, Bridge End, Earith, Huntingdon, PE28 3PT When: 12 September 2012 , 16:0017:00 to 18 December 2012 Price: Free Free structured coaching in a variety of sports led by qualified coaches.

Sports will be changed on a regular basis. Sessions may form links with local clubs and organisations.

Pilates Classes

Where: Slepe Hall Hotel, Ramsey Road, St Ives, St Ives, PE27 5RB When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 12.30pm and 1.35pm .

Pilates classes take place every Monday afternoon in the Brunel

22

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what’s on | echo 26 Suite starting at 12:30pm and also at 1:35pm. The classes are provided by AJM Pilates. There is no pre-booking and you pay at the door.

Pilates Matwork Class – Beginner Level

Where: The Glebe Hall, 4, High Street, Sutton, Ely, Cambs, CB6 2RB When: Ongoing regular activity. On Tuesday. 19:00-20:00.

Price: £6 per class Spiritus Turtle is located in Cambridgeshire offering a range of Pilates classes designed to restore, invigorate and elevate. Offering mat based Power Ring classes which are performed in a mixed group environment. They have been designed using the original Pilates principle.

Pilates Matwork – Intermediate Level

Where: Longstanton Village Institute, High Street, Longstanton, Cambridge, CB24 3BS When: Ongoing regular activity. On Thursday. 19:00-20:00.

Price: £6 per class Spiritus Turtle is located in Cambridgeshire offering a range of Pilates classes designed to restore, invigorate and elevate. Offering mat based Power ring classes which are performed in a mixed group environment.

Pilates Matwork Class – Mixed Ability Level Where: The Pavilion, Brooklands Centre, The Brook, Sutton, Cambs, CB6 2QQ When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 19:00-20:00.

Price: £6 per class Spiritus Turtle is located in Cambridgeshire offering a range of Pilates classes designed to restore, invigorate and elevate. Offering mat based Power Ring classes which are performed in a mixed group environment.

RightStart 3

One Leisure St Ives, Westwood Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE27 6WU When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 2pm – 3pm.

Price: £3.00 per session, per person A fun, social class with light to moderate exercise based around circuit stations to help improve flexibility, strength and fitness.

Suitable for people wanting to exercise for the first time, progressing from RightStart 2 or returning to exercise after a medical condition.

St Ives Beginners Tai Chi

Where: St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, St. Ives, PE27 5AG When: Ongoing regular activity. On Tuesday. 19.30-21.30.

Available to: All Price: £3 per session Suitable for all ages and ability No contact or competition Friendly Atmosphere Improves balance, flexibility, concentration and wellbeing Relaxed, gentle movements of stretching and turning Wear loose clothing and comfortable footwear.

Strength and Balance

Where: The Octagon Room, St Mary’s Church, Willingham, Cambs When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 14:00.

Price: £3 A combination of seated strength and standing balance exercises for older adults.

Strongman Fitness

Where: Cottenham Primary School Hall, Lambs Lane, Cottenham, Cambridge, Cambs, CB24 8TA When: 18:30 to 03 December 2012 Available to: All welcome – under 16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Price: Free Structured running program from zero to five kilometres.

Strongman Fitness

Where: Over Primary School, Long Furlong, Over, Cambridge, CB24 5PG When: 8:30 to 02 December 2012 Available to: All welcome – under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Price: Free Structured running programme for complete beginners. 8 weeks from zero to five kilometres.

WaterMelon Yoga – Earith

Where: Rector’s Hall, Colne Road, Earith, Huntingdon, PE28 3PX When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 10:00-11:30.

Available to: This class is suitable for beginners and intermediates, though more experienced yogis are also welcome.

Price: £6 per session Stretch gently into flexibility and breathe deeply into relaxation with yoga.

WaterMelon Yoga – Somersham

Where: Somersham Primary School Hall, Parkhall Road, Somersham, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 3EU When: Ongoing regular activity.

Available to: This class is suitable for beginners and intermediates, though more experienced yogis are also welcome.

Price: £6 per session Stretch gently into flexibility and breathe deeply into relaxation with yoga.

WaterMelon Yoga – St Ives

Where: Burleigh Hill Community Centre, Constable Road, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3ER When: Ongoing regular activity.

On Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00-11:30.

Available to: This class is suitable for beginners and intermediates, though more experienced yogis are also welcome.

Price: £6 per session Stretch gently into flexibility and breathe deeply into relaxation with yoga. I am a British Wheel of Yoga teacher.

Wilburton Beginners Tai Chi Where: St Peters Hall, 41, High Street, Wilburton, Cambs, CB6 3RB When: Ongoing regular activity. On Thursday. 19.00.

Available to: All Price: £3.00 Suitable for all ages and ability No contact or competition Friendly Atmosphere Improves balance, flexibility, concentration and wellbeing Relaxed, gentle movements of stretching and turning Wear loose clothing and comfortable footwear.

Support Groups Breast Feeding Support Group

Where: St Ives Clinic, Ramsey Road, St Ives, PE27 5RA When: Ongoing regular activity. On Tuesday. 11am-12noon.

At the St Ives Clinic on Ramsey Road.

Call 01480 357140 for more details.

Friendly Fishes

Where: St Ives Children’s Centre, Wheatfield Primary School, Wheatfields, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WF When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 9.30 to 11.30am.

A friendly term time only support group for families with any kind of additional need.

Hunts Mind

Where: St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, St. Ives, Cambs, PE27 5AG When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 11:00 – 12:00.

Available to: Mental Health Service Users Price: Free These sessions welcome all new Service Users to Hunts Mind; provide the information needed to access Hunts Mind facilities; signpost Service Users to the most appropriate agency for alternative issues and ensure that all Service Users are fully aware of the relevant policies and procedures.

Post Natal Depression

Where: St Ives Children’s Centre, Wheatfield Primary School, Nene Way, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WF When: Ongoing regular activity.

Please speak to your Health Vistor to be referred into this group that takes place twice a month here at the Childrens Centre to offer support and advice.

St Ives Acorn Cancer Support Group

Where: Broad Leas Court, Broad Leas, St. Ives, PE27 5XG When: Ongoing regular activity.

Third week of the month. On Wednesday. 11am-1pm.

Available to: Those who have cancer and their carers.

Price: Free The group aims to provide relief to persons suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses and support to their families and carers. St Ives is our registered office. Meetings are also held in Huntingdon and Ramsey but they cover the surrounding areas as well.

St Ives and Huntingdon Parkinson’s UK Support Group Where: Broad Leas Centre, Broad Leas, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5QB When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 2pm-4pm.

Informal meetings with general discussion and exchange of information concerning services available. Sometimes a guest speaker.

St Ives Dementia Information Point Where: St Ives Library, 4 Library Row, Station Road, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5BW When: Ongoing regular activity.

Fifth, Fourth week of the month. On Monday. 10.30am-12.30pm.

Available to: People living with dementia and their carers and families.

Your opportunity to call in to ask questions, receive information and/ or support.

St Ives Peer Support Group

Where: St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, St. Ives, PE27 5AG When: Ongoing regular activity.

First week of the month. On Thursday. 1pm-3pm.

This is a structured group where

carers can participate in a forum setting to develop coping strategies for living well with dementia and moving forward in a positive way, set within a safe confidential environment.

St Ives Recovery Star Peer Support Group

Where: St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, St. Ives, Cambs, PE27 5AG When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 12:00 – 14:00.

Available to: Mental Health Service Users Price: Free The Recovery Star Peer Support Group is a therapeutic group which aims to sustain a support network for those who undertake the Recovery Star process. The group also encourages group members to build on emotional resources and to achieve improvements in their mental health through peer support..

Talks & Workshops Author & Artist Visit

Where: Warboys Library, High Street, Warboys, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2TA When: 01 November 2012 , 19:00 Price: £2.50 or £1.50 if you are a member of the Friends of Warboys Library Local Author & Artist Noel K Fletcher will be at Warboys Library to talk about his thriller novels Kobra and Colossus.

Engage Computer Buddying

Where: St Ives Library, 4 Library Row, Station Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BW When: Ongoing regular activity. On Tuesday, Wednesday. .

Price: Free Computer Buddy sessions offering FREE basic help to beginners: Mouse Practice, Keyboard Skills, Word Processing, Emailing, Web searching, Ancestry.com (if available) By Appointment Only Carry on Cooking!

Where: Willingham Library, Church Street, Willingham, Cambridge, CB24 5HS When: 07 November 2012 , 14:0015:30 Price: Free Social event for the over-50s with speaker – Lisa Bulbeck from Age Concern. No ticket required, just turn up. It’s free but donations are requested towards refreshments. This is an Engage in the Afternoon event.

Cambridgeshire Older People’s Enterprise

Where: St Ives Free Church Community Centre, Market Hill, St. Ives, PE27 5AL When: Ongoing regular activity.

Second week of the month. On Friday. 10:30.

COPE members meet at St Ives Free Church on the 2nd Friday of the month at 10.30 a.m. to hear speakers. Refreshments served.

Employment and Training

Where: St Ives Children’s Centre, Wheatfield Primary School, Nene Way, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WF When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 13:00-15:00.

Advice and guidance in how to return to work, training and qualifications, cv writing and much more. Booking essential.

Oliver Cromwell

Where: St Ives Library, 4 Library Row, Station Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BW When: 15 January 2013 , 14:00-15:30 Price: Free A talk by John Goldsmith, Curator of the Cromwell Museum, Huntingdon Come and find out more about this ‘Local Hero’ An Engage in the Afternoon event

Youth Activities Fen Drayton Youth Bus

Where: Fen Drayton Football Field, High Street, Fen Drayton, Cambridge, CB24 4SJ When: 15 September 2011 , 7pm9pm to 30 March 2013 Price: Free Drop-in youth club on our converted double decker bus. FORTNIGHTLY see our website for dates.

The Originalz Youth Club

Where: Willingham Baptist Church Hall, George Street, Willingham, Cambridge, CB24 5LJ When: Ongoing regular activity. On Wednesday. 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Available to: all school ages Price: 50p Willingham Youth Club is a brand new club, open to all school ages, pool, table tennis, arts & crafts, tuck shop, smoothie making, karaoke, play station, film nights, sports etc.

Over – Youth Club

Where: Over Community Centre, 16, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NW When: Ongoing regular activity. On Thursday. 19:00 to 21:00.

Youth Club Somersham Junior Youth Club Where: Somersham Victory Hall , Park Hall Road, Somersham, Cambs, PE28 3HE When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 17:45 – 19:15.

Price: £1.50 Open access youth club for young people in Somersham and surrounding area. Age 9-11. Just turn up.

Somersham – Senior Youth Club

Where: Somersham Victory Hall , Park Hall Road, Somersham, Cambs, PE28 3HE When: Ongoing regular activity. On Monday. 19:30 – 21:30.

Price: £1.50 Open youth club for young people Year 8 +. A range of sports, arts, music and leisure activities. To apply just turn up Willingham Youth Bus

Where: The Ploughman Hall, West Fen Road, Willingham, Cambridge, CB24 5LP When: 27 April 2011 , 7pm-9pm to 30 March 2013 Price: Free Drop-in Youth Club on our converted double decker bus.

XTN Youth Group

Where: The Bridge Church, 4, Bramley Road, St. Ives, PE27 3WS When: Ongoing regular activity. On Friday. 7:00 pm.

‘XTN’ is the name given to The Bridge Church youth group but it’s not just a group for the youth of the church.

If your aged between 11-18 then this could be the group for you. Fridays from 7:00pm 01480 498801 for more details of each weeks activities.

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echo 26

StStMary’s Church Mary’s Church, Bluntisham Earith Bluntisham cum Earith St Mary’scum Church, Bluntisham cum Earith

Alpha Alpha What is the meaning of life?

What is the meaning of life?

If you would like to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and informal setting, this is the course for you.

Running for ten weeks, each evening begins with a meal.

We then watch a DVD and have a discussion about it afterwards.

If you would like to explore the Christian You are welcome to join us for Sunday worship. faith in a relaxed and informal setting, You are welcome to join us for Sunday worship.

The pattern of services is usually the same each month: 1st Sunday: 9.30 Holy Communion Ordereach 1 The pattern of services is usually the same month: this is the course for you.

2nd Sunday: 11.00 All Age Worship 1st Sunday: 9.30 Holy Communion Order 1 6.30 Holy Communion 1662 BCP Running for ten weeks, 2nd Sunday: Age WorshipOrder 1 3rd Sunday:11.00 11.00All Holy Communion VENUE: THE RECTORY, 6.30 Holyalternative Communion or other service1662 BCP each evening with a meal.

ROAD, BLUNTISHAM RECTORYbegins 4th Sunday:11.00 9.30 Holy Morning Worship 3rd Sunday: Communion Order 1 5th Sunday or Joint worship with St service Helen’s Colne other alternative We then watch a DVD and have a discusand St John’s Holywell cum Needingworth For further information: please contact 4th Sunday: 9.30 Morning Worship Priest-in-Charge: Revdabout Sheila Anthony on 01487 740456 sion it afterwards.

Revd. Sheila tel.01487 740456Colne 5th Sunday Joint Anthony, worship with St Helen’s and St John’s Holywell cum Needingworth

Priest-in-Charge: Revd. Sheila Anthony, tel.01487 740456

VENUE: THE RECTORY, RECTORY ROAD, BLUNTISHAM

For further information: please contact Revd Sheila Anthony on 01487 740456

Earith Baby & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9.15am – 11.15am Birth to 4 years Tea, Coffee & chat for deserving parents!

If you would like to find out more please contact Sam 840126 or Michelle on 843407 or email earithbabyandtoddler@yahoo.co.uk (or just come along)

At the Rector’s Hall, Colne Road (next to the old School House)

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bus timetables | echo 26

21/22

St Ives - Earith - Somersham - Ramsey Whippet Coaches

The information on this timetable is expected to be valid until at least 14th November 2012. Where we know of variations, before or after this date, then we show these at the top of each affected column in the table.

Direction of stops: where shown (eg: W-bound) this is the compass direction towards which the bus is pointing when it stops Service Service Restrictions Notes

St Ives, Bus Station (Bay 2) § St Ives, opp St John’s Road § St Ives, opp Langley Close § St Ives, opp Copperbeech Close § St Ives, opp The Pound § St Ives, nr Chestnut Road St Ives, nr Elm Drive § St Ives, opp Albemarle Road § St Ives, o/s 193 Ramsey Road § St Ives, opp Rainbow Centre St Ives, opp Waveney Road § St Ives, opp Post Box § St Ives, opp Burrel Road § St Ives, nr East Street § St Ives, opp Little Farthing Close § St Ives, Needingworth Road Hail & Ride (N-bound) § St Ives, nr Russet Close § Woodhurst, Somersham Road Hail & Ride (N-bound) § Woodhurst, nr The Raptor Foundation § Somersham, nr King Street Needingworth, opp Church Street Holywell-cum-Needingworth, nr Back Lane Needingworth, opp Bramley Avenue § Needingworth, nr Townsend Road § Needingworth, opp 3 Bluntisham Road § Bluntisham, opp Rectory Road Bluntisham, o/s 26a High Street § Bluntisham, opp St Mary’s Road § Bluntisham, opp St Mary’s Close § Earith, opp Marina Earith, nr Chapel Lane § Earith, opp Adelaide Walk § Earith, opp 1 Parrens Road Earith, nr School Road § Earith, o/s 146 Greenfields § Colne, opp Dunholt Way Colne, opp East Street § Colne, opp Earith Road § Somersham, nr Colne Road § Somersham, opp Feoffees Road Somersham, opp Parkhall Road § Somersham, opp Coronation Avenue § Somersham, nr Loftsteads Somersham, nr Ibbott Crescent § Earith, opp 146 Greenfields Earith, opp School Road § Earith, o/s 1 Parrens Road § Earith, nr Adelaide Walk Earith, opp Chapel Lane § Somersham, nr Springfield § Somersham, nr Windsor Gardens § Somersham, opp Feoffees Road Somersham, opp Parkhall Road § Pidley cum Fenton, nr Crossroads Pidley cum Fenton, opp Warboys Road Woodhurst, o/s The Chapel Old Hurst, nr Lancaster Close Pidley cum Fenton, opp Fen Road § Fenton End, Fenton Road Hail & Ride (N-bound) § Warboys, nr Madecroft Warboys, o/s 48 High Street § Warboys, nr Church Road § Warboys, opp 12 Ramsey Road § Warboys, o/s 12 Ramsey Road § Warboys, opp Humberdale Way § Ramsey End, nr Jubilee Avenue § Bury, Ramsey Road Hail & Ride (W-bound) § Bury, Shillow Hill Hail & Ride (N-bound) § Bury, Warboys Road Hail & Ride (N-bound) § Bury, opp Hill Estate § Bury, nr Owls End Bury, High Street (W-bound) § Ramsey, nr Biggin Lane Hail & Ride § Ramsey, opp Fairfield Drive Ramsey, opp Charles Close § Ramsey, nr Westfield Road Ramsey, opp New Road

Mondays to Fridays 22

21

22

21

22

21 NMo

21 Mo

0915 1015 1115 1215 1315 1415 1415

21 1 SchO

0915 1015 1115 1215 1315 1415 1415 0916 1116 1315 0916 1116 1315 0916 1116 1316 0919 1119 1318 0922 1122 1023

1223

1023 1023 1027 1028 1028 1029

1223 1223 1227 1228 1228 1229

1031 1033 1034 1038 1039 1040 1041 1042 1043 1055 1056 1056 1057 1058

1231 1233 1234 1238 1239 1240 1241 1242 1243 1255 1256 1256 1257 1258

22

22

1630 1630 1631 1632 1632 1633 1634 1634 1635 1636 1637 1637 1637

1730 1730 1731 1732 1732 1733 1734 1734 1735 1736 1737 1737 1737

1638 1738 1640 1740 1643 1743

1423 1423 1424s 1425s 1424 1425 1425 1426 1426 1427 1428 1428 1428 1428 1429 1429 1431 1431 1433 1433 1434 1434 1434 1434 1435 1435 1435 1435 1438 1438 1440 1440 1441 1441 1444 1444 1444 1444 1445 1445 1445 1446s 1446s 1643 1743 1447s 1447s 1643 1743 1448 1448 1644 1744

1644 1644 1644 1645 1449 1649 1450 1650

1744 1744 1744 1745 1749 1750

1651 1653 1654 1655 1655

1751 1753 1754 1755 1755

1655 1656 1657 1658 1700 1701

1755 1756 1757 1758 1800 1801

0925

1125

0926 0928 0929 0930 0930

1126 1128 1129 1130 1130

1321 1325 1328 1330 1331 1332 1332

0930 0931 0932 0933 0935 0936

1130 1131 1132 1133 1135 1136

1332 1333 1334 1335 1337 1338

0937

1137

1339

1452 1453 1454 1454 1455 1455 1455 1455 1456 1456 1456 1456 1457 1458 1458

0943 0944 0947

1143 1144 1147

1345 1346 1349

1500 1708 1808

1702 1802 1703 1803 1459 1705 1805

Service Restrictions: 1 - not 29.10.12 to 2.11.12, 2.1.13 to 7.1.

Mo - Operates only on Mondays NMo - Not Mondays Notes: SchO - Runs Mon-Fri when schools are open s - sets down only § - Time at this stop is indicative. You are advised to be at any stop several minutes before the times shown Cambridgeshire County Council15/10/2012 1000

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21/22

Ramsey - Somersham - Earith - St Ives Whippet Coaches

The information on this timetable is expected to be valid until at least 14th November 2012. Where we know of variations, before or after this date, then we show these at the top of each affected column in the table.

Direction of stops: where shown (eg: W-bound) this is the compass direction towards which the bus is pointing when it stops Service Service Restrictions Notes

Ramsey, opp New Road § Ramsey, nr Fairfield Drive § Ramsey, opp Biggin Lane Hail & Ride § Ramsey, opp Brands Close § Ramsey, opp Westfield Road Ramsey, nr Charles Close Bury, opp Owls End § Bury, nr Hill Estate § Bury, Warboys Road Hail & Ride (S-bound) § Bury, Shillow Hill Hail & Ride (S-bound) § Bury, Ramsey Road Hail & Ride (E-bound) § Ramsey End, opp Jubilee Avenue § Warboys, nr Humberdale Way § Warboys, opp Church Road Warboys, opp 44 High Street § Warboys, opp Madecroft § Fenton End, Fenton Road Hail & Ride (S-bound) Pidley cum Fenton, nr Fen Road Pidley cum Fenton, nr Warboys Road § Pidley cum Fenton, opp Crossroads Somersham, nr King Street Somersham, opp Parkhall Road § Somersham, opp Coronation Avenue § Somersham, nr Loftsteads Somersham, nr Ibbott Crescent § Somersham, nr Springfield § Somersham, nr Windsor Gardens § Somersham, opp Feoffees Road § Somersham, opp Parkhall Road § Woodhurst, opp The Raptor Foundation § Old Hurst, adj Church Street Hail & Ride Old Hurst, opp Lancaster Close Woodhurst, opp The Chapel § Woodhurst, Somersham Road Hail & Ride (S-bound) § St Ives, nr Burrel Road § St Ives, nr Post Box St Ives, nr Waveney Road § St Ives, o/s Rainbow Centre § St Ives, opp 193 Ramsey Road § St Ives, nr Albemarle Road St Ives, opp Elm Drive § St Ives, opp Chestnut Road § St Ives, nr The Pound § St Ives, nr Copperbeech Close § St Ives, nr Langley Close § St Ives, nr St John’s Road § St Ives, nr East Street § Somersham, opp Colne Road § Colne, nr Earith Road Colne, nr East Street § Colne, nr Dunholt Way § Earith, opp 146 Greenfields Earith, opp School Road § Earith, o/s 1 Parrens Road § Earith, nr Adelaide Walk Earith, opp Chapel Lane § Earith, nr Marina § Bluntisham, nr St Mary’s Close § Bluntisham, nr St Mary’s Road Bluntisham, o/s 23 High Street § Bluntisham, nr Rectory Road § Needingworth, o/s 3 Bluntisham Road § Needingworth, opp Townsend Road Holywell-cum-Needingworth, nr Back Lane Needingworth, opp Bramley Avenue Needingworth, nr Church Street § St Ives, opp Russet Close § St Ives, nr Little Farthing Close St Ives, Bus Station (Bay 2)

Mondays to Fridays 22

21 21 22 2 3 SchO SchO 0705 0850 0850 1000 0706 0850 0850 0707 0708 0851 0851 1002 1004 0709 0852 0852 1010 0709 0852 0852 1010 0710 0854 0854 1011 0712 0855 0855 1013 0714 0857 0857 1014 0715 0858 0858 1015 0716 0859 0859 1016 0716 0900 0900 1016 0717 0900 0900 1017 0717 0900 0900 1017 0718 0901 0901 1018 0721 0904 0904 1021 0722 0905 0905 0723 0905 0905 0732 0910 0910 0733 0911 0911 0734 0912 0912 0735 0913 0913 0735 0913 0913 0735 0913 0913 0735 0735 0738 1026 1027 1031 0739 1034 0740 0740 0741 0741 0743 0744 0745 0745 0746 0746 0747 0748 0749 0914 0914 0918 0918 0920 0920 0921 0921 0925 0925 0926 0926 0926 0926 0927 0927 0928 0928 0929 0929 0931 0931 0932 0932 0933 0933 0933 0934 0934 0941 0935 0942 0936 0941 0943 0943 1038 1038 0750 0953 0953 1040

21

22

22

1205

1405

1207 1209 1215 1215 1216 1218 1219 1220 1221 1221 1222 1222 1223 1226 1227

1407 1409 1415 1415 1416 1418 1419 1420 1421 1421 1422 1422 1423 1426 1427

1040 1041 1042 1043 1043 1043

1044 1048 1050 1051 1055 1056 1056 1057 1058 1059 1101 1102 1103 1103 1107 1107

21

1240 1241 1242 1243 1243 1243

21 4 SchC

22 1710

1712 1714 1720 1720 1721 1723 1724 1725 1726 1726 1727 1727 1728 1731 1732 1445 1446 1447 1448 1448 1448

1230

1430

1735

1233

1433

1738

1244 1248 1250 1251 1255 1256 1256 1257 1258 1259 1301 1302 1303 1303 1307 1307

1449 1453 1455 1456 1500 1501 1501 1502 1503 1504 1506 1507 1508 1508 1512 1512

1108

1308 1513 1238 1438 1743 1238 1438 1743 1118 1240 1318 1440 1523 1745

Service Restrictions: 2 - Operates only on Mondays, not 29.10.12, 7.1.13 3 - Not Mondays, not 30.10.12 to 2.11.12, 2.1.13 to 4.1.

4 - only 29.10.12 to 2.11.12, 2.1.13 to 7.1.

Notes: SchC - Runs when schools are closed SchO - Runs Mon-Fri when schools are open § - Time at this stop is indicative. You are advised to be at any stop several minutes before the times shown

Cambridgeshire County Council15/10/2012 1000

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reference | echo 26

Useful Numbers

echo earith

Addenbrookes Hospital...................................................01223 245151

ISSUE 26 November 2012

Age Concern ..........................................................................0808 806 0060

Alcoholics Anonymous...................................................0845 769 7555

Animal Welfare Cruelty Line ........................................0870 555 5999 DEFRA Helpline........................................................................0845 933 557

If you are reading this magazine, then so are your future customers.

Why not take advantage of the cheap advertising rates on offer?

Emergency Gas........................................................................0800 111 999

Emergency Power ..............................................................0800 783 8838 Emergency Water ................................................................01223 403000

Environment Agency Flood Line .............................0845 988 1188

Hinchingbrooke Hospital ...............................................01480 416416

inside:

Parish Council news • village news • Women’s Institue • St Mary’s churchyard RSPB update • guide dog update • Ballards of Spain • Paralympics • what’s on

01 Cover.indd 1

National Debt line...............................................................0808 808 4000

Advertisements Rates

National Rail Enquiries .....................................................0845 748 4950

Police HQ ...................................................................................01223 358966

Full Page Half Page Quarter Page

Street Lighting Faults ..........................................................0800 253 529

We can also offer a loose leaflet drop for as little as £65.00 each quarter.

Church Wardens

For more information or to book space please contact Penny Smith. Email: pennysmith_747@hotmail.co.uk

National Drugs Helpline ....................................................0800 776 600

NHS Direct..........................................................................................0845 4647 Samaritans ...............................................................................0845 790 9090 Women’s Refuge .................................................................0800 735 6836

St Helen’s, Colne .............................................01487 840223 / 840118

St John The Baptist, Woodhurst ..........01487 824476 / 822417

Quarterly £50.00 £40.00 £30.00

25/10/2012 13:16

Annually (4 inserts) £170.00 £130.00 £100.00

Next Issue: November Copy Deadline: 15th October

St Mary’s, Bluntisham...................................01487 841951 / 841928

Church Street Health Centre Appointments and Enquiries. Telephone: 08444 778979 CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCY: 08444 778979 SOMERSHAM BLUNTfSHAM 6a Church Street The Village Hall PE28 3EG Mill Lane, PE28 3LR Reception Opening Hours Monday

EARITH The Apple Tree Surgery Chapel Road, PE28 3PU

8.30-13.00

14.00-18.00/18.30-20.00

Tuesday

8.30-13.00

14.00-18.00

9.15-10.45

11.30-12.30

Wednesday

8.30-13.00

Closed

9.15-10.45

9.15-10.45

11.30-12.30

11.30-12.30

Thursday

8.30-13.00

14.00-18.00

9.15-12.00

Closed

Friday

8.30-13.00

14.00-18.00 Appointment Times

9.15-10.45

11.30-12.30

Monday

8.30-11.50

14.00-17.20/18.30-19.40

Closed

Closed

Tuesday

8.30-11.50

14.00-17.15

9.15-10.35

11.30-12.30

Wednesday

8.30-11.50

Closed

Closed

Closed

Thursday

8.30-11.50

14.00-17.20

9.15-11.50 (Nurse only)

Closed

Friday

8.30-11.50

14.00-17.20

9.15-10.35

11.30-12.30

DISPENSARY TIMES AT SOMERSHAM MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY – 09.00-13.00 & 14.00-18.00 WEDNESDAY – 09.00-13.00

NHS Dental Surgeon Telephone 01487 843023

Situated at the edge of the cricket field in the pretty village of Bluntisham, just 5 miles from St Ives, our village hall offers the perfect setting – whatever the occasion.

• Conferences • Parties • Wedding Receptions • Evening Classes • Training Days • Quiz Nights • Sports Events • Village Activities An ideal venue for Business or that Special Event Catering facilities ~ Car parking ~ Competitive rates For more information please contact: Aimmi-lu Moules - Events Co-ordinator 07786 023293/01487 840347 Or email: - aimmilu@yahoo.co.uk Find us on: - www.hallshire.com or follow us on Facebook

Reception open Monday 8.45am to13.30pm and 14.00pm to 17.00pm Thursday 8.45am to13.30pm and 14.00pm to 17.00pm Surgery open Monday 9.00am to13.30pm and 14.00pm to 16.30pm Thursday 9.00am to13.30pm and 14.00pm to 16.30pm

Mr. Pankaj Mehta lds. rcs. (Eng) 1975 27

27 Reference.indd 27

25/10/2012 21:28

8a Harding Way, St.Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 3WR

8a Harding Way, St.Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 3WR

23/07/2012 20:55

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