We are proud of our community Groups
Success Stories
Well done to Rachel Thackary and all of the amazing helpers who made this community project happen!
27th Nov 2023 - The working group met, officially handed over to the maintenance committee and noted the last activities that need completing. The notes and list of activities can be found here.
A WORKING GROUP TRANSFORMed TWO UNDERUSED AREAS OF PILGRIM CLOSE (HAMMOND GARDEN) AND (RATCLIFF GARDEN).
HAMMOND GARDEN:
Added plants, shrubs, flowers, planters, picnic bench and other seating, a bug hotel, bird boxes etc to encourage wildlife, biodiversity and a love of our natural environment . We hope that the space will be interactive and will encourage community togetherness across all ages. People might come to harvest fruit and vegetables, explore the wildlife, enjoy a picnic of simply sit and chat.
RATCLIFF GARDEN:
A more simple use of this space. The primary purpose will be to attract wildlife. There will still be planters but the plants grown will those designed to encourage wildlife rather than for the purpose of harvesting. A bench/picnic table will be available to sit and enjoy this space.
Hammond Garden & Ratcliff Garden
There, but not there.
There But Not There was a national project marking the Centenary of the end of The Great War to Commemorate, Educate and Heal and ensure the sacrifice of lives is not forgotten.
Backed by the Parish Councils of both villages, a small team arranged for silhouette representatives of the fallen young men to revisit the villages that they knew. These were purchased through charitable grants and donations from individuals, and the project culminated on November 10/11 2018 with a street-party full of fun, cultural and religious events.
There are thirty names on the Great and Little Chesterford war memorials of men who died in World War One answering their Country’s call. We should also remember those men and women of other counties who fought for what they thought was right.
In Great Chesterford, there is a wealth of information researched by the Local History and Archaeological Society and published in a pamphlet by Peter Oldham.
Our Thanks To Bob Tonkins and Gareth Bevens for leading the project for the village.
Since There, But Not There more local heroes have been uncovered by the Local History Society and we remember them now. Click on their name to read more about the individual soldier.
CORPORAL ERIC DOUGLAS FREDERICK SMITH
LIEUTENANT JOHN DARELL JEFFREYS
LANCE BOMBARDIER WALTER DOUGLAS PEACOCK
“A beautiful coming together in memory of the War.”
— Rev. A. Jeewan
Lifeline Romania.
Lifeline Romania with Chesterfords Aid (UK registered charity no. 1061999.) If you have clothes that are only good for rag, there is a collection box in the Community Centre Carpark. The Charity is run by Roger Amos and David Maskell. Goods are collected from the box and recycled and the profits used to support the project. If you have quality items that may prove useful directly to those living in Romania, please contact David Maskell on 530098. The next trip is provisionally taking place in October 2019.
Friends of GtCh Primary.
Friends is a charity that supports the work of our school. It is a friendly group of parents and teachers who meet twice a term. They organise a number of fun fundraising projects (including social events) to help to provide lots of exciting things for the school, including a brand new nature space, restocking the library, outdoor play equipment, scooter pods and the outdoor shelter on the playing field.
They also make the Annual Easter Bunny Hunt the much loved village event that it is, and run the Bubbles and Bling Christmas Shopping night at the Crown House Hotel that is filled with local craft products, beauty therapists and so much more.
Currently led by Ali Diggins, these families work tirelessly to make our local school the beacon of excellence it is!
Please look on the school website for more details on how you can support them.
Good Neighbours Action Group
Helpline: 01799 270111
Originally conceived to look out for vulnerable people during extreme weather, we are lucky live in a very supportive community and during this exceptional time, this group has a list of volunteers to assist you in any way you require, so if you need something, then we need to hear from you! This could be someone to pick up supplies, prescriptions, walk your dog or just be someone to talk to.
HELPLINE
The Helpline is manned by volunteers who select their own shifts online and redirect calls to share the load between them. It’s received a total of 321 calls since the start of the lock-down.
THOMAS HYLL
This Charity exists to provide support for residents of Great Chesterford who find themselves in conditions of need, hardship or distress. In the case of those quarantined in accordance with Government recommendations, the Charity will underwrite the costs of groceries purchased from the village shop until such time as the recipient can get to a bank or cashpoint for repayment (subject to conditions - details on request via helpline).
TECH HELP
Can’t tell your WhatsApp, from your Facetime? Struggling with Skype? Keeping in touch will be more important than ever in the coming weeks - if you need help with your technology or just want to practice then please call 01799 270111. If you can join the volunteers, call the helpline and let us know, or email Julie.redfern+gcpc@gmail.com
