Majestic Maxey motors on show Creating crucial support for Ukraine
Community
Remembrance Services
Our pre-Christmas edition has traditionally been one of the busiest issues each year. This year has seen us smash all previous records –resulting in this 96-page bumper magazine.
Inside you will find local articles, news, diary dates and a huge amount of information and features provided by our network of dedicated contributors. We are also delighted to welcome a host of new advertisers into this issue – please give H&A Dental, Homefind Solutions, My Therapist Online, Stamford Stoves, Nunton Lodge Christmas Trees, Jo So Sleepy, Peterborough Cathedral and City College Peterborough your support as we extend our invitation to readers to ‘shop local’.
By the time you read this November/ December issue, our new Village Tribune website will also be live – head over to www.villagetribune.org.uk to discover even more news from our villages, access our back issues online, search for local businesses in our ‘Shop Local’ section and post your event details (free of charge) on our Tribland Events Calendar. You can also find contact details of most of our local clubs, associations, parish councils, schools etc in our comprehensive online Directory. If we’ve missed you out, just drop us a line; villagetribuneeditor@me.com and we can get you included.
Finally, a huge Tribland 'Thank you and a Merry Christmas' to all the people who have contributed to creating and distributing our award-winning magazine throughout 2024. Without our advertisers, editorial contributors and our army of volunteer distributors the Trib’ simply wouldn’t happen.
Let’s also hope that 2025 sees a move towards peace in Ukraine and in the Middle East and good health for our readers. The deadline for our January/ February 2025 edition is Friday 6 December and we plan to have the magazine delivered between Christmas and the New Year.
The Advertiser warrants: (a) that the advertisement is legal, decent, honest and truthful and that it complies with the British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion, with any relevant codes of practice and with all requirements of current legislation; (b) that nothing in the advertisement is defamatory or constitutes a malicious falsehood; (c) that the publication of the advertisement will not infringe copyright or any other rights vested in a third party; and (d) that the Advertiser has secured all necessary authorities and consents in respect of the use in the advertisement of any pictorial representations or other representations of (or purporting to be of) living persons and of references to any words attributed to living persons. (ii) The Advertiser will indemnify the The Village Tribune Ltd in respect of all costs, damages or other charges arising as a result of the publication of their advertisement or incurred in connection with any actions or claims brought against the Company arising from a breach by the Advertiser of the warranties in this paragraph 1 or otherwise from the publication of the advertisement.
The views expressed within this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor. All copy is believed correct at time of print but no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. No part of this publication and/or website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing. The Village Tribune own all rights to contributions, text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing.
5,400 copies of the Tribune are distributed free of charge in Ailsworth, Ashton, Bainton, Barnack, Castor, Deeping Gate, Etton, Glinton, Helpston, Marholm, Maxey, Newborough, Northborough,
COUNCIL CORNER DEEPING GATE
Philip Thompson, Chairman
New Councillors
We are pleased to welcome two new councillors to Deeping Gate Parish Council, Richard Milligan in September and Alexis Bennett in October, both residents of Deeping Gate. Our new councillors bring their own special skills and experiences which are much appreciated.
Footpaths
We continue to press Peterborough City Council for action on verges and footpaths. We hope that we will eventually be able give a positive report, but that time has not yet arrived.
Environment
We have continued involvement with and support The John Clare Countryside Project and the DGPC Ten Year Nature Recovery Plan (2022). We were represented at the North Parish Cluster Group Meeting and have agreed to create a DGPC Biodiversity Plan under the lead of Cllr. Milligan. We shall soon be undertaking further bulb planting on suitable sites within the parish, and if anyone feels that they can assist please contact our Clerk.
“Nobody needs to stop learning just because they have finished working.”
The adventures start right here!
Monday 11 November 10am - 12 noon
Deepings u3a has over 30 different leisure, social and educational activities and you are welcome to come along and see if there is something for you. Refreshments available.
Deepings Community Centre, 2 Douglas Road, Market Deeping PE6 8PA
More information is on our website www.deepings.u3asite.uk
Are you no longer in full time employment but want to keep active in body and mind, learn new skills, pursue your interests, make new friends and have fun?
Find out about Deepings u3a (covers Deepings and surrounding villages) at our Open Day on 11 November (when we plan to also observe a moment of silence at 11am).
u3a members benefit from being able to join our varied interest groups. Some members just attend our interesting monthly meetings but most also participate in one or more of our friendly groups led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic leaders.
Not all u3as in the country are the same; the programme of activities and events reflects its members’ wishes and resources.
You may have a hobby you’d like to share and start up a new group. We're really looking forward to welcoming you on 11 November.
Maxey Classic Car & Bike Show
Wow! Another great day for the 23rd Maxey Classic Car & Bike Show held at Willow Brook Farm on Saturday, 17 August. The sun shone (but not too fiercely), the band turned up to be shown off by their very proud owners.
There were some fabulous vehicles winning in each of our classes and happily, they will all be more than pleased to come along next year.
Undoubtedly, the weather played a big part in bringing out the enthusiasts but we are all really pleased with the result. We wouldn’t be able to stage the event without the help of our sponsors and the team of volunteers who helped us with the set-up and on the day. A huge thank you to them all. Every year, our judges, who are renowned national classic car journalists never cease to be amazed at the number and quality of classic cars that come along to our show. All proceeds raised go to charity and we will have a total of £6,000 to give away this year. We would love to hear from readers of their suggestions of a local charity or cause deserving of a donation. Please get in touch – details are on our website.
Also, this local car show takes a lot of pulling together and we are always looking for volunteers to help with the setup. Again, if you are interested in giving us a hand please do get in touch. Our slogan is 'If you drive it or ride it and love it, then show it' and this was certainly the case for both familiar and new faces this year.
Matt Thompson, Chairman of the organisers Bluebell Maxey Charity Club
Photo by Richard Dunn
Plans are already in place for the 25th Maxey Car Show due to be held on Saturday 16 August 2025
Pre War 1934 Riley Lynx Owned by Richard Whyte
1940s-50s 1955 Vauxhall Velox Owned by Brian Dodd
1960s Ford Consul Capri Owned by John Chappell
1970s 1976 Ford Capri 2.0s Owned by Mick Gilbert
1980s Vauxhall Senator Owned by Paul Roberts
Modern Classic Land Rover Discovery S1 Owned by Paul Palframan
Custom Car Ford T-Bucket Owned by Dave Driver
Kit Car Chezl Speedster Owned by Mick Stott
Commercial 1956 Austin FX3D Taxi Owned by Howard Godsland
4 x 4
Land Rover S1 109 Owned by John Strak
Best Bike BSA Gold Star Owned by Malcolm Pearson
Best Scooter Lambretta LI 150 Owned by Mick Bothamley
Visitors Choice Triumph TR6 Owned by Jon Bingley
Pat Summers Memorial Trophy
Best in Show Alfa Romeo Montreal Owned by Ron Jones
MOT Testing Station
Courtesy car available
Class IV (cars & light vans)
Class V & Class VII (vans up to 3500kg)
For all mechanical, MOT preparations, accident & insurance body repairs Peakirk, Peterborough PE6 7NT 01733 252 599
MOT TESTING NB SANDERS
COUNCIL CORNER MAXEY
Cllr Lynne Yarham, Chair and Elinor Beesley Clerk, Maxey Parish Council
Maxey Community Association
Maxey Community Association was formed to raise funds to pay for the upkeep of Maxey Village Hall. Over the last 40 plus years they have not only managed to cover the day to day running costs but have fund raised to build an extension and to refurbish the kitchen. The funds have been raised in three main ways.
1. By letting the hall to groups on a regular basis. These groups currently include keep fit training, dog training, a craft group, an art group and a church group.
2. By letting the hall for one off events such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, Christening celebrations and wakes.
3. By organising and running fund raising events. These have been very diverse and include quiz evenings, race evenings, Italian themed evenings, Barn Dances and afternoon teas.
Councillor Vacancy
At the time of writing, the Parish Council has two Councillor vacancies that can be filled by co-option.
Maxey Parish Council is a friendly, welcoming council that works towards making
The first two of these continue to be very successful but the fundraising events have recently been less successful as villagers have not supported them in sufficient numbers. The number of volunteers has also diminished making it harder to run events. What is really needed is new people with new ideas. If you feel that you could help in any way, then please contact MCA through the details on their website. The group is very friendly and welcoming and would love to welcome you.
Village Planters
The planters in Maxey Village have looked beautiful this summer but planting them and maintaining them involves much hard work by the Parish Council. It is very grateful, therefore, for the offer of help from Maxey Nature Recovery Group. This group also contributes to the upkeep of the village field and other green areas.
Other news from the Parish Council
The first of two new Vehicle Activated Speed signs is due to be installed at the West End of High Street by the end of the year in a continued effort to tackle the issue of speeding in the village. Maxey Parish Council is very grateful to Ward Cllr Neil Boyce for a contribution from his community leadership fund which has helped make this project possible.
Earlier this year the Parish Council successfully applied to Peterborough Environment City Trust for a 30 for 30 Grant to help fund two new interpretation boards. The existing boards (on the corner of Castle End Road/West End Road and in John Perkins Field) are weather damaged and in need of an update. The new boards are in the final stages of design and will include up to date information for residents and visitors.
a positive difference to the residents of Maxey.
If you have a keen interest in the local area, are passionate about your community, and would like to make a difference, please contact
the Clerk or Chair to find out more information about being co-opted to the Council.
The Council’s co-option Policy can be found under the ‘policies’ section at www.maxey-pc.gov.uk.
COUNCIL CORNER GLINTON
Glinton Social Events
This year’s Great Glinton Garage Sale was blessed with good weather until rain interrupted proceedings right at the end. Otherwise it was an outstanding success. We had even more houses taking part than in 2023 and a greater number of folks walking around the village and snapping up bargains.
Hedgehogs
Signs advising drivers to slow down and avoid hedgehogs have been put up around Glinton. Let’s hope they make a positive difference and many lives of this charming endangered mammal can be saved.
Cllr Gerry Kirt - Chair
Glinton Parish Council
With autumn upon us and festive season almost here let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
residents to enjoy. Longer term it is planned to create herb beds and wild flower areas, and we may even organise an Wassail! If anyone wishes to become involved in the long management of this community asset please make contact with the Parish Council. The Primary School has already volunteered.
City finances
Remembrance
Once again Royal British Legion poppies will be sited on lampposts around the village during November.
Glinton Community Orchard
Due to the great generosity of the Lotto, Strategic Pipeline Alliance and donation of wood chips by Graham Smitheringale the project should be completed before Christmas. 28 fruit trees including varieties of apple, pear, plum and quince will be planted on the recreation ground within a fenced enclosure. The selection of trees will eventually provide extended harvesting for the
Peterborough City Council has been involved in a consultation exercise with the aim of trying to reduce its annually expenditure by cutting services. It is called Shaping Our City. It’s financial situation is dreadful – the council debt mountain is a monumental £0.5b. The annual cost of servicing the debt is £40m. With an annual revenue of £220m this leaves £180m to spend on services. Cost of providing essential services, such as care plans, transport, housing provision for the homeless etc (legislated by government) has increased by between 20 and 30%. It will be interesting to see whether services are cut and rates increased still further.
Peterborough Local Plan
Due to the current government changes to the national housing policy, the local plan has been delayed. The draft will released on 18 February 2025 and released for a six week public consultation in March 2025this will contain details of the
proposed development sites around Glinton. As this will be your ONLY opportunity to express your democratic views please take time to do so. Your input will dictate how the village develops until 2044!
Glinton Neighbourhood Plan
Work is continuing to update our plan, based on the 2024 Glinton Questionnaire, to reflect proposed local and national legislation.
Village sign
Work is underway to fettle and enamel the new aluminium sign. We will alert residents via social media when it will be unveiled.
Village hall
The team has established a firm budget for the upgrade project and will shortly be applying for grant funding.
Traveller site. As reported the planning application was refused at committee and has gone to appeal. The hearing takes place on 25 November 2024.
Highways
We recently walked around the village with PCC’s head of Highways to highlight over 30 issues that need rectifying. Hopefully we will see some positive improvements shortly.
Please see Tribune Diary for forthcoming 2025 dates.
Glinton Horticultural Society
Once more the show on 21 September in Arthur Mellows Village College was a great success. With many favourable comments from both exhibitors and visitors.
There were over 800 entries from 73 exhibitors, both adults and children, from all around the Peterborough area. These filled the large hall and the main corridor of the College with exhibits of vegetables, fruit, flowers, preserves, handicrafts and photographs, as shown in the attached pictures. The society’s sincere thanks go to Cherry Lane Garden
Centres, Black Cat Studios and our schedule advertisers for their sponsorship. Also thanks to all members, helpers, judges and friends whose continued support ensured we were able to hold 'The Best Show in the Area'. If you missed the show this year, next year will be our 80th, held again at AMVC on Saturday 20 September.
More details of the Show including the trophy winners and our future events at www.glinton horticulturalsociety.org.uk
Friday 22 November
'Wildlife in Lincolnshire' by Geof Lee – 7:30pm – Glinton Village Hall. All are welcome
Tuesday 26 November
AGM, 7:30pm, Glinton Village Hall. This is open for all to attend, so if you are interested in the Society come along and help form our plans for the future.
Friday 6 December
Christmas Evening in the Village Hall, 7:30pm – Hot food, bring your own alcohol.
Glinton FriendshipClub
Pam Kounougakis
Autumn is well under way, heating is in full swing at the village hall and Halloween had all the local witches gathering.
November sees us meeting on Remembrance Day itself and we will be remembering times past with memoirs and tales. We’ve had auctions to boost our funds and had an outing to Rushden Lakes free to members. Our
regular new Bag and Clothes Sales have given us a chance to purchase gifts for Christmas and clothes to wear at the clubs annual festive celebrations which will be in December.
Our Super Buffet Party with Christmas bingo and songs from the local school children is followed by the Big Christmas Lunch at Northborough Village
In Loving Memory
Mrs Maureen Ward
Happy Christmas to all our current, past and would-be members. We return in January 2025!
Hall, with super raffle and the Benefice choir with carols. We are heaving at the seams with wonderful new members, but still need regular helpers to serve teas and lunches and help with washing up… please queue in an orderly fashion at the Village Hall on a Monday after 10am!
My Mum, Mrs Maureen Ward, died on 6 September 2024 after a short stay at the Garden Lodge Care Home in Glinton. She was 93 (just 10 days short of her 94th birthday).
Mum had lived in Glinton for 64 years, worked at AMVC as the College Caterer for many years along with my dad Ron who was the caretaker. Ron passed away in 1991.
I know Mum always loved looking through The Trib’, it was a way for her to keep up with the local news.
Mrs Jayne Barber
This December, the heart of Glinton will once again shine bright as we gather for our much-loved Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On.
Let’s Light Up the Season!
Join us at St. Benedict's Churchyard for an event filled with music, laughter, and the grand lighting of our village Christmas tree. This cherished tradition promises to bring everyone together as we kick off the Christmas season in true festive style.
Mark Your Calendars
Set aside Thursday, 5 December 2024, for an evening of festive fun! We’ll kick off the celebrations at 6:45 pm at St. Benedict’s Churchyard, where we come together to share in the joy of the season.
Don’t miss out on Thursday, 5 December, as we light up Glinton and welcome the Christmas season, we look forward to celebrating with you!
Be sure to invite your family, neighbours, and anyone ready to embrace the Christmas spirit!
The Festive Lineup
The festivities will begin at 6:45 pm with the sound of carols filling the air. Whether you’re an enthusiastic singer or just love to listen, join us as we sing some classic Christmas carols. At 6:59 pm, we’ll all come together for a magical countdown to the grand tree lighting.
At precisely 7:00 pm, the moment we’ve all been waiting for will arrive. As the church
bells ring out, the Christmas lights will twinkle to life, transforming the tree into a beacon of light and joy. It’s a scene that promises to spark smiles and create lasting memories.
A Toast to the Season
After the switch-on, step inside St. Benedict's Church, where complimentary refreshments will be waiting. Enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine and a delicious mince pie, the perfect treat to end this festive gathering. It’s a chance to connect with neighbours and friends.
Celebrating Community Spirit
This event, made possible by the support of Glinton Parish Council, isn’t just about lighting up a tree—it’s about lighting up our community. It’s a time for everyone to come together, from the youngest to the oldest, to celebrate what makes Glinton such a special place to live. Whether this is your first time attending or you’ve been coming for years, you’ll feel right at home.
Join the Celebration
We warmly invite everyone to be part of this year’s Christmas Tree Lights Switch On. Bring your festive cheer, your family, and your friends to help us make this evening a true celebration of community and Christmas joy. Let’s gather to share laughter, song, and a touch of Christmas magic in the heart of Glinton!
COUNCIL CORNER NORTHBOROUGH
John Dadge, Chairman, Northborough Parish Council
Northborough Parish Council are delighted to unveil the new accessible basket swing on the recreation ground. It is a fantastic addition to the other facilities for both adults and children and will hopefully prove to be popular.
Moving into November, a new remembrance bench has been installed outside the church. Northborough has three soldiers from the first world war buried in the cemetery, which has been recently designated a Commonwealth war grave site, and this addition will ensure that the village commemorates the sacrifices of all who fought for their country. This is part of our ongoing renovation and replacement of benches in and around the village, including some new locations.
Our commitment to the environment continues, with annual maintenance completed on the popular wildflower areas which have now been strimmed and reseeded ready for the new growing season. As a village, we are proud to try and support our local fauna and flora and we are always actively looking for new areas to devote to wildlife with three spots already earmarked for rewilding the coming year.
Forthcoming Event
Christmas Sing-along
and Switch-on
Sunday 1 December at 6pm
We are looking forward to the festive season with locals invited to the annual Christmas sing-along and switch on outside the village shop. There are Christmas songs, mulled wine and mince pies, plus a visit from a special gentleman dressed in red giving out gifts for our younger residents.
Council meetings are held in person at the Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend at 7.00pm on the second Wednesday of the month (excluding August). We also have one vacancy for co-option for potential parish councillors wishing to join our proactive team and make a difference in their community. The Parish Council website or village notice board will advise the date of our next meeting.
By Teresa Scott
Thank you
A big shoutout of thanks to: Cambridgeshire
Historic Churches Trust and Garfield Weston Foundation for their generous offers of grants to SOS St Andrew’s.
First time buyer?
The Annual Northborough Garage Sale took place on Saturday 7 September, supporting SOSt Andrew’s, with 28 garages open, selling all sorts of interesting goodies.
The Pack Horse opened at 10am for bacon butties, with tea and cakes being served in the church and for once the rain held off.
A Masquerade Murder Mystery evening was held at Northborough Village Hall, with a generous £300.00 being raised by the raffle, for SOSt Andrew’s.
Thank you to the organisers, Northborough Events and all who attended.
Remembering
...
It was also St Andrew’s Church Heritage Open Day, with tours of our unique 12th century church being given, including the two newly discovered
In October the SOS hi-jacked the popular Tuesday night quiz at the Pack Horse, thank you to our lovely landlady Lesley and to quiz master Alex for allowing us in.
With a full house, street food and a raffle, another great evening was enjoyed by all.
the Anniversary of the Birth of Martha Clare
carvings of medieval sundials, originally used to tell the time of day for prayers, at the church doorway.
Our two historic widows: Elizabeth Cromwell and Martha Clare were remembered with floral tributes as well.
2025 is the 225th anniversary of the birth of Martha Clare, wife of John Clare 'The Peasants Poet'. John and Martha moved to Northborough in 1832 where Martha continued to live until her death in 1871. Martha is buried at St Andrew’s church. Next year, the village is planning to remember this remarkable woman and are looking for any local information and volunteers to help do this. If you are interested contact Teresa: tabscott@btinternet.com or 07874850148
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Alex, Sue & ClareQuiz Master, Winner and SOS Leader
St Andrew's is ready!
Lest we forget
Ann Bell
Look out for the Helpston poppy displays from 2-16 November in West Street and Glinton Road.
Helpston Knit & Natter group, along with their friends, have been producing new displays to help us remember those who fought for our freedom. Thanks also goes to the Helcats who have supported this and to Helpston Parish Council for allowing us to put on this event.
Why are there different coloured poppies, you may ask?
You will mainly see red poppies which depict those people who died in World War One and other conflicts.
White poppies symbolise people who died in conflicts but also with a focus on the end to war and hope for the future.
Purple poppies are for us to remember animals such as horses, dogs and pigeons that were drafted into the war effort and died or were injured.
Black poppies represent our ethnic allies and their contribution to the war effort.
We will remember them
Good Neighbours Rural Peterborough
Are you interested in knowing your community a little better? Would you like to be a little more involved but would prefer not to have a regular commitment?
If so, Good Neighbours may be for you. Good Neighbours began in Castor four years ago to offer non-emergency support to individuals living in the rural areas of Peterborough. Focussing on the vulnerable, lonely or isolated Good Neighbours offers practical help and support to those who need it. Good Neighbours offers help to a wide range of people including old and young, those temporarily in need through illness or recovery, or anyone who may be isolated or lonely in the community.
Examples of support could be taking someone shopping,
undertaking basic DIY, tidying up a garden, collecting prescriptions or having a coffee and a chat - it really does depend on the need of the individual. To be clear though, Good Neighbours does not offer medical/personal care, legal advice or regular cleaning! But, as is always the case, this scheme cannot operate without the help of volunteers who give their support and assistance to make the initiative such a success. However, the advantage of Good Neighbours is the flexibility of volunteer involvement. Volunteers can be as involved and active as they wish to be. There is no
requirement to a weekly or monthly commitment - it's up to the volunteer. When a volunteer is required, an email is sent by the Good Neighbours coordinator to ALL the volunteers in that area and if you want to carry out that request you just reply to the co-ordinator and are then put in touch with the individual - it's that simple. There are currently 14 villages signed up to the Good Neighbours initiative and Helpston will make 15. Our aim is to launch the scheme in the New Year - but we need to have a list of volunteers in place before we can do that.
So, if flexible volunteering sounds like something you may be interested in and you would like some further information please contact Prem Gyani on 07770 833999 prem@gyani.co.uk or Tammy Tushingham on 07734 544578 tammy.tushingham@btinternet.com
COUNCIL CORNER
HELPSTON
A change of office – New Clerk Appointed
It will be a sad time and the end of an era when our present Clerk, Syd Smith, steps down at the end of the year. Over recent weeks, interviews have been completed and we have the pleasure in announcing that Tony Henthorn has accepted the position of Helpston Parish Council Clerk starting in January 2025. Tony brings his passion for the village alongside his extensive communication and administrative experience and looks forward to building on the incredible work Syd has completed over recent years. We welcome him to the team.
Helpston’s Community Action Plan..
The resurrection of the Community Action Plan has generated a number of ideas for the village, some a little easier to achieve than others. The Parish Council see this as a strategic document that will assist in driving funding initiatives in the future so it is important that the content is supported by the community. Once it has been formalized, we will publish it online with links for everyone to see and engage with. If you would like to have some input to this, please contact the Chair.
Grant Funding
We are close to the budgeting for the coming year and stress that any grant requests for village activities/clubs/benefit should be submitted to the Clerk as soon as possible!
Wishing you all a fantastic run in to the festive seasonfull of our village Christmas celebrations!
Village Drainage
September and October saw record rainfall totals which translated to significant drainage issues in the village. Your Parish Council have been making significant noise to Anglian Water regarding the lack of capacity in their system resulting in sewerage overflowing into water courses. This has triggered the increased presence of their engineers in the village undertaking surveys and seeking a plan to mitigate some of the impact of heavy rainfall. It has been reported that they are aware of their sewerage system being used by some residents for rainwater/surface water removal which is significantly increasing the volumes entering the system and adding to the over capacity issues.
Fly Tipping
Peterborough City Council is aware that fly tipping in the rural areas is a significant problem and concern. One of the measures employed to deter this activity is to tape off any instances found confirming that each is being investigated. They will then act upon any address/ personal information found that ties back to the original owner. To assist with this process, your Parish Council is holding this tape for use around the village when needed. If you see an instance, please report it on www.fixmystreet.com and then inform our clerk. One of the Parish Councillors will then attend and tape it off, which also saves others also reporting the same incident. Thank you for your help on this. The use of cameras
as a deterrent is some way off at the moment due to cost and management.
City Council Local Plan Extended
The new City Council Local Plan process that identifies and then confirms where new housing is to be has been delayed due to the post-election changes to the Planning Policy from the new Government. Half of your Parish Councillors attended the City Council Chambers to represent the views of the village in these developing discussions. We will continue to listen to the needs of the village and represent these as the process continues.
Hedgehog Assistance!
You will see that hedgehog signage has gone up around the village…. At this time of year, our spikey friends are seeking out the last of their food before settling down for the winter. The signage has been put up to build awareness, particularly at night, but also to reduce speeds through the village. The signs will come down through the depths of winter when they are in hibernation and then return in the spring – we welcome your support with this initiative.
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.
Village Hall Autumn Update
News & Information
Our very grateful thanks to everyone in Helpston, Etton and our surrounding villages who supported the Village Hall through the Silent Auction at Helpstonbury this summer. The auction raised a staggering £6,500 which will contribute towards the build of the new Hall. If you were a successful bidder for an auction item, we hope you enjoy your purchase, we have had some lovely feedback from residents including Jo Stott and her husband who recently had a fantastic time at the
West Mersea Island, seaside holiday home of Village Tribune Designer, Mel Elliott. We very much enjoyed seeing your pictures, thank you Jo, it looked amazing!
Congratulations go to Claire Spooner, Emma Scarborough and their team, for holding a very successful Macmillan coffee morning at the Hall on Saturday 21 September which raised over
£1,000 for this very worthwhile cause, the cakes looked amazing!
Annual Maintenance
The Hall has recently had its required annual asbestos check and electrical testing and is approved as compliant for another year.... always good to see that completed.
New Hall Progress
The quest for land for a new hall continues, and discussions are ongoing regarding the potential option to purchase land on Heath Rd in Helpston.
One other offer of land which we had been in discussions with a landowner about has, unfortunately, since been withdrawn.
There was a positive meeting with our current landlords Milton Estate during the summer which has served to allay some of our concerns. They are very much supportive of our quest for a new Hall, and also concur that the current Hall is no longer fit
for purpose for our growing, thriving village communities.
The Village Hall Committee are keen to continue to progress consultation with the community and so are preparing to hold consultation events in January, which will take place over the course of a weekend and on one weekday night – watch out here for further news and information about the event and the confirmed dates. We do hope you will join us to hear more about the plans for the future and to give you an opportunity to share your ideas and have input. We do hope to see lots of people during the course of the event.
Progress has been made in preparation for the new hall project with the Charity Commission approving the new CIO Trust, bringing our governing documentation in line with the Charity Commission’s recommended models.
Diary Date
The Art 4 Ukraine event will once again be held in the Village Hall on 16 & 17 November, this will be the third year that this event has been held, raising funds for Ukraine and also profiling our fantastically talented local artists.
West Mersea
Macmillan coffee morning
The Annual Franks Tournament returns to Helpston Lawn Tennis Club!
This year, Helpston Lawn Tennis Club was excited to see the return of the Annual Franks Tournament
Nerves were frayed on the morning of Sunday 1 September when there was torrential rain but after the welcome appearance of the sun and a bit of rejigging of the programme, the children’s tournament was able to start just slightly late.
The children’s tournament saw eight juniors compete in a doubles tournament which they all thoroughly enjoyed. The eventual winners were Walter Smith and Amber Johnston who were crowned Junior Champions for 2024. The children were all presented with
a medal for taking part. After the competition, coach Kevin Tighe led some fun games to wrap up a very enjoyable – and thankfully dry – morning!
The adults' tournament came next with singles in the men's and ladies', and a mixed doubles competition. By now
the weather was gorgeous and it was lovely to see so many players up at the club to take part, with the courts looking fantastic after all the hard work put in this season. Everyone played the best of 7 games. The men’s tournament was of course very competitive and after several knock-out games, the final took place between Tom Astle and Ali Peat. It was a great game with Ali Peat securing a win with 4 games to 2.
The ladies were up next. Due to a few drop-outs, Lesley Astle and Lisa Johnston found themselves in the final by default! After a fun –and very hot – game, Lisa won by 4 games to 2.
The mixed doubles' games gradually took place, as more people arrived at the Club for the
social barbecue taking place in the afternoon. A gazebo was put up to provide some much needed shade and the barbecue was lit. The final of the mixed doubles was a hardfought battle between Stuart George and Lisa Johnston, and Kevin and Annabel Tighe. The final score was 4-1, with Lisa and Stuart winning the trophy, resulting in a double win for Lisa, our fabulous Chairperson!
The trophies were presented by Sarah Land of the Franks family. The Ladies’ Trophy has been around for many years but as it had not been possible to locate the Men’s Trophy, the Committee have purchased a new one. Let’s hope these cups stay with the Club for many years to come!
The Club was lucky enough to have the services of local resident, Tom Astle, who works in sports at universities, to support them in organising the tournament so a huge thanks to Tom for all his efforts in ensuring the day ran smoothly.
The barbecue was then in full swing, with competitors and other club members alike enjoying a fantastic buffet of dishes provided by members, including some yummy puddings!
All in all, it was a fantastic day to celebrate both the return of the tournament and the return of Helpston Lawn Tennis Club as a brilliant community asset.
Bex works in the NHS as an emergency practitioner alongside running a successful aesthetics company. With over a decade of experience as a registered nurse, Bex’s goal is to boost confidence whilst keeping results looking natural. Bex is an independent nurse prescriber, fully insured and registered with the NMC.
Bex explained to the Tribune: “It is our mission to boost confidence. Here at Truly Confident we are ‘pro-aging’, we take control of your aging process and make your confidence your greatest asset. Your face is the first thing that most people will see, it is imperative that you feel at ease with your practitioner and trust in the process and results that matter to you.”
Truly Confident Aesthetics is a Helpstonbased small business run by Nurse Practitioner Bex Hetherington. trulyconfidentaesthetics@gmail.com 07951 484752 /trulyconfidentaesthetics
Truly Confident Aesthetics is taking appointments for November and December for aesthetics and body piercing. Readers of the Tribune can claim a 10% discount off all treatments taken before Christmas.
Bex Hetherington
A very peaceful Christmas to everyone in Peakirk
COUNCIL CORNER
PEAKIRK
Henry Clark, Chairman
Development - Land off Peakirk Road Glinton 24/00483/OUT
This application for up to 250 houses, about half of which could be in Peakirk Parish, has not yet been determined by PCC. You may, however, have noticed that an archaeological survey is being carried out on the site. This is being done speculatively, to speed up development should planning permission be granted.
Peterborough Local Plan
The next draft of the local plan is expected in mid-February and consultation will take place over 6 weeks afterwards.
Annual Budget
In a similar way to the Westminster government, we must draw up a budget every year in order to decide what precept to ask PCC (Peterborough City Council) to collect on our behalf.
We look at what expenditure we will incur in 2025-26, and what income we will receive. Our biggest source of funds in the precept which is paid by every
council tax payer in the parish. Our major items of expenditure are grass cutting and the clerk’s salary. We try to achieve a balanced budget where income and expenditure are roughly the same. If we receive more income than expenditure we make a surplus. If expenditure exceeds income we make a deficit. Unlike PCC, we are allowed to have deficit, provided we can make up the shortfall from reserves.
We are recommended to have ringfenced reserves sufficient to cover foreseeable future costs, e.g. village green tree maintenance, maintenance of major assets and legal and election fees, and a general reserve of 6-12 months operating costs.
The Numbers in 2024-25
• Annual income is about £15,000
• Annual expenditure is about £15,000
• General reserve is just over £10,000, which is sufficient
Forecasting Next Year
The grass cutting is the item we can control somewhat. Currently
it’s looking like it could be up to £5,000 in 2025-26. We could reduce the frequency of cuts or move to demand based cuts. This would mean the grass was cut fewer times in March to October. This might save us about £1,000, which could go to the general reserve.
Other sources of income are CIL (community infrastructure levy) from developments, and grants. We are not anticipating any CIL next year.
In the past we have successfully obtained modest grants but these are unpredictable, and we apply for them when the opportunity arises; typically they are earmarked for a particular project and cannot be used for general expenditure
Precept Increase
As our general reserve is enough, we do not expect to have to raise the precept this year. You may remember we increased the precept last year to cover the increased grass cutting cost. Fortunately, we do not expect any large unforeseen increases this year.
If you have any comments about anything in this article please contact our clerk Angela Hankins at clerk@peakirk-pc.gov.uk.
Everything
Etton
Anne Curwen 07730301404
Many congratulations to Les and Jackie Warr who renewed their wedding vows in Etton Church on Saturday 17 August. The couple celebrated with family and friends afterwards.
By contrast, our thoughts are with Bernie and Tania Diehm and family from Rectory Lane, who suffered a catastrophic house fire on Friday 6 September. Luckily, no-one was hurt, but sadly, they have had to move out of the village temporarily whilst the house is renovated. We wish them luck with the clean-up and rebuilding.
Our Etton volunteers, handy village jobs team (Andrew Curwen, Fred Morton, Steve Watson, Tony Dean and Kevin Fordham) have been busy around the village. Alongside the excellent work they do maintaining the churchyard, they have been helping sand and re-stain tables at the
Pheasant, doing pub garden maintenance and have also recently renovated the bus stop. Please do show your appreciation to these kind residents who willingly give their time to improve our village environment.
The weekend of 4-6 October was the inaugural Charity Nine Bridges Beer Festival. With 15 ales, one lager, two ciders and the pub offering fantastic food and drink, we were set for a great weekend. There was excellent live music from Lee Clingan on Friday and Paul Lake on the Saturday night. The marquee was rocking as we helped Roy and Desiree celebrate their new ‘civilised’ partnership! Special thanks
to the Pheasant for hosting and supporting the event, our amazing sponsors and to Kevin and Jackie Fordham who organised most of the beer and sponsorship. It was a great success, with around £2800 before costs to be donated equally to Little Miracles and the church.
Thank you for all your recent Harvest donations for the Deeping food bank. During the next few weeks until 8th November, we will be collecting items for the Ukraine appeal. Details of items needed are on the poster at the church, on the village notice board and Facebook. The collection point is in the church.
Finally, some of you will already know that
Les and Jackie Warr
Nine Bridges Beer Festival
Forthcoming Events
Remembrance Ceremony
On Sunday 10 November there will be a simple ceremony of Remembrance at 10.45am on the village green. By the time you are reading this, the poppy display and soldier will be in place and Graham is booked to bring ‘Ike’ on the day. All welcome.
Anniversary of Etton Church
Next year will be the 800th anniversary of Etton church, that means that the current building was consecrated during the reign of Henry III and in the same year the Magna Carta was confirmed! We would like to mark the occasion with a weekend of celebrations.
Christmas Card and Wreath Making Workshop
Details are still to be agreed but the chosen weekend to note in your diaries is 27 to 29 June 2025. If you would like to be involved in organising the event, please do let me know- I’d love some help!
After the great success of these events last year, on 18 November, we will be holding a Christmas card making workshop at the Coach House from 2.30pm to 5pm or 5.30pm to 8pm. The cost is £15, and places can be booked by messaging Andrew on 07836213406. On Monday
2 December there will be wreath making workshops in the church. Cost £30, same booking arrangements as above.
Christmas Tree Lights Swith-on & Nativity
Our usual switching on of the Christmas tree lights will take place on the village green at 5pm on Sunday 1 December and the Nativity service will be held on the Village green on Christmas eve at 5pm.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
If you would like to help your community with any of the services listed above, we would love to hear from you. To volunteer, or to find out more, please contact Cate at Good Neighbours; coordinator.gnrp@gmail.com 07735 810139
Visit our website: www.goodneighboursrp.org.uk
A History of Newborough Village Hall Part Two
By Paul Cooper
In the early 1990s, concern was growing regarding the size of the cracks appearing in the east wall of the old hall. A consultation with Peterborough City Council was conducted, regarding a survey to assess the condition of the wall, however, the cost of the full structural survey was deemed too expensive.
Although, Peterborough City Council did commission a visual survey of the village hall, including the rear wall. This was carried out on 3 May 1991. In brief the report concluded that;
• The front of the building appeared to be ok with only slight cracking to the south side of the extension.
• There were no obvious concerns with the northern extension, although the mastic joints between the extension and the original building are showing signs of stress.
• Three major cracks have appeared in the back wall of the hall. These are a maximum of 4mm wide. Some have been filled but they extend below the damp course.
• Internally, the rear wall is showing cracks of between 4mm and 8mm. Daylight can be seen through the cracks.
• Cracks are appearing in the southern extension, kitchen and toilets and significant sinking of the floor. There is an 11mm gap between the skirting board and the floor which extends to 28mm under the stage. Cracks have appeared in the ceiling.
• In conclusion, there has been a considerable amount of settlement of the foundation and the cracks are defects of a
structural nature. The original hall has not been immune from settlement although the recent extensions do seem to have exacerbated the situation.
• Although the hall is not in any immediate risk of collapsing, further monitoring and remedial work is recommended.
The turn of the century passed and the hall was now becoming quite dilapidated. Discussions commenced with Peterborough City Council regarding funding for a new community hall. The cracks in the east wall were now getting to the stage where the wall would need underpinning and rebuilding. The main floor of the hall was sinking and becoming very uneven. Being of solid brick construction the heat just leaked out of the walls. It had seen better days.
In as early as 1998, a feasibility study was proposed to see what was the best way of replacing the old hall with a new one. Initially, it was discussed that the hall and land associated with it should, after a public meeting, be sold off to raise funds for a new hall.
In addition, the Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council would sell off the piece of land it owns adjacent to the hall and donate the proceeds towards a
new building (after any existing loans had been paid off).
The piece of land in question is an area of land immediately behind the original hall. This parcel of land was originally owned by The Post Office. The field that extended behind and adjacent to the present Village Hall site was all owned by The Post Office. It was originally purchased by them for the construction of a new telephone exchange for the village. Locally and after the Post Office Telephones became British Telecom, the field was known as the 'Telecom Field.'
The field owners were receptive enough for the community to use the field for village events, notably for the bonfire and firework displays and for many Village Hall organised village fetes. The Parish Council negotiated with BT to enable them to purchase a section of land approximately 18m x 30m immediately behind the existing hall land in 1978. The intention was for BT to still build a new telephone exchange. The existing right of access along the south side of the village hall was still in force and included access across the piece of land sold to the parish council, however, there was an intention for an access road to the proposed new telephone
exchange to be built to the north of the village hall site. In providing a new access road the right of way across the village hall site would be relinquished.
In a letter to the parish council clerk on 10 July 1987, BT explained that the existing telephone exchange on Guntons Road (opposite the Bull Pub) had recently been extended and the new exchange equipment is now going to be installed in there, rather than building a new exchange on the land behind the village hall. Therefore, they are proposing to sell the field, potentially for development. 1988 and a different issue arose for the parish council and the village hall trustees. The strip of land that was granted 'certain rights and easements' to the Post Office was now proposed
Key
Green = site for proposed new village hall 2002
Blue = New access road from Guntons Road (Now Harris Close)
Red =Site of previous and existing Village Hall
to be sold by the Post Office to East Midland Electricity in order to build an electricity substation. Thankfully, the proposal was shelved in 1989.
Proposed new Village Hall Location 2002
There were several suggestions as to the location of a new hall but nothing was agreed upon. After much debate, between the parish council and the community association, the quest for a new village hall gathered speed from 2003.
The feasibility group from the community association had put proposals together for the new hall and had provisional acceptances for grants of money.
The Parish Council considered the possibility of selling the hall
and the piece of land it owned as a freehold to raise money to contribute towards a new hall at a new site.
There were considerable pressures that created barriers to this suggestion. In the first instance, the plot of land they bought from the Post Office was still subject to loan repayments, The Post Office, or as it now was British Telecom, has a right of access across some of the land.
A strip of land 19 feet wide along the south boundary was kept as a right to access. Finally, when the hall was bought from the Foresters in 1962, by the parish council, the land and building was placed in trust for the residents of the village. The parish council became the custodian of the title deeds. The charity that was formed in 1962 was effectively the persons responsible for the hall and the land it stood on. Any attempt to sell the land would have to be supported by a village vote to agree its sale. If such a sale were to go ahead then the charity that has the responsibility for the hall would need to be dissolved. That, in itself, could be a barrier to moving forward. In addition, to apply for certain forms of funding, the applicants would need to have charitable status.
The first proposal for a new hall was that it should be built on a different site. That would have meant that, as mentioned, the hall and land would be sold. The assets of the sale would have transferred to a community association provided that it was a registered charity, however, as a condition, the original charity formed in 1962 would have been wound up after the sale of
Newborough Village Hall. This picture was taken in 2016, before the rest of Kettle Drive was built. In 2025 an annex was built to the front of the hall to provide a community room.
the hall. As it was anticipated that the hall would move to another site, the land sold and the proceeds allocated to the new facility. Preparations were made for a new community association, with charitable status, was formed. The existing charity (Number 302651) would continue until the assets were sold before being wound up. The new community association (Number 1087096) would take over from the previous charitable association.
Previously, in August 1999, a public meeting was held in Newborough Village Hall and it was decided that every effort should be made to ensure that the village gets a new hall. For this purpose a project working group was formed. In acceptance that the new Peterborough City Council local plan included an additional 200 houses to be added to the village, it was considered that a larger area of land was required and a bigger hall. The Newborough Village Centre Feasibility Study, published in
March 2001, gave details of what the new village centre would require in the way of facilities and proposed a new location on land behind Church Close.
The study was based upon the future growth of the village including the proposed additional 200 houses already planned. The new centre would include substantial additional parking. This, it argued, would help to alleviate the residents of School Roads concern caused by the weekday congestion generated by school travel and associated parking.
News that the proposed new development for Newborough was to be downgraded from
200 houses to approximately 50 would have an adverse effect upon the funding of a new village centre. At a subsequent public meeting and after a vote, residents decided that the new village hall should be built upon the existing site. A larger hall was discussed to be built in replacement for the existing hall. Peterborough City Council had already pledged £200,000 towards the estimated cost of £550,000.
A grant from the National Lottery was hoped would bridge the gap in funding, however, during the application process the National Lottery had 'moved the goal posts' and it was now very unlikely that the additional funding would be forthcoming.
The result of this was to decide upon a less ambitious hall to be built; this would be cheaper and more easily financially maintained and managed. The new hall was built in 2005. Plans for its size were adjusted again as additional land to the
>> continued from previous page
north of the existing site which was promised, as a Section 106 contribution, from the developers of the adjacent land (formally the BT Field and at the time owned by the Church Commissioners) did not materialise.
The new hall was opened on 6 June 2006 by Dorothy Woodall (Chairperson of Newborough
Parish Council) and Harry Reeve (Chairperson of the Village Hall Community Association) These two people were just the representatives of the organisations, committees, feasibility study groups and all of those who were dedicated to and had the vision of a new community centre for the village. The amount of hard
COUNCIL CORNER
NEWBOROUGH
Irene Healiss, Clerk, Newborough & Borough Fen Parish Council
Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council Allotments on Peterborough Road, Newborough
Would you like to grow your own and be part of an allotment community?
Are you interested in being part of a new allotment association at the Newborough allotments?
There are currently a few plots still available to rent in Newborough.
work, drive and determination by these residents of the village cannot be underestimated.
This article is only a summary of events leading up to the new hall being built. There were many hurdles, barriers and disappointments that were successfully overcome in order for a much needed village facility to materialise.
As a footnote; the community association that was created for the new hall to be built on a different site was never used, however, it was not dissolved after the new hall as it was built on the existing site, which negated is requirement. The charity number of 107096 was still active in 2021. It was finally closed down, in that year, by the solicitors acting on behalf of the Newborough village Hall Trustees during their asset transfer negotiations with Peterborough City Council.
The Parish Council have agreed to waive the rent for a plot to the first three tenants interested in forming an Association.
For further details please contact Irene the Clerk on 07388584591 clerk@newboroughandboroughfen-pc.gov.uk
The ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new hall by Dorothy Woodall and Harry Reeve on 9 June 2006
NEWBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL
For those of you who don’t know me my name is Vicki Coleman (née Vicki Rowell.) My family have lived in Newborough for over 100 years. My husband Scott Coleman and I moved back to Newborough 8 years ago with our daughter Katie, aged 10.
Family Fun Day 2024
Over the summer holiday we held a family fun day. This event was organised by Vivacity and the PC as a joint venture. We were also joined by Peterborough Rugby Lions. This was another successful event, and weather was on our side. We would like to send our thanks to Newborough cricket club, the Coronation field committee, Vivacity, Peterborough Rugby Lions and volunteers who helped on the day.
Skate Ramp
We have now commenced the tender process for Newborough skate ramp which will be built in
Family Fun Day 2025
Fernie Close park. This has taken quite a while to get it over the line, but we are now on plan to deliver this soon.
Damage to the History Board
Unfortunately, now for some bad news. The history board at Crown Gardens was damaged over the summer. The parish council agreed to replace the board at a cost of over £300 for the community to continue to enjoy the sign. Unfortunately, If this happens again, the parish council will not have the funds to replace this.
Remembrance Day
A big thank you to Mr John Rowell and Katie Coleman for filling in the names on the Newborough and Borough Fen war memorial, ready for Remembrance Day on Sunday 10 November, 11am.
All are welcome to attend the service at St Bartholomew's (please arrive before 11am.)
A Call for Help
A local resident is trying to track down a charity cup from a gym carnival event which took place near Moor Road nearly 40 years ago. If you can help with locating it, please again email the Newborough clerk. Thank You
I would also like to say a big thank you to Councillor Mark Ormston for his continued support of our local villages (Newborough/Eye and Thorney).
Also well done on wining the CAPALC award for young councillor
We have started to plan our Family Fun Day 2025. If you have any thoughts or ideas, please email our Newborough parish council clerk Irene at clerk@newboroughandboroughfen-pc.gov.uk
Vicki Coleman Vice Chair for
Newborough & Borough Fen Parish
Council
of the year for Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council! Well deserved!
Neighbourhood Plan
Newborough and Borough Fen's Neighbourhood Plan is coming along well - thank you to the steering group for leading on this.
Christmas
Now on to the C word… yes, Christmas is just around the corner, and we are pleased to announce the Christmas lights switching-on event at Crown Garden will be on Friday 6 December at 6pm. This year our lights will be turned on by MP Andrew Parker.
Light refreshments will be available in Newbrough's St Bartholomew's church. Again, all are welcome. We also have surprise guests ... Mr and Mrs Claus!
Unfortunately, due to costs the sleigh will not be able to journey around the village....so we have organised for Mr and Mrs Claus to join us at Soke Road corner/ Crown Gardens.
The Parish Council would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2025.
Autumn Update
Helping Our
Thanks in particular to the amazing fundraising support of local company, Princebuild, and to Susie Hall for her wonderful garden party in Ashton, the Helping Our Ukrainian Friends team was able to make two more deliveries to Ukraine in August and September, our 17th and 18th deliveries, since the invasion began in February 2022.
The first trip was rather different to anything we had done before. Rather than drive out to Poland with donated items from the UK and then on into Ukraine using Polish vehicles, a team of six (including two from Helpston and two from Stamford) flew to Bucharest and picked up three 4x4 vehicles. We had originally planned to buy these in the UK, but discovered that they were much cheaper in Romania. Working with our partners at Sustain Ukraine, we drove them up through Romania on day one of the trip and then on to Kyiv on day two, stopping
at Peterborough’s twin city of Vinnytsia on the way.
In Vinnytsia we met with the Deputy Mayor, exchanging flags and gifts, including second hand Chrome books donated by Peterborough City Council. The flag of Peterborough (who knew?) was flying outside the City Hall!
We handed over the 4x4s in Kyiv to separate military units, who will use them for casualty evacuation. We already know that they have been in use inside Russia as part of the Kursk counter-offensive, performing
a vital role. As part of this trip, we were also able to deliver a number of generators, purchased through Phil Newby’s fundraising “Jukeboxathon” in July, two of which were immediately in use at a centre for abandoned pets. And we also delivered presents and torches to a kindergarten in Kharkiv.
Susie Hall’s garden party on 31 August raised £7000 for the purchase of more generators, Powerbanks and other products that can help bring light and energy this winter – with
Ukrainian Friends
much of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure deliberately destroyed by Russia, estimates are that there will only be 20% enough energy this winter. It was a lovely afternoon with afternoon tea, Ukrainian music and a fabulous performance by the Millstone Gritters male choir, as well as magic tricks and beer from Castor Ales.
In late September, another team travelled to Kyiv by plane and train, their credit cards armed with the money raised by Princebuild and Susie. The team, including Helpston’s Neil Hammond, spent over £16,000 on a huge range of supplies, more generators, blankets, food, craft products and toys. These were handed over to our partners at Sustain Ukraine and
Cross Charity and to a centre for internal refugee children in Kharkiv. The photos of the team buying 250 kilos of meat for a kitchen that feeds soldiers just behind the front line, are quite something – you can see them on our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/ HelpingUkrainesSurgeons/ And look out for the very large saucepan that you need to cook it all in.
The team also visited Vinnytsia again to deliver more Chrome books and spent time with some of the projects we are supporting in Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv.
Kyiv is a very beautiful city. But it is under nightly attack, its an eerie feeling to wake up
to the sound of air raid sirens, something our friends and partners do every night. They remain defiant, but very weary. The support that our community brings them is hugely important, not just physically through the supplies we donate, but mentally and spiritually too, just by knowing there are people in the wider world still thinking and caring about them.
Our 19th delivery will be to Kyiv again in the first week of December. Again, we will be taking out large quantities of donated items – you can see in the advert what we need and where you can take your donations. And spending money in Kyiv on more generators, food and blankets.
Please do continue to support our work, so we can continue to help. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/
Helpston Playhouse
In the garden, we’ve been working on building our biodiversity. The children have helped plant a variety of new plants that attract different wildlife, which has sparked their curiosity about nature and the environment. It’s been a great way for them to learn about the importance of caring for the world around us.
We’re delighted to have welcomed new children to the preschool this term. Watching them settle in, make friends, and explore all the activities we offer has been a joy.
Our Parent and Toddler Group continues to be a highlight
every Friday during term time, running from 9:45 to 11:00am. It’s a fantastic space for parents and toddlers to connect, play, and enjoy a variety of fun, interactive sessions.
Another highlight of the term has been Roar Stars, led by Richard. These sports sessions combine storytelling with exercise, taking the children on imaginative journeys while keeping them active. It’s been a wonderful way to promote physical fitness and creativity at the same time.
We look forward to even more fun and learning next term!
John Clare Primary School
We were thrilled to receive confirmation that we have achieved the School Games Platinum Award. At John Clare Primary school we know the importance of physical activity on children's mental wellbeing and physical health and our sport provision is a strength.
This fantastic achievement means we have joined the top 5% of schools for PE provision in England. The Platinum Award is the highest level achievable and recognises quality PE provision, inclusion, competitions and promotion of the school games values and club links.
Our Cross Country team took part in the Barnack Fun Run, in early October, with our boys team coming second and the girls coming first, with an overall first place award for John Clare. We are very proud of their team effort and support they showed each other; this was also evident when Year 6 attended a Basketball afternoon at AMVC and had a great time learning new skills.
This term, in Buttercross Class, we have been making new friends as we welcome our new reception children into John Clare, and thinking about how we can be kind and considerate to others and respect each other's feelings, exploring similarities and differences and painting self portraits. We are looking forward to performing our nativity before Christmas and celebrating lots of different festivals such as Diwali and bonfire night, following a fantastic performance of the Dingle Dangle Scarecrow at St Botolph's Church to celebrate harvest. Together the children
have explored signs of Autumn around the school grounds and had fun collecting conkers and leaves for autumn collages. The children have also explored leaf printing and observational drawing of the vegetables. They have enjoyed reading the story of the Colour Monster and learning all about our different emotions, making their own jars of emotions to put our feelings in!
The children in Woodgate class have been investigating a sighting of the Lonely Beast here at John Clare Primary School! He is on his travels around the world to find himself a new friend. Children will be reporting on this incident in their literacy writing to inform the rest of the school of his activities. The children are very curious about this event and are enjoying learning how to write about it too.
Year 2 and 3 visited Arthur Mellows Village College for the cricket festival. They enjoyed being lead by Year 11 sports leaders to develop their throwing, catching and running skills in lots of fun activities. Our children in Broadwheel and Swaddywell class (Years 3-5) are studying settlements and land use as their geography learning this half term. In September, the children went for a learning walk around Helpston to visit the significant landmarks in the village which included: the Buttercross, the old Victorian school, St. Botoloph's Church, Victory House, The Bluebell public house, John Clare Cottage and Rice Woods (where they enjoyed having a picnic lunch!). During the learning walk, the children learnt more about each of these places of interest and enjoyed engaging with many locals who shared their knowledge of the village and its history.
Primrose Morris
Arthur Mellows Village College
I am extremely pleased to report that we have had a successful start to the 2024-2025 Academic Year here at Arthur Mellows Village College. Our new Year 7 students have settled in amazingly quickly and have really found their feet.
John Gilligan, Head of College
They have begun enjoying secondary school life and all that Arthur Mellows has to offer. Already, they have taken part in a fantastic team building day which saw them participating in a range of activities, designed to encourage communication and working together.
Our school calendar is already fully up and running with memorable events. We've embarked on curricular and extra-curricular trips that have taken our students to local, national and international
destinations such as Hunstanton for Coastal Geography, The Harry Potter Studios for Media Studies and Normandy D-Day beaches for History. Our A Level and GCSE Geographers are also off to Iceland over the half-term break and our Linguists to Madrid. These trips create lasting memories and assist our students enormously in their studies (whilst also being a great deal of fun!)
Our sporting calendar has been busy, with netball and football fixtures spanning all Year Groups.
Charity work continues to be a focus at the College. Already this term we have raised funds for Jeans for Genes Day, MacMillan Coffee morning and Hello Yellow day for the ‘Mind’ Mental Health Charity raising a total of over £1500.
I would like to say an enormous thank you to all who attended our Year 7 Prospective Parents Open Evening on 10 October. The event was a resounding success with around 1000 visitors joining us. Adults and children were able to sample
Year 7 students on Team-Building Day
all that Arthur Mellows has to offer and to listen to some of our current students talk about their experiences at school. We look forward to seeing lots of the students join us in September.
Our annual Careers Fair was well attended by our Year 9 to 13 students and their parents / carers where a broad selection of employers offered insight into both Post 16 and Post 18 options.
Looking ahead, I'd like to remind everyone that our Sixth Form Open Evening will be held on 14 November. Please come along and see what our popular and successful Sixth Form has to offer. You can sign up to attend by using the QR code below.
As we close this half-term, I want to express my gratitude to our entire school community - students, parents, and staff - for the continued support and engagement.
Working together we help our young people thrive and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that await the remainder of this Academic Year.
ARTHUR MELLOWS VILLAGE COLLEGE
Some of the AMVC staff and students on Hello Yellow day
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This classic French beef casserole is the all-time most popular choice at Chez Pierre at this time of year. It is the ultimate colder weather comfort food, where chunks of well-marbled beef are seared in a hot pan, then gently braised with garlic and onions in a rich wine-based broth.
Bœuf Bourgignon
After a few hours in the oven, the meat becomes meltingly tender and enveloped in a deeply flavourful sauce. It takes a few hours to make, but the recipe is mostly hands-off. Cheaper cuts of beef are used with root vegetables so is a great for hard pressed families and an average cook can achieve good restaurant quality food easily. In the UK we tend to use beef shin or braising (chuck) steak but always cut it ourselves, across the grain, into chunks larger than you’d usually find in a pre-cut pack. The beef/high fat quality is important here so look for plenty of marbling and if possible buy from a trusted butcher rather than a supermarket meat counter.
Go ahead and make it a day or two ahead of time as we do; the flavour improves the longer it sits. Virtually all French bistros and restaurants have their own version of a Bœuf Bourgignon and we, over the years, have developed this classic of French country cuisine here at CP to please our customers when we place it before them. We’ve served over decades to the good and the great, the not so good and those who think they’re great; including a few so-called celebrities with a sometimes ‘do you not know who I am’ attitude to our staff. One such was a well-known regular TV presenter who would always demand a discount from us because he thought he improved our reputation by dining at our restaurant. We always refused of course, much to his chagrin, but this never stopped him returning.
Preheat the oven to 165°C and set a rack in the lower middle position.
from the kitchen of
• Season the beef with salt and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large casserole. Brown the meat in 3 batches for about 5 minutes per batch; add one tablespoon more oil for each batch. (To sear the meat properly, do not crowd the pan and let the meat develop a nice brown crust before turning with tongs.)
• Transfer the meat to a large plate and set aside.
• Add the onions, garlic and balsamic vinegar; cook, stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping the brown bits from bottom of the pan, for about 5 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute more.
• Add the beef with its juices to the pan and sprinkle with the flour.
• Stir until the flour is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine, beef broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and sugar. Stir to loosen any brown bits from the bottom of the pan and heat through.
For 6 guests
1.5kg boneless beef chuck (wellmarbled), cut into 5cm pieces; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 medium yellow onions, cut into 2.5-cm chunks; 7 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1½ tablespoons tomato paste; 30g all-purpose flour; 4 50ml dry red wine; 500ml beef broth; 400ml water; 1 bay leaf; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1½ teaspoons sugar; 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2.5-cm chunks on a diagonal; 450g small white boiling potatoes, cut in half; fresh chopped parsley, for serving.
• Cover the pot with a lid, transfer to the preheated oven, and braise for 2 hours.
• Remove the pot from the oven and add the carrots and potatoes. Cover and place back in oven for about an hour more, or until the vegetables are cooked, the broth is thickened and the meat is tender.
• Fish out the bay leaf and discard, then taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. If this is to be served another day let it come to room temperature and then store in the refrigerator overnight or until ready to serve.
This stew improves in flavour if made at least one day ahead. Reheat, covered, over medium heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
We always serve in shallow white dishes, with French bread, often buttery mashed potatoes and fine French beans as a side. Tres bon!
FARMING Rosemarys DIARY ’
Our Community Harvest Supper raised £3,700 for charity. Sincere thanks to all who supported this very special event!
The cereal harvest for us finally finished on 18 September. Everything in the barn was straw baled and carted, before the really wet downfall came that very same week. We weren’t the only ones, several of our neighbours finished that same day. Having started combining on 18 July and finishing on 18 September, it was a prolonged harvesting period, cultivations were kept up behind the combine and
other jobs, but until you can put the combine away, it’s still on the ‘to do’ list. When the date of the Harvest Supper was suggested as14 September, we considered that this would be ideal as harvest would all be finished, and it also fitted in with Burghley ... however, this was wishful thinking!
Oil seed rape was sown in August. Sowing winter cereals; including winter oats, (Quaker oats), and some varieties of
winter wheats (destined for making Weetabix), with quality this year varying from field to field, and the same with quantity; some good yields and some very poor.
The winter oats were soon through the ground and are green all over. The winter barley shouldn’t be too long before it comes through the ground, followed by the winter wheat. The later the sowing date, the longer it takes
Eat-in or Take-away
Farmhouse Breakfasts
Hearty Roasts and Stews
Home-made Soups and Light Lunches
Festive Treats of Roast Lunches, Sandwiches and Afternoon Tea
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continued from page 49>>
to appear – it’s all weather dependent (ie temperatures).
Then, of course, we will be sowing some winter beans. When we start lifting the sugar beet that land will normally be sown with winter wheat. I think, we as farmers, as well as the general public are hoping to see some respite in this incessant, unpredictable weather. St Luke’s Little Summer, it used to be called, and this would be a big help and a pick-me-up for winter. The cattle have had to be brought in from the grass fields and into their winter housing in the yards with plenty of straw to lay on. We had managed to keep them out until midOctober, to give us two weeks before the end of October which is our normal time to bring them in. So, two weeks of extra winter feed and bedding to allow for, as well as labour for extra feeding.
Farming, like most businesses, is being given new guidance on what part we can play to save the environment, plant trees, fit solar panels or even put large areas down for solar farms; all a little controversial for various reasons, not only for
Father Christmas is coming to visit!
We are bringing a seasonal tradition back and have asked Father Christmas to come and visit. With his busy workload he has managed to fit us in for the last three weekends in November and the first full weekend of December. He will be here between 10am – 2pm to collect Christmas lists and to give out little pre-Christmas gifts to children. Keep an eye on Facebook and in the shop for updates.
some farmers but also for the general public.
Before we think too much about Christmas, I want to thank everyone who helped to make the Harvest Supper the resounding success it was; both financially for Thorpe Hall Hospice and for the enjoyment it brought for everyone who bought tickets which superseded all expectations, and also the sponsors who contributed so generously. Thank you also to those people who worked so hard before, and on the day, to make the event all it was. Of course, the weather was the icing on the cake. I purposefully haven’t mentioned the firms or the individuals who made the day possible as I didn’t want to miss anyone out, but they know who they are. I have received so much positive feedback and I am being asked when the next one will be, which, incidentally, is 13 September 2025. As was necessary with this year's event, please book well in advance. The amount raised was just over £3,700, which is amazing for our first year. Again, my sincere appreciation to all.
With only a few weeks until Christmas, our thoughts
and plans have to be on preparation? For your Christmas dinner, we have a selection of meats, veggies and fruits and, of course, also on pick-up days. At the moment, we have everything covered, but we are asking customers to book early to avoid disappointment. By the time The Tribune reaches you it will be early November, and our allocation of turkeys, cockerels, geese and ducks will be available. By the middle of November, we hope you will have ordered what you need. Please ask for updates when you come into the shop, including information on pickup days.
It is now time to be moving those plants into the greenhouse if you haven’t done so already. I noticed autumn coming early this year with the leaves changing on the trees in the woods and in the garden; always a sign to remind you that winter is fast approaching. With the clocks having changed at the end of October, those dark nights are upon us, with the shortest day looming, but we still have a few different flowers and shrubs giving their very best to brighten up the dark, dreary days of winter.
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Whilst recently visiting my old stomping ground of Alnwick, Northumberland, I ventured into the parish church to admire the exhibition of eighteenth-century graffiti rescued from the lead roof of the tower. Astonishingly, instead of religious iconography, I found images of ships, shoes, birds, lovers’ cartouches and even the odd phallic symbol. Moreover, the graffiti in St Michael’s, Alnwick, is far from unique. There are surprisingly similar (and arguably better) examples on the church walls at Aslackby and Wilsthorpe, in Lincolnshire; and there are lots in our Tribland churches too - if you know where to look. But sadly, I could not find a single shoe in any of them!
Scratching the
Surface in Bygone Tribland
by Dr Avril Lumley Prior
Graffiti is not a modern invention. It is as old as humanity itself. In caves near Lascaux in France, there are 17,000-year-old paintings of deer, aurochs and bulls, the hunter gatherers’ main food source; they are thought to be an entreaty to the gods for hunting successes. There are runic inscriptions in the Neolithic tomb at Maes Howe, on Orkney, incised by Vikings sheltering from a blizzard in 1153, one proclaiming the charms of a local lady of loose virtue. And Ephesus, in ancient Turkey, boasts a first-century advertisement for a house of ill-repute in the shape of a hollowed out left foot. The
carving indicated that the entrance to the establishment was on the left-hand side of the street and that anyone whose foot was too small to fit was too young to be admitted; the gouged hole in the pavement nearby warned prospective punters that if they did not have enough coins to fill it, they would not be welcome either! As we shall discover later, holes loom large in English church graffiti too, but for a different reason.
Defying the Devil
Although the Reformation of the Church in England by
Henry VIII in the 1530s and its reinforcement by his son, archProtestant Edward VI (154753), abolished many Roman Catholic rituals, the population at large remained superstitious. The ancient belief in evil spirits, spells and witchcraft prevailed, especially in times of strife such as fire, floods, plague and crop failures.
Understandably, Christians did not want the Devil to enter their church. To the medieval mind, he could only travel along straight lines and would be utterly confused by circles and acute angles. Daisy wheels, reminiscent of compass drawings, were
carved near church doors or windows, inevitably on the north or ‘sinister’ side of the church, and above fireplaces of domestic buildings to trap evil spirits. You will find two daisy wheels flanking the Norman north door leading to the triforium in Peterborough Cathedral; and another at St Pega’s church, Peakirk, beneath
the window closest to the north or ‘Devil’s door’. The concept is thought to have originally been brought from the Middle East by Crusaders as a good-luck symbol. But daisy wheels persisted way beyond medieval times; for in Northallerton parish church [Yorkshire], there is an elaborate example on the north face of the font, installed in 1662.
Ephesus
There are at least two circles drawn on the north side of the pillar closest to the door at St Benedict’s. Glinton.
These too are probably postReformation, scratched after the medieval paint had been removed. There is a theory that circles were etched with sheepshears rather than compasses. Yet, this probably was not the case at St Benedict’s, as the carvings are too sharp. Whatever was used and whenever it happened, the cutter believed that he/she was tricking the Devil to go round and round in circles instead of causing mayhem.
Warding off Witches
Apparently, one of the most common forms of church graffiti were so-called ‘witch marks’, again found near doors and windows allegedly to deter witches from flying in. However,
Tribland seems to buck the trend here since the only two examples that I can find are carved on domestic buildings: the stone north doorway of Northborough Manor; and a beam next to a northern window in a mid-eighteen-century cottage in Peakirk’s Rectory Lane.
Comforting rather than menacing, the entwined ‘VV’ characters referred to the Jesus’s Mother, the Virgin of
Virgins (‘Virgo Virginum’ in Latin, the language of the medieval Church}. Reversed, the intertwined double ‘V’s formed the ‘M’, the Virgin Mary’s initial.
Prayers for Protection and Prosperity
In olden days, church porches played a far more important role than they do today. Part of the marriage and baptism services
took place there; coffins rested before entering the church, contracts were agreed, deals were done and village children were taught. So, unsurprisingly, the bulk of graffiti is found there. Unlike today, defacing a church was not considered to be an act of vandalism but rather evidence of an event or a prayer for a soul or an enterprise.
A simple cross, like those at in the door frames at Etton, Castor and Peakirk, was another ‘protection mark’ and not, as popular folklore would have us believe, the sign of a
Crusading knight or a passing pilgrim. Ships, complete with flags, sails and anchors together with mast heads (to distinguish them from river vessels), were another favourite, especially during the eighteenth century when Britain was almost continuously at War. Was it a plea for the success of the Fleet? A petition (like the Alnwick and Wilsthorpe shoes) before a perilous voyage into the unknown or, perhaps, into
the Afterlife? A thanksgiving for a safe return home? Or was it simply because the nave [the congregation’s part of the church] was derived from the Latin word, ‘navis’, meaning ship? Viking ships feature in three Dublin churches and in
the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, built in the sixth-century as a Christian place of worship.
There are at least two oceangoing vessels on the doorway of St Pega’s, at Peakirk, and a third that also resembles a windmill or
Northborough: Graffito by ‘W, Shakespeare’
windpump, a common feature in the Fens before the invention of the steam and diesel pumps. On the right-hand side of the south door at St Peter’s, Maxey, there is a pair of crossed shepherds’ crooks, a supplication for success to the wool trade, maybe.
St Andrew’s at Northborough has graffiti galore and, for once, we know who some of the perpetrators were. Between 1801 and 1935, successive church wardens (all members of the Wykes family) carved their names with pride into the canopy above the tomb in the Lady or Claypole Chapel; whilst a sixteen-year-old firewatcher cheekily signed in as ‘W. Shakespeare, Stratford on Avon’ as he climbed the turret stairway to the roof to begin his night shift looking out for the Luftwaffe, in 1939.
The graffiti merchants were again busy at Barnack. Apart from a single cross chiselled into doorpost of the Anglo-Saxon tower, they left the exterior of the church alone. Not so the sumptuous tomb in the Lady Chapel belonging to John Turnor (c.1541), who married into the Browne of Walcot family. Here, you will find a crude daisy wheel and numerous initials,
Northborough: Wykes Family Graffiti
dating from the eighteenth century onwards. Nevertheless, the choice of site abutting the chancel suggests that the culprits were either bored choirboys or pious individuals aspiring to be “Nearer, My God, to thee”.
Kill or Cure
You may have noticed random holes in doorframes, porch seats and pillars in many of our Tribland churches. Those in the seats in Peakirk porch were so large that they had to be plugged. Most ‘holy holes’ seem to have been bored indiscriminately, though at Aslackby they are daintier and artistically arranged, whilst the lower right-hand corner of John Turnor’s monument in Barnack’s Lady Chapel looks positively pock-marked.
What were these curious holes for? Some kind of bizarre religious ritual? Actually, no. Limestone contains sodium carbonate and it seems likely that the parishioners were grinding their extracts to a powder, mixing it with milk or even holy water to settle stomach acid and relieve digestive problems.
Signs of the Times
I cannot pretend to be an expert on early graffiti. After two months of scrutinising doorways, pillars and posts, I feel that I haven’t even scratched the surface. Matthew Champion’s Medieval Graffiti (2015) and an inexpensive sideways-view torch have proved useful travelling companions. My
overall discoveries to date are that similar themes – crosses, daisy wheels, ships, windmills, holes, birds and feet - are repeated throughout the ages and length and breadth of the country. Indeed, some subjects even cross continents, cultures and millennia. They reflect the hopes, fears, allegiances, beliefs and opinions of the society in which they were created - just like the graffiti that daub walls today.
Barnack: John Turner’s tomb
Barnack: Daisy wheel & initials
CPRE Cambridgeshire and Peterborough recognises that our rural communities are facing a disproportionate impact from the wider economic crisis.
Winter Fuel Payment, the cost of living and rural communities
The Government has announced that future Winter Fuel Payments would only be made to those in England and Wales on low incomes who receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits,
meaning millions of pensioners will no longer receive the payment designed to help with the cost of adequate heating. Rural consumers often have to afford the high cost of oil,
bottled gas, coal or smokeless fuel, which is paid for in advance. The pension increases coming into effect in April 2025 will be delivered in small payments in arrears, so they will not help this winter.
We’ve updated the Cost of Living support page on our website for those affected by the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment www.cprecambs.org.uk/cost-of-living-support.html This page details resources to help with the cost of living, such as financial support, energy saving advice and warm hubs.
CPRE has joined the ‘Warm This Winter’ coalition calling for urgent action from the government. To add your voice, go to www.warmthiswinter.org.uk
New Towns…remember those?
Cllr Peter Hiller – Glinton and Castor Ward
Like many residents in our Glinton and Castor rural ward I too have long taken a keen interest in all things planning and any area of government policy which might affect what we hold dear in our communities, our rural villages and beautiful open countryside around where we live.
Some will be aware the new Government has made a commitment to build a generation of new towns as part of their mission to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament. The new towns would include new, large-scale, standalone communities built on greenfield land, urban extensions and urban regeneration schemes, each containing at least 10,000 homes.
An apparently independent New Towns Taskforce has been created and convened during September in Milton Keynes. Their mission I’m told is to report back to ministers on high potential locations, principles and standards, investment options and solutions to barriers to delivery, within 12 months –certainly an ambitious timeframe if genuinely new, new town opportunities are to be identified.
The government’s top-down approach and timetable signals an urgency in tackling the housing crisis, but as I’ve written here before, delivering new homes within five years on proposals of this scale will be hugely challenging and laden with potential pitfalls. Success will require strong, decisive leadership not just at the national level, but also during consultation with and acceptance from local authorities and our local communities. Without this, it will be difficult to secure the support needed to ensure the appropriateness and long-term success of new developments. Additionally, and again I’ve said it before, the relationship between this New Towns initiative and the existing (ever evolving) changes to the national planning system must be considered. These new towns are intended to provide additionality, meaning they will be
over and above the 370,000home target already identified through the proposed revised standard method.
This could act as a significant deterrent to local authority backing of a new town proposal where, in many instances, administrations are already grappling with strategies to meet increased housing needs. However, it is correct that new towns should not be viewed as a silver bullet for meeting imposed housing targets at the expense of other more modest scale, sustainable sites.
All that said, it is essential that existing infrastructure is not overloaded, our communities aren’t swamped and the historic open countryside protecting our wards’ villages lost forever.
'MicroSeasons' installation of ecoprints and naturally dyed fabrics at Langdyke Countryside Trust’s High Meadow nature reserve, capturing the changing seasons in John Clare Countryside, by Kathryn Parsons (2024).
Main photo: Inset:
A freshly unbundled autumnal ecoprint made using leaves and reed flowers, September 2024, by Kathryn Parsons.
Eco-printing
harnessing the magic of local nature
Eco-printing is a sustainable, non-toxic art technique that uses natural plant materials to create unique patterns on fabrics. The secrets of the plants and their visual expression on the fabrics are slowly revealed through a rewarding creative process that allows connection with the natural environment and neighbourhood flora.
Eco-printing is a relatively new technique that has been developed in recent years, but it is based on the ancient art of natural dyeing. The specific term 'eco-printing' as it is known today was first coined by Australia based artist India Flint in early 2000s. She is credited with being the pioneer of the technique and her book 'Eco Colour: Botanical Dyes for Beautiful Textiles' helped popularise the method.
The process involves using natural elements from different parts of plants such as leaves, bark and flowers to create
beautiful and organic patterns on fabrics. It is gaining popularity among artists and crafters who want to reconnect with nature and adopt a natural and healthy lifestyle.
The most distinguishing feature of eco-printing is the use of renewable and sustainable natural materials, which results in each print being absolutely unique and irreproducible. The plant type, leaf age, and mordanting procedures (optional) used determine the patterns and hues obtained. On the weekend of 9-10 November, in the cabin at Torpel
Manor Field, there will be an exhibition of photography, artworks and treasures inspired by our local wildlife, landscape and heritage, by Langdyke Countryside Trust’s artists-inresidence, Sarah Lambert and Kathryn Parsons.
The exhibition includes Kathryn and Sarah's ecoprints and natural dyeing made using local wildflowers. Cards, photographs and handmade treasures will be available to purchase, with 10% of sales donated to Langdyke. Refreshments will be available. Please turn to the Tribune Diary to find out more.
Nature continues to benefit from the actions of an important countryside group.
By David Rowell
Nature Enhancing
It has been a hectic few months for Langdyke
Countryside
Trust with a number of projects aimed at improving and enhancing nature coming to fruition.
The organisation, run entirely by volunteers, manages a number of nature sites across Tribland.
The most recent developments include:
• The introduction of viewing points at Maxey and Etton giving walkers wonderful views of the wildlife from already established footpaths
• The building of three new wildlife ponds and a new area to encourage turtle doves and butterflies at Etton High Meadow
• Major work to remove an invasive and damaging weed from the water areas at Etton Maxey nature reserve which has been affecting bird life
• Clearance work to restore the ancient M’Lady’s Pond near Ailsworth
• The finalisation of a management plan for the recently acquired Christ’s College reserve between Helpston and Maxey
Three new ponds have been dug out and a bank established which has been sown with seed that will attracted butterflies and turtle doves.
And while this has been going on Langdyke has also relaunched its website making it easier to navigate with a cleaner design.
Langdyke chair Richard Astle said: “It’s been quite a summer in terms of projects. All of this has been in addition to our continued work to manage, maintain and enhance nature across the area.”
Walkers using the banks and footpaths near to the Maxey Cut have already welcomed the opening up of three viewing areas on to the Christ’s College nature reserve. New information boards will be put up in the near future providing information about the site.
The reserve, in more recent times the site of gravel extraction, is the latest to be acquired by Langdyke after a successful public appeal for financial help.
Three other viewing areas, all with disabled access, have been created along the Green Lane bridleway at Etton providing lovely views of the Vergette wood Meadow water areas.
Across the road at Etton High Meadow three new ponds have been dug out and a bank established which has been sown with seed that will attract butterflies and hopefullly provide feed for turtle doves during their summer visits.
Tackling problems affecting nature is also an important part of Langdyke’s volunteer workforce.
A pond at Swaddywell which has leaked is currently being rescued
by volunteers, saving plants and creatures, clearing out debris and installing a new lining to restore it to its former glory.
Likewise the ancient M’Lady’s Pond near Ailsworth - which has been in a sorry state in recent years - has undergone similar restoration work.
And major work has been undertaken at the Etton Maxey reserve with a digger being used to scrape away invasive crassula, also known as New Zealand Pygmy weed, which takes over the muddy margins of water areas usually a home for wading birds.
If you would like to help nature you could become a Langdyke member (email: membership@langdyke.org.uk) or to volunteer please email volunteer@langdyke.org.uk
The Amblers in Tribland
By Anne Lees
‘…The rustle of birds’ wings startled from their nests or flying unseen into the bushes; The trample of robins and woodlarks on the brown leaves, and the patter of squirrels on the green moss; The fall of an acorn on the ground, the pattering of nuts on the hazel branches as they fall from ripeness; The flirt of the groundlark’s wing from the stubbles – how sweet such pictures on dewy mornings…’
John Clare’s poem, Pleasant Sounds, focuses on the images created by what we hear in nature, and calls to mind such walks as the Amblers have experienced recently, when the stillness of summer has been replaced with the unpredictability of Autumn.
It is almost as though the change in season brings a difference in air quality which makes sound a bigger part of the outdoor experience. Or maybe it is that Nature’s display is a bit less colourful and our other senses are more attuned to our surroundings…
That’s the thing about walking; it is not just a feast for the eyes, but for the other senses as well. The sound of our feet as we squelch through mud, or crunch through fallen leaves. The taste of autumn as we wander through a woodland with its decaying leaves and fascinating fungi. The feel of a teasel’s prickles or a knobbly conker case. Stroking the silky smooth heads of grasses, or a delicate dandelion clock. The dampness of dew on a smooth shiny berry. All add to the ambience of an amble in the great outdoors.
John Clare liked the peace and quiet, and silence has its place, soothing us as we stroll, and allowing us freedom from thoughts which threaten to ruin the mood of solitude. However, surprises occur in the wild; pulses quicken and heads turn when startling noises are heard. Skeins of geese flying overhead can make a real racket. A startled grey heron may make a kraank sound as it lifts from the ground. Muntjac deer barking, or rutting stags ‘belching’ deep in the woods can give us a fright, so unused are we to
such harsh interruptions. And, eager though we are to investigate, we usually decide it is in our best interests to give them a wide berth. Much more delightful is the sudden laughing sound made by the little grebes on the lake; the quack, quack of mallards; or the cackle of green woodpeckers. Often, there is no visual confirmation that the animals are there but their calls to their mates or offspring, or warning cries to their communities give away their presence. We are certainly never as isolated as we think.
The squelching of mud has been an almost constant soundtrack to our walks this season. The amount of rainfall has meant that the day or two between the last downpour and our scheduled strolls has not been long enough to dry out the ground, and it has made life challenging. We explored a new route between Nassington and Yarwell which allowed us to stop for refreshments at Yarwell Mill, but our visit was hampered to some extent by its being extremely wet in places, and there was no avoiding submersion at times. It pays to have sturdy, waterproof footwear in those situations! The weather was lovely, though, and warmer than in recent days so we were able to appreciate the joys of having no better place to be. The wind soughed in the plane trees; a n elegant great egret, with its brilliant white plumage, attracted our attention as it searched the fast-flowing water for tasty treats and then soared silently into the bright blue sky; and a black cormorant perched on a moored narrowboat as it waited patiently for lunch to swim by. It was one of those days when it felt good to be alive – despite the glorious mud –although trying to make conversation against the backdrop of the gushing water over the weir and lock was interesting to say the least. Pleasant sounds, nonetheless.
Andy Staines - Glinton Climate and Environmental Group
Do you have an EPC?
If you have lived in the same owned house since before 2007 then it is probable you do not have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and since that date it is a requirement before you can sell, or rent out, your property.
In the UK, around 22% of carbon emissions come from our homes, from things like heating, lighting, and running household appliances. The EPC was introduced by the government in 2007, to help people understand their current level of energy efficiency and offer guidance on how to make it greener.
To put it simply, a high EPC score will mean cheaper energy bills. But the EPC also shows where the energy efficiency can be improved - be it, for example, in missing insulation or double/ triple glazed windows etc. So even if you are not planning to sell your home, getting an up to date EPC rating is still a
If you are looking to buy a home always check the property's EPC score which can be found here: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
Remember - a rating of ‘A’ is the best.
good idea so you know what improvements might save you wasted energy.
At the time of writing, an EPC survey costs somewhere between £70 to £100 - just search the web for ‘EPC’ and you will find links to qualified EPC surveyors.
For the record, my own EPC gave me a rating of ‘C’ but it also suggested how I can easily move to a ‘B’ without, hopefully, breaking the bank!
Local residents are invited to share their thoughts and ideas on energy solutions to help create a
WORKSHOPS FOR CHANGE
Exploring Future Energy Solutions in your Village
This November, we are inviting residents to take part in a series of workshops, focused on your thoughts and aspirations when it comes to achieving Net Zero in your local area. As climate change remains one of the most critical challenges we face, it’s vital that our efforts to tackle it are clear, inclusive, and locally relevant.
Organised by environmental charity PECT in partnership with Peterborough City Council,
Your voice matters. We are particularly looking to understand residents’ views in Bainton, Barnack, Glinton, Maxey, amd Northborough.
these workshops will provide a unique platform for everyone to voice their thoughts on carbonsaving practices, and explore practical solutions tailored to your village. We can collectively work towards reducing our carbon footprint and building stronger, healthier communities.
Participants will explore carbon-saving technologies, as well as potential community energy projects. Residents will learn about support and
For more information and to register, visit
training opportunities available and how they can play an active role in achieving the city’s net zero ambitions. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow residents, explore barriers and potential solutions together, and help shape the future of your village's energy landscape.
Food and drink will be provided at the workshop, as well as family-friendly activities to keep children entertained throughout the session.
www.pect.org.uk/projects/panz/
diary
The Arts Society Peterborough Monthly Talks
14 November
‘The twelve Plants of Christmas’, with Timothy Walker, lecturer in Botany and Plant Conservation and ex Director of Oxford Botanic Garden.
Before we know it Christmas will be upon us, so with that in mind this is a most interesting talk. Apart from the pear tree in which sat a partridge, there are no plants in the 12 days of Christmas according to the folk song. Sadly, even that reference is erroneous, because partridges are ground dwelling birds; and yet at Christmas we are surrounded by plants. This talk puts the record straight and rewrites the zoocentric song replacing partridges with poinsettias, and maids with mistletoe.
Doors open at 10-15am for coffee and a chat, the talk starts at 10-45am and lasts an hour, all are welcome, so why not come and join us?
12 December
‘What is an Original Print?’ with Dr Susan Owens an art historian, writer and curator. Some of the best-known works by the world’s greatest artists are prints - think of Durer, Rembrandt and Goya. Many of us own prints, but surprisingly little is known about the subject. Using examples by the greatest masters, this talk demystifies the idea of the ‘original print’, and offers clear explanations of the processes involved in printmaking techniques such as engraving, etching, drypoint, wood-engraving, wooscutting and lithography.
The Arts Society Peterborough talks are held at The Fleet PE2 4 DL. Doors open at 10-15am for coffee and a chat, the talk starts at 10-45am and last an hour. All are welcome. For more information and details of how to join the society, visit: www.the-arts-society-peterborough.org.uk
ON THE EDGE - WI
Second Friday of every month.
7.30pm at Northborough Village Hall
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
Dr Susan Owens, art historian, writer & curator
ART 4 UKRAINE 2024
Sat 16 & Sun 17 November 10am - 5pm
3rd Annual Art Exhibition to raise funds for, and awareness of, the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine
Teas, Coffees, Cakes | Raffle Prizes | Promises Auction FUNDS RAISED GO TO OUR
HELPING OUR UKRAINIAN FRIENDS
Painting by Helpston artist, Jo Leonard
A Night for Remembering
Saturday 9 November 7pm
St John’s Church, Barnack with The St Martin’s Singers
Tickets £10 (U18s and students free)
Contact Revd Gary 07503975588 gary.aldersonwrites@gmail.com or on the door
All pro ts to be divided between
The Royal British Legion and the Barnack Church Roof Fund.
More info on page 80 of this edition
All God’s Family
Church for all ages, with fun, food and creativity
No unaccompanied children please! Messy Church logo @BRF
Helpston Local
History Group
Thursday 21 November, (Refreshments 7pm) followed by talk at 7.30pm
Lords of Misrule and Boy Bishops
Chris Carr talks about Medieval Christmas customs and brings us samples of 'figgy pudding' and 'mince pies'
Village Hall, Helpston
Admission is free to HLHG members & £3 each for non-members
Did you know?
The original blueprint for Christmas pudding was frumenty, a dish which in texture was similar to porridge and was commonly eaten across medieval western Europe. In its most basic form, it was made from grains, boiled with water or milk and thickened with breadcrumbs, though more affluent families added meat such as beef or mutton, sweetened it with sugar and dried fruits and added spices such as cinnamon and saffron. It was served as a pottage, similar to a thick soup, and, rather than the postdinner pudding we know today, is believed to have been eaten at Easter and as a fasting meal before Christmas festivities began.
Castor, Ailsworth and District Gardeners’ Society
Saturday 15 February Seed Swap, Cuppa + Cake
Thursday 6 MarchSpeaker - Sue Kent Gardener’s World Presenter.
Thursday 25 April AGM
Thursday 8 May Gardeners’ Question Time.
Saturday 16 August
Annual Village Show.
Santa's Sleigh Run
Sunday 22 December
Estimated timings:
5.15pm Start at Helpston Crossing, 5.20pm Arborfield Close, 5.25pm Towgood Close (sleigh to stop in Towgood Close for 5 minutes for photo opportunity and Santa meet & greet), 5.30pm Glinton Rd., 5 50pm Maxey Rd., (Santa's sleigh to stop on Church Lane/Maxey Rd junction for a 10-minute break), 6.05pm Church Lane (Santa's sleigh to stop for 10 minutes outside the church to meet and greet people attending the 6.30pm carol service), 6.15pm West Street (outside shops), 6.30pm (outside old garden centre), 6.55pm Cuckoo Close (Santa to have a 5-miute photo opportunity and meet & greet), 7.05pm Woodland Lea, 7.20pm Temples Court (Santa to have a 5-minute meet & greet), 7.50pm Finish at Bluebell Pub, 8pm Helcats have a drink!
Helpston's
Tree Lighting
Mulled wine, squash, mince pies, music, meet Santa and lots of festive, community spirit.
Sunday 1 December
Starts at 5pm
HELPSTON VILLAGE GREEN
(Near the shop)
Bring your own baubles to help decorate the tree (no glass please). Refreshments are free but donations are welcome on the night via collection buckets.
Newborough & Borough Fen Parish Council
STAMFORD FLOWER CLUB
FLOWER ARRANGING
DEMONSTRATION
A Cheshire Christmas
with Chelsea judge, Ian Loyd
Monday 11 November. 7pm
Stamford Corn Exchange, Broad St., Stamford. Top national demonstrator and Chelsea judge, Ian Lloyd will get your Christmas prep off to a great start as he fills the stage with inspirational, seasonal floral designs. He will bring us a ‘Cheshire Christmas‘ and will entertain with his chat, tips and talent. All arrangements raffled. A warm welcome awaits. No need to be a member to attend. Tickets £18 from: Corn Exchange Box Office 01780 766455 or info@stamfordcornexchange.co.uk or on door.
Glinton 2025
Christmas Tree Light Switch-on
Friday 6 December at 6pm (arrive just before)
In Crown Garden on the corner of Soke Road and Guntons Road PE6 7QT
Special Guests - MP Andrew Pakes and Mr & Mrs Christmas on their sleigh! Refreshments will be available in St Bartholomew's Church, Guntons Road.
VE Day Commemoration Beacon of Peace lighting Thursday 8 May, 9.30am SAVE THE DATES
The Great Glinton Charity Fun Run/Walk/ Mobility Event (mobility scooter users are welcome), late May or early October TBC. If funding is successful we plan to install a laser projector and wide screen in the village hall that for meetings and regular Movie Nights.
NEWBOROUGH FRIENDSHIP TEAS
A chance for local residents to get together for a chat and a cuppa!
Thursday 21 November
Thursday 12 December Christmas Party
2025
Thursday 16 January
Thursday 13 February
Thursday 13 March
Thursday 24 April
Thursday 22 May
Thursday 19 June
Thursday 17 July
Thursday 14 August
Thursday 25 September
Thursday 23 October
Thursday 20 November
2 - 4pm Village Hall
If you require transport call Wendy on 07507635617
West Deeping Heritage Group
Tuesday 19 November 2pm for 2.30 p.m.
Churches in the Landscape
Speaker: The Reverend David Bond
Well-known as an enthusiastic and knowledgeable historian and an entertaining speaker, David looks at church buildings from the outside, but not just from the point of view of their architecture. He considers what questions a local historian might ask. These might include why a church occupies a particular site and how - when a church is often the largest building in a small village - it relates to the community in which it stands, now and in the past.
Admission at the door £3, including light refreshments from 2 p.m for a 2.30 p.m start. Village Hall, King Street, West Deeping PE6 9HP
Saturday 30 November 2.30- 4.30pm
St.Andrew’s
Christmas Fayre
Northborough Village Hall Teas,Cakes,Gifts,Games, Stalls,Raffle,Tombola!
Northborough Quilt & Stitch Group
If you enjoy any form of quiliting or stitching ...
We are a friendly and sociable group, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 10am-4pm, at Northborough Village Hall, Cromwell Close PE6 9DP. £7.50 per session. Free parking is available at the front of the hall, or round the back. Access is via the back door. For further information, please call Ann on 07807 975556 or Lynn on 07969 524281.
Open on 16 selected dates from Saturday 30 November through to Christmas Eve, Winter Festival tickets are just £10.50 each, with free entry for children under three. Parking is included with every ticket, and entry times are available at 4pm, 5:30pm and 7pm. Best of all, every ticket purchased helps support the ongoing care and upkeep of Nene Park!
Magical Winter Festival
Nene Park Trust is excited to share the full programme for the 2024 Winter Festival at Ferry Meadows, a magical experience filled with wonder, storytelling and festive tingles for all ages.
This year, Nene Park Trust is joining forces with the National Literacy Trust in Peterborough to weave an enchanting tale. Renowned local author and illustrator Ellie Sandall has created a mythical story and artwork exclusively for the Winter Festival, bringing to life a magical winter forest in a giveaway booklet, setting the scene for an interactive festival journey with surprises at every turn.
As part of their sparkling adventure, children will be able to make their own story wands or crowns in our creative space. Taking these props with them into the woods will encourage imagination and play and add to the storytelling experience.
Becky Marrs, National Literacy Trust Manager in Peterborough,
said: “The festive period is magical for children – and sharing stories as a family can build core memories that will last a lifetime. Ellie Sandall’s bespoke tale about wonderful creatures in the woods will spark imagination and conversation. We’re thrilled to team up with Nene Park for their Winter Festival to help bring literacy to life for the people of Peterborough.”
Another exciting highlight of the event is a collaboration with Gateway Film Festival to present a special screening of The Gruffalo’s Child. Set in our outdoor cinema under the stars, this animated winter’s tale based on the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson, will charm visitors of all ages.
Adding to the magic, the talented cast from Eastern
School of Performing Arts, will transform into mythical woodland creatures, surprising visitors with captivating performances as they wander through the beautifully lit woodland trail, adorned with illuminated willow sculptures. Inspiring poetry and storytelling moments voiced by Charley Genever and Sandy Wardrop from Syntax Poetry Collective will add another layer of creativity to the festival journey.
The Winter Festival is packed with magical moments to discover, with delicious festive food and drink at Ferry Meadows café adding to the festival experience. Visitors can also browse the Christmas Shop at the Visitor Centre, the perfect opportunity to pick up unique gifts and seasonal treats.
Don't miss out on this magical winter adventure! Book your tickets now at www.nenepark.org.uk/winter-festival
HELP FOR UKRAINE
In time for Christmas, the volunteer group
Helping Our Ukrainian Friends will make its 19th delivery of aid to support those impacted by the war.
Torches, power banks, LED lights, batteries, phones, tablets, computers (factory reset and in good working order).
WHERE AND WHEN TO DONATE:
The Granary Tea Room, Willowbrook Farm, Helpston. The Bluebell Inn, Helpston. Churches at Helpston, Etton, Langtoft, Baston, Thurlby, All Saints (Park Road, Peterborough) LAST COLLECTION - 8 NOVEMBER 2024 (but we will accept some later donations)
Get in touch via email: richard@helpingourukrainianfriends.com Or, find out more or donate via the QR code or the links below. www.helpingourukrainianfriends.com www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpingourukrainianfriends2023
Art 4 Ukraine 2024
This year, we are holding our third 'Art 4 Ukraine' art exhibition at Helpston Village Hall, Helpston PE6 7DU on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November from 10am till 5pm. This exhibition is to both raise funds for the Helping Our Ukrainian Friends campaign (HOUF) and also to maintain awareness as this tragic conflict is into its third year.
Last year, there were over 50 artists exhibiting and more than 250 artworks for sale and various handicrafts.
The support from artists and visitors in both 2022 and 2023 was superb, and we hope this 2024 event will live up to that.
Artists donate 20% of their sales to HOUF.
Sales at the exhibition have been fantastic in previous years as visitors picked up bargains ready for Christmas!
As before, we will also have a raffle and a promises auction.
There will be coffees, teas and cakes to enjoy at this FREE ENTRY art exhibition.
inspire
The 9 Bridges BeneficeChurch Services
Sunday 6 October - Trinity 19
9:00am Holy Communion
10:30am Family Communion
03.00pm Messy Church
06.00pm Taizé
Sunday 13 October - Trinity 20
09:00am Holy Communion
10:30am Harvest Festival
06.00pm Joyful Journey
08.00pm Compline
Sunday 20 October - Trinity 21
9:00am Holy Communion
10:30am Family Communion
06.00pm Celtic Evening Prayer
Sunday 27 October - Bible Sunday
9.00am Holy Communion
10.30am Family Communion
06.00pm Evensong
Sunday 3 November - All Saints Day
9:00am Holy Communion
10:30am Family Communion
13:00pm Messy Church
06.00pm Taizé
St Benedict, Glinton
St Pega, Peakirk
Peakirk Village Hall
St Peter, Maxey
St Pega, Peakirk
St Andrew, Northborough
St Benedict, Glinton
St Peter, Maxey
St Peter, Maxey
Stephen, Etton
St Andrew, Northborough
St Andrew, Northborough
St Benedict, Glinton
St Pega, Peakirk
St Benedict, Glinton
St Pega, Peakirk
Peakirk Village Hall
St Peter, Maxey
Sunday 10 November - Remembrance Sunday
9:00am Holy Communion
St Pega, Peakirk
10:45am Act of Remembrance Village green, Etton
10:30am Service with Act of remembrance Glinton
10:45 Act of Remembrance at War Memorial Maxey
10:45 Act of Remembrance at War Memorial Peakirk
10:30 Remembrance Service
St Andrew, Northborough
Sunday 17 November - 2nd Sunday before Advent
9:00am Holy Communion St Peter, Maxey
10:30am Family Communion St Stephen, Etton
06.00pm Celtic Evening Prayer St Andrew, Northborough
Sunday 24 November - Christ the King
09.00am Holy Communion St Andrew, Northborough
10.30am Family Communion + Choir St Benedict, Glinton
06.00pm Evensong St Pega, Peakirk
Sunday 1 December - 1st of Advent
9:00am Holy Communion St Benedict, Glinton
10:30am Family Communion St Pega, Peakirk
03.00pm Messy Church Peakirk Village Hall
06.00pm Taizé St Peter, Maxey
Saturday 7 December
07.00pm Christmas Concert Sisson’s Barn (Tickets needed)
Sunday 8 December - 2nd of Advent
09:00am Holy Communion St Pega, Peakirk
10:30am Family Communion St Andrew, Northborough
06.00pm Joyful Journey St Benedict, Glinton
Sunday 15 December - 3rd of Advent
09:00am Holy Communion St Peter, Maxey
10:30am Family Communion St Stephen, Etton
04.00pm Carol Service St Pega, Peakirk
06.00pm Carol Service St Andrew, Northborough
Sunday 22 December - 4th of Advent
9.00 Holy Communion St Andrew, Northborough
10.30 Family Communion St Benedict, Glinton
06.00pm Nine Lessons and Carols St Peter's, Maxey
Tuesday 24 December - Christmas Eve
02.00pm Crib Service St Benedict, Glinton
04.00pm Crib Service St Peter, Maxey
05.00pm Crib Service Etton Village Green
11.30pm Midnight Mass Andrew, Northborough
Wednesday 25 December - Christmas Day 10:30am Benefice Christmas Service St Pega, Peakirk
Sunday 29 December - 1st of Christmas 10:30am United Benefice Service St Stephen, Etton
All Souls' Service
Sunday 3 November. 4.30pm
A service to remember those we love, and see no longer.
St Mary’s Church, Bainton PE9 3AQ
A Night for Remembering
Saturday 9 November, 7 pm
St John’s Church Barnack. Tickets £10 (U18 and students free)
Contact Revd Gary Alderson 07503975588 or gary.aldersonwrites@gmail.com or on the door
All profits to be divided between the Royal British Legion and the Barnack Church Roof Fund.
• Darke - As the Leaves Fall
• Anoj Pusej Dunejelio –Augustinas
• Nimrod (from the Enigma Variations) – Elgar
• Heraclitus – Stanford
• Lycidas - Bainton
• Requiem - Fauré
St Martin's Singers is an upper voices Chamber Choir from Stamford. The organist for this concert is Benedict Todd from All Saints Stamford, and the choir will be conducted by Fergus Black. St Martin’s Singers, was founded in 2005 for a performance of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols at St Martin’s Church in Stamford, and is best known for its annual Christmas concerts.
Church Services
03 November - All Saints / All Souls
09:30 am Communion
St John, Barnack
10:30 am Communion All Saints, Wittering
10:45 am Communion
St Botolph, Helpston
03:30 pm Messy Church St Botolph, Helpston
04:30 pm Taizé St Mary, Bainton
10 November - Remembrance Sunday
09:00 am Communion
St Mary, Bainton
09:45 am Remembrance at Church St John, Barnack
10:45 am Remembrance at War Memorial St John, Barnack
10:30 am Remembrance All Saints, W ittering
10:50 am Remembrance St Botolph, Helpston
03:30 pm Messy Church St John, Barnack
16 November - Saturday
02:00 pm 'Waiting for the Light' – Reflection, Prayer, and Praise before Advent St Andrew, Ufford
17 November - Second Before Advent / Safeguarding - Sunday
09:30 am Communion
St John, Barnack
10:30 am Morning Praise All Saints, Wittering
10:45 am Communion
St Botolph, Helpston
04:30 pm Songs of Praise St Mary, Bainton
24 November - Christ the King
09:00 am Communion with Baptism
St Mary, Bainton
09:30 am Morning Praise St John, Barnack
10:30 am Communion All Saints, Wittering
10:45 am Morning Praise St Botolph, Helpston
30 November 2024 St Andrew's Day - Saturday
04:30 pm Said Communion –Patronal Festival St Andrew, Ufford
01 December - Advent Sunday
09:30 am Communion
10:30 am Communion
10:45 am Communion
St John, Barnack
All Saints, Wittering
St Botolph, Helpston 04:30 pm Advent Carol Service St Mary, Bainton
08 December - Advent 2
09:00 am Communion
09:30 am Communion
10:30 am Morning Praise
10:45 am Communion
03:30 pm Messy Church
15 December - Advent 3
09:30 am Communion
10:30 am Flower Festival Service
10:45 am Communion
St Mary, Bainton
St John, Barnack
All Saints, Wittering
St Botolph, Helpston
St John, Barnack
St John, Barnack
All Saints, Wittering
St Botolph, Helpston
03:00 pm Christmas Carol Service St Andrew, Ufford
04:30 pm Nativity
19 December - Thursday
06:00 pm Carol singing
20 December - Friday
06:00 pm Christmas Carol Service
22 December - Advent 4
09:30 am Communion
10:30 am Communion
St Mary, Bainton
St Botolph’s Helpston Churchyard
St John, Barnack
St John, Barnack
All Saints, Wittering
04:30 pm Christmas Carol Service in the Churchyard
St Mary, Bainton
06:30 pm Christmas Carol Service St Botolph, Helpston
24 December - Christmas Eve
04:30 pm Crib Service
04:30 pm Crib Service
04:30 pm Crib Service
All Saints, Wittering
St John, Barnack
St Botolph, Helpston
10:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass St Botolph, Helpston
11:30 pm Midnight Mass
25 December - Christmas Day
09:30 am Communion
10:00 am Communion
10:45 am Christmas Praise
11:00 am Christmas Praise
29 December - Christmas 1
St John, Barnack
All Saints, Wittering
St Mary, Bainton
St Botolph, Helpston
St John, Barnack
10:30 am Benefice Communion Service
05 January 2025 Epiphany
09:30 am Communion
10:30 am Christingle
10:45 am Communion
04:30 pm Taizé
St John, Barnack
St John, Barnack
All Saints, Wittering
St Botolph, Helpston
St Mary, Bainton
Ministerial Movings
When I met Fr Michael Matthews for the first time, Sharon and I were on a tour round what were to become “my” villages. Michael was waiting outside St Botolph’s Helpston to say hello to me, before he went off to take a funeral. Which in itself was indicative of his kindness and concern for others.
Michael and Stephanie are now moving onto new pastures, having been part of our church family for nearly a decade. They have been great friends to our churches, and Michael has kindly taken services for me in Helpston, Bainton, Barnack, and even as far afield as Wittering. In addition he has had additional ministries in the City Centre. Not many people go into “retirement” as determinedly busy as Michael has been for the first decade of his! I would like to pay tribute to Michael as a wise and gentle friend, a good priest, and a kind and lovely man. And I’m glad we will still see him from time to time at “Taize” services in Bainton. Our prayers and best wishes go with Michael, Stephanie, and all their family.
Messy Church!
People seem to love the Messy Church that meets at Barnack once a month – see the service calendar for dates, but check the Facebook group as well, given the building work, we may have to move one or two to Barnack Village Hall over the next couple of months.
So we’re going to hold a Messy Church at St Botolph’s Helpston. It will be on 3 November, at 3.30pm. Fun for all ages, as we remember All Saints’ Day and that we are all God’s family.
The Vicar’s View
I am often asked about what I think of church. It is a really hard question to answer, not because I don’t know but rather the questioner may have different understanding of the word church. Do they mean the building, do they mean the organisation (the Church of England) or do they mean the community that is church?
I have written a little about how I would choose to answer this question; Community plays an essential role in the life of a church, embodying the heart of its mission and purpose. A church is not merely a building or a gathering of individuals; it is a living, breathing collective of believers who come together to support one another, grow in their faith, and extend the
love of God to the world. The importance of community in the church cannot be overstated, as it reflects the very nature of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ.
First and foremost, the church community serves as a place of belonging. In a world that often feels isolating or disconnected, the church provides a safe and welcoming environment where people of all walks of life can come together. The message of the church is one of inclusivity, echoing the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The church is meant to be a refuge for those seeking hope, encouragement, and healing. Whether one is new to faith or has been a believer for many years, the church welcomes all into the family of God.
The Apostle Paul, In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, beautifully describes the church as the body of Christ, where each member has a unique and vital role to play. Just as the body relies on each part to function properly, so too does the church rely on its members to contribute their gifts and talents. In a strong church community, everyone is valued for who they are and what they bring to the collective whole. There is no hierarchy of importance, but rather a recognition that
every person, no matter their background or circumstances, is integral to the life of the church. This shared sense of purpose fosters unity, strengthens relationships, and allows the church to function as a dynamic force for good in the world. Moreover, community within the church is essential for spiritual growth. The Christian faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of gathering together to encourage one another: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” In community, believers are able to share their struggles, celebrate victories, and walk alongside one another in their faith journey. Through small groups, prayer circles, Bible studies, and worship services, the church provides opportunities for believers to grow deeper in their relationship with God and with each other.
Another significant aspect of community in the church is the
call to love and serve others. Jesus commands His followers in John 13:34-35 to “love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” This love is not just meant for those within the church but extends outward to the wider community. The church is called to be a beacon of hope and compassion, welcoming the marginalized, caring for the poor, and advocating for justice. It is through this outward expression of love that the church reflects the heart of God and draws others to His love.
In conclusion, the importance of community within the church cannot be emphasised enough. It is a place of belonging, spiritual growth, and service, where everyone is welcome. In a world that often divides, the church offers a vision of unity and love, inviting all to experience the transformative power of God’s grace. Whether you are seeking connection, encouragement, or simply a place to call home, the church community is open to all, and everyone has a place within it.
Paws for Thought
The Theological Education of the Rectory Puppy
Advent Ponderings
The cozy study of Rev. Keir Dow. It's evening, and the box containing all the advent stuff has just come down from the loft. Rev. Keir Dow is sipping tea while his dog, Jessie, is curled up on her favourite chair, staring at him intently.
Rev. Keir: Ah, advent will be here soon. A season of reflection and anticipation, Jessie. The waiting for something greater, something—
Jessie: Yeah, yeah, the waiting. It’s always the waiting with you humans. You do know I have been anticipating dinner since 2 PM, right?
Rev. Keir: (chuckling) Advent isn't about dinner, Jessie. It's about preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Jessie: Look, I get the whole “coming” thing, but humans and their patience—who waits for weeks for anything? If I waited that long for a treat, I’d assume you forgot about me!
Rev. Keir: Advent is about hope, Jessie. It teaches us to be patient, to wait with joy for what’s to come. The candles represent hope, peace, joy, and love.
Jessie: Candles? You mean those weird stick things you insist on lighting? Let me tell you something, Rev Keir, the last time I waited for something with "joy" it was when you opened the kitchen cupboard door, and it wasn’t even for food. You were looking for your keys.
Rev. Keir: (laughing) Alright, I admit I do that often. But Advent isn’t about rushing to get things done. It’s about waiting well, Jessie. Slowing down. Taking stock of life.
Jessie: Oh, I’ve taken stock, Keir. I’ve taken stock of every squirrel in the garden, and none of them ever "slow down" for anything.
Rev. Keir: (playfully sighs) Jessie, maybe you're more of a Lent dog. Lent is about sacrifice and— Jessie: Sacrifice? You mean like giving up treats? Pass. I’d rather stick to Advent. Besides, isn't
Advent supposed to be about peace? I’m very peaceful when I get my belly rubbed.
Rev. Keir: True, true. And joy is important too. You bring joy, Jessie, no doubt about it.
Jessie: And treats, don’t forget the treats.
Rev. Keir: Treats aren’t one of the official symbols of Advent, you know.
Jessie: Well, that’s just a missed opportunity, Keir. Imagine—Hope, Peace, Joy, Love...and Treats.
Rev. Keir: Maybe we’ll save that idea for a new tradition next year. But for now, let’s stick to the basics.
Jessie: Fine, but if I don’t get a Christmas ham slice by the end of this "waiting" thing, we’ll need to have another talk about the true meaning of joy.
Jessie: While we’re reflecting on Advent... is now a good time to remind you it's been three hours since I last ate?
Rev. Keir Dow: (sighs) Fine, let’s get you a snack.
Jessie: And lo, peace was restored to the land.
Jessie
Christmas Carols
Revd Gary Alderson
I just plain love Christmas. I know I’m professionally supposed to. But I loved Christmas when I worked in Retail – except for that traumatic day, working in Nurdin and Peacock Cash and Carry in Luton, that I heard Chris de Burgh’s Spaceman Came Travelling played nine times.
I loved the planning, the expectation, the warehouses pushing mince pies out to the stores in August, the fear that the website might break this year, the day I worked in John Lewis in Oxford Street and we took a million quid in one day. This was in 1987, when a million quid was actually quite
Even noted atheist Richard Dawkins likes Christmas Carols. But even so, you’d think, when my Christmas Carol season starts in the first week of December, and goes on till Epiphany, that I might get a bit sick of them. Unlike Doctor Dawkins, I have to sing them on a semi-professional
basis. But I don’t. I may look a bit frayed by 12 noon on Christmas Day, but that’s because I’ve been to five services in 24 hours, and roughly 60 Christmas events in 25 days.
I love Christmas because it says, in the dark of a northern European winter, that darkness does not win. We light up our houses, streets, and churches, and defy the claims of nature around us that all things come to an end. We know that, even as the ground freezes hard, crocus bulbs are starting to nudge towards a sun they currently can’t even detect. That spring will come – and that the lambs that will be
born then are already in their mothers’ wombs.
It can seem like a dark old world sometimes – the last four years have given us enough sadness, given the people of Ukraine and the Middle East enough grieving. But the 'light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.'
If you believe these things, may you know Christ our Light, shining in our world and in our hearts, this Christmas. And if you don’t, then have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. As the old song says (and you’ll hear it soon enough) may your days be merry and bright.
Harvest Festival
news from St Pega’s Peakirk
It was a beautiful autumn day to hold the Harvest Stalls and refreshments in the Churchyard. Children from Messy Church led the singing, took part in the Harvest Service and it was lovely to welcome them and their families.
After the service, the children made gift boxes of chocolates and biscuits which were taken to the Light Project.
Other Harvest donations were taken to the Foodbank.
Thank you to everyone who supported our harvest weekend.
St Pega's Cafe Brunch
Sunday November 17, 9.3011.30am. Serving ‘full English’ and lighter breakfasts (eg granola and yogurt or a bacon bap).
Contact Sheila Lever 01733 252 to book a table.
Christmas Wreath-making
Friday 29 November 7 – 9pm in Peakirk Village Hall. Come along and make a Christmas Wreath.
All materials provided but please bring greenery if you are able to
Contact Pauline 253116 to book a place Tickets £25.00
Autumn Clean-up
Pauline and Sheila, St Pega’s Church wardens send a Big Thank you to all who helped with the Autumn Clean-up.
We would like to thank you very much indeed for helping at our Clean Up Day at St.Pega’s on Saturday. We had a total of 26 volunteers. It was a wonderful community event with everyone working together with amazing results. Cobwebs were removed from the windows, floors swept, all woodwork cleaned, kneelers brushed etc. The churchyard was tidied, ivy removed from the walls, flower beds weeded, gutters and drains cleaned and what a difference it has made!
We were certainly grateful for the hot drinks to fortify us, and in particular the delicious hot dogs which were provided at lunchtime.
Thank you once again for all your help and support.
The church is for all the local community and is open seven days a week between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome to ‘drop in’ for a moment of peace, to offer a prayer or just to admire the wonderful architecture and wall paintings
Quiz Night
The quiz night was a great success and lots of fun. Members of our winning team are photographed with their certificates and ‘Wise Owl’ awards.
Thanks to The Golden Cod at Werrington delivering such delicious fish and chips. £300 was raised.
Christmas Services
Sunday 1 December, 3pm St Pega’s Church joins Messy Church to make Christingles in Peakirk Village Hall followed by a short service in the church, the lighting of the Christmas tree and refreshments.
Sunday 15 December, 4pm Service of Carols and Readings followed by seasonal refreshments.
Christmas Day Wednesday 25 December 10.30am
Christmas morning Holy Communion.
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