Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Grafham Gossip October 2017 1 Issue 152
Issue 153 Deadline: Midnight Thursday 12th October
Editors’ note… The nights are getting longer and the temperature colder as we turn on the heating and begin to think about lighting our fires and wood burning stoves. We look forward to seeing the autumn colours on our walks alongside the water as well as planning our harvest and hallowe’en celebrations.
We have the usual selection of interesting articles but ‘must reads‘ this month are: Parish News page 3, Memories page 5, A Strange Beast page 9 and Fungi page 11.
Please send your news, views and gossip in good time for the next deadline, midnight on Thursday 12th October. Have fun on hallowe’en!
Editors, [email protected]
Grafham Church Harvest Festival & Sharing Lunch
Sunday 1st October - 11am
You are all welcome to our Harvest Festival led by members of the congregation
Come and join in the celebration with stories, hymns and prayers
View the floral arrangements, hear the music and enjoy our usual sharing lunch afterwards
If you would like to bring some food to share, that would be lovely
We look forward to seeing you
If you have timber that can be used for the bonfire,
please deliver it to the far side of the 5 - aside pitch,
Grafham Village Hall, at 3pm on Saturday 4th November
where Simon will be in charge!
Or call Simon 07887 628528 who will collect it
on the morning of Saturday 4th.
Please make sure that there’s nothing included that is explosive or that might give off noxious fumes.
Hotdogs
Jacket potato & cheese
Jacket potato & chilli
Tomato Soup
Mulled wine
Coke (Squash free)
Admission: Admission: Admission:
Adults £4Adults £4Adults £4
5 5 5 --- 16 years £216 years £216 years £2
Under 5s Free!Under 5s Free!Under 5s Free!
Saturday 4thSaturday 4thSaturday 4th NovemberNovemberNovember
Food from 5:00Food from 5:00Food from 5:00
Fireworks 6:30Fireworks 6:30Fireworks 6:30
at the at the at the
Village HallVillage HallVillage Hall
Carousel for childrenCarousel for childrenCarousel for children
2017
Christmas Shoe Box Appeal - 2017 Can I persuade you to be part of a very
worthwhile cause and help bring a smile to underprivileged children this Christmas?
Do you have a shoebox which you could fill with goodies for underprivi-leged children this Christmas?
If you would like to be part of this very worthwhile cause run by Samaritans
Purse, please give me a call on 811577 or 07859 065 982 and I’ll be happy to deliver a leaflet to you. This is a fun and rewarding project which, as a vil-lage, we have been part of for many years now.
Once completed, shoeboxes should be returned to me no later than Friday 17
th November. Monetary
contributions are also welcome.
Many thanks for your continued support.
Kind regards, Moira Young 2 Meadowground, Grafham
01480 811577 or 07859 065 982
Contents Church Services…..…...
The Pub in Grafham…...
District/County Cllrs …....
Parish News/Cllrs.……..
Village Hall Times/Notices..
Oil Syndicate…………....
Useful Phone Numbers…..
Memories - David C………
Talking Shop…...……….
Notices…………………...
Grdning/Wildlife in Mind.....
Has the bin man bin?............
Cricket Club News…….....
A14 C/bridge to H/don……..
Adverts/Notices………….….
A Strange Beast - Mike…….
Fun Palace weekend……...
Adverts.……………….….
Fungi - Greg B..………....
Local Activities/Bbysitters..
2
2
2
3
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
8
9
9
10
11
12
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 2 Issue 152
Councillors John Morris, Patricia Jordan and/or Peter Downes are available at the village hall from
11.15 to 11.45 on the first Saturday of alternate months, November, January and March.
At other times please contact them directly:
Peter Downes
07765 833486
peter.downes@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk
John Morris
07788 977092 john.morris@ huntingdonshire.gov.uk Twitter: @johnmbrampton
Patricia Jordan
01480 383632 patricia.jordan @
huntingdonshire.gov.uk
District Councillors County Councillor
Grafham All Saints - Services for October
24th September(4th Sunday) No Service ______________________________
1st October (1st Sunday) 11.00 Harvest Festival - Lay led
(Followed by lunch to share)
8th October (2nd Sunday) No service
15th October (3rd Sunday) 11.00 Eucharist
22nd October (4th Sunday) No Service
29th October (5th Sunday) 10.16 ‘All Together Service’ at Ellington ______________________________ 5th November (1st Sunday) 11.00 Family Service - Lay led
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
Send your news, views,
photos, gossip and
pumpkin recipes to:
At last! – a bit of progress! The Pub at Grafham Limited – Community Interest Company has been successfully registered. The Directors are now in the process of opening a bank account. Once the account is open we will begin to source grant funds and will put together a share issue. With some money in the bank, the construction of the site and the building can begin. We will initially be looking to apply to the A14 project, Big Lottery and The Prince’s Countryside Trust. Please let one of us know if you have any information on other funding sources.
In the meantime – we all know this as The Pub at Grafham but it isn’t the snappiest of names is it? We thought that the village might have an opinion on a name – so it’s over to you! Best name gets a prize of one share. We are also looking for a logo, so if you have talents in that direction we would like to hear from you.
This is very much a community venture and we want your involvement to ensure you get the facility you want. We hope to be able to give you regular updates through the Gossip.
The Directors The Pub at Grafham Limited
(Contacts: Adrian Love, Kevin Sharp, Lucy Maurice, Chris Brown, Margaret Life)
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 3 Issue 152
PARISH NEWS September 2017
MEADOWGROUND
A large number of residents attended this
month’s Parish Council meeting to discuss the
notification received from the District Council
that the open ground at Meadowground is
considered to be surplus to operational requirements
and as such is to be disposed of by them. Their pre-
ferred option is for the sale to be for market housing. All
of those present voiced their opposition to this plan and
it was confirmed that the Parish Council’s stance of op-
position has not changed since a previous plan was put
forward approximately two years ago. Cllr Jonathan
Gray representing the District Council was due to at-
tend the meeting to discuss various options available to
the village, but was not able to arrive until 9.00pm, thus
the people attending the PC meeting were unable to
question him. However, when he did arrive, Cllr Gray
was very informative and helpful.
There are four options currently on the table and these
are:
1. The site is developed in accordance with a proposal
from Cllr John Morris, which is for 3 affordable
homes administered by a housing association
2. The site is sold to a private developer for the con-
struction of market housing. Capital received would
be invested in the District Council’s Commercial
Investment Strategy with the potential for a windfall
10% contribution of the purchase price to the Par-
ish Council.
3. The District Council retains the site for development
themselves, retains the properties by their property
company and lets for private rent.
4. Do nothing and leave the site as open space
Option 1 was discussed and the Parish Council were at
pains to point out that Cllr Morris was not speaking on
behalf of the Parish Council or the residents of Grafham
nor was he representing their views. This option was
least attractive.
Option 2 also provides for further development in the
village which is unwanted, a further drain on stretched
resources and unnecessary. Any financial contributions
to the Parish Council were not brought into considera-
tion
Option 3 is rejected for the same reasons as Option 2
Option 4 is Grafham’s preferred option.
Each option was fully explored with Cllr Gray and the
Parish Council put forward a further option that the
Parish Council might possibly itself raise funds to pur-
chase the site. Cllr Gray’s comments were that this
was not without the bounds of possibility although the
site would be heavily covenanted to ensure that it
remained an open space in perpetuity. The Parish
Council owns the playing field which is similarly cove-
nanted and was purchased to protect it for the village.
Cllr Gray stated that the District Council were keen to
do what is right for our community and that all consulta-
tion will be through the Parish Council (i.e. not on any
website) and that the ultimate decision is his.
Cllr Gray further assured the Parish Council that all op-
tions were open for discussion and that the District
Council were not disposed to upset the village over a
relatively small sum of money.
The Parish Council is required to submit a response to
the District Council by 26 September 2017. It was unan-
imously agreed that the response should reaffirm the
position previously taken that Meadowground should
remain as open green space.
OTHER NEWS
The Parish Council will be exploring the possibility of
obtaining advice on tree management on the playing
field.
There have been some complaints recently concerning
the state of the waste bin in the children’s playground.
Arrangements have now been put in place for this to be
emptied on a weekly basis and disposed of in the vil-
lage hall bin. It was noticed that, when the bin was last
emptied it contained several parcels of dog waste. This
is surprising as dogs are not allowed in the children’s
playground for very good health reasons, so it is puz-
zling that people would allow their dogs to foul else-
where, pick it up and bring it into the playground! In re-
sponse to this, the Parish Council will investigate the
possibility of providing a dog waste bin to be emptied by
the District Council (at a cost, of course).
The Parish Council will be granting funds to the Village
Hall Management Committee to help with the costs of
refurbishing the gents’ toilets in the hall.
The date of the next Parish Council meeting will be
Tuesday 17th October at the village hall at 7.30pm
Margaret Life, Parish Clerk
07780 119311 [email protected]
(The minutes and agendas of parish council meetings can be found on the village web site www.grafham.org.uk Ed.)
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] Andrew Duckworth [email protected]
David King 01480 812430 [email protected] Alastair Watson [email protected]
Kevin Sharp [email protected] David Anthony 01480 812622 [email protected]
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 4 Issue 152
DEADLINE for the November issue Please send us all your adverts, notices,
news, views and gossip ASAP
and definitely by midnight on
Thursday 12th October to help us achieve our challenge
of delivering the paper copies
by the first of the month
Thanks, Ed [email protected]
Grafham Village Hall
Activities & Classes 2017
Mondays Yoga 10.00am
Pilates 6.30pm
Line Dancing 7.30pm
Tuesdays Pilates 9.45am
Art Club 1.30pm
Wednesdays 10.00am Little Fishes (Pre-school chil-dren)
Karate 7.30pm
Thursdays Kick Boxing 7.00pm
Saturdays Judo 10.30am
For enquiries about classes and about booking
the hall, please telephone 07711 769911
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
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.
x No
Thank you for your continued support!
Hardbacks x
Manuals x
Magazines x
Encyclopaedias x
Other items x
Yes
Volunteers required Reasonable expenses paid and full training given
Would you be able to give emotional and practical support to families and witnesses
attending Inquests?
Volunteers are required to join an existing team in Huntingdon and Peterborough Coroners’ Court.
You must be able to commit to 2 full days a month (9am-5pm) and have excellent listening
and communication skills.
For further information or an application pack, please email
[email protected] or call
07496 613623
Reg.Charity No. 1105899
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
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]
To stop unwanted phone calls 08450 700707
To stop unwanted mail 08457 034599
Power cut 105 or 0800 31 63 105 or text POWER and your postcode to 80876
There are more details about some of the above
activities on page 12.
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 5 Issue 152
These memories relate to the early 1950s and the experiences of a seven year old. At the time and at that age, I thought these door step encounters were with exotic people. I had little exposure to the world through books, cinema or TV. I was more familiar with Dan Dare, The Mekon and The Goon Show, so pretty innocent.
Indian Tinker Man
This gentleman was a turbaned Sikh, quietly spoken and curious but not threatening. He brought a suitcase containing cheap clothing items. I think that his gentle nature elicited some sympathy for his cause and pur-chases were made.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
A neatly dressed polite couple would appear in the street and at our door. They carried a bible and reli-gious pamphlets. I only knew religion through my church going Grandma, Sunday school and school as-sembly. I had a bible and knew some Bible stories, so other forms of religious belief and practice were unfa-miliar.
Lucky Heather Lady
The Lucky Heather Lady was probably a gypsy. She was elderly, small, had a swarthy skin and a bent back. She carried a small basket with sprigs of heather and insisted that they brought good luck to a purchaser. They were probably a ha’penny or a penny a sprig, I don’t remember. What I do remember is that we never bought them, so I feared bad luck or a gypsy’s curse.
Mat Lady
This lady was dark skinned; I have no idea where she was from. She was different and came to the door with a small tightly rolled selection of floor mats. I seem to recall that her sales pitch relied heavily upon claims of quality.
Mormons Two very smartly dressed men with American accents at the door at that time could mean only one thing. The thought that two Americans would come all the way to England to knock on our door was a bit puzzling but even a bit flattering. They were always politely dis-missed and I hoped that they didn’t have to go all the way to America that evening to sleep in their beds.
David Cudby
Memories of transactions at the door– decades before the internet
Talking Shop So the nights are really drawing in and it is starting to
feel very autumnal but we hope for some good sunny
days yet. The shop is still busy with visitors from the
caravan park and we are seeing quite a few walkers
and cyclists.
Thanks again to those of you who have given us your
surplus fruit and veg to sell in the shop. This has
proved very popular with our customers and we are
always very happy to accept more.
Our DVD and magazine library was extensively used
over the summer months so if anyone has any to do-
nate, we would be happy to receive them.
We hope you found the visit from the A14 mobile visi-
tor centre on 16th September interesting. With all the
roadworks going on it is difficult to imagine how it will
all take shape so we hope this has helped.
You will have noticed that our shop door has recently
been rubbing on the floor. It has been adjusted as
much as possible and it is now time to tackle the floor.
We had some remedial works done to the floor a while
ago and a new metal plate was fitted in the doorway.
It is now necessary to take up some of the floor to do
some repairs which should sort out the door problem.
So as not to cause any inconvenience, the shop will
close promptly at 2pm on Sunday 1st October. So
make sure you get to the shop in good time on that
day as we will be raring to go at 2pm.
Again this week we have added some new lines to our
stock including some new biscuits and the famous
Levi Roots’ Reggae Reggae Sauce as seen on Drag-
ons’ Den. You never know what you’ll find in your local
shop so keep popping in. Our ‘Millions’ tubes of chewy
sweets are very popular with the youngsters and with
that in mind we are now stocking MEGA MILLIONS.
These are available by the 100g and the different fla-
vours have been mixed up especially for us.
Don’t forget to get your special offers whilst stocks last ...
Pizzas all varieties £3.20 each or 2 for £5.00
4 cans of Stella Artois or Guinness Draught £5.25
4 cans of Carling or Strongbow £4.00
Budweiser 300ml bottles £1.25 each or 4 for £4.00
Selected chocolate bars 2 for £1.00
Buy 2 of our DVDs along with a bottle of wine
and get 10% off the wine
And if you have any spare time and would like to be involved in your local shop, you would be made
very welcome. Pop in for a chat.
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
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 6 Issue 152
If you’d like to write a ‘one-off’ article or
a regular feature for the
Grafham Gossip, send it by
email to :
Can you spare an hour ?
Our Little Fishes Stay + Play Tots Group,
which meets on Wednesday mornings in
the village hall, is short of volunteers to
make coffee/tea for the leaders and the
mothers. If you can spare an hour, now
and then, to help with this, we would be
most grateful.
Please contact
Hazel
810326
Gardening with Wildlife in Mind The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trusts is
pleased to announce our next Autumn indoor event. This
will take place on Wednesday 11th October at 7.30pm at
Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton,
PE28 4TB.
Our speaker will be Iain Webb who is the Cambridge
Community Conservation Officer for the Wildlife Trusts.
Iain will explain how small changes that we can make in
our private gardens can make a really big difference in the
conservation of our native species. He will show us how
to attract insects, amphibians, birds and small mammals
by providing the best possible habitats such as ponds,
shelter, and food sources. Whether it is by planting the
best nectar producing plants or simply by hanging out
nuts and seeds for birds and providing bird baths, we can
all help!
This should be a really interesting talk for anyone interest-
ed in wildlife. Everyone is most welcome to attend. Book-
ing is not necessary.
Entrance charge £2.50 (accompanied children free).
Please contact Tim 01480 457795 for more information. ________________________________________________________
Part of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Registered Charity No: 1000412
Huntingdonshire Local Group
Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire Northamptonshire
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
between 8.45am and 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
and 8.45am and 4.30pm on Fridays or
visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/bins
“Has the bin man bin Mam?”
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
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 7 Issue 152
Grafham Cricket Club The last home game of the season was played
against Hexton, on a day forecasted to be riven
with heavy showery rain. The Grafham Captain
is a master weather app watcher, who forecast-
ed before the game was to start, the rain would
stop; there would be three hours of sun to allow
an innings to be completed. With this prophecy, which
proved to be correct, Hexton chose to bat, and made
steady progress ending on, all out for 112 in 24 overs.
The pick of the Grafham bowlers was Fraser Hutton
who took 3 wickets in his 6 overs for 27 runs. As tea
was taken, the second part of the Captain’s forecast
came into action, rain during the tea interval, and then
several hours of post tea sunshine. Fraser and Jona-
than Lederman, the opening Grafham batters, made
an opening stand of 81 runs, and afterwards the
Grafham wobble where 5 quick wickets were lost, a
steadying innings of 14 by Tom Chester, who was out
with 4 runs needed for victory, left Ben McCutcheon
and Chris Dighton to score the required runs, which
Ben hit with a four over deep square. This was fol-
lowed by a barbecue, in soft evening sunlight, courtesy
of the weather App captain.
The next game was against the Lutonians 2nds in Lu-
ton, a game where Grafham went with only 9 players.
The Lutonians batted first, and apart from the fall of an
early wicket, built a total of 245 for 4. Grafham lost 2
quick wickets, but a mid order partnership between
Matt Chester and Will Lancaster built up the
Grafham score, so when Matt was out for 36,
and Will for 98, Grafham finished on 216 all
out, short by 29 runs, but a real sense of
achievement to run the Lutonians so close.
The next game was away to Caldecote,
where they opened the batting, scored a 100
runs with Matt Chester 2wkts for 18 runs off
5 overs, and Chris Dighton 3wkts for 5 runs off 2.4 overs were the main wicket takers for Grafham. Matt
Chester and Will Lancaster were the leading Grafham
batsmen scoring 26 and 20 respectively, as Grafham
scored 101 for 6 to win the game.
The final game of the season was away to Henlow,
who opened the batting with most of their batsman
scoring consistently. Although at one point the Henlow
innings faltered at 106 for 6, but Henlow’s tail dug in,
and built the innings to 171 all out, with Chris Dighton
taking 5wkts for 23 runs off 8 overs. Grafham started
well with Fraser and Jonathan Lederman putting on 57
for the first wicket, but after that the Grafham wickets
fell in quick succession, being all out for 105: 66 runs
short of the required total.
It has been a good season, winning 5 games, and
fighting hard in matches where Grafham were men
short, and only just losing with the possibility of finish-
ing fourth in the league. Well, that’s another season
over. Hard to believe!
Chris Dighton, Club Chairman
A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon
The staff of Grafham Community
Shop arranged for the A14 mobile
visitor centre to visit Grafham on
16th September. It proved to be
very informative.
If you missed the visit, infor-
mation about the scheme can be
found on the A14 Highways web-
site:
http://roads.highways.gov.uk/
projects/a14-cambridge-to-
huntingdon/
This month’s news from our
village shop is on page 5.
Photo by Paul Shaun Bate
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 8 Issue 152
The Labour Party in Huntingdon Our next monthly meeting is on
Monday 16th October 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!
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 3163 105
http://www.powercut105.com/
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
Rutland Cycling E-Bike Centre
Marlow Car Park
Grafham Water
Here you will find electric bikes to buy or hire,
for more information visit: https://www.rutlandcycling.com/pages/e-bike-centre-grafham/
There is also a link on the village web site
Can you spare an hour now and then?
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 everyone.
Contact: [email protected] Thanks
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 9 Issue 152
Cambridgeshire Libraries - Fun Palaces Fun Palaces is both an ongoing campaign for culture at the heart of every community, and a FREE annual weekend of action including arts, science, craft, tech, digital and sports events and activities, all run by and for local communities.
Fun Palaces weekend is the first weekend of October every year. The next Fun Palaces weekend is 7th and 8th October 2017. In 2016 there were an extraordinary 292 Fun Pal-aces in 9 nations, led by 4800 Makers, with 124,000 people taking part.
We are looking for people with fun ideas in the Arbury, Ely, Huntingdon, St Neots and Wisbech areas to work together to create a Fun Palace in their libraries.
If you can offer to teach or demonstrate a skill to others, all ages, or can hack an ordinary activity and make it something new and fun, for your community, we would like to meet you!
Visit Huntingdon or St Neots Library to talk to us and help turn your local library into a Fun Palace!
For more information on Fun Places 2017 visit their website.
A Strange Beast
The Church of England is a strange beast. It’s an
“established church” which means that the law that
governs us (Canon Law) is actually part of the law of
the land. Diocesan Bishops are officially nominated by
the Queen (via a recommendation from the Prime Min-
ister). Being established means that we have all sorts
of duties towards those who live in this parish. If you
live in Grafham, Ellington or Brampton you are entitled
to have your children baptised in the church (free); you
and your children are entitled to be married in the
church (a snip at just £424); you are entitled to have
your funeral in the church. If you’re so inclined you are
even entitled to vote for your churchwardens, irrespec-
tive of whether you ever come to church.
As an established church we also have a spiritual re-
sponsibility towards the people living here. We try to
create a space for people to respond to what is going
on in their lives; somewhere to remember, somewhere
to celebrate. We pray regularly for the villages and the
events and situations that we know are going on. We
have a list of streets in your village and pray for those
living and working in each one.
Contrary to what many might think the Church of Eng-
land receives no public funding for its work (apart from
the occasional grants made available for the repair of
listed buildings). We rely on the support and good-will
of those who appreciate what the church does (and
you’re welcome to contribute!) The Church of England
is a strange beast indeed!
I wonder what you think about the Church of England?
I ran a little experiment the other day and asked my
Facebook friends who aren’t Christian whether they’d
ever had a good experience with the Church of Eng-
land. Over 90% of people said that they had. Here’s
my theory: for many people the Church of England is a
bit like the NHS; you hope you don’t need to use it too
often but you’re glad it’s there when you do! Maybe
that’s you and, if so, that’s fine. You’re welcome here
any time you need us! Our doors are always open
(during daylight hours).
But here’s the truth. The Church of England isn’t a set
of buildings (beautiful and awkward as they are).
We’re not a public service for handling baptisms, wed-
dings and funerals. We’re not even a tired institution
which should be put out of its misery. The Church of
England is a national network of people united togeth-
er around a first-century, homeless Jew who was exe-
cuted by the Romans. We don’t gather together be-
cause we’re worried about dying, but because that
same person shows us how to live fully. We don’t think
we’re better than others because we are Christians,
we know that we have said and done things that can-
not be undone (like you probably have) and we have
found a way to know forgiveness, to forgive ourselves
and to forgive others.
If you (yes, you!) have ever had an experience of the
Church of England (good or bad) or you’d just like to
know more, then I would genuinely be pleased to hear
from you. Why not email me and let me know what
you think, or get in touch with us through the website?
www.eastleightonstone.com
Mike
(Contact details for Mike can be found on page 2. Ed)
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 10 Issue 152
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 Services Clint Thomas-Morgan
Oftec trained and registered technician
New high efficiency condensing boilers fitted
New bunded oil tanks fitted, including concrete bases
Disposal of old tanks
Boiler service (standard or condensing)
Improve your heating system now - Save money in the future!
All work guaranteed - 24hr call-out Professional, friendly and reliable
01480 812590 - 07799 640476 [email protected]
To advertise, email:
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 news-
letter and any profit is donated to All Saints,
Grafham and its Restoration Fund.
Your advert could be here!
To advertise, email:
Website: www.grafham.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
October 2017 11 Issue 152
Fungi
Neither plant nor animal, fungi are one of the oldest forms of life and, having been around for so long, have
evolved into a myriad of different forms. There are
some 12,000 species in the UK alone with more being
discovered all the time - 37 new species were found in
2010. However, only 3000 or so species are visible to
the naked eye with the remaining being microscopic.
Autumn is always considered the time when fungi make
their brief appearance in the woodlands and grasslands around us, but they are actually present all year round
and are an important part of the natural cycle of life.
Existing mainly in soil fungi consist of tiny tubes called
Hyphea measuring around 1/100 of a millimetre across,
these can congregate into structures called mycelium
resembling threads of very fine cotton. These minute
structures can be fast growing with some species ad-
vancing at rates of up to 6mm an hour. Research also
suggests that some individual fungi found in North
American woodlands could be 1000’s of years old. The
mushrooms that we see are merely the ‘fruiting bodies’
of these underground webs, actually called sporo-
phores.
Fungi can be roughly split into three groups based on
their feeding and survival strategies. Firstly there are
the recyclers and rotters, these fungi absorb the carbon
and other nutrients they require from their surround-
ings, breaking down dead wood, fallen leaves and other
detritus that nature leaves behind. With both generalists
and specialists there is virtually nothing made of carbon
that fungi will not feed on. One species particularly
thrives on timber soaked in creosote rotting railway
sleepers and telegraph poles, whilst another is capable
of digesting diesel and jet fuel and has been recorded
blocking pipes in oil refineries.
Secondly there are the symbiotic fungi. Evolving togeth-
er some plants and fungi cannot survive one without
the other, swapping nutrients and energy between the
hyphae and the plants roots. Good examples are many of the British orchid species which will not grow without
the presence in the soil of certain fungi.
The third group takes the symbiotic relationship further
and become parasites, destroying the organism with
which they have the relationship. This is not just con-
fined to plants some fungi have specialised to infect
insects, growing in the body and even altering the be-haviour of the creature to suit the fungi’s life cycle.
Because of their ephemeral nature, weird and wonder-
ful shapes and colours and poisonous and psychedelic
properties mushrooms have become embedded in
man’s myth and folklore. With their association with
fairies and possible use in ancient pagan rites it is no
wonder that many fungi have interesting names; Dead Man’s Fingers, Witches’ Butter, Destroying Angel,
Weeping Widow and The Deceiver.
To enjoy fungi take a walk in any of the Wildlife Trusts
woodland reserves. Details of these and how to support
the Trust in its nature conservation work can be found
on our website: www.wildlifebcn.org
Gregory Belcher
Sulfur Tuft
Shaggy Ink Cap
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.
October 2017 12 Issue 152
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 25th October.
For renewals/ enquiries call 0345 045 5225 or click here
Coffee Morning Grafham Social Committee invites you to Coffee Mornings at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of the month:
October 18th
- Philippa Patel, 3 Field Close 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 £39 per annum but visitors are welcome; we ask that you buy 2 x £1 raffle tickets
to help towards the cost of refreshments. We have speakers or events every month.
3th Oct Demonstration of card making followed by a hands on session 7th Nov Annual General Meeting
If you would like any more information please contact:
Sue 01480 896139 [email protected] or Ann 01480 891192 [email protected]
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]