Paxton Post Issue 32 - Sept - Oct 22

Issue 32

Paxton Post

September - October 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 Easiprint using the details below: Email: sales@easiprint.ltd Telephone: 01733 602302 Post: Easiprint Ltd, 39 Benedict Square, Werrington Industry, Peterborough, PE4 6GD

Issue

Months Covered

Deadline Date - 5pm

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November - December

23rd October 2022

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January - February 2023

16th December 2022

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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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Vicar: Canon Annette Reed Tel: 01480 211048 canonannettereed@gmail.com Churchwardens: Mr Bob Hacking 1 Mint Lane Great Paxton 01480 219846 Mrs Andrea Goodyer 7a Church Lane, Great Paxton.

Andrea.goodyer@clinicallyconected.com Tower Captain: Mrs Mary Parnham 01480 394727 maryP2707@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 occasions.

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Website https://greatpaxtonhistory.weebly.com/ Please do visit the website. If anyone has some more pictures of people and places in Great Paxton we would be pleased to see them. and email

greatpaxtonhs@yahoo.com

Great Paxton’s 1000th birthday plus 2 Millenniumfest has finally happened and was a great success. Thank you to all who helped and all who visited. The village bunting was strung along Church Lane and in the churchyard. The wooden sign and timeline created by Paul W was and is still in the churchyard. The living history group Ousekjarr camped over the weekend, as did a few of the traders, supplemented by local villager’s bagatelle stand, craft creations, and wood and slate engravings Pictures showing the fun will be uploaded to https://greatpaxton1000.co.uk If anyone has more that they would be prepared to share we would like to see them please.

Millenniumfest Time Capsule – ideas please – see article elsewhere in Paxton Post Forthcoming Topics, speakers and visits.

Can you help create a topic?

1. What the village was like when Graveley airfield was active, or in fact any other similar grass airfield. What was it like to hear the airplanes overhead? Were you able to see the planes take off and land? How close could you get? What buildings were there on the site? Were you allowed up Adams Lane to the farm? How many people passed through the village and how much contact was there between locals and airfield workers/crew. I know several of our members were living here whilst it was active as it didn’t close down until the 1960s. Please let me know any stories you have and we can make a topic from it. If you remember living somewhere else near a similar airfield I would still like to hear your memories – it won’t be much different.

2. We would like any information you might know or find about the Towgoods of Great Paxton please. We understand part of the family lived at Farm Hall in Godmanchester. We are looking for information and in particular pictures.

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3. Stories of any of the local families and about any of the older houses such as Pilgrim Cottage in London Lane.

4. Help shape our History Society Can you give us ideas for presentations or research for when we can get together again. You don’t have to do the presentation or the research, just give us some ideas please.

Visits And to make the Society more interesting, what about field trips to see various things or places. Days out with picnic lunch.

Some Ideas so far are: For those able, a visit to the Royston cave....you only have to walk a little bent for a short while and it is very worth while.

A visit to Buckden Towers A visit to the Pathfinders Museum at RAF Wyton- another attempt at arranging Projects A photographic record of the houses and street views of the village – project due to start Churchyard survey- updated and illustrated – project due to start History of The Bell pub Proper record of the graffiti in the church tower.

Lancaster Memorial booklet History of the vicars of Great Paxton- in progress 1921 census research In Lincoln Cathedral there are some church documents that would be useful to see so a visit there to do that and perhaps speak to their historian would be interesting. The same for Ely Cathedral, and the various archives, records and local studies collections in the county.

Show and Tell Church service sheets collected by former Churchwarden, Nancy Howard.

These date from 1899 to 1953. It was interesting to note that the services 8

were to be performed in churches and chapels throughout England, Wales and Berwick upon Tweed. Berwick was specifically mentioned.

Research is needed! Why? A wooden collar contraption/decorative item. No-one knew what it was.

A commemorative porcelain mug for Holy Trinity Minster, a souvenir teatowel, and a Christmas card from the church from the 1960’s A pair of shoe lasts from the shoemaker who lived in Lilac Cottage.

A silver electric bell push, designed for tabletop use rather than fixed to a wall, probably from the 1920’s A spoon with a Maltese cross on the top, possibly formed by bending a coin (dated 1780) to make the bowl.

The estate agents particulars for the sale of Paxton Hill House in the early 1950s.

Dates for your diary Scarecrow festival 10 to 17 September, with food stalls at The Bell, Arts and Craft stalls in the churchyard and garage sales around the village on the 10 . th

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Dates of meetings – 2nd Monday of each month. 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Bell, we hope.

12 September NEXT MEETING th

Jacqueline Wieczorek, general Society information – 01480 477035 jacqueline.wieczorek@gmail.com

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At last, villagers and other local people were able to enjoy this lovely Anglo-Saxon event on 16 and 17 July. A warm weekend saw almost 300 per day come to see how the Saxons might have lived back in 1020. Local Living History group, Ousekjarr, demonstrated their weaponry skills and gave children the chance to explore their own battle skills. Children had lots of fun at the activity tables making Viking masks and drawings of Saxon life. We had a different storyteller each day telling ‘horrible history’ style gruesome stories. Peppercorns Academy from St Neots wrote a time warp play for their younger children to perform and we were also provided a 30-piece choir singing medieval songs. They also gave us technical, lighting and sound support all weekend and it was lovely to see the Saxon arches illuminated. Several stalls were available to shop from as well as a BBQ. The Bell operated a bar and the Community shop sold soft drinks and snacks. th

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At the end of the event a special Evensong service was enjoyed, and we were joined by the Bishop of Ely and acting Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway. We were also joined by the Deanery choir, and it was lovely to hear their voices in this wonderful Minster Church. Thank you for your support, whatever part you played in bringing Millenniumfest to life

(Diane James and the Millenniumfest team)

www.easiprint.ltd LTD

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We were delighted recently to be part of Millenniumfest by creating various handmade items such as bookmarks, lavender bags and tote bags to accompany the preserves that the Millenniumfest team worked so hard in producing from local resources. There will be two more opportunities to visit this produce stall this year at the Scarecrow fest and the Christmas lights event, so get in before they disappear!

As a group, we were delighted when Rev. Annette Reed informed us that the Bishop had agreed to ‘dedicate’ the 26 pew cushion that the Crafty bells have created so far. The Belles when up first for a photo opportunity and then many of the congregation joined them with further cushions. It was a wonderful sight.

Bishop Stephen seemed visibly moved when he was asked to hold a cushion that was embellished with the two crests of Bishop of Ely and Bishop of Lincoln. The group even managed to surprise Annette with a Holy Trinity cushion for her own chair.

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Just 14 more to stitch……!

Well done Crafty Belles for your Herculean efforts over the last 3 years. The ‘Belles’ have been spending some time this month making repairs to the village poppy net used for Remembrance in November and a further 150 poppies added. We will resume monthly projects in October as Sept will likely see more repairs.

Crafty Belles: a craft group who meet on the 4th Monday evening of the month in The Bell pub… next meeting is Monday 26th September.

All welcome to join for one or more sessions at the Bell at 7.30pm contact Diane James for more information, diane.james42@outlook.com …...........

Just as we turn back the clocks on Sunday 30 October, we bring you a concert PLUS to brighten your first evening. Just a few days after the official National Apple Day, we are so pleased to bring for you a concert with the addition of apple tastings and a light supper after the one-hour concert. We will light your way along the paths up to the Minster! Even if it isn’t the sort of music you normally go for you can be assured of a rousing time for AUTUMN and her MAJESTY! Give it a try and join us. th

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Do you have a bit of spare time and want to make a difference to a family’s life? Why not become a Home-Start Cambridgeshire volunteer.

As a home visiting volunteer for Home-Start Cambridgeshire you will be carefully matched with a family for up to 6 months, offering practical and emotional support. The focus of the support is what the family feel they need to help alleviate the strain they are under. Our role is to empower them to see they either have the resources within themselves to do this, or to signpost and support them to access longer term support within their community. Our aim is to help parents be the best they can be, in order to give their children the best possible start in life.

We are looking for volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences who know what it’s like to bring up small children. No qualifications are needed to become a Home-Start volunteer other than being committed, passionate and non-judgemental about supporting families to recognise and use the strengths they have to thrive.

Being a home visiting volunteer is hugely rewarding and builds a sense of achievement knowing that you have made a difference to the families you visit. We know it helps develop confidence as individuals and many of our volunteers move onto paid work after gaining skills and experience through Home-Start Cambridgeshire.

If you want to be part of our amazing team, please give us a call on 01480 700242 or email: office@homestartcambridgeshire.co.uk.

Dates for our next Volunteer Preparation Course are: 4th, 11th and 18th October 2022.

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There's been lots to get excited about in the second half of the summer term...

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We are one of the nominated causes that you can vote for with a blue token at Tesco's in Eynesbury, Eaton Socon and Loves Farm.

There's still time to support us before voting closes at the end of September

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Rainbows have been practising their Tennis skill, testing their memory skills and making their own popcorn. They've been getting to grip with tents and designing environmentally campsites as part of their Camp Skills Builder Badge.

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Guides have been out and about on a chip hike

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Brownies and Guides had an archery taster with the St Neots Bowman at their archery field in the Offords

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Brownies had a spy night - working in teams as super sleuths for cracking the codes and clues to save the Guiding light! There was reading of lemon secret messages (using matches and candles), taking finger prints, learning scouts pace, cracking codes and solving scytales

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Rainbows have had lots of fun in the Friendship Forest collecting items and testing their sensory skills, with Rainbow remaking her promise for her gold award.

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A small group of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides were able to represent Guiding at the Great Paxton MillenniumFest service. It was an honour to process with the Anglo-Saxon's into church.

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24 Brownies and Guides headed off to Norfolk to a guiding activity centre for a weekend away.

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Our fantastic residential weekend at Hautbois in numbers...

24 girls (11 Brownies, 12 Guides and 1 Young Leader) 13 promises made (around the campfire, on the zip wire, up the abseiling tower, on stand up paddle boards, in a obstacle course tunnel, on the top of a rope and on a balance board!).

7 different adventurous activities (zip wire, low ropes, obstacle courses, climbing wall, abseiling, stand up paddle boards, canoeing) - personal bests achieved, new skills learnt, boundaries pushed 7 shepherds huts for sleeping 3 leaders 2 fabulous parent helpers 2 campfires (lots of smores) and lots of cooking over fires for the Guides 1 amazing weekend with too many memories to mention We had a fabulous last night of term across all three units lots of fun games and laughter plus cakes and ice lollies. We also presented a huge amount of badges and awards...

- Lots of section awards; 1 Guide Gold Award (our first). 1 Brownie Gold Award, 1 Guide Silver Award (our first), 1 Brownie Silver Award, 1 Rainbow Gold Award (our first). 1 Rainbow Silver Award (our first) and 2 Rainbow Bronze Awards - And then.... 32 skills builder badges, 18 interest badges (and a certificate for the Rainbow who completed all 12 badges!), 14 theme awards, 63 nights away badges, 15 challenge badges, 8 anniversary badges, 4 Brownie promises And for those moving onto the next section; 4 Pots of Gold for Rainbows , 1 I was in Brownies and 2 I was in guides (and some tears) for Guides moving on to become Young Leaders Congratulations to all of the girls on their achievements. We are very proud of you all and we love being your leaders!

We also had a special visit from our District Commissioner who asked the girls to present Rose with her Rainbow Leader qualification. Well done Rose.

Finally, we've said farewell to two of our leaders. Brown Owl (Lynne) and Snowy Owl/ Emerald (Tracey) have moved to pastures new. We wish them the best of luck and huge thanks for all they've done. We're still looking for more adults to join our team and help continue to provide the girls with more fun and adventure. If you might be interested in volunteering either ad hoc or more frequently, we'd love to hear from you. girlguidinggreatpaxton@gmail.com 23

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Let’s start with an apology! Notwithstanding the hot weather and the lack of grass now anyway, the Parish Council regrets that many of you had cause to complain about the performance of the Grounds Maintenance Contractor in May and June. Although it was due to several factors on their part, it was unacceptable. The Parish Council will continue to monitor their service going forward and should you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to speak to a Councillor or to contact the Clerk.

It was all about presentations at the last meeting of the Parish Council in July. Councillors heard from County Broadband who are actively working to connect full fibre, hyper fast broadband to properties in Great Paxton.

The local contact for Great Paxton is now craig.larter@countybroadband.co.uk should you wish to make your own enquiries.

Secondly, the Parish Council was disappointed to hear that the Community Shop was struggling to attract customers and volunteers, specially to cover absence over the summer holidays. This is an important community asset so there were two messages – please use the Shop on a regular basis and if you have some spare time, even just an hour, just pop along and ask if you can help the Team! Ideas for attracting customers would also be welcomed.

Having agreed to give some financial support to the Recreation Ground Committee again this year, Councillors discussed with their representative’s ways to widen its appeal generally to all age groups and potentially improve the sports pavilion so that it can be used as a Community Facility.

Eager to strengthen the relationship between the Parish Council and the Recreation Ground Committee going forward it was agreed to hold the next meeting in the Pavilion and to continue to discuss how both could work constructively together in future for the benefit of the village.

Disappointingly, the County Council had refused an application for funding towards improvements to the footpath that runs from the top of Church Lane adjacent to the High Street in the direction of The Offords. In Winter this is muddy and slippery and almost impassable! It was decided, hopefully with the help of a small team of volunteers, to try to uncover and clear the existing tarmac path in the autumn and to ask those responsible for the adjacent hedge to cut it back to the original field boundary to reinstate the original width of the path.

Following an inspection, it has been revealed that many of the streetlights owned by the Parish Council in the village are in poor condition and require replacement. The estimated cost of the work is far beyond what the Parish Council can afford so it is planned to undertake the work over two years 25

and hopefully attract some grant funding to help offset the financial burden. An increase in the precept might also be considered in the Autumn to raise some additional funds.

To conclude, there was a suggestion that the Parish Council should organise a litter pick over the summer holidays. Before deciding on this, Councillors looked at areas that might be susceptible to litter and were delighted to report that, mostly, it didn’t appear to be a problem in the village. So, keep up the good work everybody and continue to use the bins provided.

Next meeting – Monday 19th September at 8pm in the Pavilion at the Recreation Ground. See you there.

Household Support Fund for Pensioners Anyone over 65 (born on or before 30 September 1956) who is experiencing financial hardship is eligible to access support through the Household Support Fund. The other requirements are that you need to live in Cambridgeshire and have no one under the age of 19 living with you.

No one can presume that people know about this and there is need to ensure those who are eligible find out there is help available.

Looking ahead there are price increases ahead in food and energy this winter. Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with Cambridgeshire County Council are working together to provide support for eligible pensioners who are struggling with food and fuel bills. They are able to provide financial support within a few days and help to find longer term support if needed.

This isn’t charity, the monies used are from a Government funded household support fund to provide this help. You can call to apply on 01223 221929 or visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/household- supportfund. th

News from the District Council DON’T LOSE YOUR VOTE Don’t lose your right to vote - residents in Huntingdonshire urged to check their voter registration details. If you don’t hear from the council, you might not be on the register. If you want to register the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote RICHARD WEST DISTRICT COUNCILLOR EMAIL Richard.west@huntingdonshire.gov.uk or Richard.west@buckdencambs.co.uk TELEPHONE 01480 811467 OR 07841866630 26

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