Robin Sharp is a chartered civil engineer, lives in Ditton Green and is vice chairman of the Parish Council. Robin has kindly offered to write a regular piece for the Woodditton website based on his experience of living in Woodditton, and undoubtedly talking to his fellow villages over a soft drink...
The opinions are entirely his own.
Do you agree or disagree with Robin? Would you like to add your thoughts to the discussion? If so, why not comment on our forum?
Choose one of his musings below...
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July 2010
The Parish of Woodditton lies in a beautiful part of East Cambridgeshire, at the heart of the equine breeding industry. But how times have changed, particularly since the 1930/40’s period, which Rodney Vincent wrote about in his wonderful book “A Tanner Will Do”. During that time the village was much more self sufficient, with a thriving local shop, school and several public houses. Most work was local and connected in one-way or another to farming and many people rarely travelled beyond Newmarket.
Village life is very different now and many of us fortunate enough to move into the area have done so to escape the pressures of urban living and improve our quality of life. Without the commuting newcomers, villages would be poorer places, lacking stimulus and community spirit. The beautiful surroundings, peace and quiet and character of the countryside continue to be a novelty, which never wears off. We now know most people in the village and our social lives are better than they were in the faceless towns.
What then went wrong? - Why do we no longer have a village shop in Woodditton? Why has the local pub been closed for over a year?
There are many good reasons for our changing lifestyles: equality means everybody is able to obtain a good education and is entitled to pursue a stimulating career, we all travel more widely and seek to get the most out of our leisure time. The economies of scale mean that supermarkets are perceived as providing better choice and lower prices. We are sadder people if we only shop in the supermarket and drink cheap booze at home.
Notwithstanding inevitable demographic and cultural change, civic pride and community spirit remain as important as ever. It is no good bemoaning the demise of the local shop and pub if we didn’t use them.
We may get a second chance with the Three Blackbirds; its importance to Woodditton cannot be overstated. Since moving to the village seven years ago, it has been where Juliana and I met most of our friends in the area. Think about what you want out of your community. Be it a feeling of belonging, friends who support you, a means of communicating news, somewhere to celebrate special events - the local pub provides it all and is at the heart of any village.
Woodditton is a thriving lively village, with lots of young families and wonderful people. We desperately need the Three Blackbirds to re-open then we need to support it if we are to continue as we are.
Robin Sharp - 3rd July 2010
The Parish of Woodditton lies in a beautiful part of East Cambridgeshire, at the heart of the equine breeding industry. But how times have changed, particularly since the 1930/40’s period, which Rodney Vincent wrote about in his wonderful book “A Tanner Will Do”. During that time the village was much more self sufficient, with a thriving local shop, school and several public houses. Most work was local and connected in one-
Village life is very different now and many of us fortunate enough to move into the area have done so to escape the pressures of urban living and improve our quality of life. Without the commuting newcomers, villages would be poorer places, lacking stimulus and community spirit. The beautiful surroundings, peace and quiet and character of the countryside continue to be a novelty, which never wears off. We now know most people in the village and our social lives are better than they were in the faceless towns.
What then went wrong? -
There are many good reasons for our changing lifestyles: equality means everybody is able to obtain a good education and is entitled to pursue a stimulating career, we all travel more widely and seek to get the most out of our leisure time. The economies of scale mean that supermarkets are perceived as providing better choice and lower prices. We are sadder people if we only shop in the supermarket and drink cheap booze at home.
Notwithstanding inevitable demographic and cultural change, civic pride and community spirit remain as important as ever. It is no good bemoaning the demise of the local shop and pub if we didn’t use them.
We may get a second chance with the Three Blackbirds; its importance to Woodditton cannot be overstated. Since moving to the village seven years ago, it has been where Juliana and I met most of our friends in the area. Think about what you want out of your community. Be it a feeling of belonging, friends who support you, a means of communicating news, somewhere to celebrate special events -
Woodditton is a thriving lively village, with lots of young families and wonderful people. We desperately need the Three Blackbirds to re-
Robin Sharp -
Last week David Cameron outlined the government’s proposals for “The Big Society” – a variety of initiatives designed to empower local communities. It was reinforced later in the week by the announcement of plans to strip councils of their control of local planning, break the control of local education authorities over individual schools and abolish Primary Care Trusts with a transfer of their role to smaller groups of GP’s. All this together with a freeze on council tax, which will further reduce the power in town halls. No one can accuse the new coalition of standing still! Apparently the intention is to push the power down to the level of villages, individual schools and GP surgeries.
What will this mean? Is it workable? – Village communities, presumably led by their Parish Council, may be able to make planning decisions through mini referendums. This could for example stop nimbyism and let villages decide whether more affordable housing is needed to sustain their community. There is a valid argument for allowing schools, perhaps underperforming ones, to have greater control over their budgets. A downside could be a weakening of traditional forms of local democracy - via elected District councillors. Is the community capable or indeed willing to take on these extra responsibilities and where are the safeguards and accountability if these new ideas don’t work?
On a lighter note, following my whingeing last month, comes encouraging news that a purchaser, experienced in the trade, has been found for the Three Blackbirds. Apparently he intends to refurbish and reopen as soon as possible. – I can almost taste the fine English bitter and hear the subdued burble of polite conversation already.
Finally, we are starting to receive some encouraging ideas in Woodditton for local environmental projects such as a community orchard (which would compliment our cider press) and pond cleaning. We should find out more at the next Parish Council meeting on August 19th at Saxon Street Methodist hall at 7.30pm. Parishioners are always welcome to attend meetings, where there is a short public forum should anyone wish to speak.
Robin Sharp - 29th July 20110
What will this mean? Is it workable? – Village communities, presumably led by their Parish Council, may be able to make planning decisions through mini referendums. This could for example stop nimbyism and let villages decide whether more affordable housing is needed to sustain their community. There is a valid argument for allowing schools, perhaps underperforming ones, to have greater control over their budgets. A downside could be a weakening of traditional forms of local democracy -
On a lighter note, following my whingeing last month, comes encouraging news that a purchaser, experienced in the trade, has been found for the Three Blackbirds. Apparently he intends to refurbish and reopen as soon as possible. – I can almost taste the fine English bitter and hear the subdued burble of polite conversation already.
Finally, we are starting to receive some encouraging ideas in Woodditton for local environmental projects such as a community orchard (which would compliment our cider press) and pond cleaning. We should find out more at the next Parish Council meeting on August 19th at Saxon Street Methodist hall at 7.30pm. Parishioners are always welcome to attend meetings, where there is a short public forum should anyone wish to speak.
Robin Sharp -
September 2010
Last month I discussed the Government’s recent initiative – “The Big Society”. Well Cambridgeshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is to hold an event on 28 September to which your parish council has been invited to send representatives. The implications of “Localism” are to be explained and the opportunities for our community will be outlined. I plan to attend and will give my view in a later column.
Autumn is now approaching and the apple season will soon be upon us again. Last September we put the woodditton cider press through its paces and within months were sampling the results of the first fermentation. Many of us in the village have quaffed the cider (it’s what I have in my glass in the picture) and hope to help with more pressings this year. Anyone interested in pressing his or her own apple crop should contact Chris Winch.
I also mentioned possible community environmental projects last month. One of our parishioners Alex Brearley, outlined some great ideas at the last parish council meeting. The presentation included funding opportunities and potential projects including: a community orchard, conservation work, pond management and local walks with interpretation. The community orchard would be a traditional orchard where trees would be allowed to grow to full canopy – this would be very sustainable and great for the bee population. It would however first require a suitable piece of land to be identified. Such projects will require volunteers who would be trained and managed, and will promote numerous social, landscape and environmental benefits. The Woodditton Parish Council is to discuss the possibilities at its next meeting on 16 September.
There are also moves afoot to find ways of funding and establishing some play equipment on the new sports field in School Road. A recent local, limited survey showed a real desire for some equipment in the field, which would encourage use of the valuable asset.
Last month I discussed the Government’s recent initiative – “The Big Society”. Well Cambridgeshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is to hold an event on 28 September to which your parish council has been invited to send representatives. The implications of “Localism” are to be explained and the opportunities for our community will be outlined. I plan to attend and will give my view in a later column.
Autumn is now approaching and the apple season will soon be upon us again. Last September we put the woodditton cider press through its paces and within months were sampling the results of the first fermentation. Many of us in the village have quaffed the cider (it’s what I have in my glass in the picture) and hope to help with more pressings this year. Anyone interested in pressing his or her own apple crop should contact Chris Winch.
I also mentioned possible community environmental projects last month. One of our parishioners Alex Brearley, outlined some great ideas at the last parish council meeting. The presentation included funding opportunities and potential projects including: a community orchard, conservation work, pond management and local walks with interpretation. The community orchard would be a traditional orchard where trees would be allowed to grow to full canopy – this would be very sustainable and great for the bee population. It would however first require a suitable piece of land to be identified. Such projects will require volunteers who would be trained and managed, and will promote numerous social, landscape and environmental benefits. The Woodditton Parish Council is to discuss the possibilities at its next meeting on 16 September.
There are also moves afoot to find ways of funding and establishing some play equipment on the new sports field in School Road. A recent local, limited survey showed a real desire for some equipment in the field, which would encourage use of the valuable asset.
Robin Sharp - 30th August 2010
Like me, a number of friends in the village work from home. In my case it is a relatively new experience starting a year ago following the closure of my office some 40 miles south of here. After years of working alongside colleagues, my interaction with them now is mainly via telephone or e-mail. Using available communication technology, home working is entirely viable, cost effective and sustainable. It has shaved about 10,000 miles per year off my driving and allowed me to work 2 extra hours a day. There are downsides though. Given the computer facing environment many of us exist in, we can easily find ourselves sitting in front of the machine for 8-10 hours a day, hardly moving. In my industry - Civil Engineering - we have been very successful at promoting the site safety message over the past few decades, but have largely neglected occupational health. Heart disease is now one of the biggest risks in construction. So we need to get more exercise if we are to continue to enjoy a trim figure and healthy heart. – Anyone fancy starting a Woodditton Sunday morning jogging club. We could always replace lost fluids afterwards at a local hostelry.
I attended the Cambridgeshire ACRE “Big Society” event last month and must say my initial reaction is one of slight disappointment. The concept of returning power to local communities is great, but the big problem is the basic assumption that we’ve got the time to get involved. The latest evidence indicates that we find ourselves with less “me” time than ever – that’s the precious few hours when we are not working, running our homes, looking after our families and travelling to and from work. Where is the average person going to find time to take more community responsibility getting involved in local services? At present, the number of people who do voluntary work is very small. This socially committed minority are unlikely to be joined by an army of David Cameron’s new fan club. So what difference will the “Big Society” concept make? – Many local groups and Parish Councils are already proactive in achieving things for their community. If Government changes in 4 or 5 years time, will they undo the concept before it has become established?
Latest news is that the much missed Three Blackbirds will re-open before Christmas. The new owners have kindly agreed to attend the next Woodditton Parish Council meeting on 21 October 2010, to give an update on their plans. We are going to get another chance! It is partly up to us to “use it or lose it”.
A working group has been formed for the new parish sports field and plans are being formulated to establish pitches and play equipment. To be discussed at the next Council meeting.
Finally, Apple pressing has been taking place over the last few weekends for the next batch of village cider and preparations are in hand for the bonfire night celebrations due to take place on Saturday 6 November 2010.
I attended the Cambridgeshire ACRE “Big Society” event last month and must say my initial reaction is one of slight disappointment. The concept of returning power to local communities is great, but the big problem is the basic assumption that we’ve got the time to get involved. The latest evidence indicates that we find ourselves with less “me” time than ever – that’s the precious few hours when we are not working, running our homes, looking after our families and travelling to and from work. Where is the average person going to find time to take more community responsibility getting involved in local services? At present, the number of people who do voluntary work is very small. This socially committed minority are unlikely to be joined by an army of David Cameron’s new fan club. So what difference will the “Big Society” concept make? – Many local groups and Parish Councils are already proactive in achieving things for their community. If Government changes in 4 or 5 years time, will they undo the concept before it has become established?
Latest news is that the much missed Three Blackbirds will re-
A working group has been formed for the new parish sports field and plans are being formulated to establish pitches and play equipment. To be discussed at the next Council meeting.
Finally, Apple pressing has been taking place over the last few weekends for the next batch of village cider and preparations are in hand for the bonfire night celebrations due to take place on Saturday 6 November 2010.
Robin Sharp - 14th October 2010
December 2010
We recently returned from a short break in the sunshine. Much as I love east Cambridgeshire and our village of Woodditton, at this time of the year the weather can be trying. Does the resultant carbon footprint make me feel guilty? – No. I assuage any small guilt I may feel in the knowledge that the modern quieter aircraft being used by the holiday company is almost full and transporting several hundred of us very efficiently to the Canary Islands where blue skies and 25oC temperatures await. Besides by holidaying there in the British winter, we are supporting the 2m inhabitants who depend for their livelihood on the tourist industry. Also while out of the country my UK carbon footprint is significantly reduced. However, I have to admit that outside of the well watered holiday resort oasis, Lanzarote is a barren volcanic landscape. After a week you cannot wait to get back to the green wooded beauty of Woodditton.
What an amazing parish bonfire night we had on 6 November, and well attended as always. The new owners of the Three Blackbirds kindly invited villagers to a private welcome in the “work in progress” bar. The only money that left our pockets went into a chamber pot on the bar, which resulted in over £200 being raised for the sports field children’s play equipment fund. Many thanks to Tim, Rupert, Gemma and kim. The pub officially re-opens on Thursday 9 th December.
The phone boxes in Ditton Green and School Lane are now owned by your Parish Council. Telephone equipment has been removed and temporary signs displayed indicating our intention to refurbish them ready for a variety of community uses. Trisha Highton is leading a small enthusiastic team who apparently have some great ideas!
The community orchard working group has identified some possible sites in the Parish and will be contacting land owners and meeting with Cambs County Council biodiversity partnership coordinator soon.
We recently returned from a short break in the sunshine. Much as I love east Cambridgeshire and our village of Woodditton, at this time of the year the weather can be trying. Does the resultant carbon footprint make me feel guilty? – No. I assuage any small guilt I may feel in the knowledge that the modern quieter aircraft being used by the holiday company is almost full and transporting several hundred of us very efficiently to the Canary Islands where blue skies and 25oC temperatures await. Besides by holidaying there in the British winter, we are supporting the 2m inhabitants who depend for their livelihood on the tourist industry. Also while out of the country my UK carbon footprint is significantly reduced. However, I have to admit that outside of the well watered holiday resort oasis, Lanzarote is a barren volcanic landscape. After a week you cannot wait to get back to the green wooded beauty of Woodditton.
What an amazing parish bonfire night we had on 6 November, and well attended as always. The new owners of the Three Blackbirds kindly invited villagers to a private welcome in the “work in progress” bar. The only money that left our pockets went into a chamber pot on the bar, which resulted in over £200 being raised for the sports field children’s play equipment fund. Many thanks to Tim, Rupert, Gemma and kim. The pub officially re-
The phone boxes in Ditton Green and School Lane are now owned by your Parish Council. Telephone equipment has been removed and temporary signs displayed indicating our intention to refurbish them ready for a variety of community uses. Trisha Highton is leading a small enthusiastic team who apparently have some great ideas!
The community orchard working group has identified some possible sites in the Parish and will be contacting land owners and meeting with Cambs County Council biodiversity partnership coordinator soon.
Robin Sharp
4th December 2010
In my last comment on local issues, I briefly referred to the green wooded beauty of Woodditton. Since then the coalition government started consulting on their highly contentious plans to sell off England’s nationally owned forests and woodlands. This would have included our Ditton Park wood. Following the furious backlash of public opinion, on Wednesday 16th February, David Cameron humiliated his Environment Secretary in the House of Commons, when he admitted he was unhappy with the proposal. The consultation process was immediately stopped and the proposal shelved. It is a good government, which listens to its electorate and admits it got it wrong.
Local walkers will notice that felling of old and diseased trees on the Devils Ditch will start soon and should be complete in March. The trees have been numbered with red markings. The work follows recommendations made in a survey report, commissioned by Cambs CC, English Heritage and Natural England.
Continuing on the green theme, the Parish Council Orchard working group recently met with Cambs CC biodiversity specialist with very encouraging results. Apparently Little Downham parish council has already established a successful community orchard and will be asked to help Woodditton PC to do the same. Alex Brearley (the Webmaster for this site) is kindly leading this initiative.
The Parish Council agenda for the next meeting to be held on 24th February includes an item on the recently published Localism Bill, otherwise known as David Cameron’s Big Society. This aims to shift power from central government back into the hands of communities and councils. If the bill becomes law, local councils and communities will, amongst other things, be able to veto excessive council tax rises, take over some services currently run by their local authority and instigate a referendum on any local issue. In addition, prospective developers will have to consult local communities before submitting planning applications for large developments.
As previously mentioned, the Three Blackbirds finally re-
On a slightly more somber note, there have been an unusual number of thefts carried out in the parish over the last month, four thefts from garages, sheds and oil tanks in Woodditton alone. Be aware and lock everything.
Finally an example of innovative recycling by a community is Redditch, where they plan to use heat generated by their local crematorium to heat their new stadium and leisure centre. A local funeral director, who has just attended the funeral of his beloved aunt, said she would like the idea that she could contribute to people having fun.