February 2001 Edition of the Linton News
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EARLIER this year, Cambridgeshire ACRE received funding from the
National Lotteries Charities Board to deliver a unique and important programme
entitled "Our Communities Our Future".
The programme will survey Cambridgeshire’s rural-based voluntary organisations
and community groups, develop a series of training programmes and provide a
range of advice and support mechanisms for Cambridgeshire’s voluntary sector.
The initial phase of the project was launched in January 2001. This involved a
questionnaire being sent to each voluntary organisation and community group
situated within rural Cambridgeshire. Given the survey is just the start of this
exciting project, Cambridgeshire ACRE is keen to ensure all voluntary
organisations and community groups "have their say" and are able to
benefit from the project’s longer-term objectives.
Voluntary organisations and community groups are: not for profit organisations
(e.g. Playgroups); run by volunteers (e.g. Meals on Wheels, Women’s
Institute); registered charities; working for local communities (e.g. village
hall committees); dedicated to particular issues (e.g. sports and hobby clubs).
The survey will be distributed throughout the south Cambridgeshire district
during this month and next.
If you represent a voluntary organisation or community group, please contact me
as soon as possible and I will ensure you receive a copy of our questionnaire
– Teresa Jones, Community Outreach Worker, Cambridge ACRE, Old School House,
Green End, Comberton CB3 7DY; Telephone and fax % 01223 264997; email
teresa.jones @cambsacre.org.uk.
Farm
diesel leak pollutes Granta as Cold weather fractures tanker’s feed
pipe
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WALKERS
and joggers out early on New Year’s Day were distressed to find the River
Granta –in full spate from melting snow – shimmering and smelling of diesel
fuel as it raced through the village.
Residents were not slow to contact the Environment Agency. The first call of
many was received at 10.30am and by 11am a duty officer was at the ford in Mill
Lane.
He quickly realised that the fuel was coming from upstream and within an hour
had traced the spillage to a leaking tanker carrying red diesel at a farm in
Bartlow.
Environment protection team leader Mike Martin told the Linton News: "Farm
workers were already dealing with the leak as best they could. The tanker had
been moved to a secure area and they were trying to soak up the spillage."
A feed pipe from one compartment of the four-section tanker, estimated to be
holding a maximum of 3,000 litres of fuel, had apparently fractured in the
freezing weather at the end of December.
The fuel had leaked into a service water drain which ended some five metres from
the river, then soaked through the soil of the river bank into the water.
"Booms were placed across the river and along the bank on 1st January, more
booms were added the next day and replaced on 5th January," Mr Martin
added.
"A sump was dug between the river and outfall pipe and the situation
continued to be monitored, and booms left in place, after that.
"Diesel breaks down rapidly and the river in full spate diluted it. There
may be some residual diesel in the soil of the river bank that will be washed
out but no long-term effects or damage to wildlife along the river is
anticipated and none has been reported." LNT
Help us find children’s
stolen Nintendo games
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DO you know anyone who has acquired a number of new Nintendo
games recently? Do you know of anyone who has recently tried to sell cheap
Nintendo games? They might have been stolen from the Linton Out of School Club
on 12th January – affecting the 60 club users.
The Out of School Club is a locally run charity which provides childcare for
families in Linton. We are not a business; we are a non-profit-making
organisation and we are very fortunate to have high-quality toys for the
children in our care.
Why should we be working hard to obtain equipment if those in our midst think
they can just take it?
There were no young people in the library at the time of the theft and it is
probable that the thief was an adult.
The children would obviously be grateful if the games were returned. Sadly, I
find this hard to imagine.
We have learnt a huge lesson from this theft and changes have already been made
to improve security arrangements.
If you have any information, please contact the police or the Out of School Club
on %0777 9049437.
Alison Omand Lewis
HAVE you ever wondered what is so special about Italian cuisine?
It might be the fresh ingredients, the colourful vegetables, the simple and
varied pasta dishes, or the mouth-watering desserts.
Whatever the reason, you now have the opportunity to join an Italian expert
showing you how to prepare fresh pasta, how to cook simple and quick dishes for
the whole family, and how to stun your guests with a home-made tiramisu.
The one-day course is being held on Saturday 10th February at Linton Village
College.
Cristina Devecchi
SOUTH Cambridgeshire District Council is to run housing and
benefits advice service sessions in Linton after a similar scheme was a success
in Sawston.
The service will start on Thursday 22nd February at Chalklands Community Room
from 9am to 4pm – and will be held on the last Thursday of every month.
Sarah Lyons, the Neighbourhood Manager for Linton and the surrounding villages,
will be there if anyone has any questions about housing, and a benefits advice
officer will be there to deal with housing and council tax benefit claims.
The service is for the whole community. If anyone has any questions, please
contact the Customer Services department at South Cambs. District Council on
443000.
Sarah Lyons
WE at Linton Action for Youth are well aware that alcohol is an
issue for some young people, parents, village residents and ourselves.
The very nature of the Drop-In is that young people are free to come and go as
they please and parents need to be aware that we have no right to insist that
they stay inside the building. The rules of the Drop-In are very clear – we do
not allow alcohol inside the building, and although we do not have the authority
to stop anyone consuming alcohol outside, we do discourage its use within the
immediate vicinity.
We are currently addressing this whole issue and are working closely with a
representative group of young people to raise awareness and update our alcohol
policy. One of our main responsibilities while young people are with us is to
ensure their safety. However, once they leave the Drop-In, we are no longer
directly responsible for them.
It is with this in mind that we are becoming increasingly concerned at the
growing numbers of young people and their ages, some as young as 12 years, who
are regularly drinking alcohol.
What is even more of a concern is that in some cases there is evidence to
suggest that it is parents who are purchasing their alcoholic drinks –
probably unaware of the strength and the end result. As a quick guide: a bottle
of Alcopop or Breezer equals a double whisky. Perhaps your son or daughter is
sober when they leave home and return some hours later – but it is these hours
in-between that are a concern.
We feel that we are taking our part in this responsibility seriously but we
cannot be expected to tackle this issue on our own. This must be shared between
parents, young people, alcohol outlets and ourselves.
This is a difficult area for everyone concerned but surely the best way forward
is to all work together, support each other and meet our own individual
responsibilities head-on. Please feel free to contact the youth workers, Liz
Govier or Jim Kimber, at the Drop-In should you wish to discuss this or any
other issue further.
Liz Govier and Jim Kimber
Reported by GRAHAM POTTER
IT was reported that Leadwell Meadows (Pocket Park) had once again become a
water meadow during the recent rains, which reinforced the Council’s position
on its purpose.
It was reported that Joiners Road is badly lit and the council is going to seek
residents’ views about improving lighting near the A1307.
Liz Govier from the Drop-In Centre gave the council a review of the work the
centre is doing for Linton youth.
A disabled parking place at the library is planned but the cost of marking
parking bays has meant that it has been delayed.
The police reported 73 calls for service resulting in 16 reports of crimes. It
was emphasised by the District Councillor that if people were reporting crimes
they must be prepared to be a witness and make a statement as the police are
helpless otherwise.
The County Council is increasing council tax by 8%, the District Council by 0%,
and the Parish Council by 2%.
The District Councillor reported that a rapid transport system from the new
Trumpington Park & Ride is being planned, utilising the old railway line as
a guided track bus route.
The traffic working party report was endorsed by full Council. Of the five
priority issues that are to be adopted, safety must be the first, followed by
congestion. It is not the Council’s intention to relieve congestion without
increasing pedestrian safety.
A traffic incident report form is to be made available within the village, but
it was stressed that incidents must still be reported directly to the police.
The Council also agreed to some of the work to Horn Lane ford being carried out
under the Millennium Village Enhancement project.
Join in the women’s world day of prayer
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THIS year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer service on 2nd March
has been prepared by the women of Samoa, with the theme "Informed Prayer,
Prayerful Action".
Here in Linton, our three churches invite you to share in this international,
inter-denominational act of worship, which will be hosted by our Roman Catholic
friends at St Mary’s Church, beginning at 10.30am.
Our Speaker will be the Rev Judi Clark, curate at Steeple Morden.
Coffee will be served at the end of the service, followed by a simple, light
lunch.
Transport can be arranged, if required, by telephoning Joy Button beforehand.
Although the World Day of Prayer is organised and led by women, men are most
welcome to join us. Joy Button
THE
Friends of St Mary’s have an enormous task ahead of raising a large part of
the £100,000 needed for repairs to their mediaeval church. Over £20,000 is
urgently required to prevent water penetration.
In June, The Friends of St Mary’s will be relaunched with a view to increasing
its membership to at least 250 and raising £6,000 this year. The funds are
wholly committed to the repair and upkeep of the church fabric.
On Saturday 6th January, the first event of the year raised £195 through the
hard work of Miss Margaret Clark.
The next event, at 7.30pm on Saturday 24th February, is a Concert in St Mary’s
Church – "Music for All". The Church choir, together with solo
voices, organ and strings, will be performing a wide variety of items.
The Cambridge String Orchestra will be giving a concert in St Mary’s on 31st
March.
The Friends’ annual general meeting will be on 21st May.
During the annual Flower Festival, on Saturday 9th June, a relaunch of the
Friends will take place.
A Safari Supper is to be held on July 12th – great fun.
Autumn events are expected to include a "Cascade of Coffee Mornings"
and a sponsored Songs of Praise.
We shall need the help and support of many Linton people. St Mary’s is Linton’s
parish church and is available to everyone here. If we want it to be in good
order for our children then we have to take action now.
Just thinking about £100,000 seems daunting but in the early 90s the church
roof was renewed at a cost of about £800,000.
Grants were available for the roof but are unlikely to be available to us now.
However, Gift Aid can help us if you are a taxpayer, enabling us to reclaim 28p
for every £1 you give.
The Friends of St Mary’s hope to be able to put everyone in Linton in the
picture during the summer. Meanwhile, please support our fund-raising events.
Alan Clarkson
FOUR Linton Guides have received BP awards, the last occasion
which girls can win the top Guide award which finishes this year.
At their meeting on 5th December at the Infants’ School, Gemma Thurston, Katy
Franks, Samantha Lister and Sian Thorne were presented with awards by the Guides’
County Commissioner designate, Mrs Rosie Spencer.
Each girl had to complete a variety of interesting and useful badges such as
first aid, deaf awareness and camper.
They also undertook challenges like raising money for charities and helping at
Brownies.
ON Saturday 3rd March 2001, 7.30-8.30pm, there will be an
informal concert given by Michael Macdonald’s guitar students and Henrique
Meissner’s recorder students. The audience can enjoy the performance of
beginners and advanced players on guitar and on all types of recorder; descant,
treble, tenor and bass.
Esther van der Riet will play the harp.
Venue: Linton Free Church Hall, Horn Lane. Admission free.
Henrique Meissner
THE Christmas Draw organised by Mary Wright in aid of Linton
Granta Football Club on December 16th raised £500.
A big thank you to all local businesses, friends and families in Linton for
their generosity. Linda Wright
BAD weather has stopped members of the Linton Bowling Club from
playing for the past two months.The annual general meeting will be held in
mid-March and we need enthusiasts to offer to help in the running of the club.
WENDY Foster, President, welcomed 33 members and two visitors to
the Linton WI meeting.
Members were asked to report on any WI events they had recently attended. Clare
Neville and Tricia Lewis had taken part in a very enjoyable Christmas poetry and
singing evening at Barrington.
Jean Goodwin had attended the resolution selection evening – the outcome of
the final selection for the national Annual Meeting is awaited.
The speaker for the evening, Mrs Pusskin Gowlett, gave a most interesting
account of a cycle ride she had undertaken through Jordan. Together with
friends, she had undergone several months of physical training in preparation.
The party of 100 (with ages ranging from 18-69) set off in February 1998. On
arrival in Jordan, the participants began by assembling their own cycles.
Mrs Gowlett described the terrain as rough, sandy and hilly and in the desert,
of course, there was no shelter. At night, the temperature fell dramatically.
There was a great feeling of achievement on completing the trip, for which the
cyclists each had to raise £2,000 as well as meeting their own expenses.
After refreshments, Clare spoke about Pennies for Friendship, collected for the
Association of Country Women of the World.
The next meeting, a members’ evening, will be held on Tuesday, 6th February at
7.30pm at the Social Centre. As always, visitors will be welcome. Anne
Parry-Smith
Answers are easy – being right is not
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Dear Editor
I was somewhat amused by the letter from Chris Griffiths (Linton News January)
about traffic. It starts by telling us that "everybody seems to think they
know the answer" and then falls into the trap of being one of those
everybodies.
It stated: "The one-way system worked well when the new kerbstones were
being laid." But the Parish Council insisted on this being completed at a
time when children were on school holiday so that there would not be a problem.
It then suggested that the High Street, starting from the Green Hill end, should
be one way up to the fire station. Does this mean buses from Haverhill will make
a loop round and through the village, taking many residents on the round trip
with them? I don’t think so.
As someone who has looked over lots of schemes, I do welcome Mr Griffiths’s
comments but, as I could be part of the Parish Council that makes that decision,
what really worries me is also contained within his letter: "Do we wait
until someone is seriously injured or killed before a decision is made?"
At the moment no one has been killed or seriously injured in the High Street
from Balsham Road to Coles Lane. If this or any other scheme were chosen, and I
as a Parish Councillor made the decision to accept it, what happens if somebody
is then killed or injured? Could you accept that your scheme had failed or that
people will blame you for the accident?
Sorry, but I have not been trained as a traffic expert and we must take expert
advice as the village’s future is at stake in terms of young lives and long
memories.
Please keep suggesting but beware – think of the bad points of any scheme
first.
Graham Potter
Although a member of the Parish Council, Graham Potter is writing as a
private individual and his views do not necessarily reflect Parish Council
policy.
Dear Editor
Thank you for your efforts to improve the safety and quality of life in Linton’s
High Street. Having read the letters in your last issue it would seem that some
people still assume the car is all-important; it is not. This is the 21st
century and people come before cars.
This was overwhelmingly confirmed at the recent public meeting chaired by the
Parish Council at the Social Centre. Various proposals were considered which
included:
Traffic calming, considered to be noisy and environmentally damaging, is a high
price to pay to allow cars to continue to dominate the village;
Raising the kerbs, apparently too late as the resurfacing works had just been
completed;
A one-way system, generally felt it would do nothing to improve the safety or
improve quality of life – the only benefit would be for car drivers who could
go even faster through our village;
Closing the High Street to through traffic – an obvious if radical solution.
The vast majority of those attending the meeting considered this to be the best
solution for the village. Possibly bollards – they could be raised and lowered
– at the junction of High Street and Coles Lane.
Obviously, the amount of vehicles using the High Street has increased
dramatically over the last few years; continuing residential developments will
add to the present difficulties. The problems are exacerbated by belligerence
and stupidity on the part of the drivers who just ignore safety in their rush to
drive through the village; both speed and weight restrictions are ignored.
Add to this a road completely incapable of supporting modern traffic – have
you watched two buses meeting? – and you have a disaster waiting to happen.
I do not have all the answers for re-routing traffic if the High Street was
closed to through traffic but obviously some local authority (County Council)
spending would be necessary. As far as the County Council is concerned, the High
Street forms part of the main route through to Newmarket and it acknowledges the
existing junction at the top of the High Street is preferred by motorists as
their best exit on to the main Cambridge Road (but this does nothing for
pedestrians!).
The Council has apparently looked at solving these problems by constructing a
roundabout at the Bartlow Road/Cambridge Road intersection, thus pulling traffic
away from the village centre; this is probably the first step in providing the
best long-term solution. However, they estimate it would cost about £500,000
and they would need "encouragement" to spend this amount; you may
consider this a worthwhile action to take to save both lives and our village.
M R K Holden
Dear Editor
I have just discovered the excellent Dial-a-Ride scheme for the elderly and less
mobile, who cannot use the normal bus service.
It goes to Cambridge from Linton every Wednesday and the driver is very helpful.
But last Wednesday I was the only passenger, so I’m afraid that, if people don’t
use it, we will lose it.
D Sparks
Dear Editor
Could I please, through your columns, thank all those people who supported the
coffee morning I held in November 2000, in aid of the MacMillan Cancer Relief
Fund. I am happy to say that £300 was raised. I should also like to thank my
friends who gave so much help on the day, and also the local businesses who very
kindly donated prizes for the raffle.
Janet Whiteside
This was the letter that was nearly re-cycled last month. Apologies – Tracey
Wilson
Major changes are needed
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Dear Editor
We are writing in support of Tracey Russell’s initiative to improve the safety
of Linton roads. May we comment as follows:
High Street: A one way system coupled with minimum parking restrictions in the
very narrow stretches would appear to be the only answer. Buses and lorries on
footpaths are both illegal and totally unacceptable. We suggest clockwise up
Coles Lane and along Back Road eastwards. To accommodate larger vehicles a
parking lay-by for residents could be installed on the north side of Back Road
by cutting into the embankment and building a retaining wall.
Back Road – Balsham Road junction: We have already made representations to the
Parish Council about the dangerous parking on this corner. Our fears remain that
an accident is inevitable with the constant illegal parking around this junction
that forces vehicles turning out of Back Road into the centre of Balsham Road
and oncoming, often speeding, vehicles. Regardless of other potential changes,
mandatory parking restrictions indicated by double yellow lines should be
installed.
Excessive speed in Balsham Road: This is a serious problem in this densely
populated residential road that is also a major school route. In the five years
that we have lived here we have not seen any effort at enforcement.
High Street – A1307 – Hadstock Road junctions: The speed limit is a sick
joke, pedestrians risk their lives, the ‘refuge’ is a visual obstruction to
traffic turning into Linton from the Haverhill direction. It is always dangerous
to turn right out of High Street or Hadstock Road during busy periods. We
suggest the installation of a light controlled pedestrian crossing between High
Street and Hadstock Road junctions. Removal of the repeatedly damaged refuge
coupled with yellow box hatching (keep clear) at both of the emerging roads.
Cost will be used in every case as an excuse for inaction. In this last case
this would soon be saved by not replacing the ‘refuge’ several times a year.
Pat and Brian Marshall
OUR THANKS
1 Dear
Editor
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I an writing to you about my wife Caroline whom I lost in a long battle against
cancer at the Arthur Rank Hospice, on 4th December.
I would like to thank all the staff in the Linton Co-op for their help and
support which they gave me whilst Caroline was with us and after – she worked
at the Co-op and enjoyed every bit, meeting all the local people and friends
whilst working there. She will be very well missed by all.
I would like to thank H J Paintin Ltd for all its hard work and to all my bosses
at Plumb & Webb, the local dairy where I work.
Thanks again everyone. I don’t know how I would have coped without help.
Graham Ball
2 Dear Editor
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I would like to say thank you on behalf of my family and myself to all our
friends and Linton people who expressed kind thoughts and gave support after the
death of my husband Len. Special thanks are due to Paintins for its efficiency
and kindness, to the Rev Julian Thomson for conducting the service at the
crematorium, and to Maeve and Mary for organising the refreshments after the
service. I was very touched by all the trouble that was taken for Len and
myself.
Thanks also for the donations made in Len’s memory to the Epilepsy Society.
Mrs Elsie Alderman
3 Dear Editor
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Jean, Peter and the family of the late Mrs Allen would like to thank friends and
neighbors for their kindness and support shown to us in our sad loss, also for
cards and donations sent. Special thanks to Jacquie and Shelia, Wardens of
Flaxfields
Jean Ingram
A new church with an informal approach has opened in Linton.
Tracey Russell explains why she has joined.
DO
you believe in God? It’s a question I’ve been asked many times. "Yes, I
do," I reply, and yet apart from christenings, weddings and funerals I
rarely go to church.
For some reason, it always makes me feel uncomfortable. I’ve never read the
Bible. One year my New Year’s resolution was to read it cover to cover, but I
found it hard going and gave up almost as soon as I’d started. My close
friends and family certainly didn’t believe and I didn’t really have the
courage to be any different, even though secretly I was intrigued by the
Christian faith.
If I were to go to church I would need one that recognises my lifestyle. Accepts
me in my jeans when I haven’t had time to put on my Sunday best. Makes me feel
relaxed and not worry about disturbing the group if my children misbehave or
need attention. One that uses words and phrases that I am familiar with and
understand. Lifts my spirit with songs and music that I can relate to. Makes me
feel as though I am amongst friends.
I would like help, guidance and explanation of the Bible. Be inspired to pray
and praise. Encouraged to become a better person. Most of all I want it to be a
fun, enjoyable experience.
The recently formed Cornerstone Community Church meets all of my expectations.
It’s a church that I feel relaxed in, one where I know I can just be me. If
you believe in God and want to investigate Christianity further, this may be
what you have been looking for too.
The Cornerstone Community Church ‘built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone’ - is committed
to working with other local churches in Linton to bring the Kingdom of God to
all of the local community.
The Church meets at the Cathodeon Centre at 10.00am on Sundays for worship at
10.30am. There is a Sunday school for the children and they get to play on the
equipment outside afterwards. Coffee is served at the end and most people stay
for a chat.
Come one Sunday and experience the atmosphere for yourself. If you decide that
it’s not for you after all, you won’t be made to feel guilty or live in fear
of someone turning up on your doorstep to persuade you otherwise. For more
information, visit www.cornerstone-community-church.org.uk
OVER the years, the Linton Music Society has welcomed many
renowned and outstanding ’cellists, including artists such as Arnold Ashby,
Amaryllis Fleming, Julian Lloyd Webber, etc. This month we welcome Yoohong Lee
who began his spectacular career with concert appearances at the age of 10 and
now performs all over the world. With the pianist Catalina Ardelean, also a
prize-winning player of repute, he will present a programme of well-known and
loved works by Bach and Brahms as well as virtuoso works by Britten and Paganini.
The concert will be held at 8pm on Saturday 10th February at Linton Village
College. Members and non-members alike are welcome and tickets are available at
the door. Any enquiries, please, to the Hon. Sec.
AGE Concern exists to improve the quality of life for older
people across Cambridgeshire. Can you help us? Could you be a home help (paid)
or visitor (volunteer) for an older person in their own home? Could you help at
one of our day centres, or in an office providing information and advice?
Whether we can help you or you can help us, please call our Cambridge office
on 01223 568306.
Dawn Long,
Information Officer
ANIMATED ACTION FROM THE J-TEAM
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THE Linton J-Team invites children and their families to a
special video screening of "The Miracle Maker" at 4-6pm on Saturday
3rd February 2001 at Linton Infant’s School.
"The Miracle Maker" is a visually stunning animation of the greatest
story ever told – the life of Jesus. It uses state-of-the-art animation
techniques and the distinguished cast, including Ralph Fiennes and Julie
Christie, bring the characters to life.
Linton J-Team is a group of Christians well known in the village for organising
children’s events and parties. This is the first event for all the family. We
want children to bring along their brothers, sisters, Mum, Dad, Granny, Grandad,
aunts and uncles to hear and see the story of the man whose life changed
history.
For more details, please contact Sarah Thorne
ON 20th December a group of Linton Mother’s Union members and
their children met at Fincham’s Close for an evening of carol singing. The
weather was dry and we sang to appreciative households in five venues around
Fincham’s before moving on to Emson’s Close and Copperfields via the Linton
Tandoori Restaurant, where they not only encouraged us to sing but gave the
children lollies as well! Altogether £92.63 was raised in around two hours for
Jimmy’s Night Shelter. A great result! This year’s date is in the diary
already.
Sunday February 11th marks the beginning of ‘Marriage Week’ and the Mother’s
Union is organising a renewal of marriage vows service which will take place at
St Mary’s at 3.30pm. The service will be followed by refreshments. Why not
come along and celebrate your marriage with us?
For more information about the Mother’s Union, Pam Richardson
FOLLOWING the article on dyslexia in the January issue of the
Linton News I am very pleased to report that we had a most successful meeting.
We are looking forward to forming a local literacy group so that parents can
help to enable their children to reach their reading potentials.
We had a most generous offer from a local Literacy Consultant, John Bald. He has
offered to give his guidance in a demonstration session aimed at parents and, of
course, interested professionals. The session, entitled "Helping Your Child
With Literacy Skills," will be held 2-4pm on Saturday 10th February at 9
Symonds Lane, Linton. There will be no fee for this talk. Places will be limited
so prior booking is essential. Please contact Mrs M. E. Clark,
ONE of the most striking aspects of the Linton News is the
ability of its contributors to provide well-written and informative articles and
items.
These often find a more direct route to the reader than the usual newspaper
style: a person-to-person style that is a pleasure to read.
We wanted to mark this success of our contributors with an annual prize for the
best written and/or the most informative article or letter of the year.
Contributions will be considered in each issue and one may be nominated by the
Editor after discussion with the editorial team. At the end of the year, one of
the nominated articles will be chosen by the same process.
Everyone nominated will get a certificate with our thanks and the winner will be
awarded £50.
It seems unfair to exclude the very articles that have reinforced our growing
feeling that recognition should be given to those who make an effort to keep our
community informed - and so we have decided to run the first award year from 1st
July 2000 and have nominated contributions from all but one of the issues since
then. The winning article will be announced in the August 2001 issue and
reprinted on the Linton News website. LNT
ROUND Your Way Ltd are a web design company who have set up free
websites for towns and villages around Cambridge. They contain all sorts of
local news and information, including an ‘articles for sale’ notice board.
The Linton site is currently underused and has to be brought up to date.
Local clubs, societies and charities qualify for a free web page (approx A4 and
can include a logo and/or photograph). If you are interested in advertising your
details or would simply like some help please email me on traceyrussell@talk21.com
. Even if youalready have your own website it is still
worth registering and linking with the free Linton site.
The site is updated on Wednesdays, so all new information must be sent in on
Tuesdays. If you would like to advertise your business on this site please
telephone Round Your Way Ltd 01223 207947 for details. Tracey Russell
VILLAGE SCHOOLS STRENGTHEN THEIR
LINKS WITH SOUTH AFRICA Top
I WALK around Linton Heights Junior School looking at some of
the facilities offered to our children: a fully equipped IT suite, a large
outdoor playing area with garden, pond and chickens, a well-stocked library,
light and airy classrooms that are gradually being refurbished. I check the
ever-growing list of further facilities we need to provide in order to keep up
with government demands and to maintain standards: updating computers, extra
software, more books, painting of classrooms, new furniture – all to be funded
from a tight budget and valuable fundraising. So when I read some background
information about our link school in South Africa it made me wonder how I would
feel or where I would begin if I were a member of their Governing Body.
Mafumbuka Primary School has no library, no science laboratory, no games field
on site, no computers, an inadequate supply of classroom furniture, and a
shortage of other essential resources in desperate need.
Mafumbuka is in the township of Soshanguve, Pretoria. The community is
relatively poor with unemployment running at 50%. There are 1,335 pupils on roll
– a number growing as migrants, driven from their land by poverty, move in to
seek work.
Ms Miriam Risenga is the larger-than-life principal of the school, leading a
dedicated team of 33 teachers, teaching classes of 53 pupils on average! There
is strong parental support and fundraising and development committees are
active. Government grants are few, so Mafumbuka is grateful for donations such
as those from our local schools.
The Heights were pleased to send Mafumbuka Primary School £190, which was
raised at two of our pre-Christmas events: the production of ‘On the Air’
and our Carol Service at St Mary’s church. All donations are gratefully
received. Further information from the Heights.
A COMMITTEE has been formed at the College to plan our future
links with Boepathutse and the township of Soshanguve and we have decided to
take a dramatic step. We are going to give four students from Boepathutse a
scholarship for the summer term here at LVC, staying with local families. We
have consulted carefully with the governors and staff at Boepathutse and they
are all strongly in favour. They believe that the right students would gain a
huge amount from the experience and take back that gain to share among their
communities.
Having been there myself, I think they are right. What the children and parents
I met most lacked was experience of something other than the poverty of
Soshanguve; they needed something to believe in before they could believe in
themselves. We hope to welcome our guests after Easter.
The next challenge is funding the scholarships. The sums involved are not huge
however, as long as we have four households willing to host the Boepathutse
students without charge. If you are willing to be a host family for a student,
please let me know. Beyond that we need about £2,000 to cover the airfare and
that appeal begins immediately. Judging by the success of the link so far, I am
sure we will raise that.
Clive Bush
TRAFFIC incident report forms are now available at the Post
Office and a number of local shops, together with posting-boxes for completed
forms.
Please note that these forms should not be used as an alternative to contacting
the police.
Gill Barker, Parish Clerk
Council report, page 2; Readers Write, page 3
CONTRARY to belief, Young Farmers are not all wellies and wax
jackets! The majority of Young Farmers are, in fact, non-farmers. I joined
Ashdon and Saffron Walden Young Farmers mainly to enhance my social life. I have
had to buy a bigger diary, a mobile phone and a map so I can get to all the
events around the region.
We meet at 8pm every Tuesday at the Kings Arms in Saffron Walden and if we haven’t
organised a speaker we go out to the cinema or visit somewhere.
So, all you 16-26 year olds out there – you wouldn’t judge a book by its
cover, would you? Just as I am confident that you wouldn’t judge Young Farmers
by what they wear.
Come along to our new members’ evening at the Kings Arms, Market Hill, Saffron
Walden at 8pm on 13th February to find out more
Natasha Forster,
Chairperson A&SWYFC
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? ALPHA
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"ALPHA…coming to a church near you". This slogan has
become commonplace in big cities and public display areas throughout Britain and
the world as the Alpha Course has taken off.
Alpha is a course for those who are questioning their life styles and their
faith. Particularly the Christian Faith. The format is informal and begins with
a meal together followed by a short talk and then an opportunity to discuss
things such as: What is the point of life? What happens when we die? Is
forgiveness possible? Who is Jesus? What relevance does He have in our lives
today?
You may see David Frost fronting a 12-week programme on Alpha on television
during the early months of this year and if what you see arouses your interest,
take this opportunity to find out for yourself where you stand and what you
believe. There is a course running now, organised by the Linton Free Church in
Horn Lane, and this will be followed by another course beginning later in the
year.
If you are interested get in touch with Will Crowhurst
If you would like an invitation to our Celebration Supper at the end of the
current course, where you can meet others who just have this feeling that there’s
something more to life, please phone Sarah Devereux . Sarah Devereux
WHO says Christmas isn’t about giving? We had a major
fundraising drive at the end of last term culminating in a Charities Fair on the
last day of term. Half the money raised was for our friends in Boepathutse
Junior Secondary School in Soshanguve, South Africa and half was for charities
chosen by pupils. Together with a non-uniform half day, we raised very nearly
£1,400 Ð in about three hours! By any standards that is a tremendous
achievement. The Link Walk money for Boepathutse has also now been counted and
is approaching £3,000. As I’ve said before, the value of money practically
doubles when you get to South Africa because the rand is weak against the pound
and incomes are so low. Our contributions therefore make a dramatic difference.
How much would a science laboratory cost here? And the next project is a
technology room.
Perhaps we should all take inspiration from Roger Edwards, the gardener at the
College. Next year he is planning to cycle from Linton to Santiago de
Compostella in Spain along the old pilgrim route in aid of our link with
Boepathutse. This is a tremendous undertaking and he deserves all our support.
More of Roger’s trip in later Bush Telegraphs. If you would like to help us
continue to make a huge difference to people in a very deprived part of the
world, please send a donation, however small to the Boepathutse Appeal, Linton
Village College. Cheques should be made payable to the Linton Village College
Trust Fund. Please help if you can. C R Bush, Principal
Schools stengthen links with South Africa, page 5
IN spite of competition from the eclipse and the cold weather,
there was a good turnout at the January Garden Club meeting. Jim Pearce, who has
achieved the status of Chelsea judge during a distinguished horticultural
career, gave an illustrated talk on conservatory plants.
The Oxford dictionary describes a conservatory as ‘a room attached to a
dwelling for the growing of plants’ and Jim Pearce’s photographs of
familiar, exotic and unusual plants showed just that.
The careful control of temperature and humidity produces brilliantly coloured
and perfumed flowers which must cheer any gardener during the dull winter
months.
During the break most of us popped outside for a view of the darkened moon, and
the evening finished with questions to the speaker.
The February meeting will feature a talk by Mike Day on ‘Unusual Vegetables
for Small Gardens’ and we hope members and visitors will join us.
LINTON and District Branch of Save The Children Fund will be
holding a Quiz Evening on Friday 2nd March at West Wickham Village Hall. Entry
forms from Judith White Anna Newton Judith White
Sunday 21st January 2001 Illustrated by Maureen Williams
A
SUDDEN overnight fall of three inches of snow on 28th December turned the world
into a nightmare for travellers and a magic fairyland of white delights for
children of all ages. Snowmen sprang up, sporting scarves designed for
decoration rather than warmth, stones for eyes and carrots for noses. Toboggans
emerged, snowballs flew, hats and gloves fell off in the snow, disregarded by
inexhaustible children.
Thankfully, my trip to Spain was not until the following day, when traffic at
least had returned to normal. Seville was warm, occasionally wet and pleasantly
spring-like. In the small squares, the marmalade oranges just coming into season
were beginning to fall from the trees and when crushed, lay around, scenting the
air. At Ronda, small purple irises were in flower and choughs tumbled and
swooped above the gorge.
By the time I returned, the snow had disappeared, but frost has continued
throughout most of January to date.
On 9th January, there was an eclipse of the full moon starting at 6.40pm and
lasting 2-3 hours. Clear skies allowed a good view of the gradual occlusion of
the moon by the earth’s shadow, followed by a paler image, due to light
refracted through the atmosphere around the earth, then a reversal of occlusion
finishing around 9pm. The intervening image may at times be a blood-red colour,
but on this occasion, only a less than spectacular pinkish-brown.
There was an interesting report of a sunfish, stranded on Titchwell beach in
November 2000. These are large and rather square fish, about two foot in both
length and width, plump and heavy. They are Mediterranean species, but before we
assume it represents another manifestation of global warming, it should be noted
that previous UK records do exist, including one in the 1890s at Sutton Bridge.
It is to be preserved and will be displayed in the Cambridge University Zoology
Museum in Downing Street. This museum is open to the public on weekdays and is
well worth a visit, especially if you have children to amuse during the
holidays.
MEMBERS of St Mary’s Church Choir will give a concert in the
Church at 7.30pm on Saturday 24th February. There will be a wide variety of
music including some solos, duets and works for a small instrumental ensemble.
There should be something for everyone.
The concert represents the start of a drive to raise funds for repairs to the
Church fabric, some of which have become urgently necessary to prevent damp from
causing increasing damage to the walls. The Friends are charged with the task of
finding this money, so do please tell your friends and come along and support
us; we feel sure you will have an enjoyable evening! B C Conochie
DO you use the Linton Diary on page 1? Do you enter events you
are organising in the Village Diary in the Post Office?
The Linton News borrows the Village Diary once a month, on the Wednesday
following the copy deadline when the Post Office is closed in the afternoon. We
rely on the information it gives us to complete the Linton Diary and supplement
the announcements readers send in.
If you would like to be sure that your event is listed accurately in the Linton
News Diary, please check that all the details are put in the diary in the Post
Office venue, time, organiser and a contact number if appropriate. LNT
THE result of the January K-Club monthly draw: 1st (£50) (No.
227); 2nd (£25) (No. 252); 3rd (£10) (No. 187).
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