you will already know if you’re on the Great Paxton Community group on Facebook, I have volunteered as Editor of the Paxton Post this edition. This means that in future, you can send your articles for inclusion to me at woodbeez48@gmail.com.
this is a village magazine, it relies on your contributions, and I would like to thank everyone who has sent something in for this I hope you enjoy reading all the interesting articles we have time. You can also read the magazine online via the Community on the Parish Council website at https://greatpaxton-pc.gov.uk/. you’d like to contribute to the next issue, please note the deadline below. We now have a new advertising policy for local businesses as well. Please contact me if you’re interested in this.
Deadline Dates for Upcoming Issues
Paxton Post is published 6 times a year. Cut off dates are now 15th of the month prior to publication. Please see the table below these dates. It is the responsibility of contributors to ensure articles are submitted to the Editor by these dates. Thank you.
Edition Copy deadline
– June 15 April
August
15 June
September – October 15 August
November – December 15 October
January – February 15 December
March-April 15 February
Post is published by Easiprint Ltd in association with Great Paxton Parish Council and is funded Council. Whilst every effort is made to ensure information in this publication is accurate, neither editor, the printer or the Parish Council can be held responsible for any errors. The views expressed publication may not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, the publisher or the Parish Council.
Bell – Your family, dog-friendly, village local Happy New Year to all our customers, old and new. Silly season has finished, although it feels as if it is continuing! We are super with events and just in general. Our marquee has taken a few bookings over the year as well as the pub. We are also putting a number of our own events on and themed nights.
There are two events this year that will be TICKET ONLY and will be advertised to regulars and then will be advertised outside of should there remain availability for these events. This will be advertised in due course via Facebook and our website.
pub is so well supported and remains the main hub of the village! We have 3 petanque teams, a crib team, two darts teams on Thursday, a ladies’ team on Tuesday, and two football teams on a Saturday. These guys really keep us going in the week and are essential to pub life.
is coming to an end but is always looking for new players. So please contact me if you wish to play.
Darts team on a Thursday is newly formed and I am sure would welcome some players as not everyone can commit every week.
Petanque, to resume in April on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are also the lookout for new players.
ways to meet people and get out and about! Just contact me if ’re interested.
We’re also now offering coffee and a sausage roll to eat in or takeaway for £5.00.
terms of booking, here at The Bell it goes without saying that booking in advance remains advisable as we do get so busy and also I like turning people away but have done so in the past! Please call through to make sure we have space and are doing food (often other events means we change our serving times).
Follow my Facebook page or my website for regular updates or just me a call! I’m always happy to chat!
support as we come into our 5 years of being at The Bell has incredible and remains so.
cebook: The Bell, Great Paxton
Website: http://www.mybellpub.com/ 01480 700107 or 07701038433
march on into the semi-finals of the Hunts FA Youth Cup and all home games on the Recreation Ground at 10am mostly on Saturday mornings.
Booze and Brushes
meet once a month in The for some step-by-step painting over a glass of wine. It’s lovely atmosphere and everyone leaves with their very work of art. So far, we’ve painted a winter scene and a waterfall.
Please come out and cheer them along.
paint in acrylics and experiment with different applications, direction and texture. No artistic skills are required to create these pieces, just a willingness to come along and have a go.
Sessions are £10 which includes all materials and your canvas to take home. If you would like to join us, please message me on 07903 571774 or email sarahpeters266@gmail.com.
nearly hit (again) last week due to a car doing this heading towards London Lane. It’s a problem everywhere of course, so please do as much as you can to park away from bends and junctions the safety of others, even if this means not parking directly outside your house.
Name and address supplied. *
husbandPhil&IhavelivedinGreatPaxtonfor andweloveithere.Unfortunately,Phil diagnosedwith ATAXIA in2018,which degenerativeneurologicalcondition. mobility,speech&finemotor isachallengingconditionthat eshapedourfamily,andhowwe inmanyways.
conditionisveryrareandnot understoodorevenknown tohelpraiseawareness,ourtwo daughtersarerunningtheLondonLandmarks MarathononSunday2ndApril2023.
havesetupa‘justgiving’pageandareraising fortheAtaxiaUKcharity.
that Ataxia UK doisinstrumentalin awareness,offeringsupportandfunding tofindacure.
can you do to help?
Please support our girls if you can. Thank you – Jackie & Phil
Anyoneofanyagecan getataxia.
Itisaveryrarecondition. Estimatesfromrecent studiessaythatthereare around10,000adultsand around500childrenin theUKwithataxia.
Ifyouwishtoknowmore aboutAtaxiagoto www.ataxia.org.uk. Wearekeentoraise awarenessofthiscruel debilitatingcondition andraiseasmuchmoney aswecantohelpwith fundingvaluableresearch towardsonedayfinding acure.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/felicity-beth
What is Ataxia?
CONCERNS AROUND THE AMOUNT OF DOG FOULING
fouling in the village, around the track, down the rec ground, on people’s gardens, on pavements, is becoming disgusting!! Children are falling in it, people are treading in it, dogs are eating it and rolling in it.
There are plenty of complaints on the village Facebook page about and this is to reiterate again to those not online who are potentially part of this or who choose to ignore the complaints, that are consequences to your behaviour. If people are witnessed this they will be named and shamed and reported. Villagers are urged to check their CCTV and name and shame if it’s seen on the streets or gardens.
There is the possibility that the Recreation Ground Committee will ban walking there (why should the colts and FC teams have to clean it
We will risk losing the right to walk the track that the Lentons so kindly allowed us to use. This is essentially their land. Why should they allow it to be used by people that cannot respect the rules regulations around fouling?
you pick it up at home?
Would you allow your dog to foul in your house and just leave it? you like the thought of your dog rolling around and eating it? you clean up after yourself when you go to the toilet?
people of Great Paxton are generally good people… so why are so many dog owners not taking responsibility for their dogs and mess? Why not just do the right and decent thing and pick it up? can’t, why have you got a dog?? Come on, let’s make these areas again and safe for children to play and adults to walk. Your dog, responsibility.
Martinthose involved in the Millenniumfest worked tirelessly to bring a festival to the village that has never been seen before. It was hard after Covid, but that didn’t stop them.
the FC and the Rec Ground are extremely grateful for this money.
Michael Fairs and Alex Beadle can both be seen in the photos on the previous page collecting the cheques from some of those from the festival committee – Diane James, Graham James, Jacqueline Wieczorek and Andrew Wieczorek.
We’re interested in talking to you! Have you ever fancied running a football team?
Paxton Colts are looking to add another team to the 3 we have, currently playing in the Hunts Youth League. We can help you attain your CRC check, child welfare and first aid training, along with level 1 coaching badge.
fancy setting up a kids’ team, any age, mixed or female, come have a chat or message me.
Millenium Festival 2022
We’re also short of players for our U15 side and have a couple of spaces spare to the end of the season (school year 10).
behalf of Great Paxton FC and Gt Paxton Recreation Ground we to thank all those involved in the Millennium Festival for their work in raising money and being able to donate to groups/clubs the village.
colin.bower@ntlworld.com 07786 625397
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the Rec and the FC received £200 each and this will be put towards their respective projects and will go a long way to helping
how this share has benefitted their groups and the community. We will store these with all other Millenniumfest items in the village archives.
Diane James – Millenniumfest
Project
ManagerGreat Paxton Allotments and Sensory Garden was the year we started the allotments. (We’re behind the Recreation Ground Pavilion, for those who are not aware). During past years, particularly during the pandemic time, it's been proven to have kept all our plotters active, enable us to grow our organic produce and enjoy social time together.
changing weather has always been a challenge. However, as go by and we become more experienced, we’re able to overcome some obstacles. The moles, voles and shrews, cute as they seem to have moved in on a large scale. The rabbits, however, happy to stay on the football pitch. Thankfully, we have rabbit fencing, but it’s quite disappointing when we go to collect our produce and find it chewed down to ground level. The most affected plotters have taken to using humane traps and removing them to a home in Paxton Pits. I have to admit, it doesn't seem to have much difference, I'm sure they keep finding their way back.
’re a vegetable gardener, I’m sure you’ll agree, there’s nothing better in the summer season, than picking your own pesticide free produce early in the morning and particularly towards the evening as sun begins to set, as it does over the recreation ground.
the moment our plots are fully occupied, we do have a waiting list things do change, therefore, if anyone would like to join it please contact Gillian our secretary (see contact list).
Following on from the development of the allotments, with lunteers, we created a village sensory garden. This garden is constantly evolving. It struggled during the very hot summer last however, with the help of grants, we will be able to replace of the shrubs and flowers that have been lost.
following extremely successful fundraising. Most of this was done safely during the two lockdown years by making and selling around 1400 jars of preserves and also the sales of amazing picnics for people to enjoy whilst restricted. So, the photographs opposite are:
year the Brownies planted over 100 bluebells, which will be a to see this spring.
picture 1 - cheque for £500 being presented to the allotments group for new systems
are always looking for help from people who love weeding! any donations of plants or shrubs, particularly smelly ones, would be gratefully received. Again, please contact Gillian.
picture 2 - cheque for £200 to Great Paxton football team for help with kits
picture 3 - cheque for £500 to Great Paxton Village
Community Shop for new fridge and other fittings
picture 4 - cheque for £200 to Recreation Ground to decorate the pavilion for the team and clubs to use.
picture 5 - cheque for £500 to Great Paxton Guides group
picture 6 - cheque for £740 to Holy Trinity Minster
picture 7 - cheque for £250 to Great Paxton History Society
finally, we’d like to say a HUGE thank you, to the organisers of Millenniumfest Project, who, last summer, gave our village and visitors a wonderful festival to enjoy and be a part of. With their dedication and commitment, they were able to raise an incredible amount of funds and have generously shared some of this with us. re truly grateful for their generosity; they should be proud of they achieved and we as a village should be more than proud to that we are living amongst such kind and caring people. Thank again from Great Paxton Allotments & Community Garden.
Here's to another fruitful season this year. Keep on growing. Gaynor Christie, Chairperson
Representatives of the Millenniumfest Project group have been pleased to distribute amounts of money to different non-profit
pc.gov.uk who will report it on your behalf.
– next meeting: Monday 20th March 2023 at the new earlier of 7.30pm. Please join us.
Petanque
Games involving throwing stones or balls to hit or land close to a smaller ball or target have been played competitively for thousands years, including in Ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman times. Petanque can probably therefore lay claim to being one of our oldest sports.
modern version was invented in France around 1910 when a Frenchman was finding it difficult, because of apparently advanced rheumatism, to play the existing game involving heavy balls over a distance. He therefore proposed an alternative version using smaller, lighter balls over a shorter pitch, or piste. He also stipulated the balls should be thrown from a standing position from within small circle – previously players had released the balls after a few of a short run up. Hence the name Petanque which is a contraction of two French words – pieds tanques – meaning that the are thrown with the feet close together and on the ground.
Petanque is played in many parts of the world and is the second most popular game in France. It is also a popular pub game in this country, we are fortunate that here in Great Paxton we have 2 local leagues in which we can participate. The Huntingdonshire League organises matches between participating pub teams with matches played Tuesday evenings during the season – from about the end of to late August or September. The St Neots League arranges matches for Wednesday evenings.
Bell Petanque club has two teams playing on Tuesdays, and one Wednesday evenings. Matches are played against teams from pubs and The Bell has generally done quite well in the leagues well as in the other tournaments and competitions which the leagues organise. The club also has a small social programme with an annual BBQ and dinner, both held at The Bell.
on planning, the Parish Council has formally objected to three planning applications for various developments at 51 London 9 Church Lane and 25 Brookside. They await the outcome.
this has sparked your interest, why not come along to The Bell Tuesday or Wednesday evening during the summer – the pub confirm if there is a home match – and see if you would like to a go? Alternatively get in touch with the contact listed for Petanque elsewhere in this magazine.
Disappointed at the thin content of the December edition of the ‘Paxton Post’, the Parish Council has also welcomed the subsequent appointment of a new Editor, Julie Stock. As a Great Paxton resident, will have her ear to the ground for articles and content and will pleased to hear from anyone who wishes to contribute. Contact details are contained elsewhere in the ‘Post’.
Paxton Reading Group
Paxton Reading Group is a small group who meet up once a month; we are part of the St Neots Library Reading Groups.
Please make a note in your diary – MONDAY 15th MAY at 7PM for Annual Parish Meeting! For some time now, Councillors have talked about the benefits to Great Paxton of a Community Led or Village Plan. This would enable the Parish Council to be proactive and structured with its decisions and budget rather than reactive or sporadic when problems or opportunities occur. To inform future decisions and forward planning, Councillors agreed to use the Annual Parish Meeting to discuss ideas with residents and to form an Action for the future. All are welcome. The Parish Council look forward hearing your thoughts??
Our last book was ‘Dark Tides’ by Philippa Gregory. This is the second book in a trilogy. I do not, as a rule, pick up historical novels but the previous book – ‘Tidelands’ I chose as it sounded different. Well, that book and this one I could not put down. ‘Dark Tides’ is set in the 1600s and the plot moves between London, Venice and New England – and keeps the reader interested with historical references, characters and a plot that you would want to read more about. I will have see whether we can pick the next book – ‘Dawnlands’ from the Library.
are interested in joining, please get in contact.
Amanda Niven 07733261374
REPORT FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Council was pleased to welcome back to its meetings District Councillor Richard West who had been unable to attend for a for health reasons. Richard was able to tell us all about the District Council’s decision to review its Local Development Plan and implications this might have for Great Paxton. As this review is about to start, Richard encouraged the Parish Council, who will be consulted, to consider what its approach might be towards future
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Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Update
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides have made a great start to 2023. We welcomed new girls to all three units and are looking forward to celebrating 'World Thinking Day' on Saturday 25th February with all Girlguiding units from across St Neots. World Thinking Day has celebrated since 1926 and is a day of international friendship. It opportunity to speak out on issues that affect young women fundraise for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 150 countries. The theme for World Thinking Day 2023 is 'Our World, Our Peaceful Future'. I’m sure you’ll agree this is a very important theme what the world is facing today, particularly in places like Ukraine.
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Rainbows: The Rainbows have started a challenge badge all about 'Superheroes' in the community as well as within ourselves. Activities from finding out about other Rainbow units around the world, helping the environment and the community around us. We played bingo, lots of fun games and created our own superhero masks.
Main:
08:30 –
Briefing on the day’s events
09:15 – First T-off – 9-holes Pairs Comp
11:30-12:30 – Rolling Lunch of Bacon, Egg & Chips
Brownies: This term Brownies have started working on their 'skills for future' badge which is all about using practical skills. So far we opened our own 'supermarkets' working out how much each that we want to sell costs and how to safely use a hammer and screwdriver by creating potato heads out of nails and screws.
12:45 – First T-off – 18-holes Singles Comp (Stableford)
Back to The Bell in Great Paxton for Dinner, Prize Giving and much banter – Dinner will commence at 20:00 – please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements and we will try and accommodate them.
celebrated 'Burns Night,' welcoming an honorary Scottish Grandma Owl to the unit for the evening. The girls had lots fun creating their own Scottish banners and poems.
Dinner will be a choice of:
Starters: of the day with Rustic Roll & Butter or
Crispy Chilli Beef Salad with Mixed Leaves or Prawn Cocktail
Sweet & Sour Chicken with Steamed Rice or Sausage, Mash, Veg & Gravy
Sweet:
Cheese & Biscuits & Chutney or Caramelised Apple Cheesecake, Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream or
Cream
where you live. We are a very friendly society, and we meet twice a Spring & Autumn; you will be made to feel most welcome.
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next Woodsooners Meeting will be held at Elton Furze Golf Club, Peterborough on Friday 5th May 2023. The format will be as follows:
Guides: Guides have also been working on their 'skills for my future' badge so far this term. One activity saw them creating a menu with a budget of just £5 per person with a few complications thrown in for measure and a very funny game to test their 'gut instinct.' It take on 'what's the time Mr Wolf' but in the dark, with various obstacles to hide behind. The girls found their inner spy and took this seriously. Lots of fun and laughter was had.
guides were set with a more serious task at the start of term; to choose a charity to support and raise money for throughout this We tasked the girls to go away and think about the charity they would like to put forward. They blew the leaders away with the amount of time and effort they took deciding on a charity. We spent good proportion of one of our meetings having very grown-up discussions and debating until we finally narrowed the choice down support two very worthy charities:
Bliss - Bliss is a UK-based charity for infants. Bliss supports the families of babies in neonatal care and works with health professionals to provide training and improve care for babies.
Brain Tumour Research - Brain Tumour Research is a UK-based medical research charity dedicated to funding research and raising awareness of brain tumours. The charity's vision is to find cure for brain tumours of all kinds.
charities are close to our girls' hearts, and I am sure you will join wishing them all the very best in raising money for these welldeserved charities. Watch this space for fundraising efforts.
would like your daughter to join Rainbows, Brownies or Guides please use the link below to register your daughter.
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/registerdaughter/
comfortable moments to reflect. As part of this project, we plan to a total of 40 such cushions but given Covid restrictions, unavailability of stock and illness of a key player, we are on hold at moment whilst our main designer is in treatment. She shares that looking forward to having the health and strength to resume design as soon as she can. We are happy to give her this time.
Monthly challenge at the meeting: each month we try to think of simple tasks we can do or at least start in our 2 hours. Mostly, a member who has experience will take the lead and share knowledge that we can all learn new skills. Some of you may not wish to lead, at least we have a go! So far this includes, wax art, lace making,
Friday 31st March – doors open 6pm, eyes down at 6.30pm
£2.50 per person for 4 games prizes will be chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!
Crafty Belles
You can purchase your tickets from the PTA every day after school in the playground from Monday 13th March or email greatppta@outlook.com for online tickets
anyone new to the village or established villagers, our group on the 4th Monday of each month at The Bell on the High Street at 7.30pm for a couple of hours. You’re all welcome to come join us for a mixture of crafts and enjoyable chat.
Ongoing projects update: We have been responsible for stitching the beautiful pew cushions that you will now find in Church if you are
Community Shop Needs You!
would like to ensure that people in the village are aware of the precarious position that the shop is in. There are a lot of people who value the shop and one thing our shop can offer that supermarkets can't is genuine personal service to our customers.
are some quotes from some of our regular volunteers:
two years ago I and my husband (both long retired) moved to Paxton. My daughter had arranged for us to pick up a daily paper from the shop, so we quickly began to meet the shop staff. Everyone made us feel so welcome to the village and within a month become a volunteer to help at the shop. The best thing I could done. I quickly felt part of village life and have made many friends. Full training was given, and I can work whatever hours suit No obligation whatsoever. May I suggest that if you are new to village or feeling a little lonely just have a walk to the shop and a talk. Who knows what the outcome might be?’
Janice Harbyweeding the garden a few weeks after moving to the village in 2021 when I got chatting to Sarah, who mentioned the shop was looking for volunteers and helping was a great way to get to know people and support the community at the same time. I signed up and been enjoying my little Saturday shift ever since! I’ve met lots of people and I also have a weekly treat… a Bakewell slice from the yummy cake and pastry selection which I highly recommend!!!! I full time and I didn’t think it was worth volunteering for such a limited amount of time, but of course every little helps!!’
Rosemary Maceydidn’t know anyone when we moved here in March 2021, and were still in a kind of lockdown then. So as soon as the shop opened back up, I decided to volunteer. I got to know Michelle and straight away and soon came to know others, some of whom also my neighbours, or members of other local groups I’ve joined. been a great way of meeting new people and making friends.’
There may be times when the church is storing quite a lot of builders’ aterials, but we don’t anticipate any problems still using the church. Works should be finished by July 2023. Our contractors will brothers Martin and Steve Strickland who have carried out many projects for us over the years.
Julie Stock*
Contact details:
Vicar: Canon Annette Reed
01480 211048
canonannettereed@gmail.com
Churchwardens:
Mr Bob Hacking
1 Mint Lane, Great Paxton
01480 219846
the years that I have been volunteering it has been great to get to many people in the village. Seeing the regulars, speaking to about their days, health, the weather, or whatever, is a privilege and often very entertaining. Whilst we cannot compete with supermarkets on price or range, we can certainly offer a much higher standard of service to our customers, and I know that this is something that people really appreciate. A smile, warm welcome and friendly face is so important to many of our customers. For some people the person working in the shop is the only one they speak to day, so I am passionate about a visit to the shop bringing a little sunshine and warmth to all of our customers.’
Carol Wyldeare very grateful for the donation from the Milleniumfest Committee.
are still short of funds to carry out all of the redecoration of the church following plaster repairs in 2021 and any further donations be most appreciated. Our new QR code is very easy to use if you a phone and bank card!
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Great Paxton History Society
Website: https://greatpaxtonhistory.weebly.com/
where the funds and permissions are in place to refurbish the south with a new stone floor and relocate the organ to the north aisle. old pews will be remodelled into two pews which will run along of the walls. The damp toilet wall plaster will be removed, and walls left to dry out whilst a new French drain is introduced at the end of the building. The vestry downpipes and gutters are being replaced. These works are partly funded by Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust (£3,000) and The National Churches Trust (£2142) and
Please do visit our website. Have a look at what has been collected. If anyone has some more pictures of people and places in Great Paxton would be pleased to see them. In particular the mid to late 20th century (1940s to 1999). School photos, sports events, all is of interest, especially if there’s names of people.
us: greatpaxtonhs@yahoo.com
Facebook: Great Paxton Remembers
visit Great Paxton 1000: https://greatpaxton1000.co.uk associated website which contains lots more resources.
2018, when we started thinking about the centenary of the end the First World War, to the construction and dedication of the Lancaster Memorial, the instalment of the Philip Cardell Blue Plaque Manor Farm, and finally the successful delivery of the delayed Millenniumfest in July 2022, the History Society has been busy.
all the excitement of the last four years it’s time to think about we want our history society to evolve. At the moment since the pandemic, we have social meetings once a month in The Bell, and whilst these are good evenings full of conversation, it has been suggested that we return to having some more formal meetings with topic, open as always to anyone to join with us. What are your thoughts - please let me know.
of the topics suggested so far are: speaker from Paxton Pits, covering perhaps the history as well as the wildlife.
The Annual Meeting of the Parochial Church Council
Sunday 12th March at 12.00 noon following the 11.00am service short meeting to review the past year and receive the end of year accounts. It’s a good opportunity to thank the PCC for all their hard over the year looking after the church building and churchyard, offering regular worship and a special space for occasional offices such as weddings, funerals and baptisms. *
Sunday March 19th 11.00am
A Service for Mothering Sunday
We’d love to welcome villagers and friends of all ages to enjoy this special day. With a floral gift for all the ladies!
big open meeting on our ‘Great Paxton Witch’, Annie Izzard for which we would need to make a small charge as it is hoped we can hire The Bell marquee. perhaps someone from the Cromwell Museum would tell us about what life might have been like in the village during the Civil War, with Oliver Cromwell being (nearly) a local. pdate on research into the Towgood family. he curator or a volunteer from St Neots Museum, or the Norris Museum, on some interesting local topic. aybe an archaeological speaker from the excavations happening around us - Must Farm, the A428 works, or the Wintringham extension to St Neots, maybe the East-West Rail if it gets going.
o you have any ideas Something you would like to know more about? Or that you could share with us? Whilst it need not Great Paxton History, it could be something to (as above with the Civil War).
e are in talks with society who wish to visit our historic Saxon church in the summer - are there places we could visit? Where would you like to go? Bushmead Priory, Longthorpe Tower, Denny Abbey?
try to meet once a month at The Bell, on the second Monday at 7.30pm. Our next meeting will be at The Bell on Monday, March April meeting will be Monday 17th as it is Easter Monday Bank Holiday on the 10th.
Holy Trinity Church Great Paxton
March 2023
A more detailed version is available online at www.greatpaxton-pc.gov.uk -
Contact method
girlguidinggreatpaxton@gmail.com
gilliansmith462@btinternet.com
07704 857636
01480 394727
01480 211048
01480 219846 / Andrea.goodyer@clinicallyconected.com
01480 472132
chair@greatpaxtoncommunityshop.co.uk
diane.james42@outlook.com
Contact
Michelle Oakley
Gillian Smith
Andy Ottley
Mary Parnham
Organisations, Clubs and activities
Rainbows/Brownies/Guides
Allotments and community garden
no longer active
Canon Annette Reed
Bob Hacking / Andrea Goodyer
Julie Edwards
Andy Wylde
Diane James
Cub Scouts
Church Bell ringers
ChurchHoly Trinity Minster
Churchwardens
Community Roomat school
Community shop
Crafty Belles Craft Group
07790 857729
07715 460818
07540 491068
07719 545429
Jacqueline.wieczorek@gmail.com
football@greatpaxtonfc.co.uk
mobilelibraries@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/7322305/great-paxton
07928 461032
clerk@greatpaxton-pc.gov.uk
07561 320538
greatppta@outlook.com
Michael.fairs@gmail.com
01480 472132
Graham HoltonMens/Sally RitsonLadies
Chris Horne
Mitch Wilson
Danny Love-Fulton
Angie Best
Jacqueline Wieczorek
Jamie Stenton
Cambridgeshire CCTowgood Way
Post Officein The Bell car park
Tony Elliott
Christine Brandon(Clerk)
Simon Black
Michelle Oakley
Michael Fairs
Julie Edwards
Not currently open
Darts
ContactRachael Martin700107 Crib Team
Exercise group
Football Clubadults
Friendship Club
History Society
Footballcolts
Mobile Libraryevery 3rd Monday3:10 -3:45
Mobile Post Office Vanevery Tuesday 2-4
OBAS (fishing)
Parish Council
Petanque
PTA
Recreation Ground
Great Paxton Primary School
Pre-school
girlguidinggreatpaxton@gmail.comgilliansmith462@btinternet.com
Andrea.goodyer@clinicallyconected.com chair@greatpaxtoncommunityshop.co.uk
diane.james42@outlook.comMartin
Jacqueline.wieczorek@gmail.comfootball@greatpaxtonfc.co.ukmobilelibraries@cambridgeshire.gov.ukwww.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/7322305/great-paxtonclerk@greatpaxton-pc.gov.ukgreatppta@outlook.comMichael.fairs@gmail.com
Walking in Cambridgeshire to get walking again!
Spring on its way, we start to think about getting out to walk in beautiful English countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks?
Walking in Cambridgeshire
https://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/cambridge download and print, free, it also has books of w walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in place.
Harris (who maintains the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the Cambridgeshire (part of the Walking in England website) has brought together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.
walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk enjoy. home or away, check out the websites and get walking!
Harris
www.walkinginengland.co.uk
john@walkinginengland.co.uk
April meeting will be Monday 17th as it is Easter Monday Bank Holiday on the 10th.
Holy Trinity Church Great Paxton
The Annual Meeting of the Parochial Church Council
Sunday 12th March at 12.00 noon following the 11.00am service short meeting to review the past year and receive the end of year accounts. It’s a good opportunity to thank the PCC for all their hard over the year looking after the church building and churchyard, offering regular worship and a special space for occasional offices such as weddings, funerals and baptisms. *
Sunday March 19th 11.00am
A Service for Mothering Sunday
We’d love to welcome villagers and friends of all ages to enjoy this special day. With a floral gift for all the ladies!
visit Great Paxton 1000: https://greatpaxton1000.co.uk associated website which contains lots more resources.
THE VICAR’S CURIOUS QUIZ NIGHT Number 15
Friday April 21st, 2023, at 7.30pm in the School Hall
2018, when we started thinking about the centenary of the end the First World War, to the construction and dedication of the Lancaster Memorial, the instalment of the Philip Cardell Blue Plaque Manor Farm, and finally the successful delivery of the delayed Millenniumfest in July 2022, the History Society has been busy.
£3.00 per head and bring your own food and drink. Come as a group or come and make up a team. If you could email Graham to you are coming that would be very helpful. This year’s special theme in the mystery round: seaside towns.
In aid of Holy Trinity Church Great Paxton grahambevan@gmail.com
Results of the January Great Paxton Church 100 Club draw. Number 99 Matt Austen
Number 56 Caroline Thompson
Number 141 Veronica Lee
all the excitement of the last four years it’s time to think about we want our history society to evolve. At the moment since the pandemic, we have social meetings once a month in The Bell, and whilst these are good evenings full of conversation, it has been suggested that we return to having some more formal meetings with topic, open as always to anyone to join with us. What are your thoughts - please let me know.
of the topics suggested so far are: speaker from Paxton Pits, covering perhaps the history as well as the wildlife.
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Great Paxton History Society
Website: https://greatpaxtonhistory.weebly.com/
Please do visit our website. Have a look at what has been collected. If anyone has some more pictures of people and places in Great Paxton would be pleased to see them. In particular the mid to late 20th century (1940s to 1999). School photos, sports events, all is of interest, especially if there’s names of people. 29
are very grateful for the donation from the Milleniumfest Committee.
are still short of funds to carry out all of the redecoration of the church following plaster repairs in 2021 and any further donations be most appreciated. Our new QR code is very easy to use if you a phone and bank card!
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There may be times when the church is storing quite a lot of builders’ aterials, but we don’t anticipate any problems still using the church. Works should be finished by July 2023. Our contractors will brothers Martin and Steve Strickland who have carried out many projects for us over the years. *
Contact details:
Vicar: Canon Annette Reed 01480 211048
canonannettereed@gmail.com
Churchwardens:
Mr Bob Hacking
1 Mint Lane, Great Paxton 01480 219846
7a Church Lane, Great Paxton andrea.goodyer@clinicallyconnected.com
Paxton. My daughter had arranged for us to pick up a daily paper from the shop, so we quickly began to meet the shop staff. Everyone made us feel so welcome to the village and within a month become a volunteer to help at the shop. The best thing I could done. I quickly felt part of village life and have made many friends. Full training was given, and I can work whatever hours suit No obligation whatsoever. May I suggest that if you are new to village or feeling a little lonely just have a walk to the shop and a talk. Who knows what the outcome might be?’
Tower Captain: Mrs Mary Parnham
01480 394727
Janice HarbymaryP2707@hotmail.com
Church Treasurer: Mrs Jacqueline Jackson
jnmunro@btinternet.com
Please do contact Annette with any enquiries about weddings, baptisms, and funerals. We can be very flexible with days and times for these special services.
weeding the garden a few weeks after moving to the village in 2021 when I got chatting to Sarah, who mentioned the shop was looking for volunteers and helping was a great way to get to know people and support the community at the same time. I signed up and been enjoying my little Saturday shift ever since! I’ve met lots of people and I also have a weekly treat… a Bakewell slice from the yummy cake and pastry selection which I highly recommend!!!! I full time and I didn’t think it was worth volunteering for such a limited amount of time, but of course every little helps!!’
Rosemary MaceyRegular services at Great Paxton Church
1st Sunday in the month: 9.00am Prayer Book Communion
2nd Sunday in the month: 11.00 All Age Worship.
3rd Sunday of the month: 11.00am Holy Communion
4th Sunday of the month: 11.00am Morning Prayer.
For news from all of our four churches in the Paxtons benefice, please go to our website:
www.thepaxtonsbenefice.org or Benefice Facebook page
@ThePaxtonsBenefice
Community Shop Needs You! would like to ensure that people in the village are aware of the precarious position that the shop is in. There are a lot of people who value the shop and one thing our shop can offer that supermarkets can't is genuine personal service to our customers.
are some quotes from some of our regular volunteers:
Crafty Belles
You can purchase your tickets from the PTA every day after school in the playground from Monday 13th March or email greatppta@outlook.com for online tickets
anyone new to the village or established villagers, our group on the 4th Monday of each month at The Bell on the High Street at 7.30pm for a couple of hours. You’re all welcome to come join us for a mixture of crafts and enjoyable chat.
Ongoing projects update: We have been responsible for stitching the beautiful pew cushions that you will now find in Church if you are there for a service, family celebration or just a few quiet comfortable moments to reflect. As part of this project, we plan to a total of 40 such cushions but given Covid restrictions, unavailability of stock and illness of a key player, we are on hold at moment whilst our main designer is in treatment. She shares that looking forward to having the health and strength to resume design as soon as she can. We are happy to give her this time.
Monthly challenge at the meeting: each month we try to think of simple tasks we can do or at least start in our 2 hours. Mostly, a member who has experience will take the lead and share knowledge that we can all learn new skills. Some of you may not wish to lead, at least we have a go! So far this includes, wax art, lace making,
choose a charity to support and raise money for throughout this
We tasked the girls to go away and think about the charity they would like to put forward. They blew the leaders away with the amount of time and effort they took deciding on a charity. We spent good proportion of one of our meetings having very grown-up discussions and debating until we finally narrowed the choice down support two very worthy charities: Bliss - Bliss is a UK-based charity for infants. Bliss supports the families of babies in neonatal care and works with health professionals to provide training and improve care for babies. Brain Tumour Research - Brain Tumour Research is a UK-based medical research charity dedicated to funding research and raising awareness of brain tumours. The charity's vision is to find cure for brain tumours of all kinds.
Christmas tree boxes, fabric no-sew acorns, crochet, small flower arrangements, ribbon embroidery, string art and much more.
Village bunting project also ran a project to make bunting for all the village to enjoy and borrow for their own events. I currently am the custodian of that so please contact me if you wish to book it out. Here is some info about you can still add to it if you if you wish.
charities are close to our girls' hearts, and I am sure you will join wishing them all the very best in raising money for these welldeserved charities. Watch this space for fundraising efforts.
produce at least one personally decorated pennant per household before being added by craft group onto the tape. Different fabrics can be used such as: fabric (plain and/or patterned), felted, etc.
would like your daughter to join Rainbows, Brownies or Guides please use the link below to register your daughter.
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/registerdaughter/
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you need for bunting making: your own needles and cotton wo triangles of fabric for the pendants of bunting ny embellishments you wish to use on your personal/family pennant such as felt shapes, sequins etc.
Please contact me for a suitable template.
Diane James, The Crafty Belles, diane.james42@outlook.comGuides: Guides have also been working on their 'skills for my future' badge so far this term. One activity saw them creating a menu with a budget of just £5 per person with a few complications thrown in for measure and a very funny game to test their 'gut instinct.' It take on 'what's the time Mr Wolf' but in the dark, with various obstacles to hide behind. The girls found their inner spy and took this seriously. Lots of fun and laughter was had.
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where you live. We are a very friendly society, and we meet twice a Spring & Autumn; you will be made to feel most welcome.
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next Woodsooners Meeting will be held at Elton Furze Golf Club, Peterborough on Friday 5th May 2023. The format will be as follows:
08:15 – Bacon Roll & Coffee on arrival
08:30 – Briefing on the day’s events
09:15 – First T-off – 9-holes Pairs Comp
11:30-12:30 – Rolling Lunch of Bacon, Egg & Chips
12:45 – First T-off – 18-holes Singles Comp (Stableford)
Back to The Bell in Great Paxton for Dinner, Prize Giving and much banter – Dinner will commence at 20:00 – please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements and we will try and accommodate them.
Dinner will be a choice of:
Starters: of the day with Rustic Roll & Butter or Crispy Chilli Beef Salad with Mixed Leaves or Prawn Cocktail
Main:
Sweet & Sour Chicken with Steamed Rice or Sausage, Mash, Veg & Gravy
Sweet:
Cheese & Biscuits & Chutney or Caramelised Apple Cheesecake, Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream or Cream
Peaceful Future'. I m sure you ll agree this is a very important theme what the world is facing today, particularly in places like Ukraine.
for the day will be £75 which covers everything, including all the above plus Prizes and Engraving.
When confirming your attendance, please also confirm your meal choices from the list above.
Rainbows: The Rainbows have started a challenge badge all about 'Superheroes' in the community as well as within ourselves. Activities from finding out about other Rainbow units around the world, helping the environment and the community around us. We played bingo, lots of fun games and created our own superhero masks.
confirm your attendance, please contact Scott Boswell via email scott@tikitour.net or on 07900 216300 or me via the details below.
will be sending out information, together with payment details very Any questions or comments, please contact me or Scott and we will get back to you.
Finally, for now, Scott and I have organised the Woodsooners Days the past two years and th May will be our so if anyone is interested in taking over from us, please let me via the contact details below.
Trevor SmithTrevorsmith1009@outlook.com
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Update
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides have made a great start to 2023. We welcomed new girls to all three units and are looking forward to celebrating 'World Thinking Day' on Saturday 25th February with all Girlguiding units from across St Neots. World Thinking Day has celebrated since 1926 and is a day of international friendship. It opportunity to speak out on issues that affect young women fundraise for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 150
are interested in joining, please get in contact.
Amanda Niven 07733261374REPORT FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Council was pleased to welcome back to its meetings District Councillor Richard West who had been unable to attend for a for health reasons. Richard was able to tell us all about the District Council’s decision to review its Local Development Plan and implications this might have for Great Paxton. As this review is about to start, Richard encouraged the Parish Council, who will be consulted, to consider what its approach might be towards future development.
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on planning, the Parish Council has formally objected to three planning applications for various developments at 51 London 9 Church Lane and 25 Brookside. They await the outcome.
Disappointed at the thin content of the December edition of the ‘Paxton Post’, the Parish Council has also welcomed the subsequent appointment of a new Editor, Julie Stock. As a Great Paxton resident, will have her ear to the ground for articles and content and will pleased to hear from anyone who wishes to contribute. Contact details are contained elsewhere in the ‘Post’.
Please make a note in your diary –
MONDAY 15th MAY at 7PM for Annual Parish Meeting! For some time now, Councillors have talked about the benefits to Great Paxton of a Community Led or Village Plan. This would enable the Parish Council to be proactive and structured with its decisions and budget rather than reactive or sporadic when problems or opportunities occur. To inform future decisions and forward planning, Councillors agreed to use the Annual Parish Meeting to discuss ideas with residents and to form an Action for the future. All are welcome. The Parish Council look forward hearing your thoughts??
rheumatism, to play the existing game involving heavy balls over a distance. He therefore proposed an alternative version using smaller, lighter balls over a shorter pitch, or piste. He also stipulated the balls should be thrown from a standing position from within small circle – previously players had released the balls after a few of a short run up. Hence the name Petanque which is a contraction of two French words – pieds tanques – meaning that the are thrown with the feet close together and on the ground.
quick soundbites –
An application for funding towards an additional MVAS (mph) post, reflective hazard markers and footpath repairs on the High Street has been submitted to the County Council. The Parish Council expect an outcome in June. On the same theme, you might have noticed all the work undertaken to widen, clean up and improve the condition of the footpath beyond Church Lane towards The Offords. Thank you to Councillor Chris Hall for his part in organising this project and to those residents who volunteered to help him.
Petanque is played in many parts of the world and is the second most popular game in France. It is also a popular pub game in this country, we are fortunate that here in Great Paxton we have 2 local leagues in which we can participate. The Huntingdonshire League organises matches between participating pub teams with matches played Tuesday evenings during the season – from about the end of to late August or September. The St Neots League arranges matches for Wednesday evenings.
Street lighting on the High Street remains a problem. Councillors have identified seven units which should be prioritised for replacement and will decide at the March meeting whether this project should go ahead.
Two new trees! To replace one storm damaged last year on Mount Pleasant and the other planted on Saxon Green to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee.
Bell Petanque club has two teams playing on Tuesdays, and one Wednesday evenings. Matches are played against teams from pubs and The Bell has generally done quite well in the leagues well as in the other tournaments and competitions which the leagues organise. The club also has a small social programme with an annual BBQ and dinner, both held at The Bell.
Potholes! County Councillor Ferguson acknowledged that this is the worst time of year for potholes and told us that the County Council is working hard to get round to those that have been identified. Please continue to report any that you consider to be a problem, whatever their size or depth using the following link Cambridgeshire County Council - ReportIt https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/) or by contacting a Parish Councillor or the clerk@greatpaxtonpc.gov.uk who will report it on your behalf.
– next meeting: Monday 20th March 2023 at the new earlier of 7.30pm. Please join us.
Petanque
Games involving throwing stones or balls to hit or land close to a smaller ball or target have been played competitively for thousands years, including in Ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman times. Petanque can probably therefore lay claim to being one of our oldest sports.
Representatives of the Millenniumfest Project group have been pleased to distribute amounts of money to different non-profit making charities, village groups and societies in Great Paxton following extremely successful fundraising. Most of this was done safely during the two lockdown years by making and selling around 1400 jars of preserves and also the sales of amazing picnics for people to enjoy whilst restricted. So, the photographs opposite are:
picture 1 - cheque for £500 being presented to the allotments group for new systems
picture 2 - cheque for £200 to Great Paxton football team for help with kits
picture 3 - cheque for £500 to Great Paxton Village
Community Shop for new fridge and other fittings
picture 4 - cheque for £200 to Recreation Ground to decorate the pavilion for the team and clubs to use.
picture 5 - cheque for £500 to Great Paxton Guides group
picture 6 - cheque for £740 to Holy Trinity Minster
picture 7 - cheque for £250 to Great Paxton History Society
overcome some obstacles. The moles, voles and shrews, cute as they seem to have moved in on a large scale. The rabbits, however, happy to stay on the football pitch. Thankfully, we have rabbit fencing, but it’s quite disappointing when we go to collect our produce and find it chewed down to ground level. The most affected plotters have taken to using humane traps and removing them to a home in Paxton Pits. I have to admit, it doesn't seem to have much difference, I'm sure they keep finding their way back.
’re a vegetable gardener, I’m sure you’ll agree, there’s nothing better in the summer season, than picking your own pesticide free produce early in the morning and particularly towards the evening as sun begins to set, as it does over the recreation ground.
the moment our plots are fully occupied, we do have a waiting list things do change, therefore, if anyone would like to join it please contact Gillian our secretary (see contact list).
Following on from the development of the allotments, with lunteers, we created a village sensory garden. This garden is constantly evolving. It struggled during the very hot summer last however, with the help of grants, we will be able to replace of the shrubs and flowers that have been lost.
We hope in time that all of these groups will share with us some information and photographs as to how this share has benefitted their groups and the community. We will store these with all other Millenniumfest items in the village archives.
Diane James – Millenniumfest Project Manager
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Great Paxton Allotments and Sensory Garden was the year we started the allotments. (We’re behind the Recreation Ground Pavilion, for those who are not aware). During past years, particularly during the pandemic time, it's been proven to have kept all our plotters active, enable us to grow our organic produce and enjoy social time together.
changing weather has always been a challenge. However, as ’
fancy setting up a kids’ team, any age, mixed or female, come have a chat or message me.
Millenium Festival 2022
We’re also short of players for our U15 side and have a couple of spaces spare to the end of the season (school year 10).
behalf of Great Paxton FC and Gt Paxton Recreation Ground we to thank all those involved in the Millennium Festival for their work in raising money and being able to donate to groups/clubs the village.
colin.bower@ntlworld.com 07786 625397
the Rec and the FC received £200 each and this will be put towards their respective projects and will go a long way to helping both.
those involved in the Millenniumfest worked tirelessly to bring a festival to the village that has never been seen before. It was hard after Covid, but that didn’t stop them.
the FC and the Rec Ground are extremely grateful for this money.
Michael Fairs and Alex Beadle can both be seen in the photos on the previous page collecting the cheques from some of those from the festival committee – Diane James, Graham James, Jacqueline Wieczorek and Andrew Wieczorek.
this they will be named and shamed and reported. Villagers are urged to check their CCTV and name and shame if it’s seen on the streets or gardens.
There is the possibility that the Recreation Ground Committee will ban walking there (why should the colts and FC teams have to clean it We will risk losing the right to walk the track that the Lentons so kindly allowed us to use. This is essentially their land. Why should they allow it to be used by people that cannot respect the rules regulations around fouling?
you pick it up at home?
Would you allow your dog to foul in your house and just leave it? you like the thought of your dog rolling around and eating it? you clean up after yourself when you go to the toilet?
