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ISSUE NUMBER 144
DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015
FEFF 2015
It’s fun-filled, it’s exciting, it’s exhausting, it showcases the
village at its finest – and ... it’s back! The Fen Edge Family
Festival will be here again in Cottenham from Friday 19th
to Sunday 21st June 2015. Put it in your calendar now,
invite friends and family to stay and be part of this brilliant
community event.
As in previous years, the festival will be centred around
the Village Green but will also encompass the Community
Centre, Village College building as well as the Sports
Centre and playing fields. Back by popular demand will
also be “The Venue”, which proved a real hit with so many
of you last time.
Packed with a huge range of exciting activities, displays,
stalls, food, drink and fabulous live music – the Fen Edge
Family Festival 2015 will be an unmissable event providing
maximum enjoyment for everyone who attends, takes part
or volunteers.
We are now taking bookings for stalls for the weekend. It’s
a fantastic opportunity to reach thousands of people, so
if you would like to attend as a stallholder, email: stalls@
fenedgefestival.co.uk
Similarly we are looking for local groups and organisations
who would like to provide activities at the festival – or
maybe you would like to take on the running of an activity
and don’t quite know what yet. We can offer you the great
opportunity to raise the profile of your group through your
participation in the festival, so please email: activities@
fenedgefestival.co.uk
As ever, nearer the time we will be looking for a mighty
army of volunteers to help out over the course of the
weekend. Have a think about what you could contribute
and ask those who have previously volunteered what they
enjoyed most about the festival. We’re sure you’ll find it
hugely rewarding and great fun.
***
There have been significant developments on the Post
Office front since the last edition of the Newsletter. The
proposal to move the Post Office to Shaun’s Newsagents
has fallen through and will not now happen. However,
the activity around the issue has generated some other
possibilities which are in the early stages of discussion
at the moment. It is too early to say what will happen but
another public consultation in the future is possible. We
will all have to wait and see for the time being.
Finally, I wish you all a happy Christmas and look forward
to a peaceful and prosperous 2015!
Eddie Murphy
Dates:
December
2nd Parish Council, Full Council, Village Hall, 7:15pm
4th Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm
9th Parish Council, Highways Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm
10th Women’s Institute, A Medieval Woman’s Christmas, Village College, 7:30pm
11th Parish Council, Finance, Legal and Admin Committee, Village Hall, 7:15pm
13th Parish Church, Ely Consort in Concert, Parish Church, 7:15pm
16th Parish Council, Christmas Carol Concert, Village Green, 6:30pm
18th Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm
January
8th Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm
9th Village Society, Susan Woodall ‘Destitution, disease and disgrace’, Parish Church Hall, 7:45pm
13th Parish Council, Full Council, Village Hall, 7:15pm
14th Women’s Institute, Jimmy’s Night Shelter, Village College 7:30pm
17th 2nd Cottenham Scout Group Annual Jumble Sale, Village College, 2:00 to 4:00pm
18th Sustainable Cottenham/Parish Council, Litter Pick, Village Hall (on the Rec), 10:00am
19th Cottenham Library, History advice and computer use sessions, Cottenham Library, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
20th Parish Council, Facilities Committee, Village Hall, 7:15pm
22nd Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Hall, 7:30pm
ARTICLES, DATES AND ADVERTISEMENTS
E–mail, CD, memory stick and paper submissions are all welcome. Please contact the Editor if you have any
questions. Dates of events to be advertised in the next issue should span the months of February and March.
Small ads:
MILLIONHAIRS mobile hairdressing. For an appointment
in your own home call MICHELLE on 01954 201136 or
07788480239. 10% discount will be given to senior citizens
on Monday and Tuesday. 10% discount will be given to all
children eight years old and under. No travelling, no parking,
no waiting. All in the comfort of your own home.
.........
Experienced Electrician Part P registered, local,
reliable, over 20 years experience. Design, installation,
inspection & testing work carried out, no job too small.
10% discount for senior citizens. Call Peter for a free, no
obligation quote on 01954 775003 / 07796 260735.
.........
Peat’s Garden Services lawn and hedge cutting,
pruning, planting, rotovating, turfing, weekly and monthly visits,
all garden work undertaken. All garden waste removed. For a free
estimate call Pete Bullen 01954 250771 or 07749 863047.
.........
In need of a baby sitter? I am a responsible, reliable
and capable 16-year-old with childcare experience. Available
most weekends and holidays, and weekdays after 5:00pm.
Contact Caitlin on 01954 251700. E-mail: murphycaitlin5@
googlemail.com
.........
CAMBRIDGE MOBILE CHIROPODY Henry Tullie. Home
visiting chiropodist/podiatrist. Professional footcare in the
comfort of your own home. For toenail cutting, hard skin/
callus/corn removal. (Degree qualified. HCPC Registered)
01223 277834 or 07906 625088. Email henrytullie@gmail.
com visit www.cambridgechiropodist.co.uk
.........
Issue Number 144 • page 2
FURNITURE POLISHING AND REPAIR Polishing and
restoration of antique (and not so antique) furniture by a local
Cottenham restorer. Rob Ellis, Tel: 01954 250153.
.........
Improving Business Website Performance
Is your business website attracting enough visitors and
enquiries? If not, have a chat with me, Neil Ford. Take a look
at what I do at www.ely-website-seo.co.uk
.........
TOAT – “Tom of all Trades” Tom Wykes Handyman. No job
is too big or too small – garden/house clearance, shelving,
plumbing and so on – call Tom for a quote on 01954
250324, 07762 559259.
.........
Fresh Grimsby Fish Fresh and smoked fish, shellfish
in Cottenham every Thursday morning. Est. since 1989. Call
Ray on 07702 830308 to arrange a call to your office or
home. No order too small.
.........
Heaven Scent Beauty Treatments available in
Cottenham, including Sports Massage, Swedish massage,
Facials, Electrolysis, Waxing, Manicure, Pedicure, lash ‘n’
brown tint. Contact Helene Gautrey (Btec Nat Diploma in
Beauty Therapy and VTCT Diploma in Sports Massage) on
01954 200130 or 07925 169697 or email: heavenscent30@
ymail.com for a price list or an appointment. Website: www.
heavenscentuk.com
.........
Cottenham Grill Kebab Van. Burgers, kebabs,
chicken, chips. Telephone orders welcome: 07448 890633.
Find us at the Recreation Ground (Rec), Lamb’s Lane,
Cottenham.
.........
2-bedroom bungalow to let for age 55 and over.
Moore’s Court, Off Broad Lane, Cottenham. For details ring
01268 562137 or 07899 745735 or 07810 331152.
.........
C Hilsden Decorating Services all aspects of
painting and decorating, tiling and home maintenance carried
out to the highest standard. Free estimates and excellent
rates. Carl Hilsden – Tel: 07590 517882
www.hilsdendecorating.com
.........
House/pet sitter, fully insured and CRB checked. Tailormade service having your pets looked after in their own home
with anything from daily visits to living in, assuring security.
This is a reliable/discreet/confidential business with visits in
an unmarked vehicle. Excellent references. Email: ginnyr38@
gmail.com. Tel: 01223 232792 or 07980 042601.
.........
T.G. Plastering and Building Services
Plastering, rendering, removal of artex, hard landscaping,
exterior decorating. All aspects of building work – no job
too small. Please Telephone 01638 482174, Mobile
07765 411662. Email: tgbuildingservices@hotmail.co.uk
References available. Regular customers in Cottenham.
.........
Cambridge Spray Tanning by Simone I am a
fully qualified and insured spray tanning therapist. I am
fully mobile so I come to you in the comfort of your own
home, daytime, evenings and weekends. I also cater for
spray tanning parties. 10% off your first full body spray tan.
www.spraytanningcambridge.co.uk 07791 202852.
.........
Experienced tutor available in maths/
physics from KS3 up to GCSE Successful career
(Hedge funds) and tutoring students to achieve excellence.
Student’s prime need drives my teaching mode – focusing
on challenging topics, preparing for exams. Qualifications:
Physics degree (first class honours), Masters from Imperial
College London and PhD. Contact: 07786 059693,
asmachaud@hotmail.com
.........
Qualified beauty therapist who visits Cottenham
regularly. I do women’s and teenagers’ pamper parties and
also gift vouchers. Contact me on rosie_b@hotmail.co.uk,
07780636242 or visit my facebook page https://www.
facebook.com/rosiesbeautyspotcom/info?ref=page_internal.
Ladies who would be interested in getting a few friends
together in the daytime or evenings I can come and do neck
and shoulder massages for £15.
.........
For Professional Gas, Plumbing and Heating
services, call Wayne at Gas Monster on 07734 356741
www.gasmonster.co.uk. Cottenham based, fully qualified,
Gas Safe registered and insured.
.........
Large pop-up gazebo (4.5mtr x 3mtr) for sale. Fully
waterproof, in white complete with four side panels. Only
used once. Now having a veranda built. £100 Mick Saul
01954 251495.
.........
JUST KARATE lessons at Impington Sports Centre, Ely
Paradise Centre and Meadows Centre Cambridge. Adults
and children welcome. Latest class timetable online. For
FREE TASTER SESSION book online using voucher code
CN14. www.justkarate.co.uk, info@justkarate.co.uk, 07714
201555.
.........
Sarah Jane Hairdressing would like to wish all our
customers a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
We would like to thank them for all their support and custom
through a very quick 2014 and hope to see them all in the
New Year. Thank you again. With love and best wishes from
Sarah, Debbie, Christine, Michala and Angela.
.........
Local Housekeeper wanted to support a busy
working family and dog in Cottenham. 10–12 hours per week
(time negotiable). Light domestic duties to include cleaning,
ironing, but also available to walk dog (labradoodle). £8
to £10 per hour depending on experience. For details call
07703 659 995.
.........
Whirl and Twirl round dance club Come and
join us and learn to Cha Cha (choreographed ballroom)
on Wednesday Evenings starting 14th January 7:00pm to
9:00pm at Cottenham Community Centre. £3 per person per
session. We train two left feet! Everyone welcome.
.........
LEARN TO MEDITATE AND BE MINDFUL Weekly
drop-in sessions – Mondays (term-time only) at The Barn,
184 High Street, Cottenham – 1:30pm-2:30pm. £6.50/
per session. Email dee.loakes@tesco.net or ring (07901
774660) Meditation Teacher/Reiki Master.
.........
Why not advertise in the Newsletter! Items for sale,
announcement of family events, local products and/
or services...
5p per word, with all proceeds going to charity. Send
advertisements and payment to the editor.
Cheques should
Newsletter’.
be
made
out
to
‘Cottenham
Issue Number 144 • page 3
Remembrance
We were blessed with yet another glorious day for the
Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial this year.
2014, or course, is a special year marking the centenary of
the First World War and huge numbers of people gathered
around the War Memorial to pay their respects. The War
Memorial itself has had the railings restored which had
been removed in the Second World War so that the metal
could be used to help the war effort.
As usual, it was great to see so many young people of the
Scout and Guide movements taking part in a memorable
village event. Particular mention needs to be made of
the Standard Bearers who concentrated well and were a
credit to their groups.
Particular thanks go this year to members of the Caledonian
Pipe Band for giving up their time to lead the parade in
such a spectacular fashion. What a treat! Thanks also go
to Cottenham Brass who once again played for us in their
usual professional manner.
The service was led by the Rev Kylie Hodgins, Priest in
Charge at both Cottenham and Rampton churches.
Tony Cooke and his team of marshals dealt with all the
road signs, barriers and the whole operation of the road
closure, without which we would not have had such
a memorable service, and Carol Barrios and her team
organised the area around the War Memorial.
Thanks also go to The Chequers. This year they made
sure there were no cars parked in the car park – what a
difference that made! Again, they let us use their electrical
supply and provided tea and coffee after the service with
Issue Number 144 • page 4
the proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal. The excellent
PA system was again supplied by the Summerfields.
A report of the Cottenham and Rampton Poppy Appeal
will be in the next Newsletter.
Ann Scott
Geoff Scott
The family of Geoff Scott sincerely thank all who
attended his cremation service on 22nd October.
They were overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the
large number who attended, and who made it possible
to celebrate Geoff’s life in fine style. A very generous
£650 was raised for the Architects Benevolent Society
– if desired, donations can still be made through funeral
director R J Pepper.
Holly Walk
The traditional Boxing Day Holly Walk takes place as usual
on Friday December 26th. It is a leisurely walk of three
and a half to four miles open to all, with children and dogs
(under control!) welcome. We meet at 10.30am at the
junction of Cottenham High Street and Broad Lane. Hope
to see you there!
Volunteer
opportunities
Would you like to be involved with Cottenham Community
Centre, the amazing venture in the heart (opposite the
Co-op) of Cottenham, and maybe learn extra skills and
make new friends at the same time? If you think you could,
in conjunction with the CCC managers and appointed
trustee, deal with any of the following items please contact
Mike Smith (smithmichaelstanley@hotmail.com or 01954
251915).
Halls hire
Seek, take and record bookings on e-calendar, mainly by
phone and e-mail and respond promptly, throughout the
week. Show prospective hirers around the Centre and
show them how things work. Arrange access.
Heating
Understand the heating systems and controls and the
three zones for gas-fired central heating. Set time switches
for gas boiler heating appropriately.
Caretaking etc
Monitor the outside of the building for security, cleanliness
etc. and correct or report to manager. Litter pick and
occasionally sweep up stones and leaves, remove snow
etc. Keep the storerooms and noticeboards tidy and reorganise as needed. Make (or arrange for) minor repairs to
chairs, highchairs, tables, doors etc.
Events planning
Suggest ideas and plan for 12 months of events with
trustees, and monitor and report list of events to trustees.
Assist with advertising and running of some.
Publicity
Draft a CCC newsletter to keep members informed every
2 months and then issue by email and personal delivery.
Use twitter to advertise CCC events. Prepare publicity
detail. Assist trustees/managers with seeking volunteers
for coffee shop.
Artwork arrangements
Seek and liaise with artists with a view to hanging their
work in the coffee shop.
CCC is a registered charity
http://www.cottenhamcc.org/
Litter Pick
When? Where?
Afterwards?
10:00am Sunday 18th January 2015
Meet at the Village Hall
(at the Recreation Ground)
Tea/coffee/squash and cake back at
the Village Hall from 12 noon
This regular event is organised by Sustainable Cottenham
and Cottenham Parish Council. Equipment will be provided
but wear suitable clothing for weather – we will still go
ahead even if it rains (although probably not if it snows as
we won’t be able to see the litter!).
Contact details: Christine Ward on 01954 251813 or the
Parish Clerk on 07503 328401.
Or email sustainablecottenham@gmail.com
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Involvement is at participants’ risk.
Issue Number 144 • page 5
Day Centre
Ballet Pointes
The Cottenham Day Centre is open to elderly people
residing in Cottenham and surrounding villages, or upon
referral from Social Services, local doctors and churches,
and those who are deemed to be in need of, and benefit
from, the Day Centre’s facilities.
Our ballet test session in October was very successful
with all candidates passing and many of the senior dancers
gaining Distinctions.
The Centre opens one day a week on a Tuesday and
provides a hot meal – a lifeline to many – and refreshments.
Members get to meet other people socially – for some
members it is their only opportunity. We provide transport
by minibus for those members in need.
But we have a problem. The Centre is run entirely by
volunteers, and recently not only have our volunteer
numbers dwindled, but we have not been successful in
recruiting new volunteers to replace them. The situation is
now urgent – this invaluable service for our local elderly is
under threat.
The requirement for volunteers is that they live locally (the
meal preparation starts on a Tuesday at 08:30 and the
day finishes at 14:30), the commitment is only one day a
week, and the work is highly rewarding. Help is needed
in meal preparation, serving, and clearing up/washing up
afterwards. We are hoping to get an industrial dishwasher
which will help enormously!
We are appealing to the good people of Cottenham to
help us maintain this service for our elderly residents. It
has been running since 1985 and it would be very sad
indeed if it couldn’t continue.
If you can give some time (not necessarily the whole day,
or every week) we would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact: Anna Hamilton, Secretary on ah49@waitrose.
com or on 01954 252977
Or Maire Collins, Chair, on mairecollins99@yahoo.co.uk
or on 01954 200873
Looking ahead to 2015, our contemporary group who
meet on Saturdays will be performing in Energise, a dance
showcase at Swavesey Village College in February, and
we will soon be starting to work on our annual performance
which will be on Saturday May 9th at Swavesey Village
College, make a note of the date!
We have spaces available for older pre-school children
(age 4) and reception (age 5) in our 3:45pm–4:15pm
class on Wednesdays – the older age groups have a few
places too. We offer a gentle introduction to ballet in a
structured class where children learn the basics of ballet
technique that they can build on as they grow: posture,
rhythm, creativity, musicality taught following the Russian
system of Agrippina Vaganova. April Martin the teacher
was trained in this system used by many of the best ballet
schools worldwide. We offer quality ballet training for
your child without the need to travel into Cambridge at
reasonable prices – what’s not to like? Please contact
April to find out more or if you have any questions.
Other dance-related news:
Street dance on Fridays at the community room in Histon
with Jack Stinton of Jack Stinton Dance Company. Age
5–7 3:45pm–4:30pm, age 7–11 4.30pm–5.30pm.
Pay by the session. If you are interested contact Jack:
jackstintondance@gmail.com or April: tutusrus@ntlworld.
com. Jack has full DBS check.
And starting in January, Topsy-Turvy Yoga a new class
for parents and toddlers – to register your interest
topsyturvyyogacambridge@gmail.com. Tutors have full
DBS check.
Interested in your child learning ballet but busy on
Wednesdays? April has classes in Girton, Histon and
Over, which are all easy to get to with free parking. Ask
April for more information.
tutusrus@ntlworld.com or 01954 200533
Issue Number 144 • page 6
Bird Report
Recently, I visited a local Art Gallery, and, somewhat to
my surprise, we were encouraged not only to wander
around looking at things, but to sit down and look at
things more carefully.
It occurred to me that this could equally apply to bird
watching. We can see plenty of birds when going for a
walk, but it is sometimes just as rewarding to sit at home
and watch the birds in the garden. With colder weather
just around the corner, this is worth thinking about. So
fill up your bird feeders, provide some water, and enjoy
your visitors.
Providing food for birds is not as easy as it used to be.
Gone are the days, when the only bird food was peanuts
and scraps from the table. Nowadays bird food is big
business and the choice is wide. It may be worthwhile
trying out different types and seeing which is the most
popular. Lately I have discovered that fat balls, usually
the preferred food of starlings, have been taken over by
sparrows, and I have no idea why!
This time of year is change-over time. The summer birds
have all migrated and the winter birds are due any time. As
I write this in mid-October there is no sign yet of redwings
and fieldfares, our most common winter visitors. This is
no surprise, as the weather has been so mild, but I look
forward to their arrival. I also hope that some waxwings
may also appear, but they are less common.
And what about local bird news? A green sandpiper was
seen recently in a wet patch of a field in Broad Lane. A
coal tit visited a garden in Cottenham Park and I have seen
several jays close to the village. I feel that coal tits ought
to be more common than they are, but they are small and
restless, so might easily be overlooked.
We had a surprise visit from a sparrowhawk in our garden.
It landed rather awkwardly on the greenhouse, and all the
garden birds scattered immediately. On another occasion,
a flock of long-tailed tits spent some time with us, but have
not been seen since.
In spite of the building work in progress, Long Drove
continues to be a good place for birds, although the lakes
are in poor condition at the moment. On a recent walk along
Long Drove I saw goldfinches, pied wagtails, chaffinches,
various gulls, a green woodpecker, a buzzard and a tawny
owl. What I did not see were redwings, fieldfares, mistle
thrushes and lapwings. Perhaps it is still too early.
A month or two ago, I wrote about corncrakes, which years
ago used to be in this area, and which are now found only
in North West Scotland and on the islands. However, I
now learn that they are being re-introduced to this area in
a location near Peterborough.
Sometimes we come across birds which do not really
count as wild birds. I am always amused by the guinea
fowl on Long Drove, and today I saw a flock of white
doves, sunning themselves on our church tower.
Here is a small challenge for the winter months. Can you
really tell the difference between:
a house sparrow and a dunnock?
a blue tit and a great tit?
a collared dove and a wood pigeon?
a song thrush and a mistle thrush?
a male and a female blackbird?
a rook, a crow and a jackdaw?
Enjoy the birds this winter.
Jasper Kay,
October 2014
Issue Number 144 • page 7
Community Centre
For those who are not aware, the Cottenham Community
Centre is an exciting and successful place: a vibrant
coffee shop, meeting place and events venue, serving
excellent coffee and the freshest homemade cakes. It
really is worth a visit.
We are a charity and our charitable objectives are to create a
meeting place for everyone by providing facilities for leisure,
recreation, education and welfare. The trustees spend
considerable time trying to keep the business on an even
footing and thinking up new ideas. They are all volunteers
and their time commitment is substantial. However, the
coffee shop volunteers (some of whom are also trustees)
are the real force behind the venture’s success.
free, such as our meeting to raise awareness of prostate
cancer and the Type 2 diabetes information evening.
However all events have a cost even if it is just wear &
tear, light and heat.
Taking all these things into consideration, we just about
break even, as we should do. Any surplus must be put
back into the Community Centre and its activities.
With this in mind we would like to hear from anyone who
has an inspiring idea for a community event for 2015 either
as a suggestion to the trustees or, even better, would like
to run a community event for the centre. We are flexible in
our approach and can devise all sorts of arrangements to
suit the particular suggestion.
Income is generated by the coffee shop, room hire and events,
membership and grant funding. A number of those visiting
the coffee shop, hiring a room or attending our events, such
as the Cinema club, have asked where the income goes.
We also need volunteers for the coffee shop. It is a great
way to help the community and meet new people. Your help
will be welcomed and it can be flexible to suit your needs.
Call in to the coffee shop to ask for more information.
The cost of keeping the building smart, safe and watertight is
surprisingly large. We aim to constantly improve the facilities:
for example, our most recent purchase has been audio visual
equipment for meetings and the cinema. This was largely
funded through a generous donation but it is likely that it will
need to be replaced within 10 years, so we need to prepare
for this. Most of the kitchen equipment has to be replaced far
more often and there is a never-ending number of structural
and safety items to deal with. Also, we need to redecorate
– this year, large areas were repainted and the back hall
floor sanded and varnished. While the trustees did the work,
equipment was hired and paint purchased.
Any suggestions to: Simon Ward simon.ward@increment.
co.uk 01954 251813
In addition, we do not charge for all we provide: we have
a policy of making events connected to health & wellbeing
Library
Cottenham Library is looking for Self-Service and Library
Access Support volunteers. If you can help by giving a few
hours per week and can commit to a minimum period of six
months to support our library staff we would be delighted
to hear from you.
The main tasks include helping with library stock,
processing donations, shelving books and tidying shelves.
Also, you could help customers use the self-service
equipment, photocopier, log on to a computer, place a
request and access the catalogue.
In this varied role, you can also support events in the
library and sometimes help to facilitate the use of the
library outside of opening hours for community use. Other
tasks can include assisting in management of magazine
donations and helping us to promote our eBooks,
eAudiobooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines services.
For more information please contact Elaine Mountfort,
Area Volunteer Coordinator:
Email: elaine.mountfort@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Mobile phone number: 07917557984, Answer phone
number: 01223 706352
Issue Number 144 • page 8
Under ONEs group
This group runs every week (except Bank Holidays), and
we welcome all parents and carers of babies 0–12 months
old. If you are a first-time parent, experienced parent, or
grandparent we’d love to see you. Pop in for some or all of
the session for a cuppa and make new friends while your
babies play and make new friends too! Gatherings are every
Monday 1:00pm–3:00pm at Cottenham Baptist Church.
Contact: Paula on 01954 251066 or The Village Children’s
Centre on 01223 712075.
Free Christmas
Vouchers
A Travelling
Girl’s
Exhibition
There is a photographic exhibition at Cottenham Library
until the end of the year. On show are some interesting
images taken during the summer by a Traveller family from
Smithy Fen. The photographs are narrated by a young
Cottenham girl. She is part of a literacy project that is
being run by Oblique Arts. Everyone from the village is
invited to view the work and leave any comments. More information is available at www.facebook.com/
obliquearts and from the library staff.
Free Christmas vouchers have been given by Cottenham
charities for many years to help those individuals or families on
low income to meet the cost of Christmas. Both Cottenham
United Charity and the Fitzwilliam Charity provide funds for
the scheme. Residents in the Parish in receipt of Income
Support, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support
Allowance or Pension Credit are eligible but we are not able
to consider those receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Christmas voucher application forms will be available
from Monday 24th November from Cottenham Post
Office, or online at www.cottenhamcharities.co.uk, and
must be returned by Wednesday 10th December. Proof
of eligibility may be required and only one application per
household will be accepted.
Issue Number 144 • page 9
Promotion for our Cricketers
Cottenham Cricket Club had a major boost at the end of
August when their 1st XI gained promotion to CCA Senior
League Division 1. The team had a couple of seasons
at this level in 2003 and 2004 before dropping down to
Senior 2 but we are now back playing at the highest level
the club has ever attained in all of its 162 year history. All
the players deserve huge congratulations for this excellent
achievement. We all realise that a tough season lies ahead
in 2015 but everyone is looking forward to the challenge.
Our 2nd XI had a difficult summer, having to wait until early
July for a victory, but we then went on to win four of our
last six matches to ensure we retained our League status
so that was a great effort.
In addition to this, our Cambridge News 20/20 Walker
Cup team reached Finals Day at Clare College for the
second year in succession. Yet again we were unable
to reach the final but it was great to be a part of this
showpiece occasion and we will be trying hard to make it
third time lucky in 2015!
And we mustn’t forget our juniors who competed really
well under Jake Raven’s stewardship with our U-15 side
finishing joint top of their League. A full report of the
Club’s 2014 season can be found in the News section of
our website – www.cottenham.play-cricket.com – as it is
rather too long for the Newsletter.
Promotion for the first team will inevitably increase the
financial pressure on the club – for example we will now
need, amongst other things, to pay for an official umpire
Issue Number 144 • page 10
every week – and so we are fervently hoping that our
success will attract more sponsorship from businesses
in the village. We already have some wonderfully loyal
sponsors to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks, and
without whom we simply couldn’t cope, but we would also
ask anyone else who might be interested in supporting local
cricket to get in touch with us please (contacts below).
We also realise that we will probably need to strengthen
our player-base a bit in order to ensure we can compete
effectively at both 1st and 2nd XI levels. Consequently,
we would again ask any cricketers in the village who
are not currently club members seriously to consider
joining us. We really do need the support of all cricketers
in Cottenham and its immediate vicinity. We have
substantially raised the profile of Cottenham cricket in
the last 15 years or so and are very proud of what we
have achieved – Cambridgeshire cricket knows about us
now! – but we really do need the help of all cricketers and
cricket fans in the village to enable us to push on and keep
the Club moving forward for the benefit of both our current
and future generations.
Club Contacts: Mark Evans (Chairman) 01954 250086;
Dave Partridge (Vice-Chairman) 01954 203210; Hardus
du Toit (Secretary) 01954 200390; Jake Raven (Junior
Teams Coordinator) 01954 250388
Dave Partridge
Vision Plan Survey – Result
We asked what you wanted… (still time to reply!)
This summer, the Parish Council (CPC) has been looking
into which new facilities could be made available in future
for Cottenham residents. It set up a Vision Plan survey
to obtain feedback to some initial suggestions and to ask
for additional ideas. The survey was carried out at the
Vision Plan Festival in June and was included in the July/
August issue of the Cottenham Newsletter. Additional
paper copies and return boxes were available in the Post
Office, Library and Community Coffee Shop and it can be
accessed online on the Parish Council website.
Many thanks to the 230 individuals who have completed
the survey so far and in many cases have provided useful
additional suggestions and comments. Unfortunately,
given the size of the village, this response rate (less than
10% of households) is disappointing but still gives some
useful guidance about which facilities would be most
popular with residents.
WE HOPE THAT MORE RESIDENTS WILL COMPLETE
THE SURVEY AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE.
The summary below indicates which facilities have attracted
most support amongst residents so far. Remember, this
is a wish-list – many are not within CPC’s remit, but this
knowledge will help inform and direct their efforts in refining
the Vision Plan and their lobbying of the district and county
councils. If you would like to help make these aspirations a
reality, please contact the Parish Clerk, Jo Brook on 07503
328401 or clerk@cottenhampc.org.uk
Main results so far
There are 4 facilities desired by over half of those sampled
so far:
• Swimming pool (70%)
• Links to other villages via cycle paths and
footpaths (69%)
• Circular walk/nature trail in wood/countryside
(2 miles)(59%)
• Marked out walking routes of 1 mile/3 miles/5 miles
(57%)
Another three were chosen by just under half:
• Trail for bike learners/cycling proficiency circuit (48%)
• Pond and wildlife area (48%)
• New/refurbished village hall (45%)
Following that there was a tail of other facilities, some with
relatively niche appeal:
• Health/medical centre (42%)
• Dog-walking circular path (42%)
• Hard courts for tennis/basketball/netball (42%)
• Trim trail/jogging track (1 – 2 miles) (41%)
• Wet play area for children (39%)
• Climbing wall (outdoor) (38%)
• Wider range of shops/retail outlets (37%)
• Disabled path through woodland (37%)
• Community orchard/garden (36% and 34%)
• Sensory garden for those with limited sight/hearing
(34%)
• Rugby pitches (33%)
• (less than 33%) Grass running track; Games ‘club’
(chess/dominoes/whist/bridge
etc);
Bird-watching
facilities (hide etc); Additional accommodation for
businesses and start-ups; Outdoor space for kite-flying,
model aircraft etc; Mini/soft tennis
Only 2% felt that Cottenham had enough facilities. This
survey is likely to under-represent this group, despite the
Parish Council’s best efforts to get people to complete
it. If you feel that Cottenham does not need any more
facilities, please take the survey and say so.
It is also useful to see how preferences differ between
demographic groups. Several of the suggestions were
particularly popular with <20 year olds, but at the time of
writing there are only 16 of this age group in the sample.
If the Parish Council were to act on these suggestions
with the intention of providing something that ‘teenagers’
would use they would need a larger sub-sample of under
20-year-olds before investing money and effort.
CALLING COTTENHAM’S TEENAGERS (AND ALL
RESIDENTS!) – PLEASE COMPLETE SURVEY ONLINE
www.cottenhampc.org.uk/vision-plan-questionnaire.
The Parish Council hopes to look at the feasibility of the
top four choices early in 2015. So if you would like to join
the team aiming to bring these ideas to life, please contact
the Parish Clerk as soon as possible.
Christine Ward
Issue Number 144 • page 11
Parish Council
Christmas
The annual Carol Concert will be held on the village
Green on Tuesday 16th December at 6:30pm. As usual,
Cottenham Brass Band will be providing the music and
we’ll have mulled wine and mince pies along with a visit
from Father Christmas. We’re hoping to have a few extra
attractions on the night – look out for details around the
village. Furthermore, we are looking for additional sponsors
for our Christmas festivities so if you’d like to help please
contact us.
Changing Rooms
The tender documents were opened on 31st October.
At our meeting on 4th November it was agreed to take
the next steps to negotiate and place contracts to build
the changing rooms. We need to be sure that all our
grant funding is still available and finalise details with
two preferred contractors. If successful, and the winter
weather is not too bad, the new changing rooms should
be operational by next summer. Further details about the
project can be found on our website.
Budget/Precept 2015/16
At the time of writing we are starting our budgeting process
for the next financial year. The precept will be set at our
meeting on Tuesday 13th January 2015 at 7:15pm in the
Village Hall. As usual residents are welcome to attend
the meeting. Reports will be published on our website in
advance of the meeting and we will advertise details as
much as possible on our noticeboards and via Facebook.
Roads
Harlestones Road – we have now been informed by
County Highways that the road is unsuitable for surface
dressing. We are still waiting to hear what alternative
solution would be appropriate.
Denmark Road – following the flooding in August there is
on-going work to fix a problem with a drainage pipe which
connects to Brenda Gautrey Way. We are constantly
pressing County Highways on this matter. Taylor Wimpey
has been ordered to clear the ditch on Brenda Gautrey
Way to free up drainage from that end of the pipe. This is
a far bigger project than they anticipated and at the time
of writing we are waiting to see when the work will be
carried out.
Histon Road cycle path –We will continue to monitor the
cleaning of the pathway and road near Cottenham Skips
and would be grateful if you could report any problems
you experience to us. There are still ongoing problems
too following the resurfacing work and we are pressing
County for action.
Our bid for a County Council Local Highways Improvement
grant (of up to £10k) has been submitted and we presented
to the Council in October. If successful the project would
be instigated in 2015/16.
Pelham Grange, Beach Road (official road name yet to
be advised) – as part of the S106 agreement for the
development the 30mph sign on Beach Road will be
moved further towards Landbeach and at least one
additional road crossing created. Exact project details are
still in discussion with the County Council.
Over the past couple of years we’ve kept a note of all
the Highways problems that we’ve reported and it is
perhaps rather disappointing to note that some of the
more minor items i.e. repainting of white/yellow lines on
Rampton Road/Lambs Lane junction still haven’t been
done some 18 months after they’ve been reported (this is
our most extreme case). We are working with our County
Councillors to get the matters addressed. A full list as at
October is available on our website as part of the Traffic
Committee agenda pack.
Cottenham Feast
Many thanks to everyone who came along to see us on
our stall. Plans were on display for the new skatepark
and changing rooms as well as details of traffic projects
and the Vision Plan results. We were overwhelmed by
the interest shown by residents and took away a lot of
useful feedback. Well done to the organisers for another
fantastic event.
Bike to Work
For those who don’t already know we’ve got a little bit
greener! Via the Government’s Bike to Work Scheme, a
bike has been purchased for the Clerk. The cost of the
bike is recouped via salary sacrifice so it doesn’t cost the
Parish anything and will actually save a bit of money.
Facebook
For the latest news and information please see our Facebook
page www.facebook.com/cottenhamparishcouncil.
Office Opening Hours
The Parish Office is open every Monday between
9:45am–12 noon. Appointments are available outside
of these hours by emailing or phoning – details below.
NB: Clerk’s usual working hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm
Monday–Friday. Please note that office will be closed
between Christmas and New Year.
Jo Brook, Parish Clerk
clerk@cottenhampc.org.uk
07503 328401
Issue Number 144 • page 12
Bring out your WEEE!
The Parish Council and Sustainable Cottenham have
arranged for a kerbside collection of waste electric and
electronic equipment (WEEE) on Tuesday 6th January
2015.
Agency and operate to international standards; ISO 9001
(Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental) and OHSAS 18001
(Health & Safety), ensuring a professional recycling and
recovery service.
WISER Recycling, a local recycling company based in
St Ives, will be conducting the collection. As well as decluttering your house the collection will reduce the amount
of waste going to landfill and generate some funds for
community projects within Cottenham. If it is successful it
is hoped they will become regular events.
Please look out for more details nearer the date. WISER
have worked with over 30 Parish Councils and have
collected over 125 tonnes of WEEE Waste from the local
area. Willingham is ‘top of the Leader Board’ with 9,138kg
on the first collection and just under 6 tonnes in the most
recent collection. In the meantime, if you’d like to find out
more about WISER’s services, please visit their website:
www.wisergroup.co.uk.
Electrical items will be collected in the morning by WISER
vehicles. They will collect any electrical item (including
non-working) from hairdryers, videos, microwaves, to
televisions and fridge/freezers – basically, anything with a
plug on. WISER Recycling will collect from right outside
your house. All items will be taken to their fully licensed
treatment facility in St Ives for Reuse, Refurbishment or
Recycling.
PLEASE PLACE YOUR ITEMS ‘KERBSIDE’ BY 10:00
– IF POSSIBLE, AVOID PLACING OUTSIDE THE
EVENING BEFORE. If you are unable to move your larger
items outside, please contact WISER on 01480 464111
– and their operatives will attend your property to assist.
WISER has partnerships with many local and regional
charities including Emmaus, Lighthouse, i-Trust and EcoComputer Systems through which it sells working items
back to social groups and low income families. They
are fully permitted and authorised by the Environment
Parish Council and Sustainable Cottenham
CANG!
Are you interested in art in any form and in developing your
practice? Would you like to join a friendly and encouraging
local group of similarly minded people? Cottenham Arts
Networking Group was started in December 2012. We
are a group of eight artists and budding artists who meet
together once a fortnight to network and discuss our work
and several of us exhibit. We support and encourage each
other, the focus always being on developing our art. We are
open to two or three new members to expand our network.
Please get in touch if you think you might like to join us.
Contact me on janemorwood@hotmail.co.uk or 01954
201347.
Issue Number 144 • page 13
District Councillors’ Report
It betrays my age, of course, but the death of Sid Vicious
was for me a JFK moment: I can still remember precisely
what I was doing at the time. Not that I was ever much of
a punk, at least not consciously. So, with uncomfortable
memories stirred of the late Seventies, I found it reassuring
and heartening to learn that Johnny Rotten had been telling
people that if they wanted to make the world a better
place they should start by getting active in their town halls.
Appreciation of the role of local government from such
an unlikely quarter undoubtedly helps make it all seem
worthwhile. More to the point, our quality of life is enriched
by a high standard of public services and facilities, and the
more we all participate in supporting them the better our
health and wellbeing in the long term.
I know I will upset many people by saying that autumn is
my least favourite season. Mists and mellow fruitfulness
are greatly overshadowed for me by dampness, darkness
and decay. Harvest is of course a time for celebration –
and in my opinion it certainly has the best hymns. Sadly
some of us have been upset by mud on the roads and
large vehicle movements at unsocial hours. But let us also
be grateful to those agricultural workers among us who
still work long hard hours to supply us with plentiful and
abundant home-grown food.
Pursuing the horticultural theme, hearty congratulations
to Stevens Close which (again!) won the award for best
sheltered scheme communal garden. Elsewhere, much
pleasure has been expressed about the mini wildflower
meadow at Coolidge Gardens. A bench was requested, and
a bench has been provided (with thanks to Andrew Turner
Issue Number 144 • page 14
who cast the concrete base and attached the bench, free of
charge), to enable people to sit and admire it in comfort. A
garden is forever, not just one summer. Even mini wildflower
meadows require maintenance, so if anyone is interested
in helping please contact us (details on back page). Also
we are considering laying out another one but only if this is
something people want and will show support for.
The organisation Helping Britain Blossom plans to create
and restore a hundred community orchards across Britain
by 2017. We have been promoting community orchards
throughout South Cambridgeshire for several years now,
and already Rampton and Oakington have one each. Bear
in mind that seven in ten Britons say they don’t know their
neighbours well and more than half of those questioned
in a recent study said they didn’t take part in community
activities. Elderly people are worst affected by loneliness –
with all that implies for cognitive impairment. Community
orchards offer a productive opportunity for people to
come together informally outdoors and do as much or as
little physical activity as they are comfortable with – as well
as share in the crop!
The strategic partnership that we have formed with
Huntingdonshire to protect and transform services has
received over half a million pounds of government backing
from the Transformation Challenge Fund. We have already
made progress towards our goal of jointly achieving annual
savings of around two million pounds by working together.
Some projects will also involve Cambridge City Council,
and a separate tie-up will coordinate waste collection and
continued on page 15
continued from page 14
recycling services.
You may have noticed slight changes to collection times
since our new refuse freighter rounds started in September.
Just a reminder that green bins are being collected
only once a month in December, January and February.
Also, don’t forget that Christmas refuse collections will
effectively leap a week over the coming festive season. So,
for Cottenham and Rampton, it’s green/blue on 10th, black
on 17th, blue on 24th December, black on 7th January,
green/blue on 14th, black on 21st. We realise this means
a three-week gap between black bin collections over a
period likely to generate more than its fair share of waste,
so we are promising to take away neatly bagged “side
waste” placed next to full black bins the first collection
of the new year. We will be monitoring closely how these
arrangements work in practice and will review next year’s
schedule according to this year’s experience.
A report recently published by Anglia Ruskin University
found that nine out of ten children and young people from
a Gypsy, Traveller or Roma background had suffered
racial abuse and two-thirds said they had been bullied or
attacked. Dr Pauline Lane, one of the authors of the report,
said, “There is an urgent need for the UK to address
discrimination against these communities. At the moment
discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers is the last
bastion of ‘acceptable racism’.”
Remembrance Sunday will have passed by the time
this edition comes out. We mark the occasion modestly
but solemnly around our own, beautifully restored, war
memorial. On Armistice Day itself, the last of 888,246
ceramic poppies will have been “planted” in the moat
around the Tower of London. As the moat filled up it drew
thousands of people not only to admire a spectacular work
of art but also to reflect on the sacrifice of all those British
and Imperial servicemen in the Great War. The sixteen
acre ring resembled a stadium, and the press of people
come to look made this a collective act, and in this respect
it was one of the most effective and affecting pieces of
public art I have ever seen. On top of that, every single
one of the poppies has been sold in aid of half a dozen
charities. ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ has
been an example of striking a perfect balance between
commemoration and thanksgiving.
Tim Wotherspoon
Community
Cinema
The brand new Cottenham Community Cinema has got
off to a great start with two sell-out shows, featuring great
films, great atmosphere, great drinks & snacks and great
conversation between people of all ages. By the time
you are reading this, tickets for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at
7:30pm on 7th December might have also all vanished!
But do get in touch if you’re interested.
And the tickets for our next screening on January 11th will
be available soon: £4 in advance from the Coffee Shop,
online via our ‘Cottenham Community Cinema’ Facebook
page, or e-mail simon.oliver@cantab.net.
Also: look out for details of our new ‘Kids Club Community
Cinema’, coming soon!
Any proceeds from the Community Cinema will go towards
Cottenham Community Centre.
Issue Number 144 • page 15
Defibrillator at
COMMUNITY CENTRE
Coronary heart disease is the largest single cause of
death in the UK. It is estimated that 12,000 people suffer
a cardiac arrest in a public place each year. With this in
mind, an automated external defibrillator (AED) has been
installed in Cottenham Community Centre recently and
the centre staff, volunteers and trustees have now had the
opportunity to be trained in using it.
A defibrillator is a lifesaving machine that delivers an
electric shock to the heart, which, when used promptly in
the case of a sudden cardiac arrest, can restart the heart.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike virtually anyone
– man or woman, young or old – anywhere, anytime and
often without warning.
The scientific evidence to support early defibrillation is
overwhelming; the delay from collapse to delivery of the first
shock is the single most important determinant of survival. If
defibrillation is delivered promptly, survival rates as high as 75%
have been reported. The chances of successful defibrillation
decline at a rate of about 10% with each minute of delay.
The trustees would like the defibrillator to be available
to other people in the village in the event of a medical
emergency. The machine is easy to use and talks you
through the whole procedure.
With this in mind the Community Centre is setting up sessions
of Basic First Aid with Defibrillator training in the New Year at
a very affordable cost. The training will last three hours and will
cost only £20. It could be the best £20 you have ever spent –
Issue Number 144 • page 16
you could save the life of someone, who lives or works in our
village. You will also receive a certificate of attendance.
However, if you wish to gain a full Emergency First Aid
at Work (EFAW) Certificate to become a qualified Basic
First Aider, this further training will also be offered at a cost
of £75 (which includes the defibrillator training). Again,
this would provide you with very useful skills.
Dates for Training:
Sunday 25th January
• 10–1pm Defibrillator & basic first aid training
• 10–1 & 2–5pm Full Emergency First Aid at
Work Certificate
Saturday 7th February:
• 10–1pm Defibrillator & basic first aid training
• 10–1 & 2–5pm Full Emergency First Aid at
Work Certificate
For enquiries and to book a place, email: smbainbridge@
ntlworld.com
It is worth noting that defibrillators are also being made
available by the Football Club at the Rec and by the Village
College so the base of these machines is growing rapidly.
It is also reassuring to know that the team of Community
First Responders operating in Cottenham provide near 24x7
coverage of trained volunteers who also have a defibrillator
and are dispatched by the ambulance service to emergencies
in the village in a time that an ambulance cannot match.
Christmas Services
All Saints’ Parish Church
Sunday 14th Dec
10.30am
Crib Service; come and join us as we build our Christmas Nativity scene.
2.30 - 4.30pm Christmas Tree Festival, with refreshments and a small Christmas market.
Sunday 21st Dec.
3:30pm
Christingle service for all the family
Monday 22nd Dec.
3:00pm
Nativity Service. Those 6 years and under are invited to come dressed as a
character from the Christmas story.
Christmas Eve
5:30pm
11.30pm
Carols by Candlelight
Midnight Communion service
Christmas Day
8:30am
10:30am
Service of Communion from the Book of Common Prayer
Family service, with communion – bring your favourite present with you!
For further information: Rev Kylie Hodgins 01954 250454 or rector@allsaintscottenham.org.uk
Baptist Church
Sunday 14th Dec.
6:00pm
Advent Carol Service for all ages. Followed by mulled wine and mince pies
Sunday 21st December
10.30am
Traditional Christmas Communion (with groups for children and young
people).
Christmas Day
10:30am
Christmas Day Family Celebration
For further information contact Kate Lees on 01954 252378 or minister@cottenhambaptist.org.uk
Salvation Army
Tuesday 9th Dec.
9:30am
Barn Owls Carol Service
Wednesday 10th Dec
9:30am
Barn Lambs Carol Service
Sunday 21st Dec.
10:30am
Carol Service
Christmas Eve
6:00pm
Carols and Candlelight
For further information contact Captain Tori Richardson 01954 252419 or victoria.Richardson@salvationarmy.org.uk
Revcoffee at Cottenham Community Centre
Sunday 21st Dec.
10.30am
The Roost Xmas Brunch…celebrate Christmas a little differently with arts,
craft, videos, challenges and conversation for all the family. Plus a laid-back
chance to enjoy brunch with the Sunday papers and some Italian coffee.
No charge but BOOKING ESSENTIAL: E-mail or phone by Weds 17th
December.
For further information or to book places see www.revcoffee.net or contact Simon Oliver on 07554 20 29 29 or simon.
oliver@cantab.net
Issue Number 144 • page 17
Charities
for happy
Christmas
Letters
to the Editor:
Dear Editor,
Cottenham Charities
The Fitzwilliam Charity
The Salvation Army Twinkle Star Children’s Trust
We are writing to alert Cottenham residents to be wary of
leaving potted plants at the front of their houses. We had
two metal pots and plants stolen about 11pm on Thursday
28 August.
These four charities have one goal – to help elderly and
young residents of Cottenham to have a Happy Christmas.
Steve Whelan
You may remember that last year three Cottenham
charities got together to ensure that individuals or
families on low income were able to enjoy Christmas:
Cottenham Charities and the Fitzwilliam Charity through
their Christmas voucher scheme, and The Salvation Army
through their Christmas toys appeal.
This year Twinkle Star Children’s Trust is joining in so
we are able to extend the support further. Not only will
local children up to the age of 12 benefit from a chosen
Christmas present but we will also be able to provide
a Christmas Hamper to those who might need some
assistance at this time of year.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a little
help this Christmas, please apply through the Cottenham
Charities Christmas voucher scheme (application
forms available at the Post Office or online at www.
cottenhamcharities.co.uk), or contact Tori Richardson at
The Salvation Army on 07709 652101.
Issue Number 144 • page 18
.........
Dear Editor
Every month in the Cottenham Newsletter I read reports
and aspirations as to what Cottenham people want
in terms of leisure facilities provided by their Parish
Council. I believe that until recently the majority of Parish
Council members are largely unelected, and they have
responsibility over a financial annual budget?
From a leisure point of view, a large proportion of this
budget appears to be allocated towards Cottenham
recreation ground.
I would like to know, if possible, the monies to date that the
Parish Council have expended on providing a proposed
new build football pavilion? Having personally been
involved in a professional capacity on a previous scheme,
I believe that to date the council has commissioned a total
of three different schemes? How can the Council justify
such high levels of expenditure on a facility that will appear
to benefit a very small proportion of this village?
Letters continued on page 19
Letters continued from page 18
Likewise, the proposed skateboard park? Again what
proportion of the village use the existing park, and how
can you justify expending a considerable sum of money to
refurbish it?
Cottenham has a population of approximately 6,200 people.
Why do we not have a modern, fit-for-purpose village hall
that would benefit the whole community? Surely this should
be the principal objective of our Parish Council?
Readers will note that my letter contains more questions
than answers. I would like to invite the Parish Council to
provide the missing information; namely expenditure to
date and population data as to the proposed usage of
these proposed new facilities; and why our village hall
(social club) cannot be replaced? From this information, I
and the tax paying public can decide if the Parish Council
is expending our funds satisfactorily.
Yours faithfully
Martyn Leeks
.........
Dear Editor,
Have you noticed these days you take your own life in your
hands when you walk on the footpaths of Cottenham?
A friend and neighbour walking her dog past Cottenham
Village Collage a few weeks ago was knocked down when a
female cyclist, who was riding on the path rode straight at her.
The adult cyclist didn’t stop or even slow down but carried
on riding her bike on the path, leaving my friend on the
ground with multiple bruises, grazed knees and hands,
damaged jeans and a frightened dog. Not a backward
glance! No concern was shown.
Earlier in the week I saw a complete family of Mum, Dad
and three children all cycling on the footpath.
I know of pedestrians being sworn at for not getting out
of the way.
We know roads are dangerous, now so are our footpaths.
Are laws being broken?
The driver was contacted and after looking at the minibus
immediately admitted liability although he hadn’t heard
anything at the time of the accident because the engine
is so noisy.
I am writing this letter because I’ve just heard that there is a
rumour going around on social media that the Day Centre has
not been at all helpful in resolving this issue and that it was
a hit and run, which it was not. It is also being said that the
Cottenham Day Centre has not admitted liability, also untrue.
In fact it was our Insurance Company which did not
respond as it should have done and I had to keep phoning
to get them to deal with the damaged car. I did everything
I could as soon as I knew there was a problem with them.
I would like to remind the people involved in these rumours
that everybody working at the Day Centre do so as
volunteers. Our time is given happily and freely to enable
the elderly people living in this area to enjoy a hot meal and
a day of social interaction.
I think it is extremely irresponsible of individuals on social
media sites to make hurtful comments on hearsay and
unconfirmed gossip, especially about a local charitable
organisation.
Maire Collins
Chair: Cottenham Day Centre
.........
Dear Editor,
As a resident of the Birds estate in the village, I am
becoming disheartened with the annual ‘migration’ (excuse
the pun) to the Birds estate on Halloween. Generally, I
partake in the festivities purchasing a plentiful supply of
sweets, leaving on my lights with a pumpkin outside the
door which seems to be the general courtesy for trick
or treating. However, groups of trick or treaters are now
‘flocking’ to the estate who live across the other side of
the village, even children being dropped off by the car
load and from outside villages too. Whilst I would like to
continue with the general ‘spirit’ of Halloween, myself (and
others) feel the courtesy should also extend to your own
neighbourhood and estates.
Adults should dismount and children should be instructed
in cycling on a footpath.
Name and address supplied.
How long before this menace is stopped?
Letters for publication may be sent to the Editor, and
should include the name and address of the sender,
although this may be omitted from publication if requested.
Please keep correspondence short and topical. Please
note that the Editor may use his discretion regarding
publication, and his decision is final. The views expressed
by correspondents and other contributors are their own
and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.
A pedestrian.
Name provided
.........
Dear Editor,
In September, the minibus belonging to Cottenham Day
Centre was involved in an accident in Lambs Lane and
I was contacted by the lady concerned who was quite
rightly annoyed. She, I believe, was not in the vehicle at
the time but there were witnesses to the accident.
Deadline:
FOR NEXT ISSUE
25th DECEMBER
Issue Number 144 • page 19
Contacts:
Parish Council Jo Brook, Clerk
clerk@cottenhampc.org.uk
Police General Switchboard Doctors
101
Dr. T Blumenfeld, 188 High Street
Dr. M. Grande, 42 Telegraph Street
250079
251180
Urgent Care Cambridge
(formerly Camdoc) District Nurse Team
Cottenham CareCar
0330 123 9131
01223 726469
Co–ordinator, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Gerry Brett
251929
Cottenham Community Centre
202109
Cottenham Charities250387
Cottenham Day Centre200873
Cottenham Gardeners Club
250119
Cottenham Toy Library Christina Koester 270334
Cottenham WI Mrs Margaret Jeeps
250841
Dentist Wiese and Associates, 40 Margett Street 251696
Chemist 222 High Street 250556
Chiropractor
www.inspiredchiropractic.com
01223 864444
Counsellor & Therapist Ruth Barnett,
ruth@counselling-cambs.co.uk
Osteopath
202556, 07961 644006
Physic, reception@physic.co.uk
01223 237459
Physiotherapist Tiffany de la Cour 07879 642697
Samaritans Cambridge Centre 01223 364455
Veterinary Surgeon Village Vet Cottenham 252122
Schools
Cottenham Village College and Community Office
County Primary, Lambs Lane
Under–Ones Baptist Church Pre–School
288944
250227
251066
Ladybirds Pre–School, Recreation Ground
250891
Kids Only (Out of School Club)
01954 250025
Ballet School tutusrus@ntlworld.com or 01954 200533
Brownies & Rainbows
Chris Hurworth
203764
Scouts2ndcottenham@gmail.com
Newsagents Shaun’s News 250398
Council Offices
County Council Switchboard
SCDC Switchboard
07503 328401
0345 045 5222
0345 045 0500
District Councillors
Lynda Harford
cllr.harford@scambs.gov.uk, 251775
Simon Edwards cllr.edwards@scambs.gov.uk,
01223 233682 / 07711 079089
Tim Wotherspoon County Councillors
David Jenkins
timwothers@aol.com,252108
david.jenkins@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Mike Mason
01223 236232 / 07739 758859
mikemason@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
British Red Cross Shop
Citizens Advice Bureau
01223 301426
66 Devonshire Road, Cambridge, CB1 3BL 0844 848 7979
Social Services Histon Team
01223 718011
Mobile Warden Scheme200080
NSPCC Cottenham Area Team
01733 558245
RSPCA 24 hour cruelty & advice line
0300 1234 999
Railway Station Cambridge
Passenger Enquiries 0845 7484950
07554 202929
Driving Instruction TOPS Driving School 252239
Library Margett Street
0345 0455225
Library Doorstep Service Hilary Firth01223 718358
Parish Church The Rectory, 6 High Street
250454
Baptist Church Church Office
252378
Catholic Church St Laurences Church 01223 704640
Methodist Churchsimon.oliver@cantab.net
Salvation Army Tori Richardson
Royal British Legion Ann Scott
07709 652101
251468
ann.scott23@ntlworld.com
Cottenham Brass Band Colin Watson 250813
Bridge Farm Riding School252284
Allotments Cottenham Charities
01353 749830
Sustainable Cottenham Christine Ward 251813
Cottenham Dissenters’ Cemetery
Ann Scott
Sarah Berenger
251468, ann.scott23@ntlworld.com
251420, s.berenger@btinternet.com