link 80 for website

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Contents

Welcome to Link 80 4

Cynthia Spencer Cycle 5

Wootton Primary School 8

Carmela’s Kitchen 12

West Hunsbury Parks 14

Christmas Tree Festival 16

From St Georges’ Wootton 20

Christian Celebration 24

Wootton War Memorial 25

Andre Gonzales 26

From St Benedict’s 32

Wootton Heritage Organisation 37

West Hunsbury Parish Council 38

Brian Oldham 44

Strollers Walking Club 48

From your MP 50

Phil Larratt 57

Directory 61

Advertiser’s Index 65

Useful Telephone Numbers 66

LINKTHE

MAGAZINE

Edited byLucy & Charlie Slater

[email protected]

Almond CloseBugbrooke

Northampton NN7 3QX

07769 688238 / 07850 438316

The editors reserve the right to edit all material submitted. Submissions are included at the editor’s discretion. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or the editors.Inclusion of advertising material in this magazine does not imply any form of endorsement by the publishers.

All contributions and advertising and delivery enquiries should be directed to the editors on the above contact details.

The Link Magazine is a quarterly publi-cation, delivered to the residents of East Hunsbury, West Hunsbury, Wootton, Wootton Fields, Simpson Manor, Hard-ingstone, Collingtree and Grange Park in March, June, September and December.

Please note that the deadline for contri-butions for issue 81; Spring 2015 is 21st January 2015.

Cover image kindly provided by James Risby Photography ©.

Issue 80

Welcome to issue 80 of The Link Magazine!

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The Link Team

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Wow, here we are already with the final edition of 2014! As always we have a bumper issue for you packed full of articles, news and events to ensure you’re up to date with what is going on in your area over the winter months.

Christmas is a busy time for many of us, the hunt for the perfect gift, the school nativity, carols and picking the perfect turkey. However, it really is worth taking the time to sit back and reflect on the year that has passed. No doubt filled with highs, lows, laughter and sadness but hopefully for most another brilliant year of wonderful memories.

As we head into 2015 please do keep us updated with your groups, campaigns, local events and businesses to ensure we help spread the word across the community.

Many thanks for supporting us and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 2015!

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Three Cities Sunflower CycleAn unforgettable experience awaits you!

If you have ever wanted to do an exhilarating challenge for charity here is your chance. Cynthia Spencer Hospice are looking for adventurous volun-teers to take on The Three Cities Sunflower Cycle, taking you through three of Europe’s most vibrant and well known cities!The challenge begins on the outskirts of London, travelling through the beautiful English countryside, across the channel to the Dutch lowlands and then onto Brussels. You’ll travel along the famous canals of Amsterdam, pass historical landmarks and rural villages before arriving in the beautiful city of Brussels. The sense of achievement you’ll experience will be one you’ll treasure forever.

Departing on 1st July 2015 and returning on 5th July 2015

For those of you in search of the challenge of a lifetime simply give us a call at the office on 01604 678 160 or [email protected], alternatively please visit http://www.sunflowercycle.co.uk/ for full information pack and everything you need to take part in this fantastic event.

Registered Charity No. 1002926

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Wootton Primary – at the heart of the community

It’s nearly Christmas again and time to look back at the first months of the new school year. Another group of 60 recep-tion class children has settled well into school life, enjoying all it has to offer, while those continuing in the school have seen more upgrades to their learning environment. Fabu-lous new furniture for Reception and Year 1 has created a bright and welcoming environment for the children to learn in – and this will

be rolled out across the rest of the school throughout the year. The old furniture has been put to good use, having been sent on to various locations. The Barbara Kwateng Lupus Trust collected our year 1 furniture for use in their charity project in Africa and reception’s tables and chairs were gratefully received by a local Northamp-tonshire school.Nestled in the corner of the Farmclose Road playground is a new learning ‘hub’. Large enough to seat 15 and equipped with new furniture and resources, it’s an ideal location for small group teaching and proving popular with teachers and children alike. New playground markings have given the playground a new lease of life, while a ‘pagoda’ and new decking area have liberated new places to explore and play at breaktime, with shelter from the elements. The school has also changed meal provider to accommodate the government’s free school lunch for the first three years

of primary – and the new menus and choices are encouraging take up and a positive response even from the fussiest eaters. Who knew shepherd’s pie could be so popular?!The school has also welcomed a number of new staff, including Mrs Varma, the new Children and Family Support Manager, who started in Septem-ber and is busy supporting children throughout the school to ensure ensuring every pupil can

reach their full potential, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.

A set of values underpins all activities at Wootton and the school relaunched these at the beginning of September, with story teller Brian Harris joining every year group

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to tell stories based around the core value of respect (for oneself, others and the environment). His tales inspired the children and brought the value of ‘respect’ to life, for example, by relating stories of World War 1 to the older children in the school.

Alongside this, the children have been making poppies throughout the school for a display in the style of the Tower of London – thanks to the creative skills of our own Mrs Clark! The entire school community was involved with the poppy making and values launch, as parents, families and governors were invited into school to join in the fun. Partner-

ing Respect, our other key value was respon-sibility, and children are being encouraged to take responsibility for themselves, their homes, their school and our world. Wootton Primary School continues to be grounded in the wider community of Wootton, maintain-ing its close links with St. George’s Church and the Wootton Scouts groups, amongst others. Arts MarkAfter three years of hard work, the school has been awarded the Arts Mark in recognition of the opportunities and quality teaching that children receive in the Arts: music, drama, dance, art and poetry. Well done to all of our dedicated staff who have contributed to this.

Do you have a child who will be starting school in September 2015?If you have a child who will be four years old between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015, you need to apply for a school place by 15 January 2015. The admis-sions procedure has been open on the Local Authority website since September. We held a number of open sessions for prospective families to look round Wootton Primary School in November, but if you missed these, please contact the school office on 01604 761679 for more information.Want to know more? To find out more about Wootton Primary School Academy Trust, visit www.wootton.northants.sch.uk, or email the Governors: [email protected].

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Christmas Mincemeat Delights

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This is such an inexpensive treat (biscuit) to make. Very basic store cupboard ingredients are needed and no eggs which is great. They are so quick to make and bake

and disappear quickly too. When they are hot from the oven they are truly delicious.These biscuits are a favourite in my house for the children to make as well as eat.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.

2. In a large bowl add the flour, butter, vanilla and caster sugar. Mix well into a crumb using your fingers.

3. Gently add the milk in order to form the dough. You may need a little more or less milk, so add it slowly.

4. Once the dough is ready, flour you surface and roll the dough out into a large fat sausage. Then line two baking sheets, I use reusable parchment.

5. Either cut the dough into 18 pieces or more if you want them to be a little smaller biscuits than those shown.

6. Roll the dough into small balls, place on the baking tray and flatten. Then stick your finger in the middle and spoon in your chosen filling.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes. Once golden remove and cool, or jump straight in and enjoy!!

You will need:Makes 18 large biscuits

450g self-raising flour150g butter200g caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla8 tbsp milkChristmas mincemeat

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Stuck for a unique Christmas gift idea?

How about treating that special person to one of Carmela’s cookery classes. Small, fun and extremely popular classes held in Carmela’s own family kitchen. Not sure which course to pick? No problem as gift vouchers are available to purchase online. Visit Carmela’s shop at www.carmelas-kitchen.co.uk for more informa-tion.Carmela’s Kitchen Class Dates (Visit the website for classes beyond February).

Carmela’s Kitchen Classes Italian Pasta Making21st January 2015

Italian Breads27th January 2015

Seafood & Fish29th January 2015

Pizza Making, Dough & Toppings10th February 2015

Gorgeous Gnocchi12th February 2015

Italian Desserts13th February 2015

Colouring Pasta24th February 2015

Following on from the success her first pop-up restaurant, Carmela is delighted to announce that a second restaurant will be opening its doors on 28th February 2015 – visit www.carmelas-kitch-en.co.uk for details

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Friends of West Hunsbury Parks

As you may have seen in the Chronicle and Echo recently Northamp-ton won a silver gilt award for the town entry in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. This was a tremendous achievement, added to by recognition of Northampton as “most improved entrant” ever. Hunsbury Hill Country Park was part of Northampton’s entry and the Friends were invited to the awards ceremony at the Guildhall. Much to our surprise the Friends of West Hunsbury Parks received a Silver Award and a Commendation in the Community Groups category of Northampton in Bloom. We were even more surprised to receive the judges Special Award in the East Midlands in Bloom section. We thought we had been invited simply as participants in the competi-tions, so to come away with 3 awards was wonderful!The Friends were not the only local winners. We’re so pleased to con-gratulate everyone at both Northampton Ironstone Railway Trust and Hunsbury ACRE who also won Silver Awards in Northampton in Bloom.

We are also pleased to tell you that our wildflower meadow in the hill park is now part of a 5 year Millenium Meadows Project funded by the Prince of Wales’ Trust and that as a result, we will be receiving even more help from marvellous Matt from the Wildlife Trust. Millenium Meadows is also funding a similar project in Northampton at Bradlaugh Fields.The making of the meadow is complex. Recently the field was cut and the bales taken away. It was then strip furrowed and seeded with, be-lieve it or not, at least £1000 worth of wild flower seeds. The strips will be rolled so that the seeds bed in properly. Next year the field will be cut 3 times to keep the grass down so that the wild flowers can have the maximum chance to become established. The last of these cuts will be left on the field as it will contain the seed heads. After a few weeks the seeds will have dropped and the residue will be taken away. Alone, the Friends could never have achieved this level of work and we are very grateful to both The Prince’s Trust and the Wildlife Trust. County Councillor Jill Hope has kindly donated empowerment funding for 2 benches in the meadow and our work will also continue on wildflower areas in the hill car park and along Ladybridge Drive thanks to empow-erment donations from Borough Councillor Brian Oldham.

Our thanks must go to Angie of “Pawfect Pets” who once again used her persuasive power in asking park users to sponsor bird boxes to be placed in both West Hunsbury Parks. Twenty boxes have been spon-sored so far, but we have twenty more available if you would like to take part. Sponsors will have their names placed on “their” box at an event to be held in the New Year. Watch out for news of this so that you can join in. All proceeds from sponsorship will be used to fund further park improvements.As mentioned in the last Link, Angie raised the money for our new

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website with her sponsored dog walk. The website is now up and run-ning and is great – take a look on www.friendsofwesthunsburyparks.org.uk.

Also in the last Link we mentioned the walled seating area by the lake which Northampton Borough Council, as owners, has given the Friends permission to “adopt”. West Hunsbury Parish Council has kindly ac-cepted the quotations we obtained for the necessary work, which they will pay for and which has now begun. The overgrown, unsuitable vege-tation has been cleared and “stump ground” and over the next few weeks the contractors will be back at least twice to deal with any re-growth. The soil will by then be reduced to a fine tilth and the Friends will carry out a sensible planting project of grass and more suitable bushes. The third seat will be re-installed and residents will again be able to sit and watch the lovely sunsets across the lake.

Our application to the Northampton Community Foundation was granted a couple of months ago. We applied for funding to replace the 2 derelict picnic tables by the lake. We have now ordered the tables which will arrive and be installed ready for use by residents next Spring, or even earlier if we have some mild weather. Do you want to do something rewarding to help wildlife next year? This year some of the Friends saved over 600 frogs and toads during their spring migration. We need volunteers next spring to help our local toads cross Ladybridge Drive on their way to breeding sites. Patrolling occurs on mild evenings from February to April. You can take part as lit-tle or as often as you like. If you are interested please contact Diana on 01604 700927. More information on toads and patrolling can be found on www.froglife.org.

The adoption of the Management Plan for the hill fort has still not happened. It is now being delayed by a change of staff at the Borough Council and we must wait for the new staff to pick the matter up. In the meantime the Friends continue to prepare for the Heritage Lottery bid in as many ways as possible. We will be once again contacting North-ampton Museum about the artefacts, found in the many excavations of the fort site, which are now in museum storage. We are also contact-ing the Archaeology Department at Leicester University for possible student help with research and classification of those artefacts. We recently visited Risborough Hill Fort and Piddington Roman Villa to compare notes and discovered that rare quern stones (used in milling) were discovered at the Hunsbury fort some years ago. Hopefully these will be found in one of the several locations in which the Hunsbury artefacts are stored. As you may have seen on TV the archaeologists at Leicester were recently involved in the recovery of the remains of Richard III. Hunsbury Hill Fort may not be as spectacular but still has a historic importance!

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Now we come to the always divisive matter of dog poo. This time it is a matter of dog dirt in the dark! The Friends are getting a very large number of complaints from those who walk their dogs early in the mornings. Apparently at this time of year there are always problems with owners who walk their dogs at night after dark and don’t bother to clean up their dog’s mess. Early walkers are noticing that there are many more little heaps around, especially on the football pitches at Shelfleys. Some walkers have been kind enough to clear up the mess made by other people’s dogs. They shouldn’t have to do this – please clear up after your own dogs.

The Friends can be contacted about park matters by email on contac-tus@friends of westhunsburyparks.org.uk or you can visit our website www.friendsofwesthunsburyparks.org.uk.

By the time you read this Christmas will be almost here. The Friends wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Anne Jones

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Wootton WIWe meet on the second Wednesday of the month (except August) at 7:30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Street, Wootton (opposite the church).You are very welcome to come as a visitor, and if you would like more information, look at our notice board on the wall near the Wootton village store or ring;

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Peace on earth…Christmas is coming and many will get fat.Right out of pennies and I’ve lost my hat!

As the mutated rhyme reminds us, Christmas is coming. With this season arrive all the conflicting expectations and fears we openly express or fail to hide. ‘Peace on earth’ is heard but not necessarily experienced. True, there are wonderful stories, such as that of the German and Allied soldiers during World War I who laid down their weapons during Christmas 1914 to sing carols together, exchange gifts and play a game of football. Perhaps more of a truce than real peace it remains a heart-warming miracle.Peace and goodwill are bandied about, particularly when we consider our families. For some, a meal on Christmas Day will be spent with loved ones and will be a joyful feast, with much delight expressed over the food, gifts and being together. For others there will be unspoken tension, perhaps the product of years of misunderstanding or hurt and the atmosphere will be anything but peaceful, although everyone will work hard to ‘keep the peace’. Yet others will spend the day alone, sometimes at peace with their solitude or maybe silently screaming in loneliness. Peace at Christmas is a hard concept to realise.The phrase ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’ is from the Authorised version of the Bible towards the beginning of Luke’s account of the good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. A more accurate translation reads ‘peace among men and women with whom God is pleased.’ In other words peace is seen as a gift bestowed by God on those God favours. Some might find this controversial because it means peace is not something we can manufacture, at Christmas or any other time. Peace comes from an attitude of openness, vulnerability and a sense of goodness in life. These traits are most readily experienced when we are open both to other people and to God, the author of goodness and peace. Consid-er the attitudes of the soldiers to their ‘enemies’ in the trenches in December 1914.So if you want a genuinely peaceful Christmas, regardless of the number or nature of people around the table on Christmas Day, why not revisit the Christmas story and the God behind the events? Every church in the area will have services which you will be welcome to join: to sing your favourite carols with company and refreshment – physical, emotional and spiritual. Mean-while St George’s Church will also hold a ‘Blue Christmas’ occasion with hope for those who struggle to experience joy and peace at Christmas. See the

21

details at the end of the magazine for more information.Finally it is worth pondering: Before there can be peace on earth, there needs to be glory to God in the highest.

I wish you and those you love a happy – and yes, peaceful – Christmas.

Rev Lakshmi JeffreysPriest-in-charge of St George the Martyr, Wootton01604 962061 [email protected]

Some Advent & Christmas Activities at St George the Martyr Church, WoottonThroughout November and December in the church there will be a service of Holy Communion on Sunday morning at 10am with these additional events open to all:

Sat 29 Nov 11.00am – 4.00pm Christmas Tree Festival Sun 30 Nov 11.30am – 5.00pm Christmas Tree Festival 5.00pm Christmas Tree Festival Service (thanking God for creativity and community)Sat 06 Dec 5.00pm Christingle Service (includes making Christingles from 4.30pm)Sun 07 Dec 10.00am Advent Family Service (all age service, including lighting the advent crown)Sat 13 Dec 7.30pm Christmas Concert by the Hunsbury Harmonettes Sun 21 Dec 6.00pm Candlelit Carol Service (Advent and Christmas carols and readings)Wed 24 Dec 2.30pm Crib Service (enjoy the build-up and wonder of the scene in the stable)Wed 24 Dec 4.00pm Crib Service (repeat of the service above)Wed 24 Dec 11.30pm Midnight Communion (first communion service of Christmas)Thu 25 Dec 10.00am Christmas All Age Commun ion (meet the person at the centre of Christmas)

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Your Invitation

I wonder how many invitations will you receive to celebrate the festive season this year? Invitations to Christmas meals, parties, carols, shows, and plays. Invitations from family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, school, church, and clubs. Which ones will you turn down? Which ones will you accept?

Jesus, the reason for all the festive invitations we receive this Christmas, was himself an invitation to us from a loving Heavenly Father, inviting us into a personal relationship with Him. And the Good News is this invitation is open to everyone!

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that who-ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’

This Christmas, Christian Celebration Church would like to personally invite you to a special celebration on:

Sunday 14th December‘Carols at Celebration’ at 5pm

With cakes and afternoon tea from 4pm.

And the Good News is this invitation is open to everyone!

Rachel Clarke – Leader of Christian Celebration Church

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Wootton Remembers WW1

This book published in A4 format records the short lives of many of the boys and young men living in Wootton and its neighbouring villag-es, who went to the Western Front and other WW1 battlefields. It outlines their youth and activities, military service and the many battles they all fought in to ensure the continued life of all those left behind in their native country.

Sadly they never returned to England to resume their civilian lives amongst their families and many friends.The profit from the sale of this book will be used for the restoration of the Wootton War Memorial. To order and obtain a copy for your own personal interest, do please call John on 766162

Wootton War Memorial As part of the renovation of our War Memorial to commemorate the start of WW1 I have already had it cleaned and the existing names repainted.However, there are a number of names I unearthed whilst writing the book 'Forever Remembered Our Fallen Heroes of WW1' which do not appear on the Memorial as it stands. It would be a pleasure to add these as an addition to the refurbishment and would ask you, if any of these soldiers is one of your ancestors, and to confirm to me that you are happy to have his name added. The additions, on a granite slab, will take place as soon as it can be arranged. Victor Thomas Adams Christopher Briscoe Bazeley Albert Edward Bellchambers Walter Amos Coe Harry Patrick Gore Sidney Charles Lane Cecil Sturart Thomson Unless I hear to the contrary, I will assume that you are happy for us to recognise their sacrifice publicly. You can contact me on 766162. Thank you. John Page

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From Andre Gonzalez de Savageyour East Hunsbury & Shelfleys County Councillor

The warmest and driest autumn on record has enabled us to make the most of our area and our vibrant County. Being out and about is very rewarding not just for the health benefits. Professional experts positively endorse half an hour of daily exercise, to extend our lives in a healthy way - by at least five years, but also to strengthen our diverse community. We all spend many hours working and contending with our daily routines but how often do we get time to do what we really want to do?

We have a diverse population locally of approximately 30 years in the Hunsburys from all over the world, with present and future population pressures a daily concern. I remember and still have a copy of the Link magazine launch issue, over 20 years ago our area was very different and half the population back then! Having been resident in the area for nearly 30 years I have seen our area grow and establish in many more ways than was envisaged, what will our area feel and look like in 2035?

I am very pleased to have been able to jointly support with Councillor Brian Oldham, the Hunsbury Ironstone Railway Trust with purchase of much needed maintenance equipment to further their excellent active heritage work and operations. If you haven't been to see the railway recently, it's certainly worth a visit. I have also con-tributed empowerment funding towards much needed Welland Valley Football Club facilities - a large project that will benefit many sporting youngsters in our area, who play at West Hunsbury Park. The infrastructure in our area is heavily under pressure through our high local population. Our medical, education, and care facilities are at an all-time fully saturated level. Our road network encircles us with hundreds of thousands of vehicles, delivering, transporting and servicing our community - local and further afield. Every time the A45 or M1 has a blockage, we become a rat run and off route, sat nav short cut. The pollution through noise and air, local congestion and environmental impact is very unwelcome and unhealthy and the future proposed over development of Collingtree golf course land is a bombardment of our area. For many years I have continued to raise the concerns of residents at the various planning and development meetings. Working together with the Hunsbury and Collingtree Residents Alliance and other Councillors, I will continue to raise the genuine con-cerns of the proposal by Bovis Homes of 1000 new homes on Collingtree Park. Worth noting that responsible planning of a smaller number of homes with quality jobs and services would be reasonable - but planning 1000 new homes with the serious local pressures on the Hunsburys and the restricted road network is an overload to our es-tablished community. At my recent surgery the impacts of such plans were discussed and I will continue to represent your concerns throughout the many months and

27

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6.45pm – 9pm ThursdaysThe Abbey Centre Overslade Close Near Hunsbury LibraryLarge car parkContact Pam on 01604 761374

years ahead in the planning cycle. Other local Councillors also share these concerns and will in their Borough Council capacity express their views accordingly. Certainly worth registering your views and concerns through the HCRA website and to the Bor-ough Council planning committee, who will make the final decision. There are public meetings of all the planning Committees and I encourage all to attend and raise views there also. If you have a spare moment please consult the County Council website as there are several public consultations currently active and in December we will also be launch-ing the 12 week public consultation on the County Council draft budget. 2015 will be a very tough year financially for local government and the considerable pressures on Care for the young and senior population put intense pressure on already very scarce resources. Collaboration and shared budgets from all public pound authorities and bodies is the only way to operate. Multiple levels of local government is neither affordable or best use of our taxes.It's important to build into any formal plans public consultation and I encourage your participation. For ease of access, all our public libraries have a range of hard copy documents for referral to including the draft Community Protection Plan through Fire & Rescue. Please do contribute your views on these important plans through the website: www.northamptonshire.gov or in writing to the County Council at County Hall, Northampton.

Wishing you a safe and healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Councillor Andre Gonzalez De SavageCounty Councillor for East Hunsbury and Shelflys West Hunsbury.

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Transparent Goodness

Have you ever met a saint? How would you recognise one if you did? As I write at the end of October, we are approach-ing the feast of All Saints. Here is my favourite description of what a saint is: not someone who is top of the class at being good, but rather someone who has become trans-parent, so that God's goodness shines through them. Someone who obscures God's goodness less than others.

Why do I like this description? Not least because it makes saintliness seem a bit more attainable. As you read this, we will be in the season of Advent, preparing for Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus. And a good description of Jesus is that he is the one, above all, through whom God's goodness shines. He is totally transparent to the joy, the wisdom, the delight, the integrity of God. They can all be clearly seen, in him and through him. Some film depictions of Jesus are rather different. They portray him as detached, otherworldly and austere. But they are misguid-ed! Jesus was never detached, but always fully engaged with the people around him. What's more, people loved his company. Which shouldn't be a surprise. As one writer puts it, goodness is never dull.At this season, which can be rather busy for many of us, let's make sure we notice and appreciate the goodness of those around us. Yes, I know – it's not always pure goodness. We may have to put up with other stuff as well. Never-theless, it's easy to let that blind us to the goodness that there is. So let's not let that happen. Instead, let's appreciate, enjoy, and thank each other for the kindness, the care, the thoughtfulness, and the goodness that we share through-out the year. What's more, can I encourage you to think afresh of the goodness of Jesus? Perhaps read again of his life – for instance in Mark's gospel, which can be read in about an hour and a half. And see afresh the goodness of God shining through his life.All are welcome at the varied programme of Christmas services at Saint Bene-dict's, which I list below. Let me also mention that, before long, we plan to make Saint Benedict's open at certain times of the week, so that people can make the most of its space for quiet, for reflection, and for prayer. Watch our notice boards, the website, and the next issue of Link for more details. Christmas services:

Carol service Sunday, December 14 6pm, followed by mulled wine and mince piesChristingle Sunday, December 21 4 pm Wednesday, December 24 4 pm & 5.30 pm

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Alongside all these special events, our regular routines are open to all, including: main Sunday service at 10am, including Junior church for primary school children; Thirty Minute Church on the second Sunday of the month at 11.30; church cafe on the first Wednesday of each month, from 11am until 2pm. For more details on these, other events, or to listen to recent sermons, to visit our church website (details below).

Finally, may I wish you God's peace and joy this Christmas time, and his blessing and guidance in the New Year.

Rev Jonathan KimberVicar of St Benedict's, HunsburyServing East and West Hunsbury, Camp Hill and Briar Hill01604-768624; [email protected]

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Report on the Wootton Heritage Organisation AGM.

25 members including our President, Jonathon Nunn, attended the AGM on 18th September. Jonathon gave out funds totalling £1,975 to Wootton Memorial Hall, St George’s Church Development Fund, Wootton Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, Wootton Cubs and Beavers, 23rd Northampton Boys Brigade (based in Wootton), St George’s Church and the Wootton War Memorial Repair Fund.

After the conclusion of the business, members and guests enjoyed cheese and wine. Thank you to those members who came and to all who have supported the commit-tee throughout the year.

WHO Programme for 2015

Thursday 15th January: Old Northampton by Pat EdwardsThursday 19th February: To be arrangedThursday 19th March: Growing up in a Railway Family in Far Cotton by Ray WakeThursday 16th April: To be arrangedSunday 3rd May: May Festival at the village schoolThursday 21st May: Musical Quiz and Songs by Steve BrownSaturday 20th June: Annual Food Event possibly related to the 800th Anniversary of the signing of the Magna CartaThursday 16th July: Visit to Great Oakley Brewery now situated in TiffieldAugust: No meetingThursday 17th September: AGMThursday 15th October: Annual Quiz by Derrick BaxterThursday 19th November: Memories of the 1960s by Polly FeeleySaturday 26th December: Wassail Walk. Meet at 10.30 at the Hall

All meetings are held at 7.30 at Wootton Memorial Hall unless otherwise stated. Any-one who would like to join WHO please contact Catherine Driver on 01604 766963 or attend one of our meetings. New members are always welcome.

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38

West Hunsbury Parish Council – Parish Survey Headlines

Seasons Greetings and a Wonderful West Hunsbury New Year

As I write this article the Parish Council has started the work of developing the Parish Plan which will be informed by the results of the Parish Survey together with the feedback Councillors have had from the summer street meetings, various interest groups such as the Scouts and Friends of the park amongst many others and together will provide the basis for our activities over the next 1 – 4 years. It is anticipated that the Parish Plan will be published early in 2015 and this will steer the 2015 – 2016 budget to some extent and hence influence the Precept (That part of the Council Tax that goes directly to the Parish Council and is decided by the Parish Council) that will be charged to us all in April 2015.

This is important work and will set the basis for the future of the Parish Council. With the second elections for West Hunsbury Parish Council in May 2015, will no doubt be the basis for some be debate and alternatives presented to voters during that election. This short article will pick up on the key headlines from the survey and some observations from them but not try and identify what and how the Parish Plan will develop.

The NumbersWhat are the main conclusions from the analysis?

Whilst the response rate is reasonable for this type of exercise at c10% the 198 surveys contained very wide range of views from the 10.6% of houses (11.2% of properties on the electoral roll) who answered. The Council are mindful as a result that even the items that had the strongest feedback are the views given by only a relatively small number of residents. The 90% who did not respond will have views; a proportion will not have completed the survey because they have no real burning issues or improvements they want to see, others due to apathy, others just didn’t get around to completing it.

Where other Parishes have carried out similar surveys responses have been as high as 80% where it is a more distinct village parish and / or there were passionate interests and issues. Many people probably didn’t respond here as they felt there are few if any burning issues rather than apathy. Perhaps any apathy where that was the reason occurred as there were no issues spuring individuals to respond.

Whilst the Parish Council has a lot of useful information, it also recognises that there was a clear bias in the households that have responded (some areas hade exception-ally low response rates and relatively very high) and therefore the responses cannot be said to be truly representative of the diverse communities across the Parish.

39

To illustrate this 4 of the 7 areas recorded above average response rates (These areas were just the natural areas within West Hunsbury and are available on request). In fact 61% of the 198 responses were returned from 45% of the households. In the remaining 3 areas representing 55% of the households we received just 33% of the returns. This is further illustrated with 38% of the respondents declaring themselves as pensioner households. (Around 13.5% of residents are over 65, typical for North-ampton and lower than the national 16.5%)

The data set has a lot of detail and although mostly well anonymised some may be transparent with a little digging so perhaps should not be published. Some of the graphs are included in this article as illustrations but are by no means the full set from which the Councillors have drawn

Things seen as most important by respondentsThe parish council held a workshop in early October to draw out from the detail the items that councillors believe had most importance and these were categorised in preparation for the plan to be developed. It was noted that West Hunsbury has a significant level of its services provided by Northamptonshire County Council, North-ampton Borough Council and as in all areas of the country their agencies such as the Police together with some National Agencies such as the Environmental Agency and Water Companies.

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The activities suggested by the survey fall in to two types: Those where the improvement or activity should be provided by one of the other agencies described as it is their responsibility in which case the Parish Council needs to champion this and advocate / campaign on behalf of West Hunsbury.The second are those areas where the Parish Council should take action or engage in some activity as the responsibility does not rest elsewhere or where we want to improve on a basic provision from elsewhere and have something better for West Hunsbury than the standard service.

The following summarises the outcome from the workshop and will be the basis for further discussion about what will and will not be addressed. In doing this the Council will have to take note of costs and value for money, what is actually possible and what they believe is right and wanted by the majority of residents.

Parish Council Activity and ResponsibilityAs the first elected councillors to a new parish council we feel (and it is reflected in the survey results) that we have an important role in developing awareness of the parish council and the very real benefits it could bring to our area and its residents.1. Parish Council Purpose and Vision (High Priority)- Mission and Role of WHPC - Level of knowledge of community activities - Community Identity- Leadership role- Communication and value2. Clear plan of action for the parish- Working with community groups /Community ActivitiesCounty / Borough / Other Agency ResponsibilityWhere other bodies provide a service in our area, we feel the parish council has a duty (where that service falls below the standard residents reasonably expect and want) to help residents bring that to the attention of the responsible authorities and, where appropriate, use parish funds to provide a higher standard of service. - Parish Council Advocates / Monitors and - Consider activity / augmenting provision3. Green Space Maintenance (High Priority)- Hedges, Trees, Park Maintenance4. Traffic (High Priority)- Local Traffic Speed5. Litter / Dog Dirt (Medium Priority)6. Car Parking (Low Priority)- Street parking, Car Parks

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7. Park facilities /Facilities in Parks (Medium Priority)8. Crime (Medium Priority)- West Hunsbury is a low crime area this was raised as an issue- Fear of Crime may be the real concern? County / Borough / Other Agency Responsibility – Parish Council to Advocate9. Environmental Issues (Medium Priority)- Noise, Flooding10. Lighting - Lighting on Trunk Roads (Low Priority) 11. Ironstone Pub (Medium Priority)- What do we want it to be / Not be: Pub / takeaway / coffee shop / Shop Where the Parish engages in an activity this may involve cost but in many of the ar-eas, particularly the ‘Advocacy and Do’ combinations much will be achieved through communication, organisation of community actions and other efforts.

If you have any further thoughts or contributions and concerns please let the Parish Councillors know through our clerk Mrs Shirley Wong who can be contacted on 01604-700691 or by email to [email protected]. Alternatively you could attend a Parish Council Meeting on the 3rd Thursday Evening of each month, 7.30pm at the Parson Meade Centre.

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From your West Hunsbury Borough CouncillorBrian Oldham

Dear Fellow Residents,

I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits as Christmas fast approaches. The last time I wrote to you, I mentioned of the outcome of the Northampton Entry in the East Midlands in Bloom Competition was imminent.

It pleases me to say the result was very good. Northampton was awarded a Silver Gilt, and most improved area in the whole of the region, at the East Midlands in bloom competition.Also my thanks go out to Northamptonshire ACRE, Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust, Friends of West Hunsbury Country Park, who incidentally received a special commendation award from the EMIB judges, West Hunsbury Parish Coun-cil, and in particular chairman George Hook all of whom played there part in West Hunsbury’s contribution for the Northampton entry. There was also successes for various West Hunsbury organisations at the Northamp-ton in Bloom competition. A special mention should also go to Mr Navin Gathani of The Hill Shop, who helped sponsor the Northampton event by donating three voucher prizes to be used in the shop, to the total value of £100. A truly community spirited gesture, Many Thanks Navin.Well done to everyone involved, it was a tremendous team effort. My heartiest con-gratulations and thanks once again goes out to you all.I was particularly pleased that Welwyn Valley F.C was granted planning permission to build their new changing rooms, and I wish them well moving things forward. It was particularly rewarding for me, that after almost two years of lobbying the Highways department a consultation was organised for the residents of St Benedict’s Mount, To have their say on their parking problems which have been occurring in the area. I only hope that everyone took the opportunity to voice their opinion. Equally after almost three years of constant chasing, I have managed to get the trees cut back at the corner of Danes Camp Way/Hunsbury Hill Road. So that the signs for LOCAL ACCESS ONLY for HGV’S, and the 30 mph speed limit could be seen when exiting Danes Camp Way into Hunsbury Hill Road. On the subject of trees, this topic is a source of frustration for some residents of West Hunsbury.There is a great deal of concern for some people who see the size and condition of

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some trees as a source of danger. The problem is widespread across the Borough, and I with other Councillors spoke about this at a recent full Council meeting. Resulting in the Overview and Scrutiny Committee being requested to investigate the problem and report back to the Council.Please be assured of my commitment to representing you, the residents of West Hunsbury, to the best of my ability.Also, please feel free to contact me regarding any matter where you feel I may be of assistance to you.

May I also take this opportunity of wishing you all health and happiness for the fes-tive season.

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Councillor Brian OldhamWest Hunsbury Ward - Northampton Borough Council07891 [email protected]

46

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From your MP – Andrea Leadsom With the General Election soon upon us, there is much to debate and consider as the country de-cides who will form the Government for the next five years. I think the current Government, in spite of being in Coalition, has made great progress on key areas, and we go into 2015 with signifi-cant reforms to welfare, education and pensions alongside the huge strides the economy has made towards recovery under our stewardship.

Though there is still a great deal to do to get our economy back into full health, I am confident that we have a strong record of achievement from the last five years.

I enjoy getting out and about in the constituency as often as I can and it is vital to hear from constituents about the issues that concern them so that I can try to help. I wrote last time that I have been distributing surveys for over a year and a half now as part of a programme of ‘action days’ across the constituency, when I visit our towns and villages to call on local residents to discuss issues that matter to them. I have so far visited 36 villages, parishes and towns and I have many more visits planned for the coming months!

I visited many areas around the Borough of Northampton at the beginning of this year. I was very grateful for the hospitality and the interest shown by many in sharing their views with me on the doorstep and in their homes.

In Grange Park, residents reported that getting high speed broadband and improving the school catchment areas are really important issues. A recent by-election saw Si-mon Clifford and Adil Sadygov elected as the new District Councillors for Grange Park. I know they will be an excellent team and will be working to deal with issues including the need for decent broadband services.

Residents of Upton reported traffic and road conditions as the biggest issue. Another problem reported by residents of Upton is the level of crime and anti-social behav-iour, with 33% of responses to my survey noting that crime is a problem in their area. In West Hunsbury, many residents also reported trouble with the traffic and road con-ditions and also a concern that there aren’t enough streetlights and a lack of parking. Wootton had similar issues and there was also concern about building on areas likely to flood.

I am regularly corresponding and meeting with our local Councils, the Police and Crime Commissioner and other relevant authorities to represent your views to them and try to resolve some of the issues faced by those in our area including on matters

51

such as wind farms, planning and broadband as well as many others.

I also spoke with residents about issues personal to them but please always remem-ber that you don’t need to wait for a leaflet, survey or for me to knock on your door! If you have an issue on which you would like my help, please contact me directly:• E-mail me at [email protected]• Write to me at – House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A0AA• Telephone my local office – 01604 859721

In Parliament I remain committed to achieving fundamental reform in Europe and I have set up the Fresh Start project to research a better relationship for Britain in the European Union in support of David Cameron’s promise to hold an In/Out referen-dum in 2017. It is vital that the British public finally have their say on our relationship with Europe. UKIP cannot deliver the change that is needed and I want to convey the very strong message that it is only a Conservative Government that can and will deliver this change.

In my new ministerial role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, I am pursuing significant reform to our banking system, as well as building business links around the world for British financial services. It’s a great privilege to be a part of the Government, and I look forward to continuing to play a role in building a stronger economy in Britain.

I recently led a Government delegation to India in order to launch a new Financial Partnership between Britain and India. The partnership will establish closer ties be-tween London and Mumbai, enabling deeper financial cooperation between the two financial centres.

I gave a speech in Mumbai to Indian financial policy makers and the leaders of both Indian and UK financial services firms during which I was delighted to announce this new partnership. Sharing our knowledge and expertise will open up new opportu-nities for our financial services industries and the wider economies of both of our nations, and forms a key part of our long term economic plan.

2014 is flying by and 2015 is fast approaching! I hope to have the opportunity to soon update you again on some of my work on your behalf in our area and in Parliament.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosper-ous New Year.

With best wishes,Andrea

Tel: 01604 859721 - Constituency OfficeE-mail: [email protected]

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Hunsbury Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild

Abbey Centre, Overslade Road, adjacent to Tesco and the LibraryWe meet at 1:45pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month. We have talks, film slides and demonstrations. Also, Barbecue Event and Strawberry Tea during the year. Visitors and new members are always very welcome. Come along, or contact Jill Whitehead 01604 700727

Dec 18th Christmas Social

Jan 15th Charity presentation

Feb 19th “Elizabeth, Tudor Housewife” talk by Denise Legge

Mar 19th AGM

The joint committee of Wootton WI, Wootton Heritage Organi-sation and The Hall Committee), are putting on a show through Northants Touring Arts, it is called "Off The Scale" performed by Shoo Shoo Baby. At Wootton Memorial Hall, on Friday 17th April 2015 at 8.00pm, tickets cost £8.50 and can be purchased from Carole on 01604 701925.

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From your Nene Valley County Councillor

Phil Larratt

I hope this article finds you well as the festive season approaches. At the time of writing, Halloween, we’re enjoying record high temperatures for the time of year. I wonder if this a good omen for the coming winter?

Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the Friends of Bouverie House, Hardingstone, and Northampton Borough

Council in transforming this community room. Bouverie House is now a wel-coming venue with good quality facilities making it a great community asset. The Friends did an excellent job in raising funds for equipment and furniture etc. Well done to all those involved. I was very pleased to have been able to support the Friends in this project with funding from my Councillors Empow-erment Fund.

I would also like to congratulate all those involved in organising Hardingstone Village Weekend in the summer that was most enjoyable and successful. It was a really great community event that I was also pleased to support through my Empowerment Fund.

Throughout the year I have been able to support through my Empowerment Fund: the Wootton Youth Project; Hardingstone Cubs trip to Germany; Woot-ton Seniors Club; and Hardingstone History Society. I look forward to being able to support other community groups in Nene Valley as the year progress-es. Please contact me if you feel I can be of assistance.

Things have been a bit quiet on the development front throughout the sum-mer, but now they’re starting to hot up again. At the time of writing I have not been informed that the Hardingstone developer has submitted an appeal against the welcome decision of the Northampton Borough Council Plan-ning Committee to refuse planning permission for 1,300 houses off Newport Pagnell Road. They have until mid-November to do so. I’m afraid that it is hard to imagine that they won’t appeal. Any appeal will be dealt with by a Public Enquiry. I would urge as many residents as possible to attend any such Enquiry in order to voice their concerns and objections regarding the proposal directly to the Inspector considering it.

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The Inspectors report into the proposed West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy was published a few weeks ago. Unfortunately the Inspector has judged the strategy to be sound subject to a few minor amendments. The plan can now be adopted. The County Council and the Borough Council are now considering how best to address this outcome, and various legal issues. The West Northamptonshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee will be meeting on 15th December to discuss this outcome. The County Council and Borough Council representatives on that Committee will be voting against accepting the Inspectors Report, but it will no doubt be forced through for acceptance by those representing Daventry and South Northants Council’s, using the Chairman’s casting vote. Totally un-democratic in my opinion. I have a letter from the Governments Planning Minister indicating that it is up to each Local Authority to decide whether or not to adopt the strategy. I believe that neither the County nor Borough Council will be adopting the strategy, and I will do all I can to ensure that they don’t. Development at Hardingstone and Collingtree provides little or no much needed infrastructure and will only add pressure to the existing infrastructure problems throughout the areas surrounding the development sites, i.e. the A45 and the Newport Pagnell Road. Developing elsewhere can deliver much needed infrastructure, i.e. a North West By-pass for Northampton.

Bovis are pursuing their Planning Applications with regard to development at Collingtree, off Rowtree Road. At the time of writing it is expected that Northampton Borough Council’s Planning Committee will determine the applications at its meeting in The Guildhall, Northampton, at 6.00 pm on 16th December. I would urge as many local residents as possible who are con-cerned about these applications to attend this meeting so that the strength of community opposition to the proposals is clear to the Committee.I’m aware that there is much concern in Collingtree with regard to Roxhill’s / Howden’s proposed development to the south of M1 junction 15. Howden’s have out grown their current premises on Brackmills where they currently employ over 700 people. They need new and larger premises as their busi-ness is growing. If they don’t develop in or around Northampton they’ll simply go elsewhere, like Milton Keynes or Rugby. Can Northampton afford to lose these jobs? I don’t think so. Moving elsewhere is really unfair and detrimental to Howden’s existing employees. It will also be detrimental to the town’s economy, especially when we all should want Northampton to be a successful town for business and employment opportunity and attract inward investment. The proposals do include significant improvement to the highway network in the area, as well as much better access and egress to Wa-tering Lane, Collingtree, and the removal of the lay-by adjacent to the Hilton Hotel.

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I am pleased to say that Silverstone have clearly said that they are not at present interested in developing land off Watering Lane, Collingtree, as a Park & Ride facility. Consequently the County Council have leased the land for agricultural purposes. However, I feel that this may not be the last of the matter, and it may well become an issue in a few years’ time.Speeding traffic through Collingtree remains a problem, especially at the High Street crossroads where it is difficult for people, particularly young children, to cross Ash Lane / Watering Lane on their way to and from school and other village facilities. I am pleased that the County Council, with my involvement, is working with the Parish Council to resolve this matter and improve the crossing facility.

There is significant growth in the school age population throughout North-ampton. Many Primary Schools are currently undergoing expansion to accommodate this. A new school has opened in a converted office building in The Avenue, Cliftonville, to accommodate pupils from within central North-ampton. While there is currently a demand for additional Primary School places, there will shortly be a demand for more Secondary School places. The County Council is therefore converting the old Royal Mail Sorting Office on Barrack Road, into a new 1,500 place Secondary, 420 place Primary, and 300 place 6th Form School. This will go some way to alleviating the immediate demand for secondary places, but more will be needed. The transformation of Wootton Hall Park into a school that will hopefully open in 2016 will also help meet the demand for such places.

Children’s Services remain a priority within the County Council. Improve-ments to the service are on-going but at great cost. Additional Social Workers are being recruited and trained to provide the quality care service our vul-nerable children deserve. There are currently a record number of children in care, something that is a matter of concern. This service will remain a priority until the quality of provision is more highly rated and totally fit for purpose.Many street lights throughout the area were renewed earlier in the year. Despite some specific problems in a couple of roads, and an un-adopted road, the new lights have been welcomed. There are a few areas within Harding-stone, Wootton, and Wootton Fields where the lights are still to be renewed. I believe that these will be renewed in the first quarter of 2015. I have re-quested that the heritage lamp-posts in Green Lane, Wootton, remain as they add character to the village Conservation Area. With my Borough Council colleagues, we are still pursuing the replacement / renewal of the Borough Council lights on the pathway from Hardy Drive to Bouverie Road, through the garage area by the water tower, and the two lights in the grassed area in front of Bouverie House.

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Having received representations from residents regarding turning right out of Waitrose / Wyevale, across the lane of traffic turning right into the site, I took this matter up with the County Council. I have today learned that the Council has completed a safety audit of the junction, concluding that there is not a problem that warrants any action. I haven’t yet seen the audit report but will do so in the near future and report back accordingly.It remains my pleasure and privilege to represent the residents of Nene Valley Division on Northamptonshire County Council. Please contact me if you feel I can assist you in any way.

With all good wishes for a very Happy Christmas, and a Prosperous New Year.

Phil LarrattTel: 07770 637160E-mail: [email protected]

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Abbey Centre Baptist Church – contact Ad-ministrators on 01604 767568.Services Sunday 10.45am and 6.00pm.Devotions most Wednesdays at 7.30pm.Midweek Meetings as announced.For church meetings, further details of the church’s life and work; or regarding child blessings, weddings, funerals, counselling, etc, contact Rev Gareth Shepherd 01604 767526/767568.Abbey Community Theatre: Tuesdays and Fri-days 7.30 to 10.00pm. Contact Derek Wilson 01604 761291Aikido Club (10-16 & adult): Wednesday and Friday 7.00 to 10.00pm. Contact Ian Geddes 01604 634901Art Class: Mondays 9.30 to noon. Contact Marion Aveling 01604 859109Autism Concern: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 6.00 to 8.00pm. Contact Wendy Hunter 01604 239404Baby and Toddlers: Wednesday 9.30 to 11.30am. Contact Leanne Read 07445 839432Beekeepers: Various days and times. Contact Trevor Minett 01788 890908Brownies: Monday 6.00 to 7.30pm. Contact Julie Wade 07931 746646Thursday 6.00 to 7.30pm. Contact Sue Hol-man 01604 465874Carpet Bowls: Thursdays 7.00 to 9.00pm. Contact Madeleine Lambert 01908 571438Childminders: 2nd Wednesday 9.30 to 11.30am. Contact Janette Beneoechea 01604 705370Cloud Nine Holidays: Departure Point various times. Country Lion 08003 457575Esther International Ministries: Last Saturday of month 2.00 to 6.00pmGala Concert Group: Rehearsal Thursdays 7.45pm. Contact Steve Baker 01604 877148.Guides: Monday 7.30 – 9.00pm. Contact Julie Wade 07931 746646Thursday 7.00 to 9.00pm. Contact Jenna Wood 01604 760620LEAP: Day opportunities for adults with learn-ing difficulties. Various days. Contact Fiona Mortimer/Gaynor Smith 07703 192931

Little Kickers: Friday 9.30 to 11.30am. Contact Antony Newbould 07717 717140Lunch Club: 60+. Contact 01604 767568Music and Drama (MAD): 8-11s Wednesday 6.30 to 7.30pmClub and Performances 12-15s Wednesday 7.30 to 8.30pm. Contact Theresa Ellis 01604 701823Northamptonshire Carers: 2nd Thursday 12.00 to 2.00pm. Contact Jenny Osborne 01933 677837Parkinsons Disease Society: 1st and 2nd Tuesdays 10.00am to 3.00pm. Contact Val Hamblin 01788 521304Pre School: Monday to Friday 9.15 to 11.45am and 12.15 to 2.45pm. Contact Sue Philpott 07980 092175Princes Trust: Contact Wayne Taylor 07766 365211Rangers: Alternate Thursdays. 7.00 to 9.00pm. Contact Elaine 07915 075640Scouts: Beavers: 6-8 years. Wednesday 6.00 to 7.15pmCubs: 8-10 years. Monday 6.30-8.00pmScouts: 10-15 years. Tuesday 7.30 to 9.30pm.Scout Chairman Andrew Thomas 01604 517364.Sing and Sign: Friday 1.00 to 3.00pm. Contact Jennifer Johnstone 07985 523113Slimming World: Monday 4.00 to 9.00pm and Wednesday 9.00 to 11.00am. Contact Sylvia Paget 07525 469283Theological Society: bi-monthly 3rd Tuesday 7.30pm. Contact Alan Riley 01604 716901Townswomen’s Guild: 3rd Thursday. 1.45 to 3.45pm. Contact Sue Moore 01604 760743Veterinary Service: Monday to Friday 9.00 to 10.30am and Monday/Wednesday/Friday 4.30 to 6.30pm. Contact 01604 760970/648221Youth Inspired: Youth Club 11-19 years. Fri-day 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact Jenny Evans 01604 705055Abington Museum - 631454. Open Tues-Sun 1 - 5 pmAlopecia Sufferers Sat Coffee Mornings. Want

Directory of Organisations

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to chat with other sufferers, contact Karen on 07843838324Art Class Milton Malsor village hall Wednes-days in term time 1.30-3.30pm contact Marion Aveling 01604 859109Blacky More Community CentreContact Wootton Parish Council 01604 705055Central Museum & Art Gallery - 238458. Open Mon - Sat 10 am - 5 pm. Sun 2 - 5 pmChildminders’ Group contact Annie Walker 765979 meets Butts Road Community Centre1st and 3rd MondaysChristian Celebration 01604 702178 e-mail: [email protected] at Wootton Trinity, High St, at 10:00am & 6pm.Collingtree CEVA Primary School - 01604 761469 Headteacher: Mrs Sonia Clews Lawns Lodge Lane Collingtree Northampton NN4 0NQGroup 8 Theatre CompanyThursday 7.30 - 10.00 pm contact JohnEllerby 870513. Hunsbury Guides, Brownies and Rainbows - contact Karen McFarlane District Commis-sioner 705965Hunsbury A Townswomen’s Guild - contact Jill Whitehead 01604 700727. Meets 3rd Thursday of the month 1.45 pm at the Abbey Centre, Overslade RoadHunsbury Hill Womens Institute - contact Ro-sie Duddy, 01604 767670. Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month 7.45pm at Camp Hill Communi-ty Centre, Dayrell Road.Hunsbury Residents’ Association - contact André Gonzalez Tel 702288Linedance Club - Crystal Cats Linedance Club - Caroline Chisholm School. 7 - 8pm Absolute Beginners 7- 8pm Beginners/Improvers 8-10pm Improvers/Intermediates every Monday in the Main Hall Contact Gill Bradley 07733 091865Music Bugs (6m - 5 years with parent or carer) Thursdays in Hardingstone Village Hall, 9.30 18m +, 10.30 6m - 2 yrs, contact Fiona on 0844 578 1017 or email fiona@musicbugs.

co.ukNorthamptonshire Association for Local History (NALH), an umbrella group for Local History societies and open to membership by individuals. Contact Secretary Jane Waterfield [email protected] Two annu-al meetings are held. March in Northants Record Office, Wootton Hall and in October a history day hosted by a local history society (2004 Brigstock). A publication (Hindsight) is produced for members. Contact editor on [email protected] Sports & Social ClubWootton Hall park, MerewayTel No 01604 767766 [email protected] Camera Club - Meetson Mondays 7.45 pm at Hardingstone Village Hall contact Dave Humphreys01604 674193http://www.northamptoncameraclub.org.uk/frames.html for full detailsNorthampton Cyclists’ Touring Club - Regular Saturday and Sunday cycle rides and Wednes-day meetings. www.ctc-northampton.org.uk e-mail: [email protected] Junior Chess ClubContact Ian Marsh [email protected] or via the website:http://www.northamptonjuniorchessclub.org.uk/Northampton Lions Club Contact David Williams [email protected] 20s and 30s Ramblers - walks most weekends. Contact http://www.lgrtr.org.uk or email us on [email protected] Intervarsity Club - contact Neil Pritchard 765412 www.ivc.org.uk/northants Clubnight Mondays, 9:00 onwards in the White Hart in Great HoughtonParkinsons Disease Society meets Abbey Centre 2nd Tuesday 9 am - 3pm contact Val Hamblin 01327 702253. 24 hour help line 0844 225 3628 / 01788 521304Slimming World - Tuesdays at 7.00 pm Simon

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De Senlis School. Contact Sandie 858294St Benedict’s Church (C of E) - contact Revd Jonathan Kimber 768624Services: Sundays 10 am Parish Communion Service. 2nd Sun of month 11.30 am 30 Min-ute Church. Sunday Evening Service 4pm on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each monthWednesday 10 am Holy Communionfollowed by CoffeeChildren’s GroupsParents & TotsMon 1 pm to 2.30pm at The PortakabinSimon de Senlis School - contact JulieRobinson 769321Tues and Thurs 9.15-11.15 at The PortakabinSimon de Senlis School Thur 1.30pm to 3 pmPreschool Mon - Fri 9.00am to 11.30amand 12.15pm to 2.45 pm in the Church Hall - contact 708469Mothers’ Union - Meets twice a month con-tact Nessie Mills 767395.Bellringers - Practice Monday evenings. New recruits always welcome! Contact Geoffrey Brown 769472 Anne England 766303St George the Martyr Church (C of E) Woot-ton - contact Revd Lakshmi Jeffreys 962061Services: every week at 10am (please note new time)1st Sunday of the month – Family Service2nd & 4th Sunday of the month – Holy Com-munion (10am); Morning Worship (11.30am)3rd & 5th Sunday of the month – Holy Com-munionAll are welcome to all services. Holy Communion includes groups for children over 3 years old; other services are for all ages together. Baptism enquiries and wedding enquiries contact 962061‘Little Stars’ – Toddler Praise: Tuesday in term-time 2 - 3pm (enquiries 962061)‘WoW’ – Worship on Wednesday in term-time 3.30-4.15pm at Wootton Primary School (enquiries Rona 887045)Coffee Morning – Thursday 10.30am – 12pm hot drinks and cakes in church (enquiries 766162)

Bellringers – contact John Page 766162 or Elaine 763918Practice every Tuesday evening, 7.30-9.00.Everyone welcome, including beginners. Stroller’s Walking Club for LadiesWalks take place on Tuesday morning; and the first Sunday of each month, in the after-noon. Contact Rosalind on 01604 700017 or Linda on 07968 556846 for more informationTai Chi Tuesdays 7-8.30 pm Wootton Memori-al Hall contact Lindsey Cox 07738 532394Weightwatchers - Meets Thursdays at 7.00 pm St Benedict’s Church Hall Contact Mandi Mansfield 07955 380030Wootton Heritage Organisationcontact Derrick Baxter 763289Meets on the third Thursday of the month in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. £2.00 entrance fee to help pay for the hire of the hall. All are welcome to attend.Wootton Parish Council - contact Parish Office 705055. Wootton Community & Sports Centre Contact Wootton Parish Council 01604 705055 Wootton Memorial Hall contact David Black-bourn 767438At present there is no fixed programme so keep an eye on the notice board by the main gate of the HallWootton WI We meet on the second Wednesday of the month (except August) at 7:30pm in the Memorial Hall Wootton. Con-tact Pat Faulkner 01604 769 931 orGabriele Castle 01604 371 556 Wootton Trinity Centre, High Street Wootton the home base of ‘Christian Celebration’Contact www.christiancelebration.co.ukLittle Acorns Toddler group (Wootton)Tuesdays (term time only) 9.30am-11.30amcontact Mandy 01604 764605Wootton Trinity Toddler GroupFridays (term time only) 9.30am-11.30amcontact Mandy 01604 764605The Friday Sweethearts(Girls Group)age 5 -11, Fridays at 5.30pm - 6.45pmat Towcester Road Methodist Church, Southampton Road,Contact Abbey Gisanrin

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07908526691Grange Park Church (CofE and Baptist) www.grangeparkchurch.comRev Charlie Nobbs Office: 01604 709519 Home 01604 875188Services: 10:30am Sundays in GP Community Centre; Wednesdays 12:30 in Kairos CentreBaptism & Wedding Enquiries contact vicar [email protected] Stepping Stones: (carers & pre-school chil-dren) Tuesdays 9:15 GP Community Centre Contact Charlotte 875188Youth Drop-in (age 11+) Tuesday 3:30pm at Kairos Centre, Wilks Walk, Grange ParkMessy Church: Monthly Monday 3:30pm at Kairos Centre Contact Charlotte 875188Kairos Coffee ShopFriendly community coffee shop open Mon, Wed, Thurs & Frid 9:30-12:30 All Welcome. The Kairos Centre, Wilks Walk, GP, NN4 5DDTalking Point Group for new mums and their babies to meet together and see health visi-tors. Thurs 10-12 10 Foxglove Close, Grange

Park, NN4 5DD Tel: 875188Kairos Community Rooms: Excellent commu-nity rooms to hire for community activities and private events. The Kairos Centre, Wilks Walk Grange Park. Contact Bookings 709519 or [email protected] Counselling Service: Individual counselling, wellness & wellbeing cours-es, beating stress. Contact Alan Patterson 709519 working out of Kairos Centre, Grange Park, NN4 5DDBaby Basics: We collect good quality used baby clothes, moses baskets etc clean them up and provide them to new mums in difficult circumstances. Drop off at Kairos Centre, Grange Park. Contact Angie 709519 or [email protected]

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HospitalsBarratt Maternity Hospital 634700 Cynthia Spencer House 678030Favell House 671457Harborough Lodge 844586Northampton General Hospital 634700NGH, Outpatients 631399Princess Marina Hospital 752323St Andrews Hospital 616000Three Shires Hospital 620311Upton House Day Hospital 632958LeisureBlacky More Community Centre bookings 705055Danes Camp Leisure Centre 837200Derngate 624811Royal Theatre 632533The Cobblers 757773The Saints 751543County Cricket Club 632917Tourist Information 622677TravelNorthampton Transport 751431Stagecoach East 01604 67 60 60(0800-1800 Mon to Fri and 0800-1500 Sat)Traveline 0870 6082608Birmingham Airport 0121 7675511 East Midlands Airport 01332 852852Luton Airport 01582 405100National Train Information 08457 484950County Council 0300 126 1000Northampton Borough CouncilStreet Lighting 0800 085 0257Local ServicesHunsbury Library 0300 126 1000.Wootton Library 0300 126 1000Northampton County Council 236236Job Centre 443200Benefits & Contributions 446100Careers Advice 234762Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 8552122Fly tipping 0800 807060CLARENCE (Road defects etc) 0800 232323TESCO TROLLEYS (abandoned) 0800 505555

Member Of ParliamentAndrea Leadsom 01604 859 721Parish Council Office 705055PoliceNon-emergency 101Emergency 999Schools Abbey Primary 660100Abbeyfield School 763616Ashton CE Primary School 863189Briar Hill Primary 768392Caroline Chisholm School 669200Collingtree CEVA Primary School 761469East Hunsbury Primary 677970Hardingstone Primary School 761250Hunsbury Park Primary 761566Northampton High School 765765Northampton School for Boys 230240Northampton School for Girls 499311Preston Hedges Primary 665860Queen Eleanor Primary 761200Elizabeth Woodville School 862125Simon de Senlis Primary 661011Wootton Primary 761679ChurchesSt Benedict’s (CE)Revd Jonathan Kimber 768624St George the Martyr, WoottonAbbey Centre (Baptist) 767568St Francis & St Therese (RC) 768483Christian Celebration (at Wootton Trinity Centre) 702178 [email protected] www.christiancelebration.co.ukGrange Park Church (CofE and Baptist)Rev Charlie Nobbs Office: 01604 709519 Home 01604 [email protected]

Some Important Telephone Numbers

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Virtual Sales Team (VST) is a local award winning B2B Telemarketing Company and we want you...As a result of our continued growth and success, VST are now looking for experienced office based professionals to join our diverse calling team based in Rushmills on the Bedford Road (near the Britannia Inn)Why join us? Well here are just a few reasons;

Are you self motivated?Are you determined to succeed?

Call Hannah today for an informal chat on 01604 609940 or alternatively email [email protected]

• We are a friendly professional team• We firmly believe in a work-life balance so you have flexibility• We are family focused, for example we can fit around your school runs• We have free parking • We offer flexible working patterns – full and part time• We offer competitive rates of pay plus additional benefits• We don’t use any scripts

VST is one of the fastest growing sales support & lead generation agencies in the UK. If you are not interested in recruitment but think this would be relevant for your company

please visit www.virtualsalesteam.co.uk or call our new business team on 0800 085 5574.

VST-Motivated-leaflet2014b.indd 1 6/11/14 13:46:27

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link 80 for website

Documents

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st georges wootton

wootton primary school

wootton heritage organisation

wootton war memorial

west hunsbury parish

residents of east hunsbury