RESIDENTIAL HOMES NEEDED FOR SENIOR CATIZENS

St Neots & District Cats Protection have a number of senior and elderly residents who are desparately in need of retirement homes with human companions who will take care of them. Who knows it could be a match made in heaven. All of these purrsioners have been given a clean bill of health, been neutered or spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and treated for fleas & worms. In their twilight years these cats need a nice warm lap, some choice morsels and a little attention, that's not too much to ask is it? in return you will have a loyal friend to keep you company. It is possible that some funding may be available for certain cats in the event of unexpected vetinery treatment in the future - please ask for information.

PENNY 14 years old, has lived alone for 3 years with just 1 visit a day for food, understandably a little grumpy at the moment, but desperately in need of patience and attention. Experienced cat owner needed. She is Black & White.

GOLIATH, FIDO, & JERALD 10 yrs old. Must go together which is a tall order we know. These three chaps would have such a tale to tell if only they could speak. They have had a very hard life and none are particularly pretty. What they lack in beauty however, they more than make up for in character and lovability. They have resided with 2 fosterers in the few months they have been with us and both would love to keep them if they could but alas it is not to be. Access to a garden is a must for the boys and not near a busy road.

ON OUR WAITING LIST TO COME IN A pair of 8 yr olds - Ginger Male and Ginger & White Female, both semi - coated and really friendly but need to go together. Also a 9 year old Tabby Female who likes to go out quite a bit but is very friendly but needs to be an only cat.

SEVERAL KITTENS READY NOW We have several kittens who are readly for re-homing. 2 beautiful 14 weekers who are a little nervous, (1 torty 1 white/black) 2 tabbies 12 weeks and 4 black 9 weekers. No busy roads please and new owners must be able to spend a lot of time with the kittens to socialise them.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are able to offer a loving new home to any of these cats. It could be their last chance. Until homes are found for them, they will have to live in one of our cat pens. These are not designed for cats to live in them permenantly and also these pens are tied up and we are unable to help the many needy cats who are on our waiting list.

http://stneots.cats.org.uk/ TEL: 01480 476696, 07966 282005 OR 07970 257061 – October 08 Top

IN MEMORY of ALEX GALE

8 March 1996 — 3 September 2008

Alex, who lived in Sawtry, first took part in a Gidding panto when he was one of the audience kids who came up onto the stage during a performance. He took huge delight in the slapstick humour and when, a couple of years later, I asked his mum, Ulli, if he might like to be one of the cast, he jumped at the opportunity.

In 2006, he had the role as the smallest member of Dad’s Army, in the village production of Humpty Dumpty. Although he had only one line, he made it count and he really didn’t need lots of lines for us to see that here was a boy with real acting talent.

Earlier this year, Alex auditioned for a major part in ‘Goldilocks’ and, I must admit, I had some reservations about casting him. He was, after all, only 11 years old and the role of Joey the Clown was a pivotal one that would require lots of stamina and great ability. I needn’t have worried! Although we rewrote the role for two actors instead of one, Alex took to the part like a duck to water. He was a natural; a showman. But more than that, in rehearsal he knew how to take direction; he responded to constructive criticism; he was always on cue; knew his lines; worked hard and even ad libbed like a pro!. All in all, he had that indefinable ‘something’ that is called stage presence. When Alex Gale walked onto the stage, you knew he was there!

When it came to the performances of the panto, he was in his element. If he was nervous, he certainly didn’t let it show. And his pleasure in acting was enhanced by the fact that Ulli, his mum, was also in the show. As one critic put it ‘got talent, these Gales!’.

But Alex wasn’t just there for the acclaim and the applause. He helped paint the sets; he was helpful with suggestions on staging; backstage he was quiet (relatively!) and focussed and Lyn Smith remembers how kind Alex was to her son Jordan Smith, only seven and in his first ever panto.

After Goldilocks, many of us suggested to Alex’s parents that they might want to find ways to get him some more stage training and experience. And we were thrilled, but not really surprised, when earlier this year, he was accepted for the Cambridge Young Actors’ Group, just like his role model, Himesh Patel! During the summer holidays this year, he played the shopkeeper in the Key Theatre Summer School production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and, again, his star quality shone through.

We, in Gidding, have lost not just a fine young actor with, almost certainly, a glittering career ahead of him, but also a young lad who was a team player in every sense of the word; a boy who gave on stage every bit as much as he took.

But our loss is as nothing compared with the terrible loss suffered by his parents, Ulli and Andrew, his brother, Ben and all his wider family.

All we can do is send them our deepest and most heartfelt condolences and assure them that, in Gidding and elsewhere, Alex will be remembered with great fondness and great respect.

Ulli says she would like us all to remember him as Joey the Clown, with his mad wig and make up, crazy clothes and wide wide smile.

I can’t think of a better way to commemorate a boy who has left us far too soon and far too young. His smile will live on in my mind and, I’m sure, in the minds of all who knew him.

He will be greatly missed

Deni Underwood, Director ‘Goldilocks’ 2008 – September 08 Top

Save the PO message travels far and wide!

Maggi Stewart sent us this bit of fun:

A family from Winwick, Zoe, Colin and Jamie, who are holidaying in California with their parents Colin and Sarah Fox, took this photo to show how far the fight to save Giddings post office has stretched – in this case, to Death Valley...

... how far afield have you seen the posters?

Maggi Stewart - Save Gidding Post Office Action Group – August 08 Top

Free Soccer Skill Sessions For Girls

Sawtry Colts Football Club have experienced steady growth with girls teams over the past three seasons and now run four girls teams from U10 to U13 age groups. To further enhance girls football at the club they are introducing a girls only Football Development Centre for girls of 4-8 years old.

The centre will commence in November 2008 and will provide free of charge weekly soccer skill training for a 24 week period. Produce World in Yaxley have provided sponsorship to allow the centre to run and is sign of their commitment to work with the local community.

The centre coaching staff will include ex-Peterborough United and Lincoln City player Ryan Semple as well as coaches from the Sawtry Colts youth teams. The centre will consist of two squads, which will follow a structured 24-week training plan with regular assessments to keep the girls updated on their progress.

The assessments will take place after each 8-week segment and will give an indication of how they are progressing. After each assessment every girl will get an award and certificate, which will be presented by a special guest.

Upon completion of the 24-week schedule the girls will be given the opportunity to join a Sawtry Colts Girls Football squad or re-subscribe to the Girls Football Development Centre.

To allow girls to see if they like football they can come along to a taster session on either 14th or 28th September to give girls an insight into what we do. The taster sessions will take place at Sawtry Leisure Centre and will last 45 minutes.

The Girls Football Development Centre will only have 12 places per squad available, so early booking is advised.

If you know somebody who would be interested in attending the Sawtry Colts Girls Football Development Centre you can book a taster session with Steve Purnell on 07964 496259 or email: steve.purnell@sawtrycolts.org

Steve Purnell – September 08 Top

SAVE GIDDING POST OFFICE – ACTION GROUP UPDATE

Monday August 18th.

Only EIGHT days to go before the Post Office consultation closes - have you posted your letter objecting to their proposal to close Great Gidding Post Office yet?

It has to be with Post Office Limited BY August 26th. Every letter counts - the more they get, the more seriously they take our opposition. Please write if you have not already done so: send it to Laura Tarling, Network Consultation Team, Post Office, Freepost.

What has the Action Group done?

With only five weeks to put together and complete a campaign to fight the proposal to close Great Gidding Post Office, the Action Group decided to concentrate their efforts in three main areas:

1. Persuade as many villagers as possible to write a letter to Post Office Limited objecting to the closure, so that we could demonstrate the importance to our community.

2. Put together a clear and logical argument to keep Gidding Open and present it personally to the Post Office representatives.

3. Mount a press campaign to support the fight.The Group was formed on July 16th, and since then we have:

- Prepared a 27 page briefing document, providing detailed information on why Great Gidding should not close - it looks at all the arguments, and gives solid information (see the headlines “Why Gidding should stay open” next to this article.) A copy is in Gidding Post Office - look for the red cover. Download the 'Great Gidding Post Office - Arguments against the proposed closure' PDF (572k)

- Met for two hours on August 14th with Laura Tarling, the Post Office Manager in charge of the closure programme, and with Caroline Glithero, the PostWatch representative. Deni Underwood chaired the meeting, and Julie Byard, Howard Anderson and Mary Read made formal presentations of our arguments. Other Action Group members led the question and answer session . Laura took away our briefing document.

- Provided the briefing document to two Government Ministers - Pat McFadden MP, responsible for the Post Office, and Jonathon Shaw MP, responsible for Rural Affairs, and urged them to review the Post Office proposals.

- Sent it to Cambs County Council and Hunts District Council officers and members, urging them to protest the closure. We have also briefed our own District and County Council representatives.

- Appealed to the Cambs Chief Constable to join us in our protest that Sawtry is an unsuitable alternative because of parking issues. We have also urged Sawtry Parish Council to object to the closure of Giddings.

-Briefed our MP Shailesh Vara - he has vigorously opposed the closure.

-Organised volunteers to monitor customer visits to Giddings PO for a full week at the end of July - and so gained vital information to fight the closure.

-Put up a giant painted heart outside the Post Office protesting the closure proposal.

- Produced and delivered over 250 posters and got them to all houses in the Giddings, Winwick and Hamerton.

- Produced and delivered leaflets to all houses in the villages urging them to write to the Post Office. Held letter-writing surgeries to help get letters written and sent.

-Organised a press campaign and got articles and photos in the Hunts Post , Peterborough Evening Telegraph, Town Crier and Weekly News. Efforts to get radio and television coverage continue. Because of the holiday season, and so many people being away, it was decided not to organise a single major public protest media event, but focus on getting continual coverage.

What happens next?

The consultation period ends on August 26th and there is nothing further the Action Group can do after that. Post Office Limited then takes three weeks to review the case of each of the 71 post offices they plan to close in Cambs, Beds and Lincs. They will review all the information we have presented to them, and examine the letters you have all written.

Sometime after September 16th, they will announce the Gidding verdict. They will either confirm closure; announce a further review, or announce we will stay open.

Why Gidding should stay open- the key arguments from the Briefing Document

Wrong information about customer visits, local facilities, and local population used by Post Office Limited to reach their proposal to close Gidding PO.

Breaches Government and PO criteria for closure - creates Post Office desert in NWCambs.

Outreach service of little use and no adequate substitute. No permission given for use of village hall car park.

Village and area growing – new primary school; over 60 businesses ; new housing.

Sawtry PO cannot cope – major road safety issues; no public transport, disabled access, and open less hours.

Major impact on villagers and businesses.

Potential closure of only shop for miles, with loss of prescription delivery, gas, essential supplies.

Save Gidding Post Office Action Group – August 08 Top

Save Great Gidding Post Office BLOG launched

Save Gidding Post Office now has an official blog – a dedicated site set up by Peter Comeau where you will be able to keep up with the latest developments as well as leaving your own comments.

http://www.savegiddingpostoffice.org/

Save Gidding Post Office Action Group – August 08 Top

West Huntingdonshire villages obtain bus pass exemption

News Release from Huntingdonshire District Council

Following agreement with Northamptonshire County Council, villagers in Winwick and Great Gidding will now be able to use their bus passes before 09.30 on the 209 Thursday service to Oundle.

Parish Council – August 08 Top

The fight is on to save Great Gidding Post Office.

In July 2008, Post Office Limited announced they propose to close the Post Office in Great Gidding, and have allowed only six weeks, until August 26th for consultations. Instead of our own post office, they propose we use the next nearest branch, nearly 6 miles away at Sawtry, together what they describe as an "Outreach" service - a mobile van parked in the village for a couple of hours each day, Monday to Friday.

Protest from Great Gidding and surrounding villages has been immediate, and a "Save Great Gidding Action Group" has been formed, including people from the village and other parishes affected, including Winwick, Hamerton and Steeple Gidding. Glatton and Thurning/Luddington/Hemington are taking action as well.

Letter writing surgery
By the end of July the Action Group had circulated leaflets to every house in the affected villages, held meetings in a number of the villages, and had urged every individual to write to Post Office Limited, PostWatch (the official body representing the consumers) and our MP, Shailesh Vara, objecting to the closure and demanding the Post Office stay open. A letter writing surgery at the Village Hall for people who would like help in drafting or typing their letter was also arranged for Saturday August 2.

A giant red heart has been erected outside Great Gidding Shop and Post Office urging "Save our Post Office. At the heart of the community". Posters repeating the message are being circulated to houses and businesses, in the hope they will be displayed prominently until at least the end of August, so that visiting Post Office officals can see the support to keep the post office open. Download poster

A full week of monitoring the number of people using the Post Office, and the kind of transactions they undertook, was organised for the last week in July, giving us evidence to challenge Post Office Limiteds’ view of activity at Great Gidding.

The case against closure is being prepared by the Action Group which is drafting a briefing document that can be presented to Post Office Limited, MPs, County and District Councillors, PostWatch and other people we will be lobbying. We are also starting a press and publicity campaign . All this has to be done by August 26th.

A lot is happening in a very short time. We only have until the third week in August to make our voice heard.

So what can you do to help?
Write a letter to Post Office Limited objecting to the proposal to close Great Gidding Post Office. Tell them why it is important to you, and ask them to keep it open. Ask the Post Office to acknowledge receipt of your letter.

Copy your letter to POSTWATCH, the official public representative to the Post Office; and to our MP. The addresses you need are shown below. Send your letters to arrive by August 20th 2008. At the end of this article we reproduce some the reasons you might want to think about in drafting your letter - these are only a guide, and make sure you use your own words and your own reasons.

YOUR LETTER IS IMPORTANT. The more letters they receive from individuals, the more they understand how important it is to us.

Save Gidding Post Office Action Group - members

Julie Byard – Action Group Chair 01832 293576

Maggi Stewart – Coordinator and Winwick 01832 293759

Tony Scott – Financial Coordinator and Great Gidding 01832 293385

Howard Anderson – Hamerton 01832 293394

Barbara Kujawa – Great Gidding 01832 293769

Brian Dutton – Hamerton 01832 293669

Andrew Power – Steeple Gidding/Little Gidding 01832 293389

Denise Johnson – 01832 293704

Deni Underwood – Great Gidding 01832 293240

Mary Read – Great Gidding 01832 293657


The addresses you need for your letter:

POST OFFICE - NO STAMP NEEDED
Laura Tarling, Regional Development Manager, Freepost Consultation Team. Freepost.

POSTWATCH - NO STAMP NEEDED

Great Giddings Closure Proposal. POSTWATCH. Freepost.

SHAILESH VARA MP - Stamp needed.

Mr Shailesh Vara MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA


SOME THOUGHTS TO HELP YOU DRAFT YOUR LETTER.

The Post Office know that this closure, and the 25 other ones planned for Cambridgeshire, will create a lot of local emotion. By all means tell them politely how upset you are.

BUT IT WILL HAVE MUCH MORE IMPACT IF YOU INCLUDE SOME FACTS.

The letter does not need to be long. Tell them you object to the closure of Great Gidding Post Office, and the reasons why it will affect you personally – 1 or 2 paragraphs will do.

1. Distance to next Post Office. The closure of Great Gidding Post Office means that Great Gidding will be nearly 6 miles to the planned alternative branch at Sawtry. Winwick will be 7.

2. The alternative branch of Sawtry is not suitable. Parking is totally inadequate and already a danger to safety, there is no public transport to it from Gt Gidding, and it is questionable if they are able to cope at peak periods.

3. You will be personally affected. Refer to any loss of service that is relevant to you - if you are individual, will the closure of Great Gidding affect you posting or receiving parcels (e.g. eBay trade); getting money, pensions, allowances or paying your bills; if you are a business, indicate if the closure will increase your business costs and effectiveness (e.g. travelling distance for daily posting etc). Strengthen it by quoting your personal example.

4. The Great Gidding shop may close because it does not have the Post Office. It is probable that the withdrawal of Post Office services at Great Gidding will lead to the total closure of the shop. This means there will be no such facility for about 6 miles. There will be nowhere local to collect prescriptions, have newspapers delivered etc. The shop is of important social value in a rural area, and this must be taken into account.

5. The Post Office has not taken into account the growth in the local area. The County Council have shown their faith in the development of Great Gidding and the communities it serves by announcing the building of a new primary school. There are also several building developments planned in the area, and the population is going to grow. Satellite villages are now on mains sewerage and expansion is likely. More rural businesses are being set up. It is wrong to reduce Post Office facilities at a time of growth. Did the Post Office take this into account in their decision making?

6. The proposed replacement mobile Outreach service of eight hours a week at Great Gidding will be hopeless and inadequate. Such limited times will not meet the needs of a very differing population; security is questionable; the proposed siting is not safe for pedestrians and, in view of experience with the computerised mobile library, mobile transmission links essential for transactions will not be sufficiently reliable.

WRITE AS SOON AS YOU CAN, AND BY AUGUST 20TH AT THE LATEST.

Maggi Stewart, Coordinator and Winwick, Save Gidding Post Office Action Group – July 08 Top

RACE AGAINST TME TO SAVE NEARLY 40 CATS

Many may remember the story earlier this year regarding the elderly gentleman with over 60 cats who called in St Neots & District Cats Protection to assist him as he was no longer able to cope. Whilst the work has been ongoing and over 20 of the cats have been re-located or re-homed, the situation has taken a dramatic turn with the unexpected death of the owner. The branch has now been given only 2 months to remove the remaining 40 cats from the property before the estate is settled and the buildings demolished.

Dawn Cooke for St Neots & District Cats Protection commented - Our branch works tirelessly to re-home approximately 120 cats per year. To be given a deadline of only 2 months to find owners for nearly of third of our annual figure leaves us in an almost impossible position particularly in the holiday season. Unless homes are found for these animals, the property owners may have no choice but to have the cats put to sleep. Our pens are full with cats already on a waiting list to come in. We desparately need homes for adult cats and in some cases homes for more than one cat. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are able to offer a safe and loving home for any of these cats.

There are many garden/farm/working cats at the property which will need re-locating, so if you have large grounds, a small holding, farm, nursery or factory where we can place these animals, we will provide an outdoor shelter and regular food - subject to availability of donated supplies. These animals provide a beautiful and natural pest control service so if you can help please contact us urgently.

The numbers to call are - 01480 476696, 07900 257061 or 07966 282005. Please leave a message if there is no reply - we will call you back.

Visit the St Neots & District Cats Protection website: http://stneots.cats.org.uk/

Dawn Cooke, Publicity/Welfare Officer, St Neots & District Cats Protection – June 08 Top

Delivery of PETERBOROUGH YELLOW PAGES warning from E-Cops

Notice from e-cops - the innovative e-mail newsletter scheme from Cambridgeshire Constabulary

As part of our continuing policy to minimise the risk of burglaries being caused by Yellow Pages/Telephone directories being left on doorsteps, we write to give you details of our forthcoming distribution.

Delivery week commencing 4th July 2008. Distribution is between two to three weeks to postcodes in our area. The delivery agents have been requested not to leave the directories on view. However it is unavoidable that some books will be left outside we hope to enlist the support of neighbours where ever possible.
Postcodes as follows: PE2, PE5, PE7, PE8, PE19, PE26, PE27, PE28, PE29 PE18.

Go to e-cops website

PCSO Anna Holder – June 08 Top

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL VacancY

Notice of Vacancy in Office of Parish Councillor
The Parish Council warmly invites all parishioners who would like to serve on the Parish Council to write to the Council expressing their interest.
The Council will co-opt to fill the vacancy at its next meeting on Tuesday 22nd July 2008 in the Parish Room, Village Hall.
For more information on the work of the Council please contact the Parish Council.

Sally Dalley – June 08 Top

Join the campaign to protect our post office

Your Post Office Needs You! Go to Great Gidding Post Office and sign the petition. Also...

(from Hunts Post)
That is the message The Hunts Post reiterates today as we announce an Action Week designed to reinforce the message that our post offices are the fabric of our communities.

Royal Mail wants to close 2,500 post office branches across the country and will announce on July 8 which offices in Cambridgeshire are earmarked for closure.

Backed by the district's members of Parliament, The Hunts Post is encouraging all its readers to make use of their local post office during the Action Week beginning April 21.

Readers will be encouraged to ignore the internet and use the services available at their post office - a full list is featured inside.

Stickers will be also available at post office counters throughout the week for people to show their support and petitions are in branches across the district awaiting signatures.

The week is the latest step in our Protect Your Post Office campaign, which since November has seen more than 5,000 people pledge their support to their post office by signing the petitions at their local branch and supporting the online by visiting www.huntspost24.co.uk.

April 08 Top

An old friend

An old friend of the village roaming the savannah near Barnwell Wold.

Michael Trolove – April 08 Top

The Great Gidding Jitty clean up

A joint venture between members of the Parish council and the L & A committee saw the Jitty given a spruce up, for 1 hours effort the path was cleared and swept and bushes trimmed back.

The crew retired to Mary & Brian's for restorative cups of tea and cake. Thanks also to the younger members of the community who pitched in with some litter picking and thanks also to Ian Stapleton for the chain saw work he did on a previous day. We hope this momentum and enthusiasm can be carried forward to a spruce up.

Click on thumbnail to view larger

Michael Trolove – April 08 Top

A few more photos from the Great Gidding Panto 2008 Goldilocks and the Four Bears

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Deni Underwood March 08 Top

Great Gidding Panto 2008 Goldilocks and the Four Bears

The Gidding Players have done it again. And what a professional bunch they are. Whatever happened to missed cues and fluffed lines? None of those in this production! Just a riotous romp through Sadie Circus land encompassing hilarity and pathos, a lion tamer, snake charmer, tightrope walker, the smallest strongman in the world, sword swallower, some very shy and retiring front of house clowns – not to mention those five from the title – this show had got the lot!

Stunning performances as always from the usual suspects that we have come to know and love, along with some cracking performances from new comers to the spotlight (if she pays a visit to Trinny & Susannah that Sadie Spangle will go far....). Once again, my mascara was in need of a thorough wiping down when the four bears bounced into the arena – huggable or what?

It was a fantastic show – the tempo was upbeat and the overwhelming feeling was that the entire cast and crew were thoroughly enjoying themselves too! I think the biggest compliment I can pay is to say that the time flew by – well done everyone and well done Deni on your directing debut.

Click on thumbnail to view larger

View previous Great Gidding Panto photos:

Humpty Dumpty - March 2006
Alladin Goes West - February 2005
Peter Pan - March 2004
Wizard of Oz Panto - March 2003
Cinderella - March 2002

Paul & Krystyna March 08 Top

Woodland news and Parish Trees

Lots of things happening in the wood, replacement trees have been planted. The hedge between the allotments and the wood has had a light pruning. A tidy up of unused tree tubes, mats and two very unsafe picnic tables have been disposed of. Tree stakes that are surplus to requirements are left at the entrance to the wood. Feel free to take them for your own requirements. Some of the natural growing hawthorn has been dug up to supply other parish councils with hedge stock.

As the wood starts to look like a natural feature rather than a field of tubes so the bird life has become more noticeable. To make your visit or walk around the wood more interesting a notebook and pen has been provided to record your bird and wildlife sightings (Tony’s hens don’t count). We hope you will note the everyday as well as any exotic or rare species. The notebook can be found behind the Millennium wood sign.

Click on thumbnail to view larger

Parish trees

Every year the parish council receives trees from the county council to be planted around the Parish in areas that the public can easily view . Here we see some of this years allocation being planted.

Click on thumbnail to view larger

Michael Trolove March 08 Top

Six arrests made in connection with metal thefts

POLICE investigating metal thefts descended on Great Gidding during an early morning raid and arrested a man today. It was barely light and a blanket of fog had still to lift from the village, when a man, believed to be in his mid-50s, was escorted from his neat semi-detached bungalow.

Officers had taken an enforcer out with them in case they needed to hammer the door in, but it was not needed.
An open-backed truck parked in front of the property was full of what looked like copper cables, and also contained a metal bedstead, although it is unclear at this point if they were connected with the arrest. The raid was part of Operation Saruman, and followed months of hard work gathering evidence against people suspected of stealing metal – mainly lead and copper.

Inspector Billy Bremner, who was overseeing today's operation this morning, said the man had been arrested on suspicion of theft and had been taken to Huntingdon for questioning. He said: "As more people have become aware of these thefts, we have seen an increase in the amount of intelligence which has been passed on to us. Some offenders have been risking their lives to steal metal and don't seem to care where they take it from."

Police visited two properties in Great Gidding this morning, making an arrest at the second home. The move to arrest the man sparked outrage from a woman who was also in the bungalow. She shouted abuse and proceeded to pull her top up and expose her underwear. The raid was one of three carried out in Cambridgeshire this morning, while victims of metal theft were visited and given crime prevention advice.

Officers also carried out checks on roads leading to scrap metal dealers using ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology. Detective Inspector Andy Gipp, who leads Saruman, said: "I hope today's action sends out a clear message that metal theft is taken very seriously in Cambridgeshire, and we will arrest those involved.
"These thieves are costing the county thousands of pounds, in both lost goods and damage. However, I would stress that police cannot tackle this crime alone and I would urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour."
In October, 800 homes in Alconbury Weston, near Huntingdon, had their phones cut off after someone stole copper phone wires. Lead has also been stolen from churches, doctors' surgeries and schools in the Peterborough area.

From Peterborough Today www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk

January 08 Top

PHONE lines have been restored to two villages hit by cable thieves in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Engineers restored lines shortly after midnight this morning (Thursday 3) after working through the night to re-establish connections to Great Gidding and Steeple Gidding.

Approximately 500 metres of phone cables were stolen from Great Gidding yesterday - the third such theft in north-west Huntingdonshire in four months. Police had stepped up patrols in the village, setting up a mobile police station in the village hall for worried residents. In October and December last year thieves struck in Alconbury Weston, leaving homes and businesses cut off on both occasions. Anyone with information on the theft, which was reported at 3.26am, should contact Cambridgeshire police on 0845 456 456 4.

From Hunts Post http://www.huntspost.co.uk

Paul Crank – January 08 Top

Cable thieves leave Great Gidding and Steeple Gidding homes cut off

Thieves made off with about 500m of cabling from Great Gidding, early on the morning of January 2nd, leaving villagers without telephone lines.

Homes in the village of Steeple Gidding have also been left without telephone lines, as a result of the theft. BT said it would take about 48 hours to carry out repairs to the cabling and restore the lines. Cambridgeshire Police have increased patrols in the area and set up a mobile station at the village hall in Great Gidding.

Thieves previously stole cabling from Alconbury Weston in December and October of last year. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Cambridgeshire Police www.cambs.police.uk.

From BBC website More info at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/7167928.stm

Paul Crank – January 08 Top

A 'Great' Gidding Christmas present

Do you have your copy of the Millennium History of Great Gidding yet? Do your Children and Grandchildren have their copy? If not what about giving it as a Christmas present ? There are only a few copies of the book remaining so Hurry Hurry while stocks last...

Data and Photo CDs also available. More info

Book and CDs each priced £13.00 from Great Gidding Village Shop (or by post from Patrick Ellis - email prc.ellis@ndirect.co.uk for more details).

Price £13 plus postage and packing)"

Patrick Ellis – November 07 Top

Hughes family graves at Great Gidding

We have had a request from Des & Debbie Hughes in Western Australia to try and locate the graves of their ancestors. Unfortunately, due to wear, many of the headstones in Great Gidding churchyard no longer display any names. Does anyone know where the graves are of William Hughes (died 24 April 1845), Alice Hughes (died 18 April 1820), or any other Hughes graves that may be related?

Krystyna Wojcik – October 07 Top

Oundle exhibition of watercolours By great Gidding Artist

An exhibition of 40 watercolours by Great Gidding artist Krystyna Wojcik entitled LandscapeCityscape starts at The Dolby Gallery in Oundle on Saturday 1st September.

The paintings are a mix of landscape and cityscape images – "I paint landscapes because I love the different moods they reveal – whether dark and stormy or bright and colourful. In cities I like watching the way people move – without knowing who they are you get a great insight into their character".

The exhibition runs until 22nd September. Open Monday-Friday 10–12am and 2–5pm, Saturday 10am–1pm and 2–5pm. Further details can be found on the Dolby Gallery website www.dolbygallery.com or by phoning the gallery on 01832 273801. Visit Krystyna's website for a preview of some of the paintings: www.krystynawojcik.co.uk

Paul Crank – August 07 Top

Stolen Puppies Alert

A colleague of mine has had seven Springer Spaniel puppies stolen from her home in Deene near Corby.

1 black and white dog
4 liver and white dogs
1 liver and white bitch

7.5 weeks old. If anyone is offered a puppy without papers, they should contact the police.

Deni Underwood – August 07 Top

The Gidding Picnic and Plays 23rd June

Midsummer arrived in Great Gidding on Saturday evening. Whilst all around rain clouds threatened, Gidding stayed dry for us to witness two delightful plays performed in the Millennium Wood.

The first playlet, 'Jack's Return Home', featured that ole timer Joshuarr (aka Sudso) hamming it up as the devious husband of brilliant newcomer to stage and screen, Martha, (aka Sue Jarvis). Excellent performances also from Jonathan - was that his name? (Patrick Jarvis) and Jack (Sam Read). Wigs flew off, gun fire crackled and the ending was wonderfully daft!

A short interval followed for shared picnics, a rush to the beer and Pimms bars before the Gidding Players presented 'Curses,Foiled Again' - a Victorian melodrama set in Lady Flawless's conservatory (a great story about actors rehearsing a play which therefore featured double performances from all six members of the cast! ) Once again, wonderful acting by all the cast with a surprise leading role from the man of the music, Peter Comeau, playing the arch rotter Jasper Rotten. Emily Read played a charming Lucy/Kate. Mum Mary's wonderful legs appeared akimbo behind the couch and Karen Hawley (Nell/Stephanie) and Vera Woolmer (Lady Flawless) were ....flawless. Steve Smith (Victor Pureheart/Peter) is just dammed good whatever he does. It was lovely, funny, with extra witty asides that make you laugh ("I'll do the dog this time").

From a spectator's point of view the evening went incredibly smoothly which must be down to the legions of people who put in so much effort behind the scenes as well as in front - a big thank you to all. The Giddings really does have hugely dedicated people and talented players - not to mention Direction. Deni Underwood - when are we going to see 'Curses, Foiled Again' - the Director's Cut?

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Krystyna (Photos Michael Trolove) – June 07 Top

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL Vacancies

PARISH CLERK – VACANCY
This part-time position (approximately 4 hours per week) calls for a basic knowledge of accounting, word processing and a sound administrative ability and an interest in community life. Training will be offered as appropriate and remuneration will be based on experience
This Council includes a flexi time system. Hours are related to the needs of the job as some evening meetings will be required and also partly to the discretion of the applicant.
Closing date Monday 23 July 2007 (noon)
For more information or for a job description please contact Gail Stoehr on 01954 210241 or email giddingspc@lgs-services.co.uk.
Letters of application with CV to Great & Little Gidding Parish Council, 30 West Drive, Highfields Caldecote, Cambridge, CB23 7NY.

TWO COUNCILLORS
The Parish Council warmly invites all parishioners who would like to serve on the Parish Council to write to the Council expressing their interest.
The Council will co-opt to fill the vacancies at its next meeting on Tuesday 24 July 2007 at 7.30pm in the Parish Room, Village Hall
For more information on the vacancies and/or the work of the Council please contact the Clerk or a member.
Mrs Gail Stoehr
Clerk to Great & Little Gidding Parish Council
30 West Drive, Highfields Caldecote,
Cambridgeshire, CB23 7NY
Tel: 01954 210241
Email: giddingspc@lgs-services.co.uk

Andy Alexander – June 07 Top

Jacqui Sinn

Jacqui passed away peacefully on Wednesday 13th June 2007 surrounded by her family and friends.

She had been suffering from cancer for the past 16 months and fought her illness with great courage. She very much appreciated the support and good wishes she received from people in the village throughout this time.

Her funeral will be held at Glatton Church at 1 p.m. on Tuesday 26th June. All friends are welcome to attend.

Her family would like to thank those who have expressed such kind words of sympathy and condolence. They are a comfort to us at this difficult time.

I'd especially like to thank the person who planted the flowers at the front of the house; it was such a lovely gesture and a beautiful surprise when we got home. Jacqui had the 'green fingers' of the family and we hadn't been able to spend much time in the garden this year.

Rob Sinn – June 07 Top

GIDDING PLANT SALE AND OPEN GARDENS – SUNDAY MAY 20

We seeded, we pricked out, we potted on, we scavenged plant pots from near and far (thank you to the anonymous gentleman who delivered hundreds of pots to the Troloves), we watered, we pinched out the growing tips, we met, planned, labelled, priced…..and worried about the weather!

As Sunday morning dawned, we could hardly believe the number of plants that, between us, we’d accumulated; nor the generosity of all the people who brought along yet more plants to swell the horticultural bounty on offer.

From 2.00 until 4.00p.m. under brilliant blue skies, there was a positive scrum with what seemed like hundreds of buyers turning up to buy plants and produce and enjoy wonderful afternoon teas provided by our team of gingham-clad helpers.

Yet more gardening delights were to come in the evening when 12 village gardens were opened for visitors to stroll around, followed by a barbecue in the garden of Willowfields, courtesy of Margi and Peter Comeau with chefs Comeau and Underwood catering to the ravening hordes! They were ably abetted in their endeavours by the provision of salads and puds from many volunteer cooks.

All in all, it was a great day and one that, without exception, people said they’d like to see repeated. People not only enjoyed the plant sale but the open gardens provided a peek over the wall into gardens big and small, cottage and classical, all with something different to offer.

Overall, we made in excess of £500 profit for the Village Amenites Fund – a fantastic result and one we know we couldn’t have achieved without the help of so many people.

So our thanks go to all the tea ladies, girls and boys, the produce and plant providers, the barbecue cooks and other foodies, the generous people who opened their gardens for us to see and everyone who bought a plant or a ticket!

It’s in the diary for next year……. now we’re all off for a manicure!!

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Deni Underwood, Margi Comeau, Julie Trolove, Sue Jarvis – June 07 (Photos: Mary Read and Michael Trolove) Top

3rd Great Gidding CD available

CD3 - contains more records of the history of Great Gidding.
This CD contains ;
1) Maps from 1641, 1802, 1851, 1858, 1869, 1901 and 1924
2) Maps showing the Furlong and field names
3) More than 1000 Property Transactions Indexed and where possible, summarised
4) Rents and taxes for 15 years between 1599 to 1832
5) Lists of the 50 or 60 poorer families in the village from 1784 to 1816
6) Baptist records from 1790 to 1900
7) School records from 1880 to 1970
8) Quarter Session records from 1740 to 1920
9) An analysis of where each family lived from 1841 to 1910, with Maps to show the location
10) 60 Inventories transcribed and 20 additional Wills summarised (now totaling 170)

This CD can be obtained from Patrick Ellis : Phone 01332 - 840064;
Email prc.ellis@ndirect.co.uk

Price £12.50 (plus P & P)

Copies of CDs 1 and 2 are each available at the same price
Copies of the History Book are also still available at £10 (plus P & P)

Patrick Ellis June 07 Top

Plants and seeds wanted for Great Gidding Plant Sale

When you are planting seeds, taking cuttings or dividing plants, would you please consider donating any surplus items to the village plant sale (see Events).

The sale, together with other gardening events and activities, is being organised by the Leisure and Amenities Committee. Further information to follow in the Parish News and Posters. Date

Julie Trolove April 07 Top

Results of survey to seek opinion on the use of the Village Hall and Recreation field.

Summary of results from Village Hall and Recreation Field Survey

Download the complete survey results (PDF)

133 households within the parish of Great Gidding, Steeple Gidding and Little Gidding received a questionnaire. Of these, 79 were returned completed. This is a return rate of just under 60% and reflected the opinions of 185 people of all ages.

A response rate of 60% is above average for surveys conducted using a questionnaire to collect data. Almost a quarter of those responding are in the over 65 years group while less than a quarter are under18 years. There is currently a higher number of “young people” in the village than primary and pre-school aged children.

For both facilities, there are 25% more of the community who never use either. The majority (around half) use them occasionally, ie about twice yearly. The number of people of renting the hall for private or community events is low, mostly due to not having the need. The hall is rented daily for pre-school and after school groups by a private organisation.

From the findings it appears that the majority (60%) would consider a refurbishment of the existing hall as the best option, although when asked directly about choices for the recreation field nearly half said they would like to see toilet facilities and about a quarter requesting kitchen and showers.

It appears for a minority group, poor access is preventing use of the facitlites. The young people and older residents have poorer ratings on the suitability of the facilities.

From the additional comments, the upgrading of the hall is referred to frequently and also the fact of there being limited facilities and activities for young people in the village.

Mary Read Chairperson 12 March 07Top

New driving school for Gidding

Great Gidding now has it's very own driving instructor! Rachel Giddens DSA, ADI is a fully qualified, advanced motorist instructor.

In her own words -

'Patient, friendly and reliable driving tuition. Interesting and professional approach'.

PASS PLUS REG/CRB CHECKED

So if you're thinking of learning or are in need of a refresher course contact Rachel on:
07941 781117 or 01832 293277

Rachel Giddens March 07 Top

Save Milton Country Park

Milton Country Park is going to be closed by the district council. All the details are on www.savemiltoncountrypark.com.

There's an online petition and background information all about it. The petition is for anyone who has ever been to the Country Park, thinks they might go to the Country Park or just thinks that Country Parks are important and they shouldn't be closed.

Theresa Feetenby – concerned Milton villager & park user– January 07 Top

Sometimes people from Gidding do interesting things later in life!

Nick Blyton, ex bellringer, pupil of GG School etc. has embarked on a year long round the world trip. With his partner Jenni, started in Japan in October, and just completed 2 months tramping in New Zealand. Then its on to Polynesia, Easter Island, South America, and will include Galapagos at some point. Back in October 2007.

Blogs are being sent – Jenni does the words and Nick the photos.

www.jenniingham.co.uk or www.nickblyton.co.uk - for anyone in Gidding who wants to have a look.

Steve Blyton – January 07 Top

Wassailing, the Great Gidding way

The Omens were not good, half an hour before the multitude assembled it chucked it down; this was however a lucky omen as the clouds cleared away to leave a bright moonlight night.

Proceedings eventually got under way after a brief history and explanation of wassailing from the self appointed king of the wassail. A “dry” then “wet” run through on a practise tree helped the gathered crowd to get over any inhibitions about shouting and hitting apple trees whilst consuming a warm brew of cider, herbs and brandy. And so to the first victim, our hosts read out their own verse, we frightened away the spirits, left some toast for the robin and moved on to our next tree, again our hosts had prepared their own verse. By this time most of the wassailers were into the groove and so the evening progressed we dined on sausage rolls, roasted chestnuts, walked through the Gitty in crocodile formation and generally had a great time. Passing motorists and villagers not tuned into the event would be hard pressed to explain why somebody dressed as a tree was wandering about the village but that’s the Gidding way. Our last outdoor visit was to Crown cottage where we were treated to a wassailing hymn from the Gidding choir.

The second half of the wassail was a social at the village hall where entertainments and food were served up. You could find the apple, peel the apple, fish the apple, buy tickets for the apple raffle and by way of a tenuous link shoot the apple of William Tells head with an arrow.

My thanks to the garden hosts, the amenities committee for indulging me this event and all the wassailers.

Waes Hael!

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Michael Trolove – January 07 (Photos: Mary Read, Paul and Krystyna) Top

News from the Wood

The character of the Millennium Wood is slowly changing; most of the trees have emerged from the tubes. The only species that don’t appear to want to grow with any vigour are the Hazel’s

It’s the first opportunity to thank Clear Channel (Adshel) for their generous donation towards some robust seating for the wood, along with a budgeted contribution from the parish council we now have installed, four solid oak benches for visitors to enjoy.

Dig a metre 'fore Christmas
We now wish to improve the central open area by introducing native grasses and wild flowers. Currently we have a mix of rank grass and every species of thistle going along with typical heavy land clay drainage issues.
To make this a manageable scheme we want volunteers to dig 1 metre square blocks that have been marked with sticks at random, preferably before Christmas to allow maximum winter weathering. There is a 1metre profile leaning against the sign at the entrance to the wood. Just bring a spade, it should take no more than 15 minutes to dig your square. In late spring we will then seed these areas with an appropriate native mix.

Tidying up the wood
We are having a winter wood maintenance morning on Sunday17th December from 9.30am. All welcome, bring clippers, pruning shears or long handled loppers.

Michael Trolove – November 06 Top

Great Giddding Recreation Field Update

As the year comes to a close, it is good to report on the improved use and activity seen on the recreation field.

The addition of the play trail was a culmination of all that is good about community spirit. The idea, the fund raising, the individuals who went that bit further to see it through, the installation and finally the grand opening, great stuff.

Rounders, great support from all age groups, to be continued.

Junior football - to increase use of the recreation field an arrangement has been brokered with Sawtry Colts Football Club to use two junior size pitches on a weekly basis. We hope this arrangement will lead to improvements in the facilities we can offer in the future.

Michael Trolove – November 06 Top

A Day of celebrations

This was a red letter day for Great Gidding. Three events - the opening of the Adventure Playgroung, the Village Show and the Village Hall 50th Anniversary celebrations - all took place on Saturday 2nd September.

The first event of the day was held in pouring rain but it didn’t quench the spirits of the young!. We welcomed our local M.P. Mr Shailesh Vara formally to open the new Adventure Playground on the recreation field. We all admired the equipment, and appreciated the amount of hard work put in by the small band of dedicated volunteers who, under the leadership of Steve Smith, toiled every Saturday in August to erect this new addition to the field. Given the obdurate resistance of the Gidding clay, it was a minor miracle that they achieved their aim, but it was very hard work indeed. Once the ribbon was cut the children flooded on to the various challenges, despite the weather. Many thanks to all concerned! Anglia TV showed a few moments in their evening programme. (Copy available from Bruce Jordan)

Opening of the Adventure Playground. Click on thumbnail to view larger

Meanwhile the gardening experts were busy in the Village Hall, receiving a larger than usual number of entries to the Village Show. It was encouraging to see the skill and hard work evidenced by the exhibits which ranged from formidably huge onions , delicious looking tomatoes, to a variety of jams jellies and cakes, to craft items , paintings and photographs. Congratulations to all the prize winners, and our grateful thanks to Jerry Smith and his committee who organised the show, and to Henry Hill who conducted the auction afterwards.

While the exhibits were being admired, other villagers and some specially invited ex-villagers were enjoying the display of 1950s exhibits in the small room off the main hall. There was considerable interest in the old photographs, and a lot of conversations along the lines of “that’s old Jim, surely?” “No that’s Jim there on the bottom row, this one’s Alf” A 1950s motor cycle occasioned much comment as did a “teasmade” machine from the same era. Thanks to all who spent time in the attic /garage, finding all these items and landing them for the occasion.

The last event of the day was at 7.30 when a sizeable number of people gathered for the Hog Roast. Congratulations, and grateful thanks to all those responsible for the mouth-watering array of food. It was delicious, all of it, the pork, plus mashed potato, apple sauce, and lots of different salads. All followed by magnificent puddings mmm that chocolate roulade……..!Thanks too to the washers-up who did a first class job. As usual.

The bungee run was an unqualified success even if most of us enjoyed it from the sidelines, being too timid, too shy,- or just too old? Thank you to the valiant souls who ran it, and of course to those who arranged and set off an excellent fireworks display at the end of the day.

We were promised a good day, and we certainly enjoyed it all. THANK YOU to all concerned.

Bruce and Lois Jordan – September 06 Top

Welcome to the Revd. Jackie Duck

We warmly welcome Jackie and her husband Graham, to our group of parishes, The Bishop of Ely the Right Reverend Anthony Russell presided over the formal Licensing Service on Wednesday 13th September, in St Michael’s Church. Churchwardens from Brington and Old Weston and some parishioners from Great Gidding, armed with generous donations of flowers from all the parishes, spent hours decorating our lovely church, and it looked splendid for this important occasion.

Although it had to be a formal service, there were several outbreaks of laughter, especially during the commendation by Jackie’s colleague from her previous parish, the Revd Chris Spittle, and a lovely relaxed atmosphere. We sang hymns chosen by Jackie, and really relevant to the service. Children from Great Gidding School had produced some wonderful pictures and these were well displayed – our thanks to Mrs Westcott for her organisation! Afterwards everyone wandered up to the Village Hall, where a splendid finger buffet awaited. The food had been provided by all seven parishes, and group of ladies had spent the evening arranging it all in the small hall, and then serving drinks. Afterwards they and some more volunteers did a splendid job of washing up, and clearing away the remains. A very hearty THANK YOU to everyone concerned!

Jackie and Graham are already well settled in to the Rectory in Brington, and we wish them every happiness as they begin their work here.

Bruce and Lois Jordan – September 06 Top

Adventure Playground ready for grand opening

All is nearly ready now for the grand opening of the Adventure Playground at 10 am on Saturday, 2nd September. Stage One of the build was more of a struggle than expected thanks to the hot, dry weather preceding the start of construction. The ground was duly marked out for all the holes, some nearly a metre deep, and the first spade plunged in, only to bounce straight back out again as the rock hard clay, under the wafer thin topsoil, resisted all attempts to be broken. After much sweaty exercise with pickaxe, tractor and auger the solution was found in many gallons of water which were poured in to soften up the clay!
Back on target thanks to the English 'summer' and a digger!
Thankfully the following weekend saw further softening thanks to torrential rain, and the hire of a trench digger accelerated the construction speed so that the majority of holes were completed in record time. As a result the team were back on target for Stage Two, the final assembly, completed before the Bank holiday weekend. Thanks to all who participated, whether with the construction or with the endless supply of drinks, sarnies and cakes, and we are all looking forward to having a ‘go’ after the grand opening!

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Peter Comeau – August 06 Top

A Village Celebration!

David and Sue Shepherd “tied the knot” in some style – on Saturday 10th June. It was a wonderful occasion, not just for the bride and groom, but for all their friends. The Church looked beautiful – thanks to Sue Jarvis, Jane Edwards and Sylvia Hayden, and it was good to see Revd Catharine Furlong back amongst us to take the service. A lovely service it was too, with well-known hymns, some delightful choral music from the visiting choir, and, unusually, the bridegroom read a lesson.

David’s two sons, Matthew and Miles played their parts with pride, as did Barry and Tina Joyce who , respectively gave the bride away and acted as matron of honour. And, “afterwards” as they say, when the happy couple had arrived at the top of the hill in a donkey cart – a superb marquee, brilliantly decorated by Tina Joye, Margi Comeau and Deni Underwood , at the Fox and Hounds, accommodated in style, some 160+guests. An excellent meal, some great company, fascinating speeches – yes, really! What a day we all had!

Thank you David and Sue, for so generously sharing your day with us. We all send our love and very best wishes for a long and happy future together!

Lois Jordan – June 06 Top

ST Georges weekend in Great Gidding

Celebrations for Holy Week and Easter this year started with a Maundy Thursday "Passover" meal at Ferrar House, by kind invitation of Tony and Judith Hodgson. Judith made vast quantities of shepherd's pie which was much enjoyed by everyone, Before that Tony and Revd Diana Osborne of Brampton explained the Jewish festival with examples of traditional Jewish food.

Pictures and reviews follow:

The Good Friday service was held at Steeple Gidding, when four people read passages from the four gospels and we sang a hymn after each one, followed by prayers and appropriate music chosen by the four readers.

On Easter Sunday we celebrated in Great Gidding. The Church looked lovely, having been decorated the previous day by a team of ten volunteers. Over 30 people attended. We heard the gospel story of the first Easter morning, and sang the traditional Easter hymns with joy. Our thanks to Revd Tony Hodgson who took the service and Revd Richard Paten who preached. The service was followed by coffee and biscuits.

St Georges Day was remembered in style. On the Saturday thirteen cars and passengers took part in a Car Treasure Hunt, which involved about thirty miles of driving, visiting three churches and seeking answers to about 40 questions. Everyone did extremely well, and even managed some of the "tiebreaker question which the contestants didn't even see till they reported back to the Fox and Hounds about two hours later. The winners, by one point only, were Shaun and Angie from 8 Main Street who won a bottle of champagne. Congratulations to them and to all the rest!

On Saturday evening there was an Auction of Promises, arranged by Sue Jarvis and Julie Trolove, which was a tremendous success. The auctioneer was David Palmer, who auctioned off such items as an hour's gardening, a visit to a Falconry, tickets for a football match and baby-sitting. The event was very well attended and raised almost £1600 towards the cost of new play equipment for the Recreation Ground.

On Sunday we held a short Family Service in Church, led by Tony Levene of Brington. This featured a short play about Saint George, complete with "Professor Patel", dashing Knight, helpless maiden and a fearsome dragon. Afterwards we all enjoyed tea and cakes. Let's try to do something like this more often! The Easter flowers were still lovely, and in addition the school children had added their own St George's decorations. Much appreciated they were too, especially the new versions of the Ten Commandments!

Bruce and Lois Jordan – April 06 Top

Adventure Playground gets go ahead thanks to Auction of Promises

What a difference a day makes!

For those of you who attended the audtion of promises that statement will have a certain ring to it. The evening began with the arrival of an unexpected and sartorially elegant St George who was surprisingly knowledgeable about the way an auction should be run . He managed to get the proceedings off to an excellent start by handing around large ‘bidding’ hands which appeared to be hidden on receipt by the lucky participants - I wonder why?

This was followed by a very enjoyable and ‘lyrical’ power point presentation about the Rec field and the many events that have taken place over the past 30 years. It was also an ideal opportunity to show everyone what was planned for the future, before the real business of the evening, the auction began.

David Palmer, our auctioneer, had the unusual and dangerous skill of not only extracting the last penny possible out of us bidders, but also of making it seem really enjoyable! It was frightening to behold, and even St George had to yield to his magic powers before the evening was finished. The laughter filled hall said it all, as the evening progressed with saucy French maids, Manuel [where did he come from?] St George and even a few ‘ordinary’ people bidding for some outstanding lots.

What a night, and the Village Amenities Committee would like to thank all the contributers and of course, all of those wonderful people who came to bid on the night. Without them the Recreational Field would still be waiting for the new adventure trail but with the previous funds which have been raised, we are now in a position to purchase the first stage of the trail.

Although the final figure has not been established, we know that at least £1,600 pounds was made during the evening through bids, the raffle and the bar. A great achievement.

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St George's Weekend in Great Gidding

Sue Jarvis – April 06 Top

Borrow Books, CDs, DVDs from the comfort of your own village... The Mobile Library

Just a brief word in support of the mobile library that has been calling in Gt Gidding for the last tens of years.

Now it is possible to search all of Cambridgeshire’s library stock including digital media from the comfort of your own home computer. You need obviously to be on line, have a current library card and have the ubiquitous pin number. Once logged on you can search for books, cd’s and dvd’s, and then request their delivery on the next available Library van round. This facility also allows you to see new library stock, how high your overdue books fine is currently and several other user facilities.

This feature has only been running since early this year but having tried it out a couple of times I have found it works very well. A small charge is payable for cds, dvd’s but you do get to keep them for 2 weeks.

Go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/catalogue/. These search facilities are also available for Peterborough and Northamptonshire libraries.

The mobile library comes alternate Thursdays at around 11.45 am and usually parks up at the crossroads near the shop – it stops for approx 25 minutes.

Michael Trolove – April 06 Top

Mid summer woodland picnic and Jubilee/millennium wood Update

It’s nearly that time again. Hazy, lazy days of summer. So that’s a cold wind and drizzle in Gidding weather lore. Anyway the annual picnic will be on Saturday 24th June from early evening onwards.

Whilst we are on a woody theme, as previously reported some of the specimen trees particularly the walnut trees did not look very healthy. Dead is probably the right word. They have now been removed and the replacements planted are of much smaller stock so hopefully they will root better and grow with more vigour. As I write bud burst is in full flow, the cherries are fully flowered, and all the other species are not far behind.

Some strategically seats and benches placed around the woodland paths would enhance the facility. Donations towards the cost of providing such structures would be most welcome.

Ian Stapleton is the parish tree and bush officer.

Michael Trolove – April 06 Top

Humpty Dumpty - Another Great Great Gidding Panto

The Great Gidding Village Hall resonated once again with the Gidding Players' annual pantomime - a real eggstravaganza.

Eggcellent cast, costumes, lighting, music and (ahem) scenery all perfectly mixed to provide a wonderful nights entertainment. See the pictures below for an almost complete rerun of the show!

Paul and Krystyna – March 06 Top

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Humpty Dumpty – The Panto!

View previous Great Gidding Panto photos:

Alladin Goes West - February 2005
Peter Pan - March 2004
Wizard of Oz Panto - March 2003
Cinderella - March 2002

March 06 Top

Giddings descendants reunion report and photos from Kirsten Brawn in Canada

Some descendents of JOHN THOMAS BRAWN, - born 1848 in Great Gidding, and died 1917 in Kimbolton – had a family reunion last June. Essentially, we are the Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary contingent of John Thomas’ Grandchildren.

Click on thumbnail to view larger

On the weekend of June 5, 2005, my sister Gayle, my brother Larry and I hosted the BRAWN reunion at the Sons Of Norway Country Club near Mission BC. Like the other relatives attending the event, we are all grandchildren, or great grandchildren of John Thomas Brawn of Great Gidding. About half of us are descended from his first wife, Eliza Knighten, also of Great Gidding, and the other half from his second wife, Julia Ellis with whom he married in London.

The Sons of Norway is a weekend getaway of campgrounds, cabins, swimming pool, hall, and giant kitchen. Green - and tall with fir trees, it is nestled in a valley, by a creek, on the north side of the Fraser River about one hour east of the City of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

For me, the party began on a warm but cloudy Friday afternoon after a morning of intense shopping and rental pickups. Trickling in like squirrels to a bag of peanuts the campers and cabin renter relatives joined with their photos and memories in the hall.

In the evening, Ian, the Boy Scout leader cousin prepared what I think he called a MAGIC FIRE. A secret Boy Scout recipe that instantly lights cedar to a rip roar. He stood 2 meters away, then snapped his fingers, and, like magic, flames exploded from the teepee’d tall firewood. Its tongues of orange brilliant against the dark, dark nite. We roasted smokies, hotdogs and ate chips. Oh it was a wonderful time, many got tipsy, others drunk, some stayed up really, really late.

The next morning I awoke later than I should have, and when I got to the hall, my sister had already laid out the light pastry and muffin breakfast. It looked gorgeous. The remainder of the cousins had already arrived from the Best Western Motel in Mission (about 15 minutes away) to mingle and drink coffee. The afternoon was full of bocce ball, swimming, colouring contests, picture taking, and for some of us, dinner preparation.

Before I could commence my cooking duties, I had to go to town to buy, in addition to other things, the wine my mom offered to provide. And as well, to buy beer. The wine selection was easy: "Gray Monk" to symbolize the Nicholas Ferrar colony at Little Gidding, and "Something Fox, or Fox Something" to symbolize Gidding’s historical sport of fox hunting. The beer selecting was even easier. I bought cases of Kokanee, Labatt’s and Canadian.

Upon my return to the hall, the tables were being set. My sister made adorable BRAWN Coat of Arms placemats to rest on white table cloths. A yellow napkin represented our crest’s yellow square, and the green jeweled glass candle holders would be lit to represent our dragon. (We don’t know if we’re descended from the Brawn’s with the original coat of arms, but we were for that night.) A Calgary cousin trimmed each setting with a little chocolate box gift.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, we were drumming up a feast of immense proportions. We did everything ourselves, - except the Baron of Beef. When the food was near completion, we designated an experienced chef/caterer cousin to carve the beef. During the meal, we gave out prizes, a few thank yous were said,- thank you so and so for this, and so and so for that. After this, my mom treated us to a little story about her early 70’s trip about visiting the family in Kimbolton.

Despite the perfectly well cooked beef, the plates, and my discomfiture, the dinner was exquisite! After the tables were moved aside, dance music ensued.It was a wonderful time, many got tipsy, some got drunk, some stayed up really, really late. And we still had many cases of beer left over.

By early Sunday afternoon, most of the Brawns had left. They had planes and ferries to catch taking them back to Calgary and Vancouver Island. The Sons of Norway, as I suppose its name implies, is full of Norwegians that frequently potluck in its hall. After the English had left, my sister Gayle’s went door to trailer, to cabin door inviting the Norwegians to consume our beef and beer for lunch.

The reunion was a wonderful success and a perfect experience.

Thanks for your interest in our reunion.
Kirsten Brawn

February 06 Top

Local run Oundle gym re-Launch

A very enjoyable re-launch party was held at Just Fit gym in Oundle last week. Existing members and guests had been invited to celebrate the completion of phase one of the refurbishment of the club.

Since acquiring the gym from liquidators in late October 2005, the new owners, the Popeleys from
Winwick and Jane Leschallas from Great Gidding, trading as Just Fit, have carried out a complete revamp of the premises, creating a light and welcoming atmosphere.

The gym boasts a wide range of cardiovascular and resistance machines (and a sun bed for those looking to brighten these dark days!) and employs qualified staff who can advise on fitness and dietary programmes to suit everyone. Personal trainers are available if required. Future activities, by popular demand, will include "circuit training" sessions.

Just Fit's opening hours range from 7am opening to 9pm closing in an attempt to accommodate everyone's lifestyle. Weekend and Bank Holiday opening hours are currently 9am – 2pm.

Membership costs range from £25 per month for off peak usage with discounts offered for quarterly, half yearly and annual packages. Corporate memberships are available at advantageous rates for Companies wishing to enrol 6+ people.

The gym is situated at 33 Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle, just off the A605 (Oundle by-pass). Telephone 01832 274904 for further details.

January 06 Top

The Gidding players are proud to present the 2006 Gidding Panto 'Humpty Dumpty'

The cast & crew will be, this week, dusting off their costumes and unpacking the grease paint as rehearsals start for this years epic adventure.

This year the Panto will be held on March the 17th & 18th with performances on Friday the 17th at 19:30 & on Saturday at 14:30 and again at 19:30.

The tickets are not yet on sale but watch this space.

Any body wishing to join in the frantic fun and panic, can come along to the auditions on Saturday the 7th at 14:30 and if you can't make that then there will be a second audition on Monday the 9th at 19:30.

Places please ladies & gentlemen, the performance is about to begin.

Steve Smith January 06 Top

Adventure trail news

Great Gidding Amenities Committee are pleased to announce that they have managed to raise close to £2700 towards building a children's adventure trail on the Recreation Field.

There is still away to go, but at least we are well on the way. We have had some major contributions from local organisations and businesses as well as donations from the Gidding community.

The total amount needed is £6000. this will not only pay for the adventure trail but some other equipment more suitable for the very young children in the village. The Adventure Trail (as shown on the plan) will cost in the region of £4200.

Any donations or ideas for fund raising would be greatly recieved. More info

If you would like details of how to help or would like to make a direct contribution then please contact Lyn Smith, Clerk for the Great Gidding Amenities Committee, on 01832 293196.

Steve Smith November 05 Top

News from AN ex Chapel End resident

E-mail and photos just received from ex Chapel End resident Chris Bull. (We're not jealous - we can do juggling.. a bit...and sometimes it's quite warm next to the radiator).

Hi!

Always good to catch up on what's new in my old village, I often think of the place and what luck it was to be brought up somewhere nice in the country!

My travels have slowed slightly after a busy few months around three countries of South America last winter, I stopped for a while to study in a Brasillian circus school and then made my way back to Europe. by the beginning of the summer, I found myself back on the island of Crete and got together whith other jugglers and street artists to make shows and finally travel with a no petrol bike circus around greece making shows!

I will be coming home next summer, it will be the first time I set foot on British soil for more than 3 years so, i am already excited. My sister is getting married and I hope has been able to book the church in Gidding which will give me the excuse to be in the only place I ever really called home for a good old knees up!!

Hopefully I will have time to stop and give a circus show for you all!! Send my love to anyone who remembers me!

Chris

PS. Check out the website of the circus. www.cyclown.org and www.circusrevolution.com!!

Chris Bull November 05 Top

Playgroup Raise £618 at Quiz Night

The Quiz Night was held at the village hall on Friday 23rd September and proved to be a very popular and entertaining evening for all! Drinks were flowing at the bar and food was ably provided by our masterchefs on the barbies!

The winning quiz team was the Titmus family, who left the rest of us standing and they won the first prize of champagne, chocolates AND 4 free tickets to our next event!

£618 was raised on the night, so huge thanks to everyone who supported us.

Lynsey Smith October 05 Top

Sustrans 10,000 mile National Cycle Network celebration – Cycle ride update

The Sustrans 10,000 mile National Cycle Network celebration rides are now reaching an advanced stage. Our modest little ride from great Gidding to Cambridge on Sunday September the 11th will link up with other groups en route.

Our schedule is to meet at the cross roads at Gidding windmill at 8.45am for a briefing and photos and then a prompt departure at 9am. It is envisaged that all the cyclists will converge on Cambridge from midday and meet up on Jesus Green for the Cycle festival.

The event is scheduled to close around 5pm

This ride is a one way trip so if you would like to join in please make sure you have arrangements to get home. The ride is about 33 miles and for the most part keeps to quiet roads, some urban riding around Huntingdon/Godmanchester and Cambridge. We will be using NCN route 12 and 51. MORE INFO

For more information you can also download the promotional flyer (PDF format – file size: 764k) at:
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/webfiles/events/CambridgeFlyer.pdf

Michael Trolove August 05 Top

How could thE WIND TURBINE development affect the residents of Great Gidding?

The following information has been supplied by Peter Ward on behalf of NEWT (No Ellands Wind Turbines).

A planning application is imminent from Enertrag UK and Measures Farms Ltd. for the erection of six, 420ft high wind turbines on an area of land west of the Luddington to Hemington road.

Enertrag has chosen not to consult the residents of Great Gidding on this development. How could this development affect the residents of Great Gidding?

The following information has been supplied by Peter Ward on behalf of NEWT:

1. The Enertrag favoured route for the construction vehicles is the B660 off the A1 and through Great Gidding. The traffic generated will be considerable. The foundations for each wind turbine consume 600 cubic yards of concrete (about 80 ready mix lorries). The turbines themselves will be assembled from 50m sections each brought in on special transporters like the one left.

2. If built, the 420 ft turbines will be visible for ~25 miles. The movement of the blades will catch the eye and the flicker of the sun through the blades will affect the residents of Great Gidding. There will also be a similar reduction of property prices to the affected houses that has been experienced elsewhere, about 20%.

3. If built, at night the low frequency impulsive (drum like) sound from the turbine blades will be heard at Great Gidding and it will interrupt people's sleep patterns.We are in favour of renewable energy; but the method of extracting energy from natural sources has to be effective in terms of reducing Global Warming and must have a minimal impact on the rural environment.

Wind Turbines are ineffective in reducing Global Warming; the Carbon emissions from their construction and erection take at least 10 years to recoup from the small amount of zero emission electricity they generate. Their impact on the rural landscape would be considerable, as would be the loss of amenity for rural inhabitants.

The most effective form of renewable energy for rural Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire is Biodiesel extracted from oil seed rape. One hectare of oil seed rape can produce 1,400 litres of diesel fuel, ie enough for an economic car to do 14,000 miles, saving about 80% of the Carbon emissions from mineral oil. This can be done now, with zero impact on the landscape and local people.

Log on to the NEWT (No Ellands Wind Turbines) web site www.newt.me.uk for more information

The Objectives of the NEWT Group are:

• To Peacefully and objectively oppose the plans for the wind turbines at Ellands Farm;
• To seek specialist advice on the irreversible impact of this development on the local community;
• To let you know about the progress of the plans and what you can do to help; and
• To let you know about planned meetings to discuss the development.

Peter Ward (on behalf of NEWT) August 05 Top

Project Adventure Trail – A brand new project to benefit the children!

Great Gidding Amenities Committee are pleased to announce the launch of an appeal for funds to build a children's adventure trail on the Recreation Field - consisting of several different elements to challenge children of all ages and abilities and carefully laid out to provide increasing levels of difficulty as the child progresses around the setup.

The Adventure Trail (as shown on the plan) will cost in the region of £4200. To fund this amount the Amenities Committee has suggested that the appeal for funds be targeted locally and nationally including our local authorities, financial institutions, lotteries, trust funds and organisations that have community contribution schemes. Initially the suggestion is that each item in the Adventure Trial be funded individually. So for example, a balance beam costs £78, an ideal challenge for a small group to get together and fund raise for. At the other end of the price scale the Burma bridge comes in at £600 - a bit more of a challenge.

If you would like details of how to help or would like to make a direct contribution then please contact Lyn Smith, Clerk for the Great Gidding Amenities Committee, on 01832 293196.

Michael Trolove July 05 Top

A New Resident for Gains Lane

Congratulations to Chris and Claire (Burton and Keck) who are delighted to announce the arrival of 6lb 10oz Charlotte Irene Burton, born 20th July 9.43am at Hinchinbrook. Mother and baby ok - dad in state of shock!

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Chris and Claire (Burton and Keck) July 05 Top

Welcome to the Wild West!

Saturday 14th May saw Gidding taken over by the Cowboys and Indians, when FoGGS held their annual Summer Fete, this time with a Wild West theme!

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School Fete May 2005

With the call of "HOWDY!" echoing round the playground, fun was had by all at the many games on show, including panning for gold, tin can alley and a treasure map. The Gidding gamblers flashed their cash in the "Casino" area and the little ones enjoyed themselves on the bouncy castle and face painting (not at the same time!).

With delicious cakes, plants and books for sale, there was plenty to spend your pennies on. The wonderful refreshments provided a perfect antidote to the rough and ready Wild West, with a very civilised cup of tea and yummy slice of homemade cake and the very popular barbecue supplied a steady stream of burgers and hotdogs throughout the afternoon.

The highlight of the day had to be the fancy dress parade and top marks go to every single entrant for the fantastic efforts put into the outfits – everyone looked brilliant, or should I say "mighty fine"!

The event finished with the raffle draw. The top prize of a steamer chair was won by Nicole Blackman and Sarah Ronaghan won the 2nd prize of a barbecue.

Despite the windy weather, the Fete again proved to be a great success and fun for all, and early indications are that over £700 has been raised for FoGGS funds.

Thanks go to everyone who came along and supported the event and appreciation to those who put in many hours of planning to make it the success it was (you know who you are!).

Lyn Smith - May 05 Top

Clean-up day Captions Required

If anyone would like to send witty captions (clean!) as to what these folk could be up to then we'd love to hear from you!

Email Krystyna at: krystyna@intamail.com

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Michael Trolove May 05 Top

The Millennium Wood Update

Cold winds and late frosts have wreaked havoc with some of the trees especially the specimen trees. The woodland group who are overseeing the management of this area will consider how and when any trees are to be replaced. The people who donated money to buy these trees will be kept informed.

The trees planted in tubes are fairing much better although even some of these have suffered from scorched leaves due to frost. However they have recovered and a high number are visible above the tree tubes. The most advanced trees are to be seen in the west corner of the field, probably due to being more fertile soil and not as waterlogged as some other parts. Some of the leaders are breaking off, this I think is due to crows sitting on top of the tubes and stripping some the leaves.

The thorn hedge planted near the allotment end is growing well. It was pruned back in late winter and is now sending out some strong shoots. The laid hedge continues to green up and this is also sending out strong new growth.

Maintenance

The pathways have and will be lightly topped throughout the summer and any ragwort that shows will be dealt with. The tree tubes will be left in place until the trees start splitting the tubes. There is an inbuilt weak seam to allow this to happen. The natural regeneration will be left to get on with it and will only be controlled where it is a nuisance or a danger to the public.

And finally and probably most importantly the Summer Solstice Picnic will be held on Saturday 18th June more info

Michael Trolove May 05 Top

WindFarm Update

The Parish Council has no official responsibility regarding the proposed windfarm at Ellands Farm, as it is outside our county, let alone our parish, but this is the situation as we understand it at 24 April 2005.

Enertrag (UK), a wind energy specialist, are proposing to build a windfarm of six 3MW turbines on land at Ellands Farm, between Hemington and Thurning. As this will be of no direct benefit to the local community except the farmer (other than, possibly, a warm Green feeling), it may be imagined that these plans are not universally popular.

Enertrag have engaged Royal Haskoning, an international engineering and environmental consultancy, to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment. The two companies have held joint presentations to the local community at Lutton (for Hemington) and Thurning. Enertrag have a website at www.enertrag.co.uk.

Local opponents have announced the formation of an opposition group NEWT (No Ellands Wind Turbines). They have a website at www.newt.me.uk.

At the time of writing, a planning application had not yet been filed for the windfarm. The developers claim that, apart from being six 400ft high windmills visible for thirty miles around, the farm will have no impact. Opponents claim that it will, among other things, slash property values, ruin the tourist industry and frighten the horses. Your correspondent reserves judgement...

Adam Titmus April 05 Top