rspb nature reserves at frampton marsh and...
TRANSCRIPT
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RSPB Nature Reserves at Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore
Enter our Village Scarecrow Competition
Good Companions & Open Doors : Traffic Issues
The Tale of Mucky Porter and the King
Parish Council Contacts and Meetings : Local Businesses
Read about Bijou our local P.A.T. Dog
Church and Village Hall Events : Puzzle Page
Vice Chairman - Cllr P Hinks
Tel. (01945) 440677
Cllr J E Garner
Tel. (01945) 440226
Cllr V G Campling
Tel. 07850 920484
Chairman - Cllr W A Harrison
Tel. (01945) 440332
1
So Spring is here at last and most welcome I must say. Its lovely to see the countryside bursting
into life with the glorious colours of spring and the promise of summer to come.
After the exiting village events of last year its hard to know what to expect for 2013 but I am sure
we will have lots of things of interest to keep us busy and on our toes once more despite not having
the Olympics to look forward to or any Royal celebrations to be share in.
We are very lucky to have lots of things happening in our village on a regular basis that we can all
join in with so if you are planning an event or have any interesting tales to tell or anything you
would like to see in the magazine please let me know. If you are a local artist or photographer and
would like to offer a picture of our village for our next cover don’t be shy - send them in!!
PLEASE NOTE:- The price for adverts in this magazine will now be £10 per single and £25 per set of four
Contact : Wendy Priestley Sutton St James Newsletter Editor by Tel:- 01945 440 726
email :- [email protected] : Post to Rosanda: Broadgate : Sutton St James : PE12 0EL Deadline for articles and adverts for inclusion in the Summer Issue is April 30th 2013
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Sutton St James Parish Council
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Parish Council Meetings 21st March - 18th April - Parish AGM 16th May at 7.10 followed by Annual Parish Meeting 7. 30
Details of any changes to the scheduled dates of any meeting will be given at least three working days beforehand.
Details of the agenda at any meeting may be obtained by applying to the Clerk to the Parish Council.
Members of the public are invited to attend any of the above meetings
Street Cleaning
Fred Smith has been doing a wonderful job of keeping our village free of litter for many years and as reported in the previous
issue celebrated his 90th birthday last autumn. Fred has reluctantly decided to reduce his commitment from now on, he will
continue to do occasional tidying up and pruning but only as and when he feels able to do so. The vacancy for a regular street
cleaner was advertised locally but without response, so it's now been decided that with economies being needed the Parish
Council would stop employing a regular street cleaner. Volunteers are now going to ensure the bags in litter bins are put out for
the weekly collection. We hope everyone will now take a community approach to litter by placing it in the bins around the
village, if you like a tidy village please don't expect someone else to pick it up.
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Scarecrow Competition
Many villages have had a lot of fun with competitions for villagers to build the best scarecrow outside their
house. If you or your local group would like to get involved and are prepared to help organise an event please
contact the parish clerk:-
Mrs J M Cockerton on 01945 440652 so that the parish council can coordinate a meeting as soon as possible.
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Cllr A Barton
Tel. (01945) 440028
Cllr C M Griggs
Tel. - (01945) 440599
Cllr D J Brown
Tel. - (01945) 440691
Parish Clerk Mrs J M
Cockerton
Tel. (01945) 440652
Parish Council News Village Council Tax Precept for 2013/14
Government have changed the way District Councils receive the support grant to fund the Council Tax Rebate for low income
households in each parish. The result is that each Parish Council now has to raise that income locally by adding the amount to the
local precept. The precept is then divided by the number of chargeable dwellings (the Tax Base) to give the individual tax per
household. Previously this support used to be given as a Support Grant from South Holland District Council.
The result of this change is that SHDC now will take £684 Support Grant away from the Sutton St James PC precept. The Parish
Council have considered the accounts and budget and cannot assimilate this alteration plus the anticipated increased expenditure
from inflation of about £320. The village precept has therefore been increased by £1000 to £7500 to maintain existing obligations,
this is the reason for the 15% increase that you will see in the parish precept on the next Council Tax Bill due in April.
The German immigrants in Pennsylvania gave their scarecrows, which they called “blootzamon” or bogyman, a mate to keep him
company during his long days out in the field – but the “bootzafrau” or bogeywife usually stood on the other side of the field!)
2
Our splendid range of products are obtained by moving our honeybees around the
country, taking full advantage of a variety of foraging seasons.
All the products are seasonally available for sale and In addition to our honey we always have a large selection of other bee products for sale, i.e. candles & other wax products. Key rings with photographs of our bees at work and also a selection of jellies, which we produce from the fruits pollinated by our bees. We take our honey production very seriously, we have the BBKA certificate of proficiency in Apiculture, Certificate of Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2 and we are registered with SHDC as a Food Business. We are also members of the BBKA, the West Norfolk & Kings Lynn Beekeepers Association, the Guild of Jam & Preserve Makers and the National Market Traders’ Federation.
Our honey may be purchased in Sutton St James village at NW Roffe and Daughter - at the National Trust Peckover House Wisbech and at various markets and country shows throughout the year including the Sandringham Farmers Market, the 4th Sunday of every month which is always well worth a visit. A list of venues are regularly updated on our website : www.berberishouseapiary.co.uk
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Anne and Frances N. W. Roffe & Daughter - Family Butchers
Chapelgate Sutton St James Open Tuesday to Saturday for
Top Quality Meats and Freshly Baked Bread. Fresh Vegetables : Sandwiches : Cakes : Grocery
Summer BBQ Packs - Pre Packed or made to order
Telephone:- 01945 440 343
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your wiring needs.
Domestic - Commercial - Agricultural
Part P Registered : Periodic inspection Reports : Landlord Certificates : PAT Testing Farm Security Systems : Fire Alarm Testing : New Builds : Rewires : All domestic wiring.
Commercial and Agricultural Supplies : Lighting : Sockets : 3 Phase sockets and machines : Fault Finding NAPIT Registered
Contact John Heanes : 147 Chapelgate Sutton St James PE12 0EF
Tel:- 07990 847 677 or email : [email protected]
PRIESTLEY LGV : Professional Driver Training
Rigid & Artic : One to One Training : COURSES FROM £880
Also In House PCV Training & Car and Trailer Courses
Sutton St James : Spalding : Lincs
Contact:- 01945 440 726 - [email protected]
www.priestleylgv.co.uk
We Care About Our Customers
Jinty Private Hire
“You Drink : We Drive”
Airports : Nighclubs : Theatres : Weddings : Stag & Hen Nights : Day Trips : Nights Out:
Any Destination. : Contract Work Available
14 Seaters : Advance Bookings Taken : 24 Hours - Tel:- 01945 440 412 Mobile 07736 015 175
A Fenland witch often called the Devil by making a circle on the ground and by saying some words or power such as reciting the
Lord’s Prayer backwards. But others were words of power such as “Calabar” or “Abracadabra” were popular too.
Saturday 13th April at Sutton St James Village Hall 6 pm - 11 pm * Ticket price (over 16) £20 per person, Children free.
* Ticket price includes Hog Roast, Children’s entertainment
* Singing Duet & Disco, supplied by K.J.Entertainers
(Excludes Licenced Bar, Raffle/Auction)
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity: Registered Charity No. 235825
Tickets will be on sale from 20th Feb. Please contact Rachael Denham on
07909 620 043 or 01945 440766.
If you want to be there to have fun and raise money for a fantastic charity then
get your tickets, limited number available, first come first served.
Raffle and Auction Items still needed.
Great Ormond Street Fundraising Event
3 My hope is that many reading this will have already visited Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore, the RSPB’s beautiful nature reserves in the south of Lincolnshire. If you haven’t made the journey, which takes just over half an hour by car to Frampton Marsh and a little longer to Freiston, I hope this will inspire you to come and see us. The Wash, one of Europe’s most important wetlands and the stop-off point for thousands of migrating birds each year, is a fantastic place to see wildlife. Frampton Marsh, on the edge of the Wash and boasting a modern-yet-cosy visitor centre, three wildlife watching hides, over 3km of trails suitable for all abilities and free parking and entry for all is the perfect place to get closer to the wildlife of the Wash. We have a monthly guided walk throughout the winter months, ideal if you’d like to learn more about the reserves, and even on a chilly day there is nothing better than a gentle stroll around the trails to feel closer to nature and further from the bustle of everyday life. Pop into the visitor centre for a tea, coffee or cake to warm up and chat to our friendly volunteers about what you’ve seen.
Written by Laura Harpham - Visitor & Publicity Officer You can find more information about Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore reserves at our web pages:
www.rspb.org.uk/framptonmarsh and www.rspb.org.uk/freistonshore.
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Roffes Catering (Lincs) Ltd - Butchery We bake bread, rolls, pies (meat & fruit) on a daily basis on site and produce BBQ Packs over the summer months. We cook Hot
Bacon, Sausage and Egg Baps and Baguettes to order all day. All our meats are home grown from locally sourced farms. Delicious Hot Pork Ribs and Roast Chickens available on Saturdays.
We also stock: Locally produced Fruit & Veg : Cheeses : Dog & Cat Food Sleeves : Groceries :Snacks & Drinks BBQ Packs : A selection of our own recipes : Lunch time Packs : Fresh Cream Buns & Cakes : Propane Gas
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Roffes Catering (Lincs) Ltd - Events
Catering for all occasions : Wedding : Cakes : Flowers : Balloons : All Linen Hire. Quality Event Catering with over 40 years Experience.
Telephone 01945 440 800 - Ask for Mary Roffes Catering (Lincs) Ltd Bells Drove ‘ Sutton St James : Spalding : Lincs : PE12 0JG
www.roffescatering.co.uk
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Garners Garage
71 Chapelgate - Sutton St James
Fuel : Repairs : MOT’s
Open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday
8am to 12 noon Saturdays
Tel:- 01945 440 226
Sutton St James Fish and Chips Fish : Chips : Pies : Sausages : Burgers : Chicken
Opening hours 4 -30 pm to 8 pm pm Thursday & Friday
11.30 am to 1.30 pm Friday & Saturday : Telephone Orders Welcome - Call 01945 440 800
The Haxey Hood The Haxey Hood Game is played on St John's Eve, January 6th and resembles a pagan rugby match. Legend has it that
some 700 years ago the wife of Sir John de Mowbray lost her hood whilst riding in the wind over Haxey Hill and local
'Boggans' (from the boggy fens) chased and rescued it. In reward they each received a half acre of land on the
understanding that they re-enact the chase each year. Today men from 5 local hamlets attempt to 'sway' the leather hood
to their local inn, and so win
4 Sutton St James Baptist Church Sunday Service every week at 10.45
Coffee Morning each Thursdays 10 am to 12 noon - all Welcome Fellowship Lunch - Last Thursday in the month 12 noon for 12.30 Meal
(Pre booking required for this event.)
Open Doors Second Tuesday of the Month 2pm to 4pm for Talk, Tea and Cake.
Everyone Welcome - For Further information call Pastor Ross Dean on 01406 424 556
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Painting and Decorating Gary J Nye - 16 Fishergate Sutton St James
Contact 01945 440 279 - Mobile 07951 127 717
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Qualified with Essential Nails
ABT Beauty Insurance
Perfect Gel Nails, extensions,
Overlays, toes and nail art.
Based in Sutton St James.
Gift Vouchers Available
Contact Kerri Jarvis - 07768 986 346
Follow me on Facebook - Cutigel Kerri Jarvis
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Sutton St James Convenience Store Newsagents : Off Licence : Grocery : Lottery : ATM Machine
Mon to Fri - 7am to 7.30 pm - Saturday 7.30am to 7.30 pm
Sunday 8am to 4 o’clock - Tel:- 01945 440 994
S Barker - Turf Suppliers & Fencing 87 Chapelgate - Sutton St James
Tel:- 01945 440 634 - Mobile 07787 876 143
Email [email protected]
A Fenland superstition is that public dinners should always be held at the full moon, or tragedy will follow. Knowing the
Fenland roads, with the wide ditches on each side and the total absence of lights, the authors can well believe it. Driving
along these roads in the dim light of a waning or waxing moon is an operation fraught with considerable peril, especially
after a public dinner, at which the wine has flowed freely with the generosity of Fenland people.
The Gunner’s Store 35-37 Chapelgate : Sutton St James : Lincolnshire : PE12 0EF
Tel:- 01945 440 289 : web site: www.thegunner.net
email [email protected]
Suppliers of Air Rifles, ‘scopes, mounts, pellets, shooting luggage &
accessories, cleaning and maintenance products.
Please telephone before travelling check we are open.
Usual hours Monday to Friday 11.30am to 6.30pm.
Cutigel
Your One Stop Equine Shop Saddles & Tack : Saddle Fitting & Saddlery Repairs
Bespoke & Made to Measure Leatherwork
Rugs: Bits : Horse Equipment - Feed & Supplements :
Mens, Womens & Childrens Clothing.
100’s of Brands to Choose From.
Mob:- 07866 426 969 - Fax:- 01945 440 875.
www.neddyshack.com
5
After all attempts to get to the bottom of a robbery on his farm, a frustrated Lincolnshire farmer finally acceded to
his wife’s wishes and agreed there was only one way to find out which of the potential suspects was the guilty party.
They sent for Wosdel the Wizard of Lincoln.
According to local legend the response was pretty rapid and he showed up in his usual guise - a Blackbird.
He soon solved the mystery and figured out not only who committed the robbery but also how it was done.
Wodsel then asked the farmer and his wife whether they wanted the culprits brought before them in person or if they’d
prefer them to ‘appear on the wall’ of their farmhouse ?
They agreed to ‘the wall’ and all the farm labourers were called in to the farmhouse in turn and questioned. When they
had all left Wosdel informed the Farmer and his wife ‘that is one of them’ he then pointed to the wall and a figure of a
young lad appeared on it ‘and that is the other’ and an older man’s image appeared on the wall.
The older man blamed it all on his young accomplice and Turned King’s Evidence, admitting to the robbery, the
proceeds of which were found in the lad’s lodgings. .
The young man was transported to Australia. What became of the elder thief is not recorded but it is said that after a
few years the farmhouse started to be haunted by the image of a young man in chains.
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Rose Tree Farm Shop 132 Chapelgate Tel:- 01945 440228
Fresh home grown and locally produced Fruit and Veg
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday - Closed
Saturday 8.30am – 5pm Sunday 9am – 12pm
Also pet foods, bird food, coal, logs, haylage and hay
Shop locally and save fuel.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sutton St James Preschool Playgroup
We are open Monday and Friday 9 - 12 and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 - 3 For further details contact :- Caron Bishop 01945 440000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hat & Feathers - Sutton St James
Good Food and a Warm Welcome
Opening Times Tuesday to Fri 7pm to 11 pm
Open Lunchtimes and Evenings at Weekends
We also provide the bar for Sutton St James Village Hall
For further details of bookings phone Tim on 01945 440 221
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NOTICE OF MEETING
SUTTON ST. JAMES SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND ASSOCIATION. HOYLE'S FIELD
You all are invited to attend an open meeting in the Village Hall on Thursday 28th March 2013 at 7.45pm.
This is an opportunity for you to put your ideas to the committee for the future use of the field and for the
committee to up-date all on the progress so far. Mike Milchard Association Chairman
In the 15th and 16th Century and even later, the most widespread religion in the Fens was either Pagan or Witchcraft.
6 Sutton St James Parish Church Information
----------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a Flower Arranger and would like to join us, please telephone Pauline on 01945 440285.
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Coffee Mornings PLEASE NOTE:- OUR POPULAR MONTHLY COFFEE MORNINGS ARE HELD ON THE SECOND SATURDAY IN THE
MONTH IN THE PARISH CHURCH BETWEEN 10.00am AND 12.00. Raffle and small stall. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUTTON ST JAMES WOMENS GROUP
The group meets at 7.30 in the Church Hall, Bells Drove on the last Wednesday in each month.
(The exception to this is when we have a daytime or evening outing)
Subscriptions for the year is £10 with a possible extra charge for outings.
For further information contact. Cherril Collins on 01945 440 319 Or Ann Milchard on 01945 440 391
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Feltwell is on the edge of the Fens and the Breckland. Two thousand years ago it would have had beaches, the sea being 180 feet
deep between the village and Ely and its neighbour, Southery. The land between the two villages is now called the Methwold
Severalls, and there is a strange tale to how this name came to be.
Back in the 17th Century during the English Civil War, Charles 1st was in Norfolk, a mainly Parliamentary area, his army was in
Oxford so Charles was in rather a bad predicament cut off from the main body of his army. Some supporters helped Charles to
get to Snore Hall, near Hilgay, but he needed an experienced guide to cross the dangerous fens to avoid Cromwell’s army. One of
the few people who knew the way was Mucky Porter, the landlord of The Silver Fleece public house in Southery. He agreed to
help, but some of the King’s courtiers distrusted him as he was a rough looking Fenman. So Mucky Porter drew from his pocket
a grey goose feather. Taking his knife he cut it in half.
“Your lordships”, said he. “I am a true Fenlander. All true folk of this area carry this token and if in need are sworn to help, unto
even their own death, another who carries a grey goose feather.” He put one half feather in his pocket and handed the other to the
King. “Now, by my honour, I can do nothing but aid His Majesty.”This seemed to satisfy everyone and in exchange for a bag of
gold, Mucky set out with the king, insisting that they change the kings fine horses for sturdy Fenland ponies and cover themselves
with sack cloths as a disguise. All went well until they had to negotiate the ford into Huntingdon and were questions by
roundhead troops. But before they could ask too many questions, Mucky Porter put his hand into his pocket, took out the split
grey goose feather and held it aloft. The troops turned their gaze on the King who put his hand in his pocket and did the same.
“Quick, come across, and then away with you”, said the guards who were themselves true Fenlanders, so Mucky and the king
continued their journey safely into Huntingdon were Mucky Porter handed the King over to his own men then returned by his
secret route towards the pub. In his pocket, which he kept tapping, was the bag filled with gold coins and in his stable back at the
pub were the two fine horses left behind by the king and now belonged to Mucky.
You might think that is the end of the story but no. Twenty years later Charles son, Charles 2nd, returned to The Silver Fleece.
He told the elderly landlord that he wanted to reward him further for the service done to his father. They rode out together onto
the newly drained land between Southery and Feltwell and the King offered Mucky as much of the land as he wished. Mucky
pointed out the land he wanted and asked the King how many acres he now owned which Charles replied, “Mr. Porter, I think you
must have several acres.” And since then it has been called the Severalls, and is still farmed by a Porter.
It may be interesting to note that later, when Charles was under sentence of death he called upon Cromwell and showed him his
half feather. This gave Cromwell a deep dilemma as a Fenlander to honour his tradition.
It is said he spent many sleepless nights considering the quandary but in the end he turned his back on his traditions and values
and the kings execution went ahead. But it is said that Cromwell brooded for the rest of his life over his refusal to honour this
ancient Fenland tradition!
SUTTON ST JAMES TODDLERS GROUP AT CHURCH HALL - BELLS DROVE
Mondays from 10.30 am to 11.45 - Thursdays from 1. 45 to 3 pm
Children from babies to school age welcome. Contact Jenny Rose on 01945 440 685
Saturday 9th March Sausage Supper and Entertainment at Church Hall 6.30 for 7.00pm
Saturday 20th April Quiz Night at Church Hall 7.00 for 7.30pm
Friday 3rd to Monday 6th May Art Exhibition - In the Parish Church 11.00am to 5.00pm
Friday 24th May to Monday 27th May - Church Flower Festival (Theme – St. James the Greater) 10.00am/4.00pm
Charles 1 was defeated in the First Civil War (1642–45), after which Parliament expected him to accept its demands for a constitutional
monarchy. He instead remained defiant by attempting to forge an alliance with Scotland and escaping to the Isle of Wight.
This provoked a second civil war (1648–49) which he also lost resulting in his trial and execution and abolition of the monarchy.
Sam Jamieson - Horse and Rider Training Are you looking for a refreshing change?
Have you lost your confidence? Or are you an experienced rider wishing to gain that competitive edge?
Sam has many years experience to direct you to success.
Dressage Show Jumping & Working Equitation : Schooling
Beginner to Advanced Lungeing & Longlining
Clicker Training (Groundwork & Ridden) : Horse and Rider Confidence Behaviour
Fax:- 01945 440 875 : Mob:- 07866 426 969 : www.equinecoach.co.uk
7 I am very proud to introduce you to Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog Bijou. Bijou is a Belgian
Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) and she came to live with us in Sutton St James from Marseille in
southern France. Bijou is 6 years old and lives with Yvonne and Trevor Wheeler and their other
dogs on Broadgate in the village.
PAT Dogs (and cats) are animals which have been assessed for a suitable temperament and have up to date vaccinations and health records, and which go with their volunteer handlers to visit establishments which have residents with limited or no access to pets or other animals. This includes hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, residential homes for the elderly, schools, and even prisons. Many people who have had pets all of their lives can suddenly find themselves no longer able to keep or care for animals and often find themselves in places where animals are not permitted. In addition to bringing comfort to many residents of different establishments, PAT Dogs have also been scientifically proven to bring a number of health benefits. Notably, stroking a dog and relaxing in its company has been able to reduce the heart rate of some patients and has helped reduce the anxiety felt my some patients with autism. Bijou visits every Friday to Rose Lodge Care Home in Wisbech. Rose Lodge is a nursing and care home for elderly residents and dementia patients and Bijou has become a popular member of the team. Many of the patients look forward to her weekly visits and enjoy stroking her and talking to her. She is always willing to have a cuddle or offer a paw, especially if there happens to be a small treat involved! One elderly female patient at the home was initially very frightened of Bijou on her first visit because as a youngster, the lady was brought down and injured by 2 large dogs and the lady had been scared of large dogs ever since. However, she was still very fond of dogs and we think Bijou understood this. She went and sat down beside the lady who was eventually brave enough to put her hand out to stroke the dog’s head. They are now the greatest of friends and the lady says that Bijou’s visits are the highlight of her week. To find out more about the work of Pets As Therapy, please visit the charity’s web site at www.petsastherapy.org
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Carpet and Oven Cleaning Services
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Ovens cleaned from £35.
Singles : Doubles : Aga’s : BBQ’s : Hobs & Extractor Hoods
Personal Service backed by 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Professional Equipment - Fully Insured
Jeanette’s Hair Salon
53 Chapelgate - Sutton St James.
All aspects of Hairdressing: Ladies : Gents : Childrens
Open Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 6 pm : Late nights available
Telephone 01945 440 499
St Guthlac is portrayed in a window at Fishtoft church. He is holding a whip allegedly given to him by St Bartholomew.
Legend has it that as long as he held the whip, Fishtoft would be free of rats and mice.
Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon in 1599. Educated at Huntingdon Grammar School and Sydney Sussex College,
Cambridge before travelling to London to study law. He died aged 59 at Whitehall on Friday 3rd September 1658.
8
Hall hire subject to availability
Enquiries for the hiring of the Village Hall to the Booking Secretary : Elaine Harrison on (01945) 440332.
Sutton St James Book Readers Group
Our reading group goes from strength to strength and we are always pleased to welcome new members.
If you are a keen reader and want to check us out, please just come along and sit in and find out what we do!
Our next meeting is on Thursday 4th April at 7.45pm in the Village Hall
Membership costs £10.00 per year and all books are provided by the Lincolnshire Library Services.
If you want any further information, please contact either Mike or Ann Milchard
on 01945 440391 who will be pleased to help
In the 1650s Oliver Cromwell finally burned all his bridges with the people that he had grown up with and, like Charles 1st,
decided that a way of making lots of money was to drain the fenland and thus produce the most valuable farmland in Europe. The
local people were very much against this so did all they could to undermine the work, often sneaking out in the night to damage
the newly dug dykes. The work was masterminded by Cornelius Vermuyden from Holland, but much of the backbreaking labour
was carried out by prisoners of war, many who came from a result of Cromwell’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Ireland.
One prisoner was named Johnny O’Hara, a member of an Irish traveller family. One night he and an associate escaped and spent
several days on the run. One night the desperate pair reached an inn, The ship at Brandon Creek which stands on a promontory of
land where the Little and Great Ouse meet. The pub was run by a Dutch couple who O’Hara and his friend murdered before
making off across the fen with as much money and food as they could carry. Eventually they were caught, probably on Porter
land, near to Southery. Punishment in those days was peculiar but oddly just. If you killed someone from another country you
were executed in the manner of that country. They were brought back to the inn where their crime took place and executed in the
Dutch manner. This entailed placing them on a barge in the river, at high tide. A beam was placed across the river and nooses
hung from it round their necks. As they tide went out they were slowly hung. It is said that the beam was then cast into the river
and for many years was a nuisance to boats that kept snagging on it. It was eventually removed and used when the inn was
expanded. So it is probably still in place there to this day, holding up a ceiling maybe!
But that is not the end of the tale. Other members of the O’Hara family were held in the same camp and, when the work had been
completed were set free. They remained in Britain as travellers well into this century. The family symbol on the back of their
trailer being a white noose on a black background, to remind them of the death of their ancestor. Every time they passed the Ship
at Brandon Creek it is said that they placed a black sheet on the hedge in reminder of Johnny.
Today Johnny’s memory is kept alive by the molly dancers of the Fens who re-enact his gruesome tale in a traditional dance.
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Sutton St James Walking Group
Group leaves for local walks from Village Hall at
11 am every Thursday
For away day walks group leaves at 10 am
Contact Carol Griggs on 01945 440 599
Bingo at the Village Hall
Every other Monday March 4th : March 18th April 15th : April 29th May 13th : May 27th
Eyes down 7.30pm
No need for a partner. Come on your own or with friends.
Learn to Line Dance from scratch or improve your skills.
Every Wednesday at Sutton St James Village Hall
Beginners and Improvers 6.45 to 8 pm
Only £4 per session Adults - £2 Children
Contact Marion on 01406 350 732
Street Fit
An explosive fitness program designed to maximise fat
burn while using Street Dance Moves
Every Tuesday 6.45pm to 7.45pm
GUARANTEED TO GET YOU FIT!
No need to book. £4 per class
FIRST CLASS FREE!!
For details contact Abby - 07928 870 118
Good Companions
March 13th Whist - 20th Bingo 27th Whist - April 3rd Whist 17th Bingo 24th Whist
May 1st Whist - 15th Bingo - 22nd Whist. For enquiries call Jean Leggett on 01945 440 535
9 The trunk of a giant oak tree, thought by experts to be more than 5,000 years old, was recently unearthed in a field at
Methwold Hythe, near Downham Market. Experts believe the Norfolk bog oak is the largest-ever intact 5,000-year-old
sub-fossilised trunk of an ancient giant oak, but think it could be just a section - possibly as small as a quarter - of the
original tree. The 44ft Fenland Black Oak, or bog oak, was found buried in farmland and planks cut from the trunk will be
dried over seven months in a specialist kiln. One of the rarest forms of timber in England, bog oak is generally found
buried in farmland. When dry it is said to be comparable to some of the world's most expensive tropical hardwoods trees
began to perish as water levels gradually rose starting about 7,000 years ago and when they died they tumbled into silt that
built up on the forest floor and this led to their preservation. A team of experts spent a day hauling out the tree and
milling it into 10 planks, the wood was then transported to London for drying. Working as the Diamond Jubilee Fenland
Black Oak Project a team of apprentice carpenters, in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, will
create a 44ft table from the dried oak with the intention of putting it on show to the public, giving an insight into the
grandeur of our ancient giant forests and preserving this fantastic fossil for the interest of the nation. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Simply Clean - Window Cleaning
Professional Window Cleaner - Quality & Reliable Service Competitive Prices
1 and 2 Bed Bungalow or Terrace from £6 : 3 Bed Semi from £8 : 4 bed Detached from £12 Contact Tel- 01775 888 466 - Mobile 07587 024 455Email : [email protected] - www.simplycleanuk.com
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HGV Traffic Through the Village
Members of the Parish Council attended a meeting of local parish councillors at Sutton Bridge in January to meet with the developers of the proposed biomass power station. Many issues were discussed including pollution and traffic. We were assured that all emissions would be continuously monitored and that filtration would achieve results far in excess of environmental regulations and that only biomass (wood type) material would be burnt and definitely no industrial or domestic waste. We were also given the guarantee that all HGV journeys would not pass through Sutton St James, the contractors would have binding designated routes using only the A17 and A47 and would be GPS monitored.
On the general issue of HGV traffic through all local villages, the Parish Council have set up a further meeting in March with our neighbouring parish councils to explore ways of reducing through traffic of HGV's. Cllr. William Webb our County representative and someone from the South Holland Drainage Board should also attend. We will report back after that meeting.
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A young lad named Tom was sitting in a field near the village of Mumby in Lincolnshire resting
during his daily labours when he heard a little whimper, like the sound of a young child in
distress. Upon further investigation Tom found a little creature trapped under a flat stone. The
creature was like a ragged little man and had yellow-brown skin, the colour of dark mustard. The
little man begged Tom to help free him from the stone. Tom knew that he should just leave the
creature where he lay, but it whimpered so much that eventually Tom took pity upon it and lifted
the stone from on top of the little man. The creature jumped up in delight, introduced itself as Yallery-Brown then promised to
reward Tom by granting him a wish. Being workshy, the young lad asked for help with his daily chores. Yallery-Brown clapped
his hands and said it would be so. Tom thanked the creature who flew into a rage and warned that it must never be thanked or dire
consequences would follow. As a parting word Yallery-Brown told Tom that if he ever needed him he was to call his name.
The next day, when Tom set about his tasks, he found that the jobs were already doing themselves. The broom was rushing
around the room sweeping the floor of its own accord and the stones were grinding the corn without human assistance. After
many days of the same thing happening, the people began to whisper that Tom was a witch or warlock. This worried Tom, so he
called for Yallery-Brown. Tom thanked the creature for its help but told it that it was no longer needed. Yallery-Brown again
flew into a rage and told Tom his help would be withdrawn, but as he had been thanked Tom would be left with a curse. The little
man vanished with the words: (Translated into modern prose) Work as you will, you'll never do well, Work as you might, you'll
never do right, For harm and mischance and Yallery-Brown, You've let out yourself from under the stone!
True to the curse Tom never did well and died a poor man. So if you find something under a stone - Leave it where it is!!
Matt Harrison Electrical Industrial, Commercial and Domestic work undertaken.
For all your electrical needs : An honest reliable service from a locally based
new small business. : 14 years of experience of all types of work.
Telephone:- 01945 420 925 : Mobile :- 07713 250 516
Email :- [email protected]
Amazing Find
10
TV and FILM Quiz
01/ Who was in both the 60s and 90s versions of The Thomas Crown Affair?
02/ Which Lord of the Rings actor was dismayed to hear he had been cut from the final film?
03/ What actor starred in the 1999 film The Green Mile?
04/ In which 1950's film, were some of the actors mistakenly wearing wristwatches?
05/ On Film, how was the character Oswald Cobblepot played by Danny DeVito better known?
06/ Who was the host of ‘The Sky at Night’
07/ What is TV’s longest running soap.
08/ What was the name of the holiday camp in Hi de Hi
09/ Name of the Character played by Ronnie Barker in ‘Porridge’
10/ What was the longest running pop music show on TV
11/ Roger de Courcy had a famous dummy. Name it.
12/ Father McDougal Mcguire lived on Craggy Island with which other priest
13/ In which Carry On film did Barbara Windsor famously lose her bra
14/ In which sitcom did Ronnie Barker play a skinflint shopkeeper.
15/ What was inspector Morse’s Christian name?
16/ What was the name of David Jason’s Winter time detective?
17/ What ship flew ‘where no man had gone before’?
18/ What TV family were famously known for saying Goodnight to each other?
Across
9. Make bigger (7)
10. Stammer (7)
11. One who wrongfully
seizes power (7)
12. Use (7)
13. Self-employed (9)
15. A type of dog (5)
16. Patella (7)
19. Because of that (7)
20. Mischievous (5)
21. Dusk (9)
25. Feed (7)
26. Deprive of priestly office
(7)
28. It's caused by excessive
sun exposure (7)
29. Extremely cold (7)
Across 2. Personnel (5) 4. Happened simultaneously(9) 6. Laconic (5) 7. Natural qualities (7) 9. Counsel (8) 11. Debate (8) 13. Quandary (7) 14. Type of nut(5) 15. Diminished (9) 16. Slack (5)
Down
1. Reject outright and bluntly (6)
2. Charm (6)
3. Harvest (4)
4. Nerve (6)
5. Suitable for eating (8)
6. Infliction of a penalty (10)
7. Mentality (8)
8. Genial (8)
14. Lacking moral discipline (10)
16. Avidness (8)
17. Sewer water (8)
18. A strong liking (8)
22. Harbour ill feelings (6)
23. Nuclear (6)
24. Probable (6)
27. Chafe (4)
Popular False ‘Fact’ : The Great Wall of China is the only manmade structure visible from space. This is wrong on many levels. Firstly, while you are still close enough to earth to actually see the great wall, you can also
see road networks, and other large objects created by man. There is, in fact, no distance from earth in which you can only
see the great wall. By the time you get a few thousand miles away, you can see nothing manmade.
Astronaut Alan Bean said: “The only thing you can see from the moon is a beautiful sphere, mostly white (clouds), some
blue (ocean), patches of yellow (deserts), and every once in a while some green vegetation. No man-made object is visible
on this scale. In fact, when first leaving earth’s orbit and only a few thousand miles away, no man-made object is visible at
that point either. - So now you know.
SUDUKU!! It's easy to play Sudoku!
Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box
so they contain every number between 1
and 9. Each column both across and down
must add up to 45.
Sutton St James News Magazine Spring Issue 5 March 2013
Puzzle Solution
TV and Film Quiz Answers
1. Faye Dunaway 2. Christopher Lee 3. Tom Hanks 4. Ben Hur 5. The Penguin in Batman 6. Patrick Moor
7. Coronation St 8. Maplins 9.Norman Stanley Fletcher 10. Top of the Pops 11.Nookie Bear 12. Father Ted
13. Carry On Camping 14. Open All Hours 15. Endeavour 16. Inspector Frost 17. The Starship Enterprise 18. The Waltons
Copyright Wendy Priestley - : www.mothertrucker.co.uk
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems, or transmitted by any means
including photocopying without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Designed and produced by Wendy Priestley : www.mothertrucker.co.uk
Email:- [email protected]