Letters to the Editors
HOT OFF THE GRIDDLE
Dear Editors
The October issue was as lively as ever but as we are coming up to November why not join in the celebrations by spinning a few Catherine Wheels. Mr W.G.Barton was obviously impeccable in the way he sold his land and I was equally impeccable in my report on the meeting discussing the travellers. The misunderstanding by those making the comments was that Mr Barton "could not" rather than "would not" cancel the sale contract. I am naturally sorry to have caused distress to Mr Barton and his family but our elected councillors work very hard to deal with the travellers and they had an obvious concern about the land and the Crier reporter passed on that concern. (Meantime it has all been resolved though one poor person at the end of the chain is seriously out of pocket). But the PC and the PC reporters were absolutely right in sending out warning signals. This is the value of the PC Report - it alerts people.
For example, from what source other than the PC Report would you have learned about the Red Lion's successful application to open up to midnight on weekdays and 02.30 on Fridays, Saturdays, Bank Holidays, etc. This is not anti-the Red Lion but as Frank Readhead said in his PC Report - "if you don't like it, tough - the period of valid objections has expired." How did so many people fail to see the notice in the local newspaper or the notice prominently displayed in/from the Red Lion? If we are too lazy to use our eyes and ears do we deserve the democratic vote?
Mind you, democracy was certainly there in plenty at the "Friends of St. Cyriac's" meeting. There may been a small problem with the acoustics but few would have expected the onslaught which appeared to be launched on the unsuspecting Trust representatives. Everyone appeared to have their own agenda but I suppose this is what you get if you give free wine to Fen people before a meeting. It was suggested they were misappropriating funds, they are but a faceless quango, they have no regard for the beauty of the church, they could create a traffic gridlock, they are philistine and never come to our artistic events - oh dear! - the Prior/Bulbeck hockey match at its worst was never like this. Then things settled down a little when the Trust showed they weren't so bad and explained they were spending £30,000 on repairs etc (including disabled access which many in the village wanted). It was an exciting meeting, very much like a Gloucester/Bristol eye-gouging rugby match with only a firm referee (in this case Christopher Walkinshaw) bringing a bit of order. Still, it is very good that all the various concerns have been raised at the beginning.
But Joan Rest's enthusiastic report is a little misleading when she says that "there is little point in maintaining a building which is unused". The bells and clock ring out from it, there are many wonderful events, 1,700 people paid a visit in the last 6 months, and £1,000 has been taken in hire charges and donations so far this year. It is not like Derek's Grand Food Emporium - use it or lose it.
Peter Mengham
I have received a letter from Hilary Mengham to let me know that Peter has died. This was last Thursday, 13th October, peacefully in a nursing home. She mentioned perhaps I could let everyone who knew him know of his death.
Peter and Hilary formerly lived in Tothill Road for a number of years but moved to Somerset some 5 years ago.
Macmillan Cancer Relief Coffee Morning
Dear Editors,
A very big 'Thank You' to everybody who contributed in any way to our annual Coffee Morning. You all gave so generously that the grand total was £472! The cakes kept coming (and then being sold) raising £115 towards the final result. The raffle was successful too, helped by some rather special prizes. Coffee, biscuits and chatter flowed and we all had a very happy time helping to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.
If you already have a diary for next year do please make a note of the date for 2006 - Friday 29th September. I look forward to seeing you all again then! Ruth Scovil
Motorised Two-Wheeled Vehicles
Dear Editors,
I have been asked by an elderly resident who would prefer not to be named, to write and ask those who have ridden a variety of motorised two-wheeled vehicles through the footpaths of The Beeches, over recent months, to find some legal means of reaching their destination.
I think those who have this information about it would prefer not pass it to the Police: they would just wish for it not to happen any more. With thanks
Come along and join the Friends of St Cyriac's!
On Wednesday 7th December, the inaugural meeting of the Friends of St Cyriac's will be taking place in the Village Hall from 7pm - 9pm. If you are interested in serving on the committee (the positions available are: secretary, treasurer and chairman) or becoming a subscribing member, then please come along!
If you would like to find out more about the Friends or to receive a draft copy of the constitution, please do get in contact.
I hope to see many of you there,