July Edition

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

ISSUE 220 July 2024

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Welcome to our July edition. Let’s hope that finally we can enjoy some proper summer weather at last! This month we have Anthony Wither’s account of his ascent of Kilimanjaro!

We have an article Louise Herriman on why the power of positivity is worth embracing. You can find out about the St Andrew’s Church renovation project – a fundraising project for the Great Staughton church. Georgia Rose outlines the benefits for writers who use independent publishers.

Eugene expands on why ‘Jaws’ is his favourite film. Hazel’s flash fiction contribution is entitled ‘A Walk in the Mind’ and Penny’s latest family history instalment comes from the Cornish archives. Inn Farm weighs up the pros and cons of giving your baby a dummy and our community page contains several events and information about local groups. As ever, we have our regular contributions too.

Enjoy the magazine!

Julie

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Editor: Julie Tose Mobile: 07928 778457 julie@villagebystander.com This Month’s Contributors: Lee Munday, Paul Kinally, Penny Young, Tony Larkins, Joanne Cox, Georgia Rose, Anthony Withers, Hazel Wright, Eugene Smith, Jeff Garland

July Contents Editor’s Letter p.4 Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-12 The Power of Positivity: Why It's Worth Embracing p.12 Inn Farm - Considering Giving Your Baby a Dummy? p.14 Local Memories: Guns by Mail Order! p.16-17 Anthony Withers - Kilimanjaro p.18 Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22 July – A Month Of Political Turmoil For The French! p.30 A Walk In The Mind p.32 Beacon Wealth Management - Do High Earners Need Financial Advice? p.33 Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service p.34 Canine Corner - Top tips for a good recall p.35 Eugene Smith - Like A Doll's Eyes p.36 Animals in Needs p.43 Georgia Rose p.44 Peter Lane and Partners - The Perfect Date p.48 You may not love the weather, but your solar panels will p.52 Bystander Community p.56-68 The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.59 What’s On for Children? p.72 Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.72-73 Useful and Emergency Numbers p.73 Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.74-75 Mobile Library Times p.75 Business Listings p.76

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The Power of Positivity: Why It's Worth Embracing In a world that is feeling challenging, with ever increasing worries affecting our health & wellbeing, developing a positive mindset really is a game changer.

Being positive doesn't mean you're immune to life’s difficulties, we will all have our bad days, and that's okay. But a positive mindset gives you the tools to recover faster from any knocks, boost your self-esteem, and foster a feeling of contentment.

Contentment may sound like a bland word, but it is that sweet spot that allows space and energy to really enjoy the highs and easily rides the lows. Don’t overlook it as a successful place to reach! But when life's already a juggling act, adding more things to your self-care routine can feel overwhelming. Luckily, building a positive mindset doesn't require a major overhaul of your life. It starts in your head, so you can work on it while you're brushing your teeth or making a cuppa.

So, how do you kickstart this journey to a sunnier outlook on life? Bookending your morning and evening routines is a great place to start.

In the morning, pay attention to that first thought that pops into your head as you wake up. If it's a negative one, hit pause, and swap it out for something positive or neutral. Even if you wake in a real funk, simply acknowledging, ‘today will be a challenge for me, but I will do it’, can do wonders.

Onto the evening – reflect on 3 things that have sparked a glimmer of joy in you that day, no matter how small. Enjoyable food, an uplifting conversation, your child’s laugh, or a something that made you proud. By giving attention to these little moments, you're rewiring your brain to focus more on the good stuff.

With these sunnier days upon, there's no better time to start strengthening your positivity muscles now to prepare for a brighter winter. So, what are you waiting for!?

Louise Herriman

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LOCAL MEMORIES: By Penny Young Guns by Mail Order!

Another gap opened up in my diary and I decided to take a short break to Cornwall, stopping with friends in Devon for a couple of days and fitting in a trip to Exeter Races, on the way down.

However, this would only leave me one whole day and a half day session at Kresen Kernow, the Cornish archives, where all my maternal family, the Kendall’s, papers are stored. This place has proved a gold mine over the past few visits and whilst, with no great expectations this time, I still hoped there were some more surprises to discover. It is always best to go with a plan and I ordered up the documents I wanted to see on the first half day, which included diving back into the Charles and Lucy folder, just in case there was something I had missed previously.

There were all the letters in the ‘breach of promise case’ that I had seen before – check. There too was the correspondence from Francis to his brother, Nicholas Kendall, my three times gt grandfather, where he had taken Charles William off to the Continent, so that Nicholas could deal with this very messy case – check. However, this is the story that keeps on giving, whether here in Cornwall, London, and Oxford or in the USA or in New Zealand. I think Charles and Lucy definitely want their story to be told because they keep on giving up their secrets!

More letters relating to Charles and Lucy – why had I not spotted these before! I had not got my transcribing brain in gear; for anyone trying to read handwriting from almost 200 years ago, it takes some focusing, but I can spot the name Charles written in any handwriting, a mile away, and asked the archivists to copy the five letters, containing his name, that I had never seen before, and transcription could wait until I got home.

The Charles and Lucy story (in this folder) covered 1847-1848 and therefore it was a surprise to see a letter in this collection dated 1864. It was Nicholas’ reply to a Mrs Charlotte Childs who had written to Nicholas offering to leave all her worldly wealth to Mary Anne, Nicholas’ only daughter. He writes that he does not quite know how to respond and that whilst the thought is kind and that his daughter is very dear to him, he has to think of the best interests of Charles and Francis, (Nicholas’ two younger sons,) at the same time. Charles is at this point in New Zealand and had barely another two years to live before dying from liver failure due to excessive drinking. I was pleased to read that Nicholas was still ‘looking out’ for Charles, despite everything he had put his father through – blood is thicker than water!

The next two letters are from the Rev John Wm Hughes, Charles’ tutor at Oxford University and one letter from the Rev George Hext, which opens “My Dear Cousin” and indeed Nicholas’ mother’s maiden name was Anne Hext (my 4 x gt grandmother) – of course - George was Nicholas’ cousin.

Readers may recall that Charles William had eloped with Lucy Kirkham (the opera singer), down to Clifton near Bristol, and they were renting a property at one of the poshest addresses in town! Well, from this correspondence, it is clear that Nicholas (Charles’ father) led the cavalry, including moral support from three vicars, down to Clifton to save his son’s soul! The first, Francis Kendall, Nicholas’ brother, was tasked with taking Charles William off to the Continent, 16

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whilst Nicholas began the battle with the lawyers on the breach of promise case – Charles William had asked Lucy to marry him and, worse than that, she was pregnant!

The Rev George Hext was tasked with sorting out all of Charles’ debts during this period, including the purchase and hire of horses, hire of dog-carts (a small one man driven carriage) and hackney carriages (with driver) which he had sometimes hired out twice a day. Charles was going hunting (and generally living the life), and completely ‘thrashing’ the horses, so they were handed back lame and there were damages to pay. George Hext’s job was to explain to the livery yards that they had no arrangement with Nicholas to settle Charles’ debts, totalling (£127 12 shillings and sixpence – or close to £19000 in today’s money) and unless they proposed offering a huge discount, he would not settle the account at all. I suppose today’s equivalent would be a 20 year old driving fast cars and having crashes!

The third Reverend, John Hughes, Charles’ tutor, is really quite obsequious in his letters to Nicholas and totally misogynistic in his references to Lucy.

“Had the Lady been a young and inexperienced girl, the case might have been received more favourably for her, but considering her age, her necessary knowledge of the World from her profession and Education; the brief time of her intimacy with your son, the month of its commencement and of its consequences, it is impossible after to form any other opinion, but that she invited herself of the despicable fornication of your son, trusting that she might ultimately pass by the adage that, ‘All’s well that ends well’. At present it has ended very ill then for herself.”

Oh dear, oh dear – don’t mince your words will you! Rev Hughes concerns were also that none of this should reach the newspapers and that Charles’ name be taken off the books at Oxford University.

The final letter in this cache will be fascinating to any military historians and I will go into it in depth next time. There is an invoice from Hamburger Rogers & Co of 30 King Street, Covent Garden (just around the corner from the Savoy Hotel and the building still stands today). They are Military Tailors and Outfitters and fitted out Charles William for his commission (purchased by his father) of ‘Cornet’ - a rank – in the Queens 15th Hussars. The company were still in business in 1952 and supplied the young Queen Elizabeth 11 with accessories on her accession to the throne.

The 15th Hussars were heading to Madras in India and Charles had made a request to Hamburger Rogers & Co before his departure, but they had not acted upon it. Charles then wrote to Mr Rogers, the managing director of the company, requesting that they send him out to India the Guards Rifle he had needed, and Rogers wrote to Nicholas asking permission to send the gun – a Brunswick Rifle costing £30 (or £4475 in today’s money). He also kindly offered to send to India any correspondence to Charles from his father, free of charge!

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Kilimanjaro After Everest, Kilimanjaro is probably the most popular and demanding challenge for keen hikers and for people raising money for worthy causes. The key questions you ask yourself: am I fit enough? And: why am I doing this?

Of the several routes to the top we chose the Rongai which takes 6 days including the recommended detour to Mawenzi Tarn for acclimatisation. There are 8 of us and 29 porters and 4 guides will be required to get us to the summit. The porters are rewarded at the end of the trip in a ‘tipping ceremony.’ We each give the recommended maximum of US$120 as our contribution.

The first day is relatively gentle taking us from 1950m to 2600m amidst attractive forests featuring colobus monkeys, chameleons and various other wildlife. A pattern is set for the expedition. By the time we arrive at each camp, the tents have been set up, tea is on the go and popcorn is on tap. Soup, meat and dessert provides the vital stodge to keep us going. We are told to drink lots of water (3 litres per day. I never got close) and when it comes out the other end it should be ‘clear and copious.’ Day 2 takes us up to 3450m with our objective straight ahead and very daunting. The air already noticeably thinner.

Day 3 takes us to the cirque of Mawenzi Tarn whose jagged peak we will climb to help us get acclimatised ready for the attempt on the summit. The adage is ‘walk high, sleep low.’

It's perishing cold in the tent. Day 4 takes us the 10 miles across the plain of the Saddle, a desolate Martian landscape, to Kibo Hut, the last stage before the summit. The terrain is flat but the 10 miles takes 6 hours. The lack of oxygen is making its presence felt. We arrive at Kibo Hut in time for lunch, after which we hope to get 8 hours sleep before our wakeup call at 11pm. Kibo Hut is the Crewe station of Kilimanjaro, the meeting point of all the trails to the mountain. Wakeup at 11pm, mug of tea, breakfast. Check kit, fit head lamp, take last dose of Diamox (to stave off altitude sickness), wish each other good luck. First target, Gilman's Point, a 7 hour slog taking us up 1000m of rough track, one painful step after another, in darkness except for the light from our lamps. ‘Pole, pole' urge the guides.

As if we could do other than walking Slowly, slowly. As dawn breaks, we reach Gilman's Point. Just 2 more hours and 2kms to the summit, hopefully. Somehow the walking gets easier, we're more acclimatised, the climb is gentler, but just take care, there's a very steep slope to the right. And suddenly we can see it, the rather tattered but wonderful sign that heralds the summit. We've done it. We're at 19,341 ft above sea level, atop the highest free standing mountain in the world. The descent is exhilarating. As you leap down the loose terrain in giant steps, the air gets thicker and within the hour you are breathing normally again. We descend back to base via the easy Marangu route, known as the Coca Cola route for the stall that used to sell the fizzy drink. Celebrations all round, the tipping ceremony concluded, and the awarding of the certificates. The celebratory beer was certainly ‘copious’ but I didn’t check whether it was ‘clear.’

Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com 18

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner July should be the peak flowering time in most gardens, with perennials and bedding plants blooming away, pots and containers will be looking their best.

Keep them at it by regular watering, dead heading and feeding once a week.

If it there is any continuing dry spell (and let’s hope there is) raise the blades on the mower and avoid watering it unless it's a new lawn. Deadhead roses, perennials (such as lupins and delphiniums) and the bedding plants. During July prune spring flowering shrubs including wisteria and philadelphus, softwood cuttings can also be taken from shrubs now.

In the vegetable garden harvest as soon as they are ready as they go over if not picked, although root crops will last in the ground. Keep veg well watered and continue to sow carrots, peas, radishes and lettuce during July so you have a continuous succession. If you have a greenhouse make sure it is ventilated during warm days, keep watering and feeding.

There are many beautiful plants around this time of year, but salvias, penstemons, lavenders, dahlias and fuchsias are excellent.

Lee Munday 22

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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29

July – A Month Of Political Turmoil For The French!

Whilst President Macron calling a snap election for the beginning of July in the immediate aftermath of the European parliamentary elections came as something of a surprise, political turmoil in France in July is nothing new! Indeed, this month sees the French celebrate two major revolutions, one in 1789 and one in 1830. July and political turmoil very much go hand in hand across the Channel!

As is the want with historians, it seems best to take these two monumental events in chronological order. The 14th July is, of course, Bastille Day. This is the day that is used to celebrate a series of events that culminated in the power of the Bourbon monarchy being very much curtailed and that redefined the word revolution, in the words of the eminent historian William Doyle. Starting in May with the first meeting of the Estates General since 1614, royal authority was systematically dismantled, culminating in the August Decrees, that ended privilege, the Declaration of Rights of Man and the Citizen, that set forth what those in 1789 saw as the future of the Revolution, and the October Days, which witnessed the final humiliation of Louis XVI as he was effectively forced to sign the very documents that curbed his power. Of course, the ideas of those most prominent in 1789 quickly disintegrated as a lasting consensus proved hard to find. The experiment with a constitutional monarchy was over by the summer of 1792, the new Republic had descended into government by Terror by the summer of 1793 and civil war was taking hold in various areas of the country. This was a revolution that was to have a profound effect on France. It led to the rise of one Napoleon Bonaparte and sent France and Europe into years of war, changing the map of Europe geographically, socially and politically. It also imbedded many revolutionary tendencies within France, which were to be played out across the nineteenth century and beyond.

Whilst this tumultuous event had a huge impact, the demise of the monarchy did not last! Indeed, the British had a hand in restoring the Bourbons to the throne in 1814, and then again after Wellington had bloodied Napoleon’s nosey at Waterloo! Comebacks, however, rarely last too long and the Bourbons were in trouble again within a decade as the reactionary Charles X took over from Louis XVIII and tried to impose his more traditional style of French monarchy on ‘his’ subjects! Whether it was his imposition of the death penalty for anyone profaning the Eucharist, or the fact that his outlook and acts reminded many of pre1789 days, things came to a head once again in July, this time in 1830. Passing what became known as the July Ordinances, Charles sought to silence those who opposed him by curbing the freedom of the press, restricting the electorate still further and restricting the power of France’s parliament. This was too much for many to take and led to the Three Glorious Days of the 27th-29th July, culminating in the Tuileries being sacked again (as it had been in 1792 ending the constitutional monarchy of Louis XVI), Charles X abdicating on August 2nd and Louis-Phillipe becoming king of what became known as the July Monarchy. The column commemorating this revolution is situated at the place which became symbolic of the first, the Place de la Bastille. Interestingly, this monarchy was also to end in revolution in 1848; it seems that the French people rarely keep quiet when they want to convey their displeasure to those in charge!

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A Walk In The Mind Every year for the past 11 years, Mary and her daughter Fay had walked a 10K ‘Race for Life’ to raise funds for Cancer Research. This year, the walk was in 5 days’ time and Mary was feeling a bit anxious. She really wanted to do it, but she was unsure whether she was fit enough to make the 10K. That afternoon, after lunch, Mary decided she would have a short nap and then attempt a 90-minute walk on her own. If she could do that, she felt it would give her confidence to undertake the 10K. Mary lay down on her comfy sofa, and within minutes was fast asleep. She woke from a very strange dream, and realised that her ‘short nap’ had lasted nearly an hour and a half. Fay was calling in to see her straight after work, so if Mary wanted to fit in a 90-minute walk, she needed to get out of the house quickly. Stopping only to grab her jacket and a bottle of water, she headed out the door.

Mary had planned to walk down the main street of the small town where she lived, then down a busy road to the outskirts of the next town where she could veer off and walk in a circle back to her home. Mary still felt half asleep as she walked through her town, and even popped into the café there to get a takeaway coffee. It was as she started the walk along the road to the outskirts of the next town, that things started to feel strange.

Mary passed the corner shop. This shop had been there when Fay was little and she had often taken her in to buy sweets after school. Except Mary was sure someone had told her that it had closed about a year ago and was now a house. As Mary stared at the corner shop, a woman came out carrying a couple of shopping bags, and Mary recognised her as her neighbour from 4 doors down. Except her neighbour had moved to Devon about 5 years ago.

Mary reached the outskirts of the next town. There was the Primary school Fay had attended.

An old Victorian building that still had the signs for the different entrances for boys and girls, even though obviously they were no longer used. Mary smiled, as lots of happy memories rushed in. Except her smile vanished, as she remembered that the school had been knocked down to make way for a new school building.

Mary started to panic, and decided to begin walking faster – she really wanted to be back home.

Suddenly, across the road, Mary saw her good friend Sheila. Relieved to see her, Mary shouted and waved. Sheila appeared to look at her, but just walked on. Mary decided she would cross the road and try to catch up with Sheila. Except at that point, she remembered that Sheila had died 6 years ago.

‘Can you hear me now Mary? Mary? Yes, I think she’s coming to’. Mary looked up and saw the anxious face of her daughter. Beside Fay, two men dressed in green were kneeling down beside her, holding her hand and talking to her. Sheila looked around her. She was still in her lounge, lying on her sofa. ‘Oh mum’, Fay said.’ You gave me such a fright. When I got here after work, you were lying here and I just couldn’t wake you.’

One of the men dressed in green spoke kindly to Mary. ‘We’re just going to do a few tests, Mary.

See how you’re doing. We don’t know where you’ve been, but we ‘re very relieved you’ve come back!’

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

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33

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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Canine Corner - Top tips for a good recall

Coming back reliably when called is one of the most important things to teach your dog. A good recall could literally save your dog’s life one day. Having a good recall also opens up opportunities for your dog, they can enjoy the freedom of being able to run off the lead and explore. Knowing that your dog will come back when called will also make walks more enjoyable for you as an owner.

• Recall is all about rewards - if your dog is rewarded for coming back to you he will be far more likely to come back next time you call. Work out what motivates your dog. Not all treats are equal and your dog is more likely to come back for chicken or sausage than for a boring old dog biscuit. Some dogs are motivated by toys and can be rewarded with a game when they come back. You need to make yourself more interesting and exciting than anything else on the walk.

•

Just as you would learn to drive a car on quiet roads first, we always teach a dog new behaviours where there are few distractions. Recall training starts at home in the house and garden; if your dog does not come when called at home, he is very unlikely to come when called on a walk. Always have a pot of treats to hand and call your dog to you at random times through the day. Use lots of verbal praise and treats when he comes. You will soon notice your dog responding more quickly and reliably when you call. This can be started with puppies as soon as they come home.

•

Out on walks, keep your dog on a long lead until you know he has a good recall. This keeps him safe and also sets him up for success by preventing him from ignoring you and running off. At random times on the walk, call your dog, give him loads of verbal praise and his treats, then let him go back to whatever he was doing.

•

Once he is reliably coming back when called, you can let him off the lead in a safe area.

Continue to call him back, reward with treats and praise and then let him go again. If you only call him back to put his lead on, he will be less likely to come when called. Practise your recall in quiet areas first and then build up the level of distraction by taking him to busier areas and calling him when there are distractions such as other dogs.

•

Your tone of voice is really important. Your dog is far more likely to come back if you are calling him in a happy and excited way. Keep encouraging him as he is running back to you so that he knows he has made the right choice.

•

If your dog does particularly well in a situation, for example he comes when called despite wanting to play with another dog, reinforce this immediately with a ‘jackpot’, for example a big handful of treats or extra yummy special treats.

•

Never tell your dog off if he doesn’t come back straight away and never punish him for running off. Next time he will anticipate being told off and he will be less likely to come back.

•

Continue to practice recall throughout your dog’s life to make sure his response is still sharp and reliable.

•

Safety always comes first. If you are in any doubt about your dog’s recall, keep him on a lead. This is especially important near roads, livestock, other dogs and people. If your dog does not have a good recall, consider hiring a dog exercise field so that he can run off the lead safely.

Laura Travis BSc (Hons) PG Dip CABC - Clinical Animal Behaviourist Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Like a doll's eyes What’s the best film ever made? Think about that question for a moment and the inherent absurdity of attempting to rank art becomes apparent. And yet critics insist on making such pronouncements, generally involving the words “Citizen” and “Kane”. A film which, for all its technical achievements, is a trifle cold and nowhere near as enjoyable as The Third Man. There’s a huge difference between “best” and “favourite”. My favourite cello concerto is Dvorak’s, but I wouldn’t claim it was the best, because such judgements are essentially facile. Critics ignore this, because otherwise everyone would realise that reviews are simply personal preferences.

Where’s all this leading? To celebrate the fourth of July I thought I’d look at the wonder that is Jaws, and five reasons why it’s my favourite film.

1. The music. Apart from a bit of sonar, the first thing you hear is John Williams’ shark theme.

Despite director Steven Spielberg initially thinking Williams was joking, this three-note (not two, as you’ll read elsewhere) motif has become a world-wide shorthand for menace. Just one part of an outstanding score, it’s used sparingly and intelligently. When you hear that theme you know the shark’s on its way.

2. The direction. Spielberg’s first major production was plagued with difficulties, from studio indifference to non-functioning sharks. He turned the latter to the film’s advantage by keeping the shark hidden, using music, reaction, point of view shots and even a pier to give the absent shark presence. Thanks to Spielberg and editor Verna Fields the film has a perfect rhythm, tension building and dissipating to create an astonishingly assured experience.

3. The shark. Oh dear, here comes the local bore. The pub empties as he enters, drinks left unfinished on tables. Already snorting with laughter, unable to contain his towering wit, he makes the nasal pronouncement that the shark looks fake. A true sign of a bore is that they will trot this out, believing it to be original. The shark looks absolutely fine. There’s only one ichthyologist associated with Jaws, and it’s not you. Have you ever seen a great white? Up close?

Didn’t think so. It’s notable that in the decades since the film’s release the shark has never been bettered, and definitely not by any CGI attempts. Not even by Shark Attack 3: Megalodon.

4. The characters. Although Peter Benchley’s novel is nowhere near as bad as some fans say, the film improved it, mainly by making the characters likeable. In the book Brody is dislikeable, his wife and Hooper have an affair, and Quint’s main characteristic is being bald. The film humanises the trio and allows everyman Brody to save the day. Oh no, the bore’s back to inform us that oxygen tanks don’t explode when shot. And he’ll probably misquote the “bigger boat” line while he’s at it.

5. The Indianapolis speech. We’ll probably never know who actually wrote this, but Robert Shaw’s delivery of this monologue is simply electrifying.

Jaws. It’s the best film ever made.

Eugene Smith https://eugenesmithwriting.com

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FRESH LOCAL VEGETABLE BOXES • • • • • • • • • • •

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

Potting compost, topsoil, seed compost and bark

TOP END VILLAGE STORES TOP END FARM

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

PERENNIALS AND SHRUBS COMPOST, TOPSOIL, FARMYARD MANURE, SEED COMPOST BBQ MEATS CHARCOAL AND GAS

• • • • • • • • •

National Lottery Electric/Gas Top Ups

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

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

Collect Plus Fed Ex DELIVERIES AVAILABLE T&Cs APPLY DHL CLICK AND COLLECT AVAILABLE CUBIC METRE DPD Phone in advance, pay by card HARDWOOD LOGS open 7 days a week Calor Gas Amazon pick up Including Bank Holidays Coal and returns hub call for details HORSE & PET FOOD SUPERSTORE TOP END VILLAGE STORES Top End Farm, Lt Staughton, Beds Tel/Fax: 01234 376426 TOP QUALITY EQUESTRIAN & ANIMAL SUPERSTORE BULK BAGS OF WILD BIRD FEED HAY IN STOCK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS PHONE FOR DETAILS, ANY PRODUCT FAST FREE DELIVERY Check out prices on our new website

HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE ALL MAJOR BRAND HORSE FEED SHAVING + BEDMAX SUPPLEMENTS HORSE CARROTS STABLE MATTING FIELD MATS POST + RAIL ELECTRIC FENCING RODENT BAIT GRASS SEED + FERTILISER

POULTRY FOOD DOG FOOD CAT SMALL ANIMAL FEED & BEDDING WILD BIRD FOOD SUNFLOWER HEARTS, BLACK SUNFLOWERS ROBINS MIX PEANUTS LAYER’S PELLETS & SMALLHOLDER FEED DOG CHEWS & TREATS SHEEP FOOD + LAMBS MILK

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

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39

YODEL

DROP & COLLECT

More parcel services to follow

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

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

Everything is here to create delicious meals from scratch.

We also have a great variety of prepared meals.

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

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

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

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41

Whitchurch Wines

21 High St, Kimbolton.

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT’s on in July?

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

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

25th Portuguese Tasting, ticketed.

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

For enquiries, email jeff@whitchurchwines.shop

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

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

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ADOPT ME!

Registered charity number 1068222 Open 12-3 Thurs to Sun. Tel: 01933 278080 Viewings by appointment.

Email: admin@animals-in-need.org Pine Tree Farm, London Road, Little Irchester, Northamptonshire, NN8 2EH

Ness is a beautiful 6 mth old Whippet X. She was handed in as her owner was no longer in a position to give her the life he knows she deserves. She is a friendly girl, and gets on with other dogs. She would be fine to live with sensible children. She will need ongoing training, although she does know basic commands and walks nicely on the lead.

Oscar is a sleek handsome lad, aged 3 yrs. He is looking for a new home where there are no other pets. He is very nervous and needs to be given time to settle, but he would be fine to live with sensible older children. He will need careful introductions to the outside world, so a safe garden in a quiet area away from busy roads is essential.

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43

Last month I mentioned the “there are no rules” approach in independent publishing and thought I’d explore that further.

In independent publishing, "there are no rules" often refers to the freedom authors have to experiment with unconventional formats, styles, or topics without conforming to traditional publishing industry standards. Unlike traditional publishing, which may have strict guidelines for genre, length, and content, independent publishing allows authors to explore diverse themes and take creative risks without limitations imposed by a publishing house. This mantra encourages authors to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and express themselves authentically, ultimately leading to a more diverse and dynamic literary landscape.

(This was written by ChatGPT far more eloquently than I could have put it.) While I am AI positive in that it can produce words for us, and will no doubt get better and better, as already proven, it will not take the place of writers. When we share our words on a page we do so bringing our experience, imagination and soul to the project.

The “there are no rules” approach allows writers who would never get a deal with a traditional publisher to have their work made into a book. I have had the pleasure and privilege of producing many books for writers that they would never have been able to publish in any other way. Diaries. Memoirs. Stories of the heart. Family history, beautifully preserved, to be handed down. Small volumes of memories of loved ones produced after someone has passed. Almost anything is possible with the tools at our disposal.

Often when I’m writing and thinking about my plot and the fact that it’s all a bit mad, I repeat the “there are no rules” mantra in my head while at the same time remembering that someone once pitched an idea for Sharks in a Tornado that was actually produced. Not that my books are about sharks or, indeed, tornados.

Independent publishing is there to make dreams come true. If you have ever wanted to produce a book from the story that has been in your head for as long as you can remember, do get in touch. We can make it happen.

Georgia Rose is my pen name and the name I use for everything connected to my writing. You can find me at georgia@georgiarosebooks.com or www.georgiarosebooks.com.

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OVERCOMING ADVERSITY WITH SELF COMPASSION Raising funds for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital Thursday July 25th 7 - 9pm

Citizen Hub Ground Floor, 58 Market Square, St Neots, PE19 2AA

price per pers on ket c i : T

re ea s! it ot s In t Ne t o e in S St N W e a r e d e li g h t e d Hub s n e iti z o ur talk at th e C

£10

iv i at

includes light refreshments!

Rajinder Mali is joining us to talk about “Overcoming Adversity” explaining how her passion for holistic wellbeing was ignited by her own personal adversity and life changing circumstances when she felt an overwhelming sense of sadness and emptiness.

It isn’t about forgetting or moving on but rather finding a new way to live while still finding joy and purpose.

Tickets are available in advance by emailing: purplehorizons2019@icloud.com or through Eventbrite (booking fee applies) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/overcoming-adversity-with-self-compassion-tickets-925144290477

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

purplehorizons2019@icloud.com

Purple Horizons

purplehorizons2019

Poster by EmiliaFrostDesign

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s ho

ti n

g

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The Perfect Date Like dating, finding the perfect property involves exploring different options until you find the one that suits you best. Sometimes one has to kiss lots of frogs until the right one turns up. Occasionally though it can be love at first sight.

Viewing a property has many parallels with going on a first date. Whether it’s a date or a home, it’s essential to have a clear idea of each option. A recent survey found that 45% of respondents reported that the top place to find a date was online, and an impossible-to-ignore 93% of UK homebuyers use online channels for their initial property searches. The similarities don't stop there: most people put looks and personality at the top of their most important factors when choosing a date or viewing a property.

But appearances can be deceptive. Talented photographers can flatter their subjects. People - and properties in the raw can often disappoint. What’s needed is not a just-got-up-from-a-bad-night’s-sleep photo but a going-to-theball image. And as you can’t always rely on a photo, an in-the-flesh meeting is essential to decide whether you can go through life with a particular person or property.

One UK property portal is the 12th most popular website overall in Great Britain and is number 176 across the world. With statistics like those it’s clear that showing your property at its very best online can be crucial, especially as looks and personality are key decision-making factors. Put simply, for a date or for a home you have to get people swiping right and not left.

Our upcoming new website, designed with your convenience in mind, will make it easy for suitors to browse a wide range of attractive possibilities for the ideal match. And that means not having to kiss so many frogs.

Paul Kinally, Peter Lane & Partners KImbolton 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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LOCAL BRICKWORK COMPANY EST. 2013 NEW BUILDS AND EXTENSIONS - GARDEN AND BOUNDARY WALLS REPOINTING WORKS - BRICK REPAIRS - BRICK FEATURE WORK

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

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.SAINTSLTD.CO.UK

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You May Not Love The Weather, But Your Solar Panels Will If you’re thinking that solar panels aren’t for you, we can understand why.

There are still plenty of people who don’t know much about them, from whether they’ll still work in the rain, to how they’ll look when they’re on your roof.

Well, at LCS we happen to know a lot about solar energy, and we’re happy to tell you what solar is, why it works, and how it can keep saving you cash.

So how does it work?

We’ll spare you the technical details (feel free to ask us the next time you’re having trouble sleeping), but put simply, solar panels work by absorbing natural light and converting it into electrical energy.

That means all natural light, not just direct sunshine - so even on overcast days your panels are still working away, creating energy for your home. In fact, UK homes with solar panels save up to 85% on their energy bills per year.

But we get a lot of rain in the UK. Does that make a difference?

Well actually, yes - in a good way. Solar panels are built to live outside, after all, and rainfall not only helps remove dirt and grime, but reduces the amount of maintenance needed, too.

That means over its 25 year lifespan, a proper quality solar setup should only need a check-up every 18 months or so.

Aren’t they a bit, well… ugly?

Not if we can help it! Just like interior designers, proper quality solar installers will work with you to make sure your panels are as blended as possible with your roof tiles, or even stand out to match your bold personality (not to mention show off to the neighbours).

It’s our job to install solar panels that not only last for decades, but look good for decades too.

So who are you lot, then?

Glad you asked. We’re LCS, and proper quality solar installation is what we do best.

We’re a local company (just down the road at the Harvard Industrial Estate in Kimbolton, if you fancy popping in for a chat), and we’ve no overseas investors or big corporate backers. But for the last 10 years we’ve staked our livelihoods on our ability to help local families and businesses be more energy efficient - and save their cash doing it.

We’ve even teamed up with Duracell to help us give you even more value. We’re Platinum Partners - which means that if you’ve generated more energy than you can use, you can simply sell it back to the grid and turn a profit without lifting a finger. Not bad, eh?

Want to know more? Just drop us a line on [NUMBER] or email us at [EMAIL].

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Lilystone building your ideal…

from concept … … to completion

o o o o

New Build Extensions Renovations Conversions

Lilystone Homes Limited The Hall, Thorpe Street, Raunds, Northamptonshire, NN9 6LT T. 01933 461374 M. 07825 199748 E. mail@lilystone.co.uk www.lilystone.co.uk

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

Substantial benefit to asthma sufferers!

No colour run and No shrinkage!

Upholstery Also Cleaned

Stop Press!!

leather upholstery now Cleaned Call Bryan on: 01790 763040 Or: 07766 576381

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

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Club

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER (BEGINNER TO

www.Grafham.org

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Our services

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

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

Still and sons Ltd @still_and_sons_woodburners

Contact us

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

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Bystander Community HAIL WESTON FETE & FUN FAMILY DOG SHOW SATURDAY JULY 6th 1-5pm Hail Weston Playing Fields Stalls, Games, Bar, BBQ, Refreshments Dog show registration from 12.30pm £2 per class entry to dog show.

Best puppy (up to 18 months old), Best adult (up to 8 years old), Best senior (over 8 years old), Handsomest boy, Prettiest girl, Best pedigree, Cutest mixed breed, Waggiest tail.

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

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

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

The Cantamus Choir

Grafham and Ellington Art Group

Annual Exhibition 2024

will be performing in St. Mary's Church, Keysoe at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 2nd July. £10 per head. Refreshments.

Hog Roast and Grand Draw

rd

th

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

Cards and original paintings, framed and unframed for sale

Refreshments available

in aid of St. Mary's Church, Keysoe at Keysoe Village Hall (MK44 2JE) on Saturday July 6th from 5pm.

Adults £12, children 10 and under £5.

BAR (cash only) Hog Roast tickets are available from Penny Heming, 378878, Peggy Robins, 708598 or Jenny Carter, 376295.

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Services across the Benefice for July.

For more information visit www.swhw.co.uk All 10.30am Parish Communion services can be accessed via Zoom: ID 418 4055 563 Passcode: 022067 Morning & Evening Prayer are held on Zoom at 8.30am & 5.30pm respectively on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 7th

8.00am BCP Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship

Sun 14th 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 21st 10.30am Parish Communion

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

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 7th

Wed 3rd 10.00am Morning Prayer

9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 21st 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 7th

10.30am Morning Praise

Sun 28th 9.00am Benefice Communion

Sun 14th

9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 21st

3.00pm Creative Communion

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CHURCH SUMMER CAMP 2024 Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 25th July 2024 If you are a child aged 6 and above join us at the Grafham Water Activity Centre in Perry.

From 9.30am to 4.30pm each day.

PLEASE NOTE. This camp is only open to families in the Staughtons, Perry, Hail Weston or who have a connection to one of our churches, St. Andrew’s,Gt Staughton, St Nicolas Hail Weston or All Saints Little Staughton.

website for on-line booking and payment

www.swhw.co.uk

Closing date for entries 26th April

Rev. Nicki Bland St. Andrews Vicarage Causeway Great Staughton Huntingdon, Cambs PE19 5BF Phone: 01480 869485 E-mail: revlesnicki@gmail.com 60

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Kimbolton Medical Centre Hunters Way Kimbolton 01480 860205

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What’s on in Kimbolton in July Monday 1st

2.30pm WI. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 2nd

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

Wednesday 3rd

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 4th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

7- 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Sunday 7th

3-7.30pm Kim Jam. New Sun Inn

Monday 8th

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

Tuesday 9th Wednesday 10th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 11th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

Friday 12th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Sunday 14th

Kimbolton Country Fayre & Classic Car Show 11 - 5pm - Grounds of Kimbolton Castle

Monday 15th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Tuesday 16th

7- 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut

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

7 - 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut

Wednesday 17th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

6-8pm Pop up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Thursday 18th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Friday 19th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

7pm Cinema Night. Mandeville Hall

Monday 22nd

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

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

Tuesday 23rd Wednesday 24th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 25th

11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut

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

Friday 26th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 27th Monday 29th

7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn 7pm Parish Council Meeting. Y & Community Hall 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

5.30-7pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut

Tuesday 30th Wednesday 31st

7 - 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

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

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

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Calling all girls aged 7-10 in the Kimbolton area!

Do you want to make new friends, have fun, and learn cool things? Then join Brownies! We meet every Tuesday from 5:30-6:45 at the Kimbolton Scout Hut. This term we’ve been exploring ways to take care of ourselves. First of all we practised mindfulness, and we shared the things and people in our lives for which we feel grateful. We've also been learning breathing techniques to help us stay calm and collected.

We then went on to learn some basic First Aid treatment for cuts, burns & choking, when and how to call an ambulance. Then we had a lot of fun using makeup to create fake injuries – we all went home looking like we’d had an accident!

If this sounds like fun, come along to our next meeting on Tuesday! We can't wait to meet you! For more information or to join us go to girlguiding.org.uk/ joinus.

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Robinson — GARAGE — EST 1927

MOT - REPAIRS – SERVICING

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

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

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COINS BOUGHT Grafham Coins

Contact Mike grafhamcoins@hotmail.co.uk 01480 811227 07816 850455 Sweeping Tom Ltd Alconbury Weston Book an end of season sweep – your chimney & liner will benefit from clean drying over the summer.

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

Covering Peterborough—Cambridge and surrounding areas.

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

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

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

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

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

Telephone Lyanne 01480 358350/Jaci 01480 358340.

Rhyme time - rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers aged 0 - 2 years. St Neots library. 2 sessions 10am & 11.15am term time only on alternate Fridays Baby Gym classes Promoting tummy time, sensory stimulation and adult two baby bonding. Classes operate term time only, Friday mornings : 10.30am - 11.15am, Open sessions, no booking required., £5 per session, pay as you go (Cash only)., Operates at Huntingdon Gymnastic Club, Mayfield Road, Huntingdon, PE29 1UL, Run by Beccy Chapman Bsc WAHpc, Like Us on Facebook to keep updated, search: ‘baby gym 8-weeks to walking’ Riseley All Saints Church Junior Jivers - music and movement session followed by stay and play every Thursday at 930am term time only - Contact: Samantha Toseland Tel: 07880 700894 Young People’s and Children’s Organisations Guides, Brownies and Rainbows Kimbolton Guides, Brownies & Rainbows Esther Crook on 07713 165935 esthercrook1@gmail.com Gt Staughton Guides Lindy Bornman, email fgsguides@gmail.com Upper Dean Brownies & Rainbows, Karen Jones: email: div.nbeds@bedsguiding.org.uk Little Staughton Guides, Little Staughton Brownies Scouts, Cubs, Beavers 1st Kimbolton Scout Group, Contact: Jenny Hassell - 07541 196834 1st Brington Scout Group, Contact: Tim Collins - 07881 821649 Dance/Performing Arts Linda Allen School of Dance – Ballet, tap and modern jazz from 3+ years - Spaldwick and Kimbolton Ladies ballet and tap in Kimbolton, 01480 861332, lindaallendance@btinternet.com www.lindaallendance.com Stageworks Studios, St Neots. Dance, drama and singing classes for ages 3+. 01480 223331 Motion Dance Academy, Hinchinginbrooke Shcool, Huntingdon - 07887 932294, Miss Mollie www.motiondanceacademy.co.uk missmollie@motiondanceacademy.co.uk Nurseries, Playgroups, Pre-Schools & Kids Clubs Crosshall Nursery School

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

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

school.co.uk Puddleducks Pre-School, Kimbolton 01480 860743

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

07986 313037 9:30- 11am Tuesday morning 01832 710020

Primary & Secondary Schools Brington C of E Primary School

01832 710383 Crosshall Infant School Academy Trust, St Neots 01480 475980 www.crosshallinfant.co.uk Crosshall Junior School Academy Trust, St Neots 01480 475972 www.crosshalljunior.co.uk Eileen Wade Primary School, Upper Dean 01234 708260 www.ewmeschools.org.uk/

eileen-wade/ Great Staughton Primary Academy 01480 860324 www.greatstaughton.cambs.

sch.uk Kimbolton Primary Academy, Newtown, Kimbolton 01480 860743 www.kimboltonprimary

academy.cambs.sch.uk Kymbrook Primary School, Kimbolton Road, Keysoe.

01234 376266 www.kymbrookprimary.uk Riseley Primary School 01234 708218 www.riseleyschool.co.uk Spaldwick Primary School 01480 890371 www.spaldwickschool.org.uk Ernulf Academy, Barford Road, St Neots, Cambs.

01480 374748 www.astreaernulf.org Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon, PE29 3BN, 01480 375700 www.hinchingbrookeschool.net Kimbolton School, Kimbolton 01480 860505 www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk Longsands Academy, St Neots, Cambs. PE19 1LQ 01480 353535 www.astrea-longsands.org

USEFUL & EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Doctors at Kimbolton 01480 860205 Doctors at Gt. Staughton 01480 860770 Doctors at Sharnbrook 01234 781392 NHS Direct 111 NHS Cambridgeshire 01223 884 008 Patient Advice & Liason Service 01733 673 405 (PALS) Cambs & Peterborough Patient Advice & Liason Service 01234 795814 (PALS) Bedfordshire Hospitals Addenbrookes, Cambridge Bedford Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon

01223 245151 01234 355122 01480 416416

Cambridgshire Fire and Rescue 01480 444500 Non Emergency Police Line 101 Councillors Cllr Ian Gardener - CCC Alconbury & Kimbolton Division ian.gardener@cambridgeshire.gov.uk Cllr Jonathan Gray - HDC Kimbolton ward jonathan.gray@huntingdonshiredc.org.uk

Cllr Stephen Cawley - HDC Ellington Ward stephen.cawley@huntingdonshiredc.org.uk AA Emergency Breakdown Alcoholics Anonymous Carers Direct Childline Citizens Advice Electricity Emergency Floodline Gas Emergency National Debt Line National Rail Enquiries NSPCC Parentline RAC Emergency Breakdown RSPCA Samaritans UK Missing Persons Unit Victim Support

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

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Clubs, Groups and Organisations

Great Staughton Village Hub Details on the Great Staughton and Perry Facebook page Kimbolton Senior Citizens lunch club 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall Catworth Women’s Group Barbara Cawdell 01832 710404 Catworth Quilters Group Pam Wardle 01832 710324 Ellington Neighbourhood Watch Rick Wilcox 01480 890902 Gt Staughton Horticultural Society Mike Keeble 01480 860855 Grafham & Ellington Art Group Jackie Woods, 01480 890279 Whist Drives, Ellington Steve Sherratt , 01480 891418 Gt Staughton Playing Field & Pavilion Bob Jewell 01480 861259 Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167 Kimbolton Local History Society Nora Butler 01480 861007 Save the Children Fund Nora Butler 01480 861007 Hargrave Investment Club Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034 Kimbolton Parish Council Lionel Thatcher 01480 861877 Bell Ringing (Kimbolton Church) Mary Foster 01480 861594 Kimbolton Fire Station - recruitment Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 01480 444500 Little Staughton Parish Clerk Mary Jordan 01234 376383 email lspcclerk1@gmail.com.

Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark Diane Robins, 07786 656088

clerk@pertenhallandswineshead-pc.gov.uk Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk Samantha Langley 07977 828153 Stow Longa Village Community - social events Christine Hayes 01480 860519

Christine.Hayes@StowLonga.org.uk Tilbrook Village Newsletter www.tilbrookvillage.life Tilbrook Amenites Committee Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman

tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk Lionel Thatcher, 01480860055 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 Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion David Henrick 01480 896556 Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club Chris Davies 01234 376542 Ellington Village Club Sue Rice (Chairperson) 01480 896139 The Villages Gardening Club Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.comKimbolton North Beds Ramblers Margaret Sawyer

northbedswalks@gmail.com, www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walk ing/ramblers-groups/north-bedfordshire-group The Stables Christian Centre Sean Watkiss, 01234 376237 work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults.

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

Village Hall, Keysoe Janet Browning 01234 376577

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

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

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Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings Village Hall, Tilbrook

Village Hall, Yelden

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

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

Instagram: @northbedsyfc Twitter: @northbedsyfc Grafham Water Sailing Club 01480 810478 Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club Lion Bernard Dable 01480 810704, 07969 207227 Wildlife Trust Brampton Wood George Cottam Volunteer Warden, 01480 450809; Wildlife Trust Huntingdonshire Local Group Pat Doody Chair, 01480 392706. Eve talks Brampton Memorial Centre

7.30pm, 2nd Wednesday Sept - March. Guided walks in the summer.

Grafham Wildlife & Conservation Group Sam Malt 01480810844 day/01480811654 eve Village Sports Badminton Club (Kimbolton) Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508 Catworth Playing Field Mary Matthews, 07717 246107 Cricket Club, Kimbolton Mark Field, 07769 159496 Cricket Club, Little Staughton Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086 Carpet Bowls, Catworth Marge Baker, 01832 710145 Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton Angela Fox, 01480 861264 Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton Anthony Withers, 01480 861224.

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

Caroline Eames - 07535 296836

strengththroughmovement01@gmail.com Yoga Classes, Little Staughton, Hail Weston, Linda Tongue 01480 350345, Brampton, Catworth & Godmanchester 07733343702, lindatongue@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile Library Service 0345 045 5225 for enquiries / renewals

2nd Wednesday of the Month (R. H10) - 10th July Diddington : Manor Farm 9.30am to 9.50am Southoe : The Church 10.05am to 10.25am Spaldwick : High Street 10.45am to 11.05am Stow Longa : The Green 11.15am to 11.45am Catworth : Station Road Midday to 12.30pm Covington : Cross Street 1.45pm to 2.15pm Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.30pm to 3.45pm Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

4th Tuesday of the Month (R. H23) - 23rd July Bythorn : School Lane 10.00am to 10.20am Molesworth : Phone Box 10.25am to 11.00am Brington : Church Lane 11.10am to 11.35am Old Weston : Village Hall 11.45am to 12.20pm Leighton Bromswold : The Avenue 12.30pm to 1.00pm

4th Wednesday of the Month (R. H24) - 24th July Ellington : Mermaid Pub 9.30 to 10.00am Grafham : Breach Road 10.10am to 10.35am Perry : Chichester Way 10.45am to 11.40am Hail Weston : Orchard Close 12.00pm to 12.20pm Great Staughton : The Causeway 1.30pm to 2.00pm Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.15pm to 3.45pm Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

Cambridgeshire Libraries’ Doorstep Service is a free home library service delivered monthly by volunteers to readers with health or mobility difficulties. To find out more about becoming a local volunteer or service user: email volunteers@cambridgeshire.gov.uk www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/library

Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the publisher/editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

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Listings of Businesses in Our Area Auctioneers/Valuers W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.29 Architects/Planning/Drawings PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.77 Art, Framing, Artists, Crafts, Ceramics, Gallery, Hobbies Croft Tools, 01480 810734, p.25 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.71 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.28 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.19 Boutiques Blue Blancmange, 07970 666258, p.11 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Donna the Tiler, 07712 431337, p.68 GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.26 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, 01480 630081, p.45 Lilystone, 01933 461374 p.53 R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.51 Saints Brickwork Ltd, 01480 479355, p.49 Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.55 Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.21 The Home Handyman, 01480 861898, p.68 Business Networking Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.38 Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading iEdit, 01480 860519 p.71 Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.45 Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.25 Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.20 Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.28 Domestic Services Andrew Blair, Carpet Cleaning, 07867 499792, p.19 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.53 Saints Chimney Sweeps, 07494 745723, p.43 Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.71

Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers Browns British Flowers, 07890 298110, p.23 Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23 Handy Herberts, 01933 715936, p.24 JD Trees, 07745 378268, p.24 Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.23 General Stores/Farm Shops/Shopping Events Budgens, 01480 860582, p.40-41 Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.37 Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.42 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness Abbie Drury Counselling, 07501 723041, p.10 Becs Bradley Coaching, 07979 286472, p.11 Grafham Water Sailing Club, 01480 810478, p.54 Henry Davies personal Trainer, 07747 466459, p.9 Herriman Coaching, 07522 057036, p.9 J Aesthetics & Beauty, 07717 410261, p.11 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9 Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276, p.9 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9 The Ashgrove Clinic, 01933 469043 p.8 The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.10 Interiors, Curtains, Blinds Fiona Swan Curtains & Blinds, 07779 713073, p.71 Kitchens Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.77 Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment Carol John, 01234 708029, p.51 Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training Houghton Horse Transport, 07825 269531, p.51 Kimbolton Vets, 01480 877179, p.21 Penhazy Parlour, 07774 519694, p.43 Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.37

Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15 One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.5 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077 p.24

Plumbers & Heating Engineer Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.31 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.53 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.68

Electrical Services/Solar Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.6 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.3 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.13 Spaldwick Electrical, 07446 965998, p.77

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.20 The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.47 The Pheasant Keyston, 01832 710303 p.39 The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.78-79

Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Bletsoes, 01832 732188 Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.7 Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.80 Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.19

Storage Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.19

Financial Advisers & Financial Services Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33 Funeral Directors Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.25 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.27

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Solicitors/Legal/Probate Services Hunt & Coombs Solicitors, 01480 702207, p.29

Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.68 Wedding Services Styled by Lulabelles,tasha@styledbylulabelles.co.uk, p.11

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Spaldwick Electrical

Local Electrician Jason Pope

For all your Electrical Needs No Job too Big or Small Domestic or Commercial Fuse Board Upgrades Rewires, New Sockets Oven and Hob Installs or Repairs Outside Sockets or Garden Lighting Extensions or Refurbishments New Kitchen Electrics EV Chargers Internal Lights Heating Electrical Faults or new install Professional, Quality and Reliable Service All Work Guaranteed Fully Insured, Experienced and Qualified Highly Recommended Locally Contact Jason Now to arrange a Free Quotation office@spaldwickelectrical.co.uk www.spaldwickelectrical.co.uk www.facebook.com/SpaldwickElectrical

01480 400607

DESIGN SUPPLIED MANAGED INSTALLED

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

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U N DER N EW M A NAGEMENT

W EEK LY DEA LS PIE TU ESDAY

FISH FRY DAY

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

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

LU NCH OFFER

STEA K THU RSDAY

Let’s do Lunch!

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

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Steak, fries, sides, sauce, salad + pint of Fosters, medium glass of house wine or soft drink Ribeye £17.95 Fillet £18.95

The Wheatsheaf – West Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0BX Email: hello@wheatsheaf-perry.co.uk - Phone: 01480 810253 To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

Join us for Tribute Nights at The Wheatsheaf pub! Enjoy amazing performances, great fun, and sing along to your favorite hits in an electric atmosphere. Don't miss out!

TR IBU TE N IGHTS! Robbie Williams

Elvis Presley

Saturday 15 TH June

Saturday 13 TH July

Sinatra & The Rat Pack

Michael Bublé

Saturday 24

TH

August

Saturday 14 TH September

£35 per person - including 3-course meal!

BOOK YOU R T ICK ETS NOW EMAIL US: hello@wheatsheaf-perry.co.uk OR CALL: 01480 810253 The Wheatsheaf – West Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0BX

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Attractive, generously proportioned modern village residence.

Over 1,700 square feet of wonderfully versatile accommodation.

Fabulous entertaining space and practical homeworking facilities.

Five comfortable bedrooms, en suite and family bathroom.

Sitting room with patio doors to garden terrace, separate dining/family room.

Well-appointed kitchen opening into breakfast room with French doors to Tel 01480 860400 garden.

Welcoming reception hall withkimbolton@peterlane.co.uk guest cloakroom.

Useful laundry/utility room.

Landscaped garden, double and additional parking. or your Free Call Now to garage Arrange a Viewing

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High Street, Riseley MK44 1DU Guide Price £600,000

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