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Quendon & Rickling Village Report 2011

Church
Rickling church was targeted by thieves on 25 May 2011. Most of the brass candelabra were taken along with other brass items. The oak prayer kneeler and the small altar were also removed. The 15TH century font was damaged and the lead lining removed. An attempt was made to remove the copper from the roof but this was thwarted by our resident bees! All items were security marked but no progress has been made regarding recovery. The church now has to be locked at night.

To help with finances a 100 club was started in May, funds being shared with the Village Hall. We all continue with a variety of fund raising events.

Quendon church had the two large yew trees cut back, these are now showing new growth and will be kept at a manageable size. The organ repairs at Quendon are complete.

Parish Council
Our very public focal point ‘the fountain’ on the main road was destroyed on 16 December 2010 by a drunken driver, who had no insurance. After a variety of quotes work started in May. It was officially opened on Sunday 2 October by Maureen Hawkins.

Land Development, land adjacent to Foxley House. A special meeting was held on 21 October in the village hall. A very large crowd all raised objections to the amount and siting of the proposed new houses. Following this the architect and family have reduced the number from 14 to 6 five bedroom houses but no affordable housing.
Village plan. A coffee morning on 18 June 2011 launched the consultation with villagers regarding the village plan, what they would like to see and be involved in.
Village Defibrillator. Plans and training are going ahead for the village to install a defibrillator.

School
The school has had a busy year with outings and celebrations. One was in honour of Prince William and Kate’s wedding. The pupils designed a dress for Kate, an outfit for William and suitable transport; these were sent to the couple. The children were all thanked as individuals in a parcel of letters from Buckingham Palace. A street party was held on the green outside the school the day before the wedding.
The newly formed mother and toddler group, Armadillos, have moved from the village hall to the school.

The Cricketers –public house. The pub re opened in June, this time taken over by Cosy Pubs. The new owners also run the Eight Bells in Saffron Walden. With their help ‘Cricket Day’ was held on the green on 17 July but a very heavy storm curtailed some of the cricket. The landlord is keen to be part of the village and has been supportive to the school and various clubs.

Village Hall
The Village hall has installed a new kitchen with a grant from ‘Grass roots’. A questionnaire was delivered and collected from residents regarding hall usage as part of the requirements to apply for further funding.
Our village magazine has had a makeover and new cover in colour.
The Golf Society continues with many outings and social events, with the money raised going to the upkeep of the two churches.
The Buffy bus continues to visit on Wednesday morning.
Neighbourhood Watch keep us all updated in our village magazine due to a spate of nasty burglaries throughout the village.

History
I continue to collect information and photos and struggle with storage.

 

Christine Osbourn
Quendon & Ricking Local History Recorder