Linton under water Photograph: Julian’s Photography from a collection taken on 21st
Readers Write:, Beating the Bush,
Chalklands, Body Shop, Flood
Warning, Support Traders, Flood
alert, Our Thoughts, For
the Record,
Linton
under water Photograph: Julian’s Photography from a collection taken on 21st
ON Sunday 21st October, Linton was affected by its worst
floods in over 30 years. Why? We all need answers to this question. The Parish
Council has sent out letters to over 70 known victims of the flood enclosing a
questionnaire which should assist in putting together a detailed map of how,
when and where the water arrived . This information will be invaluable in
assisting the relevant agencies to answer this question. If you were directly
affected and have not received a letter, please contact the Parish Office as
soon as possible. We also want to know about any gardens that were affected by
flood water. Please ring the Council office 891001.
A public meeting has been arranged for 7.30pm on 9th January to enable all
residents to come and question representatives of the Environment Agency, Cambs.
County Council, South Cambs. District Council and Anglian Water.
At the moment it is impossible to put a figure on the damage caused, but rough
estimates amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Detailed costings may be
available following the public meeting.
Considerable effort is being channelled into securing our small businesses. Any
help that can be offered is being made available. This is where everyone can do
their bit. Some of the businesses are trying to trade through the disaster and
you can help by using them as much as you can. Details of when the businesses
closed by this disaster will be reopening will be given through the Linton News
and again your patronage will be necessary to help them recover.
Gill Barker
THE rapid rise and equally rapid fall of flood water fed
rumours that Linton had been ‘sacrificed’ to protect Cambridge downstream.
The Linton News contacted the Environment Agency to put this point and to find
out why the village flooded. Nigel Woonton, Area Flood Defence Manager, refuted
emphatically any suggestion that Cambridge had been spared at the cost of
villages upstream. "There is no way we would sacrifice one place to save
another. We do not have that level of control. The river has automatic sluices
to let water through. We can increase the flow by opening navigation sluices. We
never delay this. We want to get the water through the system as soon as
possible."
The cause of the flood was exceptional localised rainfall in the region, which
received the average amount of rain for October in the space of 18 hours.
"Small watercourses like the Granta in Linton cannot cope with that amount
of rainfall and the run off from the land. They rise rapidly before they can
flow into larger watercourses," said Mr Woonton. This explains why
Cambridge did not flood so badly until the following day. "Cambridge
received a double peak in water flow. The initial peak on Sunday was followed by
a second on Monday when the water from the smaller watercourses reached the
river 20 hours later."
Now, with the help of local residents and the Parish Council, the inquiry into
the impact of the flood and the risk of its happening again has begun. "We
need to find out if the answers to our questionnaires will change our knowledge
of this area," said Mr Woonton. "But we may not be able to provide any
immediate answers." LNT
The November issue of the Linton News was printed just after the flood and this
issue appears as scheduled despite water damage at E & E Plumridge’s High
Street premises. Our thanks to everyone involved. LNT
More on pages 2,3,4 & 5
ONE of the many rewards of voluntary work is the occasional invitation to
coffee and cakes in a splendid setting. Linda Read and I were invited to Sheene
Mill to receive an award of £250 from the Village Life Fund, sponsored by
Cambridge Gas & Electricity and Cambridge Evening News, for Linton’s
Mobile Village Warden scheme. We were delighted to receive this award and thank
all the sponsors.
We will use the award to help fund the social activities that will be part of
this scheme. We hope to have coffee mornings, meetings with speakers, shopping
trips, visits to places of interest, living history meetings, etc. These social
activities will add an extra dimension to the scheme and will be open to others,
not just those within the scheme. If you would like to help with the social
activities or fund raising events contact Gill Barker % 891001, or Enid Bald %
891069. These events are intended to help alleviate the isolation that often
accompanies reduced social contact and increasing age and keep this group of
independent people in touch with village life, events and each other.
The Mobile Warden, Venetia Brown, has completed her induction course and began
to work in the village on 12th November. Some residents may already know her as
she has previously worked here as a Care Assistant. She has already established
many useful contacts and met potential clients, so Venetia will soon be a
familiar figure around Linton.
Enid Bald
AT Helping Hands’ recent General Meeting members learned that three people
have volunteered to become Officers for at least six months from 1st January.
Mrs S Buckingham is Chair/Organiser, Mrs J Button is Transport Co-ordinator and
Dr B Conochie is our new Treasurer. We are most grateful to them for their
timely offer of help and should also like to thank the Editor of the Linton News
for publishing our appeal in the last issue.
Until 1st January those in need of our services should continue to phone the
current numbers. From 1st January, please phone:
1st Mrs J Button Email decp1@linton-news.com
2nd Mrs P Turner Email decp1@linton-news.com
3rd Mrs P Carver Email decp1@linton-news.com
New volunteers will always be welcome. If you can help, please contact Jo Bevin decp1@linton-news.comor
Jean Champion decp1@linton-news.com
or one of the new officers. Jean Champion.
AT this month’s meetings members of the public queried the
Council’s spending on a parish plan . All grants in the future will depend on
there being a parish plan in place, as proof of community involvement. The
danger of increased traffic from the new houses at Chalklands was also
discussed.
However, Council was preoccupied with the floods of 21st October, the likely
causes and ways to prevent it’s happening again. Council was also concerned
about ways to get small businesses trading again as the village must not lose
any of its remaining shops. Further discussions about warning systems, etc.,
were deferred until the public meeting in January.
A new notice board has been erected on the grass in front of the Copperfields
estate. The replacement clapper stile has been made and is awaiting erection.
Dr Bear reported that the proposed traffic lights for the top of the High Street
were now 10th on a priority list so there may be a chance that they will be
installed in 2003/4. The District Councillor reported that Council Tax would
have to rise more than expected to pay for improved services in the village.
The lack of a police presence in the village was noted and increased policing
requested. Although planning permission has been given for the installation of
security fencing at the Infants’ school, obstacles still remain over its
erection.
NO need to elaborate on the dire state of the green, you will
have seen the devastation resulting from the flood. The remedial work required
is a matter between the Parish Council and the insurers. The pavilion is
similarly affected.
The Christmas Party will be held at 7.30pm on Friday 7th December in the Social
Centre. If you offered to assist with refreshments, please get in touch with
Betty Meeks.
To end on a sad note, Albert Morley, a founder, died on 14th November. Alby was
a stalwart of the club. He was my assistant greenkeeper and did so much work for
the club, as did we all in those early days. We shall miss him.
Arthur Gore
LINTON Village Cricket Club will hold their Annual General
Meeting at 8pm on 10th December in the Social Centre.
Despite having lost all the kit in the flood on 21st October (it will cost about
£1,400 to replace) the club still hope to continue to run two teams on
Saturdays and an under-15 team in the 2002 season. For further information
contact John Richardson(editor)
John Richardson
THE Linton & District Committee of the NSPCC want to thank everyone who made cakes and preserves for the NSPCC Duxford Christmas Fair on November 13th. We made £1,277 on our cake stall and the whole fair raised about £50,000. Susan Anderson
THE Co-workers of Mother Teresa wish to thank everyone who
has contributed to their work in recent months. Clothing, soft toys and
toiletries have been donated to Swaile Humanitarian Aid, for distribution among
the poor and suffering people of Croatia and the Ukraine. A special collection
by the Catholic congregations at Linton and St Philip Howard, Cherry Hinton,
raised additional funds for medicines and food.
A cheque has also been sent to Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity in London,
for their work among the poor and homeless in this country.
Very special thanks are due to Linton Brownies and all who contributed small
gifts to fill their 84 shoe boxes, which will go to the Ukraine in January, in
time for the Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
The Co-Workers of Mother Teresa meet fortnightly on Wednesdays, from 2-4pm at
the Chalklands Community Room. New knitters are most welcome. Wool and needles
provided!
Joy Button
THE 2001 Linton fireworks display turned out to be a record
breaker on two counts: it was attended by almost 4,700 people and raised a final
profit of around £7,350. The profits are split equally between the three Linton
schools, which means each school will benefit by around £2,450.
Over the past twelve years we have raised a staggering £56,400 to benefit local
schools. This year we were very kindly supported again by Camgrain who have
donated £5,000 since 1996. In addition to the funds raised for the Linton
schools, a total sum of over £4,000 has been distributed to other local
community groups.
I have been proud to chair such an enthusiastic and extremely hard-working group
and I would like formally to thank them all. I would also like to thank the
local Fire Service, the ATC, and the villagers who turned up to help over the
weekend. It was a delight to see so many of you on Saturday afternoon and Sunday
morning.
The one disappointment, if any, was poor support of the guy competition,
although this isn’t to detract from the excellent standard of the entries
received. The competition was won by Chloe and Sam Drew, with Laura and David
Stock second, and Papi and Poppie Chamberlain third.
The committee will begin planning for 2002 in March. If you are interested in
joining the most enjoyable committee in Linton, contact me on email at alanking1@tinyonline.co.uk.
Alan King
A SIX-week training course for volunteers to help the hearing
impaired starts on 10th January 2002. CAMTAD, Cambridge Campaign for tackling
acquired deafness, runs hearing help sessions where volunteers clear, check and
re-tube NHS hearing aids and advise on regular maintenance and best listening
conditions. We also loan out equipment, including hearing doorbells, telephone,
television and household alarms.
We are a small charity with limited means and depend on our volunteers to exist.
If you would like further information, please phone Sue Hempstead 01223
460616.
Training is compulsory for our volunteers but there is no obligation to
volunteer at the end of the course. Most of our volunteers help at our monthly
sessions. Sue Hempstead
THE result of the K-Club November monthly draw: 1st (£50) Mrs A Bradley (No. 090); 2nd (£25) Carol Ketteridge (No. 174); 3rd (£10) James Bohanna (No. 115).
THE annual Christingle Service will be held at St Mary’s at 3pm on Sunday 9th December. All children and parents are welcome to attend. Wrapped Christmas presents for the Women’s Refuge would be welcome, and please bring your Children’s Society boxes to this service. The counting date will be Wednesday 12th December at 38 Symond’s Lane. If you cannot bring your box to the church, please contact the Secretary, Janet Annett, % 891416. Janet Annett
AZTECS Junior Football Club are holding a dance at 8pm on New
Years Eve at Linton Village College. There will be an Elvis Spectacular,
featuring Ted Trimble, music by Snowy’s Disco and a full Bar and Buffet. Call
Peter Belsom for reservations% 891273.
Max Penfold
AT the meeting of the Historical Society on 20th November,
Michael Gates showed members a fas-cinating compilation of films from The East
Anglian Film Archive made during the Second World War.
The next meeting is on 18th December, and Garth Collard will talk on ‘Life in
the Workhouse’. There will be Christmas wine and nibbles. All are welcome.
Joan Pearman
A full version of this report can be found on the Linton News website. Not yet
available
THERE were approximately 40 members and one guest at November’s
meeting of Linton WI. Birthday posies were made and distributed by Brenda Smith.
The results of the recent questionnaire to members were discussed. There were
suggestions for topics for speakers. Some felt the WI should have a higher
profile in village matters. Volunteers are needed to set up groups, for example
a walking group and a craft group. Forthcoming events include a visit to the
Wallace Art Collection in London in February and a week’s holiday in Cornwall
during April.
The speaker for the evening, John Capes, illustrated his talk on Cambridgeshire
with excellent slides, many of which he had taken on walks (he is a member of
the Ramblers). The talk ended with a quiz, when members had to identify several
locations from slides. The winners were Anne Parry-Smith and Margaret Anderson.
The vote of thanks was given by Clare Neville. The evening ended with a raffle.
Reports were received on the recent Autumn Council Meeting and the group meeting
at Hildersham. Several members reported that they had participated in enjoyable
visits to Bletchley Park and to Denman College. Vera Weatherley was the
runner-up in a recent county quiz.
The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 4th December at the Social Centre. The
speaker will be Louise Reed. Her talk is entitled "I love Christmas, but is
it possible to survive it?" All are welcome.
Anne Parry-Smith
Dear Editor
Your response to the letter in October’s issue about Mr Bush, I found
patronising. While seeming to defend a person’s right for freedom of speech,
you made your opinions very clear in your bias towards Mr Bush. My understanding
of the responsibility for this kind of editorial is to maintain complete
impartiality. It seems to me that unless contributors to this paper conform to
your opinion they run the risk of condemnation.
Linton Village College has an excellent reputation and Mr Bush clearly has made
a major contribution to education in the village. That does not mean however
that every view held by him cannot be challenged. Both the editorial team and
majority of contributors appear to take it as a personal insult if anyone has
the audacity to put an alternative view forward. The Linton News is a village
newsletter not a political platform. Let everyone be heard, anonymous or not.
On a final note Mr Bush defends his opinions and the airing of them. Perhaps,
due to the position he holds, his writing should be objective rather than
subjective. I believe a balanced view is always good. After all isn’t teaching
about imparting information in a truthful and balanced way? Surely what is done
with that information is then up to the individual.
Lorraine Ketland
Dear Editor
I, too, want to thank Clive Bush for his "telegrams", which always
reveal first-hand knowledge of the problems of education, especially in our
area, and a very deep concern for the children in his care, whom he and his
staff serve so devotedly, as do the staff of the other two schools their younger
intake.
Your anonymous correspondent’s apparent view is that education is quite
divorced from local and national politics. I am sure that the Education
Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be able to enlighten him/her
on receipt of a (signed!) letter asking for information.
Anna Newton
Dear Editor
The bottom greens at the entrance to Chalklands, the banks above them and the
small green in front of the bungalows on the left as you enter the estate have
been planted with over a thousand daffodil, narcissus and crocus bulbs and all
being well, should be a lovely sight in the spring.
The majority of Chalklands gave generously in a house to house collection made
in late summer, the District Council kindly matched the amount raised and the
bulbs were ordered from Linton Village College, thus helping their funds too.
There were also some gifts of bulbs which were very much appreciated.
The bulbs were planted by volunteers on 18th, 19th and 20th October and we are
all most grateful to Mr Halls, headmaster of Linton Heights, and Mrs L Robinson,
who brought six children who also live in Chalklands from the school, to help
plant on Thursday 18th.
Perhaps next year we may be able to plant more around the estate and maybe
encourage other areas of Linton to do the same!
Mrs C M Fisher
Dear Editor
Someone recently ordered items from the Body Shop Direct catalogue–Spirit of
Moonflower Bath Fizzes, Sensual Bath Crystals, Almond Fizzy Bath Sugar–but did
not put his/her name or address on the order form. If they phone me on % 893125
I will process the order.
Angela Reilly
Dear Editor
Having only just finished creating the gallery in the High Street I am rather
disheartened to find months of hard work washed away in the recent flood. I was
told so many times (against my better judgement) that this would never happen
again. My heart goes out to all those who have suffered due to the flooding. Had
I just 20 minutes more warning I could have sealed my doors and airbricks with
mastic. As it was on viewing the river rising more rapidly than normal my swift
phone call to my business partner, who was in the gallery at the time, ensured
we saved at least all our clients’ work. My thanks goes out to fellow artist
Sara Abbott who was there like an angel working with us to save the paintings
until we were waist deep in water.
When the renovations are complete I shall be installing another camera at the
gallery linked to my home computer, but at least for now let us have a simple
water depth sensor on the river by the bridge linked to a siren and the river
deeply dredged and correctly banked.
Some people have told me that the rainfall we had was exceptional. This may be
so although my gut feeling is that Linton is exceptional too and some poor,
misguided expert will come along with a colourful generalised computer model,
try to convince us that a flood is unlikely to happen again in our lifetime and
tell us all to go home and sleep easy – except those of us who know better!
Darryl Nantais
nantais@arts46.freeserve.co.uk
Dear Editor
For those of us who watched the drama of the Granta engulfing parts of Linton on
Sunday 21st October it was a humbling experience and one we shall not forget.
The force of the water and the speed with which it rose were amazing.
The scenes have provided dramatic photographs and tales to be told and re-told.
But for some of our community it was particularly awesome – it was their homes
and shops which were swamped by the wall of cold, muddy water, containing
goodness knows what.
Seeing the trail of damage on Monday morning was heart-breaking – trade
wrecked and so many personal treasures broken, coated in mud or lost.
Residents, shopkeepers and publicans have displayed staggering fortitude but
behind this must lie a sense of loss that we can do little to alleviate. Most
have got to leave their homes for many weeks whilst they are dried and repaired,
so don’t let us forget some friendly words of encouragement for those who have
been hit so hard.
Most importantly let us show our loyalty to the shopkeepers and publicans and
when they are able to re-open, support them with our trade. Without them the
village will lose its heart and be an infinitely poorer place
Clare Neville
Dear Editor
I recently received the autumn edition of South Cambs. Magazine and on
page 10 I found "Flood Alert" and read that: "If you live in a
flood area you can be put onto a phone mailing list. If there is a flood warning
or alert issued for your area you will be called with a warning message day or
night."
I rang straight away and asked to have our number added to those on the
automatic warning system. The young lady at the Environment Agency took all the
details and then I asked, as a matter of interest, at what time the warning was
rung through on Sunday 21st October? She was so sorry she couldn’t tell me but
would ask someone to ring me back.
Thank goodness I did press for this little snippet of information! When a nice
young man rang me, he said that no one in Linton had been rung with a warning.
Linton wasn’t in one of the districts covered by the flood warning system and
the nice young lady would have to take our number off the list!
The river runs through the very heart of this village, which has been seriously
flooded in the past, but would you believe it, our gauging station only measures
low water flows and was completely submerged during this last flood and
incapable of recording anything. Just as well someone had the sense to use a
tape measure after these latest floods re-ceded and record the height of the
water – 9 feet above normal level!
Perhaps there is some devious purpose behind the South Cambs. advice; perhaps
they hope if there are enough callers requesting this service from Floodline
then the Environment Agency will do something about providing it. A little
warning time would have been a huge help to all those who were flooded.
Judy Rossiter
Springfield House
Horn Lane
Dear Editor
My wife and I wish to thank most sincerely all the residents of Linton Heights
who showed such concern when our pet African Grey parrot escaped from our home
last month.
After two anxious nights an eagle-eyed resident of Granta Vale spotted our
parrot when he landed in her garden.
We have a calendar at home containing Biblical Texts and the text for Tuesday
read, ‘Behold, the Lord has done great things’.
Mr and Mrs D Rose
Dear Editor
On behalf of St Mary’s Parochial Church Council I would like to offer our
heartfelt thanks to all those people in Linton who came to the church to help
during and in the aftermath of the flood. Without their help and touching
kindness the church would not have been ‘back in business’ within three
weeks.
Margaret J Cox
Dear Editor
Following my recent admission to hospital, I wish to thank all the neighbours
and friends for their kind support, offers of help and good wishes during my
stay.
The treatment I received at Addenbrookes Hospital was excellent and deserves
much praise. We are indeed fortunate to have such a good hospital close at hand.
Frank Sweeting
Symonds Lane
Dear Editor
As one who was until recently heavily involved with Linton I was more than
casually interested to see the flood pictures on your website.
Please remind all the people of Linton that we thought of them and prayed for
them, when we heard of the floods.
Mind you, I remember when everyone was complaining that the river was dry!
Rev. A Armstrong
Mansfield, Notts.
Dear Editor
The Parish Council report in the November issue incorrectly stated that the
Infants’ School had reached maximum numbers. Year 2 is indeed full at 60
children, but we should welcome any additional children for year 1 and
reception.
The report also mentioned ISA status. ISA stands for international school award.
The award has been given for three years and recognises the activities
undertaken across the curriculum to make the children more aware of other
countries and cultures.
An international week is planned for next summer and the school staff would like
to hear from anyone who would be able to talk to the children about specific
countries and customs.
Sue Mudge
Chair of Governors
Photographs: Julian’s Photography
THE closure of the village pharmacy has caused much disruption
to Linton residents and I would like to take this opportunity to explain why the
Health Centre cannot dispense for Linton patients.
Firstly, I should point out that the chemist is contracted by the health
authority to supply pharmaceutical services to the village. Any complaints
regarding service provision should really be directed to the Cambridge Health
Authority and not to the health centre.
General practitioners are only allowed to dispense for patients who live more
than a mile from their nearest chemist. For us, this means that we can only
dispense for those patients who live in the villages outside Linton. Due to the
special circumstances, the health authority has granted us permission to
dispense for Linton patients who are housebound and for those who genuinely
cannot get their prescriptions filled by any other means. It has not granted
permission for us to dispense for all patients as the licence is still held by
the village pharmacist.
Even if the health authority granted us permission to dispense for all Linton
patients, we could not do so. Our dispensary is designed and staffed to dispense
for about 7,000 patients, not 11,000. We would need additional staff and stock
and we would also have problems with secure storage space. With planning, these
difficulties could be overcome but it is impractical to expect any business to
increase its output by 50% overnight.
The chemist is in an impossible position and our sympathies are with her as she
struggles to rebuild her business. Our dispensing staff are doing their best to
help those in real need and we must ask for the understanding of our Linton
patients when we ask them to take their prescriptions to another chemist.
Sheila Griffiths
Practice Manager
ALTHOUGH her premises were devastated and stock destroyed in
last month’s flood, village pharmacist Deepa Bhachoo was determined to fulfil
her commitment to customers and undertook to deal with all repeat prescriptions
within days of the flood. Unfortunately, the task was overwhelming and the
experiment could not be repeated.
"It took us 25 hours to deliver the prescriptions; without our computerised
records I could not check whether everything had been supplied as required and
we spent a lot of time and a great deal of money."
Regrettably there was no funding for this within either the Health Authority or
Primary Care Trust budgets and the pharmacist had to withdraw this service as it
was being run at a loss.
Mr and Mrs Bhachoo have had many sleepless nights and exhausting days looking
for ways to continue their business while repair work is done to the pharmacy.
"We even considered buying another place but when we calculated the cost of
fitting up other premises as a pharmacy it was clear that we might just as well
wait until our own shop could be occupied again."
The pharmacy is unlikely to be open until after the New Year. The Bhachoos will
take the opportunity to redecorate and redesign the shop and will take their
first holiday for over five years. Sally Simmons
BRIAN Pettit, who runs the jewellery repair business and gift
shop, Small Gifts, is saddened and out of pocket after the sudden and unexpected
flood.
All his shop stock from below the water level has been lost and many expensive
tools, including a binocular microscope, are now worthless.
Old watch spares dating back to the 1800s (when watches were often driven by
miniature steel chains) and thousands of parts for more modern watches were also
ruined.
He would like to say how much he appreciated the help and encouragement given by
several good friends immediately after the water subsided.
Mr Pettit had visited the shop in the morning and thought it would be safe but
had not anticipated the sudden rise in the level of the water.
He said: "I think a siren system would have saved a lot of stock and
belongings for everyone. It would have saved me thousands.
The shop is open for business but it will be months before things are back to
normal, as plastering and redecorating will have to take place when the property
has dried out.
J C Tournant & Sons, the electrical shop and repair business
in the High Street, was one of the many homes and businesses affected. It is in
fact both a business and a home, so we see both sides of the problem.
John and Lorna Tournant are unable to escape from the mess that has been made of
their home by going out to work, and unable to escape the problems of a flooded
business by relaxing at home.
On the Monday following the floods, this part of the High Street was buzzing
with activity, people all along the street were throwing out carpets and
fittings, every so often we would all congregate outside our devastated homes
and businesses to try to look at the lighter side of events. Everyone was
supportive and there were many offers of help from those not directly affected.
There is a lot of work to be done, and although it all seemed very slow to begin
with, there is now much activity – plaster and wallpaper to come off,
floorboards to be lifted, kitchen cabinets to be discarded and the constant
drone of the de-humidifiers.
Following this period of activity we have to expect a quiet time to allow the
buildings to dry, then more activity to reinstate the shop fittings and replace
all the stock that was destroyed by the water.
The electrical shop will be back in business early in the New Year: please watch
the shop window for news nearer the time.
In the meantime we would like to apologise for any inconvenience to our
customers and hope you will all be patient and understanding. A big thank you
for all the kind help and support from customers and friends alike.
The Tournant family
Photographs: , Small Gifts and the Darryl Nantais Gallery
WHEN Tracy Harrison and Bob Hackett decided to buy the Dog and
Duck last January they had made extensive inquiries and were told quite
definitely that the property would not flood.
How wrong this prediction turned out to be on 21st October when the flood water
which engulfed the pub caused the loss, through contamination, of everything
connected with the business.
As the water invaded the premises customers were still eating but it soon became
obvious that lunch would have to be abandoned as friends and clients helped to
carry as much as they could upstairs.
Eventually the last six people, who were by then thigh-deep in water, had to
escape through a window.
Bob had been trying to phone the Environment Agency since 11am that morning but
he was given no help at all, with the contact not even knowing where Linton was
situated.
In fact, Bob describes the whole episode as a fiasco and said that they received
no support or advice from councils or utilities.
"At first we thought the flood was a natural disaster," said Tracy,
"but sometime during the night the water disappeared with such speed and
force that we are left wondering how this could have happened.
"By Monday morning there was hardly any water in the road outside."
Bob and Tracy are left angry and shocked and although they are sure they will
‘stay afloat’ they are concerned for their future trade, as it will be some
time before they can re-open for business.
"Apart from the support of our friends and customers and the offers of
practical help we have received, the only good thing to come out of this
situation is the opportunity to redecorate the pub in the style we have always
wanted," said Tracy.
"At the very least an electronically controlled siren is needed so that
people would have the warning they need in the future."
"A TRAUMATIC experience" is how local artist Darryl
Nantais described October’s flood and although his new High Street gallery
will survive he still has bad days during the clearing-up operation and
seemingly endless problems sorting out the insurance claim.
The entire ground floor of his gallery was flooded to a depth of between three
and four feet and although he managed to save all of his clients’ work, some
of his own paintings were damaged, and cannot be restored. He stayed in the shop
until foul water reached his waist and he was forced to leave because of the
health risk.
After drying out, the ground floor walls will need to be re-plastered to their
full height. Because the nature of his business is preserving art, he cannot
afford to risk the possibility of damp permeating the pictures which will be
re-hung.
Darryl is hoping to re-open the gallery at the end of January but three months’
loss of trade as well as the likelihood of rising insurance premiums are a big
worry.
In the meantime he is grateful for the offer of a complete wall at the Village
College to hang his paintings.
He said: "My main concern is that people are protected in the future. A
siren would be a start and as insurance will not entirely cover people’s
losses, perhaps there should be a fund to help those affected by disasters like
this. The enforced withdrawal of services which local businesses provide for the
community results in a loss for everyone in the village."
THE only people braving it out in Meadow Lane after the flood
are Andrew and Janet Williams and their daughter Hannah who have been forced to
live in a mobile home craned into their back garden, because no rented
accommodation is available in or near Linton.
Until this new home arrived on the Friday following the flood, they had camped
out on the first floor of their ruined house, which will need plumbing, heating
and plaster replaced before the family can consider moving back.
The situation was made worse for the Williamses as they were on holiday at the
time, so were unable to move possessions upstairs to safety.
Andrew’s parents, who were animal sitting for them, had to be rescued with the
dog in a dinghy and they all spent the night at the Social Centre.
The cat, left upstairs for one night, added to the havoc by covering important
papers with muddy paw prints.
Andrew said: "Most items can be replaced but we are upset at the loss of
personal videos, photos and school reports. They are irreplaceable."
Their lives have changed completely as they have no neighbours and have had to
adjust to very cramped conditions after the convenience of a four-bedroomed
house.
During this trying time they have been heartened by the great support received
from Clare Neville and would like to pay tribute to her.
In six months’ time the house should once again be habitable but the flood
could be responsible for its devaluation and inevitably insurance premiums will
have risen.
Having lived in Meadow Lane for more than seven years, during which time only
once has the river looked threatening, Andrew and Janet were surprised to
discover that the new houses in the road were also flooded, even though they had
been built on a higher platform as a preventative measure.
Janet said: "We need to know if the cause was just the freak weather or if
there was action or inaction which was responsible. Although some sort of
warning would be helpful, that will not create the peace of mind that a solution
to the problem would give."
LAST month I wrote about our plans to develop a new and
innovative way to move the college forward, tapping into the economic success of
our region by seeking partners from business who will help the college develop a
Government-supported specialism in business and enterprise. Since then a
planning team has been appointed and begun work, a special information meeting
for parents has taken place and I have held meetings with potential sponsors (we
have to raise £50k ourselves to lever £500k from the Government). Responses to
our plans have been positive. A number of companies see this development as a
real move forward for education. They like the idea of LVC students
understanding how they do business and they also like the idea of having their
names linked to a flagship enterprise. Some of the developing ideas are very
exciting. How many schools would give students the experience of helping to
manage their catering or cleaning operations, for example, and how many young
people get the chance to help generate small businesses in a challenging country
like South Africa?
The Government has recognised that there are some exciting opportunities here
and have agreed to loosen the strait-jacket of the National Curriculum for
schools which become specialist colleges. The core curriculum will remain but
with imaginative timetabling a much wider range of choices will also be on
offer. Of course not everyone will end up in business. Public services or
academia will still beckon for many students, but it is hard to see how anyone,
no matter what their career choice, will fail to benefit from knowing how the
world of business works. What of enterprises, in many ways the more important
half of the equation? If through this aspect of our work we produce more
self-motivated, confident and articulate young people who are able to think
laterally, learn independently, solve problems and work with each other, then in
my book we have helped them become more enterprising and we have properly
educated them as well. Clive Bush, Principal
CACTI is a small word which covers an enormous subject of over
1,650 species. Brian Waygood, the former chairman of a local cactus society, has
learnt the art of handling without gloves these fearsome spiny plants whose
flowers come in every colour but blue. He brought along 300 slides from which he
made a selection. We saw minute and huge cacti growing in deserts in many parts
of the world, some of which were the candelabra variety familiar from backdrops
of old cowboy films. There were also pictures of vast numbers of beautiful
cultivated varieties grown in greenhouses for showing at competitions.
Mr Waygood has been interested in cacti since 1966 and his talk elicited many
questions. It was a pity he had such a small audience to whom he could pass on
his enthusiasm.
This month's meeting on 11th December will be an informal evening featuring
members' slides accompanied by some festive mulled wine and mince pies.
Gloria Fidler
LINTON COUNTRY DIARY
by Olwen WilliamsSunday 18th November 2001 Illustrated
by Maureen Williams
YET another record to set be-side many others, in these days of rapid climate
change. After a month of mild wet weather, October saw rainfall of 75mm on one
day alone, followed by the worst flooding in living memory in Linton and Little
Linton. The Hildersham fields flooded over, inundating the village hall
approaches and blocking the road. The first ground frost of the year was delayed
until 5th November, but since then, leaves have turned
into wonderful autumn colours of reds and oranges.
It is another excellent year for fruit of all types: nuts, hips and haws in
the hedgerows and also top fruit such as apples. The annual apple day at
Cambridge’s Botanical Gardens was crowded with folk, anxious to stock up with
cider, apple juice and apples in all sorts of wonderful variety, old fashioned
types, aromatic and tasty. Some were there just for a day out – this was
fortunately a week after the rains! Some brought apples for identification: a
team of experts with a table of samples provided answers. Others wanted advice
about the best cultivars for a particular spot, or about organic disease control
(difficult!).
My main excursions for the month have been to the river north of Cottenham,
to sample the population of fresh water mussels. Britain has six native species,
of which five are found locally in East Anglia. We were in search of the
depressed variety (‘depressed’ as in flattened, not sad), so returned the
duck and swan mussels, the tumid and painter’s mussels to the river. Although
there are still good populations to be found in some parts of the river, there
is evidence that a general decline has occurred, possibly due to decline in the
fish which act as host to the developing juveniles or to changing river
conditions.
When I started this diary five years ago, the A11 roadworks had recently been
completed. I noted with pleasure the care which had been given and the high
survival rate of the small trees through a couple of difficult dry summers. Now,
there are the beginnings of a new wood around this junction. What other
ecological gains have we seen? Many people now regard their gardens as an
important resource for wildlife. Can we count more ponds? Thicker, taller
hedgerows? More diversity in farmland? Larger areas of woodland? Less use of
pesticides and herbicides? Better care of the SSSIs? I leave my successor and my
readers with my best wishes and the hope that Linton and its villages will
remain a haven for both people and nature.
THE Linton Granta Playgroup is a registered charity,
employing seven staff and caring for 36 pre-school children. The dynamic and
imaginative team who run the playgroup constantly bring fresh ideas to stimulate
the children. They create a caring atmosphere of fun and education where
children can learn, play and socialise in a safe environment. The Toddler group
caters for children under 2+ and parents or carers stay with their child.
Both groups meet in the Youth Club building at Linton Village College where we
are currently working to improve the playgroup decoration and the toilet
facilities. There is a garden attached to the building so the children enjoy
exercise and fresh air.
We have a new leader, Liz Simpson, and although we have previously been
short-staffed, we now have a full team. We are glad to be able to offer
Playgroup every weekday. (Toddler groups are on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.)
We would like to invite any pre-school children to join one of our groups.
Please call Sue Roke for details
Linda Richardson
BRINGING up children is the most exhausting, nerve-wracking, heartbreaking
and absorbing job you will ever do. But it is also the most rewarding and
valuable.
Would you like to learn how to enjoy parenting more fully?
Parentalk has just completed another successful course in Linton and is now
taking registrations to start again in the New Year.
The course is free of charge, video based and easy to understand.
For further information please contact Sarah Thorne or Tracey Russell
Tracey Russell