1 For more welcome news go to pages 3 & 23
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3 It is such a pleasure and a privilege to be welcomed as curate for St Marys Ashwell (also St Nicholas Hinxworth and St Vincent Newnham) churches. As I enter this new role, I hope and pray that God will continue to lead and guide me in the coming years as He has done in the past. Leaving The Bahamas to read for my PhD, I did not believe my life would take the paths it has taken. God had a plan for me which was different from my plan: to complete my studies, move back and take up a role at the University of The Bahamas or the Ministry of Education. My journey to curacy and the skills needed for the role began in the first year after moving to the UK. After a brief conversation at a non-university event, I was offered a job at The University of East London. I purchased a flat, reconnected with my faith, began attending church, met Tony, got married, moved from London to Bedford, found a church (St Marys, Potton) began the discernment process, and studied for three years, all within 20 years. I am convinced that God has taken His time, prepared, taught, moulded, and orchestrated the path that led me here. I am very excited about this new phase of my life as a Curate. I do not know what is ahead, but I have found my calling. I am looking forward to what is to come and the impact I will have on the community with God’s help. Paulet Ashwell Village News - Letter from Paulet To contact Chris Tel: 01462 742277 or email: [email protected] Benefice Services in August 6 August 9th Sunday after Trinity 9.15 Family Service, St Nicholas’, Hinxworth 10.45 TGiS All Age Service, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00 Holy Communion, St Mary’s, Ashwell 13 August 10th Sunday after Trinity/ Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary 9.15 Holy Communion, St Nicholas’, Hinxworth 10.45 Parish Communion with Patronal Festival, followed by parish picnic, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00 Evening Prayer, St Mary’s, Ashwell 20 August 11th Sunday after Trinity 9.15 Holy Communion, St Nicholas’, Hinxworth 10.45 Parish Communion, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00 Sacred Space, St Mary’s, Ashwell 27 August 12th Sunday after Trinity 9.15 Holy Communion, St Nicholas’, Hinxworth 9.30 BCP Communion, St Vincent’s, Newnham 10.45 Parish Communion, St Mary’s, Ashwell 5.00 *No evening service this week* Plus, every Wednesday morning at 10am, Midweek Communion Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. 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
4 A few words from ASHWELL UNITED REFORMED CHURCH I can’t believe how quickly another month has sped by - it doesn’t seem any time at all that I was writing this piece for July! Our Saturday Teas will soon be finishing – we are not continuing them into August this year – but we hope all those that have come along to them have enjoyed meeting friends, having a natter and eating cake! We have also enjoyed get togethers at CAMEO on the second Wednesday of the month and opportunities to gather in Jesus’ name on Sunday mornings. In August, our Sunday morning pattern will be slightly different to normal. We have a service at Ashwell on Sunday 13th, and on Sunday 20th we will be sharing worship with friends at Guilden Morden Congregational Church. We are looking forward to this very much. There will not be a fourth Sunday service at the chapel this month. As I write this, our local schools are approaching the end of their summer term, so let us remember all the teachers and classroom helpers who will be looking forward to a chance to rest, recuperate and refresh themselves during the vacation and give thanks for all that they do for our children and grandchildren. What fantastic people they all are! Bible readings during August tell how Jesus encouraged his disciples to think, and think again, about what He was teaching them and not to follow blindly the established teachings they might have heard in the synagogue. And so, through coming to know more about Jesus, we are encouraged to think ‘outside the box’ of conventional or habitual learning – and this is what we hope our children will be encouraged to do by their teachers at all ages as they progress. And, of course, even if we are no longer at school, we should never stop learning! God Bless. Chris Sunday Services in August At Ashwell United Reformed Church August 13th at 10.45am Preacher: Paul Cooper At Guilden Morden Congregational Church August 20th at 10.30am Preacher: Revd Tony Frost TO BOOK THE CHURCH HALL: PLEASE RING SAN CARSWELL 01462 742757 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 September submission are: Article Deadline 15th August Advertising Deadline 10th August 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 for a social afternoon of tea, coffee, cakes and conversation. Here is the plan for our August meeting: 2.30 – 2.45 arrivals (but please come later, if you need to) 2.45 – 3.30 A SUMMERTIME QUIZ A gentle quiz on some summery topics. You will be surprised how much you already know and how much you will learn! 3.30 – 3.35 a Thought for the Day 3.35 – 4.30 Time for tea, cakes and conversations. 4.30 departures (but do leave earlier, if you need to) Where? Ashwell URC Hall, High Street, SG7 5NL When? 2.30pm Wednesday 9th August (until about 4.30pm) Who? All welcome; just turn up (or) Contact? Chris James; 742684 [email protected] Not able to make it? Then the next CAMEO will be 13th September. C.A.M.E.O.: Come And Meet Each Other Many thanks once again to everyone who contributed towards making this such a successful and memorable event this year. It was a sunny and happy day and many of the visitors, from both home and further afield, have been keen to say how much they enjoyed the event. The total amount raised was £12,000, a considerable increase over the previous record of £9,750 set in 2022. This sum will be shared between the Museum, the School, St Mary’s Church and Ashwell Preschool, with a small donation to the United Reformed Church. If you would like to become involved in helping to organise Ashwell at Home in 2024, please get in touch. There will be a preliminary meeting on Monday 25th September at 8:00 pm at the Museum. All welcome. Cliff [email protected] 742592
6 We can all see the summer passing by so quickly and it does seem hard to start planning our Autumn events while still recalling our very successful coach trip to Stratford in May. It looks as if it is something we may consider repeating if there is enough enthusiasm. Already we have several names down for our next trip on Tuesday 10th October to Norwich. Sorry to those who support the Makers Tuesday but we thought very hard about a change of day as Thursday clashes with other things ! If you do want to join us on this coach trip please contact Hilary Masham 742416 , Monica Boggust 742463 or Karen Mills 742155 We were very pleased with the tea afternoon we did on June 24th raising £102. £20 of that we gave to the URC while the balance came to the Friends Thank you to those who joined us and to those who made cakes or helped on the day. Due to so much going on at this time we decided to postpone Ros Allwood’s Talk but hope to host it later in the year. It will still be about Suffragettes in North Herts mentioning those women who were known in the area and refering to information North Herts Museum hold in their care. Details will follow next month and will also be on our Notice Board. On Tuesday 5th September David Short will give us a Talk on Ashwell ‘ How Buildings can tell us about the History of a place’. As David would like to be prepared for questions he has asked for anyone to contact us in advance about anything in particular so he can give it some thought. Please get in touch if helpful about that. Don t worry though as He will also answer questions after his talk on the night. Tickets are now available in the Museum when open or with Karen Mills 742155 or David and Sue Hall 743799 £7 in Advance or £8 on the door. Saturday September 30th 10-12pm brings our open Morning for all Volunteers and anyone interested in the Museum Do join us for a cup of coffee and see how we are getting on. Thank you as ever for your ongoing support and Trust you have an enjoyable summer Karen Mills 742155 Jill Powell 742318 Friends of Ashwell Village Museum Letter from Tom Tyson Dear Readers The past month has seen a number of important moments directly or indirectly associated with North Herts Council. There was a well-attended presentation in Ashwell from Urban & Civic on their “Growing Baldock” project – the expansion of the town envisaged in the North Herts Local Plan. U&C were appointed to implement the master planning phase of the development by the landowners, Hertfordshire County Council. Yesterday evening (as I write) U&C’s representatives gave a brief update to the new Baldock and District Area Forum and told me there that they had been very interested in the views of Ashwell residents about the proposed development. They will be at September’s Area Forum with another update. The Baldock and District Area Forum is a new incarnation of the previous Area Committee and aims to offer a less formal opportunity for residents to share their views and ask questions on various topics of local interest. We are the “District” part of this and everyone from Ashwell is welcome to come along! Last night’s agenda included a consultation on car park charges and a lively discussion on tackling the litter problem. We talked about the Council’s “Adopt an Area” scheme (details at www.northherts.gov.uk/adopt-area) and heard from volunteers who are already picking litter in their streets. As Chair of the Forum, I gave an update on the situation at the Industrial Estate in the wake of the terrible fire. Things have been moving very quickly, but at the time of writing I can say that the fire service has handed responsibility for the site to the management company and NHC has been working intensively with their agents to ensure the surviving businesses can be up and running as soon as possible. All directly affected businesses will be exempted from business rates from the date of the fire. The Council is also investigating what options might be available in terms of providing temporary premises for those affected. So, that’s enough from me and this “Baldock special” instalment. Have a lovely summer everyone.
7 Chairman: Graham Lee (743126) Office at Bear Farm, 6A Back Street (743706) Clerk: Sarah Mitchell, Deputy Clerk: Jane Porter www.ashwell.gov.uk [email protected] Jottings: Parish Council ‘Catch-Up Notes’ from the Parish Council Meeting held on 17th May and 5th July 2023 (full minutes on www.ashwell.gov.uk) The main item to report from the meeting was: Baldock expansion An exhibition by the planning consultants (Urban & Civic) for Herts County Council took place in the Parish Rooms in the afternoon of 4 July, at the Parish Council’s invitation. The purpose of the meeting was for Urban & Civic to outline the project, involving over 2500 new homes, and for Ashwell residents to have the opportunity to ask questions and convey concerns regarding the various potential impacts on Ashwell, both during construction and long term, dependent on road, infrastructure and facilities associated with the development. The meeting was well attended by parishioners, so thank you for all who attended. It appears that a key factor that could determine whether the development takes place is whether the required water supply to meet the demand of such a large housing expansion can be provided. Matters that were raised with the 4 representatives from Urban & Civic included: •Access to Baldock station both during and after construction phase without traffic delays or additional mileage. •Access to Baldock & Letchworth shops and services via Bygrave without significant additional mileage. •Right of choice for young people of Ashwell to attend Knights Templar school, and transport to the school. •Avoidance of negative impact on Ashwell Primary School for children from Ashwell and neighbouring villages •Avoidance of car traffic from the new houses at lower Bygrave using Ashwell as a ‘rat run’ to northern destinations. •Avoidance of Ashwell residents having to switch from Bygrave Rd to Slip End Rd during or following construction. •Opportunity to use infrastructure funding to complete the pedestrian / cycle route from Ashwell village to Ashwell & Morden station (on the Cambridgeshire section). For some that may remove the benefit of using Baldock station. The Parish Council has requested that two Councillors will be able to share a single representative place on the ‘Community Forum’ for this project that’s hosted by North Herts Council. Should Parishioners have further questions or comments about this major development please contact the Clerk. Next Parish Council Meeting – 7PM Wednesday 2nd August 2023
8 INFORMATION UP-DATE Ashwell’s Fight Against Cancer is now coming to the end of its fundraising life – which has been great fun and would never have achieved all it has if it wasn’t for the wonderful support of friends, neighbours and residents of Ashwell. Our Oratorio to Aria event in St Mary’s Church in March was the climax of our fundraising years and the money raised from this, plus some help from another fundraiser, meant I was able to present a cheque for £2,550 to Addenbrookes for the Oncology Department. This brought our overall total donated to Addenbrookes for cancer research and clinical care to £50,100.00! AFAC raised amounts for the following: Oncology - £7,950.00, Neurosciences (Brain Tumours/Trauma) £10,500.00, Upper GI Tract (Oesophagus) £5,900.00, Haemotology (Lymphoma) £4,000.00, HPB (Bowel, Liver, colo-rectal, Pancreatic cancers) £14,900.00, Lung £2,500.00 and ACT on Cancer Campaign £4,350.00. Chris and I were invited to attend a 75th Anniversary of the NHS Addlenbrookes Fundraisers Thank You event on the 4th July when a ‘cheque’ was made out for £50,100.00 so that I could show you all what has been achieved. We were also invited in June to attend a lecture on the new Cancer Research Hospital that will be situated on the Campus alongside Papworth and the new Astra Zeneca research building. This will be cutting edge and I have attempted to precis all the information into an attached article. I have £95 left in the account and intend to let AFAC run to the end of the year as there are still Christmas Cards available to sell. I also know that there are some very kind people who will donate to AFAC in 2023 and I felt it was only fitting that any further moneyraised before 2024 could be given to the Garden House Hospice. Thank you all for the support you have given AFAC over the years – I cannot tell you how much it has meant to me and to the lives of all those you have probably assisted. Christine Scholfield The Cambridge cancer research hospital This brand-new hospital will unite the NHS, academia and industry in a powerful collaboration that will bring scientific discoveries and technological advances from the lab bench to the patient bedside as rapidly as possible. The hospital will pioneer new ways to detect cancer earlier and treat it in a more personalised way. Housed on the biomedical campus, one with research at its heart, it will take a truly multidisciplinary approach with clinicians, computer scientists, engineers, patients and industry experts working together to deliver research with patient impact as its primary objective. The new hospital will bring together • The clinical excellence of Addenbrookes hospital • The multidisciplinary scientific expertise of the university of Cambridge and cancer research UK. The commercial capability of industry partners like Astra Zeneca, Illumina and GE healthcare. Over seven floors the hospital will co-locate patient-designed clinical space with three cutting edge research institutes: • The early cancer institute research clinic • The institute for integrated cancer medicine The precision breast cancer institute – using breast cancer as a model to drive innovation in personalised medicine. The aim is to replicate the advances made in breast cancer in other cancer types, particularly hard to treat cancers like brain tumours.
9 (Songs and tunes about history and a change in life) “Light Down, light down, Lady Isobel”, said he, “For we’ve come to the place where you are to die” (Lady Isobel and the Elf Knight, English traditional song) Mediaeval songs included riddles and bawdy verses but most of them were ballads, narrative songs recounting tales of love, betrayal, heroism, and the supernatural. Originally, these were passed on orally, with very few being written down but, with the advent of printing in the 15th century, they began to be collected into books and preserved in written form. From the 17th Century, many of the longer ballads were reworked to fit onto a single sheet of cheap paper called a broadside. Often the only direct evidence of a ballad’s age is its earliest broadside printing, though it may have been sung for hundreds of years before being printed. Lady Isobel and the Elf Knight (called by a whole load of different names) is a good example of a mediaeval ballad, having most of the more interesting themes. According to Child, it first appears as a broadside, The False Knight Outwitted. in 1710, though the earliest extant copy is from the 1750s. The earliest published versions all have different names and somewhat different plots, which strongly suggests that the ballad had been around a bit before it was finally printed. The main plot can be summarised as follows. A young noblewoman is seduced by the music played by an elf knight masquerading as a mortal suitor. He persuades her to accompany him to a secluded spot. There, he reveals his true identity and his intention to kill her. However, she outwits him and kills him instead. The ballad includes several themes prevalent in mediaeval literature. That of a deceptive lover posing a threat to an innocent woman was a common feature in mediaeval romances and ballads. symbolising the danger of succumbing to superficial charm and the importance of discernment. Encounters with the supernatural reflect the mediaeval fascination with things mystical and inexplicable, blurring the boundaries between the real world and that of supernatural beings. The conflict between the two characters is a cautionary story, which stresses the importance of inner strength. Though printed versions of the ballad don’t date into the mediaeval period, the story features in songs throughout most of Northern Europe. The earliest written version is from Holland and called Heer Halewijn (Lord Halewine). Remarkably, the song was written down in the 13th Century and has a very similar plot, except that the villain in this case is beheaded with his own sword. Perhaps a better end than being drowned or stabbed. One thing which is unique to many of the English versions is the presence of a talking bird after the action has concluded. When Isobel arrives home, the parrot threatens to tell where she’s been so she bribes it to keep quiet… ‘Oh hold your tongue, you pretty bird, and tell no tales on me; Your cage I’ll make of beaten gold, and your perch of the white ivory.’ If you’d like to know more about the folk session and our music, please get in touch. Ian Chandler [email protected] 743091 Rose and Crown Folk: Middle Ages
10 Linda Scoles came from Great Barton, near Bury St Edmunds, to talk to the WI about her life and journey to British citizenship. Linda was born in Washington State USA in 1944 on the family ranch. Money was tight and her father had to have a second job to make ends meet. Her childhood was very happy and her whole life was centred around family and friends in the immediate farming community. Later she studied music at university and returned home. Linda wanted to be married and have a family of her own but there were no eligible young men in the area. Luckily for her she won an all expenses paid 10 day drama course where she hoped she would find the right man. During the train journey home from the course she met Jim, who was in the Air Force and it was love at first sight! They were soon married and Jim was then posted to Vietnam for a year. Linda went home whilst he was away and when he returned he was posted to England. They both loved the life here and wanted to stay but after 5 years he was recalled. Jim let the Pentagon know that he wanted another posting in England and they reluctantly agreed but said that he would have no further promotion if he went back. They were sent to the base at Mildenhall where he worked for 8 years until he retired. Jim and Linda then filled in an application to obtain ‘status as settlers’. This was granted as long as they weren’t ‘ a charge on Her Majesty’s government’. Jim became a professor of history and really loved teaching. Linda had her hands full with four young children and it was a great shock when Jim became ill and died in 2001 at the age of 61. Now with very little money Linda had to find a way of keeping herself , so ,with her daughter, went into property developing. This went very well until the property slump and shortly afterwards they became bankrupt, a horrid experience. Linda really wanted to stay here and a friend said that she had recently obtained dual nationality and why didn’t Linda try. The paperwork, and the tests were very expensive, very difficult and very numerous. Evidently 90% of people fail the first time. By 2009 she had her joint citizenship documents and was very relieved, grateful and happy. Linda gave us a quiz using questions from her exam paper and they were certainly not easy. Adding up the joint total Linda had to admit that we had failed. Linda is now very happy to stay here and enjoy all that is English. People had lots of questions to ask and she answered them in her witty, jolly manner. The WI does not have a meeting in August but will meet again on September 20th when Sandra Barker will show us how to make woven baskets. Do come and join us at 2pm in the URC hall. We are pleased to inform patients that our report on the findings from the survey carried out earlier this year is nearing completion. Indeed by the time you read this it may well have been published. It will be available on the surgery website – so please keep looking. We also intend to make paper copies available in our 2 surgeries and in our pharmacies. The results of the survey have given us much food for thought. We hope that you will find our report both informative and useful. ASHWELL AND BASSINGBOURN PATIENTS' GROUP: NEWS OF OUR SURVEY ABOUT APPOINTMENTS
11 We have two meetings to report on this month. In June, Bridget Long came to tell the group more about her research into patchwork. In a most interesting illustrated talk we learned more about the earliest patchwork, where sturdy thick cloth was cut into shapes to make elaborate images, such as coats of arms, and stitched together. Later work with finer cloth such as silks were made of pieces backed with paper shapes. Some of these early quilts still have the paper backing, which can be seen on x rays. Patchwork made the most of every scrap of fabric and you can learn a lot about social history from the fabrics and techniques used. In the Museum we have a tiny quilt from Marie Whitby’s dolls house, a patchwork pin cushion, and a decorative tablecloth made from pieces of uniform. After refreshments people were able to have a go at creating some patchwork pieces to take home. In July we were scheduled to talk about clunch, the local chalky stone and visit the quarry on the Hinxworth Road. By lucky co-incidence, Guy Mackenzie has recently begun the lengthy process of replacing a listed clunch wall along the High Street. He has undertaken lots of research and experimentation about building techniques and materials and documented the process of taking down the wall. He was therefore in a good position to deliver the talk about clunch, to thirty interested people. One of the most astonishing experiments was a demonstration of how absorbent the clunch is, when it soaked up a huge amount of water over just a few minutes. This is one of the reasons why clunch is a problematic building material. In Ashwell the church, the lockup and the historic wall are all built of clunch. Those who wished then went out to the Quarry and had a most interesting walk and talk by Chris James who has been the Warden for many years. The Quarry is a nature reserve of over 7 acres and was filled with orchids and other amazing wildflowers when we visited. We are very lucky in Ashwell to have these amazing spaces and resources in our community. For more information about permits to visit the Quarry and working parties please contact [email protected] In August we will be looking at how herbs were used in the past, how a local business at Philosopher’s Gate, gathered wild plants and herbs to make medicines and drinks and have a go at herbal crafts. All very welcome, August 8th 2.30pm in the Museum. Makers at the Museum July Guy Mackenzie and his clunch display Patchwork pin cushion Dolls House quilt Enjoying the wildflowers and birdsong in the Quarry
12 Ashwell Show Set to Dazzle this August with Shetland Pony Grand National and Heavy Horse Display August Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August The Ashwell Show is going back to its roots for this year’s August Bank Holiday show, with a host of impressive countryside displays. The main ring will feature a heavy horse display, with Shire Horses, Suffolk Punches, and Clydesdale horses, dressed in full regalia, pulling carts, and wowing the crowd with their awesome size, strength and beauty. From extra large horses to extra small specimens, the Ashwell Show will for the first time hold its own horse race, courtesy of the Shetland Grand National. Attendees are in for a treat, as a team of Shetland Ponies complete with mini riders take to the ring in this high speed, high fun event. Alongside the main ring, the traditional horse show returns with skilled riders and handsome horses to admire, plus show jumping classes. Ashwell’s other firm favourite – the dog show – is sure to be great fun too, so bring down your pooch to see if he’s got the waggiest tail or fluffiest coat - enter the competition on the day and join in the fun. For families, there’s hours of fun, with a host of free activities, including: circus skills ring, face painting, and children’s craft tent. All for free! Those who have been to the Ashwell Show before will be pleased to see the event’s traditional displays, including: the birds of prey demonstration; vintage cars; and tractors. This year there are more shopping stalls than ever before, so attendees are sure to find something to suit their fancy. When it comes to food, this year’s show is set to have more choice than ever before, including yummy cakes served up by the Ashwell WI, fresh food choices with global cuisine, and beer tent. Prices and Information Entry prices: adults £10, under 18s £5, under 5s free, family ticket £25. Free parking. Advance tickets available at a 20% discount from www.ashwellshow.co.uk. Gates open 9am to 4pm, main ring attractions from 10am. The Ashwell Show is run by volunteers, and over the last ten years, the Show has raised more than £130,000 for local clubs, societies and organisations. Please come and support the show! Ashwell Show 2023 Last month we held our ‘garden party’ at Wolverley House. The idea was to meet some of the newer residents and encourage them to make more use of their lovely communal lounge. All were invited and together with MU members and their guests, there were about 45 of us in all. MU members had prepared a lovely spread and it was a delightful afternoon, sharing a delicious tea whilst chatting with friends old and new. We had a collection for our ‘Summer of Hope’ appeal, which this year will go to MU’s work in prisons and our ‘Away From It All’ scheme by which we pay for families in much need of a break to have a holiday, typically a caravan by the sea. We will be taking a break in August, so our next meeting will be on the 14th September in the Parish Room, when Margaret Gilliam will give a talk entitled ‘Welcome the Stranger’ telling us about the plight of refugees. Viv Hollow
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14 It has been a busy half term in school and as the summer holidays creep nearer we are reflecting on all the exciting things we’ve been up to over the last few weeks. Throughout June and July pupils enjoyed a wide range of whole school workshops and enrichment activities such as hula hooping, junk percussion and science. We would like to thank the Friends of Ashwell School, whose fundraising has helped us to access many of these exciting activities. Several classes have also enjoyed extra-curricular trips this half-term, starting with Year 5 who visited Duxford on 7th June. They explored the aircraft on display and enjoyed a talk from a WW2 Veteran. On 8 th June, Year 3 travelled to St. Albans and Verulamium, where they took part in an interesting Roman workshop and enjoyed dressing up as Roman townsfolk. Our Year 4 class got out and about in the local area with a walk up to Arbury Banks on 15th June, where they explored and discovered new facts about the Iron Age hill fort. Finally, on 10th July, our Year 1 pupils enjoyed traveling to Knebworth House and Gardens where they learnt all about how plants grow. They also loved exploring the dinosaur trail and Fort Knebworth! Some of our athletes from Years 2-6 also went to compete at the North Herts Rural School’s Athletics Competition at Ridlins on the 27th June and performed brilliantly. There were some superb individual performances and we finished 3rd as a team overall. By Katie Andrews, Deputy Headteacher Year 4 trip to Celtic Harmony—By Marlyjorge When we got onto the coach it was about half an hour to get there. When we got there we met Fay, who was our guide for the time we were there. Our first activity was fun! I loved the archery and face painting we did there. For dinner we had cheesy pasta and for pudding we had choc ice. It was fun not having a bedtime and talking until 2 in the morning! The best bits were when we did archery and ALL of the activities. We also saw people in costumes who were funny! Whole school trip to OTG in Bassingbourn—By Isla B and Molly On Tuesday 11th July we went to OTG. KS1 went in the morning and stayed for a whole school picnic. After the picnic KS2 went off and completed the course. Our favourite part was the swing in the water when we had to jump off at the correct time (I’m not sure if any of us made it!) The picture below is year 6 on the tyres , it was the first obstacle. Overall, we all really enjoyed it and had so much fun, we would all love to go again. Thank you OTG
15 Year 6 favourite activities on our trip to the Isle Of Wight !!!!! - By Isla J Goodleaf Tree Climbing: This was the first activity we did on the island. There were 3 different activities to do so in our groups we rotated round: Vortex golf, where you have to throw a vortex into a golf hole but you have to throw it from quite far away: Orienteering we did around the forest and then went down to the beach to finish off: and finally tree climbing, where we first got harnessed onto the tree and then had to practice using the ropes and then we started. I would rate it 8/10 Robin Hill country park: The first activity we did was the toboggans which are like little cars you drive on a track up and down hills. Then we went to the ripple which is a massive water bubble which you jump on and it ripples. Next we went to the birds of prey show which was very cool! After lunch we went to a massive play area in the forest and it had so much to do it was so big and very fun! And then finally went to the massive pirate ship ride! I would rate it 9/10 The Aqua Park: This had loads of inflatable obstacles and slides on a massive man-made lake! We had to first put our wetsuits on and then our life jackets and then we all jumped into the water (it was freezing!). All the kids teamed up on trying to push the teachers in and we were able to push them all in and then we started pushing each other in! My favourite obstacle was the massive water slide! I would rate it 10/10! Laser Storm: This was what we did on our night out! Laser storm is laser tag but in a massive soft play. When we first arrived we had dinner there, which was party food and then we started laser tag! There were 3 different groups and we rotated who was against who each time. Each battle lasted about 15 mins and then we swapped but we battled every team twice. THIS WAS SO FUN ! I rate it 10/10 !!! KETTLE’S YARD, CAMBRIDGE: 8 July – 29 October 2023 Tuesday – Sunday, 11.00 am – 5.00 pm Discover the beauty, intricacy, and significance of Palestinian embroidery as it has evolved during a century of turbulent change for the Palestinian people. More than 40 dresses and other embroidered objects will be on display, alongside artworks by five contemporary artists whose work is inspired by this unique living tradition. On Palm Sunday we re-enacted the events of Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem in St Mary’s church, “The Passion Play”, as it is known. Many of the cast wore costumes from Palestine, adding an air of authenticity to the event. The exhibition at Kettles Yard includes many similar costumes from private collections in Jordan and Palestine. It is well worth a visit (or two)! It may be possible to arrange a group visit by coach on Thursday 21 September 2023 from 11.30 am to 3.00 pm, to include a talk by assistant museum curator Naomi Polonsky, from 12.00 to 1.00 pm. If you are interested to know more, please contact me, Margaret Gilliam, [email protected] MATERIAL POWER: Palestinian Embroidery Detail from back panel Bethlehem ladies’ jacket early 20th century
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19 Ashwell Village Hall was established in 1922 as a place for villagers to congregate and enjoy village life. It is run as a not-for-profit community asset and is a registered Charity. It is used by many local social groups including the Ashwell PreSchool, Theatre Club, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies. It is used by many local exercise and sporting groups including Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Karate, Ballet, Dance, Boot Camp and Tennis Club. The AVH is reorganising, and we are looking for three part time volunteers to help us organise and develop it further. Training is offered and new ideas are welcome. The three roles are: Treasurer (few hrs per month, flexible hours (home based) with one evening meeting every 4 months for the Users Group). The Treasurer, working with Andy Dolby who is the Chairman of the Users Group, manages the bank account, sends out invoices to the users, pays bills and provides a financial report to and attends the Users Group Meetings (in person or virtually) for the termly Users Group meetings and coordinates with the Auditor for the yearly Audit. In the future we’d love to look at things like accepting online payments and you would be a part of that initiative. Skills required: strong attention to detail, experience with computers, good with numbers, some bookkeeping experience is helpful. Booking Coordinator (few hrs per month, flexible hours (some home based) with one evening meeting every 4 months for the Users Group). The Booking Coordinator works with the Users to book the two rooms in the hall and send confirmation. They will arrange tours with prospective renters to show the space. In the future we would like to look at things like online bookings, virtual tours of the facility and upgrading the website and your insights and ideas will be valued. You will interface with the Treasurer to enable invoicing. Skills required: attention to detail, experience with computers, good with people/ customer service skills, good communication skills (written and verbal). Secretary (few hours per month, flexible hours, with one evening meeting every 4 months for the Users Group). Working with the Chairman of the Users Group, the Secretary takes meeting minutes and handles correspondence on behalf of the Users Group committee. They will attend the User Group meetings (in person or virtually) that are held termly. Skills required: Good written and verbal communication skills, word processing/typing, minute taking. These roles are voluntary but agreed expenses are paid. If you would like to find out more about any of them please contact Jo Auckland at [email protected] or Andy Dolby at [email protected] alternatively pop down to the Hall and have a chat with Andy. Ashwell Village Hall Needs You On Monday 3rd July the British Legion held the annual Dominoes and Cribbage knockout competition at The Bushel and Strike. Congratulations are in order for Jeff Adams, who has won the cup for a second year in a row! Thank you to all who came and supported, the British Legion raised £102! Another thank you to The Bushel and Strike for hosting, providing food and donating raffle prizes. British Legion annual competition
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21 Good news: some of the wild flowers that we scattered in the spring have grown and survived the council mowers and strimmers! Many of you have noticed and commented positively on the patch at the top of the school. Let’s hope we can see many more of these next summer; it really does brighten the day when their colours appear! On the other hand, nettles are generally viewed differently; they are widely regarded as nasty stinging plants that need to be eliminated and it’s true they do need to be controlled in some public places. However, before you reach for your gardening tools or even weed killer let’s consider why nettles are so vital to our biodiversity. According to the Natural History Museum website the UK’s flying insect population has declined by as much as 60% in the last 20 years. So how can nettles help? Did you know that over 40 insects depend on nettles for a habitat. They are home to many species of butterfly and moth ,including the Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. The seeds provide food for bullfinches, house sparrows and chaffinches. Aphids which thrive on nettles provide food for Blue Tits and other small birds. It is the very sting of the nettle which allows this delicate relationship to survive as tiny insects can avoid the venomous hairs of the nettle and are then safe from larger predators such as grazing cattle or sheep. So before you slash down those nettles why not have a soothing cup of nettle tea instead? It is thought to have many health benefits. See this country file recipe: https://www.countryfile.com/how-to/foraging/ nettle-tea/. During July some of our members teamed up with some parish councillors to clear grass from the base of the new hedging that was planted last year; this will help the young plants to survive without too much competition from grasses and weeds. A watering system has been installed thus ensuring they get sufficient moisture. Fingers crossed the hedges will thrive and provide a wildlife corridor for birds, small mammals and insects. In addition they will look attractive and hopefully act as a barrier for those balls that often fly across the road during football and cricket matches! s! Some of the team having a well deserved cuppa kindly provided by Gaye R. Thank you! Sherran Chalkleysecretary : [email protected] Clare Spencer - chair: [email protected] Fionnuala George- chair:[email protected] Kate Blake- treasurer Greening Ashwell
22 August was a rather gloomy month of news. Three deaths were reported and although they all occurred elsewhere there was a close association with Ashwell. On 8th August John Chalkley died at the age of 67. He was formerly from Ashwell but he ended his days living in the ‘Royston Union’. After 1835 the responsibility for the poor was transferred from the parish to a wider area of ‘Union’. For Ashwell this was centred on Royston and a new workhouse was built in 1835 on the north side of Baldock Road. After the workhouse system was officially ended in 1930 the building passed to the Local Council and was demolished in 1972. When it closed the longcase clock which timed away the hours and days for the inmates was given to Ashwell Museum by the Guardians and is now on display. The death occurred on the 18th August at Langham, Rutland, of Nora Caroline Ruddle, aged 57, the wife of George Ruddle. She was the second daughter of the late Herbert Fordham of Odsey. The Ruddles were another dynasty of brewers and they are still producing fine beers today. Mr Peter Waldock died aged 47. Formerly of Springhead he moved to Acton to be looked after during the last months of a long and painful illness. The funeral was at Willesden. The only bright spots of the month were the two cricket matches the 1st XI played against the Hitchin Blue Cross team, which they won away but lost at home. And the Bank Holiday Fete, which was to metamorphose to the Horse Show Gymkhana then into our current Ashwell Show, was a resounding success. 100 years ago: 1923 August
23 We are in that season when many of us welcome family and friends or guests into our homes, or we are travelling and hoping for a warm welcome in a different country or part of the UK. What does it mean to welcome? How do we feel if we are welcomed well? How do we feel if we get the sense that we are unwelcome? All this is tied up in so many personal experiences and beliefs. Some people become anxious about inviting people into their homes. In my case it could be because it’s messy inside, or possibly that the dogs might bark (or even bite…) A welcome, whether that is into a home, a church, a new job or a holiday setting is a very positive thing. It also works both ways. A welcomer feels a sense of well-being, as do the welcomed. Someone welcomed well is likely to ‘pay that forward’ by welcoming others. As a church in a busy village, we try lots of different ways of welcoming. We host big and small events. Christmas Fairs, Book Fairs, holiday drop ins, quizzes, concerts and so on take on a greater significance if people feel welcomed in. We are delighted to be part of weddings and christenings and offer warm support for funerals and memorials for loved ones. We also hope that we offer a good welcome to those who are trying out a church service or are visiting. We have a team of welcomers at the door (we know it’s daunting coming through the door of a different church) offering smiles, blankets, books. At the end of our services on Sunday and Wednesday mornings we offer a very welcome cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. Hosting the Food Pantry is very much linked to the hope that people feel welcome to come into the building and share. Recently we have welcomed our new Curate, Paulet. She has introduced herself elsewhere in the magazine, but it was delightful to host a bring and share lunch to welcome Paulet and Tony and some of their friends. Over fifty people pulled up a chair to share fellowship and food and to experience a warm welcome. Do you feel you would be welcome in our church? Try us and see. If you don’t want to come to a service, you are very welcome to use the building and outside space as places to sit and think. We are open every day. If the weather stays stormy you are welcome to bring your young children in to use the toy area. Dogs are welcome in the churchyard but please pick up any poo. If you have any ideas or suggestions about how we can improve our welcome, do let us know. You’re Welcome! Welcome……
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25 As you might or might not remember from my previous article, I was expecting the Missus and the OtherHalf to disappear on a holiday without taking me. I kind of knew as we met the Missus' book club friend and her OtherHalf in the pub where they spend a lot of time talking about me. I will call them Mrs. and Mr. Y. Their son also joined because he like the Missus spends lots of time sitting behind a desk at home, talking to people who are in the room but not in the room, and when I stayed with them previously, I had to spend a lot of time under his desk, so he had some proper company in the room. I think I might also have promised in my last article that I would be on my best behaviour because I really like staying with them. They responded very well to the training I gave them during my previous visit, so don't tell the Missus but I was kind of looking forward to it. And you also might remember, I promised last month that I would be on my best behaviour. Hmmm., I think Mrs. and Mr. Y, might have something to say about that now… I think I started off pretty well-behaved, I watched the cricket with Mr. Y (I need to get the Missus to agree getting Sky Sports)., we went on lovely walkies, so far so good, but you see, I didn't like it when they went to sleep. I kind of missed them and I thought that maybe I could try some more training, the sort of training, that I know would get me into serious trouble with the Missus and the OtherHalf. It worked though…Mrs. Y would join me for a cuddle and a nap on the sofa. The Missus gave me a proper telling off when I got home and told me that clearly, I am not good at keeping promises, and probably will never be allowed back with Mrs. and Mr. Y. I don't think that is true as Mr. Y said that I am his favourite, or maybe it was the other way around. Nevertheless, thank you Mrs. and Mr. Y, I had a lovely time, and I promise next time I will honestly be on my best behaviour. Anyway, for their next holiday, I will be allowed to go with the Missus and the OtherHalf. They are going to Belgium, and I am always going to Belgium with them. The Missus has promised that this time she won't have to work and that there will be plenty of walkies, as long as I don't jump in muddy, black streams. I hope she is better keeping promises than I am. Last but least, the lovely lady from AVN magazine asked for my photo, which II am very pleased about because: a) you can all see what a handsome chap I am (I have chosen one where I have my proper hair); b) I like to be recognised and give pawtographs and pose for selfies; and c) it will stop people thinking that I am just a made-up fictional dog. That’s it for now folks, Sir Bark A Lot Watch this space….are you batty about Sir Bark a Lot? Are you crazy about your cat? Do you want to show off your salamanders? We are hoping to hold a Pet Service at St Mary’s in the autumn. More newts next month... Pet Service The Chronicles of Sir Bark A Lot – Promises, promises, promises
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27 Here we are again with another batch of words. The additional words last month were really super Wordsmith S First a Japanese word. Seijaku which means an aesthetic that delivers calm amid chaos Serenity from nature Then a Finnish word. SIsu which means the essence of a nation, stamina, resilience and domitable spirit in the face of adversity Struthious an ostrich like person who greets every crisis with ' problem, what problem' Swasivious means agreeably persuasive Socksolager is a US slang word for a knockout blow in an argument, a real putdown in verbal battle Scurryfunging describes the frenetic dash to tidy up before visitors arrive Scintillate means to glitter A Portugese word Saudade meaning longing and wistfulness Simper de cocket means in an affectionate and flirty manner Selcouth means strangely wondrous Serendipity means making of happy and unexpected discoveries by chance Another Japanese word Shibui which means to improve with age!!! Simchah a lovely Jewish word means joyful and empowering approach to life. Enjoying life whenever you can Stound means that pang of emotion experienced with familiar sounds, music, smell or touch Sapiophile means one who is attracted to intelligent people Smoodging means nestling snugly Snaccident means oversnacking. Easy to do!!!! Then we have shimmy, saunter, selfless, sanguine,satisfied, seemly, serene and smile T Tummier means a joker, one who always acts the clown Very rude word. Testiculating unofficial but handy term for the act of talking bollocks whilst waving ones hands about Tarab means the emotional transformation of music felt by the audience and the singer in unity Thinkache means mental exhaustion Tripudiate means to dance or leap for joy Twithought means a thought that disappears almost the moment you focus on it. Is this age related I ask myself. Textpectation means text anxiety Slothkin same as a snowflake Then we have tender, tranquility, tickled pink, touched and carry a torch U Ultracrepidarian means one who loves to offer opinions on subjects they know nothing about Umarell means a retired individual who stands and watches construction sites. Originates in Bologna where presumably there are a lot of retired men and a lot of construction sites. Uitwaaien Dutch word meaning to clear the mind in windy weather. I suppose like our word clean the cobwebs but more windy. It does require going out in windy weather!!! U does not seem to have many positive words so that is it. A few from Eileen Sarking: board or felt between roof rafters and tiles Schlock: trash Swedge: fight or brawl Scrimshaw: carved designs on ivory or shell Tamasha: a grand performance often involving dance; a fuss or commotion Thenar: relating to the fleshy part of the hand below the thumb Trigraph: three letters representing one sound e.g. the German ‘sch’ Tumid: swollen; pompous Unger: tipster; racketeer Ustad: highly skilled especially a musician Uroboros: depiction of a snake swallowing its tail symbolising infinity or wholeness A few from Chat GPT S: Sublime - of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe T: Tranquil - free from disturbance; calm U: Unwavering - steady and resolute; not changing or faltering
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29 Crossword for August by Falaise Clues Across 1. I hail aunt in a state. (9) 6. Tobi’s out but he’ll be right here for the gravy. (5) 9. Sailors get bronzed up aloft but it’s a hard life. (7) 10. Part animal and friend to enliven you. (7) 11. Take it and you’re floating on air – there! (5) 12. The one who points out the importance if I resign. (9) 13. Most of the focal places where the real work is done. (4-5) 15. Canvas shelter, with energy for belief. (5) 16. Not Eden. Why? They have many wants. (5) 18. Heard Cnut for unknown coastlines. (9) 20. Cathedral city, featuring in Jane Eyre? (9) 23. Raise yourself! 151 Bachelor of Medicine. (5) 25. Vie on tray for the spice of life. (7) 26. Italian mister gets around to our starting points. (7) 27. Religious practices don’t sound wrong. (5) 28. Flatlands. Where can you see font sheen about? (2,3,4) Clues Down 1. Thread: Elsie got the ‘ell out of it. (5) 2. A teacher with no energy. Blocked windpipe? (7) 3. Money burns holes in their pockets. (9) 4. Roman day, 5th or 7th; Roman hour, 9th (5) 5. Anglicans with energy (but not new) get pain relief. (9) 6. In Dublin I have Russian pancakes. (5) 7. To saint, by railway. (7) 8. Six balls, scolded, thought too much of. (9) 13. Continued, short river deviser. (9) 14. Barn dance? (7,2) 15. Primarily take off attribute. (2,7) 17. Extract former partner, crept around. (7) 19. Tie chin around but don’t skate here! (4,3) 21. Former rector could, paradoxically, be the odds. (5) 22. Cockerel, unhesitant, will settle here like confused Spanish bulls. (5) 24. Good foundation to start on, but if muddled you’re allowed to Solution to July crossword: Across: 9.Peeling 10.Stained 11.Reign 12.Evens omit 13.Magnanimously 20.Idea 21.Ennui 22.Jour 23.Shepherds Bush 32.Share unit 33.Airer 34. Age bans 35.Eatable Down: 1.Apart 2.Regina 3.Sign on 4.A green 5.Esteem 6.Passau 7.Animal 8.Edits 13.Modes 14.Grace 15.Aleph 16.Inner 17.Obits 18.Sajou 19.Youth 24.Heaven 25.Pieman 26.Ernest 27.Duties 28.Beasts 29.Scribe 30.Oscar 31.Crier
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31 Spot the difference Results for July’s copy: how many did you find? August’s Spot the Difference. Can you spot the 12 Poems for June: There goes the waste—Gilly Bright Polluted is the river Sludgy is the sand It can’t flow on for ever, Dead trees on either hand. Gasping fish afloating, Nasties on the foam, Better not go boating – You might not come home. On goes the sewer, Out past the barn, Where silage bags are oozing Poison from the farm. Away down the river, Somewhere near the dump, Other little children Will need the stomach pump. Considering Gilly wrote this over 20 years ago, it is really sad to think that what was already a real issue then, has still not been addressed, in fact, it is getting worse. The Seed-Shop Here in a quiet and dusty room they lie, Faded as crumbled stone or shifting sand, Forlorn as ashes, shrivelled, scentless, dry – Meadows and gardens running through my hand. In this brown husk a dale of hawthorn dreams; A cedar in this narrow cell is thrust That will drink deeply of a century’s streams; These lilies shall make summer on my dust. Here in their safe and simple house of death, Sealed in their shells, a million roses leap; Here I can blow a garden with my breath, And in my hand a forest lies asleep. Muriel Stuart
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