Riziki finds a loving home       The new cub has had to be hand reared by keepers at Woburn Zoo
LINTON Zoo has always been well known for its magnificent lions. Over the years many cubs have been born at the zoo and transferred to zoological parks both in Britain and around the world. In June 2002 ‘Lilly’ the last of our elderly lions, and a second-generation lioness born at Linton, passed away from old age leaving Linton lion-less for the first time in 30 years.
Zoos work closely together to maintain good genetically viable breeding programmes for many species, so through our network of zoo colleagues, we began to investigate the possibility of obtaining a new group of African lions.
At the same time, and in order to maintain the natural group structure within the pride, Woburn Safari Park management were beginning to make plans to breed from their African lions for the first time in several years and had brought in two adult male lions from Knowsley Safari Park.
As part of their animal management plan Woburn had investigated the potential availability of good homes for any cubs that might not be assimilated within their pride; Linton was put first in line.
Born on 5th July, Woburn’s first new cubs in six years appeared to be thriving for the first few days but then it became apparent that Tamby, a first time mother, had stopped producing milk for them and had rejected the litter. There was no choice but to hand rear the already weakened cubs if any were to survive.
Sadly, only one strong male cub survived despite the hard work of the keepers and vets.
As lion prides live in such tight-knit groups, they will never accept new cubs that have been reared outside of the pride. Subsequently the surviving cub would never be able to go back.
Linton was able to offer immediate assistance with the orphaned cub by providing a permanent home and hand-rearing expertise.
The cub, called Riziki, which is Swahili for ‘lucky’ is making great progress.
When old enough he will be housed in the main enclosure where he will head our new lion pride. Kim Simmons

But how many baths would you need to remove the smell? Abby Nealon, Amy-Leigh Steel and Maddie Gardiner watch as Luke fishes for charity (photo courtesy of Haverhill Echo)
IT’S for a good cause! These are words we often use when we finally decide to shave off a much loved beard, moustache or mane of hair to raise money for a favourite charity but I wonder, just how far would you really go to raise that much needed cash for a good cause?
We have already reported in previous editions of the Linton News the huge fund-raising efforts of Linton Village College student Luke McKenna. So far he has cycled in the pouring rain, been banged up in a Haverhill holding cell and even collected huge amounts of celebrity memorabilia for auction, all in the name of charity. Earlier this year he was awarded a Diana princess of Wales Memorial Award for his outstanding efforts.
But it seems that that is not quite enough for Luke. He was determined to go one step further - some would say that it would be one step too far for them. This time Luke decided to sit in a bath full of maggots.
Yes I did say maggots! At the Haverhill Big Bash on Sunday 27th July Luke sat in a bath of maggots - for two hours - and raised over £1,200.
This brings the total sum of money that Luke has raised to more than £4,000, all of which has helped provide equipment and facilities for Boepathutse School in Soshanguve, South Africa with which Linton Village College is twinned.
Luke said, "I enjoyed sitting in the maggots, knowing it was for a worthy cause, although I stunk afterwards. I had to shower and bathe four times straight away and I still had the smell of them under my nose!"
Luke thanks Darryl Nantais, Sarah Chamberlain Flowers, Gary & Sue Hall Insurance Consultants, Boyz 2 Men Hairdressers and Mega Electronics for their donations towards his public liability insurance for the maggot bath, and all the people who sponsored him. He would also like to say thankyou to his Dad, Mum and sister Vikki who have supported him in his latest venture.
I wonder what he will think of to do next...? LNT

AFTER a gap of nine years, Eastern Angles, East Anglia’s premier theatre company return to Linton on Tuesday 16th September with their latest touring piece.
Bone Harvest is a story of love among the corn shocks, of the legend of the horseman’s frog’s bone, and of a family through the last century.
It’s a story that ranges from the quiet of the stable to the horrors of the trenches in Flanders, from the sweep of the Canadian prairies to the nooks of a Suffolk cornfield, and from an old lady’s 100th birthday to the first knowledge of the secret she has harboured for eighty years.
Enhanced vision, sound and lighting technology will ensure a spectacular tale unfolds as the action moves from the harvest fields of 1915 to the threshold of the new millennium.
The play will be performed at Linton Village College at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th September and there will be a licensed bar for the performance. Tickets are available from Small Gifts on Linton High Street, or by telephone %892400.
The event has been arranged by Linton Arts Forum, with the assistance of South Cambridgeshire District Council.
We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be jka very enjoyable performance.
Gordon Cummings

The PARISH COUNCIL Reported by Graham Potter      Top

August meeting:
THE full inscription for the Jubilee stone has not yet been completed due to difficulties with the engraving and obtaining quotations for the work.
The advertising for the alteration to the rubbish collection day seems to have worked as no problems associated with the change were reported to the Parish Office.
It was reported that cars parked on grass verges were causing difficulty to the verge cutting contractor. The exact areas causing problems are to be reported to the Clerk for attention.
It was reported that there had been further arson attacks on litterbins. These have been reported to the Police.
Some damage to the adventure playground has taken place involving the breaking of a number of wooden slats and handrails on the small children’s playhouse with slide unit. Some weeding is required around the play equipment.
Various recommendations on the traffic situation within the parish were reported and agreed by the council
The Council is still on track to apply for Quality Parish status; the main area of concern at this time is communication with residents. It was therefore agreed in principle to progress negotiations with the Linton News committee to add an additional page to the Linton News containing only Parish Council reports.
The bus shelter at the fire station is in need of a thorough clean as it has suffered a graffiti attack.
Linton Guides were given permission to site bird boxes in the Pocket park. Other areas suggested are not Parish Council property.

WHAT a valuable experience it has been to exchange homes, cars, pulpits and friends with Rev. Alex Jacob for five weeks. Linton has shown us the hot weather and delightful gardens just like it’s showing off!
The parishioners of the Linton United Reform Church and other church leaders have given us a taste of hospitality and friendship, which has been very much appreciated.
Linton has a lot to offer. Its compactness, so that villagers can walk to the shops, schools, post office, church, health centre and library is an asset and aid to saving petrol, let along helping with fitness. Yes, the High Street takes some getting used to but it also helps to cultivate give and take and the obligatory wave of thanks. The landmark of the water tower enables one to know when home is nearing and the well tended cereal crops give a rural atmosphere to living here.
We have loved the walks, the bridges, ducks, historic buildings and nearness to the stimulation of Cambridge and other places to visit. However, the warmth and friendship we have felt from those we have met and those we have passed in the street have provided an unforgettable experience.
Rev. Dr. Robert Iles and Mrs Janis Iles

St Mary’s brand new bell
MANY of you will have read in a previous issue of the Linton News that the church has been offered an extra bell to increase our present ring of five to six. It has been decided that maintenance work on the existing five, last carried out at the end of the 19th century, should be put in hand at the same time; this will involve removing the bells from the tower, retuning them, fitting new wheels, bearings etc. and then reinstalling them in the tower. Over and above the grants and donations we have already received, we need approximately £12,000 before the project can get under way.

We hope to raise this sum in two ways; there will be some direct fund-raising, the first event is a Quiz and Supper on Saturday 4th October at the Infants School (details from Sue Ellis % 892257). Secondly we hope that those who appreciate the sound of church bells will make a donation, large or small. In this context, a donation for bell augmentation or restoration has long been recognised as a fitting memorial to a family member now deceased; a list of all donors will be kept together with those to be remembered where requested; a donation large enough to provide all the new fittings for one of the existing bells would be recorded on a brass plaque on that bell. Cheques should be made out to St Mary’s Linton (Bell Restoration Fund) and sent to me at Middleditch, Hadstock Rd, Linton CB1 6NT or contact me with any queries on %891806.
Some of you will have seen the bells during our Tower Tours at the Flower Festival; I could arrange further visits if anyone is interested to see their present condition.
People expect the bells to be available for weddings and funerals; please help us to ensure that the bells can ring out for these functions and for services for at least the next hundred years.
(NB There is no truth in the rumour that we are changing our practice night to Sunday so you can continue to be reminded to put out your dustbin bags!)
Keith Nightingale

TRICIA Lewis greeted a good membership on a very warm evening. Members were informed of Mrs Smith’s visit to committee regarding the wheeled bins. Suggestions for speakers for future programmes were invited. There will be a walk on Friday 8th August to Hildersham. Two teams will be entered for the Federation Quiz on 17th October. Outings arranged by Federation were displayed and bookings taken. Joan reported on the recent visit to Northampton and Cottesbrooke Hall. Unfortunately we have not had sufficient support for the pantomime trip in January and as tickets needed to be booked in September, this project has been cancelled; apologies to those who were interested.
We welcomed our speaker, Mr Ken Goodwin, Head Chef at Wimpole Hall who trained at Westminster Technical College, which was the first catering college. He brought a selection of very old and some not so old and recognizable items of kitchenware which he discussed with their history and uses combined with many humorous anecdotes relating to them. He also gave us a brief insight into the kitchens and staff at Wimpole Hall where he encourages and trains would-be future chefs. In fact one of his young chefs won first prize for puddings in the recent National Competition. He was warmly thanked by Clare Neville for a most informative and enjoyable talk.
The next meeting on 2nd September will be a ‘bring and share’ Harvest Supper.
Joan Pearman.

ON the morning of 21st August another motorist was killed on the A1307 between Horseheath and Linton. The accident occurred at 6.30am and traffic was diverted through Linton until the road was reopened at 10am.The incident occurred on the corner near Dalehead Foods.
The area is a well known accident blackspot and in the last two years three other fatalities have occurred near that point - with a further five occurring at various points between Horseheath and Linton, The average number of deaths on this stretch of road is now almost one every three months.
Linton pressure group Access 1307 are calling for engineering works and lower speed limits to improve safety. Esther Cornell, spokesperson for the group said, "There has been an increase in people losing control at that corner near Dalehead Foods. The road is a nightmare. Speed at the corner is a real issue."
Access 1307 are currently discussing with Cambridgeshire County Council what improvements can be made to the road, which, says Esther, "wasn’t built for the volume of traffic it now takes".
Cambridgeshire county council have applied for money for safety measures for roads across the region, including the A1307.
Anyone who may have seen the grey Nissan 100 MX in the minutes before the crash is urged to call Sergeant Stephen Watson on 01480 422583. LNT

Dear Editor
I would personally like to express my sincere thanks to Louise Gooden and Joel Palmer from The Crown Inn and to Terry (Ted) Wright from Linton Granta FC for organising two very successful events in the village, raising over £2,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Louise and Joel were responsible for the second Wacky Races event that contributed £1,144.73 and Terry organised his third cricket match, barbecue and sponsored cycle ride, which raised £910.00.
I would also like to thank all the other principal helpers, the participants and everybody who donated or contributed in any way.
It gives me great pleasure in sending off the cheques to the CF Trust to help towards the cure we so desperately need.
Yours sincerely
Harriet Goodman
Secretary, CF Help

Dear Editor
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported our annual President’s XI vs Chairman’s XI cricket fixture on 3rd August. This resulted in us raising £920 for LVCC which will keep our mowers and roller running through next year as well as buying much needed kit for the club.
My particular thanks to all those who ran stalls on the day which proved extremely popular along side the cricket.
I should mention how successful the juniors competition proved to be. This was expertly run by Olly Priestley and it is our intention to ensure this also becomes an annual event.
James Beaumont
Chairman, LVCC

Dear Editor
The family of William (Bill) Charles Bacon would like to thank all their friends and neighbours for their cards and donations.
The donations were sent to Arthur Rank Hospital Charity in memory of Bill, who will be greatly missed by us all.
Violet Bacon and family

Dear Editor
May I through your newspaper, thank all the kind people who donated, helped and attended our coffee morning at Flaxfields in aid of Addenbrooke’s Oncology Department.
We raised the sum of £300.
Thank you so much.
Jaquie Wilson
Flaxfields Warden

Dear Editor
Mum and I would like to thank family, friends and neighbours for all their help and sympathy after Dad’s sudden death whilst on holiday.
The total amount of money donated was £200, which was split between Malcolm Sergeant’s Children’s Cancer Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Yours sincerely
Yvonne Stevens

Dear Editor
We would like to thank everyone who came to our party and for all the help and presents we received.
Thank you.
Grenville and Nicola

The new - and much safer - route to walk from  Hadstock to Linton
THERE is now a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists from the end of the existing pathway past Linton Zoo at the Essex County boundary, to Cobblers Corner in Hadstock village.
The new pathway is technically a private path and not a public footway and it runs along the edge of the field on the opposite side of the ditch to the B1052 road.
Work has just been completed by Hadstock Parish Council, with the aid of a grant from the Countryside Commission and help from Essex County Council and from Mr John Crawley.
It is named Len’s path, after Len Rowlandson who was the last Essex County Council lengthsman for Hadstock
who maintained this stretch of road and its verges and ditch from 1959 to 1973. His widow Elsie will officially open the path at the Hadstock end at 3pm on Sunday 7th September and there will be a walk and drinks available to celebrate the event. Hamish McIlwrick

 Pretty pony, daft hat!
I DON’T know how many of you have hobbies which occasionally scare you out of your wits. Many people would perhaps argue that having a hobby that frightens you isn’t the best idea in the whole world. I would be one of those people - until last week that is.
My hobby is horse riding. I’ve been riding for nearly two years now and I’m not too bad, Ok I’ve fallen off five times but I’ve never hurt myself and I’ve never been scared (apparently I only have to fall off two more times and I’m officially a ‘rider’). However, last week I went riding in Windsor Great Park. It sounds very sedate doesn’t it? Not scary at all. But I can’t remember the last time I was so petrified.
The idea was to get some practice for the Hildersham and Balsham churches cross-county charity ride that I have agreed to go on on Sunday 21st September. Before I got on the horse I was quite excited. I was a little nervous but my partner (who has been riding since he was four) said I’d be fine, he said it was an easy ride. There was even a guy in our group who had only ever had five riding lessons. But it all began to go wrong when we started to canter.
Because I was nervous I gripped too tight to the saddle with my knees and, as anyone who rides will know, this is exactly the wrong thing to do. Your feet will come out of the stirrups and (unless you are better rider than me) you can loose your balance and possibly fall off. Picture me if you will, stirrup-less, white as a sheet (complete with comedy bobble riding hat), hanging on to the horses mane for dear life and totally unable to stop because I couldn’t let go of the mane enough to pull back on the reigns.
I did stop - eventually - and hiked my stirrups up so high I looked like a jockey but by then I was way past being able to relax and it happened again, four times! When anyone asked if I was having a good time all I could do was nod, wide-eyed and with a fixed grin. The thing is, I really did have a good time, it was the best ride ever and the adrenaline just added to the experience. Hildersham here I come! Hazel Olway

I KNOW that it is only September but Christmas soon comes. When you begin to think about gifts for friends and family and goodies for the festive season, spare a thought for people less fortunate than ourselves.
Many of the folk who produce the goods we will buy do not receive a fair return for their effort.
This year try to buy as many fairly traded goods as possible. In this way, as well as giving interesting gifts and enjoying good food, you may be enabling someone in a third world country to send a child to school, or afford a visit to a doctor.
Traidcraft, Tearfund and Oxfam sell fancy goods and toys, many of which are made using traditional methods. Producers for these organisations all receive a fair financial return for their work, as well as help with marketing their goods.
Producers of fairly traded foodstuffs receive similar treatment so be on the look out for dried fruits, sugar, tea, coffee, chocolate, honey, wine, fruit juices, bananas and mangoes, bearing the Fair Trade mark. Many of these are now available in supermarkets as well as from Traidcraft and Oxfam.
There is a Traidcraft stall in the Church after the 10am Service of the second Sunday of each month. On September 14th, the new catalogue including all Christmas goods and cards will be available.
Alternatively, visit the Social Centre between 1.30 and 3pm on Wednesday 8th October or phone % 893513 for more information.
Remember that presents bought through Fair Trade organisations give pleasure to the recipient as well as a livelihood to the producer.
This year let us make it a Fair Trade Christmas.
Jean Wheeler

ONCE again we have had a very successful year in the Steeple Bumpstead league, winning 11 matches and losing only four; as an end result we are now the winners of the 2nd Division Cup.
Congratulations to all who have played and also to all involved in keeping the green in such fine condition.
Sadly. In the friendly matches, many clubs have been short of players and the games cancelled.
The Club Finals day is Sunday 21st September starting at 2pm.
If you are interested in joining us, please turn up at the green any Wednesday before 2pm. Flat shoes must however, be worn.
Derek Dimmock Secretary & President

IT’S hard to believe, but the Camera Club’s photo-expedition to a local farm on 10th August was cancelled at the last moment because of too much light. Sunlight, of course.
Club member Jim Goodall, who kindly set up the visit to Copse Hall farm near Haverhill, reported that the open harvest fields were potentially dangerous as the temperatures soared on the day that saw the national record broken.
The next meeting, at 11am on 14th September, will be at the Social Centre to look at members’ summer photography. Everyone welcome, whatever their photographic interest or level of expertise. Phone %894948 or email jkeeble@clara.net - or just turn up.
John Keeble

LINTON residents may soon become familiar with new company names. At their meeting on 7th August, parish councillors agreed advertising space could be offered on the parish council’s bright new litter barrow. Village custodian, Mr Colin Tofts works with the barrow up and down the High Street five days a week and in other areas of the village once a week, so advertisements would be well publicised.
More information is available from Clerk to Linton Parish Council, Mrs Gill Barker % 891001. Kate France

A toast to Alan
THE Linton News recently said goodbye to Alan Norton after 13 years as the paper’s bulk
distributor.
Each month Alan would deliver large bundles of the paper to the various distributors throughout the village and, to our knowledge, in all that time he only delegated the task on one occasion. That’s an extraordinary level of commitment as I’m sure you’ll agree. Thanks Alan, we hope you enjoy the wine! LNT

Used stamps save mis-used dogs

One of the lucky ones (photo: John Keeble)

A bit of a handful (photo: John Keeble)
THE kindness of people in and around Linton is helping save and protect unwanted dogs on Cyprus - their used stamps are sold there to help pay for food and vets’ bills for the 180 dogs, most of which will never know any other home.
Boxes, packets and even very welcome handfuls of used stamps have been handed to June Keeble during the past few months for the Paws dog shelter between Limassol and Paphos.
The shelter, run by expatriates of the RSPCA-recognised Cyprus Association for the Protection and Care of Animals, has a stamps specialist who puts together collections that are sold in the shelter’s shop or in other ways.
"We went to see the dogs recently," said June Keeble. "We were very pleased to see the dogs were well cared for, friendly and happy despite what they had been through - though some of the new arrivals needed a lot of extra care.
The people there, who have to find £1,000 a month to keep the centre running, asked us to pass their thanks to everyone who has helped with the stamps."
While the centre was pleased with a big box of stamps, the Paphos customs officials were less impressed. Officers insisted on cutting open the box and delving into it. Finally, bemused at anyone carrying a box of used stamps, they waved us through with the parting words, "You need an album for those."
The volunteers, mostly Britons living in Cyprus, take in any dogs that have been mistreated or abandoned and move them around the shelter’s various compounds until they settle in happily with the other dogs. Many have to be seen by the vet when they arrive but usually can be nursed back to health; a few lucky ones get re-homed but most do not.
Over the road from the centre, the feral feline hopefuls live in scrubland and get fed as well. They include a family of kittens living in a giant cactus by the track. If you have used stamps, or want to start saving them or make a donation, please contact June Keeble on %894948 or email jkeeble@clara.net.
John Keeble

Linton children enjoy the new skate ramp in the afternoon sunshine
WHEN 11-year-old Adam Creedy and friends approached the parish council in June 2000 with a petition for a skate ramp in the recreation ground, councillors suggested the group should get some formal backing for their ideas with detailed information on plans and costs.
Although the youngsters were keen, it was not until Adam talked his father, John Creedy into taking a hand that the project really moved forward.
"Getting people on your side is important. Just knowing the deadline for meetings and what papers were needed for your application was a great help," said John. This included the grants officers at South Cambs District Council and Sport England’s Awards for All as well the parish council which gave their support in April 2002.
South Cambs approved a grant of 50 per cent of the £14,500 estimated cost, subject to the remainder being raised. Sport England made a £5,000 grant on similar terms.
At this point Mr. Creedy approached local businesses for help as well as persuading the skateboarding lads to overcome their wariness and go out to collect for the project. The Drop-In Centre volunteered to contribute money from the pool table fees.
"Dealing with the children at the meetings was a major issue when trying to design a ramp to suit beginners and the more experienced skaters, who wanted something ten feet high," said Mr. Creedy. A further requirement was a multi-use surface for skateboards, BMX bikes, in-line skates or normal skates. Mr. Creedy spent some time viewing other projects for ideas and to assess likely problems. A design was finally agreed, combining two heights which softened the drop-in from the lower 4ft 6in platform on a 14ft wide section but still provided a 6ft 6in height for a more challenging ramp 10ft wide.
By mid-summer 2002 funds were available, the design confirmed and the timing agreed for installation. The ramp was in place shortly after the start of the autumn term. "Some of the more vocal teenagers are committed to making sure people don’t damage it and they have agreed to police it themselves," said Mr. Creedy.
He said the Linton skate ramp has proved a popular attraction and is visited by people from outside as, "It is the best one in the area. It has a great contrast and is interesting to use."
Again with the help of local businesses, a lamp standard has been erected and the light will soon be in place to facilitate use during the darker evenings. Although Mr. John Creedy has received a Certificate of Award for Community Activity from the High Sheriff’s Office with a £500 grant for the Linton skate ramp, he is keen to thank the Linton businesses and individuals who responded so generously to his appeal, supporting the scheme both financially and in kind.
Kate France

THE Linton Pool Project AGM is at 7.30 pm on Thursday 25th September at the Cathodeon Centre. Please will anybody who feels they can help, even if only a little, come along and offer.
We have made some progress since the last meeting in that the County has offered some money for an updated feasibility study. They have approached South Cambridgeshire District Council with a view to matching funding. It will be going to SCDC Cabinet on 19th September. As several millions went back into reserves at the end of the last financial year I hope they will agree to spend the odd thousand required. We need to keep up the pressure especially on councillors representing surrounding villages that would also benefit.
We should have some preliminary results from the village survey by then to gauge support. It was interesting that five of the highlighted quotes from a variety of ages in the accompanying brochure to the survey mentioned wanting a pool. I wonder how residents fared during the recent heat wave? Did you all find surrounding facilities adequate?
Joan Smith

AUTUMN classes for the Linton branch of the WEA, entitled "Britain’s varying landscapes" start from 10-11.45am on Tuesday 30th September and run until 9th December. The tutor is Kathleen Tuck. The class meets at the Social Centre, . For further information including details of fees, please contact Frances Angus (01638) 507251.
Anne Parry-Smith

CAMBRIDGESHIRE County Council’s ‘Safer Routes to School’ project is looking forward to welcoming all three Linton schools on to the project from September.

The project aims to promote the benefits of more active and environmentally friendly methods of transport on the school journey.

Representative working groups will be meeting in the new school term to identify the barriers to walking or cycling to school, and implementing measures to remove these.

One issue raised in the surveys conducted as part of the application process was
difficulty in crossing the High Street outside the Infant School. This is something that could be addressed almost immediately by reinstating the vacant School Crossing Patrol position.

Could you be Linton’s new ‘Lollipop Person’? A couple of hours a day could make a lot of difference to the safety and wellbeing of the young people of the village. Giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the High Street could remove many anxieties, and encourage more families to make the active choice on their school journey. This role is suitable for those wishing to job share.

If you are interested in filling this vital role, please contact Andy Swallowe, School Crossing Patrol Service Manager, on %717781 for further details.

DURING the month of May over 900 questionnaires were completed by children that attend schools in Linton and their parents. These were all analysed and the data submitted to the County Council in an attempt to win a place on the County Council’s Safer Routes to School programme. The programme involves road safety education and other benefits such as cycle paths, pedestrian crossing facilities, footway improvements, new paths and speed reduction measures
The three schools in Linton were successful, and a working group will meet in the new term in an attempt to find solutions that will make routes to school safer.
If your child is starting school in September you will receive a questionnaire to complete that will record data on your route. The problems or possible solutions have yet to be decided by the group so make sure your views and problems are considered.
Joan Smith

THE Annual Fishing Match for the "Dog and Duck" Trophy took place at Home Farm Fishery, Little Walden, on Sunday, 27th July.
Frank Sweeting won the match with a "weigh in" of 24lbs 10ozs and he was presented with the trophy by Bob Hackett, Landlord of the Dog and Duck, on Saturday 9th August.
The prize money was donated to the British Red Cross Society.
This is a fun annual event. If you missed it this year you are welcome to join in next time. It is hoped that in future matches more fishermen will join in this event and make it even more of a success. Vera Sweeting

THE winners of August’s K-Club monthly draw:
1st (£50) Mr A Winckles (No. 006); 2nd (£25) Mrs B Hagger (No. 139); 3rd (£10) Mrs M J Brown (No. 236).

IT is results time again and things are looking good across the country. The benchmark of five or more A-C grades is up 0.2% at 57%, which should silence those who perpetually argue that the exams are getting easier.
These bald numbers are not the real story however – what we should always be looking at is how much improvement there has been over the five years. This figure is now included in the league tables as the ‘value added’. It will take some time to re-educate a population many of whom still regard the A-C GCSE result as the ‘pass’ or equivalent to O levels.
Such an approach is of course grossly unfair to many, if not all schools because the final outcome so often depends on where you start from. It is much harder to achieve high results from a year group that has always done less well, and such year groups do emerge from time to time in all schools. In some parts of the country, notably in inner city areas, the overall achievement of children is consistently lower than the average and for these schools the value added figure is hugely important.
The targets all schools now have to reach are also very telling numbers. They are derived from previous test results at 11 and 14 and assume challenging expectations up to age 16. Here at the college that target was 72% higher grades. Exactly the number we achieved, so on bald numbers we have done very well indeed. The national value added figure comes later, but based on our own calculations this is also looking very positive.
Each year though I am reminded that higher grades are not everything. As I look through the individual results I see many young people for whom school and school work has never been easy.
I am delighted to see what has been achieved in most cases and know they will move on to success in whatever career they choose. For others I shake my head because despite all our best efforts, the hard work just did not happen and I wonder how they will achieve their success and happiness. Thankfully the numbers in this portion at LVC are very small indeed. For most pupils and their teachers great congratulations are in order.
Well done everyone and good luck for the future.
C R Bush, Principal

ON 21st August over 150 young people returned to the college to collect those famous brown envelopes. For the vast majority the opening was followed by whoops of delight and cries of "yes!". 72% of the year group achieved five or more higher grades - right on target.

Within these results were some outstanding achievements such as the two boys and two girls who achieved 10 A or A stars each. Over a quarter of the grades achieved were in the A or A star category, which indicates tremendous success at the top end.
It was also delightful to see success across the board; after all, we can’t all achieve those top grades.
All in all these results represent an excellent outcome to five years hard work from pupils and their teachers and great congratulations are due to all concerned. Clive Bush

THE Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust annual cycle ride is taking place from 10am until 6pm on Saturday 13th September .
We are always looking for more cyclists to take up the challenge to raise money for repairing Cambridgeshire’s heritage of church buildings.
Further details and sponsorship forms from David Parry-Smith on % 894715.
David Parry-Smith

LINTON COUNTRY DIARY by Darryl Nantais Illustrated by Maureen Williams       Top

THREE years, eight months, eight days and eight hours into the new millennium "Oh no, not another beautiful hot day" I muttered as I sped to work and a workshop that reached ninety-five Fahrenheit by three in the afternoon. A profound quietude hovered over our village and beneath the enduring sun the glassy Granta harmlessly shimmered and slowed to but a trickle after days of scorching weather. Birds arrived with beaks gaping and wings outstretched to the waters edge or within sound of its life sustaining gift. A slow old water-rat plopped out to venture by day and taste the cool crystal clear nectar of life, reminding us how even the hardy depend on the precious H2O.
Yet, I remembered how some lives were turned upside down or disturbed, and how property and treasured belongings were destroyed on that well known fateful past but not forgotten October day by this tinkling, twinkling, meandering feature of Linton.
For now, the arresting force in the sky had us in a grip. News from the city claimed the heatwave was causing train cancellations and some roads were closed. Due to the wrong kind of sunshine no doubt?
Later that day my bared and hairy legs walked me to the Pocket park. Along the way I stopped to see a young starling standing rigor mortis-like and surreal in a typical ornithological cooling pose within an inch of still waters alive with pond skaters and water-boatmen.
Swamped in flies I lay back in the mottled green and yellowing grasses of the riverbank and breathed in that intoxicating scent of the meadowsweet wondering why an odd sketchy dialogue by Plato should come to mind?
For here last year looking through the haze of a variety of umbels in this very spot, I came across the stuff that put an end to Socrates. So tall and proud it grew with red and purple blotches on its ribbed stalk the hemlock had swayed amongst the head high teasels.
Now the teasel in its prime is not all it seems either! Yes, the heads are fascinating and a remarkable testimony of nature’s architectural skills but next time you come across one look more closely and you might well be amazed. This funny plant, despite its prickly defence, cannot resist our desire to touch or chop and spray with gold and silver paint. We gather it to enhance a thanksgiving or Christmas display yet it lives a sinister secret life. The truth is, my friends, this pretty prickly delight is guilty of deception by which many creatures have paid dearly.
Cast your eyes to where each pair of leaves emerge from their central stalk; down, down to where it forms a little chalice, brimming with its mirror-like gift, sparkling with temptation.
Even whilst the sun burns with all its might and the ground around cracks in drought the teasel’s cup remains plentiful. How I know not, but it pretends to provide a sip of survival for a thirsty fly or caterpillar or the like. But wait! Some have met their sticky end having walked this steep and leafy path only to tumble into the deep abyss. In a few days their little bodies dissolve forming a veritable puree to be absorbed, supplying the teasel with nutrition.
The riverbank, dense with summer growth and hung with garlands of wild white convolvulus is an overwhelming place of beauty. I could never in this busy life bring to an end a chronicle with all our world has to offer.
Before I left for home a flock of cabbage white butterflies fluttered by and led me to two intrepid travellers, two wise men, keepers of bees and the secret moth-world of Linton, about which one day I may be able to reveal more.
For now, after such warm weather, this coming October some of us may hold our breath or be a little vigilant at least when it comes to the rain.