June 26 Online Edition

Letter from the Editor:

June always feels like the start of summer. Longer evenings, brighter gardens and a bit more sunshine make it the perfect time to put the kettle on and enjoy a good read.

This month, we’ve got a lovely mix of articles to keep you company. Beacon Wealth Management offers some helpful thoughts on making the most of the new tax year, while Penny Young continues the fascinating story of the Mary Kendall Letters. Inn Farm Nursery reflects on those unforgettable first steps, Peter Lane Estate Agents shares practical advice for anyone thinking of selling and Hazel Wright brings a touching piece of flash fiction. We also take a seasonal trip to Cambridge with Sam Venn, who captures the excitement and tradition of early summer on the Cam.

I hope you enjoy this month’s issue and find a few pieces that brighten your day, give you something to think about, or simply help you switch off for a while. Wishing you a lovely June and plenty of reasons to enjoy the longer days.

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, Richard Brown

June Contents

Editor’s Letter

P.4

Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.6-11

Inn Farm - First Steps p.14

Penny Young - Mary Kendall Part Three –The 4th letter p.16-17

Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-26

Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22

Hazel Wright - Time to say Goodbye p.32

Beacon Wealth Management - Where Growth Takes Shape p.33

Eugene Smith - Best Seats in the House p.36

Georgia Rose - A Shade Darker series p.44

Peter Lane and Partners - The Six Ps of Property p.48

A Quill Of Authors p.49

Wilson Browne - From Expectation to Reality p.52

Sally Gower - Football Summers p.54

Bystander Community p.56-70

The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.58

Carry on Spying p.78

From Your Cambridge CorrespondentSummer Traditions on the Cam: p.84-85

Former Land Army Girl Dies p.89

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

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TENNIS CLUB

Local, friendly and sociable Tennis Group, is looking for new members (18+ for insurance purposes) to play on Tuesday and or Thursday evenings from 6pm, in beautiful surroundings within the grounds of the Kimbolton Senior School. We play on the newly refurbished courts, by the iron gate entrance to the school, PE28 0EA.

Membership is yearly and play is from April to Oct.

£40pp or £70 per couple. For more information, please - just turn up, contact Alison Owen on 07767202958 or send a message on our Kimbolton Tennis Club, FB page https://www.facebook.com/share/ p/1GfKRXeJHm/

Your baby’s first steps are one of those milestones that you will always remember with great delight! This involves your baby’s musculoskeletal and neural systems being mature enough. Control is gained from the head downwards i.e a baby gains control of his head first, before his hips. Establishing good postural control provides a firm foundation for walking and running and can be supported in numerous ways:

Provide opportunities for floor-play, where there is space to move and push up from. Also give babies time to explore in different positions i.e. lying on their back, tummy or side, sitting, crawling, kneeling, or standing. Adequate strength is required in the back, tummy, hip and leg muscles to step forwards with one leg while balancing on the other.

Usually, babies start to pull up to stand around 9-12 months. Once up they spend time bouncing up and down while holding onto the support with both hands. This strengthens their muscles and develops control of their hip, knee and ankle joints.

The next stage is walking sideways, typically using furniture for support. We call this ‘cruising’ which is vital for developing the appropriate postural control needed for independent stepping. Often this happens when they turn their head to look at a favourite toy just out of reach.

Between around 9-13 months babies enjoy experimenting with their walking skills while being supported by an adult, reaching both arms above their head to hold adults’ hands. Please be mindful that, to develop appropriate postural control, this activity should only be done for brief periods and combined with other opportunities for supported walking e.g. cruising.

A baby’s first independent steps require concentration and an eyelevel face smiling at them, with arms stretched out to motivate them, as babies largely rely on their visual sense to balance.

A toddler’s balance, while standing, can be developed further by offering less support e.g. cruising around cardboard boxes/ironing baskets, as these are flexible, challenging the toddler’s balance skills whilst moving around.

Walking is a process that is nurtured by attentive, sensitive and playful care. Enjoy this time, making treasured memories!

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

Joanne Cox, Manager, Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, OFSTED graded OUTSTANDING JUNE 2023

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

Mary Kendall Part Three – The 4th letter

Penny Young

Whilst Mary has been back living with her parents at Plymouth Dock, and her children were being looked after by the Collins,’ her in-laws, Mary had met a seaman, Thomas Cotes, a man just seven years her senior, who would, in time, be promoted to Admiral. Thomas came from a landed family - the Cotes from Shropshire and he had asked for her hand in marriage.

Mary writes to Edward Collins (referring to him as her brother and indeed he seemed to be the one person who had her best interests at heart).

Dear Brother

I received your favour (letter) of the 7th past, and agreeable to your request I am to acquaint you that as I have received the chancery, (of which I cannot make the least judgment), I must entirely rely on Mr Lawrence to act for me, as he thinks most for the advantage of me and my children.

I thank you and my sister for your good wishes on my intended marriage with Mr Cotes, who I have the greatest reason from his behaviour to me, will prove a sincere friend to my children. If I had the least to suspect that alone would deter me from altering my present condition, but he is a man of too much honour to be guilty of any action beneath a Gentleman of his character in life.

His regard for me considering my embarrassed condition and circumstances is sufficient alone to convince me of his affection for me as he has behaved with uncommon generosity.

My sister and you have joint respects of me and mine, with the compliments of my Father and his Family,

I am Sir

Your affectionate and most obedient humble servant

Mary Kendall

Postscript: My papers being not here, I can’t really tell you how the sums you charge to me agree with that account, but when I look it over, you shall know, you have an inventory of the Linning [linen] at Pelyn enclosed, that was there at the decease of your late Brother.

Dock February 20th, 1746

Mrs Kendall

With inventory of Linen in Closets.

N.B. I was married to Mr Cotes February 25th

Sometimes I feel utterly ashamed of my ancestors, the Kendalls. In this instance, they have treated Mary appallingly. Walter Kendall, from a long line of Kendalls stretching back to the time of the Black Prince, never having married until he was 51 years of age and then marrying Mary aged just 21, leaving her woefully unprovided for in his Will after he died just four years later.

His relatives then set about trying to stop her inheriting the measly pittance Walter had left her, despite her providing the family with an heir and a spare.

Mary finds and marries a hugely respected seaman, who will now look after her best interests and who comes from a family equally as illustrious as the Kendalls.

Yet right to the end of Mary leaving Pelyn, though it seems she barely lived there after becoming a widow, the Kendalls are hounding her in case she has taken away some of the linen left to her under the terms of her late husband’s Will and are charging her for missing items.

How cruel and petty.

Mary Kendall (nee Fletcher) – then Cotes

 Newspapers

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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

Lee’s Gardening Corner

Hopefully June should be the start of the season where all the main plants in the garden are blooming all at once, and for a couple of months the garden is full to bursting. The weather should be improving and tender plants will now enjoy being outside. The borders are full of zest with colour from perennials and bedding.

Garden jobs this month mostly involve dead heading and watering - if you do this regularly then everything will keep looking good for much longer. Water containers and anything that has been recently planted often, but established shrubs will be fine. Tie in climbing plants so they look tidy. If you have a fast growing hedge such as privet they can be trimmed back this month. Mow lawns as needed, if you have recently started a new lawn then it will need watering in dry spells, otherwise don't bother, grass will always green up again after a spell of rain.

If you haven't already put out your summer bedding, now is the time to do so, either containers or planting in the borders. Dead head and water, and if the soil does not have added plant food then watering in a liquid feed once a week is a good idea. All salad crops can still be sown for use later in the year, and it's not too late to do carrots, peas, sweet corn and courgettes. These can all now be grown outside too. Along with the vegetables the fruit bushes/plants such as raspberries and strawberries will need regular watering and feeding. Cover soft fruit with netting so the birds don't help themselves before you do.

Keep plants in the greenhouse watered, if it is really hot you could spray the ground to keep things cooler, and you can also get shading paint to apply to the glass. Now is a good time to take cuttings, these should root quickly in a warm greenhouse, most soft growth from perennials such as fuchsias and penstemons take well.

Roses are everywhere this month, all colours, sizes and scents, no garden should be without at least a couple. Clematis are also on top form, with irises, geraniums (the hardy perennial kind), lilac, astrantia and delphiniums just some of a huge range that will be flowering now.

There is still lots to keep on top of in June, but previous work will pay off and as long as you keep on top of the weeding there should be time to sit and enjoy the view.

Lee Munday

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Childcare for 2–11 year olds

A wonderful charity run setting based in the beautiful village of Spaldwick, and led by a fantastic team, we are pleased to offer:

• 2 to 4 years old: pre-school childcare during term time between 9am to 3pm (lunch available; pre / after school care and holiday time covered by the clubs below). Eligible Government funded places available. Each session is planned and includes play activities that help progress the children’s learning and development in the areas covered by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

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

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

• 2 to 11 years old: holiday club for all (available for all children, they do not need to attend Playtimes Pre-school or Spaldwick Primary School) between 9am to 5pm (lunch and hot tea available; breakfast and afternoon snack included).

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

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Playtimes Bystander.indd 1 17/05/2024 12:00

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Time to say Goodbye

Barbara had lived in Edinburgh for most of her life, and adored the city. She had always found the people who lived in the city to be generous and kind. She spent quite a lot of her time sat in the many cafes in the Royal Mile, watching the world go by. Some of her friends resented the tourists who flocked to the city to see the Castle at one end of the Royal Mile, and Holyrood House at the other end, but Barbara loved to see the city busy and thriving. She had enjoyed many conversations with people from all over the world. If anyone asked her which was her favourite café and favourite place to visit in Edinburgh, Barbara wouldn’t even have to think about it.

Her favourite café was Brunswick Book Club café bar. It was a short walk out of the centre of the city, but was such a fun place, with great food, a lively atmosphere and a history. In the late 19th century, a librarian named Mary had set it up as a space where the community could come together to eat, and share stories. Barbara’s favourite place to visit was the Royal Botanic Gardens, a place of so much beauty and inspiration.

Recently, Barbara had been feeling unwell. Now in her late 80s, everything was starting to ache and wear out and things took her much longer to do. Within the past year, three of her closest friends had passed away, and she was starting to feel a bit lonely and isolated. Life was becoming a challenge.

Today, however, was one of those beautiful spring days, when suddenly there is a warm sun and nature seems to come alive. Barbara got herself together and enjoyed a lovely breakfast at her Brunswick Book Club café, then took a taxi to the Botanic Gardens. After a brief wander around, she found a bench near one of the entrances and sat down to rest.

Sitting there, Barbara felt her spirits lift. The sun was warm on her face. She looked out over a sea of daffodils, nodding their gorgeous yellow heads in the very gentle breeze. It felt to Barbara as if the whole world was walking past her, from children skipping and running with the energy of youth, right down to elderly people walking with support from a stick or walker. People of every nationality wandered by. Barbara caught many snippets of conversation, some she could understand, others she couldn’t. The ones she could understand made her wish she could follow and find out more. It took her right back to a game she had played with friends in the school playground, where they had rushed around gathering snippets of conversation and bringing them back to share and laugh about.

Barbara sat, feeling so very much in the midst of life. Just then, a young man walked past with music playing softly on his phone. Barbara recognised it as one of her favourite pieces of music – an English version of Andrea Bocelli’s song with Sarah Brightman, the beautiful, ‘Time to say Goodbye’.

Barbara closed her eyes and took a deep breath. ‘What better place on earth to say goodbye’, she thought, ‘in the absolute midst of nature and life.’ With one last sigh, and a very contented smile playing on her lips, Barbara said her goodbye with so much love and gratitude in her heart.

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.

com

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Mid-year momentum

Marking the halfway point of 2026 can feel unexpectedly soon, yet it also offers a natural moment to pause and review. Resolutions set in January often begin with optimism, but as the year unfolds, some personal and financial goals may not have progressed as anticipated. Rather than viewing this as a setback, this midpoint in the year provides a chance to reassess direction with perspective. It is less about correction, and more about refinement as the year continues to unfold.

From intention to precision

Over time, broad resolutions often develop into a clearer sense of what matters most. Priorities can shift, and new demands and habits emerge. Financial planning can follow a similar path, focusing on an ongoing, structured process that adapts over time. Whilst lifestyle orientated and personal resolutions can be set; it is important to also consider what your financial goals look like for the year. Whether you're preparing for retirement, building your wealth, or just getting started, speaking with one of our experts could be the key to making your money work smarter.

The opportunity within the Tax Year

The new tax year offers a valuable opportunity to lay the foundations for optimising your financial position and highlights the role that financial advice can play in helping you achieve this. The allowances and planning opportunities introduced in April remain available, providing a clear structure for working towards your broader goals for the year ahead. Whether that’s a long-awaited holiday, a new car, or building a more resilient financial buffer, setting

new tax-year resolutions with defined targets or end goals can help you invest with greater purpose. By seeking financial advice, you can build confidence in your decisions and comprehend the opportunities available within the tax year, whilst improving the overall efficiency of your finances.

The value of acting now

When financial plans are left unattended or not fully understood, opportunities to make full use of available allowances and tax efficiencies can gradually pass by unnoticed. Over time, this can lead to a less deliberate financial position, shaped more by delay than by intent. However, there is still ample time this year to explore what expert, tailored advice could look like for you and to establish a financial plan that supports the goals you set at the start of the year. Taking a more considered, expert-led approach can bring greater balance, clarity, and direction to your individual situation.

Speak with our friendly, expert team today by calling us on 01480 869466 for a complimentary initial, no obligation chat. For more information and useful content, visit www.beaconwm.co.uk.

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Monthly Heating Oil Price Update:

Price Update

Average heating oil in the UK have continued to drop since the peak seen at the outbreak of the current US-Iran conflict. Yet prices are materially higher than before.

Why are prices so high?

As mentioned last month, prices will continue to fall to a new “normal”, when the underlying spot prices and kerosene markets stabilise. Although still volatile, prices are relatively stable vs a month ago, and supply picture is calm for now. This is allowing confidence to return and suppliers to lower prices and compete again. But the context is still tense, and geopolitics could still have big impacts on price, either way.

Here's our recommendations:

• If you need oil soon: keep checking prices, consider a small order to avoid spending too much at these higher prices. Some areas offer as little as 150L or 300L on BoilerJuice as well as PayPal Pay-in-3.

• Be mindful of usage, as I write, we’ve had a colder spell, so check your tank levels. Be aware prices could rise further, or fall, in future – we just don’t know. Keep an eye on prices in your area and stay tuned to news and price alerts from companies like BoilerJuice.

For more detailed information and to explore our services, visit BoilerJuice.com.

proudly sponsored by BoilerJuice in association with The Village Bystander.

Best Seats in the House

Despite regular funereal pronouncements about the death of live entertainment, there are still far more active theatres than you might imagine. Here are some of the best. And worst. I’m not covering huge venues like the O2 etc, as nobody sensible goes to those any more. Unless you fancy paying a fortune for the worst view on the planet of something which will be on Blu-ray by Christmas, that is.

The Place, Bedford

A very pleasant studio style community theatre, with a wide range of entertainment. On a recent visit I was seated next to a very irritating lady, but you can’t blame the theatre for that. She was throwing tantrums about the local election results, she may still be there. The Place has its own car park, always a bonus.

The London Palladium

The seating here is incredibly uncomfortable. Maybe people were shorter 100 years ago. Mind you, The Playhouse is even worse. Last time I was there I had backache for a week. This is the stuff Lonely Planet leaves out.

The Park, London

Excellent venue, with main and studio theatres. The main theatre is pleasingly intimate, and they stage a mix of new work and revivals. While it’s fair to say that new comedy isn’t the Park’s strongest area, there’s always something worth seeing. It’s a couple of minutes’ walk from Finsbury Park station, and occasionally Thameslink deign to run a few trains there.

The Arts Theatre, Cambridge

There’s a good turnover of touring productions here, but it’s a right pain to get to. You also have to deal with hordes of increasingly unattractive undergraduates.

The Stables, Wavendon

Music venue with a great main stage, parking and wonderful Sunday foyer sessions. It was founded by John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, but doesn’t just showcase jazz. Not that there’d be anything wrong with that. I saw Aled Jones there, who is a thoroughly pleasant chap. Volunteer ushers are a remarkable breed, the ones here especially so.

Wyndham’s, London

A truly beautiful theatre. Even the wallpaper is gorgeous.

The Bridge, London

Can you guess which landmark this new theatre is next to? It’s a great modern design, with moveable seating, air conditioning, and decent legroom. Hey, it’s important. By the way, if you’re short, why not book a seat towards the front of the audience? Then you won’t have to spend the evening moaning about someone of acceptable height sitting in front of you. Or bring a cushion. Anything to assuage your impotent rage.

The Old Vic, London

A once-great theatre which has descended into absurdity. A 2022 production of Into the Woods was cancelled because the programme-sellers were uncomfortable with something somebody once said, and the management cravenly caved in. I’m not going into it any further, and while I’d normally applaud anything which reduces the number of Sondheim shows, what a disgrace. The lady from The Place probably has a season ticket.

This is fun, I’ll continue it another time. Happy arting folks!

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Back in 2020, when I dreamt up my A Shade Darker series, it seemed doable. After all, why shouldn’t you set your sights high with a twelve-book series? With each story to be told within one month of the year. With one main setting. The fictitious village of Melton. With the action for each tale, taking place at different locations within that village. With a changing cast of main characters. The side characters in each story taking the lead in the next one. Or, if not, the storyline of the next at least being hinted at.

The thread of suspense runs through all the stories. These are not whodunnits – despite the murders – but tales of psychological suspense, and I vary the type of that as much as I can.

Oh, and I am on a schedule where I release one book a year on the first of whatever month it relates to. For example, Driven by Deceit (A Shade Darker Book 5) is the May book and was released on the 1st of May 2026. Next year, the June book, currently titled Etched in Blood (A Shade Darker Book 6), will be released on 1st June 2027. It’s not written yet. In fact, I’ve come to a halt at around twenty thousand words. The intention is that I will reach the end of this series with the December book (actually already partially written!) on 1st December 2033.

Right now, just after publishing one, it all feels like a lot. I’m telling myself it will be fine to have a break. A short while to regroup. To catch up on the rest of life, and yet there is this itch deep in my brain telling me I’m already running out of time. The other day I saw I’d made a note in my diary that the first draft of the next one should be complete next week. And it is a long way from that. I need to at least triple my word count, so on that thought, once I’ve finished writing this, I will do what I always do and write 500 in on every page of my diary until that first draft is done. Time to get back on schedule, methinks.

Wish me luck!

I do like seeing the five books together (can’t wait until there’s a sixth!):

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

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The Six Ps of Property - The importance of preparation when selling a property.

Just as night follows day, the shorter the time a property transaction takes to complete the less chance there is for things to go wrong.

With the average residential sale or purchase now taking 16 to 20 weeks, there’s ample time for issues to arise— whether it’s survey complications, financing delays, or legal holdups. And then there’s life itself, which has a habit of throwing unexpected spanners into the works. If your sale ends up as part of a chain, each link adds another layer of potential disruption.

One of the most common frustrations when buying or selling a home is the feeling of helplessness - that the process follows its own timeline, completely out of your control. But are we truly helpless? Is there anything we can do to keep things moving? The answer is yes. A little timely admin before your property hits the market can save as much as 3 to 4 weeks - weeks that are often the difference between a smooth transaction and a failed one.

So if you're selling do yourself a favour: reduce the risk of delays and fall-throughs by preparing a time-saving information pack.

Your pack should include:

• Key property documents: Land Registry title plan, guarantees, and warranties.

• If leasehold, a copy of the lease, details of service charges, ground rent, and any planned maintenance.

• An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

• Local authority searches.

• Relevant permissions and approvals (e.g. planning or building regulations).

• Local area information - energy suppliers, schools, transport links, and healthcare providers.

Compiling this might take a few hours upfront, but it can save weeks down the lineand potentially save your sale, along with time, money, and stress. And, if you prefer, we can put you in touch with solicitors who can get you ‘Market Ready’ Remember, when selling a property Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Property Performance.

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

A Quill Of Authors

Recent issues of The Bystander have featured the work of two published authors, one a retired farmer and the other a semi retired lecturer.

Farmer Richard Brown who writes as THOMAS RICHARD BROWN has so far published four successful novels three of which are set in villages largely served by The Bystander. Richard has been writing over the last fifteen or so years and is currently working on two novels one of which is a sequel to his very popular MARY KNIGHTON.

Dr Mike Muncaster who is now semi retired having had a long career as a senior history master at a local boys school has come to writing later in life and has, I hope launched into a second career as an author. His first book based on meticulous diaries kept during his often unhappy time at boarding school in the sixties. UNWILLINGLY TO SCHOOL which details his being sent away very much against his will at the age of eleven and the ensuing years of what he describes as utter misery. I understand that he is already working on another book spurred on by the success of his first.

In the course of assisting in the promotion of both Richard and Mike’s books I became acquainted with two other local writers one Hazel Wright ,well known to Bystander readers whose popular short stories appear regularly in each issue. The other Claire Pascall who specialises in children’s books which as a very competent artist she illustrates herself. Having conceived the idea of an event at which these four authors could showcase their work Richard Brown and I arranged a meeting with a view to discussing the possibilities. Another successful local author Mary Matthews well known to Bystander readers as Georgia Rose kindly agreed to join us and as the author of three series of novels was able to give welcome advice to the two authors comparatively new to writing.

Prior to the meeting I was lucky enough to have read all of Hazel Wright’s short stories and poems and along with two other writers expressed the opinion that they should be published. I’m pleased to say that she has now done this and hopefully GRABBING FIVE MINUTES will soon be available.

Claire Pascall who exhibits her paintings at Lamport Hall and other venues launched her first book MEET CLARKE in 2024. Aimed at 5 to 7 years olds, it offers comfort to children who are afraid of the dark (Clarke was afraid but he’s not anymore). This was followed by PIDDLING SNODGRASS AND HIS QUEST FOR MAYOR.

After our meeting where it was decided we would organise an event later in the year when hopefully The Bystander will give us a mention it occurred to me that there are probably other unheralded authors in the area who might be interested in becoming involved in an occasional literary gathering. I would be glad to hear by email from anyone who is even slightly interested. rawilding@hotmail.co.uk

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.

From Expectation to Reality: Understanding Delays in Today’s Property Market

Whilst property transactions are expected to complete within a matter of weeks, research* suggests the process may now take up to 19 weeks. So, what is the cause behind such delays?

Conveyancing is not a process controlled by one single party – it involves a chain of interdependent stages with solicitors, mortgage lenders, estate agents and, where applicable, management companies all playing a vital role. As a result, delays can arise for several reasons

• Third-party reliance – Certain elements of the process such as, searches, mortgage offers, and management information packs, are outside of a solicitor’s control and can take several weeks to obtain.

• Incomplete or delayed information – Missing documentation or unclear responses to enquiries can delay progress and result in additional follow-up queries.

• Property chains – As a transaction is often dependant on others, a delay anywhere within the chain can have a knock-on effect across all linked transactions.

• Regulatory requirements – Compliance obligations, including Anti-Money Laundering and source of funds checks, are increasingly detailed and timesensitive and must be satisfied before a transaction can proceed.

The reality is that conveyancing is no longer simply an administrative process. Increased regulation, greater due diligence and reliance on third parties mean that timescales are now shaped as much by compliance and co-ordination as they are by the legal work itself.

Visit our website to find out what you can do to avoid unnecessary delay. https://www.wilsonbrowne.co.uk/news/personal/conveyancing-delaysproperty-market/

Today’s Conveyancer 20th April 2026

June is here and you know what that means. It’s coming home! Or something like that at least. You’ll hear a lot of similar assertions now the FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup is just around the corner. I’m not one to cast aspersions on the views of the optimistic, but to paraphrase the Lightning Seeds, we say it every time, and then the inevitable happens and in our droves we retreat back into the wilderness for two years until the Euros, then again until the World Cup… Rinse, repeat. Lionesses, you’re the exception here. Congratulations on all your recent and forthcoming success. I will always believe, no matter how many penalty shoot-outs you make us sit through. (But please keep them to a minimum, my poor heart can’t take it.)

I’m probably doing the Three Lions a disservice. They have steadily improved their finishing place in each competition over recent years, first under Gareth Southgate, and good things are expected from the England squad under German coach Thomas Tuchel, whose England reign has so far included *checks notes* becoming the first European team in history to qualify for the World Cup without conceding a single goal during qualification. It certainly bodes well in that respect so let’s hope the record is, uh, still gleaming come the end of July.

In case you weren’t already aware, England’s World Cup campaign in the USA kicks off on Wednesday 17th June against Croatia at 9pm; followed by Ghana on Tuesday 23rd June also at 9pm; then their final group game is on Saturday 27th June against Panama at 10pm. Barring any big upsets, they *should* progress through to the next stage. It’ll be a longer tournament than previous competitions, as it’s been expanded to include 48 teams from 32. Hang in there, non-football fans… 104 matches is actually a LOT of football. If football really isn’t your thing, I suggest learning a new language on one of those quirky new apps so you’re fully equipped with a new way of telling someone how disinterested you are in the whole thing.

Back in May, the Cambridge women’s group I am part of went away for a weekend of camping and frivolity in East Cambridgeshire with, of course, some ball sports and generic fun. It was fantastic to be out in nature, singing around a fire pit, kicking a ball around and chasing after frisbees with friends, one of whom is a former semi-professional footballer from Essex (until injuries derailed matters) with some mad skills. I’ve always got a kick out of learning new things (no pun intended) and have been especially inspired after watching the Lionesses go from strength to strength, very much enjoying all the videos of inspired youngsters emulating Chloe Kelly’s famous penalty-taking routine. Whether or not the Three Lions similarly pique a new generation’s interest in the sport will remain to be seen, but even in the event they take an early bath, it’s great fun to get more involved in sport. Even if a friend’s dog takes a special interest in your football and renders it less football shaped.

Sally Gower

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

KIMBOLTON COMMUNITY CINEMA AT THE MANDEVILLE HALL

7-30pm FRIDAY 19th JUNE

Tuesday 7th April 2026

Tuesday 5th May 2026

Tuesday 2nd June 2026 7.30pm for 8.00pm Start

• Generous cash prizes

• Raffle

• Refreshments Available

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

Bring a friend and come along and join in the fun

All proceeds to the Mandeville Hall Charity Registered Charity No 302646

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

Services in bold italics are also broadcast via Zoom:

meeting ID: 380915 8110 Passcode: 90Mn1s

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

meeting ID: 460073 8580 Passcode: wJ94Sa

Join us at St. Andrew’s church on Friday for an informal bit of fun with your toddlers and pre-schoolers, along with refreshments and chat for the adults. 9.00am - 10.30am during school term

ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Sun 7th 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 14th 10.30am Pathfinder Service with Benefice Communion

Sun 21st 9.00am Parish Worship

ST.

ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 7th 10.30am All Age Worship Sun 21st 10.30am Parish Worship

Sun 28th 10.30am Parish Communion

21st June

ST.

NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 7th 10.30am Morning Praise

Sun 14th 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 21st 3.00pm Creative Communion

Sun 28th 9.00am Parish Communion

What’s on in Kimbolton in June

Monday 1st 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Tuesday 2nd

2.30pm W.I. Mike Johnson on Italy. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

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

Wednesday 3rd 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 4th 12pm Senior Lunch Club

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut

Friday 5th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 1.30 - 4.30pm Welcome Club. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 6th 10.30 Opening of renovated PlayparkRear of Fire Station

Sunday 7th 3pm Kim Jam. New Sun Inn (Anyone wishing to play/ sing WhatsApp 07799765503 to book)

Monday 8th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 9th

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

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

Wednesday 10th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 11th

Friday 12th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

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

Saturday 13th 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 15th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall

Tuesday 16th

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

Wednesday 17th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 12pm Kimbolton Probus Club. Lt Col (Retd) Guy Levene on Africa. Snooty Tavern, Gt. Staughton 1- 3pm Art Class. Youth & Community Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 18th

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

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

Friday 19th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 7pm Community Cinema. Song Sung Blue. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 20th 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 22nd 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 23rd

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

Wednesday 24th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 1- 3pm Art Class. Youth & Community Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 25th 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut

Friday 26th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 27th

Monday 29th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Tuesday 30th

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

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

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

6-8pm Celebrating English Wine Week - 10 tasters for £10. Whitchurch Wines

7pm Parish Council Meeting. Youth & Community Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

In April Kimbolton Guides, Brownies & Rainbows went to Wicksteed Park for a special Girlguiding Anglia day out. We joined over 2000 Girlguiding members and leaders from across the region to enjoy all the rides and attractions.

As well as taking full advantage of the scariest rides, such as the log flumes and roller coasters, Guides also tried their hand at rugby. And there were ice creams, goody bags and badges for everyone. What a memorable day!

The sun shone all day, and we were able to explore the whole park. Rainbows particularly enjoyed the playgrounds, sandpits and soft play. Brownies were more adventurous, going on every ride, and they even took in a show at the theatre

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 or follow the QR code below

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)

1st Southoe & Buckden Scout Group

FR E E ENTRY

Slash your energy bills

Low maintenance long Warranty

Local Installer you can trust

Ongoing Local support

MCS and TrustMark Registered

Energy Efficient A+++

Can provide whole house heating

Oil/Storage Heater replacement

Cool in the summer

Refcom and FGAS Registered

Air Conditioning Domestic Electrical

Fuse Box Upgrades

Lights replaced

Electrical Certificates EICR

All electrical work undertaken

Part P Registered

Daikin 5kw EMURA in black

Myenergi Zappi 7kw EV Charger

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.

Cyanotype Workshops

... held at Oliviabea in Keysoe, with Nikki Brealey

RELAX and spend a few hours creating beautiful images using simply the sun, paper, water and a few pressed botanicals such as leaves, petals and shapes. This process creates stunningly detailed, natural images in shades and tones of vibrant blue. £60per person

Cyanotype taster session Thu 9th & Sat 1st Aug

Cyanotype taster or tote bag session Fri 14th Aug

Cyanotype advanced techniques Fri 28th Aug 10.30 am-2.30pmincludes cake & tea! -

Creative Book-making / Journal Workshops

... held at Milton Ernest Garden Centre, with Nikki

Taster sessions to make gorgeous little scrapbooks, journals or keepsake pocket books No experiences needed and all materials provided

Concertina Journal Thu 2nd July

Keepsake Pocket Journal Sat 25th July

Stab Stitch Journal Thu 13th Aug

Long Stitch Booklets Sat 22nd Aug £45per person 11am-1.30pmincludes cake & tea! -

or

Carry on Spying

It’s 1964 now, and Goldfinger has just been released at the cinema, but so has Carry On Spying, the film that holds an incredibly special place in my heart.

Whilst the previous films were building the foundation, this one felt like it truly found a new gear as it wasn't just the sharp parody of the burgeoning James Bond phenomenon that made it stand out, it was the arrival of a true legend; Miss Barbara Windsor.

Barbara plays the agent Daphne Honeybutt, another name for the censors to miss. She instantly brought a bubbly and infectious energy to the screen, and I remember being instantly charmed by her. She always had this ability to be both innocent and knowing at the same time, which fit the spy spoof genre (as well as future Carry Ons) perfectly. Watching her navigate the world of international espionage, alongside our usual suspects, felt like the final piece of the puzzle had finally fallen into place.

The film is an obvious send up of the 007 craze and the Cold War thrillers that were everywhere at the time, and it follows a group of bumbling agents; Kenneth Williams as his usual confident self playing the lead spy, Desmond Simkins, the eccentric Charles Hawtrey as Charlie (oh, double oh) Bind, and introducing Bernard Cribbins as Harold Crump. They are sent to Vienna to retrieve a stolen top secret formula and are pitted against the sinister organisation S.T.E.N.C.H. (the Society for the Total Extinction of NonConforming Humans), led by the mysterious and heavily accented “Dr. Crow,” played by Judith Furse but voiced by John Bluthal (Vicar of Dibley)

What makes Carry On Spying so re-watchable for me are the one-liners, the script is absolutely razor sharp, and I still chuckle at “Oh, Mr. Simpkins, that was wonderful. I'm sure I'll never get my drawers off as slickly as that!”

The film manages to capture the look of a big budget spy thriller while subverting every single trope. There’s a certain warmth to the chaos in this one; even when they are in "danger," you know it’s all in the name of a good laugh.

Carry On Spying represents a high point in the early part of the series for me. It’s where the parody became more focused and the cast became truly iconic with the introduction of ‘Babs’, and a film that never fails to lift my spirits, reminding us all of the simple joy of a well timed gag and a cast of characters who felt like they were having just as much fun making the film as I was watching it.

Ross Richardson

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

Saturday 8 August th

Saturday 15 August th

Saturday 22 August nd

Saturday 29th August

Saturday 5 September th

JUNIORS

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

Saturday 8 August th

Saturday 15 August th

Saturday 22 August nd

Saturday 29th August

Saturday 5 September th

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. Searching for Santa, Huskies, Reindeer Safaris, Snowmobile Safaris and much more.

For more information please contact: Jane Phone: 01480 812598

Email: jane@funwithsanta.co.uk

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

From your Cambridge Correspondent - Summer Traditions on the Cam:

May Bumps and May Balls in Cambridge

As June arrives in Cambridge, the city takes on a special atmosphere. The long evenings stretch across the River Cam, college gardens burst into colour, and the academic year reaches its most festive moment. The city moves outdoors: punts crowd the river, college gardens are at their best, and various festivals and events draw visitors from near and far. Strawberry Fair, held on Midsummer Common on 6 June, remains one of the city’s most distinctive occasions: free, sometimes more than slightly chaotic, and nothing to do with strawberries -- while Cambridge Pride on Jesus Green a week later brings a lively and inclusive celebration. For something more sedate, the Botanic Garden’s Festival of Plants on 6 June offers a chance to see the Botanic Garden in full bloom.

For students and residents alike, early summer brings two of Cambridge’s most distinctive traditions: the exhilarating May Bumps rowing races and the spectacular May Balls that follow them.

Racing the Cam: The May Bumps

Rowing has long been at the heart of Cambridge life, and nowhere is this more prominent than during May Week’s famous Bumps races. Despite the name, May Bumps actually take place over four days in mid-June, once most exams have finished and students are ready to celebrate the end of the academic year. With all 31 Colleges (and several other institutions) competing in Bumps, many of which field both several open boats and several women’s boats, there are often over 140 crews (and therefore over 1,000 rowers and coxes) taking part, so it’s a major sporting event.

Cambridge does have a distinct quirk where rowing is concerned: the River Cam is narrow and winding, so normal side-by-side racing is not readily possible. It’s no coincidence that the University crews train at Ely, where there is a long (and much quieter) stretch of wide and straight river! Hence, unlike typical rowing races where two or more crews race side-by-side, in Bumps, 18 boats at a time line up along the river at fixed intervals of 150 feet apart. When a starting cannon fires, each boat sets off in pursuit of the one ahead—while desperately trying to avoid being caught by the crew behind. The aim is simple: to physically “bump” the boat in front. When this happens, both crews pull over to the riverbank and their positions in the starting line-up swap

Bumps racing in progress

For spectators lining the towpath, or watching from the bank in Fen Ditton, the result is thrilling and highly unpredictable. Coxswains shout instructions, oars slice through the water, and boats surge forward in pursuit of a “bump”. Unsurprisingly, particularly in the less experienced crews, collisions and crashes abound – the river is narrow, and there are several sharp corners to navigate. Colleges train intensely for the event throughout the year, and a good performance in the Bumps, especially reaching the coveted position of “Head of the River”, brings immense satisfaction to crews and supports alike as they head for a celebratory boat club dinner after the final race.

The Magic of May Balls

As the final races conclude, the focus of Cambridge shifts from sporting rivalry to celebration. The end of Bumps marks the unofficial beginning of May Week, a period famous across Britain for its glamorous late-night parties known as May Balls. Despite the name, these events take place in June, after the academic year’s exams, and for many students they are a highlight of their time in Cambridge. Each participating college transforms its grounds for a single extraordinary night: lawns become dance floors, marquees rise among historic courtyards, and fairy lights illuminate centuriesold buildings. Guests arrive in formal attire: black or white tie, evening gowns, and occasionally more creative interpretations -- while music stages host everything from jazz bands and orchestras to DJs and surprise headline acts.

Food and drink are central to the experience, with guests wandering between stalls offering everything from gourmet street food to elaborate desserts and midnight snacks. Champagne bars and cocktail stands dot the gardens, alongside traditional treats such as strawberries and cream. As the night progresses, the atmosphere becomes increasingly magical: fireworks light the sky above college towers, silent discos fill hidden courtyards, and punting on the Cam under the moonlight offers a quieter interlude. One of the most cherished traditions is to stay awake until dawn, when guests gather for breakfast and the inevitable “survivors’ photos”. Watching the sunrise over Cambridge after a night of music and celebration has become a rite of passage for generations of students.

While May Bumps and May Balls are rooted in university life, they also bring energy to the wider city. For a few weeks each summer, Cambridge feels both historic and youthful at the same time: a place where centuries-old traditions continue to evolve with every new generation of students. And for those lucky enough to witness it, May Week is a reminder that in Cambridge, tradition is never simply preserved - it is joyfully lived.

cambridgecorrespondent.bystander@proton.me Sam Venn

T H R E E S H I R E S N E T W O R K I N G

C O N N E C T , L E A R N , A N D S H A R E !

D i s c o v e r l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s a n d

s h a r e i d e a s

G e t a d v i c e a n d s o l u t i o n s t o

m o v e f o r w a r d .

B u i l d f r i e n d s h i p s a n d l a s t i n g

c o n n e c t i o n s .

S h a p e t h e g r o u p ’ s f u t u r e w i t h

y o u r i n p u t .

E n j o y i n s p i r i n g t a l k s a n d f r e s h

p e r s p e c t i v e s .

S h a r e c h a l l e n g e s i n a s a f e ,

s u p p o r t i v e s p a c e

S h o w c a s e y o u r b u s i n e s s a n d

c o n n e c t f a c e - t o - f a c e .

T e a , c o f f e e & b i s c u i t s i n c l u d e d !

C

o m e a n d j o i n o u r m o n t h l y

" m o r e t h a n j u s t

n e t w o r k i n g " m e e t i n g s !

We m e e t o n t h e f i r s t

We d n e s d a y o f e v e r y m o n t h

a t K i m b o l t o n C a s t l e

1 0 : 4 5 a m - 1 p m

C o n t a c t U s :

e l e a n o r @ s h r e w d p r . c o . u k

j o h n h i t c h i n @ b t i n t e r n e t . c o m

0 7 7 0 2 5 9 7 6 7 0

w w w . t h r e e s h i r e s n e t w o r k i n g . c o . u k

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

Cosy reads · Good chat · Friendly faces

���� Sunday 28 June 2026 | ���� The Waggon and Horses ���� 7.00 pm | Eaton Socon

PE19 8EF ���� This Month’s Book

���� Everyone welcome

by Jonathan Swift

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

���� 26 July 2026 – The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson

���� 23 August 2026 – A Spy Among Friends – Ben Macintyre Bring a book · Grab a drink · Settle in

Former Land Army Girl Dies

The death, at 103, has been announced of Dora Hewitt, who was one of the last surviving members of the Women’s Land Army which was recreated in July 1939 to help provide food for the nation in war time. Dora was then 16 and soon volunteered and served throughout the war in the local area.

Dora Ellen Clark was born at Dean Lodge, an isolated farmstead to the south west of Upper Dean on the 25th February 1923. Dora went to school in Upper Dean where she met her future husband Leslie Hewitt. Having been raised in the countryside joining the Women’s Land Army was easy for her as she knew what to expect and she enjoyed the work and the company of the other girls. They were provided with a uniform but were paid less than the men and were expected to do the whole range of agricultural work.

Les and Dora got married on the 25th October 1945 at Bedford Registry Office and spent their honeymoon with relatives in London. Les was still in the army at that point and was not de-mobbed until 1947 when they went to live in Shelton. Their two girls Carol and Sally were raised there and Dora continued to work on farms mainly for TA Saul. Les ran the family like the Sergeant Major he was in the army, but Dora seemed to take no notice of this and was able to side step his dictatorial approach.

In 1972 she took the job of domestic help in the household of William Brown in Covington, a job which she made her own and was companion to Margaret, William’s second wife, after he died. Dora was extremely capable and her caring nature fitted her perfectly for the job. She was much appreciated by the whole Brown Family.

In 1988 they moved to Raunds where they were much closer to the growing family. After Les died Dora continued to live independently for some years and was able to make many trips to Spain where Carol lived. She had 7 grandchildren 15 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren all of who she kept up with. When her health deteriorated she moved into Ashfield House in Raunds, where she spent her last years. She was very proud to receive a signed communication and photograph from King Charles and the Queen on her 100th Birthday. She was one of the most kind and caring people and will be sorely miss by family and friends alike.

Richard Brown

Book an end of season sweep –your chimney & liner will benefit from clean drying over the summer.

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

Covering Peterborough—Cambridge and surrounding areas. Contact Thomas on 07990 561874 or email sweepingtomltd@gmail.com

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.

Join us on the 9 June 7pm-9pm at Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton for our Health & Wellbeing evening th

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

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 01223 245151

Bedford 01234 355122

Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon 01480 416416

Cambridgshire Fire and Rescue 01480 444500

Non Emergency Police Line 101

Councillors

Cllr Ian Gardener - CCC Alconbury & Kimbolton Division ian.gardener@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Cllr Jonathan Gray - HDC Kimbolton ward jonathan.gray@huntingdonshiredc.org.uk

Cllr Stephen Cawley - HDC Ellington Ward stephen.cawley@huntingdonshiredc.org.uk

AA Emergency Breakdown 0800 887766

Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177650

Carers Direct 0808 802 0202

Childline 0800 1111

Citizens Advice 03444 111 444

Electricity Emergency 105

Floodline 0345 988 1188

Gas Emergency 0800 111 999

National Debt Line 0808 808 4000

National Rail Enquiries 0333 202 2222

NSPCC 0800 800 500

Parentline 0800 800 2222

RAC Emergency Breakdown 0800 828282

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Samaritans 116 123

UK Missing Persons Unit 0800 234 6034

Victim Support 0808 168 9111

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

Clubs, Groups and Organisations

Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk

Buckworth Cricket Club Social Club

Saqhib Ali, 07386 904950

http://buckworthcricketclub.co.uk/

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 01480 444500

Catworth Women’s Group

Catworth Quilters Group

Ellington Neighbourhood Watch

Ellington Village Club

Grafham & Ellington Art Group

Great Staughton Village Hub

Gt Staughton Horticultural Society

Gt Staughton Playing Field & Pavilion

Hargrave Investment Club

Barbara Cawdell 01832 710404

Pam Wardle 01832 710324

Rick Wilcox 01480 890902

Sue Rice (Chairperson) 01480 896139

Jackie Woods, 01480 890279

Details on the Great Staughton and Perry Facebook page

Emma Mumford 07881 621260

Bob Jewell 01480 861259

Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034

Kimbolton Senior Citizens lunch club 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall

Kimbolton Local History Society

Kimbolton & Stonely Parish Council

Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing

Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion

Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club

Kimbolton Bridge Clubs

Kimbolton Probus Club

Nora Butler 01480 861007

Jo Russel 01480 276075

Mary Foster 01480 861594

David Henrick 01480 896556

Chris Davies 01234 376542

Mandeville Hall, Wednesdays, John Figgures 07944 155576

Steve Jacklin 01480 860805 / Mary Foster 01480861594

Little Staughton Parish Clerk clerk@littlestaughtonparishcouncil.gov.com, 07729 960264

Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton

North Beds Ramblers

Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark

Save the Children Fund

Stow Longa Village Community - social events

The Villages Gardening Club

The Stables Christian Centre

Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167

Margaret Sawyer northbedswalks@gmail.com, www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walk ing/ramblers-groups/north-bedfordshire-group

Diane Robins, 07786 656088 clerk@pertenhallandswineshead-pc.gov.uk

Nora Butler 01480 861007

Christine Hayes 01480 860519 Christine.Hayes@StowLonga.org.uk

Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.com

Sean Watkiss, 01234 376237 work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults.

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

Anne Beszant 01480 860672

Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com

Glennis Bird, Tel: 01933 314275, glennis.bird@hotmail.co.uk

Perry WI perrywigroup@gmail.com

Village Halls

Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton

bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886

Village Hall, Catworth, bookings www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk

Village Hall, Dean and Shelton (Dalton Hall, U. Dean) www.daltonhalldean.org

Village Hall, Ellington

Village Hall, Gt Staughton, bookings

Village Hall, Hail Weston

Village Hall, Keysoe

Village Hall, Keyston, bookings

Village Hall, Little Staughton

Village Hall, Melchbourne

Anita Dowdall 01480 891821

Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005

Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

Janet Browning 01234 376577

bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk

Chrissy Faulkner, 07714 080837

Marion Kitchener, 07770 478220

Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk 07941 245639

Village Hall, Molesworth

Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings

Village Hall, Tilbrook

07922 738818 Email:enquiries@molesworthvillagehall.co.uk www.molesworthvillagehall.co.uk

Paul Sheard paulsheard@aol.com 01480 861457

Erica Jago, 07903 987445, bookings.tilbrookvillage@gmail.com www.tilbrookvillage.life

Village Hall, Yelden 07539 662544, yeldenvillagehall@gmail.com

Spaldwick Community Room

Grafham Nature Reserve & Watch Group

Sarah Cardwell - clerk@spaldwickparishcouncil.org.uk

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)

Catworth Playing Field

Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508

Mary Matthews, 07717 246107 Cricket Club, Kimbolton

Mark Field, 07769 159496 Cricket Club, Little Staughton

Carpet Bowls, Catworth

Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton

Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton

Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086

Marge Baker, 01832 710145

Mary Foster, 01480 861594

Anthony Withers, 01480 861224. Carpet Bowls, Spaldwick

Carpet Bowls, Ellington

Table Tennis Club - Melchbourne

Andrew Vickers, 01480 891201

Janet Stewart 01480 533482 janetstewart725@gmail.com

Peter Wilkinson peteathillands@gmail.com, 07792 056 157 Tennis Club, Kimbolton

Alison Owen, 07767 202958 Tennis Club, Gt Staughton

Chair Based Strength And Balance Class

Grafham Tang Sou Dao Club

MVH Pilates - Melchbourne

MVH Tai Chi - Melchbourne

Nicole Yates, 01480 860616

Kimbolton Scout Hut, Thursdays 11:00-12:00pm, Lauren Watt, 01480 388111

Steven Treadaway 01480 812433, info@cambstangsoudao.co.uk

Penny Hales penny@tightassets.co.uk

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) - 10th June

Diddington : Manor Farm 9.30am to 9.50am

Southoe : The Church 10.05am to 10.25am

Spaldwick : High Street 10.45am to 11.05am

Stow Longa : The Green 11.15am to 11.45am

Catworth : Station Road Midday to 12.30pm

Covington : Cross Street 1.45pm to 2.15pm

Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.30pm to 3.45pm

Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

4th Tuesday of the Month (R. H23) - 23rd June

Bythorn : School Lane 10.00am to 10.20am

Molesworth : Phone Box 10.25am to 11.00am

Brington : Church Lane 11.10am to 11.35am

Old Weston : Village Hall 11.45am to 12.20pm

Leighton Bromswold : The Avenue 12.30pm to 1.00pm

4th Wednesday of the Month (R. H24) - 24th June

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

Accommodation

Listings of Businesses in Our Area

The Mermaid, 01480 891106, p.71

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

Engraved by Elle, p.28

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.75

Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.45

The Home Handyman, 01480 756550, p.41

Business Networking

Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.87

Care Professionals

Care Micro Enterprises, 01223 706100, p.55

Golden Community, 01480 759840, p.91

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.40

S H Consultancy, 07734 652239, p.41

Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.86

Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.72

Domestic Services

C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.90

Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.83

NJB Cleaning, 07379 188966, p.80

Ray's Carpet Cleaning, 07931 424668, p.40

Supportive Steps, 07594 603290, p.81

Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.90

The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.80

Education/Tuition

Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15

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

Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.47

Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84

Simpsons Property Experts, 01480 589584 p.37

Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.31

Financial Advisers & Financial Services

Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33

Funeral Directors

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

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.9

Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.10

Creative hair Looks, 07764 336697, p.10

Fulcrum Health, www.fulcrumhealth.com, p.8

Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9

Jordys Beauty, p.6

Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 p.8

MB Physiotherapy, 07708 200669, p.11

Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9

St Neots Golf Club, 01480 472363 p.79

The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.6

Kitchens

Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.31

The Kitchen Magician, 01480 477200 p.29

Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment

Carol John, 01234 708029, p.39

James Thomas, 07971 403856, p.74

Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training

Rebecca's Dog Grooming, 07397 534570, p.45

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

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering

Avalon Bakehouse, 07860 410075 p.82

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.55

Travel

Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.80

Valeting

CB AutoGlow, 07956 449182, p.29

Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport

Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.27

mention

... Is Joining

Well-proportioned detached

Around 1,325 square feet of comfortable accommodation for the growing family.

Sitting room and separate dining room with French doors to the garden.

Principal bedroom with fully tiled en suite shower/wet room.

Three further bedrooms, remodelled and refitted family bathroom, guest cloakroom.

Refitted kitchen/breakfast room with comprehensive range of cabinets and fitted appliances.

Generous, private garden.

Double garage with electrically operated doors, additional off-road parking.

Double glazing, oil-fired central heating.