Read the survey results in the Linton News
Two pages of results and explanations will be published as soon as they are
available
AND
a full version is also planned for www.linton.info, the community website
organised and financed by the Linton News.
Further copies of the results will be available later through other outlets
SOME of Linton’s most controversial questions - including whether there is to
be a one-way system in the High Street and how much expansion the village should
welcome - are being decided by residents now.
Other ideas, which could become village policy with enough support, include
suggestions to move the Infants’ School to a new site away from the High Street,
build up the networks of "safe routes" to separate pedestrians and traffic, and
make a renewed attempt to get a village swimming pool.
The possibilities for the future of the village are being put to residents in
the most comprehensive test of grassroots views ever held in Linton.
The results will be used to produce a village plan for the next five years and,
while many developments will ultimately be decided by outside authorities, that
plan will have to be taken into account as a government requirement.
Two copies of the survey questionnaire, along with a 20- page colour brochure
setting out issues and options, are in the process of being delivered to each
home in the village.
Every resident aged 16 or over is being invited to give views and additional
questionnaires are available for households with more than two people wanting to
take part.
The survey - the result of months of work by village people who have come
together as a community group - is not associated with any council, company or
other body with views on what we should do.
It is a community project producing our community’s views to be built into the
village plan. The results will also provide detailed views that can be consulted
as new situations arise. In an additional section, it offers the opportunity to
take part in the village plan process and many other aspects of village life.
"The survey is especially important at the moment," said Judy Rossiter, the
project co-ordinator. "We face a period of pressure for change.
"The areas all around us are changing rapidly with extensive development of
housing, fast-rising road traffic levels, a booming jobs’ market associated with
Cambridge and Stansted, and the prospect of expanding airports drawing in even
more development and traffic."
The village plan will have far-reaching implications: it will have to be taken
into account by the parish, district and county councils in any development; it
will mean the parish council will be able to get more money for projects
emerging from the survey and plan; and it will help the parish council get
quality status, which will mean it can compete with other councils to perform
tasks like repairing pavements and street lighting, now organised from outside.
The project, including the survey brochure and the data processing, has been
mostly financed by grants from the Countryside Agency and Cambridge Acre but
some parish money may be needed.
"We felt that a good brochure was essential -very few people are likely to have
to hand the information across all the subjects without it," said Dr Rossiter.
"We also felt that the survey should focus on individuals rather than households
to give villagers the best possible chance to express their views and wishes."
The completed forms will be processed by a specialist survey data processing
company, which will quantify the answers and return them to the survey project
organisers.
At that time, the results will be available generally along with analysis
reports. That will trigger the next stage in the project: building the village
plan. And you are all invited to be part of it. John Keeble
Photograph: page 5
AT the end of this month Linton will hold a by-election for two council
positions that are currently vacant.
The Parish Council is extremely pleased to see that there are more residents
willing to give up their time for the good of the community and is urging
everyone in the village to turn up and vote for the people you would most like
to represent you.
Each candidate will be canvassing around the village over the coming month so
keep an eye out for them. In the meantime the Linton News asked each candidate
to provide a few words about themselves and why they would like to be elected.
Tony Smith
"As I have trundled around Linton in my wheelchair, many people have
stopped to say ‘Hello’, and sometimes we talk about their ideas and concerns. It
is with this in mind that I have shown an interest in joining the Parish
Council. Obviously I am trying to help disabled people and elderly residents,
but my main goal is to be able to talk to and try to help as many people as I
can. If we can all work together, we can achieve much."
Bob Hammett
"I moved to the village 12 years ago and found it to be a very friendly
place to live and I would like to give something back to the community. I am
self-employed so my time is flexible. I participate in a number of projects and
committees within the village.
I have a 9 year old daughter and am actively involved with the village schools.
I am a member of the Friends of Linton Heights committee and look after the
swimming pools at the Heights and Infants’ schools. I am treasurer of the
Fireworks Committee, a popular event that also raises funds for the three
schools. Recently I qualified as a Community First Responder for Linton and
Balsham."
Esther Cornell
"I was born in the village 32 years ago and I have lived here ever since.
I have two children of 5 and 7 years. I am currently a member of the Access 1307
group and the Traffic Steering Group and have been involved with the three
Linton schools’ successful application to the Safer Routes to School programme.
Although I do take a keen interest with regard to the traffic situation within
the village, I am also a member of the Out of School Club committee and attend
meetings for the Swimming Pool project.
I am a great believer in consultation with the village and have been on the
steering group for the Parish Plan project.
I do not have any political aims but I do think of Linton as a community rather
than just a village and I think that the Parish Council needs to have members
who reflect the wide range of residents that live within it."
The election will take place between 7am and 9pm on Thursday 24th July at the Social Centre. No poll cards will be sent out but the Parish Council will be putting up reminder posters nearer the day. Remember, councillors are your representatives and your vote does count! LNT
Luke received a Diana Memorial award for his fund raising efforts
AT the beginning of last month Linton Village College student Luke McKenna was
presented with a very special award in recognition of his amazing fund-raising
efforts in aid of Boepathutse School in Soshanguve, South Africa.
Boepathutse is twinned with LVC and in 2001 Luke and his family agreed to host
Tshepo, a student from Boepathutse, for 9 weeks. What Tshepo told them about his
school and how they are often short of even basic equipment such as pens and
paper, inspired Luke to begin his monumental fund- raising session over the next
two years, during which he would get soaked to the skin during a sponsored cycle
ride, collect large amounts of celebrity memorabilia for auction and even end up
in custody in a Haverhill police cell!
Due to his efforts Luke has personally raised over £3,000 for Boepathutse School
and this money has been put towards improvements such as a marquee and turf to
replace the gravel patch that was the assembly area, and electric security
fencing round the school to prevent computer equipment from being stolen.
During the recent ceremony at LVC Luke was presented with a Diana, Princess of
Wales Memorial Award by the South African High Commissioner, Her Excellency
Lindiwe Mabuza, and as an added thank you he was given two free return tickets
to South Africa.
Congratulations Luke! Somehow I think this may not be the last we hear of you!
LN
Luke with South African student, Tshepo, who ins-pired Luke’s achievements
June Meeting:
THE path between Granta Leys and Kingfisher Walk is to have notices of
resurfacing work at either end. The riverbanks are not being cut until July to
allow wildlife to breed.
It was reported that bollard-style lighting for the churchyard would be
inappropriate.
Following the resignation of two councillors, a by-election has been called. If
more than two candidates put their names forward, the election will be on 24th
July. As this is a local election Council will have to pay the full cost of
approximately £1500.
The development of the old hostel site on Back Road was discussed during a
public participation session, with interested parties and the council still in
favour of the basic plan as proposed by the Parish Council rather than the
developers’ plan.
The police reported 14 incidents in Linton in the last month.
The District councillors reported that a disability panel has been set up.
The Broadband bid has been deferred until July.
A pamphlet on the delights of Linton has been produced and is given to new
residents. This will now be available locally.
A flood management update is being given at County Hall. County Hall are also
being made aware of local efforts for a swimming pool and the hopes of modifying
the pool at the new school for local use as well.
A publicity campaign about introduction of the e new wheelie bins is about to
start.
The Drop-in Centre is now open three nights a week and there will be a change of
leader at the end of July.
Council also confirmed that although a leaflet has been delivered to properties
in Linton stating that the Special Education Needs School planned to be built
next to the Village College had the backing of Linton Parish Council, this was
incorrect. Council have been made aware of the traffic problems associated with
this project which cause them concern and they have not been consulted.
SO popular is Guiding in Linton that the 50 girls have now split and the 1st
Linton Guide unit has re-opened. We need more leaders and should be glad to hear
from anyone interested in helping on a Tuesday from 7.15 - 8.45 pm or a
Wednesday from 7.30 - 9 pm. Full training is available.
If you’d like to find out more (without commitment) contact Rosemary Turner (
Rosemary.t@btinternet.com) or Pam Richards TimlintR@aol.com Kate France
Hannah Burns, Ali Wright and Kirsty Wright - looking forward to the
production
FROM Wednesday 16th to Saturday 19th July the Corn Exchange in Cambridge will be
the venue for a local production of ‘Oliver!’ a production by the youth drama
group Dramawise. Many children and young people from Linton and surrounding
villages across the Cambridge area are involved, including four talented Linton
youngsters. Kirsty Wright (15) will be playing the part of Nancy at the Saturday
matinee, Hannah Burns (15), Harry Morrison (17) and Ali Wright (12) form part of
the chorus.
Dramawise is based at Sawston Youth Centre and is open from 4pm to 7pm every
Friday to local youngsters aged from 8 to 18 years. There is a fee, and those
wishing to join the group must first audition (those with a passion for acting
are soon spotted by Frances Brownlie, who runs Dramawise and is directing
‘Oliver!’).
Members engage in various aspects of the performing arts, including dance,
acting, singing and make-up techniques. They also enter for the English Speaking
Board exams and travel around East Anglia with festival plays. Well-known
productions are adapted for performance but the group also produces original
plays.
Experience gained in the group could lead to auditions for films or
documentaries; Kirsty has been to three TV auditions, Hannah has also auditioned
for TV and Harry has auditioned for ‘The Bill’ and a film, and also for several
jobs as an extra.
Around 50-60 members regularly attend Dramawise, but the production of ‘Oliver!’
called for young actors from across East Anglia. Around 120 were lucky enough to
obtain a role in the play, with three different teams working in rotation.
All four girls were to be seen in Cambridge on Saturday 21st June singing to the
shoppers (in their red ‘Oliver!’ T-shirts) to publicise the production. If you
‘consider yourself one of us’ tickets are still available from the Box Office at
the Corn Exchange, but do hurry, they are selling fast! LNT
ANNE Simpkin, Vice President, welcomed members to the June meeting.
Marjorie Blackman reported on the Group Meeting at Abington in May at which the
guest speaker, Mike Petty had related stories and events of ‘Vanishing
Cambridgeshire’, the good old days! Many of the old cottages shown were very
small for the larger families and very dark with no water, not quite the
romantic scene of years gone by.
Marjorie and Claire Neville composed an Heraldic Shield depicting Linton which
they brought along to show members. The shield will be on show in the Linton
Library.
Val Spencer has invited members to a tea party on Friday 20th June, as a thank
you for winning the bursary to Denman College. There will be a raffle and bring
& buy.
Craft exhibits are requested for the East of England Show and CFWI November
Exhibition at Cottenham.
A combined WI and Linton Theatre Group outing to the pantomime ‘Aladdin’ at
Milton Keynes on Thursday 8th January 2004 was proposed; phone for
details.
Our speaker for the evening was David Cunningham. A member of the St. John
Ambulance, he brought along a demonstration dummy he named Annie and gave an
excellent demonstration on what to do when presented with certain emergencies.
Wendy Foster volunteered to be the unconscious victim to be placed in the
recovery position.
Many of us had not realised that 112 is the emergency number to use on a mobile
phone. Although this was a very serious subject, David made the talk very
amusing.
After refreshments, a discussion on wheelie bins took place and this is to be
researched in the near future.
At the 1st July meeting the speaker will be Rosalind Bubb, houseplant doctor.
Plants are requested for the Trading Stall please. Visitors welcome.
Cynthia Norris
LVCC President’s XI will be playing against V. Chairman’s XI at 2pm on Sunday
3rd August on Linton Meadow.
This year the attractions include; face painting, tombola, coin rolling, putting
contest and the wine game.
As usual there will be a bar, barbecue, tea stall and Gren and Nikki‘s famous
Pimms Bar.
It is a great day out for all the family so come along and support your local
cricket team. LNT
A COFFEE morning will be held from 10.30 - 12.00 on Wednesday 9th July at The
Old Guildhall, 4 Church Lane, Linton in aid of The Cherryhomes Trust.
The Trust is a local charity which aims to help those who are severely
physically disabled to lead as full and independent a life as possible within
their own homes.
Judith White
Dear Editor,
I fully support the opinions expressed by Jim Foster in his letter about wheelie
bins in the June issue of the Linton News and so do several other people to whom
I have spoken on this subject. As he says, the present system seems to work
perfectly well, and the introduction of these bins would cause difficulties for
many households, not the least being where to keep them.
What if there is no access to the rear of the house other than through the
garage, as is the case with many properties in Linton? Even if there is a
garage, either the bins would have to play "box & cox" with the car, which would
be highly inconvenient, or they would have to be kept out on the pavement, which
would be both hazardous and unsightly. If a house fronts directly onto the
street there would seem to be no alternative to the latter: this would hardly
increase pedestrian safety in the High Street!
John Sharman
Dear Editor,
Regarding J. Foster’s letter abut wheelie bins, I cannot agree with any of it. I
for one think the so-called simple black plastic bags should have been made
obsolete years ago. I cannot wait for the change to take place. Being elderly
myself (and having used wheelie bins before moving here) I am quite sure it will
be much easier for me to push a bin some 50ft than carry bags and boxes, which
even when only left a few hours are torn apart by cats, etc.
If people do not have much space they can ask for small bins. Also regarding
fortnightly collection, if disinfectant is used with lids shut, I don’t really
see a problem. Perhaps the other bin will be for items that I and others have no
means of taking to a tip?
D Pearson
Dear Editor,
I would like to say thank you very much to everyone who contributed to the
raffle and table top sale at the Social Centre on 7th June to support my effort
for the children of Chernobyl.
A total of £118 was reached and the winner of the set of Ukranian dolls was
Julia Hilliard. Being so pleased with the result, I gave in two small dolls,
which were won by Ian Hayes.
In conjunction with this, Joy Button and myself would like to thank everyone who
has given wool to our daily knitting group for blankets, etc., for the children
of Chernobyl.
Jean Whitby
Dear Editor,
I don’t condone crime, but I can understand the concept. If you are going to
steal the Crown Jewels you balance risk versus reward, and either end up sitting
in the Costa del Sol sipping margaritas, or doing porridge in Wormwood Scrubs .
It’s wrong, cannot be excused, but you can understand why crimes where there is
the potential for vast personal gain take place.
What I cannot understand is why someone would indiscriminately vandalise someone
else’s property, or to be more specific key a series of cars throughout Linton
as happened on 14th June.
It is my opinion that whoever carried out these pathetic worthless acts of
attrition, should not be detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure but instead confined
to a laboratory where scientists carry out tests, hoping that against all the
odds they may actually find a solitary brain cell in the vast space that
occupies the area in between their ears. It could revolutionise the cosmetic and
pharmaceutical industries. Out go tests on anything fluffy, and for once in
their sad lives they will actually fulfil a purpose.
Name and address supplied
Dear Editor,
We always knew that access to our gateway which opens onto the public highway
alongside the Infant School playground would be inconvenient once the school’s
security fencing had been erected, as it goes across our long-established right
of way and makes turning into the yard more difficult. We can live with this,
but we now find that cars are parked alongside the fence in such a way as to
make it almost impossible to drive into or occasionally out of our gateway.
Recently a car was parked directly across our gateway for well over an hour,
blocking it completely.
We understand the frustration felt now that cars are no longer allowed to park
in the school playground – especially since we attend meetings and functions in
a dozen schools in the area, at all of which we park on the premises – but would
ask that people show a little more consideration when parking.
Kathleen Greenwood
Dear Editor,
We would be interested to know if any other dog owner has had a letter telling
them not to let their dogs foul grassed areas in the village, even if they are
cleaning up behind them, or is South Cambs. District Council just picking on us?
There are quite a few dog walkers around here whose dogs foul the green, but
most of them clear up afterwards. We would like anyone else who has had a letter
to write to the Linton News.
Name and address
Dear Editor,
Another fantastic turn–out, both from Wacky Competitors and spectators.
We were absolutely amazed at the levels of support and encouragement from
everyone involved in this year’s Wacky Races.
We would especially like to thank all of our staff and friends at The Crown,
without whose extremely hard work and enthusiasm we could not hope to stage such
a successful event. Special thanks go to PC Dave Hall, who kept the High Street
safe and free of cars and to the Waggon & Horses, Football Club and the Dog &
Duck for running the drink stations on the day.
So far we have collected well over £1500 which included almost £400 in coins on
the day from spectators and sponsorship from STS Tyres, as well as some of the
individual money collected. We would very much like to present cheques to the
two charities (Cystic Fibrosis & Linton 1st Scout Group) by the end of July and
would remind anyone who still has money outstanding to bring it in to The Crown
as soon as possible.
Once again, a huge thank you to all the fantastic competitors for making this
such a great and worthwhile event. See you all again next year.
Joel & Louise
The Crown
Dear Editor,
People may not have seen me around in the last few weeks, and for a not-so-good
reason.
I went on leave at the end of May and had a bad start to my week in the south of
France when I turned up at Stansted Airport only to find a national strike in
France and our flight cancelled. We never made it so that was this year’s
holiday scuppered.
I then went with The Lost Bods Motorcycle Club for 4 days touring around Devon
on my Triumph. All was going well until the early hours of a Sunday morning when
I fell six feet from a top bunk onto my knees (no, I wasn’t drunk). To cut a
long saga short, I have a fracture in my left knee. I am currently in a splint
and on crutches and awaiting a visit to the fracture clinic. I could be off for
some time.
To reassure you, I would say that I have spoken to the duty sergeant at Sawston,
and Linton is still getting attention in relation to the antisocial behaviour
and driving which seems to have crept back into the village.
I would still ask that you phone in (%358966) and report any such driving,
remembering to give times, dates, registration numbers, details of the driving
and, where possible, a description of the driver.
I will be checking those calls and the persistent offenders and action will be
taken.
PC 489 Dave Hall
A quieter moment during the Laws’ robust celebrations
IT was a golden anniversary celebration last month for Audrey and Reg Law of
Balsham Road who partied with family and friends during a disco evening at the
Social Centre.
The couple met in 1952 when Reg, from a large family in Ashdon, was helping to
lay mains sewerage pipes in Linton where Audrey has lived all her life. They
married at the Shire Hall in Cambridge on 13th June 1953; a quiet event which
prompted more robust celebrations after 50 years together.
Their seven children, all but one of whom still live locally, joined them for
the occasion. They are Roger, Ivan, Alan, Michael, Valerie, Sally and Julie who
between them have provided 17 grandchildren for Audrey and Reg to enjoy.
Luckily, one son is a chef who took charge of the refreshments for the event.
The years have been happy ones although early times were spent living in cramped
conditions, but the ups and downs have been worked out through "give and take".
They have each pursued hobbies such as bingo and horse racing but in recent
years they have embraced the adventure of holidays in Europe. A trip to Majorca,
however, found Reg still in his slippers on the way to Stansted airport!
They now spend time working in their charming garden which sports some unusual
features installed by Reg, and shrubs given as presents to Audrey by Linton
residents for whom she has worked. Audrey likes to go on bus trips with a friend
while rumour has it that Reg stays home snoozing.
A reminder of their wedding day still remains in the shape of some sherry
glasses, which were given to them by Scorcher and his sister Annie Kidman,
landlords of the former Dolphin pub in Bartlow Road. A durable gift which
heralded an enduring and successful marriage for Audrey and Reg. LNT
The way we were... Audrey and Reg on their wedding day in 1953
ALAN Norton, distributor of the Linton News, is retiring. For 13 years Alan
has delivered the paper every month to the band of volunteers who see that a
copy is posted to every house on their patch. To the certain knowledge of the
committee, Alan has had to delegate the task only once during this time—an
extraordinary level of commitment.
We now need to recruit someone (or two) to take over from Alan. Like all the
jobs on the Linton News, this is a voluntary position but petrol expenses are
paid. If you are a driver, with your own car, and two hours or so to spare a
month, and if you would like to become involved with this unique village
resource, we want to hear from you.
Alan’s departure highlights a period of change at the Linton News. As regular
readers know, we have said goodbye to several longstanding committee members
over the past 18 months. Although we have advertised for further volunteers, the
response has been disappointing—and the need for new faces on the committee more
pressing. Like most organisations that depend on volunteers, the Linton News is
feeling the effects of the demands put on people’s free time. Working on a local
paper is a unique entrée into village life; it’s fun and worthwhile and an
excellent way to learn and apply new skills. We need to hear from you if you
have time, energy and enthusiasm to spare. Don’t lose the Linton News. Telephone
the editor, Hazel Olway or email LNeditor@linton.info LNT
NATIONAL Walk to School Week was 19th - 23rd May. Linton residents and
parents of school children are only too aware of the difficulties and dangers
facing their children every day when they walk to school. So on 23rd May parents
and children from Linton Infants’ School walked to school with bright banners,
flags and armbands. The children also played musical instruments to make as much
noise as possible to let drivers know that they were walking along the High
Street pavement, which in some places is barely 18 inches wide. The roads are
also very narrow. Cars, vans, HGVs and buses mount the pavements and use them as
part of the road.
The walk was organised by Pavements are for People, which was formed in November
2002 to address issues of pedestrian safety in Linton. For more information
about Pavements are for People, contact Rachel Cornell and Alan Jones,
rjcornell@iee.org
Rachel Cornell
THERE were some highly original displays at this year’s Flower Festival, although there was some indication that exhibitors found the theme, "Count your Blessings", more challenging than those of previous years. The Guides’ and Brownies’ tableau of the seasons (pictured above) was particularly noteworthy. LNT
Photograph: Mike Crofts.
THIS month, my family and I are travelling to Adelaide for two months and the
Rev. Dr Robert Iles is travelling from Adelaide to work with Linton Free Church.
This exchange programme is well-established within the wider church and seeks to
give church leaders and congregations an opportunity to learn from other
churches’ national and cultural life. Linton Free Church already has four strong
mission links with church groups in Asia, Latin America, Jordan and Haverhill!
This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the church and to gain new insights. I
am sure that Linton Free Church and the community will be greatly enriched by
the ministry of Robert Iles. Robert is a lovely Christian leader who has much to
share with us.
Robert will be leading a number of events over the summer – his first Sunday
sermon at Linton Free Church (Horn Lane) will be at 10.30am on 13th July – a
warm welcome awaits you!
Rev’d Alex Jacobs
THIS year eight painters, printmakers, potters and sculptors in Linton,
Hadstock, Bartlow and Hildersham will be waiting to welcome you to their studios
over the four weekends in July as part of Cambridge Open Studios.
If you would like to visit painters at work at their easels, find out more about
making prints or look for an original ornament for your house or garden, then
this is your chance.
A free colour guide giving full details of studio locations and opening dates is
available from Linton Post Office and library.
Sue Walker
"Owl you doing?" Meeting and greeting feathered friends
CROWDS turned out in force for the Hadstock fete last month to linger on the
village green and in the church grounds in the beautiful sunshine. There was
such a rush when it opened that a queue formed into the car parking area and
some motorists found themselves leaving their cars hundreds of yards from the
entrance.
The joy of the fete was, as usual, in the simple pleasures of a traditional
village event, the plant and book stalls, the band, the chance to throw hard
balls at brittle china. There were also less traditional aspects like a
thoroughly interesting veteran cars display - complete with the E Type many of
us have spent our entire adult life dreaming about - as well as the chance to
try metal detecting and stroke a variety of owls. Plus, an aerobatic display for
good measure. Perfect! LNT
DYNAMICS Gymnastics – Linton is a brand new club for children and young people. The club will open in September on Monday evenings at LVC. Classes will run from 4.15 – 5.15pm for beginners aged 5-7 years old and 5.15 - 6.15pm for older beginners and intermediate gymnasts.
Gymnasts will learn and refine basic gymnastics skills from various disciplines. The overall aim is to develop components of skill and health-related fitness including flexibility, balance, co-ordination and agility. Achievements will be recognised using the British Gymnastics Award Scheme.
The club will be run by Diane Clark and Nikki Davis. Diane is a former high
standard Artistic Gymnast who has extensive experience in coaching and running
General Gymnastics clubs. She holds club coaching qualifications in General
Gymnastics and Trampolining and has recently qualified as a Sports Acrobatics
judge. Later this year, Diane, a Linton resident, will complete the Sports
Acrobatics Club Coaching course.
Nikki is a former Head of Physical Education at Parkside Community College. She
has coached gymnastics for 15 years and holds an assistant qualification in
General Gymnastics, a club coach qualification in Sports Acrobatics, a Level 1
Trampolining coaching certificate, a Gymnastics Teacher’s Award and a First Aid
in the workplace certificate. Nikki is a former British University Sports
Acrobatics Trio Champion who captained the Brighton University team to win the
competition in 1997.
Diane and Nikki also own City of Cambridge Gymnastics Club which opened in
September 2002. In less than 12 months the CCGC membership has risen to around
130. As with Dynamics Gymnastics – Saffron Walden, Diane and Nikki hope that the
Linton club will provide new talent for the successful CCGC Sports Acrobatics
competition squad.
For further information including fees and registration procedures please e-mail
Nikki info@dynamicsgymnastics.co.uk or call Diane .
Nikki Davis
THE proof of the photography is in the showing and Camera Club members spent
half their June meeting demonstrating that their earlier awaydays had produced
good pictures as well as enjoyable outings.
We met at the Social Centre to look at prints, digital images and projected
transparencies: a fascinating 90 minutes examining the different ways that
members see the same kind of subjects.
The second half of our meeting gave an opportunity for photography at St Mary’s
Church flower festival.
New member Janet Shambrook was welcomed, doubling the number of female members
and raising hopes - along with other possible recruits - of a ladies’ section
developing.
The club is back on the road for its 13th July meeting: A Partners’ Day at the
Tudor re-creation at Kentwell Hall, followed by dinner. This is the event where
many members take their partners or anyone else and the day is part photography
and part social. It will be marked this time by the club’s first competition:
portraits taken during the day.
The club is informal, friendly and helpful: anyone interested in any form of
photography, at any level, is welcome. Why not come to the Kentwell Hall awayday?
For details, telephone or email
jkeeble@clara.net
John Keeble
THE winners of June’s K-Club monthly draw:
1st (£50) K Madden (No. 311); 2nd (£25) S R Petter (No. 351); 3rd (£10) T C
Blackmore (No. 346).
ENTRIES for the EEDA "Connecting Communities" have now closed and our region
has submitted two bids.
South Cambs has submitted an entry to cover the up to 101 communities within its
district which are without broadband. This will be based on a voucher system for
each community to purchase a solution from a number of preferred suppliers and
then relying on market forces to determine demand and set-up fees. From initial
discussions there is not much allowance for social inclusion or community
service developments and initially it will rely on those really wanting
broadband to pay higher set-up fees.
CRSE/Linton Broadband submitted a bid covering 13 local villages and aimed to
develop a level playing field where local subscribers only pay what consumers in
existing broadband areas would pay. We now have the backing of all the local
communities. The chosen supplier will provide the community association managing
the project with a community dividend to reinvest in local community broadband
projects and support.
If our community bid is successful, we will need to set up a not-for-profit
community association with a more distinctive name. A draft constitution has
been written but we need to have volunteers willing to act as trustees to
represent local communities and organizations. Ideally, at least one person from
each community to be nominated and at least 12 elected members once the service
is up and running.
Anyone interested in keeping up with developments can subscribe to
Lintonbroadband-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
If anyone has any interest in becoming a trustee or has any other query please
contact Adrian.Winckles@computer.org . Adrian Winckles
Linton residents marking their homes on a map at the village survey ‘workshop
day’ at the social centre -more than one in 10 households in the village were
represented at this stage of the project and most gave their time and views to
help refine the survey documents.
"We have had a magnificent response to the long process of organising the
survey," said Judy Rossiter, the project coordinator. "There has been a large
team of people working on the project and we were delighted with the enormous
amount of help given by those who attended our ‘workshop day’."
IF you can recall last month’s Bush Telegraph, you may remember that we were
awaiting a visit from the South African High Commissioner in celebration of our
link with Boepathutse School and the remarkable fund raising efforts of one of
our pupils. On 4th June she came and stayed for more than two hours, in spite of
certain expectations that she should be in London to meet the wife of
ex-president, Nelson Mandela! We talked about our work, she met several pupils
and attended a special assembly where she spoke to the whole college and gave
Luke his award accompanied by two free return flights to South Africa. Everyone
enjoyed the event tremendously but we all thought that was that. However, two
days later, an email arrived from her office asking if a delegation of our
pupils could travel to the High Commission to take part in an international
youth forum arranged for the following Monday. Enjoying a challenge, we set
about organising this and our international links coordinator, Anna Stearn led
the delegation. As I hope you would expect, our pupils did superbly well, even
though all the other delegations were from sixth forms and universities. Things
did not end there because we have now been invited to take part in a major
international conference in October on global citizenship organised by the South
African government. Unfortunately it is to be held in London rather than
Pretoria! Being involved with international development at this level provides a
tremendous experience for all our pupils and gives a great boost to our work as
a school.
Speaking of boosts, South Cambridgeshire District Council has agreed to fund the
redevelopment of our sports facilities to the tune of £300,000 which means we
are now only waiting for the Football Foundation grant as the last piece in the
funding jigsaw. The total project, worth £800,000 will include a full sized
Astro pitch, a greatly enlarged and improved fitness suite and fully refurbished
changing rooms. We hope to begin work on the project in the autumn, well before
the work on the new special school has to begin.
We are now also in negotiation with the LEA on another ambitious project for the
College; the replacement of the central part of the building with a completely
new structure. This will remove what has become an outdated and inadequate
building and replace it with a new, state of the art one which will provide all
the specialist and non-specialist accommodation a school of this size needs.
Exciting times! Clive Bush, Principal
A GREAT way to turn out the semi-treasures that are too good for jumble would be to have a stand at Linton Guides Boot Sale. We’re raising money for two girls to go to International Camp in August by holding a Boot Sale at Linton Heights School on the morning of Saturday 19th July. There is a fee for stands and the sale starts at 9am for early bargain hunters but of course you can come when you wish. It’s fun, it’s friendly and we look forward to seeing you there. Kate France
IF you do, you could be in with a chance to win a cash prize of £75. Linton
Infants’ School PSA has issued a photograph-based challenge. The aim of the
challenge is to try and identify the location of 75 different pictures taken
around the village. All photos are unique and have been taken from the main
roads/through routes in Linton so there are no obscure locations down dead ends
or little used paths. The successful entries will be put in a hat and the winner
will be drawn at the School’s AGM in September. There will also be a prize for
the fastest correct entry.
The quiz is on sale in Linton newsagents during the summer so there is plenty of
time to join in and take a new look at your village. Ewen Kellar
THE Gardening Club will be needing a Treasurer from 1st October.
If you think you can help, please could you contact me on Gloria Fidler
Illustrated by Maureen Williams
WE don’t hear much about quantum mechanics, parallel worlds and the like these
days! However, July’s diary began life on a table by the garden pond. I was
sharing company with a frog displaying a determined desire to investigate my
potted plant. And just as I was thinking, " go on, jump!" it did. At that
precise moment I received a call from the Dominican Republic. The voice on the
line said enthusiastically "Darryl, I have just watched the most beautiful frog
jump off a table and into the hotel swimming pool". What can I say?
The next afternoon I noticed a few perennials shaking where there was no wind.
So I took the time to stand and stare. Eventually a young Turdus philomelos, a
local song thrush, with snail in beak emerged to find himself an anvil and began
his task of smashing the shell. After a couple of tries he held it with a tilted
head while whipping off the remaining shell still dangling on the meat. Before
gobbling down his catch and disappearing into the flowerbeds he looked at me as
if to say "How’s that for skill?"
Later that evening whilst driving up Coles Lane I stopped the car in the middle
of the road to investigate another young thrush who was standing motionless with
eyes closed. I approached slowly, crawling on my hands and knees. I began to tap
with my fingers upon the tarmac. The bird remained still and silent as my hands
slowly cupped his delicate body. Bundles of feathers floated away and to the
ground and yet I could not see nor feel any damage. I reached to turn off the
car engine and for a few seconds there was absolute silence. As I held the bird
I breathed warm breath upon its head. To my surprise it opened its eyes and
began squawking. Suddenly, a philharmonic orchestra of blackbirds and thrushes
gathered to play a symphony of warning calls with all the might of their little
lungs. What a deafening crescendo! I scoured the bushes and trees in the hope of
spotting the anxious parents Seeing a golden flash in the tree to my right I
took a chance and lifted the bird into the air, half expecting it to fall like a
stone, but it flew to a large high bough and the blackbirds became silent as the
thrush looked down.
The following day I was invited to a secluded area where mongst the wild thyme,
lemon mint and daisies grew the lovely bee orchid. This variety of orchid not
only has a lebellum which looks incredibly like a female bees abdomen but (and
trust me on this one) it also mimics the smell secreted from a female bee’s
abdominal gland.
Yes, Linton is full of wonderful little mysteries and surprises, but someone,
somewhere else, perhaps in another dimension thinks the same of their little
village, and they’ve probably never even heard of Linton!
FAMILY and friends of Abington Playgroup enjoyed a culinary evening on 10th
June to raise money for new equipment and toys. Denise Hall from the Pampered
Chef cooked up some delicious food for all the guests. The evening was highly
successful and raised £400.
Abington Playgroup is a friendly village playgroup run by fully qualified staff,
has been Ofsted inspected and is able to accept nursery vouchers for 3 and 4
year olds. We take preschool children from the age of two and a half. We are
open Monday to Friday and can offer flexible sessions between 9am and 2.45pm. We
have vacancies for entry in September 2003. For more information contact Kate
McDowell or Paula Harper
. Antonia Kilcommons
LINTON IT Club was set up in the Cathodeon Centre in 1999 as a Millennium
project with the express purpose of introducing the use of computers to those
who had not had the opportunity to learn about them at school. There was a
significant response to this and as the demand from elderly people declined, the
club’s facilities were opened to all, irrespective of age and completely free.
Since the club opened, other aspects of IT have come to the fore: text
messaging, digital cameras, and Broadband for example. The club is anxious to
move with the times and offer help and advice with these new developments in
addition to basic computer problems.
Linton IT Club is not a club which has to be attended regularly; it is a
facility for help and advice with IT related problems. There is no charge, it is
informal and help is offered on a one-to-one basis. We are there between 7 and
9pm on Tuesday evenings. Why not drop in and have a chat with us? Derek Birch