Letters to the Editors
Ely Offices
Dear Editors,
I was surprised to see the one item letter, about the office move, from Councillor Alderson in the last issue of The Crier as I know he normally covers all that is happening at East Cambs. I am writing because I think it might be fairer if you also had the facts that he missed out.
I was the lead member for Economic Development for many years and would like nothing more than the opportunity to draw more businesses and jobs into the district, and indeed voted in favour of the proposal originally because at that time I felt it would have delivered more working space, extra parking and given an economic boost to the district. How times changed Šthe costs increased to £14.5 million and in order to pay that sum we would use all our (your) reserves, sell off all the land we could, have a £6 million mortgage and use a grant of £3 million pounds. All this to buy a piece of land on a flood plain that has been vacant for many years as its present owners could not find a buyer.
In case you are confusing the parking issue with the office move we also found that the park and ride would be a mile from the railway station with no direct pedestrian access and over 100 spaces would be lost in the centre of town at the Grange Site at week-ends and evenings.
Your District Councillor is correct that 15 conservatives voted in favour but every Liberal Democrat, Independent and one conservative voted against - thank goodness for common sense and democracy.
FLAT FEN COUNTRY
Dear Editor,
I am deeply hurt that Angela Nisbet (Crier, Vol29 No 12.p13) thinks Clifford Edge was 'a boring bloke'.
Clifford Edge (allegedly) hated hills and loved the Flat Fens. Doesn't that tell us something?
CrierWeb Site
Dear Editors,
I must congratulate you upon the website. It looks great and I have recommended it to all my Christmas correspondents.
Canon John K. Byrom
Dear Editors,
The Reverend Byrom was one of that rare breed of Holy men. He died on November 22nd after enduring sixteen years of Parkinsons' Disease. Whilst saying Mattins at 5.30 in the mornings as was his wont) he suffered a Pulmonary Embolism, and died. A Memorial Service has been arranged at Great Shelford Church on January 21st at twelve noon.
John was appointed to this parish in 1974, and served us well for the next fourteen years. I had the privilege of being his Warden for all that time. The village of Reach was also part of this parish, so the service pattern was adapted to suit both. Another important duty allocated to John was that of Director of Ordinands for the diocese of Ely.
This latter duty was involved with the training, and selection of young folk for a career in the Church. It was in this capacity that his deep conviction and quiet manner influenced so many.
There are many instances of spontaneous kindnesses that John was able to perform, as he knew the needs of his parishioners from his frequent visits. The filling of coal buckets for the elderly, the car trips to Burwell, and the wise councilling he gave before marriage and after a death.
John and Jean suffered the loss of their only son Stephen in a road accident shortly before coming here, an event with which my wife and I can sympathise. The loss of a child affects the course of the rest of our lives.
When we lived at Anglesey House, we would hear the footsteps in the gravel of the church path every morning as John made his way to say the Offices, (Mattins and Evensong), in the church. It may have been because of those cold early mornings that the question of better heating was addressed, leading to the present heater, and a screen to keep the heat in the building, and not let it go up the tower!
John was ably supported by his wife Jean, who helped his ministry by encouraging music, and choral activities in the church, before the arrival of Ian de Massini, as well as flower arranging. Many of us will have derived benefit from this Holy man's sojourn amongst us, and I am sure his soul will rest in peace.
Canon Byrom was the founder of the Crier - see editorial. Eds
Brands Hatch
Dear Editors,
Does the noise of motor bikes and fresh tyre tracks today on Dencora Field mean that ownership has been transferred to allow motocross events there?