May 25 Online Edition

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

ISSUE 229 May 2025

VILLAGE

BYSTANDER PENNY YOUNG JOAN KENDALL'S WILL PART 3 4700 COPIES FREE TO 34 VILLAGES AROUND KIMBOLTON

INN FARM NURSERY SCREEN TIME IN THE EARLY YEARS BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT HOW FINANCIAL ADVICE CAN LIGHTEN THE LOAD SPALDWICK COMMON GROUND CREATING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY SPACE HAZEL WRIGHT NUMBER 41 AND MUCH MORE

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Letter from the Editor: Welcome to May’s edition of the Bystander. I hope that you have all enjoyed the recent run of bank holidays.

In this month’s magazine you can find Hazel’s latest flash fiction entitled ’Number 41’. Find out why inside. Georgia Rose offers ideas to budding writers on how to overcome difficulties with completing the narrative. Penny’s family history quest continues with further details of the will of Joan Kendall. Inn Farm Nursery stresses the importance of limiting screen time for our very young children. Look out for some exciting developments that are underway in Spaldwick for a vibrant new community space. Our community section contains details of the church services provided by the Benefice of the Staughtons with Hail Weston. Kimbolton Cinema give screening details of the Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’. The Kimbolton Medical Centre’s spring newsletter is also in this section with details on how over 45’s can have their blood pressure checked. Look out also for more of Lee’s springtime gardening tips. As always, we have much more besides so enjoy your read!

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,

May Contents Editor’s Letter P.4 Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-9 Anthony Withers - A Tortoise, Wagner and The Beatles p.12 Inn Farm - Screen Time in the Early Years p.14 Penny Young - Joan Kendall's Will Part 3 p.16-17 Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22 Wide-Fitting Shoes: What Does “Wide” Actually Mean? p.27 Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue p.30 Hazel Wright - Number 41 p.32 Beacon Wealth Management - How Financial Advice Can Lighten The Load p.33 Eugene Smith - Not Guilty p.36 Georgia Rose p.44 Spaldwick Common Ground: Creating a Welcoming Community Space for All p.46-47 Peter Lane and Partners - Artificial Intelligence or Property Intelligence? p.48 Just for Kids! p.50 Happy Birthday, Mr Shakespeare, 461 years (probably) on 23 April p.52 Sally Gower - Summer of ’25: Hot Chocolate and High Hills p.54 Bystander Community p.56-65 The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.62 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 Tortoise, Wagner And The Beatles I was rather brutally reminded of serious omission in my contribution last month, about the shortest reigning monarch in English history; namely, forgetting to mention the name of the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey whose portrait is now in one of the salons at Wrest Park. Is she mentioned in history lessons as one of the unfortunate Tudor casualties, I wonder?

One of the great cultural innovations of the past 20 years or so has been the live transmission of operas and plays from the Met Opera, Covent Garden and the National Theatre. Given the formidable cost of a night’s culture in London, to be able to watch top class opera at the local cinema for the modest cost of £!5 or so is an unbelievable bargain and on May 14 Covent Garden will be bringing us the second of the operas in Wagner’s Ring cycle, Die Walküre, by most people’s account the best and most human of the Ring’s dramas. Brother and sister falling in love in Act 1, Wotan causing the death of his son in Act 2 and then bidding a tender farewell to his favourite but disobedient daughter, surrounding her sleeping form with a ring of fire. If Hollywood did this it would be the greatest tear-jerker in cinema. I shall be booking my ticket.

My journey into the ten best novellas of all time has been brought to a temporary halt by the arrival of two new books both of which I was eager to sample. The first is Bad Education by Matthew Goodwin. The book is a devastating analysis of all that is going wrong with Higher Education. Goodwin brings an authoritative approach to his subject being until recently a professor of International Relations at the University of Kent. He is an interesting writer and an astute observer of the current turbulent political scene. He doesn’t pull any punches in lambasting universities for cancel culture, kow-towing to student demands to pull down statues or forcing the resignation of lecturers for having the ‘wrong’ opinions, usually on race or gender. It’s a sobering and pessimistic analysis of the current state of play amongst institutions which should be encouraging freedom of speech and tolerance of the views of others.

The other volume is John & Paul: a love story in songs by Ian Leslie. It’s another of those books you can’t put down. Some may not be familiar with England’s shortest reigning monarch but they know instantly who is meant by John and Paul. What brought them together and what was the chemistry between them that led to the creation of their fabulous songbook? There are fascinating photos of the Beatles from their early days as the Quarrymen to the years preceding their breakup. And where does the often demonised Yoko Ono fit into the story? A 400-page epic.

Readers will be glad to learn, after my anxieties about my reptile and the possibility that he might not come through his 6 month hibernation I can report that for the forty-third consecutive year he emerged from his box, bleary-eyed and into the sunshine on March 29, and is now sunning himself in the garden in this unexpectedly warm weather Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com

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Joan Kendall's Will Part 3 Penny Young Then I give to my honoured nephew, Sir William Carew Baronet, a silver watch that was my brother Richard Carew’s (which watch I lent my nephew, Mr Nicholas Kendall) and also I give him a ring made of the crampbone of a Sea Horse, overlaid with gold. One other ring made of gold, the posie of which is “Keep Faith til Death” and one guinea of gold.

Then I give unto Anne George of Lanlivery, the sum of 20 shillings to be paid within one month of my decease.

Then I give to my cousin Bridgett Hoblyn one guinea of gold and to my cousin Bridgett Collyer a half-guinea to be paid within one month after my decease.

Then I give to my godson, cousin, John Trubody, two guineas of gold and one guinea of gold to his wife and to Alexander, his son, one guinea of gold and to his daughter, Emblyn Trubody, a little trunk with my name on it and all that is in the trunk and one guinea of gold to his daughter, Mildred – one guinea of gold and one little trunk marked “M.C.” and to all the other rest of his children, one guinea of gold to be paid to each of them, to be paid within one month after my decease.

Then I give to my niece, Sarah Carew, the wife of my cousin John Carew of Liskeard, my new Bed Bolster and Pillows and three pair of canvas sheets with cotton curtains, veloured counterpane and carpet. And I give and devise to my cousin John Carew, the son of my nephew, the said John Carew of Liskeard and to all such other children as my said nephew, John Carew, shall have living at the time of my death, the sum of twenty pounds apiece, to be paid to them at their several ages of one and twenty years and if they or either of them shall die before he, she or they attain that age, the legacy of such so dying, my WILL is that it shall be equally divided amongst the survivors.

I then give to my niece, my Lady Copley, one guinea of gold and to my goddaughter, Jane Rashleigh, two guineas of gold and to all the rest of my niece Rashleigh’s children, one guinea of gold apiece, to be paid to each of them within one month after my decease.

Then I give unto my niece, Jane, the wife of Nicholas Kendall, clerk, two guineas of gold and to their son, Charles, twenty pounds, provided he do study divinity and if he doth not, not to be paid. And to Katherine and Emblyn, his sisters, two guineas of gold to each of them and I give to my godson, Charles Kendall, the son of the said Nicholas Kendall, and to James Kendall, one other of his sons, two guineas of gold to each of them.

All of which legacies I order and demand to be paid by my said nephew, Nicholas Kendall, out of the money due to me from him for my Dyett, which comes to twenty pounds a year and which he never paid me and whereof the sum is about seven and a half years now due and the remainder of the money for my Dyett what shall be for the same to the time of my death, I give to his four younger children equally, to be divided between them and to be paid from within one month after my decease.

I think we can tell from her WILL, that Joan Kendall, nee Carew, was a very astute woman and 16

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had clearly inherited the fortitude and forbearance of both her parents.

She stated at the beginning of her WILL that she hoped there would be no Law Suits, Controversies or troubles among my relations, but then in the previous paragraph of this story, appears to drop a huge controversy into the mix!

I was unsure as to the meaning of the word ‘Dyett’ and asked an online family history community for their understanding of the word in its context. Some thought it meant ‘Debt’ and others that it meant ‘Diet’ – ie provision of diet or sustenance.

Either way, whatever the meaning of the word ‘Dyett’ - it seems that Nicholas Kendall – (who incidentally is my 7 x great grandfather, so I am descended from the Carew’s and the Kendalls – a lot of intermarriage here!) – in some way or other, Nicholas had borrowed money or was in debt to Joan Kendall, his aunt. And rather than her being embarrassed about getting back what was owed to her from Nicholas, she left it for the executors of her WILL to sort out and presumably, as all the many beneficiaries of the WILL would know they had been bequeathed twenty pounds or two gold guineas, whichever, they would probably be in a hurry to get what was due to them and Nicholas, after seven and half years of hanging onto his money, would have had to pay up!

Nicholas Kendall, Archdeacon of Totnes 28 Jan 1657 – 3 Mar 1739 Joan continues – Then I give to my servant maid, that I shall have at the time of my death, one quarters wages and one black gown and two petticoats, which I have and all the rest of my wearing apparel I give to my said cousin Joane Mitchell.

I then give to my cousin Connor Kendall one guinea of gold, to be paid to him within one month of my decease and whereas I, the said Joane Kendall have lately given and deposited the sum of ten pounds, lawful money of Great Britain to and for the poor of the parish of Lanlivery, now my WILL and intent was and is and I hereby declare my WILL and desire to be that the said sum of ten pounds be proffered for ever for the use and benefit of such poor people of the said parish as have not weekly pay and none of the others and that the interest thereof be given yearly at the feast of All Saints or between that and Christmas yearly and every year laid out in Cloath by the mistress of the family and House of Pelyn, within the said parish for the time being and by her and the overseers of the poor of the said parish for the time being also divided and distributed among such poor people as aforesaid.

Final part of Joan’s WILL next time.

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Old Kimboltonians’ Freemasons Lodge Meeting at Kimbolton Castle 2024/25 Meeting dates Friday 16 May 6.30 p.m.

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24 Lee’s Gardening Corner Spring is definitely here now and much is happening in the garden, it's a wonderful month for getting things done, and hopefully the weather will be good too.

There is the possibility of late frosts this month, put all the tender summer bedding, exotic plants and vegetables can go outside later in the month.

Prepare the soil for the bedding plants, clearing away the old Spring flowering plants, keep on top of the weeding and tidying up, watch out for the arrival of pests (you can use biological controls and other organic methods to keep them at bay).

If you like a well tended lawn then now is the time to remove the weeds and feed the grass, then mow weekly to keep it in shape. The beginning of the month is the last chance to properly sow a new lawn (after this it’s a bit too warm and dry for seed to germinate). Tie in any new growth on climbing and wall shrubs. Make sure that any newly planted plants are well watered if there has been a dry spell. Hedges of beech, hornbeam, box and leylandi can be clipped back late in the month.

In the veg garden water regularly, also feed fruit bushes, strawberries and salad plants. If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse and have already got vegetables started they can now be planted out in their summer places, tomatoes can be grown in large pots (but remember to keep them well watered). If necessary use netting to cover areas that might be eaten by birds or small mammals.

Plants that should be flowering now include rhododendrons, clematis, wisteria, berberis.

Tulips will be at their best now, and other bulbs like camassias and hyacinth make a wonderful display.

Lee Munday

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Monthly Heating Oil Price Update: Sponsored by BoilerJuice Price Update The fall in heating oil prices we began to see in March has continued, in fact in early April it accelerated due to a couple of global shocks. We’re now seeing prices at 18mth lows or more.

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Get the call - become an on-call firefighter Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking to recruit more on-call firefighters to help serve local communities across the county.

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Number 41 Teresa sat beside her mum, stroking her hand. She knew her mum was dying. She didn’t know how long her mum had left, but she knew it wasn’t long.

Teresa’s mum had been in and out of hospital several times in the past year, but on her last stay about a month ago, Teresa was told there was nothing more they could do. The doctors talked about her mum transferring to a hospice, but Teresa knew that her mum really wanted to die at home, so she moved back home to take care of her.

It had seemed strange to be back in the family home, in the small town where she had grown up, but Teresa’s childhood had been a very happy one, and Teresa wanted to be able to give her mum the chance to die peacefully in the home she had lived in for the past sixty years.

Teresa soon got into a daily pattern. In the morning, she would get her mum washed and give her some breakfast, then get on with some household tasks. After lunch, she would sit with her mum and read to her or they would watch television together. Her mum would then take a nap, and Teresa would pop out to take a walk around the town and grab a coffee. It was her one bit of time in the day to herself.

As Teresa now looked at her mum sleeping, she couldn’t help wondering if her mum had been disappointed that Teresa had never married or given her grandchildren. The thing was, Teresa was gay, but had never wanted her mum to know this and be even more disappointed.

Teresa stood up to look out of the window. Suddenly she heard her mum say, ‘Try number 41’.

‘What do you mean, mum?’ Teresa replied. When there was no answer, Teresa turned to look at her mum. The end had come. Her mum had passed away peacefully.

Teresa needed to stay on for a while. There was a funeral to arrange and a house to sort.

During that time, she continued to take her daily walk around the town. One day, as she reached the end of the street where her mum had lived, she glanced up at the house on the corner and noticed a large ‘41’ on the door. Teresa stood deep in thought, remembering her mum’s last words and wondering if there was any significance in them. As she stood wrapped in her thoughts, the door opened and a woman stepped out. ‘Oh, my word,’ the woman said, ‘Teresa!!’.

Teresa recognised immediately her old school friend Kathy. The pair of them had been very close once, until life took them off in different directions. ‘Kathy!’ Teresa spluttered, ‘What on earth are you doing here?’ ‘I came back here after my wife died a year ago’, Kathy replied. ‘Look, have you got time for a coffee and a catch up?’

Her wife! Teresa took a sharp breath. Her mum knew! She knew Teresa was gay, and her death bed instruction was to find her old soul mate Kathy.

‘That would be just lovely’, Teresa said, and as the two women walked away Teresa whispered, ‘Thank you, mum. I love you.’

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com 32

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BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT Your financial future is our priority

Carrying too much? How financial advice can lighten the load

by Tony Larkins I grew up watching Crackerjack on the BBC, and one of my favourite games – when my father wasn’t appearing on it as a magician (another story!) – involved contestants winning prizes for answering questions.

The catch? They had to hold onto everything they won until they were overloaded, struggling to keep hold of it all.

Looking back, that game feels a lot like life.

We all accumulate so much over time – responsibilities, financial worries, family concerns. As we move through life, money plays a role in nearly everything we juggle: buying a home, raising children, planning for retirement, or caring for ageing parents.

Pre-retirement & later life – we can guide you through pension planning, investments, tax efficiencies and long-term care, so you can enjoy retirement without financial stress.

Without a clear plan, managing it all can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

As a Chartered Financial Planning firm, we go beyond the basics. Our advisers have advanced qualifications and years of experience dealing with real-life financial situations, from retirement planning to investments.

At Beacon Wealth Management, we can help you take control of your financial future, regardless of where you are in life: Young professionals & families – we can help you make smart decisions early, whether it’s receiving mortgage advice, setting up your pensions early or managing an inheritance.

Mid-life & business owners – whether you are considering school or university fees, managing a growing business, or thinking about retirement, we create strategies that maximise your wealth whilst securing your future.

Why choose Beacon?

A financial plan isn’t just about numbers - it’s about securing the life you want. So instead of feeling overloaded like those Crackerjack contestants, let’s create a strategy that gives you clarity, confidence and control over your financial future.

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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33

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

34

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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

35

Not Guilty If you want to avoid the company of tiresome persons, there are certain words and phrases which should be regarded as red flags. “Red flags” is one, as are “people watching”, “better half”, “on the square” and “let’s go and see the new Richard Curtis film”. My current least favourite is “guilty pleasure”, which will form the basis of this month’s lecture.

It’s meant to refer to something which you know is of low quality, but enjoy nonetheless. If you think about it, it’s a pretty insidious phrase. If something brings you pleasure, then isn’t that a good thing in itself? Obviously we have to discount activities which harm other people, or indeed yourself if you follow the decrees of our NHS to the letter (stand by for a future symposium on national treasures). And artistically, who, if anyone, is qualified to say what’s good and bad?

The concept of guilty pleasures raises problems of artistic merit. I watched a Jason Statham film recently, I forget the title but it’s the one where he hits people and then things blow up. It was a perfectly entertaining way of spending a few hours, and doubtless would be adjudged a guilty pleasure. But by whom?

There’s snobbishness afoot. And as ever, a lot of the blame can be laid at the feet of the BBC. Now I know that it’s very easy and very popular to attack the BBC. It’s also great fun, which is why I like doing it. Incidentally, have you ever heard anyone defend the licence fee who wasn’t employed by the BBC? Anyway, once upon a time, Radio 4 was called the Home Service, Radio 3 was the Third Programme and Radios 1 and 2 were jointly the Light Programme. That’s light as in frivolous, unchallenging and anti-intellectual, as opposed to the improving material broadcast on the other, more serious stations. Let us not forget the Reithian principle of education, which makes big and pretty unpleasant assumptions about the intelligence and cultural level of the listeners / funders.

The same distinction exists in opera. There are grand operas (everyone dies) and comic operas (not funny), the implication being that the former are good for you and the latter are musical Wispa bars.

And yet it would be wrong to follow the 1970s “everyone’s right and everyone wins!” educational doctrines which have shaped society so positively. There is an order of precedence in life, and in art. Many books have been written on the philosophy of aesthetics, most of them quite unreadable. But one doesn’t need to be cockney philosopher Immanuel Kant to appreciate that Chopin might be, well, better than Stormzy. A sentiment soon to be classified as a hate crime.

Guilty pleasures should be occasional. Crisps are great, but it’s not a fantastic idea to eat them for every meal. If you listen to nothing but modern pop music, watch nothing but reality shows and eat junk food every day, then you are not enjoying guilty pleasures. You’re an imbecile. https://eugenesmithwriting.com/ 36

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38

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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

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39

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

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

40Playtimes Bystander.indd To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457 17/05/2024 12:00 1

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

01480 759 408 info@regencyfuneraldirectors.co.uk www.regencyfuneraldirectors.co.uk 36 Cromwell House, High Street, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0HA Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

41

Welcome to Spring

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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43

Another challenge writers have when trying to finish their novel can be when they face some difficulty in the plot. I’m trying to pretend to myself that I’m not running up against this issue with my work-in-progress. But the truth is my writing is going more and more slowly because I know there is a plot hole looming ahead, and I haven’t come up with a solution to it yet.

There are ways of getting through this. I like to draw out a mind map. I start off with it in a very simple form then add more and more detail to it, hoping that the puzzle I’m trying to solve will conveniently slot into place. I’d love for mine to be as beautifully intricate as the one below but they are generally a horribly mangled mess. However, if it works it doesn’t matter, no one will ever see it.

Another method for unlocking the solution is that I go for a walk. If you ever spot me wandering across our beautiful countryside muttering to myself, this is me trying to work out how, if A and B happen in the story, the outcome can possibly be C. Now I don’t do this next one because of the problems I have sleeping, but a lot of writers suggest thinking about the issue as you go to sleep. Our brains are wired to sort out problems and generally tidy away ideas and thoughts while we are asleep, and often a solution will miraculously present itself in the morning. Or so I am told.

An alternative method is to just write around the problem, although the effectiveness of this might depend on how you write in the first place. I often write chunks of a story out of order anyway, so if there is a bit that isn’t working, I skip straight over it and carry on with what I know is going to happen later in the story. I often come back to the gaping hole in the plot with a fresh perspective, and can start filling it in.

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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COINS BOUGHT Grafham Coins

Contact Mike mikep1806@icloud.com 01480 811227 07816 850455 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

45

Spaldwick Common Ground: Creating a Welcoming Community Space for All

hub designed for everyone.

Exciting developments are underway in Spaldwick as the vision for a vibrant new community space—Spaldwick Common Ground—moves closer to becoming a reality. This muchanticipated project aims to transform a section of our beloved Church of St James into an inclusive

The idea of Spaldwick Common Ground was born out of conversations and extensive engagement with the residents of Spaldwick. It was evident from the start that the village was eager for a versatile facility that could host everything from social gatherings and recreational activities to educational workshops and community group meetings. Careful planning has ensured that the new community space will harmoniously coexist within the church building. A dedicated area will remain for worship and religious ceremonies alongside a thoughtfully designed inclusive space, welcoming all members of our community (and beyond!), regardless of beliefs, backgrounds, or interests.

Plans include installing high-speed internet and coffee machines to create an attractive hot-desking area for remote working, studying, or casual meet-ups.

Additionally, the facility will be ideal for hosting local events such as pizza nights, film evenings, craft workshops, fitness classes, and more. It will also serve as a cost-effective, bookable space for personal celebrations like birthday parties, anniversaries, and family gatherings.

We are incredibly grateful for the strong support our initiative has already received. Formal endorsements from both Spaldwick Parish Council and the Church of England have underscored the project's importance and viability.

Additionally, we recently had the honour of hosting our local Member of Parliament, Mr Ben Obese-Jecty, who visited the church for an engaging and productive meeting with representatives from the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and the Common Ground committee. During his visit, our MP expressed 46

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his support, highlighting its value in fostering community cohesion.

Our dedicated volunteers are currently hard at work fundraising, aiming to reach our ambitious goal of £250,000 needed to bring this vision to life. Fundraising events and initiatives are planned throughout the year, and there are plenty of ways for everyone to get involved.

Whether it’s through participating in events, volunteering time and skills, or providing financial support or sponsorship, every contribution moves us closer to opening the doors of Spaldwick Common Ground.

For more information, details on upcoming fundraising events, to volunteer, or sponsor, please visit our dedicated website: www. spaldwickcommonground.org.

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47

Artificial Intelligence or Property Intelligence?

Paul Kinally from Peter Lane & Partners in Kimbolton comments on the growing influence of artificial intelligence within the property industry, and the difference between an AI estate agent and a PI estate agent.

AI is suddenly everywhere. Academics, lawyers, writers, students, and all those who fact-check and refine their work online are seemingly turning to AI. It’s also increasingly used by estate agents, but reliance on AI has its drawbacks in our business. If you want to churn out the same thing as every other agent, that’s fine. But when we market a property we want it to be uniquely special, to match that uniquely special buyer. And just as no two properties or people are the same, no two estate agents are either.

Any experienced estate agent will tell you that matching people with property shouldn’t be left to an algorithm. How often has a buyer been to view a property which on paper ticks all the boxes, only to be disappointed when they actually see it? It may have sounded as if it had everything but they just didn't like it, or it didn't feel right.

AI can’t anticipate taste, or the fact that when it comes to the crunch a buyer will trade certain requirements for something practically or emotionally better, such as a great view, access to schools and transport, or a large garden. The permutations of a house buyer’s desires and dreams are infinite and way, way beyond the capabilities of AI to predict.

So if you want an agent who relies on experience and instinct, who listens to what buyers need and is invested at an emotional level, then choose an agent with property intelligence and not just artificial intelligence. We are definitely a PI estate agency.

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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49

Just for Kids

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51

Happy Birthday, Mr Shakespeare, 461 years (probably) on 23 April I say ‘probably’ because the entry in the Stratford upon Avon Parish Register of that year for the christening of baby William is on 26th April. Babies were traditionally christened three days after birth because of rife infant mortality. Therefore the birth of the Man of the Millennium, occasional tax-dodger and all-round genius-bloke is most most most likely to be 23rd April – which happens to be St George’s Day and the date of his own death 52 years later (poor bloke).

But enough of this frivolity! I first encountered the works of the Bard at the tender age of 13 when arguably the worst English teacher in the history of smart tweed suits, chucked a battered copy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at his unsuspecting second years’ heads. We read it round the class, one speech per person (even when the text was a dialogue between two speakers having a conversation/love-in/barney) and the only time he explained anything was when Oberon’s potion works and the four lovers all love someone different (D loves H loves L loves other H loves D ...) But there was something in the language, something exciting and new and it didn’t matter that I didn’t get every word. Mum & Dad bought me the Complete Works for Christmas that year and I’ve never looked back.

So, since that time (nearly 50 years ago now), I have seen all of Shakespeare’s plays (all 37, 38 or 39 of them depending on how much of the play you want him to have written – Elizabethan/Jacobean copyright was non-existent so they shared and pinched and wrote original – it was all good!). I’ve mostly seen them multiple times – my most-viewed is Hamlet at 36 times. If I come and speak to your group, I’ll tell you (in my opinion) who was the best ... although that may have changed as I have two tickets to see it this year so you never know!

The first ‘live’ Shakespeare I saw was Macbeth at the Liverpool Empire when the leading man was as drunk as a skunk, absolutely legless! And because he was a theatre and Hollywood legend, he got a standing ovation, of course he did. Hmmm, that’s got you wondering hasn’t it ...

I’ve seen full-blown sing-alongs by the audience, I’ve counted how many people fainted during Titus Andronicus (knowing that play pretty well now, I’m always surprised if there isn’t at least one ‘dropper’!), I’ve seen Henry VI part 1 in Macedonian, Henry VI part 2 in Serbian and Henry VI part 3 in Croatian – all on the same day, and I’ve seen some of the greatest actors of our generation BEING that monarch, murderer, clown or lover.

Drop me an email at lizdivedive@icloud.com to book a talk. I’ll tell you about the brilliant/ wrong/funny/cringey things that have happened (I call that one Shakespeare Groupie) and if you like it, have me back and we’ll do an Encore (you can’t get 40-odd years of theatre in one hour!). And if you are of a historical bent, I can tell you about the man himself (I call that one Shakespeare: Genius Alert!) about his life and theatre.

Call me!

52

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53

15/01/2025 12:42

Summer of ’25: Hot Chocolate and High Hills It seems like the months just roll by quicker than the global market plummets under egotistical leadership. We’re somehow now in May, and the need to be outside enjoying the longer days and summery scented gardens is well and truly here.

(Especially after spending most of winter being a hermit while decorating the house and probably getting more paint on myself than the actual walls. There are few boundaries in exploring creativity after all. The cats aren’t so sure.)

There’s a lot to be said about how much happier everyone is when the days are warmer and the sun is out, particularly the pharmacies selling antihistamines, you’d imagine.

Not to mention the chocolatiers enjoying another decent prelude to Easter last month.

(Antihistamine-fuelled amble up to Hotel Chocolat, Mum? My treat next time.)

On a semi-related note, I’ve signed up for another daft fitness challenge and have decided to make it even more daft by doubling the distance in the name of avoiding the logistics of getting back. I first took part in the 54/55-mile London to Brighton bike ride in 2019 but aimed to merely finish the dreaded thing. This time I’m challenging myself to not only achieve a respectable time, but also to arrive in Brighton in one piece, turn around, head back and arrive in London with enough time to grab a train home with my bike. Hopefully still in one piece and not too broken.

Thankfully I live near a friend who loves a cycling challenge and has also completed the London to Brighton ride, so has become a training buddy, joining me on local rides and also recommending hillier routes for me to semi-sufficiently prepare for the beast of a hill that is Ditchling Beacon. While only the third highest point on the South Downs – behind Butser Hill (270m) and Crown Tegleaze (253m) – it’s still 248m (or 814ft) high and appears at about the 46/47-mile point on the ride. For the ill-prepared (me when I first encountered it), it’s a doozy. I’m not embarking on this slightly (read: very) ambitious goal until September, but have started training a few months early, purely for the buzz that exercising outside brings. (For one thing, it’s making those cosy evenings in with a book even more enjoyable and keeps me out of B&Q.) Being in nature, either solo with tunes in ear, or accompanied by a friend/member of the family, and working towards a fitness goal while fundraising for a great cause or two is what summer 2025 is all about.

All that said, now I’ve painted the skirting boards, it’s probably time for another wander up to Hotel Chocolat for a Velvetised nutmilk hot chocolate. They do say [some] chocolate is good for the heart, right?

Sally Gower 54

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The Home Sorter Professional Decluttering and Home Staging ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Feeling swamped by your possessions?

Want to reclaim your home?

Downsizing and unsure what to take?

Moving and want your home staged to look its best?

Not getting the viewings you expected?

Home & business admin, photo organising, and digital decluttering also available.

Contact me for a FREE initial consultation!

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

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55

Bystander Community HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP

Tuesday 6th May 7.30pm, Hail Weston Village Hall, Liz Davies will talk on Tales of the Riverbank, a Journey Through Time looking at the River Ouse its history/uses and wildlife.

Members £1.00 per meeting (annual membership £7.00/year) non members £3.00 per meeting (certain meetings/events may cost more) Light refreshments will be available for a donation and there will be a Raffle (4-6 prizes) including a garden centre voucher (£25) further information contact: tel_maggs2@225771mgl.co.uk

56

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Tilbrook Village Hall for Hire!

Looking for the perfect venue for your next event? Look no further than Tilbrook Village Hall!

Recently refurbished, our spacious hall is ideal for parties, regular classes, meetings, and more.

Features: • Generous-sized hall • Fully equipped kitchen • Modern toilet facilities • Ample car park at the rear • AV facilities for presentations and entertainment Location: Situated on Church Lane in the quaint village of Tilbrook, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 0JT Our rates are very reasonable and will be provided upon enquiry.

Contact us today to book your event!

Erica Jago - bookings.tilbrookvillage@gmail.com Make your next event a memorable one at Tilbrook Village Hall!

BIGGER & BETTER SPRING FAYRE

Tilbrook Village Hall

10 May 2025, 11am - 3pm Free Entry

Over 30 talented stall holders

Hot Food

Kimbolton Fire Engine on Site

Tea, Coffee

Kimbolton Girl Guides and Scouts

Homemade Cakes

Lots to do for the children

Licenced Bar

Dog Friendly

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

Coupon Free strip of tickets for our famous raffle.

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MONDAY 5TH MAY 2025 Mandeville Hall & Scout HQ Kimbolton 11 - 4pm

Dancing & singing Fun activities for children, Display of memorabilia Bring a picnic or treat yourself to fish & chips (£7 ticket required contact Shirley Rhodes on 07367 783886 or shirleyrhodes@talktalk.net) Cash or BACS only Adult and children’s cake competition Bar open Lighting of the beacon & tribute Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

59

Kimbolton Medical Centre Spring Newsletter Blood pressure text messages for patients over 45 Have you had your blood pressure checked in the last 5 years?

If the answer is no, please either: 1. Let us have a home BP reading 2. Pop into the Surgery (no appointment needed) and use

the BP machine in reception and give the results to one of our reception team or 3. Book an appointment with one of our Healthcare Assistants

Please remember to find us on Facebook.

Our page is updated regularly with helpful tips and information, including local support groups and ways to stay healthy and active.

131 missed appointments were recorded across the Surgery in March.

Please let us know if you cannot make your appointment.

Let’s talk Rural Mental Health * YANA (you are not alone) https://www.yanahelp.org/ Telephone: 0300 323 0400 * RMCH (Rural Mental Health Community) https:www.rcmhfoundation.org * FCN (Farming Network Community) http://fcn.org.uk/ Telephone: 0300 011 1999

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What’s on in Kimbolton in May Thursday 1st

10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe

Friday 2nd

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

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

8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn

2pm Welcome Club. Mandeville Hall

Sunday 4th Monday 5th Tuesday 6th

11 - 4pm VE Day Celebrations. Mandeville Hall & Scout HQ 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 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Wednesday 7th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 8th

10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe

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

Friday 9th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

Saturday 10th

6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 12th

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 13th

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 14th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 15th

10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe

Friday 16th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

7pm Movie Night - A Complete Unknown. Mandeville Hall

Monday 19th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 20th

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

Wednesday 21st

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 22nd

10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe

Friday 23rd

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community 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

Saturday 17th

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

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

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

Saturday 24th

6-8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Sunday 25th Monday 26th

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

Tuesday 27th

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

Wednesday 28th

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 29th

10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe

Friday 30th

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

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

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7.30pm Cheese & Wine Evening. Whitchurch Wines (Ticket required) 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

6-8.30pm Kimbolton Castle Wine Fair. Tickets £30 each available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/kimboltoncastle

Saturday 31st

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Services across the Benefice for May. 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 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 4th

8.00am BCP Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship

Sun 11th 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 18th 10.30am Parish Communion Sun 25th 10.30am Parish Communion

Sun 25th @ 3.00pm: Rogationtide Service and walk at Rectory Farm, Little Staughton, MK44 2TA; followed by refreshments ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON

Sun 4th

10.30am Morning Praise

Sun 11th

9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 18th

3.00pm Creative Communion

Sun 25th

9.00am Parish Communion

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ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Sun 4th

9.00am Parish Worship

Sun 18th 9.00am Parish Communion Sun 25th 6.00pm Benefice Evensong Thu 29th 7.30pm Ascension Communion

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Tribute & ligh5ng of beacon by Ben Obese-Jecty MP 1st Kimbolton Scout Group are busy planning for future events in the local area.

Come and find us along with the Kimbolton Guide Group as we entertain children on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 11-4 for the VE 80th Celebrations.

We will be fundraising at Tilbrook Village Spring Fayre Saturday 10th May from 11am where anyone can come and have a go at Soft Archery and Soft Tomahawks.

The Hinchingbrooke District Scouts Big Summer Bash will be on Saturday 28th June at Little Paxton Sailing Club where anyone can come and try all the activities on oSer to the Scouting Groups. 1St Kimbolton will be hosting the backwoods cooking at the event where you can create your own folded pizza and a s’more cone. You could also try air rifle shooting, kayaking, canoeing, crafting and pioneering.

These fantastic opportunities that teach 6-18 year olds skills for life do rely on volunteers if you can spare one or two hours of an evening, every now and then, to help out in a section or be a Trustee then we would love to hear from you.

1stKimboltonscouts@gmail.com

VILLAGE SHOW AT KEYSOE

SATURDAY, 10th MAY KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL (MK44 2JE) 10am Men’s, Women’s and Children’s clothes, Bric-a-Brac, gardening items and much, more Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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TOP END VILLAGE STORES TOP END FARM

• • • • • • • • • • •

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

Stock up on your coal & logs

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

OPEN ALL BANK HOLIDAYS COMPOST, TOPSOIL, SEED COMPOST AND FARMYARD MANURE PLANTS NOW ARRIVING IN STORE

CUBIC METRE HARDWOOD LOGS Calor Gas Coal

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 Tel/Fax: 01234 376426 TOP QUALITY EQUESTRIAN & ANIMAL SUPERSTORE BULK BAGS OF HAY AND STRAW IN STOCK

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

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

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Your Local

For a quick quote contact Rai today via WhatsApp. (Send images with a brief job description)

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SELF STORAGE Great Staughton

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

07753 638948 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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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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We will be stocking beer from a different brewery each month, When the beers are gone, they are gone. Samples will be open to taste on the first Saturday of each month.

Opening Hours: Wednesday 12-6pm, Thursday 10:30-5pm, 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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.Windows .Composite Doors .Bi-folding, Patio & French Doors .Orangeries & Garden Rooms .Warm, Flat & Replacement Roofs .Roofline .Porches & Canopies

Accredited installers for: Ultraframe, Origin, Solidor and more...

No hard sales tactics and insurance backed guarantees on all products!

To book a free consultation in the comfort of your own home or at our Roxton showsite, contact Alex Watts today!

01480 219 004 Roxton Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Roxton, MK44 3DY www.gaphomeimprovements.co.uk

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SELEC RENEWABLES Based Locally for 2 Decades

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

Air Conditioning

16 x 435w All Black Panels

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

Domestic Electrical

Daikin 5kw EMURA in black

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

Contact us Now to book a Free Quote

Myenergi Zappi 7kw EV Charger

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

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 Installation, Maintenance, Testing  Landlords Certificates (EICRs)  Consumer Unit Upgrades  Home Battery Storage  Solar PV Installations  Fault Finding  Lighting  Data Cabling  EV Car Chargers  Full & Partial Rewires  Automated Electric Gates  All Work Certified And Guaranteed Mobile: 07912 092985 Email: domelecuk@gmail.com

AWARD WINNING TRAVEL AGENT

Rachel Baber Little Staughton 07961 884183 rachel@onceinalifetimeholidays.co.uk onceinalifetimeholidays.co.uk

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Our services

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

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

Still and sons Ltd @still_and_sons_woodburners

Contact us

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

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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

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

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

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 Village Hall, Catworth, bookings Village Hall, Dean and Shelton (Dalton Hall, U. Dean) Village Hall, Ellington Village Hall, Gt Staughton, bookings Village Hall, Hail Weston Village Hall, Keysoe

Village Hall, Keyston, bookings Village Hall, Little Staughton Village Hall, Melchbourne

Village Hall, Molesworth

bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886 www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk www.daltonhalldean.org Anita Dowdall 01480 891821 Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005 Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

Janet Browning 01234 376577 bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk Chrissy Faulkner, 07714 080837 Kevin and Maria Foskett, 01234 376260 Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk 07941 245 639 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) - 14th May 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) - 27th May 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) - 28th May Ellington : Mermaid Pub 9.30 to 10.00am Grafham : Breach Road 10.10am to 10.35am Perry : Chichester Way 10.45am to 11.40am Hail Weston : Orchard Close 12.00pm to 12.20pm Great Staughton : The Causeway 1.30pm to 2.00pm Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.15pm to 3.45pm Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

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

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

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Listings of Businesses in Our Area Accountancy Land Family Business, 01480 445490, p.19 Auctioneers/Valuers W H Peacock, 01480 474 550, p.19 Architects/Planning/Drawings PJP Architects, 07801 054648, p.39 Art, Dressmaking, Framing, Crafts, Ceramics, Hobbies David Osborne Motorbike Spares, 07979 500900, p.55 Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.45 La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.40 The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.39 Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors Ablewood. 07740 435801, p.45 Donna the Tiler, 07712 431337, p.55 GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.72 Garolla Garage Doors, 01480 630081, p.21 Handyman, 07770 373800, p.68 R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.81 Still & Sons, 01480 869042, p.75 Taylor Stilton, 01480 860047, p.45 The Home Handyman, 01480 861898, p.39 Business Networking Three Shires Networking, 07788 558964, p.38 Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading/HR iEdit, 01480 860519 p.69 LR Marketing, 07539 756963, p.68 Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.6 Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.11 Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.25 Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.26

Funeral Directors Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.25 Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.41 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.67 Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.71 Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085 p.9 Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.8 Grafham Water Sailing Club, 01480 810478 Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.9 Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 p.37 Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.8 The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.8 Kitchens Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.31 The Kitchen Magician, 01480 477200 p.26 Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment Carol John, 01234 708029, p.39 Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.67

Domestic Services Andrew Blair, Carpet Cleaning, 07867 499792, p.27 C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.24 Home ‘n’ Dry, Carpet Cleaning, 01487 840310, p.21 Pest Gone, 07955 156 397, p.

Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.81 The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.55

Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.51 Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.29 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.21 Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.31 LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3

Education/Tuition Inn Farm Private Day Nursery, 07802 826798, p.15 One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.7 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077 p.40 Riseley Primary C of E School, 01234 708218, p.69

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.10 The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.49 The Pheasant Keyston, 01832 710303 p.35 The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.82-83

Electrical Services/Solar Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.70 DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Domelec, 07912 092985 p.74 LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.53 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.73

Shoe Shop Wider Feet Shoes, 01933 311077. p.27

Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property Bletsoes, 01832 732188 Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.10 Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84 Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.31

Storage Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.69 Travel Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.25 Once In A Lifetime Holidays, 07961 884183, p.74 Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.13

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

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To advertise in Village Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457

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

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

Covering Peterborough—Cambridge and surrounding areas.

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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

Tribute Nights ARE BACK!

Upcoming Tribute Nights:

3RD May: Diamond Night – A Celebration of Neil Diamond 24TH May: All Shook Up – An Elvis Presley Tribute Night 28TH June: Mad for Madness – A Tribute to the Nutty Boys 30TH August: Too Funky – A Tribute to George Michael

FRESH NEW 3-COURSE MENU! Dinner from 7 PM – Music starts at 8:30PM £35 per person

Scan the QR code to find out more and to book your table!

The Wheatsheaf – West Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0BX Email: hello@wheatsheaf-perry.co.uk - Phone: 01480 810253 Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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Make That Move Perry PE28 0DX Offers Over £600,000

D D L L AtSaO Glance: SO • Superbly extended, remodelled

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and improved family home fronting Grafham Water Reservoir.

Spacious and comfortable lounge with French doors to conservatory.

Useful adjacent study/home office.

Exceptional 29 ft. dual-aspect kitchen/breakfast/dining room with direct views of the water.

Family room/snug with direct views over the water.

Large, practical laundry/utility room plus cloakroom/WC. 01480 860400 Principal bedroom suite with dressing Tel area and four-piece bathroom.

Three further double bedrooms and family bathroom. kimbolton@peterlane.co.uk Attractive, private south-facing rear garden.

Double garaging and ample additional parking.

Call to Arrange a Viewing ortariff. your Free Gas heating andNow solar panel system providing positive feed-in

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