LINTON yachtsman Adam Clackson, aged 58, and three crew of his yacht Tuila
were lost en route from Holland to Britain recently.
The yacht – with students Carol Smith, 23, James Chew, 22, and Chris McMenemy,
26 – left Ijmuiden, west of Amsterdam, on 25th July to sail to the River
Orwell.
Two days later, when no word had been heard from the 28ft Tuila, relatives
alerted the Coastguards and triggered a search that swept over more than 6,500
square miles. In the last days of July, five aircraft, including an RAF Nimrod
reconnaissance jet, a Dutch coastguard plane, a helicopter and seven lifeboats
searched in vain.
On 31st July, the Coastguards reported receiving news from a motor cruiser’s
crew that debris, including cushions similar to those used in Tuila, were
floating between Ijmuiden and the River Orwell. Twenty-four hours later, a Dutch
lifeboat confirmed that the debris had not come from the Tuila. British
Coastguards expressed concern and reports began mentioning the high levels of
traffic in the area – up to 400 ships and 200 ferries passing through it each
day.
On 1st August, the search was called off: there was no evidence that the Tuila
was still afloat. The next day, the Coastguards’ switchboards were jammed and
relatives pleaded with them to carry on the search.
On 3rd August, the Coastguards resumed the search with a spotter plane. But the
effort failed to find any trace and the search was ended.
Then, on 12th August, the bodies of Mr Clackson and Miss Smith were found on the
Dutch coast. The third body was identified 24 hours later as Mr Chew. There was
no sign of Mr McMenemy.
LNT
LIBBY Purves, (The Times, 8th August 2000) wrote "There must still be a
shred of hope but even when that fades we should still be glad she (Tuila, Adam
Clackson’s boat) was out there. An experienced skipper was giving, as hundreds
do, a life-affirming adventure to the new generation. That must be a good
thing."
Hope has faded but she is right, we should still be glad, although that is
desperately hard. Adam was every inch the sailor, hugely generous with trips on
Tuila especially towards enthusiastic youngsters. He believed he was privileged
and should therefore share that privilege as widely as he possibly could.
Much has been, and will be written about Adam the sailor. But many people in
Linton, sailors and non-sailors alike, will miss a deeply valued friend.
He was a professional engineer, well-travelled and courageous. His expertise in
irrigation and water technology took him and his family all over the less
developed world, Indonesia, Iraq, Macedonia, Albania among others. Not for him
the smart Westerner’s hotel but the flat in the heart of the local area,
absorbing the language and culture, bringing home gifts of unfamiliar
sweetmeats.
When at home he had the same passion for things local. He worked for some time
for the Rural Development Commission and actively supported local industries.
Their goods really were "Made in England" and that was important to
him.
He was a very active member of St Mary’s Church congregation. Since coming to
Linton he had been a Churchwarden, a sidesman, a long-term member of the Choir,
the business manager of St Mary’s Parish Magazine, a much-loved Sunday School
teacher and a member of the PCC, with a particular interest in the fabric of the
church building. All round the church there is evidence of his resourcefulness
and practical skill. He loved ancient church buildings and all that they
revealed of the craftsmanship and faith of a past age. And it was to help
maintain our own parish church that he was involved in the fundraising
activities of the Friends of St Mary’s. He had a great love for the Celtic
saints, especially St Ced, whose little chapel overlooks the Suffolk coast where
Adam loved to sail. Their adventurous spirit, as they set out in small boats to
"plant" churches in remote places, appealed greatly to Adam’s own
sense of adventure.
Within the last few months he had been appointed by the Home secretary to serve
as a member of the Board of Visitors at Highpoint prison. The potential value of
his contribution to this important monitoring role within the prison had already
been noticed.
Tuila’s emergence into the world after her fitting-out in the back garden,
through an impossibly small and awkward driveway was a traffic-stopping occasion
but Adam had measured it and done the calculations and of course it worked
perfectly.
He was always ready to offer help, kindness, time and friendship and was
genuinely pleased to do so without ever losing his sense of fun.
He leaves a widow, Lyn, daughters Kaili and Saffron, and a community
impoverished by his loss.
THE Parish Council finally got to meet Barclays’ representatives on 11th
August. We hoped they would be able to show us around the whole building, but it
turned out their keys only opened part of the ground floor – leaving them
rather embarrassed.
They told us that the bank was willing to give anyone interested in taking on
the premises plenty of opportunity to get their act together, and that nothing
was ruled out. Apparently at least one of the closed Barclays’ branches has
been sold to another high street bank which believes it can succeed where
Barclays had given up.
In fairness they do not believe another bank is interested in moving into
Linton, and schemes for "community banks" being put forward by the
Campaign for Community Banking are still at an early stage.
The Parish Council knows that a number of nearby residents are concerned for the
future of the premises, and has written to them setting out the Parish Council’s
position.
Anyone who would like to read in full the current position can get a copy from
the Parish Council office.
Editor’s note: A detailed explanation of the issues involved has been held over to the next issue because of space constraints. Readers write, page 3
A JOINT venture between two Linton residents has resulted in a new support
and advice web site being launched, called Panic No More.
Sonya Wisbeach has provided support and counselling for many years, both by
telephone and post, to panic attack sufferers all over the UK.
While trying to research the subject on the internet, she found that the
resources available in the UK were few, and so she has designed the site with
her friend Tony Smith, who is disabled, to start the internet-based support and
information site, catering for both UK and worldwide surfers, while still
keeping busy with her telephone and postal support to the many people who
contact her from all over Britain.
The site offers electronic books, dictionaries and ‘first aid’ for panic
attacks, along with free personal support and help, by email, and support
e-booklets that can be down-loaded from the site.
More than 300 visits were logged in the first week of it being launched – from
11 countries worldwide.
Whilst the service is only available on the internet at the moment, it is hoped
to expand this to postal support to sufferers in the Linton and surrounding
areas – but electronic support is much cheaper than stamps and stationery!
Panic No More offers badly needed advice and support that in many cases is
extremely hard to find in the UK, especially with agoraphobia and Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder victims, where a personal, sympathetic and friendly letter,
written from experience, definitely helps, especially if the person is
house-bound or feels alone.
The Panic No More web site can be found at: http://panicnomore.bizland.com, and
Sonya or Tony can be contacted from the site. Tony Smith
OUR President reported that she had recently attended two
very enjoyable events. Balsham WI celebrated its 75th anniversary with a garden
party and Hildersham WI's members dressed as "nippies" to celebrate
their 50th anniversary.
The autumn Council meeting is on 30th October and the speaker is from the BBC
Weather Centre. Forthcoming events arranged by the Cambridge Federation were
mentioned including a guided tour to Ely on 21st September, an illustrated talk
- The Secrets of Silk - at Haslingfield on 27th September and a quiz night
at
Cottenham on 6th October.
The speaker for the evening was Joan Williams aka Mistress Angharad, a Tudor
cook from Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, who came in costume. She told us of the
history of Kentwell Hall, which was built in 1520.
The next meeting is on 5th September. Linda Scholes will give a talk
entitled
"Divided by a common language". Visitors are welcome.
LOCAL artists Kaela-ann Cooper and Katherine Fairey will be
among artists exhibiting their work at Fulbourn Townley Memorial Hall on 30th
September and 1st October from 10am - 5pm. This is a unique exhibition where the
public can talk to the artists about their work and purchase pieces.
Refreshments will be served on
both days and admission is free. For further information contact Kaela-ann on
?891029. Kaela-ann Cooper
Please come to the blood donor session at the Social Centre on Friday 22nd September. It is open throughout the day from 11am to 7pm.
A buffet dance in aid of the Marie Curie Nursing Fund is being held at Linton Village College on Saturday 14th October. The theme will be the 1950s and dancing will be to the Harmony Sound Dance Band.
LITTLE by little the effect of the Pool Committee is becoming
apparent - and building a swimming pool in Linton is coming closer. Recently, we
heard that our Parish Council had approved of our plan for a much simpler pool.
Now the plan has the official stamp of the District Council planners, giving us
permission for
another three years.
After the hiccup caused by Barclays Bank withdrawing from the village, we at
last have an appropriate account at the Co-operative Bank, via Linton Post
Office. This should now make it possible for us to take care of all the precious
pennies donated right at the beginning of this saga.
We are waiting with bated breath for the magic number from the Charity
Commission, enabling us to start adding to this fund.You may have seen the model
of the pool which was displayed in the Library. Since
that was made we have discovered that we can lower the height of the roof line
by 3.5 metres, which will cut construction costs and, for years to come, the
running costs. Ideally for solar heating this would have required a roof slope
of 52degrees. However, the modern vacuum tube solar heaters can be used on a
vertical wall or a
flat floor, or anywhere in between. This method of heating is ideal for swimming
pools, giving unlimited low temperature heat for virtually no cost. Well, no
running cost but a hefty initial outlay! That is why we only find solar heating
on quite elderly pools.
Although simplicity is the key word for our planning, we hope to allow a little
luxury item which will give us the effect of fresh air swimming indoors. Not
'inside out' but outside in warm air. This will help make up for losing the
pleasure of river swimming.
THE scheme for collecting sorted waste from people's homes is
progressing. Every household will be given an oblong plastic bin without a lid.
Into it you will put all newspapers, catalogues, telephone directories and waste
paper (except cardboard), also all cans and any cloth you want to get rid of.
The sorting will be done by the contractor who will call fortnightly. You can
ask for an extra bin if you need it.Phase 1 will start this month with
collections in the villages north of Cambridge.
Phase 2 extends it in April to all the eastern and southern villages - including
Linton and Hildersham. Phase 3 extends it to the western villages in October
next year.
Recycling facilities in the villages will continue - to see if they still get
used - and parish councils will get even more recycling cash as the amount
collected rises.
THERE is still time to enter the Garden Club's Annual Show,
which is also open to non-members. This will be held on Saturday 9th September
at the Social Centre, and visitors can view the entries from 2.30pm when
refreshments will be served.
The Garden Club's new season opens on 10th October with the AGM, followed by a
plant and produce sale. New members will be welcomed, and if anyone feels that
they could fill a vacancy on the Committee, we would be very pleased for you to
join us.
THIS year flu vaccination will be available at Linton Health
Centre to all patients over the age of 65 as well as those patients with
diabetes, asthma or heart disease and those who have had their spleen
removed or who are immuno-suppressed.
As you can imagine, vaccinating almost 2,000 patients is a mammoth task to
undertake. The vaccine is being delivered at the very end of this month and we
want to immunise as many patients as possible in the early part of October. This
year we are running some Saturday morning flu clinics. As usual, there will also
be flu clinics at various times during the week.
All these will be short appointments, purely for flu vaccination. Patients who
need to discuss other problems are welcome to make appointments in the nurses'
general surgery where there is more time available.
We would like to ask patients to book early for the flu clinics. Appointments
can be made on ?892555 (after 10.30am please) or by calling in at the Reception
desk. Sheila Griffiths
THE Parish Council has agreed a request from Mr & Mrs Stapleton, of High Street, Linton, for exclusive use of the Market Square car park on the occasion of their daughter's wedding. This means the car park will be closed on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th September. Other regular users have been advised.
Dear Editor,
Whilst I have every support for trying to make the roads safer in Linton, I
think the problem in the High Street pales into insignificance compared to the
nightmare that the people who live on the south side of the A1307 suffer.
I have been told by Terry Bear [county councillor], that the original plans for
the ‘so called’ by-pass included a footbridge, but funds ran out and all
that we laughingly have now, is a refuge island. Has anyone seen the state of
that island today?
The residents who have to tackle this crossing have been let down by the
councils and I am sure that if there was to be a similar application for a
by-pass today it too would include some sort of safe crossing for pedestrians of
all ages.
The traffic that we have to contend with is travelling in excess of 40mph and is
constant at key times in the day. Why put a speed limit of 40 mph within a few
feet of a dual carriageway? Why not enforce the speed limit? There is absolutely
no incentive for drivers to slow down, let alone think about pedestrians.
Not only do we have to deal with the constant stream of traffic travelling along
the A1307, but also we have to take into account the traffic trying to exit the
High Street and the Hadstock Road.
We are victims of the councils’ inability to get work done within budget and
no one will listen to our calls for a safe place to cross a road, which is
notorious for its accidents, when it should have been supplied in the first
place.
We have been let down by everyone concerned with the community, whether it be
directly or indirectly.
I am prepared to take this all the way if I have too, as I know that what has
been allowed to be a fait accompli is not moral, or possibly legal. The plans
clearly felt a need to include a safer method of crossing this road and were
duly passed on that basis, so why haven’t we got somewhere safe to cross the
road?
Dear Editor
I have had my niece over for a couple of weeks in the summer holidays, so I
thought I would take her down the Pocket Park. The grass was cut to make the
walking easier, except for the dog mess on every path way, and not just small
amounts.
I have nothing against dogs, as I have a couple of my own. You are supposed to
be able to picnic down there, but I don’t know where, as there are no seats or
tables. If we were paying for it out of Council Tax, surely we could have a few
seats, and dog owners should be made to clear up where needed.
Dear Editor
Having lived in the Village for five years with Barclays Bank as neighbours
until April, we have been very interested and concerned in the rumours that have
been circulating.
Safety is our main concern against a move of the Post Office. This end of the
High Street is narrow and parking facilities are restricted. Traffic coming out
of Horn Lane and Market Lane currently has difficulty turning into the High
Street, especially when cars are parked on both sides. The additional congestion
from extra traffic from the Post Office could turn the area into gridlock. While
Barclays provided a useful service, saving their customers from having to go
into Saffron Walden or Haverhill, what a pity that they could not have provided
a mobile banking service for a few hours a week such as they provide at
agricultural shows?
The Post Office has served the village well in its current location, whereas to
relocate to the other end of the High Street, would not be in the best interest
or convenient to the village.
Having looked at possible new locations, I have discovered two. One is near to
the new library where there are two empty shop units in addition to some
parking. The second is in the middle of the village near to the health centre
and the car park where the recycling bins are situated. There are premises
currently up for sale.
The main inconvenience to some of the village is the withdrawal of the cash
machine. However this loss has meant that we and our neighbours can now enjoy
living 24 hours a day without being disturbed by customers stopping outside our
houses, with engines and radios blaring.
In order for the village to regain a 24-hour cash machine the Halifax or another
bank could be approached to install a free-standing cash machine in the public
car park opposite the Parish Council office.
In conclusion, while we understand the shock that was caused when Barclays Bank
withdrew from Linton and other villages we are wondering whether moving the Post
Office to 30 High Street, is the best long-term solution.
Dear Editor,
I think the main ingredient for the accidents at the junction of Bartlow Road
and the A1307 is speed coupled with an error of judgement by the driver of the
vehicle emerging from Bartlow Road assessing the speed of the vehicles
travelling on the A1307. Every day there are several near misses, especially by
drivers crossing the A1307 junction from Linton to Bartlow.
The Local Authority Highways Department acknowledges that there is a problem of
excessive speed and their solution to this is painting a SLOW sign on the
carriageway. Might one say a waste of time and money.
There is a much cheaper alternative to a roundabout – this is a reduction in
the speed limit to 50mph and double white lines in the middle of the road, to
prevent overtaking, from the dual carriageway at Horse-heath Road to the 40mph
restrictions. Accidents at the junction would also be reduced if the junction
itself was better marked.
Dear Editor
May I say to two smashing friends, Angela and Wullie, a great big Thank You for
the wonderful ‘surprise’ party you gave me for my 50th birthday.
Also to you, Sue, for the lovely cake you so kindly made. To Stuart and Miranda,
for all the secrets you kept, and everything you did to make it a success. I
love you both.
To all of you, I thank you very much.
Dear Editor,
Today we had a sunny morning walk up the footpath to Rivey Hill and along the
Roman Road beyond Chilford Hall, then descending to Hildersham. While we enjoyed
the walk, I would like to bring to attention two black spots for rubbish.
Firstly, the lane beside the cemetery was littered with domestic rubbish and
news-papers. Perhaps a problem with foxes attacking black bags here? Whose
responsibility?
Secondly, the Roman Road was a real mess. Two wrecked and abandoned cars, broken
glass, bits of carpet, garden and builders waste, clothes, black bags full of
tins and garbage, drinks cans, plastic snack packets: ugh!! There were signs of
two campfires, one plainly associated with some of the mess.
Beyond the Hildersham Road is a sign indicating "traffic restricted by
order" on the Bridle Way and posts are placed to prevent cars. Wonderful:
no litter there! What is needed to obtain and enforce a similar order for the
Bridle Way above Chilford?
What does it take to keep Linton Village College one of the best schools in
Britain? Clive Bush, the principal, kept a diary for a week
What follows is an outline only of a fairly typical week. It should be read
assuming a liberal sprinkling of phone calls, faxes and impromptu, "have
you got a second?" chats. A rich and varied cocktail of school life!
Monday
8am Arrive. Computer on, check the emails; three that will need action this morning.
Organise notes for meeting with Deputy at 8.15 – her new role and preparation for meeting with new Leadership Group at 11.30.
8.45am Whole staff briefing. Everyone looking very tired – and they’ve just had a weekend!
9am See Elaine, my PA, and organise notes from Friday’s training session.
9.30am Teach Year 9 Art. Very enjoyable, lovely group and some excellent work.
10.30am Prospective parent in – talk about her daughter, show her around College. Hard to explain we have no places. She goes on waiting list.
11.25am Out on corridor for break time – constant reminder about not eating inside. Quick word with Catering Manager about large numbers on Wednesday (Year 6 induction).
11.30am Management meeting – hour and a half discussion about developments for next year. Good meeting.
1pm Quick lunch – patrol site, talk to pupils.
1.50pm Meeting with Site Manager – summer maintenance projects, update on work done. Check situation with leaking water main. Weekend work completed – good. How big is the problem though?
3pm Meeting with Business Manager – financial update.
3.30pm Short session with in-tray.
4pm French and English Department meetings – farewell to Chris Martin from department.
5.30pm Complete two Threshold assessments.
7 –9.30pm Creative Achievements Evening. Well attended in spite of rain. Excellent work on display.
Tuesday Top of Page
8.00 am Start Year 10 reports – 150 to read and comment on.
9am Talk to LEA Property Department about water main problem .
9.30am Check on problem with a Year 7 pupil – parent needs to be seen.
10am Sports Day – go outside and assist.
10.30am Check letters for today and emails – respond as necessary.
11am Sports Day cancelled (weather) so teach Year 7 English.
11.40am Prepare notes for appeal hearing this pm.
12.15pm Check induction day programme is on course.
1pm Lunch, patrol site.
1.30pm Appeal hearings.
3pm Snatch opportunity to do some reports. Begin revision of Development Plan in light of Beacon Status.
4pm Heads of Year meeting. Introduce new school nurse and new arrangements for pastoral management next term.
5.30pm Go to mini enterprise exhibition – superb.
6.30pm Home – evening off!
Wednesday Top of Page
8am Check emails. Organise day. Think about major issues for next year – curriculum changes mainly.
8.30am Meeting with Deputies – prepare staff briefing.
8.45am Staff briefing.
9am Address new pupils in hall.
9.30am See Year 7 pupil about a serious problem and check information with Head of Year.
10.15am Teach Year 8 Art.
11.20am Talk to new pupils about South African link and Boepathutse School.
12.15am Prospective parents (for 2002) to have a look around.
1pm Lunch, patrol site. Write four reports.
2pm Senior Management Team meeting.
3pm Write letters to Year 7 parents, attack in-tray before it attacks me. Complete end of term letter. Complete letter to Beacon School partners. Five more reports. Visit Green Lights disabled events where pupils involved.
3.45pm Bus duty, speak to staff about today. Check all went well with induction. More reports. Begin preparing for LEA meeting tomorrow.
6.30pm Home – take rest of documents to read tonight.
Thursday Top of Page
8am Check emails and diary notes for today and tomorrow. See Head of Year about pupil – thank staff who helped yesterday. Check repairs underway on new rooms.
9am Lower school assembly. Record number of merits given out – fantastic!
9.30am Leave for Shire Hall meeting on Community Education.
10am-12 LEA meeting – the future of Community Education etc.
12.45pm Return to LVC, lunch, help getting Year 6 pupils through lunch process.
1.45pm Teach Year 10 – Personal and Social Education.
4pm Meeting with parent about behaviour of child.
4.45pm Check all documents ready for new parents’ meeting this evening. Print some more! Five more reports. In-tray getting very full again. Shift some paper. Talk to Architect about building project.
6pm Give reports a full hour. Two groups completed.
7pm Greet new parents arriving for 7.30 meeting.
7.30 pm New parents’ meeting.
9.30pm Home.
Friday Top of Page
8am Emails etc, five phone calls! Check with Site Manager that damage assessment of pipework is underway.
8.30am Pre briefing meeting.
8.45am Staff briefing.
9am Five more reports.
9.30am New parent – child starting September. Chat and tour.
10.30am Meeting with parents about curriculum concerns.
11.30am Check hall at break.
11.45am Speak with Community Assistant about this evening’s event – all OK.
12noon In-tray again and some more reports.
12.45pm Lunch, patrol site, talk to pupils.
1.30pm Serious problem with a Year 10 pupil. Speak to witnesses, get statements, meet Head of Year. Telephone parents, see parents, talk at length to Year 10 pupil. Begin planning individual programme for next year – delegate to Pupil Retention Manager (new post).
2.30pm Check all on course for this evening’s event. Say hello to ‘setting up’ team.
3pm Respond to fax from Link Africa – Zulu children’s choir to spend day here and an evening concert in September. Great! Talk implications over with Head of Music.
4pm Talk with Information Technology company about support next year.
5pm Write most of this!
7pm Reception for VIPs for tonight’s extravaganza.
7.30pm Final Green Lights event ‘Where’s the Exit?’ Brilliant!
10.30pm Home and weekend off!
The Social Centre is one of the busiest buildings in Linton. The Parish Council has its office there, the Linton News runs its vast empire from the committee room once a month, individuals and organisations hold an endless stream of one-off events there. Here are some of the ‘regulars’
WE are all becoming more aware of our health and general fitness. In
particular our diet and fitness programmes. Aerobics has been a popular exercise
class for years, and now there are numerous classes to choose from: high and low
impact, body conditioning, aqua, step, body max and many more.
On Wednesday evenings from 7.30-8.30pm I teach an exercise to music class which
consists of: a warm up, a short aerobic work out, body conditioning using
handheld weights (optional) and muscular strength and endurance exercises
(thighs, bums and tums). This may sound very energetic to the unfit, but the
class is very relaxed, and is for all ages and fitness levels. The aim is to
have fun while improving your fitness. It is a popular class, but there are
vacancies. Why not come along!
The Society of Bookbinders (East Anglia Region) members meet to discuss their
interests. The society, a charity, is "to advance education for the public
benefit in all aspects of bookbinding… by the collection, collation,
evaluation and organised dissemination of craft and technical information’.
The next meeting at the Social centre features David Sellars (designer
bookbinder), who will be demonstrating techniques he typically uses, as well as
exhibiting examples of his work.
Details of the society on: www.socbkbind.com.
THERE is an expectant hush in the air. Many tables are occupied, four to a
table, with the people waiting for some action. Suddenly, a bell rings, and the
dealing begins.
Are we in the stock exchange? No, it’s whist night on a Monday.
There have been whist drives in some form or another in Linton for over 50
years, and the venue has been the Social Centre since it was opened on its
present site. The whist drives are organised by a willing band of enthusiasts
who make the arrangements, buy prizes, put up tables, and serve refreshments.
Most weeks see an average of 15 tables of four players, and the prizes are
either groceries or, occasionally, money.
The game played is ‘semi-partner’ where participants play in pairs, staying
together until they lose a game, then they have to separate.
If anyone wishes to take part in a whist drive, whatever age, just go along and
join in – it is not a club and you do not have to join. Many of the current
players come from outside the village, so it would be nice to see a few more
Linton faces.
Why not try a few hands at 7.30pm on Mondays?
LINTON Jazz was formed two years ago by Karen Sanderson and Stephen Inglis.
It now has 25 to 30 people – children and adults – who come together on a
regular basis to play jazz. There is also a Junior Band for anyone who has only
been playing about a year; that meets for about an hour before the Big Band
rehearsal.
The main emphasis is fun; having individual music lessons is the start of your
musical life, but playing with other people is where the fun begins.
Linton Jazz meets alternate Sundays, 3pm – 5pm. It is looking for trumpet and
trombone players for the main band, but whatever instrument you play, why not go
along and give it a try. This months meetings are on the 3rd and 17th.
If you want more details,.... or just turn up.
THE Linton Branch of the Workers Education Association (WEA) uses the centre
on Tuesdays for all adults: young, old, in work, at home, unemployed or retired.
The courses are friendly, informal and enjoyable, and are taken by expert
tutors. Each course has a written syllabus, which is agreed with the students,
but there are no examinations and the workload is only as heavy as each student
wishes to make it.
This is a non-profit making organisation, supported by national and local
government grants, so the fees are kept as low as possible.
The next WEA season is a 10-meeting course on Cathedrals and Abbeys with tutor
Lynne Broughton, beginning at 10am on 19th September.
JAZZ classes have been running in Linton for a year and have proven to be a
great success. Children’s classes start from four years upwards and are
extremely good fun.
The classes start with a warm up and jumps across the floor, finishing with a
routine to the latest pop sounds in the charts. Classes for adults have the same
structure.
I have been teaching Jazz Ballet classes and theatre dance to children and
adults for 13 years, and in recent years have been ably assisted by two musician
partners, my husband Tom and his brother Dan Reavey. Together we make up Rhythm
& Dance World, specialising not only in dance classes, but also producing
workshops for schools and organisations.
Classes at the Social Centre are all in term time and are held on Tuesdays and
Thursdays (adults). Please telephone for more details.
Jazz dancing ... Sam Reavey with four of her pupils: 11-year-olds Lucy Cunningham (centre left), Laura Campos, Suzanne Baker and (front) five-year-old Charlotte Reavey
LVC EXAM RECORD AS LINTON PUPIL GETS 10 A* PASSES Top of Page
LINTON Village College scored another record year for GCSE results with
nearly three in four Year 11 pupils achieving five or more higher grade passes
The top scorer was Jamie Inglis, who lives in Linton, who gained an incredible
10 A* grades – in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, design and
technology, English language, English literature, French, geography and PE.
Top scoring girl was Gemma Clements, who lives at Sturmer. She got eight A* and
two A grades.
In all, the results showed a rise in higher grades (A* - C) from 69% last year
to 73% — and 99% of the year group gained five or more A* - G grades. Four
girls and five boys got A or A* grades for all their subjects.
In line with national trends the girls performed better than the boys, but the
so-called "gender-gap" was much smaller than last year – 73% of the
girls and 68% of the boys achieved five or more higher grade passes this year.
"These results represent a lot of hard work on the part of staff, pupils
and parents and everyone involved is to be congratulated on a fine
performance," said Jenny Harris, Deputy Principal.
Another Linton student who did remarkably well was Pouyan Manteghi who got six A
grade passes in his A level examinations. He studied at Saffron Walden County
High School and, after getting a merit in his university entrance examination,
will read mathematics at King’s College, Cambridge LNT
Editor’s note: The Bush Telegraph will appear next month after the start of
the new academic year.
THE only contact number for Helping Hands from 27th Sept to 30th October will be 892139. After that date, the usual number will apply.
Sunday, 20th August 2000 Illustrated
by Maureen Williams
As autumn comes, birds are beginning to move around and many of our
summer visitors have already departed. Over the last week, swifts have
only been around in singles, all heading south. Today I heard a short
snatch of chiffchaff song and on 13th August, an unexpected ‘cuckoo’
reminded me of the old rhyme: "The cuckoo comes in April, He sings
his song in May. In June he changes his tune And in July he flies
away." In August, fly he must! I wondered if I was hearing a young
bird, raised by foster parents, and now setting off to find its way to
Africa alone: a miracle of intuitive navigational skills.
In the Leadwell Meadows (Pocket Park), the path wanders through vegetation
now head high. Although the river is low, it is obviously flowing and
small fish could be seen in some of the deeper pools. Branched burr-reed
and
arrowhead grow beside the pond, while among the nettles are willowherb and
mint, gipsywort and tufted vetch, meadowsweet and hawkweed.
By Little Linton, a resp- lendent male greenfinch investigated the grass
and goldfinches danced on thistle heads. Noisy rooks overhead seem to have
had a good year. In the hedges, mountain ash and elderberries are already
attracting the blackbirds.
Although Fowl- mere is a bird reserve, I always seem to find other things
there which are more interesting. On 13th August, within a short space, I
met a weasel on the path, a common lizard on a fence post and finally a
wonderful dragonfly, just hanging on a branch. Huge eyes, pristine black
and lime-green body, wings spread and a pale brown cell on the front edge
of each wing: a Southern hawker, Aeshna cyanea.
Sadly, I did not see the adders recorded by others: but perhaps next time.
Illustrated by Maureen Williams
CRICKET CLUB’S WINNING STREAK Top of Page
SUNDAY 6th August saw the Annual 40-over challenge match between Linton
Village Cricket Club and the Club’s President, Mrs Marianne Larcombe’s XI.
Linton batted first and struggled against an excellent President’s XI bowling
attack, and after 23 overs were 64 for 4. A break in the proceedings saw a
fly-past of a Blenheim Bomber from Duxford, flown by John Romaine.
The President’s XI had a disastrous start, losing two wickets for two runs in
the first over. Then a fourth wicket partnership between Neil Gardner and Mike
Ketteridge of 67 in 6 overs pulled the innings round.
Further runs and a late flourish led to the President’s XI winning by three
wickets.
The Club would like to thank all those who provided refreshments and helped in
fund-raising. Jane Clarkson raised over £80 single-handedly by keeping up the
tradition of there always being a streaker during the President’s match!
Congratulations to Dee Gleeson who gave birth to twins, a boy and girl, on
Wednesday 9th August. Dee and Chris Gleeson ran a sweep on President’s match
day for when the twins would be born. Proceeds shared between the Club and the
winner.
The day ended with a Disco run by Ryan and Webby in the Pavilion.
Total proceeds for the Club was an outstanding £640.