April 25 Online Edition

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Letter from the Editor:

Welcome everyone to the Easter edition of the Bystander. Inside this month’s magazine you can read what Sue Reynolds has to say about her book based on the real-life experiences of a prison nurse. Georgia Rose outlines how as a writer you can embrace writing for an audience and how to acquire feedback on your manuscript. Hazel’s flash fiction contribution is a tale entitled ‘Go with the Flow’. We have a fascinating account of the day in the life of a local falconer and Penny continues with the details of ‘Joan Kendall’s will’. Sally Gower reviews various comedy offerings that are available on the radio or on podcasts and Inn Farm Nursery have some Easter fun recipes. Look out for the spring gardening tips from Lee and as always there are plenty of events to look out for in the community section.

Happy Easter everyone.

Julie

www.bystandermagazines.com

Enquires:

julie@villagebystander.com

This Month’s Contributors:

Lee Munday, Paul Kinally, Penny Young, Tony Larkins, Joanne Cox, Georgia Rose, Anthony Withers, Hazel Wright, Eugene Smith, Sally Gower, Tim Spafford, Sue

Reynolds

April Contents

Editor’s Letter

P.4

Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-9

Anthony Withers - Unexpected p.12

Inn Farm - Easter Fun p.14

Penny Young - Joan Kendall’s WILL Part 2 p.16-17

Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-23

Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue p.30

Hazel Wright - Go with the Flow p.32

Beacon Wealth Management - The Power of Taking Action - Your Financial Future Starts Now p.33

Eugene Smith - So Long p.36

Georgia Rose p.44

A Day In The Life Of Falconer - Tim Spafford p.46-47

Peter Lane and Partners - Who'd be an

Estate Agent? p.48

Making Waves: Kimbolton School

Swimming Pool p.50

Sally Gower - Comedy Central p.54

Bystander Community p.56-65

The Staughtons with Hail Weston

Church Services p.62

Handpicked Wine Box p.70

The Prison Nurse - Sue Reynolds p.72-73

Feet – the unsung heroes of the body! p.74

What’s On for Children? p.76

Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.76-77

Useful and Emergency Numbers p.77

Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.78-79

Mobile Library Times p.79

Business Listings p.80

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Unexpected

The first thing that was unexpected was the unusually fine weather on March 8, a cloudless blue sky and sunshine that was actually warm. We had to get out and about somewhere on a day like that after months of low cloud and no sun (or Dunkelflaute as they say in German). Probably only four million other people had the same idea so after a quick look at the map, our destination was decided: Wrest Park near Silsoe in Bedfordshire. Our choice had the advantage of being nearby and easy to get to. If you haven’t been there Wrest Park is a mansion built in the 1830s by Thomas de Grey and modelled on the classic French chateaux of the Loire Valley. Its more modern claim to fame is that the mansion and its elegant French and Italianate gardens, designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, as well as the Orangery were used in Bridgerton.. Just to get you in a Bridgerton frame of mind, you can book an afternoon tea in the sumptuous surroundings of the salon. But it was the unexpected discovery of a painting which enhanced our day’s outing. Tucked away inauspiciously in one of the drawing rooms is a portrait which is now attracting a considerable amount of attention. Curators at English Heritage have suggested that this painting of a young woman is the only depiction of England’s shortest reigning monarch painted during her (very short) lifetime. There’s lots more to do at Wrest Park including a highly recommended tour of the whole building which takes in the servants’ quarters, scullery, bakery, brewery and much more.

The fine weather reminds us that spring is hopefully not far away, a time for rejoicing but for me a time also of trepidation. The reason for my anxiety is contained in the straw-filled box which was tucked away in the cupboard under the stairs in November last year. The box contains a tortoise who I hope has been sleeping peacefully for the past six months. As the air gets warmer he will hopefully surface and start to roam around the garden again. He should know the routine by now as he’s been doing it now for 42 years. At time of writing, I have yet to investigate the little chap’s condition. I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

My novella adventure is progressing apace. After The Turn of the Screw, I’m tackling a very different story with a very different setting – a brownstone apartment in New York’s East Side in the 1940s, the location of Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote. What to make of the book’s heroine Holly Golightly? She's just shy of nineteen, doesn’t quite know what she wants and is therefore unsure how to get it: she is a habitué of the fashionable bars and cafes of New York where she attracts a coterie of admirers whom she sometimes brings back to her flat but in reality she’s not that sort of girl. A bit of a flibbertigibbet really. Always rushing around, she finds calm and tranquillity only by breakfasting at Tiffany’s. I’m greatly enjoying making her acquaintance.

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Joan Kendall’s WILL Part 2

Penny Young

We met Joan Kendall in the last story – her father, Sir Alexander Carew had been beheaded, despite the best efforts of her Mother to get his life sentence for treachery to be rescinded. Joan was brought up by her mother, along with her four brothers aged from three to 12 years of age.

The fatherless family were left well provided for, although as Alexander Carew’s estates and fortune had been confiscated by the Commonwealth Government, a year after his death they were restored. Indeed, Alexander wrote his final WILL and testament on 22nd December 1644, the day before his head was chopped off – one can only admire his strength of character to look after the welfare of his wife and children in such circumstances. His WILL runs to a couple of pages and will take some transcribing, but I was able to decipher the following – “I leave the sum of five hundred pounds a year for the care of my daughter (Joan) and youngest children, born and to be born”. As Alexander Carew had been incarcerated in the Tower of London for at least 12 months, prior to his death, I do wonder if he had the chance to be intimate with his wife for any children to be yet ‘unborn’. These were indeed different times!

Back to Joan’s WILL – “I give to my niece, Joane Kendall my point apron, which I wrought with my own hand. Next - to my niece Sarah Trubody, widow, the sum of three pounds yearly, to be paid to her quarterly, by equal portions during her life. The first payment to be made at the end of three months next after my death and to that purpose it is my will and warning that my executors hereafter named do lay out at interest the sum of fifty pounds and my will is also that after the death of my said niece, Sarah Trubody, the said fifty pounds shall be paid to such of her child or children as she shall leave living at the time of her death and if only one child, such child to have the whole fifty pounds and if more than one, the same sum to be divided between them, share and share alike. But if she happen to dye (die) without having any child or children behind her, then I give the said sum of fifty pounds to her brother Alexander Carew Esquire to be paid to him six months after the death of his sister, my said niece, Sarah Trubody. In case the said Alexander Carew die before his said sister, then I give the said fifty pounds to John Carew, the son of my nephew, John Carew of Liskeard, in case my said niece, Sarah Trubody dies without leaving issue behind her, as aforesaid.

Then I give unto my niece, Jane Pendarves, a silver watch, which her mother gave me, and two guineas of gold.

Then my WILL further is that my said executors do keep in their hands or sort out at interest immediately after my death or as soon as may be the same, the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain and that my said niece, Jane Pendarves be duly paid the interest thereof during her life, by quarterly payments to be attempted from the day of my death and afterwards, if she shall leave any child or children behind her, that from and after my death, the interest of the said twenty pounds be paid unto or unto the use of such child or children until

they attain the age of one and twenty years and then they are to have the said twenty pounds equally to be divided between them, share and share alike. But if the said Jane Pendarves does not leave any child of children behind her, or if such child or children do not attain the age of one and twenty years, then that said twenty pounds is to belong wholly to my said executers.

Then I give to my niece, Katherine Kendall, my little Jewell.

Then I give to my sister Mary Kendall of Exeter, the sum of ten pounds. If she be living at the time of my death. But if she is not then living, then my WILL is that my executors do keep in their hands or set out at interest the said sum of ten pounds, immediately after my death or as soon as it may be and that Joane Mitchell, the daughter of the said Mary Kendall be duly paid the interest thereof, during her life by quarterly payments to be attempted from the day of my death and afterwards, if she shall have any child of children behind her, that from and after her death, the interest of the said ten pounds unto or unto the use of such child or children until they shall attain the age of one and twenty years and then to have the said ten pounds equally to be divided between them, share and share alike. But if the said Joane Mitchell do not leave any child or children behind her, or if such child or children do not attain the age of one and twenty years, then the said ten pounds are to belong wholly to my said executors.

I now give and devise to all the children of my said niece, Joane Mitchell , as shall be living at the time of my death, the sum of twenty pounds apiece. But my WILL is that the said legacy of twenty pounds apiece to the said children to be kept in the hands of my executors or set out at interest immediately after my death or as soon as it may be and that my said niece, Joane Mitchell, be only paid the interest thereof during her life by equal quarterly payments to be attempted from the day of my death, afterward if the said children shall not have attained the age of one and twenty years that from and after her death, the interest of the said legacy of twenty pounds apiece to the said children be paid unto or unto the use of such child or children until they attain the age of one and twenty years and then they are to have their several legacies of twenty pounds apiece paid them. But if the said Joane Mitchell shall not have any child or children at the time of my death, or if such child or children do not attain the age of one and twenty years, then the said legacies are to belong wholly to my executors.

I also give unto my niece Joane Mitchell, two guineas of gold and to her husband, Robert Mitchell, one guinea of gold.

I then give to my niece Carew, eldest daughter of my cousin John Carew, my chest of drawers and my cabinet and all that is in it to his two youngest daughters.

I know that there is a lot of repetition of the testatrix wishes – but it is fascinating none the less.

In today’s money – the sum of £10 would be worth £1640 and £20 double that, not to be sniffed at!

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Lee’s Gardening Corner

Spring should have arrived by now, with blossom everywhere. Be careful though as the mild April weather can give way to short, sharp frosts (even snow sometimes), catching out the new growth and blossom. Don't plant tender bedding plants too soon for this reason.

Work in the garden speeds up this month, spring clean the borders - keep on top of weeding and hoeing. Now is a good time to go round with a general fertiliser and sprinkle it all over the borders. Evergreen trees and shrubs can be planted and moved now, and general planting of perennials will be fine.

Wait for about 6 weeks before cutting bulb foliage down, this helps restore the bulb for next years growth. Towards the end of the month plant out dahlia tubers and pots of bedding (they can be taken inside if cold weather is forecast). Sow hardy annuals, and if this has already been done the seedlings can be pricked out into larger pots.

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They receive an annual wage to reflect the time they commit to being available plus additional payments for attending incidents and drill nights (one evening a week for two hours).

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Go with the Flow

It was Good Friday. James set out for a walk with his beautiful dog, Chester, at his side. As he walked, he thought back to everything that had happened on this exact day last year. He could remember it all so clearly.

On that day, James and Chester had been all set to drive up to the Peak District where James planned to spend a week walking – his first camping trip of the year. Everything had been loaded in the car. James just had to give Chester a walk round the village where they lived, before popping him in the car and starting the drive.

In the course of the walk, James met his good friend Elaine who lived on the other side of the village. Elaine seemed a bit agitated. ‘I’m so pleased I’ve seen you’, she said.’ Are you feeling ok?’ ‘Yes, of course’, James replied. ‘Why do you ask?’ Elaine went on to explain that the previous night she had dreamed very vividly that James was quite poorly. ‘Well, I’m fine’, he said. ‘I’m just off to walk in the Peak District for a week.’ When they parted company, Elaine gave James a big hug. ‘Well just take care, please,’ she said.

James heard his mobile ringing as he was putting the key in the door to get back in his house. It was John, an old university friend who he saw about once a year. ‘Wow, it’s unusual for you to call me’, James said. John sounded uncomfortable. ‘Yeah’, he replied. ‘Please don’t think I’m being freaky, but you came into my thoughts so strongly I just needed to check in with you to make sure you are ok.’ ‘Yes, I’m fine’, James said, ‘I’m just off to walk in the Peak District’. After a quick catch up, John signed off with ‘Look after yourself, mate.’

James felt it strange that two friends had checked in on him that morning. But more was to come. James was soon to find a third friend, Robert, standing at his door. ‘Have you got time for a chat?’, Robert asked. ‘I just feel we need to spend a bit of time together.’

‘A bit of time’ ended up being a few hours, including a long, leisurely pub lunch. By the time Robert left – urging James to drop him the odd text during his week away - it was late afternoon. James sat down on the sofa. ‘You know what, Chester’, James said aloud. ‘I don’t think we’ll leave now. The traffic is probably going to be heavy, and I will end up trying to put the tent up in the dark. Let’s set off early tomorrow morning.’ With that, James stood up and collapsed onto the floor.

After two weeks in hospital and the insertion of five stents, James returned home. At a checkup appointment with his GP, he was told to consider himself very fortunate that his journey to the Peak District had been delayed on that day, or the outcome might have been very different. James might well not have been walking with Chester right now.

James looked down fondly at his constant companion. ‘You see, Chester,’ he said. ‘We are really not in control of anything. Things happen that are beyond our understanding. We always need to listen to the warnings of the universe, and we always need to go with the flow.’

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com

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Many people believe that successful individuals are simply lucky or naturally gifted. In truth, they are just the ones who take the leap. They don’t sit back waiting for the perfect moment; they create it.

I recently met two people with similar jobs – one passed just one exam in a year, the other had passed six in seven months. Their circumstances were alike, but their attitudes and actions set them apart. Which would you rather be?

Often, we build up barriers in our minds, convincing ourselves that taking action is too difficult. But once you take that first step, momentum builds, and suddenly, the path ahead becomes clearer.

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So Long

When was the last time you finished watching a film or play and thought “I wish that had been longer”? Be honest. Most stuff goes on too long, you could chop out at least half an hour and greatly improve it. A bloated running time is never a good thing. If you’re the sort who judges theatrical value for money on how long the play is, you presumably also loiter round Sainsbury’s on Sunday afternoons, desperate to get 20 pence off a pack of greying mince.

It’s not just in the arts that we find unnecessary durations. Listening to a bore droning on about their tedious lives. Full and frank discussions with a significant other on the subject of my shortcomings. Any BBC political programme. Anything involving Angela Rippon. All too long.

Here are five cultural items which could really do with editing. Are you listening Rushdie?

Hamlet. If only Shakespeare had taken Polonius’ advice regarding brevity and wit. There are two types of Hamlet audience member. The first sits spellbound, delighting in the psychological discourses. The second is worried about missing the last train home, and wishes the whiny Dane would wind his neck in. Fearful of being tutted at by purists, directors rarely cut Hamlet. If all the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tediousness had been removed, not only would the play be more bearable, but Tom Stoppard’s awful showing-off would have been curtailed as well.

Wagner. Rossini was spot on when he said “Wagner has good moments, but awful quarters of an hour”. The musical equivalent of someone telling a rambling story which never ends, Wagner is why most people are scared of opera. I put a CD of Wagnerian highlights on three weeks ago, and it’s still playing.

Most modern films. 90 minutes to two hours. That’s the optimum length for a film. Very rarely does anything longer justify its running time. Of course there are exceptions, I’ll be rhapsodising over Lindsay Anderson’s O Lucky Man! in a future lecture, but the majority of long films are selfindulgently tiresome. As exhibit one I offer Sátántangó, a 1994 film by Hungarian director Béla Tarr, concerning the collapse of a collectivised Soviet-era farm. If that’s got you going, you’ll be delighted to hear it’s seven hours long. Seven hours. Mind you, having visited Budapest recently I can’t say I’m surprised.

George Bernard Shaw. You think being stuck in a traffic jam is long? Or waiting for a badlydelayed train (or “train”, as they’re now called)? Try sitting through one of this windbag’s plays. Or even worse, appearing in one, and having to learn and recite pages of his plodding dialogue. John Osborne penned a wonderful description of Shaw’s writing, but I can’t repeat it here. Look it up. It’s no coincidence that the only tolerable version of Shaw’s work is My Fair Lady, featuring Rex “fork” Harrison.

Mrs Brown’s Boys. Every episode of this is at least 30 minutes too long.

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I believe that the biggest obstacle writers have to deal with is fear. I am facing this right now as my latest book, A Stolen Future, has just been published. Eek! What will people think of it? And me?

If you decide to write a book you can be seized by a tremendous enthusiasm during which the words start pouring out of you. I’ve had more than one person tell me this is what they experienced when they first started writing, and indeed it happened to me. It is a glorious time.

However, at some point during the process it will dawn on you that you are going to have to show what you have written to someone else. Some of the more confident among you will be happy with that. In fact they might have been sharing their work with their nearest and dearest already. For others, like me, it is a truly horrifying thought.

I remember with my first novel I spent months editing and rereading and editing and rereading, trapped in an unending circle of miniscule improvements. What I needed to do was show it to someone else for their input, but I didn’t because writing is horribly exposing. What if that person thinks it’s terrible, or ridiculous, or questions what actually goes on in your mind?

Eventually, I contacted a company online that offers editing services thinking that at least if they thought it was tripe I would never have actually met them and there would be no chance of me bumping into them anywhere. The anonymous feedback worked out well and I recommend it to anyone who’s unsure how to proceed.

Be brave. That’s the only advice I can give. Share your work with someone who will give you honest feedback. So probably not friends or family. Allow someone to prise that valuable manuscript from your grasp, or as is more likely nowadays, email them a copy. What’s the worst that can happen? They don’t like it? That doesn’t mean no one will.

Georgia Rose is my pen name and the name I use for everything connected to my writing. You can find me at georgia@georgiarosebooks.com or via www. georgiarosebooks.com.

SELF STORAGE

A Day In The Life Of A Falconer - Tim Spafford

It’s not uncommon for the residents of Great Staughton to see me walking up the highway of an afternoon, heading towards the playing fields with a bird on my fist. This is the first exposure most people get, while driving past, of a falconer practising an ancient sport of training a bird of prey to hunt in collaboration with a person.

The day starts for me in the mid afternoon as this is my chosen time to take up from my mews one of the birds being flown. Food preparation for each bird is undertaken and the ration for the specific bird to be flown is stored in my hawking bag (vest) and a meat sample is attached to a lure (leather pad with feathers attached to a cord line and handle). I will then take one of the peregrine falcons to the weighing shed to be weighed and checked over for general health and equipment condition. Once I have an accurate weight I can assess whether the bird has attained a weight condition that is desirable for free flight.

Training (conditioning) starts as soon as I pick up the bird by fitting a radio transmitter to is leg, not an easy task if the bird fidgets, my mere presence is called “manning” which enforces the bond between falconer and falcon. As I walk up the highway I am conditioning the bird to other pedestrians and their dogs or push chairs etc even passing cars and lorries play an important role in this ongoing process to make the bird familiar with human activity. As we reach the playing fields the bird is further exposed to the multicoloured equipment and children playing and running around, again invaluable conditioning to eliminate a fear response to environmental change.

With the bird free of all unnecessary equipment, I hold the bird aloft or place them on a post to rouse their feathers before they set off. At this time I would walk towards the centre of the field and pull out the lure so the bird knows I

have it, which helps it focus on me and not wild quarry. By swinging the lure a falcon is enticed to power in and strike or bind to it. By teasing the falcon by pulling the lure away from it at the last split second it will deploy tactics to out smart you by gaining height and approaching faster or if the sun is shining, it will fly out of the sun at speed so you miss calculate its approach and it catches you out. All this effort is great exercise for the falcon and helps it deploy instinctive behaviour. The important aspect of this exercise is to push the fitness level up but it is always necessary to gauge the point at which the bird is getting tired and loosing focus, at this point the falcon will be allowed to catch the lure and feast on the reward attached to it.

To take controlled exercise to another level, its possible to train the falcon to fly up to a kite or drone which has a reward associated with it. I have a radio controlled electric jet powered crow which I have trained the falcons to chase in the sky. This tool has spurred them on to another level of fitness by tapping into their instinctive behaviour.

On return from flying, the falcon will be given the balance of its rations based on expected temperature predictions for the next 24 hours and the amount of exercise undertaken. The goal is to attain the highest body weight that control can be maintained at, because birds of prey do not actively hunt if they don’t have to. They would sooner sit around and watch the world go by with a belly full of food.

After their feed they are returned to the mews to rest, bathe and preen before night draws in. The next days feed is selected and put aside, equipment is cleaned, tracking equipment batteries are checked or replaced and stored away for the next day.

Who'd be an Estate Agent?

Some people think an estate agent’s job is easy. They imagine that property just sells itself, that a buyer appears from nowhere, loves a house or flat and agrees to buy it for the full price - just like that. Some think the sale then speeds effortlessly to a satisfactory conclusion and without any other assistance. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work like that - well not for most of the time anyway.

In reality an estate agent’s job is not simply to sell houses but to move people. Moving anything is often complicated, can be fraught with difficulty and have unforeseen consequences. Just think about moving twin sixyear-olds singlehandedly from bed to school every weekday morning, or moving a flock of sheep from one hillside to another. Both take planning, patience, knowhow, experience and resolve. It means expecting the unexpected, problem solving and often the highest level of tact and diplomacy.

Few inexperienced in the art would try moving a flock of sheep. Instead they would hire a shepherd. And, in a way, that’s what estate agents are. They arrange for something with lots of moving parts - each seemingly with a mind of its own - to end up where it should be on the date and time it is supposed to be there. Estate agents shepherd people, contracts, surveys, mortgages, removals, withdrawals, gazundering, false starts, disappointments, the unforeseen and triumphs from one place to another. Sometimes it’s a smooth process. But all too often it isn’t. Some may think it’s not worth paying for a shepherd. But in the end when it’s been pouring with rain all day, the quad bike has broken down, a fox snatched a lamb and a large group of unreasonable ewes made a long break for freedom, a shepherd is worth every penny.

The best estate agents enjoy being shepherds. Some people may think that selling houses is not much of a job and on the face of it they might be correct. But moving people and families on to the next stage of their lives and making it as seamless and stress-free for them as possible is a tremendous skill and a job worth doing well.

If you are thinking of moving and would like to discuss any aspect of the process, Paul can be contacted at the Kimbolton Office on 01480 860400 or paul.kinally@ peterlane.co.uk

Making waves: Kimbolton School Swimming Pool

Kimbolton School swimming pool has long been a hub of aquatic activity, providing a vital resource for both school pupils and the wider community. Following a major refurbishment in 2024, we are now able to offer even more opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

After a five-month transformation, our modernised facility is better than ever. The 25 x 10 metre, fivelane pool, complete with competitive starting blocks, ensures that every swimmer whether a beginner or an advanced athlete can train and develop their skills in a top - class environment.

We have extended our opening hours and expanded our offering to cater for a wide range of swimmers, from toddlers taking their first dip to seasoned competitors. We offer a variety of public sessions from Lane and General Swims to family floats fun sessions!

We pride ourselves on Developing the next generation of Swimmers Our swimming academy is at the heart of our commitment to swimming education, teaching around 300 children from 12 months old through to club -level swimmers. Beyond regular term-time sessions, we also run a diverse range of holiday courses, including Diving lessons, Technique workshops and Private swimming lessons to name a few.

Kimbolton School swimming pool is more than just a place to swim it’s a community asset, a training ground for future champions, and a hub for water safety education. We are here to support your journey in the water and are proud to be making a real impact in the lives of swimmers of all ages.

Contact us: 01480 862276 or pool@kimboltonschool.com

Monthly Heating Oil Price Update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice

Price update

After a sharp rise in the New Year, heating oil prices have now dropped to their lowest levels in over two months.

Uncertainty remains and prices could go either way.

After the sharp rise in January, prices have fallen in March. As heating oil households check their oil levels after a cold few months, this dip in prices might be a good opportunity to top up. Trade wars, global economic uncertainty, and diplomatic tension mean oil prices are being pulled in different directions. It’s not clear yet whether higher or lower prices will prevail.

Here’s our latest tips and recommendations:

• Prioritise peace of mind: it can be a hassle to keep checking your tank levels and reviewing prices. Some households have turned to automated monitoring services which, once a smart monitor is fitted, enable usage tracking on your mobile phone and can even auto-order for you when you run low – checking prices for the best around when you need it. The BoilerJuice Connected service is one example.

• Spread the cost: more online services are now using Pay-in-3 features to spread the cost without interest. Look out for these during your online order.

For more detailed information and to explore our services, visit BoilerJuice.com.

Proudly sponsored by BoilerJuice in association with The Village Bystander.

Comedy Central

While debating of topics for April to pen my ponderings on, I was leaning towards the happier subjects. Little did I know April also happens to be National Humour Month. And boy, do we need it right now. The news gets worse and worse, and the economy isn’t doing anyone any favours. (Unless you’re a big boss at an energy company. In which case, do everyone else a favour, yeah?)

So while I usually listen to Radio 2 for the ramblings, quizzes and music, I switched it off after a particularly distressing news article recently and opted for the ever faithful rescue remedy: comedy podcasts. Really, where would we be without them? First port of call: Help, I Sexted My Boss. Generally one of the ones you’d consider NSFW, it’s a charming ‘agony aunt’ style chat every Tuesday and Friday between radio presenter Jordan North and etiquette coach/ author William Hanson, in which listeners send in their dilemmas. Cue hilarity and advice from Jordan and William, sometimes more of the former than the latter. It’s a welcome relief from the seriousness of what’s been going on in the world, but probably not for younger ears.

A little more ‘highbrow’ perhaps, Radio 4’s The News Quiz, hosted by Andy Zaltzman, also of Test Match Special statistician notoriety, is also very entertaining. Although some weeks it’s lower down on the list. While we’re on Radio 4, there’s Infinite Monkey Cage with Brian Cox and Robin Ince for the science fans, or You’re Dead To Me, for the history fans, hosted each week by a trio of historian Greg Jenner, a topic specialist and a comedian, is a whimsical take on each individual historical topic, whether it be a person, a social justice campaign or simply a tasty treat. (See ice cream and chocolate.) Incidentally, I will always remember some of the more niche facts about football from that episode. The first person to own a pair of football boots? Henry VIII. Who else?! I’m sure he had plenty of time to practise, with all those football-shaped heads he was chopping off. The most common injury in football when the sport first came into existence? Stab-wounds from the knives and tools from daily jobs that players carried on their person. (So all these male players rolling around on the turf after the lightest of touches really ought to grow up. Try bleeding from a hole in your torso while dribbling up the pitch.)

On a sport related theme, I also have to mention Tailenders, the “loosely cricket-based podcast” that also features music and games, with radio-presenter Greg James, musician Felix White, English cricket legend James (Jimmy) Anderson and the wonderful ‘Mattchin’, so called because his name’s Matt and he’s a distant relative of Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. This podcast is full of humour and ridiculousness and was a tonic during Covid 19 lockdown. Although if sport or cricket isn’t your thing, I’d also highly recommend Early Work, where comedian Rhys James asks a performer/writer/artist to read out some of their ‘early work’ from their childhood/ adolescence and Rhys follows likewise. They rate each other’s work in three categories and it’s an incredibly humorous and wholesome listen.

And if after listening to any of these (or other) comedy podcasts hasn’t done the trick, there’s always the crazy notion of turning the TV on and flicking over to Would I Lie To You? Broadcasting genius that supposedly isn’t even scripted. I’d settle down on the sofa to watch an episode this evening, if it weren’t for the fact the new sofa is yet to be delivered after the first delivery date was cancelled so there’s no longer a sofa to sit on. Call that customer service? Pouffe-t.

Sally Gower

Bystander Community

HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP

Tuesday 1st April

7.30pm, Hail Weston Village Hall, “Let’s Talk Rubbish” A talk by Heidi Field from Waste Minimalization Department at Huntingdon District Council. Free entry for all Light refreshments will be available for a donation and there will be a Raffle (4-6 prizes) including a garden centre voucher (£20) further information contact: tel_maggs2@225771mgl.co.uk

MISS FRANKS’ JUMBLE SALE KIMBOLTON

Saturday 12 th April 2-4pm

Mandeville Hall Kimbolton

Entry £1 includes raffle ticket

CASH Payment only Hall cost kindly sponsored by Budgens Kimbolton

VILLAGE SHOW AT KEYSOE

PLANT SALE

Saturday, 26th April 10am-12pm a at

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL (MK44 2JE)PLANTS BRIC A BRAC

REFRESHMENTS

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL

BIG BREAKFAST

Saturday APRIL 19th 9am - 11am

Full English - £7.50

Small English - £4.50

Tea & coffee included No need to Book JUST TURN UP

VILLAGE SHOW AT KEYSOE

SATURDAY, 10th MAY

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL (MK44 2JE) 10am

Men’s, Women’s and Children’s clothes, Bric-a-Brac, gardening items and much, more

Kimbolton Medical Centre

Patients Participation Group (PPG)

EYE HEALTH

Come along to a presentation by Adlam and Coomber Optometrists & Professor Rupert Bourne Consultant Opthalmologist at Cambridge University Hospital

On nutrition, anterior eye conditions, cataract, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration

Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tuesday 24th April from 7 - 9pm

This event is FREE of charge and is open to ALL Light refreshments will be served For further information contact Deb Hellett 0780 1987231 Event sponsored by Golden Community Lorraine Lewis Proactive Community Nurse Specialist lorraine@goldencommunity.co.uk

What’s on in Kimbolton in April

Tuesday 1st 9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall 7.30pm Bingo. Mandeville Hall

Wednesday 2nd 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 3rd 10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Friday 4th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn

Sunday 6th 3pm Kim Jam. New Sun Inn

Monday 7th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 2.30pm WI. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 8th 9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall

Wednesday 9th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 10th 10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Friday 11th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 12th 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 14th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 15th 9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall

Wednesday 16th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 17th 10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

18th

Saturday 19th

Monday 21st 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Tuesday 22nd 9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall

Wednesday 23rd

Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 24th 10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut

Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Friday 25th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 7pm Movie Night - Conclave (12 certificate). Mandeville Hall

Saturday 26th 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Sunday 27th

Monday 28th

Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 29th 9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

Wednesday 30th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7.30pm Cheese & Wine Evening. Whitchurch Wines (Ticket required) 7-9pm Eye Health Presentation. Mandeville Hall. Free of charge

All 10.30am services can be accessed via Zoom: ID 418 4055 563 Passcode: 022067

Morning & Evening Prayer are held on Zoom at 8.30am & 5.30pm respectively on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Join us at St. Andrew’s on Fridays at 9.00am -10.30am during School Term for Friday Fun for pre-school youngsters and their parents and/or carer. Coffee, biscuits & chat for the adults.

ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Sun 6th 9.00am Parish Communion

Wed 16th 7.00pm Compline

Sat 19th 8.00pm Easter Vigil & Communion

Sun 20th 9.00am Easter Parish Communion

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 6th 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship

Sun 13th 10.30am Palm Sunday Communion

Tue 15th 7.00pm Compline

Fri 18th 10.00am Good Friday Family Walk 2.00pm An Hour at the Cross

Sun 20th 10.30am All Age Easter Communion

Sun 27th 10.30am Parish Communion

6.00pm Benefice Evensong

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 6th 10.30am Morning Praise

Sun 13th 9.00am Palm Sunday Communion

Mon 14th 7.00pm Compline

Thu 17th 7.00pm Maundy Thu Communion

Sun 27th 9.00am Parish Communion

What a fun start to 2025 we’ve had! In February Kimbolton Rainbows, Brownies & Guides joined with members from other local units to hold a World Thinking Day event in St Neots. We celebrated our links with Girlguiding worldwidethrough a wide range of games, activities and popular songs inspired by lots of different countries.

Then in March the units from Kimbolton, Little Paxton and Great Staughton organised a ‘Pyjama Party’ sleepover On a perfectly sunny weekend over forty girls played indoor and outdoor games, went on a scavenger hunt and had our first proper campfire of the year, with smores and songs and a film night. We made pizzas, songbooks, worry dolls and cress heads, did some performance art and tackled a bridge-building challenge.

Girlguiding – Volunteers Needed Volunteer for Girlguiding and share everything that’s awesome about you with the women of the future!

Are you searching for something rewarding to do outside of work? Want to develop new skills and experience whilst building lasting friendships and links with your local community? Your local Rainbo ps need your help – we have a wide range of roles for you t ying levels of time comm

To find out more and to register yo on Newell at kimboltonrainbows1@gmail.com, or g

VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebra5ons

Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 11 - 4pm

Mandeville Hall & Scout Hut

Join us for a day of music & dancing

Children’s games

Adult & children’s themed cake compe55on Memorabilia

Fish & Chips (5cket required)

Bar open

Tribute & ligh5ng of beacon by Ben Obese-Jecty MP

1st Kimbolton Scout Group are busy planning for future events in the local area.

Come and find us along with the Kimbolton Guide Group as we entertain children on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 11-4 for the VE 80th Celebrations.

We will be fundraising at Tilbrook Village Spring Fayre Saturday 10th May from 11am where anyone can come and have a go at Soft Archery and Soft Tomahawks.

The Hinchingbrooke District Scouts Big Summer Bash will be on Saturday 28th June at Little Paxton Sailing Club where anyone can come and try all the activities on oSer to the Scouting Groups. 1St Kimbolton will be hosting the backwoods cooking at the event where you can create your own folded pizza and a s’more cone. You could also try air rifle shooting, kayaking, canoeing, crafting and pioneering.

These fantastic opportunities that teach 6-18 year olds skills for life do rely on volunteers if you can spare one or two hours of an evening , every now and then, to help out in a section or be a Trustee then we would love to hear from you.

1stKimboltonscouts@gmail.com

PURPLE HORIZONS

A community initiative making a difference

Purple Horizons was launched in September 2019 by five local mums sitting around a table with a cup of coffee, with the aim of raising money and awareness of causes close to our hearts.

Our vision was to create something that is not only engaging and enjoyable but also enlightening, something to “broaden our horizons” and at the same time “make a difference”. Purple Horizons was set up to organise events that raise money for local charities and increase awareness of the important work these organisations do. Since our launch we are proud to have raise £44,000 for local charities including Papworth Trust, Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (specifically for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital) and Rise Africa UK.

Each of our events offer something unique and cater to a wide audience. From art to politics to sport, literature, history to health and wellness, our events cover a diverse range of topics. We also host themed gatherings such charity balls, lunches (including our annual Christmas lunch) and sporting events, as well as hands-on creative workshops like our wreath-making for the festive season. Whether its wine-tasting or learning something new, we truly offer something for everyone.

We have certainly had some fascinating talks, from learning that China genuinely seeks stronger ties with the West, to discovering the diplomatic delicacy of eating sheep’s brains without offending your diplomatic host and pondering why there isn’t a collective noun for English sparkling wine akin to cava, prosecco and crémant.

We are always eager to welcome guest speakers with an interesting story or insights to share and would welcome anyone interested in addressing to our members to get in touch.

Check out our website for details of how to become a member - its free!

Follow us on social media and find further details about previous and upcoming events!

Graphic design by EmiliaFrostDesign

Childcare for 2–11 year olds

A wonderful charity run setting based in the beautiful village of Spaldwick, and led by a fantastic team, we are pleased to offer:

• 2 to 4 years old: pre-school childcare during term time between 9am to 3pm (lunch available; pre / after school care and holiday time covered by the clubs below). Eligible Government funded places available. Each session is planned and includes play activities that help progress the children’s learning and development in the areas covered by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

• 2 to 11 years old: breakfast and after school care (S-Club) for the morning (8am to 9am) and afternoon (3pm to 6pm) for those attending Playtimes Pre-school and Spaldwick Primary School. We offer a relaxed and calm environment where children can enjoy breakfast; and a hot tea in the afternoon. We encourage stimulating but relaxed activities to prepare children for / help them unwind from their school day.

• 2 to 11 years old: holiday club for all (available for all children, they do not need to attend Playtimes Pre-school or Spaldwick Primary School) between 9am to 5pm (lunch and hot tea available; breakfast and afternoon snack included).

We provide indoor and outdoor activities (children are encouraged to play outside wherever possible), including baking, arty crafts, nature walks, bug hunts, seasonal parties, and much more.

For more information, please contact: Email playtimesoffice@gmail.com or call 01480 890077 to book a place. Hours: Mon – Fri: 8am–6pm Playtimes, Ferriman Road, Spaldwick, Huntingdon, PE28 0TQ Charity No. 1032297

Easter is the perfect time to enjoy delicious food, great company, and wonderful wines. Whether you're hosting an Easter roast, enjoying a casual family meal, or relaxing with friends, the right wine can enhance the occasion.

Crémant, France's charming sparkling wine, is an excellent choice to start your Easter celebrations. Offering a similar elegance to Champagne but with a softer, fruitier profile, Crémant pairs wonderfully with starters, seafood, or simply enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. If you'd like to discover more about this hidden gem we've just written a guide to Crément on our blog.

For seafood & salads, crisp whites like Riesling or Albariño offer freshness and vibrant character, pairing effortlessly with lighter meals.

For classic roast lamb, smooth reds like Rioja or Pinot Noir complement beautifully without overpowering the meat.

Easter is also a lovely time for tangy lemon tarts, zesty cheesecakes, and moist lemon drizzle cakes. They pair beautifully with gently sweet dessert wines like Moscato d'Asti.

Looking for something special this Easter? Our Spring Hamper is carefully curated with standout wines, and tasty seasonal treats. Beautifully presented, it makes a thoughtful gift or a wonderful indulgence for your own celebrations.

We are a local family run wine merchant, we offer convenient, hassle-free delivery directly to your doorstep, including the option of handwritten gift messages for a personal touch. If you want to come and see us we also offer a click and collect service from our warehouse, situated in Thrapston Livestock Market.

Explore our handpicked Easter wine selection, hampers and gift sets—crafted to bring joy and flavour to your festivities.

Happy Easter from all of us at Handpicked Wine Box!

Customise

The Prison Nurse - Sue Reynolds

I have been asked to write a short article for this magazine following an invitation to attend a local book club and to give a talk and answer questions about the recent publication of my book , ‘The Prison Nurse’ This is the first and so far, only book which I have finally finished writing. It has taken me about 4 years following the initial idea of writing it and then making the decision to do so.

This leads on nicely from the article written by Georgia Rose in the February edition which is encouraging people who are considering writing a book to go ahead and do it! Everyone has a story.

I have put my past experiences of working as a prison nurse into words and shared it with others in the hope they will find it useful. I hope it will help those who are considering a career in prison nursing and provide others with an insight into what the prison environment is like beyond those prison gates. It also raises awareness of the hidden heroes, who are a forgotten service and are often not considered when thinking of the public service sectors. We generally think of the police, fire and ambulance services. Those prison officers and staff working within custodial settings have a hard job to do, which is often very testing and difficult and more often than not, they do not get recognition for their roles. There are thousands of people working across the world in custodial settings for long hours and covering duties 24/7 who are a forgotten service and are often not considered when thinking of the public service sectors. They are doing an incredible job in keeping society safe.

This is an autobiography of true life events and eye opening stories. It gives the reality of prison nursing inside the prison walls from a nursing perspective. It recounts what I have witnessed and been involved in during the past 13 years of my career as a prison nurse. Despite their crimes, I had a job to do as their nurse. This story gives a true insight into a prison nurse’s role.

I also feel that writing the book has helped me to process and draw a line under that chapter of my life and I have unburdened a lot of memories and emotions which you learn to cope and deal with on a daily basis even when they are so bizarre and so unlike anything resembling normality. It is not until you leave something so abnormal behind and start to experience what normal behaviour is again, that you realise that what you have been coping with and experiencing, is very abnormal. When something is broken you can try and mend it, you can put glue on and stick plasters over a wound. You may not be able to make it 100% again and there may be a scar but some things can be repaired. Unfortunately there are also some things that always show the scars.

By writing about it I can now leave this to rest. This has helped me to move onwards and upwards and lessens any emotional scarring or trauma that I experienced from it. Some staff would have been psychologically traumatised by some of the events they witnessed working there. Writing about it, I have found to be healing for me and it has offloaded my mind so I feel quite refreshed and cleansed from writing the book and also proud of myself to have accomplished this.

I also loved working there and had a great rapport with the nursing team . I enjoyed the work and excitement of events. I was there for a considerable amount of my career and would definitely recommend it.

Nursing gives you a power of helping another person and pride that you have had the privilege of being able to help them and make a difference to them at that time.

Here are a few words of wisdom for anyone out there who doesn’t really know what career path you want to take and for those that thought they knew what they wanted to do and have started it and don’t actually like what they are doing. For those that feel they are stuck in a rut, or bored of their job and those who are looking for change and want to take a new path but don’t know what that is.

I will hopefully inspire you and say that you spend a lot of your life at work, doing many hours a day, for weeks, months and years, and if you don’t like it , there is always another option and something out there to try. Don’t be scared to change direction and try something else new. You absolutely won’t know until you try it.

Whatever you choose to do you should have a feeling of accomplishment and pride, with a sense of satisfaction that you have achieved what you set out to do, however small that may be. You should enjoy it and feel that you have done a good job and made a difference. It should make you happy, not miserable. It is important to be happy in order to stay healthy.

Before I started nursing I trained as a riding instructor as I had a love of horses from the age of 7 when I had my first riding lesson and still own and ride horses today. I worked as a civil servant in the unemployment benefit office and the job centre when they merged. This experience definitely helped me as a prison nurse when I became the substance misuse and drug strategy manager.

I then worked as a van driver/ sales representative for a local auto electric company, and part time I taught people to ride. I worked as a waitress and behind the bar in a pub, and served jacket potatoes on a stand at the horse races. I then went back-packing around the world and had more jobs , making pizzas, selling soft drinks, leaflet distributing, grape picking, apple picking and working on organic farms, fencing and agricultural jobs.

My next job was working for an American cruise line company as a telephone operator in the room service department, supervising the cabin stewards and bell boys and manning the room service phones. This was in the Bahamas and the United States Virgin Islands for about 18 months followed by more back-packing before settling down and starting my nursing career at the age of 26.

I had numerous jobs and tried a variety of different things before I started nurse training and I truly believe that it absolutely made me who I am today and a better person from having had all of that experience and knowledge about the world and the people in it . You learn to communicate with others and socialise and gain confidence. If you get a chance to travel, do it. There is so much more of the world out there to discover and experience. Live your life, be bold, grasp things with both hands, put yourself out there and enjoy it. It goes so fast and we are not here forever.

Don’t ever feel a failure if your chosen path turns out to not be what you thought you wanted. You’ve changed your mind, and that’s ok. You haven’t failed you have gained experience and grown from that.

I know the book is not perfect, but it is mine, and an achievement. I hope this will encourage more of you to read my book (available on Amazon) and if you enjoy it please leave a review and thank you.

Sue Reynolds

Feet – the unsung heroes of the body!

Let’s face it, folks—our feet are the unsung heroes of the body. They carry us through treacherous conditions like cobblestones, puddles, and through everything: standing in line for coffee, awkward wedding dances, or sprinting for the bus. But do we appreciate them? Hardly.

Our feet are like that one reliable friend who shows up to every event, supports us, and only asks for a foot massage every now and then (which they’ve earned, by the way). But here’s the kicker—most of us overlook the most important part: our footwear, treating our feet as an afterthought as we cram them into shoes that don’t fit and then complain about the sore toes and blisters.

If your feet have been feeling like they’re starring in a horror movie – trapped, cramped, and ready to escape – it’s time to head over to our newly expanded DB Shoes Fitting Centre. If your feet are naturally broad, moderately swollen (much more common than you think), or you’re trying to find a shoe that works with your orthotics, we’ve got the solution for you.

Recommended by hundreds of foot health professionals, we’re not just about getting shoes on your feet—we’re about making sure those shoes fit. Our range of wide fitting shoes and footwear with deep toe boxes, allow your feet to breathe and toes to wiggle.

We are ready to make your feet feel like royalty, starting by measuring them as our moulds differ to other brands and our shoes come in different width fittings. Whether you need stylish ladies’ shoes or practical men’s footwear, we’ve got it all—because your feet deserve nothing less. And if we don’t have it in the Fitting Centre and it is one of thousands of pairs in the warehouse, we will get it for you. So go ahead, give your feet the treat they’ve been waiting for and book an appointment on 01933 311077. DB Shoes Fitting Centre, Irchester Road, Rushden, NN10 9XF. Quote code VBY2513 or mention the Bystander for 20% off full priced items.

We’re changing lives, one pair at a time.

Auction Sales & Valuations

Valuation, collection and auction of individual items, through to complete property and commercial clearances.

SALE ENTRIES INVITED

Friday, Saturday & Monday between 8.30am and 5pm

Children's Activities

Grafham Little Fishes, Stay and Play Session for 0 to 4year olds

All welcome on Wednesdays 10.00 to 11.20, term time only, in Grafham Village Hall. Just turn up for free play time, followed by a short bible story, action songs and simple craft. For more details, contact Jane Rowley 01480 890986 littlefishes@eastleightonstone.com

Family Fun Friday St Andrew's Church, Great Staughton, 9.00am - 10.30am term time only. Tea, coffee, playtime, story time, singing. Contact Sylvia - 01480 812022 for more details. St Neots Toy Library - Mon to Thurs 8.45am - 4.30pm, Fridays 8.45am-1.00pm. At The Butterfly Children’s Centre, next to Winhills School and The Eatons Children’s Centre next to Bushmead School. Telephone Lyanne 01480 358350/Jaci 01480 358340. Rhyme time - rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers aged 0 - 2 years. St Neots library. 2 sessions 10am & 11.15am term time only on alternate Fridays

Baby Gym classes

Promoting tummy time, sensory stimulation and adult two baby bonding. Classes operate term time only, Friday mornings : 10.30am - 11.15am, Open sessions, no booking required., £5 per session, pay as you go (Cash only)., Operates at Huntingdon Gymnastic Club, Mayfield Road, Huntingdon, PE29 1UL, Run by Beccy Chapman Bsc WAHpc, Like Us on Facebook to keep updated, search: ‘baby gym 8-weeks to walking’ Riseley All Saints Church Junior Jivers - music and movement session followed by stay and play every Thursday at 930am term time only - Contact: Samantha Toseland Tel: 07880 700894

Young People’s and Children’s Organisations Guides, Brownies and Rainbows

Kimbolton Guides, Brownies & Rainbows Esther Crook on 07713 165935 esthercrook1@gmail.com Gt Staughton Guides Lindy Bornman, email fgsguides@gmail.com Upper Dean Brownies & Rainbows, Karen Jones: email: div.nbeds@bedsguiding.org.uk Little Staughton Guides, Little Staughton Brownies Scouts, Cubs, Beavers

1st Kimbolton Scout Group, Contact: Emma Mumford 07881 621260 1st Brington Scout Group, Contact: Tim Collins - 07881 821649 Dance/Performing Arts

Linda Allen School of Dance – Ballet, tap and modern jazz from 3+ years - Spaldwick and Kimbolton Ladies ballet and tap in Kimbolton, 01480 861332, info@LindaAllenDance.com, www.lindaallendance.com Stageworks Studios, St Neots. Dance, drama and singing classes for ages 3+. 01480 223331 Motion Dance Academy, Hinchinginbrooke Shcool, Huntingdon - 07887 932294, Miss Mollie www.motiondanceacademy.co.uk missmollie@motiondanceacademy.co.uk

Nurseries, Playgroups, Pre-Schools & Kids Clubs

Crosshall Nursery School 01480 475980

Crosshall Kids Club 01480 219518 Inn Farm Priv. Day Nursery 07802 826798 www.innfarmdaynursery.co.uk

Keysoe Playgroup – Keysoe Village Hall, MK44 2JE, Thursdays 9.30-11.30, £2 per family, healthy snacks, hot drinks, biscuits and craft activity included. Lovely friendly group with lots of toys for your little ones. Come and join us. Term time only.

Kymbrook Pre-School, Kimbolton Road, Keysoe 01234 376100 www.kymbrookpreschool.co.uk

Playtimes Pre-School & Out of School Club, Spaldwick 01480 890077 www.playtimesplaygroup.co.uk

Puddeducks Nursery & Pre-school, Colmworth 01234 378880 www.puddleducksnurserypre school.co.uk

Puddleducks Pre-School, Kimbolton 01480 860743

Riseley Rascals, Riseley Village Hall (Term Time Only) 07986 313037 9:30- 11am Tuesday morning

St. Leonards Day Care, Brington 01832 710020

Primary & Secondary Schools

Brington C of E Primary School 01832 710383

Crosshall Infant School Academy Trust, St Neots 01480 475980 www.crosshallinfant.co.uk

Crosshall Junior School Academy Trust, St Neots 01480 475972 www.crosshalljunior.co.uk

Eileen Wade Primary School, Upper Dean 01234 708260 www.ewmeschools.org.uk/ eileen-wade/

Great Staughton Primary Academy 01480 860324 www.greatstaughton.cambs. sch.uk

Kimbolton Primary Academy, Newtown, Kimbolton 01480 860743 www.kimboltonprimary academy.cambs.sch.uk

Kymbrook Primary School, Kimbolton Road, Keysoe. 01234 376266 www.kymbrookprimary.uk

Riseley Primary School 01234 708218 www.riseleyschool.co.uk

Spaldwick Primary School 01480 890371 www.spaldwickschool.org.uk

Ernulf Academy, Barford Road, St Neots, Cambs. 01480 374748 www.astreaernulf.org

Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon, PE29 3BN, 01480 375700 www.hinchingbrookeschool.net

Kimbolton School, Kimbolton 01480 860505 www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk

Longsands Academy, St Neots, Cambs. PE19 1LQ 01480 353535 www.astrea-longsands.org

USEFUL & EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Doctors at Kimbolton 01480 860205

Doctors at Gt. Staughton 01480 860770

Doctors at Sharnbrook 01234 781392

NHS Direct 111

NHS Cambridgeshire 01223 884 008

Patient Advice & Liason Service 01733 673 405 (PALS)

Cambs & Peterborough

Patient Advice & Liason Service 01234 795814 (PALS)

Bedfordshire

Hospitals

Addenbrookes, Cambridge 01223 245151

Bedford 01234 355122

Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon 01480 416416

Cambridgshire Fire and Rescue 01480 444500

Non Emergency Police Line 101

Councillors

Cllr Ian Gardener - CCC Alconbury & Kimbolton Division ian.gardener@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Cllr Jonathan Gray - HDC Kimbolton ward jonathan.gray@huntingdonshiredc.org.uk

Cllr Stephen Cawley - HDC Ellington Ward stephen.cawley@huntingdonshiredc.org.uk

AA Emergency Breakdown 0800 887766

Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177650

Carers Direct 0808 802 0202

Childline 0800 1111

Citizens Advice 03444 111 444

Electricity Emergency 105

Floodline 0345 988 1188

Gas Emergency 0800 111 999

National Debt Line 0808 808 4000

National Rail Enquiries 0333 202 2222

NSPCC 0800 800 500

Parentline 0800 800 2222

RAC Emergency Breakdown 0800 828282

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Samaritans 116 123

UK Missing Persons Unit 0800 234 6034

Victim Support 0808 168 9111

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

Clubs, Groups and Organisations

Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk

Buckworth Cricket Club Social Club

Samantha Langley 07977 828153

http://buckworthcricketclub.co.uk/

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 01480 444500

Catworth Women’s Group

Catworth Quilters Group

Ellington Neighbourhood Watch

Ellington Village Club

Grafham & Ellington Art Group

Great Staughton Village Hub

Gt Staughton Horticultural Society

Gt Staughton Playing Field & Pavilion

Hargrave Investment Club

Barbara Cawdell 01832 710404

Pam Wardle 01832 710324

Rick Wilcox 01480 890902

Sue Rice (Chairperson) 01480 896139

Jackie Woods, 01480 890279

Details on the Great Staughton and Perry Facebook page

Emma Mumford 07881 621260

Bob Jewell 01480 861259

Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034

Kimbolton Senior Citizens lunch club 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall

Kimbolton Local History Society

Kimbolton Parish Council

Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing

Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion

Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club

Little Staughton Parish Clerk

Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton

North Beds Ramblers

Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark

Save the Children Fund

Stow Longa Village Community - social events

The Villages Gardening Club

The Stables Christian Centre

Nora Butler 01480 861007

Lionel Thatcher 01480 861877

Mary Foster 01480 861594

David Henrick 01480 896556

Chris Davies 01234 376542

Mary Jordan 01234 376383 email lspcclerk1@gmail.com.

Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167

Margaret Sawyer northbedswalks@gmail.com, www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walk ing/ramblers-groups/north-bedfordshire-group

Diane Robins, 07786 656088 clerk@pertenhallandswineshead-pc.gov.uk

Nora Butler 01480 861007

Christine Hayes 01480 860519 Christine.Hayes@StowLonga.org.uk

Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.com

Sean Watkiss, 01234 376237 work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults.

Tilbrook Village Newsletter www.tilbrookvillage.life

Tilbrook Amenites Committee

Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk

Whist Drives, Ellington

WI Groups

Kimbolton WI

Ellington WI

Gt Staughton WI

Pertenhall WI

Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com

Lionel Thatcher, 01480860055

Steve Sherratt , 01480 891418

Anne Beszant 01480 860672

Jan Sherratt 01480 891418

Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com

Glennis Bird, Tel: 01933 314275, glennis.bird@hotmail.co.uk

Perry WI perrywigroup@gmail.com

Village Halls

Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton

bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886

Village Hall, Catworth, bookings www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk

Village Hall, Dean and Shelton (Dalton Hall, U. Dean) www.daltonhalldean.org

Village Hall, Ellington

Village Hall, Gt Staughton, bookings

Village Hall, Hail Weston

Village Hall, Keysoe

Village Hall, Keyston, bookings

Village Hall, Little Staughton

Village Hall, Melchbourne

Anita Dowdall 01480 891821

Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005

Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

Janet Browning 01234 376577

bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk

Chrissy Faulkner, 07714 080837

Kevin and Maria Foskett, 01234 376260

Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk 07941 245 639

Village Hall, Molesworth 07922 738818 Email:enquiries@molesworthvillagehall.co.uk www.molesworthvillagehall.co.uk

Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings

Village Hall, Tilbrook

Paul Sheard paulsheard@aol.com 01480 861457

Erica Jago, 07903 987445, bookings.tilbrookvillage@gmail.com www.tilbrookvillage.life

Village Hall, Yelden 07539 662544, yeldenvillagehall@gmail.com Spaldwick Community Room

Sarah Cardwell - clerk@spaldwickparishcouncil.org.uk

Grafham Nature Reserve & Watch Group The Wildlife Trust 01480 811075

North Beds Young Farmers’ northbedsyfcmembership@gmail.com FB: North Beds Young Farmers Instagram: @northbedsyfc Twitter: @northbedsyfc Grafham Water Sailing Club 01480 810478

Wildlife Trust Brampton Wood

George Cottam Volunteer Warden, 01480 450809; Wildlife Trust Huntingdonshire Local Group Pat Doody Chair, 01480 392706. Eve talks Brampton Memorial Centre 7.30pm, 2nd Wednesday Sept - March. Guided walks in the summer. Grafham Wildlife & Conservation Group Sam Malt 01480810844 day/01480811654 eve

Village Sports

Badminton Club (Kimbolton)

Catworth Playing Field

Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508

Mary Matthews, 07717 246107 Cricket Club, Kimbolton

Mark Field, 07769 159496 Cricket Club, Little Staughton

Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086 Carpet Bowls, Catworth

Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton

Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton

Marge Baker, 01832 710145

Mary Foster, 01480 861594

Anthony Withers, 01480 861224. Carpet Bowls, Spaldwick

Carpet Bowls, Ellington

Table Tennis Club - Melchbourne

Andrew Vickers, 01480 891201

Janet Stewart 01480 533482 janetstewart725@gmail.com

Peter Wilkinson peteathillands@gmail.com, 07792 056 157 Tennis Club, Kimbolton

Alison Owen, 07767 202958 Tennis Club, Gt Staughton

Chair Based Strength And Balance Class

Grafham Tang Sou Dao Club

Great Staughton Golf Society

MVH Pilates - Melchbourne

MVH Tai Chi - Melchbourne

Nicole Yates, 01480 860616

Kimbolton Scout Hut, Thursdays 11:00-12:00pm, Lauren Watt, 01480 388111

Steven Treadaway 01480 812433, info@cambstangsoudao.co.uk

Derek Fitzgibbon, 01480 861234

Penny Hales penny@tightassets.co.uk

Rob Poyton simplyflow@outlook.com PE28 Kickboxing, Grafham Village Hall

Mark James, 01480 819478

Yoga Classes, Little Staughton, Hail Weston, Linda Tongue 01480 350345, Brampton, Catworth & Godmanchester 07733343702, lindatongue@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile Library Service 0345 045 5225 for enquiries / renewals

2nd Wednesday of the Month (R. H10) - 9th April

Diddington : Manor Farm 9.30am to 9.50am

Southoe : The Church 10.05am to 10.25am

Spaldwick : High Street 10.45am to 11.05am

Stow Longa : The Green 11.15am to 11.45am

Catworth : Station Road Midday to 12.30pm

Covington : Cross Street 1.45pm to 2.15pm

Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.30pm to 3.45pm

Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

4th Tuesday of the Month (R. H23) - 22nd April

Bythorn : School Lane 10.00am to 10.20am

Molesworth : Phone Box 10.25am to 11.00am

Brington : Church Lane 11.10am to 11.35am

Old Weston : Village Hall 11.45am to 12.20pm

Leighton Bromswold : The Avenue 12.30pm to 1.00pm

4th Wednesday of the Month (R. H24) - 23rd April

Ellington : Mermaid Pub

9.30 to 10.00am

Grafham : Breach Road 10.10am to 10.35am

Perry : Chichester Way 10.45am to 11.40am

Hail Weston : Orchard Close 12.00pm to 12.20pm

Great Staughton : The Causeway 1.30pm to 2.00pm

Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.15pm to 3.45pm

Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

Cambridgeshire Libraries’ Doorstep Service is a free home library service delivered monthly by volunteers to readers with health or mobility difficulties. To find out more about becoming a local volunteer or service user:

email volunteers@cambridgeshire.gov.uk www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/library

Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the publisher/editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

mention Village

when responding to adverts

Accountancy

Listings of Businesses in Our Area

Land Family Business, 01480 445490, p.45

Auctioneers/Valuers

W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.75

Architects/Planning/Drawings

PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.27

Art, Dressmaking, Framing, Crafts, Ceramics, Hobbies

David Osborne Motorbike Spares, 07979 500900, p.68

Engraved by Elle, p.28

Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.37

La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.28

The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.7

Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors

Ablewood. 07740 435801, p.29

Donna the Tiler, 07712 431337, p.9

GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.25

Garolla Garage Doors, 01480 630081, p.69

Handyman, 07770 373800, p.81

R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.10

Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.19

Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.41

The Home Handyman, 01480 861898, p.7

Business Networking

Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.38

Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading/HR

iEdit, 01480 860519 p.39

LR Marketing, 07539 756963, p.9

Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.6

Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.75

Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.10

Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.28

Domestic Services

Andrew Blair, Carpet Cleaning, 07867 499792, p.27

C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.29

Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.37

Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.37

The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.29

Education/Tuition

Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15

One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.40

Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077 p.68

Riseley Primary C of E School, 01234 708218, p.41

Electrical Services/Solar

Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.11

DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2

Domelec, 07912 092985 p.49

LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.35

Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.21

Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property

Bletsoes, 01832 732188

Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.39

Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84

Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.27

Financial Advisers & Financial Services

Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33

Funeral Directors

Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.81

Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.31

Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers

Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23

JD Tree Surgery, 07745 378268, p.22

Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.22

General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops

Budgens, 01480 860582, p.42-43

Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20

Handpicked Wine Box, www.handpickedwinebox.com, p.71

Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.13

Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.52

Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness

Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085 p.9

Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.8

Grafham Water Sailing Club, 01480 810478

Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.7

Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 p.51

Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.8

The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.8

Kitchens

Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.69

Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment

Carol John, 01234 708029, p.45

Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training

Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.13

Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks

Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.34

Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.53

DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2

Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.81

Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.39

LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering

Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.49

The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.55

The Pheasant Keyston, 01832 710303 p.5

The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.82-83

Shoe Shop

Wider Feet Shoes, 01933 311077. p.74

Storage

Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.45

Travel

Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.7

Once In A Lifetime Holidays, 07961 884183, p.27

Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport

Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.67

HILL HEATING

Oil & Gas & LPG Boiler Servicing

Installation & Repair System Upgrades Power Flushing

Landlords Certificates

OFTEC & GAS SAFE REGISTERED

Bathroom Design & Installation

11, Windmill Close Ellington Cambs PE28 0AJ

Phone

01480890929 07702048115 07517599203 www.hillheating.co.uk

A family owned business serving the community for over one hundred years

• Caring personal attention

• Chapels of rest

• 24 hour service to all areas

• Flowers and catering available

• Memorials

• Advice on Golden Charter pre-payment Schemes

OUNDLE (01832) 272269 Barnwell, Oundle Peterborough PE8 5PS

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

WEEKLY DEALS

PIE TUESDAY

Choice of 3 weekly changing

homemade pies served with mash or chips, seasonal veg & gravy

+pint of Fosters, medium glas s

of house wine or soft drink £16.95

LUNCH OFFER

Let’s do Lunch!

2 courses £14.95

3 courses £17.95 Mon - Friday 12 pm - 5 pm

FISH FRY DAY

Fish & chips

Traditional chip shop platter

Market boat fresh sh specials

Traditional sh & chips take-away

£10.00

STEAK THURSDAY

Steak, fries, sides, sauce, salad

+pint of Fosters, medium glass of house wine or soft drink

Ribeye £17.95 Fillet £18.95

The Wheatsheaf – West Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0BX

Email: hello@wheatsheaf-perry.co.uk - Phone: 01480 810253

70 To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457