Issue 24 Brampton Parish Council Newsletter Winter 2007­8 NEW UP­ LIGHTING FOR BRAMPTON’S 400 YEAR OLD OBELISK GUIDESTONE Now you can see it after dark! As you enter Brampton from Huntingdon, you can see this most unusual obelisk guidestone on the traffic island just before the Church Road roundabout. It has been there since the 17th Century when a law was passed for magistrates to erect guidestones to aid travellers, with a carved pointing hand to make the direction clear. Brampton’s guidestone, or waymarker, is a protected structure and has Ancient Monument status. In 2002 the top ‘ball’ fell into the road and shattered. The pieces of the ball were rescued by Grainne Farrington of the Milestone Society and Brampton Parish Council were asked if they would consider restoring the entire structure. The guidestone was restored in 2003 in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council and with donations from Brampton Historical Society, Brampton Women’s Institute and a Brampton resident. The work was done by a company specialising in this sort of restoration. Nigel Maggs, Chairman of the Parish Council’s Greens and Footpaths Committee, says “In 2007 we applied to the District Council’s ‘Small Scale Environmental Improvement Scheme’ for funding towards the up­lighting. The application was successful with 75% funding coming from the district council, and 25% to be paid by the parish council. Now all who come to Brampton can see this guidestone by day or by night and residents can be proud of this very unusual ancient monument in their parish!” Above: The obelisk after dark Pete Lummis, Lighting Engineer from Huntingdonshire District Council, who designed the up­lighting, says “…I am delighted with the final result, which is not over lit as it only uses a single 35 watt rated lamp, and is on from dusk to midnight, which means minimal energy usage.” Grainne Farrington from the Milestone Society says “Brampton Parish are to be congratulated for arranging the renovation and lighting of this most attractive and historic waymarker.” Janet Innes-Clarke - Parish Clerk
Photos: Maureen Wigley
Right: The obelisk after restoration in 2003
Brampton Matters ‘FEET FIXED AT HOME’ Sarah Overend RGN MAChPod 01480 414734 or 07766 517207 Home Visits Only
2 Brampton Matters EDITORIAL The A14 saga continues….The bad news is that contractors have recently been appointed (p9) to design the whole scheme and build the first part of it. The detailed design should be available for public comment next year (2009) when a Public Inquiry will be held if enough objections are raised. Brampton’s case against this proposed road must be robust and well­argued with supporting scientific evidence in place. We need independent air and noise pollution modelling, specific to Brampton, and the Parish Council is seeking an estimate of the likely costs of this. The good news is that the Government has not yet committed funds to the A14 project. With costs now forecast at £1billion, our hope is that the Government will think again ­ especially as road transport is a major contributor to Climate Change (and consequent flooding in low­lying areas such as Brampton), while associated air and noise pollution can be harmful to human health. At the last Parish Council meeting Group Captain Bruce, the station commander of RAF Brampton, outlined current plans to close the station in about four years time (ie by end 2012). The MOD plan to keep the housing but the rest of the site will be available for commercial development. It is too early to know what will happen next to the site, however it already has purpose­built offices and a conference suite, social facilities such as the theatre, gymnasium and tennis courts and two listed buildings, the Officers Mess and the Thatched Cottage. The draft District Council Core Strategy for Huntingdonshire envisages ‘mixed use development’ of the site ­ likely to be additional housing and a small business park. The Parish Council would like to see the site absorbed into the village ­ ie no perimeter fencing. Although the Parish Council will not be making the decisions, the proposed Brampton Parish Plan (p8) would enable the whole community to have a say about the future development of the site and to suggest which facilities we would like retained/taken into public ownership for the benefit of our growing village. On a positive note, our cultural environment has been enhanced by the restoration and lighting of our 400 year old guidestone (Front cover), while the efforts of the Brampton in Bloom team (p6) and the Village Primary School (p19) are aimed at enhancing our natural environment. BM Bunny is looking forward to Easter(p20) and we have an invitation to walk in Brampton Wood (pp12­13) and see the bluebells. Sadly, we learned of the death of Mrs Marjorie Page ­ former parish councillor, founder of the village Friendship Club and expert wine­maker ­ who will be sorely missed (p7). We learn of the early days of Scouting in Brampton and of the role played by Rev K D Knowles, who also penned a tribute to the Hunts Cyclist Battalions of WWI (p14). Finally, parish council elections will be held in May(p10). As a result the Annual Assembly will be held earlier than usual in April. Come along and meet us all then ­ it’s your chance to air your views publicly. We look forward to seeing you. Eileen Collier
In this Issue: Page 1 Brampton’s 400 year old obelisk (Front cover) 3 Editorial 4 Public information; What’s On in Brampton 5 Is your black cat missing? ; Co­op refit. 6 Brampton in Bloom 7 Mrs Marjorie Page ­ A Life Remembered 8­9 Parish Council News; Police News 10 Now’s Your Chance!; Get your Bus Pass before it’s too late! 11 Don’t Panic!; Street lights; Shopmobility Brampton Matters Team Mike Shellens Eileen Collier Jane King Jacky Homer Kevin Wrycraft ­ Chairman (ex officio) ­ Editor; Features; Distribution Mgr ­ Advertising Manager ­ Walks; Features ­ Website Acknowledgments A big thank you to all who have contributed to this issue. Our thanks also go to the team of delivery volunteers for their invaluable contribution ­ new volunteers are always welcome! Please contact the Parish Clerk if you can help (Tel 454441). Please note: Views and opinions expressed within this publication are not necessarily those held by the Brampton Matters editorial team or the Parish 14 Scouting in Brampton; Rev KD Knowles; Council. Whilst all members of the community are Hunts Cyclist Battalions invited to submit material for publication, the editor 16 Sport Relief Mile; Dog fouling reserves the right to edit, include, or not include any item. Sometimes, usually due to lack of space, 18 Village Diary some items are held over to following editions. We 19 Brampton Village Primary School eco­garden thank you for your support and look forward to bringing the news and views of our village to your 20 BM Bunny (Back cover) door.(NB: also on www.brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk) 12­13 A Walk around the perimeter of Brampton Wood Brampton Matters 3 PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY MAGDALENE (www.ely.anglican.org/parishes/brampton) WHAT‛S ON IN BRAMPTON Rector: Rev. Canon Martin R Greenfield, The Rectory, 15 Church Road Tel: 453341 Wed 20 Feb ­ Parish Council meeting Memorial Centre 7.15pm ­ all welcome. Licensed Lay Ministers: Ann Allsopp, Tel: 417380 Julie Anderson, Tel: 353177 Youth Worker: Steph Pedlar, Tel: 384332 SUNDAY SERVICES 0915am PARISH COMMUNION Traditional Communion service with hymns and sermon using Common Worship Wed 12 Mar ­ Wildlife Trust ­ Memorial Centre 7.30pm "Scotland, the wilderness on your doorstep"­ Ian Rowland. Sun 16 Mar ­ Sport Relief Mile ­Hinchingbrooke Country Park 11am (see p17) Wed 19 Mar ­ Parish Council meeting Memorial Centre 7.15pm ­ all welcome Wed 26 Mar ­ Historical Society Stocker Room Brampton Institute 7.45 pm ­ Mike Tittesor ­ ‘Bridging the gap ­ 100 years of not understanding your parents’. Non­members £1.50 (Coffee and Tea available between services) Thurs 23 Apr ­ Village Annual Assembly ­ Memorial Centre 7pm for 7.30pm ­ Your chance 1100 am PARISH PRAISE Informal praise service with Communion some weeks. to find out what your parish council have been Hymns and prayers on screen ­ includes sermon or doing during the past year and to make your views known! Refreshments. All welcome. talk. Youth band provide music some weeks. ‘Adventurers’ Sunday school (ages 3­10) and ‘God Squad (Yrs 6­9) start in Church, then have their own meetings in the Church Hall. Contact the Rector for details of Church Activities, weddings, baptisms etc. Post Office Opening Times Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 9am ­1pm 9am ­1pm 9am ­1pm 9am ­1pm 9am ­1pm 9am ­12.30pm Closed Last Collection: Weekdays Saturday Sunday 2pm ­ 5.30pm 2pm ­ 5.30pm Closed 2pm ­ 5.30pm 2pm ­ 5.30pm Closed Closed 5.30 pm 10.00 am 11.00 am
Emergency Dental Treatment Emergency Dental Treatment for Unregistered NHS Patients in pain is available at the Dental Access Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital Huntingdon Brampton Surgery Times 8.30am­12.30pm and 2pm­6pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs) 8.30am­1pm Wednesday 8.30am­12.30 pm and 2pm­5pm Friday Telephone: 01480 454050 www.alconburybramptonsurgery.co.uk 4 Sat 26 Apr ­ Mothers Union ­ Cake stall in Vets car park ­ High Street ­ from 8.30am Sun 27 Apr ­ Wildlife Trust ­ Guided bluebell walk. Meet in Brampton Wood car park, Grafham Road, at 11am. George Cottam ­ 450809 REFUSE COLLECTIONS There are now two separate collection routes on different days in the village. The District Council have written to all residents with full details. Should you require further information, please telephone 388640 or visit the HDC website: www.huntsdc.gov.uk and follow the links to Environment and Planning ­ Waste and Recycling ­ Refuse and Recycling. ADVERTISING RATES with effect from Summer 2008 edition B/W Colour (1) (4) (1) (4) Eighth page £15 £ 48 £ 20 £ 68 Quarter page £25 £ 80 £ 35 £120 Half page £40 £128 £ 60 £208 Full Page £80 £256 £120 £406 Publication: Please note that we now produce quarterly Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter editions. 20% reduction for 4 ads. These will be included in the full colour version of Brampton Matters on our website: www.brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk Please send advertisements and cheques (payable to Brampton Parish Council) to: Jane King 9 Centenary Way Brampton PE28 4YQ Tel: 01480 417455 [email protected] Brampton Matters . IS YOUR BLACK
CAT MISSING?
(Photo for illustration only)
Eileen Peck of Nursery Farm in Brampton
has reported seeing a young black cat hiding
around the farm for the past three weeks or
so. It‛s probably no more than 2 years old
with a white tip to its tail, a white area
under its chin and white paws. Eileen thinks
it may have come across to the farm from
the Crane Street area.
If you think this may be your missing pet
Eileen would be pleased to hear from you please telephone 01480-457946
CO­OP REFIT Our Co­op in the High Street is to have a major refit and is expected to be closed for about a week, probably in early April. Watch the local press, parish notice­boards and, of course, the Co­op itself, for details. Brampton Matters 5 BRAMPTON IN BLOOM Plans for Brampton in Bloom are proceeding well. Daffodil planting was finally completed by the end of December and some early bulbs are already in bloom. Brampton Village Primary School have also joined the project and helped the team by planting daffodils at the school. The school has also created a new eco­garden (see p19) which will be included in our Brampton in Bloom portfolio. It is hoped the children will also be able to participate in an environmental project arranged by the Wildlife Trust. Two new additions to our team are Brampton Park Golf Club, who planted up the flower beds near their entrance, and RAF Brampton, who have agreed to plant up the roundabout at their main gates in Buckden Road ­ we are only awaiting written confirmation from Cambridgeshire County Council to go ahead with this. Brampton Youth Forum have also expressed an interest in helping with a ‘Village Spring Clean’ which we are hoping to organise sometime in April ­ this also falls within the ‘environment’ category of Brampton in Bloom. Work began on the Memorial Garden early in the New Year and by the end of January the paved area was finished. The flower beds will be planted in the Spring. The next part of the project will be the planting of the memorial trees. Anyone who is interested in donating a tree can get more information from the Parish Clerk (454441). A list of suitable trees from which to choose will be available and the Parish Council staff will plant it. We can also arrange for a small plaque to go beside the tree with the name of the person to whom you wish to dedicate it. The seating and tables will be in place by the summer so we can picnic or just sit and enjoy the peace of ‘our’ (ie the village) garden. The flowers (bulbs) for Spring 2009 will be planted in the garden in the Autumn along with wildflowers to create a more natural feel to the area. This is the part of the project we have invited the younger members of the community to help with. We also plan to plant red poppies, forget­me­nots and wildflowers alongside the Memorial Walk as a reminder that the Playing Fields are Brampton’s war memorial. Other groups have also been active ­ Caroline Sheffield reports: Residents of Croft Close have been busy planting spring flowering bulbs along their lane this autumn. Croft Close is an unadopted road, so the costs of maintenance and repairs are borne by the residents of the ten houses in the lane. They have recently had the lane resurfaced and once the new tarmac has completely settled the top is going to be sandblasted off to reveal a paler gravel layer more in keeping with the lane’s pastoral appearance. Having given the lane itself a facelift, it seemed a good time to beautify the verges so bags of daffodils, narcissi and crocus bulbs have been planted along the verges. We are all looking forward to seeing a host of spring flowers in 2008. Thanks to all who helped us with the daffodil planting ­ Julie Anderson, Liz Olding, Anne Saunders, Caroline Sheffield and Brampton Village Primary School. If any other group or individual would like to volunteer to help with the planting in the Memorial Playing Fields, we would be delighted to hear from you. Eileen Collier (450147) Billie Leighton (454453) or Liz Ruston (434621)
6 Brampton Matters MRS MARJORIE PAGE ­ A LIFE REMEMBERED 13 MAY 1918 ­ 17 JANUARY 2008 There was a large congregation at the parish church of St Mary Magdalene in Brampton on Wednesday 30th January for the funeral of well­known local resident ­ and former parish councillor ­ Mrs Marjorie Page. Marjorie was born in Kings Ripton and came to live in Brampton with her family in 1947. Shortly after moving to Brampton, Marjorie trained as a nurse and worked at Huntingdon Hospital. Marjorie was a stalwart member of the Women’s Institute for many years. About 20 years ago, when membership of the Brampton WI had greatly declined, Marjorie and her friend Edna Bint started the Brampton Friendship Club which is still going strong today. In 1984 Marjorie Page, Edna Bint and their friend Margaret Footner, decided to put themselves forward for the Parish Council. To their surprise all three were elected and Marjorie served until the year 2000. Margaret Footner, still a serving parish councillor, remembers Marjorie as a caring and persuasive person. “With her strong personality and ‘no­nonsense’ attitude, she was very good at getting things done and she contributed significantly to the achievements of the Parish Council in those days” she recalled. The eulogy given at the funeral by her son Richard reminded Margaret that Marjorie enjoyed making ginger beer ­ until she discovered the joys of making real beer.. and wine. Marjorie then joined the Huntingdon Beer & Winemakers Association and, as her son said, “...has probably won more trophies than Michael Schumacher”. With her innate drive and enthusiasm, Marjorie became President of the Association and it flourished under her leadership. Her fellow parish councillors soon realised that the ideal location for meetings of the sub­committee for the Pensioners Christmas Party and Parcels (generously provided by RAF Brampton) would be Marjorie’s house. “These meetings could last for hours. “ her son recalled. “I once asked Reg Stocker, another great Brampton stalwart, what was discussed ­ ‘I can’t remember’ he said.” A committed Christian, Marjorie was laid to rest with her husband Frank, who died 10 years ago, in the cemetery of Brampton Parish Church, where she used sing in the church choir. She is survived by her sons Richard and David and their families and is fondly remembered by her many friends and colleagues in the village of Brampton. EC
Brampton Matters 7 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
No Smoke Without Fire! Many residents were puzzled, inconvenienced and some distressed by the lengthy plume of smoke that hung over the western edge of the village for nearly two weeks before Christmas. The cause was a spontaneous combustion fire in an abnormally large stock of wood chip at the composting plant at Low Harthay farm. The Fire Brigade decided that pulling the enormous heap apart would create so much smoke that the A1 and A14 would have to be closed for long periods. So their advice was to let the heap burn out. This is why it took so long to clear. This event taught us that we can provide a useful public information service. So, if there is another incident, log on to the Parish Council website www.brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk or contact the Parish Clerk (454441) for information. Please also keep your neighbours informed, particularly if they are elderly or infirm, to ensure they know what is happening and what to do in an emergency. Council Staff Changes Kevin Wood, our Assistant Caretaker, left us in October. Kevin says “I enjoyed working in my community and meeting all the people that used both the Memorial and Community Centres. I am now very busy running my photography business. Thanks to all those of you that sent me their best wishes and I wish you all the best for the future”. Clive Larke, our Caretaker, retired on 31 December. However, Clive kindly came back to us for the middle two weeks in January, to introduce our new caretaker to the user groups and show her ‘the ropes’. Clive has been with us for 2 years and is well known around Brampton as you often see him walking between opening and closing the facilities for the user groups. Clive says “I have enjoyed working for the village. I am now looking forward to a busy retirement catching up on all those jobs around the home from my other half’s wish list!” Parish Plan Our community faces many local challenges. These include our response to the new A14, the dropping of the Huntingdon viaduct, housing development and the proposed closure of RAF Brampton. There are other issues including sport, recreation, an ageing population, village traffic, anti­social behaviour, transport and schooling. Robert Fryer, our Litter Warden, left us in December to start full time employment. Although Robert was only with us for a couple of months, he has voluntarily cleared the High Street of litter at weekends on a number of occasions to help us out. Our thanks go to Robert. We cannot prevent change but unless we form a view as to the direction in which we wish to go we risk missing opportunities to shape our collective future. So the Parish Council is moving towards launching the development of a Parish Plan. This extensive piece of work is usually largely driven by residents who are not councillors. Julie Saunders j oined us last September. Julie cleans both the M e m o r i a l a n d Community Centres, often starting very early in the mornings when most of us are still fast asleep! Julie says “I am very happy working for the local community. I commute from Huntingdon and fit the hours around my lifestyle and the user groups.” Parish Plans are intended to be evolving documents, outlining how a community would like to develop over the next ten years. The idea is to gather the views of all residents and create action plans detailing how these developments can be achieved. This process will be launched shortly after the 2008 elections to the Parish Council (see page 10) and will rely on the creation of a steering committee. So please consider if you would like to be on this committee, what you think the issues facing our community are and what you would like to see done about them. More later. New Footpath on Thrapston Road For several years now we have been asking for funding for a proper footpath on Thrapston Road from the allotments to the roundabout. This is much used by walkers and dog walkers. Imagine our surprise to be told that our latest application has been successful! So it is likely to be put in place over the summer. Good news 8 New staff: Ramune Mimiene has taken over from Clive as Caretaker. Ramune joined us in the middle of December. I am sure she will become familiar to you all as time goes on. Ramune says “I am very happy in my new role as Caret aker. The work is close to home and I enjoy meeting the user groups and people around the village.” Brampton Matters PARISH COUNCIL NEWS POLICE NEWS A14 The contractors for the first part of the A14 upgrade have now been announced. Brampton Parish will be meeting with other parishes to ensure that we all get the best possible noise and air pollution mitigation. Then there is still the public inquiry to come. Mike Shellens, Chairman, Parish Council PARISH COUNCILLORS Michael Shellens (Chairman), Kevin Wrycraft (Vice­ Chairman), John Childs, Eileen Collier, Peter Downes, Margaret Footner, Tim Fryer, Jacqueline Homer, Simon Jordan, Billie Leighton, Nigel Maggs, Shirley Menczer, John Richmond, Elizabeth Ruston and Maureen Wigley. A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL POLICING TEAM Riding pedal cycles with no lights This issue was raised at a recent Neighbourhood Panel Meeting and has been adopted as a priority by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be enforcing the legislation. PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS The Parish Council meets on the third Wednesday of every month, except August. Anyone may observe. These meetings are held in the Memorial Centre. Open Surgery is from 7.15 to 7.30pm before the meeting, when you can address the council for a maximum of three minutes on a particular matter. Members of the public may also attend Committee meetings. Details available from the Parish Clerk. Cyclists (of all ages) are the most vulnerable group of vehicular traffic using our roads. The most important thing is that any cyclist needs to be as visible as possible to all other road users, especially during the hours of darkness. The simplest way is to have lights fitted and keep them in clean working order. This is not just a practical solution, it is also a legal requirement. CONTACTING YOUR PARISH COUNCIL Parish Council minutes, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your councillors and other parish notices are displayed on the 5 notice­boards in the village situated at: Thrapston Road ­ Memorial Centre High Street ­ Near dentist, shops and car park West End ­ Corner of West End & Miller Way Laws Crescent ­ Outside Play Area Miller Way ­ Outside Surgery This information also appears on our official Parish Council website (see below). The aim of the Neighbourhood Policing Team is to educate cyclists how to stay alive rather than prosecute them. So this does not mean that they will be issuing £30 fixed penalty notices like confetti. We will take into account the circumstances at the time, but penalty notices/ warnings will be issued where appropriate. . Be a responsible cyclist: ∙ Fit working lights ∙ Be visible both day and night ∙ Do not ride on footpaths that are not Designated cycle paths ∙ Be considerate to other road users (pedestrians and vehicles). PARISH CLERK Mrs Janet Innes­Clarke, Clerk to the Brampton Parish Council The Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton, PE28 4TB e­mail: clerk@brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk Tel. 01480 454441 DEPUTY PARISH CLERK Mrs Jacqui Buck The Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton, PE28 4TB e­mail: deputy.clerk@brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk Tel. 01480 454441 BOOKINGS CLERK For all Enquiries and Bookings for Community Centre and Memorial Centre Mrs Debbie Steel, Bookings Clerk Telephone: 01480 384694 Or apply online via the website www.brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk BURIALS CLERK (Acting unpaid) Cllr Maureen Wigley, 38 Evans Close, Brampton email: maureen.wigley@brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk Tel: 01480 383898
Brampton Matters A Neighbourhood Panel meeting is due to be held at Brampton Village Primary School on Thursday 6 March at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend and give their views. Please come along to meet your Local Neighbourhood Policing Team to say "Hello" or to discuss any issues you may have in your area. We look forward to seeing you. PCSOs Gemma Clark & Shiralee Freeman If you need to contact a member of your team or need to report any incidents please phone 08454 564 564 or, in an emergency, phone 999. Alternatively, you can contact Gemma on 07801­684905 (mobile). Crimestoppers may also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 OFFICIAL BRAMPTON PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE For a full colour version of Brampton Matters and other local information visit our official website www.brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk designed and maintained by: Cllr Kevin Wrycraft kevin.wrycraft@brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk 9 NOW’S YOUR CHANCE! Many people have views on what the Parish Council should be doing to improve things for Brampton residents. If you are one of them, then this May you have a chance to become one of the 15 Parish Councillors who determine: v how much the Parish will raise each year though the Council Tax, v on what the current budget of £180,000 should be spent, v and what our 10 full or part time staff should do. The Parish Council has a proud tradition of being strictly non­political. We work together collaboratively for the good of the village as a whole. Parish Councillors are elected for a 4 year term and the next elections will be on 1 st May 2008. The new team is likely to have new faces. To stand you will need to fill in the necessary form by Friday 4 th April. As this is before the next Brampton Matters will hit your doorstep this is the only reminder that we can give you. Notices about the election and where to get the necessary form will be in the local press and on the village web­site and notice boards in March. If you would like to have an informal chat about what is involved I would be very happy to talk it through with you. So please ring me on (01480) 456555. Alternatively you can contact the parish clerk (01480­454441) or any of the other 14 councillors whose contact details are on the village web­site or the parish notice boards. I hope you’ll call. Mike Shellens Chairman, Brampton Parish Council
Get Your New Bus Pass Now Before It’s Too Late The new national free travel scheme on local bus services starts across England on 1 April 2008. Huntingdonshire District Council is busy taking applications from people who wish to use this scheme and urges people to apply as soon as possible. Anyone who is 60 or over or who has certain disabilities will qualify for the new scheme, which will allow pass holders to travel free on bus services throughout the whole of England during off­peak periods Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and bank holidays. The council reminds people that even if they currently hold an existing pass they must re­apply for the new scheme in order to travel after 1 April this year. Current passes will become invalid after that date. Application forms are available from Huntingdon District Council. Applicants can phone 01480 388388 to have an application form sent to them, download one from the District Council’s website or collect an application form from the council’s customer services in Huntingdon. Completed forms can be taken or posted to the council at Pathfinder House, St. Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN. Applicants are reminded that all applications must be accompanied by a passport size photograph and proof of eligibility, the requirements as shown on the application form. If people are applying for the first time and want to use the existing scheme before 1st April, a second photograph will be required. Once the applications are submitted, it is planned that new passes will be sent in the post during March 2008 in time for the scheme to start on 1 April 2008. HDC NOTICE 10 Brampton Matters DON’T PANIC! Residents of the Crofts estate (i.e. area around Horseshoes Way) might be puzzled or concerned by the recent appearance of notices put up by the County Council about several footpath diversions and extinguishments. There is no need to worry; nothing will be changed on the ground although footpath maps will be changed. The reason is that when the estate was built in the 1960s little regard was paid to the routes of footpaths so the developer built houses and bungalows across the official routes. However, what’s done is done and, whatever the rights and wrongs, the paths cannot be reinstated without impinging on gardens and properties. This has happened in other villages as well as ours so the County Council’s Countryside Access Team is working to change the definitive map to show what is actually on the ground. This is a map held by the council to show legal Rights of Way throughout the county. In order to do this there are certain legal procedures to go through and one of these is to publicise their intentions and invite comments or objections – hence the notices. We hope and believe that such action by developers would not be allowed to happen nowadays as the powers that be and local people are more aware of, and caring about, such paths. Jacky Homer STREET LIGHTING The Parish Council reviews the street lamp layout throughout the village every so often. Generally lighting in the village is adequate . However, there are situations where it may be considered that there is a need for additional lamps. Normally the criteria for determining need are as follows:
¨ A poorly lit junction or corner.
¨
An area that is considered to be darker than most. The requirements are submitted to the County Council with a view to determining practicality and the availability of funding. We also check whether there is a larger scheme for lighting in that particular area. If it is agreed that additional lamps can be installed, and if the majority of residents concerned approve, the lamps are installed. We are currently reviewing returns from consultations with residents around the Grove Lane/High Street junction where we have had many complaints that this busy corner is dark and dangerous. If anyone knows of an area or ‘black spot’ in Brampton that needs lighting improvements, please forward details to the Parish Clerk, Brampton Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road PE28 4TB telephone 01480­454441 or email clerk@brampton­cambs­pc.gov.uk Nigel Maggs
SHOPMOBILITY Shopmobility is a non­profit organisation that hires out wheelchairs and electric scooters for people with mobility problems whether they be permanent or temporary. You do not have to live in the Huntingdon area to use Shopmobility, so if you have a relative or friend staying who needs a scooter, they can hire them too. We are situated in Princes Street car park in a portacabin (we back onto West End DIY) and we are open Tuesday ­ Saturday 9.30am ­ 3pm. You can join as a member for £15 per year (usage free thereafter for the year) or you can use on a casual basis ­ £3.50 for a scooter, £2 for a wheelchair. We are also planning to attend local events with a few scooters to make things more accessible. The next event is a Craft Fair at Wood Green on 15­16 March. We will become registered as a charity within the next 6 months and we are currently seeking Trustees. If you would like to be a Trustee, or if you would like further information about our organisation, I’d be very pleased to hear from you. Debbie Drew (01480­432793) Brampton Matters 11 A Walk around the Perimeter of Brampton Wood The perimeter path around Brampton Wood is a little over three and a quarter miles and the walk will take around 2 hours, but it is possible to shorten it and complete the route in 2 smaller walks. Starting at the Brampton Wood car park on Grafham Road, walk through the gate up to the Information Barn where you can collect a Brampton Wood leaflet if you have not already got one. The perimeter path is shown on the map which is also reproduced here. Head off along the path to the right of the barn, always keeping the fence, the ditch and the open fields to your right. This ditch follows virtually the whole of the perimeter of Brampton Wood marking its boundary and was dug by hand in the Middle Ages to keep wood pasture animals, such as sheep and pigs, in the wood and wild animals out! All along the route you will see examples of old coppicing, where wood has been harvested by cutting the tree back to ground level and allowing it to regrow, usually with several more stems than before. There are several old ash trees with 3 or more stems that are over 250 years old and many hazel trees with over 100 stems, the result of regular coppicing to provide poles for fencing and thatched roofs. Coppicing has declined in recent years owing to the lack of demand for coppice products and because the muntjac deer that live in the wood eat the new growth after coppicing and kill the tree. After two thirds of a mile, you will see a path off to the right. Take a short diversion up here, through the gap in the hedge and you can see where the bridleway from the end of West End in Brampton arrives at the wood. There is also a fine view from here of the A14 and the A1 and the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, this will also be the best place to view the new A14 route and all the consequent habitat destruction. The bridleway passes round the outside of the wood but we need to return to the perimeter path inside the wood.
12 Brampton Matters In 10 yards the path forks again. This is the top end of Cross Ride, but take the right fork to follow the perimeter. After a short while, the wood opens out and many coppiced hazel trees are to be seen on the left. This is THE place to come in April to view the magnificent display of bluebells for which the wood is justly famous. They can flower and set seed before the canopy closes in and there is insufficient light. Keep following the path. It bends sharply to the left at the top end of the wood, leaving a small wooded area with a pond outside the fence and ditch, at the other side of the bridleway. If anyone knows why, please let me know! Along this side of the wood are some superb old oaks with amazing gnarled branches. Presumably too misshapen or too far from the entrance, they escaped being felled for the war effort, a fate which befell most of the mature trees during the First World War. You will reach a metal kissing gate on your right, providing access to the bridleway and a wide ride on your left. This is the top end of Main Ride and the car park is 1000 metres away down Main Ride if you’re beginning to feel that the remaining mile and three quarters is a bit too much today. If all is well, keep following the perimeter path. After about another 1,000 metres, you will reach another of the route’s anomalies, where the bridleway crosses a bridge from outside the wood and continues along what was the perimeter path! The Wildlife Trust has bent the perimeter path inside the bridleway to give space for the horse riders and in 100 yards both “ways” reach the end of the wood. The perimeter path turns sharp left, whilst the bridleway carries on to Grafham. Within 300 metres you will reach 2 magnificent wild pear trees on your right on the edge of the wood. They still fruit although the pears are small, hard and inedible, but these are two of the best examples of this rare tree in Cambridgeshire. This is also another really good area to see bluebells in the Spring. After another 100 metres you will reach the bottom end of Cross Ride. Keep following the perimeter path and after another 200 metres it turns sharp left and keeps dead straight with dense scrub on your left and an embankment on your right. This is the old Huntingdon Thrapston Kettering railway line, built in 1866 and closed in 1959. The scrub on your left is in fact secondary woodland as the ancient boundary of the wood is several yards to your left and the wood naturally encroached up to the railway line. After about 300 metres the path turns away from the railway line, widens again and tries to follow the old boundary. Passing some of the conifers planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1950s, you will soon cross a ditch bridge and reach West Ride. This is the smallest of the three ancient rides (roads) through the wood and the Wildlife Trust is steadily restoring it to its original boundaries. Turn right over a new culvert with a small stream running through it and very soon left when you see the back gate of Keepers Cottage. Just past here is a more open area with blackthorn on the left and bramble/scrub on your right. This is an excellent place to see the famous Black Hairstreak butterfly, if it’s the right time of year, if you know how to identify this thumbnail size butterfly and if you are dead lucky! Keep following the path, not turning left or right as the perimeter fence/ditch is no longer in sight and you will reach an open area of grassland – the only sizeable open area in the wood. This grassland is currently very species poor, mainly an aggressive grass called calamagrostis epigejos, but we mow the grass each year to reduce its fertility and allow the few young trees to grow. Eventually wild flowers will be able to compete and this will become a lovely wild flower meadow. Immediately after the grassland you enter the dense conifer woodland, planted after the Second World War to reduce Britain’s dependency on imported wood. This area is much less diverse than ancient deciduous woodland but nevertheless there is a variety of species that like conifers and this adds to the overall diversity of the wood. Pass over a small bridge and you will emerge back on Main Ride. Turn right along the ride, where you should see a variety of wild flowers and herbs that in the warm weather attract a host of butterflies, dragonflies and other invertebrates. Soon you reach the two great oak trees at the end of the ride – “the Master Oaks”, “the Major Oaks” or the “Sentinel Oaks”. Take your pick. Pass the oaks and you are now back at the Information Barn. Right again to the car park. I hope you enjoy your visit George Cottam Voluntary Warden Wildlife Trust
Brampton Matters 13 SCOUTING IN BRAMPTON In the year 1913, Harry Miles, a founder member of the first Huntingdon (Hartford) Scout troop, remembered his visit to Brampton when he and his troop walked through a foot of snow to get here. The room (the only one large enough was in the Cross Rooms at the end of the High Street) was crowded to the doors. After a demonstration by the Hartford troop, Rev K D Knowles led the formation of a Brampton troop, the 6th Huntingdon (Brampton) scout troop. Scout HQ was in the “Parish Room” of the old Rectory, located opposite the present Church Hall. They based activities on articles published in “Scouting for Boys” and took part in the District events organised by the Huntingdon Boy Scout Association. By 30 September 1914, Brampton had 23 enrolled scouts with Rev Knowles as scout­ master and Mr J Rosamund as assistant scout­master. The scout troop register for 1917 shows there were 34 boys from 9 to 17 years of age. There were two patrols. The Bullfinch and the Stork. One of the Stork patrol was former Parish Council Chairman Frank Baker who remembered Arthur Crack as patrol leader and the wonderful time they had camping out over the weekend in an old bell tent on the lawn of the Manor ­ even though a number of owls made sleeping difficult! Sir Robert Baden­Powell came to Brampton in 1919 to visit a North London scout troop camping in a field near Park Lane (opposite the Golf Club on Buckden Road). The Brampton troop also lined up to meet the great man and shake his hand ­ left hand, of course. A tree was planted on the Green to mark the visit. Brampton Scout troop has gone from strength to strength over the years, building their own headquarters and running the annual village fete on the Green. Nowadays, however, there is a national shortage of new leaders coming forward. If you are interested in helping to run a local scout group ­ they now include girls as well as boys ­ why not contact Brampton Group Scout Leader Mike Watts on 01480­412420 for more information? He’d be delighted to hear from you. Maureen Wigley ­ compiled from memoirs of Frank Baker & others 14 THE VENERABLE KENNETH D. KNOWLES ARCHDEACON OF HUNTINGDON 1921­1942 Reverend Kenneth David Knowles wrote the verses below when he was a t t a c h e d t o t h e Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalions during the first World War. He was also the scout­ master in Brampton in 1914 (see article). Rev Knowles subsequently became Archdeacon of Huntingdon and is buried in the cemetery of the parish church of St Mary Magdalene in Brampton. Maureen Wigley
THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE CYCLIST BATTALIONS 1914 We come from a little county, But we muster a thousand men, Recruited in town and village, Away from the flat bleak fen; We patrol the Eastern coast, sir, We are the boys who do not shirk Though the wind blows stiff, we guard your cliff, For that is the Hunts boys’ work. G.N.R. to Grimsby, Bicycle up to Hull, Pedal on to Hornsea, A forty­five mile pull, Ride up north to Filey, Or ride down south to Spurn, We’ll do our job for a daily “bob” But we’ve more than our pay to earn. We’re bred from old Fen stock, sirs, Which oft times fought with Montagu; We’re hewn from the self­same rock, sirs, Stern old Oliver Cromwell knew; And throughout the two Battalions You’ll not find a father’s son Who will bring shame on the old fighting name Of the lads of Huntingdon. G.N.R. to Grimsby, Bicycle up to Hull, Pedal on to Hornsea, A forty­five mile pull, Ride up north to Filey, Or ride down south to Spurn, We’ll do our job for a daily “bob” And the fame that we mean to earn. K D Knowles (Rev HCB) Brampton Matters Brampton Matters
15 Sunday 16 March 2008
Sport Relief Mile Hinchingbrooke Country Park On Sunday 16th March you can join tens of thousands of people and take part in
the ultimate Sport Relief challenge that is the Sainsbury‛s Sport Relief Mile. This
year you can really rise to the challenge with the option of running 1, 3 or 6 miles.
For the first time this event is coming to Hinchingbrooke Country Park. The event
opens at 10am with participants starting their miles from 11am onwards. This event
is suitable and accessible to all and you can complete your chosen distance as
quickly or slowly as you like.
To find out more information about this event and to register visit the website
www.sportrelief.com or call 0845 605 8000*
alternatively contact Martin Grey, Sports Development Officer,
Huntingdonshire District Council on 01480 388244 *Calls cost no more than 4p per minute from BT landlines. Other operator and mobile rates may vary. Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered with the Charity Commission no. 326568
No me Dog fouling is offensive . . . and an offence Many dog owners in Brampton now regularly clear up the mess left by their dogs and this is to be welcomed. BUT there are still some who do not and the evidence is all too obvious. We have had complaints about dog mess on pavements in various parts of the village but our main concern as a Parish Council is that dog fouling is taking place on the Memorial Playing Fields. This is particularly unacceptable because of the fact that the fields are regularly used by several hundred young people and dog dirt carries germs which are potentially dangerous. We therefore urge people to think of the safety of others and use one of the devices and bags now available from the vets and from shops in town. It only takes a moment to clear up and everybody would feel much happier. Since December 15 th 2007 it has become an offence to fail to clear up dog mess. The enforcement of this is carried out by a District Council officer and having her patrol the village would cost the Parish Council money which could be better spent on amenities and improvements. We would particularly ask all those who take their dogs walking on public land such as the Green or the Playing Fields to keep them on a lead and to clear up any mess left behind by their dogs. Bagged dog litter can be deposited in any of the litter bins strategically placed around the Playing Fields and the Green. Peter Downes, Chairman, Village Facilities Committee 16 Brampton Matters S.J.S. Decorating Services Affordable Quality Painter, Handyman and Decorator All Interior and Exterior Painting
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Brampton Matters 17 «Village Diary«
Village Groups Brampton Flower Club 1st Wednesday of the month at Community Centre at 7.30pm. Contact Margaret Smith 459951 Brampton Historical Society Meetings on 4th Wednesday every odd­ numbered month. 7.45pm Stocker Room Brampton Institute. Annual Membership £4. Non­ members welcome at £1.50. Contact Alan Footner 52759 Brampton Institute Bowls Club New members very welcome. For more information contact the Institute. Brampton Mother’s Union 2nd Tuesday in the month at 8pm in Church Hall and 3rd Tuesday in the month at 2.30pm in Hilary Lodge. Branch Leader Elizabeth Arkle 434924 Brampton Village Wives Club Contact Lesley Morris 458818 Brampton Women’s Institute 1st Tuesday every month at the Community Centre at 7.30pm. Contact Dawn Howitt 450989 British Legion Contact Alan Mott 459228 Football Senior ­ Contact Tony Burnley 370996 Junior ­ Contact Jim Bryant 383512 Regular Weekly Meetings Monday Brampton Exercise Class [term time only] Brampton Community Centre 2pm­3.30pm Alison Mount Tel: 810805 1st Brampton Rainbows Meet Church Hall 4.30pm ­ 5.30pm Sam Saberton 399389 after 6pm Parents & Tots Community Centre 9.45 am ­ 11.30am Explorer Scouts (14­18 years ) Richard Westbrooke Hall 7.30pm ­ 9.30pm. Tel 434374 Guides (10­15years) Meet at Community Centre 6.30pm ­ 8 pm Tel: 370496 Bell Ringers Parish Church 8pm. Ian Stracey Tel: 457525 Tuesday 2nd Brampton Brownies Meet at Church Hall 5.45pm­7.15pm Claire Topham­Brown Tel. 432684 Beaver Scouts (6­8 years) Richard Westbrooke Hall 6pm ­7.15 pm Tel: 454033 Day Centre Memorial Centre 10am ­ 3pm Contact: Mrs. Wilson Tel: 392173 Brampton Choral Society Meet weekly at 7.30pm ­ 9.30pm. Enquiries to: Mrs Eggleton on 01832 710423 Friendship Club Meets at Richard Westbrooke Hall on 4th Tuesday in the month. Contact Mrs. Jordan 353157 Air Cadets (13­18 years) RAF Brampton 7.30pm­9.45pm Tim Brain Tel: 495002 Scouts (10½­14 years) Richard Westbrooke Hall 7.15pm­9pm Tel: 412420 The Three Score Club Meets 4th Wednesday every month 6pm ­ 9pm. Contact Liz Papworth 455245 Wednesday Trefoil Guild Meets every 2nd Thursday in the month for adults over 18yrs in Scouts and Guides Association. WAAF Association (Ex WAAF & WRAF) Meets last Monday of the month in the Church Hall at 2pm. Contact Mrs. Wigley 383898 1st. Brampton Brownies Church Hall 5pm ­­ 6.30pm Mrs. Lynn Tel: 393968 Cub Scouts ­ Spitfires ( 8­10½ years) Richard Westbrooke Hall 6.30pm­­8pm Tel: 455577 Keep Fit Community Centre 10am ­11am. Heather Steer 01487 840046 Thursday Methodist Church ­ The Green Cub Scouts ­ Tornadoes Richard Westbrooke Hall 6.30 pm ­ 8pm Tel: 455577 Rev Pam Siddall Tel 819228 Youth Club Memorial Centre 7pm­9pm Angie Linton 375030 Thursday Fellowship ­ Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 7.15pm Coffee Morning ­ Every 1st Wednesday 10am Emmaus ­ Every 2nd and 4th Weds at 2pm Soup Lunch ­ Every 3rd Wednesday 12.30pm. 18 Brampton Theatre Club Meets 8pm ­ 10pm Contact: 445662 Friday Air Cadets(13­18 yrs) RAF Brampton 7.30pm­9.45 pm Tim Brain Tel: 495002 Brampton Matters BRAMPTON VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Green Brampton PE28 4RF
Head Teacher: Mrs Jacqui Watkins
CREATING AN ECO-GARDEN FOR THE CHILDREN
Objective: to create a fun and enjoyable Eco-area that can be created and maintained by the
children of Brampton School to enhance their life experiences whilst giving them enjoyment and fun
through learning.
Plan: to create an enclosed area 8.5 metres x 9 metres which would contain several 18" raised plant
beds to grow vegetables and flowers and an area for pot grown plants and herbs which will be
planted and maintained by the children. This was inspired by the RHS “Grow Your Own
Veg" programme, "Get your hands dirty" scheme and "year of food and farming" scheme.
How did it all come about?
Two very passionate mums of the school - Claire Dwight & Mel Pearson approached the school's Head
Mistress Jacqui Watkins for an area for the growing of fruit, plants and vegetables. With very little
persuasion an area was found and the planning to build the garden was set into motion. Firstly, Claire
Dwight approached several local suppliers for sponsorship and with the hugely kind support of
Huntingdon Timbers and Main Sponsor Travis Perkins the plans started to become a reality. David
Johnson, Branch Manager of Travis Perkins, confirmed on 24th September through their scheme
‘a 1000 projects, in a 1000 places, in a 1000 days‛ that they would be very happy to bring the project
to life. Homebase also got involved by providing some plants, water butts, benches and canes.
Unwins also supplied the school with various seeds, and Frosts of Brampton donated a voucher to be
spent on sundries. All the soil was donated by Ross @ Huntingdon Recycle Ltd.
The entire garden was built by volunteers and funded externally.
Over the next few weeks Claire and Mel approached mums, dads, local builders with children at the
school, plus a team from the local probation office doing Community Service, to help build the garden
and a date was set to start the project - 20th October 2007. With one week scheduled for the
building of the garden, and everyone on hand, the work started. Through the amazing support of
parents, Travis Perkins staff, TCS builders, local carpenter Ray Rendall, plus many more, the
garden quite literally grew out of the ground.
One week later and at the start of a new
term the school had an
amazing new
garden ready to be planted and officially
opened by all the children at the school We
are happy to celebrate this achievement
and hope our experience will show others
how building a purpose built area for
children is not so hard. We hope it will
enable our children now and in the future
to enjoy gardening and growing fruit and
vegetables. The first Gardening Club
started on 2nd November 2007.
The new Eco-garden at Brampton Village Primary School
To know more please contact Claire Dwight 01480 352970 or Jacqui Watkins 01480 375063
Brampton Matters 19 Hello children. Here’s a little Easter quiz for you. I’m getting very excited because Easter is nearly here. My cousin, the Easter Bunny, sometimes hides an Easter egg in my garden for me to find. I hope he hides one again this year! Easter Quiz
Answer each clue using only the letters in…
BM BM
Would you like BM
Bunny to visit your
fete or other event?
He‛d be very happy
to come and see you.
He would also
arrange for a full
report - with photos
of himself of course!
- to be included in
Brampton Matters.
If you would like
him to visit
please contact the
Parish Clerk on
01480-454441 or
Eileen Collier
8 Centenary Way
Brampton PE28 4YQ
EASTER BUNNY
1.
North, South, ????, West
____
2.
A shining sign at Christmas time
____
3.
It‛s good to eat at tea-time
___
4.
A pig lives here
___
5.
Beauty and the ?????
_____
6.
You play cricket with this
___
7.
Teddy, Paddington, Rupert
____
8.
A fire does this
_____
9.
A farm building
____
10.
Warm bright weather
_ _ _ _ _ Answers at the bottom of the page. Help the Easter Bunny
to find his way
through the maze
to get to the Easter eggs. ([email protected])
1.East 2.Star 3.Bun
4.Sty 5.Beast 6.Bat
7.Bear 8.Burns 9.Barn
10.Sunny
.Easter Quiz Answers:
BM Bunny - appearances sponsored by Good People Recruitment Ltd
20 Brampton Matters