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W H AT ’ S O N I N I S L E H A M . . . W H AT ’ S O N I N I S L E H A M . . .Barbershop Chorusto sing in Islehamwww.farmsunday.orgFor the third year we will be openingour farm gate to the public onOpen Farm Sunday7th June 2009Anglian Accents, ladies Barbershop chorus from Barton MillsTim Washtell writes:Last year I was both flattered and privileged to beasked to become the Musical Director of the AnglianAccents, who are a ladies Barbershop chorus fromBarton Mills that have been singing together since 1976.I am now delighted to announce that they have kindlyagreed to sing in the village to help our fundraising effortsfor the new Community Centre.The ladies perform a wide range of musical styles fromtraditional to pop, both serious and amusing, but alwaysentertaining, that will delight any audience.The performance will be on Saturday 16th May at7.30pm in the Village Hall, and will also include cheeseand wine refreshments. Please come and support themas they are giving their time voluntarily and I am sure youwill enjoy a unique evening’s entertainment.Tickets are available, price 6, from the Fund RaisingCommittee – Tim Washtell 01638 780378; Glenda Preece01638 780734; Rosie Thompson 01638 780994 and CarolineHillary 01638 781070.Tim Washtell, ICA Fund Raising ChairmanOnce again we will be fundraising forthe Air Ambulance and the RSPBwith competitions and the sale ofrefreshments.If anyone would like to donatehomemade cakes they will be gratefullyreceived. Thank you.THOMPSON’SFARM MEATQuality beef, pork, bacon and ham allfrom our traditionally-run family farmFENROSE FARM,1 Fen Bank, IslehamTel: 01638 780994How to get intothe InformerWe are always looking for articles to print in theInformer, so do send in details of your event for‘What’s On In Isleham’, your club report, fundraisingeffort, celebration, interesting photo, historical notesor anything at all pertaining to the village. Pleasecontact Ed Mayall, phone 01638 780839 or emailed@islehaminformer.org.uk or any other member ofthe staff (contact details on page 2).www.thompsonsfarmisleham.co.uk7

Mark Stevens reports on the brandnew swimming pools on Exning Roadin NewmarketSwimming for allJanuary 5th saw the longawaited opening of the newswimming pools in ExningRoad, Newmarket. The 14 millionproject, which is an extensionof the existing Leisure Centre,is already attracting customersfrom Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.The main pool, a 25 metre, sixlane facility, is complementedby a smaller teaching pool,the depth of which can beadjusted according to userrequirements.Leisure Manager, Andy McKillen reports thattrustees of the new facility had consulted widelyin attempting to establish a balance betweenthe wishes of the local community and therequirements of the local schools and colleges. Particularemphasis has been placed upon attracting minoritygroups – mums and toddlers, disabled customers, olderpeople and hard-working early risers. Expert training isavailable to customers of all ages and abilities; there arealso viewing areas for members of the public who canwatch – and encourage – as swimmers gain skills andconfidence. Volunteers also assist the 100 or so disabledpeople who attend the pool each week.The impressive aquagym sessions combine with lowimpact aerobic classes specially designed for clients8

YOGAwithVINA Any age, genderor ability Promotes healthand well being Enhancessuppleness, mobilityand relaxationwishing to regain fitness after injury.Opening times are 6am to 10pm. There is on-site parkingfor 100 cars, and a bus stop 100 yards from the Centre.The average cost for an adult swim is 2.80, and 1.80for Juniors; concessions for customers on benefits, andthe over sixties, are helpful. However, many new visitorsare now taking advantage of annual membership– around 160 a year – and that is a lot of lengths forabout 3 per week.Adjoining the Reception area is the Café Bar wherethe menu includes a very substantial breakfast, andmore conservative dishes such as cottage pie, burgers,paninis and a range of beverages.Many visitors coming to the pool for the first time aresurprised to discover that the pool shares the samefacilities as the established Leisure Centre, which mustbe one of the most impressive anywhere in the East ofEngland. State of the art features include fitness studiosas well as regular (free) classes in Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga,weight training and more. There is also a Weightwatchers’Society opposite the Centre.Freckenham Village HallThursdays 6.30 - 7.30pmFor details phone Vina07789 724755Test driveAs a mediocre and cautious swimmer I have been usingthe pool for two months now. Here are my impressions.Parking, accessibility, reception and café areas: friendlystaff, excellent atmosphere, can take 10 minutes tocheck in. You need to take a 1 coin for the lockers. Freechilled water is available: very thoughtful.Changing areas: a bit confusing to begin with (‘DryChange’ is for the Gym; ‘Wet Change’ for swimmers.‘Changing Village’ is shared by both sexes and all ages).Hairdryers are a welcome introduction.Pools: this ain’t Butlins! No diving boards, wave machinesor chutes. Option of lane swimming or more casualinvolvement. Numbers vary from day to day and sessionto session. The staff are extremely helpful.Value for money: marvellous! I used to be a memberof a health and fitness club that cost me four times asmuch. I strongly advise considering annual membershipthat can be paid monthly by Direct Debit.If you are intending to use either the pool or gym (orboth) it is important to obtain a copy of the timetableavailable on the website: www.angcomleisure.com/newnewmarket-leisure-centre, or by phoning reception onNewmarket 782500. Enjoy! 9

Parish Council NewsThompson, Mrs R Thompson, Mrs Malkin, Mrs Hobbs.Apologies for absence CC Powley.The following are the abbreviated and incomplete versions ofthe IPC minutes for the January and February 2009 meetings.Any parishioner may request a copy of the full minutes fromthe IPC.POLICE MATTERS A Crime Report has been received from PCSO Neill and wasread to the Council. The last Neighbourhood Panel meeting was held onWednesday 7th January at Soham Village College andwas well attended although the Chairman would still liketo see a better response from members of the public fromIsleham. The next meeting of the Neighbourhood Panel (7pm on 31stMarch) will be slightly different in that a large part of it will bean open forum to discuss transport and access difficulties inthe local area; if possible a representative from the CountyCouncil will attend.MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGMONDAY 5th JANUARY 2009Present Cllrs Carter, Earl, Neal, Beckett, Garbett, Mrs Wilkes,Mrs H Thompson, Mrs R Thompson, Mrs Malkin, Garbett, MrsHobbs.Apologies for absence CC Mrs Broadway, CC Powley, CllrBaines.POLICE MATTERS The next Neighbourhood Panel meeting is to be held onWednesday 7th January at Soham Village College; allCouncillors are welcome to attend. It was agreed that the Council allow free use of the hall tothe Neighbourhood Panel committee for a meeting thathas been arranged for Wednesday 21st January. A volunteer is still needed from the Council or from within thevillage for the Speed Watch scheme; if anyone is interestedor knows someone who would be, please pass on theirdetails to the Clerk. It was agreed that the Council contribute 260 for the SpeedWatch equipment needed for the South Panel.HIGHWAYS AND FOOTPATH MATTERS It was agreed that the Clerk contact ECDC and arrangea meeting in the village to discuss the problems that arecontinually arising with litter and unemptied bins. Also anarticle will be written for the Informer notifying people thatrubbish should not be put out before 7pm the evening beforecollection and that they are responsible for clearing up anyof their rubbish that blows onto the street.CORRESPONDENCE Charlotte Lowry from Cambridgeshire County Council hasorganised a working party to clear up the nature reserveon Wednesday 18th February from 10.30am–3pm. Posterswill be placed around the village and local interest groupswill be contacted. It was agreed that the PC grant the Gala Committeepermission to use the Recreation Ground and the Village Hallfor Gala Day on 4th July; the dog show may be held underthe same terms as last year and the Council will contributehalf the cost of the toilets as in previous years.COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION A number of names have been suggested for the NewCommunity Centre. All Councillors were in favour of thename ‘The Priory Centre’.HIGHWAYS AND FOOTPATH MATTERS One of the raised speed bumps on Malting Lane is sinkingand this is being looked into by Gavin Wiseman of theCounty Council. A number of complaints have been made about litter inthe village; on the Little Wash, on the Priory Green and inCroft Road/Malting Lane. The matter will be raised at theNeighbourhood Panel meeting on Wednesday and theClerk will contact the Environmental Health Departmentat ECDC.PLANNING MATTERS Proposed single storey rear conservatory at 3 Hall Barn Road,Isleham for Mrs Gould – no objection. Conversion of existing garage to kitchen/breakfast room forMr D Bell, 53 Beck Road, Isleham has been approved. Appeal for Mr T Wells, 92 The Causeway, Isleham. Appeal for Mrs R Jaggard 12 Goodchilds Gardens. PLANNING MATTERS Application to convert existing garage to kitchen/breakfastroom, and new windows at 53 Beck Road, Isleham for Mr D.Bell – no objection. Application for change of use of part of agricultural landto commercial at Chalk Farm, Temple Road, Isleham for SPLandscapes and Tree Contractors: there is no objection to theproposal to bring new business to the village but the Councilrequest the condition that either the road is widened fromClarke’s Farm (Hall Barn Road) to Concorde Farm (TempleRoad) or that adequate passing places are provided. The Council has been notified that the application forchange of use to pitches for two travelling families at landadjacent Evergreen, Waterside for Jimmy Wilson has beenapproved.MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGMONDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2009Present Cllrs Carter, Earl, Neal, Beckett, Mrs Wilkes, Mrs H10

Parish Councillors address listDerrick Beckett(Chairman)Appleyard Farm,1 Houghtons Lane,Isleham CB7 5SRTel: 01638 780476Terry Carter5 Old School Close, Soham(Vice Chairman)CB7 5WD Tel: 07905 705302Steven BainesEmmanuel House, 8 East FenRoad, Isleham CB7 5SWTel: 01638 780406Martin Earl19 Aves Close, IslehamCB7 5TE Tel: 01638 780766Jeannette Malkin17 Little London, IslehamCB7 5SE Tel: 01638 780283Lionel Neal104 Beck Road, IslehamCB7 5QP Tel: 01638 780066Geoff Garbett16 Croft Road, IslehamCB7 5QR Tel: 01638 780863Elaine HobbsPortman House,7 The Birches, Soham CB7 5FHTel: 01353 725818Hazel Thompson9 Limestone Close, IslehamCB7 5RP Tel: 01638 780633Roseanna Thompson Fenrose Farm,1 Fen Bank,Isleham CB7 5SL Tel: 01638 780994Pauline Wilkes6 Limestone Close, IslehamCB7 5RP Tel: 01638 780640Diane Bayliss37 Croft Road, Isleham(Parish Clerk)CB7 5QR Tel: 01638 781687Karen’sGroomingAll your pet’sgrooming requirementson your doorstep 01638 78179107803 54857307835 813027E v e r i ttI n s u r a n c e C o n s u lta n t s L t dEveritt Insurance Consultants are fully FSA regulatedand cover all personal and commercial generalinsurance including: We do the leg work so that you don’t have to No call centres, no cold-calls, no hours surfing theweb for the best deal We are a local service, and we operate face-to-facewith you in person. Don’t renew your policy without asking us for a freequotation – it has to be worth a go! Liability cover Cars and commercial vehicles House contents and buildings Let property Injury and sickness coverContact Mark Goldsack at30a High Street, SohamTel: 01353 722588or 07831 168899 (out of hours)and many more ask and the answer’s probably YES!Tel01353722588E-mail Mark.Goldsack@EverittInsurance.co.uk11

ICA Community Centre NewsMeetings and plansIn the past two monthspriority has been given tofinalising the plans for theCentre, and getting togetherinformation needed by thearchitects to apply for planningpermission. Informal discussionswith the Planning Departmenthave been on-going and webelieve that our application,when submitted shortly, will bewell received.Meetings have taken place with the architect andquantity surveyor. More such meetings have to followuntil we are satisfied that the right balance has beenstruck between a realistic overall cost and acceptablespecifications for the various components of the Centre.The elevations to be submitted for planning are asshown below.We are in the process of compiling a brochure toassist our all-important donation seeking, which is tofollow. Ideally the elevations would be portrayed threedimensionally both in the brochure and in support of theplanning application. However, a quote received forsuch work was prohibitive. If you are able to help us inproducing such displays then please either contact meSolicitorsAll Legal Work Undertaken4b Church Street, IslehamCambs CB7 5RXTel: (01638) 780 170 Fax: (01638) 780 1902 Three Cups Walk, Forehill, ElyCambs CB7 4ANTel: (01353) 666 075 Fax: (01353) 666 162Email: isleham@pbw.uk.com12

Isleham Community Centre: Eastelevation facing main car parkby phone on 01638 780874 or email faspland@sky.com,or Diane Bayliss the Parish Clerk, on 01638 781687.Our grant seekers are preparing their cases, and onesuch grant application, for the necessary re-location ofthe all-weather surfaces, has already been made. Theoutcome of this will be known in July.On the subject of grant seeking, despite our researchsome possible sources may have slipped through thenet. Please contact us with any you may think worthy ofconsideration – we will then investigate. Equally we wouldvery much like to know of any potential private sourceswho might consider making a generous donation to theCentre; again we will follow them up (in confidence).Philip Aspland, ICA ChairmanSouth elevation facing playing fieldsMildenhall MonumentalsWe offer a sympathetic, understanding servicecreating unique memorials made carefully byqualified fine artists and craftsmenwith over 30 years’ experience.A D D IT I O NA L I NS C R I PTIONSC RE M AT I O N PL A QUESCL E A N I NG AN D R E STORATIONGRA N I T E A N D N AT UR A L S TONE BENCHESG A R D E N O RNAMENTS , WATER FEATURES, HOUSE PLAQUES, SUNDIAL S . . .For our free brochure call:01638 715525www.mildenhallmonumentals.co.ukSouthgate Avenue, Mildenhall IP28 7AT13

Advice from your local PCSOBurglary suspect arrested and chargedAsuspect for a number of rural house burglariesacross several police force areas has beenarrested and is currently being interviewed. Ithas been suspected for some time that crimes affectinglarge and isolated homes were linked and the suspecthas now been charged with burglary offences in Surrey,Gloucestershire and in our area (East Cambs). Enquiriesare continuing to evidence the person’s responsibility formore burglaries as this individual is suspected of severalmore offences in our rural areas during the last three years.Whilst we understand the concern and impact that thesetypes of offences have on victims and communities we doneed to point out they remain relatively rare. That in itselfcan make them difficult to detect but with your continuedsupport in providing information about suspiciousoccurrences, which is much appreciated, we can allhelp to reduce crime and bring offenders to justice.Phoney Police OfficerDuring February in Cambridgeshire we have had reports ofsomeone claiming to be a Police Officer on the telephone.If you receive an unexpected call from someone claimingto represent the Police service and are not happy withwho they are, please do not give out any personal details.Ask for their name and an extension number and thencall back using the 0845 456 456 4 number. If they aregenuine they will understand. If the call sounds suspiciousthen again please let us know on 0845 456 456 4.Group 4 security doubtWe have had reports this week of a couple of residentsreceiving telephone calls from a company called Group 4Security asking to attend properties to review their securitymeasures as the police will no longer attend alarm callouts.As yet we have been unable to establish whether or not thesecalls are genuine, so we would err on the side of caution andsuggest you decline their offers should you receive such acall – as it may be a ploy to enable would-be thieves to gaininformation from you about your security. Just for informationwe will always, where possible, attend alarm callouts.Protect your property onlineImmobilise is a nationwide secure database system thatallows you to protect your property by registering online anyvaluables that have a unique serial number such as mobilephones, laptops, iPods, bicycles, and cameras. Immobilise issearchable by police forces all over the country and will helpreduce property crime and reunite owners with their property.To protect and register your property visit www.immobilise.com. For items with a serial number registration is free andfor other items it costs approximately 2 to register.Oil and shedsWe have had thefts of heating oil from garden tanks inthe Ely area. Although scrap metal is still the favourite itseems that if there is a good opportunity to do a quickcrime, it is taken. Anyone who has fuel oil (derv) or heatingoil tanks please be aware that they may be targeted.Also shed burglary is still a problem. In these times whenmoney is tight do not think that what you have in yourshed is not worth anything, because it may be worthsomething to someone.Event visitsCould readers please let me know if they have anyplanned events over the next few months. I would liketo get to meet as many residents as possible and ifthere are any events that I can pop along to to get tomeet some of you then please let me know; my contactdetails are as follows: Telephone: 077360 86870 or email:barbneill@cambs.pnn.police.uk.PCSO Barb Neill, South neighbourhood policing teamPrivate Family DoctorMembership currently available 45 monthly including unlimited consultationsand free annual health assessmentPro-active long-term family healthcare preventing as well as treating ill healthDr Chris Corbin01638 78022114

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Service & repair all makes & models Tyres Exhausts Batteries Air-conditioning service & repair Priory Garage Church Street, Isleham, Cambs CB7 5RX 01638 780352/780625 www.manchetts.co.uk W.I.Spring Fair Thank you to everyone who has donated items for the fair. If anyone else has anything to contribute, please