1 Volume 33 Number 2 July 2020 50p where sold

Every cloud has

a silver lining

There’s still time to get your free face masks!

See page 13 for details.

2

RUTLAND HEATING B

Based in Cottesmore and covering Rutland

Boiler installations,

Boiler & Heating System Repairs,

Quality Heating Repairs at

Competitive Rates ,

Plumbing and Drainage Repairs ,

Servicing and Landlord Certificates,

Tel: 01572 813372

Mobile: 07765 173636

William Stanton T/A H M Services

550115

COLIN EASSON (Motors) Ltd

Cottesmore

Phone 01572 812291

For all your motoring needs: New and used car sales Service and MOT Accident damage repairs Discount tyres, exhausts and batteries Genuine Ford spare parts Petrol, diesel and full forecourt services Special Armed Services Finance

Everything we do is driven by you ...

3

HELLO ALL!

Heartfelt thanks to those of you who told us

how much they’d enjoyed last month’s “Link”.

It was a big edition, produced under pressure

and within all the stringencies of lockdown,

and many folk were amazed we’d produced

an edition at all, for which we must thank our

marvellous printers and advertisers.

Things have moved so swiftly since we began

July’s magazine that we’ve again been

pushed to keep up. If this issue has been

overtaken by events we can only apologise.

Meanwhile, stay healthy and keep in touch!

Regards,

JENNY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The last great plague Pages 6-7

June at 90 Page 7

Have ball, will travel Page 8

Free masks Page 13

Master of arts Page 22

Litter lady Page 26

David Penny Page 31

Holiday ideas Page 40

Parish update Pages 42-43

Bystander Page 48

CHANGES DURING THE CORONA CRISIS From 6 July: New shop opening hours Monday - Saturday 7.30am - 6.30pm

Sunday 8am - 12 noon

Post office opening hours Monday - Friday 9.00 – 5.30pm

Saturday 9 - 12.30

We have daily deliveries of fresh meat, including

Steak, Bacon, Chops, Sausages, Fresh bread

You can also pre-order Bread, Eggs and Milk for collection.

TEXT Amanda 07871 310979 to place an order.

Tel: 01572 812322

Throwing away used masks, gloves and other PPE If you wear masks, gloves or other personal protective equipment (PPE) please

do not throw them in the recycling bin because they cannot be recycled.

Throw them in the household waste bin instead. Also, if you have coronavirus symptoms, or live with someone who does, you

need to take extra precautions before throwing away your PPE.

4

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

to the

Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation –

Coronavirus Support Fund

This fantastic charitable organisation gave us (Cottesmore Link Magazine)

a grant of £1500 so that we could still produce a magazine with all its

vital information for the residents of Cottesmore

The Community Foundation rarely asks for cash. We’re not fundraisers as such: our job is to

provide an inexpensive, knowledgeable platform for companies and individuals to give locally, and match their crucial support to the small charitable groups which work so hard to keep

Leicestershire and Rutland healthy and thriving.

But these are difficult times. Lockdown is hard for all, and we’re seeing first-hand that for many it’s disastrous. Local charities and community groups need help to deal with people facing loss of

income, new debts, cramped accommodation, domestic violence, worsening mental health,

isolation, lack of internet access.

HOW AMAZING ~ LOOK AT THE HELP THEY HAVE GIVEN TO SO MANY!

TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: 91 29.05.2020

TOTAL £ AWARDED: £363,196.50 29.05.2020 Without their help we would have had no option but to cancel the magazine. We are a

not-for-profit group and rely solely on our advertisers to pay for printing costs.

As many of our loyal advertisers have been affected by the virus and lockdown the only

fair thing to do was to freeze their advertising until they are able to work again.

We are so grateful for the support of the Community Foundation which has completely

paid our printing costs for May, June & July. This has enabled us to help many residents

in Cottesmore providing information about shopping, prescriptions collection, farm

shop deliveries, local shop deliveries, scrubs and masks, mental health info, domestic

abuse helplines, corona virus updates etc.

Juliet, Jenny, Janice, Jean, Barbara, Hilary & Shirley

Village Link Team

5

WE ARE BACK OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Our engineers carry out their works to comply with

the COVID-19 Government Guidelines

enabling us to work together, safer.

PJ PLUMBING & HEATING LTD are a local family-run business based in Langham.

Established for over 20 years with many years of invaluable

experience and knowledge.

We concentrate our efforts solely on plumbing and heating - therefore we

are able to give you, our customer, our time-served expertise and

professionalism in the areas we know best.

All our engineers are employed by us and have been with us for over 15 years.

• Full bathroom refurbishments.

• Full central heating installations for OIL, GAS and LPG

• Servicing and installation of boilers, fires, cookers, water

heaters.

• Boiler breakdowns.

• Landlord gas safety checks with 10% discount when the boiler

or gas fire is serviced at the same time.

• Licensed and qualified to install, service and commission invented Cylinders.

• Power flushing expertly carried out.

• All general plumbing and heating work undertaken for example

problematic taps, toilets not flushing, shower not working, Plumbing in your washing machine or dishwasher or American fridge freezer.

• Worcester Bosch Accredited Installers so we can give you up to

12 years GUARANTEE with your new boiler.

• FREE QUOTATIONS

• 24HR CALLOUT SERVICE

Telephone 01572 757881

6

COTTESMORE soldier Jeremiah Smith had every right to congratulate himself as the year 1918

dawned. For four bloody years the young Royal Artillery gunner had witnessed the First World

War at its worst. Now the end was in sight and he was looking forward to returning to his family

in his home village. Alas, it was not to be. With the Armistice just

two months away, Gunner Smith contracted influenza and was never to see Cottesmore

again. One of several children of a well-known local

family, the former farm worker’s name is on the village war memorial, along with all the other

brave heroes who also laid down their lives for their country.

Jeremiah, whose parents Jeremiah and Matilda, lived at Cottesmore Lodge, then Buswick Lodge,

enlisted for the Army in Oakham in

May 1914, four months before the

war started. Despite being exposed to al

the dangers of the most merciless

conflict in history, he had shown a

remarkable capacity

for survival. Then he caught the Spanish Flu (a misnomer as,

apart from one of its early victims being King Alfonso XIII of Spain, it didn’t start in Spain) and

was treated at the 21st Stationary Hospital in France on September 24 1918.

Doctors were amazed when he recovered when other young men, nurses and medics were dying

in droves, but the disease had weakened his system and he died on January 29 1919 of

appendicitis and was buried in France. He was just one of many.

More than 50 million people worldwide are estimated to have died from a pandemic which

was to see no equal in its ruthless rampage until the arrival of the current Covid-19 strain of

coronavirus earlier this year. The Spanish flu arrived in Europe in 1918 and,

after several peaks and troughs (and false euphoria when it appeared to have gone, only to

reappear) finally petered out in 1920. News of

the magnitude of the disease was initially

suppressed by Britain’s major media outlets, ostensibly to avoid leaking details to the enemy

at a time of war but mainly because the politicians were unaware of the danger of the

disease and had no idea how to control it. This censorship was meant to help protect the

public’s morale, but it didn’t help protect their health. Sounds familiar.

The symptoms in most people were similar – sweating, sickness, a dry cough and a gradual

breakdown in circulation. The illness mainly targeted the young and able, including one

sweet young nurse, Phyllis (“Hillie”) Burn (pictured, right) who died, aged 20, having

selflessly left her family home and moved to a

nearby house to avoid distressing her next of kin.

The flu was no respecter of persons. Victims included Sir Hubert Parry (composer of the

Proms’ favourite, “Jerusalem”) and the diplomat Sir Mark Sykes (co-creator of the Sykes-Picot

Middle East treaty) who was only 39. Those who survived the flu worldwide included David Lloyd-

George, Walt Disney, Greta Garbo and Gandhi. Rutland was largely spared the excesses of the

pandemic, which was thought to have started in insanitary conditions at a military hospital at

Etaples, France. Reports of the time suggested that its first wave in Britain started in Glasgow

and the ports of North-West of England before working its way through the major industrial

cities of the Midlands, where it was rife among crowded, insanitary, working class homes.

One survivor, a farmer who lived until the ripe old age of 98, recalled: “Doctors were powerless.

Strong men and women died in a matter of

“I HAD A LITTLE BIRD, ITS NAME WAS ENZA. I OPENED UP THE

WINDOW AND IN-FLU-ENZA” *

Jeremiah Smith

7

June Wardell from Gainsborough Court celebrated her 90th

birthday on 8th June. She had a small social distancing

picnic in the garden, a beautiful cake made by Christian from the

Sun and a video with birthday wishes from family and friends.

It was not the birthday party that had been planned, but she still

had a fantastic day.

days.” In Rutland the Earl of Lonsdale took the precaution of having a personal physician based

at Barleythorpe Hall; while at nearby Langham, Hugh Smith had a nurse on his payroll.

Langham School (already hit by pupil absence in the days when farm work requirements took

priority over lessons) had to close briefly when teachers went sick, and then for a longer period

for a whooping cough epidemic. There was a more serious flu outbreak at Uppingham School

in which 400 out of 470 pupils were affected, plus several members of staff. One teacher

died. Oakham had a small cottage hospital in Mill Street, though it was not open to everyone;

those on parish relief could only be admitted with a recommendation from the hospital’s

ladies’ committee. The really poor were condemned to be treated at the workhouse

clinic, from which they seldom emerged. Some patients were sent to Stamford or the LRI by

horse ambulance or rail or, from 1918, Oakham’s first motorised ambulance.

A pamphlet recommended people to give up shaking hands and kissing. Publicans were

urged to thoroughly wash the lips of glasses in running water, rail travellers were asked to take

later trains (after rush hour) to avoid infection from passenger congestion, and cinemas were

required to self-ventilate for 30 minutes every

three hours and show a Government-sponsored information film “Dr Wise and the Foolish

Patient.” Quack cures were numerous, including alcohol,

nasal douches, raw onion, electric shocks or Dr Williams’ infamous “Pink Pills for Pale People”.

One man claimed to have cured himself by using paraffin oil. Many people relied on folk

remedies, beef tea, mustard plasters and lots of fresh air. Some doctors over-diagnosed aspirin,

which did more harm than good. One overworked GP merely left a prescription form

at the very first house in a long terraced street for the rest of the street’s residents to pass on

to neighbours. Many mothers and babies died; those who died

at home were often not counted as flu casualties, just marked “died in childbirth.”

Names of members of the Armed Forces who died in Britain after returning from the

battlefields with flu were grouped with those killed in action. More than 1,600 adults and

children died of influenza and associated illnesses during three outbreaks in Leicester. By

the summer of 1919, when the virus had subsided,

228,000 people (five

times the current UK

pandemic death rate)

had died in Britain. A

further wave

appeared in 1920 but had far less impact.

It wasn’t until 1933, with the invention of the

electron microscope, that scientists deduced that the Spanish flu was caused by “an

extremely infectious virus (H1N1A)”, and that droplets from coughing and sneezing had

helped to spread it. A vaccine was developed for that particular strain. Now, in 2020, we must

pray for another miracle. –BPM

*A playground chant from the

pandemic years 1918-20.

Phyllis Burn

8

RAFA Rutland RAFA RUTLAND:

Next meeting 1st July 2020 by Zoom Guest Speaker: Lieutenant Colonel W J Meddings: Commanding

Officer | Second Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment Subject: ‘2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment: operations and training in 2020 and 2021”

Wednesday 5th Aug 2020. Guest Speaker :Adam Lowe. Subject : "Rutland Lockdown". Cycling around Rutland and exploring the many Pill Box structures

hidden away. Wednesday 2nd Sep 2020 Wings Appeal Meeting. ,

Phil Marston (Branch Secretary), "Northern Ireland Experience Derek Bury

Cottesmore Gardening Group We’re looking forward to September 6th when we hope things in this crazy world will be

normal enough for us to stage the Craft and Produce show. The committee are continuing

with our preparations and hoping for the best.

The recent rain has meant that the tomatoes

and beans (the only things I have room for in my compact garden) are growing well. I hope

your proposed entries are doing the same. The great thing is that, if we can't have the show, at

least we can enjoy the produce! Next month, you will find the schedule for the

show in the Link. It was printed in April's Link if you need to refer to it. We will not be delivering

it to every house as we have done in the past

but ask that you use it to plan your entries.

We have rescheduled July's talk for next year. Perhaps if things change we will be able to

have an outdoor get-together later this summer. I have really missed our meetings!

Ros Kenny

COTTESMORE AMATEURS

FOOTBALL CLUB Hi from all at the Cottesmore Amateurs Football Club and we trust you are all keeping well in the

current lockdown situation. We’re now well into the month of June and the recent easing of

Coronavirus instructions has meant that the lads are able to start training, albeit with certain

reservations. At this point in time however, we have no idea as to when the local leagues can

start in earnest.

So in that case let us reminisce and take a look back at the times and places when the club

proudly carried the Cottesmore banner to foreign, as well as home, fields.

A government-sponsored Sportsmatch award in 1993 saw the then main club sponsor/first

team manager Chris Duggan and myself attend a reception at Buckingham Palace after making

representations at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

Going further back in the history pages saw the club participate in European International

Tournaments in1970 at Ostend, Belgium and

Curzon on the Dutch/German border, in 1971 on Jersey on the Channel Islands, in 1980 and

1981 at Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and in 1982 at Dunkerque in France.

The games played in Ostend, Curzon and Jersey saw the Amateurs emerge with 100% records.

The 1980 and 1981 excursions to Amsterdam were both tournaments against other European

nations, both of which saw the lads bring home the silverware!!

The success story finally came to an end ( unlike Britain’s other famous sortie) in Dunkerque,

with a 1-2 defeat to our French hosts. Along the way, back at base, we have been

privileged to entertain top clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, Lincoln City and

Nottingham Forest, not forgetting the Croatian national squad who trained at the then Rogues

Park during the Euro 1996 Championships. As a small local football club we are proud to

have entertained and visited such clubs over the years, and to have carried the name of

Cottesmore not only throughout our own East Midlands area but also to other far-flung shores.

Allan Westray

9

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

COTTESMORE INVESTMENT CLUB The Investment Club has been lying pretty low during the last month. As you’ll have noticed,

the economic news isn’t great, and we can’t help feeling there are shocks still to come in

the Stock Markets – so caution is the order of the day. We can’t meet face-to-face right now,

of course, but keep in close touch with each other remotely – and will be ready to spring into

investment action as soon as we feel the time

is right. Following the tos and fros of the Stock Market

provides plenty of interest, and indeed plenty of challenges. We are on the lookout for new

members; if you feel you could be interested in joining us, we would normally suggest you

could come along and sit in on one of our meetings. That’s clearly not possible right now

– but to contact us, or get information about us and our activities, you are welcome to ring

Secretary John Meara on 812350.

THE DOG RAMBLERS THE DOG RAMBLERS ARE RAMBLING AGAIN.

We’ve all missed our group walks but when the

lockdown restrictions eased a little we were able to

meet in groups of six. Two of our loyal members who

have local dog businesses have offered us ’safe’

paddocks where we will have exclusive use. One is

owned and used by a dog walking & pet sitting

company and the other is at Braunston and is used for

dog training, animal rescue and general hire. We are

so lucky to have these two meeting places, and as you

can see we are certainly making full use of them, and

many old doggie friendships have been renewed.

If you would like to join this group please contact me

on 811038 or see our Facebook page.

Jenny Laidler

10

Hello fellow villagers, What strange and uncertain times we are living in!! Hope you are all well and finding time to re

-energise and reconnect with family and friends through various multimedia channels. Thank you to those who I have spoken to or have sent kind messages regarding myself and

my business. Definitely a tough time in the travel industry at the moment. I’ve so been busy changing

people’s future travel plans or working on amendments and cancellations for the past month. I am secure and happy with the service I have provided my customers and I’m sure they are

glad they have had me to handle all the chaos and not having to deal with it themselves. This summer may be a travel write off, but I’ve seen over the last few days an interest in

enquiries for this winter and summer 2021. Now is never a better time to start planning your next adventure. I want you to have the best experience possible which is why it’s so important

you have access to all the relevant travel information and advice needed for your future trips, as well as total peace of mind knowing your bookings are backed by ATOL protection and our

unique financial trust. I cannot emphasise enough that your money is fully protected. If the travel ban is still in place

(in line with FCO advice) there are options to defer, take a credit note or have a refund for all your plans.

We all will definitely need a holiday after this! Whatever the future of travel will look like, people will still travel. I’m very optimistic about the future and I’m open for business.

Stay safe and be kind!

11

Cottesmore Wine Circle Well what can I say about our Wine Circle, apart from in line with Government guidelines

we have not met since February. Our members were all prepared to have a fabulous

tasting presented by two valued members in April but it was not to be so; we are hoping

they have stored the wine for the time when we can meet, and not been tempted to have it

all themselves! Our summer get-together, still in the diary for the 18th July, is not looking

promising but we are ever hopeful things may

change as time progresses. We have August in sight for our scheduled

meeting when hopefully we will be able to resume our jolly Circle. Thereafter, if

permitted, there will be a lot of missed meetings to catch up on before the year end.

Due to member changes in The Circle we now have a very small waiting list, so do please be

encouraged to discuss with Janine Rees on 812167 or via janinerees55@gmail.com and

add your name, it really is a fun and relaxed evening with a jolly group of local residents.

Janine Rees

Cashless society More payments than ever are being made by contactless card during the current pandemic.

Retailers are welcoming debit or credit cards like never before because of their use as part of an

instant transaction. Regular usage of banknotes and coins fell 15 per cent last year, with cards making up more than

half of all transactions for the first time. Some seven million people now use cash only once a month.

JOAN EDWARDS of Cottesmore was Rutland Radio’s “Hero of the Month” in May for her tireless

work for the community in connection with the virus aid programme; Amanda Lewis of the village

shop received the same honour in June. Sally Hunt, stalwart of Market Overton store, was

interviewed on Rutland Radio about the shop’s 10th anniversary.

12

COTTESORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

SUPPORT ROUP

Are you self isolating or shielding?

We’re still here to support you!

We will help you with Shopping, Posting Mail, Food Bank,

Urgent Supplies and Friendly Telephone Support.

See contact details below; we’re only a phone call away.

COTTESMORE CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT GROUP Sally Hartnoll 9am - 1pm

01572 812824 or 07516 708008

Sarah Day 1pm - 5pm

0773 095 2951

Joan Edwards 5pm - 9pm

01572 813317 or 07497748734

Juliet Burgess Ray

01572 812898 or 07903 021063

COTTESMORE COMMUNITY MEDICINES COLLECTION SCHEME

Prescription medication can be collected for you from Empingham Medical Practice |

Uppingham Surgery |Market Overton Surgery| Somerby Surgery.

is co-ordinating the scheme for Cottesmore

If you need medicines to be collected, please:

Email: sue.bk@btinternet.com

Call: 01572 813380 Mobile: 07956529997

If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer or need help yourself please get in touch.

You may be isolated, but you’re not alone.

Market Overton and Somerby surgeries are asking patients, where possible, to order repeat prescriptions 10 days in advance.

Because of reduced staffing levels, they are struggling to deal with the usual volume of requests.

13

For residents of Cottesmore, the Parish Council are providing funds to ensure that

any resident of the village who would like a face mask can request one free of

charge. Different designs available.

Please ring the COVID-19 Support Group contacts named on the card you

received in March or see page 12 to request one.

The Cottesmore- based volunteers will be taking a break from helping Scrubtastic

to make these masks instead.

Joan Edwards

FREE MASKS FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF COTTESMORE…..

Have you got yours yet?

NEW FACEBOOK PAGE FOR COTTESMORE RESIDENTS

If you would like to keep up to date with local news and what’s going on in Cottesmore, please

“like” the new Facebook page “Cottesmore Times”.

Now the focus is easing from Coronavirus and numbers are reducing let’s keep up the great community spirit that we’ve seen in recent weeks with a new Facebook page that will benefit

everyone in Cottesmore.

We welcome you to share anything relevant to the people of Cottesmore. Suggestions for

posting include — lost & found, what’s on, incidents in the village, general enquiries, useful information, gifting or wanted, Coronavirus support enquiries, clubs & societies, request for

help. Tradespeople are welcome to place adverts too.

14

RECOGNITION FOR RUTLAND

HELPERS IN VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK People who have given their time freely to help individuals, families and communities affected

by COVID-19 are being recognised as part of this

year’s National Volunteers’ Week. National Volunteers’ Week is an annual event

that celebrates the huge contribution made by millions of people across the UK through

volunteering. This year’s National Volunteers’ Week took on a

special significance because of the volunteer effort that has been mobilised in response to the

COVID-19 pandemic. Around 200 volunteers have come forward in

Rutland to support those affected by COVID-19. This includes volunteers who have been working

with Parish Councils or good neighbour schemes to collect shopping and medicines for people

who are self-isolating or being shielded because of the virus.

Volunteers have also been involved in providing friendly phone call services to help people who

may feel isolated or lonely, as well as collecting almost a tonne of donations for the Rutland

Foodbank over the past month. Coun Alan Walters, Cabinet Member for Adult

Social Care and Health at Rutland County Council, said: “COVID-19 has taken a terrible toll

across the country. It has also brought out the very best in our communities and highlighted the

incredible lengths that people will go to help and support one another. The response to COVID-19

here in Rutland has been nothing short of amazing. Local food delivery and medicine

collection schemes could not have worked without the time and energy of dedicated

volunteers, working with the Council, Parishes and good neighbour groups. Thank you to

everyone who has come forward to volunteer their help and support.”

Rutland Community Wellbeing Service is continuing to build up a network of volunteers to

join voluntary and community sector partners in supporting Rutland. If you would like to find out

more or register as volunteer please visit: www.rutlandwellbeing.org.uk/covid.

FARM PARK PLEA FOR HELP Oakham’s Rutland Farm Park has re-opened but is still appealing for help in maintaining food supplies to its animals. A combination of two harsh winters, the death of founder Daphne Ball,

and the coronavirus restrictions have hit it hard. Earlier this year the owners were forced to put a range of animals up for sale. The 19-acre venue

has been in the Ball family for five generations. It focuses on conservation and education while trying to preserve rare breeds of sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry.

Now it is appealing for public support to help it buy animal food. “With all the dry weather we’ve got no grass in the fields and we’re having to give animals extra food to compensate” said an

official. The need is for sheep food, sugar beet, cattle food, mixed corn for the birds, salad and fruit for

birds, grass nuts and lamb creep. Rutland Farm Park may be contacted on 01572 722122. Please call Rutland Pet Supplies (07860 112583) to deliver on your behalf.

“Lost cards” alert An Army spokesman has said that an incident involving a senior military figure who was said to have lost vital business cards on a Cottesmore street has been “properly resolved.”

The cards allegedly belonged to the commander of an anti-virus disinformation brigade based in Berkshire and were said to contain office and cell phone numbers as well as an e-mail address.

The brigade is being used to fight disinformation spread by foreign powers about the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

15

THEY’RE OPEN! Anglian Water says over the past few weeks,

it has 'worked tirelessly' to ensure health and safety requirements can be met for all its

water parks. However, a spokesman said that to protect

the local Rutland community, the company asks people not to visit in large groups and

not to rush to visit either. " There will be plenty of opportunity over the

coming weeks. We are keen to avoid a large influx of people arriving at the same time. There

will be limited parking onsite to ensure that we can monitor the flow of people coming to visit

and ensure social distancing is possible. “There will be changes across our parks to make

sure Government guidance can be maintained and to protect visitors and our colleagues.

"The waterside and harbour cafes will remain closed, along with the Rutland Belle. We also

won’t be opening the beach this summer." Other facilities that will remain closed include

the nature reserve, all children's playgrounds, mini-golf and there will be no water sports hire.

Rutland Cycle will operate a click and collect service through its website.

The spokesman continued: "It is clear that there is still a long road ahead in respect of living with

Covid-19 and it’ll come as no surprise that, as with all walks of our current lives, things will look

a little different for some time to come. "We know this has been a long and frustrating

period and we would like to thank everyone for

their patience. What makes us love doing what we do, is seeing and experiencing the pleasure

all our visitors get from their experience on our parks.

“We would like to thank those of you who have been supportive throughout this time, it means

everything to our teams." “We will continue to monitor the Government’s

advice and the situation as the summer progresses.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, commented: “Rutland County Council

fully supports Anglian Water’s decision to re-

open its facilities at Rutland Water to the public. "A significant amount of detailed planning has

taken place to ensure the re-opening is as safe as possible for, staff, volunteers, residents and

tourists. “We recognise that, after so many weeks spent

in lockdown, people will be keen to visit the reservoir. But, we would urge everyone to

exercise restraint, and consider the potential implications an influx of visitors could have.

"All of Rutland’s tourist attractions, restaurants, coffee shops and bars are now gearing up

reopen in the summer, depending on Government guidance, so there will be plenty of

time to visit then, but now we must all play our part in ensuring our vulnerable residents and the

wider public are protected from the virus.”

Anyone with a season ticket for the car parks at Rutland can take their card to the

information centre at Whitwell and they will extend your subscription for three months

to allow for the recent closure.

LANGHAM Street Market, planned for August Bank Holiday Monday (August 31), has been cancelled because of problems with social distancing. Burghley Horse Trials are cancelled.

Burghley House gardens are open. Rutland Water opened during the first week in June. Carphone Warehouse is closing its Oakham High Street branch as part of a nationwide shutdown

of 531 stores involving 2,900 jobs.

16

PAINTER & DECORATOR DOUGLAS JACKSON

Internal & External Painting

Paper Hanging, Coving, Plastering & Tiling

Domestic & Commercial Work Undertaken

I cover Cottesmore and Local Area

Experienced, Very Clean & Tidy

Reliable & Trustworthy

Friendly advice

Get in touch for a free no-obligation quote Tel: 01780 410950 Mob: 07791 737977

DO YOU NEED HELP COMPLETING YOUR

SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN?

Arcus Taxation Accountants

………. Chartered taxation advisers

Have you received an unexpected tax demand?

Are you constantly receiving new PAYE codes that you don’t understand?

Have you sold a property & may owe tax on the sale?

Do you have any other personal tax problems?

We have over 25 years’ experience advising clients on their

personal taxation affairs.

For a free no obligation appointment please contact

Andrew Cross on 01572 770552 or andrew@arcus-tax.co.uk

Knights Yard, 2b Gaol Street, Oakham

www.arcus-tax.co.uk

17

18

SUPER SHOP DISPLAY WINS VE PRIZE Greetham Village Shop was one of the

three winners of a “virtual” Rutland Radio competition to find the best display to

mark the 75th anniversary of VE-Day. Around 200 stores and homes from

around the county sent in photos on aspects of VE-Day (including historical

pictures and artwork) as part of a contest which was devised by Rutland Radio in

conjunction with Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness, High Sheriff

Richard Cole, Rutland County Council and the Oakham Armed Forces Breakfast

Club. Entries were judged by Sarah, Richard and radio presenter Rob Persani.

Nicole-Marie Brown’s colourful spectacular of flags and memorabilia, which framed the frontage of her Greetham shop, shared top billing with the Lewin family’s contribution in Edith Weston and

Hugo and Milo Barley’s offering from Uppingham. All three finalists were

awarded £50 Amazon vouchers. The idea for the competition followed a

conversation between Rob and the breakfast club’s Tracey Taylor. “We felt we

had to do something to mark the occasion,

even during lockdown, and it proved to be an enormous success,” he said.

Entries were judged from photographs which ranged from pix of street parties to

artwork by HMP Stocken and displays at Army bases, including Kendrew Barracks.

Organisers said it was particularly gratifying to see so many contributions

from children.

A LABOUR OF LOVE RUNNING a village shop can be tough,

particularly during a pandemic, but there are compensations. First, it’s the vital hub of the

village, a natural gathering point for locals as well as a handy stop-off for passing trade.

Second, at a time of crisis, local stores have proved their worth by continuing to offer a

pleasant, no-fuss, alternative to supermarkets. Third, there’s the personal touch; customers

can express their gratitude face to face. It’s a hard life for proprietors in making ends meet

and working all the hours God sends. It’s high time their hard work was recognised.

Greetham is fortunate in still having its village shop, and proprietor Nicole-Marie Brown has

earned great praise from villagers for not only

keeping the store going but for coping with all the stress of the pandemic while finding time

to deliver vital supplies to the old, vulnerable and housebound for miles around.

So it’s only fitting that regular shopper Eleanor Bland of Main Street should contact Rutland

Radio to pay tribute. “Nicole has been a STAR,” she said. “She has brought in essential

products such as flour, toilet rolls and lots of hand sanitisers, masks and gloves as well as

care packages. She also keeps the post office going, which has been very busy.

“As well as selling essentials, she has been

delivering packages to vulnerable people all

around the area; cleans, organises and runs the

shop’s library (something of a novelty in such a

small store); and still found time to festoon the

19

shop windows with bunting and artwork to mark the VE-Day 75th anniversary. It was a fine

show which rightly won the store county-wide accolades. (The shop currently features a Covid-

19 themed display which has also attracted a great deal of praise).

“Nicole works non-stop, and her hard work is greatly appreciated in the community. Despite

having health issues, and being a high-risk person, she is constantly on her feet and would

do anything for her customers and for the passing trade on which the shop relies so

heavily during this dire period. She deserves maximum recognition for all her efforts.”

Radio presenter Rob Persani was happy to read out Eleanor’s letter on air while praising all

shopkeepers who’ve struggled to commit to the community during the coronavirus saga. He

recorded an interview with Nicole at the shop which was broadcast on June 12.

“I am very grateful for the nominations for Hero of the Week,” she told the Link. “I believe it’s

important that not just we retailers but all key workers, who are normally working hard day to

day but are being put under extra pressure by this coronavirus, should get suitable publicity

and thanks for all the hard work they’re doing. “Times are still tough, but we’re coping. I’d like

to thank my Dad Bill for continuing to do all the hours he does in keeping the shop going. If it

wasn’t for him, and for the wonderful community support we’ve had over the years,

we would have closed a long time ago.” *The shop is for sale. Contact Nicole and her

team for details.

JOKES A bear walks into a bar and says: “Give me a whisky and er, er, er, soda.”

The barman asks: “Why the long pause?” and the bear says: “Dunno, I guess I was just born with them.”

This actor fell through the floorboards. No worries. He was just going

through a stage.

Heard about the claustrophobic astronaut? He just needed a little space.

Why did the chicken go to the séance? To get to the other side.

“Doctor, doctor, I think I’m Tom Jones.” “It’s not unusual.”

What sits on the bottom of the ocean and twitches like mad? A nervous wreck.

A man tells his doctor: “I need help; I’m addicted to Twitter” and the doctor says: “Sorry,

I’m not following you.”

What kind of exercise do lazy people do? Diddly-squats.

What did Dickens keep in his spice rack? The best of thymes, the worst of thymes.

What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.

“Doctor, doctor, I’ve got lettuce stuck in my ear.” “Ah, that’s just the tip of the Iceberg.”

THE YEAR IN QUESTION 1. Sexy Dutch actress Sylvia Kristel, famous for her “Emmanuelle” films, dies at 60. 2. Wonder horse Frankel wins his 14th straight race before retiring.

3. Austrian Felix Baumgartner plunges 23 miles from a hot-air balloon to become the first man to break the sound barrier from space.

4. Roy Hodgson becomes England soccer manager. 5. Richard III’s skeleton is found under a Leicester car park.

6. American astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man on the Moon, dies at 82. 7. Many parts of Rutland are submerged water after torrential rain.

8. RAF Cottesmore prepares for a name change to Kendrew Barracks. 9. Centenary of Scott’s tragic demise at the South Pole.

10. Victory parade is held in London for GB’s Olympic Games athletes. Guess the year. Answer on Page 48.

2012

20

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LOCAL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 MAPPING FIGURES Oakham East suffered 11 deaths from Coronavirus in the run-up until the start of June. The figure is released in new mapping data from the Office of National Statistics, which also

reveals the worst or best hit areas down to postcode level in the months of March, April and May. Six deaths happened in April and five in May.

Oakham West, Langham and Whissendine suffered two deaths in April. Uppingham, Lyddington and Braunstone suffered one death in April and two in May.

Market Overton, Cottesmore and Empingham didn't suffer any deaths at all!.

PHARMACISTS report a huge increase in customers seeking treatment s for hands

irritated by the constant washing required to fight Covid-19. Emollients or moisturisers are

recommended as antidotes. Hands should be patted dry after washing, rather than rubbed, to

avoid abrasions.

DID YOU KNOW? You could fit 100m viral particles on the head of a pin but would only

need to be exposed to a few thousand to be infected with Covid-19.

CHURCHES OPEN FOR PRAYER Britain’s churches have re-opened for personal

prayers, funerals and weddings, after the Catholic Archbishop of Southwark, the Most

Rev John Wilson, wrote to the Prime Minister, calling church closures “an infringement of

both religious freedom and equity.”

THE EU is expected to reject demands for stronger legal protection for UK branded

products, such as Melton Mowbray pork pies and Stilton cheese, despite Britain promising to

protect such Euro delicacies as champagne and Parma ham.

21

The ten weeks of lockdown have put a major focus on the nation‘s mental health. Pepper’s - A Safe Place has been open for the last 18 months and offers a

friendly space for all those with on-going and serious mental health conditions. It allows them to meet, share stories and have a fun time with others in similar situations, whilst enjoying

some light refreshments. Not surprisingly, we have been closed for the past few weeks but can’t wait to open once again. We open every Tuesday between 10.30-14.00.

We know that over recent weeks many in Rutland have found just leaving home scary and are apprehensive about going out and meeting people. For them socially integrating again is

proving to be too difficult.

So, we want to provide support for everyone who finds themselves struggling post-lockdown. To do that we plan to open at least one extra day a week. But, to do so

successfully, we need more volunteers. Do you have a couple of hours to spare once a week,

or fortnight? All we ask is for you to come along to Pepper’s at 2a High Street in Oakham to lend a hand - to talk to new arrivals and make them feel welcome, help with the teas and

coffees or even complete a jigsaw puzzle together!

This is an incredibly valuable thing to do and it will make a major difference to many local people. If you would like to offer your support, please contact us at Pepper’s.

Judith Gilboy (Chairman)

www.peppersrutland.co.uk | peppers.rutland@gmail.com | 07891 866130

C HURCHES are open for private prayer and (eventually) funerals and weddings. Zoos, farm parks, drive-ins and other outdoor attractions have re-opened. Pubs, coffee shops and

restaurants have been given the go-ahead for July 4 but are seeking reductions in the two-metre rule. Hairdressers and other hospitality venues, including theme parks, can re-open the same day;

caravan parks hopefully soon. Only one-third of dentists had returned to work (with due precautions) in early June; many more are still working on distancing and anti-virus precautions.

Like the NHS, they face an enormous backlog.

B EWARE the Covid cons. Don’t sign up for virus testing kits, vaccines or alleged miracle cures; only the NHS is providing certified tests and there are currently no vaccines or cures.

Fraudsters are also door-stepping the vulnerable by offering temperature tests and help with shopping. Householders are always urged to ask for IDs.

22

STEPPING OUT SAFELY? I received a letter from a Cottesmore resident regarding anti-social cyclists and runners on

footpaths, which has prompted me to write of an experience I had recently. I was walking down a footpath with tall hedges from Cresswell Drive towards Mill Lane.

I had my two dogs with me and as we stepped out onto the footpath on Mill Lane a boy came hurtling from my left towards me on his fairly big bike. He bumped into one of my

dogs but fortunately no harm came to either of them. His mother was running swiftly along the footpath on the opposite side of the road with a

dog on a lead and another child cycling behind her on the footpath. This created four obstacles for pedestrians to negotiate.

While I have no objection to young children cycling or scooting along a footpath, however I do think larger children cycling at a running pace could be encouraged to ride on the side of

the road next to their running parent(s). The footpaths are not a playground and are barely wider than the bicycle handlebars, so

where are pedestrians, pushchairs or toddlers meant to go? People like myself are unable to jump to the side quickly and safely as we could end up on the road causing an accident

with a couple of dogs. All I am asking for is for some consideration and courtesy from people for other footpath

users. Jenny Laidler - Editor

CLINTON’S PET PROJECT GREETHAM artist Clinton Croson is an award-winning painter and exhibitor whose work is getting

increasingly well known throughout the East Midlands. The 39-year-old son of Gaby Croson of Cottesmore,

Clinton has attracted warm reviews for his vivid depictions of everything from still life to a gloriously

glossy depiction of a Triumph Spitfire. His portraiture has been described as “extraordinarily

realistic”, and his diverse list of “sitters” includes Rutland sepsis victim Tom Rayand the enigmatic and

alluring “Rose” in repose. He also specialises in landscapes, one of the finest

being a richly golden hayfield at harvest. His work is photographic in style, a feast of introspective detail which picks out every nuance but still packs more punch than the average

photo. A proper piece of art goes far deeper than any snap, he explains. “A well-painted work in oils has a depth which cannot be achieved with a photo,” he says. “Part

of this is probably due to the tactile nature of the paint itself as well as using coloured glazes during the painting process.

“A photograph captures the moment and is manufactured within this particular moment in time. A painting, on the other hand, is created piece by piece, layer by layer, over a long period

of time, so there is a fundamental difference in process.”

Clinton has exhibited in many leading galleries and has sold works at Batemans in Stamford. He is constantly in demand for his portraitures. He is also a fine illustrator of animals, not the

easiest subject in the world for any artist to capture. One of his finest is “Mrs Mayfield’s Boys” from 2016, a loving and exquisitely detailed doggy tribute to our best friends.

Clinton Croson would welcome the chance to portray your pets for posterity. His prices are reasonable and the quality assured, and you’ll be left with a stunning legacy of an

unsurpassable friendship. Contact him on 07933 303279 or on clintoncroson.com. *(pic)”Mrs Mayfield’s Boys” by Clinton Croson.

23

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24

RUTLAND REPAIRS PLUS We specialise in small repairs and

most types of maintenance work –

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We can work for you (or with you)

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RUTLAND FARM PARK

25

Schools reopening ‘won’t raise virus rate’ ALLOWING all children to return to school will not cause a second wave of coronavirus, states a modelling forecast by the University of Warwick. Some schools are due back on September 15

despite some scientists warning that the R rate, at which the virus reproduces, is still too high. Many children have not been in school since March following fears that social distancing

measures in some schools are not acceptable. There is still no confirmation as to whether pupils at either primary or secondary levels will be going back full-time.

At the start of term, St Nicholas School head teacher Daniel Alfieri told parents that “the measures they were taking may seem extreme, but were all being put in place to look after the

health and wellbeing of the school community.” All term trips were being cancelled, as were parents’ evenings. There would be no staff training

nor visits by volunteers. Arrangements were in hand for those pupils who could attend school. For those that couldn’t, Mr Alfieri told parents: “We do not have the capacity to send homework for

individual children. Please continue to read with them, get them to work on times tables and spellings, and encourage them to complete quick maths questions daily.”

Only around 11 per cent of primary pupils nationally went back on June 1. Some secondary schools had planned to re-open on June 15, but the two-metre distancing rule remains a major

obstacle. It’s been suggested that such buildings as libraries and empty offices could be used as “pop-up

schools” to ease class congestion, with retired teachers being asked to return to help with cover.

*A-level results are being published on August 13, GCSEs on August 20.

Cottesmore Millfield Academy is back in operation.

26

LET US HAVE YOUR NEWS, VIEWS, STORIES &

ADVERTS BY THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH! Send your stories to the editor Jenny Laidler

29 Cresswell Drive (Tel. 811038) Email: editorjenny@aol.com

Our advertising rates are very competitively priced and we welcome new adverts,

either one-off or booked for 12 months for the price of 11 months.

For advertising enquiries contact Juliet Burgess Ray on 812898 or 07903 021063

Email: juliet.burgessray@btinternet.com

GABY CLEANS UP

COTTESMORE SHE’S a familiar figure in her bright yellow

tabard, carrying her litter pincers and clutching her trademark shiny big black bin bag (or two

smaller grey bags) as she briskly walks the streets of Cottesmore.

Gaby Croson has been village litter lady since 2006, and it says much for her stamina and

sense of purpose that she still loves the job after

all these years. She must have walked hundreds of miles in that time. “It keeps me fit,” explains

the 72-year-old who lives on Wenton Close. “I’ve lost count of how far I’ve walked but I still take

pride in doing a thorough job. I can’t stand litter. Never have. I think it’s unsightly.”

Gaby was born at Kempten near the ski resort of Oberstdorf in Germany and still retains traces of

her Bavarian accent despite having lived in Rutland for many years. Now a widow, she was

married to Victor for 44 years. Employed by the parish council, she covers the

village each Tuesday and Friday, also walking all the way up to Kendrew for collections on

alternate Fridays. It’s a fair trot, but she’s never been happier. “It gets me out and it keeps me

fit; I play badminton and table tennis at the Village Hall. I know people appreciate what I’m

doing because so many folk stop for a chat.” Though Britain is notorious for being a

throwaway society (as instanced by those morons who flocked to the nation’s beauty spots

over the Bank Holiday weekend and left piles of rubbish) Gaby reckons the litter problem in

Cottesmore is nowhere near as bad as it was

when she started the job 14 years ago. “Everywhere was terrible; I was having to

dispose of old TVs and burnt-out radio sets. It’s a lot better now. I used to start off with two

bags, which was quite a weight, and I remember one kind lady offering to help me by taking one

bag in her car. Now I have just the one bag (or two smaller bags) which, when filled, goes in the

big bin behind the Village Hall. It gets heavier and heavier the longer I walk but I’m pretty

tough. I can cope with that.” Dog faeces are always a problem; human

faeces too. “Many years ago I was watching this old gentleman riding his bike and he got off the

bike and went into some bushes, and when he came out I found human excrement. It was

disgusting, but then at that time all kind of stuff was being dumped.”

Her regular route includes Austhorp Grove, Wenton Close, the area around the bus shelter,

The Spinney, Heath Drive, Nether Close, the Village Hall, the bins outside the tennis court

and Scout hut, and at the far end of the village near Eassons garage. It’s quite a journey at the

height of summer, but even worse in winter when many folk might prefer to stay home.

Gaby lives with son Billy in Wenton Close. Her artist son Clinton is a brilliant painter who now

lives in Greetham. A daughter lives in Germany

and there are two grandchildren, aged 18 and 16. “I visit them as often as I can but of course

the Covid-19 crisis has made things rather awkward. At least I can still speak to my family

by phone and ask them how things are. In Germany they are more relaxed than Britain

about the issue. I would love to go over there as soon as I can but we just have to wait and see.”

–BPM.

27

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR VILLAGE LINK April 2019 to March 2020

Receipts Payments

Brought forward £ 1024.82 Printing £ 7258.00 Advertising £ 7239.00 Postage £ 141.60 Donations £ 9.58 Miscellaneous £ 34.00 Subscriptions £ 27.00 Carried forward £ 866.80 ------------- ------------

£ 8300.40 £ 8300.40 ------------- ------------

The Link distribution is 700 copies per month plus almost 200 which are sent out by email. Behind the scenes is a team of very loyal volunteers: Jenny, the fabulous Editor; Juliet, the Advertising Manager; Jean, the Distribution Manager; Janice, the Treasurer, plus Barbara, Hilary and Shirley; and then all those who go out in all weathers to ensure that every village home receives a Link by the first of the month. New volunteers are always welcome.

The accounts have been examined by David Wallace and found to be in order. This is a not-for-profit organisation: aimed at producing a vibrant magazine with the costs covered by advertising income. No salaries are paid but incidental expenses such as petrol and postage are reimbursed.

As we went into the new financial year we were facing a period of great uncertainty but our advertisers have stood by us and we were awarded a community grant so we proceed confidently into the remainder of this year.

Thank you to everyone who helps in any way to make this one of the best local publications.

The Link Team, June 2020

28

Church opening We’re always saying that the church is people, not buildings! To serve the people in our community, it has been our custom to

unlock our church building during the day. People have prayed here since Norman times and you will soon be able to do so again.

However, recent easing of Covid 19 rules comes with various restrictions for our safety. At the time of writing, we must have

people present in church if it is unlocked. And our ancient building is never easy to clean.

The church in Cottesmore will be made available for personal, individual prayer at the following times. Saturdays 10am to 1pm

and Tuesdays Noon until 5pm. Please do follow all the current Government guidelines about

keeping safe when using the church – keep your distance, don’t touch anything, including books and keep to the designated areas.

Everyone is welcome to use the church in this way and don’t forget that our weekly Church service video is available online at

www.NorthRutlandChurches.org.uk. We will review this regularly as the situation changes.

There will be an up-to-date notice on the church gate.

47 Main Street Cottesmore Oakham LE15 7DH

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29

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31

GARDENING JOBS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY I have been asked how and when to prune

gooseberries and as July is the earliest one should prune ‘goozgogs’ this is a good time to

mention it. In general, as with all shrubs and trees the objective is to ensure no branches rub

against another so if a stem is growing toward another or has already begun to rub then

remove one of the stems. The plant should be

pruned to allow the free passage of air throughout, pruning should leave the middle of

the plant nicely open, this will minimise the chance of disease and damage and allow fruit

maximum light and air. Goozgogs do have a habit of drooping (who doesn’t?) so prune to give

the branches an upward appearance a bit like the upturned palm of your hand. Pruning should

take place twice a year as follows: ~ Summer: In the first week of July (not

earlier), trim all new side-shoots down to 5 leaves. There's no need to prune the tips of the

leading stems unless they have mildew. ~ Winter: During the winter, cut back the

leading stems by half of their new growth. Now shorten all the lateral side-shoots that you took

down to 5 leaves in the summer: this time, cut them back to two buds. If you cut them back to

three buds, you will get more but smaller fruit. Harvest seasonal vegetables and early salad

crops. Pick fruit from trees in particular plums to

lighten the load on the branches to avoid them breaking or certainly support any heavily laden

boughs. Greenhouses will get very hot now so ventilate at

every opportunity, place a bowl or a bucket of water on the floor to slowly evaporate in order to

keep the area moist during the day.

Weeds are everywhere so aim to pick a bucket of weeds a day to stay on top of the lovely little

chaps. Dead-head bedding plants for repeat flowering,

shrubs will also benefit. Ponds and pools will be evaporating at an

alarming rate so keep topping them up. Allow philadelphus and delphiniums to fade but

then quickly hard prune. When lupins' have faded cut them hard at the

base to ensure healthy plants and a good display next year.

If you remove the side shoots of dahlias they will produce larger blooms.

Secure sweet peas as they shoot up your bean sticks or they will flop back to ground.

Remember to water your lawns if practicable, all new lawns should ideally be watered in the

morning and in the evening when less water is lost to evaporation.

Feed hanging baskets, containers and pots to ensure a stunning show.

Feed Clematis with clematis feed please. All climbers will be growing fast so train and tie

in regularly. Tall annuals will need supporting or staking with

plant supports or just twigs. TOP TIP If you are going away get a friend to

water your containers but make it easier for them by collecting the pots etc in one place,

preferably near the tap/hose. Deadhead, mow and tidy your garden

throughout, before you go on holiday that way

you will return to only short growth. All early flowering clematis should have been cut

back hard by now even the lovely seed heads will be gone. If not already done, please do it

now! David Penny

32

A Doctor Writes . . . Dexamethasone , so loudly trumpeted on TV news as the saviour of us all, may not be quite what it seems. First of all, it is NOT a vaccine – so don’t kid yourself that headlines such as “50p-a-day

Pill To Conquer Covid” are strictly accurate. It is merely a step in the right direction. What it IS is a game-changer. Tests have found that Dexamethasone, a common steroid, can

cut deaths among the sickest virus patients. By how much is hard to guess. Some estimates put it at a third. One scientist estimates that 5,000 lives could have been saved had the drug been

used at the very start of the pandemic. But it can only help patients in certain situations, such as severely ill Covid-19 patients. Not

everyone will benefit from it. If your liver is packing up it probably won’t help, though it can reduce inflammation. One patient who had encephalus reckoned it saved his life.

Trials found it cut death rates among 75% of hospitalised coronavirus patients; reduced mortality among people on ventilators from 40% to 28%; and cut the death risk for patients

requiring oxygen from 25% to 20%. Already used to treat a range of conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions and

asthma) it essentially provides the biggest benefits to those at the biggest risk

THINGS I WON’T MISS ABOUT LOCKDOWN *Inane TV advertising; at a time when thousands were dying there were continuous ads for funeral

plans and life policies. I also got “compassion fatigue” from charities begging for funds, fawning programmes about the Royal Family, and anything involving Gregg Wallace and/or Dr Michael

Mosley. *Trying to avoid people who seemed totally unaware of social distancing.

*Panicky shop assistants who turned into fascists while imposing regulatory numbers on customers.

*Medical “experts”, of whatever ilk, telling us what’s good for us. *Chancers who made money out of the crisis while claiming to be doing it for charity.

*Clapping for the NHS. I would only clap for the NHS if its gallant frontline staff were standing right in front of me. I don’t need anyone to tell me how marvellous they are; they saved my life 30 years

ago. *Politicians lying through their teeth.

*Statisticians manipulating figures. *Anyone who compared Britain coping with a pandemic with the way we tackled the Second

World War. *Quack cures: more alleged coronavirus remedies than snake-oil nostrums.

*Washing my hands 20 times a day.

WHAT I WILL MISS ABOUT LOCKDOWN *Fresher air; reduced traffic pollution.

*Strangers saying “Good morning.” *Takeaway curries from the Market Overton pub.

*Re-discovering village shops while spurning bossy supermarkets; chatting to fellow queuers (at a suitable distance).

*Re-reading Samuel Pepys’ Diaries and Max Hastings’ “All Hell Let Loose.” *Being fascinated by the various home backgrounds when “talking heads” appear on TV via Zoom.

*Following the progress of national treasure Captain (now Sir) Tom Moore as he did circuits of his garden to raise money for the NHS.

*Seeing vintage soccer matches again on the telly, with teams composed almost entirely of British players.

*Catching up with the gardening; driving along near-empty roads at my own pace. *Pubs.

*Having my hair cut. -BPM

33

34

Genuine track and trace people won't ask for

any financial details. Be aware of this scam that is going round at the moment. Good morning, I'm calling from the NHS track and trace service. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This

means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.'

'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?' 'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.'

'Right. Um... so ....' 'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address

so that we can send a kit to you?' 'Ok (gives address)'

'Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to you.'

'Sorry - a payment card? I though this was all free?' 'No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of £500 for the kit, and test results. Could you read off

the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.' 'No - that's not right. This is part of the NHS so there's no charge.'

'I'm afraid there is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.'

Puts phone down.

This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.

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35

SOME USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS NHS 111 Online www.nhs.nhs.uk or 111

Patient advice and liaison services 0116 295 0830

East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG 0116 295 3405

Boots Pharmacy (Cold Overton Road) 01572 770 101

Day Lewis Pharmacy (High Street) 01572 722 083

Boots Pharmacy (High Street) 01572 722024

Rutland Late Night Pharmacy 01572 723368

Rutland Memorial Hospital 01572 722 552

Melton Mowbray Hospital 01664 854 800

University Hospitals of Leicester (Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital and Glenfield Hospital)

0300 303 1573

Peterborough City Hospital 01733 678 000

Stamford and Rutland Hospital 01780 764 151

Grantham and District Hospital 01476 565 232

Kettering General Hospital 01536 492 000

Spire Hospital Leicester 0116 272 0888

Nuffield Hospital Leicester 0116 274 3753

Fitzwilliam Hospital 01733 261717

SURGERIES Empingham Medical Centre 01780 460202 37 Main Street, Empingham LE15 8PR (Dispensary) 01780 460003

www.empinghammedicalcentre.co.uk

Market Overton Surgery and dispensary 01572 490399 Thistleton Road, Market Overton LE15 7PP www.marketovertonandsomerbysurgeries.co.uk

Oakham Medical Practice and Rutland Acute Treatment Centre Cold Overton Road, Oakham LE15 6NT 01572 722621

More Useful websites & phone numbers: Silverline helpline for older people available 24 hours a day every day 0800 470 80 90 Police Non emergencies 101 - In an Emergency, Police, Fire, Ambulance 999

Samaritans 116 123

Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline: 0800 888 6678 Turning Point for alcohol and drug problems & Last orders 0116 223 7366

Gamcare National Gambling helpline – 0808 8020 133 Refuge advice for dealing with domestic violence 0808 2000 247

Rutland Food bank 07582 783363 RSPCA animal cruelty & advice line 7 am—10 pm 0300 1234 999

Mind mental health charity info line 0300 123 3393 SANE mental health charity operating a leave a message line 07984 967 708

Lets Talk local NHS mental health service 01509 561 100 Age UK Local Contact Details

Oakham and North Rutland - Yvonne Rawlings 077388 20910 or 01572 770 324 (answer phone– checked daily –weekdays) yvonne.rawlings@ageukleics.org.uk

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland Advice Line free, confidential & independent for anything affecting your quality of later life 9am to 1pm – weekdays 0116 299 2278 or dedicated

Corona virus helpline 9.00 -5.00pm Monday to Friday for practical and emotional help - 0116 299 2239

36

Church Thoughts The bus slowed, stopped, moved forwards somewhat uncertainly and then, in obedience to the arrow on the “road closed” notice on the desired route, turned left. George looked concerned.

George was a passenger on the bus and was on his way to the annual meeting of the local History

society of which he had been a member for many years. This year the meeting had been moved to a new location in a small town he had never visited before. The letter announcing the change said

“The hall is easy to find. Get off at the Red Lion Inn. It is a short walk as shown on the map.” He had puzzled over this “map” just a few hand drawn squiggly lines with” Red Lion”, “Cross Lane” ,

“church” and “hall” in various places - but no scale, or even a north arrow to tell you which way round it was.

The bus was now making its way through narrow backstreets and stopped at a crossroads with a pub on the corner. Hoping it might be the Red Lion. George decided to get off anyway and found

himself in a maze of tall terraced houses. He looked at the map. Perhaps one of these streets might be Cross Lane, but it wasn’t. Which way to go? He walked a few yards up each street,

hoping he might spot the Red Lion. No luck. Then, just poking over the top of one house, he saw a weathervane on top of a spire - the church. This landmark would set him in the right direction and

sure enough, a few minutes later, he was in his seat at the meeting.

We sometimes face unsettling times like this in our lives- perhaps even now during this coronavirus outbreak . Times when there seems no obvious answer to simple problems or so many

possible answers that you do not know which to choose. In the same way that that church building, simply by being there as it had for hundreds of years, helped fix a direction for George and provided

a successful outcome to his difficulty, so the church is there to help us at these times. The church, of course, really means the people who use the building we also call a church as their

meeting place . Groups of Christians have been called “churches” ever since they began to meet together a few weeks after Jesus was put to death in Jerusalem. Everybody is welcome to join

them. Jesus himself issued that invitation during his time on earth. “Come to me” he said “and I will refresh you”. The bible tells of many people that He helped and He continues to do that through

his churches today. DM

______________________________________________________

Photograph: “The church in the church” Photo: Miles Ramsden.

During the lockdown the link to our 30-minute Sunday service on You Tube can be found on the

benefice website www.northrutlandchurches.org.uk . Do join us.

37

38

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WHERE’S OUR COMMUNITY SPIRIT?

When we moved from London to Cottesmore 18 years ago we knew we had made the right choice. Friendly, kind and helpful people made everything wonderful and we had nice neighbours.

The RAF held many events for local people such as Christmas dinners, raffles, bingo and open days. They are sadly missed. By contrast, what is Kendrew Barracks doing to help the community

during this current pandemic? At least the village still has its quota of brilliant stalwarts and caring volunteers who are ready and

willing and able to assist us during this crazy phase. Thank you so much Amanda and Co at the village shop; Joan Edwards and the team of volunteers; and Sally, Sarah, Joan and Juliet for their

phone assistance. Yet the Exchange Table, with its books and games etc, was a great idea which has now gone;

while only six in our road joined in clapping the NHS on Thursday evenings. Bingo is also closed because of poor attendances.

I am so disheartened because all these events are being organised by willing and helpful people who are giving their time, care, love, patience and money, yet with the exception of the Gardening

Club, whose events are well advertised via newspapers, notices and radio, they are so poorly attended. Why?

They ask for no reward for their efforts, but some feedback would make all the effort worthwhile. I make craft work and sell it for Cancer Research, but with the exception of church and WI events I

have no venue in which to sell it. Please, please, please, Cottesmore; get your community spirit back!

Stay well, stay safe, stay happy. JEAN L BODDINGTON

Nether Close.

LEARNING LESSONS

So the worst is over. We’ve learned our lesson. Cottesmore has survived, more or less intact. It has been a sobering experience. Forget Boris’s “broad sunlit uplands;” there will be tough times

ahead. So what have we learned? The main lesson is that we’re vulnerable in emergencies. There’s also

been a lot of fake news and statistics based on wishful thinking. The timing of certain remedial measures has been extraordinary; the Government has been reactive rather than proactive. The

treatment of NHS staff has been cavalier. The depth of the care homes crisis has been appalling. There needs to be a public investigation into what went wrong, alongside rewards for all those

who have worked so selflessly in the midst of confusion. There needs to be a searching retrospective into how the whole sorry mess was handled.

Rationalisation is required but, being Britain, you can guarantee heads won’t roll. Which is a pity. Because, God forbid, we may have to go through this whole sorry saga again in the near future.

BRIAN MARTIN

Dear Editor Recently I have noticed pedestrians some quite elderly being harassed by cyclists, either single or

in family groups who are riding on pavements as if they had right of way. Well how socially irresponsible can you get?

Try Main Street sometimes and be confronted by a cycling group of 4 with a dog and 2 runners who refuse to give way. What price social distancing there?

The government has encouraged outdoor activity while expecting the public to play its part in social distancing and respect for others.

Either that message has not reached some local folk or it has but taking their example from Mr Cummings they have decided it doesn’t apply to them.

Name supplied

39

BACK IN BUSINESS Rutland County Council received £35,627 of Government funding to organise re-opening

preparations and implement social distancing measures for the county’s “non-essential” high street stores.

The RCC is saying a special thank you to all the “hidden heroes” behind the county’s Covid-19 response. Council leader Oliver Hemsley praised health and care services who have worked

tirelessly to help those at greatest risk of being affected by the virus. Oakham Town Council has thanked Kendrew Barracks for supporting the Rutland Memorial Hospital’s PPE project.

Rutland has been chosen alongside Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council to “lead work and share best practice” on the Government’s new trace-and-test service.

Through the scheme, people living in Rutland can hire the bikes for travel to work, school, training,

or social activities they would otherwise be unable to attend.

The scheme provides an alternative to public transport, which government guidelines recommend should currently only be used for essential travel to limit the spread of COVID-19. It also supports

the government’s cycling and walking investment strategy, which aims to make sustainable

transport a natural choice for shorter journeys, and as part of longer journeys.

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is pedal-powered and has an integrated electric motor,

which can be used to assist a rider.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This brilliant initiative has been a year in the making and we’re really pleased to be able to launch it now, at a time when use of

public transport has been severely disrupted by COVID-19.

“The scheme will give people a new way of getting about that is not only good exercise but

sustainable too, ensuring the impact on our beautiful local environment is minimal. The e-bikes are available for hire now and we’ve already received applications. If you’re interested, we’d urge

you to get in touch to find out more.”

Anyone who lives in Rutland can apply to use the scheme, which offers bikes for adults and young

people over the age of 16. A short training session will be provided by a qualified instructor before

the hire commences.

To apply, or for more information, call the Rural Transport Officer at Rutland County Council on

01572 758138 or email transport@rutland.gov.uk.

Rutland County Council has launched a sustainable electric bike scheme and is

encouraging residents to sign up.

40

HEAD EAST FOR THE HOLS FAMILIES throughout the land are scenting

freedom after weeks of lockdown. Seaside holidays have become a priority, the nearer the

better. The coast beckons, but which one? Set your Satnav Eastward.

Try Skegness for starters. For generations dear old Skeggy has been a Godsend for the frazzled,

and it remains the best place to go for families with kids. Totally undemanding, Lincolnshire’s

bright-lights “Jolly Mariner” resort has enough sand, sea, amusements, shows and

refreshments to see you happily through a week or two, whether it swelters or saturates.

Sprightly Skeggy knows the formula for success. Help the old gal lift its recent Covid blues and

give yourself a treat. And while you’re at it, motor just a few miles down the coast and

explore the serenity of Gibraltar Point, a charming nature reserve with mysterious rock

pools and miles of pristine sand. En route you’ll traverse an intriguing wildlife haven. And there’s

an excellent links golf course just up the road. A newly-opened coastal path links Chapel St

Leonards with Mablethorpe. Enjoy superb views

seaward and visit the world’s first Cloud Bar, a concrete construction moulded to human

form, just off the beach at Anderby Creek. Just lay back, look at the changing sky and let your

troubles drift away with the cirrus. Suffolk boasts some wild shorelines. Get

there before they’re all eroded. Most of the old city of Dunwich (once the third largest port

in Britain) now lies under the sea; the leper hospital, originally built on the outskirts, now

stands in splendid isolation. See Aldeburgh for its connections with Benjamin Britten,

take in the fabulous Snape concert hall (transformed from a barn) and savour a

takeaway from Aldeburgh Fish & Chips. There’s more erosion around the coast of

Norfolk, particularly on the cliffs north of Cromer, but the quality of the unspoilt coastline

from Wells to Hunstanton remains a natural draw. Thankfully Norfolk is still a county of big

skies and quiet lanes, with quality fishfood restaurants such as the one at Salthouses.

Blakeney remains a cosy maritime gem, with regular voyages to the nearby seal colony.

Wherry Bitter is one of the best beers in Britain. Further up the coast, in Yorkshire, stately

Scarborough is still the Queen of Resorts with the castle outstanding on its hill overlooking

twin bays. Charlotte Bronte’s grave is in the local churchyard. Charming Whitby (famous for its jet

ornaments and Dracula connections) and straggling Robin Hood’s Bay are musts on the

trek north. Wherever you go, do your bit to help the local

economy. The locals have had a tough time coping with lockdown. Hotels, pubs, craft shops,

self-catering sites, food outlets and tourist attractions need your support more than ever.

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41

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CAPTURE NATURE ON CAMERA LOCAL photographers are being encouraged to take part in a competition aimed at showcasing the

area’s incredible wildlife and habitats. The event is being organised by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, and all entries must be taken in either of the two counties.

Anyone of any age can take part. Photos can be taken on any camera, including a phone, but must be high resolution. To enter, submit your photo in digital format to info@lrwt.org.uk or via

WeTransfer, along with the location of your photograph and relevant info about yourself and the subject. Only one photo can be entered per person. Deadline is July 17.

The winner will feature on the front cover of Wild Leicestershire and Rutland, on social media, on the Trust website homepage and in the Trust’s e-newsletter.

For further details refer to the website lrwt.org.uk/photo-comp.

*Students and staff at Whissendine School and a team from Brooke Priory have been working with the Rutland Osprey Project and the Osprey Leadership Foundation to create a unique partnership

with schools in Dorset and Cumbria who have been corresponding with children and teachers in African schools in tracing osprey journeys from start to finish

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42

VIEW FROM PARISH COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN – JULY 2020

So we have now had our third Zoom meeting of the Parish Council, this one involving some

residents as well. We are certainly establishing something of a ‘new normal’. The Local Support

Group in Cottesmore continues to provide help and direct support to those residents who need

it. A ‘shout out’, as we say now, to Suzanne Britten who has been tirelessly working to co-

ordinate the Medicines Collection scheme in Cottesmore. This has become even more

challenging, in recent days, as the relaxing of the restrictions on movement has meant that the

pharmacies have largely suspended their Covid-

19 delivery services. Meanwhile, material has been flooding in to help the team of people who

have volunteered to make the face masks and also other protective garments. The targets,

which I referred to last month, have been achieved (or will have been by the time you are

reading this!).

I also mentioned last time that one of the

interesting outcomes, arising from the Covid-19 experiences, is the increased amount of walking

around the parish, and the subsequent focus on footpaths, or rather lack of them in the area. I

thought I would provide an update on the current position on this and where we hope that this

work is going. We now have a group of colleagues looking into it and, as a first step,

collating the known links, primarily within the village itself. These include obvious routes such

as across the Paddock from Hall Close; the footpath from Greetham Road to Nether Close;

the path past the play area linking Westland Road to Heath Drive; Clatterpot Lane; and

Cresswell Drive to Mill Lane. We will be exploring whether these can be included as modifications

to the official statutory Definitive Footpath Map.

However, for a lot of people, it is the footpath

routes in the countryside around the village that are of more interest. This is clearly more

complicated and will require further research and

in due course, discussion, as to whether new routes can be established and/or old ones re-

instated. Old ordnance survey maps, particularly since the 1930’s, are useful sources, as indeed

is the current 1:25,000 scale map, which includes a wealth of information. We will also be

looking at the historic industrial ‘tramway’ routes

that were constructed, in the nineteenth/early twentieth century, to link the Cottesmore and

Exton ironstone workings to the railhead at what is now the Rocks By Rail Museum. Also we would

like to encourage any resident with long memories, or people who know others with

historical knowledge of where footpaths used to be, to flag up any of these former footpath links,

however tenuous, so that we can begin to build

up a more complete picture.

Part of the context for this (and also a time constraint) is that the 1st January 2026 has

been set as the date on which the next national Definitive Footpath Map will be published. This

will include all adopted new footpaths identified by this date. It will not be possible, however, to

add other new ones after that until the next review – likely to be many years hence. Whilst

2026 is a long time away, for any new such opportunities to be taken will require

considerable work and long lead times!

Just so people know we haven’t forgotten, in all

that has been going on, the Parish Council continues to be actively pursuing finding a

suitable local site for allotments. We are also, in parallel with this, looking further into the details

of what we will need to do to implement this aspiration. This will save time once a suitable site

is found.

Turning next to our proposed ‘Village Fun-Day’ which has already had to be rethought on several

occasions, firstly following the change of the May Bank Holiday to link up with VE Day

commemorations and then, of course, Covid-19. We have decided, therefore, to return to the

original idea of a free-standing event. It has been postponed until next spring. Our current working

date is Saturday 22nd May 2021 and I am sure you will appreciate that, in these times,

arrangements still have to be infinitely flexible!

Whilst talking dates, we have decided to hold an

additional Parish Council meeting in July this year – it will again be virtual and the date is the usual

third Monday in the month – so 20th July.

I have also said I would keep residents up to date

on the Rutland Local Plan Review time-table. You will be aware that, as the jargon calls it the

Regulation-19 Local Plan, was published on the RCC web-site earlier in the year, in anticipation of

a consultation period in late winter/early spring

2020. Covid-19 put paid to that time-table,

43

although the Plan can be found on the RCC web site. Recently the County Council issued

its latest update, which indicates that the Plan will now be subject to a period of

consultation running from 3rd August to the 14th September. I will not rehearse again in

detail the issues particularly relevant to Cottesmore. They are set out in some detail

in my contributions in the January and March editions of ‘the Link’. In summary, there is

first up the major changes proposed for the Spatial Strategy of the county, arising in

particular from the designation of a new green village community, adjacent to Edith

Weston on the St. George’s Barracks site. This will mean that many significant

opportunities for new employment and housing (particularly affordable housing)

opportunities could be lost in other parts of Rutland. This, of course, could be seen as a

good or bad thing, depending on your viewpoint. Specific issues in Cottesmore

include a new housing development proposal, with access adjacent to 11 Main

Street; changes to the Planned Limits of Development (more jargon I’m afraid)

designation to include Harrier Close; and policies on the environment and climate

change. Residents, who wish to respond to

RCC, are being advised strongly to ensure that they download and use the official

response forms.

So keep safe and here is hoping that the

weather holds for the start of summer. Queuing for those non-essential shops in the

pouring rain will be no fun even in summer temperatures! Who knows, we may even get

some cricket!

Chris Donovan (Chairman 2020/21)

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RE-OPENING JULY 7 See Facebook for lour latest updates.

45

USEFUL TO KNOW There are 3 main ingredients in slug baits: Metaldehyde, Ferric phosphate and Methiocarb.

The sale of Metaldehyde was due to be banned from Spring 2020 but unfortunately this ban was overturned last year and it is still very commonly

used. Pets only need to ingest a small amount of some types of slug bait (particularly

Metaldehyde) to cause toxicity and because of the rapid onset of symptoms in these cases, prompt action is essential.

Metaldehyde can kill pets such as cats, rabbits, ducks, and dogs. It also poses a health risk to toddlers, babies, and children in general.

Even for adults, certain doses can be fatal. Birds too are affected if they eat a slug or snail that has previously eaten the poison.

What to do

if your dog

is bitten by

an Adder The European adder is the only venomous snake native to the UK. Adults are up to two feet long

and have a black or brown zigzag pattern along their back and a V-shaped marking on the back

of their head. They can be found throughout mainland Britain. There have been many

sightings in the Rutland area. Unfortunately, dogs are particularly at risk of

adder bites due to their curious nature. Urgent treatment may be needed if your dog has

been bitten by an adder, so contact your vet as soon as possible

Carry your dog to reduce the spread of the adder’s venom around your dog’s body.

Bathe the wound in cold water to help control

the swelling. Keep your dog warm, but not too warm, and

quiet as you transport him to the vet. Do not panic as this will cause your dog to panic

too.

Don’t attempt any first aid as this can do more harm than good.

BECAUSE SNAKE BITES MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS RISK TO YOUR DOG’S HEALTH, PLEASE CHECK

WITH YOUR VET TO ENSURE IT IS SAFE FOR YOU TO USE PIRITON IN

THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. YOU

MUST CHECK AGAIN IF YOUR DOG’S

HEALTH ALTERS. Piriton is the only over-the-counter antihistamine

which might be suitable for your dog but please note, as above, that these notes are for guidance

only and you must check with your vet whether your dog is able to have Piriton.

The usual dose recommended by a vet is: · 4mg for a small/medium dog (usually one

tablet) · 8mg for a larger dog (usually two tablets)

Please note that this advice is for emergency use only but you must immediately take your dog to

the vet, as in the case of a snake bite the vet will usually give further treatment, such as steroid

injections. There is always the risk that even after having an antihistamine a dog may go into

shock (anaphylactic shock) so, again, you must always consult with your vet immediately.

JSL

46

EXTRACTS FROM THE DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF

COTTESMORE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 18 MAY 2020 Appointments Mr Donovan was elected as Chairman and Mr Meara as Vice Chairman

Parish Council Representatives to the Village Hall Mr Meara, Mrs Patient, and Mrs Edwards.

The Planning Committee Mr Barker, Mrs Patient, and Miss Simmonds.

Grass Cutting and Gardening Co-ordinators Mr Hyde and Mr Barker.

Play Area Co-ordinators Mr Barker, and subject to receiving the necessary training, Miss Simmonds.

Webmaster Mr Hyde.

Employment and Appeals Committee Mr Hyde, Mr Meara and Mrs Patient.

Appeals and Grievance Committee Mr Barker, Mrs Edwards, Mrs Smith and Miss Simmonds.

Independent Adjudicator Mr C Donovan.

Kendrew Barracks Liaison Committee

Mr Hyde, Mr Meara, and Mr Donovan. Police Liaison Committee

Mrs Edwards, Mr Hyde and Mr Meara. Village Improvement Working Group

Mrs Edwards, Miss Simmonds and Mr Meara. Availability of Public Footpaths and Rights of Way In and Around the Village

Concern was expressed about the lack of availability of public footpaths and rights of way in and around the village, which has been highlighted by the number of people walking on the roads

during the current coronavirus outbreak. It was pointed out that under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, on 1 January 2026, the government intends to close the definitive maps to the

claim of historic paths that existed before 1949. With this in mind, it was suggested that the necessary action should be taken to ensure that any that have fallen into misuse are logged on

the definitive map, prior to investigating whether they can be reinstated. It was agreed this is an important and key area of work for the Council and success in the form of the reinstatement of

any paths would add value to the village. It was agreed that Mr Jon Mitchell be co-opted on to the Parish Council Village Improvement

Working Group in relation to its work on footpaths. The Cottesmore Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

Mrs Edwards reported that she and the team of volunteers are very busy. Forty two sets of scrubs have been made and donated to hospitals and care homes in Rutland and Leicestershire, and

work is just beginning to make between seven hundred and a thousand face masks which will be given free of charge to residents. Thanks and congratulations were offered to Mrs Edwards and

the team of volunteers who are working hard for the village. Subscription to the Zoom Platform to Allow Unrestricted Connectivity

Mr Hyde reported that he had registered for Zoom Pro at a cost of £119.90 plus VAT. This gives an unlimited meeting time and the facility for the meeting to be accessed by telephone by

individuals without access to a computer or mobile technology. Thanks were offered to Mr Hyde for organising this.

Receive and Note the Annual Internal Audit Report for 2019/20

It was agreed that the Annual Internal Audit Report for 2019/20 be received and noted. Approval of the Annual Governance Statement 2019/20

It was agreed that the Annual Governance Statement 2019/20 be approved.

47

Approval of the Accounting Statements 2019/20 It was agreed that the Accounting Statements 2019/20 be approved.

Meeting Dates for 2020/21 It was agreed that meetings would take place on the third Monday of each month, apart from July,

when there will be no meeting, and December, when it will be on the second Monday. Use of the Multi-court for Tennis

It was agreed that the court could be used for tennis, and that the net should be put up and taken down by the users, as opposed to being left up all the time. Concerns were expressed about the net

being vandalised, or otherwise damaged, if it were permanently up, particularly with the court being used for other activities. It is obviously advisable that precautions are taken, such as the wearing of

gloves, when accessing, erecting, and putting the net away. Councillors will monitor the procedures, particularly the putting away of the net after use, and would consider changing the code to access

the box containing the net, if it were felt the guidelines were not being followed. Condition of the Closed Area of Rogues Lane Cemetery

Mr Hyde advised that complaints had been received about the condition of the closed area of Rogues Lane cemetery. He advised that a cut had been missed and it was thought that it would

improve following the next cut. (It was pointed out that this is the responsibility of RCC and comes under its contract.)

Condition of the Grassed Areas at Harrier Close Mrs Edwards advised that the grassed areas at Harrier Close were very overgrown. It was suggested

that it be reported to RCC so that it can contact the developer. Speeding Traffic Within the Village

Mrs Edwards advised that residents were concerned about the speed of traffic in the village. It was suggested that 30 mph signs be painted on the road on Main Street and Rogues Lane. It was

questioned whether highway’s legislation allows for this in the locations mentioned. This is to be investigated.

Planning (T1) Fell 1 No. Beech Tree. (T2) Fell 1 No. Cherry Tree.

Telephone Exchange, Main Street, Cottesmore.

There was no objection to the felling of the Cherry Tree, but the Council does object to the felling of the Beech Tree. The photograph provided of the Beech Tree is somewhat misleading and it is in

good leaf now. The Parish Council would like to see a crown lift on this and TPO put on the tree. If the trees are removed, the Council would insist on suitable replacements.

Remove 1 no. Acer platanoides (purple leaved variant). The Stables, Main Street, Cottesmore.

There was no objection to this application. The Council is pleased to see that a more appropriate replacement is proposed and would insist that a condition to this effect is imposed.

Notice of Decision in Respect of a Section 211 Notice Proposing Work to a Tree or Trees in a Conservation Area

Remove 1 no. Juniper Tree. Fountains Barn, 32A Main Street, Cottesmore. A - 1 no. Yew tree - Cut overhanging branches overhanging neighbouring

property Hywalls, Clatterpot Lane, Cottesmore by up to 3 metres back to the wall. B - 3 no. Tall self-seeded unidentified trees - Cut overhanging branches

overhanging neighbouring property, Hywalls, Clatterpot Lane, by up to 3 metres, back to fence. Clatterpot House, 4 Clatterpot Lane, Cottesmore.

Rutland County Council District Council decided not to exercise its powers to make a provisional Tree Preservation Order in these instances.

Next Meeting The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 20 July 2020.

Remember you don't have to be isolated from others to feel lonely.

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the Samaritans are there day or night - just call 116 123. FREE PHONE

48

GOOD to see most Oakham shops back in

business on June 15. Shopping was steady, though no store had got what I wanted. Pubs

and loos need to return for the complete experience. I grieve for those who’d spent time

marking out 2metre blobs; social distancing could be eased within days.

IT WAS interesting to see how shops tackled

crowd control. Oakham Co-Op was heavy on routing and signage; at least two smaller shops

had minimum restrictions. A fourth employed red, green and amber lights. A fifth just stuck a

tetchy shop assistant by the door.

A SUSSEX school has responded to the recent transgender bust-up by changing the name of

one of its Houses from J K Rowling House to . . . Blackman House. Right on.

THE image that will live in the memory long

after London’s riotous anti-racist demos was of the riderless police horse galloping wildly down

Whitehall. In WW1 horses were killed by the thousand. Why should innocent creatures be

made to suffer for the virulence of mankind?

THE lockdown began on March 23. How strange

that pubs could be re-opening before schools. SIXTY statues of historical figures with alleged

links to racial exploitation face being toppled from their plinths. It’s not a decision for mob

rule; that’s anarchy. It’s for local councils to decide.

CHATTED with a former colleague the other day who reckons he’s busier than ever since working

from home. “Best move I ever made,” he roared (we were 6ft apart), “but, gosh, don’t I miss the

banter!”

THE Prince of Wales suggests, in good faith, that those who have been furloughed or lost their

jobs because of coronavirus should enlist for a “Land Army” to ease the desperate shortage of

fruit pickers. Similarly NHS chief Sir Simon Stevens calls upon jobless aviation workers to

train for jobs in care. Two problems. Fruit pickers earn pitiful wages; care workers

likewise. Both groups do vital work. But why should anyone wish to join them?

ENVIRONMENTAL pollution is the lowest it’s been for years. So why were all the cars in our

corner of Cottesmore covered in a coating of wind-blown dust most mornings in May?

SEVENTY years of “The Archers”, and I can still

remember Robin Jacques’ delightful line drawing in the “Radio Times” heralding the very

first episode. It’s also the 100th birthday of Rupert Bear. As a lifelong fan of Rupert, Bill

Badger, Tiger Lily and all those other animals in trousers, I wish the old boy a cracking

celebration.

BACK in February when Britain was being lashed by storms and half of Yorkshire was under water

I wrote: “What’s the betting there’ll be a hosepipe alert by June?” And so it came to pass.

What, pray, do the useless water authorities do with all that liquid?

IT’S an old problem; what to do with vintage

family photos if no-one else wants them. Rubbish skips are full of discarded treasures; it’s

all history lost forever. The best suggestion is to select the best, label them and paste them in a

single album for posterity. As for the rest, scan them digitally.

I NEVER watch BBC3 and seldom watch BBC1. The BBC2 channel is increasingly dominated by

quizzes and repeats. So why would the Beeb want to axe BBC4, its most esoteric outlet,

which recently carried a superb Tom Jones 80th birthday tribute? The Great God Ratings is the

answer.

A WILTSHIRE council seeks to halve crossing times for pedestrians at zebra crossings to stop

people congregating on the pavement and thus risking virus interaction. So a 30-second hiatus

becomes 15 seconds. I suspect some old folk might struggle to do it in half the time.

WE all have our own ideas how we should

celebrate when this whole sorry saga is over. My suggestion is that we all gather near the re-

opened Sun, hoist bunting, sing “There’ll Always Be An England”, forget social distancing - and

mingle like we’ve never mingled before. –BPM

*YEAR IN QUESTION answer (from Page 19) is 2012.

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CHURCH CONTACTS For general enquiries please telephone: 01572 812202 (answer phone only) or

Email: cottesmorebenefice.office@gmail.com.

Please contact a member of the ministry team for pastoral needs or urgent matters. Rev Anthony Oram Email: revanthonyoram@gmail.com T 01572 812948

Anne Adamson Email: annecadamson@aol. T 01572 812816 Diane Creasey Email: creaseygreetham@aol. T 01572 812079

Cathy Dyson Email: cathydyson@outlook.com T 01572 812497/ 07970568305 Colin Johns Email: bcjohns1@gmail.com T 01572 812221

Website Benefice: www.northrutlandchurches.org.uk

MEET THE LINK TEAM Jenny Laidler, Editor editorjenny@aol.com 811038 Juliet Burgess-Ray, Advertising Manager juliet.burgessray@btinternet.com 812898

Jean Heath, Distribution jeanheath1@aol.com 812709 Janice Patient, Treasurer janice.patient@btinternet.com 812424

Barbara Cameron, Committee 813055 Shirley Smith, Committee 811069

Hilary Malone, Committee 812360

Please let Jean Heath know if you would be willing to deliver a few magazines either monthly or on an adhoc basis. We always need volunteers and we are very grateful to those who help us.

THIS magazine has no connection whatsoever with Cottesmore Parish Council or St Nicholas church, whilst retaining cordial relations with both.

BUS TIMETABLE – RUTLAND FLYER 2 (RF2) Revised January 2020 Monday to Saturday – No Service Sunday or Bank Holiday

Cottesmore (opposite Sun Inn) - Oakham

07.15 09.40 11.55 13.55 15.15 16.25 17.35 18.31 Cottesmore (Kendrew Barracks) - Oakham

07.17 09.42 11.57 13.57 15.17 16.27 17.37 Oakham (John Street) - Cottesmore

08.00 10.20 12.30 16.05 17.05 18.10 Cottesmore (Kendrew Barracks) - Melton Mowbray

08.27 10.47 12.57 16.32 17.32 18.37 Cottesmore (Chip Shop) - Melton Mowbray

08.30 10.50 13.00 16.35 17.35 18.40 Melton Mowbray (St Marys Way) - Cottesmore

06.50 09.15 11.30 13.30 16.00 17.10 18.05

SERVICE OPERATED BY MARK BLAND TRAVEL

OAKHAM TO GREETHAM (186) Monday to Friday (no service public holidays) Oakham, Barleythorpe Rd/ Huntsman Dr roundabout 1435 Wednesday only Oakham, John Street Bus Station 1440 Burley 1445 Cottesmore, opp Sun Inn 1450 Kendrew Barracks 1453 Greetham, Wheatsheaf (terminates) 1458 Operated by Mark Bland Travel (01780 751 671 or markblandtravel.com

Centrebus (0116 2460030) or

phone Traveline for more information - 0871 2002233

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VILLAGE DIRECTORY Village website http://www.cottesmoreparishcouncil.org.uk/

Amateur Dramatics Alan Lane 01572 768040

Air Cadets – Tues & Thurs 7pm-9.30pm. Cadet Centre, Penn St, Oakham.

Contact: Flt Lt J Lawrence oc.2248@aircadets.org 01572 723624

Bowls Winter Wednesdays - Brian Abbott beabbott4@gmail.com 01572 768468

Bell Ringing – practice Wednesday 19.30 01780 460523

Kerry Nimmons kerrynimmons@talktalk.net

Beavers Mondays 17.30 to 18.30 (Ages 6-8years) 01775 714211

Gary Clulow 07958 769899 or Ben Leaver 07800834636

Brownies – Thursdays 18.00 to 1930 01572 812956

Bernadette Wallace bernie.wallace@btinternet.com

CHAG (local history) – second Wednesdays 19.30 01572 812854

Chris Whitton chris.whitton@hotmail.co.uk www.thelivingvillage.co.uk

Church - St Nicholas CE www.northrutlandchurches.org.uk.

Web editor - Duncan Ball: cduncanball@gmail.com

Churchwarden - David Morgan david.j.morgan33@btinternet.com 01572 756647

County Councillors - Abigail MacCartney amaccartney@rutland.gov.uk 07739 361008

- Samantha Harvey sharvey@rutland.gov.uk 01572 345028

Create More - Crafts. Third Tuesday -Tessa Oram tessa@theorams.com 07736 378051

Defibrillator – information and training 01572 812898

Juliet Burgess-Ray juliet.burgessray@btinternet.com

Dog Ramblers - group dog walks, Jenny Laidler editorjenny@aol.com 01572 811038

Dogs Trust & Dog School East Midlands Jenny.Mee@dogstrust.org.uk 01509 882316

Football – Cottesmore Amateurs - Allan Westray 01572 724275

Gardening Club – second Mondays

Roni Proctor roni.proctor@btinternet.com 01572 812785

Handbell Ringers – Mondays 19.00 Pat Hoyles, 01572 813034

Investment Club – third Thursdays 19.30 01572 812350

John Meara johnmeara44@gmail.com

Parish Council – Parish Clerk, Kerry Nimmons 01780 460523

clerk@cottesmoreparishcouncil.org.uk

Rainbows alt Saturdays 3-5 pm Sam Shorten samanthashorten@hotmail.co.uk 07540 664847

Ramblers – second Sundays 10.00 John Meara johnmeara44@gmail.com 01572 812350

Schools: Cottesmore Academy 01572 812278

Headteacher, Mrs M Lucas Email Address: cottesmoreoffice@rutlandlearningtrust.com

St Nicholas' Church of England Primary 01572 812337

Head teacher, Daniel Alfieri stnicholasoffice@rltschools.com

Scouts, Beavers & Cubs Katie Smit — dc@rutlandscouts.org.uk

https://scouts.org.uk/get-involved/groups/2nd-cottesmore-(st-nicholas)

Sports and Social Club - Darren Feeley 01572 813486

Village Hall – bookings, Anna Davis cottesmore.vhbookings@gmail.com 01572 812371

Wine Circle – Janine Rees janinerees55@gmail.com 01572 812167

Women's Institute – first Tuesday 19.30 Secretary: Pat Hart 01572 812854

51

We also offer a remote support service

52

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