Letters to the Editors
Mill Hill Near Miss
Dear Editor
Further to your editorial comments in The Crier this month, I thought I should respond as the unwilling parent involved in the near miss on Mill Hill that I believe you witnessed.
I dare say your heart missed a beat the same as mine and I felt physically sick and shaken all day afterwards. I am very aware of "what if' she had been knocked off her bike. At 40mph, regardless of blame, I know she would have been killed. Is it really going to take a death before something is done? Do parents of children catching the bus to Bottisham realise what a gauntlet their child is put through in the morning when they cross this road?
I feel so strongly about this now that I have written to the Highways Department at Cambridgeshire County Council to highlight how dangerous this road has become and how many children have to cross it every day. I was quite surprised to receive a reply today, which advises that although their department is subject to budget cuts and funding is frozen until further notice, there is a scheme called the Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvement Initiative. This is a scheme aimed at improving safety and increases provisions for cycling/walking etc but has to be applied for by the local Parish Council. So I have passed on my findings to them and hope that they will look in to this as a matter of urgency.
We could not agree more with Denise. To make a successful case, our PC will probably need all the support it can get: please write to them if you have comments about the traffic situation on Mill Hill..
Local Network Fund
Dear Editors,
I am writing to let you know about the Local Network Fund, a programme from the Department for Education and Skills, which aims to improve outcomes for all children and young people aged 0-19 years old, or up to 25 with learning difficulties.
Grants of £250 to £7,000 are available to youth and community groups, to develop projects and activities for children and young people with limited opportunities or access to services that many young people take for granted.
I can send details of groups that have successfully received funding in the past or leaflets that explain the Fund in more detail. I would be happy to come and meet any local groups to introduce myself and discuss possible projects and eligibility. If you would like further details please visit our website at www.Infcambscare.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Relief Coffee Morning
Dear Editors,
We all raised a grand total of £437.20p at the Macmillan Cancer Relief Coffee Morning on Friday 29th September. Thank you to all who baked or bought cakes; bought raffle tickets or donated prizes and to all who made donations and emptied their purses for such a very good cause. I could not have managed the occasion without the assistance of my willing helpers - Liz Tissier on the cake stall and Valerie and Michael Limb on the raffle. They did a great job encouraging you all to part with your money and I am very grateful.
I always enjoy the coffee morning and hope to see you all again at next year's event. I will put the date in the Crier when I know it and when we all have diaries or calendars for 2007!
With many thanks to you all for your generosity,
Bottisham Swimming Pool
Dear Editors,
You may have heard through the 'grapevine' that Bottisham Swimming Pool was due to be closed last summer for maintenance (tiling to the pool shell).
We were unable to secure grant funding for these works in time so remained opened with no closure at all - unfortunately, some users did not get the message in time and we have received a few very disappointed calls from would be swimmers.
It is now rumoured that we will close after Christmas.
I assure you that this is not true and that we have no plans for closure at any time in the foreseeable future.
If anyone requires any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Swaffham Prior Parochial Charities
Dear Editors,
Once again it is time to remind all who consider themselves eligible for our Christmas grant that they should apply as soon as possible.
As usual, the majority of these applications will come from our pensioners, particularly those who have to manage on the state pension, but if you are in particular need, or know of anybody who may be in difficulty, ,but is unlikely to apply on their own behalf, the Trustees will always be happy to consider requests for assistance.
Applications should be sent to me, or to any Trustee, and I stress that this assistance is available at all times, not merely at Christmas.