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1 www.benwickbugle.co.uk Mar 2014 Benwick’s Bi-Monthly Community Magazine Improvements planned for Park Help unravel the mystery... Know your FACT. page 15 page 6 page 4

March / April 2014 Benwick Bugle

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Page 1: March / April 2014 Benwick Bugle

1www.benwickbugle.co.uk

Mar 2014Benwick’s Bi-Monthly Community Magazine

Improvements planned for Park

Help unravel the mystery...

Know your FACT.page 15

page 6

page 4

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2 www.benwickbugle.co.uk

Overindulged this Christmas?

Let get you back in shape!

Your Independent Cambridge Consultant:

SUE JONES

Mob: 07717 442303Home: 01354 651584Email: [email protected]

Covering MARCH, WIMBLINGTON, DODDINGTON,MANEA, BENWICK and surrounding areas

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EDITORIALFollowing a discussion on Facebook, I noticed that not many people knew of the services offered by the Fenland Association for Community Transport which operates to help those whose access is to public transport is limited (such as in Benwick!). You can find out more about how FACT can help get you to that

Editor:Adam Keppel-Garner

1 Lilyholt Road Benwick, PE15 0XQ

[email protected] 057 228

appointment or supplement the bus service on page 15.

The Parish Council are holding the Annual Parish Assembly on April 13th; the meeting is for villagers to raise comments and issues affecting the village and is chaired by the Parish Council Chairman. Before the meeting you will see displays of potential improvements for the Play Park. •

In This Edition... Benwick Play Park 41944 Plane Crash Mystery 6News from our MP 6Benwick Tang-soo-do 8Benwick in Bloom 8Scout Group News 10Steve Barclay MP 13Know your FACT 15 Residents Association Update 16Doddington PPG 16Benwick Village Sports 18Friends of Doddington Hospital 21Benwick Ladies Club 21Benwick Forget-me-nots 22PSCO Report 24Benwick School 27Concurrent Functions, Benwick PC 29‘Ritings from the Rectory 31

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BENWICK PLAY PARK

What do YOU want from YOUR park? Benwick Parish Council is currently looking at options to improve the Play Park in the Village.

We feel it is important that we get your views on what you would like in the Park and also how you would like to use the Park. There will be a display of suggested ideas at the prior to the Annual Parish Assembly.

This is your opportunity to view the various suggestions the Parish Council are considering. You will also be able to make your views known to the Parish Council so that we can achieve a Park that you want to use.

What would you like to see in your Park? Here are just some of the suggestions:

by Cllr Lyn Keppel-Spoor Picnic / Seating AreaSomewhere to relax, have a picnic, sit and talk to your children and friends.

Exercise equipment for keeping fitOutdoor gym equipment, to allow everyone of all ages the opportunity to keep fit and healthy.

Multi surface Sports areaThis could offer all ages the opportunity to get involved in sport.Five a side football, Quick Cricket, Netball, Basketball, Tennis. Roller skating, remote control car racing, the options are endless.

Children’s Play EquipmentAdditional play equipment for the younger children.

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We have been told funding could now be available to improve the facilities in the park.

We are hoping to collect your feedback on the night to take this forward. Come along and tell us your views.

Help us achieve a Park with a view to getting something for Everybody of all Ages.

Post it notes etc. will be available for you to write down your ideas and thoughts you don’t have to speak to get your views across.

Put this date in your diary now, and come to give us your views on Sunday 13th April at 5:30pm in the Village Hall.

To be followed by the Annual Parish Assembly at 6.30pm The Annual Parish Assembly is your opportunity to raise issues regarding the parish. •

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TRAGIC ACCIDENT OVER

THE SEA OF BENWICK

On the evening of the 12th of May 1944 a full scale dress rehearsal for the forth-coming D-Day airborne drop was ending with two squadrons of United States army Air Force flying back to their base at Cottesmore.

At approximately 0341 hours two C47 aircraft from the same Troop Carrier Group; the 316th, collided

mid air. An account of the collision after describes what happened:

“The main part of the lead formation went down and under the second, but Lt Sharber left the formation and attempted to go over the second formation striking the second aircraft being commanded by the 36th Troop Carrier Squadron leader Major J Farris. Lt Sharber’s aircraft was in a steep climbing turn at the time of the collision. Both aircraft burst into flames and crashed at Benwick, Cambridgeshire all personnel on both aircraft were killed”

That was a total of 18 personnel from the USAAF and the

by Darren Bond

Example of a C47 being loaded with paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne.

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82nd Airborne. As the operation was a pre D-Day training exercise for the Troop Carrier Groups for their role on D-Day dropping the US airborne; each plane had a member of the airborne Division that they would be carrying.

I first came across this tragic story after speaking to a 82nd Airborne Division veteran who told me his platoon leader was killed in an air collision during a training exercise in the UK.

With this information and his name I went about trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

This is why I am writing to you as village members of Benwick to see if anyone can help me with any more information about this tragic and sad loss of life.

After speaking with a couple of very helpful locals historians, it seems the air crash has become a bit of a mystery with very little of informa-tion on the event.

Any information big or small will help piece the puzzle together, please contact Darren Bond at 07946437852 or by email [email protected]

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BENWICK TANG SOO-DO

by Beverley Angel

Mother and Son Lisa and Chris Beevor were the first Benwick students to attend a recent grading in Huntington. The grading lasted three hours and the pair had to demonstrate all basic Tang Soo So techniques and complete a written test translating Korean commands in to English.

The final part of the test was to kick and break a wooden board ,both students smashed the board first time.

Congratulations Lisa and Chris.Students are now working toward the next grading and hopefully a few more Benwick Students will be taking that first step towards their Black Belt.•

We are pleased to report that our 2014 Action Plan is well under way despite the very wet and windy weather. Recent work carried out in St Mary's cemetery by BiB and the Payback team has resulted in the grounds now taking shape with trees cut back and trimmed, invasive ivy at ground level and over many headstones now removed (although this will be an on going chore).

The site of the old church has been outlined and levelled out, with topsoil donated by local farmer Mr R. Few. Wild flowers will be planted and seeded to show the outlines of the original building. Flanders poppies will be planted around the perimeter of the cemetery grounds. Our theme this year is to be red white and blue to honour the WW1 centenary.

Local residents are helping by growing seeds for us not only for the cemetery but also our tubs and planters all their help is very much appreciated.

The red, white and blue theme will be continued with our tubs and plant-ers with the addition of gold for the growing for gold theme for this

BENWICK IN BLOOM

by Pat Cuthbert

years Anglia in Bloom competition. We have also installed two compost boxes in the play park in line with our Bio Diversity Programme.

If any one would like to assist our team with Spring/Summer planting or volunteering to help with watering this summer please contact us on 01354 677048 or 01345 677141.•

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Clean and Care March

Here to help you No job to small

Light and heavy housework Spring cleaning De-cluttering service Changing light bulbs Making and changing bedding Take down, wash and re hang curtains

We do so much more.

Please feel free to ask. £16.00 for two cleaners

Phone Janet and Simon

01354 278549 or 07534193437 www.cleanandcaremarch.co.uk

References and testimonials available on request.

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The Scouts and Cubs had a visit by Michelle (a puppy walker from Guide Dogs for the Blind) and Korky, her current dog who is learning to become a guide dog. Both informative and fun, especially when Korky was let off his lead to play. I’m sure the young people would have preferred it if Michelle had left him behind.

In February we had another session of rock climbing at Mepal Outdoor Centre, this time in a joint meeting with Chatteris Scouts. This was a training session leading to the award of the Climber activity badge.

Three of our older Scouts (Luca Fiore, Gemma Crofts and Caitlin Beevor) have elected to become Young Leaders. This is a formal role within Scouting in which the Young Leaders support the adult leaders by helping them run meetings and supervising the younger members.

The Scouts have been given the opportunity to take part in a week long camp in summer to Austria,

SCOUT GROUP NEWS

by Rod Glen

courtesy of Ely Scouts. They have booked indoor accommodation and a camping site at Zellhof Scout Centre, about 10 miles north of Salzburg. Three have been accepted to take part in the expedition, Chris Beevor, Caitlin Beevor and Luca Fiore. This will be a wonderful opportunity to experience a range of exciting activities in a stunning environment.

Beaver NewsThe Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue volunteer group came to visit us. They gave us a talk about what they do, then had the Scouts & Cubs take part in a range of activities, radio communications, a play in the emergency response vehicle, stretcher work, search pat-terns etc.

On 14th February the Beavers had a visit to Activity World along with other Beaver colonies from Fenland. A great time was had by everyone.

Looking ahead, planning has started for a repeat of the County Beavers’ tea party at Duxford Imperial War Museum. This will be taking place in the autumn.

Group NewsI would like to welcome to the Group Edward Pembury as Scout Leader.

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He joins us from 2nd March and will help us drive the Scout Troop forward to do even more. Also, Hannah Compton is joining us as a Cub Leader.

As we now have 6 cubs, having a dedicated Cub leader means we will be returning to separate meetings for the Cubs on Monday evenings. However we still need additional help for Hannah. You can really make a difference for the young people in the village by volunteering to help us run the group.

Currently, there is no active Explorer unit in the area. This means there is

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little provision for 15 to 18 year olds to do more adventurous activities that Scouting can provide. Young people who reach the upper age limit either have to travel to March or leave Scouting entirely.

We have permission to set an Explorer unit up, if we can find adults to run it.

In addition to organising the activities you get to take part! So you get out of it as much fun as you want to arrange. If you would like to make a real contribution to village life by volunteering for this role, please do get in touch with me. •

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Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

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by Stephen Barclay

NEWS FROM OUR MP

I am supporting the Parish Council in ensuring that money owed under Section 106 agreements is paid over for use in the village. The Parish Council tell me that it is owed money in relation to developments on White Hart Drive and Heron Way, amongst others. I am pleased that following my intervention Graham Nourse, head of the Council’s Planning Department, has asked the Section 106 Team to look into these issues. I look forward to updating residents on developments as and when they are available.

Another funding issue raised with me is the decision to phase out the Concurrent Functions Grant by the District Council. I am working with those villages impacted by this change to see whether a positive solution can be found.

Better transport links are vital for the prosperity of our area. I recently met with the Secretary of State for Transport to push for better trans-port links for our region, making the case for electrification of the rail across Cambridgeshire, an hourly service on the Ipswich to

Peterborough line, and reconnecting Wisbech to the rail network. I am also working with the A47 Alliance to make the case for dualling this route and welcome the news that the A14 improvements will go ahead without any road tolls.

I continue to campaign for value for public money, unearthing details of huge payoffs for NHS bosses – some of whom never actually left the NHS – which was a front page lead in The Times. I also recently met with the Secretary of State for Health to highlight the unfair allocation of GP funding.

To find out more about my work in Parliament and campaigns locally, or to let me know your views, please visit my website at www.stevebarclay.net.•

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Fenland Association for Community Transport (FACT), offer two services which complement the bus service. The key differences between the Dial-a-Car and the Dial-a-Ride are that the Dial-a-Car is a chargeable service used mainly for appointments, whereas the Dial-a-Ride is daily transport, free with your Bus Pass to shopping destinations, allowing everybody their independence of getting out and about.

The Dial-a-Car service is mainly used for those needing to attend appointments at specific times. This is a chargeable service, based on mileage, with a fully trained driver and with affordability in mind. The driver will pick the member up from their house, take them to their appointment, wait and then return them home once they are finished.

The Dial-a-Ride is a five day a week service, providing door to door transport for members. The dial-a-ride service picks users from Benwick up at 9:30 and returns at 2pm. Members who have a Cambs bus pass travel for free, whilst for other users a journey is £5.00.

KNOW YOUR

FACT

The service travels to Peterborough Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Wisbech or Kings Lynn on Tuesdays and on Thursdays to March.

To use the FACT bus you need to be a member. Membership is £10 per year provided you meet the criteria which are either living in an area with unreliable transport, or us-ers who find it hard to access other buses/bus stop is too far for them to travel.

All FACT buses are fully accessible and users who need wheelchair access, can sit comfortably in their wheelchairs whilst travelling. To join FACT or to find out more contact them on 661 234 or at www.fact-cambs.co.uk. •

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BENWICK RESIDENTS

ASSOCIATIONby Lyn Keppel-Spoor

Sadly Pat has decided to retire from the Residents Association due to other commitments, but we are de-termined to continue putting on the Dickensian Market for the Village. We would like to thank Pat for all her work over the past years and hope she enjoys the time to pursue her other interests.

This Year’s Market will be taking place on the Saturday 15th November if you would like to have a stall at this year’s Market or you know someone who may be interested please contact Lyn on 677494 or email her on [email protected]

We would like to thank everyone who has donated their unwanted presents and remind everyone that we would be grateful to receive unwanted gifts etc. to use as raffle prizes which helps fund the market. We will endeavour to do additional fundraising though out the year in order to make the Market a success. We hope you enjoy this Annual event and will support us again at this year’s Market. •

ZOE JOLLEY

D.Pod.M M.Ch.S

HPC Registered

PODIATRIST/CHIROPODIST

ELITE FOOT CLINIC 10 ELWYN ROAD

MARCH

also Home visits by arrangement

Providing treatment for

In Growing Toenails Corn and Callous Fungal Infection Cracked Heels Verrucae

For an appointment ring

01354 740371 or 07789 772033

DODDINGTON PATIENT

PARTICIPATION GROUP

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent patient survey. A summary of the findings can be view at the Surgery. Some responses made it clear there are certain facts that are not as widely known as we would hope, so I thought I would take the opportu-nity to share some of this information.

Firstly, you can book appointments online, just ask at reception for a

by Jill Tuck

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password. You will need to produce ID for every patient requesting a password, including children.

You can make same day appoint-ments by phone from 8am, and pre-bookable appointments are available 3 months in advance.

Each patient is allocated a 10 minute consultation with a Doctor but if you feel you need longer please ask the Receptionist if this would be possible. If you need to talk to a doctor but don’t need a face to face consultation, you can ask the receptionist to arrange for a doctor to phone you.

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered, online, by putting your repeat slip in the box in Reception or by phon-ing the surgery between 11 am and 2.30 pm.

New Services now available at the surgery including Anticoagulation clinics provided by specially trained staff . Hearing Clinics, Sleep Apnoea monitoring working in partnership with Papworth Hospital.

All registered patients at the surgery are automatically members of the Patient Participation group and are very welcome to attend the meetings. •

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BENWICK VILLAGE

SPORTS

We gathered at the Village Hall on Sunday 2nd February for the AGM of the Village Sports Committee with a mixture of emotions, hope for new faces, frustration at the previous difficulties with engagement with the community and concern that we might have to finally end the annual Village Sports Day.

We were joined by some new faces from Benwick Neighbourhood Watch (Hurrah!) but only a few (Oh dear!) but held a frank and constructive meeting about the way forward.

We have decided that, financially, we can certainly undertake this year’s event, and are hoping that more secure funding may be available to make this more certain in the future.

But we need YOU because we need willing volunteers to help us run the event. The Committee as it stands at present consists of FOUR people, Stewart Lacey, Sue Moloney, Mary Tyler and myself, with Howard Langford and Emily Shepperson

by Mark Tyler

being co-opted to the committee.Looking forwards, the Village Sports Day will be on Saturday June 28th on the School Playing Field, with the usual fun and games to keep the whole family entertained.

We will be having a planning meet-ing on Sunday 11th May, 7.30 pm at 2B High Street and all interested, willing volunteers are very welcome to attend to help us plan for the event. Before that we need you to support the Murder Mystery Night being held on Saturday March 29th – as this event will be raising some funds for the event.

Anyone who is interested but not sure whether to volunteer or not should email me on [email protected] or message me through the Benwick Village Sports Day Facebook page.

If in doubt remember, without your help this may be the last ever Village Sports Day – ending a village tradition that has been running for about 60 years (no, we don’t know when the first one was and we’d love someone to be able to tell us!) when prize-money was saved for spending at the following Benwick Feast.

Please don’t let this tradition die out! •

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At our January meeting Anne Fisher was re-elected as treasurer. Linda Tomkins stepped down as secretary and was replaced by Brenda Richards. Fees were collected and then arrangements were made for those wishing to go out for a meal in February.

Eighteen of us enjoyed both the meal at Cobblestones in March and the opportunity to catch up on the latest gossip.

The next meeting will be Monday 17th when we will have a talk on the History and Establishment of Fenland Radio.

On April 28th we hope to visit Wistow Woods and enjoy the smells and sights of all the hundreds of bluebells before finishing the evening with a drink in Warboys. Please note this is the 4th Monday of the month because of the Easter holiday.

For further information about our meetings you can check the Village Hall Noticeboard. •

BENWICK LADIES CLUBby Brenda Richards

Everyone is welcome to come along to the Easter Fun Quiz, on 11th April 2014, at Doddington Hospital Recreation Hall, doors open at 7pm for a 730pm start, raising money for the Friends of Doddington Hospi-tal Benwick and Chatteris Branch. Teams of 4 or more, £2 per person, plus great raffle prizes to be won. Contact me on 01354677341 for tickets. In the last year the Group has purchased a folding mirror therapy box helping treat chronic and phantom limb pain for the Physiotherapy Department, an education essentials traffic jam table for children visiting the Minor Injuries Unit, and 5 heart rate monitors for the Cardiac Rehabilitiation Service.

All these have been purchased through local fundraising events and are used to support local ser-vices so please come along and help raise funds for your local hospital. Volunteers are always needed to help out at fundraising events.•

FRIENDS OF DODDINGTON

HOSPITALby Ruth Ashman

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FORGET-ME-NOTSby Janet Fountain

The first meeting of the year was held on Thursday, 6th February.

The treasurer presented the annual balance sheet and pleased to say the club is in a healthy financial position. Ideas and suggestions were taken for speakers and outings.

Ian Weller from the NHS was the speaker for the evening. He told us about older peoples services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

After tea and biscuits were served several members had a game of curling and others tried their hand at “Ping Pong”, a casual game of table tennis. The set had been sent to the club by the Ping Pong Care Campaign. It is to promote gentle exercise and coordination for the elderly besides encouraging social fun. Their motto “Never too old for Gold”. For the meeting on 6th March Marie Carden, who is disabled is bringing along her dog “Blue” to demonstrate how helpful he is. He has been trained by the charity “Dogs for the Disabled”. The competition is for

any item beginning with the letter U.

On 3rd April Angela Wyatt is bringing her collection of Victorian clothes to entertain us and the competition any item beginning with the letter V. The first outing this year is on Fri-day, 25th April to an afternoon Mu-sic Hall Show, and Ten Pin Bowling has been arranged for Wednesday, 21st May.

Members old and new and visitors always welcome. Over 55 and need more info please call Janet on 677228. •

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Please call 07962444168 for further information

Or visit www.gillturton.co.uk

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Doddington Court is a new attractive, purpose-built development for those aged 60 and over

Doddington Court

Designed to enable you to live independently in your own

home with care and support available if you need it.

The development has a choice of one and two bedroom apartments available on a rental basis (social housing).

Sanctuary Home Care Limited, an exempt charity, is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charityPlease note that images are representative

For more information, please call 01354 742957www.sanctuary-homecare.co.uk | [email protected]

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PCSO REPORT

by Sally Mitchell

A few matters had to be dealt with in January. A driver was travelling home and attempted to overtake another vehicle. It is alleged that the driver of the other vehicle then manoeuvred to stop this happening and the first driver followed the second into Benwick where he entered a property. The drivers argued and the second allegedly punched the first.

Officers attended the bus shelter and spoke with three youths who were climbing upon the roof.

There was also a report of a quad bike being ridden with a small child; the parent was visited and dealt with.

Speedwatch was carried out on Doddington Road in January where 26 vehicles were logged with no offenders.

No crimes were recorded in February. There was a report of a foreign registered vehicle parked up on the concrete area Doddington Road next to Alpha Close- the driver was seen to urinate up against the

side of the lorry. Due to high calls for service there were no officers available to deal.

The New Horizon Bus will be at these locations for the public to talk to their council representatives and the police in the run up to the next Rural Forum In April. The public will be encouraged to complete community questionnaires which will go forward to the forum day and help to set the next Rural priorities in April.

You are also invited to the Rural Forum which will be held on Monday 7th April 2014 in Benwick Village Hall between 7-7.30pm.•

Ben SealyBRICKWORK &GROUNDWORKS

Tel: 01354 692459Mobile: 07809 [email protected]

New BuildsExtensionsPatiosDrivewaysGarden WallsDrainage

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Caldecott Fostering Limited 01354 742 903 01303 815 648 Offices; Cambridgeshire and Kent Registered Manager: Joan Manze

Caldecott Fostering Limited

Caldecott offer a high quality package to carers which we feel reflects the important work that they do, this includes the following: Up to £450 per week per child Two weeks Paid Respite per year Holiday Allowance 24 hour support Regular training to Diploma level Designated Psychologist for the fostering service

Caldecott Fostering are pleased to announce that we are now recruiting in your area. We are part of the Caldecott Foundation, an organisation with 100 years of experience helping the most vulnerable children in the UK. The Caldecott Fostering Service has a huge amount of resources to call upon and we believe that this make us unique in the sector. If you have a spare bedroom, time and energy and desire to make a difference please contact us.

Our team consists of Administrators, experienced

Social Workers & a Psychologist.

Our enthusiastic team look forward to hearing from you, in the first instance please contact Charmaine Hughes on 01354 742 903 or 01303 815 648 [email protected]

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Although it has been a short half term the last six weeks have been really busy and the children have been working really hard.

The school choir have been practising hard for their upcoming visit to the Voice in a Million concert at Wembley Arena on March 12th. The excitement is building and we wish them every success with their performances.

We have celebrated Everybody Writes Day by learning stories and texts within the classes and per-forming them to one another. The children have pro-duced some fantastic writing this term as a result of this work.

The school library is in the process of being moved into the old ICT suite, one of our governors has helped to strip out the old ICT suite furniture and the room is now ready for a makeover. The new library will be bigger and will enable us to provide a reference section for the children to use and enjoy.

Next half term is looking just as busy! Parents’ evenings will take

BENWICK SCHOOL

by Jackie North

place at the beginning of March and we are already looking forward to welcoming mums to school on Tuesday 18th March.

We also have duck eggs coming to school the week beginning Monday 10th March so that the children can watch the ducklings hatch and begin to look after them.

In addition to performing at the Voice in A Million concert the school choir will also be representing the school at the Schools Make Music Concert at Cromwell Community College. The theme for this year is WW1 in order to mark the centenary year. •

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BENWICK VILLAGE HALL presents

St. Georges Day Supper26th April 2014

7pm for 7:30pm

Beef Stew with DumplingsChoice of Deserts

please bring your own cutlery

ENTERTAINMENT

RAFFLE

GAMES

Please advise one of our Trustees if you would like to

attend:

Marie 677204Jess 672692

Patricia 677279

£10 per head

BENWICK VILLAGE HALL presents

TOMBOLAFriday 11th April

Doors Open at 7pm, Eyes Down 7:30pm

£20 Flyer for House£10 for Line

GOOD PRIZES

RAFFLE

TEA & COFFEE

CHILDREN WELCOME

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Do you want to pay more Council Tax?

On the 23rd January the Cabinet of Fenland District Council, decided to phase out ‘Concurrent Functions’ funding over the next two years!

This grant funding is a sum paid to Parish Councils across the District, to deliver services locally on behalf of FDC (in effect the PC is acting as a sub-contractor to FDC). In Benwick’s case these services include; the provision, maintenance and energy for Street Lights; maintenance of the Cemetery and War Memorial, as well as Insurance for the Playpark.

Financially, this additional grant equates to 28% of Benwick Parish Councils total income.

The Parish Council were not consulted on this matter by FDC and when we found out it was to be proposed, lobbied the Cabinet members, attended the meeting and raised our concerns.

Unfortunately our views were overridden and the motion passed

CONCURRENT FUNCTIONS

by Cllr Tony Richardson

unanimously by the District Councillors.

The suggestion from the Cabinet of FDC, is that we either raise our Precept to pay for these services or fund them from reserves. In either case, this would mean you would have to pay for them twice (as you already pay for them through the current Council Tax charges levied by FDC).

We are not the only Parish affected; we have already received full support from, Doddington, Wimblington, Christchurch, Parsons Drove and Leverington, as well as our MP Steve Barclay.

In addition, we have lodged a ‘For-mal Complaint’ with the Monitoring Officer of FDC and asked for the matter to be referred to the ‘Over-view and Scrutiny Panel’.

Doddington have already raised their precept by 38% to compensate for this decision and others are suggesting even greater increases (up to 100%).

In the case of Benwick P.C., whilst we have absorbed this loss of in-come in our budget for 2014/15, we would also have to raise our Precept by 38% in the future, just to maintain income levels similar to 2013/14, >

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in order to continue to deliver these services.

We will be working with the other Parishes affected to; challenge the decision, lobby ministers, raise press interest, create petitions and possibly even organise demonstrations.

So are YOU prepared to support Benwick Parish Council in fighting this Decision?

If so please contact the Parish Clerk, Jacquie Richardson to register your support.•

Do we always play by The Rules?I am sure we all like to think that we do but perhaps if we are honest about it we may have a tendency to pick and choose to suit ourselves.

A friend of mine was caught by a speed trap when leaving their village running a bit late and doing 38 miles an hour. They must have been distracted because they got caught again on the way back in! Of course we all know we need to >

‘RITINGS FROM THE RECTORY

by Rev Kevin Fitzgibbon

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out a football pitch for the upcoming World Cup it will be FIFA (in case you get the job it needs to be 100-120 yards by 70-80 yards with a circle in the middle with a 10 yard radius etc.).

But what about Life in General, how should we live a successful Human Life? Perhaps we should ask the Maker, those responsible for making things usually give instructions about how they are supposed to function. Christians believe that The Maker is God and he has given an instruction manual for life in all its fullness, it is called The Bible. In The Bible there are some summary passages a bit like the quick start guide. One such passage is called The Ten Commandments and many of our laws and ideas of morality are based upon them.

Like I said at the start we sometimes view these a bit like an exam paper: Pick any five from ten and don’t bother with the rest. In our increasingly complex and confusing lives we, in your Parish Churches, are going to spend time over the next few months looking in depth at the Ten Commandments and what they mean, to help us make sense of life today and to re-set our moral compass so that we can journey well through life.•

drive safely especially so in residen-tial areas.

Or what about the Premier League defender who seeing the other teams super star about to score deliberately bringing them down with a dangerous tackle and in the process giving away a penalty and getting sent off, but maybe risking causing a serious injury to another footballer whose career and wellbeing may well be compromised. We would probably agree with the Referee in this case but what about when they disallow a goal scored by our favourite team?

We know we need rules so that we can live together sensibly we all need order rather than the chaos that would ensue if we all just did what we like. In driving, playing football, financial dealings, property ownership, privacy, taxation, education and even in personal relationships we have rules to keep order and when we break the rules there are consequences and sometimes punishments.

We can see that we need to have rules but who is responsible for deciding what they are? Well it will vary depending on what the situation is, often it’s the Government, maybe it’s the Euro-pean Union or if you want to mark

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Workshop at : 5 Century Way, March, PE15 0HR

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Benwick Parish Council

Clerk: Jacquie Richardson677 856 [email protected]

Benwick Village Hall

Patricia Tickner 677279 [email protected]

Benwick Residents AssociationLyn Keppel-Spoor 677494 [email protected]

Benwick in Bloom

Jill Hindle [email protected]

Benwick Scout Group Rod Glen 677799 www.1stbenwickscouts.co.uk The Forget-Me-Nots Janet Fountain 677228

Benwick Tang Soo DoBeverley Angel 672804

Benwick Butterflies Preschool Children’s Centre, High Street 677733Jenny Fell: [email protected]

Toddler Group Kirsty Thompson 07818 509 027

Benwick Fantasy Club

Philip & Robert Taylor 677763 Friends of Benwick Church

Albert Sismey 677238 John Hoffman 677878

Friends of Benwick School

Jessica Wood 672972 [email protected] Benwick Ladies ClubBrenda Richards 677480 3 High Street

www.lilyholtroad.co.uk www.benwickbugle.co.uk

VILLAGE CONTACTS

Details need updating? Let me know:

[email protected]

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K & T Motor Repairs (est 1992)30, Cambridge Row, Benwick, March, Cambs. PE15 OXF

Tel : 01354 677239 or 07747 604618

Servicing and repairs all makes and models,petrol or diesel .

Engine , Gearbox , Alternators etc.Timing beltsMOT’sWeldingExhausts , Batteries , TyresBrakes , Clutches , suspensionEngine Management Diagnostics (computer diagnostic equip, all makes)Auto ElectricsService indicator resetting & Fault Code Reading (all makes)Air conditioningHomestart

Very competitive rates

All classic and vintage vehicle mechanical repairs and rebuilds

Cars, Light Commercial, Motorhomes, Motorcycles,Lawnmowers, Rotovators, Generators, etc.

Is your engine management lamp on in the instrument panel??Have your vehicle computer checked for fault codes only £25

K. Howlett. AMIMI. AMIRTE. LCG. 30 yrs trade exp

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Marwick Road • March • Cambridgeshire PE15 8PHFax: 01354 657440 • [email protected]

FREE Fitting tRadElink

PVC-u windows, dooRs & ConsERVatoRiEs

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Buy diRECt FRoM wHolEsalE ManuFaCtuRERs

t: 01354 657650www.tradelink.co.uk

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