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Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
June 2018 1 Issue 159
Grafham Gossip Issue 160 Deadline: Midnight Thursday 14th June
Contents Church Services………………………..
What’s the best news? - Mike…...…..
County Cllrs/District Cllr details…......
Parish News/Parish Cllrs details……..
Notices/ Village Hall Activities…………….
Talking Shop………………..…………..
Notices/Has the bin man bin?..................
Times Gone By/ Letters to Ed…………….
Adverts/Notices/Useful Phone Nos…...…
Cricket Club News/Pub News….………….
Notices………………………….………….
Thoresby hall - Tina………………..……...
Adverts...…………….. ……………………
Dreams can come true - Lynn…………….
East Leightonstone Parish Notices……….
A14 Update/ Oil syndicate….…………….
Grt Staughton Ward Report - D. Tysoe….
Local Library activities…………………….
Local Activities…...………………………..
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9
10
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13
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15
15
16
Pop Up Pub Friday 1st June
Grafham Village Hall 7pm-11pm
with a full bar and a quiz More pub news on page 9
Grafham Flower Festival 9th and 10th June - “The Sixties”
Thank you to all those who are arranging the displays!
If anyone is able to help by ‘church sitting’ for an hour, or baking a cake or helping serve teas (2- 4pm both days,)
we would love to hear from you
Contact Jill [email protected] 07892 720 835 or Hazel 810326
Don't forget Songs of Praise 4.30 on Sunday
Mon-Fri 8.00 - 6.30
Sat 8.00 - 5.00
Sun 9.00 - 2.00
May Bank Holiday Mon 28th May 9.00 - 2.00
Tel: 01480 810119
Grafham Community Shop - Opening Times
See page 4 for this month’s offers
Shop News is on page 5
Editors’ note… The summer solstice occurs when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun which this year is at 11.07 on 21st June. This day is also known as midsummer day and is the official start of Summer, so make the most of the longest day of the year!
We have another 16 page issue this month with far too many ‘Must reads’ to mention here, so thank you to everyone who has sent in contri-butions. Please keep sending in your news, views photos and gossip. The next deadline is midnight on Thursday 14th June.
Keep gossiping! Editors, [email protected]
Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon
Grafham Beer Festival Grafham Beer Festival Grafham Beer Festival
Fri 6th, Sat 7th JulyFri 6th, Sat 7th JulyFri 6th, Sat 7th July More details next monthMore details next monthMore details next month
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
June 2018 2 Issue 159
I wonder what’s the best news you’ve heard today. As I
write, good news is thin on the ground, but we can cel-
ebrate today (9th May) that scientists are claiming a
possible new cure for baldness. That might be great
news for some. What’s the best news you’ve heard this
year? In the last 10 years? What’s the best news
you’ve ever heard?
Mark begins his account of the life of Jesus with the
words: “The beginning of the good news (gospel) of
Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God”. For Christians
the best, most life-changing news, is that Jesus came
to transform the lives of human beings. The gospel
(which means “good news”) is that God has sent his
son Jesus to bring us home to him; it is God’s chosen
way of saving us in order that we might have the fullest
lives possible. Through Jesus we have a way of deal-
ing with all of the stupid things we’ve done that have
put up barriers between ourselves and God (and other
people!)
We think that this is news worth sharing and that’s why
we’re giving people the opportunity to hear something
about it. Every Monday from 4th June, for 7 weeks,
we’ll be meeting in the Black Bull from 7:15-9pm to
share our stories. You are invited to join us. Come and
enjoy some conversation, some nibbles (we’ll pay for
these) and some of Sharon’s excellent beer or wine
(you’ll have to pay for those yourself…!) It’s not intend-
ed to be us talking at you; we hope it’ll be an opportuni-
ty for a genuine conversation. Maybe you have good
news of your own to share?
You won’t have to
read anything out
loud, or sing, or do
anything you don’t
want to. You can
contribute as little
or as much as you
like. Feel free to
bring a friend or
come on your own. Try it out for the first week and you
can come back next week for more if you’re interested.
There’s lots more information available on our website
www.eastleightonstone.com/christexplored or you can
call or email Jason if you want to find out more.
email: [email protected] / tel: 07807 118 070
Good news is for sharing and maybe you need to hear
some at the moment. If that’s you then why not come
along and hear the best news we’ve ever heard?
Mike
(Contact details for Mike can be found above. Ed)
What’s the best news you’ve ever heard?
All Sunday morning services in the three churches of Grafham, Ellington and Brampton begin at 10.30. Grafham First Sunday, Lay led, Family Services continue at the new time
On Fourth Sundays, an ‘All Together’ Holy Communion Service rotates between the three churches
throughout the year
For more information on church services visit www.eastleightonstone.com and click on Calendar
Grafham All Saints Services
Every Wednesday morning 08.45 - 09.15 Morning Prayer– a short service open to all ------------------------------------------------------------ 27th May (4th Sunday) 10.30 ‘All Together’ Holy Communion at Ellington
------------------------------------------------------------
3rd June (1st Sunday) 10.30 Family Service - Lay led
10th June (2nd Sunday) 16.30 Songs of Praise following the end of the Flower Festival
24th June (4th Sunday) 10.30 ‘All Together’ Holy Communion
------------------------------------------------------------ 1st July (1st Sunday) 10.30 Holy Communion at St Mary Magdalene, Brampton
Led by Revd Mike Bigg following his Ordination at Ely on 30th June,
(so no service at Grafham)
Contacting the Clergy Revd Jason Taylor (Rector) Rectory, 15 Church Road, Brampton PE28 4PF [email protected] 01480 453341 or 07807 118070 Revd Mike Bigg (Curate) [email protected] 07380 809377
Grafham’s District Councillor
Darren Tysoe 01480 388310 [email protected]
Grove Cottage, Malting Lane, Ellington, PE28 0AA Follow me on Twitter@darrentysoe and twitter.com/darrentysoe Receive my updates on Facebook www.facebook.com/cllrdmtysoe
Grafham’s County Councillor
Peter Downes
07765 833486
peter.downes@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
June 2018 3 Issue 159
PARISH NEWS April 2018
The April meeting is the first of the new fi-
nancial year, but also the last to which we
will welcome Cllr Peter Downes, Cllr Patricia
Jordan and Cllr John Morris. Changes to the
boundaries have given our current repre-
sentatives other responsibilities. We await the outcome
of the local elections to learn who our new councillors
will be. It was a sad goodbye after so many years of
working together. The election for the Parish Council is
uncontested. There are seven seats and seven candi-
dates, so there will be no poll and the seven candidates
will take office.
Again after many years of working together it was the
last meeting for Andrew Duckworth, Kevin Sharp, David
King and David Anthony. Our thanks go to each of
them for the work they have put into the community and
the friendships we have forged.
Your new council will include Roy Harold, David Rus-
sell, Claire Hodder and Jo Dunn. Philip Allingham, Ian
Gardener and Alastair Watson are continuing to serve.
More information has been gathered concerning the
cost of resurfacing the all-weather pitch. The original
installer has quoted for a surface which is recommend-
ed for football and tennis and at 20 years life expectan-
cy is longer lasting than the original surface which has
a life of 10 years. The quote includes lifting and dispos-
ing of the old surface, repairing fences and washing
boards and at £19,700 is competitive with those already
received. A special brushing machine is available for
monthly use and is included in the quote. To date, ap-
proximately £11,000 can be made available. We expect
to be able to apply for grant funds from Sport England
and the National Lottery. Any help anyone can offer to
apply for these funds would be greatly appreciated.
The Parish Council agreed to fund the hiring of the
bouncy castle at the next beer festival.
Please note that Parish Council meetings will now take
place on the second Tuesday of each month, except
August, when there is no meeting.
(This means that the Parish News should be available
to read in the Grafham Gossip soon after the Parish
Council each month, instead of a month in arrears. Ed)
May 2018 This month there were two meetings of the Parish
Council on the same evening. The first was the Annual
Parish Meeting which is for the villagers to attend and
raise any items they want addressed.
On the agenda for this meeting is the annual report of
the Chair which itemises the Council’s spending for the
year just ended and it’s plans for the forthcoming year.
This report can be found on the village website,
www.grafham.org.uk
Also put to the assembly, is the annual report of County
Councillor – Mr Peter Downes who noted that our main
concerns are traffic-related, in particular the speed of
traffic through the village. Mr Downes’ report can be
seen on the village website.
The Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council was
held after the Parish Assembly. Once again, we are
grateful to Philip Allingham for standing as Chair of the
Council. He was re-elected unanimously.
The major part of the discussion at the meeting was the
loss of Martin Clayton and his work in mowing playing
field, playground and various verges. Martin’s mower
has broken and he is not inclined to carry on his work in
the village. It falls therefore, to the Parish Council to
appoint a new contractor. This will be undertaken as
quickly as possible.
The playground equipment has had its annual inspec-
tion by RoSPA and there are no major repairs required.
Some areas which require some attention will be at-
tended to by the company who supplied the equipment.
However, please be re-assured that there is no danger-
ous disrepair.
White-lining the road at the junction of Van Diemens
and Brampton Road was discussed and it was agreed
to apply for funding to cover the cost of the work.
David Russell recently met with our local farmer to dis-
cuss the farmer’s concern that the new church pathway
has encroached on farm land in contravention of Natu-
ral England rules. This is a matter for the church to re-
solve. However, the state of some of our footpaths was
mentioned and there was agreement to firm up some of
the footpaths to make them useable.
Margaret Life Parish Clerk
07780 119311 [email protected]
Contact Details for our Grafham Parish Councillors You may contact your parish councillors through the parish clerk or directly by using the details below.
Philip Allingham Chairman 01480 811516 [email protected]
Ian Gardener Vice Chair 01480 812821 [email protected] David Russell [email protected]
Alastair Watson [email protected] Jo Dunn [email protected]
Claire Hodder [email protected] Roy Harold [email protected]
County Councillor details and District Councillor details are on page 2
Grafham is now in the new ward of Great Staughton. Read more about Great Staughton Ward in
the report by Darren Tysoe on page 15
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
June 2018 4 Issue 159
Grafham Village Hall
Activities & Classes 2018
Mondays Yoga 6.15pm
Line Dancing 7.30pm
Tuesdays Pilates 9.45am
Art Club 1.30pm
Wednesdays Little Fishes (pre-school children)
10.00am
Karate 7.30pm
Thursdays Kick Boxing 7.00pm
Saturdays Chinese Martial Arts 10.30am
For enquiries about classes and about booking the hall, please telephone 07711 769911
Read more about village hall activities on page 12
Grafham Community Shop 01480 810119
OPENING TIMES
Mon-Fri 8.00 - 6.30
Sat 8.00 - 5.00
Sun 9.00 - 2.00
May Bank Holiday
Monday 28th May
9.00 - 2.00
Our special offers this month include:
Pizzas £3.20 each or 2 for £5.00
Stella Artois 440ml cans £1.60 each or 4 for £5.25 Carling/Strongbow 440ml cans £1.30 each or 4 for £4.00 Guinness Draught 440ml cans £1.50 or 4 for £5.25 Selected chocolate bars 2 for £1
Buy two or more packs of frozen bacon, sausages, mince or chicken and get 10% off
Deadline for
July issue
Please send us all your
adverts, notices, news,
views and gossip ASAP
and definitely by midnight
on Thursday 14th June
Thanks, Ed [email protected]
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
June 2018 5 Issue 159
Talking Shop Sunday 13
th May saw us undertake our second sponsored walk
around Grafham Water in aid of the Grafham Water Lions Club chosen charity which this year is Medical Detection Dogs. Founded in 2008, Medical Detection Dogs works with the power-ful scenting ability of dogs to help detect disease or assist with managing life-threatening medical conditions. Bio detection dogs are trained to detect the minute odours associated with many
cancers and other diseases. This pioneering work could help scientists and medics develop faster, cheaper, non-invasive methods of diagnosis that could impact upon thousands of lives. We are very grateful to everyone who sponsored us and helped us to raise £575 which will be split between this charity, our supported charity, Magpas and the shop.
So what’s the news from the shop?
With the recent lovely weather thoughts are turning to ice creams, long cold drinks or a nice glass of chilled wine. Don’t forget we always have a good selection of snacks and crisps to go with that cold beer (which incidentally is on special offer). Locally made filled baguettes are available from our chiller along with a selection of pasties and sau-sage rolls.
Call into your local shop and check out our current deals. Did you know that we check prices with local supermarkets and a lot of what we sell is price marked, so it is available at the same cost as Tesco or Sainsbury’s but without the travelling costs? Come in and see what we’ve got. You might be surprised!
Keep an eye on our freezer section as we will soon be re-stocking Chapman’s fish, fishcakes and wellingtons. These have been very popular in the past and we know a lot of our customers will be glad to see them back.
We have met a few new families in the shop recently and we’d like to welcome them to our lovely village. A really good way to meet people is to volunteer and we are always in need of volunteers, so if anybody has any spare time please do come in for a chat – you’ll be most welcome.
Lynn and Paul
Phone 01480 810119 Email [email protected] Facebook www.facebook.com/grafhamcommunityshop
May Bank Holiday Opening times
Monday 28th May 9.00 - 2.00
OPENING TIMES
Mon-Fri 8.00 - 6.30
Sat 8.00 - 5.00
Sun 9.00 - 2.00
Tel: 01480 810119
www.grafhamvillageshop.co.uk
Lunch and a well deserved drink!
Lynn, Paul and Chloe
Buckden Gardeners Association
For further information please visit our website www.buckdengardeners.info, or visit us at our stall at Buckden Festival, or alternatively just come along. Rosemary Surridge, Secretary
www.buckdengardeners.info
is a group of people who meet on the third Tuesday of the month from October to April in Buckden Village Hall. Topics are varied, focusing on gardening but also include related subjects such as ‘Wild flowers and their habitat’ and ‘Birds of Paxton Pits’. In the summer months trips are organised to places of interest in the local area and there is also an annual Spring and Autumn Show. We are a friendly group and welcome new visitors and members alike.
To advertise, email: [email protected]
Community notices are free.
Business adverts are priced
according to size, payable
in advance.
They start at £3.50 for a
small box.
The money pays for the
printing of the newsletter
and any profit is donated to
All Saints, Grafham and its
Restoration Fund.
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
June 2018 6 Issue 159
Has the bin man bin Mam?” Wednesdays Blue bin (recycling) and Black bin (refuse) - alternate weeks
Every other Thursday - Green bin (garden waste)
If you require any further advice or information about waste and recycling services, call 01480 388640 be-tween 8.45am and 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am and 4.30pm on Fridays or visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/bins
Can you spare an hour every few months?
We’re very short of helpers to clean
the church. If you could take a turn
just two or three times a year,
please get in touch. A few more
volunteers would make it easier for us to keep the
church looking bright and welcoming for all.
Please contact: [email protected]
The Labour Party in Huntingdon Our next monthly meeting is
Monday 18th June at 7.30pm at The Medway Centre More details on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/HuntingdonLabourParty/ or via the website:
http://www.huntingdonlabourparty.org.uk
Come along and get involved in helping your
neighbours and the community!
Could you make tea?
Our Little Fishes Stay + Play Tots
Group meets on Wednesday mornings
at 10am during term time, in the village hall. If you
could spare an hour, now and then, to make tea/
coffee for the leaders and mums, we would be most
grateful for your help.
Please contact Hazel
01480 810326
Send your news, views, photos and gossip to:
More details about the Beer Festival next month
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Opinions expressed in the Grafham Gossip, including past issues, are those of the writer and not the editors.
June 2018 7 Issue 159
Times gone by! First things first! Apologies for an error made in my pre-
vious article last month (May 2018 GG.) It was a classic
example of read what is actually on the paper, not what
you think is on the paper! When referring to school
funding and gardens, I forgot to mention that the gar-
dens were maintained by the students on Wednesday
afternoons only and during “Club afternoon” when we
were encouraged to join in various activities such as
horticulture, animal welfare, scouts, domestic science,
library and woodwork. I gave the wrong impression that
the activities were every day, sorry!
Going back to the Army (wish I could!), after completing
the Basic Training of 16 weeks, we were then paraded
for the Passing Out Parade. This was quite an event as
numerous Army Brass Hats attended along with up to
two members of each soldier’s family. Bearing in mind
there were 200 of us on parade, there was quite a
crowd. As it was Royal Artillery, the guns were on pa-
rade. One 25 pound field artillery piece at each cor-
ner. On finishing the parade we fired off one blank
round in each gun. Mother and father were there, with
the family dog Kim. When the first gun was fired Kim
took off across the square! You can well imagine the
panic in my father and the commotion as he chased her
across the square. Was I embarrassed or what? Fortu-
nately Father caught up with the dog and I did not suf-
fer any repercussions, apart from some serious leg pull-
ing from my mates, even the RSM (Regimental Ser-
geant Major) saw the funny side of it and joined in the
leg pulling.
After it was all over we were issued with our leave
passes, 14 days plus travel warrants to our next
“Posting.”
Mine was to Germany and I was extremely happy about
it as I did not want a UK Posting. I was very fortunate
as I was sent to 50th Missile Regiment in Menden, a
very pretty little town where I made quite a number of
German friends. I spent as many off duty hours as pos-
sible in town, one particular friend Ulrich was great
company. His father was very interesting to talk to as
he served with the Wermacht (now Bundeswehr,) Army
with Rommel and the Afrika Corps, Sicily and Italy,
where he was wounded at Monte Cassino fighting an
Australian and British unit. He had great respect for the
way he was treated by the allied troops. He was left
behind to be taken P.O.W but managed to find his own
way out of the line and an Italian family gave him shel-
ter until a German Engineer unit took him back.
As a “Line Unit” we spent a lot of time on various exer-
cises, in particular we had a continuous two week peri-
od every year on assessment of our capability of using
our weapons and other skills. On one of these exercis-
es we were competing against the 2nd Royal Canadian
Artillery and they had the misfortune to fire an Honest
John Missile which still had a securing strap attached.
Missile and Launcher bounced a long way before dis-
appearing in a cloud of smoke and flame. A lot was
said, in particular about the danger and cost. Needless
to say the excise was extended!
We could have got away with it possibly, if it had been
November 5th.
Dave Anthony,1 Breach Road
Letters to the Editors Dear Editors … May issue
I was very impressed with the May issue of
Grafham Gossip, especially the info on bees,
Talking Shop and I must give a special men-
tion to Gregory Belcher’s nature and wildlife
articles. That section makes me remember
the mysteries of the countryside.
What are your news, views and com-ments? E-mail: [email protected] if you’d like your letter published in ‘Letters to the Editors.’ Please supply your name and address/email address but tell us if you’d prefer us not to print it in the Grafham Gossip. Thanks , Ed
David Anthony
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
June 2018 8 Issue 159
Grafham Water Nature Reserve
Saturday 9th June 10.30am Guided walk Grafham Water Nature Reserve
The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust invites you to
a guided walk at the northern side of Grafham Water where there is
a diversity of habitat including meadows, ancient woodland and
of course, open water. We hope to see a wide variety of wildflow-
ers, including common spotted orchids, bugle and lady’s mantle.
There should be butterflies and dragonflies. We will listen for bird-
song and visit the hide at Savages Creek, one of the best areas
at Grafham Water for birdwatching. The walk will be led by one of
the reserve wardens. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
Please meet at Hill Farm Car Park, Church Road, Grafham, at 10.30
am. GR TL 148 693, PE28 0BE
For more information please contact Tim on 01480 457795 There is no charge for the walk, but donations are welcome. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Registered Charity No: 1000412
Bedfordshire
Cambridgeshire
Northamptonshire
Useful Phone Numbers All emergencies 999
Non-emergencies 101
Cambridge Constabulary HQ 01480 456111
Minicom for hard of hearing 01480 422493
Action Fraud 0300 123 2040
Crimestoppers 0800 555111 (anonymous)
To report anti-social behaviour in Grafham 01480 388379 or 387097 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Telephone Preference Service 08450 700707
Mailing Preference Service 08457 034599
Power cut 105 or 0800 31 63 105 or text POWER and your postcode to 80876
The book stall is a fantastic fund-raiser for our village church, but we‘ve found that we can sell only good quality, clean paperbacks and find it difficult to lift, carry and dispose of other items.
Good quality paperback books in clean condition We love to receive your paperback books to stock our church bookstall. Please leave them in the church porch.
Paperback
books in good condition
Thank you for your continued support!
x No
Hardbacks x
Manuals x
Magazines x
Encyclopaedias x
Other items x
Yes
Saturday 2nd June
9:30 - 16:00
Pop-up jewellery shop
at
The Forge
41 High Street,
Brampton
by Ros Watts
of
Myrtleberry Designs
Pop in and say hello!
June 2018 9 Issue 159
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Grafham Cricket Club The winter and spring rains had made the village
playing field into a proto marsh land. Thus when it
was possible to get on to the village field to cut
the grass, the mower that did the job, broke
down. There was also the likelihood of the mower
not being repaired in time for the first home game.
Attempts by Grafham Cricket Club to find a contractor
who would cut the field was unsuccessful. Luckily the
first home game was rained off. This meant Grafham did
not face the prospect of a league fine, for if the game
could have taken place; it would have needed to have
been cancelled, as outfield was unplayable.
The following Saturday was an away game at Houghton
Regis near Luton to play the Road Runners. The weath-
er was the complete opposite to the previous Saturday:
a cloudless blue sky with the radiance of a warm sun,
the type of spring day you wish for in the depth of winter.
Grafham went with eight regular players, plus a volun-
teer from within the Captain’s family circle. Grafham opt-
ed to field. It was always going to be a difficult task to
hold the Road Runners scoring rate down with a re-
duced number of fielders, but from their forty overs
Road Runners scored 220 for 9, with James Gould be-
ing the pick of the Grafham bowlers with three wickets.
The Grafham batting reply, started by losing their open-
ers quickly, with Ben McCutcheon being surprisingly
caught at long on, by the fielder running as fast as he
could, with his hand outstretched, into which the ball
kindly dropped. Who was the most surprised: batter or
fielder, no-one could really tell. The pick of the Grafham
batsmen was James Gould on 29 runs, and Richard
Holmes on 17. When the last Grafham batsman went
into bat, Grafham needed 23 runs to earn a batting
point. So the last two batsmen, blocked, scur-
ried runs, took byes, accepted the wides; until
Grafham was all out for 132: but with two bat-
ting points.
The next game was at home to Pilgrims Oak-
ley. It had become known that the mower was
not going to be repaired in time. An approach
was made to the Grafham Parish Council to
seek a resolution to the growing grass problem, as it is
the Parish Council who contracts and pays for the vil-
lage field to be cut. It was unreasonable to expect the
Parish Council to come up with a solution for Grafham’s
next home game, so the club members used their own
and borrowed mowers in an attempt to make the outfield
playable. Even with all this effort there were some areas
of the outfield where the grass was too long for the
cricket ball to run any distance.
On the day of the match it was forecasted to rain.
Grafham opted to bat, but runs were hard to come by,
and the light rain soon made the batting wicket; a slick
and slippery surface, with the ball requiring drying, be-
fore each bowl. Grafham were all out for 68, which in the
conditions was considered a defendable total. Pilgrims
Oakley score in the first ten overs amounted to ten runs.
These overs being bowled by the Grafham bowlers:
Tom Chester and James Gould. Pilgrims Oakley was
experiencing the same problems as Grafham; the rain,
and the ball not running in the outfield, however hard it
was hit. Pilgrims lost three wickets in their quest to over-
take Grafham’s total, which they did in the 23rd over.
Grafham Home Games in May/June
26th May: Grafham CC v Road Runners CC, fingers
crossed we have a cut outfield
2nd June: Grafham CC v Langford CC
Chris Dighton, Club Treasurer
The Pub at Grafham Remember the Pop Up Pub on 1st Friday of the month. The next two
will be on Fridays 1st June and 3rd August with a full bar and quiz,
7pm -11pm in the village hall. There is no Pop Up Pub in July as the
Grafham Beer Festival begins on the first Friday that month.
Thank you for your support.
The Directors of The Pub at Grafham Limited:
Adrian Love, Kevin Sharp, Chris Brown, Lucy Maurice, Margaret Life
Members of the management team:
Chris Woodhall, Tina Theodorou, Paul Bate
If you’d like to write a ‘one-off’ article
or a regular feature for the
Grafham Gossip,
send it by email to
Send your news, views,
photos and gossip to
June 2018 10 Issue 159
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
For more details click here or visit www.eastleightonstone.com/
June 2018 11 Issue 159
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Thoresby Hall I recently had a short stay with friends at a Warner Lei-sure Hotel, Thoresby Hall. I have stayed at several
Warner’s adult only hotels; they offer excellent value for money, not to mention the most admira-ble and stunning venues! The variety of stately homes, man-sions, castles and coastal resort premises are truly outstanding!
We were all very impressed with Thoresby Hall, a grade I listed 19th-century country house in Budby, Nottinghamshire, about two miles north of Ollerton. The drive up to the building is lovely and as you approach the building, the grounds open up and it is superb. It is one of four neighbouring coun-try houses and estates in what were, “The Dukeries in North Nottinghamshire,” all occupied by dukes at one time during their history.
Robert de Pierrepont came over to England with Wil-liam the Conqueror in 1066. In 1314 his descendant, Henry Pierrepont, married Annora de Manvers, a local heiress of the Holme Estate, 4 miles from Nottingham. A later Robert Pierrepoint bought the Thoresby Estate in 1633. One of his descendants William Pierrepont created Thoresby Park in 1683 and later rebuilt the mansion. Sadly, the original building was burnt down and a second house designed by Carr of York, was built around 1770. This house was subsequently, de-
molished to make way for Anthony Salvin's Thoresby Hall, built by the 3rd Earl of Manvers in 1860.
A new bedroom wing has been added and now Thores-by Hall is a luxury hotel, where guests enjoy many of the building's original features set in the most beautiful grounds. The adjacent grounds and gardens are owned by the hotel but most of the estate is still owned by the Pierrepont family.
I have to confess it was a great privilege to have the pleasure of sitting in the Great Hall, it’s one of those rooms that has to be seen to be believed. The wall pan-elling, the style of furniture, the paintings, the gallery… all well worth sitting down to admire, while enjoying an afternoon cream tea/ light snack or drink!
The location is close to Sherwood Forest Park and Visi-tor Centre and to the National Holocaust Centre and Museum. Also Clumber Park and Rutford Abbey Coun-try Park are only a few miles away – there is so much to see and do around the area.
At the venue itself, you really are spoilt for choice with a whole host of indoor and outdoor activities on offer. The Spa and Leisure Centre is superb; the bars/dining facili-ties and entertainment are all excellent. The entertain-ment is “themed” with a variety of known celebrity acts, big bands and no end of tribute bands covering all dec-ades suitable for young to more mature! They have co-medians too and so far, they have all been first rate. You are able to pick and choose a venue where the show is something you would really love to see – it is so easy to book a Warner’s break. They have recently
introduced “My Warner Table” so you can pre-book your seat for the evening entertainment. (This applies where the restaurant is separate from the entertainment area) You have the peace of mind knowing that your entertainment seat and table are reserved and will be awaiting you, no matter what time you leave the restau-rant!
If you would like more information about Warner please visit their website www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk or please do not hesitate to contact me on 07711 012957 or email [email protected] I would be de-lighted to discuss this venue and others I have visited with you. Tina Photos courtesy of Thoresby Hall
June 2018 12 Issue 159
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Paul's Private Hire and Chauffeur Service Van Diemens Way, Grafham,
Huntingdon, Cambs. PE28 0GB
Tel. 01480 811594 Mobile 07795 296281 Email [email protected]
Travel in style via Mercedes cars to your destinations
GRAFHAM WATER (NEXT TO THE VISITOR CENTRE)
WIDE RANGE AT LOW PRICES
OPEN WEDNESDAY- SUNDAY 09.00-17.30 TEL:01480 819730
FREE PARKING & FREE DELIVERY
PET & WILD BIRD FOOD
www.petfoodsdirect2u.co.uk
Free back door, when ordered with 5 or more windows
For a free, no obligation quotation please contact your local representative Jon Goodchild on 07825 238240 or email
WINDOWS DOORS ROOFLINE
CONSERVATORIES
GARDEN ROOMS FLAT ROOFS
www.gaphomeimprovements.co.uk
JEZ ASHCROFT LTD All your decorating needs including:
Coving, Internal Decorating
Drylining & Plastering
FREE ESTIMATES
Please Call
Tel: 01480 812461 Mobile: 07708031493
Kevin Hutchinson • Reliable Local Carpenter and Joiner
• All carpentry work undertaken
• Fitted kitchens, new doors, wood flooring and much more
• No job too small
Tel: 01480 811863/07889 414274
BSM BSM Driving Instructor DSA Approved, Pass Plus Registered Living locally in Grafham
Call John Sisseman for details
Tel. 07806 941675
Grafham Plumbing and Heating Ltd
Oftec registered technician
High efficiency condensing boilers fitted
Oil tanks fitted complete with bases
All boilers serviced
All plumbing undertaken
Vaporising appliances fitted and serviced
Service and maintenance plans available Professional, friendly and reliable
01480 812590
07799 640476
Cinnamon Bar and Indian Restaurant Open 7 days a week 5pm to 10.30pm Also lunch time if pre-booked for 5 or more people
Call 01480 812211/811316 Thursday Night is 'Banquet Night'
1 starter, 1 main, 1 side.
Any rice or any nan £13.50 King prawn or duck £1.50 extra
http://cinnamonhuntingdon.co.uk/
June 2018 13 Issue 159
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
The Parish of East Leightonstone Brampton, Ellington and Grafham
Helping at Hinchingbrooke Hospital Chapel: on 3rd June our parish is on the rota to help out at the chapel at
Hinchingbrooke Hospital. We particularly need volunteers who have gone through the safeguarding process at
the hospital in order to bring patients down from the wards. However, other volunteers are welcome to come
along, hand out hymn books and welcome patients into the chapel. This is a really important form of ministry right
on our doorstep so it'd be great if we can help. If you're interested or would like
more information please contact Dee Wormald [email protected]
Future dates for your diary: on the 10th June Bishop Stephen will be visiting
the 10:30am service in Brampton to baptise Joseph Bigg. After the service
there'll be a bring-and-share lunch for everyone in the Church Hall. Please put
the date in your diary and start thinking about what you might bring for the lunch.
On the 30th June Mike will be ordained priest at Ely Cathedral at 5pm. All are
welcome to this service. The next morning (1st July) will be Mike's first celebra-
tion of Holy Communion at the 10:30am service in Brampton and afterwards
there will be a parish barbecue in the Church Hall. All are welcome to any of
these events - please put the dates in your diaries!
To join the mailing list and receive the regular newsletter visit http://www.eastleightonstone.com and click News
Dreams can come true! “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”, Walt Disney.
For 34 years I have held a dream that one day I would sing on stage with the American singer/songwriter, Dean Friedman. I’ve been a lifelong fan and seen him in concert many times. I have been fortunate enough to have met him several times and he has even met my Mum!
In 1978 he reached No.3 in the UK charts with ‘Lucky Stars’. This was a duet with a female singer so when he sings it in concert he usually gets the audience to sing the female part.
In 1984 at a concert in Surrey he asked for a female member of the audience to join him on stage. To this day I can remember the feeling of longing and fear in equal measure and it is no exaggeration to say I was fixed to my seat with my heart thumping in my chest. Did I have the nerve to get up in front of all these peo-ple and sing one of my favourite songs with one of my favourite artists? NO I DID NOT. Eventually he plucked a woman from the audience and I sat watch-ing while he prompted her with the lyrics that I knew inside out and back to front. How could I have let such a moment pass me by? Silly woman - I’d blown it.
Over the following years I’ve often thought about this moment and regretted not having the nerve. And so it was on a beautiful April evening in Bedford 34 years later that I found myself on stage singing with Dean in front of an audience. The details of quite how I man-
aged to get out of my seat and onto the stage remain a little sketchy but I do remember frantically waving my arms around and shouting something to him when he asked for someone to join him on stage. This was my moment, my second chance, and I wasn’t going to pass it up this time. I walked onstage to rapturous ap-plause, lowered the mike like a professional and I was off. It could have been just me and him in that hall as I savoured every moment and it was over far too soon. As the crowd went wild I got a hug and a kiss from my idol and life was good.
Now as I reflect on it, it all seems like a dream. Did I really do it? Well I have the video to prove it and I will carry the memory of that wonderful night for ever.
Lynn Sharpe
June 2018 14 Issue 159
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Grafham Oil Syndicate The syndicate continues to grow, keeping more money in the village.
It’s FREE to join and we must keep a bulk order attractive enough to receive a discount, so simply email Simon:
or call 07887 628528
A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme June 2018 Sections 1 and 2 - Alconbury to the East Coast Main Line
Traffic Management
Narrow lanes and a 40mph speed limit remain in force on the A1.
Construction Activities:
Construction of the A1 south bound slip
roads at the junction with the B1514 is
progressing towards the switch in June.
This will, take all traffic between Bramp-
ton Hut and Brampton onto the new A1
alignment, allowing work to commence
on reconfiguring and widening the old A1
(which partly becomes the new A14) and
the construction of new embankments
which will take the A14 over the new A1.
Just west of Buckden Road, the formation
of two parallel concrete walls can be
seen. These will support the underpass
that will take the local Brampton / Buck-
den Road traffic under the new A14 as it
heads towards the Great River Ouse.
The strange looking contraption close to
the old RAF base at Brampton (pictured
above) is our new processing plant that will grade material dug from the ground on site to ensure it is usable in the
construction process. A total of one million tonnes of sand and gravel will be washed and screened. This will be
used to produce aggregates for the whole scheme and means fewer trucks will need to travel on the roads, as
most of the material movements will be confined within the footprint of the project.
Our archaeology team from MOLA Headland will be holding free A14
archaeology discovery days in the next few months. For full details,
please go to their website:
www.molaheadland.com/events/A14C2H
Archaeology on the A14 has inspired huge na-
tional interest and the project is featured
on the front page of ‘Current Archaeology’,
as shown on right.
Community Engagement Our mobile visitor centre timetable in June is:
Huntingdon Railway Station Thursday 14th June and 19th June
Brampton Fete Saturday 23rd June
We will also be joined by our archaeologists in their ‘Time Truck’ at:
Huntingdon Riverside Gala Saturday 9th June
You can contact us on our dedicated A14 Public Helpline 0800 270 0114
Scheme information is also available at our website www.highways.gov.uk/A14C2H and
Power cut? Contact us 24 hours a day
Text POWER and your postcode to
80876
ukpowernetworks.co.uk/liveupdates
Call us free on105 or
0800 31 63 105
To find out more about 105, visit http://www.powercut105.com/
June 2018 15 Issue 159
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Great Staughton Ward Report May 2018 Elections District Council elections took place on 3rd May, with all 52 seats across Huntingdonshire being contested. Great Staughton is a new Ward made up of 5 parishes: Great Staughton, Hail Weston, Perry, Grafham and Ellington. Previously these five villages were in three different Council Wards. The changes were brought about as a result of Boundary Commission recommendations.
These all-out elections were the first for 15 years as previously elections were held in thirds. The turnout in local elections is generally lower than for a General Election, but Great Staughton Ward had the highest turnout of all 52 Wards, at 45%. Thank you to residents for turning out in such high numbers. The lowest turnout across the District was 24% and the average was around 33%.
I am pleased to say that I was elected to represent Great Staughton Ward for the next four years. Thank you for giving me your support.
The results of the election are below:
The elections resulted in some changes to the political composition of the District Council, though with 30 seats, the Conservative Group maintains control of the Council with a majority of eight.
Contact I will maintain regular contact with all five par-ishes by attending Parish Councils, local events, and holding surgeries. I am also contactable on Facebook, twitter email, and telephone. Living locally, in the Ward, I can always visit too. I will use the village newsletters and Facebook to inform residents of what I am doing and make sure I spend some time each month in each Ward.
I am looking forward to being your District Council representative and doing whatever I can to support you with local council issues. I am picking up issues and as I have updates I will report on progress being made.
Councillor Darren Tysoe Great Staughton Ward Member
Ellington
Grafham
Hail Weston
Perry
Great Staughton
The New Boundaries
The theme this year is 'Bookstart Bird Boogie'. Children
who attend any of our Rhymetimes, Storytimes or special
events will receive a free copy of the picture book ‘A
Busy Day for Birds’ by Lucy Cousins. This year's book is
a fun, playful story that is perfect to share with all the
family. For details of library events nearer the time visit
www.cambridgeshire.net
Baby Rhymetime is an ongoing weekly activity during
term time only. It runs on Fridays 10:00-10:30 at Hunting-
don Library, Archives and Learning Centre, Princes
Street PE29 3PA or choose between two sessions at
10.30 or 11.30 at St Neots Library, Priory Lane, St Ne-
ots, PE19 2BH also on Fridays
Each session is for babies aged up to 18 months with a
parent or carer and lasts for about half an hour. Join in
with exciting action rhymes and find out what the library
has to offer you and your
child. Just turn up - No
charge.
Rhymetime for Toddlers is a
similar activity for toddlers
aged 18 months to 3 years,
also on Fridays during term
time from 11am to 11.30am at
Huntingdon Library and on
Mondays during term from 10.30 to 11.00 at St Neots
Library
If families are unable to make it along to their local library
they can join in the fun at home, with plenty of arts and
crafts and games, and recommended reads all on the
Bookstart website.
National Bookstart Week 4th - 10th June
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Opinions expressed in the Grafham Gossip, including past issues, are those of the writer and not the editors.
June 2018 16 Issue 159
Printed by Easiprint 01733 602302
Across the Churches Bible Study We are a small group meeting twice a month (Tuesdays 7.30pm) for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. We come from different churches and are always happy to welcome new members.
For more information, please contact Rob or Jean Clark 01480 890033.
Babysitters Bryony 22 yrs 812354 experienced with newborn to 14yrs
Mya 14 yrs 819326 Nicci 17 yrs 811279
GRAFHAM VILLAGE HALL has a Public Entertainments Licence for music, dancing, performing arts and can accommodate 92 guests seated in rows or 150 at a dance/disco - an ideal venue for children's and family parties. There is a playing field for sports activities and the hall has small changing rooms with shower facilities.
For details or to book, tel: 07711 769911
Grafham and Ellington Art GroupGrafham and Ellington Art GroupGrafham and Ellington Art Group http://grafhamandellingtonart.weebly.com/ Grafham Village Hall, Every Tuesday 1.30-4pm Calling all who want to meet and paint with like minded people on a regular basis.
Beginners and those with more skills are all very welcome.
Cost: About £2 to cover hall hire/refreshments. Come along with your paints and equipment!
Please ring me for more details.
Jackie Woods 01480 890279
Grafham Church Flower Club We are available to decorate the church for weddings and other church occasions.
Floral arrangements for: pedestal,
altar, font, windowsills, pew ends, pillars.
Please contact Hazel Powell on
01480 810326 for details and quotes.
If anyone in the village has foliage in their garden that they would be willing to donate for church decoration for festivals, please let us know, we would be very grateful.
The Mobile Library Route H24 visits Breach Road, Grafham on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 10.40 to 11.00. The next visit is 27th June.
For renewals/ enquiries call 0345 045 5225 or click here
YOUR COUNTRYSIDE NEEDS YOU
www.gwcg.btck.co.uk/
Regional winners of the British Trust for Conservation
Volunteers Green Award 2006 & 2007
Join Grafham Wildlife and Conservation Group
Call Sam Malt on
01480 811654 or 07849 082870
.Come and join the
GRAFHAM LINE DANCERS Beginners are welcome
Monday evenings in the Village Hall
7.30 – 9.00pm
For more information ring Julia 01480 811613 or Text Penny 07986 509481
East Leightonstone Parish - Brampton, Ellington, Grafham
Little Fishes Stay + Play Tots Session
Grafham Village Hall
Wednesdays 10.00 to 11.20
Term time only
Just turn up on the day
Sessions include free-play, craft activities, a Bible story and sing-along. Babies welcome too
Contact Jean Clark 01480 890033 [email protected]
Coffee Morning Grafham Social Committee invites you to Coffee Mornings at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of the month:
20th June - Diana Thomas, Wesley House
This is an informal social occasion for residents of the village. Please come along for a cup of coffee and a chat.
Ellington and Grafham WI
meets on the first Tuesday of the month in Ellington village hall. Membership is £41 per annum but you are most welcome to come as a visitor. The programme for 2018 is varied and interesting with speakers or
events every month.
5th June the members committee arrange a surprise for us all!
Wednesday 4th July An outing
If you would like any more information please contact:
Sue 01480 896139 [email protected] or Ann 01480 891192 [email protected]
