Ashwell Village News- April 2021

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Ashwell Village News – April 2021, St Mary’s

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! These are the words

that will be proclaimed at the beginning of each service held
throughout the Easter Season and as we come (hopefully) to the end of

all lockdown restrictions. The Churches Year revolves around this
season – it’s only because of Easter that we celebrate everything else –

Christmas, Epiphany, Whitsun etc. The centrality of the Resurrection of
Jesus is crucial for the life of the church – without it the Christian faith

would simply not exist.
The story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus speaks powerfully

to us today. It is a message of the triumph of our loving and forgiving
God in spite of all that we might do to him. In the face of rejection Jesus

lived and died proclaiming forgiveness and invites us to do the same in our everyday lives. To
forgive those who have wronged us is at its core a healing and releasing act. But we also

need to be deeply aware of God’s loving forgiveness to us too, so that as we know his loving,
forgiving life in ours, we will show the same to others. Every Christian would be the first to

say of course, that we do not always get it right. Most of the time we struggle to put that
generosity of God into practice in our daily lives and we need to come back to God again and

again to discover the power of his loving forgiveness to enable us to do so.
The resurrection of Jesus shouts out that God will have the final word – not a pandemic - and

the Easter message is one of victory over fear and death. God comes close to us in the life of
Jesus and in his death he shares completely in our humanity – everything that we can ever

feel has been felt in the very heart of God. The message of God’s loving action in Jesus is the
Easter message of love over hate, generosity over selfishness, life over death.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
May you have a happy and blessed Easter – and when you can, come and share it with us!

Blessings
Lindsay

Revd Canon Lindsay Dew

Publication

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Thank you Danette!

Danette Sauble, who will be familiar to many of you,

retired from her position as receptionist at Ashwell

Surgery in March, after an amazing thirty four years of

dedicated service. Danette started work at the surgery,

which was then on the High Street, where the dentists is

now, on 17th August 1987. At that time the receptionists

rotated between the appointments and general enquiries

phone lines and working in the dispensary. Pam Bishop

was the practice manager at that time and she

encouraged Danette to follow her interest in the

Dispensary.

In 1990 the surgery moved to it’s current location in a purpose built site in Gardiners Lane,

and the whole staff team moved everything over one weekend, finishing up with a picnic in

the newly built staff room.

Danette remembers many happy times working with the team at the surgery, building up a

good relationship with the community at Ashwell and Bassingbourn surgeries, and

Christmas parties held at the doctors houses, with lots of games. The larger surgery

building caused a few ‘incidents’; she remembers one patient waiting patiently in the lab

room down the corridor for some test results, and the doctor who’d asked for the tests

forgot all about the patient and went home! Luckily the doctors then mostly lived quite

close to the surgery, they quickly came back and all was well!

Danette was born in Montana, America, where her father

Charles ‘Chuck’ Sauble was working in the American Forces.

Her mother, Vera, was part of the Bryant family in Ashwell.

After several postings in America, Europe and the UK, and

after more than twenty years of service, Chuck and Vera

moved back to Ashwell with Linda and Danette, and lived in

Station Road.

Although Danette has retired from the surgery, she will not have much more time to relax

with Alan, who has also been her partner for more than thirty years. Danette is now working

with her sister Linda, who runs Sarah’s Farm Shop, and keeping up with family and friend

there.

I have known Danette for many years and am very grateful to her for her kindness and

compassion when seeking help at the surgery. I am sure many in the community feel the

same.

Thank you Danette for all your hard work and help.

Danette and the surgery team, outside the new building in 1990. Sarah Talks

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St Mary’s Ashwell: Services for Lent, Passiontide and Easter

Given the present Government restrictions, most of our services for Holy Week and Easter
will be taking place online. Our current programme of services and events is as follows:

Monday 29th March - Monday of Holy Week, Tuesday 30th March- Tuesday of Holy Week,
Wednesday 31st March - Wednesday of Holy Week Members of the congregation are welcome

10.00 am Morning Prayer – On Zoom to attend the services of compline but

8.00pm Sung Compline in church please wear masks, only sit in the nave

Thursday 1st April - Maundy Thursday and practice social distancing.

7.30pm Service of Holy Communion and Commemoration of the last Supper – On
Zoom

Friday 2nd April - Good Friday

2.00 pm Walking the Way of the Cross - Prayers and reflections for the Biblical
Stations of the Cross – On Zoom

Saturday 3rd April

Children’s Activities and Building the Easter Garden 10.30- 11.30am in the
Churchyard

Sunday 4th April - Easter Sunday

10.45 Lighting the Paschal Candle and Parish Eucharist for Easter Day on Zoom

5.00pm Evening Prayer (Said) – On Zoom

All Zoom Services can be accessed using this link: https://tinyurl.com/stmarys-zoom

or using the Meeting ID: 848 3055 8684 Passcode: 277646

Any last minute changes to this will be communicated by email to all regular churchgoers. If
you want to check for any such changes please do so at:

The St Mary’s Ashwell Website: http://stmarysashwell.org.uk

The St Mary’s Ashwell Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Ashwell-202963206977018

The St Marys’ Ashwell page on “A Church near You”: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7833/

St Marys Contacts List

Please feel free to contact us.
Churchwardens:
Bernard 624564 [email protected]
Sarah 742182 [email protected]
Pastoral matters
Mark, our Reader 743451 [email protected]
Parish Church Office
Antje 01462 743922 [email protected]

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A few words from
ASHWELL UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

After prayerful discussion amongst the Elders of the church, and with God’s
blessing, we are glad to tell everyone that ‘live’ services at the URC will
resume on Easter Sunday at the usual time of 10.45am.

Our member and friend, Revd Jim Dalgleish, has SUNDAY SERVICES AT THE URC
agreed to lead worship for us. We will find ways of

having music, including traditional Easter hymns IN APRIL AT 10.45AM

(even if we cannot yet sing them ourselves), and ways April 4: EASTER REVD JIM DALGLEISH
of celebrating the wonderful Easter message that

Christ is risen. April 25th: REVD STAN SHORT

All the safety measures that we are now used to will

still be in place. From Easter onwards, we plan to MINISTERS WHO HELP ASHWELL URC:
hold two services in each month, usually on the 2nd
and 4th Sundays - unless, of course, national Revd Tony Ruffell (North Herts Group of
circumstances change again. Churches) Tel: 01462 619350

All friends, old and new, will be warmly welcomed – Revd Jim Dalgleish Tel: 01763 257499

we so much look forward to seeing you all again! Revd Stan Short Tel: 01767 315777
Chris

Rose & Crown Folk

Monday 5th April 8:30pm - She Sings As She Flies

(of true love and false hearts)

The cuckoo is a pretty bird, She sings as she flies,

She brings us good tidings, she tells us no lies

She sucks from sweet flowers to keep her voice clear,

And when she sings “cuckoo” then the summer time is near

I don’t think we’ll be meeting at The Rose & Crown this month but maybe, in the summer,
we’ll be there. We’re all looking forward to getting back to our old ways, having a drink and

singing with our friends. Meanwhile, we’ve been meeting on Zoom for the past year.

You may think that we just think up our themes randomly, and that may well be true, but I
thought I’d give you an insight into what has inspired them for each month.

This month, the theme is based on the coming of the cuckoo in April. Along with May
flowers, the cuckoo’s song has always been a signal that summer is on its way. One of the
earliest songs in English, “Summer is icumen in”, describes just that (along with other signs,
like the buck farting). The cuckoo, though, is symbolic in folklore of much more than just the
onset of summer. It famously lays its eggs in other birds’ nests and is very much a symbol

of falseness in love and of sexual infidelity. It is, after all, essentially the same word as

“cuckold”. So in April we’ll be thinking of love and particularly of false hearted lovers.

If you need the Zoom link, or want to know more, contact me. Cheers!

Ian Chandler

743091 [email protected]

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The Card Ladies We would like to thank everyone who has supported the Pop Up shop
in the Parish Room during Post Office hours. It has proved quite popular

and successful to date and the intention is to carry on with it, with all profits going to St Mary's.

To this end if, if anyone would like to donate unused greeting cards, NEW bric-a-brac, or their old

DVD's/CD's please contact Sheelagh Bennett (01462 742163) in the first instance to arrange a

handover, or ring Marjorie Fitt on (01234 213916) for more information. Alternatively, when Antje

is there, items can be handed in to her at the Parish Office. Not too many items at a time please, as

space is limited. Grateful thanks.

Sheelagh, Marjorie, our artists and card makers, collectively known as The Card Ladies.

100 Years Ago - April 1921

The sale of Pages Brewery was back in the news. More details of the freehold properties, part of the sizable
estate, were put up for sale by treaty. Amongst the offerings: ‘Westbury House’ with Brewery, maltings and
outbuildings, a block of cottages opposite, adjoining the High Road, 2 cottages in the centre of the village,
an orchard and double tenement in all about 3 acres 3 rods 0 perches. Allotment ground adjoining the
High Road to Newnham comprising 1a 1r 19p and accommodation, pasture with double tenement and
orchard suitable for poultry farm of 1a 3r 15p.

Mr S Parkhouse, a representative of Pages for over 38 years, had gained a new position with Messrs Paine
& Co, St Neots. He would still live in Ashwell and moreover Mrs Parkhouse would still be an active member
of the W.I.

On the football pitch the seniors played (and beat 4-1) Mr W Searles XI. This must have been a team
formed by Byron Searle’s father William. All the other results were for the junior team. They drew 2-2 with
GNR King’s Cross on Easter Monday. Beat Letchworth Boys 3-0 and Pirton 2-0 but lost at home to
Ickleford 2-0.

The Cricket Club had a whist drive as its last social event of the winter followed closely by the first match of
the season against Steeple Morden on the Rec. I do not have the result.

The wedding was celebrated at St Mary’s of Mr Harold Picking and Fanny, sixth and youngest daughter of
Mr Page Mayes. Harold had been a regular in the army, serving in India and the near East before being
captured in Turkey. He survived and lived in Ashwell until 1964.

Another Gunner who was not so lucky was Herbert Charles Adkin. He was 19 and had only just joined up
when he contracted meningitis. He was moved to the Cambridge Hospital Aldershot but died there. He was
the only son of Mr & Mrs James Adkins. There was another sudden death of a tragically young person. Miss
Ethel Victoria Brown, aged 21, died from septic pneumonia after only 6 days illness. She was a valued
member of the Wesleyan Church Choir. The last death reported this month was of Mr Henry Holloway, 60,
following long illness. In later years he was a decorator but had been a licensee of the Bull’s Head Pub, and
also a Special Constable.

It being the start of the financial year many organisations held their required formal business meetings. The
Nursing Association and the Tennis Club held their AGMs. The Church announced that Mr Anderson would
replace Mr Christy as churchwarden. On the County Council Mr Wolverley Fordham’s place would be taken
by Mr Harry John Fordham, of The Park, Therfield. Mrs Moss was to have the vacant tenancy at the Moss
Cottage Homes

At the annual Parish Meeting there was a motion of sympathy for Mrs Wolverley Fordham.

About £42 in Consols (a type of investment bond) were to be cashed in to pay for a fence on the eastern
end of the Recreation Ground.

As with Parish Councils today a lengthy discussion on planning new houses caused much excitement over
the postponement of the proposed low cost housing in Station Road (they were eventually built). A demand
was made for the rent to be within the means of the poorest ex-serviceman. However at a meeting later in
the month, the new Parish Council, were informed by the Rural District Council that Ashwell would have to
wait until those already built in Barley, Barkway and Reed were let. At the same meeting it was decided
that the work on the Rec Fence would have to wait until after the War Memorial was erected.

And finally we ought to mention the W.I. which in typical kaleidoscopic fashion had a serious address by
Lady Pollock on the League of Nations and a cake icing demonstration. Peter Greener

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Ashwell Horticultural Society

It is over a year since we last met as a Horticultural Society in March 2020. And, like
everyone else, we are looking forward to our next opportunity to meet again. The

committee has been keeping in touch and have identified the first steps on the route out of

lockdown, subject to Government guidelines.

From 29 March we can meet up with up to 6 people in our gardens, so the pressure is on,
time to get weeding and tidying for the onslaught of visitors. While we have no plans to

meet as a society, we may want to invite friends into our gardens.

From 17 May, at the earliest, we will be allowed to meet with up to 30 people outdoors—
so we can begin to think about our Open Gardens programme. We hope to hold several
such events in June and July and have arranged a series of four Thursday evenings from 24
June to 15 July. We plan to hold the AGM at our first open garden, appropriately at Fergus

and Liz Moynihan’s, as our AGM is overdue (normally it is held at the November meeting).

The committee will meet, possibly on Zoom, in May to discuss any further progress towards
our usual programme. We will obviously discuss the possibility of an Annual Show in
September, and meetings for the rest of 2021. We will follow closely the advice given by

the Government as they review their road map.

If you are interested in joining the society please do contact me, details below.

We will keep you informed of any further decisions and details, please also visit our website

which is updated regularly: ashwellhortics.btck.co.uk Margaret Gilliam CHAIR

Tel. 01462 742040 [email protected]

Poems for April Poem For Easter: Steve Turner

Loveliest of Trees: Tell me:
A.E. Housman What came first
Easter or the egg?
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Crucifixion
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride or daffodils?
Three days in a tomb
Wearing white for Eastertide.
or four days
Now, of my threescore years and ten, in Paris?
Twenty will not come again,
(returning
And take from seventy springs a score, Bank Holiday Monday).
It only leaves me fifty more. When is a door
not a door?
And since to look at things in bloom When it is rolled away.
Fifty springs are little room, When is a body
not a body?
About the woodlands I will go When it is a risen.
To see the cherry hung with snow.
.

Question.
Why was it the Saviour rode on the cross?
Answer.
To get us
to the other side.

.

Behold I stand.
Behold I stand and what?
Behold I stand at the door and

.

knock knock.

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Choral Music—Recommended by Bene’t Coldstream

Quite a few years ago a friend recommended Membra Jesu
Nostri by Buxtehude to me. Had I heard of it, he asked? No, I
said. You just have to, he said. I did. Astonishing. I thought
Buxtehude wrote organ music. He did of course, but he also
wrote cantatas too – some for solo voice with instrumental
accompaniment and some with choir and soloist(s).

Dieterich Buxtehude was a Danish/German organist and
composer during the Baroque era. He was born in 1637 and died in 1707 (a
very long life for the time). JS Bach, who was born 50 years later, allegedly travelled very many
miles as a young man just to hear Buxtehude play the organ.

Membra Jesu Nostri is a cycle of seven Cantatas, and translated as “The most holy limbs of our
suffering Jesus” and the cantatas written addressing a different part of Christ’s body: feet, knees,
hands, sides, breast, heart and face. Obviously highly appropriate for the end of Lent.

Each cantata is split into six sections: instrumental introduction; a concerto for instruments and five
voices (SSATB), three arias for one or three voices, each followed by an instrumental ritornello, and
an exact repeat of the concerto. The structure of Membra is dictated by its text. Buxtehude selected
biblical verses for the concertos, and three sections from each part of the poem Salve mundi
salutare for the arias in each cantata. The biblical words are chosen for mentioning the member of
the cantata and taken mostly from the Old Testament. The stresses of the poetry unify the arias'
rhythmic patterns.

But the guts of all this and the reason I recommend this so entirely is the purity and complete
satisfaction from the choral sections. Listening again to “Ad pedes” the first cantata, after the
opening instrumental section the choir comes in with “Ecce super montes” and the sound hits you
in the heart. I won’t list all my favourite moments, you just need to give one hour of your life to
this, and you won’t regret it. To the choir of St Mary’s I promise we can do some of this, but your
side of the deal is you have to listen to it first and we can discuss which bits you like
best. I will know if anyone’s read this and done their homework by the number of
phone calls or emails I get!

The best recording, or my favourite, is the Monteverdi Choir recording. Sleeve looks

like this: Enjoy it all.

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RT HON SIR OLIVER HEALD QC

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
FOR NORTH EAST HERTFORDSHIRE

If you have any concerns please contact me
Email: [email protected]
Telephone : 01462 486074
or look on www.oliverhealdmp.com

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Peregrines

The pair of peregrine falcons on the church tower continue to
be seen, particularly in the evenings. Whether they nest or
not, people have enjoyed looking out for them. We will
continue to monitor the nest and the tower and will share any
updates here.
Photograph by Barry Trevis

Endometriosis

Thank you very much to everyone who got in touch by
phone or e-mail responding to the article last month
about endometriosis. It has been very moving to hear
your stories. One common theme is how hard it has
been for some people to share their experiences, but
also the very real suffering that this condition has
caused. Talking helps, as does getting good
information and support. If you can offer support, do. If
you need support do ask.

Sarah Talks

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From an English Country Garden… Growing from Seed

Propagating plants is one of life’s little pleasures, and however you choose to do it, there is great delight
in seeing new shoots emerge, even when you have seen it many times before. Whether you propagate in a

greenhouse or on a windowsill in your kitchen, watching each new leaf form
and develop is endlessly satisfying.

Germination is undoubtedly a little miracle: suspended in a dormant state in
a tiny little casing, just add water and warmth and a plant comes to life. It all
begins when water enters the seed through a tiny hole known as the

micropyle. The water makes the seed swell, breaking the seed coat and
allowing oxygen to enter. The presence of oxygen allows aerobic respiration
to begin, producing a burst of energy from the food stores inside the seed.

Rapid cell division follows. First, the seed pushes out an embryonic root (the radicle) to absorb even more
water, and then pushes up a shoot. It is a race to get the shoot up to daylight where it can start

photosynthesising before the food supply inside the seed runs out.

What you can do to make sure your little seedlings flourish? Start with
fresh viable seed if you possibly can. It is true that some seeds will remain
viable for years in the soil (weeds in particular seem to have mastered that

trick) but generally fresh seed is the best.

Prepare the sowing compost by rubbing it between your fingers as if you
were rubbing fat into flour to make pastry. Remove any lumpy bits from

the compost mix. The aim is to provide a light airy medium for the tiny
roots; over-firming compost makes it difficult for both water and oxygen
to penetrate. Heap compost over a seed tray and scrape off the excess.

Then lightly firm the compost with a presser board, or tap the seed tray several times on a firm surface to

get the compost to settle evenly without pressing it down.

In theory, each seed packet contains enough seed for a standard seed tray.
Scatter the seed evenly over the surface of the compost. Larger seeds (e.g.
beans), should be placed in rows, traditionally five rows of eight seeds in a
standard seed tray, but medium and small seeds can be scattered randomly. Very

fine seeds can be hard to distribute evenly, but mixing them with a little sand
makes it easier to see where you have been. You may find it easier to tap the

seeds from your up-turned palm. Good distribution reduces damping-off disease.

As a general rule, large and medium seeds are usually covered with compost
equivalent in depth to the size of the seed. The back of the seed packet will be
more specific. Light sensitive plants will not germinate if buried too deeply, and all plants will suffer if the

journey from the seed to the surface exhausts the seed’s food supplies before the shoot gets there. Of

course, once the seedling’s leaves emerge, light is vital for photosynthesis.

Water the compost with a fine rose to avoid washing away your carefully

distributed seed. You can make your own fine rose by perforating the top of an
empty plastic milk bottle. Pass the watering can back and forth across the seed
tray in a swinging motion. Keep the compost moist. Covering with a sheet of

perspex or a propagator lid can help.

Finally, seedlings need warmth. Every species has its own requirements, but 10 -
20oC is typical. Warmth speeds up the chemical processes that underlie plant

growth, so some artificial warmth in a greenhouse or a heated propagator will
help germination. But do check your seed trays regularly to be sure that the

compost does not dry out.

When the first true leaves appear (not the seed leaves), carefully prick out your seedlings into fresh

compost and grow them on. Repot again when roots start to emerge from the container. Alternatively, once

we are well into May, you can harden off your young plants over 10-14 days and plant them out when the

danger of frosts has passed. Susan Greenbank

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Youth News

Easter Activities for children and families

Please join us in the churchyard, by the Lytchgate in Mill Street between 10.30 and
11.30am on Saturday 3rd April to help build the Easter Garden and take part in a special
Easter Treasure Hunt!
Please keep aware of social distancing and safety issues.

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Ashwell Fight Against Cancer

I am delighted to be back in touch with you again to update you all on the
current position with AFAC.

I am going to explain in some detail what happened to the money raised prior

to lockdown as that money came from you and I am purely the intermediary.

Casting our minds back to the freedom of 2019, you may recall that the amazing sum of £8,000 was
raised: £4,000 for research into and clinical care of bowel cancer and £4,000 for research into
Lymphoma. The situation that arose in March 2020 meant that the people I usually communicated with
at ACT were either furloughed or working from home and I found it extremely frustrating as I seemed
unable to make contact with anyone. My access to the Consultants and research departments in the

past had been via ACT (Addenbrookes Charitable Trust). I decided to circumnavigate ACT and go
directly to the consultants myself.

I made contact with Mr Hall, Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon, who had been my consultant

in the past. We devised a ‘cunning plan’ for me to send a cheque directly to the hospital’s NHS
Foundation Trust and he would then ensure it went into the correct account for bowel cancer. I gave
him carte blanche as to how the money was to be used as he was on the front line and knew best
where it would be most beneficially spent. To date I have been unable to make contact with anyone
from the Haematology Department or, indeed ACT, but am still trying and hope this will be resolved
shortly.

I am absolutely delighted, however, with the support you gave to AFAC during 2020 – either by very
generous donations popped through my door, donating to the JustGiving page or by purchasing
Christmas Cards. I currently have £1,400.00 in the account for research into pancreatic cancer – one
of the most difficult cancers to diagnose and often discovered when it is too late for the patient to
expect a positive outcome. Anything raised this year will be added to that amount.

2021 Will we be able to hold a golf tournament this year? I sincerely hope so although it will

obviously be later than our usual June date. My wonderful Golf Committee (of 2!) will doubtless be in
touch when things are sorted with probably a date
in September/early October.

Additionally, I am hoping to hold a coffee morning
(do you remember those?) which will include the

sale of some new/nearly new outfits and costume
jewellery and also a gift stall. I hope this will take
place in July provided there are no further
problems.

Finally, thank you to all the supporters for your

continuing belief, help and generosity in keeping

AFAC alive. Christine Scholfield

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Diapalante Valentine’s Day Special

Thank you to everyone who encouraged Ian

to let me have a go at shaving a year’s worth

of hair off his head! It was great fun (for me), the

best Valentine’s present I have had in years. And

your generosity raised £1,700 for Diapalante!

This is more than it costs to keep the Diapalante

Community Education Centre running at full steam

for a month, and a very welcome contribution to

our funds. Liz Chandler

Object of the Month: Hot Cross Bun Stamp

Here is a little mystery especially for Easter. This small wooden

object fits comfortably in the hand and has always been called a
Hot Cross Bun Stamp. It has been in the museum since at least
1932 and was presumably called that when it came in. However

I know that these days they pipe the cross on the bun with a

light-coloured paste. If you stamped the bun just before backing

would it still be visible when cooked? Or is it for something

completely different?

You can buy the buns all year round now but it is not that long ago that the village bakers

were only open on Good Friday morning for their sale and nothing else. Peter Greener

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Rhubarb and Mustard

Anyone visiting Rhubarb and
Mustard, on the High Street is in for
a treat, for all the senses. Run for the
last four years by sisters Sarah
Beeson and Charlotte Duggan it is
exactly the place to visit for a boost
when lockdown lifts. From 13th April,
the Ashwell Beauty rooms above the
shop reopen for a range of beauty
and therapeutic treatments. Facials,
massages and manicures are popular,
using ESPA products on the face and
body. During the lockdown Sarah and
Charlotte have kept the shop open in
the mornings for takeaway hot drinks
with a luxury hot chocolate among the
options. Scones, brownies and cakes are
also available, to take away or eat in, once
the lockdown lifts. As the weather improves,
freshly squeezed orange juice and luxury ice
creams from local producers Maynards, are
also on offer.

The shop is full of lovely items to buy as
gifts or for your home. Sarah has increased
the range of clothing, jewellery and
handbags and both sisters have a keen eye
or design and display. Where possible the
shop supports local businesses, with
scented candles and diffusers made in
Hertfordshire, and art and craft items made by Chrissy Harrison, Little Shop of Pots and

Vicky Taylor displayed on the walls and shelves.
The range of cards for all occasions is very
extensive, and handmade chocolates are always
a welcome treat.

Sarah and Charlotte want to thank all their
lovely customers for the support given,
particularly over this last difficult year. 6th April
marks the 4th anniversary for Rhubarb and
Mustard, so if you have not had a chance to see
what they sell, or made the time to have a
beauty treatment, why not make April the
month you discover the delights on offer? The
outdoor seating in the courtyard make a great
place to enjoy a hot drink and a chat with friends.

Easter biscuits and chocolate novelties and cards available too! While stocks last.

Sarah Talks

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Desert Island Discs

Each month we ask someone to tell us the 8 tracks they would want to have with
them whilst alone on a desert island. For April we spoke to Eileen ten Hove

Eileen writes: I moved to Ashwell from Australia in 1978 with my husband, John, and
children, Stephen, Antony and Jennifer. The morning after moving in I noticed that
Days were advertising for part-time help – I applied and subsequently worked there
for eight happy years before becoming examinations’ officer at North Herts College. I
then worked at the old Merchant Taylor’s School for twelve years, firstly doing
administrative work and then managing Ashwell Business Centre. And I’ve been
privileged to be involved in most aspects of Ashwell’s social life. Her choices are:

Track 1 is Tripping hither, tripping thither’ from Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan. Every year the D’oyly Carte Opera
Company came to Manchester to the Palace Theatre and would ask my brother’s school to provide boys with good,
not-yet-broken, singing voices for the chorus. My brother was chosen and I still laugh remembering my lovely
brother, by no means dainty, clumping about the stage in his sandals singing “We are dainty little fairies etc”

Track 2 is Volare by Domenico Modugno. This takes me back to Barts and the nurses’ Preliminary Training School.
When my set started in September 1958 this song was all the rage and we played it at every opportunity. Lifelong
friendships were made and every five years in September we meet for a meal and catch-up. At our 60th anniversary,
20 of the original 28-strong set celebrated with a church service in St Etheldreda’s in Ely Place, London followed by
a meal at the Bleeding Heart restaurant.

Track 3 is Violin Concerto in G minor by Max Bruch. This concerto was played at the first concert John and I went to
together so it is a memory of a wonderful husband and friend and our shared pleasure in music.

Track 4 is American Pie by Don McLean. When the children were young and everything seemed possible we lived in
Yorkshire in a house with a huge kitchen – ideal for parties and dancing. Despite the song’s grim words this music
was a favourite. Fuelled by copious amounts of homemade wine we never tired of dancing to it. Needless to say,
American Pie, wine-drinking and parties continued in the five years we lived in Australia!

Track 5 is Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas and read by Richard Burton. Not music but the spoken word. Years ago
I attended a poetry and prose reading class which not only introduced me to this wonderful piece but also started
me on a life-long enjoyment of literature.

Track 6 is ‘Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore’ from Tosca by Puccini. In recent years, I have enjoyed so many operas (as well as
ballet and plays) beamed live into our local cinemas. However, over one July weekend in 1992 Tosca was performed
and broadcast live in Rome in the actual localities and times Puccini had written in his score. It was performed by
Placido Domingo, Catherine Malfitano and Ruggerero Raimondi with Zubin Mehta conducting the orchestra and
chorus some kilometres away from the action. John was away sailing his boat so I enjoyed a weekend of musical and
technological magic. This particular aria, sung by Tosca, is heart-rendingly beautiful.

Track 7 is ‘All I ask of you …’ from Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Richard Stilgoe and Charles Hart. I
am blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren who give so much joy. However, at the time of John’s death in 1997,
we had one little granddaughter, Hazel, who helped me through my grief. She and I share such happy memories of
going to exhibitions, plays, ballet, concerts and musicals, including Phantom. I’ve chosen this because it evokes yet
another happy memory as it was played at Tina and Antony’s wedding ceremony, not a dry eye in the house!

Track 8 is ‘Pie Jesu’ from Faure’s Requiem. My granddaughter, Julia, sang this at the All Souls’ service at St Mary’s in
2015. I could have chosen a piece from other requiems but, obviously, this one has very special memories.

Thanks Eileen. Truly an eclectic selection. And some wonderful memories.. Here’s a Spotify playlist of your
suggestions https://tinyurl.com/4uyf9a2n . Under the game rules you can choose a luxury item and a book. We’ve
already left the Bible and the complete works of Shakespeare on the island for you. For my luxury I will have an

everlasting supply of lip balm please. For my book I will have Middlemarch by George Eliot, It is full of interesting
characters and has the advantage of being long so, with the Bible and Shakespeare, that should keep me going at

least literature-wise!

Last question – if you could only have one of the tracks, which one would you take? Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto in

G minor played by Yehudi Menuhin. Thanks Eileen. Enjoy the island. Jack Busby & Bene’t Coldstream

22

23

Wolves and Doors. The Day Trader

For this new feature in Ashwell Village News, Fionnuala is looking for stories of people who
work in interesting and unusual ways from home, or based near Ashwell. If you would like to

contribute please contact Fionnuala on [email protected].

Claire Salisbury is a bright, chatty 30 something year old who works from home in Ashwell. I asked her
how she had ended up doing the job she does.

Most people who day trade come from a banking background and are mostly (71%) men. Claire,
originally from Dunton, left school, worked in retail management, then worked abroad and ended up in
jobs doing marketing. Back in Britain, she decided that she wanted to work for herself. A business
contact gave her and her partner some training in trading, which led them to take further courses and
finally to engage a tutor.

So, Claire ended up as a foreign exchange (FOREX) trader (although she has “eggs in other baskets”
and mentioned a couple of other businesses on the go!). This means that she trades in foreign
exchange rates, basically betting on one currency against another. It sounds like an intense job. She is
constantly assessing the market, considering the political and economic situation and buying and
selling throughout the day. Claire told me that the news has a huge impact on trading. She trades a lot
on the US dollar and “on certain days, you just don’t trade. When Trump was in power and you knew
he was about to make an announcement, you’d steer clear. He was unpredictable as a person and
something he said could send the markets into a complete frenzy”.

This sounds as if it can be quite an adrenaline rush and I wondered what personality types were drawn
to the work. Claire cautioned against going into this business if you don’t have a cool head. “You have
to be able to take a loss and not feel emotional about it. I’ve seen people get emotional about a loss.
They then try to chase the money and can end up making some very bad decisions. It’s best to walk
away from it and start again the next day. Equally, when things are going well, some personality types
become addicted to the high and chase it and chase it”. It can end up going very wrong for them.
Interestingly, Claire thinks that women are well suited to the work: “they can maintain an emotional
distance, which can be harder for men”.

I wondered how risky Day Trading was as an occupation. Claire reassured me that there are ways of
ensuring that a trade is low risk: firstly, she relies on historical data going back 6-7 years, which
predicts what the market will do in any set of circumstances; secondly, she puts a ‘stop loss’ in place,
so that if the trade goes wrong, it will automatically stop. Similarly, there’s a cut off point when she’s
winning on a trade. It all helps to keep things manageable.

I asked her whether the work might be socially isolating, but Claire works closely with 3 other traders.
They each work for themselves but are constantly in
touch, giving each other advice and support.

Switching off can be difficult. Clare described her
evenings to me and admitted that she routinely has
several different screens on all the time. Her last
foreign holiday with her partner was nearly ruined
when work took over. Fortunately, her partner is also
a trader and one of her team. They had to exert some
discipline, extend the holiday and start again.

Finally, I asked Claire why she likes living in Ashwell
and how she spends any time off. For time off it’s
horse riding (she keeps a horse in Ashwell),
photography and cooking. She describes how Ashwell
has everything you need. Somewhere when you need
good chocolate, somewhere when you need carbs.
Interesting history and a community of people who
seem to really care about eachother.

“And you can’t put a price on that”.

24

At our February Zoom meeting Margie introduced Liz and Ian Chandler
who run the Diapalante charity and Master P who is the coordinator of
the Diapalante Centre and was talking to us from Senegal. To raise
funds for the charity, Master P had videos made of him preparing and
cooking a chicken and rice dish and then sharing it with nearly 30 local
people. This is something most unusual in Senegal as the women do
the cooking but Master P, much to the amusement and delight of the
villagers, who kept popping in and out to see how he was doing, went
to the market to buy the ingredients and then cooked and served this wonderful meal. He
had three short videos that he showed us and it was so interesting to see the area where
he lives and his home. He did have some help from his family and friends. Homes in
Senegal are quite uncomplicated and spotlessly clean with a tap outside for water and no
need for refrigeration and heating. Food is bought fresh each day so very little needs to be
stored in the house. The market is a short ride away and there is a local store within easy
walking distance. We watched the meal being cooked and then saw everyone’s enjoyment
as they ate the feast. It was a delightful glimpse into another culture where sharing and
community spirit are so important despite Covid 19.

There are three main projects that the charity runs, the first is a drop in centre where
adults and children come to learn French, English, reading, writing, maths and IT skills
and this is open each day for three sessions. The second project is run after normal
school hours when Master P and his assistants can use local schools and the older
children teach the youngsters to read and write French which is the language they are
taught in. The third project is teaching street children, who speak Wolof the local
language, to learn French so that they can access schooling. Often volunteers from
Europe help at the project but sadly, due to Covid, this can not happen at present.
Senegal has Covid and they wear masks in shops and when talking to strangers but the
virus has not caused as much of a problem as in Europe.

Malaria and typhoid are also rife in this area and Master P’s wife, whilst pregnant
recently, was in hospital with both diseases. Happily she has recovered well and they
have a healthy baby son in the family. Master P also has a daughter who loves helping
him with his work.
Master P answered many questions and Sheila thanked him for a wonderful glimpse
into life in Senegal.

You are very welcome to join our meetings which take place on the third Wednesday of
each month at 2pm. Please contact Margaret Ashwell at [email protected] and she
will send you the link.

We welcome Reg Bailey to our meeting on 8th April at 10.30 am. Reg is
a former Chief Executive of the Mothers' Union Worldwide. His talk is
about film and faith and it is called
"If Christians are Silent, does God speak through Hollywood?"
This meeting will be on Zoom.
Zoom ID: 88572132169 Passcode: 136728 Caroline 743587

25

MEDALS WANTED

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military or civil, groups or single items.

Also buying other militaria, police and civil aviation items.

Tel: 01438 – 811657
[email protected]

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Litlington, Royston

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Contact Jim or Maeve to discuss your requirements
Tel: 01763 852622 Web: www.berryaccounts.co.uk
E-mail:[email protected] Mob: 07850 426325

26

HEAVENS ABOVE

The Night Sky in April and May 2021

Welcome to our page in AVN about the night sky from Ashwell with the naked eye, binoculars or
a small telescope. Use these notes with a star atlas or get a chart at: www.astronomynow.com
During spring Ursa Major, the Great Bear is overhead; Canes Venatici the Hunting Dogs trail
below to Coma Berenices and Virgo the Maiden. See chart. Leo the Lion lies to the south-west.
The bright stars of the Winter Hexagon are fading away to the west.
The Moon - Phases: April - Last Quarter 4th, New Moon 12th, First Quarter 20th, Full Moon 27th.
May: Last Quarter 3rd, New Moon 11th, First Quarter 19th, Full Moon 28th.
Planets: Venus becomes an “Evening Star” by April 20th, has a pretty conjunction with a crescent
Moon on May 12th and will remain in the evening sky until January 2022. Mercury joins Venus
on 25th April low in the west after sunset. On May 3rd/4th it passes through the Pleiades cluster
as it climbs to its greatest elongation from the Sun on May 17th. Mars, dwindling to a small disc
is close to open cluster M-35 in Gemini on 26/27th April. Jupiter and Saturn remain in the pre-
dawn sky in April and May and are joined by the Moon on May 31st. Uranus and Neptune are
unobservable, both appearing too close to the Sun.
Constellations of Spring: The view now is away from the Milky Way towards intergalactic space, so
there are few star clusters and nebulae. Instead, the whole region contains thousands of galaxies.
From the curved handle of the “Big Dipper” in Ursa Major, extend an arc to bright orange
Arcturus in Bootes, then extend it again to bright white Spica in Virgo. See chart. In the triangle
between Arcturus, Spica and Denebola, marking the hindquarters of Leo lies the Virgo Galaxy
Cluster of which our own Milky Way Galaxy is a distant member. See chart. The cluster straddles
the boundary between Coma Berenices and Virgo containing over a 1000galaxies. The heart of
the group is 15 megapasecs away – about 49 million light years. The brighter cluster members
are visible in a backyard telescope on a clear night; M-84, M-86 and the giant elliptical galaxy M-
87, containing a supermassive black hole at its heart.
Binocular Highlights: Look for globular star clusters M-3 in Canes Venatici, M-13 in Hercules,
open cluster M-44 in Cancer and giant cluster Melotte 111 in Coma Berenices: See chart.

Website of the month:
Find interactive pictures of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster at:
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150804.html

Clear Skies!
Mike Taffs

[email protected]

27

Chairman: Graham Lee ( 743126)
Office at Bear Farm, 6A Back Street (743706)
Clerk: Jane Porter, Deputy Clerk: Laura Brooks-Payne

www.ashwell.gov.uk [email protected]

Dr Martin Hoffman`s Jottings: Parish Council

From the Ashwell Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday March 3rd 2021
(full minutes on www.ashwell.gov.uk)

Approximately 30 members of the public attended the meeting and a high
number of others had written in to express their opinion regarding the future
of Dixies Meadow (affectionately known as Donkey Meadow!)

The meeting started with information regarding the background of the site by
Cllr Martin Hoffman, who had attended a two-day appeal in the Village Hall
some 30 years ago, following the refusal by NHDC for housing. This
development was rejected by a national inspector. More recently a developer
had held a pre-application consultation of plans for retirement housing and
some extra car parking, but this was progressed no further, apparently due to
problems in securing adequate finance.

He also raised the following points to be noted, (i) the site would be outside the settlement
boundary under the new District Local Plan, (ii) the landowner was not under obligation to accept
any bids made to Savills by March 12 under the informal tender (iii) the Ashwell Neighbourhood
Plan, although on schedule, was not yet in place and neither was the new Local Plan (iv) many local
people had noted a lot of development recently in the village while on extra walking due to the
“Lock in”!!

The Chairman confirmed that the NHDC New District Plan consultation had been with the Inspector
for some time. It was now at a stage where it carried more weight and greater consideration
should be given to the views of the village.

The site, however, is in private ownership. It had been bought some years ago with a view to its
development potential and the owner would be looking for a significant sum. If the landowner was
willing to consider an agreement with the Parish Council it might be possible for the village to
have greater control over the future of the site.

Comments from members of the public present varied quite widely. Some suggested that the whole
site should be protected as a green space for the benefit of the community. Others supported a
selective development for the benefit of Ashwell residents, and perhaps retirement accommodation
for locals as an alternative for those (? most!) unable to access Wolverley House.

Planning applications for the site had been rejected in the past and it should be preserved as
an open space.

The village had seen lots of building recently, but this has not been in line with identified needs
particularly for the elderly and those wishing to downsize.

This was an ideal site for retirement accommodation. The ID products site was perhaps the only
other alternative in the village that might be available.

The site’s potential value is difficult to determine depending upon the landowner’s action and
what purpose the land would be used for - a member of the public at the meeting said it could
be valued at anything from £75,000 to £3 million!

Fundraising in the village should be considered. Other funding options should be explored.

The Chairman requested a show of hands as to whether the Parish Council should pursue a
dialogue with the landowner with a view to seeking common ground. This was universally
endorsed.

I have tried to summarise the broad spread of the above comments without showing any
bias. (Not easy!!).

28

Our District Councillor Tom Tyson is still chasing action on the damage to the wall in Swan
Street.

Our County Councillor Steve Jarvis gave an update on the street lighting installation and Station
Road pedestrian safety improvements.

Road safety was discussed and yellow lines are shortly to be installed for the corner of Gardeners
Lane. Parking is still an issue and various suggestions were forthcoming, but where do you put the
cars that don’t have allocated parking? Those that have off-street parking should use them but
frequently complain that they are then blocked in!

A parishioner suggested the Parish Council should provide more parking but was unable to
suggest where!

The proposal to link the 90/91 bus service with the 127 South Cambridgeshire service would not
progress “due to contractual issues with the latter”. (I thought these services were for the benefit
of the passenger!).

Miscellaneous topics (limited by space).

By the time you read this the Yearbook should be distributed. Well done to the many people
involved in its production and distribution.

Covid vaccination indications. The Parish Council continue to post updates on the website and
Facebook. Local progress is good and those involved should be commended.

The local Police have now endorsed the parking restriction cards for placing on vehicles badly or
illegally parked and copies of these are now being produced.

The St Mary’s Churchyard biodiversity project is ongoing, supervised by Kate Haddock.

Litter Pickers working group. It is hoped to recommence this later in the year when legal and safety
issues revert to a more normal state.

Apologies for omissions of certain issues, but as you can see item one was “quite busy” at the
meeting!

With very best wishes.

Please look after yourself and others as you have all been doing so well. Dr Martin G Hoffman

Friends of Ashwell Museum

It is great to think we may be able to resume the Friends links to the Museum. We trust that you
have been able to remain safe and as healthy as possible. The leaking roof in the store added to
the work or re-organising the Museum and we as the Friends bought a dehumidifier to help dry
out the store where there was an ingress of water.

We are buying a Notice Board which will soon go up outside the Museum so all Museum and
Friends activities can be put up there and away from the entrance. Also we are looking to help
with the purchase of a ladder to enable safe access to the loft space.

We are hoping that we can arrange at least one Talk and possibly a Coach Trip in the autumn so
please either ask or look for notices.

There is a need for more Volunteers both for our Sunday Opening and to keep the Museum clean
and welcoming for our Visitors. If you are interested in being a Sunday Opener, paired with
another volunteer, from 2.30- 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. We will give you all advice in
advance and the rewards can be very interesting as we attract a variety of visitors.

It all seems encouraging to look ahead to the Summer and I hope to place a Friends report
regularly in Ashwell News so do look out for it. Thank You for all your support which enables
this work to happen.

For more information please contact Jill Powell Chairperson 742318

David Hall Treasurer 743799 (David will also assist you to become a Friend of the Museum)

Karen Mills Secretary 742155 ( If you are interested in Volunteering).

29

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30

GREENING ASHWELL

CLIMATE CHANGE is now part of our way of life. The BIG CLIMATE FIGHT BACK by The Woodland Trust
has a target of planting 1 MILLION TREES. GREENING ASHWELL endorses this by helping to restore
natural features of our village through community involvement and improving sustainable biodiversity
to our surroundings.

Now that we can hopefully get on with our organisation and work, all the
planning that has gone on in the meantime has not been wasted. We will be
starting with a meeting to re-launch Greening Ashwell to set out our
objectives and goals for the year. So, look out for the announcement of
when /where it will be held.

This will include setting up the full committee and a membership drive, as if
we are to achieve our aims of environmental enhancement in Ashwell this
will need funds. We already have had some initial generous donations so our
first planting and other works can begin and the Green Team is looking for
more helpers to join. As well as the regular second Sunday morning work
party we will be organising additional week day /evening work parties, so hopefully more villagers, and
other volunteers can find a slot that suits them.

As well as continuing to maintain and improve Chalk Bank Close, gapping up dead
stock and considering wildflower seeding, The Woodland Trust second group of
native whips will now be delivered ready for planting for November National Tree
Week. In addition, we have some larger native trees to plant, donated by sponsors,
in a number of places and the Green Team will be organised to undertake the
planting. Dixies Close is also being looked at to replace lost street trees, with
funds and permission from HCC. So, lots of work to look forward to.

As the spring arrives our public and private verges are coming alive with bulbs
and native herbs to brighten up the winter village. It is hoped that HCC will be taking a more
sympathetic approach to this and that we can retain more of our specialist flora and have less cutting.
Greening Ashwell hopes this will also apply to verges on garden frontages and encourages people to
cut less, ideally only two/three times a year, not constantly.

On this theme we hope to find, and where appropriate manage, some of our green spaces as part of a
wild flower meadow programme, incorporating seeding, plug planting etc, particularly including

younger members. Getting involved in nature is an important part of the ethos of
Greening Ashwell for everyone.

The Green Plan is progressing and with help from one of our sponsors is being
digitised so we can use and update the work as it develops. Our priority to
identify village trees for potential TPO submission to NHDC will be one of the
first areas highlighted in the plan. The ecological corridor of ancient Ashwell
Street, through the village, has lost a lot of its native vegetation, particularly old
hedge lines. In addition new fencing, replacing planting, reduces much of the
route to an urban street. A study to see what can be done to address this will be
carried out.

We will be continuing helping other community projects and working with other
local environmental groups as well the wider proposed National Recovery Association. Facebook and
WhatsApp platforms will also help to reach a wider age group and interested people. Talks, training
workshops and outings to other similar projects should be part of our aims.

Our next event will be the GREEN TEAM WORK DAY on Sunday 11th April 10:00 am Chalk Bank Close
dependant on weather, restrictions, social distancing.

KEN COYNE GREENING ASHWELL Coordinator

[email protected]

01462743723 07857844745

31

The Easter Story in Art

Given that the resurrection of Christ is the most important event
in his earthly life it is not surprising it is the subject of a large
number of artistic depictions. It is however a very difficult event
to depict as no one saw it happen, so there are no eyewitness
accounts and thus everything is left to the imagination and
inspiration of the artist.

Many, even some of the greatest artists, seem to let this run

somewhat wild so we have Christ leaping out of a renaissance

table-top tomb like a jack-in-the-box in the depiction by Paulo

Veronese’s in 1570 now in the Gemäldegalerie in Dresden or the

muscular warrior against death triumphantly striding forth from

the tomb, surrounded by frightened Roman soldiers in the

depiction by Peter Paul Rubens, now in the Cathedral of Our Lady

in Antwerp. Christ and St Mary Magdalene at the
Tomb Rembrandt van Rijn 1638
Rembrandt’s depiction of the encounter between Mary Magdalene The Royal Collection London
and the risen Christ, as told in John’s gospel (20:11-18) reveals

how imaginatively he could interpret traditional religious subject-

matter. Following the crucifixion and the hurried burial of Christ in the tomb, Mary Magdalene

returns to the tomb early the next morning, only to find the stone at the entrance removed and

two angels inside it where the body should have been. She then fetches two of the disciples, who

check that the tomb is empty and then leave her. The angels then ask Mary Magdalene, ‘Woman,

why are you weeping?’ and she replies, ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not

where they have laid him.’ At that moment she turns round and sees a man dressed as a

gardener, not appreciating that he is the resurrected Christ. She appeals to him for information,

but he calls her by her name and she instantly recognises him. (Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She

turned and said to him in Hebrew ‘Rabbouni!’ - which means Teacher).

Rembrandt has depicted the moment of realisation just before the actual recognition. Most artists
chose to paint the next moment in the text, when Mary Magdalene reaches out towards Jesus and
he forestalls her with the words ‘Touch me not’. He skilfully evokes the dawn as the opalescent
light picks out from the darkness the towers of the Temple of Jerusalem, the upper half of the
figure of Christ, the face of Mary Magdalene, and the outline of one of the angels in the tomb.
This use of light is almost symbolic in both the physical and the spiritual senses. The paint is in
general thinly applied and, apart from the treatment of the light and the vegetation around the
tomb referring to Christ’s activities as a gardener, could almost be described as monochrome. It
is only after a time that the eye focuses on the two female figures (the Gospels of Mark and Luke
refer to three Marys at the tomb) in the middle distance on the left descending the hill. Of
particular note is the positioning of Christ, who in the relationship established between his
partially silhouetted vertical form and the Temple of Jerusalem behind and the rocky cave next to
him dominates the composition, whereas the twisting pose of Mary Magdalene is the pivot. The
tension created between Christ’s standing figure and the twisting kneeling Mary Magdalene is
palpable.

We get to the heart of the message of the resurrection when the risen Christ meets with human
beings - the weeping Mary Magdalene in the garden, the two disciples who are puzzled and
confused on the road to Emmaus, doubting Thomas in the upper room. It is in the sensitive
artistic depiction of these events that we see the real message, the message of hope and renewal
which Christ touches the lives of individuals. The risen Christ is able to touch our lives in just the
same way is we approach him humbly with the spirit of payer “Lord I believe - help thou my
belief” (Mark 9:24)

Mark Eaton

32

The Chronicles of Sir Bark A Lot -
Flying non-dogs and Needles

And yet another month has gone by, and what a month it has been, I think we have had almost all
seasons over the last few weeks, sometimes even all in one day. Nice and sunny for my morning walk,
and pouring down with rain and even hail in the afternoon.

The sunny days have definitely uplifted everyone's spirits in our household, the OtherHalf actually did
some outside cooking. I like the outside cooking, it smells very nice and there tend to be yummy
leftovers for me. However, there also have been some weird developments which I need to share with
you.

Firstly, the Missus is getting obsessed with flying non-dogs during our walks, which is rather annoying.
She keeps stopping on our walks, which as you regular readers know, means I have to bark
encouraging her to move on. She is desperately trying to spot the flying non-dog that sounds like it's
doing a lot of hammering1. There are a few spots in the village where you can hear it, but it stops
when I bark, and then I get told off. Really, I don't understand why it is ok for this non-dog to cause a
racket but not me. Then there is the one, with the red breast which she likes a lot2. They are little dare-
devils and not bothered by my barking. When the Missus spots one, she goes in a silly voice "Oh,
aren't you a brave little fellow". There are plenty of the rather stupid bigger ones that are not very
good at hiding and keep running and flying up in front of us as they hear me coming3. I am not
interested in any of them, you need to be a very stupid dog to waste energy trying to herd flying non-
dogs. I think her obsession is getting a bit out of hand to be honest. The other day, she saw some
yellow flying non-bird and when we got home, she spent ages looking through lots of books, then
jumped up like an overexcited puppy to tell the OtherHalf she found it was a yellowhammer. No idea
why that is exciting…absolutely, no idea! But it must be a thing as she has made me stop at the spot
where she saw it ever since, but to no avail. I think it is hiding from her, or maybe me…

The other weird development is that the OtherHalf had to go to a place where they stick needles in
you. He came home showing off this little sticker they gave him, he was very proud, like me when I do
some amazing barking. Apparently, the Missus is also desperate to have a needle stuck into her, but
she can't yet as she is too young. Humans are so weird, I think it must have something to do with
them wanting to go and see the Missus' family in Belgium. When we
go to Belgium, I always get taken to the needle sticking place.
Although now, I no longer get stuck with a needle but they try to
make me eat this horrible tablet. I am against drugs and believe you
should never eat tablets if you don’t know where they come from. I
pretend to eat it and then spit it out when they are not looking. It
doesn't work very well, but you can't blame a dog for trying. Maybe
next time we go to Belgium, they will need a doggy passport like
mine to show they had all their needle sticking done.

On that note, I can hear the stripy non-dog at the backdoor, so I
better go do some barking so they know to let her in.

That’s it for now folks,

Sir Bark A Lot

1: Woodpecker 2: Robin 3: Pheasant

Ashwell Patients Group

UPDATES ON THE SURGERY WEBSITE

For some time now our surgery has been posting weekly updates about the vaccination
programme on its website. These notes are detailed and clear. Simply Google "Ashwell
Surgery" and then click on "Practice News".

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A Halls for Hire

Ashwell Parish Council 743706 Ashwell School 742297
Ashwell St Mary’s Parish Church Office 743922
Ashwell Primary School 742297 Parish Rooms 743922
Ashwell Playgroup 07565 528194
Ashwell Village Museum (Curator) 742956 Ashwell Village Hall 742913

URC Hall 742757

Hinxworth 742258

B Newnham 742931

Horticultural Society 742040

Bakers (Days) 742202 L
Border Ramblers 743723
Bus Services (Richmonds) 01763 848226 Library Services 03001 234049
Butchers (Crumps) 742255
M

Mothers Union 743587

C N

Care Guild (Graham Scott) 07545 273483 Nature Reserve (Warden) 742684

Chimney Sweep (Hinxworth) 07736 172988 P

CHURCHES Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicines 742250

St Mary’s (Rector) 742277 Plumber (Ian Ruggles) 07890 01505

United Reform Church (Christine James) 742684 POLICE Herts Rural 101 or 01438 7579240

Quaker (Ian Chandler) 743091 Post Office Steeple Morden 01763 852834

Zoar Baptist 742273

Roman Catholic [email protected] S

CLUBS (Young People) Sports Clubs

Asheteria 01763 241587 Cricket(Richard Young) 07768 792071

Guides(Sue Long) 01223 208337 Football (Andrew Hayes) 07990 598905

Brownies [email protected] Karate 07941 926125

Rainbows [email protected] Tennis [email protected]

Scouts, Cubs, Beavers [email protected] Station (Inquiries) 0345 484950

Computers (Sigma) 742783 T

County Councillor (Steve Jarvis) 01438 727122 Taxi Services (Baldock) 01462 486666

D Theatre Club [email protected]

Dairy (Blunham Dairy) 01234 376006 W

Delicatessen (Rhubarb and Mustard) 743462 W.I. [email protected]

Dentist 742353

District Councillor (Tom Tyson) 07546 589377

Doctors and Surgery 01462 417377

E

Electrian 07990 977124

07760 241922

F Cut me out to put on
the fridge.
Farm Shop (Sarah’s) 01763 852376
Thank you to Karen Mills for her work on the Useful
G Numbers.

Garage (Ashwell Garage) 742310 Going forward please contact

Grocer and Off Licence 742220 Ian Chandler - 743091

H

Hairdressers

Sue Birch 742298

Bradleys 742043

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