From the monthly archives:

May 2010

Paul returns ‘home’ to marry Kelly

May 30, 2010 · 0 comments

photo-for-web

A former member of Helpston Scouts and of the Tennis Club, Paul Jackson, younger son of Mr and Mrs Stephen Jackson of Helpston, was married on May 22nd at St Botolph’s Church, to Kelly Spouse of Werrington.

Both the bride and groom knew each other at Arthur Mellows Village College, where Paul was Head Boy for a time, meeting up again on a train journey when returning home to Peterborough.  Paul is self-employed as an Art Director working in advertising and Kelly, daughter of Linda Spouse of Barnet, London, is an accountant.

The bride, given away by her brother, Adam, described her own dress simply as ‘white and beautiful’.  She was attended by four bridesmaids: Sally Nichol, Courtney Spouse (bride’s niece), Beth and Abbie Jackson (groom’s nieces) and page boy Ryan Spouse (bride’s nephew).  Sally’s dress was full-length in beige silk and the other girls wore cream dresses embroidered with butterflies.  Matthew Jackson (groom’s brother) was best man.

A reception was held at the Barnsdale Hall Hotel. The couple will live in Highgate, London.

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Bonnie’s Bikes

May 30, 2010 · 0 comments

Bonnie is pictured with his 1948 A7 500cc BSA, his 1954 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet (“the comfiest one”), and a 1961 250cc Matchless

Bonnie is pictured with his 1948 A7 500cc BSA, his 1954 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet (“the comfiest one”), and a 1961 250cc Matchless

A sixteen year-old would not be allowed to jump on a 500cc motor bike and take to the roads today, but things used to be different and Bonnie Jackson passed his test on a 500cc Vincent HRD. That would begin a love affair with motor bikes that would last to the present day, leaving him with a wealth of memories and photographs and three classic bikes he owns currently. [click to continue…]

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New churchwardens at Helpston

May 23, 2010 · 0 comments

Kate Hinchliff and Carol Jones were elected as new Churchwardens at the recent Church AGM.  Both have lived in the village for 25 years, are friends who enjoy walking together in a group, are members of the WI, enjoy catering and have two grown-up children, so in addition to their church duties, they already have a lot in common.

Carol Jones

Carol Jones

The two ladies have been helped to ‘learn the ropes’ from the previous two wardens, Pat Jackson and Chris Topper, both of whom decided to step down this year after a long tenure.

Kate is married to Roy and the couple’s children are Adam and Eleanor, Carol is married to Paul. whose children are Stephen and Janette. Janette plans to wed her fiancé, Dave at the church next year.

Carol hails from Egremont in Cumbria and was brought up in the Methodist Church. When first in Helpston she worshipped at Barn Hill Methodist Church, Stamford but eventually decided to make St Botolph’s her spiritual home. She is employed in the food section at M&S Stamford, formerly working at the Peterborough branch organising staff catering. She enjoys sugarcraft, knitting and gardening.

Kate Hinchliff

Kate Hinchliff

Kate comes from Bristol and currently works part-time assessing Foster Carers. Prior to this she was employed by Peterborough City Council in Children’s Social Care.

Carol and Kate’s catering skills have become indispensable at the Village Hall on John Clare Festival Saturday and Gala Day. Tribune readers may have seen them ‘in disguise’ taking part in the WI Shows and Panto’s.

Questioned about their aspirations for the church at Helpston, Carol told us: “I would like to see the church full of families every Sunday.”

Kate concurred with this, but added that she was: “looking forward to the opportunity, with the help of other church members, to take the love of Jesus out into the community.”

Carol and Kate are popular members of the congregation and are welcomed as new leaders.

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Out of the Shadows: Casting some light on the Peakirk Cross-shaft

May 23, 2010 · 0 comments

By Dr Avril Lumley Prior

My fascination with St Pega, sister of the reclusive Guthlac of Crowland (died 716), began almost twenty years ago, when I discovered that this Mercian noblewoman and miracle-worker had founded a cell on the site of Peakirk Hermitage, which from 1980 to 2001 was occupied by members of an enclosed order of Anglican nuns, the Society of the Precious Blood.

In 1996, Sister Margaret Mary, graciously allowed me to view the lower section of a late tenth-/early eleventh-century cross-shaft that stood in the shadows of the atmospheric chancel of the Hermitage chapel.  Immediately, I was mesmerised by exquisiteness of the roughly-wrought, Barnack limestone sculpture that which stood approximately 52.3 cm (201⁄2”) and 24.5cm (93⁄4”) square at its base.

I have been reacquainted with the cross-shaft several times since then, by kind invitation of the Hermitage’s owners.  However, my visit on 26th April 2010 was under entirely different circumstances. On this occasion, I was in Bonham’s Gallery in New Bond Street, with Dr Joanna Story from Leicester University, who was taking measurements and photographs for a Corpus (inventory) of our region’s surviving Anglo-Saxon stone-work that she is compiling with Professor Rosemary Cramp of Durham.  Jo and I understood that the cross-shaft was to be auctioned on 28 April and may have disappeared into a private collection.

Displayed to its advantage on a plinth beneath the gallery’s spotlights, the true beauty of the stone-carving was revealed.  Details that had hitherto been indistinct in the dimly-lit chapel appeared with amazing clarity.  Whilst one tapering face is occupied by a bas-relief of swirling foliage, the other three depict mythical ‘Mercian beasts’ with interlacing tails reminiscent of the designs favoured by the ‘Peterborough Group’ of stone-carvers, who were operating in our area from the late eighth century until 870, when Danish invaders put pay to their activities.  Undeniably, the cross-shaft’s reflection of earlier craftsmanship makes it very special and unmistakably of local origin.

Nevertheless, evidence of the sculpture’s exact provenance is conflicting and there are many questions left unanswered.  ‘Formal’ accounts written by the Victorian antiquarians, J Romilly Allen and Christopher Markham, insist that it was found in Peakirk Church during alterations to the chancel floor and pulpit for which a Faculty [permission from the bishop] was obtained on 9 May 1879.  Indeed, examples of Anglo-Saxon stone-carvings have been discovered when church paving-slabs were lifted at Castor and Barnack.

If this were to be the case at Peakirk, was the cross-shaft hidden during Oliver Cromwell’s Puritan regime (1649-60) when religious imagery was forbidden and destroyed?  Moreover, since the original cross could have been two or three metres tall with a wheel-shaped head, are there other fragments beneath the church floor yet to be recovered?

Romilly Allen and Markham also maintain that the fragment of shaft was ‘preserved’ in the Hermitage Chapel, which had been converted into a Sunday school and parish hall by Rector of Peakirk Edward James’ brother, Francis, in 1878.  However, there is neither a citation of its discovery nor a Faculty pertaining to its removal to the Hermitage among the Peakirk Diocesan Records stored at Northampton Record Office.

Therefore, if the sculpture were exposed during church renovations, was it simply taken to the village hall for safe-keeping under the guardianship of the Rector’s brother, Edward, while building work was in progress?  If so, why wasn’t it returned?

Conversely, the Rector’s daughter, Bertha James, who inherited the Hermitage Chapel from her Uncle Edward in 1916, claimed that the sculpture ‘was originally found at Deeping and given to the Hermitage many years ago by Dr. [Canon Edward] Moore’, Vicar of SS Mary’s and Nicholas’ Church, Spalding (1866-89), an amateur archaeologist with a penchant for excavating Bronze-Age barrows.

Nevertheless, Bertha’s unpublished memoirs, recorded in 1926, contain numerous inaccuracies.  Furthermore, since parish records confirm that she was residing in London until at least 1919, how much of her information was based on hearsay?  At the moment, all that we may safely deduce is that the fragment was installed at the Hermitage between 1878, when Francis James acquired the building and 1885, when architect and antiquarian, JT Irvine, included the cross-shaft among his sketches of ‘Ancient Sculpture’.  Perhaps, our sole chance of solving the mystery of the Peakirk cross-shaft’s origin depends on another section being unearthed.

The function of the cross is also open to speculation.  We know that the parish church was originally dedicated in the honour of the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary and All Saints and that St Pega died and was buried in Rome in 719.  Therefore, it seems unlikely that a memorial would be erected to her in Peakirk, unless it originally stood near the site of her cell at the Hermitage.

Alternatively, the cross could have served as a monument to a local dignitary, an elaborate boundary marker of Peterborough Abbey or as a focus for religious devotion before the parish church was built c. 1016.  We really do not know. What cannot be disputed is that the sculpture unambiguously represents a tangible link with Peakirk’s Anglo-Saxon past and a crucial part of the region’s cultural heritage.

At time of going to press, it is understood that the cross-shaft has been withdrawn from the Bonham’s auction and remains in private ownership for the time being.

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Ellie’s got talent!

May 23, 2010 · 0 comments

Excitement follows Helpston girl, Ellie Davies wherever she goes at the moment as she is part of a music group that is in fighting mood to win the TV show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

A former pupil of John Clare School, King’s School and a musician with Helpston Church Band, Ellie has been playing the cello since she was ten years old.  Now at eighteen, and studying for A-levels at Cambridge, she has got together with some fellow students to form ‘The Arrangement’ - a band that might be termed ‘crossover’ as they offer sound musicianship as a backing to upbeat, popular songs.

Ellie Davies; outside her home in Helpston

Ellie Davies; outside her home in Helpston

To a backing of Ellie on cello, three violins, a pianist, drums and bass, singer Jono Miles ( a Boris Johnson look-alike) sang modern songs including Lady Gaga’s ‘Pokerface’ while executing  some rather odd and jerky dance moves - all very unusual - which may be exactly what the judges are looking for!

Describing their feelings as ‘excited’ rather than nervous  when they were due to perform before the Mighty Simon Cowell and panel, the group of eighteen year-olds were thrilled to get the vital three ‘Yeses’ to go on to the next round of the competition.  If they are successful here, we shall see them on our screens again in the semi-final, due to be televised on the evening of 31st May, or shortly after.

The group have appeared with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on ‘This Morning’, on National news and several radio stations.  The Sun newspaper characteristically billed them as ‘The Sex-Tion’.

Asked about her opinion of singer Susan Boyle and her success, Ellie described her as ’something to aspire to’ and was glad that she “had got her dream”.

In reply to our question about her own dreams, Ellie said she was “taking each day as it comes,” but agreed that she would find it thrilling to go on tour and appear at the O2 Arena if the group made it to the final.

All the students have decided that they will take a year off as a GAP year from their studies if they are successful.  Ellie would be delaying her plans to study French, Spanish and possibly music at Durham University where she hopes to gain a place.  After that she says that she is not the kind of person who could sit behind a desk all day but might work in marketing of be a manager in the music industry (Has she seen the £ signs in Simon Cowell’s eyes?)

The families have been ‘very supportive’ and attended the auditions.  However, “My sisters were a bit worried about watching the show in case we were rubbish,” said Ellie.  Thankfully Hettie, Annie, Jemima, and brother Leo did not have to worry on that score.

When the ‘Tribune’ called at Ellie’s home, she  was just as excited about the four pairs of shoes she had just bought - a sale treat for her, who ‘hadn’t bought shoes for ages’.

She is the lovely unspoilt girl we all know and love.  We wish her and her friends every success with ‘The Arrangement’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

Note: The show is on ITV on Saturday evenings. If you missed Ellie you can see her on the internet Youtube site.                                             Sue Young

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Joseph Alan Garford 4th July 1952 – 28th April 2010

May 23, 2010 · 1 comment

Joe was the youngest son of Alec and Kathleen Garford and brother to Roger, June and Warren. He was born at Wistaria Farm, Maxey and he spent a happy childhood helping and playing on the farm. When he left school he started an apprenticeship at Baker Perkins. His skills as a craftsman were recognised even in his first year as an apprentice sheet metal worker, when he was chosen out of 86 trainees taken on that year to make a replica of the Joseph Baker Flour Sifter which was one of the products which helped launch Baker Perkins all those years ago. Joe’s flour sifter can still be seen in its glass display case in the Baker Perkins Museum to this day.

Joe; passed away suddenly on 28th April 2010

Joe; passed away suddenly on 28th April 2010

In the 1980s, after completing his apprenticeship, Joe left Baker Perkins and set up in business with John Aldridge, forming their own business – Welland Fabrications and Welding Ltd.  Their first break was landing Pedigree Petfoods as a customer followed by one of Baker Perkins sub-divisions. Over the next 13 years they manufactured machinery and equipment that was exported worldwide and were associated with Mars, Rolls Royce and Mercedes. They also made machinery allied to the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

Still to this day Peterborough College awards the Welland Fabrications shield at the Science and Technology Board of Studies annual ceremony in recognition of first year student’s achievement. Sadly, the business closed in 1996 and Joe later started his own fabrication business including selling woodburners under the name of Blackgate Stoves. His workshop was initially at Wistaria Farm then moving onto Etton and finally Burghley.

Joe married June in 1995. They were utterly devoted to one another. Joe had two lovely children from a former marriage – Sarah and James. Sarah married Mark and produced two special grandchildren – Adam and Aimee. James gained his degree and lives in Leeds and has just started his own business. June has a son, Wesley, whom Joe thought of as his own and Joe was of immeasurable support when Wesley’s father passed away in 2001.

Joe and June moved to Rectory Farm, Etton in 2004 and they have been truly happy there, building a little small holding. In January this year Joe and June were blessed with another grandchild when Wesley and his partner Louisa produced a beautiful daughter – Ruby Elizabeth.

In the 1970s and 80s Joe played squash at League level. Joe was a cricket fan and travelled all over the country with James to see as many matches as he could. He was also an avid Dad’s Army fanatic and collected over thirty DVDs and several CDs.

Joe passed away suddenly on 28th April. The funeral took place at St Peter’s Church, Maxey on 11th May 2010. Muffled bells were rung as a sign of the great respect the local community had for him. He was carried into the church by his brothers, Roger and Warren, and James and Wesley, followed by June, Sarah and his close family members.  After a very moving service Joe was carried out to the graveyard to the tune of Dad’s Army and was laid to rest finally by Roger, Warren, James and Wesley. Joe will be truly missed by all who loved him and his memory will live on in our hearts. God Bless.

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John’s passion is hardly Standard

May 23, 2010 · 1 comment

When John Conder was lucky enough to drive an Austin 7 around Westwood airfield at the age of 10 it was the start of a passion that would continue to the present day, involve many hours work, but many more hours of fun.

John Conder in his 1919 Standard - looking forward to the next rally

John Conder in his 1919 Standard - looking forward to the next rally

John’s father, Joe, who for many years owned Conder’s Garage, Lincoln Road, (which later passed to John until his retirement in 2000), bought the Austin for John, giving it the nickname ‘Rum & Pep’, “because”, says John, “I think he’d had one or two before he bought it.”

Together with his wife, Kate, who shares his enthusiasm, he has taken part in rallies in various countries for many years including the 1998 Gordon Bennett Rally travelling around the Wicklow Mountains and Curragh area in Ireland  and the ‘Norman Conquest’ Rally through Normandy.  The latter is an event for British cars only and John and Kate travelled in the 1919 Standard SLS (pictured), which was the oldest car present.

Asked about what happens in the event of breakdowns, John replied: “We never break down!”

However these events are not totally without mishap. The radiator on the Standard gets extremely hot after only a few miles.  During the Normandy Rally, when John had stopped the Standard for a cool down after about 30 miles, a passing local put his thumb up in admiration, said: “Good!  British!” looking at the Union Flag which tops the rad and slapped his hand down onto the metal. “You could see the print of his hand,” said John.  Luckily the man’s friend had a bottle of wine handy which he poured onto the burnt hand!

The Standard has now been in the Conder household for 15 years.  The cherry red and black bodywork is gleaming and the leather hood in tip-top condition.   Although it was purchased like this, “the mechanics were shot to pieces” so John had to carry out repairs.  He explained that the 11 _ Horse Power Standard is “really a pre-war car”, being built in Coventry after the Standard factory resumed making cars following the war years when production stopped and the workforce turned out aeroplane parts instead.   With no front brakes, cart springing and no shock absorbers, the car was the first with an electric starter, and boasts electric lights and pneumatic tyres.  Safety features include a bulb horn and a claxon horn.  There is a ‘Dicky’ seat at the back, sometimes known as a ‘mother-in-law’ seat.  With three gears, the Standard is capable of reaching 40mph and cruises happily at 35mph.

Kate and John have been members of a group which organises The Standard Register Annual Rally for pre 1930’s Standard cars for 12 years and have missed only one of the annual events in that time. They also belong to the Ford Model A Club of Gt Britain and the 20/49 Club, based in Stamford.

Recalling other cars they have owned, Kate remembers with fondness their black and red Austin Healey, which, like with so many young couples, had to be sacrificed to find the mortgage for their first house.

“It took us 30 years to get another one,” she said ruefully.  Kate also remembers a 1934 Morris 10/4 (10 HP, 4 cylinder),  where she had to put her handbag on the choke to keep it out and  also taking the children to school in a 1927 Clyno when the family lived in Broadway before their move to Helpston in 1999. A 1917 Buick was a favourite and so big that “the kids could walk about in the back!”

The Conders took a little break from old cars and went sailing for a time but in 1998 Kate says she ‘jumped ship’ after a particularly stormy trip and it was back to cars.

With many ‘motoring miles’ behind them, the Conders looks forward to many more, the next rally being in June, taking them over the Yorkshire Moors to Morpeth.

We know that there are many readers in the Tribune area with vintage and classic vehicles.  If you would like your vehicle to be featured, please contact Sue Young on 01733 252223.

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FOCC update May 2010

May 23, 2010 · 0 comments

We are now into the fourth year of this project and we are seeing enormous differences in the families taking part.

Many families who were struggling to feed and clothe their children and to cope emotionally, show huge signs of improved health and self-esteem, FOCC is there to help, suddenly there are enough clothes to keep warm with, vitamins for all the children, seeds to grow food for the winter and life is better.

Seven-year-old Galya will be making her first visit to Helpston, staying with the Henthorn’s who have agreed to be her host family

Seven-year-old Galya will be making her first visit to Helpston, staying with the Henthorn’s who have agreed to be her host family

Now it is time to wave the FOCC wand for yet more children.

This year we have three new children joining the project, An eight-year-old boy, who lives with his mum in a single room in a city hostel. They share one shower, one cooker and one sink with eight other families, on the sixth floor. This little boy, who loves to play football and run around, is like a caged lion. He is to go to one of our new host families, with a big garden – fresh air and exercise for this small boy!  Seven year old girl, Galya is to stay with our editor’s family. She lives with her parents, and three little brothers.Their home is terrible – no indoor toilet or running water, every drop of water has to be drawn from the well and a home which is no better than a garden shed. Her mum does her absolute best to cope, but it is difficult. She is just so grateful not to be on her own anymore, now she has the help and support of the charity.

Our final new child is ten-year-old Anya. Anya has spent many months in the orphanage but has now returned to the dubious care of her granny. I have visited Anya regularly over the last few years and the two of us are friends.  For me it has been a painful journey, in fact I feel emotional writing about it. She is a lovely, bright, enthusiastic child, who works hard at school. Twice I have invited her to England and twice she has been unable to come. Last October, Alison Henthorn and I visited Anya in the orphanage. She climbed on to my lap and put her head on my shoulder as if she never wanted to get up, however, when the matron arrived she quickly lifted her head.  Anya doesn’t like the orphanage and was often hungry, indeed she is horribly underweight. She finally came to England to spend Christmas with my family, arriving at Gatwick looking all too like Orphan Annie.  For the two weeks of her visit Anya proceeded to eat everything, to play with the dogs, accompany Neil on every walk, and go to the swimming pool – she never stopped smiling.  After two weeks she was looking forward to seeing her granny again. She returned with a huge suitcase stuffed with arts and crafts sets and warm clothing, dried fruit and nuts, chocolate (well, it was Christmas), lentils, pasta, soap, shampoo, school shoes etc.  Now, she and I, wait hopefully for her arrival in June.

This winter ten-year-old Marina has had a family crisis, resulting in there simply not being enough for her to eat - something unknown to most British children.  I was very worried about this little girl when we last saw her; she had lost weight and looked gaunt. Thankfully Yuliya, one of our interpreters, has been visiting her regularly throughout the winter, taking her foodstuffs.  Soon Marina will be back in Helpston for some fun and a chance to improve her health and, no doubt, her host mum will once more be cramming her suitcase with dried food when she returns home.

Of course, all this costs money so fund-raising must continue. The young members of FOCC and their friends and relatives are taking part in sponsored events.

If you would like to sponsor them, just get in touch or use the Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.co.uk/FOCC-helpstonanddistrict, the Chernobyl Children will be very grateful for your support.

Sometimes the responsibility for these children, so far away, feels heavy on our shoulders. Without our support many of these families would flounder, or in Marina’s case, simply starve. Thankfully there is support from many people in our community, people who help wave the FOCC wand, helping these children to gain in health following the terrible nuclear disaster of 1986.  People who help make life worth living again.

Without our host families and sponsors, none of this could happen.  Would you like to join the FOCC family?  I do hope so!  Please contact me on 01733 252118 / 07779 264591/ focc_helpston@msn.com

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Letters to the Editor May 2010

May 23, 2010 · 0 comments

Hang your head in shame Monica…

Dear Editor Thanks for another ‘cracking’ issue of the Village Tribune recently received. However, a comment (p.37 of Issue No.62) – the letter on car clamping is extremely interesting, entertaining even but, somehow I have my doubts about its accuracy. Bearing in mind that your publication covers the months of April & May – could this letter from Mr. G. Kirt have anything to do with an April Fool joke? If so, “Nice one!” If not, my apologies and I shall hide my head in shame and slink away into the Fen never to be heard of again.

Monica Berry, Deeping Gate

Nine Bridges…

Dear Editor I am another resident from Northborough who is very angry at the way Peterborough City Council treat us and either fail to consult before carrying out work, or worse after consultation, disregard the wishes of the people and do just what they like.  The ghastly site at Nine Bridges is yet another example of the council lack of respect for the over-taxed residents. Councillor Holdich says in the issue 62 Tribune that it has to be a “safety fence” so, why the crash barrier? I am not concerned anymore about the mess the council is making of the city, especially Cathedral Square with the frivolous fountains and the square seems to be higher in the middle which looks hideously stupid. At least that is six miles away from me, but Nine Bridges is a lot closer to my home. The ugly wooden fence and metal crash barrier must be removed and the iron railings should be refurbished and refitted securely. That I am sure is what the villagers want!

Roger Wileman, Northborough

VE Day memories…

Dear Editor With the recent 65th anniversary of VE Day, I am reminded of the celebrations that took place in Peakirk. I was a lad porter at the station on the day it was announced that the war was over,I was given the rest of the day off.Before leaving I collected all the spare fog detonators from the platelayers hut,(these are an explosive device which clips to the rail with a lead strip, it explodes when run over). I, together with one of the men porters,clipped them all onto the rails of one of the sidings and then pushed wagon over them.The result was a brief but very noisy salvo.

Later that day several of us village lads started to collect materials for a bonfire which we built on the green at the side of the monument.As the news that we were building the bonfire got around more people got involved in collecting. As soon as it was dark the fire was lit and I think the majority of the village residents were in attendance. Tom Neaverson brought an effigy of Hitler which he hoisted on a pole and then shot it with his shotgun. One of my pals and me bought a box of crow scarers,(a kind of firework) these added to the rowdyism.

Later that year the official stand down of the Home Guard took place at Peakirk.Several units from the area formed up in the station yard before marching through the village led by a band to Mr Parson’s field where a drum head service was held. I recall that the parade was led by a Peakirk man,Ted Sutton,the tune they marched to was Colonel Bogey.  I forward this thinking it might stir a few memories among the older residents.You have my permission to edit any of the above should you decide to print any or all of it.

Regards, Sid Bates

Thanks to all…

Dear Editor I would like to thank all the Village Tribune readers who have shared their memories and the atmospheric photograph of Walderam Hall.  Their information has enabled me to amend my research and to learn more about the building’s tenants.  However, I would love to know more about the fire and later refurbishment mentioned by ‘Name and address supplied’.  I am very flattered that my article has generated so much interest.  I am currently working on the site’s pre-Conquest history, which I hope to publish eventually.

Avril Lumley Prior

A privilege to serve…

Dear Editor I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for the generous gift of garden tokens which I received following my retirement as Churchwarden of St.Benedict’s Church.  When The Parochial Church Council invited me to stand as Churchwarden in 1996, I could not foresee the road ahead with all it’s twists and turns. It has been a privilege to serve in the village of Glinton having the opportunity to meet and work with so many people.  With the tokens, I have purchased a garden bench ready for once that sun really starts to shine! Thank you again,

Veronica Smith

Oh yes we can!…

Dear Editor Could you please put an appeal into the next edition of the Trib’. There are a group of us ‘locals’ who are thinking of putting on a village(s) pantomime. We are on the look-out for budding thespians, musicians, wardrobe people, scenery builders – not to mention an appreciative audience. If anyone feels that they can help, offer advice or support in any way shape or form, myself or Pat Hoppe would be delighted to hear from you. Pat’s email address is: sales@astore-harrison.co.uk and I can be contacted at: carolarthur1@hotmail.co.uk  If we get enough interest, I plan to have a launch meeting at my home in Glinton, so smack those thighs, dig deep into the dressing up box and get in touch!

Carol Arthur, Glinton

Northborough Village Fete…

Dear Readers Sunday 12th September promises to be another fun-filled family day on the playing field in Northborough. After the success of last years family day we are eagerly awaiting and preparing for the next one – this year we have a circus theme. We will be holding another fun run on the day along with the church service being held in the village hall.

The day will start with a car boot sale, to be followed by The Brays and other bands performing on the main stage. The arena will also be showcasing many talents from Dog Agility to Dance Troups. The village Hall will be exhibiting art by a local art group. Stalls and rides will be a-plenty on the field, so if you would like to have stall on the day please contact us on 07534 824864. Refreshments will be available throughout the day so you will be thoroughly entertained, we very much look forward to seeing you all there!

Many thanks, Leanne Yates

Dual use for playing field under threat…

Dear Editor For many years, the playing field at John Clare School in Helpston has been open for the whole village community to enjoy after school until dusk, at weekends and during school holidays. It is well used by young people and families who wish to play on the swings and basketball court, have a game of football or enjoy a picnic. Unfortunately, this arrangement has been put under considerable strain in recent months due to the anti-social behaviour of a minority of young people who meet on the field in the evenings. Examples of this behaviour include:

The destruction of our wildlife area gate and fence

Vandalism of the children’s log trail and outdoor classroom

Glass alcohol bottles smashed on the playground

Young people taking extra-ordinary risks. For example, climbing the 12 foot fences of the basketball court.

It also clearly states on the field notice board that bikes and dogs should not be brought onto the field. Unfortunately, these rules are broken on a daily basis too. The school is committed to providing this essential open space for the community, but cannot afford to continually repair and replace equipment. We are especially concerned that the dangerous risks taken by children on the field will lead to a serious accident.

We are now working closely with the police and local residents to help prevent further disturbances. It would be a great shame if the field was closed to the public in the future, depriving so many children and adults of a lovely place to meet and play. I am writing this letter to the Tribune on behalf of the Dual Use Field Committee (made up of parish councillors, school staff and Helpston residents).

Martin Fry, Headteacher, John Clare Primary School, Helpston

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Memories of Glinton Park

May 23, 2010 · 0 comments

Article author, Kim Bachl (left) pictured around 1977, with her sister

Article author, Kim Bachl (left) pictured around 1977, with her sister

My family hold the proud accolade of being the first ever family to move into Websters close Glinton. The development was brand new and the year was 1976.

These were the first houses to be built in the tiny village of Glinton for years.  The fields to the back of our house were later to become Saddlers Close, but throughout my formative years Glinton Park was my back garden (despite what kid’s from elsewhere in the village had to say on the subject !)

The Park only had a swing, a slide and a climbing frame, but I don’t ever remember being bored, In the summer we were out until dusk and I recall games of ‘tag’ and ‘kiss chase’ (my personal favourite)

Later we were far too cool for games and hung out in ra ra skirts and Frankie says relax T. Shirts… Kiss Chase progressed to just kissing.

There is one particular day however that will stay with me forever . It was 1977 and council workmen had kindly ‘left’ some enormous concrete pipes for local children to play in, ( the sort that are usually buried underground during construction. ) We had a fine time rolling them around the park with several children inside them.

After several days of general wear and tear the unthinkable happened and when it was my turn to be ‘rolled around’ with two other friends, the concrete collapsed on top of us.

I can remember hearing my sister screaming my name over and over. Then, I was later told,  she tried to lift a piece of concrete and unable to hold it dropped it back on top of me… I think I must have passed out after that as the next thing I remember was waking up in an ambulance.

I was very lucky, a broken shoulder, cuts and bruises, stitches to my head and arms. The injuries sustained by one other friend were much more serious and she was rushed straight to Addenbrokes.

In the aftermath I got my first taste of what it really is to feel part of a community… presents, cards, even a knitted doll (well it was 1977.)

Lots of visitors to my sick bed all regaling me with details of what happened. There were people everywhere, thank goodness a doctor arrived on scene, they drove the ambulance right into the park!’

Of course life soon went back to normal… Council officials removed the pipes, (health and safety was still in it’s infancy.)

I had to go back to school (right arm in a sling for several more weeks, what a blow that I happen to be left handed )

If you have any memories of events or ‘incidents’ in our Tribune villages we would love to hear your story. Simply email your recollections (and photographs if possible) to: villagetribuneeditor@mac.com or type and post them to: Tony Henthorn, Editor, Village Tribune, Golden Drop, Helpston, Peterborough PE6 7DW. All efforts will be made to return photographs to their owners after publication.

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