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November is a month of festivals, commemorations and charitable events here in the Tribland, some religious, some secular, some ancient and some much newer.
Ushering in the month is All Saints Day on the 1st which is an important festival for many Christians where saints are commemorated. Many people also choose to visit the graves of their dead relatives and lay floral tributes.
‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’ is something all children learn at school. It commemorates an assassination attempt on King James I by Guy Fawkes who planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder. So, around the country on the fifth, an effigy of Fawkes is burned on bonfires whilst spectators enjoy fireworks and eating baked potatoes and traditional toffees.
Remembrance Day is November 11th with Remembrance Sunday falling on the nearest Sunday. On these days we remember all those who
gave their lives to secure the freedoms from tyranny that we continue to enjoy. Many of us have relatives who fought in the First or Second World War or subsequent conflicts and at this time of year we take the time to think about their sacrifice.
For several years November has become Movember, when many men grow moustaches or Mo’s to help raise awareness of men’s health issues and offer
help and support to those who feel isolated. Although the days might be getting shorter and the weather colder, wetter and more changeable, there is plenty going on this November.
Tony Henthorn
Publisher - Tony Henthorn
35 Maxey Road, Helpston PE6 7DP
T: 07590 750128 E: villagetribuneeditor@me.com
Advertising Sales - Annett Allen
T 07396 736991 E: sales@villagetribune.org.uk
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
GLINTON Simon & Sarah Clayton 15 Pembroke Grove, Glinton PE6 7LG T: 07939 586787 E: s.clayton@me.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 Jane Knott
2 Cromwell Close, Northborough E: jane.knott101@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
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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.
Cllr Peter Hiller – Glinton and Castor Ward
Your group of Independent rural ward councillors have been actively engaged with national and Local Government members to discuss the likely impact on our local council resources of extreme weather events such as flooding and wildfires and of course our rural communities we’re elected to represent too. We see three distinct challenges: first, to adapt to the risks of climate change to reduce the potential effect of these events; second, to best prepare our responses to them when they occur; and third, to help to develop and support our rural communities’ resilience. With another warm dry summer so far, fire and rescue services have already had an extra busy year for wildfires. More than 500 have been recorded in England and Wales between January and June, a 700% increase compared with
the same period last year –which, by contrast, was a recordbreaking year for flood alerts in England, which increased by a third to their highest level since records began. The frequency and severity of extreme weather events is predicted to continue to rise and we’ve said we think it’s vital we plan and prepare for this risk now. It’s a fact that the National Risk Register now includes a significant number of weather-related consequences, including wildfires, coastal, fluvial and surface water flooding and related resilience issues such as regional electricity and water supply failures.
We’ve called for an early emphasis in national efforts to adapt to climate change, as set out in the LGA’s Accelerating Adaptation Report – which highlights low public preparedness. Polling shows only 5% of people feel ready for
how climate change will impact their lives and we have said how we think that local authorities are well placed to lead any local initiatives to mitigate potential effects. Helping our local communities to be resilient, understand and prepare for the risks is a key task for councils at all levels. Partnerships between neighbouring authorities’ emergency services and nonstatutory partners like the voluntary sector and faith groups will also be important in building that resilience.
We’ve also asked that government departments and agencies should coordinate land management, rural planning and conservation policies and work with parish and regional councils to better understand the effect they might have on residents’ future flexibility to cope with extreme weather conditions. We think we’ve pushed the right buttons, but it really is time for a joinedup, long term approach to managing the outcomes of weather changes.
‘Come
bleak November in thy wildness come, Thy mornings clothed in rime, thy evenings chill; E’en they have powers to tempt me from my home, E’en they have beauties to delight me still. Though nature lingers in her mourning weeds And wails the dying year in gusty blast, Still added beauty to her end proceeds And wildness triumphs when her bloom is past.’
(From The Last of Autumn by John Clare)
As I write in early October, we are suffering the effects of Storm Amy: the wind is battering the house and causing the trees to thrash around, and nature does indeed seem to be ‘wailing the dying year in gusty blast’!
Despite being written two centuries ago, Clare’s poems reveal that the rhythms of nature prevail. By the time you read this,
November’s chilly evenings will have arrived and with them, the expectation of frosty mornings. But even if the elements take a turn for the worse, there are still beauties to delight us in the countryside which, like they did John Clare, have the power to tempt us from our homes.
The Amblers have commented repeatedly this Autumn on the abundance of jewel-like berries of various shades in trees and hedgerows: clustered in bunches,
dangling from vines, and dripping with dew. You may well have noticed them yourselves in gardens too, especially those with pyracantha shrubs which have been heavily laden and provide the most glorious displays,literally glowing orange in the sunlight. All around, trees have almost been groaning under the weight of conkers, acorns and beech nuts. The collective term for fruits and nuts is ‘mast’, so we call this a mast year; traditionally
considered to be a sign that a harsh winter lies ahead. However, this production of bumper crops occurs naturally every 5-10 years and research has shown that the two do not necessarily go handin-hand. We can only wait to see.
The other delight of the season is, of course, the changing foliage as the trees prepare to rest through winter. As Clare goes on to say in his poem, ‘Yet in the distance shines the painted
bough, /Leaves changed to every colour ere they die…’ One of the most heartwarming sights on a walk at this end of the year is to see the reds, rusts, oranges and yellows of leaves back-lit by the sun, imitating a freshly-painted canvas before the paint has dried.
We are blessed to have a number of woodlands and treelined lanes in Tribland to satisfy this craving for beauty and you can be sure that the Amblers will still be enjoying them over the
coming months, bleak November or not - especially now that we have had some rain, and the fungi have started to appear! Maybe I will have photos of those to share next time.
Until then, enjoy this wonderful season, with all the joys it brings; winter is on its way!
■ Please note that we cannot accommodate pets on the walks. Sorry.
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From planning updates and community clean-ups to festive celebrations by the river, Deeping Gate Parish Council shares the latest local news and ways for residents to get involved.
Those of you who commented on the recent PCC Draft Local Plan back in May will have been contacted to say that the ‘Key Issues Report’ is now published on their website.
The link is here: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/ council/planning-and-development/ planning-policies/local-plan-review
The next stage is for PCC to produce a ‘submission version’ of the Draft Local Plan in 2026 which will again be open to public consultation. Some new sites have been put forward as potentials for building, viewable in the ‘SHELAA’ report. The land promoter who put forward the development of 1055 homes south of the Market Deeping Bridge has also put forward a proposal for an additional 95
homes on infill development south of the Welland. The 2 sites have been submitted to PCC for ‘pre planning approval’, which means it’s not open for comments yet. We continue to monitor the proposals and keep everyone informed.
On Sunday 5 October our volunteers once again turned out on a dry and bright day for our autumn litter pick. The feedback was that the more residential areas had less litter than in previous litter picks, however the B1524 between the old Maxey House care home and the roundabout was markedly more littered than the spring. Huge thanks to all the volunteers who came along and gave an hour of their time.
It’s not long to wait until Sunday 14 December when we will host the lovely event by the riverside Christmas tree. Please come along and join us for some Christmas cheer, with free mulled wine and mince pies. It starts at 4pm by the footbridge across the Welland.
This month we feature Richard Milligan, who joined the Parish Council in September 2024.
Originally from Newcastle, and having lived in many areas of the UK and overseas in Holland, he was living in Hampton, South of Peterborough when he began to discover the beautiful villages around the city. In 2020, Richard moved his family to Deeping Gate to fulfil his passion for living amongst English heritage and rural environments.
Richard was a primary school teacher for many years, and is now a full time foster carer, as well as dad to 3 teenage children!
In his spare time, Richard works in his garden, and can be seen around Deeping Gate giving nature a helping hand. He is also a keen supporter of his hometown Newcastle United.
We welcome people to sign up to newsletters on our website at www.deepinggatepc.org/.
Parish members can always join our meetings, details of which are published on the website and noticeboards.
Meetings of Deeping Gate Parish Council are held on the second Tuesday of each month (excluding February and August) at 7.00pm in Northborough & Deeping Gate Village Hall. Members of the public and the press are invited to attend.
In the last Tribune, I mentioned that the Golden Pheasant were organising a village fete on 9th August. Well, what a spectacular event it was, with bouncy castles, food and craft stalls and live entertainment throughout the day. With thanks to Alison and the team, £500 was raised for charity, split between the Church and Little Miracles.
Because of successful grant applications, and the additional fundraising this year, we are finally able to order the work to replace the Church Chancel roof - subject to obtaining the appropriate Bat licence. The recent Bat surveys identified that we have two brown long eared bats roosting in the church. Hopefully work will commence in November.
Another rare visitor has been causing a stir in Etton - the presence of a Lesser Yellowleg Wading Bird. Blown off course from across the Atlantic, it seems to have taken up residence in Rectory Pit. First spotted by Hugh from Helpston, there have been a stream of Birdwatchers visiting for the past month to see this rare bird.
On 26th/27th/28th September our second 9 Bridges Charity Beer Festival was held at the Golden Pheasant. With 20 beers, cider and a special Lager, live music and a quiz, the weekend went fantastically well. Thank you to all those who attended, generously sponsored, donated, supported and helped us with the event. An amazing £3,494 was raised for our nominated charities - Etton Church and Little Miracles.
On Friday 3rd October a small group of residents were invited to lunch at the Golden Pheasant as part of our Harvest celebrations. With thanks to the team for a delicious meal and to the Webster/Mossop Trust which funded the event. Sunday 12th October was our Harvest Festival. Thank you for your generous donations which have been given to the Deeping Food Bank, along with gifts from the rest of the Benefice.
Time Capsule on the Green. Please contact me if you have any items to include, or suggestions for content!
We are holding Wreath Making workshops on Monday 1st December in the pub, 2pm to 4.30pm or 6pm to 8.30pm, £30 per person, no experience necessary, all materials and refreshments provided. To book, contact Andrew acurwen@ me.com or 07836213406
Looking forward, we have our usual Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday 9th November at 10.45am on the Village Green, and for those that want, continuing in the Church for Communion and refreshments along with placing a wreath on our War Grave.
On Monday 17th November – Christmas Card Making workshops are being held at the Coach House, 2pm to 4.30pm or 6pm to 8.30pm, £15 per person, all materials and refreshments provided. To book, contact Andrew, acurwen@me.com or 07836 213406
On 30th November - Switch On of the Xmas Tree lights - 5pm on the Village Green. In addition, we plan to bury the Etton 800
All welcome for our simple Nativity on the green at 5pm on 24th December- bring a cup for Mulled wine! Come and celebrate Christmas in Etton Church at 10.30am on Thursday 25th December, followed by refreshments. This service will also mark the end of our Etton 800 celebrations.
Wishing you all good health and happiness for the festive season!
Anne Curwen: 07730301404
CPRE Cambridgeshire and Peterborough recognises that our rural communities are facing a disproportionate impact from the wider economic crisis.
The Government has announced that future Winter Fuel Payments would only be made to those in England and Wales on low incomes who receive pension credit or other means tested benefits,
or not looking its
meaning millions of pensioners will no longer receive the payment designed to help with the cost of adequate heating.
Specialising in the removal of old, unsightly silicone and resealing with high quality sanitary grade silicone.
Rural consumers often have to afford the high cost of oil,
Keeping silicone mould-free and intact is the best way to avoid costly water damage and leaks
bottled gas, coal or smo eless fuel, which is paid for in advance. The pension increases coming into effect in April 2025 will be delivered in small payments in arrears, so they will not help this winter.
We’ve updated the Cost of Living support page on our website for those affected by the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment www.cprecambs.org.uk/cost-of-living-support.html This page details resources to help with the cost of living, such as financial support, energy saving advice and warm hubs.
CPRE has joined the ‘Warm This Winter’ coalition calling for urgent action from the government. To add your voice, go to www.warmthiswinter.org.uk
Barnack Parish Council is pleased to welcome Barry Witmond as its newest member. Councillors look forward to the energy and ideas Barry will bring to the team.
There is currently one further vacancy for a Parish Councillor. If this is of interest to you, please contact the Clerk.
All planning and tree applications which BPC receive from PCC can be viewed on our website via our planning status/log which are in date order, with the most recent being at the top – https:// barnack-pc.gov.uk/status-report
BPC has submitted its formal objection to PCC regarding the Vineyard, Uffington Road planning application, ref –25/01157/FUL. This can be viewed on PCC’s planning portalhttps://planpa.peterborough.gov. uk/online-applications//search. do?action=simple&searchType= Application
The draft Local Plan is due to be released by PCC for public consultation at the beginning of 2026. BPC are seeking planning advice in preparation for this and have highlighted their concerns to PCC further to the additional housing proposal in Barnack.
BPC is pleased to see the flashing 20mph signs at the back entrance of school up and running again.
A big thank you to a representative from the Speedwatch and Traffic Calming group in Bainton for attending our recent meeting. Councillors were informed how Bainton
managed to get the village speed limit reduced to 20mph, the process of this and the effectiveness of the speed cameras. BPC are looking into this along with other traffic calming measures within the village.
BPC are liaising with PCC regarding a crossing at the back entrance of school. Discussions continue.
Please continue to report all crimes no matter how big or small via the neighbourhood policing online reporting portal, unless it’s urgent then by telephoning 911. The portal can be found via the following –https://www.peterboroughpolice. com/en/report/report.aspx
Additional information to remind you of –
The bobby scheme, The Bobby Project - Making Homes Safer is a charity which helps in securing homes and improving community safety.
The local policing team can be contacted directly if required rather than through the main switchboard. The local officers names and the online contact tool can be found here –Peterborough North | Your area |
Cambridgeshire Constabulary CIL money – Community Infrastructure Levy. Ideas are most welcome of how this money could be spent to support development in the village. Please email the Clerk any ideas you have.
Please keep an eye on the noticeboards and the community Facebook page for the clubs which take place in the village hall and any upcoming events in the village.
A date for your diary. The annual Barnack Light Switch-On event will be taking place on Saturday 13th December. This is a BPC event supported by the BCA. Further details to follow in due course.
Please see the monthly full meeting Minutes on either the village noticeboards or Barnack Parish Council website – www. barnack-pc.gov.uk.
Important/key information is posted on the Parish Council Facebook page – ‘Barnack and Pilsgate Village Community’.
Parish Council work often goes unseen but remains focused on doing its best for the community. Please continue to raise any matters of concern by either attending the monthly meetings or emailing the Clerk. BPC is always pleased to hear your views.
Michelle Dickens Barnack & Pilsgate Parish Clerkclerk@barnack-pc.gov.uk/07595 377236
As we head into the dark evenings and the colder days, we would like to thank all those in the village
who look out for our neighbours who maybe need additional care and attention at this time of year.
We have a Good Neighbours Scheme in the village, specifically in place should you identify anyone who may need additional assistance – let us know if we can help.
Peterborough City Council has published a summary of all comments received during the May consultation. These can be viewed on the PCC website. For Helpston, level crossing and traffic concerns remain top of the list.
The next step is for PCC to reissue the Plan with any amendments, followed by a further consultation before submission to the Government’s Planning Inspector for approval.
The revised Plan will include seven additional sites across Peterborough — five residential (in Glinton, Castor and Ailsworth) and two non-residential, one of which is in Helpston. The Heath Road field has been proposed for a new Village Hall and green space. The Parish Council will review and comment on this new allocation.
Significant progress has been made on developing a new website to better support Council
business and keep residents informed about village initiatives. Phase One is expected to go live before Christmas, providing improved access to information and communication.
The long-awaited renovation of the old BT phone box is now complete. With a new door, fresh paint and sturdy shelving, it stands proudly as a bright red beacon of community reading. The Book Exchange is fully restocked thanks to local volunteers—please enjoy and respect the simple usage guidelines.
The Parish Council is currently preparing its annual budget. If your village group is seeking a grant, or you have an idea to improve local facilities, please contact the Clerk for an application form. These requests will help determine the 2026/27 precept and future investment in village services.
The closure of Lollum Bridges and King Street crossings has increased traffic through the village, especially along Maxey
Road and Church Street. We understand Lollum Bridge will remain closed until autumn 2026 due to delays in securing permissions and restrictions on river works during salmon spawning.
Heavier traffic brings higher speeds, frustration and risk. If you witness unsafe driving or congestion issues, please report them to the Clerk so all incidents can be logged and presented to PCC Highways as evidence. The Parish Council continues to collect data to press for action.
Please Use “Fix My Street” Winter highlights local maintenance problems — broken lights, potholes, overgrown hedges and damaged signs. The fastest way to report these is via www.fixmystreet.com (or scan the QR code). Just enter the location and issue, and it’s sent directly to the right PCC department.
Your Parish Council continues to work hard behind the scenes to represent the community. Monthly meetings are open to all residents — your input helps keep Helpston the vibrant, caring village we all value.
Annual Club Tournament wraps up a season of growth, success, and generosity for Helpston Lawn Tennis Club.
Helpston Lawn Tennis Club rounded off a fantastic summer with its annual End of Season Tournament and BBQ on Sunday 31 August - a day filled with competitive play, community spirit, and plenty of laughter, despite the unpredictable weather.
More than 80 members took part in a packed day of tennis across children’s, mixed doubles, men’s and women’s singles competitions. Coaching sessions led by LTA-accredited coach Kevin Tighe have been fully booked all season, and many of the young players showcased their progress in the morning’s junior matches. Congratulations to this year’s junior champions Evie Davies and Alfie Mitchell.
After almost a decade away, the men’s cup made a proud return, thanks to the
craftsmanship of Eric Siecker and the generosity of Ali Peat. The women’s trophy, however, is still awaiting a similar revival.
This year’s adult tournament winners were:
■ Women’s Singles: Karen Landon
■ Men’s Singles: Alistair Peat
■ Mixed Doubles: Karen Landon & Alistair Peat Chair, Lisa Johnston, praised what she described as “a year of real progress” for the club. Highlights included the donation of a new ball machine from Adam and Katie Barker, the club’s first-ever appearance at Helpstonbury, and the successful launch of Tennis and Tipples - a women’s social tennis event that helped boost female participation across the club.
“Not only has membership grown,” Lisa said, “but we’ve seen
more players on court, more community involvement, and a stronger sense of belonging than ever before.”
Founded in the 1920s by George and Eleanor Franks, the club continues to thrive on the same village spirit that inspired its creation. Today, Helpston LTC offers not only a place to play but also a space to connect and support one another through sport.
The summer BBQ also raised an impressive £502 for Young Lives vs Cancer, inspired by professional tennis player and cancer survivor Ryan Peniston.
Helpston Lawn Tennis Club welcomes new members for the 2026 season. Family membership costs £70, or £50 for individuals, covering all play from May to September. Social sessions take place on Sundays (10–12), Wednesdays (from 6pm) and Saturdays (4–6pm).
For more information or to join, visit clubspark.lta.org.uk/ HelpstonTennisClub or email helpstonltc@gmail.com.
With Christmas fast approaching, 2025 has been a busy year in Glinton with a new community orchard, a new play park, a refurbished village hall and many social events, together with the ever present spectre of additional housing. Let’s look forward and hope 2026 will be a positive and thoroughly enjoyable year for all.
A big thanks must go to the events core team and its large band of helpers who have arranged and delivered a brilliant range of events throughout 2025.
Our sold out music festival extravaganza was another outstanding success.
An excellent mix of good weather, incredible blend of bands and performers, merch, stalls, pizza and curry outlets, licensed bar and bouncy castle,
GlintonFest 25sold out in the summer
was enjoyed by a capacity crowd from mid afternoon through to 11pm.
Returned to Glinton on Sunday 14th September. Despite the threat of rain, once again well over twenty garages took part and the community came together to seek out some superb bargains.
The children’s treasure hunt, breakfasts, full refreshments were available throughout until 2pm.
The Social Events team is planning to meet before Christmas to determine the timing and form of next year’s events.
On the agenda is a music festival, garage sale and fun run. We may also consider trying a family film evening in the village hall before Christmas - Home
Alone 1 or 2 has been suggested.
The GlintonFayre 25 Road safety competition was won by Darcy and Maya.
Both winning posters have been printed on a backdrop of the other entries and displayed proudly on the school railings.
Glinton village hall was officially opened on Wednesday 8th October by Hayley Janceski from Viridor who unveiled a commemorative plaque and was presented with a bouquet.
Sue Lane, who is responsible for the smooth running of the hall, was also presented with bouquet in recognition of her hard work. Hayley presented Sue with a ceremonial cheque for the largest amount Viridor has ever awarded for a community grant! The main hall was filled with
folks from user groups, Glinton Community Association, Glinton Parish Council, residents, Glinton Social events, the project team plus contractors including CML Decorators, Branded Flooring and Interiors, and Circle Electrical Services.
Thanks must go to Viridor who provided a significant grant which when added to contributions from Glinton Community Association, Glinton Social Events and the Parish Council, enabled the project to proceed, be delivered in 7 months and completed under budget.
The upgrade project is now officially open for business. The hall has new floors, comprehensive insulation, electric shutters replacing the serving hatch and bifold doors,
new cupboard doors and work tops, state of the art Audio Visual system, intruder alarms, upgraded locks, upgraded fire alarm, electric and manual blinds and total redecoration.
A small group of councillors and residents, under the direction of Cllr Steve Jackson, are working on a project to upgrade, refurbish and expand the recreation ground equipment.
Visits have taken place to nearby parks and numerous people, of all ages, questioned to seek their suggestions and requirements. As a result a number of suppliers have been contacted and quotations sought.
It is likely that grant funding will be required as initial estimates have proven to be much greater than anticipated.
Over 150 Glinton residents met on Sunday 12th October on the village green to express their collective outrage at the potential destruction of their quiet rural village by overwhelming housing development.
Glinton, which contains c.700 homes, is threatened with up to 1150 new dwellings despite having a broken and insufficient sewage system, dangerous highways, together with education and healthcare provisions that are already at breaking point! It was a tremendous turnout and thanks go to all those involved.
By the time you are reading, this the public meeting will have taken place on Monday 20th October 7pm at AMVC. Local MPs, Mayor of Peterborough & Cambs, Anglian Water, Ward Councillors , Peterborough City Council Planners, diocese and the media were all invited.
GPC were intent on fighting the Gladman planning appeal via the Rule 6 avenue, which would have provided GPC equal status with Gladman and PCC.
However, our case rested on proving PCC had a 5 year land supply rather than the claimed 4.88 years. Emerging data then suggested our case was less strong than originally thought. In addition to fighting the
appeal, we would require legal and professional representation costing at least £100k and if costs were to be awarded against us it could amount to an additional £250k! With our main objection looking less certain and the potential costs becoming untenable, Glinton Parish Council, with a heavy heart, could not risk effective bankruptcy and decided to withdraw from Rule 6.
In terms of planning appeals, it seems that the system is weighted towards those with the deepest pockets rather than those fighting for the survival of their village.
Therefore, we are appearing as interested parties and seeking assistance from a planning consultant to represent us during the appeal.
With Larkfleet (95 dwellings) having secured outline planning permission, and should Hereward Homes (24 dwellings) win approval, Glinton will have more than provided its fair share of housing that should see us through to 2044.
With this injection of housing in Glinton, Peterborough’s TOTAL shortfall in 5 year Housing Land supply will be less than 10 dwellings!
Yet this minute shortfall in the 5 year housing supply will trigger an open season for developers, such as Gladman and Catesby, who, like others, will exploit the deficiency, target Glinton and overwhelm our small, beautiful fen edge village. It is therefore with good reason that Glinton residents are outraged!
Northborough Parish Council invites residents to join the annual Christmas tree lighting on Sunday 30 November, complete with carols, mulled wine, mince pies, and a visit from Santa. The Council also shares updates on speeding measures, community support initiatives, and ongoing local works.
Northborough Parish Council would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We will be having our annual Christmas tree lighting on Sunday 30th November at 5pm on the small green beside the village shop. This year we are grateful to have the tree and loan of lights donated by Northborough residents Mr and Mrs Smith and we thank them for their generous contribution to the Christmas event.
As usual we will be serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies, singing Christmas songs and receiving a special visit from Santa Claus. It should be noted that the shop end of East Road will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event for health and safety reasons. This should be about two hours.
There has been an addition of a new speed sign on Church Street. This is following a number
of requests from residents, concerned about motorists speeding into and out of the village. Hopefully this will help remind drivers to watch their speed, especially as this is the location of the primary school.
NPC are also proud to be working with the Good Neighbour initiative.
This is community-run, often free, service where volunteers assist with tasks that may be difficult for some residents. They offer services such as providing lifts to medical appointments or the shops, collecting prescriptions or doing shopping, plus helping with small household jobs like changing a light bulb, walking dogs or assisting with paperwork or forms. The initiative is already assisting some villagers and requests can be made via the Service Request form at www. goodneighboursrp.org.uk.
At the time of writing work is still ongoing by Anglian Water at the site of the sewer repair, however, reports of the repair have been favourable and whilst progress has been slow, work should be completed soon and the road reopened. We would like to thank everyone for their patience.
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. 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.
Henry Clark, Chair
Peterborough City Council have made improvements to the path near Peakirk House.
Following a request from a resident, the unevenness of the surface caused by tree roots has now been flettened out.
The encroachment by brambles and other shrubs onto the path on St Pega’s Road near Foxcovert road has now been cut back.
The parish council has submitted our objections to the planning inspector who will be hearing Gladman’s appeal. Glinton Parish Council are taking the lead in fighting the appeal and we are supporting them.
We have selected a place for a possible memorial bench. We agreed that the best place for a bench was on the village green near the evergreen oak at the junction of Chestnut Close and Deeping Road. We will now try and raise the necessary funds.
The oak bollards, which were installed about 20 years ago are showing signs of rot. We discussed whether to replace the broken ones with recycled plastic replicas or oak ones. We decided, on aesthetic grounds, to use oak. Five bollards have now been replaced. The remaining 39 will gradually be replaced as they fail.
Back in February an articulated lorry from Bacton Logistics drove round Chestnut Close and damaged edge of the green opposite the cottages. When we raised the matter, Bacton Logistics asked us to make a claim on their insurance but we could not get quotes for remedial work, so did not claim. In October, unprompted, Bacton offered £200 for maintenance of the green, which we have gratefully accepted. It is refreshing to see a company take responsibility and make an offer like this.
Councillor Emma Crowson will be restarting SpeedWatch soon, after the summer break. We really need more volunteers to share the work. All that is required is to take a short online training session and spare a couple of hours now and then to help with a SpeedWatch session. Please contact Emma on peakirk.cllrcrowson@gmail. com if you’d like to help.
The possible housing developments in Glinton and Deeping Gate will only make traffic worse, so SpeedWatch is important to remind drivers of the 30 mph speed limit.
There seems to have been a spate of dog poo not being cleared up recently. Typically, this takes the form of bags being left on the path.
How anybody can think that this is the right thing to do
escapes me. Dog poo can be deposited in any of the litter bins as well as the dedicated bins around the village.
Graffiti - the pumping station on Deeping Road has recently been daubed with paint. This is a very visible location; did anyone see anything suspicious? There was a young cow on the grass verge near to the Maxey Cut recently, which had escaped from the adjacent field. Caution is always needed when driving over the Maxey Cut, where there is a 40 mph speed limit. Some of the parish councillors will be tackling maintenance issues in the village, such as replacing bollards, cleaning the white gates and treating the benches near the bus stop. We would welcome volunteers to help and people to let us know of any other maintenance issues.
FEEDBACK: As always, we would be pleased to hear your views. Please contact the Clerk, Angela Hankins, on clerk@peakirk-pc.gov.uk.
Hundreds of handmade poppies, crafted and attached with laughter, tea and teamwork, will soon adorn Maxey’s village sign - a heartfelt community tribute to those lost in conflict. Meanwhile, Maxey Parish Council invites two new councillors to join its proactive team and help shape the village’s future.
A huge thank you to everyone who knitted or crocheted poppies.
They arrived in their hundreds in all sizes and shades of red and even some purple ones to represent the animals that died in conflicts. We were overwhelmed by your support for us and for our community. On Saturday the 27th September 14 people, of all ages, gathered together to attach the poppies to the net - a much bigger task than we had envisioned. There was lots of hard work, much laughter and lots of tea and cake consumed. It was truly an afternoon full of community spirit. On Tuesday 30th, the craft group kindly let us use their session to complete the task and the net is now ready to
be placed over the village sign. Together with the poppies on the lamp posts, in the flower tubs, the soldier statue and the war memorial at the church, Maxey will have a fitting tribute to all those who have lost their lives in conflicts.
There are even enough poppies left over to decorate the church gate.
Maxey Parish Council is looking to appoint two new councillors. We are a very ‘hands on’ proactive group of people who need two more pairs of hands to share our current workload and to come up with some more exciting ideas. Maxey is a lovely village to live in and, with your help, we can keep it that way. Please consider joining us.
The planters around the village have taken on their first themed display. The gardening group have filled the tubs with Autumn vegetables and Halloween themed items adding colour and making a focal point of the village sign. Underneath the pumpkins, waiting to grow, are spring bulbs. Anyone wishing to join the gardening group should contact the PC chair. Let’s share the load.
Newborough Christmas Tree Lights Switch on Friday 5th December
6pm Crown Garden (Junction of Soke Road and Guntons Road)
By Cllr Babb
Save the date, a shining sight, We’ll gather to watch the tree alight.
Friday 5th, at 6 it’s planned, At Crown Garden hand in hand. Friends and neighbours gather here, Then into the church for festive cheer.
Wishing all our villagers a very Merry Christmas.
We’re now in the final stages of our Neighbourhood Plan.
It’s being shaped by the feedback you’ve already shared, along with new planning policies, the emerging Local Plan, and technical evidence.
Although Government funding through Locality has been withdrawn, the Parish Council has stepped in to cover the remaining costs so the plan can be finished.
A draft version is being pulled
together and will be shared with residents. This will be your chance to have your say on every part of the plan before it’s reviewed by the local authority and other bodies.
The last step will be a community referendum, where everyone gets to vote. Keep an eye on our website and local notices — the next consultation will be advertised soon.
Newborough’s Paul Cooper shares his mother Yvonne’s vivid memories of growing up during World War II.
This edition’s article takes a different direction from my previous one on the first recorded deaths in Newborough church records. The change comes from recent conversations with my mother about her experiences as a child during the Second World War.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe and in the Far East - and the first use of atomic weapons in conflict. It’s a time to remember the sacrifice of thousands of military personnel, and the physical and mental wounds carried by millions more.
My mother, Yvonne, was eight when the war began and fourteen when it ended. Listening to her recollections has been humbling, and I’m grateful for her willingness to let me share her story here.
Yvonne was born in 1931. Her mother was a professional dancer, her father a stage electrician. They met when her mother’s touring company performed at a theatre in Evesham. Her parents later settled in London, where her father worked as a mechanic, and two years later her brother Dennis was born.
In the summer of 1939, Yvonne sensed something was happening. The atmosphere had changed; conversations
in and out of the home were dominated by the possibility of war. When Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced on 3rd September 1939 that Britain was at war, London families braced themselves for bombing.
Soon after, Yvonne and Dennis were evacuated to Evesham to stay with their grandparents. She remembers being bundled into a small car driven by her Uncle John, and the shock of trading city life for the countryside. They soon settled into village school
life, but their evacuation was short-lived - when the expected bombing didn’t happen, their mother brought them home.
In 1940, the Blitz began. Her father installed an Anderson shelter in the garden, but Yvonne, who hated spiders and earwigs, dreaded spending nights there - not that anyone could sleep through the sound of bombs. When trains full of soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk passed through Scrubs Lane, Yvonne and Dennis waved, seeing bandaged
men smiling bravely back.
As bombing intensified, tragedy struck close to home. Some of her school friends were killed; others lost parents. One night, a large bomb fell in their street but didn’t explode. The family fled in pyjamas and dressing gowns to a nearby refuge centre. For several nights they moved from shelter to shelter until the bomb disposal team finally declared their home safe.
Soon after, Yvonne and Dennis were sent back to Evesham. Their father joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1942 and was posted to the Far East. Before leaving, a third child - Peter - was conceived, though he wouldn’t meet his father until 1946.
Life in the countryside was basic: an outside toilet, a tin bath by the fire, and water heated in a copper over a wood fire. Rationing meant shortages, but Aunt Bet’s husband worked on a smallholding, so there were always vegetables. Yvonne helped her grandmother in the family
shop, while her uncles served overseas - one, Uncle Bill, was captured in Singapore and spent the war as a Japanese POW.
When baby Peter was born, Yvonne’s mother called her children back to London. After two years in Evesham, returning to a bomb-scarred city was a shock. Gone was the freedom of the fields; air-raid warnings dictated every day.
“Most nights we slept in the brick shelters in front of the houses,” Yvonne recalled. “It was awful. Next morning we’d go out and look at the damage, picking up shrapnel from the bombs. One of my friends, Gloria Bard, and her mother were killed when their house was hit. Gloria had only just been to my birthday party.”
By mid-1944, the new threat was the V1 flying bomb - the dreaded “doodlebug.”
“You could hear the buzz overhead,” she said. “Then the engine stopped - and you knew it was about to fall. One day Mum, little Peter and I threw ourselves
to the ground as one came down nearby. It hit my friend Pamela Cotton’s house. Her parents were killed, though Pamela survived.”
For families like Yvonne’s, it was a time of constant fear - not just from bombs but from the dreaded telegram that could announce a loved one’s death. Letters from her father arrived weeks late, but they were treasured all the same.
By 1946, the family was reunited. Her father returned from the Far East; Uncle Bill came home from captivity, scarred but alive. Three other uncles served in North Africa, Italy and Europe. All survived, though none were unchanged.
This is only a glimpse of my mother’s wartime life. She has written her memories in full, and they could fill an entire magazine. As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, it’s worth remembering that courage wasn’t only found on the front lines - it was shown daily by those who endured life on the home front.
The trustees of Newborough Village Hall are seeking additional trustees to join the committee. Newborough Village Hall belongs to the people of Newborough and its purpose is to provide a facility for village activities and general hire. Please consider volunteering to help manage the hall,
to bring new ideas, expertise and added drive to ensure the hall is a first class, affordable facility to all to enjoy for generations to come. For details of the constitution, a brief summary of the hall and how to register your interest, please go to our website at; www.newboroughvillagehall.co.uk.
• All aspects of tree work undertaken.
• Specialist in sectionally felling trees in restricted areas.
• Site clearance and stump grinding service available.
• Full Liability Insurance.
Quality Seasoned 5-7 Year Old Barn Stored Hardwood.
Ash, Oak, Elm Sycamore, Chestnut, Lime, Cedar, Yew and an assortment of fruit woods.
Mobile: 07432 308225
Email: paulsharpe6610@gmail.com
As the nights draw in and the lights go up, our local pubs are decking the halls, stoking the fires, and welcoming villagers in for a season of festive food, fine ales, and good company.
There’s something magical about our village pubs at Christmas. The scent of mulled wine drifting through a snug bar, the glow of fairy lights in the window, and the hum of conversation as friends and families gather to celebrate another year together.
Across the Tribland villages, landlords and their teams are busy preparing festive menus, quiz nights, charity raffles, and Christmas Eve sing-alongs. Whether it’s a traditional roast by the log fire, a festive gin with friends, or a rousing chorus of Fairytale of New York at closing time, our local pubs offer the warmth and welcome that make this season special.
In this feature, the Village Tribune visits the pubs that keep the Christmas spirit alive — showcasing their seasonal menus, events, and the people who make them such an essential part of village life. So, wrap up warm, gather your loved ones, and discover what’s waiting at your local this festive season.
Bluebell Inn Helpston 01733 252394
Thebluebellinnhelpston@gmail.com www.bluebellhelpston.co.uk
View our Christmas menus at www.bluebellhelpston.co.uk/pix/ christmas-menu.jpeg
The Bluebell in Helpston boasts all the charm you’d expect from
a village inn with oodles of quirky character thrown in and an old-fashioned belief that a pub should have a social heart, and be flowing with drinks and great food served by people who care.
So here you’ll always be greeted with a warm, friendly smile and the same hospitality which has been offered here for over 250 years!
Blue Bell Glinton 01733 252285
reservations@thebluebellglinton.co.uk
www.thebluebellglinton.co.uk
View our Christmas menus at www.thebluebellglinton.co.uk/ christmas-menu
Golden Pheasant Etton 01733 252387
www.goldenpheasantetton.com
Open Wed to Sunday from 12pm
Email contact@goldenpheasantetton.com
We are a friendly, family-owned and run country pub. Please follow us on our social media
to get up-to-date information on what’s on.We have our first Indoor Christmas fete here on Saturday, the 13th of December
Please feel free to call or email us for more information or to book a table for a festive meal or drinks.
Red Lion West Deeping
48 King St, West Deeping PE6 9HP
07421 977661
enquiries@theredlionwestdeeping.co.uk www.theredlionwestdeeping.co.uk
Frazer and Emma took over
The Red Lion West Deeping at the end of lockdown and since then the business has gone from strength to strength.
Frazer’s food is fiercely seasonal, fresh and packed with flavour, with menus changing weekly. Expect elevated pub dining highlighting seasonal local
produce. The bar offers a wide variety of local and regional ales, alongside casks from big producers such as Jeremy Clarksons Hawkstone.
The Pub itself has been carefully renovated to restore some of its original 1700’s features. Log burners have been fitted into renovated fireplaces to create a cosy bar with a separate fine dining room. Bar Snacks, Lunch Menu and A LA Carte are served daily with the addition of Roast Specials on Sundays. Breakfast served from 10am on Saturdays. Wednesday – Friday 12 – 11, Saturdays 10 - 11 and Sunday 12 – 6. Lunch is served 12 – 2.30 and Dinner from 5.30 – 8.30.
Ruddy Duck Peakirk
01733 252426
nigelcook@ntlworld.com www.ruddyduckpeakirk.co.uk
The Ruddy Duck is a charming grade II listed village public house nestled in the village of Peakirk, Peterborough.
This traditional, local pub offers a fresh, warming traditional pub menu coupled with local craft beverages & fan favourites. We have ample free car parking, and our alfresco courtyard is the perfect oasis for any passing visitor or returning local. Where to find us:
12 St Pega’s Rd, Peakirk, Peterborough, PE6 7NF
Follow us on Facebook
Celebrate the festive season with us
Pack Horse Northborough 01733 913155
mail@northboroughpub.co.uk www.the-packhorse.co.uk
At The Packhorse, we’re more than just a pub - we’re your local haven in Northborough where good times are on tap, the welcome’s always warm and the beer’s cold! We’re on a mission to get you out of the house and have some good times! We’re talking satisfying eats - modern British food, traditional pub classics, thirst-quenching beers and proper service with a side of fun. We’re all about creating epic memories, or at least a solid excuse to ditch adulting for a time. Enjoy live music on Sunday Afternoons, Quiz and Street Food on Tuesday nights, or that midweek break of coffee and cake on Wednesday mornings. Come for Christmas, Boxing Day Walks, and New Year’s Eve Supper. Who needs personal space when you’ve got a cosy pub vibe and a lovely of community? Come and enjoy, stay for the connections, and leave with a head full of shared laughter.
Waterton Arms
Deeping St James 01778 342219
info@thewatertonarms.co.uk
www.thewatertonarms.co.uk
The Deepings Business Club Pub
Award Winning Pub of the Year. We Invite you to experience the charm of a traditional village pub. Delight in a wide variety of real ales and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with regular live music, entertainment, and special events.
While we don’t serve food daily, be sure to check out Facebook page for exciting pop-up food nights and unique offerings. Come for the drinks and make unforgettable memories with us.
Thirsty Giraffe
07756 066503
steve@pubhistorysociety.co.uk
The Thirsty Giraffe is the first and only micro pub in the Deepings and is now in its 5th year. Attracting customers from far and wide, possibly due to their regular appearance in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Ales are drawn straight from the barrel with at least 8 on offer. A small selection of Belgian beers
is available, and being totally independent, they steer clear of the usual pub offerings. Add the 30 or so traditional ciders in the cellar, and it’s a perfect place to chill, relax and try something not usually found in your average pub. Food can be ordered from the neighbouring takeaways and eaten in the pub; they even provide ‘proper plates and cutlery’. And of course they do the washing up for you! Look out for their regular activities, from the well-attended monthly Cheese Club to regular charity events and socials.
Opening Times: Monday 5 – 9, Tuesday 5 – 9, Wednesday 3 – 9, Thursday 3 – 9, Friday 3 – 10, Saturday 3 – 10, Sunday 3- 7 More details can be found on their Facebook page.
The Fayre Spot at the Cresset Pre-show supper menu available before every show –advance booking is strongly recommended. Book a table today on fayrespotbookings@ cresset.co.uk or call 01733 842518
White Hart Ufford
Main St, Ufford PE9 3BH 01780 740250
www.whitehartufford.co.uk
info@whitehartufford.co.uk
The White Hart boasts three
great dining areas for Christmas Parties. Whether or not it is a work event, an intimate family get together or small tables for those more intimate merry catch ups. With cosy fires, warm hospitality and great food, you need look no further for the perfect Christmas venue. Expect all of the traditional offerings as well as more creative options such as Lentil Chickpea and Mustard Fritter, Wild Venison Loin and Halibut Fillet
Opening Times: Christmas EveOpen all day – Special A la Carte Menu – check our social media
Christmas Day – Open 11-2pm –No FOOD – Drinks only Boxing Day Lunch – Open 8am-8pm – Food Served 10-6pm - Special A la Carte Menu – check our social media
New Years Eve - Open as usual –Evening special A la Carte Menu New Years Day - Open 8am6pm – Food Served 8-4pmSpecial A la Carte Menu – check our social media
The Bull Inn Newborough 07463 146814
The Bull Inn Newborough NOW OPEN! Simone Loveridge has stepped in to give the venue a new lease of life and a whole load to look forward to –Everyone Welcome!! Fireworks
display from Illuminatus on 15th November New Kitchen - 100% home-made British Food locally sourced Christmas Menu available throughout December Day and evening catering, and enjoy a nice coffee New Year’s Eve Party serving Hot buffet-style bites and chilli for just £5.00 per head Come and celebrate with us! Newborough’s much-loved local hub is back!
At a time when many rural pubs face uncertain futures, there’s never been a better moment to show your support. Every pint pulled, meal enjoyed, and ticket bought for a Christmas quiz helps to keep these cherished places thriving at the heart of our villages. So this December, let’s raise a glass to the landlords, chefs, and bar teams who bring us together — and to the simple joy of celebrating Christmas in our local pub.
It seems a long time since we finished combining on the farm apart from a bit of a break and a few days taken as holiday it is business as usual having to deal with temperatures varying in such extremes.
I’m sure everyone is keen to get on with the Autumn work load with the dust blowing behind the cultivator and drill being a much better experience than muddy conditions when you know you ought not to be in the field let alone trying to sow seeds but in desperation if these seeds are not sown there will be no harvest to combine or to pay the bills. This is the stark reality we in farming face - maybe situations are changing with new regulations coming into force, but it doesn’t lessen the pressure in the job and of course at the end of the battle the weather has the last say. Autumn sowing has been continuing through September and October with oats, barley and wheat as weather conditions allow, the oil seed rape was as
I mentioned in the previous Tribune sown 10th August and is generally growing well, also the grass field over the wall in front of the farm shop and Granary were reseeded and is just showing green.
We have been loading grain and oil seed rape which was sold forward at a very good price to what is the current rate, this is the gamble you take when the merchants come and ask if you would like to book some or all of your grain, we book a number of lorry loads to go in August and September which works well fitting it in with other commitments. The contractors have lifted the potatoes just leaving the sugar beet starting mid October. Some hedges have been cut and insides of fields tidied up with conservation in mind, particularly for wildlife.
Well into October leaves apple and pears, what is left of them on the trees are now falling. I have been progressing with pruning the garden, still more to do with my helper Joyce doing the
work, I have to admit it is beyond me now, we will be getting the geraniums, agapanthus, dahlia and a few other delicate plants into the greenhouse for a bit more protection from the Winter weather, I try to use the greenhouse as a cold one without heat which I did last year and luckily I lost very few plants.
The festive season is only weeks away so everyone in the farm shop has started preparing for the big day, the Granary Cafe will also be preparing and issuing their festive menu. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, it is always advisable to book early. The farm staff also endeavour to get all outside field work done if weather permits, we keep the cattle outside as long as we can before bringing them into the cattle sheds, yards bedded with lots of straw. Christmas is the climax to what has been a very challenging year for everyone.
In finishing my diary notes I hope you enjoy what is left of Autumn outdoors and be able to join in the run up to pre Christmas activities, booking a table in The Granary or ordering your Christmas meats, poultry and vegetables etc. We always have extra fresh vegetables just ask our team when you visit us. There will also be a notice with dates for last orders for turkeys, cockerels etc so keep your eyes peeled and Happy Shopping! Rosemary Morton
On Wednesday 15th October, it was my honour to hand over the combined Harvest Festival donations from across the Nine Bridges Benefice to the Deepings Foodbank. Graham Thompson of Deepings Foodbank was both grateful and astonished by the generosity of parishioners and school communities who donated an incredible 450.5 kilograms of food and essential items. Collections were made from churches across the Benefice, which held their Harvest services during September and October, as well as from
Peakirk-cum-Glinton and Northborough Primary Schools. Members of the Faith Council from Peakirk-cum-Glinton School helped with sorting and boxing the donations, which had been gathered at St Benedict’s Church ready for
collection by the Foodbank.
Further information about the work of Deepings Foodbank can be found at https:// deepings.foodbank.org.uk.
Simon Clayton – Administrator, Nine Bridges Benefice.
GinCuredSalmon/Cucumber/Pickled Lemon/SodaBread/DillMayonnaise
Chicory&StiltonSalad/Celery/Pickled WalnutsStuffedTurkeyBreast/RoastedRoot Vegetables/RoastPotatoes/ ButteredGreens/CranberryJus
RoastPorkBelly/BraisedFennel/Heritage Squash/Mustard&CiderSauce
HerbBakedCod/WildMushroomRisotto PumpkinTortoloni/Hazlenut&Rosemary PestoWhite ChocolatePosset/Honeycomb/ LemonShortbread
SpicedClementineParfait/Caramelised Orange/RedWineJelly
CandyBeetrootSoup/Horseradish FallowDeerTerrine/Apple&PlumChutney /Sourdough
RedLionChristmasPudding/CiderBrandy IceCream Rennet&RindCheeseSelection
Congratulations to Helpston residents Ruth and Andrew Coles who were married at St Botolph’s Church last month
By David Rowell - Langdyke Countryside Trust
At the western end of the historic wetland grazing area, once known as Westings Meadow, and placed between Maxey and Helpston, Christ’s College Pit Nature Reserve consists of two flooded gravel extraction pits named College and Clare. Around the pits there are wild grassland areas which have been planted with a variety of native tree species, as part of the nature restoration plan. Langdyke Countryside Trust bought the reserve from Christ’s College, Cambridge during 2024 and three viewing points were quickly created to engage both the trust members and the general public.
Since then, a gateway into a small parking area has been created off the Helpston to Maxey road and a pedestrian gate also leads from one of the paths around the site.
It is open to members at all times and they can enjoy the site by walking around one of the marked pathways. If you are not a member you can still enjoy one of the three viewing points which the Trust has created.
Annual membership is available for just a few pounds by visiting the website or emailing membership@langdyke.org.uk
Conservation work got underway at the start of this year. The grassland was found to be densely covered with of a mix of tree slips, many of which were under-developed or had failed completely. Despite this, if all the remaining saplings were left to mature, the reserve would eventually become enclosed and overgrown.
Willows and Alders have since been removed from the north bank of College Pit to open the vista from the new view
point and the bank of Maxey Cut, for everyone to enjoy.
This in turn, will allow sunlight on to the grassland, which has been scythed and raked to expose the ground and establish a new wildflower area.
Habitat piles have been created in several places along the bank and a number of Smooth Newts have already been discovered.
A flight line has been cut across the central divide between Clare Pit and College Pit to encourage waterfowl on to both open water areas, whilst leaving sheltered corners to provide them with cover and seclusion.
The west bank of the central divide is now mown short for use as a haul out and grazing area by waterfowl. The more developed trees, on the Clare Pit side, have been ‘live felled’ into the water margin to create additional habitat both in and above the water level. This will hopefully be used by spawning fish and water invertebrates, it will provide fishing posts for Kingfishers and perhaps become a nesting base for water birds.
The grassland area across the central divide benefits from full sunshine, it too has been scythed and cleared for the benefit of wildflowers, leaving patches of tussock grasses frequented by Snipe.
Aside from the waterfowl that can be easily observed on the
pits, there are regular visits by raptors quartering for prey, and the hedgerow accommodates a variety of song birds.
There is evidence of Otters, Foxes, Badgers and Roe Deer which are regularly seen around the reserve. Also, Toads were heard calling in early April. Varieties of both land and water snails can be found easily, and ant hills proliferate across the
grassland areas. Early butterfly species have been noted, and more varieties are expected, along with dragonflies, plus the Glow-worms and Four Spotted Moth that the area is known for.
Future plans include the creation of water scrapes and a Kingfisher bank, installation of bird and bat boxes, further use of the installed Tern rafts, and a Sand Martin box to support
future breeding programmes.
The sites upkeep is overseen by volunteers from across the Trust/. If you would like to get involved you can email volunteer@langdyke.org. uk for more information.
You can find out more about Landyke - a registered charity run entirely by volunteers - at its website langdyke.org.uk.
Autumn days are here again, and the Monday Club is as lively as ever in the run-up to Christmas.
Following months of refurbishment, members are now enjoying the comforts of the newly updated Village Hallcomplete with modern security, technology, and electrical systems.Club organisers extend heartfelt thanks to everyone
involved in the transformation - from Viridor and local grant providers to the decorators, cleaners, and workmen who helped create such a welcoming space.
Now comfortably settled back in, the club’s calendar is as full as ever. Weekly favourites include bingo, raffles, quizzes, talks, trips, keep fit sessions, sales, book swaps and, of course, those much-loved lunches.
Recent highlights included a memorable outing to the Norfolk Lavender Centre and Hunstanton - on what must have been the windiest day of the year - and great fun in the local joke shop. Members have also enjoyed a fascinating talk on criminology, a
flower arranging demonstration, and even a “wicked” Feelie Bag Quiz!
Coming up are a poetry session, a nostalgic talk on pharmacy in the 1960s, and some super singing to round off the year. The club sends best wishes to those feeling under the weather and warm thanks to everyone who makes Monday afternoons such a pleasure.
Pam K.
Thursday 25 December
Wednesday 24 December
Thursday 25 December Wednesday 24 December
Friday 26 December Saturday 27 December
Friday 26 December Saturday 27 December
Tuesday 30 December Tuesday 30 December
Tuesday 30 December Tuesday 30 December
Wednesday 31 December
Wednesday 31 December
Wednesday 31 December Wednesday 31 December
Thursday 1 January Friday 2 January Friday 2 January
Thursday 1 January Friday 2 January
Friday 2 January Saturday 3 January
I’m delighted to have received such wonderful feedback about this event held in the village hall last month. So many people stayed for ages reading all the research. It was lovely to hear villagers get so much joy from my family’s old things, just as I have done over the years. My ancestors just never threw anything away!
By Peter Wordsworth
For instance, in the barn, when the house at No. 17 Woodgate was being cleared in the 1990s, I found a collection of old receipts. Some of these receipts are over 100 years old.
Today, these bits of old paper, offer us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of villagers over time, especially into the activities of local businesses.
Naturally, many sellers were based in Helpston, yet the Quinceys also went outside of the village for some goods and services.
John Clare
This is not the poet! A different John Clare ran The Royal Oak beer house on Woodgate for many years. It was never a fulltime business, as every owner
e exhibition attracted many visitors
John Quincey - my Great-Grandad Grave of Mary and James Quincey (Senior), St Botolph’s Churchyard
combined running the beer house with other work.
John Clare was also a carpenter.
The receipt below combines his two roles. In 1865, Mary Quincey, wife of James (senior) died. This bill, is not only for the making of her coffin, but also for ale, presumably provided at her wake. Mary and her husband James (the
first Quinceys in Helpston by the way) are buried on the north side of St Botolph’s church, although the gravestone is sadly no longer legible.
Numerous house repairs and
renovations were done at the Quincey’s Spring Farm (No. 17 Woodgate) by the Crowson family. This receipt has especially striking artwork at the top showcasing Dan Crowson’s role as a “monumental mason”. It’s from 1903 for work on drainage and roof repairs.
Blacksmiths were, of course, always in demand. Horses were needed for the business and horses needed shoeing regularly!
In the early 1900s, the Quinceys had their horses shod
by Fred Fletcher on The Nook. Other work shown on this receipt, from 1901, includes repairs to farm machinery, “upright mended for plough wheel” and “shaft to binder”.
After Fred Fletcher left the village, Thomas Dolby became the regular blacksmith for the Quinceys. This receipt from 1912 shows more shoeing of horses, alongside significant plough repairs. There are also a couple of smaller jobs, a new shaft for a spade and mending a cart tyre.
Not everything the Quinceys needed (or wanted) was for sale in Helpston. As can be seen from the header on the receipt above, Shillakers in Market Deeping, were dealers in all sorts of goods.
John Quincey, at this time a young man in his 20s, bought from them a velveteen jacket for 17/6. This was no small purchase! It sounds like a very fashionable item. I think my Great-grandad spent more money on clothes than I ever have!
The receipt from Sydney Ford shows a development over time... By 1934, motor transport was replacing the traditional horse
and cart. Yet, it’s interesting to see that motor transport was only used to take sugar beet to the railway station.
Other records show the sugar beet was then loaded on to railway wagons, for onward transport to the sugar factory.
I wonder when people stopped using rail transport for this, and moved on to using road transport for the whole journey. Isaac Loweth, the local miller, was used by the Quinceys for many years. In this receipt from 1887, quantities of flour, bran, barley and wheat were purchased.
Diaries from the 1890s
John Quincey also left behind his diaries. Alongside details about his working life, entries from the early 1890s contain details of how my great-grandfather spent his leisure time on Sundays. John usually got up much later than in the week, typically around 8am instead of before 6 on weekdays. Whilst he still had to feed the horses and clean the yard, he would find time for walks with companions and these often involved a trip to the pub. He doesn’t seem to have been a frequent church goer, yet he does mention going to services occasionally. In the evenings, John would often write letters,
sometimes to “Miss L Topham of Leicester”, who later became his wife and my Great-grandmother. John regularly ended the day with a drink at The Royal Oak, the beer house along the street run by his sister [another] Lizzie and her husband Charlie Donson.
The floral arrangements on display at the exhibition were done by my wife, Clair, but the flowers themselves, were picked locally that morning at Barnyard Flowers in Southorpe. Afterwards, we placed them on all the Quincey graves in
the churchyard and cemetery and took others to St Botolph’s church. My great-grandmother Lizzie, according to her obituary written in 1934, was a member of the original organising Parochial Church Council at Helpston Church in the 1920s. “She was an energetic worker in any cause connected with the Parish Church of social life of the village.” After a fall, Lizzie Quincey had several years of ill health and was largely housebound until her death.
Thank you once again to everyone who came along on the day. I had a great time, I hope you did too! Peter
Dr Avril Lumley Prior
This summer, I discovered the British Newspaper Archives, accessed through the genealogical website, Find my Past, and completely free to Lincolnshire Library ticket holders. With a few clicks of a mouse venerable old broadsheets like The Stamford Mercury (first published in 1712 and still going strong), The Lincolnshire Chronicle (1833-2007) and Peterborough Weekly News and General Advertiser (1855-1946), which are too fragile to handle in their original ‘hard copy’ form, are literally available at our fingertips. Obviously, these Archives are an indispensable resource for family history researchers, though for me, they have provided snapshots from the seamier side of life in Peakirk
a century or two ago.
Until the mid-twentieth century, Peakirk was a rural village with most adult males employed on the land and its associated industries. Life could be harsh and was centred around St Pega’s church and/or the public houses. And with three, the Black Bull (Ruddy Duck), the Boat (closed 1932) and the Railway Inn (closed 1956), serving 246 souls in 1861, Peakirk was more than generously endowed but, nevertheless, typical of many English villages. Licensing laws permitted pubs to stay open from 4am to 11pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 1pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 10pm on Sundays, though these hours were frequently flouted.
Newspaper reports reassure us that antisocial behaviour, drunkenness and ‘lock-ins’ are nothing new. We read all about troublesome customers and belligerent landlords, with the Boat Inn under the rule of Edward Tewson (c.1866-c.1875) particularly singled out for attention. After continuing to sell alcohol to imbibers who were ‘fighting drunk’ on two occasions, and even joining in a brawl during which a constable was punched, Tewson had his licence revoked and was fined £3 at Peterborough Petty Sessions, on 10 February 1875.
Up before the bench on the same day was recently widowed Jane Sage, landlady of the Black Bull (1874-5), who also had her licence endorsed and was fined £1 for allowing ‘quarrelsome and riotous behaviour within her house’. Moreover, she had continued to serve alcohol after the village bobby had ‘quelled a disturbance’ and ordered her to close for the night.
Then, in 1913, George Stonebridge, landlord of the Railway Hotel, was reprimanded for allowing a man to get so inebriated during a midnight session (when he sank two pints of ale and three whiskeys), that he fell asleep whilst driving his cart and three horses home. And, in June 1815, Daniel Nichols, from
e Boat Inn, which stood next to 5 orney Road with mine hosts, William and Sarah Jones, in 1932 (Peterborough Advertiser, 18 March 1932)
the Black Bull, was in trouble for selling liquor whilst a church service was in progress [‘breaking the Sabbath’]. How times have changed! Nowadays, it is rare to find a pub open for a coffee before noon on a Sunday.
The Stamford Mercury introduces us to serial criminal Joseph Brown, who had already served eighteen months’ hard labour for robbery with violence, in 1846. Shortly after his release, he was in trouble again, for stealing three sacks and some timber from Peakirk Railway Station. This time, he was transported to Australia for seven years. Brown served his sentence on a sheep station, then took to cattle rustling, ran a saloon, married a mail-order bride and, according to the The Ovens and Murray Advertiser, came to a very sticky end. Still, he never forgot his old Mum back home in Crowland and bequeathed her all his livestock, except for two horses, Venn and Garibaldi, which he left to his step-daughter.
The 31 May 1822 issue of The Mercury reveals the tragic fate that befell John Tyers and his elder sister, who had sold a parcel of land in Peakirk, hoping to enjoy a comfortable retirement on the proceeds. On Whit Sunday evening, they were viciously attacked and robbed in their isolated cottage on North Fen by four ruffians, who not only stole
Stamford Mercury, 9 June 1815.
their money but robbed them of their food, clothing (including a waistcoat) and bedding too. Faced with the prospect of destitution in an era devoid of retirement pensions and other state benefits, the distraught siblings decided to drown themselves in the North Drain the following evening rather than die in the workhouse. John was intercepted by his neighbours but his sister’s body was discovered the next morning lying in less than a foot of water.
such an extent that the game of Chinese Whispers springs to mind. Drakard’s Stamford News actually reveals Elizabeth’s first name but adds that she was ‘subject to fits of occasional insanity’. It also claims that John had foolishly been boasting ‘in a public house’ about the sale. The Newcastle Courant declares that it was their ‘life savings’ that had been stolen and advises its readers to put their money in savings banks. Fleming’s Weekly Express and British Farmers’ Chronicle (London) describes the deed as ‘robbery and attempted murder’.
An Inquest into Mistress Tyers’ death was held in the Wheat Sheaf public house, in Glinton. It was presided over by Coroner Doctor William Hopkinson and attended by Reverend Joseph Parsons (Rector of Peakirk), Reverend Doctor William Strong of Peterborough Cathedral and an assortment of hard-hearted magistrates who returned a verdict of ‘lunacy’. The Stamford Mercury did not bother to mention John’s sister by name, echoing general attitudes towards women at the time.
The robbery and subsequent trial were reported as far away as London, Coventry, Hereford, Leeds, Newcastle, Sussex and Waterford (Ireland) and accounts varied considerably. Each one is based on the Mercury’s but is enhanced and embroidered to
Stamford Mercury, 31 May 1822
Conversely, The Times states that the unfortunate woman ‘seized a razor and terminated her existence by cutting her own throat’. Of course, blood, guts and sensationalism sell newspapers!
Despite a reward of £50 being offered, it was not until 1823, that the culprits were apprehended, bizarrely, whilst stealing pigs from Marholm. They were identified because one of them, Thomas Simms, was wearing John Tyers’ waistcoat! He and his partner-
in-crime, William Barras or Burrows, Borrows or even Harris (according to which newspaper we are consulting), were convicted of ‘grand larceny’ and were sentenced to transportation to Australia for life. The third man, George Pywell, who claimed to have acted as look-out, was acquitted. Of the fourth, the newspapers were silent.
A mysterious obituary appeared in the Stamford Mercury of 5 October 1798, alluding to the death of the highly regarded fortune-teller and ‘wise woman of Peakirk’, known only as Scotch Jenny.
Astonishingly, the notice is reprinted in the Northampton Mercury of 4 October 1907, by which time Jenny was labelled ‘A Witch’! A search into her background has been futile for there is no record of her burial in the Parish Registers of Peakirk or Glinton. So, we don’t even have her surname. Fortune-tellers of Scotch Jenny’s ilk were frowned upon by the Christian church and denounced as ‘false prophets’. Yet, apart from promises of a better future, they offered something that mainstream preachers did not: a connection with a lost loved one in this world and hope of a meaningful reunion with them in the next.
And finally, on a lighter note: In 1848, the brood mares of Peakirk and, indeed, across the Eastern Counties, could look forward to a tryst with Hero Scot.
That is provided that their masters would stump up the one pound five shillings stud fee to the lusty stallion’s owner, the picturesquely named Mr Henry
Northampton Mercury, 4 October 1907
Jealous. However, they could expect only a brief encounter. This ‘sure and valuable stockgetter’ had a very tight schedule, covering ground (and mares) from Bury St Edmund’s to Long Sutton; Gedney Hill to Market Deeping; and ‘Maxey to Peakirk, up to the Black Bull in Burgh Fen (Newborough)’, hinting that the ‘well-bred’ horse’s assignations were in inn yards, along ‘the direct road’. Great Scot!
As we have discovered, newspaper accounts were often inaccurate,
inconsistent and, just like today, were written from the journalists’ viewpoints.
They also reflect the hierarchical, predominantly ‘pale, male and stale’ society, in which women were anonymous unless they were wealthy landowners, ran a public house, told fortunes or committed a crime. Yet, they provide us with invaluable glimpses of bygone days and serve as memorials to people, places, events and even an energetic horse, that would otherwise have been lost in the mists of time.
Stamford Mercury, 21 April 1848
Next year will be the 800th anniversary of Etton church, that means that the current building was consecrated during the reign of Henry III and in the same year the agna Carta was confirmed e would like to mark the occasion with a weekend of celebrations.
Details are still to be agreed but the chosen weekend to note in your diaries is 27 to 29 June 2025. If you would like to be involved in organising the event, please do let me now I d love some help
After the great success of these events last year, on 18 November, we will be holding a Christmas card making workshop at the Coach House from 2.30pm to 5pm or 5.30pm to 8pm. The cost is £15, and places can be booked by messaging Andrew on 07836213406. On Monday
2 December there will be wreath making workshops in the church. Cost £30, same booking arrangements as above.
Everything you might need for your pets and large animals
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Our usual switching on of the Christmas tree lights will take place on the village green at 5pm on Sunday 1 December and the Nativity service will be held on the Village green on Christmas eve at 5pm.
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temperatures, and they will grow strong roots.
Pots and containers need to be prepared for winter, perhaps moving them to a frost-free place, or insulating them against frosts. Pots should be lifted slighted to stop them getting waterlogged.
As the days grow shorter and cooler, the last of the autumn colour will lift spirits as gardeners prune, plant and prepare for winter.
November is a month when there just does not seem to be enough hours of daylight for gardeners. And whilst much time is spent preparing for heavy frosts and downpours, pruning and planting will remind you that spring is just around the corner.
Many annuals and perennials have died back by November and need to be tidied. Annuals like sweet peas that just a short time ago were full of flowers have withered and died so need to be completely cleared. Roses need to be pruned back to prevent wind-rock which is where strong winds move rose plants loosening the soil around the base hindering growth.
There is much planting that needs
to be done this month. Trees can be planted, as can hedges which are havens for wildlife.
Winter bedding plants can be planted out and spring bulbs, especially tulips, can be planted before the first of the heavy frosts arrive. When planting tulips ensure you plant them about 15cm deep making sure the pointed ends face upwards. It is worth considering placing chicken wire over them if you have rodents in your garden. Many people like to plant tulip bulbs quite close together for maximum effect come spring.
Even as you have pulled up the last of this year’s sweet peas you can sow from seed in your greenhouse next spring’s early varieties including Spring Sunshine, Peggy Sue and Pandemonium. Sweet peas germinate well in cooler
Cleaning paths is a job that needs doing in November. Pressure washing will allow you to clear moss, dirt and algae which could be slippery in winter. It is always advisable to wear the correct protective clothing and make sure your surfaces are suitable for this kind of cleaning. A gardening professional can offer excellent advice or assistance.
If you have a pond, November is the time to clear up any fallen leaves – lawns should also be raked to remove fallen leaves to stop the grass dying. Birds often struggle to find food in the colder months so consider installing a bird table or feeders or make sure existing ones are in good condition. If you have any wood or logs why not consider making a log pile? Log piles are havens for all kinds of wildlife including small mammals, birds, insects and amphibians because they replicate natural habitats that you would find in woods or forests. Likewise leaf piles can also provide food and shelter for different creatures.
There is much to be done in your garden this month and much of it will be preparing for the next gardening year.
Benefice Confirmation Service with the Bishop of Peterborough
02/11/2025 @ 10:30 AM - 02/11/2025 @ 11:30 AM
All Saints Church, Church Road, Wittering
All Souls’ Day Service
02/11/2025 @ 04:30 PM - 02/11/2025 @ 05:30 PM
Tallington Road, Bainton PE9 3AQ
‘British Portraiture in India’, with Dr Prasannajit De Silva
13/11/2025 @ 10:30 AM - 13/11/2025 @ 12:00 PM
Did Cromwell ban Christmas?
25/11/2025 @ 02:00 PM - 25/11/2025 @ 04:00 PM West Deeping Village Hall
“The Waiting Bells of Advent Ring”
30/11/2025 @ 03:00 PM - 30/11/2025 @ 05:00 PM
St Andrew’s Church Ufford near Stamford PE9 3BH
Benefice Advent Carol Service
30/11/2025 @ 04:30 PM - 30/11/2025 @ 05:30 PM
St Mary’s Church Bainton near Stamford PE9 3AQ
The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
11/12/2025 @ 10:30 AM - 11/12/2025 @ 12:00 PM
The Fleet, Community Centre, PE2 8DL
OAP & Over 60’s Christmas Dinner & Entertainment
11/12/2025 @ 12:00 PM - 11/12/2025 @ 05:00 PM Northborough
Barnack Christmas Carol Service
19/12/2025 @ 07:00 PM - 19/12/2025 @ 08:00 PM Main St, Barnack, Stamford PE9 3DN
Christmas Carol Service at St Mary’s Bainton
21/12/2025 @ 04:30 PM - 21/12/2025 @ 05:30 PM Bainton, Stamford PE9 3AQ
Christmas Carol Service at St Botolph’s Helpston
21/12/2025 @ 06:30 PM - 21/12/2025 @ 08:00 PM Church Lane, Helpston PE6 7DT
Christmas School Holidays
22/12/2025 - 02/01/2026
“Going the Rounds” with Helpston Church 23/12/2025 @ 07:00 PM - 23/12/2025 @ 09:00 PM Church Ln, Helpston, PE6 7DT
Vichyssoise (vi·shee·swaaz)
Hello all you people in your lovely villages I hope you are well and the year has been as kind to you as it could be. As we approach the festive seasonal days here at CP we are quite busy planning our menus to reflect the colder times and choosing hearty dishes and soups.
One perennial favourite much requested is Vichyssoise: a lovely rich soup which we always serve hot, rather than the traditional cold. Like most French country cooking this is easy to prepare using fresh vegetables and delightful as a light lunch with French bread or an entrée during
an evening supper. The soup was often ordered at our Ascot bistro by well-known personality Keith Floyd when, in the late 70’s he and his then partner ran a wine importing business supplying a good number of local eateries, including my grandfather’s. Keith was a lovely person to have in for the evening; always good fun with his anecdotes and often chaotic personality entertaining all our other guests. Although not a trained chef he would sometimes sneak into our kitchens and help with food prep and serve finished dishes to surprised diners, lamenting ‘I need the money..’ He
was a very funny, warm person and is much missed by many. So dear readers, have a toast to Keith Floyd as you prepare your soup as he most certainly always did here on Earth and most likely still does in his heavenly kitchen!
Sometimes referred to as Potage Parmentier, Vichyssoise (authentic as a chilled version) was invented by Chef Louis Felix Diat at the Ritz-Carlton in New York around 1911 and originates from his mother’s recipe at their home in the spa town of Vichy. Like most French classics It smells good, tastes good and is simplicity itself to create. 4 Tbsp. (2 oz.) unsalted butter; 4 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 5 medium potatoes (about 2¼ lbs.), peeled and thinly sliced; ½ Tbsp salt; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup single cream; 5 cups chicken stock; 2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives.
In a large pot over mediumlow heat, melt the butter. Add the leeks and onion and cook, stirring occasionally until soft but not browned, about 20 minutes. Add the potatoes, chicken stock, and salt to taste, and turn up the heat to high to bring it to a boil. Turn down the heat to mediumlow, and continue cooking, covered, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft, 50–60 minutes. Add the cream and milk and process with a hand help blender until smooth. Set aside until ready to serve, then reheat gently (check the seasoning) and sprinkle with chives to serve in bowls. We serve for lunch with a lightly chilled house Sauvignon Blanc and a green salad.
Bonne chance – Pierre x
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Visiting: Nice (France) | Fontvieille, Monaco (Grand Prix Finals) | Saint-Florent, Corsica (France) | Porticcio Beach, Corsica (France) | Ajaccio, Corsica (France) | Alghero, Sardinia (Italy) | Bonifacio, Corsica (France) | Portoferraio, Elba (Italy) | Civitavecchia, Port for Rome (Italy)
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by John Gilligan, Head of College
We hope this article finds Tribune readers well as we approach 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.
■ Our Prospective Parents Open Evening was extremely well attended with presentations to over 1,000 parents and carers, and we look forward to seeing many of the students join us in September. Our Sixth Form Open Evening is on 13 November.
■ Our new Year 7 students are now settled into life at Arthur Mellows, having had a day and a half of fun, team-building
exercises at the start of term. Feedback from parents has been excellent.
■ Our Year 11 students are working hard as they aim towards their final GCSE exams. We are seeing lots of them taking advantage of lunchtime and after-school revision sessions.
■ The end of October saw our first trip abroad of the year, a Berlin visit for our GCSE History students. They were all a credit to the College. Our Year 11 students have also visited Hunstanton as part of their GCSE Geography fieldwork.
■ Charity work continues to be a focus at the College. We held Jeans for Genes Day,
raising £653; a Macmillan Coffee Morning, raising £245; and Hello Yellow for World Mental Health Day, raising £250.
■ Our Soke Sports programme is well underway, with local primary schools visiting us for basketball and dance.
■ Our Careers Fair took place on 16 October and featured 47 companies and further education providers, showcasing the potential opportunities available for our students upon leaving.
■ Finally, we would like to thank all of our school community –students, parents, and staff, for their continued support and engagement, and wish you a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.
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2 November 2025 - All Saints / All Souls
10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering Communion, Confirmation, and Patronal Festival (Benefice Service)
3:30 PM St Botolph, Helpston Messy Church
4:30 PM St Mary, Bainton All Souls service of Remembrance
9 November 2025 - Remembrance Sunday
9:00 AM St Mary, Bainton Communion
9:45 AM St John, Barnack Remembrance
10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering Remembrance
10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston Remembrance
3:30 PM St John, Barnack Messy Church
16 November 2025 - 2 Before Advent / Safeguarding Sunday
9:30 AM St John, Barnack Communion
10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering All Age Service
10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston Communion
4:30 PM St Mary, Bainton Café Church
23 November 2025 - Christ the King
9:00 AM St Mary, Bainton Communion
9:30 AM St John, Barnack All Age Service
10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering All Age Service 10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston All Age Service 29 November 2025 - Saturday
3:00 PM St Andrew, Ufford “The Waiting Bells of Advent Ring” – A study of John Betjeman’s “Christmas” followed by Communion for St Andrew’s Day
30 November 2025 - Advent Sunday
9:30 AM St John, Barnack Communion
10:30 AM All Saints, Wittering Communion
10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston Communion
4:30 PM St Mary,
3:30
St Botolph, Helpston Messy Church 4:30 PM St Mary, Bainton Taizé
Barnack, Ufford, Bainton, Helpston, And Wittering
December 2025 - Advent 3
9:00 AM St Mary, Bainton Communion
9:30 AM St John, Barnack Communion
10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston Café Church
10:45 AM All Saints, Wittering Communion
3:30
AM St Mary, Bainton Communion 10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston All Age Service
December 2025 - Holy Innocents 10:45 AM St Botolph, Helpston Benefice Communion
We knew it was going to be a fairly typical family Christmas when my dad shot a hole in the dining room ceiling with the top off a bottle of homebrew.
This was a bit of a tradition in my family. I’d watched a few years previously, as his Dad had tried to open a “Party 7” can of beer with a hammer and a large nail, and had redecorated his kitchen ceiling with Watney’s Red Barrel.
It’s those little things you remember. My mum, faced with not just the five in our family but additionally three newly-acquired fiancé(e)s arriving for Christmas Dinner, worried that our dinners would be cold by the time they were all served. So she insisted on individually microwaving each plateful of turkey, sprouts, etc before any of us were allowed to get at our scalding-hot plates.
OK, some of us were still waiting while others had finished – but the meal was definitely hot.
The Christmas of the Good Old Days. We remember those with whom we celebrated in the past. And it’s right to do that. Time has moved on, but those daft, joyful, treasured moments remain in our hearts.
I think of that first Christmas – an unexpected angel choir, a confused group of shepherds. We’re told Mary looked back and treasured Jesus’ childhood in her heart. But then she would also have remembered the threat of Herod, the escape from persecution to Egypt, maybe the guilt of escaping when others
with their children did not.
This Christmas will be the Old Days one day. So make the most of it. Enjoy the moment –because each precious moment is the only one we can hold now. And make good memories for those around you. One day, these days will be the Old Days. Celebrate with joy – and ensure that, for someone, one day these will the Good Old Days.
Happy Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. And may all the memories you make this Christmas be good ones.
Revd Gary Alderson
Rector of Barnack with Ufford, Bainton, Helpston, and Wittering
All are welcome to all the services, but services highlighted in Green* are especially aimed at families and children
WorshipDate Time/ Location Service
Saturday 1st Nov10:30 All Saints Day Service - Peakirk
Sunday
Trinity 12 2nd Nov9:00 Morning Worship – Glinton
10:30 Sung Holy Communion – Peakirk
15:00 Benefice Messy Harvest Festival – Peakirk* 18:00 Celtic Evening Prayer – Northborough
Daniel 7.1-3, 15-18 Psalm 149 Ephesians 1.11-23 Luke 6.20-31
Tuesday 4th Nov10:00 BCP Communion – Maxey As Previous Sunday
Saturday 8th NovBenefice Mission Day – PCG Primary School All are welcome
Sunday Remembrance 9th Nov10:45 Act of Remembrance – Peakirk
10:45 Act of Remembrance – Northborough
10:45 Act of Remembrance – Maxey
10:30 Act of Remembrance then Communion - Etton 10:30 Service of Remembrance – Glinton
Sunday 2nd Before Advent 16th Nov9:00 Holy Communion – Maxey 10:30 Family Praise – Northborough* 18:00 Evensong – Peakirk
Sunday Christ the King 23rd Nov9:00 Holy Communion – Northborough 10:30 Family Holy Communion - Glinton * 18:00 Taizé – Maxey
Sunday Advent 1
30th Nov 10:30 United Benefice Communion – Northborough*
Lamentations 3.17–26.31–33, Romans 8.18–25 Luke 24.1–9
Malachi 4.1-2a 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13 Luke 21.5-19
Jeremiah 23.1-6 Colossians 1.11-20
Luke 23.33-43
Isaiah 2.1-5
Romans 13.11-14
Matthew 24.36-44
Tuesday 2nd Dec10:00 BCP Communion – Maxey As previous Sunday
Saturday 6th Dec19:00 Christmas Choir Concert -Sissons Barn
Sunday Advent 2 7th Dec9:00 Morning Worship – Glinton 10:30 Sung Holy Communion - Peakirk 15:00 Messy Church, Peakirk Village Hall* 18:00 Christingle service - Northborough*
Saturday 13th Dec16:00 Carol Service - Maxey
Sunday Advent 3 14th Dec9:00 Morning Worship – Peakirk 10:30 Holy Communion – Etton 16:00 Carol Service – Peakirk* 18:00 Joyful Journey – Glinton *
Sunday Advent 4 21st Dec9:00 Holy Communion – Maxey 10:30 Family Praise – Northborough* 18:00 9 Lessons and Carols - Northborough
Christmas Eve 24th Dec 14:00 Crib Service – Glinton*
16:00 Crib Service – Maxey*
17:00 Crib Service – Etton Village Green* 11:30 Midnight Mass - Peakirk
Christmas Day 25th Dec 10:30 United Benefice Christmas Service -Etton*
Sunday Christmas 1 28th Dec9:00 Holy Communion – Northborough 10:30 Family Holy Communion - Glinton * 18:00 Taizé – Maxey
Isaiah 11.1-10
Romans 15.4-13
Matthew 3.1-12
Isaiah 11.1-10
Romans 15.4-13
Matthew 3.1-12
Isaiah 7.10-16
Romans 1.1-7
Matthew 1.18-25
2 Samuel 7.1-5,8-11,16
Acts 13.16-26
Luke 1.67-79
Isaiah 9.2-7
Titus 2.11-14
Luke 2.1-14
Isaiah 63.7-9
Hebrews 2.10-18
Matthew 2.13-23
All are welcome at all our services. * indicates a service designed with children and families in mind
By Rev Keir Dow
Christmas is the season of welcome. At the heart of the story lies a young couple, far from home, searching for shelter. There was no room at the inn, and so the Christ child was born in a stable among animals and straw. It is a reminder that God came into the world not with privilege and comfort, but in humility and vulnerability.
In our own troubled times, it can be tempting to close the door, to turn inward, and to be wary of those who are different from us. The news often confronts us with hardship, division, and uncertainty. When life feels uncertain, our instinct can be to protect ourselves, to pull up the drawbridge, and to welcome only those
who are familiar.
Yet the story of Christmas calls us to something deeper and richer.
The angels’ song was not only for Mary and Joseph, nor even just for the shepherds on the hillside. Their song was a message of joy and peace for all people.
The child born in Bethlehem was — and is — God’s gift to the whole world. No one is excluded.
That is the radical truth of Christmas: that God came among us to welcome each of us into His love.
And so, as we gather this year — around tables, trees, and carols — we are reminded of that calling to welcome others. Jesus teaches us to be generous, to offer hospitality, and to see our neighbours — and even strangers
© Shutterstock/ 1000 Words
— as people worthy of love and dignity. We may not be able to solve every difficulty in the world, but each of us can choose to be a source of welcome and light right where we are.
Perhaps that looks like inviting someone who might otherwise spend Christmas alone to share in your celebration. Perhaps it is a kind word in the shop queue, or a listening ear to someone weighed down by worry. Even the smallest acts of generosity ripple outwards in ways we may never see. These gestures are gifts as valuable as gold, frankincense, or myrrh — gifts of presence, of kindness, and of hope.
So this Christmas, may our homes and our churches be places where no one feels shut out. May we open our doors and our hearts with the same generosity that God has shown to us. After all, the greatest gift we celebrate is that God has welcomed us — all of us — into His love through the gift of His Son.
Wishing you a blessed, joyful, and hope-filled Christmas,
Rev Keir Dow
By Rev Keir Dow
Keir: Jessie, have you noticed how many visitors we’ve had recently? Carollers at the door, neighbours dropping in, even the postman seems to be here every day.
Jessie: Oh yes, I’ve noticed. I’ve been doing my job, of course — barking at the door, wagging my tail, and making sure everyone knows I’m the real boss around here.
Keir: You do make people feel noticed, Jessie. But sometimes, you bark first and decide if they’re welcome later.
Jessie: Well, you can’t be too careful. Some strangers might not be friendly.
Keir: True, but Christmas
reminds us that everyone deserves a welcome. Remember the story of Mary and Joseph? They were far from home, and doors were closed to them. Jesus ended up being born in a stable because no one made room.
Jessie: That doesn’t sound very Christmassy.
Keir: Exactly. Yet the angels sang that Jesus’ birth was good news for all people. Not just family and friends, but strangers too — shepherds from the fields, wise men from distant lands. Everyone was invited in.
Jessie: So you’re saying Christmas is about opening doors, not closing them?
Keir: That’s right. It’s about
making space, even when life feels busy or uncertain. Jesus asks us to be generous — with our time, our kindness, and our welcome.
Jessie: Hmmm… I suppose a wagging tail works better than a growl. Maybe I should practise more welcoming and less worrying.
Keir: That would be a wonderful gift, Jessie. If we can all greet one another with joy instead of suspicion, we’ll be living out the heart of Christmas.
Jessie: Alright then. This year, I’ll try to be the friendliest greeter in the parish. But don’t worry — I’ll still keep an eye on the postman.
The church is for all the local community and is open seven days a week between 10.00am and 4.00 pm. 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
Congratulations to our Pedalling Peasnells Duo. Although Jayne and Rhiannon completed their bike marathon in August, they were a day too late to get a report into the September-October Issue of the Tribune. This report was kindly put on the Tribune website, but for those of you who didn’t see it, here it is ……….
Pedalling on August 16 and 17!
St Pega’s Church played host to an extraordinary feat of stamina, creativity and community spirit. On the weekend of 16–17 August, local duo Jayne and Rhiannon – also known as the Pedalling Peasnells – successfully completed a 24-hour exercise bike marathon, raising more than £1,000 for the church.
The challenge began with a
Services and Future Dates in November and December
■ Saturday November 1st: A Service for All Souls Day 10.30am in St Pega’s
■ Sunday November 9th: A service for Remembrance Day and 2 minutes silence. 10.45am in St Pega’s Church. The war memorial for the village is in the church. A special display for the war memorial has been created at our Poppy workshop which was held in October. Also look out for the display of knitted poppies by the church gate.
rousing send-off at 7.00pm on Saturday, complete with whistles, trumpets, a post horn and the ringing of the church bells.
Virtually cycling from Canterbury Cathedral, the pair charted a route via Rochester, St Paul’s (London), St Alban’s, Chelmsford, Ely and Peterborough before finally “arriving” back at St Pega’s during the final hymn of Sunday’s Hymns and Pimms service.
A Kinda-Karaoke with hot dogs kept them going through the evening with Dancing Queen being a popular choice! Throughout the night, the church was alive with activity. Derek led a midnight service of Compline, Brian piloted a tiny model aircraft around the nave 17 times while offering up parishioners’ prayers, and readers Pauline, Timothy
■ Saturday November 15th:
Christmas Fayre 2.00pm to 4.00pm Stalls, games and refreshments in Village Hall
■ Sunday November 23rd: St Pega’s Café is open for Brunch between 9.30 and 11.30in Village Hall. Serving traditional Full English and Continental breakfast. Reserve your table. Sheila 01733 252416
■ Friday November 28th: Wreath Making in Village Hall 7.00pm to 9.00pm Make a festive wreath or decoration. Materials provided.
and Jane kept the atmosphere reflective by reading through St Mark’s gospel at dawn. From 3.00am to 9.00am, David took to the pedals himself to spur the cyclists on.
During daylight hours, visitors enjoyed floral displays representing each cathedral along the route, tea and cake, and the sight of a candle travelling from display to display as Jayne and Rhiannon’s journey progressed. A congratulatory banner by Sarah and Constance added to the festive atmosphere.
Jayne and Rhiannon are very grateful to everyone who supported them and St Pega’s is grateful to everyone who contributed financially, musically, or simply with encouragemen.
Seasonal refreshments. Book your place. Pauine 01733 253 116
■ Saturday November 29th: Quiz (kindly organised by Heather Revell and friends). Village Hall
■ Sunday December 14th: The Journey to Bethlehem – carol service with a difference with children of Messy Church taking part. St Pega’s 4.00pm
■ Wednesday December 24th
Christmas Eve at 11.30pm
Traditional Midnight Service of Holy Communion in St Pega’s Church.
Record entries, community spirit and floral flair mark another successful year
Once again, Glinton Horticultural Society’s annual show at Arthur Mellows Village College proved to be “a great success”, drawing over 700 entries from 68 exhibitors across the Peterborough area. Despite this year’s warm, dry weather, the large hall and main corridor were filled with stunning displays of vegetables, fruit, flowers, preserves, handicrafts and photographs. Society members expressed their gratitude to Cherry Lane Garden Centres, Black Cat Studios, and all schedule advertisers for their sponsorship, as well as to the many volunteers who helped set up, steward, judge, serve refreshments, and clear away. Their efforts ensured the event’s reputation as “the best show in the area”
remained well deserved.
The Society’s next talk, “Growing and Showing” by Al Perna, takes place at 7:30pm on Friday 21st November in Glinton Village Hall. Al, a multi-awardwinning exhibitor, will share his top tips for producing prizewinning fruit and vegetables.
Members and newcomers alike are invited to the AGM on Tuesday 25th November (7:30pm, Glinton Village Hall) to help shape plans for the year ahead. And to round off the season, the ever-popular Christmas Evening returns on Friday 5th December at 7:30pm, featuring hot food and pudding (bring your own drinks and glasses).
The Society extends warm festive wishes to all readers and looks forward to welcoming everyone to all next
Join us for the Helpston & Etton Village Hall Curry & Quiz Night Fund Raiser, 14 November 2025 at 7:00 PM. Register soon because space is limited. Tickets priced at £15.50 per person. We hope you’re able to join us!
Please click on the QR code below for tickets.
Oremail:helpstonvillagehall@ gm ail.com
year’s events, particularly the show on the 19th September. Full details, including trophy winners and event listings, can be found on the Tribune website: www.villagetribune.org.uk
Towards the end of last year many members of the churches in the Nine Bridges Benefice attended a Mission Day at Peakirk-cum-Gllnton C E School.
The guest speaker was Rev Ali Williams from Werrington Parish Church. As part of her presentation she told us about a number of regular events that had been organised at her previous churches to welcome people into the church, finishing with the challenge to us, “What would your pop-up be?”
Those of us who meet up for a pint and a chat on the last Friday of the month at, what we call, Benefice@TheBoozer (B@TB) agreed that our answer to the challenge would be a Pop-Up Café. The menu, we decided, would be simple and straightforward – bacon sandwiches! We would also serve tea, coffee and cold drinks. It was decided to base the café at St Benedict’s Church in Glinton to take advantage of the fact that it has a servery and a toilet. It was also agreed that it would happen on the second Saturday morning in alternate months.
Dave Ellis: Great to see that the work replacing the fencing at the footbridge at the end of Helpston Rd has been completed whilst we have been away. anks to Peter Hiller & all involved.
It went live for the first time on 25 March and proved to be so popular that it happened again in May, July and September. Nigel is an expert frier of bacon and others help with coffee and buttering the bread. There is no charge, but donations are welcome!
We have amended the date in November to the third Saturday (15th) as the 8th coincides with this year’s Mission Day, but the café will continue thereafter on the second Saturday in January and will celebrate its first anniversary in March. Do come and join us, we will be there from 9.30 to 11.00! Your dog is welcome too!
The challenge was a simple question, and it has been answered well!
November and December services/events at St Bartholomew’s Church, Newborough
Sat 1st Nov, 4 pm: “In Loving Memory” - a service to give thanks for those we have loved and lost and light a candle in their memory
Sun 2nd Nov, 9.30 am: Holy Communion
Sat 8th Nov, 10.30 am: Coffee shop
Sun 9th Nov, 10.45 am: Remembrance Sunday service, at the War Memorial
Weds 12th Nov, 10 am:
Holy Communion
Sun 16th Nov, 9.30 am: Holy Communion
Sun 23rd Nov, 3 pm:
Christingle crafts followed by Christingle service at 4 pm
Weds 26th Nov, 10 am:
Holy Communion
Sun 30th Nov, 10 am: Join benefice service at Thorney Abbey
Sun 7th Dec, 9.30 am: Holy Communion
Weds 10th Dec, 10 am: Holy Communion
Sun 14th Dec, 9.30 am: Morning Worship
Sun 21st Dec, 3 pm: Carol Service
Weds 24th Dec (Christmas Eve), 2 pm: Crib Service Thurs 25th Dec (Christmas Day), 9.30 am: Family Service with Holy Communion
Sun 28th Dec, 10 am: Joint benefice service at St Matthew’s Church, Eye
John Clare Weekend 2026 (11/12 July) We’re starting the planning for next year’s John Clare Festival. All the planning of the festival is done by volunteers, and if there’s anyone in the area who’s interested in coming on the planning committee, or has bright Clare-related ideas.... Let us know! Rev. Gary Alderson
Glinton
This December, our village will once again come together to celebrate the festive season with the much-loved Glinton Christmas Tree Lights Switch On. Join us for an evening of community spirit, music, and sparkling lights that brighten our winters and bring us all together.
Save the Date
Thursday, 4th December 2025
6:45 pm - St. Benedict’s Churchyard, Glinton
Gather with friends, family, and neighbours for an evening filled with carols, cheer, and Christmas magic as we mark this special event in true Glinton style!
The festivities begin at 6:45 pm, as familiar Christmas carols fill the air and the village gathers to share in the joy of the season.
Then, at 6:59 pm, we’ll count down together to the grand moment when our tree once again lights up the night sky.
This year’s switch-on will be extra special, with the unveiling of a brand-new plunger, designed and decorated by talented students from Arthur Mellows Village College’s Design Technology Club, a wonderful community collaboration.
At 7:00 pm sharp, as the church bells ring, the new
plunger will be pushed to light up the tree - bursting into a brilliant display that celebrates Christmas and Glinton’s shared tradition of joy and togetherness.
After the lights have been switched on, step inside St. Benedict’s Church for some warming festive treats. Enjoy a complimentary mulled wine and mince pie, catch up with friends, and celebrate the memories of Christmases past while looking forward to many more to come.
This annual celebration, made possible through the support of Glinton Parish Council, is about more than just lights on a tree - it’s about the heart of our community. From young families attending for the first time to those who remember the very first switch-on, this is a night to come together, share stories,
and celebrate all that makes Glinton shine.
Join the Celebration
We warmly invite everyone to be part of the Glinton Christmas Tree Lights Switch On. Bring your festive spirit, your loved ones, and your loudest singing voices as we fill the village with light, laughter, and community cheer.
Let’s make this year one to remember - lights, love, and Christmas joy in the heart of Glinton!
Our heartfelt thanks go to Mr T. Chegwidden and the Design Technology students at Arthur Mellows Village College for their creativity and enthusiasm in designing and decorating the new switch-on plunger. Your contribution adds a wonderful touch of innovation and community pride to this year’s celebration.
Sunday 7th December Starts at 5pm
• Mulled wine
• Squash
• Mince pies
• Music
• Meet Santa and lots of festive community spirit
Bring your own baubles to help decorate the tree (no glass please). Refreshments are free but donations are welcome on the night via collection buckets and QR codes.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Helping Our Ukrainian Friends (HOUF) a volunteer group based across Stamford, Peterborough and Sheffeld has been working tirelessly to bring help, hope, and supplies to those most affected by the war.
The group is once again collecting donations, this time for food, medicines, hygiene products, blankets, torches, and arts and crafts equipment. The final date for donations is 14 November, with all items delivered to Ukraine in December and reaching front-line communities shortly afterwards.
This will mark HOUF’s 26th delivery or project for Ukraine since the invasion began. To date, the group has raised over £350,000 and delivered nearly 100 tonnes of aid, while also supporting five summer camps
for Ukrainian war widows and their families.
This year the team, made up of local people from Trib-land, and a group in Sheffield, has made three trips to the region. In March to Kyiv to deliver two 4x4 vehicles for military medical units. In June to Poland to support another Summer Camp for Ukrainian widows and their families. And to Rivne and Lviv in Ukraine in August, delivering another three 4x4 vehicles. The team also delivered the largest convoy of aid yet, driving five vans full of donations to Poland in
June, from where it was taken by Ukrainian lorry to Kyiv.
In addition, the team have sent financial donations totalling over £40,000 to several Ukrainian charities, who buy supplies locally and deliver them to front line communities. One charity, The Cross Charity, use our donations to buy 100s of kilograms of meat and vegetables which they cook just behind the front line, ensuring the exhausted soldiers get much needed hot meals. Another partner, Pastor Aleksander buys potatoes in bulk – driving them from his church in
western Ukraine to villages in the east, all but cut off from food and necessities. On one recent trip he took 60 litres of honey, 200 loaves of bread and 40 tonnes of potatoes.
Alongside these major donations, HOUF has supported a kindergarten in Kharkiv with arts and craft equipment, purchased heart valves for the Kyiv Heart Institute, donated to an art programme for young Ukrainians living in Poland and paid for repairs for a van that is used to deliver aid.
ways to help us. Fiona Parker organised a charity car treasure hunt in September. In August she persuaded several of the team to undertake the longest abseil in the country at Northampton to raise money for a treatment centre for soldiers with PTSD. Carolyn Browse organised a
6.15pm. Tickets are £25 from David Turnock – davidturnock19@ gmail.com
In December 2025, the local volunteer group Helping Our Ukrainian Friends will make its 26 delivery of aid to support those impacted by the war in Ukraine. th
Last collection:
Food(non-perishables)
Rice, flour, pasta
Tinned food (soups, fish, meats, fruits)
Sweets (not chocolate)
This level of activity has only been possible because of the generous support of many local people and companies, and above all the assistance of local company, Princebuild. Princebuild have held three fund-raising events during the year, including a large contingent of runners in the Lincoln 10k run in April and in total have donated nearly £50,000 to HOUF’s work. Directors, Mark and Dale Asplin and Matthew Pudney have also driven out to Poland and Ukraine themselves, getting to hear first-hand about the situation there and the experiences of the communities and individuals that HOUF supports. Other corporate supporters include Compare the Market, Mountain Warehouse, Stamford and Athene Communications.
Tea, coffee, sugar
Warmth&Shelter
Clean and in good condition
Blankets, warm bedding
Winter-rated sleeping bags Yoga mats
Medicines
Paracetamol
Multivitamins
Antiseptic wipes
Expectorants (cough medicine)
Cooking & Heating Light&Power
Camping gas stoves
Thermos flasks
Hygiene
Soap
Toothpaste & toothbrushes
Household candles
Batteries (standard and rechargeable)
LED lamps/lights(USB rechargeable)
Powerbanks 20,000 mAh
Solar lamps
Torches
Please note: we are unable to accept clothes or shoes.
Donation points:
Ukrainian Christmas Fayre - 13 December, from 2pm- being held at Barnack Church with a wide variety of craft stalls, games, Ukrainian food and other refreshments. Live music by Ukrainian singers. Free entry. Local MP, Sam Carling, who has been a great supporter of HOUFs work, will attend and say a few words.
Female sanitary products
Deodorant
Baby nappies (all sizes)
Shampoo&Body Wash
Videos and photos of HOUF’s work and its partners in Ukraine can be found on the group’s Facebook Page - https:// www.facebook.com/ HOUF2022/
Musical instruments Electronics
Phones, tablets, computers (factory reset and in good working order)
Hobbies
Sports equipment
Art supplies
A full list of items that HOUF is collecting is attached. Collection points have been set up at the following locations:
The Granary Café, Willowbrook Farm shop, between Marholm and Ufford
successful craft and produce sale in Helpston in August too and Liz Lonsdale has hosted several coffee mornings in Maxey.
There are two more fundraising events planned before the end of the year
Not all our fundraising is quite so remunerative, but our supporters find all kinds of
HOUF concert - 1 November 7.00pm - this will be held at Oundle School Chapel by the Singers of Note Choir who performed for us last year at Milton Hall. There will be wine and canapes on arrival from
All Saints Church, Park Road, Peterborough
Nataliia’s Dream restaurant, Lincoln Road, Peterborough
Mountain Warehouse, High Street, Stamford
Churches at Helpston, Etton, Baston, Langtoft and Thurlby
Please note: HOUF cannot accept clothes or shoes on this occasion – we already have more than enough of these items and won’t be able to transport them.
If you would like to know more about the group’s work or contact us, email richard@ helpingourukrainianfriends.com
Sunday 21st December
Donations can be made on the night or by QR Code
5.15pm Start at Helpston Crossing, 5.20pm Arborfield Close, 5.25pm Towgood Close (sleigh to stop in Towgood Close for 5 minutes for photo opportunity and Santa meet and greet), 5.30pm Glinton Rd, 5.50pm Maxey Rd (Santa’s sleigh to stop on Church Lane/Maxey Road junction for a 10 minute break) 6.05pm Church Lane (Santa’s sleigh to stop for 10 minutes outside the church to meet and greet people attending the 6.30pm carol service), 6.15pm West Street (outside shop), 6.30pm (outside old garden centre), 6.55pm Cuckoo Close (Santa to have a 5 minute photo opportunity and Santa meet and greet in Cuckoo Close), 7.05pm Woodland Lea, 7.20pm Temples Court (Santa to have a 5 minute meet and greet in Temples Court) 7.50pm Finish at The Bluebell Pub, 8pm Helcat’s have a drink!
Thursday 4th December 2025 at 6.45pm St. Benedict’s Churchyard Ginton
All welcome to our annual Christmas Tree Lights Switch On Sing festive songs & carols Countdown to the grand illumination The church bells ring as the lights are switched on Refreshments including mulled wine & mince pies, served inside St. Benedict’s Church Funded by Glinton Parish Council
• Planning & Building Regulation
Submissions including Listed Buildings
• New Builds
• Internal Alterations
• Change of Use Applications
Contact Jason Thomas: 01733 252 850 / 07841 521 271 or e-mail JasonADServices@yahoo.co.uk for your free consultation.
Fullyqualified withover10 years experience workingwith animals
o ahead and ma e it a day or two ahead of time as we do the flavour improves the longer it sits. irtually all rench bistros and restaurants have their own version of a Bœuf Bourgignon and we, over the years, have developed this classic of rench country cuisine here at CP to please our customers when we place it before them. e ve served over decades to the good and the great, the not so good and those who thin they re great including a few so called celebrities with a sometimes do you not now who I am attitude to our staff. ne such was a well nown regular T presenter who would always demand a discount from us because he thought he improved our reputation by dining at our restaurant. e always refused of course, much to his chagrin, but this never stopped him returning. • Small & Large Extensions • Garage & Loft Conversions
we tend to use beef shin or braising chuc stea but always cut it ourselves, across the grain, into chun s larger than you d usually find in a pre cut pac . The beef high fat uality is important here so loo for plenty of marbling and if possible buy from a trusted butcher rather than a supermar et meat counter.
Simple steps to make Bonfire Night, Diwali and Christmas celebrations less stressful for your furry (and feathered) friends.
As the year draws to a close, the skies above our villages will soon light up with fireworks for Bonfire Night, Diwali and Christmas celebrations. While these displays bring joy to many of us, they can be deeply distressing for pets whose hearing is far more sensitive than our own. Dogs, cats and small animals may tremble, hide, or even panic when the bangs begin.
Here are some top tips to help your pets feel safe and secure during fireworks season:
- Keep them indoors: Fireworks are unpredictable, so keep your dog inside where they’ll feel more protected.
- Walk them early: Take them out during daylight hours to
avoid exposure to loud noises later in the evening.
- Stay close: Your dog will feel reassured by your presence -create a safe spot next to you rather than leaving them alone.
- Dampen the noise: Close windows and curtains and play gentle music or switch on the TV to muffle sounds.
The RSPCA advises not to coax frightened cats from their hiding places - it can increase their stress. Let them emerge when they’re ready. Other helpful steps include:
- Providing a quiet indoor refuge, such as under a bed or table.
- Keeping them safely indoors.
- Ensuring they’re microchipped in case they bolt outside in fright.
Small Animals and Horses
- Outdoor pets: Partially cover hutches or cages with blankets to reduce sound but leave a gap for ventilation and visibility. Provide plenty of bedding so they can burrow and feel secure.
- Horses: Check local fireworks schedules so you can plan ahead. Speak with organisers if displays are nearby and ask them to set off fireworks away from your stables where possible.
With a little planning and care, the festive season can be enjoyable for everyone— ensuring your celebrations go off with a whisper rather than a bang for your pets.
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ACCOUNTING
JB Accounting Services T: 07432 550002
E: jb_as@outlook.com JB Accounting Services jb-accountingservices.co.uk
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BUILDERS & LANDSCAPING
Owen Builders and Landscaping
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CG Carpentry and Building
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BC Carpentry
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MJW Carpentry
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MJW Carpentry
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
MacLogics
Specialising in Apple Mac repairs and services since 2002. Most tasks carried out in client’s home
T: 078941 44588 E: info@maclogics.co.uk www.maclogics.co.uk
DOG WALKING AND PET SITTING
Marathon Mutts
Dog walking and pet sitting services
T: 07484683268 E: mymarathonmutts@gmail.com www.marathonmutts.co.uk
The Cresset
Where there’s always something happening Box Office: 01733 265705
E: boxoffice@cresset.co.uk www.cresset.co.uk
& PET SUPPLIES
TL Hall Farming Supplies
T: 07940297788
E: les.farmsupplies@yahoo.com
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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
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.
Diamonds Farm Landscape Gardening
A different approach to gardening and grounds management. Be proud of your outdoor space
T: 07928 900728
E: michael@diamondsfarmlandscaping.co.uk
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Lifestyle Property Maintenance (Gardens)
Regular, weekly or fortnightly garden maintenance visits to keep your outdoor spaces looking tip-top T: 07714 266307 E: sharon.lifestylepm@gmail.com www.lifestylepropertymaintenance.com
Greenacres Health
T: 01733 254239
E: Admin@greenacreshealth.co.uk Greenacreshealth.co.uk
Reconnecting body and mind. Restore your wellbeing and vitality. Health and wellbeing tools to combat stress and anxiety, improve confidence, performance and tackle phobias. Lifestyle solutions and programmes for the whole family. Talking Therapies and Chiropractic Care.
Heel The Sole Foot Healthcare
T: 07889 798370
E: Suewillcox01@gmail.com www.heelthesole.uk
Meta Physiotherapy T: 07946 067439
E: daniela@metaphysiotherapy.net www.metaphysiotherapy.net
Truly Confident Aesthetics
1c West Street T: 07951 484752
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The Cove Aesthetics T: 07872893326 @thecoveaesthetics_ @Thecoveaesthetics
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Campbells Home Improvements
Providing home and garden repairs and improvements to local home owners, tenants and landlords. M: 07494 734226
E: Kieran@campbellshomeimprovements.com www.campbellshomeimprovements.com
Bluebird Care
E: peterborough@bluebirdcare.co.uk
T: 01733 459907
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
MORTGAGE ADVICE
Path Mortgages
T: 01778 428158
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PHARMACY
Newborough Pharmacy
T: 01733 811917 www.newboroughpharmacy.co.uk
King Plastering
T: 07817 737277
E: kingplasteringltd@icloud.com
PLUMBING & HEATING
Fenland Heating & Plumbing
T: 07930 865642
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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 Pack Horse, Northborough T: 01733 913155 E: mail@northboroughpub.co.uk www.the-packhorse.co.uk
Go Cruise and Travel with Kieran and Lyndsay
A family-run independent travel agency providing personalised travel experiences that exceed customer expectations and delivers unbeatable value for money. M: 07401 233376
E: kieran@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk www.gocruiseandtravel.co.uk/specialist/ kieran-and-lyndsay
Paul Sharpe Tree Surgeon
All Aspects of tree work undertaken & seasoned hardwood logs for sale. M: 07432 308225
E: paulsharpe6610@gmail.com
■ Bainton Church
Reverend Gary Alderson 07503 975588
■ Barnack Church (St John the Baptist)
Gary Alderson, gary.aldersonwrites@gmail.com
■ Barnack Community Association
Sally Hullock ............................................................... 07795 565658
■ Barnack Cricket Club
William Armitage, Chairman 01780 740749
■ Barnack Home from Home Club
Niamh Holman hfhbarnack@gmail.com
■ Barnack Messy Church
Julie Stanton 01780 749123
■ Bowls Clubs (Carpet)
Helpston Bowls: Les Cunnington 07857 835955
Glinton Bowls: Jeff Bell 01733 252395
Newborough: Pauline Brown 07946 389296
■ Botolph’s Barn
Kate Hinchliff 07745 116621
■ British Legion
Max Sawyer ..................................................................01780 765507
■ 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
■ Doctors
Deeping Practice (Main line) 01778 579000
Deeping Practice (Appnts.) 01778 579001
Glinton Surgery ......................................................... 01733 252246
■ Etton Church (St Stephen’s)
Churchwarden: Anne Curwen 01733 253357
■ Fenland Clarion Cycling Club
www.fenlandclarion.co.uk
■ Glinton Friendship Club
Pam Kounougakis 01733 252018
■ Glinton Church (St Benedict’s)
Churchwarden: Veronica Smith 01733 252019
■ Helpston Church (St Botolph’s)
Rector: Gary Alderson 07503 975588
■ Helpston Helcats
■ Horticultural Societies
Phil Roberts 07925 720195
John Best - Glinton 01778 342115
Debbie Martin - Barnack Show 01780 740048
Kirsty Scott - Peakirk ............................................ 01733 253952
Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners’ Society
Chair - Ann Huckle 01733 3780745
ann.huckle@cobnut-cottage.co.uk
■ Langdyke Countryside Trust
Richard Astle 01733 252376
■ Maxey Church (St Peter’s)
Churchwarden: Mike Connor ..................... 07785 3133622
Newborough Good NeighboursCate 07735 810139
■ Newborough Pre-school Playgroup
Debbie 07423 519890
■ Northborough Church (St Andrew’s)
Jane Knott, Church warden 01778 345101
■ Peakirk Church (St Pegas)
Churchwarden: Sheila Lever 01733 252416
■ Pre-School & After-School Clubs
Helpston Playhouse pre-school, Breakfast & After
School Club Lucy Garwood 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
■ 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
Northborough Primary 01733 252204
Peterborough Adult Learning 01733 761361
■ Tennis Clubs
Helpston Tennis Club 07714 780573
■ Ufford Church Enquiries
Keith Lievesley .......................................................... 01780 740679
■ Village Halls
Bainton Reading Room Angela Womack https:// sites.google.com/view/baintonreadingroom/home
Barnack Village Hall Bookings
Sally Hullock 07795 565658
Glinton Village Hall Bookings
Sue Lane 07923 475966
Helpston Village Hall, Caryn Thompson 07801 260240
Maxey Village Hall, Andy Bagworth maxeyvillagehall@yahoo.com
Newborough Village Hall Bookings 07549185914 newboroughvillagehall@outlook.com www.newboroughvillagehall.co.uk
Northborough Village Hall: www.northboroughvillagehall.co.uk
Peakirk Village Hall (Bookings) 07938 386226
Ufford Village Hall Emma Thorp 07769 587742
■ Village Tribune
Editor, Tony Henthorn 07590 750128 villagetribuneeditor@me.com
■ Ward Councillors
Barnack Cllr Kevin Tighe
07826 181479
Glinton & Castor Cllr Peter Hiller 07920 160487
Glinton & Castor Cllr Neil Boyce 07483 958795
Eye, Thorney & Newborough Cllr Mark Ormston 07483 373084
■ Women’s Institute (WI)
Northborough WI
Tracy Thomas (Secretary) 07720 327145
■ Youth Clubs
Barnack Youth Club, Colin Morgan 07850 366528
Parish Council Contact Details
■ Ailsworth Parish Council
Anne Perkins, Chairman .....................................01733 380541
Michelle Dickens: 07702 626253 clerk@ailsworth-pc.gov.uk
■ 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
■ Barnack Parish Council
Chair: Jonathan O’Shea – jonno.barnackpc@gmail.com
Michelle Dickens: 07595 377236 clerk@barnack-pc.gov.uk
■ Deeping Gate Parish Council
Cllr Philip Thompson (Chair) philip.thompson@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk
Clerk – Elinor Beesley 07713 194173 clerk@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk
■ Etton Parish Council
Cllr Fred Morton (Chair) fred.morton@etton-pc.gov.uk
Clerk – Elinor Beesley 07713 194173 clerk@etton-pc.gov.uk
■ Glinton Parish Council
Cllr Gerry Kirt – Chairman 01733 252839
Mr J Haste – Clerk 07591 834163 clerk@glinton-pc.gov.uk
■ Helpston Parish Council
Parish Council Clerk – Tony Henthorn – clerk@helpston-pc.org.uk
Chairman, Cllr Ali Peat 07399 532266 alastair.peat@helpston-pc.gov.uk
■ Maxey Parish Council
Cllr Lynne Yarham – (Chair) lynne.yarham@maxey-pc.gov.uk
Clerk – Elinor Beesley 07713 194173 clerk@maxey-pc.gov.uk
■ Newborough Parish Council
Cllr Mark Ormston Mark.ormston@ newboroughandboroughfenpc.org.uk
Clerk Irene Healiss
clerk@newboroughandboroughfen-pc.gov.uk
■ Northborough Council
Cllr Tracy Thomas (Chair) – tracy.thomas@northborough-pc.gov.uk
Clerk Elinor Beesley 07713 194173 clerk@northborough-pc.gov.uk
Peakirk Parish Council
Chairman: Cllr Henry Clark ....................... 01733 253203
Clerk: Angela Hankins 01733 253397
clerk@peakirk-pc.gov.uk
■ Southorpe Parish Council:
Clerk Alison Hurford 07898 217307 clerk@southorpeparish.gov.uk
Chair: Peter Corder peter.corder@southorpeparish.gov.uk
■ Ufford Parish Council
Chair – Cllr Paul Wilde ........... paul@worldofskills.com
Clerk Amie Fenech – clerk@ufford-pc.gov.uk 01733 855003
