• Oil boiler installations, servicing and breakdowns
• Natural gas boiler installations, servicing and breakdowns
• LPG boiler installations, servicing and breakdowns
• Gas fire installations, servicing and breakdowns
• Vented and unvented cylinder installations
• Water tank installations
• Immersion heater installations
• Gas safety checks and certificates
• Emergency call outs
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
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, 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
Customise
Open Tues - Sat Give us a call today on 07733482359 Facebook: @Rosiessalon13
Instagram: rosiessalon13
8 East Perry, PE28 0BT
Lava Shell Massage combine the warmth of self heating shells with a seamless soothing massage to ease tension from the back, neck and shoulders for ultimate relaxation £45 combine with a facial from £75
Coming soon… Bakuchiol cream; a gentle yet effective alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while strengthening and firming your skin.
Close Health & Beauty High Street, Swineshead Beds MK44 2AA
“The Biggest and Best Stocked Local Village Store in the Area”
COMPOST, TOPSOIL, SEED COMPOST AND FARMYARD MANURE
NEW LOCAL PRODUCTS IN STORE
DELIVERIES AVAILABLE T&Cs APPLY
CLICK AND COLLECT AVAILABLE
Phone in advance, pay by card open 7 days a week call for details
National Lottery Electric/Gas Top Ups
• OFF LICENSE
• CIGARETTES
• CUT FLOWERS
• PLANTS & SHRUBS
• POTTING COMPOST
• HORSE & ANIMAL FEED & BEDDING
• GARDEN FURNITURE
• WOODEN PALLETS
VEG BOXES IN STORE PLENTY OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEG DELIVERED IN STORE DAILY
COLLECT PLUS FED EX DHL
DPD
AMAZON HUB
YODEL
Royal mail 24hr and 48hr tracked
HORSE & PET FOOD SUPERSTORE TOP END VILLAGE STORES
Top End Farm, Lt Staughton, Beds, MK44 2BY
TOP QUALITY
HAY AND STRAW IN STOCK
Tel/Fax: 01234 376426
EQUESTRIAN & ANIMAL SUPERSTORE
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
PHONE FOR DETAILS, ANY PRODUCT FAST FREE DELIVERY
Check out prices on our new website
HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE
BURLEY BED BEDDING STRAW AND MISCANTHUS
ALL MAJOR BRAND HORSE FEED SHAVINGS AND BEDMAX
SUPPLEMENTS
HORSE CARROTS
STABLE MATTING
FIELD MATS
POST AND RAIL
ELECTRIC FENCING, RODENT BAIT
GRASS SEED AND FERTILISER
BULK BAGS OF WILD BIRD FEED
POULTRY FOOD
DOG AND CAT FOOD
SMALL ANIMAL FEED & BEDDING
WILD BIRD FOOD
SUNFLOWER HEARTS
BLACK SUNFLOWERS ROBINS MIX
PEANUTS
LAYERS PELLETS AND SMALLHOLDER FEED
DOG CHEWS AND TREATS
SHEEP FOOD AND LAMBS MILK
FANTASTIC RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT GREAT PRICES “ANY PRODUCT ORDERED IN FOR YOU”
Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts
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.
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
Sir Alexander Carew (Joan’s father)
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.
Newspapers
Please support our small community shop, run by volunteers and paid staff.
We are just off Brampton Road about a 1�� mile from �ra�am Water Marlow car park (cycle centre), and next door to our community pub The �ra�am Trout.
We offer all the essen�als, some unique local produce* as well as local knowledge and a friendly welcome from the team.
Hay artesan chocolates including “Reservoir Dogs!”*
Jute shopping bags*
Saints & Sinners jams & chutneys*
Sweets, sta�onary items and sec‐ond‐hand jigsaws
Dog food and poo bags!
���ress � �oca�on
�ff van Diemans Way, �ra�am, Hun�ngdon Cambs P��8 0�B
what3words: veto.fixed.highlight
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
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 earnestalthough 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
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
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, Marie 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
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.
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.
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
36 Cromwell House, High Street, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0HA
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
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.
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/
COINS BOUGHT
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 acautionarytale, 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)
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.
“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.
Are you looking to join a local, friendly, sociable Tennis Group? 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.
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/
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!
Graphic design by EmiliaFrostDesign
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
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:
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
• Dust everywhere and dangerous mud on the roads 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
Three years of construction disruption, site traffic on our country roads, noise and dust
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
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 in Bystander. association with The Village
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Wednesday 5th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall
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
12pm Senior Lunch Club
Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7.30pm Bingo. Mandeville Hall
7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall
2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn
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
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
Friday 14th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 7pm Movie Night - Paddington In Peru. Mandeville Hall
Saturday 15th 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines
Monday 17th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut
Tuesday 18th 9-11am Baby & Toddler Group. Youth & Community Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut
Wednesday 19th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall
Thursday 20th
Friday 21st 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall
12pm Senior Lunch Club
Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk
2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn
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 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut
Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk
Wednesday 26th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall
Thursday 27th 12pm Senior Lunch Club
2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut
Friday 28th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall
Saturday 29th 6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines
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
ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON
Wed 5th: 10.00am Ash Wed Communion
Sun 9th: 9.00am Parish Communion
Sun 16th: 3.00pm Creative Communion
Sun 23rd: 9.00am Parish Communion
Benefice Communion
ALL
SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON
Sun 2nd: 9.00am Parish Communion
Sun 16th: 9.00am Parish Communion
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
Volunteer for Girlguiding and share e some about you with the women
To find out more and to register your ocal leader, or visit www.girlguiding.org r’
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
SPRING FAYRE
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
DESIGN SUPPLIED MANAGED INSTALLED
DESIGNED SUPPLIED MANAGED INSTALLED
Providing an end to end service for your kitchen, bedroom or office transformation
Providing an end to end service for the kitchen, bedroom or office transformation
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Village Hall, Yelden 07539 662544, yeldenvillagehall@gmail.com Spaldwick Community Room
Sarah Cardwell - clerk@spaldwickparishcouncil.org.uk
Grafham Nature Reserve & Watch Group The Wildlife Trust 01480 811075
North Beds Young Farmers’ northbedsyfcmembership@gmail.com FB: North Beds Young Farmers Instagram: @northbedsyfc Twitter: @northbedsyfc Grafham Water Sailing Club 01480 810478
Wildlife Trust 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)
Catworth Playing Field
Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508
Mary Matthews, 07717 246107 Cricket Club, Kimbolton
Mark Field, 07769 159496 Cricket Club, Little Staughton
Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086 Carpet Bowls, Catworth
Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton
Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton
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
Steven Treadaway 01480 812433, info@cambstangsoudao.co.uk
Derek Fitzgibbon, 01480 861234
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
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:
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.
70 To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457
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.
