March 25 Online Edition

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

ISSUE 227 March 2025

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER 4700 COPIES FREE TO 34 VILLAGES AROUND KIMBOLTON

HAZEL WRIGHT THE MAN NEXT DOOR PETER LANE AND PARTNERS PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT PENSIONS SUBJECT TO INHERITANCE TAX CANINE CORNER WHY DOES MY DOG BARK AT OTHER DOGS? INN FARM NURSERY EXPRESSION THROUGH CREATIVITY AND MUCH MORE

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Letter from the Editor: Welcome to the March edition of the Bystander. It is said that everyone has a book in them. So why not find the time to write one? Georgia Rose gives advice on how you can find time in your schedule to accomplish this. You can also find out about the works of another of our local authors – Richard Brown, who has had several books published. Still on the literary theme – look out Hazel's flash fiction story, ‘The Man Next Door’ which has a darker theme.

Look out for Sally Gower’s piece on Violet Jessop and the remarkable story of how she came to be known as ‘Miss Unsinkable’. Penny’s historical contribution examines the will of Joan Kendall from the early 18th century. Inn Farm Nursery gives details on how creative play and activities helps with the development of our young children and Lee’s gardening page gives the latest tips for this month. Remember to check in to our community page – there's lots going on! Have an enjoyable read everyone and remember spring is just around the corner!

Julie

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

March Contents Editor’s Letter P.4 Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-9 Anthony Withers - A Novel(la) Solution p.12 Inn Farm - Expression Through Creativity p.14 Penny Young - The WILL of Joan (Jone or Joane) Kendall p.16-17 Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22 Service celebrates four decades of firefightin as long serving watch commander retire p.30 Hazel Wright - The Man Next Door p.32 Beacon Wealth Management - Pensions Subject to InheritanceTax: Could you be affected? p.33 Eugene Smith - Animation p.36 Richard Brown - Author p.40 Georgia Rose p.44 Peter Lane and Partners - Property Market Update: Negotiation is Key to a Successful Sale p.48 The East Park solar power plant p.50-51 Sally Gower - Miss Unsinkable p.54 Bystander Community p.56-66 The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.62 Canine Corner - Why does my dog bark at other dogs? p.70 A Day In The Life of Snow Creek p.74 What’s On for Children? p.76 Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.76-77 Useful and Emergency Numbers p.77 Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.78-79 Mobile Library Times p.79 Business Listings p.80

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A Novel(la) Solution In a recent Bystander article I draw attention to the curious fact that men don’t seem to read fiction any more. I confess that I am one of those men and I asked myself why.

Of course there are many men who do read fiction but the fact is that if you look at the Sunday Times best seller list, more often than not female authors occupy eight of the ten top spots. Is my lack of enthusiasm for fiction a gap in my life that I ought to be doing something about? Could this be a New Year’s resolution that I could actually achieve? The first step was to consult the afore-mentioned paperback best seller list. Number 1 was The Crash by Freida McFadden, ‘Rescued in a blizzard, a pregnant woman’s problems have only just begun.’ Hm. Doesn’t exactly set the pulse racing and it’s probably a 400-page doorstopper. So that’s a no-no. Number 2 is Fourth Wing, by Rebecca Yarros, ‘A young woman is among many candidates to become an elite dragon rider.’ This, apparently, is an example of a romantasy (no, me neither). My search is not going well. Perhaps the hardback best sellers might be a better bet. Richard Osman is in there (murder mystery) as is James Patterson (thriller) and Rory Clements (spy story).

It’s a less than inspiring collection. Perhaps I should just stick to non-fiction after all.

What to do? In such dilemmas my first port of call is YouTube. If you’re stuck with any problem, there will be someone on YouTube who’s been there, done that. You may have to wade through a lot of lunatic ranters and conspiracy theorists but there are always some juicy little nuggets lurking in the undergrowth. Sure enough, as I was idly scrolling through the detritus a video suddenly popped up with the encouraging title ‘Top 10 Novellas of All Time, Ranked by Popularity.’ Of course, a novella, short enough to read in one or two sittings. Ideal. The video was American and accompanied by a terrible musical soundtrack. Number 10 in the list was Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Could be a bit heavy, but on the other hand, I wouldn’t have to wade through four hundred pages. Other titles looked a bit more promising: Orwell’s Animal Farm, Steinbeck’s Of mice and men, Dr Jekyll and My Hyde. It’s a wonderful disparate selection. My mind is made up. The next step is Abebooks. Bit by bit, the ten novellas were delivered and I piled them on the table in order of arrival.

Top of the pile was Turn of the screw, Henry James’ gothic tale. 87 pages long, doable.

It might be short but it’s densely written with some very laborious sentences that you have to read twice to see what James is getting at. But it’s quite a gripping story, although I’m not sure I could tackle any of his heftier volumes. It was however an encouraging start which makes me keen to start novella number 2, a quite different yarn: Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com 12

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The WILL of Joan (Jone or Joane) Kendall Penny Young I Joane Kendall, late of Pellin (Pelyn) in the County of Cornwall Widow and the Relict of Walter Kendall, late of Pelyn, Squire, do reason that being of sound and perfect mind and memory (Praise be to God), though aged and infirm and knowing that his appointed time for all men to dye (die) and the time of death, maintain and desirous to dispose of all such estate and effects as I shall be possesseth of in such manner that no law or controversies or troubles may happen among my relations about or concerning my wishes and that with this purpose do make this my last WILL and Testament and hereby revoke all former WILLS by me at any time or times heretoforth made by my imprimatur and do with all humble and Christian submission resign my soul into the hands of Almighty God, my creator in full hopes of remission of my sins by the alone merits and powerful interrogation of my Blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and my body be committed to the earth and to be privately and reverently buried without any pomp or mourning in the Parish Church of Lanlivery as near as conveniently as may be to my dear husbands grave, viz in his mother Kendall’s Grave and as to the worldly estate that God hath lent me, I devise give and dispose thereof as followeth.

I give to twenty poor women of Lostwithiel Town, forty shillings to be distributed among them as soon after my funeral as maybe and it is my desire that Martha Marshall and her daughters and Elizabeth Stott have a share thereof. I also give twenty shillings to such minister as shall preach my funeral sermon.

I then give to Walter Kendall Esquire, eldest son of my nephew Nicholas Kendall, my Gold Diamond Ring, my great spruce chest, my Persian carpet and my bed and furniture of and in my Parlour Chamber at Pelyn. My copper still and my father’s picture.

Sir Alexander Carew (Joan’s father)

Who was Joan (Jone or Joane) Kendall nee Carew, the only daughter of Sir Alexander Carew (portrait on the previous page) and his wife Joan (Jane) Rolle. Names in the 17th century often had several different spellings, due in no small part to how the name was pronounced phonetically. Joan was born in 1633, the second child of five and the only daughter and died in 1716, outliving her four brothers by between 20-40 years.

Joan was my 8 x Great Grandaunt. Her parents were my 9 x Great Grandparents, and we are descended from Joan’s brother, Thomas Carew, my 8 x Great Grandfather.

Joan married Walter Kendall on 17th July 1650, when she was just 17 years old. They 16

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did not have any children, but Joan, clearly a god fearing woman, left numerous bequests to all her nieces and nephews and this, her WILL, written in 1714, makes fascinating reading.

Joan’s father, my 9 x great grandfather, Sir Alexander Carew, died in 1644, leaving a wife and five children aged from 12 years old down to three years of age. People did die young in those days, but what is unusual in this case is that Alexander Carew died by being beheaded on Tower Hill, London in 1644.

This was at the time of the Civil War and Alexander, an MP for Cornwall, was fighting on the side of Oliver Cromwell, ie the Commonwealth. He had been given command of St Nicholas island, a strategic piece of land at the mouth of the Plymouth harbour.

However, Devon and Cornwall was royalist country and Alexander Carew, beginning to think ‘he had backed the wrong side’, made a clumsy effort to defect to the King’s side. This backfired badly and Alexander was arrested and taken to London. He was stripped of being an MP and was tried and found guilty of treachery. He was sentenced to death on 19th November 1644. His wife, Joan (Jane) Carew fought valiantly to save her husband’s life, petitioning the House of Commons, that her husband was, “in a kind of distracted condition and unfit to die”. A committee from parliament visited him in prison and reported that he appeared well. They did however grant him a respite of one month to settle his affairs and he finally died, by beheading, on Tower Hill on 23rd December 1644.

His elder half-brother, John Carew also discovered that it was a risky business being on the side of the Commonwealth. He was one of the 59 signatories on Charles 1st death warrant. At the time of the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, those regicides, who could be found, were rounded up and executed in brutal fashion by being hung drawn and quartered.

Goodness me, a 9 x great grandfather beheaded, and a 9 x great grand uncle hung drawn and quartered.

I will return to Joan’s WILL next time, she certainly lived through dangerous times.

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner The days are becoming noticeably longer, the ground is warming up and the weeds are always growing! The gardening season begins again in earnest although we have been known to have snow bringing everything to a stand still again. If you are able to keep on top of things during early spring, the rest of the year should run smoothly.

General garden tasks to deal with this month are to spring clean the borders:fork over the soil (especially any areas you have been walking on that could be compacted), tackle the weeds, dig up and divide overcrowded perennials, then cover the area with a good layer of mulch, this will help conserve water and deter weeds - well rotted manure or bark clippings are good. Keeps paths free from moss and weeds, otherwise they can get dangerously slippy. The lawn will probably need more frequent cuts, but try not to do this if it is still very wet.

Planting container grown plants now will ensure they get a good start for the rest of the year, do keep any new plants watered though if there is a dry spell. Prune roses (all kinds), buddleia, and the coloured stem dogwoods (to encourage new bright shoots). Move any deciduous trees and shrubs, and make sure bare root plants are in the ground before they start to shoot. Winter pots can be tidied up and given a feed to encourage new growth.

In the vegetable garden there is lots to do this month. Plant early potatoes in pots, these can be kept undercover to be able to harvest new potatoes. Salad crops can be sown now, either outside in prepared soil, or pots and troughs.

Carrots and peas can also be started. Either sow new pots of herbs, or divide and freshen up old pots. If you have a heated greenhouse or propagator then now is the time to start chillies, sweet peppers, aubergines. Hardy annuals can be sown in a greenhouse or an outdoor bed. Half hardy annuals will need some heat for them to germinate.

There should be a lot to see in the garden now too, shrubs such as viburnum tinus, viburnum bodnantense, mahonia, rhododendron and camellias.

Perennials include Bergenia, hellebores, Primulas and iris. Lots of bulbs flower in spring - chionodoxa, cyclamen, iris reticulata and Scilla.

Lee Munday 22

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Old Kimboltonians’ upcoming events Email alumni@kimboltonschool.com for more details about the following dates:

Mini sports festival Sunday, 23 March at Kimbolton School

OK sailing association’s South Coast reunion Saturday, 12 April at Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes

Spring golf meeting Friday, 23 May at St Ives (Hunt) Golf Club

OK’s day Sunday, 22 June at Kimbolton School

Alongside the events listed, all Kimbolton alumni are invited to attend the Old Kimboltonians’ Lodge Open Evening on Friday, 28 March.

Email John Hitchin at johnhitchin@binternet.com for more information.

One school. One family. kimboltonschool.com/alumni 26

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

Situated on Kimbolton High Street, access is by appointment only, so please call to book ahead: 01480 861587

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Oundle Extensive fabric library. Many well known brands.

Spring/Summer 2025 collections now available.

Curtain poles, tracks, lighting, rugs and accessories Now stocking OKA, THE LITTLE GREENE PAINT COMPANY & HEATHFIELD & CO Roller blinds, vertical, wooden slatted and shutter style blinds available to order.

Sale fabrics available £10 per metre www.fionaswancurtainsandblinds.co.uk fiona.swan@aol.co.uk

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Service celebrates four decades of firefighting as long serving watch commander retires A four decade long firefighting career was celebrated this month as one of Cambridgeshire’s longest serving firefighters retired.

Russell Gooderham, watch commander at Kimbolton Fire Station, spent more than 41 years responding to emergencies as an on-call firefighter around his day job and family commitments. The 62 year old attended his last drill night and signed off from his operational duties.

Russell said: “I would like to thank everyone I have served with and wish them all the very best for the future especially the current crew at the station. I have had a great career, and I do not regret a single minute.

“The crew around me have been a great support over the years. I have been lucky enough to serve with some fantastic people, many I remain friends with. My family have also offered me and the station fantastic support over the years.

“I have seen many changes over 41 years. Equipment is the biggest thing with advances in breathing apparatus and rescue equipment, as well as the protective kit that we wear.

“Retirement will hopefully allow me to travel more and finish my garden landscaping. I also enjoy fishing, which I intend to do more of.

Russell’s career was celebrated at a retirement party held at the station, where he was presented with a firefighter figurine by Chief Fire Officer Matthew Warren, as well as a mounted silver axe by the crew. He was joined by his wife Joanne, daughter Daisy, who works in the Service’s Fire Control, along with colleagues from other stations and former colleagues.

Matthew said: “To give this length of service is a phenomenal achievement and one that we quite rightly celebrate. We thank Russell for his dedication, and also thank his family for their huge support over last four decades.”

Russell concluded: “I have loved every minute of my time and would do it all over again given the chance. I leave the station with a great team that I will certainly miss and wish you all the best.”

Russell was one of more than 200 on-call firefighters across Cambridgeshire, who respond when they are needed to emergencies. These range from fires and road traffic collisions to animal rescues and people trapped. They carry a pager when available to respond and will drop everything to get on a fire engine to help people in their local community.

To be an on-call firefighter you need to be within five minutes of you local fire station, either while at work or at home, and have a good level of fitness.

If you think you could be an on-call firefighter, find out more in our Careers section.

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Regency Funeral Directors Family-run business located in Kimbolton Available 24 hours Funeral packages and bespoke services Chapel of rest Jaguar fleet plus all other motorised options In-house horse-drawn services Pre-paid funeral options Headstones and other memorials

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The man next door Elsie was 80 years old. She lived alone in the house she had lived in for the past 20 years.

Elsie liked to keep herself to herself, but a lot of people in the small town where she lived knew of her. Several times a week, Elsie would walk into the centre of town to a little coffee shop, where she enjoyed a cappuccino and a toasted teacake. Everyone who worked in the coffee shop knew her, to the point where they would start on her order as soon as she came in. On her walk down to the coffee shop and back, people would stop to talk to Elsie. Topics of conversation were always light – the weather, complaints about the amount of traffic in the town, how difficult it was to get a GP appointment. So, a lot of people knew of Elsie, yet at the same time hardly anyone really knew her, and that suited Elsie.

However, about a month ago, Elsie had become something of a celebrity. The elderly man who lived in the house next door to hers had been found murdered – stabbed to death with a kitchen knife. Everyone wanted to find out what she knew about her neighbour, including the Police.

Elsie told them all the same.

Despite the fact he had been her neighbour for two years, she hadn’t really got to know him.

They would pass the time of day if they ended up in their gardens at the same time, or found themselves putting out their bins simultaneously, but it was all just neighbourly chit – chat. She didn’t tell anyone how noisy he had been, playing music loudly until late at night. She didn’t tell anyone how he had annoyed her by turning up on her doorstep with gifts she didn’t want.

She didn’t tell anyone how he had planted shrubs which grew so huge they overhung into her garden, or how she suspected he had poisoned the cat she doted on because it had kept wandering into his garden. After all, none of these things mattered now – he was dead.

According to the Police, the man must have known his killer. There had been no sign of a break in or a struggle. So, the assumption was being made that he had been very happy to let his killer in, and the stabbing had taken him very much by surprise.

Four weeks had now passed since the murder, and Elsie’s life had been beautifully peaceful. No loud music late at night, no one turning up on her doorstep. She was even beginning to think that it might be safe for her to get another cat – she missed her other cat dreadfully.

Elsie sat drinking her early morning tea, and looking out into her garden – the garden she could now venture into without her neighbour hanging over the fence to chit chat, and she knew there would be no sign of him as she put her bins outside the front of her house to be collected today.

Elsie went through into the kitchen to lift her rubbish bag out of her bin. Living alone, Elsie generally had only a small amount of rubbish to take out, but this week she had decided it was now time to get rid of the black bin bag sat in her spare bedroom. Doubtless, Elsie thought, any neighbours who saw her would assume she had been having a bit of a clear out, as she lifted into the bin her bag of bloodstained clothes.

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

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BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT Your financial future is our priority.

Pensions subject to Inheritance Tax: could you be affected?

by Tony Larkins Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a big talking point at the moment - only a small number of estates pay Inheritance Tax currently, but soon more people will be liable to pay it. People tend to undertake tax planning to help avoid or diminish the amount of tax liable on an estate.

Here is a reminder of how it works: Inheritance tax is paid at 40% on estates over the exempt amount set by HM Government. Currently this exempt amount is £325k per person. If you are a homeowner and have children you wish to inherit a home, your exempt amount increases by another £175k to make £500k. If you are married, this then doubles to £1m between you.

For most people, their house is their asset of highest value, with a pension coming in second.

Pensions have not traditionally been included in the valuation of an estate. They have not been subject to Inheritance Tax, so have historically been a great way to pass value down the generations tax free.

However, from 6th April 2027, pensions are set to be included in the valuation of your estate. For many, their house will use up most or all of their exempt amount, meaning a pension fund that remains at time of death will be taxed at 40%. It will then be taxed further in the hands of the recipients who are not spouses (who are exempt from IHT).

If, by adding pension values to your estate, the value of your estate is over £2m, you then lose part or all of your extra £175k exempt amount.

What could a worst-case scenario look like? A surviving spouse dies, leaving an estate of £2m (inclusive of house, savings, other assets), plus a £700k pension fund. Currently the pension is exempt, from IHT so the estate pays 40% on the money over the exempt amount i.e. £400k. From April 2027, when pensions are included in the valuation, this adds an extra £420k in Inheritance Tax i.e. £820k. Further tax on the pension in the hands of the new recipient e.g. a son or daughter, could be a further £234,410. This means that including pensions into the estate could ultimately lead to a 91.3% tax charge on it.

So, what should you do?

Firstly, don’t think this only affects the rich. A single or divorced person only has one allowance, and if there are no children, they have an allowance of just £325k. As more people become subject to IHT, your pension planning will need to involve tax planning that could look into ways to reduce your tax bill. I anticipate that by 2027, our team will be very busy helping people take action.

To speak with our local experts, please call us on 01480 869466 for a free initial, no obligation chat. For more information and useful content, visit www.beaconwm.co.uk.

Future fees may apply.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Number 526604)

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15/01/2025 12:42

Animation If I say “cartoon”, what do you think of? Is it Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, or Daffy Duck? We’ll get on then. Especially if Daffy is your favourite (and even more so if you hate Popeye). By the way, wasn’t Tom a damned handsome cat?

Or do you think of The Simpsons, Family Guy and South Park? We’ll still get on. Probably.

If you’re the village bore and you start talking about Da Vinci’s Burlington House cartoon, having just looked it up on Wikipedia, then we’re not going to get on. But we both knew that already.

Let’s look at recent cartoons. The Simpsons towers over modern animation, and deservedly so.

Up until season 13, that is. After a retrospectively odd first season where the characters’ voices were still being developed, the show had over a decade of genuine brilliance. The characters were surprisingly relatable, with Homer rightly becoming an iconic figure. And then, something got lost. The show just stopped being funny. Not offensively unfunny, like Tom Green, just blandly unamusing. It’s still being produced, but as the 2007 movie demonstrated, the spark has long gone. Creator Matt Groening’s Futurama is arguably a consistently better programme, although his Disenchantment was utter rubbish.

Family Guy started as a sort of adult Simpsons, not that the latter was ever a kid’s show. And it was great, pushing the boundaries of taste while remaining funny. Generally episodes centering around Brian and Stewie (a dog and a baby) were the best. And then, something got lost (are you sensing a theme here?). The writers seemed happy to coast, and creator Seth MacFarlane decided he was going to sing in every episode. Add to this the relentless sneering at everything, and it’s another cartoon that’s limped on too long.

I should make it clear that each show gave us at least ten years of excellence, and it’s very hard to think of similar achievements in any field. More recent productions such as Archer have had their off seasons, although that’s happily back on form now.

South Park is easily the best of the current animations. Although its earlier, almost guerilla production has become far slicker, it’s still extremely funny. Being scripted very close to transmission allows it to be remarkably topical, and unlike the above shows is happy to take shots at everyone and everything. Co-creator Matt Stone’s comment about conservatives and liberals sadly can’t be repeated here, go and look it up. The show has evolved, it may not be as consistently hilarious as it was (if Lemmiwinks makes you laugh we’ll be friends, what a lot of friends I’m making this month), but it’s still marvellous viewing. Stone and Trey Parker are also highly talented composers, and know the value of rationing the songs (I’ll talk about a certain West End musical when I pluck up the courage to cover religion on stage).

You may have noticed two glaring omissions. Don’t worry, they’re coming another time. Hurhh hurhh hurrhh. He said https://eugenesmithwriting.com/ 36

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COINS BOUGHT Grafham Coins

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PROPERTY SALES AND LETTINGS 01480 597799 hannah.carr@exp.uk.com hannahcarr.exp.uk.com @hannahcarrestateagency

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A surprising number of published authors live in and around the circulation area of The Bystander. Arguably one of the most successful, based on the reviews of his books, is Richard Brown, a farmer who in his early retirement found he had a talent for writing. Richard has been farming in the area since his feet could reach the pedals of a tractor and after London University, he came back to run the family farm. As well as farming, he has been heavily involved with the local community and amongst many appointments he served on The Board of Visitors at Gaynes Hall Borstal, Bedford Prison (an experience that he wove into a novel) and HMP Littlehey where he was Chairman. His interest in education led to governorships at Kimbolton School and Overhills Primary School, both of which he chaired. Added to this in the early 90s, he was employed to advise on EU and World Bank funded projects in Ethiopia, Argentina and Thailand. His love of history and a family story told by an aunt inspired his first novel MARY KNIGHTON which some consider a masterpiece of its kind. Having literally put pen to paper (Richard writes with a fountain pen) and using the area bordering the three counties of Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, he tells the story of a young girl’s tumultuous life and how she copes with and overcomes great misfortune. It is set from the late 19th century until the 1920s and details the way in which rural poverty was rife and life for agricultural workers was very hard. Against this backdrop, Mary grows to womanhood, endures a flawed marriage, but goes on to better herself and become a respected and accomplished mother. It can truly be described as a page turner and keeps the reader enthralled despite its length.

His second book is pure magic. Essentially a children’s book, but equally enjoyed by adults, THISBE tells the story of a sick child’s pet rabbit, gifted to him by a kindly old man, that turns out to have magical powers. Richard’s third novel, A KNOCK ON THE DOOR, is a cautionary tale, in which his inside knowledge of prison life suggested the plot line for a dark and tragic ending to the story. Again set in and around the Bedfordshire villages, it has been hailed as a gripping and thought-provoking novel. The fourth novel, FEEDING THE PIGS, is as with Thisbe and A Knock on the Door, partly autobiographical, but with fictionalised dramatic events set in and around a farm during the appalling Big Freeze of 1963. Richard had spent a year on the farm before university and his experiences during that year provided the setting for his latest novel.

In writing all his books, Richard worked in collaboration with another notable local author, Mary Matthews (who writes as Georgia Rose). Mary was responsible for publishing all his books through her own company, Three Shires Publishing. Richard writes as THOMAS RICHARD BROWN and all of his books can be bought on Amazon as either paperbacks or Kindle editions, at Crawfords in Kimbolton High Street and ordered through all bookshops. At the age of 81 Richard shows no signs of slowing down and in answer to those waiting for his next novel, I am pleased to say that he is now working on a sequel to his most widely read first book, MARY KNIGHTON. Richard Wilding. (a school friend) 40

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Sunday 30th March

OPEN Mon-Sat 6:30am - 9pm Sun 7:30am - 8pm budgens@robinsonkimbolton.co.uk 01480 860582 Thrapston Rd, Kimbolton 42

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

Everything is here to create delicious meals from scratch.

We also have a great variety of prepared meals.

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

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

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

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“I would like to write a book, if only I had the time,” is the phrase I’ve heard most often since becoming a writer. I agree. Time is an issue. It still is for me. It has been suggested to me that I should produce large print editions of my books, and that I should publish each chapter of my audiobooks on YouTube. These suggestions have been on my to-do list for months/years. But it all comes down to time and it is probably the reason why so many people don’t actually put pen to paper until they retire. But do you want to wait that long? I didn’t.

Have a long hard think about whether you really do want to write that book, and if the answer is still yes then take action and make it a priority.

What I did was study my days and work out where I could fit in writing time. When I started I was working full time in my own business from home, and had children of the age where I was a taxi service to a host of activities evenings and weekends. I started carrying my laptop around with me, and whenever I was waiting for some activity to end I’d flip it open and add a few lines to my work-in-progress. I also gave up watching a lot of television. That freed up chunks of evening time.

I find it helps if you set a deadline. Work out how many words you need to write per day to meet it (use an 80,000 word count as a guide to aim for). As an example, if you wrote 300 words a day you would reach that target in 267 days – so in less than a year you’d have your first draft. (The wordcount up to the word “draft” is exactly 300 words – that’s not too arduous, is it?)

You will probably have to sacrifice something in your current life to fit in writing, but anything worth doing takes sacrifice of some sort of other.

An alternative to the opening line is, “I always wanted to write a book, but never found the time.” Don’t let this become something you regret.

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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SELF STORAGE Great Staughton

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

07753 638948 Are you looking to join a local, friendly, sociable Tennis Group?

Need help letting your property?

Then why not come and join us on any Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6pm, Sundays from 2pm.

We play on the hard courts, by the iron gate entrance at Kimbolton School, PE28 0EA Membership is £30pp or £50 per couple, paid yearly. Play is from April to Oct.

Local property experts

City centre Members of ARLA flats to & RICS large farmhouses

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Our experienced team is here to help you.

Agricultural & Development Consultants, Chartered Surveyors, Auctioneers & Estate Agents estateagents@bletsoes.co.uk

01832 732188

For more details, contact Alison Owen on 07767202958 just turn up or send a message on our Kimbolton Tennis Club FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/share/ p/1GfKRXeJHm/

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PURPLE HORIZONS A community initiative making a difference

Purple Horizons was launched in September 2019 by five local mums sitting around a table with a cup of coffee, with the aim of raising money and awareness of causes close to our hearts.

Our vision was to create something that is not only engaging and enjoyable but also enlightening, something to “broaden our horizons” and at the same time “make a difference”. Purple Horizons was set up to organise events that raise money for local charities and increase awareness of the important work these organisations do. Since our launch we are proud to have raise £44,000 for local charities including Papworth Trust, Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (specifically for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital) and Rise Africa UK. Each of our events offer something unique and cater to a wide audience. From art to politics to sport, literature, history to health and wellness, our events cover a diverse range of topics. We also host themed gatherings such charity balls, lunches (including our annual Christmas lunch) and sporting events, as well as hands-on creative workshops like our wreath-making for the festive season. Whether its wine-tasting or learning something new, we truly offer something for everyone.

We have certainly had some fascinating talks, from learning that China genuinely seeks stronger ties with the West, to discovering the diplomatic delicacy of eating sheep’s brains without offending your diplomatic host and pondering why there isn’t a collective noun for English sparkling wine akin to cava, prosecco and crémant.

We are always eager to welcome guest speakers with an interesting story or insights to share and would welcome anyone interested in addressing to our members to get in touch.

Check out our website for details of how to become a member - its free!

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

purplehorizons2019

Purple Horizons

purplehorizons2019@icloud.com

Graphic design by EmiliaFrostDesign

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Property Market Update: Negotiation is Key to a Successful Sale As the property market shifts to favour buyers, effective negotiation has never been more crucial. The ability to negotiate successfully can make all the difference in achieving the right sale price and securing a smooth transaction. At Peter Lane & Partners, we understand that a positive negotiation hinges on four essential factors: a good attitude, flexibility, pragmatism, and, above all, being seen as reasonable.

While the market has become more buyer-driven, many sellers have yet to fully embrace this shift. This means that, although more buyers are actively seeking properties, not as many transactions are progressing as they could be. Sellers who dig their heels in or hold firm on unrealistic expectations risk missing out on opportunities.

Winston Churchill famously said, “You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth.” In property negotiations, this sentiment rings true. If one party is bitter and unyielding while the other is aggressive and uncompromising, there’s little chance for a mutually beneficial deal. The best outcomes are often achieved when both sides adopt a reasonable, cooperative approach, with a clear understanding of each other’s position. It’s not about winning; it’s about finding a deal that both parties feel good about—one where neither side feels they’ve lost.

This is where the skill of a good estate agent comes in. An experienced professional understands the nuances of negotiation and will navigate the inevitable challenges of the process, helping to keep things on track during what can be a tense and emotional time.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, the first thing you need is a great negotiator on your side. Take the time to research local estate agents and ask them about their experience handling complex sales. Don’t be afraid to request examples of their recent work—after all, your goal is to secure the best possible outcome. In the end, the question isn’t whether you can find a cheap estate agent, but whether you can find one who will work hard to achieve the best result for you. A skilled negotiator can make all the difference in turning a sale into a success.

If you are thinking of moving and would like to discuss any aspect of the process, Paul can be contacted at the Kimbolton Office on 01480 860400 or paul.kinally@

peterlane.co.uk 48

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Our services

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

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

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Contact us

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

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The East Park solar power plant: targeting 1,900 acres of farmland around our villages The East Park Energy scheme is a vast solar plant – bigger than Gatwick Airport. If the plan gets approved, the countryside we love and live in would change beyond recognition. The scheme is on a huge scale: • • • • • • •

three years to build 7,200 traffic movements – 1,400 artic trucks just to deliver the panels up to 850 construction workers – at peak times, potentially 10,200 traffic movements a week just for the workforce 700,000 photovoltaic panels mounted on around 250,000 pile-driven metal posts 40 miles of mesh fencing and around 12,000 metal fence posts 1,900 acres of 74 per cent BMV farmland switched to power production a 100MW lithium-ion battery energy storage system

Residents are rightly concerned about the impact on our rural, agricultural area – during the three-year construction programme and for decades beyond. This isn’t just about how close panels will be to our houses, or what we can see from our windows, but the industrialisation of the countryside around a whole string of villages from Pertenhall in Bedfordshire to Hail Weston in Cambridgeshire. The sheer scale of the scheme – six miles, end to end – means that it will affect us all, wherever we live.

What are we doing as a community?

A small team of volunteers from all the villages in the shadow of the solar scheme is running an opposition group, Stop East Park Energy. The campaign brings together hundreds of people across the community that would be living alongside this enormous solar installation.

Local people are not against renewables, but agree that nearly 2,000 acres of fertile farmland is not the right place for a form of renewable energy that is intermittent and unreliable. Solar is a ‘part time power’, best suited to rooftops, car park canopies, transport corridors or brownfield land: • • •

The UK climate means that we are ranked 229 out of 230 countries for solar power potential – there just isn’t enough sun here, and over autumn and winter solar energy plummets, and drops to zero as every night falls The banks of giant battery units to store energy when the sun isn’t shining only hold electricity for a short time. The developer behind East Park has admitted that the storage system would power 27,000 homes for just two hours The agricultural land earmarked for solar development is 75% Best and Most Versatile land – high grade cropland that has been successfully farmed for generations

What would East Park mean for all of us?

If East Park is consented, we would have to endure: 50

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THREE years of…

• Noise and commotion from a big, busy construction site – including the loud, repetitive, mind-numbing sound of pile-driving thousands of metal posts • Disruption and delays from HGVs on our narrow country roads – and extra local traffic from hundreds of workers, inevitably impacting the busy, dangerous B645, especially for our local schools, commuters and businesses Three years of construction disruption, site traffic • Dust everywhere and dangerous mud on the roads on our country roads, noise and dust from the construction of the infrastructure needed to support thousands of solar panels and the battery storage compound • Restricted access to much-loved footpaths and bridleways while the developer converts high grade agricultural land to intermittent power production FORTY years of…

• Beautiful countryside transformed into a six-mile solar corridor • Field after field filled with ugly ranks of glass and metal, complete with industrial fencing, CCTV and security patrols • Risk of fires, explosions and toxic chemical releases from the battery compound • Criminals attracted to the area to steal cabling and other valuable components and plant • The developer – and local farmers who have leased their land – earning millions every year while ordinary residents are left counting the cost of hosting a renewables scheme that doesn’t belong here in the first place What is happening now?

East Park is categorised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means it is going through a lengthy process managed by the Planning Inspectorate, a government agency.

The scheme is at Pre-Application stage, but the final plan is due in the first quarter of 2025.

At the Pre-Examination stage, anyone can register as an Interested Party and submit objections to the Planning Inspectorate. It is important that as many people as possible register as Interested Parties.

What you can do next • We all need to work together to fight the East Park plan. Join the supporter group at www. stopeastparkenergy/support to keep up with the latest news and get alerts on critical deadlines in the planning process • Come along to one of the village meetings during the Pre-Examination period (details will be available nearer the time) to find out how to register as an Interested Party. Remember that comments made during the statutory consultation have only been seen by the developer – at this next stage, you will have your chance to make your formal objections to the Planning Inspectorate www.stopeastparkenergy.com contact@stopeastparkenergy.com Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Opening Hours: Wednesday 12-6pm, Thursday 10:305pm, Friday 10.30-7pm, Saturday 10.30-5pm For more information pop-in and see us at 21 High St Kimbolton, or email: jeff@whitchurchwines.shop

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Monthly Heating Oil Price Update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice Price Update After a sharp rise in early January, heating oil prices have settled and reduced slightly in February. Nothing unexpected for winter.

Competing factors make this an unpredictable time.

The start of 2025 has seen the price being pulled up and down, meaning it is very unpredictable right now. Prices have risen with worries over tariffs and talk of trade wars. In addition, local demand has been high during this cold February weather. On the other hand, macroeconomic factors and talk of higher production have tempered price rises. But it’s all very uncertain.

Here's our latest tips and recommendations:

•

•

Keep an eye on prices: watch for dips in price on the internet, like the price charts you can find on BoilerJuice.com. Perhaps have a price in mind but be aware the certainty of a price you’re ok with, might be better than the hope of a great price that may not arrive before you need oil.

Spread the cost: as it’s harder to delay ordering during winter because your need for heating oil is more urgent, it might be helpful to look for payment options which help you budget and spread the cost.

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

proudly sponsored by BoilerJuice association with The Village

in Bystander.

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53

Women’s History Month – Celebrating ‘Miss Unsinkable’ As March is Women’s History Month this month’s article is dedicated to celebrating women.

Every single one of you. You’re all incredible. Until I started scuba diving, I always had a phobia of open water and the ocean. Which is exactly why one woman stands out in my mind as fearless. Violet Constance Jessop was born in 1887, in Argentina, to Irish immigrant parents. The eldest of nine children, she was a very ill child with tuberculosis, and doctors even suspected she only had months to live. However, after the family moved from Buenos Aires to the Andes, her health suddenly improved. After her father died when she was just 16, she moved with her mother and siblings to England and there she cared for her sick baby sister, inspiring her to become a nurse. She’d found her calling. Or that was what she thought.

Her mother worked at White Star Line but soon became ill. Being the eldest child, Violet felt it was her duty to provide for the family and so took a job following in her mother’s footsteps as a stewardess. The Orinoco’s captain took a liking to Violet but she spurned his repeated advances.

Due to a bruised ego, he sent her packing. She suddenly went from favourite stewardess to ‘incompetent’ and struggled to get a job. Only White Star Line would accept her application. In 1911, Violet was on RMS Olympic as it left Southampton and unfortunately collided with HMS Hawke in the Solent. Thankfully nobody was killed.

In April 1912, she was transferred to Olympic’s sister ship, HMS Titanic. When the ship struck the iceberg, at first Violet was in disbelief that a ship like Titanic could sink, however, she then headed for the lifeboats. As she climbed into lifeboat 16, a stranger foisted a baby into her arms and said: “Look after this, will you?” As survivors of the tragedy were rescued by HMS Carpathia, a crying woman snatched the baby out of Violet’s arms before hurrying off. After arriving in New York, Violet soon headed back to Southampton.

Two weeks later she was back on the Olympic, adamant that she had to get back on the ocean.

World War I had broken out and she saw joining the Voluntary Aid Detachment as a way of doing her bit to help as it was the hospital arm of the war aid by the Red Cross. So off she went to be a nurse on HMHS Britannic. The journey from Southampton, via Naples, to Mudros in Greece went without incident. However, on 21st November 1916, on the route back through the Aegean Sea, the ship hit and detonated a German naval mine. The ship sank in less than an hour, killing 30 of the 1066 on board. Violet, now a veteran of maritime disasters, ran to get her toothbrush, having regretted not taking it with her from the Titanic incident. (Because the first thing you think of when you’re about to be shipwrecked is definitely your teeth.) The lifeboat was lowered into the water, however, Violet noticed others in her boat jumping overboard. She soon saw why. Britannic was listing to the side and her propellers, protruding out of the water, were obliterating everything that came towards them. Despite no real experience of swimming, she too jumped into the water. Bobbing back to the surface, her head slammed against the bottom of the lifeboat. (It later turned out that the consequent headaches Violet suffered were from fracturing her skull during this incident. Go figure.) Once again, survivors were rescued and ferried back to shore.

STILL this incident didn’t put her off the ocean. She joined the Royal Mail Line and sailed TWICE around the world on Belgenland. Happily, without incident until her retirement in 1950. A year before her death, she had a phone call at her cottage in Sussex. “Are you the Violet Jessop that rescued a baby on Titanic?” “Yes.” “Well, I was that baby.” Laughter, then the line went dead.

She never found out who the caller was, but insisted to her biographer that she’d never told anyone about the baby. She died in 1971 of congestive heart failure, aged 83. I think of her often. Sally Gower 54

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Bystander Community HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP

Tuesday 4th March 7.30pm, Hail Weston Village Hall, Ian Waters will give a talk on Lawn Care Light refreshments will be available for a donation and there will be a Raffle (4-6 prizes) including a garden centre voucher (£20) Non-members are very welcome, entrance fee is £3.00 - members £1.00 further information contact: tel_maggs2@225771mgl.co.uk

Mandeville Hall T u e s d a y 7 th J a n u a r y 2 0 2 5 T u e s d a y 4 th F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 5 T u e s d a y 4 th M a r c h 2 0 2 5

7.30pm for 8.00pm Start • Generous cash prizes • Raffle • Refreshments Available Bring a friend and come along and join in the fun All proceeds to the Mandeville Hall Charity Registered Charity No 302646

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MISS FRANKS’ JUMBLE SALE KIMBOLTON Saturday 12 th April 2-4pm Mandeville Hall Kimbolton Entry £1 includes raffle ticket CASH Payment only Hall cost kindly sponsored by Budgens Kimbolton

RightStart 3 Kimbolton Strength and Balance exercise This class focuses on improving strength, balance and suppleness to help you feel stronger and more confident.

Scout Hut, Kimbolton PE28 0HW Thursdays 11:00am - 12:00pm

CONTACT US

£4.50 Pay as You Go

OTHER RIGHTSTART CLASSES WE OFFER:

CHAIR BASED EXERCISE STRENGTH AND BALANCE POSTURAL STABILITY AEROBIC / CIRCUIT EXERCISE AQUA

01480 388111

CYCLING CARDIAC REHAB

activelifestyles@huntingdonshire.gov.uk www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/rightstart

CANCER & EXERCISE PULMONARY MAINTENANCE

Bookings can be made up to 7 days in advance via the One Leisure App, Website or by phoning 01480 388111

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57

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL BIG BREAKFAST FEBRUARY 15TH MARCH 15TH 9am - 11am Full English - £7.50 Small English - £4.50 Tea & coffee included No need to Book JUST TURN UP

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QUIZ NIGHT Keysoe Village Hall Saturday 29th March 7pm £10 per person including Supper Teams of up to 6 Fully licensed Bar (Card & Cash welcome) To book your team in please email bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk

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St Andrew’s Renovation Project

SECRETS OF THE CHURCH THE PEOPLE WHO MADE STAUGHTON GREAT A journey across eight centuries of England’s history as we explore the architecture of the historic church of St Andrew and tell the stories behind the monuments, memorials, brasses and tablets of this wonderful building.

The tour will be guided by Anthony Withers, author of

Great Staughton and its People Venue: St Andrew’s church Great Staughton PE19 5BB Dates for 2025: January 11, February 15 and March 15 all at 11.00am The price of the tour is £6 which includes refreshments Book and pay on line here indicating the date(s) you prefer. or scan the QR code

Or just Email Anthony Withers at aw.staughton@gmail.com with your preferred date and pay at the door.

Visit our web page to find out more www.swhw.co.uk

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What’s on in Kimbolton in March Saturday 1st

6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 3rd

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

2.30pm WI. Mandeville Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 4th

9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community 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 7.30pm Bingo. Mandeville Hall

Wednesday 5th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

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

8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn

Thursday 6th

Friday 7th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Monday 10th

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

Tuesday 11th

9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall

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

Wednesday 12th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 13th

Friday 14th

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

7pm Movie Night - Paddington In Peru. Mandeville Hall 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Saturday 15th Monday 17th

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

Tuesday 18th

9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall

Wednesday 19th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 20th

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

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

8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn

Friday 21st

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 22nd

10-1pm Village Halls Week Open Day at the Mandeville Hall.

Tea/coffee & cakes available.

7.30pm Cote de Boeuf Dinner. Whitchurch Wines.

Tickets only

Monday 24th

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

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 25th

9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall

Wednesday 26th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Saturday 29th

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

Thursday 27th

Friday 28th

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

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

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61

Services across the Benefice for March.

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

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 the school term

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 2nd:

8.00am BCP Holy Communion 10.30am Pet Service

Wed 5th: 7.30pm Ash Wed Communion Sun 9th: 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 16th: 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 23rd: 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 30th: 10.30am Mothering Sunday Benefice Communion

ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Wed 5th: 10.00am Ash Wed Communion

Sun 2nd:

Sun 9th:

Sun 16th: 9.00am Parish Communion

9.00am Parish Communion

9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 16th: 3.00pm Creative Communion Sun 23rd: 9.00am Parish Communion

62

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63

Girlguiding – Volunteers Needed Are you searching for something rewarding to do outside of work? Want to develop new skills and experience whilst building lasting friendships and links with your local community? Your local Rainbows and Brownies groups need your help.

Girlguiding is the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls.

We’re 300,000 girls aged between 4 and 18, who come together to laugh, learn and have adventures, and our volunteers are the heartbeat of Girlguiding.

You’ll have lots of fun with the girls while gaining valuable skills that give your qualifications a boost. Help girls build their confidence, create lifelong friendships and learn new things. By becoming a Girlguiding volunteer, you can make a real difference to help more girls know they can do anything. Whether it’s supporting on outdoor expeditions, lending a hand during a group meeting, or pitching in with admin or fundraising, any help you can give makes a difference.

Rainbows • Did you know you can help as much or as little as you want with Girlguiding?

You could spend 10 minutes helping set up a group activity, or longer getting your hands messy painting with the girls. Either way, you’re helping to inspire the next generation of girls.

• Do you want to help girls aged 4 to 7, to laugh, learn and have fun together? At Girlguiding, you have the chance to help create lots of magical moments together and be part of a welcoming community.

Brownies • Ready to inspire girls aged 7 to 10? It's a world of firsts you can explore together!

You’ll have the chance to develop your leadership skills and help girls to have lots of fun trying out new adventures.

• Be a part of a community that helps girls realise they can do anything. There’s no help that’s too small, whether you’re helping girls earn new badges or helping behind the scenes.

Volunteer for Girlguiding and share everything that’s awesome about you with the women of the future!

To find out more and to register your interest speak to your local leader, or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk and click ‘Volunteer’

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An Exciting Year Ahead for Our Scouts in 2025!

This month all the scouting sections will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday making, cooking and eating pancakes. Working together in the Pancake Olympics in team game relay races flipping pancakes as well as individual pancake flipping events!

We will be celebrating British Science week 7-14 March taking inspiration for activities from both the Scout.Org web site and the British Science week website.

Hopefully finishing off their Astronomy badges with clear evenings to stargaze.

The older sections are looking forward to an outside camp starting with a 4 hour hike ending with a camp fire and toasted marshmallows.

A big thankyou to The Old Kimboltonians Free Masons for their generous donation enabling the purchase of new equipment to teach all the children skills for life.

All our sections are full to the ratio of leaders we have but If you think you can offer some time to volunteer for either helping out in the sections of an evening or join the Trustee board then please get in touch: 1stkimboltonscouts@gmail.com

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65

SPRING FAYRE Tilbrook Village Hall

10 May 2025 11am - 3pm

Over 26 talented stall holders; Food, Alcohol, Beauty, Crafts Kimbolton Fire Station

Free Entry

Kimbolton Girl Guides

Dog Friendly

& much much more

Café & Licenced bar

Visit us on Facebook and

Games for Children

Instagram for regular updates

For more details 07921 929994, annemcmanus1964@hotmail.co.uk

66

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Robinson — GARAGE — EST 1927

MOT - REPAIRS – SERVICING

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

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

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67

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

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17/05/2024 12:00

DESIGNED SUPPLIEDMANAGED MANAGED INSTALLED INSTALLED DESIGN SUPPLIED

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

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69

Canine Corner - Why does my dog bark at other dogs?

Barking at other dogs on walks is a common behaviour problem. It is, to some extent, a product of modern society- a hundred years ago dogs had much more freedom to roam and were not restricted to exercising only when their owner took them out. More traffic on the roads and increased population density means that our dogs often have to be kept on the lead for safety. Being on a lead restricts a dog’s ability to show natural behaviour patterns, to interact as they wish and to escape when they feel threatened.

All behaviour is driven by emotions and dogs bark at other dogs when on the lead for two main reasons- frustration or fear. Often a young, exuberant dog will spot another dog and want to say hello, but can’t because he is restricted by his lead. He may start to bark with frustration. Dogs who bark at other dogs on the lead but are relaxed and enjoy their company off the lead are often ‘frustrated greeters’.

Many dogs will bark at other dogs because they feel anxious. They are restricted by the lead and know they cannot get away. Their ‘fight or flight’ instinct kicks in and because they do not have the flight option, they resort to using defensive behaviour to keep the other dog at a distance. Because their behaviour generally works (the dog was leaving anyway as it was just walking past, but your dog doesn’t know that!) the anxious dog learns that using this behaviour is a reliable way to keep other dogs away. As he becomes more confident that his strategy works, his behaviour can start to look quite ferocious, but the underlying emotion is still fear.

Some dogs who bark are both frustrated and anxious. This is often the case if a dog has previously run up to another dog that he doesn’t know and they have reacted aggressively towards him. After this he may want to say hello to other dogs but may be a bit anxious about what reception he will get.

If an owner has told off a frustrated barker for his behaviour, this can increase anxiety when he sees other dogs as he anticipates being told off. It is very important not to punish your dog for barking at other dogs, either verbally or using correction methods such as water sprays or worse. Sometimes these methods can appear to work in the short term but the increased anxiety they cause can lead to more severe behaviour problems later on.

Barking at other dogs, whether caused by frustration or fear or a combination of both, is a behaviour problem that can be worked on and improved once you understand what is causing it. I always recommend working with an ABTC registered behaviourist who can thoroughly assess your dog’s behaviour and advise you on suitable training methods.

Laura Travis BSc (Hons) PG Dip CABC - Clinical Animal Behaviourist 70

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£20 PER PERSON

EVERY MONDAY 5-9pm Choose from a selection of at least 3 homemade pies, alongside a choice of potato, side and sauce. We will also have some delicious puddings on offer to finish.

Pint of draught lager or ale OR a glass of white or red wine.

The Pheasant . Loop Road . Keyston . Cambridgeshire . PE28 0RE 01832 710303 . enquiries@thepheasantkeyston.co.uk www.thepheasantkeyston.co.uk Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

71

Keep is cool th r summe

oom Single r m ro aircon f £995

st Cheape form of g!

Heatin

its Our un d heat an cool

AIRCON TOM

07402 745802 TB Aircon Heating & Cooling

Fully qualified Installers • F-Gas Registered • Free Quotations Fully qualified Electrician enabling every aspect of the job is completed by our company

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ONE 2 ONE TUTOR

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

• GCSE AND FUNCTIONAL SKILLS • ENTRANCE EXAM PREPARATION

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

73

A Day In The Life of Snow Creek Being a Thoroughbred Racehorse is a bit like living in a 5 star hotel. Your every need and wish is tendered to at a moments notice by some of the best horsemen and women in the industry.

Snow Creek is a 3-year-old thoroughbred whose father is sire of the moment Wooton Bassett. He is trained by Jack Morland in Newmarket which is the United Kingdom’s home of racing and features some of the most pristine gallops in the country. He was purchased at the October Horses in Training Sale for 16,000 guineas as part of the Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds and the Jack Morland Racing Syndicate.

Snow Creek’s day starts early with his breakfast being fed at 5.45am. He is then given two to three hours to eat his breakfast before his is mucked out, brushed and tacked up for exercise. His routine is very structured and he will normally start the week off doing easy canters, before stepping his work load up into the weekend. After exercise at around 10am he is fed a second time and is given a full bath before he is put back in his stable to rest until the afternoon. When evening stables starts he is fed once more at 3pm before he is given a leg stretch on the horse walker and given another groom and finally at around 5.30pm he will be fed his last feed to last him through the night until the morning.

Snow Creek has run twice to date finishing a very creditable fourth on debut and looks the type of horse to progress once running on the grass. His next run will be on the 21st February at Southwell so tune in and watch as this little lad will hopefully be in the winners enclosure soon.

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Fun With Santa Oy

Lapland holidays Stay in our cozy log cabin in Äkäslompolo, Ylläs, Finland. We can also arrange your full itinerary from the moment you land in Lapland till the moment you leave. Searching for Santa, Huskies, Reindeer Safaris, Snowmobile Safaris and much more.

For more information please contact: Jane Phone: 01480 812598 Email: jane@funwithsanta.co.uk

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75

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

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

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

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

Telephone Lyanne 01480 358350/Jaci 01480 358340.

Rhyme time - rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers aged 0 - 2 years. St Neots library. 2 sessions 10am & 11.15am term time only on alternate Fridays Baby Gym classes Promoting tummy time, sensory stimulation and adult two baby bonding. Classes operate term time only, Friday mornings : 10.30am - 11.15am, Open sessions, no booking required., £5 per session, pay as you go (Cash only)., Operates at Huntingdon Gymnastic Club, Mayfield Road, Huntingdon, PE29 1UL, Run by Beccy Chapman Bsc WAHpc, Like Us on Facebook to keep updated, search: ‘baby gym 8-weeks to walking’ Riseley All Saints Church Junior Jivers - music and movement session followed by stay and play every Thursday at 930am term time only - Contact: Samantha Toseland Tel: 07880 700894 Young People’s and Children’s Organisations Guides, Brownies and Rainbows Kimbolton Guides, Brownies & Rainbows Esther Crook on 07713 165935 esthercrook1@gmail.com Gt Staughton Guides Lindy Bornman, email fgsguides@gmail.com Upper Dean Brownies & Rainbows, Karen Jones: email: div.nbeds@bedsguiding.org.uk Little Staughton Guides, Little Staughton Brownies Scouts, Cubs, Beavers 1st Kimbolton Scout Group, Contact: Emma Mumford 07881 621260 1st Brington Scout Group, Contact: Tim Collins - 07881 821649 Dance/Performing Arts Linda Allen School of Dance – Ballet, tap and modern jazz from 3+ years - Spaldwick and Kimbolton Ladies ballet and tap in Kimbolton, 01480 861332, 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

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

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

Primary & Secondary Schools Brington C of E Primary School

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

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

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

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

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

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

USEFUL & EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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

01223 245151 01234 355122 01480 416416

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

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

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

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Clubs, Groups and Organisations

Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk Buckworth Cricket Club Social Club Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Catworth Women’s Group Catworth Quilters Group Ellington Neighbourhood Watch Ellington Village Club Grafham & Ellington Art Group Great Staughton Village Hub Gt Staughton Horticultural Society Gt Staughton Playing Field & Pavilion Hargrave Investment Club Kimbolton Senior Citizens lunch club Kimbolton Local History Society Kimbolton Parish Council Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club Little Staughton Parish Clerk Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton North Beds Ramblers

Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark

Save the Children Fund Stow Longa Village Community - social events

The Villages Gardening Club The Stables Christian Centre

Tilbrook Village Newsletter Tilbrook Amenites Committee

Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk Whist Drives, Ellington

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

Samantha Langley 07977 828153 http://buckworthcricketclub.co.uk/ 01480 444500 Barbara Cawdell 01832 710404 Pam Wardle 01832 710324 Rick Wilcox 01480 890902 Sue Rice (Chairperson) 01480 896139 Jackie Woods, 01480 890279 Details on the Great Staughton and Perry Facebook page Emma Mumford 07881 621260 Bob Jewell 01480 861259 Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034 01480 861540/860735 (Thurs, 12noon) Mandeville Hall Nora Butler 01480 861007 Lionel Thatcher 01480 861877 Mary Foster 01480 861594 David Henrick 01480 896556 Chris Davies 01234 376542 Mary Jordan 01234 376383 email lspcclerk1@gmail.com.

Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167 Margaret Sawyer northbedswalks@gmail.com, www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walk ing/ramblers-groups/north-bedfordshire-group Diane Robins, 07786 656088 clerk@pertenhallandswineshead-pc.gov.uk Nora Butler 01480 861007 Christine Hayes 01480 860519 Christine.Hayes@StowLonga.org.uk Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.com Sean Watkiss, 01234 376237 work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults. www.tilbrookvillage.life Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com Lionel Thatcher, 01480860055 Steve Sherratt , 01480 891418 Anne Beszant 01480 860672 Jan Sherratt 01480 891418 Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com Glennis Bird, Tel: 01933 314275, glennis.bird@hotmail.co.uk perrywigroup@gmail.com

Village Halls Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886 Village Hall, Catworth, bookings www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk Village Hall, Dean and Shelton (Dalton Hall, U. Dean) www.daltonhalldean.org Village Hall, Ellington Anita Dowdall 01480 891821 Village Hall, Gt Staughton, bookings Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005 Village Hall, Hail Weston Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

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

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

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Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings Village Hall, Tilbrook

Village Hall, Yelden Spaldwick Community Room

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

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

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

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

Grafham Wildlife & Conservation Group Sam Malt 01480810844 day/01480811654 eve Village Sports Badminton Club (Kimbolton) Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508 Catworth Playing Field Mary Matthews, 07717 246107 Cricket Club, Kimbolton Mark Field, 07769 159496 Cricket Club, Little Staughton Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086 Carpet Bowls, Catworth Marge Baker, 01832 710145 Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton Mary Foster, 01480 861594 Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton Anthony Withers, 01480 861224.

Carpet Bowls, Spaldwick Andrew Vickers, 01480 891201 Carpet Bowls, Ellington Janet Stewart 01480 533482 janetstewart725@gmail.com Table Tennis Club - Melchbourne Peter Wilkinson peteathillands@gmail.com, 07792 056 157 Tennis Club, Kimbolton Alison Owen, 07767 202958 Tennis Club, Gt Staughton Nicole Yates, 01480 860616 Chair Based Strength And Balance Class Kimbolton Scout Hut, Thursdays 11:00-12:00pm,

Lauren Watt, 01480 388111 Grafham Tang Sou Dao Club Steven Treadaway 01480 812433, info@cambstangsoudao.co.uk Great Staughton Golf Society Derek Fitzgibbon, 01480 861234 MVH Pilates - Melchbourne Penny Hales penny@tightassets.co.uk MVH Tai Chi - Melchbourne Rob Poyton simplyflow@outlook.com PE28 Kickboxing, Grafham Village Hall Mark James, 01480 819478 Yoga Classes, Little Staughton, Hail Weston, Linda Tongue 01480 350345, Brampton, Catworth & Godmanchester 07733343702, lindatongue@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile Library Service 0345 045 5225 for enquiries / renewals

2nd Wednesday of the Month (R. H10) - 12th March 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) - 25th March 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) - 26th March 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

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Listings of Businesses in Our Area Accountancy Land Family Business, 01480 445490, p.7

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

Auctioneers/Valuers W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.7

Funeral Directors Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.24 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.31

Architects/Planning/Drawings PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.27 Art, Dressmaking, Framing, Crafts, Ceramics, Gallery David Osborne Motorbike Spares, 07979 500900, p.29 Engraved by Elle, www.engravedbyelle.co.uk, p.68 Fiona Swan Curtains & Blinds, 07779 713073, p.29 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.37 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.28 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.75 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Ablewood. 07740 435801, p.29 Donna the Tiler, 07712 431337, p.24 GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.25 Garolla Garage Doors, 01480 630081, p.69 Handyman, 07770 373800, p.19 R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.10 Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.49 Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.41 The Home Handyman, 01480 861898, p.81 Business Networking Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.38 Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading/HR Eisop, 07480 166533 p.27 iEdit, 01480 860519 p.39 LR Marketing, 07539 756963, p.47 Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.75 Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.31 Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.10 Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.28 Domestic Services Andrew Blair, Carpet Cleaning, 07867 499792, p.27 C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.11 Holistic H.Y.P, 07713 260411, p.37 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.37 Saints Chimney Sweeps, 01832 293809 p.47 Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.37 Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15 One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.73 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077 p.68 Riseley Primary C of E School, 01234 708218, p.41 Electrical Services/Solar Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.72 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Domelec, 07912 092985 p.11 LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.35 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.21 Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.39 Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84 Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.81 Bletsoes, 01832 732188 p.45

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Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23 JD Tree Surgery, 07745 378268, p.24 Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.24 General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops Budgens, 01480 860582, p.42-43 Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20 Handpicked Wine Box, www.handpickedwinebox.com, p.5 Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.13 Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.52 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085, p.8 Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.8 Grafham Water Sailing Club, 01480 810478 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.8 The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.8 Kitchens Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.69 Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment Carol John, 01234 708029, p.45 Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.13 Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.34 Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.53 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.9 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.39 LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3 Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.19 The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.55 The Pheasant Keyston, 01832 710303 p.71 The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.82-83 Solicitors/Legal Hunt & Coombs Solicitors, 01480 702207, p.81 Storage Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.45 Travel Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.75 Once In A Lifetime Holidays, 07961 884183, p.27 Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.67

To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

THE HOME HANDYMAN

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

Email: brendancoates59@gmail.com

The Home Handyman

Please contact us for any quality property you are looking to rent or to rent out Family business – please check our reviews on Facebook to see what clients say about our service

Tel 07814 709 320

Info@TopHatProjects.co.uk

Proprietor Jules Sismey Williamson Top Hat Projects, 4 Molesworth Business Estate, Molesworth, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0QG

Hunt & Coombs solicitors

Legal Services

for you and your business Contact us for advice on: ı Wills, trusts & probate ı Tax advice & succession planning ı Lasting Powers of Attorney ı Family law & divorce

St Neots 01480 702207 ST NEOTS

OUNDLE

info@hcsolicitors.co.uk

ı Residential property ı Dispute resolution ı Professional negligence ı Business & commercial law

Oundle 01832 273506 HUNTINGDON

CAMBRIDGE

PETERBOROUGH

www.hcsolicitors.co.uk

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81

U N DER N EW M A NAGEMENT

W EEK LY DEA LS PIE TU ESDAY

FISH FRY DAY

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

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

LU NCH OFFER

STEA K THU RSDAY

Let’s do Lunch!

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

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

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

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

JANUARY OFFERS AT THE WHEATSHEAF, WEST PERRY

WINE LOVERS, REJOICE! Enjoy our exclusive wine offer - bottles of White, Red, or Rosé for just £9.99, and Prosecco for only £12.99!

Perfect for unwinding with friends or adding a special touch to your meal.

SAVE ON YOUR NEXT VISIT! Sign up for our email newsletter and receive 25% off your food bill in January! Stay updated on our latest promotions and treats while saving big! To sign up, look for the posters in the pub or scan the QR code below to visit our website.

Join us and make every visit memorable.

Cheers!

Scan the QR code to find out more!

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

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83

Are you looking to move in 2025?

Ag Sa re le ed Ag Sa re le ed Ag Sa re le ed

Ag Sa re le ed

Ag Sa re le ed

Ag Sa re le ed

Here are just some of our sales in the first few weeks.

Contact us now for your free market valuation.

01480 860400 kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk