Grafham Gossip - Amazon Web Services May 13.pdfPARISH NEWS April 2019 The April meeting of the Council was a busy one with several important issues to discuss and decide upon. Of particular

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 1 Issue 169

Grafham Gossip Issue 170 Deadline: Midnight Thursday 16th May

Editors’ note… There are many events and activities going on in Grafham and the locality during May. You will find them listed throughout this issue, so as you read make sure to make a note of any that interest you in case you forget about them! Also, have a look on page 15, where you’ll find a list of events taking place in Huntingdon throughout May.

Remember to sponsor our shop managers in the Lions Sponsored Walk around Grafham Water on 12th May. More details can be found in Talking Shop on page 5 and in the Lions notice on page 12 (which also includes details of a Car Show at Mar-low Car Park.) Have you looked in the churchyard lately? To find details of what‘s been happening, read Jill’s progress report on page 7 and admire the lovely photographs provided by Pat Doody. Need your sprits raising? David Cudby’s piece on bees should do the trick; read all about it on page 11. Do you enjoy playing board games? See the notice on page 12 to find out about ‘Board Game Fun.’ Rob-ert is trialling a new club on Wednesday 15th May

meeting at our village pub, The Grafham Trout. Fancy a ‘Spectacular Christmas Show?’ Ask Tina about the trip to Thursford on page 10. Don’t miss the new opening hours for the pub which you can find on page 8. We have two bank holiday Mondays in May, when the shop will be open ‘Sunday hours.’ Check the shop opening hours on page 6.

Please send in your news, views, photos and gos-sip in good time for the June deadline, midnight on Thursday 16th May and please note that because of the late May Bank Holiday, your paper copy of the Grafham Gossip may be delivered after the 1st of June. It will be available the village website www.grafham.org.uk at the end of May.

Have fun this month!

Editors, [email protected]

Contents Church Services/Flower Festival..………...….….……….…

Parish News/Parish and County Cllrs details...…………….……

Notices/Village Hall Activities.…………………………………..…

Talking Shop/Silent 999 calls - dial 55, Cambs Police………..

Notices/Shop hours/Bin Collections/Useful Phone Nos…....…....

Progress and Plans for our Churchyard, Jill Tyack………….……

Adverts/Notices/New Opening Hours for Pub...…..…………...

Lions Safari Walk 40th Anniversary………...……………...…..…

Looking for the living among the dead, Mike…….……………….....

A 14 Updates/St Neots disorder Appeal, Cambs Police……..

Adverts/Notices- Oil Syndicate/Spring Walks/Thursford Trip....

Ellington Holistic Drop-In/Springtime Thanksgiving, David C.….

Adverts / Notices/ Board Game Fun...……….………………...

May Day & Morris Men, Wikipedia/Strength & balance classes..

Adverts……………………………………….………...……………

Events in Huntingdon during May………..…………………..…

Local Activities / Babysitters………...………………………..……

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Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 2 Issue 169

Have you seen… Have you seen the beautiful banner that

is now hanging in Grafham Church?

It is one of three appliques showing the

‘Tree of Life’, that have been made by Jill

Tyack to celebrate the joining of the three

villages into one church community.

Thank you Jill!

Grafham All Saints Services

Every Wednesday morning 09.00 - 09.30 Morning Prayer – a short service open to all. Download the Daily Prayer app from the Church of England website available for iOS and Android to join us in spirit

from home if you wish, but preferably please come along to the service

28th April (4th Sunday) 19.00 Taizé service with music and candles --------------------------------------------------------------

5th May (1st Sunday) 10.30 Family Service - Lay led

9th May (Thursday) 10.00 Holy Communion

26th May (4th Sunday) 19.00 Taizé service with music and candles -------------------------------------------------------------

2nd June (1st Sunday) 10.30 Family Service - Lay led

9th June (2nd day of Flower Festival) 16.00 Songs of Praise following end of Flower Festival

Future mid week Holy Communion services are on Thursdays: 20th June and 18th July at 10.00

On Fourth Sundays, an ‘All Together’ Holy Communion Service rotates between the three churches

For more information on church services and other events, visit www.eastleightonstone.com and click on Calendar

Contacting the Clergy Revd Jason Taylor (Rector) Rectory, 15 Church Rd, Brampton PE28 4PF [email protected] 07807 118070

Revd Mike Bigg (Curate) [email protected] 07380 809377

The theme for this year is hobbies We would love to hear from anyone who would like to join in. If you have never arranged flowers but would like to have a go then please get in touch. We are a friendly bunch and will happily give you any help you need.

Please contact Jill Tyack:

01480 810157 or [email protected]

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 3 Issue 169

Deadline for the June issue Please send us all your adverts, notices, news, views and gossip to

[email protected] ASAP and definitely by

Midnight on Thursday 16th May.

It may not be delivered to everyone before the beginning of June as the bank

holiday falls right at the end of the month but we shall do our best! Ed

Grafham’s County Councillor Grafham’s District Councillor

Peter Downes

07765 833486

peter.downes@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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

PARISH NEWS April 2019

The April meeting of the Council was a busy

one with several important issues to discuss

and decide upon.

Of particular interest to us all is the news

that the A14 Integrated Delivery Team has created

what they are calling a Legacy Fund to assist the vil-

lages most affected by the A14 programme. Grafham

Parish Council has been invited to submit a short list of

prioritised projects that would most help the local com-

munity, up to a total value of around £36,000. This

funding is in addition to the existing Community Fund

and the designated fund for Non-Motorway User

routes. The A14 Team have suggested an obvious

candidate would be for addressing traffic related is-

sues, but they would also welcome anything we con-

sider appropriate. It was agreed to submit the failed

Local Highways Initiative bid for traffic and speed con-

trols through the village.

You are invited to send your ideas to the Parish Clerk

at [email protected] as soon as possible. The PC

will review the options at its meeting on the 14th May

which is also the Annual Parish Assembly, so you will

be able to present your ideas in person to the Council

if you so wish. The Council is required to make its

submission to the A14 Team by the end of May.

Martin Joyner attended the meeting to update the

Council on information he has received concerning the

provision of off-street electric vehicle charging points in

the village. The Parish Council does not have to make

a commitment on any costs involved and can progress

the project without firm commitment up to the point

where any payment is required. Martin can provide

further details about the project.

Martin is also following up the possibility of providing

solar panels for the Village Hall, the Community Shop

and the Grafham Trout. The Rural Community Energy

Fund expects to launch in June. There is likely to be a

maximum stage 1 grant of £40k. Both of the above

issues will be discussed again at the next meeting –

the APM on 14th May, so please come along to ex-

press your views or ask questions.

It is good to see that the wibbly-wobbly is open again,

and that the opportunity to cut back verges was taken

during the period of its closure.

The goal nets on the all-weather facility are to be re-

secured, but, following a wider survey of users of the

football areas, it was agreed that there is no need to

add specific football pitch lines.

The Council formally agreed to the development of a

patio area outside the Grafham Trout.

Owing to the unavailability of three councillors for this

meeting, several issues were deferred for discussion

at the next meeting.

We are still one down on the Council. Please let the

Clerk know if you are at all interested in joining the

team.

The next meeting is the Annual Parish Assembly and

will be held on Tuesday 14th May in the village hall at

7.30pm.

Margaret Life, Parish Clerk

07780 119311 [email protected]

Grafham Parish Council You may contact your parish councillors through the parish clerk or directly.

Philip Allingham Chairman 01480 811516 [email protected] David Russell [email protected]

Ian Gardener Vice Chair 01480 812821 [email protected] Roy Harold [email protected]

Alastair Watson [email protected] Jo Dunn [email protected]

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 4 Issue 169

Deadline Please send us all your adverts, notices,

news, views and gossip ASAP and definitely by midnight on

Thursday 16th May for the June issue

Thanks, Ed [email protected]

Grafham Village Hall

Activities & Classes 2018

Mondays Line Dancing 7.30pm

Tuesdays Pilates 9.45am

Art Club 1.30pm

Wednesdays Little Fishes (pre-school children)

10.00am

Yoga 6.15 - 7.15pm

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 16

Playtimes Pre-school Ferriman Road, Spaldwick PE28 0TQ

Tel: 01480 890077 www.playtimesplaygroup.co.uk

We offer: Breakfast club 8am - 9am

Preschool 9am- 3pm

Out of school club 3.30pm - 6pm

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!

No x

Hardbacks x

Manuals x

Magazines x

Encyclopaedias x

Other items x

Yes

Parish of

East Leightonstone To join the mailing list and receive

the regular newsletter visit

http://www.eastleightonstone.com and click News

Wildlife Trust Bluebell

Walks will take place

in Brampton Wood on

Sundays 28th April at

10.30am and 5th May at 2.30pm. Find details

on page 12.

The Waresley Wood Guided Walk is on Satur-

day 8th June at 10.30am. There will be more

information in next month’s issue.

Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire Northamptonshire

Huntingdonshire Local Group

RAF Rotors Book I have a few print over-runs of a book I wrote and published back in 1996.

I am aware that the local Grafham shop is always looking for ways to raise a bit of money so I have donated some of these books to be sold as seen fit.

The cover price is £9:95, but donations (no less than a pound) will be accepted.

All the money raised is to be donated to the shop.

Raymond G. Bedford

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 5 Issue 169

Send your news, views, photos

and gossip to

[email protected]

Silent 999 calls - dial 55 Dialling 55 after dialling 999 alerts

police operators that you are in need

of assistance but cannot talk.

There are many different

reasons why people need

to call the police. In some

situations the caller may

not be able to speak in

order to protect their

safety.

When you dial 999 anywhere in the UK

your call is answered by telephone op-

erators, who will then direct your call to

the most appropriate emergency ser-

vice.

Most people will be surprised to know

just how many accidental 999 calls are

answered by operators in the UK every

single day. Police operators try to distin-

guish if the call is genuine or what is

commonly known as a ‘pocket dial’ by

answering a series of questions. If there

are slight noises such as breathing that

lead the operator to think someone is in

fact on the other end of the line and

cannot talk, the call taker will ask the

individual to dial 55 to make it clear they

cannot talk.

Dialling 55 will then send the call

through to the police, who can try to

locate the caller and send out assis-

tance if it is believed the call is an emer-

gency.

The force’s demand hub call agents are

very skilled in seeking information from

callers who may not be in a position to

communicate effectively. Tactics such

as tapping the handset or asking

‘closed’ questions that only require yes

or no answers are used.

It is important to note the force does

not automatically have details of the

caller’s location so cannot send auto-

matic assistance, particularly if the caller

is using a mobile phone. For more infor-

mation on the service and how it

works, click here.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or

speech-impaired, you can contact the

emergency services by texting 999.

Register your phone and read more

here; https://actionfordeafness.org.uk/

pages/emergency-services

Turn to page 9 for another police re-

port, ‘St Neots Disorder Appeal.’

Talking Shop Well Spring looks like it is really here and Grafham is seeing the

usual influx of visitors.

This year we have had some

Grafham postcards printed,

they have been selling well,

appealing both to villag-

ers and visitors. (Thanks

to Steve Pearce and

Lynn Sharpe who sup-

plied the photos.)

So, given that we are now seeing the sun it must be time for an ice

-cream or a cold drink!

Remember that the shop

stocks a range of Walls

ice creams. Who can

resist a Magnum?

During last month sales of Grafham’s beer, “Hodders Panama,”

were so good that we sold out! Now the beer is back in stock. If

you have not tried it yet, come and buy a bottle and find out why it

has been so popular.

Our managers are yet again undertaking the “Lions” sponsored

walk round Grafham Water on the 12th May. Proceeds will go 10%

to the Lions, 45% to Magpas, air ambulance and 45% to the shop.

If you would like to sponsor Lynn and Paul sponsor sheets are in

the shop.

May sees two bank holidays – please note that the shop is open

“Sunday Hours” on bank holidays and will close at 2.00pm.

We are always looking for new volunteers to help in the shop or

join the management committee. It is a really good way of meeting

new people. Volunteer hours are flexible and can fit any time you

might have free.

Martin Joyner, Chair of Shop Committee

Opening Times

Mon-Fri 8.00 - 6.30

Sat 8.00 - 5.00

Sun 9.00 - 2.00

Bank Holidays 9.00 - 2.00

01480 810119 [email protected] www.grafhamvillageshop.co.uk

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 6 Issue 169

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 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

To stop unwanted phone calls 08450 700707

To stop unwanted mail 08457 034599

Power cut Call 105 or 0800 31 63 105 or text POWER and your postcode to 80876

Power cut? Text POWER and your postcode to 80876

ukpowernetworks.co.uk/liveupdates

Call us free anytime on 105 or

0800 31 63 105

Mon-Fri 8.00 - 6.30

Sat 8.00 - 5.00

Sun 9.00 - 2.00

Bank Holidays 9.00 - 2.00

Grafham Community Shop Opening Times

Tel: 01480 810119

Email: [email protected]

www.grafhamvillageshop.co.uk

See page 5 for shop news

in ‘Talking Shop’

Has the bin man bin Mam?”

If you require any further advice or information about waste and recycling services, call 01480 388640 between 8.45am and 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am and 4.30pm on Fridays or visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/bins

Wednesdays Blue bin (recycling) and Black bin (refuse) - alternate weeks

Every other Thursday - Green bin (garden waste)

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 7 Issue 169

Send your news, views, photos and gossip to

[email protected]

Progress and Plans for our Churchyard In my forays litter picking along the Perry Road (dubbed by me MacDonaldsmile leading to KFCorner,) I have

noticed that although the verges are green and verdant and a welcome sight after the winter colour, the leafi-

ness is altogether more boring than it used to be. I was lucky enough to have a father who knew the names of all

things natural, whether it be trees, birds, flowers or star constellations and he gave me an enduring love of the

plant world. Even the names make me nostalgic - fumitory, resthar-

row, coltsfoot, hemp agrimony, rayless mayweed. I mourn the loss of

this tapestry of colour, scent and intricacy that I see no more. In

Grafham churchyard we are fighting back! Following on from our visit

from Pat Doody, whose name you will no

doubt have noticed in the April Grafham

Gossip (and also in this one,) we are turning the fringes of our churchyard into something more diverse than

grass.

A wildflower meadow needs managing and it will take time to eradicate common grasses in favour of our wild

flower species, but the journey will be an exciting one. To date we have cleared the site of thugs like ivy and

bramble, which have a habit of taking over. You will see that areas have been demarcated by fetching black and

yellow tape which will come down as the contrast

between mown and unmown becomes apparent.

We have planted violets, foxgloves, ox-eye dai-

sies, snakes head fritillaries and bluebells. We have

dug away an area of grass, as suggested by Pat

Doody, to see what flowers may grow in its stead.

We will let the meadow grow naturally (no insecti-

cides or herbicides here!) and cut it once a year af-

ter the seed has fallen. We look forward over time

to seeing not only a re-creation of a host of our na-

tive wild flowers but a feeding ground for insects and

butterflies and hopefully a feast for the Grafham

bees.

Jill Tyack

Photographs by Dr Pat Doody

The next meeting of the Churchyard Maintenance Group is provisionally planned for Saturday 1st June. This will be

confirmed in the June issue of the Grafham Gossip. Do come along to help out, enjoy the chat and the delicious

refreshments. To find out more, email Jean Baty at [email protected]

Tussilago fafara Coltsfoot

Fritillaria meleagris Fritillary

Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 8 Issue 169

20

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.

Help!

We are very

short of volunteer tea/coffee

makers for our Little Fishes

Stay + Play Tots Group,

which meets on Wednesday

mornings in the village hall.

If you can spare an hour,

now and then, we would be

most grateful for your help!

Please contact

Hazel 810326

or email:

[email protected]

Huntingdon Grafham Water

Lions Club Safari 2019 Sunday 12th May

40th Anniversary of Lions Safari Walk

Since 1979 Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club have held their Annual Safari Walk, a sponsored walk around Grafham Water. This year, we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the event.

In the past, the walk has raised over £200,000, benefitting many local charities and worthy causes. This year we are hoping to raise interest from local charities, clubs and individ-uals, wishing to raise money for their own worthy cause. Walkers retain 90% of the money raised for their cause, and 10% is donated to the Lions Club. The Lions deal with all the organisation required for a successful day. All that partici-pants need do is to obtain sponsorship, do the walk and col-lect the money.

Alongside the walk this year we will be holding a Car Show giving enthusiasts the opportunity to show off their cherished vehicle at Marlow Car Park Grafham Water.

Everyone taking part can be assured that every penny they raise for the Lions will go to the Appeal, as costs for the day are covered by the Lions other fundraising or sponsorship. If you wish to help with costs of the event you can become one of our sponsors and receive a mention in the event pro-gramme.

Any clubs or individuals interested in taking part, either for their own cause or The Lions project, or to help sponsor the event, please contact:

Lion Bernard Dable 01480 810704 or

[email protected]

Lions Clubs work together to help others in their local and global community and further information about the organisa-tion can be found at www.lionsclubs.co

Opening Times Mon - Closed

Tues - Closed

Wed - Closed

Thurs - 18:00 - 22:00

Fri - 18:00 - 23:00

Sat - 13:00 - 23:00

Sun - 13:00 - 19:00

Open longer for special occasions

Dogs welcome

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

May 2019 9 Issue 169

Wednesday 17th will be the last night closure of next

week. Works will be paused for the Easter Bank

Holiday and we will return Tuesday 23rd

April.

Details of the planned road closures, diversions and

latest news can be found on the Highways England

website by clicking here or type

www.highwaysengland.co.uk/A14C2H into your

search engine,

or stay updated by following: https://twitter.com/

a14c2h and https://en-gb.facebook.com/A14C2H

There is also a dedicated A14 Public Helpline 0800

270 0114

Details of the planned road closures and diversions

are also available on the Grafham village web site

www.grafham.org.uk Ed

A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme

On the first Easter Sunday a group of women went to

Jesus’ tomb expecting to find a dead body to embalm.

Instead they found a pair of angels who asked them a

question: Why are you seeking the living among the

dead? Jesus isn’t here, said the angels, he is risen!

When this story was told to Jesus’ friends they dis-

missed it as an idle tale. How on earth could Jesus be

risen?

Later that day, two followers of Jesus were walking to a

nearby village and trying to make sense of everything

that had happened. Jesus, who they had hoped would

put everything right, was dead. Some women claimed

that the tomb was empty when they went to visit. What

did it all mean?

Jesus appeared, walking alongside these men, but

they didn’t recognise him. They weren’t expecting to

see the living Jesus – he was among the dead! Only

later, after explaining everything, when Jesus shared a

meal with them, did they recognise who he was.

* * * We don’t usually expect to find the living among the

dead. Death is the end, isn’t it? Yet I believe that Chris-

tians are called to be people who do look for the signs

of new life among the dead. If you’re a gardener, you

probably start looking for signs of new life early in the

year. In the cold, dead ground of winter you start to

look for the first signs of the crocuses and daffodils

emerging again. Christians are similarly called to be

those who seek the signs of new life within that which

was dead. Whether the “death” be broken relation-

ships, shattered dreams, illness, failure or loss, Chris-

tians seek the God who is always at work to bring joy

out of despair and life out of death. This isn’t a way to

trivialise suffering (“Every cloud has a

silver lining”), but the trust that God is

able to transform suffering and death

in unexpected ways.

Part of the reason it is so difficult to

seek life within death is because we don’t know what

we’re looking for. People often wonder why those two

followers of Jesus didn’t recognise him as he walked

alongside them. It’s probably because the new life that

Jesus experienced was totally different to the old life.

Imagine never having seen a caterpillar before. Imag-

ine you see it making its cocoon. Imagine that you

come back to the cocoon one day and find it empty. If

you were to look for what has emerged from the co-

coon you would probably start by looking for something

that looked a bit like a caterpillar, but of course you

would be wrong. Who would guess that a wonderful

butterfly might emerge?

At Easter we celebrate Jesus emerging from the tomb

into a new life that was as different from the old life as

a butterfly is different from a caterpillar. This transfor-

mation was the beginning of God’s new creation break-

ing into the old way of things. I believe that in big ways

and small God’s new creation continues to break in

among us today if only we have eyes to see it. That’s

why I look for the living among the dead.

Happy Easter!

Mike

To read more from Jason and Mike visit:

www.eastleightonstone.com/ and click on Blog

(Contact details for Mike can be found on page 2. Ed)

Looking for the living among the dead

St Neots Disorder Appeal Officers investigating a disorder that took

place in Duck Lane, St Neots, on 9th

April are appealing for information from

the public.

At about 4pm there were around 50 peo-

ple at the scene upon police arrival, re-

sulting in a disposal notice being issued.

It is believed this was a targeted incident

between two parties known to each other.

As a result of the dispersal order, three people were ar-

rested. Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the

area at the time who may have any more information or

footage relating to the incident.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should

call police on 101 quoting 35/24113/19 or vis-

it www.cambs.police.uk/report

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on

0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Visit https://www.cambs.police.uk/ to find out more about

Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

May 2019 10 Issue 169

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

If you can spare an hour

once every few months to

help dust and vacuum the

church to keep it looking

clean and welcoming,

please contact:

[email protected]

Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire Northamptonshire

Huntingdonshire Local Group

Spring Walks Sunday 28th April 2.30pm Portholme Meadow

This is a joint venture with the Hunts Flora and Fauna Socie-

ty. Dr. Pat Doody will lead this walk and he will focus on one

of Portholme’s specialities, the Snakeshead Fritillary.

Please meet at Godmanchester Lock TL241704 near the

Chinese Bridge in Godmanchester.

Beautiful Bluebells of Brampton Wood

Sunday 28th April 10.30am and Sunday 6th May 2.30pm Guided walks through Brampton Wood

The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust invites

you to experience the delights of a carpet of bluebells by partici-

pating in guided walks through Brampton Wood.

George Cottam, warden of Brampton Wood, will lead us through

this ancient woodland and show us its rich variety of flora and

fauna. His aim is to highlight the beautiful scent, colour and

freshness of the bluebells that encapsulate the essence of a

traditional English Spring. We should also see wood anemone,

primrose, dog’s mercury, early butterflies and hear the singing

of the woodland birds.

Please meet at Brampton Wood Car Park, Grafham Road,

Brampton at the date/ times above GR TL 184698.

For more information please contact George 01480 450809

Everyone is most welcome to attend these walks. There is no

charge but donations are welcome. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Registered Charity No: 1000412

Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire Northamptonshire

Huntingdonshire Local Group

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:

[email protected] or call 07887 628528

Monday 25th November Thursford Christmas Spectacular Departing from Huntingdon Bus Station 10.50am

Coach leaves Thursford after the show ends, usually about 5.00pm

Price per person is £60.00 which includes the return coach travel and ticket entry to this spectacular show.

We will be joining a trip already organ-ised by Dews Coaches. There are 20 places available so please contact me, ASAP but no later than 10th August.

This is a direct coach from Huntingdon straight to the venue, so you will have to make your own arrangements for food. I would advise that Thursford does have the Garden Pavilion restaurant serving home cooked food (such as jackets, casseroles and curries.) They also have three snack cafés serving food and drinks and a fully licensed bar.

For further information or to book please contact me on 07711 012957 or email:

[email protected]

Your advert could be here! 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.

May 2019 11 Issue 169

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

Dogwood

Ellington Holistic Drop In We support local people with cancer that is why we have created our weekly support group at

Ellington Village Hall. We offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere with lots of activities or a

quiet space for those wishing to sit and enjoy a welcoming drink and slice of cake.

We welcome all people directly or indirectly affected by cancer and Ellington can be a doorway

into the other support activities and services that Hunts Community Cancer Network (HCCN)

has to offer. We meet every Tuesday from 10am until 2 pm.

To find out more contact our centre manager Annie, telephone 01234

709836 or email [email protected]

You could join us at our fund raising event on Saturday June 8th any-

time between 10am until 4pm at Ellington Village Hall for lashings of

tea, cakes, bring and buy, mini facials and reflexology treatments.

Free admission and all pro-

ceeds to HCCN.

Please come and support

this wonderful charity and

learn more about what we

offer.

Photographs by Annie

Annie Thantrey

Springtime Thanksgiving Thanksgiving (the American version) occurs in Novem-

ber and celebrates the Pilgrim Fathers. The feasting

gives thanks for the country’s bounty. In UK we have

our harvest festivals around September time. So, what

on earth am I thinking of by talking about Springtime

Thanksgiving. I feel that there is something very spe-

cial to beekeepers at this time of year that makes me

want to give thanks.

Anticipation starts in January when brighter days tempt

out some bees for a look around and a bowel empty-

ing. These early flyers are a signal that the colony is

getting ready for spring. I usually over-winter three

colonies so sight of bees venturing out from all three

hives is wonderful.

Efforts were made to feed the bees well during autumn

to ensure sufficient stores to draw on throughout win-

ter, I usually lift the roof of each hive and add a slab of

fondant to each in late January. This is deliberately a

quick precautionary operation. Glimpsing bees moving

about just beneath the ventilation holes in the crown

board gives another boost to the beekeeper. Nothing

is certain or taken for granted about how the colonies

progress. There is still plenty of opportunity for wet and

cold weather keeping the bees confined to barracks

and poor spring flowers.

The fondant is checked after two or three weeks. Lift-

ing the roofs and seeing the fondant slabs diminished

and covered in bees is further cause for hope and

thankfulness. It is at least a sign that there are active

bees strong and motivated enough to feed themselves

and hopefully a healthy queen and brood. My spirits

definitely rise at this sight.

As February and March progress, the fondant check-

ing continues at two to three week intervals. If the

slabs continue to diminish and are covered in industri-

ous bees that’s a great feeling.

This spring has been exceptional in a good way. The

fondant has disappeared and been replaced, twice.

The mild weather has definitely brought the bees out in

numbers. Thankfully the spring flowers, blossom and

catkins have come early and in profusion. The bees

have been out flying and returning with red, orange

and yellow pollen. Too soon to open up the hives for

inspection but all the activity and pollen gathering al-

lows me to hope that all three colonies have active

queens laying eggs and producing brood. The fondant

when last checked was nearly gone. Bees have been

active gathering water from our pond; they need it to

dissolve the sugar in the fondant so that stacks up.

So much pollen is being brought home that I have re-

moved the mouse guards from the hive entrances as

the metal strips with holes large enough for bees but

far too small for mice to pass through tend to brush off

some of the pollen as the returning bees negotiate the

entrance. Mouse guards off, cleaned and stored for

next winter.

If the weather continues in this way then it won’t be

long before I can open the hive for a quick inspection,

hopefully I’ll find several frames with brood. If so then it

will be cause for great thanks again. Then all being

well, the first honey supers can go on each hive. Oh,

what a wonderful early spring, let it last, and I’ll be

overflowing with Springtime Thanksgiving!

David Cudby

May 2019 12 Issue 169

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY

Sunday 28th April 2.30pm

Field Trip to Port Holme Meadow

Leader: Pat Doody

Port Holme Meadow, designated by Natural England as a site of special scientific interest, is a ‘lowland hay meadow’ with a rich history of human use for: hay; sheep and cattle grazing; as a racecourse and as an airfield. It supports a rich flora and is a haven for a number of breeding birds in summer, e.g. Corn Bunting and Skylark which are now absent from much of the more intensively farmed Cambridgeshire landscape. It also supports large populations of ducks, waders and gulls when flooded in winter. The plan is to visit early in the year to see the display of Snake's Head Fritillaries, a great rarity.

Please wear sturdy footwear and appropriate cloth-

ing. Park in the car park next to the Chinese Bridge in

Godmanchester, grid reference TL244705. There is

another car park at grid reference TL244707, a little

further down the road towards Huntingdon.

For more details please contact Sarah Orbell on 01480 383567 or Barry Dickerson on 01480 475689.

For more information about the Society visit www.hffs.org.uk

Every Thursday 10.00am

Starting from Buckden Surgery

I’ve got about 30 different games but I’m always interested in playing new ones! Robert

May 2019 13 Issue 169

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

A local women has put a spring in her step after joining strength and balance classes that are keeping her do-ing the things she enjoys.

Rita aged 77 from Ely joined the fun and sociable class at the local library class having heard about it from a friend after a recent fall. The class fea-tured as part of the successful Stronger for Longer campaign.

Rita said: “The class has helped me with my walking, strength, balance, and posture, along with confidence outside of the class. I can see a difference in myself since going to classes. I am now able to walk that bit longer without any problems, which means I can go out more and enjoy time with my friends. Coming to the class will improve your well being and help you to keep active. You will meet new people and it can be fun.”

Since the launch of the Stronger for Longer campaign back in October, over 100 new people have joined strength and balance classes around the county and are now stronger and steadier. Over 2,300 people have also downloaded our Supersix leaflet, which is

helping people to do strength and balance exercises at home at least twice a week.

Huntingdonshire district council’s One Leisure Active Lifestyle team run many falls prevention classes throughout the district. You can pick up a Right Start leaflet from your local One Leisure centre, GP surgery or library. Alternatively the brochure can be viewed online at www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/rightstart

For more information, go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/strongerforlonger

The Stronger for longer campaign has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council working with Hun-tingdonshire District Council, local NHS health partners and Living Sport.

For success stories and more information on classes and activities in Huntingdonshire visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/strongerforlonger

Strength and balance classes can keep you doing the things you enjoy

May Day and Morris Men

Photograph by Graham Cox, Cambridge Morris Men Text sourced from Wikipedia

Traditional English May Day rites and celebra-

tions include crowning a May Queen and cele-

brations involving a maypole, around which

dancers often circle with ribbons. Historically,

Morris dancing has been linked to May Day cel-

ebrations. The earliest records of maypole cele-

brations date to the 14th century, and by the

15th century the maypole tradition was well es-

tablished in southern Britain.

Morris dance is a form of English folk dance

usually accompanied by music. It is based on

rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreo-

graphed figures by a group of dancers, usually

wearing bell pads on their shins. Implements

such as sticks, swords and handkerchiefs may

also be wielded by the dancers. The earliest

known and surviving English written mention of

Morris dance is dated to 1448, and records the

payment of seven shillings to Morris dancers by

the Goldsmiths' Company in London.

If you’d like to write a ‘one-off’ article or a regular feature for

the Grafham Gossip, send it by email to

[email protected]

May 2019 14 Issue 169

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

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

[email protected]

WINDOWS DOORS ROOFLINE

CONSERVATORIES

GARDEN ROOMS FLAT ROOFS

www.gaphomeimprovements.co.uk

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

[email protected]

01480 812590

07799 640476

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

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

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/

May 2019 15 Issue 169

Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]

Events in Huntingdon during May

Spectres of Desire: EngAGE in the Afternoon Thursday 2nd May, Huntingdon Library 1.30pm – 3pm

Back by popular demand – writer / academic Professor Catherine Belsey takes a fresh look at ghosts in fiction. Free (donations welcome) Booking/ticket required. Please speak to library staff or call 0345 045 5225.

Free Comic Book Day Saturday 4th May 9am – 5.30pm Niche Comics & Bookshop, High Street Huntingdon

If the weather behaves it will take place in the garden. There will be cake!

Come Racing Thursday May 9th Huntingdon Racecourse

Family Book Festival Saturday 11th May Huntingdon Library Family Book Festival Fun Contact 0345 045 5225

A fun filled free event! There will be activities with au-thors, poets and illustrators with the chance to explore what Huntingdon Library has to offer. Tel 0345 045 5225

Spring Song Saturday 11th May 7.30pm Doors open 7.00pm All Saints Church, Huntingdon

Charity concert in aid of St Mary’s Church Restoration Fund featuring the Huntingdon Male Voice Choir. Refreshments and raffle. Tickets £12.50 from Stewart 07771 616113 or on the door.

Huntingdon’s Fifth Chilli Fest Saturday 18th May 10am – 5pm Huntingdon Market Square Huntingdon is set to get a little hot under the collar with its fifth popu-lar Chilli Fest. The ‘Awesome Chilli Fest 2019’ is brought to you by Huntingdon First.

Naseby: Cromwell’s Flagship Saturday 25th May, Cromwell Museum

For May Half term, 25th May – 2nd June, come and see a recent acquisition on display for the first time, a huge

1/32 scale model of the flagship of Cromwell’s navy, the ‘Naseby’, launched in 1655. Discover the story behind this remarkable model, one which links Oli-ver Cromwell with ‘Star Wars’ and the Muppets!’

Pacific Adventures Saturday 25th May 11:00am Huntingdon Library Story telling and creative writing workshop with the Mu-seum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Handle Pacific objects from the museum collections in this writing and story telling workshop. Using games and exercises, im-agine what the objects might have seen on their journey to Cambridge. Learn about the historic links between Cambridge people and Pacific islanders and reflect how our community is connected to others around the world. Hear the true stories behind grass skirts from Papua New Guinea, Fijian clubs and shark tooth swords from Kiribati. Refreshments available. Tel 0345 045 5225

Build our Bug Hotel During Half Term from Friday 24th May 10.00 -15.00, Houghton Mill Head to the mini nature trail and help us build five star natural accommodation for insects and wildlife.

Booking Advisable 01480 301494

Spring Foraging Courses The Brampton Mill, Friday 3rd May 11.00 - 2.30 Saturday18th May 12.00 -15.30 £45 (under 16s £22.50; under 12s free)

Learn about foraging and have a go to source ingredi-ents for lunch. Tel 01981 590604

Mow lawn at least once per week

Apply Spring Feed

Spray weeds in lawn with selective herbicide

Spray patio and drive with total herbicide to keep weed free for Summer

Irrigate lawn in dry spells

Rake lawn to help cut off seed heads

Lawn Care Actions required in May

Some of the above tasks can be carried out by the lawn owner; others may need some professional intervention.

Call Deborah, Fiona or Richard on 01480 812393 For a FREE Lawn Care Health Check - “TLC from PLC” go to www.prolawncare.co.uk

“For that lawn you’ve longed for...”

In 2019, ProLawnCare

celebrates 20 years in business!

That’s 20years of improving lawns

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.

May 2019 16 Issue 169

Printed by Easiprint 01733 602302

Grafham Wildlife and Conservation Group Regional winners of the BTCV Green Award 2006 & 2007 invite you to carry out woodland conservation.

Call Sam Malt: 01480 811654 / 07849 082870

or email: [email protected]

www.gwcg.btck.co.uk/

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.

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. Next visits - 22nd May

For renewals/ enquiries call 0345 045 5225 or click here

.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

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 is varied and interesting with speakers or events every month.

May Days Butchers of Buckden - Ten ways with a chicken

If you would like more information please contact:

Sue 01480 896139 [email protected] or Ann 01480 891192 [email protected]

Grafham Little Fishes Toddler and Baby stay and play session

All Welcome

Wednesdays 10.00 to 11.20 term time only Grafham Village Hall

Free play time followed by a short bible story, action songs and simple craft.

Just turn up on the day

Little Fishes is very short of helpers to make tea/

coffee. Please contact Hazel 810326 or email:

[email protected] if you can help.

See also the notice on page 8

Coffee Morning Grafham Social Committee invites you to

Coffee Mornings at 10.30am on the third

Wednesday of the month:

15th May - Frances Knight, I Haycraft Close

This is an informal social occasion for

residents of the village. Please come along

for a cup of coffee and a chat.

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

Babysitters Bryony 22 yrs 812354 experienced with newborn to 14yrs

Mya 15 yrs 819326 Nicci 17 yrs 811279

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