Letters to the Editors
The Crier - Treasurer
Dear Editors,
Having been associated with the Crier for twenty years as Business Manager but mainly as Treasurer I think it is about time that someone else has the opportunity to participate. Consequently I offer my resignation.
I should be happy to shadow a successor while they settle in. If necessary I shall continue until the end of this Crier financial year, that is 30 Apri12011 but no longer.
Macmillan Coffee Morning 2010
Dear Editors,
Thank you very much to everybody who came, or sent donations to this year's Macmillan Coffee Morning. Once again you have all shown how generous you are by raising £403.40p. Since the first Macmillan Coffee Morning in 1994 we have handed over to Macmillan Cancer Support a grand total of over £7,500 which is a fantastic amount! This year's had a celebratory air to it and there were lots of smiles and lively chat. There were plenty of tempting cakes to buy, contributed by so many of you, and the raffle table was groaning with numerous donated prizes.
Thank you for your donations, gifts and your friendly company. See you next year on Friday 30th September, 2011.
Newcomers'Views
Dear Editors,
We read with interest the latest Crier, which I must say is the best village magazine I have ever read. I was completely surprised to see a photo of myself coming joint first in the dog show. At my wife's command I proudly wore my rosette for the rest of the event strolling around with other old dogs.
I enjoyed the auction where others joined me in transforming it back to the 60's when we had real money, good music and everything was swinging, so they say. The bottle of wine I won for 30 bob was very pleasant, but, to think that 30 bob would have brought 15 pints of beer in those days, which equates to £45 at today's prices. The whole event was a good bit of fun which is so important in these days of gloom.
Although we only bought a property and moved to Swaffham Prior in September we have been coming to the village since 1986, when we started caravaning at Ivy Farm. I thought I knew the village well, but, after reading the Crier quoting this and that "drove" we are lost. Is there a map available to help us get to know the area?
Welcome to the village, Geoff and Sharon! The large scale ordinance survey map (Explorer 226, Ely & Newmarket) has all the drove names and the Village Map (in front of the Village Hall) has some. Eds
History of Swaffham Prior
Dear Editors,
So this book... .you know, the one about Swaffham Prior?... .What's happening?
Is she doing it?.
Yes she is and it's a long job! -in fact I'm just beginning to realise the enormity of what I've taken on!! Why does the answer to every question raise ten more questions? But am I going to cut corners? No, I shall try hard not to. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me so far, in fact one of the joys of this project has been meeting new people as well as renewing old acquaintances. Someone once said you should never go back, but I am discovering that 'going back'fills in a lot of gaps. It's great to discover what happened to people I lost touch with after Primary School; to learn about their families and see what sort of lives they are leading. One of my main sources of information has been The Criers, the first of which was launched in January 1977. I am working my way through them and each one takes somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half of careful reading, as skimming would mean missing something of importance. I have reached 1997, my files are bulging and the whole exercise has been absolutely fascinating, but I must confess I shall be glad when I arrive at 2010. I think it's a bit like being pregnant; I am plodding towards the end of a long haul and I know the next stage is going to be fraught with its own difficulties but hey, bring it on -I've had enough of this bit! I am looking forward to the actual writing, sifting through all the research material and bringing it together, but for now I'm still digging!
Caroline has suggested I share a snippet or two with you at this stage, so here goes:
- June 1911 School's were granted an extra week's holiday in honour of the Coronation of King George V.
- July 16th 1912 'The Flower Show took place at Swaffham Prior in glorious weather... ..'. However, the article goes on to say that for the first time in the history of these shows one of the judges was accused of favouritism. This is strongly denied, but obviously spoiled the afternoon.
- July 1917 'The Village Feast was, for once, quite invisible. Thanks to the War, there was not even a sweet stall, much less a roundabout or a swing-boat.'
- 1918 The school was closed from October 18th to November 15th on account of the influenza scourge. At least 90% of the children were ill.
And my absolute favourite so far:
- November 1922 "Miss S. Crisp has been collecting for the Royal Eastern Counties Institution for Idiots, Imbeciles and the Feeble-minded at Colchester and was able to send £2 6s 6d" .
Political correctness is obviously a modern invention! I was so taken aback by this that I read it out to a friend. She, like me, was aghast but couldn't help laughing. It became twice as funny when she added, quite innocently, a few moments later, "Oh that reminds me, the children's school reports are due out today!!"
If you have anything which you would like to see included in the book, don't hesitate to get in touch. Meanwhile back to it... ...
Swaffham Prior Sports & Recreation Club
Dear Editors,
The above Club needs to recruit a further member to replace Ian Dalton who recently resigned from his position, ideally someone with an interest in the Village and recreational activities. The Club was formed many years ago to act as Custodians of the funds donated from the Fenland Country Fairs. Anyone interested in joining us, please contact our Chairman, Ted Hurst.
Swaffham Prior Parochial Charities'Christmas Grant
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 pensioners, particularly those who have to manage on the basic pension, but if you are in particular need, or know 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.