Archives
CCV's name was originally Cambridge University Conservation Corps. It changed to Cambridge Conservation Corps in 1970 and to Cambridge Conservation Volunteers in 1984.
~ A first draft of a timeline of significant events in CCV history.
Becoming a Seventies Conserver
A History of CCC - Autumn 1978
Retyped from a photocopy of the original
"Rules: Volunteers should be over twelve years old; dressed in ancient clothes and suitable footwear (boots); be enormously strong, and have I.Q's of at least 150. The Corps provides tools and a modest amount of drink, but volunteers should bring their own lunches, and mugs for their drink. Transport is in private cars (expenses paid from Brookside, subject to agreement), and as Camilla, John and Eddie will not be on the August tasks, Alan would like to hear from any car owners who will be coming out, so that he can avoid disappointing the user-bodies and the volunteers who do turn up. There are no rules which forbid any volunteer to buy the task leaders drinks.
Tasks often extend long into the summer evenings, yea - unto closing time, but volunteers will be brought back by 6 p.m. if they want to be."
"What no cider! on returning from my long vacation I discovered that in my absence the corps lunchtime cider had been withdrawn. after consultations with the Treasurer, the Drinks Officer and Gilbert Rice Ltd. (who have to keep repairing the van). I have unhappily decided to ratify the earlier desision, so that for the forseeable future the Corps will remain ciderless. Editor."
"Thursday Meetings. How many times have you heard task leaders mumble something about 'Thursday Meetings' at No. 29 Bateman Street as they give the 'announcements' on Sundays. Not to be confused with the Freemason's Hall down the road, newcomers (who are able to find the door, and be able to make it ring) can witness the convivial gathering of members of the Corps engaged in constructive conversation, attending to the business of the day. The meetings can become quite lively at times (on a par with Prime Minister's Question time) as they thrash out contentious issues, such as whether we can afford a new exhaust pipe for the minibus. During these informal weekly meetings we do manage to keep the group going, combined with the efforts of those who look after the Corps' accounts, task programme tools, publicity, social events, and those prepared to lead tasks and drive the minibus. Anybody is welcome at these gatherings, especially if you have any new ideas or special skills which could improve the running of the group. At present, we need ideas for fundraising (towards the purchase of a new minibus) and help with looking after the ageing minibus and power tools. Volunteers are also needed for manning stalls at the various fairs we attend and publicising the work of the Corps. So if you are kicking around on Thursday evenings or bursting with enthusiasm just turn up at 8.00 pm at 29 Bateman Street (Keith Jordan's abode), and partake of free tea and biscuits. (Note: Seating is limited so get there early, and the biscuits do not last long if Mark is there.) After the meeting we normally have time to retire to the Panton Arms (just round the corner in Panton Street) for some more refreshment.
Sunday Events.
Sat. May 14th. The Squirrel Count.
This takes place yearly in Thetford Forest. Groups of two to four comb two to three compartments of the forest for traces of squirrels: dreys (nests about a foot in diameter, made of twigs, at least ten feet above the ground, and usually close to the trunk of the tree), cores of and piles of scales of pine cones, and hopefully, squirrels. You will need to be at the District Office at Santon Downham by 6.00 am, so anyone coming from Cambridge in the minibus must be at Brookside by 5.00 am. You can get breakfast after the count. Also, venison sausages will be on sale.
Site Visits. Also, meetings at Brookside at 6.00 pm on some Wednesdays, particularly hardy members of the Corps cycle out to local nature reserves. They also stop for a meal and drink on the way back. Future visits will be announced on task. You can look up the distance to the site mentioned on a map, and if you feel it is too far to ride comfortably, or if you do not have a bicycle in working order, you may be able to get a lift.
NOT I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. Aficionados of this panel game will be familiar with tardy arrivals at many parties. However, there appears to date to have been a serious omission in their ranks. So here, to fill the lacunae, are the late arrivals at the Conservers Ball...Welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Hook and their northern, Yorkshire Bill Hook. Proceeding from a westerly direction we observe police constable Pissing, known to his associates as Cop Pissing; together with his fiancee, Poll 'Arding. It is reported that this officer hopes soon to apprehend that expensive criminal go-between, the dear-fence-Ing. Here comes one of Bram Stoker's creations, Bram Belbashing (a horror story if ever there was one!), accompanied by Rose Bush and a lady of looser morals, Whore Thorn. From the edge of the Fens, welcome Will Burton with his dog, House Grove. And Chay N'Saw with his pet, Rol. Over there we notice a cluster of Celts- from the Emerald Isle comes Will O'Grubbing, together with his friend and compatriot, Matt O'ck, and his Scottish cousins, the McRakes. For those who survive the festivities, there will be a small task the following day at the famous Mornington Crescent Nature Reserve.
A Special Announcement. Michael Boddy and Susan Holland have recently become engaged, and all members of the Cambridge Conservation Corps wish them both every happiness and success for the future."