BRIGSTOCK NEWS

Edition 4 – AUTUMN 2015

PRODUCED BY THE VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE

BRIGSTOCK NEWS Journal of Brigstock Village Hall Association

This is the fourth edition of Brigstock News and has gone from strength to strength. The articles need to reflect your thoughts and wishes. So the Committee welcomes contributions on subjects of local interest but reserves the right to edit or omit articles without notice at their discretion. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Committee and advertisements published in ‘Brigstock News’ are subject to individual agreements between advertisers and readers and the Association cannot be held responsible for the quality of goods or services supplied. Articles for inclusion in ‘Brigstock News’ should be emailed to chrisallen043@gmail.com or sent to 9 Woodyard Close, Brigstock, NN14 3LZ

WINTER – Published 4th December 2015, copy by 21st November SPRING – Published 4th March 2016 SUMMER - Published 4th June 2016

CONTACT DETAILS FOR LOCAL GROUPS

BRIGSTOCK VILAGE HALL BOOKINGS 01536 373579 BRIGSTOCK VILAGE HALL SECRETARY 01536 373059 BRIGSTOCK PARISH COUNCIL (CLERK) 01536 373672 BRIGSTOCK CRICKET CLUB 01536 373478 BRIGSTOCK PFA 01536 373353 BRIGSTOCK PLAYGROUP ENQUIRIES 07580 115380

BRIGSTOCK PLAYGROUP FUNDRAISING EVENTS 07766 573400 BRIGSTOCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY 01536 373428 BRIGSTOCK WI 01536 373672 BRIGSTOCK FILM NIGHTS 01536 373028 BRIGSTOCK URC 01536 373225 BRIGSTOCK ST ANDREWS 01536 373965 BRIGSTOCK BEER FESTIVAL 01536 373059 BRIGSTOCK SUNNYSIDERS 01536 373383

PRODUCED BY THE VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 6th URC Barn Dance – Village Hall 8th WI meeting – Women in Islam - WI Hall 7.30pm 9th Fermyn Country Park, AGM, 7-30pm 13th Cricket Club presentations 14th Brigstock Choir Sing-a-long - URC - 8.15pm 18th – 19th Beer Festival, Comedy Night, Fun Day and Evening, Village Hall 20th Neighbourhood Plan Open Meeting, Village Hall, 2 – 5pm 21st Ladies Leisure Group – URC – 1.30pm 23rd Historical Soc – Falconry - 7.30pm Village Hall 25th Corby Choir at St Andrews Church. 7.30pm 26th Brigstock Garage sale - starts 10am 26th Last Night of the Proms – Village Hall – 7.30pm OCTOBER 3rd Autumn Quiz Night - Playgroup – 7.30pm 4th Cricket Club Evening Party (New Date) 11th Village Fete, Church and PFA, church field 13th WI AGM and cheese and Wine - WI Hall 7.30pm 16th Film Night – Theory of Everything – 7.45pm. Village Hall 16th URC Quiz Night – green Dragon PH 7.30pm 17th Hound of Baskervilles, Theatre, 2.30pm Village Hall 28th Historical Soc – Waterloo - 7-30pm Village Hall NOVEMBER 10th WI Meeting – Armchair Aerobics - WI Hall 7.30pm 20th Film Night – Dark Horse – 7.45pm. Village Hall 25th Historical Soc – The Powder Treason - 7-30pm Village Hall DECEMBER 4th Make a Christmas Wreath – Playgroup, 8pm. Village Hall 5th Cinderella Panto, 2pm Village Hall

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BRIGSTOCK CRICKET CLUB SUN 13 SEPT PRESIDENTS DAY and ADULT PRESENTATION. A fun yet competitive match with a celebration at the end of the season.

Brigstock CC Youth Team Update:

We run 4 youth teams and for the first time ever one of our teams won a knock out

cup in the Kettering and District league when the under 13s beat Kettering in a tense

final at Weldon. A great all round bowling and fielding effort saw Kettering reduced

to 99 all out in 19.4 overs and Brigstock won by 9 wickets with almost 5 overs to

spare, thanks to some great batting by Joseph Goodson and the Calnan brothers. You

can see the scorecard and the match report here;

http://brigstock.play-cricket.com/website/results/2590151 and can view scorecards

of all our matches on Play cricket.

The under 9s play Kwik Cricket (soft ball no pads) and enter mini tournaments to gain

match experience. The u11 side also play 8 a side pairs cricket but this time with a

hard ball, helmets and full gear. Pairs Cricket gives each pair a guaranteed 4 overs at

the crease although they lose 5 runs if dismissed. As everyone but the keeper bowls

this keeps all involved. By the time players reach under 13 and under 15 they are

playing full 11 a side and the under 15s play on a full size wicket, adult size ball and

so on.

Our various awards this year have been given to

Player of the year.U15 Kieran Calnan,U13 Kieran Calnan and Cormac

Calnan(shared) U11 Harry Howell

Coaches Awards. U15 Oliver Hudson U13 Molly Mills

U11 Nat Barton U9 Ethan Pike and Milo Cosgrove

If you want further information on the Cricket Club or would like to try for a team, please contact Pete Burdett on 01536 373478

Brigstock Film Night 2015/16 Season

We are pleased to announce that Brigstock Film Night returns for a new season of films for your Friday night entertainment at the Village Hall. This year we’ve selected a diverse mix of films, from blockbuster to documentary, comedy to period drama, and a local interest Britcom finale.

Here are the dates and films for your diary:

Friday 16 October 2015 – The Theory of Everything (12) (120 minutes) This blockbuster was the top of your list for feature films this season Friday 20 November 2015 – Dark Horse (PG) (84 minutes) This 2014 documentary is the true story of Dream Alliance, a champion racehorse bred on a Welsh allotment. Friday 15 January 2016 – O Brother, Where Art Thou? (12) (103 minutes) George Clooney stars in this adventure comedy about three cons on the run from a chain gang in the Deep South of the 1930s. Friday 19 February 2016 – Far From the Madding Crowd (12A) (120 minutes) This is the 2015 adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel, starring Carey Mulligan. Friday 18 March 2016 – Kinky Boots (12) (100 minutes) Our season ends with this feel-good finale based on a local true story. Doors will be opening at the slightly later time of 7:15pm, with films starting at 7:45pm.

Tickets: £4 on the door, including free popcorn, with refreshments (tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, and cornetto ice-creams) on sale before the film starts and during the half-time intermission.

Look out for a synopsis of each film nearer the time – information will be posted on lamp-posts, the Village Hall notice-board, the Brigstock Village website (www.brigstock.net), and to the Brigstock Village Information Facebook page.

Call for Volunteers: the small crew that organise these events are looking for

extra pairs of hands on each Film Night to help with things like: setting up the film equipment, setting out chairs, serving refreshments, and taking entrance fees on the door. If you’re 16 or over and would like to help (and it could make good CV / University application material), then please contact:

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Alison Millen on 373028 or Emma Poole on 370142.

BRIGSTOCK PLAYGROUP IS ORGANISING:

AUTUMN QUIZ NIGHT Including fish & chip supper

Saturday 3rd October 7.30pm Brigstock Village Hall (bar opens 7pm) Bring a team (up to 8) or join a team on the night

Tickets £9 per person

Licensed bar and prize for winning team

AND

MAKE A CHRISTMAS

WREATH EVENING Come and join the festive fun……

Friday 4th December 8pm -(bar opens 7.30pm)

Brigstock Village Hall

Tickets £20 - includes all materials for making a beautiful Christmas wreath, plus

glass of mulled wine. Bar also available on night. In aid of Brigstock Playgroup.

Book early to avoid disappointment – last year sold out!

Contact Sam Read - Tel 07766 573400

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Brigstock United Reformed Church

This autumn our church will be collecting for Tools with a Mission - not money, but tools that are no longer wanted by you but can be used elsewhere.

Tools with a mission is a Christian charity sending tools across the world, enabling some of the poorest and disadvantaged people in other countries to earn a living and support themselves, thus providing a way out of poverty and changing despair to hope. Tools are refurbished and kits made up for a range of trades.

So, please start looking through your sheds and garages and see what tools you don’t (or can’t!) use-someone else in another country will be glad of them. There will be posters in the village giving more details and we will be happy to collect anything you can’t bring to us.

Since the last newsletter we have been busy organising various events. We recently held a Garden Party and on September 6th we have a Family Barn Dance in the village hall, from 7:30pm-10:30pm. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children, with snacks provided. Please bring your own drinks and enjoy the evening.

The Beer Festival on September 19th gives all village organisations a chance to raise funds, and we always enjoy running our tombola stall during the afternoon. This year we are also providing the food and raffle for the comedy night and selling ice-cream on Saturday, so if anyone would like to lend us a hand, we’d be really grateful.

On October 16th we are holding another quiz in the Green Dragon. These are always very popular so get your tickets early.

If you would like any more information about our church, are looking for someone to talk to or are in need of pastoral support, please do not hesitate to contact Sheila-373225, Helen-373712, Jean-373468 or Samuel-480916

BRIGSTOCK BEER FESTIVAL

18TH AND 19TH SEPTEMBER

As reported in the last edition, the Beer Festival is still

going strong. The entertainment is now fully organised

and we have a great programme of events. This year we have decided to support

local charities and we will allocating the money after we know the final figure. If your

group would like to apply for some money from the Festival Committee, please

contact Chris Allen.

This year will Stephen Calnan’s last year has the family are moving out of the village.

Stephen was one of the founding members and has controlled the logistics. We will

miss him but wish him and his family well in their new abode.

Our programme is:

FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER – COMEDY NIGHT. An evening with 3 or 4 comedians and

compere along with a choice of up to 25 beers and ciders. Tickets are £10 but will

probably be sold out by now. We do get returns, so do give us a call.

SATURDAY 19TH 12 – 6PM – FAMILY FUNDAY. As usual we will have entertainment

on stage, charity stalls, 3 piece band MOTHY, the VIKINGS (re-enactment and

battles!!), Morris Dancers, model aircraft, and lots more. Not to mention up to 25

beers and ciders. Free entry to all.

SATURDAY 19th 7 - 11-30pm – Festival Evening with live band CANDYSLAM. Over 18s only with tickets at £6. Great evenings entertainment with whats left of the 25 beers and ciders. If you would like to help, and can spare a few hours, please contact us. We need more help!! Contact Chris Allen, Beer Festival Chairman, on 01536 373059. Check our website www.brigstockbeerfestival.com or follow us on facebook and twitter.

ST ANDREWS CHURCH "Christingle 2015 - some early planning for you.

The Christingle service on Christmas Eve in St Andrew’s Church makes a very special beginning to the festivities, but any of you who have attended for the last couple of years will recognise that the church gets very full which makes it difficult for us all to enjoy the event fully and is proving to be an increasing concern for those of us who have the responsibility for running the event. Bearing this in mind I would like to introduce a second Christingle service at 4pm on Christmas Eve as well as the traditional 6pm slot. Both services would be entry by ticket only (available free in advance) and limited to 250 people. I believe this would retain the atmosphere we all enjoy but make the event more manageable and keep it safe. Watch out for more details nearer the time. Here’s looking forward to Christmas! Fr. Colin Simpson - Telephone 01536 373965

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Tel 01536 373238

Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm Fri 8am-4pm

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Governor News Letter

Summer 2015

(Below is an extract from the Governor’s letter to parents)

Dear Parents/Guardians

As we come to the end of another busy and successful school year, there are a number of things that the Governors would like to draw to your attention

School mission statement

The school has been working at a range of levels on devising a new Mission Statement to fully reflect the values to which the school community subscribes. The staff, pupils and governors have all been involved in this consultation process. Lots of ideas were contributed, but the statement that has been agreed upon is:

“Forward thinking and creative, valuing faith, tradition, community and achievement.”

These words were felt to encompass the curriculum aims of the school whilst also placing it firmly in the community and the Church. In short, it succinctly describes what this school is about.

Pupil Achievements

The Foundation results were very significantly above both county and national levels. 86% of children have already achieved good levels of development and a substantial number have exceeded the levels expected for children of their age.

The Key Stage One SATs results showed the children in Year Two exceeding expectations in all areas. A very large number achieved a whole level above that which is the norm for pupils of their age.

The Key Stage Two SATs, relating to pupils in Year Six, were equally excellent. The government require that 85% of children achieve Level four in all areas; at our school this figure was 100%. Progress made across the Key Stage is very positive.

These super results are a testament to the efforts of all of the children involved and to the very high quality of teaching and learning that is evident throughout the school. A huge “thank you” to all involved

Farewell

I am sure that the entire school community will join us in wishing Mr Williams all the very best as he and his wife set off for their great adventure in China. Gavin has really developed as a teacher during his three years at the school and his pedagogy will greatly benefit from his experience overseas. He will be greatly missed; as will be Kirsty Davis who leaves us (and the school office!) this summer

BRIGSTOCK PARISH COUNCIL

BRIGSTOCK PARISH COUNCIL

The website is now live:

www.brigstockcouncil.org.uk Information will gradually be expended over the coming weeks. If

there are any queries, please contact the parish clerk, Nigel Searle,

on 373672, or brigstockcouncil@aol.com

The Parish Council would like to thank John Johnson who for many

years developed and looked after the village web site. Once again

many thanks John for all the help and support given. It has been

much appreciated.

The Parish Council is not responsible for the roads and footpaths

but we do make sure that our paths are hazard free. Faults can be

reported to the Parish Council Clerk who will pass on information,

or you can phone the street Doctor on 0845 601 1113 or email

streetdoctor@northamptonshire.gov.uk

We have been told that repairs to the church footpath, dropped

kerbs at the entrance to Latham Street, and the gated entrances to

the village at the Sudborough end are on the Highways

Department list.

Please clean up after your dog particularly in the Meadow where

dog poo can be a health hazard. Use the bin provided!!!

BRIGSTOCK LATHAMS CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

It’s new school year and new committee time! In many cases there’s continuity but

we’re always keen to welcome new parents - in many cases it’s been a great way for

people to join in with village events and get to know who’s who. Many people who

can’t take or collect their children from school find getting stuck into PFA events is a

good way to enjoy the school community…. and some people simply like any excuse

for a pint. You’re all welcome!

Events coming up in the next term (which take us until Christmas, to remind those of

you who left school several hundred years ago) include:

Parents coffee morning - September 7 for parents of Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

At school, after morning drop-off.

Beer festival - the PFA run the Hog Roast on Saturday. We are also having the

Brigstock Velodrome re-constructed for the event. The scene of many record-

breaking runs over the 45 minutes it existed back in the heady summer of 2012

(before someone drove over it). All comers welcome - bring your own bike . Children

and adult classes; entry fee will be small, prize money available. Anyone with any

obvious skill at riding around in a circle on damp grass will be immediately moved up

a class.

Crowning of the Curry King/Queen - November 14, Village Hall. All welcome to enter,

and all welcome to taste! Prepare a mouth watering curry dish, make enough of it

for people to try, and be voted upon by our expert panel and your peers. Entry criteria

will be available nearer the date.

Where does the PFA money go?

New floor, blinds and wall painting in the hall, Laptops and i pads

Books, Ice cream for all children at the end of term

Overall the PFA is an excellent support to what is a really good school..

(Quote Chair of the Governors)

If you want to volunteer, please contact Richard Fincher

For your entertainment

CORBY MALE VOICE

CHOIR AT ST ANDREWS CHURCH,

BRIGSTOCK.

FRIDAY 25TH SEPT - 7PM FOR 7.30.

£7-00 PER TICKET, INCLUDES WINE & CANAPES.

CONTACT GILL 01536 373034 OR JUDY 01536 373966.

REIKI The ancient art of Reiki will help to restore the natural balance

of your mind, body and soul. Introductory and full treatments

available by fully qualified and insured Reiki Practioner.

For further details or to book contact Sue Bailey at

Contemplation

Tel 01536 373789 Mob 07787 932451

Mail:contemplation25@gmail.com

BRIGSTOCK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN The Committee has been meeting fortnightly since our last report and the process is progressing slowly but surely.

We have gained a government grant to cover our costs for the next 6 months and have appointed a consultant to guide us through the process. This is Colin Wilkinson of Planit-X who is a professional planner and experienced to producing Neighbourhood Plans.

Thanks to those who responded to the questionnaire included in the last newsletter. The number of responses was quite low, but did gives us some information on your views for the future.

The next major function is the Public Meeting on the 20th September from 2 to 5 pm with a presentation at 2-30. Please see the separate poster in the newsletter. Please do come and join us to find out more.

This will be followed by a Stakeholders meeting in October, with a formal questionnaire coming out to all parishioners in December or January, where you can all formally make comments what you see as important on the future of this village and surrounds.

We are constantly under pressure to release land for development, so have your say in how much and where this might happen, if at all.

If you have any questions please contact the Parish Council

brigstockcouncil@aol.co.uk

Public Meeting on the 20th September, 2pm

Do remember - this is your village,

your parish, your plan.

CABINVIEW LAMB

For Sale, locally produced grass fed lamb, ½ or whole.

It can be butchered to your requirements.

Call Alex 07946 350079

Cabinview.brigstock@yahoo.co.uk

Brigstock WI Hall Toilet Fund:

Brigstock WI has been very busy raising funds for the toilet project over the last few

months. We applied to Mick George for a grant but due to over subscription we were

not lucky this time round. We have applied to other funds and hope to hear from

them soon. Still we have had fun at our meetings and social evenings.

Annual BBQ:

The BBQ at the cricket club in June was well supported and an impromptu game of

five a side cricket ended the evening nicely.

Annual Village Quiz Walk:

Steph and Judy organised a clued walk round Islip ending with a buffet supper at The

Working Men’s Club in August which after expenses raised £15 for a cancer charity.

100 Years of WI:

In September we are very busy first with the WI exhibition to celebrate 100 years of

National WI formation on the 12th. This is when the winners for the photo

competition will be voted on by the public. So come and choose your favourite and

help us produce a calendar.

Brigstock WI gets busy in September & October

On the 13th September we are helping serve tea and cakes at the Shire Horse Open Day at Rockingham Castle.

The 19th sees us at the Beer Festival with the duck race (don’t forget to buy your ducks from us) with prize money of £30, £25, £20, £15 and £10 for the winners, and in the evening session selling raffle tickets for various prizes.

The 20th September, we are supplying tea and cake at the launch of the Brigstock Neighbourhood Plan from 2-5pm.

Finally on the 21st we are hosting an afternoon tea for a group from Yardley Hastings.

On October 23rd, we are literally going to the dogs on the!!! There are still seats available so see Judy Burdett (373478) for details.

In November we are hoping to hold a tabletop sale and quiz night with dates to follow nearer the time.

As you see, as well as our normal meetings on the second Tuesday of the month and

asocial evening on the fourth Tuesday, we are busy at other times as well, so if you

want to get involved in any way contact Liz Searle (373672) or come and speak to any

of us at the functions.

WI Meetings:

Tuesday 8th September: Speaker is Mrs Amber Zafar talking about Women in Islam.

Competition is an arrangement of flowers in a small vase. Brigstock WI Hall, Park

Walk at 7.30pm. All visitors welcome.

Tuesday 22nd September: Social Night at Brigstock WI Hall, Park Walk at 7.30pm.

Visitors welcome.

Tuesday 13th October: AGM followed by Cheese and Wine evening. Brigstock WI Hall

at 7.30.

Tuesday 10th November: Speaker is Mr Garfield Liburd on Armchair Aerobics.

Competition is a homemade Christmas card. Brigstock WI Hall at 7.30. All visitors

welcome.

Tuesday 24th November: Social evening at Brigstock WI Hall at 7.30. All visitors

welcome.

Tuesday 8th December: Annual Christmas Party with Father Christmas, games and

sing-along. Brigstock WI Hall at 7.30.

If you want more information on the WI, contact 01536 373672 or 01536 373987 (after 1.30pm) or brigstockwi@aol.com

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BRIGSTOCK COMMUNITY CHOIR

In the last newsletter, we reported that the choir was stopping but hoped we will be back. Well it wasn’t the end. Julia and Helen have agreed to continue but in a different format. On every second Monday of the month, the choir will be meeting to have a good sing along. This will be popular songs that you will know or can learn easily. The first session will be on Monday 14th September at 8.15pm at the URC church. No commitment to coming every time. Small fee for when you attend. Check out the Brigstock Choir facebook page for updates or contact Julia Staniforth. If you like to sing, come and join us and enjoy youself.

BRIGSTOCK VILLAGE HALL – THE NEW KITCHEN HAS LANDED The new kitchen in the Village Hall has now been installed. As soon as the Playgroup had finished for the summer in July, a few of us were straight in there to remove all the units, appliances, tiles and flooring. This soon filled up the skip. Our local contractors, Steve Bennett (electrician) and Richard Wells (builder) came in to prepare the area with new plugs, sockets, circuits, and holes in the walls for the ducts. The main contractor then installed the new cooker, fridge, dishwasher, hot cupboard, hot water urn and all the new cupboards. This is now up to a commercial cooking standard with stainless steel units and the full range of sinks. We must thank WREN for the grant and for supporting us in this process. Unfortunately this was the last round of funding from WREN in this area, but the village has had several major contributions from them over the years for which we are very appreciative. We have also had the hall floor sanded and sealed and it has made such an improvement. If you want to hire the hall or find out more, do contact Rosie Briggs, the Booking Secretary or any of the committee. Look out for the events being organised by the Village Hall Committee as we do need to replenish our funds. Sally Wilks, Village Hall Chairman

Ladies Leisure Group

The Ladies Leisure group has had a busy year so far, enjoying a variety of activities.

All ladies are welcome to join us on the third Monday of every month in the June

Small room, Mill Lane, at 1.30pm.

On September 21st there will be a “Crafts with Claire” workshop, and on October

19th we have arranged a trip to Springfield shopping centre. If you would like to join

us for this trip, we still have 11 spaces on the bus. The fare will be £8 each. Let us

know as soon as possible if you would like to reserve a seat.

On November 16th we plan to go to Rockingham Castle’s Victorian Christmas event,

and in December we shall enjoy a Christmas lunch.

More details from Sharon (373832) or Sheila (373225).

Who’s Who In Brigstock: Chris Allen (Third in a series from your local ET correspondent)

Chris Allen has been actively involved in local organisations in the village since he moved with his family to Brigstock eleven years ago. He had been living in Waterbeach for about 20 years where he had been a member of the gardening club and the village society, which among other things produced a local newsletter and he also helped to run the local Scouts and Cubs group. The family were looking for somewhere quieter and more rural and after moving here it was a natural step for Chris to join activities in Brigstock. In fact within a week he had an allotment. Although he did not know anything about Brigstock before coming here he was immediately impressed with the community spirit of the village. The day after they arrived happened to be bonfire night when it seemed that everyone in the village got together for a friendly social gathering and although they were newcomers they were given a warm welcome. For some years Chris was on the committee of the Stanion and District Horticultural Society and helped to organise the annual horticultural show which was held on alternate years in Brigstock and Stanion. This was a popular event in both villages but sadly the society ended several years ago due to a lack of volunteers to serve on the committee. Chris and his friend Stephen Calnan put on the first Brigstock Beer Festival in 2005 as a way of raising money for the playgroup and it has steadily grown each year since, raising some £75,000 for a variety of good causes. One of Chris’s skills is his ability to obtain funding for community projects. A good example of this was the plan to erect a bridge between the village hall and the Meadow. This was a joint enterprise by the Village Hall committee and the Parish Council, supported by the Beer Festival, and Chris helped to source grants of £30,000 to get the bridge built. Although there was a bit of controversy about the scheme at the time it has proved to be a village asset. One of the problems on the Causin allotments was the lack of a water supply. A scheme was proposed by Chris to sink a bore hole on the site and grants of £10,000 were secured to complete the project, including a pump, so that all allotment holders now have easy access to a water supply. An allotment users association was formed around four years ago, with Chris as chairman, to provide a forum for allotment holders and to promote good relations with the landlord, Brigstock Consolidated Charities.

As secretary of the village hall committee Chris has been involved in obtaining grants for improvements to the hall, including the installation of solar panels, a new boiler and also recently funding of £34,000 for the new kitchen which is about to be completed. Another ongoing community project is the production of a Neighbourhood Plan for Brigstock. Chris is the chairman of the committee who are responsible for the production of the plan. This will be a fairly long process in which everyone in the village will have the opportunity to influence the outcome, through meetings and questionnaires. The final document will have to be approved by a majority of people in the village in a referendum before it can be submitted. Chris gained a degree in civil engineering at UMIST, Manchester and after 15 years with the Water Authority went to work for Huntingdon District Council managing engineering schemes. He is now semi- retired so can spend a bit more time on his allotment, walking in the countryside and taking part in country sports, especially shooting. He also enjoys caravan holidays. And last but not least Chris is the editor of this newsletter, an excellent way for Brigstock people to keep up to date with what is happening in our village.

BRIGSTOCK LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR 2015

I hardly dare mention the C word but did you know it is less than 17 weeks until the

25th December........

A few people have asked about the Living Advent Calendar. Providing that there are

sufficient willing volunteers, I am happy to co-ordinate it once again.

As you may be aware, for the last two years, in December, private homes and

businesses in the village have staged a nightly unveiling of a seasonal window in It

has been fun and a very sociable event, with a gathering of voyeurs nightly waiting

to see the creativity of the householder.

If you would like to be involved in the event this year, please let me know as soon as

possible but at the latest by the end of September.

There is no restriction of the location of the house or the theme, it can be religious

or otherwise, simple, topical and if you have an artistic flair - well then go wild.....

have a look at the photographs and info on our Facebook

page https://www.facebook.com/BrigstockAdvent

Please either email me jane.jones3@btinternet.com, pop a note through my door

(28 High Street) with your name, address, phone number & email (if you have one)

or give me a call 01536 373129.

The unveils will be at 7.45pm nightly from 1st to 24th December and a map will be

available online and in the village shops.

We will be 'gently' fundraising for a local charity during the event although the main

emphasis is about seasonal celebration!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Jane Jones

ps. if anyone would like to help with the nightly photos and write ups, please let me

know- A great project for a media student!

BRIGSTOCK VILLAGE GARAGE

SALE

SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2015

REFRESHMENTS AND MAPS AVAILABLE FROM

THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIDGE STREET

10am – 2pm

TO BOOK A STALL AND A PLACE ON THE MAP,

CONTACT 373191 OR 373986

TABLE TOP STALLS AVAILABLE IN

THE VILLAGE HALL ALL £5 Organised by Brigstock Latham’s School PFA - Charity Number 1053054

FRIENDS OF FERMYN WOODS

We are a small group passionate about our local Country Park. As such we organise fund-raising events in order to increase the enjoyment of the park for all.

In the past we have raised money for a number of projects including the dog walkers shelter, the education centre, children’s play area and bird cams amongst other things.

In order to continue, we would benefit from new blood with new ideas, enthusiasm and a love of the country park.

If you are interested please come along to

AGM 9th September 2015 - 7.30pm

Skylark Café

Fermyn Woods Country Park

All welcome or contact Alison Millen on 01536 373028 for more information.

JOIN THE BRIGSTOCK WI 200 CLUB MONTHLY PRIZES AND PROFIT TO MAINTAIN THE WI HALL

SHARES COST £12 EACH FOR THE YEAR

CASH OR CHEQUE ((BRIGSTOCK WI) TO JAN JERWOOD 25 MAUNTLEY AVENUE BRIGSTOCK NN14 3HF

THE FIRST DRAW WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SEPTEMBER WI MEETING

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1) This Club is a charity draw, conducted and organised voluntarily by the committee of Brigstock WI. It is called “The WI 200 Club” and anyone over the age of 18 years of age can purchase shares.

2) The objective of the Club is to raise funds for Brigstock WI Hall to ensure its survival in the village and at the same time to allow members of the 200-Club the opportunity to win worthwhile prizes.

3) The annual subscription is £12 per share. Anyone wishing to purchase shares must complete an application form & return it together with a payment of £12 per share.

4) Draws take place monthly (except August) with a Bonanza Draw at the December meeting.

(For a full copy of the rules, please contact Brigstock W.I.)

THE VILLAGE HALL AND PFA PRESENT:

The Looking Glass Theatre

Presentations of –

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Saturday 17th October 2015 at 2.30pm

Halloween fun suitable for families

and children over the age of 6.

AND

-Cinderella

Saturday 5th December at 2pm

Pantomime fun suitable for all the family.

Venue for both - Brigstock Village Hall –

Refreshments available

Tickets £5.50 from Brigstock Post Office

or 373598 /373191

WOODLAND SCENES Well, summer is nearly over, if it ever began. Lack of rain, strong winds, and cold nights have made it terrible for growing vegetables and I am sure that the farmers think the same. Many crops didn’t germinate well and the growth will be below par. Strangely, the woods have kept damp areas and the undergrowth is quite lush in areas. The deer will be appreciating this with their young to raise. Now the crops have finished growing and the they are trying to get the harvest in, its raining. July saw the Emperor Butterflies emerging and performing well in the rides in the woods. We also saw the White Admirals appearing at the same time. There were people visiting from all over the country to see this spectacle and there were many cars parked along the roads near the woods. Rockingham Forest is famous for these butterflies which need the Sallow and Oaks to bred and feed. If you missed them this year, put the first 3 weeks of July in your diary for next year. I suddenly noticed that the swifts had left to head south in the first week of August. This seemed even earlier than usual. Considering they did not arrive till May, they had laid their eggs, fledged their young and got them fit enough in under 3 months, ready to fly thousands of miles to warmer climates. Makes human development seem pretty slow really. It appears that Ash Die Back probably has started to hit the trees in this area. Although it may take several years to have a full impact, this will make a significant change to our landscape if we loose most of these trees. The last time this happened was with Dutch Elm when we lost so many large trees from the landscape. We will have to wait to see what happens this time. This year does seem to be a good one for fruit, with plenty of apples, plums and the wild ones as well. Do get out and take advantage of the blackberries and sloes. Great for jams, jellies and a good base for drinks! We have superb countryside around us, so explore and enjoy.

CJ

18 Do you want an allotment in Brigstock??

If so, contact Sally Wilks on 373428