auction of promises

Contents
Magazine details ............................................................................... 3
Village Cafe....................................................................................... 4
Community Speedwatch ................................................................... 4
Village AGM with “Crime Prevention and Security” talk ..................... 4
Comberton First Scouts Group Jumble Sale ..................................... 5
Comberton Sports & Arts: events ...................................................... 7
St Mary’s Church............................................................................... 9
Baptist Church ................................................................................ 11
Cambridge Wind Band—Stars and Stripes...................................... 11
Catholic Church............................................................................... 11
Meridian Primary School ................................................................. 13
Cambridge Carbon Footprint ........................................................... 13
Comberton Walkers ........................................................................ 13
Comberton Library .......................................................................... 15
12th Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival ........................................... 15
Women’s Institute Report ................................................................ 17
Comberton in the Past..................................................................... 17
Bags2School, Friends of CVC Trust Fund ....................................... 19
Auction of Promises, Friends of CVC Trust Fund ............................ 19
Barton Drama Group: The Odd Couple ........................................... 21
Comberton Antiquarian Society Spring Outing ................................ 21
Comberton Friendship Club ............................................................ 23
Hearing Aid help.............................................................................. 23
Comberton Luncheon Club ............................................................. 23
Watercolour exhibition in Comberton Library ................................... 25
“Beaver” leader required ................................................................. 25
A 20 mph speed limit for Comberton? ............................................. 27
Parish Councillors ........................................................................... 27
Comberton Community Swimming Club .......................................... 29
District Councillor Report................................................................. 31
Comberton Allotments and Gardens Association dates ................... 31
Costcutter Challenge ....................................................................... 33
Costcutter Challenge, answers ........................................................ 35
 www.comberton.org.uk 
April diary dates
2, evening
7.30
8, evening
8.00
8, evening
8.30
12, evening
7.45
14, afternoon 2.30
23, afternoon 2.00 4.00
23, evening
8.00
25, evening
8.00
29, morning
9.00
29,afternoon
30, evening
9.00
Village Hall AGM + talk, VH
Custard Comedy, CVC
Quiz Night, Three Horseshoes
WI: The Story of Cambridge’s “Mr Selfridge”
Comberton Friendship Club
Comberton First Scouts’ Jumble Sale, VH
Charity Race Night, Three Horseshoes
WI Annual Council Meeting, CVC
collection of Bags2School, CVC
Luncheon Club: The Old Crown, Girton
Motown and Soul Night, Three Horseshoes
Regular dates for your diary
Every Monday
9.30 11.30 Fun for 1s and 2s, Playgroup
Every Monday
9.45
Comberton Walkers, Baptist Church
1st, 2nd & 4th Monday
7.00 Carpet Bowls, VH
3rd Monday evening 7.30
Comberton Wine Makers, VH
Every Monday
8.00 9.30 Aikido, for 16+, VH
Every Tuesday
9.30 11.30 Little Bundles (under 1s), Playgroup
Every Tuesday
10.30 12.00 Comberton Café and Crafts, VH
Every Tuesday
10.30 12.00 Table Tennis, VH
Every Tuesday
2.00 3.00 Slow ‘n’ Low, VH
Every Tuesday
after school Young Enterprise, Meridian School
2nd Tuesday evening
7.45 Women’s Institute, VH
4th Tuesday evening
8.00 Comberton Antiquarian Society, VH
Every Wednesday 10.00 11.30 Comberton Baby & Toddler Group, VH
Every Wednesday 12.25 1.10 Lunchtime Badminton, CVC
Every Wednesday 2.00
Comberton Bridge Club, VH
Every Wednesday after school Tang Soo Do, Meridian School
Every Wednesday 6.30 9.00 Tennis Club mix-in session
Wednesday (term) 2.00 3.30 Bumps and Babes, Baptist Church
2nd Wednesday (not Aug) 7.30 Parish Council Meeting, VH
Every Thursday
9.30 11.30 Fun for 1s and 2s, Playgroup
4th Thursday afternoon
2.30 Oasis Teas (over 55s), Village Hall
Every Thursday
4.00 6.00 Connections Bus Project, Rec.
Every Friday
6.00 7.00 Comberton Tae Kwon Do} Meridian
7.00 8.00
} School
Every Saturday
9.00 11.30 Tennis Club mix-in session
3rd Saturday, (term) 10.00 12.00 Dads R Us, Baptist Church
1st & 3rd Sunday evenings
SEF for 14 to 17-year-olds, Baptist Church
VH = Village Hall
CVC = Comberton Village College
A Message from the Editor
The clocks have moved forward, Easter is already behind us, and it’s time to
gear up for summer: more consistent warmer weather should be on the way!
But a few grey days now and again are a small price to pay: we are so lucky
to live in lovely, peaceful Comberton when people are having such a tough
time in other parts of the world.
Please send in your news and reports in time for the next deadline, which is
Friday 22 April.
Suki
The Village Café at the Village Hall
is open every Tuesday from 10.30 - 12 noon
Coffee, tea and squash are available
Meet up with old friends and make new ones - families welcome!
We hope to see you there soon...
Comberton Contact Team
Editor & Designer
Suki Williams
2 South Street 01223 263940
[email protected]
Please supply copy by email in a plain text format.
Treasurer/Advertising Terry Coad
38 Westlands 01223 263264
[email protected]
Please supply images in the .jpg format.
Distribution
Marian Dymott
26 Barrons Way 01223 263292
If you can help with distribution, please get in touch with Marian.
Advertising Rates for Comberton Contact
Any changes will be effective at the time of booking your advertisement
Size (w x h)
122mm x 183mm
122mm x 109mm
122mm x 72mm
122mm x 35mm
60mm x 72mm
One tenth page
60mm x 35mm
Coloured back cover (one-off)
Whole page
Three fifth page
Two fifth page
One fifth page
Annual
Single edition
£400.00
£44
£240.00
£27
£160.00
£18
£ 80.00
£ 9
£ 80.00
£ 9
£ 50.00
£ 6
Whole page £66.
COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH
We desperately need volunteers for the
“COMBERTON COMMUNITY
SPEEDWATCH TEAM”
This scheme allows volunteers to get actively involved in monitoring
the speed of vehicles through their neighbourhood by the use of
electronic speed displays. The registered owner of any vehicle seen
exceeding the speed limit is then sent a letter advising and educating
them on the law and the dangers of speeding, and that it is
unacceptable to the local community.
A Speedwatch team consists of 3 volunteers, and as there are only 3
of us at present we desperately need more volunteers.
If you live near a spot where motorists are regularly speeding, or if
you just feel strongly about speeding motorists and would like more
information, then please get in touch with me.
IT’S YOUR VILLAGE SO PLEASE HELP MAKE IT A SAFER ONE
Roger Musto
Comberton Speedwatch Coordinator., [email protected]
01223 264086
07941 061077
COMBERTON VILLAGE HALL
On Wednesday April 13th at 7.30pm there will be a talk
on
Crime Prevention and Security
by Rachel Carr,Crime Reduction Officer
for South Cambs
This has been arranged following a spate of burglaries
and thefts in this area
~~~~~~~~
Immediately following this talk the
Annual Meeting of the Village Hall
will be held
All are welcome.
Wine Reception from 7.00 pm
COMBERTON
1ST SCOUT GROUP
ANNUAL
JUMBLE SALE
23April 2016
Comberton Village Hall
2pm – 4pm
Refreshments available
Admission 20p
Collections on the day;
please leave outside your house marked ‘Scouts’
For larger items please call:
Group Scout Leader - Ian Douglas 07710803708
BIG BREW COFFEE MORNING
The coffee morning on 5th March was a very enjoyable event,
attracting around 70 people. We raised £250 for Traidcraft Exchange,
the charity arm of the organisation, and sold £185 worth of goods
from our Fairtrade stall. Many thanks to everyone who helped or
supported us in any way.
Mary Jenkins and Joan Mead
MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED
Cherry Park, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SGS 6EY
Tel :01763 262413 Fax: 01763 262450
FLOORING
 Vast Range of Carpets from all leading manufacturers
 Real Wood, Laminates, Vinyl's, Karndean, Amtico and Project Floors
 Safety Flooring
 Free Estimates. Fitting by experienced staff
HOME INTERIORS
 Wallpaper sample books - orders next day delivery
 Dulux paint and accessories
 Designer Fabrics - Sanderson - Harlequin - Prestigious - most with next day delivery
TILES
New Tile showroom at 27 Royston Road, Foxton, CB22 6SE - for all your tiling needs.
Everything to complete your DIY programme
Visit our LARGE SHOWROOM, 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, 9 to 4 Saturday,
Call 01763 262413 (Melbourn) or 01223 870011 (Foxton) to speak to one of our friendly staff
Large showroom, ample free parking
Events in April
Fri 8 April 8.00pm – Custard Comedy
Custard Comedy Comberton gives you the chance to see top quality
comedy from some of the biggest names in Britain and around the
world—ring on your doorstep—and takes place on the second Friday
of each month except July and August.
Jonny Awsum is a comedic whirlwind. Audience members don't just leave
entertained, they leave as fans. Armed with an impressive arsenal of jokes
and his trusty guitar, he’s a must for comedy clubs, regularly ending his sets
to standing ovations and demands of an encore.
Mark Palmer is a rising star: his ability to blend a theme or topic with one of
today's funniest comedy routines is unparalleled. His smart, sometimes loud,
and often opinionated brand of comedy makes him an audience favourite.
Suzy Bennett, an ex-Butlins-Redcoat from Devon, is a dynamo with a
uniquely warm and chatty stage presence. Her saucy comedy has been
delighting audiences up and down the country, and she hosts the Playtex
Moonwalk in Hyde Park, entertaining 17,000 people wearing a novelty bra!
Robyn Perkins is an American comedienne who provides her 'engaging
persona' as MC and is witty and chatty.
All shows are for over 18s only
http://custardcomedy.co.uk/comberton.html
“Earlybird” online tickets @ £5.50 inc.booking fee, then £7.00 inc. booking fee.
£8.00 from Comberton Sports and Arts Reception or £10.00 on the door.
Sat 16 April 8.00pm – Mosaic Dance School
http://www.mosaicdance.com/
Sat 23 April 8.00pm – Sylvia Amit Dance School—Show Case
http://www.sylviarmitschoolofdance.co.uk/
Mon 25 April 8.00pm – WI Annual Council Meeting
http://www.cfwi.co.uk
30 Apr / 1 May 8.00pm – Stagecoach Seniors Show
http://stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge
Tickets available online http://wegottickets.com/location/3764
For more information please ring Comberton Sports & Arts Reception 01223
264444 or email [email protected] Richard Brown, Arts
Development Manager Comberton Sports & Arts,
Comberton Village College West Street, Comberton, CB23 7DU.
THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY, COMBERTON
In the Lordsbridge Team Ministry
Revd. Canon Michael Booker - team rector 01223 260095
[email protected]
www.combertonchurch.co.uk
Find us on Facebook - St Mary’s Church, Comberton
Churchwardens:
Chris Westgarth, Tel 263242 &
Mrs Mary Jenkins, 80 West Street, Tel 263751
Please contact Mike Booker about arrangements for Baptisms, Funerals,
Weddings and the readings of Banns of marriage.
Services and Events at St Mary’s in April
Sunday 3
Sunday 10
Sunday 17
Sunday 24
Thursday 28
Sunday May
3.00am Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer
9.30am Holy Communion
9.30am A short service of Communion, followed by
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
6.00pm Evensong at St Andrew’s, Toft
8.00am Holy Communion
9.30am Morning Worship
9.30am Worship for all ages, with Baptism
2.30pm Oasis Tea, in the Village Hall we will be celebrating the Queen’s Birthday
8.00am Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer
9.30am Holy Communion
There is a special invitation to join in Toft’s May
Day celebrations today. There will be Maypole
dancing at about 2.30pm, followed by blessing the
well, worship in church and tea at the manor house
From mid-April to early July, Mike Booker will be on study leave. He’ll be reading a lot of books, and also travelling around to see some of the exciting things
happening in churches across the country. Look out for news of his travels
when he gets back. During this time, please contact the church wardens about
events at St Mary’s. St Mary’s is part of a family of churches, the Lordsbridge
Team, and Mike’s two Team Vicar colleagues are always happy to help:
Rev Alison Myers
01954 212815
[email protected]
Rev Rebecca Gilbert 01223 817805
[email protected]
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Comberton Art and Crafts Exhibition
30 and 31July
Comberton Village Hall
Free Admission
Refreshments available
COMBERTON BAPTIST CHURCH
Green End, Comberton www.c-b-c.org.uk
Revd Keith Tarring (01223) 264797)
Sundays at CBC
10.30 - Family Worship
20.00 - Prayer Meeting
Youth at CBC: Youth Pastor Adrian Semerene [email protected]
Activities include Sunday morning groups, midweek bible studies, trips, and more.
Cambridge Wind Band
presents
Stars and Stripes
Saturday 30 April – 7.30pm
West Road Concert Hall,
Cambridge
An evening of American music featuring Bernstein, Stevie Wonder,
John Williams and much, much more.
Tickets £15 / £10 available from ADC Box office, tel: 01223 300085
or email: [email protected]
We would like to thank the Cambridge Wind Band who are raising funds through
this concert for Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire.
The Catholic Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs
Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1JR
01223 350787
The Catholic Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs (OLEM) serves
much of the south and west of Cambridge. Detailed below are the normal
times of masses at weekends
Vigil Mass on Saturday evening:5.00 pm Cambourne (In the new church)
6.00 pm Bar Hill
6.00 pm OLEM
Sunday Masses at OLEM:8.00 am
9.30 am (Children’s)
10.45 am (Sung)
12.15 pm (Polish)
5.00 pm (Folk)
6.15 pm (Latin)
Further details of these and all other may be found on the parish website
which also has the weekly newssheet. www.olem.org.uk
News from Meridian Primary School
According to Confucius, “I hear and I forget. I see and I
remember. I do and I understand.” Primary school is all about
introducing ideas and helping children to try to understand, and
be excited by, the complicated, confusing and amazing world around us.
In another action-packed year for Year 3, we have been Around the World in
80 Days with Jules Verne, helped some children escape from an enchanted
wood at Forest School, performed Twelfth Night at the Mumford Theatre,
and been back to the beginning of time and made it all the way through the
Stone Age and Bronze Age to the Iron Age, as well as having a live link-up to
the International Space Station. We have been part of Shakespeare Week,
including a Shakespeare treasure hunt around the school, a virtual tour of
The Birthplace in Stratford and a session with a Tudor storyteller. We are
ending the Spring term by creating a puppet version of Mozart’s The Magic
Flute with the children writing the script, designing and making the puppets
and performing the show for their parents.
One of our favourite days this year was our recent trip to Celtic Harmony,
where we travelled back in time to the Iron Age to become farmers. Having
gone through the gates, once we made it clear we came in peace, we had
our faces painted with woad in honour of various Celtic gods and goddesses,
we had fun using our strength to grind wheat to make flour, and then making
bread. After lunch in a large Iron Age roundhouse, we carded wool and then
used teamwork to weave some trousers for the Celtic chief on looms, and
touched and smelt various herbs while finding out about their healing
properties, before making bracelets which were then dyed in woad (blue) or
madder (red).
Who wouldn’t want to be eight years old? What amazing adventures we
have had at Meridian! Thank you to all the parents over the years that have
helped to make these memorable experiences happen and been so
supportive of this style of learning.
Spring Clean Your Home Naturally
St Andrews, St Andrew’s Road, Chesterton, CB4 1DH
23 April 2016, 2:00 - 4.00pm
Cambridge Carbon Footprint is delighted to offer
a new green cleaning skillshare on how to keep your
home and clothes clean and fresh using natural and nontoxic ingredients. There’ll be ideas and demonstrations on
cleaning all the rooms and surfaces in your home and a
chance to make your own products.
The event is free but booking essential: Call the office on 01223
301842 or email [email protected] or (Mon - Fri, 9 - 5)
Jim and Caragh Urquhart
welcome you to:
The Three Horseshoes
Opening times
Closed most Mondays
Tues -Thurs: 12.00 - 2.30
and 5.30 -11.00
Fri: 12.00 - 2.30
and 5.30 -12.00
Sat:12.00 -12.00
Sun:12.00 -11.00
22 South Street, Comberton, CB23 7DZ
(01223 262252)
A variety of fresh, homemade dishes.
OAP lunchtime specials (Tues -Thurs):
2 meals for £10.
Kids Menu, Lunch & Evening Menu, Traditional
Sunday Roasts
Pre booking recommended for groups of 4+
Games Room – Pool Table & Dart Board, Jukebox
Food times
Bank Holiday Mondays:
12.30 - 2.30
Tues: 12.00 - 2.00
Weds to Fri: 12.00 - 2.00
and 6.00 - 8.00
Sat:12.30 - 2.30
Sun:12.30 - 2.30
Events:
Quiz Night - Cash prizes & Raffle, Friday 8 April, 8.30pm
Charity Race Night – Saturday 23 April, 9pm
Music - Motown & Soul Night – Sat 30 April, 9pm
Visit our Facebook Page for further information:
https://www.facebook.com/TheThreeHorseshoesComberton/
Comberton Library
Opening Hours:
Monday
10am - 1pm
Wednesday
10am - 1pm,
2pm - 5pm
Friday
2pm - 5pm
Saturday
10am - 1pm
More details can be found on the Library Service website at
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/libraries
12th Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival attracts a global audience!
2015 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival courtesy Vanessa Barton Photography
Companies, clubs and organisations are
getting teams together to take part in this
year’s eagerly-anticipated Cambridge
Dragon Boat Festival in aid of
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. The
Festival has become one of the biggest
corporate team events in the regional
calendar and attracts participants from
around the globe! The sense of intercompany rivalry is definitely building.
The Festival charity, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the only
charity dedicated to making a difference for patients at Addenbrooke’s and
The Rosie Hospitals. Whether it’s treatment for an emergency, acute
condition, pregnancy or long term illness, they believe that every patient
deserves the highest quality of care available. Their aim is to continue to
support the hospitals, by raising funds for cutting edge technology, additional
specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients over and
above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.
Carla Brown, Corporate Fundraising Manager, says, “We are delighted to be
the Festival charity once again. In 2016, Addenbrooke’s Hospital celebrates its
250th anniversary and we welcome your support during this very special year.”
No previous experience is required: taking part in the dragon boat racing to
help raise money for ACT only requires plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm!
The dragon boats, qualified helms, and all racing equipment are provided,
and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. The Festival
promises to be a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike, with
Chinese themed entertainment, children’s rides, inflatable activities and
plenty of food and drink for all the family on the bankside. The top fundraising
crew for ACT will also receive a delicious prize meal courtesy of recently
refurbished Café Rouge Cambridge.
For further information and an entry form please visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/
cambridge or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. To find out more about the services of
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust call 01223 217757 or visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk
SAUNDERS NURSERIES
Flowering & Ornamental shrubs and climbers
Hedging - Beech Quickthorn, Privet, Laurel etc
Also hedging conifers in several sizes up to 8’
Hardy Perennials in a wide variety
All at growers prices
Open 7 days a week
10am - 5pm
Saunders Nurseries
West Street, Comberton
Tel: 01223 262268
Comberton WI report for March 2016
Our speaker in March was Tamsin Wimhurst, who gave a fascinating talk on
the David Parr House. David Parr was a Cambridge man who worked for
Frederick Leach and Sons at the end of the nineteenth century until his
death in the 1920s. Leach’s was a firm of interior decorators who worked for
William Morris and George Bodley and completed their designs in
Cambridge and all over the country. Many of the Cambridge colleges and
churches employed these designers.
David Parr was a skilled craftsman and in his free time, he decorated his
own modest house in Gwydir Street with the designs used in much grander
settings. When he died, his granddaughter Elsie Palmer moved in to keep
his widow company. Elsie continued to occupy the house until she was in her
late nineties and kept most of the decorative work intact. When she died
recently, a trust was able to buy the house and it is hoped that it will be
conserved and opened up to the public.
The house is remarkable for its unique decoration, but it is also testament to
Elsie who spent nearly nine decades there. Members hope to have a tour of
the house later this year.
Date for the diary: Tuesday 12 April at 7.45pm in the Village Hall, "The shop
girls- the story of Cambridge's Mr Selfridge", with Ellie Seymour.
Visitors are always welcome.
Comberton in the Past
John Green
Comberton gets its name from a Welshman, Cumbra, round whose tun, or farm, the village grew,
presumably before the coming of the Anglo-Saxons. We know that the Romans were in the district, for
the field-name Harborough (off the Long Road) indicates the site of a military “harbour” or camp’ and the
remains of a Roman villa were found in 1842 in a field south of Comberton Church. As the farm
Westfield, so called from the thirteenth century or earlier, lies south of Comberton, it seems possible that
it owes its name to a settlement, now vanished, to the east of it on the Bourn Brook, perhaps near the
site of the Roman villa.
From Domesday Book (1086) we know that the population then numbered nearly 200, with about a
dozen sokemen (owners of land) and the rest either villeins or bordars (farmers and labourers not
permitted to leave the village) or serfs, these being virtually slaves. The sokemen swore fealty to the lord
of the manor, a manorial custom that persisted in this village up to forty years ago (1925 i.e.1965 minus
40), when the late Mr. Algy Ellis, on purchasing the freehold of of the Manor House in Green End, was
required to swear fealty to the then Lord of the Comberton Greens Manor, Alderman W. L. Raynes, of
Cambridge. William the Conqueror had granted the manor of Cumbertone to one Erchanger the Baker,
in return for which he and his descendants baked a simnel cake daily for the reigning king - until 1279
when the royal appetite waned a little and was satisfied with one every Saturday.
Another Comberton manor, that called Birdlines in South Street, got its name from another Norman,
John de Burdelays, whose name appears in the records in 1283. One of the few remaining “poppyheads”
carved on a pew in the church represents a sitting hen, said to be the heraldic device of the Burdelays
family. Their property passed in 1553 to St. Thomas’ Hospital, London.
Local solicitors offering client focused and value for
money legal services tailored to your individual needs
Tel: (01223) 713300
Conveyancing: Residential and Commer cial
Email: [email protected]
Probate and Wills: also Power s of Attor ney and
Planning for the future
Email: [email protected];
[email protected]
Family: Divor ce and Separ ation, Childr en and Finance,
Cohabitation Agreement, Change of Name
[email protected]; [email protected]
Comberton office:
Cambridge office:
5 Green End
Mount Pleasant House
Comberton
Huntingdon Road
Cambridge CB23 7DY Cambridge CB3 0RN
Free Parking / Disabled Access
www.irenaspence.co.uk
Fundraising events at Comberton Village College
to raise funds for
Outdoor Play Equipment
The collection will take place on
Friday 29th April at 9.00am.
Please support us by dropping your
bags at CVC Reception during school
hours and outside school hours at
Comberton Sports & Arts Reception
from Monday 25th April.
If you would like us to collect the
bags from your house in Comberton
then please contact us via email
[email protected] and we will
arrange collection at a mutually
convenient time.
AUCTION OF PROMISES
We are delighted to have David Palmer, TV Auctioneer back at Comberton
Village College for the College’s annual fundraising event.
Date:
Friday 6 May
Venue: Performance Hall
at Comberton
Sports & Arts
Time:
Viewing from
7.00pm
Auction begins
7.30pm
Tickets: Adults: £5
(including a glass of wine)
Students: £2.50
(including soft drink)
Tickets will be available at
the door, advance tickets
purchases to be confirmed.
If you would like to donate items for the Auction of Promises, please drop
them at CVC Reception during school hours, alternatively please contact us
via email [email protected] for further information. Please leave your
contact details with your gift. Please note due to Trading Standards
Regulations we are unable to accept Electrical Goods.
Both these events are supported by Friends of CVC Trust Fund
BARTON DRAMA GROUP
Our Spring production is The Odd Couple
by Neil Simon.
Performances are from Wednesday 20 –
Saturday 23 April at 7.45 pm, plus a
matinee on Saturday 23 April at 2.30 pm.
Again, some new faces as well as
established members appear in this classic
comedy, opening as friends gather for
cards at Oscar’s rather messy apartment.
Arriving late is Felix, just separated from his wife. The highly entertaining
story unfolds as the fastidious Felix and the slovenly Oscar decide to share
the apartment, certainly an ‘odd couple’.
Tickets are available from Norma Eaton, Telephone (01223) 263561. Prices
are £8 (£6 concessions) which includes refreshments.
Barton Drama Group website – www.bartondramagroup.co.uk
This amateur production of “The Odd Couple” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD.
Comberton Antiquarian Society
Spring Outing—Saturday 21 May 2016
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, nr Oxford
Blenheim Palace is the home of 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of
Sir Winston Churchill. We have arranged an outing there and are pleased to be able to offer
places to non-members of Comberton Antiquarian Society.
The Palace is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh
in 1705. Priceless portraits, tapestries, and an exquisite collection of furniture, grace the
palace interior, set against a magnificent backdrop of ornate ceilings and striking stone work.
It became a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is surrounded by more than 2000 acres of
‘Capability” Brown landscaped parkland, together with award-wining Formal Gardens, the
Main Lake and Queen Pool.
The cost of the outing is £27 per person, which covers the cost of the coach and entrance to
Blenheim Palace. You can join a guided tour if you want to—it is included in the ticket price.
Itinerary
8.45am
10.45 approx.
5.00pm
7.00 approx.
Depart Comberton Village College
Arrive Blenheim Palace
Depart Blenheim Palace
Arrive Comberton Village College
If you would like to join us, please contact Geoff Nicholls on 01223 262720.
Cheques should be made payable to COMBERTON ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.
Comberton Friendship Club
We met on Thursday afternoon, 10 March. Our speakers were Pam and Geoff
Harper, with Solo the dog, a six month old Labrador who is in training to work with
the deaf. The work is all done by volunteers and completely supported by charity.
Pam gave a wonderfully informative talk with a slide show on how their dogs are
trained. The idea was first brought back from the U.S.A. by Bruce Fogel in 1979
and, with the backing of Lady Beatrix Wright, was set up in 1982, having its first
airing at Crufts. The charity now owns 2,500 dogs and has two training centres, in
Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire. They are ready to be used as fully trained dogs for
the deaf when they are 18 month old. They normally stay with the same person
for 10-11 years. After that period of time their working days are over and they are
placed with people as pets. 10 million people in the UK are deaf for a wide variety
of reasons and of these, 800,000 are profoundly deaf. The dogs are wonderful,
providing these people with independence, confidence and companionship.
We gave £30 towards the charity and it will be one of our chosen
charities for this year.
Next meeting: April 14 at 2.30pm. There will be a raffle.
Do you use an NHS hearing aid?
If so, please be aware of the free service, which is available throughout
Cambridgeshire and is operated by
who hold a regular Hearing Help “Drop-in Session” in Comberton at the
Sheltered Housing Centre on the third Tuesday of each month between 2pm
and3.30pm.
They supply NHS hearing aid users with free batteries, and clean and retube
hearing aids. They can give advice as well.
Their website give further information: www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk
Comberton Luncheon Club
29 April
The Old Crown, Girton
27 May
Black Horse, Dry Drayton
24 June
Bourn Golf Club
Telephone Frances on Cambridge 264230 if you would like to come
and lunch with us.
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01223 423800
All forms of electrical works
Heating installations and
servicing
General home improvements
and maintenance
All aspects of plumbing works
Bathroom an wetroom
refurbishments
There is a an exhibition of delightful
watercolours in the Comberton Library.
They have been done by the advanced,
intermediate and beginner students who
have been undertaking the recent adult
education courses at the Village College
and are of a very high standard. Do go
along and have a look! The exhibition
has already attracted many favourable
comments, and you might well find them
pleasing to look at and be interested to
see what can be achieved by
participating in local art classes. Some
of them are for sale: if you are interested
in buying one, you can contact the adult
and community education tutor at C V C,
Gilly Marklew, by emailing gill@gilly-
1st Comberton Scout Group
We urgently need leaders to help run our Beaver colony and we
would love to hear from you if you can possibly help. This will involve
working with young children between the ages of six and eight years
old.
The children get involved in lots of activities and Beaver Scouts enjoy
making friends, playing games, going on visits and helping others.
They usually meet together once a week at our Scout Hut in the
grounds of Comberton Village College on Thursdays between 5.30pm
and 6.30pm. If we cannot get volunteers it will mean that the colony
will have to close and working with our young beavers is a very
rewarding as well as enjoyable experience, so please do get in touch.
If you are interested please call Tracy Pemberton on 01223 262445 or
Ian Douglas on 07710803708 or email Tracy at:
[email protected].
A 20mph speed limit for Comberton?
Over recent years, 20mph speed limit signs have popped up all over the place, for instance
in Haslingfield, Cambridge, London and soon Cardiff. So why is 20mph an increasingly
popular choice? Research shows that 20mph speed limits tick the boxes for improving both
public health and the local environment. As you would expect, health is improved when lower
speed limits reduce the frequency and severity of road traffic accidents. Each 1mph less
reduces casualties and crashes by 6%; for those over 60 years old involved in an accident, a
crash at 20mph is ten times more survivable (than at 30mph). And there are other health
benefits too, people are more inclined to walk or cycle, or go out for a run. Those who are
active feel safer when out and about, and going out by foot or bike can strengthen
communities. Lower speed limits are also associated with lower noise and air pollution. Noise
pollution is reduced by 50% when speeds reduce from 30 to 20mph. These benefits come at
a marginal cost in journey times, as travelling at 20mph (rather than 30mph) only adds 30
seconds over half a mile.
Over the coming months I will write a regular contribution for Contact about the possibilities
for implementing a 20 mph speed limit in Comberton. I will present some debates and some
options we have. This forms part of a wider consultation by the Parish Council: later in the
year we will also hold a 20mph information day and run a village survey. In the meantime,
please do get in touch with letters of support or any concerns, and I will include these in the
consultation. Many thanks,
Anna Barford (Parish Councillor), 82 Green End, Comberton, CB23 7DY, [email protected]
Parish Councillors
Miss Amanda Bacon (Chairman),
Arial View, 92B Swaynes Lane
264711
Dr Anna Barford
82 Green End
Mr Hywel Griffiths (Vice-Chairman)
18 Barrons Way
263390
Mrs Sophie Higman
Berry Cottage, 7 West Street
264624
Mr Andrew Hollick
73 Swaynes Lane
263089
Dr Janet McCabe
3 Westcroft
263387
Mr Simon Moffat
86 Swaynes Lane
Mrs Jill Preston
45 Long Road
263077
Mr Tim Scott
Moat House, 65 Green End
263434
Mr Nick Taylor
41 West Street
263419
Ms Caragh Urquhart
The Three Horseshoes, South Street
Miss Chris Westgarth
85 Barton Road
263242
Parish Council contact details
Mrs Gail Stoehr, Clerk to Comberton Parish Council,
30 West Drive, Highfields Caldecote, Cambridge, CB23 7NY
Email [email protected]
Tel: 01954 210241 Fax: 0870 705 2759
The Parish Council meets on the second Wednesday in the month (except August) at
7.30pm in the Village Hall. Any extra-ordinary meetings needed will be advertised on the
notice board in South Street. The Planning Committee meets according to applications
received: its meetings are also advertised on the notice board.
All parishioners are invited to attend meetings. The first ten minutes are open for residents to
ask questions or comment on Comberton matters. If the matter is on the agenda or has
previously been discussed a response may be given at the meeting; otherwise it might be
tabled for discussion at a forthcoming meeting.
W.J. Brown & Son
Motor Engineers
Cross Road, Comberton
Your Local Friendly Garage
tel: 01223 263433
Sales—Services
Inspections pre-MOT—Travel Inspection
District Councillor Report
I will take this opportunity to mention all the issues and queries residents have
brought to my attention over the last couple of months, some are District, some
Parish and other County matters. Where possible I have passed these issues
on to relevant parties.
The Bennell Farm development is the main topic for most, and by mid April a
decision at SCDC will have been made. Linked to this is the state of the
sewers and volume of traffic on the roads. Clearly another 90 homes in the
village will have serious issues with our infrastructure unless these are
addressed with any new builds. Swaynes Lane with its pot holes, cut up
verges and speeding traffic is a common complaint. This could be addressed
by 20mph speed limit and maybe a one way system? On the subject of
speeding, several residents have asked for large parts of the village to be
20mph zones. Personally I think this would be a good idea.
I will now simply list the other topics. Dog mess - not being picked up all over
the village. Ground source heat pumps - noisy and can lead the health
problems for some through sleep deprivation. Parking on Hillfield Road mainly relates to inconsiderate parking and cars not being left in or outside
garages. Street lights - shambollic. Nursery Way - generally not enough site
maintenance. Bins - either not emptied or not put back in the right
place. Drainage, mainly the ditch by the village college/Kentings - this has now
been addressed. Queries over the grain store by the woodland burial ground all within planning regulations. Moans about inconsiderate car drivers parking
on the pavements - simple, don't do it, be considerate. The Village College greater dialogue with village groups such as the parish council. Hopefully I
have not left any of you out? So other than that everything is just fine and
dandy!!
M J E Scott
COMBERTON ALLOTMENTS & GARDENS ASSOCIATION
DATES FOR YOUR 2016 DIARY
Spring Plant Sale
Saturday7 May 10.00am Playschool
Our events commence with the Plant Sale where we hope to sell you lots of fine plants
to nurture and perhaps exhibit plants or produce in the Autumn Show. This is a ‘bring
and buy’ event so if you have surplus vegetable or flower plants please bring along and
add to our stock. Profits help to support the Village Autumn Show.
FREE ENTRY so come early and bag the best bargains.
Summer Barbecue
Saturday 16 July 6.00pm Long Road Allotments
Autumn Show
Saturday 17 Sept Meridian School
Annual General Meeting Weds 23 Nov 7.30pm Village Hall
Annual Outing We hope to arrange an outing in late September following the
success of last year’s trip to Blickling Hall. The destination has still to be decided upon so
watch future editions of Contact for details.
THE CHALLENGE
sponsored by COSTCUTTER STORES
24 Clues, 24 closely related answers ….. over to you!
(a)= anagram
....................................... (5) A sort of prion (a)
....................................... (8) Pet chow’s the answer (a)
....................................... (9) A card game
....................................... (8) Greene’s Rock
....................................... (5) Weird poems
....................................... (4) “This son of?”
....................................... (6) Noddy drove one
....................................... (4) Aquae Sullis
....................................... (9) Military camp site
....................................... (10) Ladies College
....................................... (6) Oxford College
....................................... (6,5) Man streaker reveals this! (a)
....................................... (9) Sounds like a kitchen gadget
....................................... (9) Upset not scared (a)
....................................... (10) Gee ! Fiddles about (a)
....................................... (7) Old comedian Charlie, not Chaplin
....................................... (8) Caller is rubbish (a)
....................................... (7) Trainee ….. of sorts (a)
....................................... (9) Lied about fling (a)
....................................... (7) Dionne?
....................................... (8) Effective golf club
....................................... (10) Cake producing town
....................................... (9) Square theatre?
....................................... (9) Home of the brown drink?
Entries please to Costcutter, Library or Green End Surgery no later
than 15 April. The prize of £5, generously donated by Nayna & Vijay
is to be spent in store.
Name ……………………………………………………………………….
Address ………………………………………………………………………
Traditional,
non-competitive,
Japanese martial art.
The New Gym, Comberton Sports and Arts, CB23 7DU
Mondays, 8:00pm – 9:30pm, For age 16+
Contact Alan Stevens, 4th Dan, Shidoin, Qualified Aikido Coach
Beginners welcome – no need to bring special equipment.
Cost £5 per session / £3.50 for Comberton VC students and staff.
www.meishokan.org.uk
THE CHALLENGE ANSWERS & WINNERS
FEBRUARY
PANAMA .............................................. A Central American country / A lightweight hat
AUSTIN ................................................ American state capital / English car (no longer)
WELLINGTON...................................... Southern hemisphere capital / Famous British Aircraft
CYPRUS .............................................. Mediterranean island / London underground station
ORINOCO ............................................ S. American river / Womble
ULSTER ............................................... Irish County / Style of overcoat
MOROCCO .......................................... Mediterranean country / Goatskin leather
BULGARIA ........................................... European country / Womble (Father’s brother)
COPENHAGEN...................................... European capital city / Duke of Wellington’s horse
RALEIGH ............................................. American State capital / English bicycle company
HARROW ............................................. London borough / Farming implement
VIENNA ................................................ European capital city / Long round loaf
PARIS .................................................. European capital city / He who abducted Helen
LAMBETH ............................................ London borough / Walk? Dance? Song?
WARSAW ............................................. European capital city / Famous concerto
GUINEA ............................................... African Republic / Old English coin
CHELSEA ............................................ London borough / Style of boot
NORFOLK ............................................ English county / Style of jacket
HACKNEY ............................................ London borough / Type of carriage
FIFE ..................................................... Scottish city / Small flute
SURREY .............................................. English county / Horse drawn vehicle
WINNER : SUE ALLIN, LONG ROAD
MARCH
HE
HEATH
THE
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MY
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HAVE
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YES
AND
ANDREWS
CONCLUSION
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HARDY
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WAYNE
TORME
GOOD
TOTAL……………….45……………………........
CAME
CAMERON
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MY
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PARTICULAR
IS
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SUCH
SUCHARD
AUGUST 17 th
AUGUSTUS
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WINNER. JENNY BROWN, BARTON ROAD
EXPERIENCED PRIMARY
SCHOOL TEACHER
If your child needs help with
English and/or Maths for consolidation
or just confidence boosting I offer 1:1
tuition in a welcoming and caring
environment.
KS1 and KS2 children very welcome.
Do call me if you would like to have a
free trial session to see how you get on.
Tess Jones BA Hons PGCE
Tel: 01223 874674
Email: [email protected]