Around and About

Issue 226
FEBRUARY & MARCH 2013
Wicken Fen
something for everyone
Around and About
Wicken Fen is open every day
Visitor Centre & Shop: Daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Café: Wed - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. until 10th Feb
From 11th Feb 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Every day
Printed and bound this magazine.
56
Call 01638 613102
WICKEN’S COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Rex Wailes,
‘The Windmills of Cambridgeshire’,
Newcomen Society paper presented 1950
Wicken Windmill photographed in
the 1920’s
VILLAGE CHRISTMAS
MARKET
December 2012
Dave Pearce
The Mill in modern times,
2003
2
55
Around & About Wicken
Published six times per year in April, June, August, October,
December and February. Circulation 375. Delivered free to
every household in the parish. £1 when purchased
Editor
Merrilyn Fry
4 Stretham Road Wicken CB7 5XH
01353 720080
[email protected]
Treasurer and Advertising Manager
Nigel Davies
28 Chapel Lane Wicken
[email protected]
01353 721037
Distribution
Martin Hopkins
29 Drury Lane Wicken CB7 5XY
01353 720224
BUSINESS WEBSITE
PROMOTION
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attracting enough visitors and
enquiries? Are you happy with
the way your site is ‘working’
for you?
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Small adverts (B&W) are £5.00 per issue.
Display advertising per annum (6 issues):
I have an excellent track record,
using industry approved, ethical
optimisation techniques, for
massively improving
website performance.
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£15.00
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Whole page
£30.00
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We make every effort to ensure contents are correct but regret we cannot accept responsibility
for errors or omissions.
Liability to our advertisers for errors and omissions attributable to us is limited to credit or
Take a look at what I do at:
Cover Pictures
www.elymt.co.uk
Front page - Terry Clements
Back page - Martin Hopkins
Neil Ford, Stretham, Ely, Cambs.
54
3
Contents
Christmas Market pics
A&A info
Editors Note
“Retirement”
Ducks
Notes from the Parish Council
Have Your Say
Parish Councillors
Thanks
25th Birthday
Favourite Biscuits
The Vicar Writes
Inherited
200th Anniversary
Refuse & Re-cycling
Need More Volunteers
Church Timetable
Swallowtails
Fen Tiggers
Easter
Pudding Night
First Responders
The Good Deed
Keep the Date
Keeping Warm this Winter
Village Diary
Wicken Churches Together
Obituary
Fish &Chips
News from the Fen & Anglesey abbey
Mud on the Fen
Mobile Library
Coffee Morning
Hall News
The Water Year
Jokes
Take Time
Advertisers
Buses
Windmill pics
page 2
page 2
page 5
page 5
page 5
page 6
page 6
page 7
page 9
page 9
page 9
page 11
page 11
page 12
page 14
page 15
page 16
page 18
page 20
page 21
page 21
page 23
page 25
page 25
page 26
page 28
page 31
page 32
page 34
page 39
page 40
page 42
page 44
page 46
page 48
page 49
page 50
page 52
page 53
page 55
Specialist Dyslexic Teacher
Spinney Abbey Traditional Farm Meat
01353 667035
07803 132561
Stables, Paddocks & Hay
07803 132561
The Barn, Self Catering Cottage
0845 2680785
The Five Miles, No Hurry
01353 721654
The Maids Head
01353 720727
Tom Griffiths Plastering & Building
Toppers Hair Design
TVS Direct
01353 721493
01353 663773
01353 669471
Vicki Martin
01353 624284
www.tvsdirect.co.uk
[email protected]
www.morealive.co.uk
Wicken Fen, National Trust
Wicken Four Wheel Drive
01353 720274
01353 722434
www.wicken.org.uk
www.wicken4x4.co.uk
Wicken Heating & Plumbing Service
01353 722613
Yarn on the Square
01353 661024
www.yarn-on-the-square.co.uk
Yoga at Butts Farm, Sophie Leek
01353 721681
[email protected]
ww.engish-county-cottages.co.uk
[email protected]
Bus Times
Bus 117 - Thursday Service Only
Upware
1008
Ely Market Street
1329
Wicken Crescent
1015
Ely Rail Station
1332
Soham Downfields
1023
Barway
1347
Soham Memorial
1026
Soham Memorial
1359
Barway
1038
Soham Downfields
1402
Ely Rail Station
1050
Wicken Crescent
1408
Ely Market Street
1053
Upware
1414
The Staploe Medical Centre - Please note that there is no longer a mini
bus service from the village to the Medical Centre.
Open: Weekdays 8.30am – 6.00pm; Saturdays 8.30am – 10.30am
Tel: Appointments
01353 624121
Prescriptions and Dispensary
01353 624122
Emergencies Enquiries and Home Visits
01353 624123
Ely, Soham and District Dial-a-Ride
4
www.spinneyabbey.co.uk
01353 661161
53
Advertiser
Phone
E-mail/Web
Adam’s Roofing
Admiral Windows & Conservatories
A P Bramley
Bannold, Hard Landscaping Materials
Bishop Fireplace & Chimney Services Ltd
07840064758
01480 456789
01638 720322
0500 012231
01366 377283
01353 860391
01353 727151
01353 648 057
01353 720439
01353 720439
www.adamsroofing.co.uk
www.admiralconservatories.com
Budgens
Business Web Promotions
C E Fuller & Co Funeral Director
C E Fuller & Co Glass Suppliers
Chivers Electrical ,Plumbing & Heating
Chiropodist/Podiatrist
Crown Garage
Dapper Dogs of Wicken
David Knock, Plasterer
Domestic Appliance Repairs
01353 664815
07748 858022
01353 664851
0780 8045951
01353 720779
01353 624610
07786 620274
01353 699600
07867 553836
[email protected]
A very BIG THANK YOU to the Village Fete committee for the very kind donation to A&A; the generous gift will help us meet any shortfall in funding via
adverts.
The closing date for copy for the April/May edition of Around & About is,
(please note that submissions are required earlier due to Easter being at the
end of March):
MONDAY 25th March 2013; your help in adhering to this date will be very
much appreciated; contributions can be made in writing; verbally or
electronically - word; RTF or Publisher. When submitting items please include
your contact details - thank you.
Merrilyn Fry
www.crowngarage.co.uk
“Retirement”
www.bannold.co.uk
Fireplaces/Liners
All other enquiries
www.jamesgraven.com
[email protected]
D T A Plumbing & Heating
Dragonfly Cottage B&B
e-tyres
Elaine Boyd Picture Framing
Free Range Eggs
Fully Fitted Bathrooms and Boilers
07955 321274
01353 727054
0800 028 9000
01353 720606
01353 968413
01353 720185
GClean
Hair Shop
Ian Bailey, Decorator
IDT Pest Control
Joywell Home Building Services
J Woodroffe Building Maintenance
Kitz Cattery
Kleeneze
Liz Houghton, Food Allergy
M. A. Rennie Heating Services
Maria’s Ironing Service
M.O.R. Tack
Neil’s Driving School
Oven Cleaning
Paul Braybrooke
Perfeqpets
Pilates
Pocock & Shaw
Prime Bookkeeping Services
Sandy’s Tiling Service
07717 511557
01353 722734
07798 711472
07809 475758
07884 436971
01353 721857
01353 624811
01353 624799
01353 723157
01223 881007
01353 721967
01353 722434
07748 242710
01353 222067
01353 777788
07724 052679
01353 749611
01353 668091
014353 664453
01353 720606
[email protected]
Secretarial/Admin Assistance
01353 725126
[email protected]
52
Editor’s Note
www.dragonflycottage.co.uk
www.e-tyres.co.uk
www.fullyfittedbathrooms.co.uk.
[email protected]
www.joywell.co.uk
www.kitzcattery.co.uk
www.kleenezeonlinestore.com
www.houghtonhealth.co.uk
www.marennie.com
[email protected]
www.mortack.co.uk
www.theovencleaningspecialist.co.uk
www.perfeqpets.co.uk
[email protected]
www.pocock.co.uk
www.primebs.co.uk
[email protected]
A word of thanks to Jan & Greg Van Dicks who have now ‘retired’ from the
magazine Treasurer & Advertising roles. Jan and Greg recently moved to
Soham and as they have now purchased the Pocock & Shaw Estate Agents
in Ely they are very much still ‘locals.’
Jan and Greg we wish you every success with your new venture and hope to
see you out and about at Wicken events.
Nigel Davies has kindly offered (and been accepted) to take on the Treasurer
and Advertising Manager role - thanks Nigel. You will find his contact details
on page 3 and all our advertisers, if you have not heard already, will be
hearing from Nigel shortly and thank you all for your support.
Once again thanks and good wishes to Jan and Greg.
Merrilyn Fry
Ducks
Thanks to Wicken Fete committee
for the donation for Duck food.
There are 13 Ducks on the pond,
these are a variety of The Call
duck, This breed was originally
developed to serve as a decoy in
duck hunting. Egg production
about 60 per year. They seem
ideal for the pond.
Fed regularly twice a day, thanks
to Godfrey Bird in the morning, and
we feed them in the afternoon and Mums, Dads & Children at various times.
Once again thank you.
John & Hazel Woodroffe
5
Notes from the Parish Council
Take Time
A quiet couple of months with little to report. The Council has a number of jobs
lined up but cannot get on to them until the land dries out a bit. These include
making up the track to the allotments and improving the parking area, filling all
the potholes in the tracks across the greens, and clearing the scrub between
the children’s play area and the back of the pavilion. We have all the materials, etc but things need to dry out a bit.
I am sitting looking at a blank screen, possibly with a blank brain, wondering what I am going to share with you for the next edition of Around
and About.
I figure that if I keep typing, something will fall into place and I will end
up with an article to submit to Merrilyn.
I think the above sums up my attitude to life. I am not a great planner,
but as I have said before I am a great “faffer” I always think I can just
do this and just do that.
Mostly things work out and I get the job in hand done, though perhaps
not in the time frame others might choose!
But if its my job I am doing why does it matter to others how long it
takes me to complete what I started ?
I guess it depends what the “job” is and what the impact on others will
be.
As we all know time does not stand still. We may want it to, but it doesn’t.
It marches on and if we “faff” about we may miss opportunities for all
sorts of things.
Having just celebrated Christmas I am reluctant to mention (Easter!),
but that is the next major event in the Christian calendar and its importance is as huge for us as Christmas in fact more so.
I know some who read this will have a faith, some will not and some will
be unsure. But I would suggest we all to take time and reflect
What we reflect on is up to us, but if it makes us a happier person and
more at peace with ourselves and the world perhaps its not so bad to
“take time”
So I take time to say……………… “Happy New Year “
Georgina Newell – Methodist Pastoral Worker
Wicken Vision Drop in Session.
Do not forget the drop in session at the village hall on Monday 18 February.
This will be your last opportunity to discuss the final draft proposals for the
future development plan for Wicken parish. The preferences and suggestions
you put forward in the questionnaire last year have been incorporated into the
final proposal. There will be planning officers from East Cambs District Council
present as well as your local Councillors.
The hall will be open from 16.00 to 17.00.
Jack White
Parish Clerk
Have your say on the future of Wicken
Help to produce a ‘Vision’ for your village
East Cambridgeshire District Council is preparing a new ‘Vision’ for Wicken, in
partnership with the Parish Council. We are keen to get your views on how the
village/parish should change or improve in the future. The Wicken Vision will
provide a blueprint for the future growth of the village. It will be used to:
 guide decisions on future development and planning applications
 help ensure that infrastructure and facilities are retained and improved
Public consultation took place in 2011 and 2012 on key issues and options.
The District Council has taken on board your comments and is due to publish
a ‘Draft Wicken Vision’ on 11th February 2013. Consultation on the draft
Vision will run for 6 weeks, between 11th February and 25th March 2013. The
Draft Vision includes a proposal for two new housing sites on the edge of the
village, off Church Road and The Crescent. For further information on how to
comment on the draft Vision, see the District Council’s website at
www.eastcambs.gov.uk/local-development-framework/east-cambridgeshirelocal-plan or email [email protected]. If you have any questions, please
call the Council’s Forward Planning team on 01353 665555.
Katie Child
Principal Forward Planning Officer
East Cambs District Council
6
GLASS SUPPLIERS
IAN BAILEY
 Clear and obscure in stock
 All sizes cut to order
 Deliveries arranged
DECORATION
SERVICES
No Jobs too big or too small.
Free estimates.
C. E. FULLER & CO.
23, Hall Street, Soham.
Tel: Ely 720439
25 years experience.
Tel: 07798 711472
51
Parish Councillors
Jim Day
Red Barn Farm
720281
Rachel Earl
42 Chapel Lane
723619
Peter Fuller
Thorn Hall, Lower Road
720602
Marc Hawes
Sheep Walk Cottage, Padney Road 624895
Liz Houghton (Chair)
17 Chapel Lane
723157
Gary Redhead
44 Drury Lane
723149
Jilly Rogers
4 Butts Lane
721611
Bob Tyler
Hall Farm, Church Road
721029
Gary Watson
27 North Street
624253
Clerk: Jack White 24 Lode Lane
723342
MARQUEES FOR HIRE
The Parish Council has two marquees
available for hire by residents and businesses
of the Parish of Wicken
 The Marquees measure 30’ x 30 and 30’ x 20’
 Competitive rates of hire
Servicing & repairs to all makes & models
 Technical assistance available to support you as you erect them
 See them at the village fete this year
 Why not book them for your own party?
 All proceeds raised will be used to support projects in the village
Phone Jack White (Clerk to the Parish Council)
for further details on 723342.
Motorhome servicing & repairs
MOT’s class 4 & 7
Air conditioning & LPG conversions
Vehicle recovery
Courtesy cars available
4 Wheel Drive Specialists
(01353) 722434
Lower Road, Wicken, Ely, Cambs CB7 5YB
50
7
They were attuned to unobstructed sunsets and hills would have driven them
mad. I recall them coming out of Waterbeach Fen to cross the Cam on the
ferry on Sunday evenings in summer when my dad took me there on his bike.
Ah, beer was cheap then; always enough in the kitty for booze and company
at the weekends. But where they faced hazards from water and dust the engineers have secured us as never before, although there is ever the voice of
warning: ‘it could never happen again.’
Meanwhile we need all the fenland about us to grow food, rather than concede it for human recreation. Many fen dwellings were made of wood, a wise
choice on such soft ground, and in some places you can come across the
sites betrayed by those little flowers of hope coming out of winter, the snowdrops that all fenmen loved. Walk down Dread Fen Drove to see them in
abundance.
Tony Day
Joke

I got fired from the meat factory because I got an e-mail about a
delivery of horse meat and I marked it as spam.

A Tesco burger walks into a bar. "Pint please". "I can't hear you" says
the barman. "Sorry" replies the burger. "I'm a little bit horse".
WICKEN HEATING, PLUMBING &
GAS SERVICE
Rory Woodroffe, 38 Chapel Lane, Wicken
KITCHENS, BATHROOMS,
SHOWERS, TILING &
CENTRAL HEATING
Installation and Repairs
All work carried out by qualified tradesmen
and guaranteed
PHONE: ELY 722613
DO YOU NEED SECRETARIAL/ADMIN
ASSISTANCE?
I can help with:
*
*
*
*
*
Audio Typing
Excel Spreadsheets
PowerPoint Presentations
Email Marketing
General Admin
If interested, please call Mary on 01353 725126
or email [email protected] for further
information.
8
49
The Water Year
Thanks - Coffee Morning from a Wicken Pensioner
They get paid well, I am sure, these slick weather forecasters who after two
relatively dry summers declared a drought in the middle of winter. The gods
clearly didn’t like that. I am writing in December wondering how much more
there is to come.
Well, we live in waterland but the sufferers from the floods are elsewhere
while we have the machinery in place at all times to send the water back to
the sea. Years back this could not be done before breaches occurred in the
river banks, the farmers lost their harvests for the year and if they could stay
in their isolated homes then boats were the only form of transport. While in
other parts of the land others suffered acutely while we in waterland stayed
relatively dry.
And as I write we have February filldyke to come! When I was 15 and living at
Red Barn the headline news on the wireless was the breach in Soham Lode
at Barway bringing the sea very close. I recall a motorist pulling up to ask the
way to the floods, but I had never seen them where the workers day and night
were sealing the burst bank as best they could. Some of them were Wicken
men, of which there were a few not holding down a regular ‘job’; at hand for
such as bridge construction and church repairs or supplementing the
harvesters.
That was in 1937. Ten years on came the big one, a burst in the Old West
near Sutton, a spectacular flood that brought in the army to heal the breach.
No harvest, no income that year about which I wrote a book on the 50 th anniversary, two impressions covering the demand. I never saw the flood because I was still in the army, coming home on leave when all was dry and
bright while the land about Sutton had to be left alone for a long time. One
farmer hoped that at least the water would have put an end to the wireworms
on his land but he told me with irony that he had discovered they had survived by reaching the riverbank!
A National Distress Fund helped to save the farmers but, as told by Charlie
Bester, the Sutton Parish Clerk whose job it was to check on the farmers’
losses, they claimed rather more than they had lost. In earlier times distress
and hunger would have been their lot. The ‘drowns’ were dreaded where today we have conquered.
In 1964 I painted along the length of the river Lark from Prickwillow to Isleham
where I talked to the owner of a small bungalow, pre-war built, who had seen
the river rise to the level of his roof. Where prayers were the only resort he
said calmly: ‘We get by.’ Home was home after all and he could afford no better than that bungalow where there was no hope of hiding upstairs. Nearer
Prickwillow was a house made entirely of corrugated iron painted a dull red. It
was unoccupied and I went inside, wondering what the temperature would be
in icy winter and, indeed in scorching summer. And in times of flood!
If those fenmen of old were lacking webbed feet they had seaman’s eyes.
A big Thank You and well done to Dalene; Liz and helpers for giving us such
a lovely meal; made us feel like Christmas you might say it was “Wicken Tinsel and Turkey”.
To finish a prayer - music - Christmas singing - a really good time. Thanks to
all who came.
48
25th Birthday Celebration
1988 – 2013 - Burwell Community Print Centre celebrates 25 years.
Nestled in the centre of Burwell is a small charity making a huge difference to
the lives of adults with learning disabilities – as well as serving the local community, and beyond!
This year will see Burwell Print celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Over the coming months we plan to hold a number of events to highlight our achievements
and the many aspects of this dynamic and unique Social Training Enterprise.
So, a date for your diary.
Our celebrations ‘Kick off with a Ceilidh’ on Saturday 27th April from 710.30. This will be a family event promising good fun and laughter as we will
be ‘stripping the willow’ to the Parsons Nose Ceilidh Band in the main hall of
Burwell Village College.
Tickets will be on sale 1st March so please reserve yours as there will be
limited numbers.
Phone 01638-613102 or email [email protected] Sue Anderson
Favourite Biscuit
Have you got a favourite biscuit?
(though it’s hard to name it’s true)
There are so many that I like
To dip, to dunk and chew.
I’ve learnt from my experience
A Rich Tea may just snap
Ad if you chance it with a wafer
It could end up in your lap!
I remember s a knee high child
Going with my mum to buy
‘broken biscuits’ weighed into a bag I never thought to ask her why!
But whatever is your favourite
I’m sure you think the same as me
There’s nothing like a biscuit
With a good old cup of tea!
Submitted by Judith Hopkins
9
The Maids Head
High Street Wicken CB7 5XR
01353 720727
Valentines Day Special
Join us for a romantic meal from our special Valentine Menu
Price includes free glass of house wine, soft drink or pint of
Stella or Becks
Ladies will also receive a gift
Booking essential
Tuesday Themed Nights:
19 February
26 February
5 March
We are so pleased to yet again confirm that this event continues to be a great
success.
Thank you to everyone for your support! Thanks to everyone for coming
along to the event, thanks to all of those who helped us with the set up
(special thanks to Jack, Sandy Boyd & the Chatfield boys for erecting the
marquees) & thanks to all who helped on the day.
A further thanks to all our fabulous stallholders, and of course, to all of those
who very kindly donated Raffle prizes. A special thanks to Elizabeth & Family
for Santa’s transportation by Pony & Trap, The Maids Head for the donation
of a dinner for 4 & to Wicken Four Wheel Drive for the donation of Gas to
keep our marquee’s warm.
A massive thank you to everyone who came to support the event – we hope
to see you again at the 2013 Christmas Market.
Wicken Village Hall Diamond Jubilee Clock
£24.95
29 January Pie Night
5 February Curry Night
12 February Shellfish Night
Wicken Village Hall Christmas Market
Mexican Night
Pie Night
Curry Night
Easter Quiz Night
Sunday 31 March
Hopefully everyone has now spotted the beautifully
restored
Clock? If not, go and have a look!
We are interested to find out more about the clock and
its history.
Does anyone have any information or history about the
clock? Any old photos? If anyone has any
information whatsoever we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact Jean with details on 727054
(pictures see p.2)
Wicken Village Hall Sunday Tea’s ~ 2013
7.30pm
Please join us for Sunday Tea’s in the New Year: tea’s, coffee’s, soft drinks &
of course, Delicious, Homemade Cakes, Buns & Goodies!
Teams of up to 6 £4 per team
**Sunday 24th February Tea’s Only – FILM SHOW CANCELLED **
All proceed for East Anglia Air Ambulance
(Film’s of Wicken Life to be shown in the Hall at a later date – date TBA)

Real Ales

Specials of the Day

A la Carte Menu

Sunday Roast

Extended Snack Menu

Tuesday Night Specials
Wicken Village Hall - NEWS
Traditional Village Pub with Good Food and a Warm Welcome
We are pleased to announce that we have a new larder fridge & a new microwave for use in the Hall, as well as a Hostess Trolley which has been very
kindly donated by Dawn & Mervin Greenwood.
The Hall is now available for hire on Monday evenings – if anyone is interested in this slot then please contact Pauline on 01353 721164.
10
47
The Vicar Writes .....
Bookings for the Village Hall
If you would like to book the Village Hall for a party, anniversary, wedding
reception or any other event, please call
Pauline Fuller on 01353 721164 or Jean Turner on 01353 727054
*Generous hire charge discounts for villagers*
Regular events in the Village Hall
See below for details of regular events and classes that are held at the Hall. If
you are interested in any of these, contact a committee member: numbers at
the end of this section.
Monday
Tuesday
9.30-12noon
Fen Tiggers: Baby and toddler playgroup
7.00 pm
Iyengar Yoga: intermediate class
Wednesday
Lunch time/2pm
7pm
Thursday
7-8pm
8-9pm
Friday
4 –9pm
Swallowtails: for all those wanting to get to meet
people in the village and enjoy varied activities together
Wicken Coronation Band practice
Pilates - Mat, Ring and Band work - Mixed Ability
Zumba for all
Samara Ballet School Ballet and Tap Dancing
lessons for all ages and abilities.
Committee members:
Jean Turner (Chair) T:727054
Sophie Leek (Secretary) T:721681
Pauline Fuller (Treasurer) T:721164
Bridie Heuer (Vice Chairman) & Bob Heuer T:624303
Tim Alban Jones T:720423
Peter Rash T:0770355571
Jilly Rogers T:721611
Gary Watson T:624253
Sam Petersen T: 721252
Caroline Blott T:tba
Dear Friends,
People sometimes ask whether Easter is early or not. As it happens, this
year it is relatively early (March 31st) which makes for a short Spring
school term finishing on Maundy Thursday. What never changes, however,
whatever the date of Easter is the forty days that we set aside before
Easter to prepare ourselves for this greatest of Christian festivals. It
hardly seems as if we have recovered from the excitement of Christmas
and here we are getting ready for Easter.
From early days, Christians have recognised that a season of preparation
is useful and necessary before the joys of Easter. It was originally set
aside as a time for those who were going to be admitted to the church by
Baptism at Easter. It soon became apparent that all of us can benefit by
a period of self-reflection and so the season of Lent was born.
We are probably all familiar with the idea of ‘giving something up’ for Lent
(chocolate is often the first thing than many of us think of; one year I
gave up coffee, which was not a happy time for my family !). This giving up
is a way of remembering the trials and temptation of Jesus in the
wilderness, but it is sometimes seen as perhaps a rather negative thing.
These days there is often a strand in contemporary thinking to invite us
to take something up instead. You could, for example, make a conscious
effort to write to a relative who lives away, or ring them up, or visit
someone who lives alone. In simple things like these, we may be able bring
a little human warmth and joy to others as the days lengthen and as we
prepare to celebrate Easter.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (13th February this year) and we shall be
holding services at St Laurence’s at 2.30 pm and at St Andrew’s at 7.30
pm. As a symbol and reminder of our mortality, the services will include
the Imposition of Ashes. (If you are not sure what that means, don’t
worry! why not come and find out…!)
Best wishes
Tim Alban Jones
Inherited
If you are interested in helping the Committee with any of the activities or any of
our plans to improve the Village Hall, please do contact one of us!
I have recently inherited an 8mm cine film projector, slide projector,
projector stand and screen. If anyone wants to buy or borrow please contact
me on 720 224.
Martin Hopkins
46
11
Wicken Windmill 200th Anniversary
Wicken corn windmill will be 200
years old in 2013. We don’t know the
exact date when it started work, but
we do know it was constructed for Mr
John Martin who was quoted as ‘John
Martin, miller of Wicken’.
Wicken Windmill is the only working
smock mill, i.e. wooden tower mill,
still producing flour in East Anglia and
the most northerly of its type still at
work in England? The mill’s machinery is surprisingly complete and we
produce three grades of flour on site
using only wind power and the best
quality organic wheat. Stoneground
wholemeal flour is ‘dressed’ on site to
produce white and finest white flours.
In the 1980’s the mill was in a sad
state of repair without any sails and
was in grave danger of falling down.
Seven people were saddened to see
the mill in such a sad state, so on
seeing it was for sale by George
Johnson they formed a partnership in
1987 to conserve the remains of the
mill. 3 engineers, 1 draughtsman, a
school teacher, a sales person and a
quantity surveyor, a mix of males and
females, and a host of willing volunteers from all over the country came
together to support the work on this
unique windmill. Gradually and inevitably the partnership has evolved, but
we still have as a nucleus 4 of the
original partners who started the restoration in 1987.One of the partners,
Jacqui Ward, is a direct descendant
of John How, windmiller and farmer of
Wicken between 1838 and 1861. We
are always interested to hear from
descendants of the Wicken millers
and their employees. Family names
include the Bartons, Baileys, Arbers,
Millers (very apt name!), of course
Martins, and many others. After the
commercial milling business closed in
1933 the mill passed to George and
Doreen Johnson, and holding repairs
were carried out for them by Mr G.C.
Wilson in 1971.
Wicken mill is one of only two working
12 sided smock mills still producing
flour in the UK. All the replacement
parts were made by the group members, including the sails, the brake
wheel and wallower wheel, the fully
restored cap and fantail and the flour
dresser or wire machine.
Old photographs, many identified with
the help of Tony Day, allowed us to re
-design missing external parts, particularly the sails, the fantail and the
fan stage. So far no photo has turned
up showing the mill interior. So if you
have any old photographs showing
the mill, inside or out, we would be
extremely interested to see them.
Cliff Lovett was an expert on ‘back
yard metal casting’, originally to keep
his motorbike going during WWII. Cliff
made major components including
the gear teeth on the brake wheel, the
spider mechanism on the sails and
even a phosphor bronze bearing for
the main shaft, using wooden patterns made by other members of the
team. Sadly Cliff is one of the ‘original
crew’ no longer with us.
The total cost of materials for the
restoration was £25,000, kindly
funded by English Heritage, East
Cambridgeshire Council, and of
course out of the pockets of the
Wicken Windmill Partnership. Cambridgeshire County Council and interested private benefactors also kindly
12
Wicken Fen Farm
Free Range Eggs
We are located at Back Lane, Wicken
and always have eggs available.
Our flock consists of Rhode Island Reds
and Marans and are truly free range,
.having free access to graze on our pesticide free grass fields throughout their
lives as well being fed with GM free
feed with no artificial
Yolk pigmenter’s.
J. WOODROFFE
State Registered
chiropodist/podiatrist
Building maintenance & property
repairs, windows, doors, roofing
and all types of carpentry & joinery
etc.
All work carried out by
qualified craftsmen
(also HPC registered)
for HOME VISITS only
Barry Colling
01353 664851 or 0780 8045 951
e-mail:
[email protected]
Tel: Ely 721857
45
COFFEE MORNING
December was a blessed time
with our elders - Liz and I would
like to THANK the group for all
they did to make it a memorable
day.
A New Year with lots to look forward to 08 February 2013
We meet to discuss and plan activities for the year ahead.
08 March 2013
Come join us for a cuppa coffee and good company as we hear all about Peter Rash’s travels last year in Africa.
Time: 10:30-12:00
Place: Wicken Village Hall
Contact: Dalene:
Mobile:0794 421 9537
Home: 725968
A prayer to encourage you for the year ahead - we will face difficult times
BUT have HOPE…
PSALM 23
The Lord is my Shepherd ----- that's a Relationship!
I shall not want ----- that's Supply!
He makes me to lie down in green pastures -----that's Rest!
He leads me beside quiet waters -----that's Refreshment!
He restores my soul ----- that's Healing!
He guides me in the paths of righteousness ----- that's Guidance!
For His name's sake ----- that's Purpose!
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -----that's Testing!
I will fear no evil ----- that's Protection!
For you are with me ----- that's Faithfulness!
Your rod and your staff they comfort me -----that's Discipline!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies -----that's
Hope!
You anoint my head with oil -----that's Consecration!
My cup overflows ----- that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life ----that's
Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord ----- that's Security!
Forever ----- that's Eternity!
NIV Bible
Dalene Musora
44
contributed to the costs of materials,
and after fourteen years of work the
first sack of flour was again produced
using only wind power, the last using
this method having been produced in
1933. All labour was proved free of
charge, otherwise the total cost of
renovation would have been considerably more. And so to the future!
Eventually Wicken Mill will need another major overhaul, the estimated
costs for materials being in the region
of £50,000 at current prices. Being
run as a volunteer group helps keep
costs down considerably and it also
helps retain knowledge of the mill’s
structure locally. To keep the mill in
such good shape for the next 200
years we need your support, either by
buying the flour we produce or offering some of your time to help out on
site.
The village of Wicken would be much
the poorer if the mill stopped or once
again fell into disrepair. Can you help
us? If every household bought a bag
of flour every month our Repair Fund
would be boosted considerably. Without further help we can only cover the
costs of continued day-to-day maintenance, the small profits we make from
current flour sales and visitor donations covering this.
Wicken Windmill is as good today as
it has ever been, but the greatest
worry is how to build up the Repair
Fund to cover future maintenance
and renovation costs and keep the
mill in such good condition. Grants
from public bodies are becoming
more difficult to obtain, not that they
have ever been easy!
A local initiative which has helped us
is the Waitrose green token scheme
run at the Ely store. Waitrose distributes a sum of money each month to
local good causes, according to the
way that shoppers ‘vote’ with their
green shopping tokens. In 2013 we
will ask Waitrose if we can be one of
their good causes again, so will ask if
you can support us with your tokens!
Thanks to all of you who supported us
this year helping to raise £407 to add
to the restoration fund.
We would like to celebrate the mill’s
200th birthday next year in Wicken
style with a small number of events
centring of course around the Wicken
Fete and dog show in June, so please
look out for further information in the
New Year. Wicken Windmill is open at
the beginning of every month, see
below for detail. Flour can be bought
locally from the Mill itself, the Maid’s
Head, the NT at Wicken Fen, Orchard
Farm Shop at the West end of the
village & 3 @ 3 Deli in Ely.
Contact details:
Dan Carrick, (Wicken village, [email protected])
Dave Pearce, (milling and mill righting, [email protected],
18 North Street)
Jacqui Ward, (publicity, [email protected] )
Or contact us at the windmill.
The mill is open the first Saturday of each month, and from March to
November the Sunday immediately after.
At other times, as we always say, if the sails are turning the mill is open.
See p.55 for photo’s
Dan Carrick
13
GCLEAN
Refuse Collection and Recycling
Weekly Refuse Collections on Wednesdays, except for Bank Holidays when
collection will be one day later..
Re-cycling collected on alternate WEDNESDAYS, except for Bank
Holidays when collection will be one day later..
Brown sack and black box collections.
 Brown sack for flat packed cardboard, dry kitchen waste, (wrapped in
newspaper), leaves, hedge trimmings, weeds and old plants.
 Newspapers in black box
 Glass and cans separated in carrier bags and placed on top of box.
Professional Cleaning Services
CARPET CLEANING AND PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
Gclean offer a carpet cleaning and protection service using specialist
equipment and materials provided by industry giant Prochem.
Our professional cleaning will remove any dirt, dust and harmful bacteria
from your carpet, together with a spot clean to remove most stubborn stains
Key benefits of our carpet cleaning service include:
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 Large or small jobs, including stains or spot treatments
 Special treatments available, including scotchgard protection and carpet deodorizer maximizing carpet life
 Daytime, evening and weekend appointments available
 Removal and reduction of dust, dust mites and pollen - great for allergy
sufferers
Call now for an instant quote or to book an appointment – 07717 511557
42 High Street, Wicken
Cambs CB7 5XR
[email protected]
DAVID KNOCK PLASTERWall & Floor Tiling
Internal & External Plastering
Artex & Coving
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Qualified Accessor
Free Estimates
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22 Briar Grove, Ely, Cambs CB6 2EU
Mobile 07786 620274
PICTURE FRAMING
by
Elaine & Sandy Boyd
7 Lode Lane, Wicken
Tel: Ely 720606
14
43
Mobile Library Service
Need More Volunteers
The Mobile Library visits every
third Tuesday:
Upware Road, arriving at
1000 hrs and departing at 1015 hrs.
SOHAM AND DISTRICT NEIGHBOURHOOD SPEEDWATCH
Neighbourhood Speedwatch is an initiative set up by the Soham and District
Neighbourhood Panel nearly 5 years ago and seeks to highlight speeding in
our towns and villages with the aim of reducing the likelihood of accidents and
injury to residents and their pets and any resultant damage to their property.
The Speedwatch team covers the town of Soham and the villages of Kennett,
Chippenham, Snailwell, Fordham, Isleham and Wicken and has been very
successful in reducing the speed of local traffic, although we still suffer from
those speeding who live outside the area
Our equipment (which is paid for by the town and parish councils above) displays the passing vehicles speed when they are travelling in excess of the
speed limit .We record the vehicle details and send this information to the
police who issue a warning letter. The police use our information to track
serial offenders and speeding hot spots.
Until recently we have always maintained a healthy number of volunteers to
carry out speed checks. However due various reasons we are currently down
to 4 active and 3 inactive members. Our effectiveness is therefore blunted as
the more checks we carry out the greater effect we have on speeding
motorists
WE URGENTLY NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN SPEEDWATCH
AND CARRY OUT SPEED CHECKS
The equipment is portable and easy to set up and operate. Although we have
a serious role to play the team enjoy carrying out the checks and its always
rewarding with an interesting interaction between ourselves, and local
residents and motorists.
If you can spare some time and are interested in joining us we would love to
hear from you. Please contact the co-ordinator:
Wicken Village Hall, arriving at
1025 hrs and departing at 1105 hrs.
For renewals or enquiries please call: 0345 045 5225
ROOFS and GUTTERS
22 Market Place Ely CB7 5UB
Tel : 01353 661024
www.yarn-on-the-square.co.uk
Newly opened in your area:





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Highly reliable
Repairs and cleaning
Any kind of roofs and gutters
Any job considered
Small jobs nobody else would
tackle
Fully insured, references on
request
Our stockists:
Debbie Bliss, Sirdar, Sublime,
Noro, Brittany Needles, Lantern
Moon (needles and accessories),
Atomic Knitting, Handmade buttons by Injabulo and McAnaraks
Yarns and patterns from Louisa
Harding & Bergere de France,
both exclusive to us as
independent retailers within
Cambridgeshire.
Adam Senka
67 New Barns Avenue
Ely, CB7 4RD
[email protected]
www.adamroofs.co.uk
We also do a range of workshops and lessons
Telephone: 078400 64758
42
JOE PATTISON Tel 01638577077, 07770267252 or
[email protected]
. Kitchens . Bathrooms . Conservatories .
- Sandy’s Tiling Service For all your tiling needs
For a Free quotation with no obligation contact
Sandy Boyd, 7 Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambs. CB7 5XP
Tel: 01353 720606 . Mobile: 07860 108237 . Email: [email protected]
15
St. Laurence’s Church Wicken
Our Mission Statement: ~
“We strive to serve the communities of Wicken, Padney and Upware - working together with our neighbours in practical ways, helping people understand more about
the love of God. We enjoy each other’s company as we celebrate God’s hope, life
and the beauty of His creation.”
SUNDAY & OTHER SERVICES
FEBRUARY
10 United Service at the Methodist Church
13 Service for ASH WEDNESDAY
17 Holy Communion BCP
24 Morning Prayer
MARCH
3 Holy Communion
10 MOTHERING SUNDAY
United Service at the Methodist Church
17 Holy Communion BCP
24 PALM SUNDAY Morning Prayer
29 GOOD FRIDAY Walk of Witness from St L’s, at
followed by Service at the Methodist Church
31 EASTER DAY Family Communion Service
APRIL
7
14
Holy Communion
United Service at St Laurence’s
CHURCH CONTACTS
10.00am
2.00pm
8.00am
10.30am
10.30am
10.00am
8.00am
10.30am
6.30pm
7.00pm
10.30am
From £20 per week
Neil’s Driving School
Your Local Fully Qualified Instructor
Weekly Lessons - Intensive Courses Pass Plus - Motorway Lessons –
Refresher Lessons – Drive Smart
10.30am
10.30am
For further information about events or services, or any other church matter,
please contact:
The Revd Canon Tim Alban Jones, Vicar & Chairman of PCC 720423
The Revd Sue Simpson, Curate
723229
Helen Randall, Licensed Lay Minister
721752
Robert Fuller, Churchwarden
720971
Richard Bramley, Churchwarden
721238
Julie Rash, PCC Treasurer
22008
16
Stables & Paddocks
Stables ready for use with off road trekking and space for riding/grazing in a
secure location
Contact:
Jonny Fuller
Spinney Abbey Farm
07803 132561
• Patient and friendly Male and Female
Instructors
• £3 Per hour discount for Wicken
residents
• £60 discount on Pass Plus
For further information please contact
Neil on 07748 242 710
Also Good quality Hay For Sale
From £3/bale
20a Chapel Lane, Wicken
41
Cont’d from page 41 ....
the Festival at 14:00 on weekdays. Tours are limited to 30 spaces half of
which can be pre-booked by calling the Visitor Centre on 01223 810086, with
the remaining spaces available on a first come first served basis on the day.
Nadine Anderson, will be leading a series of Willow Weaving Workshops on
22 & 23 March showing you how to make plant supports for your garden.
There are two sessions each day at 10am – 12.30pm or 1.30 -4pm – Tickets
cost £30 and can be booked on 0844 2491895.
And finally …. for Easter we have our popular Easter Egg Trail from Friday
29 March – Monday 1 April, including some eggciting Egg and Spoon races
on Bank Holiday Monday.
Howard Cooper - NT Wicken Fen & Anglesey Abbey
Mud on the Fen
In the December - January issue of Around & About Mr. Howard Cooper of
the National Trust comments upon mud on the Fen. May I suggest that
Mr. Cooper questions the use - some would say unnecessary use - of the
Trust's own mechanical vehicles that traverse established foot paths and
bridleways, seemingly depending upon the driver's mood at the time?
Such activity is a major cause of mud being created.
George A.J. Glibbery
C. E. FULLER & CO.
FUNERAL DIRECTOR
Paul Braybrooke
23, Hall Street, Soham.
AN OLD ESTABLISHED
FAMILY FIRM
Private Chapel of Rest
Floral tributes and memorials supplied
OIL-FIRED BOILER ENGINEER
(OFTEC REGISTERED)
Tel: Ely 720439
Are you in Self-Employed or in Business?
Need help with your financial paperwork?
Put your finances in the hands of
Prime Bookkeeping Services
Self assessment tax returns
Call David on 01353 664453
20% discount for first 12 months
TANK REPLACEMENT - PLASTIC OR METAL
ALL NEW BOILERS COMMISSIONED
TELEPHONE ELY (01353) 777788
MOBILE 07946 735691
www.primebs.co.uk
40
17
Swallowtails of Wicken
News from Wicken Fen & Anglesey Abbey
2012 was a very good year for Swallowtails, we enjoyed outings, meals out
together at the Five Miles; a Strawberry tea at Clifford and Pauline Price's
home when we were lucky with the weather and could sit in their beautiful
garden.
We had many meals in the hall, music entertainers, quizzes, film shows, a
friendly and enjoyable meeting every time. As in previous years we had a stall
at the Village Christmas Market.
Our Christmas party was held in the hall, with Mike Bunting entertaining us
with his musical repertoire. The ‘pass the orange under the chin’ game was a
great laugh, both for those taking part and those on the sidelines!! And once
again this year the Committee Choir led the singing of familiar Christmas
songs and carols.
Our Christmas meal was at the Five Miles which was just superb, everyone
really enjoyed themselves, and Lorraine and Dave the friendly owners of the
pub surprised the whole club with a visit from Santa. Two lovely elves were
also in attendance, it was just a lovely surprise to us all and Santa gave us all
a gift. It was such a kind and generous gesture from Lorraine and Dave and
we thank them very much, for their kindness.
We are now planning for 2013, will meet outings etc, please keep looking for
the details in further issues; but as the Committee Meeting is not until after
publication we cannot give the March dates below.
You do not have to be a member of the club to come on the outings, you are
most welcome to join us at any time.
We have applied for tickets for the Thursford Christmas show again this year,
if you are interested in this please contact me, as the places are limited.
We would welcome new members any time, just come along.
May we wish you all a healthy and happy new year and hope to see you in
2013.
Sue Wilson - Chairman
It was a disappointing end to the year, as thieves broke into the Tractor Shed
and stole our 2 Kubota All Terrain vehicles. This will seriously impact on our
conservation work around the fen until insurance claims are settled and replacement vehicles sourced.
For the first time in living memory we’ve had to close part of the Nature Trail
around Sedge Fen. Sections of the trail are flooded or so churned-up, that
serious long term ecological damage could be caused if we do not take precautions to protect the soil.
We will shortly be recruiting for three fixed term Ranger positions at Wicken–
a Seasonal Ranger, Grazing Assistant and a General Reserve Ranger. Details of the vacancies will shortly be advertised in the NT Jobs website
www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk. We also have volunteer positions for a Learning Assistant, and a Community & Learning Ranger. Details of both these
posts can be found at www.environmentjob.co.uk – please note the closing
date for applications is 15 February.
Out on the wider reserve, we’ve become aware in recent weeks of a growing
number of motorbike scramble riders illegally using the Lodes Way cycleway
across Burwell Fen – ultimately this will damage the surface of the cycleway
and could also present a danger to walkers, cyclists and equestrian users.
We are liaising with the local Police Community Support Officers to address
the problem.
If you fancy a spot of conservation volunteering, why not join Community
Ranger, Lois Baker, and Vision Ranger, John Hughes, for a spot of tree planting on the White Fen Community Woodland on Saturday 10 February, 10:00
– 14:00. We also have another of our Family Muck-In’s at Wicken Fen on Friday 15 February from 10am -2pm, when we will be constructing an insect
hotel. It would be helpful if you could give Lois a quick call on 01353 720274 if
you plan to attend either event so we can plan for numbers. You can always
keep up-to-date with our Community Work by reading our Community blog at
http://wickenand community.blogspot.co.uk
Mucky Pups, the regular craft and adventure activities for pre-schoolers continues to grow from strength to strength. To cope with demand we’ve added
an extra session each month. Feathery February is being held on February
6 & 7th, whilst the theme for March is Signs of Spring on the 6 & 7th. Each
session runs from 10:15-11:45 and costs £3.95. Spaces can be reserved by
calling the Visitor Centre on 01353 720274. Looking slightly further ahead to
the half-term holiday there’s Wild Art on Wednesday 13th February from
10:30-12:30 or 14:00 – 16:00 (£4.75) and an Introduction to Geocaching on
Thursday 14th (free).
Anglesey Abbey’s Snowdrop Festival (daily until 3 March) is now in full
swing. The Garden team will be running their popular Snowdrop Tours during
SWALLOWTAILS PROGRAMME
Meetings at the Village Hall
Door Fee £1.00
Transport available on request
For more information please contact Sue on 01353 721037
6th Feb
Village Signs
1400hrs
20th Feb
Meal
1300hrs
18
cont’d on page 42
39
GCLEAN
Professional Cleaning Services
Do you require a window cleaner?
Traditional method
Monthly round
Invoice left (pay later)
Water fed poles for high reach
Frames and sils included
Wicken residents - 20% DISCOUNT
Please call 07717511557
for your free quotation
42 High St. Wicken
Cambs, CB7 5XR
Ely 721681 or
[email protected]
38
19
20
37
Fully Fitted
Bathrooms & Boilers
Plumbing & Heating Services
Oil & Gas
Power Flushing
System Upgrades
Boiler Installation
Hot & Cold Water Services
Insulation/Energy Efficiency
Free Advice/Surveys
www.fullyfittedbathrooms.co.uk
Jason Clarke
34 North Street, Wicken
Telephone: 01353 720 185
Mobile: 07909 683 842
36
21
BRYAN LELY
DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS
WASHING MACHINES
DISHWASHERS
TUMBLE DRYERS
COOKERS
FRIDGES
VACUUM CLEANERS
80 Cannon Street
Little Downham
Nr Ely
Telephone 01353 699 600
Cambs CB6 2SS
Mobile 07867 553 836
BOARDING CATTERY
www.kitzcattery.co.uk
Tel: Wicken
01353 624811
By Appointment Only
Nail Clipping - Microchipping - Grooming Services
34 Chapel Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambs CB7 5XZ
Mobile: 07955 321274
Boiler breakdowns; Heating system;
Bathroom
22
35
Great British Fish & Chip Supper - Friday 17th May
“Hold a Fish and Chip Supper to help spinal cord
injured people live full and independent lives.”
Want to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or
work? Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a
fish and chip supper on Friday 17th May 2013 whilst raising awareness of
spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services.
You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.
SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 7 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £35.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more
money for SIA.
Since 2009 we have raised over £20,000 and it has become our flagship
community fundraising event. We want to raise £10,000 from this event in
2013 we can provide more support to spinal cord injured people.
The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association
offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the
moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead
independent lives.
Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and
there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone.
Community Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip
Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family.
We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in
their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group.
Be a part of something special and make a real difference to help spinal cord
injured people gain access to the information and support they need to enable them to live full and independent lives.”
For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on
0845 071 4350 or email: [email protected] or visit
www.siafishandchips.co.uk
34
BECOME A COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER FOR WICKEN
AND SAVE LIVES
It is a fact that there are people alive today who
would no longer be with us if it wasn’t for community first responders.
Take Sam. He was at his local pub celebrating a
friend’s birthday when he began to choke. Within
seconds he was turning blue. The quick-thinking
publican dialled 999 and in under 3 minutes a first
responder had arrived. All it took was a few seconds of the right technique and the offending piece
of steak shot across the restaurant. Sam started
to breathe again.
Yet had that responder not been available, Sam could have died. It can take
time for an ambulance or paramedic to reach a remote village like Wicken.
That’s why first responders are so vital.
“But Wicken’s so small that we hardly ever have a crisis like that,” I hear some
people say. Not so. In the nine months to January 2013, people in Wicken,
Padney and Upware called 999 no fewer than 45 times (that’s an average of
one a week), of which 11 were for potentially life-threatening conditions such
as heart attacks, strokes, fits and asthma attacks.
The trouble is, we only have four volunteers in the village at the moment and
we all work full time. Consequently, we were only able to attend 1 of those 11
calls. That left 10 people and their relatives having to wait for an ambulance.
Usually they arrive quite quickly, but sometimes, if they’ve been on a job a
long way away, it can take a while. In Sam’s case, that would have been fatal.
We want to be able to provide more cover – ideally 24/7 – and that means we
need more people. Our ideal person is between 20 and 70 years of age, has
a car, is in the village for some of the time and is prepared to be on call for a
couple of hours a week (of course, you can do more if you want). However,
almost anyone else can become a first responder, too. You’ll be given all the
training you need and we have a refresher evening in the village every few
months.
We are also looking for a volunteer coordinator – someone who can liaise with
the ambulance service on our behalf and do some of our small amount of
routine paperwork (maximum 2 hours a week).
For further information on how you can join and/or support your community
first responder group, call Jill on 724011.
Patricia Matheison
23
01353 721654
www.fivemilesinn.com
******
WIDE MENU INCLUDING
SPECIALS
Monday: Main Course & Sweet £7.95
Tuesday: Bangers & Mash £4.50
Thursday: Beer Battered Cod & Chips £5.95
OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY
COOKING 7 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS
food served until 9:00 p.m.
******
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY
FOR
OW
N
K
BOO
:
VALENTINES DAY - THURSDAY 14thFEBRUARY
&
MOTHERS DAY - SUNDAY 10th MARCH
LORRAINE & DAVE NICHOLS
E-mail: [email protected]
******
60 SEAT FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
24
33
Obituary
‘The Good Deed’ - a True Story
FRANY
“Warning some Slang Words in Evidence”
A friend of mine
Into the van and he
A policeman
was away, a tooting
Out on the beat
of the horn.
One day.
While my friend
Walking along a street he knew;
congratulated himself
Plodding on his way.
“That’s my good deed
done this morn.”
Happened on a bloke,
Struggling down a
And in due course
garden path a ‘lugging’
my friend found out
of a TV set and, slightly
how he had helped
out of breath.
a thief.
This all happened
“Can I give you a hand
some time ago and
with that I’ll help
really begs belief.
you if you like?”
“Yes,” said the man
He never did say what
“that’s kind of you.
the outcome was;
Give it a bit of a hike.”
of his giving a hand
that day
And so it was
But I know he is
the two of them
still in the force
conveyed it to a van,
somewhere.
parked in the road
Plodding on his way.
outside the house.
“Thank you” said the man.
Although born 19 months before me, Frany Pope started school on the same
day. He was the only child of my father’s sister Clara and Harold Pope who
always welcomed me back after I had moved rather reluctantly to Cambridge
in 1938. My friendship with Frany was cemented in out teens when we trod
the pavements of Soham on Sunday evenings hoping to mix with the girls. He
took over his father’s and grandfather’s farm, married Kathleen Seal and they
bore two sons and a daughter. But he liked to enjoy life off the farm and was
ever present at events in the village, enjoying the company. I liked to walk to
Fenside for a chat over a cup of tea and was waiting for the weather to ease
before setting forth again.
His kindness was ever present, his welcome I shall miss.
Tony Day
Claire Gould
:
3
DATE
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WHAT FOR?
THE WICKEN BEER FESTIVAL OF COURSE ..... DON’T MISS IT .....
.......... SAME TIME, SAME PLACE .... WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE
INFO NEXT ISSUE .... !!!
32
25
Keeping Warm This Winter
Churches Together in Wicken
Age UK Cambridgeshire has been awarded funds through the Department of
Health as part of the Warm Homes Healthy People joint initiative. The projects aim to support people aged 60 or over to stay warm and safe over the
winter months.
Free Energy Efficiency Assessments
Age UK Cambridgeshire has received funds from the Department of Health to
enable us to carry out assessments at the homes of residents aged 60 years
or over within Cambridgeshire to determine if measures can be put in place to
make homes warmer and reduce energy costs.
Our assessors may recommend certain measures such as draught excluders,
radiator panels, nightlights, manual socket timers and hot water cylinder jackets to name but a few.
The service is completely free and for more information, please call 01354
696650 or01480 700205.
Electric Blanket Testing
Also as part of the Department of Health’s grant to support older people to
remain safely warm at home, we will be offering free electric blanket testing at
the following venues:
14th January: Papworth Fire Station
15th January: Littleport Fire Station
21st January: Ramsey Fire Station
22nd January: March Fire Station
Over 70% of blankets fail tests and for this reason any blanket which fails will
be replaced free of charge.
To book an appointment to have a blanket tested, please call 01354 696650.
Shopping Service
Funding has been received from Wilkinson’s and the Department of Health to
enable us to continue running our online shopping service.
The service is for Cambridgeshire residents, aged 60 and over who are unable to, or may have difficulty in doing their grocery shopping. Many supermarkets now offer online shopping but unless you have a computer you cannot take advantage of this convenient service.
Orders can be placed over the phone to our shopping service and we will
make all the arrangements, and arrange delivery to your home. There is no
commitment to shop every week.
Age UK Cambridgeshire makes no charge for this service but supermarket
charges for delivery may vary.
Enquires and orders can be taken from Monday-Friday between 9-12 noon on
01354 696650
Enquiries for all three projects can also be made by email to
[email protected]
26
Wednesday evening
Home Group
7.30pm at 39 High Street, Wicken
A small group of Christians meet midweek in Wicken to help each other to grow in faith
through sharing and prayer. We are a non-denominational group and we come together for
the sole purpose of Christian fellowship and to offer praise and worship to our Lord.
If you are a Christian worshipping outside Wicken please prayerfully consider joining our
Home Group for a little midweek nurture and fellowship.
Alternatively, if you are exploring the Christian faith, our group is also a good starting point to
hear the gospel and to discuss any issues relating to Christianity in a friendly environment.
We love new people coming along to join us, to breathe fresh life into the group, and it doesn’t matter where you are in your Christian journey or if you are just dipping your toe in to see
what it’s all about.
We would love to hear from you.
Tuesday morning
Bible Study
Tuesday mornings at 10.30am
An opportunity to explore the Bible with fellow explorers, to ask questions and learn together.
This is for both Christians and for those seeking to know more about the Christian faith in a
relaxed atmosphere.
If you would like to know more, please refer to the contact details below.
Monthly Service of
Healing
7.30pm at 39 High Street, Wicken
Mon 11 Feb, Mon 11 Mar, Mon 8 Apr, Mon 13 May
An opportunity to pray for our friends, families, community, the wider world and ourselves,
by following a service with a flexible format.
This is for Christians of all denominations and we also welcome anyone who feels they need
prayer and have little or no experience of how to pray. We would love to be able to help and
to guide you towards a deeper understanding of spiritual healing and wholeness.
If you would like to discuss this or, alternatively, if you would like to leave a prayer request,
please refer to the contact details below.
Julie Rash – 01353 722008 – [email protected]
31
Maria's ironing service's
from creases to no creases
12 stretham road wicken ely
Cambs cb7 5xh
(01353) 721967
[email protected]
Tired of ironing? No spare time?
I will happily do your ironing for you
I charge reasonable fees and live in a smoke
free home.
CALL FOR PRICES
will collect and deliver within 10 miles
additional charge from £3 - £6
RE
SE HE
I
T
R
ADVE
.
0 p.a
£15.0
M.A.RENNIE Heating & plumbing
Tel- 01223 881007
SPECIALIST IN RENEWABLE HEATING SYSTEMS
PAY ONLY 5% VAT ON MATERIALS &
INSTALLATION (HEAT PUMP ONLY)

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Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pump
accredited installer
Servicing, repair and full installs of all oil fired
heating systems
Specialist in removal & replacement of oil
tanks
Oftec registered 101-105e business and
technician
All plumbing work Inc water cylinders,
radiators, pipework & controls.
Please visit:
www.marennieheating.com for more info
AP BRAMLEY
Countryside Services
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Tree Surgery/Felling
Out of Control Hedges/Shrubs
Paddock Fencing
Free Quotes
01638 720322 or 07720511098
46 HIGH ST, GREAT WILBRAHAM, CAMBS CB21 5JD.
30
27
VILLAGE DIARY
8th Feb
9th Feb
18th Feb
19th Feb
24th Feb
Coffee Morning
Pudding Night
Wicken Vision Drop In Sessions
Mobile Library
Winter Tea & Wicken Films
VILLAGE DIARY - weekly
see
see
see
see
see
p. 44
p.21
p. 6
p. 42
p. 47
8th Mar Coffee Morning
19th Mar Mobile Library
see p.44
see p. 42
16th April Mobile Library
see p. 42
For NT Activities see pages 39 & 40
Sat 16th Mar at Ely Library ’Next Step in Family History’
Day School. For more information or to book
a place contact Ely Library or e-mail:
[email protected]
Don’t forget:
14th February Valentines Day
10th March Mothering Sunday
31st March Clocks go forward 1 hour
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Sunday
HATHA Yoga
Service for Healing
Fen Tiggers
Iyenga Yoga
Bible Study
Swallowtails
HATHA Yoga
Wicken Coronation Band
Home Group
Pilates & Zumba
Samara Ballet
Church Services (Anglican)
(Methodist)
For details of United Services
see p. 38
see p. 16
see p. 20
see p. 46
see p. 31
see p. 18
see p. 38
see p. 46
see p. 16
see p. 46
see p. 46
see p. 16
10:00 a.m.
see p. 16
To keep the Village Diary as informative as possible please let me
have details of any weekly/monthly activities or any planned events
as far in advance as possible. Hopefully this will aid planning for
Village activities and avoid clashes.
The final copy date for articles for the next issue of Around & About
is:
MONDAY 25th MARCH 2013 - early because of Easter
Easter:
Good Friday 29th March -& Easter Sunday 31st March.
ADVANCE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
11th May Wicken Beer Festival - see p. 25
29th June Village Fete
28
YOUR HELP IN ADHERING TO THIS DATE IS APPRECIATED.
For further details please refer to Editor’s Note on page 5 - thanks.
Merrilyn Fry
VILLAGE WEBSITE: www.wicken-village.org.uk
29