As this latest edition of the Trib’ drops through letterboxes in our north Peterborough villages, we will only be a couple of weeks away from the official start of spring (20 March) and the start of the Easter holidays a week later. There’s certainly a lot of ‘activity’ being planned over the next few months, kicking off with the Helpston Beer Festival on Saturday 23 March in the Village Hall. Check out the dinner dance at Burghley Park Golf Club on Friday 5 April – in aid of
Cancer Research. Plans for GlintonFest24 are coming along nicely (1 June) and the 2024 edition of Helpstonbury (22 June) are gathering a pace. The ever-popular Maxey Car Show returns on Saturday 17 August
There are rumours that ‘Duckfest’ will be making a welcome return to Peakirk in the summer – more details in our next issue. Likewise, there are big plans for a Harvest Festival at Willowbrook Farm on Saturday 14 September.
Easter will also see the launch of our Silent Auction (final bids at the Helpstonbury event), raising funds for a new village hall for Etton and Helpston – we have some very unique gifts going under the hammer – if you can provide other unique ‘lots’, we would love to hear from you
The deadline for our next (May/June edition) is Friday 12 April.
Keep up-to-date with everything that is being planned by joining our Facebook Group: /groups/villagetribune and if you are planning an event later in the year – please let us know.
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5,400 copies of the Tribune are distributed free of charge in Ailsworth, Ashton, Bainton, Barnack, Castor, Deeping Gate, Etton, Glinton,
see clearly How to
Window condensation is a common problem, especially in the colder months when windows typically remain closed for long periods. if your double glazing fails
By Eileen Le Voi
When the seal on a double glazed glass unit breaks down, or ‘fails’ as is known in the industry, that condensation will get into the inside of the glass unit, resulting in misted double glazing which can be permanent trapped.
If this is the case, it won’t only be the heat that is rising from your home, your energy bills could see a hike too.
So – what should you do at the first signs of condensation in your windows?
spacer bar in between that is slightly smaller than the overall dimensions of the glass to form a gap between them. The glass is then sealed together using a hot melt adhesive to form a double-glazed unit.
The air trapped inside the two glasses (or gas for improved thermal efficiency) creates an insulating barrier that keeps heat in and the cold out. If the seal fails, and condensation gets trapped inside these two panes of glass, this can result in misted windows.
... broken sealed units are leaking expensive energy out from your home into the environment, making your heating system work harder than it needs to.
Internal condensation within the room can be prevented by opening your windows for a short period of time every day, or opening your window trickle vents if you have them, or making sure the room is adequately ventilated.
Double glazing is made by putting two panes of glass together with a thermally efficient
The message from Safe Local Trades double-glazing experts is that the most common misconception is that a brandnew window is needed when the sealed unit fails, meaning that a lot of people put-off having the unsightly misted window replaced due to cost.
It is also worth mentioning that broken sealed units are
leaking expensive energy out from your home into the environment, making your heating system work harder than it needs to.
To repair this window, all that is required is a new doubleglazed unit (providing the frame is in good condition), not the entire window. This unit can be fitted in minutes with minimal disruption!
Whatever your style of window, or concern, there is likely to be a solution.
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Safe Local Trades has a number of tried and tested reliable tradesmen who can carry out a range of property improvements that can save you money, as well as those who specialise in energy saving solutions for your home or business.
Celebrating our elebrating our
VILLAGE NEWS HERITAGE
Memory Lane
In 2004, Tony Henthorn was in jubilant mood at being able to expand the number of pages in this community-led magazine to 28. Since then, under Tony’s ethical stewardship, The Village Tribune has continued to progress and regularly exceeds 60 full colour pages now. The publication’s distribution area is significantly bigger too!
2004 was also the year Time Team, the popular Channel 4 archaeology programme, arrived for three days of digging in Northborough.
Tony Robinson and friends hoped to discover how people lived in the area in the Neolithic Age, around 6000 years ago, before even Stonehenge was built! The programme from Northborough was broadcast in January 2005 and, should you be interested, it’s currently available to watch on YouTube.
The site in Northborough was one of five enclosed causeways in the area. It was the first time in British history people were actually parcelling up areas of land for different purposes. They had ceased living a nomadic life and started to put down roots.
“I think living here in the neolithic would have been terrific” Francis Pryor exclaimed during the broadcast. The Neolithic era was exciting, in his opinion, because, “it was a period when everything happened, when we stopped being ‘ancient’ and started being
‘modern’. In the Neolithic period, human beings start taking control of their own world. They controlled their supply of food, their animals, milk, meat, cereals, flour...”
Tony Robinson added, “after two million years wandering the landscape, our hunter-gather ancestors began a more settled existence. This change from a completely nomadic lifestyle marked the beginning of the Neolithic period, which in Britian lasted from 4000 BC to 2500 BC.”
Exciting news from 20 years ago! Time Team's Tony Robinson and friends visited Northborough to discover more about the area during tge Neolithic Age.
Last year saw the Village Tribune reach an important milestone. Once a church parish bulletin printed in black and white and on a single A4 sheet of paper, primarily for the parish of Glinton, it has gone through something of a transformation over the past 25 years.
By Mick Child
25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
Today’s version is now delivered to some 5,400 homes in 17 villages. So how did the full colour and award-winning community magazine that pops through your door bi-monthly evolve?
Editor Tony Henthorn says, “25 years ago the then Glinton vicar reverend Nigel Fry, asked me if I would be interested in taking over the Trib. I considered it and agreed, thinking it would be for a short time’.
In my interview with Tony he talks about the Trib and its natural growth over the years. He discusses his reservations with taking on the magazine at first when he had a young family and compares how different things are for him today to when he started. He is quick to recognise the army of volunteers and advertisers without whom the Trib could not be produced. The Village Tribune is Tony’s community service, it is an all-consuming part of his everyday life and his pride for it is clear to see.
You can watch Tony’s interview in full on the Village Tribune channel. https://vimeo.com/890559701/7f2c25ede9?share-copy
THE VILLAGE TRIBUNE CHANNEL
Elected to the Newborough Parish Council and recently appointed Vice Chair, he also Chairs the council’s HR and Media Committees. As a co-opted member of Peterborough City Council's Growth, Resources and Communities Scrutiny Committee, he has gained a very deep insight into how the City Council functions.
Mark Ormston
What brought you to Newborough?
Newborough and the surrounding areas are so beautiful. The area is incredibly peaceful and yet so full of life. The community spirit is infectious and you get such a wonderful mix of people across ages and walks of life. My wife’s family have been living in Newborough for generations (Dunn’s, Snart’s and now Ormston’s) so we have a real connection.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Bournemouth, moving with my family to
Nassington when I was 10. We moved to Peterborough in my teens, where I’ve been ever since.
What do you do as a career/living or hobbies?
I am a Director for a pensions company in Peterborough. As an element of my work I’m a member of various relevant committees and have become a go-to source for national media outlets such as The Times, The Telegraph and the Financial Times (FT). A part of my job I enjoy is public speaking and presenting at events and contributing to multiple research papers.
Peterborough businessman Mark Ormston has a passion for where he and his family live in Newborough, working hard at a local level to protect and enhance the Eye, Thorney and Newborough ward area to benefit both residents and visitors.
I’m keen to drive improvements and fairness across our industry. For hobbies, I like to keep active and enjoy most sports. I play tennis at the City of Peterborough Tennis Club and enjoy doing ParkRun at Ferry Meadows on Saturday mornings.
What makes you happy?
My children. My daughter is 6 and my son is 4. They never fail to put a smile on my face! I know it has been said many times before, however, there really is something magical about how young children see the world.
What makes you angry?
I get frustrated by the continuing lack of transparency in public services and this is something I feel must be improved as quickly as possible, and I know the recent change of leadership at Peterborough City Council is making that happen. We can all see the impact a number of self-interested politicians and their propaganda is having on people’s trust and confidence in our local and national government, and I truly fear the effect of what younger people have been witnessing from the activities and rhetoric of some of our recently deposed leaders.
Claim to fame?
I suppose my biggest claim to fame/most surreal moment was
when I appeared on the big screens at the o2 arena midway through a Roger Federer/Andy Murray match and was thanked for raising money for charity. It truly was an incredible moment for me (as was also appearing on the BBC’s The One Show for the same reason!).
Hobbies or organisations you are involved in?
Professionally, I Chair various industry committees, most of them are policy-minded or looking to support future generations of pensions professionals. This is something I am passionate about and take part in several mentoring programmes supporting others in their careers.
Away from my professional life, I am Chair of Governors at Newborough CoE Primary School and Vice Chair of Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council. I am also a member of Peterborough City Council’s Growth, Resources and Communities Scrutiny Committee.
Most famous person you have met?
David Beckham – I met him when he played against Bournemouth when I was very young.
Your most treasured thing you have owned?
I have a very simple brass egg timer in my kitchen which most people wouldn’t glance twice at. However, it was my grandad's. My grandad showed me the strength, power and magic of community spirit and being there for the people around you.
The egg timer reminds me both of him and that our time is not unlimited, we only have a set amount of time to achieve whatever it is we wish to do.
Sun seeker or staycation?
I have been fortunate to travel to some unforgettable places like Thailand, Egypt and Rome in recent years. However, almost every year for as long as I can remember we have at least a week at Sunny Hunny!
The war in the Ukraine continues – it may have faded from the news, but the suffering continues, as does the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure and the nightly bombing of its major towns.
Helping Our Ukrainian Friends
The Helping Our Ukrainian Friends project is determined to ensure that Ukraine doesn’t disappear from our thinking. Communities across Tribland have already demonstrated their continued support – our last delivery in November last year was our largest yet. And in mid-February, we dispatched our 14th Aid Package – 11 pallets of food, clothes, medicines, camping stoves and sanitary products and medicines by lorry to Poland,
from where it will be taken to the frontline communities.
You can follow the delivery of these items on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook. com/helpingukrainesurgeons
To date the group, which is made up of local people committed to supporting Ukraine, have delivered over 50 tonnes of aid, two ambulances (which are now busy doing their work with military units in eastern Ukraine), 37 generators,
20 heart valves (each one of which saves a life) over 2000 gift boxes for children and thousands of battery packs, LED lights and torches. Our programme for 2024 will include two more collection campaigns in May and October and two trips to Kyiv where members of the team (April and September) will buy items in Ukraine.
Local company, Princebuild have set themselves the target
Richard Astle
of raising £20,000 to support our work, and are organising an amazing team of over 100 runners in the Lincoln 10km on 14 April. But we need to raise another £30,000 to all our targets, including buying three 4x4 vehicles which are desperately needed to help get supplies out to the remote communities and get injured soldiers out of the firing line to ambulances.
Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed so far in any way – if you would like to be involved in the project in any way, just let us know! Thank you!
Donation points will open again in April, but if you have things you want to give now, let me know –details below. And all cash donations will make a huge difference – please use our Just Giving page - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpingourukrainianfriends2023
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donations of suppliesCash donations – what we need to buy
Tins of food
Rice, pasta, flour, noodles
Tea/coffee
Aspirin, paracetamol
Female sanitary products
Nappies
Pet food
Warm clothes, socks and knitted hats
Gift boxes for children
4 x 4 vehicles - £4000 each
Heart valves - £700 each
Tourniquets - £40 each
Camping stoves - £40 each LED lights – £25 for 25 units
PARISH COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS
villageviews
NORTHBOROUGH COUNCIL
Chair – John Dadge................... 01733 254145 07802 702908
It seems as though 2024 has only just begun, but following a very wet and stormy January the weather as I write this is unseasonably warm. Already in mid-February the plum tree in St Benedict’s churchyard is in full blossom and spring flowers are showing in the garden.
Glinton FriendshipClub
Here in wet cold February in Glinton, Spring seems far off but will hopefully be springing by the time you read this.
The Friendship Club is still thriving despite some members having long-standing conditions, illnesses and accidents, and are now hopefully on the road to recovery. We are still managing to provide a hot two course lunch every week thanks to our super catering team but are still desperate for help serving and clearing up. But many thanks to a helper who comes in to help put tables away, a job few of we
Pam Kounougakis
less physically agile are able to manage! Still need more though, even if you can’t manage every Monday.
Recently, we’ve had our valuables valued, our brains tested by quizzes, and our book-boxes which offer literary variety at three for a pound! Coming up soon are our annual pancake tossing competition, messy but fun, our AGM, a talk by a member of the Household Cavalry, the Salvation Army, and an Easter bonnet competition, and our regular Bingo, raffles, games and quizzes.
If you are interested in joining or helping, come to meet us at the Village Hall on Mondays from 10am until 2pm.
The plant sale is on 4 May this year and donations of plants are always welcome therefore when planting your seeds and potting on please consider doing a few extra for the plant sale.
In January we sorted out the schedule for the Show on 21 September and these should be available by the end of March.
If you are interested in entering and would like to know what to make/ grow please contact Lynne Best on 01778 342115 or visit our website to be added to the mailing list. The talks held in Jan & Feb were interesting and reasonably well attended, but more would be warmly welcomed.
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COUNCIL CORNER
GLINTON
www.glinton-pc.gov.uk
Cllr Gerry Kirt, Parish Council Chairman
Glinton is a delightful place to live but to preserve that way of life can be challenging. Many are aware that Peterborough’s Local Plan end date is being extended from 2036 to 2044. To accommodate the resultant increase in the required housing stock, the City Council’s request for additional new development sites attracted no fewer than six proposals from developers around the immediate periphery of Glinton’s village envelope. The smallest would deliver an extra 22 dwellings and the largest 255 dwellings. If all six were to be adopted, 1027 houses would be constructed resulting in 82.6ha of arable farmland being taken out of production, the swamping of existing services and utilities, and the potential destruction of Glinton’s rural character. Glinton Parish Council were required by the City Council to rank the new sites in order of preference. To complete this onerous task we adopted an objective strategy based on highlighting which sites were contrary to policies within Glinton’s Neighbourhood Plan, contrary to the existing Local Plan, contrary to National Planning Policy Framework, and which would adversely affect Glinton the most. It is important to stress that none of your Councillors were particularly happy with the rankings or being asked to make the judgement of Solomon. PCC will now decide which site(s) are likely to be included in the revised Local Plan and at that stage
public consultation will open so please take the opportunity and make your opinions known. We will alert you of the timing via our Facebook page and noticeboards.
In the meantime we will commission an independent Glinton housing needs study and it, together with the results of the village questionnaire, should provide valuable evidence to positively influence Peterborough’s emerging Local Plan and site selection.
Thank you all for completing your village questionnaires. The headline results will be published the in a future Village Tribune and used by your Parish Council in its decision making process.
Following the misery experienced by countless residents due to the backup of domestic waste systems (caused by excessive rainfall and over stretched drainage systems) we have contacted Anglian Water to request they conduct a thorough audit of Glinton’s foul sewage; surface water drainage and highway drainage with a view to urgently upgrading them in order to make them fit for purpose.
The original defibrillator installed at the village hall has been deployed on average once a year. Since installing two additional units, the Welmore Road defibrillator has been deployed once a month! What this highlights is the importance of knowing how to operate them
and potentially save a life. With this in mind we are considering organising additional training sessions which will be advertised locally.
Progress on the Ashburn play-park acquisition is finally gathering pace. The Harris fencing and unsafe play equipment has now been removed.
Momentum on GlintonFest 24 with D-Day commemoration is gathering pace, making it by far our largest event yet. The evening’s lineup has been sorted with, Skip Intro, Kylie, ABBA, Madonna and Cosmic Rodney. Afternoon attractions include the Peterborough Highland Pipe Band, Starlight Twirlettes and Zumba. The event will also feature the wartime vocalist, Lean-Jayne, who will ensure the D-Day element is truly memorable. Any residents with local WW2 photos, memorabilia or military related items who would like to show them on the day, please contact me well in advance. There will be competitions for dogs, fancy dress, cars and bikes, artwork, photography and the new village crest. Remember we are always seeking volunteers in the lead up as well as on the day.
Lean-Jayne
COUNCIL CORNER
Northborough
Councillor Brian Spriggs (1945 -2023)
Honoured by Parish Council
With over 50 years as a Parish Councillor Brian Spriggs has sadly passed away only a year after retiring from the Council.
Brian was a real 'doer' and a gentleman and his passing and service to the Northborough community is to be remembered with a commemorative bench to be located by the village burial ground of which he was unofficial custodian of for many years.
Brian will be sadly missed by his family, the Parish Council and friend’s.
Northborough Fun Day
A Fun, Food and Beer festival is being planned for Northborough on Sunday 7 July with indoor and outdoor events being planned and coordinated by the Northborough and Deeping Gate Community Association and Northborough Parish Council. The event will also celebrate the 50th birthday of the Village Hall.
If anyone is interested in participating in or helping
NORTHBOROUGH FUN DAY 7 JULY
A fun, food and beer festival is being planned for Northborough with indoor and outdoor events.
stage the event please do let any Northborough Parish Councillor or the Clerk know. Contact details are later in this edition of the Tribune.
Northborough to Host Police Liaison Meeting Representatives from the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team are attending a meeting 5–7pm at Northborough Village Hall on Wednesday 13 March. Please do attend if you have any questions or concerns about policing locally.
This is your opportunity to have your say.
https://airbnb.com/h/robinsnestbeachouse
Visit Mersea Island
4-bedroom house (sleeps up to 8) for picturesque and tranquil spring and summer breaks. Only footsteps from the spacious beaches, and a short stroll to the village pubs & restaurants. Enjoy enchanting sunsets and beautiful scenery. Environmentally unique and full of wildlife. Child friendly. Dogs also welcome at the house, most of the pubs and on the beaches.
For more information, special offers and available dates, please call
Save Our St Andrew’s Church in Northborough
Northborough update
by Teresa Scott
In December Northborough & Deeping Gate Village Hall had the pleasure of hosting 83 guests for a very successful and fun filled OAP Christmas Dinner. Reverend Keir Dow from St Andrew’s and the Nine Bridges Benefice joined us to say grace and start the proceedings off.
The afternoon featured Vintage singer Alan Jackson, a delicious three course Christmas dinner, a game of bingo and a raffle. The prizes for the raffle and bingo were kindly provided by the SOS St Andrew’s church volunteers, the Spar in Crowland and Tesco at Market Deeping. A huge 'thank you' to all who joined us in making this event so special, with a big shout-out to the amazing volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure everything was perfect.
The New Year's Eve celebration at Northborough Village Hall was also a resounding success and sell out!
Organised by villager Sharon Roberts, with live music from The Grasshoppers, the hall was brimming with joy, music and laughter. It was a wonderful and memorable evening, with dancers dressed to impress wearing: tartan, black tie and a lot of sparkles! A great way to welcome in 2024!
An end of year update on the SOS St Andrew’s restoration fundraising efforts: now sees the total standing at £28,500.00.
A big 'thank you!' to all who have supported us.
The restoration paperwork is now progressing and later this year we should see the building repair work start.
In June 2021, the St Andrew’s Church Council launched the SOS campaign to Save Our St Andrew’s Church after Historic England, the guardians of this Grade 1 listed building, put us on their 'At Risk' register. Since then, with your generous support and help, we have held many events, had a lot of fun and raised over £28,500.00.
While we have been raising money, we have also been working with our architect and Historic England to get the necessary permission from the Peterborough Diocese to get the most critical repair work started. In particular the replacement of the leaky lead roof above the altar and the restoration of the guttering and the downpipes.
We are delighted to tell you that we have recently received notice from the Diocese that will allow us to go out to tender for this work later this year. Hopefully you will soon see signs of scaffolding and workmen and activity in the churchyard.
We estimate that the work to be done in this phase of restoration will cost about £100,000. This is well beyond the amount we have been able to raise so far, but the fact that you have helped raise this money allows us now to apply for external grants to make up the shortfall.
We cannot thank you enough for your support and for your patience while we have been working through the necessary regulations to enable us to start the restoration of our lovely 12th century church. We will keep you up-dated on our search for grant-funding and on our timetable for the repair work to start. If, in the meantime, you feel you can contribute more to the work of St Andrew’s and to the restoration of the church, please continue to support our events this year.
If you wish to contribute to our SOS Fund you can use this QR code >>
With our love and thanks, The SOS Fundraising Team.
I remember the day I first visited Helpston in search of a new home in the area. Having driven up from Berkshire the first port of call was to the Bluebell for lunch. Six weeks later I was living in Heath Road. I had discovered what most people in Tribland already knew- that the villages of John Clare's poetry were a great place to live.
Why I decided to stand as a Ward Councillor
What attracted me was the balance of opportunities provided by village life: the shop, school, village hall, church and pub. I even enjoyed the fact that the much maligned, but workaday city of Peterborough was just down the road as was the elegance of Stamford, all in all I thought then as now, that village life around here was special. Of course it would be naïve to think that village life is a static thing or that it evolves naturally without planning and passion. That is why I decided to stand as a ward Councillor this year
(Election's 2nd May). What I am passionate about is our way of life, village life. I am standing because of my commitment to local decision making- enabling people to determine how their way of life should be.
One example of this localism can be shown through the future of the Bluebell pub in Helpston. Its soon to be up for sale and village people are exploring whether or not it could be a community owned facility -some politicians starting point would be 'leave it to the market place'. I think places like this are much too important
Kevin Tighe to leave to the vagaries of profit or loss. Local pubs, like local libraries provide places to meet, they are hubs for the community to come together and share so much, it's where people meet, enjoy time together. In this increasingly insular and virtual world we can't afford to lose these places.
I spent ten years as the chief executive of a charity providing local services, it was highly successful (a multi million pound ternover with surpluses to reinvest in the community each year) and one of the key factors behind this was its local nature - no national bureaucracy and the primary driver was high quality services - not simply profits for investors. Above all I want the quality of our village life to become even better and that's why I am standing for election. I hope I can make a difference and hope to be drinking a beer in one of our local pubs for some time to come.
Multi award winning Helpston company, Alfresco Landscaping, have announced their move to a new base in Barnack. Their yard operations in Werrington are being brought together with their office space to create a complete solution-focused operation at Station Road Industrial Estate alongside Chandlers Country Stores, Stamford Stoves and Choice Windows.
Alfresco - Building for the future
Alastair Peat, Director at Alfresco Landscaping, said “It is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that we are leaving our village base in Helpston. We have had incredible support from our community with the business developing over recent years, however it is now the right time
to consolidate our offering to one facility where the creative design can sit alongside the operations.”
Alfresco have become a familiar name throughout the villages, employing local teams and undertaking some incredible work. They were invited to help with builds at Chealsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court last year, along with one of their younger members being involved in a build at BBC Gardeners World Live.
Their developing reputation has enabled them to work alongside
some household names such as Bunny Guinness, Arit Anderson and Julie Toll, all multiple RHS award winning designers.
The unit is having a purpose built office within it that will be both an administrative base as well as a place to present designs and
So – what’s next? There are exciting plans in the pipeline to develop the new facility further to showcase the incredible range of products that are on the market now, from motorised canopies to Outdoor kitchens, green walls, lighting and so much more.
The new facility also means Alfresco are looking to expand their teams on site. If you are a motivated, enthusiastic, practical, driven person who loves to be outdoors, creating beautiful things for lovely customers, then Alfresco would love to speak to you. Experience to some level is preferred, however we are seeking team members at all levels to support the exciting projects this year. Please get in touch at yourfuture@alfrescolandscaping.co.uk
materials. It is also planned to act as a hub for local designers to collaborate in a creative environment.
Alastair goes on to say “This focus on our operations will allow us to be a lot more responsive and professional in our relationships with customers. We have been guilty of not responding as quickly as we would like in the past, however, we will be putting processes in place to better manage this communication.”
There is no doubt that there are pressures on us all with the current economic situation, however, if we support local businesses who employ members of our communities, then we can directly benefit those closer to home.
Alfresco Landscaping is a multi national award-winning garden design and construction company operating throughout Cambridgeshire and Rutland. Please get in touch if we can assist you or if you would like the opportunity to join us.
Helpston
Helpston Parish Council Parish Council Elections
You have seen the difference the Parish Council can make to our community in the last few years with the formal response against development, the creation of the village festivals and issuing grant funding to key village organisations to undertake their great work. If you would like to be part of this amazing team who will continue to strive to make a difference to our community, please speak to one of your councillors about standing for election in May. There are 9 positions to fill.
Village Speed limits
A rural speed strategy is being developed by Peterborough
Highways that is hoped to be rolled out across the local villages. Your Parish Council has had many meetings to seek to gain a balanced view within Helpston that manages the speeds into the village, the volumes of vehicles with respect to the crossing and the safety of our community.
The combined solution across the villages is due to be published shortly for consultation with all residents. We urge you to have your say on this plan to your councillors or directly to the City.
Glinton Road Cycle Path
The long straight path to Glinton has been a concern for many years now, particularly with our
children to and from school. The dialogue that we have been having with Peterborough Highways, alongside the very active parent group, means we hope to see some action on the management of the existing path width and surface in the coming weeks.
With the pressure applied, PCC have also agreed to add this to their strategic planning for the coming year to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians remains a top priority.
The City Council Local Plan
Your Parish Council have robustly represented the community in recent weeks regarding the parcels of land that have been put forward for development
DELFIELD MOTORS
around the village. These have been nominated by landowners after the call from Peterborough City Council for land to satisfy the housing demands placed on the City by Government.
This process will go on for many months to come but please be assured, your Parish Council will continue to represent your views on these matters.
Other Planning Permissions
The Parish Council continues to push for the best outcome for the village on many sites, including the 20-house development on West street. The decision on this will have gone to committee by the time
this is published. We will have presented to the City planners and councillors at this meeting the fundamental failures of this development within their own Local Plan.
We would underline our thanks to all the residents of the village who continue to engage in these matters of planning that directly affect the fabric of the community in which we live and the resources that we have within it.
Grant Funding
We continue to accept requests for grants to undertake the great work within our Parish.
If your organization would benefit from grant funding then please make contact with the Parish Council Clerk to enquire if your grant can go into the October submission and budget review.
We are grateful to the voluntary organisations around the village that do such great work in giving opportunities for sport, for our children and the community to come together.
We understand plans are moving on at a pace for this event. The Parish Council is excited to be offering significant financial support to Helpstonbury to create a full day of celebration for our community. It has proved highly successful in bringing all parts of the village together alongside raising vital funds for the incredible work the village organisations do.
If you want further information or are interested in supporting, please contact the Helpstonbury team. e: helpstonbury@mail.co.uk
Saturday 22 June
1.30pm till midnight
A FESTIVAL IN A DAY
Afternoon Teas • Beerfest Bar • BBQ
Your Parish Council works hard behind the scenes to represent the community as has been seen with the above actions and initiatives. Monthly meetings are open to all village residents and we welcome input so we can continue to keep Helpston the community we all wish to live in.
Evening Food • Drop Slides
Sports Challenges • Tombolas
Tug-of-war • Face Painting • DJs
Fabulous Local Entertainment
Headline Bands • Soloists
HELPSTON HOMEMADE
The village cra & produce competition for all ages
BRING YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS
Register you are coming by QR code or email helpstonbury@mail.co.uk to be entered into the FREE PRIZE DRAW
Helpston Lawn Tennis Club Ground Force Day – what a success!
To the great relief of Helpston Lawn Tennis Club committee, Saturday 27 January was one of those beautiful, crisp winter days when the sun shone and the sky was blue. And maybe that was what contributed to encouraging the 25 plus people who arrived that morning to help with the refurbishment of the courts and Clubhouse.
HLTC has been in existence for 100 years but over the last few years, for various reasons, it has become a little tired and neglected and in need of some TLC. So, the current committee have embarked upon a campaign to bring HLTC back to its former glory - beginning with the HLTC Ground Force Day.
The many jobs were divided up, based on ability, choice and enthusiasm and after a morning of hard work, sustained by tea and cake, the transformation was fabulous. The court perimeter was no longer over grown, the bbq area was weed free with repaired fencing and the interior of the clubhouse was gleaming. We also began work on the mammoth task of painting over the drab brown exterior of the Clubhouse with a more uplifting colour. With only managing to complete half the Clubhouse in the time, a follow up “painting morning” is being planned once it’s stopped raining! So if you
fancy a morning or afternoon of painting just drop me an email tammy.tushingham@btinternet. com. A huge thank you also must go to our local farmer Bruce Franks, upon whose farm HLTC is situated. Not only did Bruce very kindly allow us to fill his tractor bucket several times with all the prunings' and overgrown debris he even disposed of it for us. A true village partnership.
So it looks like HLTC is getting back on track. But what's next?
We have arranged a programme of tennis coaching for children plus a weekly adult session - all commencing the beginning of June. But if you prefer a one to one coaching session then our excellent coach Kevin Tighe will be more than happy to discuss that with you. For all coaching info please email helpstonltc@ gmail.com
There is also our forthcoming AGM where we will be discussing
the 2024 season and planning our next steps - as well as voting in the 2024 HLTC Committee. So if you want to get more involved, or just want to come along to show your support for local tennis, you would be very welcome to join us on Thursday 7th March at 7.30pm at Meadow House, 38 West Street, Helpston PE6 7AY.
And finally, we still need members. You don't have to be Wimbledon standard, just have an enthusiasm for the game and a willingness to be part of a friendly, inclusive group. We even have a "Social only" membership for those who will definitely not be playing but who still want to be part of this happy band. So if you would like to join, either as a family, couple, single or social member please email helpstonltc@gmail.com for more info.
That only leaves to ask the question "Anyone for tennis...?"
Restoring Weather Damage 2024 started off dramatically with heavy rain and flooding. Fortunately, although the Maxey cut was the highest, I’ve seen it in 30 years, it didn’t breach its banks. This was not the case for many houses in Greatford - it will be many months before the damage will be restored.
Wedding On 2 February we were blessed with fine weather for the marriage of Hannah Morton and Will Griffiths in Etton church. The many months of preparation, to the church and churchyard for the big day, were much appreciated by the wedding guests. The beautiful bride walked to the church with her proud father, Fred. The Vicar, Keir Dow conducted a wonderful service and afterwards several residents turned out to see the happy couple. The reception was held at Burghley House.
Church Updates As the growing season begins, Andrew 07836213406 would welcome
any help with maintaining the churchyard.
Hopefully, by the time you read this our new arrangements for opening and closing the church should be in place. If you would like to help in any way, please do contact me.
Defibrillator Replacement A routine check of our village defibrillator found it to be malfunctioning. Peter Hiller has kindly stepped in to fund a replacement for the village. The new machine has been ordered and will be installed on the side of the bus shelter. The Parish Council will be organising some training on CPR and use of defibs. Details will be published locally.
Renovations It is hoped, when the weather improves, that the bus shelter, notice board and phone box will be renovated. The Parish Council is also investigating having a new village sign carved as the existing sign is beginning to rot.
Hire for Functions and Business
Henry Clark, Chairman
COUNCIL CORNER
Peakirk
Biodiversity We have got a grant from PECT to carry out a biodiversity survey of the parish. We will employ local ecologist Sarah Lambert to assess the current state of key areas of the parish, such as the village green, the churchyard, the allotments and the millennium corner, and give us suggestions on how to improve biodiversity. The survey will take place later this year when the plants start growing again. This will give us a baseline from which to measure changes over time – hopefully they will be improvements.
Meadow Road Meadow Road is an 'Access Only' road, meaning that it is only for accessing land or premises along it, not for through traffic. The road is unsuitable for much traffic, being single track. It was notable during the Anglian
Water pipeline closure how nice it was not to have through traffic. We have asked the police to do spot checks, which could result in prosecution.
Traffic We have held meetings in the village with Lewis Banks and James Collingridge from PCC. Work is already being done in other villages on the B1443 to find ways of stopping excessive speed. One of the ideas we are contemplating is to make the village a 20 mph zone. This should have minimal impact on travel times and traffic flow. It will reduce the noise nuisance from speeding vehicles and reduce the severity and injury or damage resulting from collisions.
The new shameful record for excessive speed is 93 mph on St Pega’s Road heading towards Glinton.
Needs and Wants councillors are elected to represent the residents of Peakirk
Parish. This means we need a good understanding of the needs and wants of the people who live and work in the parish.
We are developing a survey that will be distributed to every house and business in the parish. This will help us understand the different groups in the community and their needs and wants. It is important that we get a good response so that the results are representative of the parish. The results will help the parish council and other agencies shape what they do for us.
Allotments We will have three vacant plots available from April. Please contact the clerk if you are interested. Priority will be given to residents of the parish.
The Barnack & District Branch of the Royal British Legion
The Barnack & District Branch of the Royal British Legion is always happy to welcome new members. No military service is necessary, just a willingness to support the aim of the RBL, which is the welfare of present and past members of our armed forces and their families.
On the social side, we do have a programme of talks, visits and lunches at various times throughout the year, open to members and their families/friends.
Poppy Appeal Organiser
After many years' sterling service, our Poppy Appeal Organiser, Columb Hanna, is standing down and we are looking for a replacement, whom Columb is of course willing to train.
Please contact me if you think you would like to take on this important role.
Max Sawyer, Branch Chairman 01780 765507 audsaw@aol.com
If you are interested in joining us, please contact our Membership Secretary, Geoff Dunkley on 01780 783346 or email: g.m.dunkley@btinternet.com
It seems ages since our Treasurer visited many of the Parish Councils in the autumn, when the evenings were light and children were still out playing. She stopped her visits in November when the evenings began to get darker and colder. These visits were to make ourselves known to you and also to promote the Volunteer Drivers Scheme. There are adverts for this scheme in most villages now and we have recruited several new drivers. However, we have lost a few too as they have retired or moved away from the area so we still need your help.
We held our A.G.M in November. It was in the evening, at the surgery, and was well supported. Several Parish Councils were represented. Dr. Phipps and Tracy Bartle (Practice Manager) answered questions from the audience at the end of the meeting. We were grateful to The Practice for accommodating us and agreeing to the change of format and timing.
2024, what have we got planned? We are hoping that we can communicate with you on a regular basis and keep you abreast of any new initiatives that are both national and local. We
will be contacting community groups for help with this and if you belong to a group in your village, you should get a letter from us and a follow up visit. We want to find out how we can help form a good line of communication between you as patients and the Practice with the PPG acting as a conduit. This is going to take time but we will get there!
We are also planning to publish our own Newsletter in 2024 so we are going to be busy.
The Deepings Practice PPG
NEWBOROUGH DEFIBRILLATORS
Located at:
• Newborough Pharmacy, School Rd.
• Mandairs Estate Agents
• Village Hall, Guntons Road
• Corner shop, Guntons Rd/Fenside Drive
• Werrington Bridge Rd. (bus shelter near Law’s Close)
All accessible on the outside of the buildings.
MOT TESTING NB SANDERS
Newborough and Borough Fen
Defibrillator Training
As you will know the parish council arranged a training session on 20 February in the village hall explaining how to use one of the many defibrillators located around the village. This was well attended and without exception the feedback has been very positive - those who attended feel better prepared if they need to use a defibrillator.
I should be very clear though, that training is not required before using one of the defibrillators – the training merely provided an opportunity for attendees to familiarise themselves with the procedure. The machine talks you through the process needed in an emergency so do not hesitate to use if needed.
If you should use one of the defibrillators, can you let the
parish clerk know so that we can ensure it is ready for use again in the future.
Police Surgery
The police hosted a drop-in session at the village hall on 19 January to discuss any issues with residents. Although few were in attendance, the police were very happy to listen and take away/note what was raised. Issues ranged from car parking to wider concerns, although the police did say that the amount of recorded crime in our community was very low. A further surgery will be held on the 23 May from 6pm-8pm (see adjacent page) at Newborough village hall.
I would encourage you to attend if you have any questions or concerns. As this is a drop-in you do not have to stay for the whole session (you can if you want to though!) Come along and ask your question and feel free to leave afterwards. I would suggest you turn up as near to the start time as possible as the police will leave if there are no further points/questions.
Newborough
and Borough Fen Neighbourhood Plan
If you live in Newborough and Borough Fen you should have
received a leaflet with this edition of the Village Tribune regarding the Neighbourhood Plan. Please read it as it has important details on how to engage and have your say in what the final plan will look like. I appreciate that it may seem to have gone very quiet, but rest assured the steering group has been beavering away in the background doing the necessary work to drive this forward for us all.
Moving forward, you will start to see much more by way of leaflets, posters and attendance at the many groups/ organisations in the village, where members of the group will give further details and try to answer questions.
Do remember, that we are all volunteers and although we have some knowledge we are not experts – but learning fast! It is critical that your views are captured as once the plan is completed a community vote needs to take place for your approval… but more on how and when that will take place as we progress onwards.
Allotment opportunity - There are a few plots available for tenancy on Peterborough Road, as well as an agricultural opportunity in Newborough.If you are interested in ‘growing your own’ or would like some further information, please let the Clerk know. clerk@newboroughandboroughfen-pc.gov.uk
Newborough & Borough Fen News
Good Neighbours Newborough
Good Neighbours Newborough is part of the larger group 'Good Neighbours Rural Peterborough', a registered charity formed to support local residents.
The Newborough group has developed from the local Covid Support Group set up during Covid. To this end, we have been holding Friendship Teas for well over a year, once a month and usually on a Thursday afternoon, in the Village Hall, and they are very well attended. We always welcome new faces, and you are assured of a friendly group, with free tea, coffee, cakes and very often entertainment. Please feel free to come along, meet our volunteers, and give us a try.
(Wendy - 07507 635617)
clerk@newboroughandboroughfen-pc.gov.uk
Our Parish Council have invested in the group to support independent living and reduce isolation and loneliness within our village. Good Neighbours are a non-emergency charity that can enrich the quality of life for vulnerable, lonely or isolated people in our community. All our volunteers are DBS checked and attend training, thus protecting the volunteer and the person in need of help.
We are also able to offer befriending, help to get out and about, transport to medical appointments and social groups, help with shopping or help with simple DIY tasks.
If you know of a family member, friend or Neighbour that may need some help, please contact us.
Even though we are almost out of the worst of Covid, there are still many people that may need our help, we just need to reach out to them.
Derek Skingle, Volunteer and Trustee
The Plough Inn, Newborough
by Paul Cooper
The last edition of the Tribune covered the period from its opening until just before WW1. In this edition will conclude the series on Newborough Pubs. Don’t worry there is plenty more history to come.
Continuing the Plough's history and taking us through the First World War years was Arthur Jinks. Arthur’s time as landlord was to be one of tragedy, accusations and concern for his sons. Arthur Jinks was born in Newborough in 1867. He married Elizabeth Jackson at Newborough Church on 8 October 1888, they were both aged 21. Their family soon grew after their daughter Ethel was born in 1892, followed by Arthur Jnr (1894), Elizabeth (1896), Joseph (1898) Tyrrel (1900) and William (1904).
Arthur Jnr, Joseph and Tyrrel all served in WW1. Prior to taking over the license for the Plough Inn Arthurs was listed as a 'Butcher's Pig Dealer.' Having sons away in the military must have been a considerable concern for Arthur and Elizabeth, especially as over the duration of the First World War so many Newborough young men died on active service. Tragedy struck the family on 26 January 1921. Joseph Jinks who after leaving the army had been awarded a smallholding in the village. It must be
mentioned that Joseph was 22 at the time. He had served in the army during WW1, as a driver with the Army Service Corp. He served for five years from 1915 to 1920. He lied about his age and enlisted at the age of 15 so that he could join his older brother Arthur. On 26 January 1921 Joseph was ploughing land on his small holding. As was common at the time he was carrying a gun on the implement. Whilst he was ploughing the land the gun, resting on the plough, accidentally discharged and
shot from the weapon entered his right elbow, causing him a serious wound. Fortunately his friend Thomas Walden, the local milkman, was close by and heard the gun discharge and also Joseph crying out for help. Thomas bandaged the wound as best he could and took Joseph to the hospital on his horse and cart, arriving at around 2pm. Surgeons operated and removed the shot from the wound and tied off the damaged arteries. The next day the wound showed signs of blood poisoning and surgeons were forced to amputate his arm just below the shoulder. Joseph remained in a serious condition and further deteriorated as gangrene set in. Joseph died at 4.30pm on Sunday 30 January 1931. At the inquest, which was held at the hospital on 31 January, the coroner; Mr W. B. Buckle returned a verdict of accidental death. He did add that it was a waste of a young life and that Joseph had been a credit to his country.
As was usual for public houses at the time, many organisations used the establishments as a base for operations or for convenience. In another episode which involved a death locally, the Plough was the venue for an inquest in 1916. A man from Walton had hung himself in a hovel close to the pub in March 1916. The poor soul had suffered depression and had taken his own life. The coroner returned a verdict of suicide whilst temporary insane.
One of the village organisations which used the Plough as its base was the Newborough Dividing Club, for which Arthur Jinks was the treasurer, a post
he had held for 15 years. In April 1926 Arthur was summoned to trial accused of “Having received certain property to wit £94, for an account at the Newborough Dividing Club, he did fraudulently convert to his own use or benefit the sum of £67. 18s. 6d between 1 January and 31 December 1925.” Witness for the prosecution was the Dividing Club secretary Mr John William Smith, and engine driver from Newborough who had been the secretary for the past 15 years. He gave a description of the purpose of the Dividing club as; to receive contributions of 6d per week from each member. The proceeds were used as sick pay and benefit for the clubs members. The remaining balance of the funds was paid out to members at the end of the year, except for a balance of two shillings which was rolled over to the next year. Under questioning it was established that not every member paid into the fund weekly and some paid fortnightly. It was also established that some members did not frequent the pub on a regular basis and took the money to the pub out of hours. The money was then handed to Mr Jinks whose job it was to enter the amount into the cash book. If Mr Jinks was not at home the money was given to Mrs Jinks, for which she was authorised to collect on his behalf. The clubs books had been audited and found to be correct. What was not audited was the cash book used by Mr Jinks as it was not present. According to the prosecution there should have been a dividend of £67. 18s. 4d. The Dividend was to be shared between the club’s 72 members. It was admitted
that the Plough Dividing Club had been run efficiently for the past 15 years whilst Mr Jinks had been treasurer. The issue of missing money arose during 1926 when the secretary, was absent from July onwards of the monthly committee meetings and did not sign off the cash book. The club was also criticised for its lack of process. Was Mrs Jinks authorised to accept the money on her husband’s behalf. Was the money paid to Mrs Jinks always passed to Mr Jinks or was there a mix up? There was no explanation as to why the cash book did not match the accounts and considering it went unchecked for so long, what were the guarantees that all the money had been paid in. These were just some of the irregularities that lead to the judge being unconvinced that a fraud had actually taken place. In his opinion the evidence is insufficient to send the case to the Crown Court and therefore dismissed the case.
What is also interesting regarding this case is the fact that a certain Mr R. Y. Norris from (Messrs Norris and Sons, solicitors) observed the case on behalf of the owner; Messrs Elgoods and Sons Ltd, owners of the Plough Inn. Why is this interesting? When I originally wrote to Elgoods and Sons for information regarding the Plough Inn, they responded stating that they had never owned the Plough Inn. In their defence the Plough Inn does not feature on any of the Elgoods historical web sites that I have visited. Yet they are represented in court as owners. To further add evidence that they did in fact own the land a court case later in 1926
where Elgoods went to court in order to evict Arthur Jinks from their property. This case also failed. However, there is evidence that Arthur did leave the pub in 1926 as the following notice appeared in the Peterborough Standard on Friday 7th May 1926. “An application from George Thomas Bell for the transfer to him of the licence of the Plough Beerhouse, Newborough from Arthur Jinks was granted. In the same paragraph, on the 5th May Elgoods again tried to evict Arthur Jinks from the Plough Inn. This was dismissed on the grounds that Thomas Elgood had instructed his solicitor verbally regarding the eviction rather than by written correspondence.
From this point the trail goes cold regarding the landlords at the Plough Inn. In the late Mrs Dunns account of the village history; John Rowell, who married Arthur Jink’s daughter Ethel, ran the pub for a while. It is not known at this stage whether George Bell was the landlord or just a means to get the licence back from Arthur Jinks. What is certain is that George Murden was the landlord in the early 1930’s. In 1932 the pub was put on the redundancy list, just as the Carpenters Arms and the Royal Oak were, unless the facilities were improved. They obviously were as in 1937 a report in the Peterborough Standard in October 1937 describes how George Murden’s son was convicted for dangerous driving when he was involved in an accident near St Ives in his lorry. His address was given as; The Plough Inn, Newborough. George Murden, who was one of the village blacksmiths retired in October 1943 and the licence transferred to Thomas Cranwell, who was to be the last landlord of the Plough.
Thomas Cranwell serving beer at the Plough Inn
Thomas was born on 17 June 1896 in Ramsay. He was the second eldest child to Frederick and Rhoda Cranwell. Frederick originated from Saffron Walden. Rhoda originated from Whittlesey. They were married in Huntingdon in 1883. The 1911 census lists Frederick as a Farm Horse Keeper at Willow Hall, near Thorney. It is certain that Thomas served in WW1.
Although there are no surviving records he did tell me before he died that he was a Lewis Gunner. It is not known what Thomas did before coming to Newborough. However, what we do know for certain is that he married Elsie Wilson, in Peterborough in late 1929. Tragically Elsie died suddenly on 15 June 1955. A year later Thomas published the following tribute to her in the Peterborough Advertiser;
In Loving Memory of my dear wife Elsie who passed away on 15 June 1955.
She had a nature you couldn’t help loving. Her heart was purer than gold; And to those who knew and loved her. Her memory will never grow old. She suffered much in silence. Her spirit did not bend; She faced her task with courage. Till she reached her journeys end. Sadly missed , longed for always. Bringing many a silent tear.
From her loving husband Tom.
Elsie is buried in Newborough Churchyard.
continued on page 36>>
>> continued from page 35
Tom continued to run the pub on his own until 1976. Elgoods made the decision to close to pub. Tom was in his 80th year. In the process of closing the Plough, a proviso was made that Tom could live there for the rest of his natural life.
Elgoods, who still maintained that the plough was not one of their pubs, made an application to Peterborough City Council in 1979 to develop the land. However, before this could go through the land was sold to Neville Sanders. Neville also made the condition that Tom could live in the old pub for the rest of his life. However, the ravages of time were taking their toll on the pub building which lead to Tom moving out of the
Whilst talking to many of Newborough’s older residents, it was clear that they all have fond memories of the pub when it was open. From the friendly atmosphere to Tom’s character, no-one had a bad word to say about it. One comment which did make me laugh, from someone who shall remain nameless; “He spent so much money in there he could have bought the place.”
My plea for old pictures of the village continues. If any of you discover an old picture showing the village please get in contact. They are all worth
pub and into a caravan on site. To his credit, and considering the primitive living conditions, Tom was always well groomed and dressed. As time moved on the caravan became uninhabitable and infested with mice. Some of the neighbours made a couple of the rooms inside the old pub building habitable again and also restored the fireplace. The caravan was dismantled for
recording for future generations. On this note I was contacted by two people after the last edition. My thanks go to Mr Gregory from Newborough who kindly allowed me to copy title deeds from the old Carpenters Arms and special thanks to Rita McKenzie from Werrington. Rita is a collector of old photo graphs and has an extensive collection from local villages. Some of these are of Newborough and again my grateful thanks go to her for allowing me to take digital copies. The data base is coming along nicely. In the near future
scrap. Some neighbours would ensure Tom had a regular hot meal. Tom died in 1986 just short of his 90th birthday. He is also buried in Newborough Churchyard. Not long after his death the old pub building was demolished and the bricks reused elsewhere. In 1987 Neville Sanders sold the land to Jelsons, who built the Plough Lane development.
I will need to consult with my IT expert friend on how would be the best way to share the database online.
What is amazing is the number of pictures that people put on social media of the wonderful sunrises and sunsets we see from this village. We have a very flat landscape which offers us some beautiful uninterrupted views. I for one would like to see these protected. How can that be done? A neighbourhood plan can offer the village a unique opportunity to have control over the future development of our village.
Would you like to be involved with the Neighbourhood Plan?
An accurate report can help dictate the type of future development that is allowed. There is a small group, with the guidance of an expert consultant, working on a neighbourhood plan. What is exciting about this plan is it is you the residents who make the decisions. In the near future a questionnaire will be delivered to every household in the parish. This gives you the first step to dictate what you want this village’s future to be. Please complete the survey and return. The next meeting of the group is 21 February at Newborough Village Hall 7pm. More people are needed from a range of age groups to give the group more diversity, no experience necessary. If you want to be involved please contact the Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council Clerk; clerk@newnoroughandbotroughfen-pc.gov.uk
The Plough Inn being demolished
Anne Lees
The Amblers in Tribland
‘Come with rain, O loud Southwester! Bring the singer, bring the nester; Give the buried flower a dream…’ pleads poet, Robert Frost.
However, our ambles over winter have been hampered to some degree by the dreadfully wet conditions underfoot so, although we welcome the warmer breezes, we would rather not have more rain for a while. The other requests we are in favour of, though; it is time to start looking for
signs of nature’s reawakening. You have probably noticed the increase in birdsong – a wonderful soundtrack to the great outdoors – and may have seen birds in flight carrying nesting materials. On the ground, the ‘choirboy’ aconites have been spotted, along with snowdrops, crocuses and hellebores. Daffodils are just beginning to brighten the verges and gardens, primroses have appeared in Bainton churchyard, and blackthorn blossom fragrances the air along the lanes, bringing smiles to our faces as we anticipate warm, sunny days ahead.
We have been forced to choose tarmacked routes so far this year, to avoid having to detour – or getting stuck in the mud – but the elements have not been too unkind and we have enjoyed getting together for our weekly walks. It really was too wet for walking at the beginning of January, so we met for coffee instead. But in the rest of the month we covered Glinton to Etton; Burghley House Park to Stamford; and one of our firm favourites, Southey Woods. February found us in Deeping St James, following the riverside; Longthorpe and Ferry Meadows on a wet day; and Barnack’s Hills and Holes in the sunshine.
By the time you read this, we will have had our fifth anniversary stroll
(gasps all round). The plan is to meet in the late afternoon/early evening for a change, for a walk along the bank of Maxey Cut to see a starling murmuration. I really hope we are rewarded with an amazing display.
Murmurations occur in the autumn and winter months and have been described as the greatest wildlife spectacle in Britain. It is thought that the huge flocks ‘dancing’ together in the air is confusing for predators and so they feel safer in larger numbers, taking it in turns to fly on the ‘leading edges’ of the formations; their extremely fast reaction times enable them to change direction instantly without colliding. Starlings in the UK are ‘red-listed’ because numbers have declined by over 80% in the last 50
years. But in winter, their numbers are boosted by migrants from colder climes, and it is not unusual to see thousands of them participating in these beautifully choreographed displays which are thrilling and mesmerising. We shall feel particularly privileged if we are able to witness this special event. The photos featured here are from an evening recently when I set out to see if I could find one myself. It was a slow start, with a few small, separate groups but, as time went on, the groups began to merge and were gradually joined by many, many others until they stretched across the sky in a milelong ribbon. I felt very fortunate,
and wore the biggest grin for around a half an hour – especially when they swooped, swirled and soared right over my head. It was like being gifted wings myself, being part of the flock temporarily, and a real honour.
There and then, I decided it was an experience to be repeated – and shared with the rest of the group – but time is of the essence now that spring is here. So, if you are reading this in a timely manner, and have the opportunity at dusk to get out near a lake or river, do give it a try. You will not be disappointed… unless they don’t come out to play, of course! Good luck to us all.
We amble on Friday mornings in various Trib’land locations and you are welcome to join us. If you would like to come along, or offer to show us around your locality, text the Amblers on 07714 021 131 for more information, or PM me on the Village Tribune Facebook page. We look forward to meeting you.
David Rowell
Langdyke Countryside Trust
Langdyke Countryside Trust has been looking after nature locally for a
quarter of a century …
It is 25 years since four local men got together and decided to form a group to help nature to survive and thrive.
It took that group six years before they finally acquired a nature reserve - buying Swaddywell Pit near Helpston and rescuing it after it had been illegally used as a race track.
Today Langdyke has grown with around 250 household members from Tribland. It has a healthy number of volunteers
who have a common goalstanding up for the trust’s aims of harnessing and championing nature, heritage and local communities.
It also runs eight local nature areas - including Swaddywell, Torpel Manor and Etton Maxeyand is on the verge of acquiring a ninth on land between Helpston, Maxey and Etton.
Add to this the work the Trust does in being a leading light in the John Clare Countryside
vision - trying to restore and keep the green areas and wildlife to how it was when the peasant poet Clare described it in his poetry.
It all adds up to a great story and one the Trust's members are proud of as they mark 25 years in business. And, remember, it is an entirely volunteer led organisation. No-one gets paid.
Each week, no matter what the weather, teams of volunteers
Photos by Sarah Lambert
meet at Etton (Monday mornings) and Swaddywell/ Torpel (Thursday mornings) pull on their wellies and boots and get to work clearing and removing unwanted plants and trees to allow more important ones to thrive; tending ponds; repairing fences and stiles; nurturing wild orchids; putting up nest boxes; and checking on Langdyke’s flocks of Jacob and Hebridean sheep.
The work they do keeps the nature areas in tip top condition and is not only important, but also rewarding.
Malcolm Holley has been volunteering for a number of years. He says: “I feel a real sense of achievement when I have spent time out on the reserves. It helps keep me fit and healthy and there’s a great team spirit among the volunteers.”
They also find time to sit down for a chat over coffee and cake.
This year, the anniversary is being marked in a relatively low key manner with a series of events including; organised walks, a geology talk, guided bird identifying sessions, a nightingale walk at Castor Hanglands in May and a guided walk among the Swaddywell
orchids in June. There are also small-mammal identification surveys in June which members are able to go along to.
In addition, our reserves at Etton, M'Lady's-Pond (near Ailsworth) and Marholm Field Bank will all be hosting special open sessions for visitors to view the vast array of birds, butterflies and wildflowers.
If you would like to know more about Langdyke and its activities please visit the website www.langdyke.org.uk
Alternatively, please consider becoming a member (it works out at less than 70p a week for a family!). Every penny of your donation will go towards helping the nature on our doorsteps to thrive. You can email membership@langdyke.org.uk
The Langdyke Trust is a volunteer led charity which works to improve nature across the area. You can help its work by becoming a member (only a small fee each year) or volunteering to help.
More details of how to be a member or volunteer on the website www.langdyke.org.uk
Judy Staines
Glinton Nature Recovery Plan
We have been working with various agencies to improve the biodiversity of the land, and yes, we are aware that the visual appeal is disappointing at the moment, but in time, it should be a lovely spot, especially in spring and summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. We have already found some interesting flora, including the Bee Orchids – I counted well over twenty 'rosettes' of those towards the end of February when I did a walk-round.
Here's what's been happening:
First of all, I approached the Langdyke Countryside Trust for help with this project and ecologist Sarah Lambert came, did a survey of the site and catalogued the plant life, and made a proposal of what we could do to improved things. This included a list of suitable plants to be introduced. This is important, because just throwing in any old 'meadow mix' could overwhelm any important, but less robust, species already there, and harm the long-term prospects of the site. For instance, we discovered that we have Bee Orchids growing there, which were struggling due to an unsympathetic mowing regime. So the first thing to do was to limit mowing to twice a year and
mow at the correct times to allow all wildflowers to bloom, and set seed. It's important to sow the correct meadow mix because many of them contain non-native species, and a surprising number of insects – including butterfly and moth caterpillars – depend on one single type of native wild plant, some of which are becoming scarce. So, we must avoid introducing plants which are not on Sarah's list.
One huge problem for us has been collecting the grass cuttings so that the seed can be sown. The council machines are mulching mowers, which means that they reduce the grass clippings to a kind of coarse paste which is extraordinarily difficult to collect and remove. Collection must be done because wildflowers mostly do better with less fertile ground in a meadow situation, so volunteers – including councillors and Langdyke members - have twice worked at raking up the cuttings at the end of the summer and lightly scarifying the ground to reduce fertility. Last autumn a seed mix was sown but sadly this has not taken well, so the plan now is to do a limited turf lift and sow into bare earth which will allow the wildflowers to spread within the area (this has been done at Itter
As many of you will know, the roughly triangular area bordered by Lincoln Road and the bypass near McDonald's has been designated a Nature Recovery Area by the Glinton Parish Council (GPC).
Park and is working really well). We hope to plant bulbs into the areas under and between the trees, and a bio-blitz is being planned for sometime in July this year. After that we'll have some idea of how we are doing.
Please have patience with the process. In nature, meaningful change can be very slow and on the way things can look messy. Nature isn't really very tidy, is it? But tidiness not important to the animals we are trying to attract and provide with food and shelter to aid their recovery. Volunteers are, of course, very very welcome; please contact andy.staines@glinton-pc.gov.uk
Turf-lift sown wildflower seedlings at Itter Park
Bee orchid, basal rosette
Weld, an ancient dye plant
Common Whitlow Grass flowering amid mosses and Biting Stonecrop
Peakirk-cum-Glinton: that special relationship?
By Dr Avril Lumley Prior
We hear of Peakirk-cum-Glinton or occasionally Glinton-cum-Peakirk. The problem is that I cannot find a single reference to the joint place-name in any medieval charter, account book or official document. We have Peikirce et (and) Glinton and Glintone cum (with) Peichirche but no hyphenated version. Even the joint Inclosure Award of 1820 treats the two settlements as separate entities. So, we must conclude that Peakirk-cum-Glinton was a confection of those pesky Victorians wanting an ‘inclusive’ name for the new school that they opened in 1845 and to appease Peakirk parents for not locating it in their village. Still, even before the Norman Conquest, the two settlements were inextricably linked and seem to have had a ‘special relationship’.
continued overleaf
St Pega’s Church, Peakirk
>> continued from previous page
Trouble in Tribland
Our earliest citation of a connexion is slightly dubious as it is gleaned from the forged Crowland Abbey chronicle, allegedly written by Abbot Ingulph c.1089, but actually, concocted during the midfifteenth century. ‘Ingulph’ claims that in 1013, ‘the Monastery of St Pega along with its adjoining manors, Glinton, Northburtham (Northborough), Maxesey, Etton, Badyington (Bainton) and Bernake (Barnack), were committed to the flames’ and all their inhabitants slain by Swein Forkbeard, king of Denmark. That is, all except Abbot Baldoc and his monks, who escaped by boat to Crowland Abbey, which had
paid its Danegeld and had been left unscathed. When Baldoc returned and found Peakirk Monastery destroyed, he suffered a seizure and expired five days later. The marauding Swein died the following December and the Viking raids ceased for a while.
Yet, perhaps, some threads of truth can be teased from ‘Ingulph’s fake househistory. It seems more than a coincidence that Sigeferth, one of Aethelred II’s noblemen, founded a ‘new minster’ at Pegecyrcan (Peakirk or Pega’s church) shortly after ‘St Pega’s Monastery’s’ alleged demise. Its purpose was to accommodate secular priests called canons who prayed incessantly for Sigeferth’s
soul and that of his wife, Ealdgyth, to hasten their passage through Purgatory and hopefully into Heaven. Sigeferth must have had a sense of foreboding for, in 1015, he was murdered by Earl Eadric Streona, who seized his lands. King Aethelred reacted by depositing Sigeferth’s widow at Malmsbury Abbey but his son, Edmund Ironside, had other plans for the lady. He whisked her away and married her against his father’s wishes and together they rode forth to reclaim Sigeferth’s lost estates.
Edmund inherited the English throne upon his father’s death, in April 1016, and ruled for only seven months. Crucially, it was long enough for him
St Benedict’s church, Glinton
to bestow parcels of land at Peakirk and Walton upon the ‘new minster’ at Peakirk but, this time, prayers were offered on behalf of Sigeferth, Ealdgyth – and Edmund. Like Sigeferth, Edmund was wise to look after his soul. That November, he was murdered in a London privy and Eadgyth fled with their infant sons to Hungary, part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Danish raids had already resumed, led by Swein Forkbeard’s son, Cnut, who was grudgingly accepted as the king of England.
Tithes that Bind
We must fast forward to 1086 and Domesday Book to find our earliest reliable reference to Glinton. Here, are two citations of the manor ‘with
its dependencies’, which presumably included Peakirk, Etton, Maxey, Northborough and Deeping Gate, since they are not mentioned elsewhere in the survey. The first entry states that Peterborough Abbey held Glinton in demesne (under direct control) with ten villeins (unfree landholders who were tied to the manor) and six halfvilleins (unfree smallholders) all of whom worked the abbot’s land two or three days a week in lieu of rent. There were also eight freeholders (who owed no service to the abbey but still paid taxes or tithes), and two female slaves.
The second reference states that three of the knights of Peterborough Abbey held land in Glinton in return for
military service to Abbot Turold de Fécamp (1069-98), whom they had fought alongside at the battle of Hastings. Later documents disclose that they were Geoffrey de la Mare (who held additional lands in Etton, Maxey, Northborough and Woodcroft), Roger de Torpel (Ailsworth, Ashton, Lolham, Marholm, Northborough, Torpel and Ufford) and Ansketyl de St Médard (Etton, Thornhaugh and Wittering). Two mills are recorded, probably at Lolham and Maxey, since no river flows through Glinton.
An assessment of c.1125 reveals that the manor of Glinton supported thirteen villains, eight half-villeins, six bordars (landless peasants) and two priests. Alfric was the abbot’s toll-keeper
Glinton Rectory
and Eilmer was in charge of the fishponds, possibly in Peakirk. There was a wildfowler, likely to have been based in Peakirk too. Indeed, an expanse of land, later occupied by the Wild Fowl Trust, was formerly known as Gosham (‘goose promontory’) and inspired the multitalented Harry Strange to call his house on Deepings Road ‘The Goshams’, in 1898.
Tithes paid at Christmas, Easter and St Peter’s Day (29 June) indicate that the residents kept sheep, cattle and hens as well as oxen for ploughing and haulage. In addition, they were obliged to provide timber for repairs to the monastic buildings, firewood for the abbot and, for the monks, twenty wild geese - and 400 ‘Easter eggs’!
The Papal Bull of Eugenius III of 1146 is our earliest indisputable link between Glinton and Peakirk. It confirms to Peterborough Abbey ‘Glinton and Peikirce with its church and chapels and (river) tolls at Depinges and Peikirce’. Therefore, it appears that Peakirk was the ecclesiastical centre with a chapel-of-ease at Glinton to save congregants the mile-long trek to the mother church in inclement weather. Peakirk’s first known rector was Amicius, who was succeeded by Richard de Stainsby, in 1226. His accommodation until the eighteenth-century rectory was raised would have been a cottage in a corner of the churchyard.
Conversely, Glinton, on the old Roman road to Lincoln (then Peterborough Abbey’s diocese), was the estate’s administration centre, manned by the abbot’s bailiff or a small band of monks to whom manorial tenants trooped to pay their tithes. No doubt, the
grandiose chapel-of-ease with its elegant spire, magnificent late-twelfth-century font and cheeky gargoyles, was a status symbol for the abbot’s demesne manor.
Peakirk and Glinton shared an open-field system, perhaps laid out before the Norman Conquest. Two were referred to as the South and West Fields in early-fourteenthcentury peasants’ charters. The South Field, renamed Welmoor (Welmore) Field by 1712, stretched from the modern B1443 (Peakirk Road) as far as Werrington and was contained to the east by the Peakirk section of the Car
Dyke. By 1820, the West Field was divided into the Brook and Mill Fields, which lay entirely within Glinton parish, from west of North Fen Road to the Helpston boundary. A third field, known in 1712 as ‘Between Towns Field’ also straddled Glinton and Peakirk, was bordered to the north by the Glinton-Peakirk Footway and to the south by the present B1443. Finally, Dovecote Field, north of the Footway, again spanned both parishes from North Fen Road as far as St Pega’s churchyard until a portion was carved out for Peakirk rectory. Other resources were shared as well: the abbey’s tenants
Glinton’s font
Bring & Buy Sale, Peakirk Rectory, c.1940
from Glinton, Peakirk, Etton, Maxey, Northborough and Deeping Gate were entitled to graze their cattle on North Fen water meadows in summer and pannage their pigs in the woods in autumn. Conversely, Borough Fen was strictly reserved for the Peterborough tenants’ livestock
Modern Times
St Benedict’s remained a chapel-of-ease to St Pega’s until January 1865, when Reverend Canon Edward James inherited the rectorship of Peakirk from his father, John James. However, pastoral care continued to be dispensed to Glinton parishioners by a curate until the early 1870s, when their
first parish priest, Reverend William Cape, was installed in the imposing new rectory.
But inevitably, what goes around comes around. In 1943/4, the two ecclesiastical parishes were reunited.
Reverend St Andrew Fleming Seymour St John of Peakirk, a bachelor, decamped to Glinton and the redundant Peakirk Rectory was sold. And curiously, our current benefice embraces Glinton, Peakirk, Etton, Maxey and Northborough, estates understood to have been included with Glinton’s entry in Domesday Book and, debatably, the block of Peakirk’s ‘manors’ plundered by Swein of Denmark and his mob, in 1013.
And so, Glinton and/with Peakirk remain together but apart. Two parishes sharing one rector and separated by remnants of medieval open fields and connected by the ancient drove to North Fen and the road that follows the contours of the fen-edge. More recent facilities are also shared, such as Glinton’s convenience store and post office, the pharmacy, Arthur Mellows Village College, and, of course, Peakirk-cum-Glinton primary school.
PS. The Nine Bridges Benefice is a colloquial name, acquired in 2016.
Other People’s
BOOKCASES
by Clair Wordsworth
“If I go into a house and there are no books, I find it unnerving,” says Brian Cocks, “I wonder what makes them tick!”
Brian is a retired bookdealer, a second career that got started in the mid-1980s, after (ironically) an American executive flew to Blighty to close the department at Perkins Engines in Peterborough where Brian was employed. After a couple of false starts at other things, he slowly turned his long-term hobby of collecting books about aviation into a reliable business. This just goes to
show, one should always try to stay positive during dark times.
Brian had joined Perkins in 1952, as a Planning Engineer, after completing his obligatory two years of National Service in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers.
“Terribly boring,” is how Brian describes his period of National Service today.“As the famous joke has it, you stood about and if anything moved, you saluted it, if not, you painted it white! It was a dreadful waste of time. I didn’t go anywhere interesting or do anything notable. I couldn’t wait to start work.”
Aviation enthusiast Brian Cocks gives Clair Wordsworth a tour of his Tribland bookcases, in the first in a new series of features.
When Brian joined Perkins in the early Fifties, he owned a Norton ES2 motorcycle (pictured left).
Before finding a permanent home in Tribland, he rented rooms in Peterborough and commuted on some weekends to and from Surrey by motorcycle. Crash helmets were not compulsory back then – they wouldn’t be until 1972 – so, he generally just wore a cloth cap during the 100-mile trips. He chuckles at the memory of this today.
As a boy, growing up during the Second World War, Brian quickly became fascinated by the planes he saw flying in the sky and others he glimpsed over the wall of Tangmere
Brian and his books
Aerodrome, from the top deck of a bus, on his way to school. “Tangmere was one of the biggest, most important aerodromes in the south of England at that time,” he recalls, “there were exciting aeroplanes there just the other side of the fence. Once, I cycled down with a girl from the village and one of the guards said, ‘Come on kids. Come and sit in this Spitfire.’ It was a great excitement, to climb into a Spitfire that was almost certainly going to be used in action the next day!” Brian’s face lights up. All these years later, he finds the memory of this childhood event uplifting and its infectious. “Officially there was a great sense of secrecy around the aerodrome, but we were school kids and the guard thought we’d enjoy the experience, so we were very lucky!”
Along with many of his school friends, Brian was an avid reader of the magazine Aeroplane Spotter, published between 1941 and 1948. Each issue contained 12 pages of news, features, photos and silhouettes (pictured above) of the era’s major aircraft. Naturally, a few details were omitted for security reasons. And, you’ll be delighted to hear Brian still has a complete collection of those coveted boyhood magazines!
There was also a dedicated Spotters’ Club at Brian’s school, “we took a great deal of pride in identifying everything that flew.” The physics teacher was a member of the local Observer Corps, a civil defence organisation dedicated to the visual detection, identification and reporting of aircraft over Great Britain, so Brian could usually get answers to his most pressing questions, although sometimes he was told, “that’s top secre!”
Given Brian’s early fascination with planes, it’s initially surprising to discover that Biggles books didn’t feature in his childhood reading at all. Yet, speaking to him, I’m enlightened quickly as to why, “you didn’t read fiction, because wartime was far more dangerous and exciting.” So, the stories by W. E. Johns (1893-1968) about James Bigglesworth, the fictional pilot spanning both World Wars, were not on Brian’s RADAR until much later.
W. E. Johns had been a pilot in the First World War and remained in the RAF until 1927. His other stories include a series of books about Flight Officer Joan Worralson (plucky fictional member of the WAAF) and another series about a British Army commando. W. E. Johns also edited ‘Popular Flying’ magazine and a
publication about gardening. 'He was something of a workaholic' says Brian.
Brian Cocks remains curious and continues to find new areas of interest. Books about early ballooning currently fascinate him. And, he’s proud to have been up in a balloon three times. “A beautiful sensation of silence,” is how he describes the experience. “You can hear what people are saying 100-200 feet below.”
Apparently, right from the start, there were two distinct types of balloon flight – one using hot air, another using hydrogen. The French were the leading pioneers of ballooning. And, the first successful human balloon flight took place in France in 1784, using hot air. In those early days, it was an exceptionally dangerous pastime. Parachutes were available, but it would take over 100 years for safety issues with them to be mostly ironed out.
A few shelves are dedicated to female aviation pioneers, such as Amy Johnson, Jean Batten, Amelia Earheart and continued overleaf >>
Pauline Gower. Amy Johnson (1903-1941) became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930 and was dubbed Queen of the Air by the British press. She died in action in World War II, whilst delivering a new aircraft, as a member of the women’s branch of the Air Transport Auxiliary service, set up by Pauline Gower (1910-1947).
Brian has a notable connection to Pauline Gower. After surviving the Second World War, Pauline tragically died in March 1947, after giving birth to twin boys. Sometime later, Brian came across the original telegram giving the news of this unique life/death event, it reads: “Pauline died last night. Twin sons survived and are well.” Brian has since been able to pass that telegram on to one of Pauline’s sons. Michael Fahie wanted to write a book about his mother, whom he knew little about.
Out of the blue, Brian got a phone call from Michael and was able to assist him getting a publisher. The book, A Harvest of Memories: The Life of Pauline Gower M.B.E. was the result (pictured left, centre column).
“One of the best things about being a book dealer was meeting very interesting people,” Brian says. Fighter Pilot Johnnie Johnson (1915-2001) was one of the most memorable, “meeting him at his house in Derbyshire was a real highlight. He was quite a character. Very abrupt, but friendly.” Johnnie Johnson was the most successful British Fighter Pilot of World War II in terms of enemy planes shot down. His book Wing Leader was a best seller.
“War flying probably attracts the greatest interest of all,” says Brian authoritatively, “it’s probably responsible for more printed words than any other aviation subject.” He points out that our victory in the Battle of Britain could so easily have ended in defeat. Hitler had more than enough planes to wipe out the RAF completely, but Britain’s preparation in 1938/9 (training pilots and production of advanced aircraft) was just enough to scrub out Hitler’s invasion plans.
There was another important factor too. Hitler’s sudden change to the Luftwaffe’s bombing strategy aided our Battle of Britain victory too. Instead of sending his planes to keep on bombing British airfields, Hitler diverted them to attack the capital. Bad news for residents of London, but it meant our vitally important aerodromes were saved and our pilots were able to keep fighting back for longer.
Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader (1910-1982) is the most famous aviator of World War II. Countless books have been written about him. Less well known though is his postwar friendship with German General Adolf Galland (19121996). It’s a remarkable story of reconciliation.
Brian describes himself today as, 'a bit of a hoarder' and doesn’t understand how anyone can buy a magazine and dispense with it after only reading it once! “I rate aviation magazines highly as evocative reminders of the past,” he says. They are snapshots of a topic at a set time.
Hoarding is something to be commended, in my view, especially when it comes to books and printed materials. So, what is Brian’s top tip for others wanting to follow in his footsteps? “Do put up some more shelves first, in the home extension that you will have built especially for the purpose.”
Elisabeth Brown (left) meeting Margaret Courtman (right), Chair of Helpston Local History Group.
In late 2022, Elisabeth, who lives in Castor, saw an article in the Village Tribune alerting her to the quest for local stories connected to World War II. Now, many more people know about her family’s unique and uplifting tale. In 1943, her father, Douglas Gillam, an RAF navigator, was saved by a parachute packed by a man from Helpston. Elisabeth didn’t meet her Dad until after the war. Her mother was pregnant when Douglas was captured in France by the Germans. He then became a Prisoner of War until 1945.
Last November, Elisabeth Brown came to see a display about her father’s fascinating Second World War story, as part of the popular Helpston Home Front weekend held in St Botolph’s Church
Moonlight Mission Over Occupied France
Flight Sergeant Douglas Gillam had been on a really important mission over Normandy with pilot Flight Sergeant Matthew 'Robbie' Robertson.
The Bristol Beaufighter aeroplane they were flying in contained top secret and ground-breaking RADAR equipment. Before leaving their RAF base at Wittering, they had been given strict orders to destroy the equipment, if their plane got into difficulties. Officials wanted to ensure the Germans didn’t get access to the new equipment.
15 August 1943 was a beautifully clear night with
full moon. This was the pair’s sixth mission together and the came under attack by a Heinkel He177 Bomber. Robbie, the pilot, was shot in the arm and the plane caught fire. As the on-board fire intensified, he shouted to Douglas to “jump” from the plane.
Just before Douglas ejected from the burning plane, he set an explosive to destroy the RADAR. As he floated safely to the ground, thanks to his parachute, he believed the explosion he saw in the distance would have caused the death of his friend. “Everything exploded as soon as I left the plane,” recounted Douglas later.
Thanks to a carefully packed parachute by Helpston resident Flight Sergeant Gordon Jones, Douglas landed safely at Flamanville in France with only minor injuries.
Members of Helpston Local History Group believe Gordon and his family were lodging at what is now known as Helpston House on West Street.
“If it wasn’t for Gordon Jones, I would never have got to know my Dad,” Elisabeth told Maragret at the Helpston Home Front event in St Botolph’s church last November.
Packing a parachute is a complicated process. Thankfully, Robbie (the pilot) had also managed to eject safely from the aircraft before it crashed. He was captured by the Germans as well and saw out the rest of the conflict as a Prisoner of War in Stalag 4B Camp near Dresden with Douglas. They remained friends for the rest of their lives. By the way, HLHG are starting work on a new long-term community project. Keep an eye on the group’s regular page for more details soon.
Elisabeth meeting Dad for the first time, in 1945
Gordon Jones & family
(Left) Flight Sergeant Pilot Matthew M. Robertson, 27-years-old
(Right) Flight Sergeant Radio Radarist Douglas J. Gillam, 23-years-old
Since writing the last farming diary in December very little outside work has been done – incessant rainfall resulting in many acres of farmland being flooded with gale force winds to add to the problem.
FARMING Rosemarys DIARY ’
I think the floods at the beginning of January have possibly been the worst since 1947, after which extensive drainage work was carried out by the relevant authorities. In 1947, following heavy snowfall in our villages, Castle End Road and Nunton Road, Maxey were cut off by snow drifts 8ft deep! With the men folk getting shovels and manually clearing the roads and pathway to get access for tradespeople etc., to get supplies through and, of course, any ill or pregnant mothers to hospital. It took until 10 March for the snow to go. Other villages were in a similar position with the baker carrying loaves of bread across fields to supply hungry households.
As a country emerging from the Second World War, mechanisation hadn’t had the opportunity to be readily available, few houses had a telephone line, some no electricity - coal and wood were the main source of heating and there was an outside privy. The main sewage system wasn’t available until the early 1960s. Machinery on farms was limited, and although tractors were beginning to replace the horse, they were very basic compared with today.
Looking back, it was the community spirit which proved to be the lifesaver, as most villages had their own
shop, school, church, pubs, blacksmiths, undertakers and so on.
Few people travelled outside the village they lived in, people only had bicycles, there were no cars, and a very basic bus service for the workman to the factories in Peterborough.
For those of us who can remember that winter, we can appreciate how times have moved on. The next severe winter was 1962/3 and there have been other harsh winters, but we seemed to have had everything in 2023!
Unfortunately, 2024 continues in similar vein, however, in between short periods of drier and windy weather we have been able to lift and deliver the last 50 acres of sugar beet to Whissington Factory. On 7 February, we also completed the sowing of our winter wheat crop – not quite according to plan – but, I think, along with most other farmers, we have achieved the best we can in a very difficult year.
How pleasing it is to see the snow drops, aconites, other bulbs and shrubs all giving a wonderful display of different colours, signalling that spring is only just around the corner, bringing life and colour into our gardens.
With two months of 2024 behind us, we turn our thoughts to our summer and autumn events ...
16 June - Farm Open Sunday with the emphasis on the environment, and craft stalls etc –more information nearer the time.
14 September - Sponsored Community Harvest Supper Open to all ages, with all profits going to Thorpe Hall Hospice, which covers a large area and does amazing work. The event will be held in the grass field away from the shop and The Granary in John Clare (poet) country.
The event is covering all Tribland Parishes, readers and beyond and we hope that local businesses and community groups come on board, as well as residents from all of the surrounding villages. Commencing at 3pm, with food 4pm – 8pm, entertainment, live auction and other attractions,I truly hope it will be an enjoyable and memorable day.
The event will be organised by a small committee with each individual being responsible for their own task which I believe will work extremely well. It would be very much appreciated if anyone with expertise in this area or who has a willingness to be involved please do contact us. We hope to make this an annual event.
Tickets will be available online. For further information email infowillowbrookfarmshop@ btinternet.com, or call into the shop leaving your name and contact number.
There will be more information and an update next issue of The Tribune.
The promoters of No Mow May would like you to believe that your lawn will end up looking like a wild flower meadow.
No Mow May
In the early summer of 2023 I was disappointed to see the roadside verges of Peakirk left uncut in places and seriously overgrown with weeds. It was a mess and felt similar to the feeling I had when visiting Rome and finding awful graffiti on some of the ancient monuments. It really lowered the tone of the whole area.
A friend suggested that perhaps the Parish Council had adopted a 'no mow May' policy. I had no idea of the truth but decided that, in the winter months, I would investigate the pros and cons of such a policy.
My initial feelings were that it lacked any real degree of substance. I have been involved in Horticulture for more than 40 years and felt it could be yet another falsehood put forward by well meaning but probably misinformed so called environmentalists of this world with little or no factual information.
by Christian Maitley
I come from a generation that prefers to get to the truth by investigating the facts. In my early career as a young cub reporter the following statement was emphasised often.
“Everyone is entitled to an opinion but they are not allowed to invent or distort the facts.”
That may not be the exact quotation but it has stayed with me even though it was a long time ago and my career changed direction a few times since those days.
I spent a lot of the chilly winter months reading numerous articles from around the world regarding the fors and againsts of 'No Mow May'.
The first thing I came across was the exaggerated belief that if you don't cut your lawn for the whole of May you will end up with a beautiful meadow of colourful wild flowers which are brilliant for feeding and hiding all those
WriteAway @
In reality you will end up with something like this verge.
What is the Truth?
insects, birds and mammals. I do assure you that you will not.
Unless you sow wildflower seeds in your lawn in March or April you'll get nothing more than a field of dandelions, long grass and a few other weeds which may affect the future viability of your lawn. The wild plants (weeds if you like) will eventually crowd out the grass. The advantage of sowing the wildflower seeds will at least give the birds something to eat in the early season.
We all know that dandelions put on a bright display of cheerful yellow flowers but they are a poor food source for the insects. They will also spread quickly to your garden borders as well as those of your neighbours. Your decision may well backfire if your neighbour decides he does not appreciate dandelions and so uses more herbicides to get rid of them and so harm the wildlife that you are trying to encourage.
>> continued from previous page
The promoters of No Mow May have also come up with another catchy phrase to get over their ill thought out campaign. Let it Bloom June. If it carries on we'll be overgrown by autumn. You may be thinking that leaving your lawn uncut will save you time and energy.
So what are you going to do when you do need to trim back your jungle? Have you got a lawn mower or other garden implement that will cope with foot high grass, nettles and weeds? Will all the hours you saved and spent sitting on your deckchair watching your lawn grow now be spent on your knees with the shears? I can hear you saying “I bet he's got a lawn that's all stripes and looks like Wembley”. Not a bit of it.
I do allow my lawn to grow slightly longer than most. The height of the mower is set to about 50 or 60mm. This higher cut helps the lawn survive the high summer temperatures and it allows other plants in my lawn to grow. It means they can flower for the insects and the lawn still looks presentable. I have dandelions which I allow to flower but I pick the seed heads before they spread.
I have clover which the small hairy bees love and blue selfheal which is a pretty little dwarf member of the mint family and a firm favourite with most insects. There are also daisies, celandine and other little gems to help feed the bugs.
However, I do not allow the weeds, or wild plants if you like, to take over. I do carefully use some chemicals, and natural
remedies where possible, to provide a balanced appearance.
There are many ways you can help insects, birds and small mammals in your garden other than leaving your lawn to grow. Spend a few minutes searching the internet for solutions.
I try to ensure I have flowering plants and shrubs that will flower at different times to keep the 'larder' stocked. I have different varieties of Buddleia which are great for butterflies.
Lavenders are brilliant for the bees and let your Ivy seed to give a food source for the birds in the colder months. There is so much information out there to help you.
I must mention how disappointed I was with some contributors when I researched this subject. I came across a number of them that, when their positive argument was weak and they felt it necessary to give it a boost, they decided to play the Mental Health Card. It is a subject that has touched all of us at times and should never be misused. It ranges from short term depression or anxiety to very serious long term conditions and it angers me that Mental Health issues are often used as a tool to emphasise a poor argument.
Trying to indicate that having an overgrown lawn is good for your Mental Well-Being is a shocker.
In my garden I also have a small area that I allow to go wild. Nettles are quick to invade and some moths and butterflies love them as the nursery for the
next generation. I have to say though that Nettle Tea, which is evidently good for you, is an acquired taste I have a couple of dense hedgerows which are great hiding places for the little birds. I always enjoy walking through the village and hearing a gang of the small birds chirping and squabbling in the privet hedges.
We live in an area managed by mostly Arable Farmers. They and their forebears have been managing this land for a lot of years. They know the importance of the flora and fauna of this land and you'll see verges, hedgerows and margins left for them to thrive.
We are surrounded by these areas that are perfect homes and larders for our insects, birds and small mammals. I have spent a long time investigating the advantages of No Mow May and the like and strongly believe the benefits are minimal. You would be better off looking at your garden as a whole to manage and help make it a great environment for all those insects, small mammals and birds.
Never take anything as read. There are always consequences of implementing an action and in this case I believe that No Mow May and Let it Bloom June are just gimmicky phrases that have little or no benefit to any of us or the fauna. However, if you feel so inclined, why not give it a go. Leave part of your lawn to grow on from 1 May. Take notes and photographs and I look forward to reading about your thoughts and actual findings later in the year.
Happy Gardening
A few months ago, as I opened my first cask of cider made from Helpston apples, I began to think that after 28 years as the local Peterborough City Councillor, it is time for me to ‘bow out.’ People have changed, the village has doubled in size and we even have a new King.
It’s OVER -
Now, onto other pressing matters ...
From the beginning I was welcomed into the village and treated with understanding, tolerance, and friendship. I valued that support so much, especially on a dark, winter’s evening when things were not going as planned. The letters were piling up and there was no Wi-Fi in the village then. The village has changed and is faced with continual and new pressures. I still spend much of my time dealing with planning issues but newer issues such as leisure, safeguarding and health have become significant concerns.
There have been successes such as environmental protection. Yet, much more needs to be done to calm traffic as the number of cars increase. The pavements now need urgent attention. Minor matters, such as the provision of oak benches around the area
have proved to be so popular over 20 years. The destruction of small habitats continues daily but there has been a significant increase of planting of native plants and trees.
By far the most important issue has been house building. In 1987 a council officer said to me that she wanted 200 houses built in each village. I have done my best to moderate that and the large estates planned have not happened. The smaller developments have brought new people into the village, helped the village pub, shop and school and given a new energy to daily life.
I must thank the parish council. They have worked so hard in trying to guide the village through a wide variety of events, pressures and events. They were very supportive in my work and I count them as friends as well as colleagues.
It would be unwise to point to any general aspect I have been involved with. However, I am so pleased in December to see Christmas trees in the centre of the village and throughout the ward. During the summer an important day for Helpston is when the primary school parade through the village and lay poses by the side of John Clare’s grave.
Every Saturday I would walk my villages. I was able to talk to individuals and discover what was concerning them. I discovered all sorts of things about the village. Do you know where the gallows stone is? Why is the ‘Golden Drop’ so called?
Finally, a big thank you to all who supplied me with so many apples. My cider making will continue and I will think of you all as I press my apples in November.
Cllr David Over
Barnack Ward Peterborough City Councillor
Family run business with 37 years’ experience of o ering clients unique and practical designs to complement your lifestyle
Helpston based
from the kitchen of
Crème Brûlée
‘Allo all you good folks out there in Tribuneland. I hope you are all well and looking forward to the springtime, non? This issue I am to describe one of the simplest yet perhaps most accepted and enjoyed desserts for you to place before your guests: Crème Brûlée. A truly uncomplicated dish to create but so tasty and a splendid way to finish the main courses you have prepared before. Yes, I know you can buy from Mr Waitrose and Mrs Tesco
In a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then immediately remove from the heat. Add the vanilla extract.
Bring a kettle of water to a boil. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until well combined and slightly pale, about 1 minute.
In a medium bowl gradually pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, a little at a time, whisking constantly.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl with a pour spout or a large measuring cup. Place 4 (8-ounce) custard dishes or ramekins into a large roasting
Preheat the oven to 325°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
For 4 diners, you will need:
2 cups double cream;
1 teaspoon vanilla extract;
6 egg yolks;
½ cup sugar, plus more for topping; ¼ teaspoon salt.
but to make this yourself is both a pleasure doing and more so when your guests offer their appreciation for your efforts. I would be surprised if any decent chef couldn’t make a good CB blindfold but to the home cook it may appear a French classic so ‘don’t go there’ type of dish. Not so dear reader. Go there!
We have served this for many years here at CP. One famous guest to our family’s former restaurant in Ascot, the amusing American actor Phil Silvers, who
pan. Pour the custard mixture into the dishes or ramekins.
Pour enough hot water from the kettle into the roasting pan to come about halfway up the sides of the custard dishes/ ramekins.
Carefully transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the centres are just set.
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and remove the custards from the roasting pan. Refrigerate for least two hours and up to three days. Cover them with plastic wrap if making more than a few hours ahead.
lived nearby whilst filming here in the late 1960’s, used to have us make them for his own dinner parties. We of course made them in our own CP-branded dishes, which he gave away to his guests one time when the cast of Carry On Follow That Camel came as his guests to the restaurant! Years later the brilliant Kenneth Williams visited again with Barbara Windsor and brought his dish back for us to use! We let him keep it, of course.
Before serving, sprinkle each custard with 1½ to 2 teaspoons sugar, depending on the size of the custard dish. Use a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar until it is deeply golden but not burnt.
Alternatively, place the custard dishes on a baking sheet and grill two to three inches from the heat source for a few minutes, or until the sugar melts and browns (keep a close eye to make sure they don't burn).
Let sit for at least 5 minutes or up to one hour before serving with a few pieces of fresh fruit for decoration.
Bonne chance, Pierre x askchezpierre@gmail.com
tribunediary
The Arts Society Peterborough
The Arts Society Peterborough’s monthly talks are held at The Fleet PE2 4 DL.
Doors open at 10.15am for coffee and a chat, each talk starts at 10.45am and lasts an hour.
Glinton Horticultural Society
Fri 15 March
An evening with Bill Shaw
Fri 19 April
My Journey into Gardening and the NGS by Barbara Stalker
Both in Glinton Village Hall at 7:30pm
Sat 4 May Plant Sale
Glinton Village Hall, 10:00am to 12noon
Sat 21 September Show
Arthur Mellows Village College
2:00 to 5:00pm
On the Edge – The WI
Second Friday of Every Month, 7:30pm
Northborough Village Hall
Our WI ladies meet at the Northborough Village Hall each month at 7:30 pm. Our aim is to provide something of interest for everyone with our varied activities and speakers. In addition, we run walking and craft groups, a lunch club and a book club for the likeminded.
We currently have spaces for new members so, if you’re looking to make friends and try new things, come and join us! Email: ontheedgewi@gmail.com
All are welcome to join us.
14 March
‘London’s Last Departmental Stores’, by Tessa Boase.
London’s sumptuous Victorian and Edwardian stores changed the capital and changed its women. Shoppers were lavishly wooed, seduced and often undone by the temptations in these new cathedrals of desire.
11 April
‘Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: The Golden Age of Mexican Paintings', by Chloe Sayer.
Chloe surveys the work of both of these iconic artists and chronicles their turbulent marriage and Mexico’s history after the 1910 revolution.
For more information and details of how to join the society, visit: www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk
Burghley Park & Peterborough Ladies inviite you to a
Dinner Dance
Friday 5 April 2024
Doors open 7pm, carriages at midnight. at Burghley Park Golf Club, Stamford PE9 3JX
Tickets £29.50, available from Sam 01780 753789 or Ann 01778 344234
Music from The Wrinkle Rock Band
tribunediary
NEWBOROUGH FRIENDSHIP TEAS
A chance for local residents to get together for a chat and a cuppa!
New dates for your diary
Thurs 28 March
Thurs 25 April
Thurs 23 May
Thurs 20 June
Thurs 18 July
Thurs 29 August
Thurs 26 September
Thurs 24 October
Thurs 21 November
2 - 4pm | Village Hall
If you require transport call Wendy on 07507635617
Deepingís First and Only Micropub and Only Micropub
Micro pub. No music, no fruit machine, no sports, no fizzy terrible lager!
Up to eight real ales on tap at any given time, direct from the barrel. 20+ traditional ciders, nice wines (no rubbish!) and genuine German lager bier. A choice of Belgian beers and some quality spirits.
You can order your takeaway from any of our neighbouring establishments and eat in the pub. Weíll even provide proper plates, serviettes and cutlery (we wonít actually spoon the food into your mouth but you get the idea)
OPEN TIMES
Wed 3ñ9pm, Thur 3ñ9pm, Fri 3ñ10pm, Sat 3ñ10pm, Sun 3ñ7pm
Mon/Tues: Available for private functions, plotting of revolutions or respectful shenanigans.
DIARY DATES
Sunday 24 March
Tim from Ouse Valley Singles Club entertains. Very rude ... but popular.
24 April onwardsÖ
Woodfordeís Brewery Showcase. Come and try Wherry like itís supposed to tasteÖ 7 to 9 June
Beer at the Priory. An annual festival of ales at our local church. 25 ales and a selection of ciders, wines, nibbles and other shenanigans. A perfect opportunity to sup a few social glasses in the vicarís nice garden. Last Wednesday in the month Last Cheese Club. Bring something cheesy to share! For up-to-date info: info: /thirstygiraffedeeping
Saturday 17 August
Maxey Car Show
Saturday 14 September
Harvest Supper
At Willowbrook Farm, from 3pm. Food, drinks, entertainment. More details in the next issue of the Village Tribune and /groups/villagetribune
Every 3rd Tuesday each month
Castor and Ailsworth WI
Saturday 22 June more
Every Monday morning Castor and Ailsworth Art Group
7
We meet in Castor Village Hall at 7pm. We have a range of speakers and activities. In March we are hearing about the 'Mineral waters in this area.' In future, we are looking forward to finding out about life in Ukraine, personal security with the police, and our village church 900th birthday. All welcome. E: diana.rjjones@gmail.com Call 07710 771560
Saturday 9 March
Hear My Prayer
We meet every Monday morning at 10am to noon in the Cedar Centre by the Church. We are an unstructured group that is based on encouragement. There are also other meetings from time to time in the evenings or weekends. Visitors welcome. E: diana.rjjones@gmail.com 07710 771560
7.30pm at St Guthlac’s Church Market Deeping PE6 8AN
Tickets £12 (children £5) from Kate Brown 07910 874840 or Sue Nicholls 07913 296247 (also available on the door)
An evening of beautiful choral and organ music for the season of Lent, including Bach’s wonderful motet Jesu, Meine Freude and music by Lassus, Leighton, Purcell and Poulenc.
Jeremy Jepson, Director
Sun 3 March
NINE BRIDGES BENEFICE
9am – Holy Communion, St Benedict, Glinton
10:30am – Family Communion, St Pega, Peakirk
3pm – Messy Church, Peakirk Village Hall
6pm – Taizé, St Peter, Maxey
Sun 10 March
Sun 17 March
Sun 24 March
Mon 25 March
Holy Week
Tue 26 March
Holy Week
Wed 27 March
9am – Holy Communion, St Pega, Peakirk
10:30am – Family Communion, St Andrew, Northborough
6pm – Joyful Journey, St Benedict, Glinton
9am – Holy Communion, St Peter, Maxey
10:30am – Family Communion, St Stephen, Etton
6pm – Celtic Evening Prayer, St Andrew, Northborough
9am – Holy Communion, St Andrew, Northborough
10.30am – Family Communion, St Benedict, Glinton
10.30am – Evensong, St Pega, Peakirk
7pm – Stations of the Cross, St Stephen, Etton
7pm – Stations of the Cross, St Stephen, Etton
Holy Week
Thu 28 March
Holy Week
Fri 29 March
7pm – Stations of the Cross, St Stephen, Etton
7pm – Maundy Service, St Pega, Peakirk
Good Friday 10am – Walk of Witness, Details on Website soon
Sun 30 March Easter Eve
Sun 31 March Easter Day
Sun 7 April Low Sunday
Happy Easter
6am – Dawn Easter Service, St Peter, Maxey 10:30am – Easter Communion, St Andrew, Northborough
9am – Holy Communion, St Benedict, Glinton
10:30am – Family Communion, St Pega, Peakirk
3pm – Messy Church, Peakirk Village Hall 6pm – Taizé, St Peter, Maxey
Sun 14 April Easter
Sun 21 April Easter
Sun 28 April Easter
9am – Holy Communion, St Pega, Peakirk
10:30 – Family Communion, St Andrew, Northborough 6pm – Joyful Journey, St Benedict, Glinton
9am – Holy Communion, St Peter, Maxey
10:30am, Family Communion, St Stephen, Etton
6pm – Celtic Evening Prayer, St Andrew, Northborough
12pm –Good Friday Service 2pm – Messy Church 3pm – Good Friday Service 10:30am –Good Friday Service 9am –Good Friday Service
inspire
You are Loved and You are Welcome
www.9brideges.church
I wish you all a happy new year (I’m not sure when it is appropriate to stop saying that).
The change in the pattern of services seems to have gone quite smoothly with large numbers finding their way to services around the benefice and discovering new styles, new churches, and new people with which to worship. I would
thoroughly recommend people to sample a service that you might not have encountered before. I think of
1 Chronicles 16:11
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”.
Lexie our faithful elderly yellow Labrador is getting slower and slower in her old age but Jesse’s theological training continues under her masterful tutelage as an elderly, wise and educated theological dog.
Paws for Thought
Jesse: Lexie, I am a bit confused?
Lexie: What about?
Jesse: Well, last time you told me that the church was all the people but there is the building where we go with Revd. Keir that is also called the church?
Lexie: Yes – Many years ago people build special places for them to meet and worship.
Jesse: And these are churches?
Lexie: Yes
Jesse: And the people are churches?
Lexie: Yes?
Jesse: Nope, still don’t get it.
Lexie: Well, the Church is the people who follow Jesus. And they then decided we needed special buildings to learn about God and to support each other.
The benefice has started to develop according to our mission diagram. The first aspect we would like to focus upon is that of Welcome. It is obvious that welcome is not something that we should be doing only when people walk
Jesse: Oh ok, and they called them churches as well?
Lexie: Yes.
Jesse: They should have picked a less confusing name like “building for awesome people to be brilliant” or something like that.
Lexie: I am not sure the people who go to church always feel awesome and brilliant.
Jesse: But I thought you had to be good and have your life together to go to church
Lexie: No, it is the exact opposite. The church is there to support the lost, broken and uncertain.
Jesse: What?
Lexie: Yes, the people who make up the church are not perfect
people or people who know everything. They are people who see that they need help.
Jesse: But we can still celebrate in church and thank God for what we have?
Lexie: Yes
Jessie: and ask for things? Like sausages?
Lexie: Well, yes, we have talked about prayer and it’s not just for sausages.
Jesse: But we can pray for sausages?
Lexie: Yes, I suppose so.
Jesse: I will pray for sausages for everyone, and balls, and digging, and long walks.
Lexie: That is very good of you, Jesse.
Jesse: I do my best.
Reverend Keir
through our door but rather sending out a message of love and welcome to people who are not churchgoers. Being made to feel welcome is an essential part of our faith but it is so very difficult to do. We know what makes us feel welcome, but it is not clear as to make others feel welcome. We have been working hard over the winter months to plan a rota to ensure all our churches are open as much as possible. This will allow people to come and look, engage and marvel at these wonderful places. Starting in Lent (14 February) we will be opening more and more. Additionally,
we are starting to consider how welcoming our spaces are including noticeboards, prayer spaces, and information about the life of the church. This is both in and around the churches themselves as well as in the community and online. We would love people to comment on their recent experiences both positive and negative, so that we can send out the message of welcome, inclusion and love. I am aware that the general synod (the Church of England’s governing body, will be meeting soon and the news will probably focus on the divisions in the church especially about blessings
We don’t sing 'When a Knight Won his Spurs' in church much these days. It’s generally a bit folksy for me anyway, and that second-last line about 'the sword of my truth' doesn’t seem too appropriate now I’m no longer in class 1M of Watling Primary School, Dunstable. More like 'the armchair of my age' these days ...
In Search of Dragons
But, I remember the hymn well, with its feel of almost sadness that all the dragons are now dead. What is it to be a knight if there are no dragons to slay? What if St George got the last one?
There are, of course, dragons still to slay today. We are called to support the innocent against oppression. To find ways to battle the dragons of hunger, loneliness, greed.
of same sex couples. This seems to be such a juxtaposition to the teachings of Jesus and the early church. I want to assure everyone reading this (and everyone that they might meet and share this message), everyone is welcome. It is that simple, everyone is welcome.
You don’t need to get things right, you don’t need to know what church is all about, you don’t need to understand about God (because we all don’t really). All you need to know is that you are loved and you are welcome and I look forward to finding more ways to get that message across.
GK Chesterton wrote that the point of fairy tales is not to scare a child with a dragon – the child has always known the dragon. The point of fairy tales is to give the child St George, who can slay the dragon.
So, on 21 April, the nearest Sunday to his feast day, we’ll hold a parade service at St Botolph’s Helpston. We’ll honour St George – a soldier in the Roman Empire, born in what
Have a happy Easter. And a stirring St George’s Day.
9 bridges benefice – Christmas/New year Quiz
is now Turkey, who probably died for his faith in Israel. And we’ll remember his victory over a dragon – a legend that was first recorded 600 years after George died. Because to face the dragons of this world, we need to know that dragons can be slain.
And before that on 31st March, we’ll have celebrated Easter Day. When Jesus defeated the greatest dragon of all – death.
Revd Gary Alderson
My thanks to all who bought and sold the quiz. Just over £200 was raised for the Benefice. Particular thanks go to The Ruddy Duck – Peakirk, The Packhorse – Northborough and the Blue Bell – Maxey who donated vouchers as prizes. The winners and answers will be posted on the church notice boards, but if you would like a copy emailed to you send a request to r372quinn@btinternet.com.
Bob Quinn
Perform Live on Stage
Men United in Song supporting Prostate Cancer UK
Launching in March, the popular pop-up singing project will give 40-plus local men the opportunity to get involved and do something extraordinary ...
Working over ten weeks towards a fantastic live performance at Peterborough Cathedral in May, you’ll learn to sing, meet new people, challenge yourself, perform live on stage and raise money for a much-loved and very important charity –what's not to like?
No previous singing experience is necessary, just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, get stuck in and give it a go... everyone’s in the same boat, and it’s all about the journey!
Men United in Song 2024 sign-up sessions will be at the John Mansfield Campus PE1 4HX on
Thursday 29 February and Friday 1 March (79pm), please register first for your timeslot. (This is not an audition, it’s just an opportunity to find out more and get involved.
Men United in Song 2024 rehearsals will be at the John Mansfield Campus PE1 4HX from 7.45pm on Thursday evenings, starting on Thursday 7 March.
The Men United in Song 2024 charity event supporting Prostate Cancer UK will be at Peterborough Cathedral at 7.30pm on Friday 11 May.
For more information or to register for a sign-up session, visit peterboroughsings.org.uk, email menunited@peterboroughsings.org.uk or call 01733 425194
Spring into Song
Peterborough Choir is springing into their new programme for 2024.
In November the choir sang Mozart’s Requiem with the London Classical Choir to raise money for homelessness projects including Peterborough’s Light Project.
The choir is now working on a programme of French choral music, including the well-known Faure Requiem, ready for a concert this spring.
June will see the choir at Thorney Abbey for a summer concert with a strawberry tea.
Everyone is enjoying singing, and performing concerts encouraged and inspired by Matthew Watts the Music Director.
New members, irrespective of experience, are very welcome. In particular, the choir needs more men and singers with lower voices. Choir members are ready to help new members.
Contact the choir through the website, https://peterboroughchoir.com/ or just come along to a rehearsal. The choir meets every Tuesday in term time, 7.15 at St Andrew’s Church, Ledbury Road, Netherton, Peterborough PE3 9RF.
Men United in Song
Peterborough Choir
pitchperfect
We are thrilled to introduce a fresh addition to our magazine – Pitch Perfect, our Classified Section! As we continue our journey of connecting communities across the picturesque landscapes of north Peterborough, we're excited to offer you a platform to showcase your lineage, businesses, services, and events.
By featuring your lineage adverts for 12 months, spanning six issues, we will get your details in front of over 10,000 village residents But wait, there's more! As a bonus, advertisers in our Classified Section will also gain access to our vibrant online community. With over 4,000 active members on our Facebook group, you'll have the opportunity to share promotional messages with a wider audience on the last Friday of every month for an entire year.
Ruddy Duck at Peakirk T: 01733 252426 E nigelcook502@gmail.com www.ruddyduckpeakirk.co.uk
Amo La Pizza T: 07514 771388 E info@amolapizza.uk
woodfiredpizzauk
Invest local to
SAVE
Cllr Neil Boyce and Cllr Peter Hiller, Glinton and Castor ward
After months of Local Government Association (LGA) and council warnings that growing funding gaps would lead to cuts in services, the Government eventually announced in January that an additional £600 million will be included in the final local government finance settlement for 2024/25.
Neil and I welcome any extra funding for Peterborough City Council, which is now finally balancing its budget, and our rural wards like Glinton and Castor. The LGA and its partners worked hard to get
every additional pound that was announced by Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. However, in the next financial year councils in the UK have a funding gap of £1.6 billion
"... with the Budget due on 6 March, Neil and I are encouraging the LGA to continue to make the case for not just plugging the gaps in council finances but for long-term, sustainable investment in local government."
just to ‘stand still’ and maintain current levels of provision, that are already insufficient to meet rising costs and demand for vital services such as children’s and adult social care, special needs home-school transport, and homelessness and housing
Our fear is simply this money may well put a few extra coins in the meter but will not stop the lights going out in many councils across the country. We are firmly of the opinion that empowering councils and
putting them on a sustainable financial footing would actually benefit the Government, as well as our local areas and residents. Public services can be delivered faster, better and more efficiently at a local level. Crucially, investing in and empowering councils can drive economic growth, and lead to better value for money for public spending. Council services can act to prevent more costly demand passing to other public sector bodies, such as the NHS.
Despite the £600 million announcement, almost twothirds of that £1.6 billion pressure remains and councils will still need to raise council tax, with many having to make cuts to local services to balance their budgets.
That is why, with the Budget due on 6 March, Neil and I are encouraging the LGA to continue to make the case for not just plugging the gaps in council finances but for longterm, sustainable investment in local government. This is an invest-to-save proposal that would help the Government deliver its national policy priorities, including economic growth and getting better value for money from public spending.
From building more social homes to reduce the recordbreaking number of households in temporary accommodation to improving outcomes for lookedafter children and young people leaving care, we know that public services can be delivered faster, better and more efficiently at a local level.
