Community

Church re-opening

By AmandaW on July 4, 2020 / Community, Great Gidding, Home page latest news, St Michael's Church / Leave a comment

We are delighted to announce that St Michael’s Church will re-open on Sunday 5th July. However, in line with safeguarding rules, the church will only be open for private prayer, and this will be limited to the south aisle, the area to your right as you come into the church. The rest of the church (nave, north aisle, chancel etc) will be closed off and inaccessible.

The church will only be open for two days a week:

Sunday 1pm – 5pm

Thursday 9.30am – 1pm

There will be a sanitation station in the porch, and you are asked to wash your hands on entering and leaving the church. At all times, social distancing of two metres should be observed, and this is especially relevant in the porch area. To help maintain this protocol, certain pews will be marked as ‘out of use’. We have had to remove all prayer books, bibles and other literature.

Whilst churches are allowed to open for public worship (subject to social distancing) from 4th July, we still have to complete a Risk Assessment and other arrangements before we can open up the rest of St Michael’s church for public worship, and this will not be before the beginning of August.

Church closure: an update

By AmandaW on June 23, 2020 / Community, Home page latest news, News stories and reports, St Michael's Church / Leave a comment

Tags: Great Gidding, st michaels church

It is over two months since we closed the doors of our church buildings as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. We are delighted that we can now plan towards a gradual reopening over the coming months. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the Government, the Church of England and the Diocese of Ely.

We believe in life in all its fullness. In the current situation, that means that we need to keep everyone who will be using the church, safe. We are currently working through the guidance to see how and when we can safely open our churches for individual prayer, and ensure that the necessary health and safety measures are taken (regular cleaning, social distancing etc). Until this has been done in the best way possible, our buildings will remain closed.

The church, however, is not closed. There are regular acts of worship posted on the North Leightonstone website, and the North Leightonstone Facebook Group. Our ministers – Mandy, Fiona, Jim and Kim – are available to talk or offer prayer (currently over the phone). Contact details can be found on the website (www.norleigh.org.uk).

We are looking forward to welcoming you back into St Michael’s church shortly.

PLEASE NOTE: Little Gidding church is closed, and shrouded, for some months to come while the roof is being restored. Unfortunately this means there is no possibility of visiting it. Ferrar House is also closed at present.

The Wood is sweet……

By Sue Jarvis on June 1, 2020 / Jubilee Wood news, Uncategorized / 2 Comments

Tags: dragonfly, Pond Snails, Sheep hurdle, weather

John Clare, the poet, knew what he was talking about when describing his nineteenth century rural world, although even then he was concerned about the changes taking place. I wonder what he would have made of the present ‘lockdown’ and the restrictions that have been placed on all of us. Jubilee Wood has remained open for those of us allowed our daily dose of exercise, and provides both peace and space to relax in as well as a source of fascination for those of us interested in the natural world. The plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that occupy the wood are carrying on as normal, in fact they’re no doubt benefitting from the reduction of air pollution and noise.

Weather

It’s been officially the driest May since records began in 1896 and perhaps we should now be thankful for the wettest February in 150 years, as the trees are still looking healthy and hedges have been flowering well, and the pond is staying at a decent level. With the total rainfall in England just 17 % of the average for May and the UK having its sunniest Spring since 1929 the weather has actually been worth talking about.

Pond Wildlife

Water plays host to some amazing creatures and visiting the pond is always a highlight for us on our walks around the Wood, and the dragonflies and damselflies have been prolific there over the last few weeks. It’s interesting that these ‘Jurassic visitors’ which have been around for millions of years, don’t live for very long, not much more than a year and that’s assuming they don’t get eaten by predators either as an egg, a nymph or an adult. They’ve certainly adapted well to all the changes they’ve encountered. The common blue damselfly is also seen on a daily basis at the pond, and can be identified by its beautiful bright blue colour, small thin shape and its similar shaped pairs of wings. They also hold their wings closed when at rest and their flight is much less purposeful and weaker than the stronger and bigger dragonflies which will often engage in territorial combat on the wing. The wing muscles of dragonflies are attached directly to the wings rather than the thorax allowing them to move each wing independently, which means they can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards and perform hairpin bends at extreme speed…….no wonder they’ve survived for so long.

Dragonflies are a great indicator of water quality , as they only choose clean environments with plenty of oxygen in the water to breed in, and looking at the clear water in the pond and the welcoming mixture of plants it maintains, you can see why it’s such a popular place for them.

Broad bodied chaser dragonfly — Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonfly

Pond Snails

Keeping the water clean by scavenging on detritus and decaying organic matter is a job for another inhabitant of the pond, the freshwater snail. There are more than 30 kinds in Britain and our snails in Jubilee Wood pond can sometimes be seen floating upside down on the surface of the water while taking in air through the opening of their lungs on the underside of their body, performing a sinuous dance as they move around. The sex lives of the pond snails is fascinating for those who are interested in such things and a link to more information will follow at the end of this blog as this author doesn’t quite feel up to the task at the moment…..perhaps ‘lockdown’ is having more effect than I thought!

Water boatmen

Common and widespread in Britain, this brown bug with a body the shape of a boat can be seen in our pond, swimming with its long oar like legs and coming up for air at the water’s surface. The various species of boatmen are difficult to tell apart from each other but all are herbivorous, eating algae and detritus within the pond. During warm weather the adults may even take flight so watch out for them over the next few days.

New Additions

The wood has a new and very attractive addition…..a sheep hurdle made from one of the young Ash trees in the wood. Michael has made a beautiful job of it and you can see it on the left in the top corner of the wood if you walk clockwise from the entrance. He’s hoping to do a workshop on making them once the present restrictions are no longer in place so check out the website at the bottom of the blog if you want to do some research. Thanks to Michael for this information and for actually doing the work in this sweltering heat when most of us just want to collapse in the shade.

Ash hurdle in wood — Ash hurdle on Jubilee Wood boundary

Maintenance

Michael has also managed to keep the grass pathways tidy, aided by the acquisition of an old ride on mower which allows for selective height cutting in different areas. The hot weather has slowed down the growth of the grass and an abundance of rabbits try to help him as much as possible. Unfortunately they seem to be getting their energy from vegetables being grown on the adjacent allotments but at least they’re sharing them with the Muntjacs.

Some images of the Wood in May 2020

Hopefully, the next few weeks will be more comfortable for many as our exercise time increases and meeting with loved ones becomes a possibility, although restricted by social distancing. The Jubilee Wood is always there for a quiet walk and chance to recharge the batteries so I hope you’ll be able to enjoy it, but if you haven’t been able to, here are some reminders…..

pondexpert.co.uk Pond Snails in Your Pond

Making a Cleft Sheep Hurdle

Message from Shailesh Vara MP

By The Giddings Admin on May 18, 2020 / Home page latest news, News stories and reports, Parish Council News & Notices / Leave a comment

Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19

Shailesh Vara MP Advert Download

Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives

2020-03-17 Parish Council Meeting Minutes

By Giddings Clerk on May 18, 2020 / Parish Council Minutes / Leave a comment

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of Great and Little Gidding Parish Council Meeting

Held on Tuesday 17^th March 2020 at Great Gidding Village Hall

PRESENT: Cllrs Hodson, Dear and Pudney, and Parish Clerk

*** some agenda items have been deferred to future meetings due to the virus outbreak.

161.19 Chairman’s Welcome – Cllr Hill welcomed those present

162.19 To receive apologies and reasons for absence

County Councillor Gardener – attendance at another meeting

District Councillor Alban – ill health

163.19 There were no Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

164.19 There were no members of the Public or Press present

165.19 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 18^th February 2020 – signed by Cllr Hill after proposal by Cllr Hodson and Cllr Dear

166.19 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item

Cllr Dear enquired about the pot holes in Chapel End being reported and will photograph them to enable Clerk to submit a report.

Clerk advised that there has been no response to date on the three planning issues that had been reported to Huntingdon District Council Planning Department and Chorus Homes.

167.19 COUNCIL ISSUES TO NOTE:

To receive reports from Councillors:

Cllrs Hodson and Dear have been carrying out many tasks in the Parish over the past month – Clerk will update the relevant TO DO lists to reflect this.

168.19 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

a) to note Barclays Bank statements

b) to note the Budget control statement – copies distributed to Councillors

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve and sign cheques in respect of the following:

1) P Hodson – Maintenance of Rec Ground toilet £33.39 (

2) J R Trolove – Clerks working hours for January + stamps £xxx (no VAT)

3) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1^st and 29^th February

***There will be payments to be made from the Village Hall accounts too.

169.19 Local Highways Initiative Bid for 2021-2022 – deadline 31 May 2020

Consider improvements to Chapel End, Luddington Road and Mill Road.

Cllr Hill advised that notification has been received today that the current LHI bid has been successful – details to follow at next meeting.

Cllr Hill requested other Councillors to put forward their ideas for the next bid, and will include requests from residents regarding Luddington Road and Mill Road (extending 30MPH speed zones and installing new speed signs), and Chapel End (parking). He will then devise an application for discussion at the April meeting prior to submission to CCC.

170.19 Recreation Ground update

Proposal to purchase swing seats – how many and from which manufacturer – 4 seats would be required – Clerk to contact Wicksteed to confirm the price per seat.

Review of hiring agreement and hire charges – Cllr Dear requested a review, should anyone wish to hire the field. It was agreed that, due to the many and varied potential uses, this would be decided on each individual application to the Clerk.

Bradgate have not yet cut the Rec Ground – Clerk will remind them.

Cllr Hodson proposed the purchase of a ride on mower for Rec Ground (CIL money could be put towards the cost), to ensure the football pitch/running track is always available for use by the School. Quotes will be obtained and this will be discussed further at the April meeting.

171.19 Newsletter to parishioners – Clerk met with CARESCO’s Office manager – see attached report – it was agreed not to pursue this but to continue our current “in house” arrangements for printing and distribution. Councillor Dear has drafted an outline for a future edition of the Gidding News (formerly Clarion) for Councillors to consider.

(see 178.19 (1)) It was agreed that a flyer should be distributed with village contact details during the virus outbreak – Clerk and Councillors to devise and distribute as soon as possible

172.19 Councillor training – Cllr Dear – DEFERRED

173.19 Clerk’s appraisal feedback – Cllrs Hill and Hodson carried out the appraisal and copies of the document were shared with Councillors.

174.19 Proposal to appoint Internal Auditor for 2020 – it was agreed that Jacqui Wilson of Canalbs should be appointed to carry out the annual internal audit.

175.19 Review Asset Register in preparation for end of year audit – Clerk will email the existing list to Councillors – otherwise DEFERRED

176.19 Risk Assessment report – Cllr Pudney – DEFERRED

177.19 Preparation for the Annual Parish Meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council – those present agreed that it may not be possible to hold an Annual Parish Meeting. Clerk will update Councillors as developments/information are available. – DEFERRED

178.19 Correspondence received since 18^th February 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Correspondence that was available to view at the meeting, including the following:

1) Neighbourhood watch and other correspondence regarding Covid 19 outbreak

2) Calor Gas Rural Community Fund – deadline 9/4/2020

3) Keep Britain Tidy – Do It for your Dog

179.19 Items for decisions at next meeting:

Recreation Ground – possible purchase of a ride on mower

Details of successful LHI bid for 2020-2021

Proposal for submission for LHI bid for 2021-2022

Further village flyer required or “Gidding News”

See items marked DEFERRED above

Prepare for Election or Co-option of Parish Councillor

175.19 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 21^st April 2020, (unless Government, NHS or NALC advise that meetings should not be held)

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding

Meeting closed at 8.57PM

Friday Club – memories from the 1980s

By The Giddings Admin on May 15, 2020 / Baptist Church, Giddings history, Home page latest news / Leave a comment

Tags: Baptist Church, Friday Club, Great Gidding

In July 2019 I was fortunate to be able to attend the funeral of Dorothy Atkinson who had reached the great age of 100. Mrs Atkinson was one of the most joy-filled people I’ve ever met. She was still visiting the elderly, so she told me, well into her 90s.

Whenever I went to visit her in her latter years, her face would light up as she told me how lucky she felt, and what a wonderful life she had. It was impossible to come away from seeing her without feeling lighter, and feeling lucky myself to have known her.

Transported back to the 1980s

After the service I was given a carrier bag by Mrs Atkinson’s daughter just as they were heading off for the burial. In it was a photo album with bright red tulips on, and, in writing I recognised, a label saying ‘Friday Club’. Immediately I was transported back to the 1980s and the Friday Club that Great Gidding Baptist Church ran for the local children. I think pretty much all my school friends went – I suspect my parents, at least, enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet with me out of the house every Friday.

Younger Friday Club, older Friday Club

The younger Friday Club was run by two extraordinary ladies, Doris Tapps and Annie Davidson who had moved to Great Gidding from London during the Blitz. Miss Tapps and Miss Davidson (I never did pluck up courage to call them by their first names) were gentle, dedicated and patient in all their interactions with children. The older group was run by Ernie and Dorothy Atkinson from their home on Milking Slade Lane. Mr and Mrs A never seemed to mind as we rampaged through their house. We got to run amok in their garden. They always seemed to so calm, unflappable and at ease with the invasion of children after school every Friday.

The photo album feels like a great gift – a way of reliving those carefree days and to be reminded how grateful I feel to have known the patient and loving care of of Miss Tapps, Miss Davidson, and Mr and Mrs A.

Laura Jorgensen (Burgess)

Friday Club in Great Gidding in the 1980s

April Showers?

By Sue Jarvis on May 3, 2020 / Jubilee Wood news, The Environment / 1 Comment

It’s been the driest, hottest April on record which has been good news in some ways as we struggle to cope with the social restrictions and distancing that is required during the Covid 19 pandemic. Those of us who are lucky enough to have a garden have been able to watch it grow as the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, and the Jubilee Wood has been literally blossoming as the fruit trees flower and the heavy, sweet scent of the hawthorn bushes fills the warm air. The early balmy weather has really speeded up the opening of young green leaves on the different species of trees found in the wood and the sight of Spring migrants in the skies has made many of us smile. Let’s hope the last few days of cold and wet weather in April haven’t made them regret their decision to come back.

Half year birds

I was reading about the seventeenth century author of The Complete Angler, Isaac Walton, who called swallows ‘half year birds’ as they only tend to be with us for six months of the year before travelling back to Africa, and thought it a really appropriate nick name. It’s surprising to realise that very little was really known about the migration of birds until relatively recently (at least it seems recent for some of us!). In 1937,the British Trust for Ornithology took over the ringing of around three quarters of a million birds a year in Britain and Ireland to help improve our understanding of the movement and behaviour of many species of birds. House martins also make the incredible journey to and from sub-Saharan Africa, returning to their old mud nests under the eaves of houses. As the edges of the pond in the wood are now softening up nicely after all the rain in the last couple of days, they’ll hopefully be able to find plenty of wet mud for any repairs they have to make.

The Black Cap

Another summer visitor to our shores is the greyish warbler, the Blackcap. Although our cold winters are not usually favoured by these sun loving birds, the bird food we provide in our gardens is making it a viable option for them, especially the ones who originated from Germany and North Eastern Europe. Its lovely song has earned it the name of ‘northern nightingale, and although not experts, we think we were lucky enough to record it in the wood during a recent dawn chorus. There is a video at the end of the blog and it would be good to hear from more knowledgeable ornithologists out there if we’ve got it wrong and what other birds they can recognise from their song.

Watercolour of male and female Blackcap birds and nest of eggs — The dark headed male Blackcap with the lighter coloured female Blackcap

Dawn Chorus

At this time of year, one of the most uplifting sounds has to be the wonderful dawn chorus and with the recent reduction of traffic noise both day and night this has to be the best opportunity of hearing it in many decades. It may also be having a beneficial effect on those birds trying to find a mate, especially those in the cities, as they can now actually hear each other! It’s interesting to think that here in the East the birds will start singing at least half an hour before those in the South West but what is the purpose of such an early daily expenditure of avian energy throughout the land? There are lots of theories, and territory marking and mate finding seem to be two reasonable front runners as some species such as the sedge warbler and the pied flycatcher stop singing after pairing. However, why sing at dawn? It’s nice to think that it’s a gift for those of us who suffer from insomnia, to chase away the worries of the sleepless night although it’s probably much more likely that it’s of social use to the birds themselves.

This is a difficult time for us all, whether as busy front line workers, having to stay indoors or limit ourselves to half an hour’s exercise outside a day, or sadly losing loved ones to the Corvid 19 virus, but nature still rises above it all and ironically is benefitting from the reduced amounts of pollution and noise in their environment. Hopefully you can spend some of your limited exercise time in the Wood enjoying this wonderful window on the natural world, but if not, I hope the following images and videos will help a little.