February 26 Online Edition

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

ISSUE 238 February 2026

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER

HAZEL WRIGHT THE POST BOX OF LOVE 4700 COPIES FREE TO 34 VILLAGES AROUND KIMBOLTON

PETER LANE AND PARTNERS UNDER STARTER'S ORDERS INN FARM NURSERY BIRD WATCHING TOGETHER BOOK REVIEW AN ENGLISHWOMAN'S GUIDE TO THE COWBOY ROSS RICHARDSON CARRY ON REGARDLESS AND MUCH MORE

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Letter from the Editor: Well, February has rolled in and with it comes a gentle nudge that time’s ticking away towards the end of the tax year. Beacon Wealth Management reminds us that those months before April seem to fly by, so it’s wise to plan ahead and make the most of your annual allowances before 5th April sneaks up on you.

Thinking of moving home in 2026? Paul Kinally at Peter Lane & Partners in Kimbolton shares some brilliant thoughts on how to get yourself ‘under starter’s orders’ for a successful move.

There’s plenty to consider, so don’t leave it too late to get your ducks in a row.

On a literary note, Penny Young dives into My Cousin Rachel, not just as a classic tale, but because of its possible ties to her own Cornish family.

Film fans won’t want to miss Ross Richardson’s latest adventure through the Carry On series, this time focusing on Carry On Regardless. If you’re in need of a chuckle, you know where to turn.

And for the little ones, Inn Farm Nursery explores the joys of bird watching with children, sparking a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Whatever’s on your agenda this February, I hope you find something in these pages to inspire, inform or simply entertain.

Happy Reading!

Julie

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Enquires: Mobile: 07928 778457 julie@villagebystander.com This Month’s Contributors: Lee Munday, Paul Kinally, Penny Young, Tony Larkins, Joanne Cox, Georgia Rose, Hazel Wright, Eugene Smith, Sally Gower, Ross Richardson, Sam Venn

February Contents Editor’s Letter Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Inn Farm - Bird Watching Together Penny Young - “My Cousin Rachel” Gardening & Outdoor Section Lee’s Gardening Corner Hazel Wright - The Post Box of Love Beacon Wealth Management - The Months Before April Matter More Than You Think Eugene Smith - Remake It So Just for kids!

Georgia Rose - An Englishwoman’s Guide to the Cowboy Peter Lane and Partners - Under Starter’s Orders Sally Gower - Febrrrrrruary Bystander Community The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services Canine Corner - Living With Dogs And Children Carry on Regardless From your Cambridge Correspondent What’s On for Children?

Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools Useful and Emergency Numbers Clubs, Groups & Organisations Mobile Library Times Business Listings

P.4 p.6-10 p.12 & 80 p.14 p.16-17 p.22-25 p.22 p.32 p.33 p.36 p.38 p.44 p.48 p.54 p.56-70 p.58 p.76 p.78 p.84-95 p.92 p.92-93 p.93 p.94-95 p.95 p.96

Printing by Micropress 01502 725800

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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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Unisex hairdressers Open Tues - Sat Give us a call today on 07733482359 Facebook: @Rosiessalon13 Instagram: rosiessalon13 8 East Perry, PE28 0BT

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COINS BOUGHT Grafham Coins

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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.

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Open fires and chimneys Safety Tips • • • • • • • •

Have the chimney swept professionally before lighting the first fire of winter Don't allow soot or ash to build up Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure it is sound and that sparks or fumes can't escape through cracks or broken bricks Do not overload the grate or appliance, do not bank fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you retire to bed Check the hearth, floor and furnishings near the fire for hot sparks or embers before you go to bed Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires and make sure it has the kite mark or conforms to a relevant British / European standard Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them Burn the recommended fuels only - see guidance frequencies below

Regular maintenance requirements of your chimney will depend on the fuel you burn Smokeless coals - at least once a year Wood - up to four times a year Bituminous coal - twice a year Oil - once a year Gas - once a year Ensure you fit a smoke alarm that has the kite mark and conforms to British Standard 5446 (Part 1). Test the smoke alarm at least once a month by pressing the test button and know the life span of your battery - mark your calendar as a reminder to replace it.

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Inn Farm Private Day Nursery and Pre-School

Inn Farm Private Day Nursery is a privately run day nursery located on a non-working farm in Melchbourne, Bedfordshire.

Home cooked meals, five star food hygiene, tailored activities to meet your children’s needs, extensive outside play areas including a forest school paddock.

Contact us on 07961 291058 or email us at manager@innfarmdaynursery.co.uk

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“My Cousin Rachel” Penny Young My sister and I have long been drawn to the book “My Cousin Rachel”, written back in 1951 by Daphne du Maurier. We have watched all the movie and television adaptations of the story, occasionally reminding each other that we had spotted it in the T.V. listings for the coming week. More recently we went to Cambridge to watch the stage show, with Helen George taking the title role of Rachel. Helen is better known as Nurse Trixie Franklin in “Call the Midwife”. Perhaps not a role that one would assume for this blonde bombshell actress, with the cut glass accent, playing the part of the dark and brooding Rachel, but chatting on the way home, we felt that she was a believable heroine and carried the role with poise and aplomb.

Our fascination was not just that the story is a literary classic, but we believed that there was a connection to our Cornish family. The clues were all there, many quite tenuous – our mother’s name was Daphne, her brother’s name – Gerald – the same name as Daphne du Maurier’s father – as you can see – we spent a lot of time clutching at straws!

We were related to the Rashleigh Family, the owners of Menabilly, the house Daphne du Maurier lived in for many years from 1943 until 1969 and the death of her husband, (‘Boy’ Browning, the decorated war hero and post war treasurer to Prince Philip and advisor to the royal couple), and where she wrote “My Cousin Rachel”.

Then, less tenuous, the connection with another main character of the book, none other than Nicholas Kendall of Pelyn. We have six great grandfathers named Nicholas Kendall of Pelyn, from our 2 x gt grandfather (1825-1883) to 3rd (my favourite ancestor), 5th, 7th, 9th, and finally 12th great grandfather, (1511-1583).

I had all these pieces of the jig-saw puzzle, but still could not make them fit, until my daughter surprised me for my birthday, by introducing me to a distant relative in Australia, who had studied the Kendall family line and there, amongst some of her research, was this stunning picture of an original painting of Rachel Carew, and annotated – reputed to be the inspiration for “My Cousin Rachel”.

Aha – getting warmer - we also have Carew’s in our family line – I wrote recently of my nine times great grandfather, Sir Alexander Carew, who had been beheaded on Tower Hill in the aftermath of the English Civil War – well he was Rachel Carew’s grandfather.

I found my excitement rising as I realized that I was getting close to finding the elusive 16

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connection; were we related to Rachel Carew and by association to “My Cousin Rachel”?

Rachel Carew had been born on 9th November 1669. Her mother died when Rachel was just two years of age. Aged 21, Rachel married Ambrose Manaton, a man 19 years her senior. Ambrose was a landowner in Cornwall and a member of parliament, representing, over the years, several Cornish constituencies, but he was known to suffer from periods of ill health. In 1796 Ambrose died aged just 48 and ten years later, Rachel died in St Anne’s parish in Westminster, London when she was only 37. The couple did not have any children.

People died young in those days, and Rachel made her will when still in her early 30’s.

Rachel states that whilst she is weak in body, she is of perfect memory and leaves her temporal estate (her earthly estate) as follows. All money, plate and jewels and fifteen hundred pounds to her brother Sir William Carew. One hundred pounds to be spent on a monument to her father and late brother, Sir Richard Carew. To her sister, The Lady Copley, one hundred pounds. She leaves smaller amounts of money, mourning brooches and her ‘wearing apparel’ to her servants, but almost the largest bequest is the sum of four hundred pounds ‘for the relief of the poor prisoners about London’. Wow – a huge sum of money then and not to be sniffed at in today’s values - £83k.

I love this bit – the two executors are Philip Rashleigh of Menabilly House and Canon Kendall of Lanlivery – the latter none other than my seven times great-grandfather, whose gravestone I was recently trying to find in Exeter Cathedral. Sometimes my cup really does overflow.

Was there any truth in Daphne du Maurier’s story of My Cousin Rachel? Had Rachel Carew slowly been poisoning her husband, Ambrose, causing his frequent bouts of ill health?

Was Philip Ashley, the orphan and ward of Ambrose based on Philip Rashleigh? (Ashley/ Rashleigh – hmm!) Was Rachel slowly poisoning him too with her tinctures?

Did Nicholas Kendall ‘see’ right through Rachel and warn Philip?

Did Philip come to his senses and ‘arrange’ for Rachel to have an accident, which lead to her premature death?

Was it all a gothic tale of darkness or was there any truth in the story?

What is true, I finally made the connection – Rachel Carew Manaton is our First Cousin Nine Times Removed.

My sister and I are finally able to say “My Cousin Rachel” is, (or at least is based), on our real cousin Rachel!

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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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Local eggs*, bread and milk

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Wine and so� drinks

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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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Breakfast cereals

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Snacks and ice cream

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Fresh fruit and veg

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Contact 01480 – 810119 shop�gra�amvillageshop.co.uk www.gra�amvillage.co.uk

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ONE 2 ONE TUTOR

John Tose One2One Tutor @DirectLearning1 For further information • MATHS TUITION or to discuss your • ONLINE ONE TO ONE TEACHING own or your child’s educational needs, • KEY STAGE 2,3,4 please contact: John Tose 07803504631 jtose@sky.com

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-25 Lee’s Gardening Corner It might be hard to believe, but the days are getting longer, it's the shortest month to get through any more rainy, dark days and spring is just over a month away. So much in the garden is on the move - it's an exciting month.

February is a peak time for snowdrops, they are an important early source of nectar for bees, and if you dare pick a few for indoors will look and smell lovely.

Snowdrops thrive in a bit of shade and look wonderful coming up through cyclamen (either the leaves of autumn cyclamen or blending with the flowers of spring cyclamen).

This is also the month for winter crocuses: Crocus tommasinianus, C. flavus, C. siberi and C. chrysanthus. They all adapt well to life in turf and most of them self sow to provide a carpet of colour in the lawn, opening on sunny day. Crocuses come in shades of purple, cream and yellow, so you can choose to have all of one colour or a mass of mixed.

It is also the start of the early narcissus, you can get so many different varieties nowadays that there will be some for each month from now to the end of spring, and even different shapes and sizes within the ranges. Either in the garden or brightening the patio in pots, they are a cheerful sight.

Jobs to do if you are feeling in the need of fresh air include finishing pruning fruit trees; cut autumn flowering raspberries down to the ground; plant trees and shrubs if the weather is mild enough; dig any spare ground so that frost and rain can break it down; melt ice on ponds with fish so they can breathe.

Veg and annual seeds can now be started, under glass, in a propagator or a window sill. If you have somewhere undercover you could start planting spring baskets and pots, but make sure they will be protected from the weather.

Other plants for colour at this time of the year include Hellebores, Mahonia and Bergenia.

And if you haven't spent January browsing the seed and plant catalogues now is the time to do so.

Lee Munday 22

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PROFESSIONAL ARBORICULTURE SERVICES Fully Insured and Compliant Family Run Business All Aspects of Domestic and Commercial Tree Work Covered ARB Approved Contractor

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HANDY

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All garden work undertaken: • Hedge Trimming

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All aspects of tree surgery and hedge works carried out including: pruning, crown reductions, Felling/dismantling, stump grinding and removal of waste.

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

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Childcare for 2–11 year olds A wonderful charity run setting based in the beautiful village of Spaldwick, and led by a fantastic team, we are pleased to offer:

• 2 to 4 years old: pre-school childcare during term time between 9am to 3pm (lunch available; pre / after school care and holiday time covered by the clubs below). Eligible Government funded places available.

Each session is planned and includes play activities that help progress the children’s learning and development in the areas covered by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

• 2 to 11 years old: breakfast and after school care (S-Club) for the morning (8am to 9am) and afternoon (3pm to 6pm) for those attending Playtimes Pre-school and Spaldwick Primary School.

We offer a relaxed and calm environment where children can enjoy breakfast; and a hot tea in the afternoon. We encourage stimulating but relaxed activities to prepare children for / help them unwind from their school day.

• 2 to 11 years old: holiday club for all (available for all children, they do not need to attend Playtimes

Pre-school or Spaldwick Primary School) between 9am to 5pm (lunch and hot tea available; breakfast and afternoon snack included).

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

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

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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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The Post Box of Love As Kate walked to the Post Box on Valentine’s Day, she couldn’t stop herself thinking back to Valentine’s Day the previous year.

Kate and her boyfriend, Tony, had been in Rome – the city of love. They had walked miles around the city, hand in hand, very much in love. They had kissed on the Spanish Steps, thrown a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and Tony had bought her a red rose from one of the many vendors in the streets. It had been magical.

The highlight had been a visit to the Colosseum. Kate had been awe-struck by the sheer size and atmosphere of the amphitheatre, but Tony had seemed preoccupied and distant. Kate soon found out the reason why, as Tony dropped to his knee and pulled from his pocket a beautiful engagement ring. Kate had cried with sheer joy and excitement. They decided to wait a couple of years before getting married, to give themselves time to save for the wedding they wanted.

It was around the beginning of October that Kate started to sense all was not well with their relationship, but when she challenged Tony, he brushed it off, blaming stress at work. In midNovember, when Kate started to make plans for Christmas, Tony told her, in a matter-of-fact way, that they wouldn’t be together for Christmas. Tony had met someone else. Kate was heartbroken, and for her the next couple of months passed in a disbelieving blur. She functioned – nothing more.

Kate’s mum knew that Kate would find Valentine’s Day this year unbearably hard, so she invited her round for dinner the night before, and did her best to wrap her in motherly love. Before Kate went home, her mum asked her if she would post off a birthday card for her. ‘Of course,’ Kate said. ‘I will drop it at the Post Office tomorrow’. ‘No pet,’ her mum replied. ‘Will you take it to the Post Box of Love, please.’ ‘The what???’ Kate asked. Kate’s mum explained that the Post Box which stood on the corner of Luck’s Lane had always been called ‘The Post Box of Love’ as people believed the box received and gave out love.

So, here was Kate walking to the Post Box of Love with her mum’s card. As Kate posted it, she noticed an envelope sitting on top of the box. It had no address or stamp – just the words: ‘ To everyone in need of a hug, take me home and read me.’ Kate looked around her. The street was empty. ‘Well, I need a hug today’, she said out loud and picked up the envelope. When she got home, she pulled a card out of the envelope which read: Just remember: You are beautiful. You are loved. You are strong. You are worthy of love, respect and kindness. Move forward with hope.

When you have read this, please return me to the Post Box of Love for anyone else who needs a hug.

As Kate returned it, the sun broke through and Kate felt her spirits lift. It was indeed time to move forward with hope.

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

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BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT Your financial future is our priority

The months before April matter more than you think

by Tony Larkins As we settle into 2026, with Christmas already feeling like a distant memory, attention is turning to the next major milestone in the financial calendar: the Tax Year End on 5th April. For many, this period arrives faster than expected, and those who prepare early tend to make the most of the remaining opportunities available for the year, like ensuring annual allowances and contributions are not wasted before the deadlines.

Using allowances before they disappear Several valuable allowances reset each tax year, and many operate on a strict “use it or lose it” basis.

The ISA allowance is a good example. As confirmed in the recent Autumn Budget, each adult can currently invest up to £20,000 in an ISA. However, from 6th April 2027, the Cash ISA limit for savers under 65 will reduce from £20,000 to £12,000. If you’re thinking about topping up – or starting an ISA for the first time – now is the ideal moment to get this in place.

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) remain powerful taxplanning tools. However, they often require early application due to availability and processing times, so they’re worth reviewing now if suitable. Leaving planning too late can limit options, and place avoidable financial pressure on the next generation.

Capital Gains Tax: A likely talking point

After a strong year of investment performance for many, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is becoming a more Pensions deserve just as much attention. Many people frequent discussion point. With the annual exemption can take advantage of the “carry forward” rules, which having reduced in recent years, more people may can allow you to use any unused pension allowances find themselves facing an unnecessary CGT bill. from the previous three tax years depending on your income. After 5th April, one full year of potential tax- A timely nudge for the New Year efficient saving is lost. If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, it’s also worth checking that you’ve claimed the extra All of these considerations share one common tax relief you’re entitled to. Surprisingly, this is often theme: acting early gives you more choice and overlooked because many assume it happens greater opportunities. As we head into the New Year, automatically. it’s an ideal moment to review your finances before

Tax efficient tools like Gifting, VCTs and EIS I also see people regularly overlook the annual gifting allowances they are entitled to. Some gifts can be carried back a year, but not indefinitely,so families wanting to support children or grandchildren may want to take action sooner rather than later to make the most of available reliefs and create certainty. For clients who are comfortable with higher-risk planning,

the usual March rush arrives. A simple conversation now could save a great deal of pressure later – and often leads to feeling in control of your finances, creating peace of mind for the year ahead.

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)

01480 869466 www.beaconwm.co.uk info@beaconwealth.co.uk Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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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 34

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Monthly Heating Oil Price Update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice Price Update The December drop in prices – unusual for the time of year – is now behind us and prices have risen again in January. Not quite at the November peak – though they could go higher.

Why have prices risen sharply recently?

A combination of factors is at play at the time of writing. Renewed geopolitical tension (Iran, Venezuela, Ukraine) all impacting crude oil prices, which have a knock-on impact on kerosene. A spike in demand in early January means busy suppliers and longer delivery windows. And there’s still plenty of time for more cold weather. Households should prioritise ensuring they are stocked up.

Here's our latest tips and recommendations: •

We expect higher prices in winter: although prices have risen in January, it’s still competitive and for perspective, they are still lower than the peak prices seen last winter.

•

Don’t wait to the last minute: when it gets busy delivery times lengthen and express deliver options become expensive. Plan ahead and order well before you think you’ll run dry.

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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35

Remake It So One of the more frequent complaints about current film and television is that there are too many remakes. The trend for remaking films and shows can either be seen as a charming desire by the producers to recapture the magic that thrilled them as children, or a cynical cash grab which saves having to come up with original ideas. Whichever side you take, there is little value in the “all remakes are rubbish” school of thought.

If we’re honest, some beloved films which thrilled the younger versions of us haven’t aged well. If you’re unsure about revisiting childhood favourites, it’s probably safest to leave them as happy memories. Always bear in mind that children are generally very easily amused, and what may have tickled us as teenagers may be somewhat less amusing now. The same applies to films, if something scared you as a child it probably won’t do so now. I remember being terrified for years by a film, so scared that I couldn’t remember its title. I’ve recently found out it was called Death Car on the Freeway, and no way am I going to watch it again. Because it will either be disappointingly tame, or will set off the whole nightmare cycle again.

The films I’ll be examining are mainstream releases. Sadly this means there’s no room for the kings of remakes, the Italian filmmakers of the 70s and 80s. When an American film, say for example Star Wars, became popular the Italian machine would roar into action, pumping out dozens of low budget rip-offs. Astonishingly, the quality of these wasn’t that great. One of the most remarkable efforts is Cruel Jaws (can you guess which film it’s copying?), directed by the, ahem, interesting Bruno Mattei. By the way, Italian films by law must have at least 18 different titles, and this was released in some territories as Jaws 5. Presumably territories where copyright law isn’t a big thing. Mattei (using the pseudonym William Snyder, for reasons best known to himself) filmed about 40% of new material, using actors from the “at least they’re having a go” school. The rest of the film is made up of stock footage (not so rare) and scenes lifted wholesale from other shark films. Not recreated or restaged, simply shoved straight in. Jaws, Jaws 2 and a host of lesser films find themselves in this, widely regarded as the Citizen Kane of shark attack films. That this was made in 1995 is the icing on the celluloid cake.

Mattei also uses the soundtrack from Star Wars at one point, which is a nice change from the disco music present throughout. Again, 1995.

Despite, or probably because of all this, Cruel Jaws is a fascinating watch. The sheer brazenness of it must be applauded, although probably not by Mattei’s lawyers.

Apparently they called off the Oscars that year, as they knew this would sweep the board. It’s not easy to get hold of, I’ll leave you to imagine why.

And I’ve been having so much fun with Cruel Jaws that I’ve got no room to talk about official remakes. Which means tune in next month! https://eugenesmithwriting.com/ 36

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Are you thinking of selling or renting your property?

“Hi, I’m Christie Taylor, lets get you moving with a free valuation and a bespoke, one-to-one service that works around you.”

stie i r h C

partneringpeople withproperty christie.taylor@simpsonspropertyexperts.co.uk 01480 589584 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Just for Kids

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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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39

HA

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MA

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IN T

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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.

3) Remove the plant and compost the pot - Fully biodegradable!

DECOMPOSITION TIME:

BEST PLANTING TIME:

Pots break down in about a month, depending on soil conditions.

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.

Circular Sustainability

Naturally Compostable

Zero Plastic Waste

Natural Fertilising Ingredients

Robust and Durable

www.wasteprojekt.com 40

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

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Contact Alex Watts on 01480 219 004 | 07304 008 342 info@gaphomeimprovements.co.uk | www.gaphomeimprovements.co.uk Check Google listing for showsite opening times.

Insurance backed guarantees on all products.

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WEEKLY OFFERS at The Wheatsheaf Kickstart January at The Wheatsheaf – Big Flavours, Even Bigger Value

ONE NIGHT STAND Weekly one-off legendary burger – New every Tuesday – £17.95

STEAK NIGHT Every Thursday from 5pm Steak, fries, sauce + drink – Ribeye £18.95 | Fillet £20.95

FISH FRYDAY Every Friday from 5pm 2 for 1 on all Fish & Chips, Scampi & Seabass mains

FRIENDS EAT FREE Mondays 5–9pm Buy one main, get a second free (Mains only; excludes sharers, starters & grills)

Brighten the new year with the best deals in town.

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

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43

Along with my love of horses, I have a passion for Westerns, having been brought up on a healthy diet of them and as all my first crushes were (apart from Elvis) cowboy based I daresay I had something of a romantic view of them. When I grew up, I realised how hard the life was, but that never stopped me pining for the wide-open spaces, a trusty steed and one of those cool hats. Mine would have been black.

Anyway, An Englishwoman’s Guide to the Cowboy is a book I’ve had on my Kindle for years, and it was an absolute delight to finally get to it.

Set in the American West in 1867, Annie Haddon, a well-bred bookish spinster, is travelling with what remains of her family — the domineering Aunt Bea and her spiteful cousin, Charlotte. There is a stagecoach wreck, and Annie is left for dead by her caring family who are more interested in saving themselves. Fortunately for Annie, a cowboy by the name of Colt McCall comes by and saves her.

Annie is English and comes from the buttoned-up Victorian era. Colt lives by his own rules and hates the English. Yet somehow, they must get along over the vast distances they have to travel to get Annie back to her family.

And what awaits her? Marriage to possibly one of the most hideously described suitors ever. But it’s the best thing for her, so her aunt insists.

This was the most delightful book to read, and I relished every page, every description, every beautifully turned sentence. The descriptions were so vivid you could feel the heat, the dust.

The characters so wonderfully rounded you could almost be Annie in among them. And the dialogue? Pitch perfect, the humour as dry as the dust blowing across from the prairie.

Despite the fact I felt like slapping Annie at times, so low was her self-esteem, I loved this book and highly recommend it to all who like good storytelling and maybe once upon a time had a hankering for the cowboy way of life.

Jane Austen meets Zane Grey indeed.

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

Get in touch for a realistic market appraisal and moving plan that works for you.

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

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47

Under Starter’s Orders

Paul Kinally from Peter Lane & Partners in Kimbolton considers how to plan for success in moving home in 2026.

And they’re off! Many of those who have resolved to move home in 2026 already have the first fence in their sights - finding somewhere to buy and, in most cases, finding a buyer. Many more fences lie ahead - mortgages, surveys, contracts, chains, the occasional fall-through, schools and timing. These are not small hurdles and that is why moving home is best approached as a long-distance race rather than a sprint.

Both buyers and sellers should give themselves time. If circumstances allow the move should be thought of as a year-long project rather than a hurried transaction. Time creates space: space to reflect, to weigh decisions carefully, and ultimately to make great choices. Time also invites a little luck. Instead of agonising over a property that is almost right, waiting a little longer may reveal the home that feels more like an obvious yes.

A philosophical outlook also helps. The ten-out-of-ten property is a unicorn; the nineout-of-ten is a white rhino. But a seven or eight-out-of-ten in the right location, with good bones and the potential to become a personal nine-out-of-ten, is often within most people’s grasp - and well worth waiting for.

The market, like life, is always in motion, and personal circumstances change just as quickly. Buying or selling a home should be an exciting milestone, not a source of constant anxiety. With thoughtful planning and a steady pace, it can be exactly that.

Some people seem naturally adept at moving, others less so, but confidence in the process can be learned given time and the right guidance. Think of your estate agent as a trainer of champions.

Whatever changes 2026 may bring, we hope they are positive ones for you and we stand ready to help - calmly, carefully, and with experience and enthusiasm - as you move into a wonderful new chapter of your life.

Happy New Year.

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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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

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Happy Valentine’s Day

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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Trusted Conveyancing Experts at Wilson Browne Solicitors At Wilson Browne, we recognise that property transactions are significant milestones. With years of experience and a CQS accreditation, our team is committed to delivering a smooth, efficient conveyancing process tailored to your needs.

We offer expert advice on all types of property—registered or unregistered, freehold or leasehold—and bring a deep understanding of the legal intricacies involved in each transaction.

Our approach is built on long-standing client relationships. Beyond standard sales and purchases, we support clients with equity releases, first registrations, property transfers, and remortgages—providing clear, practical guidance every step of the way.

Transparency is at the heart of what we do. We don’t rely on misleading low quotes; instead, we offer fixed, honest pricing based on our extensive experience, so you always know where you stand.

We hold the Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo, for customer reviews and feedback. These are genuine, verified reviews from clients and the prestigious accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and support to our clients.

Located in the heart of Higham Ferrers, our characterful office in the Market Square is home to a dedicated legal team with strong ties to the local property market. We work closely with local agents and advisors to ensure a seamless experience for our clients.

Known for our responsiveness and attention to detail, we keep you informed throughout the process—because we understand how important these transactions are to you.

If you're looking for a conveyancing team that combines expertise with a downto-earth approach, our Residential Conveyancing team is here to help—offering all the support you need, when you need it.

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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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53

Febrrrrrruary February, or Febrrrrrruary as it should be called, is usually full of the commercial pressure to be loved up. Failing that, there are Galentine’s events to plan and enjoy, or simply just go about life as normal, because didn’t that Valentine fella end up getting beheaded anyway? No wonder I always ‘mispronounce’ Valentine’s Day as Halloween and vice versa. My favourite February in memory is 2015. I’d left my job in Cambridge, had started a whirlwind romance, and was about to embark on a year of solo backpacking. Allow the romantic in me to pen a love letter to a couple of the countries and experiences that left a mark.

Dear Sri Lanka. Where to start? Everything about you wowed me. Given the chance, I still rave about you and both times I visited. The beautiful train journey from Colombo to Kandy, lush green countryside everywhere I looked. It was fun to tick off the Lonely Planet guide must-sees, but it’ll always be the unique experiences learning about your rich history and culture from the locals that’ll stay with me. The friendly people offering advice on where to stay when backpacker budget friendly accommodation didn’t seem available. Hambantota on the south coast was such a place, and I’ll forever remember Thaliph and his friend singing to my friend Ricki and I outside our beach hut, giving us recommendations for Sri Lankan literature, advising us on where to buy to best kottu and even providing a local’s recollection of the 2004 tsunami that devastated the coast. Tikki the collie behaving as a guard-dog on our walks from the beach into town was very special and it was quite the wrench when we had to leave for our next destination. Feeding the elephants at Pinwala Elephant Orphanage was also an unforgettable experience, albeit also quite daunting.

Them’s some big mouths.

That seems a suitable place to hop over to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. While Indonesia, specifically Lombok’s Gili Islands, was where I fell in love with the underwater world, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef was where I put this love affair to the best possible use. Introducing other people to the reef’s inhabitants was, simply put, breathtaking every single day. In my travel blog while working on a liveaboard catamaran called MV Kangaroo Explorer I was suitably giddy: “During the first session of the day, on East Timor, I was asked to take the three certified divers on a guided tour, meaning I needed to brief them on what would happen, go through all the dive safety rules, and tell them a bit about their site, as well as let them know when to get ready.

You’re reading this and already thinking, “Yeah, so what? People do that sort of thing all the time?” Seeing as I was one of those nervous divers to start with back in April on Koh Tao, if you’d said to me back then that I’d be working as a trainee dive professional, I might have laughed but secretly wished it would somehow come true. Six months on, I’m doing it. And LOVING it. We’re talking full on, pinch-myself-squeal-into-the-snorkel-face-down-in-the-water-jump-out-of-bedeager-for-work-at-5am-don’t-know-what-I’ll-do-come-the-end-of-my-traineeship LOVING it.”

Call me a cheesy romantic overly dependent on punctuation and wordy descriptions, but there haven’t been many times I’ve described a feeling with a sentence involving 30 hyphens before.

This mermaid is looking forward to the next country that provokes even half that total.

Sally Gower 54

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SELF STORAGE Great Staughton

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

07753 638948 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Bystander Community HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP Tuesday 3rd February 7.30pm, Hail Weston Village Hall,

A talk from Stephen Black - The Happy Brewer Can you use flowers and vegetables from your garden to make wine?

Members £1.00 per meeting (annual membership £7.00/year) non members £3.00 per meeting (certain meetings/events may cost more) Light refreshments will be available for a donation and there will be a Raffle (4-6 prizes) including a garden centre voucher (£25) further information contact: tel_maggs2@225771mgl.co.uk

KIMBOLTON COMMUNITY CINEMA AT THE MANDEVILLE HALL

Mandeville Hall

7-30pm FRIDAY 20thFEBRUARY

“An astonishing feelgood film about life with Tourette’s” The Times

BAR, ICECREAMS, & FREE POPCORN Tickets £5, £4 + booking fee at www.ticketsource.co.uk/mandevillehallkimbolton. Bytes Café 10 to 12-30pm Mondays and Fridays or on the door. Information at COMMUNITY CINEMA-The Mandeville Hall Kimbolton.

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Tuesday 6th January 2026 Tuesday 3rd February 2026 Tuesday 3rd March 2026 7.30pm for 8.00pm Start • Generous cash prizes • Raffle • Refreshments Available Bring a friend and come along and join in the fun All proceeds to the Mandeville Hall Charity Registered Charity No 302646

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Miss Franks’

Kimbolton Probus Club Our well-established Probus luncheon club welcomes retired and semi-retired business or professional people from Kimbolton and neighbouring villages.

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

Interested??

Contact our Social Secretary – Steve Jacklin on 01480 860 805 or our Chairman Mary Foster on 01480 861594

Saturday April 11th. 2:00-4:00pm Mandeville Hall Kimbolton

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

Entrance £1 includes free raffle ticket

£ CASH only sale.

Tea coffee and homemade cakes Proceeds to Kimbolton community projects.

are sponsoring the cost of the Hall

Donations can be dropped off at the hall on…

Friday from 2:00 to 4:00. Saturday 10:00 to 12:00.

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL BIG BREAKFAST

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

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST SATURDAY MARCH 21ST SATURDAY APRIL 18TH 9am - 11am Full English - £8.50 Small English - £5.00 Tea & coffee included No need to Book JUST TURN UP

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Services across the Benefice for February.

For more information visit www.swhw.co.uk Services in bold italics are also broadcast via Zoom:

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 1st:

10.30am All Age Worship

meeting ID: 380915 8110 Passcode: 90Mn1s

Sun 8th:

10.30am Parish Communion

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

Sun 15th: 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 22nd: 10.30am Parish Communion

meeting ID: 460073 8580 Passcode: wJ94Sa Join us at St. Andrew’s church on Friday for an informal bit of fun with your toddlers and pre-schoolers, along with refreshments and chat for the adults. 9.00am - 10.30am during school term ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Sun 1st:

9.00am Parish Communion

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 15th: 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 1st:

10.30am Morning Praise

Sun 22nd: 4.00pm Benefice Evensong

Sun 8th:

9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 15th:

3.00pm Creative Communion

Wed 18th: 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Benefice Communion Sun 22nd: 9.00am Parish Communion

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What’s on in Kimbolton in February Sunday 1st

3pm Kim Jam. New Sun Inn

Monday 2nd

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

2.30pm WI. Mellow Yellow - Speaker Duncan Farrington. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 3rd

9.30 - 10.30am Baby & Toddler Group.

Youth & Community Hall.

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 4th

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

Thursday 5th Friday 6th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

10 - 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics Open Studio 20 East Street, Kimbolton 2pm Welcome Club. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 7th

6 - 8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Monday 9th

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

Tuesday 10th

9.30 - 10.30am Baby & Toddler Group.

Youth & Community Hall.

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 11th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

10 - 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics Open Studio 20 East Street, Kimbolton

12pm Senior Lunch Club. Youth & Community Hall

Thursday 12th Friday 13th Saturday 14th Monday 16th

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

Tuesday 17th

9.30 - 10.30am Baby & Toddler Group.

Youth & Community Hall.

2 - 4pm Carpet Bowls Club. Mandeville Hall

Wednesday 18th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

12pm Kimbolton Probus Club. Snooty Tavern, Gt Staughton.

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

Thursday 19th Friday 20th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

10 - 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics Open Studio 20 East Street, Kimbolton

7pm Community Cinema - I Swear. Mandeville Hall 6 - 8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Saturday 21st Monday 23rd

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Tuesday 24th

9-30 - 10.30am Baby & Toddler Group.

Youth & Community Hall.

Wednesday 25th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut 2 - 4pm Carpet Bowls Club. Mandeville Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

12pm Senior Lunch Club. Youth & Community Hall

Thursday 26th Friday 27th

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

7pm Parish Council Meeting. Youth & Community Hall

10 - 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics Open Studio 20 East Street, Kimbolton

Saturday 28th

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61

Visit to Kimbolton Fire Station At the end of 2025 we had a terrific visit to Kimbolton Fire Station! Firstly the Rainbows (4-7 years old) took it in turns to try on firefighters’ uniform and equipment and have a go with the fire hose.

Then the Brownies (7-10 years old) took their turn with the hoses and uniform, then they dragged the human-sized dummies to safety and looked at each other through the thermal-imaging cameras.

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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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Fresh Coat Dog Grooming Calm, Low Stress Environment All Breeds & Sizes Accepted First-Aid Trained

Services: Bath & Brush Full Groom Hand Stripping Teeth Cleaning Nail Clipping & Ear Cleaning included in all services.

BOOK NOW: Phone: +44 (0)7359 272 545 Email: freshcoatgrooming@gmail.com Also available on:

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NEED AN ADVERT CREATING? Fast design services Ability to work from a brief or from scratch No extra charges for amends* Contact me

ADVERT DESIGN PRICES FROM JUST £35 *Complete redesigns may incur an extra cost

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AFFORDABLE MARKETING SERVICES Social media management Content creation and optimisation Design services Event management Contact me for more information

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SELEC RENEWABLES Based Locally for 2 Decades

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

Air Conditioning

16 x 435w All Black Panels

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Domestic Electrical

Daikin 5kw EMURA in black

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

Contact us Now to book a Free Quote

Myenergi Zappi 7kw EV Charger

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Wood burning fires Multi fuel stoves Twin wall systems Media wall builds Fireplace designs Installations

Call us on 01480 869042 Email us : sales@stillandsons.co.uk www.stillandsons.co.uk

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Canine Corner - Living With Dogs and Children Dogs and children can live perfectly happily together, they can enrich the lives of one another and there is nothing more lovely than seeing a child playing with his or her pet dog. Having a dog in the family teaches a child how to be caring and compassionate, how to respect living creatures and when they are old enough, how to take on responsibility. As a parent and dog owner, it is your responsibility to oversee all interactions to ensure a safe and harmonious relationship between your dog and your child.

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Toddlers can be quite unnerving for dogs; they can be loud and unpredictable, they fall over easily and grab things unexpectedly. Always supervise interactions between your dog and your toddler, never leave them alone. Even the most tolerant dog is still a dog and it is unfair to expect them to cope alone with the attention of a toddler. Your job as a parent is to protect your child from your dog and your dog from your child.

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Teach your toddler to be calm and gentle with the dog, lead by example and show them how to stroke gently. Praise them when they stroke the dog correctly. Never allow your toddler to hug/ climb on/ be rough with the dog. Neither should they be allowed to put fingers in the dogs mouth. Teach your toddler to leave dog alone when they are asleep/ resting and make sure your dog is never bothered by your toddler when he is eating or has a chew.

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Always watch your dog for signs of anxiety around your child and visiting children.

Trying to hide, panting, low/ crouching body language, lip licking, yawning, wide 'whale' eyes and growling are all signs of stress. Make sure your dog can escape from the children to somewhere quiet. If you have lots of children visiting it may be difficult to actively supervise all interactions so it is a good idea to put your dog in a quiet room out of the way. Many dog bite incidents occur during family get-togethers when the dog gets overwhelmed but the adults are too distracted to notice.

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As your child grows up, teach them not to approach strange dogs unless they ask you first and you can check with the owner. It is always better to give the dog the choice, even if the owner says it is fine, their dog might not agree. Tell your child to stand a few feet away. If the dog comes to say hello, the child can calmly hold out his hand for the dog to sniff. If the dog wants a fuss, their shoulder is usually the safest place. If the dog chooses not to approach the child, tell them that it is fine, the dog does not feel like saying hello today and it is important to respect that.

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If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour around your children, please contact an ABTC Registered behaviourist for advice.

Laura Travis BSc (Hons) PG Dip CABC - Clinical Animal Behaviourist 76

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15/01/2025 12:42

Carry on Regardless My journey through the Carry On films brings me to Carry On Regardless (1961), a film I hold in such high regard. It's on my list of top six favourites (a list I always claim is only five), and trying to distil my love for it into a single article feels almost impossible; but that's the joy of it, it’s a film overflowing with pure, unadulterated comedy.

The previous films had parodied specific settings (military life, hospitals, teaching), but with Carry On Regardless this was an original creation. The filmmakers wanted a chance to explore a variety of bizarre situations and put the cast through their paces, so with this original idea, it allowed them to be more experimental, and in my personal opinion, it paid off!

The film marks the return of Sid James, and this time he's here to stay, setting his place at the Carry On table. He is not his usual lecherous self here again, instead he plays the role of a somewhat serious businessman, Bert Handy, who sets up ‘Helping Hands’, a kind of early temping agency, that provides people for any job, no matter how ridiculous. It’s a genius premise that provides the perfect vehicle for the cast’s comedic talents.

The usual crowd is all here and in brilliant form. We have Kenneth Connor who is hired as a babysitter, an assignment he receives from the great Fenella Fielding in her first Carry On role.

There is Joan Sims who delivers a masterclass in physical comedy as a tipsy guest at a formal wine-tasting. Kenny Williams plays the perpetually exasperated character and speaker of 16 languages, and Charles Hawtrey with his particular brand of eccentricity a highlight in every scene.

The film also features a fantastic cameo by Hattie Jacques as a ward sister, a familiar and welcome sight. It’s also in this film that we get the first glimpse of Liz Fraser as one of the new recruits. She adds a youthful energy to the ensemble and her performance is a perfect fit for the chaotic world of Helping Hands.

The film’s humour comes from the sheer absurdity of the jobs the characters take on; from being a human mannequin for a man that wants to make sure his wife’s surprise dresses will fit her, to Williams taking a pet chimpanzee for a walk and a tea party in the park; sheer delight.

Departing from a single genre was a key moment for the franchise. It began to show the strength of the cast and the producers & writer’s ability to create comedy out of nothing but a simple idea. This once again proved that the Carry On franchise was more about its staple of characters and the reactions to their farcical situations, than it was about a specific genre of story.

Carry On Regardless reminds me of those younger years with sitting in front of the television, and being captivated by its brilliant and free-wheeling comedy that is so rarely seen today. It perfectly captures the simple joy of British humour, and that's why I see this as a timeless classic.

Ross Richardson 78

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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

07535 143497 liz@thehomesorter.co.uk thehomesorter.co.uk

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

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From your Cambridge Correspondent As I write this, term is yet to commence, but it will not be long before Lent Term gets underway. Cambridge’s terms are famously short – just eight weeks – and a lot gets packed into a relatively brief period.

There is plenty going on in Cambridge this month that is open to all. The Darwin College Lecture Series, the largest public lecture series in the city, runs from 23 January to 13 March. This year’s theme is Song. The lectures are free to attend and take place on Fridays at 5.30pm in the Lady Mitchell Hall on the Sidgwick Site (www.darwin.cam.ac.uk/lecture-series/).

Meanwhile, the Made in Ancient Egypt exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum (www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk) continues until April. It explores ancient Egypt through the lives of its craftspeople, with jewellery, ceramics and sculpture on display, including spectacular objects never before seen in the UK. On 13 February, the award-winning choir Tenebrae comes to Cambridge to perform at Trinity College Chapel, presenting music ranging from Byrd and Monteverdi through to living composers. The following week marks the beginning of Lent, and anyone wishing to attend a choral evensong in a college on Ash-Wednesday will be spoilt for choice.

This month, instead of highlighting an individual college, I want to turn to developments in West Cambridge over the past couple of decades. Anyone driving into the city along Madingley Road will have noticed the steadily increasing number of new buildings. Many house academic departments that have outgrown their original central sites.

The Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge’s physics department, is a striking example. It began life in a modest building behind St Botolph’s Church, where Ernest Rutherford was based 84

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when he became Director in 1919. It is unthinkable that such a site could accommodate a modern physics laboratory: after relocating to West Cambridge in the 1970s, the Cavendish has now moved again into state-of-the-art buildings, made possible by a munificent benefaction from the estate of the late Ray Dolby.

Other notable departments in West Cambridge include Chemical Engineering and the Computer Laboratory.

Surrounding these academic hubs is a growing ecosystem of science and technology companies, start-ups and incubators, all benefiting from close proximity to university research and talent. The British Antarctic Survey is also headquartered here and forms an important part of this wider Cambridge ecosystem.

Together, these developments illustrate how Cambridge continues to evolve, balancing its historic core with expansion at its edges. A century ago, the land now known as West Cambridge was largely open farmland; today it is a centre of teaching, research and innovation. While the colleges and city centre remain central to Cambridge’s identity, areas such as West Cambridge are increasingly shaping its future – not only as places of study, but as hubs of collaboration and discovery. As Lent Term begins, it is a timely reminder that Cambridge is a city constantly renewing itself, even as it remains rooted in tradition.

Sam Venn cambridgecorrespondent.bystander@proton.me

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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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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 Kimbolton Castle 10:45am-1pm

Contact Us:

eleanor@shrewdpr.co.uk johnhitchin@btinternet.com

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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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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,.

Caroline made it so much easier to be decisive, without pressure.

Together we achieved a lot. Thank you for your splendid help” Lyn, Perry, Huntingdon

www.cmajorchange.co.uk 07584 279228 @cmajorchange 90

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

Our Holistic Support Services include: Individualised Personalised Approach Health Monitoring (BP, Blood Tests, Weight Checks) Befriending and Activity Home Visits Dementia respite for carers at home Social Visits (including shopping and outings) Emotional Wellbeing Support Administrative Support Palliative and End of Life Services specialising in coordinating end of life care and a nurse/carer sitter service.

Visit our website www.goldencommunity.co.uk Or contact us via admin@goldencommunity.co.uk 01480 759840 | 07570 181827

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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 0800 887766 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177650 Carers Direct 0808 802 0202 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice 03444 111 444 Electricity Emergency 105 Floodline 0345 988 1188 Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 National Rail Enquiries 0333 202 2222 NSPCC 0800 800 500 Parentline 0800 800 2222 RAC Emergency Breakdown 0800 828282 RSPCA 0300 1234 999 Samaritans 116 123 UK Missing Persons Unit 0800 234 6034 Victim Support 0808 168 9111

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Clubs, Groups and Organisations Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk Saqhib Ali, 07386 904950 Buckworth Cricket Club Social Club http://buckworthcricketclub.co.uk/ Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 01480 444500 Catworth Women’s Group Barbara Cawdell 01832 710404 Catworth Quilters Group Pam Wardle 01832 710324 Ellington Neighbourhood Watch Rick Wilcox 01480 890902 Ellington Village Club Sue Rice (Chairperson) 01480 896139 Grafham & Ellington Art Group Jackie Woods, 01480 890279 Great Staughton Village Hub Details on the Great Staughton and Perry Facebook page Gt Staughton Horticultural Society Emma Mumford 07881 621260 Gt Staughton Playing Field & Pavilion Bob Jewell 01480 861259 Hargrave Investment Club Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034 Kimbolton Senior Citizens lunch club 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall Kimbolton Local History Society Nora Butler 01480 861007 Kimbolton & Stonely Parish Council Jo Russel 01480 276075 Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing Mary Foster 01480 861594 Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion David Henrick 01480 896556 Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club Chris Davies 01234 376542 Kimbolton Bridge Clubs Mandeville Hall, Wednesdays, John Figgures 07944 155576 Kimbolton Probus Club Steve Jacklin 01480 860805 / Mary Foster 01480861594 Little Staughton Parish Clerk clerk@littlestaughtonparishcouncil.gov.com, 07729 960264 Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167 North Beds Ramblers Margaret Sawyer

northbedswalks@gmail.com, www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walk

ing/ramblers-groups/north-bedfordshire-group Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark Diane Robins, 07786 656088 clerk@pertenhallandswineshead-pc.gov.uk Save the Children Fund Nora Butler 01480 861007 Stow Longa Village Community - social events Christine Hayes 01480 860519

Christine.Hayes@StowLonga.org.uk The Villages Gardening Club Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.com The Stables Christian Centre Sean Watkiss, 01234 376237 work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults.

Tilbrook Village Newsletter www.tilbrookvillage.life Tilbrook Amenites Committee Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman

tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk Lionel Thatcher, 01480860055 Whist Drives, Ellington Steve Sherratt , 01480 891418

WI Groups Kimbolton WI Anne Beszant 01480 860672 Ellington WI Jan Sherratt 01480 891418 Gt Staughton WI Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com Pertenhall WI Glennis Bird, Tel: 01933 314275, glennis.bird@hotmail.co.uk Perry WI perrywigroup@gmail.com Village Halls Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886 Village Hall, Catworth, bookings www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk Village Hall, Dean and Shelton (Dalton Hall, U. Dean) www.daltonhalldean.org Village Hall, Ellington Anita Dowdall 01480 891821 Village Hall, Gt Staughton, bookings Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005 Village Hall, Hail Weston Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

Village Hall, Keysoe Janet Browning 01234 376577 bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk Village Hall, Keyston, bookings Chrissy Faulkner, 07714 080837 Village Hall, Little Staughton Kevin and Maria Foskett, 01234 376260 Village Hall, Melchbourne Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk 07941 245639

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Village Hall, Molesworth 07922 738818 Email:enquiries@molesworthvillagehall.co.uk www.molesworthvillagehall.co.uk Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings Paul Sheard paulsheard@aol.com 01480 861457 Village Hall, Tilbrook Erica Jago, 07903 987445, bookings.tilbrookvillage@gmail.com

www.tilbrookvillage.life Village Hall, Yelden 07539 662544, yeldenvillagehall@gmail.com Spaldwick Community Room Sarah Cardwell - clerk@spaldwickparishcouncil.org.uk Grafham Nature Reserve & Watch Group The Wildlife Trust 01480 811075 North Beds Young Farmers’ northbedsyfcmembership@gmail.com FB: North Beds Young Farmers

Instagram: @northbedsyfc Twitter: @northbedsyfc Grafham Water Sailing Club 01480 810478 Wildlife Trust 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 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 Chelveston Village Hall - Chair Exercise Lisa, 07867 204128, lisaatfitness5@gmail.com Class for Older Adults - Thursday 11am

Mobile Library Service 0345 045 5225 for enquiries / renewals

2nd Wednesday of the Month (R. H10) - 11th February Diddington : Manor Farm 9.30am to 9.50am Southoe : The Church 10.05am to 10.25am Spaldwick : High Street 10.45am to 11.05am Stow Longa : The Green 11.15am to 11.45am Catworth : Station Road Midday to 12.30pm Covington : Cross Street 1.45pm to 2.15pm Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.30pm to 3.45pm Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

4th Tuesday of the Month (R. H23) - 24th February 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) - 25th February 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.49 Art, Gifts, Framing, Crafts, Ceramics, Hobbies David Osborne Motorbike Spares, 07979 500900, p.55 Engraved by Elle, p.10 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.10 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.86 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.71 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Ablewood. 07740 435801, p.45 CB Building, 07583 938006 p.11 GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.41 Garolla Garage Doors, 01480 630081, p.71 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 Golden Community, 01480 759840, p.91 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.90 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.83 Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.90 The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.81

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Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15 One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.21 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077, p.26 SEB Online Tutoring, drbonlinetutoring@gmail.com, p.55 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.77 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.73 Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.47 Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84 Simpsons Property Experts, 01480 589584 p.37 Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.31 Financial Advisers & Financial Services Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33 Funeral Directors Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.39 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.34 Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers Alex Abbs Gardener, 07399 445052, P.24 Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23 Handy Herberts, 01933 715936 p.25 JD Tree Surgery, 07745 378268, p.22 Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.24 SJS Landscapes, 07876 763440, p.22 General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops Budgens, 01480 860582, p.50-51 Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20 Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.98 Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk, p.79 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085 p.9 Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.9 Creative Hair Looks, 07764 336697, p.6 Fulcrum Health, www.fulcrumhealth.com, p.8 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.10 Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 p.8 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9 The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.6

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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 Fresh Coat Dog Grooming, 07359 272545, p.71 Rebecca's Dog Grooming, 07397 534570, p.45 Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.98 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.25 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.31 LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3

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 Travel Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.11 Once In A Lifetime Holidays, 07961 884183, p.89 Valeting CB AutoGlow, 07956 449182, p.99 Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.27

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Avalon Bakehouse, 07860 410075 p.82

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CAMPING - Please call or make an enquiry online

Top End Village Stores Village Store | Animal Feed | Campsite

y season fruit and vegetables Top qualit(locally sourced where possible) Supporting small businesses and local farmers.

For all your needs • 10kg and 25kg sacks of potatoes • Butchers meats in stock • Locally produced beers, ciders and coffee • Local honey, pickles and preserves • Fresh daily milk, bread & eggs • Plenty of compost, topsoil, bark and farmyard manure • General grocery store and off licence • Lottery and Scratchcards

• Stationary, greeting cards and gifts • Cold and flu medicines • Calor gas, logs, coal and kindling and bulk logs available for collection and delivery • Collect + service, DHL, DPD, Fedex, UPS, Inpost and Royal mail 24hr and 48hr tracked • Mobile phone, gas and electric top ups • Delivery available • All major credit cards accepted

Fruit and vegetable boxes avaliable

For all your pet needs GE HAYLA .45 £7 FROM ALE B PER

• Chicken feed, bedding and supplements • Horse feed, bedding and supplements • Cat, dog and small animal feeds • All stock and smallholder feeds • Wild Bird Feed

Hay, straw and haylage Top End Farm, Little Staughton, Bedfordshire MK44 2BY

01234 376426 | topendfarm@btconnect.com

www.topendfarm.co.uk Free delivery T and C’s apply

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NGS SHAVI N DOW CE IN PRI 0 5 .

0 £1 LE A B R PE PRIC

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

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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S

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

D L O

Swineshead MK44 2AE Guide Price £635,000

D D L L SOSO

Characterful pantiled cottage, sympathetically improved and upgraded.

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Perfectly positioned with views of the Parish Church within this semi-rural hamlet.

D L O

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Boasting a wealth of original timbers and brick pamment floors.

DLD DLD L L O O • SPrincipal bedroom with part-vaulted ceilingO SO S andS well-appointed en suite.

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Approaching 1,400 square feet including 3 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

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Sitting room with brick fireplace and wood burning stove.

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Rustic country kitchen with hand-built painted cabinets and hardwood counters.

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• •

D L O

Delightfully private and charmingly landscaped garden.

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Off-road Call parkingNow and large,to detached pantiled a garage/workshop.

Arrange Viewing or your Free

D D L L SOSO

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D L O

Tel 01480 860400 kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk

Separate dining/breakfast room and cosy snug.

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