October 2002 Edition of the Linton News
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Articles
Stansted nExpansion, Six Wheels, Students Walk,
Parish Council,
FireWorks Night, Bowls Victory,
WI Harvest,
Jingle Bells, Junileee
Show,
Book Sale,
Photigraphers Given the Boot, through the
grapevine, lottery cash for toddlers,
Quite a quartet,
Two-way learning, Good Cause,
history comes to life,
Police, ’flu
been yet, Coining it in,
New Rector, xmas sale,
Sofa so Good, A is for
Alpha, Sussex Success,
Family Resource,
Hallowe'en Robin, antiques roadshow.
the bush telegraph,
library update,
Budding Success,
Linton Country Diary,
all souls remembered
Letters:- ,
Lack of Support,
Outstanding Fundraising,
Anderson Benefaction,
Thanks
PUBLIC MEETING WILL TACKLE STANSTED EXPANSION
Top
THE Government is currently conducting a consultation into public reaction
to various options for a vast expansion in air transport. One of the options
involves an extra three runways for Stansted, which would enable it to handle
approximately ten times its current throughput of passengers. The resulting
airport would be equivalent to two and a half Heathrows, and would be larger
than Atlanta, which is currently the busiest airport in the world.
Such a huge increase would have enormous implications for this region,
including areas as far from Stansted as the Linton district. Currently, the
turning point for aircraft on one of the incoming routes is directly over
Hadstock. A representative from National Air Traffic Control told a public
meeting in Hadstock last year that even the increases planned at that time (no
extra runways) would soon require incoming aircraft to start their lineups
further and further north. It is clear that Linton itself must now firmly be
counted as one of the areas affected by Stansted. Besides the possibilities of
additional noise and fuel pollution, there will be other implications for our
area: increased housing and strain on infrastructure such as schools,
hospitals, water, sewerage and general waste disposal. Not to speak of yet
more road traffic.
Those who subscribe to the ‘paper tiger’ view currently going the rounds
(namely that three additional runways have been proposed in order to lull us
into being happy with only (!) one ) might like to consider that two runways
would have a maximum capacity of 82 million passengers per year. This is over
six times Stansted’s figure for annual passenger throughput at the beginning
of this year, and twice Gatwick’s current volume.
A working group to combat the proposals has been formed under the name Stop
Stansted Expansion (SSE) and Peter Gowan, Vice Chairman of the SSE campaign,
will be addressing a public meeting in Hadstock Village Hall (next to the
church) at 8pm on Friday 18th October. Before his talk, there will be a
showing of Donald Stewart’s award winning film Environment in Danger which was
made 20 years ago as part of the Hadstock Society’s evidence at the first
Stansted Public Enquiry.
The film depicts events during a year in the life of Hadstock and examines the
history, nature and fabric of the village, while at the same time drawing
attention to, and analysing, the threat posed by a major airport development
on our doorstep. The film was highly praised at the Public Enquiry and
subsequently won an environmental prize from Essex County Council; it is as
relevant now as it was then.
Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. There will be no charge, but a
voluntary collection will be made to raise funds for SSE.
More details of SSE are available or on the internet at
www.stopstanstedexpansion.com
Chris Bennett
Norman and Jules Dan and Kate Harriss at the start of the London-Cambridge
ride
Jules Dann took her dad on a 54-mile bike ride. Here is her diary
AFTER a night of various different social events for the three of us, Dad, my
housemate Kate and I were bleary eyed as we struggled to squeeze our bikes
into the van on a hot humid morning. Excited but apprehensive, I thought about
what lay ahead of us – a bike ride of such enormous proportions I was
seriously considering whether I’d be able to manage it, especially as the only
‘training’ Kate and I had done was our usual downhill ride to the pub!
Yes, we were about to bike 54 miles from London to Cambridge for Breakthrough
Breast Cancer – on the hottest day of the year so far.
9am: We arrived at the latest possible starting time and were concerned to see
a group of very professional looking bikers in pink Lycra whiz past the car in
tight formation–and then greatly relieved to see a huffing, puffing group on
an assortment of rusty bikes quite a way behind that were obviously more of
our calibre.
Kate brandished a large assortment of energy bars and flapjacks ("This will
keep us going") along with bananas, nuts and chocolate (this seemed like a
good idea but soon melted into an indigestible liquid form). We made our way
through a crowd of 4000 and their trusty metal steeds pinning official numbers
to each others backs and frantically slapping on factor 60 sunblock. I was
surprised at the diversity of ages, abilities and strange-looking bikes which
ranged from four-seater tandems, bikes with side cars, homemade bikes with
bits of other bikes welded on to add seats for their offspring and a bike
which allowed you to lie down whilst pedalling (my sort of bike!).
10 miles: We were on our way! I’d like to say that we raced up the hills as we
made our way out of London but it’s more truthful to say we made our way
slowly but surely. The adrenaline soon kicked in and I started to feel almost
competitive as people continually over-took me. We had five official stopping
points to look forward to, which meant we could break our journey into easy
ten-mile chunks. Stop number one happily appeared over the horizon only an
hour after we set off and we ambitiously calculated that we’d be in Cambridge
in time for afternoon tea. We didn’t take into consideration the increasing
time each ten-mile chunk would take us and the equally increasing rest times.
25 miles: For every mile that struggled by, a very effective sign to motivate
the bikers had been put by the side of the road with a fact related to that
number of miles. For example, ‘7 miles. Did you know a raindrop travels at
7mph?’ and ‘10 miles. You can hear a lion’s roar for 10 miles across the
African plains’. As the sweat poured off us and thousands of thunder bugs
hitched a ride on our sticky, sun cream covered bodies, we looked forward to
these pearls of knowledge.
Over halfway: I was happy to discover that this route (tried and tested for
more than 15 years by this event) was on green and leafy country lanes. The
rest stops all turned out to be lovely country pubs, and a gaggle of bikers
could be found at each one. For many of the riders, this bike ride appeared to
be no more than a relaxing pub-crawl. I tried not to look too in awe as one of
the guys we talked to casually remarked he’d done the Brighton to London ride
the week before. This was obviously all in a day’s work for him.
35 miles: We were finding out the hard way that East Anglia isn’t as flat as
everyone likes to believe. Another hill loomed in the distance and I was
determined not to be beaten by it.
There are two types of hill: the ‘very steep but over quickly’ hill and the
‘eternally increasing hill that appears innocently flat from a distance, only
to discover your thighs aching more and more’. Apart from the hills, I was
enjoying this bike ride much more than I had expected and even thought to
myself ‘I may do this next year...’
45 miles: I changed my mind about doing the bike ride again at 45 miles. The
road had a lot fewer cyclists than before and we realised with horror that we
were some of the last cyclists to hobble along this final stretch. With aching
limbs and sore derrières, these last ten miles were the most painfully
challenging, but kind residents along the way had put out signs with messages
like ‘Nearly there!’ and ‘I always knew you men would bike this far for a pair
of breasts!’
54 miles: At 6pm the sign to Cambridge appeared on the horizon. After more
than eight hours on a bike (with rests) we jubilantly limped through the
finish line. Our friends were there to cheer us in and we were all handed a
goody bag including foot spray and a medal. Weariness washed over me as I lay
sprawled out but happy on the grass of Midsummer Common and heard the welcome
question, ‘Would you like a cold pint?’
And between us we managed to raise over £900 for breast cancer research.
LUKE McKenna of Linton Village College has spent the last six months
putting together an amazing collection of celebrity paraphernalia to raise
money for the College’s link school, Boepathutse, in South Africa.
The College will be hosting an auction on Saturday 5th October, which will be
run by professional auctioneer Robert James. Among the collection of over 150
items is a Manchester United strip donated by Ryan Giggs, a signed Only Fools
and Horses video, and signed photos of Atomic Kitten, Michael Caine, Julian
Clary and John Thaw.
The auction will follow that morning’s ‘Link Walk’ which will raise money for
the next major new project at the South African school. "We are aiming to
build a new technology and arts centre at Boepathutse, using bricks made by
the children and local unemployed labour", explained LVC Principal Clive Bush.
"It will then be used to develop arts and technology teaching at Boepathuste
and other local schools, and to train teachers and unskilled adults."
Boepathutse School can already boast a fully equipped science laboratory and
technology workshop thanks to money raising initiatives organised by pupils at
the College.
"The link with Boepathutse is providing our students with an insight into life
and learning in South Africa, and inspiring many of them to help", continued
Clive Bush. "Luke and many of the other children are going out of their way to
raise money and support the school link".
LVC
MEMBERS of the public attended a meeting to express concern over the
anti-social behaviour of numbers of youths congregating in groups around the
village causing unease for people walking about and making the village look
unsightly by tipping a large amount of litter that is left for clearing up the
next day. The parish clerk explained that the Parish Council cannot do
anything except liase with police. Unless incidents are reported to the police
and put on record it will continue to appear that Linton does not have a
problem compared to other villages and in turn we will have a low police
presence. Incidents during the weekend of 14th September had resulted in a
police helicopter being called out.
The clerk reported that the skateboard facility on the recreation ground is
now complete. The County Councillor reported that he has received reports of
drains being blocked within the village following downpours that occurred this
summer. He also gave an update on the downgrading of the Roman Road, the
Haverhill Transport Plan exhibition, and the request for four runways at
Stansted.
The library service is having consultations on opening hours due to lack of
money to maintain the present budget. Bus services could be reduced due to
subsidies having to be cut. One councillor, having recently used the Cambridge
to Linton bus service, stated that buses just not turning up resulted in lack
of confidence in the service. He had the impression from other travellers that
this was the norm. Again, nothing will be done about this unless it is
reported.
Council were given a presentation by the Chalklands Residents’ Association
Arts Project on visual improvements to the Chalklands area. Council agreed to
help with a two-year grant. Council were also given an update on future plans
for the Social Centre. Costs for new windows, disabled toilets and flooring
amount to £12,000. As yet funds are £4,000 short. Council also reviewed the
‘wish list’; adding more litter and dog waste bins, resurfacing the cemetery
paths and the future of the lime trees which are causing problems to some of
the grave stones.
THE 2002 Linton Fireworks will be taking place on Saturday 2nd November.
This will be our 13th Linton Firework Display. Over the past twelve years we
have raised a staggering £56,000 which has been split between the Infants’
School, Linton Heights Junior School and the Village College, benefiting all
the children. £7,500 was raised last year alone, and over 4,600 people
attended the event. This year we are very kindly again supported by Camgrain
who have donated £5,000 since 1996.
The fireworks take place on the Infants’ School playing field, with admission
from 6.30pm, the bonfire lit at 7.15pm, and the fireworks scheduled to begin
soon after that, when everyone has gained entry. There will also be a mega
barbecue and side stalls. The guy competition has not attracted much
enthusiasm in the past. Let’s see if we can have a few more entries this year.
Safety is always a prime consideration. Linton residents should leave their
cars at home to minimise traffic congestion. No fireworks can be brought into
the display for safety reasons – and this includes sparklers.
Advance tickets are priced at £7 for a family of five (up to two adults and
three children), and £2.50 for an individual. You can buy your tickets from
any of the three Linton schools, Sweet Talk News and Hale and Jacobs in
Linton, Balsham post office, Linton post office and the farm shop at Hill
Farm, Castle Camps.
Alternatively, tickets will be available on the evening at the gate for £8 and
£3 respectively.
We always need volunteers to help – please let us know if you are able to lend
a hand, especially between midday and 4pm on Saturday. With the constant need
to regard safety as our number one priority, we may need to restrict the
amount of material accepted for the bonfire. Material will be accepted until
12 noon on the day (paper and card until 10am). The decision whether or not to
accept material will be at the organisers’ discretion.
For further information please contact Alan King, 9 Fairfield Way, Linton or
visit our website at www.linton-fireworks.org Alan King
LINTON Granta Bowls Club have had a busy year. The team have played eight
friendly games, won 11 out of 18 Steeple Bumpstead league matches and finished
4th in the 2nd Division.
The highlight of the year was an exciting match against rivals Clavering where
the Linton team emerged victorious to claim the League K.O. Cup, their first
major win since Linton Granta Bowls Club started in 1995.
Twenty-four selected players from the League will be playing a match in Linton
starts at 12.30pm on Sunday 6th October. Derek Dimmock
The triumphant K.O. Team
Front: Derek Dimmock, Eric Garden, Jack Jacobs, John Harpur Back: David Stone,
Sam Agnew, Vic Harris, Alan Lock
Absent: Roy Tarver
THERE were approximately 40 members, including one new member at the
September meeting. Anne Parry-Smith deputised for President, Wendy Foster.
Birthday posies were made and distributed by Marjorie Blackman. The WI would
like to plant some spring bulbs to mark the Queen’s Jubilee Year. Members were
asked to mark on a map where they would like to see the bulbs, so that a
suitable site can be found.
Members were reminded about forthcoming activities and invited to book up for
a wide variety of outings and talks organised by the Cambridge Federation of
WIs.
A Harvest Supper was served. After the meal, the raffle was drawn and the
evening concluded with an auction, very ably and amusingly conducted by Clare
Neville. The great array of items netted approximately £70 for WI funds.
The next meeting is at 7.30pm on 1st October at the Social Centre. The speaker
will be Dilly Bradford on ‘Clothes and make up’.
Anne Parry-Smith
Dear Editor
It seems that for whatever reason residents have not been flocking back to use
our village pharmacy. We find this hard to understand, having found it very
inconvenient during the closure to make special journeys to Saffron Walden or
Cambridge for our regular prescriptions.
Those who work in other places may find that it suits them not to shop locally
at present but what happens when they no longer work, or if they become ill or
disabled?
Surely it pays us all to support our local pharmacy so that we don’t one day
find ourselves without a vital service in the village. It may be too late if
you wait until you have no alternative.
John & Gloria Fidler
Dear Editor,
Many thanks once again to Terry Wright and his team of helpers for another
wonderful fundraising performance for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. A sponsored
12-mile cycle ride, a cricket match, barbecue and an afternoon of fun raised
£600 for both my charity and the Linton Granta Football Club. A special thanks
to Terry and his wife Linda for their amazing efforts, Les Westlake for
securing £400+ in personal sponsorship for the second year and to everybody
who took part or contributed in any way. The search for a cure for Cystic
Fibrosis, like so many illnesses, relies upon voluntary support and in the 20
years that I have been involved the people of Linton have always been most
supportive. Please accept my sincere thanks once again.
Harriet Goodman
Secretary CF Help
Dear Editor
Helen and family would like to thank everyone for their kind words of
sympathy, cards, letters, flowers and donations during our sad loss of Nigel.
He has given us all lots of good memories and will be sadly missed by all who
knew him.
Helen Darling & Family
Dear Editor
May I through your paper, say a big thank you to my family, friends and
neighbours for all their lovely cards, letters and flowers sent to me whilst I
was in Papworth Hospital.
I am feeling a lot better now, thanks to all your good wishes.
Joyce Thompson
PLEASE make sure that letters and articles sent to the Linton News give a
telephone number or email address as well as postal address wherever possible.
It is often necessary to contact correspondents and unfortunately our editors,
who are all volunteers, do not have time to write. LNT
Dear Editor
About three years ago Professor Anderson sold his house in Linton – Church
Cottage. The proceeds were invested so as to provide an annual sum to be
distributed to a wide number of people and causes in Linton, all defined in
the Professor’s Trust Deed.
Professor Anderson has since died but the Trust is now administered by
Trustees who meet on a regular basis and who allocate annual gifts in
accordance with the professor’s wishes.
So far, allocations have been made to the Parish Church, the Village College
(for buying musical instruments for some pupils), Granta Grapevine, the
Infants’ School, a local association for the Visually Impaired, the Mobile
Warden Scheme, the Out of School Club, the Rainbows and Brownies, and Linton
Action for Youth, among others.
The Trustees will meet in October to begin the consideration of new
allocations although no firm decisions will be made until February of next
year. Anybody who wishes to be considered for the next allocation should
contact the chairman of the Trustees, Michael Holden, 99 High Street, Linton,
CB1 6JT. Please forward your accounts with any application if appropriate.
Michael Holden
Dear Editor
Through your newspaper I would like to say thank you very much for all the
support given to me for my Ukraine trip (15th September). Linda Kelly and
Chalklands Community for the bring and buy sale, everybody for the items of
toiletries etc., co-workers of Mother Teresa for the knitted blankets, hats
and scarves. Last but not least, the driver of the van, Fred Binks and friend
William who put up with me for at least ten days.
Jean Whitby
NO, don’t worry, it’s not the start of Christmas advertising. This is an
invitation to come and find out if you enjoy Morris dancing. We are Morris in
the Maze, from Saffron Walden, one of the friendliest Morris dancing sides
around and we are looking for more members. At 8pm, on Thursday 10th October,
at Linton Village College (main hall), you will have a unique chance to try
Morris dancing for yourself, without any commitment, obligation or cost. All
you need is a sense of humour, a willingness to have a go, and a (vague) sense
of rhythm. Both men and women of all ages and levels of fitness and experience
(including none at all) are welcome.
We practice on a weekly basis (usually Thursday evenings) during the winter
months, and then dance out at pubs and local events during the summer. You may
recall seeing us dance outside the Dog and Duck: our photo is on the Linton
News website.
Please get in touch with either Ilse or Reni to find out more, or just turn up
on the night. Reni Landor
Susan Anderson's winning flower arranging entry
LAST month local people and visitors turned out in force to support the
60th Gardening Club show in this year of the Golden Jubilee. We were delighted
that so many came to view the exhibits and stay for refreshments and the prize
giving. Dr Roger Bertram presented the prizes and recalled his memories of the
first show he visited in the early 1950s when his mother had fulfilled the
same role. In those days children entered bunches of wild flowers which were
then so varied and abundant.
This year there was an increase in exhibitors in almost every section in the
schedule including two junior sections. A special Jubilee class was introduced
for a basket of fruit, flowers, plants and vegetables fit for a queen. The
judge must have had a difficult task, finally choosing Susan An-derson’s as
the best of three beautiful entries.
Winners in the adult classes were: Bruce Conochie, Ros Pink, Derek Dimmock,
Peeky Carver, Susan Anderson, David Champion, Leslie Allison and Jan Sheppard.
The Banksian Medal went to Derek Dimmock.
In the junior section age seven and under, the winner was Sam Clayton for his
flower collage, painting and a model dragonfly. In the eight to 14 age group,
Rebecca Savill won with a painting, flower collage and gingerbread man.
The best Jubilee entry was won by Evie Roddom for her egg decorated as a
queen. The standard was very high in the junior classes and we hope that these
youngsters will exhibit again next July and also encourage their friends.
"It’s the taking part that counts," said our advert and the Committee would
like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the show.
The Club’s AGM will take place at 7.30pm on 8th October at the Social Centre
and the new season’s programme includes talks on the trials of life of
butterflies, the gardens of Anglesey Abbey and East Runton including a 3D
slide show, classic roses, managing ancient woodland and an introduction to
alpine and rock garden plants. A number of newcomers to the village have
expressed an interest in gardening so we hope they will join us at meetings as
visitors or members. Gloria Fidler
THERE will be a sale of second hand books at the Linton library from 10am
to 12 noon on Saturday 26th October. These popular events are held
periodically to help raise funds for our local library and some real bargains
are to be had as most books go for under a pound!
Norman Dann
IT was an early start for the members of the Linton Camera Club on the
morning of Sunday the 8th September...6 o’clock for a 7 o’clock start.
We were due to visit a boot sale in north Cambridge with a view to obtaining
some colourful pictures of this very English phenomenon.
To capture this activity requires some tact and a little bravery as was soon
discovered — we were greeted with comments such as "What d’you think you’re
doing, mate ?" and "You from the Inland Revenue?" ... plus some other
exceptionally scathing remarks, some of which were quite rude!
On the other hand, some traders were so interested and friendly that they
wanted to know about the club and one even passed on a camera that he could
not sell.
Afterwards, some of the members went into the centre of Cambridge for
breakfast and a little tourist hunting ... taking pictures of them taking
pictures of us.
The 13th October meeting is at 11am in the Social Centre. The November meeting
will also be at the Social Centre but in early December the club is off to a
car "racers and wreckers" event for some action pictures.
Everyone is welcome, what-ever the camera and proficiency, at every meeting.
Please email John Keeble on jkeeble@clara.net) for details.
Ron Pitkin
GRANTA Grapevine Talking Newspaper is holding its AGM at Flaxfields
Community Room at 2.30pm on Wednesday 9th October.Talking newspapers are
exactly what they say – a newspaper that talks through a tape. A means for
those who are visually impaired to have the independence of being able to
access the printed word.
Linton’s talking newspaper is run by a tiny but loyal committee. We are very
proud of it with good cause. Now in operation for over twelve years, it has
never failed to deliver the Linton News on one side of a ninety-minute tape
and a magazine side on the reverse. It goes out free of charge to our
listeners and all who work for it are volunteers.
Want to know more? Then come along on 9th October. If you have any proposals
that you would like to raise, please notify Clare Neville, in writing by 2nd
October to 14 Hillway, Linton. Transport available for any person registered
visually impaired. Contact Clare, or Janet. Clare Neville
LITTLE Acorns toddler group has been awarded £2,856 from the National
Lottery’s ‘Awards for All Scheme’. All those involved with the group are
delighted. The group began in July with mainly borrowed and donated toys. The
money means that lots of new toys and equipment can now be purchased. The
money will also be spent on Health and Safety training for those who run the
group.
Little Acorns runs every Thursday in the Social Centre from 10-11.30am during
term time for children up to 18 months (older siblings also welcome) and
children up to 5 years during the school holidays. Charges are £1 for under 1
and £1.50 over 1.
Sarah Bowie
THE new season of the Linton Music Society begins on Saturday 26th October
with the return of the Rasumovsky Quartet which gave such a stunning
performance on their last visit.
Well-loved classical quartets by Haydn and Beethoven form the backbone of the
programme, which also includes the lovely Quartet in A minor by the Russian
composer Arensky and a work by the early 20th century English composer Josef
Holbrooke.
Everyone is welcome. The concert takes place at LVC and starts at 8pm. Tickets
are available at the door or from the Cambridge Arts Theatre Box Office on %
503333. Any other enquiries to Linton News.
Hugh Wood
THE Social Scheme, funded by an Age Concern Millennium Award, recently
hosted an illustrated talk by Mr Garth Collard entitled ‘The Changing Face of
Linton’. It was a two-way process as the majority of the audience had lived in
Linton for many years, if not all their lives. They enthusiastically filled in
gaps in Mr Collard’s knowledge! There was also a raffle, where some of the
prizes were sponsored by Chapter and Verse.
The next event is a lunch meeting, with a speaker who spent her childhood
aboard a boat. The talk (12 noon on Tuesday 22nd October Social Centre) is
entitled ‘Sea Urchin’. The menu is fish (or chicken) and chips. Contact Gill
Barker 891001, Margaret Cox or Linda Read to order your lunch if you are
over 60 and would like to come. Transport can be provided. Margaret Cox
Bob and Tracy pick the winning number of the K-Club annual draw
THE final prize draw of the 2001-2 K-Club year was held on Monday 16th
September. Bob and Tracy, landlords of the Dog & Duck, pulled the top prize
winning number - K-Club No. 30, held by John Harpur of Palmers Close, Linton.
John, a pensioner, wins a cheque for £800. "It’s my first win of any kind in
this sort of thing," he said. " I’m just happy that my membership fee money
goes to a worthy cause, but winning is a nice bonus." Saffron Clackson won the
second prize of £350 with Ann Simpkin picking up the third prize of £150.
All the winners are from Linton and each has supported Linton Action for
Youth’s K-Club since it started four years ago - during this time it has
raised over £7,000 for youth-related activities in and around the Linton area.
Peter Dixon
Winners of the annual draw, 2001-2: 1st (£800) Mr J Harpur (No. 30), 2nd
(£350) Miss S Clackson (No. 158); 3rd (£150) Mrs A Simpkin (No. 15). Winners
of the September K-Club monthly draw: 1st (£50) Mr V Prentice (No. 218); 2nd
(£25) Mrs FJ Ingram (No. 192); 3rd (£10) Mrs J Keeble (No. 169).
AT the AGM of Linton Historical Society, Garth Collard welcomed a large
audience with many new members. The existing officers were re-elected, Garth
Collard as Chairman, Pat Genochio as Secretary and Frank Ap-pleyard as
Treasurer. Garth reported on another successful year. A suggestion was made to
start a research group to help with identifying old photographs and setting up
an exhibition. There will be a meeting for this at 7.30pm on Monday 30th
September in the upper room at the Social Centre. Interested members are
welcome.
Pat Genochio gave an account of ‘The Evolution of the Country House’
illustrated with slides of properties in our area, detailing how they were
built according to the wealth of the owners, and how they had been updated.
The next day we set off for Sutton Hoo, site of the burial mounds and
treasures of the Anglo-Saxons, where an excellent guide explained its history
and discovery. A stop-over at Notcutts Garden Centre ended a most enjoyable
day out.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 15th October. Rachel Wroth will talk about
Cambridge College Servants in the 19th Century. Joan Pearman
THE Parish Council has received many complaints throughout the summer about
the anti-social behaviour of a small number of young people in the village.
The majority of those complaining are at a loss to know why the police seem
incapable of restoring peace and quiet to our village and complain to the
Parish Council about the lack of action. These complaints are perfectly valid
but there is little the Parish Council can do without your support. However,
there is an opportunity to voice your opinions directly to the Police at their
public meeting in Sawston Village College at 7.30 pm on 10th October. Gill
Barker
ONCE again we are in the middle of our influenza vaccination programme. We
have three Saturday clinics plus many clinics during normal surgery hours.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of 65 plus
those patients with diabetes, asthma, heart problems, kidney disease or a weak
immune system.
If you have not already done so, please make your influenza clinic appointment
by telephoning the surgery on 892555 (after 11am if possible, to leave the
phone lines free for those wanting more urgent appointments) or call in at
reception.
Practice Nurses
Linton Health Centre
THE Parish Council is pleased to announce that the Golden Jubilee Coins for
every Linton child have now arrived. For all residents who have completed a
slip requesting coins for their children the coins are available 9-11.45 am on
Monday 7th October and 2 - 4.30 pm on Friday 11th October from the Social
Centre. If you are unable to collect your coins during these times, after
Friday 11th October they can be collected from the parish office during office
hours (Monday to Friday 9am -12.30pm.)
If you have not yet completed a slip please call in the office during the
hours mentioned above – it is not too late to ensure your child does not miss
out! Gill Barker
LINTON’S new Team Rector, the Reverend Mark Mills-Powell will be inducted
and instituted at St Mary’s at 7.30pm on 27th November.
Mark was ordained to the priesthood in the diocese of Liverpool in 1984, has
spent some of his ministry in the United States and is at present
Priest-in-charge of Basildon with Aldwater and Ashhampstead in the Oxford
diocese.
Mark is married to Dana and they have three daughters aged between 10 and 17.
There will be a profile of Mark in the October/November issue of the parish
magazine.
Glynis Younger
COME and buy your Christmas cards and gifts at the coffee morning in aid of
Save The Children at the Old Guildhall, Church Lane, Linton, from
10.30am–12.30pm on Saturday 2nd November.
Judith White
CAMBRIDGE SOFA (Shifting Offered Furniture Around) is now covering Linton.
SOFA collects donations of furniture, electrical and household items to sell
to people on low incomes and benefits. Anything from electric cookers to
candlesticks, sofas (post-1988) to spoons are wanted. We are open Monday to
Friday, 10am-3pm to anyone on low income or in receipt of benefits. Just bring
along proof of benefit or a referral form from a caring or statutory agency
such as Citizens Advice Bureau or Social Services. Outreach Officer Sarah
Steggles will be available to answer any questions at the Rock Café, Social
Centre 1.30-3pm on 31st October. Our bright yellow van is on the road four
days a week in Cambridge, Saffron Walden, Linton and Haverhill collecting and
delivering ‘previously loved’ household equipment. Contact us on % 576535, or
visit our store at Unit H, The Paddocks, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge.
Sarah Steggles
THIS autumn sees a number of special events and programmes taking place. We
are hosting once again the well-known Alpha Course. The Alpha course is an
opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith. It’s relaxed,
non-threatening, low-key, friendly and fun. Each session begins with an
opportunity to get to know each other and then there is space for listening,
learning, discussing and discovering. Alpha is a place where no question is
too simple or too hostile. If you want more information about Alpha please
phone % 01799 584483.
In addition we will hopefully be continuing our youth programme (SURF). This
programme, meeting mainly on Sunday evenings is open to all young people of
school year 8 and above and provides a mix of Christian teaching and social
activities in a relaxed forum.
If you want to know more about the youth programme or the activities of the
Church in general, please contact Rev Alex Jacob.
Alex Jacob
First class student
Hayley Elsom
FORMER pupil of LVC and Long Road Sixth Form College, Hayley Elsom (22),
recently travelled back to Sussex where she was presented with her First Class
Honours Degree in Economics and
Politics by Richard, Lord Attenborough, Chancellor of the University. The
ceremony was held in the spectacular surrounds of the Brighton Pavilion,
witnessed by her proud parents, brother and sister, and her boyfriend Rob.
Hayley was one of only a handful of students to achieve this excellent
standard and topped off her celebrations with a superb meal with her guests.
Sue Elsom
Special guest Fireman Sam helps launch new village initiative
ON 4th September a red ribbon was cut by one of our children’s favourite
characters, Fireman Sam, to mark the launch of the Family Resource Centre.
Over 100 children and babies and at least 50 parents were entertained by Silly
Billy Blue Hat, who gave a magnificent performance despite being bombarded
with raffle tickets and popcorn. Silly Billy managed to adapt his show to
include children of all ages, including those who decided to go for a wander
half way through.
Tea, coffee and treats were served all afternoon. There were several free
tickets for fun days given away in our complimentary raffle and each child was
given a goody box courtesy of WAGN Railways. A fun and sociable time was had
by all, including the little ones who prefered to watch from outside.
Many thanks to all those who contributed to the success of our party,
especially to Linton Fire service for inviting Fireman Sam. For more details
on the centre contact Tracey or see the August edition of the
Linton News on our website www.linton.info. Come along to the Rock Café on
Wednesdays between 1.30 and 3pm (term time) to check out our literature, talk
with Citizens Advice personnel or just have a sociable cup of tea. The welcome
extends to people of all ages, not just those with young children. A full
programme of events is in our newsletter, available from the centre.
LNT
THIS year the Linton Arts Forum is bringing "Robin Hood" to the Infants’
School at 7.30pm on 31st October. Why not bring your children for a Hallowe’en
treat. It’s no trick, it will be a great show by the Ophaboom Theatre Group, a
professional company who perform throughout Europe.
It’s the year 1215 in England and the rich are getting richer while the
poor struggle to survive. The leaders barricade themselves in their castles
oblivious of the rising clamour for cchange and justice! Out of the forest
comes a champion for the downtrodden and hope for the future - Robin Hood is
as radical as a man can get whilst wearing tights! The show is highly
recommended, very visual and accessible to family audiences (5-6 years up).
Tickets from Sue or Judy or Sweet Talk News.
Judy Rossiter
THE Friends of St Mary’s have arranged an ‘Antiques Roadshow’ at 7.30pm on
Saturday 12th October in the Infants’ School Hall. Mr Paul Gooderham of
Cheffins will be in attendance to discuss any cherished articles you care to
bring along. The entry fee includes coffee and biscuits.
Bruce Conochie
THE headlines should have read: ‘The most tested group of children in the
history of education comes up trumps.’ Instead we have been through a
pantomime of buck passing and blame over the debacle of the A level
examination results. At one point the government even attempted the tried and
tested formula of blaming the teachers. We are told that they clearly did not
understand the coursework requirements of the new A2 examinations. This was
supposed to explain how young people who gained A grades in the final exam and
whose teachers predicted As for coursework actually achieved Us for ungraded.
I’ve known a good few A level teachers in my time and indeed been one. They
have never struck me as being ill-informed or unaware of change. All this
confusion of course stems from the fact that ministers feel very exposed when
the allegation is levelled at them that examinations are getting easier.
Instead of robustly defending a new examination which, by all accounts is just
as stretching as the one it replaces, by looking at the reasons why students
are doing so well, they tend to capitulate at the first whiff of criticism.
The young people who sat A2 examinations this summer are past masters at
passing tests. They are the guinea-pig year for whom more tests were devised
than any year before them. By the time they got to sixth form the AS exam
(year 1) was taken in their stride. Those who did not do well tended to fall
by the wayside so the cohort that finally got to A2 (year 2) were highly
likely to do better than any previous group. Luckily LVC students seem to have
escaped unscathed, the vast majority gaining the University places they
desired and four going to Oxford. As to the others, well they deserve an
apology, recompense and justice – as well as heartfelt praise and
congratulations for doing so well from their first national test at the age of
7 to their A2s eleven years later.
Clive Bush, Principal
THE People’s Network is the Government project to modernise all Public
Libraries. We are rearranging the library to accommodate six public terminals
in all – including one in the children’s area. You will be able to use them to
search for information you need e.g. Family History, Homework, Current
Affairs, Book Information. The cost of setting up and running these new
initiatives is entirely funded from external grants.
The Library will be closed from 28th October to 2nd November and will re-open
on 5th November (with new opening times). We are standardising the opening
hours in all libraries across the county, in order to make them more memorable
for customers, more attractive when recruiting staff and to make a saving on
the library service’s budget.
The new hours will be: Monday Closed; Tuesday 10.30am-1pm & 2-5pm; Wednesday
2-5pm & 6-8pm; Thursday Closed; Friday 10.30am-1pm &2-5pm & 6-8pm; Saturday
10am-12noon.
Linda Pearson
SARAH Chamberlain Flowers, the newly named florist’s shop at 61a High
Street, Linton, has been taken over by Sarah Bunn and Nancy Chamberlain.
The sisters are expanding their business from the studio in Little Walden to
cater for all occasions at the Linton shop. They were both trained at Writtle
Agricultural College and are experienced in all aspects of floristry for
weddings, funerals and parties as well as offering flowers for gifts and
decorations.
Kate France
Illustrated by Maureen Williams
NOT everyone enjoys the company of spiders, but some that cause a shudder are
not spiders at all. They are in fact Harvestmen which spin no web. A close
encounter reveals a single body with cute little shining eyes often on tiny
stems, as opposed to the two-part body of a spider.
So what could I expect from a day that began with a two-part dangly thing,
dangling by a single thread of web just above my nose as I opened my eyes? In
cool Indiana Jones style I slipped from underneath the furry Cardinal
Tegenaria parietina and with an index finger caught the strand far enough up
to give me time to swing the creepy fellow out of the window before it could
run up to my hand and sink in its fangs. Named and famed for spooking ol’
Cardinal Wolsey from Hampton Court but not (I shiver) Nantais from Linton. You
see, spiders got their class name Arachnids by way of a sweet little girl
named Arachne, who according to Greek mythology challenged the goddess Athena
to a spinning contest. She was unsympathetically punished for her cheek by
being turned into a spider.
Now, this morning’s experience was a sure signal of an approaching autumn, yet
my concern was with an American Signal carrying a plague to which our smaller
native White Clawed crayfish have no immunity. This so called plague is
actually a fungus but deadly to our native species. Not everything American is
bigger, although it is true of the adult Signal which grows to seven or eight
inches and is identified by a pale spot near the pincer claw hinge. Sightings
of these lobster-like creatures in our dear Granta are now more frequently
reported and trigger curiosity regarding identification
and the law.
Confirmed consent is sometimes given to trap the Signal but our native White
Clawed crayfish is now strictly protected.
As a young man I sought a life of recluse in a fairly remote part of coastal
Normandy. To survive, lobster became a dietary essential. Local fishermen
taught me skills using a long willow cane with a large hook bound to one end.
High tide brought lobsters seeking deep holes in the rocks in order to safely
shed their shells. At low tide, by feeding in the cane sometimes over three
metres down I would twiddle and pull until the prey was hooked. Often I would
remove a bonus catch of powerful eel, also after the soft-armoured prize. We
have arrived where the tale hinges on something which I believe was said by
Winston Churchill, " Just because you are going to kill a man, it doesn’t mean
you have to be rude to him" and so it follows because you are going to kill a
lobster doesn’t mean you have to be cruel to it. Before dropping your live
lobster into boiling water, place it in the fridge until dormant. It seems so
much kinder!
Now was it the melange of barbecue smoke, sweet harvest scent and odours of
freshly cut grass wafting gently through our village, or that whack of leather
on willow that struck the autumnal chord? The gentle background humming of
combine harvesters and the occasional clunk clunk from empty trailers
returning to collect more grain for the silos that signalled summer days were
numbered. For me, it was a freshly baked blackberry and apple pie that
confirmed Christmas is waiting in the wings. Our local farmers are working
night and day and racing against the weather to gather in the crops. It all
happens so suddenly, fields become strewn with huge rolls of straw like giant
biscuits. The general colours of our landscape change as fields are ploughed,
followed by gleaning rooks and gulls. These birds may caw and squawk with glee
but on the old dead tree by Little Linton Farm a silent, giant fungus grows .
I spin you no yarn, but it has been described as the Jolly Bogeyman.
THE Feast of All Souls is a special time of the year for us all to remember
and give thanks for the lives of those who have died.
This year the church choir of St Mary’s Church, Linton will sing Fauré’s
Requiem as part of a service of Holy Communion on Sunday 3rd November at 6pm.
Everyone is warmly invited. Candles of remembrance will be lit during the
service.
Please give the names of those to be remembered to Lesley Gore beforehand and
let her know if you wish to present a candle, or contact me for further
details. Wine will be served after the service.
David Parry-Smith
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