Readings for 26th April 3rd Sunday of Easter
Readings for 19th April 2nd Sunday of Easter
Infographic of contact details during the Coronavirus pandemic distributed by Huntingdon District Council through the Parish Council.
The links are:
http://www.wearehuntingdonshire.org
http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
North Leightonstone Readings for Easter
Services and Activities for Holy Week and Easter from the North Leightonstone Benefice Churches Group.
Nature has an incredible way of overcoming what are seemingly insurmountable difficulties, the grass that grows through tarmac, the hedges that burst into leaf after being shattered by flail hedge cutters, the birds that are willing to return to an environment that was once so hostile it threatened their very existence. When the times are tough, as they have been for everyone over the last few weeks as the corona virus ravages across the globe, it’s reassuring to put anxieties to one side and simply watch a red kite stretching its wide wings as it floats in the sky or a silent barn owl slicing through the dusk as it searches for its supper. The Wood can offer us a place to relax in as well as wonder as we observe the ever changing and adaptable ways of nature.
What’s happening in the Wood?
The Jubilee Wood continues to show signs of bursting into life, with green shoots emerging on the hawthorn trees and brambles, and one of the crab apples around the central area is already flowering, if somewhat half heartedly at the moment. The glossy, elongated, arrow shaped leaves of the Wild Arum, Arum maculatum, can be seen around the bottom of the hedges, often with attractive dark spots on. Some people know it better as Lords and Ladies, ‘cuckoo pint’, or Jack in a pulpit and it’s distinctively shaped flower has not surprisingly led to many names with bawdy associations.The flower is designed to attract flies for pollination and its fruit, which is a spike of bright orange berries can be a common sight in woodlands in autumn, but like many wild berries these are toxic to humans.
The leaves of the low growing Speedwells, Veronica persica and Veronica chamaedrys, are also all around the wood and as its name indicates, it was seen as good luck when seen on journeys. In Ireland in years gone by, ‘speed you well’ was even sewn into clothes as a good luck charm to protect against accidents. Introduced to this country from Asia by the Victorians, the common names for speedwells include ‘bird’s eye’, cat’s eye, and Farewell. The bright blue flowers brighten up the darkest of woodland corners and it won’t be long before they are flowering.
The newts are back (if they ever went away)
On the amphibian front, the first newts have been seen in the pond which is full to the brim after the continuous rain and grey skies of February. With the lack of cold weather this winter some people are wondering if they did much hibernating at all. Fortunately March has been much drier and the warm days of sunshine have been a relief to those of us who have had to keep at home. The occasional sharp ground frosts have made surfaces slippery but at least the paths around the wood are finally drying out although it doesn’t take much rain to make them soggy again. The previous dark, waterlogged areas under the hawthorn and blackthorn are disappearing and muntjac are making the most of the young trees for cover.
New Identification Sheets
Five new identification sheets have been added to the folder in the arbour , so once people can get out and about again there will be an opportunity to put a name to what you’ve found there. Thanks to Michael for ordering them and making an excellent holder to keep them all together and protected from the weather.
Summer time
As I write this, the clocks have been turned forward to remind us that it’s officially British Summer Time and those of us who have been waking up early will certainly be aware that the birds don’t worry about man made time constraints. What can be more uplifting than hearing a dawn chorus as the sun starts to rise?! Perhaps tired new parents suffering from sleep deprivation might not agree but on the whole, it’s a pretty wonderful experience which doesn’t cost anything and can be enjoyed by all of us. Ready to nest, the birds are making use of the many bird boxes in the wood and perhaps before very long there will be fledglings, who with any luck, will also be joining in the dawn chorus this time next year…..
As we wait to see how the next weeks unfold, perhaps we can start to appreciate rather than resent this opportunity to slow down, an opportunity to observe and listen to the sights and sounds of nature, the Wood will be there waiting for all of us, providing us all with a wonderful place to just be.
www.wildlifetrusts.org – useful activities for all the family
GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Great and Little Gidding Parish Council Meeting
Held on Tuesday 18th February 2020 at Great Gidding Village Hall
PRESENT: Cllrs Hodson, Dear and Pudney, County Councillor Gardener and Parish Clerk
146.19 Chairman’s Welcome – Cllr Hodson welcomed those present to the meeting
147.19 Apologies were received:
Cllr Hill – Holiday
District Cllr Alban – ill health
Cllr Valderas – resigned 15th February 2020
Cllr Hebb – resigned 18th February 2020
148.19 There were no member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
149.19 There was no Public or Press present.
150.19 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 21st January 2020
Cllr Dear and Cllr Pudney proposed and seconded, and signed by Cllr Hodson.
151.19 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
Cllr Hodson enquired of District Cllr Gardener if there had been any further information regarding the communications mast proposal – it had been noted that Elton village proposal had been rejected again, due to the exclusion zone relating to Sibson Aerodrome.
Clerk advised that the planning application for the rear of Fox and Hounds PH (replacing wall with fence) had been refused.
Clerk asked Cllr Gardener’s advice as a resident had notified that there appeared to be people living in the barn adjacent to 21 Mill Road (copy of planning application attached relating to that site) – Cllr Gardener said that Huntingdon District Council Planning Department should be informed to enable them to investigate.
Clerk also advised Cllr Gardener that she was still awaiting a response from Highways Department and/or Footpath Officer of Cambridgeshire County Council regarding the Jitty Footpath enquiry – she was advised to remind them and copy in Cllr Gardener.
152.19 COUNCIL ISSUES TO NOTE:
To receive reports from Councillors:
County Councillor Gardener – he had been on the panel when Cllr Hill presented the Gidding’s bid for the Local Highways Initiative Bid and a decision should be known on or about 10th March 2020, he will contact us with the outcome.
He advised that the 2020-2021 Local Highways Bid has been brought forward to be made between April and May 2020 (see email). Funds associated with this bid are to be increased by £200,000. There is also to be a general increase to Highways funding.
He updated on a meeting held to discuss the A14 between Ellington and Thrapston as there had been a significant increase in traffic through adjacent villages. Highways England plans to improve junctions along this part of the A14 before 2030.
The works along the A14 and other roads around Huntingdon continues, with the viaduct over the railway to be removed by 2022.
The A428 works will continue to 2022.
There has been an increase in Council Tax of 1.59% plus 2% to Social Care.
Cambs County Council will gradually change their vehicles to electric power.
Cambs County Council are making a £15million investment to change their buildings to non-carbon fuels
(See https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/briefings/cambridgeshire-matters-newsletter-january-2020
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/briefings/member-newsletter-february-2020 for further details regarding above).
Cllr Hill had submitted a written note to advise that his presentation to the LHI Bid panel was made on 3rd February and he believed the proposal was “well received”.
Cllr Dear – potholes in Chapel End near to Mill Meadow – Clerk will complete an online report to CambsCC Highways.
Cllr Pudney – nothing to report
Cllr Hodson – nothing to report
153.19 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement – Cllr Hodson advised that the budget looked good and answered general questions regarding the spreadsheet.
Clerk advised that the Reserves bank account received £31.92 interest.
Clerk advised that the Precept had been approved.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve and sign cheques in respect of the following:
1) J R B Enterprise Ltd Dog waste bags £74.10 (11.90 VAT)
2) J R Trolove – Clerks working hours for December £xxx (no VAT)
3) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st January
154.19 Recreation Ground update
Decision to replace swing seats – Clerk had prices for 2 x different seats and will contact Wicksteed. Cllr Pudney asked that all 4 seats be replaced.
Decision to install safety matting under spaceship roundabout – Cllr Hodson advised that 4 tiles would be needed at a price of £18.00 per tile plus pegs required and proposed purchase of these items, Cllr Pudney seconded.
Cllr Dear reminded that toilet door lock needed replacing
Cllr Dear will find a contractor to weld cover for toilet unit pipework
155.19 Grass Cutting contract for approval and signature.
Cllr Hodson proposed acceptance and Cllr Pudney seconded. Clerk will sign the contract to enable grass cutting to commence in early March.
156.19 Newsletter to parishioners – at a previous meeting Cllr Hebb had proposed a change to the Clarion format therefore Clerk had obtained comparative quotes for printing. It was agreed that as Cllr Hebb would not be leading this project, no other Councillor wished to take it on and to continue with the Clarion but Cllr Pudney suggested to rename the Clarion as “Gidding News” – this was seconded by both Cllrs Dear and Hodson. Cllr Pudney suggested enquiring if CARESCO would be prepared to include Gidding News as part of the bi-monthly Sawtry Eye, which is distributed around the Giddings and other local villages – Clerk will enquire at CARESCO.
157.19 Councillor training – Cllr Dear – move to March agenda
158.19 Correspondence received since 21st January 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Correspondence will be available to view at the meeting, including the following:
1) East Anglian Childrens Hospital, letter requesting support/donation – Parish Council does not wish to donate.
2) Keep Britain Tidy – between 20th March and 13th April – as there had been recent litter pick sessions held in the village, it was not felt that another event should be organised at present.
3) Huntingdon District Council invitation to Huntingdonshire Town and Parish Council Conference – Wednesday 18th March at Burgess Hall, St Ives – Cllrs to advise Clerk is they require a place booking.
159.19 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Training for Councillors and Clerk
Risk Assessment report – Cllr Pudney
Review of Asset Registers – Clerk
Clerk’s appraisal feedback – Cllrs Hill and Hodson
Appoint Internal Auditor and prepare for Audit – Clerk
Recreation Ground – review Hiring Agreement and Hire charges
Prepare for Election or Co-option of Parish Councillor
Preparation for the Annual Parish Meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council – Cllr Hill and Clerk
160.19 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 17th March 2020,
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great GiddingMeeting closed at 8.35PM
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Visit https://www.foliumarchitects.co.uk
Forwarded information below from the Bishop of Ely diocese giving latest advice regarding the diocesan response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Notices are being put outside the church in St Michael’s and St Johns.
To all clergy (licensed and PTO), LLMs, Churchwardens, PCC Secretaries, and Members of the Diocesan Synod and Bishop’s Council from the Bishop of Huntingdon
Dear Friends,
You will have seen the news coverage of the developing coronavirus (Covid-19) situation and the government advice issued yesterday afternoon. New guidance has also been issued by the Church of England yesterday, that gives much more extensive advice about different kinds of services and activities. Please read this fully and carefully. One thing it asks is that each benefice/ parish/ BMO should develop a continuity plan, using the attached pro forma. Please do this as a matter of priority. The incumbent/priest-in-charge should attend to this in the first instance, in consultation with other ministry colleagues and churchwardens. For parishes in vacancy, the churchwardens should do this in consultation with the rural dean. Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.
If you are a Rural Dean, please be prepared to take on additional coordinating functions, especially for funerals if a number of clergy are not able to work, and make sure you ask one or two people to be ready to deputize for you should the need arise.
You must not soldier on regardless if you or a member of your family feel unwell – whilst you might be fine, others who you might involuntarily infect may well not be. If clergy become ill, or need to self-isolate, please contact the Bishop Stephen’s office (Hannah Cleugh in the first instance), as well as the others who are listed on your contingency plan, in order that we can support and pray for you, and also support pastoral provision in your parish(es).
Attached also is a brief leaflet offering a very simple guide about how we are seeking to respond appropriately and sensibly, out of care and love, in the present situation. You may wish to display this clearly in churches, on social media and website, and distribute as appropriate to congregations.
In addition to the advice already circulated about administering communion in one kind only and not intincting (dipping the wafer into the cup), please note that we are now advised that, where possible, people should receive communion standing so as not to touch altar rails, as this presents a risk of transmission. I have received enquiries about pre-intincting wafers but I strongly recommend in the current circumstances we should minimize as much as possible any handling of wafers.
We are also advised now to suspend catering, including serving coffee or tea, where multiple people will handle mugs, utensils and foodstuffs.
Some of you have asked about baptisms and confirmations. At this stage there is no advice to cancel any services, however precautions are advised.
The advice around such services is under the tab headed ‘Can baptisms, confirmations and ordinations still proceed?’
You are asked to note particularly the advice around baptisms:
- The Priest must wash their hands before and after making the sign of the cross on each candidate’s forehead.
- Where possible, if the candidate is a baby or small child, they should be held by the parents/godparents rather than the priest taking them in their own arms.
- It is preferable for water to be poured on the candidate’s head using a baptismal shell.
- If chrism/oil is to be used the priest should use a spoon or similar implement.
- In any event the priest should wash their hands before and after each baptismal act.
- Baptism by Immersion should not take place as this represents a transmission risk.
Confirmations will go ahead as usual, with the bishop washing their hands thoroughly between candidates.
Note that we are advised not to wash feet, as many parishes would normally be expecting to do on Maundy Thursday.
All of this is mainly advice as to how we should act when we gather for worship, study or fellowship. But obviously our pastoral concern is for the whole of the communities in which we are set and people among whom we are called to serve, and especially for those who are most vulnerable. Now is the moment (if you have not already done this) to be in contact with other organisations locally (schools, parish councils, ecumenical and other faith partners, and community groups) about how best to work together to support people in your parishes and communities who might be most likely to fall through the cracks, and to think in a co-ordinated way about how they can be supported both safely and effectively. This may include practical things like delivering food or medicine, and also spiritual and emotional support for those who may be isolated or very anxious about their families, friends, support networks or employment. Be in conversation with your local foodbank about how best to help them, and mechanisms for ensuring that people are not left without food. We will be circulating some further advice about this, and on social media, shortly
It goes without saying that we need to be particularly mindful of those who work in national and local government, in the NHS and social care, in prisons, or other sectors that are likely to be very difficult and stretched.
We do not know precisely how this will develop, but we need to plan as far as possible for all reasonable eventualities, and to respond with love and care as the situation unfolds.
Thank you for all you are doing and I will continue to be in touch.
With good wishes,
The Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter
The Bishop of Huntingdon
e: bishop.huntingdon@elydiocese.org
Twitter: @dagmarkirk
Further information
GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Great and Little Gidding Parish Council Meeting
Held on Tuesday 17th December 2019 at Great Gidding Village Hall
PRESENT: Cllrs Hill, Hodson, Dear, Valderas and Pudney
116.19 Cllr Hill welcomed those present.
117.19 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
Cllr Hebb – unable to attend due to family circumstances
Cllr Page – resigned due to personal circumstances
District Councillor Alban – due to ill health
County Councillor Gardener – attending another Parish Council meeting
118.19 There were no Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
119.19 Public & Press participation session with respect to items on the Agenda – no press or public were present.
120.19 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 19th November 2019 Cllr Hill signed – approved by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Dear
Matters arising from those minutes:
Vodaphone contract had been renewed by Cllr Hill, Clerk advised there had been a small increase in the monthly direct debit (£31.00 to £32.20), which Cllr Hill will enquire about.
Cllr Hill had written to Anglian Water regarding the frequency of water main leaks in recent years (copy to Environmental Health Dept. of Huntingdonshire District Council) – replies are awaited.
Clerk had reported the water running from the drain in Main Street to Anglian Water, who responded that it was due to recent heavy rainfall.
121.19 COUNCIL ISSUES TO NOTE:
To receive reports from Councillors:
Cllrs Valderas and Hodson had nothing to report.
Cllr Pudney will submit the first draft of the Risk Assessment(s) to the January meeting.
Cllr Dear had a resident complaining about the footpath being blocked (past Chapel End pond, across the field and out onto Mill Road) and had advised the resident to report online (Parish Clerk has already reported online).
Cllr Hill had heard that the feasibility study for the Local Highways Initiative bid has been completed, the overall cost to Cambs CC is estimated at £7741, The Parish Council would be expected to contribute £1000 if the scheme receives approval (the speed awareness sign would be an additional cost to the Parish Council). The Cambs CC technical appraisal rated our bid “green” with an “amber caveat” being applied against the width of the roadside verges for installation of the high visibility “speed gates”; the Parish Council will review the bid and may decide to withdraw the request for high visibility “speed gates” to give our overall bid a higher chance of success.
From Parish Clerk – Section 137 money has increased to £8.32 per elector for 2020-21 financial year.
Clerk had attended the recent Parish Clerk’s Forum as the speaker was a grass/grounds contractor who had some useful hints and tips regarding maintenance of grass.
122.19 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements and letter re. Instant Access accounts
b) to note the Budget control statement (spreadsheet available at meeting) – a full copy of the spreadsheet was made available to Councillors, together with information regarding Parish Council Reserves.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve and sign cheques in respect of the following:
1) ***CGM Group – grass cutting on 9th September £130.97 (21.83 VAT)
(Clerk has queried the invoice – this will not be paid until further research has been carried out to establish why this payment is required).
2) GG Village Hall – support for Games Club £50.00 (no VAT)
3) Great Gidding Charity – support for Orchard Project £200.00 (no VAT)
5) J R Trolove – Clerks working hours for October £xxx (no VAT)
6) HMRC tax in respect of October salary £10.60 (no VAT)
7) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th November
8) Viking supplies – print cartridges + stationery £102.95 (20.60 VAT)
123.19 Request received from resident for village to purchase large poppies for display prior to Remembrance Day/or alternative ideas/VE Day event.
Clerk has requested information about availability and cost of poppies. The resident wanted to replicate Sawtry parish example of attaching them to lamp posts – this would require a licence/permission to be obtained for each lamp post (cost not yet known) from Balfour Beatty (the contractor with responsibility for lamp posts. Clerk suggested that Gidding devise its own style of commemoration, possibly using knitted/handmade poppies, wooden cut-outs placed on the green opposite the shop or on the grass bank outside the Church. Councillors were asked to come up with ideas for the February meeting. Cllr Dear suggested, in relation to the VE Commemoration in May 2020 that the village hold an event, possibly on the Recreation Field – this will be discussed again at a future meeting with a view to getting both school and residents involved in the event. Clerk will advise the resident of the ongoing discussions.
124.19 Recreation Ground update –
Cllr Pudney had researched grants available through the Mick George Community Fund, with a view to using the grant for the all-weather surface. The initial step is to obtain any planning permissions that are required for the site and contact will be made with the Planning Department of Huntingdonshire District Council.
Cllr Hill had repaired the Tai-Chi disc on the multi-gym as the replacement part had been delivered (free of charge due to unacceptable delay).
Bin moved near to container – this will be reviewed in the summer months to see if the bin is being used and/or needs to be moved back to the entrance to the Recreation Field.
Cllr Hodson advised that the hedge is still to be cut but the weather is preventing the contractor accessing the site.
125.19 Grass cutting contract for 2020/21
Proposal to instruct contractor – Cllr Dear proposed that Bradgate be instructed to carry out the grass cutting contract, this was seconded by Cllr Valderas.
126.19 CIL report and return –
There has been one CIL payment received in the last 18 months, in respect of the development in Laurel Farm yard. Clerk will complete and submit the paperwork, advising that the payment will be used to fund improvements to the village road safety infrastructure.
127.19 Clerk’s salary review for 2020/21(in accordance with Financial Regulation 4.4)
4.4. The salary budgets are to be reviewed at least annually in December for the following financial year and such review shall be evidenced by a hard copy schedule signed by the Clerk and the Chairman of Council. The Clerk will inform committees of any changes impacting on their budget requirement for the coming year in good time.
Clerk left the meeting for this discussion and, on return, was advised that her salary will remain the same for 2020/21.
128.19 Correspondence received since 19th November 2019 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Correspondence that was available to view at the meeting, included the following:
- Email from the Fire Authority regarding their Risk Management Plan
- Planning Application (received morning of meeting)
Proposal: Demolition of a 9″ thick garden wall and
replacement with a close boarded timber fence.
Site Address: Outbuildings Rear Of 80 Main Street Great Gidding
Reference: 19/02422/FUL129.19
Cllr Hodson recommended refusal and the Parish Council to request that the wall be replaced, including the gateway, other Councillors were in agreement.
129.19 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Speaker or event for Annual Parish Meeting – a recent email had been received regarding First Responders, Clerk enquired if this would be a suitable speaker at the Annual Parish Meeting. It was agreed that this would not be pursued. Cllr Dear suggested a visit from the A14 Highways Information Team – Clerk will make enquiries to see what can be offered and report back to a future meeting.
Risk Assessments
130.19 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 21st January 2020,
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding
Meeting closed at 20.55