November 21st Courtesy of The Fenland Citizen

Calling Benwick Photographers

CALLING all budding David Baileys. There is a chance to show off your photographic prowess in a competition organised in aid of Benwick. Website organiser Adam Keppel-Garner, who runs a website for Benwick is organising a photography competition which opened to all residents and pupils of the primary school.

The aim of the competition is to raise money for the Village Hall which is in need of funds to help pay for renovation work which has been undertaken in the past year.

The competition, which is open only to villagers, costs £2 to enter and is split into two categories - adults (16+) and children. Each category has a top prize of a digital camera. Pay ment can be made to Adam by cash or cheque and all profits will all go to the Village Hall. Entries can be either delivered to Adam's home (1 Lilyholt Road, Benwick) or via e-mail to competitions@lilyholtroad.co.uk.

The competition is sponsored by March Stationery and Print, and Whitehall Plastics. Steve Bailey of March Stationery & Print donated the main prize for the adults - a brand new Fuji Digital Camera. The Fugi A820 is an 8.3 mega pixel camera with 4 x optical zoom.

Whitehall Plastics supplied the other prizes which include a Digital Camera for the children's category, a digital photography book, a children's digital photography book, two cash prizes of £5 and three photo albums for the runners up of each category.

Photos can be of anything in Benwick. It could be of the Bridge, The School, a duck on the river, people playing in the park - whatever people like. It could even be a photo take years ago as long as its the entrant's own work.

Winners will be decided by a panel of Judges - Adam Keppel-Garner, Pat Tickner, chairman of the Village Hall committee, Steve Bailey of March Stationery and Print and photographer Rob Taylor, webmaster of the other Benwick Website, www.benwick.com.

Winners will be announced and the prizes given out at the Village Hall Tombola on December 14th. Closing date for entries is November 30th.

November 14th Courtesy of The Fenland Citizen

Bugle Blowing it's Own Trumpet

THIS month is was announced that the Benwick Bugle - the village's newsletter created by Jane Leviki of River Close would now be bi-monthly having previously being quarterly. The Bugle was creating in September 2006 with the intention of providing a means of getting local information to the people of Benwick. The magazine is probably the first since the old Parish Newsletter of the 1800's.

Each month there is a great deal of information on up-coming events, bus time tables, pub opening times and some fun and games too, as well as lots more. Publication dates are now December/January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September and October/November. The deadline for submissions is the 20th of the previous publication, so its November 20th for the December/January issue.

The Benwick Bugle for December will be a massive 40 pages. To contact the Bugle visit: www.benwickbugle.co.uk or call 01354 677869.

Village Information is also available on the Benwick Website: www.lilyholtroad.co.uk. The site was launched in September this year and contains a vast amount of information and is kept constantly up-to-date. It contains all the information you can need, from bus times to mobile library stops, contact details for the Parish Council, the school and just about every other village group too! It also has the largest collection of Benwick photos on the internet; both past and present.

The website also contains a great deal of village history which has been put together following masses of research. The website was launched by Adam Keppel-Garner, who is trying to raise the profile of his website and to bring in more advertisers to help fund the running of the website which he is currently paying for himself. Any additional money will go to local groups

October 17th Courtesy of the Cambs Times

Having a Devil of A Time...

To see some of the pictures from the night; click here.

A HALLOWEEN disco was held at Benwick on Saturday to raise money for the village hall.

Organised by Patricia Tickner, chairman of the Village Hall Committee, the event raised £220. Music was provided by Stew's Disco, run by villager Stewart Green.

Food was supplied via a barbecue van by Tan Rose. There was also a raffle, with the main prize being a brand new 14-inch TV with built in DVD player, donated by CB Services of Chatteris. Winner was Paul Barnes.

The next Tombola is this evening and there are many more fund-raisers for the village hall planned for next year.

Elderly Man Pulled From River

AN elderly man was pulled from the River Nene by firefighters yesterday afternoon (Tue) after a member of the public spotted him in the water and dialled 999.

Fire control received the call at about 1.20pm and operators were told that there was a man in the river, near Doddington Road in Benwick, who looked as if he was in difficulty.

One crew from Chatteris, one crew from Dogsthorpe, a rescue vehicle from Dogsthorpe, one crew from Huntingdon and an in-water rescue team from Huntingdon were immediately sent to the incident.

When the first crew arrived, they discovered the man neck-deep in the water between a boat and the far side of the bank.

The man spotted the crews and was able to push his boat a short distance to the centre of the river and firefighters were then able throw a hook around it and drag it towards them. They then used the vessel to go out onto the river to rescue the man.

Meanwhile, the in-water rescue team arrived and two firefighters in drysuits entered the water to help carry the man up the river bank to safety. He was later taken to hospital by paramedics. Martin Boome, station manager for the Fenland area, said: "When we first got the man onto the river bank he was very unresponsive and cold. "However, thanks to the efforts of crews in making a swift rescue it looks as if he will pull through. "This man was very lucky that he was spotted by a member of the public who was able to contact us quickly and let us know what was happening.

"We would like to use this opportunity to remind people about the dangers of falling into rivers and drains, The water is very cold at this time of year, and even if you are a strong swimmer, it is very easy to get into difficulty.

September 28th Courtesy of the Cambs Times

Family Fun

Fathers of children who attend a Fenland primary school returned to the classroom on Monday morning, to see how teaching methods have changed since they were at the school.

Twelve dads spent the morning at Benwick Primary School and helped youngsters in literacy and numeracy classes.

It was the second year dads have been invited to spend the morning in the classrooms, and followed on from the success of the same event last year.

Headteacher Gill Thomas said: "Children loved showing their dads around, but we are a school with all women staff so it was really nice to have some male helpers in the classroom." One dad said he is now going to come back regularly to help in-between his shifts at work.

September 21st Courtesy of the Cambs Times

Villagers Should Live and Let Live

I AM writing in response to Peter Whitwell's letter. My family have lived in Benwick for generations and in that time there have been many changes, in retrospect not all for the better. Most inhabitants try to embrace new residents and new ideas. It is sad, however, when newcomers move in and want to change things for the sake of change. I agree that change can be a good thing but it is not always so.

Mr Langford is a "true villager" in every sense of the word. His family has been part of this village for many years and he always has the best interests of the village at heart. Benwick is booming, compared with what? Compared with just a decade ago there are fewer amenities and events.

If this village is to thrive then we all have to sing from the same hymn sheet. It is good to encourage new blood but surely not at the cost of criticising and condemning everything that exists. For the sake of the village we need to communicate sensibly and work together for the common good. Let's learn to live and let live.

Alison Shepperson

September 11th Courtesy of the Cambs Times

Cambs Times readers help save pre-school

VILLAGERS have rallied to save a pre-school group after reading about its desperate need for funds in the Cambs Times.

Benwick Butterflies has been overwhelmed by the support from the community.

On Monday a local organisation known as the League of Gentlemen (LOGs) went along to hand over a donation of £150. LOG members Malcolm Townsend, Ian Kennington, Kirk Devall, David Caton, Colin Miller, Jim Eglan, John Chelton, Kevin White and Ian Beevor, arrange events in the village throughout the year.

Since its plea for funds, the pre-school has also received a donation of £63 from Kevin White and Gina Tickner of the Five Alls public house in Benwick. They raised the money by holding a quiz. Villager Denise White has given £50 worth of art supplies and another resident, Janet Copeland, has donated toys which are no longer needed by her own children.

Jenny Fell of the pre-school, said: "I am so overwhelmed by the reaction we have had from the Benwick community. All the donations have been gratefully received. It is truly wonderful to see the local community pull together to give our group some hope."

During the summer holidays pre-school secretary, Suzanne Scarborough, ran a group called Crazy Caterpillars for children in the village and raised £60 for the toddler group.

Staff, parents and committee members will be endeavouring to raise funds for the pre-school over the coming months in a bid to secure its future. Mrs Fell said: "The response we have had from the local community has been amazing, but we still need help. Anyone who thinks they could help, please contact us. No matter how small you think your donation is, it all helps."

* Anyone who can help the pre-school should contact Jenny on 01354 677848 or at benwickbutterflies@hotmail.co.uk

September 7th Courtesy of the Cambs Times

More furore over the Parish Council Chairman; and more and more being said about the original interview from August 3rd.

Residents ‘frustrated’ after council meeting

A PARISH council chairman is being reported to an official watchdog over his conduct at a meeting.

Benwick villagers are said to have left Tuesday's Parish Council meeting in an angry mood. About 30 villagers went to the meeting after Councillor Howard Langford made comments, in this newspaper, about the lack of community spirit in Benwick. He said the village was going downhill.

Scout leader John Chelton said: "His attitude to the people of the village was absolutely disgusting. He shouted and screamed at people and tried to get into a slanging match with me."

"I asked for his resignation but he just closed the meeting. His attitude for a person who represents this community is beyond belief. I am making an official complaint to the Standards Board about him."

Villager Doug Rose said he believed Cllr Langford should have apologised for his comments and is calling for the resignation of all members of the parish council. He said: "There are some good councillors but I find it unbelievable that a publicly elected body can behave in this way. I will be reporting him to the Standards Board because I personally feel he did not treat people with respect."

At the time of going to press Cllr Langford was unavailable for comment.

August 31st - Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Another letter complaining about the comments made by Mr Langford regarding the shop. What is your view? Does Benwick have community spirit or has it been lost over the years? Let us know...

Booming Benwick

I feel shocked by the article written by Councillor Howard Langford branding Benwick as going downhill.

I have been a resident in Benwick for more than four years and have no wish to move elsewhere.

Benwick is the nicest and quietest place I have ever lived in. It has a formidable community spirit where everyone gets to know what's happening and most people join in together and help each other.

I also feel hurt by his comments as I run a business in the village and most of my work comes from within Benwick. For anybody to read that the village is just a rat run for commuters and has cheap housing may put anyone off buying a property in the village, thus affecting local businesses like mine and others within the village in the future.

Benwick has by far one of the best primary schools within this area. There are many community events throughout the year, many voluntary groups for all age groups and a great family-run public house.

Having children of my own I feel Benwick is also one of the safest places to bring up a family because of the togetherness the community has.

Was Cllr Langford having a bad day? May I suggest that he removes the blindfold and sees this prosperous village as it really is.

PETER WHITWELL

August 22nd - Courtesy of The Fenland Citizen

Brave Rebecca Going For Gold

BENWICK woman Rebecca Symonds was due to leave the Fens yesterday for Thailand and the World Transplant Games.

Celebrating the gift of life, 28-year-old Rebecca is going for gold in badminton, table tennis, shot putt, cricket ball and discus in Bangkok from Saturday, August 25 to Sunday, September 2.

Over 1,000 transplant recipients are taking part to raise awareness of the need for organ donors and to celebrate their second chance at life.

It was touch and go for Rebecca, who was top of the waiting list for a liver transplant. She explained: “It started just as a virus. I was a really healthy child then Christmas 1995 I just started feeling unwell – almost flu symptoms. “I kept going backwards and forwards to the doctor and then to Peterborough Hospital but they didn’t really know what was wrong.”

“I was there for three weeks then my blood would not clot and they realised it was the liver so I was transferred to Addenbrooke’s. I was top of the country’s list waiting for a transplant. They told my parents it was touch and go. If it wasn’t for my donor, I wouldn’t be here today.” Rebecca had her transplant in 1996 and said she immediately felt better but it took her one to two years to fully recover.

“It was good having different goals which I tried to reach. My first goal was going back to college to re-start A-levels, setting up little things to begin with, but now it has been 11 years and I just carry on life as normal.”

Rebecca is eternally grateful to her donor and has met the family, who she said are quite local. Rebecca, who lives with fiance Darren Bailey, has raised £1,500 to go to the games.A keen member of the Addenbrooke’s Adults team, Rebecca took part in the 30th British Transplant Games in Edinburgh in July. She won gold medals in the badminton doubles, discus and shot putt and silver in the cricket ball and volleyball. “The Games have played an important role in helping me live a full and active life, following my successful transplant,” said Rebecca.

“This event is a vital part of the rehabilitation process and gives all competitors a focus, as well as being a place to celebrate the gift of life and an opportunity to thank our donors and their families.

“The whole team is looking forward to the buzz and excitement in Bangkok, where we will try to bring back a host of gold medals.”

Supported by the International Olympic Committee, the World Transplant Games, which is held every two years, represent the largest organ donor awareness event in the world, featuring a nine day series of sporting events.

The British Team of 125 athletes will join over 1,000 others from some 55 countries who have all undergone an organ transplant.

August 17th - Courtesy of The Cambs Times

To Read The Rest of The Letters Click Here

Village Has "No Community Spirit"

VILLAGERS are demanding answers from their parish council chairman after he said there was no community spirit in the village.

Benwick Parish Council's next meeting on September 4 looks set to become more of a Question Time for residents after the chairman, Councillor Howard Langford, said the village had become a "rat run" for commuters.

Malcolm Townsend, one of those people who will be going to the meeting, said: "We want to know why he said this.

"We have a very good community spirit; we have a thriving school, one of the biggest scout groups in the area and many community events.

"I don't know how the parish council can say there is no spirit when, over the past year, we have probably had one councillor attend one event.

"There are a lot of new homes being built in Benwick and, for anyone thinking about moving to the area, to read something like that would be a bit disconcerting."

Mr Townsend also said the village post office, which is set to close down at the end of this month, could one day reopen as a shop after speaking to present owner Donna Dwane.

He said the new owners have bought the post office as a house, but have been told it could be "profitable" to turn it back into a shop.

Mr Townsend said: "It would be nice to keep it open. OK, it would not be a Tesco but the people moving in have it at the back of their mind to turn it back into a shop."

The new owners, from the Peterborough area, are believed to be moving in at the end of the month.

Burglars Take Aid Machinery

THOUSANDS of pounds worth of machinery and tools destined for an aid relief project in Africa have been stolen.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the burglary in Doddington Road, Benwick, in which the tools were taken from several garages on Sunday, July 26.

Pc Stu Wright said: "A considerable amount of property was stolen and the fact that it was going to help people abroad seems to make matters worse.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been offered machinery at a reduced cost or anyone that may have suspicions."

CONTACT: Pc Wright at March police Station on 0845 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

August 10th - Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Stay Safe!

Youngsters at a Fenland school are safe cyclists - and now have certificates to prove it.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils at Benwick Primary School did the safer cycling course, which teaches children about road safety, signs and signalling, over five days at the end of June.

They are pictured after being presented with their certificates by PCSO Marie Quentin, a qualified cycling instructor and works alongside Cambridgeshire County Council to offer the scheme.

August 3rd - Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Village Set For Last Post

AS villages across the country campaign to save their post office, residents of another Fenland village are getting set for theirs to close.

But the stark reality, according to the Parish Council chairman, is that the village has become a "rat run" for commuters.

Sometime this month, the Benwick Store and Post Office, run by Will and Donna Dwane, will close and be converted into a house.

It means the nearest shop for Benwick residents will be four miles away in Doddington.

Councillor Howard Langford, Benwick Parish Council chairman, said: "The shop has not been doing well and it is going to be a real loss to those who use it. "We don't want to lose the shop but we cannot expect someone to sit there and lose money every week so one or two people can use it."

It is the latest setback for Benwick - the village has no permanent church; Benwick Butterflies Pre-school's future is in jeopardy through a lack of interest; and the village fete, due to have been held last weekend, never happened.

Cllr Langford said: "Over the years, it has been a cheap place to buy a house. People live here to commute to Huntingdon, to catch a train to London. "Benwick is simply a rat run to Huntingdon every morning and there is no community spirit here because of it. Nobody seems to mix here any more. "We have a new, enthusiastic council where everybody is willing to help the community. It may be too late for the shop and, if we do not get something up and running soon, Benwick will keep going downhill.

February 13th - Courtesy of The Fenland Citizen

Planning: Anger over threat to ancient tree

BENWICK residents are angry at housing plans which could see one of the village's oldest trees felled.

One woman, whose home in Doddington Road overlooks the Ash tree, which could be as old as 200 years, said: "It is terrible. We're supposed to be trying to save trees, especially old ones like this not chopping them down."

She claimed Fenland District Council own the site and it is their own tree expert who has declared the tree, which she believes is home to a variety of birds including owls as well as possibly bats, to be rotten.

March-based FTI Homes has applied to build four properties on the land, which is at the rear of houses in Doddington Road.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said the tree can be seen from various points around the village including by motorists entering Benwick from Ramsey or the Forty Foot Bank.

"It is a beautiful old tree. It grows back each year and is very lush. It is hard to believe that a rotten tree could look so green and healthy," she said. "Fenland is barren enough without robbing us of trees like this," she added.

Now she is planning to contact various conservation organisations including the Bats Preservation Society to make sure the tree is not home to bats.

A spokesman for Fenland District Council said the tree is rotten and needs to come down. He said the council has been in contact with English Nature who also agree the tree should come down but over a phased period because of the wildlife.

The council said everyone has been consulted.