SCAN text June 2005
Headlines:
SO LONG, DAVE !
REF. BOWS OUT AFTER OUR BEST-EVER CHEESE-ROLLING - FULL RESULTS INSIDE
Cheese-Rolling referee Dave Stanbridge retires after 23 years. What a record!
STORMIN’ON UP !PROMOTED STILTON FC GO STRAIGHT TO THIRD PLACE IN LEAGUE
CANDID CAMERADO WE NEED CCTV? GIVE US YOUR VIEWS
WEBBED FEATOUR SUPERB NEW-LOOK WEBSITE - CHECK IT OUT!
HOW WE DIDFULL REPORT ON YOUR PARISH COUNCIL’S ACTIVITIES
GARDEN FRESHIS YOURS THE BEST-KEPT GARDEN IN STILTON?
The Parish Pump – local news
Best-ever Cheese-Rolling ?
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT !
2005 - perhaps the best Cheese Rolling ever; superb weather, record crowds, more teams, a happy day for everyone. See our special results feature on p10
THANKS EVERYBODY !
Cheese Rolling doesn't happen by itself; it takes months of preparations by many people, so thanks to:
The Organisers:Carol Warren, Olive Mainand Linda Stanbridge.
Our special guest and co-presenter:Warwick Davis and Adam Vickers.
The Sponsors:Chris, Fran & family at the Talbot
Liam and his staff at the Bell
The Stilton Cheese Makers Association
Rick Landy for his Stilton Wedge Cheese Dishes
Matthew at Browns of Stilton
Course Builders and Road Signs:Ian Turner with his gang of Matthew, Andrew, Daniel & Joshua
The May King & Queen's Bentley:Colin at Colbrook
Race Control:Doug and Pat Maltman
Café Royal:Peter & Linda Mitchell and Stilton Church
Clearing Up:Ian Croll & Ian Bellamy (Stilton Parish Council) helped by our binmen from HDC
Bunting:Rob(Gnome Trader) and Ringway
Loan of the Lorry:Barry (BA Transport)
The Maypole Dancers:Children of Stilton and Holme Schools
The May Queen Crowns:Libby Henson
Judging the May Queen:Jenny Simpson
Cambridgeshire ConstabularyEspecially PC Rebecca O'Neill
St John's AmbulanceFor being there all day and evening
Residents of North StreetFor putting up with it all!
HELP !
Now that Linda Stanbridge has moved out of Stilton, the Community Association needs someone to take her place and help make next year’s Cheese-Rolling happen. If you enjoyed this year’s event, or think you could help make next year’s even better, why not come and join us? Just call Olive on 241206 and watch her bite your hand off!
Stilton Parish Council
CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005
GETTING WITH I.T.
This has turned out to be the year when we finally embraced new technology (or most of us did!) The Clerk can now send out agendas, minutes etc. by email. Between meetings it is now easier to contact all members if something urgent or momentous occurs. Also, the village web site (stilton.org) has been revamped and is well on the way to being one of the best in the County. Another bonus is the use of HDC's web site to pick up Planning Applications and decisions; this is very helpful to our Planning Committee and makes it easier to respond within 21 days. It also helps residents keep in touch with applications that affect them personally. In fact, once the Worthington Close planning conditions were satisfied there have not been any very contentious applications this year. We did successfully object to an application at Sheeplair Farm in Folksworth as it was felt to be detrimental to the area lying between the two villages. We also met Malcolm Sharp (HDC) to hear about changes in Planning procedures.
NEW FACES
We have had to spend time on our own procedures; Sara Bailey resigned due to pressure of work. It took several months to get the necessary permission to fill the vacancy. We were very pleased that four people applied; Christina Tallowin was elected and welcomed to the Council. As part of our planned look at our procedures we charged Doug Maltman and Kathy Ray with overhauling our Financial Regulations. There was prolonged debate which involved getting legal advice and help from HDC, CALC and NALC before these Regulations were approved by a large majority of the Council. When time permits there are other areas that need further revision and tightening.
We have recently seen other changes in office holders; Sir Brian Mawhinney did not contest his Parliamentary seat and has been replaced by Mr S Vara. Sir Brian was always a good "friend" to Stilton, we look forward to meeting his successor. Because of boundary changes we now have two new County Councillors. Peter Mitchell remains our District Councillor; we are currently working closely with him in looking at ways to improve the provision of youth facilities in the village.
QUALITY OF LIFE
The service from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary has not always been satisfactory. The long-term incapacity of PC Wendy Ellis has left an unfilled void that has partly led to an outbreak of yobbish behaviour, affecting the quality of life in several areas of the village. While confined to her office, PC Ellis worked hard with other agencies to obtain ABC's for 3 young men. (See article on p6) These have now expired. The Parish Council is anxious to work with Councillor Mitchell in improving recreational facilities in the village. We have made grants to the Junction and the Guides and may be able to help the Scouts if they are able to start up again.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Inevitably, most of our time is spent on maintaining the village environment and fabric. We vacated the Darke Field and completed the purchase of the new field. Currently we are working hard to have it fenced and open for recreational purposes by the summer holidays. The legal work to be done on land in the Manor Road area. is still in the hands of HDC. We have discovered that the amenity area in Gala Close also still belongs to the developer. This affects any landscaping that the residents might like. A similar situation exists in Queen Eleanor Close, where very large trees are giving cause for concern. Our contract with Fergusons has been renewed; this firm maintains the village grass well and carries out other jobs on request. Our two caretakers, Ian Croll and Ian Bellamy, endeavour to keep on top of the litter problem. In Autumn several Councillors went on the annual village walk to pinpoint necessary repairs etc. In general we were pleased with the "look" of the village. In accordance with Health and Safety advice, the decision was made to cut back drastically the hedge alongside the school. This has had a mixed reception; praise from users of the path, but strong opposition from a nearby household. The hedge is being monitored and advice sought from HDC on any replacement.
The latest controversy concerns the newly refurbished play area in Barn Close where under age drinking is making life difficult for nearby residents. Lappsets are coming back to look at the design.
GRAVE ISSUES
We have spent more time than usual on the burial grounds; some of the chest tombs have had to be repaired. We need also to look at Cooper Thornhill's tomb in this the 300th anniversary of his birth. But it is the Mortuary building that is of real concern, as its safety has become a big issue. It is presently shored up while long-term decisions on its future are made. The village is largely in favour of keeping it, but there is some opposition because of the large sums involved. The two village signs are being refurbished by Glyn Mould.
LOTS TO DO
All this shows a busy Parish Council, but one still facing a variety of unfinished issues in the coming year. Road safety at the junction of North Street and the B1043 has not been solved; parking outside the school and in Fen Street must be tackled, and residents persuaded to be more neighbourly in several congested areas of the village. The provision of more bus shelters will be on the agenda and decisions on the Mortuary building cannot long be delayed. Further development of the new field must be planned. Maintaining the tidiness of the village, the provision of litter bins and dog "poop" bins must also be tackled. Not all these are directly the concern of a Parish Council, indeed we do not have all the necessary powers. This will be particularly the case when we try to solve our biggest problem, which we share with most other communities in the kingdom - how to reconcile the competing claims of the young and the adult sections of society. This may yet involve setting up a CCTV system in the village centre. (See article p7) However, with the help of Councillor Mitchell and SCAN we have some indications of what young people would like to see in Stilton. If we could provide these facilities then we could expect them to avoid those areas where others want to enjoy their surroundings in peace. It is clear that any such plans will be very expensive and will have to be worked for by the whole village.
THANKS, EVERYONE
As Chair of Stilton Parish Council, on behalf of everyone in Stilton, I want to thank all the Councillors, the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer and our Caretakers. Collectively, much goes on behind the scenes week in and week out to make our village a pleasant place to live and much of it is down to your hard-working Parish Council
Olive Main
High Street Beat
Easy as ABC
FIRM ACTION BY PC WENDY ELLIS GETS A RESULT
GREAT IMPROVEMENT
How are we doing on controlling Anti Social Behaviour? In January, along with Peter Jugg, the anti social behaviour Case Worker from HDC, I put three youths on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs). This was necessary because their antics had got out of hand and were bordering on Criminal Damage. ABCs are used as a first step to try and bring under control youths who are becoming more than a nuisance, and to bring it firmly to the attention of their parents. The 3 ABCs have all now expired and I am pleased to say that all have shown a great improvement. But to be quite clear, if issues arise again they can be looked at and dealt with. Let us hope that these three have learnt a lesson and that others will be encouraged to behave in an acceptable manner.
BETTER, BUT BE VIGILANT
On General Crime, I have checked the crime figures and, whilst there has been a definite decrease there is no room for complacency. In short, it could be better. During March & April there were:
- 3 Burglaries (1 farm, Stilton Stores and a shed burglary) - none were dwellings.
- 3 Criminal Damages to vehicles
- 4 other theft related offences.
These 10 offences represent a decrease but it would be nice if it was fewer. It is worth noting that, although this is a period of approximately 2 months, for a similar period before the ABCs it was a lot higher. I would ask you to take note that Folksworth are having an increase in burglaries and appeal for everyone to be more vigilant.
PC Wendy Ellis
Memorial Hall
OI! KEEP IT DOWN A BIT!
Several complaints have been received about noise levels from the Hall when a party is taking place, and loud music that goes on after midnight. Would all users of the Hall please try to keep noise down, keep the doors closed, and bear in mind that, according to the terms of our licence ALL MUSIC MUST STOP AT 11pm AND THE HALL BE VACATED AT MIDNIGHT.
COME AND HELP US
A secretary and members are urgently required for the Village Hall Committee.
The Hall is an important facility in the village, used by many groups, and it is important that we have your support. Our next meeting will be at the Hall on Tuesday 19th July at 7:45. For further information please ring Brenda Whaley on 240636.
Eye Spy...
VILLAGE CENTRE SECURITY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
CCTV SYSTEM
Following a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour and vandalism, the Parish Council is considering installing a CCTV system to monitor the area around the North St / High St / Church St. junction. Cameras would be positioned as per the diagram to give coverage of as much of the area as possible.
DETERRENT
An obvious advantage is the deterrent effect that the system may have on those who congregate in the monitored areas. It should enable the identification of individuals who vandalise or damage property and also those who intimidate local residents and passers by. It would also assist in monitoring the adherence to control orders placed on individuals. A secondary benefit would be the deterrent effect on motorists who park illegally and frequently dangerously around the Church St / North St junction. There is also the possibility that details of suspicious vehicles and/or individuals who pass through the village would be recorded.
DECISION
The major disadvantage, other than cost, is that generally speaking, the presence of CCTV cameras merely moves the problem to another area. this will be a major factor in arriving at our decision.
Both cameras would be digital and images stored on hard disc. Images would be overwritten every 24hrs but with a facility to save them for varying periods. The system, other than in exceptional circumstances, will use post-event monitoring rather than monitoring in real time.
TELL US YOUR VIEWS
Mike Nickolay is carrying out the study on behalf of the Council and comments and/or questions should be addressed to him using the contact details below:
Mike Nickolay17 Oak Road, Stilton; Tel: 01733 241023email:
GREY BIN DAYS:
Mon 13th & 27th June
GARDEN BIN DAYS:
Mon 6th & 20th June
RECYCLING DAYS:
Sat 4th & Fri 17th June
Stilton Culture
Web Weaving
CHECK OUT STILTON’S FAB NEW WEBSITE !
For those of you who have not visited stilton.org recently, I thought it would be worthwhile to let you know what a useful service it now provides, writes Mike Nickolay. As well as giving a lot of information about the village and its main features such as the Church, School and, of course, Cheese Rolling, you can refer to the site to find details of all of the following:
Rubbish & Recycling dates
Bus & Train timetables
Luton, Stansted & East Midlands Airports arrivals & departures
What's on
Phone numbers and details for doctors, dentists, hospitals etc
Details and minutes ofParish Council Meetings
Local planning applications
Directory Enquiries
Details of library opening hours and mobile library.
Police contact details
Local weather forecast
Clubs & organisations
Local businesses
Copies of SCAN
Contact details for local & national political representatives
This is an impressive “one stop shop” for all the local information you may need and we shall be adding to it on a regular basis.
In the future we will be enlarging the History section and we are also looking at setting up a bulletin board for the youth of the village.
ACCESS ALL AREAS
There are also facilities for the site to be used by those who cannot use a mouse or who have impaired vision. See the menu item: About Stilton/Stilton.org.
We would also welcome contributions from residents past or present on any aspect of life in the village. If you have any comments or suggestions please email or ring Mike Nickolay on 01733 241023.
Advert:
St Mary Magdalene, Stilton
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
Try to join us for this monthly breakfast get-together.
2nd Sat in the month
We meet at 8am in the Church Meeting Room. After eating, we take time to share and to pray, usually finishing around 9am.
(If you are coming, it helps to let us know a couple of days before if possible.)
Ring Richard 240282 or Doug 242229
A Modern Day Dilemma
PARENTS - GIVE US YOUR VIEWS
The Stilton Web Site now contains a large number of pictures of events at this year’s Cheese Rolling. Among these are photographs of young people taking part in the Maypole dancing, the May Queen & her attendants and other activities.
ADVICE
The question has been raised as to whether these pictures should be on public display given the unsavoury proclivities of a tiny minority of people. The Parish Council has discussed this and sought advice from bodies such as the NSPCC. There is a general feeling of disquiet about imposing restrictions on images of children having a good time in a safe and wholesome way. "Have we really come to this?" is a comment that sums up most people’s feelings.
CONCERNS
Nevertheless, we have to act in a way which reflects the concerns of the community and more particularly of the parents and guardians of the children involved. Rather than impose a blanket ban or distort the images in some way, we think the way ahead is to invite those parents who do not want images of their children to appear on the web site to let us know of this preference in writing and we will maintain a list which will be checked before any images are published. This is a practice followed by many schools including our own. It can of course only apply to images of small groups or individuals - we cannot monitor the presence of individual children in crowds or backgrounds.