East Hunsbury Life magazine issue 3 Mar-June 23

WITH THE FRIENDS OF HUNSBURY LIBRARY

Wednesday 19th April (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

Sunday 6th August

Grangewood Park 12noon – 4pm Brass Band and Community Picnic

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

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

Produced by East Hunsbury Parish Council, there are 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, East Hunsbury Life 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 Wednesday 10th May.

Artwork Deadline - Artwork must be received by Friday 19th of May.

Magazine Delivery - All deliveries complete by the 1st of the month of publish.

Payment - Customer payments must be received by artwork deadline each month. BACS/ Direct Debit payments preferred. Cheques are not accepted.

VAT - All Prices subject to VAT.

Artwork Supply

CIRCULATION

DOOR TO DOOR - 4,000 LEFT FOR PICK UP - 1,000

LEAFLET DELIVERY AVAILABLE

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The deadline to advertise in the next edition of East Hunsbury Life magazine is Wednesday 10th May 2023

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) To

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

Letter from the Chairman

Dear Residents,

It seems so long since my last letter and goodness, what a lot has happened!

The Community Orchard was planted at the end of November in Grangewood Park, 21 Heritage fruit trees. It was a really fun day with all 3 local schools getting involved. The children went home muddy and excited which is what its all about. Hopefully they learned quite a lot from our wonderful expert, Russell. I wasn’t expecting children of that age to be using a post 'rammer' but they got stuck in!

Talking of trees, have you seen the cherry tree walk? They are quite mature trees so we may see some blossom this year. Please feel free to water them if you are out and about with a spare bottle. We will be forming some Friends groups for our lovely parks, more to follow on that.

Christmas seems a long way away now but I must mention our fabulous partners at the Library who hosted the Christmas Fair and of course a special mention to Santa who turned on the lights. I think he was even jollier this year and certainly enjoyed himself switching the lights on. I heard he curled his beard especially for the occasion!

The trophy for the Christmas lights was hotly contested once more and it was another difficult decision. Both the individual and community prizes were well deserved as you will see from our photos. I am thinking maybe we could add a Christmas card competition for the children this year?

The Big Sing once a month at the library is growing, with popular songs really lifting the spirits. There were more than 60 people last time and of course the tea and cake goes down well.

Do come and join in, no need to be a good singer, just enjoy singing.

So what have we got in the pipeline? A Health and Wellbeing day in May, a Summer event with music in the park and the possibility of a trail run in the Autumn being planned, more to follow in the next edition.

Winter is slipping away now and the daffodils and then the bluebells will soon be out. There is always a warm space at the Library and many residents are now enjoying the company and refreshments. Don’t be shy, you are always welcome.

With an extra Bank Holiday in May for the coronation of King Charles III, we know that lots of you will be organising your own street parties and celebrations. We’d love to hear about your event, and photos of your celebrations! Whatever you do, have a great time!

Claire Douglas Chairman, East Hunsbury Parish Council

Could you be our next cover star? Magazine

The fabulous Spring lamb photo which features on the front cover of this edition was submitted by East Hunsbury WI member, Sarah Veness. 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...

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Family Service With A Smile

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.

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.

When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the owners of Cloudy2Clear Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these values have been held for over 15 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 & daughter-in-law Lori into the family business along with Dan, Tom, Lewis & 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

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”.

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”.

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.com

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

“I really liked the fact that they were a

family run

Janet Beard

East Hunsburyʼs Parish Councillors

Meet our new Councillor!

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. cllr.perry@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Maggie Allen

I moved to East Hunsbury in 1991 when the estate was still being developed. It had everything I was looking for – access to the M1 motorway as I was working in London, good housing and a mix of parks and open spaces –essential as I have a dog!

I was elected as a councillor when East Hunsbury Parish Council was formed in 2015 and have served as Vice-Chair and Chairman during my time on the Council. My main interest is bringing our community together in whatever ways we can, and our Summer events are just one marvellous example of that.

Maggie is a member of the Community Engagement

East Hunsbury Parish Council

Committee, the Resources Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces and Climate Change Committee. cllr.allen@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

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 Climate Change 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 Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council, and a member of the Resources Committee, Community Engagement Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces and Climate Change 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 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 and Climate Change 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 and have just started my 4th term as Chairman.

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. As Chairman, it is my duty to ensure best value for the rate payers.

Claire is Chairman of the Parish Council, and a

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

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, the Community Engagement Committee, and the Parks and Open Spaces and Climate Change 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 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, the Community Engagement Committee and the Parks and Open Spaces and Climate Change Committee. cllr.roach@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Councillor Paul Warden

I have lived in East Hunsbury for nearly 34 years having moved here from Kingsthorpe when we got married in 1987.

One of the main reasons I wanted to become a parish councillor is that I am a very keen runner (you may have seen me on one of my training runs) and we have a dog which we walk all around the estate, which means that I get to spend a lot of time outdoors in East Hunsbury. I therefore really appreciate how many open spaces we have, and I am keen to ensure that we make them all as safe and as clean as we can so that all generations can continue to enjoy these beautiful outdoor spaces.

Paul is a member of the Parks and Open Spaces and Climate Change Committee. cllr.warden@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

To find out more about East Hunsbury Parish Council, take a look at our website www.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

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

The Parish Council Budget

The Precept is the element of your Council Tax that is paid to East Hunsbury Parish Council.

The Parish Council has a statutory duty to prepare a budget which forms the basis of our precept demand. West Northamptonshire Council collect the precept on our behalf through your Council Tax, together with the money they collect for other organisations to pay for services that will benefit the whole of West Northamptonshire such as Police and Fire Services. All of the different elements that make up your Council Tax will be shown on your bill, including the proportion of your bill that goes to the parish council.

The Resources Committee consider the draft budget

carefully to ensure that it is realistic and meets the needs of the parish council, so that we can deliver services and events for East Hunsbury. This year the Committee were particularly mindful of the current economic situation and the financial pressures on the community, balanced against the increasing costs faced by the parish council.

For the year 2023/24 the Parish Council has agreed a total budget expenditure of £278,652, although it has demanded a precept of £225,500 with the balance coming from income received and general reserve funds.

Using these figures, a property in Band D will pay £65.23 towards the precept - that's around 18 pence a day.

Looking back on our events

Once again, a hugely busy time for the community, for autumn and winter. Here we give you a flavour of what went on and get to share some great photos of our community.

We start with East Hunsbury Remembers, our annual commemoration.

Once again the community came together, to create the stunning displays, both inside and outside Hunsbury Library, and also to meet for our gathering on Remembrance Sunday at Grangewood Park. Thank you to our schools, WI, crafters, for a stunning effort, which garnered lovely feedback – as usual.

We continued in to winter, with events at Hunsbury Library, including the ever popular “pub quiz,” craft sessions, art groups, big sing sessions – run by a team of volunteers.

On to Christmas – and we started the season with our annual Christmas event, Hunsbury Festive Fair – in partnership with our friends at Hunsbury Library. 1600 people attended a wonderful day, with pop up WI Café, choirs from Simon de Senlis and Wootton Park Schools, lovely stalls (lovely stall holders!) and we rounded off the day with the switch on of the community Christmas Tree and Santa!

Thankyou for all of the lovely comments about the tree – and thanks to the families and children who once again decorated it with baubles!

The children with their baubles to hang on the tree

The Festive Fair was well attended and enjoyed by all

East Hunsbury came together to remember our war dead

We rounded off Christmas with the Parish Council Chair’s Christmas Lights Competition – once again, householders worked so hard to brighten up everyone’s Christmas!

During this time, the Seniors also had their own Christmas celebration – 80 people, partying at Collingtree Golf Club. Great to see so many people!

Hunsbury Library also played host to our wreath making workshop – a great night had by all!

East Hunsbury was lit up for the festive season

Plenty to look forward to at your local library

There’s plenty to look forward to at Hunsbury Library throughout the spring! Our popular Rhymetime and Babytime sessions for under 5s will continue weekly, as well as our new Craft Corner for over 5s. Mindfulness Mondays and Crafty Bees sessions give you space to make new friends and find new hobbies. We’ve got some exciting events for Easter half term planned, as well as for the King’s coronation in May. The Big Sing continues monthly bringing a dose of fun and festivity to the library, and our Hunsbury Quiz Night returns in April for after-hours trivia. Besides activities, we have regular waves of new books landing on our shelves to borrow for free with your library membership. Whether it’s the cosy crime of Richard Osman or Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir, there’s something for everyone – and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, we can reserve you a copy in from another library in Northamptonshire. In the coming months, there’s new releases from

Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie and Jennifer Saint to look forward to! Don’t forget – your library membership includes access to eBooks and eAudiobooks for FREE via BorrowBox and Libby, as well as free eNewspapers and eMagazines via PressReader, all accessible through your smartphone or tablet and take just minutes to set up.

Despite the winter season coming to an end, our library will continue to be a safe space to visit, to work, study or relax within, and free to access. We love our community and are grateful for the support they have shown us, and continue to show us.

Hunsbury Library Plus, Overslade Close, Northampton, NN4 0RZ

hunsbury.libraryplus@westnorthants.gov.uk

We’re looking for new school governors for Abbeyfield School.

Could you be a school governor? School governors are members of our local community who care about our school and the young people we support. Being a school governor can be a very positive experience. Share your skills and passion for the success of our school and become a governor.

If you would like to know more about being a school governor, the Governors for Schools website https://governorsforschools.org.uk/ is packed with useful information to help you learn more. They also have free, monthly information webinars. Find out more and apply to make a d ifference to young people at our school.

If you would like a chat about the positions we have available, then please email or call me for further information: Carl Squires, Chair of Governors, carlsquires.whpc@btinternet.com, 07795112177

Green East Hunsbury Project Updates

During November we also planted up Grangewood Community Orchard – this project was led by Cllr Claire Douglas (Chair), who secured National Lottery funding for the creation of a community orchard.

In November – Tree Week – the orchard was planted up by volunteers, including all three local schools, and other community members and our local WI. The project was coordinated by the parish council with support from Russell Horsey - Chartered Arboriculturist and Save Our Northampton Street Trees organisation.

As we go forward, our local schools and volunteers will be involved in the upkeep of the orchard, and the fruit will form part of future community cooking projects.

Throughout the autumn we also expanded our Gardening Buddies Project – This is our ongoing green project which includes the community garden at Hunsbury Library, and planting projects with local schools.

East Hunsbury Primary School joined our gardening volunteers for sessions, to plant woodland bulbs at the library, and tulips, for a spring display. Look out for them!

The gardening volunteers then returned the favour, joining the young pupils at their school, for a Saturday morning session – planting up their roundabout.

Thanks to Waitrose Wootton for community funding – and to our gardening buddies of all ages!

Cllr Douglas & WI Chair Ollie Lyons

East Hunsbury Primary Gardening Club

Friends of the Orchard

We will be looking for volunteers to support the orchard, going forward. This will include helping with watering, pruning, picking. Volunteers will be given training and guidance. If you would like to become a volunteer, to help us, please get in touch email community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk and join the team!

Volunteers needed!

All ages – working together

Simon de Senlis Primary a great start to the new year

It has been a fantastic start to 2023 at Simon de Senlis with wonderful learning opportunities and experiences filling the school. Each January, we begin the learning with our whole school unit on a Shakespeare play and this year, the chosen play was Romeo and Juliet. We know from experience that the children love the elaborate texts, the complex plots and the intriguing characters and Romeo and Juliet did not disappoint! Throughout school, from Reception to Year 6, the children developed their reading and writing skills whilst developing their knowledge of the play. In addition, children used their art skills to create carefully detailed images linked to the play. Throughout the unit of work, we worked closely with our performing arts teacher to develop dance and drama linked to the plot and to explore the characters. Developing our creative skills has included working with the Northamptonshire drama group, Silhouette, who have developed the children’s drama and musical skills. At the end of this wonderful unit, the whole school was turned into a Shakespeare showcase where every child’s final piece of work was displayed and on Friday January 27th, we welcomed parents and families to view the children’s work. The whole school was filled with children, staff and parents brimming with pride.

During their visit to London the children were given a tour of Westminster Abbey and saw the 700 year old Coronation Chair

After the excitement of the showcase, the term has continued with more exciting experiences for the children. Year 3 have started to learn to play the recorder and Year 5 have started to learn to play the violin and the cello, both with music teachers from NMPAT. Children in Year 6 had an unforgettable day on Friday February 3rd, when we were invited to visit The Houses of Parliament by the MP, Dame Andrea Leadsom. During our visit to London, the children had an amazing tour of Westminster Abbey and were privileged to see the 700 year old Coronation Chair and the 800 year old Cosmati Pavement where King Charles III will be crowned in May. During our visit to the Houses of Parliament we were thrilled to be able to watch a debate in the House of Commons and later step into the house itself, along with the House of Lords. All were aghast at the beautiful chandeliers, paintings, murals and sculptures that we saw in such a historic place. We know that this memory will stay with the children for their lifetime.

Following on from this, we will be welcoming Laura Kuenssberg, previously the BBC Political Editor and now the host of the Sunday morning Politics Show, to a zoom interview on February 21st with our school council. We hope to find out more from her about politics, democracy and her experience working at the BBC.

As the winter turns to spring, we know that life at Simon de Senlis will continue to be exciting and engaging.

The entire school has been focussing on the Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet as part of their learning

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

THEY SAY CRIME DOESN’T PAY... BUT MAYBE IT DOES? WIN a £20 National Book Token

Budding writers of East Hunsbury – enter now for a chance to be 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 crime in East Hunsbury”. 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 June edition of the Parish magazine, and the writer will receive 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 11th May 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

Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May, 2023.

The Coronation Weekend is Saturday 6th until Monday 8th May 2023

On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios.

On the same day, communities are invited to take part in The Coronation Big Lunch – a chance to share food and fun with neighbours and friends!

The UK has a long history of organised street parties to celebrate national events. Why not organise one with your neighbours for the Coronation?

You can find more information about how to host a street party on www.gov.uk – Your Guide to Organising a Street Party. If you’re planning a street party add the details to the interactive map on www.coronation.gov.uk/get-involved

On Monday, 8th May 2023, members of the public can take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas.

Hundreds of activities are planned for the day by local community groups, organisations and

charities including The Scouts, Royal Voluntary Service, National Trust and RNLI. Find out more about projects you can volunteer for at www.thebighelpout.org.uk

If you have a bit more spare time, or would like to volunteer longer term in East Hunsbury, then get in touch with us –community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

We would love to see how East Hunsbury residents celebrate this historic event! Send us photos of your street parties and celebrations, or tell us how you took part in The Big Help Out, and we’ll publish them in the next edition.

East Hunsbury Youth Club

Funded by East Hunsbury Parish Council and delivered by Trilogy Active, the East Hunsbury Youth Club has been welcoming children and young people from the local community to Danes Camp Leisure Centre. With a mixture of sport, art and craft, roller skating and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy and its FREE for the local community of East Hunsbury!

The session was developed showing East Hunsbury Parish Council’s commitment to providing engaging youth activities for the local community. Danes Camp Leisure Centre has proven to be an ideal location in the heart of the community to offer the range of activities for children 5-13 years.

Trilogy Active are also able to manage the bookings, administration and safeguarding through their established systems.

Chris Serbyn, Trilogy Active’s Health & Wellbeing Development Manager has welcomed the addition of the Youth Club to Danes Camp, “It's brilliant that in partnership with the Parish Council we have been able to deliver a Youth Club specifically for children and young people local to the area. At a time when the cost of living is having an impact on everyone’s finances having a physical activity session on children’s doorstep for free is really important to help support families during a

The Youth Club session provides an opportunity for children and young people to make new friends in their local area, take part in physical activity, as well as have the autonomy to decide how they themselves want to develop the activity programme. Previously through consultation with participants Trilogy have introduced roller Skating to sessions, and just this week young people have developed the idea of adding Karaoke too - we can’t wait to hear participants singing their hearts out!

The Youth Club is delivered at Danes Camp Leisure Centre every Tuesday during term time between 4.45pm-5:45pm for children aged 5-8 years and 6pm-7pm for 9–13-year-olds. To book your child’s place call Trilogy Active on 01604 838333.

Children must live within the East Hunsbury parish, and this will be verified on your first visit.

your usual recycling collection day.

Please place your old small electrical items and batteries in a bag on top of your recycling bin for collection on

Batteries and small electrical items:

week

Food waste Collected every

General waste Collected every

from

26 December 2022 to 6 January 2023.

two weeks

Recycling Collected every

two weeks

Garden waste Collected every

There will be a short break for garden waste collections

please look up your usual collection day on the calendar below.

Your collection day has not changed -

Getting wild at Wootton Park School

Written by Joel Cooper and Natalie Green

2023 brings with it a range of new, exciting opportunities for learners at Wootton Park School. One of these being the creation of our on-site Forest School. Mrs Green, one of our EYFS teachers has been leading on the project and hopes it is going to be a transformative experience for many children.

“Forest School is something I am very passionate about and I cannot wait to roll it out within our Early Years provision. I am currently working towards my Level 3 Forest School qualification; the course has taught me so much about the benefits of outdoor play and the positive imprint it can have on learner wellbeing. Forest School develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting. Sessions are child-led and play-based, providing opportunities for holistic growth, exploration and supported risk taking.

We were successful in applying for a small grant from Barclays which enabled us to develop our on-site forest area. 33 Barclays employees (some of whom were also parents) from the ‘Barclays in the Community Program’ came in over October half term to clear the area of weeds, level out the ground, create a mud kitchen and seating area out

of pallets, build shelters, create a giant bug hotel and log pile story area. The day was also supported by several members of Primary staff. The day was a huge success, transforming the area into a useable space. Since then I have also added a hedgehog hibernation pod and extended the mud kitchen area. I will continue to develop the space, using the children’s interests as inspiration. I hope to add a sustainable gardening area to the site, where learners are able to grow their own fruit and veggies.

We are rolling out Forest School this year with Early Years starting in late February. Learners will be taken out in groups of 20 on Wednesday mornings with myself and a teaching assistant to support. We are very much looking forward to Welly Wednesdays! Learners will enjoy a hot chocolate whilst sat around the log circle and listen to a story. Examples of other opportunities include: building shelters, natural arts and crafts, bug hunting, mud kitchen role play, storytelling, supervised tool use, tree and wildlife identification, tree climbing, playing games.

I am so excited to embark on our WPS Forest School journey. I am looking forward to continuing to develop the area and watch the magic of forest school unfold for our Early Years learners!”

To learn more about Wootton Park School’s Forest School project, please feel free to contact the school at info@woottonparkschook.org.uk

The team of volunteers who came together in October to help develop the forest area

The giant bug hotel is ready for guests

Sports and the Creative Arts thrive at East Hunsbury Primary School

The creative arts and sports lie at the heart of East Hunsbury Primary School’s aspirational and inclusive curriculum. Whether it is learning from the Royal Shakespeare Company or taking part in Bikeability lessons, children’s creative and sporting talents are nurtured at East Hunsbury Primary School.

Here is a small flavour of what children experience at East Hunsbury Primary School…

Every child in Years 1 to 6 gets the opportunity to participate in dance and PE lessons taught by professionals. Similarly, in our 50-placed Specialist Unit, children also get the chance to enjoy dance lessons led by Ella Styles as well as joining the lessons in main school.

Children in Reception through to Year 6 are taught weekly music lessons by specialists from NMPAT (Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust) and before they leave our school every child will have had the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. We also invest in bespoke music sessions for children with additional needs, either one to one or in a small group, with a music specialist.

In Year 5, children learn all about Shakespeare. They work alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company, local artists and Northamptonshire based Silhouette Youth Theatre School to dance, perform, compose and create stunning pieces of art which all accumulates into an inspirational videoed performance.

The children are encouraged to express themselves creatively with Year 4 pupils take part in the Take One Picture project

Children in Year 4 take part in the prestigious Take One Picture project with the National Gallery. The programme aims to inspire a lifelong love of art and learning by taking one picture from the gallery’s collection to inspire cross-curricular work in the classroom. Not only do the children get to create stunning works of art and writing inspired by the painting but they also get to visit the gallery in London.

East Hunsbury Primary School choir is often seen performing at community events and is currently rehearsing for their performance as part of the ‘Northamptonshire Big Sing,’ which is taking place at the Royal and Derngate in March.

In sports, East Hunsbury Primary School has partnered with The Saints, The Cobblers and Northamptonshire Tennis. As part of these partnerships, they receive expert coaching and access to events in both the mainstream and Specialist Unit. East Hunsbury Primary School are also members of NSPORT and enjoy taking part in the many tournaments, festivals and events that they run.

The school is committed to improving its sporting facilities with brand new outdoor gym equipment and an all-weather pitch being installed this year.

Without doubt, this is just the beginning of East Hunsbury Primary School’s sporting and artistic offer and they already have many more exciting opportunities planned for the future.

All children in years 1 to 6 are given the opportunity to take part in dance and PE lessons with professional coaches or teachers

The need... not for speed

Speeding motorists are one of the biggest concerns raised amongst the East Hunsbury community in recent months.

Northants Police have been conducting speed enforcement in the parish along Rowtree Road. In the past 6 months they have visited 19 times, resulting in 143 offences. Just under 40% of offending vehicles from these sessions are registered within 2.5km of the enforcement site.

The parish remains as one of our core enforcement locations and will continue to receive regular enforcement.

We are working with the Parish Council to address the concerns of speeding around East Hunsbury, in some cases asking for the Community to support these concerns and volunteer for Community Speedwatch, this allows volunteers to be trained in the use of the mobile speed camera and with other volunteers conduct speed checks at pre-authorised sites in the local community.

Community Speedwatch

Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where members of local communities, with the support and supervision of their local police, record details of speeding vehicles using approved detection devices.

Registered keepers of vehicles breaking the speed limit are contacted by letter explaining the potential risks and consequences of their dangerous behaviour.

Repeat offenders receive a visit from the local police and could face criminal prosecution.

To express an interest in Community Speedwatch please contact Safer.Roads@northants.police.uk

"Northants Police have been conducting speed enforcement in the parish along Rowtree Road... Just under 40% of offending vehicles from these sessions are registered within 2.5km of the enforcement site."

Update from friends at East Hunsbury Primary School about their new Community Foodbank

During lockdown we realised some families within our school community needed additional support for various reasons i.e made redundant, lost their jobs, were self-employed but didn’t qualify for any government support etc. As a school we decided to help these families by providing them with food parcels. The food was all donated by members of staff at the school. After lockdown we saw that these families still needed this support in fact, we realised that more needed the same, so we continued to help.

Now with the cost-of-living crisis we are supporting even more families so decided to set up the EHPS community foodbank. The foodbank is here to help support the families of East Hunsbury who may find they are struggling. We are not a weekly foodbank, but more of a pop-up foodbank.

Food parcels are available once every month, this will be the 3rd Friday of each month to offer families a helping hand before payday or between benefit payments.

So who can access the foodbank?

Anyone living in East Hunsbury. It might be a family that needs the support as a one off, maybe they’ve been hit with a high energy bill that month or some other unexpected expense has come up. Alternatively, it might be the support needs to be a little longer term, that’s also fine.

The foodbank does work on a referral basis so if families have children at any of the schools in East Hunsbury, they can ask the school welfare teams to make a referral to the foodbank, foodbank@easthunsburyprimary.org

How can I help?

If you would like to donate any items to the foodbank this can done at one of our collection points. East Hunsbury Primary School (outside the main office) or East Hunsbury Library, where there is also a collection box.

Donations can also be made online via our just Giving page www.justgiving.com/campaign/ EHPScommunityfoodbank

Alternatively, they can get in touch with the Parish council who can make a referral.

We have been extremely lucky and are grateful to the East Hunsbury Parish Council who have supported us and helped fund this initiative.

Busy times at King Richard Court

Here at King Richard Court we have had an active few months.

As we went to print last time we were about to enjoy a fantastic Medieval Banquet Night. It was a night long to be remembered. The dining room had been turned into a Baronial Hall and decorated magnificently.

Most people dressed for the event. During the Banquet, a variety of medieval instruments were played for us. Later we had dancing, archery and jousting.

For Diwali we had a shrine in the entrance hall and a well-attended talk by some owners for whom it is a very special festival. At Remembrance time we had our own memorial wall.

The 50s/60s night was well supported, with a list of music requests so long it would have kept us dancing for over four hours!

The dining hall was transformed into a Baronial Hall for the Medieval Banquet Night

Diwali was marked with a shrine in the entrance hall and an interesting talk

We have also enjoyed a Soirée night, where we were introduced to the Hunsbury Ukulele Group. We enjoyed them so much they returned for carols at the Christmas light switch on.

Just before Christmas, all who attended the Christmas Service were delighted to be given a lovely Christmas card made by the 49th Northampton Hunsbury Cubs.

Of course, there were the Christmas Parties to enjoy too!

So as you can tell, there is so much going on here on top of our regular weekly and monthly events to keep us entertained.

Words by: Geoffrey Goswell

Working to make our streets safer

Off the Streets are are an anti knife crime group working with Community members, organisations and authorities in Northamptonshire to make our streets safer, with the aim to eradicate knife crime across the county.

Off the Streets NN are honoured to be working with East Hunsbury Parish Council funding critical bleed control cabinets in the eastern district of Northampton. We will continue to collaborate together on future initiatives to support the community and save lives in the event of an emergency.

What do we do?

• We work with Northamptonshire Police to place Amnesty Bins across the county to enable safe knife disposal for the community

• Fundraising to place Public Accessible Bleed Kits (both 24 hour accessible cabinets and bags)

• Deliver workshops for young people to teach safety awareness in regards to knives, gangs and knife crime incidents

• Provide free Critical Bleed Control Training alongside our partner Meditech Global. This teaches you how to use the kits and what to do in an emergency if no kit is at hand

There are two Critical Bleed Control Cabinets in East Hunsbury. A bleed control kit can be used to stem a catastrophic bleed in ANY situation. Hopefully, they will never need to be used but can save vital time, if they are.

#togetherwestand

Email: OTS@offthestreetsnn.com

Facebook: Off the Streets NN

Meet the Volunteer... Loz Ferrin

Each edition we will be meeting a volunteer from our community. This time we are focussing on Abbey Centre Community Fridge, which is a locally based food project. The Parish Council first became involved when we were approached by founding member, Loz Ferrin, who was looking for a location for the project, and partners.

We were delighted to be able to link the Fridge team with our friends at The Abbey Centre, and to help to promote the facility to our local community. In this edition of your parish magazine, we have asked Loz to tell us a bit more about her project.

Hi Loz – can you tell us, what are the aims of the Fridge Project?

To reduce food waste by saving short date perishable food from supermarkets and local businesses/households which would otherwise go to landfill. This food is then redistributed within the local community over 3 sessions each week.

We are not a food bank. A food bank provides emergency food (usually non-perishable items) to those in crisis and is means tested. The community fridge is about reducing food waste and is open to everyone.

We are seeing more and more projects like this, how did you personally become interested in the issue of food waste?

I was volunteering at a food bank and began researching what else was available in the local area. I came across an article about community fridges which appealed to me as I wanted to do something to help the environment.

Loz Ferrin and Fridge volunteers

Fruit and Veg!

How does the Fridge operate? Can anyone come? Do people pay?

You can just turn up for one or all of the sessions. Anyone can come. Pop along to one or all of the sessions. We operate on a first come, first served basis until all food has been redistributed, or until the session ends. The amount of food we receive varies from session to session so food may be limited to ensure there is enough for everyone. A volunteer will guide you round. We charge a £1 entry fee to help with overheads.

Where do you get the food from? Can individuals donate food to you?

We collect food from local businesses. We also accept donations from allotments, gardens and households (restrictions apply)

Some people might be worried that food is going out of date? But the food is still fit for consumption?

The food is short dated but still fit for consumption.

We follow your Facebook Page avidly – it seems that a lot of people like to share recipe tips and good ideas?

We have a great selection of recipes that have been shared i.e. pizza, soup, sauces, bread and butter pudding, sweet potato fries, garlic bread, coleslaw, banana bread.

We know that you have some amazing volunteers –what do they mean to the project?

The volunteers are the backbone of this project. They help with food collections, cleaning and setting up sessions and most importantly greeting everyone with a friendly welcome.

How do they contact you?

Email: abbeycentrecommunityfridge@gmail.com

When can people come to the fridge?

Tuesday 10.30-12.00, Wednesday 16.00-17.30 and Friday 10.30-12.00

And finally – we can’t let you go without saying what’s your favourite thing to make with food from the Fridge?

Pasta sauce!

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

Bread – biscuits – cake!

Blacky More Community Centre

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

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 8.30am-3.30pm

Puddleducks

Ofsted registered playgroup. To join this popular playgroup you may need to join a waiting list. Register with session leaders. Contact Corinna Evans during session times for details of applying for a place on 07704 007392

Email: puddleduckseasthunsbury@gmail.com

4.00pm – 8.00pm

Starlight Dance and Musical Theatre

Join at session. 01536 601545

northampton@starlightdance.net

Tuesday 8.30am-3.30pm

Puddleducks

Ofsted registered playgroup. Contact details above.

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

Thursday 8.30am-3.30pm

Puddleducks

Ofsted registered playgroup. Contact details above.

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 766039

Friday 8.30am-3.30pm

Puddleducks

Ofsted registered playgroup. Contact details above.

Saturday 8.30am–5.30pm

Northampton Art School for Young Artists and families

www.clarecarney.com facebook@ northamptonartschoolforyoungartists

Wednesday

8.30am-3.30pm

Puddleducks

Ofsted registered playgroup. Contact details above.

5.30pm-6.30pm

Rainbows

Rainbows is the first step in the worldwide guiding movement for girls. To join contact Judy Rainbow: 01604 733823

Sunday 11am–7.30pm

Northampton Art School for Young Artists and families

www.clarecarney.com

facebook@

northamptonartschoolforyoungartists

Available for private hire until 10pm Contact the Parish Office on 01604 708429 or email: admin@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Worried about flooding? Visit the Floodmobile!

RAIN project invites East Hunsbury residents to discuss flood risk and resilience on 27 March

A‘Floodmobile’ vehicle is visiting East Hunsbury as part of a free community event, which invites local residents to find out more about flood risk and resilience.

The event, which is being hosted by the Resilience And Innovation Northants (RAIN) project, is an opportunity to learn what can be done to plan ahead and make adaptations to your home, to prepare for future flood risk.

The Floodmobile is packed with more than 50 examples of practical flood resilience measures. RAIN’s flood resilience experts will be happy to answer questions and show how the products work.

The event is being held in the Abbey Centre on Monday 27 March, between 2pm-6pm.

Alan Ryan from the West Northants Flood and Water Team: “With climate change upon us, we must get ready for the unavoidable impacts of flooding by adapting and helping communities to become more resilient.

“Our aim is to work with the people of East Hunsbury to embrace a broad range of resilience actions to better protect and prepare against flooding.

A visit to the Floodmobile is worth a visit and we look forward to meeting as many residents as possible.”

Who Is RAIN?

RAIN is a new flood innovation and resilience project that is supporting communities across the Wootton Brook and Harpers Brook catchments of Northamptonshire.

Funded by Defra as part of the Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, and managed by the Environment Agency, Resilience And Innovation Northants (RAIN) is one of 25 local authorityled flood resilience projects, which is focused on developing, testing and implementing innovative flood risk solutions for locations deemed at risk of flooding.

Floodmobile Roadshow

The Floodmobile will be visiting other communities in our project catchments as part of a roadshow tour, with East Hunsbury being the first stop. To find more details visit https://www.facebook.com/RAINnorthants or email RAIN@westnorthants.gov.uk

Do you know if your home is at risk of flooding? The Environment Agency has a free Flood Warning Service that you can sign up to and receive Flood Warnings in advance of any river flooding expected to affect properties. You can go online here www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings to check if you can sign up to the Flood Warning Service or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also view current flood warnings issued and monitor local river levels here www.gov.uk/check-flooding. Visit https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/ plan-ahead-for-flooding to find information on what to do to prepare for flooding, such as creating a personal flood plan.

Boots were made for walking

Written by Dave Askew

People simply do not believe me when I say that, from my home in East Hunsbury, I can walk to London, Birmingham, Leicester and the Wash without touching any major roads.

As Northamptonshire Walks we take roughly 450 people a month on our free Group Walks all over our beautiful County, but one of the most popular we do is actually ‘my doorstep’ walk. We’ve even had people come from as far away as Spalding to join us. What they cannot fathom is how they can walk for over two hours through beautiful, and varied, parks with incredible history, peace and wildlife, whilst being in a large housing development.

We call it the Hunsbury Pocket Park Walk and I’ve attached the link so you can try it yourselves. Starting outside the Collingtree pub in Butts Road we pass through to Penvale Park and then into

Grange Wood Park, which, I have to admit, is my “go to” park at all times of the year. It doesn’t matter how many times you walk there, you’ll always see something different… the snowdrops that give way to the daffodils and then the incredible carpets of bluebells in May. And, depending on the time you visit, the birdsong. Keep your eyes open for woodpeckers, jays, nuthatches and tree creepers, plus of course all those nosy squirrels and foxes and deer.

What can be more beautiful than coming across bluebells in a woodland cleaning?

And don’t just stick to the main paths… explore some of the hidden little trails too. Back out of the woods have you ever stopped near the play area to look at the incredible variety of trees? Having lived here for 35 years, this year I discovered there are two walnut trees, both laden with nuts!

Our walk then crosses into West Hunsbury with its incredible fort before dropping down and passing Shelfleys Lake and following the river, before crossing back into our Parish once more.

Dave Askew has lived in Northamptonshire for over forty years and has always had a keen interest in walking, photography, nature and local history. In 2013, after experiencing a health scare, he decided to start the walking blog northamptonshirewalks.co.uk to share his love for walking in Northamptonshire. The blog quickly took off and today his website has more than 200 walks he’s done in Northamptonshire on it, plus another 165 outside the County, including those from his travels all over the world. In 2022 alone it received more than 1 million views!

In May 2022 he started taking people on Group Walks and now runs around 23 per month, for roughly 500 people. All the Group Walks are totally free, but you can make a donation to the day-to-day expenses if you’ve had a great time.

The Northamptonshire Walks Facebook Group has become recognised as a highly positive and supportive community that grew at an incredible

We are so lucky to have all of this on our doorsteps. Here’s that walk…

https://northamptonshirewalks.co.uk/about/ walk-188-hunsbury-pocket-parks-bluebell-walk/

Over 200 walks we have undertaken in Northamptonshire can be found at northamptonshirewalks.co.uk plus all the links to our social media groups.

rate throughout the Covid pandemic and currently stands at almost 30,000 members (all with some link to Northamptonshire). You may have seen one of the 700+ Northamptonshire Walks hoodies and polo shirts out on the footpaths!

Dave can be heard regularly on BBC Radio Northampton and has appeared on both BBC and ITV television. He also writes articles for many local magazines and has featured more than once in the Daily Telegraph, promoting Northamptonshire’s hidden secrets. He’s also available for talks.

Dave has won several awards for the help his website and social media has given to people, all of which is done purely as a hobby. Indeed the Group was privileged to receive ‘The Together’ award at the BBC Make a Difference Awards and, more recently a ‘Highly Commended' Award from the Countryside Charity Campaign to Protect Rural England.

As Dave always says...”If just one of my walks has helped just one person, then it’s all been worthwhile.”

The route of the Hunsbury Pocket Park Walk (left) includes some delightful woodland to walk through

Welcome to East Hunsbury Seniors

Talks + Coffee & Chat + Friendship + Trips + Activities

The young at heart club for the older community!

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.

For more info: East Hunsbury Parish Council, Hunsbury Library, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, NN4 0RZ tel: 01604 708429 email: community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

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...

EVEN MORE DATES COMING LATER IN 2023!

Other activities being planned - Craft Sessions, History Group, Astronomy Star Gazers, Chess, Yoga – and projects with our schools. Some of the sessions on offer may also need to be booked and dates and times subject to change.

Ready, steady... Bakewell

Gluten Free Raspberry

Bakewell Cake

Ingredients

140g ground almonds

140g softened butter (or margarine)

140g golden caster sugar

140g gluten free self-raising flour

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

250g raspberries (or other fruits)

2 tbsp flaked almonds

Step 1: Preparation

Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4 / 180° C / 160° C FAN Line / grease a 20cm cake tin

Step 2: The Cake

• Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy

• Add all the wet ingredients into the mixture and mix well

• Now add the ground almonds and the flour

• Combine the mixture well and mix until smooth

Step 3: Baking

• Spread half of the mixture in the tin and smooth this out then scatter the raspberries on top

• Now spread the rest of the mixture on top of the raspberries

• Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top of the cake

• Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown

Enjoy warm or cold with cream or on its own!

Recipe supplied by Gluten Free Baking with Caleb

WellbeingHub Hunsbury Library

Saturday 20th May 10am – 2pm

Come and join us for our first Wellbeing Information Day – stalls, talks, activities including walking groups, tai chi, healthier eating options and lots more!

Pop in – no need to book.

If you would like to have a stall –please also get in touch.

For more information email: community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

East Hunsbury Parish Council

Meet the Volunteer... Richard Mallinson

Each edition we will be meeting volunteers from our community. This time we are looking at East Hunsbury Litter Pickers. The Parish Council have supported volunteers who are passionate about keeping our community clean. We have a mini-army of people, including families, seniors, and our schools, who all play their part. As a Parish Council, we help to organise larger community picks, and loan equipment – pick sticks, bags and gloves – to people who want to pick on a regular basis.

Richard Mallinson and his family are stalwarts of the group – so we had a chat to find out more about this important local volunteer.

Hi Richard. You really were one of the people who started East Hunsbury Litter Pickers – how did you get involved?

I have been a litter picker for a long time. A few years ago I wanted to tackle a large problem area around Blackymore Park - I knew that there would be like minded people like me in East Hunsbury, so I formed the East Hunsbury Litter Pickers facebook group. Like minded people joined, and the first group litter pick (like all subsequent group litter picks) was well attended.

You seem really concerned with the environment –what effect do you think litter has on where we live?

Litter looks awful. It is harmful to children, pets, and wildlife (for example broken glass causes cuts). I believe in the ‘broken windows theory’ (where small problems like litter and broken windows should be fixed) – as if litter builds up then it encourages and leads to escalating problems – more littering, antisocial behaviour, graffiti, fly tipping, drug use etc.

We know that your whole family gets involved – how do the children benefit from this sort of activity?

My children enjoy litter picking – it is good exercise in the fresh air, and it helps with their fine motor skills. It also helps them learn about caring for the environment.

Where do you pick and how often?

I usually pick most weeks. Whenever my family walks to the local park (which we usually do at weekends) I normally take a bag and litter picker. It is easy to pick as part of the normal walk – and if I pick one bag a week then the litter fits in my own wheelie bins, so there is no need to arrange collection of the litter.

How important is it to have support from parish councils, other organisations?

Litter is a big problem, but there are relatively bigger problems in society – so litter picking will

Richard's children enjoy litter picking and have learned some valuable lessons in the process

never get the resources it fully needs. However, we can make a significant impact on the problem - so support from anywhere is beneficial and really does make a difference. We are fortunate in East Hunsbury to have a supportive parish council who make a big contribution. I have spoken to other litter pickers who said their parish council was not interested – so thank you Liz for your efforts.

What would you say to anyone who wants to pick, but doesn’t know how to start?

Get involved! It is enjoyable and satisfying. You can do as much or as little as you like as often or rarely as you like. If you do not know where to start then contact Liz at the parish council, who can assist with advice, lending equipment and providing bags. I must point out that if you do pick litter you must dispose of it properly – so put it in your own wheelie bins, or arrange for it to be collected – Liz can offer more guidance if needed.

You have lived here for a while – whats the best thing about living in East Hunsbury?

There are lots of things I like about East Hunsbury – the people, the open spaces, the shops and the facilities. As I have young children I think the best thing about East Hunsbury is Wootton Park School – I think the school is absolutely fantastic.

How do people find out more about East Hunsbury Litter Pickers

Anyone can join the East Hunsbury Litter Pickers' Facebook group, and anyone is welcome to post in the group as well – showing your own litter picking helps encourage others to pick. Group litter picks are advertised in the Facebook group (although to best honest group litter picks are not held particularly often). Anyone is welcome to arrange their own group litter pick and advertise it – local people will want to come and help. Liz at the parish council is a good contact for advice, equipment and bags. I must also recommend that anyone interested in litter picking joins the Northants Litter Wombles' Facebook group – this is a county wide group, very large, very active - and it is a brilliant group.

Anyone who wants to know more about how to litter pick please get in touch with our parish council office. Tel: 01604 708429 email: community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

East Hunsbury Spring Community Litter Pick

Sunday 16th April 10am – 12noon

Meet at two locations: Hunsbury Library (Overslade Close) or Blackymore Community Centre (Butts Croft Close)

Equipment will be provided – or bring your own Refreshments for pickers!

Family groups are very welcome –children to be accompanied please For more info email community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk or search East Hunsbury Litter Pickers on

East Hunsbury Parish Council

We still need more people like Richard that are willing to give their time to keep the litter problem under control

What's On March - June 2023

Tuesdays Term Time Only Youth Club

Ages 5-8 & 9–13-year-olds

Every Wednesday 11am-4.30pm Warm Space Wednesday

Tues 7th March 7pm-9pm EHPC - Community Engagement Meeting

Tues 14th March 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Tues 14th March 7pm-9pm EHPC - Resources Committee Meeting

Thurs 16th March 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Thurs 16th March 12 noon- 1pm The Big Sing

Tues 21st March 7pm-9pm EHPC - Full Council Meeting

Tues 28th March 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Tues 11th April 10.30am- 12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Tues 11th April 7pm-9pm EHPC - Annual Parish Meeting

Thurs 13th April 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Weekend of 15th/16th April Community Litter Pick

Tues 18th April 7pm-9pm EHPC - Full Council Meeting

Weds 19th April 7.30pm Pub Quiz in the Library

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

Tues 25th April 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Tues 9th May 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Thurs 11th May 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Tuesday 16th May 7pm-9pm EHPC - Annual Meeting of the Council

Thurs 18th May 12 noon-1pm The Big Sing

Sat 20th May 10am-2pm Health and Wellbeing Day

Tues 23rd May 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Week from the 1st June

Tues 6th June

Volunteers Week

Mindfulness Day with Mark Vincent

Thurs 8th June 10am-12 noon Cuppa with a Copper

Tues 13th June 10.30am- 2.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Thurs 15th June 12noon-1pm The Big Sing

Tues 20th June

Mindfulness Day with Mark Vincent

Tues 27th June 10.30am-12.30pm Seniors Coffee Morning

Sun 6th August Summer Social - SAVE THE DATE

Danes Camp Leisure Centre

Booking required www.trilogyleisure.co.uk

EHPC Activity Room @ Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

The Abbey Centre

Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

Blacky More Community Centre

The Abbey Centre

Collingtree Golf Club

Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

Check our FB page for updates

Blacky More Community Centre

Hunsbury Library - contact library for details

Hunsbury Library

The Abbey Centre

The Abbey Centre

Hunsbury Library

Blacky More Community Centre

Hunsbury Library

Hunsbury Library

Collingtree Golf Club

Check our FB page for updates

Check our FB page for updates

Hunsbury Library

The Abbey Centre

Hunsbury Library

Check our FB page for updates

The Abbey Centre

More details in the next edition!

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

• Abandoned shopping trolleys

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

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 West Northamptonshire Customer Service Team will be at Hunsbury Library on:

Thursday 9th March 1-4pm

Thursday 6th April 1-4pm

Thursday 11th May 1-4pm

Thursday 8th June 1-4pm

Thursday 6th July 1-4pm

To answer any queries / questions on:

• Registrations – Birth Marriages & Deaths

• School Admissions

• Free school meals

• Hardship fund

• Highways

• Blue Badge

• Occupational Therapy & Assistive Technology.

• Adult Social Care, Falls & Supporting independence

• Children’s Social Care

• Waste & Recycling

• Rent (NPH)

• Reporting tenancy Issues

• Reporting environmental health issues

• Election enquiries

• Assisting setting up online portals

• Revenue & Benefit

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)

East Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 0RZ

Tesco Mereway

Collection banks inside the store for: Soft plastics, batteries, make-up, lightbulbs, printer cartridges, water filters, prescription glasses.