Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

As I only hold the ‘rank’ of  ‘Litter Picker’ now, I am unaware of ‘what’ is actually planned on this occasion.
What the FACTS are that Whittlesey Street Pride carry out regular Litter Picking in the area, I myself do so nearly every week when I am at home. I invite PP from SL to join me!!!!!
The last ‘Major’ tidy-up was in July 2011 organised by ‘Network Rail’
SP supported this event over a 3 or 4 day period (can not remember exactly).
(Click on picture to enlarge)

A full H&S and environmental impact assessment was carried out by NR prior to the event.
Altogether besides all the rubbish, 6 tons of ‘Bracken’ was removed. At NO time did I see any ‘wild’ animals or birds nests ‘vandalised’ there maybe have been a few ladybirds.
At NO time did I see any deer, although Muntjac  have been seen at various times – they do not live there permanently?
As far as I was concerned the ‘event’ was only partially successful in that even removing 6 tons of bracken to tidy and clear areas around the footpath and car park areas – this ‘only’ made a small effect to the whole area. Since NR did not engage with SP after this event, even though we requested it, the whole area regenerated back to normal within about 6/8 months.
The picture shows MP Steve Barclay and the NR Area Manager (who came by taxi and not on a train – he couldn’t find one?) Naturally they turned up for the photo-shoot and didn’t actually get their hands dirty.
As Whittlesey knows I am a big advocate of environment issues and SP past record (example planting over 1 million wild flower seeds) is well documented.
I am unaware of the present managements plan or commitment to these issues.
Only part of the land is owned by Network Rail, (PP on Streetlife©) the poster was I presume put up by Street Pride having got permission from Abellio Greater Anglia.

For your interests – FACT – there has been numerous attempts to gain planning permission for this land, up to 250 houses, concerns about, wildlife (Snakes) and access were the reasons WTC at that time recommended refusal – I am unaware of where this planning application stands at present but will attempt to find out.

Here it is….

The latest news re the closure is that we will open as planned on 11the March – we will then unfortunately have to close again on 16^th while the last of the work is done on the ceiling in the front of the building. We will open again at 12.00 on Monday 21^st – and (hopefully!!!) that will be it!
Cambs Library Services.

Extract from the Practice Managers report to the New Queen Street Surgery PPG
(Patients Participation Group) held on 22nd February

Patient Online, giving detailed record access to patients, has to be “switched on” on 1 April.  Every practice has to provide this facility.  All records have to be checked before access is given and a request is needed from each patient.  The patient’s signature and identification has to be checked and the practice has to ensure that all is in order before allowing access.

R.G.
What this allows is for every patient, who wishes, after being checked (vulnerable, patients who may self harm and certain others maybe excluded).
This is a major step forward into freedom of accessing your medical records.
I am unaware of the Jenner Health Centre dates for their patients but it would appear 1st April all should be switched on.

If you wish more information, please to contact your own surgery.

Hello everyone,

I wish I could impart some good news but I can’t.
There has been a development at Whittlesey which means the library may not be re-opening until Easter or even later.
The development also means we can’t use the ground floor of the library for tonight’s meeting and as we are storing so much stuff upstairs we don’t have any room to host the meeting there either.
Therefore can we please cancel the meeting tonight and re arrange when we know what’s happening. One of us will update you all as soon as possible.

Alison Sutton
Area Library Manager, Wisbech & Whittlesey.

RG – Not quite sure what is happening but will update next week.

A smaller than usual attendance only six of us attended on Saturday.  But eleven bags of rubbish were collected on a very cold but dry day.
Streetpride have been requested to join the proposed tidying of The Whittlesey Railway Station. This will take place on Friday 4^th of
March starting at 10.30hrs anyone
interested please come along with a Garden fork or rake to assist in clearing the weeds and brambles   Please remember the 5^th of March we are involved with the Clean  for the Queen day. We will be meeting on the Buttercross at 10.00  am A very big thankyou for helping out on these events.

Note: Dates & Times confirmed as above.
To see more of ‘Clean up for the Queen event click on link below
http://www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk/home/2365

To see more about Street Pride click on link below
https://whittleseastreetpride.wordpress.com/

This year marks the 40th anniversary of our own museum. 01st of May 1966 was the opening day.
Mainly (again) run by a dedicated group of volunteers, who give their time freely.

Logo © Museum

Not sure as yet if the group have anything ‘special’ going on to celebrate this occasion.

See here a brief introduction as in a booklet published by the Whittlesey of Chamber and Commerce 1984

(Click on picture to enlarge)
See the museums own website by clicking on link below.

http://www.whittleseymuseum.co.uk/

Yesterday checking the ‘Majestic’ in  Kuala Lumpur with Connie and her Sisters, complete with ‘men’ in Plus 4’s and ‘Pith Helmets’, we had a very relaxing afternoon. Booked 10 days for later in the year (40th Wedding Anniversary) – 5* ambiance – why not.

 The ‘sun’ is really strong and another one of my favourite swimming pools – All by myself for most of the day.

Opening up with full facilities is planned for Friday March 11th. The leaking roof, could be seen as a blessing, as Cambs CC had little choice but to spend a vast amount on repairs, then of course there was a leak and the ceiling and other bits needed to be done.
So after a long long while, we will finally and hopefully have a facility fit for purpose and up-to-date….see you there?

Our thanks to Ken Creed who attended a meeting yesterday of all the Fenland Groups at March Police Station. Inspector Will Davies giving updates on the Service agreements.
Ken informs me, that the Whittlesey NHW Group is one of the best in Fenland.
The group is well supported and organised.
I stress we are NOT Crime Free, but when looking at statistics and feedback from other areas….we are certainly better off than our neighbouring towns.

The next Neighbourhood Watch meeting will be on Tuesday 15th March at 7pm
At Grosvenor House (Side entrance) Whittlesey Town Council Offices.

Please come along, don’t just be a good neighbour be a better neighbour.
Being a member is FREE, just a little bit of time now and then….

Lots more information on our dedicated website (Best NHW in Cambridgeshire).
http://www.whittleseynhw.org.uk/

Room with a view… on the 18th floor of my nieces condo/apartment, looking from Puchong into Kuala Lumpur.
A 50 metre swimming pool – all to myself during the daytime – bliss and stress free!
Todays temperature is +34c
Looking from the building is a typical ‘urban’ Kampung’ (Malay village)
(Click on picture to enlarge)