Letters to the Editors
New Devil's Dyke Gate (see Editorial)
Dear Editors,
In response to your recent query I am replying on behalf of the Devil's Dyke management steering group.
The fence you refer to was unfortunately erected in the wrong location and will be moved 40 metres to the south. The gate will also be replaced with a similar self shutting gate to those present elsewhere along this section of the Dyke. I can not guarantee that the gate will not appear crooked, as it will be essential that it is self closing to prevent sheep from straying out of the compartment in which they have been put.
This extra line of fencing is required to better control the grazing on the Galley Hill section of the Dyke (the tallest & highest section and first one south of the Burwell Road). Part of this area is infested with rabbits which have severely damaged the grassland and have increased the risk of erosion to the ancient monument. The extra line of fencing will enable sheep to be grazed on the part of this compartment that retains grass, without causing further damage to the sparsely vegetated areas.
Revised Village Hall Charges
Dear Editors,
The Village Hall Management Committee recently decided to simplify the charging system for hiring the Village Hall. We now have a straightforward cost per hour, based on which room or rooms are being booked, plus daily rates for longer bookings (see attached list of fees).
Village residents will get a 20% discount on these rates, and, as before there is a 10% discount for multiple bookings. The special rate for Children's Parties is also still in place.
This change to the system has been made in response to the demand from many potential hirers to "Just tell me how much it costs to book the Village Hall by the hour" ; it makes the Hire Charges and the discount system clear and open, and hopefully, from Mary's and my point of view, will be easier to implement. As with any change, there will be some winners and some losers, but we have tried to minimise the impact on any particular group and hope that everyone will continue to enjoy using the lovely Village Hall that we are so lucky to have.
Don't Feed Pearl!
Dear Editors,
We adopted Pearl when Hilary Sage moved to Burwell, and she has settled happily
into her new home, completely 'ruling the roost'. She was never slim,
but unfortunately she has put on a lot of weight, causing her pain when
jumping, and putting her health at risk.
Pearl is on a very strict diet at home, but is still gaining weight! We suspect someone may be feeding her, probably out of kindness, as she is expert at looking hungry! PLEASE HARDEN YOUR HEART for her health's sake - she is fed an adequate and nutritious diet at home, and is much loved. The same health problems occur for obese cats as for people!
Thank you,
Sponsored Swim
Dear Editors,
I would like to say thank you to everyone for their sponsorship, moral support, coming to the quiz night and all well wishes, thank you very much! I hope to do you proud! At this point in time I have completed my 6 hour qualifier swim in Lake Windemere. I am about to go on a swim camp on the West coast of Ireland to acclimatise to colder water than the English Channel. The main hurdle for me now is the cold water, it is a couple of degrees less than this time last year due to the bitter winter that we had.
So far we have raised over £2,000, and hopeful of more I would like to say thank you to (amongst many) Nifty for organising the Quiz at Lode Social Club which was a great success - raising over £600 on the night, thanks to my cousin Olly for being my safety crew in the Cam, and thanks to Micheal of Nuture Health, Mill road in Lode for massaging my acheing shoulders. I am writing this on the 8th June 2010, so I have yet to swim the Channel, and the result is still to be written, I pray and trust it will be a successful one.
This journey has been an amazing physical and emotional rollercoaster and I would not have changed any part of it, it has been a real "life affirming" time, it makes you feel alive! I will be feeling very alive in the cold water of the English Channel! haha!
If you would like to donate to a great cause, Magpas, you can do so at Lode Post Office, The Swan pub at Quy, or online;
and follow the link to my just giving page.