December Edition

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

ISSUE 224 December 2024

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER MERRY CHRISTMAS

INN FARM NURSERY CHRISTMAS FUN 4700 COPIES FREE TO 34 VILLAGES AROUND KIMBOLTON

PETER LANE AND PARTNERS BUDGING THE MARKET ALONG BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT LOOK AFTER YOUR HEALTH AND WEALTH CANINE CORNER CHRISTMAS TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS PENNY YOUNG THE MANCHESTER PAPERS AND MUCH MORE

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Letter from the Editor: Welcome to our December edition of the Bystander. Season’s greetings to all our readers and a big thank you to our advertisers for supporting the magazine throughout 2024. Just like your favourite tub of Christmas chocolates, we have a magazine full of variety. Louise Herriman has a very informative article in which there are tips on how to sell yourself to gain promotion, switch jobs or embark on a new venture. Penny reveals some interesting Kimbolton related history as revealed by representatives of the Huntingdon Records Office. Georgia Rose reviews Judith Barrow’s latest novel entitled ‘The Stranger in My House’ and Hazel’s latest flash fiction contribution ‘A Change of Plan’ has a Christmas theme. Sally Gower has lots of Christmas traditions from around the world to share with us and we have a Christmas quiz for our younger readers to enjoy. Inn Farm Nursery have lots of Christmas fun activities for young children that will also help with their development and Canine Corner have some Christmas tips for dog owners. There is so much more inside so dive in and have a good read! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Julie

Enquires: 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, Louise Herrriman, Sally Gower

December Contents Editor’s Letter P.4 Christmas Quiz p.6 Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-10 Louise Herriman - How To Get Past The ‘Cringe Factor’ And Learn To Sell Yourself! p.8 Anthony Withers - Do Men Read Fiction? p.12 Inn Farm - Christmas Fun p.14 Penny Young - The Manchester Papers p.16-17 Crossword, Wordseach & Sudoku p.18 Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22 Camridgeshire Fire and Rescue p.30 Hazel Wright - A Change of Plan p.32 Beacon Wealth Management - Feeling Older?

Look after your Health and Wealth p.33 How To Choose The Perfect Wine Gift p.34-35 Eugene Smith - The Christmas Special p.36 Book Review - The Stranger in My House p.44 Peter Lane and Partners - Budging the Market Along p.48 Just For Kids! p.50 Sally Gower - The Novel in the Nativity p.54 Bystander Community p.56-63 The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.62 The Boatshed Pottery p.64 Puzzle Solutions/Christmas Quiz p.66 Canine Corner - Christmas Tips For Dog Owners p.70 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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Christmas Quiz

1 What is the name of the snowman in the Disney movie Frozen?

2 True or false: There are three towns/cities in the

United States named Santa Claus?

3 The lyrics, 'Holidays are coming, Holidays are

coming' feature in Christmas adverts for which famous drinks company?

4

In which country is Father Christmas known as Weihnachtsmann?

5 What four letter word is an abbreviation of the

word 'Christmas'?

6 Where does Santa live?

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8 Santa Claus is also known as Saint who?

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Tradition has it that in order to bring good luck, people should do what on each of the twelve days of Christmas - A) Eat a mince pie B) Open a present C) Pull a cracker

Happy Christmas from Shepherds Friendly

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In The Simpsons, who or what is called Santa’s Little Helper?

traditional to kiss under?

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What might a naughty child find in their stocking on Christmas morning?

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What is the name of the 25 days leading up to Christmas?

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What is lucky to find in your Christmas Pudding?

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Who were the first people to visit the baby Jesus?

A) Shepherds B) Three Kings C) Three Queens

9 True or false: As a family tradition in Sweden,

millions of people settle down on Christmas Eve to watch Donald Duck?

How many points does a snowflake have?

14 What is the name of the evergreen plant that it's

7 True or false: In Japan, millions of people eat KFC

for their main Christmas meal?

What is the name of the lead character in the movie Elf: A) Ronald the Reindeer B) Alfie the Elf C) Buddy the Elf

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Which reindeer is said to be the most famous reindeer of all?

Which popular Christmas movie is about a young boy who takes a train ride to the North Pole?

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How to get past the ‘cringe factor’ and learn to sell yourself!

Let’s face it—"selling yourself" is something many of us find challenging. When it comes to asking for a promotion, switching jobs, or stepping into a new venture, speaking up about our strengths can feel uncomfortable. But confidently sharing your skills and achievements is essential in getting others to see your value and, in turn, can boost your own sense of self-worth and excitement for the change.

Start by looking back at your career history and listing all the projects you've worked on, no matter the size. If you’re naturally humble and think of success as a team effort, consider what you specifically did to help the team succeed. Don’t just focus on big results; often, it’s the smaller wins and steady progress that keep things moving forward.

If you’ve been away from the workforce, look at what you’ve achieved in other areas of your life. Perhaps you’ve been active in volunteering, managing a household, or helping organise a community event. These experiences involve valuable skills: planning, problem-solving, budgeting, people management, and communication. They’re just as relevant and can demonstrate your strengths and initiative. And don’t forget any new learning you may have done along the way.

Also, take note of tasks you find easy or even enjoyable. Often, these feel effortless because you’ve put in the time to develop those skills, and they reflect some of your strongest abilities. Recognising these recurring strengths isn’t arrogance; it’s sharing facts. If you don’t communicate what you bring to the table, who will?

If you’re really struggling, get a friend or professional coach to help you uncover your strengths. They can offer valuable perspective and help you see your achievements more clearly. Finally, try a similar exercise for your personal life; it’s a powerful way to reconnect with all you’ve achieved and overcome, building your confidence from within.

Louise Herriman 8

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Please contact us for any quality property you are looking to rent or to rent out Family business – please check our reviews on Facebook to see what clients say about our service

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Do Men Read Fiction?

This started off as a discussion in that well-known repository of intellectual debate – the pub. A friend of mine (female) belongs to a book club and another friend (male) said that most book clubs seem to be dominated by women, because, he claimed, men don’t read fiction any more.

Could this be true? I checked the Sunday Times best seller list. The paperback top ten were dominated 8 to 10 by women. Not so the hardbacks where there is a more even distribution.

Hardly conclusive so far. I asked a few friends, with equally mixed results although, it is true, many of the men tended to prefer non-fiction such as history or biographies but again not conclusive. Is there any proper research on the subject? Online I found an article written by a well-known American female novelist in which she lamented the lack of young male novelists: where, she asked, were the successors of Martin Amis, Julian Barnes, Ian McEwan? She went on to make the inflammatory suggestion that book editors at the largest publishers were largely 40 something white women selecting books which would appeal to 30 something white women.

This of course provoked a furious reaction from (female) readers and publishers. Wisely, men kept schtum. I have to confess that I am in the non-fiction camp. If I do read fiction it tends to be renewing acquaintance with books or authors that I read decades ago. It would be interesting to hear the reaction of Bystander readers, but this might prove controversial so perhaps, to quote the Fast Show sketch, I should ‘get my coat.’ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx On an entirely different note and with a glance towards the upcoming festive season I would like to alert Bystander readers to the New Year’s Day Walk which has been a tradition in the village of Great Staughton for more than two decades now. We meet at the sundial, next to the White Hart, on Staughton Highway at 11am on New Year’s Day for a gentle one hour/one and a half hour stroll on one of the village footpaths. It can be a bit muddy so boots are recommended. It's a good way to drive away some of the New Year’s eve demons. Contact me for more details. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Another event that might be of interest in the dark days of January, February and March is a series of tours of the historic church of St Andrew in Great Staughton exploring the architecture and monuments over the 800-year history of the church. More details elsewhere in the magazine. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Finally, if you’re still wondering what to buy for that discerning friend, may I recommend Great Staughton and its People: how a Huntingdonshire village made its mark on England’s history.

You don’t have to be a resident of Staughton to enjoy this book which is a panoramic view of England’s history from the Roman era to the present day seen through the eyes of the many remarkable from this little Huntingdoshire village. Would make a wonderful Christmas present.

Paperback £15, Hardback £20. Contact me below to order your copy.

Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com 12

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The Manchester Papers Penny Young Members of the Kimbolton Local History Society were recently treated to a fascinating talk by two archivists from the Huntingdon Records Office, concerning the family papers of the Dukes of Manchester, the Montagu family and their original purchase of the estate from the Wingfield family, who lived at Kimbolton Castle from 1522.

They explained that in the 1860’s the National Records Office began contacting owners of the country houses and estates, throughout England, requesting that their family papers, which might contain documents of national interest, be sent to them to be properly recorded and chronicled. This operation was repeated in the 1880’s and from early in the 1900’s, it appears, local record offices took over the task and the Kimbolton estate was regularly asked to send in family documents so that their existence could be recorded for posterity.

We learned that stately homes generally had a room, solely for the purpose of storing these documents, known as the ‘Muniment Room’, which would hold all the family papers such as estate maps, marriage settlements, family letters, deeds and records of staff employment and wages. We were shown on a plan of Kimbolton Castle where in the building it was thought this room was situated.

However, by the late 1940’s, 450 years of accumulated Manchester papers had outgrown the muniment room and boxes of papers were now stored in the Castle’s stables and in the loft over the gatehouse, which is now the frontage to the Castle from the High Street. A request to the Duke of Manchester from a couple of historians researching ancient maps, to have sight of any local maps relating to the area, which might be held by the family was agreed. The men were surprised at the haphazard muddle they found these papers in, and word got back to the local records office, that perhaps these valuable papers were not being kept properly. When it became known that the Duke of Manchester was beginning to sell furniture and paintings, the county archivists were worried that the family papers might also be sold and wrote to him asking if the papers could be brought into the local archives. To their delight, the duke acquiesced, and it was arranged that a local man, a Mr Tebbutt, was to collect all the many, many boxes of Manchester papers and deliver them to the archive office. We were shown a picture of the type of lorry that he might possibly have used, which, whilst it had a drivers cab, the back was an open trailer and it was perhaps hardly surprising that many papers might have blown out of the back on the journey, because when the archivists began to catalogue the papers, very often odd pages of longer letters were missing and other documents, which were known to exist from earlier recall of papers had not reappeared.

I was fascinated by this talk as I had recently learned about a similar set of circumstances involving our family papers in the 1930’s. The Kendall family papers are now stored at Kresen Kernow, the Cornish archives in Redruth. I had become aware that further Kendall papers were stored in archives at the Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC) in Truro. On my most recent visit to Cornwall a day was found to view the Kendall papers in Truro. I was puzzled by the catalogue reference, “Hend/Kend” (followed by a reference number) and asked the archivist what this meant. She explained that it stood for Henderson/Kendall.

She further explained that back in the 1920’s a young man, Charles Henderson, had undertaken 16

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a herculean task to visit all the stately homes in Cornwall, asking to see their family papers and take away with him any documents of local or national interest, to be properly recorded for posterity.

Charles Henderson had clearly visited Pelyn, our ancestral family home in Lostwithiel, quite early during this huge project. Family Wills dating back to 1332 and land deeds from as far back as 1439 were all duly recorded, and the documents returned. I am guessing that this would have taken place, during the lifetime interest in Pelyn, of the last Nicholas Kendall (1900-1992).

Nick had taken possession of the family home following his marriage in 1925. The marriage produced no heirs and Pelyn has since sadly gone out of the family after 400 years.

The archivist then went on to tell me the story of Charles Henderson. This young man had, from childhood, suffered with chest complaints. As a child, Charles was very often bedbound, and became a scholar, eventually going to Oxford University. It was there that he met his future wife, and, some years later, during their honeymoon in Rome, he fell ill with complications from pleurisy and died, aged just 33. His young widow handed over all the papers he had been working on to the RIC. Charles’ premature death was also Cornwall’s loss, as he had planned a parochial history of Cornwall on a grand scale, of which, presumably, his visits to the county’s stately homes was just the beginning.

This aside, there were so many parallels with the talk by the Huntingdon archivists, and my ancestors down in Cornwall, I was rivetted. The Manchester papers filled 350 boxes.

Transcribing, cataloguing and archiving these papers is a massive undertaking, helped in no small part by volunteers from within the membership of the Kimbolton Local History Society, who are painstakingly recording these precious documents. Our family papers filled ‘just’ nine trunks with tens of thousands of individual pieces of paper. The contents of 350 boxes of Manchester papers is simply mind boggling!

The Manchester papers, we were told, include letters from three Prime Ministers, including Benjamin Disraeli. On my last visit to Cornwall, I found a letter from Benjamin Disraeli to my 3 x great grandfather, who had just entered parliament as member for Cornwall. The letter, dated 18th October 1852, requests the presence of Nicholas Kendall at the meeting of Parliament fixed for 4th November, when ‘the House of Commons will immediately proceed to the choice of a Speaker’. It is signed, “I have the honour to be your faithful servant”. B. Disraeli. My gt grandfather replies – “I beg to say that I hope nothing will prevent me being at the opening of the session”. This letter is not easy to transcribe as Benjamin Disraeli’s seal is missing – presumably someone fancied this as a keepsake so there is a hole, the size of a large coin, running through all four pages of the letter, which does not make transcribing easy!

The final link from the talk at Kimbolton Castle and my family; a recently restored document, found amongst the Manchester Papers came from Essex. The archivists had wondered what it was doing amongst the Manchester Papers from Huntingdon and Cambridgeshire. Once transcribed though, the ancient document was discovered to be concerning lands owned in the area by Mary Boleyn (Anne Boleyn’s sister) and Richard Rich. These people are both in my family tree and indeed are named in documents which were taken away from our ancestral home to be chronicled by Charles Henderson.

Small world eh? Coincidences abound and sometimes my cup overflows!

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 Enfold, surround (7) 5 Begin (5) 8 Long-necked wading bird (5) 9 Underground stem (7) 10 Respire (7) 11 Made an effort (5) 12 Spasmodic muscle contraction (6) 14 Whips (6) 18 High-IQ organisation (5) 20 Expose (7) 22 Go over again (7) 23 Be (5) 24 Row of shrubs (5) 25 Beg, entreat (7) Down 1 Put on display (7) 2 Stanza (5) 3 Madman (7) 4 Separated (6) 5 Rapid (5) 6 Do away with (7) 7 Trample (5) 13 Lit (7) CHRISTMAS WORDSEARCH 15 Bowmen (7) Can you find the hidden words? They may be 16 Withdraw from a contest (7) horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards, or backwards. 17 Excellent (6) 18 Area of swampy ground (5) 19 Astound (5) 21 Put into words (5)

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Monthly Heating Oil Price Update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice Price update In the last month heating oil prices have fallen. In fact, they reached an all-year low and are still near that level.

Don’t order too close to Christmas – get your order in early!

December’s high-demand heating oil season is almost here, bringing potentially tighter supply, longer delivery times and higher prices. This trend is common as everyone looks to get their preChristmas oil order in before the social festive period. With heating oil deliveries up to 10 working days, you’ll want to add a buffer, and with prices at a near 16-month low, it’s a great time to get an online quote and order oil for delivery sooner rather than later.

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Beat the winter rush: December is peak ordering time, which can lead to longer delivery times. Avoid the seasonal rush and ensure your heating oil arrives in time for Christmas.

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner

December is a quiet month in the garden, but there are still things to do, and plenty of plants that provide flowers, colour and scent. Although if we do get snow then you can sit inside and plan for next year.

If you have any bare ground either in the veg garden or in a border, and it's not frozen, it can be dug over or just forked, whatever is required to tidy it up, and add some organic matter (like leaf compost or manure). Clear away plants and debris that might cause others to rot, or hide slugs and snails. Rake up leaves and put them either in a compost bin, or a black bag with a few holes for air and this time next year it will be great compost.

Try not to walk on lawns, there will be lots of worm casts around which do make a mess, and if it's frozen constant walking will kill the grass. If we do have snow and it’s lying on evergreen branches it might be a good idea to knock it off so that the weight doesn’t case any branches to break.

Trees and shrubs can still be moved if the soil is workable. Pruning can be done to tidy up hedges and shrubs. There should still be vegetables to harvest: parsnips, cabbages and Brussels sprouts are just a few, if you have a greenhouse then troughs of carrots can still be on the go, and sow a new batch for early carrots next year. Broad beans can also be sown now to have an early crop. Fruit trees and bushes can also be planted. Keep a check on any plants stored in the greenhouse or any other frost free place, don't water too much as this can cause mould to appear, and make sure pots are going to be ok if we have lots of frosts.

Some plants to enjoy over the winter are Sarcococca, Hellebores, Hollies and Viburnum x bodnantense, and there are a number of winter flowering clematis.

If you have made winter pots and baskets keep them dead headed and check for any rotting. Evergreen foliage and flowers can be cut to make displays for Christmas too.

Lee Munday 22

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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!

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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

HILL HEATING Oil & Gas & LPG Boiler Servicing Installation & Repair System Upgrades Power Flushing Landlords Certificates OFTEC & GAS SAFE REGISTERED Bathroom Design & Installation 11, Windmill Close Ellington Cambs PE28 0AJ Phone 01480890929 07702048115 07517599203 www.hillheating.co.uk

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

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29

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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PROPERTY SALES AND LETTINGS 01480 597799 hannah.carr@exp.uk.com hannahcarr.exp.uk.com @hannahcarrestateagency

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31

A Change of Plan Christmas was just three weeks away, and Betty had really annoyed her daughter by turning down her offer to spend Christmas with her.

Betty had done her best to explain how she was feeling. Betty’s husband had passed away in March, and she wanted to spend Christmas quietly on her own. Betty was still finding it very difficult to be without George, and she just wanted to spend Christmas in her own home, surrounded by her memories, without feeling the need to be cheerful and upbeat for someone else.

‘But you can’t spend Christmas all on your own!’, her daughter had protested. ‘Yes, I can’. Betty had argued. ‘It’s what I want to do – really. I would love to come and spend some time with you after Christmas, though.’ In the end, her daughter had given in to Betty, even though she still felt quite hurt, and worried about her mum.

Betty sat gazing out at her garden, thinking over what she had done, and feeling glad she had not allowed herself to be coerced by her daughter. The house was quiet, and suddenly Betty heard a small ‘clink’ in the kitchen. She went to look what had caused it. There was nothing obvious, so Betty decided to make herself a coffee. Moving to the kettle, she stopped in her tracks. Her ‘special’ mug, which had been given to her by George a few months before he died, was sitting beside the kettle. ‘Did I get that out of the cupboard?’ she said out loud. ‘I really don’t remember doing so.’ Betty made her coffee and clutched the mug to her heart.

The next day, she was meeting an old friend for a pre – Christmas afternoon tea. She was looking forward to it very much, and made an effort to look nice, even adding a pair of ear-rings which George had bought her for their last wedding anniversary. When she got back home, Betty decided to change into her pyjamas for a nice chill out evening. She was devastated when she came to take off her ear-rings, and found that one was missing. Despite a thorough search of the house, and the area just outside her house, she couldn’t find it. Knowing it could be anywhere, she consoled herself by watching a film, but she felt very sad and wished she hadn’t worn them.

She made sure she was very tired when she went to bed, knowing that otherwise she would lie awake fretting. Pulling back her quilt, she stepped back in amazement. There, on her pillow, lay her missing ear-ring!

When Betty got up the next morning, she was still turning over in her mind how on earth the ear-ring could have got onto her pillow. She went into the lounge to turn on the Christmas tree lights. Betty still felt the magic of twinkling lights on a dark, gloomy morning. She stood for a moment, admiring the tree. A bauble at the top of the tree suddenly caught her eye. Last Christmas Betty and George had bought baubles with their names on. There was hers, but George’s, which she had hung beside it, had gone. Thinking it had slipped off its branch, she looked through the whole tree, but there was no sign of it. Starting to feel very confused, Betty made her way into the kitchen to make breakfast. This time, it was almost not a surprise that George’s bauble was sitting beside the kettle.

‘So,’ Betty said aloud. ‘It would seem I have a change of plan. Looks like I won’t be spending Christmas all on my own after all!’

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

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BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT Your financial future is our priority.

Feeling Older? Look after your Health and Wealth.

By Tony Larkins Recently, I’ve found I’m not able to do as much as I once did, and those aches and pains seem to linger a bit longer. In my mind, I feel about 25 years younger—or at least I think I do. The reality check comes when I attempt something I believe should be easy, only to find I simply can’t manage it. I’m not quite sure when age decided to catch up with me, but it has - and with a vengeance.

Luckily, owning my business has allowed me to shift to a three-day week, which helps. Plus, after 45 years of planning my own finances, I’m in decent shape financially. Now, it’s time to adjust my lifestyle to fit this new, older me, though perhaps with a bit of effort to stay fitter.

So, has age started to sneak up on you too?

If it has, how has it changed your outlook? Are your finances prepared for this chapter, or are you still in the process of getting things lined up? If age hasn’t caught up with you yet, enjoy it - but be ready, because it will come.

And when it does, having a plan will make all the difference.

Give me a call and let’s share stories and plans for the future. I’ll provide the tea and biscuits.

This brings me to another shift: Labour’s Autumn Budget. It’s likely made many of us rethink our future plans - it certainly has for me. Pensions have changed for many, and not in the best way, while changes to Capital Gains Tax mean fund growth is even more crucial.

Depending on your age and health, you may suddenly find yourself needing a plan you didn’t think necessary before.

We can only hope that Rachel Reeves and her team’s budget choices boost the economy enough to reverse some of these tax changes.

But if not, it’s wise to be prepared. Inheritance Tax, once affecting around 6% of the population, is set to impact many more people, including farmers who were previously exempt. It’s time to reassess your financial strategies and make the necessary adjustments for you and your family.

And if you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t feel old just yet, congratulations! But keep an eye out—age has a way of sneaking up on you unannounced.

To speak with our local experts, please call us on 01480 869466 for a free initial, no obligation chat. For more information and useful content, visit www.beaconwm.co.uk.

Future fees may apply.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Number 526604)

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33

How to Choose the Perfect Wine Gift Wine makes a thoughtful Christmas gift, offering both warmth and a touch of celebration. Here’s a quick guide from local, Thrapston based wine merchant Handpicked Wine Box to help you select the perfect wine gift for everyone on your list.

1. Match Their Tastes Think about your recipient’s usual preferences. For fans of crisp, refreshing flavours, a Sauvignon Blanc or dry sparkling wine is ideal. Those who enjoy bold, rich notes might appreciate a Malbec or Shiraz.

2. Celebrate the Occasion Consider the occasion they’ll enjoy the wine for. A bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine is ideal for New Year’s celebrations, while a cosy red like Merlot or Malbec is perfect for winter evenings by the fire. A light, easy-drinking white could be just the thing for Christmas gatherings. Matching the wine to a festive moment makes the gift feel more thoughtful and relevant to the season.

Starting from just £9.99 Handpicked Wine Box have a range of sparkling wines to suit every budget and occasion. From crowd pleasing Prosecco and refined Cava to premium cuvee Champagne and trend setting Crémant.

www.handpickedwinebox.com Nationwide Delivery | Click and Collect from Thrapston

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How to Choose the Perfect Wine Gift 3. Choose Something Unique Independent wine merchants, like Handpicked Wine Box, often stock distinctive wines from small vineyards, adding an extra story to your gift. A bottle they’re unlikely to find in supermarkets feels that much more special.

At Handpicked Wine Box we seek out the top artisanal, family producers from across the world. We love sharing the romantic stories of their vineyards and their characterful wines with you.

4. Add a Personal Touch Presentation matters. Choose a gift box or include a handwritten note to show thoughtfulness. At Handpicked Wine Box, we offer gift wrapping and personal messages on handwritten cards to make each gift feel unique.

Thoughtfully chosen, wine can be the perfect gift this Christmas.

Browse our range of Handpicked Christmas Wine Gifts at www.handpickedwinebox.com If you’re looking for more gift inspiration or advice please get in touch with Becky on 01832 274839, email hello@handpickedwinebox.com or using the live chat on our website www.handpickedwinebox.com.

www.handpickedwinebox.com Nationwide Delivery | Click and Collect from Thrapston

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35

The Christmas Special If there’s one thing which truly embodies the spirit of Christmas, uniting families, friends and strangers, it’s watching telly. But have you noticed a certain familiarity in the schedules from year to year? This Christmas, see how many of the following you can spot on TV. Whoever ticks off the most wins first go at the Quality Street (and aren’t the tubs small these days etc etc etc).

And don’t start calling me Scrooge. I love Christmas, but won't tolerate lazy television.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Christmas editions of sitcoms stretched to twice their normal length, with half the normal number of jokes.

One token religious programme broadcast at lunchtime when nobody’s watching telly.

Soap operas spreading their Yuletide messages of joy by killing off popular characters. And if any Radio 4 snobs are feeling smug reading this, I refer you to The Archers doing exactly this in 2011, cementing its descent into a tiresome Eastenders wannabe.

An eye-watering number of repeats, leading you to believe that they’d repeat last year’s news if they thought they’d get away with it.

An awful, awful BBC remake of a Classic Serial.

Newsreaders you never see during the rest of the year.

Christmas editions of sitcoms filmed abroad for no reason whatsoever.

Repeats of Top of the Pops hastily edited down to seven minutes.

Christmas idents which appear to have had considerably more time and effort put into them than the surrounding programmes.

The Big Christmas Day Film. Which everyone’s already seen.

An otherwise normal episode of a drama which ends with one of the characters staring in wide-eyed wonderment at the sky, while sleighbells are heard.

A Mrs Brown’s Boys Chrstmas special. If you concentrate you can hear the commissioning editor giggling insanely and intoning “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds”.

Carols from King’s featuring at least one ghastly modern carol which nobody will ever like.

Christmas films featuring a recent divorcee, whose plucky children celebrate the season by fixing her up with a local hunk. These will have been showing on Channel 5 since midOctober.

Christmas editions of sitcoms containing enough maudlin sentimentality to rot your teeth.

Some unfortunate second-league show, such as Casualty, having their big Christmas episode broadcast on December 30th.

A Doctor Who special which will have fanboys in their fifties incandescent with rage, until their mums send them to bed.

An MR James Christmas ghost story which isn’t the least bit scary. But will have the same plot as every other story he wrote.

Christmas specials with location scenes obviously filmed in July.

Carols from King’s, where the human zoo of the choral scholars proves horribly captivating.

Looped repeats of Only Fools and Horses which enable you to pinpoint the exact moment it jumped the shark, and yet continued for another twenty years.

Panel shows containing at least one participant who nobody has ever heard of. Quite possibly including themselves.

Have a very Merry Christmas! I won’t mention New Year, as that’s always rubbish. https://eugenesmithwriting.com/ 36

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We accept govenment funding for eligible children

Little

Stars

NOURISH, INSPIRE, FLOURISH Wrap around care for our children aged 4 and above.

NURSERY SPACES AVAILABLE FROM THE AGE OF 2 YEARS We are committed to providing your child with the best possible education, preparing them for success in all areas of their lives.

01480 860324

OFFICE@GREATSTAUGHTON.CAMBS.SCH.UK Wrap around WWW.GREATSTAUGHTON.CAMBS.SCH.UK care for our

children aged 4 and above.

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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A Deep Down DRY Clean For your Carpets & Rugs Immediate use as soon as cleaned!

Substantial benefit to asthma sufferers!

No colour run and No shrinkage!

Upholstery Also Cleaned

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leather upholstery now Cleaned Call Bryan on: 01790 763040 Or: 07766 576381 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

39

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year From everyone at

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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41

Regency Funeral Directors Family-run business located in Kimbolton Available 24 hours Funeral packages and bespoke services Chapel of rest Jaguar fleet plus all other motorised options In-house horse-drawn services Pre-paid funeral options Headstones and other memorials

01480 759 408 regencyfuneraldirectors@outlook.com www.regencyfuneraldirectors.co.uk 36 Cromwell House, High Street, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0HA 42

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43

The Stranger in My House is the latest release from Judith Barrow. It is a gripping 'cuckoo in the nest' domestic thriller, exploring how coercive control can tear a family apart. Set in Yorkshire and Cardiff, from the 60s to the winter of discontent, The Stranger in My House dramatises both the cruelty and the love families hide behind closed doors.

This is my review: Charlie and Chloe are eight-year-old twins who are still reeling from the loss of their mum when their dad, Graham, brings home Lynne, and tells them she is going to be their new mummy. They will also have a new brother, Saul, age thirteen, and sister Evie, age fifteen. Charlie is immediately suspicious and reminds Chloe that Lynne was the nurse who made their mum cry.

Graham believes he is doing a good thing in saving Lynne and her family from the rough estate they came from, but it isn’t long before you wonder at the truth of their background or indeed anything that comes out of the manipulative Lynne’s mouth.

The ensuing breakdown of the family shows how powerless children are and I became angry on their behalf, and frustrated at the unfairness of it all. That it evokes such emotions shows how good the writing is.

Barrow knows family and relationships and that is evident throughout this page-turner, which will have you rooting for your favourite characters. There is lightness to balance the dark and of course always the hope that the truly evil will get their comeuppance.

Beautifully written and excellently paced, The Stranger in My House is yet another triumph from Barrow and without hesitation I recommend it to all who enjoy suspenseful storytelling from an author who knows her craft.

The Stranger in My House was published on the 14 November and is available wherever you buy your books.

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.

44

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Robinson — GARAGE — EST 1927 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

MOT - REPAIRS – SERVICING

KEEP YOUR CAR TESTED, SAFE & ROADWORTHY. 01480 860581 cars@robinsonkimbolton.co.uk robinsonkimbolton.co.uk Mon-Fri 0800-1700

MOT, Repairs, Servicing, Tyres, Exhausts, Brakes, Clutches, Computer Diagnosis, Air Conditioning and much more.

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45

PURPLE HORIZONS A community initiative making a difference

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

Our vision was to create something that is not only engaging and enjoyable but also enlightening, something to “broaden our horizons” and at the same time “make a difference”. Purple Horizons was set up to organise events that raise money for local charities and increase awareness of the important work these organisations do. Since our launch we are proud to have raise £44,000 for local charities including Papworth Trust, Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (specifically for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital) and Rise Africa UK. Each of our events offer something unique and cater to a wide audience. From art to politics to sport, literature, history to health and wellness, our events cover a diverse range of topics. We also host themed gatherings such charity balls, lunches (including our annual Christmas lunch) and sporting events, as well as hands-on creative workshops like our wreath-making for the festive season. Whether its wine-tasting or learning something new, we truly offer something for everyone.

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

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

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

Follow us on social media and find further details about previous and upcoming events! purplehorizons.co.uk

purplehorizons2019

Purple Horizons

purplehorizons2019@icloud.com

Graphic design by EmiliaFrostDesign

46

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SELF STORAGE Great Staughton

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

07753 638948 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

47

Budging the Market Along Paul Kinally of Peter Lane & Partners in Kimbolton explores how much impact the 2024 Budget will have on property buyers and sellers.

What did the hotly anticipated 2024 budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves do for those looking to buy or sell a property?

Apart from a few initiatives such as the post Second World War new homes building programme, Thatcher’s Right to Buy legislation, the 1988 cessation of mortgage interest relief at source (MIRAS) and the 2022 mini-Budget, governments don’t often seem to impact the UK property market in a direct way. Significant market fluctuations have usually been the result of referred influence from domestic economic performance and events such as a pandemic and global financial depression, leading to major market upheavals.

This latest budget appears to have done little to move the dial in property, and the jury will be out for a few years until we know if the new government will be able to make good on its promise of planning reforms and its new homes building programme.

So what has the 2024 budget done for us? Apart from what some might term as several mean and short-sighted measures affecting specific market sectors, the budget has removed much of the uncertainty of the past few months for many would-be movers who have been hanging on to see what might happen. The budget has given buyers and sellers room to plan with some predictability. As budgets go, it could have been much worse for the property market.

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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Get your Solar Panel and Battery Storage System from as little as...

£7,499

*

10 Solar Panel (435Wp) & 5.12kWh Duracell Energy Battery fully installed • GENERATE YOUR OWN GREEN ENERGY • GAIN FREEDOM FROM RISING ELECTRICITY COSTS • SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILLS • BE PAID FOR YOUR EXCESS ENERGY • INSTALL FROM AN AWARD WINNING COMPANY

Call for a free quote +44 (0)1480 470 064

office@lcsenergy.co.uk

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Just for Kids

50

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51

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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Playtimes Bystander.indd 1

17/05/2024 12:00

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No hard sales tactics and insurance backed guarantees on all products!

To book a free consultation in the comfort of your own home or at our Roxton showsite, contact Alex Watts today!

01480 219 004 Roxton Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Roxton, MK44 3DY www.gaphomeimprovements.co.uk

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53

The Novel in the Nativity I’ll always remember the excitement of waking up on Christmas Day when I was young, sneakily opening stocking presents at 5am and eagerly tucking into whichever book of the Lucy Daniels Animal Ark series had awaited me. Kittens in the Kitchen, Mouse in the Mistletoe, Whale in the Waves, you get the idea. The joy of reading at Christmas time (or, ahem, any time of year) has never left, which is why an Icelandic Christmas tradition, Jólabókaflóð, appeals so much.

The European island nation once boasted the record for most books published per capita in the world (apparently this is now the UK - awkward). Especially impressive when you factor in their population of just over 300,000. Icelanders give, receive and read new books every December on Christmas Eve. The thought of curling up in front of a cosy fire with a new book and a glass of something festive on Christmas Eve truly does make me feel warm inside. As long as I’ve done all my wrapping.

This December tradition had me wondering about those of other countries around the globe.

The UK of course has the erratic Christmas cracker and pantomimes (oh no, it doesn’t!). But would any others intrigue me as much as Iceland’s? Pick up your spoons and dig into some of these.

Sweden and Donald Duck’s Christmas Day 3pm broadcast (arguably the best and only Donald that should be celebrated – grumble, America, grumble). This tradition began in the 1960s, when TVs weren’t as common as they are today, thus only two channels were available, one of which aired Disney cartoons at Christmas. Well, what could be more festive than Donald Duck and friends wishing us all a merry Christmas?

Ukraine and spiders’ webs. The legend is that one year, a widow was too poor to decorate the Christmas tree and one night, the house spiders decided to weave silvery webs all over it for the children to be greeted with the beautiful sight of the twinkling cobwebs on Christmas morning.

Ukrainians still honour this tradition today. Spookily reminiscent of Halloween, or a quaint tradition steeped in good nature? Literally. I’d go with the latter.

Finland and saunas. I do not enjoy the cold, so this one I am all for. Many Finnish homes are equipped with a sauna and as many as 75% of Finns take part in the tradition where families share a sauna on Christmas Eve. It’s thought to be dedicated to the spirits of those long since passed, as a way of continuing to involve them in present celebrations. Comforting in more ways than one perhaps, although I’m not sure how these spirits would feel about the fact their families strip naked for said saunas in order to pay tribute to them.

From relaxation to workout central… Should you happen to be in the Venezuela capital of Caracas on Christmas Day morning, prepare to witness swathes of the population roller-skating their way to Mass. Such a tradition is this wholesome activity that roads now close to traffic in the city from 8am to allow for the two-wheeled pilgrimage en masse. You’d just hope the communion wine consuming part doesn’t turn into a lock-in or the journey back might be tricky.

There is a plethora of other delightful Christmas traditions around the world that may tickle your fancy, such as the debated German or Spanish pickle on the tree, or the star-shaped parol lanterns made from bamboo and rice paper in the Philippines. Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a peaceful new year, whatever traditions you enjoy. As for me, I’d like this year to be Sally in the Sauna with a Science Fiction Novel. Best get building…

Sally Gower 54

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Keep is cool th r summe

oom Single r m ro aircon f £995

st Cheape form of g!

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AIRCON TOM

07402 745802 TB Aircon Heating & Cooling

Fully qualified Installers • F-Gas Registered • Free Quotations Fully qualified Electrician enabling every aspect of the job is completed by our company

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Bystander Community HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP

Tuesday 3rd December Christmas Social 7:30pm Hail Weston Village Hall Quiz plus cheese ploughman's along with Tea/Coffee and Wine Members £1.00 /£3:00 non members children welcome further information contact: tel_maggs2@225771mgl.co.uk RUSHDEN TOWN BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL DECEMBER 1st 5.00pm Tickets £8.00 - Janet 01234 376577 Email:bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk

START YOUR CHRISTMAS OFF WITH POPULAR SONGS & CAROLS

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North Beds Ramblers walk every Saturday

North Beds Ramblers: Please note change of start time for afternoon walks – Winter start 13:00 Come and join us for a walk. We walk every Saturday afternoon approx. 6 miles and Saturdays twice a month in morning for approx. 12 miles December Walks 7th pm Woburn, 6.6 miles 14th pm Mince Pie Walk, Blunham, 4.5 miles 21st am Wilstead, 5.5 miles or pm Wilstead, 6 miles or both 11.5 miles 28th pm Riseley, 6.3 miles Contact; Margaret Sawyer 07780933729 Facebook; North Beds Ramblers https://www.ramblers.org.uk/north-bedfordshire

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL BIG BREAKFAST DECEMBER 21st JANUARY 18th 9am - 11am Full English - £7.50 Small English - £4.50 Tea & coffee included No need to Book JUST TURN UP

🎁🎁 Kimbolton & Stonely Parish Council 🎁🎁

Christmas Market & Lights Switch On

Sunday 1st December 12 - 4pm Kimbolton High Street Come along and buy some fantastic Christmas gifts and sample delicious food. There will be a wide range of stalls including chocolates, jams, pickles, jewellery, wooden gifts, table burners, vegan cupcakes, burgers, bacon butties, face & body products and much, much more.

Meet Father Christmas and watch the Christmas lights switch on.

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St Andrew’s Renovation Project

SECRETS OF THE CHURCH THE PEOPLE WHO MADE STAUGHTON GREAT A journey across eight centuries of England’s history as we explore the architecture of the historic church of St Andrew and tell the stories behind the monuments, memorials, brasses and tablets of this wonderful building.

The tour will be guided by Anthony Withers, author of

Great Staughton and its People Venue: St Andrew’s church Great Staughton PE19 5BB Dates for 2025: January 11, February 15 and March 15 all at 11.00am The price of the tour is £6 which includes refreshments Book and pay on line here indicating the date(s) you prefer. or scan the QR code

Or just Email Anthony Withers at aw.staughton@gmail.com with your preferred date and pay at the door.

Visit our web page to find out more www.swhw.co.uk

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What’s on in Kimbolton in December Sunday 1st

10.30 - 3pm Kimbolton Castle Christmas Fair 12 - 4pm Kimbolton Parish Council Christmas Market & Lights Switch On 3pm Onwards. Kim Jam. New Sun Inn

Monday 2nd

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

2.30pm WI. Mandeville Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 3rd

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

Wednesday 4th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 5th

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 6th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Monday 9th

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

Tuesday 10th

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

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

Wednesday 11th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 12th

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 13th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

7pm Kimbolton & Stonely Parish Council Meeting. Youth & Community Hall 7.30pm Paint & Sip. New Sun Inn. Tickets £10 to include a glass of Prosecco

Saturday 14th Monday 16th

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

Tuesday 17th

7.30pm Gingerbread House Making Competition. New Sun Inn. Tickets £5 to include a glass of Prosecco

Wednesday 18th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 19th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

Friday 20th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

7pm Christmas Cinema Night. Film: Wonka. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 21st Monday 23rd

8pm Christmas Quiz Night. New Sun Inn

6-8pm Winter Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines 7pm Kim Jam Christmas Special. New Sun Inn 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 24th Wednesday 25th

CHRISTMAS DAY

Thursday 26th

BOXING DAY

Friday 27th Saturday 28th

6-8pm Winter Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Sunday 29th Monday 30th Tuesday 31st

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

NEW YEAR’S EVE

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

Morning & Evening Prayer are held on Zoom at 8.30am & 5.30pm respectively on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Join us at St. Andrew’s 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

Sun 1st: 10.30am Benefice Service with Advent Carols Sun 15th: 9.00am Parish Communion Tue 24th: 4.00pm Christmas Nativity service with carols & puppets

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 1st:

Wed 4th: 10.00am Morning Prayer

8.00am BCP Holy Communion

Sun 8th: 10.30am Parish Communion

Sun 8th:

Sun 15th: 10.30am Parish Communion

Sun 15th: 3.00pm Christmas Creative Communion

Sun 22nd: 10.30am Parish Communion 6.00pm Benefice Carol Service

9.00am Parish Communion

Tues 24th: 5.00pm Christingle

Tue 24th: 3.00pm Christingle 11.30pm Midnight Mass Wed 25th: 10.30am All Age Communion Sun 26th: 10.30am Benefice Communion

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Th e Bo atshe d Po t t e r y

B

roug h t to g eth e r through thei r lov e o f a ll th in gs cerami cs, Z oe a n d E llie a r e based in the h ea r t o f Kimbol ton, workin g bo th in divi dual l y and collabo r a tiv e ly o n pri vate commissio n s. Th ey al so offer a variety o f wo r ksh ops.

On di ffere n t d a t e s t h ro u gh o u t the year, t h e y o p e n t h e ir d o o rs to w el co m e y o u in t o t h e ir w orki ng p o t t e ry s t u d io . He re you w i l l b e a b le t o s h o p t h e ir new ran ge a n d ch a t t o Zo e and El l i e a b o u t a n y u p co m in g courses . Th is y e a r t h e y h a ve been w ork in g o n a co lle ct io n of w heel t h ro wn t a b le wa re a n d decorat ive wa re , in a va rie t y o f styl es a n d co lo u rs , p e rf e ct f o r your ho m e o r a s gif t s .

What w e of f er: • • • • •

Stud io / S h o p o p e n d a y s ; 5 we e k co u rs e s ; 2 ho u rs t a s t e r s e s s io n s : w hee l–t h ro win g a n d h a n d bui l d in g; Pri va t e co m m is s io n s ; Pri va t e p a rt ie s .

20 East S tree t, Kimbolt on, Cambr idgeshire PE28 0HJ @t heboatshedpo tt er y @koceramics @ellie_loveda y f acebook .com/t heboatshedpo tt er y studio@koceramics.co.uk

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The Boat s hed Po t t e r y O pen S t udi o / S h o p 01.12.24 & 14.12.24 10:00-16:00

2 0 E ast S t ree t , K i m bo l t o n, Cambr i dg e s h ire P E 2 8 0 H J @t heboat s h edpo t t er y @ ko c eram i c s @e llie _ love d a y s t udi o @ ko c eram i c s .c o .u k

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Puzzle Solutions

Christmas Quiz

1 What is the name of the snowman in the Disney movie Frozen?

2

True or false: There are three towns/cities in the United States named Santa Claus?

3

The lyrics, 'Holidays are coming, Holidays are coming' feature in Christmas adverts for which famous drinks company?

4

In which country is Father Christmas known as Weihnachtsmann?

5 What four letter word is an abbreviation of the

word 'Christmas'?

12 13

What is the name of the lead character in the movie Elf: A) Ronald the Reindeer B) Alfie the Elf C) Buddy the Elf How many points does a snowflake have?

In The Simpsons, who or what is called Santa’s Little Helper?

14 What is the name of the evergreen plant that it's

traditional to kiss under?

15

What might a naughty child find in their stocking on Christmas morning?

6

Where does Santa live?

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7

True or false: In Japan, millions of people eat KFC for their main Christmas meal?

What is the name of the 25 days leading up to Christmas?

17

What is lucky to find in your Christmas Pudding?

18

Who were the first people to visit the baby Jesus?

A) Shepherds B) Three Kings C) Three Queens

8 Santa Claus is also known as Saint who?

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True or false: As a family tradition in Sweden, millions of people settle down on Christmas Eve to watch Donald Duck?

Tradition has it that in order to bring good luck, people should do what on each of the twelve days of Christmas - A) Eat a mince pie B) Open a present C) Pull a cracker

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Which reindeer is said to be the most famous reindeer of all?

Which popular Christmas movie is about a young boy who takes a train ride to the North Pole?

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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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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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Canine Corner - Christmas Tips For Dog Owners Christmas is nearly upon us and with much of the festivities centred around the gathering of family and friends, the family dog is often included too. For some dogs this is great fun but others may find it a little overwhelming. It is important to consider the needs of your dog in the run up to Christmas. Here are a few tips to ensure the festive season goes smoothly…..

• • • •

• •

•

• • • • •

If you have a puppy or young dog, you will need to be extra vigilant. Christmas trees, decorations and fairy lights are potential chew hazards. Ensure your dog does not have unsupervised access to these.

It is lovely to wrap up a present for your dog and let him enjoy unwrapping it. Many dogs prefe the wrapping paper to the present itself!

Always ask if gifts contain edible items before putting them under your tree. Otherwise your dog may find out for you…..!

Many of our festive favourites can be dangerous to dogs. Christmas pudding and mince pies (both contain raisins), alcohol, chocolate and cooked turkey bones can all cause serious problems and you should take care to make sure your dog cannot access them. Snacks left out on tables are very tempting so make sure they are out of reach. Chocolate tree decorations are definitely not a good idea! If your dog does eat chocolate, raisins or cooked bones, phone your vet immediately for advice.

If you are having guests for Christmas, ensure your dog has a safe place to go if needed. This may be a covered crate in a corner of a quiet room, or ideally a separate room with a comfy bed and water. Make sure he is used to using his safe space on a regular basis.

If you know your dog doesn’t like visitors, plan ahead. Make sure he has had a good walk beforehand and then put him in his safe space before they arrive, preferably with a chew or a food filled kong. Instruct visitors (especially children) to leave him alone. Remember to take him out for regular toilet breaks through the day.

If your dog usually likes visitors, it is still very important to supervise interactions and monitor him to make sure he is still coping with the attention. Don’t rely on your dog to take himself to his safe space when he’s had enough, not all dogs will do this. It is your responsibility to watch him and remove him from the situation if you think he may be stressed, overtired or over-stimulated. Be aware that the noise of a busy family Christmas can mean that vital signals are missed. Owners often tell me that they are not sure if the dog growled or not before a bite incident as it was so noisy in the room. If in doubt, keep the dog out.

Make sure all guests know the rules, especially if they don’t have dogs themselves. Tell them not to feed the dog snacks (we don’t want aunty feeding Fido mince pies) and children must know not to climb on or pester the dog.

If guests bring their own dogs, don’t assume they will all get along. Make sure the dogs have met beforehand out on a walk, preferably a few times, and are happy in each other’s company.

If your dog does not like loud noises, put him in another room or in the garden before you pull Christmas crackers.

Enjoy the extra time you have with your dog and the take the opportunity for long walks whenever you can.

If you leave snacks out for Father Christmas, make sure your dog doesn’t get to them first!

Wishing you all a merry Christmas!

Laura Travis BSc (Hons) PG Dip CABC - Clinical Animal Behaviourist 70

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Opening Hours: Wednesday 12-6pm, Thursday 10:30-5pm, Friday 10.30-7pm, Saturday 10.30-5pm For more information pop-in and ask or email jeff@whitchurchwines.shop Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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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, 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

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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

Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk Buckworth Cricket Club Social Club Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 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 Kimbolton Senior Citizens lunch club Kimbolton Local History Society Kimbolton Parish Council Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club Little Staughton Parish Clerk Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton North Beds Ramblers

Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark

Save the Children Fund Stow Longa Village Community - social events

The Villages Gardening Club The Stables Christian Centre

Tilbrook Village Newsletter Tilbrook Amenites Committee

Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk Whist Drives, Ellington

WI Groups Kimbolton WI Ellington WI Gt Staughton WI Pertenhall WI Perry WI

Samantha Langley 07977 828153 http://buckworthcricketclub.co.uk/ 01480 444500 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 Mike Keeble 01480 860855 Bob Jewell 01480 861259 Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall Nora Butler 01480 861007 Lionel Thatcher 01480 861877 Mary Foster 01480 861594 David Henrick 01480 896556 Chris Davies 01234 376542 Mary Jordan 01234 376383 email lspcclerk1@gmail.com.

Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167 Margaret Sawyer northbedswalks@gmail.com, www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walk ing/ramblers-groups/north-bedfordshire-group Diane Robins, 07786 656088 clerk@pertenhallandswineshead-pc.gov.uk Nora Butler 01480 861007 Christine Hayes 01480 860519 Christine.Hayes@StowLonga.org.uk Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.com Sean Watkiss, 01234 376237 work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults. www.tilbrookvillage.life Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com Lionel Thatcher, 01480860055 Steve Sherratt , 01480 891418 Anne Beszant 01480 860672 Jan Sherratt 01480 891418 Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com Glennis Bird, Tel: 01933 314275, glennis.bird@hotmail.co.uk perrywigroup@gmail.com

Village Halls Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton, bookings Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886 Village Hall, Catworth, bookings www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk Village Hall, Ellington Anita Dowdall 01480 891821 Village Hall, Gt Staughton, bookings Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005 Village Hall, Hail Weston Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

Village Hall, Keysoe Janet Browning 01234 376577

bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk Village Hall, Keyston, bookings Chrissy Faulkner, 07714 080837 Village Hall, Little Staughton Kevin and Maria Foskett, 01234 376260 Village Hall, Melchbourne Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk

07941 245 639 Village Hall, Molesworth 07922 738818 Email:enquiries@molesworthvillagehall.co.uk www.molesworthvillagehall.co.uk

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Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings Paul Sheard paulsheard@aol.com 01480 861457 Village Hall, Tilbrook Erica Jago, 07903 987445, bookings.tilbrookvillage@gmail.com

www.tilbrookvillage.life Village Hall, Yelden 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 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 Mary Foster, 01480 861594 Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton Anthony Withers, 01480 861224.

Carpet Bowls, Spaldwick Andrew Vickers, 01480 891201 Carpet Bowls, Ellington Janet Stewart 01480 533482 janetstewart725@gmail.com 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) - 11th December 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) - 24th December 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

(R. H24) - Monday 23rd December Ellington : Mermaid Pub Grafham : Breach Road Perry : Chichester Way Hail Weston : Orchard Close Great Staughton : The Causeway Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) Kimbolton : Castle Gardens

9.30 to 10.00am 10.10am to 10.35am 10.45am to 11.40am 12.00pm to 12.20pm 1.30pm to 2.00pm 2.15pm to 3.45pm 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 Accountancy Land Family Business, 01480 445490, p.65

Financial Advisers & Financial Services Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33

Auctioneers/Valuers W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.37

Funeral Directors Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.29 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.42

Architects/Planning/Drawings PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.67 Art, Framing, Artists, Crafts, Ceramics, Gallery, Hobbies Engraved by Elle, www.engravedbyelle.co.uk, p.52 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.24 Jamie Poole, 07899 676769, p.25 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.28 The Boatshed Pottery, studio@koceramics.co.uk, p.65 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.11 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Donna the Tiler, 07712 431337, p.24 GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.53 Garolla Garage Doors, 01480 630081, p.25 R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.51 Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.69 Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.51 The Home Handyman, 01480 861898, p.27 Business Networking Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.38 Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading iEdit, 01480 860519 p.47 LR Marketing, 07539 756963, p.68 Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.10 Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.31 Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.39 Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.28 Domestic Services Andrew Blair, Carpet Cleaning, 07867 499792, p.27 Holistic H.Y.P, 07713 260411, p.37 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.39 Saints Chimney Sweeps, 01832 293809 p.67 Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.29 Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15 Little Stars Nursery, 01480 860324 p.37 One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.7 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077 p.52 Riseley Primary C of E School, 01234 708218, p.68

Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23 JD Tree Surgery, 07745 378268, p.24 Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.24 General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops Budgens, 01480 860582, p.40-41 Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20 Handpicked Wine Box, www.handpickedwinebox.com, p.3 Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.77 Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.71 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.9 Grafham Water Sailing Club, 01480 810478 Herriman Coaching, 07522 057036, p.8 J Aesthetics & Beauty, 07717 410261, p.9 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9 The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.10 Kitchens Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.27 Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment Carol John, 01234 708029, p.39 Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.77 Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.43 Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.21 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.29 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.47 Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.68 The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.13 The Pheasant Keyston, 01832 710303 p.5 The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.78-79

Electrical Services/Solar Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.55 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.49 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.19

Solicitors/Legal/Probate Services Hunt & Coombs Solicitors, 01480 702207, p.11

Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.31 Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.80 Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.11

Travel Fun with Santa, 01480 812598 p.67

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Storage Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.47

Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.45

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

XMAS TREES TOP END VILLAGE STORES ARRIVE FROM TOP END FARM Little Staughton, Beds 22nd NOVEMBER • • • • • • • • • • •

DAILY FARM FRESH VEG VEG BOXES FREE RANGE EGGS 25KG POTATOES CALOR GAS COALS, LOGS, KINDLING HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS NEWSPAPERS FARM REARED MEAT SEASONAL OFFERS POTTING COMPOST

Stock up on your coal & logs ready for winter

Tel 01234 376426 Email topendfarm@btconnect.com www.topendfarm.co.uk “The Biggest and Best Stocked Local Village Store in the Area”

TOP QUALITY FRESH FARM REARED MEAT BACON AND SAUSAGES ROASTING JOINTS FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ON LOGS COAL AND GAS

• • • • • • • •

OFF LICENSE CIGARETTES CUT FLOWERS PLANTS & SHRUBS POTTING COMPOST HORSE & ANIMAL FEED & BEDDING GARDEN FURNITURE WOODEN PALLETS

VEG BOXES IN STORE PLENTY OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEG DELIVERED IN STORE DAILY

TURKEYS AND GAMMON CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN CUBIC METRE HARDWOOD LOGS Calor Gas Coal

National Lottery Electric/Gas Top Ups

DELIVERIES AVAILABLE T&Cs APPLY CLICK AND COLLECT AVAILABLE Phone in advance, pay by card open 7 days a week call for details

Collect Plus Fed Ex DHL DPD

Royal mail 24hr and 48hr tracked HORSE & PET FOOD SUPERSTORE TOP END VILLAGE STORES Top End Farm, Lt Staughton, Beds Tel/Fax: 01234 376426 TOP QUALITY EQUESTRIAN & ANIMAL SUPERSTORE BULK BAGS OF WILD BIRD FEED HAY IN STOCK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK PHONE FOR DETAILS, ANY PRODUCT FAST FREE DELIVERY Check out prices on our new website

HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE BURLEY BED BEDDING STRAW AND MISCANTHUS ALL MAJOR BRAND HORSE FEED SHAVINGS AND BEDMAX SUPPLEMENTS HORSE CARROTS STABLE MATTING FIELD MATS POST AND RAIL ELECTRIC FENCING RODENT BAIT GRASS SEED AND FERTILISER

POULTRY FOOD DOG AND CAT FOOD SMALL ANIMAL FEED & BEDDING WILD BIRD FOOD SUNFLOWER HEARTS BLACK SUNFLOWERS ROBINS MIX PEANUTS LAYERS PELLETS AND SMALLHOLDER FEED DOG CHEWS AND TREATS SHEEP FOOD AND LAMBS MILK

FANTASTIC RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT GREAT PRICES “ANY PRODUCT ORDERED IN FOR YOU”

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

77

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

Book your perfect

CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE WHEATSHEAF

Buffets or three-course feasts, packed with Christmas favourites. Family, work, or friends, we've got you covered!

Book your Christmas party by 31st October and enjoy a FREE GLASS OF PROSECCO for each guest!

Book our fantastic

CHRISTMAS DAY MENU £75.00 per head – Children £25.00 Glass of Prosecco on arrival

Bookings available for sittings at 12pm and 3.30pm Scan the QR code to find out more!

The Wheatsheaf West Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0BX hello@wheatsheaf-perry.co.uk, 01480 810253

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Make That Move Guide Price £350,000 Kimbolton

D D D D L L L L O ATSAO GLANCE: O S SO S • Remodelled D and Extended Semi•

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Detached Home.

Excellent Location within Walking Distance of High Street and Amenities.

Around 955 Square Feet of Comfortable Accommodation.

Generous Main Living Area and Well-Appointed Kitchen.

Three Comfortable Bedrooms and Bathroom.

Garage Conversion Providing Excellent Family Room/Home Office/ Bedroom Four.

Attractive, Pleasantly Maturing GardenTel with01480 Southerly 860400 Aspect and Gated kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk Rear Access.

Off-Road Parking.

Solar Panel System.

Call Now to Arrange a Viewing or your Free

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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