The clapper stile is in desperate need of repair. No one locally wanted to do it but now a volunteer is ready to fly over from America See page 3
THE "Tarmac area on the recreation ground is now
complete – with a basketball pitch one way and a five-a-side football pitch
the other way."
The scheme also includes a Tarmac path around the far end of the ground from the
small play area, round by the basketball area, along the river bank and back to
the bridge near Palmers Close, with paths to the drop-in centre and the small
play area, which has had a safety surface placed under all the equipment.
A new piece of equipment, a space net, has been provided and the aerial runway
and a set of swings have been replaced.
There is still free tennis available at the LVC courts for children under 16
from 6-8pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Graham Potter
LINTON’S future in a county growing ever more populous and
developed has come under close scrutiny with the seemingly resolute refusal of
the county council to act on A1307 concerns and the highlighting of plans for a
new town, the size of Haverhill, on its boundary.
All the villages in the area – including Hadstock, Bartlow and especially
Hildersham – are also affected by the prospect of expansion in homes and
traffic.
As the two issues come to a head, the Stop Abington New Town campaigners have
called for residents of Linton and other villages to join their fight and A1307
campaigners have formed a new joint action group to fight for safety measures.
Linton residents who have seen the map for the proposed new town at Abington –
one of four sites being considered and voted the "preferred site" in a
public survey that drew most of its response from other areas – have been
shocked by the realisation that it could eventually stretch from Four Wentways
to the Dalehead meat processing plant on the A1307, a short distance from the
Linton Village College.
The county is under Government pressure to build thousands of homes to meet the
demands of people being sucked into the area by the dynamic economic development
in the Cambridge and Stansted areas.
Meanwhile, Haverhill continues to grow and this feeds into the A1307 traffic
problem.
On 17th July , a core group of concerned residents from most of the villages
between Four Wentways and Haverhill met in Linton and formed a joint action
group. They voted in officers with the exception of a chairman – that post has
yet to be filled.
The primary aim of the new alliance will be to pressure the county council into
doing something about safety fears – which, judging from a recent meeting in
Linton, it is not willing to do.
Linton News Team
What I really said plus more reaction, page 3
IT has been a bit of a merry-go-round but, like all good rides, this one seems
to be coming to an end with thrills but no blood.
The fair, a tradition for the village, is safe: no one wants to ban it and many
people have angrily supported it.
The merry-go-round started with a woman phoning the Parish Council about the
fair: no one had told her about it before she bought her home, in Symonds Lane,
which backs onto the recreation ground where the fair is sited during its annual
visits.
That was duly reported to the Parish Council meeting – as happens with such
contacts – and a local paper appears to have interpreted it as a demand for
the fair to be banned. And that was when a flurry of calls, defending the fair
and tradition, enlivened the working week at the Parish Council and some people
brought their support of the fair to the Linton News.
The woman whose call started it, Sue Perkins, again telephoned – this time to
complain she had been misrepresented in the press and state that she did not
want the fair banned.
"No one wants the fair banned," said Gill Barker, the parish clerk.
"There is no suggestion that it will be banned. The council considers it
every January and, as far as I am aware, there has never been any complaint
about it."
Now Mrs Perkins has written to the Linton News to suggest a quieter fair. So
perhaps the ride isn’t over yet
Linton News Team
LINTON Village College has fought off the teacher shortages
endemic in British schools for the start of next term but it faces a crisis by
Christmas.
The Principal, Clive Bush, says fierce competition for available teachers led to
the school recruiting in Australia — by email.
Bush Telegraph, page 6
THE firm responsible for the Bowls Club outdoor ‘green’
kept its promise and sent a gang from Dundee to restitch all the carpet seams,
turn the carpet over for playing on what was the underside, and restretch and
fasten it.
It has greatly improved the playing capabilities and looks great – all one
colour again.
Steeple Bumpstead League and friendly matches continue, as do club fun games at
2pm on Wednesdays – all welcome.
We could do with more support. The response to the open invitations to try out
the game of bowls on five Thursday evenings was disappointing. Six persons
turned up with the prospect of three becoming members.
Arthur Gore
A SCHEME to help elderly Linton residents to stay in their
own homes is close to getting under way – next month we hope to recruit Linton’s
own mobile warden.
Thanks to the generosity of the Parish, District and County councils, we have
funding to launch the scheme, and are now gathering a committee to run it as a
charity and to continue fund-raising. Age Concern, the organisation providing
the service, will advertise the post in local newspapers in September.
If you are interested in being our warden, look out for the adverts. To find out
more about the mobile warden scheme, contact Age Concern on 01354 696650.
Enid Bald
THERE will be a new monthly bingo evening starting on
Tuesday, 21st August, with the hope that enough people will go along to make it
a success.
Although most people attending are likely to be older members of the community,
younger adults and children will be welcomed.
The evening can be as cheap or as dear as players wish, starting from £2.10 and
up to £5.40 for the bingo books. Tea and coffee will be available and there
will be a raffle. Prizes will depend on the number of players: all the money
taken will be used for prizes after payment of the hall hire.
This attempt at getting bingo running follows the collapse of the regular
sessions when too few people attended.
It is being held at the Social Centre, with the doors open at 7pm and eyes down
at 7.30pm.
R Newman
FREE tennis sessions at the LVC are being used but not by many
young people. The refurbishment of Horn Lane bridge is now taking place with the
District and County councils meeting to assist in the finance. Work being
carried out on the far end of the recreation ground is now complete with the
Tarmac area, new swings and replacement of the aerial runway but problems still
exist with stones and finishing off the mound area.
The council has received reports of graves becoming overgrown – these will be
brought in line with the graveyard rules and maintained by the grass
contractors.
Air traffic over the village was discussed but no reply had been received from
Stansted airport. A letter had been received from Hadstock with reference to
traffic waiting to enter the Zoo but, as Linton Parish Council had not received
any complaints, no action is being taken other than to advise Hadstock council.
The police reported 50 calls for service and 12 crimes last month. Four crimes
had been reported for July so far.
Councillor Bear reported that once again County Council had been looking at the
Green Hill entry on to the A1307; various things were discussed including
traffic lights, pedestrian crossing and speed cameras but the junction was still
some way down the priorities list. The inaugural meeting of the A1307 action
group has taken place.
The District councillor reported on the reorganisation of ward area size that is
being discussed.
It was reported that the Social Centre redecorating was well under way and the
Parish Council was thanked for its assistance; it was also reported that a
change of name to Village Hall is being discussed.
The Clerk reported that since the "Green Bins" have been in use she
has received many call from parishioners on their use and on ways to recycle
other things like garden waste and cardboard. The council agreed to set up an
environmental/recycling working party to investigate.
The Parish Office will be closed to public calls from the 13th August for two
weeks.
A GROUP of young people aged 13 to 16 have been working towards
their bronze certificate in connection with Youth Achievement Awards. The award
is nationally recognised and can form part of their Record of Achievement.
The Bronze award is made up of four challenges, each consisting of 15 hours of
the young person’s own time. Members of the group are doing different
challenges, from getting fit and voluntary gardening to finding out about being
on a committee.
Seven have completed one of their challenges, namely: Ross O’Callaghan, Kari
Marlow, Sam Darling, Kerri Mellings, Jody Hodder, Amy Prest and Becca Malyon,
and some are well on the way to completing their second and in some cases their
third challenge. Bev Reynolds, LA4Y
Lacking In confidence?
Isolated? Help is at hand
HEALTH for Life, a local community project that helps isolated
and vulnerable people regain their confidence, health and independence, is
expanding into Linton and surrounding villages.
It helps people by arranging for them to attend, with a voluntary companion,
community education classes and village clubs. During their activities they meet
new friends, gain skills and interests and start feeling better.
They are placed in activities by a project worker – after being referred by
GPs and social or care workers – and they are driven to their activities by
volunteers who stay with them, giving support and encouragement.
The project has been running, very successfully, in parts of east Cambridgeshire
for the last five years. Its expansion into the Linton and Sawston areas means
it needs to appoint a project worker and find volunteers.
The project worker will work with local GPs and other health and social workers
and will be paid to work for 10 hours a week, mainly in term time.
Volunteers will be offered help with their fuel costs and, in return for
supporting people referred on to the project, they can stay and enjoy the
classes and other activities free of charge. There is a minimal charge to the
person referred.
It is difficult to know exactly how widespread the problem of isolation and loss
of confidence is but, in this area, GPs and other health workers say they have
many people to refer.
If you want to know more about being a project worker or a volunteer, please
contact Samara Philpott 01638 743658. Samara Philpott
THE Link Scheme is intended for families who have a child with a
disability in Cambridgeshire. The aim is that a family with such children can be
linked to another family who can give them a break from the care. A break can be
for just a few hours or an overnight stay once or twice a month, depending on
the needs of the family and what the carer can offer.
All families have differing needs. Parents may find caring for their child
rewarding, but also continual hard work. Time for everyday tasks such as going
out shopping and giving quality time to brothers and sisters can be impossible.
The Link Scheme can provide the opportunity for families to have this time.
Parents can have a break while their child spends time in a different homely
environment. Carers enjoy the scheme because it is like fostering without the
full time commitment.
Linton resident, Barbara Marshall, has been a link carer for years. She has
cared for eight children during this time and is currently offering young John
Ord the opportunity of staying over for one night a month.
She liaises closely with John’s family . " I like the scheme because its
very flexible, I decide how much time to commit myself to. It’s so rewarding
looking after children like John."
If like Barbara you have energy and enthusiasm, and can offer a warm and secure
environment we would like to hear from you. We welcome all sorts of people. You
could be working, retired, unemployed, with or without children, single or with
a partner.
You do not need any particular experience or qualifications as training, support
and a generous allowance to cover expenses are provided. There is a waiting list
of 25 children needing a link family. If you are interested please call 0800 052
0078.
Nicole Wolfe Link Social Worker
Dear Editor
I am the ‘new’ resident who dared to phone the Parish Council about the
funfair held in May. Unfortunately, I was misquoted in that I did not say the
fair should be stopped, nor disapproved the hours of 6pm till 9pm. My concerns
were that I had no warning of how long it would go on for and the noise level
was appalling.
The continuous noise was produced by huge generators, a big, moving, mechanical
ride and loud music, all at the end of my garden, lasting for 15 hours over five
evenings. It was miserable and unbearable and only a deaf person wouldn’t
mind. It was not an ordinary, little village fair. Perhaps, if any consideration
is given to those who live nearby, the fair could be set up on the middle of the
field, or perhaps a less noisy fair running for two or three evenings, instead
of five?
I may be a ‘new’ resident, but I have the right to state the facts and I’m
not surprised there have been complaints in the past. It’s a shame, no-one
listens to them.
Sue Perkins
Dear Editor
In response to a letter in the July edition I was disgusted with [any suggestion
of banning] the fair. As a former member of the college and a young adult living
in Linton I have always enjoyed going to events held in the village which
everyone can enjoy. It seems that the only time the village gets together as a
group is for the schools and the football clubs, as there are no longer
festivals, floats, and fetes.
To the individual in question, you have to ask yourself how miserable they
really are. They are fortunate enough to live in a beautiful village, by the
river in an area that is especially for recreational purposes. If they can enjoy
it 365 days a year why is it that the younger generation cannot for the five
days a year that the fair is on? To me that seems selfish and should not be
tolerated.
Why should fair workers lose their trade and more importantly, a village loses
its character and tradition because of an unhappy newcomer?
Name and address supplied
Dear Editor
I was delighted to read Mrs Margaret Borley’s letter in the Linton News.
Villages have traditions, and should be allowed to keep them. I delight to see
the fair arrive – it is a sign of spring!
No, I am not a young person, older than Mrs Borley! And have known Linton for
only 58 years.
Please keep the fair, and all that it means to the traditions of a lovely
village.
Nora Joyce
Dear Editor
On 29th June at around 7.30am, a fire was discovered at our stables, of which
the cause remains a mystery. The fire burned everything to the ground.
Fortunately because of prompt actions of those first on the scene the horses
were set free to safety, for this we will always be grateful.
Thank you to Mr Bush (LVC Head) for quickly dialling 999 for the Fire Service,
and thank you also to the passer-by who assisted before the fire crew arrived,
and to Mr S Taylor for his assistance.
A huge thank you also to all the firemen, who worked so hard to prevent the fire
from spreading, for putting it out, for saving equipment from the metal
container and also for the coffee that helped calm some very distressed horse
owners.
And last but far from least, thank you to PC Bean, for his calm handling of the
situation and his patience. Any further information anyone may have we would be
very grateful for.
The Norman family and the Redhead family
Dear Editor
Fine weather helped to ensure a good attendance at the coffee morning at the
home of Joan Pollock on Thursday 28th June. A total of £527.24 was raised for
Alzheimer’s Research Trust and thanks are due to the people of Linton for
their generosity in again supporting this worthwhile cause.
Joan D Pollock
Dear Editor
I was very pleased to hear that we were to get recycling
boxes in Linton, but quite dismayed when the ‘object’
arrived. At first I thought that the garden centre was trying to boost sales by
providing free planters! Complete with drainage holes! Get rid of your garden
waste by making compost, fill the bin, come to see us and buy some plants!
Then reality dawned – no lid , so can’t be kept outside in this climate,
holes in bottom, so can’t be kept in. I could go on etc. but did anyone think
about this?
I would love to recycle, but the legs are getting a bit dodgy, so will have to
resort to clogging up the traffic on my way to the garden centre, anyone coming?
No, decided after all to do the right thing, not many takers for the garden
centre, so... saved all the junk mail and
newspapers ( not the Linton News ) and left a month’s worth of very heavy
paper out-side the door, in a prominent position, to be collected. Two weeks
later it is still there, despite three phone calls and assurances as to its
removal.
What can I say, bleached by the sun (no chlorine involved ) and washed by the
rain, half the recycling process done already, before collection. I wonder what
Thursday will bring? A result maybe? But then again, when is the football
season?
Penny Chapman
Road runners, page 5
Dear Editor
In 1940 my
brother Victor and I were evacuated to Linton where we spent the next four and a
half years being raised and cared for by two wonderful people, Fred and Edith
Mallyon. Some of my fondest memories are of the time spent at Little Linton Farm
which meant going over or around the clapper stile.
During trips back to England I always found time to visit Linton and the clapper
stile. It saddens me greatly to have witnessed over the years its run down and
uncared for condition, especially when it’s a piece of English history and
knowing there are only seven left in the UK.
The photograph [above] shows how much the stile means to me: I spent time
measuring it and what I have built in my garden is a true replica which I show
off proudly.
It was pure coincidence while looking up Linton on the internet that a meeting
by your parish council brought up the subject of the clapper stile. Mr Ron
Hatfield is hoping to secure a conservation grant to repair "our"
stile. Please keep me informed on this issue. I would feel honoured to come back
to England and build a new stile for Linton.
Robert Elsey
USA
Parish councillor Ron Hatfield explains: The clapper stile has
been deteriotating for some years and it was decided by the Parish Council to
have it repaired and renovated.
Another problem is that it does not have good fencing next to it and this adds
to its look of dereliction.
We have £1,000 for the work and spent some time trying to find someone who
could do the work and who wanted to do it.
Eventually, we found a craftsman willing to take on the work and he should have
started last February. However, we are still waiting. We are determined to put
the stile right.
Our thanks ...
If you want to join these campaigns, contact: Valerie Matthews for A1307
Action Group
Dave Taylor for Stop Abington New Town (davidjtaylor@btinternet.com)
UP TO 10,000 new homes – a town the size of Haverhill with all the facilities
needed for a likely population of 25,000 – is being proposed for Great
Abington.
This would have a seriously detrimental effect on all the villages in the area,
overwhelming the 650 homes in Great Abington, Little Abington and Hildersham,
and changing life forever for the other villages.
Linton, the largest village in this area, would see the new town come up to its
borders: the plans show the proposed new town creeping along the south side of
the A1307 as far as the Dalehead meat processing factory.
The extent of local people’s alarm can be gauged from the attendance at a Stop
Abington New Town public meeting on July 24th when so many people arrived that
it had to be moved to the cricket pitch. There they shouted "rubbish"
at the would-be developers and grilled planners and politicians. The meeting was
resolutely determined to fight the plans and appealed for everyone in the area
to join them.
Chestertons plc produced the plan on behalf of some of the landowners who would
stand to make millions of pounds if the development is approved by the County
Council and the Government during the current round of discussions on where to
place the new town. The Government is insisting that Cambridgeshire meets the
huge demand for housing and economic growth by building 4,000 new homes a year
into the next decade.
It had been known for some time that a proposal was being put together to build
on The Land Settlement at Great Abington but the local community has only
recently obtained copies of Chestertons’ plans. It is clear to us that the
development would be nothing short of disastrous for the area’s way of life
and would hopelessly overburden the dangerously crowded A1307.
Locating the town next to the A11 would mean it would become a dormitory town
for those commuting to Stansted and London, and would do nothing to relieve
pressure on Cambridge.
This part of Cambridgeshire is a tranquil environment, with excellent local
sport and rural activities. A densely populated development would destroy this.
A group of residents has formed Stop Abington New Town (SANT) to fight these
proposals.
There is still time, as the decision will not be made for a year or more. But
with Abington already shortlisted, and the District Council due to recommend its
favoured site in the autumn, it is vital that we make our voice heard now.
Dave Taylor, SANT
The Cambridge Evening News recently
reported that a council house in the middle of the city has been valued at
£250,000. House prices in our area are going through the roof and it is largely
because of a shortage of building land. It is becoming increasingly difficult
for young people in particular to buy a new house and even rented accommodation
is expensive. Cambridge is a world-class centre for hi-tech businesses, and jobs
are expanding faster than houses can be built for the people who want to work
here. Someone in the county council has compared the need for expansion around
Cambridge over the next 20 years as equivalent to having to plan and build a new
Milton Keynes.
Most people now agree that it is sensible to build homes close to jobs so as to
reduce the need for commuting. The problems of the A1307 show what happens if
homes and jobs are far apart. Up to now, the expansion of Cambridge has been
limited by the Green Belt, but the Government says that this now has to change.
One possible solution to the housing crisis is to build a new town close to the
city.
For the past year, consultants have been working for the county and district
councils to identify possible sites for a new town. All areas around the
Cambridge have been considered, but the consultants have drawn up a short-list
of 4 possible sites. They are the ex-airfields at Oakington and Waterbeach to
the north of the city, Childerley Gate to the west (between Cambridge and the
new town of Cambourne) and Gt Abington on the Land Settlement. All other
possibilities such as Six Mile Bottom have been rejected at this stage as being
too environmentally harmful or far from Cambridge.
Each of the four sites has advantages and disadvantages. The old airfield sites
are the largest pre-used 'brown field' land close to Cambridge. However,
Waterbeach is close to sea-level and traffic from Oakington may have to use the
A14. Commuters from Childerley Gate to Cambridge would have to use the congested
Madingley Road to get into the city. However, the University has plans to expand
to the west of the city so a new settlement there would be well placed. Gt
Abington would be close to many of the large job centers south of Cambridge -
Granta Park, Babraham Institute, Addenbrookes, the Genome Centre, Peterhouse
Science Park to name but a few. However, its location on the A11 also means that
many of the homes would be bought by commuters to Stansted or London.
Although a new town will be slow to get going, because of the length of time it
takes to plan, eventually it must be capable of expansion to 20,000 homes - the
size of Huntingdon. If Gt Abington were chosen, then within 50 years Linton
could simply be a suburb of a large town.
Cambridge City Council is studying the possibility of expanding Cambridge to the
east, perhaps with Marshalls moving to Alconbury or another nearby airfield. If
the study shows that this would be an environmentally sustainable option, then
it is possible that no new town is needed at all.
The county council is studying all the options over the next few months with the
district councils, and at the end of this year will have to decide where, if
anywhere, to build a new town. There will then have to be a long consultation,
public enquiry and further study as to how to provide a new town with adequate
roads, schools and other essential services.
In about 3 years time there will be a final decision by the Government as to
where a new town should go, if anywhere. It is unlikely that there would be
development in it before 2009.
IT was clear from a very well attended public meeting on the
problems of the A1307 that the county council did not consider our concerns be a
high priority and, if we are to make progress, we need to get organised.
The first steps were taken on 17th July when about 30 people representing most
of the villages between the Four Wentways and Haverhill got together to form the
A1307 Action Group.
The meeting identified accessing the A1307 and a safe way for pedestrians to
cross as priorities.
On 25th July, the action group’s 10-member committee elected its first
officers: Jim Powell as vice-chairman, Valerie Matthews
as secretary and Esther Cornell as treasurer. A decision on the
chairman was left open for discussions with a candidate.
If you want to be a part of the action or want to be on the
mailing list get in touch with Valerie Matthews , to leave your name and
address.
If we are to make a difference we have to work together otherwise we simply will
not be heard. We need your support.
John Batchelor
John Batchelor fills in the details for the decision making on
Abington
The government decided we needed a new settlement
The District Council opposed that decision
There are four short listed sites, Oakington, Waterbeach,
Childerley Gate and Abington
No other sites are currently being considered
The size of the settlement is an initial 6,000 houses with the
possibility of going to 10,000 houses later
That is a town the size of Ely (6,000) or Haverhill (10,000)
In a County Council public survey earlier in the year Abington
was narrowly shown as the preferred site. About 2,000 questionnaires were
returned; the result is unlikely to carry much weight
The County Council is expected to make a decision about the
site in December for publication in February 2002.
It is unlikely that any plan will be adopted as policy before the end
of 2003.
A further round of public consultations and inquiries will
follow
A site is unlikely to be confirmed before the end of 2003
The government wants work to start on the site by 2006
All sites have significant disadvantages
The site most likely to go ahead is Oakington because of its
closeness to major transport routes, A14 and Cambridge/St Ives public transport
corridor, and much of the land is owned by the Ministry of Defence.
THERE were 36 members and two visitors at the July WI meeting.
Birthday posies were made by Brenda Smith and distributed by Wendy Foster.
Tricia Lewis gave a report on the Intermediate General Meeting held at Cardiff
in June; and Jean Goodwin reported on the East of England Show where she
assisted with stewarding in the WI marquee. Val Spencer was thanked for
organising a very successful visit for several members and their families to
Kentwell Hall.
We welcomed the return of our speaker, Michael Bentinck, for a talk on Wartime
Women. He explained his book of that title arose from a radio programme, when he
asked for World War II stories. He passed on amusing, sad and touching stories
he had been told and also read a poem by one of his correspondents.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, 7th August. Body Shop Direct’s Bridget Dore
will be speaking on skin care and makeovers. All are welcome.
Anne Parry-Smith
Fast
worker ... one of the recyling collectors who have impressed the village with
the fast and careful collections
THE recycling scheme got off to a good start with about 70% of households
participating – and now the parish council is setting up a working party to
look for ways to recycle other materials, including green waste.
Don Haymes, county council waste officer, said the crews working in the Linton
area have been collecting an average of 3.5 tonnes of paper per collection.
Our community’s income per tonne is £5.71 – £520 a year – just on paper.
The income for glass, cans and textiles will add significantly to this.
In all of South Cambs, there has generally been a very good start to the scheme,
with nearly 90% of households participating. Linton’s total is expected to
rise as householders get accustomed to the collections.
There have been a few teething troubles, but the collectors are learning each
time they come around – any problems can be sorted out by phoning 01353
863971 between 7.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (or leave a message outside
these hours).
Cardboard and plastic are not collected at present and bins will not be touched
if they have any domestic rubbish in them. Black bags, even with recycling items
in them, may be mistaken for rubbish and not collected.
Gill Barker, the Parish Clerk, reported to the council’s meeting on 19th July
that she had been "inundated with phone calls regarding the recycling"
and that at least two residents, including Dr Clair Preston, were willing to be
co-opted on to a Working Party to look at environment/recycling issues.
"They would like to see Linton being pro-active in this direction,"
she wrote in a report that led to the council setting up a working party.
"The Parish Council has long been aware that numerous residents,
particularly elderly ones, have difficulty coping with the current lack of any
‘garden waste’ recycling scheme. The most recent complaints highlight the
need for some type of cardboard and possibly plastics recycling."
Ms Barker has requested details on the St Edmunds bury and Uttlesford schemes for
garden waste, cardboard and plastic, and Stapleford’s more locally based green
waste initiative. They will be considered by the working party. "It is
possible that on a localised basis this village could initiate its own recycling
scheme for garden waste," she added .LNT
LINTON’S own lottery will soon be entering its 4th year and
now is the time to think about joining if you are not already a member. The
K-Club was launched in 1998 to raise funds for Linton Action for Youth. It began
with 329 members and by last year numbers had increased to 367 – it has raised
£5,500 so far and this year we plan to expand the club still further.
It costs £12 for a year’s membership, from 1st October to 30th September,
with over a half the ‘take’ given as prizes. (This year’s star prizes will
amount to no less than £1,300, to be drawn at the Infants’ School Barn Dance
in September.)
You should find a K-Club application form in this copy of the Linton News, but
they can also be obtained from either of the village newsagents or the Post
Office. Failing that, you can obtain forms from me.
Please help us with this fund-raising initiative – it helps maintain
facilities for youth activities. Few would argue that they are not needed, and
the K-Club will help pay for running costs and the professional help to maximise
their effectiveness.
Peter Dixon, email: Peter@peterdixon.freeserve.co.uk
July winners: 1st (£50) (No. 227); 2nd (£25) (399); 3rd
(£10) (259)
* Use of the play area at the Cathodeon Centre will be restricted during the school holidays to evenings when the library is open and Saturdays between 10am and noon because of problems with the grassed area. Westbury’s, the original contractors, is carrying out remedial work at the insistence of the Parish Council. Information: Gill Barker 891001
* Linton Granta Football Club’s fun run from Wandlebury Park to Linton along the Roman Road raised £950 for Cystic Fibrosis Research and a similar amount for their new kit and equipment. A cricket match between the Football Club and the Cricket Club added £1,090 for each cause. Harriet Goodman
* Linton Workers’ Educational Association’s autumn course is called From Impressionism to Post-Impressionism: Painters of Modern Life. The course, lasting 10 weeks, starts on Tuesday 18th September at 10am at the Social Centre. Information: Frances Angus on 01638 507251
* A Domestic Violence Co-ordinator has started work on the problem and promoting initiatives to help victims. A leaflet for victims has been produced. Information and help: Women’s Aid on (01223) 460947.
AM told there was a time when the end of term meant a chance to
look back over the successes of the year and forward to a long and seemingly
endless summer. Perhaps it’s still like that for pupils. For the rest of us
though, planning is already under way in detail for next year because the
changes continue to come thick and fast.
It is also amazing how much you can get done in a school when there are no
children there! Now don’t get me wrong, planning is almost always a good thing
but it does work best when there is a pause, however slight, between one set of
initiatives and the next, particularly when the year, as it is in schools, is so
obviously divided by the summer break.
These days though, we rarely have the time to pause and reflect and this
tendency to keep piling on the initiatives is one which has tripped up this
Government’s education policies on a number of occasions.
Take the pay reforms for example. Rapid implementation with very little
preparation time has led to a very patchy response and probably a huge waste of
money. The curriculum never settles down, nor do assessment arrangements and it
comes as no surprise that a recent national survey has found unprecedented
numbers of young teachers leaving the profession because they feel reform is
poorly planned and schools are becoming exam factories. Generally speaking we
are not of course, but you can see what they mean.
There is however, a real need to take stock. To look at the literacy and
numeracy hour, the changes to GCSEs and vocational education and to ask those
awkward fundamental questions about education. What is it for? Is the ‘if it
moves measure it’ approach the best one? Where are creativity and imagination
in all this? What kind of people do we want to produce?
The other big issue we face nationally is an acute shortage of teachers. Here at
LVC we have just about got enough, but only until Christmas. We have achieved
this by including in our recruitment, a teacher from Australia. We did it by
email! In September though all over the country, schools will be opening up with
teaching posts unfilled and children will
be sent home. We have a crisis and it
will get worse before it gets better. It all sounds a bit gloomy again – but
at least we can plan to cope. Clive Bush, Principal
Wednesday July 18th 2001 Illustrated by Maureen Williams
AZTECS JFC are looking for a Fixtures Secretary for the Colts
league games. After many years of hard work our current fixtures secretary Len
Smith is hanging up his boots. We are looking for someone to fill them.
Basically the job entails making sure that all the fixtures are played and all
the teams know when and where they should be . When the weather is fine this is
an easy job but when it disrupts fixtures this can be a ‘fun’ job. The job is
suitable for anyone interested in Football and/or helping our local youngsters.
All that is needed is a telephone although a computer as well would be very
handy. If anyone is interested please contact Dawn Creek, the Club Secretary.
Our summer dance at Linton Village College on 14th July was a great success.
Elvis came to town and wiggled his hips in an alarming manner.
Sally Dew took the 60s and 70s to the extreme. She had her head shaved and went
a punk. Sally was sponsored for this and should raise £700 which will be split
between Arthur Rank
House Hospice and the club, so many thanks to Sally and to Sue at Salon One for
doing Sally’s hair. Dawn Creek
250 enjoy Brownies fun day Top
LINTON District Friends of Guiding had a perfect summer’s
evening for a strawberry event in the gardens of Linton House on 4th July by
kind permission of Dr and Mrs Roger Bertram.
Guides, Brownies and Rainbows from Abington, Balsham, Burrough Green, Brinkley,
Horseheath and Linton were among more than 250 people who enjoyed this fun day
– and raised £328.45 for the Friends.
Kate France
children spring to success Top
LINTON Trampoline Club at the Sports Centre has been awarding
certificates of attainment to children recently.
The trampoline club runs every Monday from 4-5pm, & 5- 6pm. The 4-5pm
session on a Monday are now for toddlers and mothers.
The centre is running a full summer holiday activity programme. For details ask
Mark or Lucy at the centre or phone.