Village Tribune Issue 150

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR TRIBLAND READERS January / February 2025

ue Iss150

Church Services Across the villages

Happy 100th!

Nancy Celebrates!

Mustard Seed

Latest news from Africa

www.villagetribune.org.uk

HERITAGE • FARMING • VILLAGE VIEWS • YOUNG TRIBUNE • DIARY DATES

OVER 12,000 READERS IN OUR NORTH PETERBOROUGH VILLAGES

Image © Dave Radcliffe

Website Launched

WELCOME

From the Editor January is the month of looking forward, the shortest day is almost a week passed and the days are lengthening every day.

Granted it might only be by just over a minute a day at the beginning, but by the end of the month it is over three in the south of England, and this provides hope for the future and the arrival of spring.

January is also the month of fresh starts and taking stock of our lives. Quite often this takes the form of starting a new fitness regime and eating more healthily.

Many of us decide to shed the weight we have always wanted to shed and tone the muscles that have been hiding underneath.

Perhaps this desire to find our new selves is sparked by our overindulgence over the festive season? Who didn’t eat one too many mince pies or have that extra portion of Christmas pudding? It is all part of the joy of the holiday season.

January is also the month of thinking about and booking summer holidays so maybe this

is one of the best inspirations to start losing weight and getting fitter. Perhaps we are envisaging how we might look when we walk on that beach come August!

One of my favourite things about January though is the appearance of snowdrops which symbolise to many new beginnings, hope, rebirth and the ability to overcome challenges.

Wordsworth said the snowdrop was ‘welcome, welcome as a friend’.

Like the snowdrop we must look to the future and the joy of

its possibilities.

Please take time to check out our (re-launched) website www.villagetribune.org.uk. You will find details of all our local clubs and associations, the latest happenings in Tribland and an calendar page - where you can upload details of your upcoming events in 2025.

A huge thank you to ‘The Bainton Snapper’ - Dave Radcliffe for providing the stunning Kingfisher image on the cover of this issue.

Tony Henthorn

GET IN TOUCH

www.villagetribune.org.uk

Contributions: t: 07590 750128 e: villagetribuneeditor@me.com Social media: /groups/villagetribune Website: www.villagetribune.org.uk

Advertising: Harley 07572 141603 e: harley.villagetribune@gmail.com

DEADLINES

ADVERTISING Size

Per issue

6 issues

Issue

Date

Deadline

Distributed

1/6

£45

£216

151

Mar/Apr 2025

15/02/25

01/03/25

1/4

£70

£336

152

May/June 2025

18/04/25

03/05/25

1/3

£85

£408

153

July/Aug 2025

20/06/25

05/07/25

Half Page

£110

£528

154

Sept/ Oct 2025

15/8/25

30/8/25

Full Page

£199

£954

155

Nov/ Dec 2025

17/10/25

31/10/25

/groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 3

SHOP IN STORE >> SHOP ONLINE CLICK & COLLECT

ALL YOUR PET CARE ESSTENTIALS

COATS | HARNESSES | BEDS FREE FITTING IN STORE

PLUS RAW FOOD | DRY FOOD TREATS | TOYS HEALTHCARE | GROOMING & MUCH MORE

COLLECT LOYALTY CARD POINTS

petstopmarketdeeping.co.uk FOLLOW US

4 villagetribune

Peacock Square, Northfield Industrial Estate Market Deeping, PE6 8LW T: 01778 218228

www.villagetribune.org.uk

CONTENTS Jan/Feb 2025 Editor - Tony Henthorn 35 Maxey Road, Helpston PE6 7DP T: 07590 750128 E: villagetribuneeditor@me.com Advertising Sales - Harley T 07572141603 E: harley.villagetribune@gmail.com Rector Gary Alderson, Rector of Barnack with Ufford, Bainton, Helpston and Wittering t: 07503 975 588 e: gary.aldersonwrites@gmail.com Reverend Keir Dow, The Nine Bridges Benefice The Rectory, 11 Lincoln Road, Glinton PE6 7JR t: 01733 669 810 m: 07980 412 345 e: vicar@9bridges.church

Distribution ASHTON Hilary Smith Thatched Cottage, Ashton E: hilly.smith@virgin.net BARNACK Sally Hullock 3 Hillside Close, Ufford sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658 ETTON Anne Curwen The Coach House, Rectory Lane, Etton T: 01733 253357 E: acurwen@hotmail.com

HELPSTON Clive Marsh Clive Marsh, 34 Maxey Road, Helpston clive.marsh815@btinternet.com M: 07511 011662 MAXEY Cllr Peter Hiller E: Peter.Hiller@peterborough.gov.uk NEWBOROUGH Cllr John Hill Speechley Drove, Newborough NORTHBOROUGH Polly Beasley 15 Claypole Drive, Northborough T: 01778 380849 E: polly.beasley@btinternet.com PEAKIRK Trish Roberts 9 St Pegas Road PILSGATE Sally Hullock 3 Hillside Close, Ufford sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658 SOUTHORPE Daphne Williams The Old Dairy Barn, Main St. T: 01780 740511 UFFORD Sally Hullock 3 Hillside Close, Ufford sally@sallyhullocktraining.co.uk T: 07795 565658

3 5 6 8-9 11 13 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 23 27 28-29 30 31-34 37 38-39 41-42 45 46 47 49 52-56

From the Editor Contact Details Clare Cottage Update The Amblers Deeping Gate News Etton News Garden Centres News from Helpston Glinton Parish Council Glinton Friendship Club News from St Pega Peakirk Parish Council Surgery News Northborough News News from Maxey Newborough News Gardening Tennis 2024 Review Friendship Teas Farming Diary AMVC Update Mustard Seed Project Heritage Langdyke Chez Pierre Helpston Remembers Nancy Celebrates Church News & Services

Advertisers Warranty and Indemnity The Advertiser warrants: (a) that the advertisement is legal, decent, honest and truthful and that it complies with the British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion, with any relevant codes of practice and with all requirements of current legislation; (b) that nothing in the advertisement is defamatory or constitutes a malicious falsehood; (c) that the publication of the advertisement will not infringe copyright or any other rights vested in a third party; and (d) that the Advertiser has secured all necessary authorities and consents in respect of the use in the advertisement of any pictorial representations or other representations of (or purporting to be of) living persons and of references to any words attributed to living persons. (ii) The Advertiser will indemnify the The Village Tribune Ltd in respect of all costs, damages or other charges arising as a result of the publication of their advertisement or incurred in connection with any actions or claims brought against the Company arising from a breach by the Advertiser of the warranties in this paragraph 1 or otherwise from the publication of the advertisement.

The views expressed within this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor. All copy is believed correct at time of print but no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. No part of this publication and/or website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing. The Village Tribune own all rights to contributions, text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing.

/groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 5

Design & artwork by d15 Design T: 01780 470420

GLINTON Shirley Hodgkinson 30 Websters Close, Glinton T: 01733 252351 E: hodgkinsons@talktalk.net

INSIDE ISSUE 150

VILLAGE NEWS

Hello

I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new CEO of the John Clare Trust. For those who may not know, the Trust is responsible for Clare Cottage in Helpston, the historic birthplace and childhood home of John Clare, the renowned poet and early environmentalist. Born in the Cottage in 1793, Clare lived there for the first 40 years of his life. Clare immersed himself in the rural traditions and countryside local to Helpston, writing passionately about the challenges of rural life at the time—challenges of rights and responsibilities to nature that still resonate and demand our attention today.

At the John Clare Trust, we are committed to promoting and preserving Clare’s legacy and ensuring it continues to inspire generations to come. My background as a senior school leader means I am passionate about education and creating

opportunities for people of all ages to connect with Clare’s story and values. A key priority for us is increasing our engagement with young people and families, fostering an appreciation for Clare’s work and his message about the importance of our relationship with nature.

Through interactive exhibits, family-friendly programming, educational workshops, and outreach to schools, we aim to make Clare Cottage a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can explore Clare’s love of nature, his sense of place, and his deep understanding of rural life.

As we prepare for our spring reopening, we are developing a long-term plan to ensure the Cottage remains sustainable, vibrant, and engaging. A key part of this plan is building a strong group of committed local volunteers. Volunteers are vital to everything we do, from helping with events to maintaining the garden, welcoming visitors, and supporting educational programs.

By joining us as a volunteer, you’ll be helping to sustain this

important community asset and ensure Clare’s legacy continues to inspire for years to come.

Whether you have a few hours to spare or specific skills to share, there’s a place for you at Clare Cottage.

In addition to building a strong volunteer base, we are actively seeking locally based trustees to join our board. If you are passionate about John Clare’s legacy and have skills or experience that could help shape the future of the Cottage, we would love to hear from you. Trustees play a vital role in guiding the Trust and ensuring Clare Cottage continues to thrive.

If you’re interested in volunteering or becoming a trustee, drop us an email ar info@ clarecottage.org —we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure Clare’s legacy continues to inspire and that Clare Cottage remains a vital part of our shared heritage.

Warm regards, Keira Harvey Chief Executive, The John Clare Trust

Join the Board of Trustees for the John Clare Trust Are you passionate about preserving local heritage and helping to secure the future of John Clare’s historic home? The John Clare Trust is seeking a new trustee to join our board at an exciting time of growth and renewal.

We are looking for a dedicated individual who: Lives locally and understands the unique heritage and needs of our community. Has a passion for local culture, history, and education. Is enthusiastic about promoting the Trust and its work within the local community. Can support the development of our volunteer program, helping local people bring Clare’s legacy to life 6 villagetribune

As a trustee, your commitment will involve attending regular board meetings, supporting events at Clare Cottage, and providing valuable local insights and other skills to assist our chief executive. If you’re ready to make a difference in your community and contribute to a cause close to home, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch to learn more about this opportunity to help secure and sustain John Clare’s spirit and legacy.

Please contact Keira Harvey at info@clarecottage. org for more information. www.villagetribune.org.uk

NEED A RECOMMENDATION? FREE and EASY service

The ONLY DBS Checked r of recommended registe local vetted traders

®

safelocaltrades.com Recommended & Appro ed

Much more than just a recommendation ...

Serving the PE Postcode community since 2008 Over 70 different trade categories and over 18,000 local reviews Here are some of our members … t

llite Specialis

Saeten TAeraridale&sm

ling & Decorating, Ti ance en nt ai M ty er Prop

ianen TElraecdtreicsm

Digital Aerial & Satellite Installations

www.pvsaerials.co.uk

www.daveelmsbuildingandmaintenance.co.uk

Call Andrew on

t 01733 Tel: 01733577750 123456 , Driveway Conservatory ning & Patio Clea

Call Dave on

t

www.oldcourtelectrical.co.uk

07771 568932

, Fascias, Soffits ng addi Cl & g in er tt Gu

Call David on

Untitled-3 1

t

17/07/2012 13:54:55

01778 345046 ors & Repairs

New Garage Do

RIDGEWAY GARAGE DOORS

07709 491337

Locksmith

Call Tracey on

Call Clayton on

Call Jeremy on

t

www.ridgewaygaragedoors.co.uk

www.installfascias.net

www.eliteexteriors.co.uk

t

0800 612 8850

01733 772934

t

in association with …

Plumber

Neighbourhood and Home Watch

Looking out for the community

Your LOCAL Locksmith www.deepinlocks.co.uk

boornigel@gmail.com

Call David on

t

07368 133623

Call Nigel on

t

01733 211056

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH AGAINST SCAMS PARTNERSHIP

C A PA S P

To see our full list of members and read all reviews, just go to ...

✃

www.safelocaltrades.com

/groups/villagetribune

0800 014 1832

The safest way to source local traders

Tear out page and keep villagetribune 7

Winter Wanderings A Happy New Year! It is, indeed, For everything in nature.

Each bud and leaflet, tree and weed Continues in its labour.

Inside each wondrous, unique piece The secrets of survival.

The resting vegetation sleeps, Awaiting Spring’s revival.

8 villagetribune

And so 2025 begins – the cycle of life continues, with all the usual anticipation of what may lie ahead for the coming year. The Amblers know exactly what to expect – more joyful strolling.

There may not appear to be much happening in the fields, hedgerows and meadows at this time of year but, for plant life, surviving winter is the key to those vibrant displays we all enjoy in spring. There is a quiet stillness in the countryside as we – alongside nature – wait for the weather to warm up again. The wide expanse of the flat fenland becomes unforgiving as we battle the elements and we admire the hardiness of the natural

world to withstand such things; our hats, scarves and gloves have been brought out again.

However, while the flora rests, it is the wildlife that takes our attention now. Some birds find it warmer here than in their native countries, and come to visit for the winter – which is great for us, as we have the opportunity to see them for ourselves without travelling abroad. I am thinking in particular of birds like redwings and fieldfares, and waterfowl such as Whooper swans and Brent geese, but there are many others.

Birdwatching is a popular and rewarding activity at any time of year. Red Kites and Buzzards are www.villagetribune.org.uk

THE AMBLERS FEATURE

fairly easily identified overhead but, with binoculars, their plumage can really be admired.

It adds another dimension to our enjoyment to be able to see finer details which differentiate creatures within species, even in the back garden. My bird feeders are at the bottom of the garden, but my eyes are not as young as they were. With my binoculars, I was able to see that the birds with a yellow edge to their wings (which I had thought were juvenile goldfinches as there were red-headed adults present too) were, in fact, greenfinches.

It is delightful to get closer to nature and appreciate its variety.

On a recent Barnack/groups/villagetribune

Southorpe circuit – where these photos were taken – there was great (quiet, inward) excitement from someone with binoculars who had spotted a mistle thrush in a field. Even those of us without any could see its pale, creamy breast and watched as it flew off, presumably into the trees where the mistletoe was growing, but only he could see its beautiful speckled front in detail.

One week at Deeping Lakes, we saw a pair of Glossy Black Ibis digging for food with their long, curved beaks at the edge of the Welland – what a treat!

We are fortunate in Trib’land to reap the rewards of the wonderful Langdyke Countryside

Trust charity, whose efforts to attract diverse species through their land management and horticultural practices allow us to see for ourselves a broad range of flora and fauna. The areas around Etton and Maxey are favourite haunts of the Amblers – and many other locals – because the opportunities for wildlife spotting are greater…if we can step lightly and keep our voices low!

We wish you all the same joy in nature in the year ahead that we experience ourselves on our walks – and good luck spotting those winter visitors when you are out ambling in Trib’land.

Enjoy! villagetribune 9

Peakirk, Peterborough PE6 7NT

Established since 1972

NB SANDERS

MOT TESTING

FOR ALL MAKES OF CARS & LARGE VANS* WE TEST, BUT DON’T REPAIR, SO YOUR MOT WILL BE CONDUCTED IN YOUR BEST INTERESTS

Monday to Friday: 7.30am – 5.30pm & Saturday: 8.30am – 12.30pm

We test all Class IV and Class VII vehicles

*

T: 01733 810 288

E: info@nbsanders-trailers.co.uk | Werrington Bridge Rd, Newborough, Peterborough PE6 7PP

Village Tribune 149t.indd 12

10 villagetribune

20/10/2024 13:06

www.villagetribune.org.uk

COUNCIL CORNER

DEEPING GATE

VILLAGE VIEWS Contributor: Deeping Gate Parish Council

To mark the New Year and a fresh start, we wanted to remind you what a Parish Council can help you with and how you can get involved.

We are a dedicated group of 7, bringing a wealth of professional experience, be that in public offices, or in the private sector.

The position is voluntary, so councillors bring their passion for the local area and maybe one or two specialist skills where they can provide impact.

Examples of things we can do: n Organising twice yearly litter picks from our surrounding verges and hedges n Running the annual Christmas singalong on Riverside and providing refreshments n Monitoring planning applications and providing a parish perspective on requests for housing growth n Engaging with environmental groups to take advantage of schemes such as free bulbs, hedging and tree planting to make our Parish a greener and more attractive place to live, and encouraging n Providing a link for this community with rural policing and road safety n Liaising with other Parish Councils to join together on projects which have a common theme n Supporting local organisations, such as The Deepings River Action Group n Awarding grants for activities which will benefit the parish n Frankly anything which makes living in Deeping Gate a better place for all the residents /groups/villagetribune

Councillor Philip Thompson

Meet Your Council

And Finally…

We have had some new faces join Deeping Gate Parish Council this last few months, so it’s a good idea to take the opportunity to let you know who we are and what we do for you. This month introduces Councillor Philip Thompson who has served on the Parish Council for 15 years, the last 2 as Chair. Phil brings extensive experience as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and expert witness in court. He’s passionate about cars and historic buildings. He was a founding charter member of the Deepings Lions, and is an active member of Peterborough Rotary, having been president twice. Phil loves the peace and rural environment of Deeping Gate and of course the beautiful riverside!

As my grandmother used to say, “They don’t make diamonds the same size as bricks!” We may be a small parish, but that compact size is our benefit: we can work more closely together to do the things that really matter to you. We encourage you to communicate with us and things you would like to see change.

Please go to our website https:// deepinggatepc.org/ and sign up for our newsletter, and take a look at events and news items.

We welcome parish members at our meetings, the details of which are published on the website.

So please get involved, and let’s all make it a Happy New Year in Deeping Gate! villagetribune 11

Family run business with 37 years’ experience of offering clients unique and practical designs to complement your lifestyle Helpston based

DELFIELD MOTORS Silicone Hero BATHROOM RESEALING

MOT Testing Station Courtesy car available

Is your silicone suffering from mould or not looking its best?

Class IV (cars & light vans)

Specialising in the removal of old, unsightly and resealing with high quality Classsilicone V & Class VII (vans up to 3500kg) sanitary grade silicone.

Keeping silicone mould-free and intact is the best avoid costly waterMOT damage and leaks Forway alltomechanical, preparations,

accident & insurance body repairs

ALL

K WOR ED

TE RAN A U G

FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

01733 252 599 Peakirk, Peterborough PE6 7NT

THE ONLY DEDICATED BATHROOM RESEALING SERVICE IN THE AREA

 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE 

Established since 1972

T: 07757322013 info@siliconehero.co.uk

www.siliconehero.co.uk

12 villagetribune

www.villagetribune.org.uk

EVERYTHING

VILLAGE VIEWS

ETTON

Etton honours fallen and plans ahead On Remembrance Sunday a good congregation met on the green to pay their respects to the fallen. As part of the Ceremony, some original letters between John George Ellis from Etton, who died in action aged 19 in 1916, Reverend Bland, Arthur Dyke a fellow soldier and the Ellis family, were read out. The contents enabled those present to imagine what it must have been like for our village families.

Sarah and Andy, local veterans laid our wreath and ‘Ike’ formed a wonderful backdrop to the event.

Following the success of the Etton beer festival, on 13th November, Martin Brooks, on behalf of the Nine Bridges charity beer festival committee was able to hand over cheques for £1526 to representatives from local charity Little Miracles and Etton Church. We are delighted to confirm that the 2025 “NBBF” will be held on 26th -28th September at the Golden Pheasant.

We recently held Christmas

/groups/villagetribune

card and Wreath making workshops to raise money for Etton church. Thirty-one people in total attended with an amazing array of beautiful wreaths and cards being produced. With thanks to Jacqui Barnard and her friend Barbie for their expert tuition and to the Golden Pheasant who helped us out by opening the pub as a venue when our numbers exceeded capacity at the church! Next year, card making will be held on 17th November and wreath making on 1st December.

You may have noticed some changes in the grounds of the Golden Pheasant. After expert advice and planning, several trees have been felled or trimmed. This is to protect and enhance the special older trees and to remove diseased specimens. The results

are transformative, and the outside space will be a wonderful sun trap next summer!

Over the weekend of 27th to 29th June 2025 we will be celebrating Etton Church’s 800th anniversary. The form of the weekend has not yet been decided but if you would like to get involved and help shape this event, please do contact me.

Seasons greeting and very best wishes for 2025.

Anne Curwen: 07730301404

villagetribune 13

coordinator.gnrp@gmail.com 07735 810139 HOME FRONT | WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS

Visit our website: www.goodneighboursrp.org.uk

TASTE BUDS | BŒUF BOURGIGNON

Architectural Design Services This classic French beef casserole is CPRE Cambridgeshire and Peterboroughthe all-time most popular choice at FOR ALL YOUR HOME DESIGN SOLUTIONS

recognises that our rural communities are Chez Pierre at this time of year. It is facing a disproportionate impact from the the ultimate colder weather comfort wider economic crisis. food, where chunks of well-marbled beef are seared in a hot pan, then Winter Fuel Payment, the cost ofgently living and rural communities braised with garlic and onions The Government has meaning millions ofinpensioners bottled gas, coal or smokeless a rich wine-based broth. announced that future Winter will no longer receive the fuel, which is paid for in Fuel Payments would only payment designed to help with advance. The pension increases • Small & Large Extensions be made to those in England the cost of adequate heating. coming into effect in April • Garage & Loft Conversions and Wales on low incomes 2025 will be delivered in small • Planning & Building Regulation Rural consumers often have who receive pension credit or payments in arrears, so they to afford the high cost of oil, including otherSubmissions means-tested benefits, Listed Buildings will After a few hours in not the help oven,this thewinter. meat

Bœuf Bourgignon

• New Builds • Internal Alterations meltingly tender and We’ve updated the Cost of Applications Living support page on ourbecomes website for those affected by enveloped the loss of in the • Change of Use

a deeply flavourful sauce. It takes a few hours Winter Fuel Payment www.cprecambs.org.uk/cost-of-living-support.html to make, but the recipe is mostly hands-off.

This page details resources to help with the cost of living, such as financial support, energy saving Contact Jason Thomas: Cheaper cuts of beef are used with root advice01733 and warm hubs.

252 850 / 07841 521 271 or vegetables is a great pressed CPRE has joined the ‘Warm This Winter’ coalition calling for urgentsoaction fromfor thehard government. e-mail JasonADServices@yahoo.co.uk To add your voice, go to www.warmthiswinter.org.ukfamilies and an average cook can achieve for your free consultation. good restaurant quality food easily. In the UK we tend to use beef shin or braising (chuck) 30 vil agetribune steak but always cut it ourselves, across the grain, into chunks larger than you’d usually find in a pre-cut New Homes.indd 30 pack. The beef/high fat quality is important here so look for plenty of marbling and if possible buy from a trusted butcher rather than a supermarket meat counter.

gh

ON

HELP

er?

CHIMNEY SWEEPING & STOVE/WOOD BURNER SERVICING

th ove

tact

T: 01780 769274 www.stamfordstoves.co.uk

39

rg.uk 58 vil agetribune

14 villagetribune

NewHomes.indd Homes.indd 58 44 New

NEW

Loca

• Ne • Ma • Vill • Co • We (bus

All a

Go ahead and make it a day or two ahead of time as we do; the flavour improves the longer it sits. Virtually all French bistros and restaurants have their own version of a Bœuf Bourgignon and we, over the years, have developed this classic of French country cuisine here at CP to please our customers when we place it before them. We’ve served over decades to the good and the great, the not so good and those who think they’re great; including a few so-called celebrities with a sometimes ‘do you not know who I am’ attitude to our staff. One such was a well-known regular TV presenter who would always demand a discount from us because he thought he improved our reputation by dining at our restaurant. We always refused of course, much to his chagrin, but this never stopped him returning.

www.villagetribune.org.uk 19/10/2024 19/10/202416:50 17:01

FEATURE

Are garden centres the new department store?

wartime vegetable plots into outdoor spaces to enjoy and spend their leisure time.

Visiting a garden centre has never been more popular, revenues are increasing and are set to continue, and just like department stores their customers come from all walks of life.

Popularity of garden centres

Rob Bullock https://robbullockauthor.blogspot.com

Department stores developed in the latter part of the nineteenth century, selling many different types of goods and services under one roof, their appeal became more and more broad, as did what they sold. They are part of the fabric of British life.

In recent years their popularity has declined due to out-oftown shopping and the internet.

In many ways modern garden centres are the new department stores, becoming popular by selling more than just plants and garden supplies.

Why do we British love our visits to garden centres?

Whilst many of us enjoy a visit to a garden centre to buy plants for our homes and gardens many visit to enjoy what else they

have to offer. Many have award winning cafés and restaurants, some have farm shops or food halls, most are one stop shops for an enormous range of pet supplies, some sell clothes and shoes, many have Christmas cabins, and some have children’s play areas to name just a few.

History of the British garden centre Whilst it is thought that the first British garden centre was opened by the Royal Horticultural Society in London in 1860 it was really the aftermath of the Second World War that saw the age of the British garden centre begin.

In 1954 Edward Stewart opened Stewart’s Garden Centre in Ferndown, Dorset to meet the surging demand for garden supplies as people turned their

© Shutterstock/ anabg

/groups/villagetribune

Did you know that two thirds of British adults visit a garden centre every year? There are around 1400 garden centres in the UK and in 2023 we spent around £8b on retail garden products alone. But as we have seen, garden centres are about so much more than horticulture, a café or restaurant can make up over a third of a garden centre’s revenue. Garden centres are not entirely a British thing, they do not exist in our format in the USA, but some European countries have similar centres.

Why do we love garden centres Like department stores garden centres are retail centres that have expanded the range of products and services they sell to meet the needs of the people who shop there. As a more and more varied clientele visit garden centres, what they offer has grown.

We British also love cafés, when we go out for the day, or go to the shops many of us like to have some coffee and cake, or a light lunch, or afternoon tea.

Many of the best garden centres have excellent cafés!

Garden centres are the new department store, they have grown into part of the fabric of British life offering so much more than garden supplies. A visit is a pleasurable experience to be shared with family and friends and they have become a British institution. villagetribune 15

COUNCIL CORNER

HELPSTON

Wishing you all a fantastic New Year in this wonderful village of ours!!!!

Recognising Incredible Commitment.

December’s Parish Council meeting saw the council members and public recognize the service of two gentlemen who have acted on the Parish Council for over 80 years between them. Joe Dobson stood down as Chairman in May after 33 years on the Council in various roles and is now standing down from his Councillor duties.

Syd Smith has held many roles over his 48 years of service, both as Chairman and more recently Clerk for the last 13 years. Their commitment to the village and the Parish has been unquestionable, and their strive to protect the community in which we live has been unrivaled.

As a Council and a village, we 16 villagetribune

would like to thank them for everything they have done and shaped over the years and look forward to continuing the good work that makes Helpston such a beautiful place to live.

Helpston’s Community Action Plan.

The Community Action plan is a strategy that will seek to shape the way in which the Parish Council can act on the demands of the people within the Parish.

Whether it is to do with facilities such as a children’s play area, environmental considerations or issues around speed A plan will ensure we secure a strategy as to how to action and fund these initiatives.

A lot of these will require greater collaboration with the community to which we will start to communicate this in the new year, however we will be able to start others which enable these to happen.

We will create a new engagement strategy that will allow for the easier flow of information back and forth and the understanding and engagement on key issues within the village such as development and speed limit changes. We will be in touch in the new year with ways in which this will start to happen.

Budgeting and the Precept Helpston has been, and will continue to be, a growing village with the Broadwheel Road

development ahead of us. With this comes the need to invest in the community as a whole and the facilities around us.

With this in mind we have included sums for putting in the foundations for this, alongside the grant requests from the village organisations that do such incredible work to make this village what it is.

These, along with the fixed costs that come with managing the village amenities, create the budget which in turn reflects the precept that appears on your Council tax. Over recent years, this payment has varied up and down, however, the resultant figure from this year closely reflects the inflationary increase for the last 10 years.

Village Drainage A subject that has had much visibility in recent weeks. Your Parish Council are sitting on the collaboration committee that ensures we have direct lines to the necessary parties to support these issues. Through this the City Council have committed to do a full cleanse of the drains before the end of this financial year. They have also recognized the immediate issue around Church street and will deploy a team in the short term to assist with this.

A call for Councillors With Councillor Dobson standing down there are now two free spaces on the team. We will start www.villagetribune.org.uk

VILLAGE VIEWS

Mixed Emotions the process in the new year to fill these positions and outline the way in which this is achieved. If you would like to be a part in shaping the initiatives that in turn shape the village in which we live, please get in touch with the Alastair Peat (the Chair) to see how you can make a difference with the rest of the team.

Wishing you a fantastic festive period and look forward to the challenges and excitement that 2025 will bring.

Your Parish Council works hard behind the scenes to represent the community as has been seen with the above actions and initiatives. Monthly meetings are open to all village residents and we welcome input so we can continue to keep Helpston the community we all wish to live in.

Art 4 Ukraine held its 3rd exhibition at Helpston Village Hall. We want to raise funds and raise awareness. I wish we didn’t need to hold these. But we do.

And everyone, artists, helpers, villagers, visitors all helped make it a happen again. We raised £2224.59 towards Helping Our Ukrainian Friends campaign from raffles, cakes, teas and selling 35 paintings in two just days. That is a phenomenal result.

No-one is buying art really at the moment, and we should all be proud how our local community contributed by making this such a success. So that’s the funds raised.

And, thanks to the visit of our new local MP, Sam Carling we raised awareness too

Artists and supporters at the Art4Ukraine event culminating in him reporting in the Houses of Parliament to the Foreign Secretary that he had attended and asked for David Lammy to congratulate the work of HOUF and similar local campaigns across UK.

Almost 20 ‘Helpston Ladies’ attended the wreath making workshop on 9th December. A wonderful way to kick off the festive celebrations /groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 17

COUNCIL CORNER

GLINTON

Cllr Gerry Kirt - Chair Glinton Parish Council

Glinton Social Events Charity Event. The first Great Glinton Charity Fun Run/Walk/ Mobility Scooter Extravaganza will take place on Sunday 18th May 2025. Although details are still being prepared by Cllrs Rita Joshi-Boparai and Liezl Roseauw, we understand there will be both simple and longer routes to suit different abilities. The event will benefit several charities. More details will emerge over the coming weeks.

Ashburn Playpark. After almost three years of frustration and many false starts, an order has finally been placed for play equipment which should lead to a magnificent play-park being reestablished by the Spring of 2025.

A new safety surface surrounded by safety fencing will feature swings, climbing frame, slide, play car and wobble bridge, all designed for 0-14 year olds. A big thanks to the Lotto Community Fund, Cllr Helen Aylesbury and our clerk, John Haste.

Glinton’s Community Orchard. The orchard has been created on the recreation ground between the basketball area and Starting work on the Community Orchard

trim trail. 27 fruit trees including varieties of apple, pear, plum, gage, quince and a fig called Little Miss Figgy, have been planted.

It would not have been possible without the support Cllr Helen Aylesbury, Anglian Water, Lotto Community Fund and local farmer Graham Smitheringale.

Going forward, children from Peakirk cum Glinton Primary School will use the orchard for aspects of their education. It’s now a case of everyone waiting until the trees fruit!

Improved mobile service.

Good news - a mobile mast provider is considering upgrading its facilities located at Etton Water Treatment Works on Waterworks Lane. Hopefully this will improve 5G mobile reception within the village.

Traveller site, Lincoln Road.

The planning application, having been refused at committee, was examined at appeal on 26th November 2024. The Parish Council and ward councillors supported the Lincoln Road residents in their demands that the appeal should be rejected.

The inspectors judgement in respect of upholding or dismissing the appeal will be announced early in 2025.

Kisimul. The owners of Kisimul care home on Rectory Lane have lodged an appeal against the closure notice. This action will enable the facility to continue in operation for many months before the final outcome is known.

Glinton Neighbourhood Plan. We have finished the draft policies and submitted them for consideration by PCC. Although they will need to be checked for conformity with the emerging Local Plan and National legislation, they still have considerable weight due to being based on the 2024 Glinton Questionnaire.

Peterborough Local Plan. The draft Local Plan will be revealed to Parish Councils on 18th February 2025. This will contain updated policies and outline the proposed development locations around Glinton and the number of new dwellings. The draft plan will eventually be issued for public consultation over a six week period. At this point we will organise a public meeting to highlight the main issues and put forward suggestions on how residents can best express their views.

Village hall. The team has established a firm budget for the upgrade project and is applying for grant funding.

18 villagetribune

www.villagetribune.org.uk

VILLAGE VIEWS

Happy Christmas and a brilliant New Year Happy Christmas and a brilliant New Year to all members, friends, families and past members of the Club. It’s over twenty years since we first started in Glinton Village Hall and we are still thriving and moving forward with lots of events, outings, activities, games, talks, craft, quizzes and celebrations. All these are only /groups/villagetribune

possible with the support and hard work from our regular loyal volunteers who cook, wash up, serve meals and drinks, shop, plan, regularly run events, do quizzes, book speakers, send out programmes, manage the money and balance the books, and put out and put away tables and chairs. Plus keeping everyone

happy, comfortable and satisfied.

And all our regular members who come along, whatever the weather to meet friends, eat well, participate in games and events. Thank you everyone.!!!

We are having Christmas meals and celebrations, and as our photo shows, members enjoy modelling new clothing provided for sale by Jeremy’s who has been a regular visitor to the club since its beginning. Anyone interested in joining or helping come along to the hall on Mondays to meet us and have a drink.

Pam. villagetribune 19

COUNCIL CORNER

CHURCH NEWS

PEAKIRK

St Pega’s

The church is for all the local community and is open seven days a week between 10.00am and 4.00pm Everyone is welcome to ‘drop in’ for a moment of peace, to offer a prayer or just to admire the wonderful architecture and wall paintings

St Pega’s Poppy workshop

Wreath Making Our wreath making evening was well supported and everyone was pleased to display their creative

skills at the end of the evening.

Thanks to Pauline for organising such a lovely evening.

St Pega’s Brunch Over 50 people sat down to Brunch in Peakirk Village Hall on a chilly November Sunday morning. On the menu was either a full English breakfast or a Continental-style croissant, yogurt, granola and fresh fruit. Conversation flowed freely and there were many compliments paid to the kitchen staff!

Messy Church In preparation for Rememberance Sunday children and adults worked together to create a Commemorative display of poppies. Friends of the church had been knitting poppies in the months prior to Remembrance Day and the children (and adults) enjoyed making the felt poppies which decorated the porch gates.

A big thank you to everyone who helped.

20 villagetribune

Messy Church is held on the first Sunday afternoon in the month in Peakirk Village Hall from 3pm to 4pm.. If you would like to know more, please contact: Jane Harris: 9bridgescommunications@gmail. com or telephone: 01733 574311.

We are arranging a variety of events and activities for 2025, starting with a Souper Lunch in January, and we would love to welcome you to them. Look out for our posters, newsletter and facebook page for further information. www.villagetribune.org.uk

GARDENING FEATURE

Mental health benefits of gardening in winter Getting out into your garden in the depths of winter is great for your mental health so much so some people call it the ‘Natural Health Service’.

Rob Bullock https://robbullockauthor.blogspot.com

January in the garden can be cold and the days are short but regularly getting into your plot for a few minutes can significantly improve your mood and your energy levels, give you a muchneeded boost of vitamin D and improve your outlook as you look forward to a productive gardening year.

A natural antidote to winter When it is freezing cold outside staying inside in the warmth is tempting, but it was the famous rambler Alfred Wainwright who said, ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’.

So, get wrapped up and head out into your garden this winter because studies have shown getting outside in the winter can significantly elevate your mood and reduce stress levels. It is a natural antidote to winter! And what better place to go than your garden.

Get Vitamin D – /groups/villagetribune

nature’s way Amongst other things Vitamin D is thought to help prevent the symptoms of depression in winter and as our bodies cannot store it, we need to get regular amounts. Getting outdoors on a crisp, sunny winter’s day is a good way of getting some natural vitamin D.

Increasing happiness It is official, getting out into your garden can make you feel happier, it does this by taking us away from the stresses and strains of daily life, helps us forget work or family problems and worries, and it gets us out from under the feet of our loved ones.

It also connects us to nature and by doing that makes us more mindful.

Battling Blue Monday ‘Blue Monday’ is the third Monday in January, and it is thought of by some people as the most depressing day of the year.

But gardeners know that being

outside tidying, pruning, digging or planting makes us feel more positive and lowers the chances of depression.

Physical exercise in your garden is good for mental health One of the best ways of improving your mental health in winter is outdoor exercise.

Why not do some physical work in your garden and it will save you gym fees! There are plenty of jobs you could do. Consider doing some digging, or double digging if you are feeling really motivated. Repair and paint outdoor furniture, structures and fences, or get started on a big landscaping project. This will get your blood flowing and exercise your joints and muscles and in turn will give you a feeling of wellbeing and create a forwarding looking outlook as you imagine how your hard work will reap rewards later in the year.

Amongst other things, the very act of gardening in winter makes you look to the future. Almost every job you do in the garden is to help prepare for the coming months, of spring and summer and this will boost your mental health. villagetribune 21

SURGERY UPDATE

Dear Editor will ultimately mean you will not be able just to book a GP appointment or attend A&E as is the case at present but instead it is likely that you will be sent to a pharmacy or to an NHS website without any interaction with a nurse or doctor.

There will, of course, be those who see this move towards an NHS Digital age as a benefit and embrace the changes with optimism, but we must not, at the same time, forget those elderly patients who are not

© Shutterstock/Lal Nallath

Surgeries in our area are expressing some concerns over the proposed Digital Access to Healthcare initiative that will likely be adopted not only for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough but also for eventually the rest of the country.

Whilst the draft proposals (initially aired late last year) insist that patients will still be able to contact their local surgery or hospital by phone or in person many people already find such contact difficult. The proposals

© Shutterstock/Monkey Business Images

IT savvy or those who through disability already find accessing modern technology difficult.

The cost of the new system is estimated at around £10 million but one could be forgiven for taking a cynical view of this budget. The last time the NHS tried to introduce a major integrated IT system it cost many times this amount and still we have a situation where many hospitals cannot access their patients records. In January 2013 the BBC (amongst many others) reported on the ‘The NHS’s Troubled Relationship with Technology’ so any new proposals hardly fill one with a great deal of confidence.

Attached is a document called ‘Making Our Case for Retaining GP Practices’ and the purpose of this email is to ask if you would publish an article based on this (and perhaps the above) in your next edition of the magazine which I suspect would now be January 2025.

Yours faithfully,

For more details on this story and your opportunity to take part in an online survey, please check out our website: www.villagetribune.org.uk

22 villagetribune

Bernard Kane Barnack Tel: 07846001064 www.villagetribune.org.uk

COUNCIL CORNER

VILLAGE VIEWS

NEWBOROUGH

Northborough Parish Council would like to wish all residents

A happy and healthy New Year.

We rounded up 2024 with the traditional Christmas tree light up. Santa was resting his reindeer before the big day, so chose to arrive by Harley Davidson. He was not the only special guest as members of the church choir turned out to lead a rousing festive singalong. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies were the perfect accompaniments to usher in the festive spirit.

The Parish Council cares about all our residents, including the non-human, that is why we have dedicated 2025 as the year of the hedgehog. Increasingly endangered and with numbers dropping dramatically, we are looking to raise awareness and care for hedgehogs, including increased road signage, hedgehog highways, information about habitat and health and a

hedgehog watch.

Along with our commitment to fauna, we are also looking to flora. The wildflower areas, which are at their most spectacular during the summer, have now been complimented by a major bulb planting operation to give an equally impressive show of colour and life around the green spaces as we move into spring.

Councillors and volunteers resplendent in high vis will be seen around the village on Speedwatch duty, we have had some residents raise concern about the problem of speeding so this will be addressed going forward. Another issue which has been highlighted is that of parents parking on the double yellow lines, and chevrons outside the school to drop off and pick up their little ones. This has been

flagged as a potential hazard to other motorists, cyclist and pedestrians at busy times so has been referred to Parking Enforcement. We would kindly ask that parents do not park on the restricted areas.

Council meetings are held in person at the Village Hall.

Members of the public are welcome to attend at 7.00pm on the second Wednesday of the month (excluding August). We also have one vacancy available for a potential parish councillor wishing to join our proactive team and make a real difference in their community. We also welcome any volunteers to help with ongoing projects and activities. The Parish Council website or village notice board will advise the date of our next meeting.

2025 - The Year of the Hedgehog

/groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 23

GOOD NEIGHBOURS RURAL PETERBOROUGH

Good Neighbours Rural Peterborough Are you interested in knowing your community a little better? Would you like to be a little more involved but would prefer not to have a regular commitment?

If so, Good Neighbours may be for you. Good Neighbours began in Castor four years ago to offer non-emergency support to individuals living in the rural areas of Peterborough. Focussing on the vulnerable, lonely or isolated Good Neighbours offers practical help and support to those who need it. Good Neighbours offers help to a wide range of people including old and young, those temporarily in need through illness or recovery, or anyone who may be isolated or lonely in the community.

Examples of support could be taking someone shopping, undertaking basic DIY, tidying up

24 villagetribune

monthly commitment - it’s up to the volunteer. When a volunteer is required, an email is sent by the Good Neighbours coordinator to ALL the volunteers in that area and if you want to carry out that request you just reply to the co-ordinator and are then put in touch with the individual - it’s that simple.

There are currently 14 villages signed up to the Good Neighbours initiative and Helpston will make 15. Our aim is to launch the scheme in the New Year - but we need to have a list of volunteers in place before we can do that.

© Shuttersock/True Touch Lifestyle

So, if flexible volunteering sounds like something you may be interested in and you would like some further information please contact Prem Gyani on 07770 833999 prem@gyani.co.uk or Tammy Tushingham on 07734 544578 tammy.tushingham@ btinternet.com

a garden, collecting prescriptions or having a coffee and a chat - it really does depend on the need of the individual. To be clear though, Good Neighbours does not offer medical/personal care, legal advice or regular cleaning!

But, as is always the case, this scheme cannot operate without the help of volunteers who give their support and assistance to make the initiative such a success. However, the advantage of Good Neighbours is the flexibility of volunteer involvement. Volunteers can be as involved and active as they wish to be. There is no requirement to a weekly or

www.villagetribune.org.uk

COUNCIL CORNER

VILLAGE VIEWS

MAXEY

It was with regret that MPC accepted the resignation of Cllr Mark Deaton. Mark had served as a councillor for three years and as vice chair for two years. His expertise in managing websites and social media enabled us to truly move into the 21st century.

Certainly, his valuable contribution to meetings will be missed.

We have been fortunate this autumn to welcome two new councillors. Mark Asplin and Nigel Jackson joined us in September and October respectively. Both have extensive experience in setting and managing budgets as well as bringing energy and enthusiasm to our hardworking team. We still have one vacancy to fill and would welcome interest in the role from someone in the village.

On November 18th one of our new Vehicle Activated Speed signs was installed on the western side of the village. A second one is to be installed at the eastern

Maxey Parish Council: The Maxey Parish council is a proactive, friendly, and hard-working group of individuals. Your local parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish. We are an elected body and carry out beneficial public activities within our local community. Our Parish council is made up of unpaid councillors. /groups/villagetribune

approach in December. These will collect data on traffic including dates, times and speeds. Together with the two existing signs it is hoped that speeding will be reduced in the village.

MPC has also installed two new information boards on entrances to the village field. The information on them includes details of features on the field and information about wildlife that can be found on it.

Over the winter we are hoping that the hedges along two sides of the field will be laid using

traditional methods. This gives a much more natural look to the hedges than traditional cutting and enhances wildlife habitats.

Also, the hedge around the children’s play area will be cut by Peterborough City Council towards the end of February or early March 2025.

MPC is also looking to install speed calming Village Gateways at the two entrances to the village. Planning for this is in its early stages but we are hopeful to be able to install them in 2025/26. villagetribune 25

COUNCIL CORNER

VILLAGE VIEWS

NEWBOROUGH

by Cllr Vicki Coleman

Happy New Year from Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council!

Here are a few things to look back on in 2024:Thank you to everyone who came to pay their respects on Sunday 10th November at the Newborough war memorial for Remembrance Day…..lest we forget.

The Parish Council held an Extra Ordinary Meeting on Thursday 5th December and over thirty residents attended to discuss three planning matters – thank you to all who attended and for showing such interest and support for the village.

A massive thank you to those of you who braved the elements to support the Newborough and Borough Fen parish council Christmas light switch at Crown Garden.

It was a huge success, and this year we teamed up with FONS

We were also joined

by Mr and Mrs Claus!

26 villagetribune

(Newborough C of E school) and St. Bartholomew’s Church who offered free refreshments on behalf of the Parish Council, with lots of Christmas cheer! n Thank you also to MP Andrew Pakes and the children of the village for turning on the Crown Garden Christmas lights this year. n I would also like to say thank you to Cllr Jon Hill and all the volunteers who helped on Friday 6th December.

If I may, now for a few requests: If anyone has NEW project ideas for the village, please get in touch with the Clerk (email contact below.) n The Parish Council are looking for volunteers to help deliver the Newborough village Tribune magazine. Please get in touch with the clerk if you can help. n The Crown Garden working group are also looking for more volunteers. Again, please email Irene the Clerk if you are interested.

Thank you to those who have offered help already.

Happy faces all round! clerk@newboroughandborough fen-pc.gov.uk

Updates for 2025 n Work on the Fernie Close skate ramp will start to take place in February 2025, with money successfully applied for from Sport England, a contribution from the parish council and section 106 funding. n The PC are also looking to hold another Vivacity event in the summer. n Following its closure in February last year, I would like to offer a very warm welcome to the new publicans of The Bull in Newborough. www.villagetribune.org.uk

The Granary

COUNTRYSIDE TEAROOM CAFE AT WILLOW BROOK FARM

Eat-in or Take-away

Farmhouse Breakfasts Hearty Roasts and Stews Home-made Soups and Light Lunches Festive Treats of Roast Lunches, Sandwiches and Afternoon Tea Dog Friendly Venue Seasonal Gift Vouchers Licensed Venue Available for Private Hire, Meetings and Functions Free Customer Parking for Winter Walking at Castor Hanglands, Swaddywell Nature Reserve and Southy Woods

www.thegranaryatwillowbrookfarm.co.uk / The Granary Tearoom Cafe | mandffarms67@gmail.com | 01780 749 483

Scotsman Lodge, Helpston Heath, Stamford Road, Peterborough PE6 7EL New Homes.indd 50

/groups/villagetribune

19/10/2024 16:55

villagetribune 27

Helpston Lawn Tennis Club – What a Season!

The Clubhouse has been closed, the nets have been lifted and the winter treatment’s been carried out. HLTC has definitely been put to bed for the winter – but what a fantastic year 2024 has been.

Following the election of a new committee in Oct 2023, a re-vamp of HLTC’s social media presence was undertaken and in Jan 2024 promotional flyers were delivered to every house in the village, detailing the plan for the resurgence of HLTC. The momentum continued with our well attended “Ground Force” day, when 25 adults & children spent the day at HLTC tidying,

28 villagetribune

chopping, cutting back & cleaning - resulting in a court perimeter which was no longer over grown, a bbq area which was weed free with repaired fencing and a gleaming clubhouse interior!

The year continued with much needed court treatments undertaken by Green Thumb and the creation of the fabulous “Mowing Men” group – who tirelessly, twice weekly mowed the courts and maintained the white lines. Well done all.

An important part of the HLTC was coaching and wanting to make sure that as many children and adults had an opportunity

to “have a go”. We are very fortunate to have Kevin Tighe in the village, an LTA accredited coach, who rose to this challenge and organised and ran many, many coaching sessions for Adults & Children throughout the season. The Club Spark Booking System enabled easy access to court bookings and Club Adult sessions took place Tues/Wed/ Sun with a Kids only session on Fridays.

Of course, no tennis club can operate without some form of

www.villagetribune.org.uk

HLTC FEATURE Left: HLTC has just presented Sarah Franks with a Christmas hamper as a “thank you” for allowing us to use the courts and to recognise all they do for us.

social events and HLTC is no different! Three busy & successful socials – an Opening Social held in May, a Coaching Celebration for the children in July and a very welcome return to the Franks Annual Club Tournament held in September. It was wonderful to see the newly purchased Men’s Trophy and the original Ladies Cup being presented once more after an interval of several years.

The season ended with 48

memberships comprising 153 members (adults & children) and whilst this is a healthy number we are hoping to improve on that figure in 2025. If you sign up before the end of 2024 you will pay the 2024 season price of £40 single or £60 family but this will increase from 1 Jan 2025 to £50 single and £70 family.

It’s heartening to see the club going from strength to strength but this has only

happened due to the hard work and commitment of the small HLTC committee, chaired by the determined Lisa Johnston, the LTA and Milton Estates, who both provided HLTC with grant funding and Helpston Parish Council who gave us two grants towards court maintenance and the purchase a new Men’s Trophy.

So what are you waiting for?

HLTC is a friendly, inclusive club with playing members of all standards from beginners to accomplished players and all are very welcome. Just visit clubspark. lta.org.uk/helpston and join us now.

You’ll regret it if you don’t!

To join contact us

/groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 29

NEWBOROUGH NEWS

Newborough Friendship Teas In a break from my usual historical theme regarding the parish of Newborough, this month the subject will be more of the present rather than the past. Every month the Good Neighbours Newborough Group host an afternoon tea for residents to get together, have a chat, some tea and more often than not some excellent homemade cakes. There are usually between 20 and 40 people who attend the sessions.

The Covid epidemic seems to be something that has passed us by and resigned to history. Saying that; Covid as an infection is still an ongoing concern. Although, the effects of Covid, do seem to have been greatly reduced.

What the lockdown did for the parish of Newborough was to curtail all social interaction within recognised community groups.

These groups were essential for many people of all age groups; they gave opportunities to interact with fellow residents, especially for those who lived 30 villagetribune

alone. So much so that many people, as a result of loneliness were deemed to be classed as vulnerable. A group of volunteers, co-ordinated by Wendy Sayer, supported by the landlady of the Bull Pub and funded by the parish council, organised for hot meals to be delivered, by volunteers, to residents of the parish who were identified as being vulnerable.

Once the enforced lockdowns were lifted, many of the preexisting community organisations failed to restart. This left a networking void within valuable community groups. The volunteers who had provided valuable assistance during the lockdowns were keen to continue providing support opportunities.

The parish council, encouraged by the volunteers, joined the charity “Good Neighbours Rural Peterborough (GNRP). The parish council contributes to the charity on a; per head of population basis.

Joining the scheme gave the voluntary group; structure,

support and valuable training.

Very much top of the agenda is a befriending service. Most volunteers are especially happy to visit lonely residents, of all ages, just for a chat on a regular or irregular basis. This may include telephone conversations if it is deemed more appropriate.

Volunteers have provided transport to and from urgent hospital appointments. This is not a general service, provided as an emergency measure only, a “last resort” rather than a” first port of call” offering. We can offer a limited help with jobs that need doing around the home.

The group must stress that these are small “one-off” jobs and not regular work or gardening that needs undertaking.

New volunteers are always very welcome. No contribution is considered too much or too little. For more information about the group, wish to offer your services, or to bring a concern about a friend/neighbour please contact Michelle on; Mob: 07765552073 or by email: help@ goodneighboursrp.org www.villagetribune.org.uk

FARM FOCUS

Rosemary’s

FARMING DIARY

December/January 2025

By the time you read these diary notes you will be either in the midst of celebrations or perhaps coming out the other side – whichever it is I do hope you are having a lovely time!

As 2024 comes to a close with all it’s changing weather patterns, the general election and its following budget by Racheal Reeves, The Chancellor of the Ex-Chequer revealing that she is sticking to her original hard approach which appears was all thought out well before the election. She has since admitted that it is going to be implemented over a long period, possibly only just /groups/villagetribune

completed by the next general election; food for thought in every sense I think!

Our priority in the farm shop is to have the best home reared and locally sourced meat available along with a fair price to match, environmentally produced produce. January is a bit of an anti-climax after Christmas, so there is and will be some good deals within the month. Only this morning on

the radio I heard “every pound you spend locally, 60% is kept and spent locally”, it keeps staff employed and they in turn spend locally as well.

We are now lifting our last 50 acres of sugar beet which will keep us busy as the lorries are also being loaded in the 2 weeks before Christmas and everyone is getting delayed with the bad weather, boats are unable to get into port etc.

Once we move into late January farmers start to think about the four seasons. First, Spring sowing, deciding what crops we shall be putting into the soil (which will have Continued on page 34

villagetribune 31

FARM FOCUS been prepared); Summer, every crop sown and different management skills to keep the crops and healthy and then harvest followed by autumn with ground preparation and sowing, harvesting of the sugar beet and potatoes – there’s lots of work on the crops before we are able to sell. It all starts again, a farmer’s work is never done, that’s what makes it so interesting. I hate to mention it again but that word ‘weather’ dictates again.

Looking forward we used to say a minimum of 5 years, now in the way of inputs, costs have risen dramatically and what has

affected farming in a very big way since the budget. Businesses and individuals are all affected, it certainly will be the survival of the ‘fittest’. Some employers have already decided to close down in the last six months as sales slowed down month after month with no confidence in the markets, including unhelpful signals from the Bank of England.

I thought this morning, when I looked out of my window as I finish these diary notes on a very damp, foggy day (4th December) the sun would shine and brighten up a typical December day. I look out at the remnants of the

last of the flowering shrubs and trees which are doing their very best to make a difference. The woods are changing with colour, still some foliage but a lot of daylight shining through the bare branches. The grass fields with their dark green leaf are still growing, which here in this region should be dormant, ready to feed the cattle and sheep in the spring. I would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and joyous Christmas and a better New Year from myself and the team at Willow Brook Farm Shop, The Granary and all the farm staff at Scotsman’s Lodge.

© Shutterstock/Jevanto Productions

34 villagetribune

www.villagetribune.org.uk

/groups/villagetribune Village Tribune 148i.indd 32

villagetribune 35 21/08/2024 07:26

Our Parent and Toddler Group continues to be a highlight

T: 01733 253243

We look forward to even more fun and learning next term!

The Granary COUNTRYSIDE TEA ROOM CAFE AT WILLOW BROOK FARM

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH The Granary Cafe & Catering What’s On, Weekly Offers & Seasonal Menu  The Granary tearoom cafe  willow brook-classic car meets Cafe Phone 01780 749483

www.thegranaryatwillowbrookfarm.co.uk

The Granary Cafe,WillowBrook Farm, Scotsmans Lodge, Stamford Rd., Helpston, Peterborough PE67EL (Between Ufford & Marholm village)

vil agetribune 39 Village Tribune 149x.indd 39

36 villagetribune

21/10/2024 11:54

www.villagetribune.org.uk

AMVC SCHOOLS

Arthur Mellows Village College We hope this article finds you well as we enjoy the festive season! We are excited to give you an update on what has been happening here at Arthur Mellows and share some upcoming events with you.

As the Autumn term winds down, we have had a busy few months filled with trips, fundraising and events. Our recent Year 11 mock interview day was a huge success. This involved all Year 11 students meeting with a range of external

interview volunteers, including local business owners, companies, and some of our Governors. We are grateful to them for their time and experience. These interviews are invaluable in preparing our Year 11 students for the months and years ahead and give them confidence when attending Sixth Form, College or Apprenticeship interviews.

The half-term break saw two trips abroad take place, a Madrid trip for our GCSE Spanish students and Iceland

for our Geographers where they were treated to amazing views of the Northern lights.

Our students were a credit to the College on both trips.

Our sporting calendar has been busy, notable achievements being the Peterborough Schools Cross Country event which saw our teams across all year groups taking first or second places and our Under 19 Boys football team reach the Peterborough Schools Cup Final.

Charity work continues to be a focus at the College. We held a full week of events for Children in Need including ‘Ride Britain’ and everyone’s favourite, Sponge the Teacher.’

Over the week, our fundraising total exceeded £1000.

A Torch House ‘Ride Britain’ Team /groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 37

Providing food is probably the most important thing we do

Without our feeding programme not only would some of our children starve but almost all would be malnourished. Thanks to you, the balanced meals we provide help to keep our children healthy and importantly enable them to learn and achieve outstanding academic results. But behind every one of these poor children is a story.

Jothan is an educated, articulate man who speaks good English. He is currently our night security guard. His story is the story of 38 villagetribune

so many poor Kenyans who for reasons beyond their control, just ‘exist’ The story of Jothan A few years ago, when Jothan was the father of two boys at Miche Bora, he came to speak

to Headteacher Irene and me.

Pathetically thin and quietly spoken he explained that he was no longer able to pay our school fees because of medical bills for his wife and newborn baby who had died. To make matters worse, www.villagetribune.org.uk

CHARITY MUSTARD SEED PROJECT beans and maizemeal list. (This is a list of people, who are linked to the school in some way, whom we feed, particularly in the long school holidays.) For some this is a temporary solution until they get themselves back on their feet but for others sadly it has no end.

Cooking Ugali for children and staff he had just lost his job.

No school in Kenya is free.

Our school has very low fees and fewer than half the parents can pay. Others pay as little as 50 pence a week, when they can, but it is all kept very secret. Only the head teacher and the finance manager know who pays and how much. Of course his children stayed with us.

Whilst I was in Kenya in September Jothan was asked to come into the school during the day to have his photograph taken for the staff display board.

Chatting with him, I enquired how he was. ’Fine,’ he replied.

But don’t we all say that? He looked thin and he smiled but that smile didn’t reach his eyes.

We chatted for a while and eventually he told me that his wife was at home (a euphemism for not having a job) and his /groups/villagetribune

boys are also at home (a euphemism for being sent home from school for lack of school fees).

Headteacher Irene and I realised we needed to chat further with Jothan.

We feed our staff so he shouldn’t have been so thin. All employees are fed including those who work at night. A meal is left out for them and even though the food is cold they are normally very grateful.

‘Are you getting enough to eat?’ we asked. Then he looked sheepish and explained that his boys would call to see him at Miche Bora at night when they hadn’t eaten that day and he gave them his food.

He is not the first parent or member of staff to find themselves in a difficult situation where they feel there is no way out. These people are proud and rarely ask for help. Fortunately we had recently received an unrestricted donation to MSP which meant we had some options. We gave him some money towards the Secondary school fees arrears, to get his boys back into school. We also decided to add his family to the

A family we feed in the holidays We may not be a rich charity but every penny raised counts.

With your help we shall continue to see people through their worst times. Sometimes we need to support the parents to help the children. MSP has been able to do this successfully for other families, including one of our school cooks and one of our teachers. It gives hope that things will get better and that there is help available. Your generosity enables us to help this community and you are making such a difference – a huge thank you to every one of you.

And the children are doing their bit too villagetribune 39

of its mission and purpose. A

N

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9�5 & Sundays 10�3 serving breakfast, lunch, cakes, tea & coffee

ton-

.

et!

in their faith, and extend the

Silicone Hero A very peaceful Christmas BATHROOM RESEALING to everyone in Peakirk Over 30 Years’ Experience

Farm Shop�Butchery�Deli�Tea Room Bex Hetherington

aging process and make confidence your greatest Your face is the first thing most people will see, it is ative that you feel at ease our practitioner and trust in ocess and results that matter u.”

Is your silicone suffering from mould or not looking its best?

10% DISCOUNT

Specialising in the removal of old, unsightly

and resealing with high Letsilicone our Clinical Technician givequality you the sanitary silicone. confidence andgrade comfort you deserve

OFF ALL TREATMENTS TAKEN BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Keeping silicone mould-free and intact is the best Mobile denture service and leaks way to avoid costly water damage

Confident Aesthetics is taking ntments for November and Steak Friday Full English Breakfast mber for aesthetics and Deals! body ng. Readers of the Tribune 01733 259645—www.moorfarmshop.uk aim a 10% discount off all ments taken beforemoorfarmshop@outlook.com Christmas.

sthetics

er

tre.

the teachings of Christ.

Look natural Have soft comfort bases FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Give lip and facial support THEwill ONLY DEDICATED We travel to you atBATHROOM no extra cost RESEALING SERVICE INweek THE AREA Dentures made within one or 24 hours

 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE 

Moor Farm Shop, Decoy Road, Newborough, PE6 7QE

01733 707929 | 07899 828935 T: 07757322013 info@siliconehero.co.uk www.handadental.co.uk www.siliconehero.co.uk

84 vil agetribune

Village Tribune 149p.indd 84

20/10/2024 08:43

Village Tribune 149w.indd 14

Exhausted from sleepless nights?

I help parents of newborns to 7-yearolds get their children sleeping soundly through the night and napping peacefully during the day.

Contact me today for better sleep tomorrow!

FREE 15 minute discovery call.

b.

ts

Jo Smith 07779151855

hcare

@jososleepy www.jososleepy.com

www.villagetribune.org.uk

40 villagetribune 19/10/2024 16:22

VILLAGE HISTORY

Kill or Cure:

Dealing with Disease in Bygone Tribland

by Dr Avril Lumley Prior

Alas! ‘Tis the season for coughs, colds, influenza, norovirus and other irksome ailments. Most run their course and can be alleviated by home remedies (like hot toddies), over-thecounter medicines or, if they persist, with prescription drugs.

So, imagine what it was like before the medical advances and immunisation programmes of the twentieth century, when diphtheria, dysentery, measles, mumps, rubella, scarlatina, smallpox, typhoid, typhus and whooping cough were rife – and frequently fatal.

By the twelfth century, there were cases of leprosy in our area. One victim was Robert de Torpel, a knight of Peterborough Monastery who held lands in Torpel [Bainton]. Ashton, Ailsworth, Glinton, Helpston, Lolham, Maxey, Northborough, Nunton, Southorpe and Ufford. He was nursed by the Peterborough monks, who offered perpetual prayers for his soul in exchange for his estates.

Lowlier lepers were consigned to St Leonard’s Infirmary, founded c.1110, on the outskirts of town.

The Black Death ravaged

Tribland, in 1348/9, killing an estimated 50% of the population despite stringent isolation policies. Yet, until the 1850s, most endemic diseases were believed to be caused not by close contact or poor hygiene and sanitation but by bad smells and ‘pestiferous vapours’, collectively called ‘miasma’.

Malaria (translated from

The Walton Tomb, Peakirk churchyard /groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 41

VILLAGE HISTORY Latin as ‘bad air’) and ‘fen ague’ were two of the most prevalent maladies plaguing our eastern settlements. Malaria (like the Black Death and typhus) is insect-born; whilst ague (like cholera and typhoid) is caused by drinking water contaminated by faeces and decomposing vegetation. Nevertheless, even in Victorian times, the names were interchangeable because both diseases presented the same symptoms: fever, shivering and delirium.

Infant mortality was high, accounting for approximately 38% of under-fives’ deaths between 1861 and 1871, and afflicting rich and poor alike.

Prosperous farmers, Henry and Mary Walton of Borough Fen,

42 villagetribune

lost all nine of their offspring, between 1780 and 1793. By 1800, the couple too were dead.

The family are commemorated on a splendid tomb in Peakirk churchyard, erected by Henry’s second wife, Elizabeth.

Of course, before the NHS was founded in 1948, doctors usually charged a fee for consultations, though free treatment was available for the destitute at the Workhouse Infirmary (1837-42), at Peterborough Infirmary, in Priestgate (1857-1928), and the Isolation [Fever] Hospital (190181), for diphtheria, scarlatina and typhoid patients (1901-81).

Fortunately, most rural communities had a herbalist, who dispensed potions made from hedgerow plants: valerian

for insomnia and feverfew for lowering temperatures, etc. Many folk recipes still form the basis of modern medicines, including cough mixtures and analgesics, such as aspirin (from willow bark).

For the terminally ill, those in extreme pain, the depressed and for recreation - there were stronger options.

Cocaine, cannabis, opium (an ingredient of morphine) and laudanum (a concoction of opium and high-proof alcohol) were all available without prescription from chemists and druggists.

Indeed, laudanum was hailed as the panacea for all ills. But, like modern sleeping pills and painkillers, it was highly addictive and overdoses were common.

Often, a case of kill or cure!

www.villagetribune.org.uk

/groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 43

PUZZLE PAGE ENVIRONMENT | DO YOU HAVE AN EPC?

Crossword

Down 2 Item (5) 3 Ambiguous, enigmatic (7) 4 Ready to assemble (building) (13) 5 German light beer (5) 6 Comfy indoor shoe (7) 7 Pronoun (4) Andy Staines - Glinton(4)Climate 8 Naked and Environmental Group 12 Eyelash make-up (7) 13 Interview with a Vampire actor _______ Dunst (7) 14 Refute (4) 15 Red gemstone (4) _____ it Masala, 16 Chicken If you have lived in the same owned house since before 2007 then is popular Indian dish (5) probable you do not have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and since 18 Citizen Kane actor _____ that date it is a requirement before you can sell, or rent out, Wellesyour (5) property.

Do you have an EPC? To put it simply, a high EPC score In the UK, around 22% of will mean cheaper energy bills. carbon emissions come from our homes, from things like heating, But the EPC also shows where lighting, and running household the energy efficiency can be Across appliances. The EPC was improved - be it, for example, Hoards, gathers 1 (10) in 15 examination (5) Take an insulation introduced by the supplies government in missing or again double/ 8 Salty,tolike thepeople sea (5)understand 17 Rust, weaken something 2007, help triple glazed windows etc. So gradually (7) not planning 9 British language (7)energy their current level of even if you are efficiency offer guidance on 19 races (7) rug (7) Series ofand boat 10 to Comforter, sell your home, getting an howor to written make itanswer greener.

11 Verbal 20 Appetising (5) (5)rating is still a up to date EPC 12 Someone who digs the dirt 21 Deserting, dumping (10) If you are looking to buy a home always check the (colloq) (4-5) property's EPC score which can be found here:

good idea so you know what Mindbenders improvements might save you Can youenergy. spot the hidden phrases wasted At the time of writing, an EPC survey costs somewhere between £70 to £100 - just search the web for ‘EPC’ and you will find links to qualified EPC surveyors.

For the record, my own EPC gave me a rating of ‘C’ but it also suggested how I can www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. easily move to a ‘B’ without, Remember a rating of ‘A’ is the best. hopefully, breaking the bank!

For the solution, please go to our website - www.villagetribune.org.uk

HE

M

P AT T

Full bathroom Refits Tiling & Shower Boarding Cloakroom Refits Taps, Radiators, Water Softeners

BER

QUALIFIED PLUMBER & BATHROOM INSTALLER

PLU

07399213399 ptp.bathrooms@gmail.com 66 vil agetribune

44 villagetribune

www.villagetribune.org.uk

VILLAGE NEWS

New Viewing Platforms Enhance Reserves A series of viewing points have been added to Langdyke Countryside Trust’s reserves to give the public more opportunities to view nature.

New platforms have been built along the Green Lane bridleway at Etton proving superb new views over the water-filled pit at Vergette Wood Meadow - a haven for a wide variety of bird life.

And three areas have been created looking over the new Christ’s College Reserve which borders the Maxey Cut between Helpston and Maxey. All of them are supported by new signs giving information about the reserves and the multitude of plants, birds and insects they support.

Until recently many of the

/groups/villagetribune

areas were often hidden by trees and bushes.

The changes are designed to give walkers the chance to see more of what the sites have to offer while at the same time protecting the important biodiversity.

And plans are also in place to open up more of the reserves for summer periods allowing members access. The Vergette Meadow will have paths cut among the wildflowers and it is likely that visitors will also have access to the new ponds created at Etton’s High Meadow site.

Chair Richard Astle said: “We recognise we have not always been able to display the wonderful nature our sites encourage because of access

difficulties. We’re hoping to open up more of our sites in the coming months.”

Many of the platforms have been made possible thanks to generous donations to the Trust - which is run entirely by volunteers with the aim of benefitting the communities they are in.

Meanwhile work on preserving and improving Langdyke’s new nature reserve is underway.

A management plan is in place and the first work has been done on the Christ’s College nature reserve.

Langdyke bought the land from Christ’s College, Cambridge after a fundraising campaign.

Now work on keeping the site as a home for nature has started with a wide range of tasks being performed in a series of work party sessions involving volunteers.

The early work involves clearing pathways and removing unwanted shrubs and bushes.

Large areas of willow will also be cleared to enable other more important species to thrive.

An entrance with a small number of car parking spaces will also be re-established off the Helpston to Maxey Road. This will allow the trust to get vehicles on to the site to carry our important work.

Volunteers to work on all sites are always welcome. Work parties are held at Etton every Monday and Swaddywell on Thursday.

Saturday sessions are being held at the Christ’s College site on Saturday, January 18 (10am-1pm) and Saturday, February 8 (1pm4pm). If you would like to help please email volunteer@langdyke. org.uk. villagetribune 45

RECIPE

From the Kitchen of

Chez Pierre Fricassée de poulet

‘allo all you good folk in the lovely Tribland villages I hope you are well and looking forward to a New Year. This issue of the fine magazine I am telling you about Chicken Fricassée, a timeless classic which is both economical and easy to prepare.

We have served this here at CP for many years and it has become a firm favourite with many of our guests, including one or two famous diners in our Ascot restaurant days. One in particular was the very entertaining, if a little unpredictable, Kenneth Williams who at the height of his ‘Carry On’ stardom would frequently drop in with others, without booking or phoning ahead. My father would invariably

46 villagetribune

accommodate with a well-placed table in order he could be seen by most of the other guests and hold court. He loved to be the centre of attention and was often hilarious, delighting with tales of other well-known people from TV and films and their eccentricities. One such occasion I remember well, as we were closing for the evening he entered with his great friend Maggie Smith and Mr Williams cooked their own Chicken Fricassée supper in our kitchen because chef had left for the evening! They held us spellbound until about 3am the following morning with risqué tales of showbiz characters. What a memorable evening that was!

To business: we use boneless chicken thighs for our version, with cider and apples. For 4 guests: 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cooked flat; 1 large onion thinly sliced; 2 fat garlic cloves sliced; 2 eating apples cut into 12 slices each; 1 large celery stick; 1 large carrot; 2 sprigs of rosemary; 2 tbs butter; 2 tbs olive oil; salt and black pepper to taste; ½ sliced red pepper; 300 ml cider; 200 ml double cream; 1 tbs cornstarch mixed with 1 tbs water Cut each chicken thigh into 2 equal pieces. Peel and dice the carrots and celery. Core and cut the unpeeled apples into medium segments. Chop half of the rosemary needles. In a wide, shallow casserole pot, mix the butter, olive oil, sliced onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper.

Sauté over medium-high heat, for 2 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and chopped herbs, mix and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the cider and lower the heat to medium, cook for 3-4 minutes.

Mix in the cream and bring to the verge of boiling then lower the heat to medium-low. Add the apple slices, sliced garlic and the remaining herbs, mix and cook for 4-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Mix in the cornstarch, lower the heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes (covered) until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.

Serve with either broccoli spears, French beans or asparagus tips and new potatoes with butter in a separate dish.

I normally accompany this dish with a lightly chilled House Chablis or Sancerre depending on guests’ budget.

Bonne Chance, Pierre x www.villagetribune.org.uk

KNIT & NATTER FEATURE

Helpston Remembers If you travelled through Helpston at the beginning of November you’ll have seen the poppy displays created by our Knit & Natter group. We lost count but there were over 2,000 knitted and crocheted poppies around the centre of the village - powerful symbols of remembrance and of

hope for a peaceful future. We are grateful to the Barnack Royal British Legion group for the loan of the soldier silhouettes, and to our families and friends for their contribution to the poppy making. The positive comments from everyone made it all worthwhile!

Helpston Knit & Natter group... meets in the village hall on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, from 2 – 4pm and welcomes anyone who would like to join us! /groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 47

yet arrived.

Anniversary Anniversary of of Etton Church Etton Church

2 December will be Nextwill year the 800th Christmas therethere will be Next year bewill thebe 800th Christmas CardCard and and 2 December wreath making workshops wreath making workshops anniversary of Etton church, that anniversary of Etton church, that Wreath Making Wreath Making the church. in theinchurch.

Cost Cost £30, £30, that the current building meansmeans that the current building was was Workshop Workshop same booking arrangements same booking arrangements consecrated during the reign of consecrated during the reign of as above. as above.

After the great success great success the year samethe year the After the Henry Henry III and III in and the in same of these events last year, of these events last year, Carta was confirmed!

MagnaMagna Carta was confirmed!

We We Christmas Tree Lights 18 November, we will Christmas Tree Lights on 18on November, we will tothe mark the occasion would would like to like mark occasion with with Swith-on & Nativity Swith-on & Nativity be holding a Christmas be holding a Christmas a weekend of celebrations. a weekend of celebrations. card making workshop card making workshop Our usual switching of the Our usual switching on ofon the to be agreed but the DetailsDetails are stillare to still be agreed but the the Coach at theat Coach HouseHouse from from Christmas Christmas tree lights will tree lights will take take weekend toinnote chosenchosen weekend to note yourin your 2.30pm 2.30pm to or 5pm or 5.30pm placeplace to 5pm 5.30pm onvillage the village on the greengreen at at 27 June to 292025.

June 2025.

If to 8pm. to 8pm.

Theiscost diariesdiaries is 27 tois 29 If on Sunday 1 December The cost £15,is £15, 5pm 5pm on Sunday 1 December you would to be involved in and places and places can be booked and the andNativity the Nativity service you would like to like be involved in can be booked service will will be on held onVillage the Village green organising the event, by messaging Andrew the green organising the event, pleaseplease do let do letby messaging Andrew on on be held on Christmas eve at 5pm.

07836213406.

On Mondayon Christmas eve at 5pm. me knowlove help! some help!

07836213406.

On Monday me knowI’d loveI’dsome 6 vil agetribune

Village Tribune 149w.indd 6 21/10/2024 10:24

Everything you might Everything you might needneed for for animals youryour pets pets and and largelarge animals Feed Feed for: for: Cats /Cats Dogs / Wild or Caged BirdsBirds / Dogs / Wild or Caged Poultry / Horses / Small Animals Poultry / Horses / Small Animals

Call: Call: 0173301733 810888 / 07940 297788 810888 / 07940 297788 SteamSteam Farm,Farm, Peterborough Rd, Crowland PE6 OAD Peterborough Rd, Crowland PE6 OAD

10am-5pm Mon–Fri, 9am-4pm Sat, Closed Sun Sun 10am-5pm Mon–Fri, 9am-4pm Sat, Closed

vil agetribune 29 29 vil agetribune Village Tribune 29 Village149w.indd Tribune 149w.indd 29

21/10/2024 10:38 10: 21/10/2024

Check out our new website www.villagetribune.org.uk for all the latests news, diary events, Shop Local traders and Tribland directory 48 villagetribune

www.villagetribune.org.uk

NOSTALGIA

100YEAR -OLD

Nancy Remembers Schooldays in Helpston Helpston Local History Group is delighted to have help with the group’s new community project, Schooldays in Helpston, from 100-year-old Nancy. Born in Barnack in 1924, she went to school in Helpston in the late 1920s. Nancy still recalls being taught by Miss Hibbins and Miss Carrott at the old school on Glinton Road and was especially pleased to be presented with a small vase by one of the teachers for being such, “a good girl at school”.

Nancy’s father, Herbert Sumpter, worked for the LMS Railway in Helpston. By the time Nancy was ready to go to school, the family lived at a cottage on

/groups/villagetribune

Nancy with telegram from king & queen West Street (SEE PHOTO), close to the site of the old Garden Centre. “There were two cottages next to one another with quite a bit of land,” Nancy recalls, “the one we lived in had an orchard, a pigsty, sheds for wood and a stable. The water was drawn from a well around the corner.

Dad had to get two buckets up every morning, so Mum had some to use during the day.”

Last year, Nancy received a special telegram from King

Charles III and Queen Camilla in celebration of her 100th birthday (SEE PHOTO). Alongside the couple’s signatures, the message inside the card reads, “this brings our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on such a special occasion.”

Members of Helpston Local History Group would also be delighted to hear more people’s memories of their Schooldays in Helpston. If you have a relevant story to tell, please contact the group via the website: www.helpstonhistory.org.uk New members are of course always welcome. January is also the perfect time to join. The group is interested in the history of the village and aims to hold bi-monthly meetings to socialise and share information on our projects. Guest speakers are invited to our open meetings to give presentations on topics of local interest. Membership is currently £12 a year for a single member, or £18 for two members at the same address. villagetribune 49

DIARY DATES Tuesday 1tth February 2025. 7 for 7.30p.m West Deeping Heritage Group

diary

DEC

Burghley Gardens: Past, Present and Future.

Tuesday 7th January 2025: 2 for 2.30 p.m

West Deeping Heritage Group Thirsty Work: The History of Soft Drinks Manufacture in Peterborough, c.1846-1993.

Speaker: Dr Avril Lumley Prior In the 1970s and ‘80s Victorian rubbish dumps were dug by avid collectors in search of soft drinks bottles and flagons. One such local collector was the late Greg Prior. His wife, historian Avril Lumley Prior, has drawn on his

collection to publish a fascinating and thoroughly researched history of the 39 soft drinks manufacturers that quenched the Peterborian thirst between 1846 and recent times.

Admission: at the door £3, including light refreshments from 2 p.m for a 2.30 p.m start. Village Hall, King Street, West Deeping, PE6 9HP

From 25th Jan 2025 Helpston (St Botolph’s) Church Coffee Mornings Coffee Chat and Cakes Come and join us!

Thursday 9th January 2025: 10.30am to noon at The Fleet

The Arts Society Peterborough’s monthly talk

50 villagetribune

© Shutterstock/Prachaya Roekdeethaweesab

‘Sir Henry Wood, founder of the Proms and Master Musician’ with Professor Raymond Holden. Using rare film clips, recorded sound examples and other performance artefacts, this talk will examine the life and times of Sir Henry Wood and the impact that he continues to have on today’s musical life.

With both sound and visual aids this talk should liven up January for us all!!

Doors open at 10-15am for coffee and a chat, the talk starts at 10-45am and lasts an hour, all are welcome, so why not come and join us?

For more information and details of how to join the society, visit: www.the-artssociety-peterborough.org.uk

Speaker: Burghley Head Gardener – Joe Whitehead.

Joe trained at RHS Wisley, and worked at Burghley House, Salle Park, Raveningham Hall, Blatherwycke, before returning to Burghley as Head Gardener.

He will entertain us with the history and changes within the gardens at Burghley.

Admission: at the door £3, including light refreshments from 2 p.m for a 2.30 p.m start. Village Hall, King Street, West Deeping, PE6 9HP

Thursday 06/03/2025 @ 07:00 PM Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners’ Society My Evolving Garden – Sue Kent Castor C of E Primary School Saturday 22nd March 2025 Helpston Beer Festival Helpston Village Hall

Do you have an event to publicise? Head over to www. villagetribune.org.uk/events/ and include your event on our website calendar

www.villagetribune.org.uk

NORTHBOROUGH EVENTS

/groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 51

David - 2 images in folder

Rev. Keir The 9 Bridges Benefice www.9brideges.church

From the Vicar As we step into a new year, the frosty mornings and bare branches remind us of the cycles of life and the promise of renewal. January and February often feel like a time for reflection and preparation, a season to set our sights on the year ahead. For the rural churches of the 9 Bridges Benefice, this is also a time to consider how we can faithfully serve our communities and live out Christ’s mission in an everchanging world.

Rural churches face unique challenges. With shrinking congregations, aging buildings, and limited resources, it can feel like we are constantly fighting to “keep going.” These struggles are real, but they are not the whole story. In every challenge, there lies an opportunity—a call to refocus on what truly matters.

Jesus didn’t call His disciples to maintain buildings or fill pews; He called them to love their neighbors, feed the hungry, 52 villagetribune

and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. As a benefice, we are uniquely placed to make a difference. Our churches, nestled within small communities, are more than places of worship; they are hubs of connection, hope, and hospitality.

How can we be more missional this year? It starts by asking, “Who are our neighbors, and what are their needs?”

Whether it’s supporting families struggling with the rising cost of living, reaching out to those experiencing loneliness, or offering warm spaces and meals during the colder months, there is so much we can do. Small acts of kindness ripple outwards and reflect the love of Christ in profound ways.

Being missional also means stepping out in faith, embracing creativity, and working together. This might mean hosting community events, forming partnerships with local organizations, or finding fresh ways to use our church buildings. It will certainly require all of us—clergy, lay leaders, and parishioners—to share the load and support one another.

Let us approach this year with hopeful hearts and open hands, trusting in God’s provision and guidance. Together, we can ensure that our rural churches are not just surviving but thriving as beacons of love and service in our communities.

With every blessing, Rev. Keir

www.villagetribune.org.uk

CHURCH SERVICES Celebration

Day

wk

Date

Services

Readings

Advent 1

Sunday

1

01/12/2024

9:00 Glinton HC 10:30 Peakirk FC 15:00 Messy Church Christingle 18:00 Maxey Taizé

Jeremiah 33.14-16, Psalm 25.1-9, 1 Thessalonians 3.9-13, Luke 21.25-36

Advent 2

Sunday

2

08/12/2024

9:00 Peakirk - Sung HC 10:30 Northborough Christingle 18:00 Glinton Joyful Journey

Malachi 3.1-4, Canticle: Benedictus, Philippians 1.3-11, Luke 3.1-6

Advent 3

Sunday

3

15/12/2024

9:00 Maxey BCP 10:30 Etton FC 16:00 Peakirk Carol Service 18:00 Northborough Carol Service

Zephaniah 3.14-20, Canticle: Isaiah 12.2-6*, Philippians 4.4-7, Luke 3.7-18

Advent 4

Sunday

4

22/12/2024

9:00 Northborough HC 10:30 Glinton FC 18:00 Etton 9 Lessons and Carols

Micah 5.2-5a, Psalm 80.1-8, Hebrews 10.5-10, Luke 1.39-45 [46-55]

Christmas Eve

Tuesday

4

24/12/2024

14:00 Glinton, Crib Service 16:00 Maxey , Crib Service 17:00 Etton Village Green, Crib Service 23:30 Midnight Mass, Northborough

Isaiah 52.7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1.1-4 [5-12], John 1.1-14

Christmas Day

Wednesday

4

25/12/2024

10:30 Peakirk Christmas United Benefice Service

Isaiah 52.7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1.1-4 [5-12], John 1.1-14

Christmas 1

Sunday

5

29/12/2024

10:30 Etton, United Benefice Communion

1 Samuel 2.18-20, 26, Psalm 148*, Colossians 3.12-17, Luke 2.41-52

The Epiphany

Sunday

1

05/01/2025

9:00 Glinton HC 10:30 Peakirk FC 15:00 Messy Church Peakirk VH 18:00 Maxey Taizé

Isaiah 60.1-6, Psalm 72.[1-9] 10-15, Ephesians 3.1-12, Matthew 2.1-12

Baptism of Christ

Sunday

2

12/01/2025

9:00 Peakirk - Sung HC 10:30 Northborough FC 18:00 Glinton Joyful Journey

Isaiah 43.1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8.14-17, Luke 3.15-17, 21, 22

Epiphany 2

Sunday

3

19/01/2025

9:00 Maxey BCP 10:30 Etton FC 18:00 Northborough Celtic

Isaiah 62.1-5, Psalm 36.5-10, 1 Corinthians 12.1-11, John 2.1-11

Epiphany 3

Sunday

4

26/01/2025

9:00 Northborough HC 10:30 Glinton FC 18:00 Peakirk Evensong

Nehemiah 8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19*, 1 Corinthians 12.1231a, Luke 4.14-21

The Presentation

Sunday

1

02/02/2025

9:00 Glinton HC 10:30 Peakirk FC 15:00 Messy Church Peakirk VH 18:00 Maxey Taizé

Malachi 3.1-5, Psalm 24.[1-6] 7-10, Hebrews 2.14-18, Luke 2.22-40

4 before Lent

Sunday

2

09/02/2025

9:00 Peakirk - Sung HC 10:30 Northborough FC 18:00 Glinton Joyful Journey

Isaiah 6.1-8 [9-13], Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15.1-11, Luke 5.1-11

3 before Lent

Sunday

3

16/02/2025

9:00 Maxey BCP 10:30 Etton FC 18:00 Northborough Celtic

Jeremiah 17.5-10, Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 15.12-20, Luke 6.17-26

2 before Lent

Sunday

4

23/02/2025

9:00 Northborough HC 10:30 Glinton FC 18:00 Peakirk Evensong

Genesis 2.4b-9, 15-end, Psalm 65, Revelation 4, Luke 8.22-25

Sunday before Lent

Sunday

1

02/03/2025

9:00 Glinton HC 10:30 Peakirk FC 15:00 Messy Church Peakirk VH 18:00 Maxey Taizé

Exodus 34.29-end, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3.12 - 4.2, Luke 9.28-36 [37-43a]

/groups/villagetribune

villagetribune 53

© David Dykes

Starting Afresh And so that was Christmas… (technically it probably still is, when you’re reading this) And here before us is a bright shiny new year.

My experience of bright shiny new years is, we’re always just as glad to get rid of them by 54 villagetribune

December 31st. I mean, there were really dire years, like 2020 which everyone was glad to have got past, or 2016 when all the celebrities died. And if you don’t remember that about 2016, I guess that’s showbiz.

But taking another trip round

the sun gives us the chance to reset. Even if our expectations have gone the same way as our gym membership by the middle of January.

And that’s the underpinning of so much of our daily lives: every morning we start again, rejoicing in the gift of a new day (or peering out from under the bedclothes and asking ourselves, www.villagetribune.org.uk

CHURCH SERVICES

Church services © Shutterstock/Brian A Jackson

05 January 2025 Epiphany

02 February 2025 Candlemas

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Communion

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Communion

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Morning Praise

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Morning Praise

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Communion

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Communion

3:00 PM All Saints, Wittering

Messy Church Christingle

3:00 PM All Saints, Wittering

Messy Church

4:30 PM St Mary, Bainton

Taizé

4:30 PM St Mary, Bainton

Taizé

12 January 2025 Baptism of Christ

09 February 2025 4th before Lent

9:00 AM St Mary, Bainton

Communion

9:00 AM St Mary, Bainton

Communion

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Communion

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Communion

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Communion

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Communion

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Communion

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Communion

3:30 PM St John, Barnack

Messy Church

3:30 PM St John, Barnack

Messy Church

19 January 2025 Epiphany 2

16 February 2025 3rd before Lent

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Communion

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Communion

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Morning Praise

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Morning Praise

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Communion

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Communion

4:30 PM St Mary, Bainton

Covenant Service

4:30 PM St Mary, Bainton

Valentine Service – “Love”

26 January 2025 Epiphany 3

23 February 2025 2nd before Lent

9:00 AM St Mary, Bainton

Communion

9:00 AM St Mary, Bainton

Communion

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Morning Praise

9:30 AM St John, Barnack

Morning Praise

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Communion

10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering

Communion

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Morning Praise

10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston

Morning Praise

“what? Again?”) Every new day the sun rises, even if we can’t see it. The promise of a new start.

We may be glad to shake off the old year But in the eyes of God, there is nobody who is ever a failure. Only loved children, who may need to come to God and say “sorry” but who God will never turn away. The God who raised Jesus from the dead; the

Jesus who said we should forgive our brothers and sisters “seven times seventy times”; is a God who will endlessly forgive our failings, and constantly urge us to try again, in God’s strength.

That’s why I love the old Methodist Covenant service, which we will use in adopted Church of England Style at Bainton on 19th January. At the

/groups/villagetribune

start of the year, it lets us say – we fail. But in God’s strength, we have a new beginning. And we renew the Covenant which God makes with us.

Whether you make resolutions or not, whether you are looking at a New Year with horror or excitement, have a Happy New Year.

Revd Gary Alderson

villagetribune 55

VILLAGE NEWS

St Andrew’s Church, Northborough says THANK YOU to our funding supporters Back in January 2020, the beautiful and historic St Andrew’s Church in Northborough was deemed to be in such a poor state of repair that England’s heritage watchdog, Historic England, put the church on their “At Risk” register. As if this wasn’t bad enough, the country went into lockdown in March 2020 and we were unable to even allow people into the church, far less start to raise the money needed for repair!

Nearly 4 years on and we are proud to say that the position has entirely changed. Back then our coffers were empty and our hearts heavy. Now, thanks to the

wonderfully named SOS (Save Our St Andrew’s) campaign, we have raised £33,000 through the generosity of the Northborough community and the hard work of a dedicated team of SOS supporters. The events that have been put on in Northborough since the pandemic ended have been fun, inspiring, beautiful, educational and inclusive.

But our own efforts would have been insufficient to raise the money needed to start the repairs on St Andrew’s. In the last few months, we have received grants amounting to £32,500 from several generous grant funding organisations:

We are deeply grateful for these generous grants that will help restore St Andrew’s, a cherished place of worship and community for generations. This historic building is not just a place for Sunday services; it is a cornerstone of our village’s heritage, standing as a symbol of faith and belonging for over 800 years. These repairs are vital to preserving its beauty and structural integrity for future generations to enjoy and be inspired by.

Our hearts are lighter now and we look forward to seeing the start of the repairs in the spring of 2025. The lead roof on the chancel will be replaced and new gutters and drainpipes put in to stop the rainwater getting into the eastern end of the church.

While this is not the end of our restoration, this is an exciting new chapter in the story of St Andrew’s in Northborough.

The Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust

The Garfield Weston Foundation

The National Churches Trust with the Headley Trust

The Wolfson Foundation 56 villagetribune

www.villagetribune.org.uk

BOOK CLUB

A Good Read

By Tash Donovan

The Porpoise

by Mark Haddon Mark Haddon’s The Porpoise is a sweeping and imaginative novel that weaves together contemporary narrative with ancient myth. Known for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Haddon ventures into different territory here with a story that explores trauma, survival, and transformation.

The novel begins with a tragic plane crash, which leaves wealthy Philippe without his beloved wife. Their newborn daughter, Angelica, survives, but her life is overshadowed by Philippe’s controlling and abusive behaviour. In her isolated and troubled existence, Angelica

Kick the Moon

by Muhammad Khan Kick the Moon is a bold, thought-

/groups/villagetribune

finds herself retreating into the world of her mind— and this is where Haddon’s novel takes an unexpected turn.

The narrative splits between Angelica’s plight and a parallel retelling of the ancient tale of Pericles, Prince of Tyre. The novel then moves between the modern and the mythical, with the story of Pericles embarking on a sea journey that mirrors Angelica’s emotional and psychological journey. As the characters cross between worlds, the boundaries of time and space blur, and Haddon’s lush, often poetic prose gives life to rich landscapes and deep emotional currents.

The Porpoise is an intense,

complex novel. Haddon’s storytelling is both adventurous and reflective, drawing readers into a world where myth and reality intersect in fascinating ways, yet the thread of the central story remains strong.

provoking teen novel that explores identity, friendship, and the pressures of growing up. It’s set in diverse, modernday London, and centres around 15-year-old Ilyas Mian, a talented artist and comic book enthusiast who dreams of pursuing his passion for drawing, but his strict, traditional Pakistani father has different expectations for his future.

At school, Ilyas faces another challenge: he’s stuck in a dangerous dynamic with Imran, a volatile bully who expects Ilyas to stay loyal to him no matter what. When Ilyas befriends Kelly, a confident, outspoken classmate who encourages him to follow his dreams, he begins

to rethink his relationship with Imran and question the path he’s on. But standing up for himself comes with risks, and Ilyas must navigate the pressures of school, his father’s expectations, and his personal ambitions.

Khan expertly portrays the struggles of young people trying to balance their identities between home and school, with themes of loyalty, masculinity, and the courage to be yourself woven throughout the novel.

Ilyas’s journey is heartfelt and inspiring, filled with moments of humour and tension. The book’s authentic voice and relatable characters make it a standout in contemporary young adult fiction. villagetribune 57

WHAT’S ON

Entertainment Small and Large Screen Entertainment this February

directed by Jonathan Eusebio and starring Ke Huy Quan as a realtor who is drawn back into a life of crime that he thought he’d left as his crime-lord brother makes him confront his past.

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

Rob Bullock https://robbullockauthor.blogspot.com

The fourth instalment of Helen Fielding’s hilarious comedy is set for a Valentines Day release and sees Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson reprise their roles. The story picks up with Bridget now in her fifties and widowed after the death of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Bridget is a mum of two and begins an often-hilarious relationship with a much younger man played by the in-vogue actor Leo Woodall. ©Shutterstock/Marco Iacobucci Epp

With new releases and returning favourites February is a great time for those who enjoy curling up at home in front of the TV or a night out at their local cinema.

February evenings are long, but with so many great tv programmes, some outstanding live sporting events returning this month, and some excellent new movie releases there is something for everyone.

These are some of my highlights.

Large Screen

Captain America: Brave New World Eagerly anticipated for release on 14th February and starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson the new Captain America, taking over from Chris Evans, this is the fourth movie in the Marvel series. Viewers will remember Wilson as the Avenger Falcon. In true Captain America style following the election of Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford) Wilson finds himself tasked to uncover the masterminds of a major international incident.

Love Hurts This quirky and exciting comedy action movie is 58 villagetribune

TV Highlights

The Six Nations and Super Bowl LIX As an unashamed sports fan February has two mega tv events from either side of the Atlantic to enjoy.

Saturday 1st sees 2024 Rugby Union champions Ireland play England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in what is set to be the heavy weight match of the Six Nations tournament. Kick off 4.45pm ITV1.

American Football’s Super Bowl LIX takes place on February 9th from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans and is on Sky Sports NFL Channel. Neutral observers are once again hoping for a nailbiter after Kansas City edged the 49ers last year.

The Summer I turned Pretty Series 3 – Prime Video Romance and beautiful scenery abound as the third instalment of Jenny Han’s trilogy continues to follow New England teenager Belly Conklin’s flourishing from awkward child to stunning young woman and her love of two teenage brothers who she has holidayed with at their idyllic beachside home at Cousins Beach since a child. Will season three see Belly with brooding Conrad or outgoing Jeremiah?

Silent Witness Season 28 – BBC TV Emilia Fox and David Caves reprise their roles as Dr Nikki Alexander and Jack Hodgson in the everpopular BBC TV show, which will return once again in 2026, with iconic Maggie Stead joining the cast.

With five new stories spread over ten episodes the opener is the disturbing mystery of an elderly woman whose body is discovered in a cave. www.villagetribune.org.uk

TECHNOLOGY HOME AUTOMATION

Benefits of Home Automation

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular in the UK offering security, comfort and energy efficiency. So just what are the benefits of home automation?

Rob Bullock https:// robbullockauthor.blogspot.com

Until recently home automation using integrated smart technology seemed like science fiction but with advances in AI technology and the rollout of high-speed broadband and smart phones it is becoming more and more popular offering convenience, safety, comfort and even adding to the value of our homes.

Smart home technology A smart home allows homeowners the chance to control many aspects of their home, including the temperature, lights, blinds, security cameras and integrated appliances remotely via their smart phone, tablet or computer.

Smart technology allows you to record a TV show on a smart TV from a hundred miles away, it lets you see who has rung your door bell and is outside your home from your workplace, lets you set the washing machine to do that load of laundry whilst you are away, set your heating to come on at a certain time to suit you and water your garden whilst you are away on holiday.

Smart security and lighting Many people choose home automation for the security it can afford your property whether /groups/villagetribune

Smart Home Technology you are home or away. Smart doorbells have become more and more popular as useful ways of making your home feel safer. Even if you are inside your home, when the doorbell rings you can use your phone to see who is there and choose whether to answer the door.

You can even speak to someone at your door through this smart technology. This is particularly useful for vulnerable people.

Smart security systems can also incorporate many other devices including motion detectors and wireless cameras and smoke detectors. Smart lighting systems are also an effective security feature but also so much more as they interact with their environment and the people in them.

Smart Comfort Over recent years smart thermostats have revolutionised home heating and cooling, saving customers valuable pounds and improving comfort.

There are numerous options with some smart thermostats being smarter than others. A

basic system simply controls the heating or cooling in a home remotely whilst top of the range models offer many more options including security, smart speaker, air quality and energy use monitor.

Smart Entertainment An integrated smart home entertainment system really can expand your leisure experience.

By linking numerous devices such as TVs and smart speakers you can create multi room entertainment that moves with you as you move around your home. You don’t have to stop enjoying a song playing in the kitchen if you go into the lounge, and you don’t have to turn the sound up in the kitchen so you can hear it in the lounge, the song can follow you from a device in the kitchen to the lounge! Likewise with a TV show you are watching in one room whilst wanting to move to another! The possibilities of smart leisure are endless Whether it is comfort, security or fun, home automation really can make your life better. villagetribune 59

pitchperfect

YOUR AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

By featuring your lineage adverts for 12 months, spanning six issues, we will get your details in front of over 12,000 village residents But wait, there's more! As a bonus, advertisers in our Classified Section will also gain access to our vibrant online community. With over 4,000 active members on our Facebook group, you'll have the opportunity to share promotional messages with a wider audience on the last Friday of every month for an entire year.

ARCHITECTURAL

DATING

T W Architectural Services T: 07765 880309 E: tonywilliamson61@btinternet.com twarchitecturalservices.co.uk

MatchPoint Dating E: matchmaking@matchpointdating.uk

BABY & TODDLER

Little Owletts Baby, toddler and pre-school multi-sensory sessions M: 07834 837017 E:info@littleowletts.co.uk www.littleowletts.co.uk BUILDERS & LANDSCAPING

Owen Builders and Landscaping T: 07850994577 E: owenbuilderslandscaping@gmail.com Owen Builders and Landscaping CARPENTRY

CG Carpentry and Building T: 07830 364989 E: cgcarpentryandbuilding@gmail.com https://c-g-carpentry-and-building.business.site BC Carpentry T: 07710 328848 E: Info@bc-carpentry.co.uk www.bc-carpentry.co.uk COMPUTER REPAIRS & UPGRADES

The Wizard’s Tech Lab We are dedicated to providing computer repairs, upgrades, advice and services to our customers T: 07544 277 544 E: russell@wizardstechlab.co.uk www.wizardstechlab.co.uk CYCLE SERVICING & REPAIRS

Stamford Cycleworks T: 07498 010093 E: matthew@stamfordcycleworks.com www.stamfordcycleworks.com 60 villagetribune

DOG WALKING AND PET SITTING

Marathon Mutts Dog walking and pet sitting services T: 07484683268 E: mymarathonmutts@gmail.com www.marathonmutts.co.uk ELECTRICIANS

Tumber Electrical T: 07546912269 E: tumberelectrical@hotmail.com tumberelectrical.co.uk FARMING & PET SUPPLIES

TL Hall Farming Supplies T: 07940297788 E: les.farmsupplies@yahoo.com TL Hall Farm Supplies FENCING

Webwood Fencing Services & Supplies Fencing Supplies & Installations. Superior workmanship. Quality Materials.

Excellent customer service.Open to the public.

T: 01733 639111 E enquiries@webwooduk.com www.webwooduk.com ACCOUNTING JB Accounting Services T: 07432 550002 E: jb_as@outlook.com JB Accounting Services jb-accountingservices.co.uk

Nene Valley Financial Planning Friendly, Knowledgeable, Mortgage, Equity Release and Insurance Advice. Call to discuss or arrange a meeting.

T: 07870 611914 E: info@nvfp.co.uk www.nvfp.co.uk www.villagetribune.org.uk

CLASSIFIED SECTION GARDENING

PLUMBING & HEATING

Adcock Propery & Garden Maintenance Services T: 07787 556817 E: adcockspgs@gmail.com Adcocks Property & Garden Interior Decorating, Garden Maintenance & General Handyman work offering a reliable service at competitive rates.

Fenland Heating & Plumbing T: 07930 865642 E: Fenlandplumbingandheating@hotmail.com /Fenlandplumbingandheating

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The 1:1 Diet with Georgette T: 07764 444235 E: dietwithadifference@gmail.com www.one2onediet.com/GeorgetteL

PUBS, RESTAURANTS & MOBILE FOOD

Amo La Pizza T: 07514 771388 E: info@amolapizza.uk woodfiredpizzauk Ruddy Duck at Peakirk T: 01733 252426 E: nigelcook502@gmail.com www.ruddyduckpeakirk.co.uk

The Cove Aesthetics T: 07872893326 @thecoveaesthetics_ @Thecoveaesthetics E: thecoveaesthetics@icloud.com www.thecoveaesthetics.com

The Pack Horse, Northborough T: 01733 913155 E: mail@northboroughpub.co.uk www.the-packhorse.co.uk

Concept Therapies (Counselling and Hypnotherapy Services) T: 07369 249876 E: concepttherapies@gmail.com www.concepttherapies.co.uk

Paul Sharpe Tree Surgeon All Aspects of tree work undertaken & seasoned hardwood logs for sale. M: 07432 308225 E: paulsharpe6610@gmail.com

Heel The Sole Foot Healthcare T: 07889 798370 E: Suewillcox01@gmail.com www.heelthesole.uk

HOME SERVICES

Leanne King Aesthetics T: 07872 893326 E: leannekingaesthetics@yahoo.com leannekingaesthetics

TREE SURGEONS

Campbells Home Improvements Providing home and garden repairs and improvements to local home owners, tenants and landlords. From small odd jobs to conversions and extensions. M: 07494 734226 E: Kieran@campbellshomeimprovements.com www.campbellshomeimprovements.com

Meta Physiotherapy T: 07946 067439 E: daniela@metaphysiotherapy.net www.metaphysiotherapy.net Truly Confident Aesthetics 1c West Street T: 07951 484752 E: trulyconfidentaesthetocs@gmail.com www.trulyconfidentaesthetics.net PHARMACY

Newborough Pharmacy T: 01733 811917 www.newboroughpharmacy.co.uk PLASTERING

King Plastering T: 07817 737277 E: kingplasteringltd@icloud.com /groups/villagetribune

For more local businesses and trades people, check out our ‘Shop Local’ directory at www. villagetribune.org.uk TO ADVERTISE HERE IN 2025, Please contact Alison Henthorn T: 07702 640361 E: alisonhenthorn@btinternet.com villagetribune 61

tribune DIRECTORY

n Bainton Church Reverend Gary Alderson.................................... 07503 975588 n Barnack Church (St John the Baptist) Gary Alderson, Rector ....................................... 07503 975588 n Barnack Community Association Sally Hullock ................................................................ 07795 565658 n Barnack Cricket Club William Armitage, Chairman ........................ 01780 740749 n Barnack Home from Home Club Niamh Holman .................................. hfhbarnack@gmail.com n Barnack Messy Church Julie Stanton ................................................................. 01780 749123 n Bowls Clubs John Broadbelt ............................................................ 01780 740133 Glinton Bowls: Jeff Bell ........................................ 01733 252395 n Botolph’s Barn Kate Hinchliff ................................................................ 07745 116621 n British Legion Max Sawyer ...................................................................01780 765507 n Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners’ Society Chair - Ann Huckle .............................................. 01733 3780745 ann.huckle@cobnut-cottage.co.uk Secretary - Richard Pearce - cadgsociety@gmail.com n Cubs, Brownies, Guides, Scouts & Rainbows General Guiding Queries Helpston Brownies, Morag Sweeney.........07801 357701 Helpston Guides, Anna Batty .........................07780 115792 Helpston Rainbows, Charlotte Moles ..... 07549 152192 General Scouting Queries Martin Hall ....................................................................07778 707952 Helpston Beavers, Alison Cook ...................07437 909735 Helpston Cubs, Susan Hodge .......................07399 252033 Helpston Scouts, Mark Crookes .................07808 633018 n Doctors Deeping Practice (Main line) ......................... 01778 579000 Deeping Practice (Appnts.)............................... 01778 579001 Glinton Surgery .......................................................... 01733 252246 n Etton Church (St Stephen’s) Churchwarden: Anne Curwen ....................... 01733 253357 n Fenland Clarion Cycling Club www.fenlandclarion.co.uk n Glinton Friendship Club Pam Kounougakis ..................................................... 01733 252018 n Glinton Church (St Benedict’s) 62 villagetribune

FIND ALL YOUR TRIBLAND CONTACTS AT WWW. VILLAGETRIBUNE.ORG.UK

Churchwarden: Veronica Smith ................... 01733 252019 n Helpston Church (St Botolph’s) Rector: Gary Alderson ........................................ 07503 975588 n Helpston Helcats Phil Roberts ..................................................................07925 720195 n Horticultural Societies John Best - Glinton .................................................. 01778 342115 Debbie Martin - Barnack Show.................... 01780 740048 Kirsty Scott - Peakirk ............................................. 01733 253952 n Langdyke Countryside Trust Richard Astle ................................................................ 01733 252376 n Maxey Church (St Peter’s) Churchwarden: Mandy Loveder ................... 01778 343100 n Newborough Good Neighbours Cate ...................................................................................... 07735 810139 n Newborough Pre-school Playgroup Debbie ............................................................................... 07423 519890 n Newborough Indoor Carpet Bowls – Brenda Vessey .............................................................. 07941 308148 n Northborough Church (St Andrew’s) Clare Strak, PCC Secretary Jane Knott, Church warden .............................. 01778 345101 Polly Beasley, Church warden .......................01778 380849 n Peakirk Church (St Pegas) Churchwarden: Sheila Lever .............................01733 252416 Churchwarden: Pauline Cooke ........................ 01733 253116 n Pre-School & After-School Clubs Helpston Playhouse pre-school Lucy Garwood ............................................................. 01733 253243 Helpston Before & After School Club Roz Sowinski ................................................................. 01733 253243 Peakirk Tots Emma Thornton ........................................................07876 822173 Little Lambs Toddler Group, Barnack Julie Stanton ................................................................. 01780 749123 Sunflower Seed Pre-School, Northborough Kirsty Wislawski........................................................... 01733 253685 The Owls’ Nest, Amy Quarizzo...................... 01733 252361 n Schools & Education Arthur Mellows Village College ................... 01733 252235 John Clare Primary .................................................. 01733 252332 Barnack C of E Primary ....................................... 01780 740265 Peakirk-cum-Glinton Primary School ... 01733 252361 www.villagetribune.org.uk

DIRECTORY LISTING Northborough Primary ...................................... 01733 252204 Peterborough Adult Learning .......................... 01733 761361 n Tennis Clubs Helpston Tennis Club ........................................... 07714 780573 n Ufford Church Enquiries Peter and Sally Hudson ....................................... 01780 740475 n Village Halls Barnack Village Hall Bookings Sally Hullock ................................................................ 07795 565658 Glinton Village Hall Bookings Sue Lane ......................................................................... 07923 475966 Glinton Whist, Joyce Heathcote .................01733 253790 Helpston Village Hall, Caryn Thompson .................................................... 07801 260240 Maxey Village Hall, Jacqui Barnard .......... 07902 536476 Northborough Village Hall: www.northboroughvillagehall.co.uk Peakirk Village Hall (Bookings) .................... 07938 386226 Ufford Village Hall Fiona Spire (Bookings) ........................................... 07795 111319 n Village Tribune Editor, Tony Henthorn ........................................07590 750128 n Ward Councillors Barnack David Over .............................................. 07920 160053 Glinton & Castor Peter Hiller ...................... 07920 160487 n Women’s Institute (WI) Northborough WI Tracy Thomas (Secretary) ................................. 07720 327145 n Youth Clubs Barnack Youth Club, Colin Morgan ......... 07850 366528 Maxey Youth Club: Tina Lapinskis ............. 01778 347280

Parish Council Contact Details n Ailsworth Parish Council Anne Perkins, Chairman ......................................01733 380541 Jenny Rice, Clerk .....................................................07889 669550 n Bainton & Ashton Parish Council Councillor Susie Lucas (Chairman) .........01780 740159 Susie.lucas@baintonandashton-pc.gov.uk Clerk; Jenny Rice email;clerk@baintonandashton-pc. gov.uk ...............................................................................07889 669550 n Barnack Parish Council Chair: Jonathan O’Shea – jonno.barnackpc@gmail. com Michelle Dickens: ..................................................... 07595 377236 clerk@barnack-pc.gov.uk n Deeping Gate Parish Council Cllr Philip Thompson (Chair) philip.thompson@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk Clerk – Elinor Beesle ................................................07713 194173 /groups/villagetribune

clerk@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk n Etton Parish Council Cllr Fred Morton (Chair) fred.morton@etton-pc.gov.uk Clerk – Elinor Beesley .............................................07713 194173 clerk@etton-pc.gov.uk n Glinton Parish Council Cllr Gerry Kirt – Chairman ............................... 01733 252839 Mr J Haste – Clerk ....................................................07591 834163 clerk@glinton-pc.gov.uk n Helpston Parish Council Parish Council Clerk – Tony Henthorn – helpstonpc@hotmail.co.uk Chairman, Ali Peat ..................................................07399 532266 alastair@alfrescolandscaping.co.uk n Maxey Parish Council Lynne Yarham – (Chair) lynne.yarham@maxey-pc.gov.uk Clerk – Elinor Beesley .............................................07713 194173 clerk@maxey-pc.gov.uk n Newborough Parish Council Mark Ormston Mark.ormston@newboroughandboroughfenpc.org. uk Cllr John Rowell Clerk Irene Healiss clerk@newboroughandboroughfen-pc.gov.uk n Northborough Council Cllr John Dadge (Chair) – john.dadge@northborough-pc.gov.uk Elinor Beesley..................................................................07713 194173 Clerk to Northborough Parish Council clerk@northborough-pc.gov.uk n Peakirk Parish Council Chairman: Henry Clark ........................................ 01733 253203 Clerk: Angela Hankins .......................................... 01733 253397 Email: clerk@peakirk-pc.gov.uk n Ufford Parish Council Chair – Paul Wilde .. 07960 018148 – paul.wilde1@aru. ac.uk Clerk Amie Fenech – clerk@ufford-pc.gov.uk Full details of all Parish Council Counsellors and contacts for local churches, village halls, schools, community associations, sports clubs, guides, brownies, scouts (etc) can be found in the Directory section of the Village Tribune website: www. villagetribune.org.uk/contact-directory/ villagetribune 63