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 Posted - 22/12/2009 : 12:41:49
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Articles on Winter Village Views
Anchor Christmas Lights Switch On
Cats Protection
Christmas Lights Switch On
Christmas Tree Festival
Digital Television Switchover
Little Paxton Guides
Little Paxton Playground Group
Little Paxton Scarecrows
Little Paxton Woman’s Institute
Micks Shorts
National Childbirth Trust
Parish Council News
Paxfest 2010
St James' Church
St Neots Children Centres
Street Lights
Village Hall
The deadline for articles, village events and adverts for the Spring 2010 edition of Village Views is 8th March 2010. Please see contact details below.
Village Views is wholly produced by volunteers and is published four times a year, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. We try to provide as up-to-date information as possible, and are happy to receive any articles, pictures, events information, etc. For information on how to contribute please contact one of the editorial team:- M Creed (473294) (including photos and adverts), L Timms (394051), or R Russell (213647). Or you can email information to creedalan@aol.com.
Supported by Little Paxton Parish Council
and sponsored by Little Paxton Quarry
A wonderful time was had by all at the Victorian Fayre on Saturday, 21st November. Not only Queen Victoria graced the event with her presence, but Father Christmas came as well. Many stall holders dressed in period costume and the Tea Shoppe ladies did us proud. Winners of the Best Dressed Stall were ‘Marie Allen’s Christmas Decorations’ (811122) and ‘Claire O’Voyant’ won Best Dressed Couple.
Come along to The Anchor for the big switch on of its Christmas lights on Saturday, 5th December at 5.30pm. This will be followed by community carol singing, mulled wine and mince pies. and there will be live music at The Anchor in the evening.
Paxfest 2010 - Village Fete and Summer Garden Show
Next year’s Paxfest will be on the 10th July 2010. A meeting to start planning the event will be held on Wednesday, 27th January at 7pm in the back room of the village hall.
Anyone wishing to help with the organisation of the event please contact Cllr Jean Matheson Tel 01480 476298
Digital Television Switchover
The digital television switchover is scheduled for 30th April 2011. This is when the old analogue service will be discontinued. Many people are changing over to digital television at the moment.
Unfortunately this has created a market for unscrupulous aerial companies.
From my own observations around the village I have noticed that the unwary are being sold very expensive aerials they do not need.
I am a retired aerial/satellite engineer and I am prepared to give free advice to anyone from the village on upgrading to the digital service.
My name is Philip Harris and I can be contacted on 07850 485853.
Street Lights
Now that the nights are darker early, this is a good time to check if street lights are working properly. If a street light outside your house is not working, please report it to Cambridgeshire County Council Street Lights (Tel 0345 045 5200) with the light’s number. Each light has its own unique number i.e. PC123, HDC123, CCC 123. Repairs are carried out normally within 8-10 working days.
Christmas Tree Festival at St James’ Church
Saturday 12th December - 10.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday 13th December - 2.00pm to 4.30 pm
Refreshments available, Admission free
Sunday 13th December 4.30 pm -
Christmas Tree Service with
Christmas Carols
All welcome
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Relax and Breathe
For all expectant Mums (from 20 weeks +)
Would you like to relax and prepare for the birth, learn skills
for labour and meet other expectant mums?
Come alone to Little Paxton Community Room (in Little Paxton School)
3rd, 10th & 17th December, 28th January; 4th, 11th & 25th February
£4 per session - just turn up on the day
Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat/blanket and pillow
More information call Jenny 01480 215658
or email jenny@barrett.cc
Little Paxton Woman’s Institute
We are a friendly group of ladies who enjoy having a good time.
We meet at the village school on the third Monday
of every month. Come and join us for an evening to see
if you would enjoy our company.
We organise walks, theatre and fun things through the year.
Visiting speakers: -
14th Dec ‘Christmas Cracker making’
Francis Ashfield
18th Jan ‘Penguins and the White Continent’
Trevor Gunton
15th Feb ‘The Anglian Wolf Society’
Caroline Conrad
15th March ‘Honey Bees’
Arthur Golder
For more information contact (President) Bernice on 215422
Little Paxton Playground Group - Goodbye!
Little Paxton Playground group would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone in Little Paxton who has come along to support our fund raising events over the past four years - Band Concerts, Beetle Drive, Fun Runs, Treasure Hunt, Victoria & Albert Tea Room and helped raise funds for the Children’s Play Park, Multi Use Games Area and two Youth Shelters.
Little Paxton has probably the best play park in the area.
The Group was formed in December 2005 with a remit of fundraising, applying for grants, research and working closely with Little Paxton Parish Council.
The Group has achieved all its aims and now it is time for us to disband. The small residual bank balance has been donated to the Parish Council.
Michaela Rhodes-Elson
Chairman
Appeal for witnesses
On Sunday, 19th October, the green bench in the toddler area of the play park was set on fire and completely destroyed. The fire started between 9.05pm and 9.45pm.
The Parish Council would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have been a witness to contact the Police (Tel 03454 564 564).
This is the second fire in the area in recent weeks.
The Parish Council will replace the picnic bench set on fire in August. The new picnic bench will be installed in the spring.
Little Paxton Scarecrows
wish you all a
Very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Get ready for our next Scarecrow Festival
Saturday, 8th May 2010
Bigger and Better
For information on craft, food hall,
and outdoor events
contact Jacqui on 01480 219132
Village Hall- New Hire Rates
From 1st March the rates for hire on main hall will be:
Monday - Friday until 4pm on Friday: £9.00 per hour (unchanged).
After 4pm on a Friday until 4pm on a Sunday: £16.00 for residents and £20.00 for non residents.
A refundable cleaning deposit of £200 in cash is required for bookings from 4pm on Fridays, all day Saturday, and up to 4pm on a Sunday. To be paid on collection of the keys. A refundable cheque for £300 as a security deposit against breakages and damages is also required. Cheques to be made payable to Little Paxton Village Hall. Deposits will be returned if the hall is left clean, tidy and undamaged.
After 4pm on Sunday the hire rate reverts to £9.00 per hour. The rates to hire the back room remains at £6.00 per hour.
For booking and more information please contact our Booking Agent, Julie, on 01480 475921.
St.James' Church- News from the Pews
We are CHUFT about the Future
At a special service in October, we launched our ‘Church for Tomorrow’ or ChuFT Project. The details of this seem to have raised a few queries.
Some of these queries relate to the proposed work on the church clock and why it needs to be done, or indeed, done again.
In 2000 a committee of representatives from various village groups met to agree upon a suitable Millennium project. It was agreed to restore the church clock, which is about 250 years old. Money was raised from various grants and the work started under the control of an independent project manager. On close inspection the clock face was found to be in a dangerous condition and required a great deal of specialist work. A new hand on the clock and re-guilding of hands and dial and a new wooden casing left the budget somewhat depleted. Work on the clock mechanism was undertaken by a skilled local horologist who gave many months of his time freely, but parts were too worn and money wasn’t available to continue. As part of our ChuFT project, we have decided to carry on with the work started. New bearings and winding mechanism will bring the clock back to life.
Other queries relate to ‘How are you going to pay for it?’
The Church in Little Paxton exists by paying its own way. The central body (the Diocese) provides a vicar and a vicarage; we, the members of the Church, pay for everything else. Our money comes from what each of us gives and what we raise at Paxfest, Quiz Night, Race Night, 100 Club, etc. Also a number of people who don’t come to Church give because they just want the Church to be here; something we also passionately believe in.
Out of this money we pay for heating, lighting, insurance, copying, vicar’s expenses, and the many other things which enable us to continue. Christmas, Easter, Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals, these are the high profile occasions. We are also here for those quieter thoughtful moments when life’s problems can challenge any one of us.
We will be applying to various funding bodies for grants to do the work on the fabric of the church, the bells, the heating etc. We have also launched an appeal to those who value the presence of the Church.
The Church for Tomorrow will only be there if we care enough today
Parish Council Meeting dates
For the next three months
Full Council: 7.30pm on:
3rd December, 7th January, and 4th February
Planning: 7.30pm and Amenities: 7.45pm on:
17th December, 21st January, and 11th February
All meetings are held in the back room of the Village Hall. All Council meetings have a 15 minute Public Forum at the beginning of each meeting when members of the public are invited to raise issues with Councillors.
For all Parish Council enquiries, please contact:
Clerk of the Council, Mrs J Gellatly,
11 Hayling Avenue, Little Paxton
Tel 01480 470193. Office hours 9am-2.30pm.
Email : littlepaxton@hotmail.com www.littlepaxton.org.uk
Contact Parish Councillors at their email addresses.
Christmas Lights
After the success of last years Christmas lights, the Parish Council will again put up Christmas lights around St. James’ Church.
On Saturday 5th December the lights will be switched on at
the Church at 5.15pm.
Everyone welcome!
Parish Council Vacancy
The Parish Council has one vacancy for a Parish Councillor. If you have a keen interest in the village then this could be for you.
If you are over 18 years old, have lived in the village for 12 months and are on the electoral register then you can apply.
For more information and an application form, please contact The Clerk, 11 Hayling Avenue, Little Paxton PE19 6HG Tel 01480 470193
Mound of Earth on the Playing Field
Early this year, when the Multi Use Games Area was installed, the spoil was added to the existing mound at the bottom of the playing field. This made a somewhat larger mound. There were concern from residents regarding its height, its purpose and initially it was an eyesore.
The mound was grass seeded at the time and will be landscaped in due course. The grass has since grown and now the mound blends into the playing field. It is an additional feature which has been enjoyed by local children.
Be ready for the new growing season in your
garden – join the
Little Paxton Gardening Club
We meet at 8:00pm in the village hall on the
first Wednesday in the month
(except August and January).
Anyone keen on gardening is welcome.
You don’t have to be an expert.
Subscriptions are £5 per year + £1
if we have a speaker.
To find out more, contact
Sally Sherrington (210 495)
Friends in Zimbabwe
For a number of years people in Little Paxton have been helping to support Father Jacob and a community in Gwelutshena in Zimbabwe. They have done this by giving to the Smartie Tube Appeal and various other appeals organised by the Church.
Sadly, because of the deteriorating situation there, we have reluctantly decided to suspend sending more funds.
We believe we have a responsibility to those who give, to ensure funding reaches those for whom it is intended. At present we cannot do this.
We will be reviewing the situation over the coming months and will keep you all informed. Thank you for supporting our appeals in the past, your money means a great deal to a desperate people, but we want to use it wisely.
ST.NEOTS CHILDRENS' CENTRES
Sure Start Childrens’ Centres bring together childcare, early education, health and family support services for families with children under 5 years old. Service providers such as health, social services and early education, as well as voluntary, private and community organisations and parents themselves, provide services for young children and their families based on what local children need and parents want.
There are three Childrens’ Centres in the St. Neots area, based at Bushmead School, Winhills School and Little Paxton School. They all look and feel very different from each other, but all offer services to children 0-5 and their families.
Families are invited to go along and have a look at what is on offer, ranging from a free toy library loan service, to adult learning courses, to baby massage and cooking classes. Staff are available at all times, and can help with any questions and queries relating to parenting. They can give information on childcare, support to manage behavioural issues or just offer a friendly ear if the day has been a real challenge! They are also able to link families in with other professionals, i.e. Jobcentre Plus and Hunts Mind.
Information on services is available from each centre, through Health Visitors and midwives and families are also welcome to telephone the centres. Opening hours for the centres based at Bushmead and Winhills are from 8.45am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and until 1pm on Friday.
The centre based at Little Paxton is open 8.45am – 12.45pm Monday to Friday and incorporates surrounding villages including Kimbolton, Great Staughton, Buckden, Abbotsley, Waresley, Toseland and Yelling.
For more information please call 07920 211836, 01480 358350 or 01480 357540 or look on the website:
www.cambridgeshirechildrenscentres.org.uk
Little Paxton Guides – Guiding Centenary
On 5th September Little Paxton Guides, Brownies and Rainbows (along with the rest of Guiding in the UK) celebrated the start of the Guiding centenary year with a Division picnic and campfire party in St Neots Priory Park.
On 4th September 1909 a handful of Guides attended a Boy Scout rally at Crystal Palace and asked Lord Baden-Powell for ‘something for the girls’. In October 1910 Agnes Baden-Powell (his sister) started a movement called the Guides.
From September 2009 until ‘20/10’ 2010, members of Girlguiding UK will be having a busy programme to mark Guiding being 100 years old.
During the coming year 2nd Little Paxton Guides will have the opportunity to attend a national Guide sleepover at Warwick Castle, and a number of camps and trips from small unit events to a big Anglia Region camp. Within Priory District there will be joint events with Brownies and Rainbows. In the unit we will be rising to the challenge of the national ‘Adventure 100’ badge starting with a night hike around Paxton Pits. 2nd Little Paxton Guides plan to raise the profile of Guiding locally this year so keep your eyes open for us.
MICKS SHORTS
The average snowflake has a top speed of 1.7 metres per second. They are always hexagonal but the majority are not perfectly symmetrical - uneven temperatures, dirt and other factors usually cause them to be lopsided.
Chionophobia is a fear of snow.
Enough snow fell in Britain on February 2 for everyone in the country to make a quarter of a million snowballs each, according to Carol Vorderman.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest snowflake on record measured 38cm wide and 20cm thick. It was observed in Montana, USA in 1887 and described by witnesses as "larger than a milk pan".
It is a myth that Eskimos have 100 different words for 'snow'.
The world's largest snowman was actually a snowwoman. Residents of Bethel, Maine built the 122 ft giant in 2008, giving her 30 ft spruce trees for arms and skis for eyelashes.
TINNED CAT FOOD
URGENTLY REQUIRED
We continue to feed nearly 150 feral, outdoor and needy cats this winter and our supplies are running low. Any donations of cat food particularly tins would be appreciated. Please take to our charity shop in Cross Keys Mall, St Neots. We also have many local drop-of-points within the community, contact us for your nearest.
GARDEN HOMES NEEDED FOR OUTDOOR CATS
We have number of cats at present that would make ideal garden cats, they need a warm dry shelter and regular food and make excellent mousers. These cats are less socialised than others, hence they have not been adopted and have been with us in our cat pens for some time. Experienced cat owners would be able to gain the trust of these cats and will be rewarded with a special and loyal pet. So if you have the time and dedication to adopt one of these cats, contact us as soon as possible.
The Rookery Steps
Work on The Rookery steps and ramp is now complete. This now provides a better access to the village hall area.
Who’s new on the Council?
Cllr Chrissy Ellarby was co-opted onto the Parish Council on 5th November.
FREE/REDUCED COST NEUTERING
We still have funds available to offer free neutering/spaying of you cat, contact us now to obtain your voucher.
GOODS NEEDED FOR OUR CHARITY SHOP
With Christmas now drawing close, we are urgently seeking good quality new and used goods to sell in our charity shop in Cross Keys Mall, St Neots. For large amounts of goods, we may be able to arrange collection.
TEL: 01480 391477, 01480 476696, OR 07966 282005. http://stneots.cats.org.uk/
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Village Views Winter 2009
