15 page version issue34 -...

Issue 34 - March 2008

SOMERSHAM VOICES A Somersham Parish Council

Community Newsletter

Please note our email address: [email protected]

The Parish Council Website is now in operation. Access can be obtained by searching under

www.somersham.org on the Internet. Some initial teething problems were experienced in achieving

access in February, and BT have been asked to resolve them. If difficulties are experienced in March, and

access cannot be achieved on the address given, it is suggested that a general search on the Web under

“Somersham parish council” may have the desired effect and lead you to the Home Page. From the Home Page, you can click on the following headings shown in the navigation bar at the top of the

screen and move to the following sections which are contained in the website:

♦ Home – main title page, and access to all following sections;

♦ Peterborough Bus - see announcement on page 13 of this issue;

♦ Accounts – details of year-end reconciliations, 2006 and 2007;

♦ Your local councillors – full list of local councillors;

♦ Contacting the Council – contact details of Parish Clerk & locations of parish notice boards;

♦ Meetings of the Council – approved minutes of parish council, from May 2006;

♦ Working Parties & Representatives – Full list of Working Parties;

♦ Community Facilities – lists of Parish Council properties & booking contacts for facilities;

♦ Parish, District or County Responsibility ? - Indicates division of responsibilities;

♦ Policies and Publications – Chairman’s Annual Reports; Parish Council policies; Information on

Freedom of Information;

♦ Links to Useful Sites – Principal authorities and local interest groups;

♦ Voices Community Newsletter – publication details, editorial team members and back issues and

guidance for contributors on submission of material for publication in Voices.

As you may imagine, the content of the website will be updated regularly, as circumstances change, and it

is likely that new sections will be added, so please keep an eye on the web address for the latest parish

council information.

If you have any suggestions for alterations to the website, or requests for additional information to be

included, they should be addressed to Mrs. P. Bryant, the Parish Clerk, by email to

[email protected] or alternatively at the address which appears in the ‘Contact the Council’ section

of the website, and also in each edition of the Voices Newsletter. It is likely that amendments requested

will be considered by the Parish Councillors at one of their regular meetings.

@ Somersham online @

@ Somersham online @

Dates of the next 4 Parish Council meetings :- 3rd March 2008, 31st March; 28th April; 12th May (AGM) and 19th May (Annual Parish Meeting.)

Somersham Parish Matters

It’s funny how quiet a rural village like ours can seem. Many people passing through, and

perhaps quite a lot of residents as well just assume nothing ever goes on. It must be a

dormitory town where everyone does their living somewhere else and their sleeping in the

village.

And yet just flicking through this months edition of Voices it really is incredible to see

just how much work goes in to putting on events for the community and by the

community. Following on from the success of the Christmas Lights, the Victory Hall put

on their annual New Years Eve party and we’ve barely entered the New Year and are

already looking forward to the Carnival, the annual flower show at St Johns Church and

the Somersham Garden Club Summer Show. This year there will also be a Heritage event

in April following on from the success of the History Evening at last year’s carnival.

We have a flourishing Scout and Guide group in the village and have recently seen a

successful History Society launched at the end of 2007 and the Reading Group entered its

fourth year this year.

It is often only too easy to fail to see what is happening under your very nose, particularly

when people live such busy lives. Yet the range of activities in the village is remarkable,

even running to our flourishing Town Band, something of a rarity these days and certainly

something to be treasured.

Of course the village does have an excellent range of sporting facilities, netball, tennis,

squash, football, cricket and bowls all have facilities and/or clubs in our community.

But I think the most remarkable thing is not so much that there is far from “nothing to

do”, a complaint we all hear only too often, but that nearly all of these events and

organisations are organised, supported and run on a purely voluntary basis. The fact that

there are a dedicated group of people in the village who give up much of their free time to

put on these events is something to be grateful for. It is often a relatively small number of

dedicated people who ensure that the success and liveliness of the village is maintained

for the benefit of everyone.

So for the first Voices of 2008 I’d like to thank everyone in our village who works behind

the scenes putting on the events and running the clubs and organisations, that makes

village life so rewarding and provides us all with such a range of activities.

Finally, I’d like to welcome back onto the Parish Council, Mick Hoy who stepped down

briefly last May after 20 years service. Congratulations also to the Parish Clerk on her

marriage to Mick Bryant. Very best wishes, Penny

Andrew Lee

Chairman

Penny Bryant - Parish Clerk, Somersham Parish Council c/o 50 High Street Somersham PE28 3JB, Phone 01487 841 359

Email: [email protected]

COUNTRY CRAFT at the SOMERSHAM CARNIVAL COUNTRY CRAFT at the SOMERSHAM CARNIVAL COUNTRY CRAFT at the SOMERSHAM CARNIVAL COUNTRY CRAFT at the SOMERSHAM CARNIVAL

2008200820082008 Sunday 8th June 2008 at the Victory Hall

We received so many excellent entries for the front cover of the Carnival Programme. Many thanks to

all who entered. The winning design is by Joshua Harriss, with runners up Jessica Smith and Holly

Beck.

Carnival Week is from 7th – 15th June 2008, with Carnival Day on Saturday 14th June, so get your

thinking caps on for how you can join in with our theme: “Farming and Rural Living”. You could get

a head start by making your items for the Country Craft Competition (Please see categories below) , or

by thinking about what kind of Scarecrow you would like to make for your front garden in Carnival

Week! Keep up-to-date with our website www.somershamcarnival.org.uk or if you would like to

advertise in the Carnival Programme / have a Stall / have a Float / Sponsor an event please contact the

Committee on [email protected] or Carnival Secretary on 843642, 21 Parkhall Road.

A COOKERY

1. Bread – by hand or bread maker (any recipe)

2. Carrot Cake

3. Five small decorated cakes

4. Three Scones (any recipe)

5. Jar homemade chutney or pickles

6. Jar homemade jam, marmalade or preserved fruit

7. Homebrew (wine, beer, sloe gin etc)

8. Under 16’s – Gingerbread Scarecrow (recipe in programme)

9. Under 16’s – 5 small decorated cakes

B FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

(using flowers/produce from the garden)

10. Three identical single stem roses

11. Fresh floral display in a Wellington boot

12. Under 16’s – Miniature Farm (growing or display)

C HANDICRAFTS

13. Knitting or sewing (not previously exhibited at this carnival)

14. Handmade greetings card

15. Rural landscape painting or drawing (any medium)

16. Photography – Farming & Rural Living

17. Scrapbook page

18. Open Class – hard materials (woodwork, pottery etc.)

19. Open Class – soft materials (tapestry/embroidery

D CHILDREN (under 16)

20. Colouring (4 years & under – picture in programme)

21. Colouring (5-10 years – picture in programme)

22. Painting (7years & under)

23. Painting (8 – 16 years)

24. Photography (theme – Farming & Rural Living)

25. Vegetable Scarecrow

26. Construction Class – Lego, Kinex, Airfix etc (No bigger than an A4 sheet)

27. Open Class (pottery, sewing, beadwork etc)

HUNTINGDONSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL - and the role of a councillor

A District Councillor’s role is to represent their community on matters which fall within the

Council’s remit. I outlined these in the last issue of Voices.

Somersham Ward consists of six villages and is served by two councillors. Mike Newman

from Pidley was re-elected last May and my position is up for election this year. There is

normally a four year term between elections.

We regularly attend Parish Council meetings in all six villages as this provides a good

opportunity to answer questions and discuss local concerns. There is always a considerable

case file of personal contacts from residents who telephone or more commonly email with

requests for assistance with various problems. These are usually related to planning,

housing or recycling but on occasion can involve such things as neighbour disputes or

missing pets. I can recall being called one Sunday evening to help solve a crossword

puzzle ! I also liaise with the police on local issues such as parking and anti-social

behaviour and attend their Neighbourhood Panel meetings. I am in regular contact with our

Member of Parliament and sometimes help with his local surgeries.

In conjunction with the local role, as a member of the council we also have a corporate

responsibility over all things connected to and undertaken by the Council. Individual

member’s input varies widely. There are 52 members of the Council, 39 are Conservative,

11 Lib. Dem. and 2 Independent. The full Council meets every 2 months. This is the

opportunity for final debate and any necessary ratification of decisions made over that

period. The Council operates under an elected Leader who appoints 7 Cabinet members.

They are all responsible for their own departments. Other members sit on a variety of

committees, each charged with overseeing an area of the Council’s activities. These mostly

meet monthly, but some bi-monthly or quarterly. Nearly all meetings are open to the public,

although attendance is rare.

Most decisions are taken by Cabinet. To balance this and ensure that members approve of

these decisions, there are 2 Scrutiny Panels. They ‘hold the Cabinet to account’, monitor

performance, investigate issues of public concern and undertake studies to inform and

recommend. I am Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel for Service Delivery.

I am a member of the New Accommodation Advisory Group which considers issues

connected with the building of the new offices which, over the next 2 years will gradually

replace Pathfinder House on the same site. I wish this project was not necessary, but with

the crumbling state of the old, poorly constructed building there really is no alternative.

Each of the 5 Leisure Centres has a Management Committee. I am Vice-Chairman at St.

Ives.

The Centres are highly valued by the community and very well used but they are currently

subsidised by over £3m per year. With a shortfall in Government funding and our desire to

limit council tax rises there are serious challenges ahead.

Steve Criswell.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me on 740745 or email

[email protected]

Come and join us for stories, games and activities

Explorers meet at Somersham Baptist Church on the High Street and is

for children aged between 4 and 12.

It takes place on the second Friday of each month and Sunday mornings.

Children can be signed in at Explorers from 6.00pm on Fridays and can

join us on Sundays at 10:30am.

March 14th Give people a chance

March 20th Easter Special

April 11th God gives us courage

May 9th Film Party

June 13th God made me special

July 11th Jesus is there when I’m afraid

For more information contact:

Kymberley Taylor

Tel: 01487 840 198

Email: [email protected]

or visit the church website at www.somershambaptist.org

SOMERSHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Our next two meetings are:

Tuesday February 26th 2008

MARRIAGE, MADNESS AND MURDER

Somersham resident Kelvin Law talks about how he traced the life of his ancestress

Rebecca, who became one of the first female inmates of Broadmoor Asylum. Not just an

interesting story, this talk demonstrates how much information is potentially available

once the researcher makes use of a wider range of records than ‘usual’, so it is of

interest to both novice and established family historians.

Tuesday April 22nd 2008

PICKWICKS FENLAND SCRAPBOOK 1838

Mike Petty, former Librarian of the Cambridgeshire Collection for over 30 years and

columnist for the Cambridge Evening News, talks about the life and times of living in

the Fens 170 years ago, with some special references to Somersham.

Both meetings are at 7.30pm

at the

SOMERSHAM COMMUNITY INFORMATION CENTRE

CHURCH ST.

£3 Entry

For further information contact : Julyan Hunter 01487 842350, [email protected]

the crumbling state of the old, poorly constructed building there really is no alternative.

Disability Cambridgeshire –

Can we help you or anyone you

know?

Disability Cambridgeshire (previously

known as Directions Plus) is a

registered charity working for

disabled/older people and carers living

in Cambridgeshire. We provide free,

confidential and impartial

information and advice on all

disability and access issues including:-

Discrimination

Direct payments and independent

living

Entitlements, including challenging

decisions

Holiday and leisure

Residential care, respite etc.

We also provide:-

Advice to companies and individuals

about employment

Disability Discrimination Act and

Disability Equality training

Information in factsheets, newsletters

and on our websites

Start up and infrastructure services for

Forums of Disabled people

Work experience and training.

We are always looking for volunteers

to help in our Cambridge office. We

would hope that some of these

volunteers, with training, could

represent us and disabled people at

meetings throughout Cambridgeshire.

Contact us at:-

1 Orwell Furlong, Cowley Road,

Cambridge CB4 0WY

Telephone adviceline: 01223 569 600

E-mail:

[email protected]

www.directions-plus.org.uk

www.disabilitycambridgeshire.org.uk

Are you aware of any incidents of Crime, Disorder or Anti-Social Behaviour?

The Huntingdonshire District Council Community Safety Team works in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community groups and representatives to address issues of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour throughout the District. But, to ensure that these problems are addressed, we need to hear about any incidents that are occurring. The Community Safety Team is involved in a number of problem solving groups that consider problem people or families and ‘hotspot’ areas for anti-social behaviour. For action to be taken, evidence is needed and this is where the Community Safety Team needs the help of the community. If you are aware of any crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour that has taken place, is taking place or have been a victim of an incident or offence, then it is really important that you report it to either the Community Safety Team or the local Neighbourhood Policing Team for the Somersham area. With information and consistent evidence, the Community Safety Team in partnership with other organisations such as Cambridgeshire Constabulary, can consider appropriate interventions such as Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs). If you have any information or would like to discuss any incidents of crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour that you have experienced then please contact one of the following, all information will be treated as confidential. Community Safety Team Leader ♦ 01480 388233 Anti-Social Behaviour Case Worker ♦ 01480 388390 Cambridgeshire Constabulary ♦ 0845 456456 4 In an emergency - 999

The New Concessionary Bus Fares Scheme – Huntingdonshire

Many readers will know that the new scheme is due to start on 1st April, 2008. People aged

60 and over and people with certain disabilities in England will be able to get free off-peak

travel on all local buses anywhere in England. The new scheme will replace the existing local

schemes.

If you are eligible for a concessionary pass, and have not already done so, you should

apply immediately since it will take some time for the new style ‘Smart’ card passes to

be manufactured and posted to you, which will be done as soon as possible.

Space in Voices Newsletter is limited, and it is not possible to print all the various terms and

conditions of the new scheme, but full details are available in an explanatory leaflet on the

Hunts District Council Website viz www.huntsdc.gov.uk then click on ‘Transport and

Roads’ in the service directory which leads to a screen with ‘Latest Documents’ at the right

hand side, where both the application form and guidance notes can be viewed and/or printed

off. Alternatively the form may be obtained by telephoning 01480-388388 for a form to be

posted to you.

The new pass will be in a standard format and will include your photograph with a unique

number. It will also be a ‘SMART’ card containing a microchip which can store information

electronically, in anticipation of buses being installed with Smartcard readers in the future.

The new scheme will allow free bus travel for those eligible from 9.30a.m.until 11p.m. on

weekdays and all day on weekends and bank holidays, across England. It will not be possible

(save for rare exceptions which do not appear to affect Somersham), to use a pass before

9.30a.m. in the morning on weekdays. Everyone will need to reapply for a new bus pass, so

eligible people should complete an application form and provide any medical evidence

necessary and a passport style photograph forthwith. As well as that EVERYBODY must

provide some proof or evidence that they are eligible for the scheme, even if you have an

existing pass. The simplest way to do this will be by showing your current Huntingdonshire

bus pass.

Application forms, photos and proof of eligibility will be checked at either: Centenary House,

St. Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, or at The Town Hall, Market Hill in St. Ives. Alternatively,

they may be posted to the District Council at Pathfinder House, St. Mary’s Street,

Huntingdon PE29 3TN. Any application by post must contain a photocopy of identification

or proof of eligibility, and if you are an existing passholder, and your existing pass is your

proof of eligibility, you must send a copy of your existing pass. Photos should not be stapled

or attached to the application form.

SOMERSHAM TODDLER GROUP (Formerly Toy Library)

Meets every Friday during term time at the Somersham Victory Hall,

between 9.15a.m. and 11.15a.m.

The first session is FREE. Usually costs £1.50 per family.

Includes refreshments

Everyone welcome. For further information

phone Niki – 01487-740531

MY PAGE

One of things that I have to remember about writing this page is that it is written about six weeks before

the article is actually read. At the moment I am writing this in the middle of January and it will be

published for March. Of course this has to be so, for the editorial team needs time to put everything

together to produce a very interesting and successful local newsletter.

The reason I am working on this article even earlier is due to that fact that next week all the family is

off to Austria. Now that doesn’t mean that I, a rather mature and shall we say ‘cuddly’ lady will be

hurtling down the Black Ski runs. Our children, their partners and friends, and our grandson will be on

skis but we will be either watching them, or sitting in a snug bar with a glass of mulled wine or having a

gentle walk at ground level.

The last time we went to Austria –which was in the summer- we went to the top of the mountain by

cable car. We had some refreshments whilst enjoying amazing views of snow-capped mountains all

around, with the lovely greenness of Austria, and its little towns, below. At the time of writing this, the

snow is several feet deep and still falling.

It is a very different landscape around our villages and the surrounding area today (18th January).

Following lots of rain we, with many other areas in Britain, are looking decidedly wet. Earith and

looking towards Sutton is a spectacular sight with the watery landscape and St. Ives area has its share of

flooding too. We get a glimpse of what our area could have looked like in times past, before the fen

drainage system was started. The Romans, who arrived on our shores in the first century, tried to sort

the flooding problems out in Middle England and the fens and now 2,000 years later we are still trying.

Mrs Nature is a very fickle and stubborn minded lady and I don’t think she will be beaten easily, if ever.

Hopefully by March one of Mother Nature’s children called Spring, will be waiting to surprise us with

her annual show of blossoming beauty and I will have a big vase full of daffodils – one of my favourite

flowers – on the window sill.

As mentioned before, I am writing this page just two weeks into 2008. Don’t we all wonder at the start

of the New Year just what will lie ahead for us? Of course we don’t know and that is as it should be.

Every day will be different, some highs and some lows. There will be a certain pattern that our personal

lives dictate depending on our commitments. Every day is an adventure into the unknown and

sometimes things that can happen in seconds will affect us for the rest of our days. There are things that

happen to us which we don’t understand, or find it difficult to cope with, and that can be hard. I am a

person, who whilst living life to the full, and I give thanks for my life, I can still have a touch of ‘the

blues’. Then of course it isn’t the material things that are important. Our precious families, our faith,

friends, good neighbours, the beauty of nature and of course our pets help to make everything ok again.

I wish you all a Very Happy 2008 and God Bless.

Barbara Hoy

THE PLASTIC BAG ……………….. A THING OF THE PAST.

Production and disposal of plastic bags are bad for the environment.

Bring back the re-usable shopping bag.

SAY ‘NO’ TO PLASTIC ……………

COMING TO SOMERSHAM SOON !

Somersham Community

Information Centre

Church Street, Opposite St. John’s Church.

telephone number 01487 840266

Fundraising activities

Ongoing activities throughout the year – visit the library or watch out for posters around the

village.

All funds raised are used to buy books and other resources for the library. Thank you to

everyone who has supported us at our many events this year. We hope that you will continue

to support our fundraising activities.

Want to help?

Did you know Somersham Community Information Centre is run entirely by volunteers?

Interested? Come and talk to other volunteers, pick up an application form or contact Debbie

Barrott, our Volunteer Coordinator (01487 740029)

Book donations

We welcome donations of good quality second-hand books, but they must be in excellent

condition.

General Information

If you haven’t been down to the Community Information Centre recently, please do come and

pay us a visit. We have a very well-stocked facility, with new books being added to our

collection regularly.

If you are new to the village, you will find us on Church Street. We have lots of local

information, and very friendly volunteers, who will be very happy to help you.

Opening times

Monday 2pm - 6pm

Tuesday 10am -12am, 2pm-6pm

Thursday 2pm - 6pm

Friday 2pm - 6pm

Saturday 10am - 12.30pm

Facilities include

Full library service

Photocopier/fax/laminator

Free internet access

Free computer training on request

Under 5’s story time (Tue 10am - 11.30am term time only)

Reading Group held monthly (Contact Gail Lee 842 884)

Free coffee and books sale (first Tuesday of every month)

An Update on the Application for Change of Use of Land at

Chatteris Road, Somersham for Use by 12 caravans for

Travellers/Gypsies.

Applications numbers 0702530FUL and 0704185FUL, Further to the item which appeared in the December 2007 issue of Voices, the

following events have taken place in this matter.

The hearing of application No.0702530FUL took place on 19th November 2007

and the Development Control Panel (DCP) of Huntingdonshire District

Council (HDC) considered this and other planning applications in a public

hearing attended by a large number of people. The advice of the Planning

Department of HDC, given to the Control Panel councillors before the

meeting, was that the application should be refused on the single ground that

there was insufficient visibility from the access to the site along Chatteris

Road, based on advice of the County Highways Department.

The DCP was addressed by Parish Councillor Eric Parsons, and by Parish,

District and County Councillor Steve Criswell who both opposed the

application on various planning grounds. The applicant, Mr. F. Adams also

spoke to the Panel on his own behalf.

In due course the DCP deliberated on the matter, and after various members of

the panel expressed their views, they decided that the application should be

refused on three grounds, namely,

(1) road safety – advice from Cambs Highways Dept that there was inadequate

visibility onto Chatteris Road from the site access, and impact on free-flow and

traffic safety.

(2) adverse impact on the character and appearance of the countryside;

(3) adverse impact on nearby residents.

Following the above decision, Mr. Adams then submitted a fresh application

(No.0704185FUL) for the site, proposing a revised position of the access road

and entrance to the site, in order to meet the concerns of the Highways

Authority, and providing a plan indicating proposed screening of the site by the

planting of trees. The matter was then scheduled to be considered afresh by

HDC on a date to be announced, but probably on 25th February or 17th

March.

The fresh application was considered by Somersham Parish Council at their

meeting on 4th February, which was attended by a large number of village

residents. The applicant and his Agent also attended, and both addressed the

Council. After hearing views of Somersham residents also, and following

further discussion, the Parish Council resolved unanimously to oppose the

application, and duly informed HDC of their local view

A further update on events which take place before 30th April will appear in the

June 2008 issue of Voices.

View from The Rectory

I have just returned from a very enjoyable stay near Washington D.C. The weather was no warmer than the UK and indeed snow was still laying on the ground from a fall a couple of weeks previously, but there was something about the cold crisp air and sunshine that was refreshing and put a spring in ones step. This was my second USA visit in 3 months, the first last October included Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. One can only get a glimpse of the USA on holiday visits but what is very clear is the differences in culture in the different States. I suppose that is true of the UK too but it seems less noticeable maybe because of the smaller scales! Certainly everything is bigger in the USA especially the food portions! It’s all too easy to over eat and it’s cheap too – as are so many things. The $/£ exchange rate certainly works in our favour and with using Air Miles for the flight a very cheap holiday is possible.

I found myself being invited to preach at the local church close to where we stayed – the first time I have ever preached outside the UK. It was an interesting experience and a somewhat sobering one too. When I was thanked for my message at the end of the service, I was also complimented for my English accent. I do hope the message was more important than the dialect for the delivery. I am sure it was, but their priest and others felt it was good to hear a different voice and a different dimension on the Gospel, which has set me thinking that maybe I need to let others preach the Word more often – and to remain silent myself on occasions. That made me realise that all to often in the Christian life it is all too easy to get carried away with ventures and ideas without listening to what God is saying – and that is never easy, often because we don’t listen or don’t know how to listen and when we do we may not like what we hear.

Scripture reminds us that our ways are often not God’s ways and our thoughts not His thoughts, which highlights all too well one of the fridge magnets I purchased in San Francisco in October last year and are words on which Robbie Williams has a variation in one of his songs, “We plan, God laughs!” Worth thinking about. I hope you are enjoying the New Year albeit – two months old by the time you read this.

With all good wishes for the future Chris Barter Rector.

SOMERSHAM GARDEN CLUB

Somersham Garden Club is proud to present the first Somersham Garden Club

Summer Show to be held at The Limes, 44 High Street, Somersham on Sunday, 28th

June, 2008

We anticipate having plants, veggies, preserves and cakes for sale, demonstrations and

even a little advice forthcoming on aspects of gardening.

Refreshments and excellent company will be available.

Note that this event will take the place of the Open Gardens event in 2008 but we

anticipate running further Open Garden events in the future.

Please put this date in your diary and more details will follow in the June edition of

Voices.

For more information on the Club and its activities please visit our website

www.hometown.aol.co.uk/Mkrobinson12/SGC

or telephone our Secretary Jean Draper (741531)

Fundraising for a Lap Top for Girlguiding Unit in Somersham

We need your help to raise funds for a Laptop, in addition to this we would also like to give

10% of this money to benefit a local charity of the Guides choosing. Any monetary donations

gratefully received. Please make cheques payable to 1st Somersham Guides, please send to or

drop off at 18 Pennway, Somersham PE28 if you would like to make a donation. Thanking you

in advance.

Mel Moore, Unit Leader

The Girl Guides are pleased to invite you all to a:

SAUSAGE SUPPER

On Thursday 6th

March 2008

From 7.15pm– 9.00pm

At Millennium Sports Pavillion, Somersham

In addition to this there will be children’s craft activities, cooked

sausages/hot dogs, lucky dip, raffle, light refreshments including

cakes/biscuits, chocolate tombola,

face painting/tattoos and more

Entrance 30p for adults, children free

Anyone interested in having a small stall, please contact

Mel Moore 01480 300982 for more information

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Dance

Somersham Victory Hall - March 29th 2008 In aid of St Johns Church

Dancing to Chris Leis on keyboard, Raffle and Bar 7.30pm to 11.30pm, £9.50 including Buffet.

Tickets from Gill Rowe 01487 8420009, Jane Newson 01487 842091

THE BUS TO PETERBOROUGH - THE END OF THE ROAD. (Run by Somersham Parish Council and Dews Coaches.)

As you know, the “Voices” Newsletter is published quarterly, so this is the only opportunity for

residents to be informed through Voices, of the decision of the Parish Council, that with great regret,

it has been decided to discontinue this service, following the bus which will run for the last time

on Saturday 5th April, 2008. This decision has been a difficult one for the Council to reach, but the degree of support for the bus

over the last year or more has fallen to such a level that it is not economically viable to continue

running the service. The Voices Newsletter has regularly carried an item, urging residents to support

the bus, to “use it or lose it”, in an attempt to maintain the level of support required. It has, of

course, never been the intention of the Parish Council to make a profit out of the operation of this

service, and the council was willing to support the bus if numbers of passengers were low on some

trips. However, the drop in passenger numbers has been such that it has now resulted in too much of

a deficit, notwithstanding the introduction of half price fares for children and the extension of the

service to commence from Bluntisham & Colne last year.

Even at busy times such as Christmas and shopping sales times, an adequate number of passengers

have not made use of the bus, and the effect of this is that Council funds are being used to

significantly subsidise the small number of passengers who

availed themselves of the facility, an unsustainable situation. It

may be that the concessionary fares now available on Scheduled

services to other destinations has lessened demand for travel to

Peterborough.

Council thanks go to those parishioners who did use the bus, and

to Dews Coaches (and their friendly drivers), who provided this

service, which was much appreciated by councillors and

passengers.

Somersham Heritage Event Why is our village called Somersham? How has the population of Somersham increased from the 32

villagers of Domesday Book times? Why do the roads in the village have the names that they have?

When was the last highway robbery committed near Somersham? What were the names of the twenty

odd public (or beer) houses in Somersham? What trades did Somersham residents pursue in 1841?

Yes you may be able to find the answers to all of these questions on the World Wide Web, but it will

be much easier to find this information and much, much more about the heritage of Somersham by

visiting St John’s Church on Saturday or Sunday the 26th and 27th April. Open times are: Saturday

9a.m. until 4p.m. and Sunday 12.30p.m. until 5p.m. Admission is free although donations to the

church alteration fund would be much appreciated.

The Church Registers (Baptisms, Marriage and Burials) will be on display as well as some 19th

Century Census records. There will also be maps and photographs of Somersham, both past and

present and it is hoped that the exhibition that will be mounted in the church will have broad appeal

not only to people who have lived in Somersham all, or most, of their lives but to those who are

newcomers to the village.

Although we already have a lot of material to display, we would welcome more. If you have any old

photographs or other artefacts (memorabilia) that you would be prepared to loan to the church for the

event or would like further information please contact Alan Draper 01487 741531. Photographs that

are loaned will be computer scanned and returned very quickly.

The Royal British Legion

Somersham Branch

Information Bulletin

Well Christmas and New Year seem to be disappearing into the distance at a rate of knots. We had our Christmas

party with singing and dancing to the Golden Oldies. It could have been better attended, but all those present

enjoyed themselves. In keeping with the festive spirit, we were able to present each Legion member in the village,

who is over 80 yrs old, with a seasonal box of biscuits. It is a small gesture by way of ‘thanks’ for keeping the

Legion alive in post war years. The Children’s Christmas Party was another success thanks to the endeavours of our

Chairman Jack Shorten who persuaded Debbie and Graham to undertake the food and organizing, plus Roger and

Neil for the presents and helping to set the hall up. Mr. John Moore did a good impersonation of Father Christmas in

his new suit and left with dignity as he took the next sleigh to the bar! We hope that they will all feel suitably

refreshed and have short enough a memory by next year to consider doing it all over again! Without them we would

not be able to provide such a ‘magical moment’ for the children. A vote of Thanks must also be given to Tom at the

Centurian Club, who ran the Bonus Ball, which contributed funds to help finance the party for the children and

(Tarmac) Graham for donating such a fine looking Christmas Tree, which lasted well until twelfth night.

The Veterans Club was open New Years Eve for members and their guest. Music was provided by David of TV and

Newspaper fame (for his Austin 7 Juke Box). Unfortunately that particular one was too big to go into the hall so he

magically provided another less glamorous version. Isobel provided the balloons and suitable festive décor. With all

drinks only £1 and a light buffet provided, it could hardly fail. Even the cascading balloons (which took four grown

men hours to prepare) worked for the revellers. A good time was had by all and saw in the New Year in fitting form.

Our trip this year will only be for a long weekend to Belgium. We intend to visit the ancient university town of

Leuven just the other side of Brussels. (Also the home of Stella Artois). It will be over the August Bank Holiday

period, which gives those who have to work, the opportunity to join us. You do not even have to be a member! We

will leave early on Friday 22nd, and breakfast on the ferry. Stop at ‘Cheers’ or a similar place to pick up supplies.

Drive for an hour with a stop to ‘ease springs’ then continue to Leuven where we will stay at the Holiday Inn in the

centre of the city. We will then return Monday 25th. During the stay, those who so wish, may attend the laying of a

wreath at the local War Cemetery where three Royal Air Force VC’s are buried plus dead from the first and second

war. There will be day trips out in the coach plus the opportunity to visit Cite Europe on the way home. The price is

estimated to be £175 per person sharing. This figure could be reduced if the numbers increase. It is requested that

anyone wishing to avail themselves of this exclusive offer, contact me or a committee member with a £25 per

person deposit by 9th May 2008.

Do not forget a further extension to the eligibility for HM Forces and UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge is

your entitlement. Any Serviceman or member of the Merchant Navy who served prior to 31st Dec 1994 are now

eligible for these nicely crafted enamel lapel badges. All you need is your Service Number and Unit. Call 0800

1692277 for more information they will send a form to you.

Future dates for the Diary are the AGM for the Veterans Club on the Thursday 22nd May at 1930 hrs in the

Somersham Branch of the Royal British Legion HQ. All British Legion members are automatically a member of the

Veterans Club. Those who have joined the Social Club for £5 are also members of the Veterans Club and entitled to

attend and vote. The Royal British Legion Somersham Branch AGM will be held on Friday 19th October 2008 at

1930 hrs. Members Christmas Party Saturday 6th December and the Children’s Party if it goes ahead will be

Saturday 13th December 2008.

A timely reminder that the hall is available for bookings for parties; within the strict licensing conditions, at £20 per

hour through our booking agent Mr. Trev Welby on Tel: 740577. It is not suitable for teenage disco’s. There is also

a £15 cleaning fee and a refundable £50 deposit to cover damage to fixtures or fittings. The party cut-off time is

strictly 11.30 pm to avoid annoyance to the neighbours. Ideal for a party with up to 100 people.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wish to join The Royal British Legion for £11.00p per annum, which also covers the Legion Magazine.

Or: I wish to become a social member at £5 per annum. Please send me an application form to:

Mrs/Miss/Ms/Mr……………………….Surname…………………………..of………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

I am Ex-Service/not Ex-Service.

Return application slips to the Branch Headquarters in the High St. adjacent to the Centurion Club, or the

Chairman Mr. J. Shorten of 36 Parkhall Rd. Somersham. Tel: 842657.

The views expressed in Voices are not necessarily those of Somersham Parish Council or the editorial team

Friends of Somersham Library

invite you to

A QUIZ NIGHT

Saturday, 26th April at 7.30

Victory Hall, Somersham.

Tickets £5 (to include refreshments)available from Library

or phone 01487 843506

Funds raised through stalls held at the Somersham Cross 1st December 2007 First Steps Playgroup £53

8th December 2007 F.O.S.L. £155

15th December 2007 Parkhall Playgroup £155

15th December 2007 Somersham Town Band £78.15



Thanks to everyone in the community for your

generous support to these organisations

Contact the Editorial team:

Eric Parsons - 2 Meridian Close, Tel 740561 Andy Lee - 1 Whitehall Close, Tel 841469

Paul McCloskey - 4 Meridian Close, Tel 841641

Jen Smith - 18 Ibbott Crescent, Tel 840828 Email: [email protected]

Deadline for next issue 30th April

(For issue 35 in June)

Somersham Church Flower

Festival 2008 Would you like to sponsor a Flower Display

at this year’s Church Flower Festival, which

will be held in the Parish Church 20th, 21st

and 22nd June. As a trial last year we

asked people to sponsor a display in aid of

a special occasion or in memory of a loved

one. The trial was a great success with

many people saying that they would have

loved to have sponsored one had they

known. As a result we are going to do it

again this year. The numbers of displays

are limited so it will be on a first come

first served basis. If you are interested in

sponsoring a Flower Display please phone

Mary Collingswood on 01487 741171 for

further details.

The Hinchingbrooke Country Park

Mile Sunday 16th March 2008 Event opens 10am with participants starting

their miles from 11am onwards. Option of run-

ning 1, 3 or 6 miles, and you can complete your

chosen distance as quickly or as slowly as you

like.

Find out more and to register for the event:

www.sportrelief.com or call 0845 605 8000 or

contact Martin Grey, Hunts. Dist.Council 01480

388244

SOMERSHAM TOWN BOWLS CLUB

Our summer season is almost here, (we usually

open about mid April – depending on the weather).

We are a friendly club with a good clubhouse and

bar and we are always looking for new members –

men, ladies and juniors.

If you are looking for a new interest why not give it

a try – you are assured of a very warm welcome.

Contact numbers for further information are:

Celia Steward – 01487 840570

and Gill Rowe 01487 840009

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