1 Fit Club receiving their Ashwell Show funding Photo by Heather Burch For more articles on a sporting theme please see pages 2,3,7,11 and 20.
2 If you have driven past Ashwell Rec on a Saturday morning and seen a motley crew of men and women running up and down, lifting dumb bells and throwing medicine balls, you may have wondered what on Earth we are doing. I have asked myself the same question on many occasions; particularly on a rainy, windy day. Perhaps it is the drive to get a bit fitter and less fatter, but it is also the camaraderie, the banter and the coffee afterwards. Indeed, one Saturday our enthusiasm even led us to help remove some dead bushes from Ashwell’s churchyard. We recently received some generous funding from the Ashwell Show, so have even more implements of fitness torture. Fit Club meets 10am – 11am every Saturday morning on the Rec. You don’t need to be super fit, but you do need a sense of humour. Martin Talks Ashwell Fit Club Preparations are well underway for this year’s Ashwell Village Sports Day & Picnic, which returns on Sunday 19th May. We’re committed to offering a friendly annual gathering for the whole village. Full of fun and entertainment for all, completely free, and not-forprofit There’ll be events for all abilities; and even if you don’t fancy taking part, we hope you’ll bring your picnic blanket or gazebo - to help make the most of the food and drink and music laid on, whilst feasting on the delights of the athletic entertainment (in hopefully glorious sunshine). As well as a BBQ and bar, the cake stall is always a treat for the senses - so this is an early call out for the bakers of Ashwell to please offer up your services and help keep tummies full! Please do follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Ashwellvillagesportsday) and Instagram for news updates, programme information, or to volunteer your help, as we count down to the starter’s whistle And whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, grab your trainers, your bicycle and your picnic blanket, and please do come and join us at the Rec on Sunday 19th May. Food and drink will be available from 1pm, with races starting at 1.30pm See you then! The Ashwell Village Sports Day committee Sports Day
3 7 April 2nd Sunday of Easter 9.15am Family Service, St Nicholas’, Hinxworth 10.45am Thank God it’s Sunday, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00pm Holy Communion, St Mary’s, Ashwell 14 April 3rd Sunday of Easter 9.15am Parish Communion, St Nicholas’, Hinxworth 10.45am Parish Communion, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00pm Evening Prayer, St Mary’s, Ashwell 21 April 10am All Age Communion, St George’s, Edworth 4 th Sunday of Easter/ St George’s Day 10.45am Service of the Word, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00pm Sacred Space, St Mary’s, Ashwell 28 April 5th Sunday of Easter 9.15am Service of the Word, St Nicholas’, Hinxworth 9.30am BCP Communion, St Vincent’s, Newnham 10.45am Parish Communion with APCM, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00pm Evensong, St Mary’s, Ashwell Plus, every Wednesday morning at 10am (apart from 3rd April), Midweek Communion Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. “When a knight won his spurs in the stories of old, He was – ‘Face the front, David Briggs, what have you been told?’ With a shield on his arm and a lance in his – ‘Hey! Is that a ball I can see? Put – it – a – way.’” Extract from ‘Headmaster’s Hymn’ by Allan Ahlberg ‘When a knight won his spurs’, with words written by Jan Struther (who also wrote Lord of All Hopefulness), is one of those hymns that many of us remember from school. So much so that Allan Ahlberg used it as the basis for his wonderful ‘Headmaster’s Hymn’, in the excellent poetry book, Please Mrs Butler. It’s a particularly apt hymn to think about in April, as it’s often sung at St George’s Day services, which take place near the end of the month; and, with the imagery of chargers, shields and racing into battle on valiant steeds, it also fits well with this month’s sporty theme! Although St George wasn’t actually a knight (he was a soldier in the Roman Army, who died a martyr’s death in AD 303, for keeping firm in his Christian faith and refusing to make sacrifices to pagan gods); he is often associated with knights, because he shot to fame during the Crusades. Even today, the most famous images of him have him clad in armour, riding with valour, to slay mighty dragons; and it’s this image of George as a true knight and model of Christian chivalry, which helped urge the Crusaders on. His fame continued to grow, and by the fifteenth century, the feast of St George was ranked as one of the principal feasts of the year. Although ‘the knights are no more, and the dragons are dead’ (as the hymn goes) – there are still many dragon-like foes in the world today, and we need heroes as much as ever – which is perhaps why superhero films are so popular. We each want to know that the powers of evil (be they giants and ogres, or poverty, injustice and oppression) can be overcome; we want to know that good can win. As Christians celebrate the Easter season (which continues for 50 days, until the Feast of Pentecost), we of course know that God has shown that good already has won; a glorious victory over sin and death. And we have Jesus’ promise – that whatever dragons we battle in life, God will be beside us. Chris Our annual St George’s Day service is at St George’s, Edworth, at 10am on Sunday 21st April. All welcome. Ashwell Village News - Letter from Chris To contact Chris Tel: 01462 742277 or email: [email protected] Benefice Services
4 A few words from ASHWELL UNITED REFORMED CHURCH In April we will have our usual services on Sunday 14th and Sunday 28th . Worship on the 14th will be less formal, following the Café Church style we adopted on the 2nd Sundays of January and February. Everyone is invited to come a bit earlier than normal for coffee or tea and something to eat, with an opportunity for chat before we are gently brought to order. We chose our favourite hymns and quite often have an informal discussion about something that Jim has encouraged us to think about. There isn’t a ‘sermon’ and our prayers will often be very topical. So why not come along and join us at 10.30am? Our CAMEO meeting on Wednesday 10th April will be all about our favourite music. We are all invited to talk about a piece of music that means some thing special to us – and then we hope to be able to play it (or part of it at any rate!). We meet from 2.30 onwards. Again, everyone is welcome. Di Coleman is starting to co-ordinate our Saturday Afternoon Teas ready for the first Saturday of June. We encourage our hall user groups to take a turn in providing and serving teas to raise money, either for their own funds or for a chosen charity. Hopefully there will be teas every Saturday until the end of July! April is a hopeful time when we look forward to new growth of Spring plants. Let us hope and pray for new growth in our churches as the message of the good news of Easter brings new life and hope into people’s hearts and minds. God Bless Chris SUNDAY SERVICES AT THE URC IN APRIL SUNDAY 14TH APRIL Café Church – come along from 10.30am SUNDAY 28th APRIL AT 10.45AM Preacher: Fiona Davis Worship will include Holy Communion TO BOOK THE CHURCH HALL: PLEASE RING SAN CARSWELL 01462 742757 CAMEO Wednesday 10th April 2.30 – 4.30pm Ashwell Village News (AVN) is published by St Mary’s Church, as a service to the community. Correspondence, articles and advertisements in this magazine are not to be taken as representing the views of either St Mary’s Church or of any of the volunteers who produce the AVN. All new articles please contact AVN Team [email protected] FINAL Deadlines for articles for May’s submission are: Article Deadline 15th April Advertising Deadline 10th April Our AVN Team of volunteers are: Sarah Talks Editing Alfie Lien-Talks Layout Mark Eaton Finance Julia Mitchell Advertising Ian Chandler Useful Numbers Richard Young Distribution Did you know that the Ashwell Village News is available online? ( eAVN ) https://tinyurl.com/ Ashwell-Village-News
5 C.A.M.E.O.: Come And Meet Each Other CAMEO is a social gathering for people of all ages. The main object is simply to enjoy time together over tea and cakes and conversation. Here is the plan for our April meeting: 2.30 arrive any time after 2.30; you will be made welcome 2.45 Tells us about a piece of music that holds memories for you; we will the listen to it over the internet. We will also be making a poster to welcome people to the church for ASHWELL AT HOME. 3.30 a brief Thought for the Day 3.35 tea, cakes and conversations 4.30 time for home (but do leave earlier, if you need to) Where? Ashwell URC Hall, High Street, SG7 5NL When? 2.30pm Wednesday 10th April Who? All welcome; just turn up (or) Contact? Chris James; 742684 [email protected] Not able to make it? Then the next CAMEO will be 8th May. Please feel free to contact us. Chris 742277 [email protected] Julia 07817961703 [email protected] Mark, our Reader 743451 [email protected] Parish Church Office : Guy 01462 743922 [email protected] Usual parish office opening times are 10-12 Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. St Marys Contacts List Ruth Rowntree rang to ask me to put in a word of thanks. She has had several encounters recently with people she doesn’t know, who have offered her assistance up steps and crossing the road. She wanted to let me know how much these small acts of kindness have meant to her. It is a useful reminder that being kind, in any way, can have a great impact. A simple smile, a small conversation, a helpful action can all make a difference. At our Lent group, Chris read out the words below. I found them very striking. Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.’ Henri Nouwen Small acts of kindness
6 Your February issue referred to Sir Herbert George Fordham (1854-1929) and his published Road Books. Sir George had two large collections of maps: his English collection which is now held at the Royal Geographical Society in London and his French collection which he left to the British Museum. Perhaps his greatest achievement was his publication in 1907 and 1908, in two separate volumes, of the maps of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire between the years 1579 and 1900. It was said that he made the study of maps `almost his own' and he was recognised as being the leading authority in England if not in the whole of Europe. After leaving Cambridge, he twice stood as Liberal candidate for the Hitchin Constituency, failing to be elected on both occasions. He served as Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council between 1903 and 1918, when, on retirement, he was knighted, becoming High Sherrif for Cambridgeshire in 1918. On succeeding to the Odsey Estate upon his father's death, he took up farming while also becoming a director of Fordham's Ashwell Brewery. Farming during the period of Sir Georges time was in a steep decline — it was the time of the great recession in agriculture which lasted broadly speaking between 1875 and 1940, the beginning of the Second World War. The manufacturing towns such as Manchester wanted cheap food for their workers, the government submitted and agriculture was abandoned. Sir George wrote about this period in depth. There is a series of letters held at the RGS in which he recounts the times with feeling: 1922 The disastrous year we have had on the land is leading to the immediate prospect of poverty. 1925 I am quite clear that arable agriculture on the poor and moderate lands must be closed down. There is an interesting story attached to these times: Herbert Fordham, Sir George's father, attempted to purchase a local farm in 1875 for which offered to pay £16,000 and lost. The purchaser spent a further £9,000 turning it into a model farm, bringing the total up to £25,000. In 1902 Sir George was able to purchase it for £6,000. Jeremy Fordham February 2024 I have a cookbook that I picked up on holiday in America. The Alcatraz Woman's Club Cookbook was originally produced in 1952 (my copy is 1995), and is made up of recipes by the wives of the prison guards who lived on 'The Rock'. Incredibly, the civilian population living on Alcatraz in the 1950s was about 260 of which 60 to 90 were children. Each recipe in the book gives the name of the contributor. At the very end of the cookbook is a recipe that makes me smile. It is as follows: Well 'Bread' Children Mrs. Robert Murphy Take 1 large grassy field, 1/2 dozen children, 2 or 3 small dogs, and a pinch of brook and some pebbles. Mix the children and the dogs together and put them in the field, stirring constantly. Pour the brook over the pebbles, sprinkle the field with flowers. Spread over all a deep blue sky and bake in the sun. When brown, set to cool in a bath tub. Idyllic. Christine Recipe Jeremy Fordham’s History Notes
7 Collective nouns for professions. I have found some quite amusing ones And finally one from the Boke of St Albans in the early 1500s Impatience of wives In May we shall have collective things and thoughts. I was thinking of doing comparisons In June and would welcome some witty contributions. Wordsmith: Collective nouns Flock of tourists. Wheeze of joggers. Picket of strikers Train of commuters. Galaxy of celebrities. Crowd of spectators Bevy of alcoholics. Conflagration of arsonists. Rascal of boys Bodge of D.I.Y.ers. Revelation of flashers. Giggle of girls Expectation of heirs. Hoard of misers. Annoyance of neighbours Virtue of patients. Following of stalkers. Box of cricketers Row of oarsmen. Anorak of trainspotters. Exaggeration of fishermen Melody of Harpists. Mob of rioters. Gaggle of women At the time of writing, we have not yet held our March meeting but as I’m always glad of the opportunity to sing the praises of MU, I thought I’d take this opportunity to tell you a little more of what this amazing organisation is about. Of course, we are heavily disguised as a group of elderly ladies who meet once a month over coffee and biscuits to chat and maybe listen to a speaker. But don’t be fooled! In actual fact we are a tiny part of a global organisation, working in 84 countries and with 4 million members worldwide. MU was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, a lady who was not afraid to act outside the social norms of her time. It is a women-led, Christian organisation which is passionate about transforming and improving community and family life. From the local to the global, we unite to raise awareness of injustice and advocate for change, making sure that the world’s most vulnerable people, especially in hard-to-reach communities, are given a voice, in particular representing those who struggle with abuse and inequality. We demonstrate passion in action by joining together with local people to offer support to those of all faiths and none, in practical ways. At a local level we are very much involved in supporting hospitals, working with prisoners and their families, providing materials to help dementia sufferers and providing household goods as well as advent calendars and Easter eggs for women and children in refuges. We also fundraise to support the Away From It All’ holiday scheme for those families who are much in need of a break and we take part in national and international campaigns against violence an abuse. In the wider world, MU has enabled 32,500 people, mainly women, to join community savings and loan groups, helping them to set up businesses, educate their children, and feed their families and much much more. We are inspired by God’s love to do what we do and prayer is at the heart of everything we achieve. We believe that kindness, courage, compassionate action and faith in God has the power to change lives and build a future where everyone thrives. So next time you see a group of ladies heading towards the PCR at 10.30 on the second Thursday of the month, just think about how many more there are (not all elderly!) worldwide all working towards and praying for the ability to make a difference to other people’s lives. Do look at our website to find out more about what we do and perhaps consider joining us. You will be made very welcome.
8 Last month saw North Herts Council set a balanced budget, with a 2.99% rise in its portion of your annual council tax. That will now be £260, an increase of £7.55 or less than 15p a week for the year. This will pay for services including recycling and waste collections, leisure centres and pools, parks, and housing and homelessness support. There will also be money for community grants, new bee corridors and an extension to the gym in Royston, among other projects. The council has also secured a massive £7.75 million grant from the government to cut carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency at our leisure centres. North Herts has been one of seven local authorities taking part in FlexCollect, a fully funded national trial to identify the best way of processing soft plastics in the recycling stream. This will enable us to take plastic bags and wrappers out of the general waste. After a very successful start in Knebworth, our part of the trial is set to be expanded into other areas, possibly including Ashwell. Watch this space! Finally: there is going to be another election in May for North Herts Council, despite the fact that I was only re-elected a year ago. This because of changes made to our ward boundaries by the Local Government Boundary Commission. These adjustments take place from time to time to make sure the number of electors per representative is roughly equal everywhere. There will only be a small change to Arbury ward. Ashwell itself won’t be affected, but the new warding arrangements for the District as a whole mean that elections will have to take place in all wards this year. After that, we will all be locked into a four-yearly cycle which will be more straightforward than the present system. Polling day will be 2 May and you will remember that the government has made photo ID a requirement for voting now, so be prepared! Use the QR code to see full details of what you need and how to get it. Tom Tyson At the annual parish meeting there were discussions on the Education charities for Ashwell, the state of the road in Odwell (before all roads were made up the pothole problem was probably a lot worse) and the accumulation of wayside rubbish, especially broken glass. At this time there were no bin collections so everyone was responsible for disposing of their own waste. The parish council proposed a ‘Tip’ in Church Pit near Kingsland Way. I am not sure where this was but there is a field called the Tip on the west of Kingsland Way halfway to Slip End – a long way to take your rubbish with no vehicle! At the subsequent Parish Council meeting the Charities trustees were re-appointed and it was agreed to put up a noticeboard at the Tip. Early in April the W.I. held a Whist Drive for the Red Cross which raised £8- 14s-2d. The main event in their regular meeting was a talk on the music of Haydn. Members of the Wesleyan Church sang a Cantata which raised £1- 13s-3d for their own funds. The only football match reported in the month was a friendly against Cambridge’s Barnwell United, which came to a 2 all draw. On four consecutive weeks Dr W.M. Palmer came to lecture, with lantern slides, on ‘Richard Willowes, Vicar of Meldreth 1692 -1736.’ The Rev Willowes was a popular man who built a new vicarage in Meldreth and kept all the parish accounts neatly and correctly. Dr Palmer published a little book of his lecture and toured around the area giving lectures and promoting it. 100 years ago: 1924 April
9 Have you seen this herb? It’s one of my all time favourites. Herb Robert has feathery leaves which are triangular in outline and can be green or red(dish), and produces tiny five-petaled pink flowers from Spring to Autumn. Although it prefers moist shady locations, it’s not that fussy and is very happy growing throughout my garden! Herb Robert is related to the popular scented Geraniums that were introduced to England from South Africa in the early 18th Century, however one might describe its aroma as more pungent than pleasant — earning it the common names of Stinky Bob and Stinking Stork’s Bill. Don’t let the smell (which is only really noticeable when rubbing the leaves) put you off, as Herb Robert is an extremely beneficial plant, for wildlife as well as humans, with interest from the scientific community for its anti-tumour properties. There are several stories as to where its name comes from; one being after an 11th Century French Abbot, Robert of Molesme, who reportedly cured people from various diseases with the plant. It also goes by the name God’s Grace Herb. Modern herbalists use it as a remedy for diarrhoea and inflammation of the stomach, and we now know it contains carotenoids (which the body converts to vitamin A), vitamins B and C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. It is also a natural source of germanium which is believed to be beneficial for our immune system and makes oxygen available to cells. Twice Nobel Prize winner Dr Otto Warburg carried out research into the role of oxygen in the development of cancer, and concluded that one of the prime causes of cancer is lack of oxygenation of the cells. Now I’m not suggesting that Herb Robert can prevent or is a cure for cancer but this is certainly an interesting area of study and, given its nutritional value, at the very least using Herb Robert regularly is a great way to support our general health and wellbeing. Due to its pungency, I like to take Herb Robert blended with aromatic herbs that are friendlier on the taste buds, like Mint, Rosemary or Rose. I recently read that it’s best not to brew Herb Robert in boiling water, which I assume is because it could destroy its vitamin content. It is suggested to instead steep a teaspoon in cold water overnight. As it grows prolifically in my garden, I’ll be experimenting with Herb Robert this month, adding it to soups, smoothies and fresh juices. Please note: Herb Robert may affect blood viscosity and could interfere with blood thinning medication. Consult your doctor before using. Finally, I’m delighted to be giving a herb talk at Ashwell at Home on the 12th May. At 1pm we’ll be exploring the Medieval and Roman herb gardens on Alms Lane. I hope to see you there! By Katie Shellard, Sensory Herbalist and Massage Therapist www.fernwoodremedies.com Herbs of Ashwell: All about Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
10 (songs and tunes about silly things) The next folk session is 1st April at 8:30 in The Rose & Crown. All welcome. I saw the man in the moon, fie, man, fie I saw the man in the moon, who’s the fool now, I saw the man in the moon, polishing St Peter’s shoon Thou hast well drunken man, who’s the fool now (“Who’s The Fool Now”, traditional English song) This song reminded me about the rare -n plural in shoon. Though not common in current usage, there are a few words, like oxen and children (originally childeren from childer), which continue to use the -n (or -en) plural. Others, like brethren and treen are more rarely used now or are used for specialised purposes. Shoon was popular as a regional variant of shoes into the 20th Century, as was housen (see Rudyard Kipling) and in my village, there was one family, from slightly nearer the fens, who standardly used a variety of -n plurals, including shoon, doorn and housen. If you go back to the 16th Century, the time of Shakespeare and the King James Bible, there was kine (plural of kye=cow), eyen and hosen. You’d probably, and quite rightly, think that plurals ending in -n were slowly dying out, but there seems to have been a small revival in the late 1970s. In 1977 when the Digital Equipment Corporation released the VAX computers, a group of VAX was referred to using th plural VAXen. This led to a small spate of uses in the computer world where nouns ending in X were given an -en plural. So box (referring to a computer) was pluralised as boxen and, as an extension, the plural of socks was sometimes referred to as soxen. But where did all this come from? Well, in Old English as in modern German, plurals ended in -s or -n depending on whether the word’s gender was male or female. The Old English -an ending denoted a female noun and so the ending was common. In French, though, there is no need for the noun to conform in this way so, increasingly, the use of the -s plural (as in French) became the norm so that by around 1400 the -n ending was becoming rarer except in some regional communities. Because this trend appears to have spread from the North of England, these communities were mainly in the East and South. -An became -en due to the mediaeval vowel shift which occurred at the same time, and there you are. There are very few English nouns which have gender nowadays, though it’s odd that the two I know of, ships and bells, both have plurals ending in -s. However, I think that it’s possible to conclude that door, shoe, tree and eye are all originally feminine nouns. If you’d like to know more about the folk session and our music, please get in touch. Ian Chandler 743091 [email protected] Rose and Crown Folk: April Fool Youngsters at the Diapalante Community Education Centre in Senegal want to help girls to go to school during their periods by sewing re-usable period packs. There are a range of different sewing tasks involved, some need modern sewing machines while other tasks can be completed on any sewing machine in good working order. If you have a no longer used sewing machine we would love to be given it for this project. Most unused sewing machines spring to life after we have oiled and cleaned them. If you have a spare sewing machine to donate please contact Liz Chandler on 01462 743091. Thank you. Appeal for Sewing Machines We can also use 50 years old machines The project can use state of the art sewing machines Or simple straight stitch machines even if 60 years old or more
11 As we are featuring sports in this copy of the AVN, and we have some information and a poster for the May Sports Day, I thought I might add a few pictures and memories about Sports Days in the past. From at least the 1970’s to more recently, the sports were on the May Bank Holiday Monday. The weather was always a lottery though! In my childhood there were lots of side stalls like beat the goalie, coconut shies, highest darts score and one memorable year we won a rabbit as a raffle prize! The rabbit was very much alive but despite our best efforts, it never liked being a pet. Health and Safety was not so much of a consideration and there were regular injuries in things like the wheelbarrow race. Claire Gurney once skinned her chin in that way. About 20 years ago, our youngest son Alfie fell under the old heavy wooden roundabout and by the time he was fished out he’d removed several layers of skin from his back. It could have been worse. I have not had time to do much research this month, but we have records in the Museum that suggest that sporting events took place in the village certainly in the 1800’s. If anyone would like to come to the Museum on Tuesday afternoons and have a look through the records, you would be most welcome. Prizes for the winners of races in the past were quite generous and might include a penknife or tankard. This battered old cup was awarded to J Hankin for winning the 1-mile walking race in 1877. None of these events would have happened if it was not for the work of many volunteers over the years. Often whole families were involved, the Chandlers, Leetes and Moores, and many others, lending tractors and trailers to move chairs and tables for example. The local doctors provided medical support, often assisted by the St John’s Ambulance. On hot days, when people pounded ‘round the village’ we were glad they were there. A genuine 70’s chopper bike in the slow bicycle race History of the Sports Day
12 Photo credit: Holly White
13 Dive into the heart of music and community spirit at the Ashwell Music Festival, happening from May 5th to 11th, 2024. This festival, a celebration of diverse musical genres and talents, promises an engaging lineup including a special concert dedicated to 125 years of jazz piano, featuring styles from Scott Joplin to Oscar Peterson. James Pearson, artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, returns to the village where he spent his childhood to entertain us once again. This world class concert is on Friday May 10th at 8pm and is sure to be a sellout so get your tickets ASAP. Tickets £20 for adults, £10 for U16s. Come and enjoy an evening listening to the harmonic voices of the Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir. The choir is formed of both serving and retired police officers and members who have worked in the police service. Concert takes place in St Mary’s at 7:30pm on Wednesday May 8th. Tickets are just £10 for adults, £5 for U16s. Take part in an hour long Handbell workshop to discover the versatility of this simple instrument. This workshop led by representatives from the National Bellringers Association is on Saturday May 11th at 11am, and 12:15pm and is suitable for adults and children. Tickets just £8. Dave Rance and his Rockin’ Chair Band, featuring Ashwell’s very own Peter Chapman, return for the third year running due to popular demand! Come and have a fun foot tapping afternoon in the URC Hall on Thursday, May 9th at 2pm. Tickets £10. Other events during our festival week include Festal Evensong, the ever popular Young Persons Concert and a free live streaming event from Oliver Gearing. The festival closes on Saturday May 11th with SOUL KINDA WONDERFUL, an award winning tribute band playing music from The Drifters and Motown classics. Tickets £20 adults, £10 U16s. The festival is a perfect blend of historical appreciation and contemporary enjoyment, all set in the picturesque village of Ashwell. For more information, visit our website www.ashwellmusicfestival.org.uk. Tickets on sale now online and in Rhubarb and Mustard. Ashwell Music Festival 2024
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15 Our regular meeting has been put back by a week to accommodate the funeral of a great friend of the Museum, Geraldine Crump. As our neighbour, Geraldine and her late husband Phil were part of the long story of the Museum and Phil was a Trustee for some years. The original Museum building was purchased from the Crump family in the late 1920’s and it had been used as a barn and store before being restored to house the original Museum collection. Geraldine donated her much loved dolls pram to the Museum and what is so special is that we have the backstory or ‘provenance’ including a photograph from the early 1930’s of Geraldine playing with the pram. Next month we will report on two Makers meetings, and the one on Ashwell Tailoring and home dressmaking will feature a jacket and trousers made for Phil Crump by Mr Bonnet the tailor who worked in his shop in Mill Street. Makers at the Museum: Geraldine Crump
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19 Our team of volunteers have been busy this winter planting trees and hedging around the village. Their efforts may go some way to counter the unfortunate removal of hedging and trees that we have seen in the village recently. Our regular tidying of the Springs was a busy affair with the repurposing of dead elder bushes which although dead will continue to provide habitat for small mammals and no doubt bugs: rotting vegetation is such a nutrient-rich host on which microorganisms thrive. We have been delighted to see that the native daffodils we planted there in 2022 are beginning to get established. If you see them you will notice that they are paler and more delicate than the usual daffodils we see in gardens. We were lucky enough to have been gifted funds from the Ashwell Show and have used some for this money to buy bird and bat boxes which have now been put in place. Can you work out where they are I wonder? We are very excited to begin a new project within the village involving the brownies and guides. With the agreement and encouragement from the staff at the doctors’ surgery we are going to create a flower bed that will hopefully visually enhance what is currently a rather bland green space. The girls have sown some seeds of good pollinating plants which they will nurture and when ready they can plant out in the prepared beds. This is just the beginnings of a project which we hope will benefit wildlife as well as visitors to the surgery. Keep your eyes open for changes. As you read this edition of AVN you might be thinking about going for walks and enjoying what wonderful sights nature has for us. Here are some suggestions if you want to explore bluebell woods: Hitch Wood just outside Hitchin, Combs Wood beyond Bennington, Bramfield Forest near Tewin. There are lots in Stevenage: Great Ashby Park, Box Wood Pryor Wood and Monks Wood. Another event you might look forward to is The Springs Festival which was reinstated last summer. We have a provisional date of Sunday 7th July which has yet to be confirmed but we are hopeful. Sherran Chalkley-secretary: [email protected] Clare Spencer- joint chair: [email protected] Fionnuala George-joint chair: [email protected] Kate Blaketreasurer: [email protected] Greening Ashwell
20 Twenty-five years ago this year, the first Ashwell Accies football teams were founded by a group of parents from Ashwell School. Initially playing on the steep slope of the school playing field, with no official kit, the group grew rapidly and now, it is difficult to find enough playing spaces for all the different teams, a new away kit has been purchased and there is a dedicated girls’ team. There will be much more news about this significant anniversary later in the year. If you have memories or photographs of the Accies please do share them at [email protected] Meanwhile a huge thank you goes out to all those who have coached, transported and supported the Accies over the years.
21 On a bright but chilly day, just like Harrod’s sale, a long queue formed early for Ashwell’s Famous Flea Market stretching all the way to the main gate. We had quite an array of donations with the usual plethora of children’s toys, pictures, china, mugs, glassware, jewellery, jigsaws and at least 30 plant pots along with deck chairs, a stairgate, an easel, some dining chairs and golf clubs. Without counting we must have had nearly 2000 items laid out for sale. Thank you to all those who raided their cupboards to donate. Business was brisk and whilst the final figures is not yet in, we raised at least £1800.00 which goes to St Mary’s restoration fund. Not bad for 3 ½ hours selling in one morning and an amazing total. None of this would have been possible without the numerous volunteers. They worked tirelessly promoting the event beforehand, sorting and laying out all the items over 2 days beforehand and helping on the day with selling and serving tea/ coffee. Also, a wonderful team helped with the momentous task of putting the church back to normal at the end and getting rid of any leftover items – with donations going to various charities. The event would not have been successful without all their hard work so a huge thank you to all those volunteers for their help. Thank you also to those that joined us on the day making purchases and enjoying tea and coffee. See you all next year. Karen Rogers 01462 743338 Ashwell’s Famous Flea Market 9 March 2024
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23 Sunday 12th May Our annual village open day, with the theme of ‘Hidden Ashwell’, will be a day to remember. The whole village will be alive with open gardens, music, dancing and other performances, workshops and other activities to join in and enjoy, from 11:00 am till 5:00 pm Local crafts, talks and village trails will be a feature of the day. There will be a grand raffle with thirty valuable prizes. The whole event will be raising funds for our school, church, museum and pre-school. Delicious refreshments will be available at the Parish Room, the URC Hall, the School, the Village Hall and the pavilion on the Rec. We still need help from anyone who could: •Do an hour’s stint in the car park. •Donate or serve food. •Sell raffle tickets •Garden sit in one of the open gardens Please contact Cliff Jenkinson if you can help in any of these ways: [email protected] Have a look at the website www.ashwellathome.org to give you a flavour of the day. Admission to everything is with a wristband, £10 each for adults on the day but only £9 if you order or buy yours in advance, which you can do online via the website or in person at one of the shops or pubs in the village where you see the sign “Wristbands and Programmes Available Here”. Admission is free for accompanied children. If you have an “Ashwell Alive” plaque about the story of your house, please remember to display it on the great day. Looking forward to seeing you. Here’s hoping for a fine and sunny day! We continue to see a pair of peregrines using the tower of St Mary’s Church as a look out post and feeding station. Recently an inspection was made of the nesting tray and new cameras installed to monitor any activity. We need to do this under the careful watch of a licensed peregrine handler, Barry Trevis, who also monitors peregrines on St Albans Abbey and other sites in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. We really hope that this year, these magnificent birds will breed and raise a family in Ashwell. A poem by Ted Hughes Peregrines I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed. Inaction, no falsifying dream Between my hooked head and hooked feet: Or in sleep rehearse perfect kills and eat. The convenience of the high trees! The air's buoyancy and the sun's ray Are of advantage to me; And the earth's face upward for my inspection. My feet are locked upon the rough bark. It took the whole of Creation To produce my foot, my each feather: Now I hold Creation in my foot Or fly up, and revolve it all slowly - I kill where I please because it is all mine. There is no sophistry in my body: My manners are tearing off heads - The allotment of death. For the one path of my flight is direct Through the bones of the living. No arguments assert my right: The sun is behind me. Nothing has changed since I began. My eye has permitted no change. I am going to keep things like this.
24 Claire Lunnon, who works for the fundraising department at the Letchworth Garden House Hospice, asked me if anyone in our quilting group would be interested in knitting chicks for Easter. The Ashwell W I was also asked. Karen Mills and I set to, and knitted a few. We then went to the Hospice on Monday 29 January, joining about twenty other people, putting Cadbury’s Cream Eggs into the chicks. We were amazed by the number of chicks on the table! We were told that 15,000 eggs had been bought and donated by an individual. Last year it was 12,000. Karen and I were very humbled by our minor donation of chicks. Apparently one person knitted 1,000! We enjoyed our morning with a very pleasant group of knitters, supplied with coffee and cake (donated by an extremely good cook). These chicks raise approximately £18,000 for the Hospice every year. We were told they are very popular in schools and it is difficult to supply them with enough. If there are any knitters or crocheters (?sp!) out there who would like to knit a few chicks, please let us know. We have the pattern, for chicks and hats, and would be happy to supply them. Our contact numbers: - Karen Mills -742055; Sue Hill – 742539. Knitted chicks for the Garden House Hospice
25 Chairman: Graham Lee (742834) Office at Bear Farm, 6A Back Street (743706) Clerk: Jane Porter, [email protected] www.ashwell.gov.uk Jottings: Parish Council News items from the Parish Council. Below are the main points from the Parish News items from the Parish Council. Housing Needs Survey – All households should complete please To access the survey: • Preferably - Scan this QR Code • Or use this link to the website: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Ashwell • Or if you are unable to complete using the above digital methods please request a questionnaire from CDA Herts, tel. 01992 289060 • Please complete by 30 April at the latest Pavilion: • Tell us your views on the future of the Pavilion. For more details go to: https://www.ashwell.gov.uk/news2/the-pavilion--renova/ Litter Pick: • Help to remove litter from the village streets and lanes. Make it a family event and meet other friendly villagers. Equipment will be provided. • 20 April 2024 2pm at the Pavilion on the Recreation Ground Next Parish Council Meeting – 7PM Wednesday 3rd April 2024
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27 Recently, Ashwell resident, Ursula Byrne, came to tell us about her life as a reluctant headteacher. As a pupil at Knights Templar school Ursula had never considered herself to be ‘teacher’ material and felt undecided about what to do when she left school. Her sister had been the first girl to go to university from the same school and Ursula didn’t feel she could compete. However the career adviser suggested that she should go to college to study Education with a specialism in English. This she did, rather reluctantly, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. She gained her degree and then married Paddy. In the years that followed Paddy’s job meant that they moved many times ,so Ursula, who had become a teacher, taught in a variety of schools, many in some of the poorest areas and she always felt a great empathy towards the more challenging pupils. She wanted school to offer a safe haven and positive environment for everyone, especially the disadvantaged children. After a few years they had a son and shortly afterwards Ursula did a Masters and Head Teachers degree whilst still teaching. For 2 years she was Deputy Head at a local secondary school that served a mainly Muslim community and she showed us a beautiful sari that local parents had made for her to wear at the school prom. For her first attempt at headship she had a two day interview and was then told that the job had gone to a 29 year old man. There were very few women who were head teachers in secondary schools at this time and by now Ursula knew that that this is what she really wanted to do. Ursula was surprised to learn that her name had been put forward for a headship in Bedford. She was given a two year secondment to support a school in its transition to an academy. She took the post and was shocked by the state of the environment, behaviour and standards. Teachers, even though highly professional, had become disillusioned. Ursula had always believed that everything evolved round good behaviour and in six weeks there was a real turn-a-round. The children’s behaviour improved and as a consequence teaching became more effective. Over two years the public exam results matched the national average. Every Year 11 student left with a literacy and mathematics qualification. Contextual value added was a measure of school success, at that time, and Ursula’s school was one of the highest in the country. After two years the school became an academy and she moved on. Ursula set up her own education consultancy company and was invited by the local authority to be the executive head teacher of a local middle school. The same scenario ensued ,where behaviour and educational outcomes had to improve. Respect and trust were her most important words, so with careful management and a caring approach, pupils began to respect themselves, the staff and school. Ofsted and the press highlighted the positivity of this approach and the school even won an award for educational excellence. Retirement was on the horizon but Ursula agreed to take on two more schools to support their transition into Academies and she continues to support new, up and coming head teachers. Lynda thanked Ursula for a very good talk and there were lots of questions. On 17th April Alison Gates will give us a talk about illustrating children’s books. We do hope that you can come and join us at 2pm in the URC Hall.
28 Where to start this month…I left you all last month with the message that I am feeling better, and I was. But now I have a dodgy back paw. I had to go back to the horrible place that is infested with needle sticking people (ed. the vet hospital), and they did some tests to see if I am responding well to my treatment, which apparently, I am. Then the Missus told them she is a bit worried as on walks I tend to drag my back paw, and after a very short walk I bark to go home. The needle stickers checked me out and think this big lump I had for ages might actually have grown bigger and cause me pain, but they weren't really sure. So, I am back on the painkiller drugs. The good news is that I get my drugs in special sausage, and more drugs means more sausage. The bad news is that it does hurt, and I miss my walkies. Don't get me wrong, I still have a bit of spring (or naughtiness as the Missus would call it) in me. When we went to visit my two lovely lady friends, I did attempt a bit of a proper walk and even went for a swim. The Missus and OtherHalf were not pleased about that. I couldn't get out of the stream and then they all had to make like a human chain to pull me out and were worried they would fall in themselves… But the Missus remains worried about me, mainly because she is disappearing with her little suitcase a bit more, leaving me and the OtherHalf to fend for ourselves and because she doesn't want me to have pain and feels a bit useless and unable to make things completely better for me. And then some flowers showed up, with some chocolates and a card. The OtherHalf looked a bit worried as it was just after Valentine's Day and obviously, he hadn't bought the flowers… Turns out the flowers weren't for the Missus, they were for yours truly. There was a little card saying: "Get well soon, dear Jack x". There was no name on the card, so it took them a little while to figure out who sent the mystery flowers. They came from her Belgian friend, the one we meet when visiting Belgium and who has the amazing Joeri as her OtherHalf. This friend has been the Missus' longest friend, since they were mini-humans, so they go way back. Being totally honest, I would have preferred a freshly cooked chicken instead of flowers. On the other hand, seeing the big smile on the Missus' face was worth it, every cloud and all that… Unfortunately for me, the Missus feeling a little bit less sad then also decided that I needed a haircut. Those who have been reading my chronicles for a while, should know that the Missus' hairdressing abilities are not great to say the least. I have to admit she has done worse in the past, but still, I fear I might look even more raffish than I did last month. Nevertheless, I shouldn't moan too much. The dog of the lovely lady from Ashwell Village magazine, apparently had surgery that left him with holes through his jaw and into his nose, now that sounds worse than having only one eye and a terrible haircut. And any dog that has a whole village magazine team and their readers crossing their paws and claws for him and getting flowers from overseas friends, is definitely a very lucky dog. That’s it for now folks, Sir Bark A Lot The Chronicles of Sir Bark A Lot– Under the weather
29 The coach for our next trip To Knole in Kent is filling up well so if you do want to join us please contact us as soon as possible. The date is Wednesday May 22 nd leaving Ashwell at 9am from opposite the The Tuns and the Cost is £30 for the coach We are going when the private gardens are open for which there is an extra charge. That is optional and we have to book so therefore if you are a National Trust member and do want to visit the gardens the coast will be £35. Non National Trust Members pay £55 but only £50 if you don t want the gardens. Knole is a very large interesting property with extensive parkland and has one of the Trusts Conservation studios which is open to the public. Therefore there is a great deal to see and of course there are restaurant facilities on site and buggies if needed. We do suggest that if you want a buggy you either contact them direct to enquire and/or book or ask one of us to do that on your behalf. If you are interested in 22nd May please contact Karen Mills 742155, Monica Boggust 742463 or Hilary Masham 742416 Following that trip we hope to arrange a theatre trip in the Autumn and another Talk. Thank you so much to everyone who came to our Memories evening It was very well supported and the reminiscences of all our speakers was fascinating as well as a fun event Again we think the idea of tea and cake went down well afterwards so very likely that idea will be repeated next year . Please think about Ashwell at Home on Sunday May 12th Help as usual will be required so offer any of us an hour or two which helps the day happen Instead of our usual Saturday coffee morning for Supporters and Volunteers we plan to hold a wine and cheese evening on Friday September 20th from 7-9.30 pm in the Museum . Please do join us for a drink and a chat. Thank you all as ever for supporting our events as all this helps keep our Museum going The Trips and Talks Team Friends of Ashwell Village Museum This is a satire-cum-psychological-eco-thriller by the Booker prize-winning Eleanor Catton (for the Luminaries). It is set in New Zealand and revolves principally about an anarchic gardening movement called Birnam Wood who get entangled with an American billionaire. Themes include the dangers of ecological exploitation, technology and surveillance, capitalism, New Zealand inequality, and personal ambition vs political ideals. There are well-observed shots at neoliberalism and money -obsessed boomers. All the characters are flawed, so it’s hard to root for any of them. This avoids any cliched good guys v bad guys narrative so typical of modern political debate. It also reflects the Macbeth reference of Birnam Wood, as Macbeth runs through with themes of over-ambition and narcissism. It has a slow start. There are long sentences and longer paragraphs, including long, convoluted political/philosophical speeches. At times it feels a bit like ‘author-splaining.’ But stick with it. This is a book where actions matter more than words. There is growing tension and accelerating storytelling, leading to the cliff-edge ending. It’s a book that rewards careful reading and reflection. It’s not an easy-breezy read, but is definitely worth the effort. Next up: Reverend Richard Coles A Death in the Parish By Martin Talks Ashwell Book Club: Birnam Wood—By Eleanor Catton
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31 Crossword by Falaise Clues Across 1. Levelling off, late in the day. (7) 5. Is youthful person able to find a place to eat? (7) 9. Imagine variations without me. (6) 10. Unreliable, sly and hesitant, messed Pip about. (8) 11. Note concerning coming in again. (2-8) 13. A peach, but not a quiet one, for everyone. (4) 14. Cleo’s snake, mixed etc, had a good view. (6) 18. Hang Ian in a state for West African. (8) 19. Greek character, taken aback – happens every year. (8) 21. Film star is hot: crafty sort of guy. (6) 23. Bail off – out! East. (4) 24. Exceptional top degree for this expert. (10) 28. Dai with dowel – unusual cargo. (4,4) 29. Reredos out East confused instructions. (6) 30. Story read as missing political oxymoron. (4,3) 31. Magnets, master missing, fancy ending, ugly ducklings. (7) Clues Down 2. Goddess of Love takes wrong direction at the end to get here. (5) 3. Cowboy thus akin to politician not speaking. (2,3) 4. Mix-up in Genoa: untimely death. (2,3) 6. A singular muddle, swapping right for left, and they’re not fluent at all. (9) 7. In Ireland: it’s a long, long way. (9) 8. Continental civil servants: star moving upwards in company with French street. (9) 10. Scorpios? It’s in the tail. (5) 12. Nervous habit if teacher withholds full mark. (3) 15. Holy sailor in a little bit of a state. (3,6) 16. Behaving in a superior manner, but lose 90 and you’re becoming difficult to track down. (9) 17. Gogglebox with breadth could enlarge views. (9) 20. Field? Just remove the top, add unknown, and you’ve got a good crop. (5) 22. …or a meadow for your livestock. (3) 25. Ivy, gold involved, but it’s all banned. (5) 26. Leonard is short in years but burdened. (5) 27. Upwardly mobile sailors with a touch of class make for Indian city. (5) Solution to March crossword: Across: 1.Manic 4.Champagne 10.Limb 11.Copenhagen 12.Terror 13. Separate 14.Underscore 18.Mane 19.Swag 22.Re-educated 24.Hairiest 26.Wracks 28.Stalemates 29.Eire 30.Repainted 34.Dream Down: 2.Alive 3.Imburse 5.Hopes 6.Maniple 7.Anagram 8.No entente 9.Acorns 15.Newcastle 16.Cue 17.Red 20.Gorilla 21.Reedman 22.Unwise 23.Amateur 25.Title 27.Korea
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33 Spot the difference Results for March’s copy: how many did you find? Can you spot April's 12 differences. The last Thursday of every month was Book Group, when the books would gather together to discuss Graham. "It's no fun here any more," remarked Bleak House, glumly. "Why doesn't he read us?" whined the Grapes of Wrath. it makes me so angry!" "I'm sure he only bought me so he can show me off to his friends," complained Ulysses, in a stream of self-consciousness. "I bet he can't even remember my name, The Idiot," muttered a voice from the Russian literature section. "That's because he avoids you like The Plague," said another. "C'est vrai!" came a cry. "It is like I do not exist." "Let's not give up on him yet." It was Brave New World. After some Persuasion, they agreed to give him one last chance. "Be quiet!" cried Waiting for Godot with Great Expectations. "Here he comes now!" Graham entered the room, with his phone. He sat down and watched some videos of baby pandas falling over. After an hour or so, he started googling cats dressed as celebrities. On the shelf, the books waited with uncracked spines, their silence speaking volumes. Brian Bilston Poems—Book Group
34 CHURCHES St Mary’s (Rector) 742277 (Church Office) 743922 URC (Christine James) 742684 Quaker (Ian Chandler) 743091 Zoar Baptist 742273 Roman Catholic [email protected] SHOPS & MUSEUM Ashwell Museum (curator) 742956 Ashwell Pharmacy 742250 Ashwell Stores (currently no phone) Crumps Butchers 742255 Days Bakers 742202 Rhubarb & Mustard 743462 Sarah’s Farm Shop 01763 852376 CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS etc. Ashwell Jazz Club 742383 Border Ramblers 743723 Horticultural Society 742040 Mothers Union 743587 Mummers 743091 Museum Friends (Karen Mills) 742155 Nature Reserve (warden) 742684 Rose & Crown Folk 743091 Theatre Club [email protected] W.I. [email protected] Yoga Classes (Tracey Luggeri) 743499 HEALTH Care Guild (Graham Scott) 07545 273483 Dentist 742353 Doctor’s Surgery 417377 Pharmacy 742250 YOUNG PEOPLE & EDUCATION Ashwell Pre-school 07565 528194 Ashwell Primary School 742297 Brownies [email protected] Guides (Sue Long) 01223 208337 Friday@5 Youth Group 01763 241587 Rainbows [email protected] Scouts, Cubs, Beavers [email protected] Useful Numbers LOCAL SERVICES Ashwell Garage 742310 Basketmaker/Chair Caner (Sandra Barker)743009 Chimney Sweep (Hinxworth) 07736 172988 Computers (Sigma) 742783 Dairy (Blunham Dairy) 01234 376006 Electrician (Gill George) 07990 977124 Electrician (S D Brown) 07760 241922 Hairdressers (Bradley’s) 742043 Hairdressers (Sue Birch) 742298 Plumber (Ian Ruggles) 07890 015055 Taxis (Baldock) 01462 486666 Tree Surgery, Hedge Cutting & Planting. (Hbn Trees 07487 810825 LOCAL AUTHORITY & SERVICES Ashwell Parish Council 743706 90/91 Bus (Richmonds) 01763 848226 HertsLynx Bus 01992 555513 County Council (Steve Jarvis) 01438 727122 District Council (Tom Tyson) 07546 589377 Library Services 03001 234049 Police (N.Herts Rural) 101 or 01438 757924 Post Office (Bassingbourn) 0345 7223344 Railway Station (enquiries) 0345 484950 HALLS FOR HIRE Ashwell Parish Room 743922 Ashwell School 742297 Ashwell URC Hall 742757 Ashwell V/H [email protected] Hinxworth Village Hall 742258 Newnham Village Hall 742931 SPORTS Cricket Club (Bene’t Coldstream) 07971 404481 Football (Andrew Hayes) 07990 598905 Karate 07941 926125 Tennis Club [email protected] PUBS Bushel & Strike (currently no phone) Rose & Crown (Sam and Sian) 239365 Three Tuns (Christine) 654664 UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS Please contact: Ian Chandler 743091 Post Office Opening: Mon. 12:00-3:00 Wed. 12:00-3:00 April Refuse Dates: 1st Black 8th Purple 15th Black 22nd Purple 29th Black
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