July 26 Online Edition

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

ISSUE 243 July 2026

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER 4700 COPIES FREE TO 34 VILLAGES AROUND KIMBOLTON

PETER LANE AND PARTNERS THE ART OF NEGOTIATION INN FARM NURSERY PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY BOOK REVIEW THE TURNING OF THE WORLD WILSON BROWNE SOLICITORS WORRIED ABOUT HOW YOU’LL PAY FOR CARE? HAZEL WRIGHT THE MISSING WOMAN AND MUCH MORE

2

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING NEEDS We’re Just a Call Away!

LCA

MAINTENANCE OUR SERVICES: Gas, Oil and LPG boilers Air con installations & servicing All aspects of domestic plumbing

Bathroom refurbishments From installations, annual servicing, safety checks and emergency breakdowns - we’ve got you covered!

BOOK NOW services@lcamaintenance.co.uk

01234 266220

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

3

Letter from the Editor: Hello and welcome to our July edition.

With summer properly settling in, we’ve pulled together a lovely mix of reads to enjoy with a cup of tea in the garden, on holiday, or whenever you can grab a quiet moment.

This month, we’re celebrating 25 years of Beacon Wealth Management and their work helping people turn plans into reality, catching up with Georgia Rose’s review of The Turning of the World, and sharing helpful advice from Wilson Browne Solicitors on planning for the cost of care. There’s plenty more inside too, from Peter Lane & Partners’ thoughts on the art of negotiation to Inn Farm Nursery’s focus on inclusivity, plus a new flash fiction piece from Hazel Wright.

We hope you find plenty to enjoy, whether you’re reading in the sunshine or stealing five quiet minutes.

Julie

www.bystandermagazines.com

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

July Contents Editor’s Letter P.4 Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.6-9 Inn Farm - Promoting Inclusivity p.14 Penny Young - Mary Cotes (formerly Kendall) Letters 5 and 6 p.16-17 Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-27 Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22 Hazel Wright - The Missing Woman p.32 Beacon Wealth Management - 25 Years of Helping Make Your Dreams Become Reality p.33 Eugene Smith - Part Two Of My Exhaustive Guide To Britain’s Theatres. p.36 Georgia Rose - The Turning of the World p.44 The Kakuma Art Project p.46 Peter Lane and Partners - The Art of Negotiation p.48 Wilson Browne Solicitors - Worried About How You’ll Pay for Care? p.52 Sally Gower p.54 Bystander Community p.56-70 The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.58 Carry on Cleo

p.78 Boring job? Not at Bedfordshire Police p.82 From Your Cambridge Correspondent p.84-85 What’s On for Children? p.92 Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.92-93 Useful and Emergency Numbers p.93 Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.94-95 Mobile Library Times p.95 Business Listings p.96

Printing by Micropress 01502 725800 4

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

GENERATE YOUR OWN GREEN ENERGY

GAIN FREEDOM FROM RISING ELECTRICITY COSTS

SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILLS

BE PAID FOR YOUR EXCESS ENERGY

INSTALL FROM AN AWARD WINNING COMPANY

Get an instant quote use our FREE Quote tool Scan here or visit our website www.lcsenergy.co.uk

Solar Panel & Battery Storage System

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

A5-AD-DURA.indd 1

office@lcsenergy.co.uk

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

5

15/01/2025 12:42

6

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Natural, targeted support.

Inside and out.

Liquid food supplements Topical wellness products Clean-label natural formulations

Enjoy 10% off your first order!

Use code THANKU10.

Free shipping over £30.

Valid for one use per customer. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. T&C apply.

SHOP NOW

fulcrumhealth.com

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

7

glow up this summer Be the best ‘summer you’ with our beautiful spa treatment packages at The Close.

Indulge in our summer specials, a carefully crafted skin bespoke facial complemented by one of the following options: a luxurious pedicure or manicure, bespoke brows and lashes or a deeply relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage. Prices start from £80.

Travel size takeaways available in salon for your summer holidays!

Close Health & Beauty High Street, Swineshead Beds MK44 2AA

t: 07729 381085 e: clare@closehealthandbeauty.co.uk www.closehealthandbeauty.co.uk

Beauty and relaxation are Closer than you think...

8

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

30 Years Experience, Fully Insured, DBS (CRB) Certificated, Nebosh Qualified Free No Obligation Quotations, Traditional Values and Reliable Service Glazing Service Domestic & Commercial Lead Light Repairs & Supplied Re Putty work to Existing Windows Replacement of Failed Double Glazed Units Emergency Call Out / Boarding Up Service Laminated & Toughened Safety Glass Safety Glazing Tested & Surveyed Service Works to Existing Windows & Doors Replacement of Existing Hinges Locks & Handles Mirrors Supplied & Fitted Secondary Glazing Supplied & Fitted Safety / Solar Film Supplied & Applied General Property Maintenance

Phone: 01480 210 899 Mobile: 07769 591 468

Email: info@dcwilks.com | www.dcwilks.com

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

9

10

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

SELF STORAGE Great Staughton

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

07753 638948

Construction, Home Renovation & Maintenance • • • • • • •

Brickwork & Extensions Plumbing Kitchen & Bathroom fitting Flooring Painting & Decorating Fencing Landscaping, Patios & Gardening City & Guilds qualified Call for a quotation CB Building Christian Baker 07583 938006

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

11

12

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

13

Promoting inclusivity in Nurseries involves creating a welcoming environment, valuing diversity, adapting learning to individual needs, and actively engaging families.

As an inclusive nursery, we provide a range of resources, books, and toys that represent different cultures, languages, abilities and family structures. Visual supports, such as pictures, symbols and signs, will help children with language barriers or additional needs. We also ensure the setting is accessible to all children.

Adapting learning for individual children by differentiating activities is key. We may use multi-sensory approaches to encourage interaction among children.

We support children to build positive relationships and develop a shared sense of belonging, focusing on “we” rather than “us and them.”

We need an understanding of cultural values and invite families to share traditions, languages and customs, the children enjoy this and begin to develop an understanding of differences in the world.

We treat all children with respect and value their unique backgrounds. Encourage children to understand and appreciate differences from an early age is key.

Learning about different topics that are implemented daily and activities that reflect children’s backgrounds and experiences.

Celebrate cultural events and encourage children to share their own experiences to foster mutual respect and understanding.

By implementing these strategies, early years practitioners can create an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive, laying the foundation for lifelong inclusivity and respect for diversity.

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

14

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

15

Mary Cotes (formerly Kendall) Letters 5 and 6 Penny Young Mary married Thomas Cotes on 25th February 1746 at Stoke Damarel, (a part of the sprawling Plymouth Docks in Devon).

Mary now has a husband to support her as she extricates herself from the mendacious Kendall family and she writes to her brother-in-law.

Dear Sir I am to thank you and my sister Collins for your kind congratulations on my Marriage with Mr Cotes.

I hope my future behaviour to Mr Kendall’s relations will no way be inconsistent with my past, as I am determined to act to all the world with true honour and justice.

I design, God willing to be at Pelyn next Monday. Mr Cotes will not be able to follow me till the latter end of that week; so that if Mr Lawrence and you can be at Pelyn the Monday following in order, amicably, to settle matters while Mr Cotes is there (which will at most be not more than 10 days).

I should be very glad, for I am of the opinion that I can’t, without his approbation, consent to a conference, or indeed should I choose it, as his behaviour to me has always been the most genteel and generous, to then act without his opinion and advice.

We both joyn (join) in our compliments to Sister Collins and yourself and Family. My Father and Fireside send theirs to her and you.

I am Dear Sir Your affectionate and very faithful Humble servant Mary Cotes Plym. Yard 1st March 1746 ***** Time ticks by and the sixth and final letter from the collection is written six months later. The previous letter addressed, Plymouth Yard and the final letter, simply ‘Dock’. We hear Mary write lovingly of her mother, as she helps her to nurse the three small children, (Nicholas, aged 5, who 16

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

becomes a vicar and lives to 73. Charles, aged 3, who lives until he is 63 and finally baby Mary, aged 1, who lives to 36 years of age,) as they all suffer from smallpox.

Dear Sir I am extremely obliged to you for your favour of the 21st in the pleasure you have on the recovery of my Dear Children from the Smallpox, who I thank God all (but necessary Physick after) are as well as you can imagine.

I have received from Mr Lawrence a copy of the Chancery Bill, which as I am altogether ignorant of, must put into his hands, to do what is usual and necessary in this affair. As I am sensible, I may place all matters into his conduct.

I fear you and my sister Collins will be too soon at Pelyn, to be able to receive you there, as the Children have not yet had all that is thought necessary in Medicine to be Given them, after so bad a disorder, and my Father being lately made Storekeeper here, we shall soon remove, in which I may be useful to Mamma, who has been truly so to me, while my Dear Children had the Small Pox. However, when I know you and my Sister are at Anthony, (a village in Cornwall), I will wait on you there and shall send home a servant to Pelyn, that you may be accommodated with everything it affords.

The sisterly respects of me and mine with the compliments of all here attend you and my Sister and all where you are being.

Sir Your affectionate Sister and humble servant Mary Kendall Dock: 20th September 1746 Mary forgets herself here and signs the letter by her old married name!

Plymouth Docks in the 1700’s

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

17

�� Eat. Drink. Stay. Enjoy.

From matchday meals to memorable evenings

�� FOOD & DRINK

Modern Restaurant Set Sunday Lunch Menu Eclectic Wine List Crafted Cocktails

�� RELAX & ENJOY

Alfresco Dining Beer Garden Log Burners & Cosy Corners

�� MORE THAN A MEAL

Live Music Private Life Events Attentive Service Bedroom Accommodation

Moat Lane, Abbots Ripton, PE282PA, 01487 773585, www.thelmabbotsripton.co.uk 18

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

LandFamilyBusiness

LFB

Strategic Tax and Accountancy

for Farms, Estates and Rural Businesses

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Capital Taxes Business Restructuring Land & Property Taxes Specialist Trust Advice Succession Planning Private Clients Cloud Accounting & Bookkeeping

Please contact Samantha Corner or Luke Cochrane on 01480 445490 or info@landfamilybusiness.co.uk

Auction Sales & Valuations

Valuation, collection and auction of individual items, through to complete property and commercial clearances.

SALE ENTRIES INVITED Friday, Saturday & Monday between 8.30am and 5pm

01480 474 550 sn@peacockauction.co.uk

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

19

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. 

Newspapers



Daily Dose Juices*



Meadow Lodge Apple Juice*



Local eggs*, bread and milk



Wine and so� drinks





Bacon, sausages and pies



Cakes, biscuits and fudge

Hay artesan chocolates including “Reservoir Dogs!”*



Breakfast cereals



Snacks and ice cream



Jute shopping bags*



Fresh fruit and veg



Hot drinks



Saints & Sinners jams & chutneys*



Sweets, sta�onary items and sec‐ ond‐hand jigsaws



Dog food and poo bags!



Local Cra� Beers*



Toiletries & household items



Filled bague�es





Fizzy drinks

�ood Morning �ra�am, Coffee*

Opening Hours Mon‐Sat 8am‐4pm Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am – 4pm

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

���ress � �oca�on �ff van Diemans Way, �ra�am, Hun�ngdon Cambs P��8 0�B what3words: veto.fixed.highlight

Old Kimboltonians’ Freemasons Lodge Meeting at Kimbolton Castle 2026 Meeting dates Friday 29 May, Friday 23 October & Friday 18 December, all commencing at 6.00 p.m.

All Freemasons welcome as well as enquiries from Alumni plus current and former staff.

Contact Jason Chambers Lodge Secretary - Email 7204secretary@gmail.com

20

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

• GCSE AND FUNCTIONAL SKILLS • ENTRANCE EXAM PREPARATION

LEARNING THROUGH • ADULT STUDENTS WELCOME ENJOYMENT • REGULAR ASSESSMENT Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

21

Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-27 Lee’s Gardening Corner

It is relatively easy to have a garden bursting with colour this month, it is the main season for most annuals so July will be peak blooming time, with borders, baskets and containers all at their best, as long as they have been well fed and watered.

Still lots of jobs to do even though things are doing well. Deadhead roses; prune any shrubs that have flowered in the spring (like philadelphus) - trim back to whatever size fits your garden; clip fast growing hedges such as Lonicera nitida; dead head bedding plants, and perennials such as Lupins and hardy geraniums (this might encourage a few later flowers); feed and water tubs and hanging baskets. Weeds will, unfortunately, also be growing like mad so either hoe or pull out what you can.

In the fruit and veg garden keep everything well watered, a constant supply of water will ensure fruit and veg taste their best. It is better to harvest most vegetables as soon as they are ripe, with the exception of root veg which will happily stay in the ground. If you have a glut of herbs they can be dried or frozen for future use. Veg such as maincrop carrots, early peas, lettuce, radishes and Spring cabbage can still be sown this month.

If the weather has been very hot then raise the blades on the lawn mower so that the grass does not get cut too low, this will help it keep green without the need to water. Only water a new lawn in very dry spells, established lawns will not need watering - they may turn brown but will soon recover once it rains.

If you are going away make sure you prepare the garden - water well, maybe set up an automatic watering system, pick fruit and veg, feed greenhouse plants, lock away tools and any other equipment Great plants for July include Agapanthus, Penstemons, lavender, fuchsias, roses and hebes.

Lee Munday

22

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

23

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

For a Free Quote, Get in touch: 01480 220571 info@manorfarmtreeservices.com www.manorfarmtreeservices.com

24

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

HANDY

HERBERTS Garden Services

All garden work undertaken: • Hedge Trimming

• Garden Clearance • Gravelling • Fencing

• Trees Pruned and Felled

• General Gardening • Gutter Cleaning

Waste carrier licence

07725or 225214 01933 715936 563365 07725 225214 handyherberts@yahoo.co.uk www.handyherberts.co.uk

ADAM WOODBINE MULTI SERVICE CONTRACTORS Office 01480 861627 Mobile 07901 555640 adam@woodbine71.plus.com www.adwoodbine.co.uk

Hire Contractors – Multi-Purpose Loaders Plant Hire, Mini Digger, Dumpers with Operators Mechanical Cleaning of Driveways, Patios, Pathways Ground Works, Earth Moving and Drainage Systems Landscaping (hard and soft) Fencing, Gates, Retaining Wall Installations

Hedge Cutting, Tree Work and Scrub Clearance Installation of Patios, Paths, Driveways, Shed Bases General Metalwork Fabrication Family owned business based in Kimbolton serving Cambs, Beds and Northants Est. 1987

General Building Works Turfing and Seeding Fully Insured Free Advice, Surveys and Estimates

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

25

26

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

27

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

Playtimes Bystander.indd 1

17/05/2024 12:00

Elle’s ad She

d

B

re

Freshly baked sourdough bread, focaccia, brownies, cookies, granola and more.

Pre orders taken for next day collection

Visit the Bread Shed at:

5 The Drive, Perry, PE28 0SX Open 8am-7pm Mon-Sun ellesbreadshed@outlook.com

28

Shop online

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

The

KITCHEN Magician 01480 477200

KITCHENS

Full Kitchen Design & Installation Service Build Your Own Kitchens Outside Kitchens Replacement Doors & Worksurfaces Appliances

BATHROOMS Full Bathroom Design & Installation Service Wall Panelling Tiling Showers Wetrooms Mobility Bathrooms

BEDROOMS Visit us at The Conservatory Village, The Great North Road, A1 South, Little Paxton, PE19 6EN

www.thekitchenmagician.co.uk

Full Bedroom Design & Installation Service Designs from Zurfiz, Bella & Volante Over 1000 Colours, Wardrobe & Door Combinations

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.

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

29

�� Eat. Drink. Relax. Enjoy.

Seasonal dining, relaxed moments and a warm village welcome

�� AT THE HEART: THE FOOD

Modern restaurant with a seasonal menu Ingredient-led dishes, simply done A set Sunday lunch worth returning for

��

A PLACE TO SETTLE IN Open fires and cosy corners Alfresco dining for warmer days A welcoming beer garden

�� DRINKS TO COMPLEMENT

An eclectic wine list Crafted cocktails with a classic touch Well-kept beers

Loop Road, Keyston, PE280RE, 01832 710303 www.thepheasantkeyston.co.uk

30

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

31

The Missing Woman Sharon walked along the aisle of the train trying to find her reserved seat. She was really excited. The train was a non-stop from London Kings Cross to York, where she was meeting her very good friend Beth. Sharon found her table seat and sat down next to a woman who was gazing out of the train window. After a while, the woman started to talk to Sharon. She introduced herself as Deborah. Sharon, who was not good at guessing ages, put her at early 50’s. She was an attractive woman and very nicely dressed.

Deborah asked Sharon why she was heading for York, and Sharon explained that she was meeting a friend. They had been at York university together and had decided to revisit old haunts. Deborah shared that she was going up to see her daughter, Rachel, who was in her first year at York University, studying English.

After that exchange, Deborah fell quiet and continued gazing out of the window, while Sharon began checking emails on her phone. About an hour into the journey, Deborah asked to get out, leaving a couple of bags on the floor. Sharon took out the book she was reading, and was soon very engrossed in it. Suddenly, she realised that Deborah had been gone for about 30 minutes. When she had still not returned 10 minutes later, and with the train getting ever closer to York, Sharon began to worry that something had happened to her, and stopped a guard who was walking through the train.

‘Excuse me,’ she said. ‘The woman sitting next to me left her seat about 40 minutes ago and hasn’t returned. I’m concerned something has happened to her. She left her bags here, look.’ Sharon bent down to pick up the bags and gasped. ‘The bags have gone!’ she stuttered. The guard started to look disbelieving. ‘Are you sure someone was sitting there?’, he said. ‘I don’t remember seeing anyone in that seat.’ Sharon started to get annoyed.

‘Of course I’m sure’, she said. ‘We chatted. Her name is Deborah and she is visiting her daughter at York university.’ ‘OK, love’, the guard replied. ‘Don’t worry yourself – we will check all the carriages and toilets. Chances are she just decided to move seat.’ Sharon wasn’t convinced about any of this. If Deborah had decided to move seat, wouldn’t she have taken her bags with her? Although of course, her bags weren’t here now, even though Sharon had been sure they were!

Sharon didn’t see the guard again, and still felt very unsettled when the train pulled into York station. She really wanted Deborah to be OK, but had no idea how she could find out. Sharon got off the train and found her friend Beth on the platform. They shared a good, long hug. As Beth pulled back from Sharon, she said,’ Are you alright? You look a bit flustered and anxious.’

Sharon began to share the story about Deborah, when suddenly she stopped. All colour drained from her face, and she clutched Beth’s arm. On a bench on the platform, there was a photo of Deborah. Beside the photo was a beautiful bunch of flowers and a sign which read: ‘In loving memory of my mum, Deborah, who died suddenly on the train from Kings Cross to York a year ago today. I miss you so much, every single day. All my love, Rachel.’

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT Your financial future is our priority

25 Years of Helping Make Your Dreams Become Reality

by Tony Larkins “Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.”

– TE Lawrence.

Known to many as Lawrence of Arabia, T.E. Lawrence, understood something powerful about ambition and achievement. Dreams alone are not enough. It is those who dream with open eyes, and have the courage to act, who create change and shape their future.

Not simply to provide financial advice, but to create a financial planning business that helps Another well-known saying reminds us that “if people turn aspirations into achievable your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big outcomes. enough”. Growth rarely happens within the boundaries of comfort. It begins when we dare For us, financial planning has never just been to imagine something greater and take the first about investments or wealth creation. It begins steps towards it. with understanding what matters most to our clients - their goals, values and hopes for the When we think about dreams, we can future to help them with building a plan that sometimes picture material aspirations - a supports those ambitions. In many cases, it is larger home, memorable travel experiences, or about creating wealth, preserving it, sharing it maybe greater financial security. Yet some of and helping future generations realise dreams life’s most meaningful ambitions are less of their own. tangible: more time with family, supporting loved ones, enjoying peace of mind, or creating Twenty-five years on, that philosophy remains a legacy for future generations. unchanged. So perhaps the question is not whether you have a dream, but whether you Whatever those aspirations may be, they begin are prepared to dream a little bigger - and take with possibility. After all, many of the things we the steps to make it possible. now take for granted once existed only as ideas in the minds of people who dared to think Speak with our local experts by calling us on differently and act decisively.

01480 869466 for a complimentary initial, no obligation chat. For more information and That belief was at the heart of why I founded useful content, visit our wesbite Beacon Wealth Management 25 years ago. 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

33

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

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Monthly Heating Oil Price Update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice Price Update Average heating oil prices have dropped 40ppl since the peak seen at the outbreak of the current US-Iran conflict. The drop has slowed now, and prices have settled.

Why are prices still high?

Prices seem to have adjusted to the geopolitical news and movements – although still volatile – are not swinging as much as previous months. But there is still uncertainty about the future and prices have remained at a premium to pre-conflict levels.

Suppliers are cautious about daily fluctuations and higher prices seem to be around for a while longer yet. Yet it could all change quickly, so keep an eye on prices.

Here's our recommendations: •

Quote regularly online for your area, there are more delivery options, and more competition is returning on marketplaces like BoilerJuice. Get a quote, with your postcode and you may find it under the national average.

•

Spread the cost with payment plans or interest-free instalment options available with BoilerJuice and others. It’s particularly useful when prices are higher and can help with budgeting through the summer – taking the pressure off winter bills.

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

35

Part Two Of My Exhaustive Guide To Britain’s Theatres Hampstead Theatre A new venue, so there’s air conditioning, the seats are comfortable and you can see the stage whichever seat you’re in. There’s a studio theatre as well. They do a mix of new plays and revivals, and the quality is always high. A word of warning, it’s nowhere near Hampstead. It’s next to Swiss Cottage Underground station, the theatre was relocated from, well guess where.

I recall there is a similar naming issue with Charing Cross Hospital, which is a long way from Trafalgar Square. Hospitals of course have operating theatres, but if you think that’s worth making a joke about then you probably love Radio 4 comedy shows, and frankly I wish to have nothing to do with you.

Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Nice and local (depending where you live), it’s easy to miss this building on the High Street.

Here’s a hint, it’s the only one which isn’t a charity shop. Mixture of amateur and professional shows, I saw an evening of comedy here where one of the acts was actually funny.

Jermyn Street Theatre I hate the phrase “hidden gem”. I also hate the phrases “guilty pleasure”, “picky bits” and “wry, sideways look”. It seems illegal to refer to Jermyn Street without using the first of those, it’s a tiny venue just off Picadilly Circus. I saw a three-person David Copperfield here which was glorious. You have to walk across the stage to get to the toilets. It’s best not to do this during the performance.

The Quarry, Bedford Pleasant venue at the rear of Bedford School. BedFest is held here, where you can see a wide range of acts of varying types. And quality. Some notable comedy names play here, and it’s opposite a supermarket which used to be a glorious cinema. I saw Jaws 3 there.

The Royal Court, London Forever linked with the wonderful John Osborne, this theatre showcases mostly new writing.

Some of it’s a load of rubbish of course, but a lot of it is great. I have a favourite seat here, which has ample legroom and space to stow your coat and bag. And no, I’m not telling you the number. Do your own research.

Bedford Corn Exchange Orchestral concerts, big name comedy, ballet, what more could you ask for? Glenn Miller played here, next time you go see if you can spot his bust. St Paul’s church, opposite, hosts delightful classical recitals on Tuesday lunchtimes. I once read one of the Christmas lessons there, I forget why.

London Coliseum The two major opera houses in our capital are very close to each other, which catches many a punter out. While opera bores will drone on about the perceived quality of each venue’s respective orchestras, there can be no doubt that the Coliseum has the most wonderful interior architecture. Mind you, you don’t go to the opera to watch the ceiling, so maybe we should start listening to the bores.

No we shouldn’t. See you next month for another fun stroll through the arts! https://eugenesmithwriting.com/ 36

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Are you thinking of selling or renting your property?

“I offer a tailored service for unique homes. Enjoy a seamless, personally managed journey from initial inquiry until the day you move into your new home. Connect with me today to arrange your free valuation”

Chri

stie

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

37

�� Sip. Savour. Discover.

Where good bottles, great coffee and easy conversation come together

��

AT THE HEART: THE WINE A carefully curated selection from small producers and classic regions Wines to drink in or take home Knowledgeable, friendly guidance

�� MORE THAN A WINE BAR

Live music nights Wine tasting events for curious drinkers and enthusiasts

☕��

ALL DAY, ALL EVENING Speciality coffee and locally sourced cakes by day Wine, cocktails and relaxed drinks as the evening unfolds

34 The Broadway, St. Ives, PE27 5BN, 01480 782 200 www.broadwaycellars.co.uk

38

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

COINS BOUGHT Grafham Coins

Contact Mike mikep1806@icloud.com 01480 811227 07816 850455

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

39

Freshly baked Full of character Only the best ingredients in every loaf

Visit Avalon-Bakehouse.com to book your collection from Stow Longa

Baked to Order Authentic Irresistible

Organic Wholeome Hand-crafted

Bringing you bread that celebrates the artistry of authentic sourdough baking.

Vicky Wakefield, Avalon Bakehouse , Kimbolton Rd, Stow Longa, Cambs.

PE28 0TR Tel 07860 410075 40

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

THE COMPUTER MAN Local, Trusted & Experienced

THE HOME HANDYMAN

Geeng I.T. right the first me, every me.

• LAPTOP AND COMPUTER REPAIR • VIRUS & SPYWARE REMOVAL • DATA TRANSFER & BACKUP • UPGRADES & REPAIRS • IPHONE, IPAD & MAC • MOST ISSUES RESOLVED ON SITE • HEALTH H AND SECURITY CHECKS • NEW SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS • ALL MAKES, MODELS & AGES

Lorem Ipsum

Contact Stuart on: Tel: 01480 759 082 Mob: 07734 652 239

E-mail: stuart@shconsultancy.co.uk Whether your computer is not working at all or just needs a boost, I can help.

PAINTING AND DECORATING WALLPAPERING BESPOKE BEDROOM WARDROBES ALL ASPECTS OF CARPENTRY AND DECKING FOR REALISTIC PRICING Call Brendan On 01480 756550/07908 468164 Email: brendancoates59@gmail.com The Home Handyman

BALLET & CONTEMPORARY COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR DANCERS

SUMMER SCHOOL 2026

SING, DANCE, ACT ion h fus a fres al & ic s s a of cl ry mPora conte e c n da

Perfo oPPo rmance for c rtunity aged hildren 9-21

COMPANY AUDITIONS SUNDAY 5TH JULY

LY APP VISIT FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO REGISTER NOW YOUR INTEREST AT CYBCOMPANY.CO.UK

LEARN THE SHOW IN A WEEK! WEEK 1: 27th - 31st July WEEK 2: 3rd - 7th August WEEK 3: 10th - 14th August WEEK 4: 17th - 21st August

6 plus. 9am-5pm Daily FRE For AgesPerformance on Friday K T’SHI E withAtaStageworks Studios, BOO RT Kings Road, St Neots, PE19 1BF NOW INFO@STAGEWORKSSTUDIO.CO.UK | 01480 223331 WWW.STAGEWORKSSTUDIO.CO.UK | @STAGEWORKSUK

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

41

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

42

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

43

Before reading this one some years ago (and well before COVID) I don’t believe I’d read any post-apocalyptic books before, always imagining them to be full of zombies. So, although this book was recommended to me, I approached it with some trepidation. What I found, however, was a post-apocalyptic world made far scarier because of its normality. I’ve never failed to be surprised, or rather horrified, at the way communities can turn on one another in times of trouble, and I could really see this story being the way it would go should such a virus hit the world.

This story is set in Northern Ireland, which is devastated, like many other countries before it, when the Quang-Tri Flu spreads like…well, like the flu, only this flu kills anyone who contracts it. There are a few who are immune for whatever reason, and gradually these individuals come together in various forever changed communities.

Bobby, a Canadian (and not a Yank as he has to keep reminding everyone) from whose perspective this is written is a terrific character. He’s in Northern Ireland after marrying Sally and to all outward appearances is tough and heroic, a leader, of sorts, amongst the band of survivors he finds around him but we get to see his inner fears and sorrows at the loss and sadness created by this tragic virus.

Violence breaks out, often brutally, both from those in charge and those just struggling to survive. Desperation for water, food, and medicine grows as supplies run out and finding safe places to shelter becomes an issue. Some give up, whilst others take advantage of the situation, but there are some who meet the challenges of this bleak new world with regret for what they have to do in order to survive.

John Privilege’s writing is wonderfully descriptive without being overly so, ‘On her bad days I would sit with her and stroke her hair and whisper to her as she hung her head and wept, heart-sore and lost. She would look at me, her dark eyes full of tears, her mouth curling into a quivering smile, her cool hand on my face.’ Beautiful.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, would definitely recommend it to all who enjoy good writing and solid storytelling.

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.

44

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

45

The Kakuma Art Project The Kakuma Art Project was born from a single painting called Boat, created by Kimbolton artist Tara Dominick in the summer of 2023. Hidden within the abstract image of Noah’s Ark are refugees wearing life jackets, symbolising the journeys, hopes and struggles of displaced people around the world.

The painting resonated deeply with Congolese refugee Hubert Senga, Founder of Generation Aid in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Having risked his life crossing Lake Tanganyika in search of safety, Hubert recognised his own story in the artwork. Together, Tara and Hubert transformed one painting into a project dedicated to creativity, hope and opportunity.

Since August 2024, the project has provided therapeutic art workshops for refugee artists, built the Senga Gallery community art space, delivered emergency food packs to families in crisis, improved schools and playgrounds, supplied clean water, planted fruit and shade trees, and hosted exhibitions of refugee artwork in the UK. The stories of our refugee artists and poets have also been published, helping their voices reach a global audience.

Our current fundraisers invite people everywhere to become part of this growing story. Letter to Kakuma encourages supporters to write messages of hope, encouragement and friendship to refugees living in the camp. A £10 donation includes your letter, which will be shared online and later published in a book.

ArtLine is a unique online gallery where artists, photographers, poets, musicians, children and even pet owners can showcase their creativity while supporting a meaningful cause. A £27 donation secures a place in the gallery, with all proceeds helping fund projects in Kakuma.

Every contribution helps create opportunities, restore dignity and bring hope where it is needed most.

If you would like to become part of a growing community making a huge difference, please use the Just giving link on our Artline website to donate: kakumaartproject.com Send letters or art/photos/video to: taradominick@hotmail.co.uk Thanks so much to the Village Bystander for supporting this article.

46

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Your local, personal estate agent

Get in touch for your realistic pricing and moving plan 07815 568 624 hannah.carr@expuk.com hannahcarr.expuk.com

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

47

The Art of Negotiation Paul Kinally of Peter Lane & Partners in Kimbolton highlights two important principles in property negotiation.

Some people are good at negotiating. Some people, it turns out, aren't. Some people hold all the cards and know it. Some people hold weak hands and don't know it. So here are two important elements - prompted by ongoing political events - to think about when negotiating for your next home.

Firstly, it is very important that your partner, if you have one, is fully behind you - and all the other members of your family who are old enough to possess rational thought. After all, it wouldn't be good if only, say, 52 per cent of your family supported you and the other 48 per cent didn't.

That way almost half of your clan are going to be miserable - which is no way to run a family.

Oh you can tell the naysayers that it will be lovely to live in the isolated location you have chosen - having left all their friends behind; that self-sufficiency will be great and they will soon get used to it. But some family members might still not buy into that. They like it where they are too much. So it is always best to have everyone fully on board with the moving project from the very start.

Second, you should try and get the measure of those with whom you will be negotiating. If they are affable, agreeable and flexible that is great. But if they are the type of people who just don't care if they sell to you or not; display a cynical, take-it-or-leave-it attitude; meet with open contempt all your reasonable attempts to negotiate and hold out for an inflated price without any hint of being prepared to compromise themselves, then you should be very sure you want to buy because the price you pay will almost certainly be at a premium - including some inevitable loss of self-respect. The experience may well lead to resentment and ill feelings. Dealing with these sorts of people is difficult. Sometimes it proves so difficult the only course of action, it seems, is to walk away from trying to do any sort of deal.

For some, moving out of the place they are in is infinitely better than staying put and even worth putting up with some loss of face. Their home may not fit any more, the neighbours may be driving them mad and they might even feel they have lost some control of their lives. A new start could be just the thing and it might seem worth paying almost any price to achieve it.

But that's the thing with big decisions and negotiations. Not everyone thinks the same and the more the protagonists are prepared to understand that and compromise to some degree the more chance there will be of all round success to suit both sides.

It's complicated. So, if you don't want to get involved with all the frustrations of a purchase then find a good estate agent. That's what they are for. Just don't ask him or her to make everyone in your family happy about your move. That is still your job.

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

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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.

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

49

OPEN Mon - Sat 6:30am - 9pm Sun 7:30am - 8pm budgens@robinsonkimbolton.co.uk 01480 860582 Thrapston Rd, Kimbolton 50

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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.

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

51

Worried About How You’ll Pay for Care?

The cost of care is rising, leaving many families uncertain about their options.

Wilson Browne Solicitors provides clear, practical advice to help you plan with confidence.

Understanding the Means Test A key challenge is navigating the local authority means test, which assesses your income, savings and property to determine your contribution. This process can be complex, and misunderstandings about asset inclusion, property values or available disregards can have serious financial consequences. Our team reviews your circumstances, explains the rules clearly and supports you through the process, including guidance on Deferred Payment Arrangements and ensuring the correct procedures are followed.

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding Some individuals may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), which can cover the full cost of care. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and the assessment process can be difficult to navigate. We help you understand the criteria, prepare for assessments and manage reviews or appeals where needed.

Planning Ahead Planning early can help protect your assets and ensure your wishes are respected. We provide tailored advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate planning and legally compliant strategies to support you and your family.

How We Can Help We offer clear guidance, straightforward answers and compassionate support at every stage. Whether you are exploring funding options or planning for the future, we help you make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.

52

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

53

Following the sad news that Anthony Head had passed away, I felt the need to pay homage to a British actor and musician who played such a big part in the fictional lives of my favourite TV characters. Buffy was a firm fixture while my sister and I were growing up, so it seemed fitting, after all, Giles was a librarian and thus had a love of books, a slight wariness of computers and most technology, and loved fighting the forces of evil. That truly puts him in the column of stalwart characters I would name a pet after. (Especially seeing as he was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.) In fact, not only did I receive a message from a long distance friend saying something along the lines of “BUT GIIIIIILES”, but when I put the news article about his death into a friends’ community WhatsApp group entitled “Death Announcements” (yes, we’ve reached peak middle-age now, there’s even a gardening group and a home improvements group), someone pointed out it was big enough news to put in the main chat.

His character started out as a California librarian who happened to also be Buffy’s watcher, assigned by the Watchers’ Council in England. Very soon into the series it becomes abundantly clear that he is much more than that to her and her Scooby Gang of pals fighting the evil forces of Sunnydale. He provided guidance borne from the experience of adulthood (and MANY books) but did so without squashing Buffy’s independence or free spirit making her way in life. Buffy’s absent father was rarely a topic on the show, whereas Giles was supportive and acted on occasion how a protective father would. What a positive influence he could well have had on many households... When he wasn’t responsible for encouraging saucy Gold Blend induced antics. (Is that a generation of straight women swooning I hear...)

One particularly demonstrative scene many a Buffy fan will remember from season 2.

Buffy’s vampire boyfriend Angel has lost his soul and reverted back to Angelus, the evil vampire he was before regaining his soul. She asks Giles if he’s disappointed in her and this poignant response was delivered without flaw by Anthony Head.

“Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you that you acted rashly? You did and I can... I know that you loved him... You couldn’t have known what would happen. The coming months are going to be hard... But if it’s guilt you’re looking for, Buffy, I’m not your man. All you will get from me is my support... and my respect.” Couldn’t you just hug him?

Liam Neeson was an impressive father in Taken and all, but father-figure Giles had books and swords.

Finally, in a fitting final tribute to G-Man and advice to the teen kids who will soon be banned from social media, here’s an idea from Giles for what else may fill their time...

“Smell is the most powerful trigger to the memory there is. A certain flower, or a whiff of smoke can bring up experiences long forgotten. Books smell musty and rich. The knowledge gained from a computer is a… it, uh, it has no-no texture, no context. It’s there and then it’s gone. If it’s to last, then the getting of knowledge should be, uh, tangible. It should be, um, smelly.”

Sally Gower 54

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

A website you don’t have to worry about Designed, built and fully managed for you For busy businesses who want their website sorted properly

No pressure, just helpful advice

Websites from £49 per month Supporting small businesses since 2014

07340 234555

hello@silverwebsites.co.uk

silverwebsites.co.uk

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

55

KIMBOLTON COMMUNITY CINEMA AT THE MANDEVILLE HALL

7-30pm FRIDAY 17th JULY

Mandeville Hall Tuesday 7th July 2026 Tuesday 4th August 2026 Tuesday 1st September 2026 Award winnng HAMNET is the story of love and loss that inspired Shakespeare to write Hamlet.

BAR, ICECREAMS, & FREE POPCORN Tickets £5, £4 + booking fee from www.ticketsource.co.uk/mandevillehall-kimbolton.

Bytes Café 10 to 12-30pm Mondays and Fridays or on on the door if available.

Information at COMMUNITY CINEMA- The Mandeville Hall Kimbolton

56

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

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Kimbolton Probus Club Our Probus luncheon club welcomes retired business or professional men and women 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 and enjoy a delicious meal followed by a speaker.

Interested?? Contact either: Steve Jacklin, Social Secretary 01480 860805 Mary Foster, Chairman 01480 861594

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 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

57

Services across the Benefice for July.

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

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 5th 10.30am All Age Worship

meeting ID: 380915 8110 Passcode: 90Mn1s

Sun 12th 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 19th 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 26th 10.00am Benefice Communion 6.00pm Evensong

meeting ID: 460073 8580 Passcode: wJ94Sa During the school holidays there will be a single, rotating around each church, Benefice Communion each Sunday at 10.00am which all are welcome to attend.

ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 5th

9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 5th

10.30am Morning Praise

Sun 19th 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 12th

9.00am Parish Worship

Sun 19th

3.00pm Creative Communion

58

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

59

Kimbolton Medical Centre Hunters Way Kimbolton 01480 860205

60

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

What’s on in Kimbolton in July Wednesday 1st

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 2nd Friday 3rd

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

1.30 - 4.30pm Welcome Club. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 4th Sunday 5th

Monday 6th

10.30-12.30pm Wheel Throwing Taster Session. Blair Loveday Studio. East Street. Booking essential.

3pm Kim Jam. New Sun Inn (Anyone wishing to play/ sing WhatsApp 07799765503 to book) 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 7th

Wednesday 8th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7.30pm Bingo. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

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

Thursday 9th Friday 10th

2.30pm W.I. Speaker Emma Napier from Blue Blancmange. Mandeville Hall

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 11th Monday 13th

6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 14th Wednesday 15th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall

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

12pm Kimbolton Probus Club. Cowper & Newton Museum Talk. Amazing Grace & the Abolition of Slavery. Snooty Tavern, Gt. Staughton

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall Thursday 16th Friday 17th

12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

7pm Community Cinema. Hamnet. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 18th Monday 20th

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

Tuesday 21st Wednesday 22nd

2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 23rd

Friday 24th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

10.30-1.30pm Intensive Wheel Throwing. Blair Loveday Studio. East Street. Booking essential.

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

10.30-1.30pm Intensive Wheel Throwing. Blair Loveday Studio. East Street. Booking essential.

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

7pm Parish Council Meeting. Youth & Community Hall

10.30-1.30pm Intensive Wheel Throwing. Blair Loveday Studio. East Street. Booking essential.

Saturday 25th Monday 27th

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

Tuesday 28th Wednesday 29th

2-4pm Carpet Bowls. Mandeville Hall 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 30th Friday 31st

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

61

In June Kimbolton Guides, Brownies & Rainbows held a special ‘Bag A Badge Day’. Rainbows made bee baths and cookies, and went bug hunting, to earn their Bee Rescuer and Tasty Treats badges, then enjoyed the wonderful new play park next door – a full day of fun and friendship!

Brownies had a full and varied day – they experimented with pancakes and toppings for their Kitchen Creations badge, went geocaching and drew maps for their Wayfinder badge, learned moves for their Dancing badge and made some impressive and impactful posters for their Speaking Out badge. Phew!

The Guides had an amazing Badge Day despite the weather being a little dump! They drew maps and hid treasure for the Brownies, whilst learning how to use What3Words; learned how to tie a variety of different knots before embarking on creating their own gadget; cooked pitta bread pizzas and smores and finished off with campfire singing.

What a memorable day!

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

62

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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, 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 £3 will apply for short journeys of 5 miles or less plus the £3 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!

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

63

Free public events at Kimbolton Castle this July

This July, Kimbolton Castle plays host to a programme of talks and tours celebrating the 300th anniversary of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726) — visionary architect, acclaimed dramatist and one of the most original talents of the Georgian age.

Part of a year‑long national celebration led by The Georgian Group and supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, the events offer new perspectives on Vanbrugh’s life, work and enduring influence.

2 July, 7pm - Lecture in the Lewis Hall with Simon Thurley, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund 7–9 July, 2pm & 3.45pm - Guided Castle tours with Curator Andrew Bamford and Art Historian Julie Brown 13 July, 7pm Talk by Curator Andrew Bamford in the Saloon

Scan the QR code to find out more and reserve your space 64

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

1st Southoe & Buckden Scout Group

Invite you to our

beer & GIN 2026 l a v i Fest

Fundraising to support activities for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers

FREE ENTR

Friday 4 th September

Y

18+ only S ADULT BAR OPEN 5-11pm ONLY LIVE MUSIC FROM 6pm SPANISH THEMED FOOD - Barry’s Food Van

SATURDAY 5 th SEPTEMBER

BAR OPEN 2-11pm TEA & CAKES 2-5pm FAMILY BBQ 2-5pm LIVE MUSIC FROM 2pm SPANISH FOOD FROM 5:30PM

y Famil ly Friend ies ctivit Kids A

Live Music BEER BELLY (FRI) MICK & ROY (SAT PM) SCARLET ESTATE (SAT EVE)

JOIN US AT THE SCOUT HUT, LUCKS LANE, BUCKDEN Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

65

WANTED - COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME DRIVERS

The “Highway“car scheme helps clients get to appointments at hospitals, doctors and other medical and social activities. Our drivers ensure clients arrive safely and on time

BEING A VOLUNTEER DRIVER…

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) support us.

Feedback from clients “I don’t know what I would do without you”

Phone 07786 520540 or email highway25@btinternet.com FOR MORE INFORMATION 66

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

The Bereavement Journey starting soon: 6th July 2026 Are you grieving the loss of a loved one?

You’re warmly invited to join The Bereavement Journey – a series of gentle, structured sessions offering space to reflect, share, and find support.

Venue: Kimbolton School (by kind permission of the Headmaster) Date: Starting 6th July 2026, 1830–2100 Cost: Free of charge Places: Limited availability for this first series.

To express interest or ask questions, please contact Clare Firby at: bereavementjourney@leightonstonechurches.org Topics include: Attachment, separation and loss The pain and responses of grief • Anger and guilt Coping with others’ reactions • Delayed and suppressed grief Adjusting to change • Moving forward healthily Faith questions – a Christian perspective (optional)

thebereavementjourney.org Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

67

68

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Bedford National Trust Association Annual General Meeting Tuesday 16 June at 2.15 pm Followed by speaker Mark Steinhardt with his storyteller tale Murder in Flitwick Woods Meeting held at the Addison Centre, Kempston.

Plenty of parking available.

Everyone welcome. No need to book.

Complimentary refreshments.

No charge for admission.

For more details email rjostley@gmail.com

All Saints’ Church, Little Staughton

Cream Teas Bric-a-Brac Stall in church

Saturday 11 July 2.30 pm

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

69

Saturday 18th July at 7.30pm St. Andrew’s, Great Staughton presents an evening of variety performances.

“Turns” will include puppets, the band, singing, monologues, poems, musical interludes, etc.

There will be an interval with refreshments available.

Admission is free, but donations to support the finances of the church will be very welcome.

Raffle.

If you feel you would like to have a “turn”, please contact Alex Turner (07775 651597) to see if it’s possible to fit you into the programme.

Proceeds in aid of St. Andrew’s Church, Great Staughton

70

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

PYO sunflowers coming mid august Located At Gt Staughton, near Grafham water Cambridgeshire pop up coffee, pizza picnic area and toastie evenings

available for private bookings & parties

Sunshine You Can Walk Through. Make Memories in Full Bloom. follow us on facebook for further information

www.mumfordstores.uk

 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 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

71

BILLy

BLANCHARD

Building & Maintenance

A L L A S P E C T S O F B U I L D I N G WO R K U N D E R TA K E N REFURBISHMENTS • EXTENSIONS • NEW BUILDS K I TC H E N S • B AT H R O O M S

07927 201 108 • blanchardbuild@outlook.com

This is probably not relevant to you.

Unless you’re responsible for winning bids and proposals.

Master your tender process with TenderB’s advanced AI:

Analyze requirements instantly

3XMORE PRODUCTIVE £500M+ IN WON TENDERS

Draft winning content with AI precision and design Check for 100% compliance

www.tenderb.co.uk 72

Marc den Hertog – Goedicke Director TenderB UK marc@tenderb.co.uk 07882 391737

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

SELEC RENEWABLES Based Locally for 2 Decades

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

Air Conditioning

16 x 435w All Black Panels

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

Domestic Electrical

Daikin 5kw EMURA in black

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

Contact us Now to book a Free Quote

Myenergi Zappi 7kw EV Charger

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

73

74

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

75

Take a break from work with Kimbolton Netwalking Stray away from the status quo of indoor business meetings and formal surroundings.

Netwalking allows you to network in an informal outdoor environment, clear your mind and spark conversation.

Everyone is welcome at the events hosted by Wilson Browne Solicitors and Beacon Wealth Management. Our next walk is at Grafham Water on the 15th July starting at 9.30am. So take a break from work, take in the sights and sounds of the outdoors, meet new people, catch up with friends, and finish with a well-deserved coffee.

We suggest you book your place beforehand, so we know to wait for you before heading off.

Email marketingteam@wilsonbrowne.co.uk to book your place or for more information.

76

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

221 Divorce Support Help for people struggling to cope with divorce or separation Divorce is now commonplace, but the truth is that unless we have actually been through a divorce ourselves, we cannot fully understand the pain and devastation it can cause. Victims of a broken marriage/partnership can suffer debilitating loss of self-confidence and withdraw from society. Finding help is hard, and recovery can be a long, lonely and very challenging journey.

This is why 221 Divorce Support was formed, as a direct result of recognising the pain and emotional ordeal, so often hidden from society, that almost always accompanies the process of divorce/separation. As a SELF HELP group, we meet regularly to share our troubles and fears and to encourage each other as we come to accept what has happened and look towards a new and positive future. Run entirely by volunteers, we meet in small, friendly groups and the bonding and ensuing growth of confidence can be remarkable. We are neither judgmental nor discriminatory and we seriously value and respect each other's confidentiality.

We share our grief together and we laugh together - and for many years now ‘221’ has been proof that the company of others in similar circumstances can provide the best possible support. Our groups offer a place where we do not have to keep pretending that we are coping.

We have several groups in Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. There is no charge to attend and anyone, at any stage of divorce or separation is welcome.

For more information, please check our website or contact jenny@221.org.uk 221 Divorce Support www.221.org.uk

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

77

Carry on Cleo When I think about the true heavyweights of the British comedy landscape, Carry On Cleo (1964) usually sits at the very top of that list. It’s a genuine masterpiece, which is a big word to use for such a low budget farce, but it deserves this title, as it was a pivotal moment for the team. It was the first time they took a massive, contemporary blockbuster and turned it into their own comedy playground!

The original film, Cleopatra which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and had become famous for its troubled production. Much of the filming started at Pinewood Studios, but the British weather was so bleak and unpredictable, that the production was already running behind schedule. This led the production onto the sunnier climes of Rome to finish, leaving behind a wealth of incredible, high quality sets and costumes that were just sitting around doing nothing; the Carry On producers thought differently. They essentially "borrowed" these assets, which gave Carry On Cleo a visual scale and richness that its small budget could never have afforded normally.

This mix of a grand look and silly jokes is part of what makes it so wonderful; the majesty of Ancient Rome and Egypt, but instead of serious drama, you get the brilliant Sid James as a very un-Roman Mark Antony. He plays the role with a grin and a wink, turning a historical figure into a relatable, slightly rogue-ish character.

At the heart of all this spectacle is Amanda Barrie who was absolutely superb as Cleopatra.

She brings a wide eyed, ditsy charm to the role that worked perfectly against the chaos of the men around her. She parodied Elizabeth Taylor's performance with a subtle, playful wit that never felt forced and it is hard to imagine anyone else in those lavish costumes.

The cast ensemble was at its peak here starting with Kenneth Williams as Julius Caesar delivered what is perhaps the most famous line in the entire franchise, "Infamy! Infamy!

They've all got it in for me!" It is a perfect bit of writing, delivered with his signature flair.

Then you have Charles Hawtrey as Seneca and Joan Sims as Calpurnia. Jim Dale also shines as Horsa, bringing a bit of physical energy to the story.

There is a calm confidence in the way this film is put together, as it doesn't try too hard to be epic, it just uses the epic scenery as a backdrop for some of the best and well-timed gags in the series. It mocks the seriousness of the original Cleopatra while also standing on its own as a great piece of storytelling.

It remains a water mark for me, because it showed exactly what the Carry On team could do when they had the right resources. They took the leftovers of a Hollywood giant and turned them into something uniquely British and endlessly funny. It’s a film that I can watch any time, and it never fails to feel like a high point in the series.

Ross Richardson 78

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY GOLF?

St Neots Golf Club is offering you the chance...

Led by our PGA Professional. This course is tailored to teach you the fundamentals of golf and develop your skills in a friendly and relaxed environment.

LADIES

JUNIORS

Ladies lessons are on Saturday afternoons: 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Junior lessons are on Saturday afternoons: 2pm – 3pm

Saturday 8th August Saturday 15th August Saturday 22nd August Saturday 29th August Saturday 5th September

Saturday 8th August Saturday 15th August Saturday 22nd August Saturday 29th August Saturday 5th September

COURSE PRICE

£99

FOR 5 SESSIONS

BOOK YOUR PLACE

ST NEOTS GOLF CLUB

Call 01480 472363 (Option 4) golf@stneotsgolfclub.co.uk

Crosshall Road, St Neots, PE19 7GE www.sngc.co.uk

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

79

Organising homes, paperwork & property – properly Calm practical support for households and small businesses ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Decluttering and organising Paperwork and digital organisation Move support and home staging Small business organisation

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

Fun With Santa Oy

Lapland holidays Stay in our cozy log cabin in Äkäslompolo, Ylläs, Finland. We can also arrange your full itinerary from the moment you land in Lapland till the moment you leave. Santa, Huskies, Reindeer Safaris, Snowmobile Safaris and much more For more information please contact: Jane Phone: 07840 027688

Email: jane@funwithsanta.co.uk

80

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

SUPPORTIVE STEPS Companionship In Your Own Home • Games / Art / Chats • Light Cleaning / Laundry • Prepare Meals • Support With Emails, Letters, Admin.

• Shopping • Transport - Trips Out, Appointments • Dog Walking Email: supportivesteps@gmail.com

Competitive Rates DBS Checked Emergency First Aid Trained References Available Public Liability Insurance Residential Home Care Experience

Mobile: 07594 603290

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

81

Boring job? Not at Bedfordshire Police Bedfordshire Police offers a career that gives you the opportunity to make a real difference within the community.

Every day is different. We are a small and busy force that offers a lot of experience due to the wide range of crimes we see compared to other forces in the UK. You are not just a number at Bedfordshire Police. You will develop with close-knit teams and there will always be someone to support you through the ups and downs of policing.

As a police officer, you will handle things most people never experience in their lives. Your mental, emotional, and physical capabilities will be tested and you must maintain a professional approach throughout, no matter what the situation.

It’s a challenging 24/7 service and you will work a range of shifts, including nights. You might miss celebrations, birthdays, or holidays, but you will get the satisfaction of working in a job like no other.

You’ll be part of a unique organisation, working with inspiring colleagues who understand the risks and rewards of the job.

You’ll be highly trained and well-supported throughout your service as you help people through some of the most difficult situations in their life.

You will support victims and witnesses and provide reassurance in your community.

Everyone at Bedfordshire Police takes personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish.

As a frontline officer you could make the difference to someone every day.

If you think being part of a team that helps to keep the public safe and tackles crime day-to-day is for you, then a role with Bedfordshire Police could be your next career step.

We're recruiting now. To find out about the different routes into policing and apply to join, visit our website: www.beds.police.uk You can also follow us on Facebook by searching Bedfordshire Police for more news and recruitment updates.

82

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

83

From your Cambridge Correspondent July in Cambridge has several events worthy of note. The Cambridge Summer Music Festival (cambridgesummermusic.com) returns throughout the month, bringing concerts and recitals to churches, college chapels, and other historic venues across the city. The popular Sounds Green series at the Botanic Garden once again offers free outdoor concerts on Wednesday evenings.

July is also a fine month for simply seeing Cambridge itself. Many colleges are more fully open to visitors now that term is ended, gardens are at their peak, punts fill the Cam, and the city's long summer evenings make riverside walks to Grantchester particularly appealing.

Yet perhaps the most distinctive sight in Cambridge in June and July is not a festival at all, but the steady stream of graduates and their families making their way through the city towards the Senate House. Throughout the summer, thousands of students formally receive their degrees in ceremonies whose essential form would be recognisable to generations of Cambridge scholars stretching back centuries.

Graduations in Cambridge The University of Cambridge confers degrees in the eighteenth-century Senate House, one of the University's most important ceremonial buildings. Standing close to King's College Chapel, the Senate House was designed by James Gibbs and opened in 1730. It was built as the meeting place of the Senate, the body of Masters of Arts that historically governed the University, and today remains the home of degree congregations and certain other formal ceremonies.

On graduation days, the Senate House Yard fills with an impressive assortment of academic dress. Cambridge undergraduate gowns differ from college to college, while postgraduate gowns and hoods vary depending on the degree being awarded. Parents and grandparents, often seeing Cambridge for the first time, are frequently surprised to discover that the University still conducts its principal ceremonies in much the same way as it did centuries ago – and almost entirely in Latin.

Indeed, before any degree can be awarded, the Regent House (the University's governing body) must formally assent. Theoretically, any member of the Regent House present may object. The Senior Proctor therefore places before the House the Grace: "Supplicant reverentiis vestris viri mulieresque quorum nomina juxta Senaculum in porticu proposuit hodie Registrarius nec delevit Procancellarius ut gradum quisque quem rite petivit assequantur."

(In English: "Those men and women whose names the Registrary has today posted in the arcade beside the Senate-House and which the Vice-Chancellor has not deleted beg your reverences that 84

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

they may proceed to the degree for which each has properly applied.")

Should a member of the Regent House wish to object, they may call out Non Placet ("it does not please"), thereby forcing a vote. In practice this almost never occurs. Instead, the Junior Proctor responds with a simple: "Placet." ("It pleases.")

Only then may the ceremony proceed. Candidates are presented college by college, in the order of each college's foundation (although the royal foundations of King’s, Trinity, and St John’s Colleges precede all others). Within each college, candidates are presented by the Praelector, who leads each graduand before the Vice-Chancellor and declares (for a man receiving the degree of Master of Arts): "Dignissima domina, Domina Procancellaria, et tota Academia, praesento vobis hunc virum quem scio tam moribus quam doctrina esse idoneum ad gradum assequendum Magistri in Artibus; idque tibi fide mea praesto totique Academiae."

"Most worthy Vice-Chancellor and the whole University, I present to you this man, whom I know to be suitable as much by character as by learning to proceed to the degree of Master of Arts; for which I pledge my faith to you and to the whole University."

The graduand is then called forward and kneels before the Vice-Chancellor, who admits them to the relevant degree using the ancient formula of admission: "Auctoritate mihi commissa admitto te ad gradum..."

"By the authority committed unto me, I admit you to the degree..."

The wording has changed remarkably little over the centuries. Once admitted, the new graduate rises, bows, and departs through the Doctors' Door to collect their degree certificate. There are no lengthy speeches by University officials; in fact the ceremony often seems remarkably brief!

For visitors, graduation day is one of the most enjoyable times to be in Cambridge. Senate House Yard becomes a sea of gowns, flowers, and proud relatives. Traffic gets held up by processions of graduands moving from their college to the Senate House, and college courts host receptions and lunches.

Universities inevitably change with the times, but Cambridge graduations remain a striking reminder that some traditions endure. For each new graduate, the ceremony marks not only the completion of years of study, but entry into a community whose history stretches back more than eight centuries. And all of it, appropriately enough, begins with a simple word: Placet.

Sam Venn cambridgecorrespondent.bystander@proton.me Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

85

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

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

86

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

07808 020554 www.socialbeans.co.uk

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

07702 597670 www.threeshiresnetworking.co.uk Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

87

✨ St Neots Book Club ✨ Cosy reads · Good chat · Friendly faces 🗓🗓 Sunday 26 July 2026 | 📍📍 The Waggon and Horses 🕖🕖 7.00 pm | Eaton Socon PE19 8EF

📘📘 This Month’s Book The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson 🧡🧡 Everyone welcome We meet monthly on a Sunday evening, and everyone is welcome.

Read it all, skim a bit, or just come along to listen — we’d love to meet you.

✉ Questions?

Contact Amy — stneotsbookclub@yahoo.com

Upcoming Books 📖📖 23 August 2026 – A Spy Among Friends – Ben Macintyre 📖📖 27 September 2026 – Down River – John Hart Bring a book · Grab a drink · Settle in 88

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

We are proud to be expanding our nurse-led services with the opening of our new Nursing Home and Day Centre in Catworth this Summer.

Designed with our same holistic, person-centred values that guide our services.

Nursing Home & Day Centre Coming Summer 2026!

Our new 6 bed Nursing Home will provide high quality, compassionate care in a unique homely setting where comfort, dignity and meaningful connection are at the heart of daily life.

The Day Centre will offer social connection, engaging activities, wellbeing, and Nurse Led support for those wishing to remain living independently at home.

We are now welcoming enquiries, scan our QR code or call us on 07497 070446 for more information.

Visit our website www.goldencommunity.co.uk

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

89

Why Decluttering Your Home Can Change More Than Just Your Space Many of us live with homes that feel busier and more cluttered than we would like. Over time, possessions accumulate and organising everything can start to feel overwhelming.

That’s where professional organiser Caroline from C Major Change can help.

Based locally, Caroline works with clients to declutter, organise and create practical systems that make everyday life easier. Whether it’s a single room that needs attention, preparing for a house move, or helping someone downsize, Caroline provides calm, supportive guidance to help people take control of their space.

One of the most common reasons people contact C Major Change is when they are planning a move. Sorting through belongings, deciding what to keep and organising packing can quickly become stressful. Caroline is on hand to help clients declutter before they move and organise their new home afterwards, making the transition far smoother.

Clients often find that once their home is organised, they feel calmer, more productive and able to enjoy their space again.

For advice, support or to book a consultation, contact Caroline at C Major Change. ☏ 07584 279228 ✉ hello@cmajorchange.co.uk 🌐 www.CMajorChange.co.uk Follow for helpful tips and inspiration: Facebook & Instagram: @cmajorchange

90

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

91

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.

St Neots Library: Rhyme time - Toddler Rhymetime Monday Morning 10:30am, Baby Rhymetime Friday morning 10:30am.

Stay and Play run after both sessions and on Wednesday Afternoon 2:00pm.

Storytime Saturday Morning 10:30am, Lego Club Saturday Afternoon 2:30pm.

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

92

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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

93

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 Gt Staughton WI Pertenhall WI Perry WI

Anne Beszant 01480 860672 Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com Glennis Bird, Tel: 01933 314275, glennis.bird@hotmail.co.uk perrywigroup@gmail.com

Village Halls Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886 Village Hall, Catworth, bookings www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk Village Hall, 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 Marion Kitchener, 07770 478220 Village Hall, Melchbourne Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk

07941 245639

94

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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) - 8th 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) - 28th 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) - 22nd 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.

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

95

Listings of Businesses in Our Area Accommodation The Mermaid, 01480 891106, p.10 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 Art, Gifts, Framing, Crafts, Ceramics, Hobbies David Osborne Motorbike Spares, 07979 500900, p.12 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.39 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.86 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.45 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Billy Blanchard Building & Maint, 07927 201108, p.72 CB Building, 07583 938006 p.11 D C Wilks Double Glazing, 07769 591468, p.40 R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.97 Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.74 Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.45 The Home Handyman, 01480 756550, p.41 Business Networking Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.87 Care Professionals Golden Community, 01480 759840, p.89 Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading/HR iEdit, 01480 860519 p.83 Infinite IT, 0800 033 7211, p.55 Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.12 Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.10 S H Consultancy, 07734 652239, p.41 Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.55 Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.86 Domestic Services C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.91 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.83 NJB Cleaning, 07379 188966, p.80 Supportive Steps, 07594 603290, p.81 Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.91 The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.80 Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15

96

One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.21 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077, p.28 Red Bird Tutoring, www.redbirdtutoring.com, p.81 Electrical Services/Solar/Alarms Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.70 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Domelec, 07912 092985, p.71 LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.5 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.73 Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Hannah Carr Estate Agency, 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 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.34 Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers Adam Woodbine, 07901 555640, p.26 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.25 Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.24 M&S Tree & Gardening Services, 07738 649901, p.26 Original Tree Services, 01234 924964, p.26 SJS Landscapes, 07876 763440, p.25 Willows Landscaping, 07830 285108, p.27 General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops Budgens, 01480 860582, p.50-51 Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness/Sport Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085, p.8 Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.9 Creative hair Looks, 07764 336697, p.8 Fulcrum Health, www.fulcrumhealth.com, p.8 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9 Jordys Beauty, p.6 Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9 St Neots Golf Club, 01480 472363 p.79 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 Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training Rebecca's Dog Grooming, 07397 534570, p.45 Performing Arts Stageworks, 01480 223331, p.41 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.39 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.31 LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3

Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.47 The Broadway, 01480 782200, p.38 The Elm, 01487 773585, p.18 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.11 Travel Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.80 Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.49

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Avalon Bakehouse, 07860 410075, p.40

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

97

The W

... Is Joining

New Owners ~ New M

98

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

White Horse

g The Family

Menu ~ New Beginning Check out our other pubs, and keep an eye on Social Media for more! www.barleyandvine.uk info@barleyandvine.uk

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

99

S

S

Make That Move Covington PE28 0RY Guide price £700,000

D D L L SOSO

D L O

AT A GLANCE • • •

Individual split-level detached home in sought-after hamlet.

S

D D L L SOSO

Superior plot with delightfully landscaped ‘wrap around’ gardens.

Welcoming reception hall with guest cloakroom and shower

DLD L O SOS

D L O

S

DLD L O SOS

•

Four bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms.

•

Wonderful main living and dining area with vaulted ceiling and wood burning stove.

•

Conservatory with extensive glazing and French doors opening onto the garden terrace.

•

Well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room with glazed door to covered terrace.

• •

D L O

S

S

Call Now to Arrange a Viewing or your Free

Fully double glazed, oil-fired central heating.

D D L L SOSO

100

D L O

Tel 01480 860400 kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk Sweeping driveway with extensive off-road parking and double garage.

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