December 25 Online Edition

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

ISSUE 236 December 2025

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER MERRY CHRISTMAS

INN FARM NURSERY DECORATE YOUR TREE 4700 COPIES FREE TO 34 VILLAGES AROUND KIMBOLTON

BAKER BROTHERS THE ALLURE OF BESPOKE PETER LANE AND PARTNERS TO MOVE, OR NOT TO MOVE BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT MAKING FINANCIAL PLANNING SECOND NATURE HAZEL WRIGHT SECRET SANTA AND MUCH MORE

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Letter from the Editor: Hello and welcome to our December edition!

This edition is brimming with seasonal ideas, inspiring stories, and creative ways to savour every moment of Christmas.

First up, Inn Farm Nursery kicks us off with fun and crafty Christmas decorations you can make with your little ones—think glitter, pinecones, painty fingers, and lots of giggles.

Thinking about a change of scenery? Peter Lane and Partners Estate Agents help you weigh up the big decision: is it time to move, or are you happy right where you are? Beacon Wealth Management is here with tips to make managing your finances feel like second nature, not a chore.

For those hoping to give an extra special gift this year, Baker Brothers Jewellers show us that bespoke doesn’t just mean new, sometimes the most meaningful pieces are those that give new life to cherished old jewellery, blending tradition with timeless style.

We’ve also got a festive treat from Hazel Wright, a short story about Secret Santa and his rather unexpected Christmas plans and finally, Eugene Smith tackles a crucial seasonal debate: what actually counts as a Christmas film?

Grab a drink, get cosy, and enjoy this festive issue.

Merry Christmas and happy reading!

Julie

www.bystandermagazines.com 4

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, Sally Gower, Ross Richardson, Marc den Hertog

December Contents Editor’s Letter P.4 Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.7-11 Anthony Withers - A Box Set ‘Binge-Watcher’ p.12 Inn Farm - Decorate your Tree p.14 Penny Young - I’m Going To Marry Him When I Grow Older! p.16-17 Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22 Hazel Wright - Secret Santa p.32 Beacon Wealth Management - Making Financial Planning Second Nature p.33 Eugene Smith - It's Christmas? p.36 Book Review - The Fabulous FitzHenrys p.44 Peter Lane and Partners - To Move, or Not to Move.

p.48 Sally Gower - Creative Christmases p.54 Bystander Community p.56-64 The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.58 Canine Corner - Christmas Tips for Dog Owners p.70 Carry on Teacher p.78 Cambridgshire Fire & Rescue p.80 I’m Your Political Doctor p.84-85 What’s On for Children? p.92 Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.92-93 Useful and Emergency Numbers p.93 Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.94-95 Mobile Library Times p.95 Business Listings p.96 Baker Brothers - The Allure of Bespoke p.98

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Local - Independent - Family Owned St Neots

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Kimbolton School Swimming Pool

Our newly refurbished 25-metre Swimming Pool offers a wide variety of Public Swimming sessions and Swimming Lessons throughout the year to Kimbolton School and the local community.

Wh a t We O f f e r Public Swimming – Fun, Lane & General Swimming Sessions Private Hires – Local Schools, Clubs, Ad Hoc & Pool Parties Swimming Lessons – Group & Private / 1-to-1 For All Ages Courses – NPLQ, Water Safety, Diving, Water Polo & More...

Open Monday to Sunday Follow us on Facebook for regular updates and the QR code below will take you to our latest pool timetable.

Kimbolton School Swimming Pool Call - 01480 862276 Email – Pool@kimboltonschool.com www.kimboltonschool.com

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A Box Set ‘Binge-Watcher’ This wasn’t a conscious decision on my part. The thought of devoting hours in front of the screen watching some allegedly acclaimed box set was a complete no-no.

Then I saw this challenging headline on some TV guide: ‘Is this the BBC’s greatest drama?’ A lot of possibilities flashed through my mind: Henry VIII and his 6 wives, I Claudius or more recent ones like Line of Duty or Wolf Hall. But for me it was none of these esteemed classics. The greatest BBC drama without any doubt is Our Friends in the North, first shown in 1996. The TV guide agreed with me. And I had the box set, unwatched since the original screening 30 years ago. Let’s give it a try.

I’d probably get fed up and abandon the enterprise after twenty minutes. Well, after 9 hours, spread over three days, I was still glued. It still had the same impact as all those years ago. It hadn’t aged. Indeed, in our polarised times, it’s still relevant.

The story covers the years 1964 to 1995 which are probably the formative years of most of the readers of this journal. The plot revolves around four young people in Newcastle who are just entering adult life in 1964 and it follows their stories until they enter middle age in 1995. OFITN starred four actors who went on to do great things: Christopher Eccleston, Gina McKee, Mark Strong and last but not least Daniel Craig. Eccleston plays the idealistic firebrand socialist Nicky Hutchinson fighting the corrupt regime of crooked architect John Edwards (in real life John Poulson), and his powerful accomplice, local bigwig Austin Donohue (aka T Dan Smith).. Mark Strong is Terry (Tosker) Cox a wannabee rock’n’roller who ends up as a buccaneering slum landlord in the Thatcher era. Mary (Gina McKee) escapes a terrible marriage with Tosker to become a pillar of society. Geordie (Daniel Craig), son of a brutal alcoholic father, drifts to the seedy London strip club scene and is involved with the squalid corruption of the Met vice squad. They all manage to navigate their way through the various triumphs and disasters of those very different political eras: all that is except for Craig’s character Geordie who, in the final touching scene, after drugs, violence and prison, walks off into the distance to an uncertain future. The story covers all the major events of the period and the interaction of the characters to these events: the Wilson premiership, the 3-day week, the miner’s strike, the stock market crash and the great storm of 1987. A stunning unputdownable drama, the best of the BBC. After this binge-watching triumph what other delights could be lying hidden and ignored in my DVD cabinet? A bit of comedy might not come amiss and very tempting option is the entire Seinfeld series originally aired on US TV from 1989 to 1998, eight volumes, nine series, it’ll keep me going till Christmas.

Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com 12

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Christmas is fast approaching, so embrace the magic of Christmas and enjoy some fun activities and experiences with your children.

Not only are you all going to have lots of fun, these activities will also promote many aspects of their development.

Here are some fun ideas for Christmas decorations to make with your children this Christmas season: •

Make pine cones decorations. Collect some pine cones and glue coloured pom poms, or tissue paper in the spaces, then sprinkle with glitter.

•

Make salt dough handprints to hang on the Christmas tree, by making the salt dough, getting your child to roll it out and press their hand into the dough to make an imprint. These can then be dried, painted and hung on your tree year after year, which will be a lovely keepsake.

•

Make a Christmas gnome. Cut out two triangles from card and cover each one with Christmas paper. Cut some strands of white, cream, or grey wool and glue them on the bottom of one of the triangles. Glue the second triangle to the back of the first, to enclose the beard. Glue a coloured pom-pom to one side, for the nose. You could make lots of gnomes and hang them on a string to decorate your room, or an individual gnome to hang on your tree.

•

Make Christmas star decorations to hang up by cutting a star shape out of an old cereal box, winding coloured wool, or ribbon around the star from one side to the other and securing with sticky tape. Add glitter to make it sparkle!

Most of all, enjoy this special time together, making lots of special memories � Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all, from everyone at Inn Farm.

Joanne Cox, Manager, Inn Farm Private Day Nursery & Preschool, OFSTED graded OUTSTANDING JUNE 2023 If you have any areas relating to childcare that you would like us to discuss, please email manager@innfarmdaynursery.co.uk or call 07961 291058

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I’m Going To Marry Him When I Grow Older!

Penny Young Who was the young lady making this prediction? None other than the young Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, in later life Queen Elizabeth, the late Queen’s mother; and who was the man she hoped to marry?

My late mother had always been told that her paternal grandfather was a professional cricketer, and she longed to find proof, I am sure to impress my cricket mad father! Despite asking a neighbour with a computer to help with the research (this was back in the day), nothing turned up. They were perhaps looking in the wrong place. Mum’s mother and father had met when they were both on board an ocean liner, her mother emigrating to Australia and her father an able seaman with the royal navy, stopping off on route to China. They eventually got together, married and lived unhappily ever after; mum and her brother were the happy result of this disastrous union.

Whilst mum’s father, Eric, was born in Edinburgh, the eldest son and second child of four, with an older sister and two younger brothers, his father had been born in Nottinghamshire, the son of a silk weaver. Mum and the neighbour had focused their research on Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and when no one with the name, “Plowright”, turned up in the Club’s archives, mum reluctantly accepted that it must have been a family myth and gave up the search.

After we had lost mum, I decided to see if there was any truth in the rumour and try to find a professional cricketer hanging on a branch of our family tree. My go to research tool is always the British Newspaper Archive. Simply by putting the name, “James Plowright”, into the search engine, to my amazement it threw up literally hundreds of ‘hits’ – predominantly from Scottish newspapers and almost all, cricket reports and score cards from the 1890’s through to 1924, when James died very prematurely, aged 51, I surmise from his death certificate, stomach cancer.

I was able to piece together James’ life, from working hard at school in Nottinghamshire, passing his exams and his determination not to become a silk weaver or frame-work knitter or even worse, work down the mines, the occupations of the area at the time. James became an engineer and leaving behind his sweetheart, Amy, and all he had ever known, went first to Newcastle to work in the engineering industry. But cricket was James’ first passion and very soon his name appeared in cricket reports in the local papers and quickly news of his prowess had reached over the border with Scotland and James was offered the position of Club Professional and groundsman at Edinburgh Academicals and with it a grace and favour cottage, in the loveliest part of Edinburgh.

In 1898 James went back to Nottingham and married his fiancée, Amy, and she then joined her husband in the cottage in the grounds of the cricket and rugby club in Edinburgh. This cottage ended up staying in the family for over three-quarters of a century, and although James died there in 1924, so greatly did the Club revere him, that his widow and children, (the two younger boys were only 9 and 17 on their father’s death) remained in the cottage until they had all deceased – Amy dying there in 1942, Winifred the only daughter, who never married, in 1967 and Sidney, the also unmarried second son in 1971.

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Over the years I had tried, unsuccessfully, to find a photo of James Plowright, and turned to my daughter, who could be relied upon to give ‘Bellingcat’ a run for their money! She found a very grainy picture of James, as an umpire, in a team photograph from 1921, where he was umpiring for Scotland against Australia. I felt sure there must be a better picture out there somewhere and knew just the man to ask, my brother-in-law, Richard Young, author of the book, ‘As the Willow Vanishes’, the subject matter - early cricket (and football) in Scotland.

Richard had indeed heard of my great grandfather, James Plowright, and told me something I wish my mother had still been alive to hear, that he had also been groundsman and professional cricketer for the Earl of Strathmore, father to the Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, at Glamis Castle and that James Plowright had taught the young Lady Elizabeth to play cricket!

Time passed and this summer I was randomly contacted through ‘Ancestry’, by a man from Scotland, asking if I knew where my great-grandfather, James Plowright, was buried (I don’t) and that he knew that his wife, Amy, was buried in Comely Bank Cemetery, but was James there also? He also told me that he ran the Heriot’s Cricket Club archive in Edinburgh and that Sidney Plowright was a famous player for the Club and would I like to see a photo of him? Well of course – yes please!

Fast forward to recently and a missed call from my brother-in-law, Richard. We do not talk regularly and I thought it might have been a ‘pocket call’ from him. But no – he had been trying to get hold of me. The previous day he had been at Clydesdale Cricket Club, a grand cricket club in Glasgow, which I had visited with my husband way back in the mid-1970’s. James Plowright had also, at one time, played cricket at Clydesdale and what Richard told me next quite blew me away.

Richard had met with a couple of ladies who were prepping and doing research into hopefully writing a book on the Early History of Women’s Cricket in Scotland. Who then better to speak to, but a man who had already written a book on the early men’s game in Scotland. Richard was able to give them numerous newspaper cuttings for the emergence of women’s cricket from as early as the 1880’s. These included a later photograph of his father (my father-in-law) sitting in the front row of a ladies cricket team from 1975 and more incredibly another newspaper clipping from 1937, entitled ‘The Queen and The Footman’.

‘A fast bowler of the Glamis eleven was playing havoc with the wickets of the visiting team, and as each one fell, a little girl of five clapped her hands and jumped around with partisan glee.

One of the waiting batsmen asked her who the bowler was.

“That’s James”, said the little girl gravely. “I’m going to marry him when I grow older”.’

James wasn’t a footman – in fact he was the cricket professional – but the little girl in 1937 was Queen Elizabeth, then married to George V1 and James was my great grandfather!

I had written an earlier story on my cricketing forbear, entitled - ‘A brush with Royalty’ and Richard also passed this on to the ladies, along with my contact details. He said you can be sure they will contact you and do not be surprised if they do a ‘deep dive’ and find out more about James Plowright.

I really cannot wait!

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Please support our small community shop, run by volunteers and paid staff.

We are just off Brampton Road about a 1�� mile from �ra�am Water Marlow car park (cycle centre), and next door to our community pub The �ra�am Trout.

We offer all the essen�als, some unique local produce* as well as local knowledge and a friendly welcome from the team. 

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Bacon, sausages and pies

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Cakes, biscuits and fudge

Hay artesan chocolates including “Reservoir Dogs!”*

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Snacks and ice cream

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Fresh fruit and veg

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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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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner Many people think that 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.

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 (this time next year it will be great compost). Do not tidy up plants that may be providing hiding spots for insects.

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

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

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457 17/05/2024 12:00 1 26 Playtimes Bystander.indd

Robinson — GARAGE — EST 1927

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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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Modern Restaurant Seasonal Menu Alfresco Dining Beer Garden Eclectic Wine List Set Sunday Lunch Menu Quiz Nights Private Life Events Crafted Cocktails Attentive Service Open Fires & Cosy Corners

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Secret Santa Matthew had never really been a fan of Christmas, but he had been even less so in the last four years when he had been living on his own. His two daughters were great. They took it in turns to have him to stay and it was always lovely. However, Matthew was beginning to feel that he was a nuisance, that he was interrupting their special time as a family. Besides which, this year, he really felt the urge to do something completely different. As November dawned, and after managing to reassure his daughters that he would be absolutely fine on his own, Matthew started to plan his alternative Christmas.

Matthew lived in a small close with a mixture of bungalows and houses. Most of the bungalows were inhabited by elderly people living on their own, and most of the houses had couples with young families, struggling to make ends meet at this expensive time of year.

The week leading up to Christmas was a busy one for Matthew. A large box was delivered to his house. He drove to the supermarket, and came out with a trolley laden with food and empty cardboard boxes. He drove to his local toy shop and came out with all sorts of different toys. On Christmas eve, his lounge floor was awash with wrapping paper, boxes and bows. At 11.00pm, Matthew sat quietly, enjoying a hot chocolate and mince pie. Then, opening the large box that had been delivered, he pulled out a Santa outfit, and put it on.

Suitably disguised, he walked round the close, leaving a gift on each doorstep – a small hamper for the elderly, a toy for each child. Once all the deliveries had been made, he put a flask and a food hamper into the boot of his car, and drove through the night to Hunstanton. When dawn broke on Christmas day, he was sitting on the beach, still dressed in his Santa outfit, enjoying a coffee from his flask, and some lovely festive food from his hamper. Matthew thought he had never felt more alive. As the morning progressed, a few more people appeared, and were quite surprised to see Santa walking on the beach. ‘Just taking a break after a heavy night’, Matthew joked to them.

At lunchtime, a single vendor had opened selling fish and chips. Matthew bought a portion and sat in weak winter sunshine, still dressed as Santa, enjoying his alternative Christmas dinner.

As he walked back to his car, he met a couple of families out for a walk after their dinner, and surprised the children with a small chocolate Santa each. He arrived home under cover of darkness.

The next day – Boxing Day – the close where Matthew lived was buzzing. People tended to keep themselves to themselves, but that day it felt like the whole close was out in the street, talking about the parcels left on their doorstep, and who on earth could have left them. ‘What do you think, Matthew?’, one of the neighbours asked. ‘I reckon it has to have been Secret Santa,’ Matthew replied.

As he walked back to his house, Matthew smiled, feeling so happy and contented. This Secret Santa had just enjoyed the best Christmas ever.

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

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BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT Your financial future is our priority

Making financial planning second nature

by Tony Larkins Life is full of uncertainties. As Donald Rumsfeld once said, “We don’t know what we don’t know.”

When we first learn to walk, drive – “mirror, signal, manoeuvre” – or even breathe steadily during exercise, these actions eventually become second nature. Financial planning, however, doesn’t just fall into place. It takes conscious decisions, expert guidance, and careful preparation.

From buying your first home, to raising a family, through to retirement and later life, our financial priorities constantly evolve. With the right advice, you can move through each stage with confidence, planting the seeds for a retirement that is not only comfortable but also fulfilling.

Having advised families in our community for more than 30 years, I’ve seen how forward thinking can transform lives. Some of my earliest clients are now enjoying the rewards of plans we put in place decades ago. Many of their children – and even grandchildren – are now clients in their own right.

That continuity is the true essence of financial planning: helping families protect and grow their wealth across generations.

The Retirement question: do I have enough?

One of the biggest hurdles new retirees face is moving from a regular salary to living off savings and investments. Almost every client asks, “Do we really have enough to live the lifestyle we want?”

The answer lies not in luck but in foresight. Careful planning can turn retirement from a source of anxiety into a season of freedom and choice.

One couple I’ve worked with for more than 30 years recently told me how grateful they were to have the freedom to choose when to retire – a choice made possible by decades of preparation.

Another long-standing client, retired for over 20 years, finally accepted that they have more than enough to enjoy extra holidays and experiences while they can. That’s the power of a sound plan: turning doubt into peace of mind.

The hardest step is starting Many people delay planning, assuming they’ll get to it later. The best time to start was yesterday; the second-best time is today. Financial advice isn’t about restriction – it’s about freedom.

Whatever stage of life you’re at, don’t leave your future to chance. Take that first step, start your plan, and watch confidence – and financial wellbeing – become second nature.

Speak with our local experts by calling 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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New Pre-School opening in January 2026 Where first steps become foundations for the future.

Find out more:

JOIN US AT OUR OPEN EVENT

Pre-School Open Morning Friday, 3 October 2025

One school. One family. kimboltonschool.com/preschool

34

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Monthly Heating Oil Price Update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice Price Update Average heating oil prices in England started to rise in the second half of October and this has continued into November. Prices are still lower than last winter’s peak.

Check delivery periods if you need oil before Christmas Heating oil costs have risen recently in line with seasonal demand. Though prices are still lower than the peak of last winter. At the time of writing we don’t have confirmation of any budget announcement which may impact off-grid homes. It’s worth noting in the run up to Christmas express delivery options can change at short notice and standard delivery can take longer when there’s high demand. For guaranteed delivery by Christmas with BoilerJuice, it is best to order before 5th December.

Here's our latest tips and recommendations: •

Act now if you need oil by Christmas: you may still beat the rush and get peace of mind that you’ll not be waiting for your delivery when you’d rather been enjoying time with family and friends.

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Spreading the cost is easier than ever: services like BoilerJuice Connected and interest-free pay-in-3 are more widespread now – helping you to budget and spread the cost – key at this time of year.

For more detailed information and to explore our services, visit BoilerJuice.com. proudly sponsored by BoilerJuice in association with The Village Bystander

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It's Christmas?

Without doubt the most hotly-debated question of modern times is “what counts as a Christmas film?”. I believe President Trump was going to address this, then decided bringing peace to Gaza was far easier.

Confirming official Christmas status on some films is easy. Any adaptation of A Christmas Carol for instance. If you get the chance, watch the 1984 version starring George C Scott. It’s head and shoulders above all the others (with one exception), features David Warner and Edward Woodward, and proves that Scrooge cosplayed as Turlough in his youth. The exception is The Muppet’s Christmas Carol, a beautiful and remarkably faithful adaptation of Dickens’ story. Not bad for a film populated almost entirely by puppets.

Other films are less easy to categorise. Just taking place at Christmas isn’t enough, if it were Jaws The Revenge would be on TV every December. I associate Trading Places with Christmas, but it’s not a Christmas film. OK, some of it takes place around Christmas, and an unusually likeable Dan Aykroyd dresses as Santa, but it’s not a Christmas film. And if anyone really understands what happens at the end, please let me know.

Pre video and streaming, some films are associated with Christmas due to only being on the telly during the holidays, such as The Wizard of Oz. Similarly even the least Proustian is likely to consider The Great Escape inextricably linked with Easter.

In the same way that sitcoms tend to lower their standards for Christmas specials, some Christmas films make no effort whatsoever, expecting to coast along on an advocaat and Quality Street cushioned river of satisfied indifference. Exhibit A is Last Christmas, a ghastly, smug concoction from 2019. I’d go into more critical detail but this is a family magazine and after all, it is Christmas. But it made me feel very, very unseasonal.

Normally, once you’ve been talking about Christmas for this long, some bore will start droning on about how it was originally a pagan festival, obviously expecting organised religion to collapse in response to their daring iconoclasm. This hasn’t got much to do with films, I admit, it just annoys me.

Of course no discussion of Christmas films would be complete without Die Hard. Firstly, let’s agree that it’s a tremendous film, Bruce Willis has never been better and every viewing reminds us how much we miss Alan Rickman. If for some reason you haven’t seen it, an almost-empty Los Angeles skyscraper is taken over by armed robbers on Christmas Eve. Visiting cop John McClane’s estranged wife is among the hostages, which makes John swear a lot. And shoot bad guys.

Many people claim this as a Christmas film. But it isn’t. Christmas is not essential to the plot.

What’s important is that the tower is empty, so the events could just as easily have taken place at Thanksgiving. The Christmas setting adds some lovely glitter to proceedings, but it’s not crucial. And that’s the final word on the subject.

Whatever you do this Christmas, have a wonderful one. https://eugenesmithwriting.com/ 36

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CROWSONS

THE HOME HANDYMAN

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

PAINTING AND DECORATING WALLPAPERING BESPOKE BEDROOM WARDROBES ALL ASPECTS OF CARPENTRY AND DECKING FOR REALISTIC PRICING Call Brendan On 01480 869464

Email: brendancoates59@gmail.com

The Home Handyman

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HA

ND

MA

DE

IN T

HE

UK

SCAN ME

Biodegradable Plant Pots Made From Food Waste!

We’d love to hear from you: molly@wasteprojekt.com Our eco-friendly starter pots, made from repurposed food waste are perfect for planting seeds and growing cuttings, helping you reduce plastic waste while nurturing your plants naturally.

The plant and pot can be planted directly into the ground together!

3 WAYS TO USE OUR POTS: 1) Plant the pot and plant together - It will naturally break down in the soil.

2) Crack the pot before planting - This speeds up decomposition.

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Use within 8 weeks of sowing seeds, as the pots will naturally start to decompose over time, this may include a little surface mould, which is a normal part of their organic breakdown.

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www.wasteprojekt.com 40

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•Composite Doors •Double Glazing •Sash Windows •Conservatory Warm Roofs •Fascias & Soffits •Cladding

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Never one to leave things undone, firstly here is my review for the last part of this trilogy: I finished the third part of this trilogy in the early hours. It really is one of those un-put-down-able novels where you need to see how it all pans out for everyone.

And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. Because this is a story crammed with characters, good, bad and those that tread that shadowy land between the two, and plots and sub-plots, and, of course, wonderful writing.

The story builds towards the night of the party at the FitzHenry mansion, and it is a party to end all parties. Six hundred invited, and uninvited, guests appear in this sumptuous feast of a finale as Barry skilfully switches points of view seamlessly to follow each tale through to its sometimes sad, sometimes sweet, or bittersweet, sometimes violent and sometimes meant-to-be ending.

I said in my review of the first in this trilogy (The Wedding) that I love big books where so much story can be told and characters can be put through the wringer and emerge forever changed, and I stand by that. Big books are a lovely indulgence for a reader, and I recommend this to all who long to spoil themselves. Go on, you know you want to.

Secondly, well… here we are in the last month of 2025. I don’t know if you remember right back to February’s edition of this magazine when I asked if you’d set yourself any resolutions for the year? If this was the year you were finally going to get your book finished? Well, was it? And, more importantly, did you?

I have a new one coming out in 2026 (the eBook of Driven by Deceit is available to preorder now) – see the banner above for this addition to my catalogue. I’m heavily into editing my manuscript at the moment. I know what it takes. I know what’s needed. Both with getting those words onto the page, and launching the book out into the world. If I can be of any help with your project, please do contact me (details below) and I’m happy to have a chat to see how I can tailor what I do to meet your needs.

Georgia Rose is my pen name and the name I use for everything connected to my writing.

You can find me at georgia@georgiarosebooks.com or via www.georgiarosebooks.com.

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Ways to donate and help SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Scan our CAF Bank QR Code

Or visit our Just Giving page

TEXT GIVING To make a donation, it’s easy

by SMS with the word BLOODRUNNER to 70085 To donate £5 Alternatively you can opt to give any whole amount Up to £20 for example BLOODRUNNERS20 to 70085

https://www.recycle4charity.co.uk/register/C156781

Register at above address and receive pre paid label

Do you know a group who would like to know more about what we do?

Did you know we do talks and presentations?

If you are interested contact us at info@servsc.org.uk

Registered charity number 1189346

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Your local, personal estate agent covering Thrapston and surrounding areas

07815568624 hannah.carr@exp.uk.com hannah.carr.exp.uk.com

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47

To Move, or Not to Move

For months now it seems as though politicians have been hitting the press for all the wrong reasons, particularly when it comes to the housing market.

Firstly, there was Angela with her stamp duty mix-up, then it was the turn of Rachel Reeves with her failure to obtain the correct licence when renting out her family home. Both somebody else’s fault, of course.

But we also had the ‘leaked’ warnings of what further perils may befall the market; Stamp Duty to become payable by the seller as opposed to the buyer. An additional ‘property tax’ on top of council tax. Then that stamp duty could be paid over ‘2 or 3 years’….

In September it was announced that the Autumn Budget would be – at the end of November.

All this has not helped confidence in a property market that has shown mixed signals through the first ten months of 2025, with stock levels rising, but sales volumes failing to keep pace. Properties for sale increased by around 7% year-on-year, indicating a continued healthy supply coming to market.

However, this increased supply has not translated into proportionate demand, with sales agreed up just 4.4%, which suggests perhaps a softening in buyer appetite despite the greater choice. That said, price performance has been remarkably resilient even given the higher interest rate environment, with the average asking price for new listings holding steady despite some being a little ambitious, and actual sales prices continuing to edge higher.

We have always of a mind that you should move when it suits you and not when the ‘Market’ says so; however, even we have been swayed slightly from this mantra by the confusing signals from this government. So, we look forward to a budget that cuts through the confusion and removes doubt, and which enables people make an informed decision about their future – with our help, of course.

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 48

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TOP END VILLAGE STORES The Farm Shop with much more

Our staff with over 40 years’ experience are happy to help you choose your perfect tree AND we can even deliver.

CHRISTMAS TREES NOW AVAILABLE

• Christmas Decorations • Wreaths Holly and Mistletoe • Local Farm Fresh Turkeys and Gammon to order NOW plus all other meats and trimming from locally sourced farms • Christmas Vegetables, Fruit and Salad Boxes • Local Produce for Christmas Hampers • General groceries and off-licence Sprout stalks – Local alcohol - Honey – Pickles – Cheeses – Free Range Eggs • Coal, calor gas, ready to burn logs.

Bulk discount & delivery • Plus so much more…..

LETS MAKE CHRISTMAS 2025 THE BEST Top End Farm, Little Staughton, Bedfordshire MK44 2BY

01234 376426 | topendfarm@btconnect.com

www.topendfarm.co.uk

OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm Sat 8am-5pm Sun 9am-3pm

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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 50

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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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Wilson Browne Solicitors Business Law Services Wilson Browne Solicitors’ dedicated commercial team provides comprehensive legal support to businesses in Kimbolton and the surrounding areas. With four specialist teams working in harmony, we deliver expert guidance across all aspects of commercial law.

Commercial Litigation Our Commercial Litigation team manages business disputes representing clients in contract disputes, debt recovery, partnership disagreements and regulatory matters.

Corporate & Commercial The Corporate and Commercial team assists with corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder agreements and business restructuring.

The team guides clients through complex commercial arrangements, ensuring legal compliance whilst facilitating growth and investment opportunities.

Employment Law Employment specialists provide crucial support on workforce matters including employment contracts, disciplinary procedures, redundancy processes, and tribunal representation.

Commercial Property The Commercial Property team handles lease negotiations, property acquisitions, development projects, and landlord-tenant matters. The team ensure smooth property transactions that support business expansion and operational needs throughout the region.

Agriculture and Rural Land Solicitors Our Agricultural Solicitors have served major landowners and the farming community for many years. The team is always available to give you the independent advice you need, based not only on their expertise but also their understanding of the issues affecting the farming community today.

Many of our lawyers are recognised in the Legal 500 (a who’s who of the legal profession) and we pride ourselves in delivering commercial, cost-effective and practical advice to our clients.

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For you. For business.

We offer advice for individuals and businesses, with a friendly, down-to-earth approach. Fixed fees available.

Call our Higham Ferrers office for details.

For you:

For business:

Wills, Trusts and Probate Challenging a Will, Trust or Estate Residential Conveyancing Family law Childcare law Employment law Care Home Fees

Disputes (Litigation) and Dispute Resolution Debt Recovery Commercial Property law Corporate & Commercial law Insolvency Employment law for Employers Professional Negligence

0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk

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Creative Christmases Season’s greetings, merry readers. How have we reached December already? Last year’s December article poked about in the ups and downs of various cultures’ Christmas traditions, so this year’s may be a little different. (In case you’re wondering, I never did build that sauna to read copious novels in, but my latest interest is in carpentry and using the toolkit, so maybe that can be a 2026 project.)

As the nights have drawn in and the festive stress, sorry, I mean fun festivities appear on calendars, I’ve rediscovered a love of making creative personalised gifts. Hopefully these won’t be received with the same disappointment as Ron Weasley’s handknitted jumpers from Molly Weasley at each Hogwarts Christmas, but time will tell. After a summer spent mostly outside, it’s easy to feel slightly claustrophobic with the darker evenings keeping us inside after finishing work, but the upside of the recurring annual cloak of darkness is that I now can’t put down the paint brushes and canvases. No, really, the cats are even joining me with their little paws trying to help create the perfect tone. Maybe I should rename them Pawblo Picatsso and Frida Kat-hlo.

(I’ll stop now.)

Along with the love of painting is the love of writing and researching, whether that’s hobbies, particular people in history, ideas for a novel, or areas of the world I’d like to explore. Preferably somewhere that doesn’t have seven swans, six geese, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves or a partridge in a pear tree, because, as much as I’m fascinated by birds and the world of nature, can you imagine the utter chaos of trying to look after that many winged friends at the same time? We’re not all ornithologists you know. Maybe it’s time to update the lyrics for a more 2025-appropriate rendition.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a government that knows what it’s doing and doesn’t backpedal. (Wishful thinking.)

On the second day of Christmas, I gave my true love (because here we share, instead of hogging all the presents!): a hand-painted sunrise and sunset.

On the third day of Christmas, MTLGTM: three-day weekends once a month.

On the fourth day of Christmas, IGMTL: four candles, with each scent depicting a different season.

On the fifth day of Christmas, MTLGTM: a Five concert, because they’re touring and by the time this is published, I’ll have relived my adolescence at the O2.

On the sixth day of Christmas, IGMTL: six mince pies. Obviously.

On the seventh day of Christmas, MTLGTM: a seven-day repeatable fitness challenge I will stick to.

On the eighth day of Christmas, IGMTL: the eighth wonder of the world – the Great Barrier Reef, chock full of fish and healthy coral.

On the ninth day of Christmas, MTLGTM: nine sets of paint so there’s never a lack of colour and I can paint that partridge in a pear tree. (Why did it have to be pears?)

On the tenth day of Christmas, IGMTL: victory over the Aussies in the Ashes. (Pretty please with a cherry on top for the melatonin when my sleeping patterns go squiffy.)

On the eleventh day of Christmas, MTLGTM: peace in all areas of the world in conflict.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, IGMTL: a 2026 calendar or three, so we can function throughout the year without forgetting any events or appointments.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

54

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Sally Gower

SELF STORAGE Great Staughton

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

07753 638948 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Bystander Community KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL CHRISTMAS CONCERT With RUSHDEN TOWN BAND 7th DECEMBER 5.00pm Tickets £8.00 Includes Mulled Wine & Mince pie Tel: Janet 01234 376577

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

Bytes Café

Run by the Mandeville Hall for the Community

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

Mandeville Hall Tuesday 7th October 2025 T u e s d a y 4 th N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 5 T u e s d a y 9 th D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 5

7.30pm for 8.00pm Start • Generous cash prizes • Raffle • Refreshments Available Bring a friend and come along and join in the fun A l l p r o c e e d s t o t h e M a n de v i l l e H a l l C h a r i t y Registered Charity No 302646

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KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL BIG BREAKFAST SATURDAY DECEMBER 20TH SATURDAY JANUARY 17TH 9am - 11am Full English - £8.50 Small English - £5.00 Tea & coffee included No need to Book JUST TURN UP

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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 380 915 8110 Passcode: 90Mn1s 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 7th:

9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 21st: 9.00am Parish Communion Wed 24th: 4.00pm Christmas Nativity service with carols & puppets

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 7th:

Sun 7th: 10.30am Morning Praise

10.30am BCP All Age Worship

Sun 14th: 10.30am Parish Communion

Sun 14th: 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 21st: 10.30am Parish Communion 6.00pm Benefice Carol Service

Sun 21st: 3.00pm Creative Communion Wed 24th: 5.00pm Christingle

Wed 24th: 3.00pm Christingle 11.30pm Midnight Mass Thu 25th: 10.30am All Age Communion Sun 28th: 10.30am Benefice Communion

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What’s on in Kimbolton in December Monday 1st

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 9 - 4pm Christmas Tree Festival. St Andrew’s Church

2.30pm WI. 80th Birthday Party

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 2nd

9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall. Check Facebook for updates.

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

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

Wednesday 3rd

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 4th Friday 5th

12pm Senior Lunch Club. Youth & Community Hall 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 6th

6 - 8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 8th

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

Tuesday 9th

9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall. Check Facebook for updates.

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

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7pm Bingo. Mandeville Hall

Wednesday 10th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

12pm Senior Lunch Club. Youth & Community Hall

6 - 8pm Pop Up Champagne & English Fizz

10.30 - 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics Open Studio 20 East Street, Kimbolton

7pm Parish Council Meeting. Youth & Community Hall

Thursday 11th Friday 12th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 13th

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

10.30 - 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics Open Studio 20 East Street, Kimbolton

Monday 15th

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

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 16th

9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall. Check Facebook for updates.

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

Wednesday 17th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 18th Friday 19th

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

12pm Senior Lunch Club. Youth & Community Hall 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

7pm Community Cinema - The Ballad of Wallis Island.

Mandeville Hall

Saturday 20th Monday 22nd Tuesday 23rd

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Wednesday 24th Thursday 25th Friday 26th

5 - 7pm Christmas Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Christmas Day Boxing Day

Saturday 27th Sunday 28th Monday 29th Tuesday 30th Wednesday 31st

New Year’s Eve

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Brushstrokes of Joy: Brownies Embrace Autumn Through Art This Autumn term, the 1st Kimbolton Brownies have been busy turning blank pages into vibrant masterpieces. With paintbrushes in hand and imaginations running wild, the girls explored self-expression through a series of creative painting activities. From swirling autumn leaves to bold abstract designs, each session offered a chance to experiment with colour, texture, and storytelling through art.

The Brownies embraced themes of nature, friendship, and personal identity, using paint to share what matters most to them. Whether working solo or collaborating on group murals, the girls showed confidence, curiosity, and a wonderful sense of play.

Brownies is for girls aged 7–10. 1st Kimbolton Brownies meet on Tuesdays at the Scout Hut. If this sounds like fun, get in touch! For more information, or to join us, go to www.girlguiding.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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Advertise here from £38 per month Contact: julie@village bystander.com

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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 info@regencyfuneraldirectors.co.uk www.regencyfuneraldirectors.co.uk 36 Cromwell House, High Street, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0HA 66

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Join the Old Kimboltonians for a Musical Lunch To be held in Kimbolton Castle Sunday 15 February 2026 Scan the QR Code to purchase tickets. £38.50 per person

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

Guests of Honour Lisa and Andrew Bamford Programme of the Day Arrival at 12:00pm for a Drinks Reception in the Saloon 1:00pm Lunch in the White Hall 2:45pm Music Recital in the Saloon led by Kimbolton’s Director of Music David Gibbs and his students

Any funds raised will support charitable purposes.

For further details, email alumni@kimboltonschool.com

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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 prefer 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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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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SELEC RENEWABLES Based Locally for 2 Decades

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01480 400 607 / www.SelecGroup.com Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Carry on Teacher So here we are again, my journey continues, and the next stop, Carry On Teacher (1959). It always felt a little bit like returning to a familiar classroom. It’s one of those films that, like the others, I can’t help but associate with a quiet afternoon spent in front of the television, feeling safe and warm whilst the world outside was cold and grey. The film depicts a life my own Dad lived, as the many stories he would tell me about his own school, are brought to life and always brings me a little closer to him.

Carry on Teacher is a light-hearted parody of Goodbye, Mr. Chips, and gave us some brilliant comedic talent: Leslie Phillips, with his suave and charming demeanor. The ever-anxious Kenneth Connor as the neurotic science teacher.

The ever-present, ever-hilarious Hattie Jacques as the formidable Miss Short, and the superb Joan Sims as the PE teacher, Miss Allcock.

The name Allcock itself was a clever, early double entendre from the producer, a playful nod to the game he had with the censors. This is helped along perfectly

by Leslie Phillips’ pronunciation of her name when he begins to take an interest in her, "All....Cock." It was a testament to the series’ flexibility that it could swap out key players and still feel so complete.

The comedy here is less about the cheeky double entendres of the hospital films and more about good old-fashioned slapstick and character-driven gags. The chaos that unfolds, from the science class experiment that goes wrong to the school play, was just a joy to watch One of the best scenes (in my humble opinion) was the school concert, where everything that can go wrong, does go wrong; it’s a beautiful piece of writing that is acted out to the best of their ability. The films that follow, relied on this kind of broad, accessible humour, and it encapsulates the simple fun that the early Carry On films excelled at.

Carry On Teacher may not have been one of the most celebrated in the series, but it’s a personal favourite of mine. It began to show the strength of a regular cast (now beginning to be more established) and a sentimental storyline. It’s a film that reminds me of those childhood sick days, and the simple power of laughter.

And so, the journey continues, one film, one memory, at a time…

Ross Richardson 78

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The Assessment Practice Ltd Welcome to the

Home of Assessments for Autism and ADHD for both Children and Adults

www.the-assessment-practice.co.uk Our team of highly qualified & experienced GMC and HCPC registered clinicians assess in a warm & friendly atmosphere whilst meeting & exceeding the N.I.C.E. guidelines.

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We also offer Diagnostic Assessments for Dyslexia and Dyscalculia.

For more information or to book CALL 01480 584 001 or email admin@the-assessment-practice.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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The Home Sorter Professional Decluttering & Home Staging  Feeling swamped by your possessions?  Want to reclaim your home?  Downsizing and unsure what to take?  Transition easily with moving support  Staging to sell your home quickly  Paperwork and digital management

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The Craft of Christmas This Christmas, slow down and savour the season.

At Avalon Bakehouse, every loaf and every cookie begins with time naturally leavened, patiently nurtured and baked in small batches.

Naturally leavened. Perfectly festive.

Handcrafted Organic Sourdough Organic White & Wholemeal - 900g - £4.90 Seeded - 900g - £5.40 Many more flavours available on the website

Inclusion Loaves - 900g - £5.40 CHRISTMAS SPICE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY, ORANGE & WALNUT TOMATO, MOZZARELLA & BASIL

Handcrafted Cookies & Cakeys 10 Sourdough Christmas Cookies £4.50 CLASSIC MILK CHOCOLATE CHIP TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CHIP CRANBERRY & WHITE CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD

4 Sourdough Fruit Filled Cakey’s £7.00 BLUEBERRY & LEMON STRAWBERRIES & CREAM CRANBERRY & WHITE CHOCOLATE SPICED APPLE & CARAMEL

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Scan the QR code and book your Christmas Bread and Cookie order!

Collection or local delivery available Free delivery for orders over £40 7 mile radius of Stow Longa Vicky Wakefield, Avalon Bakehouse, Kimbolton Rd, Stow Longa, Cambs. PE28 0TR Tel 07860 410075 vwakefield50@gmail.com https://bakesy.shop/b/avalon-bakehouse 82

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

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83

“I’m Your Political Doctor” Tales from MP Richard Fuller’s Town Hall Meeting in Melchbourne

By Marc den Hertog When a thick, cream-coloured card dropped through my letterbox announcing a Town Hall meeting with Richard Fuller, MP for North Bedfordshire, an old political reflex kicked in. As a well-mannered Dutchman, of course I was going to attend. Besides, I’ve only lived in Upper Dean since July, making this a perfect opportunity to meet some new countrymen and see what’s going on in this lovely corner of the English countryside.

That Thursday evening, 6 November, was a busy one for Mr Fuller. Just an hour earlier, he had addressed a packed crowd in Little Staughton Village Hall (see photograph), where hundreds of residents gathered to oppose the proposed East Park Energy solar complex. A vast 1,900-acre installation, larger than Gatwick Airport. After rallying the troops there, he crossed the fields to nearby Melchbourne, where a dozen of us waited in the village hall for a quieter, more conversational session.

Fuller began with a brisk update on regional projects: the controversial East Park development (firmly opposed), the Oxford–Cambridge railway (not a fan) and road expansions such as the Catworth bypass (supported, though with reservations). He had the facts at his fingertips, the mark of a man who reads his briefing papers.

After a short national update – during which he made no secret of his scepticism about the current Labour government – it was our turn. He smiled and said, “I’m your political doctor; tell me where it hurts.”

And so the consultation began. A gentleman spoke about the struggle to get care for his elderly mother. Another woman spoke about a situation regarding bats. Fuller listened patiently, diagnosing rather than prescribing and revealed the libertarian streak that runs through his politics: people should be free to do what they wish and let the courts decide how far that freedom extends.

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What struck me most was his positivity about the Cameron-Clegg coalition.

“People worked together and we got things done.” As a Dutchman, I found that oddly touching. In the Netherlands, coalition politics is not the exception but the rule. In the UK, it seems to be a last resort. Given how things are going lately, I’d say: why not try it again?

The discussion drifted to populism. When someone asked if Fuller feared losing his seat to Reform, his answer was clearer than any Brit I’ve met so far: “No way.” I’m less sure. In the Netherlands, as in much of the world, populists have long since stopped being outsiders.

The evening wound down after about an hour and a quarter. Fuller lingered to chat and pose for photos. (Well, only I wanted one, and look how nicely it turned out...) After a brief exchange about my podcast, Upper Deaners, I called it a night well spent.

During the short drive back to Upper Dean, I found myself thinking that whether in Melchbourne or Amsterdam, politics often comes down to the same thing: a handful of people in a village hall, showing up because they care – or because they have something to complain...

About Upper Deaners Upper Deaners is a podcast about the people who make up the English countryside, the villagers of Upper Dean and the neighbouring places scattered across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire. Their stories reveal what village life looks and feels like today: the humour, the history, the quiet routines and the sense of belonging.

The series is created and hosted by Marc den Hertog, a Dutch city boy discovering rural England. Each episode offers an open, human conversation – English village life, seen through Dutch eyes.

You find Upper Deaners on Spotify. Text Marc den Hertog with any questions, or to get the link at +31 6 24 673 683.

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THREE SHIRES NETWORKING CONNECT, LEARN, AND SHARE!

Discover local businesses and share ideas.

Get advice and solutions to move forward.

Build friendships and lasting connections.

Shape the group’s future with your input.

Enjoy inspiring talks and fresh perspectives.

Share challenges in a safe, supportive space.

Showcase your business and connect face-to-face.

Tea, coffee & biscuits included!

Come and join our monthly "more than just networking" meetings!

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at Tilbrook Village Hall 1030am-12.30pm

Contact Us: John.hitchin@btinternet.co.uk

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 Installation, Maintenance, Testing  Landlords Certificates (EICRs)  Consumer Unit Upgrades  Home Battery Storage  Solar PV Installations  Fault Finding  Lighting  Data Cabling  EV Car Chargers  Full & Partial Rewires  Automated Electric Gates  All Work Certified And Guaranteed Mobile: 07912 092985 Email: domelecuk@gmail.com

AWARD WINNING TRAVEL AGENT

Rachel Baber Little Staughton 07961 884183 rachel@onceinalifetimeholidays.co.uk onceinalifetimeholidays.co.uk

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blue blancmange

INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUE CONTEMPORARY WOMENSWEAR ACCESSORIES & GIFTS Cromwell House, 36 High Street, Kimbolton, PE28 0HA Tel: 07970 666258 | Email: sales@blueblancmange.co.uk Closed Mondays. Open Tuesdays - Saturdays 9.30 - 4.30pm 90

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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

DECLUTTER & ORGANISE WITH ME “I asked Caroline to come and help me sort and clear prior to moving,.

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Children's Activities Grafham Little Fishes, Stay and Play Session for 0 to 4year olds All welcome on Wednesdays 10.00 to 11.20, term time only, in Grafham Village Hall.

Just turn up for free play time, followed by a short bible story, action songs and simple craft.

For more details, contact Jane Rowley 01480 890986 littlefishes@eastleightonstone.com Family Fun Friday St Andrew's Church, Great Staughton, 9.00am - 10.30am term time only. Tea, coffee, playtime, story time, singing. Contact Sylvia - 01480 812022 for more details.

St Neots Toy Library - Mon to Thurs 8.45am - 4.30pm, Fridays 8.45am-1.00pm. At The Butterfly Children’s Centre, next to Winhills School and The Eatons Children’s Centre next to Bushmead School.

Telephone Lyanne 01480 358350/Jaci 01480 358340.

Rhyme time - rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers aged 0 - 2 years. St Neots library. 2 sessions 10am & 11.15am term time only on alternate Fridays Baby Gym classes Promoting tummy time, sensory stimulation and adult two baby bonding. Classes operate term time only, Friday mornings : 10.30am - 11.15am, Open sessions, no booking required., £5 per session, pay as you go (Cash only)., Operates at Huntingdon Gymnastic Club, Mayfield Road, Huntingdon, PE29 1UL, Run by Beccy Chapman Bsc WAHpc, Like Us on Facebook to keep updated, search: ‘baby gym 8-weeks to walking’ Riseley All Saints Church Junior Jivers - music and movement session followed by stay and play every Thursday at 930am term time only - Contact: Samantha Toseland Tel: 07880 700894 Young People’s and Children’s Organisations Guides, Brownies and Rainbows Kimbolton Guides, Brownies & Rainbows kymvalleyguidingdistrict@gmail.com Upper Dean Brownies & Rainbows, Karen Jones: email: div.nbeds@bedsguiding.org.uk Little Staughton Guides, Little Staughton Brownies Scouts, Cubs, Beavers 1st Kimbolton Scout Group Emma Mumford 07881 621260 1st Brington Scout Group Tim Collins - 07881 821649 Dance/Performing Arts Linda Allen School of Dance – Ballet, tap and modern jazz from 3+ years - Spaldwick and Kimbolton Ladies ballet and tap in Kimbolton, 01480 861332, info@LindaAllenDance.com, www.lindaallendance.com Stageworks Studios, St Neots. Dance, drama and singing classes for ages 3+. 01480 223331 Motion Dance Academy, Hinchinginbrooke Shcool, Huntingdon - 07887 932294, Miss Mollie www.motiondanceacademy.co.uk missmollie@motiondanceacademy.co.uk Nurseries, Playgroups, Pre-Schools & Kids Clubs Crosshall Nursery School

01480 475980 Crosshall Kids Club 01480 219518 Inn Farm Priv. Day Nursery 07802 826798 www.innfarmdaynursery.co.uk Keysoe Playgroup – Keysoe Village Hall, MK44 2JE, Thursdays 9.30-11.30, £2 per family, healthy snacks, hot drinks, biscuits and craft activity included. Lovely friendly group with lots of toys for your little ones. Come and join us. Term time only.

Kymbrook Pre-School, Kimbolton Road, Keysoe 01234 376100 www.kymbrookpreschool.co.uk Playtimes Pre-School & Out of School Club, Spaldwick 01480 890077 www.playtimesplaygroup.co.uk Puddeducks Nursery & Pre-school, Colmworth 01234 378880 www.puddleducksnurserypre

school.co.uk Puddleducks Pre-School, Kimbolton 01480 860743 Riseley Rascals, Riseley Village Hall (Term Time Only) 07986 313037 9:30- 11am Tuesday morning St. Leonards Day Care, Brington 01832 710020

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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

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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 & Stonely Parish Council Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club Kimbolton Bridge Clubs 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

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 Emma Mumford 07881 621260 Bob Jewell 01480 861259 Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall Nora Butler 01480 861007 Jo Russel 01480 276075 Mary Foster 01480 861594 David Henrick 01480 896556 Chris Davies 01234 376542 Mandeville Hall, Wednesdays, John Figgures 07944 155576 clerk@littlestaughtonparishcouncil.gov.com, 07729 960264 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

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

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 Village Hall, Catworth, bookings Village Hall, Dean and Shelton (Dalton Hall, U. Dean) 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

bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886 www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk www.daltonhalldean.org Anita Dowdall 01480 891821 Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005 Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

Janet Browning 01234 376577 bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk Chrissy Faulkner, 07714 080837 Kevin and Maria Foskett, 01234 376260 Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk 07941 245639

94

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Village Hall, Molesworth

Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings Village Hall, Tilbrook

Village Hall, Yelden Spaldwick Community Room

07922 738818 Email:enquiries@molesworthvillagehall.co.uk www.molesworthvillagehall.co.uk Paul Sheard paulsheard@aol.com 01480 861457 Erica Jago, 07903 987445, bookings.tilbrookvillage@gmail.com www.tilbrookvillage.life 07539 662544, yeldenvillagehall@gmail.com Sarah Cardwell - clerk@spaldwickparishcouncil.org.uk

Grafham Nature Reserve & Watch Group The Wildlife Trust 01480 811075 North Beds Young Farmers’ northbedsyfcmembership@gmail.com FB: North Beds Young Farmers

Instagram: @northbedsyfc Twitter: @northbedsyfc Grafham Water Sailing Club 01480 810478 Wildlife Trust 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 Alison Owen, 07767 202958 Tennis Club, Gt Staughton Nicole Yates, 01480 860616 Chair Based Strength And Balance Class Kimbolton Scout Hut, Thursdays 11:00-12:00pm,

Lauren Watt, 01480 388111 Grafham Tang Sou Dao Club Steven Treadaway 01480 812433, info@cambstangsoudao.co.uk Great Staughton Golf Society Derek Fitzgibbon, 01480 861234 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 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) - 10th November 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) - 23rd November 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) - 24th November 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 Accountancy Land Family Business, 01480 445490, p.19 Auctioneers/Valuers W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.19 Architects/Planning/Drawings PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.39 Boutiques Blue Blancmange, 07970 666258 p.90 Art, Gifts, Framing, Crafts, Ceramics, Hobbies All Natural Soap Company, allnaturalsoap.co.uk, p,37 David Osborne Motorbike Spares, 07979 500900, p.55 Engraved by Elle, p.65 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.11 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.71 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.65 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Ablewood. 07740 435801, p.45 GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.41 Garolla Garage Doors, 01480 630081, p.21 R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.97 Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.75 Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.45 The Home Handyman, 01480 861898, p.39 Business Networking Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.87 Care Professionals Trust Care Solutions Ltd, 01480 584124 p.6 Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading/HR Hudson Virtual, 07967 661613, p.86 iEdit, 01480 860519 p.83 Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.26 Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.72 Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.86 Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.72 Social Media Management, 01480 769002, p.29 Domestic Services C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.91 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.83 Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.91 The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.81 Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15 One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.25 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077, p.26 SEB Online Tutoring, drbonlinetutoring@gmail.com, p.55 The Assessment Practice, 01480 584001, p.78 Electrical Services/Solar/Alarms Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.70 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Domelec, 07912 092985, p.89 LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.76 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.73 Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.47 Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84 Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.31

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 SJS Landscapes, 07876 763440, p.24 General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops Budgens, 01480 860582, p.50-51 Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20 Handpicked Wine Box, www.handpickedwinebox.com, p.38 Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.49 Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.77 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085 p.10 Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.9 Fulcrum Health, www.fulcrumhealth.com, p.8 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.11 Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 p.8 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9 The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.10 Woodfield Physiotherapy Centre, 01234 378996 p.9 Jewellers Baker Brothers, 01234 438770, p.98-99 Kitchens Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.31 The Kitchen Magician, 01480 477200 p.29 Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment Carol John, 01234 708029, p.39 James Thomas, 07971 403856, p.74 Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training Rebecca's Dog Grooming, 07397 534570, p.45 Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.49 Pest Control Pest Gone, 07955 156397, p.11 Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.13 Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.35 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.21 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.31 LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3 Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Avalon Bakehouse, 07860 410075 p.82 Cinnamon Indian Rest & Takeaway, 01480 811316, p.91 Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.47 The Elm, 01487 773585, p.18 The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.28 The Pheasant, 01832 710303, p.30 The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.42-43 Solicitors Wilson Browne Solicitors, 0800 0886004, p.53 Storage Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.55

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

Travel Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.21 Once In A Lifetime Holidays, 07961 884183, p.89

Funeral Directors Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.39 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.66

Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.27

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Christmas Trees

Home Grown and Freshly Cut Christmas Trees New Plantation - Pick your own

Wallis

Top Farm, Upper Dean, PE28 ONF Near Three Compasses Pub 01234 708639 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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The Allure of Bespoke Redesigning the Past with Timeless Craftsmanship There is something profoundly special about jewellery with a past. Whether inherited, gifted, or long forgotten, these pieces hold the essence of personal history. Over time, styles shift and settings wear, yet the memories remain.

For over 185 years, we at Baker Brothers have been crafting bespoke designs that capture sentiment and sophistication in equal measure. Our experts know that some pieces deserve more than simple repair; they deserve renewal. From heirlooms that no longer fit to jewellery that feels dated, our team specialises in transforming the meaningful into the magnificent.

Any bespoke journey begins with your story. When you bring your pieces to us and share your memories behind them, each detail helps inspire a new creation that retains its heart while reflecting a fresh sense of style.

Sometimes the restoration is minimal, restoring a cherished piece to its original brilliance.

At other times, it may mean reworking inherited jewellery that suits your style; or recreating a lost piece from photographs and memories. Whatever the vision, every project is guided by care, skill and attention to detail.

“I had my wedding ring from 1973 resized by Baker Brothers. The original ring was made by a small jeweller who was no longer in business. After a discussion and sketches, my ring has been beautifully restored to its original beauty; in fact, it is even more attractive than it was!” – Anne From hand-drawn sketches to the careful selection of gemstones, you are invited to be part of every stage. The experience is engaging, relaxed, and deeply rewarding.

“I’m absolutely delighted with my custom-made bangle. Fenella and the Baker Brothers team were wonderful from start to finish. They captured the essence of my greatgrandmother’s 1930s sapphire and diamond brooch, using all the original stones to create something timeless and wearable. It’s a stunning piece that I’ll treasure.” – Tracey Each bespoke redesign reflects both the legacy of the past and the craftsmanship of today.

It turns memory into artistry, ensuring treasured jewellery can continue its journey through time.

For those who value craftsmanship, heritage, and individuality, redesigning old jewellery is a meaningful experience. It preserves treasured memories, keeps loved ones close, and transforms them into pieces you can wear and enjoy every day. At Baker Brothers, we bring this transformation to life, honouring the past while creating jewellery to be loved for years to come.

Contact Baker Brothers via their website bakerbrothersdiamonds.com, call phone 01234 438770 or WhatsApp 07898 074557

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Make That Move D D L L AtSaO Glance: SO • •

Little Staughton Guide Price £700,000

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Beautifully presented, detached village home.

Carefully and sympathetically remodelled, extended and improved.

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Approaching 2,000 square feet of versatile, adaptable accommodation.

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Wonderful open plan living space with wood burning stove and extensive glazing including stunning roof lantern and tri-folding doors.

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Four double bedrooms including two with en suite.

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Delightfully landscaped ‘wrap-around’ gardens.

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DLD DLD L L O O SO SOandS hand-built, painted cabinets.

• SFine bespoke kitchen with granite counters •

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Gated drive and double garage.

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Rural surroundings yet conveniently located for access to major road and rail links.

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Tel 01480 860400 kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk

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 CallToNow to inArrange a Viewing Free Valuation advertise Village Bystander pleaseor callyour Julie on 07928 778457 kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk