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Produced and distributed by St. Andrew's Parish Church TOFT VILLAGE CALENDAR

Toft Village Calendar Produced and Distributed by St. Andrew’s Parish Church December 2017

EDITORIAL

"Why the hell," groaned Melchior "didn't we bring a map? Or just wait till someone invents GPS?" Caspar shrugged. "We were just supposed to follow a star" he pointed out. "Should have been child's play." As one, the Magi slid down from their camels, blowing on their freezing fingers. They had had a hard coming of it, not to mention a hard going back. Balthazar hefted the Myrhh from his saddle bag. "He's going to go through the roof" he prophesied, glumly. "I bet we don't even get mileage." Caspar frowned. "Oh, come on," he said "We - three Kings of Orient are!" Melchior grimaced. "Were, more like" he said. "We'll be lucky to come out of this as baronets. I've a good mind to hang on to the gold, though. We could say we got mugged. Those shepherds we stopped to ask had got ‘footpads’ written all over them." "Agreed" said Balthazar "I didn't buy that 'we're just out watching our flocks by night' stuff for a moment. They'd have had our guts for garters if we hadn't pulled rank on them." Melchior shrugged some desert sand from his burnous. "Oh well" he said, "better get it over with." In an awkward column, their crestfallen majesties shuffled through the tent flap marked 'Chief Magus'. They stood miserably before the Chief Magus, whose eyes lit immediately on the undelivered gifts they clutched. "What" he asked in a slow, icy tone "Is this?" They squirmed. "We - umm - we couldn't find Him." admitted Balthazar. The hapless monarch twisted a toe awkwardly in the sand beneath him. "You what?" said the Chief, incredulously. "Thick cloud the whole way" said Caspar, "and when it wasn't cloud, it was fog. Worst it’s been since records began, two years ago. Never known anything like it. We asked all over, though." Melchior tried to help his beleaguered colleagues. "Turns out almost every other place in Bethlehem is a stable," he said, "and no-one had the first idea what we were talking about." The Chief Magus visibly purpled. "Of course they didn't!" he exploded. "That's because His coming has not yet been announced to a waiting world. And now, because of your incompetence, it's not going to be, is it?" He gritted his teeth. "You know, I suppose, what this means?" He didn't wait for an answer. "No Christmas, is what it means. Not now, not ever. We're going to have to fall back on Saturnalias. And you know what that means. The whole country drunk for a month, everything going to pot, orgies, sacrifices - and all because you couldn't follow a few simple instructions. And there's this." He gestured towards a pile of tiny clay tablets in his out-tray. "What are those? asked Caspar, timidly. "They" fumed his boss "are the personalised invitations to my Christmas drinks-and-nibbles do. Three days I've spent inscribing those. Would have been a world-first, too." Caspar cleared his throat nervously. "Maybe you could say you've decided to give to charity this year instead?" he suggested. "People do." Balthazar nodded. "You'll just have to explain there's not going to be a nibbles thingy this year." The Chief Magus gave him a Medusan glare. "Or any year...." he said.

MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING

28th December 10.30 – 12 noon at 20 High Street Toft, home of Ann and

Brian Mitchell. This coffee morning is always held in the week after Christmas to enable those who are usually at work, to join us for once and to wish everyone all that’s good for 2018. So Please do come and join us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOFT FRIENDSHIP CLUB [Over 50s Club].

The Monthly Meeting is on Wednesday 6th December 2.30pm at Toft People’s Hall. It is the Christmas Party with Annual Chocolate Raffle, refreshments and Carol singing with Toft Session. Please bring the chocolates for the raffle wrapped. Thank you. As next month’s Calendar will not be available in time here are the details of the January meeting: Which will take place on Wednesday 3rd January and will be the Post-Christmas lunch at Toft People’s Hall – 12.30 for 1.00pm. Non-Members are welcome but they should contact Arpi as soon as possible on 262708. Any queries please contact Arpi tel. 262708. Visitors are always welcome.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The Parish Council - meets

on Monday 4th December

DIARY DATES T oft Shop would like to wish all our customers and

residents of Toft and the surrounding villages a very happy Christmas. We appreciate the support that villagers give us and hope that we always give good service. The famous Toft Shop Christmas table is in place at the back of the shop next to the Post Office, groaning with delectable Christmas treats and essentials. We also have a large range of Christmas cards and gift bags, including ‘Toft’ Christmas cards specially printed.

As a special Christmas competition, any under 14 year olds who spot Justin wearing his Santa hat in the week before Christmas can claim a Christmas gift!

Shop Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm Sat: 7.30am - 2pm Sun: 7.30am -1pm

Closed Bank Holidays Best wishes from Justin, Jenny

and all our staff.


MINISTRY TEAM THE CHURCH IN TOFT

St. Andrew’s Parish Church

Lay Minister: Barbara Preece Tel: 263466 Churchwardens: Ann Mitchell 262516 John Quenby 263949

Methodist Church Minister: Rev Alison Walker 01223 872862 [email protected] Stewards: Diana Tebbit 01223 263557 Stephen Acklam 264055 Douglas Harris 01954 211647 Mrs Pat Morton 264010

Everyone is welcome to come and share in any of our services

SERVICES OF WORSHIP

3rd December 8.00am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s Comberton, Revd. Prof. Michael Reiss 10.30 for 11.00am Please see details p.3 3.00pm Christmas Tree, Christingle and Gift Ser-vice see p.3 5th December 2 7.30pm St. Mary’s Comberton – Li-censing of Revd David Newton 10th December 8.30 am Holy Communion, St. An-drew’s – Revd. Prof. Michael Reiss 11.00 am Holy Communion, Methodist Church, Revd Robert Dolman 17th December 8.00 am Holy Communion – St. Mary’s Comberton 11.00am FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS - Rev David Newton - see p.3 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm Carol Singing on the village Green - see p.3

24th December 11.30 pm Midnight Holy Communion – St. Andrew’s - Rev Robert Dolman 25thDecember 9.30 am CHRISTMAS DAY SER-VICE at the Methodist Church – Rev Alison Walk-er A short service to celebrate the birth of Jesus at which children will be very welcome 31st December 8.30 am Holy Communion, St. An-drew’s – Revd. Prof. Michael Reiss 10.30 United New Year’s Eve Service St. Peter’s Barton – Revd Rebecca Gilbert and Revd David Newton (Shorter Morning Prayer every Wednesday, 9.15am

at St. Andrew’s. Service lasts about 30 minutes – everyone very welcome. N.B.: No service on Weds

27th Dec)

D ear Friends,

Greetings from the new Vicar Thank you for giving me the opportunity here to say ‘hello’ before arriving. My family and I are very excited about becoming part of the village community at the start of December. I look forward to getting to know many of you in the months and years to come. I write this from Ely, where we have been living for the last two years, and where I have completed my curacy – the initial clergy job. I came here with my wife, Sally, having married the previous year. Sally and I met as secondary school teachers down in Reigate, Surrey. Whilst here, she has been working as the Director of Education at the Cathedral. Since being in Ely our family has expanded a little. Soon after moving in we were very blessed to be given a three year old black Labrador named Oreo. So, if you hear someone shouting loudly in seeming desperation for a biscuit as Oreo (the dog) gets whiff of someone else’s ball, you’ll know why. Last September (2016) our little boy Toby was born, who has been an exhausting delight. And we are expecting a little girl this coming February! It is a huge joy to arrive as Christmas approaches. From my point of view it gives me an opportunity to meet many of you at Christmas services and village events. More than that though, it is so often a time of community spiritedness. Amidst the dark and the cold, Christmas lights go up and fires are lit, carol singers brave the elements, and mulled wine warms hearts. The season is so often marked by a generosity and a ‘togetherness’, both of which echo the great truth of Christmas: that God, in his generosity, came to be with us, to bring light in the midst of our darkness. I wish you all a very (early) happy Christmas.

- Rev. David Newton

A big thank you from the Sewing, Knit and Natter

group at the Chapel for the tremendous support you

gave to our Christmas Craft Sale. With your help

the magnificent sum of £823 was raised which will

be divided between Cancer Research,

Addenbrookes and Jimmy's Night Shelter. Thank

you also for the socks, hats etc which will be given

to the residents of Jimmy's.


DECEMBER 3RD This a special day for Toft and St. Andrew’s as we come to the end of the celebration of 800 years of a known church in Toft; we celebrate

the 14th Anniversary of the signing of the partnership between Anglicans and Methodists in Toft and we remember St. Andrew’s Day and in the afternoon ….. but first things first. We gather at 10.30 am at St. Andrew’s for celebration cake and refreshments followed at 11.00 am by a SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING The service will be led by Revd. Alison Walker and the Revd. Alison Myers at which the Bishop of Ely will preach. The congregation will then process (or drive!) to the Methodist Church to continue the service and this will be followed by a soup, bread and cheese light lunch. At 3.00pm CHRISTMAS TREE, CHRISTINGLE AND GIFT SERVICE led by Barbara Preece As usual we want to fill the church with trees, we had 10 last year!. Any family, individual or group who would like to decorate a tree, please complete the form on the back of the card which has recently been delivered to everyone or contact Barbara Preece, Firethorn Cottage or 263466. Do come to the church on the 3rd for this very special event. This year again we have a panel of judges voting for the best tree. Afterwards we will serve tea and mince pies. It is a very special start to Christmas. The Gift part of the Service - Cambridge Women’s Aid – which we in Toft refer to as the

Women’s Refuge is sadly, always very full at Christmas. The wonderful staff do their best on limited resources to give the Mothers and their children a really good time. Many years ago the Barton Guides began to make 6 or 7 Christmas cakes each year to share amongst the families, then 1st Toft Brownies joined with the Guides. From this came the Gift Service when anyone who can, brings presents to the Christmas Tree service or drops them at 20 High Street (before the morning of 4th December please). The presents can be for children of any age or sex, and nice things for the Mums are also appreciated. If you want to wrap them, then please put a label on the outside, which can easily be taken off, to say what is in your parcel, then the staff can be sure to match presents to people. If you would rather give crisps or drink (non alcoholic) or something for their Christmas party – everything is appreciated – they could not do without our help now. Thank you. Ann Mitchell

DECEMBER 5TH Reverend David Newton, our new Team Vicar will be licensed at 7.30pm (NB time wrong last month) at St. Mary’s Comberton, followed by refreshments at Toft People’s Hall. There will be a service at 5.00pm at Caldecote Church so he will visit on that evening all his new Parishes. Please come and support him, and meet him and his wife as he starts his ministry with us. Festival of Lessons and Carols At this traditional service we will tell the Christmas story from the Bible and sing our favourite carols – refreshments will be served afterwards and in the evening there will be the chance to sing some more as we light a fire on the village green and sing carols from 5.00 – 6.00pm. Festive drinks will be available and at both these services we will collect for the children’s charities run by both our churches.

The Church in toft Diary


TOFT SOCIAL CLUB NEWS

Many thanks for all your support during 2017, which has been another very suc-cessful year for the Club. The Committee and bar staff wish you all a very Merry Christmas and send you their best wishes for the New Year.

CHRISTMAS DINNER: SATURDAY DECEMBER 9th

By the time you receive this, there may just be a few tickets left for our ever-popular Christmas Dinner on December 9

th. If you’re unsuccessful, better luck next year!

SATURDAY 16

th DECEMBER. FILM CLUB: ‘DESPICABLE ME 3’ (Cert PG)

This 2017 computer-animated action comedy film is the third main instalment, fourth overall in the Despicable Me film series. It’s zany and highly amusing! In the film, Gru teams up with his long-lost twin brother Dru in order to defeat a new enemy named Balthazar Bratt, a 1980s child actor who grows up to become a villain. Film Club members free. Non-members pay a £2.50 nightly membership fee at the door. Doors open at 8.00pm.

CHRISTMAS DRAW – CHRISTMAS EVE, SATURDAY 24TH

Join your friends for a festive drink on Christmas Eve, when the Draw will be held. First prize will be a £100 John Lewis voucher, second a £50 M & S voucher, with numerous other good prizes. ‘Squares’ will shortly be on sale in the Club. Make sure you get your lucky numbers on the board!

JOIN US FOR LUNCHTIME DRINKS ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

The bar will be open from midday until 2.00pm. Please come and socialise if you’re able to, or wish to get away from slaving over a hot stove!

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY!

Come to us for your New Year Celebration. The Bar will be open as usual from 8pm, and there'll be dancing from 10.00’ish until midnight. See in the New Year at the Club! Want to find out more? Pop into the club one night and ask at the bar!

‘EDUCATING TOFT ’: 26th

and 27th

JANUARY 2018

Put the dates in your diaries! Our biennial revue -‘Educating Toft’ - is being performed on Friday 26th and Satur-day 27th January. Come and be entertained by Toft at school, college and various other seats of learning. There will be the usual cornucopia of local talent, surprises, comedy, fun, music and drama!

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (Doors open at 8.00 pm, 7.30 pm on Sundays)

www.toftsocialclub.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/ToftSocial

Sunday quiz 10th

December

Sunday Carpet Bowls 3th

and 17th

December

Thursday Bingo 7th

and 21st

December

Your Committee is: Richard Fletcher (Chairman), Martin Sebborn (Vice Chairman), Gill Collett (Treasurer), Paul Hercus (Secretary), Nick Nicholson, Koran Collett, Ron Gouldstone, Brian Roberts, Angela Unsworth, Katrina Holmes, Sonia Cox.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_animation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_film

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comedy_film

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me_(franchise)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me_(franchise)

http://www.toftsocialclub.org.uk


Toft Parish Council Clerk: Mrs Gail Stoehr 30 West Drive Highfields Caldecote Cambridge, CB23 7NY Tel: 01954 210241

The Council is your locally elected Council at the first tier of

local government. Meetings are open to the public and are

usually held on the first Monday of each month (excepting

August) at the Toft People’s Hall in School Lane starting at

7.00pm.

Notices of meetings and agendas are published on the Parish

Council Noticeboard near the bus shelter together with

minutes, which can also be viewed at www.toft.org.uk. Among

other things, the Council considers local planning applications

for the planning authority, the South Cambridgeshire District

Council; provides the local recreation area, the People’s Hall,

litter bins, dog waste bins and the bus shelter; arranges for

local verge cutting on behalf of the Cambridgeshire County

Council and works with that authority to ensure the

maintenance of local footpaths.

The next meeting of the Council is Monday 4th

December. All Welcome.

The Parish Council met on 6th November.

The PC agreed to open a new account with Cambridge &

Counties Bank to be the PC's "Savings" account as this

has a higher interest rate than the current account.

The PC has been trying to resolve the issue of ownership

and registration of the allotment land for some time now.

This has proved to be rather complex and it's been

concluded that a new charity will need to be set up. The

charity will be managed by the PC with the councillors

becoming trustees. The land will then be registered with

the charity.

The PC via Cllr Tall has been diligent in recording

maintenance issues on to the CCC website and this has

paid off with several minor maintenance issues having

been resolved.

The PC considered the new Data Protection regulations

that come into force next year. These will have significant

implications for the way in which the council operates and

the PC is to seek more practical assistance in making sure

that it is in compliance with the requirements.

Two planning applications were considered and the PC

supported both.

Cllr McCarten reported that that a working party has been

clearing an area on the allotment land to site water butts.

Cllr Tall reported that the costings for the Local Highways

Initiative works, i.e. the yellow lines on the village green

and the gates at the village entrances, have been costed

at c.£6k, which is slightly higher than the initial estimate.

The PC will decide whether to fund the additional cost at

the next meeting.

Cllr Ellis-Evans reported that the new defibrillator has now

been installed. It will be commissioned and made

available by mid-November. Training is to be carried out in

January. Kevin Gathercole has offered to carry out the

necessary weekly checks on the unit, for which the PC is

grateful.

Cllr McCarten reported on her recent contact with the

Woodland Trust, which owns Toft Wood, about reinstating

the overgrown path along the western edge, where the

apple trees grow. This will be included in forthcoming

maintenance work by the Trust.

Very often Councillors and residents carry out

maintenance and small works to make the village a nicer

place. For example, in addition to the very successful

firework display, which involved many people during this

month, Cllr McCarten with Mike McCarthy and James

McNiven spent time clearing an area in the allotments, Cllr

Tall spent time clearing the overgrowing grass and

vegetation on the cycleway. Cllr Ellis-Evans and Cynan

Ellis-Evans spent time supporting the trees in Lot Meadow

and, with Julia Lumley, planted another 150 bluebell bulbs

kindly donated by Elizabeth and Robert Dolman (who

have now donated 600 bulbs over recent years). Cllr

Pugh has carried out the monthly clean of the bus shelter

and Cllr Yeadon spent some time cleaning the play

equipment.

This list doesn't include everybody involved in the social

club and the many other clubs and organisations in the

village. The PC thanks everyone involved in all the

activities that make Toft so special.

Councillors Phone E-mail

Chairman:

Martin Yeadon 263663 [email protected]

Gill Pugh 262151 [email protected]

Jeanne McCarten

262523 [email protected]

Elaine Miles 262255 [email protected]

Tricia Ellis-Evans

263477 [email protected]

Andy Tall 07984796273

[email protected]


Toft Choir, Toft Session and Musicians celebrate

The diversity of Christmas

Saturday 9th

December at 4 pm St Andrew’s Church Toft

Tickets £5 including refreshments

available on the door or in advance from

Toft Shop

Barbara Preece tel 01223 263466

Arpi Johnson tel 01223 262708 Proceeds to St Andrew’s Church, Toft


Toft generously donates to support women in need

Many thanks to everyone who turned out on a wet, November evening to listen to an incredibly

moving, well informed, articulate and powerful presentation by Elaine Storkey, discussing the many

ways in which women continue to be violated or at risk in all societies.

For those wanting to learn more, please have a look at Elaine’s website,

http://www.elainestorkey.com/

Or read her latest publication:

Scars across Humanity: Understanding and Overcoming Violence against Women (Published

November 25th, 2015 by SPCK) £133.50 was donated as a retiring collection. At the suggestion of Elaine Storkey, this was given to the charity ‘Beyond the Streets; http://beyondthestreets.org.uk/

Beyond the Streets is a UK charity working to end sexual exploitation. We create routes out for

women by working with others and challenging the stigma that surrounds sexual exploitation.

Toft IW was delighted to bring Elaine Storkey to Toft and for the event to be so well supported by people of all genders. ‘Thank you’ to Katherine James for suggesting it and everyone for coming! For more information about Toft IW Linda Hollow - [email protected] or Jane Tebbit – [email protected]

POLICE are urging residents to check their home security as the clocks go back and the evenings start to draw in. With more homes empty after sunset, officers are concerned the number of burglaries could rise. However, an increase in crimes over the darker months could be avoided if homeowners take a few simple steps. In the six months from November last year to April this year (inclusive), 1238 homes were burgled in the county. During the previous six months (May-October 2016) 1051 homes were burgled, meaning offences rose by 17.8 per cent over the autumn/winter months. Detective Inspector Andy Tolley said: “Burglary is a priority for us and we’re working hard to catch offenders and bring them before the courts.

“However, with the clocks going back offences can start to increase. “It is usually an opportunist offence so there are steps people can take to remove the temptation for bur-glars. Keeping possessions out of sight and making it seem like someone’s at home are two good starting points.” Police are offering the following advice: • Install good lighting, for example exterior lights with dawn-to-dusk sensors and an alarm. • Use timer switches. These can be linked to lighting or even a radio giving the impression that someone is at home and can be switched on through mobile phone applications. • Close your blinds or curtains at night, preventing people from looking into your home. If your children are home first from school encourage them to close curtains and blinds first. • Keep windows and doors secure, and lock side gates, even if you are at home. • Do not leave spare keys hidden outside – a burglar will always look for these first. • Mark your valuables – with your post code and house number – or garden and shed equipment with a spare can of paint or even nail varnish. • Do not leave car keys near the front door or anywhere easy to find. For more burglary prevention advice, visit our website https://www.cambs.police.uk/information-and-services/Burglary.aspx


Comberton Library Opening Hours: Monday: 10am – 1pm;

Wednesday: 10am – 1pm, 2pm -5pm; Friday: 2pm – 5pm; Saturday: 10am – 1pm More details can be found on the Library Service website at: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/library

We have a number of books, particularly suitable for the Christmas period, available to borrow at the library; a large box of picture books, and some longer chapter books, for the children and a display of adult fiction, all related to the season. Do come along and see if you can find something festive to read. Tickets are still available for ‘Alice in the Cuckoo’s Nest’ by Librarian Theatre at Cambourne Library on Wednesday 6

th December. This production is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novel ‘Alice’s Adventures

in Wonderland’. It is not a children’s show, but children aged 8+, accompanied by an adult, will be welcome. There will be two performances at 2.30 and 7.00 pm. Tickets, costing £7/£4 for concessions, to include refreshments, can be reserved with the library staff at Comberton Library, purchased directly from Cambourne Library, or bought online at www.librariantheatre.com . Librarian Theatre is a fantastic small theatre company, supporting public libraries, and their previous productions have been quite amazing. Upcoming Rhymetime sessions: 11

th December, 8

th and 22

nd January (10.30 -11.00 am). Please note that

although these sessions are aimed at very young children we welcome older siblings and pre-schoolers who enjoy singing too! Comberton Library will be closed for the Christmas/New Year period from Christmas Day, Monday 25

th

December, re-opening on Wednesday 3rd January. Cambridge Central Library will open between Christmas and New Year; opening times will be on our website, or ask staff for details. The staff at Comberton Library wish you all a very Joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look

forward to seeing all our customers, old and new, in 2018!

DECEMBER BULLETIN FROM CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

IT is the time of year when we’re enjoying a tipple with friends, cooking up festive feasts for the family and entertaining loved ones. With all the fun to be had it is easy to be distracted when cooking in the kitchen.

50 per cent of all fires in the home start in the kitchen and more than half of those are as a result of dis-traction whilst cooking. We want to help ensure your festive cheer doesn’t go up in smoke this Christmas by sharing our tips below for safe cooking over the festive season: Never leave cooking unattended Do not cook when tired Do not cook when under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that makes you drowsy Regularly clean the grill pan and oven. Built up fat can easily catch fire Never leave anything cooking if you leave the house Do not leave anything flammable on or near the hob – tea towels, oven gloves and even washing

baskets can catch fire Take care when using microwaves. Fires can start when people put food in too long. Always read the

instructions on the packet – never guess the time needed Oven chips or temperature control deep fat fryers are safer than using a chip pan. If you do use a

chip pan, do not fill it more than one third with fat and turn the heat down if the oil starts smoking Fire can break out in household appliances so you should regularly maintain dishwashers, washing

machines and driers and never leave them on if you go out or when you go to bed Have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home. If it keeps going off when you are cooking it

is probably in the wrong location or you may have the wrong type of smoke alarm Never take the batteries out of your smoke alarm. If you do have a fire in the house, get out, stay out and dial 999.


Community Defibrillator Seminar

Toft People’s Hall 16 January 2018 at 7.00 p.m.

The defibrillator, which is situated outside Toft People’s Hall, has now been commissioned and is fully operational. It can be used by anyone 24/7. Toft Parish Council have arranged for the Community Heartbeat Trust to show us how easy it is to use the defibril-lator and learn how it will benefit the community in saving precious minutes in the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.

Toft Allotments and Wildlife Area If you have walked around Toft allotments recently, you might have noticed that a large area below the cultivated plots has been cleared, particularly of blackthorn and bramble. This work was carried out in September by a team of volunteers, including Toft resident Clive Sinclair, from the Cambridge Conservation Volunteer group (CCV), who have also been advising the Parish Council on how to manage the site. This area below the allotments was designated a ‘wildlife area’ by the Parish Council in 2003 and a botanic survey undertaken at that time listed over 60 plant species spotted on just one visit alone. In recent years, the area became overgrown but some clearing work done in December 2016 resulted in the appearance of a large patch of cowslips (known locally as pagels) in spring 2017. The aim of the autumn clearing work by CCV is to encourage more grassland and wildflower regeneration, including orchids, which have been seen there in years gone by. Louise Bacon, who led the September working party, said, ‘Cutting back the edge of the blackthorn and hawthorn scrub where grass still grows underneath should, with some attention next summer, enlarge the area of flowery grassland in the allotment site. Next steps will be to see how the growth looks in summer 2018, maybe cutting the same area again to promote grasses over other vegetation. By autumn 2018 another bit of blackthorn can be cut back, and continue the

expansion of flowery areas. It should be possible to take flower seeds from the edges of the area and strew them on the cut areas to help diversify the flora if needed.’ With the addition of nesting boxes to attract birds – maybe even owls – the idea is to create a special wildlife-friendly oasis in the midst of an intensively-cultivated agricultural landscape. Walkers can also now enjoy the views from this area on a newly-installed bench, kindly donated by the Cambridge Rambling Club (who also donated the bench in Lot Meadow). Thanks go to Clive Blower and James McNiven (of Toft) for installing it. It’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy the views of Hardwick Wood and to catch the evening sunset, especially in spring and summer.

A Toft resident enjoys the views of Hardwick Wood from the new bench


District Councillor News... By the time you read this, we will all be well into Preparations for Christmas. I hope you are all ready or nearly so. I wish to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2018 be a good year for you and your families. Draft Local Plan - Bourn Airfield Development (BAD) The Planning Inspector and the Council engaged in a series of correspondence regarding proposed modifica-tions to the draft plan. The correspondence is pub-lished on the council website at https://www.scambs.gov.uk/examination-correspondence-with-Inspector. On the back of this, the Council sent out a very upbeat update to Parish Councils and a press re-lease on 14-November, which gave the impression that the plan was likely to be adopted soon and that the In-spector had not found any issues with the overall strat-egy of the plan. Turns out this was not strictly true. The Inspector, on getting notified of the Council’s interpreta-tion, wrote a rather stern telling-off letter to the Council which is at http://bit.ly/LP2SCDC15Nov17. SCDC has been less than open in the local plan pro-cess in recent months, and it has taken pressure from us the opposition to get them to publish the series of correspondence in the first place. In the meantime, due to the lack of a 5-year housing land supply, speculative developments applications have now resulted in around 5,000 houses being grant-ed planning permission across the district, 211 of these are in Highfields Caldecote. These are approvals that would otherwise not have happened but for the land supply issue. I requested a motion to be debated at November 2017 full council meeting, to ask that in light of the above, Bourn Airfield could be removed from the local plan, but the Council chairman refused to allow my motion. Housing With the new major developments happening at Ben-nell Farm in Comberton, Gladmans and CALA sites in Caldecote, there will be over 100 affordable homes available to locals in the host villages and the neigh-bouring cluster of villages. This is an opportunity for those who require affordable housing, for the first time or need a bigger property, to register with the Council on the housing needs register. Go to the council web-site at https://www.scambs.gov.uk/content/apply-housing. Feel free to let me know, confidentially of course, if you apply, so that I can follow up on your be-half. If you have special circumstances that need to be considered, then please talk to me about it so you don’t get dismissed out of hand.

The Cambourne to Cambridge (C2C) Busway The C2C project by the Greater Cambridgeshire Part-nership (GCP) marches on, with a new public consulta-tion starting on 13 November 2017 titled “Better Bus Journeys: Phase One”. Please take the time to re-spond to the consultation. It ends on 22 January 2018. Full details at https://www.greatercambridge.or.uk/C2C Whilst you are considering your response to the C2C project, you may want to bear in mind the Western Or-bital and its relationship to the C2C busway. Western Orbital (WO) project The WO, should provide a fast and reliable bus link near to or on the M11, between major housing sites along the A428 and the big employment areas south of the city, avoiding the busy city centre. It should join up with the C2C at M11 Junction 13 to give better bus journeys between Cambourne and Addenbrooke’s, as well as access to the Trumpington Park & Ride (new or expanded). That’s the idea anyway. But at the recent LLF meeting I attended, it turns out that (1) work on the WO is to be suspended until 2019, when the GCP expects to hear if Highways will build a Smart Motorway between Jn 11 and Jn 13 of the M11. (2) Not only that, the work will not include the connec-tion of the WO to the C2C, as that is viewed as a sepa-rate project. Bear in mind that the current C2C project does not even mention connection to the WO. Yet again we see our local authorities not exhibiting joined up thinking.. You can find out more about the WO at https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/transport/transport-projects/western-orbital/ Ward Boundary Changes As from May 2018, the Caldecote Ward boundary will change. Toft will be moved into the Hardwick Ward. The new ward will then comprise Caldecote, Childerley, Bourn, Kingston, Longstowe and Little Gransden. Here to Help You I hold monthly councillor drop-in surgery in Caldecote on first Thursdays of the month 7pm to 7.50pm at the Village Hall, and in Toft on first Mondays of the month 6pm to 7pm at the Toft Peoples Hall. Please feel free to come by if you wish to talk about issues with South Cambs council services that I can help with. You can also contact me as usual by phone 210840, email [email protected], @CouncillorTumi on Twitter, Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/itsCouncillorTumi/ , and on my Contact Me page on my website www.tumihawkins.org.uk.


Norsemen in the Dark Ages Make a note in your diaries – There will be a Toft Historical Society meeting at the People’s Hall on Tuesday, January 9

th, from 8pm with presentations on Vikings in East Anglia. The meeting is open to all. Admission £2,

tea and coffee provided. More details in the next newsletter.

RIDE & STRIDE Peter Johnson wishes to thank all those who sponsored him. A total of £825.00 was raised for the Cambridge-

shire Historic Churches Trust. Slightly down compared to last year, which was a record, but a better day Weather-wise.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped, donated and supported the Lisa Kent Trust Jumble Sale on 4th Novem-ber. Just over £900 was made which is wonderful and will go towards the ongoing work of providing education to the hundreds of children the Trust supports in The Gambia. If you would like to know more please visit our web-site www.lisakenttrust.org

- Julia Catley

THANK YOU

Arpi and Peter Johnson thank everyone who supported

the Coffee Morning in September in aid of

Macmillan Cancer support. £215.00 was raised.

COMBERTON RAMBLERS Walking is good for you, good for everyone! Going for a walk is good for your body, your mind and the environment. For such a simple activity, the benefits are endless. It’s good for your health, it lifts your mood, it’s a sociable activity and a great way to meet new people. It also counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity you should be doing each week. So why not join the Comberton Ramblers? We walk alternative Sundays between 4-7 miles. We are a friendly / informative group and enjoy exploring the varied countryside in this area. New walkers are very welcome to join us with up to 2 free walks, and if you enjoy our walks we request that you become a member. Annual membership fee is £8.50 per person. Our full walks programme can be viewed + photo's on. www.combertonramblers.org.uk For further information please contact Stella the Secretary: Email. [email protected] Tel 01954 210049


Your M. P. writes… Welcome to my latest newsletter, lots has been happening since I last wrote! Many of you will be aware of the plans from Uttlesford District Council to create North Uttlesford Garden Community which, if permitted, could have an adverse impact on the Southern part of the constituency. As such, I attended a meeting with Hinxton, Ickleton, Duxford, Pampisford, Whittlesford and Sawston Parish Councils to discuss their concerns. I too am worried these plans may negatively impact on us by significantly increasing congestion. I have submitted my views to Uttlesford District Council and will continue to keep residents aware of developments as they occur. You will know there are plans to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600, so that each constituency has a similar number of electors. On 17

th October, the

Boundary Commission published their revised proposed boundaries for South Cambridgeshire. I was bitterly disappointed to read that their proposals still see South Cambs losing the wards of the Mordens, Bassingbourn, Melbourn and Meldreth. The Boundary Commission’s report on the previous consultation acknowledged that I had put forward a counter proposal which had garnered significant public support and that most responses received generally opposed their suggestion. However, they still felt these Cambridgeshire villages should be moved to sit under a Herts regional authority, in spite of acknowledged strong local ties to the area. I will be challenging these proposals again. If you agree that these villages should be retained in South Cambridgeshire rather than transferred to a Hertfordshire constituency, you can comment until the 11

th December. Please see my website https://

www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/campaigns/boundary-commission-stage-two-consultation for details of my opposition strategy and how to join in the consultation. You will remember in my last newsletter that the Department for Transport have launched a consultation on accessibility issues for disabled people using public transport. I have been working with local and national groups to bring about improvements for disabled people. BBC Look East kindly filmed a piece for me at Whittlesford station, demonstrating issues disabled people face when there is no lift connecting the platforms. You can watch it here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yahDBM6qB5w&feature=youtu.be South Cambs District Council have coincidentally also launched a consultation on taxi licensing which aims to provide more stringent standards. The Council is proposing to introduce a policy requiring all hackney carriages to be wheelchair accessible vehicles. This

important consultation closes on 5th January 2018. You

can find details here www.scambs.gov.uk/consultations

Parliament returned in October after the conference recess, and since then, my main campaign has focused on improving the Universal Credit benefit system. I raised this issue during Prime Minister’s Questions on the 11

th October and the Prime Minister

kindly agreed to meet with me to discuss this in more detail. There will be a further debate in the House ahead of the budget and I am optimistic the Government is listening and will reduce the 6 week delay claimants currently experience before receiving their first payment. You can read all about this issue here https://www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/news/universal-credit

It is always a pleasure to visit schools in my constituency and at the beginning of October, I was grilled by the Perse Pelican’s Mini Parliament! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their thoughtful contributions and answering their questions. I have more school visits planned in November, so if you are a teacher or a governor of a local school and would like to arrange a visit, please do get in touch. Another important part of my job is to support local enterprise in their efforts to grow and contribute to our local economy. So I was pleased to be able to open the new John Henry Group operations centre in Longstanton. This family business company has gone from strength to strength and I was delighted to be able to cut the ribbon and declare their new centre open! Finally, Christmas is approaching (how did that happen!?) so it’s time to switch on those lights! The “Light Up Cambourne” event on 25th November started at 5pm in the Market Square, Great Cambourne, with lights on at 6.15pm. Caxton’s event will be on 9th December at 5pm opposite Caxton Manor. Why not join me at one of these Christmas celebrations and help get the festivities underway? My next surgery will be on Saturday 18

th November

from 10am to 12pm at Rocky's Bar & Restaurant, Chequers Lane, Papworth Everard, CB23 3QQ and then Saturday 16th December from 10am – 12pm at Gamlingay Village College, Station Road, Gamlingay SG19 3HD. These are drop-in surgeries with no appointment necessary. Details of all the upcoming surgeries can be found on my website at www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residents-drop-surgeries. You’ll also find further information about my work and news stories there.

To contact me, please email [email protected]. You can also phone my Westminster Office on 020 7219 5091 about national issues or my constituency office on 01223 830 037 to raise local concerns.


Stay Well this Winter Winter weather can be seriously bad for our health. Being cold can aggravate existing conditions and raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. However, there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter: Get expert advice from your pharmacist If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice on the best treatment from your local pharmacist. Make sure you get your free flu jab Flu is a highly contagious and can cause serious complications for at risk groups. Adults over 65; those with long-term health conditions; children aged two to eight; carers and pregnant women may all be eligible for a free flu vaccination – ask your GP practice today. Stock up your medicine cabinet A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you treat common winter ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats and sickness bugs at home and will save you going out if you feel unwell. Ask your pharmacist about essential medicines to keep at home. Keep warm Keeping warm, both inside and outdoors, over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Get the right help Make sure you're receiving all the help you are entitled to. Learn how to make your home more energy efficient and take advantage of financial schemes to keep up with energy bills. Visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/KeepWarmKeepWell for details. For further information on staying well this winter visit www.nhs.uk/staywell


Teach in Cambridgeshire is holding a Secondary Recruitment Event on Thursday 11th January 2018, 17:00-19:00 at St Peter's School, Huntingdon. The event is designed for secondary trainees to network with secondary schools in Cambridgeshire regarding possible posts and upcoming positions. We also offer two workshops; Applying for a teaching post & What sort of school do I want to work in? There will also be the opportunity for delegates to opt for mock interviews to enhance their application experience.

This event has been a great success in the past with many trainees being offered interviews/positions at the event itself. We would be grateful if you could publicise this event in your parish. Delegates can book their place on the event here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/secondary-teacher-recruitment-event-tickets-38804272624 We would also be grateful if you could post on your social media sites about the event to raise awareness. You can tag us on @teachincambs<https://twitter.com/TeachinCambs> * Thank you very much! Best wishes, Teach in Cambridgeshire *Please don’t ask what this means. I have no idea - Ed.

Don’t Forget - Bin Collection Change! As mentioned last month, South Cambs District Council (SCDC) is changing the way paper is collected. The black paper caddies will continue to be collected up to and including Friday 8 December 2017. From Monday 11 December 2017, they will no longer be col-lected, and from that date, all paper should be placed directly into the blue bin. After that date, use the caddy for whatever you wish at home or in the garden. To recycle it, please take the caddy to a recycling cen-ter (e.g. Milton); do not put it in the blue bin. Green bins collection reduces to once a month over the winter months. Next collection dates are 20 December 2017, 17 January 2018 and 14 February 2018. The black and blue bin collections remain fortnightly on alternate weeks.


Greetings all, We have had a very musical half term so far. You may have seen our school choir out and about in the lo-cal villages and our Y5 children (Sycamore class) have recently performed a wonderful musical play enti-tled ‘GOLD’ which coincided with their learning on Ancient Greece. Yes, we are now gearing up for Christmas and transforming the school into winter and Christmas scenes. Our youngest children (reception, Y1 and Y2) will perform their Christmas nativity play ‘Christmas Counts’ to their parents on Tuesday 12th December. The following week, our juniors and their parents will share an evening in song at our school carol concert. Of course, in keeping with our school tradition, the whole school will walk to St Mary’s Church on the last day of term. We are looking forward to meeting the new vicar, Reverend David Newton. So from all of us, we would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas season and a very happy new year! If you are keen and able to offer your time to volunteer with us, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Ann Webb in the office and register your interest. All volunteers are subject to the necessary DBS checks before they start with us. With Kind Regards, Mrs C. Etchie - Headteacher

Meridian Primary School (a word from the Chair of Governors) We are looking to appoint a new governor or two to the Meridian School Governing Body. Our job is to help the school to become better and better through accountability and support. We are look-ing for enthusiasm, determination, imagination and kindness. The role is voluntary. We are supported by a Clerk and meet formally six times a year for a couple of hours. We also have subcommittees and occa-sional working parties. Please will you consider joining the team? All contacts welcome. If you would like to talk about joining us please contact the school office (Harbour Road entrance) or drop me an email. Thank you. Mr Peter Newton, Chair of Governors, [email protected]

Meridian Primary School Learning for life – striving for excellence

Have your say on transport proposals that would damage Cambridge’s green setting. - CPPF’s View

To improve bus travel between Cambourne and Cambridge, proposals are being put forward by Greater Cambridge Partnership who are asking the public for their views. Proposals include new bus lanes next to the A1303 which CambridgePPF and the local community support, or a new off-road guided busway which CPPF and the local community oppose. The off-road busway would damage the landscape and cut across green fields on Madingley Hill and potentially the West Fields. Our view is that the small benefits for travel do not offset the damage that would be done or justify the huge costs. Proposals also include two options for a new Park & Ride. Option 1, is at Scotland Farm adjacent to the A428 - which is our preferred option as it is the least damaging on the landscape. Option 2, is on top of Mad-ingley Hill - which we are opposed to because traffic is already queuing at that point. Please respond to this consultation if you can, and help to prevent unnecessary damage to the landscape. Full details and the survey are online at: https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/transport/transport-projects/cambourne-to-cambridge/cambourne-to-cambridge-consultation-2017/18/


USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555

Anglian Water (for sewage): 08457 145 145

Ashcroft Veterinary Surgery: 01954 210250

Bourn GPs’ Surgery: 01954 719313

Cambridge AIDS help-line: (01223) 508805

Cambs County Council: 0345 045 5200

Cambridge Dial a Ride 01223 506335

Cambridge Water: 01223 706050

Care Network Cambridgeshire 01954 211919.

Citizens Advice Bureau: 0844 848 7979

Comberton GPs’ Surgery: 01223 262500

Comberton Village College: 01223 262503

County Councillor: 01954 211444

CVC Community Education: 01223 264721

District Councillor: 01954 210840

Household Waste/Pest Control: 0345 045 0063

Lifespan Health Care, Family and Child Team: 01223 264460

Member of Parliament: Phone 01954 212707

Meridian Primary School: 01223 262423

Police: 101 (Emergencies: 999)

(Local Beat Officer is PCSO Sam Kennedy)

Road/Pothole Reporting: 0345 045 5212

Street Lighting: 0800 7838 247

Street Cleaning: 03450 450 063

South Cambs District Council: 03450 450 500

South Cambs Fire and Rescue: 01480 444 500

Toft Car Scheme: 262814. If no reply 262708

Trading Standards: 0345 0455206

UK Power Networks (Emergencies): 0800 31 63 105

And, finally… Please remember that contributions for the next issue of the

Calendar must reach the Editor, Michael Walker, by 18th December. Many thanks to all who contributed to this edition.

Email: [email protected] Post: 33 Egremont Road, Hardwick, Cambridge CB23 7XR

Telephone: 01954 211346

Advertisements are published quarterly. Copy for inclusion in the next available edition of the Calendar must reach us by 17th Janu-ary 2018 at the very latest. Advertisements will NOT be published unless full payment has been received in advance. Please note: We are currently unable to accept PDF file types. Quarter-page adverts MUST be Portrait-style, half-page adverts MUST be Landscape- style. In the first instance, advertisers should contact Pat Gould-stone at: [email protected] to discuss their requirements.

Notice to Advertisers

Wheelie Bin Collections For December (N.B. These dates may be subject to change)

Black Bin:

Weds 13th Dec Fri 29th Dec

Blue/Green Bin:

Weds 6th Dec (Blue Only) Weds 20th Dec (Both) Fri 5th Jan (Blue Only)

T he Calendar is always pleased to receive con-tributions from readers, advertisers and fund

raisers. We reserve the right to edit, amend, abridge or otherwise butcher any submissions to accord with technical or editorial requirements, or sometimes just on a whim. Contributors are asked to note that all formatting is removed from items on receipt. Consider plain text files as your first choice where possible. Please avoid proprietary file types (e.g. PDF, JPG, PUB, DOCX, XLS etc) un-less you feel it essential. Many thanks.

A t this time of year, we all get very busy

and find our time consumed by the preparations for Christmas and, hot on its heels, the New Year. There are, however, one

group of people here in this very village who do not have the luxury of being able to set aside their normal routines and plunge themselves into the festivities. I speak, of course - and you may be ahead of me here - of the magnificent and hardy band of volunteers who deliver the Village Calendar to each and every household every single month, regardless of what the weather can throw at them. Only a very few villages now have a magazine appearing every single month of the year, so these heroes don't even get time off for good behaviour. To them, from the comfy warmth of Editor Towers, I am delighted to send the most fulsome and very best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year. And, while I'm on the subject, may I extend that to include all our many, talented and varied contributors, our publisher and - last but by no means least - to all our readers (that means you!).

A very Happy Christmas to you all

- The Editor

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