‘Are you hurt? Is the baby hurt?
Articles
- High Street Safety & Children - £2000
walk - Recycle - Churchyard
Gates - Parish Council - Councillor
Wanted - College Retirement - KClub
Winners -LA4Y New Leader - WI
Musical Evening - Floods - Playtime
Help - Pool Funds - Bowls Success
- WI Hildersham - Helping
Hands - Clive Bush on South Africa's School
- -Students
Summer -Roman Underworld- Bush
Telegraph - Gardeners New Chair - Bridge
Players - Country Diary - Christmas
Bazaar - Flaxfields - Aztecs
-Playgroup
Readers Write: - Support Local Business - Donations
- Rubbish Disposal - Brownies
News - New Bin - Celebrated
- Trafic Lives - Generosity
‘Are you hurt? Is the baby hurt?
Is there any damage to the pram? Well, in that case what is
the problem?’
The response of Cambridge police to her child’s near miss spurred Tracey
Russell to act
A BUS mounting the pavement in Linton’s High Street struck the pram in which
Tracey Russell was pushing her 13-month-old daughter Zoe to meet her son from
the Infants School. The incident happened on the afternoon of Wednesday 4th
October, which was also International Walk to School Day. The driver appeared
not to notice.
"I was walking on the opposite side of the road to the Chinese take-away
when a car started to pull out of the courtyard, just as the Burton’s coach
was coming up the High Street towards me. Instead of stopping to avoid hitting
the car, the driver mounted the pavement on my side of the road to pull round
it. I managed to manoeuvre the pram as close to the wall as I could but the
coach’s back wheel hit the wheel of the pram."
Neither Tracey nor Zoe was hurt but Tracey was badly shaken. After she had
recovered from the initial shock of the accident, her distress turned to anger
at the response of the police and the general apathy of people towards traffic
dangers in the High Street.
Tracey phoned Cambridge police at Parkside. "The crime desk told me that I
would have to make a face-to-face report at Sawston. I could not make a
complaint over the phone. Sawston closes at 4pm and by then it was 4.30. I was
put through to another person at Parkside, who sounded very tired and put out by
my call. He said, ‘Are you hurt? Is the baby hurt? Is there any damage to the
pram? Well, in that case what is the problem?’ I felt upset enough when the
incident happened but when I felt absolutely powerless to register my complaint,
it wound me up even further. I decided to follow it up with Sawston and I’m
happy to say that the treatment I received from them restored my faith in our
police service."
Councillor John Batchelor contacted Burton’s coaches on Tracey’s behalf and
suggested that she attend October’s Parish Council meetings to describe her
experiences. Burton’s requested that she write to them about the incident and
have since sent a letter of apology.
Following advice from County Councillor Dr W. Hughes, Tracey organised a
petition (Safer Roads for our Children) at the Infants School and monitored High
Street traffic over ten school days. She has written to David Brace, team leader
of Traffic Management at the County Council and has been granted three minutes
to speak at the County Council meeting on 5th December. Tracey has also asked
for another public meeting and is optimistic that this will take place, with a
County Councillor present.
"If we accept traffic mounting the pavements we risk being killed again and
again. Even those people who keep telling me that this has been going on for
years must agree that it’s time it was stopped."
EXCERPTS FROM TRACEY’S LETTER TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL
SINCE my experience I have recorded numerous other vehicles
in the High Street mounting and parking on the pavements, thus forcing prams and
buggies to cross the road unnecessarily. Over the ten school days that I have
monitored there are in excess of 20 such incidents taking place during peak
times, mostly buses and lorries mounting the pavements…
[At the last inquiry] ... many of today’s parents did not live in the village
and those that did, did not have children of school age. I don’t believe any
of us were aware of just how dangerous the High Street is during peak times
until we became involved in the school run. …
My concern is not now so much for the protection of my own children but for
those that are still walking up and down the High Street to the Infants and
Junior schools. ...
If a pathway is not safe to walk our four-year-olds to school and push our
babies along in their prams then you may as well take it away. At least that way
we wouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security.
FOR the second year running, the Link Walk in aid of Linton
Village College’s twin school in Boepathutse in South Africa was a great
success. In spite of a very cold wind and almost continuous rain, over 200
pupils and adults battled on through the mud to complete the six miles. Our
target is to raise £2,000 and we are on course to make or beat that. The money
is to be used to complete the equipping of the new science laboratory at
Boepathutse and begin work on the resource centre. On behalf of the College, I
would like to say thank you to all those who sponsored the walkers and
particularly to those who did the walk itself. Thanks also go to Pam and John
Coombes who organised things so well and to all the staff who helped.
Clive Bush
THE old blue paper bank has been removed and replaced with
two smaller green ones which stand at the far end of the row of recycling banks.
The Village Custodian has had a terrible time recently picking up bags of papers
that have been left where the old bank stood and carrying them to the new ones.
Your help would be much appreciated.
Parish Council
YOU may have noticed that the two churchyard gates have been
removed. They have not been used for a good many years, but now they have gone
to be repaired. On their return and reconnected to their cast iron gateposts
they should be able to close.
Like all churchyards, Linton’s is a very special and hallowed space, sometimes
referred to as ‘God’s acre’. The Monday Gang have continued the excellent
work done by previous churchyard gardeners, and we have an area of natural
beauty and hallowed memories to match any in the county.
It is a busy thoroughfare, especially at weekends and at the beginning and end
of the school day. From first light dog walkers take their dogs through, often
off the lead. Cyclists walk, but often cycle, their bikes through. Some cycle
across the grass.
If the two gates are closed, but open at the touch, it will remind everyone that
the churchyard is an area set apart, yet open to all. I urge all dog owners
please to keep their dogs on the lead and to clear up if they foul the grass.
Those who cycle straight through with scarcely a thought will need to dismount
if the gates are closed, and walk through as they should. Consideration of the
dead and the living is an important element in good citizenship.
Our churchyard is a precious community amenity. All of us wish to preserve the
beauty and tranquillity we find there.
If you find the gates closed, remember that you are entering a piece of history,
where generations of Linton people lie buried and where still today and tomorrow
the ashes of those cremated are laid to rest.
We owe it to them, as much as to each other, to remember where we are.
Julian Thomson
Parish Council’s October meetings - Reported by GRAHAM
POTTER
AT both meetings this month Mrs Tracey Russell spoke about traffic conditions in
the High Street in public participation sessions. The Council gave their backing
each time. The Council are looking into the extension of the tarmac path from
Granta Leys to Kingfisher Walk. It was reported that the cemetery pond area has
not been kept clear of weeds. The fence is once again covered despite an effort
to rectify the problems. This and other matters are to be raised with the
council contractor.
Some play equipment in the adventure playground has become unusable and has not
been repaired as full council approval is needed due to cost. Further
improvements to existing equipment are still being looked into. No request was
made for an election, so after due notice the Council will co-opt someone to
fill the vacancy of Parish Councillor at the meeting on 16th November. One
application has already been received.
The County Councillor reported that speed management is being looked into as
there is money available for improvements, e.g. cameras and warning signs. The
island on the by-pass needs repairing and will have traffic lights during the
repairs. The District Councillor reported on a homeless review; the District
Council is now responsible for homeless 16-18 year olds. The problem of vehicles
on the Roman Road is being looked into. Linton Action for Youth has a new
leader.
The Millennium Arts Project is to distribute a postcard pack to each house in
Linton. The ATC are to be approached to help with deliveries. The Council is
disappointed that despite all the warnings given of water level problems at the
Hundred Houses site, the residents of Chalklands still face problems. Someone
had at last been found to replace the Clapper Stile.
THE Parish Council is looking for a volunteer to fill the
vacancy left by the resignation of Mike Ballentine. Mike was Chairman of the
Finance Committee for almost two years. His departure leaves a gap among our
numbers.
There will not be an election so the Council can co-opt a replacement but to do
that we need people to put their names forward and bring our numbers back up to
fifteen.
Being a Parish Councillor is not particularly onerous. There are two evening
Council meetings a month. No particular qualifications are needed – just a
willingness to serve the community and enthusiasm for improving the quality of
life in Linton. Whoever is co-opted will have just over two years to serve
before the next election.
If you would be willing to join us, please contact the Parish Clerk, Gill Barker
% 891001, or call in at the office to put your name forward.
Dr Brian Cox has been voted in as new Finance Committee Chairman.
Mike Gee
Mr
Martin and Mr Collard celebrate with their wives
THE new school year started without two familiar faces following the retirement of Linton Village College Deputy Head Garth Collard and Head of English Chris Martin. Between them they gave the College over 50 years of their working lives and made a huge contribution to the success that we currently enjoy. Over a hundred invited guests attended the farewell buffet at the College and very much enjoyed hearing Mr Collard’s and Mr Martin’s parting words. The future is bright for both ex-colleagues. Mr Martin is a well known educational author and is much in demand and Mr Collard begins a new career in the field of educational consultancy. We all wish them well over the coming years and look forward to staying in touch. Clive Bush
THE third year of the K-Club got off to a flying start with a
membership of almost 360. This will allow us to maintain the same prize pay-out
at £2,320 – £85 per month and a bumper £1,300 in September.
A cheque for £1,700 will be presented to Linton Action for Youth. Not only will
this cover many of the Drop-In Centre’s running costs, but it will also
demonstrate a strong local commitment to this worthy cause, which is so
important for external fund-raising. Linton Action for Youth would like to thank
all those who have supported the K-Club with their membership and wish them luck
in the many prize draws to come.
The result of the first monthly draw in the new K-Club year was:
1st (£50)-(No.122); 2nd (£25)-(No.155);3rd (£10)-(No.053)
Peter Dixon
JOHN Starr left us in September to take up a senior post with
the Essex Youth Service. We wish him every success in his new post. It has been
encouraging to note that a number of excellent candidates have applied to be
John’s replacement. It says much about the progress that LA4Y has made that
the job of leading the project is seen as being so attractive to professional
youth workers.
We are delighted to announce that Liz Govier has accepted our offer to take on
the leadership of LA4Y. Liz has been with us since the beginning, starting the
Drop-In centre with Glyn Morley back in 1998. She has been very active in the
parenting and support side of LA4Y and this is something we want to develop much
more in the future.
The continuing success of LA4Y is dependent on having quality professional
leadership. Liz will be taking us forward into the next phase of our
development.
The one drawback in promoting Liz is that it still leaves us short of staff, so
we are looking to appoint another youth worker. In the meantime, Jim Kimber,
Mike Sanderson and from time to time John Starr are holding the fort.
If you want to contact LA4Y the number of the Drop-In centre is % 891345. If
there is no one on duty you can leave a message on the answer phone. To find out
more about our work do join us at 7.30pm on Wednesday 22nd November at the
Drop-In centre, where we will be holding our AGM.
John Batchelor
THIRTY-six members were welcomed to the meeting. Members who
have not previously entered the draw for a bursary of £200 for Denman College
(WI Residential Adult Education College), were invited to put their names
forward next month. Members have organised a display in the cabinet in the
Linton Library until the end of November, to provide information about the Women’s
Institute and encourage new members to join. It is hoped that two teams will be
taking part in the Quiz Night, which is being organised by the Cambridge
Federation of Women’s Institutes at Cottenham Village College on 6th October.
Members were greatly entertained by the evening’s speaker, Quintus Benziger,
Director of Music at St Mary’s School, Cambridge, who gave a history of
musical instruments, illustrated by taped excerpts and instruments he had
brought along. He explained the reasons why the harpsichord had given way to the
piano, demonstrating the different qualities of both instruments; likewise for
the viols and the modern violin.
After refreshments, Clare Neville and Tricia Lewis read out their winning
entries from the poetry and prose reading competition at the Spring Council
Meeting. A tombola took place during the evening.
The speaker at next month’s meeting will be a police representative on
"Personal protection and crime prevention." Visitors are welcome.
Anne Parry-Smith
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to Mr Stapleton’s letter in the September issue. As a
resident of Market Lane, who Mr Staple-ton has concerns for, I feel that I am
able to respond to put another viewpoint forward.
The loss of the facilities at Barclays Bank is huge. There are many who do not
have access to Saffron Walden and Haverhill, except by bus. These tend to be
those that can least afford the expense, including the elderly. Oh I (and I am
sure many others) would love to have a mobile bank – let’s start a petition!
As to the Post Office moving to this end of the village, I can’t agree less
with Mr Stapleton. Prior to Mr Stapleton moving to the village, this facility
was located at our end of the village for many years. If it means the provision
is kept – and possibly improved – all well and good.
Surely we should all wish that our village will continue to offer as many
facilities as possible. Mr Stapleton should remember that he moved here with the
bank next door, so why now object to another village amenity?
Perhaps he would be happier if we all – including himself – had all the
village facilities closed. Then we could go to other places for a newspaper, a
loaf of bread or a pint of milk, maybe en route to the bank! After all, all our
village shops cause traffic problems for someone.
I personally believe that Linton is a growing community and as such we should
support local businesses. They provide us with services and we are lucky to keep
them, no matter where in the village. They are enjoyed by the majority and make
life so much easier for all – even those with a car.
Please let us appreciate what we have and we might keep them here in Linton.
Name and address supplied
Dear Editor
I would like to thank Tower View for their contribution on the death of Percy
Manning, and Rivey Way and Rivey Close for their contribution for Tony Rickett.
They both lived in Linton most of their life.
In all, I collected £210, £105 for each. Percy Manning’s went to The
Children’s Hospice and Tony Rickett’s went to Papworth Hospital.
Once again, thank you all very much. Julie Hilliard
Dear Editor,
I live here in Linton caring for my mother-in-law who has been very ill, but
well on the mend now. And while here I like to read your Linton News letters.
In your August paper there was a piece about rubbish dumping down the lanes and
places. So I thought I would write and tell you what they do in the village I
come from, which is Chapel St Leonards, Skegness, Lincs., and it seems to work
very well.
They have two council dust carts in our car park, every second Saturday, and
people can take any rubbish they have, garden rubbish, old furniture, etc. The
carts are there from 9 to 11.30am.
It’s just a suggestion and I wondered if it might work here if there’s
somewhere carts could park.
Mrs C Giles
Dear Editor,
Wednesday Brownies would like to thank everyone who helped with our Jumble Sale.
We made the grand total of £385.
And also, with the help of the Linton News, we have got two new helpers.
Daphne Brazier Carole Thexton
Dear Editor,
What a great boon it is to be able to dispose of junk mail locally since the new
bins have arrived in the car park.
After the facility was withdrawn from Sainsbury’s at Haverhill, I often found
myself with a loaded car boot until I got to Cambridge Sainsbury’s, which was
the only other collection point I knew of.
May I say a big Thank You to the Parish Council for organising the bins, thus
saving me the time and the environment my petrol fumes.
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank all my fellow residents, friends and relations for their
cards and kind wishes sent during my recent illness. May I also thank everyone
that helped me celebrate my 80th birthday in such grand style at a recent
celebration lunch held at the Crown Inn. Particular thanks to my nephew and his
wife (Jacquie and Ian Wilson) and the staff at the Crown who made the day go so
smoothly.
Mrs Irene Binks
Mr ERNEST Sired, of Colchester, lost a writing case
containing a Sheaffer fountain pen in the area of the Social Centre on Saturday
23rd September.
Mr Sired is devastated by the loss of the pen, which was a present from his
wife, who died recently, and is appealing to Linton residents for help. The
writing case is made of mid-brown vinyl, with a zip fastener. Also inside the
case was a postcard addressed to Mr Sired. If you can offer Mr Sired any
information, please contact him directly or contact the editor.
Mr Sired is happy to offer an "elegant reward" to anyone helping him
recover the case and pen. LNT
Dear Editor,
We are writing to express our heartfelt thanks to our friends, neighbours,
paramedics and police for their kind assistance following our daughter Charlotte’s
unfortunate road accident on Friday 13th October.
The ritual of attempting to safely join the seemingly endless stream of lemmings
evacuating Haverhill paid its toll, although in Charlotte’s case it was
mercifully only metal that was damaged.
The police are aware that the majority of motorists travelling along the A1307
only adhere to the 40mph speed limit if they are unfortunate enough to be
hindered by vehicles slowing to turn into our village. If criteria based on road
traffic fatalities determines capital expenditure for such things as traffic
calming, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, can all we motorists show
consideration to others and slow down to a safe speed?
This costs nothing, save just a few seconds of our time and the result could be
a life preserved.
Jacquie and Ian Wilson
Dear Editor,
I would like to sincerely thank all those who gave so generously to the Royal
Air Forces Association Wings Appeal. A sum of just over £300 was raised. A
special thank you must go to the Linton Air Training Corps and other helpers.
If anyone would like to assist with the collection next year, please contact me,
the organiser Mr L Kidman
Dear Editor,
The Macmillan Coffee Morning held on 29th September at Flaxfields raised the
overwhelming sum of £286. May the residents thank all those who attended and
helped make the morning so successful.
Jacquie Wilson
Fine
weather for ducks and small boys of all ages
HEAVY rain made water levels rise throughout the county last
month. Over the weekend of 21st-22nd October, the ford at Mill Lane became
impassable to traffic—although some people enjoyed the novelty of paddling on
the footbridge.
OVER the summer, the Parish Council have been trying to ensure
that the play equipment at the Cathodeon Centre is available for general use
outside the hours that the Playgroup and OSCA Club use it. We have done this by
asking for volunteers to open and shut the gates on some evenings and at
weekends. This has resulted in a volunteer group of just myself for some weeks
now.
It has been suggested, therefore, that I should appeal for members of the public
to volunteer to operate a rota system for the opening and locking of the gates
over the winter. If no one comes forward then the whole idea will be shelved
until next spring.
The opening times would be from 9am until dusk each weekday, except days on
which the Library is open until 8pm. Weekend opening times would be from 10 am
until dusk. If you can help, please contact the Parish Clerk, Gill Barker, on
891001.
THE Linton Area Pool Project has received an encouraging
response to the questionnaire which accompanied last month’s edition of the
Linton News. The Steering Committee does need as comprehensive a picture as
possible of your thoughts and needs, however, and has extended the deadline for
receipt of the completed questionnaire to Friday, 17th November. Please do take
a few minutes to complete the questionnaire, and return it to any of the
following addresses: 7 The Grove, 98 Chalklands, 16 Fairfield Way, 5 Crossways,
1 Wheat-sheaf Way.
In the meantime, we are delighted to acknowledge with many thanks a gift of
£1,000 from the Parish Council. The money will be deposited in the Pool Project
Trust account, which is now being established, and will be vital to our efforts
to raise more money and, in time and once we have evidence of local need and
support for the Pool, to make a fresh application for funds from the National
Lottery.
One well-tried and relatively painless way of donating to a worthy cause, of
course, is by monthly standing order. We are now beginning to receive regular
donations from people in this way, and if you feel you would like to join them
then our Honorary Treasurer, Tim Richardson (27 Finchams Close, Linton CB1 6ND,
(890921) will be delighted to hear from you!
Autumn, and the end of another bowling season. We had a very
good last friendly match against Wickhambrook on Sunday 24th September. We won
on all rinks but everyone, including the visitors, thoroughly enjoyed the game,
which is what it is all about.
Betty Meeks, Brian Beavis and Derek Dimmock were chosen to represent the club in
the Steeple Bumpstead league end of season match, when a representative team
from each division plays another divisional team. Our members had the highest
score for their team and were awarded a Millennium Gold Prize.
Finally, advance notice of the Christmas Party to be held at 7.30pm in the
pavilion on Friday 15th December. All members welcome. Please make a note in
your diaries now.
Mrs KAY Curtis gave a most interesting talk to Hildersham WI entitled ‘Skeletons in your Cupboard’. She told of her investigation into her own family background with sometimes surprising discoveries. She explained how genealogical information can be gleaned from many different sources and gave helpful advice on just how to approach this fascinating research.
FROM 1st November, the telephone numbers for Linton Transport are as follows: 890121 (call first), 892139, 893959.
Clive Bush continues his impressions of South Africa
SOMETIMES the paradoxes of South Africa make me work hard to understand the
mistakes I make with my prejudices and assumptions. We visit a "cultural
village" which advertises itself as "real Africa". There is a
rather dingy bar, a very smart and comfortable lounge and a small, pleasant
restaurant. Of course there is also a gift shop though it is very cheap. The
village stands near the top of a biblical hill, dry and boulder strewn, where
the foliage is barely green and feels like leather. All around stretch the
fringes of two townships and a settlement, appropriately called Hebron. Shacks
line the rutted track to the village; the same predictable, corrugated tin and
plywood shacks with sad looking women sitting in the dusty yards. Children play
among the rubble that lines the track. At the village itself are traditional
huts, dancing areas, a cattle kraal and cooking spaces, all beautifully
constructed and decorated in tribal patterns. Our guide explains the history of
their shapes and colours.
Suddenly I am surprised to see a group of young men sitting round a fire and
dressed as hunters. They ignore us and chat to each other in Zulu. Outside a hut
a young Zulu woman in traditional dress is grinding meal. She demonstrates the
process for us and gives us some maize beer from a wooden bowl. At the main Zulu
hut, a young chief sits with his women, greets us traditionally and welcomes us
in. Of course it is all contrived, but very professionally done.
We gather in the meeting hall and the same young people that we have seen come
running in with a burst of sound and colour. They are magnificently dressed in
Zulu dancing costumes and they dance their wild, complex dances to the pounding
rhythm of a single drum for more than half an hour without pause. The level of
skill and stamina amazes me. At the end I ask the owner of the village from
which drama school or music and dance college he has poached them. He looks at
me as if I am deranged – a look I am getting used to here – and tells me
they are from the shacks; they are kids whose parents cannot afford to send them
to school and who have approached him offering to help with his project. He pays
them a little from his own pocket now and again and visitors usually throw them
coins.
Outside the light is fading fast and the sky is blue with the smoke of cooking
fires. As we leave I see a group of tired young people in scruffy, dirty
clothes, walking away over the rocks towards the tin shacks on the hillside.
They carry plastic shopping bags from one of which protrudes a flash of Zulu
colour. The dancers are going home. I call to them and give them everything I
have in my pockets – about three pounds.
Christina and Davina who have no washing facilities at home, shower at the
centre
On the 30th June I flew out of London Heathrow bound for
Oaxaca, Mexico. This journey signified both the culmination of six months of
hard preparatory work and the start of a fantastic two and a half months…
As a second year student at the University of Edinburgh I had heard a lot about
the University society H.E.L.P. (also a registered Scottish charity) from
friends who had gone abroad on placements the previous year. The charity (run
entirely by student volunteers) sends groups of students around the world every
summer and at Easter to support already existing projects. Although the charity
is run from Edinburgh University it is open to students from across the UK and
students from other universities make up about 20% of the students that join the
projects. Having decided to be a co-ordinator of a project rather than a
volunteer I went through a selection process and due to my linguistic ability
with Spanish I was fortunate to be given my first choice of country and project:
working with street children in Oaxaca, Mexico. In January 2000 I chose a group
of ten volunteers through application forms and then informal interviews and we
then set about the task of fundraising. We raised over £5,000 by organising a
single large event.
The centre known as "Centro de Esperanza Infantil" formerly became a
charity seven years ago. The seed was sown when its founder Jodi Bauman had come
to Oaxaca on holiday from the States. She was so appalled at the number of
children that were working in the streets selling chewing gum that she felt
drawn as a Christian to do something to help. She began meeting the families and
becoming friends with them and her training as a nurse allowed her to help them
practically with medical problems. After a short while she began to personally
fund the school expenses of a few children so that they could go to school.
Whereas their parents cannot read, write or in the vast majority of cases, speak
Spanish, these children are given the chance to integrate into society and to
therefore command respect. For four years Jodi would visit Oaxaca for 6 weeks at
a time and then return to the States for a couple of months to be with her
husband, children and grandchildren. On each subsequent visit to Oaxaca she
would sponsor more and more children through school as she persuaded family and
friends to help her to help the children.
Today the "Centro de Esperanza Infantil" is the office of a registered
charity called Oaxaca Street Children/Grassroots. The charity’s main objective
is to aid children that want to go to school to get the education they deserve.
Needless to say there are always far more children waiting for sponsors than the
other way around. Each child has a sponsor who pays $100 per year (about £65)
for a primary age child and $175 per year (about £140) for a secondary aged
child. This pays for two sets of uniforms, one pair of shoes, a pair of
trainers, a rucksack, utensils and the subscription fee. Due to the small size
of the charity and the large number of volunteers 100% of money donated goes
directly to the child unlike almost all other charities that run ‘sponsorship’
programs for disadvantaged children.
The centre itself has a medical room, a dining room (from where they provide a
hot meal at lunchtime, for which many of the children come daily), a
kindergarten and a library. My role was so varied that to describe a typical day
would be impossible. Generally my time was split between home studies (the
socio-economic study that we do to determine if a family is suitable to join the
program) and taking children to the uniform shop to buy their uniform. Towards
the end, I became the administrator for the procedure of matching new ‘godparents’
to children, and deciding which children needed help most urgently. One of my
most interesting tasks was visiting the families in their homes for various
reasons. One particular day I had to take some new children on the program back
to their house. I remember vividly being struck by how well dressed they were…
the little girl was dressed in a beautiful dress with frills and her hair was
neatly put in bunches. The little boy was wearing cute little shorts and a smart
T-shirt. We were walking along a beautiful street with cobbles and beautifully
presented if not terribly large houses, all the while I was wondering if they
really merited our assistance. We arrived at a little arch at the end of the
road and went through. In front of us was a small area of wasteland (about half
the size of a tennis court), around which were the homes of ten families. Each
family had one room; the walls were made out of aluminum. The area in the middle
was shared between the families as a garden for all the animals and children
(mainly chickens and dogs) as well as kitchen, toilet and tap for water.
Although I had seen many families that lived like this, what struck me about
this was that it was in the heart of the beautiful little streets of the ‘old
town’ and yet it was totally hidden. I was shocked that there was such poverty
so close to where I lived and yet I had known nothing about it. Most of the
children have one ‘Sunday best’ outfit for church and special occasions.
Ironically this is what they wear when they come to ask for help from us. A
wonderful example of human pride and honest innocence that I doubt you would
find at the social benefits office in this country.
Working with the children and visiting many of their homes during the ‘home
studies’ I learnt much. Although many live in abject poverty they are a very
happy people. I marvelled at how families with grave financial problems, who
were unable at times to feed their ten children, let along clothe them, could be
so genuinely happy and content. The family and the community is of great
importance and whilst the state is of virtually no use, those who are in dire
need are supported very effectively by their families and friends. Coming from a
very rich nation I feel privileged to have had such an experience. My eyes have
been opened to another way of life, one where money and social status are of
little consequence, a society in which the people do not aspire to having more
money or possessions. More important are friendships and love. My experience in
Mexico was a humbling one, I know I have much to learn and hope that I never
forget the true essence of happiness that these people so obviously possess.
If you would like further information about the charity please call Kate on
(01223), 892030 or visit www.oaxacastreetchildren.org
or email streetchildren@spersoaxaca.com.mx.
SINCE September, the feet of Year 6 pupils at Linton Heights
Junior School have hardly touched the ground! To support the National Curriculum
studies, their class teachers, Mrs Barbara Corpe and Mr Paul Belzar, have
organised a series of events and visits. Early on in the term the pupils were
visited by Mestrius, a genuine Roman soldier. Adorned in a hand-crafted uniform,
he was able to answer accurately any question thrown at him by the eager
students, including "What does a Roman soldier wear under his
uniform?" As part of the pupils’ National Curriculum project on Invaders
and Settlers, they spent a day at West Stow Anglo-Saxon village, which allowed
pupils first-hand experience of what it would have been like to live in those
dark times.
The myth that all scientists are men in white coats carrying clipboards was well
and truly dispelled when a team of seven female and one male scientist from
Cambridge University led some workshops in the school. They concentrated on
electricity and magnetism and the pupils produced (among other things) a burglar
alarm and roses and bubbles frozen with liquid nitrogen.
As an extra-curricular activity, Year 6 have been given the responsibility of
monitoring the growth and welfare of 40 new incubated chicks. Twenty-five of
these adorable creatures will be making their home permanently at the Heights.
The rest of the school have also been busy. Early on in the term, storyteller
James Campbell enthralled Years 3 and 4 with a tapestry of tales about toothless
tigers, nine-headed monsters and a microwave oven that croaked like a frog. And
from 6th to 10th November, the Heights is holding Maths Week for all the pupils
to celebrate Maths Year 2000.
The School Governors this year have each been linked with one class as a ‘Governor
Friend’. With regular visits, as well as email messages from the pupils, the
governors are going to have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to the work
and progress being achieved in classrooms at the Heights. If you have children
at the Heights, find out who their Governor Friend is. He or she will be pleased
to listen to any opinions or further comments you may have.
Further information about Linton Heights is available on the school’s website,
www.lintonheights.cambs.sch.uk
Or telephone the Heights on 892210.
I heard an item on the radio the other morning. One of our
esteemed peers was attempting to draw the attention of the House of Lords to a
crisis in teacher recruitment. The spokesperson for the Government responded
that crisis was hardly the word; we had a bit of a problem in some subjects in
some areas but it was a relatively minor issue. So what are we to make of
Croydon LEA sending four headteachers to Australia to interview and recruit
staff? Are the six other London Boroughs planning similar recruitment tours also
hopelessly overreacting? What about the school in Corby on a four day week
because they can’t staff the timetable? If we don’t actually have a crisis
yet, one is heading our way fast. The Director of Education Data Services
estimates acceptances on to post-graduate training courses will be 1,500 less
than required in spite of ‘golden hellos’ and a national campaign which has
cost millions. He could have added that the drop-out rate for such courses is
currently running at 15%. Even at LVC, nationally recognised as a successful
school, we have had great difficulty recruiting staff in some areas.
So what is the problem? This risks sounding like another winge but it is too
important to remain unsaid. Society in general (and here I include some parents)
simply does not value this job. It’s too easy for some people to despatch
children to school and let teachers do the rest – until they disagree with
what teachers or the school have done; then the school is often denigrated. This
damages morale and if you add to it a 50+ hour week, relatively low starting pay
for graduates and the constant demand to improve performance, you begin to see
the extent of the problem. I have a pile of rude and unpleasant letters
addressed to teachers, all implying that the member of staff is failing. These
are not complaints or criticisms. No sensible organisation ever rejects those.
What they show is that teaching is just not valued by those people. We must
change this attitude and quickly, so that teaching again becomes the highly
valued career path we all need it to be. Clive Bush, Principal
THE Gardening Club’s AGM was held on 10th October, attended by 30 members. Judy Nightingale, who has been Chairman for nine years, decided to stand down this year and Alex Todd was voted in to replace her. The Club has already benefited from Alex’s expertise in all things technical so we’re sure his talents extend to being an excellent Chairman. Leslie Allison and Ron Pitkin were welcomed as new committee members. The meeting was followed by refreshments and the chance to buy plants and produce. Thanks to all those who donated items for sale. The talk next month on 14th November will be Pruning and Care of Fruit Trees by Ian Pitcairn. We look forward to seeing all current members, and new members and visitors will be very welcome. Don’t forget to bring along your gardening queries—someone is sure to know the answer! Gloria Fidler 891800
THE Linton Bridge Club has established itself as a popular and friendly venue in the last six months, meeting at 7pm on Friday in the Community Rooms at the Library. A heat of the Millennium Competition was held and three successful pairs took part in the Cambs and Hunts Final. Tref Taylor and Pat Low, Joan Stanton and Carl de Vries, and Joan and Les Taylor earned English Bridge Union master points. Three to five tables have taken part in duplicate bridge or teams regularly. New members are always very welcome – why not come along as a guest? Please ring Bill Penfold on 892805 if you want more information or are interested in joining our club. We will make every effort to ensure that if you come, you will play.
Sunday 22nd October 2000 Illustrated by Maureen Williams
A wild, wet season has already swept leaves from the branches,
so that autumn colours of red and brown cover the pavements and fill the
ditches. The rain has topped up the river to overflowing, in places converting
the water meadows to a swimming pool for ducks. For a couple of weeks, a row of
walnut trees provided a bonanza: enough for the squirrels and jays to tuck away
for the winter with a surplus for the enterprising treasure seeker. Roasted with
red peppers and courgettes: delicious!
Not much sign yet of winter birds, though an osprey was seen on several
occasions around Cambridge in the middle of September. Check www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk
for up-to-date information about bird sightings.
It was good to find that on Sundays, the Cambridge market is given over to local
produce, much of it organic. Fish, meat and vegetables vie with craft stalls,
home-made cakes, soap and perfumes, flowers and plants. One stall had an
irresistible selection of decorative gourds, all shades of green, yellow,
orange, red and cream; in every combination of round or long, straight or
curved, smooth or knobbly.
In my last diary, I suggested that all households would be able to make some
bread, should the need arise, but I am told this is not so! So here is a recipe:
for the simplest soda bread, mix a pound of plain flour with a teaspoon each of
salt and bicarbonate of soda, two tablespoons of cooking oil and half a pint of
milk. Make into a round loaf, score the top with a knife so that it can crack
open, and bake at 200ºC for about 35 minutes. Semi-skimmed milk freezes quite
well and the rest will keep indefinitely in the cupboard, as will dried yeast if
you get adventurous.
St MARY’S traditional Christmas Bazaar takes place at 2pm on Saturday 2nd December in the Infants School. There will be a wide range of stalls, including cakes, preserves, toys and games, plants, books, tapes and CDs and gifts of all kinds, in fact everything you may need for Christmas, including wrapping paper and even the odd bottle or two. So do come along, bring the children to meet Father Christmas, enjoy a cup of tea and buy your presents here in Linton!
COME and join Flaxfields for a trip to Thursford’s Christmas
Spectacular on Thursday 30th November.
We will leave Linton at 2.00pm, drive to Brandon for a fish and chip tea, and
arrive at Thursford at 6.15pm in time for the 7.00pm performance. We will return
to Linton at approximately 11.15pm.
For an all inclusive price of £28.00 per person, a deposit of £10.00 will
secure your seat.
Apply to Jacquie Wilson 893477 or 0850 755269.
LINTON Aztecs will be holding a Hen Night on Friday 17th
November at Linton Football Club Pavilion. Tickets are £10 each and available
from Jackie Johnson 01799 584557.
We will also be holding a New Year’s dance at the Village College on 31st
December. Dancing to Snowy’s Disco and a karaoke as well. Tickets will be £10
each if bought before 17th December, £12 after that. Contact Peter
891273.
BORED toddler, new baby, new to the village? The Granta Playgroup toddler group sessions run on Mondays and Tuesdays for children up to three and on Thursdays for pre-playgroup children from 18 months. This session is more structured and includes art activities and a story. Sessions are 10-11.30am and take place in the Youth Centre at the Village College, during term.