East Hunsbury Parish Council magazine June 23

BROUGHT TO YOU BY EAST HUNSBURY PARISH COUNCIL

WITH THE FRIENDS OF HUNSBURY LIBRARY

Thursday 19th October (doors open 7pm)

Hunsbury Library, NN4 0RZ

£10 to enter a team of 1-4 players (18+)

Bring a bottle! Glasses and snacks are provided

Enter and pay before the event at the main deskcash only. Team name required at booking

Book early to secure your spot

ALL ARE WELCOME!

East Hunsbury Parish Council

Bring your family and friends – your picnic and blankets and chairs! Come and join us – for our annual Summer community event!

Magazine

EAST HUNSBURY Life

East Hunsbury Parish Council

ast Hunsbury Life Magazine is a brand new, A5 full colour magazine, distributed free of charge to every home in East Hunsbury (4,000+), and available to pick up in local stores and community facilities.

Produced by East Hunsbury Parish Council, there will be three editions a year, keeping readers up to date with local news, community interest articles, events, clubs, and groups. If there is something you would like to share with the community, please get in touch. Full of useful information that readers will want to keep, the magazine will be the first place to look for local services and businesses. Reach customers locally and advertise your business where it matters!

AREAS COVERED

Delivered free of charge to 4,000 homes across East Hunsbury, Collingtree Park and Blackymore three times a year. Also available to pick up in selected outlets in the local area.

Booking Deadline - Please book by the 12th of the month.

Artwork Deadline - Artwork must be received by the 16th of the month.

Magazine Delivery - Deliveries complete by the 1st of the month: 1st July, 1st Nov and 1st Mar.

Payment - Customer payments must be received by artwork deadline each month. We accept cheques or BACS payments

VAT - All Prices subject to VAT.

Artwork Supply

Please submit your artwork via email as a high resolution PDF file or JPEG with a minimum 300 dpi. Alternatively, we can create your advert for a small fee (see below)

CIRCULATION - 5,000

DOOR TO DOOR - 4,000

LEFT FOR PICK UP - 1,000

LEAFLET DELIVERY

AVAILABLE

Ask for details.

ARTWORK - If you don’t have artwork we can create something for you for a very competitive rate: eighth page: £25, quarter page: £35, half page: £45, full page: £55. ALL PRICES ARE PLUS VAT.

The deadline to advertise in the next edition of East Hunsbury Life magazine is Mon 2nd Oct

To advertise your business call us on 01604

or email ehlmag@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Letter from the Chairman

Well summer is upon us after what seemed a very long winter, and East Hunsbury has sprung to life with the trees turning green and the blossom out. Unfortunately there has to be a photo of me to accompany the article, so here I am next to a tree in blossom to prove this is the case.

Since the last newsletter we have had the official coronation of King Charles III and to mark the event 110 members of the Seniors Club attended a coronation coffee morning at the Abbey Centre which was bedecked in flags and bunting. Every person in attendance wore a crown and many turned up dressed for the occasion wearing union jack dresses or ties, or in red, white and blue. For many this was their second Coronation and for a few their third! Thanks go to Liz and Jayne for organising the event and the volunteers who turned up to set up and serve drinks and snacks. Particular thanks go to the students from Wootton Park School for their assistance on the day.

A sad day for the Parish Council recently as Maggie Allen, the longest serving, a founding member and former Chairperson of the Parish Council, decided due to work pressures to call it a day. Maggie has been a driving force for a number of years and her input will be missed. The Parish Council wishes her well for the future.

You may have noticed the tree works that have recently been undertaken across the parks in East Hunsbury – these were required in response to a professional tree survey and risk assessment, and forms part of our commitment to maintaining the parks that have been transferred to us. I want to assure residents that trees were only removed if they were dead, diseased, or presented a health and safety concern. We have been planting trees elsewhere in the parish, and this is part of a long term scheme agreed by the Parks & Open Spaces Committee.

We have also been working with experts to devise a natural flood defence scheme for Penvale Park – a planning application has been submitted for this these works and you can read more about the scheme [on page ???].

Later in this magazine you will read the winning entry in our short story competition a “Crime in East Hunsbury”. There were a number of excellent entries but as they say there can only be one winner, so congratulations to Brenda Soden for her winning story. We are looking next for a Christmas story so why not send in your entry –who knows you could be the next JK Rowling!

Finally the Summer Social takes place on the 6 August. Entry is free so come along with your blankets and picnics and enjoy live entertainment for young and old. We look forward to seeing you there!

Councillor Michael Campbell Chairman, East Hunsbury Parish Council

Could you be our next cover star?

The photo of the East Hunsbury Coronation party, which features on the front cover of this edition was submitted by the Parish Council’s Community Engagement Officer, Liz CarrollWheat. If you have a photo that would make a great cover image, especially if it was taken in East Hunsbury, send it to us. Maybe you’ll be the next cover star!”

Email a high resolution copy of your image to: ehlmag@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk and maybe your photo will be featured on the cover of our next edition...

Nor thampton General Hospital NHS Trust

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Family Service With A Smile

I think we can all agree that as the weeks and months go by and we move further away from a disastrous 2020, that we can once again start to feel optimistic about the future. Now we are hopefully ready to take on the remainder of 2021 both safely and positively. One thing is for sure though, there have also been some heart warming positives that we can take out of last year. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community and family spirit.

When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the

Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to replace their complete window frames, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced and/or upgraded in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glazing unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

All glazing backed

When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the owners of Cloudy2Clear Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these values have been held for over 16 years. Since buying the local franchise in 2006 they have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community whilst introducing their 2 sons Lloyd & Ross & daughterin-law Lori into the family business along with Dan, Tom & Jo as demand for their service has grown.

owners of Cloudy2Clear Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these values have been held for over 13 years. Since buying the local franchise in 2006 they have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community whilst introducing their 2 sons Lloyd & Ross into the family business along with Dan, Mark & Jo as demand for their service has grown.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Trevor commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Trevor commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial

crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.com

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

“I really liked the fact that they were a local family run business”

Janet Beard

Trusted Trader

East Hunsburyʼs Parish Councillors

Cllr Bob Burnell

Born and raised in the West London Borough of Ealing and moved to Northampton in 1997. He has three children all presently living in East Hunsbury.

Bob is a member of Northants CCC and umpired in the Northants Cricket League for eleven years. He is a member of Greenpeace and a life member of the Selborne Society and CAMRA.

Bob was elected to the council in May 2021 and is a member of the Parks and Open Spaces and the Community Engagement Committee.

cllr.burnell@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Campbell

I have been a resident of East Hunsbury for the past 35 years and have watched East Hunsbury grow and mature in that time, along with many of its residents. I joined the Parish Council in 2017 as having benefitted from living here so long I wanted to put something back into the community that I had spent most of my adult life in.

I am passionate about making East Hunsbury a place that people can be proud to say they live in, and whilst the activities the Parish Council are involved in has expanded significantly in my 5 years on the Committee there are many more projects to be undertaken not least with regard to the parks and open spaces, some of which are now owned by the Parish Council, and climate change initiatives.

Michael is Chairman of the Parish Council, and a member of the Resources Committee, Community Engagement Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces Committee.

cllr.campbell@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Paul Draper

I moved to East Hunsbury in 2016, having lived in Northampton my entire life. I made the decision to put myself forwards as a

East Hunsbury Parish Council

councillor because I really believe in being an active member of my community and doing my bit to keep East Hunsbury a safe, welcoming, and attractive place to live.

Outside of my work on the council, I am a fulltime carer and a student of economics with the Open University. I also like many sports, including football and cricket, and enjoy spending time with my family.

Paul was elected to the council in May 2021 and is a is a member of the Resources Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces Committee.

cllr.draper@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Claire Douglas

I am born and bred in Northampton and have lived in East Hunsbury since the house was built in 1989. I have been a Parish Councillor since 2017.

I worked for Northamptonshire County Council for 21 years and was a Senior Budget Manager responsible for 3 departments and a 5 million pound budget, giving me an insight into public sector finance. The public service ethos has been instilled in me for a very long time!

I am very keen to promote and enhance our lovely open spaces in East Hunsbury and to do everything possible to avoid any future flooding issues. I am working with a number of bodies to find solutions to support our residents in this regard.

Claire is Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council, and a member of the Resources Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces and the Community Engagement Committee.

cllr.douglas@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Cllr

Ron Firman

I moved to East Hunsbury in 2001 where I have enjoyed watching my family grow and thrive in this community. Having previously worked in the futures markets and the licensed trade, I then became a London bus driver before training with British Rail as a train driver.

I have not put myself forward as a Parish Councillor for my own benefit, but to represent our community to the best of my ability.

I would welcome whole heartedly any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email and I will endeavour to resolve any issues.

Ron was elected to the council in May 2021 and is a member of the Resources Committee, Community Engagement Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces Committee.

cllr.firman@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Ken Hodgson

I was born in an east London suburb and moved to Northampton in 1985. I have lived in East Hunsbury for 20 years and have no plans to move on, and I have many friends and acquaintances in this local area.

I am now retired from paid work but do carry out other various volunteer roles. I am, when time permits, a regular at the local gym and also a keen traveller. As an East Hunsbury Flood Warden I help to stabilise our local flood risk, I am also a member of Danes Camp Medical Centre Patient Participation Group striving to make our Doctors' Surgery the best in the area. As somebody who volunteers a lot locally, I was pleased to be able to fill a casual vacancy and become a parish councillor for East Hunsbury.

Ken was co-opted to the Parish Council in June 2022 and is a memer of the Resources Committee, Community Engagement Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces Committee. cllr.hodgson@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor David Lewis

My family and I moved to East Hunsbury in 1988 having relocated from Kent. We have lived in our home for the past thirty three years.

I have been a parish councillor since 2017. I became a councillor to do what I could to make a positive difference to the community and area where I live.

Over the years I have watched the area grow considerably. It's reassuring that lots of people like my family, who relocated here at the same time, are still residents of East Hunsbury as are their children who have married and also remained in the parish.

I care very much about our parks and open spaces and want to ensure these special areas are well maintained and preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of all of the residents who live and work in our parish.

David is a member of the Resources Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces Committee.

cllr.lewis@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Kathleen Moore

I have been a resident of East Hunsbury for 34 years and I have loved living here. We are so lucky to have the open spaces, the parks, the birds and other wildlife. It is like living in the countryside in a village.

I joined the Parish Council to do my best to make sure that East Hunsbury continues to be a wonderful place to live in, not just for the present residents but for the future too.

Kathleen is a member of the Resources Committee, the Community Engagement Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces and Climate Change Committee.

cllr.moore@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Leah Perry

I moved to East Hunsbury from Higham Ferrers in 2016 with my husband and two teenage children. The sense of community on our street made us

all feel very welcome and that sense of community has continued and grown as I’ve joined in with various events in East Hunsbury. One thing that I did notice was how active the Parish Council was and that hasn’t faltered.

I’m a very active person and do a lot of cycling and running so I really do appreciate the green spaces within East Hunsbury for my early morning runs. I’m keen to maintain the quantity and quality of these open spaces so residents of all ages can benefit and enjoy the time spent outdoors. My husband and I still partake in our ‘Lockdown’ walks in our area! I also take a very positive attitude to helping to tackle climate change and try to do my bit whenever I can. I recently bought a fold up bike so I can use the car less, and it also gives me another excuse to cycle!

I’m a keen volunteer and have various volunteer hats that keep me very busy and vary from working with children to helping tackle climate change.

Leah was co-opted to the Parish Council in October 2022 and is a member of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee.

cllr.perry@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Mary Roach

In 1986, and with my husband and two children, we moved into our newly built home in East Hunsbury. Living here happily for the past thirty-six years, I have witnessed the parish grow and develop with the availability of further new homes, new schools, both primary and secondary, shops, churches, GP surgeries, leisure facilities and so much more.

Our community is now well rooted and it is my privilege and gives me great pride to have a role within such a supportive and generous community. As a Parish Councillor since 2019, I am certain East Hunsbury has a good and well respected Parish Council, one that makes a difference to the lives of the people who live here and is committed to the care of our local environment.

Mary is a member of the Resources Committee and the Community Engagement Committee. cllr.roach@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Become a Parish Councillor

We have two parish councillor vacancies (a 'casual vacancy'), and want those positions to be filled by residents who are passionate about East Hunsbury and want to make a positive difference for their community.

Why should I become a councillor?

As a councillor you can become a voice for your community and effect real change. Councillors are community leaders and represent the aspirations of the public that they serve. Parish councillors are the most local part of our democratic system and are closest to the public. By standing for your parish council you could make a real difference to your local neighbourhood.

What's in it for me and my community?

You should consider becoming a Parish Councillor if:

• You want to do something positive for your community

• You want to spend your time productively

• You can think, listen and act locally

You should be able to commit to attend regular Parish Council meetings, which are usually held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

To find out more about East Hunsbury Parish Council and becoming a parish councillor, take a look at our website. If you’d like to express your interest in becoming a parish councillor just get in touch – we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about what’s involved.

Preventing good quality food going to waste

Why not pop along to one of our community fridge sessions to see what you can save from landfill. The fridge is free and open to all. Helping to save the planet and supporting people in the local community.

Opening times:

Tues 10:30 - 12:00

Wed 16:00 - 17:30

Fri 10:30 - 12:00

Where to find us: The Abbey Centre, 10 Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0RZ

Looking back at a busy Spring!

Once again a hugely busy time for the community. Elsewhere in this magazine we give you an update on the Coronation, but aside of that fabulous event, our volunteers and community groups have been very busy.

The Well Being Hub at Hunsbury Library

– Many thanks to the organisations and practitioners who took part in our first well being event. Over 800 people attended throughout the day, receiving information on subjects from prostate cancer testing, to sleep therapy, from massage for health, to taster sessions in Pilates and yoga, and attending local walks with Northamptonshire Walks team. Next on our agenda, looking at an information day on green issues.

If you would like to be involved, please just get in touch.

Pub Quiz in the Library

Once again, a packed house for the Pub Quiz in the Library – with funds raised for Friends of Hunsbury Library. A record 15 teams battled it out, with Derrick our Quiz Master at the helm. Next quiz – 19th Oct 7pm start. BOOK EARLY at the info desk at Hunsbury Library.

School of Life Project

This is our intergenerational project, where we bring people of different ages to work on projects. So far this year has included: Wootton Park School pupils volunteer at Seniors Coffee Mornings events - these young people are students of Health and Social Care, particularly looking at structuring activities to keep our older residents engaged. East Hunsbury Primary Gardening Club supported our Well Being Hub. The mini-gardeners gave up their Saturday, to work with our Gardening Buddies to pot up and give away plants to people who attended the event. Smiles all round!

Simon De Senlis Primary SEN Unit for children with additional educational needs, hosted volunteer bakers from our local Seniors – making Magic Biscuits – who was teaching who? It was very hard to tell!

We look forward to the next set of Skill Swaps in East Hunsbury!

Get Active in East Hunsbury! Seniors and Youth clubs – all continue to attract more members, with offshoot activities growing as volunteers step up to lead projects, from art to star gazing, strolling to singing, the list continues to grow. Please see specific adverts in this booklet, for details of how to get involved in these two important groups, which span the ages in our community.

For our Seniors, additional funding from WNC has now allowed yoga and mindfulness to join the list of activities which they enjoy.

Alongside these, The Big Sing, our monthly session at Hunsbury Library, continues to raise the roof! No need to prebook, simply turn up, enjoy a cuppa and sing!

Gardening Buddies continue to plant our community garden at the Library, the Orchard is starting to blossom, and our wonderful East Hunsbury Litter Picking Volunteers, continue to keep community volunteers nice and busy!

Dates for Autumn

in our next magazine, more info to follow on:

• East Hunsbury Remembers – our poppy project and Remembrance Sunday Gathering Sun 12th Nov

• Hunsbury Festive Fair – our joint Christmas event –Sat 25th Nov at Hunsbury Library

Coronation Celebrations!

We enjoyed hearing about plans for the coronation locally – including from our local schools and groups, who held special assemblies and events.

Here in East Hunsbury, the parish council treated 110 of our local seniors, to a “street party” at the Abbey Centre, on the Tuesday after his Majesty’s coronation.

Volunteers worked across the weekend to set up and serve a sumptuous tea, with music, lots of laughter and a theme of red, white and blue –what else would do?

We were delighted to work once again with Wootton Park School, and pupils from their Health & Social Care course, who attended and hosted the event with our team.

Thanks goes to the army of volunteers who go above and beyond, to help to make these special events.

We rounded off the day with three cheers for His Majesty and a rousing chorus of God Save The King!

Wonderful experiences and spreading happiness like glitter at Simon de Senlis

Along with the superb teaching and learning at Simon de Senlis, we believe that rich experiences are such a valuable part of every child’s education and as such we make sure they are there in abundance. We love being a part of our vibrant local and wider community and as such we ensure that all our children build positive relationships with the communities, we are a part of.

On March 28th, it was an exciting day for the children as we welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Northampton to the school to open our new outdoor classroom. The classroom has been built next to our extensive Forest School area as an extension of this amazing educational resource. To help the Mayor and Mayoress open the classroom were the School Council, along with the House Captains.

Outdoor learning is such a valuable component of the curriculum at Simon de Senlis, where children can develop their cooperation and collaboration skills, along with their problem solving and reasoning skills. Our outdoor curriculum includes learning within our forest school, where our children and staff engage in a wide range of

learning, developing personal and social skills, improving language and communication and showing a deeper understanding of the world around them. It also supports positive wellbeing and enjoyment. Our new outdoor classroom will allow the whole school curriculum to be brought into the outdoors, whatever the weather, from geography to science, art, music, english and PE. Our whole school will benefit from this wonderful new space, and we all love to use it.

All our classrooms are named after inspirational people who have ‘made a dent in the universe’ and our new classroom has been named The Queen Elizabeth II classroom, after our inspirational monarch. The name was chosen after a school wide competition to find a fitting name for this new classroom. The outdoor classroom is also environmentally friendly with solar panels and a wind turbine to generate power and a water collection system to store rainwater to water plants within the school grounds.

The whole school applauded as The Mayor cut the red ribbon to open the classroom and a rousing

A visit to the Guildhall, hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress

Oportunities to perform throughout the year

three cheers came from the 430 children and staff as they watched the grand event. Afterwards tea and cakes were enjoyed in the library after a tour of the school to visit the classrooms.

We were so proud of our whole school as the Mayor and Mayoress commented on the children’s positive engagement and excellent behaviour and as a result, we were personally invited to a tour of The Guildhall from The Mayor. Whilst at The Guildhall, the children learnt more about the history of Northampton, through the architecture, paintings and sculptures and we even saw a painting of Simon de Senlis! We are so thankful to The Mayor and Mayoress for their kindness and generosity.

We work closely with NPAT (Northampton Music and Performing Arts Trust) throughout the year and every child in Key Stage 2 are taught to play four different musical instruments- the recorder, the violin or trumpet, the ukulele and the African drums. In the past weeks, we have been astounded by the skill, confidence and happiness of Year 3 children as they performed a recorder concert to parents and families and of the Year 4 children as they performed a violin and cello concert. Again, a wonderful experience for all.

Throughout the year we ensure that our positive relationship with our local community builds, and we have seen Year 5 children visit Tesco to learn how their bread is made as part of the DT curriculum, children across the school visit Danes Camp for swimming lessons as part of the PE curriculum and children visit the library to continue to develop a love of reading. We also thoroughly enjoy the activities and experiences with the East

Hunsbury Parish Council and know that these have such a positive impact on our children and our wonderful community.

Very recently the whole school has celebrated the Coronation of King Charles. Our school choir were invited to sing at a Coronation Celebration by the Vice Lord Lieutenant and The Bishop of Northampton, the choir sang beautifully to a large crowd and with rapturous applause afterwards. On May 5th, after a whole school party picnic lunch, each year group performed a mini-Coronation concert to parents and families. With flags waving, singing and dancing and crowns galore, this was such a memorable day for everyone. The historic event of the coronation will be remembered by all for many years to come.

We love to read at Simon de Senlis and have so many wonderful experiences for our children to continue to develop their love of reading. To share this love of reading, our Reading Ambassadors recently chose 12 books that they wanted to share with our local community. These books have been left around our local area in waterproof bags and are there for all to enjoy. If you see one, please enjoy reading it and then put it back into its bag and leave it for someone else to read. We hope this will spread our joy of reading to others in our community. And finally, if you’re passing the school, look up at our flag flying proudly. It saysThrow kindness around like confetti. That’s what we are, a school full of kindness and happiness with wonderful experiences set proudly within our wonderful community.

Working within our community – a visit to Tesco

Northampton's Mayor and Mayoress cut the ribbon on our new classroom

"A Crime in East Hunsbury" short story competition winner

locked the door. The girls stayed as still as possible as they heard movement in the rooms below.

Do you think he's still there?” Sarah asked her sister, as they cowered behind the locked bathroom door.

“Don't know”, replied Kate,” but it has gone quiet”.

Sarah and Kate were house-sitting for their parents who were celebrating their 30th anniversary in London.

Whilst the family were close, they kept in touch mainly through social media. It had been a while since they had spent time together and a Pearl wedding celebration seemed a good reason to go "home".

The London trip was a gift from the girls. Sarah drove her parents to the station and would pick them up when they returned, as she and Kate were staying to spend some "sister time" together.

Back at home, Kate had rustled up one of their favourite childhood meals, fish finger sandwiches, followed by Viennetta ice cream which they had as a treat when growing up.

Something they didn't have when children was wine, but there was some Pino Grigio in the fridge so they had a glass each.

They spent the evening reminiscing. Overtaken by nostalgia, they decided to share the double bed in the attic as they had done all those years ago. This house would always be home, comforting and safe; and replete with those happy memories they didn't take long to fall asleep.

Were those memories soon to be shattered?

Shortly after 2.00a.m Sarah woke with a start. She had heard glass breaking and the back door squeaking as it opened, then creaking of the stairs. She woke Kate and they crept to the bathroom and

The intruders clearly thought the house was empty. Wardrobe doors and drawers were opened; things crashed to the floor.

Panic started to set in.

Why hadn't they set the alarm? How could they both forget to pick up their phones? Was it one or two people, or more? Would they come up to the attic?

The attic conversion had been done when Sarah and Kate were small and the stairs up to it were behind a door in the smallest bedroom. They had been reading the Chronicles of Narnia at the time and their Dad had added the door so that the girls could enter their own world through the wardrobe. Perhaps the intruders wouldn’t notice the door to the attic stairs.

A phone rang. The intruder spoke. “Yeah I'm in. No-one here. Only the small bedroom to check. I've found the keys to the Beemer, so you can push off”. “I know that voice” mouthed Kate to her sister. “So do I” whispered Sarah “but what is he doing here and why?”

The girls froze as they heard the door to the small bedroom open. The relief was palpable when they heard it close again.

The intruder had gone back downstairs and now sat quietly in the kitchen waiting for the girls to come down from the attic......

Thank you to Brenda for sharing her story with us - we hope you enjoy spending your £20 book token.

A special mention should be made for Alexander Hamilton, aged 7 for his entry “Mr Boone”; and Sophie Lah-Anyane, aged 8 for her entry “The Mystery of the Faraway Kidnapper”

“Where there’s a Will” by Brenda Soden

Spread some festive cheer with a short story for Christmas

Bring out your inner Dickens and write a short story – enter now for a chance to have your story published in the next edition of East Hunsbury Life Magazine!

All you have to do is submit a short story of not more than 500 words on the theme of “A Christmas Tale”. The entry can be a short story or the first chapter of a book with the intention of leaving the reader wanting more!

The winning entry will be published in the October edition of the Parish magazine, and the writer will receive a £20 National Book Token.

WIN a £20 National Book Token

Competition Rules

1. The competition is open to all residents of East Hunsbury (no age restriction)

2. Entries must be original and unpublished

3. Entry is free but to be eligible must be submitted by midnight on 21st September 2023

4. Entries to be submitted as a typed PDF, by email to ehlmag@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk Please include your name, full address, and contact number when submitting

5. By submitting your entry you grant East Hunsbury Parish Council the right to publish in East Hunsbury Life Magazine

6. If you are under 18 years old, please tell us your age.

There are many people, like you, who want to prevent burglaries, thefts and anti-social behaviour

You can be part of an effective, community-based network by joining Neighbourhood Watch

Here’s how:

• Enter your postcode at www.northantsnhw.co.uk to find your local Neighbourhood Watch and click to join your nearest scheme.

• If there’s no scheme, then click to start your own scheme or contact your district leader via the Contacts page of the above website.

• There’s no cost to join the largest crime prevention movement in England and Wales, with over 2.3 million member households.

• You’ll automatically receive important Neighbourhood Alerts written by local police, Action Fraud, Neighbourhood Watch and other agencies. They will keep you in the know for what to look out for and how to help the police fight crime.

• Receive crime prevention advice to protect your family and belongings.

• Keep your ears and eyes open and report anything of concern.

999 for a crime in progress or where life is in danger

101 for non-urgent enquiries: to report a crime that has happened or a concern or suspicion or send a report via www.northants.police.uk

Northamptonshire Crimestoppers (for anonymous reports): use their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone 0800 555 111

Blacky More Community Centre, East Hunsbury

Do your children love making art? Would they enjoy learning new skills and experimenting with different materials?

Northampton Art School for Young Artists is for young people in Year groups 3 to 11. It provides an opportunity for young artists to grow in confidence and to spend time in a supportive environment with other young artists in an out of school setting. Classes are run in 5 week blocks on Saturdays and Sundays during term time.

For more information contact Clare Carney: clare.carney@ntlworld.com

Time to celebrate at Wootton Park School

Written by Joel Cooper

As we head towards the summer, celebration has been in the air at Wootton Park School. Throughout May and June we see our learners in Years 6, 11 and 13 undertaking important external examinations, consolidating all of the knowledge they have worked hard to develop over the past few years. The end of this year is particularly significant for our Year 13 learners who are embarking on their post-18 adventures. These learners were our first cohort back in 2016 when we were merely a school of 180. They have all proved a fundamental part of the creation of our school ethos and culture over the years, inspiring and motivating all year groups who have followed. It is very pleasing therefore that over 90% of our learners have received university offers from a number of prestigious institutions, including Russell Group universities and 2 offers from Oxford and Cambridge. We are all immensely proud of their achievements.

During the week beginning 1st May, Wootton Park united with the community by celebrating King Charles’s Coronation. Our Primary learners spent the week using their lesson time to learn about the history of the monarchy and what the coronation meant for both British History and Society. Learners wrote letters to the king and invitations to street parties, produced artwork inspired by the royal family and even had the time to learn a song written in celebration of the king! Across the secondary phase, learners were encouraged through tutor time to contribute royal artwork for a large display which will grace our canteen area.

As the weather was kind for us on Friday 5th May, we were also able to have a large, wholeschool Wootton Park celebration on the school field where learners were able to socialize,

play team games, eat scones and even have their faces painted red, white and blue! These community events have such a positive impact on the well-being of our learners and we feel incredibly grateful that our learners embrace such opportunities with enthusiasm.

As we move into July, the school will be welcoming our new EYFS and Year 7 cohorts to transition days, as well as inducting our new Year 12 A-level learners. Our annual Sports Day will again unite learners across the school to celebrate each other’s achievements, and our Year 10 and Year 12 will be taking on their work experience placements. Our learners taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award will be going on their first expeditions and our Year 6 learners will be able to mark the end of their time in primary with both a trip to Wicksteed Park and their very own school prom!

On behalf of the school, we would like to thank the Hunsbury community for your ongoing support and look forward to forming new partnerships into next year.

Find out more about the school life: woottonparkschool.org.uk

Learners dressed in red, white and blue to celebrate the Coronation

Community spirit shines through at East Hunsbury Primary School

East Hunsbury Primary School (EHPS) is a school where community sits at its heart and one which is proud to invest back into its local community at every possible opportunity.

At EHPS we have a specially elected group of children who are our Community Champions and their role is to lead the way forward on community engagement. They have overseen projects such as the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal, running an Easter Community Café and decorating our grounds for the whole community to enjoy. Most recently, one of our pupils, in Year 4, was a joint winner of the Northamptonshire Healthy Schools Mental Health competition (over 34 schools entered with multiple entries!) and their piece of art will now inspire a willow structure in a local park. It is wonderful to think that our work will support and inspire the local community.

Our gardening club is also often out and about planting poppies at East Hunsbury Library or working with our residents to plant and improve our grounds. Similarly, you will find our choir

singing at local community events such as the Parish Council Festive Fete and the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts (NMPAT) Big Sing! In fact, some of our Year 5 children are currently rehearsing a community inspired dance which will be performed as part of the Northamptonshire Festival at the Derngate theatre.

East Hunsbury Primary School is also always looking for ways to involve and support their families. Every week we hold Walk-in-Wednesday where parents/carers can come in and enjoy sharing a book or two with their

child. Each class has the opportunity to perform an assembly and take part in an event such as: Carols and Christingle, Summer Fete (maypole and country dancing extravaganza) or our Harvest Festival. Having parents play an active part in their child’s learning really helps us to build our school community.

We also love celebrating any special occasions such as The King’s Coronation with a family teaparty or our late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a whole-school family picnic.

We also run weekly classes for parents who have English as an Additional Language and recently, our welfare team set up an East Hunsbury Community Foodbank. This essential resource supports many of our families but also our wider community.

Assemblies are also an important way that we involve our local community. This year we have had presentations and talks from East Hunsbury Library, the Northants Litter Wombles (@NNLitterWombles), the Interfaith Team and the Air Ambulance. These talks teach our children not only about the important job that these organisations do but also the role the children can play in supporting such organisations to the benefit of their community.

As a school, we have also linked with The Saints Rugby, Northampton Town Football Clubs and NMPAT (Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust) to further build our community links. Furthermore, every year you will see us taking part in the wonderful Diwali town parade.

One of our school values is to: Believe and we teach the children that this is about not only

believing in themselves but also believing in others and their community; therefore, it is important that, through our curriculum and enrichment opportunities, we find time for our children to understand the communities to which they belong.

As a school we are committed to continuing to enhance our school’s local and wider community links with many, many more exciting plans ahead –watch this space!

KEY TO WALKS & SYMBOLS

Footpaths

Stream/watercourse

Lake/pond

Memorial Bench

Wildflowers

Play Equipment

Outdoor Gym

Meeting Point

Multi Use Games Area

Bluebells

Japanese Bog Garden

East

Trees in Parks and open spaces

We are fortunate in East Hunsbury to have a wealth of park land and open space, and a huge number of trees! The parish council are responsible for Blacky More open space, Penvale Park, and Grangewood Park, which were transferred to us from Northampton Borough Council in 2021.

The parish council take a proactive approach to tree management and have adopted a Tree Policy which aligns closely with West Northamptonshire Council’s policies. This is so that management of

trees is consistent across the parks and open spaces in the parish. We have engaged an expert consultant to carry out full risk assessments and inspection surveys on a regular basis – currently two years although this is under review.

The most recent survey and risk assessment identified some High and Medium risk works,

Healthy woodlands

Did you know…?

• Woodpiles and standing timber are ideal habitats for insects, birds, and bats

• Ivy doesn’t kill trees! In fact ivy supports more than 50 different species - providing nesting for birds, bats and other small mammals, a nectar source for bees, hoverflies and other insects, and berries for birds

• Bees can ‘steal’ the nectar from bluebells by biting a hole in the bottom of the flower, reaching the nectar without the need to pollinate the flower! The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), so admire them, but please don’t pick them

Pic: Sarah Veness

Pic: Joanne Bourne, flickr.

required for the purposes of good practice management, disease control, or public safety, and all of the required works were carried out by a professional tree surgeon on our behalf. Where we’ve had to remove trees will we try to plant at least one tree of a suitable species and size at the most appropriate site nearby.

We are regularly asked questions by residents, and we know that the laws around trees and public spaces can sometimes seem a little over-whelming.

“Can I cut back overhanging branches?” “I want to trim the hedges next to my fence…” “I’m worried about a tree that looks unstable”.

If you’re concerned about trees in the parks please get in touch with the parish council and we will be able to give you some advice or point you in the right direction. The parks are maintained for the enjoyment of all residents, and with ecology, habitat and use in mind. Works to trees, hedges, shrubs and grass areas in the parks should not be carried out by residents themselves. Unauthorised works could result in prosecution.

• You can cut back any branches/vegetation overhanging your boundary, but only from your side of the boundary.

• You must dispose of the waste in a responsible manner – please don’t return it to the parks.

• Leaves, seeds, and sap that fall into gardens are the concern of the property owner. West Northants Council/the parish council accept no responsibility for tree leaf litter, seed drop, pollen, sap etc. as these are all natural, expected, tree occurrences.

• Generally tree roots do not damage buildings, but a high clay content together with vegetation can sometimes cause excessive moisture loss during periods of drought. If you are concerned and think your property is affected you should start by obtaining a structural survey via your insurance company.

If you’d like to find out more about trees in the parks, and open spaces, take a look at our website. You’ll be able to find a copy of our Tree Policy, the latest tree surveys, and links to other useful information.

ww.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk/ parks-and-open-spaces1.html

Enjoying East Hunsbury’s Parks!

Step out of your front door and you are probably only minutes away from a park or open space in East Hunsbury – how lucky we are!

The parks are enjoyed by residents for all sorts of reasons – a relaxing stroll, casual picnics with friends, or letting the kids run off some steam. Whatever you use the parks and open spaces for, there are some things we should all remember so that they remain safe and attractive places to visit.

Keep dogs under control

Not everyone is happy to see a dog bounding its way towards them. Please keep dogs under control, and on a lead if they do not come on command.

Please clean up after your dog

We don’t employ a dog poo fairy! Dog waste bags can be disposed of in any litter bin, so there’s no excuse for leaving dog mess in the parks.

Dispose of your litter

Help to keep the parks looking nice by using the bins provided or taking your litter home with you.

No BBQ’s

Picnics are great, but please don’t BBQ.

Supervise children using the play equipment

Keep the sound down

Excessively loud music or boisterous behaviour can put other people off using the parks and disturb nearby residents.

Love Parks Week 2023

28th July – 4th August

2023

Love Parks Week is set up to celebrate and support the efforts of volunteers and workers up and down the country to maintain and protect our green spaces. It provides a week of action for parks to run events in their local area.

You can join in by litter picking in the parks –the parish council can loan you litter picking equipment, then you can litter pick when you are out and about in the parks. Drop us an email on admin@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk Post to social media and encourage other to take part using #LoveParks

We will be hosting a Big Litter Pick at the Summer Social event in Grangewood Park on 6th August.

Flood Mitigation –Proposed works in Penvale Park

Rainfall patterns are changing, and surface water flooding is becoming more frequent in East Hunsbury.

The area around Penvale (Penn Valley) Park is particularly affected due to the topography of the land around it, with some properties in this area being flooded more than once over the years, the last significant incident occurring in 2018. The devastating impact flood water in a home, puts residents on high alert any time there is significant rainfall.

East Hunsbury Parish Council have been working with RAIN –Resilience and Innovation Northants – and have secured some funding to develop a Natural Flood Management plan for Penvale Park, to slow the flow and hold surface water during flood events, reducing the impact on people’s homes.

The plan includes the creation of a low earth bund and reprofiling of the land at the Hilldrop Road end of the park, leaky dams in the brook to slow the flow when the water is at its highest, and tree planting to support the soil structure along the bank.

We have engaged experts to develop the flood management scheme, and to ensure that we can carry out the works with limited damage to existing trees. A planning application for the works has been submitted to West Northamptonshire Council, and you can review this in more detail on the Planning Portal - www.northampton.gov.uk/planning

The plan includes making the bund into a butterfly bank to encourage pollinators into the park. We may call out for some helping hands when the main scope of the works have been completed to do some planting and seed sowing.

We will also be looking at funding to reinstate the bog garden in the park which was an original feature.

We need your help with this – if you have any photos of how this used to look, please send them to us! Any historical information could help with the design and work in this area.

West Northamptonshire Council have a wealth of information available to householders in their Flood Toolkit and through the RAIN project will actively engage with residents at risk to help them prepare and protect themselves and their property.

Information on the progress of the flood mitigation works will be updated regularly on our website, and via social media, or drop us an email if you have specific questions about the plans.

East Hunsbury Parish Councilwww.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

RAIN – www.rainnorthants.co.uk

West Northants Flood Toolkit - www.floodtoolkit.com

Butterfly Conservationwww.butterfly-conservation.org

The Collingtree Circular Walk

Written by Dave Askew

We are so lucky in Northamptonshire to be able to have our beautiful canals to stroll along. It doesn’t matter what time of year, or even how many times, you walk on the tow path you’ll always see something different. And normally those paths are walkable in all seasons. So watch out for different birds, water voles and the otters that have been seen on this walk.

This 8 mile walk starts by walking on the public footpath along the edge of the 1st hole of Collingtree Golf Course, before turning south and heading up and across the M1. Please stick carefully to the marked path described in the instructions and respect the nearby golfers.

The canal-side section of the walks affords opportunities for wildlife spotting and lock watching

From here we cross the fields to lovely Milton Malsor, emerging by the church and walking through the village, where there’s an opportunity for an early refreshment stop at The Greyhound.

Now it’s time to head across another field to arrive at the canal. The Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal, which was opened in 1815 and travels 4.8 miles through 17 locks from Gayton to connect with the River Nene near Carlsberg. Look out for the plaques along it that have letters to collect.

The canal path passes under the busy M1 which is quite an experience with all the graffiti. I bet none of the motorists above travelling at 70 mph even know you’re there! Then, at the beautiful next bridge, it’s time to leave the canal and walk up through the pocket parks of West and East Hunsbury to arrive back where we started.

Although the distance says 8 miles, this is an easy walk for a family day out and ideal for a picnic beside the canal. Just watching people come through the numerous locks is great fun in itself.

Here’s the link to full details of this walk…

www.northamptonshirewalks.co.uk/about/ walk-2-a-golf-course-open-fields-villages-a-canalpocket-parks-oh-an-injury/

Over 200 walks we’ve done in Northamptonshire can be found at northamptonshirewalks.co.uk plus all the links to our social media groups etc

The old and the modern - the traditional brick canal bridges contrast with the M1 viaduct

Interesting things to look out for along the way...

Introducing our new Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant

Dear Residents,

I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to you all as I am your new neighbourhood policing team Sergeant. I took over this role in March of this year from Sergeant Nick Paul who has done an incredible job keeping the communities safe over the years and left me with big shoes to fill!

I joined Northants police in 2009 and have spent the last 13 years on the incident response teams working all over the county with the last 4 years in Northampton. I have now moved over to the community side of policing, and I thoroughly enjoy it with such variety in the role.

I am extremely fortunate to be leading a team of dedicated police officers and community support officers and the whole team is committed to the mission of making the community in which you live the safest it can possibly be.

My team and I are based out of Mereway Fire and Police station, and we cover a number of areas and parishes from Far cotton, Wootton, East and West Hunsbury all the way across to Upton.

I am very keen for my team and I to be visible so that you have the opportunity to engage with us and tell us of any concerns you have or priorities for the area in which you live.

We hold regular events in the community such as ‘Cuppa with a Copper’ and I would encourage you to look out for the advertised events and come along to meet the team whenever you can.

I look forward to meeting with you in the community soon and please feel free to get in touch with any of my team or myself if you have any concerns or questions.

Kindest regards

Danny Danny Morris, 867 West LPA Neighbourhood Sgt

Below are details how to contact us:

Telephone: 999 in an emergency, for non-urgent matters you can call 101.

To avoid waiting on the telephone, we recommend making use of our online system, it’s quick and easy, and has lots of useful advice which may answer your query, you can report online in the following ways:

Crimes and Incidents: www.northants.police.uk –click the report button.

Give Information: www.northants.police.uk/contact/ cubp/northants/tell-us-about-something-youveseen-or-heard/

Or Anonymously at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by telephone 0800 555 111.

To submit Dashcam footage: www.northants.police.uk/police-forces/ northamptonshire-police/areas/northamptonshireforce-content/about-us/about-us/operation-snapnorthamptonshire/

For Thanks and Complaints: www.northants.police.uk/fo/feedback/tc/ thanks-and-complaints/

Sign up to Neighbourhood Alert: www.northants.police.uk/advice/advice-andinformation/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/as/ northants/neighbourhood-alert/

Are you aware of our Social Media Channels: We are on Facebook: www.facebook.com/northamptonpolice/

We are on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NptonPolice

PILATES & MINDFULNESS

Sharon teaches Pilates at Rothersthorpe Village Hall on term-time Tuesdays

7 30-8 30pm Class is small and friendly and suitable for all levels

She also runs bespoke workshops and training sessions designed and delivered to meet your requirements Get in touch to find out more!

Sharon is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Mindfulness Teacher and Pilates Instructor She is particularly interested in the mind -body link in wellbeing

CONTACT DR SHARON LORD: STEDDYSHARON@AOL.COM

News from King Richard Court

Jam or cream first? This was the choice we were faced with on February 14th, Saint Valentines Day. We were served with a beautifully set out Afternoon Tea with scones, jam and cream, of course.

The Prevention of Falls classes have been much appreciated by those who attended. Not only do we have good balance exercises, but we are led by a very lively instructor with enjoyable music.

One of our residents has started a twice monthly group called Ray of Light. It is for carers present and past to come together to share experiences, as well as to learn from interesting speakers who come along. We have had people from the local surgery, telling us of the services available. Once on their list it opens up contacts with many medical professionals.

We have also heard from Age UK Northampton of the services available through them as well as a talk from the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Social Committee invited Specsavers to come and talk of the services they could provide here in KRC for eyes and hearing. A number have used them already and found the service brilliant.

We had a very enjoyable Chicken in the Basket evening.

Do you suffer from being Scammed? Three members from the Scam Prevention Unit gave a very interesting talk to a large audience on what to look for, as well as how to avoid being caught out.

On Good Friday we had a coffee and hot cross bun morning with no charge but donations. £150 was raised for the Headlands School Sensory Unit.

On Easter Sunday we had a lovely display of Easter Eggs for a raffle in the entrance. On the other side we had a cross reminding us that Easter is not all about Easter Eggs.

On Coronation Day there were cakes and drinks in the lounge for those who wanted to watch the event on the TV. The lounge, like the rest of the building, was festooned with flags and bunting. On Sunday we had our Street Party. Two residents were voted King and Queen for the day and sat on thrones at the head of the table for the delightful meal we had, this was followed by excellent entertainment.

Words by: Geoffrey Goswell

King Richard Court crowned their King and Queen on Coronation Day

The Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea

Marking Easter in the entrance hall

Blacky More Community Centre

Did you know there was a community centre in East Hunsbury? Wander down Butts Croft Close (near the shops in Butts Road) at the bottom of the road your community centre awaits!

The centre is ideal for parties, meetings and family gatherings and is regularly used by Rainbows and Brownies, there are Art Classes, Puppy Classes, a Dance School and in term time PuddleDucks Day Nursery who have used the centre for many years.

The centre consists of a main hall, with conservatory, a small kitchen, toilet facilities with plenty of parking for your hire.

Hire rates (per hour):

Private bookings - £25.00

Regular hirer - £12.00 (10 session or more)

Charity/Community group - £12.00

East Hunsbury residents get the first hour free!

To make an enquiry please email admin@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Blacky More Community Centre

Butts Croft Close, East Hunsbury, NN4 0WP

Weekly Activites at Blacky More

Monday - Friday

8.30am-3.30pm

Puddleducks

Ofsted registered playgroup for 2-5 year olds. Contact Corrina Evans for more details.

07790 363277

Email: puddleduckseasthunsbury@gmail.com

Monday 4.00pm – 8.00pm

Starlight Dance and Musical Theatre

Join at session.

01536 601545

northampton@starlightdance.net

Tuesday 6pm – 7pm

Yoga

Contact: Ekta 07421 713251

7.00pm

East Hunsbury Parish Council

Full Parish Council Meeting

3rd Tuesday of the month.

Please see website for agreed dates and agendas: www.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Wednesday 5.30pm-6.30pm

Rainbows

Rainbows is the first step in the worldwide guiding movement for girls.To join contact Judy Rainbow: 07803 270843.

7.15pm – 8.15pm

Zumba with Chelsey

Fancy a midweek boogie? Book online: www.bookwhen.com/zumbabychelsey

Thursday 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Brownies

Stage 2 in the guiding movement. The children enjoy a wide range of activities and community involvement. Contact Val Tate on 01604 766039

Friday Available for Private Hire 4pm – 10pm

Saturday 8.30am–5.30pm

Northampton Art School for Young Artists and families

www.clarecarney.com

facebook@

northamptonartschoolforyoungartists

Sunday 11am–7.30pm

Northampton Art School for Young Artists and families

www.clarecarney.com

facebook@

northamptonartschoolforyoungartists

If you would like to take part in any of the activities listed you must be a resident of East Hunsbury, be 65 or over and have signed up with us at one of the sessions or by popping into see us at Hunsbury Library where you will find us at the Parish Office. The club is subsidised by East Hunsbury Parish Council - a voluntary contribution of £1 per session is welcomed, to help with running costs - thank you.

Our events to look forward to...

Some of the sessions on offer may also need to be booked and dates and times subject to change.

ABILITY - Connecting people with places

Not sure if you've heard of ABILITY which is a local not-for-profit group, but just to give you a better idea about what this not-for-profit scheme is all about, we had a chat with one of the drivers who is a local volunteer for ABILITY.

Chris Carter, one of the drivers of the Northampton bus service and drives regularly for ABILITY in a smart comfortable minibus. The services supports many villages and the outskirts of Northampton such as Hunsbury and Duston.

A bit about Chris

Although ABILITY do employ some paid drivers, Chris has been helping as an unpaid volunteer for four years. Why does he do it? Chris was impressed with a similar service he found operating in Dorset which his mother used. So, when he came across ABILITY he thought he would like to help his local community. Chris’s philosophy is to treat passengers as he would like his mother to be treated.

Chris is so helpful during the shopping trip and it was obvious that he has developed a great rapport with his passengers. After 30 minutes shopping, the passengers congregate in the coffee shop. This is where the true magic of the ABILITY

scheme comes to light. Having completed the mundane but essential chore of the weekly shop everyone had a really enjoyable time putting the world to right over tea coffee and cake. This is what the ABILITY shopping trip is all about, all too soon it is time to get back on the bus to return the happy shoppers to their homes, collecting another passenger from the town centre and dropping off passengers in Hunsbury then made the reverse trip back to Hackleton and Horton. Chris then returned other passengers back to Piddington. Shopping can be a daunting experience, however an ABILITY shopping trip is quite a different experience.

The service is a flexible bus service which picks people up from home or a bus stop, destinations include local supermarkets and town centres.

The basic about ABILITY is that it is a social enterprise providing local community bus services to help reduce loneliness and social isolation.

ABILITY's Northampton bus service from Hackleton area for example, operates three times per week Tuesday, Thursday and Friday providing a regular service into Northampton Town centre by All Saints Church. The service also includes the areas around Duston, Hunsbury and Wootton, taking people to supermarkets and garden centres, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose, Lidl and Aldi.

The bronze level service is totally free to concessionary bus pass holders.

For a minimal annual subscription users can benefit from the plus service by upgrading to either gold or silver services

To use the service passengers need to be registered and journeys booked in advance.

In addition to the regular service ABILITY offers members the option to book onto the day trips, with weekly trips to popular leisure destinations around the county. Previous trips have been a great success, with destinations including Beckworth Emporium, Bourton on the water and Rushden Lakes.

It is difficult to get your head around how a service that is so good and still free to concessionary bus pass holders. The shopping trip service provided by ABILITY is wonderful and free, or if you upgrade to the silver and gold level service it is ridiculously cheap.

ABILITY's service is so much more than its strap line connecting people with places suggests. In my opinion, it is more important it connects people to places in a fantastically sociable way!

Did you know? The ABILITY bus service is open to everyone to use not just concessionary bus pass holders. Anyone can use this service.

Simply pre book your journey at which time you will be advised of the mileage fare and payment options.

As an example, the approximate cost for a single fare from Hackleton to Northampton is currently about £5 much cheaper than a taxi fare!

ABILITY Connecting people with places

ABILITY transport was set up as a not-for-profit community interest company, with the primary goal of reducing social isolation and loneliness. In 2018, directors Lynn and Nigel Hinch discovered a real need to connect isolated rural areas which had been left behind by the wider transport network. Years of reduced government spending and cuts to local bus subsidies had resulted in a significant reduction in the number of bus routes. Almost overnight, villages had which had relied upon public transport to access essential services suddenly found themselves cut off and isolated.

Nigel says, “When understand what the issues are, bus cuts are inevitable, but it comes a bit of a joke when we've got more passengers on our bus than a double decker that is driving past”.

The project took six months to set up and went live on the 1st of January 2019 with one minibus. Within days, Hackleton Parish Council called ABILITY to say that their local bus service had been cancelled. As Lynn says we had spent six months in planning and knew where we were going and what needed to be done, so we were able to start the service for Hackleton the very next day.

Ever since then, ABILITY has expanded and is currently operating with ten minibuses across 62 different parish councils. We now have hundreds of members across West Northamptonshire and North Oxfordshire, helping local communities stay connected and in turn improving peoples mental and physical well-being, supported by a great team.

So if you would like to be involved in this service please give us a call on 01327 604123.

What's On July - October 2023

Tuesdays Term Time Only Youth Club

Danes Camp Leisure Centre Ages 5-8 & 9–13-year-olds

Every Wednesday 10am-2pm Welcome Space on Wednesday –Pop in for a Cuppa!

Tues 4th July 7pm-9pm EHPC Parks and Open Spaces Meeting

Weds 5th July 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Tues 11th July 10.30am-12.30pm

Seniors Coffee Morning

Tues 11th July 7pm-9pm EHPC Full Council Meeting

Thurs 20th July 12 noon- 1pm The Big Sing

Booking required www.trilogyleisure.co.uk

EHPC Activity Room @ Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

Collingtree Golf Club

Blacky More Community Centre

Hunsbury Library

Tues 25th July 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning The Abbey Centre

Thurs 3rd Aug 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Hunsbury Library

Sunday 6th Aug 12 noon - 4pm Summer Social - Music & Picknicking with the community Grangewood Park

Tues 12th Sept 10.30am - 12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning Collingtree Golf Club

Tues 12th Sept 7pm-9pm EHPC Resources Meeting Hunsbury Library

Tues 19th Sept 7pm-9pm EHPC Full Council Meeting

Thurs 21st Sept 12 noon- 1pm The Big Sing

Tues 26th Sept 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Thurs 28th Sept 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Tues 3rd Oct 7pm-9pm EHPC Community Engagement Meeting

Tues 10th Oct 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Tues 17th Oct 7pm-9pm EHPC Full Council Meeting

Thurs 19th Oct 12 noon-1pm The Big Sing

Thurs 19th Oct 7pm Pub Quiz in the LibraryContact library for more details

Tues 24th Oct 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Thurs 26th Oct 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Blacky More Community Centre

Hunsbury Library

The Abbey Centre

Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

The Abbey Centre

Blacky More Community Centre

Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

Collingtree Golf Club

Hunsbury Library

For more information and future dates please contact East Hunsbury Parish Council office or check our Facebook page for regular updates. Tel: 01604 708429 or email: community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

your area visit www.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

How to report…

• Litter – including broken glass

• Over-flowing litter bins

• Fly tipping

• Gra iti

• Dog fouling

Report online: www.westnorthants.gov.uk/reportit

• Potholes

• Bus stops

• Trees and vegetation

• Drains

• Footpaths

• Winter maintenance

Report online: fixmystreet.northamptonshire.gov.uk

Phone: 0300 126 7000

Email: contactus@westnorthants.gov.uk

West Northamptonshire Council are responsible for waste collections including kerbside recycling and food waste collection.

• Playground equipment in East Hunsbury parks

• Outdoor gym equipment in East Hunsbury

• Issues in Grangewood Park, Penvale Park or Blacky More open space including trees

Report online: www.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk/ fault-reporting-form.html

Phone: 01604 708429

Email: clerk@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

East Hunsbury

Parish Council

• Abandoned shopping trolleys

Call into Tesco and report the location to the Customer Service desk

Phone: 0800 316 1241

Download the TrolleyWise app and report on the go!

• Abandoned Voi scooters

Contact the Customer Service helpline

www.voiscooters.com/contact

Phone: 0800 376 8179

Email: support@voiapp.io

• Starship delivery robot in distress

Email: community@starship.xyz

The Welcome Space on Wednesdays!

The Parish activity room at Hunsbury Library

10am – 2pm

Wednesdays at the Parish Office – are slightly different to other days… In a good way!

Whilst our door is open for the community to come in, meet with us, Wednesdays sees our parish activity room transformed. Each Wednesday, we set up the space as your own front room!

The kettle is on, the radio is on, and people can help themselves to a cuppa and a biscuit. There are magazines and newspapers, board games and a chance to sit and chill out.

The idea was born out of Warm Spaces, which were funded by WNC, to help people during last winter. At East Hunsbury Parish Council, we now intend to keep the space open to the community throughout the summer. Thanks goes to local volunteers who help with this project.

So just pop in, meet up with friends. We are currently looking at requests from residents for using the space for smaller groups, chess club, art sessions etc...

(n.b. one Wednesday per month, we give the space to a new art group. On those days, the Welcome Area will move and be signposted in the main Library room).

• Advertising options starting from £40

• Delivered to 4,000 homes across East Hunsbury, Collingtree Park and Blackymore

• 1,000 copies available to pick up from selected outlets in the parish

• Deadline for booking: 2nd Oct 2023

£10 Off your first booking with this advert

Useful Numbers

Essential Services

Ambulance

Dial 999 in an emergency

Dial 111 to get advice from NHS Online

Fire

Dial 999 in an emergency

Police

Dial 999 in an emergency

Dial 101 to report non-emergency incidents

Local Council

East Hunsbury Parish Council

Hunsbury Library, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ

Tel: 01604 708429

www.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

West Northamptonshire Council

One Angel Square, Angel Street, Northampton, NN1 1ED

Tel: 0300 126 7000

www.westnorthants.gov.uk

Services: Waste collection, planning, Council Tax, schools and education, social care, housing.

West Northamptonshire Council Ward Councillors

Cllr Pinder Chauhan

Pinder.Chauhan@westnorthants.gov.uk

Cllr Andre Gonzalez de Savage

Andre.GonzalezDeSavage@WestNorthants.gov.uk

Cllr Suresh Patel

Suresh.Patel@WestNorthants.gov.uk

Local MP

Andrea Leadsom MP

Andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk

Tel: 01327 353124

Bus Services

Stagecoach

www.stagecoachbus.com

Links to bus maps and operator timetables can be found at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/councilservices/ northamptonshire-highways/buses/Pages/ bus-timetables.aspx

Bus timetables - Northamptonshire Highways

Ability Transport

www.abilitycic.org.uk

On demand bus service for members

Churches

The Abbey Centre Baptist Church

Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, NN4 0RZ

Tel: 01604 767568

www.theabbeycentre.org.uk

St Francis & Therese Catholic Church

Overslade Close, East Hunsbury , NN4 0RZ Tel: 01604 677655

St Benedicts C of E Church

Sentinel Road, West Hunsbury, NN4 9UG

www.stbenedictsnorthampton.org.uk

Health care

Danes Camp Medical Centre

Rowtree Road, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0NY Tel: 01604 709426

Penvale Park Medical Centre

Hardwick Road, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0GP Tel: 01604 700660

Unidrug Dispensing Chemist

Unit 3, Butts Road, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0UE

Tel: 01604 702047

Tesco Pharmacy

Clannell Road, Northampton, NN4 0JF

Tel: 0345 677 9502

Post Offices

Hardingstone Post Office

137 Bouverie Road, Northampton, NN4 6EG

Camp Hill Post Office

Hunsbury Hill Road , Northampton, NN4 9UW

Pre-schools

Puddleducks Pre-school

Blackymore Community Centre, East Hunsbury,, NN4 0WP

Tel: 07704 007 392

Abbey Centre Pre-school

10 Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0RZ

Tel: 01604 767568

Schools

East Hunsbury Primary School

Penvale Road, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0QW

Tel: 01604 677970

Simon de Senlis Primary School

Hilldrop Road, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0PH

Tel: 01604 661011

Wootton Park Primary School

Wootton Hall Park, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0JA

Tel: 01604 931139

Wootton Park Secondary School

Wootton Hall Park, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0JA

Tel: 01604 931139

Library

Hunsbury Library

Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, NN4 0RZ

Services: Books, bus passes, blue badges, computers, printing and photocopying, childrens activities, room hire, social groups, Hermes parcel shop.

Tel: 0300 126 7000

Email: Hunsbury.libraryplus@westnorthants.gov.uk

www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/councilservices/ library-service/visiting-your-library/list-of-libraries/ Pages/hunsbury-library.aspx

Community Centres

Blacky More Community Centre

Butts Croft Close, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0WP

Tel: 01604 708429

www.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk/ halls-for-hire.html

The Abbey Centre

10 Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0RZ

Tel: 01604 767568

www.abbeycentre.org.uk

Grangewood Park Residents Club

50 Barn Owl Close, Northampton , NN4 0UA

Tel: 01604 705004

www.grangewoodresidentsclub.com

Leisure Centres/Sports Facilities

Danes Camp Leisure Centre

Clannell Road, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0RX

Tel: 01604 838333

www.trilogyleisure.co.uk/centres/ danes-camp-leisure-centre

Waste and Recycling Services

Sixfields Household Waste Recycling Centre

Walter Tull Way, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5QL

Salvation Army Clothing Banks

Tesco Mereway, Clannell Road, East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0JF

Air Ambulance Clothing Bank

Overslade Close (outside Library)