Can the Gamlingay Guardians help you or your loved ones?
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Established November 1991 January / February 2021 Circulation 2,007 Can the Gamlingay Guardians help you or your loved ones? HAPPY New Year, from Gamlingay As we return to our normal lives Guardians. By the time you read this those people who have relied on I’m hoping we will be well and truly local help may find that the folk who out of Lockdown 2.0 and on the road were helping are no longer about. to some kind of normality! Neighbours are no longer at home I hope most residents are now having returned to work, relatives live aware that Gamlingay has a great new far away and we may not be able to initiative available to help those in our mix households for some time to come community who have a limited support (please bring the vaccine to Gamlingay network around them. We know there Contact: quickly Boris!). Guardians can visit are some people who feel very isolated Fay Boissieux – Head Guardian people in need – you don't need to feel indeed. The scheme has been designed Email: isolated. to offer a helping hand, to provide office@gamlingayguardians.org All our Guardians are DBS checked advice, to run errands and above all to and have been trained to operate in a offer friendship. Tel: 07541 644284 COVID safe way. We are also providing It has become apparent in these new Please leave a message and I'll all our guardians with PPE to ensure times that it is not only those that have call you back their safety and that of our members. had to shield but also some villagers If you know someone that could in the wider community who are parenting classes and are struggling at benefit from a helping hand or you struggling with loneliness and isolation. home, as well as relatives of elderly have a relative that you want to ensure These feelings of isolation have no age people in the village who have been has someone checking in on them, limit, it really could be any one of us in separated by coronavirus and are even if this is just for a short time, then the future. desperate to ensure their loved one is please get in touch. We are so lucky in So far we have had enquiries for supported and not left wanting. The this village to have amazing volunteers help from single parents with children Gamlingay Guardian service can offer waiting to help. So what we need now that have had to shield that can not get peace of mind from knowing that are members to join up to the scheme, out and pick up prescriptions, new someone is on the end of the phone to so please spread the word and pass on mums that haven’t been able to access help. my details.
What’s Inside for Jan/Feb The Gazette 3-4 Gamlingay gym closure update Editorial Committee Gamlingay Guardians…a helping hand Editor BT Community Fibre Partnership Scheme editor@gamlingaygazette.uk Chair 5 Luton Airport flight path update Larry New Call on 07725 246 741 6 Hello from the Eco Hub Distribution Manager 8 Gamlingay Baptist Church Julie Newman Call on 01767 650 685 9 Pet charity The Cinnamon Trust Distribution Jim and Barbara Manning 10-11 St Mary's Church Village web pages Roderick Starksfield 12 The Gamlingay Community Turbine Tithe Fund gamlingay.org 13 Support for Gamlingay's local foodbanks Ted Bradshaw Clock…a poem Gamlingaygazette.uk What’s On pages 14-15 Gamlingay Rainbow Pre-school whatson@gamlingaygazette.uk 16 Pit your wits against the Gamlingay Lockdown Quiz 17 Keeping active to lower Covid-19 risks Next edition deadlines: 18-20 Historyman March issue: Cambridgeshire Hearing Help Friday, February 5 21 Potton & District Writers' Group April Issue: Friday, March 5 22-24 Councillors' Column 24 Take care… Catalytic converter thefts Submission of articles Royal Mail/Courier scam Shotgun thefts and images The Gamlingay Gazette is an 26-27 Waresley Cricket Club independent publication that aims to inform people living in and around Gamlingay of events 28 Recipe…Vegetable Casserole of interest and is funded solely by advertising. 29 Quiz and Puzzle Corner We welcome contributions from Answers to the Gamlingay Lockdown Quez people, both articles and picrures. Please note that the editor reserves 30-31 Village information and contact details the right to edit any article submitted for publication for style, length and accuracy purposes. Due to data protection laws, For photographs, when submitting Correction: an image, please state who took or The Gazette is very cautious about owns it so that we can credit their reproducing pictures of children. Our apologies to Mr Chris Barker, who was mentioned in the story copyright. Every effort is made not to Every care is taken to ensure single out individuals, and parental on the Luton flight path in last month’s edition. accuracy of items. permission is sought before Views expressed do not necessarily using material that highlights We wish to make clear that he is an represent the views of the Gazette individual children. ex-RAF serviceman. Committee. 2 | January / February 2021
Gamlingay gym closure update GAMLINGAY parish council discussed the potential closure of the gym at its December meeting. As usual Gamlingay's District Councillor Bridget Smith and County Councillor Sebastian Kindersley were in attendance and were able to bring potentially encouraging news to those present. As we reported in last month's Gazette some residents were concerned that the school's plans for expansion by way of adding a new nursery intake would mean a school takeover of the gym, as it had not reopened after the first Lockdown whilst other gyms had. This has subsequently been clarified by Cam Academy Trust (CAT) who say ...why has the Cam Academy Trust not been able to the area identified for the new class is break even...volunteers managed this for 25 years... at the front of the school, not to the side where the gym is. members. It has transformed our lives, College and a community wide However, things have progressed and both of us are past 80 years old!” fundraising campaign. rapidly since The Gazette's previous In its letter CAT also stated: Further funding was received from report and on November 30 gym users “Separately, the multi-use games area SCDC in 2012 to enable the Village were dismayed, and indeed angered, (MUGA) would not be affected by any College to improve the Fitness Centre to receive communication from CAT decision and would continue to be and add a long awaited Multi Use saying closure of the gym was being maintained and financed by the Trust. Games Area (MUGA). The dual use considered due to doubts as to its This area would continue to be available of these facilities continued when financial sustainability, pointing out for appropriate community use.” control of GVC passed to the Stratton that it would be illegal for the school However, the Gazette has seen Education Trust in 2012 and then the to financially support the gym. documents from October in which CAM Academy Trust, until the closure The communication also cited CAT stated unequivocally its intention of GVC in 2018. Covid-19 as a reason, saying “it is to close the gym. It had already Throughout this time, the very difficult to allow visitors into the taken steps to make staff redundant. community use of these dual use school site until Covid-19 restrictions Presumably CAT had been considering facilities was managed by GVC are relaxed and means the gym has these actions before October. We Leisure Limited, a company set up remained closed to the public since understand that the November 30 for the sole purpose of keeping it March and will be for the version of events, saying at arm’s length from GVC so that foreseeable future.” "…the gym that closure was just no education funding was used for A Gamlingay gym one of the options, only community use. The building and user, reflecting the views transformed our came about once South equipment remained the property of of many, wrote to The lives, and we are Cambridgeshire District the school, but all overheads relating Gazette: “This decision is Council had become fully to the community use were met by to be condemned on the past 80 years aware of CAT's plans; the company. All profits were donated grounds that the gym old…" since then things have back to the school, which (from 2012) has successfully operated moved on at some speed, were earmarked for a sinking fund to for many years, offering a very useful of which more later in this report. replace the carpet on the MUGA at the service to the local community. Users However, we think it important to end of its 12-year lifespan. of all ages from Gamlingay and nearby give some thought to what CAT has In April 2018 management of the villages, as well as referrals by GPs, stated and inferred, and put some facilities passed to the CAM Academy have been using this facility regularly historical perspective on the record. Trust, who are now claiming that it at a very reasonable cost. No nearby The Fitness Centre, as it was then is loss making. Residents are asking: alternative facility is available, a known, was built in the mid 1990s Covid-19 aside, why has the CAM significant issue, especially for older at Gamlingay Village College as a Academy Trust not been able to at people.” dual use facility for use by the older least break even? A small band of Another user also highlighted children and the wider community. committed volunteers managed this the tremendous benefit of the GP It was funded from multiple sources for nearly 25 years! scheme: “We initially started going including South Cambridgeshire The MUGA was also part of the because of the Health and Fitness4All District Council (SCDC), Gamlingay Fitness Centre facility and up to scheme, and subsequently became full Parish Council, Gamlingay Village Continued on page 4 January / February 2021 | 3
Continued from page 3 above. PC chair Colin Smith asked several times whether the school BT Community lockdown was generating, it is would accept the gym on site, if the estimated, in the region of £10,000 financial matters were sorted out Fibre Partnership income each year. With that level of and once Covid-19 was no longer a Scheme potential income it is perhaps no problem but Mr Gray found it difficult wonder that CAT, in its letter, says it is to give a clear answer to the question. Limited time offer willing to continue to operate the At the parish council meeting DO you want FULL FIBRE? MUGA as a dual use facility. As far as Cllr. Bridget Smith revealed SCDC If there is an area of the we understand the school has made has now retained the services of village in which everyone very limited use of the MUGA, most a consultancy specialising in the wants full fibre (this needs use comes during evenings and planning, development, management to be a job lot of about 70 weekends as various local football and evaluation of sport, leisure and residences in one location, can clubs use it for practice and friends physical activity facilities and services, be less if there are business hire it for five-a-side games. Villagers' who will work with SCDC and CAT premises in the same road) the accusations that CAT is cherry-picking to establish the true viability of The BT Full Fibre Community Fibre are easy to understand. Fitness Centre and to develop plans Partnership Scheme can deliver In the matter of safeguarding school for going forward. this. It is available now and for staff and pupils regarding Covid-19 Cllr. Sebastian Kindersley, who is a short time until March 2021. risk, up until now and as part of also on the board of CAT, stated he Areas most suitable are Mill historic safeguarding, the gym has had already been in touch with local Hill, Little Heath, or Station only operated when children are in the business to discuss the potential for Road/Poppyfields estate. If you classroom or the secure playground, sponsorship and for staff and corporate are a resident of one of these so gym users do not come into membership schemes. Both councillors areas with some free time and contact with children. The gym has stated their commitment to do as want to make this happen, always operated a thorough cleaning much as possible to maintain a gym please contact the Parish Clerks regime, including the use of anti-viral facility in the village, a commitment as soon as possible. solutions. which was echoed by the parish GVP's chair of governors Russell council. Parish Clerks Gray was present at the parish council The Gazette understands that by the clerk@gamlingay-pc.gov.uk meeting and reiterated the school's time you read this, the consultation 01767 650 310 stance on the matter, as detailed should be concluded. 4 | January / February 2021
Up to 300 aircraft daily to fly low over the village? It is easy to express your views to your MP, here's what one villager wrote. But numbers are important. If you feel the same, let Anthony Browne know. Dear Mr Browne, reduced disposable income making Would you please let me know your holidays in the UK more attractive. views regarding the plans for London To underline my point, I believe that a Luton Airport/NATS to operate a new significant proportion, if not most, of arrival holding stack which would see the Brexit negotiations, so critical to up to 300 aircraft a day descending the future of our country, have been over Gamlingay en route to Luton at carried out by video conference. heights below 8,000 feet. Currently we LLA/NATS seek to make this an have some flights overhead at 20,000 urgent matter, with the consultation feet and even they may be clearly heard Picture courtesy of Danny Loo closing in the first week of February. in our rural environment. Bearing in mind that pressure on them The "consultation" offers two to perhaps mask the aircraft noise has been reduced as a result of Covid options, both of which would have pollution – I'm sure we'll find out and that travel is unlikely to get back the identical impact on noise and in due course whether this is indeed up to 2019 levels before the end of atmospheric pollution in this village feasible. 2021/2022 (my estimate) I fail to see – potentially a massive change in our However I also have a wider why this issue should not be properly environment. I note the proposals offer concern, regarding the presumption discussed. only those two options and seem to that air travel must grow. Under the I note that LLA/NATS has not allow for no other; the only options Paris Climate Agreement the UK attempted to quantify the amount offered are how aircraft should be government committed to reducing of pollution from noise, CO2 and vectored on their final approach after CO2 levels. Air travel is a major unburned fuel the overflown areas passing over Gamlingay. This is not polluter and a consumer of fossil fuels. will be subjected to. a consultation as far as Gamlingay is Many people who previously perceived It should also be noted that Luton concerned! travel – by road, rail and air – to be an Borough Council has a conflict of Naturally, as a resident of a place essential part of their world of work interest in this matter, in that it is a that will experience a major negative have, in these Covid times, found beneficiary of a dividend from London impact from these proposed changes that need not be the case. It would be Luton Airport which is, I believe, you might well expect me to have reasonable to assume this will have a reliant upon increasing passenger a "nimby" response. I have heard lasting effect on business travel, and numbers. suggestions that on leaving the stack highly beneficial to our environment. Kindly let me know your stance on the aircraft should alternatively fly Similarly, we might expect recreational this matter. overhead the A1 corridor which air travel may well diminish as a result Yours sincerely provides existing background noise of increased costs together with KeithWarburton January / February 2021 | 5
Happy New Year from the Hub COME ON 2021, it HAS to be better maintenance work, but otherwise we space to break even, and still provide as than the year just gone! manage the Hub on our income alone. much free community use as possible, We hope the festive season was as As you can imagine, 2020 was a so if you are paying for our space good as it could have been for you. very challenging year, with a fraction please know that we don’t charge any The Eco Hub first opened its doors in of the income we needed, but thanks more than we have to, and that we February 2012, so this year will mark to a generous government grant, use income to subsidise community its nineth year in service to Gamlingay careful management, and the ability activities like indoor bowling, kurling and the surrounding area. to furlough staff for many months, we and the Connect Café, and keep the Usually, in the January of a new year, have been able to stay afloat without reception area free to use for anyone to I whet your appetites with news of all having to ask the Parish Council to bail drop in. the activities that are about to start, but us out. This is important, because we So we have survived 2020, and look as we begin 2021 we are still a little do work very hard every year to be self- forward to seeing many of our friends unsure how busy we will be and in what sufficient and without the government back this year! timeframe we can resume our normal money we would have been facing debt We do have plans for normal stuff, activities. It’s been nearly a year since through no fault of our own. like visits from travelling theatres, we have seen some of our regulars and This year will be a challenge to get comedy nights, and perhaps even it’s been far too quiet without them. our income back on track if Covid is a party as well as our usual diet of As many of you know, the Hub is still tying one hand behind our backs exercise classes, pilates, yoga, children’s run as a charity by a team of volunteer so to speak. But if we are able to start activities, youth club and community Trustees, and aims to break even at the functioning as a normal community and group meetings. end of each year, having used its income business centre we are confident that We look forward to your continued to pay staff, do general maintenance the support of the everyone who uses support and friendship through these and pay the bills. The Parish Council, the building will help us get back to the difficult times. who own the building, sets aside a income we need. sum of money each year into a sinking Running the Hub is a constant With all best wishes fund that can be used for any large tension between charging enough for The Eco Hub Team Our Facebook page, Twitter feed and website have all the latest on What's On. Email is the best way to get hold of us for now as the managers are often working at home, or you can leave a message on our ansaphone. We are Sarah and Kate (joint managers) supported by Jake and Tony. www.gamlingayecohub.org.uk | phone: 01767 651 226 | email: manager@gamlingayecohub.org.uk | Facebook/Twitter: Gamlingay Eco Hub 6 | January / February 2021
Message for January/February “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and All our regular events have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 sings the tune without the words – And never stops at all.” pandemic. For updates on – Emily Dickinson lockdown procedures, see our website. Due to the restrictions WELL here we are, 2021… the year our control, we might be able to start on social gatherings we are that everyone has said couldn’t come small. I wonder if we can be joyful in quick enough, so as to be able to leave our hoping, for all things (personal; closing church online. 2020 behind! I guess I should probably communal; local; national, worldwide). start by saying, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I wonder if we can dive deep into what Sunday Service And I say that sincerely, I hope and pray our hope is in? Is it something that will Now being live-streamed every that 2021 would be a happy new year for change our lives for the better, for ever, Sunday at 10:45am you, regardless of what is yet to come or is it something that will actually do (Children’s resources available in it. us harm, and perhaps bring change online) on If you’re anything like me, you may for a season? These are big questions www.gbchurch.org.uk/latest-talks have been spending the last few days, and topics I know, and often they are reflecting on what this new year might better discussed over a coffee or a meal GBC Youth group bring as well as on what 2020 brought, (if you’re up for it, so am I, even if it’s warts and all. Truth, is though, when the virtual). resources clock chimes 12 on December 31, and I want to encourage you to be joyful Every Sunday at 10:45am on we enter into that of January 1, nothing in your hoping (that often times comes www.gbchurch.org.uk/youth will have changed… I mean, let me more easily for us), but also be patient be brutally honest for a moment: the in affliction, because sometimes life Small groups troubles and baggage that we had at the sucks, and the change of year may not Virtual meeting every week via end of 2020, will still be there at the change that… though breakthrough zoom. Get in touch with start of 2021… Some of these troubles, will come! Can I perhaps also invite office@gbchurch.org.uk we may have control over and can do you to be faithful in prayer. Maybe for more information. something about, while others are that’s new to you, maybe you haven’t beyond our control… prayed before, or you don’t know what Ladies Brunch Please know, I am not sharing these to do? Believe it or not, it’s as simple realities so as to bring us down, or be as having a conversation… But, maybe Meeting together via Zoom a negative nelly (is that even a saying you want to chat about it further, with Saturday, January 9, 2021 anymore?). However, I think sometimes me or someone around you? It is a new 9.30am – 11am we put so much pressure on the start of year after all, perhaps it’s the perfect Saturday, February 13, 2021 this new year and our hopes for the year opportunity for you to try something 9.30am – 11am to come, our new years resolutions and new, to step into what you are ultimately our expectations of these big changes hoping for. For more details please contact that will some how just happen at the As always, there are many ways to Jane, our administrator, turn of the clocks, that we later find connect with us, online (and hopefully on 651 519 or email ourselves down, angry, generally upset in the flesh), via services, the café office@gbchurch.org.uk that these things have not immediately (hopefully soon full on), coffee chats, changed, or have simply not met our small groups, prayer groups, and simply Please consider following us on expectations. around the village. Do get in touch, it’s social media to keep updated BUT, I do believe we need to hold always a joy to hear from you! with all our events: on to hope… Hope is crucial for us, during all times, good and bad. In the Many blessings, Facebook.com/ bible we read: "Be joyful in hope, patient GamlingayBaptistChurch Rev Adrian Semerene in affliction, and faithful in prayer" Instagram: @gb_church (Romans 12:12). I wonder if in this Lead Pastor, Gamlingay Baptist Church Twitter: @gb_church new year, rather than expect immediate Twitter: @asemerene changes, even of things that are out of Insta: @asemerene 8 | January / February 2021
Trust helps ill and elderly care for pets THE CINNAMON Trust is a charity that helps elderly and terminally ill people with caring for their pets. It operates in South Cambridgeshire and throughout the UK providing practical, hands-on assistance with pets and even gives lifelong care for pets who outlive their owners. This is possible due to two pupose-built home-from-home sanctuaries and foster homes. Volunteers visit housebound owners to take their dogs for walks and foster pets if their owners have to go into hospital. Not many people in the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire area know of this work that the Trust do. The Trust is urging anyone who knows of a family or friends who might need their help to get in touch. Call the Cinnamon Trust on 01736 757900 or you can email them at: admin@cinnamon.org.uk and to find out more see their website at: www.cinnamon.org.uk January / February 2021 | 9
Letter for January/February Dear Friends, blaming the Almighty). Not everything Something I need grace to accept: Happy New Year 2021! is good, comfortable, enjoyable, etc. – My own and other people’s but in even the worst times, there are limitations – time and ONCE AGAIN, writing to you in things that can be grasped that will communications particularly. early December for the New Year help keep me going, feeding faith hope is challenging, indeed, more than and love, if I can only allow that. I pray Something in particular that I need ever, because we really don’t know you may find that too. wisdom distinguishing between quite what we will be facing and, in I wonder what you have learned in what I can change and what I need particular, I can’t tell you how church 2020? to accept): services and events will look, so once We often learn more from the hard – Where people are on their own again, do look out for our News Letter times than the ordinary or the good spiritual journey. Sometimes I can for up-to-date information. The best ones, so we should all have learned a help, and that’s what I am here for. guess is that through January the lot this last year! Sometimes trying to help makes Covid-19 arrangements will continue, They say that what doesn’t kill you things worse, and that’s not what so Benefice services at Gamlingay and makes you stronger [though I’m not I’m here for. Everton will be as follows: entirely sure about that one!] – learn 9.30am: from your mistakes you are generally Ultimately though, we must trust the Communion/Eucharist Service from less likely to make them again [and yes Almighty that our prayer for the gift Gamlingay Church (first Sunday of I know, there are some people who of the Holy Spirit will be answered, the month, all ages) never learn!]. and that Holy Spirit-led actions will 4.00pm: So what will you take from 2020 as serve Kingdom principles of Justice and Evening service from Everton – often a lesson for 2021? Peace, Unity (in diversity) and Love. Prayer Book Evensong What have you missed most that you The Holy Spirit produces love, joy, Services are broadcast on Zoom – will take up again when you can? peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness a link is circulated weekly (ask if you What have you learned to do more and self control, so even when these would like to be added to the list) and (or less) of, but differently in times to are taken amiss by some and unnoticed often also on FaceBook live. come? by many, they are worth having. Whatever I may not be able to say In order to write this, I sat down and As for me, as well as the previous about the future, what I can say is thought through a long list of things prayer, I pray to stay close to God, so THANK YOU and WELL DONE I’ve learned a bit more about during that whatever the situation, I will be to so many people who had, at time Covid. I then have come up with three upheld. of writing, and will have since, that fitted one of my favourite prayers The words our queen gave to her contributed to making things work that I have quoted here before… father (quoting Minnie Harkness) in 2020 as well as they did. Worship, express this beautifully: community care and service, have Lord grant to me the courage to all had to change and adapt, but they change the things I can change, And I said to the man at the gate of have happened – so let us take time to the grace to accept the things I the year: add up the positives and be thankful cannot change, and the wisdom “Give me a light that I may tread safely for them and to the people who made to know the difference. into the unknown.” them happen. Amen And he replied: During these tough times I have “Go out into the darkness and put your found once more how much better A key thing I need courage to hand into the Hand of God. That shall be I feel, especially when I am looking change: to you better than light and safer than a at what is good and giving thanks to – Making space and time for real self- known way.” God for it (this does not mean being care (not self indulgence), so that I untruthful about what has not gone can be myself at my best, to do the May God bless us all, well – just not dwelling on it and things I believe I am here for. Love from Hilary. 10 | January / February 2021
Parish Christmas draw and consultation A HUGE thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets for the parish of Gamlingay and the Hatleys Christmas draw. Grateful thanks also for many generous donations received. The total raised for parish church funds was just over £1,500, an excellent result. In addition we have received generous prize donations from a number of businesses and individuals, all of whom have sponsored this event for the last few years – THANK YOU. The draw took place on December 6 and the first prize of £100, donated by Brogans, was won by someone living in School Close. In addition to the raffle tickets, a questionnaire was sent out and I am pleased to report that over 100 replies were received. Alec Hissett, Church warden. Hatley Village Hall Available for hire every day 8.30am to midnight A clean, pleasant and roomy hall - can seat 85, with good acoustics One user per session; new kitchen and boiler Ideal for meetings and parties Large car park £11.00 per hour (£8.50 Hatley residents) To book, please contact Kim Wilde on 01767 650 596 www.hatley.info January / February 2021 | 11
The Gamlingay Community Turbine Tithe Fund Applications are invited for funds – deadline 30 April 2021 Do you know of a deserving cause in the Parish of Gamlingay that could use some extra cash? Applications are invited for funds from the Gamlingay Community Turbine Tithe Fund. There should be over £3,000 available next April. Applications should be submitted in writing on an application form to any of the following: The Eco Hub Reception by email to mail.gct@gmx.com GCT-Tithe, 36 Mill Street, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds. SG19 3JW Applications should reach us by 30 April 2021 Application forms are available in the Eco-Hub or can be downloaded from the website: g-c-t.uk or on request by emailing mail.gct@gmx.com No more than two applications may be submitted by any individual or organisation within one year. The decision on the first funding awards will be made by a group of three representatives meeting in October 2020. The Tithe Panel will comprise: a person nominated by GCT; a person representing Gamlingay Parish Council (If GPC does not appoint somebody then GCT may appoint another person; a person representing Forward Gamlingay). If FG does not appoint somebody GCT may appoint another person. The Tithe Panel will consider making awards on these general principles: ◊ The donation should benefit Parishioners of Gamlingay ◊ ◊ The donation should benefit more than just a single person or family ◊ ◊ The Panel will prefer applications that will result in helping the environment ◊ If a member of the Panel has any undue interest in any application under consideration at that meeting they must declare it and stand down from the discussion. The Panel’s decision is final and not open to appeal. Finally, we ask beneficiaries to write a short article for the Gamlingay Gazette describing the project and how it benefited from the Tithe Fund of the Gamlingay Community Turbine. The Directors Gamlingay Community Turbine 12 | January / February 2021
Support for Gamlingay's local foodbanks FOODBANKS provide vital support for those who, for whatever reason, are struggling – but Gamlingay’s foodbanks are struggling too. Foodbanks offer food, personal care items and also connections and guidance to help people get back to being independent. The pandemic has led to a reduction in donations because more of us are shopping online, yet more people than ever need to turn to our foodbanks for support. Local resident and Gamlingay parish councillor Harriet Gould is encouraging anyone in Gamlingay and Hatley who is willing and able to put extra items in their online shopping Harriet Gould handing over donations for Gamlingay foodbanks to Revd. HilaryYoung. basket and she will come and pick them up from you. If you want to donate items please “Let me know, I’ll collect the items contact: from you and share them between the Harriet – 07817 003 830 local foodbanks,” says Harriet. “It’s harriet@harrietgould.co.uk wonderful to see how much people want to support the foodbanks – it If you need help or support please seems there was a little chink in the contact: system, caused by the pandemic, which Gerry – 07752 428191 I can smooth out to help fill the gap.” g.brunt321@btinternet.com Our local foodbanks are Trussell Revd. Hilary – 01767 650587 Trust via St Mary’s Church and the hilaryafyoung@gmail.com Need Project via the Baptist Church, both of which support people in Adrian – 07472 350860 Gamlingay and surrounding areas. adrian@gbchurch.org.uk Clock © KeithWarburton 2020 If I had a chiming clock Those of an equitable disposition I’d listen to it tick and tock Care not about the hands position Visitors, quite amazed Relative to the sound of chimes Would say, While those with rigid mind Does it do that night and day? think it quite a crime No I’d say, not quite like that And are driven to distraction by the In daytime ticks chase after tocks Failure of proper clockwork action In friendly play Such people do not come again While at night the sound Leaving me more time to spend Is quite the other way round With those whose minds more easily But there is another thing about my bend. clock It measures both time and Inspired by the story The ManWithout a temperament Temperament by Katherine Mansfield For it chimes the hours upon the half (collection “Bliss”) which has “… a And the half when pointing to the presentation clock that struck the hours on firmament the half hours” January / February 2021 | 13
www.gamlingayrainbow.co.uk Tel: 01767 651996/07864 146653 Email: contact@rainbowgamlingay. co.uk OFSTED Registered Pre-school Learning Alliance Member Registered Charity No. 293562 Lisa Burton – Manager Mandy – Deputy Lisa– Pre-school Practitioner Selena – Pre-school Assistant Paula – Pre-school Practitioner 14 | January / February 2021
Outside space revamp funding WE ARE thrilled to announce that The staff who are looking after your Rainbow Pre-School were kindly given we have been selected for a share of children this term have been myself, a wreath from Sebastian Kindersley the Co-op Community Funding for Lisa Burton, Mandy, our Deputy, Lisa, for the children to decorate (see picture the next twelve months. The link to Paula and Selena. below left) and lay at the memorial. our page is https://membership.coop. We have been discovering Autumn We looked at recycling and what co.uk/causes/49665 this term and made a handprint tree we can do to help keep the rubbish in Our vision is to revamp the garden in display. We have talked to the children the correct bins. We made some junk the pre-school grounds. The picture on about the importance of not picking modelling and separated items based the above page shows the garden from berries. We have explored conkers, on their materials. many years ago when it has just been bark and the changing leaves. refurbished. This has now deteriorated We also celebrated with fireworks Our own Christingle activity as we weren't and needs a great deal of repair. We night and Remembrance Sunday. able to go to the St. Mary's Church this year. have isolated part of the garden until we can do some temporary remedial work. Please help us to apply for as much of this funding as we possibly can, by selecting us as your cause when you shop in the Gamlingay Co-op.You can join the coop by becoming a member. You can join online at coop.co.uk/ membership or by downloading the Co-op app. We will receive our first share of the funding in April 2021 and again the remainder in November 2021. Please help raise as much money for the children of Gamlingay Rainbow Pre-School by sharing this news with your friends and family. Although we operate a waiting list, the children on the list are not yet eligible by age to attend. We have spaces for funded three and four year olds with the ability to register and start with immediate effect. Please contact us to arrange a visit. January / February 2021 | 15
Pit your wits against the lockdown quiz The Gamlingay Lockdown Quiz has been going strong every Monday evening for the past 30+ weeks. Here's a taste of some of the past questions and information on how to join in. GAMLINGAY Lockdown Quiz takes place every Monday evening and Cambridge to study the brilliance and clarity of attracts a wide selection of participants 1: From which University college wines? online. Organiser Keith Warburton chapel is the Christmas Eve service of 18: When was the London Eye explains a bit more about it. 9 lessons and carols usually broadcast? officially opened? “We had originally expected that 2: Where is the open-air swimming 19: How many capsules or pods are on there would only be a few events, pool? the London Eye? but here we are, more than seven 3: In which street was the original 20: How many bridges cross the months down the line and we’re still Addenbrookes Hospital? Thames from Tower Bridge to going, giving everyone some social 4: What is the name of the iconic Hampton Court? engagement and fun. It's something to character of Cambridge who was a 21: In which London Park might you look forward to. charity fundraiser, a one-man band see lions and tigers and coral? “It’s a great way to socialise as well, and now has a statue to him by the 22: Black Ruby is what type of fruit? so anyone who’s feeling isolated and Guild Hall? 23: Name the winner of Great British who might appreciate some friendly 5: What was the original name of the Bake Off 2015? interaction is welcome. River Cam? 24: Name the ingredients of dark and “It’s all in the comfort of your own stormy cocktail. home and you don’t have to be a Sherlock Holmes 25: How much milk does the average resident in Gamlingay to join in. 6: What is the name of Sherlock dairy cow produce daily? “Friends and relatives of participants Holmes’s landlady? 26: Which country has the most dairy who live elsewhere are also very 7: What is Dr. Watson’s first name? cows in the world? welcome. 8: What is the name of Sherlock’s “There is no expectation upon elder brother? Panto season participants other than be prepared to 9: What was the first Sherlock Holmes 27: What told Dick Whittington to have fun with facts. The highest score novel? “turn again”? recorded has been 41/50, and the 10: What is the name of the actor who 28: Which wicked character is seeking typical score is around the 30 mark. played Moriarty in the recent BBC the magic lamp containing the all We aren’t a collection of geniuses, series? powerful genie? that’s for sure!” 29: The good fairy usually enters from The quiz takes place via Zoom. For General Knowledge stage right and the villain from stage the Zoom link to join as well as more 11: Name the narrow strip of water left. What do the right and left sides of information go to the Gamlingay separating Europe and Asia, two the stage represent? Lockdown Quiz Facebook Group. versions. 30: What are the names of Wendy, If you don’t use Facebook but can 12: Name the railway service, John and Michael’s parent’s names in access Zoom on a smart device such launched in 1877, which connected Peter Pan? as a phone or computer email: Paris & Istanbul. 31: JM Barrie donated the royalties keith.warburton@gamlingay-pc.org 13: Which body maintains the from Peter Pan to a particular for details and the link on how to join lighthouses around England, Wales institution in perpetuity. What is the via Zoom. and the Channel Islands? name of that institution? 14: Where would you see the Perseids and when? Screen Greats 15: Described as a “tribal love rock 32: In which country was Cary Grant musical” & featuring nudity on stage, born? it premiered on Broadway in April 33: Which Berlin-born star’s first 1968. What was it called? major film was “The Blue Angel” in 16: Many of us use USB sticks or 1930 drives as memory devices on our 34: Who played the role in Citizen computers, plugging them in to USB Kane? ports. What does USB stand for? 35: Whose real name was Marion and 17: What Is a Quizzing Glass, is it: was most famous for his westerns? A: a pewter or leather mug with a 36: Which James is credited with the glass bottom? catchphrase “You dirty rat”? B: a discreet window through which Answers on page 29 you can see someone approaching Questions set by Jan Cooper, KeithWarburton, your castle or manor house? John and Gill Kitchener, Martin and Hilary C: a small magnifying glass and Young, Julia and David Alexander, Benita fashion accessory? Scott,Tony Hurst, Helen Brown, Ann Kirby, D: a glass container used by vintners Chris and Dawn Martin, Jan Bremner. 16 | January / February 2021
Keeping active can lower the risk of severe Covid-19 infections PRIOR to the Covid-19 pandemic a Bicep curls 1 x 10 Chest fly 1 x 10 significant public health problem was Baked bean upper body workout (if Lie on your back and hold a can of identified in 2012, namely inactivity. you have no weights use a can of beans beans in each hand with the palms Globally, inactivity is the fourth leading that weigh 1lb). facing each other and above your chest cause of death due to preventable Hold a can of beans in each hand, with almost straight arms. Then open diseases, this equates to 3-5 million palms up. Start with your hand at the your arms until they reach the floor people dying annually of its co- front of your thigh then curl your and return to the start and repeat. morbidities. arm up until your hand meets your A study of over 300,000 people shoulder then return back to the start Double row 1 x 10 examining lifestyle and hospital and repeat. Hold a can of beans in each hand with admissions, it was reported that 51% your palms facing each other and your of Covid-19 cases were attributed Triceps overhead press 1 x 10 body bowed forward. Pull the cans to unhealthy lifestyle choices. It Hold a can of beans in each hand palms from below, starting with a straight was suggested that simple lifestyle facing each other, raise both hands arm, to the sides of your chest keeping changes could lower the risk of severe above your head with straight arms. your elbows in then return and repeat. Covid-19 infections. Bend through your elbow creating an Repeat this circuit once at home for The implementation of Covid-19 angle of 90 degrees taking the cans every hour you spend being sedentary, restrictions has had an immediate behind your head then return to the it should take 15-20 mins. Combine it impact on all ages and fitness levels start and repeat. with a 15-60 min brisk walk daily or causing people to become suddenly other forms of outdoor activity. inactive and more sedentary. Lateral raise 1 x 10 With this in mind I’ve designed an Hold a can of beans in each hand by Keep active, ‘at home’ exercise routine to increase your side with your palms facing your beat the virus, activity. The routine lets you improvise thighs. Lift out to the side on a lateral live longer! with items you have at home instead of line to shoulder height then return to equipment you might use in the gym. the start and repeat. Jamiela Nazir To warm up and mobilise use last month’s mobility exercises, then: Sit to stand 3 x 10 Simply sit then stand, use a stable chair (you could put it against the wall for extra stability) Start with 1 x 10 then increase the sets to 3 x 10 as you feel able. Hold on to something heavy to increase muscular strength (a rucksack filled with a 10kg bag of play sand) or For details to advertise your business in The Gazette please email: wear it on your back. This exercise adverts@gamlingaygazette.uk will strengthen your lower body and improve the functional movement of sitting and standing. Climb the stairs x 10 Some gyms have a Stair Master, but who needs a gym when you have stairs at home! Start with 1 or 2 flights up and down and build up to 10 flights. Please do not attempt this if you are very unstable. As an alternative you could hold on the bannister and step up 1 step and back down 1 step then repeat 10 times. 10 flights will burn around 50 calories and will also help build strength in your legs especially your quadriceps (front of leg) and knees. January / February 2021 | 17
The many shops from Church Street's past OVER the years many shops of many while on the ground floor was a room closing in Gamlingay so 1.00pm then types have come and gone in Church run by puzzle and crossword inventor and also 1.00pm on Saturday – no Street so I thought it would be good Brian Todd. These two offices can be Sunday opening back then. to show some of them from the 1880's seen to the left of the furniture lorry in Picture 4 shows what is now the onwards. We'll start at the Crossroads picture 2. Chinese takeaway but has also been a moving down to the Church. Looking at picture 3 we see the At the top of Church Street the Cock public house on the left which has house facing what is now the car park been the mainstay of the street since it for the Jannah was a doctors practice first opened in the 1600s. Just before at the start of the 1900s, followed by a the Cock there used to be the house undertaker in the next building on the and surgery belonging to Dr Palmer, left. We then come to our first picture and on the other side of the road was an of Fowlers newsagents and tobacconist, estate agent and in the same property later to become Gostlings last run by a cake shop selling home made cakes, Neil and his wife Janet. In the days of coffees and teas. his dad, Reg, running the shop he also In the picture we can see a draper's operated a gent's barbers from the shop which is now a private house, then premises. the big barn which was a cafe in the Over the road in Pear Tree Row was 1930s through to the 1950s. Later the another barbers which later became barn was demolished and the Co-op a small shoe shop. Moving down Pear was built, which at first was open from Tree Row was a small office on the first 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday floor belonging to Leeds Day Solicitors, except Thursday which was early 1 2 3 …the Cock public house …has been the mainstay of the street since it first opened in the 1600s. 4 5 18 | January / February 2021
6 7 8 9 blacksmiths, fish and chip shop and Picture 7 shows Chapman's store In Picture 9 we see private houses carpet shop and before that Dennis on the left, and on the right, where LJs on the right but during the years they and Phyllis Chapman's general stores, cafe now stands is Mayston's shoe shop have been The Royal Oak public house, which was open seven days a week and which was the chemist before, and afterNormans cycle shop, run by Harold sold just about everything including Mayston's it was a hairdressers owned “Scaff ” Norman, and Mariners tots Dennis's lovely fish and chips on by David Jones, before becoming a cafe.and teens clothes shop. On the left we Thursday and Friday lunch and tea see a small part of Alec Norman's car times, as well as Saturday lunch times. …Knibbs butchers which, for showroom and offices but for a short Picture 5 is Knibbs butchers which, three generations, served fresh time after the garage it was a craft shop for three generations, served fresh and and office suppliers. cooked meats, home made pies, sausage and cooked meats, home made In the first house that stood after the and fresh turkeys at Christmas to order. pies, sausage and fresh turkeys Maltings there was for a short while After Knibbs another butcher took it at Christmas… a hairdressers before the houses were over for some time before LJs made it demolished for building the Maltings into the wine bar after extending from Picture 8 is now the Chemist but housing development. their cafe. has also been Savage's grocer and In the same picture further down Picture 6 also shows Knibbs shop. drapers shop as seen here. It has also the road was Alec Norman's car garage The adjoining house also belonged to been Mayton's shoe shop before moving with a showroom in the downstairs the Knibbs family and had an extensive across the street and becoming the room of the two cottages that now cold store running underneath it. chemist under several owners. stand there. Picture 10 shows what was the bakers shop for many years through three different owners but the last being the Lindsay's before it moved to its Mill Street shop. Over the road opposite there was once an antiques shop and next door to that was a grocers. Picture 11 shows the oldest picture in this collection, the butchers in 1890. It was to stay a butchers for many years through four different owners before becoming a private house. 10 11 Continued on pagae 19 January / February 2021 | 19
Continued from pagae 18 demolished subsequent to being bought from the owners of Cross Farm. Picture 12 is part of a farm house which was once rented Picture 13 In 1931 this was a small shop belonging to by Barclays Bank, seen here in 1972; it even had its own Ted (Donkey) Housden selling sweets, veg and a few other security guard. The bank moved to Mill Street after leaving products. this building to a purposely built bank, after a large barn was I hope you have enjoyed your trip around the many shops of Church Street through the years. For more information please contact me on 07925 119 346 or email nb777@btinternet.com 12 13 Coronavirus Update November 2020 • Cambourne Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre, every Tuesday at The Hub, High St, Cambourne, Cambridge CB23 6GW WE HAVE opened four Hearing Aid • St Ives Hearing Aid Maintenance Centres located in Ely, Maintenance Centre, every St Ives, Cambourne and Fulbourn, Wednesday at St Ives Library, 4 where you can go to get your hearing Library Row, Station Road, St Ives aids cleaned and re-tubed. PE27 5BW This drop-off and wait (outside) • Fulbourn Hearing Aid 20-minute service is by appointment Maintenance Centre, every only. Thursday at The Swifts Meeting • Ely Hearing Aid Maintenance Room & Library, Haggis Gap, Centre, every Monday at Ely Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB21 5HD Library, 6 The Cloisters, Ely CB7 To book an appointment please 4ZH contact the office on telephone: 01223 416141 or email: enquiries@ cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk If you need a home visit, please call the office for help from our courier service 01223 416141 Gamlingay Allotment & Gardening Association GAGA would like to sincerely thank Gamlingay Community Turbine Fund and Gamlingay Parish Council for their generous grants towards the repair to our allotment fencing in Long Lane. The Committee 20 | January / February 2021
Potton & District Writers’ Group WE HAD another well-attended November 2020 meeting now and then, but what does the kindly meeting in November, the weather on stranger expect in return? A smile, a a dark evening once again reminding us thank-you – or something more? how lovely it is not to have to venture out The target for submission is midnight of our warm homes into the cold in order on December 8 and the earlier the to enjoy everything that the group has to better, since it gives the rest of us time to offer. Everyone has been busy on their read and reflect on it. No submission will writing, so there were lots of stories to ever be turned away, though the later it discuss. A mere Covid pandemic cannot arrives, the less time there is for other stem the creative flow! members to make comments. Now that it appears we will be The guideline word limit is 2,000 holding our meetings via Zoom for words; however, this is 100% flexible the (un)foreseeable future, we have we can submit whatever we are working because it can be frustrating, for both decided that it is time to spread the joy on at the moment. We had three regular writer and reader, for a story to cut off in and actively recruit for new members extracts from longer-running pieces mid-flow with its audience stranded mid- from outside our catchment area. from members who are working on river without a paddle. You can still show One member has written a piece for their novel. The Chair’s novel featuring when the 2,000-word limit has been met the National Association of Writers’ the adventures of Greville the (off- but, in truth, none of us gives up reading Group’s newsletter which will hopefully world) compliance auditor is now nearly before the end – we all want to know throw open our doors to everyone, far three-quarters done, which the writer how things work out! and wide. Of course, while it would finds frightening. Can she really wrap be excellent to have a tidal wave of it all up satisfactorily in a mere 25,000 Tips for November new members, let us hope that it’s a words? No matter if she cannot, though This month’s tips are about creating manageable number. Otherwise, it might – there is book 2 to rewrite, so any suspense in our writing – the sort of be hard to find the time to give the overspill could easily and, with luck, not thing that makes our readers ache to turn stories their proper due, and that would illogically, end up in there. the page. The Chair has skipped master never do – constructive feedback is the There was another chapter in the story classes by Readers’ Digest and Dan essence of the group. of Nicholas, which is building up to a Brown in favour of one by Ian Irvine – big finale, with even more revelations read, absorb and apply. Have fun! News from members promised. One subtle aspect of the https://www.ian-irvine.com/for- Those of us who are novelling are still work is how the protagonist has moved writers/how-to-create-suspense/ novelling; those of us who aren’t… still from early to late teens, growing all the aren’t! There are several of the group at while without any clunky or obvious Joining the Group work on longer projects at the moment, explanations which bedevil so many If anyone would like to join us, they and it’s great that everyone has the coming-of-age (and other) novels. A third member has added a great deal would be very welcome. We cater for confidence to do so. Embarking on a all standards of writer from complete novel can feel like setting out to cross to their time-travelling novel, which is coming on a storm and it will be very beginners to published novelists. the Atlantic in a rowing boat with one Contact Tracey Valentine on broken oar and a defective compass but interesting to see where it goes to next. 07778 148 030 for details, or email in this group, no-one is ever alone – they There was a short poem about walking in pottonwriters@gmail.com. Or see our always have the support of everyone the rain, cleverly laid out in the shape of an umbrella, and the long-awaited next website – www.pottonwrite.weebly. else, and there is nothing like having com. Happy writing! encouragement from other writers who episode (after a gap of several years!) in know what you’re going through to speed the Whispering Stones saga. you on your way, is there? There was also an intriguing story about some wartime pilots, where one Other News character made the kind of error that Along with everyone else (except for anyone could, especially during a war. those people who seem to think that the It would be interesting to see this story rules don’t apply to them, of course…), developed further. Finally, there was we won’t be having our Christmas do the one on-theme story about a Private this year, even if it is usually held in Investigator in St Neots, a photograph January! This is a great shame as we all of people possibly from his past, and a look forward to meeting each other in less-than-wholly truthful client. Sadly for person so perhaps this year, we will have the writer, following the discovery that to raise a glass of Christmas cheer via this was a set-up that he had used before, Zoom. which he had totally forgotten, this one will not be developed. Discussion of Work This month’s theme was ‘Old Theme for next month photographs’ though we only had one The next meeting is on December submission that was actually on-theme! 15, the theme being The Kindness of No matter – the joy of the group is that Strangers. We all need a helping hand January / February 2021 | 21
a District Council matter District Councillors have been advised not to comment as this might prejudice their position later on in the process.” Gamlingay Gym IT WAS a shock to the many of us who use the village gym regularly to learn that it might be closed down. Sebastian and I worked hard to secure the most Cambridgeshire’s recent funding for the gym (a dual use New Town? facilities grant from South Cambs) SEBASTIAN writes: “A West Sussex despite the Council (of the time) threat speculative development company is to spend it elsewhere. Likewise the proposing to create a new sprawling successful funding of the MUGA and town of 25,000 homes between and submission in the Call for Sites. While upgrades to the gym. These grants encompassing the villages of Shepreth, it has contacted relevant landowners, were made in conjunction with the Melbourn, Meldreth, Whaddon, Thakeham has made no contact establishment of a legal agreement Bassingbourn, Wimpole, Orwell, with local residents or their elected between the education provider and Barrington and Foxton. The new town, representatives. the council to provide sports facilities dubbed ‘South West Cambridge,’ The South Cambridgeshire for the benefit of the school and the would profoundly change the development hierarchy is structured community for a set period of time – hinterland of a multitude of villages and around its largest population centres in our case 12 years. eradicate the rural nature of much of at Cambourne and Northstowe, As soon as South Cambs became South Cambridgeshire. which are served by the A428, the aware that the gym was at risk they The developer, Thakeham, has Guided Busway and the planned new made contact with the Academy Trust missed the deadline for the South Cambourne Station, as well as its new and council officers are currently in Cambridgeshire Local Plan’s ‘Call for schools and health services. discussions to see what can be done to Sites,’ in spite of having spent the past An action group – South West retain a fitness centre in the village. In two years preparing its scheme, during Cambridge Action Group – has order to help inform these discussions which time it will have been fully been set up and you can see their the council has commissioned a third aware of the South Cambridgeshire website at www.swcag.org for further party – Strategic Leisure – to urgently Planning process. It now proposes a late information. Although Planning is look at the viability of the current dual use facilities and also to see if any alternative locations could be used for the gym. Because the Gym had employees there was a delicate balancing act to undergo by the Trust which meant Residential and Commercial Electrical Installations since 2009 that South Cambs District Council, Gamlingay Parish Council nor the Office: 0800 019 7992 members of the gym were notified that the Trust was considering closure of Email: info@dsselectrical.co.uk the gym and indeed the community Web: www.dsselectrical.co.uk was not asked to participate in a con sultation about the dual use facilities prior to any actions being taken. Be sure to check out our reviews on Google - Search DSS Electrical Unfortunately – coming at the same time as the consultation on expanding the age range – people have assumed making provision for younger children is somehow dependent on the gym ceasing to exist. This is not the case. 22 | January / February 2021
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