Paxton Post Edition 30 - May - June 22

Issue 30

Paxton Post

May - June 2022

THE MAGAZINE FOR GREAT PAXTON

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This is your magazine, and it needs your contributions.

All contributions to the next issue of the magazine are gratefully received.

We cannot guarantee to include every article, and we reserve the right to carry some over to a later edition.

Contributions should be sent to Simon using the details below: Email: simon@easiprintandcopy.co.uk Telephone: 01733 602302 Post: Easiprint Ltd, 39 Benedict Square, Werrington Industry, Peterborough, PE4 6GD

Issue

Months Covered

Deadline Date - 5pm

31

July - August

19th June 2022

32

September - October

21st August 2022

33

November - December

23rd October 2022

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January - February 2023

16th December 2022

35

March - April 2023

20th February 2023

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May - June 2023

21st April 2023

Paxton Post is published by Easiprint Ltd in association with Great Paxton Parish Council and is funded by the Parish Council. Whilst every effort is made to ensure information in this publication is accurate, neither the Editor nor the Parish Council can be held responsible for any errors. The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the Parish Council.

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Please do contact Annette with any enquiries about weddings, baptisms, and funerals. These “occasional offices” can take place without any restrictions on numbers and face coverings are no longer mandatory inside the church.

But of course, anyone is very welcome to wear one to feel safe.

Vicar: Canon Annette Reed 01480 211048 canonannettereed@gmail.com Churchwardens: Mr Bob Hacking 1 Mint Lane, Great Paxton 01480 219846

Mrs Sarah Gray, 12 Church Lane, Great Paxton 01480 214015

Tower Captain Mrs Mary Parnham 01480 394727 MaryP2707@hotmail.com Church Treasurer: Mrs Jacqueline Jackson jnmunro@btinternet.com

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LANCASTER MEMORIAL We are pleased to announce that the New Lancaster Memorial will be unveiled at 2pm on Saturday May 7 in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Minster, Great Paxton th

This is to commemorate the 7 airmen of a Lancaster bomber which crashed on the edge of our village on December 24th, 1944. It had just taken off from the former RAF Graveley.

The service will include short talks by Air Commodore Neil Connell. David Duker and Pete Stanley. Also in attendance will be Father Peter, formerly of this parish. An Air Cadet band will meet at the village green and march down just before the service and a bugler from Bedford Brass will play the Last Post.

There will be two poems read out, one written by a member of the crew and one by a pupil from the village school.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team will provide a Spitfire flypast at the end of the service. We will be joined by many family members of the crew. We have arranged for nearby All Saints church, Offord to be open from 9am where you can see a stained-glass window and a special corner of the church which has photos and memorabilia dedicated to RAF Graveley.

ALSO, from 12pm – 3:30pm Holy Trinity Minster Church will be open for: •

an exhibition of fragments from the plane

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photos and information about the crew, the plane and RAF Graveley, the nearby airstrip from which this Lancaster flew.

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2 flying jackets worn by crew of other Lancasters

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Author, Will Airedale will be there selling and signing his book on Pathfinders which was published last year

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David Duker will have a display about his Tally-Ho project, based in St Neots, which engages children in the virtues of the Battle of Britain pilots

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Poems written by village schoolchildren in a project about the crash

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Teas and refreshments will be served before and after the ceremony

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The History Society were contacted by a Michael Goodwin recently.

He is now over 90 years old and has lived in America for many years but still shows a great interest in the village where he grew up. His brother Bert was a great historian for Great Paxton and St Neots and his research forms the basis of a great part of the village archives. Now Michael has written down a lot of his memories of life here in the 30s and 40s and provides a fascinating insight into the small but interesting details of everyday life. Here is the first section.

Although I have not lived in England for 50 years, I did spend many hours talking to my brother Bert Goodwin during my visits over the years to the UK. and I will do my best to remember my own experiences and some of what he told me. I came to the U.S in 1972 and my wife is American - that's the reason I am here!. Perhaps I should begin by giving you a run down of what I remember of Gt Paxton from prewar WW2 until September 1939.

I was born in London Lane about halfway up on the right hand side, in what were known as Cardell’s cottages. When I was 3 years old I began school in Lucy King's class as an infant in the old C of E school that I believe is now not used as a school anymore. As a 5 year old living in London Lane some of my first memories were the fields on both sides of the lane and my grandfather’s farm at the corner of London Lane and the main street. This area had the farmyard and pond on the London Lane side that the kids used to slide on after it had frozen over in winter.

The water supply pre WW2 to most of Paxton was not to individual homes but to "stand pipes" and a couple were situated in London Lane, others along the main road etc. I remember that the inhabitants would take buckets to fill for potable water supplies.

There were two thatched roof houses in London Lane on the LHS, one belonged to Bertha Brown and the other was a white house owned by Charlie Saunders. At the far end of the lane on the left 8

was a brick built duplex house where the Luffs and Alf Chamberlain lived. No houses on the right hand side at the top existed until about 1935/6 when 2 double council houses were built. Jimmy Brown and his family lived in the far end one, next was my uncle Charles Chamberlain, then Doug King and in the one next to the field Charlie White and his family. There were fields, plenty of fields to play in, I remember there was a large field on the right at the top of London lane that contained several ponds and the remains of a small house.

My parents said that this used to be the house of a Gt Paxton witch named Ann Izzard, I believe that my brother Bert knew something about the Gt Paxton witch, who apparently wasn't a witch at all.

A bus service, I think it was Gill's, ran on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm to Bedford and returned at 7pm. I do not remember any other bus service at that time but maybe there was one on Thursdays because that was market day in St Neots. Gills bus came from Godmanchester and the vehicle was very old.

Sometimes my mother and I would ride it and I wondered if the bus would make it up Paxton Hill with a full load of people., , but it always seemed to.

Before WW2 the only shop in the village belonged to George Moore, I remember that you could buy groceries and of course sweets there.

The village Post Office was also in Moore's shop it contained the only public telephone in the village until the red public 'phone box arrived around 1936/37 close to the Bell.

In those days the total number of students in the village school was 36/38 sometimes one or two less. Miss Coles had an attendance board hanging on the wall close to her desk, she recorded the number of students every day and about once a week the school attendance officer would come and inspect us.

Opposite the school was Townsend's farm on the corner of Adams Lane and Joe Townsend had a big chestnut tree in his front yard this was fair game to supply "conkers" to small boys, but you better not let Joe catch you throwing sticks at the tree to knock down the "conkers". There were no houses in Adams Lane; you could ride your bike about a mile up the lane to Mt Pleasant (the name of part 9

of the village at that time) where there was a house. The finished road ended there just past Mt Pleasant and a rough farm track went about a mile further up to College Farm, Next to this house was another track named "Long Dole" this ran south with bushes on each side. Bert said that this track was used in olden times by people from Abbotsley in carrying coffins to the Minster Church at Paxton for burial.

Church Lane was narrow as I remember it, only two double council houses on the right and a row of houses on the left after the farmhouse and buildings on the corner, then Arthur Chamberlain's house. Cardell’s farm of course was at the end of the lane with a pond outside of the churchyard wall. There was no electricity in the church or in the village until after WW2, so evensong was at church on Sundays at 3pm. The organ was also pumped manually by Leslie King who had the job as long as I can remember. As a small boy I remember looking forward to Ascension Day when the whole school would attend a church service at 10 a.m. and then get the rest of the day off. There was also a carnival at Paxton about this time of year for "Paxton Feast".

Coronation Day in 1937 when George VI was crowned was celebrated with food and drinks outside. Most all the village houses were decorated with red, white and blue bunting and races were run on the village street. I won a mug inscribed with a picture of the King and Queen that I probably still have around somewhere.

Life was slower in those days or at least it seemed so, until suddenly we found ourselves with army trucks all over the village and we were issued with gasmasks in cardboard boxes with a long string attached for carrying. It was September 1939, then came the "blackout” , ARP wardens and the Home Guard, Britain was at war!.

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Website https://greatpaxtonhistory.weebly.com/ email greatpaxtonhs@yahoo.com Facebook Great Paxton Remembers Old photographs particularly welcome.

Also Great Paxton 1000 https://greatpaxton1000.co.uk Lancaster Memorial Dedication service in churchyard May 7 2pm with exhibition in church from 12 grahamajames1@gmail.com th

MILLENNIUMFEST - 16th and 17th July 2022 Save the date. Come and have a great time. Helpers will be needed before, during and after the weekend, then everyone can enjoy themselves. diane.james42@outlook.com Family And Village History •

The earth that was moved in the churchyard for the Lancaster Memorial is being sifted and worked through to retrieve anything that may be of interest. We haven’t found anything of monetary value or even archaeological interest except to ourselves so far. We are going to show St Neots Museum what we have and maybe get more information about the ‘modern’ finds of pottery, porcelain, and tile etc. One small bit of clay pipe, and a few pieces of metal amongst many flints and chalk nodules. We will do a full report later, with some photographs.

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‘Offord photos and memories’ is interesting and Julie Angell has found some pictures of Great Paxton which she has added to ‘Great Paxton Remembers’.

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Some of us saw the large pond in Manor Farm recently. David remembers stocking the ‘moat pond’ with fish so that they could go fishing. The Home Guard would use the water for village, and to protect the railway. Once there was another pond in the main garden, as well as tennis courts. Despite being next door to the church, Manor Farm has had links with many different religious organisations over the past, not least the Bahai faith with the Cardell family. It may well be the site of the living quarters of the early clergy serving Holy Trinity.

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Graham read some notes about the first chapel in the village, which was before the one on the High Street (which was demolished after the second World War). Bert Goodwin also mentioned the ‘Surveyor’s Highway’ which was between the railway and the current High Street. We need to investigate.

Show and Tell Various fascinating items were brought along and prompted much discussion for the rest of the evening. Much research will continue into many of the things to discover more – •

Walnut pickers (for table use)

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Muffin the Mule puppet

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Heirloom lace bobbins, and lace made over three years

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An infant child health record from the maternity child welfare centre, with advice to young mothers – including leave the baby out in all weathers to get fresh air.

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The last printed edition of the 2020 Argos catalogue which may be put into the Millenniumfest time capsule as a record of consumerism.

a fictional story by Wing Commander Adam ‘ with very good real photographs Taken from an Amazon review •

Dates of Great Paxton History Society meetings–We will attempt at least once each month. 7.30 to 9.30pm at The Bell, hopefully on a Monday. Please email either greatpaxtonhs@yahoo.com or Jacqueline.wieczorek@gmail.com (01480 477035 ) to be notified. We will continue with a monthly email ‘newsletter’.

NEXT MEETING in The Bell 7.30pm Monday 9 May. Please bring an interesting item for ‘show and tell’ or to identify; it (and you) will be very welcome. th

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Each year we celebrate World Thinking Day - a day for all Guides and Girl Scouts to think of each other and celebrate their (10 million) 'sisters' all around the world. .

The global theme was Rainbows and Brownies played Word Centre corners, made green window hearts to support the climate collective challenge, found out about the damage to bees and ecosystems with a hive game, explored nocturnal senses, created art attacks from plastic and coins and created their own cheers about environmental science, remade their promises and sung this little guiding light by candle light. The Guides also took part in the climate collective challenge making hamma bead hearts and postcard pledges to send to our local MP. They made their own WAGGGS mini torches and then had a candle lit ceremony where they also reflected upon their Guiding sisters in Ukraine.

During this second half of term, the girls have also celebrated World Book Day, held a belated UK Parliament Week, unleashed their creativity, taken part in an escape room, completed Skills Builders Badges, made their own tap shoes, created their own monsters, turned into safety super heroes plus played lots of games too - everything from Blackholes to Snowballs and Shields, Shoe Mates to Hot Potatoes.

It was so brilliant to be back away with the girls on our first Rainbow sleepover and activity day in nearly 3 years. Girls had asked for a Disney/ Encanto themed 24 hours and we were only too happy to oblige. So much laughter, giggles and fun with... Encanto inspired photo frames, campfire singing, dancing and marshmallow toasting, Encanto candle making, Disney who dunnit, photo booths, tiara/hairband making, quiet corners, cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, tangled hair salons, obstacle courses, park visits, puzzle hunting, bingo, quizzes, parachute games and so much more (there was some sleeping plus Cinderella tasks of washing up too).

Rainbows you were AMAZING!!! Your leaders are so very proud of you (and delighted you did sleep too!!!).

Our last meetings of the spring term came with flurries of snow! Both Rainbows and Brownies both got into the Easter mood... Rainbows made salt egg pictures, and baskets plus had an Easter egg hunt and played games. Brownies had to save the Easter bunny (who had been captured by some angry chickens) by taking on challenges to earn clues. Luckily bunny 18

was rescued and we were able to have an egg hunt. The Guides had voted for a night out at pizza express and who were we to say no! There were lots of badges handed out and two special presentations too; one Brownie Silver Award and one Guides Bronze Award.

Volunteers needed...

Could you join our team? We're looking for adult volunteers to help behind the scenes (with things like admin, finance, fundraising....) as well as helping plan and run the weekly meetings with girls. Our lovely Brown Owl, Lynne, moves on to pastures new this summer and so we'd love to hear from anyone who can give us a helping hand either ad hoc or more regularly. Get in touch if you'd like to know more... girlguidinggreatpaxton@gmail.com Tracey Murray

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Let’s start with the Good News……………work to install the ‘Buffer Zone’ on Paxton Hill is underway and the Parish Council will be asked to formally approve a scheme design at its meeting on 16th May. Councillors have learnt that the ‘Buffer Zone’ can only be 600 metres long which means that it will be placed just beyond the start of the 30mph speed limit at the entrance to the High Street.

On the same theme, the second pole is now in place permanently at The Offords end so you should begin to see the new ‘Mobile Vehicle Activated Sign & Speed Indicator Device’ (MVAS) operating at alternate locations on the High Street from now on. Lastly, the Parish Council’s application to the County Council for funding towards improvements to 70 metres of footpath from Church Lane towards the Manor Farm entrance will be considered by their Highways & Transport Committee on 26th April.

News on this outcome next time!

Saxon Green Play Space is now fully open for use and has just been subject to an annual RoSPA safety inspection. A full report will be made available shortly and Councillors will consider what new issues might need to be addressed going forward at the May meeting.

To celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, the Parish Council will plant a new tree on Mount Pleasant (in the Autumn) and present all Great Paxton School children with an inscribed coin in a small protective pouch. Hopefully, the Primary School and Parish Council can arrange a presentation to mark this special occasion.

Elsewhere in the ‘Post’ you might read about the arrangements that have been made to unveil the Lancaster Memorial in Great Paxton Church Yard.

The event is to take place on 7th May and a wreath will be laid during the ceremony on behalf of the Parish Council.

Some smaller items – • As a small rural village in the Ouse Valley, the Parish Council has renewed, for a modest sum, its annual subscriptions to the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Great Ouse Valley Trust. It has also made a small donation to the Citizens Advice Rural Cambridgeshire to help support that service; •

The grass verge beyond the Primary School on Mount Pleasant will not be mowed during May. The Parish Council has decided to support the ‘No Mow in May’ Campaign led by the National Trust to allow plant and insect life to flourish;

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The Parish Council continues to consider applications for development in the village and submit its views to the local planning author20

ity as part of the planning process. As part of its planning role, it also wishes to continue to monitor activity on charity land which appears to be up for sale off the High Street. This will remain an item on their agenda at forthcoming meetings; and •

On the recommendation of the District Council’s Monitoring Officer, the Parish Council has adopted a new Code of Conduct to take effect from the beginning of the new Council year in May.

Finally, Councillor Simon Peters has retired from the Parish Council. On behalf of the Parish, the Chairman has thanked Simon for all his contributions and support of village life over several years.

Next Meetings – Monday 16th May starting at 7.30pm with the Annual Parish Meeting when you have the chance to raise any issues you like with the Parish Council. The more formal Annual Council follows!

See you there!

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HUNTINGDONSHIRE RECYCLES Huntingdonshire District Council BULKY ITEM COLLECTION SERVICE Did you know the council collect large household items and furniture?

The following items can be collected fridges & freezers, beds and mattresses, televisions, sofas & chairs, wardrobes other furniture plus many more items please visit the website for a complete list.

For more information and to book online visit www.Huntingdonshire.gov.uk/Bulkywaste or telephone 01480 388388 A-Z WASTE All properties have access to the recycling service which means most of the waste created can be recycled or composted there is A-Z OF WASTE to help to know what goes in which bin.

Details on the website www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/what goes in which bin.

BIN STICKERS Bin stickers are available for your bins to provide that last minute reminder of what can go into each bin Please e-mail wasteminimisation@huntingdonshire.gov.uk if you require a set of stickers sending out.

ONLINE BIN CALENDAR Get a personalised collection for your property via www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/refuse-calendar KEEP UP TO DATE If you have any questions, please email the Waste Minimisation Team via wasteminimisation@huntingdonshire.gov.uk also you can follow on Social media.

To contact the district council the call centre number is 01480 388388 RICHARD WEST DISTRICT COUNCILLOR GREAT PAXTON WARD Covering Abbotsley Great Paxton Great Gransden Toseland Waresley cum Tetworth Yelling Tel 01480 811467 or 07841 866630 EMAIL Richard.west@huntingdonshire.gov.uk or Richard.west@buckdencambs.co.uk 22

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