August Edition

YOUR LOCAL INFORMATIVE MONTHLY GUIDE www.bystandermagazines.co.uk

ISSUE 220 August 2024

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER

4700 COPIES FREE TO 34 VILLAGES AROUND KIMBOLTON

INN FARM NURSERY LOOSE PARTS PLAY BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT FOOTBALL GOALS, FINANCIAL GOALS EGGITORIAL A GUIDE TO INCUBATING CHICKEN EGGS PETER LANE AND PARTNERS SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS BOOK REVIEW A HUNDRED TINY THREADS AND MUCH MORE

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Welcome to our August edition. We’ve had some varied topics covered in our past articles but I’m confident we haven’t had one covering a guide to incubating chicken eggs! This has now been rectified as you’ll discover.

Eugene explores the debate on digital versus physical and Hazel’s flash fiction contribution is entitled ‘Forever Friends’. Continuing a literary theme, Georgia Rose reviews Judith Barrow’s ‘A Hundred Tiny Threads’, a prequel to the Howarth family saga.

There’s another review from Anthony Withers; ‘The British Bloke’ by Geoff Northcott.

Inn Farm Nursery have an interesting piece on how to include ‘loose parts play’ in young children’s development.

Canine Corner inform us how to manage puppy biting and Lee has some useful gardening tips for you.

Lots more besides as ever – enjoy the summer everyone.

Julie

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Editor: Julie Tose Mobile: 07928 778457 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, Jeff Garland

August Contents Editor’s Letter p.4 Monthly heating oil price update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice p.6 Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-11 Inn Farm - Loose parts play p.14 Local Memories: Charles William and 15th Hussars p.16-17 Anthony Withers - The British Bloke Decoded by Geoff Norcott p.18 Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22 August – Les Jeux Olympiques p.30 Forever Friends p.32 Beacon Wealth Management - Football Goals, Financial Goals p.33 A guide to incubating chicken eggs p.34-35 Eugene Smith - Let's Get Physical p.36 Canine Corner - How to manage puppy biting p.42 Georgia Rose - A Hundred Tiny Threads p.44 Peter Lane and Partners - Swings and Roundabouts p.48 Just For Kids p.52 Bystander Community p.56-64 The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.59 Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service p.68 What’s On for Children? p.72 Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.72-73 Useful and Emergency Numbers p.73 Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.74-75 Mobile Library Times p.75 Business Listings p.76

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Monthly heating oil price update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice Welcome to the first of our monthly heating oil price updates, where we plan to bring you the latest in pricing trends and advice to save you time and money on your heating oil.

Factors Influencing Heating Oil Prices As many of you will know, heating oil prices are influenced heavily by the underlying price of crude oil, which changes based on global supply and demand. There are other factors such as currency fluctuations, production costs and shipping. Seasonality also plays a part, some may believe it’s cheaper to buy heating oil in the summer when demand is low, this can be true, however if for example crude oil prices are high in summer, that will outweigh the impact of lower seasonal demand. Given the number of variables, it is hard to make a confident prediction as to what prices will do over time.

Current Price Trends Heating oil prices have been on a downward trend over the past year, however, prices have been rising over the last month.

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LOCAL MEMORIES: By Penny Young Charles William and 15th Hussars The year is 1848 – the pregnant Lucy Kirkham has been packed off to America, with a good financial package. Charles William Kendall has been brought back from the continent, where he had been sent, to keep him out of trouble, presumably, in the company of his uncle, a vicar, whilst my 3 x great grandfather, Nicholas Kendall dealt with the ‘breach of promise case’.

Nicholas then set about getting Charles William into the 15th Hussars, a regiment of which was heading out to India – surely this would keep the boy out of mischief! But this grand master plan was to come at quite some cost - £460 pounds five shillings and sixpence (for the uniform and equipment alone) or £67k in today’s money; having already purchased Charles’ commission as a ‘Cornet’ at a cost of £840 or £96k today. Together, this was just one of several huge financial hits, during a five year spell (1843-1848), from which the family finances never really recovered.

Charles William’s journey takes him to Madras in India with Her Majesties (Queen Victoria) 15th Hussars. The voyage on the ship Ellenborough took three months, with them embarking from Gravesend on 20th June 1848, before taking on supplies in Portsmouth on 26th June and finally setting sail from Lands’ End on 29th June. They would arrive in Madras on 23rd September 1848.

Research has led me to the Discovery Museum in Newcastle on Tyne, where much of the archives for this regiment are held. They were thrilled to receive the invoice from Hamburger Rogers & Co, army outfitters of London, who carried the Royal Warrant as suppliers to both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The museum quickly asked volunteers to transcribe the document, (which I had discovered at the Cornwall Archives), for kitting out Charles William as a ‘Cornet’ in the Queens Own 15th Hussars.

The Discovery Museum directed me to The Royal Army Museum in Chelsea, where I will hope to see a replica of a 15th Hussar in all his uniform and finery – my next planned visit. I am certain that they too will be excited to see this document; surely very few can survive today.

The archivist at the museum told me that the reason why so much of the uniform survives today is because it was purchased by and belonged to the army officers, whereas ordinary soldiers’ uniforms belonged to the regiment and once they were no longer needed, they were burnt or turned into rags.

Many weeks later, the transcribed ‘invoice’ arrived in my inbox, and I will share with you what a 15th Hussar needed to go on campaign. I quickly pinged a copy over to Wayne, my cousin in Australia, who has helped me so much with this amazing story. His reaction – ‘Good grief! They didn’t enlist him as a General did they? No wonder they had to buy their own uniforms; the Country would go broke!’

The invoice reads like an enormous shopping list, which in effect it is, with each item individually priced. It would run to more space than I am allowed here, so I will pick out some of the most fascinating items, with their cost.

One Fine Blue Cloth Regimental full dress Pelisse with rich silk lining & richly trimmed with much Gold Gimp, lace, braid & fur, a massive Gold Gimp chain neck tye (tie). £38/10One Fine Blue cloth full dress Jacket with a rich silk lining, richly trimmed with Gold Gimp and 16

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Braid. £28/10 4 Pr of fine Blue Regimental Overalls with rich Gold lace stripes. £21/00 One full dress feather plume in a japanned tin case. £2/20 One rich Gilt Mounted full dress Mameluke Sabre. £8/00 One woollen bag & japanned tin case for above. £8/00 One set Best Cavalry Pistols with Implements & case complete. £8/80 9 Pr Best Military leather gloves. £2/60 Then, 12 pairs of best white drill trousers, 12 best dress shirts, 2 dozen flannel waistcoats, 12 pairs of best cotton drawers (pants!), 12 pairs best elastic drawers!

6 dozen towels, 12 pairs of sheets and 12 pairs of pillow cases, 2 dozen cambric handkerchiefs and one dozen silk handkerchiefs.

To carry all this – two large strong barrack chests lined with tin.

£ 9/00

One large double chest, solid Mahogany drawers in strong cupboard, case painted, with name.

One pair large hairbrush in case, two large hair combs, portable boot tree and portable glove tree, two pairs of Wellington Boots.

A ships sofa with mattress, pillow, bolter, blankets, counterpane & matting. A wash stand with fittings, a cabin lamp, a portable cabin chair, portable looking glass, a watering can and footbath.

Not forgetting the horse – a best plain saddle and bridle with head collar, girths, brushes, sponges and combs and finally – a large horse blanket.

This is just a fraction of the list, and I am sure Nicholas (Charles William’s father) must have thought it money well spent. He had rescued Charles from marriage to ‘that woman’ – Lucy and had set him on a worthwhile career.

The 15th Hussars had gone out to Bombay in July 1839, this was to be a long posting, with Charles joining them in 1848. There did not seem to be any fighting or wars at the time, but plenty of regimental dinners, with great lists of ‘toasts’ to all and sundry!

In 1850 it was decided to do some trials, testing the capability of troop horses, as well as the relative merits of entire horses (stallions) and geldings for the purposes of war. To this end, the third and last trial involving 200 English dragoons (15th Hussars), one hundred riding stallions and 100 on geldings. They marched upwards of 800 miles from Bangalore to Hyderabad. The stallions and the geldings did their work equally well, but it was decided in favour of the geldings as the best war horses.

After festivities and pageants, they were marched back to base in double quick time, sometimes covering 30 miles a day. Charles William did not take part in the march. He had presumably thought to himself – in today’s parlance – “sod this for a game of soldiers” and had retired from the 15th Hussars by sale of his commission on 14th June 1850.

Did Charles bring home any of the clothing and equipment his father had paid so handsomely for, barely two earlier? I somewhat doubt it. Nicholas was left with a total cost of close on a quarter of a million pounds, in today’s money, to save his son from marriage to Lucy – surely, with hindsight, it would have been better to have let them be together. Lucy went on to forge a good life in USA and Charles ……?

Well - he went on to live a somewhat peripatetic life and died, destitute, in a remote part of New Zealand 16 years later, aged 39.

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The British Bloke Decoded by Geoff Norcott Funny word, bloke. No-one knows exactly its derivation. What we do know is that it is the highest compliment one man can pay to another. That Geoff, he’s a decent bloke, a good bloke, a nice bloke. Only ever used by a man referring to another man. In fifty or so chapters, the comedian Geoff Norcott attempts to describe all the characteristics, from banter to man flu, that distinguish your typical British bloke from the women in his life, in an era when masculinity is usually preceded by the word ‘toxic.’ One of the greatest sentences in the English language, the author claims, is ‘fancy a pint?’, and its close cousin ‘fancy a curry? In the latter establishments, the drinks order is placed as soon as the group of blokes enters the place. ‘Nine Cobras?’ it’s always in question form. Food, or rather family meals, is dealt with in another chapter, this time the important topic of impressing your girlfriend’s family over the Sunday roast. First course: modest amounts of everything.

Second course, all the veg but no meat. The third course is the killer and most men opt out, but not top bloke. Off he goes, takes slab of meat, a few veg and a Yorkshire. Job done. The hero of three courses saunters in triumph back to the table and forty minutes later he is comatose on the sofa.

Various heroes of blokedom are featured in the book, including Bob Mortimer, Adrian Chiles, and Freddie Flintoff, hero of the 2005 Ashes. There’s a quote from another hero, Peter Crouch, asked what he would be if he weren’t a footballer. A virgin, he replied. Films like Mary Poppins, Jerry Maguire and Star Wars are co-opted into a narrative suggesting that basically blokes are very often just sentimental romcom aficionados.

There are many nitty-gritty chapters. Why don’t men ever want to put on sun cream?

There’s a searing critique of spas because blokes don’t go in for being pampered. ‘You look smart’ is the ideal compliment. Blokes are satisfied with just three hairstyles in a lifetime, not wishing to give the impression that they give a damn about their appearance. Norcott delves deeply into the blue jobs/pink jobs controversy. Putting out the bins is clearly a bloke job whilst wrapping presents, buying and sending cards, organising Christmas (actually, he doesn’t mention this one) are all pink jobs. An hour at the call centre arguing for a reduction in the car insurance is definitely a blue job whereas returning an unwanted item of clothing places it in the pink court. Blokes hate dressing up and will be quite happy to be told that they ‘look smart.’ The reason says Norcott, is that this concentrates everyone’s attention on their wife/partner who has spent hours getting ready. Doctors of course are always to be avoided in blokeology, even when that ingrowing toenail is causing intense discomfort.

The holy trinity of sports for the bloke is of course cricket, football and no, not rugby, but darts and each receives a generous chapter helping to explain their appeal, which often involves large quantities of lager. When Steve ‘Sizemic’ Southern steps out on to the oche, you realise that the nickname is more a comment on his BMI than his darts ability.

The book is an excellent summer read, full of humour and often laugh out loud funny, yet with many pearls of wisdom scattered across its pages. Ideal reading beside the pool in the Med, G & T at hand, a book to take you away for a day or two from a troubled world.

Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com 18

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Kimbolton School’s Treasure Island production set sail for adventure Kimbolton School students embarked on a thrilling adventure last week with their captivating production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, Treasure Island. With a dynamic cast and crew of 90 students, the performance dazzled a packed-out audience, bringing the swashbuckling action to life on stage over the course of two nights.

From the first word to the final bow, the young performers delivered a lively and engaging rendition of the timeless story. The production transported viewers into a world of daring pirates, hidden treasures, and high-seas adventures, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of both the cast and the behind-the-scenes crew.

The Lewis Hall was filled with excitement as the audience was taken on a journey alongside Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, and the rest of the book’s iconic characters.

The students' dedication to their roles and seamless execution of the production elements were evident in every scene, earning enthusiastic applause and praise from the audience. A particular highlight was when the cast shone torches to make the stars to create a powerful and moving scene.

Commenting, Head of Drama, Naomi Akielan, said: “A huge well done to the entire cast and everyone behind the scenes for creating this lively production of Treasure Island.

It not only entertained, but it also highlighted the importance of teamwork, dedication and the joy of storytelling. The energy and commitment displayed by our students was truly commendable, and it was a joy to see their hard work culminate in such a fantastic performance.”

Kimbolton School, a prestigious independent day and boarding school nestled in the picturesque countryside of Cambridgeshire, offers state-of-the-art facilities and a historic castle within the grounds of its Senior School. Educating around 1100 boys and girls between the ages of four and eighteen, the school is dedicated to helping them achieve academic success and embedding values that ensure they pursue a lifetime of meaningful contribution to society.

For more information about the school’s performing arts programme, please visit: www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/creativearts 20

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner After an unsettled Spring, with a mixture of all weathers hopefully the garden is looking quite lush and full now.

Essential jobs for August include clipping hedges and topiary, do this on a dull day so that cut leaves do not get scorched. Prune new wisteria growth back to 6in and tie growth to frames. Cut the flower stems but not the leaves of delphiniums, lupins and poppies, and any other plants whose flowers have finished, including bedding plants, if you feed them with something like seaweed extract they should put on another flush of foliage and flowers.

Keep picking fruit and veg, ventilate the greenhouse and keep everything well watered, feeding pots of veg and tomatoes once a week. Lawns will need regular cutting. Keep on top of weeds, especially if you are going away.

Prune rambling roses after flowering, and dead head shrub roses, taking them back to a leaf or side shoot, not just snapping the dead heads off, then new growth will appear and possibly new flowers. Take cuttings from shrubs and perennials using a non flowering shoot.

Good shrubs for August are buddleia, cotinus, hydrangeas and lavender.

Clematis and honeysuckles will be climbing away. Perennials include hollyhocks, dahlias, phlox and rudbeckia. Beautiful bulbs flowering now are lilies and gladioli.

Lee Munday

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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

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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, MarieͲ 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

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August – Les Jeux Olympiques.

Although August is a month that has provided many events that are not only of great historical significance, but also changed the course of the known world (not least Christopher Columbus setting sail in 1492 and the dropping of the first atomic on Hiroshima in 1945) it seemed fitting to carry on the French theme of last month and look at the history of an event that will be dominating Paris over the coming month. I am not talking about the aftermath of their political elections, as I am sure many of us have had our fill of political machinations over the past months or indeed years; I am, of course, referring to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Olympics were reintroduced in 1896. The driving force behind this was, fittingly, a Frenchman, Pierre de Coubertin, and they made their modern era debut in Athens, with, according to the IOC, 14 nations attending. The list of events in 1896 was very much based on tradition. Athletics dominated, with cycling, fencing, shooting, swimming and wrestling all featuring. The medal table had a familiar name at the top – the USA – although the host nation fared well, coming second. Fast forward to 2024 and there are some stark changes. The Olympics have a far more global feel to them with around 206 nations expected to compete. These nations will be competing in a host of different events from Beach Volleyball to Canoe Slalom, with the newest addition being Breaking, an urban dance style originating in the US in the 1970s (a full explanation of the rules and scoring is available online). The drive for inclusivity in terms of competitors and events is impressive to see.

Of course, it is not the first time the Olympics have been held in Paris. In 1900 the games were also held there and for those that love the Olympics, they will be pleased to hear that these games lasted 5 months, more in line with the original 776BC Games, which lasted 6 months. These Games were the first and only time, until COVID intervened, that the Summer Olympics were held in a leap year, and they consisted of some interesting events. There was Ballooning, no doubt a nod to the Montgolfier brothers, and the 200m Swimming Obstacle Race, a personal favourite; sadly, both of these were one-offs, along with underwater swimming! Oddly, that quintessentially English sport Croquet also made its only appearance at these Games. No doubt the French will be hoping that the results of the 2024 Games reflect those of 1900; they won the most gold, silver and bronze placings (medals were not a thing then!) Sadly, for them, they also fielded 72% of the athletes! Lastly, the pigeon population of Paris will be pleased to hear that the use of live targets in the shooting events was abandoned after its first and only use in 1900!

There is little doubt that the Olympics have evolved over the 128 years since they were reintroduced, not only in a sporting sense but in what they stand for. They not only offer a chance for many to showcase their exceptional talents, but they also have the power to unite people and countries; it is hard to forget the atmosphere of joy and unity that London 2012 brought to this country. I am sure Paris 2024 will not disappoint and I, for one, look forward to understanding the inner workings of Breaking!

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Forever Friends Rob and Gill had been good friends since school. They had gone to the same university and now lived in the same village. Everyone who knew Rob and Gill had assumed they would become a couple, but they both went on to marry other people.

However, Rob and Gill remained the best of friends, and five days a week – Monday to Friday – they shared a ritual. Early in the morning, before work, Gill would walk her dog, Rusty, to Rob’s house. Rob and his dog, Poppy, would join them, and they would all walk together round the beautiful lake in the village. The whole walk took about 45 minutes, and Rob and Gill would use the time to chat and laugh about anything and everything. They walked in all weathers and at all times of year. The only days they missed were if one or other of them were away from the village.

This particular Monday morning, Gill and Rusty arrived at Rob’s house to find Rob waiting for them outside, but no sign of Poppy. Rob explained that Poppy had been sick in the night and still seemed a bit unwell, so he had left her to rest. ‘I didn’t want to miss our walk, though’. He grinned at Gill and they set off.

It felt odd to Gill that Poppy wasn’t with them, but more than that, Rob seemed to be acting strangely. He spent the whole walk reminiscing about the times he and Gill had shared – school days, university days and their walks. They had shared a great deal, and most of their times together had been filled with joy and fun. Rob and Gill had always shared a sense of humour, and would find things funny that no-one else did. They also knew each other so well, that they would often finish each other’s sentences. Yet today, Rob seemed somehow sad and thoughtful, almost distant.

When they arrived back at Gill’s house, Rob looked deep into Gill’s eyes. ‘I have always loved you, Gill’, he said, ‘and I always will. Look after yourself, be happy and live your life to the full.’

With that, he blew her a kiss and walked away. For a few minutes Gill watched him go, confused and concerned about his unusual behaviour.

With her mind still full of what had just happened, Gill walked back into her house, with Rusty.

She was very surprised to see her husband sitting at their kitchen table with Liz, Rob’s wife.

Liz looked up as Gill walked in, and Gill could tell she had been crying. All manner of thoughts rushed across Gill’s mind as she tried to make sense of what was going on, but nothing could prepare her for what was about to unfold.

‘You still did the walk then?’ Liz asked. ‘I tried to catch you before you set off’.

‘Yes, we did’, Gill replied. ‘It seemed funny without Poppy, though, and Rob seemed a bit out of sorts too – a bit sad and distant.’

Liz stared at Gill. Confusion and horror flitted across her face. She leapt up from the table and faced Gill. Liz was shaking violently and her face was ashen. ‘What are you talking about?’ Liz whispered. ‘Rob died suddenly yesterday afternoon. I came to tell you.’

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

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Eggitorial A guide to incubating chicken eggs 3 weeks ago I somewhat foolishly decided summer has finally arrived, it must be time to fire up the incubator!

As they say, there are many ways to cook an egg and everyone will have their preferred way to incubate but I like to dry hatch. This means I will run it at relative humidity until day 18 (lockdown) when I will then increase to 80% humidity to help the chicks hatch. Too much humidity early on can drown the chicks, I learnt this the hard way and dry hatching has been by far the most successful for me. Chicken eggs take approx. 21 days to hatch, so on day 7 I will candle the eggs (shine a bright light under) to check fertility and remove any blanks. I will repeat this on day 14 and I will be able to see healthy chicks swimming around and also any than have quit developing. I will do a final check at day 18, when I will lock the incubator down and in theory, will not open it again until they have all safely hatched. What’s the saying about best laid plans…

This hatch started off quite badly when I noticed on day 6, a bad smell emanating from the incubator. I tried to remove the offending rotten egg but it literally exploded in my hands. This meant I had to take all the eggs out and thoroughly disinfect the incubator to try to stop bacteria spreading. Of the 28 eggs I put in, 6 were not fertile, 1 was rotten. By day 14, 7 more had quit. Had they been contaminated?

By day 18, one egg had already pipped (pecked through the shell) and popped out with alarming haste some 2 hrs later.

1 down, 13 to go…

For the next 36 hrs there was distinct lull in proceedings until on the evening of day 20 they started coming thick and fast throughout the night. 11 down, 3 to go…

Day 21, 3 large brown eggs to go, all from the same hen, one pipped at the wrong end early in the morning and didn’t really progress throughout the day. The other two pipped early afternoon 34

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and one hatched swiftly but unfortunately his yolk sac was partially outside of his little body. This resulted in the other chicks pecking at him, and so to save him from an agonising death and give him a chance, I broke the golden rule of not opening the incubator, to remove the older chicks and put them in the brooder. The cooler rush of air can potentially cause issues with the eggs still to hatch, but fortunately the other one hatched unaided soon after. 13 down, 1 to go…

Late evening, I decided it was time to intervene with the last one. It hadn’t progressed from pipping and the membrane around the hole was dried out and the chick was clearly tiring. It’s very risky to help a chick out of its shell and is only done as a last resort to save it. The potential for it to bleed out as you unpeel it is great. The blood vessels close down naturally if it hatches on its own, so great care must be taken. Fortunately all went well and I put him back in the incubator to recover.

So 13 healthy chicks transferred into the brooder, and one poorly fella still in the incubator. Over the next couple of days he did reabsorb the remaining yolk and the umbilical tissue dried up and fell off, but it was obvious he had also suffered a prolapse. One last attempt to push the prolapse back in, and at the time of writing he is back in the incubator but it sadly doesn’t look good.

All in all, a very successful hatch considering.

Free range chicken and duck eggs for sale at the gate: 3 Dillington, Gt Staughton PE19 5DH

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35

Let's Get Physical Forget politics, the current hot debate is physical vs digital media. In plain English, this is whether you prefer actual books (hardback or paperback) or Kindle editions (other reading devices are available). CDs or Spotify (other streaming services are available). DVDs or Netflix (other, oh you get the idea).

It’s important to remember that this is a personal choice, something which seems to elude those who equate possessions with “clutter”. Your house, your rules (unless you live with your parents, in which case straighten up and fly right buster). What you choose to have, or not to have in your house is your decision, and visitors should respect that. This also applies to use of coasters, and not sitting on my ottoman when there are plenty of actual seats available.

With books it often comes down to space. While it’s true that many who identify as “voracious readers” are anything but, even paperbacks can take up a lot of space. That said, I do wonder what the anti-book types actually do with all this saved space. Practice Wonder Woman spinning? I fully appreciate the space-saving argument when it comes to travel, although not necessarily for commuting, as a book and a reading device aren’t that different in size. And while the digital books are often cheap, the devices aren’t, which does rob one of the joy inherent in hurling a book across the room in anger. To be fair, I’ve done this a lot less often than some of the rubbish I’ve read deserves, so my apologies to the late Richard Franklin. But as I said, it’s your choice, what you get on with. That said, if you arrange your books by spine colour, you’re an imbecile.

Streaming is the present and future for films and TV shows, so I’m told. Decent internet bandwidth aside (something so common in rural areas), what are the advantages of physical copies? Firstly, you’re not at the mercy of the service providers. I was enjoying Scrubs for free (well, once I’d paid the monthly fee) a few years ago, then overnight I had to pay for it.

Frustrating. More insidiously, as is sadly and continuously proven, films and shows can be removed (or cancelled, if you want to be emotive), depending on how loudly outraged parties are shouting (very loudly, normally).

Another problem with digital films is that less mainstream titles won’t be available (interestingly something which isn’t an issue with digital books), and the same applies to music. Asking your Alexa etc to play jazz, for example, will get you some very unspecific (and generally appalling) results. And incidentally, why don’t more people say “please”? This is how the Cybermen started.

The absence of physical media has diminished one of life’s great pleasures, namely inspecting someone’s books and CDs when visiting their house. True fact, nobody likes anyone else’s music collection. If 20% of your tastes coincide, that's remarkable and you’ll become firm friends.

Anything 40% and above, you should get married. Immediately.

Eugene Smith https://eugenesmithwriting.com 36

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SELF STORAGE Great Staughton

Long or Short Term Sealed Containers (8’ x 20’)

07753 638948 CROWSONS Funeral Directors

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

COINS BOUGHT Grafham Coins

Contact Mike mikep1806@icloud.com 01480 811227 07816 850455

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Our services

- Wood Burners - Multi Fuel Stoves - Chimney Lining - Twin Wall Systems - Fireplace Works - Installations - Servicing / Sweeping

To keep updated on our exciting new deals follow our socials!

Still and sons Ltd @still_and_sons_woodburners

Contact us

stillandsons.co.uk sales@stillandsons.co.uk 01480 869042 17A The Highway, Great Staughton, PE19 5DA Open Monday to Friday 9-5 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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SUMMER IS HERE

OPEN Mon - Sat 6:30am - 9pm Sun 7:30am - 8pm budgens@robinsonkimbolton.co.uk 01480 860582 Thrapston Rd, Kimbolton 40

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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.

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Canine Corner - How to manage puppy biting

It is normal for all puppies to bite, mouth and chew. Puppies explore using their mouths in the same way a toddler explores using their hands. It is a crucial part of the development process, allowing puppies to learn to control how hard they bite (this is known as bite inhibition). This starts when a puppy is still with its mother and littermates. They bite each other (and their mum) in play and when a bite is too hard, the other puppy will react and the game will temporarily stop. If a puppy bites their mum too hard, she will gently correct them and she will become progressively less tolerant of play biting as the puppies get older. Your puppy may try to play with you as they would with their littermates. Gently teach them that it is not acceptable to bite human skin or clothes, and show them what they can bite instead.

1. Don’t bite this, bite THIS!!

Have lots of toys lying around so that there is always one close to grab. If your puppy gets a bit bitey, pick up a toy and encourage them to bite that instead. Give your puppy lots of verbal praise when they have the toy in their mouth and make the game really fun. Have a variety of toys- some fluffy, some squeaky, some hard, some chewy- find out which type of toy your puppy prefers.

2. Ouch that hurt!

Your puppy’s teeth will occasionally touch your skin when they are playing with their toy, this is something that will occur less often as they develop control of their mouth. If your puppy bites you hard, you need to give them a signal that you have been hurt. Choose a word to signal this, such as ‘uh oh’. This is not a punishment and you should not say it in a way that scares them. If your puppy bites you, say “uh oh” and stop play for a few seconds. Be consistent and also ensure all family members follow the same rules. Your puppy will learn that biting you makes the fun stop, but the game continues as long as they are biting the toy.

3. Time out to calm down Just like children, puppies can become over tired or over excited and this can make their biting worse. They can sometimes get into a jumping and biting frenzy and they will find it very hard to control themselves when in this state. This is when they need some time out to calm down. Putting them in their crate or pen with a chew or food stuffed kong will prevent them from rehearsing the unwanted biting behaviour and give them the opportunity to have a rest if needed. This is not a punishment, they should enjoy being in their crate with a treat. Try to notice when your puppy is becoming over-tired or over excited and take action before they start biting.

4. No rough and tumble or wrestling!

It is important not to wrestle with your puppy as this is teaching them that it’s ok to bite you. All games should involve toys for the puppy to bite instead.

5. No punishment Punishing your puppy, either verbally or physically, will cause anxiety and could lead to the behaviour becoming worse.

5. Mental stimulation If your puppy is biting excessively, it may be that they are bored and have learned to get your attention through biting. Bored puppies can become very frustrated and need an outlet for their energy. Make sure your puppy has plenty of opportunity to play with you, do short training sessions, walk in different places so they are exposed to different sights and sounds, scatter feed treats in the garden, use lickimats, snufflemats, stuffed kongs and activity feeders to keep them occupied.

Puppy biting and mouthing generally improves as they get older and most owners notice an improvement once their puppy has finished teething at around 7-8 months of age.

Laura Travis BSc (Hons) PG Dip CABC - Clinical Animal Behaviourist 42

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43

I have already read the books that make up the Howarth Family Saga Series which I thought were excellent, so I was delighted when I came across this prequel, which was written after the trilogy. You might think it was completed as an after-thought. A ploy by the author to produce yet another story using the same set of characters. But you couldn’t be more wrong. A Hundred Tiny Threads is a richly woven tapestry with each thread pulling together to create the founding of a family. The research has been methodically done, the story tightly plotted but you as the reader see none of the work that has gone into this because you are carried away on a story so realistic you could be standing on those same streets alongside characters real enough to touch.

Winifred Duffy is a young woman dominated by her mother and made to work in the family grocery shop. Her first glimpse of a life beyond her own comes in the form of a friend, Honora, and her brother, Conal. Winifred is soon drawn into the suffrage movement, and closer to Conal. However, when she finds herself alone, she has no option but to return home and face the difficult choices in front of her.

Bill Howarth falls for Winifred after meeting her in town and is determined to marry her, but he has already had a difficult start in life and bad choices make his dream a distant one. The Great War means he is then sent to fight and what he witnesses is beyond what most of us can even begin to imagine.

Beautifully written, this author does not hold back in showing the, at times, shocking brutalities of life and in places, this is a tough read. Certainly, knowing what we know by the end of the story made me uncomfortable about the outcome, but it definitely lays a fabulous foundation for the rest of the series. Or it can simply be read as a superb standalone.

I can’t recommend this series highly enough but start here. Start with the prequel, you won’t be disappointed.

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 www.georgiarosebooks.com.

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ON SATURDAY 31ST AUGUST FROM 10AM UNTIL 1PM AT REGENCY FUNERAL DIRECTORS KIMBOLTON FOR DELICIOUS CAKE AND HOT DRINKS CAKE S N ATIO DON OME WELC

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Keep up to date!

Purple Horizons was launched in September 2019 and is a volunteer group which organises events to raise money for local charities creating greater awareness of the benefiting charities work.

Purple Horizons purplehorizons2019 purplehorizons.co.uk purplehorizons2019@icloud.com Graphic design by Emilia Frost Design

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Fun With Santa Oy

Lapland holidays Stay in our cozy log cabin in Äkäslompolo, Ylläs, Finland. We can also arrange your full itinerary from the moment you land in Lapland till the moment you leave. Searching for Santa, Huskies, Reindeer Safaris, Snowmobile Safaris and much more.

For more information please contact: Jane Phone: 01480 812598 Email: jane@funwithsanta.co.uk

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47

Swings and Roundabouts Paul Kinally of Peter Lane & Partners in Kimbolton notices a marked difference between the real world and TV. As we sit open-mouthed at scenes from Buying London, the latest television property show, we are graphically reminded that houses are subjective. Some viewers will find the homes of the rich and famous a source of awe and fascination, while others will bring the matter of taste very much into question. But in property there is something for everyone.

The type of firm portrayed in the TV show differs from most estate agencies up and down the country. So do the sales team in Buying London: are they to be admired or reviled? One thing is for sure, most of their talk is about themselves, securing the property and then selling it for a hefty commission. But our estate agents know that the most critical component in a property transaction is not the agent or the property but the client.

Estate agency isn’t about flogging units of residence; it is about carefully matching a seller with a buyer and steering a mutually acceptable agreement through choppy waters to a satisfactory conclusion. Estate agency is about moving people by taking the long view. As such it’s about making people happy, not making a quick killing.

Local estate agency is a world apart from the almost fantasy-like glitz and glamour of Buying London, much like a travelling fair is from Disneyland. But all professional estate agents know the actual property world is far more about swings and roundabouts than fantasy.

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

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Sweeping Tom Ltd Alconbury Weston Book an end of season sweep – your chimney & liner will benefit from clean drying over the summer.

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

Covering Peterborough—Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Contact Thomas on 07990 561874 or email sweepingtomltd@gmail.com

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SELEC RENEWABLES Based Locally for 2 Decades

Solar and Batteries Slash your energy bills Low maintenance long Warranty Local Installer you can trust Ongoing Local support MCS and TrustMark Registered

Air Conditioning

16 x 435w All Black Panels

Energy Efficient A+++ Can provide whole house heating Oil/Storage Heater replacement Cool in the summer Refcom and FGAS Registered

Domestic Electrical

Daikin 5kw EMURA in black

Fuse Box Upgrades Lights replaced Electrical Certificates EICR All electrical work undertaken Part P Registered

Contact us Now to book a Free Quote

Myenergi Zappi 7kw EV Charger

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Just for Kids

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DESIGN SUPPLIED MANAGED INSTALLED

Providing an end to end service for your kitchen, bedroom or office transformation Kitchen Culture (Cambridgeshire) Ltd, Pertenhall Road, Great Staughton, Cambridgeshire PE19 5BE info@kitchenculturecambridgeshire.co.uk www.kitchenculturecambridgeshire.co.uk 01480 861822

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

01480 474 550 sn@peacockauction.co.uk

75 New Street, St Neots PE19 1AJ peacockauction.co.uk

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Club

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER (BEGINNER TO

www.Grafham.org

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Whitchurch Wines

21 High St, Kimbolton.

WHO ARE WE? Your local wine shop. We are a small, family-run business. My father-in-law, David, opens up on a Wednesday, then it is yours truly from Wednesday after 4.30pm until we close the door for the week on Saturday. My wife Heather also helps out and you my even find one of our offspring stacking a shelf or two occasionally!

New In: Finca Museum Rose, delicious, and Alpha Zeta Garganega.

THIS MONTH’s TASTING - Portugal 25th July @ 7pm We are joined this month by Charlie Croft from Haywood Bros to take us through the still wines of Koepke from the Douro there may be a couple of ports as well! It should be a great tasting and there are limited places available.

Tickets will be £30. To reserve yours, please email jeff@whitchurchwines.shop Why not try one of our pop-ups this month? We are doing two on Thursdays and one on a Saturday. Wines are available by the glass or the bottle and we try to offer at least one bubbles, a couple of whites and reds, and a glass of pink in the summer (?) months!

If you want any more information, please get in touch.

WHAT’s on in July?

4th Pop-Up Wine Bar, 6pm-8pm.

18th - Pop-Up Wine Bar, 6pm-8pm.

25th Portuguese Tasting, ticketed.

27th Pop-Up Wine Bar, 5,30pm-7pm 30th Cheese Tuesday 7.30pm (Spaces limited).

For enquiries, email jeff@whitchurchwines.shop

WHEN ARE WE OPEN? Wednesday 12-6pm Except WBW! Thursday 10:30-5pm Friday 10.30-7pm Saturday 10.30-5pm

For more information pop-in and ask, or email jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk

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Bystander Community Great Staughton Horticultural Society Annual Show, Saturday 24th Aug at the village hall.

Classes include vegetables, flowers, cookery, handicrafts and photography.

For schedules, entry forms or queries email: Hort.soc@btinternet.com

Grafham and Ellington Art Group

Annual Exhibition 2024

rd

th

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August 10.00 am – 4.00 pm at Grafham Village Hall, Van Diemens Way, Grafham PE28 0GB

Cards and original paintings, framed and unframed for sale

Refreshments available

The Village Show at Keysoe returns this year on Saturday 7th September Show schedules and entry forms are now available - please search for us on Facebook or contact Penny on 01234 378878 for a copy 56

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Services across the Benefice for August.

For more information visit www.swhw.co.uk All 10.30am services can be accessed via Zoom: ID 418 4055 563 Passcode: 022067

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 4th

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

Sun 11th 10.30am Benefice Communion Sun 25th 10.30am Benefice Communion

ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Sun 18th 9.00am Benefice Communion

8.00am BCP Holy Communion

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 4th 10.30am Benefice Communion

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What’s on in Kimbolton in August Thursday 1st

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

Friday 2nd

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

Saturday 3rd Monday 5th

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut

6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Tuesday 6th

2.30pm WI. Mandeville Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

7- 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut

Wednesday 7th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 8th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

Friday 9th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Monday 12th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Tuesday 13th

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

7- 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut

Wednesday 14th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Thursday 15th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 8pm Producer Profile. Whitchurch Wines (Ticketed)

Friday 16th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Monday 19th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

Tuesday 20th Wednesday 21st

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 22nd

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

Fri 23rd

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 24th

10 - 2pm Parish Council Street Market, Castle Green, Kimbolton

Monday 26th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Wednesday 28th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 29th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

Friday 30th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 31st

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

Tuesday 27th

7 - 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut

7 - 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut 7.30pm Cheese Tuesday. Whitchurch Wines

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 7pm Parish Council Meeting. Y & Community Hall

5.30-7pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

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The guides have had a great summer term! They had a fun trip to Wicksteed Park during half term. They’ve also been learning how to correctly lay a fire out of chocolate! They then put the theory into practice when they learned how to chop wood safely (thanks to 1st Kimbolton Scouts) before then using the wood to cook on an open fire. Some guides were then inspired to work on their backwoods cooking badge.

Over the summer, some of the Guides will be attending a festival-style camp at our county centre in Norfolk. With everything from pamper zones to a neon disco, it is going to be a Glastonbury just for Guides!

News Just in! One of our older guides has been selected to represent the county on an international trip to Norway next year.

In Girlguiding we help all girls know they can do anything. For more information or to join us go to girlguiding.org.uk/joinus.

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Keep is cool th r summe

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Regency Funeral Directors

Your Local, Independent, Family Run Funeral Directors

Family run business providing a personal and caring service Chapel of rest Available 24 hours Grave stone and other memorial options Flowers and catering available Advice on funeral packages, bespoke services and pre-paid funerals Beautiful Jaguar hearse and limousine fleet plus all other motorised options Horse drawn services

Contact Us

www.regencyfuneraldirectors.co.uk Tel: 01480 759408 Email: regencyfuneraldirectors@outlook.com 36 Cromwell House, High Street, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0HA 66

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LOCAL BRICKWORK COMPANY EST. 2013 NEW BUILDS AND EXTENSIONS - GARDEN AND BOUNDARY WALLS REPOINTING WORKS - BRICK REPAIRS - BRICK FEATURE WORK

SAINTS WORK ACROSS CAMBRIDGESHIRE, BEDFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A HOME VISIT / QUOTATION 01480 479355 / 07533 993766 OR EMAIL INFO@SAINTSBRICKWORKLTD.CO.UK FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK 'SAINTS BRICKWORK LTD'

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.SAINTSLTD.CO.UK

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Get the call - become an on-call firefighter Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking to recruit more on-call firefighters to help serve local communities across the county.

CFRS is looking for men and women from all backgrounds to become on-call firefighters and provide emergency cover from either their home or their workplace.

On-call firefighters are a vital part of our Service and community. They respond to a wide range of incidents, from fighting fires, attending road traffic collisions, animal rescues to supporting other emergency services. In addition to responding to emergency incidents, our on-call firefighters support their communities by providing information and advice on a range of community safety topics.

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).

It’s a hugely rewarding role, and we hope to encourage members of the community from all backgrounds to get in touch and find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter.

Visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk/oncall for more information.

How what3words can help 999 #KnowExactlyWhere what3words has helped to locate nearly 4,000 incidents since it first started being used by emergency services. It has given every 3m square in the world a unique identifier made of 3 words - making the location of any emergency very easy todescribe and share. For example ///tortoises.swarm.announce will take you to a precise location on Ben Nevis where, in February 2020, a group of hikers were rescued.

To locate, search or navigate to a what3words address, all you need is the free app.

Make sure you have it downloaded on your device and know how to use it, to help save time, resource and lives.

Test your smoke alarm!

Did you know that you should test your smoke alarms at least once a month? Or that you should have smoke alarms on every floor of your home? Or that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service do free home visits to make sure your home is fire safe?

Visit this website for helpful tips and advice: https://firekills.campaign.gov.uk/ It only takes one accident to start a fire. Fire kills. Let’s prevent it.

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Your local, bespoke estate agency Properties of the month FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

High Street, Catworth Detached Character Home £625,000

High Street, Kimbolton 4 Bed Character Home OIEO £600,000

Carnaby, Kimbolton Detached 4 Bed Home £650,000

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Hatchet Lane, Stonely 4 Bed Detached £700,000

Church Road, Hargrave 4 Bed + Equestrian Facilities £1,400,000

Station Road, Tilbrook 4 Bed Detached £650,000

Full details available on our website or at 01480 597799 carrestates.co.uk hello@carrestates.co.uk

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Andrew Blair Professional Carpet And Upholstery Cleaning Phone or Whatsapp 07867499792 Email: arblair64@yahoo.co.uk https://andrewblairprofessional carpetandupholsterycleaning.com

Hunt & Coombs solicitors

Legal Services

for you and your business Contact us for advice on: ı Wills, trusts & probate ı Tax advice & succession planning ı Lasting Powers of Attorney ı Family law & divorce

St Neots 01480 702207 ST NEOTS

OUNDLE

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ı Residential property ı Dispute resolution ı Professional negligence ı Business & commercial law

Oundle 01832 273506 HUNTINGDON

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Baby and Toddler 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: Jenny Hassell - 07541 196834 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, lindaallendance@btinternet.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

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Riseley Rascals, Riseley Village Hall (Term Time Only) St. Leonards Day Care, Brington

07986 313037 9:30- 11am Tuesday morning 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 Bedford Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon

01223 245151 01234 355122 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 Alcoholics Anonymous Carers Direct Childline Citizens Advice Electricity Emergency Floodline Gas Emergency National Debt Line National Rail Enquiries NSPCC Parentline RAC Emergency Breakdown RSPCA Samaritans UK Missing Persons Unit Victim Support

0800 887766 0800 9177650 0808 802 0202 0800 1111 03444 111 444 105 0345 988 1188 0800 111 999 0808 808 4000 0333 202 2222 0800 800 500 0800 800 2222 0800 828282 0300 1234 999 116 123 0800 234 6034 0808 168 9111

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Clubs, Groups and Organisations

Great Staughton Village Hub Kimbolton Senior Citizens lunch club Catworth Women’s Group Catworth Quilters Group Ellington Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton Horticultural Society Grafham & Ellington Art Group Whist Drives, Ellington Gt Staughton Playing Field & Pavilion Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton Kimbolton Local History Society Save the Children Fund Hargrave Investment Club Kimbolton Parish Council Bell Ringing (Kimbolton Church) Kimbolton Fire Station - recruitment Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Little Staughton Parish Clerk Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark

Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk Stow Longa Village Community - social events

Tilbrook Village Newsletter Tilbrook Amenites Committee

Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk Kimbolton WI Ellington WI Gt Staughton WI Pertenhall WI Perry WI Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club Ellington Village Club The Villages Gardening Club North Beds Ramblers

The Stables Christian Centre

Village Halls Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton, bookings Village Hall, Catworth, bookings 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

Village Hall, Molesworth

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Details on the Great Staughton and Perry Facebook page 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall Barbara Cawdell 01832 710404 Pam Wardle 01832 710324 Rick Wilcox 01480 890902 Mike Keeble 01480 860855 Jackie Woods, 01480 890279 Steve Sherratt , 01480 891418 Bob Jewell 01480 861259 Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167 Nora Butler 01480 861007 Nora Butler 01480 861007 Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034 Lionel Thatcher 01480 861877 Mary Foster 01480 861594 01480 444500 Mary Jordan 01234 376383 email lspcclerk1@gmail.com.

Diane Robins, 07786 656088 clerk@pertenhallandswineshead-pc.gov.uk Samantha Langley 07977 828153 Christine Hayes 01480 860519 Christine.Hayes@StowLonga.org.uk www.tilbrookvillage.life Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com Lionel Thatcher, 01480860055 Anne Beszant 01480 860672 Jan Sherratt 01480 891418 Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com Glennis Bird, Tel: 01933 314275, glennis.bird@hotmail.co.uk perrywigroup@gmail.com David Henrick 01480 896556 Chris Davies 01234 376542 Sue Rice (Chairperson) 01480 896139 Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.comKimbolton Margaret Sawyer northbedswalks@gmail.com, www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walk ing/ramblers-groups/north-bedfordshire-group Sean Watkiss, 01234 376237 work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults.

Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886 www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk 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 07922 738818 Email:enquiries@molesworthvillagehall.co.uk www.molesworthvillagehall.co.uk

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Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings Village Hall, Tilbrook

Village Hall, Yelden

Paul Sheard paulsheard@aol.com 01480 861457 Erica Jago, 07903 987445, bookings.tilbrookvillage@gmail.com www.tilbrookvillage.life 07539 662544, yeldenvillagehall@gmail.com

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 Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club Lion Bernard Dable 01480 810704, 07969 207227 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) Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508 Catworth Playing Field Mary Matthews, 07717 246107 Cricket Club, Kimbolton Mark Field, 07769 159496 Cricket Club, Little Staughton Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086 Carpet Bowls, Catworth Marge Baker, 01832 710145 Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton Angela Fox, 01480 861264 Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton Anthony Withers, 01480 861224.

Carpet Bowls, Spaldwick Andrew Vickers, 01480 891201 Carpet Bowls, Ellington Beryl North, 01480 471146 Table Tennis Club - Melchbourne Peter Wilkinson peteathillands@gmail.com, 07792 056 157 Tennis Club, Kimbolton Roy Butler, 01480 861007 Tennis Club, Gt Staughton Nicole Yates, 01480 860616 Grafham Tang Sou Dao Club Steven Treadaway 01480 812433, info@cambstangsoudao.co.uk Great Staughton Golf Society Derek Fitzgibbon, 01480 861234 Little Staughton keep fit Chris Clarke, 07739184942 MVH Pilates - Melchbourne Penny Hales penny@tightassets.co.uk MVH Tai Chi - Melchbourne Rob Poyton simplyflow@outlook.com PE28 Kickboxing, Grafham Village Hall Mark James, 01480 819478 Pilates - Riseley

Caroline Eames - 07535 296836

strengththroughmovement01@gmail.com 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) - 14th August 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) - 27th August 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) - 28th August 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.

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Listings of Businesses in Our Area Auctioneers/Valuers W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.53 Architects/Planning/Drawings PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.37 Art, Framing, Artists, Crafts, Ceramics, Gallery, Hobbies Croft Tools, 01480 810734, p.11 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.37 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.28 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.45 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Donna the Tiler, 07712 431337, p.29 GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.31 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, 01480 630081, p.27 Lilystone, 01933 461374 p.13 R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.21 Saints Brickwork Ltd, 01480 479355, p.67 Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.39 Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.47 The Home Handyman, 01480 861898, p.24 Business Networking Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.38 Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading iEdit, 01480 860519 p.45 Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.27 Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.29 Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.64 Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.28 Domestic Services Andrew Blair, Carpet Cleaning, 07867 499792, p.71 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.21 Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.49 Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15 One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.5 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077 p.24 Electrical Services/Solar Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.65 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.3 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.51 Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Bletsoes, 01832 732188 Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.69 Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.80 Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.11 Financial Advisers & Financial Services Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33 Funeral Directors Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.37 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.66

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Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23 Handy Herberts, 01933 715936, p.23 JD Trees, 07745 378268, p.24 Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.23 General Stores/Farm Shops/Shopping Events Budgens, 01480 860582, p.40-41 Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.25 Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.55 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness Abbie Drury Counselling, 07501 723041, p.10 Becs Bradley Coaching, 07979 286472 Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.9 Grafham Water Sailing Club, 01480 810478, p.54 Herriman Coaching, 07522 057036, p.11 J Aesthetics & Beauty, 07717 410261, p.9 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9 The Ashgrove Clinic, 01933 469043 p.8 The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.10 Kitchens Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.53 Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment Carol John, 01234 708029, p.71 Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training Houghton Horse Transport, 07825 269531, p.21 Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.25 Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.77 Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.6 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.11 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.47 Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.49 The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.19 The Pheasant Keyston, 01832 710303 p.43 The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.78-79 Solicitors/Legal/Probate Services Hunt & Coombs Solicitors, 01480 702207, p.71 Storage Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.37 Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.7 Wedding Services Styled by Lulabelles,tasha@styledbylulabelles.co.uk, p.12

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U N DER N EW M A NAGEMENT

W EEK LY DEA LS PIE TU ESDAY

FISH FRY DAY

Choice of 3 weekly changing homemade pies served with mash or chips, seasonal veg & gravy + pint of Fosters, medium glass of house wine or soft drink £16.95

Fish & chips Traditional chip shop platter Market boat fresh fish specials Traditional fish & chips take-away £10.00

LU NCH OFFER

STEA K THU RSDAY

Let’s do Lunch!

2 courses £14.95 3 courses £17.95 Mon - Friday 12 pm - 5 pm

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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 To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

78 March 24 Edition.indd To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457 13/02/2024 11:21 70

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79

S

S

Make That Move D D L L AT AO S GLANCE: SO • • • • •

D L O

• • • •

D D L L SOSO

D L O

Beautifully presented, peaceful village residence fronting a fine south-facing plot.

Over 1,950 square feet of wonderfully versatile accommodation.

Sympathetically extended, considerably enhanced, remodelled and upgraded.

Living room with multi-fuel stove.

Cosy formal dining with useful cellar below.

Bespoke kitchen with granite counters and handcrafted cabinets.

Wonderful garden room with roof lantern and bi-fold doors leading to the garden terrace.

Study/home office with feature fireplace and electric stove.

Practical pantry/utility area /WC and storeroom. Four bedrooms, bathroom and shower room.

Fully upgraded with integrated on-line heating and lighting controls, quality floorcoverings throughout.

Meticulously landscaped gardens, fully enclosed by wall and fencing.

Garage, useful outbuildings, off road parking and gated garden access.

Charming rural community yet well served by major road links and with good access to stations providing commuter trains to London

S

DLD L O SOS • • • •

Catworth Guide Price £725,000

DLD L O SOS

D L O

S

D D L L SOSO

S

D L O

Tel 01480 860400 kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk

S

Call Now to Arrange a Viewing or your Free

D D L L SOSO

Tel 01480 860400 kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk Tel 01480 860400 Tel 01480 860400 Call Now to Arrange a Viewing or your Free Valuation kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk