I admit, I was sceptical. I’d heard about how good they were and how much they helped, but I thought they were just a fad – something which people who weren’t that serious used as a bit of a pose. But then I tried them – and I discovered that walking poles really are great! Early in December, my son and I spent a few days tackling the next section in our project of walking the South West Coastal Path. We had a notoriously difficult section to do – Clovelly to Bude – and I thought anything which might help would be worth a try, so we took walking poles. We did three tough days walking, with lots of very steep ups and downs, but at the price of slightly aching shoulders and arms, which weren’t so used to the exercise, I avoided crocked knees and back pains. Result! – I now wholeheartedly recommend a pair of walking poles to anyone on a serious walking journey. It got me thinking what other tips I could offer to those on journeys, especially spiritual journeys. Most

people try to live good lives: caring for their families, contributing to their communities, looking out for their neighbours. These are all good things – part of living as a Christian – but they are hard to sustain without help. When the going gets steep, we feel the strain. On the coastal path, each steep climb or descent was made more bearable by knowing it was taking us nearer to our goal, and we need that

on our life journey too. What are your spiritual goals for this coming year? Then the walking poles: the two things which help me with the journey of being a Christian are regular prayer and Bible reading. I was sceptical about those, too! It took many years for me to appreciate the patterns of daily prayer which the

Church of England offers, and even more years to gather the discipline to put them into practice, but now I find the regular times of Bible reading and prayer to be a big help, especially in the spiritually steep times. Why don’t you give it a try? Drop me a line to find out more.Revd Steve Day

Caxton Newsletter

2017 Issue 1

Vicar’s Letter

Editor’s Letter

Hello Caxton, this is your new Editor. If you don’t already know me you may have seen me walking my spaniel Chloe around the village or working on my allotment.I have taken over the reins of this esteemed publication from Brian Hayes and I’m sure you will want to join me in thanking him for his time and effort during his tenure.

As we start a new era I would welcome any suggestions as to how we can improve and expand the Newsletter so it better serves the needs of all Caxton residents. Julian

CAXTON NEWSLETTERCaxton Village website:www.caxtonvillage.co.uk

Editor:Dr Julian P Heath14 Taskers FieldCaxton Cambs CB23 3PA

We welcome copy and especially photographs on any aspect of Caxton life for publication in the newsletter. Please post or email to: caxton@live.co.ukAll submissions will be edited.

Printed and Published by:Pendrill PublicationsUnit 9, Avenue Business ParkElsworth Cambs CB23 4EYTel: 01954 718048Email: ads@penpub.co.uk

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Scan the QR code below with your phone to go to Caxton Village on Facebook:www.facebook.com/CaxtonVillage/

Caxton Pride

Are you dismayed at how much rubbish is on our streets and in our hedges? Volunteers are needed for another village litter pick. Please assemble opposite Milestone Cottage, 121 Ermine Street at 10 am on Saturday 4th March. Pick sticks and bags will be provided.

Caxton Union Workhouse 1834-1932

If you are interested in local history or history in general why not join the Caxton Historical Society? The annual membership costs £8 and guests pay £3 on the night. Meetings are held in Caxton Village Hall. Talks start at 8 pm and are followed by coffee and biscuits.

Programme for 2017:Monday 13th February: The History of Tea Drinking Speaker Colin Lattimore.Monday 8th May: Finding the Green Man Speaker Roger Green.Monday 11th September: The History of Papworth Hospital Speaker Becky ProctorMonday 13th November: Alleviation of World Starvation, Introduction of Chemical Warfare and a Nobel Prize Scandal Speaker Martyn Twigg For more information please contact the Society’s Secretary Malcolm Thomas: Tel 01954 718647 Email: malt121@icloud.com or just turn up at a meeting.

CAXTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

District Councillor’s ReportCllr Des O’Brian reported that Outline Planning Permission for the 2350 houses on West Cambourne (Caxton Gibbet to Lower Cambourne, pictured) had been granted by the planning committee. Despite our and other objections the vote was strongly in favour with just one vote against and one abstention. The result was almost inevitable as SCDC’s Local Development Plan (currently before the Inspector) depends on ‘New Town’ sites to achieve its housing targets and will address the shortfall already highlighted by the inspector.

It was later agreed that the Chairman and Vice Chairman would meet with Des to see if any additional benefit for Caxton can be achieved.

Cllr O’Brian was also asked to explain the new Planning Policy where plans are not presented to the Planning Committee but dealt with by a Planning Officer. He indicated that in future if the Parish Council wanted a proposal

to be put to the Committee he would make sure on our behalf that this happens.

Development of Land between 88 and 94 Ermine StreetThe plan for a 3-bedroom house on this site was approved by a ‘consultant’ planning officer on 23 December under the new rules, having had the application since

February. This was despite the fact that residents, the Inspector and the Parish Council had objected and that at least two previous applications had been refused. The reasons for refusal

had not been addressed by the new proposal but it was approved by someone who did not know the district and could not even spell Caxton correctly and no longer works for SCDC!

The Parish Council will formally complain but we are advised that the decision cannot be overturned. One wonders why we waste our time looking at proposals if they are not going to go through the democratic process.

Caxton Parish Council Meeting12th January 2017

Village Hall Internet HubThe costings and recommend-ations to be passed to the Village Hall Committee for consideration and action.

Thatched Bus Shelter Only one quotation has been received but it was agreed to ask the Clerk to go ahead, with the discretion that should a cheaper quote be obtained it should be used.

Future ProjectsLittle interest has been shown but it is necessary that we plan should monies/grants become available. The list includes: • Play equipment for Brockholt Road play area • Re-fence Brockholt Road play area (in 3 or 4 years time) • Resurface Ermine Street pavements* • Entry to village signs, repair/ replace* • Erect a village sign • Purchase and install 30mph repeater signs • Resurface Crowdene footpath • Improve/repair Village Hall external lighting. • Obtain Christmas tree and lights.*NB these items will be put on the County Highways website to see if we can get support from County as the pavements in particular

require urgent attention. If others could also use this website to urge action it could only help.

Proposal to introduce Parking Restrictions along Ermine StreetAfter discussion it was decided to reject this proposal.

Email registerIt was agreed to leaflet drop the village to see if we could obtain an email address list of residents so that we can quickly keep people in touch with exhibitions and public meetings regarding important developments such as the new A428 and West Cambourne.

BudgetA substantial amount of time was spent deliberating next year’s budget. We have been fortunate to have reserves to cover grass cutting and maintenance of ponds etc. but these are now coming to an end and will soon have to be funded from our precept. It was agreed to introduce a small increase now to ease the burden in future years. As I have pointed out before, in a small village the burden of administration is disproportionately high (45% of precept) and this limits what can be achieved without large increases.

Keith Howard, CPC Chairman

Extracts from Newsletter 15As this is my first newsletter of 2017 may I start by wishing my constituents health and happiness in the New Year. Let’s make it the best yet!

In the twilight of 2016 I visited the Blood Donation Centre in Long Road, Cambridge for my first ever blood donation. I have to say, it was utterly painless, parking was free and I had my choice of biscuits afterwards! Giving blood is easy, very quick (I was in and out in less than an hour) and it saves lives. The blood service have come up with a great resolution for the New Year: “don’t give up, just give”. If you can donate, please go to www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323 to book your appointment.

I’m delighted to share the launch of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities Innovation Fund which gives community groups the opportunity to apply for funding for initiatives which will improve lives. If you know of a scheme that enhances your community and helps people stay safe and independent, please see www.cambscf.org.uk/ccif.html for details of how to apply.

December saw the publication

of the National Schools Funding Formula from the Department of Education. I’m still analysing the data and will be writing to my schools for feedback on proposals. If you want to contribute, please make your views heard by 22 March at: https://consult.education.gov.uk/funding-policy-unit/schools-national-funding-formula2/

Turning to buses and trains, I’m inviting constituents to contact me about any issues they have with

existing public transport services. I have been contacted by a number of residents about unreliable services, so if you too have experience of this, please contact Nicola in my office on the contact details below.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to know you at my surgeries

and events. If you have a concern you think I could help with, or some feedback you’d like to share with me, please get in touch.

You can find details of my no-appointment-needed surgeries at: www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residents-drop-surgeries. I’ll be in Comberton in February. Or you can phone 01954 212707 or email me at: heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk

News from Heidi Allen MP

Friday 24th February 7.30pm

Choice of delicious and authentic appetisers and curries made by Nimisha Patel of Bourn shop.

Plus Bar and Raffle

£12.50 per headFor tickets contact Ann MacDonald on 01954 719704 by Friday February 10th.

Profits to the Village Hall Refurbishment fund.

Parent and Toddler Groupat Caxton Village Hall

Every Thursday 10.00 - 11.30 am (term time only)

£1.50 (50p for each extra child)

CAXTON CHURCH NEWS

Forthcoming Services at St Andrews:

5 February 10.30 am W4A12 February 10.30 am MP26 February 8.30 am HC5 March 10.30 am W4A12 March 10.30 am MP

For more info:Papworth Team Ministry Noticeswww.papworthteamchurches.org

CAXTON VILLAGE HALL DIARY OF EVENTS

13 February: Caxton Historical Society, Village Hall 8pm “The History of Tea Drinking” Speaker Colin Lattimore. Contact Malcolm Thomas 01954 718647

24 February: Curry Night at Village Hall. Contact Ann McDonald 01954 719704

2 March: Introduction of New Bin Collection Schedule. See S Cambs Magazine or www.scambs.gov.uk/bin-changes for details

4 March: Caxton Litter Pick. Contact Keith Howard

10 March: Coffee Morning at Village Hall 10am to 12 noon. Contact Christina Harrison

Village Hall Booking RatesHourly RateUp to 5pm - £10.00 per hour After 5pm - £15.00 per hourParty Rates9am till 6pm - £40.00 6pm till 11pm - £90.00

Special rates may apply to Caxton residents. For further information: Ann MacDonald Tel: 01954 719704 Page 1 SWCP picture courtesy of Philip Halling