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Letter from the Editor:

Hello everyone,

With April’s lighter evenings finally here, it feels like the perfect moment to pause, have a think, and perhaps dream up a few plans. In this edition, you’ll find all sorts of local stories and snippets – a little something for everyone, really.

Beacon Wealth Management compares investing and pensions to a three-legged horse race. Your funds are the horses, reminding you that every step matters.

Peter Lane and Partners share four negotiation tips: stay positive, be flexible, act pragmatically, and appear reasonable.

Inn Farm Nursery discusses how mud - simple soil and water, promotes children's growth and wellbeing through play and exploration.

Our Cambridge correspondent, Sam Venn, notes that spring’s return brings a flood of visitors to the city. But if the crowds get a bit much, why not try Sam’s alternative tour – a peaceful stroll through Cambridge’s historic churches. It’s a lovely way to appreciate the city’s quiet corners.

Whether you’re mapping out your next steps, haggling over the finer points, watching little ones dive into mud, or meandering through Cambridge’s hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in this month’s edition. I hope you find plenty to enjoy!

Happy Easter

Julie

Mobile: 07928 778457

julie@villagebystander.com

This Month’s Contributors:

Lee Munday, Paul Kinally, Penny Young, Tony Larkins, Joanne Cox, Georgia Rose, Hazel Wright, Eugene Smith, Sally Gower, Ross Richardson, Sam Venn, Chan Batting

April Contents

Editor’s Letter

P.4

Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.6-10

Inn Farm - Mud, Glorious Mud! p.14

Penny Young - The Mary Kendall Letters

from the 1740’s p.16-17

Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-25

Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22

Hazel Wright - Too Much At Stake p.32

Beacon Wealth Management - The Three

Legged Horse p.33

Eugene Smith - The Shock of the New p.36

Georgia Rose - The Road To Yesterday p.44

Peter Lane and Partners - Give & Take p.48

Wilson Browne - Do You Care for Someone Who Can’t Manage Their Affairs Anymore? p.52

Sally Gower - Ramble on p.54

Bystander Community p.56-69

Edward Williams Attempts The 28.5

Mile Manhattan 20 Bridges Swim p.70-72

The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.58

Chan Batting - Picture in My Mind p.76

Carry on Cabby p.78

From your Cambridge Correspondent p.84-85

What’s On for Children? p.92

Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.92-93

Useful and Emergency Numbers p.93

Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.94-95

Mobile Library Times p.95

Business Listings p.96

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There is little more important in our physical world than soil and water and they are truly intriguing things, especially when they interact. Mixing soil, water and a range of other natural materials has a great role in early childhood which has deep importance and endless possibilities for well-being, development and learning. Embrace the special experiences from outside and engage in a whole host of sensory experiences, from squelching around in muddy puddles to squeezing and squashing clay to make mud pies.

To make the play more engaging and exciting, arrange small baskets or bowls of twigs, pine cones, leaves, pebbles, shells and conkers around a bucket, or tray, of soil in the garden. Add some pots, pans, spoons, whisks and bun tins and a mud kitchen has been simply designed, ready for a whole heap of messy play exploration. Mud kitchens do not need to be fancy and certainly do not need to cost much. There is nothing to beat the simplicity and character of creating your own unique kitchen from scrounged, begged and discovered items. And remember, the best mud kitchens are made in collaboration with your children, who will be using them. Wooden pallets make great mud kitchens and there are lots of ideas online!

Try growing herbs next to your muddy area/mud kitchen, giving your child the opportunity to use them in their ‘cooking’. This adds a lovely sensory element to their play. Add ‘flowers’ to the equation and your child could create a mini garden; grass cuttings for a lawn, pebbles for paths, blossom etc for flowerbeds, water in shells for ponds. The creative ideas can be endless.

Stones, gravel and pebbles are great resources for maths, such as scooping and pouring, filling and emptying, size and weight, dividing, adding and subtracting, Hands-on experiences provide great memories, without children realising that they are learning numerous concepts at the same time! As well as offering free resources and opportunities, the great outdoors provides an amazing learning environment through messy play, as well as offering fresh air, which aids sleep.

Joanne Cox, Manager, Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, OFSTED graded OUTSTANDING JUNE 2023

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The Mary Kendall Letters from the 1740’s

Penny Young

My fruitful visit to the Royal Institute of Cornwall (RIC) in Truro back in August 2024 revealed a stash of letters stored in the Hend/Kend catalogue. The letters had originally been removed from the Kendall family estate, around the early 1900’s, by a Charles Henderson who was recording landed families’ documents for posterity. The arrangement was that these family documents would be returned, once his work was completed. Unfortunately, Charles, (who since childhood had been in poor health), died on his honeymoon in Italy, aged just 33. His young widow handed over to the RIC, all the documents he had been working on prior to his death; and there our family papers sat, undisturbed, for at least a century, until I came knocking!

Mary Kendall was my 6-x great grandmother, and her six letters in the collection covered the period 1744-1746. The correspondence was easy to read; I did not need any help transcribing the handwriting – they could almost have been written last week, not nearly 300 years ago!

Mary was born Mary Fletcher on 3rd March 1719. She married Walter Kendall on 19th May 1740 when she was 21 and her husband was 51. They very quickly had three children, two sons (the heir and spare) and a daughter, also named Mary, born in January 1745, six months after her father, Walter Kendall, had died on 13th July 1744, one day after his 55th birthday.

I don’t think Walter would have been celebrating his birthday, because for some time he had been feeling ill and with a pregnant wife at home and two small boys aged just three and one years of age – Walter, needing some peace and quiet, had gone to stay with his sister, Elizabeth and brother-in-law, The Reverend Edward Collins. It was whilst he was at their house that his health took a turn for the worse and he knew that his end was near.

Walter wrote his WILL, two days before his death, his handwriting deteriorating towards the end, but still strong in mind, I can only presume that he knew there would be some disputes after he had gone, as he called three friends to the house to witness his signing and sealing of the lengthy document.

Mary’s first letter, (in the collection,) written just six weeks after she had become widowed, reveals that there was a problem as she writes to her brother-in-law, The Reverend Edward Collins, one of the three executors of her husband’s Will. Mary implores him to intercede, on her behalf, with the other two executors. It would appear that Mary’s father had already taken matters into his own hands, in support of his daughter, and had greatly upset the executors and the wider Kendall family. Mary is trying to rescue the situation.

Reading between the lines, Mary Fletcher had married above her station in life, although one might feel that Walter Kendall had done very well for himself, marrying a 21-year-old, when he was already 51 years old. Mary’s father was a lowly storekeeper at Plymouth Dock, whereas the Kendalls were landed gentry. In the 18th Century the rules were, whatever a woman brought to the marriage in the form of her dowry, was largely what she got back again if she was predeceased by her husband.

The Fletchers were not wealthy, and Mary bought to the marriage her wearing attire (clothes), but no financial settlement.

Sir

I hope the great misfortune which has befallen me will plead an excuse for my silence: I am too sensible of my loss to express it and indeed only thank God for supporting me so well on so trying an occasion. But when I consider myself in comparison with others, I find reason to bless providence who hath not left me without friends and such who are able and willing to help me and my dear children. Among those I have high reason to hope for your kind assistance with other worthy gentlemen kin, in whose hands dear Mr Kendall has placed us. The affairs of my dear little ones seem to require your speedy concern and since we have no prospect of seeing Mr Rashleigh in Cornwall this year, I must request you to correspond with him as well as concert measures with Sir Coventry Carew as soon as your convenience serves.

You will give me leave to express my uneasiness at the little misunderstanding between yourself and my father, it will by no means be proper to engage in an affair of so nice a nature farther than desiring it may be forgotten.

Be pleased to assure my sisters that I am in all sincerity theirs and Sir, your very affectionate sister & your faithful and humble servant.

Mary Kendall

Pelyn, Aug 24, 1744

What could have happened? Had Mary and her children been left unprovided for? Very nearly, it would appear.

Walter’s Will starts off quite well, leaving Mary - ‘£100 to be paid within 12 months after my decease. That she be permitted to dwell in, hold and enjoy Pelyn house (the family seat in Lostwithiel, Cornwall) or Killygarth House (a remote farmhouse also in Cornwall). That my Dear Wife be permitted use of what furniture the executors see fit for her to use, plus all her paraphernalia and all such clothes and apparel as were hers before our intermarriage. Together with all my China, tea tables, lamps and other utensils’.

Walter, in addition to all the houses and lands left to him by his father, (The Archdeacon of Totnes), who had died only five years earlier, had also been left £2000 – but his father’s executors had failed to raise this sum – with everything stuck in Chancery - one remembers ‘Jarndyce v Jarndyce’ and this 5 year old WILL was yet to be proved.

Walter takes the same notional figure of £2000 and orders his executors to raise this sum, then to pay themselves, followed by bequests to his brothers and sisters and their children. Nieces, nephews, the poor of the parish and it seems almost anyone else he could think of, before finally turning to his poor pregnant wife (at the time) and two small sons. Finally, the Will states, if there is anything left from the residue of the £2000, that it be divided into two equal parts or moieties and one part for my Dear Wife, besides what I have already given her.

It is no wonder that poor Mary is besides herself with worry – what use houses and estates, tea tables and lamps, if you have no money to put food on the table for yourself and your children.

More next time.

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-25

Lee’s Gardening Corner

Spring should be out in full force now, (spring equinox was on the 21st March), with blossom annd bulbs everywhere. Be careful though as the mild April weather can still give way to short, sharp frosts, catching out the new growth and blossom. Don't plant tender bedding plants too soon for this reason, or have somewhere to pop them inside if you do.

Work in the garden will speed up this month, spring clean the borders - keep on top of weeding and hoeing; lawns will probably be getting cut fairly regularly too. Now is a good time to go round with a general fertiliser and sprinkle it all over the soil, either fish, blood and bone or a chicken pellet mix, or a mulch of well rotted manure. Evergreen trees and shrubs can be planted and moved now, and general planting of perennials will be fine, keep watered if by some chance we have a long dry spell.

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.

Vegetables such as beans, peas, cabbages, sprouts and lettuce can be sown now. Potatoes can be planted, either in beds or pots.

Flowering now are fruit trees, Ribes, roses, pulmonaria, tulips and daffodils.

Lee Munday

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Too Much At Stake

For years, Liz and her husband Dan had shared a tradition that on Good Friday, their dinner was steak and salad. They had been married so long that neither of them could remember how the tradition had started. So it was, that Liz was stood in her kitchen preparing a salad with tears streaming from her eyes. The tears had nothing to do with the onions she was chopping, as her radio played Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you’.

For the past two years, Liz had enjoyed a friendship with a man. It had all been perfectly innocent. They would meet up every few weeks for coffee and would spend a couple of hours chatting about everything and anything. Each meet up would start and end with a hug, and that was it.

But – and it was a big ‘but’ for Liz – she had never told her husband about these meet ups. She didn’t know why she hadn’t told him – he wouldn’t have minded in the least if she had told him at the beginning, but she hadn’t, and now it was too late.

Gradually, however, she had started to realise why she hadn’t told Dan. For her, the friendship was more than a friendship, and she had admitted to herself that feelings had been growing and growing. She knew he didn’t feel the same at all, but she found herself thinking about him a lot of the time, and wondering what her life would be like if things could be different. The upshot of this was she knew she was starting to pull away from her marriage, to find fault with things Dan said and did, to feel unsettled and dissatisfied with everything. She had even gone as far as seriously thinking about leaving Dan.

Standing there, chopping onions, listening to Whitney Houston, Liz realised with something that almost felt like despair, that leaving Dan was not an option. They had children together, grandchildren together. Chocolate eggs stood on the dining table, all ready for their grandchildren’s visit on Easter Sunday. They had a long history together, joint finances, joint holidays. They had shared – and survived – some really difficult times in their marriage. Breaking away now, with all the pain and upset to everyone that would cause would be exhausting and so difficult. Starting over again at her age seemed a ridiculous thing to even be considering.

Liz spoke out loud: ‘No. There is just too much at stake.’ Liz visibly jumped as she suddenly realised Dan was standing behind her. He slipped his arm round her waist. ‘Too much steak’, he said. ‘There is never too much steak’.

Liz smiled, as Dan moved away to put the kettle on, saying ‘Do you want a cup of tea then?’

In that moment, Liz knew for sure that she could never leave. She knew her friendship wouldn’t now survive. The meet ups had kept her going, had made her feel like a woman again, had made her feel she was a person in her own right. She knew they would have to stop, and that her tears would fall again. But this was where she belonged. This was where she needed to be. There was just too much at stake.

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com

BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Your financial future is our priority

The Three-legged Horse.

by Tony Larkins

Have you ever placed a bet on a horse simply because you recognised the jockey’s name, liked the trainer, or perhaps preferred the colours?

Most of us have. Very few people truly study the form - how the horse performs on soft ground, over distance, or under certain conditions. And that’s perfectly fine when it’s simply a bit of fun! Even if your selection finishes last, you can laugh it off and blame it on the horse “only having three legs”.

If you have a pension or investments, think of your funds as the horses in the race. These investments represent years of hard work and disciplined saving. They’re there to support your lifestyle, your family, and your plans for the future. Yet many investors treat their funds in much the same way as that Saturday fluttersticking with familiar names or making changes only when prompted at an annual review. Given the choice, most people would prefer to be on the horse that’s leading the field, or at least the one showing the strongest form under current conditions.

More often than not, adjustments happen at a scheduled annual review, when an adviser recommends switching horses - forgive me, funds. By that stage, others who had their meeting earlier may already have made the move. You can find yourself joining the charge just as the early momentum has passed, effectively setting off in pursuit rather than from the front.

Equally, markets do not wait politely for review dates. If conditions shift shortly after your meeting and you have just changed position, you may remain in what has become the less suitable fund for many months before it is reconsidered.

At Beacon Wealth Management, we believe investment management should be more dynamic than that. For nearly 20 years, we have actively monitored and adjusted client portfolios when conditions warrant it - not simply when the calendar says it’s time for a meeting. If the ground changes, we don’t wait to move.

Behind the scenes, our in-house, full-time investment team continually analyses market trends, fund performance, and economic data. We study the “form” so our clients don’t have to. Importantly, when our clients’ portfolios grow, we benefit too - so our interests remain closely aligned.

So, here’s the question: when was the last time your portfolio was reviewed because markets changed rather than because your annual meeting was due? If you’re unsure, or if you suspect your investments may not be positioned for today’s conditions, it may be time for a fresh conversation. You can’t control the markets. But you can make sure you’re not riding a threelegged horse.

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The Shock of the New

I recently saw a production of Macbeth which was to put it mildly, experimental. The cast all wore skirts (and no, it wasn’t an all-female production), tin cans festooned the stage, there were some highly alarming armpits on display and the porter scene was replaced with something I genuinely can’t put into words. Now, I’m not saying that any of this is bad in itself. On entering the theatre to see the cast performing their warm up on stage, mostly by crawling around on the floor, less sturdy souls may have fled for the exit. To be fair, this is what people who refuse to go to plays imagine all theatre is like. But I’ve seen plenty of productions which start like this (OK, generally without the floor-crawling) and they’ve often been great. Whether this most recent show was good or bad is not the point of this month’s lecture, instead let’s look at what happens when artists do something different.

Traditionalists will decry such productions without even seeing them, generally claiming that it’s insulting to Shakespeare, wasn’t what he wrote good enough? There is a difference between taking a fresh look at the text and basically showing off. But to claim that anything new or different is wrong is blinkered and absurd. Shakespeare isn’t a museum piece, if it was the plays would hardly have lasted this long. If the director’s vision detracts from the play, then it’s superfluous at best. But expecting every new production to be an exact replica of those performed centuries ago is fusty, and often demanded by people who rarely go to the theatre.

It’s not just Shakespeare who gets this snobbish treatment, there are plenty of classical music enthusiasts who draw a line and declare that everything composed after that is rubbish. The line is normally some time towards the start of the 20th Century, and even if you’ve never voluntarily listened to a sonata in your life I’m sure you’ll see how downright silly this sort of attitude is. If you remain unconvinced, listen to any John Rutter and report back promptly.

As ever, the gold standard of blinkered idiocy can be found amongst Doctor Who fans. Not all fans, most of them are perfectly nice and reasonable people with excellent taste in TV. But the self-appointed elder statesmen will unfailingly insist that anything made after (insert the year of their tenth birthday) is garbage, whereas everything before was a golden age of perfect television. The irony being that no other programme has thrived on change as much as Who. But if it’s not Tom Baker in a corridor, the fanboys throw both tantrums and their fish fingers at the wall.

Intelligent change in the arts is good. If an innovation doesn’t work, at least it wasn’t stagnating.

Incidentally, there’s been some minor noise recently from an academic of some sort who is claiming that Shakespeare was a black Jewish woman. No he wasn’t.

See you next time for arts novelty!

https://eugenesmithwriting.com/

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Book review for The Road To Yesterday by Randy Mixter.

Sometimes you can go home again.

Dave Burke cannot forget his past. Nor can he forgive himself for the tragedy that cost him everything he ever loved, a tragedy he may have prevented. Now, two years later, strange things are happening, things that suggest there may be hope for him after all. The power of love. Is it strong enough to conquer time itself?

Although this was the first book I have read by this author, it won’t be the last. Dave Burke cannot forget his past. Nor can he forgive himself for the tragedy that cost him everything he ever loved, a tragedy he may have prevented. Now, two years later, strange things are happening, things that suggest there may be hope for him after all. The power of love. Is it strong enough to conquer time itself?

Mixter does an excellent job in creating a totally believable character in Dave, and you can feel his pain and guilt in every word as Dave tries to go about living his life after suffering a terrible tragedy, a tragedy he feels responsible for. He has friends who support him, who try to get him to move on, but on approaches from the women he meets, he says he’s not ready, and you believe he will never be ready.

I was completely absorbed in this moving and very well-written story, and whilst I’m generally not that keen on magical happenings, I am persuaded by this one. So well was it handled that the twist at the end came across naturally and was a surprise. This is a lovely story from a consummate storyteller that I highly recommend.

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.

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Do you know a group who would like to know more about what we do? Did you know we do talks and presentations?

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Give & Take

Four things make a positive negotiation: a good attitude, flexibility, pragmatism and being seen to be reasonable.

With the property market now seemingly working in favour of buyers, negotiation between parties has become even more important. Unfortunately, many sellers across the country haven’t quite got this message yet. That is why, with many more buyers coming to the market, there are not as many people moving as there could be.

As Winston Churchill said, “You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth”. If one side is bitter and angry and the other aggressive and intransigent, there is little room for an understanding between parties. Indeed, a lot of principle taking and digging in of heels seldom gets anyone anywhere. But an acceptable deal is far more achievable with goodwill on both sides, a clear view of what may be possible, and a sympathetic attitude to the other party’s issues. Remember, the best deals are those where both parties feel they have won, or at least haven’t lost.

A good estate agent understands all these nuances and orchestrates the negotiation, smoothing out the inevitable ups and downs during an important and tense time.

Today, if you are about to sell your property, the first thing you need is a great negotiator. So, do your homework. Speak to a few estate agents and ask them to give you an example of how they conducted a recent complex sale. Don’t be embarrassed to ask. What is at stake is an excellent outcome. Having a deal maker on your side, and not an order taker, is vital. Ask yourself what is more important, a cheap estate agent or a great result?

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

Budgens is all about food. Early morning deliveries, 6 days a week, ensure lots of fresh produce.

Everything is here to create delicious meals from scratch. We also have a great variety of prepared meals.

A wide range of Wines, Beers, Ciders, and Spirits will complement your meal.

We have a Bakery plus Costa Coffee, Fresh Sandwiches & Frozen Foods.

We’re just round the corner. Open long hours, 7 days a week, with car parking.

Do You Care for Someone Who Can’t Manage Their Affairs

Anymore?

The Wilson Browne Court of Protection team is dedicated to helping individuals who lack the mental capacity to make important decisions about their property and affairs, or health and welfare.

The team has the authority to appoint a deputy to act on behalf of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs. Our specialist team has extensive experience preparing and managing deputyship applications, guiding families through what can often feel like an overwhelming process. In addition to making applications, we also act as professional deputies, managing the financial affairs of vulnerable individuals with care, transparency, and a genuine passion for the work that we do.

As professional deputies, we oversee day to day financial management, ensuring that needs are met with their best interests at the heart of every decision. We consistently strive to exceed the deputyship standards, considering the wishes, feelings, and best interests of the person we represent, as well as the views of those involved in their care.

For those already acting as deputies, we also offer tailored services to support compliance with deputyship standards, providing reassurance and expert legal guidance.

Ramble On

March brought with it some pretty naff weather so while I was recovering from injury, the guitar came out to play. As it turns out, April is also International Guitar Month, so for this issue, please allow me to Ramble On about some beautiful guitar music. (Yep, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page is right up there.)

I hope it’s not controversial to kick off with Slash, but even if it is, I’m going to. Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine surely has to be one of the best rock songs and have one of the most recognised intros ever written. It never fails to have music fans air guitaring away or choosing it on Guitar Hero back in the noughties – who remembers that game?

Breed 77 – the Gibraltarian flamenco rock/metal band you didn’t know you needed in your life. Rock literally on The Rock. It’s swiftly approaching 20 years since I published a review of their album ‘Insects’ and I still get a buzz from listening to the riffs by Danny Felice on guitar in the title track. Special mention to Paul Isola’s vocals. What a singer.

Time for some brutal genre whip-lash: let’s move from flamenco metal to country, specifically Christian Kane. Known for his acting résumé (Angel, Leverage, The Librarians, Almost Paradise) as well as his musical prowess, he even combines both in an episode of Leverage, performing Thinking of You, and in Angel, performing LA Song, a particular fan favourite. (And one this fan is attempting to learn…)

Tracy Chapman… Doesn’t really need a lot of explaining. Fast Car proves that simple tablature can produce some of the most soothing music. Similarly, Green Day’s Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) is another favourite; Stereophonics’ Maybe Tomorrow has a beautiful intro and haunting guitar solo mid-track that Kelly Jones bosses.

Grace Petrie – a folk musician from Leicester with a growing following and even a stand-up show on ITVx (10/10 would recommend). The gorgeous cocktail of political, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and guitar, violin and harmonica bring this incredible artist’s work right up there on my Spotify Wrapped lists most years. Anyone who gets “houmous” and “artichoke heart” into their song lyrics has to be a creative genius.

And no guitar appreciation round-up would be complete without mention of Rodrigo’s Concierto d’Aranjuez. A heartbreakingly emotional piece that raises the hair on the back of your neck and brings the goosebumps. Quite commonly associated with Brassed Off, courtesy of Tara Fitzgerald and Pete Postlethwaite, it still renders listeners unable to deny the raw power of music in evoking emotion.

I’d go and watch the above-mentioned film now were it not for the fact that it’s late and I’m up early tomorrow to do sporty things. Maybe tomorrow…

Sally Gower

Bystander Community

HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP

Tuesday 7th April

7.30pm, Hail Weston Village Hall,

The Wildlife Trust – The management of our local nature reserves A talk by Rebecca Neal, Communities and Education Officer for Beds, Cambs & Northants Wildlife Trust.

Members £1.00 per meeting (annual membership £7.00/year)

non members £3.00 per meeting (certain meetings/events may cost more) Light refreshments will be available for a donation and there will be a Raffle (4-6 prizes) including a garden centre voucher (£25) further information contact: tel_maggs2@225771mgl.co.uk

7-30pm FRIDAY 17th

ApRIL

The men are away fighting in WW1. Dr Henry Guthries (Ralph Fiennes) finds making music brings the community together. Charming and poignant British period film written by Alan Bennett, BAR, ICECREAMS, & FREE POPCORN Tickets £5, £4 + booking fee at www.ticketsource.co.uk/mandevillehallkimbolton. Bytes Café 10 to 12-30pm Mondays and Fridays or on the door. Information at COMMUNITY CINEMA-The Mandeville Hall Kimbolton.

Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 7th April 2026 Tuesday 5th May 2026 Tuesday 2nd June 2026 7.30pm for 8.00pm Start

• Generous cash prizes

• Raffle

• Refreshments Available

Bring a friend and come along and join in the fun

All proceeds to the Mandeville Hall Charity Registered Charity No 302646

KIMBOLTON COMMUNITY CINEMA AT THE MANDEVILLE HALL

Saturday April 11th. 2:00-4:00pm

Mandeville Hall Kimbolton

Clothes books toys shoes white elephant handbags garden household items and more

Entrance £1 includes free raffle ticket

Tea coffee and homemade cakes £ CASH only sale.

Proceeds to Kimbolton community projects.

are sponsoring the cost of the Hall

Donations can be dropped off at the hall on… Friday from 2:00 to 4:00. Saturday 10:00 to 12:00.

10 to 12-30pm Mondays & Fridays in the Community Hall behind the Mandeville Hall

Bytes Café

Run by the Mandeville Hall for the Community

Coffee, Tea and Cakes Free IT help available with facilities for A4 & A3 copying & laminating

Kimbolton Probus Club

Our Probus luncheon club welcomes retired business or professional men and women from Kimbolton and neighbouring villages.

We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:00 for 12:15pm at the Snooty Tavern Great Staughton and enjoy a delicious meal followed by a speaker.

Interested?? Contact either: -

Steve Jacklin, Social Secretary

01480 860805

Mary Foster, Chairman 01480 861594

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL

BIG BREAKFAST

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

SATURDAY MARCH 21ST

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

9am - 11am

Full English - £8.50 Small English - £5.00

Tea & coffee included

No need to Book JUST TURN UP

Services in bold italics are also broadcast via Zoom:

meeting ID: 380915 8110 Passcode: 90Mn1s

In addition to the above on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday there is Morning Prayer at 8.30am and Evening Prayer at 5.30pm via Zoom

meeting ID: 460073 8580 Passcode: wJ94Sa

Join us at St. Andrew’s church on Friday for an informal bit of fun with your toddlers and pre-schoolers, along with refreshments and chat for the adults. 9.00am - 10.30am during school term

ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Wed 1st 7.00pm Compline

Sun 5th 9.00am Easter Parish Communion

Sun 19th 10.00am Benefice Communion

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Fri 3rd 10.00am Good Friday Family Walk

2.00pm An Hour at the Cross

Sun 5th 10.30am All Age Easter Communion

Sun 26th 10.30am Parish Communion

6.00pm Benefice Evensong

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Thu 2nd 7.00pm Maundy Thursday Service

Sun 12th 10.00am Benefice Communion

Sun 26th 9.00am Parish Communion

What’s on in Kimbolton in April

Wednesday 1st 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 2nd

Friday 3rd 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 4th 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 6th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 7th 2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall 7pm Bingo. Mandeville Hall

Wednesday 8th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 9th 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

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

Saturday 11th

Monday 13th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 14th 2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

Wednesday 15th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 12pm Kimbolton Probus Club. John Day - History of the MG (My Life with 20 MG cars). Snooty Tavern, Gt. Staughton 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 16th

Friday 17th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

7pm Portuguese Wine Tasting (Ticket only) Whitchurch Wines

7pm Community Cinema. The Choral. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 18th 10-1pm Village Halls Week Open Day at the Mandeville Hall. Tea/coﬀee & cakes available. 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 20th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 21st

2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk

Wednesday 22nd 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 1- 3pm Art Class. Youth & Community Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 23rd 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut

Friday 24th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Monday 27th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 28th

2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk

Wednesday 29th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 1- 3pm Art Class. Youth & Community Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 30th

mention

12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut

7pm Parish Council Meeting. Youth & Community Hall

Kimbolton Rainbows, Brownies & Guides have had a busy start to 2026! In February we joined forces with members from St Neots Division for a Quiz, and also to celebrate 100 years of World Thinking Day with a range of fun activities themed around friendship.

In March Rainbows & Brownies had a party – with a magician, games and party food - to celebrate Tawny Owl’s birthday.

And we’re now looking ahead to warmer weather and planning plenty of outdoor adventures, starting in April with a day trip to Wicksteed Park! In Girlguiding we help all girls know they can do anything. For more information or to join us go to www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus or follow the QR code below

Your Community Car Scheme is for anyone who needs to make essential journeys e.g. for medical appointments, shopping and social meetings/wellbeing events. , where no suitable public transport exists.

Imagine you have to get to an appointment, you do not have access to a vehicle or public transport so how are you going to get there? Our volunteer drivers can help, they offfer more than just a lift - they are friendly, reliable and DBS checked so our clients know they are in safe hands.

Our volunteers use their own cars to provide transport. It is helpful for us to know at the time of booking if a wheelchair (we can only take foldable wheelchairs where clients can self-transfer to and from the car), walker or an assistance dog needs to be transported and if you require any assistance getting in and out of the car. We would also appreciate as much notice as possible, ideally 5 days although we understand this is not always possible.

There is a charge of 45 pence per mile for the journey, based upon mileage travelled by the driver plus a booking fee of £2 per journey to cover HVC running costs. This is payable in cash to the driver at the end of the journey. A minimum fee of £2 will apply for short journeys of 5 miles or less plus the £2 booking fee.

Our St Neots office is open from 10 - 12 Monday to Thursday - 01480 476047 - to book your journey you can call during office hours or leave us a message on the answer phone and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. More information can be found on our website: https://huntsvc.org.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!

COMING SOON!

COMING SOON TO KIMBOLTON CASTLE 3RD & 4TH MAY 2026 • 10AM - 4:30PM FUN, ADVENTURE & HISTORY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Pertenhall Channel Swimmer Preparing for One of the World’s

Toughest Marathon Swims

Local resident Edward Williams will attempt the 28.5 mile Manhattan 20 Bridges Swim this July in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

On 11 July this year, Pertenhall resident Edward Williams will step into the East River in New York at first light to attempt one of the most demanding endurance swims in the world.

The event is known as the 20 Bridges Swim, a 28.5 mile circumnavigation of Manhattan Island completed under strict marathon swimming rules. That means no wetsuit, just standard swimming trunks, a hat and goggles, and swimmers are not allowed to touch their escort boat or stop along the way.

Starting in the East River, swimmers complete a full counter clockwise loop around the island, navigating the East, Harlem and Hudson Rivers and passing beneath twenty bridges including the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. The entire distance must be completed in one continuous effort, typically taking between eight and ten hours depending on tides and conditions.

For Ed, however, this challenge is about far more than distance.

Ed is a Pertenhall based Channel swimmer and founder of Elite Swimming Academy, a swim school that teaches children across Cambridge, St Neots and surrounding towns. The academy’s main office is just off St Neots High Street and many local families will recognise the programme through lessons running in pools across the area.

But long before building the swim school, Ed first became known for his own achievements in the water.

At just 19 years old he swam the English Channel, one of the world’s classic open water endurance challenges. He later went on to complete the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe to Africa and the notoriously difficult Irish Channel between Ireland and Scotland, raising more than £100,000 for charity through his swims.

After nearly a decade away from major marathon swimming, the Manhattan attempt marks a return to the sport to mark Ed’s 40th birthday.

Although the swim will take place in New York, most of the preparation is happening much closer to home.

Training for a marathon swim of this scale requires many hours in the water every week. Ed fits this around running Elite Swimming Academy and raising his young family, often training early in the morning at Kimbolton School swimming pool before the working day begins.

The discipline required for long distance swimming is something he believes translates directly into the way children learn to swim.

“You do not think about swimming 28 miles,” he explains. “You focus on the next stroke, the next feed, the next landmark. It is exactly the same with children learning to swim. Break the goal down into manageable steps and stay consistent.”

That same approach has shaped the way lessons are taught within the academy, where the focus is on building strong foundations and helping children become genuinely comfortable and confident in the water. Over the years many local families have come through the programme, and the quieter pool environments can be particularly helpful for children who benefit from a calmer learning setting.

The Manhattan swim also has a deeply personal motivation.

Ed is undertaking the challenge in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital, where his daughter Jasmine underwent life saving open heart surgery shortly before her second birthday.

Now aged eleven, Jasmine is a healthy and energetic young girl who has grown up around the very swimming pools her father built his business around.

“The care Jasmine received changed our lives,” Ed says. “When you have spent time sitting beside your child’s hospital bed, you never forget it. This swim is a way of giving something back.”

The hospital remains one of the world’s leading centres for children’s healthcare and continues to support thousands of families every year.

As July approaches, the focus now shifts to the final months of preparation.

Open water marathon swimming is as much about planning and patience as physical endurance. Training volumes gradually increase, feeding strategies are tested and long pool sessions are used to simulate the rhythm required to keep moving hour after hour.

For Ed, the goal is simple. Arrive on the start line well prepared, stay patient in the water and

keep moving forward one stroke at a time as the skyline of Manhattan slowly circles past.

While the swim itself will take place thousands of miles away, the journey to the start line is very much rooted here at home, with many friends, families and young swimmers from across the local area following the challenge with interest.

Alongside the swim, Ed is also offering free inspirational assemblies at primary schools across the region, speaking to children about resilience, goal setting and the importance of water safety.

And while the Manhattan challenge is certainly ambitious, his long term motivation remains simple.

“Swimming is one of the most important life skills a child can learn,” he says. “If we can help children become confident and safe in the water, that stays with them for life.”

Readers wishing to follow Ed’s progress or support the fundraising effort for Great Ormond Street Hospital can find more information at: www.eliteswimmingacademy.co.uk

When Ed dives into the waters around Manhattan this summer, a small Bedfordshire village will be cheering him on from thousands of miles away.

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Picture in My Mind

I never set out to write a song. In fact, I wouldn’t even call myself a songwriter. I’ve always been the listener, the supporter, the one watching creativity unfold from the sidelines.

I live with music every day. My husband is a talented musician, and our home is often filled with melodies, lyrics, drums, rhythm and creative conversations. His world is wonderfully musical-and I suppose, without even realising it, some of that creative energy has quietly rubbed off on me over the years.

Creativity was never far from my childhood either. My dad played guitar and sang country music in the clubs. At home he’d sit at the piano and get me my brother and sisters to gather round and sing along.

Whenever my husband and dad were together, they’d jam a little. Dad loved that. Watching them share that connection always felt special. Maybe, just maybe, a little of Dad’s creative genes found their way to me after all.

Then one ordinary day, something unexpected happened.

I was at work when a line of words kept repeating in my head. Over and over. It wouldn’t leave me alone. I remember thinking, write it down.

I opened my phone and started talking, letting the words spill out as they came. No over thinking. Just going with it. When I read it back to myself, I giggled. It felt strange but very exciting.

That was the beginning of the song Picture in My Mind.

Later, I showed the lyrics to my husband. He Looked at me and said, “That’s great. It could be a song.” Hearing that from someone who truly understands music meant everything. He suggested sending the lyrics to a friend of his in Holland to see what he thought.

Not long after, his friend sent back a melody- and a recording of himself singing the words I had once just spoken into my phone. Hearing it transformed into music was surreal. What had been a private moment in my head, turned into

something real. We then released the song Picture in My Mind which is on all digital platforms.

Since then, I’m inspired to carry on writing. The guys take those words, turning them into songs with their musical genius. We’ve even given ourselves a name: Lost Letter-a name that feels fitting for something discovered rather than planned. We’re not chasing anything grand. We’re simply enjoying the journey-the surprise of it. What I’ve learned through all this is when a moment appears that lifts your life in some way, just go with it. Don’t question it. Just follow it and see where it leads.

You never know-it could be a song.

Lost Letter.

Chan Batting

The Heating Company

Carry on Cabby

When Carry On Cruising first entered the franchise into the world of colour, it was a feast for the eyes. The next film, (1963), switched us back to the classic black & white, that defined so many of the films from that era. For me, this switch didn't feel like a step backward, it just felt natural, like returning to the familiar comforting world of British cinema, that dominated my childhood afternoons. This film is a favourite of mine, not just for the laughs, but as you will read on, for its surprisingly modern theme.

The film revolves around the London cab firm owned by Charlie Hawkins (Sid James). His constant obsession with work, leaves his wife Peggy (Hattie Jacques), feeling neglected. In an inspired act of ingenuity, she decides to fight back in the best way possible; starting her own rival cab firm. Glamcabs however, has one notable difference; it is staffed entirely by women. This premise, of women taking on the men in the world, was trailblazing for its time, showing a sense of female empowerment that you didn't see often in films from that era.

What drives most of the comedy in this film was the competition between the two firms, and their different tactics and style; Speedee Taxis (the men), relied on oldfashioned brute force and tricks, whilst Glamcabs (the women) used their intellect and charm to get what they wanted. It’s a film, with clever gags about the state of cab services and the ridiculous antics of both sides trying to win over customers; pure Carry On gold.

This film also gave us a glimpse of some fantastic new talent. I always get a thrill seeing an early appearance from the beautiful Amanda Barrie playing Anthea, one of the Glamcabs drivers. It's a great minor role that gives a hint of the charisma she would later bring to her iconic performance as Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo. The film also brings back the usual crowd; Kenneth Connor as the timid and perpetually stressed Allbright, and Charles Hawtrey as Pintpot Tankard, adding his usual absurd humour to the mix. Esma Cannon also returns as Flow Sims, to help set up the rival cab firm with Peggy.

Carry On Cabby, is a brilliant mix of slapstick, witty dialogue, and the classic innuendo (we have now all started to expect from the Carry On’s), but it’s the central theme, the battle of the sexes that makes it stand out for me. Watching Hattie Jacques' character go from a frustrated housewife to a powerful businesswoman, is a joy to watch, and really does show that first part of Girl Power coming into play.

It’s more than just a “funny film” for me, it’s a wonderful little time capsule for future generations to watch and enjoy. It gave us a slice of London in the early 60s and a charming story about love, rivalry and the power of a career woman. This film will always manage to put a smile on my face at the right moments and for that reason, it will always be a cherished memory of mine. Ross Richardson

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From your Cambridge Correspondent

Spring is getting underway, and Cambridge is growing busier by the day. With tourists returning in increasing numbers, the city centre can quickly feel overwhelming. This month, therefore, I suggest a rather different kind of tour: a walk around some of the many historic churches to be found in Cambridge city centre. But before I do so, a brief look at what is coming up in April. First, on April 4th – and not even in Cambridge – the Boat Races take place on the Thames, where both men’s and women’s crews from Cambridge take on Oxford crews on the Tideway. Later in the month, the Spring edition of Cambridge Literary Festival runs from 22-26 April, and features a pleasing variety of authors, from Ed Davey to the inimitable Dame Mary Berry. University term recommences soon after Easter, but late April and May are (at least for undergraduates) very much tied up with revision and exams, and so the University calendar is generally considerably quieter!

The Churches of Cambridge City Centre

Cambridge is often celebrated for its colleges, university buildings, and the beauty of the River Cam. Yet across the city centre is another historic landscape that predates many of the nowfamous colleges: a network of parish churches. Some large, some tiny; some remaining active places of worship, others finding new uses – but together they tell the story of a town whose spiritual life was once spread across many small parishes.

At the heart of the city stands Great St Mary’s, the University Church, overlooking Market Square and Senate House Hill. For centuries it has been the focus for both university and civic life in Cambridge. I highly recommend climbing its tower, which provides some of the finest views across the city’s rooftops and college courts (see photo/photos). Just a short walk away on Trumpington Street sits Little St Mary’s, a smaller but deeply historic parish church (once dedicated to St Peter), which is now known for its Anglo-Catholic tradition – enter and you will find an atmospheric interior often redolent of the copious amounts of incense used at the previous Sunday’s High Mass. Visitors from abroad have often assumed it to be a Roman Catholic institution, which it is not!

Perhaps the oldest surviving building in Cambridge is St Bene’t’s, whose Saxon tower dates to around the year 1020. Standing opposite the famous Eagle public house, it offers a remarkable glimpse into the city before the Norman Conquest. Nearby are two further medieval parish churches: St Botolph’s, a church traditionally associated with travellers, and once positioned beside the road leading out of the medieval town, and which is now a bastion of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer – and St Edward King and Martyr, a small but historically significant church where early Protestant reformers – including Hugh Latimer – preached during the Reformation. The pulpit once graced by Latimer is still in use today – in fact the church is sometimes described as the “cradle of the English Reformation”.

Holy Trinity, located just off Market Square, has long been known for its strong evangelical tradition and today remains one of the city’s most active congregations. A little further north along Bridge Street stands St Clement’s, another medieval parish church that once served a riverside community of tradespeople and travellers entering the town from the north.

Great St Mary’s

Nearby is arguably Cambridge’s most distinctive church: the Round Church, formally the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Built in the early twelfth century and inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, it is one of only a handful of round churches in England. Today it serves as a visitor and heritage centre, offering insight into the Christian history of the city.

The nineteenth century brought a new wave of church building and restoration. St Andrew the Great, near Christ’s College, was largely rebuilt in the Victorian period and today hosts a lively evangelical congregation. Not far away, the spire of All Saints’ Church on Jesus Lane soars high: one of Cambridge’s most striking Victorian churches, very much a product of the Gothic Revival, and justly famous for its richly decorated interior with impressive Arts and Crafts designs. Sadly now no longer in regular use, it is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Moving northward, St Giles’ Church marks the historic northern approach to the town. For centuries it stood near the edge of Cambridge, welcoming travellers arriving along the Huntingdon road. Close by is a small former church building dedicated to St Peter (see photo) – tiny and easily overlooked, but with some fine Norman architecture, and a most impressive 12th-century font.

Heading South from the City Centre, one quickly comes into sight of the church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs. Built in the late nineteenth century in the Gothic Revival style, it is one of the largest Roman Catholic Churches in England (though it is not a cathedral) – and its spire is the tallest in Cambridge.

Some Cambridge churches have taken on new roles while preserving their historic fabric. Michaelhouse, on Trinity Street, was once the parish church of St Michael. Today it functions as a café and community space, where visitors can drink coffee beneath the high arches of a medieval church. It is an example of how historic religious buildings can continue to serve the city in new ways.

Taken together, these churches form a remarkable network across the city centre. Within just a short walk one can encounter Saxon stonework, medieval parish churches within a few hundred yards of one another, Victorian artistry, and modern adaptations. They remind us that Cambridge was once not only a university town but also a busy medieval community whose spiritual life revolved around many small churches. Of course in medieval times there were – in addition – numerous monastic foundations, some of which were subsumed into Colleges in Tudor times.

Exploring these churches offers a different way of seeing Cambridge — and within a short walk, glimpses into almost a thousand years of the city’s history.

Sam Venn cambridgecorrespondent.bystander@proton.me

Great St Mary’s

La Cote d’Or Antiques

La Cote d’Or Antiques is a small, boutique antiques shop. A genuine treasure trove, it is full of lots of interesting items. The Proprietor, Marie Helene has been in the business for many decades, so if she does not have it, there is a chance she can find it!

Situated on Kimbolton High Street, access is by appointment only, so please call to book ahead: 01480 861587

T H R E E S H I R E S N E T W O R K I N G

C O N N E C T , L E A R N , A N D S H A R E !

D i s c o v e r l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s a n d

s h a r e i d e a s

G e t a d v i c e a n d s o l u t i o n s t o

m o v e f o r w a r d .

B u i l d f r i e n d s h i p s a n d l a s t i n g

c o n n e c t i o n s .

S h a p e t h e g r o u p ’ s f u t u r e w i t h

y o u r i n p u t .

E n j o y i n s p i r i n g t a l k s a n d f r e s h

p e r s p e c t i v e s .

S h a r e c h a l l e n g e s i n a s a f e ,

s u p p o r t i v e s p a c e

S h o w c a s e y o u r b u s i n e s s a n d

c o n n e c t f a c e - t o - f a c e .

T e a , c o f f e e & b i s c u i t s i n c l u d e d !

o m e a n d j o i n o u r m o n t h l y

" m o r e t h a n j u s t

n e t w o r k i n g " m e e t i n g s !

We m e e t o n t h e f i r s t

We d n e s d a y o f e v e r y m o n t h

a t K i m b o l t o n C a s t l e

1 0 : 4 5 a m - 1 p m

C o n t a c t U s :

e l e a n o r @ s h r e w d p r . c o . u k

j o h n h i t c h i n @ b t i n t e r n e t . c o m

0 7 7 0 2 5 9 7 6 7 0

w w w . t h r e e s h i r e s n e t w o r k i n g . c o . u k

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

The Bereavement Journey

starting soon: 6th July 2026

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one?

You’re warmly invited to join The Bereavement Journey – a series of gentle, structured sessions offering space to reflect, share, and find support.

Venue: Kimbolton School (by kind permission of the Headmaster)

Date: Starting 6th July 2026, 1830–2100 Cost: Free of charge

Places: Limited availability for this first series.

To express interest or ask questions, please contact Clare Firby at: bereavementjourney@leightonstonechurches.org

Topics include: Attachment, separation and loss

The pain and responses of grief • Anger and guilt

Coping with others’ reactions • Delayed and suppressed grief

Adjusting to change • Moving forward healthily

Faith questions – a Christian perspective (optional)

Full sweeping services availablelocal, reliable, fully qualified & insured Chimney Sweep.

Covering Peterborough—Cambridge and surrounding areas. Contact Thomas on 07990 561874 or email sweepingtomltd@gmail.com

At Golden Community, we believe in a holistic approach to community services, recognising that true well-being encompasses more than just physical health.

Our Holistic Support Services include:

Individualised Personalised Approach

Health Monitoring (BP, Blood Tests, Weight Checks)

Befriending and Activity Home Visits

Dementia respite for carers at home

Social Visits (including shopping and outings)

Emotional Wellbeing Support

Administrative Support

Palliative and End of Life Services

specialising in coordinating end of life care and a nurse/carer sitter service.

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. St Neots Library:

Rhyme time - Toddler Rhymetime Monday Morning 10:30am, Baby Rhymetime Friday morning 10:30am. Stay and Play run after both sessions and on Wednesday Afternoon 2:00pm.

Storytime Saturday Morning 10:30am, Lego Club Saturday Afternoon 2:30pm. 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 kymvalleyguidingdistrict@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

1st Brington Scout Group

Emma Mumford 07881 621260

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

call Julie on 07928 778457

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

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Clubs, Groups and Organisations

Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk

Buckworth Cricket Club Social Club

Saqhib Ali, 07386 904950

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 & Stonely Parish Council

Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing

Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion

Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club

Kimbolton Bridge Clubs

Kimbolton Probus Club

Nora Butler 01480 861007

Jo Russel 01480 276075

Mary Foster 01480 861594

David Henrick 01480 896556

Chris Davies 01234 376542

Mandeville Hall, Wednesdays, John Figgures 07944 155576

Steve Jacklin 01480 860805 / Mary Foster 01480861594

Little Staughton Parish Clerk clerk@littlestaughtonparishcouncil.gov.com, 07729 960264

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

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 Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com

Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk

Whist Drives, Ellington

WI Groups

Kimbolton WI

Ellington WI

Gt Staughton WI

Pertenhall WI

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 245639

Village Hall, Molesworth

Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings

Village Hall, Tilbrook

07922 738818 Email:enquiries@molesworthvillagehall.co.uk www.molesworthvillagehall.co.uk

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

Grafham Nature Reserve & Watch Group

Sarah Cardwell - clerk@spaldwickparishcouncil.org.uk

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 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

Carpet Bowls, Catworth

Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton

Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton

Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086

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

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

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 Chelveston Village Hall - Chair Exercise Lisa, 07867 204128, lisaatfitness5@gmail.com Class for Older Adults - Thursday 11am

Mobile Library Service 0345 045 5225 for enquiries / renewals

2nd Wednesday of the Month (R. H10) - 8th 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) - 28th 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) - 22nd 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.

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

Accountancy

Listings of Businesses in Our Area

Land Family Business, 01480 445490, p.19

Auctioneers/Valuers

W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.19

Architects/Planning/Drawings

PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.39

Art, Gifts, Framing, Crafts, Ceramics, Hobbies

David Osborne Motorbike Spares, 07979 500900, p.12

Engraved by Elle, p.10

Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.39

La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.86

The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.45

Boutiques

Blue Blancmange, 07970 666258 p.49

Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors

CB Building, 07583 938006 p.11

D C Wilks Double Glazing, 07769 591468, p.12

R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.97

Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.75

Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.45

Business Networking

Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.87

Care Professionals

Care Micro Enterprises, 01223 706100, p.55

Golden Community, 01480 759840, p.91

Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading/HR

iEdit, 01480 860519 p.83

Infinite IT, 0800 033 7211, p.55

Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.41

Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.40

S H Consultancy, 07734 652239, p.41

Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.86

Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.72

Domestic Services

C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.90

Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.83

Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.90

The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.80

Education/Tuition

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

One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.21

Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077, p.26

Electrical Services/Solar/Alarms

Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.70

DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2

Domelec, 07912 092985, p.26

LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.5

Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.73

Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property

Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.47

Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84

Simpsons Property Experts, 01480 589584 p.37

Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.31

Financial Advisers & Financial Services

Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33

Funeral Directors

Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.40

Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.34

Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers

Adam Woodbine, 07901 555640, p.26

Alex Abbs Gardener, 07399 445052, P.24

Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23

Handy Herberts, 01933 715936 p.25

JD Tree Surgery, 07745 378268, p.25

Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.24

SJS Landscapes, 07876 763440, p.22

General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops

Budgens, 01480 860582, p.50-51

Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20

Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.81

Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness/Sport

Clare Silk Life Coach, clare@claresilk.com, p.9

Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085, p.10

Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.9

Creative Hair Looks, 07764 336697, p.6

Fulcrum Health, www.fulcrumhealth.com, p.8

Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9

Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 p.8

Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9

St Neots Golf Club, 01480 472363 p.79

The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.6

Kitchens

Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.31

The Kitchen Magician, 01480 477200 p.29

Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment

Carol John, 01234 708029, p.39

James Thomas, 07971 403856, p.74

Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training

Rebecca's Dog Grooming, 07397 534570, p.45

Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.81

Pest Control

Pest Gone, 07955 156397, p.11

Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks

Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.13

Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.35

DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2

Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.39

Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.31

LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3

The Heating Company, 07375 904996, p.77

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering

Avalon Bakehouse, 07860 410075 p.82

Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.47

The Broadway, 01480 782200, p.38

The Elm, 01487 773585, p.18

The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.28

The Pheasant, 01832 710303, p.30

The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.42-43

Solicitors

Wilson Browne Solicitors, 0800 0886004, p.53

Storage

Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.55

Travel

Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.11

Valeting

CB AutoGlow, 07956 449182, p.29

Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport

Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.27

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... Is Joining

• Characterful country residence in delightfully secluded location with wonderful countryside views.

• Fine formal gardens of around half an acre with garaging, workshop and outbuildings.

• Over 2,300 sq. ft. of living space with 4 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3 bath/shower rooms.

• Well-crafted, rustic kitchen/breakfast room with comprehensive range of oak-fronted cabinets.

• Useful, practical laundry/utility room, external boiler room and log store.

• Elevated position set behind mature trees and hedgerow.

• Delightful rural surroundings yet conveniently located for access to major road and rail links.