Issue 90 - Dec/Jan - Cottenham Newsletter

ISSUE NUMBER 90
DECEMBER 2005/JANUARY 2006
ACTION AT LAST!
Recently, South Cambs. District Council took out an
injunction which prevented development work on the 18
acres adjoining the traveller site on Smithy Fen. This is
the first time that the council has done anything that has
resulted in a difference on the ground in Cottenham and
is to be welcomed.
Previously, South Cambs had been the local government
equivalent of a chocolate teapot on this issue. They have
talked at length about all the things they have done regarding
the planning situation. However, nothing they have done
until now has ever changed the behaviour of anybody in
Cottenham or the surrounding area. Now that appears to
have changed.
Certainly, there is a need to take tough action to ensure that
the site at Smithy Fen does not expand further – particularly
on the back of evictions from other sites in the East of
England and elsewhere. Failure to do so could result in a
completely intolerable future for this village.
However, there is also a need to consider the needs of the
people who have been duped into buying land, thinking that
it might be suitable for development and provide them with
a much-needed home. These people have their backs against
the wall and have to fight a series of increasingly hopeless
appeals to avoid being made homeless again.
South Cambs (and other local authorities) need to grasp the
nettle of really catering for travellers and gypsies through the
planning system so that there is a long-term solution to the
problems which have emerged in the last three years. This
will require open mindedness and a willingness to try new
things and lead the way rather than a lot of sitting around
waiting for somebody else to solve the problem.
So for South Cambs, I welcome the first real action and hope
that it is the start of something greater.
***
Congratulations to all at Cottenham Primary School on
another excellent Ofsted inspection. At the time of writing,
no details are available but the word from the senior team
there is that the Ofsted report will be even better than the last
time – which in itself was a really glowing report.
No school is perfect for all its pupils and compromises
must always be made. However, we should count ourselves
lucky that we have such and excellent school serving us in
this village.
***
If you are at a loss as to how to spend New Year’s Eve this
year, you might consider going to the Village College for a
super family night out to ring in 2006.
Finally, on behalf of the Newsletter team, I would like to
wish you all a merry christmas and a happy new year.
Eddie Murphy
December
1st
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3rd
4th
8th
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VILLAGE DIARY
Coffee Morning & Fair Trade Sale at Cottenham Baptist Church 10:00am – noon
Toy Library, Session and Children’s Xmas Party, Salvation Army Barn, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Parish Council, Planning Committee, Council Office Watson’s Yard, 7:15pm
Fen Edge Cinema Club, Some like it hot, Village College, 7:30pm
Salvation Army, Jumble Sale, Salvation Army Barn 10:00am to 11:30am
Salvation Army, Toy Service, Salvation Army Hall, 3:00pm
Salvation Army, Coffee Morning, Salvation Army Barn 10:00am to 11:30am
Seniors’ Club, Christmas meeting, Village College, 2:30pm
Toy Library Xmas Cake Stall, 10th December, Methodist Church Driveway, 9:00am
Coffee Morning & Fair Trade Sale at Cottenham Baptist Church 10:00am – noon
Salvation Army, Silver tree offering service, Salvation Army Hall, 3:00pm
Parish Council, Council Meeting, Village College Library, 7:30pm
Womens Institute, Christmas Flowers, Village College, 7:30pm
Coffee Morning & Fair Trade Sale at Cottenham Baptist Church 10:00am – noon
Parish Council, Planning Committee, Council Office Watson’s Yard, 7:15pm
Farmers Market, Impington Village College, 9:30 to 12:30pm
Salvation Army, Carol Service, Salvation Army Hall, 3:00pm
Parish Council, Carol Concert, Village Green, 6:30pm
Salvation Army, Coffee Morning, Salvation Army Barn 10:00am to 11:30am
Salvation Army, Christmas Day Worship, Salvation Army Hall, 9:30am
Parish Council, Planning Committee, Council Office Watson’s Yard, 7:15pm
Fen Edge Community Association, New Year’s Eve Ceilidh, Village College 8:00pm – 12:30am
January
10th
11th
12th
12th
17th
19th
26th
26th
Parish Council, Finance Meeting, Village College Library, 7:30pm
Womens Institute, The Emmaus organization, Village College, 7:30pm
Coffee Morning & Fair Trade Sale at Cottenham Baptist Church 10:00am – noon
Parish Council, Planning Committee, Council Office Watson’s Yard, 7:15pm
Parish Council, Council Meeting, Village College Library, 7:30pm
Toy Library, Library Session, Salvation Army Barn, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Coffee Morning & Fair Trade Sale at Cottenham Baptist Church 10:00am – noon
Parish Council, Planning Committee, Council Office Watson’s Yard, 7:15pm
SMALL ADS
COSTA DEL SOL: new two twin bedroom apartment for rental
near Benalmadena Costa. Sleeps five or six. Close to beach, golf
and water sports. It has a 50 foot terrace overlooking the
Mediterranean Sea and the communal swimming pool. All Mod
Cons. Video and rates on request. Tel 01954 251248.
.................
FREELANCE SECRETARY Cottenham-based, available for
all office/admin duties including audio typing. Are there times
when you could do with some extra help but do not want to take
on permanent staff? Short-notice and small assignments welcome. Call Allyson on 07754 545998 or email
aphipps_sol@hotmail.com
.................
SLIDERS LINE DANCE CLASS. Tuesday evenings at the
Sports and Social Club, Lambs Lane. Beginners: 7:00pm,
Intermediate: 8:00pm–9:30pm. For details call Julie 01954
203867.
.................
RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS? Need help with accounts
and tax returns? Call Jim Main on 01954 251149 or email
jamest.main@ntlworld.com
.................
EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL MUSIC TEACHER/
EXAMINER has a limited number of places available. Specialising
in: Piano, Guitar, Drums and Theory of Music, but available for most
instruments. All ages, beginner to professional. Examinations if
required. Contact John Branton. Mobile: 07786 131782.
Email: johnbranton@ukonline.co.uk Web: Johnbranton.co.uk
BABYSITTER: Reliable and experienced 17 year-old female living in Cottenham. Excellent references available. Contact
Danielle on: 01954 252460.
.................
I.S. DECORATING SOLUTIONS. All interior & exterior decorating undertaken. Also home maintenance services e.g Tiling,
bathroom suites, kitchen installation. Call John for a free quotation on 01954 203305 or 07748 247460
.................
PIANO TUITION: experienced music teacher has vacancies
for piano tuition. Beginner to advanced level. Examinations and
music theory if required. Please contact Lucy Maynard (Bmus
hons PGCE) Tel: 01954 252688 Mobile: 07900285451 Email:
lucy.maynard@gmail.com
.................
SARAH JANE HAIRDRESSING: We would like to wish all
our customers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year –
Best wishes from Sarah, Christine, Chris and Eileen
..................
WELSH NATIONAL OPERA AT MILTON KEYNES. April
lst. Wagners Flying Dutchman” seat + coach £40. maximum.
Also Possibly seats & coach matinee 22nd Feb. “The
Producers” Theatre Royal Drury Lane. If interested details from
01954 250635.
................
Why not advertise in the Newsletter! Items for sale, announcement of family events... 5p per word, with all proceeds going
to charity. Send advertisements and payment to the editor.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Cottenham
Newsletter’.
THE MOAT
Earlier this summer the area of public open space known as
‘The Moat’ came into the ownership of the Parish Council.
Since 1996 this area was under the ownership and responsibility of initially Beazer then Persimmon Homes. The Moat
and a ‘cordon sanitaire’ were designed to be retained within
a larger area of public open space (POS).
The Moat is an ancient monument scheduled by English
Heritage. It is the site of the Manor of Crowlands. The
medieval manor house of Crowlands stood within a rectangular moat south of Broad Lane. A larger moat adjacent on
the north-west was destroyed in the 20th century.
The Cottenham Moat Management Plan was drawn up in
1997 by Beazer Homes and updated in 2004 by Persimmon
Homes in fulfilment of its obligations within the Section 106
legal agreement attached to planning consent S/1564/9/O
The original concept behind the approved management plan
was to retain the Scheduled Ancient Monument together
with its semi-natural habitat within the context of a modern
housing estate.
The 1997 aims of management of the site were threefold:
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•
•
To conserve the current population of Great-crested
newts and, if possible, provide suitable conditions for the
population to increase.
To improve the range of species supported by the moat.
The Moat is a major component of the POS allocated
within the new development. The final aim of the plan is
therefore to provide safe access to the site in a way which
does not conflict with the conservation aims.
The Parish Council agrees in principle with these aims, but
has been disappointed with the lack of compliance of the
developer to honour the management plans for the site, thus
over the last eight years the Moat has been left to become
overgrown and in places unsafe. The B C Group Trust (a specialist charitable organisation with experience in Heritage
Site Management, Conservation & Woodland Projects,
Ponds Wildflower Meadows & Habitat Schemes) reported
that ‘the standard of remedial work carried out was poor, the
timescale taken to complete this was far overdue, the damage to heritage, fauna and flora was considered considerable
and there did not appear to be any sign of attention to Health
& Safety issues.’ Therefore with part of the commuted sum
provided by the Developer we have instructed The B C
Group Trust to undertake remedial work at the site and annual management on a rolling five year plan.
The ‘Moat’ has three priorities:
i) it is a scheduled ancient monument,
ii) it forms part of the public open space allocation,
iii) it is an area of natural habitat to which the PC would
hope the widest possible variety of fauna & flora could
be attracted.
It is true to say that the aims of these three do not necessarily
dovetail together. Nevertheless the PC hopes to achieve the
maximum benefit for all these elements.
The remedial work will cover the scrub around the perimeter
of the site, all the self-set sapling trees, briar and scrub along
pathways and felling trees where necessary. All access points
to be made safe and user friendly. Two ‘kissing gates’ will
now be erected, one at the notice board entrance and one
along with a five-bar gate at the parking end, along with an
amount of fencing where the perimeter boundary has been
found to be lacking.
As this site is primarily an important Ancient Monument &
Heritage site, sapling trees were removed to prevent continual damage to the archaeological value. The self-set ash
saplings were removed due to damage by vandals and
because their proximity to each other had resulted in their
poor growth in addition to establishing an extremely poor
habitat for either birds or bats. This area is being prepared
as a wild flower meadow (this was part of the original
Management Plan).
Prior to and during the removal of trees, a detailed physical
survey for habitat and tree value was executed. There were
no signs of small mammals or extensive nesting of birds
other than that of a pigeon, robin and squirrel. The areas
where the two nests were found have been maintained and
small mammals habitats created. A number of tit and bat
boxes have also been added. Several frogs, toads and four
crested newts were found in the outer ditches and at the top
of the site. At no time were any species unnecessarily disturbed and where necessary they were moved correctly to a
safe area.
continued overleaf
continued from previous page
Scrub within the area of the original Manor House was
removed as it was felt to have no value to wildlife. Again the
scrub was surveyed prior to and during clearance. There
were no signs of songbirds, bullfinches or their nests found
in this area.
Since the completion of the initial remedial management
for the future improvement of this site, it is very noticeable
that more songbirds, robins, dunnocks and dragonflies are
on the site.
A large volume of non-combustible rubbish ranging from
open and split paint tins, empty lighter fuel cans, human
excrement, building materials, kerb stones, iron, steel, tin,
polystyrene, glass, bottles, cans, milk crates, domestic
rubbish etc was removed from the site. A great deal of this
was in the water of the Moat, the quality of which is
extremely poor.
The Parish Council has applied for permission to de-silt sections of the Moat in order to improve the water quality and
thus create an environment for newts, frogs & toads to thrive.
It is hoped that Cambridgeshire County Council
Archaeology Department will include this site in its
Monument Management Scheme within three to five years.
While the immediate remedial work may seem drastic, we
believe that we will reap major benefits in the future and we
hope you will be able to look at Giants Hill in Rampton (an
area maintained by the Trust) for a feel as to the future view
and amenity this area will bring to our village.
As a Public Open Space, we hope the entire village will
enjoy this improved amenity and we encourage all members
of our community to make use of it. We would however
remind everyone that this area must be respected; this area
has pedestrian access only and there is no access for bikes of
any kind. As ever, the Parish Council will not hesitate to
prosecute individuals suspected of vandalism and criminal
damage to flora, fauna and council property. A dog bin will
be placed at the entrance to the site in the very near future
and we hope all responsible dog owners will make use of this
additional facility.
If you have any questions or queries regarding this area
please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk.
Cottenham Parish Council
November 2005
HAVE YOUR SAY
We have an opportunity to provide and maintain an
improved and extended range of recreational and sports
related facilities. These facilities will include netball and tennis courts, additional football pitches, an all-weather pitch,
improved changing and social facilities incorporating a
multi-use village hall.
We need your input into this process because we want what
is provided to be of interest to as many people as possible.
Please come along and meet us at the Village College
between 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Wednesday November 30
and Thursday 1 December.
This invitation is extended by the Cottenham Amenity
Development Group which incorporates Cottenham Parish
Council, CU Football Club, Colts FC, Cottenham Tennis
Club, Cottenham Netball Club and Cottenham Cricket Club.
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Tel:
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E mail: alex.innes@fsmail.net
Paving & Building Services
www.cooperservices.co.uk
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Driveways, Carparks, Courtyards, Patios, Paths
Block Paving Repair & Refurbishment
Slabwork, Fencing, Timber Decking
Carports, Pergolas, Steel Archways
Groundwork, Drainage, Ornate Walling
Free Estimates & Design
Telephone Ben Cooper on
Cottenham 01954 202486 Mobile 07786 313989
Email: ben@cooperservices.co.uk
TOY LIBRARY
A big ‘Thank you!’ to all the helpers and the sellers at the
Toy Sale, it was a success and we all enjoyed the morning!
This year, the Toy Library is celebrating its 25th Anniversary
and to celebrate we will be holding a special Xmas party for
the children on Thursday 1st December from 2:00pm –
4:00pm in the Salvation Army Barn. Apologies for the children’s party not taking place on the 6th October as previously announced. We will be sending out special invitations to
all Toy Library members nearer the time. In addition, we will
also be holding a Xmas cake stall on the 10th December at
9:00am in the Methodist Church driveway so you can stock
up on some delicious seasonal fayre!
Please make a note in your diaries that there will be only one
Toy Library session in December, on Thursday 1st, this will
be a ‘return only’ session combined with the children’s Xmas
party. The Toy Library then reopens in the New Year 2006,
with the first session on Thursday 19th January. Sessions
will then return to normal held on the first and third
Thursday of each month from 2:00pm – 4:00pm behind 184
High Street, Cottenham in the Salvation Army Barn.
Email us on: info@cottenhamtoylibrary.co.uk
Ring Louise Carter on 01954 203283 or Miki Allouis on
01954 250023.
Visit our website at www.cottenhamtoylibrary.co.uk .
Choir 2000
Advent Concert
Handel Messiah Part I (the Christmas Story)
With Rachel Godsill, Louise Ratcliffe,
Nicholas Bewes, James Williams Oldfield
Carols for Choir
Carols for Children’s Choir Cantiamo! and the
Chesterton Singers, conducted by Roger Bond
Carols for All
Conductor Grayston Burgess
—————————
Fri 9th and Sat 10th December 2005 8:00pm
Histon Baptist Church
Programmes £9 (concs £7), under 16’s free.
On the door or from Jane’s Frames, Histon or
Corn Exchange Box Office (01223 357851).
Seasonal refreshments will be available and there
will be a retiring collection in aid of MAGPAS.
FESTIVE GATHERING!
On Friday 16th December Nik and Julie are holding a festive
fun evening at their home, 183 Coolidge Gardens, to raise
funds for Methodist Youth Group. Come along and see the
lights, have your photo taken on Santa’s sleigh (printed on
the night), coffee, mince pies, raffle, cake stall and more.
Come along between 5:00pm and 7:00pm and join the fun.
Julie Percival
R.J. CARPENTER, M.I.M.I.
Ralph’s Workshop
Unit 11, Watson’s Yard
Cottenham
Tel: (01954) 250502
MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICING
AND REPAIRS
M.O.T. WORK
TOPS
JOE BALLARD SERVICES
Small Building Works
Fencing
Building Maintenance
Gardening
Hedge Trimming
Garden Maintenance
Grass Cutting — Lawn Mower or Tractor Mounted
30 Years Experience
Reliability, Fair Prices and Fully Insured
Mobile 07831 438507
DRIVING SCHOOL
Your local driving school, operating in Cottenham, Cambridge and the surrounding area, with free
pick up from home, college or work. We specialise in one-to-one tuition for both the Theory and
Practical Tests.
Dual-control cars • Competitive prices • Discount for pre-paid block bookings
2-hour assessment lesson at reduced rate • Video Drive available in some cars
Pass Plus registered instructors
Tel: 01954 252239
Mike Bellars DSA.ADI (Car)
Freephone 0800 458 8300 or mobile 07710 480364
L
USEFUL WASPS!
Wasps have spoiled picnics and barbecues for decades, leading the stung to complain, “what use are these little
blighters?!” At last, science has an answer. Wasps could
replace dogs in detecting chemical odours and help us
uncover hidden explosives, illegal drugs, and even buried
bodies, according to US researchers.
and its possibilities are astounding,” explains Rains, who
believes that the device could be ready for commercialization in five to ten years. Like batteries in a smoke detector,
the trained wasps won’t live forever and will eventually have
to be replaced, he says.
The researchers will report details of their work in the
January 2006 issue of the journal Biotechnology Progress.
More science news at http://www.sciencebase.com/
The idea of using unconventional biological sensors to detect
target odours is not actually new, concede Rains and Lewis.
Rats, honeybees, fish and even yeasts cells have all been
used experimentally to detect various explosives or toxins.
Now, Glen Rains, a biological engineer with the University
of Georgia in Tifton, Georgia and entomologist Joe Lewis
who works for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service,
also in Tifton have developed an unusual device that uses
trained wasps, rather than trained dogs, to sniff out specific
chemical odours. The trained wasps are contained in a cupsized device, called a “Wasp Hound” with a built-in webcam
that can trigger an alarm when the insects respond to a target
odour. The sensor will be far cheaper to use than trained dogs
and more sensitive than some sophisticated chemical detection methods, including electronic noses, the researchers say.
The researchers trained a wasp species known as Microplitis
croceipes to detect specific odours by associating the smell
with a food reward. These particular wasps are parasitic and
don’t sting humans, the scientists say. Training a single wasp
to detect a target odour can take as little as five minutes and
the insects can be easily bred by the thousands.
“We've now developed a prototype device that puts the idea
of using chemical-sensing wasps into a practical framework
PANTO TIME!
Cottenham Theatre Workshop proudly presents Jack and The
Beanstalk at Cottenham Village College, 7th – 9th December
at 7:30pm, and at 3:00pm and 7:30pm on 10th December.
This show, the latest in CTW’s Christmas productions and
from a script by our very own Clive Borrow and directed by
Sue Macdonald, promises something for everyone. Thrill at
the romance between young Jack (played by Amy Cairns)
and the lovely Princess Bluebell (Claire Harrison)! Split
your sides at the stream of jokes (some new, some old, some
very old) from Dame Parsnip! Tremble at the (slightly) scary
Giant and his evil henchman! Marvel at a real cow and a
talking harp on stage!
All these treats, from a cast aged 5 to 50(ish) with both new
and familiar faces, and fourteen (count them!) wonderful
songs. A good time is guaranteed for all!
Tickets (£6 and £5 (concessions)) are available from 01954
252693 or from 7 Broad Lane, Cottenham.
Drive Smart with Justin
Join a warm and friendly group near you
Cottenham
J Hiscock
Thursday @ 6.15pm
Approved Driving Instructor
The Community Room
Coolidge Gardens
Novice, Pass Plus, Refresher & Theory Test Training
Consultant: Georgina
Phone: Home: 01954 250894
Mobile: 07808 645970
E-mail:
justin7@tesco.net
01354 688197
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Tel Cottenham 251366
76 High Street, Cottenham
Tel: 250287 Fax: 206287
OPEN:– MON., TUES., WED., FRI., SAT.
10.00 A.M. – 6.00 P.M.
CLOSED THURSDAYS
ROTTERS WANTED!
The Cambridgeshire Master Composter Programme is
recruiting more volunteers this year!
You may now be familiar with the Master Composter
Programme, which has been appearing in some
Cambridgeshire Parish Magazines since 2001. The
Programme is being run by the County Council, working
together with all the District Councils and HDRA
Consultants, to promote home and community composting.
We’re seeking volunteers to provide a network of local,
friendly advice and support to people who already compost
and those who want to start.
Master Composter programmes were established over 10
years ago in the USA and Canada. These programmes have
proved to be extremely popular and successful in promoting
the benefits of home composting.
The Cambridgeshire Master Composter Programme is the
largest of its kind, with over 170 volunteers. Almost 4000
hours of voluntary work have been completed so far.
Becoming a Master Composter is a great way to meet new
people, learn valuable skills, provide leadership and benefit
from being part of a team that makes a difference. Anyone
over the age of 18 can become a Master Composter; you
don’t need to be an expert composter (or be composting at
all) or have any volunteer or community group experience.
As a volunteer you will receive training in home composting
and related environmental issues (provided by HDRA – the
organic organisation), a Master Composter resource pack and
several educational visits; including tours of a composting
site and one of HDRA’s organic gardens. All training expenses will be paid for; you only need to provide your time. Once
the training has been completed, you will be expected to
spend 30 hours over the following year promoting home composting. These activities will be tailored to your individual
skills and could be anything from giving a demonstration to
your next-door neighbours, to giving a presentation to a class
of school children or helping promote further compost bin
sales. Upon completion of the training and 30 volunteer hours
you will be awarded the title Master Composter and be invited to receive your certificate at an award ceremony.
If you are interested in becoming a Master Composter please
contact Jane Griffiths, HDRA Consultants, Ryton Organic
Gardens, Coventry, CV8 3LG, email: jgriffiths@hdra.org.uk
or telephone 024 7630 8202.
TWINNING
How many times have you driven into or out of a town and
seen a sign saying: ‘This town is twinned with...’ and wondered what on earth that actually means to the people living
in that town? Well this could be your chance to find out.
The Fen Edge villages of Cottenham, Landbeach,
Waterbeach, Rampton and Willingham are twinned with a
French town called Avrillé. Avrillé is a small town close to
the city of Angers close to the Loire valley, just south of Le
Mans (famous for the 24 hour car race).
The association has been running for about eight years now
and we have a good number of members. However, there is
always room for more people to join and become involved.
We have a real mixture of members so whether you are single, a couple, a family, young, old, new to the villages or a
born and bred local, you will find this an interesting group.
The twinning association arranges and takes part in annual
visits with members of the Avrillé group. Once every two
years we go to visit them and then in the alternate year members from France come to visit us here.
These exchanges take place over a weekend, usually one of
the May bank holidays. Various group activities are planned
for the visits giving you a good chance to meet others in the
group, both from France and the other Fen Edge villages.
Next year (2006) the French group will be coming to
England and we would be delighted to hear from anyone
interested in hosting one or more of our French visitors.
This is a chance to get to make new friendships which may
lead to extra trips to Avrillé to visit your French family – we
made a detour on our way home from our main summer holiday this year and stayed with the family we met through
these visits. The area around Avrillé is well worth a visit –
not far from the chateaux on the Loire and the Brittany coast
is also within reach.
You don’t have to be able to speak perfect French to get
involved, however an interest in French and France is useful.
This could be just the excuse you have been waiting for to take
those French lessons you have been meaning to do. It’s also a
good way of getting children interested in learning a language.
If you are interested or would like to find out more please
contact either Anna Vining tel: 01954 252432 email:
panda@vining.co.uk or Julia Gwilt tel: 01223 570045 email:
julia.gwilt@ntlworld.com
YOU’D BETTER
WATCH OUT!
On Christmas Eve last year, some members of the Methodist
Church were very lucky to be enlisted by Santa to tour round
the village with him on his sleigh! Robert Smith agreed to
lend his tractor so that Santa would have to travel at walking
speed so he would be seen by the children.
He was only with us between 4:00pm and 6:00pm as he had
to get himself sorted out for the big night. During the
evening his bell and merry ‘Ho Ho Ho’ could be heard ringing out through the streets of Cottenham.
From the vantage point of the tractor, the helpers gained an
insight into so many of your lives, each house a different
scene. Some with children, eagerly pressing noses to windows, others, with Christmas tables dressed ready for the big
day. Pubs in the village were in full swing, shop workers
hung out of doorways waving and cheering and goodwill
was everywhere.
In the two hours he was in the village many of you donated
your loose change for our collection to renovate the Youth
Group hall. Your kind donations added up and we collected
a stunning £140. Thank you.
It was wonderful to see so many people (children of all
ages!) coming out to see Santa and his helpers. He sends his
apologies to any of you who missed him, he is keen to make
it up and has agreed to return this year!
To avoid any disappointment, we have put together a route
round the village. It is our best attempt to see everybody so
apologies if we can’t get closer to your house. If you are in
doubt as to where he is, open your window you’ll hear him!
Tour begins:
4:00pm Parish Church roundabout – stop outside Jolly
Millers – right into Broad Lane – round the estate and back
out onto high street – turning right onto High Street – along
High Street turning right into Lambs Lane – Victory Way –
back into Lambs Lane – heading to Rampton Road – left at
Rampton Road – first left at Village Green – High Street –
left into Lyles Road – Harlestone Road – through to Lambs
Lane – right turn in Lambs Lane – right turn onto High Street
– stop outside Hopbind – left at Telegraph Street – right in
Denmark Road – stop outside Chequers – right into High
Street – right into Telegraph Street – left onto Beach Road –
right into Brenda Gautrey Way – back to Beach Road – cross
into Coolidge Gardens – Santa leaves crew behind and
departs for North Pole.
Any money collected will go to the Methodist Youth Group.
Santa will be giving out sweets so make sure your children
keep an eye out for him.
Santa’s Sleigh Team.
PACHINKO!
Cottenham has a new claim to fame. It has a business which
is the first to import something new to Europe. Just
Pachinkos Ltd. imports state-of-the-art pinball machines
from the arcades of Japan and supplies collectors throughout
Europe. Currently, we are the only business in Europe offering Pachinko machines.
These modern machines originate from a design very similar
to the Allwins flickballs found at the end of the pier. In Japan
the idea was developed and used in sweet shops for children
to win sweets. The modern machines are equipped with neon
lights and stereo and usually take a theme, for example from
films such as Starwars, Batman and Robocop. Most machines
have an LCD television screen in the middle. Instead of 3
balls that Allwins used, these run on thousands of balls.
Collectors buy these in preference to the traditional pinball
machines as these are generally wall mounted and are small
enough to fit most modern homes. Our machines have been
bought to liven up business reception areas, childrens bedrooms and for the big boys in the family to fit out their home
bar or games rooms. More sensible ‘other halves’ have
described them as a real design feature and the fantastic light
displays make a wonderful lighting feature in your home.
The Managing Director of the Japanese supply company visited Cottenham last month to finalize the business arrangements.
He took time out to look round the village. He had no idea what
England was going to be like and was very impressed with the
strong sense of history the village has preserved.
If you are at a loss for what to buy this Christmas and would
like find a very unusual gift, log onto www.pachinkos.co.uk
or ring 01954 200854. We are in the village so you can come
and have a look to see what they are all about – please ring
to arrange a visit. Alternatively, we have a trailer display
unit, so if you have an event planned we could bring the trailer to you to help with fundraising.
Nik Percival
Just Pachinkos Ltd.
Kevin Ashworth
Corgi Registered Plumbing and Heating Engineer
Gas Boilers Serviced,
Radiator Valves Updated
Bathrooms & Showers
Fitted & Resealed
Lofts & Tanks Insulated
Tel: 01954 203815 • Mobile: 07980 668809
Independent and Local Estate Agents
Free Market Appraisals
19 High Street • Histon • Cambridge • CB4 9JD
Tel: (01223) 235111
www.tylers.net
Histon@tylers.net
EXHIBITION!
The Fen Edge Community Association organized an Art
Exhibition which was held at the Village College on October
28th to 30th. This has become an annual event to showcase
the talent of the village.
within the Fen Edge catchment area). It should be explained
the time taken by Mike was due to the high standard of paintings on show. Sharon’s painting of ‘The Seasons’ will now
be on show in the Common Room of the Village College.
This year’s Exhibition proved to be another success. More
than 60 people attended the Open Evening when Mike
Smith, Chair of the Activities Group, chose this year’s picture for permanent display at the Village College.
Many people visited the Exhibition over the weekend and
agreed that the choice would enhance those already
displayed and appreciated at the College. We are pleased
that we will be able to donate proceeds from the weekend
to the College and hope that even more local artists together with the general public will exhibit their work in next
year’s Exhibition, to be held over the weekend of 28th –
30th October 2006. Put the date in your diary now! We
look forward to seeing you there.
After almost two hours deliberation – thankfully before the
opening – Mike finally decided on an oil canvas painting by
Sharon Tibbett (a former College pupil and still resident
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Gas fire installation, service and repair
Landlord Certificates and safety checks
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N. J. Parker
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Est. 1982
General Work · Garden Maintenance
Free & Written estimates:
Tel: Cottenham 251553 or
Nick: 07929 589925 • Greg: 07980 343186
& Fencing
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07834 068295
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Tel. 01954 260798 Fax. 01954 261997 PET AND ANIMAL FEEDS
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THURS LATE OPENING 7.30PM
CRICKET CLUB
The summer of 2005 was always going to be a testing season for Cottenham cricket. With the departure, through work
moves, of several first team players in the last few years, it
has been a time for consolidation in the heady heights of the
Senior league. This summer was particularly difficult as all
sorts of problems combined to make consistency of selection
almost impossible. The situation was highlighted by the fact
that the Senior 2 champions, Horseheath, used just 14 players all summer whereas 31 in total turned out for Cottenham
1sts! Bearing this in mind, and the inevitable knock-on effect
this had on the 2nd team, it represented an excellent effort on
behalf of all the players that both the 1st and 2nd XI’s
retained their respective positions in CCA Senior 2 and
Junior 2 North.
After a difficult first couple of months, the 1st XI started to
settle somewhat and performances improved. The team managed to win 4 of their last 6 matches, which was very
encouraging indeed. The highlight of the season was Matt
Talaga’s brilliant 166 not out at Horseheath – a new club
record score! Overall, the team won 7, lost 9 and 2 games
were cancelled because of the weather. Matt, with 658 runs
at 47, and Nigel Partridge, with 585 runs at 65, both had outstanding seasons and were the mainstays of the batting with
good support coming from Mark Bird. Ben Lawrence, as
ever, spearheaded the bowling with 29 wickets at 19.3, and
he received good back-up from Rob Barker, Paul Laston and
Matt Jelley.
The 2nd XI had similar results, despite a dicey start, winning
6, losing 7 with 3 cancelled. What with 1st XI calls as well
as their own problems, this represented a really good effort
by the team in the end. It was also a tribute to the cooperation and ‘give-and-take’ between the 1st and 2nd XI captains
over team selection, which was brilliant throughout. Glen
Griffiths was the leading scorer with 270 runs at 27, well
supported by skipper Alex Richards and Andrew Cosgrove.
John White headed the bowling by some way with 19 wickets at 12.8. The remaining victims were pretty equally shared
between Kalarakad Thomas, Glen Griffiths, Alex Richards,
Steve Barker and Paul Shadrack, showing the ability of the
attack to share the load.
The 3rd’s, who mainly consist of 15 year olds and younger,
plus a few old heads, won 6, lost 7 with 1 cancelled so they
could be well satisfied with their performances as well. They
play in the bottom division of the Junior League and so rel-
ROOFING
PROBLEMS?
egation is not a threat but, even so, there is pride at stake in
making sure you don’t finish in the bottom positions! Russell
Garner top-scored with the bat with good support from
Jonathan Browne, Terry Brown and Graham Eke. The bowling successes were fairly equally shared between Terry
Brown, Daniel Parrott, Adam Dunnett and Mick Dean. This
team is important to the club as it is the place where our
youngsters cut their teeth in men’s cricket and we are looking to some of these lads to progress to the 2nd and 1st XI’s
in time.
The club ran two Junior (Youth) teams this season at under11 and under-13 levels. The under-11 team was run by
Daniel Parrott and, although many of the players had never
played cricket before, they started extremely well managing
to win the first 4 matches. Although performances tailed off
at that point, the team managed to pick itself up again and
finished the season in second place behind a very strong
Hardwick side that was undefeated throughout. Considering
the inexperience of many of the players, this was a very creditable performance and we have high hopes next season for
this particular group of lads. Our under-13 team also performed very well and managed to finish 3rd in the league
behind Histon, who were undefeated, and Burwell and it is
worth noting that both of these teams had a number of
County players in their ranks. The team spirit shown by our
lads was tremendous. Two members of the team, Carel van
Rooyen and Paul Scott, made their debuts this season for the
men’s 3rd team and attributed themselves very well there.
We hope that next season several more of this team will
make an appearance or two. Both these Junior sides acquitted themselves really well and we are very grateful to Mick
Dean, Daniel Parrott and Matt Talaga for supervising the
youngsters and helping them with their development.
A few weeks ago, the club held its End-of-Season evening at
the Curry Palace restaurant in the village. It was an excellent
occasion, really well attended, and enjoyed by all those who
were there. The 1st team Player award was shared for the
first time with both Matt Talaga and skipper Nigel Partridge
receiving exactly the same number of first and second choice
votes from their team-mates. This was probably a fair outcome as it was difficult to separate their overall contributions. Nigel received the Fielders’ Cup for his 11 catches and
his overall handling of the side in the field as captain. The
2nd team Player award went to skipper Alex Richards for a
fine, all-round contribution. John Elbrow received the
Fielders’ cup after a good season behind the stumps. For the
continued on next page
CALL YOUR
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FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS
Tel No:
01954 251946
Mobile No: 07889 439675
continued from previous page
PAVEMENTS –
3rd’s, the Player award was won by Russell Garner who both
opened the batting and kept wicket successfully throughout
the season. The Fielders’ award went to Robert Benson.
The Most-Improved Player shield was awarded to Jonathan
Browne for the progress he has made in the 3rd team. The
Young Player award was won by Russell Garner and the
Junior Player shield went to Daniel McGinty. The Clubman
of the Year was Daniel Parrott for his superb all-round contribution to the cricket club. Finally, a special medal was presented to Matt Talaga in recognition of his outstanding performance in setting a new club-record score – against the
League champions, to boot!
As ever, we would like to thank all our major club sponsors,
The Curry Palace, Nigel Bolitho and Gerry Bate, for their continued generosity – their support is absolutely vital to the club.
Thanks are also due to Neville Rice for his work on the
squares; to all our club officials, scorers Colin Smith and David
Clark (what a wonderful job they do!), helpers (especially
those providing teas – this is a lot of work and we really do
appreciate it) and supporters; and the Sports and Social Club
and Cottenham Parish Council for their continued backing.
HOW ARE THEY FOR YOU?
I have been conducting a survey of the conditions of pavements from the perspective of a disabled ‘buggy’ user. I’d be
pleased to hear from anybody who would like to participate
and contribute to a comprehensive report to the County
Council. With any luck this may lead to an improvement for
all of us, pedestrians, buggy and pram-pushers, and us lot –
the emerging tribe of disabled buggy users.
My impression, from conversations with councillors, is that
they very much want information. We can give it from
ground level.
If you have any views please contact me either by email at
cookcott@compuserve.com or by phone: 01954 251667 and
you can drop me a line to 102 High Street Cottenham,
Cambridge CB4 8SD.
Richard Cook
We can rest up for a few months now but, if there is anyone
new to the village who would like to join us and help to
ensure that Cottenham has a good-level cricket club for
many years to come, please get in touch – we would be
delighted to hear from you. Happy Christmas everyone –
next season is only just around the corner!
Nigel Lawrence (Chairman) 01954 251054; Dave Partridge
(Vice-Chairman) 01954 203210; Jay Howes (Secretary)
01487 250037
CARPET, UPHOLSTERY &
LEATHER CLEANING SPECIALISTS
CARPET FITTING SERVICE
JEFF HUNT
01954 231082
www.jmcarpetcare.com
NEW YEAR CEILIDH &
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
with The Alien Ceilidh Allstars Band
Cottenham Village College
8:00pm 31st December 2005 until
00:30am 1st January 2006
Tickets:Adults
Children
Concession
Family
£10
£6
£6
£27.50 (Two adults & two children)
(Each extra child £6)
During term: From the Community Office C.V.C
Tel: 01954 288751
After term end: From Clive Borrow
Tel: 01954 252693
Fen Edge Community Association
COUNTY FRAMES of Cottenham
Competitive prices, personal
(we are not the shop on the High Street!)
service and professional results
for all types of framing work
If you: Know what you want – we can make it reality
Need inspiration and ideas – we can help
Want something different – no problem
Need it in a hurry – we can oblige
Large range of modern and traditional
mouldings
Our customers come back to us time after time. Just ring for an appointment to visit our workshop in
Harlestones Road, Cottenham, (just off Lamb’s Lane). We are open when the rest are closed –
appointments available evenings and weekends!
Tel: 01954 251666 or Mobile: 07767 324959
PARISH COUNCIL
MOBILE WARDEN
The September and October meetings included the following:
The scheme has expanded and now offers a service at
weekends.
• County Farms – The lease has now been signed. Watch
developments!
• Tenison Manor – Please see separate item concerning the
Moat Area. A site visit took place early in October regarding
the Emergency Access; it is hoped that the necessary
improvements will be made shortly.
• Anti-Social Behaviour – A plea from the residents of
Coolidge Gardens to the youth of the village. ‘Please play in
appropriate areas, and not in and around the garages. Have
respect for person and property.’
• Play Equipment – The new items are installed on the
Recreation Ground, and being enjoyed by the youngsters.
• Dog Waste Bins – Additional bins are being installed in
Tenison Manor (near the Moat Area), and in Brenda Gautrey
Way. We would ask dog walkers to clean up after their dogs
using the bins provided, so that we keep the pavements, and
verges clean, and safe.
• Traffic Issues – A working party has been formed to look
into traffic issues in the village, in particular the High Street,
and through traffic.
David Mudd
Cottenham Parish Council
SENIOR
CITIZENS:
Tuesday &
Wednesday
The Mobile Warden Scheme in Cottenham was established
in 1997 to provide assistance and support to those elderly
members of our village who still want to live at home, but
need a helping hand. The scheme helps to preserve an individual’s independence, which is so very important to us all,
especially as we grow older.
The scheme is a registered charity and is operated by a volunteer management committee which meets every three
months with the chairman, secretary, treasurer and members
drawn from the local community. It is a team effort with all
those involved working together to serve the needs of the village. The scheme is staffed by two Mobile Wardens.
Membership is either FULL or ASSOCIATE. We aim to
ensure that each full member is contacted by telephone every
day and receives at least one home visit during the week. The
visits are carefully co-ordinated, so they do not ‘double up’
with those of carers, hairdressers, Social Services etc.
Associate members receive occasional visits. Regular contact is increased when their families or carers go on holiday.
The knowledge that the services of the scheme are available
reassures families – they can then enjoy their holiday knowing that daily contact will be made.
The Mobile Warden Scheme is especially important for
those who are house bound. The duties of the Wardens are
varied and tasks may include:
•
local shopping – collecting pensions – collecting
prescriptions
•
occasional odd jobs of light housework – simple food
preparation – making drinks – feeding pets
•
assisting in the checking of gas / electricity and water
bills etc. and other correspondence
•
on request, researching, helping and advising on
whatever matter concerns the member, without intruding
upon their privacy.
CLOSED MONDAY
Sarah Jane
Hairdressing
131 High St. Cottenham
Telephone 250170
New members usually join the scheme through the recommendation of other members, their doctor or district nurse.
Social Services are aware of the scheme.
CHIMNEY
SWEEP
J. L. WIGHT
Guild of Master Sweeps
Fully Insured
A modest charge is made for this service, but it may be possible to arrange financial assistance if required.
If you would like to join the scheme or know of someone
who would benefit from a helping hand, please contact:
Madeleine Bird tel: (01954) 251182 or Liz Milway Tel:
(01954) 250039.
Certificates issued
Advice given / problems solved
01954 782284
20 Rampton Drift, Longstanton
They will be pleased to give you further information.
ALL IN A FLAP
ABOUT FLU
Bird flu is nothing to be sniffed at, at least that’s what scaremongers in the media have been telling us for weeks now.
With conflicting opinions about the risk to human health,
scare stories about emerging viral infections, and a solitary
dead parrot, what are we to think?
What is bird flu?
Bird flu, or avian influenza to give its proper name, is caused
by various influenza A viruses and occurs naturally the
world over infecting wild birds without noticeable symptoms. The virus is highly contagious among birds and can be
passed on to other bird species, including some domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, where it can
cause flu symptoms.
Can bird flu viruses infect humans?
They can, but only very rarely. Moreover, those people
infected with bird flu so far live in very deprived conditions
in close daily contact with birds and their excretions. There
have been just a few dozen cases worldwide since 1997 compared to the tens of thousands of people who die each year
from human flu.
What is bird flu type H5N1?
The name H5N1 refers to the type of proteins found in the
protein coat of the influenza virus – haemagglutinin 5(H5)
and neuraminidase 1 (N1). There are dozens of different proteins that can be present, so that flu viruses called H1N1,
H1N2, and H3N2 etc are also known.
Does bird flu pose a risk to human health?
If it does, the risk is incredibly low. However, when there is
an outbreak among domesticated birds, the risk of the virus
spreading to people working with or handling live birds
increases. Birds and surfaces or equipment contaminated
with the excretions of infected birds are contagious.
Should I be worried about the H5N1 infections reported in
Asia and Europe?
So far H5N1 has spread only rarely from infected birds to
individuals and even more rarely from one person to another and not then on to a third person. Some scientists are concerned that H5N1 might mutate to form a new virus that
could infect people. However, such mutations usually lead to
less virulent forms of a virus. After all, H5N1 causes few if
any symptoms in wild birds, and if it were to spread to
humans, the virus itself would quickly die out if it were commonly fatal.
Is there a vaccine for the mutant form of H5N1?
No. A form of H5N1 that can infect people does not exist.
There can be no vaccine for a disease that does not exist.
There are several antiviral drugs around that interfere with
viral enzymes and stop them replicating.
Will there be a flu pandemic?
At the moment, scientists have no answer to this question.
However, as always, the media has been quick to latch on to
the latest doom and gloom stories. More worrying though is
an increasing trend among people who favour “alternative”
medicine or those misinformed by a scaremongering media
to avoid vaccinations against real threats such as mumps,
measles, rubella, and human flu because of concerns about
rare or non-existent side-effects. The falling numbers of people protected against these potentially fatal diseases could
lead to epidemics that, rather than being a flight of fancy,
will pose a real threat to human health.
More medical and health news at:
http://www.sciencebase.com/
David Bradley
CRYSTAL CLEAR
WINDOW CLEANING
Member of – N.F.M.W.&G.C.
TEL: 01954 205271/200456
MOBILE: 07835 390688
GIUSEPPE PIRAN
Peter Giddens & Co.
PAINTING & DECORATING
Solicitors
Professional and Experienced
In all aspects of Painting & Decorating
City & Guilds Qualified
Dulux Approved
Free Estimates and Professional Advice
Tel/Fax
01954 201167
Mob
07748 155475
Email
gpiran@ntlworld.com
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evenings by arrangement
266 High Street
Cottenham
Cambridge CB4 8RZ
Telephone: 01954 250089
FEAST FOOTBALL
In the October/November 2005 edition of the Cottenham
Newsletter, in the article Feast Lives Eddie Murphy mentions ‘a football match followed by a tea.’ This statement certainly brought back some happy memories.
I was fortunate enough to play for Cottenham United and I
played in the ‘Feast’ fixture on three occasions: 1950, 1951
and 1952. The fixture came about thus: A local girl, Madge
Whitehead, married a Mr Webster who was in the
Metropolitan Police. He was well known in the village and
was affectionately referred to as ‘Squibby’ Webster. Squibby
and his wife went to live in Richmond in Surrey and it was
through Mr Webster that
this fixture with the
Metropolitan Police was
born, pre-war.
The fixture was always on
Cottenham Feast Tuesday
afternoon, the land workers would finish work at
mid-day and the school
children would finish their
lessons early, hence a
large crowd would always
turn up to watch the
match. The police always
viewed this fixture with
great respect and would
send a strong team.
Cottenham United held a slight advantage however; the metropolitan police regarded it as a day out and made one or two
stops at various ‘watering holes’ during their journey from
London. I can recall one or two of their team emerging onto
the pitch slightly, pleasantly ‘Brahms & Liszt.’
After the match both teams and officials enjoyed a meal at
the Chequers Inn. After the meal a visit to the Fair on the
Green, perhaps a ‘jar’ or two in The Cross Keys, that lovely old tavern that overlooked Cottenham Green (the landlord then was Mr Jim Lampard the pre-war Barnsley goalkeeper and Cottenham United coach) then back to the
Chequers to bid the metropolitan police farewell as
they boarded their coach
bound for London. A typical Cottenham Feast
Tuesday, wonderful memories.
Sadly, links with the
metropolitan police became
severed and they appeared
for the last time in 1951,
however the fixture carried
on for one more year,
Cambridge City Police were
our opponents for the last
Feast Tuesday fixture in
1952.
Cottenham United Football Team 1952
Back Row: D Badcock G Levy M Taylor M Murfitt P Chapman C Hart
Front Row: L Armes (RAF Oakington) C Knights S Badcock R Kimptom L Badcock
L E E WAY
PLASTERING AND BUILDING SERVICES
48 Wilkin Walk, Cottenham, Cambridge
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
All aspects of building, plastering and insurance work undertaken
STOP SMOKING
ONE SESSION
CLINICAL HYPNOSIS
Alterations • Drainage • Fencing • Patios • Fascias • Soffits •
Guttering • UPVC Windows • Plastering • Coving • Ceilings •
Tiling (floor & wall) • Outside Rendering
Caroline Julia O’Connell
All work guaranteed – Reliable & Conscientious Service Provided
01954 261400
cjoconnell@onetel.com
Phone Paul Now on 01954 251164 (answerphone)
OR 07766 553484 (mobile)
MBSCH LNCP PHTA
Sensitive help with other issues
Registered Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Counsellor
BV Services
For Independent Financial Advice Contact Nigel Bolitho at:
Mitchell House, 185 High Street
Cottenham, Cambridge CB4 8RX
Telephone: (01954) 251521
Fax: (01954) 252420
Email: bolitho@enterprise.net
Investment &Tax Advisers
Authorised and Regulated by
the Financial Services Authority
COMPASSION VISIT
Margaret Lambert travelled to South Asia last August to visit
a child she has been sponsoring there through Compassion
and tells here of the day she met that child:
Our transport and escort arrived at 8:15am, to visit our
Compassion child. Thankfully the 4x4 was air conditioned
and looked very comfortable. I say thankfully, because the
atmosphere was humid due to the monsoon season. We set
off at speed into the noisy street, to negotiate the rough
roads, horns blowing (not in anger), rickshaws running,
buses, trains, school children, people everywhere cooking,
washing, trying to cross the road, just chaos really.
We sped out of the city managing to avoid any collisions.
Passing carts and bicycles were laden with fruit and vegetables and all other manner of sellable goods. Our vehicle
thundered on for two hours out into the country towards the
Bangladesh border. By now we had slowed a little as the
roads were single track with deep ditches at the edges and
we were in danger of running someone off the road.
Finally, we arrived at our destination, stopping at the end of
a narrow track under the trees where there was a small
church-like building.
Dodging the puddles and mud, we entered a small room
where our child would be introduced. Samrat a small boy
with large eyes arrived neatly dressed in brown shorts and
shirt, long white socks and black lace-up shoes.
The poor child was terrified by two white women focussing
their whole attention on one small boy. Samrat did not utter
a word to us throughout the entire visit, although we know
he did understand some English. We also met his parents
before going into the hall – which was also the school room
– to be entertained by all the students.
The children greeted us with garlands and entertained us by
singing choruses and dancing, and presenting a beautifully
hand-painted card. We watched, sitting in places of honour,
before it was our turn to reciprocate with words of encouragement and singing!
socks were abandoned for bare feet. The children then
assembled under a shelter where we helped serve lunch.
Rice, dhal, curried vegetables and a treat of chicken supplied
by us the visitors.
We were served later sitting on the floor with Samrat, his
parents and the male members of staff. We were shown how
to eat rice and dhal, eating right hands only. Everybody was
so welcoming and friendly. It was time to go and see where
Samrat lived.
His home had sadly collapsed so they were living with
friends. We were entertained in the small, clean house,
sitting on the bed we drank coke and ate sweets, which we
shared with the village children who had wandered in. We
got about by balancing on bricks to avoid the water and
slippery mud.
Samrat’s father had a job collecting leaves; other families are
able to make money by sewing, making clothes for small
amounts of money or selling rice and vegetables. It is difficult to survive without some help from outside, although
country children have a slightly more varied diet with access
to most of what is grown is to sell.
Sponsoring a child through Compassion enables children to
be educated and have the necessary books and uniform to
attend school. The project started a year ago. Compassion is
not the only organisation involved in this work. I read in the
Evening News of October 6 2005 about SOS Children, a
charity through which you can also sponsor a child. From
our visit we saw that all these organisations make a real difference to children and their families.
If you filled a shoe box this Christmas you can be sure that
this too has been welcome (some of the children we met had
received one last year). In these and many other ways we can
all help to make poverty history.
My nephew once said “Auntie Margaret you cannot save
all the children in the world.” Compassion says “one child
at a time.”
Margaret Lambert
A special surprise had been saved for us, we were to open the
small playground that had just been completed. I held back
my emotions cutting the ribbon to let the children into the
small muddy park of well painted equipment. It was then
time to play football on the grass. Shoes and long white
COTTENHAM TYRE & AUTOCENTRE
210 HIGH STREET, COTTENHAM Telephone (01954) 250104
M.O.T. Work – Body & Paintwork – Welding – Engine Tuning
SERVICING – TYRES – EXHAUSTS
Batteries – Punctures – Wheel alignment – Autoparts shop
‘LET YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS DO THE BUSINESS FOR YOU’
CHRISTMAS CASH
In December 2004, Cottenham Charities were able to provide cash vouchers to 35 applicants in the Parish. The
Trustees hope that this distribution helped these people to
enjoy a better Christmas. The scheme will be available in the
same manner this year and applications from permanent residents of the Parish should ensure that the forms are returned
before the closing date detailed below.
In addition to the voucher scheme the Charities are able to
consider one-off applications for grants to buy essential
household items. These applications must be from those who
are in need and could include a contribution towards a
replacement cooker, fridge, etc., or some special need to
assist with a disability. These grants are available to all qualifying permanent residents of the Parish throughout the year
and are not restricted to Pensioners.
Applications for grants should be made in writing to the
Honorary Secretary, Cottenham Charities, c/o 62, Lyles
Road, Cottenham, CB4 8QR.
Voucher Application forms will be available from the Post
Office from 26th November 2005 and must be returned by
4:30pm on Monday 5th December. Applicants should be on
low income and should be in receipt of the state pension.
They must be prepared to prove they are also in receipt of, or
entitled to, one of the following State Benefits:
Please note that all pensioners are entitled to receive a minimum weekly income in 2005 of £167.05 for couples and
£109.45 for single pensioners. Those aged over 65, with savings and other pensions, could have their weekly income
enhanced to £221 or £151 respectively under the Pension
Credit rules, more if either are severely disabled. For more
information please contact the local Citizens Advice Centre
in Cambridge (phone 01223 222660).
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
EVENTS
The Autumn Show on September 10 was a great success. We
had a delightful craft fair, a fabulous lunch, a fun auction,
and well appreciated slides of the Fen Edge Family Festival
as well as a repeat showing for the dog sculptures. There
were 791 exhibition entries – the same as last year, which
was a record. The quality of the Photography gets better
every year.
I hope the people who came will talk about it with their
friends, as there were fewer visitors this year.
On the 7th of October 290 people crowded into the main hall
at the Village College to hear Laurie Holloway and his trio
with special guests Jacqui Dankworth and Alan Barnes. They
were treated to a first class evening of music.
• Pensioner’s Credit [MD1]
• Minimum Income Guarantee
Don’t forget that the New Year’s Eve Ceilidh represents the
best value night out for miles around. A good time is always
had by all. Come and join us!
Only one application will be accepted per household.
Mike Smith
YOGA for AUTUMN
COTTENHAM & GIRTON
BEGINNERS, IMPROVERS & INTERMEDIATE
'Sibley-Moore Yoga'
R.S. MEMORIALS
Monumental Stonemason
Memorial Specialist
Tel: (01954) 261454 Fax: (01954) 261454
STRETCH, WORKOUT & DE-STRESS IN ONE CLASS !
Evenings – Tuesday 7 – 8.30 (Cott Primary Sch.)
Wednesday - ('Physic',Girton) 7 – 8.30
Thursday – 7.30 – 9 (Primary Sch.)
Daytime - Tuesday -10 – 11.30 (Cott Church hall)
(Private one-to-one Yoga by appointment)
CLASSES BEGIN AGAIN 6TH SEPTEMBER
FOR DETAILS RING
Denise Sibley-Moore BScDipBWY
01954 205374
email: denise.sibleymoore@ntlworld.com
WILLINGHAM FUNERAL
SERVICE
Sympathetic and Discreet Personal Service
Day or Night
Private Chapel of Rest
Tel: (01954) 261999 Fax: (01954) 261454
BERRYCROFT, WILLINGHAM
P h y s i c (Oakington Therapy Centre)
Oakington Road, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0QH
01223 237459
www.physic.co.uk
Osteopathy ‚ Acupuncture ‚ Chinese Herbal Medicine ‚ Homeopathy
Medical Herbalism ‚ Podiatry/Chiropody ‚ Counselling ‚ Nutritional Therapy
Iridology ‚ Food Allergy Testing ‚ Shiatsu ‚ Reflexology ‚ Indian Head Massage
Aromatherapy ‚ Massage ‚ Sports Injury & Remedial Massage
LIBRARY NEWS
Our annual Open Day will be held on Thursday 8th
December from 10:00am to 7:00pm when the public have a
chance to come and speak to our county councillor and
library managers on any aspect of the library service. We
need to know what you would like here in Cottenham
Library, as it is important to keep up library usage. The village is very lucky to have retained this amenity when others
in nearby villages were closed.
From the beginning of November the public will no longer have
to pay to send and read their emails in the Library. The Peoples
Network also offers several computer packages including
Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and we only charge for printouts.
We have been a collection point for old spectacles and so far we
have taken 4 boxes to the Vision Aid Overseas scheme. Thanks,
and keep them coming. We also collect used postage stamps,
which are taken to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity.
We are at present experiencing problems with items left in
our letterbox, several have ‘disappeared’ so we are advising
readers that they use the letterbox at their own risk and fines
will accrue if items are late when we check them in. You can
always renew books by phoning 0845 045 5225 between
8:00am and 8:00pm Monday to Saturday.
May I remind readers that they should always bring their
library cards when they want to borrow any items. We look
forward to seeing you soon.
Helen Richardson, Library Supervisor.
Made for
you,
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doorstep
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choice of finish and colour-matching service
extensive own modern and traditional
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displayed in room settings in large showrooms
custom made service available
gifts and home accessories
Open Monday - Saturday 9am-5pm
105 High St, Cottenham, Cambridge
www.cambridgecabinetmakers.co.uk
01954 250122
LETTERS
to the Editors
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank everyone who took part and supported the Feast parade on Sunday 16th October, it turned out to
be a lovely sunny day. We had fourteen floats take part
including Q103’s Black Thunder. Congratulations to the
winners – 1st Kidzone, 2nd W.I., 3rd Cambridge Building
Society and Ladybirds Preschool were presented with a
cookie from Q103.
Next year we promise more notice as we will start arrangements much earlier. Then hopefully we can have even more
floats in the parade!
Cottenham Feast Organising Committee
.........
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express concern over the treatment of the
moat at Tennison Manor. I have just seen the Parish Council
page of the October/November issue of the Newsletter. It is
stated that the BC Group work with Cambridgeshire County
Council on conservation work.
If this is the case, why did the County Council Ecology
Officer not know about the works that have destroyed the
site? Why did English Nature not know about it?
Why did the Parish Clerk dismiss my concerns, by asserting,
in a telephone call, that it was to prevent vandalism and the
use of illegal substances. Something that is also happening in
the High Street, she said.
Where is the evidence of vandalism on Tennison Manor?
The only vandalism I saw was a tree house in the Walnut
tree. That is until BC Group went through the site with
chainsaws, chipping machines and a “JCB” digger.
I and my neighbour were dismissed as, “being blinkered” by
the Parish Council although they did not have the courage to
say it for themselves. They merely forwarded a letter from
BC Group which stated this.
Interestingly that letter of 14th September was stamped
“URGENT”. What was the rush? Concerns had been raised.
There would have been no disadvantage in delaying the work
until the need had been properly discussed, with those on
this estate who were most affected. The same people who
were questioning the work.
The Parish Council is supposed to protect residents’ interests, not ride roughshod over them. Perhaps they are spending too much time worrying about dogs fouling pavements
and youths riding their bikes on said pavements.
The paragraph headed vandalism in the same issue of The
Newsletter is complete hogwash and looks like an attempt to
justify the unjustifiable. It also reflects what we were told in
that the site is to be turned into a community “amenity”.
BC Group, with the connivance of the Parish Council, have
destroyed a protected site which was the subject of a management plan linked to section 106 of the planning act. It was
also the subject of a Biodiversity plan for Bullfinches. It is
also a protected site for Great Crested Newts under UK and
European law.
The amazing thing about that piece of information is that the
Parish Council and BC Group ignored a sign on site stating
all of this. A sign approved and erected by the Parish Council
presumably.
Both this and the concerns raised by myself and my neighbour have been ignored at best. Treated with contempt is a
better description. We can hardly expect the Travellers to
comply with planning law if the Parish Council are going to
drive a coach and horses through it.
I have written twice by email to the Parish Clerk. To date,
26th October 2005, I have not had the benefit or courtesy of
a proper reply to my very real concerns.
The Parish Council have been described to me as a “load of
old fossils” by someone who has lived in Cottenham longer
than I. If this is the best they can do, they should go.
John Curzon
Bullfinch Way
Cottenham Parish Council have investigated thoroughly the
issues raised by Mr Curzon and have responded to him on
the points he has made. For a full explanation of the works
to date readers should see our article in this edition of The
Newsletter.
If anyone has concerns about the appearance of the site now
please take the time to visit Giants Hill at Rampton, an area
similarly maintained by our specialist contractors, The BC
Group Trust (a specialist charitable organisation with experience in Heritage Site Management, Conservation & woodland
Projects, Ponds Wildflower Meadows & Habitat Schemes).
Paula Johnson
Chairman, Cottenham Parish Council
.........
Letters continued on next page
Letters continued from previous page
Dear Editor
I am writing regarding the vandalism and wanton criminal
damage caused to trees in the moat area off Tenison Manor,
Broad Lane (reference Parish Council Cottenham Newsletter
Number 89 – October/November 2005).
I moved to Tenison Manor during stage one of the building
work in 1997. My children have been brought up here and
they have always played in the wooded area with their friends.
It was late Summer early Autumn when I started to see signs
of vandalism at the moat. Bird boxes placed by the Parish
Council were smashed to the ground, and the children’s tree
house was pulled from its mountings and left in pieces on the
ground. Each day more and more of the children’s dens and
play areas are disappearing. The Munkjack Deer, which the
children loved has now gone and the Great Newt (which is
protected by law) is no longer inhabiting the area.
Each night I come home to find more trees are felled, huge
gaps opened up and branches laying everywhere. Then the
fires started, left to burn into the night. Terrified neighbours
returning from work would call the fire service, this could
not go on. I had to speak to someone. Telling the Clerk of the
Parish Council my worries, she replied, “Yes I know”.
Apparently the Parish Council have employed contractors to
destroy the wooded area of the moat.
The Clerk assures me it’s all to do with conservation and in
around five years time it will look very nice. It has looked
very nice for the last five years, before the contractors arrived.
VANDALS IDENTIFIED
Mr M Pearson
.........
when I read that it had been revived I was very pleased.
However, I found it somewhat ironic that it had been thought
that it could NOT happen and then a way was found. I asked
myself was it someone who had lived in the village for a very
short period of time who said it could not happen, and then
someone who had lived in the village for a long time who
found a way for it to happen?
The only reason I wondered this was because I went to the
Summer Day in June and didn’t know a soul. The village
green was full of ‘new Cottenham’ people, and as successful
as that was for them it was bitterly disappointing for native
Cottenham people.
So, the traditional Cottenham Feast Parade was a pleasure.
Many ‘real’ Cottenham people met for their annual chat, the
floats were good, and the brass band played and kept everyone entertained. I think the moral for the new people to the
village is – don’t mess with our traditions!! Well done to
everyone who got the Feast Parade happening.
A REAL Cottenham, lived here all my life, Person.
.........
Dear Editor,
As a residents of Smithy Fen, we would like to say a big
thank you to the residents that attended the recent Victoria
View traveller appeals at Cambourne to give their support. In
particular I would like to thank Paula Johnson (Chairman of
the Parish Council) and Miss Ettebett (the Parish Council
barrister) who did an excellent job.
Unfortunately, being romanced by the travellers resulted in
the Cottenham Residents Association at the end of its closing statement, forgetting why they were there in the first
place.
Dear Editor
I just felt I must write regarding the Feast Sunday Parade last
Sunday. I have lived in Cottenham a very long time and the
floats and the gathering on the village green are part of
Cottenham’s tradition. I was very disappointed when I heard
the parade was not going to be happening this year, and then
ARTICLES, DATES AND
ADVERTISEMENTS
E-mail, PC floppy disk and paper submissions are all
welcome. Please contact the Editor if you have any questions. Dates of events to be advertised in the next issue
(No. 91) should span the months of February and March.
Our future is now in the hands of the Secretary of State.
Meanwhile, more planning applications and appeals are on
the horizon.
R. & J. Smith
Letters for publication may be sent to the Editors, and
should include the name and address of the sender, although
this may be omitted from publication if requested. Please
keep correspondence short and topical. Please note that the
Editors may use their discretion regarding publication, and
their decision is final. The views expressed by correspondents and other contributors are their own and are not necessarily shared by the Editors.
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USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Police …………………………Community Beat Office …………………………………………………………………01223 358966
Doctors
……………………Dr. Julie Gould, 188 High Street ………………………………………………………………250079
………………………………Dr. M. Grande, 42 Telegraph Street …………………………………………………………251180
Community Nurses …………Answerphone or between 1.00 – 2.00 pm ……………………………………………………251071
Cottenham CareCar …………Co-ordinator, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm ……………………………………………………………251837
Cottenham Day Centre ……Mrs. M. Gilbey, 45 Victory Way ………………………………………………………………251802
Cottenham Toy Library ……Karen Wigley ……………………………………………………………………………………252339
Dentist …………………………Mr. Faber, Old Telephone Exchange, 40 Margett Street ……………………………………251696
Chemist
……………………Co-operative Pharmacy Cottenham, 222 High Street ………………………………………250556
Foot Specialist (Chiropody) J.R. Kain, 13 Pelham Close ……………………………………………………………………251143
Osteopath ……………………Roger Giddings & Associates. Physic (Oakington Therapy Centre)
………………………………Oakington Road, Girton. email: reception@physic.co.uk …………………………01223 237459
Veterinary Surgeon …………R. Hughes-Parry, 66 High Street ………………………………………………………………252122
Schools
……………………Cottenham Village College and Community Office …………………………………………288944
………………………………County Primary, Lambs Lane …………………………………………………………………250227
Under Ones Group ………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………250609
Pre-School ……………………Ladybirds Pre-School, Recreation Ground …………………………………………………250891
Out of School Club ………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………250025
Scouts …………………………Carol Gerrard (Scout Group Secretary) ………………………………………………01954 202990
Council Offices ………………Cambridgeshire Direct – County & District Council Enquiries ……………………08450 450500
Parish Council. ………………Clerk – Julie Groves, 44 Victory Way. e-mail: julie.groves@ntlworld.com ………………202928
District Councillors …………Jacky Dixon, e-mail: cllr.dixon@scambs.gov.uk ………Home: 252083, Mobile: 07919 575190
………………………………Simon Edwards ……………………………………Home: 01223 233682, Mobile: 07711 079089
………………………………Tim Wotherspoon, e-mail: tim.wotherspoon@uk.uumail.com………………………………252108
County Councillor …………David Jenkins, david.jenkins@cambridgeshire.gov.uk …………01223 236232 / 07739 758859
………………………………Matthew Bradney, matthew.bradney@cambridgeshire.gov.uk …01954 204347 / 07739 393137
British Red Cross …………Cambridge Office ………………………………………………………………………01223 354434
Citizens Advice ………………CAB, 72/74 Newmarket Road, Cambridge …………………………………………08701 264010
Social Services ………………Histon Team ……………………………………………………………………………01223 718011
Mobile Warden Service …… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………251182
NSPCC
……………………Cottenham Area Team, Peterborough ………………………………………………01733 558245
RSPCA
……………………Area Number, Peterborough …………………………………………………………0870 5555999
Samaritans ……………………Cambridge Centre ………………………………………………………………………01223 364455
Railway Station ………………Cambridge, Passenger Enquiries ……………………………………………………0845 7484950
Driving Instruction …………TOPS Driving School ……………………………………………………………………………252239
Taxi …………………………1st Stop Private Hire ………………………………………………01954 261026 or 07919 385702
Taxi …………………………Pegasus Taxi ……………………………………………………………………………………261324
Library …………………………Margett Street ……………………………………………………………………………………273322
Library Doorstep Service ……Hilary Firth ………………………………………………………………………………01223 718358
Parish Church ………………The Rectory, 6 High Street ……………………………………………………………………250454
Baptist Church. ………………Jeff Boyden, 72 Lyles Road ……………………………………………………………………250985
Catholic Church ………………Fr David Paul, St Laurences Church, 91 Milton Road, Cambridge ………………01223 704640
Methodist Church …………The Rev’d. Cynthia Hardiman …………………………………………………………01223 700778
Salvation Army ………………Majors Ian and Barbara Fawcett, 15 Pelham Close ………………………………………250524
Royal British Legion …………Matthew Baldry, 123 Coolidge Gardens. e-mail:matthew.baldry@tesco.net ……………202797
Cottenham Brass Band ……Colin Watson, 39a Victory Way, Cottenham …………………………………………………250813
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